Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 A target of seeking progress while maintaining stability, being proactive and pragmatic: People's Daily 'Jin Sheping' commentary 15:51, March 06, 2026 By Jin Sheping ( Global Times GDP growth of 4.5 percent to 5 percent, while striving for better results in practice - this is one of the main development targets for this year outlined in the Government Work Report. Economic growth targets have long attracted close attention. Over the past three years, China set its GDP growth target at around 5 percent, and the actual growth rate met the goal each year. Against this backdrop, this year's target has drawn particular interest. On Thursday, while taking part in a deliberation with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), Chinese President Xi Jinping said that to fulfill the development goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), China must navigate a more complex environment and resolve more deep-seated contradictions. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged major provincial economies to redouble efforts to gain experience in analyzing new situations and solving new problems. For the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, why the growth target was set at "4.5 percent to 5 percent"? What such a target implies for effective economic work? Thinking these questions through clearly and thoroughly will help us to fully, deeply, and accurately understand and grasp the strategic arrangements for economic and social development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, as outlined at the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and to unite our efforts and work diligently to achieve a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan. The growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent is a proactive and pragmatic goal that grasps the underlying principles, taking into account both domestic economic operations and changes in the external environment, and balancing needs and possibilities. For the target itself, "4.5 percent to 5 percent" is a range-based target. This leaves room to respond to various uncertainties while allowing different regions to set their own growth targets in light of local conditions. It also helps guide all sectors to focus their efforts on achieving high-quality development. Indeed, this is not the first time China has set a range-based target in recent years. In 2016, China set its growth target at 6.5 percent to 7 percent, and in 2019 at 6 percent to 6.5 percent. Actual growth reached 6.8 percent and 6.1 percent in those two years, respectively. The decision to again adopt a target range this year reflects a coordinated consideration of both international and domestic situations, balancing development needs with possibilities, and embodying a pragmatic, fact-based approach. Meanwhile, the sentence in the growth target - "striving for better results in practice" - underscores a proactive and enterprising goal-oriented approach and policy orientation. As long as favorable conditions are fully utilized, achieving better results remains entirely possible. In terms of the general laws of economic development, it is common for growth to stabilize as an economy expands in size. After surpassing 140 trillion yuan in 2025, China's annual economic increment alone is now comparable to the total output of a medium-sized economy. At the same time, the conditions underpinning China's growth such as factor endowments and allocation efficiency are evolving, while continued development faces increasing constraints from resources and the environment. Today, achieving each additional percentage point of GDP growth requires greater efforts and the ability to confront larger challenges. The growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent fully takes into account changes in both domestic and international situations and the evolving development environment. At present, China's development environment is undergoing profound and complex changes. Domestically, the population aging is deepening, resource and environmental constraints are intensifying, and the transition from old to new growth drivers remains a demanding task. Externally, economic globalization is facing headwinds, geopolitical risks are intensifying, and global economic growth remains sluggish. The IMF forecasts global economic growth of 3.3 percent in 2026. The growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent reflects a careful consideration of various domestic and international factors, as well as our advantages and potential risks and challenges. It is a realistic goal that fully acknowledges potential difficulties while remaining achievable with sustained effort. The growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent balances the needs of both current and long-term development. An important indicator of basically realizing socialist modernization is the "per capita GDP reaching the level of a moderately developed country." Working backward from the long-term development goals through 2035 and taking into account the projected population by that time, China's GDP would need to grow at an average annual rate of 4.17 percent during the 15th and 16th Five-Year Plan (2031-35) periods. Considering factors such as resource supply, technological progress, and institutional innovation, China's potential growth rate over the next decade is fully capable of supporting an average annual expansion of about 4.17 percent. Viewed within the broader framework of Chinese modernization, the growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent aligns with medium- and long-term development goals and will help ensure the basic realization of socialist modernization. It represents a proactive yet pragmatic goal - one that aims high while maintaining steady progress - consistent with China's current development stage and the general laws of economic development. For the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent also takes into full account the need to leave policy space for structural adjustment, risk prevention, and reform. It will help stabilize employment, businesses, markets, and expectations, promote both qualitative improvements and reasonable quantitative growth in the economy, maintain social harmony and stability, and secure a solid start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period. The growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent reflects an approach that seeks progress while maintaining stability and emphasizes improvement in quality and efficiency, helping drive high-quality and sustainable development. While presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on January 30, General Secretary Xi noted that the extent of scientific and technological breakthroughs largely determines the speed, breadth and depth of the development of future industries. "Developing new quality productive forces is crucial to driving high-quality development and enhancing economic competitiveness." Achieving high-quality development requires continuous improvements in labor, capital, land, resource and environmental efficiency, as well as a greater contribution from technological progress and higher total factor productivity. Estimates show that in order to basically realize socialist modernization by 2035, China needs to maintain an average annual growth of around 2 percent in total factor productivity. Raising total factor productivity hinges on guiding advanced production factors to cluster around the development of new quality productive forces. Adhering to the overall principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability and focusing on high-quality development, the growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent carries richer meaning. It provides scientific guidance for growth in scale while setting higher requirements for improvements in quality and efficiency, reflecting deeper changes in development philosophy, growth models and sources of momentum. In the first week after the Spring Festival holidays, China achieved a series of breakthroughs in key technologies: original advances in core lithium battery technologies, new progress in space-based biological experiments, and the first large-scale use of drones at offshore oilfields. Some foreign media commented that China, now entering an "innovation boom," is reshaping the global technological landscape. At the ongoing "two sessions," lawmakers and political advisers have also brought a number of encouraging new developments. Huang Sanwen, president of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and an academician of the of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said proudly that "China's grain, vegetables and meat are now mainly produced using Chinese-developed seeds." Pan Jianwei, executive vice president of the University of Science and Technology of China, noted that China continues to lead globally in quantum communication while remaining among the world's top tier in quantum computing. Zhong Baoshen, chairman and general manager of Longi Green Energy Technology, said with confidence that China's photovoltaic industry has demonstrated strong growth potential and resilience, achieving a shift from catching up to taking the lead. Economic development is a dynamic process. Today's growth cannot be measured with yesterday's yardsticks, nor can today's development be viewed through the lens of the past. Today, the growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent is not merely a speed indicator, nor a simple linear expansion in scale. Achieving it requires fully and faithfully implementing the new development philosophy, balancing improvements in quality with expansion in scale, and continuously generating stronger momentum for Chinese modernization. The growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent can be fully achieved with sustained effort, and even better results can be pursued. The key lies in seeking truth from facts and working diligently to deliver concrete results. The 15th Five-Year Plan period is a critical stage. Viewed from the historical timeline, only ten years remain until China aims to basically realize socialist modernization by 2035. It is therefore necessary to consolidate the foundation and advance on all fronts - achieving visible accomplishments while also undertaking long-term, foundational work. The tighter the timeframe and the more complex the situation becomes, the more important it is to maintain strategic resolve, strengthen confidence in development, and carry forward a spirit of hard work, using the certainty of high-quality development to cope with the uncertainties of the international environment. South China's Guangdong Province, a pioneer, trailblazer and testing ground of reform and opening-up, has ranked first in China in terms of regional GDP for 37 consecutive years. How can it continue to stay at the forefront? Comparing oneself to others makes it hard to escape anxiety over growth rates. Comparing to its own past, however, allows Guangdong to better clarify its goals and find the right direction. For instance, in addressing the "largest shortcoming" of unbalanced urban-rural and regional development, Guangdong has launched the "Hundreds, Thousands and Tens of Thousands Project" tailored to its conditions, promoting stronger counties, invigorated towns, and revitalized villages. Baiyun District, the largest central urban district in Guangzhou by both area and population, has long faced constraints from its urban-rural dual structure in pursuing high-quality development. In Qinghe Village of Renhe Town, 1,800 mu (120 hectares) of scattered farmland have been transformed into Renheyuan, a national 3A-level tourist attraction. In Helong Subdistrict, a low-end village-level industrial park has been upgraded into the design capital of Guangzhou, generating annual revenues of over 90 billion yuan. Since the implementation of the "Hundreds, Thousands and Tens of Thousands Project," all four towns in Baiyun District have entered the list of China's top 250 towns in terms of economic strength, while total collective village income across the district has surpassed 10 billion yuan, ranking first in Guangzhou. The principle of "comparing with oneself" provides an important methodological approach for regions across China to carry out economic work in line with their own conditions. Southwest China's Yunnan Province has remained committed to an eco-priority and green development path, building a strong ecological security barrier in Southwest China. Shanghai is working to accelerate the building of a sci-tech innovation hub with global influence. North China's Shanxi Province is striving to make new strides in transforming its resource-based economy. "Comparing with oneself" means focusing on doing one's own work well and addressing the challenges encountered in one's own development process. During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China's development environment will undergo profound and complex changes, and economic and social development will face many new issues. "We must seize this window of opportunity to consolidate and expand our advantages, remove bottlenecks and constraints, and shore up weaknesses. In the face of intense international competition, we must gain strategic initiative, advance major tasks that bear on the overall progress of Chinese modernization, and ensure decisive progress toward the basic realization of socialist modernization." Chinese modernization is achieved step by step through hard work. By making our utmost efforts and striving for the best possible results - forging ahead step by step, advancing stage by stage, and accumulating small victories into greater ones - our target will definitely be achieved. This was compiled from an article originally published by the People's Daily on March 5, 2026. (Web editor: Liang Jun, Zhong Wenxing) Children's Education Franchise Shares Practical Ideas to Help Parents Spark Curiosity and a Love for Learning DUBLIN, Calif., March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- COMPUCHILD, a growing STEM education franchise and after-school enrichment franchise for children, today announced that it is expanding its reach by launching official learning channels on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, extending its educational philosophy beyond classrooms to parents and homeschoolers across a broader digital audience. These channels will share practical ideas and everyday observations designed to help parents and homeschoolers spark curiosity and excitement about learning in children. COMPUCHILD: Highest Franchisee Satisfaction and Best Quality at the Lowest Cost The launch reflects a growing conversation among parents and educators about how children can stay curious, creative, and engaged in an age shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), shorter attention spans, and rapidly evolving technology. The launch comes at a time when parents and educators are increasingly discussing how children learn best in a world shaped by AI and rapidly changing technology. At the same time, many teachers and parents observe that shorter attention spans mean learning experiences must capture curiosity quickly through compelling stories and meaningful exploration. As a result, families are looking for ways to balance screen-based learning with curiosity-driven discovery, hands-on experiences, and in-person conversations that help children stay engaged while developing critical thinking and creativity. In contrast to many enrichment programs that focus primarily on coding or robotics, COMPUCHILD's focus is on entrepreneurship. This approach is built around four key components. STEM and STEAM help children innovate and design solutions. Financial awareness helps them understand whether those solutions are viable. Communication helps them build teams and share their ideas with others. Ethics helps them evaluate the value of those ideas for society. "With more than a decade of experience teaching children and after raising two of my own, I have realized that children can learn almost anything as long as we get them excited about learning," said Shubhra Kant, President of COMPUCHILD. "When curiosity is ignited, learning stops feeling like work and becomes something kids naturally want to explore." Turning Everyday Moments into Learning Opportunities The channels already feature a range of short videos and reflections drawn from everyday parenting and teaching experiences. In one story, Ms. Kant describes how an unexpected moment at the local library changed her son's interest in reading. Instead of selecting a single book for him, she brought home a stack and asked her son to choose. The freedom to follow his curiosity led the child to read three books that week, showing how autonomy can ignite a love for learning. Another video highlights how everyday moments can become learning opportunities. A child noticing apple slices turning brown leads to a discussion about oxidation, connecting a kitchen observation to larger natural phenomena such as the red rock formations of Sedona. The channels also explore broader questions about modern education. In one video, Ms. Kant asked ChatGPT whether artificial intelligence could replace teachers for children. The response pointed to three key limitations: children learn through human connection, they require guidance and structure, and much learning happens through physical and social experiences that technology cannot replace. A video filmed at the Grand Canyon illustrates the difference between seeing something on a screen and experiencing it in person. Standing at the canyon's edge engages multiple senses and helps children develop deeper understanding through exploration. Through examples like these, COMPUCHILD hopes to remind parents that meaningful learning often begins with small moments of curiosity in everyday life. Recognitions in Children's Education Franchising While COMPUCHILD has spent more than 30 years providing hands-on enrichment programs for children, the new digital platforms further expand the organization's reach, extending its educational philosophy to a broader audience of families, educators, and homeschoolers. COMPUCHILD has received several recognitions within the children's education franchise sector. The company is one of only a few after-school franchises to receive STEM Provider Certification from Cognia, one of the most respected accreditation organizations in the education industry. The franchise has also received the Franchisee Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review for 13 years, one of the longest records of franchisee satisfaction among children's education franchises. In addition, COMPUCHILD has received recognition as a low-cost franchise opportunity from Franchise Business Review and Entrepreneur magazine, highlighting the accessibility of its model for educators and entrepreneurs interested in bringing enrichment programs to their communities. Because of its distinctive focus on entrepreneurial learning and technology-driven in-person education, COMPUCHILD is increasingly recognized as a leading model among Best STEM Franchise opportunities for the AI era. Parents and educators interested in these ideas can explore the videos and discussions on COMPUCHILD's new learning channels below. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@compuchild Instagram https://www.instagram.com/compuchild_franchise/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CompuChild/ Franchise Opportunities As COMPUCHILD continues to expand its reach across new communities and digital platforms, the company is also welcoming educators and entrepreneurs who are interested in bringing hands-on technology and entrepreneurship programs to children in their local areas. In addition to providing enrichment programs for children, COMPUCHILD offers franchise opportunities for educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders interested in bringing hands-on learning programs to their local schools and communities. Recognized as a growing STEM franchise and children's education franchise, COMPUCHILD's model allows franchisees to operate programs through elementary schools, community centers, weekend workshops, and summer camps. The company has developed a proprietary capital-light business model that helps franchisees achieve significantly higher profitability compared to many competitors. Because large initial investments are not required, COMPUCHILD is considered a low cost franchise opportunity within the children's education sector. As demand for technology education grows and conversations about the role of AI continue to expand, the company believes the after-school enrichment franchise sector will play an important role in helping children gain early exposure to robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies, while also strengthening skills such as entrepreneurship, financial awareness, communication, and ethical decision making. About COMPUCHILD The COMPUCHILD franchise offers Entrepreneurial STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)-focused enrichment programs for children primarily at the pre-kindergarten, elementary, and middle school levels in the United States and Canada. With its unique focus on entrepreneurial education, strong emphasis on low cost, regular training, and constant support to its franchisees, COMPUCHILD strives to be the best children's education franchise. COMPUCHILD's after-school enrichment programs help kindle the spirit of constant learning, innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration for the social good at a young age. COMPUCHILD's mission is to nurture ethical and entrepreneurial children through after-school enrichment in the AI world. Contact Phone: (341) 777-8000 Email: [email protected] Own a Franchise: https://COMPUCHILD.com/own-a-franchise SOURCE CompuChild Cliffs of Moher in Ireland - Patryk_kosmider/Getty Images Irish desserts are, in one word, resourceful. They have to be; in a nation that grappled for centuries with conflict, famine, and outright war, luxurious ingredients were not accessible to most people. Instead, the Irish turned to local ingredients like sea moss, apples, and an impressive array of dairy products to satisfy their cravings for something sweet. Needless to say, Irish desserts are extraordinarily unique in their flavors and textures. Although there aren't as many sweet treats in Irish cuisine as there are in other countries, the handful of desserts that are still well known today always strike a chord of nostalgia with Irish folk. That remains true even if people weren't too fond of what their parents gave them as children! For the most part, however, these desserts are delicious and often simple to make. Whether you're simply curious about Irish cuisine or you're planning a St. Patrick's Day party, we've gathered some of the most beloved Irish desserts worth exploring. Irish food is not just a matter of potatoes and whiskey, but don't take our word for it; try out a few of these recipes, and let them speak for themselves. Read more: 10 Mistakes To Avoid When Dining In Italy Carrageen moss pudding Glass full of carrageen moss pudding topped with flower and fruit - Before/Facebook If you're vegetarian or vegan, you may already be familiar with carrageenan, a derivative of seaweed often used in place of gelatin thanks to its binding and gelling properties. It's also frequently found in dairy products like ice cream and yogurt. The thickening capability of carrageen isn't a new discovery; for centuries, the Irish have harvested this seaweed, commonly called Irish moss, for both medicinal and culinary applications. It was even employed during the Irish potato famine to add nutrients to milk. Today, carrageen moss pudding remains one of the most iconic Irish dishes everyone needs to try at least once. It's not for everyone, as it tends to be bland and earthy, but this pudding certainly has its set of fans. It's composed of milk, sugar, eggs, and carrageen. The marine flavors of the seaweed are surprisingly subdued in this dessert. What carrageen moss pudding really needs to shine is a superb topping. Honey and fruit, perhaps infused with alcohol, can work wonders, as can a touch of vanilla. Irish apple cake Slice of Irish apple cake on plate with spoon, dried flowers and pinecones scattered in background - pickingpok/Shutterstock Irish apple cake, sometimes referred to as Kerry apple cake, features all the usual suspects, including flour, eggs, butter, and sugar. What makes it distinct from other apple cakes is the heavenly layer of streusel on top that contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy apples in the sponge underneath. This streusel often includes oats for a slightly crunchy texture. Irish apple cake is particularly delectable when served directly from the oven, and the addition of either custard or cream will have you closing your eyes with pleasure. Depending on the recipe, Irish apple cake can resemble more of a sweet bread than what we in America associate with cake; the sweetness will likely be less pronounced, and the texture may be drier. Apples may be a staple fruit around the world, but not all apples should be destined for an Irish apple cake. As many avid bakers know, the types of apple you bake with greatly impact the texture and flavor of the final dish. Unfortunately, the preferred apples for Irish apple cake Bramley apples are not commonly available in the United States. Aside from sourcing these tangy apples (likely at a steep price), your second-best strategy is to purchase a tart apple variety like Granny Smith. Irish porter cake Large circular Irish port cake sliced open to show dried fruits and cherries inside - Crafts of Ireland/Facebook It takes practice to learn the differences between beer varieties like IPAs, pale ales, porters, and stouts. Spend some time in Ireland, though, and you'll become quite familiar with those last two. Guinness, of course, produces an Irish stout that is known worldwide, but other brands abound in the Emerald Isle. And even if you don't like to drink beer, you still might enjoy its malty, roasted flavors in an Irish porter cake. Don't just pick up any old beer when making this cake. Porters are bitter brown beers that often feature roasted flavor profiles with notes of chocolate, malt, and caramel. Stouts, meanwhile, are black beers with roasted notes that might remind you of coffee or chocolate. Both taste great in Irish porter cake. In addition to beer, Irish porter cake recipes usually call for eggs, sugar, butter, flour, citrus zest, spices, and dried fruits like raisins or currants. Cherries can also add bursts of flavor to this cake. The fruitcake's flavor improves over time; you might want to let your cake rest for a few days or even several weeks before eating it. No fussy toppings here; simply add butter if you please and serve the cake alongside tea, coffee, or beer. Oh, and although fruitcake is ubiquitous during the Christmas season, there aren't any rules stating that you can't serve it at a St. Patrick's Day party. Rhubarb crumble Square of rhubarb crumble topped with custard - Joerg Beuge/Shutterstock Apple crumble and rhubarb crumble are commonly enjoyed in Ireland. Not a fan of celery? Don't let that turn you off rhubarb. Though the two stalky vegetables bear a striking resemblance, rhubarb is actually in the buckwheat family, while celery is associated with the Apiaceae family (alongside vegetables like carrot, parsnip, and fennel). You won't catch us adding celery to a fruit crumble, but rhubarb? We would happily devour it! In Ireland, a typical rhubarb crumble is prepared with ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and oats. Though strawberries frequently offset the tartness of rhubarb in American baked goods, that's not the case in Ireland. An authentic Irish rhubarb crumble is bold and unapologetic in flavor. To make the dessert a little gentler, though, ice cream, custard, or heavy whipping cream is often added at the end. Admittedly, rhubarb is not as commonly used in the United States as it is in Ireland. That's why we recommend checking out our top tips for cooking with rhubarb before diving into a recipe. For instance, you'll need to soften rhubarb before adding it to the crumble, and you might even want to coat the pieces in flour to preserve their shape. Irish sponge cake Two-tiered, sugar-dusted sponge cake filled with strawberries and cream on plate - Scrummy/Facebook Irish and British cuisines often overlap, which is unsurprising given their shared history. Though most of the recipes on this list are distinctly Irish in origin, the Irish sponge cake is most similar to a delicacy also enjoyed in Great Britain: Victoria sponge cake. Though, recipes for the Irish version often call for local preserves and Irish butter (like Kerrygold, which is worth the price). When incorporated into an Irish sponge cake, butter provides richness and contributes to a moist, tender crumb. It's not always required, though, and butter-free sponge cakes can be delightfully airy. Eggs and flour, on the other hand, are a must. Advertisement Because of its subtle, gentle flavors, Irish sponge cake often appeals to those who aren't interested in venturing too far from their comfort zone. This cake, adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar, a vibrant layer of jam (often strawberry), and a pillowy helping of whipped cream, is not too showy and can be surprisingly elegant and exquisite when made well. It's often served with tea and makes an appearance at community gatherings as well, including birthday parties and religious meetings. Shortbread cookies Close up of several Irish shortbread cookies, some in small bowl - Michael Leslie/Shutterstock Few things in life are as sumptuous as taking bites of shortbread cookies or biscuits, as they are known in Ireland between sips of tea. The way these cookies melt in your mouth, slowly revealing their tender crumb and rich, buttery flavors, is unparalleled. They can be infused with notes of lemon and/or vanilla, but the plain ones are just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. For the best results, one should use Irish butter to achieve that signature flavor and moist, crumbly texture. Butter is the one ingredient you shouldn't cut corners on when it comes to shortbread; though butter is present in both Scottish and Irish shortbread recipes, the latter tends to contain more of this crucial ingredient. When baking shortbread cookies at home, ensure that you leave plenty of time for the butter to soften at room temperature so that the dough mixes well and becomes uniformly cohesive. Furthermore, if the butter is unsalted, you may need to add an extra pinch of salt to your recipe. When it comes time to cut the cookies into rounds or bars, break out a decorative stamp to make them more elegant. After baking, you can sprinkle the cookies with sugar for a slightly crunchier texture and glistening appearance, too. Bread and butter pudding Bread and butter pudding in baking dish with pitcher of custard in background - Sunshine_butterfly/Getty Images If you live alone and consistently struggle to finish a loaf of bread on your own, bread and butter pudding may become your new best friend. Of course, if you have plenty of hungry mouths to feed, it may still earn a place on your regular dish rotation. This dessert is popular across Ireland and Great Britain, and it can be made in a flash with just a handful of ingredients. Eggs, butter, milk, and heavy cream may all make an appearance in this pudding. The eggs mainly serve to bind the chunks of bread together, while the dairy products add richness and flavor. The butter is non-negotiable; not only is it in this dessert's name, but it also helps make the top crispy. Meanwhile, the sugar and raisins lend sweetness, and the cinnamon offers a greater depth of flavor. Some recipes also call for vanilla. To make bread and butter pudding, slices of stale bread are first smeared with butter, then added to a baking dish with raisins. The rest of the ingredients are whisked together, then poured on top of the bread. After a stint in the oven, bread and butter pudding can be topped with whipped cream, custard, or ice cream. Fresh berries also make a great accompaniment. Naturally, if you like French toast, you're bound to like this dessert. Fifteens Close up of Fifteens slice showing marshmallows and cherries inside, with coconut on top - Mtreasure/Getty Images Fifteens are beloved in Northern Ireland and are as fun as they sound, especially if you're baking with small children learning to count. There's not much variation between recipes, given that they all call for 15 marshmallows, 15 glace cherries, and 15 Digestive biscuits. The amount of condensed milk used to bind these ingredients, as well as the amount of desiccated coconut that's sprinkled on top, may vary marginally. In general, though, this is a very beginner-friendly dessert that doesn't require precision. The ingredients are mixed and molded into a log, then refrigerated and sliced. If you're making these in the U.S., you might substitute graham crackers for the Digestive biscuits, though the latter can often be found in the international aisle of a well-stocked grocery store. Similarly, maraschino cherries can mimic glace cherries reasonably well, or else you might pivot entirely and use dark chocolate. Traditionally, fifteens feature pink marshmallows as well as white, but you can use either in your recipe. Fifteens can be made in a jiffy when your sweet tooth unpredictably starts aching. They also freeze beautifully, so go ahead and make a large batch and separate the slices with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking to each other in the freezer. Jelly and ice cream Scoop of vanilla ice cream between orange and green jelly, mimicking the Irish flag - Margrave75/Reddit Jelly and ice cream is fondly remembered by many Irish folk as a childhood delicacy. It's simple, sweet, and relatively affordable. And yet, according to one Redditor, it can be served at anything from a birthday party to a christening. Due to its nostalgic appeal, jelly and ice cream appears to be experiencing a resurgence in Irish culture, so you might even find it served at Irish restaurants. Though we would happily eat any kind of jelly alongside ice cream, the jelly found in Ireland tends to be more wobbly. Imagine something akin to Jell-O rather than thick, concentrated jelly squares. Gelatin powder is sometimes available in Ireland, too. Some people like to doctor up their jelly with evaporated milk, creating a dessert many know as "fluff," "fluffy jelly," or "milk jelly." It can be eaten solo or alongside ice cream. Gur cake Pastry crust encasing goopy layer of simmered dried fruits concoction - william-s-barrels/Reddit Several of the desserts on this list showcase the resourcefulness of home bakers. Gur cake, on the other hand, is unique in that it was the brainchild of commercial bakers who profited from turning leftover scraps of baked goods into palatable pastries. You might also see gur cake referred to by other names, like Chester cake. Whether or not there's any difference between Chester cake and gur cake is up for debate, but they're likely one and the same. Because of the hodgepodge nature of gur cake, recipes vary widely. However, it generally consists of two layers of pastry crust encasing a concoction of leftover baked goods (like bread or muffins), along with sugar or syrup, spices, and dried fruit like raisins. For a more complex flavor profile, some choose to soak this mixture in black tea. This is a very budget-friendly baked good. That has undoubtedly contributed to its popularity, but the fact that recipes for homemade versions are now widely available proves that this treat is more than just an economical way to get one's sugar fix. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Photo credit Alec sills-trausch After two trips to Iceland, it's one of my favorite places. The stunning and diverse landscapes, welcoming people, and the ability to do unique activities set it apart from so many other destinations. While I've never visited in the winter, Iceland offers four seasons of adventure, thanks to its brilliant northern lights. Inside, we'll dive into places you can't miss when you visit Iceland. Travel tips for when you visit Iceland Gas and food are expensive Gas was near $12 a gallon while we were there. Food was also pretty pricey - though when we ate out, it felt comparable to Seattle or a resort town like Whistler. If you don't eat out all the time, you'll be fine. But honestly, it's the gas that really gets you! Stay at the Campgrounds Icelandic campgrounds are quite nice, and almost all have showers, bathrooms, and a place to clean dishes. Some even have laundry! Additionally, it's nice to be surrounded by friendly travelers and sometimes locals, also on a road trip. Flights to Iceland Unless you're coming from near the equator, flights to Iceland are not too bad. Our flight from Seattle to Iceland was 6.5 hours. Thanks to how the Earth is shaped, you swing far north over Greenland and then drop down. When you visit Iceland, see the Blue Lagoon You should definitely visit the Blue Lagoon. It's so worth it, and it's the perfect place to stop right after you land, or right before your flight out. (It's only 20 minutes from the airport.) It's one of those experiences you don't get anywhere else. Get my 37-page guide to visiting Iceland, including over 100 pinned locations! Top Things to See When You Visit Iceland 1. Studlagil Canyon Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside Studlagil Canyon is a geological wonder in Iceland, known for its striking basalt column formations that create a unique and dramatic landscape, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. One thing to note is you cannot access the inside of the canyon from the campground. The canyon access is a mile or so beforehand, requiring you to drive across the river and on a short dirt road. 2. Diamond Beach Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside Adjacent to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, Diamond Beach captivates visitors with its glistening icebergs, washed ashore on a black-sand beach, resembling sparkling diamonds against the stark contrast of volcanic sands, offering a surreal and unforgettable experience. 3. Landlamannalauger Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside Landmannalaugar boasts a stunning volcanic landscape with colorful rhyolite mountains, natural hot springs, and incredible hiking trails, making it an insane area for outdoor adventures. You have to have a 4x4 vehicle, thanks to sandy road conditions. You can also book a tour to bring you out here for a day. 4. Skogafoss Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside Skogafoss, a powerful and picturesque waterfall, is renowned for its towering drop and ethereal mist, providing a mesmerizing backdrop for photography and an exhilarating experience for those who venture close. One of my favorite hikes in Iceland is the Waterfall Way hike, which goes upstream of the waterfall. On this trail, you'll see another six or seven waterfalls. 5. Dettifoss Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside Dettifoss holds the title of Europe's most powerful waterfall, with its thunderous cascade of glacial water carving through rugged canyons to create an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature's raw power. This is one of the must-see waterfalls when you visit Iceland. 6. Geysir Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside The Geysir, one of the world's most famous geysers, is an awe-inspiring natural wonder located in the Haukadalur Valley, where visitors can witness its powerful eruptions, sending scalding water and steam high into the sky, a captivating display of Earth's geothermal forces. 7. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside After two visits to Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, I can firmly say it's one of the must-sees in Iceland. With stunning icebergs floating on an Arctic-blue glacial lake, and a huge glacier in the background, it's incredible. Toursists can explore the lagoon on a boat tour or via kayaking. Advertisement 8. Iceland's Many Glaciers Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside Vatnajokull Glacier, located in the southeast of Iceland, is not only the largest glacier in Europe but also a mesmerizing natural wonder, with its vast ice cap encompassing a range of stunning features, including ice caves, glacial lagoons, and breathtaking vistas. 9. Vestrahorn and Stokksnes Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside Vestrahorn and Stokksnes offer a dramatic coastal panorama with towering peaks, black dunes, and the iconic Vestrahorn mountain, making it a paradise for landscape photographers and nature lovers. You have to pay a small fee to enter the area, but it's definitely worth it. 10. East Iceland Fjords Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside The East Iceland Fjords don't see nearly as many visitors as the rest of the country does. It's a solid 6-hour drive to the opposite end of the island. But that's what makes the area special. It's greener, warmer, and doesn't have the tourist bus problem the southern coast does. You'll get to experience what Iceland used to be like. 11. Katla Ice Cave Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside Katla Ice Cave sits to the north of Vik near the massive glacier. While it no longer looks like it does above due to rapidly melting glaciers as the earth continues to warm, tour companies find new glacier areas to explore. It's a sight to behold, for sure. 12. Reynisfjara Beach Photo Credit: Alec Sills-Trausch/@Alecoutside You can still access the upper viewpoint to see the dramatic coastline, but this beach has been altered by strong winter storms that thrashed Iceland's southern coast. Make sure to read up-to-date information about the Vik area to stay safe. FAQ: Visiting Iceland What is the best month to visit Iceland? Anytime during the summer is the best month to visit Iceland. The long days will allow you to explore to your heart's delight and show off why this country is so magical. Yes, there will be more crowds, but it's nothing like what you'd see in the USA or other popular mainland European countries. The only downside to visiting in the summer is the lack of northern lights. Is Iceland very expensive to visit? Yes, Iceland is an expensive country because it's an island and has to import most of its food and materials. Because of this, you should save up for a trip, as it's hard to do it cheaply. How much money do I need for 10 days in Iceland? My now wife and I spent around $5,500 on our 10-day trip to Iceland. However, we had flight credits that dropped our round-trip flights to $325 and got our campervan at a sizeable discount. Most people should expect to spend about $6,500 for two people over that time frame, unless you are going for a very frugal lifestyle. Is 7 days enough to visit Iceland? I would say 7 days is a great time to visit Iceland. You'll be able to fully explore the southern coast or do a quick trip around the island. However, if you do drive the ring road, you likely will feel rushed to complete it in only 7 days. Is it safe to go to Iceland right now? Totally. Iceland is an extremely safe country, and you shouldn't worry about feeling unsafe. Final thoughts: What to See When You Visit Iceland When you visit Iceland, it is a truly unique and awe-inspiring destination that should be on every traveler's bucket list. From the majestic waterfalls and geothermal hot springs to the stunning glaciers and black sand beaches, there is no shortage of natural wonders to explore. The vibrant capital city of Reykjavik offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Whether you are an adventure seeker looking for thrilling activities like glacier hiking or a nature lover hoping to witness the mesmerizing display of the Northern Lights, Iceland has something for everyone. This article originally appeared on Guessing Headlights: 12 Places to See When You Visit Iceland You've finally reached a point where you're ready to start traveling more. "Where should I start?" is a great question to ask yourself. Plenty of fellow globetrotters might recommend Europe. France, for one, experienced a flood of tourists in the past years with the Olympics in 2024, and over 5 million Americans visited the country in 2025. But just because something is popular doesn't mean it's the right choice for you. So, if any of the following descriptors apply to you, we recommend skipping Europe entirely. Find Out: 14 benefits seniors are entitled to but often forget to claim 1. Europe is inherently expensive You could travel to Europe on a budget, staying in hostels and using a top travel credit card to travel for almost free. But no matter how many excess costs you cut out, a trip to Europe is inherently expensive if for no other reason than the currency exchange rate (currently at 1USD equaling 0.86 EUR), plus other travel document fees. Who really has the cheapest auto insurance in your area? Check your zip code here. 2. You don't want to deal with the hassle of passport renewal If you have difficulty keeping up with paperwork and tend to miss crucial deadlines, international travel might not be for you. Having your travel documents in order is crucial when planning to travel internationally. Passport processing takes seven to ten weeks, not including the time your passport spends in the mail. 3. You're not thrilled about jet lag After your seven-hour flight across the Atlantic, you'll land in a time zone at least five hours ahead of the one you left. For every one to one-and-a-half hours you leap ahead in time, your body requires about a day to adjust. You won't feel quite like yourself again until five days into your European vacation. And you can expect to take at least five days to recover once you're back home, too. Read On: 13 benefits seniors are entitled to but often forget to claim 4. You hate flying A non-stop flight from New York City to London is six hours and 55 minutes long. If you're on the West Coast, it's closer to 11 hours (from LA to NYC) not accounting for layovers or weather delays. Luckily for the flight-averse, the United States is a remarkably road-trip-friendly country with plenty of beautiful new places you can explore within seven hours (by car) of your home. 5. You don't have much vacation time If you can actually take a few weeks off, you might have enough to see the best sights Europe has to offer. But if you only get a week or so, a journey across the Atlantic just isn't worth it. You'll have enough time to adjust to the new time zone before you fly home and start readjusting. 6. You don't like walking If spending a lot of time on your feet isn't your idea of a good time, save your money by skipping Europe. Touring the Colosseum, wandering London's vast Natural History Museum, and exploring the Louvre all demand quite a bit of walking. Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40 Advertisement 7. You don't want to spend a fortune on plane tickets alone Plane ticket prices can vary depending on when you're flying and how far in advance you manage to snag tickets. No matter how early you get your tickets, expect to pay quite a bit for a round trip to Europe in this post-pandemic world: In the summer of 2025, the average plane ticket to the continent cost around $800 to $950. 8. Paying even more for gas doesn't sound appealing A trip outside the country can help put domestic gas pump costs into perspective. In Italy, for instance, a gallon costs around $7.77. In France, $7.72. And in the Netherlands, $8.52. And that's after gas prices stabilized, as they doubled during the summer, coming to an all-time high. Needless to say, if you were planning on a Euro road trip, it could cost you a pretty penny. 9. You're not a huge history fan Europe's cities are much older than America's. Some by a thousand years or more. For instance, the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv has been continuously inhabited for around eight millennia! While you can certainly find modern activities in any European city, your overall experience might be more interesting if you're passionate about the past. 9 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest 10. Public transit is your worst nightmare Because Europe is both old and densely populated, most cities have robust public transit systems. Sure, as long as you don't mind the high petrol prices, you can get around many European cities by car. While you can save a lot of time and money, navigating subways, buses, and trains has a high learning curve, especially for visitors who don't speak the country's native language. 11. You aren't multilingual Many Europeans speak English, so even if you don't speak a second language, you can likely manage in many metropolitan areas in Europe. However, you shouldn't count on those around you speaking the same language as you. And even if you're surrounded by English speakers, it can be frustrating to constantly ask for translations for menu items or street signs. 12. Museums just aren't your thing For many people, Europe's biggest draw is its museums. The Louvre alone has 652,300 square feet to explore, which can take up to 65 days! You can avoid wasting money by taking a trip closer to home. Spend half a day at a famous museum like Seattle's Pop Culture Museum or New York's Museum of Modern Art and devote the rest of your trip to other activities. Or, if you prefer a more active, outdoorsy vacation, a national park or a mountain town could be just what you're looking for. Grow Your $$: 9 things you must try when your savings reach $50,000 Bottom line For some people, traveling to Europe is the dream of a lifetime, but if you identify with any of the issues we listed above, you probably aren't one of them. Instead of visiting the region out of obligation or to fit in with the crowd, focus on finding travel opportunities closer to home so you can keep more money in your wallet. More from FinanceBuzz: PHOTO: RYAN LEIBE; FOOD STYLING MAKINZE GORE We are fully aware that ground beef, chicken, and turkey are probably what's in your fridge right now, but we implore you to add ground pork to your weeknight rotation. Theres a good reason ground pork shows up in so many classic recipes from around the worldits lean and flavorful, affordable, simple to cook with, versatile, and makes feeding a crowd super-easy. We simply cannot get enough of it and these easy ground pork recipes really capture that decadent je ne sais quoi it adds to all our favorite recipes. Spoiler: It'll improve way more than just your next meatloaf and lasagna. The best thing about ground pork is that it truly can be subbed into almost any recipe you can think of that calls for ground meat. As you'll see, its also the star of a number of specific recipes from around the globe. So if youve been feeling stucki in a culinary rut and are looking for some new ways to use ground pork, these recipes are a great place to start and will add so much flavor and dimension to your standard dinner recipes. Classic Italian Meatballs The perfect meatball must be tender, packed with flavor, nicely round, and hold together while cooking. Don't get us wrong, there's nothing wrong with all beef, but using a trio of ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage guarantees a much more complex flavor. Get the Classic Italian Meatballs recipe. PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: SPENCER RICHARDS Southwestern Wedding Soup Whether youre feeling under the weather or its especially chilly outside, a cozy pot of soup is guaranteed to make you feel better. So we decided to infuse the smoky, Southwestern flavors with one of our favorite Italian soups: Italian wedding soup. Get the Southwestern Wedding Soup recipe. PHOTO: LINDA XIAO; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON Pork Dumpling Bowls Homemade dumpling making can be a fun activity, but it can also be a challenging project. These deconstructed bowls are our favorite hack that delivers on the same salty-savory, soy sauce-soaked pork , shrimp, and cabbage filling, but combined with easy wheat noodles that mimic the same chewy flavor you love in a dumplingno wrapping required. Get the Pork Dumpling Bowls recipe. PHOTO: RYAN LEIBE; FOOD STYLING MAKINZE GORE Lumpia For our take on lumpia, we went with a blend of shrimp and ground pork spiked with garlic, ginger, and scallions. Make enough to go alongside a bowl of pancit and freeze the rest, or fry them all and make enough to feed a crowd. Dont forget your favorite brand of sweet chili sauce for dipping! Get the Lumpia recipe. PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE Meatloaf The epitome of a classic, reliable dinner, meatloaf can be many things to different people. For some, it's a dependable weeknight dinner; for others, a nostalgic comfort food from childhood. Whatever it is for you, one thing is for sure: Your go-to recipe should be simple and dependable. This is that recipe. Get the Meatloaf recipe. PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON Smash Dumplings Layered with an aromatic pork and cabbage filling, this effortless take on gyoza is simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Oh, and did we mention it makes for a great party app? Get the Smash Dumplings recipe. PHOTO: LINDA PUGLIESE; FOOD STYLING: SAM SENEVIRATNE Monster Meatballs With meatballs, the cost is the annoyance of forming each individual meatball, over and over again. Enter: these jumbo-sized meatballs. You only have to form 4 of them, cutting the recipe prep time down by at least a third. The large meatballs are then slow-roasted in marinara sauce to make them tender and oh-so-tasty. Get the Monster Meatballs recipe. PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON Egg Roll Bowls If you're a fan of crispy, savory egg rolls, then you might consider this unwrapped version your dream lunch. Without the need to wrap or fry, this veggie-packed meal comes together in well under an hour. Garnish with crispy raw scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and plenty of sriracha or chili oil. Get the Egg Roll Bowls recipe. PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE Soup Dumplings We absolutely LOVE dumplings, and xiaolongbao, the Chinese version filled with ground pork and gelatinized pork broth, are some of the best. Traditional pork bones can be hard to find, so we've subbed in gelatin and whatever broth you like. Trust us, once heated up, these dumplings are still just as heavenly. Advertisement Get the Soup Dumplings recipe. PHOTO; LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLIST; FRANCESCA ZANI Marry Me Meatballs Along with the chicken and pork meatballs, the creamy sauce is really the star of the show here. Its perfect for sopping up with crusty bread or tossing with al dente pasta. Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables , and youve got an easy yet impressive weeknight meal . Get the Marry Me Meatballs recipe. PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON Dirty Rice Dirty rice (or rice dressing as its referred to in the bayou) is a delicious Louisiana staple made mainly of rice, ground pork sausage, ground beef, the holy trinity of vegetables (onion, bell pepper, and celery). Say goodbye to boring rice! Get the Dirty Rice recipe. PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE Homemade Lasagna Based on the traditional lasagna alla Bolognese from the Emilia-Romagna province in Italy, we grabbed what we loved most about the timeless, classic recipe and simplified it to make it weeknight-friendly. Get the Homemade Lasagna recipe. PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON Creamy Polenta & Meatballs With all due respect to meatballs baked into a meatball sub casserole, stuffed into meatball sub egg rolls, or on a classic plate of spaghetti and meatballs, some days only a bowl of creamy polenta and meatballs will do. Here, we use quick-cooking polenta, simmered in milk and water, and get a pot full of creamy, cozy polenta in about 10 minutes for this effortless dinner. Get the Creamy Polenta & Meatballs recipe. PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON Tourtiere Originally from Quebec, this pie is traditionally made in a tourtiere dish and eaten during Christmas. Its been around for hundreds of years and has yet to lose its meaty luster. You cant go to Quebec without trying a slice, nor should you leave any flaky crumbs behind. Get the Tourtiere recipe. PHOTO; LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLIST; ERIKA JOYCE Ginger Pork Pot Stickers Looking for a weekend project? We suggest these super-flavorful (and surprisingly easy) pot stickers! Need a primer? Check out how to make homemade dumplings. Get the Ginger Pork Pot Stickers recipe. Emily Hlavac Green Pork Fried Rice We developed this recipe to have all of the fried rice staples: eggs, aromatics (like onion, shallots, scallions, garlic, and ginger), the perfect balance of seasonings, and the delicious add-in of ground pork. This is our favorite variation, but its also a perfect base for your desired add-ons, toppings, and garnishes. Get the Pork Fried Rice recipe. PHOTO: ETHAN CALABRESE Dan Dan Noodles Originating from Chinese Sichuan cooking, these noodles were named for the carrying pole (aka dan dan) that street vendors used to carry baskets of noodles and sauce. American versions are usually more saucy than soupy, and often include sesame paste, peanut butter, or tahini, like ours does. Get the Dan Dan Noodles recipe. Parker feierbach You Might Also Like Credit: Food & Wine / Getty Images While visiting over 80 countries worldwide and tasting local cuisines, Anthony Bourdain likely tried more dishes and drinks during his TV career than most of us will in a lifetime. Along the way, the iconic chef, author, and TV personality inevitably declared a few bites to be his favorites, like the humble bologna sandwich he fell in love with in Sao Paulo. Longtime fans of Bourdain might remember that he especially enjoyed a few specific cocktails including the Negroni and Sazerac and one of the tipples that stood out to him the most also came from Brazil. In season three of Parts Unknown, Bourdain travels to the coast of Brazil, where he is seen sitting on the beach in Bahia. He calls over a vendor and orders a Caipirinha, explaining to his audience that the drink is an "indispensable icon of Brazilian beach culture. In addition to its significance in Brazil the Caipirinha is the countrys national drink Bourdain declares that its one of the worlds truly great cocktails, earning it a spot among his all-time favorite beverages. Related: What It Was Like to Eat with Anthony Bourdain If you can head to Brazil to try your first Caipirinha, ideally on the beach, then you should book a flight as soon as possible. But for those of us who cant plan a trip just yet, this three-ingredient cocktail is incredibly easy to make at home. Bourdain explains the simple steps that go into crafting a classic Caipirinha as he watches a vendor make one in Parts Unknown. The chef notes that the drink is known to start with fresh lime, which is muddled and mashed with more lime juice, sugar, ice, [and] the magic ingredient, cachaca, thats basically the distilled liquor of the sugar cane. Advertisement Although youll often see Caipirinhas prepared directly in the glass theyre served in, the version Bourdain sips on is shaken with ice to chill the drink, then served over more ice in a separate glass. Both versions will be delicious, and the rest of the components will remain the same. Lime wedges and sugar are muddled together before being mixed with cachaca and ice. As the television host briefly explains, cachaca is made from fresh sugar cane juice thats been fermented and distilled. The spirits profile is typically grassy, spicy, and slightly sweet. Some types of cachaca are aged in wooden barrels, which give the spirit a golden or amber hue, along with a smoother flavor and notes of vanilla, oak, and warm spices. The spirit used to make a Caipirinha, on the other hand, is usually an unaged, clear cachaca with a brighter flavor. Related: Why Anthony Bourdain Said This Pasta Is the Greatest Thing in the History of the World The components of a Caipirinha limes, sugar, and the distilled spirit of sugarcane are all native to Brazil, offering a glimpse into the long history of the drink thats made it so integral to the countrys food culture. Take one sip of the crisp, tart, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced cocktail, and youll be just as sold on it as Anthony Bourdain. But take one note of caution from the chef if its your first time trying a Caipirinha. Bourdain jokingly points out that after a few sips of the deceptively strong drink, you might be wondering, Where are my pants? He suggests enjoying it with something hearty, for instance, a delightful meal of fried meat with plenty of absorbent starch products like farofa, a Brazilian side made from toasted cassava flour. Bourdain declares the pairing to be the perfect accompaniment to many, many caipirinhas. Read the original article on Food & Wine A small tent beneath pine trees at a grassy campsite in Yosemite National Park. - Kellyvandellen/Getty Images As the state with the most national parks, California is a paradise for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. From sites overlooking the ocean at the Channel Islands to woodsy hideaways beneath massive sequoias in the Sierra Nevadas or stretches of endless desert showcasing countless stars, Golden State campers are simply spoilt for choice. However, many campgrounds are only available by reservation through recreation.gov. While some parks offer first-come, first-served sites, and still more provide permits for backcountry camping, for the most popular campgrounds, you'll need to be ready to make your reservation just moments after the National Park Service releases new dates. Regardless of the option you choose, these parks allow Californians and out-of-state visitors to soak up the multifaceted beauty of the Golden State. Of California's nine national parks, each one hides multiple campgrounds and wonders more fantastic than the next, including the Sherman Tree, "the largest living thing in the world," per Visit California. In order to select the five best national parks for camping, we relied on our own experience tent camping across California (and the U.S.), as well as the expertise of past park visitors. To keep our perspective in check while sorting through thousands of reviews and suggestions, we looped back to the question, "Would we love this campground if it weren't famous?" In the end, we've highlighted national parks with campgrounds that supplement the region's overall natural beauty while offering unique experiences that are unavailable to day-use visitors. Read more: 5 Of The Worst Air Travel Myths, Busted Yosemite National Park The Mist Trail leads to a huge waterfall cascading over granite cliffs at Yosemite National Park. - cb_travel/Shutterstock There's a reason why Yosemite National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. From Tunnel View to Half Dome's imposing granite walls presiding over the valley, Yosemite's landmarks invoke awe in even the most jaded travelers. And that doesn't even include thrilling rafting trips along the Merced River or how very small you feel staring up the trunk of a 250-foot sequoia. Because it offers all of these impressive options, Yosemite earns a place among the best California national parks for camping, even though the popular campgrounds in Yosemite Valley Upper Pines, Lower Pines, and North Pines all experience incredibly high traffic. Plus, the Upper Pines location allows you to boil a cup of cowboy coffee over the fire pit before hiking to famous sites like misty Vernal and Nevada Falls, two of the park's iconic waterfalls. Besides the Pines Campgrounds, there are 10 other main campgrounds, including walk-in sites and traditional campground loops. Backpackers can also apply for wilderness permits for overnight hikes. Some campgrounds can be booked two months in advance, and others require only two weeks, but most spaces are booked up a year in advance. For a quieter night and fewer people, experienced Yosemite campers recommend Bridalveil Creek Campground. A 45-minute drive from Yosemite Valley, near Glacial Point, lodgepole pines shade 110 first-come, first-served campsites. "If you want more quiet and don't need to see half dome each time you step out of your tent, this is a great place," advises a frequent camper on Quora. Death Valley National Park The Milky Way glows over cracked earth and dry mountains in Death Valley National Park. - Miroslav_1/Getty Images For desert stargazing, Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley National Park run neck and neck, but with over 3.4 million acres, Death Valley's sheer size makes it the better choice. From marveling at a moonscape of mineral formations at the Badwater Basin Salt Flats to hiking to a secret desert oasis at Darwin Falls or simply staring up at the night sky, you could spend weeks camping in Death Valley and never run out of things to do. All but one campground in the park are first come, first served, which eliminates the online booking stress but means you need to arrive early on busy weekends. In general, the campsites offer basic amenities and have very little vegetation, but abyssal night skies and the best Death Valley sunset and sunrise views are what they're all about. Frequent visitors will tell you there are no bad views in Death Valley, but Stovepipe Wells Campground offers phenomenal night sky vistas because there are no trees to get in the way. "The night skies are some of the clearest for stargazing," raved a camper via Google Reviews. "Despite its name, Death Valley is full of life and wonder." You'll want to pick your campground and time of year carefully. Although ideal for stargazing, campgrounds like Furnace Creek feel like parking lots during the day. However, the barren desert landscape is part of the appeal. The Death Valley Dark Sky Festival happens in February, but spring is the best time to visit for the most bearable temperatures. Channel Islands National Park Grassy bluffs overlook a historic ranch and calm cove as fog rolls in at Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands. - Gary Kavanagh/Getty Images Situated 160 miles off of Ventura County's coast in Southern California, Channel Islands State Park is the stark opposite of Yosemite and other preserves covered in ancient forests. Instead, this chain of five islands features rugged bluffs overlooking crescent-shaped coves filled with clear, blue water. Beneath the surface, over 2,000 different species of aquatic plants and animals rely on the kelp forests, including California spiny lobsters and sea otters. Five islands offer campgrounds, but visitors feel Santa Cruz Scorpion Campground is something special. "The most idyllic and beautiful campground I've ever seen! Smells like eucalyptus, lots of visits from island foxes (the park provides boxes to lock up your food), easy to reach from the dock, and potable water access," one camper shared on Google Reviews. Dwarfed by thousands of years of evolution, the island foxes are about the size of house cats and can only be found on the Channel Islands. Advertisement Showcasing views of open waters and verdant mountains for $15 per night (as of this writing), it's easy to see why some campers call the islands "great value Maui." Two nights gives you just enough time to kayak through the sea caves or embark on a guided snorkel tour of kelp forests with outfitters like Channel Islands Adventure Company. If you prefer to stay on land, the 7.7-mile Smugglers Cove Trail and other routes are reason enough to book a Channel Islands camping trip. To get there, you'll have to take the Island Packers ferry, which departs from Ventura Harbor and travels to the five main islands. Lassen Volcanic National Park Multi-color volcanic dunes near a pine forest and snow-covered mountains at Lassen Volcanic National Park. - Zrfphoto/Getty Images While securing a desirable campsite in Yosemite Valley is practically an Olympic sport, Lassen Volcanic National Park receives significantly fewer visitors. Situated in Northern California, the nearest international airport is three hours away in Sacramento, but civilization feels even more distant. But it's not just the lack of crowds that makes camping at Lassen desirable. Volcanic peaks adorned with sturdy pines tower over valleys filled with summer wildflowers, while alpine lakes create a mirror image of the sky and the adjoining forest. "Combine the waterfalls and sheer rock faces of Yosemite with the interesting geological features and glacial lakes of Yellowstone and subtract the crowds and you have Lassen National Park," a visitor stated on Google Reviews. But despite the impressive vistas, each year offers just a small window to camp at Lassen. Snow impacts many of the roads as late as June or July, so you'll want to schedule your trip between the end of July and September. Although there are eight campgrounds, frequent visitors recommend Butte Lake Campground for an alone-in-nature feel without sacrificing too many amenities. "It's not very crowded and it's quite remote (7 mile gravel road, but you can easily take it in a sedan), but still has running water, good bathrooms," noted one camper on Reddit's r/camping. Several trailheads depart from the campground, including one leading to the Cinder Cone crater and the Painted Dunes, a lava field that glows pink and orange as the sun rises. Plan to stay at least three nights to make the drive worth it. Kings Canyon National Park The rushing Kings River flows between pines and granite mountains at Kings Canyon National Park. - Billy McDonald/Shutterstock Spread over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 1.5 hours outside Fresno, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are home to the largest trees in the world: the giant sequoia. Often treated as the same place because they're jointly managed and share a border, these parks are actually quite different especially when it comes to camping. While the General Sherman Tree and other giant conifers draw visitors from around the world to Sequoia, Kings Canyon stuns with its dramatic terrain. "It's like the deeper, more rugged cousin of Yosemite," explained a visitor on Tripadvisor. "Between the giant sequoias at Grant Grove and the roaring mist of the falls, it's raw, wild, and absolutely epic." Boasting wildflower meadows between granite canyon walls, the breathtaking 30-mile Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, and rushing rivers with crystal-clear water are some of the wonders visitors find at Kings Canyon National Park. Dubbed the "quiet park" by locals, Kings Canyon's eight campgrounds are typically more peaceful than those at Sequoia. Campers seeking a woodsy experience that looks like it came straight out of a nature brochure love Azalea Campground, while Sentinel Campground and others in the Cedar Grove area offer sites just steps from the Kings River. Although Azalea remains open during the winter, snow and freezing nights make the experience more a test of survival than cozy relaxation. The park's regular campers recommend planning a trip during the summer (late July to the end of September), as the snow often doesn't melt in some parts of the park until July. Methodology A tent surrounded by tall conifers overlooks a stream at a California National Park. - Logomaker691/Shutterstock The author supplemented her own experience visiting Yosemite National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with other campers' firsthand accounts on Tripadvisor, Reddit, Quora, and Google Reviews. Our research took us through thousands of reviews and recommendations, which we cross-referenced with information provided by the National Park Service. We looked for national parks that not only feature clean facilities and comfortable sites but also something special, like the ultra-dark night sky at Death Valley National Park or the chance to beat the crowds to Vernal and Nevada Falls at Yosemite National Park. In addition, we prioritized campgrounds that visitors described as "uncrowded," "well-spaced," "quiet," or providing a feeling of being deep in nature. You won't find specific wilderness or backcountry campsites or areas because these places are readily accessible. We excluded Redwood National and State Parks because the campgrounds are managed by California State Parks, which is outside the scope of these recommendations. However, the four parks above offer incredible campgrounds, such as Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park's camping loops tucked in the old-growth redwood groves. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. Vintage 1970s pop-up camper - dave_7 / Wikimedia Commons For many Americans, spending a few nights sleeping under a canopy of stars in a national park each summer was a childhood rite of passage. According to The Dyrt, a full 85% of American adults have camped at least once in their lifetime. But while immersing yourself in nature for a weekend isn't a uniquely American pastime, the act of hauling your tent or RV into the woods to roast s'mores over an open fire is deeply ingrained in the American psyche. (Fun fact: S'mores are an American invention and can be traced back to a 1927 Girl Scout cookbook). While camping in the U.S. first started to gain traction as a recreational activity in the early 1900s with the formation of the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the USA, and the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service it made major popularity gains in the 1950s, as car ownership grew and more Americans gained the ability to travel to the great outdoors. Today, nostalgic U.S. citizens can visit many of the campsites they frequented as children, bringing their own children or grandchildren with them to share in the joys of jumping off that old wooden pier or fishing in that hidden creek. However, a number of camps that once entertained hundreds of scouts or sheltered weary Route 66 travelers have closed, fading into obscurity and remembered only by those who knew them well. Below are several of the most famous examples of once-popular campgrounds that are no more. Read more: 5 Unexpected Places You Can Park Your RV Overnight For Free Leeds Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Admin buildings from Leeds Civilian Conservation Corps camp - Kneumann78 / Wikimedia Commons If your father or grandfather was among the more than three million American men who lived and worked in a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in the 1930s, you may be interested in checking out the remains of a CCC camp in Leeds, Utah. The Leeds Civilian Conservation Corps Camp, which is about a 15-minute drive from Zion National Park, is the only CCC camp in Utah that you can still visit. CCC camps like this one existed all over the United States during the Great Depression. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service, they employed young men to help build campsites, clear roads, fight forest fires, and plant trees. More than 3.5 billion trees were planted during the nine years the program was active. The workers at the Leeds camp, which opened in 1933, helped build a local road and campground. While the camp once spanned 20 acres and had several buildings, including a barracks, a dining hall, and a library, after the camp closed in 1942, many of the buildings were torn down. Today, only four admin buildings remain standing: an infirmary, a supply facility, a blacksmith shop, and the camp commander's headquarters. Camp Beechwood in Sodus, New York Abandoned girl scout camp in Camp Beechwood State Park - David Himes / Facebook.com Those who were Girl Scouts in upstate New York in the 1970s or 1980s might have fond memories of going camping and making crafts at Camp Beechwood on Lake Ontario. A popular Girl Scouts camp, Camp Beechwood opened in 1929, about 35 miles away from Rochester, where the Girl Scouts organization was first formed ten years prior in 1919. The roughly 150-acre camp had a wooded area and a large beach where Girl Scouts gathered throughout the year to hike, canoe, and cook over an open fire. The camp closed in 1996, and two years later, it was purchased by the state of New York and renamed Beechwood State Park. While some of the camp's older structures, which once included a dining hall, a trading post, a swimming pool, and an admin center, have been reclaimed by nature, many of them remain, including several lean-to cabins and the camp's Pioneer Lodge. You can explore the camp's eerie remains the next time you're in the Rochester area, a city that has reinvented its downtown as a walkable and exciting destination in its own right. Advertisement John's Modern Cabins, Doolittle, Missouri John's Modern Cabins and sign in Doolittle, Missouri - Mike Ward / Facebook.com If you drove down Route 66 in the 1940s or '50s, you may have seen the campsites and lodges that cropped up along the highway to accommodate the flood of freshly minted automobile owners exploring the United States. One such accommodation was John's Modern Cabins, which was located about 10 minutes outside of Newburg, Missouri. The six cabins and roadhouse that made up the campsite were built in 1931. In 1950, they were sold to a man named John Dausch, who renamed the campsite John's Modern Cabins. While the name suggested that they were "modern cabins," they were, in actuality, simple constructions made from logs with few amenities; visitors even had to use an outhouse when nature called. But, as with any business, location was what mattered, and John's Modern Cabins' spot along the famed highway meant they remained in operation for several decades. While the campsite closed after Dausch died in 1971, the cabins remain, decaying on the side of the road. As the decades passed, Route 66 tourists stopped to explore and photograph the cabins. Today, unfortunately, few of the cabins remain standing, as most of them were demolished in 2018. The property's current owners hope to one day transform it into an RV park. Enchanted Forest Campground, Turner, Oregon Enchanted Forest in Turner Oregon - Trashbag / Wikimedia Commons For anyone who enjoys a good whimsical theme, a stop at this kitschy-but-endearing theme park might have been a must-visit while traveling up the coast to Seattle in the 1970s. The Enchanted Forest, which continues to operate today, is a 20-acre fairytale-themed outdoor amusement park located in a forest setting just 15 minutes outside of Salem, Oregon. The family-owned and operated park, which has a log ride, a storybook lane, a rollercoaster, and a haunted house, has been a cherished part of the small community of Turner since it first opened in 1971. While The Enchanted Forest theme park still operates on a seasonal basis, the nearby campsite is permanently closed. The now-shuttered campgrounds were within walking distance of the park and were popular with travelers road tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway. Families would sleep in their tents or RVs under the shade trees and spend their days riding the park's carousel, bumper boats, and other rides. Pixieland, Otis Junction, Oregon Pixieland in Otis Junction, Oregon - Paul Jefferies / Facebook.com If you lived in Oregon in the early 1970s or happened to road trip up the West Coast at that time, you may have run across Pixieland, a combination amusement park and campground. When Pixieland first opened on the Central Oregon coast in 1968, it was riding on the coattails of Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland, both of which had seen success over the previous decade about 1,000 miles south in Southern California. Like its competitors, the park had a log flume, a train ride, and an arcade. However, people could also camp at Pixieland, as the theme park featured an RV campsite with an indoor pool and laundry facilities. Though the owners had high hopes for the park, it closed in 1975. The economy had taken a downturn, and the park's owners faced pressures by conservationists to transform the land back to its original 54-acre wildlife habitat. In 1980, the park sat abandoned, the buildings pictured above empty and overgrown with weeds. Eventually, the park and campground were turned into the Wetlands Restoration Project, and Pixieland was given the title of the "Forgotten Disneyland of the Oregon Coast." Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. Six international companies are relocating to Boston as part of an artificial intelligence health care accelerator backed by the Middle Easts largest medical center. Sheba Medical Center in Israel which has the worlds first AI-powered emergency department first announced its new U.S. endeavor last May. Now it has officially launched the ARC Innovation Boston location in the citys downtown, a soft landing pad for international startups working to transform the delivery of health care through AI and digital solutions. The Boston hub is joining a network of existing ARC (Accelerate, Redesign, Collaborate) programs in London, Melbourne, Singapore, Berlin and New Zealand. Its expected to leverage Massachusetts world-class health care institutions, clinical research and tech innovation with Sheba Medical Centers ARC methodology and global platform. The launch of ARC Landing Boston marks the start of a new era of medical innovation, said Dr. Yonatan Keschner, CEO of the Boston location. Our first cohort of startups are developing technologies that will address some of the greatest medical challenges and reinvent the future of healthcare. Advertisement The companies setting up shop in Boston as part of the first U.S. cohort are: XEOS (founded in 2019) Real-time molecular imaging in the operating room to help surgeons confirm complete tumor removal and improve surgical outcomes. UltraSight (founded in 2018) AI-driven software that makes high-quality cardiac ultrasound accessible anywhere designed for clinicians who arent cardiac sonographers but routinely evaluate and manage patients. FeelBetter (founded in 2019) AI-powered pharmacotherapy platform for medication management, designed to improve outcomes, efficiency and financial performance for health care organizations. Modulight (founded in 2022) Developing first-of-its-kind therapy (precise control of brain activity using light) to treat severe neurological disorders. custoMED (founded in 2023) Combining AI, 3D printing and clinical expertise to empower orthopedic surgeons to design and produce personalized surgical guides and implants from standard imaging. Nuri Braintech (founded in 2024) The first emotion brain-computer interface designed for psychiatry, breakthrough therapeutic approach for post-traumatic stress disorder and other treatment-resistant mental illnesses. Collectively, the companies have so far raised $84.9 million. The Sheba ARC team is providing physical work space in downtown Boston and facilitating connections with the states health care ecosystem, as well as operational support. Professor Eyal Zimlichman who serves as deputy director general, chief medical officer, chief innovation officer and ARC co-founder at Sheba Medical Center previously told MassLive that patients in Massachusetts will have the opportunity to experience the technologies before the rest of the world, as the companies will need to test and deploy their work with local hospitals and providers. Last fall, the program was in the process of signing memorandums of understanding with a very large number of Massachusetts providers, in not just Boston, but also the western part of the state and the north and south shores. More Health Care News from MassLive Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Tornado (File) A relentless weather pattern is currently positioning nearly 60 million Americans in the crosshairs of severe storms, creating a dangerous corridor that stretches from the Texas border all the way to the Great Lakes. Meteorologists are tracking a volatile atmosphere where warm, humid Gulf air is colliding with cooler Pacific and Canadian masses, a setup expected to trigger near-daily bouts of extreme weather through next week. The most immediate concern centers on todays forecast, with a high-risk zone for tornadic activity extending from Dallas, Texas, to Madison, Wisconsin. Experts warn that while isolated storms may develop throughout the afternoon, the most intense activityincluding the potential for supercellsis likely to peak during the evening and overnight hours. These rotating storms are notoriously dangerous after sunset when visibility is low. This current threat follows a turbulent Thursday where powerful systems swept across the southern Plains, sparking numerous tornado warnings from Texas into the Midwest. While the skies were the primary concern for most, residents in Louisiana experienced a different kind of natural phenomenon. A magnitude 4.9 earthquakeone of the strongest ever recorded in the statejolted the region. Despite the rare intensity of the quake, no injuries or significant structural damage were reported. Looking ahead, the risk remains far from over. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski notes that the clash of air masses will likely sustain this severe cycle well into next week. Advertisement While Friday focuses on metro areas like Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Kansas City, the weekend will see the threat shift. By Saturday, one cluster of storms is expected to impact the region from southern Texas to northwestern Alabama, while a separate system brings damaging gusts to the Ohio Valley and the Allegheny Mountains. Emergency officials are urging residents to treat this as a wake-up call for the spring season. Many communities may be out of practice with safety protocols following the winter months. With a potent cold front arriving Tuesday, forecasters warn the situation could escalate into a significant tornado outbreak across the central U.S. through mid-week. READ: Hillsborough County Traffic Alert: Slate Of Lane Closures To Hit The Roads March 8-14 Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage. Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox 60 Million On Alert: Tornadoes Target Massive Swath Of U.S. While Rare Quake Jolts Louisiana (This story was updated to add new information.) AES Indiana is canceling the remaining community open houses that were set to start next week, the company announced. The decision comes days after the first AES Indiana community open house for the year was canceled. The electric company made the decision to postpone the meetings due to public safety concerns. The other meetings were scheduled for the evenings of March 10 and March 11 at different locations. "The safety of our customers, community partners, and team members remains our top priority," the statement said. "This decision was made out of an abundance of caution, and it was not made lightly." The company cited social media threats as among the reasons for the cancellations. It also said that a community partner had "raised safety concerns" and requested the company find alternate locations for future meetings. Advertisement AES Indiana: Power company cancels first community open house due to threats AES Indiana also said it has consistently held community open houses to be accessible to customers, providing them in-person support, and are "disappointed that because of the social media threats, we are unable to offer that opportunity to our customers at this time." AES filed a police report earlier in the week about the threats and a detective has been assigned, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police said via email March 6. AES Indiana said it will share details about future community open houses at a later date. Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: AES Indiana canceled remaining community open houses due to threats LAKELAND, Fla., March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art at Florida Southern College is pleased to announce Kate Carney as the Featured Poster Artist for the 54th annual Mayfaire by-the-Lake. A cherished Mother's Day Weekend tradition, Mayfaire will once again be presented by Citizens Bank and Trust and The Ruthvens on the scenic shores of Lake Morton in Lakeland on May 9 and May 10, 2026. The 54th Mayfaire by-the-Lake featured artist and poster image. Each year, Mayfaire selects an artist who has exhibited at the festival to create a featured image that becomes the visual hallmark of the event. This artist is entrusted with designing an iconic work to appear on official posters, t-shirts, and festival merchandise, capturing the spirit of one of the region's and the nation's premier outdoor fine art festivals. This year's featured poster artist, Kate Carney, is known for her expressive oil paintings celebrating living subjects birds, animals, people, and plants rendered with a distinctive blend of classical underpainting, an Impressionist palette, and contemporary alla prima brushwork. Her work reflects a deep reverence for life, infused with whimsy, emotional depth, and technical mastery. "I love living things birds, people, animals, plants. I see the whimsey, pathos, love and power of life and it inspires me to attempt to express my reaction to all that wonder in as honest a way as I can," Carney said. Working primarily in oils, Carney embraces the medium's versatility whether transparent or opaque, softly blended or boldly gestural. Rather than relying on extensive preliminary drawing, she allows forms to emerge directly on her signature orange primed canvases, building compositions with confident, intuitive mark making developed through years of disciplined practice. Born and raised in England, Carney's early exposure to the great museums and galleries of London shaped her artistic sensibilities. She studied at Chelsea School of Art before pursuing Humanities at University College, where art history deeply influenced her vision. After years devoted to teaching, raising her family, and working full time, she returned fully to her artistic practice in the early 2000s. Since 2010, Carney has worked as a professional fine artist, exhibiting in juried festivals across the country and earning multiple awards. Based in Orlando, her studio home is McRae Art Studios. "For decades, the swan has symbolized the City of Lakeland and the beauty of Lake Morton," said Dr. Daryl Ward, Executive Director of The AGB. "This year, Kate thoughtfully broadens that narrative by celebrating the diversity of waterfowl that inhabits the lake. Her joyful and technically masterful approach brings renewed energy to this beloved tradition while honoring the ecosystem that makes Lake Morton so special. And how can you not love ducks with paintbrushes!" Through Carney's expressive oil technique, she combines rich color, layered texture, and dynamic brushwork to create a timeless and compelling image. Her painting will be showcased on all official Mayfaire-by-the-Lake 2026 promotional materials, including posters, apparel, and festival merchandise. Additional information about this year's Mayfaire Judge, Featured Poster, and event details will be available in the coming weeks. The 54th Mayfaire Sponsors include Citizens Bank and Trust, The Ruthvens, Visit Central Florida, Southern Homes, Publix Super Markets Charities, Friends of Mayfaire, Tampa International Airport, the City of Lakeland, and LKLD Arts Mayor's Council of the Arts. FLSouthern.edu SOURCE Florida Southern College U.S. flag blowing in the Alaskan wind - Sherri Cassel/Getty Images Chicago might be known as the Windy City, but it's not the only one. Sure, the city experiences stiff breezes, as anyone who's stood on the shores of Lake Michigan in winter can attest, but Chicago isn't even in America's top 10 windiest cities. According to data from the Global Wind Atlas, later published by World Population Review, the windiest state is Alaska, thousands of miles away from Illinois. Alaska tops the list with an average wind speed of 21.94 mph at a height of 328 feet this metric is often used for analyzing wind speeds, as most modern turbines are at least 328 feet (100m) tall. Wyoming (21.48 mph) and Michigan (20.87 mph) came second and third, respectively, while Chicago's state, Illinois, fell outside the top 20, with an average wind speed of 18.10 mph. It makes sense that Alaska would top such a list. There's an abundance of untouched wilderness along Alaska's coast, in part because conditions in that corner of North America are so wintry. If you're willing to brave the trying conditions in America's least visited state, you'll be well compensated. Alaska's landscapes are as breathtaking as anything else you'll find in the country, with glaciers and ice fields covering huge swaths of the state, polar bears roaming the tundra, and the volcano-riddled Aleutian Islands reaching across the Bering Sea towards Russia. You'll want to pack a windbreaker for your Alaskan sojourn, but that's a small price to pay for what you'll get in return. Read more: Think Twice Before Swimming In These Dangerous US Lakes Advertisement Visiting Alaska's most iconic landscapes Exit Glacier from Harding Ice Filed - Madhuri Kakulavarapu/Shutterstock Although Alaska's glaciers are shrinking, it's still one of the most glaciated regions on earth (beyond the poles), with around 23,000 square miles of the state covered in these masses of ice. Just outside Anchorage, you'll find the Matanuska Glacier, a 27-mile river of ice with its origins in the Chugach Mountains. Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, accessible by car in the summer months, also merits a visit. For the best views, hike the Glacier View Loop and Glacier Overlook trails. If you're keen to get the blood pumping, you can try the 4-mile, 3,000-foot ascent to Harding Ice Field. For more mountain vistas, drive the scenic Dalton Highway north of the Arctic Circle. The 414-mile route travels from the town of Livengood to a frosty outpost on Alaska's northern coast known forebodingly as Deadhorse. Built in 1974 to help with construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline which ferries oil across the state it's a long, lonely road with sometimes treacherous conditions (including icy winds) and little in the way of amenities. However, it is also stunning, particularly on the Atigun Pass, Alaska's highest highway pass, where snow falls even in summer. Along the rocky slopes and on the tundra to the north of the pass, look out for wildlife, including Dall sheep, grizzlies, and caribou. It's also worth exploring Denali National Park in the heart of the state. The park is known for its namesake peak, also called Mt. McKinley, which is North America's tallest at 20,310 feet. Join a mountaineering expedition, go off trail with a park ranger, test your long-range photography skills on foraging moose and grizzly bears, or enjoy a night of stargazing and solitude in the backcountry. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. MEGA _ Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor returned a highly prestigious honor after his arrest. Keep reading to learn which one... MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more BB/MEGA _ According to a statement provided by Norway's royal palace to Newsweek, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor relinquished The Order of St. Olav. The former Duke of York was given the honor in 1988 to celebrate his "distinguished services rendered to Norway and mankind." A representative said, "We can confirm that if there is no entry registered for the individual concerned, then he is not a holder of The Order of St Olav. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has, in this case, chosen to return his decoration. As a general rule, we do not comment on case processing in matters relating to orders and medals." Advertisement BILL GREENBLATT/UPI/Newscom/The Mega Agency _ The loss of another honor comes after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office for allegedly sharing information with Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the U.K.'s trade envoy. Emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice appeared to show the father of two telling the criminal about official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore. "Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office," Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said in a statement. "It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offense. We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time." Andrew remains under investigation. MEGA _ King Charles III who stripped Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his titles and evicted him from Royal Lodge last year addressed the scandal. "I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office. What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation," he said in a statement. "Let me state clearly: the law must take its course. As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all." MEGA _ Queen Elizabeth II forced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to take a step back from royal life by removing his military and charity patronages due to his connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Mirrorpix / MEGA _ Despite losing everything, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor reportedly feels no regret. "It's extraordinary. [The former Duke of York] hardly seemed bothered about the [Jeffrey] Epstein scandal," royal writer Robert Hardman told DailyMail.com. "He was much more worried about where he was supposed to keep his horses. He was even grumbling about where to park his car." A general view as members of the Anglican Communion attend the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in Abuja, Nigeria, March 5, 2026. Reuters/Marvellous Durowaiye By Camillus Eboh ABUJA, March 6 (Reuters) - A powerful group of conservative Anglicans on Friday urged its members to boycott meetings convened by the Archbishop of Canterbury and halt any financial contributions to the current leadership, escalating a longrunning rift within the church. The declaration by the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) - a grouping of conservative churches mainly from Africa and Asia that claims to represent a majority of the world's Anglicans - follows a decision to establish a new council rivalling the current leadership. Three days of meetings of GAFCON members in Nigeria have underscored the deep rifts within the Anglican Communion over theological and social issues, including the ordination of women and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ members. They come just weeks before the Communion is due to enthrone Sarah Mullally as its first female Archbishop of Canterbury, until now spiritual leader of the world's 85 million Anglicans spread across 165 countries. Laurent Mbanda, installed on Thursday as chairman of the new rival council, read a statement saying the Global Anglican Communion required "a principled disengagement" from structures associated with the Church of England. "Leaders who hold office in the Global Anglican Communion must not attend future Primates' meetings called by the Archbishop of Canterbury, nor attend the Lambeth Conference, nor attend ACC meetings or participate in Commissions of the ACC," the statement said. It added that leaders "should not personally approve financial contributions to the ACC. It is also expected that they will not receive financial assistance from compromised sources." It was not immediately clear how much money was at stake. Advertisement The Church of England did not immediately comment. 'IT'S A SCHISM' Founded some 500 years ago when the Church of England broke from Rome, the Anglican Communion has spread to many parts of the world, particularly former British colonies. In recent decades, there have been some liberal shifts within part of the Church. GAFCON was set up in 2008, drawing on the resistance to these changes, especially in Africa and Asia, where the church is expanding fastest. On Thursday, a spokesperson for the Anglican Communion Office in London said GAFCON was ignoring years of dialogue aimed at reforming the church. On whether the church had now split, Diarmaid MacCulloch, emeritus professor of church history at the University of Oxford, told Reuters: "Of course it's a schism." But MacCulloch said the rupture need not necessarily be permanent. "Schisms do eventually get healed, when both sides see that the issues that caused the schism don't seem that important any longer," he said. (Additional reporting and writing by MacDonald Dzirutwe, Editing by David Lewis and Sharon Singleton) Dario Amodei, co-founder and CEO of Anthropic. (Krisztian Bocsi / Bloomberg via Getty Images file) (Krisztian Bocsi) Anthropic said Thursday that the Defense Department has designated it a threat to national security, a striking move that bans it from doing business with the U.S. military and could send shock waves through Americas AI industry. The designation, which the company said it received Wednesday and specifically labels Anthropic a supply-chain risk to national security, requires the Pentagon and its contractors to stop using Anthropics AI services for all defense business. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth telegraphed the move Friday evening on X. It comes after months of increasingly tense negotiations over how the military should be able to use Anthropics Claude AI systems. Though it is a relatively new technology, generative AI models like Claude have quickly been embraced by the Trump administration, including for military use. For the past several months, the Pentagon has been negotiating new contract terms with Anthropic, along with other leading American AI companies, to allow more expansive military use of AI. While the Pentagon has sought to harness powerful AI systems for any lawful use, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei had wanted stronger guarantees the Pentagon would not use its AI technology for deadly autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance. Amodei confirmed the supply chain risk label in a statement Thursday night and said the company did not agree with it, writing we do not believe this action is legally sound, and we see no choice but to challenge it in court. Anthropic has much more in common with the Department of War than we have differences, he wrote in the statement. We both are committed to advancing US national security and defending the American people, and agree on the urgency of applying AI across the government. All our future decisions will flow from that shared premise. Other AI systems move in Until last week, Anthropic was the only AI company whose services were cleared for use on the Defense Departments classified networks. Hours after Hegseth announced he would seek to label Anthropic as a supply chain risk last week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced his company had reached a new agreement with the Pentagon to use OpenAIs services in classified settings, which could allow OpenAI to replace much of Anthropics current business with the Pentagon. Elon Musks xAI and its Grok AI systems also struck a deal with the Pentagon last week to be cleared for use on classified networks. In the statement on its website Thursday evening, Amodei emphasized that the ban on Anthropics business with the military did not apply to contracts with military suppliers for non-defense-related purposes. Anthropic has extensive business deals with many of Americas leading tech companies, including Amazon and Microsoft, many of which also have large contracts with the Pentagon. A senior Defense Department official confirmed the supply chain risk determination was effective immediately. From the very beginning, the official told NBC News on Thursday, this has been about one fundamental principle: the military being able to use technology for all lawful purposes. The military will not allow a vendor to insert itself into the chain of command by restricting the lawful use of a critical capability and put our warfighters at risk. Hegseth wrote in his post announcing the move last Friday that Anthropic would continue to provide the Department of War its services for a period of no more than six months to allow for a seamless transition to a better and more patriotic service. Anthropic delivered a master class in arrogance and betrayal as well as a textbook case of how not to do business with the United States Government or the Pentagon, he said in the post. Our position has never wavered and will never waver: the Department of War must have full, unrestricted access to Anthropics models for every LAWFUL purpose in defense of the Republic. Industry concerns over label In a statement last week during the strained contract negotiations and before Hegseth announced the move, Amodei noted that the supply chain risk label, usually reserved for foreign adversaries and associated businesses, had never before applied to an American company. Advertisement Several legal observers have said the designation would not be likely to hold up legally and is meant instead to warn other companies to toe the Pentagons line. The mere threat of such a designation already roiled Washington and the tech industry. Fearing fallout from the potential supply chain risk decision, defense experts, Anthropic rival OpenAI and members of Congress had tried to cool tensions between Anthropic and the Pentagon throughout this week. An influential tech advocacy group, whose members include Nvidia and Apple, sent a letter to Hegseth on Wednesday urging him to refrain from officially applying the supply chain risk label. Many industry investors fear that by targeting one of Americas largest and most successful AI companies, the Defense Department is setting a dangerous precedent that will scare away investment and chill Americas AI industry. Last Friday, just over an hour before a 5 p.m. ET deadline to reach an agreement Hegseth set earlier in the week, President Donald Trump said he would move to bar Anthropic from other federal agencies. The Leftwing nut jobs at Anthropic have made a DISASTROUS MISTAKE trying to STRONG-ARM the Department of War, and force them to obey their Terms of Service instead of our Constitution, Trump wrote. The Pentagon already uses Anthropics Claude systems as part of an agreement with the data analytics company Palantir. According to recent reports from The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal, Anthropics AI systems have been used to help forces assess intelligence and identify targets in the ongoing war in Iran. NBC News has not confirmed those reports. Anthropic struck its first deal with Palantir in 2024, allowing the Defense Department to use its services on classified networks, and it was awarded another $200 million contract in July to further prototype frontier AI capabilities that advance U.S. national security. In earlier rounds of negotiation, Anthropic agreed to let the Pentagon use its AI systems for cyber and missile defense purposes. 'Essentially no gain' Some experts noted an apparent disconnect between labeling one of Americas largest AI companies a supply chain risk to national security while refraining from applying the same label to DeepSeek, a leading Chinese AI company that has been accused of unfair practices. DeepSeek did not respond at the time to requests from several news organizations for comment on the issue. Were treating an American AI company worse than were treating a Chinese Communist Party-controlled AI company, said Michael Sobolik, an expert on AI and China issues and senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. We cannot hobble the most innovative, successful American companies for asking quintessentially American questions about military use and privacy. The U.S. government risks cutting off the legs of one of our best AI companies in the early years of this AI race, Sobolik continued. If we do that, where Americas frontier models are qualitatively and quantitatively better than Chinas, it does seem like cutting off our nose to spite our own face. Tim Fist, director of emerging technology at the Washington-based Institute for Progress think tank, said the new designation would be counterproductive for Americas AI aspirations. The supply chain risk designation, normally used on foreign adversaries, is both hurting one of Americas top AI companies and making other companies much more hesitant to work with the federal government, Fist said in written comments. The designation hurts the AI industry and thus US national security for essentially no gain. Aaron Spencer, a Republican candidate for sheriff An Arkansas father accused of fatally shooting his daughter's alleged rapist has won a primary election for county sheriff. Aaron Spencer, 37, allegedly fatally shot 67-year-old Michael Fosler in October 2024. Spencer had been searching for his missing 14-year-old daughter when he discovered her in a vehicle with Fosler, who had previously faced multiple sexual offense charges involving the teenager. Despite facing a second-degree murder charge, Spencer announced back in October that he is running to become the chief law enforcement officer in Lonoke County, claiming the justice system had "failed" him. Now, he's one step closer to getting there. Spencer has won the Republican nomination for Lonoke County sheriff, winning 53 percent of the vote, the Arkansas Advocate reports. Thousands rallied in support of Spencer following allegations that he shot and killed his daughter's suspected abuser after she vanished from her bed one night. Spencer was roused in the early morning hours of October 8, 2024 by the frantic barking of his 14-year-old daughter's chihuahua. Upon checking on his daughter, he initially believed she was asleep in her room, but upon closer inspection discovered that a stuffed animal had been wrapped in her hoodie and positioned as a decoy in the bed to create the illusion she was safe and sound. Spencer said he felt like the system 'failed' him (Image: AP) The family had already been worried about their daughter's safety when she went missing. Three months prior, the then 13-year-old alleged that she'd been sexually abused by Fosler after meeting him at the home of a family friend. Fosler was arrested at the time and faced dozens of charges, including internet stalking of a child and sexual assault. In total, he faced 43 felony counts that also included the possession of child pornography. However, he pleaded not guilty in September 2024 and was released on a $50,000 bond. Fosler was ordered not to have contact with Spencer's daughter, according to her mother, Heather. "We let the law run its course, and ... trusted that this man would be served justice under the law," Heather Spencer wrote on Facebook. "Whilst we were happy that he was quickly arrested, we were not privy to the fact that he was released on a low bond with zero supervision." Upon realizing his daughter was missing, Spencer immediately got into his Ford truck and started scouring the roads near their home. Meanwhile, Heather dialed 911 and contacted relatives to determine if the girl was with them. "Statistics and horror stories race through my mind. My baby. My little girl. All I could do was pray. I hung up with the 911 operator and called my mother. I screamed in horror whilst she prayed Hail Marys. My own screams will forever haunt my memory," Heather recounted in another Facebook post. Approximately 10 miles east of town, Spencer located Fosler's white Ford F-150 and observed his daughter in the passenger seat, based on a statement he provided to sheriff's deputies. He executed a U-turn and started pursuing the vehicle, flashing his lights and honking his horn, the affidavit stated. At the next intersection, he collided with the rear of the truck, pushing it off the road. Shortly afterward, Fosler was shot several times and died on his back in a ditch. Spencer contacted 911 to report that he had shot Fosler. He informed the authorities that after he came upon the truck, his daughter leaped out of the passenger side and tried to flee, but Fosler seized her. Spencer stated that he commanded the man to exit the vehicle but that Fosler "lunged towards him" with something in his hand and yelled, "F--- you," according to the affidavit. Spencer then discharged his weapon at Fosler until it was empty, then jumped on him and pistol-whipped him, according to the affidavit. He then removed his daughter from the truck, reloaded his Glock 19 Gen4 and dialed 911. Advertisement The dad informed the dispatcher that the "man who kidnapped" his daughter was "dead on the side of the road." He then stated that he "had no choice," per the affidavit. Spencer's trial was set to start in January but has been delayed (Image: Lonoke County Detention Center) After her husband's arrest, Heather established a GiveSendGo campaign to support him. She claimed that her daughter had been "targeted, groomed and ultimately raped by the boyfriend of a family friend." "We let the justice system do its job. The monster who hurt our child was charged quickly, but released even faster on a $50k bond," she continued. "He was awaiting court in December for several felonies in relation to what he did to our child." Heather characterized the charges against her husband as "outrages" and labeled him a "hero". She maintained her daughter "would have not come home if my husband hadn't found her." "Hello Lonoke, my name is Aaron Spencer. Many of you know my story. I'm the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed," Spencer said in an October Facebook video revealing his candidacy. "Through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court," Spencer went on. "And, I refuse to stand by whilst others face these same failures." Spencer pledged that if elected sheriff, families will "not be left alone in a moment of need". He emphasized: "I refuse to stand by whilst others face these same failures." He continued:"This campaign isn't about me. It's about every parent, every neighbor, every family who deserves to feel safe in their homes and safe in their community It's about restoring trust where neighbors know law enforcement is on their side and families know that they will not be left alone in a moment of need." Spencer was released on a bond set at $150,000. His trial was expected to begin in January, but was delayed after the state supreme court removed the presiding judge. A hearing to reschedule his trial is slated for this month. Spencer's trial will begin in late April or late June, Lonoke County Prosecuting Attorney Chuck Graham told KATV. If he is convicted, he won't be eligible to run for sheriff in November. "Now assuming one of those two dates we try it plenty of time, you know, he would be-he wouldn't go any further if he's convicted," Graham said. "What's out there in the public is not what happened. And they don't know the facts of it. And that's what we'll lay out in our court case," he added. The attorney continued: "Do you really want to live in a society where people just go and kill somebody? Like the Wild West that you had when that went on. That's not how we operate these days. But in this office and all around Arkansas, the prosecutors just follow the law-no matter what public opinion is. "Because we have cases where public opinion is on the other side where, you know, they want to take somebody out and hang them. You know, we don't operate like that. But no, we don't live in the Wild West." ]]> Fallen U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, spent his final hours in Kuwait sending steady updates home to ease his familys fears amid the war with Iran and before silence replaced his messages and uniformed officers arrived at his parents door. Coady, a Drake University student from Des Moines, Iowa, was one of six Army Reserve soldiers killed Saturday in an Iranian drone attack at the Port of Shuaiba in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury, according to the Department of War (DOW). He was the youngest of the fallen soldiers identified by the DOW after enlisting in the Army Reserve in 2023 as an Army information technology specialist. In an emotional interview, his father, Andrew Coady, said the family learned about the casualties shortly after waking up Sunday morning but did not believe Declan was involved because he had spoken to his brother in Italy earlier in the morning. Sgt. Declan Coady and five other U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in a drone attack in Kuwait Sunday. (Fox News) Former Top Gun Pilot Declares Iran Military 'Over With' Amid Us Air Superiority, But Warns Of Another Danger "Declan just was checking in with him, and the reason being is Declan is nine hours ahead of us," Andrew said. "He was two hours ahead of his brother, so he called his brother. Declan had been sending us updates every one to two hours, like, 'Hey, everything's still good. I'm good.' Which goes to show you, you know, he was thinking about us. Like, 'Don't worry about me' and so forth." Read On The Fox News App Based on information the family received, Andrew said Declan's operation center was likely hit shortly after he got off the phone with his brother. "At the time, my wife had sent another message to him and we didn't hear back," Andrew said. "They may not always be able to respond, but I will say most of us started to [worry]. Your gut starts to get a feeling. We go to bed fairly early, so we got ready Sunday night to go to bed, and we had just turned the lights off and went into the bedroom and the doorbell rang at 8 p.m." Andrew Coady and his daughter, Keira, right, talk about his son, Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, outside their home Tuesday, in West Des Moines, Iowa. Red Cross Shares Audio Of Iranian Civilian Explaining Situation On The Ground In Tehran: 'No Respite' Declan's unit deployed to Kuwait in September and was due home in May, according to his father. "There was a request for the role that he could do and fill, that a new unit was coming in and didn't have so many in that slot, and if he'd be willing to extend nine more months," Andrew Coady said. "So, we were discussing that, pros and cons. He hadn't made a decision yet." He reminisced about a conversation with his son, during which Declan told him his previous jobs did not compare to the love he had for service. "But one thing he did say is that, 'You know, I haven't had a lot of jobs, but I've had jobs in the civilian world. And I've been over here for six months, and I work 12-plus hour days. I work six to seven days a week,'" Andrew said. "And he goes, I love it." Advertisement This photo provided by Andrew Coady shows his son, Declan Coady, posing for a photo on the day of his graduation at the U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Sill, Okla. Gofundme For Us Soldier Killed In Iran War Raises More Than $94K His father explained Declan could have continued attending nearby Drake University, where he was studying information systems, cybersecurity and computer science, and was commissioned as an officer after graduating from the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). However, he decided to redeploy with this unit and continue online classes in Kuwait. "He kind of planned it out, that he was adamant, like, 'I'm gonna go with my unit,'" Andrew said. Just a week before the fatal attack, his father said, Declan called him to let him know he was recommended for a promotion from specialist to sergeant, a rank he received posthumously. The fallen service members were identified as Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Neb.; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minn.; Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Fla.; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa. Two additional soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified. Pentagon Identifies Four Soldiers Killed In March 1 Drone Strike During Kuwait Military Operation Declan's sister, Keira Coady, tearfully remembered the day her brother left for Kuwait, showing reporters photos of him with their family's cat. "This was the morning before we dropped him off for him to leave," Keira said. "He was our cat Autumn's favorite. She'd sit in his room while he would game for hours and beg for attention, and he would give it to her. He's 20. He was going to be 21 in two months." Keira Coady talks about her brother, Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa, outside her home Tuesday in West Des Moines, Iowa. Keira said the shock has not yet subsided, explaining, "I still don't fully think it's real." "I didn't think it was real when they told us," Keira said. "I just remember all of our conversations about what he was gonna do when he came back. And, so, I'll just be sitting and thinking about it. It's just, it's really hard. I didn't have the same call this weekend that my dad and like my brother did [with Declan]. I just really wish I got to tell him I love you one more time because he was just so amazing." She added her brother was not one to let his emotions show, but she can imagine his fear on the day of the attack. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "I can't help but think, just, he was my little brother, and he was probably really scared even if he didn't want people to know," Keira said. "I wish he could have known one more time that we all loved him because he was so amazing and kind. He was just like the best little brother you could have." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Army reservist, 20, killed in Iranian drone strike in Kuwait, spent final hours reassuring family: Im good Key Points A significant increase in investments in data centers and nuclear power is fueling demand for engineering and construction services from firms like Fluor. The company has provided construction management services for data centers in India and Europe, and is looking to score a major deal in North America. It was also an early investor in NuScale Power, a developer of small modular nuclear reactors. 10 stocks we like better than Fluor The ongoing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving unprecedented demand for computing power, and hyperscalers are spending heavily to meet it. These projects are massive in scale and complex, requiring significant power and advanced cooling solutions, which align with Fluor's (NYSE: FLR) expertise in executing megaprojects. The company also has a foot in the door on next-generation small modular nuclear reactors through its work with NuScale Power. Here's what investors need to know about Fluor and the long-term investment opportunity. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue Three workers with hard hats in a factory hall. Image source: Getty Images. Fluor's data center and nuclear energy opportunities Last year, Fluor completed the engineering, procurement, and construction management for two co-location data centers in India and is also working on another project in Europe. The company is looking to translate this success into North America by targeting tier-one tech clients (hyperscalers) that are spending massively. In addition, Fluor is positioned across the nuclear industry, which is experiencing a resurgence driven by the need for clean, reliable baseload power to support the grid. The company was an early investor in NuScale Power, accumulating a stake in the small modular reactor company in 2011. Fluor is the only engineering and construction firm with experience in working with NuScale and is currently undertaking front-end engineering and design for the RoPower project in Romania. This project recently received the green light from shareholders of Romanian nuclear operator Nuclearelectrica (a joint owner of RoPower), who have approved the Final Investment Decision, on the condition that it would test one of NuScale's reactors first and move on to the remaining five units if the trial is successful. On top of that, Fluor is part of a joint venture with BWX Technologies called PanTeXas Deterrence, which was awarded the management and operations contract for the Pantex Plant, a U.S. nuclear weapons facility. The joint venture serves as a contractor responsible for the assembly, disassembly, and life-extension programs for the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile to ensure its safety and reliability. The contract is valued up to $30 billion, but because Fluor has a non-controlling interest in the joint venture, it is accounted for as an equity method investment and doesn't appear in the company's backlog, making it a "hidden" source of revenue that provides recurring cash flow over the life of the contract. Advertisement An alternative way to play the data center and nuclear energy boom There are potential risks. For example, while Fluor has data center deals in India and Europe, it has yet to announce any major deals in North America. The company is being highly selective about which projects it will take on and is passing on smaller data center projects that do not meet its new, stricter criteria. In addition, SMRs are still in the early stages of commercialization. For example, NuScale's project in Romania is still very early on, and the success of this technology remains up in the air. That said, Fluor is taking steps to shore up its balance sheet and make its business more resilient. The company is selling its stake in NuScale to raise capital for share repurchases and shifting to reimbursable contracts to protect against project cost overruns. If you're looking to capitalize on the AI and nuclear energy boom, Fluor is an appealing stock to consider today. Should you buy stock in Fluor right now? Before you buy stock in Fluor, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Fluor wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $532,066!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,122,072!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 959% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 193% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of March 6, 2026. Courtney Carlsen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends BWX Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends NuScale Power. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. EL PASO, Texas (AP) The calls to 911 poured in from staff at Camp East Montana in Texas, the nation's largest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility, at a rate of nearly one a day for five months, each its own tale of pain and despair. A man sobs after being assaulted by another detainee. Another bangs his head against the wall after expressing suicidal thoughts. A pregnant woman complained of severe back pain and also had coronavirus. Every day felt like a week. Every week felt like a month. Every month felt like a year, said Owen Ramsingh, a former property manager in Columbia, Missouri, who spent several weeks in the camp before his deportation in February to the Netherlands. Camp East Montana was 1,000% worse than a prison. Fueled by billions of dollars in new funding, ICE operations across the nation have roiled communities, separated families and created a culture of fear in pursuit of President Donald Trump's vow to rid the country of unauthorized migrants. ___ EDITORS NOTE This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. ___ The mass arrests have swelled detention centers and set ICE off on a national chase for space to warehouse those who have been apprehended. Far from the worst of the worst that Trump vowed to deport, the data from ICE show that 80% at the camp had no criminal record and were instead caught up in a far-reaching dragnet. Camp East Montana looks like a pop-up village, with six long tents along a stretch of the Chihuahuan Desert outside El Paso at the U.S. Army base Fort Bliss, once the site of an internment camp for Japanese Americans during World War II. Inside the hastily constructed camp, a series of communal living pods shelter thousands of immigrants in color-coded uniforms and Croc-style shoes. But the stories of the conditions at the facility, revealed in data and recordings from more than a hundred 911 calls obtained by The Associated Press in addition to follow-up interviews and court filings offer a disturbing portrait of overcrowding, medical neglect, malnutrition and emotional distress. The detainees describe a camp where an average of about 3,000 people have lived per day in loud and unsanitary quarters, diseases spread easily and sleep is a luxury. The center will be closed to visitors until at least March 19 because of a measles outbreak, according to U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar. Detainees struggle to obtain medication and health care, lose concerning amounts of weight because of a lack of food, and live in fear of private security guards known to use force to put down disturbances. The ceilings in the windowless tents leak when it rains, and detainees only see sunlight during brief outings once or twice a week to a cramped recreation yard. In an email, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson who did not provide their name rejected claims of subprime conditions, saying Camp East Montana detainees receive food, water and medical treatment in a facility that is regularly cleaned. The agency said Tuesday that normal operations continue at the camp. The Washington Post reported Wednesday that ICE is considering a plan to close it. Detainee says guards bet on suicide Like other detainees, Ramsingh said that between cleanings the rooms, restrooms and showers were often filthy and infested with insects. He said detainees stole others food because everyone was hungry due to the small and sometimes inedible meals, which led to fights, and the conditions took a toll on his mental health. At one point he said he overheard a security guard talking about bets made among the staff over which detainee would be next to die by suicide. The guard said he had paid $500 into a pool, with the total pot riding on the outcome. The talk was particularly jarring, he said, because he had contemplated suicide himself. The DHS spokesperson said Ramsingh's account was false, though provided no indication of how the agency had sought to verify that. Ramsingh said he heard of the betting pool after Jan. 3, when ICE said security guards responded after a 55-year-old Cuban man tried to harm himself and then used handcuffs and force to restrain him. A medical examiner ruled that Geraldo Lunas Camposs death was a homicide caused by asphyxia. On Jan. 14, staff reported that a 36-year-old Nicaraguan man died by suicide days after he was detained while working in Minnesota. In addition to those cases, detainees attempted to harm themselves while expressing suicidal ideations on at least six other occasions that resulted in 911 calls, according to records from the City of El Paso obtained under the Texas public information law. DHS said the facility's medical staff closely monitors at-risk detainees, provides mental health treatment and tries to prevent suicide attempts. Ramsingh was a legal permanent resident brought to the U.S. at age 5, when his Dutch mom married a U.S. service member. He married a U.S. citizen in 2015. But at the age of 45, immigration authorities detained him at Chicago O'Hare airport in September after he flew home from a trip to visit family in the Netherlands. They cited a drug conviction from when he was 16 years old, for which he served prison time decades ago. He was among the first detainees sent to Camp East Montana. Its really mentally draining Other medical emergencies included seizures, chest and heart problems, according to AP's review of 130 calls made after the camp's opening in mid-August through Jan. 20. Its not easy in here, psychologically, said detainee Roland Kusi, 31, who said he fled Cameroon in 2022 to escape political violence. You just keep thinking, like all the time, youre thinking and thinking for a solution. Its really mentally draining. Immigration authorities arrested him in Chicago in September at an appointment with his wife, a member of the Army National Guard, to register their marriage in pursuit of legal residency for him. He was shipped quickly to El Paso. Advertisement A Cuban immigrant in his 50s told the AP he requested to receive his medication for diabetes, high blood pressure and an enlarged prostate during a six-week detention at Camp East Montana, but it never arrived. He spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. Desperate, the man said he once refused to leave living quarters when a cleaning crew came. An immigration official offered him ibuprofen and urged him to consider leaving for another country. He says to me, Look, there are a lot of detainees, we dont have enough for everyone,' he said. The man from ICE says to me, OK, why dont you decide its better to leave? Leave for Mexico, go to Cuba. There you can have your medicine, have your things. Fearing death, the man agreed to self-deport to Mexico to Ciudad Juarez across the international border from his wife and their 11-year-old son in El Paso. Injured detainees range from teenagers to retirees The detainees, mostly male, come from all over the world. Some have lived in the U.S. for decades. The camp is intended for short-term stays before detainees are transferred or deported. The average stay there is only nine days, according to ICE data, but some detainees have been kept for months amid court cases or logistical issues related to deportation. Ramsingh said he got stuck there for weeks after his deportation was ordered because ICE lost his Dutch passport. His personal belongings, including gold jewelry, also went missing. Advocates for detainees and some members of Congress have called for the camps closure, citing inhumane conditions. This facility should not be operational. It feels like this contractor is reinventing the wheel, and people are losing their lives in their experiment, said Escobar, a Democrat from El Paso who has toured the camp several times. She said the facility had temporarily cut its population below 1,900 when she visited last month after cases of measles and tuberculosis were reported. On one visit, a female detainee showed Escobar a meager serving of scrambled eggs that was served still frozen in the middle. She learned that detainees protested after they had stopped receiving juice, fruit and milk with their meals. Escobar also met with a detainee from Ecuador who said his arm had been broken during a violent arrest by immigration agents in Minnesota. Weeks later, he was still pleading for proper medical treatment, and the congresswoman could still see the fractured bones in his forearm poking up under the skin. I asked him, have you asked for help? And he said, I ask every day, all day. And the only thing they give me is aspirin, she recalled. A missing inspection report The Washington Post reported in September that a required ICE inspection found conditions at the facility violated at least 60 federal standards for immigration detention, but that report has never been released publicly. The DHS spokesperson did not explain why but called claims in the Post story false. The spokesperson said ICE's Office of Detention Oversight recently completed an inspection at Camp East Montana, but that report also has not been released. The camp was hastily constructed last summer after the administration awarded a contract now worth up to $1.3 billion to Acquisition Logistics LLC, a Virginia contractor that had previously not operated an ICE facility. The company uses subcontractors at Camp East Montana, including security firm Akima Global Services and medical contractor Loyal Source. Escobar called for an investigation into the contractors, saying they were not delivering the services paid for by taxpayers. People should be moved by the abject cruelty, but if theyre not, I hope theyre moved by the fraud and corruption, she said. Akima didn't respond to messages seeking comment. Loyal Source declined comment. Seizures, fights also reported on calls Most of the 911 calls were made by the camps contract medical staff. At least 20 incidents were reported as seizures, including some that resulted in head trauma. Some injuries stemmed from fights between detainees, including a man who said he had been kicked in the ear and battered in his ribs. Another man reported he could not move his left eye after he had been assaulted the day before. A woman who was 12 weeks pregnant had not received any prenatal care before her arrival at Camp East Montana and was in intense pain, 911 calls revealed. She was among a small number of emergencies involving women, who make up less than 10% of the camps population. The calls also revealed some staff discord. A doctor is heard berating another employee for seeking to take a suicidal detainee back into the detention facility rather than to the emergency room, only to then figure out they had confused two different patients. After one detainee attempted suicide while in an isolation room, a doctor could be heard speaking with a shaken colleague. A security supervisor assured him, the doctor said, that incidents like this shouldn't happen. ___ Foley reported from Iowa City, Iowa, and Biesecker reported from Washington. Australia restaurant fined $40k after children accidentally served insect repellant instead of cranberry juice Credit: 9 News Australia/YouTube; Google Maps NEED TO KNOW Two children were allegedly served bug repellant instead of juice at an Australian restaurant The two children were hospitalized and treatement; owner blames the bartender for negligence The business and its owner were fined a total of $40,000 and has since closed its doors A now-shuttered Italian restaurant in Australia and its former owner have been fined a combined $40,000 after two children were allegedly served insect repellent instead of cranberry juice. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), the incident occurred in June 2024 at Mikys Italian Fusion in the Perth suburb of Crawley. Sisters Hannah and Olivia Lemin, then 11 and 12, were dining with their parents when they complained that their cranberry juice tasted poisoned. It was later determined that a bartender had served the girls a pink-colored citronella torch and lamp oil solution rather than juice. Citronella is commonly used as an insect repellent. Miky's Italian restaurant in Crawley, Australia Credit: Google Maps The young girls parents, Marcus and Michele, said they realized something was wrong when both children immediately spat out the drink. Marcus told the outlet he went to the counter after smelling the liquid and demanded to see the bottle. He alleged a staff member initially claimed it was just old cranberry juice. The family contacted a poison information center and rushed the children to Perth Childrens Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. The girls and their mother were observed for several hours before being discharged. Neither child suffered permanent physical injury. Advertisement Following a Department of Health investigation, the case proceeded to Perth Magistrates Court. Magistrate Donna Webb found that the restaurants former owner, Michele Angiuli, 35, "failed to exercise due diligence" in managing the establishment. According to the ABC report, the court found the business lacked proper food safety supervision and that staff did not hold required food safety certifications despite prior reminders. Angiulis attorney argued the incident was an act of gross negligence by a bartender who had worked at the restaurant for only two weeks and said it was outside his clients control. However, Magistrate Webb said she did not find parts of Angiulis testimony credible and noted he had disposed of the citronella and cranberry juice bottles after the incident. The magistrate found Angiuli guilty of selling unsafe food, though she acknowledged that she likely did not do so knowingly. The court imposed a $20,000 fine on his company and a separate $20,000 fine on Angiuli personally, plus legal fees. Angiuli declined to comment to the media following the ruling. Read the original article on People Charity Beallis and her two children Credit: Facebook NEED TO KNOW Charity Beallis, 40, and her two young children were found fatally shot in their Arkansas home on Dec. 3, 2025, according to police She had filed for divorce from her husband in March of that year Authorities recently released the results of autopsies conducted on the three A mother and her two young children were found shot to death in their Arkansas home a day after attending her final divorce hearing and now, authorities say she killed her two children before taking her own life. On Dec. 3, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., Sebastian County Sheriffs Office deputies found the bodies of Charity Beallis, 40, and her two young children at their home in Bonanza while responding to a call for a welfare check, the sheriffs office said in a news release. All three suffered gunshot wounds. The children were not identified but were born in 2019 and were believed to be about 6 years old, according to online court documents. On Wednesday, March 4, the sheriff's office announced in a statement that autopsies conducted by the Arkansas State Crime Lab concluded the two children died by homicide and Beallis died by suicide. Charity Beallis; Beallis's Bonanza, Ark., mansion Credit: Facebook; 5News/YouTube The subsequent investigation into their deaths revealed that Beallis did not want a divorce from her husband, Dr. Randall Beallis, 57, according to the statement. An examination of the transcripts of the deposition of Mrs. Beallis in the divorce/custody case and the final hearing on the case on 12-2-2025, reveal that she wished to be reconciled to her estranged husband, which did not happen, the sheriffs office said. Mrs. Beallis, after being represented by four different attorneys, represented herself in the contested divorce/custody hearing. At the conclusion of the hearing, Mrs. Beallis was ordered to begin joint custody of her children with her estranged husband," the statement continued. That night, at around 10 p.m., Beallis deactivated the homes security system with her phone, to which she had exclusive access, the sheriffs office said. No doors or windows to the home were opened after she turned the system off, according to information provided by the alarm company, per the statement. Advertisement The investigation also revealed that her estranged husbands Tesla electric vehicle was nowhere near the residence on the night of Dec. 2, 2025. His phones did not ping any of the cell towers near the house, according to the sheriff's office. Beallis filed for divorce from her husband on March 5, 2025, according to online court records first cited by 5News. In a court filing in March reviewed by PEOPLE, Beallis had asked for full custody of her two children and a protective order for herself and the children because her husband had been arrested and charged with domestic violence. He was initially charged with aggravated assault on a family member, third-degree domestic battery and two counts of third-degree endangering the welfare of a minor, online jail records show. Online court documents alleged he choked and caused physical harm to Beallis on Feb. 16, 2025, 5News and KNWA FOX24 reported. Randy Beallis mugshot Credit: Sebastian County Sheriff's Office Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. In October 2025, he pleaded guilty to third-degree battery. He received a 1-year suspended sentence and was ordered to pay $1,500 in fines. He was also ordered to have no contact with his estranged wife or any members of her family unless authorized by a valid court order, PEOPLE previously reported. The two wed in 2015 and stopped living together in February 2025, according to online divorce records. Read the original article on People NEW YORK, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of International Women's Day, L'Oreal Paris global ambassador Gillian Anderson lends her voice in the latest installment of Lessons of Worth, the brand's ongoing series of personal testimonies inspired by the brand's iconic tagline "I'm Worth It." L'Oreal Paris global ambassador Gillian Anderson lends her voice in the latest installment of LOreal Paris Lessons of Worth series. The actress and advocate affirms a powerful truth: a woman's relevance and worth does not diminish with age. Inspired by her message, L'Oreal Paris invites the public to nominate a Woman of Worth, with submissions closing March 8, honoring women who are making a meaningful difference in their communities. Today, 70%1 of women believe they become invisible with age. For Gillian Anderson, joining the Lessons of Worth is an opportunity to challenge this and other stereotypes about aging and womanhood: "The greatest misconception is that a woman over fifty just shouldn't bother. Bother to start dating, bother to start a business, bother to pursue dreams. People often ignore the wisdom and energy we've gained. In reality, this is the time when many women truly find their power and shine. And this is exactly what I want to acknowledge in my Lesson of Worth. Women over 50 are, more than ever, worth it," says Gillian Anderson. Rooted in L'Oreal Paris' longstanding commitment to women's empowerment and self-worth, Lessons of Worth provides a space for L'Oreal Paris ambassadors to share defining experiences that have shaped their confidence and self-belief. These personal reflections invite women everywhere to recognize their intrinsic value and embrace their authentic selves. Anderson joins fellow Lessons of Worth ambassadors including Viola Davis, Jane Fonda, Elle Fanning, and Kendall Jenner in advancing the brand's mission to amplify women's voices, challenge limiting narratives, and build confidence at every age. As a L'Oreal Paris ambassador, Anderson reflects the brand's belief that women deserve to feel confident, celebrated, and self-assured in every chapter of their lives. From The X-Files to The Crown, Sex Education, and Scoop, her career has inspired generations through her portrayals of complex, empowered women. Her work continues to challenge cultural narratives around ambition, experience, equality, and representation. "Gillian Anderson's Lesson of Worth is a powerful reminder to all women that they can be who they want, no matter their age or societal beliefs and expectations. Her message is clear: women are unstoppable! This message perfectly reflects the values at the very heart of L'Oreal Paris' mission," says Laetitia Toupet, Global Brand President, L'Oreal Paris. "More broadly, through the Lessons of Worth and the voices of our inspiring ambassadors, we want to help women take their rightful place in society, whether it is in a lab, on a film set, in the boardroom, or leading at home, and start a wider conversation about the issues that matter to them." For more than 50 years, L'Oreal Paris has championed beauty at every stage of life, fostering confidence and challenging societal preconceptions. Launched in 2020, Lessons of Worth continues to serve as a meaningful platform for the brand to celebrate the many dimensions of women's beauty and identity. Through ambassador stories, the initiative sparks global conversations that drive awareness and impact. Gillian Anderson's Lesson of Worth video testimonial can be found here. To view additional L'Oreal Paris ambassadors' Lessons of Worth video testimonials, visit https://www.lorealparisusa.com/lesson-of-worth. To nominate someone or learn more about L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth, visit WomenofWorth.com. About L'Oreal Paris USA The L'Oreal Paris division of L'Oreal USA, Inc. is a total beauty care brand dedicated to empowering women by offering luxurious and innovative products and services available in the mass market. The brand's signature tagline, "Because I'm Worth It," was born in the United States in 1973 to celebrate the beauty and intrinsic self-worth of women, and for more than 100 years, L'Oreal Paris has been providing women around the world with products in four major beauty categories: hair color, haircare, skincare and cosmetics. For more information about L'Oreal Paris and to receive personalized advice, expert tips, and exclusive content, please visit www.LOrealParisUSA.com or follow on Instagram (@LOrealParis), Twitter (@LOrealParisUSA), Facebook (@LOrealParisUSA) TikTok (@LOrealParisUSA) and Pinterest (@LOrealParisUSA). About L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth For the last 20 years, L'Oreal Paris' signature philanthropic program, Women of Worth has brought to life the brand's iconic tagline, "Because You're Worth It," by championing women whose unwavering resilience, bravery and courage show the power of owning one's worth. Each year, ten founders and leaders of grassroot non-profits are recognized for their work across a breadth of charitable causes to receive charitable funding, mentorship through the L'Oreal Paris network to build their organizations and a national platform to share their story. 1 SOURCES KANTAR CHANGING THE AGE NARRATIVE 2023 12 000 WOMEN 18 TO 75 YO 12 COUNTRIES / PROFILING SENIORS L'OREAL FRANCE 2024 SOURCE L'Oreal Paris Charlize Theron is making her boundaries crystal clear. Following her memorable opening ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the Hollywood star flew straight to France to attend a series of shows at Paris Fashion Week, including the Dior Fall/Winter 2026 show. Amid the celebration, The Old Guard star was spotted leaving a Givenchy boutique. Dressed casually in a white tank top and an oversized denim button-down paired with wide-leg khaki trousers and oversized dark sunglasses, she greeted fans outside the store who were patiently waiting for her autograph. In a video shared by Italian online media and digital platform Whoopsee, the actress was seen autographing a photo presented to her by a fan and said Thank you afterward. Another fan tried to ask Theron for her autograph, but she refused. No, you've got many, she said. When a different person made the same request, the Mad Max star again declined, adding, No. You sell them. As she entered her van, she addressed the crowd one last time: Only real fans. Following her bold gesture, fans expressed their full support for the actress. Good job he doesn't sign autographs to jack one wrote. "No, you've got many, you sell them! Only real things!" Grande Charlize! E bellissima, a follower said. Advertisement Class act, a commenter added. Charlize Theron at the "Palm Royale" Season 2 Finale Event in 2026Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images) (Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)) This isn't the first time that a celebrity refused to sign autographs for fans. Notable personalities like Paul McCartney of The Beatles, Joaquin Phoenix, Billie Eilish and athletes like LeBron James have all been selective about autograph requests. Some famous individuals do this to prevent items from being quickly resold at high prices as well as to protect their privacy and safety. To recall, McCartney once addressed this incident during his interview with Reader's Digest. It always struck me as a bit strange, he said, as cited by Loudwire, adding, "Here, can I write your name down on the back of this till receipt, please?' Why? We both know who I am." Apart from autographs, he also expressed discomfort with taking selfies with him. "What you've usually got is a ropey photo with a poor backdrop and me looking a bit miserable, he explained. Instead of that, he offered, "Let's chat, let's exchange stories." On the other hand, Therons candid gesture, as well as those of other celebrities, serve as a reminder that even A-list stars value genuine fan connection over opportunistic requests. Related: Chinese Skier Eileen Gus Winged Gown Steals the Show in Paris This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Smoke rises following a drone explosion at the airport of Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released March 5, 2026. Social Media/via REUTERS BAKU, March 6 (Reuters) - Azerbaijan is evacuating its diplomats from Iran for their own safety, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said on Friday, a day after Baku said four Iranian drones had crossed its border and injured four people in the Nakhchivan exclave. Speaking at a news conference in Baku, Bayramov said that Azerbaijan was evacuating employees from its embassy in Tehran and its consulate general in Tabriz, the largest city in Iran's northwest, where many ethnic Azerbaijanis live. "On the orders of President Ilham Aliyev, instructions have been given to evacuate our embassy in Tehran and the consulate general in Tabriz from Iran, and these instructions are already being implemented. We cannot put the lives of our people at risk," he said. Advertisement Azerbaijan reacted angrily on Thursday to what it said was an incursion by Iranian drones into its Nakhchivan exclave, with President Aliyev threatening retaliation. Iran said it had not launched the drones. The two countries have long had tense relations, with Azerbaijan's close relations with Israel drawing Tehran's ire. Azerbaijan shares a majority Shi'ite Islamic faith with Iran, but its government is firmly secular. (Reporting by Nailia Bagirova; Writing by Gleb Stolyarov; Editing by Andrew Osborn) EXPRESS: Bahrain's key oil refinery BAPCO in flames after 'Iranian ballistic missile attack' A major oil refinery in Bahrain was attacked with an Iranian ballistic missile as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies. Large orange bursts of fire could be seen burning in the sky in a harrowing video shared on social media. In the wake of the joint U.S.-Israel attack in Iran over the weekend, Tehran has been targeting key locations in the Middle East. On Wednesday, Tehran vowed to completely destroy the economic infrastructure of the Middle East. "The continued mischief and deception by the United States in the region will come at the cost of the complete destruction of the region's military and economic infrastructure," said Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Without evidence, the guard alleged that the U.S. military was using "civilian facilities... as cover." Sirens were heard in Bahrain before the attack, warning of the incoming missile from Iran. Video shared on social media showed the impact of the blast on the oil refinery. The BAPCO facility is Bahrain's main refinery in Sitra, and a key energy facility in the Gulf. It produces roughly 380,000 to 400,000 barrels of oil per day. Advertisement Oil prices on the rise It's unclear when the conflict in Iran will end, but in the meantime, oil and gas prices continue to soar in the U.S. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted amid the war. Shipments along the route account for about one-fifth of the oil consumed globally and about 20% of the world's liquefied natural gas. The IRGC declared on Monday that the strait was "closed" and any vessel that tried to pass through would be set "ablaze." The U.S.-flagged product tanker, Stena Imperative, was damaged by "aerial impacts" while in the Middle East Gulf. A shipyard worker was killed in the impact. Iran has been targeting key pieces of infrastructure in the Middle East (Image: ghostinvoid/X) Meanwhile, attacks on energy infrastructure in Gulf countries have also affected operations. Qatar's state-run energy firm, QatarEnergy, announced that it had halted LNG production following Iranian attacks on its operational facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. Saudi Arabia ended operations at its Ras Tanura plant, its largest domestic oil refinery, which was operated by Saudi Aramco. A fire broke out at the facility, which officials said was caused by debris from the interception of two Iranian drones. "The attack on Aramco was an Israeli false flag operation," an unnamed Iranian source told the Tasnim news agency. The source added that Israel's goal was "to distract the minds of regional countries from its crimes in attacking civilian sites in Iran." "Iran has announced frankly that it will target all American and Israeli interests, installations and facilities in the region, and has attacked many of them so far, but Aramco facilities have not been among the targets of Iranian attacks so far," the source said. ]]> Bernard LaFayette, the advance man who did the risky groundwork for the voter registration campaign in Selma, Alabama, that culminated in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, has died, according to the Associated Press. Bernard LaFayette, III, said his father died Thursday morning of a heart attack. He was 85. Bernard Lafayette speaks onstage during (Maury Phillips / Getty Images) On March 7, 1965, the beating of future congressman John Lewis and voting rights marchers on Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge led the evening news, shocking the nation's conscience and pushing Congress to act. But two years before "Bloody Sunday," it was LaFayette who quietly set the stage for Selma and the advances in voting rights that would follow. LaFayette was one of a delegation of Nashville students who in 1960 had helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which organized desegregation and voting rights campaigns across the South. SNCC crossed Selma off its map after some initial scouting determined "the White folks were too mean and the Black folks were too scared," LaFayette said. But he insisted on trying anyway. Named director of the Alabama Voter Registration Campaign in 1963, LaFayette moved to the town and, with his former wife Colia Liddell, gradually built the leadership capacity of the local people, convincing them change was possible and creating momentum that could not be stopped. He described this work in a 2013 memoir, "In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma." The many dangers LaFayette faced included an assassination attempt on the same night Medgar Evers was murdered in Mississippi, in what the FBI said was a conspiracy to kill civil rights workers. LaFayette was beaten outside his home before his assailant pointed a gun at him. His calls for help brought out a neighbor with a rifle. LaFayette found himself standing between the two men, asking his neighbor not to shoot. LaFayette said he felt "an extraordinary sense of internal strength instead of fear" at that moment. Rather than fight back, he looked his attacker in the eyes. Nonviolence is a fight "to win that person over, a struggle of the human spirit," he wrote. He also acknowledged that his neighbor's gun may have been what saved his life. LaFayette was already working on a new project in Chicago by the time his work in Selma came to fruition in 1965. He had planned to join the Selma-to-Montgomery march on day two, so he missed Bloody Sunday when the march was stopped by tear gas and club-wielding state troopers before it even got out of Selma. "I felt helpless at a distance," he wrote. "I was stricken with grief, concerned that so many people in my beloved community were hurt, possibly killed." But he shifted quickly, rounding up people in Chicago and arranging transport to Alabama for a second attempt. They set off two weeks later on what had become a victory march: President Lyndon Johnson had introduced the Voting Rights Act to Congress. LaFayette grew up in Tampa, Florida, where he recalled trying to board a trolley with his grandmother when he was 7 years old. Black passengers had to pay at the front, then walk to the back to climb on. But the conductor began to pull away before they could board, and his grandmother fell. He was too little to help. "I felt like a sword cut me in half, and I vowed I would do something about this problem one day," he wrote in his memoir. It was his grandmother who decided he was destined to become a preacher. She arranged for him to attend Nashville's American Baptist Theological Seminary, now American Baptist College, where he roomed with Lewis, and both helped lead the nonviolent civil disobedience campaign that led to Nashville becoming the first major southern city to desegregate its downtown accommodations. Former President Barack Obama spoke about the roommates in a eulogy after Lewis died in 2020, recalling how they integrated a Greyhound bus while riding home for Christmas break (Lewis to Troy, Alabama, and LaFayette to Tampa, Florida) just weeks after the Supreme Court banned segregation in interstate travel in 1960. The two sat up front and refused to move, angering the driver, who stormed off at every stop, all through the night. "Imagine the courage of these two people...to challenge an entire infrastructure of oppression," Obama said. "Nobody was there to protect them. There were no camera crews to record events." LaFayette has said they didn't fully realize the impact of all this work at the time. "We lived through this, but this was our daily lives," he told the AP in a 2021 interview. "When you think about it, we weren't trying to make history or trying to rewrite history. We were responding to the problems of the particular time." Advertisement In 1961, LaFayette dropped out of college in the middle of final exams to join an official Freedom Ride, one of many that sought to force Southern authorities to comply with the court's ruling. He was beaten in Montgomery, Alabama, and arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, becoming one of more than 300 Freedom Riders sent to Parchman Prison. LaFayette later trained Black youth to become leaders in the Chicago Freedom Movement and helped organize tenant unions. View of American Civil Rights activist Bernard Lafayette Jr. during a Freedom Riders planning session, Montgomery, Alabama, May 1961. He holds a pen in one hand and a copy of Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary in the other. / Credit: Lee Lockwood / WSPI / Getty Images "The tenant protections we have today are really a direct outcome of that work in Chicago," said Mary Lou Finley, a professor emeritus at Antioch University Seattle who worked with LaFayette in Chicago in the 1960s. And when he learned that one of his secretaries had two children sickened by lead a huge problem that was not well understood at the time Lafayette organized high school students to screen toddlers for lead poisoning by collecting urine samples, and prodded Chicago to help develop the nation's first mass screening for lead poisoning, Finley said. "Bernard has always worked quietly behind the scenes," said Finley, who later collaborated with LaFayette on nonviolence training. "He has avoided the spotlight. In some ways, I think he felt like he could do more if he were doing it quietly." LaFayette also worked alongside Andrew Young and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to prepare for the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s ill-fated Northern campaign. Several of King's marches were attacked by White mobs, but LaFayette and Young challenged the notion that the Chicago movement was a failure. Young noted in a 2021 interview that in Chicago, they were trying to organize a population 20 times larger than Birmingham, while pursuing a range of difficult issues, from neighborhood integration to the quality of schools and jobs. "In each one of those we made progress," Young said. By 1968, LaFayette was the national coordinator of the King's Poor People's Campaign and was with King at the Lorraine Motel on the morning of his assassination. King's last words to him were about the need to institutionalize and internationalize the nonviolence movement. "Martin Luther King said, 'Now Bernard, the next thing we have to do, the next movement is to institutionalize and to internationalize nonviolence,'" LaFayette told CBS News in a 2015 interview in Selma. LaFayette made this his life's mission. "Their purpose was to silence Martin Luther King, his voice," LaFayette told CBS News. "But we can hear it everywhere we go. And that's what my life was devoted to and has been and is now." After King died, LaFayette returned to American Baptist to complete his bachelor's degree and then earned a master's and doctorate from Harvard University. LaFayette later served as director of Peace and Justice in Latin America; chairperson of the Consortium on Peace Research, Education and Development; director of the Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies at the University of Rhode Island; distinguished senior scholar-in-residence at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, Atlanta; and minister of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Tuskegee, Alabama, among other positions. "Bernard did work in Latin American with violent groups there. He did nonviolence workshops in South Africa with the African National Congress. He went to Nigeria when the civil war was happening there," Young said. "Bernard literally went everywhere he was invited as sort of a global prophet of nonviolence." DeMark Liggins, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, said Thursday that LaFayette's, "legacy lives in the thousands if not hundreds of thousands of people he helped both in America and abroad." In his memoir, Lafayette wrote that the ever-present threat of death during those early years of organizing taught him that the value of life "lies not in longevity, but in what people do to give it significance." Noem aide Corey Lewandowski had contentious call with Trump after Senate hearing, sources say Watch: Kristi Noem speaks minutes after Trump announces he's removing her as DHS secretary Watch: Lawmaker plays videos of harsh Minnesota ICE arrests at Noem hearing A damaged building after an Israeli strike, following renewed hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Beirut, Lebanon, March 6, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Stringer By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, March 6 (Reuters) - Large-scale evacuation orders issued by the Israeli army for southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs raise serious concerns under international law, the U.N. human rights chief said on Friday. "These blanket, massive displacement orders we are talking here about hundreds and thousands of people," said United Nations human rights chief, Volker Turk. "This raises serious concern under international humanitarian law, and in particular when it comes to issues around forced transfer," he added. Israel carried out heavy airstrikes on the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut overnight after ordering its residents to leave, while the Iran-backed group warned Israelis to leave towns and villages at the frontier. On Thursday, an Israeli military spokesperson told residents of the southern suburbs to move east and north, posting a map showing four large districts of the capital he said they must leave, including areas adjacent to Beirut's airport. Advertisement Lebanon was pulled into the war in the Middle East on Monday when Hezbollah opened fire, triggering a new Israeli offensive, with airstrikes focused on Beirut's southern suburbs and on southern and eastern Lebanon. "Lebanon is becoming a key flashpoint. I'm extremely concerned and worried about the latest developments," Turk said in Geneva following the firing of rockets into Israel by Hezbollah and the Israeli army's strong response in recent days. Hezbollah, in a message published in Hebrew on its Telegram channel early on Friday, warned Israelis to leave towns within 5 km (3 miles) of the border. During fighting between Hezbollah and Israel in 2024, tens of thousands of Israelis were evacuated from towns in the border area, but many have since returned. Israeli officials have previously said there are no plans to remove them for now. "The world urgently needs to see steps to contain the Middle East crisis," Turk added. (Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Friederike Heine and Thomas Derpinghaus) FILE - Fishermen work in front of oil tankers south of the Strait of Hormuz Jan. 19, 2012, offshore the town of Ras Al Khaimah in United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File) FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) The U.S. Treasury Department's decision to allow India to buy Russian oil for 30 days underscores a boost for Moscow's fortunes against the backdrop of the Iran war as Russias oil exports help Kremlin pay for its own war on Ukraine. The Treasury Department this week said India can keep buying crude oil and petroleum products from Russia for a month, until April 4. That measure is aimed at helping ease upward pressure on oil prices that affect gasoline costs for U.S. consumers. But it also underlines how the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran is tightening the markets for oil and gas including Russia's crude. A complex mix of oil, tariffs and 2 wars China and India became Russias biggest customers for oil after Moscow's full-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 provoked a boycott by the European Union, formerly the biggest importer from Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump had slapped 25% tariffs on India for continuing to purchase Russian oil. Indian oil imports from Russia diminished after Trump dropped the tariff Feb. 6 in return for what he said was a promise to stop buying Russian oil. On Friday, international benchmark Brent crude rose to $89 per barrel, up from just under $73 a week ago, on the eve of the new war in the Middle East. Russias Urals blend export hit $70, up from below $40 as recently as December. The widening war in Iran and the risk of Iranian drone or missile attacks has shut down almost all tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the only sea passage out of Persian Gulf and the conduit for 20% of the world economys oil needs. Tankers traveling through the strait, which is bordered in the north by Iran, carry oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Now nothing is going through. Soaring oil prices after the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz oil chokepoint have meant at least a temporary reversal of fortune for Russias fossil fuel revenues. That revenue had dwindled due to previously weak global prices and tightening Western sanctions on Russias shadow fleet of tankers with obscure ownership used to evade a price cap imposed by the Group of Seven democracies, as well as sanctions against Russias two biggest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. A welcome waiver In granting a month's reprieve to India, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the 30-day period would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only applied to Russian oil stranded on tankers after no customer could be found. Analysts estimated that could be some 125 million barrels of crude. Advertisement This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Irans attempt to take global energy hostage, Bessent said on X. Russian oil still trades at a considerable discount to international benchmark Brent. However, Russian crude is now well above the benchmark of $59 per barrel that was assumed in the Russian Finance Ministrys budget plan for 2026. Oil and gas tax revenues can amount to 20% to 30% of the Russian federal budget. Tax is based on the price of oil once Russian producers have covered their costs of around $15 per barrel, so a fall in the price can substantially reduce revenue to the government. Additionally, the halt in production of ship-borne liquefied natural gas, or LNG, by major supplier Qatar suspended after an Iranian drone strike on Qatars largest LNG plant early on in the Iran war will sharply increase global competition for available cargoes, including those from Russia. Prices for future delivery of natural gas have soared in Europe, raising questions about the EU's plans to halt its remaining imports of Russian gas by 2027. An unpredictable future Much depends on how long the war with Iran lasts. In the first week, the effects of the conflict that began with the United States and Israels Feb. 28 strikes on Iran are widening and now encompass more than a dozen countries. Oil market analysts say that if it ends within a week or two, oil prices could quickly fall to prewar levels around $65 per barrel and Russia would see little benefit. However, a longer conflict one that leaves long-term damage to oil fields, pipelines and terminals in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE and Kuwait, and sends oil prices over $100 per barrel could deliver a lasting windfall to Russia. Russia had seen state oil and gas revenue fall to a four-year low of 393 billion rubles ($5 billion) in January and the budget shortfall of 1.7 trillion rubles ($21.8 billion) for that month was the biggest on record, according to Finance Ministry figures. Economic growth has stagnated as massive military spending has leveled off. As oil and gas revenues to the state budget fell, President Vladimir Putin has resorted to tax increases and increased borrowing from compliant domestic banks to keep state finances on an even keel in the fifth year of the war. Asked about the waiver, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted the increased demand on Russian oil amid the Mideast war and said that India and China are guided by their national interests, and we do the same. We continue our cooperation, including the energy field and energy trade, with India and China, Peskov said. We note a significant increase in demand for Russian energy resources in connection with the Iran war," he added. "Russia has been a reliable supplier of oil and gas. It can guarantee all contracted supplies. Getty / Backgrid Composite The BMW Britney Spears was driving when she was arrested on suspicion of DUI last night has been picked up from the impound lot, TMZ has learned. TMZ obtained photos of the car being driven -- not by Britney -- from the lot after it was held overnight. Advertisement Backgrid We broke the story ... Britney was pulled over by California Highway Patrol officers around 9:30 PM Wednesday in Westlake Village, California, not far from her home. We're told she was alone in the car when officers initiated the stop. Our sources said she was transported to a hospital so officers could draw her blood to determine her blood alcohol content. We were told she didn't sustain any injuries, and the hospital visit was strictly for BAC testing purposes. Backgrid After the hospital visit, Britney was booked at the Ventura County Jail around 3 AM Thursday. She was released a few hours later, around 6 AM. She's due in court on May 4. Britney Spears could potentially face serious consequences after her DUI arrest. The 44-year-old Princess of Pop allegedly had Adderall pills in her possession when California Highway Patrol arrested her for driving under the influence on the night of Wednesday, March 4, in Ventura, California, according to sources that spoke to TMZ. The outlet claimed the pills are currently being tested for other substances, and if they are laced, she could do jail time. As for how the Toxic hitmaker got the pills, TMZ reported she obtained them while on a trip to Mexico. Advertisement As Star previously reported, dispatched audio obtained by Page Six revealed the Grammy Award winner was driving a 2026 black BMW convertible, swerving in and out of lanes, and speeding. After being taken into police custody on Wednesday evening, Spears who was in a conservatorship from 2008 to 2021 was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail and subsequently released Thursday morning around 6 a.m., per TMZ. This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable. Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britneys life, a representative for Spears told Star. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time. Her boys are going to be spending time with her, the rep added, referring to her sons Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden James, 19, who she shares with ex-husband Kevin Federline. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being. Read More From Star This story Britney Spears Could Face Jail Time Depending on the Contents of Pills Allegedly Found During DUI Arrest first appeared on Star. Add Star as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The head of a vicious Mexican cartel has been cut down and replaced with an American with a $5 million bounty on his head! Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) jefe Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera Cervantes was killed by Mexican special forces trained by American Navy SEALs on Feb. 22, but before the dirt can harden on his grave, California-born Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez has already reportedly taken control of his bloody $20 billion operation, per New York Post. Law enforcement experts say the violent career criminal is the stepson of the slain kingpin who has the backing of his powerful mother, Rosalinda La Jefa Gonzalez Valencia, who happened to be married to the slain drug lord. Known as El Pelon, or El 03, Gonzalez, 42, who is from Santa Ana, Calif., moved into position to take over for his stepfather after El Menchos brother Antonio Oseguera Cervantes was taken into U.S. custody last year and his son Ruben Oseguera-Gonzalez was sentenced to life plus 30 years for drug trafficking. Officials say he was a key member of a strategic circle that facilitated the cartels massive trafficking of drugs into the United States. Advertisement Sources say Mexican cartel bosses often have family members who are American citizens, says Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera, professor and co-director of the Terrorism and Transnational Crime and Corruption Center at George Mason University. Some of the so-called cartel members send their families or family members to the United States, their sons and daughters, she says. We saw that with Chapo Guzman. Sometimes, they are born in the United States. In 2020, U.S. authorities formally charged El Pelon with drug distribution conspiracy, use of firearms and other federal offenses, according to Merca2.0. The massive reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction was issued the same year after an investigation found he was responsible for making and selling tons of narcotics and being the mastermind behind a string of violent crimes since 2007. State Department officials say he has played a key role in the armed operations and violent actions of CJNG, which boasts between 15,000 and 20,000 members and is officially branded as a foreign terrorist organization. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel is considered one of the key competitors of the Sinaloa Cartel and generates billions of dollars annually through drug trafficking, extortion and other crimes. El Menchos death has set off an unprecedented wave of violence throughout Mexico, with cartel fighters bringing the countrys second-largest city, Jaliscos state capital, Guadalajara, to a frightening standstill and leaving stranded tourists many of them Americans hunkering down in fear. Read More From National Enquirer This story California-Born Career Criminal Takes Control of Mexican Cartel Following Death of El Mencho first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Footage captured a bizarre incident that unfolded in California Wednesday morning when an armed suspect surrendered to SWAT teams while wearing everything but pants. The incident occurred in a Santa Clarita neighborhood after the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department (LASD) received reports of a man firing a gun in a school zone before barricading himself inside a home. The suspect was experiencing a mental health crisis, Fox 11 Los Angeles reported. During the response, several nearby schools were temporarily placed on a soft lockdown, the Saugus Union School District told Fox News Digital Thursday. No injuries were reported, and students remained safe throughout the incident. "Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) personnel are responding to assist Santa Clarita Station with a barricaded armed suspect," the LASD said in a community alert, referring to its specialized tactical units. Waymo Autonomous Car Blocks Ambulance Crew Responding To Deadly Austin Mass Shooting A half-naked man surrendered to the authorities on Wednesday after allegedly opening fire in a school zone in Santa Clarita. (Fox News) "The suspect was arrested for illegally discharging a firearm within a school zone," LASD added in a statement to Fox News Digital Thursday. Read On The Fox News App Upon arrival, authorities, including deputies, SWAT personnel and a crisis negotiation team, set up a perimeter and attempted to "make contact with the suspect to bring this to a peaceful conclusion," police said. Video captured by SkyFOX showed SWAT teams evacuating residents from the home as firefighters were placed on standby. Advertisement Images also showed a gun left in the front yard, suggesting it may have been set aside after the suspect initially opened fire. Ice Officer Shoots Illegal Immigrant During Phoenix Traffic Stop Gone Wrong, Both Hospitalized SWAT personnel continued searching a home after arresting a suspect. Authorities said the suspect barricaded himself inside a home for roughly two hours before emerging. "After approximately two hours, the suspect exited the residence and surrendered to the arrest team without further incident," they said. Footage showed the suspect walking out of the property wearing a hat, shirt and socks but no pants. As the half-naked man approached authorities, a pair of red bottoms appeared to trail from one ankle. Click Here To Download The Fox News App SWAT personnel escort a suspect to a tactical vehicle in Santa Clarita March 4, 2026. After he was arrested, the SWAT team continued searching the home, and the lockdown was lifted. The school district confirmed that the sheriff requested Foster Elementary, located several blocks away, be placed on a soft lockdown. Several other schools in the community also voluntarily went into lockdown out of an abundance of caution, citing "an incident on a nearby street involving gun fire." Original article source: California man allegedly fires gun near school zone, barricades in home before surrendering to SWAT pantless WILMINGTON, Del., March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Valcare Medical, Inc., a pioneer in transcatheter mitral valve repair solutions, today announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Jeffrey B. Jump and Jacques Seguin, MD, PhD. These renowned experts in the structural heart and medical device industry will strengthen the Board's expertise and provide strategic guidance as the company advances enrollment in its AMEND TS Early Feasibility Study (EFS) and prepares for subsequent clinical trials. The AMEND Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVr) Annuloplasty System delivers a closed, D-shaped, semi-rigid annuloplasty ring via a percutaneous approach. Designed to replicate the anatomical remodeling and proven outcomes of traditional surgical annuloplasty, the gold standard in open-heart mitral valve repair, the AMEND System uniquely preserves options for future interventions if needed, distinguishing it from other transcatheter technologies. "We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional industry leaders to our Board," said Steve Sandweg, CEO of Valcare Medical. "Their deep expertise in structural heart innovation, clinical development, and commercialization will be invaluable as we progress our clinical programs and drive toward transforming treatment for patients suffering from severe mitral regurgitation." Valcare Medical Board of Directors Jeffrey B. Jump, a veteran medical device executive with over 45 years of international experience and 20 years at the board level. He most recently founded and served as Chairman and CEO of MedAlliance, sold to Cordis for $1.2 billion. He previously led publicly listed Biosensors International as CEO for 13 years, growing it from startup to the world's fourth-largest cardiac drug-eluting stent supplier, while also serving as President and Board Director. Jump currently chairs Casper Medical, TexRay, and Transluminal/Circlage, and serves on the boards of Valcare Medical and Compahya SA. Jacques Seguin MD, PhD, Professor of Cardiac Surgery at Paris University, was responsible for developing the self-expandable TAVR procedure "CoreValve", a company he founded and headed which was subsequently acquired by Medtronic in 2009. After that, he was founder at ReCor Medical, a renal denervation company acquired by the Japanese company Otsuka in 2018. Jacques is currently founder, investor and board member of many innovative medtech companies. Chris Richardson, has over 30 years of experience in the medical device industry, and an extensive record of successfully leading medtech startups from clinical study phase through regulatory approval, commercial launch, and acquisition. Prior to joining the Valcare Medical Board, Richardson served as President and CEO of Keystone Heart which was acquired by Venus Medtech in 2018. He also served as International President and Chief Commercial Officer of Direct Flow Medical, a transcatheter aortic valve company, and General Manager of Evalve (MitraClip), which was acquired by Abbott Vascular in 2009. Alessandro Piga, Co-Founder and Managing Director of TechWald Holding S.p.A., serves as Executive Chairman of the Board. At TechWald, Alessandro focuses on investments in high-potential early-stage MedTech companies. With more than 40 years extensive leadership experience across Fortune 500 medical device firms - such as Johnson & Johnson, St. Jude Medical, and W. L. Gore - including roles as CEO, General Manager, and Country Manager, he brings proven board and executive insight to Valcare Medical. Steve Sandweg, CEO of Valcare Medical, contributes over 30 years of sales leadership and commercial experience in cardiovascular and structural heart technologies. His career includes progressively senior roles at Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Direct Flow Medical, Keystone Heart, and EBR Systems, where he most recently served as General Manager and Chief Commercial Officer, respectively. About the AMEND TS Early Feasibility Study The AMEND TS EFS (NCT06951672) is a prospective, single-arm study assessing the safety and performance of the AMEND Transseptal System in patients with symptomatic moderate-to-severe (3+) or severe (4+) functional mitral regurgitation who are suitable for transcatheter annuloplasty. The study plans to enroll fifteen patients across seven U.S. investigational sites. About Valcare Medical Valcare Medical, Inc. is dedicated to revolutionizing mitral regurgitation treatment by delivering transcatheter solutions that match the efficacy and durability of surgical annuloplasty while eliminating the risks of open-heart surgery. The company's flagship investigational AMEND Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Annuloplasty System is designed to restore normal mitral valve geometry and function via a percutaneous approach. Valcare Medical is a privately held company headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. For more information, visit www.valcaremedical.com or follow us on LinkedIn. CAUTION: The Valcare AMEND System is an investigational device. Limited by Federal (U.S.) law to investigational use only. Not available for sale. For further information, please contact [email protected] SOURCE Valcare Medical Agnes Berry, who turns 100 on March 8, 2026, is a beloved educator and trailblazer in Leesburg. She's the mother of Leesburg's mayor, Allyson Berry, the first African-American female mayor to represent the city, and was the first teacher to establish a kindergarten for African-American children. Agnes, with her husband, L.J. Berry, and other community stakeholders, organized the West Leesburg Community Development Corporation (CDC). The organization worked with the city government to improve the Carver Heights neighborhood, paved roads, sidewalks, additional street lights and underground utilities. It's only fitting that Ms. Agnes' birthday is in March, Women's History Month. As the United Way of Lake Sumter once wrote, "Agnes Berry is Lake County Women's History." The Leesburg matriarch will be celebrated with a party on March 8 in downtown Leesburg. In 2016, Agnes Berry, who turns 100 on March 8, 2026, was celebrated by her children and family for her 90th birthday. Last week, the Daily Commercial visited the Berry household last week. Mayor Berry shared photos, awards and clippings, showing her mother's life of service and devotion to her family, church and community. Agnes talked about the two-year courtship and 56-year marriage to the late L.J. Berry. Then, she treated us by playing the piano and singing a gospel tune, "I'm on a Battlefield for My Lord." She still plays the piano daily. A life well-lived The youngest of seven children, Agnes was born and grew up in Clifton Forge, Virginia, a town in Alleghany County, in the greater Roanoke region. Her father, who died when she was 4 years old, founded Clifton Forge's First Baptist Church, which continues to host services today. At age 20, Agnes had already graduated from Storer College and began teaching fifth grade. L.J., who was originally from Leesburg, accepted his first teaching job at the school where Agnes worked. Agnes said of her husband, "He came to Clifton Forge to teach high school industrial arts. He was really friendly. ... I noticed that he would pass my classroom and peek inside. My older sister lived right across the street from the school. Her husband loved sports, so did L.J., and they became fast friends. As my sister suffered from asthma, long before inhalers were invented, I would check on her daily and would see L. J. there." Eventually, L.J. asked Agnes out on movie dates. He would just hold her hand to cross the road and let go once on the other side. There was no romance. Agnes Berry, who turns 100 on March 8, 2026, in her younger years. "I wasn't interested in him," Agnes said matter-of-factly. "He was just a nice, polite man, a nice friend. He was just a gentle friend." Eventually, there were sparks, and the courtship began. In 1952, L.J. was offered a job teaching at Carver Heights High School in Leesburg. However, he did not want to leave his new love. "He said that the schools in Florida paid much better salaries than the schools there in Virginia, and I said, 'Oh, wow. You mean to tell me you're going to turn down this opportunity to go home to your family and friends and to earn much more money? What in the world are you thinking about? You're crazy, boy! You need to go home.' " Agnes lowered her voice each time she quoted her husband. Meanwhile, Mayor Berry is quietly chuckling from the other side of the room. Just before his return to Leesburg... "I was sitting on the rocking chair," Agnes continued, "on the front porch. He was in the swing. He asked me to marry him. "When he said that, I flew back in that rocking chair, and my feet flew up in front of me. I said, 'I am sorry, but this is crazy. And what makes you think I want to get married? If I wanted to do that, my first boyfriend and I could have been married much earlier.' So, I said, 'Well, thank you...I'm going inside because I've got some things I need to do. See you tomorrow at school. Bye.' " It was Agnes' mother who persuaded her to marry him. She told Agnes he was a man with a "sound mind," and that's very important when choosing a partner and father of your children. "Well, I obviously accepted the proposal," she said. Mayor Berry laughed out loud and shook her head. From Virginia to Leesburg L.J. wrote letters, called Agnes often, and they planned a wedding for June 1953. When he returned to his job in Leesburg, Agnes remained in Clifton Forge, taking care of her mother. Advertisement Nowadays, Mayor Berry has followed in her mother's footsteps, taking care of her mother while fulfilling duties for the city commission A community award given to Agnes Berry, who turns 100 on March 8, 2026. Back to Agnes' story: L.J. would visit as often as possible. Those visits led to the birth of their first child, Loni, in late 1954. Agnes' mother passed shortly thereafter. Agnes finished out her school year and moved to Leesburg in June 1955. L.J. loved to surprise Agnes, and one of his biggest reveals was their Leesburg home, which he had built in Carver Heights, where she continues to live today. Over the next 10 years, their three daughters, Stephanie, Candace and Allyson, completed the family. Sadly, L.J. died in 2009. Agnes recalls her early experiences in Leesburg. One of the most startling realizations was the overt racism, very different from how she grew up. "We were expected to step off the sidewalk to let Whites pass. Segregation was really horrible." Agnes Berry, who turns 100 on March 8, 2026, continues to play the piano daily. She taught piano lessons and played organ for her church's choir. Shortly after she arrived in Leesburg, she was approached by several friends about starting a kindergarten, as there was nothing of the sort for Black children. "So, I said, 'I think I could.' ... That evening, when my husband came home, I told him about it. He said, 'You want to do it? I said, 'Yes. The sooner they get some education, the better off they'll be.' And he said, 'Okay.' " In 1955, Agnes started Leesburg's first Black kindergarten program in her home in Carver Heights. The original name was Tiny Tots, but changed to Joyland Kindergarten shortly thereafter. During that time, Agnes also taught piano lessons at home, on the same piano she continues to play. She also was church pianist at St. Paul AME Church for more than 40 years. Agnes recalled yet another surprise from L.J., who was building a duplex on Douglas Street. One day, he took her to see the completed structure and announced, "This is your kindergarten." Added Mayor Berry: "He was always surprising her. It was always something." Agnes Berry, who turns 100 on March 8, 2026, shared this photo of her father (third from right in top hat) who was the pastor the First Baptist Church church he founded in Clifton Forge, Virginia, around the time she was born in the late 1920s. The church still conducts services today. The kindergarten continued there until 1968, when the federal government forced the South to comply with the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education ruling. This was the end of Joyland Kindergarten, as kindergarten was part of the public school system. Agnes, too, joined the integration edict by teaching fifth grade at Rimes Elementary School. After one year, she joined Skeen Elementary School, where she remained until her retirement in 1996. Mayor Berry was the only child of Agnes' who didn't attend school during segregation. She began kindergarten after schools were integrated. A life of service Agnes' work in the community continued into her 90s, which led to her being named Leesburg's Citizen of the Year (2003), and an induction in the Lake County Women's Hall of Fame (2010). Under her leadership, The West Leesburg CDC pioneered Leesburg's first Juneteenth Festival. Nearby the family home, the city named the L.J. and Agnes Berry Park in honor of their contributions to Leesburg, Lake County, local education and civil rights. Agnes Berry, who turns 100 on March 8, 2026, in 1988. Agnes' children are inviting the entire city of Leesburg to join the March 8 celebration. It will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at Leesburg's Towne Hall Square, 501 W. Meadows St., Leesburg. The event will include a mini parade, performances by local stars, and an appearance by celebrity Kym Whitley. Instead of gifts, donations may be made to the L. J. & Agnes Berry Scholarship Fund. Thanks to the Berry family for their contributions to this story. This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: A life well lived, Agnes Berry is turning 100 An agency behind former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's controversial ad campaign has deep Ohio ties. The Strategy Group, a conservative, Lewis Center-based national advertising agency, told Reuters it received $226,000 of the $220 million tax payer dollars spent on ads for Noem's immigration crackdown. That includes Noem decked out in a cowboy hat on horseback in front of Mount Rushmore, telling immigrants that if they break the law, well punish you. Noem has received intense bipartisan criticism for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) actions, specifically in Minneapolis. Two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by border patrol agents at the height of DHS' enforcement surge in the state. Noem faced further backlash for labeling them as "domestic terrorists" and spreading widely-disputed information about their deaths. More: 5 controversies defining Kristi Noem before her ousting at DHS The $220 million, which she claimed had been signed off on by President Donald Trump and which Trump later denied he had ever approved, also faced bipartisan critique in congressional hearings. Noem was ultimately fired from her position on March 5. Advertisement While it's hardly the largest chunk distributed from the $220 million, The Strategy Group appears to have tight connections to Noem. It's CEO, Ben Yoho, is married to the DHS's outgoing spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, which has raised questions about conflicts of interest. The agency has worked closely with Noem before, per reporting by ProPublica, and isn't the first time public funds were involved. In 2023, when Noem was governor of South Dakota, she hired The Strategy Group for an ad campaign paid for with $8.5 million in state funding. The contract received significant backlash and some questioned if the bidding was truly competitive. Other past partnerships with Yoho include Noem's 2022 gubernatorial bid and publicity for her memoir in which Noem wrote about shooting a puppy, as well as work for Noems American Resolve PAC, per ProPublica. In a statement on X, the agency said it "has never had a contract with DHS" but stated it had a subcontract with "Safe America," a conservative led media company that won a contract with DHS, as reported by ProPublica. The Strategy Group was paid for five film shoots, 45 produced video advertisements and six radio advertisements, it said. Business and consumer issues reporter Samantha Hendrickson can be reached at shendrickson@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Kristi Noem ads made with help from Ohio-based advertising agency Tencent building and other office buildings in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China September 15, 2025. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang BEIJING, March 6 (Reuters) - Officials and executives in Guangdong, China's southern manufacturing and tech hub, on Friday vowed to expand artificial intelligence across its $2 trillion economy, a day after Beijing launched an "AI plus" strategy to embed the technology throughout the economy. They made the comments at an event discussing a new government work report and five-year policy blueprint that, for the first time, puts AI-driven industrial upgrading at the centre of economic growth. As a critical link in global supply chains, producing smartphones, appliances and electric vehicles, Guangdong's ability to deploy AI will also shape how far the European Union and United States can derisk their supply chains from China amid rising geopolitical tension. Guangdong is China's largest provincial economy, ranking first nationwide for more than three decades The province recorded GDP of about 14.6 trillion yuan ($2.1 trillion) in 2025, making it a larger economy than countries like Australia Guangdong governor Meng Fanli said the province would deepen "AI plus" applications across sectors and push the large-scale commercialisation of AI Guangdong's Communist Party secretary Huang Kunming said the province would speed up construction of new infrastructure, including large-scale computing clusters Advertisement Qin Weizhong, mayor of China's premier tech hub Shenzhen, said value added in sectors like AI, robotics, and semiconductors posted double-digit growth last year Strategic emerging industries accounted for 43% of Shenzhen's GDP, Qin said. Shenzhen is home to tech giants such as Huawei, Tencent, and DJI The mayor said Shenzhen was accelerating domestic substitution in chipmaking equipment, computing clusters and EDA software - areas where China lags the United States and faces restrictive U.S. controls He also urged stronger central support to build a self-sufficient AI hardware and software ecosystem and to expand China-led standards in areas such as AI and smart vehicles A provincial state-asset official said Guangdong would guide state capital toward advanced manufacturing, including sectors such as AI and drones Feng Xingya, chairman of automaker GAC Group, said the company would deepen the use of AI models in autonomous driving systems (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista, Editing by Louise Heavens) A panel of experts was asked if they believed the world is "closer" to a nuclear war -Credit:ATTA KENARE, AFP via Getty Images (ATTA KENARE, AFP via Getty Images) A former CIA operative has delivered a chilling single-word assessment regarding whether the Iran conflict could spark full-scale nuclear war. In devastating developments unfolding since Saturday, February 28, under Operation Epic Fury, the US and Israel have launched military strikes targeting the Middle Eastern country of Iran in attempts to overthrow the Islamic Republic. It led to the deaths of military officials and most significantly, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the regime's supreme leader, who was killed at his compound in the Iranian capital of Tehran; Iran has subsequently unleashed extensive counter-attacks throughout the Gulf. As the globe grapples with the escalating situation, Steven Bartlett convened with former CIA operative Andrew Bustamante, nuclear war expert Annie Jacobsen, and global affairs analyst Benjamin Radd for an "emergency roundtable" of The Diary Of A CEO. It comes after reports that Donald Trump has warned Iran's military forces to surrender immediately or face 'guaranteed death'. Grim map shows Strait of Hormuz at a standstill while oil prices skyrocket Trump on the warpath as president sets sights on next country with chilling three-word warning During what became an animated conversation lasting more than two hours, the specialists examined the military actions, exploring topics ranging from historical context and motivations to the political implications.. Andrew previously served in nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) operations -Credit:EverydaySpy Unsurprisingly, the discussion eventually shifted to whether these military operations could trigger a broader confrontation, or even, in the most dire scenario, nuclear conflict. Advertisement Steven posed the question to the group about whether they felt the world is now "closer" to nuclear warfare following the recent strikes. Andrew stated: "One hundred percent. And I've got, like, there's proof of that all over the headlines today because France is deploying air-launch nuclear warheads. Air-launched nuclear warheads. That means small warheads that fit on the ends of airplane rockets." "They're deploying them all over Europe. That means France is now taking its nuclear arsenal and spreading it across its European allies. The more nuclear proliferation, the more risk of nuclear war." Annie countered that this development had "nothing to do with Iran", whilst Benjamin pointed to the conflict in Ukraine. However, suggesting there could be more than meets the eye to France's recent moves, Andrew noted the timing occurred "two days after Iran". Kids walk around an Iranian missile after it fell near Qamishli International Airport -Credit:(Image: Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) She clarified her argument, claiming that the threat of nuclear war comes from the war in Ukraine and "comes from Russia", as in this case, we have a president of a superpower who has actually "threatened the use" of such weapons. Annie alleged that Iran doesn't have a nuclear weapon, so it's therefore "not a nuclear threat", but Andrew, who previously served in nuclear Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) operations, said he and Annie speak a "different nuclear language". He explained: "Russia is launching intercontinental ballistic missiles that can't be intercepted. It's got the Oreshnik. What the hell is it going to be afraid of? A warhead on the tip of an airplane. It's not. That's a tactical nuke. That's a battlefield nuke." Annie asked Andrew what his point was, to which he replied: "My point is that the deployment of a nuclear weapon is nuclear war." She noted that Andrew was referring to the "manoeuvring" of weaponry, but Andrew argued that this is the "definition of a deployment". A drone view shows Panama Ports Company (PPC) after Panama's Official Gazette published a court ruling formally annulling Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings concessions for two ports along its strategic canal, after ruling late January the contracts violated the constitution, in Panama City, Panama, February 23, 2026. REUTERS/Enea Lebrun March 6 (Reuters) - Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison said on Friday it has escalated its legal fight in Panama after the government seized its port operations, petitioning for a review of the decree behind the takeover. The company said Panama unlawfully occupied facilities, seized property and ignored consultations, prompting further national and international legal action. CK Hutchison's Panama Ports Company (PPC), which manages two terminals near the globally strategic Panama Canal, filed an administrative petition seeking reconsideration of Panama's executive action that led to the occupation of its facilities and confiscation of its property, CK Hutchison said. Panamanian authorities searched the local ports unit of CK Hutchison a week ago, esclating the rift over the control of the two ports. Advertisement Panama's government in January annulled the deals that gave the company control of the two canal ports following a court ruling deeming the contracts unconstitutional. The government said last week The Balboa and Cristobal ports at the centre of the dispute would be operated temporarily by Maersk and MSC. CK Hutchison had agreed last year to a $23 billion sale of dozens of ports worldwide, including the Panamanian terminals, to a consortium led by BlackRock and Mediterranean Shipping Company. The deal has been criticised by Beijing but welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had declared he wanted to "reclaim" the Panama Canal to reduce Chinese influence over the canal's key assets. (Reporting by Roushni Nair in Bengaluru and Kane Wu in Hong Kong; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Raju Gopalakrishnan) An elevated view of the Osumi Canyon - aliaksei kruhlenia/Shutterstock Hidden in the mountains near the city of Corovode, Albania, Osumi Canyon has earned its nickname as the "Colorado of the Balkans." This nickname comes from its dramatic 16-mile gorge, walls standing as tall as 300 feet, and one of Europe's last entirely wild rivers. The Vjosa River cuts through sculptural rock formations, stretching from the Pindus Mountains in Greece all the way to Vlore, a delightful Albanian coastal city. There's even a fun national park dedicated to the river and its diverse ecosystems. The entire area is as much a visual spectacle as it is an adventure playground. For travelers, there are jagged cliffs to dangle from, hidden caves to explore, rugged trails for hiking, and waterfalls to laze beneath, framed by an array of blues and greens. Locals and guides emphasize the area's legend and lore, weaving stories of the canyon's history and local folktales into every hike, adding cultural texture to nature's grandeur. Read more: Rick Steves' Most And Least Favorite Places In Europe Hiking, river trails, and waterfalls A bridge connecting trails in the Osumi Canyon - Martin Fiedler/Shutterstock Exploration here is active but accessible. Guided river hikes, with options suitable to all ability levels, wind along the river, near shallow pools, and across wooden bridges. Visitors can swim or kayak the river, which is excellent for rapids in April and May, when the melting snow ensures high water levels. This is the best time for those who prefer trips on the water to hiking, as the canyon fills with water, making its entire length explorable by boat. Hikes here often lead to panoramic lookouts, where the river threads through the gorge. One of the most accessible spots is the Osumi Canyon Bridge, a suspension bridge hovering above the water. It gives a lower-angle perspective, while higher viewpoints reveal the layered rock formations and vertical drops that give the canyon its dramatic aesthetics. Advertisement Osumi Canyon hikers tend to eventually stumble upon staggeringly pretty waterfalls, like the romantically named Waterfall of Love, which local legend suggests is a lucky place to share a kiss. There are naturally formed rock sculptures and caves, too, created from millennia of tectonic activity and erosion-formed karst. Full-day tours incorporate hearty local Albanian food for post-hike refueling, often with Byrek pastries and Albanian wines. Further exploration and getting there The Ottoman Houses in Berat - Kim Willems/Getty Images Most trips to Osumi Canyon begin about an hour's drive away in scenic Berat, making wider explorations of Albania, one of Europe's most affordable countries, perfectly viable. Berat, a UNESCO World Heritagelisted site known as the "City of a Thousand Windows," is stunning. Lines of Ottoman houses drape across a hillside, and an impressive 13th-century castle overlooks the Osum River, creating a perfect complement to the natural scenery of the Osumi Canyon. From Berat, travelers with more time can drive approximately three hours southwest toward the Albanian Riviera, a sublime stretch of coastline with Mediterranean azures, hidden coves, and seaside towns like Himare, a fine example of how Albania is a little bit like Greece, only without the crowds. Another standout is Gjipe Canyon, a narrow limestone gorge carved by a coastal stream, where hiking, rock climbing, and beach time combine in a spectacular seaside setting. For those looking to relax and take in some views, the best season to visit Albania's Osumi Canyon is the summer, when river levels are at their lowest and the weather is warm and dry, perfect for hiking. Of course, if you're hoping to conquer the rapids, then the post-winter melts of spring are ideal. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. AP It felt good to be a Democrat in California. Well, it used to, and the State of the Union address by President Trump illuminated exactly why I left the party. In Silicon Valley, it often feels like the default setting. In many professional circles, especially in technology and venture communities, political alignment is assumed. Fundraisers double as social gatherings. Giving is expected. Belonging has signals. It feels compassionate. Enlightened. On the right side of history. But that night, the president challenged any member of Congress to stand who believes that the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens. Shockingly, democrats remained seated, providing a stunning visual of the current values of the Democratic Party. What changed my mind was not rhetoric. It was outcomes. And California is the glaring example of the failure of liberal policies. Three areas illustrate the pattern. Elections: Confidence Is a Safeguard California does not require photo identification to vote in person. A voter provides a name and address and signs the roster. More than 30 states require some form of voter ID, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Countries such as Canada, France, and Germany require identification to vote. A 2023 Gallup poll found roughly three-quarters of Americans support requiring photo identification at the polls, including majorities across party lines. Even if large-scale fraud is difficult to quantify, administrative failures and inconsistent verification practices fuel public doubt. The point of visible safeguards is not only to deter misconduct, but to preserve confidence before suspicion metastasizes. When California Democrats treat voter ID as ideological heresy rather than institutional hygiene, they weaken the very legitimacy they claim to defend. Family: When the State Becomes the Decision Maker Under California law, minors aged 12 and older may consent to certain mental health services without parental notification if deemed mature enough by a provider. State law also allows minors to access reproductive health services confidentially. Recent legislation has expanded confidentiality protections in sensitive areas. The justification is protection. The effect is the normalization of state supremacy in decisions that belong to parents. The Supreme Court has long recognized parental rights as fundamental. Family authority is not a bureaucratic detail. It is the first layer of civil society. Advertisement When the state positions itself as the confidential decision maker in significant medical and psychological matters involving minors, it shifts sovereignty from the family to the state. That is not compassion. It is the steady expansion of state authority at the expense of parental sovereignty. It is government overreach into the most intimate sphere of civil society. As the co-founders of Moms for Liberty have put it, "we do not co-parent with the government." Compassion cannot justify dissolving the family as the primary unit of accountability. Fiscal Reality: Arithmetic Still Applies Californias budget rests on a narrow and volatile base. The Legislative Analysts Office has documented that the top 1% of earners account for close to half of the states personal income tax revenue in many years. That revenue is heavily tied to capital gains and is therefore inherently unstable. Instead of broadening and stabilizing that base, state leadership has repeatedly targeted it. Wealth-based tax proposals focus on the very taxpayers who fund a disproportionate share of state commitments. Capital is mobile. IRS data shows sustained net out-migration of high-income households from California to states such as Texas and Florida over the past decade. You cannot finance permanent spending commitments with cyclical and mobile revenue. That is not compassion. It is structural risk. Then comes execution. Californias high-speed rail project, approved in 2008 at an estimated $33 billion, is now projected to exceed $100 billion and remains incomplete. Florida, by contrast, expanded Brightline passenger rail through a public-private partnership model that attracted private capital and delivered major segments on time. The contrast is managerial. Between 2019 and 2023, California spent roughly $24 billion on homelessness programs. During that same period, homelessness rose statewide. In 2024, the California State Auditor found the state failed to consistently track whether billions in spending produced measurable results. The pattern is simple. Spend expansively. Measure loosely. Promise morally. Deliver inconsistently. The issue is not the stated goals. The issue is the absence of discipline. In each case, the rhetoric was noble. The result was dysfunction. This is the governing model Kamala Harris rose within, and Gavin Newsom refined over time. Not because they lack intelligence, but because the system they represent rewards virtue signaling over measurable performance. It resists basic electoral safeguards despite broad public support. It expands state authority into the family. It builds budgets on volatile revenue while accelerating out-migration. It spends billions without demanding outcome verification. If that framework scales nationally, the consequences will not be symbolic. They will be structural. I did not leave the Democratic Party because I stopped caring about vulnerable people. I left because I care about institutional durability. Compassion matters. But governing requires discipline. Incentives aligned with outcomes. Visible safeguards that preserve trust. California is not failing because it cares too much. It is failing because it confuses caring with governing. Compassion without competence becomes institutional rot. If you are a Democrat in California who feels uneasy but cannot quite articulate why, I understand. I defended the language long after I stopped believing in the results. At some point, loyalty to outcomes must matter more than loyalty to a label. It did for me. Many people grow up imagining a different place where they would rather build their lives. But the biggest obstacle in achieving your dreams is usually financial. International relocation comes with visa fees, deposits, travel costs, and the risk of starting over professionally. Fortunately, some governments offer direct financial incentives to attract new residents. These programs are not giveaways. They are structured offers tied to specific regions, skills, or long-term commitments. If you meet the criteria, certain countries will quite literally pay you to relocate. Italy Credit: Getty Images Southern Italy has faced population decline for years, especially in smaller towns where younger residents leave for larger cities. Calabria, the region forming the toe of Italys boot, offers up to 28,000 to people under 40 who move to towns with fewer than 2,000 residents. Applicants must relocate within 90 days and start a business or fill an in-demand job. Albinen, Switzerland Credit: Wikimedia Commons A small Alpine village in the Valais canton seeks younger inhabitants to secure its future. Its primary aim is to stabilize schools and community life, which is why the authorities will pay you 25,000 Swiss francs, and 10,000 per child, as long as you are under 45 and willing to live there for at least 10 years. However, it is necessary to purchase or build a home worth at least 200,000 Swiss francs and hold Swiss citizenship or qualify for permanent residency status. Chile Credit: Getty Images Anyone who wants to build a business in a stable South American economy should seriously consider Chile. The country has earned a reputation for political stability, strong institutions, and a growing technology sector centered in Santiago. To attract global founders, the government launched Start-Up Chile, an accelerator that provides equity-free funding ranging from roughly $14,000 to $80,000, depending on the program track. Sicily Credit: Getty Images You may have heard of the famous 1 homes in Sicily that made headlines around the world. Several towns, including Sambuca di Sicilia, introduced the program after years of depopulation left properties abandoned and deteriorating. Buyers must commit to renovating the home within roughly three years and submit a refundable deposit of about 5,000. Saskatchewan, Canada Credit: Canva Advertisement Provincial leaders in Saskatchewan focus on retaining skilled graduates. The Graduate Retention Program extends up to CAD 20,000 in tuition tax credits to eligible students who remain and work locally. The place also recruits workers in healthcare, trades, and technology through immigration streams. Ireland Credit: Getty Images For those who want to move to Irelands coastal islands, the government requires a clear financial plan and a real commitment to living there. Grants can reach up to 84,000 for approved applicants who purchase and renovate vacant or derelict properties. You must show proof of funds, outline renovation plans, and agree to use the home as your primary residence. Ponga, Spain Credit: Getty Images As of now, the population in Ponga remains under 1,000 residents, and only a small share of that includes young families. Local officials introduced relocation incentives to stabilize schools and preserve essential services. Couples who move there can receive about 3,000, provided they commit to living in the village for at least five years. Families qualify for an additional 3,000 for each child born or brought into the community. Japan Credit: Canva It is no secret that Japan has struggled with a declining birth rate and a rapidly aging population for years. To address this trend, the Regional Revitalization Program promises financial support that can reach up to 4.8 million for families willing to transfer residency to designated municipalities. Applicants must settle in approved rural areas and meet employment or residency criteria. New Zealand Credit: Getty Images To address labor shortages in healthcare, construction, engineering, and information technology, New Zealand is actively recruiting skilled professionals willing to relocate. The government provides relocation grants, including NZD $10,000 for eligible healthcare workers who accept roles in high-demand regions. Mauritius Credit: Wikimedia Commons Entrepreneurs seeking an island base often prefer Mauritius. You can receive about 20,000 Mauritian Rupees as an approved startup founder who presents a sustainable and profitable business plan to a review committee. This is only possible if you are able to demonstrate profitability and meet the eligibility standards set by the authorities. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The couple who lost their two young children to the flash flooding in Ruidoso last year, say they will be filing a lawsuit to make a change not just for the Village, but for children who lost their lives to other natural disasters. Making change, not just for the community of Ruidoso, but for everywhere, right? You imagine four days prior to our flood, you had the flood in Central Texas. You had a lot of things going on at that time, where a lot of you know, of adolescent kids lost their lives, Sebastian Trotter, father of the 7-year-old Sebastian Trotter and 4-year-old Charlotte Trotter who died in the flooding, said. KTSM 9 News spoke with Sebastian and Stephanie, and their lawyer, Brian Kennedy, on Thursday, March 5. They tell KTSM they will file a lawsuit against the Village of Ruidoso, Mayor Lynn Crawford and River View RV Park. The couple said that since the death of their children, Crawford has never reached out to the family. In contrast, they have said that El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson has been in constant communication with the Trotters. To this day, we actually have not had any communication from the village of Ruidoso, along with the owners of the RV park. Weve had residents reach out to us, good and bad, Stephanie said. KTSM reached out to the parties who are expected to be named in the lawsuit. Crawford sent the following response: It was a tragic event, and I cannot comment on this matter at this time. The Trotters attorney, Brian Kennedy, said the lawsuit will be filed in the next 10 days. As KTSM previously reported, Sebastian Trotter and Charlotte Trotter were two of the three people who died in the flash flooding back in July 2025. Joyful souls: Family describes siblings killed in Ruidoso floods Charlotte and Sebastian Trotter. Photo courtesy of the family. The Trotters said that after eight months of pain and mourning, they have also acquired strength and learned to live for their kids just as much, if not more than when they were alive. A lot of people, they say, I dont know if I could survive if my children passed away, but really, we have no choice. We have no choice but to be strong and literally live day by day. Stephanie said. Its a different kind of living for your kids because before we did live for our kids, everything we did was for them. But now it has a totally different meaning. We really are living for them because they lost their life so young. Your your mind every single day is youre happy to wake up every day, and then youre happy to do the next day. And you take it day by day sometimes, or like Stephanie said, minute by minute, Sebastian added. And you surround yourself by that support system, and then when its time to make decisions, like with the lawsuit, or even with (creating) the nonprofit, or even the renaming of the park for the kids. Youre doing everything in the name of the kids. Nothing is for steph and I. Relatives of the Trotter family said shortly after the tragedy that the family was camping at River View RV Park along Rio Ruidoso a small stream that crested at over 20 feet on the day of the flooding, due to heavy rainfall rushing down the burn scars of the surrounding canyons. Advertisement Relatives said their campsite was overwhelmed by the violent water without warning, splitting their RV in half and pulling the mother and both children into the river. The father dove in after them, and older brother Sebastian bravely tried to save his little sister. Despite a frantic struggle to stay together, both children and two family dogs drowned. The couple sustained serious injuries during the flooding. The father had to undergo specialized rehabilitation to rebuild his strength and mobility, according to the family. Parents of late children recovering after Ruidoso flood In an Army post, the Trotters were identified as a Fort Bliss family. The couple said they remember their children as bright lights, The biggest thing was just they were amazing. KTSMs reporter Jesus Baltazar asked the couple what they hope to get out of this tragedy? Love your kids, you know, dont, you know, take advantage of the little moments. Really, just show up for your kids, Stephanie responded. Just cherish every single day. Wake up, hug your kids first and tell you. Level and rinse and repeat every single day and just dont take for granted. Sebastian said. We really are living for them, because they were so young, Stephanie said. The couple is speaking out for their first time sit down interview since the tragedy. Watch more of their story on KTSM 9 News at 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. This story will be updated throughout the day. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Courtesy of Aaron Spencer for Lonoke County Sheriff/Facebook An Arkansas father awaiting trial for killing a man who allegedly sexually abused his daughter has won the Republican nomination in a county sheriffs race, according to reports. Aaron Spencer garnered more than half of the votes, about 53% in Lonoke County, beating current Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley who received more than 26% of votes in the primary elections held Tuesday, March 3, according to state results. Spencer also beat another candidate, David A. Bufford, who garnered nearly 20% of the votes. Staley congratulated Spencer on his win in a post shared to Facebook, in which the sheriff wrote: Tonight the voters made their decision in the Republican Primary, and I respect the decision. Spencer, 37, is set to go to trial in connection with the October 2024 death of Michael Fosler, who had been facing criminal charges in connection with the sexual abuse of Spencers daughter when she was 13, the Associated Press reported. Florida Man Arrested for Killing Father After They Had Heated Argument About Dog If he is found guilty, Spencer would be ineligible to serve as sheriff, according to The Associated Press. Following the primary elections, Spencer said in a statement shared to Facebook on Wednesday, March 4, that Lonoke County sent a clear message last night, and we're just getting started. I'm running to restore accountability and integrity to the Sheriff's Office, and the people of this county just showed they want the same thing, Spencer added. Spencer is accused of shooting Fosler to death in 2024 after he discovered Fosler inside Foslers truck with Spencers daughter, according to court records viewed by the Arkansas Advocate. He is facing a second-degree murder charge over the shooting. Advertisement In a campaign video shared to Facebook in October, Spencer said I'm the father who acted to protect his daughter when the system failed." And through my own fight for justice, I have seen firsthand the failures in law enforcement and in our circuit court, Spencer added. Prosecutors have accused Spencer of having a plan to kill Fosler, the Associated Press reported. Country Singer Spencer Hatchers Mom Murdered in Highly Unusual Home Invasion One of his defense attorneys, Erin Cassinelli, said in an emailed statement to Us Weekly on Thursday, March 5, that Aaron did exactly what the law allows and exactly what any father would do: he protected his daughter and himself from harm. At some point, those responsible for this prosecution will have to reckon with that, Cassinelli added. Lonoke County residents have rallied behind Aaron not just in his legal defense, but in his broader mission to bring accountability to a county government that has long operated without it, Cassinelli also said. Every time the facts of this case have come into focus, support for Aaron has grown. We expect the trial to be no different. We have complete confidence in the truth of Aaron's innocence. In the fall, Spencer will run against the Democratic candidate for Lonoke County sheriff, Brian Mitchell Sr., according to the Arkansas Advocate. In the meantime, he is awaiting a new trial date after his criminal trial, which was set to occur in January, was delayed, the news outlet reported. Blog Archive: Mar 2026 (70) Feb 2026 (140) Jan 2026 (155) Dec 2025 (126) Nov 2025 (141) Oct 2025 (153) Sep 2025 (149) Aug 2025 (154) Jul 2025 (155) Jun 2025 (150) May 2025 (155) Apr 2025 (9) Mar 2025 (149) Feb 2025 (139) Jan 2025 (155) Dec 2024 (144) Nov 2024 (143) Oct 2024 (155) Sep 2024 (149) Aug 2024 (155) Jul 2024 (155) Jun 2024 (150) May 2024 (153) Apr 2024 (149) Mar 2024 (155) Feb 2024 (145) Jan 2024 (155) Dec 2023 (155) Nov 2023 (150) Oct 2023 (155) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55) Israel has achieved air superiority over Iran thanks to decades of focus on its air force (JACK GUEZ) (JACK GUEZ/AFP/AFP) Israels air force has struck deep inside Iran with devastating precision, killing even the countrys supreme leader within minutes of the wars outbreak -- a feat experts say reflects years of elite pilot training and combat experience. "These pilots are the most trained in the world," Sarah-Masha Fainberg, a senior researcher on air and space military power at Tel Aviv University, told AFP. "If you look at the operational experience and the number of training hours of pilots in the world, I think Israel is number one with the United States and this is reflected in the success of this operation." Israel's air force, which operates around 320 fighter jets, has bombed targets across Iranian territory with near impunity. The current campaign builds on years of combat operations in Gaza, Lebanon and even as far as Yemen since the war with Hamas erupted in October 2023. In Iran, these capabilities were playing out to unprecedented effect. On Saturday, the first day of the campaign against Iran, lightning strikes by Israeli jets -- said to be guided by US intelligence and targeting -- hit the compound of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killing him and several other top officials. "In just 40 seconds, approximately 40 senior officials of the Iranian terror regime were eliminated, including the regime's leader, Ali Khamenei," Israel's military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said on Thursday. "To date, air force pilots have executed 2,500 strikes with over 6,000 munitions... within 24 hours, our pilots opened the path to Tehran," he added. Fainberg said Israel's air superiority over Iran reflects "20 years of conceptual and operational preparation". Because of its small territory, Israel built its national security around a doctrine of "offensive defence", relying on pre-emptive, long-range strikes against enemy targets, she said. The doctrine aims not merely at air superiority but at air supremacy -- the difference between having an advantage in the air versus total dominance of an airspace. - 'The best become pilots' - Military historian Danny Orbach traced this to decisions made as early as the 1960s. With a small population and surrounded by hostile neighbours, Israel concluded it could not match its enemies in numbers of soldiers or tanks. Israel "decided to invest a disproportionate amount of resources in its air force," said the senior lecturer at Jerusalem's Hebrew University, often at the expense of other areas. Advertisement "You need an asymmetric capability," Orbach said. "And the decision was made to invest in the air force." The strategy was reinforced by billions of dollars in US military aid and access to some of Washingtons most advanced technologies. The Hebrew slogan "Hatovim la-tays" -- "the best become pilots" -- emerged in the 1960s to encourage top recruits to join the air force. Israel's airpower advantage was also due to its military culture, Orbach said. A heavily invested-in air force requires "mission command", in which junior officers are empowered to make quick, independent decisions to accomplish their objectives -- a freedom often unavailable to pilots in other more hierarchical Middle Eastern militaries, Orbach added. - Close operations with US - Another pillar of Israel's success in this war, Fainberg said, was the operational integration with the United States. "This is a war conducted in English," she said, adding that the current joint USIsraeli operation against Iran was an air campaign with a clear "partition of labour". For the first time, Israel was also benefiting from US in-air refuelling, a capability that, Fainberg said, explained how Israel had been able to launch 6,000 munitions over such a long distance, according to Israeli military figures published on Thursday. The campaign also draws on years of intelligence gathering and covert operations to identify targets, said Shlomo Mofaz, director of the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center. - Weakened Iran defences - A decline of Iranian capabilities has further aided Israel's dominance in the current campaign. The Islamic republic has for decades had a weak air force, while confrontations with Israel in April and October 2024 and June 2025 degraded its limited air defences. Russia and China, two of Tehran's major allies which supplied many of Iran's air defence systems, "have abandoned them", Fainberg added, leaving Iran unable to replenish systems damaged in the fighting. Moreover, Iranian air defences have been hobbled by Israeli cyber, intelligence and jamming capabilities -- sophisticated tools developed through close collaboration between Israel's tech sector and its military, Orbach said. Iran still retains substantial missile and drone stockpiles, but its ability to contest the skies has effectively collapsed, Fainberg said, adding the "operational success" so far achieved by Israel is "beyond everything that we could have hoped for". glp/jd/rmb Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., invited an illegal immigrant guest to this years State of the Union address who is referenced in two police reports that Massachusetts authorities have declined to release, citing exemptions involving "sexual assault and juveniles," according to a report. The Boston Herald reported that the Milford Police Department (MPD) denied a public records request for two 2021 reports that allegedly reference Marcelo Gomes da Silva, whom Moulton invited to attend President Donald Trumps speech on Feb. 24. According to the Herald, the newspaper sought reports dated June 30, 2021, and Sept. 15, 2021. MPD Deputy Chief John Sanchioni denied the request, writing, "The records you are requesting are not public records in accordance with M.G.L. c. 4 s. 7 cl. 26 (A)." He also wrote that one report "involves a sexual assault and juveniles" and that the other "involves juveniles," citing Massachusetts public records law. Massachusetts Town Faces Lawsuit For Allowing Criminal Immigrant, Sex Offender To Renew Business License Police declined to release reports allegedly referencing Rep. Seth Moulton's, D-Mass., State of the Union guest, Marcelo Gomes da Silva. (AP Images) Sanchioni did not elaborate on the nature of the reports and did not indicate that Gomes da Silva had been charged with any crime. The Herald reported that Gomes da Silva was identified as a "person of interest" in the records it sought. Read On The Fox News App Fox News Digital has reached out to Sanchioni and Moultons office for comment on the matter. Gomes da Silva, 19, has denied any wrongdoing and said he was unaware of the reports until contacted by the media. Trump Shames Democrats In Viral State Of The Union Challenge On Migrant Crime: First Duty Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., said when announced he was inviting Gomes da Silva as his guest, he said he was doing so because his story "captures whats broken in our immigration system right now." "I want to be clear: I have never assaulted anyone. I have never been contacted by the police about any accusations of assault," Gomes da Silva told the Herald through his lawyer. "I only learned about these reports that allegedly include my name in them through the media. I have never seen these alleged reports. My attorney has since requested these alleged reports and was denied." A spokesperson for Moulton also reportedly told the Herald that, according to their review, Gomes da Silva has never been charged with a crime. Gomes da Silva drew national attention earlier this year after Moulton invited him to attend Trump's State of the Union address as his guest. Boston Police Ignored 100% Of Ice Detainer Requests In 2025, Citing Sanctuary Law ICE agents in Massachusetts detained Gomes da Silva last spring. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained Gomes da Silva in May 2025, while he was driving his fathers car. Agents were reportedly seeking his father at the time. Advertisement Gomes da Silvas student visa had lapsed, and then-Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News at the time that the "facts [of his case] havent changed." "[He] is still an illegal alien and subject to removal proceedings. The Trump administration is committed to restoring the rule of law and common sense to our immigration system and will continue to fight for the arrest, detention and removal of aliens who have no right to be in this country," McLaughlin said. Migrant Crimes Against Children Pile Up In Boston Area As Mayor Slams Bondi Over Sanctuary Warning The Department of Homeland Security (Dhs) also criticized Gomes da Silvas invitation to the State of the Union. "[Gomes da Silva] is an illegal alien who has no right to be in our nation. We are committed to enforcing the law and fighting for the arrest, detention, and removal of aliens like him," DHS posted on X. Moultons office pushed back at the time, saying, "Marcelo has been in the U.S. since he was 6 years old. Zero criminal record. You're not making anyone safer by targeting him. You're just proving how far you'll go to terrorize young people trying to build a future in this country." 'Squad' Member Claims State Of The Union Guest Was Arrested When Moulton announced he was inviting Gomes da Silva as his guest, he said he was doing so because his story "captures whats broken in our immigration system right now." "The outpouring of support that Marcelo received following his detainment wasnt an accident. It happened because people know the kind of person that Marcelo is," Moulton continued. "He is exactly the kind of young person America should be investing in, not locking up. If we want to call ourselves a nation of opportunity, we should start by uplifting young people like Marcelo." Gomes da Silva also responded at the time, saying the invitation to attend the State of the Union was "deeply meaningful." Click Here To Download The Fox News App "Im proud to represent the strength, faith, and hard work of my community," he said. "Thank you to Seth for this invite." The Boston Herald reported that it is appealing the police departments denial of its records request, arguing that Gomes da Silvas background has become part of a broader public debate over immigration enforcement following his appearance at the State of the Union. Original article source: Dem lawmaker's illegal alien SOTU guest part of records dispute involving police reports: report A band of thunderstorms is moving toward Michigan and could bring strong winds, hail and an isolated tornado in the afternoon on Friday, March 6, forecasters say. In southeast Michigan, thunderstorms are expected to move in between 3-10 p.m. on Friday, March 6, and linger into Saturday, March 7, according to the National Weather Service's hazardous weather outlook. An isolated tornado may develop. Gusts up to 60 mph and hail about 1 inch in diameter or greater are also possible. Up to to 1.2 inches of rain is expected statewide by Saturday morning, March 7, according to the NWS Probabilistic Precipitation Portal. For Michigan's Thumb, accumulations may be lighter ranging from 0.01 to 0.6 of an inch of rain. Advertisement Detroit is forecast to see a high of 55 degrees. Here's the live Michigan radar as storms gradually move in. When will storms roll into southeast Michigan? Warnings, watches and advisories for Michigan Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: When will it storm today? Detroit forecast, live radar The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is conducting a review of its largest migrant detention center in the country amid reports of illness and inhumane conditions at Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, according to a statement from the agency. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is always looking at ways to improve our detention facilities to ensure we are providing the best care to illegal aliens in our custody, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis told KTSM in a statement. Bis said that the contract for Camp East Montana, which is currently under evaluation, was inherited from the Defense Department. DHS undergoes rigorous audits and inspections of our facilities to ensure they are meeting our high standards, Bis continued. No decisions have been made related to contract extension, termination, or award. The Washington Post reported Wednesday that ICE was taking steps to close the facility that opened less than a year ago. The Post cited internal documents stating ICE intended to terminate the facilitys $1.2 billion contract awarded to Acquisition Logistics LLC last July. The move comes as DHS is under scrutiny for what human rights groups described as significant abuse against detainees housed in the sprawling tent camp, including allegations of physical and sexual abuse by officers, medical neglect and insufficient food, among other complaints. Advertisement At least three people have died at the facility since December, one of which was ruled a homicide, according to Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-Texas), whose district includes the Fort Bliss Army base. On Tuesday, Escobar said the facility was temporarily closed to visitors and attorneys because of a measles outbreak. There were 14 active cases and 112 people in isolation, she said. The congresswoman expressed relief about the reported closure in a statement on Wednesday, but she said the camp should never have opened. The $1.24 billion cost for this facility could have been used for healthcare, nutrition programs, and a litany of other things to improve our society and our country. Instead, it promoted the dehumanization of immigrants and lined the pockets of a corrupt, incompetent private prison corporation, Escobar said. Roughly 1,500 detainees are currently being held at Camp East Montana, about half the size of the population seen in January, according to documents obtained by the Post. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. How Disney Updated the Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff Audio-Animatronics Figures in Walt Disney World's Frozen Ever After for the First Time in Forever Credit: IGN Frozen Ever After at Walt Disney World just got a major upgrade as the Audio-Animatronics figures of Elsa, Anna, and Kristoff have been given new faces that make them feel as if they jumped off the screen and into EPCOT. To learn more, we spoke with Ken Ricci, Executive Creative Development at Walt Disney Imagineering, about how the team brought this vision to life and why they chose now to update this beloved attraction for the first time in forever. Ricci and I sat down in a lounge above Frozen Ever After to chat for a few minutes after I had the chance to check out these new upgrades for myself, and I am delighted to report that they do make a huge difference. I still believe the original designs were very impressive in their own right, but these feel so much more true to the films and, in my opinion, will withstand the test of time much better. For those unfamiliar, Frozen Ever After opened on June 21, 2016, replacing the Maelstrom attraction in the Norway Pavilion at EPCOT's World Showcase. It was a groundbreaking moment in Disney history for many reasons, including being the first attraction to feature all-electric Audio-Animatronics and the first to combine electric motors and 3D printing. They also used rear-projection mapping to bring their faces to life, which was the main item addressed with these new updates. "We're always looking at smoothing out our Audio-Animatronics figures' profiles, how they move, and how we can make them more human-like and realistic," Ricci told me. "That's something that's very, very much a passion of ours, as our goal is to hide the fact that their robots." That is obviously easier said than done, but the 10 years since Frozen Ever After first opened provided the team with a unique opportunity to make this change much more quickly than would have been possible for an original project Since its debut, Frozen Ever After has opened at both Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Furthermore, the fourth Frozen Ever After is about to welcome guests on March 29 when it opens alongside World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris' Disney Adventure World. And yes, that's where you'll be able to see the way-too-adorable next-generation robotic figure of Olaf, who will literally be walking, talking, and interacting with guests around World of Frozen. Image Credit: Disney Hong Kong Disneyland's Frozen Ever After was actually the inspiration for EPCOT's upgrade, as that's where these advancements in these Audio-Animatronics figures were first seen. This was a huge deal because they were able to bring over the data and learnings from these other Frozen Ever Afters to save tons of time when upgrading EPCOT's. "When we're updating an attraction, It's very important to us to minimize the amount of time it has to be down," Ricci said. "We did a lot of work on the backend to make sure we could port these heads over from Hong Kong without having to reanimate the figures. In order to do that, we had to match the kinematics of the figures exactly to Hong Kong, and that's the mechanical vibrations. "We also updated the show control processors on the cabinets overnight, even before we started the downtime, and we had to update the wrists on Anna and Elsa just to make sure those motors and designs were the same as Hong Kong. At that point, it was just an exercise of porting that show data over from Hong Kong and tuning the motors to accept that show data so we didn't have to reanimate it." This meant there was no need to adjust the animation frame by frame to ensure the dialogue was in sync with the movements of the figures, as that was already done for Hong Kong Disneyland! And yes, that original animation did come from Walt Disney Animation Studios, it just had to be "tweaked to work within the mechanical limitations of a robot." Advertisement Image Credit: Disney The result is an attraction that feels brand-new and exciting in a lot of ways, even if much of it remains the same. However, there were some other updates made to Frozen Ever After that help make it feel just right. "Guests will now notice that the scenes are brighter," Ricci said. "When you had the projected faces, we relied on UV black light for the scenes. With these new articulated heads, we changed over to white light in the scenes for their faces and we really punched up the paint. Since we were down, we also went back to all the black light scenes and punched up all the snow, refocused those lights, and we changed out any lighting fixtures that were due for an upgrade." It's all about these little changes that add up to something truly spectacular, and another one of these is reminiscent of a big part of the Walt Disney Audio-Animatronics figure for Walt Disney - A Magical Life. "You get that glisten in their eyes now because it's a 3D printed eye with glaze, and it now looks like a real eye that has that little shine from the light," Ricci said. "And if you look at Anna in the scene where she's with Kristoff and Sven, she's just got this emotion on her face that she never had before. And it's very sincere and it connects to you. And that's something you didn't have before with the projected faces. Now, she has that little extra something special in her look." I can confirm that this totally works for Frozen Ever After as well as it did for Walt Disney - A Magical Life. It's hard to overstate how the seemingly smallest changes can make a world of difference when trying to recapture what makes us human and transport us into the world of the stories we hold closest to our hearts. Image Credit: Disney "My favorite thing about this now is I always feel as though Elsa just walked out of the film when you're there seeing her do her 'Let It Go' moment," Ricci said, which sums up these changes perfectly. What I love most about this too is that this wasn't an upgrade that needed to happen. Frozen Ever After consistently has some of the highest wait times at Walt Disney World and it's really not that old. Despite that, the team at Imagineering love these properties and attractions as much as we do, and are always looking at ways they can make experiences for guests around the world even better. And yes, Frozen Ever After is back open and guests can check out these new updates right now, and we'd love to know what you think! Oh, and as much as we love the new and shiny, it's also very important that some things never change. So, don't forget to say hi to the adorable puffins near the end that are still exclusive to EPCOT and trace back to Norway's Maelstrom. For more, check out the latest news on Frozen 3, all the details on the opening World of Frozen and Disney Adventure World at Disneyland Paris, and everything else to look forward to at Walt Disney World in 2026. Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic. IGN and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article. Dr. Stephen Kemker Credit: WLKY News Louisville/YouTube NEED TO KNOW A doctor with a genetic condition that affects the heart successfully received a transplant in December 2025 Dr. Stephen Kemker's transplant took place on a snowy day in Indiana after doctors and a team of professionals managed to get the heart to the hospital by doing everything including hiring a snowplow The genetic disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, led to the death of Kemker's brother seven years ago On a snowy December night, an Indiana doctor who cared for so many over the course of his career got a second chance at life when he underwent a life-saving heart transplant. Dr. Stephen Kemker, an emergency room doctor at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Salem, has spent more than 30 years treating patients. However, he became a patient himself after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It was a genetic disease he was familiar with after it previously claimed his brother's life. Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis Credit: GoogleMaps According to the Mayo Clinic, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a form of heart disease that causes the heart's muscles to thicken, making it harder to pump blood. The condition worsens with time and can lead to a point where the muscles become so thick that the organ cannot effectively function anymore, sending a patient into heart failure, according to the clinic. My brother died seven years ago from our heart condition, and I tested positive for the same condition, Kemker told NBC affiliate WTHR. I tried to be as health-aware as possible to make it farther than he did. The doctor had a defibrillator implanted in his chest to shock his heart and keep it moving. However, the disease progressed and he went into heart failure in September 2025. Doctors asked if Kemker was "ready" for a heart transplant. He told both WTHR and ABC affiliate WLKY that he knew it was the only way to proceed. In November, he entered the hospital and was put on the heart transplant list, starting a waiting game until a viable heart came along. Advertisement A few weeks later, he received a match. However, it came at a risky time: Indiana was in the midst of a serious snowstorm. It happened to be the day of a major snowstorm, Dr. Kathleen Morris, a cardiologist who works at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, told WTHR. But our team mobilized every resource we had to be able to get the heart here in a timely fashion. That even included getting a snowplow to help clear the way. They were determined to do whatever it took, Morris said, explaining that "it's critical" for a patient to receive the heart when the opportunity comes along. Traveling by plane and ambulance, the donor heart arrived safely. Kemker received the transplant on Dec. 13, 2025. The surgery was successful, but it was just the start of Kemker's recovery process. He was discharged from the hospital in January and began undergoing rehab while working with the team. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. He'll be closely monitored for a while, as Morris told WTHR that the first year is the "highest-risk time" for a patient after the transplant. While he's recovering, it's been an adjustment for the doctor who is used to being the one calling the shots in the hospital. I had to accept the fact that this was a little bit beyond me, so I needed their advice and their care, and they did an excellent job," he told WLKY about the doctors and other staff on his recovery team. Read the original article on People Kristi Noem has reportedly been axed from the Department of Homeland security -Credit:AP (AP) DHS head Kristi Noem has reportedly been replaced by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin after she seemingly angered the president this week. Trump announced the change for Noem, whose shocking appearance before plastic surgery was exposed, on his Truth Social platform. "I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026," he wrote. "The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at Homeland," he said. It comes after Noem was caught in an excruciatingly awkward moment with husband while questioned about her alleged lover. Expert map identifes four US states safest during nuclear war scenario 'Utterly incompetent' Noem called to be impeached by Senator after 'lying under oath' Trump continued: "Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and 3 in the Senate, Markwayne has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma, where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties in 2016, 2020, and 2024!" "A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda," the president added. "As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities." "Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN," the president finished. "Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Mullin has offically been name head of the Department of Homland Security -Credit:Getty Images It was reported that Mullin's name came up during a private conversation among Trump and several Republican allies. After being ousted, Noem gave a speech at the Major Cities conference, with people questioning if she was even aware of the news. Advertisement The news that Noem will be replaced comes after she allegedly angered Trump during her testimonies about DHS and ICE. According to various sources, the president mentioned Mullins several times in the meeting. It was alleged that Trump became angry when Noem told Kennedy, under oath, that the president had approved the $220 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign for DHS. -Credit:AP Prior to the announcement, Mullins stated that he had not spoken to the president about possibly securing the post from Noem. "I havent talked to the president, the Republican said. I havent talked to him about the hearing at all. I cant help you there. Im sorry," he added. The outlet reported that Noem's back-and-forth with Senator John Kennedy sparked Trump's fury. Mullins himself stated that he had not spoken to the president about possibly securing the post from Noem -Credit:Getty Images It was alleged that Trump became angry when Noem told Kennedy, under oath, that the president had approved the $220 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign for DHS. How do you square that concern for waste, which I share, with the fact that you have spent $220 million running television advertisements that feature you prominently? Kennedy asked. Noem defended the campaign as part of the presidents immigration agenda: Sir, the president tasked me with getting the message out to the country, and to other countries where we were seeing the invasion come from. with putting commercials out that told them that if they were in this country illegally, that they needed to leave, or we would detain them and remove them, and theyd not get the chance to come back to America the right way. Noem under fire During her testimony in the Senate, Noem faced criticism from some Republicans, including most notably retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who on Tuesday called her leadership a disaster. During his time, Tillis called for Noem to resign. "We're an exceptional nation, and one of the reasons we're exceptional is because we expect exceptional leadership, and you've demonstrated anything but that," he raged. During the recent House Republican elected leadership retreat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly speculated about a change at the top of DHS. New Jersey Senator Corey Booker also called Noem "utterly incompetent" and accused her of lying under oath during her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. "Don't sit there and tell me that you are responsible for the running of your agency," Booker slammed. "When you're not even aware. Either you are utterly incompetent, or you are violating laws with impunity," raged Booker. "You should step down from your position," Booker finished. "If you don't, you should be removed by this president. And if not, Congress should impeach you. I appreciate the encouragement." During her testimony, the former DHS head was also grilled about the fact that she killed her dog and wrote about it in her book. In the book, Noem, the dog had an aggressive personality" and was "worthless." It's been an alarming week for The Trump administration, with a chilling map emerged revealing the 12 safest places to find refuge if WW3 erupts. Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Trump, celebrated Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons (R) support for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act on Friday. Paxton, who is challenging incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) for the GOP nod in the 2026 Texas Senate race, said he would consider dropping out if the upper chamber of Congress lifts the filibuster and passes the legislation. The Save America Act is the most important bill the U.S. Senate could ever pass, and Im committed to helping President Trump get it done, Paxton posted on social platform X. Wow!!!! Total commitment to one of the most important pieces of legislation to save Our Republic, Trump Jr. posted online in response. Pass the Save America Act now!!!! The legislation, which passed the House in February, would require U.S. voters to present proof of citizenship during registration and at the polls. It is now stalled in the Senate, where the bill has struggled to overcome the 60-vote cloture threshold. Trump has championed the SAVE America Act and called on Republicans to eliminate the filibuster in order to move the election reform bill forward. Advertisement Paxton also called Cornyn a coward over his refusal to support ending the filibuster rule. Trump Jr.s support for the Texas attorney general is notable, given the fact that Trump has yet to endorse a candidate in the race. The two Republicans will face off in a May runoff after neither received 50 percent of the vote in Tuesdays elections. The president refused to make a decision between the two Republican competitors in a Thursday evening phone call with NBC News, but Trump noted Paxtons continued support for the SAVE America Act. He also added support for the sitting senator, calling Cornyn a very underrated person. He was supposed to lose by 10 points, and he won, the president said, referencing the Tuesdays results. Hes a good man. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Photo Credit: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS | AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump has provided his stance on the safety of the American people amid the escalating conflict with Iran, admitting that some US lives could be lost due to the war. In a shocking confession, the Republican noted that casualties are part and parcel of war. He added that certain US citizens will die by getting caught in the crossfire. Donald Trump answers what could happen if Iran retaliates During a March 4 phone call, the POTUS stated that Americans concerns about a potential retaliation from the Middle East nation are not unfounded. When asked if it is possible for Iran to attack the US soil, Donald Trump replied to TIME, I guess. He added, But I think theyre worried about that all the time. We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah, you know, we expect some things. Trump went as far as to say, Like I said, some people will die. When you go to war, some people will die. Advertisement The war has already claimed the lives of six American service members. An Iranian drone killed the said personnel following a strike at a US command center in Kuwait. Meanwhile, more than 150 people died when a barrage hit a girls school in southern Iran. According to The Sunday Guardian, Iran has reported over 1,230 dead due to the strikes ordered by Trump and his administration. Talking about the Iranian officials whove died as a result of US aggression, the businessman-turned-politician said, Ive killed all their leaders. That room is gone. Donald Trump also provided insight into his larger plans for Iran. He noted, One of the things Im going to be asking for is the ability to work with them on choosing a new leader. Im not going through this to end up with another Khamenei. I want to be involved in the selection. They can select, but we have to make sure its somebody thats reasonable to the United States. The post Donald Trump Warns Americans Some People Will Die in Iran War appeared first on Mandatory. People on social media are saying Barron should serve in the military amid the Iran war -Credit:Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images (Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images) Following the recent U.S.-Israel military operations in Iran, social media users have been demanding that Barron Trump enlist in the armed forcesbut is this actually feasible? President Donald Trump announced last weekend that joint U.S.-Israeli strikes had begun targeting Iran, escalating tensions throughout the Middle East. Explosions were reported in several countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. The announcement triggered a #SendBarron campaign on social media, with users insisting the president's 19-year-old son should join the military. However, Trump's youngest child may be physically ineligible for service, as sources indicate he measures 6-foot-9-inches tall, exceeding the military's maximum height restrictions for safely operating armored vehicles. American consumers could see $1,700 in tariff refunds as lawmakers call on Trump Barron Trump fans notice 1 identical feature between him and his dad at the SOTU According to GoArmy.com, male applicants must fall between 58 and 80 inches tall, approximately 4-foot-8-inches to 6-foot-7-inches. While numerous presidential children have previously served in uniform, debate continues over whether such service benefits military operations. Even President Eisenhower's own son questioned whether the military is an appropriate place for a commander-in-chief's child. Should presidential children serve in the armed forces? John S. D. Eisenhower, President Dwight Eisenhower's second son, argued in a 2008 New York Times opinion that presidential children shouldn't be placed in combat situations. This perspective came despite his own military career, including service in Korea. His commentary was published when both Sarah Palin and Joe Biden had children deployed in Iraq. Advertisement "My unique position in this regard was called to my attention a few days ago in a radio interview. Did I believe that the children of presidents (or vice presidents) should be assigned to combat zones? I was surprised by my own quick reaction: "'No,' I declared automatically. 'They have no place there,'" he penned at the time. John Eisenhower later reflected that president's children should serve in the military -Credit:Getty He explained that the president and vice president already shoulder responsibility for the entire armed forces, making it unnecessary to burden them with additional anxiety about a single service member: their own children. He further acknowledged that his personal experience "is tinged with regret." While he willingly accepted the dangers of deployment to Korea, he struck a deal with his father beforehand that capture by enemy forces could never happen. John documented, "[President Eisenhower] would accept the risk of my being killed or wounded, but if the Chinese Communists or North Koreans ever took me prisoner, and threatened blackmail, he could be forced to resign the presidency. I agreed to that condition wholeheartedly. I would take my life before being captured." Reflecting years later, John admitted it was self-centered to subject his father to such anguish, and he should have chosen to stay home. He also believed the armed forces should have prevented his deployment. John eventually passed away in 2013 at age 91, yet his viewpoint remains pertinent as America faces another international crisis. The CIA learned that Osama bin Laden had been tracking Prince Harry's whereabouts while he was in the military -Credit:Getty A greater danger In the U.K., Prince Harry's 10-year military service, which included two tours in Afghanistan, has raised questions about whether his high-profile status put others in his unit at risk. The Independent revealed in 2017 that Osama bin Laden had been tracking Prince Harry's intended deployment to Iraq, according to documents released by the CIA found in the al-Qaeda leader's residence. Initially slated for deployment to Iraq, the prince's tour was rescheduled a year later to Afghanistan instead. Bin Laden had collected news articles about the prince. One bore the headline, "Prince Harry moves into the line of fire," whilst another stated, "Prince Harry in Iraq could raise troops' risk." The TikTok Killer introduces viewers to convicted killer Dynamite Montilla -Credit:Netflix (Netflix) Netflix is dropping its latest true crime documentary, The TikTok Killer, on Friday, March 6and the film details the chilling backstory of accused killer, Jose Dynamite Jurado Montilla. Montilla, 64, is currently awaiting trial in connection with the deaths of two potential victims, most notably 42-year-old Ester Estepa, with whom he crossed paths on a hike in Spain in 2023. Her family lost contact with her shortly after, and her body was later discovered in 2024. Now that the Spanish-language documentary is dropping on the streaming giant, true crime fans will get a deeper look at the case, which not only explains what authorities believe happened to Ester but also unveils Montillas Nancy Guthrie cops speak out after 'body found floating' in pond near Arizona home Nancy Guthrie extortion plot breakthrough exposed after sheriff's two-word declaration Prior to Estepa, Montilla had actually been a convicted serial killer who had been released from prison a decade prior to his latest alleged crimes. Heres everything to know about Montilla while watching the documentary. What was Jose Jurado Montilla originally convicted of? Montilla was originally sentenced to prison after committing four brutal murders in the Malaga region of Spain from 1985-1987. He was convicted of shooting Francisco Gonzalez at a farmhouse in Almogia in November 1985; killing former chauffeur Antonio Paniagua in Campanillas in 1987, and the murders of two touristsone British and one German- in the El Chorro area in May 1987. He was sentenced to 123 years in prison, but was released in December 2013, after serving only 28 years. "Dynamite" Montilla was a travel influencer who was a convicted serial killer--and is now awaiting trial on the deaths of two others -Credit:nmasunivision/YouTube Why was Jose Jurado Montilla released from prison? Montillas release followed a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights on what was known as the Parot Doctrine. The Doctrine, which had originally resulted in significantly longer sentences for Spanish inmates convicted of serious crimes, was ruled against in 2013 for allegedly violating both Article 5 (right to liberty and security) and Article 7 (no punishment without law). Advertisement As such, affected prisoners like Montilla were released. How did Jose Jurado Montilla become Dynamite Montilla? After his 2013 release, Montilla rebranded himself on social media as a travel influencer, largely on TikTok, as Dynamite Montilla. His videos depicted him as a charismatic and heartfelt traveler who documented his journeys across Spain. This venture led him to eventually cross paths with Estrepa in 2023, on her own journey through Spain. Ester Estepa was found dead nearly one year after she last crossed paths with "Dynamite" Montilla -Credit:Netflix Who was Ester Estepa? Estepa was a woman who met Montilla by chance encounter in Alicante, on Spains East Coast, and began a hiking route with him over several days, before reaching the town of Gandia, near Valencia, around August 20, 2023. The two allegedly tried to get a room at a hostel, but were turned away because none were available. Estepa last contacted her family via a WhatsApp text on August 23, 2023, which her mother found to be suspicious in tone. After the demand for a voice message, all contact was stopped, and she was reported missing. Her body was found in June 2024 in a secluded area near Gandia, with a cause of death determined to be due to a severe blow to her head. It was also later determined she had been alive during a subsequent sexual assault. Why was Dynamite Montilla arrested? After Estepa was reported missing, Montilla claimed he had last seen her on August 21, before she left to meet friends for a job at an ice cream parlor in Castellon. However, after police searched his phone, they found photos and videos of a womans body in a sleeping bag in a field, and were able to place him with her after they had allegedly parted ways. He was arrested one month before her remains were found for another alleged crime, and has since been charged in Estepas murder as well. The TiKTok killer examines Estepa's disappearance and Montilla's alleged role in her death -Credit:Netflix Has Dynamite Montilla been convicted of Ester Estepas death? Montilla remains in pre-trial detention ahead of a court appearance and has not been convicted of any new crimes. Is he being charged with other crimes? While awaiting trial for Estepas murder, he is also facing charges in the death of a 21-year-old student, identified as David, who was found shot in the back and neck on a family farm in Malaga. DNA found on his backpack linked him to Joses family tree, and his digital footprint on TikTok led authorities to the region and to him. If convicted of the deaths, he is set to face a new life sentence. NEW CITY Marie has helped people living in a St. Dominic's Family Services residence for 10 years. The direct support professional describes her relationship with the residents, who have a range of disabilities, as "family." But the Rockland resident is in jeopardy of losing her Temporary Protected Status and having to return to Haiti. The Trump administration unilaterally acted to end TPS for Haitians, some here for decades. But court challenges have, so far, delayed the implementation of removals. Meanwhile, there's a push in Congress to legislatively extend TPS. Marie, whose last name is being withheld because she fears repercussions, said she doesn't know what she would do if TPS is yanked. There's only danger for her in Haiti, Marie said: Her family home and neighborhood were taken by gangs years ago; she would be a target for kidnapping and ransom; she has no close family left, and even if she did, they would have their own challenges and would be unlikely able to help her. Carol St. John, St. Dominic's Family Services chief program officer for residential programs, said Marie is just one of about 18 workers her nonprofit agency would lose if TPS for Haitians ended. Politics: Trump ousts Kristi Noem as Homeland Security secretary The losses would be repeated at agencies that provide lifespan services for people with disabilities in the Lower Hudson Valley and nationwide, local agency leaders said during a recent meeting at Jawonio in New City. Agencies like St. Dominic's and Jawonio already faces double-digit vacancy rates and high turnover. "Besides the moral and ethical issue of deporting people to Haiti," Jawonio CEO Randi Rios-Castro said, sending back scores of workers in the human care field would "exacerbate an already horrific workforce shortage." Some 330,000 Haitians with TPS status reside in the U.S.; about 40,000 are in New York. Many are employed in caregiver roles. What is TPS and what's at stake TPS is granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to foreign nationals already in the U.S. who cannot safely return home country due to extreme dangers. The Trump administration had rescinded or attempted to rescind TPS for several nations, including Honduras, Venezuela, Afghanistan and Somalia. The U.S. established TPS for Haiti after a 2010 earthquake devastated the Caribbean nation. Tens of thousands of Haitians fled here, and TPS gave those who were undocumented a legal pathway to stay and work and rebuild their lives. People on TPS, like the direct support professionals, or DSPs, at Jawonio, Saint Dominic's Family Services and other nonprofit agency providers, have work authorization and documentation. Randi Rios-Castro, Chief Executive Officer of Jawonio, talks March 3, 2026 about the consequences of the Trump administration's efforts to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants. Organizations such as Jawonio employee large numbers of immigrants, including Haitians, who work in positions such as Direct Support Professionals, who are caregivers who provide care for individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. "They're here legally working, paying taxes," Rios-Castro said. If they lose TPS status, they lose that ability to work so agencies would automatically have to let them go. "Some of them have worked with us for 20 years," Rios-Castro said. "They are essentially family to the people they are supporting." Marie, during a recent interview at Jawonio, agreed. "The same way they need us, we need them too," she said. "We provide care, safety, happiness." Rios-Castro said Jawonio would lose 27 DSPs if TPS ends. The agency has already been running at around a 20% vacancy rate for direct-care workers. Agency leaders and workers like Marie worry about the disruption losing longtime DSPs would have for residents. "That's their home for life," St. John said. Rios-Castro said agencies like Jawonio already struggle with high rates of staff turnover because the jobs are hard and the state-reimbursed pay is low. Residents, she said, "don't like the revolving door." Marie, a Direct Support Professional for Saint Dominic's Family Services in Blauvelt, cries as she talks March 3, 2026 about the consequences of the Trump administration's efforts to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants. Marie, a Haitian immigrant who has worked for St. Dominic's for ten years, fears having to leave the people she cares for, saying that she considers them her family. She also fears for her safety should she be deported to Haiti, where she hasn't lived for over twenty years. Shortages could loom: Can NY budget fix pay gap for workers who aid those with disabilities? Marie agrees. "It's gonna be terrible," she said of her residents losing their longtime support. "Bringing in a new person is gonna be a challenge for them." The impact goes well beyond group home residences. Haitian immigrants across the U.S. are well-represented in healthcare fields, according to the Migration Policy Institute, with many filling support occupations such as nursing assistants, personal care aides, and home health aides. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported in January that a group of residents at a Boca Raton, Florida, senior complex were so concerned about their aides' fate if TPS was pulled, they came with a scheme to hide Haitian staff in their apartments. Rios-Castro said that speaks to the moral concerns of sending people back to a country the U.S. State Department has had under a longstanding Level 4 "do not travel" advisory, citing widespread kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest and limited healthcare. Rios-Castro and Marie said people who think people on TPS could just convert their immigration status misunderstand how complex and costly the U.S. immigration can be. Advertisement TPS is not an automatic pathway to a green card. Finding a way to stay in the U.S. including seeking political asylum or family sponsorship can take decades of paperwork and paying a lawyer and is only successful for a fraction of applicants. What are courts and Congress doing U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler on Wednesday, March 4, announced he had signed onto a colleague's petition to force a vote on a bill he co-sponsored that would extend TPS for Haitians. Lawler's 17th District includes Spring Valley, home to one of the largest Haitian diasporas in the U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler speaks during a press conference at the First Timothy Christian Church in Spring Valley July 10, 2025. Lawler called for an extension to Temporary Protective Status and advised Haitian immigrants to use every legal means available in order to remain in the Unites States. Lawler to Haitians: With no long-term immigration fix in sight, solidify your status now "The situation in Haiti remains dire," Lawler said in a statement announcing that he has signed a discharge petition designed to force a vote on H.R. 1689, which would require TPS designation for Haiti to continue. "There is no doubt that sending individuals back into that environment is dangerous." U.S. Rep. George Latimer, D-Rye, had previously signed the discharge petition. Lawler's office said the Republican has also told fellow Republican Trump and past U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in person that TPS cannot end for Haitians. The original termination of TPS protections for Haitians was on Feb. 3. But a federal judge ruled that TPS must stay active for Haitians until legal challenges resolve. There's no telling how long that could take. Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of state attorneys general have filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in support of a lawsuit aiming to block termination of TPS for Haitians. Haitian immigrant communities here have long felt a target of Trump's going back to the 2024 presidential campaign, when candidate Trump and his team engaged in rhetoric that disparaged the Haitian community, including claims they were eating people's pets. 'Deja vu': Haitian immigrants say long history of blame can't curb their success in US Carol St. John, Chief Program Officer for Saint Dominic's Family Services talks March 3, 2026 about the consequences of the Trump administration's efforts to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants. Organizations such as St. Dominic's employee large numbers of immigrants, including Haitians, who work in positions such as Direct Support Professionals, who are caregivers who provide care for individuals with intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. With St. John was Marie, a Haitian immigrant who has worked as a DSP for St. Dominic's for ten years. Will the legal challenges, the political push and the healthcare concerns be enough to save TPS for Haitians? "I live in hope," Marie said. "We are coming here for a reason. We came here for a better life. We work, we pay our bills, we pay our taxes." St. John said the human care system, already struggling with worker shortages, could be pushed to the precipice by losing the Haitian TPS workforce. St. Dominic's operates with a near 28% vacancy rate for DSP workers. Haitian TPS holders are dedicated workers, and fill in the gaps left by those vacancies with extra shifts and extra care. And for those who believe Americans would take these jobs, St. John said, that's not been her experience as her agency constantly recruits. "The government, they're not seeing this," St. John said. "Taking people on TPS out of this situation is going to be crazy." Coming up: Rally to keep care strong The TPS challenge is just one federal policy that's further straining agencies that aid people with disabilities and other healthcare service providers. The recent introduction of to $100,000 fee on H-1B workers visas. Those permits help agencies staff trained positions like social workers and habilitation specialists. While the idea may be to foster jobs for U.S. citizens, Jawonio Chief Human Resources Officer Theresa Parker said, she has found new college grads aren't interested in the work and pay these agencies can offer. Thousands rally in Rockland: Medicaid 'fraud and abuse' claims by Lawler draw boos Changes to Medicaid guidelines have also threatened financial stability for agencies that provide mental health and other care and support. On the state level, agencies continue to fight for an increase in wage reimbursements for DSPs, and are mid-push for the state Legislature to increase Gov. Kathy Hochul's allocation for that in the upcoming state budget. Agencies and the people they serve gather each year for "Rally in the Valley," hosted by Jawonio in Rockland County. The advocacy day draws thousands of self-advocates, families and care providers, as well as politicians who come to hear what people need. This year's Rally in the Valley takes place at 11 a.m. Friday, March 13 at SUNY Rockland Community College Fieldhouse. For more information: jawonio.org/2026-rally-in-the-valley-registration. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Care for NY people with disabilities threatened by end of Haitian TPS Ethel Kennedy at the 'Ethel' premiere held during the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Credit: Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images The Gist Ethel Kennedy is introduced in Episode 5 of Love Story as an intimidating matriarch whose rules and rituals challenge Carolyn Bessette. J. Randy Taraborrellis book The Kennedy Heirs confirms Ethel was tough on the fashion publicist dating her nephew, JFK Jr.but ultimately tried to protect her. Ethel was a devoted human rights advocate, the wife of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and mother to their 11 children. She died in October 2024. FXs Love Story is as much a primer on the Kennedy family as it is a retelling of a famous romance. As John F. Kennedy Jr. acquaints future wife Carolyn Bessette with his numerous relatives, viewers are introduced to the whos who of one of Americas most prominent families. Episode 5 of Love Story, Battery Park, sees the central couple visiting the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, where Bessette meets her boyfriends cousins and his aunt, Ethel Kennedy. From the start, Ethelplayed by Jessica Harperstands out. Shes an intimidating matriarch, having reared 11 of JFK Jr.s cousins. Shes also a knowledgeable human rights activist. At dinner, she quizzes her guests on current events, catching fashion publicist Bessette off guard. She also doesnt let her nephew and his girlfriend stay in the same room. The compound runs on her schedule, according to her rules. Actress Jessica Harper portrays Ethel Kennedy in FX's 'Love Story' Season 1 Episode 5. Credit: FX Despite their initial friction, in real life, the women would eventually come to see one another as allies. Ethel and Carolyn had something in common, being non Kennedys in a family that was so lionized by the public and the challenges that represented for both of them. I think that was something that ultimately drew them together, Harper told Town & Country in February 2026. Love Storys limited scope of nine episodes, and its focus on JFK Jr. and Bessettes relationship, means the extended Kennedy family only gets so much screen time. Ahead, find out more who Ethel Kennedy was, her impact as an activist and mother, and the candid conversation she had with Bessette about being a Kennedy bride. She was born in Chicago and grew up in Connecticut. Ethel Kennedy circa 1961. Credit: Hulton Archive/Getty Images Ethel Kennedy (nee Skakel) was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 11, 1928. One of seven children of coal magnate George Skakel and Ann Brannack Skakel, she grew up among the upper-class families of Greenwich, Connecticut. Her connection to the Kennedy family began when she befriended classmate Jean Kennedy at the Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, according to her biography on the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum website. Jean introduced Ethel to her brother Robert Bobby F. Kennedy during a ski trip in 1945. While Robert was dating Ethels sister Patricia at the time, their relationship fizzled out. He later began to see Ethel, his future wife. She was married to Robert F. Kennedy from 1950 until his death in 1968. Ethel Skakel and Robert F. Kennedy leaving their wedding on June 17, 1950. Credit: Getty Images After announcing their engagement in February 1950, Ethel and Robert wed on June 17 of the same year. The couple both worked on his brother John F. Kennedys campaign for the U.S. presidency. Following JFKs assassination in 1963, Robert ran for the Senate in New York and won. He later campaigned for the presidency himself, but was assassinated in June 1968. Ethel vowed never to remarry after her husbands death. How could I possibly do that with Bobby looking down from heaven? she told People in 1991. That would be adultery. The couple welcomed 11 children, whom Ethel raised to have a real sense of gratitude. Robert F. Kennedy with wife Ethel and 10 of their 11 children, circa 1965. Credit: Getty Images Robert and Ethel welcomed 10 of their 11 children together: Kathleen, Joseph, Robert Jr. (also known as RFK Jr.), David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Maxwell, and Douglas. Ethel was pregnant with their youngest child, Rory Kennedy, at the time of Roberts assassination. Rory arrived six months later. The youngest Kennedy daughter has discussed her mothers reluctance to open up about her fathers murder and its impact. We grew up in a family where we were encouraged to look outwards at what was going on in the world, Rory said in a 2018 The Guardian interview. There was less focus on what was going on inwardly. Advertisement Ethel Kennedy and her daughter, Rory Kennedy, in October 2012. Credit: Jason Kempin/Getty Images In 2012, Rory directed an HBO documentary about her mothers life, titled Ethel. In one scene, per The Guardian, the filmmaker asks Ethel about Roberts death. Can we talk about something else? Ethel asks, tearing up. Rory herself has been candid about the aftermath of the loss and how it shaped her and her siblings childhoods. I grew up without a father, and with a sadness for sure, not having him or knowing him, she told the outlet. I also grew up with family who had a real sense of gratitude for the life we have, and for all the extraordinary gifts. There wasnt a lot of tolerance for feeling like a victim, or feeling sorry for yourself. She was a dedicated human rights advocate. President Barack Obama presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Ethel Kennedy in November 2014. Credit: Christy Bowe - ImageCatcher News Throughout her life, Ethel worked to uphold and preserve her late husbands legacy. An outspoken champion of human rights, she established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights in 1968 (now known as the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center). She was involved in efforts like the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Project, the Earth Conservation Corps environmental restoration projects, and the Coalition of Gun Control. In recognition of her work, former President Barack Obama awarded Ethel the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. She tried to protect Bessette and help her fit in with the Kennedys. Back to the Love Story of it all. J. Randy Taraborrellis book The Kennedy Heirs offers an account of Ethel and Bessettes first meeting as its depicted in the show. The traditional family dinner quizzes are something Love Story gets rightin the book (per People), Taraborrelli describes how Bessette faltered when asked her opinion on the federal ban on assault weapons. Ethel reportedly responded, You may want to read up on it. Ethel Kennedy (Jessica Harper) quizzing Carolyn Bessette (Sarah Pidgeon) in FX's 'Love Story.' Credit: FX8BIM It wasnt until Bessette and JFK Jr.s infamous public fight in Battery Park (which Love Storys fifth episode takes its name from) that Ethel became an ally of Bessettes. Per Taraborrellis book, Ethel invited the publicist to her home in Virginia for a conversation. Once Bessette opened up about feeling like she was in Johns shadow sometimes, Ethel reassured her she wasnt alone in her experience. I went through that with Bobby at first, she said, according to Taraborrelli. Then I finally got it that the only way to survive in this family is to look in the mirror and say You know what? Im enough. Eventually it will sink in and no one can ever take that way from you. Not even the Kennedys. John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette in 1997. Credit: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images Her advice was followed by unexpected praise, as Ethel reportedly added, I think youre more powerful than any of the other women John has dated. Ethel was tough, the books author told People in 2019, but then she also tries to protect Carolyn. Ethel died on October 10, 2024, age 96. Ethel Kennedy in New York, circa 1979. Credit: PL Gould/IMAGES/Getty Images The Kennedy matriarch outlived two of her childrensons David and Michaelbefore her death in October 2024 from complications related to a stroke. Along with a lifetimes work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly, her family said in a statement announcing her passing. Read the original article on InStyle Iranian flags hang from a building in Shahid Borujerdi residential complex in south east Tehran which was heavily struck and destroyed by Israel and U.S. during Operation Epic Fury in Tehran, Iran, on March 5, 2026. - Kaveh Kazemi/Getty Images A week into the latest Middle East conflict, US attacks on Iran continue ramping up and Israeli strikes in Lebanon are spurring panic. The war has killed more than 1,320 people, according to Lebanese and Iranian state media, and the Trump administration warns it will soon escalate. NATO allies are reluctantly getting pulled into the conflict, while Iran warns European countries that they will be considered legitimate targets if they join on the side of the US and Israel. Advertisement Heres what you need to know. What are the main headlines? Whats happening in Iran and Lebanon? Residents of Beirut's southern suburbs flee from the area after the Israeli military threatened all of Dahiyeh with an evacuation order in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 5, 2026. - Daniel Carde/Getty Images More Israeli strikes: Israel is moving to the next phase of the war, its military chief said late Thursday, after carrying out 2,500 strikes with more than 6,000 weapons. He added that the Israel Defense Forces would push deeper into Lebanon. Meanwhile in Iran, Israel began a broad-scale wave of strikes on key regime infrastructure in Tehran early Friday. Beirut targeted: New Israeli strikes have targeted the southern suburbs of Lebanons capital, areas it considers a stronghold of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. On Friday, the IDF announced that it struck an Iranian command center in Beirut as the death toll in Lebanon exceeded 200 people. Evacuation orders on Thursday covering entire neighborhoods home to more than half a million people caused mass panic as people rushed to leave. Pictures show displaced families sleeping rough and residential buildings in ruins. Lebanons government said over 109,000 people are in displacement shelters. Growing toll: The US-Israel strikes have killed more than 1,200 people in Iran and more than 217 in Lebanon since the latest conflict began, according to Iranian state media and the Lebanese health ministry. The strikes have damaged more than 3,000 homes across Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Iranian strikes have also killed dozens of people in other countries around the region. Girls school bombing: The White House has not ruled out that US military carried out a strike which hit a girls elementary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on Saturday, killing at least 168 children and 14 teachers, according to state media. Pro-regime rally: A crowd of thousands gathered in Tehran after Friday prayers to decry the US-Israeli bombing campaign across Iran. While those who attend prayers in Tehran are usually religious hardliners, it shows the government is still able to mobilize large crowds. Whats happening in the rest of region? A firefighter holds a helmet as he operates outside a building hit by a projectile in a city in outskirts of Tel-Aviv, Israel, on March 6, 2026. - Ilia YefiMovich/AFP/Getty Images Iran and Hezbollah attack Israel: Iran said it launched a hybrid drone and missile attack at Tel Aviv on Thursday night. CNN teams on the ground saw what appeared to be a cluster warhead in the skies above central Israel. Eight Israeli soldiers were wounded by Hezbollah fire on Friday, according to the IDF. Strikes in the Gulf: Saudi Arabias Defense Ministry said Friday three drones had been intercepted east of the capital Riyadh, while its air defenses intercepted three ballistic missiles targeting a base south of the capital the night before. In Bahrain, a hotel, two residential buildings and an oil refinery were hit by Iranian strikes. Irans armed forces said Friday it had launched another wave of drones targeting US bases in Kuwait. US-made radars targeted: Satellite images from key military bases in the Arabian Peninsula suggest that Iran is trying to weaken THAAD air defense systems by destroying US-made radars that detect incoming missiles and drones. Theater widens: Iran is also accused of attacking Azerbaijan, in the first strikes on the country since the beginning of the conflict which Iran denies. Embassy warns US citizens: Hours after the US Embassy in Baghdad warned Americans to leave Iraq, saying that hotels in Iraqi Kurdistan could be targeted by pro-Iranian militias, a drone exploded near a hotel in Erbil. A pro-Iranian Islamist militant group claimed responsibility, warning American troops and contractors that it would continue to target hotels across the country. NATO gears up: NATO member states have increased their defense posture after a suspected Iranian missile was shot down while traveling toward Turkish airspace on Wednesday. Iran has said did not fire any missiles toward Turkey, per state media. Impact on sport: Irans womens national soccer team was forced to salute and sing its national anthem, sources told CNN Sports, ahead of a Womens Asia Cup match just days after the squad refused to do so. Iran will not compete at the Winter Paralympics since its lone para athlete cannot travel safely. Kurdish group attacked: An Iranian Kurdish militant group said its base in Iraq was struck by missiles and drones on Friday, wounding four fighters. Since CNN reported that the CIA intends to use Iranian Kurds in leading an invasion of Iran, strikes on Kurdish groups in Iraq have increased in frequency and intensity. The latest from Washington Unconditional surrender, decided by Trump: What will it look like for Iran to deliver an UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER, as President Donald Trump demanded Friday? The president will decide, his spokeswoman said a few hours later. Next supreme leader: Thats not the only arena where Trump is apparently calling the shots: the president said he must be involved in the appointment of Irans next leader and dismissed the prospect of Mojtaba Khamenei succeeding his father, the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Cost of the war: The war is costing the US about $891.4 million per day, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies which analyzed information the Pentagon shared about targets it struck and the assets involved. Trump said on Friday that the defense contractors his administration met with earlier in the day have agreed to quadruple production of some weaponry. War stories: A federal judge expressed skepticism with a restrictive press policy rolled out by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last year. Isnt it even more important than ever that the public have information and a variety of views on what their country is doing? senior US District Judge Paul Friedman asked a Justice Department attorney defending the policy. CNNs Alejandra Jaramillo, Austin Culpepper, Jack Guy, Thomas Bordeaux, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Tamar Michaelis, Oren Liebermann, Tim Lister, Ivan Watson, Frederik Pleitgen, John Liu and Tori B. Powell contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Employees of Akima Global Services, LLC the security subcontractor at Camp East Montana are being told reports of the possible closing of the massive detention center are not true, according to communications shared with the El Paso Times. The Washington Post reported on Wednesday, March 4, that the Department of Homeland Security was considering closing the detention center. Employees at Camp East Montana, however, said on Friday, March 6, that they were told the detention center was not closing. Camp East Montana is photographed Friday, March 6, 2026, in El Paso, Texas. Employees of Akima Global Services, LLC the security subcontractor at the detention center were told in internal messages that reports of a possible closure were not true, despite a Washington Post story earlier in the week reporting that federal officials were considering shutting it down, according to communications shared with the El Paso Times. Camp East Montana will remain open, Bethany Castillo told the team in the internal message. At this time, it is important that we continue operating as usual and remain focused on our work without disruption. Should there be any future updates, we will communicate them promptly. It's unclear what Castillo's role is related to Camp East Montana. More: El Paso ICE Camp East Montana under quarantine after measles outbreak U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar issued a statement following the publication of the Washington Post story, "rejoicing that this dark chapter is over," in response to reports that ICE is closing Camp East Montana on Fort Bliss Army Post. Camp East Montana is photographed Friday, March 6, 2026, in El Paso, Texas, as a bus enters the detention center. Employees of Akima Global Services, LLC the security subcontractor at the facility were told in internal messages that reports of a possible closure were not true, despite a Washington Post story earlier in the week reporting that federal officials were considering shutting it down, according to communications shared with the El Paso Times. Escobar, D-El Paso, has long called for the closure of the sprawling immigration detention center following her multiple congressional oversight visits and following reports of inhumane and abuse. The Trump administration has used El Paso as ground zero for its sick, twisted immigration enforcement policies for years, and Camp East Montana is no different," Escobar said in a statement. "It represents the epitome of fraud, waste, abuse, and the exploitation of human suffering at the hands of private prison corporations and the Trump administration The $1.24 billion cost for this facility could have been used for healthcare, nutrition programs, and a litany of other things to improve our society and our country. Instead, it promoted the dehumanization of immigrants and lined the pockets of a corrupt, incompetent private prison corporation." Advertisement U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, addresses the press at the entrance of the East Montana ICE detention facility on Aug. 18, 2025. The new ICE facility opened on Aug. 17 and sits on Fort Bliss. More: 'Everyone is pretty upset about it': Socorro speaks out against ICE center Akima Global Services, LLC is an Alaska Native Corporation owned by 15,000+ Inupiat shareholders, according to its website. It is based in Herndon, Virginia. The security firm was subcontracted with Acquisition Logistics LLC, which is based in Henrico, Virginia. Acquisition Logistics received a $1.2 billion contract for constructing and managing soft-sided detention center. Deaths, mental health illness reported at ICE detention center in Texas Camp East Montana is the largest privately run detention center in the United States, poised to hold up to 5,000 people. There are around 1,500 people held at the facility, down from a high of 3,100 in January. Camp East Montana is photographed Friday, March 6, 2026, in El Paso, Texas. Employees of Akima Global Services, LLC the security subcontractor at the detention center were told in internal messages that reports of a possible closure were not true, despite a Washington Post story earlier in the week reporting that federal officials were considering shutting it down, according to communications shared with the El Paso Times. Former detainees held at Camp East Montana detailed consistent abuses by guards in interviews with the El Paso Times. They reported being called "donkeys," being told to shut up and threats against detainees' loved ones. They also described unsanitary conditions, inedible food that was often half frozen or rotten and claimed that medical attention was almost non-existent, detailing how there was regular flooding and unsanitary conditions in the facility. The reports of abuses boiled over following the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, involving Camp East Montana guards on Jan. 3. His death was ruled a homicide. Lunas Campos, 55, is one of three people held there who have died since it opened in August 2025. More: He witnessed a migrant death at an ICE detention center, then was deported The lack of sanitary conditions has led to a mental health crisis within the detention center, where some detainees have been held for up to four to five months. The El Paso Times also reported nearly 90 emergency 911 calls coming from the center in the first 15 weeks of operation, detailing regular medical emergencies and suicide attempts. The American Civil Liberties Union published a scathing report detailing rampant acts of physical violence against detainees and attempts to force detainees to self-deport.The abuses they faced inside Camp East Montana before their deportations echoed in interviews done by the ACLU. Escobar has called for the closure of the site because of these abuses. She has also raised concerns about the lack of training for guards, telling the El Paso Times that private guards contracted at the detention facility work six to seven days a week in 12-hour shifts, and receive only 40 hours of training. Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@usatodayco.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Employees say they were told Camp East Montana in El Paso will remain open President Trump Holds Roundtable Discussion At The White House On Antifa (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Outgoing Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems final weeks on the job were tumultuous and the White House wasnt the only place where grievances piled up, insiders told the Daily Caller. Trump announced Thursday on Truth Social that he was replacing Noem with Sen. Markwayne Mullin and moving her to a new role as Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. The shakeup followed a tense Senate hearing and a wave of press coverage about Noems alleged infidelity and her management of the department. It wasnt a matter of if, it was a matter of when, one source briefed on the situation told the Caller. One source briefed on the matter and one administration official told the Caller that Noem was pushed out because of what they described as unfortunate leadership failures, including the fallout in Minnesota, the ad campaign, the allegations of infidelity, the mismanagement of her staff, and her constant feuding with the heads of other agencies, including CBP and ICE, the administration official said. The source briefed on the matter told the Caller that there were factions inside the White House that did not like Noem and Corey Lewandowski a special government employee whom press reports have linked romantically to Noem. The tension, the source said, seemed to stem from the 2024 election, when Lewandowski tried to get Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita fired. There were major differences between the two groups, the source said. A second administration official pushed back on that characterization, saying Noem and Lewandowskis relationship with the White House has always been cordial and respectful. The second official said that at the end of last year, Noem told Trump and his White House that she was not getting the support she needed. Trump agreed and stepped in to help, the official said, and conditions improved until Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. The DHS immigration crackdown drew protests and condemnation from Minnesota officials and involved two officer-involved shootings that left two Americans dead. Noem felt that she was thrown under the bus after the Minneapolis situation, the second administration official told the Caller. Its laughable that Kristi is trying to blame her own self-inflicted issues on someone else. The issues that led to Kristis replacement were a result of her own wrongdoings, not a lack of support from the White House, the first official asserted. Advertisement Reports have pointed to Noems congressional hearings where she said the president was aware of her $220 million DHS ad campaign as the nail in the coffin. The ad campaign a border-security media buy that featured Noem prominently drew scrutiny after reporting that DHS invoked border emergency justifications to bypass the normal contract bidding process. A Noem-connected consulting firm was quietly paid through subcontracting arrangements, reports stated. The second administration official told the Caller that the White House was aware of Noems ad contract, and said senior White House officials were even involved in getting the funds approved. The first administration official disputed that, saying the president was not aware. Trump told Reuters that he didnt know about it. There wasnt a single member [of Congress] defending her at all, a source familiar with the situation told the Caller, adding that lawmakers viewed the ad campaign as self-serving and were unimpressed with the effort. (RELATED: John Kennedy Holds Kristi Noems Feet To Fire Over Expensive Ad Campaign) Noem will report to Secretary Marco Rubio in her new position. The administration is expected to soon announce its new Western Hemisphere security initiative. The second administration official said Rubio and Hegseth respect Noem a key reason she was reassigned rather than fully ousted. While relations between Noem and the White House remain strained, the second official pointed to the fact that she wasnt outright removed from the administration as evidence that there is still appreciation and respect for the former South Dakota governor. Noem was on stage in Nashville at the Major Cities Conference when Trump posted his Truth Social announcement. The second administration official said Noem has known for the past week that she was being replaced. The official added that Trump wanted to announce the new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere on Saturday, which contributed to Thursdays decision to officially reassign Noem. Anyone whos close to the situation at all could see this coming, the source briefed on the matter told the Caller. DHS did not immediately respond to the Daily Callers request for comment. FILE PHOTO: Birds fly as smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 2, 2026. WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS/File Photo By John Davison BAGHDAD, March 6 (Reuters) - Iran has spent decades and billions of dollars preparing foreign proxy fighters like A.J., a commander in a pro-Iranian paramilitary group in Iraq, for a moment just like this. Since the U.S. and Israel went to war on the Islamic Republic a week ago, A.J. has been awaiting marching orders from Tehran. But they have yet to come. And so as the leadership in Tehran faces a potentially existential threat, many of the fighters and militia groups the Iranians cultivated in Iraq have so far not entered the fight for them. There has been no mass mobilization of Iran's proxies inside Iraq, one of the last redoubts of the Islamic Republic's once-formidable system of alliances stretching from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria to Yemen and Iraq. Some pro-Iranian groups in Iraq have claimed attacks in recent days, to be sure. One group said it had fired drones at "enemy bases in Iraq and the region," and several explosions rocked the northern city of Erbil, a Kurdish stronghold that hosts a U.S. base. But most missile and drone attacks have come directly from Iran, Kurdish officials say. The more than two-dozen attacks claimed online in the name of the Islamic Resistance of Iraq a label used by various militants have caused no significant damage, and in some cases there is no evidence of the attacks. Even if direct orders do come from Tehran, A.J. believes that they'll only be issued to two or three of the dozens of Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim paramilitaries nurtured by Iran. "I just don't think most of them are reliable anymore," he told Reuters. "Some will act. Others would have front groups that could launch attacks with deniability. But many are just looking out for their own interests these days." The trajectory of A.J.'s personal journey as a member of an Iranian-backed force in Iraq tracks the rise and fall of Iran's strategy of spreading proxy militias through the region, under the leadership of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and its expeditionary Quds Force, to fight America and Israel. His is the story of how the Israelis and Americans wore down and diminished most of these proxies, leaving the Islamic Republic facing its most perilous moment largely alone. A.J., who is from Shi'ite-majority southern Iraq, spoke on condition he not be identified, for fear of being targeted by Israeli or U.S. strikes. Reuters is using the initials of one of his nicknames for clarity. A.J. blamed several factors for the reduced military potency of Iran's Iraqi proxies: Israel and America's war of attrition against other regional allies, the loss of Syria as a supply line, and the transition of key commanders into Iraqi political and economic life. His assessment is shared by more than two dozen people interviewed by Reuters, including militia members, Iraqi and Western officials, Shi'ite clerics, and close watchers of Iran's once-vaunted "Axis of Resistance." They painted a picture of a proxy network hollowed out by years of targeted assassinations of hard-to-replace leaders; the loss of secure bases for training and weapons transit; and the transformation of Iraqi commanders into wealthy politicians and businessmen with more to lose than gain from confronting the West. The Iraqi militia leaders "don't want sanctions on them as individuals, they want to have access to Western healthcare, to have their children educated abroad," said Gareth Stansfield, a professor of Middle East politics at Exeter University and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, who has advised the British and regional governments. "That's accelerated since the 12-day war" between Israel and Iran last June, he said. Iraqi security officials and paramilitary insiders say Iran's proxies could yet enter the fray in force if the war drags on, if there's a U.S.-Israeli attack they perceive as being against Shi'ites as a whole, or if U.S.-backed Kurdish groups attack Iran. Even if they wanted to fight, though, these Iran-backed groups lack the means they once had. They have used outmoded weaponry in their handful of attacks since the war began, according to Iraqi security officials. Tehran has sent no new weapons to his group since the battle with Israel last year, A.J. said. Reuters couldn't determine if this was the case for other pro-Iran militias in Iraq. During last year's confrontation with Israel, Iran's Revolutionary Guards instructed A.J.'s group to retaliate, which they did, firing drones toward Israel. But moving weapons now would be "too risky, they could be spotted by reconnaissance," A.J. said. Israel's military told Reuters that "terrorist factions in Iraq operate as a proxy of Iran." "Operations against the Iranian-led resistance axis, combined with a clear understanding that Israel would not stand idly by as its civilians were attacked, have led to a decrease in attacks from Iraqi territory toward Israel," it said in a statement. The Iraqi and Iranian governments didn't respond to Reuters questions for this story. The White House and the Pentagon also didn't respond to requests for comment. LEADERS LIKE THIS COME ALONG ONLY ONCE' On day two of the war, A.J. and his comrades mourned Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed by an airstrike during the Israeli-U.S. assault on Tehran. Still, no orders came to attack. In Baghdad, thousands of Iraqi supporters of the ayatollah, including off-duty fighters from Iran-backed paramilitary groups, nevertheless rushed the gates of the fortified Green Zone, chanting "death to America" and hoping to attack the U.S. embassy. They never managed to reach the bridge leading into the Green Zone, and were beaten back and tear-gassed by Iraqi riot police. None of the well-known commanders of Iranian proxy militias were in sight. Qais al-Khazali, a U.S.-sanctioned commander whose militia's banners were raised by the protesters, issued an anodyne statement on X condemning the U.S. and asking supporters to show their anger by "wearing black." Khazali in years past had threatened American interests, and men he commanded had killed U.S. troops in Iraq in 2007. This time, he made no call to arms. Khazali's office didn't respond to a request for comment. One protester in Baghdad bemoaned the lack of support from top pro-Iran paramilitary leaders. "Where are you?" the protester chided in a video posted online. "If you don't come stand with us and burn the (American) embassy, you are cowards." The protester was referring to a similar incident in 2019, when Iran-backed protesters and militants attacked the U.S. embassy with firebombs in response to American air raids in Iraq and Syria that killed dozens of their paramilitary comrades. On that occasion, the leaders had stood among them, including Khazali. The moment marked a high point of Iranian Shi'ite proxy power in the region. Sixteen years earlier, Iraqi Shi'ite militants fought the Americans with Iranian support after the 2003 U.S. invasion toppled Sunni ruler Saddam Hussein. The militants went on to embed themselves in Iraqi government institutions. The number of Shi'ite paramilitaries swelled after the rise of Islamic State in 2014, as men rushed to defend their country against the extremist Sunni group. The Shi'ite commanders, many close to Iran for decades, capitalized on the victory over Islamic State in 2017 to win seats in parliamentary elections the next year. They also came to dominate the Popular Mobilization Forces, a 150,000-strong state paramilitary umbrella organization formed to fight Islamic State. The growing power of Iran-backed paramilitaries in Iraq coincided with the political rise of Hezbollah in Lebanon. In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad, an Iran ally, meanwhile weathered a civil war with Iranian proxy help. The U.S. embassy assault in 2019 would be a turning point. It triggered the U.S. assassination in early 2020 of fabled Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, who directed overseas operations and coordinated Iran's proxies. The killing, ordered by President Donald Trump, sent the militias scrambling for a coordinator. Soleimani's replacement, Esmail Ghaani, lacks the same stature and authority, many militia figures say. A.J. proudly keeps a picture on his phone of him meeting Ghaani. But he said there's "no comparison" between the two leaders. "Soleimani was not just a once in a generation leader, he was a once in history leader," he said. Reuters was unable to reach Ghaani for comment. After Soleimani's death, Iran's most trusted proxy, Lebanese Hezbollah, stepped in to coordinate the various Tehran-backed groups across the region. A.J. said a Lebanese political figure close to Hezbollah would bring the factions together in Beirut to talk strategy. A.J.'s group still kept operatives in Beirut and Tehran at that time. That would soon change. The outbreak of war in October 2023 between Israel and Iran's Palestinian ally Hamas drew in Hezbollah. That led to the Israeli assassination in September 2024 of Hezbollah's charismatic leader Hassan Nasrallah. "Nasrallah was also irreplaceable. Leaders like this come along only once," A.J. said. The killing of Nasrallah and most of Hezbollah's senior leadership meant Beirut was no longer safe, he said. His group soon confined its operatives to Iraq and Tehran. "We used to train in Lebanon on drone systems. Now it's Tehran," he told Reuters a few days before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. All the sources Reuters interviewed agreed that Nasrallah's killing dealt a severe blow to the whole axis, impacting the Iraqis' ability to visit Beirut. Advertisement "Everything changed after Nasrallah was killed," said Mustafa Fahs, a Lebanese political activist in close contact with Iraqi Shi'ite leaders. Fahs said the decapitation of Hezbollah's leadership loosened the group's grip on state institutions in Lebanon, including Beirut airport, depriving Iraqi proxies of a means to visit without scrutiny by Lebanese government intelligence. In recent days, Hezbollah has managed to conduct limited attacks, firing rockets and drones into Israel from Lebanon. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government didn't respond to requests for comment. A SYRIAN COLLAPSE A.J.'s group and other Iranian proxies were deployed to Syria from across the region in 2011 to prevent the collapse of Assad's regime in an uprising that morphed into a civil war dominated by Sunni Islamist rebels. For A.J. and his comrades, the mission was to protect Shi'ite shrines in Syria. For the wider Iran-backed axis, Syria provided a crucial land route from Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon and enabled the movement of weapons and fighters across the region. With their help, plus Russian support, Assad held on. The proxies reduced their presence in Syria around 2020 when it looked like Assad's regime had survived, but still kept offices and weapons in Syria for use against Israel, A.J. said. But things were changing. During a tense meeting of Iran-backed factions in Damascus in 2023, A.J. said he and fellow Iraqi commanders warned Syrian military officials that they were dangerously infiltrated by Israeli agents. "There were enemy agents everywhere in Syria, just waiting to give us away," he said. In the ensuing months just before Nasrallah's killing Israel started assassinating Iranian commanders in Syria. Syrians bought off by Israel were giving coordinates for the attacks, A.J. said. Michael Knights, an expert on Iraqi factions at New York-based risk consultancy Horizon Engage, who has worked closely with the U.S. government in sanctions enforcement, said Israel had local agents helping provide the targeting. The Israeli military didn't address specific questions about the targeting of Iranian commanders in Syria. Assad's ouster in December 2024 was a hammer blow to Tehran and its proxies. With Iran's axis weakened and Nasrallah dead, Syria was taken over by former Al Qaeda fighters led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who would become the country's president in 2025. The sudden defeat sent the remaining pro-Iran factions scattering, with Iraqi groups withdrawing across the border. "Damascus was the key for coordinating the axis of resistance," A.J. said. "That was a big turning point for us." Syria's government didn't respond to questions for this story. With Assad's demise, the axis of resistance was largely down to just Iran, the Houthi militants of Yemen, and the Iraqi groups. THE GOD OF MONEY On the day before the Iran war began, a former Iraqi intelligence chief drove a Reuters correspondent around Baghdad, pointing out vast, lucrative construction projects owned by Iranian proxy militias. "These men were made by Iran, and might ultimately prove loyal to it," he said, referring to the militia leaders. "But there are two gods they worship above all weapons and money." A few months earlier, Khazali, the U.S.-sanctioned commander, made a startling comment in a televised interview. Amid U.S. moves to get back into Iraq's oil sector, he said American companies were welcome to come and invest. The previous year, he'd openly threatened U.S. interests if Washington backed Israeli attacks on Lebanese Hezbollah. The apparent about-face didn't sit well with several pro-Iran commanders in Iraq. "The situation in Iraq now has shown who's the true resistance (against America)," said Abu Turab al-Tamimi, a former commander linked to Iran-backed faction Kataib Hezbollah. "The only ones left are Kataib Hezbollah, Nujaba, and a couple of others perhaps," Tamimi told Reuters, naming two Iraqi factions that remain most loyal to Iran. He didn't include Khazali's group. Kataib Hezbollah and Nujaba didn't respond to questions from Reuters. Khazali's militia movement spawned an affiliated political party, which he also heads. He is among a top tier of Iran-backed senior commanders who have worked their way into seats in parliament and other influential positions within the Iraqi state. They have kept their armed groups, usually folding them into the Popular Mobilization Forces, which receives an annual budget of over $3 billion from the Iraqi government. They have also forged extensive business interests. In the process, they've softened their anti-American rhetoric and increasingly refrained from military action. Most of these commanders have not issued threats against the U.S. since the Iran war began, and their groups haven't claimed new attacks on U.S. interests. They have also privately aligned with the U.S. on Iraq's deliberations over a new prime minister, according to all the sources Reuters interviewed, including members of the commanders' political offices. Khazali and Shibl al-Zaidi, another U.S.-sanctioned leader who also leads a political party, both rejected the Iran-favored pick of Nouri al-Maliki, a former prime minister whom the U.S. strongly opposed, according to people in Zaidi's party and other Iraqi politicians. The two commanders are going even further, reaching out to Western officials. "The head of the British embassy's political section met the chief of our parliamentary alliance 10 days ago (in February)," said Hussam Rabie, a spokesman for the party headed by Zaidi. Rabie and several other Iraqi officials said Khazali was also regularly meeting European officials. Khazali and Zaidi didn't respond to Reuters questions. The British embassy declined to comment. Some commentators, and the Iraqi officials who oppose Iran, said these overtures might be an Iranian ploy to keep those men from being targeted by U.S. airstrikes, preserve their political power in Iraq, and use the country as a source of income. Iran has used often-convoluted methods to get money out of Iraq via middlemen who deal in cash deliveries and oil smuggling, according to U.S. sanctions designations. But the sanctions were already choking off that money before the war. Even if the Islamic Republic survives the U.S. and Israeli assault, proxy insiders and several Iraqi and Western officials say the recent actions of senior Tehran-backed leaders in Iraq have shown they have little interest in dying for Iran. "The idea that the factions are under the thumb of Iran is not the case anymore," said Stansfield. A THREAT TO ALL SHI'ITES On the third day of the Iran war, A.J. mourned a friend, a fighter and drone specialist from Kataib Hezbollah killed in an airstrike in Iraq. The fighter was among at least six Iran-backed militants killed in strikes since the war began. What might yet push more Iraqi Shi'ite factions into action is not loyalty to Iran, but a feeling that their faith is under siege, according to Iraqi politicians and clerics. This could take the form of an attack on Shi'ite holy places in Iraq or sectarian violence targeting Shi'ites as a group. "Iraqi Shi'ites share an ideology with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and that is defense of our religion," said Sheikh Karim al-Saidi, a cleric who attended the pro-Iran protests in Baghdad. "We hope for peace, but if it comes to confrontation we're ready." Many Iraqi Shi'ite paramilitaries haven't seen full-scale war since they fought Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, known as ISIS. They say they're ready to confront a resurgent threat from that group from across the border in Syria. U.S. support for Syria's President Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda commander, is proof to the Iraqi paramilitaries that the U.S. is trying to push Sunni jihadists in their direction once again. "Our leaders might be busy with politics," said Seif, a member of Khazali's armed group, giving only his first name. "But all we know is jihad." (Reporting by John Davison in Baghdad. Additional reporting by Rami Ayyub in Jerusalem. Editing by David Crawshaw, Lori Hinnant and Peter Hirschberg.) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reacts during a one-on-one interview with Reuters on the Iran crisis and Ukraine war, at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium March 5, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman By Andrew Gray BRUSSELS, March 5 (Reuters) - NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Thursday he was "not deaf" to criticism that he goes overboard in praising Donald Trump but argued the U.S. president deserved it. However, in an interview with Reuters, Rutte also offered praise for Spain - a target of Trump's ire for refusing to allow U.S. military bases on its soil to be used in the American-Israeli assault on Iran. Rutte, a Dutch former prime minister, was selected to lead NATO partly due to his strong bond with Trump, which diplomats say has helped keep the military alliance together despite the U.S. president's criticism of the organisation and its members. But some officials, analysts and commentators have accused Rutte of going over the top in lavishing praise on Trump, arguing it is demeaning to Europe and downplays the continent's ability to defend itself. "I hear the criticism, obviously. I'm not deaf," Rutte said in the interview at NATO headquarters in Brussels. 'DADDY' COMMENT MADE HEADLINES AT NATO SUMMIT Famously, at a NATO summit, Rutte likened Trump to a "daddy" intervening in last year's conflict between Israel and Iran. Most recently, he has offered strong backing for the new U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, even though leaders of some NATO nations such as Spain and Turkey have been critical of the intervention and some others have not endorsed it. Advertisement In the interview, Rutte said Trump had played a crucial role in getting NATO allies to agree a new spending target of 5% of GDP last year, composed of 3.5% on core defence and 1.5% on broader security-related spending. The previous NATO target was to spend 2% of GDP on core defence. Rutte also called the U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran "decisive action to take out this capability of Iran to pose a threat as an exporter of terrorism and chaos to the Middle East, to Europe, to the world". TRUMP DESERVES PRAISE FOR LEADERSHIP, RUTTE SAYS "I think if a president of a country is ... providing that type of leadership, some praise is warranted," he said. On Tuesday, Trump threatened to impose a full U.S. trade embargo on Spain due to the row over the military bases and also renewed criticism of Madrid for not signing up to the 5% defence spending target. Asked about the spat between Trump and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Rutte offered praise for Spain's contribution to NATO. "Their troops are part of many foreign land forces, many initiatives, many NATO missions. I really want to commend them for that," he said. In response to a question about whether he had spoken to Trump and Sanchez to lower the tension between them, Rutte said: "When there are debates between allies, I always try to stay a bit muted, and therefore being able, if necessary, to help a bit." (Reporting by Andrew Gray, Editing by William Maclean) FRANCE-BRITAIN-IMMIGRATION (Photo credit DENIS CHARLET/AFP via Getty Images) Somali officials are allegedly linked to a network trafficking terrorists, fraud and children into the U.S. and Western nations, according to confidential reports exclusively shared with the Daily Caller by a Somali lawmaker. Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib, a member of Somalias Parliament and Foreign Affairs Committee, shared the February letters with the Caller after allegedly receiving no response from the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. A Feb. 12 letter alleges that Somali nationals, including Somali officials with dual U.S.-Somali citizenship, use connections with foreign governments to traffic Somalis into the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. More than 6,900 Somali nationals including children and people tied to the terrorist group al-Shabaab were trafficked over the past five months, the February letter claims. The operation allegedly generated roughly $25,000 per trafficking batch. Previous reporting by the City Journal alleged that untold millions of U.S. tax dollars from Minnesotas Somali population were transferred to Al-Shabaab. (RELATED: SCOOP: Tim Walz Accused Of Stonewalling Key Probe As Somali Fraud Sweeps His State) Some Somali officials allegedly abuse their public offices, diplomatic status and immunities to facilitate personal enrichment through organized trafficking operations. The letter pointed to Hinda Culusow an alleged U.S. citizen and chief of protocol for the Somali president and her husband, who is a sitting member of Somalias Parliament. The letter claims they reportedly control or own a private travel agency that acts as a key operational hub within this trafficking pipeline and allegedly facilitates documentation, travel logistics and intermediary arrangements to move clients through irregular channels. Three attached receipts $1,320, $330 and $450 allegedly show clients taken into Egypt before continuing to Western nations, Abib told the Caller. The documents allege the fees were sent to Culusow and her husband. The agency listed on the payments, Sky Som Air & Logistics, did not reply to the Callers request for comment as of publication. The letter further alleges that U.S. citizen and Somali State Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Mohamed Omar coordinated with his brother-in-law, who is Somalias ambassador to Cuba, to sell Cuban government scholarships. The scholarships are allegedly used for migration purposes to eventually gain entry into the U.S., according to the letter. There are reports that individuals with ties to the U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization Al-Shabaab allegedly travel to the U.S.Mexico border and request political asylum, the letter states. The letter says that Somalias Minister of Education Farah Abdiqadir backs the alleged scheme. The letter includes examples of Cuban visas and documentation listing 10 students approved to travel under a scholarship of medicine. The letter shows the Somali passport of 33-year-old Shafie Abdirahman Ali, whose occupation was listed as student. Abib alleges that Ali was arrested for terrorism, released by corrupt government officials and sent to Germany in November. Abib also told the Caller that hundreds of minors are coerced into trafficking schemes every month, with the Somali government promising families a new life outside a drought-stricken country by covering travel expenses. Parents later receive video calls from children held captive in Libya under ransom for the full $25,000 cost, he claimed. With Somalias annual GDP per capita at approximately $600, death or sex slavery becomes the likely outcome for many, Abib told the Caller. The letter includes a photo of two allegedly trafficked children taken during ransom negotiations, according to Abib. An alleged ransom video was also sent to the Caller by a whistleblower. Advertisement The photo shows a Somali minor during an alleged ransom call to his or her parents. (Photo shared in a document by Somali lawmaker Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib) Abib described these cases as only samples of the evidence he possesses, telling the apparently unresponsive House Oversight Committee that he is prepared to provide records, visa and passport data, financial transaction pathways, witness and parental testimony, and identifying details including names, dates and routing mechanisms. (RELATED: Healthcare, Daycare And Food Aid: Somali MP Shares The Source Of The Scams) He claims the committee has not followed up. He reflected on what he described as a broader pattern across federal agencies in both former President Joe Biden and President Donald Trumps administrations. Abib claimed to the Caller that officials in Trumps administration focus on platitudes or placing bandages on fraud in Minnesota, rather than focusing on what he views as the root cause: the Somali government. In a separate February report, Abib warned the committee of a grave national security threat posed by terrorists operating freely in Somalia. [T]he government functions as a captured apparatus for elite enrichment, the letter claims. The report classifies Al-Shabaab as a critical threat that has formed a parallel state, levying its own taxes, undermining federal legitimacy and disrupting elections and humanitarian operations. It warns that the group is planning drone attacks in high-security areas of the capital, including the airport, training compounds, and sensitive diplomatic and security facilities. Photos included in the report show what Abib described as an Iranian drone, along with images of U.S. ammunition and armored vehicles in the terrorist groups possession. The letter also classifies another group, the Islamic State Somalia Province (ISSP), as a high threat. The letter cited the terrorist organizations lethality, ideological rigidity, appeal to foreign fighters and links to smuggling and transnational financing. Abib accuses the Somali government of suppressing information by framing losses as victories and withholding critical intelligence from the public, Parliament and U.S. intelligence agencies creating what he described as strategic and policy implications for the [U.S.]. The information relayed in the report was obtained through a whistleblower within Somali intelligence structures. The photo shows an Iranian drone allegedly used by terrorists in Somalia, suggesting they are capable of carrying out threats against high-value targets. (Photo shared in a document by Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib) Though Abib says the situation appears grim due to Somali inaction and insufficient U.S. understanding of regional threats, he outlines recommendations for the United States: independent verification mechanisms, whistleblower protections, an oversight investigation, targeted sanctions on corrupt officials and removal of corrupt Somali leadership followed by a political transition until a new leader is duly elected. The Caller previously reported on his roadmap for addressing fraud in January. This failure now directly threatens U.S. national security, U.S. personnel, U.S. taxpayers, and U.S. strategic interests in the Horn of Africa and beyond, the report says. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: How Biden Admin Sowed Seeds For Somali Aid Fraud Scandal) The America First State Department stands ready to ensure President Trumps war on fraud to fight widespread abuses across our nation is successful, the U.S. State Department told the Caller. We are committed to implementing foreign assistance that delivers for the American people following years of wasteful, woke and weaponized programming. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was carbon copied and sent the letters, according to documents obtained by the Caller. The Caller reached out to the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, but they have not responded as of publication. Minnesota Gov. Walz And AG Ellison Testify At Hearing On Social Services Fraud (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) House Majority Whip Tom Emmer said Minnesotas fellow blue states will be the next fronts in the Trump administrations war on fraud. As much as $9 billion in taxpayer funds may have been stolen from Minnesotas social programs in schemes where the vast majority of those charged were of Somali descent, federal officials say. Emmer, who represents Minnesotas 6th congressional district, spoke to the Daily Caller News Foundation after joining House Oversight Committee members Wednesday to grill Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison about their role in presiding over the theft of taxpayer funds intended for those in need. (RELATED:Somali Autism Center Chief Pleads Guilty To $6 Million Fraud Scheme) This should be a good message to every other state that has this type of failed leadership. The day is coming. Youre all going to be held accountable, Emmer told the DCNF. At the end of the day, these programs, they need to be viable for the people they were intended for, not the fraudsters. WASHINGTON, DC FEBRUARY 11: U.S. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) speaks during a news conference on February 11, 2026 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Just a week ahead of the hearing, Trump declared a war on fraud in his State of the Union address. He specifically singled out California, Massachusetts and Maine as having even worse rates of fraud than Minnesota, and appointed Vice President JD Vance to lead the effort. Maine, like Minnesota, also has a significant Somali population. Vance quickly jumped into action and halted $259 million in Medicaid funds over fraud concerns, saying the governments job is to shut the border and shut off the fraud. Minnesota state leaders, including Walz, have called the move politically motivated retribution. Emmer called Vances appointment an excellent decision, adding he has full confidence in our vice president. [Vance is] going to go from Minnesota to places like California to Illinois to New York. They know where the fraud is currently, and they know where they need to look, Emmer told the DCNF. I have no doubt that when the president says this, hes gonna find it, and theyre gonna root these people out. Advertisement The Minnesota Republican has began sounding the alarm on fraud in his home state for years. The Walz administration was first notified of the rampant abuses as early as 2019, shortly after the fraud was said to have began, according to the assistant commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Education who testified under oath. I guarantee theyre going to find the same thing when people go to California, for instance. Minnesota is only 5.7 million people and were talking as much as nine billion in fraud. Californias got 40 million people, Emmer told the DCNF. I think these states are now on notice. Republican California Rep. Young Kim called California the fraud capital of the world during a February hearing with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. She underscored the $32 million in unemployment fraud throughout the state as well as significant fraud linked to artificial intelligence in community colleges. Three individuals were arrested and another charged after the Department of Justice found over $1 million was stolen in a fraud scheme in Massachusetts that targeted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. The Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General also recently released an audit report from Maine revealing $45.6 million in improper Medicaid payments for children diagnosed with autism. Individuals tied to the Minnesotas fraud cases started facing charges in 2022 under the Biden administration, with the Department of Justice charging 48 people with stealing $240 million for exploiting a child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there was no further action to fix the programs vulnerabilities that allowed for fraud to go unnoticed. Im just grateful [the Trump administration] started in Minnesota, Emmer told the DCNF. Weve been screaming about this for years. Nobody would listen. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. FILE PHOTO: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends the Ministry of Awqaf conference titled "Unity of Islamic Discourse" at the Conference Palace in Damascus, Syria, February 16, 2026. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi/File Photo By Jonathan Spicer, Feras Dalatey and Jonathan Saul ISTANBUL/DAMASCUS/LONDON, March 6 (Reuters) - Turkeys intelligence agency asked its British counterpart MI6 last month to take a larger role in protecting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa after recent assassination plots, according to five people familiar with the matter. After this story was published, Turkey denied that its intelligence agency MIT had made any such request to MI6. The request highlights efforts by foreign allies to shore up a country still shaken by sporadic violence 15 months after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran now rattling the wider region. Those allies see Sharaa as crucial to preventing a relapse into sectarian fighting or civil war, after 14 years of civil conflict drove millions of refugees abroad and allowed Islamic State to control swathes of Syria. The militants last month stepped up attacks on military and security personnel across Syria and declared Sharaa, a former rebel, their "number one foe". It was unclear what specifically Turkeys National Intelligence Organization, or MIT, had asked of MI6, or what new role, if any, MI6 had taken up. The Turkish presidency said in a statement issued by its communications directorate that MIT maintains effective cooperation in the fight against terrorism with the international intelligence community and security units in Syria, but that this story did not reflect the truth. "Contrary to what is claimed in the report in question, it is not true that MIT has made any request to MI6 regarding the protection of the Syrian President or sought to assume such a role," it said. ANXIETY RISES IN SYRIA OVER ISLAMIC STATE Turkey, Britain and the U.S. last year threw their backing behind Sharaa to try to reunite and rebuild his country of 26 million. London and Washington have scrapped most sanctions on Syria and on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist group he once led. The sources who spoke to Reuters requested anonymity owing to the sensitivity of the matter. MIT, the Turkish foreign ministry, Britain's foreign office and Syria's defence and interior ministries did not comment when contacted ahead of publication. Advertisement The sources, including Syrian and foreign officials, all cited rising anxiety over a series of reported Islamic State plots to kill Sharaa. A Turkish source said that MIT, which has played a key role in helping the new government to establish itself, appealed to MI6 for more support after one such incident last month. A senior Syrian security source said the request came after a high-risk assassination plot, adding that MIT, MI6 and Syrian authorities were constantly sharing intelligence. Details of the plot were unclear. A separate Western intelligence source briefed on the matter believed Turkey wanted to introduce a Western presence in Damascus to provide something of a buffer between the agencies of Turkey and Israel, currently at loggerheads. REPORTED ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS AGAINST SHARAA Last year, Sharaa and two senior cabinet ministers were targeted by Islamic State in five foiled assassination attempts, according to the U.N. Office of Counter-Terrorism. In November, Reuters reported that Syrian authorities had foiled two of the attempts. Describing Sharaa as a "watchdog" of the global anti-Islamic State coalition, the group mounted six attacks on Syrian authorities last month in what it called a new phase". On Thursday, Damascus openly acknowledged for the first time that it coordinates with MIT, saying they had cooperated to foil an Islamic State attack in the capital. Turkish security sources said MIT had identified a team of three preparing remote bomb attacks, enabling Syrian counterparts to prevent an "imminent assault". A U.S. diplomat briefed on the matter said MIT's request to MI6 had been prompted by the Islamic State resurgence. The Western intelligence source said the two agencies could intensify joint planning and technical operations, but that no decision had been made on whether to send British personnel to Damascus. A Syrian security source said a physical British presence would be "highly risky". They said MI6 had been discussed at a meeting in Damascus on February 26 between a delegation headed by Britain's special envoy for Syria, Ann Snow, and Syria's deputy interior minister, Major General Abdulqader Tahan. Sharaa was a commander of Al Qaeda's Nusra Front in Syria before cutting ties with the group in 2016, then led a coalition of Islamist rebel factions in late 2024 to topple Assad. (Reporting by Jonathan Spicer, Feras Dalatey and Jonathan Saul; Additional reporting by Michael Holden; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Daren Butler) Plants hang from lights at a display of German energy firm Uniper during the LNG 2023 energy trade show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Chris Helgren By Christoph Steitz and Marwa Rashad FRANKFURT/LONDON, March 5 (Reuters) - State-owned German energy group Uniper is holding talks with Canada to expand its liquefied natural gas purchases, three people familiar with the matter said, as part of Berlin's plans to strike a broad economic partnership and cut reliance on U.S. supplies. The discussions, which the sources said are taking place on a corporate and political level, are happening as Germany pitches for a Canadian submarine tender that is likely to involve deals in other areas, including rare earths, batteries and energy. Uniper declined to comment on specific talks, while saying that it was continuously seeking to diversify supply and that Canada was interesting due to its stable regulatory environment, gas resources and LNG prospects. The talks also reflect fears that Germany may be too dependent on the United States for energy supplies, as it continues to reel from an energy crisis that hit Europe's top economy after former top gas supplier Russia stopped delivering. At the same time, the U.S.-Israel war with Iran has forced the shutdown of some oil and gas fields in the Middle East, only weeks after Germany's Economy Minister travelled to Saudi Arabia with the aim of expanding energy cooperation. U.S. SUPPLIES MOST LNG Advertisement The United States accounted for 96% of Germany's LNG imports last year, when Uniper also struck a first long-term agreement with Canada's Tourmaline. The lack of regasification capacity on Canada's East coast is a potential hurdle in the talks and may require the construction of terminals there, the people said. Canada's LNG sector is heavily skewed west, where all current and emerging export capacity is located, while the east coast has virtually no infrastructure beyond Repsol's Saint John terminal. Canada has been seeking alternative offtakers to reduce its gas export dependency on the United States, including Japan, India and Malaysia. Germany's economy ministry said there was an expectation that any submarine tender award would generate added value in the client's country as part of a so-called offset agreement, adding it was supporting such efforts. Canada's department of natural resources said it was aware of Germany's interest in LNG imports, saying decisions to move projects to construction as well as LNG sales were up to the private sector. (Reporting by Christoph Steitz and Marwa Rashad; additional reporting by Amanda Stephenson; editing by Nina Chestney, Kirsten Donovan) Editor's Note: This story has been updated to remove incorrect survivor information. Dean Jehorek was on his way to dinner with his wife on Feb. 27 when he got a message from his sister, telling him that his daughter, 17-year-old Anastasia Jehorek, had been in some kind of accident. He called the Ohio State Highway Patrol as his sister instructed to find out what happened, but the Delaware post said they couldn't give any information over the phone and that he'd have to wait until he got to his home in Lewis Center. Dean floored it "for around 20 minutes" to get there, he recalled. Anastasia Jehorek, pictured here, was killed Feb. 27, 2026, after she was struck by a driver while she was riding her electric scooter home from work in Delaware County. Once he got home, he looked at Anastasia's location and saw that she had been in the same spot on State Route 750 for more than an hour. They later got the call that Anastasia, an Olentangy Orange High School senior who loved arts and had plans to join the Air National Guard, was riding her e-scooter when she was struck and killed by an SUV driver who crossed out of his marked lane. Now, a Columbus man faces vehicular manslaughter charges and Anastasia's family faces the monumental task of burying their daughter. "We're miserable," said Dean. "She was a fantastic girl." Anastasia used e-scooter to get to and from work, father says Anastasia was facing traffic as she was riding her electric scooter northwest on the southeast shoulder of State Route 750 near East Powell Road when she was hit around 3:43 p.m. Feb. 27 by a Mazda SUV driven by 22-year-old Aviv Bukobza, according to OSHP. Bukobza's vehicle left his marked lane and struck Anastasia on the shoulder of the road, troopers said. Orange Township Fire Department medics pronounced Anastasia dead at the scene. Bukobza was not injured and remained at the scene, troopers said. Bukobza now faces charges of vehicular manslaughter and a marked lane violation in the crash, according to Delaware County court records. It is still unknown if impairment or distraction played a role in the crash as the OSHP investigation continues. Bukobza's bond was set at $10,000 at his arraignment March 2, where he pleaded not guilty. Anastasia Jehorek, 17, a senior at Olentangy Orange High School who was planning on join the Air National Guard after graduation, was struck and killed by an SUV on Feb. 27, 2026 in Delaware County. Dean said that Anastasia was "doing everything right" when she was killed. She was wearing a helmet and was driving her electric scooter to her job at Chipotle, he said. Dean said he bought the electric scooter for her and her 16-year-old brother, so they didn't have to use bicycles to get to their after-school jobs. Anastasia was just two months away from graduating from Olentangy Orange High School and was planning on speaking to a recruiter about enlisting in the Air National Guard. She was also studying to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam administered by the Department of Defense to help determine possible career abilities. Advertisement "She was a well-behaved, model kid," who was passionate about the arts, crocheting, pottery, drawing and jewelry making, Dean said. In a letter sent to Olentangy Orange High School families, Principal Ellie Ellis said that Anastasia's death was a "heartbreaking loss for our school community." "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Anastasia's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Ellis said. Father worried that suspect will try and flee By the morning of March 3, Bukobza had been released from the Delaware County jail on bond. He has no prior driving infractions in Franklin or Delaware counties, according to court records. Dean said he fears Bukobza will attempt to flee the country and "escape justice" or try to cut off his GPS monitor. "I want [Bukobza] to get the max sentence possible," said Dean. Anastasia Jehorek, 17, was killed while riding her electric scooter on Feb. 27, 2026, in Delaware County. In addition to her father, Dean, Anastasia is survived by her biological mother, Ashley Schultz; her stepmother, Daiany Jehorek; a brother, Nicolai Jehorek; a stepsister, Sophia Jehorek, and other relatives. Anastasia's funeral service will be at the Rutherford Funeral Home in Powell on March 5 from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Visitation will be held before and after the funeral service the same day, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dean and Anastasia's family have created a GoFundMe account to help with cremation and burial costs. The family has a goal of $15,000, he said. This story has been updated with new information. Reporter Shahid Meighan can be reached at smeighan@dispatch.com, at ShahidMeighan on X, and at shahidthereporter.dispatch.com on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Anastasia Jehorek, 17, was killed Feb. 27 when her e-scooter hit by SUV FILE PHOTO: Farmers load sacks of fertiliser into a seeder on a wheat field in Nanyang, Henan province, China October 13, 2021. Picture taken October 13, 2021. REUTERS/Aly Song/File Photo By Naveen Thukral and Ed White SINGAPORE/WINNIPEG, March 5 (Reuters) - The world's farmers face soaring fertiliser and fuel prices as the war in the Middle East escalates, leaving some scrambling for supplies as the spring planting season approaches. The war, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz, has shut down fertiliser plants in the region and severely disrupted shipping routes, potentially curbing supplies to key importers around the world just as farmers in the Northern Hemisphere prepare to plant seeds. "It's a mess because it's spring," said Cedric Benoist, who farms wheat, barley and other crops south of Paris, referring to global fertiliser prices that have jumped by dozens of euros per metric ton. "This situation can't continue." Farmers from Srinagar in Kashmir to Saskatchewan in Canada rely on fertilizer and diesel shipped through the strait, the conduit for about one-third of global trade in fertilizer and 20% of the world's export fuels. Because of a global grains glut, many farmers were already expecting to lose money on this year's crop. Now the outlook is especially gloomy for farmers who still need to buy spring fertilizer, like Jeff Harrison of Quinte West in Ontario. "We're in a real bad situation now," Harrison said. Prices in the United States, which imports much of its fertilizer needs despite a large domestic industry, rose at the war's outbreak. Prices for fertilizer jumped from $516 per metric ton on Friday to up to $683 at the import hub of New Orleans on Thursday. Prices could jump higher if the Persian Gulf closure persists and shipments can't make it in time for spring planting, analysts told Reuters. "Literally, this could not happen at a worse time of the year," said StoneX analyst Josh Linville. Seth Meyer, former U.S. Department of Agriculture chief economist and now at the Food and Agricultural Policy Institute, said farmers might alter crop choices and fertilizer applications due to the price spike. Farmers need fertilizers for virtually all their crops if they want a good yield, but each crop and the soil they are grown in have different demands. Farmers could cut back on corn, which requires high rates of nitrogen fertiliser, or else sharply reduce fertiliser application rates, Meyer said. Shipments from the Middle East are likely to drop not only because transit through the Strait of Hormuz has all but stopped, but also due to cuts in production. Qatar Energy has had to stop production at the world's largest single-site urea plant, as it lost its source of natural gas feedstock after the company shut down gas output due to attacks on its LNG facilities. At the same time, sulphur output has been cut in other parts of the Middle East. "We have lost a significant chunk of the global supply because of this situation," Linville of StoneX said. Advertisement India buys more than 40% of its urea and phosphatic fertilisers from the Middle East. While imports could be hit, output within India has already been affected. Three Indian plants have been forced to reduce urea output as LNG supplies from Qatar have dropped sharply, said a New Delhi-based senior industry official. As a result, supply is expected to be tight for urea and diammonium phosphate in the short term, the person said. FERTILISER MARKET TIGHT BEFORE IRAN WAR The global fertiliser market was already tight, with China restricting exports this year to ensure domestic availability, while producers in Europe have cut output due to the loss of cheap Russian gas supply, analysts said. Urea prices had risen by around $80 per ton from around $470 per ton quoted before the start of the Iran war, they said. China is likely to expand fertiliser export controls because of the conflict, two agricultural analysts said, although the restrictions may not be formally announced and instead communicated to major producers and customs. While China sources more than 50% of its sulphur imports from the Middle East, Indonesia relies on the region for nearly 70% of its supplies, traders said. Sulphur is a key ingredient for phosphate fertilisers like diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate. "It is really hard to find readily available spot cargoes now. There are no spot cargoes anywhere," said one Chinese sulphur trader. Australia is dependent on imports to meet most of its fertiliser needs, say industry analysts. Agricultural economist Corne Louw of GrainSA, which represents South African farmers, told Reuters that fertilizer can make up as much as 50% of their production costs. "Any increases in the current situation where farmers are already struggling with record low grain prices will just be another nail in the coffin," he said. Markets might not yet have fully priced in the possibility of a long war, according to Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein, who estimates that nitrogen prices could roughly double and phosphate prices rise 50% from current levels. "If the supply shock lasts more than a few weeks, I wouldn't be surprised to see prices go back to the highs of 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine conflict began," Goldstein said. (Reporting by Naveen Thukral and Ed White; additional reporting by Lewis Jackson, Daphne Zhang and Amy Lv in Beijing, Trixie Yap in Singapore and Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai, Tristan Veyet in Gdansk, Gus Trompiz in Paris, Wendell Roelf in Johannesburg, Nigel Hunt in London; Editing by Sonali Paul, Emily Schmall and Aurora Ellis) A dozen alleged members and associates of a notorious Los Angeles street gang were arrested in a sweeping federal takedown Thursday, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of California announced. Authorities say the suspects are tied to 18th Street, the citys largest street gang, which evaded law enforcement by using tents to blend in with the homeless population. Investigators allege the group trafficked drugs across Los Angeles, operating mainly in MacArthur Park and Skid Row. "A total of seven federal indictments charge members of this gang," Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said. "18th Street has harmed MacArthur Park residents and turned the park into a crime-infested area full of drug addicts and the criminals who enable them." The gang is alleged to have grown into a massive criminal organization with ties to the Mexican Mafia. Members face charges including murder, extortion, racketeering, conspiracy and drug trafficking. In one instance, prosecutors said a member murdered a drug trafficker in retaliation for failing to pay the gangs extortionate "taxes." Family Mob Gang Members, Associates Charged In Major Minneapolis Fentanyl Trafficking Case: Doj At least 12 suspects were arrested Thursday during Operation Dead Horse. (Fox News) As part of the takedown known as Operation Dead Horse, authorities arrested the gangs alleged street boss and second-in-command, Keiko Marie Gonzalez, 59, known as "Moms." Read On The Fox News App Prosecutors say she communicated directly with an incarcerated Mexican Mafia member who maintained ultimate control over the 18th Street gang from a California state prison, acting as the critical link between the prison leadership and street-level operation. Prosecutors say she held the authority to order the murders of her own gang members, rivals, and other drug traffickers. In July 2022, she called for the murder of a woman who failed to pay extortion "taxes" related to her drug trafficking activities within their territory. Advertisement Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Fentanyl Producer Charged In Newly Unsealed Us Federal Indictment The 18th Street gang traffics drugs across Los Angeles, operating in MacArthur Park and Skid Row. Two other members, George Carillo and Carlos Beltran, are also charged with murder in aid of racketeering for the killing. Along with drug trafficking and murder, the gang ran illegal gambling establishments known as "casitas" and engaged in organized extortion. Prosecutors said agents on Thursday seized roughly $80,000 in cash, six firearms, as well as several pounds of drugs. During the overall investigation, law enforcement recovered 175 pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Mexican Mafia-affiliated 18th Street gang allegedly operated in homeless encampments to evade law enforcement. Six other suspects remain at large, authorities said. Two are believed to have fled internationally, one to Mexico and another to Guatemala. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Federal authorities seized several pounds of meth and fentanyl during Thursday's operation. Five of the defendants arrested were scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. If convicted, street boss Gonzalez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and the accused shooters, Carillo and Beltran, face mandatory life sentences. Original article source: Federal agents arrest 12 alleged members of LA's massive 18th Street gang drug trafficking operation The U.S. Department of Education launched a "directed investigation" March 5 into a western Wisconsin school district for allegedly allowing a transgender student to use a bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. In a statement, the federal education department said its Office for Civil Rights will determine whether the New Richmond School District violated Title IX "by allowing students to access intimate facilities based on 'gender identity,' not biological sex." Title IX is a federal civil rights law that bans sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. The federal education department cited a January school board meeting in which some parents and students said they were concerned about girls needing to share bathrooms and locker rooms with transgender students at New Richmond High School. "The Trump Administration will always stand up for students and enforce Title IX to ensure that women and girls are safe when they are at school, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said. Young women should never be forced to share intimate spaces with boys and men because school leaders care more about radical gender ideology than protecting girls safety, dignity, and privacy." The situation has stirred controversy in New Richmond, a community of about 11,000 residents located roughly 35 miles east of the Twin Cities. At a Feb. 10 school board meeting streamed by the conservative group Wisconsin Moms for Liberty, parent Jessica Turner said staff told her daughter to use a single-stall restroom after she shared her anxiety and fear of "using the girl's bathroom with a boy in there." Other students said they supported the school's restroom policy. One student said the school's queer and transgender students have felt "more isolated and targeted than ever, with hate spreading across social media and school grounds." "While fear around violence in bathrooms is totally valid, potential worries about what could happen in the bathroom are misplaced," another student said. "Trans people are not scary. They are our community members, and in this case, a child who like anyone else just wants to use the bathroom." In February, the school board in a 2-7 vote rejected a proposed policy that would require the district to separate its bathrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex, according to the Department of Education. In an informational presentation to the board Feb. 10, Michael Waldspurger, the district's attorney, said recent court decisions have ruled in favor of allowing transgender students to select a restroom or locker room based on their gender identity. He said the district could face legal action and would likely lose a lawsuit if it were to deny transgender students of the right to use their preferred bathrooms. In a statement, Executive Director Abigail Swetz of Fair Wisconsin, a LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, cited a landmark case against the Kenosha Unified School District, which had denied a transgender boy access to male restrooms. In 2017, a federal appeals court ruled that transgender students are protected from discrimination under Title IX and should be allowed to use restrooms of their choice. "The law protects trans girls and their ability to use the girls bathroom," Swetz said. "This federal administration could be focused on policies that would actually make a difference here. Instead, these leaders choose to bully." The New Richmond incident follows a Title IX investigation launched in 2023 into the Sun Prairie School District over allegations an 18-year-old student undressed in front of students in the girls' locker room. That investigation is still pending, according to Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, the conservative law firm that filed the Title IX complaint. Advertisement In 2024, President Joe Biden revised the 1972 Title IX law to strengthen protections for LGBTQ students. He expanded the criteria for sex-based discrimination to include gender identity. Last year, a federal judge struck down the policy, ruling it unconstitutional. The move reverted the federal law to regulations made during President Donald Trump's administration in 2020. In an executive order last year, Trump said the government would recognize "two sexes, male and female," and Title IX would not include gender identity. The Department of Education's investigation into New Richmond comes amid a wider effort by the Trump administration to restrict transgender rights. Last year, the federal education department launched investigations into five school districts in northern Virginia, finding they violated Title IX by allowing transgender students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The agency required the districts to rescind the policies or risk "imminent enforcement action." Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany has also made restrictions on transgender youth a focus in his campaign for Wisconsin governor. In a Feb. 3 statement, he called on the New Richmond School District to reverse its bathroom policy. In response to the Department of Education's investigation, Tiffany said on X, "As governor, I will protect girls spaces and put an end to this nonsense." The New Richmond School District and its school board did not respond to requests for comment from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. (This story has been updated to add new information.) Kayla Huynh covers K-12 education, teachers and solutions for the Journal Sentinel. Contact: khuynh@gannett.com. Follow her on X: @_kaylahuynh. Kayla's reporting is supported by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and reader contributions to the Journal Sentinel Community-Funded Journalism Project. Journal Sentinel editors maintain full editorial control over all content. To support this work, visit jsonline.com/support. Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation (memo: JS Community Journalism) and mailed to P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689. The JS Community-Funded Journalism Project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36-4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin school faces federal probe over transgender bathroom policy Florida flower shop owner Ajeeta Khanna speaks to reporters about being sued for an accessibility violation. Owners of a small Florida flower shop in Orlando were blindsided when they received a letter informing them they were being sued for violating accessibility requirements on their website. It was late 2024, just five days before Christmas, when Leaf & Blossom, Co. owner Ajeeta Khanna says she received the notice, according to WFTV Action 9 (1). Khanna runs the shop with her mother, Kitty. She told the news outlet that the lawsuit alleged their website wasnt in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Must Read Were just literally five people. Were not like fifty employees in, you know, a huge building or anything, Khanna told Action 9. Their website is mainly run by a third party, so they thought it was compliant. Thats why, at first, Khanna thought the letter was a scam. It wasnt. And it cost them more than $7,000 in legal fees and settlement payments which Khanna says their attorney told them would be cheaper than fighting the lawsuit in court. This is part of a much broader surge in ADA-related lawsuits across the country. Over the past four years, an investigation by WFTV and other Cox Media Group stations uncovered more than 15,000 website-accessibility lawsuits nationwide. An increasing trigger for litigation Small business owners may assume that ADA lawsuits target only large companies or physical accessibility issues such as ramps or restrooms but digital accessibility is increasingly a trigger for litigation. Nearly one in five Americans has a disability, according to the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability (EARN). Its even higher for Americans aged 65-plus, with one in eight living with a disability (2). In its guidance on digital assessability, ADA.gov notes that just as physical barriers like steps can prevent some people with disabilities from entering a building, design of a website can create unnecessary barriers that make it difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to use them (3). Examples given include poor color contrast (for those with limited vision), lack of text alternatives on images (for those who are blind) and missing captions on videos (for people with hearing disabilities). Other examples include assistive technologies like screen readers or voice input tools. Website-accessibility lawsuits can allege that digital barriers on websites and mobile apps prevent users from navigating them effectively. A report by EcomBack (4) showed that 2,014 website-accessibility lawsuits were filed in the first half of 2025 across all states a jump of 37% from the same period in 2024. The agency, which specializes in online accessibility, said the increase reflects intensified scrutiny of digital compliance. New York, Florida and California are hot spots for this type of litigation, according to the report, while Illinois is emerging as a new litigation hub. However, the EcomBack report also showed a persistent pattern in ADA website litigation, with a small number of law firms and plaintiffs driving the vast majority of cases. However, of the 2,014 total lawsuits filed during the first half of 2025, just 16 firms were responsible for over 90% of the cases highlighting the high concentration and repeat behavior that continues to define this space, wrote report authors. They also noted that demand letters are quietly increasing often used to pressure businesses into quick settlements, a form of shadow litigation that adds significant risk beyond the lawsuits included in the report. This may explain what happened to Khanna, who chose to settle out of court. With a growing number of claims and demand letters based on website accessibility, many more businesses may be exposed to legal risks. Advertisement Read More: Non-millionaires can now invest in this $1B private real estate fund starting at just $10 Read More: Warren Buffetts 8 simple and repeatable rules to get rich (and stay rich) in America Any business with a website which is most businesses these days could be a target. Settlements and compliance costs can add up and, for a small business, it could squeeze already-thin margins. Improving your digital accessibility ADA compliance now extends beyond bricks-and-mortar access to include digital accessibility. If youve outsourced your website to a third party (as many businesses do), then you may assume everything on your site is compliant. With the growing number of ADA lawsuits, its essential for business owners to prioritize compliance not only to mitigate legal risks but also to create a more equitable online presence, writes EcomBank founder Nayan Padrai for Forbes (5). But there are proactive steps that business owners can take to improve digital accessibility. Adopting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a set of standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure digital content is accessible to people with disabilities, is a good place to start. W3C provides plenty of resources (6), including an accessibility fundamentals overview for those just getting started with accessibility and tips to make your user interface design and visual design more accessible to people with disabilities. If youve hired a third party to design and/or manage your website, make sure they adhere to WCAG 2.1/2.2 standards and include those requirements in your contract. You can also run accessibility audits with a variety of automated tools to test assistive technologies. That way, you can catch (and fix) potential issues earlier on, reducing your legal risk. You may want to consult with an ADA expert. Since the WCAG guidelines arent codified, for many businesses its hard to know with certainty which standards are applicable to them, whether their websites meet legal requirements, and what specific steps they should take to comply with the laws, writes accessibility advocate Alisa Smith for AudioEye (7). Khanna wants to see federal legislation passed that clarifies these requirements and gives them a grace period to fix any issues (1). In the meantime, however, other business owners can take steps to comply with ADA guidelines so they can reduce their risk of having to choose between costly settlements and expensive litigation. What To Read Next Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. WFTV Action 9 (1); Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability (2); ADA.gov (3); EcomBack (4); Forbes (5); World Wide Web Consortium (6); AudioEye (7) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. View from behind of a senior woman sitting on hospital bed facing window in hospital room, wearing hospital gown. While there are many types of elder fraud, power of attorney scams are particularly nefarious. Lyne Bien-Aime, a 55-year-old man, is facing charges for an alleged power of attorney scam in which he took advantage of a 71-year-old Florida woman, Marie Bertrand, who was suffering from cognitive impairment after a major health incident. Must Read The man appears to have originally encountered the victim through associations with the victims church, according to a statement by Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle (1). Bien-Aime is accused of manipulating legal documents, including power of attorney (POA), to gain access to Bertrands assets, defrauding her out of about $300,000 and taking control of her home. He allegedly did this by posing as her doctor to Bertrands sister and adult disabled daughter, and then posing as her nephew to medical authorities. During her time at a rehabilitation hospital, Bien-Aime had Bertrand sign over power of attorney. Bien-Aime is now facing charges that include exploitation of an elderly/disabled person, unlawfully filing false documents and scheme to defraud. This is part of a broader rise of elder financial exploitation, and highlights how quickly a persons life savings and even their home can be put at risk when legal authority is abused. The rise of elder fraud Older people are often a target because of their accumulated wealth. But seniors who are socially isolated or suffering from cognitive decline are at particular risk. While elder fraud isnt new, its being fuelled by AI, which makes it easier to create personalized phishing scams. Seniors lost $4.885 billion to scams in 2024, according to data from the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) a 43% increase from the year before. But fraud is vastly underreported, so those numbers are likely significantly higher (2). Indeed, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) estimates that the financial exploitation of elders costs $28.3 billion each year. An analysis of calls to the National Center on Elder Abuse resource line found that almost half (47%) of incidents were perpetrated by family members, while 13% were perpetrated by medical caregivers (3). Social isolation and mental impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimers, are two major factors behind financial exploitation, according to NCOA. Read More: Non-millionaires can now invest in this $1B private real estate fund starting at just $10 Read More: Warren Buffetts 8 simple and repeatable rules to get rich (and stay rich) in America While there are a wide variety of scams that target the elderly from investment scams to romance, sweepstakes and tech support scams power of attorney fraud has the potential to completely wipe out the victims life savings. Advertisement Power of attorney is a legal tool that helps protect you in the event that you become incapacitated. This allows for an agent or attorney-in-fact to act on your behalf for financial or health decisions, if youre not able to do so yourself. So, in the wrong hands, it can become a powerful instrument for financial exploitation, where an agent misuses their legal authority to steal, misappropriate assets or financially exploit the person (principal) they are supposed to protect, according to legal resource NOLO (4). In this case, not only did Bien-Aime allegedly empty several of Bertrands bank accounts, he also fraudulently transferred her home into his name. In total, he allegedly stole about $300,000 money that was supposed to go to her disabled adult daughter. How to protect yourself from POA fraud Even if you have a will, youll also need to designate a power of attorney. While a will distributes your assets after death, a POA helps you manage your finances or health decisions during your lifetime. You can have both a financial POA and a healthcare POA. An executor manages your estate after your death. For power of attorney, youll need an agent to make decisions on your behalf (which may or may not be the same person as your executor). Your agent should be someone you deeply trust and whos financially responsible. You may want to consider a springing POA, which grants your agent full authority to manage your affairs only after a doctor confirms that youre incapacitated. Its a good idea to consult with an attorney to make sure your wishes are legally valid. An attorney can also help you build in safeguards, such as requiring two signatures for major financial transactions, specifying restrictions in the POA or appointing a POA monitor to receive updates or reports for added transparency. Skip the standard power-of-attorney form and customize the role to meet your needs, preferably with the help of a lawyer, recommends AARP (5). Its also important to review those documents every few years and update them as necessary. If possible, appoint a trusted contact for your bank accounts and investments, so your bank or financial institution has a backup if theyre unable to reach you about questionable authorizations. You can give this contact view-only access, so they cant make transactions. If youre worried that an elderly friend or family member is being financially exploited, visit eldercare.acl.gov to find service providers and local adult protective services agencies that can help. Cases like this show how a legal tool meant to protect vulnerable people can quickly become a pathway to financial ruin when it falls into the wrong hands. What To Read Next Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. The Office of State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle (1); FBI (2); NCOA (3); NOLO (4); Administration for Community Living (5) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. A Florida mother is behind bars two weeks after her 3-year-old daughter was fatally beaten and the womans boyfriend was charged with the crime. Jennifer Kendrick,26, was arrested on two counts of child neglect charges related to the death of her daughter Paisley Brown. Kendricks boyfriend, Jeroen Coombs, 32, was arrested and is facing homicide charges. Coombs was home alone in Marion County with Paisley on Feb. 19. He told Kendrick her daughter was unresponsive, but 911 was not called until 40 minutes later. Paisley was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Coombs admitted to binding the childs hands with a robe belt and taping her legs together with blue painters tape nightly, according to an arrest report. It also stated Coombs had a history of physical violence and bizarre punishments toward Paisley and other children in the home. Advertisement Kendrick initially denied knowing about the abuse, deputies said. However, she admitted she was aware of it and acknowledged her lack of intervention after confronted with evidence. Another child in the home told investigators Kendrick was aware Coombs would often beat him and would put him in handcuffs everyday, according to a report. Both Kendrick and Coombs are being held without bond. Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the networks Rapid Response reporter, she covers Floridas breaking news. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida mom arrested after daughter, 3, was fatally beaten A Florida nurse posted a video on TikTok calling on foreign governments, including China and the United Kingdom, to attack the United States in order to remove what she described as the "regime" of President Donald Trump. "Come on, Canada, come on, UK, come on, China, you know you wanna do it," Joyce Schulz-Killian said in a recent video posted to TikTok. "Come in and attack [the] United States," she continued in the video. "You dont like our regime, we dont like it either. Help us. Please, help the United States. Come in, come in, help us! Well figure it out. We dont like our regime either. Come on! Help us!" Florida Nurse Voluntarily Gives Up License After Saying He Won't Perform Anesthesia On Maga Patients President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Getty Images) The original video was later set to a private setting. Schulz-Killian is the owner and lead nurse advocate at her business, At Your Request Patient Advocate , which describes itself on its website as a provider of private nurse patient advocacy services. Read On The Fox News App In a statement to Fox News Digital, Schulz-Killian said she posted the video "to bring awareness that NOT all Americans support the regime in place of Donald Trump. Some of the Americans grew up believing in the Constitution and that the government is for the people, by the people. That Congress represents the people and not one person is in charge, even the President has oversight." She added that she has concerns about what she described as unchecked executive actions and alleged constitutional violations. "I wanted to mention my fears that America is attacking boats without cause, killing our own United States citizens and calling them terrorists, sending US troops to foreign countries in war, making decisions without oversight and then not following court orders when they do come down," she said. Advertisement Fired Nurse Who Wished Childbirth Injury On Karoline Leavitt Says 'F--- You' To Critics Schulz-Killian said she is concerned about unchecked executive actions. "There appears to be no checks and balances," she continued in her statement. "Just because we don't like a regime of another country, is it in our place to kill the leader or bomb the country and a school of 175 children and educators and then deny it right to our faces. If that is true, then couldn't other countries concerned about the American well-being come and help us from this dictator leadership we appear to have. Court orders are not followed. That is all I was saying is, this is not what I was taught about how the government works and the three levels of branches. The President did not believe in the Constitution when he took his Oath. We are in a Constitutional crisis and all the other countries see it, but us." On her company website, Schulz-Killian states she earned a BSN in 2012, her certificate for patient advocacy from Cleveland State University in 2015, and credentials including Certified Senior Advisor CSA in 2016. The website says her company serves clients across the United States. University Researcher Calls For Assassination Of Conservative Voices In Social Media Post Schulz-Killian said he made her TikTok account private because of "death threats." Schulz-Killian told Fox News Digital that she has changed her TikTok privacy level because, "death threats do make a person change a privacy level." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Original article source: Florida nurse urges China, UK to attack the United States to remove Trump regime in viral TikTok Kouri Richins during a hearing in Park City, Utah, in 2023. (Rick Bowmer / AP file) (Rick Bowmer) The former boyfriend of Kouri Richins, the Utah grief author on trial in the 2022 poisoning death of her husband, got emotional Wednesday while testifying about their relationship in the months before and after Eric Richins died. Robert Josh Grossman read through several pages of text messages between him and Kouri Richins, who is accused of poisoning her husband with a fatal dose of fentanyl. Eric Richins was found dead at the couple's home on March 4, 2022, after having a drink to celebrate her closing on a home for her real estate business. Kouri and Eric Richins. (via Facebook ) (via Facebook) Grossman shifted several times in his seat and repeatedly muttered, "oh boy," as the text messages were shown to the court. At one point, he put his head down and wiped away tears. Judge Richard Mrazik asked Grossman if he needed to take a break. "I dont know what I need," Grossman responded. The judge called for a 5-minute recess. Grossman testified that he met Kouri Richins in South Carolina after he responded to a help-wanted ad for a house she was flipping. He eventually moved to Utah to work with her, he told the court. He said their relationship became romantic just before the move in early 2020. He said Kouri Richins let him stay at one of the houses she was flipping in Utah, would give him money and purchased two trucks for him. "I liked her," he said. In some of the text messages, the pair discussed a possible future together. "Like actually IN LOVE with me? If I was divorced right now and ask you to marry me tomorrow, you would?" she wrote in a Feb. 15, 2022, text. Advertisement "Yes. In Love with Y O U! Of course I would," Grossman wrote back. During his testimony, Grossman was asked about a conversation he and Kouri Richins had about two weeks after Eric's death. "Did there come a time during that discussion that Kouri Richins asked you about killing?" Prosecutor Bradley Bloodworth said. "Yeah, we sat there and talked for quite a while. Id never seen her that way, obviously. It was a heavy conversation, and Im not used to that with her, and shes not used to being open like that," Grossman said. He told the court that he thinks Kouri Richins was "exhausted emotionally" and wanted to shift the conversation to him. "I think she was looking for a reason to divert the conversation away from herself," he said. "She asked if I had ever killed anybody." Bloodworth asked if her question was specific to Grossman serving in the military in Iraq. "She asked me how it made me feel or something along those lines," he said. "And then I answered her. I took it as not out of the normal, though, really." He said the relationship fell apart a few months after Eric's death. During cross-examination, defense attorney Wendy Lewis asked if he ever had the impression that Eric Richins "would be out of the picture." "No," he responded. Grossman said that, at that time, he did not believe Eric had been killed and did not think Kouri Richins was involved. When he found out about her arrest, he said he was "overwhelmed with guilt, sorrow over my wrongdoings, infidelity." OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) A former police officer in two different Oklahoma towns was recently arrested on multiple charges for alleged crimes committed during his time on the force. He allegedly admitted to those crimes while applying to another law enforcement agency. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said they were notified by a district attorneys office to start looking into alleged actions by a 29-year-old Emmanuel Ruiz. After an investigation that spanned about four to five months, he was arrested and charged. Its extremely disappointing to look into a case like this, Hunter McKee with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said. Fmr. police officer arrested on embezzlement charges, OSBI says Ruiz was an officer in both Clinton and Weatherford between 2021 and 2025. Hes been arrested and charged with embezzlement, perjury, and falsifying a police report. Those charges all stem from crimes the OSBI said he admitted to while applying for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Were grateful that during the background process that they were able to determine that these things happened, McKee said. Court documents allege Ruiz filed an official police report in 2021 while in Clinton, stating that a subject hit him during an arrest. That situation led to an assault and battery on a police officer charge for that individual. Ruiz later testified to that information in court. So that wasnt true, McKee said. The documents said Ruiz told OHP that the person only swung his arm at him, but didnt hit him. They also allege another admission to taking a shotgun from the Clinton Police Department to keep at home, as well as a bulletproof vest, without authorization. Advertisement In total, those allegations amount to embezzling just over $1,000 in items. He resigned from Clinton police in 2023. If youre going to lie about these things or, as a police officer, youre going to embezzle equipment, youre going to be punished for it, McKee said. Ruiz was hired in Weatherford that same year. When he resigned two years later, the documents allege he turned in five bulletproof vests, despite not being issued that many. That situation, though, is not included in the current charges. These are extremely rare, McKee said. This is something that its difficult for a department to find out as soon as it happens. KFOR reached out to Clinton and Weatherfords Police Departments for comment. Weatherford told us they had no comment, and Clinton only mentioned that they assisted the OSBI in their investigation as much as possible. The court documents said that Ruiz had no criminal history despite admitting to similar actions in the past. The OSBI said theyre still looking into the admissions, but they couldnt address most of those crimes in this investigation due to the statute of limitations. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Four men were arrested in London on Friday on suspicion of spying for Iran, according to the Metropolitan Police. Counterterrorism police with the force apprehended the men in the early hours of Friday morning at addresses in Barnet and Watford, on London's northern outskirts, the Metropolitan Police, or Met, said. The investigation centered on "suspected surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community" in London, according to a statement from the police. "Today's arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.," said Commander Helen Flanagan, the Met's counter-terror chief. "We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us." The men were 55, 52, 40 and 22, according to the police statement. Six others were arrested on suspicion of assisting the alleged offenders, and another was arrested for assaulting a police officer. "The Jewish community and the wider public will understandably be concerned by today's arrests," British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said in a social media post after the news broke. "We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with those affected." Advertisement "I can reassure you that our police and security services are world leading and won't hesitate to take action to counter any threat to the UK. They will continue to use the full range of tools and powers available to them to keep this country safe," Mahmood added. Sam Vinograd, a former DHS assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat protection, told CBS News this week that Iran represents a "multi-dimensional threat" to the U.S. homeland, with a "deep bench of players they tap into to inflict damage," including proxies regional, like-minded terrorist organizations along with state agents. Iran has developed what she called "surrogate networks here in the United States regular criminals that they actually hire and pay money to do things like murders and assassinations." Noem aide Corey Lewandowski had contentious call with Trump after Senate hearing, sources say Watch: Kristi Noem speaks minutes after Trump announces he's removing her as DHS secretary Watch: Kristi Noem Senate hearing moment that may have led to ouster as DHS secretary Fox News Dana Perino is defending the mainstream media amid the Trump administrations ongoing criticisms of its coverage of the war in Iran. Perino, who served as White House press secretary under former President George W. Bush, suggested that President Donald Trump and his cabinet members had been focusing way too narrowly on media coverage rather than their messaging on the conflict, dubbed Operation Epic Fury. Politics: Pete Hegseth Put On Blast Over His Big Lie On Iran Attack: 'Unqualified Piece Of Trash' I consume a lot of media, and I know there are some bad actors in the media, but overall have to say, I feel like there is a ton of coverage, she said on Fox News The Five on Wednesday. I dont think its all negative across the board. If youre in the administration and youre getting really hung up on what you think the enemy in the mainstream media is saying about you, youre focusing way too narrowly. I dont think the coverage of it is that bad at all, she continued, after commending Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their regular briefings on the situation. Watch a clip from Wednesdays episode of Fox News The Five below. Perinos comments on the coverage of the Iran war can be found around the 6:00 mark. Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Advertisement Perinos remarks came after Hegseth held a Wednesday press briefing in which he argued that the U.S. was winning decisively in spite of the medias emphasis on the deaths of at least six American service members. When a few drones get through or tragic things happen, its front page news, he said. I get it, the press only wants to make the president look bad. But try for once to report the reality. Politics: Trump Fires Scandal-Plagued Kristi Noem As Homeland Security Secretary Later on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down on Hegseths stance when questioned in a separate press briefing about the defense secretarys remarks. Its the position of this administration that the press in this room and the press across the country should accurately report on the success of Operation Epic Fury and the damage it is doing to the rogue Iranian regime that has threatened the lives of every single American in this room, she said. If the Iranian regime had their choice, they would kill every single person in this room. Trumps own messaging on the conflict has been spotty. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, he placed the blame on his predecessors, former President Barack Obama and former President Joe Biden. A day later, however, he further muddied the narrative when he stated that it was my opinion that Iran was planning to strike first, despite Pentagon officials who said they had no evidence to support such a claim. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Erie County's gas prices surged this week and it's not known when they might be coming down. The county's average gas price has risen 33.4 cents a gallon to $3.653 since Feb. 27, according to AAA East Central. Many Erie-area gas stations were selling gas for $3.799 a gallon March 6. Either way, it the highest price spike since 2022, when prices briefly soared above $5 a gallon. "The last time we saw prices rise like this was in the aftermath of the situation unfolding between Russia and Ukraine," said Jim Garrity, AAA East Central's director of public affairs. "That's when we saw prices increase 20 cents in one day, then 25 cents the next day." This increase is due to oil prices rising following the United States' and Israel's conflict with Iran, and the effect it might have on oil production and transportation. Oil tankers currently are not traveling through the Strait of Hormuz due to Iranian threats. The price of gas at Country Fair, 327 Parade St., and at many other Erie gas stations March 6 was $3.799 a gallon, at least 40 cents a gallon higher than one week earlier. Crude oil was trading at more than $90 a barrel on March 6, an increase of more than $25 a barrel since the conflict started Feb. 28. "The difference between now and 2022 is that supply and demand were both affected in 2022," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gas Buddy. "Demand went up because you had the U.S. economy reopening after COVID and people were hell bent on traveling. "You have steady demand right now, so I don't expect as much of an increase as there was in 2022. I don't see prices going to $5 a gallon based on what I'm seeing." Advertisement Gas prices were already climbing before the Iranian conflict started, with Erie County's average price rising from $2.96 a gallon on Jan. 14, according to Gas Buddy. Some of the increase was due to the threats of war from President Donald Trump and the rest was the annual switch to a summer blend of gasoline that is more expensive to produce, Garrity said. "Keep in mind that gas prices are usually higher in western Pennsylvania than eastern Pennsylvania, where there are more refineries," Garrity said. "It's even a bit higher up in the Erie area because they have to transport the gas up to you." It might take months to see lower gas prices When will the gas prices decline? It depends on the cost of oil, which is affected by the Iranian conflict. If the conflict ends, or Iran agrees to allow tankers to travel through the Strait of Hormuz, prices will drop, De Haan said. "But I could see the situation continue for months, unless someone gives in," De Haan said. Tips for reducing your gas costs In the meantime, people can take the following steps to reduce their gas costs: Take advantage of fuel savings programs, like gas station apps and AAA discounts. Drive slower, which increases gas mileage. Use cruise control when driving on a highway. Avoid extended idling and engine warm ups. Contact David Bruce at dbruce@timesnews.com or by calling 814-870-1736. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County gas prices surge 40 cents in first week of Iran conflict World Atlas has included Brunswick, Georgia, on its list of the "13 of the Prettiest Towns in the United States," highlighting the port city's waterfront views, historic charm and deep-rooted seafood industry. The report noted that narrowing down thousands of incorporated cities, towns and villages across the country is no small task. Yet Brunswick earned a spot thanks to its scenery and historic landmarks. Here's what to know. Why was Brunswick named one of the prettiest towns? According to World Atlas, Brunswick stands out for both its natural setting and cultural history. Once called the "Shrimp Capital of the World," Brunswick is recognized as Georgia's main production center for shrimp. The town's working waterfront and connection to the fishing industry helped shape its identity along the southeastern coast. Beyond seafood, the town features several notable attractions, including the centuries-old Lover's Oak. The sprawling live oak tree is estimated to be around 900 years old and stretches more than 13 feet in diameter. Advertisement Local folklore has long surrounded the tree, adding to its appeal for visitors. What can visitors see in Brunswick? "In addition, step back in the time machine and traverse the Brunswick Old Town Historic District, where you can explore various historical monuments including the towns century-old city hall, and the 124 year-old Ritz Theatre, which still operates to this day," World Atlas wrote. Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick Georgia Brunswick sits along Georgia's coast near the Golden Isles, making it a convenient stop for travelers looking for waterfront views, historic streets and access to nearby beaches. For more information, visit worldatlas.com/cities/13-of-the-prettiest-towns-in-the-united-states-51430. Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: World Atlas named this town one of the 13 prettiest towns in the US BERLIN, March 6 (Reuters) - Germany's military has banned staff from filming and photography at all its sites since late February over concerns that sensitive information could be visible on social media, a defence ministry spokesperson said on Friday. The German military has increasingly been using social media to help meet its ambitious recruiting goals. The new policy requires soldiers to seek explicit permission, versus the previous guidelines that generally allowed filming and videos. Advertisement The new policy doesn't mean personnel can no longer present themselves on social media or similar platforms, "we are quite proud of that," added the spokesperson. Violations of the rule could be punished by disciplinary measures or even criminal charges, depending on the severity. The Bild newspaper first reported on the reforms. (Reporting by Miranda Murray; Editing by Alexandra Hudson) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during a press conference following his White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 3, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper By Jorn Poltz MUNICH, March 6 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday Berlin was working with partners to find an approach to end the fighting with Iran as he warned against allowing the country to fall into chaos as the war widens across the Middle East. Merz said Germany shared the aims of the United States and Israel to stop Tehran's nuclear and missile programme, its threats to Israel and its support for proxy groups and he said the Iranian people had the right to decide their own future. "However, as the fighting continues and spreads, we also see growing risks," he said in a statement. "An endless war is not in our interest." He said Germany was working with partners to formulate a common perspective on ending the conflict. "These considerations are ongoing," he said, without giving details. Merz's comments reflect the unease felt in Europe at the war unleashed by the U.S. and Israeli operation that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei a week ago and which has since spread into Lebanon with no clear sign of an end in sight. Advertisement As American and Israeli jets have continued to pound targets across Iran and Iranian missiles and drones have hit cities in the Gulf and Israel, the economic risks have risen with global air transport in chaos and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's key oil shipping lanes, shut down. Iran has not yet named a successor to Khamenei, who held power for 37 years, and Merz said the collapse of Iranian statehood or proxy conflicts fought on Iranian soil would not be in anyone's interest. "Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe," he said, including uncontrolled migration by Iranians fleeing across the border if the country fell into chaos. "The Iranian state must remain functional, and public order and basic services must be maintained. The Iranian economy must not collapse," Merz said. Merz said a political process of dialogue and trust building in the region would have to begin once fighting ends. Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes would have to end and be subject to verification. Iran would have to stop supporting proxy groups and all nuclear material would have to be secured. If that happened sanctions might be lifted and aid could be provided. (Reporting by Joern Poltz, Writing by Miranda Murray and James Mackenzie, Editing by William Maclean) Washington House GOP leadership called on Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas to end his campaign for reelection over a scandal stemming from his affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. "The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzales's conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously. Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election," a statement from GOP leadership said Thursday. The statement came from House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota and GOP conference chairwoman Lisa McClain of Michigan. Gonzales, whose Tuesday primary advanced to a May runoff, admitted Wednesday that he had a relationship with the staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles. "I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions," Gonzales told conservative radio host Joe Pags. According to a text exchange from May 2024 obtained by CBS News, Gonzales sent explicit messages to Santos-Aviles, asking her to send a "sexy pic" and what her "favorite position" is. Santos-Aviles told Gonzales: "This is going too far boss." Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 after setting herself on fire. The House Ethics Committee said earlier Wednesday it was launching an investigation into whether Gonzales "engaged in sexual misconduct" with an employee or "discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges." It is against House rules for lawmakers to engage in relationships with any employee under their supervision. House rules also ban "unwelcome sexual advances or conduct" toward staff. Advertisement Asked about Gonzales on Wednesday, Johnson said both the Office of Congressional Conduct and the House Ethics Committee are reviewing the matter and that leadership would allow "due process and investigations to play out." He also said, "the voters have spoken last night." McClain noted Thursday that leaders did not call on Gonzales to resign. He is facing calls from Democrats and some Republicans to step down immediately. "My hope is he would finish out the rest of his term," she said at a news conference. Johnson later Thursday likened leadership's call for Gonzales to end his reelection to a political "death penalty." The House GOP currently has a one-vote margin. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here. For more information about mental health care resources and support, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.10 p.m. Eastern Time at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org. Watch: Lawmaker plays videos of harsh Minnesota ICE arrests at Noem hearing Reaction from inside DHS to Kristi Noem ouster Why Trump decided to remove Kristi Noem as DHS secretary Got a dog? It could be impacting your air quality, new study shows. Pet owners daily see their dogs lounge on couches and chairs, chase toys down hallways and roll around on living room carpets. Those furry friends may be impacting the air in your home environment, a new study shows. A study published in American Chemical Society's "Environmental Science & Technology" reports that both big and small dogs impact indoor air quality. Research found that small, active dogs produce more airborne particles than large dogs, but large dogs release more microbes into the air than people. "Pets are part of our indoor environment. By quantifying what dogs add to indoor air, we can build more realistic indoor air quality and exposure models and better inform ventilation strategies without blaming pets or discouraging pet ownership," Dusan Licina, the corresponding author of the study, said in a release. Here's how the study says your dog could be impacting your air. 1 / 0 Photos: 14 dog breeds that love cold weather This breed is a working dog from the Pyrenees mountain range between Spain and France, where they were trained to navigate snowy terrain. How do dogs impact air quality? To find out if air quality is impacted, the study measured airborne pollutants from both small and large dogs, including gases, particulate matter and microbes, and compared them to emissions from their human owners. Four chihuahuas were compared against three large dogs, a Tibetan mastiff, a Newfoundland and an English mastiff, along with their owner in the room. The study found that large dogs emit carbon dioxide and ammonia at "rates similar to humans and at substantially higher rates than small dogs." Advertisement More animal news: Horses create special whistle when they whinny and neigh, study finds Additionally, research revealed that large dogs released the most bacteria and fungi into the air, altering the indoor air and microbial composition in ways that humans don't. Many of the microorganisms released originated from an outdoor environment, it stated. Both small dogs and large release airborne particulate matter, more so than their owners when measured. Small dogs produced the most airborne particulate matter, which researchers said "is likely because they were most active during the experiments." What does this mean for dog owners? Though dogs might be impacting indoor air quality, that doesn't necessarily mean pet owners need to run out and buy an air purifier. According to the study, the findings suggest that indoor air quality standards, building ventilation design and other environmental control strategies should account for pets, like dogs, going forward as "active emission sources within occupied spaces." What to know: Dog treats recalled over salmonella risk. See affected states. Overall, the study's findings point to the idea that dogs can impact household air quality at a level similar to or more than humans, especially big dogs that were shown to release more bacteria into the air. Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or on X @katecperez_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is your dog changing your air quality? New study shows it might be. March 6, 2026: A week ago the United States and Israel began launching air strikes against Iran in an effort to bring down the religious dictatorship that had misruled the country since 1979 and been a threat to most nations in the region and a promoter of terrorist activities worldwide. The American forcers used bases in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait to carry out these attacks and these countries joined in with their own attacks once it was obvious that the American and Israeli air operations were indeed taking apart the Iranian military. By the end of March 5th Iranian ballistic missile attacks had diminished by 90 percent, drone attacks were down by 83 percent. Air strikes concentrated on the remaining supplies of Iranian drones and missiles. So far, the attacks have destroyed more than two thousand targets inside Iran and sunk or disabled 30 ships of the Iranian navy. The Iranian air force and air defences have been largely destroyed allowing unarmed transports carrying electronic monitoring equipment or supplies for active Iranian rebels, to operate freely. During the first week of air operations against Iranian security forces the IRGC has lost about 15 percent of its personnel to desertion, with some of those men leaving with their weapons and joining the armed rebel groups forming inside Iran. Another one percent of IRGC men have been killed and few percent more wounded. The IRGC uses a decentralized command structure that enables members to improvise as needed to protect the Islamic government. From the beginning American and Israeli military and political leaders stressed that these operations would require a month or more of continuous attacks to succeed. The Iranian military and security forces are extensive and spread all over Iran. Most have been located studied and attacks plans prepared. The initial attacks took out air defense and ballistic missile storage and launch sites. The attacks did not eliminate all Iranian offensive weapons. The damage Iranian counterattacks could inflict was significant, but not extensive enough to persuade any of Irans neighbors to support Iranian efforts to halt the war. Mojataba Khamenei was quickly appointed to succeed his father Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28th, during the first wave of attacks. Israel had already decided to kill the Ayatollah last November and had been tracking his movements since then. Attacks against Mojataba Khamenei and the Council of Guardians would eliminate all the Ayatollah as well as the younger Khamenei. Surviving Iranian officials announced that all surviving leaders were ordered to operate independently if they were no longer able to contact senior leadership. Ismail Qaani, head of Irans Quds Force is apparently still alive, despite reports that he is dead. Speaking of the dead, its also unclear how much, if any, popular enthusiasm there is to replace Islam with the ancient Persian Zoroastrianism religion. This was the religion of Persia for 1200 years until forcibly preplaced by Islam in 651 AD. Meanwhile the airstrikes were systematically destroying IRGC\Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which normally consists of about 120,000 members. The volunteer Basij militia has up to half a million armed members and the Iranian army, navy and air force comprise about 400,000 active duty personnel. For the Iranian government, the problems is that a growing number of these troops are joining the rebels or simply deserting. The initial airstrikes encouraged this by killing many, if not most of the senior military leadership. Those appointed to replace the dead leaders were soon aware that they could quickly be attacked. Iran has long known that their military and government bureaucracy was filled with rebels and these rebels were now taking advantage of the disorder to eliminate rivals and key personnel still loyal to the religious dictatorship. Iranian security forces are still seeking Israeli agents and recently arrested general Esmail Qaani, the commander of the IRGC Quds Force after accusing him of working for Mossad, the Israeli foreign intelligence organization. Quds force organizes and supports Iran-backed militias and terrorist groups throughout the region. These include Hezbollah and Hamas as well as several Islamic terrorist groups. It will be a week or more before accurate data on losses are available. Meanwhile, anti-government operatives are still able to assist in identifying new leaders who can be attacked by air or by anti-government Iranians. As more IRGC, Basij, police and regular military personnel join the rebels it will be easier to obtain accurate data on the state of the religious dictatorships armed forces. Targeting information is still getting out of Iran and air strikes are quickly carried out to eliminate government forces or moved/newly created facilities and such. As fewer and fewer armed Iranians loyal to the government remain, they prove their loyalty by fighting to the death. Nearly half a century of Islamic government created a lot of true believers but their numbers are declining as the air and ground attacks continue. It is still unclear if newly liberated Iranians would call for the elimination of Islam inside Iran. Iraqi Kurdish militias and Iranian Kurds are also preparing enter the fight against Iranian forces. In another week the situation will be clarified and much less chaotic. There will still be Iranian military forces operational and dangerous to confront, at least for Iranian civilians. Armed Iranian civilians and soldiers who switched sides are another matter. In another month, one can only hope for a major improvement. Over the last 48 hours, Gov. Mike Braun has signed 80 bills into law, impacting everything from Medicaid to homeless encampments. Of the 144 bills on his desk so far from the 2026 legislative session, two remain untouched and eligible for action until March 9: a bill renewing Indiana's decade-old syringe exchange law, but with new restrictions on it; and a bill banning virtual currency kiosks in Indiana. There are also still more bills that have yet to be formally delivered to the governor's office from the legislature. Braun hasn't indicated that he plans to veto any bills. In fact, at a recent press conference, he said he worked with legislators to avoid a few vetoes. One of them was a law he just signed allowing for a new or relocated casino license in the Fort Wayne area. This bill encountered trouble in the Senate after a provision requiring a local referendum to approve a new casino was taken out of the bill, but in the final days of session, the language was put back in. Braun said keeping the local referendum language was a sticking point for him. Advertisement Braun's other option with those remaining two bills is to let them become law without signing them. More: Bears, ICE and IPS: Winners and losers from the 2026 legislative session Some of the most notable bills Braun signed into law over the last two days include: Contact IndyStar Statehouse reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X @kayla_dwyer17. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Gov. Mike Braun signs 80 bills into law. Here are some highlights. Remarks by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that the American press emphasizes U.S. casualties in the Iran war because it wants to make the president look bad are a reminder of something that has endured across many decades and conflicts: the tension and trepidation about news that reminds Americans of the human cost of war. During his Pentagon briefing on the war on Wednesday, Hegseth bashed fake news while addressing the six U.S. Army reservists killed in an Iranian attack on an operations center in Kuwait. When a few drones get through or tragic things happen, its front-page news, Hegseth said. I get it. The press only wants to make the president look bad. But try for once to report the reality. The terms of this war will be set by us at every step. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, when questioned about the remark by CNNs Kaitlan Collins at her own news conference later, doubled down. You take every single thing this administration says and try to use it to make the president look bad, Leavitt said. Thats an objective fact. Memories of night after night of graphic images beamed into homes through a then-recent invention television were hard to shake for those who lived through the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Many believed the cumulative impact of seeing that suffering night after night turned Americans from supporters to skeptics. Such vivid, intimate scenes of military action by Americans haven't been seen to that extent since, a legacy still in place with the war that President Donald Trump and Hegseth are waging right now on behalf of the United States. For many presidents, the lesson seemed to be: Don't allow the realities of war into people's living rooms if you can help it, said Timothy Naftali, senior research scholar at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. Coverage of war and access to it have changed Today, the images the public sees of warfare can resemble a video game explosions seen lighting up the sky from afar with the pain much more private. Generations ago during World War II, journalists were embedded with the military, and many became household names reporters Ernie Pyle and Walter Cronkite, photographers Robert Capa and Margaret Bourke-White. Those were the days before television, however. Vietnam was arguably the most accessible American war for reporters. Journalists stationed in the country sent back a steady stream of death and destruction. Cronkite, by then a CBS-TV anchorman of the most popular evening news program in the U.S., reported from Vietnam in 1968 and concluded the only rational way out was a negotiated peace. If Ive lost Cronkite, President Lyndon Johnson said, Ive lost Middle America. During the Gulf War in 1991, President George H.W. Bush was angered by split-screen television images that showed the coffins of U.S. service members being returned to the United States while he, apparently unaware of the timing, was joking with reporters about another subject at the White House. The Pentagon banned coverage of these ceremonies, saying it was to protect the privacy of family members of the dead, although critics said it was to avoid showing pictures of coffins. That ban, with a few exceptions, stayed in place until it was lifted by President Barack Obama in 2009. Advertisement Reporters who approached the battlefield in wars fought by the U.S. military in the 2000s were likely to have their movements restricted, if they were allowed at all. Jessica Donati, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal and Reuters who covered the war in Afghanistan, wrote for the Modern War Institute in 2021 that its easier these days for journalists in Afghanistan to embed with the Taliban than with the U.S. military. Reporting on casualties predates Trump's presidency The nature of this war fought thousands of miles from the American homeland and not yet on the ground in Iran has limited the number of American casualties and thus made them more newsworthy. Several journalists have pointed out that reporting about military casualties predates Trump's presidency. Hegseth's statement is a warped way of looking at the world, said CNN's Jake Tapper. Ahistorical. The news media covers fallen service members because they have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, he said. It's a tribute. It's an honor. There has been relatively little coverage from the ground in Iran. A CNN team led by Frederik Pleitgen on Thursday became the first journalists from a U.S.-based television network to enter the country, and he spent the day racing across the country to Tehran. Dan Lamothe, military affairs reporter for The Washington Post, posted on social media that Hegseth's comments won't stop him from continuing to cover the casualties of war as has been done under presidents of both major political parties. These efforts havent always been perfect, Lamothe wrote. But theyve highlighted sacrifices by American servicemembers and their families, and shortcomings that sometimes allowed these deaths to happen. Well continue to do so. Its too important to stop. When Robert H. Reid was a top editor at Stars and Stripes between 2014 and 2025, he found that the newspaper's audience, primarily service members, wanted more than raw numbers when Americans were killed in military action. They wanted to know details about the lives of the people who served where they grew up, who they left behind, what their passions were, he said. In 10 or 20 years, many of these people will be forgotten by all but those who loved them. But for what they gave for their country, they deserve recognition for their lives, said Reid, an Associated Press international correspondent for most of his career. The public needs to know that war is not a video game, Naftali said. It affects people. ___ This story has been corrected to show Obama lifted the Pentagon ban in 2009, not 2019. ___ David Bauder writes about the media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social. Questions are already emerging about ousted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems named successor, Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and how DHS could change under his leadership or what might stay the same. President Donald Trump, in his Thursday social media post announcing Noems firing, didnt provide a direct explanation for the move. However, sources within the administration told Fox News that it was due to a litany of reasons. Politics: Trump Straight-Out Says Which Country Is Next For Regime Change: 'Just A Question Of Time' It was a combination of Noems many unfortunate leadership failures, from Minnesota to the ad campaign to allegations of an affair, a source told Fox News White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich. Noems handling of the administrations immigration operations in Minnesota had been harshly criticized during the last two months of her tenure at DHS, particularly her comments regarding the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents. Noem was quick to label the actions of both Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Good, a 37yearold mother of three, as domestic terrorism just hours after their deaths. This looks like a situation where an individual arrived at the scene to inflict maximum damage on individuals and to kill law enforcement, Noem said following Prettis death. This individual, who came with weapons and ammunition to stop a law enforcement operation of federal law enforcement officers, committed an act of domestic terrorism. Politics: Hegseth Says U.S. Will Intensify Iran Bombardment, Anthropic To Sue Pentagon: Live Updates Immediately following Goods death, Noem said, It was an act of domestic terrorism. What happened was our ICE officers were out in enforcement action, they got stuck in the snow because of the adverse weather that is in Minneapolis, they were attempting to push out their vehicle, and a woman attacked them, she continued. While its unclear whether Noems comments contributed to Trumps decision to fire her, Mullins comments following the killing of Pretti dont indicate things will change much at DHS should he be confirmed by the Senate. Unfortunately, an individual, a deranged individual, that came in to cause max damage, with a loaded pistol with an extra mag that was completely loaded, was shot and killed, Mullin said on Fox News after Prettis death. How much more does this gotta go on before the Democrat leaders take responsibility for their words? Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Mullin: A deranged individual who came in to cause massive damage with a loaded pistol was shot and killed. How much more does it have to go on before the Democrat leaders take responsibility for their words? pic.twitter.com/GmUzfRChlV Acyn (@Acyn) January 25, 2026 In addition to his comments about Pretti, Mullin has had several public moments that may raise difficult questions during his confirmation hearings, including an incident in 2023 in which Mullin seemingly attempted to pick a physical fight with Teamsters President Sean OBrien during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing. This is a time, this is a place, you wanna run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults, we can finish it here, Mullin said at the time. Advertisement Politics: Gavin Newsom Reacts To DHS Ouster: 'The Dark Heart Of This Administration Is Not Noem' OK, thats fine, OBrien said. You wanna do it now? Mullin said. Id love to do it now, OBrien responded. You stand your butt up then, Mullin said. Politics: California U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa To Retire In Move That Raises Stakes For GOP Holding House Control You stand your butt up then, OBrien said before Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) interrupted the two. Video of the incident began to recirculate on social media following Trumps announcement. On Truth Social, Trump cited several reasons for his decision to nominate Mullin as Noems replacement. A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda, Trump wrote. Politics: Pete Hegseths Politically Correct Wars Rant Has People Asking 1 Big Question Mullin said in a statement that he was grateful to Trump for the opportunity to lead DHS and looked forward to earning the support of his Senate colleagues during his confirmation hearings. President Trump ran on restoring law and order, and he quickly delivered the most secure U.S. border in American history. I look forward to supporting @POTUS mission to safeguard the American people and defend the homeland, Mullin posted on X. No date has been set as of yet for Mullins confirmation hearings. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost Emilio Saenz spent his winter break creating a website that would help his friend who struggled to adapt to an English-only school after moving from Mexico. She was at a school where she was forced to learn in English all day, and she didn't speak any English, he said. She was falling behind in all her classes because of the language barrier and that was alarming to me. Saenz, a sophomore at Phoenix Country Day School, went on to launch a website to not only help his friend, but all families navigate Arizona's education landscape. The website, Navegante, is available in both English and Spanish and helps users find nearby schools that offer bilingual support in Spanish and Indigenous languages. Before his project, Saenz interned with the Camp Catanese Foundation, which is a college-preparation program that provides support to underserved and first-generation students. Navegante, which is Spanish for navigator, is a natural extension of the work hed already been doing. That definitely enlightened me on the process of applying to high school and how it can be challenging, especially for parents that don't speak English, Saenz said. His work comes amid ongoing debate over how English language learners should be taught in Arizona. The state of bilingual education in Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has been a strong supporter of Structured English Immersion, which is a learning model for English language learners where the majority of instruction is taught in English. Horne has argued that Proposition 203, a law passed by voters in 2000, requires most English learners to be taught strictly under English immersion models. In 2019, the Legislature and then-Gov. Doug Ducey approved a law directing the State Board of Education to expand the options for English language learning in Arizona. In 2020, the board introduced four new models for English learners, including dual language programs. Dual language programs allow students to spend half the day learning course material in a different language, primarily Spanish. Horne has previously sued school districts for allowing English language learners to participate in these programs, which Gov. Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes defended. Saenz said his goal with Navegante was to tackle the low graduation rate among English language learners. The English learner graduation rate in Arizona is 55% because the language barrier makes it such a challenge, he said. A study from the U.S. Department of Education found that Arizona ranks among the worst in the nation for graduation rates of English language learners at 55% for the 2019-20 school year, the last year that data was available. The national average is 71%. Advertisement "We basically know beyond a shadow of a doubt at this point that bilingual programs are beneficial for multilingual students," said Ilana Umansky, an associate professor at the University of Oregon who specializes in education policy for multilingual students. She said students who participate in bilingual education see a range of benefits such as higher graduation rates, academic achievement and English proficiency. But on a personal level, students in these programs experience a greater sense of belonging and self-worth. Saenz is the vice chair of the State Board of Educations Student Advisory Panel, a committee of high school students that get to advocate for their peers and influence board decisions. He brought his concerns to the board, and said thats when he discovered alternatives to Arizonas English-only education were hard to find. I thought why not combine it all. Centralize it all for people to be able to see and easily access that, he said. 'It's easy for kids like me to make a difference' To find a list of available schools with bilingual education, Saenz initially requested public records from the Arizona Department of Education. The department declined his request since it doesn't keep a list of schools with bilingual education, said Doug Nick, a spokesperson for the department. Saenz was previously the captain of the robotics team where he learned how to program models. After reaching a dead end from the department, he created an artificial intelligence model that would scan local school districts for bilingual program information. He then further used AI to help him code his website. Once he had a model ready to present, Saenz sought out feedback from community leaders to improve his website. Luckily, he had already built those connections through his internship with Camp Catanese and his position in the Student Advisory Panel. He also reached out to community organizations such as the Arizona Dual Language Immersion Network and Children's Action Alliance to gather more resources. Through feedback, he added features such as a chatbot users can ask questions to, a school finder quiz, and recommendations of the best school options based on location, school letter grade and public transportation. Saenz also included a dedicated feedback page in Navegante's website to further optimize his database. He said he places great importance on the website's feedback because bilingual education programs were operating in silence, almost like they were hiding, for so long. He said the page allows school staff that know about existing programs to add it to Navegante's database so other families can find it. In the future, Saenz hopes to build a team of students that can respond to support requests directly from the website and expand the database beyond the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. In 2026, it's easy for kids like me to make a difference," he said. If you see a gap in your education systems or government, "you can do something about it and you can build a solution." Coverage of education solutions on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is partially supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundations Arizona Community Collaborative Fund. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: How this sophomore used AI to help students learn English person piping white sauce onto hot dogs - Rani Nurlaela Desandi/Getty Images We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. When it comes to United States food culture, few things are more iconic than the definitive list of American hot dog styles, with various regions fiercely defending their particular variation against criticism, while simultaneously protecting it from too much variation. After all, if you fiddle too much with the zesty, flavorful toppings that go on a Mexican-style hot dog, eventually it becomes something else. Of course, that by no means indicates that regional variations on this cookout staple are finished developing or set in stone in fact, it's largely the opposite. While Alabama-style hot dogs may just be another foodie trend, we wouldn't be shocked if they're here to stay. At their most basic, these doggies are grilled, slipped inside a soft, cloudy brioche bun, then topped with classic Alabama white barbecue sauce with its signature pearly hue. Tangy from the combo of mayo and vinegar, with a burst of spicy deliciousness from ingredients like horseradish, cayenne, and white pepper, some argue that the white sauce is flavorful enough on its own. Though this opinion isn't wrong, the very nature of regional hot dog styles and good Southern cooking almost always requires an extra dose (or two) of deliciousness. Additional toppings on your Alabama dog may include everything from the expected crumbled bacon to sliced jalapenos, pickle relish, or a true Southern favorite fried green tomatoes. The crispy exterior adds texture, while the bright acidity of the tomatoes cuts through all of the richness to bring beautifully balanced flavor. Read more: 13 Tips You Need When Cooking Bacon In The Oven Advertisement From scratch, or not from scratch which way is right? alabama white barbecue sauce in a glass jar - NatalyaBond/Shutterstock When it comes to an Alabama-style hot dog, the biggest question is whether or not everything should be made from scratch, especially the barbecue sauce. Though there are a handful of undeniably delicious brands you can purchase either from restaurants (if you're local) or online (if you're not), like Duke's Alabama-style white sauce, there are also 1,001 recipes for making it yourself. Since the base is good ol' fashioned mayonnaise, putting together some yourself is as simple as stirring together vinegar, lemon juice, horseradish, seasonings, and a dash or two of Worcestershire sauce, then chilling it to let the flavors marry. Since both homemade and store-bought options will create a delicious grilled hot dog, which you choose will be based mainly on personal preference. Store-bought sauce is more convenient, while the homemade stuff allows you to customize flavors. However, if you decide to include fried green tomatoes (and we think you should), homemade from scratch is the only way to guarantee they'll be crisp and perfectly cooked. Plus, since bacon grease is the best fat for making fried green tomatoes, you'll automatically have bacon crumbles available to top your dogs, as well. One last thing to consider is the brioche bun. Most recipes for Alabama-style hot dogs don't focus too closely on bun treatment, although toasted is almost always better. Both hot dog and toppings will benefit from being cradled in a lightly crisp, buttery bun that's sturdy enough to hold everything together, but soft enough to yield the perfect, most flavorful bite. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Chowhound. The House on Thursday failed to adopt a war powers resolution that attempted to curtail President Donald Trump's military actions in Iran. It failed by a vote of 212-219. Republican Reps. Thomas Massie and Warren Davidson bucked GOP leaders by voting in favor; four Democrats voted against the resolution: Reps. Henry Cuellar, Jared Golden, Greg Landsman and Juan Vargas. Senate fails to advance Iran war powers resolution The resolution, which only expresses the sentiment of Congress, called on the president to terminate the use of U.S. armed forces in hostilities against Iran or any part of the Iranian government or military unless a declaration of war or authorization to use military force is enacted. It came after recent U.S. strikes on Iran that killed several Iranian leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran. The measure was non-binding and not subject to the president's signature or veto. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, March 4, 2026 in Washington. Speaker Mike Johnson argued Wednesday that the United States is "not at war" but only engaged in a "defensive operation" in Iran. Advertisement We're not at war right now, Johnson told reporters at the Capitol. We're in -- four days into a very specific, clear mission and operation." Later on Wednesday, Trump contradicted Johnson, repeatedly referring to the conflict in Iran as a "war" hours after Johnson said it wasn't. Iran live updates Sitting next to Johnson during a roundtable on energy prices, Trump said "we're doing very well on -- on the war front, to put it mildly." US Army - PHOTO: A U.S. Army High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launches from an undisclosed location in support Operation Epic Fury. Johnson had said that the "passage of a war powers resolution right now would be a terrible, dangerous idea." "It would empower our enemies. It would kneecap our own forces, and it would take the ability of the U.S. military and the commander in chief away from completing this critical mission to keep everybody safe," he said Wednesday. Trump administration's mixed messaging on war with Iran: ANALYSIS On Wednesday, Senate Democrats failed to meet a 51-vote threshold on an alternate Iran war powers resolution sponsored by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine and Republican Sen. Rand Paul. The resolution failed behind a 47-53 tally. (This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.) Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a journalist working for local news outlet Nashville Noticias during a March 4 traffic stop in South Nashville, according to an emergency petition filed by her attorneys in federal court. Attorneys for the journalist, Estefany Maria Rodriguez Flores, wrote in the petition filed March 4 that she was arrested without a warrant. Rodriguez said she was not shown one, according to her petition. One of her attorneys, Joel Coxander of Mira Legal, spoke with an ICE agent who indicated there was no arrest warrant for her at the time of her arrest, the petition states. Immigration coverage: ICE is paying 'eye-popping' prices for warehouse detention centers The Department of Homeland Security said on March 6 that this is "simply not true" and that it had a valid arrest warrant on Rodriguez. It filed in court March 6 a picture of a crumpled piece of paper dated March 2 titled "Warrant for Arrest of Alien." The paper, which appears to have been signed by an authorized immigration officer, orders the arrest of Rodriguez for removal proceedings. She is currently detained in the Etowah County Jail in northeast Alabama, according to DHS' court filing. Rodriguez had a meeting scheduled for March 17 with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations. She frequently reported on stories critical of ICE for Nashville Noticias, the Spanish-language outlet. Nashville Noticias said in a March 5 statement on social media that it "hopes that this situation will be resolved favorably for our colleague so that she can be released soon, as she needs to reunite with her young daughter and husband to continue her legal process with the framework permitted by law." "We trust in the justice system of the United States of America," Nashville Noticias said in the statement. Rodriguez's attorneys are asking a judge to order immigration authorities to release her and declare her detention unlawful. DHS opposes that request. Rodriguez entered the country legally in March 2021 under a tourist visa. She has a valid work permit, married a U.S. citizen in January, and has green card and asylum applications pending, DHS' records filed in court show. Her asylum application has been pending since 2021. She "has followed ICEs express directions at all times," the petition states. Rodriguez's authorization under her tourist visa has expired, DHS records show. The department wrote that her reference to having an asylum application or work permit "does not negate the fact that she is an undocumented alien and should be detained pending a bond hearing which she has not yet requested at the filing of this response." Series of rescheduled meetings preceded arrest, petition says Rodriguez's petition says that Rodriguez received a letter in January asking her to come to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operation's field office in Nashville on Jan. 26. The office closed that day because of winter weather, which covered Nashville in ice. A second letter, dated Feb. 10, asked Rodriguez to appear at the office Feb. 25. Advertisement Rodriguez's husband and attorney appeared at the office Feb. 23 to ask if it would rather send a notice to appear than hold a meeting, the petition says. A notice to appear is a formal document that indicates the government is beginning removal proceedings against someone. An ICE agent at the office told Rodriguez's attorney and husband he could not find her in the agency's computer system for appointments. An agent then said Rodriguez should appear on a different date. This agent handed her attorney a piece of paper saying Rodriguez should appear March 17, the petition says. Rodriguez was detained the morning of March 4 outside a gym on Murfreesboro Pike. She was with her husband traveling in a car with the Nashville Noticias logo on its outside. The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, whose attorneys are also representing Rodriguez, said it stands with Rodriguez. TIRRC in a statement called for the end of the aggressive deployment of immigration agents in our neighborhoods and community. South Nashville and Antioch were the site of a widespread immigration enforcement crackdown in May 2025 by ICE agents and Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers. ICE did not return The Tennessean's request for comment sent March 5. U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson gave both sides quick deadlines for filing documents, as he "understands the desire to expedite briefing on this particular matter." Arrest marks second time Hispanic reporter targeted in Tennessee Rodriguez is the second reporter from a Spanish news network in Tennessee to be arrested and detained by ICE. In 2018, Memphis Noticias founder Manuel Duran was arrested while reporting on an immigration protest. According to previous reporting by the Commercial Appeal, part of the USA TODAY Network, he was the only journalist arrested in front of a Memphis criminal justice center the day of the protest, even as other journalists were documenting the melee in the street. While charges against him were quickly dropped, ICE arrested Duran shortly thereafter, citing a missed immigration hearing in 2007. His arrest led to more than 465 days behind bars and sparked international attention, lawsuits and protests in Memphis. In 2019, an immigration judge ordered that Duran could be set free on bond while his asylum case was pending. In 2022, that asylum was granted, and Duran continues his work in Memphis. Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: ICE detains Nashville journalist working for Spanish-language outlet By Louise Rasmussen and Anna Ringstrom COPENHAGEN, March 6 (Reuters) - Iceland will hold a referendum on August 29 on resuming European Union membership negotiations, the government said on Friday. Reykjavik in 2013 abandoned EU membership talks after four years of negotiations, but a rise in the cost of living and the war in Ukraine in recent years rekindled the country's interest in joining the bloc, polls have shown. The government had said it would hold a referendum no later than the end of 2027. Repeated threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to annex Greenland, located between Iceland and the United States, also made the question of EU membership more pressing for the Nordic country, home to almost 400,000 people. Iceland first applied to join the EU in 2009 following the collapse of its banking system during the 2008 global financial crisis, which pushed its economy to the brink of bankruptcy. If voters back the resumption of talks, the final terms of EU membership will require approval in a second referendum. However, the government stated that a "No" vote would end any future attempts to restart accession negotiations. Advertisement A new Gallup poll showed 57% of Icelanders favour talks while around 30% are opposed, according to public broadcaster RUV. A SIGNIFICANT DECISION, EU OFFICIAL SAYS The Icelandic people must now make "a significant decision", EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said in a statement. "The geopolitical context is fundamentally different today than when Iceland first applied for membership," Kos added. "In a world of competing spheres of influence, EU membership offers an anchor into a bloc grounded in values, prosperity and security." Iceland is already part of the European single market, the Schengen open-border travel zone, and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) alongside Norway and Liechtenstein. EU membership would give it a direct say in decision making via institutions such as the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, as well as becoming part of the customs union and the option to adopt the euro. (Reporting by Louise Rasmussen and Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen, Anna Ringstrom in Stockholm and Lili Bayer in Brussels, editing by Terje Solsvik and Susan Fenton) The more than six-year prison sentencing of illegal alien Jose Melgar-Rivas for causing serious injuries to a federal officer by dragging him with his vehicle shows why the agent who shot activist Renee Good feared for his life, an expert told Fox News Digital. U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester announced Tuesday that Melgar-Rivas had been sentenced to serve 78 months in federal prison for assaulting, resisting or impeding a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, resulting in bodily injury. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundations Border Security and Immigration Center, lauded the sentencing as "great news." She noted, however, that "unfortunately, this is just one of many examples of either aliens and/or rioters, illegal obstructionists, assaulting federal agents with vehicles." She pointed to a dramatic rise in vehicular assaults on federal immigration enforcement officers, most notably including an attack on ICE officer Jonathan Ross, who was dragged by an illegal immigrants vehicle in a similar incident in Minnesota. That agent later shot and killed activist Renee Good when she allegedly accelerated her vehicle at him in a confrontation with law enforcement. Mother Of Woman Found Dead In Illegal's Dumpster Reveals Trump's Three-word Message To Her Ries called for Melgar-Rivas sentencing to be "announced far and wide." She said that "others need to know that there are, in fact, consequences for both obstructing ICE carrying out their lawful federal enforcement duties, but also there are severe consequences for assaulting and harming ICE agents [and] federal agents." Read On The Fox News App According to a statement by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Oklahoma, Melgar-Rivas, a Honduran national who entered the country illegally, attempted to evade arrest by placing his car in drive and accelerating during a struggle with agents. The office said that an ICE officer became caught in the vehicles door and was dragged down the roadway, resulting in him sustaining "multiple, serious injuries." The incident occurred on July 15, 2025, in Oklahoma City. Melgar-Rivas was arrested several hours later. He was charged by a federal grand jury with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer resulting in bodily injury and pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025. The office said Melgar-Rivas will be deported after serving his 78-month sentence. In response to the sentencing announcement, Ries emphasized that "there are severe consequences for assaulting and harming ICE agents, federal agents, and this sentence expresses that." Ries pointed to a DHS statistic from February stating there have been 180 vehicular attacks on federal agents, constituting a 3,300% increase in vehicular attacks against ICE since President Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office. Ries linked this rise in attacks to what she referred to as an organized and concerted effort to "cause division and disruption in the U.S." and to "prevent deportations to keep the left in political power." Advertisement Ice Assaults Spike 1,500% As Dems Draw Hard Red Line To Unmask Agents In Dhs Battle ICE and DHS agents make an arrest. (Getty Images) "Clearly the word went out from trainers, the organizers on the left, who instruct both aliens and rioters, protesters, obstructionists on how to interfere with federal agents conducting their job," said Ries. "All of these people who are rioting and protesting and obstructing are directed to do so. Perhaps they swap their signs out now for hands off Iran, because many of these protests, whether it's anti-ICE, hands off Iran, hands-off Venezuela, et cetera, et cetera, it's the same funders, it's the same organizers, in some cases it's the very same so-called protesters." "None of it is organic, and we need to keep attention on that fact," she added. One such attack rocked the nation in January when it resulted in Ross shooting and killing Good in Minneapolis. According to DHS, criminal illegal immigrant and sex offender Roberto Carlos Munoz-Guatemala dragged Ross 50 yards with his car in Bloomington, Minnesota, while trying to evade arrest. During a traffic stop, Munoz-Guatemala refused to exit his vehicle and tried to flee law enforcement. The department said the ICE officer still had his arm inside Munoz-Guatemala's vehicle as the illegal immigrant tried to drive away. Ross was hospitalized due to his injuries and received 33 stitches in his right arm and left hand. Ries said that less discussed is that this rise in violent obstruction "takes a lot of psychological toll and emotional toll on agents." Scourge Of Sexual Predators, Violent Criminals Being Removed From Minneapolis Streets Despite Backlash Renee Nicole Good moments before she was shot and killed by a federal agent in Minneapolis. "There's clearly a pattern of aliens and obstructionists using their vehicles to interfere with and even threaten ICE agents. And as an ICE agent or federal agent, when you know that, if yet another car is put into drive and is aimed in your direction, then that goes to the mindset of that agent." "We live in the age of rage, where so many people just want to be outraged at anything. And unfortunately, they become useful tools of these leftist leaders and funders to do their bidding," she said. Click Here To Download The Fox News App This, Ries said, is why it is so critical that people understand the serious risks and consequences of attacking agents or interfering with operations. "If [Good] had not been interfering with ICE agents doing their job that day, she'd still be alive. If she complied with agents orders to get out of the car, she would still be alive," she said. "So, this news of this sentencing needs to go to those in Minneapolis and around the country to comply with officers, to not interfere." Original article source: Illegal's dragging of ICE agent shows the exact danger the officer who shot Renee Good feared, expert says The dome of the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. Photo: Warren LeMay / Flickr /CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original Appeals court vacates use of force injunction The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has vacated U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis preliminary injunction restricting use of force by federal immigration law enforcement officers in Illinois. In a social media post, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi hailed the ruling as a huge legal win for President Donald Trump in support of Operation Midway Blitz. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a separate lawsuit in January seeking orders to prohibit U.S. Border Patrol from operating in Illinois or supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the state. Charges filed for possession of sex abuse materials Advertisement A Port Byron man is charged with ten counts of unlawful possession of child sexual abuse materials. Illinois State Police say they began investigating Micah Ibara, 22, in November 2025 after special agents received an online tip from a social media platform. The Rock Island County Sheriffs Office located and arrested Ibara on Thursday. Gas prices keep rising According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois has reached $3.40 per gallon. The price is up from $3.05 per gallon one week ago, before the U.S. armed conflict with Iran began. Rodriguez has spent months covering immigration enforcement operations and ICE crackdowns in the Nashville area, reporting on how the raids affect local immigrant communities -Credit:- (-) A journalist who spent months reporting on immigration raids in Tennessee has been arrested and detained by ICE. Estefany Rodriguez, a reporter with Spanish-language outlet Nashville Noticias, was taken into custody by agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a traffic stop in Nashville earlier this week. Rodriguez was reportedly in a car with her husband, a U.S. citizen, when agents stopped the vehicle and detained her. Her lawyer says officers did not present an arrest warrant at the scene and instead showed a "Notice to Appear", a document that typically begins immigration court proceedings. Since the arrest, the journalist has been moved out of Tennessee and is believed to be heading to a federal immigration detention center in Louisiana. Man who fled to US to escape LGBTQ persecution detained by ICE - 'American dream is over' Trump shares new 'MIGA' slogan in latest 'unconditional surrender' rant Her immigration attorney, Joel Coxander, said Rodriguez had previously received a letter from ICE asking her to come to their office for processing, which he insists was not mandatory. Advertisement "So ICE sends out these letters to citizens who've never had any contact with [them]," he says. "The letters just say, like, 'Hey, please come by the ICE office.'" Rodriguez, who is originally from Colombia, entered the U.S. legally on a tourist visa in 2021 before applying for political asylum after receiving death threats linked to her journalism -Credit:- "They're invitations," Coxander added. "They don't say they're required. They say, 'Come in so we can help ensure the best outcome for your case.' They cite no legal requirement to come." "They don't say they're required. They say, 'Come in so we can help ensure the best outcome for your case.' They cite no legal requirement to come. And that's because, for a lot of people, they have no connection to ICE, this isn't connected with an application with USCIS - or at least it doesn't say anything like that." "If you don't want to delay the processing of your case and to help ensure the best outcome," read the bottom of the letter, "IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that you make every effort to keep this appointment." Rodriguez, who is originally from Colombia, entered the U.S. legally on a tourist visa in 2021 before applying for political asylum after receiving death threats linked to her journalism. Her employer also spoke out following the arrest. In a statement, Nashville Noticias said: "Nashville Noticias LLC expresses its respect for the laws of the United States and hopes that this situation will be resolved favorably for our colleague so that she can be released soon, as she needs to reunite with her young daughter and husband to continue her legal process within the framework permitted by law." Rodriguez has spent months covering immigration enforcement operations and ICE crackdowns in the Nashville area, reporting on how the raids affect local immigrant communities. Following her detention, her legal team filed an emergency petition in federal court seeking a writ of habeas corpus, asking a judge to review whether her detention is lawful and potentially order her release. Thai nationals Weerapat Phongwan, Teerapong Lekpradub, and Indonesian co-defendants, accused of smuggling about two tonnes of crystal methamphetamine, sit with audiences behind them in the courtroom for their verdicts in Batam, Riau Islands, Indonesia, March 5, 2026. REUTERS/Rezza Herdiyanto By Yudi Saputra BATAM, Indonesia, March 6 (Reuters) - An Indonesian court on Friday sentenced one Thai national to life in prison and another to 17 years for smuggling nearly two tons of methamphetamine, in one of the country's biggest drug busts in years. Advertisement Here are some details about the verdicts: * Weerapat Phongwan was sentenced to life in prison foracting as an intermediary and overseeing drug distribution, ajudge said. * Teerapong Lekpradub got 17 years in jail after being foundguilty of acting as an intermediary in the sale and purchase ofthe drugs, the judge said. * Both defendants and four Indonesians were arrested byIndonesian police in May last year after the fishing boat theywere aboard was found to be carrying 67 boxes ofmethamphetamine, weighing nearly 2 tons, court documentsshowed. * The drugs were wrapped in tea bags, footage of a policeexpose showed. * They were arrested in the waters of Karimun, Riau Islandsprovince, near Singapore. * The same court on Thursday sentenced another defendantFandi Ramadhan to five years in jail. * The court will issue a verdict for the other threedefendants next week. * The case went viral on social media after Ramadhan'sfamily asked President Prabowo Subianto to intervene and freehim. * The drugs were smuggled from Phuket, Thailand and believedto be sourced from an international network operating inThailand, Myanmar, and Laos, local media reported. * Indonesia has strict drug laws and in 2015 it executed twoAustralians in the Bali Nine drug ring for attempting to smuggleheroin out of the resort island of Bali. (Reporting by Yudi Saputra and Ananda Teresia; Editing by Sharon Singleton) Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images You can't see it. But it's there, affecting every breath you take. Air quality silently shapes your health in ways most people never consider, until something forces you to pay attention. For me, that moment came in third grade. I was running cross-country with my friends, feeling invincible the way 8-year-olds do, when my lungs had other plans. The wheezing started. A teacher pulled me off the course. My cross-country career ended faster than a Super Bowl commercial, and I learned a hard lesson: You can't always see bad air coming. The Breakdown One out of every 13 Americans has asthma. For those of us tracking symptoms, the Air Quality Index becomes essential. While the AQI monitors six pollutants (carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, ground-level ozone and sulfur dioxide), fine particulate matter tells the most important story about what we're breathing daily. Fine particulate matter refers to tiny particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller about 30 times smaller than a human hair. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into lungs and enter the bloodstream, making them particularly dangerous to human health. (MORE: The Name Melissa Has Been Retired) According to America's Health Rankings 2025 Report, states were analyzed using 2022-24 average fine particle pollution, measured in micrograms per cubic meter. The World Health Organization says healthy air should measure 5 micrograms per cubic meter. The U.S. average? 8.8. We're already above the global health standard before we even look state by state. Advertisement The Best and Worst U.S. States for Air Quality California tops the list for worst air quality at 11.7, more than double the WHO guideline. The report attributes this to high population density, industrial facilities, vehicle emissions and a climate that helps fuel frequent wildfires. Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio round out the bottom five. New York sits at 7.8, below the national average. For a state with significant population density and industrial activity, the number stands out. The state benefits from stricter emission standards and geographic factors that help disperse pollutants more effectively than other urban centers. Wyoming claims the cleanest air in America at 4.1, according to the report, thanks to low population and minimal industrial development. Hawaii, New Hampshire, South Dakota and Alaska complete the top five. Hawaii's position reflects its unique geography: heavy rainfall scrubs pollutants from the air while trade winds continuously bring in fresh ocean breezes. Photo by: Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Only 3 States Pass The Test The gap between current conditions and WHO guidelines is significant. Only Wyoming, New Hampshire and Hawaii meet the international health standard. Three out of 50. The remaining 47 states fall short of air quality levels considered safe for long-term human health. Understanding where your state ranks isn't just interesting. It's information that could change how you think about where you live, when you exercise outdoors, or how you protect your family's health. The air may be invisible, but its impact is anything but. weather.com content writer Toby Adeyemi bridges the gap between trends and culture, a skill he's honed over years at Yahoo Sports, EBONY, and Essence. Toby's built a career finding where sports, music, and culture intersect, and now he's bringing that same lens to weather, exploring how atmospheric events shape the moments, communities, and conversations that matter most. A man puts up a leaflet featuring an portrait of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran on March 5, 2026. Credit - Majid SaeediGetty Images Iran is reportedly delaying naming a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader killed over the weekend in U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, for security concerns as Israel has asserted that it will target whoever is instated, while President Donald Trump has doubled down on wanting to influence the selection. Read More: The U.S. and Israeli War With Iran, Explained The New York Times reported, citing two unnamed Iranian officials, that while Khameneis second-eldest son, 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, has emerged as the strongest contender to take Tehrans top job, no one has been named out of fear that they will be targeted. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on social media on Wednesday that any leader appointed by Iran to succeed Ali Khamenei would be an unequivocal target for elimination, adding that it does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides. Advertisement Mojtaba Khamenei has largely stayed away from the public eye but has close relations with Irans administrators and the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. But as his name has been floated, Trump has immediately voiced his rejection. They are wasting their time. Khameneis son is a lightweight, Trump told Axios on Thursday, adding that it would be unacceptable if the Iranian leadership picked Mojtaba Khamenei. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran. Trump said that he had to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy in Venezuela, referring to Delcy Rodriguez, who became Venezuelas acting President with Trumps blessing after the U.S. captured former leader Nicolas Maduro in an extraordinary military operation earlier this year. As for Iran, Trump told NBC News on Thursday that hed want to remove the existing leadership structure. We want to go in and clean out everything, he said. We dont want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period. We want them to have a good leader. We have some people who I think would do a good job. But the U.S. President has held off so far on naming his ideal pick. Speaking to TIME for its cover story published Thursday, Trump said his objective is to install in Iran a leader that is rational and sane. Contact us at letters@time.com. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi looks on after a session of the United Nations Conference on Disarmament, on the sideline of a second round of U.S.-Iranian nuclear negotiations in Geneva, on Feb. 17, 2026. Credit - Valentin FlauraudAFP/Getty Images Iran is prepared for a possible ground invasion by U.S. troops, the countrys Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday, as the war launched by the U.S. and Israel continues to escalate. Araghchi told NBC News that Iran is ready to counter American forces after U.S. President Donald Trump refused to rule out the possibility of boots on the ground earlier this week. We are waiting for them, Araghchi said. Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them. The U.S. and Israel jointly attacked Iran over the weekend, reportedly killing more than 1,000 civilians in bombings that appear to have also hit several schools. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as well as dozens of Iranian officials were killed in the attacks. The military campaign, which is ongoing, prompted a wave of retaliatory strikes from Iran across the Middle East, reportedly hitting both U.S. military bases and civilian sites in Gulf states, killing dozens of people, including six U.S. service members. The Trump Administration has signaled that the military campaign is likely to be more expansive than initially laid out. Trump told the Daily Mail on Sunday that the campaign could last around four weeks, even as the war appears to be unpopular with most Americans and as foreign citizens stranded in the Middle East scramble to leave the region. And U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said during a Thursday briefing that the amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically. Advertisement Read More: The U.S. and Israeli War With Iran, Explained Araghchi also said that Iran has not asked for a cease-fire and is not interested in negotiating with the U.S., contradicting Trumps claims that Iranian leaders want to talk. Irans top security official Ali Larijani earlier this week posted on X: We will not negotiate with the United States. We didnt ask for a cease-fire even last time, Araghchi said, referring to the 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June that was ended by a Trump-announced cease-fire. It was Israel who asked for a cease-fire. They asked for an unconditional cease-fire after 12 days that we resisted against their aggression. Irans hardened position also reflects the fact that nuclear negotiations had in February been renewedafter previously being disrupted by last Junes conflict, which included the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilitiesand were ongoing prior to the U.S. and Israels attack. The fact is that we dont have any positive experience of negotiating with the United States. You know, especially with this administration. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and then in the middle of negotiations, they attacked us, Araghchi said. So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who have, who are not honest in negotiation, and they dont and do not enter into negotiation in good faith. Contact us at letters@time.com. Demonstrators against the war in Iran trample on a portrait of US President Donald Trump during a protest as they march toward the US embassy in Baghdad (AHMAD AL-RUBAYE) (AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/AFP) When the United States fought the 1991 Gulf War, president George H.W. Bush boasted of building a broad coalition unseen in decades. When his son attacked Iraq in 2003, he faced wide criticism but secured several steadfast US allies. Now, a generation later, President Donald Trump has attacked Iran, and he is barely even trying to make friends. Trump launched the war alongside Israel, which had long pressed the United States to strike Iran's ruling clerics. Trump's strategy toward other countries has been focused on intensely pressuring them to cooperate and loudly complaining when they say no. Trump berated crucial ally Britain as "very, very uncooperative" and said of Prime Minister Keir Starmer: "This is not Winston Churchill we're dealing with." The center-left prime minister had restricted US warplanes to using two British bases and only for "defensive" purposes, saying he did not believe in "regime change from the skies." Trump threatened to cut off all trade with Spain after left-wing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez refused to let US forces use bases. The United States and Israel made no pretense of going through the United Nations before launching the war that quickly killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader. "It essentially sends the message to the world that Trump's United States sees itself above the law and doesn't even think it needs to claim otherwise," said Kristina Kausch, a deputy managing director at the German Marshall Fund. She said the war only reinforced European perceptions of Trump, who has stunned the continent by threatening to seize Greenland from NATO ally Denmark. "The degree to which there is US isolation or loss of soft power will depend on how disastrous the consequences of this decision," she said of the Iran attack. - Refocusing on nation-state - Trump has withdrawn the United States from numerous international bodies, vowing to go it alone in an "America First" foreign policy and to re-emphasize the centrality of the nation-state. Nadia Schadlow, who was deputy national security advisor in Trump's first term, said the war showed how countries cannot rely on the United Nations when they believe security interests are at stake. Advertisement "I believe that the UN has value for collaboration, for discussion, for debate. But I don't believe it can prevent wars, especially when one country is determined, and feels that it must act in the interests of its national security," said Schadlow, now a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. "It seems that the decision-makers made a determination that security and surprise were critical and were more important than consultation." Rare unambiguous statements of support for the war came from the right-wing leaders of Argentina and Paraguay as well as from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, which has fought alongside the US in every major war. Albanese backed action "to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney voiced similar support, although he soon called for de-escalation. French President Emmanuel Macron opposed the attack as running counter to international law, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced hope for an end to the Islamic republic while hoping the war will be short. Washington has shown little interest in sensitivities of friendly countries. The United States torpedoed an Iranian warship that had just paid a goodwill visit to India, a frequent US partner, killing at least 84 sailors off Sri Lanka, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed to reject "stupid rules of engagement." - Strategic benefit for China? - Iran, like Venezuela where Trump removed the president in January, had a privileged relationship with both Russia and China -- which were unwilling or unable to defend their allies against US firepower. China has also relied on the two countries for oil, although it had reduced its dependence. But the war could also benefit China. US forces are rapidly using up bombs, missiles and other resources that could be used in a theoretical defense of Taiwan, which Beijing claims, and Beijing is able to observe US war operations in Iran, said Jacob Stokes, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. Chinese strategists had described the first two decades of the century as a time of opportunity with the United States preoccupied in Afghanistan and Iraq, Stokes said. "There is this potential for a grand strategic benefit, as Beijing is quite happy to see the United States get bogged down in the Middle East again," he added. sct/mlm Israeli strikes continued to bombard Lebanon's capital on Thursday morning, as the U.S.-Israel war with Iran widens, further embroiling Iran's proxy force in Lebanon, Hezbollah. The Israeli military issued a number of evacuation warnings for parts of Beirut and huge swathes of southern Lebanon prior to the latest attacks on Wednesday, where it has struck hundreds of targets throughout the country since Monday, according to statements by Israel. The Israeli military on Thursday afternoon expanded its warning to residents of the densely populated southern suburbs of Lebanons capital, ordering them to leave immediately ahead of planned strikes. The notice from the Israel Defense Forces, which lists four neighborhoods, is effectively a forced evacuation of the entire Dahiyeh area on the outskirts of Beirut, which has long been a Hezbollah stronghold but is also a major residential and commercial hub home to many civilians. More than 300,000 people have evacuated southern Lebanon, according to the IDF. Hussein Malla/AP - PHOTO: Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, March 3, 2026. The IDF said heading south is strictly prohibited and any movement south could endanger your lives. At least 77 people have been killed and 527 others wounded since Israel resumed strikes on Lebanon on Monday, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. Anyone south of the Litani River in Lebanon is being told by the IDF to abandon their homes and evacuate north. The order is raising concerns among some residents that this could mean a significant incursion once again from IDF forces moving into southern Lebanon in the coming days and weeks. Iran live updates: US torpedo attack on Iran warship 'an atrocity' minister says Tens of thousands have already fled from parts of Southern Lebanon and from other Hezbollah strongholds to points to the north of the country, according to local reports. The strikes on Beirut on Wednesday were concentrated on the densely populated southern suburb, Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, according to local reports. Ibrahim Amro/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Smoke plumes billow following Israeli bombardment on Beirut's southern suburbs, March 2, 2026. In Hazmieh, another southern neighborhood of Beirut, the Comfort Hotel was struck without warning before dawn Wednesday, a local council member told ABC News, confirming reports from Lebanese state media. Hazmieh is a Christian neighborhood not under Hezbollah control with foreign embassies scattered nearby and the Lebanese Presidential Palace a quarter mile away from the hotel. Officials in Lebanon think Israeli targeting neighborhoods like Hamiyeh could show an emboldened strategy -- the gloves are off. Israeli officials said on Wednesday that Hezbollah continues to act in concert with Iran. Advertisement Israeli forces had been striking targets periodically in October and November in southern Lebanon that they say are associated with Hezbollah after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect in Gaza. Ahead of the attack on Iran, Israel launched strikes against targets in Baalbek, east Lebanon, in February, saying it killed several members of Hezbollahs missile unit in three different locations. How the Iran war could impact the US economy This week's strikes were the first time Israel struck Beirut, in central Lebanon, since June 2025. AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A destroyed vehicle outside the heavily-damaged building of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah's television station al-Manar, which was hit by overnight Israeli strikes, is pictured in Beirut, March 3, 2026. The Israeli military warned Tuesday that Hezbollah "will pay a heavy price" after the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group fired rockets into northern Israel overnight Monday into Tuesday. Immediately after the rocket fire, the IDF "launched a large-scale attack against Hezbollah terrorist targets throughout Lebanon, including Beirut," according to IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin. "We attacked dozens of the organization's headquarters and launch sites," Defrin said. "We attacked senior commanders. Some of the last surviving senior veterans of this organization. We are currently examining the results of the attack." Defrin noted that "forces are deployed along the border in front and are prepared to continue the defense and attack as long as they require." Senate fails to advance Iran war powers resolution When asked whether the IDF is preparing for a ground maneuver in Lebanon, Defrin said the troops are "well prepared." Kawnat Haju/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: People rush to inspect the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the offices of Al-Qard al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-linked financial institution, in the southern coastal Lebanese city of Tyre on March 2, 2026. "We have mobilized close to 100,000 men," he added. "Dozens of battalions, divisions and brigades are prepared in the defense on the northern border. Prepared for all possibilities. In defense and in attack. All possibilities are on the table. We are conducting situation assessments and all possibilities are on the table." The deputy head of Hezbollah's political council, Mahmoud Qamati, warned Tuesday that Israel "wanted an open war ... so let it be an open war." "The enemy wanted an open war, which he has not stopped since the ceasefire agreement decision, so let it be an open war," Qamati said in a statement. The IDF said it struck an underground Hezbollah weapon storage facility and additional command centers in Beirut in its latest wave of strikes. The IDF claimed its targets included an underground weapon storage facility, additional command centers and a site used by Hezbollah for terrorist attacks, intelligence gathering and for propaganda. Credit: Photo By German Garcia / Bradley Kilgore Itameshi is a term that refers to Japans fusion with Italian cuisine (Ita is taken from Italia, while meshi means meal). Its embodied through dishes like F&W 2016 Best New Chef Brad Kilgores dashi-brined and breaded chicken breast topped with caper aioli, mozzarella, and chili crisp thats served at his OISE Ristorante in Fort Myers, Florida. Kilgore calls it Okinawan chicken parm, and he serves it garnished with miniature Japanese and Italian flags. Introduced in the 1920s, itameshi has seen renewed interest in recent years. It's made waves in Tokyo, with ripples that have reached stateside. Itameshi is not new in the U.S. Chef Christine Lau of New York Citys Kimika, which opened in 2020, helped popularize dishes like uni spaghetti, for example. But a wave of openings across the country suggests this fusion is again resonating with chefs and diners alike. Related: 8 Japanese Comfort Foods That Have Won the World Over What is itameshi? Itameshi isnt just a combination of ingredients or techniques, but a blend of culinary traditions, says Wanchai Tom Intawong, co-owner and chef of Miso Mozza in Providence, Rhode Islands first itameshi restaurant which opened in October 2025. What makes it special is the harmony between two cultures that both deeply respect seasonality, craftsmanship, and high-quality ingredients, he says. A spread of dishes from Miso Mozza. Credit: Photo By pvdcontent / Miso Mozza According to Intawong, who served as a head chef in Italian restaurants before he opened Miso Mozza, a key link between Japanese and Italian foods is umami, a savory taste associated with two flavor-enhancing acids, glutamates and nucleotides. Many ingredients common to each cuisine, such as tomatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano, mushrooms, miso, seaweed, and tamari, are naturally umami-rich. The building blocks of the cuisine Its umami, the flavor of deliciousness, that Kilgore says is his touchstone when he creates itameshi dishes. In summer 2025, Kilgore opened OISE, followed by ama in San Francisco that fall. Both feature menus inspired by his Sicilian grandmother and Japans approach to Italian food. Kilgore substitutes Japanese herbs like shiso leaves for Italian standbys like basil, adds miso to lobster bisque, and uses togarashi in place of chile flakes. Popular dishes include a yuzu-kosho Caesar salad and THE Caramelized Meatball, an oversized Wagyu beef meatball bathed in caramelized fondue and set atop red miso marinara. Advertisement The popular caramelized meatball at OISE in Fort Myers, Florida. Credit: Photo By German Garcia / Bradley Kilgore The hurdle that we have to overcome is that people think Italian-Japanese is chicken Parm melted over sushi rolls, says Kilgore. Once customers try itameshi, though, he says theyre fast fans. Intawong agrees. It feels intuitive once you taste it, he says. In Utah, Felipe Oliveira and Hiro Tagai opened Junah, an itameshi restaurant and a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant. The first of its kind in Salt Lake City, Junah regularly welcomes guests new to the style. Oliveira recommends that newcomers start with Junahs mentaiko pasta, made with tonnarelli noodles, shiso, and sun-dried tomato. It follows the familiar Italian structure of a pasta dish, yet the flavor profile is unmistakably Japanese layered, briny, and aromatic. Related: From Shoyu to Tonkotsu Every Type of Ramen to Know Before Eating Your Way Through Japan An approachable comfort food Oliveira says some customers may expect itameshi dishes to be overly complex or experimental, but instead, they find something balanced and approachable. Itameshi can be refined, but it can also be comforting. One example is Junahs arancini. In parts of Italy, these fried risotto balls are shaped to resemble Sicilys iconic volcano, Mount Etna. We reimagine that concept by forming ours into the triangular shape of Japanese onigiri, says Oliveira. The mentaiko pasta, made with tonnarelli noodles, shiso, and sun-dried tomato, at Junah. Credit: Courtesy of Junah Instead of a classic ragu filling, Junahs arancini features fresh buffalo burrata. Theyre fried, and then finished with cured salmon roe, ikura, and placed on nori cream sauce. It is playful but intentional, honoring both traditions while creating something that feels cohesive and original, says Oliveira. Much like itameshi itself. Read the original article on Food & Wine Texas Senate Candidate James Talarico Campaigns Ahead Of Tuesday's Primary (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico has a long history of pushing his liberal vision on schools, including bragging that he taught his students about global warming, promoting legislation to require teaching diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and opposing restrictions on child sex-change operations. Talarico, a former public school teacher who also attends a seminary, defeated Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas in Tuesdays Democratic primary for the partys nomination for the United States Senate seat held by Republican Sen. John Cornyn of Texas. Talaricos history of promoting far-left priorities goes back to at least 2012, when he posted about pushing #liberalpropaganda in his classroom on X, then known as Twitter. (RELATED: Texas Democrat Senate Nominee Has Crazy Ideas About God And The Bible) Took 10 minutes today to teach my kids about global warming. It definitely freaked them out. #liberalpropaganda, Talarico posted on X on Jan. 6, 2012. When he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, Talarico continued his efforts to push left-wing priorities on students. Yes lets meet soon and discuss! I have lots of ideas, but I dont think we want the white guy to be developing a plan for our children of color on his own, Talarico posted on Jan. 24, 2019, responding to posts that have since been hidden. Talarico was also a fierce proponent of DEI, co-authoring legislation to mandate lessons in the subject. Im co-authoring legislation to explicitly teach diversity, equity, and inclusion in our schools, Talarico posted on March 18, 2021. Ive also filed House Bill 4111 which would require school districts over a certain size to hire a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. As a white man, Im susceptible to the same radicalization, Talarico posted earlier that same day. Thankfully, I was exposed to diversity at a young age and explicitly taught the values of equality, inclusion, and justice. But not every young white boy is so lucky. That same year, Talarico opposed legislation to restrict child sex-change operations, declaring that God is nonbinary. In committee, I listened to 15 hours of testimony about this bill, Talarico said during the debate in the state Legislature before he voted against the measure. The worst part, for me, was the number of Christians who used scripture to justify hurting children. Even on this floor today, a member tried to justify a hateful amendment in the name of Gods law. Advertisement So, lets talk about that, Talarico continued. The first two lines of the Bible, the first two lines of Genesis, use two different Hebrew words to describe God. One is the masculine Hebrew noun for divinity, the second is the feminine Hebrew noun for spirit. God is both masculine and feminine and everything in between. God is nonbinary. Talarico decried successful efforts to restrict teaching students about DEI and critical race theory in a Sept. 1, 2021, post during a special session. Today is a dark day in our states history, Talarico said. Texas women cant get an abortion[;] Texas teachers cant talk about race[;] Texas police cant ask to see a permit for a handgun[.] Let this dark day be the day Texans decide to take our state back. In 2022, Talarico claimed that child sex-change procedures were not child abuse, arguing that blocking Medicaid expansion and separating families at the border were. Talarico sponsored legislation to prohibit so-called race-based hair discrimination in 2023. As a former teacher, this bill is important to me. No student should be forced to choose between their identity and their diploma, Talarico posted. Thank you @RhettaForHD113 for leading the effort to ensure this discrimination is illegal in our state. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund claimed that race-based hair discrimination is unfair treatment, bias, or policies that target individualsprimarily black peoplebased on their hair texture or hairstyles that are commonly associated with their race. John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, Greg Abbott and the billionaires who prop them up are scared of James Talarico for good reason: our campaign is building a movement poised to change the politics of this state and take power back for working people, Talaricos campaign press secretary, JT Ennis, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. While they lob stale attacks to mislead Texans, we are uniting the people of Texas to win in November. You shouldnt leave your kids around someone like James Talarico, Republican National Committee spokesman Zach Kraft told the DCNF. He has a creepy obsession with forcing his woke agenda into classrooms and speaking with young children about permanently mutilating their genitals. It is disgusting and way too radical for Texas. The Democratic National Committee did not respond to a request for comment from the DCNF. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Congratulations are in order for Ransom Canyon actor Josh Duhamel, 53, and his wife Audra Mari, 32. Mari announced via Instagram that she's expecting the couple's second child. No due date was shared. However, she does post some gorgeous black and white maternity photos with the announcement, and she even gives us a gender reveal. In January 2022, Duhamel told Access Hollywood he proposed to Mari, a former Miss North Dakota USA, with a message in a bottle on the beach. The couple then married in September 2022. They have a son named Shepherd Lawrence, who turned 2 in January, and Duhamel also has a 12-year-old son Axl with his ex-wife Fergie. And now Mari announces that the couple is excitedly awaiting the arrival of a baby girl. "Adding a little girl to our story.. We cant wait to meet you " reads her Instagram caption. Advertisement In December, the couple cross-posted this adorable family-of-four photo with the caption: "So thankful for the love, the chaos, and this family I get to call mine Sending love to you and yours.." The growing family will be keeping plenty busy with the addition of a new child and sibling. Plus, Duhamel's directorial debut, a new comedy called Preschool, comes out March 18. The movie's all about parents who go to great lengths to get their kids in the best preschool. Related: Josh Duhamel Shares Rare Insight Into Why His Marriage to Fergie Ended SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. 'Guzi' economy goes mainstream as young people spend on emotion-driven merchandise People's Daily Online) 15:53, March 06, 2026 People visit a MINISO LAND store in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian) The "youth economy," "emotional consumption" and "youth-run stores" have become hot topics at this year's local "two sessions," the annual meetings of provincial-level lawmakers and political advisors, across China. For the first time, the youth economy was mentioned in the government work report of southwest China's Sichuan Province, while the "emotional economy" was included in the government work reports of east China's Jiangxi Province, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, southwest China's Guizhou Province and several other regions. During the 2024 national "two sessions," Zhang Kun, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top political advisory body, submitted a proposal calling for coordinated support for youth-run stores across society. Relevant government departments took note, responded, and have since moved to implement measures. A survey found that 62.5 percent of young respondents purchase fashion toys and mystery boxes for emotional reasons, while 55.6 percent said they buy them when feeling down. Over the past year, 68.4 percent of respondents attended two or more live performances, with 61.2 percent citing stress relief, emotional adjustment and improved physical and mental well-being as their primary motivations. The word "guzi," which sounds like the English word "goods," refers to merchandise inspired by animations, comics and games, such as cards, badges and anime figures. Popular as festive gifts during the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, these items have become a way for young people to express emotions, showcase their personalities and connect with like-minded communities. The flagship store of Kayou, a cultural innovation company specializing in animation and creative stationery, drew a steady flow of visitors in Shanghai during the Spring Festival. Li Haocheng, who oversees the Shanghai stores of Kayou (Shanghai) Cultural Creativity Co., Ltd., said a card combining the Chinese character "Fu" (meaning good fortune) with a cartoon figure proved especially popular, with young people snapping it up as a gift for friends who share their interests. Li, who started as a salesperson, has witnessed guzi evolve from a niche market into a mainstream trend. He noted that many customers are parents shopping with their children, a pattern that has inspired the company to expand its product range. For example, a cartoon-themed gel pen initially attracted children with its playful design, but after a few uses, it lost their interest. Many parents, however, discovered that it offered an exceptionally smooth writing experience. Building on this insight, the team later developed a simpler gel pen for office use, which proved just as popular. On the sixth floor of Bailian ZX Creative Centre, a shopping mall in Shanghai, Chen Longqi and his staff arranged Spring Festival lucky bags prominently on the shelves. Chen ventured into the guzi economy in 2021, and his store was one of the first to open in the mall. Over time, he has witnessed the growth and evolution of the market. Customers who spend a certain amount at the store can enter a lucky draw, with prizes ranging from limited-edition stickers to small figures of licensed characters. Chen has transformed his store into a space where people with shared interests can connect. "Emotional value is our core offering," Chen said, adding that the store not only supports him and his business partner financially but has also created job opportunities for like-minded people, allowing them to turn their passion into a profession. For Soki (not her real name), a university student in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, guzi merchandise such as table mats, figure display stands and plush toys holds deep emotional significance. For her, buying guzi is an emotionally fulfilling journey from the excitement that builds when a new item is announced to the joy of sharing it in social settings. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Since 2009, Leila has taken to the streets of Tehran, raising her voice against the Islamic Republic. She spoke of protesting Iran's mandatory hijab laws and the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody in 2022 after being arrested by the country's morality police for not wearing her hijab properly. "I was an activist in university, saying death to the dictator. Since then, I have been a part of any movement that goes against this regime," Leila said. ABC News has concealed Leila's full name for her safety. Mehdi Alavi/ISNA/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Mourners in the city of Qom attend the funeral of those killed in the US-Israeli war with Iran, March 5, 2026. Iran live updates Over the years, Leila said she has watched friends be beaten with batons and others blinded by rubber bullets by riot police. Once, when she was fleeing through a panicked crowd to escape pursuing security forces, she said she injured her arm. Each time, she said her hopes for change were crushed as the protests faded and life returned to what she described as a grim routine. AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: A man walks past an Iranian flag fluttering above the wreckage of a car in central Tehran, on March 4, 2026. But Leila said she believes this time is different. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, was killed on Feb. 28 after a large-scale air attack on the country by the United States and Israel. He had presided over a complex theocratic system since 1989. "It's a very good feeling," said Leila. "We celebrate it. We drink! And we have parties in our houses. We call each other and congratulate each other. We cry a lot. We think about the evil [that has] ruined our lives. He's gone. It's a very, very strange feeling." Majid Saeedi/Getty Images - PHOTO: People walk by a damaged building, struck days earlier, during the U.S.-Israeli military campaign, on March 4, 2026, in Tehran, Iran. Omid, a 26-year-old Iranian university student, painted a different picture of life in Iran after the death of the supreme leader. The most remarkable thing in my opinion is that the assassination of the ayatollah was the wrong decision, Omid, whose name has also been concealed for his safety, told ABC News. "Bombing a country will not bring democracy to it. Bombing our country resulted in strengthening the power of the Islamic Regime and what I see is not a ground for democracy, but they are making the scene worse and worse by these attacks," he said. Leila also said that Revolutionary Guard forces are out of their bases and are gathering at mosques and schools. They have shut down the police stations and policemen are staying beside the streets. It's very scary because they all have guns, and they are very furious now because they have lost the supreme leader, she said. Advertisement When asked about the protest movement, Leila said, "We are extremely united." At least 186 students, teachers allegedly killed in Iran as organizations call for investigation "If the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) goes down, we are all united about the principles that Mr. Pahlavi has established and we will take control," she said, referring to the exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, the U.S.-based son of Irans overthrown shah, who has said that he would like to go back to Iran. He has pitched himself as an interim leader for the country until the country is ready to hold democratic elections. In recent protests, a portion of Irans activist population, including Leila, has been chanting Pahlavis name in the streets, in hopes that he could come in as a new leader. Not everyone supports a Pahlavi return, however. "What I see is that Pahlavi has no chance of taking back the government," Omid said. "People, specifically the huge supporters of the regime, are not allowing Pahlavi to take control of the country." The most recent poll from GAMAAN, an independent, non-profit research foundation based in Europe, found that in 2024, the exiled crown prince had a favorability rate of about 30% of the population, but polling from inside Iran is very difficult and not always reliable. Majid Saeedi/Getty Images - PHOTO: Rubble surrounds the site of a police facility, struck days earlier, during the U.S.Israeli military campaign on March 4, 2026, in Tehran, Iran. Ali, a 39-year-old man living in Tehran, spoke to ABC News about what life has been like for him in the past week. "Life these days is both full of excitement and joy, and at the same time extremely difficult and anxiety-inducing," he said. Ali's identity has also been concealed by ABC News for his own safety. "Every sound that comes is automatically perceived as a potential danger. That alone brings a huge amount of stress. There is no way to receive reliable news. The internet is completely cut off, and no one watches Iranian television," he said. This lack of information is exhausting," Ali added. "After every explosion, people usually call each other to share what they have seen and to check on one another." Ali said that when he goes outside for shopping or other essential errands, he sees "hope on everyones faces." "In wartime, their hope is for salvation. People keep telling each other that these are the final days -- that we just need to endure," Ali said. Longtime journalist Katie Couric asked if Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., had a problem with being "ridiculously good-looking." During an interview on Couric's "Next Question" podcast released Thursday, the former "Today" co-host remarked on how Newsom has been described as "slick" and whether that was a reference to his hairstyle. Newsom acknowledged that the comments had caused him to play into a "character." "Do you have a 'Zoolander' problem?" Couric asked, referencing the 2001 Ben Stiller comedy. Gavin Newsom Called Out For 'Walking Into The Trap' Of Attacking Democrats On 'Pronouns' Katie Couric and California Gov. Gavin Newsom went viral after she asked if he had a "Zoolander" problem. After Newsom began laughing at the comment, she followed, "Are you just ridiculously good-looking, as Vogue said? No, seriously. What do you do about that?" "You don't do anything about it. 'Cuz if you're going to do something about it, then you're bulls----ing people. You know what? I am who I am. And it's fine. You don't have to like me. Or maybe you like a slick person. I don't know. Whatever. It's okay," Newsom said. Read On The Fox News App NewsBusters executive editor Tim Graham mocked the question as unworthy of a journalist. "This kind of question could be seen as the kind of question a flighty influencer would act, and not some world-class journalist," he told Fox News Digital. "It comes across as highly flattering, like his looks are a great problem to have. However, his slickness can be a problem. He could come across as smarmy and pompous. Couric was probably hoping these kinds of questions would promote him, as well as it would promote her show." Both Newsom and Couric were mocked on social media for the exchange. "He can't run for President on his record, so they are attempting to fabricate charisma," conservative commentator Stephen L. Miller wrote. Advertisement Newsom Says Prominent Dems Bailed On His Podcast After Charlie Kirk Interview, Hits Party's Cancel Culture Republican communicator Matt Whitlock commented, "Gavin has a serious Beto problem in that the media infatuation with him doesn't match the record or actual political viability." Gov. Gavin Newsom is considered a potential 2028 Democratic candidate for president. "This reminds me of when Chris Cillizza posted on Twitter, 'Let me say for the billionth time: Reporters dont root for a side. Period.' Absolutely nailed it," Outkick writer Ian Miller remarked. New York Post columnist Kirsten Fleming joked, "His walk out song at the DNC is going to be 'Im too sexy.'" Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Couric's comments resembled a Vogue magazine profile piece on Newsom, a 2028 presidential contender, that described the governor as "embarrassingly handsome" last month. "Lets get this out of the way: He is embarrassingly handsome, his hair seasoned with silver, at ease with his own eminence as he delivers his final State of the State address," the opening line read. Vogue magazine previously called Gov. Gavin Newsom "embarrassingly handsome" last month. Click Here To Download The Fox News App The magazine was similarly mocked across social media. Original article source: Katie Couric asks Gavin Newsom if being 'ridiculously good-looking' is a problem For more than a century, International Womens Day has celebrated the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women throughout history and across nations. The day is celebrated annually on March 8, which falls on a Sunday in 2026. Heres what to know as International Womens Day nears. What is International Womens Day? In addition to being a day to recognize women and their achievements, International Women's Day also serves as "a call to action for accelerating gender parity, the International Womens Day website says. According to IWD, you can partake in International Women's Day by doing the following: Celebrating women's achievements Raising awareness around women's equality Calling for change, advancing women Lobbying for accelerated gender equality Fundraising for women-focused causes National holiday in some countries In many countries, the day is a national holiday, such as in Russia, "where the sales of flowers double during the three or four days around 8 March," the BBC reported. In Italy, International Women's Day, or la Festa della Donna, is celebrated by the giving of mimosa blossom, the BCC reported. The origin of this tradition is unclear, but it is believed to have started in Rome after World War Two. International Women's Day is not an official holiday in the United States, but the month of March is commemorated as Womens History Month annually. Why the purple, green, and white? The colors purple, green, and white are used to symbolize International Womens Day, according to IWD. Purple signifies justice and dignity Green is a symbol of hope White symbolizes purity The colors were derived from the Women's Social and Political Union in the UK in 1908, IWD says. Whats the days history? International Womens Day has a lengthy history dating back to the early 1990s when there was a great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies, according to IWD. Women began to grow vocal as widespread oppression and inequality were the norm, IWD says. In 1907, about 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay and voting rights. Two years later, as declared by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Womens Day was observed in the United States on Feb. 28, IWD says. In 1910, during the second International Conference of Working Women in Denmark, a woman named Clara Zetki presented the idea of an International Womens Day, IWD says. Advertisement She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day - a Women's Day - to press for their demands, IWD says. Zetkin's idea received unanimous approval from more than 100 women from 17 different countries, according to IWD. After the conference, International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland on March 19, 1911, IWD says. More than one million women and men attended IWD rallies campaigning for women's rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office, and end discrimination, according to IWD. Russian women campaigning for peace first observed International Womens Day on the eve of World War I on Feb. 23, 1913, IWD says. Following discussions, International Women's Day was agreed to be marked annually on March 8, which translates to February 23 in the widely adopted Gregorian calendar, from February 23 and this day has remained the global date for International Women's Day ever since, according to IWD. In 1975, the United Nations recognized International Womens Day for the first time, IWD says. By the new millennium, however, momentum for International Womens Day had slowed. The world had moved on and, in many spheres, feminism wasn't a popular topic, IWD says. In 2011, on the days 100th anniversary, President Barack Obama proclaimed March 2011 to be Women's History Month, calling Americans to mark IWD by reflecting on the extraordinary accomplishments of women in shaping the country's history, IWD says. In the United Kingdom, celebrity activist Annie Lennox led a march across one of London's iconic bridges raising awareness in support of global charity Women for Women International, according to IWD. Celebrities and business leaders also began to actively support the day. (The day) was finally starting to become more mainstream and inclusive, with groups everywhere participating, the International Womens Day website says. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: When is International Women's Day, and what is its history? Member of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan PDKI stands at a checkpoint leading to their base in Koya district of Irbil, Iraq, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Rashid Yahya) BRUSSELS (AP) Thousands of battle-hardened Kurds in northern Iraq are preparing for a potential cross-border military operation in Iran with U.S. backing, Kurdish officials told The Associated Press. The three officials said U.S. President Donald Trump and the heads of the two main Kurdish parties in Iraq discussed the situation Sunday. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly. The addition of armed Kurds now, as Israel and the U.S. continue to strike Iran, would significantly challenge Iranian defenses but also risk pulling Iraq where some of the Iranian Kurdish groups have bases deeper into the conflict. Heres a look at the Kurds and their relationships in the Middle East: Who are the Kurds? The Kurds are among the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world, with roughly 30 million living as minorities in Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. They speak their own language, with several dialects, and most are Sunni Muslims. Although Kurds have never had their own state, they govern a semiautonomous area in northern Iraq and for years de facto ruled much of northeastern Syria. Many have waged insurgency campaigns seeking to establish their own nation called Kurdistan. The 9 million Kurds in Iran live mainly in a stretch of land along the countrys western borders with Iraq and Turkey. They have a long history of grievances and rebellions against both the current Islamic Republic and the monarchy that preceded it. Before the war, Amnesty International said Kurds face systemic discrimination in Iran and that in the past security forces killed or injured many unarmed Kurdish cross-border couriers (kulbars) with impunity. What is the Kurdish opposition in Iran? A number of Kurdish opposition groups have taken up arms against Iranian authorities over the years. Some have established bases in neighboring Iraq, which was a point of friction between Tehran and the central Iraqi government in Baghdad until 2023, when they reached an agreement to disarm the Iranian Kurdish groups. In the run up to the current war, five Iranian Kurdish groups formed a coalition dedicated to overthrowing the Islamic Republic and establishing the Kurdish peoples right to self-determination. On Thursday, a sixth group joined. For the first time, all major Kurdish parties have come together as one in a new coalition a historic step toward shaping a new future for Kurds and a democratic Iran, said Abdullah Mohtadi, secretary general of the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan. But joining with the other Iranian opposition groups to oust the authorities in Tehran might prove difficult. What is the Kurds history with the US? Kurds have rarely come out on the winning side in their interactions with U.S. presidents. In 1975, President Gerald Ford failed to protect the Kurds from a routing by Iraqi forces. Advertisement In 1988, President Ronald Reagan did not stop Iraqi forces from using chemical weapons against the Kurds. In 1990, President George Bush encouraged the Kurds to rise up against Saddam Hussein after he invaded Kuwait but then stood aside as Iraqi forces brutally crushed the rebellion. And in January, Trump allowed Syrian forces to seize Kurdish territory won during the Syrian civil war and in bloody battles against the Islamic State group. Where does Turkey stand? It is unlikely that Turkey, a key member of NATO and potential host to war refugees, would accept Western weapons transfers to Kurdish guerrillas even if their targets were in Iran. Turkey has fought a brutal military campaign since 1984 against an armed Kurdish insurgency that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and spilled into neighboring Iraq and Syria. On Thursday, Turkey voiced opposition to Iranian Kurdish dissident groups possible involvement in the conflict in Iran, warning of greater instability in the region. Turkey considers the main Kurdish dissident group, PJAK, a terrorist group with links to separatists fighting Turkey. Turkeys defense ministry said Thursday that PJAKs activities negatively affect not only Irans security but also the overall peace and stability of the region. Whats the situation in Iraq? Violence has already erupted across the Kurdish lands sprawling across the border between Iran and Iraq. As Israel and the U.S. have struck targets across Iran, Iranian forces and its allies in Iraq launched missiles and drones targeting U.S. military bases and the U.S. Consulate in Irbil as well as the Iranian Kurdish groups bases. Khalil Nadiri, an official with the Kurdistan Freedom Party based in northern Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region, said Wednesday that some of their forces had moved to areas near the Iranian border in Sulaymaniyah province and were on standby. In January, the group said it carried out raids inside Iran during a massive crackdown on protests. State media then labeled them terrorists, without offering any evidence to support the claim, a crime Iran punishes with death. Officials with Iraqs Kurdish regional government and Iraqi Kurdish political parties, meanwhile, have said they do not want attacks to be launched against Iran from their territory, fearing a harsh response. Peshawa Hawramani, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Regional Government, said in a statement that allegations claiming that we are part of a plan to arm and send Kurdish opposition parties into Iranian territory are completely unfounded and that the Iraqi Kurdish parties do not want to expand the war and tensions in the region. ___ Associated Press writers Suzan Fraser in Istanbul, Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad, and Stella Martany and Rashid Yahya in Irbil, Iraq, contributed to this report. WAUWATOSA Milwaukee County has officially put the finishing touches on a multi-million dollar youth facility at the Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center. The opening of the new center, called the Milwaukee County Center for Youth, marks the continued coordinated effort to shut down he problem-addled Lincoln Hills School for Boys and Copper Lake School for Girls in northern Wisconsin and create regional facilities across the state for juvenile offenders. In 2017, the passage of Act 185 aimed to close Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake by replacing them with smaller youth correctional facilities across the state. The current operation in the Lincoln County community Irma has long been criticized for reducing contact between youth and family members due to its 3-hour drive from Milwaukee, where the majority of the youth come from. The new regional facilities aim to provide a local alternative for incarcerated youth to remain closer to home. "We are building a system rooted in accountability, rooted in growth, in healing and in hope," Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said at the tour of the new center at Vel Phillips on March 5. The total capital budget for the 32-bed facility is nearly $37 million, including more than $28 million in grant funding from the State of Wisconsin. Since 2015, the cost to house young offenders in the state's prison system has nearly tripled, with the daily rate jumping from $301 to $1,246 per child, according to a report from Milwaukee County from last year. The aim is to reduce the financial burden on the county's Children, Youth and Family Services by shifting to the new facility. "We are taking steps toward making Milwaukee County the healthiest county in the state, because reducing recidivism isn't just about lowering a statistic. It's about breaking cycles," said Crowley, a Democratic candidate for governor. "It's about making sure that one mistake does not become a life sentence, whether you're a young person or a young adult, but it's also about being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars." Here is what to know about the new facility: Where is the facility? The facility is part of an expansion to the Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center campus located at 10201 W. Watertown Plank Rd. in Wauwatosa. Advertisement English teacher Meghan O'Driscoll, right, talks with local officials and other visitors who were touring the new Milwaukee County Center for Youth on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 10201 W. Watertown Plank Road, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. When will it open? By the end of March, according to Kelly Pethke, who leads the county's Department of Health and Human Services' Children, Youth and Family Services division. Who will be incarcerated there? Youths who committed lower-level offenses will be housed at the new county-run facility. Pethke said that 14 youth are expected to be transferred into the facility. Those being transferred are currently part of the the Milwaukee County Accountability Program. She said that incarcerated youth at Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake are not currently expected to be transferred into the center. 1 / 0 See inside Milwaukee County's new juvenile correctional facility Milwaukee County Center for Youth opened for tours on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 10201 W. Watertown Plank Road, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The new juvenile correctional facility will serve up to 32 young people at a time in a treatment-oriented secure residential setting designed to foster growth, accountability, and successful reintegration into the community. What care will the new center provide? The new center will provide new educational spaces, including classrooms and vocational programming, dedicated medical, dental and mental wellness areas, indoor and outdoor recreation spaces, as well as new amenities such as family visitation areas and dining and culinary arts programming. According to Pethke the center and its daily programming are based on Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a model that allows youth to build skills to manage emotions and find positive ways to build interpersonal relationships. "The goal is to be able to serve kids here in Milwaukee in ways that support them, that support their families, that support their community," DHHS Executive Director Shakita LaGrant-McClain said. "The opening of the Milwaukee County Center for Youth is advancing this goal, providing more effective and restorative approach to youth justice." An enclosed and partial outdoor space provides recreation for youth at the new Milwaukee County Center for Youth on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 10201 W. Watertown Plank Road, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Are other youth prisons set to open in Milwaukee or Wisconsin? Yes. In 2020, Milwaukee, Brown, Racine and Dane counties were awarded funding to construct new county-run Secure Residential Care Centers for Children to to keep youth closer to home, family and community support systems. In 2024, Wisconsin Department of Corrections began construction of a new state-run youth prison, also known as a Type 1 facility, on Milwaukee's northwest side at in the Buchel Park neighborhood, at 7930 W. Clinton Ave. The facility will provide 32 beds for teenage boys who are in the adult system or who are considered serious juvenile offenders. Construction of the new youth prison is on track to be completed in July, according to Assistant Administrator Lance Horozewski of Wisconsin Department of Corrections' Division of Juvenile Corrections. Youth from Lincoln Hills will be transferred to the facility starting in early November and it will be admitting newly incarcerated youth coming from the Milwaukee County courts, he said. Horozewski said that the agency expects ground to be broken on another Type 1 facility for teenage girls in Dane County starting in August. The state DOC is responsible for operating Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake School as well as the Mendota Juvenile Treatment Center in Dane County. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Milwaukee County's new juvenile correctional center TOPEKA (KSNT) Kansas senators are due to take up a bill Thursday that, if passed, would lead to a crackdown on kratom in the Sunflower State. The Kansas Senate is joining a push to restrict use of 7-OH this year. It is a highly addictive compound that comes from the kratom leaf. Senators are debating legislation during the 2026 session of the Kansas Legislature that would add kratom to schedule I of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Senators will debate the legislation, Senate Bill 497, on March 5 and are expected to take final action on it. Bill could legalize suppressors, short-barreled shotguns in Kansas If lawmakers pass the bill in its current state, it will result in kratom being placed in the same category as heroin. However, the main target of the bill is a much stronger compound that comes from the kratom leaf known as 7-OH or 7-hydroxymitragynine. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued a warning about these kinds of products in September last year, calling them extremely harmful. Many of these products can be found in places like gas stations, smoke shops and convenience stores. Its 13 times greater potency than morphine, and though we have seen the deaths and addictions to fentanyl go down, we have seen the use of this drug rise, said Senator Beverly Gossage (R-Wichita). Advertisement Law enforcement sources said that banning kratom entirely prevents loopholes. Meanwhile, critics are calling a blanket ban on the product a way to criminalize people who are using it to recover from addictions to opioids. Its an off ramp, not an addictive drug, said Senator Silas Miller (D-Wichita). And the symptoms are comparable to caffeine. Senate Bill 497 could potentially head to the Kansas House if it is passed through the Senate on Thursday. The Senate is expected to take up final action on the bill again during the afternoon of March 5. Candy, soda to be restricted for Kansas SNAP users starting in 2027 For more Kansas Capital Bureau, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave a speech at a law enforcement conference on Thursday, March 5, just minutes after President Donald Trump announced that he was ousting her from the Cabinet post. She delivered her remarks and took questions without expressing any awareness of the staffing shakeup. "I've been working to get raises and better salaries and better retirement for those working at the Department of Homeland Security," she said when concluding her remarks. "We want to take care of our families... I will continue to push for that because I am a strong believer that we need you at the top of your game every day." Noem then took questions from the crowd of local law enforcement officials, replying with offers to follow up with assistance and discussions of budgeting. At one point, she referred to DHS as "my department" and spoke about upcoming engagements. "I will continue to go talk to these governors and have conversations with leaders and state legislators," she said when asked about information-sharing between local and state governments and federal law enforcement. Kristi Noem Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Trump announced Noem's outsing in a Truth Social post on Thursday afternoon, revealing that he had selected Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma as her replacement. I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026, Trump wrote. The current secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be the Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida, he wrote. I thank Kristi for her service at Homeland. Advertisement Several minutes after the conclusion of Noem's remarks on Thursday afternoon, she acknowledged her new role on X, writing, "Thank you @POTUS Trump for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. @SecRubio and @SecWar are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren." Reports emerged leading up to the announcement that Trump was not happy with Noem after the secretarys combative performance this week on Capitol Hill, with The Wall Street Journal claiming Thursday afternoon that the president was preparing her ousting. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Noem appeared before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees on Tuesday and Wednesday for a pair of heated oversight hearings about her leadership at DHS and its aggressive immigration enforcement actions, including the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. She also faced questions about a $200 million, taxpayer-funded ad campaign that encouraged undocumented immigrants to self-deport. A ProPublica investigation in November found that DHS had skirted the normal competitive bidding process in awarding contracts for the campaign to a firm with longstanding personal and business ties to Noem and senior department aides. Noem told senators that Trump had signed off on the campaign, an assertion that Trump has since said is untrue. "I never knew anything about it," the president told Reuters on Thursday morning, hours before confirming his Cabinet shakeup. Read the original article on People Kristi Noem appears for an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, on March 3, 2026. - J. Scott Applewhite/AP After a year of controversies, Kristi Noems fate was sealed over just a few days. It started with a heads-up from the Hill. Sen. John Kennedy let the White House know Sunday that he was not going to go easy on the Homeland Security secretary when she appeared before the Judiciary Committee. The Louisiana Republican planned to pepper Noem with tough questions about her agencys lavish spending on an advertising campaign that prominently showcased her. Before cameras and a packed audience Tuesday, Kennedy eased into his line of questioning. Properly vetting people at the southern border isnt racist, right? Both Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are needed to do that, are they not? Noem responded in the affirmative. OK, Kennedy said. I just wanted to get my congratulations on the record. He then delivered on his plan, unleashing a series of questions about the $220 million ad campaign and how that squared with Noems stated promise to root out waste from her agency. He had to ask more than once whether Trump approved that spending spree before Noem provided a direct answer: Mmhmm, yes. A fateful answer That response, it turned out, was the embattled Cabinet secretarys final straw. Kennedy got a call from Trump later that evening. The president, Kennedy told CNN, was pissed. Her version and the presidents version of whether the president, A) was informed and B) consented are decidedly different, Kennedy said. (Trump told NBC News Thursday that he hadnt known about the advertising campaign. I wasnt thrilled with it, he said.) It was in that same conversation with Kennedy that Trump floated an idea for a replacement: What did he think about his colleague in the Senate, Oklahomas Markwayne Mullin? I told him Im very fond of Markwayne, Kennedy recalled of their conversation. Even if he didnt like Mullin, a former mixed-martial arts fighter, he added: I wouldnt say otherwise because hed whoop my ass. By Thursday, Trump had ruminated with other allies on Capitol Hill about replacing Noem, finally selecting Mullin for the job and announcing it in a midday social media post before the senator could even talk to his wife about the opportunity. Minutes after Trump posted the news including a new title for Noem as Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas she was scheduled to step on a stage in Nashville to deliver preplanned remarks to a friendly audience of police officers at the Sergeant Benevolent Association Major Cities Conference. Noem learned of her firing as she was arriving at the Nashville event, three sources familiar with the matter told CNN. Two of the sources said Trump called Noem directly to inform her of his decision. Noem remained in the car for several minutes upon arrival at the conference, multiple local law enforcement officials present at the conference told CNN. She then got out of the car and went into the reception room where she met staffers who were present. While Noem was backstage waiting to give her speech, the news alert that she had been fired began to cross on staffers phones. Throughout her speech, Noem made no mention of her departure from the agency. In fact, some of her remarks indicated she had a forward-looking role at the department though she did make some vague allusions to a new role Trump had selected her for focusing on drug trafficking. Noem sent a memo to employees Thursday afternoon, describing her role as the honor of my life. Kristis drama Kristi Noem testifies before a House Judiciary Committee hearing on "Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security," on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 4, 2026. - Kylie Cooper/Reuters In the end, it wasnt the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis alone that cost Noem her job. Nor was it her immediate reaction to prematurely paint both the mom-of-three and the veterans nurse as wannabe terrorists and aspiring cop killers. It wasnt the sexual relationship she allegedly had with her unpaid subordinate, Corey Lewandowski (both are married and have denied the relationship), the exorbitant spending on executive jets, or the public messaging from her agency which was riddled with White nationalist dog whistles and error-prone descriptions of immigrants. But each of those controversies accumulated and then Noem dragged Trumps name into it. After Tuesday, a White House official told CNN, it became clear that it was time for Noem to go. Replacing Kristi was based on the culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures including the fallout in Minnesota, the ad campaign, the allegations of infidelity, the mismanagement of her staff, and her constant feuding with the heads of other agencies, including CBP and ICE, the official said. They added: Kristis drama sadly overshadowed and distracted from the Administrations extremely popular immigration agenda, which will continue full force. Lewandowski, who has long frustrated some top White House aides, is expected to depart with Noem. In her post, Noem was charged with executing the presidents signature campaign pledge: carrying out mass deportations. And her approach was flashy from the outset. She was photographed on ride alongs with ICE on immigration enforcement operations, filmed riding horseback at Mt. Rushmore for ads, and posing in front of a cell of detainees at El Salvadors mega prison after the US sent hundreds of Venezuelans there. Trump often publicly praised her. But internally, her agency still faced tremendous pressure from the White House to deliver. Federal immigration authorities fell short of White House-imposed daily quotas of 3,000 arrests, even as the administration cast a wide net over who could be subject to arrest, including controversial sweeps in Democratic-led cities led by top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino. The aggressive and at times, haphazard approach fueled tensions within the department, according to officials. The first public rebuke appeared to come with White House border czar Tom Homans deployment to Minnesota to resolve issues associated with the massive surge of federal agents for immigration enforcement. But issues within the department extended beyond her handling of immigration. She also tightened her grip on her departments purse strings, ordering that every contract and grant over $100,000 must cross her desk for approval a move that Noem has frequently defended as intended to cut down on waste. Advertisement Noems cost controls led to a delay in monetary relief for areas decimated by natural disasters last summer delays that echoed similar controversies during her tenure as South Dakotas governor. Over the past year, Noem drove an aggressive overhaul of FEMA, the disaster relief agency within DHS she had vowed to dismantle, calling it bloated, partisan and ineffective. During her tenure, FEMA lost many of its most experienced leaders and about a third of its permanent workforce, according to current and former officials. Noem and her team cut contracts, grants, training and travel moves that, officials say, raised fears the agency would struggle to handle another major catastrophe. Long overdue Multiple Homeland Security officials expressed relief over Noems ouster. While many were stunned by the presidents announcement, some saw it as inevitable. I think its long overdue. She wasnt qualified for the position from the beginning, a Homeland Security official told CNN. Another Homeland Security official said Noem paid the price after what they alleged was her exploiting the role for personal gain. The most anticipated change following her departure, officials said, is a steady hand at the helm of the department that had been wracked with firings and frequent reprimanding from Lewandowski. Officials anticipate that immigration policies and priorities are largely expected to remain the same at the department. One Trump administration official told CNN her departure will likely serve as a reset for Homan, who was deployed to Minneapolis in response to Good and Prettis killing and whose approach to immigration enforcement is more targeted. Homan and Noem have rarely spoken to each other in recent months, US officials told CNN. This signals the very welcome end of a totally needless, damaging petty ego civil war within DHS and a full reset for Tom Homan and an adult DHS secretary to build a unified team that will get President Trumps missions accomplished faster and better, a Trump administration official told CNN. Inside FEMA, many employees from high-ranking officials to rank-and-file staff celebrated news of Noems departure. Multiple staffers inside headquarters described audible cheers across the office when the news broke. The mood across headquarters is relief, one high-ranking FEMA official told CNN. We havent seen the morale this high in a while. Her team imposed a culture of fear among FEMA staffers, officials said, polygraphing some in a hunt for leakers and abruptly removing others from their positions without explanation. She oversaw the complete destruction of the agency, forced the resignation of some of the brightest minds and most experienced people in emergency management, ignored every one of the hard learned lessons from Katrina and put us in a place where we are no longer well prepared to help people before, during or after disasters, another high-ranking FEMA official said. It will take decades to fix the damage she has caused. Trump picks a fighter U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin speaks to reporters as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on March 5, 2026 in Washington. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images In Mullin, Trump has selected a reliable champion of his immigration agenda whom the White House says should be confirmed as quickly as possible. The Oklahoma senator will inherit an agency that is expected to define both Trumps legacy and his own. Shortly after Trump announced his intention to have Mullin serve as Homeland Security secretary, Mullin said his focus would be to keep the homeland secure. Theres a lot of work we can do to get the Department of Homeland Security working for the American people, Mullin said. Mullin has suggested that children born in the US to undocumented immigrants should be deported with their parents so as not to be separated. He has said that people should be expected to carry their papers in case they are stopped by immigration officers. He defended immigration officers actions in the incidents that led to the deaths of both Good and Pretti. But his and Trumps alignment on one specific issue the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol, has been more tenuous. During the attack, Mullin, who was serving in the House at the time, helped to barricade the doors to the House floor and later said he threatened to physically engage any rioters who broke through. As Trump was mulling the possibility of pardoning those rioters after his election, Mullin urged him on CNN to look at the facts before he does something, and after Trump did pardon them, the Oklahoma senator said there was no question the siege of the Capitol was a riot and a horrible day. However, he said, by electing Trump, Americans have chosen to move on. Its unclear how Noem will move on. But some Republicans in the Senate are relishing the chance to turn over a new leaf. After Mullins new position was announced, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, an animal lover who during this weeks hearing sparred with Noem over admissions in her 2024 memoir that she shot her misbehaving puppy, shared a picture of Mullins family to social media, saying the senator is a great guy and a great choice to lead DHS. Another big positive: he likes dogs, Tillis wrote. CNNs Kristen Holmes and John Miller contributed. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Noem was fired from her DHS role after telling lawmakers that Trump signed off on her controversial $220 million ad campaign -Credit:The Dufour/Department of Homeland Security (The Dufour/Department of Homeland Security) Both Democrats and Republicans celebrated on Thursday as Donald Trump fired Kristi Noem form her Homeland Security Secretary role. The president announced on Truth Social that Senator Markwayne Mullin will be taking over as Secretary of Homeland Security "effective March 31, 2026," while Noem will be "moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas," a newly-created role. It marks the end of her controversial 13-month tenure at the DHS, during which she oversaw Trump's increasingly unpopular mass deportation agenda. Noem reportedly learnt that she was being removed from the role just moments before speaking at a law enforcement conference in Nashville Thursday afternoon. Trump's chilling two-word response to the fear of deadly terror attack on US soil amid Iran war Fox News halted in breaking update as Donald Trump gets fact checked live on air She later reacted to the news on X, writing: "Thank you @POTUS Trump for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. @SecRubio and @SecWar are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren." Kristi Noem fired by Trump Noem's departure has been celebrated across the political spectrum on social media. "Kristi Noem will go down as the most shamelessly incompetent and cruel Homeland Security Secretary in U.S. history," California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X. Kristi Noem will go down as the most shamelessly incompetent and cruel Homeland Security Secretary in U.S. history. Firing her is not enough. NOEM, GREG BOVINO, and STEPHEN MILLER all must be held accountable for terrorizing and endangering the American people. https://t.co/9wm5CDtFLb Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) March 5, 2026 "Firing her is not enough. NOEM, GREG BOVINO, and STEPHEN MILLER all must be held accountable for terrorizing and endangering the American people," the Democratic governor wrote. "Hey Kristi Noem, don't let the door hit you on the way out," JB Pritzker, the Democratic governor of Illinois, said in a video posted to his X account. He continued: "Here's your legacy - corruption and chaos, parents and children tear gassed, mom and nurses, US citizens, getting shot in the face. Now that you're gone, don't think you get to just walk away. I guarantee you, you will still be held accountable." Dont let the door hit you on the way out, Kristi Noem. pic.twitter.com/p6SPcRztFw Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 5, 2026 People celebrate Kristi Noem being fired Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president in 2024, called for an "overhaul of the DHS" in the wake of Noem's departure. "Kristi Noem has done a stunning amount of damage and its good shes gone," he wrote on X. Advertisement "But this doesnt change the fact that we need a complete overhaul of DHS, impartial investigations into the killings of two American citizens, and information on children that were taken from Minnesota," Walz added. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for Trump to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi next. "Kristi Noem is gone. Pam Bondi is next. Keep the pressure on these extremists," he wrote on X. Several Republicans have also celebrated Noem's departure from the DHS. Republican Senator Thom Tillis welcomed Mullins nomination. Senator Markwayne Mullin is a great guy and a great choice to lead DHS, restore competence, and refocus efforts on quickly distributing disaster aid, keeping the border secure, and targeting violent illegal immigrants for deportation. Another big positive: he likes dogs. pic.twitter.com/4lrdK7eUXN Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) March 5, 2026 "Senator Markwayne Mullin is a great guy and a great choice to lead DHS, restore competence, and refocus efforts on quickly distributing disaster aid, keeping the border secure, and targeting violent illegal immigrants for deportation," he wrote on X. Tilis spent several minutes raging at Noem during Tuesday's Senate oversight hearing. At one point, he compared Noem's tenure at the DHS to an anecdote in her book about killing a 14-month-old dog and then having the audacity to say its a leadership lesson about tough choices. "Another big positive: he likes dogs," Tillis wrote of Mullin's nomination as he referenced Noem's decision to shoot her dog again. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham acknowledged that "it was time for a change," as he also addressed Noem's departure on X. "I appreciate Secretary Noems service to our country. She will do a great job dealing with the drug cartels in her new role as Special Envoy for The Shield of Americas, and I know she will continue to contribute in the future. However, I think it was time for a change," he wrote. Noem faced increased calls to resign following the fatal shooting of two US citizens during immigration operations in Minneapolis. Her removal from the role of Homeland Security Secretary came after she was grilled by Democrats and Republicans in Senate and House judiciary committee hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday. Noem was questioned about a $220 million ad campaign she oversaw that encouraged illegal immigrants to deport voluntarily. Noem told lawmakrers that Trump approved the costly campaign, but the White House has denied this. Trump decided to fire Noem because of "a culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures," an administration official told NBC News. "Including the fallout in Minnesota, the ad campaign, the allegations of infidelity, the mismanagement of her staff, and her constant feuding with the heads of other agencies, including CBP and ICE," they added. Kristi Noem sparked outrage online this week after she refused to retract or apologize for publicly smearing Renee Good and Alex Pretti after they were killed by immigration officers. A behavior, one historian explained, that was pulled from a familiar playbook. Life: Why Do We Use 'O'Clock' When Telling Time? Then-Homeland Security Secretary Noem faced a bipartisan grilling at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday for, among several things, the departments violent handling of its immigration enforcement operations. She was also grilled by several representatives at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday for falsely suggesting that Pretti and Good, two Minneapolis residents killed by federal immigration enforcement agents, were domestic terrorists. Noems description of events has been contradicted byvideo footage taken from both incidents. In the wake of the hearings, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he fired Noem and is tapping Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to replace her, effective March 31. In January, Noem claimed in a press conference that Good, a 37-year-old mother who was shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer, appeared to commit an act of domestic terrorism. And when Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot and killed by federal agents weeks later, Noem told the public that Pretti committed an act of domestic terrorism. Life: There Is Something You Can Do About The State Of The Country But It's Important You Actually Do It Noem refused to retract or apologize for her statements about the two American citizens each time she was given the opportunity during the hearings Tuesday and Wednesday. Speaking about the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) on Tuesday asked Noem: Why cant we just say, We made a mistake? Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) told Noem that calling Pretti a domestic terrorist ... the day after he was killed was, for his parents, one of the most hurtful things said about their son. Do you have anything you want to say to Alex Prettis parents? Klobuchar asked. Life: The Right Is Now Transvestigating Erika Kirk And Sydney Sweeney We were relying in the hours after that incident, that was so horrific, on information we were getting from the ground from our agents, Noem responded. Noem then moments later denied describing Pretti as a domestic terrorist. Maam, I did not call him a domestic terrorist, she said. I said it appeared to be an incident of. On Wednesday, when Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) slammed Noem for her statements about Pretti and Good, and said he was giving her a chance to correct her false and defamatory claim, Noem responded: Congressman, what happened in Minnesota in those two incidents was an absolute tragedy. Life: The Funniest Posts From Women This Week (Feb. 28-March 6) Were they domestic terrorists, as you said to the country? Raskin questioned. I offer my condolences to their families, because I know that their lives will never be the same after that happened, she responded, before later saying that there were ongoing investigations when Raskin pressed her again to say whether she now thought Pretti and Good were domestic terrorists. Raskin later noted to Noem that Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, had testified last month before a Senate panel that he had no knowledge that Good and Pretti were domestic terrorists. But Noem, again, did not retract her own statements and repeated that the investigation is still ongoing. Advertisement People on social mediawere outraged that Noemrepeatedly side-steppeddirect questionsabout whether she thought Pretti and Good were domestic terrorists. Politics: Kristi Noem Addresses Her Misleading Statements About Alex Prettis Killing Matthew Dallek, a historian and professor at The Graduate School of Political Management at The George Washington University, said that Noems refusal to retract or apologize comes down to a familiar playbook. Shes doing what Trump does, he said. Shes basically pulling a page from the Trump playbook which is, you never admit a mistake ... you double down on the whys ...you change the subject ... you attack your opponents as being horrible. This is pretty standard fare for the Trump administration, he continued, adding that he doesnt think her conduct was surprising. Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies during a House Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday. Tom Williams via Getty Images Noems testimony was particularly egregious compared to tense hearings held during past administrations, Dallek said. Dallek said that, in fairness, Cabinet secretaries in past administrations dont exactly have a history of acknowledging mistakes when they get hauled before Congress. He said that hearings typically have a partisan dynamic and that they are often less about fact-finding than they are about fear, public performances. But, Dallek said, like everything else with the current administration, there are aspects about this weeks hearings that were unusual. In addition to the fact that Noem faced some bipartisan pushback, he emphasized that Noems previous statements about Pretti and Good were so at odds with reality. The difference in how this administration has approached congressional hearings and Kristi Noems testimony is an example of that is [that its] a more egregious form of denial and deflection, and of turning reality often on its head, he said. Its more egregious, I think, than other administrations have done, he continued. Dallek said he believes Noems messaging about ICE operations in Minnesota during her testimony comes from the top. The message has been ICE has done nothing wrong ... theres no problem with how theyve conducted their operations ... theyre under threat and thats why they have to mask up and that the problem is really the radical left, he said. So thats been the message from the top, from the president, and that, of course, is filtered down to Cabinet secretaries, spokespeople. While members of the Trump administration wont admit wrongdoing over immigration enforcement operations, Dallek said, their actions show theres been some form of acknowledgement about the need to correct course. He pointed to the Trump administration announcing last month that it was reducing the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota, and Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovinos departure from the state. Overall, Dallek emphasized that Noems initial remarks about Pretti and Good were deeply disturbing on many levels. She just flat-out lied, multiple times, he said. She called them terrorists; they clearly are not. She claimed that the agents who killed them were in imminent danger they obviously were not. It was a series of flat-out, provable falsehoods, and it involved some of the greatest abuses, frankly, imaginable from federal law enforcement the killing of American citizens in more or less cold blood, he continued. Dallek said that so many people are outraged over Noems testimony because the stakes are quite high. The reaction is partly fueled by a widespread sense of outrage that what happened was wrong, it was fatal and it was sickening to a lot of Americans, he said. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chief Kristi Noem has reportedly been succeeded by Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, following an incident that apparently upset the president this week. President Trump revealed the shift on his Truth Social platform. "I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026," he penned. "The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at "Homeland," he expressed. "Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and 3 in the Senate, Markwayne has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma, where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties - in 2016, 2020, and 2024!" "A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda," the president continued. "As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities.", reports the Mirror US. "Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN," the president concluded. "Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security. Thank you for your attention to this matter!". Prior to the announcement, the senator claimed that he had not spoken to the president about taking over (Image: Getty Images) Reports indicate that Mullin's name surfaced during a private discussion between Trump and several Republican associates. News of Noem's replacement emerged after she reportedly frustrated Trump during her testimony regarding DHS and ICE. Multiple sources suggest the president referenced Mullin numerous times throughout the meeting. Before the official announcement, Mullin clarified he had not discussed the potential appointment with the president. Advertisement "I haven't talked to the president," the Republican stated."I haven't talked to him about the hearing at all. I can't help you there. I'm sorry." Reports suggest Noem's contentious exchange with Senator John Kennedy triggered Trump's displeasure. Trump allegedly grew frustrated when Noem testified under oath that the president had authorized the $220 million taxpayer-funded advertising campaign for DHS. DON'T MISS: News of Noem's replacement emerged after she reportedly frustrated Trump (Image: AP) "How do you square that concern for waste, which I share, with the fact that you have spent $220 million running television advertisements that feature you prominently?" Kennedy questioned. Noem justified the campaign as aligned with the president's immigration priorities: "Sir, the president tasked me with getting the message out to the country, and to other countries where we were seeing the invasion come from. with putting commercials out that told them that if they were in this country illegally, that they needed to leave, or we would detain them and remove them, and they'd not get the chance to come back to America the right way." Throughout her Senate testimony, Noem encountered pushback from certain Republicans, most prominently from outgoing Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who labeled her leadership a "disaster" on Tuesday. Tillis went so far as to demand Noem's resignation. "We're an exceptional nation, and one of the reasons we're exceptional is because we expect exceptional leadership, and you've demonstrated anything but that," he declared. Meanwhile, at the recent House Republican elected leadership retreat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Speaker Mike Johnson allegedly discussed the possibility of leadership changes at DHS. ]]> Trump is removing Kristi Noem from her role as Homeland Security Secretary -Credit:AP (AP) The Democrats have released a list of some of Kristi Noem's most obscene purchases using taxpayers' money as she's fired from her role as Homeland Security Secretary. Noem's controversial tenure in the DHS will come to an end this month, Donald Trump suddenly announced on Thursday. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin is set to take over the role on March 31, while Noem will be moved to the newly-created position of "Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas." Trump's announcement came after Noem was grilled by lawmakers about her role in approving contracts during a hearing before a US House of Representatives panel on Wednesday. Noem was questioned about a $220 million ad campaign encouraging immigrants to self-deport, and said Trump approved it. Kristi Noem fired by Trump and X users all say the same thing US 'likely' responsible for strike on Iranian girls' school that killed 175, analysis shows However, the White House had denied this. Trump claims he was not aware of the ad, which featured Noem on horseback at Mount Rushmore. "I wasnt thrilled with it. I spent less money than that to become president. I didnt know about it, the president said in a phone call with NBC News on Thursday. However, it's not the first time Noem has been accused of wasting agency funds. Reacting to the news of Noem's departure from the DHS on Thursday, the official X account of the Democrats posted a list of "other things Kristi Noem has purchased with your money." Advertisement Other things Kristi Noem has purchased with your money: $172 million for private jets $2.4 million for gold-detailed ICE vehicles $700,000 for tricked-out trucks for ICE $120,000 for 2 Mustangs Did Trump also authorize these? https://t.co/sGnwmpBC1O Democrats (@TheDemocrats) March 5, 2026 It included: $172 million for private jets $2.4 million for gold-detailed ICE vehicles $700,000 for tricked-out trucks for ICE $120,000 for 2 Mustangs "Did Trump also authorize these?" the Democrats questioned. Noem's time as Homeland Security Secretary has been marred by controversy. She faced growing calls to step down after the fatal shooting of two US citizens in Minnesota during immigration operations. During the House hearings this week, Noem was also questioned about whether she was having an affair with top advisor Corey Lewandowski. At any time during your tenure as director of the Department of Homeland Security, have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski? California Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove asked Wednesday. Noem was questioned about whether she was having an affair with top advisor Corey Lewandowski -Credit:AP Mr. Chairman, I am shocked we are going down and peddling tabloid garbage in this committee today, Noem, whose husband left the room right before the question was asked, replied. Trump decided to fire Noem because of "a culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures," an administration official told NBC News. "Including the fallout in Minnesota, the ad campaign, the allegations of infidelity, the mismanagement of her staff, and her constant feuding with the heads of other agencies, including CBP and ICE," they added. Kristen Schoettle, seen in this screengrab of a video by the American Federation of Teachers union. - AFT Over the last year, four of Kristen Schoettles students have been detained by ICE and taken roughly 1,500 miles from Detroit to the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas. The most emotional moment for me personally is the first time it happened, she said, recalling how she witnessed one student being taken away in handcuffs by immigration agents while their class was on a school field trip last May. The next few times, Schoettle knew which lawyers to call, whom to inform and which steps to take. She has worked with families to track down birthdates, hunt for contacts in foreign countries and learn about court proceedings in immigration detention. And while her students were detained, Schoettle became one of the primary adults that the teens could trust on the outside world and spoke to them daily, becoming de facto therapist, legal adviser, and friend to her students as they navigated their time behind bars. Its been about a lot more than just the classroom and the curriculum and the management, Schoettle said. Its been huge. Its way bigger than what education and teaching used to look like. As an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, Schoettle has seen up close how President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown has impacted vulnerable students. And she is not alone. Many teachers across the country are finding themselves taking on roles far beyond the bounds of school to support students, undocumented or otherwise, facing immigration challenges, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers union, told CNN. Thousands are fearful and are outraged by whats going on and scared for their students, she said. Teachers care about their students and their students families and they are really regardless of what their position is on immigration, regardless of whether they voted for Trump or didnt. This month, the last of Schoeffles students to still be in detention, a 17-year-old asylum-seeker from Venezuela, was released. Kristen Schoettle (center) poses with Antony (second left), a 17-year-old student who was arrested by ICE and later returned, and his family. - Maryeli Sosa Their reunion was bittersweet. Although he and two others who are also seeking asylum have returned home to Detroit , Schoeffle said, the student she witnessed being taken away in May was deported with his family. Its crazy to think that I was the last person in the US that he knew, to see him before he left, she said. I wish I had news for you Whenever her cell phone rang with a call from the area code 866, Schoettle knew exactly who would be on the line: One of her students was calling from Dilley. With her own money, Schoettle bought credits for her students in detention so they could make phone calls and access the internet. They sometimes texted her using the video conferencing tool Microsoft Teams that their school uses. Hopes, fears and details of lives in detention are revealed in their conversations and messages, mostly in Spanish, some of which were shared with CNN. Im afraid I wont be able to return, miss, one student wrote to her in December. Im sad. I dont want to be here, they said. Im not going to lie. Today I am a little sad. I miss all of you, said another. Are there people trying to help us? We want to get out of here, teacher. Often, the children were looking for practical guidance. The conversations centered around what could come next for them, and the students looked to her for answers. I wish I had news for you! Schoettle replied to one of the students who was checking in. I love you and we are still trying to make something happen. I still have hope, but we need something to happen before your court date in February. During that time, Schoettle was working to reach anyone who could help lawyers, members of Congress or immigration advocates. She even said she would serve as a sponsor for one of the students to be released without their parent, with whom they were detained, if necessary. Some messages describe the daily rhythms and routine of detention. Meals were at set times: breakfast at 7am, dinner at 5pm. Sometimes, there would be an art class to attend or a doctors appointment to go to. At other times, the students wrote to her just to express how they felt and how badly they wanted out. Advertisement On the phone, they relayed to Schoettle how the food isnt good, how sometimes its maybe theres bugs in it, maybe theres mold on it, how the water is disgusting and people dont drink it, how everything in the commissary is too expensive, how the conditions are bad, she said. People got sick all the time, they told her. Asked about these conditions, the facility, which is also known as Dilley Immigration Processing Center, referred CNN to a previous comment stating in part that it work(s) every day to ensure the families in their care are safe, healthy and well. At one point, two of her students bumped into each other, not realizing until the moment that they had both been detained. One was so shocked to see the other she couldnt even speak, she told Schoettle. That sticks with me, Schoettle said, because the place that they should be together, seeing each other, is every day at school. But instead, theyre seeing each other in prison across the country. Empty seats in the classroom The empty chairs in Schoettles classroom became unsettling symbols to the students that remained, all of whom had only arrived in the US in recent years and settled in Detroit. Western International High School serves a diverse community of about 1,900 students; about one-fifth are immigrants, and many more about 70% are children of immigrants. Western International High School in Detroit, seen in this screengrab of a video by the American Federation of Teachers union. - AFT While her students were gone, there was a heaviness that everyone, myself included, had to reckon with and had to think about every day, Schoettle said. Theyre still on my roster. Im still marking them absent, and yet, theyre not here. Her remaining students feared that they could be next, Schoettle said. I walk them through what they need to know. How can they protect themselves? Where shouldnt they go, for example? What places are more, maybe, dangerous than others? How can you drive safely? But many have stopped coming to school, Schoettle said, and some have been asking to transfer to a virtual school or asking for teachers for schoolwork on Microsoft Teams. She estimates that 20% of her students this academic year have missed school out of fear for being detained. My classroom used to once be a place of joy and learning English and being with each other, but its definitely become more of a place of fear, she said. I dont want them to feel alone Schoettle doesnt see things changing anytime soon. With the constant threat that still exists in our city and throughout the country, theres still the constant fear, she said. Last week, she led students in a walkout during school to protest ICEs tactics in their community. This is not normal, she said to the crowd of students gathered in front of their school. This is our community being terrorized, and we are tired of it. Schoettle and other teachers, parents and community members have been working with the school board to provide support for students, such as safer transportation options and conducting Know Your Rights trainings to help people understand what rights they have if they are stopped by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Thats happening across the country, said Weingarten, the American Federation of Teachers president. After hearing from members, the teachers union the countrys second largest has started webinar trainings to help educators respond to the moment. They are also providing emergency kits with whistles and distributing Know Your Rights literature. For Schoettle, its been about trying to get our kids out of ICE detention. Its been about talking to parents, talking to lawyers, understanding the legal system. I want them to know that people want them out. People are fighting for them, and people are going to continue to fight for them, she said. I dont want them to feel alone. Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified the American Federation of Teachers as the countrys largest teachers union. It is the second largest. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is urging state lawmakers to pass legislation that would hold the Diocese of Providence accountable for the actions of the 72 credibly accused priests revealed in his sweeping clergy sex abuse report. The legislation was introduced by House Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, whose sister, Dr. Ann Hagan Webb, is a clergy sex abuse survivor. McEntees legislation would specifically establish that institutions, organizations and individuals can be held civilly liable for the negligent supervision or concealment of anyone who sexually abused a minor. RELATED: AG report details generations of clergy abuse in RI Her proposal would be retroactive up to 35 years, with a two-year revival window of action beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2028. Ive tried for a long time to secure some form of justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse, and I will continue to do so until accountability is delivered, McEntee said. This is personal for me. My dear sister Annie endured years of abuse as a young girl from our parish priest, and when she finally summoned the courage to confront this terrible crime perpetrated against her, she was met with silence and gaslighting from the institution that should have been protecting her and her innocence. Sexual abusers of children, and those who protect these disgusting predators, should not be able to hide behind statutes of limitations or other time delaying tactics to avoid liability for these perverse and evil crimes, she continued. Victims of these attacks live with their assaults for their entire lives, and any individual or organization that willingly allowed or turned a blind eye to these crimes needs to be held accountable. Neronha unveiled his 370-page report Wednesday, standing alongside a number of survivors of clergy sex abuse. Webb was among those survivors. This report should make Rhode Island Catholics and non-Catholics alike gasp in horror at the organized culture of cover-up, Webb said. It is time for the diocese to feel ashamed. MORE: Clergy sex abuse survivors speak out following release of AGs report In a message to parishioners, Bishop Bruce Lewandowski acknowledged the dioceses past misconduct following the release of Neronhas report. We know that we can never undo the grave abuses committed by clergy in the past, however, we can reaffirm in the strongest ways possible our sacred duty to protect children by continuing the strong and effective safeguards that we already have in place, Lewandowski said. Lewandowski also stressed that there are no credibly accused clergy in active ministry. Todays Catholic clergy here in Rhode Island are good and holy men, Lewandowski said. The Diocese of Providence also expressed concern about McEntees legislation in a separate statement issued in response to Neronhas report. The report and the timing of its release is intended to sway legislative debate, the diocese argued. [The reports] intent is to bolster proposed and previously-rejected legislation that seeks to suspend long-standing statute of limitations laws for civil suits. The reports emphatic historical focus is constructed to create tailwinds for that legislation and discredit any opposition to its passage, the statement continued. Other states have tried this approach, and it has led dozens of other dioceses to bankruptcy. SEE ALSO: List of 72 credibly accused clergy named in AG report Neronha refuted the dioceses argument. The diocese would have you believe that this report is historical; that child sexual abuse by clergy members is a thing of the past and not worth drudging up, Neronha said. To that I say: the pain that survivors and their families suffer knows no statute of limitations, and history always has something to teach us. Advertisement Child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence occurred on an abhorrent, staggering scale, he added. For decades the Diocese of Providence engaged in a well-worn pattern of protecting the reputation of the church and its priests over the welfare of children. Neronha urged lawmakers to pass McEntees legislation and for the diocese to create an independent compensation program for clergy sex abuse survivors. This must never happen again, he concluded. Tim Conlon, an attorney whos represented a number of clergy sex abuse survivors over the years, told 12 News hes unsympathetic to the dioceses concerns with McEntees proposal. Im much more concerned about the welfare of the victims than the welfare of the diocese, Conlon said. McEntee has also introduced three other proposals in the wake of Neronhas report: The first piece of legislation would allow grand juries to issue reports and would provide a process for review and acceptance by the Superior Court. The second would provide that the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault shall be 10 years from the date of the offense, or, in the case of a victim who is under the age of 18, 10 years from the victims 18th birthday, whichever is later. The third would expand the definition of educational program for purposes of the states Abused and Neglected Children General Law to include charter schools, parochial schools, after-school programs, camps and various other programs involving children. It would also amend certain provisions of the law relative to the reporting of physical, mental or sexual abuse or neglect. This report is eye-opening in the most horrific way possible, and it pains me to say that our long-held suspicions of church complicity were correct, McEntee said. With the ugly truth finally revealed to the public, now is a time for healing and justice. House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi commended McEntee for her continued efforts to seek justice for clergy sex abuse survivors. Many victims have suffered immense and irreparable harm due to the actions of those who exercised power and authority over them and the institutions that protected the perpetrators, Shekarchi said, noting that House lawmakers overwhelmingly passed her proposal to extend the statute of limitations for civil liability last year. Despite passing the House, McEntees proposal died in the Senate. McEntees four proposals will once again be considered by the House Judiciary Committee on March 12. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attends the 28th ASEAN-Japan Summit, as part of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia October 26, 2025. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa/Pool KUALA LUMPUR, March 6 (Reuters) - The family of Malaysia's influential former finance minister filed a lawsuit on Friday against the prime minister, chief of police and the government to halt what they said were false claims of a plot to overthrow the government allegedly involving his widow and sons. A week ago, police announced an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to "topple the government and sabotage national stability", which they said involved a local influential figure as well as an international media agency. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday the suspect had engaged the PR firm to launch a coordinated attack aimed at undermining national institutions before the next election. Neither Anwar nor the police have identified the suspect or the firm. The family of Daim Zainuddin, an influential two-time finance minister who died in November 2024, said in a statement on Friday it was "public knowledge" that the investigation targeted Daim's widow Na'imah Abdul Khalid and their sons. An unverified copy of a police report circulating online accused Na'imah of plotting to overthrow the government. In a statement last week, she denied wrongdoing and questioned whether consulting a PR firm could qualify as an attempt to topple a government. Advertisement The family said their lawsuit sought to challenge what it called "abuse of power" by Anwar, Police Inspector-General Mohd Khalid Ismail and the government, and for the court to declare that the investigation is unlawful and tainted with bad faith. Anwar's office, the police and the attorney-general's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The police said last week the investigation was being carried out under laws against undermining parliamentary democracy, an offence that carries a maximum jail term of 20 years. Daim was a longtime ally of former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. Anwar and Mahathir have been locked in an on-off rivalry that has shaped Malaysia's politics for decades. Prior to his death in 2024, Daim had been the subject of a corruption probe looking into figures suspected of holding undeclared wealth. He denied wrongdoing, saying the charges were part of a political vendetta by Anwar. (Reporting by Danial Azhar; editing by Andrei Khalip) The Pueblo County sheriff is extremely disappointed, and the 10th Judicial District Attorneys Office is undertaking an internal review of its processes after a man who allegedly fired a gun at law enforcement officers during a two-county police pursuit in November 2025 received only a probationary sentence. Michael J. Trujillo, 25, pleaded guilty to a single felony charge of vehicular eluding in connection with the incident on Nov. 4, in which police say Trujillo stole a truck in Monument and led law enforcement on a chase that ended with Trujillo being shot by a Monument police officer in Pueblo West. Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero speaks during a press conference about the criminal investigation of the Davis Mortuary on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Im extremely disappointed in the plea deal and sentencing that took place today as Michael J. Trujillo received a sentence of 18 months of probation for his role in a November 2025 incident that began after he stole a vehicle in Monument, eluded law enforcement in Pueblo County and fired shots at law enforcement, Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero said in a news release. His actions not only endangered the public, and innocent motorists in his path, but also Pueblo County Sheriffs deputies, Colorado State Troopers, Pueblo Police and Monument police officers who responded to assist with stopping this suspect. DA Kala Beauvais speaks at a press conference on Oct. 1, 2025. Following the sheriffs statement, 10th Judicial District Attorney Kala Beauvais released a statement of her own, saying her office is undertaking an internal review of its processes and into the plea that was ultimately entered in the case. Under the Colorado Revised Statutes, a class 5 felony is punishable by up to 3 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. The probation sentence was ultimately determined by the Judge, Beauvais said in the statement. This plea and sentence falls far short of the DAs Office commitment to our communitys safety and accountability and will be addressed accordingly. The critical incident investigation conducted by the Critical Incident Response Team is still under review with my office, therefore, I am not able to comment further on the facts of this case. In a news release directly after the shooting, PCSO officials said Trujillo stole a 2025 Chevy Silverado truck from a Monument shopping center around 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 and then headed south on Interstate 25. A Colorado State Patrol aircraft unit located the vehicle and followed it into Pueblo County, and state troopers traveling on I-25 located the truck with assistance from the airborne unit. Advertisement Troopers, who were then joined by Pueblo County sheriffs deputies, continued to follow the vehicle at a safe distance when the suspect drove into a field near the intersection of Purcell Boulevard and Fairbanks Drive, according to the release. Law enforcement continued following the truck as it drove into Pueblo West, when Trujillo fired a firearm out the window, Lucero said in his statement. The law enforcement agencies worked together, while putting their lives at risk, to get this individual to surrender when he fired more gunshots. The Monument officer returned fire, hitting the suspect. Trujillo was apprehended and medical aid was rendered by law enforcement and Pueblo West Fire Department personnel until he was transported via helicopter to a Colorado Springs hospital, according to the PCSO's release. A weapon was subsequently recovered from the stolen vehicle, according to the PCSO. The shooting involving the Monument police officer is still under investigation by the 10th Judicial Critical Incident Response Team. The plea and sentencing in this case raise real concerns about how serious crimes of this magnitude are being addressed in Pueblo, Lucero said in the statement. We take seriously these types of cases, and we work hard to make a good case, following the evidence and it is disheartening to our deputies, state troopers and officers, the victims and the community to see that crimes that pose a significant danger are pled down to lesser crimes and criminals are being given sentences of probation. Our community members and our law enforcement officers who protect them deserve a justice system that reflects the seriousness of these crimes. More Pueblo crime news: Man arrested after Pueblo PD says he attempted to ram police cruiser Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom can be reached at zhillstrom@gannett.com or on X, at @ZachHillstrom. Support local news; subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Man involved in two-county police chase gets sentenced to probation Man who was on parole after prior violent offenses now accused in 4 murders A Colorado parolee once classified as a "very high" risk of reoffending is now charged in four separate killings across three counties including three counts of first-degree murder tied to an alleged 2025 crime spree. Ricky Lee Roybal-Smith, 38, faces two counts of first-degree murder in Adams County, one count of first-degree murder in Denver and a newly filed second-degree murder charge in Arapahoe County connected to a 2022 death. He is being held without bond in the Denver jail, prosecutors confirmed. In 2022, Roybal-Smith was accused of threatening customers at a retail store. One day later, a woman named Meg Eberhart was found unconscious at a light rail station and died days later, 9NEWS reported. Police suspected foul play and focused on Roybal-Smith, who was on parole for a previous offense at the time. But prosecutors did not file charges because the coroner ruled her cause of death "undetermined." Family Warned Nonprofit Not To Free Repeat Offender Who Allegedly Killed Man Days Later Instead, Roybal-Smith was sentenced to four years in prison for the incident at the retail store. Read On The Fox News App Repeat Offender On Parole For Murder Tied To Brutal Jail Assault, Escape Hours After Robbery According to 9NEWS, Roybal-Smith later became eligible for parole and was released in January 2025 after his risk level had been downgraded from "very high" to "moderate." Within months, police allege he launched a violent spree in Aurora. According to police and the Adams County Coroners Office, Roybal-Smith brutally stabbed two homeless men to death in separate attacks. Authorities alleged one of the homeless men was stabbed roughly 90 times. Murder Suspect In Baltimore Robbery Spree Was On Probation, Records Show LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Later that same day, Roybal-Smith was arrested in Denver in connection with an alleged hit-and-run involving two pedestrians, according to Law & Crime. After being booked into jail, his cellmate, 36-year-old Vincent Chacon, was found dead within hours. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner ruled Chacons death a homicide caused by "asphyxia due to external compression of the neck," or strangulation. Roybal-Smith was charged with first-degree murder in that case. He was also charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection to the homeless men's stabbing deaths. In addition, prosecutors charged Roybal-Smith with second-degree murder in connection to Eberhart's 2022 death. "While the manner of the death ruling of the Arapahoe County Coroner has not changed, our office continued to review the evidence and have determined that the Second-Degree Murder charge is appropriate at this time," Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley told Fox News Digital. "As with every case we file, we will only pursue charges when we believe the evidence can reasonably prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt in court." District Attorney Amy Padden added that while her office does not control parole decisions, the case raises broader concerns. "We are aware of several cases in which repeat, violent offenders have been released from prison to parole earlier than expected only to go on to commit additional crimes," Padden said. "The privilege of parole should only be granted when there is substantial evidence of rehabilitation, acceptance of accountability, and lack of danger to the community." An Arapahoe County spokesperson emphasized that Roybal-Smith is not on the streets and remains in custody on a no-bond hold related to his Denver case. Advertisement Horror Video Captures Repeat Offender Allegedly Attacking 75-Year-old Woman, Gouging Her Eye With Spiked Stick Interior view of the Arapahoe County Detention Center in Colorado, used as a reference image in a case involving multiple homicide charges in the Denver metro area. (Getty Images) A 9NEWS Investigates series previously reported that Roybal-Smiths assessment scores contained errors and that he had been downgraded before his release. Got A Tip? Fox News Digital reached out to the Colorado Department of Corrections and the Colorado State Board of Parole for comment but did not receive responses by publication. George Brauchler, a Republican district attorney for Colorados 23rd Judicial District, said the case reflects broader sentencing and parole policy changes. Follow Us On X "We Lead with our humanity" sign at Van Cise-Simonet Detention Center in Denver, Colorado, on Thursday, August 3, 2023. Get Breaking News By Email "This gets attention because its so incredibly huge a guy killed three people and menaced someone else," Brauchler said. "But parole violators occur everywhere all the time." Brauchler argued Colorado has reduced incarceration levels even as its population has grown. George Brauchler, a Republican district attorney for Colorados 23rd Judicial District, said dangerous people are being put back on the street. Click Here For More Us News "The simple answer is this state, through the legislature and the governor and the parole board, has made a conscious decision that we choose to put these people back out on the street and put the community at risk more than we want to spend the tax dollars to keep them incarcerated," he said. Colorado Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson also criticized the states parole system, calling the case a "serious failure" in Colorados criminal justice system. "These latest charges in this tragic case highlight a serious failure in Colorados criminal justice system," Simpson said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Families are grieving today because he was allowed back onto our streets." Simpson said the case underscores the need to strengthen parole oversight and ensure violent offenders serve appropriate sentences. "Parole must never become a revolving door for violent offenders," he said. "Public safety must remain the top priority here in Colorado." He added that government agencies must be held accountable if system failures contributed to repeat offenses. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Eberharts daughter, Zada Veniegas, previously told 9NEWS she felt relief upon learning prosecutors had finally filed charges in her mothers death. "At least the fact of what he did is being acknowledged on the legal end of things," she said. "I think it's important that she wasn't forgotten." Roybal-Smith is scheduled for an arraignment in Adams County on March 30 and remains in custody on a no-bond hold. Original article source: Man who was on parole after prior violent offenses now accused in 4 murders Sen. Markwayne Mullin speaks to reporters outside of the US Capitol Building on Thursday, March 5, in Washington, DC. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images President Donald Trump on Thursday announced he was ousting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and that GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma would replace her. Mullin, a first-term senator who has served in that role since 2023, is a former mixed-martial artist and business owner who is a strong supporter of Trumps hardline immigration policy. An enrolled member of Cherokee Nation, Mullin is the first tribal citizen to serve in the US Senate in nearly two decades. He will inherit an agency that is an integral cornerstone to Trumps domestic policy agenda the most well-funded federal law enforcement agency in the country and one which has come under intense scrutiny during the first year of Trumps second term for how it has conducted itself. Heres what to know about Mullin: Immigration hardliner Mullin speaks to members of the media near the Senate chamber floor at the US Capitol, in Washington, DC, on Thursday. - Nathan Howard/Reuters Shortly after Trump announced his intention to have Mullin serve as Homeland Security secretary, Mullin said his focus would be to keep the homeland secure. Theres a lot of work we can do to get the Department of Homeland Security working for the American people, Mullin said. The Department of Homeland Security has a very broad jurisdiction, and I think theres a lot of work that we need to do and Im excited about it. His past public comments have shown that he is closely aligned with Trumps agenda. Following a Supreme Court decision last year that was intertwined with Trumps executive order ending birthright citizenship, Mullin said on NBCs Meet the Press that babies born in the US to undocumented parents should also be expelled from the country framing that position as a desire to keep the children with their parents. Why wouldnt you send a child with their parents? he told NBCs Kristen Welker, I mean, why would you want to separate them? He accused some immigrants who come to the US and have children of being part of an industry that seeks to game the system. Theres a whole industry that stood up to bring people here in their last month of pregnancy to have a child here, and they come here on a vacation visa, and they have a child so their child will be able to be US citizens, he said. In an interview with CNBC last month, Mullin said everyone should carry proof of citizenship in case they are stopped and questioned by law enforcement: Theres nothing to hide if youre here legally, he said. Mullin defended the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis at the hands of federal immigration officers earlier this year. Shortly after Good was shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, Mullin said the officer didnt have an option but to engage Good, who was driving a vehicle that he said should be viewed as a deadly weapon. Pugilistic senator Mullin wrestled in college and fought briefly as a professional mixed martial artist. He has taken his fighters spirit to Capitol Hill. During his time in the House, Mullin was famous for his intense, MMA-style workouts that he used to run for other members of Congress. Advertisement Mullin was serving in the House during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol and assisted officers in barricading the doors to the House floor. He later said he told the rioters he would deal with them physically if they broke through. Years later, as Trump mulled about the possibility of pardoning the rioters, Mullin urged Trump to look at the facts before he does something and said that anyone who attacked police needed to pay for that, without question. Trump pardoned them anyway. After those pardons, Mullin said on CNN there was no question the siege of the Capitol was a riot and a horrible day. But he added: However, the American people have chose to move on by electing Trump in spite of his campaign trail discussions about pardoning the rioters. During a 2023 Senate hearing, Mullin challenged a witness, Teamsters boss Sean OBrien, to a fight. The pair had a history of testy exchanges. He later told CNN that a return to physical violence could help cure people whom he described as keyboard warriors who go out there and run their mouth all the time, and then they dont ever have to face the consequences. What happens next? Trump announcement of Mullins ascension to DHS secretary was somewhat vague. Noem said her last day would be March 31, 2026, and the president said Mullin will become DHS secretary that same day. But thats not Trumps decision to make because the position requires Senate confirmation. If Mullin is not confirmed by March 31, the position would need to be filled by an acting secretary. But that cant be Mullin for a couple of reasons, said Thomas Berry, the director of the Cato Institutes Robert A. Levy Center for Constitutional Studies who has written extensively about presidential appointments. The law requires someone to have some other job in the executive branch before they can become the acting secretary of an agency. Mullin cant do that because hes currently serving in the Senate. The only way he could become an acting is if he resigned his Senate seat first, got a new job in the administration, got some non-Senate-confirmed position, and then potentially you could try a maneuver to make him the acting, he said. But Berry added that move would be legally dubious due to previous litigation after similar maneuvers were attempted. In the case where March 31 passes and Mullin is not confirmed, the law calls for the deputy secretary of DHS to become the acting secretary. The White House seems confident that Mullin would be able to be confirmed before then. Theres also the case of Mullins Senate seat. Once he resigns, Oklahoma law gives Gov. Kevin Stitt 30 days to appoint a replacement. Since Mullin is a Republican, his replacement would have to have been a registered Republican for at least five years. The appointee would also be required to submit an oath that they will not run for the seat when it comes up for election. Because Mullin is scheduled to be up for reelection in November, there wont be a separate special election. Instead, the winner of Novembers election will be eligible to take office once the results are finalized. CNNs Ethan Cohen, Morgan Rimmer, Lauren Fox and Sarah Ferris contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Mullin was first elected to Congress in 2012 Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin's undefeated mixed martial arts record has resurfaced after President Donald Trump tapped the Republican lawmaker to replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. Trump announced the move this week, saying Mullin would take over the role after Noem's tenure at the Department of Homeland Security came to an end. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump praised Mullin's background both in politics and outside of it. "A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda," Trump wrote, as he sees several countries turn their backs on him over the Iran war. The president added that Mullin would help carry out key policies at the department. "Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN," Trump said. "Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security." The appointment has drawn renewed attention to Mullin's unusual background, including a short but successful career in mixed martial arts. Before entering politics, Mullin fought professionally between November 2006 and April 2007. His career lasted less than five months but ended with an undefeated 3-0 record. Mullin won his first fight by submission against Bobby Kelley in November 2006, finishing the bout with a rear naked choke in just 46 seconds. Advertisement He later defeated Clinton Bonds twice in early 2007. The first victory came by armbar submission in the second round, and the rematch ended in a technical knockout during the second round. His fighting background has occasionally resurfaced during his time in Washington, most notably during a heated Senate committee hearing in 2023 that nearly turned physical. During a Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing, Mullin confronted Teamsters President Sean O'Brien over a series of insulting social media posts. O'Brien had previously mocked the senator online, calling him a "greedy CEO who pretends like he's self-made." "In reality, just a clown & fraud. Always has been, always will be," O'Brien wrote on X. "Quit the tough guy act in these Senate hearings. You know where to find me. Anyplace, Anytime cowboy." Mullin responded during the hearing by referencing the posts and challenging O'Brien directly. "Sir, this is a time. This is a place," Mullin said while holding up printouts of the tweets. "You want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here." O'Brien replied: "OK, that's fine. I'd love to do it right now." Mullin stood up from his seat before Senate committee chairman Bernie Sanders quickly intervened. "Sit down, you're a United States senator," Sanders told him. "This is a hearing and God knows the American people have enough contempt for Congress." ]]> Attackers struck at night during the Ramadan fast (stock image) A Nigerian senator has told the BBC that "massive" numbers of civilians were killed by armed men who attacked their village in Borno state on Wednesday, although he did not have the precise figure. "The number of people killed actually is very massive but we don't know the exact number, because I rely on the information from the chairman of the local government and the locals there," said Nigerian lawmaker Mohammed Ali Ndume of the attack in the remote village of Ngoshe. Ngoshe is a mainly Muslim community and the attack reportedly took place in the evening, while many people were breaking their Ramadan fast. The BBC has contacted the Nigerian military for comment. Local media report that suspected Islamist militants abducted more than 100 women and children during the attack - also targeting a nearby military base and camp for displaced people, killing several soldiers and civilians, including the village's chief cleric and some community elders. Senator Ndume told BBC Hausa the suspected militants had seized control of the village for two days before being forced out by the military, which used air strikes as well as ground troops to dislodge them. Not since the heyday of Islamist group Boko Haram over a decade ago, when it controlled many parts of Borno including Ngoshe, has the area seen such a "devastating attack", he said. He also suggested that the attackers may have escaped with weapons stolen from the military base which could "reinforce them to attack the next location or target", saying this was a pattern in previous similar attacks. Umaru Yakubu Kirawa, a local journalist in Borno, told the BBC that residents had confirmed that many people had been killed and hundreds abducted. He said residents told him they were "calling for [security] reinforcement. They are fasting - some of them were able to break their fast, and unfortunately some could not" before the armed men attacked. Kirawa said the village is very remote and that residents had previously been displaced due to insecurity in Borno state, but "this is the first attack there after their resettlement by the government". Advertisement For many years, Borno state has been the epicentre of Nigeria's Islamist insurgency, with repeated attacks by Boko Haram and fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap). Map of Nigeria showing the capital Abuja roughly in the centre of the country and Borno state in the north-east. The village of Ngoshe is labelled in the south-east of Borno. A small locator show Nigeria is in the west of Africa. Boko Haram gained global notoriety in 2014 after abducting more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in the state. Although lawmaker Ndume is from the same party as President Bola Tinubu, he has frequently criticised the government's handling of the security situation in the area. He told the BBC that since the authorities had declared a "state of emergency on security, they should walk the talk. "The major challenge that the Nigerian armed forces are facing is still lack of equipment, lack of ammunition, and lack of motivation on the part of the government." The government has for some time been promising tougher action on insecurity. From 2024 to 2025 it almost doubled its defence budget, analysts say. Yet this has not stopped the many waves of attacks on civilians. The police spokesperson in Borno state, Nahum Daso Kenneth, told the BBC on Friday that the attack had happened on Wednesday night but said he could not yet confirm the number of people affected. "I can confirm that there was an unfortunate incident and, due to the efforts of security personnel, we were able to repel the insurgents," he said, adding that a search and rescue operation was under way. A spokesperson for Borno state Governor Babagana Umara Zulum said he had met survivors on Friday, offering food and other supplies, while promising them "we will do everything possible" to rescue the kidnapped and restore order. More BBC stories from Nigeria: A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News Africa Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts A 3D graphic of a measles virus particle. Photo: Alissa Eckert / CDC / Public Domain (The Center Square) - The area along the Arizona and Utah border is continuing to see the measles outbreak that started in August, and California and Colorado have seen a number of cases. Nevada hasn't seen any, but is monitoring the national trend. Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Health Services is concerned about the outbreak and is closely monitoring it, said Dr. Joel Terriquez, the department's medical director of the bureau of infectious diseases services. He urges people to get vaccinated. Terriquez told The Center Square that Mojave County is the state's most affected county. The number of measles cases in that area has been significantly higher than any other area of the state, he noted. Measles cases that have not been in Mohave County are not associated with an outbreak, but rather independent clusters of cases, Terriquez said. Since the outbreak that started in August, Arizona has a total of 261 cases, he noted, including 56 cases so far this year. He told The Center Square that 67% of people who have gotten measles have been younger than 18. On top of this, Terriquez said 97% of people who have gotten measles have been unvaccinated. He added that despite the concerns of some people, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is very safe and effective. He said that conclusion is based on decades of research. It only takes one vaccine to potentially prevent an outbreak. It takes one vaccine to protect a kid from getting measles and potentially protecting them from complications, Terriquez said. Measles among an unvaccinated population is gonna spread like wildfire, Terriquez said, noting the disease is "extremely contagious." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said nearly 89% of people in Arizona are vaccinated against measles. One dose of the MMR vaccine protects a person against 93% of potential measles cases, while two doses can protect a person up to 97% of potential measles cases, according to Terriquez. Terriquez noted no one in Arizona who has contracted measles has died from it. CDC data, which was updated Thursday, shows 1,281 people have contracted measles in 2026. Last year, 2,281 people contracted measles. In total, 300 people have been hospitalized due to measles. This means that 9% of all measles cases in America in 2025 and in 2026 have resulted in hospitalization. Terriquez said America last year experienced three measles-related deaths, which is 0.09% of all cases. According to the CDC, no one has died from measles this year. Terriquez said the vast majority of individuals who get measles will not develop any complications. However, if people do develop complications from measles, Terriquez pointed out, it can be very severe. Complications from measles, such as pneumonia, measles encephalitis and meningitis, could potentially kill someone, he explained. Long-term complications can come years after the initial measles infection, with them being very unpredictable with high mortality," Terriquez said. In Arizonas neighboring state, Utah, there is a measles outbreak. Dr. Leisha Nolen held a press conference on Thursday to address the spread of measles throughout Utah. Advertisement The state has had 358 people diagnosed with measles since June 2025, Nolen told reporters. According to Nolen, 120 people have gone to the emergency room, with 31 requiring hospitalization overnight. She added that three people have gone to the intensive care unit. No one in Utah has died from measles, she said. Nolen said measles is spreading across Utah. She noted the measles cases were initially limited to the southern part of Utah, but have now expanded to every part of the state, largely through school events. She encouraged people to get vaccinated against measles. The CDC said 89% of people in Utah are vaccinated against measles. Colorado, meanwhile, has seen fewer measles cases than Arizona and Utah. Colorado has had eight measles cases in 2026, compared with 36 last year. Hope Shuler, interim communications director for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environments division of disease control and public health response, said the state has collaborated closely with its local partners. She told The Center Square this collaboration is meant to ensure rapid response to any potential transmission. Shuler added that they have conducted thorough case investigations in order to alert the public to potential exposures and provide the steps they can take to protect themselves from further spread. Due to the states media campaign, website updates and provider webinars, Shuler said Colorado and its partners successfully drove a 30.55% increase in MMR vaccine doses given compared to 2024. We have also performed direct outreach to families whose children are overdue for their MMR vaccines. In 2025 and 2026, six rounds of outreach to families of children overdue for their MMR vaccines led to 48% of those contacted becoming up-to-date, she explained. Colorados measles vaccination rate is 88%, the CDC said. Another state with some measles cases is California. The Golden State has seen 26 confirmed cases in 2026. This amount exceeds the total for all of 2025, which reported 25 measles cases. Sacramento and Placer counties have reported recent measles incidents. The California Department of Public Health said it was working with those counties to alert people who may have been exposed to measles. Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH director, urged people to get the MMR vaccine. Measles, one of the most contagious infections, can lead to severe life-long consequences including permanent brain damage and can also be fatal, especially for children, he said. The CDC noted Californias measles vaccination rate is 96%. Unlike all these other states, Nevada has not had any measles cases so far this year. The state actively monitors the nationwide measles situation, said Daniel Vezmar, public information officer for the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services division of public and behavioral health. Nevada does this by reviewing regular updates from the CDC and by working with other states to understand the risks of travel-associated cases coming to Nevada, Vezmar told The Center Square. In 2025, there were more measles cases nationally than in any one year since 1992, and so far in 2026 there have been 10 outbreaks in the United States, he said. As transmission continues throughout the country, there is a risk of measles cases occurring in Nevada, highlighting the importance of vaccination and staying away from others during illness to prevent the spread, Vezmar noted. Even with no confirmed cases of the measles, Nevada continuously reviews case data and wastewater testing results to identify potential cases and initiate early response measures, he said. Nevada has a vaccination rate of 91%, the CDC said. A burnt truck is pictured after a wave of violence in the town of Aguililla, the birthplace of drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Tierra Caliente, Mexico, on February 24, 2026. Photo by Enrique Castro/AFP via Getty Images Mexico is influencing hundreds of death row cases in the U.S. as it struggles to keep a lid on cartel violence and paying liberal American attorneys to do it. The Mexican government has spent millions of dollars to protect convicted child-killers, rapists, members of organized crime and other heinous criminals from U.S. executions, a Daily Caller News Foundation investigation found. Through the little-known Mexican Capital Legal Assistance Program (MCLAP), Mexico partners with American attorneys who register as foreign agents to assist the inmates legal teams. The countrys longstanding battle with cartels still festers at home even with U.S. military help, leading to the slaughter of 25 Mexican National Guard members in February. MCLAPs first director, Arizona attorney Gregory Kuykendall, also appears to have flouted federal rules when working for Mexico by not disclosing campaign donations to Democrats. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it would review the matter in response to a DCNF inquiry. Kuykendall began leading the program in 2006, registered as a foreign agent in 2009 and hired Amy Knight as an MCLAP attorney in 2014, according to their online profiles and foreign agent paperwork filed with the DOJ. The two helped remove hundreds of Mexicans from death row, with Knight taking over the program in June 2025, Mexicos Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that month. Knights law firm has received more than $7.2 million from the Mexican government to continue the legal services, her DOJ filings show. MCLAP prevented or reversed more than 1,200 cross-border executions since the programs start in 2000, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The project shows a persistent foreign campaign to sway the American justice system after Mexico abolished the death penalty in 1929. (RELATED: Trump Admin Puts Stranglehold On Mexican Banks Fueling Fentanyl Trafficking) Kuykendall and Mexicos Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the DCNF. Knight told the DCNF she is not authorized to speak on the program. Cartel de Noreste hitman Hector Acosta-Ojeda, who is set to receive help on death row from the Mexican Capital Legal Assistance Program, gets his mugshot taken for two 2017 murders in Texas. (Image courtesy of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice) Putting Capital Punishment To Death Mexicans make up 45% of foreign nationals now on death row in the U.S., dwarfing every other foreign country, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Documents filed with the DOJ in June listed dozens of potential capital cases that may need MCLAPs help, plus current death row inmates included in the program. The list includes convicted killers of small children, murderers who were in the country illegally, ones who raped their victims and other killers linked to organized crime, according to authorities and local media. One death row inmate slated for MCLAP assistance is Hector Acosta-Ojeda, a hitman for the Cartel de Noreste who was found guilty in Texas of murdering then beheading his roommate and killing the victims teenage girlfriend in a 2017 incident. The State Department designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025 for attacks against government officials in Mexico and other crimes. Before his departure from MCLAP, Kuykendall assisted lawyers for drug trafficker Benjamin Madrigal-Birrueta in 2024 before he pleaded guilty to federal murder charges in California, court records show. Madrigal-Birrueta fatally shot a man and his pregnant wife in 2022 over an argument, killing her unborn child. The DOJ agreed not to pursue the death penalty after Kuykendall got involved in the case and the defense team argued against it. Knight and Kuykendall have framed their efforts as protecting legal rights for the disadvantaged. Mexicans are uniquely vulnerable at every stage of the capital prosecution process due to rampant racial and ethnic bias, significant differences between the Mexican and American legal systems, and complex language issues, they wrote in a 2018 law journal article. Mexicos June statement also described a May 2025 meeting between Kuykendall, Knight and a Mexican diplomat who discussed the importance of MCLAP given the current immigration situation under President Donald Trump. (RELATED: How Trumps ICE Built Nationwide Police Alliance Right Under Democrats Noses) Disclosures received Jan. 15, 2026, by the U.S. government show a paid agreement between Mexico and Arizona attorney Amy Knights law firm to advocate for Mexicans on Americas death row. (Image courtesy of the Department of Justice) MCLAP draws inspiration from a 2004 United Nations (UN) court ruling in favor of a Mexican complaint against the U.S. The court found that the U.S. violated an international treaty after it sentenced 54 Mexicans to death without informing Mexico, ordering American officials to reconsider the punishments. Former President George W. Bush initially ordered states to comply, but the Supreme Court ruled in 2008 that such UN rulings are unenforceable without congressional legislation. Advertisement Knights current agreements with Mexico authorize her to communicate with or meet with American officials about enshrining the UN ruling in law, DOJ filings show. Mexico aims for the eventual abolition of the death penalty worldwide, Kuykendall said on behalf of Mexico in 2017, citing the 2004 UN ruling, according to The Houston Chronicle. Kuykendall called the death penalty cruel and inhuman in all circumstances when responding to Mexican national Ruben Cardenas Ramirezs pending execution after a state appeals court upheld his murder conviction, the paper reported. Cardenas kidnapped, raped and fatally strangled a 16-year-old girl in 1997, according to state records. Kuykendall has donated around $4,000 exclusively to Democratic campaigns since 2006, including for former Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Barack Obama and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, while Knight supported Democrats with a handful of donations in 2018 and 2020, Federal Election Commission records show. Kuykendall has also led lawsuits against Arizona police and, together with Knight, successfully defended an activist from federal charges of harboring migrants under the first Trump administration, according to court records and news reports. Trumps DOJ Responds Kuykendalls campaign donations as a foreign agent may present a transparency concern, which has prompted a review by the Trump administration. (RELATED: Dem Senators Who Won Elections With Corporate PAC Money Now Pledging To Refuse It) Arizona attorney Gregory Kuykendall claims in federal filings that he did not donate in American elections over a six-month period in an April 11, 2025, Foreign Agents Registration Act filing despite campaign finance records showing he did. (Image courtesy of the Department of Justice) The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires registrants to regularly disclose campaign donations or other political influence, threatening criminal penalties for knowingly making false statements. More than a dozen times, Kuykendall claimed he did not donate in American elections over certain periods despite Federal Election Commission records showing otherwise, the DCNF found. If a foreign agent filed [FARA documents] but did not disclose the political contributions, then they may have omitted required information, Nicole Kelly, an attorney specializing in FARA for Lex Politica, told the DCNF. A person can file amendments to correct the documents, but the FARA office may not think thats enough if the omission was intentional, Kelly said. We will take the information you provided under advisement to determine if it raises a FARA concern, the DOJ spokesperson told the DCNF in response to an inquiry. Kuykendall likely did not break the law unless he intended to hide the donations from the DOJ, said Caitlin Sutherland, executive director of Americans for Public Trust. His filings point to a larger problem: lax FARA rules and inconsistent enforcement that defeat the laws purpose, she said. There are a lot of loopholes, a lot of exemptions, and it has kind of been under-enforced across administrations, Sutherland told the DCNF. (RELATED: China-Linked Media Group In New York Runs Cover For Maduro) Members of the Civil Guard of Michoacan patrol a highway supported by armored vehicles after a wave of violence in the town of Aguililla, the birthplace of drug kingpin Nemesio Oseguera, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Tierra Caliente, Mexico, on February 24, 2026. (Photo by Enrique Castro/AFP via Getty Images) A February 2025 memo from Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the DOJ to limit FARA prosecutions to conduct similar to more traditional espionage by foreign government actors, framing the policy change as a check on DOJ weaponization. Trumps DOJ still prosecuted most pending FARA cases in 2025, according to an analysis by JD Supra. The FARA disclosures are important to shine a light on who is working for [or] on behalf of a foreign government, Sutherland told the DCNF. Those are inherently important forms that should be filled out correctly. Kuykendall reported one political donation about $100 to Warrens presidential bid throughout 16 years of filing FARA reports, the DCNF found. Federal FARA databases that exist specifically to inform the public of political activities have no record of his donations. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Albuquerque Police Department A man in New Mexico shot his brother to death with a rifle and laid down "next to him on the ground" as he waited for authorities to arrive. The Albuquerque Police Department confirmed that Benjamin Chess is charged with an open count of murder and tampering with evidence after he shot his 54-year-old brother Adam Chess at their apartment in Albuquerque, according to a news release viewed by Law & Crime. A neighbor called police after Adam, 55, stumbled out of the apartment around 7 p.m. on February 26. He allegedly told the resident that "his brother had shot him," according to police. "Officers arrived and located Adam Chess in front of the apartment," police said in the release. "His brother, Benjamin, was lying next to him on the ground." Oklahoma Man Stabbed His Brother to Death After They Got Into a Fight Over Fortnite Video Game The neighbor who called 911 reported that they saw Benjamin leave the apartment after the shooting with a trash bag, which he placed in a receptacle. Investigators looked through the trash bag and allegedly found a bullet casing while executing a search warrant. A woman who lives in the same apartment who police identified as the brothers' aunt allegedly told detectives that Benjamin was staying with her at the time of the incident. Advertisement She added Adam would come over sometimes to stay and that the brothers "often fought with each other during his visits, per the police press release. "The aunt told officers she heard the two men arguing on Thursday and saw Adam 'charge' at Benjamin but did not see either of them with any weapons," the release stated. "She went inside and reported hearing a 'loud bang.' She then saw Benjamin place a brown rifle into a laundry basket in the hallway." Benjamin Chess told detectives that Adam "had a history of drinking alcohol on a daily basis and starting confrontations." He also claimed that Adams behavior was "slowly killing him and his family members. However, he did not share specific examples of the behavior he was referring to. "Benjamin Chess said he remembered his brother returning to the apartment on Thursday evening and pounding on the door," the release stated. "He said he did not remember what happened after that. He only recalled marching down the hallway, and he had shot his brother with a rifle." Mother and Son Shot to Death By Her Boyfriend at Massachusetts Home, Police Say While speaking to police, Benjamin allegedly claimed that he did not remember removing the rifle from a case in his bedroom or loading the rifle with ammunition. "He only remembers being overwhelmed by the pounding on the door," police said in the release. After Benjamin was arrested, he was booked into the Metro Detention Center on Friday, February 27. He is currently being held without bond, according to online court records viewed by Us Weekly. A future court date regarding the case is not yet listed. It is not currently clear if Benjamin has entered a plea or retained legal representation. The Albuquerque Police Department did not immediately respond to Us request for comment regarding the arrest. Michael B. Jordans surprise win at the 2026 Actor Awards earned a standing ovation but not everyone in Hollywood is applauding the Sinners stars recent behind-the-scenes antics, reveals a source. As his fame has grown, so has his ego, the source tells the National Enquirer. He loves being the top dog. During the Actors ceremony on Sunday, March 1, Jordan took home Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, sparking excited, headline-making reactions from presenter Viola Davis and fellow nominee Jesse Plemons, as reported by BuzzFeed. Sinners also won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Michael has proven again and again that he can make movies that make a lot of people money and make a lot of people happy, says the source. Hes smart and hes gifted, but hes not going to let anyone forget it, either. Advertisement According to the source, Jordan, 39, doesnt tend to surround himself with people who are going to put him in check. The 2026 Oscar nominee began his acting career at age 12, appearing on The Sopranos and Cosby before landing major parts on The Wire, All My Children, Friday Night Lights and Parenthood. After transitioning to films, he made an impact in the Black Panther and Creed franchises. MBJ is a control freak about any movie hes considering making and is unwilling to compromise, the source dishes. If hes the face and name on the movie poster, its his way or the highway! Read More From National Enquirer This story Michael B. Jordans Ego Raising Eyebrows Amid Actor Awards Wins: He Loves Being the Top Dog (Exclusive) first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) Mississippi teachers could still see a pay raise, and the Public Employees Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS) with employees in Tier 5 could still see favorable changes during the 2026 Legislative Session. The Mississippi House unanimously voted to add the items to Senate Bill 2103 through an amendment on March 6, 2026. Through the amendment, K-12 teachers would see a $5,000 raise, and special education teachers would get an additional $3,000 for a total of $8,000. Teacher assistants would receive a $3,000 raise. Tourism leaders highlight key role in Mississippis economy House Speaker Jason White (R-Miss.) said theres a new provision that would allow retired teachers to return to work. The House killed a Senate bill that would allow retired teachers to make up to 65% of their salary. The House added their version to the Senate bill on Friday. Their salary would be set at a rate that they negotiate with the district and the teacher. It wont accrue any new additional pers benefits and is actually a positive to the system, said White. Tier 5 changes would reduce the number of years to draw full retirement from 35 to 30 years. The retirement age would be at 60, not 62. Advertisement The bill will return to the Mississippi Senate for consideration. We are glad the House is coming back to the table for real negotiations on legislation to support our teachers and build upon PERS reform, which the Senate passed as standalone bills on January 7th. This follows the Houses decision just over forty-eight hours ago to kill the Senates separate, fiscally responsible bills, said Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann (R-Miss.). Our teachers are invaluable. Our first responders are invaluable. As these discussions continue, it is vital that we remain fiscally responsible and be legislatively productive. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., defended his actions during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday after he stepped in to assist Capitol Police officers as they were forcefully removing what he described as "an unhinged protestor" who is a Marine veteran from the room. The incident, which was captured on video by several people in the room, took place around 3 p.m. when the protester, identified by Capitol Police as Brian C. McGinnis, 44, of North Carolina, began shouting, police said. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: A protester dressed in a military uniform gets stuck in a door, injuring his arm, as Sen. Tim Sheehy and Capitol Police officers attempt to remove him from a Senate Armed Services Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on March 4, 2026 in Washington. Officers attempted to remove McGinnis, who was dressed in a military uniform, from of the room but he allegedly resisted when Sheehy approached, according to Capitol Police. The senator was seen in the video hoisting the protester by his legs as other officers attempted to remove McGinnis from the room. Iran live updates "No one wants to fight for Israel," McGinnis is heard shouting in the videos. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: A protester dressed in a military uniform gets stuck in a door, injuring his arm, as Sen. Tim Sheehy and Capitol Police officers attempt to remove him from a Senate Armed Services Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on March 4, 2026 in Washington. At one point during the scuffle, McGinnis was lifted from the ground as the officers and senator were trying to physically remove him, and his left hand was apparently pinched in the gap between the hinge side of the door and the adjacent molding. Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, is seen in the videos trying to remove McGinnis' hand from the gap and speaking to him for a few moments before the protester was pulled free from the doorway and escorted away. As McGinnis continued to cling to the door, other protestors in the room are shouting "a senator broke his hand" and "a U.S. senator just broke the hand of a Marine." The extent of McGinnis' injuries was unclear. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images - PHOTO: A protester dressed in a military uniform gets stuck in a door, injuring his arm, as Sen. Tim Sheehy and Capitol Police officers attempt to remove him from a Senate Armed Services Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill on March 4, 2026 in Washington. The senator defended his actions in a post on X Wednesday afternoon, in which he also shared video of the incident. "Capitol Police were attempting to remove an unhinged protestor from the Armed Services hearing. He was fighting back. I decided to help out and deescalate the situation," Sheehy said in his post. Advertisement Senate fails to advance Iran war powers resolution "This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one. I hope he gets the help he needs without causing further violence," Sheehy added. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images - PHOTO: Sen. Tim Sheehy leaves the Senate Chamber after voting at the U.S. Capitol on March 04, 2026 in Washington, DC. McGinnis is running for a U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina under the Green Party ticket. According to his campaign website, he served with the Marines in the early 2000s and was deployed to Iraq in 2003. His campaign released a statement on X Thursday expressing his family's gratitude for support following the viral incident. "At this time, our priority is Brians wellbeing. We are taking a necessary step back from the public eye to allow him to focus fully on his recovery in private. While he looks forward to engaging with you all again very soon, his health and his family remain the current priorities," the campaign statement said. "This afternoon, an unruly man who started to illegally protest during a hearing, put everyone in a dangerous position by violently resisting and fighting our officers attempts to remove him from the room," Capitol Police said in a statement Wednesday, adding that three officers had to be treated for unspecified injuries stemming from the confrontation. "The suspect, who got his own arm stuck in a door to resist our officers and force his way back into the hearing room, was also treated," the statement further said. McGinnis was charged with "three counts of Assault on a Police Officer, as well as three counts of Resisting Arrest, and Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding for the unlawful demonstration," Capitol Police said in the statement. "Protests are not allowed inside the Congressional Buildings. There are plenty of other spots on Capitol Grounds, outside, where demonstrations are allowed," Capitol Police further said in their statement. Attorney information for McGinnis was not immediately available. A multiday severe weather threat unfolding across the Plains this week claimed at least two lives Thursday night when a mother and daughter were killed after a likely tornado struck northern Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) said the 47-year-old mother and her 13-year-old daughter were found in their vehicle near U.S. Highway 60 and County Road 2340. An OHP spokesperson said their deaths appear to be tornado-related. Both victims were from Fairview, Oklahoma. "Severe weather struck Major County last night and tragically claimed the lives of a mother and daughter," Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said on Facebook. "I am praying for the family as they grieve this tragic loss, as well as all those impacted by the storms." The National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma, is surveying damage on Friday after multiple tornadoes were reported Thursday night, moving through northern Oklahoma toward the Kansas border. Advertisement A tornado west of Fairview, Oklahoma seen on Thursday, March 6, 2026. (Image credit: Fairview Emergency Management) Video from Fairview Emergency Management shows a large tornado moving across the highway west of Fairview as lightning flashes illuminated the nocturnal twister. In addition to the deadly tornado, the NWS received reports of damaging winds up to 60 mph and hailstones as large as 2 inches in diameter. The threat of dangerous tornadoes, hail and damaging winds will continue into next week as almost daily severe storms are forecast to erupt from Texas into the Midwest. Wednesday's storms resulted in large hail, flooded roads and hundreds of flight delays from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Friday's storms are expected to move through major city centers, including Dallas, Oklahoma City and Kansas City, Missouri, before moving into the Chicago area Friday night. Debris of a NATO air defence system that intercepted a missile launched from Iran is seen in Dortyol, in southern Hatay province, Turkey, March 4. Ihlas News Agency (IHA) via REUTERS March 5 (Reuters) - NATO has increased its alliance-wide ballistic missile defence posture following the intercept of a missile from Iran targeted at Turkey, its military headquarters said on Thursday. The posture will remain at the heightened level until the threat from Iran's "continued, indiscriminate attacks across the region subsides," Colonel Martin O'Donnell, spokesperson for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, said in a post on X. O'Donnell said NATO had "perfectly executed" its missile defence in Turkey on Wednesday. Advertisement "In less than 10 minutes, NATO service members identified a threat to allies, a ballistic missile, confirmed its trajectory, alerted land- and sea-based missile defence systems and launched an interceptor to defeat the threat and protect our territory and its people," he said. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte earlier on Thursday said the alliance does not plan to trigger its Article 5 mutual defence clause over the ballistic missile attack, amid fears the alliance could become embroiled in the U.S.-Iran war. Rutte did not go into detail when asked about an increased defence posture in the alliance. (Reporting by Bart Meijer and Andrew Gray; Editing by Bill Berkrot) A progressive centrist party led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah is headed for a landslide win in Nepals first nationwide election after a Gen Z-led anti-government protest toppled the previous administration in the Himalayan nation. Voting began in Nepal on Thursday for a new government to replace former prime minister Khadga Prasad Olis administration, which had been tainted by allegations of corruption, nepotism and political impunity. By Friday, as voting neared completion, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) a centrist party founded three years ago was leading in more than 100 seats of the 165 decided through the first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system. Of the 275 seats up for grabs, 165 will be filled through direct elections, while the remaining seats will be allocated through proportional representation. The RSP is led by 35-year-old Shah, the former mayor of Kathmandu, who has emerged as the Gen Z favourite in the race to become prime minister after gaining rock star-like popularity on social media during the protests in the country. Supporters of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) celebrate as counting begins in Kathmandu on March 6, 2026 a day after Nepal's parliamentary election. Counting was underway in Nepal on March 6, after a high-stakes parliamentary election to reshape the country's leadership following 2025 protests that toppled the government. (AFP via Getty Images) Mr Shah is riding a wave of public anger towards traditional political parties and has highlighted healthcare and education for poorer Nepalis as key pillars of his campaign. Early trends showed former prime minister Olis Communist Party of Nepal (Unified MarxistLeninist) leading in nine seats, while the Nepali Congress, the countrys oldest party, was ahead in 12. The former rapper was also leading Mr Oli in the latters home constituency of Jhapa 5 near the Indian border. Ram Prasad Bhandari, the chief election commissioner, has pledged to complete the vote count by 9 March. The Election Commission said it will announce the results for the 165 directly elected seats within 24 hours of the counting. The tallying of votes cast under the proportional representation system is expected to take a further two to three days, officials said. Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and the prime ministerial candidate for Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), looks on as he queues to vote during the general election in Kathmandu (REUTERS) The RSP has fielded nine Gen Z candidates, including 29-year-old Sasmit Pokharel, a former aide to Mr Shah who stepped down as mayor in January to contest the parliamentary election. Educated partly in the United States, Mr Pokharel has a background in urban planning and education policy. Advertisement The old leaders have proven themselves incompetent and arrogant, he said. We need fresh voices. The election commission said nearly 60 per cent of the countrys almost 19 million registered voters took part in Thursdays vote, including nearly one million first-time voters. A Rastriya Swatantra Party supporter photographs a friend in front of a large banner depicting party leader Balendra Shah during an election rally in Chitwan, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) west of Kathmandu, (AP) Political instability has plagued the nation of 30 million people, landlocked between nuclear powers India and China, for decades, crippling its largely agrarian economy in the Hindu-majority country. Nepal has also faced rising unemployment and widespread corruption, fuelling public dissatisfaction. The long-simmering discontent erupted into street protests last September, sparked by a social media ban that drew thousands onto the streets and led to violent clashes and deaths, ultimately forcing Mr Oli to resign. Authorities said nearly 80 people were killed during the unrest, many of them shot by police after the government ordered a crackdown. Protesters also set fire to several buildings, including parts of parliament, the Supreme Court and the central government secretariat. The 74-year-old prime minister and his government were forced to resign last September amid mounting public anger over entrenched corruption and social inequality in the Himalayan republic. Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and the prime ministerial candidate for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), along with Rabi Lamichhane, president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), take part in an election campaign (Reuters) Mr Shah studied civil engineering and is the son of a practitioner of traditional medicine. The rapper gained a following with his politically charged songs, using lyrics such as fools and looting thieves for the countrys politicians. He who has positioned himself as the face of youth-led political change has pledged to expand access to healthcare and education for poorer communities while improving the business environment for entrepreneurs in the country. The nation, which is dependent on remittances and tourism, particularly from expeditions to Mount Everest and other famed Himalayan peaks, has a per capita gross domestic product of around $1,500. Darren and Natalie Chetkowski travelling back from their honeymoon have been left stranded amid ongoing airstrikes across the Middle East Newlyweds travelling back from their honeymoon are among thousands who have been left stranded in the Middle East due to the US-Israel war with Iran. Darren and Natalie Chetkowski from Yateley, Hampshire, landed at the Hamad International Airport in Doha on Saturday on their way back from the Maldives. They were expecting to catch connecting flights to Heathrow, but instead they were met with National Emergency Alerts written in Arabic telling them to "stay at home or in a safe place". The couple told the BBC that they are growing increasingly concerned that people stuck in Doha are "not being well informed" about when they will be able to return home. When the pair was notified that their flights to Heathrow had been cancelled, they decided to spend the night at the airport. However, they were soon woken up by security informing them they needed to leave. Darren said: "There was a bit of a panic. "Everyone was really stressed, but then it took us four and a half hours to get from the security gate to the bus, so everybody was squashed in. "It was absolutely nuts." They were then taken to a hotel, which is where they have been staying ever since. Darren said: "They've looked after us really well." "It's just, you don't really know what's going on." Advertisement During their first night at the hotel, Darren said he was woken up by "four loud bangs". He said: "They literally made me jump out of bed. "The other night we got woke up at about half one and moved all of our duvet towards the hotel door." Natalie added: "We both leapt out of bed... every noise you're listening for, even people now slamming the hotel doors, you're jumping out of your skin. "It puts you on edge massively." The newlyweds do not know when they will be able to fly home. Darren and Natalie Chetkowski on their honeymoon in the Maldives Natalie said: "We were getting daily updates, but that's now changed this morning (Wednesday) to wait another couple of days, so we know we're here until probably at least then, unless the government can give us any more information that we haven't seen or heard." The newlyweds, who lived in Berkshire for years before moving to Hampshire, have children at home who are being looked after by family members. Natalie added: "It worries me that we just don't know. "We have no idea when we're going to get home, and that is a worry. Or are we going to get home? Darren and Natalie Chetkowski landed at the Hamad International Airport in Doha on Saturday on their way back from their honeymoon "We obviously realise it has to be safe, and we're all for that, but it's just really worrying that we can't even say to the kids." Darren said: "Obviously things are going on behind the scenes, but I feel like we're being, not forgotten about, but we're not being well informed... we need to know what's going on." Natalie added: "We've got a lovely hotel room, they're (the Doha government) paying for our food and our accommodation, so for that, we can't thank them enough and they're keeping us safe from all the missiles that we're hearing at the moment." More on this story JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) Thursday marked the start of the annual Niswonger Childrens Hospital Radiothon fundraiser, and the hospital also celebrated a new addition to its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Ballad Health held a press conference and cut the ribbon on the expanded NICU on Thursday morning. The new two-story addition represents a $53 million project. This is not a project that Ballad could do on its own. Its not a project that Niswonger Childrens Hospital could do on their own. It required all of our region to step up and come together to make it happen. So its just cool to see the culmination of all of that community spirit working together to make it a better place, said Jack Simpson, President of Ballad Health. A release from Ballad Health said the expansion would feature 48 private family rooms, specialized twin rooms, a new milk lab for advanced nutrition and updated technology such as Panda Warmers to help regulate body temperature for premature and medically fragile infants. Ballad Health CEO Alan Levine said the transition from shared offices to private rooms will allow parents to stay at their babys bedside. Dr. Seth Brown said the expansion will support the highest standards of neonatal care. This expansion strengthens clinical excellence at every level enhancing infection prevention, improving patient monitoring capabilities and creating an environment that supports evidence-based, family-integrated care, Brown said. With advanced technology and the addition of a dedicated milk lab to ensure precision in neonatal nutrition, we are elevating both the safety and quality of care we deliver to our most vulnerable patients. Advertisement Several nurses, former NICU babies, and others who work within the Ballad Health system spoke at the ribbon-cutting, all saying the expansion is a beneficial addition to the region. It really just hit home, you know, I was trying not to be emotional in front of everybody, but, how can you not when you see all of these success stories and just know that when we open to this new unit, theres just that many more to come, said Keaton Synder, a NICU graduate and Respiratory Therapist for the NICU ad PICU for Niswonger Childrens Hospital. Officials from Tennessee and Virginia discussed the NICU expansion and its benefits for their districts. Every Tennessee family should have access to high-quality care in their community, and the expansion of the Niswonger Childrens Hospital NICU will support our most vulnerable newborns, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said. Im grateful for Ballad Healths dedication to bringing stakeholders together to deliver better outcomes for Tennesseans. As a parent, a pediatric dentist and as someone who has spent my career advocating for the well-being of children in Southwest Virginia, I know how vital it is for families to have access to advanced neonatal care close to home, Senator Todd Pillion of Virginias Sixth Senatorial District said. The expansion of the NICU at Niswonger Childrens Hospital is not just an investment in a building its an investment in the future of our region. This project strengthens the safety net for our most vulnerable newborns and provides families on both sides of the state line the reassurance that exceptional care is within reach when it matters most. The new NICU will begin caring for babies on March 10. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Piper James Credit: Piper James/Instagram NEED TO KNOW A cause of death has been confirmed for 19-year-old Piper James, who was found dead on a beach in Australia, surrounded by a pack of wild dogs The Canadian backpacker's body was discovered on the Queensland island of K'gari on the morning of Jan. 19 Its now been confirmed that James died from drowning after being attacked by dingoes, per the BBC. Dingoes are a wild dog native to Australia An official cause of death has been confirmed for a 19-year-old Canadian backpacker who was found dead on a beach in Australia, surrounded by a pack of wild dogs. Piper James body was discovered on the Queensland island of K'gari on Monday, Jan. 19 at around 6:30 a.m. local time, near a campsite where she lived and worked for around a week before her tragic death, per the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Her body was found surrounded by a pack of around 10 dingoes a wild dog native to Australia the outlet noted, adding that eight of the wild animals had since been euthanized. Its now been confirmed that James died from drowning after being attacked by dingoes, per ABC and the BBC. A stock photo of the Australian island of K'gari Credit: Ingrid_Hendriksen/Getty The Coroners Court of Queensland said on Friday, March 6, "Piper died as a result of drowning in the setting of multiple injuries, due to, or as a consequence of a dingo attack," the BBC reported. "The investigation into Piper's death is ongoing, and no further information can be provided at this time," a Coroners Court spokesperson added, according to the ABC. The Coroners Court of Queensland didnt immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. "It breaks my heart we couldn't be there to save her, James mother, Angela James, told the ABC of the findings. Her dad, Todd James, also said to the outlet, "It hurts my heart to think she was screaming for me." "It's hard to imagine what our baby went through," he added. Around 200 dingoes live on K'gari, the BBC reported. The animals are protected as a native species by law. The latest information comes after authorities shared new insight into James' death with PEOPLE back in January. Advertisement A preliminary autopsy for the late teenager revealed evidence consistent with drowning and injuries consistent with dingo bites, a spokesperson for the Coroners Court of Queensland confirmed to PEOPLE. Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death, the spokesperson said, adding, There are extensive post-mortem dingo bite marks. There was no evidence to support that another person was involved in the young womans death, the spokesperson told PEOPLE at the time. A stock photo of a dingo Credit: Getty James had served as a firefighter in British Columbia and was an avid adventure seeker, her family previously said. The trip to Australia was supposed to be a fun-filled backpacking trip. We pushed her towards Australia thinking it would be one of the safer places to go," James mom, Angela, told the ABC in January. Angela also previously told the outlet that her daughter would regularly go for an early morning swim. "She just loved to start her day in the ocean watching the sun come up, because she just felt so free there," she told the ABC. "She said it was the most amazing thing." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The last known person to be fatally attacked by dingoes on the island was a 9-year-old boy in 2001, after he tripped and fell near a campsite, the ABC reported. The outlet noted that chasing prey into the ocean is a common hunting strategy for the wild dogs on the island. Back in 2023, a 23-year-old woman was chased into the water by four dingoes, while she was jogging along the beach. She suffered bites to her limbs and torso, before a bystander came to her rescue and helped her out of the ocean, the ABC previously stated. Read the original article on People The Washington State Legislative Building is seen in Olympia. Photo: Brett Davis / The Center Square Washington state received troubling news from a recently published economic report. The 2026 Competitiveness Redbook, a study conducted by the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy, found that the states business climate is in alarmingly poor shape. The Redbook examines 61 different economic indicators to take the pulse on the health of Washingtons economy. This includes various data such as electricity prices, unemployment insurance payments, minimum wage, taxes, and educational pursuits of the population. The consensus of the findings is that even as Washingtons small business economy has been trending downward over the years, this past year has taken an unprecedented plunge further in the wrong direction. This includes imposing one of the largest tax increases in state history last year: a business and occupation tax rate increase, expansion of the sales tax, increases in the death (estate) and capital gains income tax, elimination of certain tax preferences, and additional taxes on luxury items and electric vehicle credit. One of the key takeaways is that the data shows a continued slowing in job growth in Washington. Last year, Washington added 19,800 non-agricultural jobs, for a 0.5% growth rate. That was 35th in the nation, down from 56,100 jobs created the year before (24th in the nation) and down from 109,000 jobs a decade ago, which was second highest in the nation. Historically, Washington has enjoyed energy at a low cost due to its hydroelectric power, but even that perk seems to be sinking. The Climate Commitment Act cost increase on energy distributors is being passed on directly to the consumer, and they are feeling the heat. Association of Washington Businesses (AWB) President Kris Johnson reacted to the report, saying: The data aligns with what Washington employers are telling us directly. Rising taxes and higher costs are putting businesses under increasing strain, driving decisions to expand or relocate outside Washington. At the same time, a key competitive advantage low-cost electricity is starting to slip as new laws and regulations push up energy costs. Together, these trends should be a warning sign for lawmakers as they debate new taxes and policies that could further weaken Washingtons competitiveness. Advertisement It's not just the Redbook that came to this conclusion, but various other reports as well. Washington was ranked 45th in the Tax Foundations 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index and 35th in the Schweitzer Engineering Labs 2025 Freedom Index. Every sector is facing pressure from the states record tax increase last year, with additional threats from the proposed unconstitutional income tax this year. It shouldnt be surprising, then, that AWB found in its quarterly survey that 44% of business leaders are considering moving their personal residence out of Washington state. This figure has doubled since the income tax was proposed in the legislature. In addition, 17% of businesses are considering fleeing Washington altogether, which is up 9% from the same time last year. In a broader perspective, MSPCs Fact Book shows that Washington continually lags behind its neighbors in the region on multiple economic indicators. The Evergreen state has the highest general fund spending per capita, debt per capita, and state and local tax collections per capita in the region. Consequently, Washington business owners are flocking to states like Idaho. Rather than constantly targeting businesses for tax increases, lawmakers should be looking to improve the states economic climate. Instead, Washington currently has the 8th highest 10-year business failure rate, and the highest 5-year business failure rate due to the overwhelming tax and regulatory burdens. The state used to be known for its history of successful companies being formed and becoming worldwide brands, with Amazon, Starbucks, and Boeing as examples. The reality today is that policymakers are making it increasingly harder to thrive and innovate within the ever-increasing tax and regulatory burden. The numerous economic reports are a loud warning that, unless a course correction is made, more entrepreneurs will be looking elsewhere to do business. Sam Cardwell is a Policy Analyst for the Mountain States Policy Center, an independent research organization based in Idaho, Montana, Eastern Washington and Wyoming. Online at mountainstatespolicy.org. Oregon woman who forced child to eat their own vomit convicted PORTLAND, Ore (KOIN) A Central Oregon woman who attempted to evade police after being accused of abusing a child in her care has been found guilty on several charges. The Deschutes County District Attorneys Office confirmed to KOIN 6 that Sarah Session was convicted of third-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of coercion and four counts of criminal mistreatment on Thursday. Michel Fournier found guilty of murdering estranged wife in Clackamas County The 34-year-old woman was originally indicted on 19 counts in connection to the child abuse case in February 2025. According to the indictment, Session was deliberately cruel to a kid under the age of 10 between June 2023 and February 2024. Court documents show the Sunriver-area resident caused serious physical injury to the victim, citing a curtain rod, window stopper and getting dressed incident. They further alleged Session hit the child on their head and leg, and prevented them from receiving needed medical treatment. In addition, documents revealed she forced the child to eat their own vomit. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Subscribe Now KOIN Breaking News Alerts This offense involved the defendants violation of professional responsibility to wit: the defendant had specialized education and training regarding the care and education of minor children and disregarded that education and training, the indictment reads. The degree of harm attributed to this offense was significantly greater than is typical for such an offense. The defendant has shown lack of remorse with respect to this offense. KOIN 6 previously reported that Sessions parents, Paula Hardenburg and Gary Hardenburg, were indicted as her co-defendants last February as well. On Feb. 20, 2025, the Deschutes County Sheriffs Office announced the family was attempting to hide from law enforcement after authorities issued nationwide felony warrants for their arrest. Officials located and arrested them a day later as they hid in a Coos County hotel, according to the Sheriffs Office. Homeless man tortured, beaten to death inside Oregon home, 3 arrested Paula, 61, has been convicted of second-degree assault, tampering with physical evidence and four counts of criminal mistreatment. Gary, 66, was found guilty of tampering with physical evidence and two counts of criminal mistreatment. Their sentencing is slated for Friday, Apr. 3. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) More than 200 goats were seized from a Malheur County dairy farm last week after their owners allegedly failed to provide them with care. Taunia and Aaron Barr, who own Grand Barr Dairy on Grand Avenue near Nyssa, were indicted by a grand jury Feb. 26 on hundreds of counts of animal neglect. According to court documents, Tania Barr, 64, faces one count of first-degree animal neglect and 245 counts of second-degree animal neglect. Aaron Barr, 36, faces 246 charges of second-degree animal neglect. 12 arrested at Portland encampment after mess sparked neighborhood concerns A spokesperson for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said the case originated from an undercover investigation it conducted after an employee of the dairy farm reached out to them with concerns. The goats suffered from a variety of conditions, including skin lesions, malnourishment, dehydration and more, according to PETA. One of the goats allegedly had been neglected for so long that maggot eggs were found on the animal. Another could not walk and instead got around by crawling on its knees. A Grand Barr Dairy goat, unable to stand, crawls on its knees inside its pen. The goat was one of more than 200 that were seized by the Malheur County Sheriffs Office after the Oregon Department of Justice indicted its owners. (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) The owners allegedly declined to call a veterinarian to care for sick goats, despite several of them suffering from a bacterial infection known to be contagious. Only about 210 of the goats survived, according to PETA. Many were in such poor condition that they had to be euthanized. According to a Dec. 16 update posted to the Malheur County Sheriffs Office Facebook page, two complaints regarding animal neglect were received. A veterinarian inspected the goats on site and the case was referred to the Oregon Department of Justice. Close Advertisement Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest Laura Chenel, a goat cheese maker in Sonoma, Calif., who previously sourced goat milk from the dairy, stopped doing business with the Barrs when news of the allegations began to surface. After conducting our own investigation, we immediately terminated our relationship with this producer, the cheesemaker said in a statement, first reported by the Sonoma Index-Tribune. The Malheur County Sheriffs Office did not respond to an email request for comment or more information. The owners of Grand Barr Dairy could not be reached for comment. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Civics, history and social studies teachers from elementary, middle and high schools across Pennsylvania can apply through April 1 for a summer professional education symposium offered at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County. The Flight 93 National Memorial Education Symposium, titled "Teaching With Courage: 9/11 and the Legacy of Flight 93," takes place June 22-24. Around 40 educators will be accepted into this program for "disciplined historical inquiry" into the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the story of Flight 93 in particular, as the nation remembers the 25th anniversary of those events that occurred in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Visitors walk along the path of the Memorial Plaza at Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville. "The (symposium) will provide educators with the tools and confidence to help students understand the significance and lasting impact of this critical moment in U.S. history," said Melissa Nelson, assistant professor of practice at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Advertisement The symposium is sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh School of Education, Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial and the National Park Service, with support from an America250PA Semiquincentennial grant. The cost of workshop materials, overnight accommodations and onsite meals will be covered for those educators selected to participate, according to the symposium website. "Our goal is to provide an immersive experience at the memorial for teachers and to build a talented network of educators to support 9/11 education into the future," said Donna Gibson, executive director of Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial. To apply or for more information, visit the symposium page at the Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial website. This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Pennsylvania teachers can apply for summer symposium in Shanksville Shiite Muslims walk over the representation of U.S. and Israeli flags with pictures of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a rally to condemn the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and against the Israeli strikes on Iran, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed) ISLAMABAD (AP) Hundreds of minority Shiites rallied Friday in Pakistans capital and elsewhere in the country to denounce the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.-Israeli strikes, as the U.S. Embassy In Islamabad issued a security alert warning Americans of possible violence. Amid heavy police presence, about 300 protesters staged a sit-in in Islamabad, holding posters of Khamenei and chanting Death to America and Death to Israel. Islamabad police had parked shipping containers on roads leading to the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad to prevent any potential escalation. Pakistani authorities said the protesters had agreed not to march toward the embassy in Islamabad, located about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the sit-in. The protesters planned to end their sit-in later Friday. Khamenei, who ruled Iran since 1989, has long been a central religious and political figure for Shiites worldwide, including in Pakistan. His death in a joint U.S.-Israeli operation at the start of the war last week sparked outrage among many Shiites. Advertisement Security was also been beefed up in the port city of Karachi, where hundreds of Shiites stormed the U.S. Consulate on Sunday, smashing windows and attempting to set the building on fire. Police used batons, tear gas, and live fire to disperse the crowd. The violence left 10 protesters dead in Karachi, and at least 13 were killed in northern cities, including Skardu and Gilgit. In Karachi, Shiite protesters gathered on Friday some 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the consulate. Separately, smaller groups of Sunni protesters also rallied in Islamabad and Karachi on Friday against the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The protests were held far from the U.S. diplomatic missions. No violence was reported. In a security alert ahead of the demonstrations, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad urged Americans in the country to limit their movement outside. Also, an updated advisory warned U.S. citizens against travel to Pakistans southwestern Balochistan province, northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir due to risks of terrorism and kidnapping. Shiites make up roughly 15% of Pakistans population of about 250 million, the majority of whom are Sunni Muslims. A Maryland man pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots was arrested earlier this week after allegedly filming himself touching the hair of female passengers while riding the local Metro train in the Washington, D.C., area. Bryan Betancur, 28, now faces charges of assault and battery. Politics: Man Pardoned Over Jan. 6 Capitol Attack Announces Run For U.S. Senate The Metro Transit Police announced Monday that the Silver Spring, Maryland, man was wanted on suspicion of said charges and confirmed that the alleged incident occurred Sunday aboard a Silver Line train servicing the Clarendon Metro Station shortly after 10 p.m. local time. The department stated Tuesday in an update on social media that officers had located and arrested Betancur, but also encouraged anyone with information about him to contact Metro Transit Police. The videos he allegedly took have gone viral on social media. The police on Monday said theyre aware of videos circulating depicting inappropriate behavior toward Metro customers. While they have not confirmed these were taken by Betancur, the clips show a man secretly touching womens hair aboard the Metro. One video appears to have been live-streamed from an account called Bryan On Task. Advertisement Betancur pleaded guilty in May 2022 to one count of disorderly conduct in a restricted building or grounds for his role on Jan. 6, 2021. He was sentenced in August 2022 to four months in prison and one year of supervised release, reported The Washington Post. Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Betancur, seen here on Jan. 6, 2026, with the Certificate of Pardon he received from Trump. Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images Betancur was on parole for burglary charges before he participated in the Jan. 6 riots and apparently only received permission to travel to D.C. that day by convincing Marylands division of parole and probation that he wanted to hand out Bibles to other attendees. Betancur was still wearing his court-ordered GPS ankle monitor when he entered restricted areas, and was described in his 2021 indictment as a self-professed white supremacist, as he reportedly admitted to multiple law enforcement officers. News: Lindsey Vonn Reveals Whats Next In Her Hard And Painful Journey' After Olympics Crash His defense attorney, Ubong E. Akpan, argued in a 2022 defense memorandum that Betancur struggles with mental health issues. The 2021 indictment states that Betancur had researched school shootings and made comments about carrying one out. Trump pardoned all Jan. 6 rioters on his first day back in office last year. Related... Read the original on HuffPost She was 13, getting decent grades, and still showing up to netball practice. To her parents, nothing seemed especially wrong. But for months, she had been quietly wishing she did not exist. When she finally told a school counselor, her family was blindsided. Stories like this are not rare. According to the CDCs 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, roughly one in three U.S. high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the previous year, and about one in five seriously considered suicide. The gap between what a young person is feeling and what the adults around them perceive remains one of the most dangerous blind spots in adolescent mental health. But that gap is not hopeless. With sharper awareness, calmer responses, and timely professional help, parents and caregivers can intervene before a crisis takes hold. Why I wish I didnt exist is never just drama Photo by maxim bober By 13, most kids understand that saying they wish they were not alive will provoke a reaction, which tempts some adults to write it off as attention-seeking. That instinct is wrong, and potentially fatal. Any statement a young person makes about wanting to die, disappear, or not exist should be treated as meaningful, says the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), which lists warning signs including preoccupation with death, giving away prized possessions, withdrawal from friends and family, and a sudden calm after prolonged distress. What makes detection harder is that adolescent depression often does not look like adult sadness. The UKs National Health Service notes that depressed teenagers frequently present as irritable rather than tearful, and may act out at school, refuse homework, or pick fights with friends instead of openly saying they feel low. Parents tend to see the fallout (the detentions, the slammed doors, the dropped hobbies) without recognizing the feelings driving it. Longitudinal research supports this pattern. A study from Irelands Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), drawing on the Growing Up in Ireland cohort, found that children who were bullied at age 9 had significantly higher depression scores by age 13, and that only a minority of 13-year-olds who experienced bullying-type behavior told anyone about it. The silence compounds the risk. Reading the signs at home without spiraling Parents juggling work, younger siblings, and the daily grind can easily miss early warning signs, especially when those signs mimic ordinary teenage moodiness. A teen who stops going out, sleeps too much or too little, loses interest in activities they once loved, or shows a sudden change in appetite is not necessarily in crisis. But when several of these shifts cluster together and persist for more than two weeks, they deserve attention, not excuses. The NHS guidance on childhood depression flags these specific red flags: persistent low mood, fatigue, social withdrawal, declining school performance, and, in some cases, experimentation with alcohol or drugs. Irelands Health Service Executive (HSE) adds that younger adolescents may become unusually clingy with a parent or caregiver, a sign that is easy to misread as immaturity rather than distress. Advertisement For many caregivers, the first instinct when a child expresses suicidal thoughts is panic or defensiveness: How could you say that? or After everything we do for you? Both responses, though human, shut the conversation down. Clinical psychologist guidance from the American Psychological Association encourages parents to first acknowledge their own surge of fear and helplessness privately, so they can respond to the child with curiosity rather than accusation. A sentence like, You must be hurting a lot to feel that way. I want to understand, keeps the door open instead of slamming it shut. How to respond when a child finally says it out loud When a young person admits they wish they did not exist, the words can land like a physical blow. The urge to fix it immediately, to offer solutions, to minimize, is strong. But the most effective first response is simpler: listen. Research published in Psychological Medicine and summarized by the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Australia program confirms that asking a young person directly about suicidal thoughts does not plant ideas or increase risk. In fact, giving them language for what they are feeling can reduce distress by breaking the isolation around it. Child psychologist Dr. Justin Coulson, writing for Happy Families, recommends reflecting the childs emotions back to them (It sounds like things feel really hopeless right now) rather than jumping to reassurance or problem-solving. This validates their experience and builds the trust needed for them to keep talking. Three things matter most in that initial conversation: Thank them for telling you. Saying I am really glad you told me reinforces that speaking up was the right thing to do. Reassure them that your love is not conditional. A child who has been hiding dark thoughts for weeks or months often fears that revealing them will cause rejection or punishment. Do not promise to keep it a secret. Be honest that you may need to involve a professional, and frame that as an act of care, not betrayal. What to do next: getting professional help Listening is essential, but it is not a substitute for professional assessment. The AACAP recommends that any child who expresses suicidal ideation be evaluated by a mental health professional experienced in working with young people. A good starting point is the childs pediatrician or family doctor, who can screen for depression and make a referral. If a child is in immediate danger (they have a plan, access to means, or are threatening to act), do not leave them alone. Call emergency services or go directly to the nearest emergency department. Crisis resources (available 24/7): 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988 Crisis Text Line : Text HOME to 741741 Childline (UK/Ireland): Call 0800 1111 (UK) or 1800 66 66 66 (Ireland) Kids Helpline (Australia): Call 1800 55 1800 Recovery is rarely linear, and a single conversation will not resolve months of hidden pain. But that first conversation, handled with calm and compassion, can be the turning point. For a 13-year-old who believed nobody would understand, discovering that someone does can change the entire trajectory. More from Decluttering Mom: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks during a press conference, Feb. 17, 2026. Photo: Screenshot / TVW / Used with Permission (The Center Square) Gov. Bob Ferguson on Friday morning indicated that he will sign a revised version of proposed income tax legislation that is, assuming Senate Bill 6346 passes the Legislature, which looks likely at this point. SB 6346 proposes a 9.9% tax rate on Washington adjusted gross income exceeding $1 million. Ive said from the beginning of the discussion around the Millionaires Tax: Any bill I sign must send a significant percentage of that revenue back to Washington families and small business owners to make life more affordable. We must significantly expand eligibility for the Working Families Tax Credit, and reduce taxes on small business owners, the governor said in a statement. Im glad to say the latest floor amendment to the bill achieves these critical goals, and will help make our state more affordable. I will sign this version of the bill. Ferguson was referring to a striker amendment to SB 6346 by Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek. A striker amendment, or striking amendment, is a procedural tool that removes the entire text of a bill everything after the title and replaces it with new, often substantially different language. Advertisement The current proposal makes the Working Families Tax Credit available to 460,000 additional households, Ferguson said. Thats money straight back into the pockets of working families. The Working Families Tax Credit is an existing program in which qualifying families receive a check from the State for an amount between $300 and $1,300. Other changes to the revised income tax proposal include exempting over-the-counter medicines from the sales tax and sending 5% of revenue from the income tax to the Fair Start For Kids Account, which aims to make child care and early education more affordable and accessible. Only a few days ago, Ferguson sounded less than optimistic about the controversial income tax passing the Legislature, with media reports that the governor had told supporters and donors in an email that getting the bill just right could mean coming back next year to finish the bill in a longer session. Income tax supporters like Ferguson and majority party Democrats view it as a necessary step toward balancing a regressive tax system and funding services. Critics, including Republican lawmakers and business leaders, argue its a money grab that will hurt the economy, trigger capital flight and eventually expand to middle-income earners. SB 6346 has cleared the Senate and is set for a vote in the House. Time is a factor, with the 60-day session set to end on March 12. A letter raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the appointment of Susie Carnes to the Pueblo County School District 70 board and requesting immediate changes has been sent to board leadership on behalf of the other three candidates who applied for the position. Jonathan Lewis, Tara Stroesenreuther and Adolph Vigil's concerns were summarized in a March 4 letter from Colorado attorney Eric Maxfield obtained by the Chieftain. The passed-over board candidates request "urgent action" be taken for the board to "come into compliance with the Colorado Constitution, statutes, and the Boards own policies," including the invalidation and rehearing of "any action taken without lawful quorum, without adequate notice or in violation of Open Meetings requirements." Susie Carnes speaks at a Pueblo County School District 70 meeting on March 3, 2026. On Feb. 10, the Pueblo D70 board met to appoint a board director from the pool of candidates to fill a vacancy left by Anne Ochs' resignation. After the board was deadlocked 2-2, Board Director A.J. Wilson experienced a seizure and Board President Ann Bennett subsequently broke quorum by leaving the meeting without adjournment. "The Board's deadline to fill the vacancy was February 14," the letter said. "Per statements in the February 10, 2026 meeting, Director Wilson was unavailable after February 10, but Directors (Mark) Emery and (Michelle) Erickson were available. Board President Bennett waited for the deadline to pass and then unilaterally appointed Carnes to replace Director Ochs in private on February 16, 2026." Expressing concerns that the Feb. 10 meeting was never adjourned, Emery and Erickson refused to approve a Feb. 24 meeting agenda as presented. At that point, Pueblo D70 Board Attorney Brad Miller instructed Bennett to end the Feb. 24 meeting. "President Bennett and Board Attorney Miller shut down any conversation, indicated there was no meeting, and exited, without a vote of the members present; President Bennett's departure again broke quorum," the letter said. Prior to curing "procedurally defective actions" that were made without quorum, adequate notice, or compliance with the open meetings law, the letter requests that a review be conducted by an independent counsel at a public meeting. It also requests that the board adopt objective standards for filling vacancies, a protocol for open meetings compliance, and a protocol for Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) compliance. Additionally, the letter calls for updates to conflict-of-interest disclosure requirements, reaffirmation of compliance with state law, mandatory governance training, a formal commitment to institutional governance, and a prohibition on ideological advocacy. Pueblo County District 70 School Board President Ann Bennett speaks before a planned board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Carnes and Bennett share ties to Forging Education, a nonprofit operator of private Christian schools under the umbrella of the conservative Christian organization Forging Pueblo. Bennett previously taught a home-school enrichment program part-time for the organization. Carnes and Bennett's daughter, Anna, have taught at schools associated with Forging Education. In a section describing the request for reaffirmation of state law compliance, the letter specifically mentions Article IX, Section 8 of the Colorado Constitution, which states: "No religious test or qualification shall ever be required of any person as a condition of admission into any public educational institution of the state, either as a teacher or student; and no teacher or student of any such institution shall ever be required to attend or participate in any religious service whatsoever." The state constitution also prohibits the teaching of "sectarian tenets or doctrines" in public schools, among other prohibitions. "This is a matter of urgency, affecting the proper governance and functioning of Pueblo County School District 70, and Mr. Lewis, Ms. Stroesenreuther, and Mr. Vigil request that the Board and District respond within five business days," the letter states. Maxfield confirmed with the Chieftain that the letter was sent by him. He also said he has authorization to challenge Pueblo D70 board members' conduct in state district court. In a statement to the Chieftain in response to Maxfield's letter, Pueblo D70 Public Information Officer Lynnette Bonfiglio said the district "recognizes the communitys concerns regarding board governance." "Our unwavering focus remains on supporting our students, families and staff," the statement reads. "We are fully committed to maintaining a safe, stable and productive learning environment where every member of our school community can focus on their essential work of teaching, learning and achieving academic success." Pueblo West community member Chris Sutton speaks at a Pueblo County School District 70 meeting on March 3, 2026. Community group calls for Carnes to be removed from Pueblo D70 board On March 5, a group of concerned community members known as the "#WeAreD70 Coalition" cited Maxfield's legal letter while calling for the "immediate" removal of Carnes from the Pueblo D70 board. Advertisement "The coalition asserts that Ms. Carnes appointment made unilaterally by Board President Ann Bennett after actions the coalition believes resulted in a bad-faith broken quorum during the appointment process was procedurally flawed and undermines public trust in the districts governance," coalition members stated in a news release. The coalition argues that Carnes should have never been considered for the school board position, as her relationship with Forging Education presents "a significant conflict of interest." The coalition supported its claim with a September 2023 quote from Forging Education founder Quin Friberg. I mean, we would be far better off without public education, I'll just leave it there," Friberg said in a 2023 appearance on the "Truth & Liberty Live Call-In Show." If we could just get rid of the whole thing, wed be in a very different boat right now if it wasnt for public education," he said. Pro-life pastors led a prayer circle before the Pueblo city council meeting on November 28, 2022. Quin Friberg, center left, was one of the people to speak against a proposed abortion clinic during public comment. Mark Lee Dickson, facing away from the camera wearing a black cap, is an anti-abortion activist from Texas who has been involved with dozens of municipal abortion bans and the Texas law banning abortions at 6 weeks. The episode featuring Friberg's comments has since been removed from the Truth and Liberty website. A month after his appearance on the podcast, Friberg told the Chieftain he does not oppose public funding for education but would prefer privatization. We would have been better off leaving it to the parents, private organizations to determine how they want to handle the education of their child, versus the government becoming the one who is in charge of education, so I do stand by the comment, Friberg told the Chieftain in October 2023. Petition calling for resignations surpasses 1,000 signatures On March 6, #WeAreD70 announced that a community petition calling for Bennett, Wilson and Miller's resignations had surpassed 1,000 signatures. The petition states that Bennett and Wilson violated the public trust and their fiduciary duty by retaining Miller as the school districts attorney earlier this year, with clear political conflicts at our taxpayer expense. It accuses Wilson and Bennett of attempting to subvert Colorado Open Meetings Law, the D70 Board, and the District" to install Carnes, which it claims was tied to efforts to divert public school dollars to religious schools." The latter claim centers around Riverstone Academy, an elementary school that quietly opened in Pueblo County last August. Riverstone's backers have called it Colorados first public Christian school." Emails obtained by Chalkbeat Colorado showed Miller sought to launch Riverstone Academy in order to spark a lawsuit on the question of public funding for religious schools. Riverstone Academy, along with its authorizer, Education reEnvisioned Board of Cooperative Educational Services (ERBOCES), recently filed a lawsuit in federal district court against 10 state education leaders over the states ban on religious public schools, alleging religious discrimination, Chalkbeat reported. Riverstone is currently receiving state education funding, but the money could eventually be clawed back by the state, which would be the end of the school as it currently exists and create financial and accounting difficulties for ERBOCES, the lawsuit states, according to Chalkbeat. This is not about students. Its about power, politics, agenda, culture wars, & clout farming at the expense of our community, the resignation petition states. We, the undersigned parents, students, staff, and taxpayers of Pueblo County & School District 70, respectfully call for immediate corrective action to restore stability, transparency, and public confidence in our Board of Education. We demand the immediate resignation of Ann Bennett, A.J. Wilson, & Attorney Brad Miller. More Pueblo D70: Pueblo D70 board tensions ease as directors seek to move forward Chieftain Editor Zach Hillstrom contributed to this report. Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news; subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Passed-over Pueblo D70 board candidates send letter to demand changes Springettsbury Township Police Department A man in Pennsylvania has been arrested after he bit off another persons nose and attempted to set them on fire. The assault took place at a homeless encampment in Springettsbury Township, Pennsylvania, around 8:20 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, according to WGAL News 8. Police officers responded to the scene when they received a report of an "explosion" after someone called to say they heard a "loud boom" and saw a fire in the area, according to court documents viewed by the outlet. Once authorities reported to the scene, they found a fire in the wooded area of the homeless encampment. Police Charge Pennsylvania Man, 22, With Raping 3 Women, Including a 95-Year-Old Officers quickly found the victim covered in blood, while about 75 percent of his body was covered in flames. Court documents state that the victim was "missing his nose and eye, while it also noted that he was barely able to speak. Police also noted that there were small explosions going off as they pulled the victim away from the fire. When officers were able to get the victim in stable condition, they asked him who attacked him. "He did it, the victim responded, adding that "he tried to kill me. However, the victim was not able to give a name or any identifying characteristics of the attacker. Advertisement Police later identified Zachary Orwig as a suspect and located him less than 10 yards away from the scene. Orwig, 39, was found with blood on his hands, arms, face and pants, according to police. Additionally, the documents noted that there was blood-covered cash at his feet and he had a knife tucked into his pants. Following the attack, the victim was transported to York Hospital with "multiple facial fractures, a ruptured eye and broken eye socket and an unknown injury on his chest. After launching an investigation into the matter, police determined that the victim's nose had been bitten off during the attack. The victim needed further treatment and was later airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital in critical condition. The status of his health is not currently known. Orwig and the victim were the only ones at the encampment on the night of the attack, according to police. While speaking to investigators, the victim said that he had cash on him that his mother gave to him. The money may have acted as a motive in Orwigs decision to attack him. Pennsylvania Man Allegedly Confessed to Killing Parents and Sister With Psycho Type Knife Meanwhile, Orwig told investigators that he did not remember what happened at the time of the attack. He also said that he could not explain how the cash ended up with him. Orwig was arrested and charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, simple assault and strangulation, according to the documents. It is not currently clear if Orwig has entered a plea or retained legal representation. The Springettsbury Township Police Department did not immediately respond to Us Weeklys request for comment regarding the case. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place on March 13. The investigation into the attack remains ongoing. The Pentagon building is seen in Arlington, Virginia, U.S, April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Tom Brenner WASHINGTON, March 6 (Reuters) - The Pentagon said Friday it will conduct testing with the Federal Aviation Administration this weekend in New Mexico of high-energy laser used to address threatening drones. "This upcoming event will specifically address FAA safety concerns while gathering data about the lasers material effects on aircraft surrogates," the Pentagon said. Advertisement The U.S. military on February 25 errantly shot down a government drone with a laser-based anti-drone system. This prompted the FAA to expand an area where flights are barred around Fort Hancock, Texas after the FAA said on Feb. 18 it was halting all flights for 10 days at the airport in nearby El Paso, Texas, only to reverse course and lift its order after about eight hours. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) A portable charger has become part of the modern travel accessories because airline apps, digital boarding passes, streaming downloads, and ride-share pickups all depend on a working phone. Airport gates are full of travelers guarding the few open outlets, so slipping a power bank into a carry-on feels like common sense. For most of us power bank is a harmless accessory, but in some parts of the world, using it mid-air could now land you in serious trouble. Japan is set to ban the use of portable chargers on domestic flights starting in April 2026, and the crackdown does not stop there. Japans transport ministry has notified airlines that charging power banks using seat power outlets will also be prohibited. Storing them in overhead bins is also off the table. Travelers will still be allowed to bring portable chargers onboard, but only in carry-on baggage, and each passenger will be limited to two devices that do not exceed 160 watt-hours. Why Airlines Are Cracking Down Image via Getty Images/AzmanJaka The move comes after a string of in-flight incidents involving lithium-ion batteries overheating, smoking, or catching fire. In the United States alone, there were 95 verified lithium battery incidents mid-air in 2025, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The year before saw 89 incidents, and more than 500 have been recorded over the past two decades. Japans National Institute of Technology reported that accidents related to mobile batteries increased by 160% between 2020 and 2024. That spike has put regulators on alert. One of the most high-profile incidents occurred in January 2025, when an Air Busan aircraft caught fire while waiting for takeoff. South Koreas transport ministry later said investigators found multiple electrical melting marks from a lithium battery power bank. The aircraft was badly damaged. More recently, an Alaska Airlines flight made an emergency landing in February 2026 after a passengers phone and battery pack caught fire inside the cabin. The device was placed in a containment bag before landing, and the passenger received medical attention at the gate. Its Not Just Japan Image via Wikimedia Commons/besopha Japan is not acting alone. South Korea has already implemented nationwide restrictions that ban storing power banks in overhead bins and prohibit charging them using seat USB outlets. Thai Airways has banned the in-flight use and charging of power banks, effective March 15. Advertisement Singapore Airlines will ban the use of power banks and prohibit charging them on the plane beginning in April. The same rule applies to its low-cost subsidiary Scoot. Hong Kongs aviation regulator will prohibit passengers from using power banks during flights and from storing lithium batteries in overhead compartments starting April 7. AirAsia now requires passengers to store power banks under the seat or in the seat pocket and prohibits charging portable devices during the flight. Taiwans EVA Air, China Airlines, and Uni Air have also banned in-flight use. In Australia, Virgin Australia introduced a ban on onboard use after a power bank caught fire in an overhead locker. Qantas, QantasLink, and Jetstar followed in December. Lufthansa implemented similar restrictions effective January 15, 2026. What the Rules Actually Allow Most airlines still allow passengers to carry portable chargers in their cabin bags, but there are limits. In general, passengers can bring up to 2 lithium-ion power banks with capacities between 100 and 160 watt-hours. Devices with a capacity of less than 100 watt-hours are typically permitted without special approval. Many power banks list capacity in milliampere-hours instead of watt-hours. A typical 160Wh limit translates to roughly 43,000 mAh for a 3.7-volt battery. Power banks are prohibited in checked baggage under FAA and TSA regulations. They must be kept in carry-on luggage so the crew can respond quickly if a device overheats. The Real Risk Behind the Ban Image via Getty Images/john_99 Lithium-ion batteries are widely used because they store a large amount of energy in a compact space. That same energy density can become dangerous under certain conditions. A process known as thermal runaway can cause batteries to overheat rapidly, leading to fire or explosion. This can happen if a battery is damaged, overcharged, exposed to water, improperly packed, or affected by a manufacturing defect. High-altitude and low-pressure cabin conditions can intensify overheating risks. Because of that, some regulators now require battery terminals to be insulated or stored in protective pouches to prevent contact with metal objects. What This Means for Travelers If you are flying within Japan from April 2026 and try to use your portable charger mid-flight, you could be violating airline policy. Refusing to comply with safety rules can result in denied boarding, removal from the aircraft, or future travel restrictions, depending on the airline. The portable charger that once felt like a travel essential is now under global scrutiny. As more airlines tighten their policies, keeping your devices powered in the air may not be as simple. This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255). Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, announced Thursday evening he will not seek re-election amid a House Ethics investigation into an affair he admitted to having with a former staffer. Gonzales, a married father of 6, admitted to the affair for the first time during an appearance on a conservative talk radio show on Wednesday a day after advancing to the GOP primary runoff for his congressional district. "At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. During my 20 years in the military and three terms in Congress, I have fought for that cause with absolute dedication to the country that I love," Gonzales said in a statement. "From overcoming the border crisis to taking a stand with my communities after the worst school shooting in Texas history, my philosophy has never changed: do as much as you can, and always fight for the greater good," he continued. Mike Johnson Asks Embattled House Republican Tony Gonzales To Drop Re-election Bid Read On The Fox News App Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, arrives for a press conference in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. "After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment Ive always had to my district," he added. "Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful." "I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions," he said on "The Joe Pags Show" Wednesday night. "Since then, I've reconciled with my wife, Angel. I've asked God to forgive me, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever." The House Ethics Committee also launched an investigation into Gonzales on Wednesday to determine if he engaged in sexual misconduct with a female member of his staff and whether he doled out special favors or privileges as a result. The former staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, died after setting herself on fire outside her home late last year. Advertisement Mike Johnson Asks Embattled House Republican Tony Gonzales To Drop Re-election Bid Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, is seen in the U.S. Capitol before the House voted to keep the government funded into March, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. House GOP leaders called on the embattled representative to drop his re-election bid. "The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzaless conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously. Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation," Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other top Republicans said in a statement this week. "We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election," they added. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., and other top Republicans encouraged Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, to withdraw his re-election campaign amid a House Ethics investigation into the affair. Gonzales' departure paves the way for challenger Brandon Herrera to take the nomination. Herrera narrowly edged Gonzales by a 43.33% - 41.73% margin in Texas' GOP primary for the 23rd congressional district on Tuesday, causing a runoff due to neither candidate earning 50% of the vote. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Herrera called his opponent's withdrawal from the race the "appropriate decision." "I appreciate Tony Gonzales for making the appropriate decision," Herrera wrote on X. "I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves. From the border, to oil theft, water rights, data centers, and many other issues. Its an honor to be chosen and together we will make Texas proud." Gonzales initially said he would not step down in the face of the accusations, telling reporters in late February "what youve seen is not all the facts." Fox News Digital's Anders Hagstrom and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report. Original article source: Rep Tony Gonzales announces he will not seek re-election amid House Ethics investigation into affair Democratic voters turned out at especially high rates for Californias special statewide election for Proposition 50 in November, an analysis by the Public Policy Institute of California found. While there was no guarantee the measure a voterapproved redistricting overhaul that California leaders pursued to counter middecade Republican mapdrawing in Texas would pass, its success was partially rooted in the large Democratic voter turnout, the nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank said in a March 3 blog post. To the extent that it reflects widespread Democratic enthusiasm, this turnout bodes well for the party in the midterm elections, the nonprofit said. But it offers a mixed message about the broader representativeness of the electorate. What is Proposition 50? Proposition 50 authorized temporary changes to the states congressional district maps in response to Texass partisan redistricting, according to the California Legislature's Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor. The measure was designed to help Democrats gain five House seats, the Public Policy Institute of California said. With the passage of the measure, the state will use the new congressional district maps from 2026 through 2030. California Proposition 50 ranks as the seventh most expensive ballot measure in the states history, according to Ballotpedia. As of Oct. 13, about $139.9 million had been raised for and against Proposition 50. Supporters received $97.7 million, while opponents received $42.2 million, Ballotpedia said. Days after its passage, the Justice Department sued California over the redistricting, arguing the state violated the Constitution by using race as a factor in redrawing district lines, allegedly favoring Hispanic voters. However, a federal court upheld Proposition 50 in January. What margin did Proposition 50 pass with? Proposition 50 passed with a wide margin: 64.4% voted yes, and 35.6% voted no, according to NPR reporting. Who turned out to vote for Proposition 50? Proposition 50 saw a 50% voter turnout rate, comparable to that seen at a high-engagement midterm, the Public Policy Institute of California said. Even still, the turnout was far below turnout in the most recent presidential election, the nonprofit said. Advertisement Compared to 2024, turnout dropped among every major demographic group, according to the nonprofit. For racial/ethnic groups, Asian Americans saw the largest declines in voter turnout compared to 2024, the nonprofit said. Turnout across age groups varied widely, the nonprofit said. "Older Californians matched their historical pattern of showing up in lower-profile elections, with greater declines for all voters under 55," the nonprofit said. The youngest age group, those 18 to 24, tend to be the least consistent about voting in non-presidential elections; however, the group "maintained their turnout slightly better than those aged 3544," the nonprofit said. The nonprofit said it found no differences in voter turnout between men and women. The biggest difference in voter turnout, the nonprofit said, was rooted in party registration. Turnout among Democrats was much closer to 2024 turnout, while declines among Republicans and other registered voters were greater than the statewide average, the Public Policy Institute of California said. These turnout rates equated to the electorate voting on Proposition 50 being about 3.5 percentage points more Democratic than the electorate in November 2024, according to the nonprofit. What can Proposition 50 voter turnout potentially tell us about midterm elections and beyond? If the partisan turnout for Prop 50 points to a broader upswing in enthusiasm, the Democrats may start with a leg up this fall, the nonprofit said. While the voter turnout among underrepresented voter groups for Novembers election "wasnt especially bad compared to the 2024 election, it pales in comparison with record-high levels seen in 2020, according to the nonprofit. If the goal is a more representative electorate, the 2020 election is the most appropriate standard, and there is still more work to be done, the Public Policy Institute of California said. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Proposition 50 had high Democratic turnout, nonprofit finds tables and chairs inside The Sixties Diner - The Sixties Diner/Facebook Classic American diners serve up memories and meals in equal portions, offering glimpses of the old-school style that has delighted customers for decades. Characteristic all-day breakfasts and Root Beer floats are on the menu at The Sixties Diner, where just south of Boston in Norwood, Massachusetts, a blast from the past greets visitors searching for a taste of the good ole' days. Though the restaurant is new, the black-and-white checkered floors and colorful vinyl booths nod to days gone by. Owner Peter Morrissey spared no detail, as movie posters and vintage memorabilia decorate the establishment. "We want you to feel like you're living in the 60s," he told Phantom Gourmet. Visitors overwhelmingly agree. Dishes are named for 1960s celebrities, like the Sonny & Cher eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, and home fries or the Simon & Garfunkel pancakes or French toast served with eggs, bacon, sausage, toast, and home fries. Hearty plates of chicken and waffles and fluffy omelets delight hungry diners looking for value. Cravings stand no chance here, and portion sizes are frequently noted. Flavored coffee and espresso options help wake up diners at any time of day. Read more: 15 Old-School Diner Foods That You Don't See On Menus Anymore Advertisement Blast from the past with a modern touch breakfast meal at The Sixties Diner - The Sixties Diner Favorites like crab cake Benedict, chocolate chip pancakes, and pumpkin bread French toast offer classic brunch options that serve up time-tested recipes with a twist. Burgers and sandwiches complement an assortment of shakes, and homemade whipped cream is served tableside out of canisters. The combination of food, decor, and friendly service has customers taking to social media to express their appreciation for the concept. "OG 4 Michelin stars type place[,] def recommend," quipped a pleased customer on Instagram. If you want a place to enjoy a quiet meal, this is probably not the destination. Some customers note that the raucous ambiance music, singing, and blaring televisions can be overwhelming and loud, but this lively setting is exactly what draws many visitors in. Though this kind of setup may sound gimmicky to skeptics, The Sixties Diner manages to back up its concept with food that can keep guests coming back for groovy vibes and belly-satisfying meals. Breakfast and lunch are served 7 days a week from 6:30 am until 2:30 pm for those seeking some of these good times in an energetic environment. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Tasting Table. FILE PHOTO: French President Emmanuel Macron and Finland's President Alexander Stubb attend a Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) work video conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France February 23, 2026. Thomas Padilla/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo (Fixes typo in headline) By Dmitry Antonov MOSCOW, March 6 (Reuters) - Russia said on Friday it would respond if Finland placed nuclear weapons on its territory, saying such a move would make the Nordic country more vulnerable. The Kremlin reacted sharply after NATO member Finland said on Thursday it was planning to lift a longstanding ban on hosting such weapons, in a move that could open the door to placing them there during times of war. "This is a statement that leads to an escalation of tensions on the European continent," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "This statement adds to Finland's vulnerability, a vulnerability provoked by the actions of the Finnish authorities. The fact is that by deploying nuclear weapons on its territory, Finland is beginning to threaten us. And if Finland threatens us, we take appropriate measures." The Finnish shift is part of a wider rethink of European deterrence that has prompted France to offer to extend the protection of its nuclear arsenal to other allies on the continent. The changes are being driven by Russia's war in Ukraine and the unpredictable behaviour of U.S. President Donald Trump - notably his threat to take over Greenland - which has unsettled his NATO allies. FINLAND SAYS CHANGE IS NEEDED FOR NATO NUCLEAR PLANNING Advertisement Finnish President Alexander Stubb told reporters during a visit to India that the change "is not about Finland facing any acute or sudden security threat. It is about ensuring that we can participate fully in NATO's nuclear planning". He said Finland did not want a nuclear weapon on its territory but was aligning itself with the policy of its Nordic neighbours. Neighbouring Sweden's doctrine is to station no permanent foreign troops or nuclear weapons on its soil in peacetime, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said last week, when asked about the possibility of his country hosting French nuclear arms. "If we were to find ourselves in a completely different situation, that particular formulation would not apply," Kristersson said. The shifts by Finland and Sweden are all the more striking as both nations maintained neutrality during the Cold War and joined NATO only in 2023 and 2024 respectively, after Russia sent tens of thousands of soldiers into Ukraine. Finland shares a border of 1,340 km (830 miles) with Russia. Macron announced on Monday a plan to expand France's nuclear arsenal and said other European countries would be able to take part in French nuclear exercises. France and Germany said they had set up a nuclear steering group to discuss deterrence issues. Russia said Macron's announcement was an "extremely destabilising development" that posed a potential threat to Moscow. Russia itself has repeatedly used veiled nuclear threats to deter the West from intervening too far in support of Ukraine during the four-year war. (Additional reporting by Anne Kauranen and Essi Lehto in Helsinki, Writing by Mark TrevelyanEditing by Gareth Jones) FILE - Sea Baby drones ride on the water during a demonstration by Ukraine's Security Service in an undisclosed location in Ukraine Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky, File) CAIRO (AP) A Russian-flagged tanker carrying liquefied natural gas exploded and erupted in flames before sinking in the Mediterranean Sea off Libya, authorities in the North African country said Wednesday. Russia asserted that an attack by Ukrainian sea drones was to blame. The Libyan Maritime Authority reported sudden explosions, followed by a massive fire on the Arctic Metagaz on Tuesday, when it was about 240 kilometers (150 miles) off the city of Sirte. The tanker, carrying 61,000 tons of LNG, completely sank between Libya and Malta, a statement said. All 30 crew members were rescued and put on another vessel heading to the Libyan city of Benghazi, it said. Russias Transport Ministry said the vessel was hit by Ukrainian sea drones launched from the Libyan coast. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday evening called what happened to the tanker a terrorist attack that exacerbates the situation on global energy markets, including gas markets. Ukrainian officials made no immediate comment on the accusation. Previous Ukrainian attacks on Russian ships have reportedly come from the Libyan coast, though Kyiv officials havent publicly confirmed those reports. Advertisement In the past, Ukraines military has said it used sea drones to sink Russian vessels in the Black Sea as part of efforts to combat Russias full-scale invasion, which began just over four years ago. Last October, Ukraines state security service unveiled an upgraded sea drone, called the Sea Baby, which it said had a range of 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) and could carry a warhead up to 2,000 kilograms (about 4,400 pounds). The tanker that sank was under Western sanctions, suspected to be part of Russias shadow fleet of energy tankers trying to bypass sanctions imposed on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. The Metagaz had sailed from the northwestern Russian city of Murmansk on the Barents Sea and was bound for Port Said in Egypt, on the Mediterranean, the Libyan Maritime Authority said. Its last reported position was in the western Mediterranean off the coast of Malta, according to MarineTraffic, a ship-tracking platform. Egypt denied any links to the vessel and said the tanker was not en route to any Egyptian port, according to a statement by its petroleum ministry Wednesday evening. ___ AP writer Dasha Litvinova contributed to this report from Tallinn, Estonia. People riding bicycles in Mexico City, Mexico. Credit: Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure With beautiful tree-lined streets, delicious food, and stunning architecture, its easy to see why travelers flock to Mexico City. However, due to the recent cartel violence thats impacted portions of Mexico, anyone heading to the destination may understandably be wary of an upcoming trip. According to the U.S. State Department, Mexico City is categorized as a Level 2 advisory, which encourages travelers to exercise increased caution. For everyday visitors, this means the government is not restricting or prohibiting travel and isn't discouraging travelers from visiting. But even with a lower-tier travel advisory, as the warnings could go up to a Level 4, travelers should navigate the city carefully when enjoying the sights and culture. There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations, the State Department states. Both violent and non-violent crimes occur throughout Mexico City. Travelers can also take additional steps by staying vigilant for petty crime, and moving throughout the city with extra awareness. Currently several states within Mexico, such as Colima, Guerrero, and Michoacan, are listed under the Level 4 advisory, which advises Americans to not travel. The State Department also provides additional safety tips, and recommends travelers sign-up for the free Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP), and register their trip and dates to Mexico. In return, the State Department will send automatic security updates and emergency information, if needed. The agency also recommends visiting the CDC website for any immunizations needed in advance of travel, and also encourages travel insurance. "We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel, the State Department shares. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancellation coverage. Advertisement Keeping current precautions in mind, its worth noting that Mexico City ranked as the 34th of 39 safest cities around the world this year by insurance travel firm Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection Outlook. While the company is also providing real-time safety updates, it emphasized the fact that visiting Mexico City, locally known as CDMX, is safer than other parts of Mexico as almost half the country has higher travel advisory levels. Still, the company encourages travelers to stay alert and consult the U.S. embassy and consulate, which has a location directly in the city. Its additional safety tips include using registered ride-share apps instead of random taxis, choosing accommodations in reputable areas, and always communicating your movements to a friend or family member. Overall, tourism to Mexico City has been on the rise, with over 47.8 million people visiting the region in 2025, which was a six percent increase from the previous year according to recent government data. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Savannah Guthrie was spotted at the Today show studio for the first time since her mother Nancys disappearance. Guthrie, 54, has stepped away from her hosting duties on the morning show as the search for her 84-year-old mother continues. However, in new photos obtained by TMZ, the news anchor could be seen hugging staff and crew at Studio 1A at Rockefeller Center Thursday morning in New York City. Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her Today colleagues, a Today show spokesperson told the outlet. While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home. During her visit, Guthrie reportedly thanked the staff and crew for caring about my mom as much as I do. Savannah Guthrie returned Thursday to the Today show studio for the first time since her mom Nancy's disappearance (Invision/AP) A Today show spokesperson said Guthrie plans to return to the show on air, but right now remains focused on supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home (Invision/AP) I wanted you to know that Im still standing, and I still have hope, and Im still me, she said, according to People. And I dont know what version of me that will be, but it will be. Im holding onto my faith. I still believe. And as my mom would say, where else would I go? I have every intention of coming back, Guthrie added. I dont know how to come back, but I dont know how not to. Youre my family. And, I would like to try. The veteran newscaster last appeared on-air during the shows February 2 episode. Hoda Kotb has returned to the show, more than a year after her retirement, to fill in for Guthrie. Nancy was last seen alive January 31 at her home in Catalina Foothills, near Tucson, Arizona. She was reported missing the following day after failing to appear for a church service. Advertisement Police have said that she was abducted from her affluent neighborhood as she slept in the early morning hours of February 1. Authorities have been desperately searching for Nancy, releasing photos and video of her suspected kidnapper taken on Nancys doorbell camera the day she vanished and asking for the publics help in the case. Guthrie and her two siblings have also posted a series of video messages online pleading with their mothers purported abductor and the public to ensure their mothers safe return. They are offering a $1 million reward for any information that leads to their mothers recovery. Its been two weeks since our mom was taken, and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope, and we still believe, Guthrie said in one video. I wanted to say to whoever has her, or knows where she is, that its never too late. And youre not lost or alone, and it is never too late to do the right thing, and we are here. We believe in the essential goodness of every human being, and its never too late, she added. In the latest update on the case, a pair of black gloves were found about 2 miles from Nancys home, the sheriffs office told The Independent. 84-year-old Nancy was abducted from her Arizona home as she slept on February 1, police say (NBC/Today) Guthrie last appeared on-air February 2 (Invision/AP) Police recently identified the owner of the gloves, but the individual has no ties to Nancys disappearance. There was some talk and discussion that it was police officers out in the field just discarding them, that is so far from the truth, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told local NBC affiliate KVOA this week. We knew that at that time, we believed wholeheartedly that those gloves belonged to a restaurant and guess what? The owner of the glove, we found working at a restaurant across the street. It has nothing to do with the case. Nanos has sent another pair of gloves to a Florida lab for analysis. Its a challenge because we know we have DNA but now we have to deal with that mixture and how were going to separate it, Nanos added in his interview with KVOA. TOPEKA (KSNT) Cox Communications awarded more than $68,000 to schools across Kansas to support classroom programs and upgrades in an announcement on Thursday. Employees at Cox Communications, through the Cox Charities Education Grant Program, funded $68,000 in grants for 36 teachers across schools in Kansas. Cities for the selected schools that were awarded grant money include Topeka, Manhattan, Wichita, Sterling, Junction City and Fort Riley amongst others. Some of the schools that received grant money and the programs the grants are awarded for include: Junction City Middle School for literacy centers, flexible seating and for a gaga ball pit Dwight D. Eisenhower for Printing Pride: A Stem School Spirit Initiative Fort Riley Middle School for a student podcast Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School for astronomy More than 100 applications for the grant were reviewed, according to Director of Communications for Cox Christine Martin. The $68,000 are in addition to $150,000 for the Cos Charities Investment grants that were awarded to 26 Kansas nonprofits in August 2025. Advertisement $880 million paid out for storm claims in 2025, increase of 99% since 2023 For more information about how the Cox Charities program works you can click here. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Photo: Ismail Enes Ayhan / Unsplash (The Center Square) A bill that would end tax breaks for data centers and keep ratepayers from footing the energy bills, made it through the Georgia Senate on Friday. Senate Bill 410 would not allow new data centers to receive the two tax breaks, but would allow companies currently receiving them to continue receiving them until the tax cut expires. Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, R-Rome, said the fiscal impact of the two tax credits on equipment needed for the data centers has increased based on new information from the Department of Revenue. Speaking of tax credit impact, Hufstetler said, "These data centers when the last bill was around and the last bill was voted on, was about $100 million. Now it's about $2.5 billion for these two credits. The money for the state portion that these data centers are getting is more than an entire month of the total income taxes that the state of Georgia collects. My preference would be that they don't go until 2032." Only 30% of Georgia's data center boom can be attributed to the 2018 tax break intended to support the industry, according to a December report from the State Department of Audits and Accounts. The report, conducted by the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government, contradicted the university's 2022 study estimating 90% of Georgia's data center activity was due to the tax break. While the bill includes tax breaks, it uses different language regarding consumer protection than Senate Bill 34 proposed by Hufstetler. SB34 never made it to a floor vote. Sen. Matt Brass, R-Newnan, the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 410, said SB34 would have gotten into "rate making," which is the responsibility of the Public Service Commission. Advertisement The revised bill requires contracts between data centers and utilities to include language that would "protect residential and retail electricity customers from costs associated with serving new large load customers." "So by addressing contracts, we also included the intent, to ensure ratepayers will not pay the tab, will not pay for the cost for upgrades in our infrastructure due to data centers," Brass said. Hufstetler said he would vote for the bill, but it doesn't provide citizens with the protection they need. "What it doesn't answer is when a 14 gigawatts of power are built, and this guy uses 100 megawatts and this guy uses 500 megawatts and they add up to less than five gigawatts, then who pays for the other nine gigawatts?" Hufstetler said. "There is no protection for the consumers in that situation." The Georgia Public Service Commission unanimously greenlighted a plan from Georgia Power that allows the utility to add nearly 10,000 megawatts of power during its December 2025 meeting. The utility said it would ensure that $556 million in annual revenue from large load customers when the company makes its next rate case in 2028, and put downward pressure on rates. Atlanta Democrat Elena Parent said the rule has "more holes than you could drive a truck through," when speaking in opposition to the bill. "This is embarrassing," Parent said. "The public understands what's going on here and we are giving them a middle finger." The bill passed by a vote of 32-21 with all Democrats voting against it. The House of Representatives passed a similar bill on Feb. 17. As the U.S. and Israel continued joint military strikes against Iran earlier this week, a woman pounded on a pinata resembling President Donald Trump as a small crowd cheered and clapped. But the scene wasnt in Tehran. It was Aventura, Florida, outside Miami, near the new headquarters of Palantir Technologies, a government contractor that is supporting U.S. military and immigration enforcement operations, including "Project Maven," an enterprise that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze large amounts of data quickly for military targeting and surveillance. There, hammering away at the pinata was Britney Cooke, a member of the All-African Peoples Revolutionary Party, a pro-China group that openly says it wants an "international socialist revolution." It has railed against "US hegemony" and the "American empire" and advocated for an "anti-imperialist mass revolutionary movement" in the U.S. from within the "belly of the beast." Trump Brings Big Tech Executives To White House To Curb Power Costs For American Households Amid Ai Boom Read On The Fox News App Britney Cooke, a member of the All-African People's Revolutionary Party, hits a pinata made to resemble President Donald Trump, March 3, in Aventura, Fla. Her group seeks an "international socialist revolution." (Fox News) While local coverage framed the gathering as "a crowd" of "protesters" with "plenty of passion ," a Fox News Digital review of nonprofit filings, grant records and organizing materials indicates the event was orchestrated by groups operating within a sophisticated, donor-backed protest network with ties to far-left tycoons George Soros and Neville Roy Singham. The findings raise questions about how coordinated activist campaigns led by organizations, like the Party for Socialism and Liberation, that openly oppose U.S. "imperialism" and praise foreign adversarial regimes are mobilizing against American military contractors amid escalating conflict abroad and intensifying technological competition with China. A spokesperson for Palantir declined to comment. Singham hasn't responded to requests for comment. "This type of fake activism disturbs me," said Chuck Flint, president of the Alliance for IRS Accountability and a former assistant prosecutor in Florida. "These groups are helping China and hurting the United States." "This is certainly not grassroots activism," Flint told Fox News Digital. "It looks more like a foreign influence operation that is actually weaponizing American tax laws to undermine American national security interests." He noted, "It's coming at a time when U.S. troops are relying on Palantir technology in active combat right now." A Fox News Digital investigation found the protest campaigns operate through several hubs that bring far-left groups together, forming an ecosystem of organizations targeting technology firms on multiple issues, from immigration enforcement to predictive policing, military technology and healthcare data systems. The operations behind these campaigns reflect what experts describe as a professional protest infrastructure, including tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, digital messaging tool kits and coordinated protest actions across multiple cities, with shared leadership, research, messaging and organizing. Network Funded By Pro-ccp Tech Tycoon Targets Palantir Amid Anti-us Protests That Support The Regime In Iran Romeo Umana, center, a member of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, and Britney Cooke, right, a member of the All-African People's Revolutionary Party, a socialist organization, protest near Palantir's new headquarters in Florida. In recent years, this network has organized protests against companies including Amazon, Google and Microsoft over their work with U.S. military and law enforcement agencies. As China wages an AI race with the U.S., the network has also supported regimes with well-documented histories of aggressive surveillance of their citizens and suppression of human rights. The Florida demonstration was co-organized by the local chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, a protest arm of a network funded by Singham, an American-born, self-described Marxist based in Shanghai, openly supporting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Another group leading the protests against technology companies and the demonstration in Florida this week is Phoenix-based Mijente, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that has received $1.6 million in funding since 2020 from one of the Open Society philanthropies established by Soros. Advertisement Open Society Foundations has supported Mijente's advocacy for "civil and human rights." In 2023, Open Society said its grant to Mijente was to "support the grantees [sic] social welfare activities." It didn't respond to a request for comment. In its last tax filing, Mijente reported $2.6 million in revenues. Mijente leads campaigns called #NoTechForICE and "Take Back Tech," which plans its third conference in mid-April in Atlanta to map its strategy for a "winning movement" against the "Tech Oligarchy." Its "Take Back Tech" cosponsor is the Center for Media Justice, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Oakland, Calif., with $4.3 million in revenues, according to its most recent tax filing, and donations from traditionally Democratic philanthropies, including $2 million over the years from Soros' Open Society network. Watch: Hardcore Socialist Groups Stage-manage Anti-ice Protest In Washington Socialist organizations organized a protest outside Palantir headquarters, March 3, in Aventura, Fla. Outside the entrance to the Aventura Mall, one of the Mijente leaders, Cathy Carrillo, handed the microphone to Romeo Umana, a leader with the Miami chapter of Party for Socialism and Liberation, for his remarks, as Cooke, from the All-African People's Revolutionary Party, stood in the flanks. These groups have protested together against Israel, ICE and the Trump administration. In its coverage of the Florida protest, one media outlet only described Umana as an "activist" with the Party for Socialism and Liberation and Cooke by her role with an innocuous-sounding group, the Climate Organizing Hub. On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Party for Socialism and Liberation co-organizes a protest against Palantir's new headquarters in Aventura, Fla. The organization is part of a pro-China network behind protests against U.S. technology firms. Roman Umana, a leader with the Miami chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation, stands behind a member wearing the organization's distinct red shirt. For years now, the Party for Socialism and Liberation has dispatched its members to be foot soldiers at anti-U.S. protests, wearing distinct bright red shirts with the group's name across the front. Reading his talking points from a cellphone, Umana said, "We refuse to let Miami become the Silicon Valley of surveillance repression, so we say really clearly, No to mass surveillance! No to mass deportation! And no to genocide!" The Party for Socialism and Liberation works closely with other socialist organizations funded by Singham, including the Peoples Forum Inc. and CodePink Women for Peace, which have lauded the autocratic governments leading China, Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Gaza and Venezuela, while calling the U.S. "fascist." The Party for Socialism and Liberation runs a financially opaque operation, but the People's Forum, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that hosts many of its events, reported $7 million in revenue in its last tax filing. TK, the former prosecutor now leading IRS Accountability, said that the IRS should investigate the nonprofits in this network to remove their nonprofit designations, and he said that the Justice Department should investigate the organizations for possible violations of laws that require groups and individuals that represent foreign interests to register as foreign lobbyists. "You should not get a federal tax subsidy to do the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party," he said. "This is just disguised activism that's really foreign influence. It's not grassroots activism." A group of anti-ICE agitators block the entrance to Palantir Technologies' offices, July 14, 2025, in New York City. In late 2024, the People's Forum hosted an event with the All-African People's Revolutionary Party, blasting the "American empire," writing: "War, genocide and exploitation of labor and resources are sowed into the fabric of the American empire, irrespective of which ruling-class party holds presidential office." The promotion, advertised on a Democratic platform, Action Network, continued: "The US is an enemy to Africans and Palestinians alike. It is of necessity that we colonized and oppressed peoples in the belly of the beast, whose fates are tied to our homelands, build a unified anti-imperialist mass revolutionary movement to consolidate our power and put an end to US hegemony." Click Here To Download The Fox News App As Tuesday's protest came to an end, the event's leaders gathered their pre-printed signs, speaker system and remnants of the pinata. The TV crews pulled away after documenting the group's "passion" off U.S. Route 1. Fox News Digital's Kyle Schmidbauer contributed to this report. Original article source: Soros-backed, pro-China network fuels protests against US tech firms SEOUL, March 6 (Reuters) - South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said on Friday the U.S. and South Korean militaries are discussing the possible redeployment of some U.S. Patriot missile defence systems based in South Korea to be used in the war against Iran. Cho was responding to questions at a parliamentary hearing following media reports on Friday that units of the U.S. mobile missile interceptor system had been moved to the Osan Air Base in South Korea from other locations in the country. Advertisement * Cho said he was unable to comment when asked whether theU.S. plan is to move the Patriot missiles soon to use in theconflict against Iran. * He said Seoul has not received any requests fromWashington for military help. U.S. President Donald Trump hassaid he would take any assistance from any country on Iran. * U.S. Forces Korea said: "For operational securityreasons, we do not comment on the movement, relocation, orpotential repositioning of specific military capabilities orassets." * Media reports citing South Korean government sourcessaid the Patriot systems were being readied for redeployment inthe Middle East, with heavy U.S. military transport planeshaving flown into Osan to move them. * U.S. and Israeli forces have been striking strategictargets inside Iran for the seventh day under a campaign thatTrump said was aimed at crippling Iran's nuclear weapons andballistic missile capabilities * South Korea hosts a major U.S. military presence incombined defence against nuclear-armed North Korea, with about28,500 troops and surface-to-air defence systems, including thePatriot missile interceptors. (Reporting by Jack Kim, Heejin KimEditing by Ed Davies) Flying taxi startup lays off most of its California staff In the high-stakes race to fill the skies with electric air taxis, gravity just took the lead. Supernal, the Irvine-based startup backed by billions in Hyundai Motor Group capital, laid off roughly 80% of its workforce last week. According to reporting from The Air Current and the Orange County Register, the company cut 296 jobs, leaving behind a skeleton staff of fewer than 80 employees. Its a staggering retreat for a venture that, until recently, was positioned as a heavyweight contender in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector. A company spokesperson described the move as a strategic pivot designed to optimize long-term cost structures. Supernal is consolidating operations into its Irvine headquarters while shutting down or scaling back work in Mojave, Fremont and its former Washington, D.C. facilities. A person looks at the Supernal S-A2 passenger electric VOTL aircraft at the Supernal booth during the CES tech show Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Las Vegas. Supernal is a part of the Hyundai Motor Group. (AP Photo/John Locher) The Supernal S-A2 passenger electric VOTL aircraft is on display at the Supernal booth during the CES tech show Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Las Vegas. Supernal is a part of the Hyundai Motor Group. (AP Photo/John Locher) The Supernal S-A2 passenger electric VOTL aircraft is on display at the Supernal booth during the CES tech show Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, in Las Vegas. Supernal is a part of the Hyundai Motor Group. (AP Photo/John Locher) Despite more than $6 billion in investment from Hyundai since its 2020 launch, the company has struggled to convert capital into a flight-ready product. The eVTOL industry is sprinting toward the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, a milestone both Santa Cruzbased Joby Aviation and San Joses Archer Aviation are racing to hit. Advertisement Archer recently purchased the Hawthorne Airport as a future operations hub, while Pivotal is planning deliveries of a $200,000 personal recreational craft as early as next year. Supernals flagship S-A2, a four-passenger vehicle originally slated for 2028 certification, now faces an almost certain delay. Reports indicate aircraft development has been paused entirely as leadership reassesses the companys path forward. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Democratic Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is taking heat for telling the Department of Homeland Security that if it wants to take custody of an illegal immigrant facing state murder charges, the department should obtain a judicial warrant, a document that critics and legal experts say is irrelevant in this particular case. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said judicial warrants were not applicable for Abdul Jalloh, a Sierra Leone national who allegedly stabbed 41-year-old Fredericksburg mother Stephanie Minter to death at a bus stop in February. Miller was among several Republicans to criticize Spanberger in a clash that underscored a broader battle between DHS and so-called sanctuary states and cities. The administration has argued that Democratic leaders of those jurisdictions are resisting cooperating with DHS, leading to violent criminals being released onto the streets, while Democrats say their policies are in place to enhance public safety. Judicial warrants "have nothing to do with deportation," Miller wrote on X Monday. "Zero. Nothing." Tom Homan Vows To Work Around New Dem Va Gov Spanberger's Executive Order Ending Ice Cooperation White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller speaks during a press briefing at the White House, May 1, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (AP Newsroom) "The system for deporting criminal aliens from state custody is, and always has been, ICE requesting a custody transfer prior to release," Miller said. "Thousands of criminals are removed every week through this system. In Sanctuary cities/states, criminal aliens are simply set free to maim and murder." Read On The Fox News App Federal government authorities can obtain judicial warrants from a court when there is probable cause that a federal crime was committed and are not used in civil immigration proceedings. Andrew Arthur, a law and policy fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, told Fox News Digital that under immigration law, the Department of Homeland Security can begin deportation proceedings after serving detainers and administrative warrants on jurisdictions detaining immigrants who are allegedly living in the country illegally, and then arrest the immigrants when they are released from jails. ICE can smoothly carry out these arrests when state and local authorities honor the detainers and administrative warrants, which involves giving ICE a heads-up about an immigrant's imminent release. Virginia Governor Lauds Anti-ice Student Walkouts At Schools During Democratic Rebuttal To Trump In Jallohs case, ICE "wants to take custody of him so they can put him through removal proceedings," Arthur said. DHS authorities say Jalloh had been arrested 30 times, including for violent offenses, before targeting Minter. The recent violent offense came after emails obtained by local outlet WJLA showed the Fairfax County Police Department also repeatedly warned Fairfax County Commonwealths Attorney Steve Descanos office about Jalloh. Advertisement Arthur said the purpose of ICE seeking cooperation from Fairfax County was to prevent Jalloh from being released into the public again. "The issue is, if a state court judge grants him bond or releases him, or if the prosecutors office simply releases him and ICE isnt notified, hes going to be back out on the street," Arthur said. Ice Nabs Iranian National With Rape, Sodomy Convictions After Virginia Democrats Move To Curb Cooperation Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks during inaugural ceremonies at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. Obtaining a judicial warrant to deport Jalloh is "not only not applicable. Its not possible," Arthur said. "[Spanberger] might as well say, 'If you give me a gallon of water from the moon Ill hand him to you,' because water doesnt exist on the moon any more than judicial warrants exist in the immigration enforcement context," Arthur said. DHS and ICE also lambasted Spanberger on social media. DHS accused her of "fighting to protect a MURDERER over American citizens," while ICE said uncooperative state leaders had "disdain" for their residents. "Governor Spanbergers response to this murder and to our ICE detainer: Get a judicial warrant. Sanctuary state politicians have a true disdain for public safety and the constituents they serve," ICE wrote on X. Spanbergers office did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Her office previously told WJLA that the governor supported violent illegal immigrants deportations, despite Spanberger terminating cooperation agreements with DHS, which sanctuary jurisdictions do to limit how local and state jails coordinate with federal immigration authorities. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "As a former federal law enforcement officer who conducted joint search and arrest warrants alongside state and local officers, Governor Spanberger firmly believes that violent criminals who are in the United States illegally should be deported by immigration enforcement," Spanbergers office said. "DHS should request a signed judicial warrant to ensure this violent criminal is deported." Original article source: Spanberger refuses to honor ICE detainer in murder case, escalating showdown with Trump DHS A Sri Lankan Navy tug boat and naval vessels approach an Iranian vessel during a rescue operation, a day after the crew of a distressed Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena were assisted in waters south of Sri Lanka, off the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka March 5, 2026. Sri Lanka Navy/Handout via REUTERS By Uditha Jayasinghe GALLE, Sri Lanka, March 6 (Reuters) - Sri Lankan authorities said on Friday they were escorting a second Iranian naval vessel to harbour and moving 208 of its crew to a camp, two days after a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the same area. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said his island nation had a "humanitarian responsibility" to take in the crew, as the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran raged, wreaking havoc on global markets and disrupting trade and travel. The Sri Lankan Navy identified the second Iranian ship as naval auxiliary vessel IRIS Booshehr. SECOND IRAN SHIP HAD ENGINE PROBLEMS Iranian sailors were seen dragging suitcases and carrying bags as they disembarked in Sri Lanka, in pictures shared by the Presidential Media Division. Other images showed Sri Lankan navy tug boats and naval vessels approaching the Booshehr, which Dissanayake earlier said would be moved to the Trincomalee harbour on the eastern coast. "About 15 crewmen are still aboard the Iranian ship to help with navigation," a Sri Lankan government source said. The ship was experiencing engine problems, that source and another government official said. Both asked not to be named given the sensitivity of the issue. Advertisement The crew was brought to the port in Sri Lanka's commercial capital Colombo where they had medical check-ups and were then moved in groups to a navy camp in Welisara, about 18 km (10 miles) away, the officials added. The defence ministry declined to comment and the navy spokesman's office could not be reached. IRAN THANKS SRI LANKA The ship Booshehr, which had found itself stranded in Sri Lanka's exclusive economic zone outside its maritime boundary, reached the area a day after the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk while returning from India after a naval exercise. Dena was hit by a torpedo from a U.S. submarine in the Indian Ocean, about 19 nautical miles off Sri Lanka's coast, killing 87 people on board and dramatically widening the scope of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Iran's foreign minister thanked Sri Lanka for helping rescue survivors from the warship. "That vessel ... was ceremonial, unloaded, unarmed," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters in New Delhi, where he is attending a conference. Both Washington and Tehran are key trade partners for Sri Lanka. The United States accounts for about 40% of its apparel exports and Iran is one of its main tea buyers. (Reporting by Uditha Jayasinghe, writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh and Andrew Heavens) HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) and Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), announced the launch of a state registered Multimedia Producer Apprenticeship. The year-long apprenticeship will train participants in the technical, creative and business aspects of multimedia production that will prepare them for entry-level positions in the fields of film and media, broadcast, digital marketing, interactive design and journalism. Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by PCA, provided seed funding for the apprenticeship through its Creative Catalyst program. This seed funding allowed Big Picture Alliance, a Philadelphia-based non-profit that helps youth enter the fields of digital media and filmmaking, to develop the Standards of Apprenticeship for Multimedia Production. Advertisement These standards determine the conditions for recruitment, selection, employment, training and monitoring of apprentices within the program. In Pennsylvania, all state certified apprenticeships follow National Guideline Standards to ensure safe and consistent apprenticeship programs. Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters. Registered apprenticeships are one of the most effective tools we have to connect Pennsylvanians to family-sustaining careers while helping employers build the workforce they need, said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. This new Multimedia Producer Apprenticeship shows that the earn-while-you-learn model is not limited to traditional trades. It works in new sectors, in the creative economy, and in communities across Pennsylvania. We are committed to expanding opportunity and making sure more young adults can gain real skills, real experience, and real access to good jobs. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com. Photo Credit: Scott Kowalchyk/CBS via Getty Images Stephen Colbert has slammed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt for her defense of President Donald Trumps military action against Iran. The Late Show host dedicated a portion of his monologue to dissecting the administrations messaging around the Iran war, zeroing in on what he saw as contradictory and confusing statements from officials. Stephen Colbert slams Karoline Leavitt in monologue The comedian focused his criticism on Leavitts explanation for why Donald Trump ordered strikes on Iran. During a press briefing, she stated, This decision to launch this operation was based on a cumulative effect of various direct threats that Iran posed to the United States of America And the presidents feeling based on fact that Iran does pose an imminent and direct threat to the United States of America. Colbert seized on the wording immediately. A feeling based on a fact. Okay, he responded dryly before delivering a punchline: Incidentally, Ive Got a Feeling Based on a Fact is the Black Eyed Peas worst song. Its right up there with, Lets Get It Started, Once We Establish Where the Fire Exits Are.' The late-night host then pivoted to address Trumps own language surrounding the situation, noting the presidents frequent use of the word war despite never securing congressional authorization for the strikes. Advertisement Colbert revealed that the White House had distributed specific guidance to congressional Republicans on how to handle questions about it. According to the comedian, the talking points instructed lawmakers to respond with, These are targeted major combat operations, when asked about the potential for a prolonged war. So its worse than a war. Its a war that got a thesaurus for Christmas, Colbert joked. The irony, Colbert pointed out, is that Trump himself has continued using the word war publicly. The iconic talk show host compared the situation to trying to ignore something obvious. Its like when your boss has a huge pimple on his nose and youre like, Dont talk about the pimple. But as soon as he walks in, you go, Hi, Mr. Pimple.' Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory. The post Stephen Colbert Calls Out Karoline Leavitt for Donald Trump War Comments appeared first on Reality Tea. An expert predicts two nations will survive nuclear war -Credit:Getty Images, Getty Images (Getty Images, Getty Images) A recent study has pinpointed just two countries that could survive a nuclear war. This comes as tensions have intensified in recent days, with America and Israel, both nuclear-armed nations, launching missile attacks against Iran. Israel has struck Tehran, the Iranian capital, whilst the Taliban in Afghanistan have launched an assault against nuclear-capable Pakistan. The UAE confirmed yesterday that it continued shooting down missiles targeting Israel as Middle East hostilities rage on. This has raised fears that these confrontations could potentially escalate in the weeks to come. A new peer-reviewed study has now concluded that a nuclear war could lead to the deaths of roughly five billion people. It comes after a chilling map revealed the 4 safest US states to survive during a nuclear attack. Trump caught on hot mic making chilling threat that could spark WW3 Frustrated Barack Obama's 7-word Trump shutdown at Jesse Jackson funeral Fireballs could reach temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius, whilst a nuclear winter would blanket every part of the planet, according to scientists writing in the Nature journal. They maintain that both Australia and New Zealand would survive, according to Unilad. Armageddon expert Annie Jacobson, author of Nuclear War: A Scenario, relied on scientific research and defense analysts to forecast the outcome if the world's 12,000 nuclear weapons were unleashed. Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast, she stated: "Hundreds of millions of people die in the fireballs, no question." An expert says two countries would survive a nuclear war -Credit:FARS NEWS/AFP via Getty Images Annie observed that devastating consequences would reach areas that escaped the initial strikes. Advertisement She added: "Places like Iowa and Ukraine would be just snow for 10 years, and so agriculture would fail. When agriculture fails, people just die." The specialist projects that roughly three billion people might survive the first explosions, though their existence would be fundamentally transformed. She suggests that Australia and New Zealand would mostly weather the nuclear winter and retain the capacity to grow crops. Annie clarified that detonating thousands of modern nuclear weapons would destroy a thin layer of gas that protects us from the sun's damaging rays. Beyond harm to the ozone layer, she cautions about the threat of radiation sickness. A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Iran said on February 28 it will "respond decisively" after Israel and the United States launched strikes on the country despite talks underway on Tehran's nuclear programme. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images) -Credit:AFP via Getty Images Whilst Australia and New Zealand might survive, she expects that residents there would need to adjust to life in perpetual darkness. She envisions that people would be "fighting for food" and "living underground". Annie's projection comes after a series of maps suggesting that Iranian missiles could destroy multiple nations, including several popular holiday destinations. Intelligence suggests that the weapons could have a reach of up to 1,240 miles. This means that beloved holiday locations such as Dubai, Cyprus, Turkey, and Egypt could be within range. Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli - one of Iran's most senior Islamic clerics - this week proclaimed that the nation was "on the verge of a great test". He proceeded to call for "the shedding of Zionist blood, the shedding of [Donald] Trump's blood" during a state television broadcast. "Fight the oppressive America, his blood is on my shoulders," he proclaimed, issuing an unusual call for violence from an ayatollah, among the most senior ranks in the Shiite faith. The man accused of killing three women in Utah before leading authorities on a multistate search was on pretrial release for separate charges in his home state of Iowa, and told police he killed the women for money, according to court records. Ivan Miller, 22, of Iowa, admitted to shooting the three women and stabbing one of them in interviews with investigators, according to a criminal complaint. He is charged with three counts of aggravated murder. The three women, identified as Margaret Oldroyd, 86; Linda Dewey, 65; and Natalie Graves, 34, were found at two separate locations in Wayne County in the southern part of the state on March 4, the Utah Department of Public Safety said. Investigators soon realized the suspect had taken one of their vehicles and traced its movements to Colorado, where Miller was arrested early the morning of March 5, officials have said. The killings struck fear in the small community. Schools and a local health clinic closed while the manhunt continued and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office asked residents to stay inside with their doors locked. Dewey was Graves' aunt, the Department of Public Safety said (authorities earlier said they were believed to be friends going on a hike together). Neither woman is believed to have a connection to Oldroyd, and none of the three had any known prior connection to Miller, officials said. The sheriff's office said it extends its "deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims." Miller was arrested and held in Archuleta County, Colorado, where jail records show he also faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon and vehicle theft. It was not immediately clear if Miller had an attorney who could comment on his behalf. How did the killings of three women unfold? Dewey and Graves were found dead after they didn't return from a hike by their husbands, who called authorities the afternoon of March 4. Near the trail, authorities found a vehicle that didn't belong there and discovered it belonged to Oldroyd. They then found her dead at her home. According to a timeline released by the Department of Public Safety and the criminal complaint, Miller is believed to have killed Oldroyd first. He told investigators that he hit an elk with his truck in Loa, Utah, on Feb. 28, days before the killings in nearby towns, according to the documents. Miller said he sold the truck to a tow company and stayed in an area hotel. He went to Lyman, Utah, where Oldroyd lived, and hid out in a shed on her property where he stayed the night, he said, according to the criminal complaint. Advertisement Miller told investigators he waited for the woman to leave, then went inside her house to wait for her return. While she was sitting down watching TV, he shot her in the back of the head, he said, according to the complaint. Miller dragged her to the cellar beneath a shed and took her car, he admitted, according to the complaint. Responding deputies said it looked like Miller used a wheelbarrow to move her body. Miller said he then drove to a hiking trail, about 15 miles away, and saw the two other women, Dewey and Graves, get out of a white Subaru. He told investigators he approached the women and shot them both. When one woman kept moving, he "stabbed her multiple times in the 'heart,'" he told investigators, according to the complaint. Miller said he dragged their bodies to a ditch and took the Subaru. What was the motive in the Utah killings? Miller told investigators "he did it because he needed money," according to the criminal complaint. When Miller was apprehended the morning of March 5, he had credit and debit cards belonging to the victims and one of their identification cards. He told investigators he used one of the cards to buy gas and was planning to go back to Iowa, where he is from, but stopped in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, to get gas. He was arrested there. "Miller confessed that it 'had to be done' but he did not like to do it," the complaint said. Miller also told investigators that after he killed Oldroyd and took her car, a Buick Regal, he decided he did not like the car and wanted to find a different vehicle. He also said in an interview with investigators that one of the victims had blue or purple hair "and that they were 'lesbians,'" the complaint said. He said all the women were shot with a Rock Island brand 1911 model .45-caliber pistol found on him when he was arrested. When asked about the knife he used, he produced a knife in the interview with investigators, the complaint said. Miller's criminal history in Iowa includes four counts on Dec. 28, 2025: burglary, theft, possession of marijuana and a weapons charge, according to records obtained by the Des Moines Register, part of the USA TODAY Network. The charges stem from allegations he broke into a cabin at a state park to sleep there. He is now also accused of violating terms of his pre-trial release by leaving Iowa without permission and allegedly committing new crimes, the records show. Contributing: Brian Smith, the Des Moines Register This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Suspect in deaths of 3 Utah women said he did it for money, stole cars By Yimou Lee TAIPEI, March 6 (Reuters) - Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo on Friday rebuffed the main opposition party, which had proposed a defence budget roughly one-third of the amount sought by the government and set a deadline for U.S. arms purchases that he said was impossible. Taiwan has faced pressure from the United States to sharply raise defence spending. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te last year proposed extra defence spending of $40 billion to counter China, which has ramped up military pressure to force the island to accept its claim of sovereignty. But the main opposition Kuomintang, which together with a smaller party holds a majority in parliament, refused to review the proposal and instead this week advanced its own, less expensive proposals, which only fund around 30% of the spending that Lai wants. The move came after growing pressure from politicians in the United States, Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier, to not hold up spending. In the KMT's counter-proposal, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, the party set a cap of T$380 billion ($11.96 billion) on the spending and a deadline for completion by the end of 2028. Talking to reporters in Taipei, Koo said the government's proposal included precision artillery and anti-armour unmanned systems. "If everything is required to be delivered and fully implemented before that deadline, it would in effect shut down these projects, making their execution impossible," he said. Advertisement The KMT also said it backs U.S. arms deals handled between the two governments and opposes deals arranged through commercial channels, which it views as vulnerable to irregularities and inadequate scrutiny. In response, Koo said omitting any channel for acquiring weapons would "create a major gap in our overall defence and operational capabilities and significantly undermine the improvement of our joint combat capabilities." He added the government's proposal has the backing of the U.S administration and congress. The KMT has described Lai's plan as "skyhigh" and vague, citing the need for clearer oversight. KMT chairperson Cheng Li-wun has said her party has been in communication with the Chinese Communist Party and that she hopes to visit China this year for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. China regularly stages military exercises around Taiwan, and refuses to talk to Lai, calling him a "separatist". Lai says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. ($1 = 31.7700 Taiwan dollars) (Reporting By Yimou Lee; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 6 (Reuters) - Everyone will feel the impact on prices of oil and raw materials if the U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran drags on, the chairman of Foxconn, the world's largest electronics maker and Nvidia's key AI server maker, said on Friday. The escalating conflict in the Middle East has rattled global markets and fuelled concern over risks to supply chains. Speaking to reporters at Foxconn's headquarters in Taipei's neighbouring city of New Taipei, Young Liu said the fallout for his company was currently limited, however, and he expected 2026 to be a very good year for it. "I think this war is something nobody wants to see. We hope it ends as soon as possible," he said. The logo of Foxconn is seen atop a company complex in Taipei, Taiwan, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Daniel Ceng) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Given the region's key role as a global oil producer, if the war drags on it could push oil to $100 a barrel, and push up prices for raw materials, Liu added. Advertisement "If these effects last longer, everyone will start to feel them. But if the duration can be kept short, then at least for now, the impact isn't very big, based on what we're seeing at the moment." Foxconn has reported record revenues, driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence products, although prolonged conflict in Iran has boosted concern over pricier energy. Foxconn reports its fourth-quarter earnings on March 16 where it will update its outlook for the current quarter and year. U.S. tech giants such as Microsoft and Nvidia have been positioning the United Arab Emirates as a regional hub for artificial intelligence computing needed to power services such as ChatGPT. Iran has launched a wave of missiles at Middle East targets in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Wen-Yee Lee; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Clarence Fernandez) Fallen ex-prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors troubles may be just beginning sources exclusively tell the National Enquirer authorities have raided his official workspace at Buckingham Palace! Investigators have examined records and devices tied specifically to Andrew and certain former staff members, says a royal insider, noting the raid was conducted following Andrews Feb. 19 arrest over whether he sold secrets while he served as the U.K.s trade envoy. It was handled professionally and without spectacle. But make no mistake they looked. At the same time, the Enquirer has uncovered two bombshells that could be the final nail in Randy Andys coffin. Sources say in January 2012, the body of Alisa Dmitrijeva, a 17-year-old girl from Latvia, was found in a wooded area on the Sandringham estate which was then owned by the late Queen Elizabeth II over four months after the tragic teen was reported missing. Some believe the palace tried to cover up the incident, says a source. Authorities in Latvia where now-dead Jeffrey Epstein and his cohorts allegedly recruited sex slaves have launched an investigation into the notorious pedophiles trafficking of its nationals for the purpose of sexual exploitation, Ilze Jurevica, a spokesperson for the Latvian State Police, tells the Enquirer. We will not be able to comment on investigations conducted by other countries, therefore we encourage you to address any questions of interest to the investigative authorities in the U.K., Jurevica says. From our side, we can confirm that if the U.K. authorities submit a request for cooperation, the State Police of Latvia will provide the necessary support. When informed about Dmitrijevas death, Jurevica adds, Given that the [Latvia] investigation is at an early stage, the State Police of Latvia is refraining from providing further comments at this time. Theres no evidence linking Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell the dead creeps convicted co-conspirator or Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles by brother King Charles, to Dmitrijeva or her untimely end. In another bombshell, a tip cited in a July 2020 FBI report, which was part of the investigation files released by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding Epstein, describes an alleged mid-1990s incident in which Andrew gleefully looked on as Maxwell tortured a young girl believed to be 6 to 8 years old with electrical shocks at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. The feds no doubt probed Andrew about this, says the source. Julian Peribanez a renowned private detective in Barcelona, Spain, and author of Stolen Innocence, which exposed sex abuse cover-ups by rich predators believes the former royal and his powerful pals should be investigated for sex crimes. Andrew has denied any wrongdoing. Advertisement Peribanez tells the Enquirer, The U.K. is taking the Epstein files very seriously more than any other country but no one is being prosecuted for the abuse of children. There should be an investigation into the real crime of abusing children, not just [Andrews alleged] selling of secrets. The nationality of the child allegedly strapped to a table and tormented by Maxwell is unknown. Sources say police have also searched Andrews former home Royal Lodge in Windsor and his current residence, Wood Farm at Sandringham, which is now owned by the king. As of press time, Andrew has not been criminally charged. Maxwell is currently serving a 20-year sentence in a federal lockup in Texas following her 2021 sex trafficking conviction for serving up women and girls to her twisted boss. Emails obtained by the Enquirer show Epstein who was found hanged inside his New York City jail cell in 2019 while awaiting sex trafficking charges had a team of recruiters posing as modeling agents preying on barely legal gals around the world. Hello Jeffery, starts one disturbing 2009 email from the Epstein files. I just found an amizinng One [sic] she is 20 years old but she looks younger from Latvia. Former U.K. Prime Minister Gordon Brown is demanding an investigation into whether Andrew used taxpayer-funded planes, Royal Air Force bases and Londons Stansted Airport to help Epstein import victims from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia. In a chilling 2014 email, Epsteins former girlfriend Karyna Shuliak, who was a dental student at Columbia University, mysteriously alerts him about a missing 29-year-old classmate, who was later found floating in the Hudson River. Her death was declared a suicide. Peribanez, who has spent two decades investigating pedophile rings, tells the Enquirer some trafficked victims are killed during encounters with psychopaths and other sickos, who engage in rough torture sex. Says the investigator, These things never end well. Read More From National Enquirer This story Teenagers Body Found in Wooded Area on the Queen Elizabeth-Owned Sandringham Estate in 2012 first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Longtime Republican pollster Frank Luntz is warning the GOP that Texas has the exact ingredient for a potential Democratic upset in Novembers election for a U.S. Senate seat. The assumption has been for the last 20, 25 years, that Texas is solidly Republican, he told NewsNations Leland Vittert. But the demographics have been changing. Politics: A Running List Of The Most Inspirational Trump Quotes About The Iran War He said the state is becoming less white and Democrats are getting better organized. In addition, Democrats this year are seeing incredibly high turnout in special elections and primaries around the country. In Texas, more than 2.2 million people voted in this weeks Democratic primary a midterm record for the state as state Rep. James Talarico defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett. Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, who's currently a representative in the Texas House, speaks Wednesday for the first time since winning the Democratic nomination. Eric Gay/AP If youre a Democrat, you cant wait to vote, Luntz said. Every Democrat is looking to participate. Some Republican voters, on the other hand, are staying home. Politics: Bill Maher Slams Kamala Harris For Opposing Trump's Iran War: 'I See So Much Happiness' And in Texas, theres another issue: a vicious primary thats about to get even uglier as the contest between state Attorney General Ken Paxton and incumbent Sen. John Cornyn is heading to a runoff. Advertisement President Donald Trump is reportedly getting ready to endorse Cornyn, with the expectation that Paxton would then drop out. But Paxton has indicated he will not. Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (left) is set to face Sen. John Cornyn in a runoff for the Republican primary for Cornyn's seat. Julio Cortez/AP; Jack Myervia/AP The Republicans still have a clear advantage, Luntz said. But that advantage has been shrinking and shrinking. And when you have two candidates destroying each other, like these two are, this is the exact ingredient that you could have low Republican turnout in November, a split party, you could conceivably see a Democrat surprising people. Luntz also warned Republicans that control over the Senate could hinge on a single issue and its one thats not helping the GOP at the moment: affordability. Politics: U.S. May Have Committed War Crime In Sinking Of Iranian Ship Thats it, he said. Thats the key decider. See more of that conversation below. Remember what happened with Georgias Senate seats during the 2020 election? If Republicans keep attacking each other in the Texas Senate GOP primary run-off, it could leave their seat vulnerable this November. I spoke with @LelandVittert about what this could mean for 2026. pic.twitter.com/jVzuOZlS4X Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) March 6, 2026 Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost March has brought spring weather in full force to Ohio. Ohio has seen inches of rain, prompting flooding in Greater Cincinnati and elsewhere in the state. As daylight hours steadily grow longer, it's almost time to When does daylight saving time start in 2026? Is the time change this weekend? How many days are there until spring? Heres what to know. When is the time change? Here's when we change the clocks for daylight saving time 2026 The day we spring forward for daylight saving time 2026 is almost here. Our clocks will spring forward at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 8. When the clock reaches 2 a.m. that day, the time will jump ahead one hour to 3 a.m. Why do we have daylight saving time? Put simply, World War I is the reason for daylight saving time. The concept started in Europe as a way to conserve fuel for electrical power during the war. Germany and Austria enacted daylight saving time initially, and it then spread to 11 more countries. The United States adopted it in 1918; the first daylight saving time here happened on March 30, 1918. It was so wildly unpopular that it was repealed in 1919. Daylight saving time in the U.S. came back during World War II. One of the biggest issues at that time was that it was not regulated by the federal government, and localities in various states were all operated on different times. This practice lasted from 1945 to 1966. When did the U.S. make daylight saving time official? The Uniform Time Act of 1966 set specific dates for when daylight saving time was supposed to happen in the U.S. It was to start on the last Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October. States could pass laws to not participate if they chose. Daylight saving time as we know it today came about after the turn of the century. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended the duration of daylight saving time, declaring it to begin on the second Sunday of March and end on the first Sunday of November. Will daylight saving time change ever end permanently? Status in Ohio, U.S. At the federal level, the Sunshine Protection Act of 2022, which sought to make daylight saving time permanent, passed the U.S. Senate. However, it was not adopted by the House of Representatives. The bill needs to be reintroduced to have a chance to become a law. Ohio has attempted to make daylight saving time a permanent observation. Advertisement Ohio's House of Representatives passed a resolution, the Sunshine Uniformity Act of 2023, to urge Congress to permanently observe daylight saving time. Its status remains pending, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Senate Concurrent Resolution 6, introduced in Ohio's 136th assembly, remains in committee as of March 5, 2026. It would also seek to make daylight saving time permanent. What U.S. states don't observe daylight saving time? Arizona and Hawaii dont observe daylight saving time, according to CBS. Additionally, several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, also do not observe daylight saving time. When is the first day of spring 2026? Spring will begin on Friday, March 20, 2026, when we reach the vernal equinox (spring equinox), according to Old Farmer's Almanac. How many days until spring 2026 begins? As of March 6, there are 14 days until spring 2026 begins. How is meteorological spring different from seasonal spring? Astronomical seasons are dictated by Earth's orbiting position around the sun. Meteorological seasons are dictated by the Earth's temperatures, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. The tilt of the Earth and the sun's alignment over the equator dictate the equinoxes and solstices. The Earth tilts approximately 23.5 degrees on its axis, according to National Geographic. Because of this tilt, there are times half of our planet tilts toward the sun, and the other tilts away, according to NCEI. The Earth's elliptical orbit brings our planet closer to or farther from the sun, depending on where the planet is in its 365.24-day cycle. These factors determine when the astronomical seasons fall. Each season varies in length from 89 to 93 days. Because of these variations in length, meteorological seasons were created. So, meteorological spring started on March 1, while astronomical spring starts on March 20, the day of the spring equinox, according to AccuWeather. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: When does the time change for daylight saving? When to spring forward An attorney representing Tina Peters, the former Colorado county clerk convicted in a scheme to breach voting systems in search of evidence of election fraud in 2020, expects the state's Democratic governor to grant her clemency within days. The move would come after an aggressive pressure campaign by President Donald Trump and his allies. "I'm expecting her to get the commutation today or tomorrow," Peters' attorney, Peter Ticktin, told ABC News. "I don't think it's going to even go into next week." Trump claims to pardon jailed Colorado election clerk Tina Peters, but state officials contend it's unconstitutional Peters, a former Mesa County clerk, was convicted in 2024 for giving an individual affiliated with MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, a Trump ally, access to the election software she used for her county. Screenshots of the software appeared on right-wing websites that promoted false theories that the 2020 election was fraudulent. Despite Trump's repeated assertions that the election was rigged, there were no proven cases of major fraud that affected the outcome. Ticktin, who has been lobbying the White House to push Colorado Gov. Jared Polis into granting Peters clemency, said that Polis "deserves full credit" when asked whether Trump's ongoing efforts had convinced the governor. "This is a decision that's being made by Governor Polis. And he deserves full credit," Ticktin said. Allison Robbert/AP - PHOTO: Gov. Jared Polis speaks at an event at the National Governors Association Winter Meeting, Feb. 19, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The governor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Polis signaled Wednesday that he was open to releasing Peters in a social media post comparing her case, which resulted in a nine-year prison sentence, to that of former state Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, who received probation and community service after a conviction on one of the same felonies. "Justice in Colorado and America needs to be applied evenly, you never know when you might need to depend on the rule of law. This is the context I am using as I consider cases like this that have sentencing disparities," Polis wrote. ABC News previously reported that Ticktin is also involved in the effort to lobby Trump to issue an executive order using the baseless allegation of Chinese interference in the 2020 election to justify a national emergency declaration that would give the president sweeping power over voting. Advertisement Trump and leaders in his MAGA base have been pushing for Peters release for years. In a recent appearance on former deputy FBI Director Dan Bonginos podcast, Trump suggested his administrations recent ramp up targeting Colorado was tied to Polis refusal to release Peters. Scott Crabtree/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel via AP, Pool, FILE - PHOTO: In this March 3, 2023, file photo, Tina Peters, former Mesa County, Colo., clerk, listens during her trial in Grand Junction, Colo. "They put a woman in jail [in] Colorado. Put a woman in jail, a wonderful woman, 72 years old, had cancer," Trump said. "Because she was a voting inspector, she was in charge of a voting area, and she saw boxes of votes come in. So she went over to check it, and they put her in jail for voter manipulation, and she's still in there, and they better let her out fast. And they're suffering a big price, Colorado." The push to release Peters comes after the president pardoned thousands with ties to efforts to overturn the 2020 election and in connection with the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump's targeting of Colorado has included cutting funding and projects in the state while repeatedly criticizing Polis as the governor initially rebuffed Trumps demands to release Peters. In December, Trump posted on social media that he had pardoned Peters, though the president has no jurisdiction over state charges. "Tina is sitting in a Colorado prison for the 'crime' of demanding Honest Elections," Trump wrote. News of the potential clemency sparked backlash from Democrats, including Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold. Former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters sentenced to 9 years for election tampering "Tina Peters was found guilty of three counts of attempting to influence a public servant along with four additional felony and misdemeanor counts," Griswold told ABC News. "Beyond one count in common, it is not accurate to suggest that Peters and Sonya Jaquez Lewis actions or impacts are the same. Peters organized the breach of the election equipment, broke the public trust and attacked the very foundations of our democratic process. Her actions are still being used to try to undermine the 2026 election." Griswold added, "She should get no special treatment by the Governor, and his statement is shocking and worrisome." In 2024, District Judge Matthews Barrett called the damage done by Peters to undermine the integrity of elections "immeasurable" before sentencing her to nine years. "There are many things in my mind that are crystal clear about this case, you are no hero," Barrett said. "You abused your position, and you're a charlatan who used and is still using your prior position in office to peddle a snake oil that's been proven to be junk, time and time again." (This article was updated to include additional information.) A Haitian asylum seeker who had been living in Massachusetts died while detained in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement center on March 2 after not receiving timely treatment for a tooth infection, Massachusetts lawmakers said. According to a letter sent to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security by Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., on Thursday, March 5, Emmanuel Damas, 56, had been struggling with an untreated toothache at an ICE facility in Arizona before dying on March 2. The lawmakers and Damas family said they received little to no information about his health status until it was too late, and the letter demanded an investigation into his death. Damas is at least the 10th person to die in ICEs custody this year, which is just into its third month, the letter said. Last year, 2025 was ICEs deadliest year in over two decades with 32 deaths. This case raises serious questions regarding ICEs ability to timely treat and care for individuals it detains, the lawmakers wrote. It is unacceptable that, under your watch, DHS has failed to keep immigrants in its custody safe from preventable death. On March 6, ICE released an announcement about Damas's death, including a reason for his initial arrest and a timeline of events related to his health. There was no mention of a toothache. Instead, ICE said the physician "reported the preliminary cause of death as unknown at this time." "ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments. Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay," the press release stated. "At no time during detention is a detained alien denied emergency care." What happened to Emmanuel Damas? Damas, 56, had been living in Dorchester when he was taken into custody by federal immigration agents in September, according to the letter. Since December, Damas had been an ICE detention center in Florence, Arizona. In February, Damas informed staff that he was suffering from a bad toothache, the letter said. While they provided him over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen on Feb. 17 and 18, his family said that the facility did not send him to a dentist and delayed sending him to the hospital, despite ICEs standards mandating that all detainees should have access to appropriate medical, mental and dental health care, including emergency dental treatment. Advertisement The lawmakers letter said that Damas family learned on Feb. 20 that Damas was hospitalized for pneumonia. On Feb. 23, they were told after repeated requests for information that he had been moved back into detention. Several days later, they learned that Damas was hospitalized again and scheduled for surgery on Feb. 26. He died on March 2. "Mr. Damass family has alleged that ICE failed to provide Mr. Damas with timely medical care, allowing an untreated toothache to become a deadly infection," the letter states. "Moreover, Mr. Nelsons entreaties for information about his brothers well-being were met with silence and stonewalling." The lawmakers asked for more information about Damass death, including a complete timeline of dates that he was admitted into a hospital and any requests he made for medical attention. ICE has now released that information, saying that Damas was sent "immediately" to the Florence Anthem Hospital after reporting shortness of breath on Feb. 19. The press release also said ICE is required to publicize all reports regarding in-custody deaths within 90 days. Protesters stand in front of Worcester City Hall as part of nationwide protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations organized by progressive groups. "ICE makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders and the media upon official reports of in-custody alien deaths and posts news releases with relevant details on ICE's public website," the press release said. "You may access these reports on ICE.govs Detainee Death Reporting page." How many people has ICE arrested in Massachusetts? Damas is one of over 2,800 people that have been arrested by ICE in Massachusetts over the past year. According to a letter sent to DHS and ICE by Gov. Maura Healey on Friday, March 6, ICE arrested 1,461 people in Operation Patriot in May 2025 and 1,406 people in Operation Patriot 2.0 in September 2025. Of those arrests, over half had never been accused of or convicted of a crime, the letter said. They include Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a Milford high school student arrested on his way to volleyball practice, and a Leominster father of an autistic child. In the letter, Healey demanded ICE give her the identity of every person arrested by ICE since January 2025, as well as the legal basis for each arrest, the status of those cases and the number of arrests involving parents or primary caregivers of minor children. ICE did not respond to a request for comment on Healey's letter. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Massachusetts man dies in ICE custody. What answers lawmakers want Tourist overcrowding and bad behavior lead to more fines at popular international travel spots heres where you will pay more More popular destinations are fighting back with tourist fines to combat the hordes of Instagram-fueled itinerants, all vying for their chance to post the perfect #travel selfie. An influx of visitors can drive up local housing costs, pose safety risks and lead to unruly behavior. In response, some local governments have installed tourist taxes to drive revenue for local economies and reduce the negative impacts. As Italy faces some of the most egregious overtourism globally, several cities, including Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan and Naples, have implemented tourist taxes and day-visit fees. According to Go Italy Tours, when staying overnight in Italy, certain cities have a tourist tax, which is paid by the passenger directly to the hotel before the end of the stay. The amount varies by style of accommodation, time of year and where in Italy youre staying. Rome has increased fees in recent years around its historical monuments. Sitting, lounging, eating, loitering or even dragging a suitcase on or near the Spanish Steps could result in a fine of up to $448, ABC News reported. Cities like Venice charge overnight visitors a tax of up to 5 ($5.79) on the first five nights of their stay, which the city has been doing since 2011. In 2024, Venice implemented an access fee to the historic city center for day visitors aged 14 or older to discourage crowding. Tourists might also come across new kinds of fines. For example, swimming in the historic canals of Venice could lead to a 450 ($520) fine and a 48-hour expulsion from the city. Florences city tax rate ranges from $4 to $9.30 per person per night, depending on the accommodation, for up to 10 nights, per Carpe Diem Tours. Sitting, lounging, eating, loitering or even dragging a suitcase on or near the Spanish Steps could result in a fine of up to $448. cimata stock.adobe.com In Portofino, lingering in public spaces with suitcases, picnic equipment or portable speakers also risks a fine ranging from 25 to 500 ($29 to $590), depending on the violation, according to DPA. The city also banned walking barefoot through the town, sitting on the piazza in swimwear, and stopping at popular view points in no-waiting zones. Those clogging the no-waiting zones can risk a 275 ($318) fine. Several cities have started to tax tourists who arent dressed appropriately and wear swimsuits once away from the beach. Advertisement In Portofino, lingering in public spaces with suitcases, picnic equipment, or portable speakers also risks a fine. Sina Ettmer stock.adobe.com Cannes, France; Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; Split, Croatia; Sorrento, Italy; and Albufeira, Portugal, have all implemented fines up to 1,500 ($1,738) against tourists who wear swimsuits in the city and havent covered up, according to the BBC. Theres also a so-called flip-flop fine in countries like France, Greece, Portugal or Spain, cracking down on those who rent a car and wear flip flops while driving. While not outright illegal, if traffic police stop someone and determine their footwear to be unsafe, they can be fined up to about 200 ($230), according to Express UK. Famous party islands like Ibiza and Mallorca have also experienced a crackdown on excessive tourism, Daily Passport reported. Mallorca is cracking down on excessive tourism. radekcho stock.adobe.com According to Sky News, Palma mayor Jaime Martinez said one of the main objectives of the fine is to correct uncivil attitudes. Tourists who drink on the streets in Spains Balearic Islands could face fines of up to 3,000 ($3,475). A fine between 750 and 1,500 ($869 and $1,738) if the public drinking disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment. Dubrovnik, Croatia, followed suit, implementing a fine of up to about 4,000 ($4,630) for public intoxication, Euro News reported. Famous party islands like Ibiza are implementing tourist fines. Ugo stock.adobe.com Mayor Tomislav Suta told local Croatian press that the new fine is because situations arise that impair the safety and quality of the life of tenants. Barcelona has implemented a fine for tourists who violate its quiet hours between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. to try to limit the late-night drunken behavior. Amsterdam and Prague have similar laws, such as bans on loudspeakers, bar crawls, and beer bikes. Barcelona is one of the places fining tourists who wear swimsuits in the city and havent covered up after leaving the beach. Roman Rodionov stock.adobe.com At the end of last year, Fodors released its 2026 No List, highlighting destinations where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and local communities. The travel company stressed that the No List is not a call for a boycott, but rather a gentle reminder to give specific hotspots a break from the bustle. On the list included Antarctica; The Canary Islands, Spain; Glacier National Park, Montana; Isola Sacra, Italy; The Jungfrau Region, Switzerland; Mexico City, Mexico; Mombasa, Kenya; and Montmartre, Paris, France. Bora Bora is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. But a trip to this luxurious island is hardly cheap. According to the estimates of Bora Bora Insider, you can expect to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000. Also See: 3 Ways Credit Card Rewards Will Let You Travel Free or Cheap Try This: Start Growing Your Net Worth With Smarter Tracking Surely, Bora Bora is a special place, with its soft white sand beaches, translucent blue waters and reputation as the Romantic Island, but its not the only place with such gorgeous wonders and relaxing scenery. If youre on a frugal budget, you might want to consider visiting another equally enchanting island. Lets look at five island vacation destinations that are quite similar to Bora Bora, but much more affordable. Advertisement Fiji Fiji, a fellow popular vacation spot and fave honeymoon destination, is an excellent alternative to Bora Bora. It also has white sand beaches and clean, aqua waters. Wed be amiss to describe this as a cheap place to visit, but it is generally more affordable than Bora Bora. According to Budget Your Trip, a one-week trip to Fiji typically costs around $1,205 per person. This price tag includes accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing. Moorea, French Polynesia Like Bora Bora, Moorea is part of French Polynesias Society Islands archipelago. Its a great spot for people looking to snorkel and scuba dive, or just soak up the sun in idyllic beach scenery. Budget Your Trip estimates that a one-week trip to this captivating island averages $2,302, which includes accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing. Maldives The Maldives, a tropical oasis in the Indian Ocean, is similar to Bora Bora in that it has overwater villas, shimmering clear lagoons and sugar-white sand beaches. But its generally a less expensive island getaway. According to Budget Your Trip, a one-week trip to the Maldives for a couple averages $4,244 and includes accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing. Jamaica Famous for its vibrant rainforests, lush waterfalls and pristine beaches, Jamaica is another tropical paradise that rivals Bora Bora but is cheaper to visit. Budget Your Trip estimates that a one-week trip to Jamaica for two costs $1,713, on average, and that includes accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing. Ksamil, Albania Never heard of Ksamil, Albania? Its time to get acquainted. Like Bora Bora, its famous for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Its also one of the most affordable beach destinations in Europe, period. A one-week trip to Albania for two averages $1,125, a price tag that includes accommodation, food, local transportation and sightseeing, according to Budget Your Trip. This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice. More From MoneyLion: Credit: Simply Recipes / Photo Illustrations by Sarah Crowder / Getty Images Key Takeaways Refrigerating ripe avocados can extend their freshness for up to seven days. Firm-ripe avocados are easier to slice and dice after being stored in the fridge. Counter-ripened avocados are ideal for mashing or pureeing before refrigeration. A perfectly ripe avocado has transformative powersthe rich, creamy, slightly nutty-tasting fruit (yes, it's a fruit) can turn a ho-hum salad, sandwich, or entree into something truly special. And of course, it's the star of dishes like guacamole and avocado toast. The tricky thing about avocados is that the window for a perfectly ripe avocado is so shortit's just a quick stopover between rock-hard and brown, mealy mush. As an avocado lover who's let too many avocados go bad on my watch, I wanted to know the best way to extend that perfectly ripe window. Should I leave my avocados on the counter, stick them in the fridge, or just start gobbling them up as fast as I can? For guidance, I turned to representatives from the California Avocado Commission and Avocados From Mexico. The short answer from the pros is that putting your avocados in the fridge can extend their life. Read on for all the details on how to store those beauties so they stay fresh and fabulous as long as possible. Read More: How To Safely Remove the Pit from an Avocado, According to Experts Credit: Simply Recipes / Lori Rice When and Why You Should Refrigerate Ripe Avocados If you have avocados that are soft and just ripe but you aren't ready to eat them, transfer them to the fridge unless you'll eat them in a day or two. "Placing avocados in your fridge helps to slow the ripening process and allows you to enjoy them later," says California Avocado Commission VP of Marketing, Terry Splane. Dianne Le, Director of Shopper Marketing at Avocados From Mexico, echoes Splane's advice and says you can tell an avocado is ripe if it yields to gentle pressure and has a darker color, though she notes that color only is not always the best indicator of ripeness, so be sure to give that avocado a gentle squeeze. Advertisement "Depending on how you will be preparing your avocados will help determine when you might want to place them in the fridge," Splane adds. "If you want to use avocados for slicing and dicing, it's best to refrigerate them when they are firm-ripe (just under-ripe), so they are easier to work with. If you will be mashing or pureeing your avocados, you can allow them to ripen on your counter for a couple of days before placing them in the fridge for up to one week." Read More: The Only Way To Ripen Avocados Fast, According to a Food Editor Credit: Simply Recipes / Elise Bauer How Long Ripe Avocados Last in the Fridge vs. on the Counter A ripe avocado should last in the fridge for up to seven days vs. just one to three days on the counter, according to both Le and Splane. So if you think you'll use your avocados within a day or two, there's no need to stick them in the fridgebut also no harm in doing so. Read More: How To Store Tomatoes So They Last Longer, According to Experts Does Refrigerating Avocados Affect Their Flavor or Texture? Tomato lovers know to never put their tomatoes in the fridge because it can give them an unpleasant mealy texture. Luckily the same isn't true for avocados. Both Le and Splane confirmed what your taste buds have probably already told you: Refrigerating avocados has no negative impact on their flavor, texture, or appearance. Hooray! The Takeaway If you are planning to use your ripe avocados within a day or two, feel free to leave them on the counter. If not, you can extend their life by transferring them to the refrigerator, where they should last for about a week. Once a week is up, it's time to consult your favorite avocado recipes and use those babies up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Read More: The Only Way You Should Store Avocados, According to a Hass Avocado Expert Read the original article on Simply Recipes WASHINGTON In a stunning move, President Donald Trump announced Thursday he fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and is tapping Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to replace her at the end of the month. I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026, Trump posted on social media. Politics: Thom Tillis Torches Kristi Noem Over ICE And Killing Her Dog The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida, he said. I thank Kristi for her service at Homeland, the president added. Kristi Noem, out. Markwayne Mullin, in. Heather Diehl via Getty Images The White House hasnt formally nominated Mullin to the post yet, and he still has to be confirmed by the Senate to get the job. Noem later thanked Trump for her new appointment and boasted of her historic accomplishments at DHS. Life: Kristi Noem Sparked Outrage For Refusing To Do This 1 Thing And A Historian Has A Theory Why We delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S., we have located 145,000 children, she wrote on social media later that afternoon. FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the U.S. Coast Guard. But Noems legacy at DHS, which shes led since January 2025, will be largely defined by her sloppiness, scandals and potential law-breaking. On her watch, thousands of federal immigration enforcement agents descended on Minnesota and spent months brutalizing immigrants, terrorizing communities, and fatally shooting two Minneapolis residents: U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Noem, without any evidence, characterized both Good and Pretti as domesticterrorists an allegation which other officials said was not true to justify the agents actions. Noem has also come under fire for spending $220 million in taxpayer money on a flashy DHS ad campaign that prominently features her riding around on a horse in a cowboy hat at Mount Rushmore. A huge chunk of those federal dollars was secretly awarded to a firm with ties to Noem, a firm that was stood up just eight days before the contract went out. Politics: Democrats Seem Quite OK With Kristi Noems Canning Shes also faced allegations of misleading or straight-up lying to Congress under oath about various actions shes taken, ranging from the role of her top aide, Corey Lewandowski, in approving contracts, to the reality that her department has been detaining American citizens in its sweep of supposed criminals in the country illegally. In still another scandal, Noem has faced allegations of having an inappropriate personal relationship with Lewandowski, who made headlines last month for entering the cockpit of a government jet mid-flight and firing the pilot over a misplaced blanket. The pilot had to be immediately reinstated as there was no one else to fly Noem and Lewandowski back home. Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. Advertisement Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is Trump's pick to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary. Tom Williams via Getty Images Trumps decision to fire Noem seems directly tied to the bipartisan condemnation she faced this week before Congress, as she testified to House and Senate committees during oversight hearings. Democrats have been demanding her resignation for months over her reckless handling of Trumps immigration crackdown, but in her televised hearings, she faced scorching disapproval from Republicans as well. Politics: Pete Hegseths Politically Correct Wars Rant Has People Asking 1 Big Question In a minutes-long tirade, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) excoriated her for her failure of leadership, citing the deaths of Good and Pretti, for not reimbursing his state billions of dollars in badly needed disaster relief funds, and generally, for focusing DHS immigration enforcement efforts on sheer numbers of detentions versus paying attention to who is actually being detained. Quality matters, not quantity! Tillis shouted at her during a Wednesday hearing. What weve seen is a disaster under your leadership, Ms. Noem! A disaster! What weve seen is innocent people being detained that turn out are American citizens! Still, it was another Republican senator in that hearing, John Kennedy, who may have been the real cause for Noems firing. The Louisiana senator pressed Noem on whether Trump signed off on her $220 million DHS ad campaign that was effective in your name recognition, but that puts the president in a terribly awkward spot given its price tag. She said the president did give the OK, which ended up infuriating Trump to the point that he called Kennedy directly to gripe about the senators questioning of Noem. By Thursday morning, the president was reportedly calling Republicans on the Hill to see if they thought he should fire Noem. Good riddance.Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) Noems expulsion comes as Congress fights over tying any new funding for DHS to major reforms at Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Democrats have refused to budge on this demand, as Republicans insist the agency be funded while they debate ICE reforms separately. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Thursday its great news that Noem is out, but it changes nothing about Democrats insistence on real changes at ICE. Politics: Hegseth Says U.S. Will Intensify Iran Bombardment, Anthropic To Sue Pentagon: Live Updates Good riddance, he told reporters of Noems ouster. But the problems with this agency transcend one person. The rot is deep. Noem will be a prime target of Democratic investigations after November if they win back the House, which they are well-positioned to do. During Tuesdays House oversight committee, Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) lashed at the DHS secretary for having regularly ignored court orders and lied to judges, citing 210 cases of her staff ignoring federal court orders in 2026 alone. You are the secretary of DHS for now, Balint told Noem. You think youre immune from accountability. But I promise you this: One day, he is not going to be president anymore. Noem said nothing as the Vermont Democrat continued: When that day comes, we will still be here ... and in hearings like this, she said. We are going to continue to prove your guilt. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost President Trump is playing the role of kingmaker, clearing the field in several crucial GOP primaries for his preferred candidates for Congress. Trumps endorsement hangs over the Texas Senate GOP primary between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R) and state Attorney General Ken Paxton (R), and he went a step further Wednesday by ordering the person he does not pick to endorse to drop out of the race. Later on Wednesday, the president quickly backed Republican Kurt Alme for Montanas Senate seat after Sen. Steve Daines (R) announced he would not seek reelection. Earlier in the week, Trump threw his support behind Montana radio host Aaron Flint after Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.) announced his retirement. Sitting presidents going back to former Presidents Richard Nixon and Franklin Roosevelt have played the role of power broker when it comes to picking and choosing candidates in key races, but Trumps approach is being done in a much more public fashion. It helps him with his legislative agenda by keeping them on their toes, presidential historian Craig Shirley said. He wants a unified party, and what president doesnt want that? They all achieve it in different ways, he added. The carrot and stick used by presidents manifests itself in many ways. Trumps allies have been quick to tout the strength of his endorsements. On Wednesday, White House deputy chief of staff James Blair noted that every candidate Trump backed won their Tuesday primary or advanced to a runoff. This is your occasional reminder that your algorithm and/or favorite influencer may not reflect real life, Blair said in a post on social platform X. White House communications director Steven Cheung called Trumps endorsement record sterling in a statement to The Hill. Everybody wants it because they know how powerful his support can be, Cheung said. Many Republicans working in the partys campaign apparatus say the presidents involvement makes their jobs easier in the run-up to general election season. Its one less thing to worry about, one Republican operative said. Its everything in terms of fundraising, grassroots, locking up the rest of the endorsements in the delegation or local endorsements. You can start focusing on the general election, and the more time we have campaigning against the Democrat, the more likelihood we have of actually winning the race, they continued. The operative cited the contrast Republicans have with Democrats, pointing to a number of contested Democratic House and Senate primaries across the country. They have these messy primaries developing all over the country in these very competitive battleground districts where it seems like these further-to-the-left candidates are pulling ahead, the operative noted. Trump himself warned about the risks of a messy primary in Texas on Wednesday, saying in a Truth Social post the party must be focused on putting Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico away, quickly and decisively! Advertisement But because Trump has not endorsed in the Texas GOP Senate primary, Republicans in the state have found themselves embroiled in a bruising and expensive intraparty battle. On Wednesday, Paxton said he will be staying in the race regardless of whom Trump endorses. Ive spent a year of my life campaigning against John Cornyn because John has not represented the people of Texas well, Paxton told the outlet. Everything that Trump stood for, John Cornyns fought. Trump responded to Paxtons remarks, telling Politico in an interview thats bad for him to say. That is bad for him. So maybe, maybe, that leads me to go the other direction, the president said. Paxton then said he would be open to dropping out of the race as long as Senate Republican leadership met a set of conditions, including eliminating the filibuster the 60-vote threshold needed to clear most legislation in the upper chamber and the Senate passing a bill that would require voters to show proof of citizenship to register to vote. The lack of a Trump endorsement can send a strong signal to the primary electorate. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (Texas), who represents the states 2nd Congressional District, was the only House Republican running for reelection in the Lone Star State who did not receive Trumps endorsement. He was defeated by conservative state House Rep. Steve Toth (R), who had the backing of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Crenshaw has notably broken with Trump, including when he condemned Trumps rhetoric amid the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and the presidents refusal to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election. The states 2nd Congressional District leans heavily Republican and is unlikely to be competitive in the general election. Trump has seemingly enjoyed a good relationship with the GOPs campaign apparatus during his second term. National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Mike Marinella described Trump and his political team as tremendous partners in helping to unite the party. But like with many announcements from Trump, operatives often first learn of news of an endorsement from Truth Social. The timing is always uncertain, the Republican operative said. But were always in constant communication on which candidates are performing well. The White House sees everything, and they ultimately make the final judgment call, they said. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Americas pressure campaign on Cuba is pushing the country to the breaking point, with President Trump and Republicans in Congress predicting the communist regimes imminent fall. A major blackout across the western half of Cuba on Wednesday underscored the energy crisis exacerbated by Trumps fuel blockade. Some analysts warn the Cuban government will exhaust all fuel reserves by mid- to late March, bringing the island to a complete standstill. Trump has tasked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead talks with Cuban officials and has floated a friendly takeover of the island. They want to make a deal so badly, you have no idea, Trump said at the White House on Thursday, suggesting that major changes will be happening in a few weeks. What exactly Trump has in mind is not clear. However, his threats are resonating loudly across the Straits of Florida after Trumps successful military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela and his ongoing war in Iran, which killed the countrys supreme leader. Latin American experts said Cubas leaders are likely considering a range of options that could secure their safety, along with economic reforms, cooperation on Trumps regional priorities and scaling back ties with Americas adversaries. Rubio is reportedly holding talks with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of Raul Castro, the 94-year-old former president and de facto leader of the country. Raul Castros control over the Cuban military is viewed as the main power base on the island. Peter Brown, senior fellow for Western Hemisphere security and maritime affairs at the America First Policy Institute, said it would make sense if the Trump administration is floating secure exile and protections from prosecution for the Castros, or other major power brokers in Cuba. Obviously Im not in the room with Secretary Rubio, or the people who hes meeting, but I would suspect thats one of the elements of discussion, Brown said, what would be the circumstances under which a transition could take place, and what protections might be available to those departing from positions of power. Ricardo Torres, a Cuban economist and faculty fellow with American University, said the Castros, and the military network around them, might be open to the Trump administrations demands of economic reform, given Trumps handling of Venezuela. One notion was quite dominant at some point, which is theyve [the regime] always refused significant economic reform because they thought, or they think, that will eventually lead to losing political control, he said. One may always argue, well this administration has a different theory of change. Torres said there are some practical steps the Cuban government can take that would likely be welcomed by the Trump administration. This includes the release of political prisoners and some guarantees for people to have freedom of expression and association. Havana could also deepen cooperation with the U.S. on countering illegal migration, drug trafficking and terrorism. And it could form a bilateral task force to compensate American companies that were expropriated at the beginning of the revolution, he said. They could do that very easily and its also in Cubas interest if it wants to become a more attractive foreign investment destination at some point, he said. Havana can also offer the U.S. guarantees it will not enter into any security guarantee with U.S. competitors like Russia or China. All of that, Cuba could do quite easily and then Trump could always say, I got this, and this is very important for us, its a lot, as just kind of an initial deal, he said. But all of that might not be enough for Trump or Republicans in Congress, who are calling for full-on regime change rather than an arrangement like Venezuela, where Trump has been happy to work with remnants of Maduros regime. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) renewed his call for a complete overhaul in Cuba in the aftermath of Trumps major military operation against Iran. Cubas next, theyre gonna fall, this communist dictatorship in Cuba, their days are numbered, Graham said Sunday on Fox News. Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), who was born in Cuba, posted on the social media site X on Thursday that the regime in Cuba MUST BE DESTROYED & RELEGATED TO THE DUSTBIN OF HISTORY ! Trump has been more measured in his remarks, suggesting the U.S. will deal with Iran and Venezuela before turning its full attention to Cuba. Advertisement We could do them all at the same time but bad things happen, if you watch countries over the years, you do them all too fast, bad things happen, Trump said at the White House on Thursday. Trump, in remarks to Politico on Thursday, said the demise of the communist regime in Cuba would be the icing on the cake following his other interventions. And thats one of the small ones for me, he said. John Kavulich, president of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, said political reform in Cuba is not as important as economic reform if Havana wants to satisfy Trump. The president doesnt care whether youre a dictatorship, monarchy, authoritarian, communist, junta he doesnt care as long as you can manage your economy, he said. And he defines managing the economy as the ability to import products and services from the United States. Cubas President Miguel Diaz-Canel on Monday announced urgent economic reforms at the same time the Trump administration is demanding change. Hes tinkering with the same model without changing the fundamentals, said Sebastian Arcos, interim director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University. It means nothing. This is not a reaction to U.S. pressure like we have seen in Venezuela when they say were going to release political prisoners. This is not that. Its an internal conversation within the party rather than a message to the U.S. that they are implementing reforms. The State Department seemed to agree. In a statement to The Hill, a spokesperson said the proposed reforms do not go nearly far enough to begin to amend the decades of incompetence that have made the Cuban economy dysfunctional. Cubas failed policies and corrupt leadership cause the Cuban people immense hardship, while regime leaders squirrel away billions in foreign accounts, the spokesperson added. Jason Marczak, vice president and senior director at the Atlantic Councils Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, said at a minimum, Diaz-Canel needs to step down with a transition figure put in place. I dont think that the administration sees any semblance of the current Cuban government as being a government that they can work with, he said. They want Diaz-Canel out. Marczak pointed out that Cuba is increasingly isolated, not only from its allies like Venezuela, China and Russia, but from Latin American countries that have increasingly aligned with Trump. On Thursday, Ecuador announced it was expelling the Cuban diplomatic mission in the country, as it carried out a major counter-terrorist operation in coordination with the U.S. The moment is different. I cant remember another time since the Cuban revolution that it has so few friends across the hemisphere right now, Marczak said. Ecuador is one of nearly a dozen countries attending Trumps Latin America Leaders Summit being held at the Trump Doral Hotel in Miami on Saturday. The guest list includes right-wing, conservative governments some recently elected which have demonstrated loyalty to Trump, or at least unity with the U.S., over the past year. The summit could serve as another key venue to project the message to Cuba that it needs to accede to U.S. demands. It looks pretty good for the United States to manage sort of a majority of Latin American countries to say, no its time for change in Cuba, like right now, said Arcos, of Florida International University. The gut reaction is always oh poor Cuba, its a little country and the United States is the big bully. But I think that veil is dissipating and its dissipating fast. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. By Maya Gebeily, Humeyra Pamuk and Pesha Magid BEIRUT/WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM, March 6 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" on Friday, a dramatic escalation one week into the war he launched alongside Israel that could make it more difficult to negotiate a swift end to hostilities. Trump made the remarks on social media just hours after Iran's president announced that unspecified countries had begun mediation efforts, one of the first signals of a diplomatic initiative to end the conflict, as Israel launched fresh attacks on Iran and Lebanon and Iran sent missiles into Israel and Gulf states that host U.S. military bases. "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" Trump wrote. "After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before." Trump's demand, and the likelihood that it would complicate any quick path to ending a conflict that has interrupted global energy supplies, rattled financial markets. European and U.S. stock indexes finished the day sharply lower, and oil futures hit their highest prices since 2023, as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has constrained the flow of energy supplies. Trump had told Reuters in a telephone interview on Thursday that he must have a say in selecting Iran's new supreme leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed on the war's first day. A White House spokeswoman said consideration was already underway. "I know there's a number of people that our intelligence agencies and the United States government are looking at," Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Friday. Iran's U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, told reporters on Friday that new leadership would be chosen "in accordance with our constitutional procedures and solely by the will of the Iranian people - without any foreign interference." ISRAEL POUNDS BEIRUT AFTER MASS EVACUATION ORDER On the ground, Israel pursued a major expansion of the war in Lebanon, pounding the capital Beirut on Friday after ordering an unprecedented evacuation of the entire southern suburbs of the city. Israel said the targets included a Beirut command centre used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's navy unit, along with command centres that it said were used by the Hezbollah militant group. There was no immediate comment from Iran's Revolutionary Guard or Hezbollah. Israel also launched a new wave of attacks on Iran, saying 50 of its warplanes had struck a bunker still being used by Iran's leadership beneath Khamenei's destroyed Tehran compound. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on social media: "Some countries have begun mediation efforts." He did not identify the countries or provide further details. "Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we have not the slightest hesitation in defending the dignity and authority of our country," he wrote. Advertisement Israel has extended its bombing to Lebanon to root out Hezbollah, the Shi'ite militia allied to Iran that has been a dominant faction in Lebanese politics since the 1980s. Hezbollah fired on Israel this week to avenge the death of Khamenei. "We're sleeping here in the streets - some in cars, some on the street, some on the beach," said Jamal Seifeddin, 43, who fled Beirut's southern suburbs and spent the night on the streets in the downtown district. "No one even brought a blanket." Israel has intervened in Lebanon repeatedly over decades, most recently in 2024. But the ferocity of Friday's strikes had little precedent. About 300,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon in the past four days, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. Inside Israel, explosions could be heard as Israeli defenses activated to shoot down incoming Iranian fire. The UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia all reported fresh drone and missile attacks. The Israeli military says it has destroyed 80% of Iran's air-defense systems in the first week of the campaign and disabled more than 60% of its missile launchers. Russia is providing Iran with locations of U.S. warships and aircraft in the Middle East after Iran's ability to locate U.S. forces was degraded, the Washington Post reported, citing three officials familiar with the intelligence. Russian missions in the U.S. did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report. Meanwhile, Trump met with executives from seven defense contractors on Friday, who agreed to accelerate weapons production, the president said on social media. The administration has been pressuring contractors as Iran and other recent operations have drawn down supplies. Leavitt said the U.S. has enough weapons stockpiles to meet the needs of its Iran operations, which she said would take about four to six weeks to complete. 'WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO CHOOSE THAT PERSON', TRUMP SAYS In insisting on the right to help choose Iran's next leader meant to be a senior Shi'ite Muslim cleric selected by a panel of religious experts Trump made his most explicit demand for control over a country of more than 90 million people. Israel has said openly that it aims to overthrow Iran's ruling system. It has been bombing parts of western Iran to support Iranian Kurdish militias who hope to exploit the war to seize towns near the frontier, according to three sources familiar with Israel's talks with the factions. Iran has cast the war as an unprovoked attack and describes the killing of its leader, Khamenei, as an assassination. It says the panel that will choose the new leader is conducting its work. At least 1,332 people have been killed in Iran since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on February 28, Iravani said, citing the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The Lebanese health ministry has reported 123 people killed and 683 wounded as a result of Israeli attacks. Iranian attacks have killed 11 people in Israel since the war started, and at least six U.S. service members have been killed. Two U.S. officials told Reuters that military investigators believed it was likely that U.S. forces were responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls' school that killed scores of children on the first day of the war. The investigators have not yet reached a final conclusion. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Humeyra Pamuk and Steve Holland in Washington, Pesha Magid in Jerusalem and Reuters bureaux; Writing by Peter Graff, Charlie Devereux and Jonathan Allen; Editing by Alex Richardson, Aidan Lewis, Sharon Singleton and Diane Craft) A security officer stands guard near the Great Hall of the People, where Chinas annual Government Work Report is delivered during the National Peoples Congress, in Beijing. Credit - VCG/Getty Images At first blush, Thursdays opening of Chinas National Peoples Congress (NPC) looked ominous for Taiwan. Taking the podium in Beijings cavernous Great Hall of the People, Premier Li Qiang unveiled a 7% bump on defense spending while using strident language for the self-ruling island, over which China claims dominion. While vowing the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) would accelerate the development of advanced combat capabilities, Li said China would resolutely crack down on separatist activities in Taiwan, a noted upgrade on last years promise to simply oppose them. Given U.S. President Donald Trumps ongoing war with Iran has depleted stocks of sophisticated weapons systems vital to defend the island, nerves were already jangling in Taiwanas well as Ukraine, and, indeed, Washington. Questions about U.S. weapons reserves were raised during a closed-door briefing between senior Trump Administration officials and members of Congress on Tuesday, sources told TIME. With the U.S. military depleted and distracted by a conflict on the other side of the globe, observers worried that Chinese strongman Xi Jinping may never have a better opportunity to move on the democratic island of 23 million, whose reunification he has called the great trend of history. The fear is that Trumps transactional bearing and embrace of a might is right doctrineboth in his own actions and his ambivalence regarding Russias invasion of Ukrainecould be interpreted as a green light by Xi. Will Xi be tempted to take advantage of U.S. potentially exhausting smart munitions and attack Taiwan even if the PLA is not fully ready? asks Prof. Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London. Possible. However, other indicators point in the opposite direction: that the U.S. assault on Iran has in fact secured Taiwans de facto independencein the short-term, at least. While American officials have offered dubious and contradictory rationales for war, and what will eventually arise from the rubble is anything but clear, theres no denying that, operationally at least, the U.S. strikes have been a stunning success. In the first four days of the conflict, the U.S attacked close to 2,000 targets, including 16 shipssinking an Iranian frigate some 2,000 mi from Iran near Sri Lankaas well as a submarine. Moreover, its successful decapitation strikes against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his chief acolytesfollowing the daring capture of Venezuelan despot Nicolas Maduroindicates a prowess of intelligence and wherewithal that contrasts with a PLA that hasnt fought a major war for almost half-a-century (and it lost that one). The specter of a decapitation strike has been proven a more realistic scenario, says Wen-ti Sung, a political scientist based in Taiwan for the Australian National University. Chinas first reaction will be: This could happen here. Another factor is the suspect performance of Chinas own military equipment in Iran, which had reportedly purchased kamikaze drones and air-defense capabilities from Beijing. Moreover, Iran was negotiating to buy Chinese advanced anti-ship missiles, though its unclear whether these had been installed. Beijings best hope of saving face is that they were not yet operational. If they were, that is even more damningnot least after the advanced Chinese radar and anti-aircraft systems purchased by Venezuela failed to detect the U.S. stealth jets they were supposed to. Advertisement China will be looking to learn from the failings of their own equipment in both Venezuela and Iran, says Chong Ja Ian, professor of international relations at the National University of Singapore. And I think they are somewhat surprised by the demonstration of U.S. force and its ability to execute pretty complex operations. Then there are the effects of the Iran war itself. On a purely diplomatic level, China has been humbled. For decades, that Iranian proxies had targeted American allies with relative impunity had been a source of schadenfreude for Beijing. But that the worlds No. 2 economywhich reveled in its peacemaking role after brokering the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Tehran and Riyadh in 2023has been reduced to issuing glib condemnations and dispatching peace envoys to the region spotlights Beijings true impotence. China is proving to be a feckless friend for its authoritarian allies, Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China under President Joe Biden, wrote on X. Economically, China also suffers. China was the top purchaser of both Venezuelan and Iranian oil, accounting for 4% and 13% of imports respectively. But more broadly, half of Chinas oil and almost a third of its liquefied natural gas comes from the Middle East, which is suffering widespread disruption especially in the Iranian-blockaded Strait of Hormuz. Beijing has significant oil reserves and is transitioning to green alternatives, though the clear message is that its near-term energy needs are acutely vulnerable to U.S. action. Besides, Chinese designs on Taiwan hinge on the U.S. not getting involved. And while Trumps foreign policy has been schizophrenic to say the leastand alienating to his MAGA baseWashingtons latest National Defense Strategy clearly states the U.S. will erect a strong denial defense along the First Island Chain, which includes Taiwan. My sense is Xi assumes America would come to Taiwans defense and thus wont attack anytime soon, says Sean King, senior vice president focusing on Asia for consulting firm Park Strategies. Indeed, while Lis Work Report does take a hawkish tone regarding Taiwan, there are caveats. The 7% defense budget bump is far greater than the GDP target of 4.5-5%the lowest GDP target in decadesthough notably less than the 7.2% defense budget of the previous three years. The PLA is also in the midst of a purge unprecedented since Maos era, with the NPC removing nine military officials including several high-ranking generals from the PLA deputy list. Regarding anti-corruption efforts, Li said the political rectification of the military will continue to deepen to uphold the Communist Partys absolute leadership over the peoples armed forces. That the military purge is ongoing raises serious questions about the PLAs command structure and combat readiness for any Taiwan contingency. Moreover, last year Li spoke of improving Chinas Taiwan policy framework, but this time he talked about deepening it, indicating things are already largely on the right track. The inference is that Beijing only needs to do more, rather than do things differently, on Taiwan, says Sung. This is largely because Taiwans ruling China-skeptic Democratic Progressive Party (DDP) is all at sea, with low approval ratings, a deadlocked legislature, political infighting, and a failed recall campaign that aimed to unseat lawmakers for the pro-Beijing opposition Nationalist Party, or KMT. These doldrums have spurred a revival for the KMT, which seeks security in closer ties with Beijing. And the KMTs message is gaining credence precisely because of the mercurial nature of the Trump Administration, as spotlighted by the Iran war, which has cast grave doubt on U.S. security guarantees. Indeed, Taiwan only featured towards the end of Lis Work Report, as is typical. The overall focus was overwhelmingly on fixing Chinas floundering economy, with action to tackle unemployment, a depressed real estate market, and boosting innovation. After last years dizzying exchange of tariffs and counter-tariffs, there are signs of a partial easing of trade frictions between China and the U.S., with Xi and Trump set to meet face-to-face at the end of this month. Its not in Xis interests to rock the boat when the mood in Taiwan appears to be turning more conciliatoryeven if purely out of expedience. It will be reckless for Xi to order an invasion unless he is absolutely sure the U.S. cannot interfere and victory is assured and at relatively low costs, says Tsang. He has not been reckless in the last 13 years. Write to Charlie Campbell at charlie.campbell@time.com. Three people dressed in formal attire: a woman in a black strapless dress, a man in a black tuxedo, and a woman in a sequined jacket with a pearl necklace. John F. Kennedy Jr.s childhood friend denied that there was any friction between his sister, Caroline Kennedy, and his wife, Carolyn Bessette, on the day of their wedding. Sasha Chermayeff addressed the long-swirling rumors in an exclusive interview with Page Six after alleged tensions between Carolyn and her sister-in-law were depicted in Hulu and FXs Love Story series. People knew that there was some tensions between them as the two couples, Chermayeff said, referring to John and Carolyn, and Caroline and her husband, Edwin Schlossberg. John F. Kennedy Jr.s childhood friend weighed in on rumors that there was tension between Carolyn Bessette and Caroline Kennedy on the wedding day. Getty Images Johns high school friend, Sasha Chermayeff, spoke with Page Six about their wedding. Getty Images That was something that people did know, but it wasnt really apparent at the wedding, she added. Chermayeff noted that all 40 guests at the intimate September 1996 wedding on a remote island off the coast of Georgia were on their best behavior and just happy for the bride and groom. At that point, there wasnt a feeling of tension at all. It was just not there, she doubled down. While Caroline was Carolyns matron of honor, Chermayeff recalled the bridesmaid duties being handled by the brides mom, Ann Messina Freeman, and her sisters, Lisa and Lauren Bessette. People knew that there was some tensions between them as the two couples, Chermayeff said, referring to JFK Jr. and Carolyn, and Caroline and her husband, Edwin Schlossberg (seen here). DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection/Shutterstock Chermayeff said everyone was on their best behavior when JFK Jr. and Carolyn (seen here in May 1999) tied the knot. Getty Images Bessettes close friends Jessica Weinstein, Jules Birnbaum and Narciso Rodriguez the latter of whom designed her wedding dress were also by her side on the big day. When asked if Caroline took on any bridesmaid duties, Chermayeff told us, Im not convinced that she had to do anything like that. I think Carolyn had her people pretty much with her. Instead, Chermayeff remembered Caroline spending much of the wedding weekend looking after her three little kids with Ed Schlossberg: Rose, Tatiana, who died in December 2025 from cancer, and Jack. She also remembered Caroline joining Johns friends and family on the beach in the hours leading up to the rehearsal dinner. Carolyn (seen with JFK Jr. in March 1999) made his sister her matron of honor. Getty Images Chermayeff shared that Caroline wasnt too involved in any bridal party duties on the day of the wedding. Getty Images The Ryan Murphy-produced FX drama illustrates a tumultuous relationship between Carolyn (Sarah Pidgeon) and Caroline (Grace Gummer). Advertisement In episode 4, Carolyn has an icy interaction with Caroline after John (Paul Anthony Kelly) invites the Calvin Klein publicist to his sisters birthday dinner. Signs of a strain between Carolyn and Caroline became even more evident in Thursday nights episode, which depicts the lead-up to the wedding as well as the wedding day itself. In one scene, Carolyn and John get into an argument with Caroline and Ed over their wedding plans during a sit-down dinner. When Carolyn explains that they want a small wedding because they are trying to avoid a Kennedy spectacle, Caroline spat back that she hasnt been included in any decisions for the nuptials. Hulus Love Story portrays a tense relationship between Carolyn and Caroline (Grace Gummer) during the wedding episode Thursday. FX In one scene, Carolyn (Sarah Pidgeon) said she made Caroline her matron of honor because she didnt want her to resent her. FX In another scene, Carolyn and her sister Lauren get into a fight after the former tells the latter that she is making Caroline her matron of honor. I dont know what else to do to make her feel important, Carolyn told her sister of Caroline, adding, I cant go into my wedding, my marriage, with her resenting me. When Lauren asked why Caroline would resent her, Carolyn replied, For taking her only family left away from her. The Kennedys are like the Beatles. I feel like Yoko. Lauren, looking completely heartbroken, tells Carolyn, This will mean nothing to [Caroline] and it would have meant everything to me. Chermayeff told Page Six that none of the producers or writers for the drama knew Carolyn or JFK Jr. personally. Getty Images The way I look at it, [Love Story] is just being made by a group of people that never met them, didnt know them, and are just making it up as they go along, Chermayeff said. Getty Images Later in the episode, Carolyn is seen getting her hair and makeup done before the wedding. While Carolyn is in one corner of the room with her mom and sisters, a very indifferent Caroline is shown sitting in a chair reading a book on the other side of the room. Chermayeff who refuses to watch the show about her late friends who tragically died in a plane crash on July 16, 1999 pointed out that the writers and producers dont know Carolyn or John. The way I look at it, [Love Story] is just being made by a group of people that never met them, didnt know them, and are just making it up as they go along, she said. Carolines rep did not respond to Page Sixs request for comment. FILE PHOTO: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban attend the European Political Community Summit at the Puskas Arena, in Budapest, Hungary, November 7, 2024. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo/File Photo March 6 (Reuters) - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Hungary early on Friday of detaining seven employees of Ukraine's state savings bank while they were transporting cash from Austria back to Ukraine. Andrii Sybiha was writing on the X social media platform after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Budapest would force Ukraine with "political and financial tools" to reopen the Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungarian refineries. Advertisement Sybiha said the employees were travelling in two cars through Hungary when they were detained. He said their whereabouts were unknown at the moment. "In fact, we are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money," Sybiha wrote. "If this is the 'force' announced earlier today by Mr Orban, then this is a force of a criminal gang. This is state terrorism and racketeering." (Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) Lebanese authorities say Israeli air strikes in the country this week have left dozens dead (-) (-/AFP/AFP) The United Nations on Friday demanded swift investigations into fatal Israeli strikes across Lebanon to decide if they complied with international law. "Lebanon is becoming a key flashpoint," UN rights chief Volker Turk told reporters in Geneva. "I call for an immediate cessation of hostilities." Lebanon has been engulfed by the expanding Middle East war, after the Iran-backed group Hezbollah on Monday fired missiles at Israel to avenge the death of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Israel responded with waves of air strikes, and Thursday night it escalated its response by hitting Beirut's southern suburbs where Hezbollah is active -- after warning the area's hundreds of thousands of residents to flee. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has warned that "a humanitarian disaster is looming" due to the mass displacement. Turk said he was particularly worried about Israel's "blanket, massive displacement orders" for Beirut's southern suburbs, the Bekaa region and the full area to the south of the Litani river. These orders were impacting "hundreds of thousands of people", he said, raising "serious concern under international humanitarian law and in particular when it comes to issues around forced transfer". Turk's spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani cautioned that the orders risked amounting to "prohibited forced displacement" under international law. Advertisement The mass displacement, coupled with "continued air strikes on different parts of the country, are bringing more misery and suffering to an already weary civilian population", she told reporters. The Israeli military announced Friday that it had carried out 26 waves of strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in the past four days. Late Thursday, Lebanon's health ministry said Israeli strikes since Monday had killed 123 people. Shamdasani pointed to reports that at least eight people were killed in a strike on a residential building in Baalbek on Wednesday, including three girls and two women, and a family of four reportedly died when a building was struck in the Nabatyeh district on Thursday. "Prompt and thorough investigations must be conducted, particularly to determine whether such attacks complied with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution," she said. Shamdasani highlighted that "Hezbollah has continued launching barrages of rockets into Israel, striking residential areas in the north and the centre of the country, with at least three people reportedly injured". This, she said, raised "concerns, once again, about indiscriminate attacks against civilians". She called for "urgent de-escalation", insisting "the sovereignty of Lebanon and the human rights of its people must be respected", she said. nl/rjm/tw Children displaced from the southern suburbs of Beirut after the Israeli army's warning prompted residents to evacuate, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, rest at Martyrs' Square in Beirut, Lebanon, March 6, 2026. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi BEIRUT, March 6 (Reuters) - The number of displaced people in Lebanon is expected to rapidly increase after unprecedented Israeli evacuation orders covering large parts of the country, with about 100,000 already cramming shelters, a senior U.N. official said on Friday. With hostilities raging between Israel and Hezbollah amid a spreading U.S.-led war on Iran, the Israeli military on Thursday ordered residents out of Beirut's southern suburbs, including districts controlled by the Iran-backed group, before intensifying its air strikes on the area. Israel has also ordered people out of areas of the eastern Bekaa Valley, and a swathe of the south. "What we saw in the last couple of days is, I would say ... unprecedented in terms of the scale here in Lebanon of the warnings, the displacement orders, and the reaction, the panic also, that this has all created," Imran Riza, the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, told Reuters. He noted that over a million people were uprooted in Lebanon during a war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2024, 75-80% of whom did not go to collective shelters, and that this time the majority would probably not go to shelters either. "There are about 100,000 people that are, as of this morning, in some 477 collective shelters. There are some 57 shelters that still have some space, but basically the capacity is being reached very, very quickly," Riza said. SHORT OF FUNDING Advertisement "We had people moving all over the place and not knowing where to go to. So yes, I think we're going to have an increased number quite quickly," he said, citing the example of a Beirut shelter where the number of families rose to 150 on Friday from 90 earlier in the week. Riza said there was good coordination between Lebanese authorities and international aid organisations but resources were short. Lebanon's 2026 aid appeal for $1.6 billion has been only 20% funded so far. "We are much, much worse off in terms of actual funding and material preparedness than we were even in 2024, which was of itself a difficult time," he said. The Lebanese health ministry has reported 123 people killed and another 683 wounded as a result of Israeli attacks this week. Its figures do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Riza said a number of health workers had been killed and injured, and urged respect for international humanitarian law. "We need immediate de-escalation," he added. (Reporting by Tom Perry; Editing by Toby Chopra) The U.S. believes that Russia has been providing Iran the locations of American troops in the Middle East, including aircraft and ships, according to two people familiar with the intelligence. The alleged assistance, first reported by The Washington Post, is alarming because it would enable the Iranians to target specific locations with ballistic missiles and drones, putting U.S. service members at risk. When asked about the aid to Iran, an intelligence official confirmed that the U.S. believes Russia is supplying Tehran intelligence, but did not say exactly what type of information was being shared. US Navy - PHOTO: An F-35C Lightning II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 3, 2026. Iran live updates: US believes Russia is providing Iran intelligence, sources say White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not deny the report on Friday, instead saying it didn't matter because the U.S. was still winning the war. "It clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them," Leavitt told reporters on Friday. U.S. Central Command - PHOTO: A member of the U.S. forces at an undisclosed location taking part in Epic Fury operations. Leavitt added that the U.S. is achieving the military objectives of this operation, including destroying some 30 ships and crippling Iran's ability to launch ballistic missiles. Advertisement Will Oliver/EPA via Shutterstock - PHOTO: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks to the media at the White House, Washington, D.C., March 6, 2026. "And that is going to continue because the United States military is the best and most, most lethal fighting force in the world," she said. Planet Labs PBC - PHOTO: Damage to buildings on a Kuwaiti military base which hosts American troops. Department of Defense - PHOTO: Maj. Jeffrey R. OBrien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, California, were killed Saturday in Kuwait from an Iranian drone attack, the Pentagon said. Six U.S. service members were killed March 1 during an Iranian drone attack on a base in Kuwait. At least 10 other troops have been severely wounded in operations across the region. The CIA declined to comment. The Defense Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Associated Press - Russia Putin How much is the war with Iran costing the US? Russia has not addressed the allegations. But Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said previously that Iran hasn't asked for help. "Our consistent position is well known to everyone, and there is no change," Peskov said at a press briefing. ABC News' Cindy Smith contributed to this report. U.S. and French authorities arrested a former U.S. government contractor accused of stealing $46 million in cryptocurrency, the FBI announced on Thursday. FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the arrest in a statement on X, saying the arrest of John Daghita on the island of St. Martin was a joint operation between the FBI and the French Gendarmerie. "Last night, John Daghita a U.S. government contractor who allegedly stole more than $46 million in cryptocurrency from the U.S Marshals Service was arrested on the island of Saint Martin by the French Gendarmeries premier elite tactical unit in a joint operation with the FBI," Patel wrote. "Thanks to the International Cooperation Team Serious Crime Unit of the French Gendarmerie National in Saint Martin, and the Groupe dintervention de la Gendarmerie nationale of Guadeloupe for the outstanding coordination," he continued. Texas Couple Labeled Fake Chip And Joanna Gaines Admits $5M Dream Home Renovation Scam LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Read On The Fox News App "FBI will continue working 24/7 with our international partners to track down, apprehend, and bring to justice those who attempt to defraud American taxpayersno matter where they try to hide," he added. Advertisement Daghita's recently-deleted LinkedIn page said he worked for Command Services & Support, a Virginia-based firm run by his father, Dean Daghita, according to the New York Post. The company held contracts with the U.S. Marshalls Service that allowed them to manage digital currency seized by the law enforcement agency. Savannah Guthrie Asks For Prayer As Her Mother Remains Missing: 'We Need You' FBI Director Kash Patel announced Daghita's arrest on Thursday. Authorities who carried out the arrest found a briefcase full of cash as well as multiple USB drives. Daghita's arrest comes roughly a month after authorities in Arizona arrested two California teens in an Arizona home invasion tied to an alleged $66 million cryptocurrency plot. The teens, who are not being identified by Fox News Digital because they are both under the age of 18, allegedly posed as delivery drivers to gain access to the Scottsdale home on Jan. 31, before forcing their way inside and duct-taping and assaulting two homeowners inside. Click Here To Download The Fox News App During the home invasion, one of the victims denied having cryptocurrency, authorities said. An adult son in the home was able to call police from another room. When officers arrived, the teenagers fled but were later caught and arrested. Original article source: US government contractor accused of stealing $46M arrested on small island, FBI announces The United States and Gulf Arab states are in discussions with Ukraine to buy Ukrainian-made interceptor drones, a source in Ukraine's Presidential Office confirmed to ABC News. Ukraine's interceptor drones are cheap and effective at downing Iran's one-way Shahed attack drones, which Tehran has used extensively to target U.S. assets in the Middle East throughout the first six days of the war in the Middle East. The six U.S. service personnel who died in the opening hours of the war were killed by an Iranian drone attack in Kuwait. Pentagon identifies all 6 American troops killed in Kuwait amid Iran war "We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against 'shaheds' in the Middle East region," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement Thursday. "I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security. Ukraine helps partners who help ensure our security and protect the lives of our people." President Donald Trump has said that the U.S. has an extensive stockpile of munitions, but questions have been raised both about the cost of using them against relatively cheap drones as well as the supply. All Gulf governments are already in touch with Ukraine, either directly or via the U.S., about the potential purchase of Ukrainian interceptor drones, the Ukrainian official told ABC News. Valentyn Ogirenko/Reuters - PHOTO: STING FPV interceptor drone is displayed at an exhibition of Ukrainian drone makers, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location, Ukraine, Feb. 20, 2026. Overnight, Zelenskyy alluded to the discussions, saying Ukraine "received signals from partners in the Middle East" following strikes on "civilians" by Iranian Shaheds. Zelenskyy said those partners were "seeking our expertise" and that Ukraine was "open" to the request. The Ukrainian President also stated that such a request had already been made by "Europeans and from the United States." "Requests have come to us to share our experience with partners in the Middle East", Zelenskyy said. The Ukrainian president is currently in talks with fellow leaders about the terms of possible supplies of interceptor drones, the source in Ukraine's Presidential Office said. Advertisement As war with Iran stretches on, some experts raise concerns over 'war of attrition' with missile stockpiles Those discussions are looking at details such as quantities and infrastructure. Ukraine's interceptors also require certain integration with radar systems, which could take time to set up. The Pentagon declined to comment on this story, which was previously reported by the Financial Times. Ukraine's interceptors fly at higher speeds than Iran's Shaheds and use cameras and AI to detect and track the Iranian-made attack drones. Then FPV (first person view) pilots fly them into the Shaheds, knocking them out of the sky before they can reach their targets. In his statement on Wednesday night, Zelenskyy also alluded to reports that Gulf states have been using Patriot interceptor missiles to down Iranian drones. A Patriot interceptor costs millions of dollars, whereas Ukraine's interceptor drones cost a few thousand dollars each. An Iranian Shahed is estimated to cost around $30,000. The Ukrainian leader also underlined Ukraine's need for U.S.-made Patriot interceptors to down Russian ballistic missiles. Russia launches largest drone attack on Ukraine as Kyiv pushes US for air defense aid For more than a year, Ukraine has been fast-tracking development of interceptor drones and has been using them in combat scenarios to down Iranian-style drones, which Russia has used in large numbers to wreak havoc on Ukrainian cities and the country's energy infrastructure. Asked whether Ukrainian teams had already been deployed to the Middle East to work with partners on the use of Ukrainian interceptors, Zelenskyy's office declined to comment. Last October, Zelenskyy visited the White House and spoke alongside President Donald Trump, who suggested that Ukraine could sell its drones to the U.S. At the time, Ukraine was lobbying the U.S. to supply it with Tomahawk missiles. In the October exchange, Trump acknowledged that Ukraine's drones were of high quality. "They make a very good drone", Trump said in October. ABC News' Anne Flaherty contributed to this report. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth looks at the signed joint security agreement at the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference with regional defense and security leaders at U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida, U.S., March 5, 2026. REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona By Phil Stewart TAMPA, Florida, March 5 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday the United States was not expanding its military objectives in Iran, after President Donald Trump told Reuters the United States must be involved in choosing the next leader of Iran. The Pentagon earlier this week said the military campaign, known as Operation Epic Fury, is focused on destroying Iran's offensive missiles, missile production and navy, while not allowing Tehran to have a nuclear weapon. "There's no expansion in our objectives. We know exactly what we're trying to achieve," Hegseth said. He added that Trump was "having a heck of a say in who runs Iran given the ongoing operation." In a telephone interview with Reuters on Thursday, Trump said the United States would have to help pick the next person to lead the country. The U.S. and Israeli military campaign that started on Saturday has hit targets across the country and triggered Iranian retaliatory strikes in the region as Tehran seeks to impose a high cost on the United States, Israel and their allies. Iran has attacked countries including Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Fire crews in Bahrain extinguished a blaze at a refinery following a missile strike. Azerbaijan became the latest country drawn in, as it accused Iran of firing drones at its territory and ordered its southern airspace closed for 12 hours. Hegseth said by striking countries in the region, Iran would only bring them closer to the United States. Advertisement "It's actually firming up the unity of the resistance in order to focus exactly where we need to," Hegseth said. NEXT PHASE OF OPERATIONS The United States has hit more than 2,000 targets in Iran, including Iranian warships. Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of U.S. Central Command, said U.S. forces had destroyed 30 Iranian warships, including an Iranian drone carrier ship earlier on Thursday. Cooper said the United States was hitting Iran's ability to rebuild. "As we transition to the next phase of this operation, we will systematically dismantle Iran's missile production capability for the future, and that's absolutely in progress," Cooper said, adding that it would take some time. The U.S. military has identified the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed when a drone slammed into a U.S. military facility in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait. Trump and other senior officials have warned the Iran conflict will result in more U.S. military deaths. Hegseth, during the press conference, said Iran was making a mistake if it believed that the United States could not sustain the ongoing war, adding that Washington had just begun to fight. "Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation," Hegseth said. "We set the timeline." (Reporting by Phil Stewart in Tampa, Florida. Additional reporting by Idrees Ali, Kanishka Singh and Ismail Shakil. Writing by Idrees Ali; Editing by Don Durfee and Christian Schmollinger) FILE PHOTO: STING FPV interceptor drone is displayed at an exhibition of Ukrainian drone makers, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location, Ukraine February 20, 2026. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko/File Photo By Max Hunder KYIV, March 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. and Qatar are in discussions with Kyiv about acquiring Ukrainian interceptor drones as a cheap alternative to down Iranian Shahed UAVs amid the war in the Gulf, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The early-stage talks are taking place between government officials, not companies, and the technology being discussed includes systems to listen out for incoming enemy drones and disrupt their communication signals, the source said. Qatar's International Media Office did not respond to a request for comment. The Pentagon declined to comment. KYIV HAD DISCUSSED SWAPPING DRONES FOR MISSILES Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday evening the United States had asked Kyiv for help in downing Shaheds. "I have instructed that the necessary resources be provided and that Ukrainian specialists be present to ensure the necessary security," he said, without giving further details or mentioning Ukrainian interceptor drones. Zelenskiy said earlier that Ukraine had also received similar requests from Middle Eastern countries and that he would only go ahead with deals if they did not weaken Ukraine's own defences against Russia's invasion. He has also said he would be open to exchanging drones for air defence missiles. A second source - a Western diplomat in the Gulf - said a Ukrainian delegation had travelled to Doha this week to meet with Qatari officials to share Ukraine's experience in drone defence. A delegation also travelled to Abu Dhabi, the diplomat said. Tehran has fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Gulf countries after the U.S. and Israel launched a massive campaign of air strikes at Iran on Saturday and killed much of the Islamic Republic's senior leadership. Gulf countries have managed to intercept most of those strikes, making use of the U.S.-made PAC-3 Patriot systems that Ukraine relies on to defend its own energy and military infrastructure from Russian missiles. Ukraine, however, has developed far cheaper methods of downing the Shahed kamikaze drone during its four-year conflict with Russia, which has been using the Iranian-designed UAVs for much of the war. Russia has launched 19,000 long-range drones at Ukraine this winter, most of which it has downed, Kyiv said. Advertisement After the Iran war erupted, Ukraine's SBU security service warned Ukrainian companies not to sell weapons to Middle Eastern countries without permission from Kyiv, the first source said. The SBU and Ukraine's defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment. A third source said Britain was supporting Ukraine in early-stage talks with Gulf states about the use of Ukrainian drones to intercept Shaheds. That source said some drones could potentially be supplied by Project Octopus, an existing interceptor drone joint venture between London and Kyiv. Britain's Ministry of Defence did not respond to questions. Ukrspecsystems, the Ukrainian company behind the Octopus drone factory in the UK, declined to comment. US, ALLIES HAVE USED HUNDREDS OF DEFENCE MISSILES Zelenskiy said on Wednesday he had spoken with leaders of the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, without providing details. Ukraine's discussions with Washington were first reported by the Financial Times, but Doha's interest and Britain's involvement have not previously been reported. The U.S. and its Gulf allies have expended hundreds of air defence missiles, costing millions of dollars apiece, since the Iran conflict began. Lockheed Martin produces around 600 PAC-3 missiles a year, although it plans to increase that to 2,000 under a seven-year deal with the Pentagon. Kyiv has been running low on those missiles for months, raising concerns that it would be unable to down Russian ballistic missiles, against which the Patriot is the only effective weapon in its arsenal. Zelenskiy has proposed swapping Ukrainian interceptor drones for missiles for Patriot systems. Taras Tymochko from Come Back Alive, a Ukrainian foundation that has bought tens of thousands of interceptor drones with donations, said it was unclear who, other than Ukrainian crews, could operate them. "It's rather difficult to remove our pilots from their operations and send them to the Middle East," Tymochko said. "There's a significant need to scale up existing training capacities in Ukraine to share experience with our partners." (Reporting by Max Hunder; additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Tel Aviv, Andrew Mills in Doha and Idrees Ali in Washington; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Andrew Heavens) U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum speaks as he attends with Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez (not pictured) to deliver statements at Miraflores Palace, in Caracas, Venezuela, March 4, 2026. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria CARACAS, March 5 (Reuters) - United States Interior Secretary Doug Burgum sounded an optimistic note as he prepared to leave Venezuela on Thursday after a two-day visit, telling journalists a new mining law will create opportunities for companies, licenses allowing them to operate are on the horizon and the interim government of Delcy Rodriguez has promised to ensure their security. Burgum, who also heads the U.S. National Energy Dominance Council, has hailed efforts by interim President Delcy Rodriguez to open the South American country to foreign investment in oil and minerals, echoing praise by U.S. President Donald Trump. Burgum is the second cabinet secretary to visit Venezuela since a January U.S. raid that captured President Nicolas Maduro. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited in February. Despite having massive reserves of minerals from gold to iron ore, bauxite and coltan, Venezuela's output is at a fraction of capacity as plants urgently need major repairs and investment for expansions and upgrades. The country's main conglomerate, CVG, remains cash-strapped and under U.S. sanctions, as does state mining company Minerven. Following nationalizations under late President Hugo Chavez, foreign investment has been minimal in the last decade. Some experts now see room for an immediate export recovery, particularly for gold, but have warned that massive investment - even higher than for the oil industry- is needed, along with renovated efforts for exploration. Advertisement Burgum brought more than two dozen mining and minerals companies with him on the visit, he said, and met on Thursday morning in Caracas with major foreign oil and gas companies as well as the heads of large Venezuelan companies and banks. Asked about corruption and security issues - including armed groups which participate in illegal mining in some regions - Burgum said the companies interested in coming into or returning to Venezuela have proven track records of integrity and that the new law will be an opportunity for them to create jobs. "I think you're going to see this government very concerned about providing the right kind of security. We heard assurances in the meeting today and yesterday that if companies wanted to get to these areas, do due diligence, think about reopening mines, maybe even getting back to mines that they themselves were running 15 or 20 years ago, that this government would ensure their security," Burgum said. "I'm feeling very optimistic about an environment where investment is going to flow, not just to offshore oil and gas, not just to Caracas but actually to the interior where these enormous resources exist," he added. There will soon be a set of general licenses for the mining industry, similar to some already issued for oil producers, Burgum added. (Reporting by Reuters) Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks at a campaign rally for Vice President Kamala Harris at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz., Aug. 9, 2024. Photo: Gage Skidmore / Flickr /CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) On Wednesday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison faced calls to step down during a hearing of the U.S. House Oversight Committee on allegations of widespread fraud throughout the state. Republican lawmakers also accused state Democrats of enabling fraud, with estimates suggesting the total could reach between $9 billion and $20 billion in Minnesota alone. U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-TN, tried to put that amount in context during the hearing. I can remember when our state budget [in Tennessee] was $19 billion, Burchett said. This is money that has been stolen and it will not be recovered. You all are to blame and every dadgum one of you ought to step down. Before the hearing, lawmakers on the committee released a report that alleged Walz and Ellison knew about credible fraud concerns in Minnesota and did not act on them. That report estimated the fraud at about $300 million in federal child nutrition funds and as much as $9 billion in Medicaid-related funds. Walz had many heated exchangess with lawmakers regarding this particular issue. U.S. Rep. Eric Burlison, R-MO, questioned Walz on what accountability steps have been taken since the fraud began coming to light. People have been put into new positions, Walz stated in response to Burlisons question regarding if anyone has been fired. When pressed again by Burlison, Walz stated people stepped away. Minnesota is drowning in fraud and Walz is just shuffling deck chairs while taxpayers get robbed, Burlison said in a statement following the hearing. During the hearing, U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-FL, specifically addressed allegations that Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan intimidated whistleblowers who tried to expose fraud. Donalds revealed that the committee has received 30 letters from whistleblowers detailing those allegations, arguing that state officials did not do enough to actively prosecute fraud. Walz stated he had no knowledge of that. Advertisement So far, 98 people have been indicted on fraud related crimes in Minnesota. House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, who has previously accused state officials of assisting in the fraud scheme, stated during the hearing his concern with the relationship between fraud and the Somali immigrant community. Eighty-five percent of people indicted were Somali Americans, Jordan said. A key voting bloc, and I think thats what drove this whole thing. While Republicans grilled Walz and Ellison on fraud, even calling for their impeachments, House Democrats chose to focus on issues like ICE activity in Minnesota and suspended federal funding to some social services in the state. In one exchange though, U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-AZ, called the hearing outrageous. Mr. Chairman, its outrageous that this is what we're choosing to spend our time on in the Oversight Committee, Ansari said. Fraud? asked Chairman and U.S. Rep. James Comer, R-KY. . . . Yes, fraud, Ansari responded. Not a single Minnesota representative, from either side of the aisle, sits on the committee. Neither Ellison or Walz have released a statement since the committee hearing. This all comes as independent and federal investigations are ongoing after billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded fraud schemes were uncovered in recent months, as extensively reported by The Center Square. Since the story first broke a few months ago, numerous arrests have been made and federal investigations remain ongoing. Officials in the Trump administration have called the widespread welfare fraud in Minnesota the single greatest theft of taxpayer dollars through welfare fraud in American history. Minnesota Republicans have been conducting their own hearings on the matter. State Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, stated in a hearing on Monday that the fraud is a web. This is a web and we keep finding these webs over and over, Robbins said. I just feel like we are still missing the mark to dismantle these webs of fraud. SpaceX will have another go at launching a rocket from California on a mission that was previously delayed by three days. Eager to spot the commercial spaceflight company's two-stage Falcon 9 rocket as it blasts off and soars into the sky? Plenty of places near and far from the Vandenberg Space Force Base should offer a view as SpaceX's next mission gets off the ground to deliver more of the company's Starlink broadband internet satellites to space. Just keep in mind that postponements due to weather or issues with rockets are common with spaceflight. Check back with the VC Star for any updates on the impending launch. In the meantime, here's what to know about the upcoming SpaceX rocket launch from Vandenberg in Santa Barbara County, as well as where to watch it. Vandenberg Space Force Base: California ends 2025 with record number of rocket launches. What's next? Is there a rocket launch today? Next mission from Vandenberg in California SpaceX is working toward a Saturday, March 6, launch from Southern California, with a four-hour launch window opening at 2:58 a.m. PT. A Federal Aviation Administration operations plan advisory suggests a backup opportunity is available the next day if the launch were to be postponed. Where is the next launch from California? What to know about trajectory The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 4-East (SLC-4E) at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. As has become typical in 2026, the rocket will fly at a southern trajectory. What is launching from Vandenberg? SpaceX to deploy Starlink satellites SpaceX will launch its famous two-stage 230-foot Falcon 9 rocket, one of the world's most active, to deliver 25 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, an altitude nearer Earth's atmosphere where they're able to circle the planet quickly. Where to watch California rocket launches in Santa Barbara County Because Vandenberg is an active military base, the launch complex does not host public viewings of launches. But if conditions are clear, rocket launches from the Vandenberg Space Force Base can be viewed from several locations as far as Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Space Launch Schedule, a website dedicated to tracking upcoming rocket launches, provided a list of places in Santa Barbara County in California to catch the launch in person: 13th Street and Arguello Boulevard , a public site with the closest views of SpaceX launches Floradale Avenue and West Ocean Avenue , officially designated as the viewing site for SLC-6 (space launch complex-6) Renwick Avenue and West Ocean Avenue , another intersection close to the base where spectators can park Santa Lucia Canyon Road and Victory Road, provides a partial view of Complex 4. The city of Lompoc in Santa Barbara County is filled with places to catch a rocket launch. The city's tourism bureau, Explore Lompoc, maintains this list with additional viewing locations: Ocean Park , 6851 Ocean Park Road, Lompoc, which, while it doesn't have a view of the launch pad itself, is located only four miles from the launch site and provides a good vantage to see rockets get off the ground. Parking is limited, and law enforcement will close the road to the beach once parking is full. Allan Hancock College , 1 Hancock Drive, Lompoc, a community college located nine miles from the launch site where the launch pad and rocket's tip can be seen before liftoff. Riverbend Park , N A Street and McLaughlin Road, Lompoc, located within 10 miles of the launch site, is filled with large fields for activities or for spectators to set up chairs. Surf Beach on Ocean Avenue, one of the closest and most popular places to watch rocket launches near Lompoc, as long as it's open and accessible. But a word of caution: There is an active train track, the Amtrak Surf Station, that visitors must cross. While trains don't run during launch windows, the vehicles could start up again with little warning if a liftoff is scrubbed. Where to watch California rocket launches in Ventura County Visit Ventura, the tourism bureau in Ventura County, provided a list to the USA TODAY Network of suggested locations to see a rocket launch from the county: Ventura Pier , 750 E. Harbor Blvd, is known as the oldest pier in all of California. Emma Wood State Beach , located on the Santa Barbara Channel south of U.S. 101. Serra Cross Park at Grant Park , located just above San Buenaventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Ventura, offers a panoramic seascape view. San Buenaventura State Beach , 901 San Pedro St., Ventura, located adjacent to the Ventura Pier. Cemetery Memorial Park, Main Street and South Crimea Street, Ventura Where to watch California rocket launches in San Luis Obispo County SLO CAL, a countywide destination marketing and management organization, maintains a list of its recommended best locations to watch a rocket launch in San Luis Obispo County to the north of the launch site: Avila Beach , located off U.S. 101, has a variety of restaurants and shops for those looking to make a day of their rocket-viewing plans. Pismo Beach , a city with a vibrant downtown stretch located just 38 miles away from Vandenberg Shell Beach , a neighborhood in Pismo Beach that is home to several parks, including Eldwayen Ocean Park and Margo Dodd Park, both on Ocean Boulevard; and Dinosaur Caves Park (2701 Price St.) that are mostly dog-friendly and open to the public Oceano Dunes , the closest place to view launches from the county with open spaces along the ocean allowing full visibility of the sky Morro Strand State Beach, a three-mile stretch between the coastal city Morro Bay and the town of Cayucos. Cayucos' south-facing beaches should have great views of Vandenberg. Other cities in California where rockets may be visible Other cities in California where you might glimpse the Falcon 9 rocket soaring overhead particularly after sunset and before sunrise as it climbs into the sky on a southern trajectory include: Advertisement Long Beach , a city popular with tourists known for its waterfront attractions, located about 180 south of the launch site along the southern coast of California Lake Forest , located about 200 miles south of the launch site along the southern coast of California San Diego , located about 280 miles south of the launch site along the southern coast of California Merced, located more than 200 miles north of Vandenberg in the San Joaquin Valley Will there be sonic booms? Residents of Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County and Ventura County often stand to be the most likely to hear sonic booms, SpaceX said. The sonic booms brief, thunder-like noises that are often heard from the ground when a spacecraft or aircraft travels faster than the speed of sound, could last for up to 10 minutes after liftoff, Vandenberg has added. "Areas local to Vandenberg Space Force Base will hear the initial low rumble of take-off," Vandenberg has also said. What to know about booster re-entry Following the launch, the Falcon 9 rocket's booster will aim to land on a SpaceX drone ship, nicknamed "Of Course I Still Love You," in the Pacific Ocean. This allows for SpaceX personnel to recover the booster so it can be reused in future spaceflights. What is SpaceX? SpaceX is the commercial spaceflight company that billionaire Elon Musk, the world's richest man, founded in 2002 and leads as the CEO. SpaceX is headquartered at Starbase in South Texas near the U.S.-Mexico border. The site, which is where SpaceX has been conducting routine flight tests of its 400-foot megarocket known as Starship, was recently voted by residents to become its own city. As a major government contractor, SpaceX serves as the launch service provider for a variety of government missions both civil and military. For the Department of Defense, SpaceX's Falcon 9 helps launch classified satellites and other payloads into space. And for NASA, Falcon 9 most often helps propel astronauts to the International Space Station on SpaceX's Dragon crew capsule the only U.S vehicle capable of carrying NASA astronauts to orbit. What is Starlink? Starlink is SpaceX's internet satellite business. With nearly 10,000 satellites in its growing orbital constellation, Starlink has become a lucrative part of Musk's business empire, serving millions of customers around the world. SpaceX, which bills itself as the only satellite internet provider with its own reusable rocket capable of deploying the technology, has spent years delivering the satellites to orbit with a regular cadence of rocket launches from Florida and California. Starlink satellites operate from low-Earth orbit, about 341 miles up, which is much closer to Earth's atmosphere than other satellites. That not only allows Starlink satellites be faster for streaming, online gaming and video calls, but to reach rural areas and regions where internet service is not readily accessible. Starlink missions: Why does SpaceX launch Starlink satellites from California? What is the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California? The Vandenberg Space Force Base is a rocket launch site in Santa Barbara County in Southern California. Established in 1941, the site was previously known as the Vandenberg Air Force Base. Though it's a military base, the site also hosts both civil and commercial space launches for entities like NASA and SpaceX. Space Launch Delta 30, a unit of Space Force, is responsible for managing the launch operations at Vandenberg, as well as the missile tests that take place at the base. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@usatodayco.com This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Next Vandenberg rocket launch is a SpaceX mission. What time is liftoff Rachel Shoaf; Skylar Neese; Shelia Eddy. Credit: Ron Rittenhouse/The Dominion-Post/AP Photo ; Disney ; Ron Rittenhouse/The Dominion-Post/AP Photo NEED TO KNOW Skylar Neese was a teenage girl from West Virginia who was friends with Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf Skylar met up with Shelia and Rachel in July 2012, after which she disappeared Shelia and Rachel later pleaded guilty to murdering Skylar On July 6, 2012, Skylar Neese unknowingly walked into a deadly betrayal. The 16-year-old West Virginia high schooler was a straight-A student who worked part-time at a local fast-food restaurant and dreamed of becoming a lawyer. But those plans were cut short the night she snuck out of her familys apartment unaware that her best friends, Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf, had planned her murder. Skylar had been friends with Shelia for years, but Rachel was a new addition to their friend group. Over several months, things grew tense between the trio, who often aired out their frustrations on social media. It all culminated in the early hours of July 6, 2012, when Shelia and Rachel murdered Skylar during a late-night outing to smoke marijuana. In the cover of a wooded area, the pair attacked Skylar, stabbing her over 50 times with kitchen knives, according to ABCs 20/20. In the months that followed, Shelia and Rachel lied to authorities and denied any knowledge of Skylar's whereabouts, claiming they had dropped her off near her familys apartment before she went missing. After they were caught in their lies, Rachel confessed to the crime, and Shelia was incriminated by DNA evidence shortly after. Skylars life and shocking death are revisited in Hulus three-part documentary series Friends Like These: The Murder of Skylar Neese, which premiered on March 6. So, where are Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf now? Heres everything to know about their involvement in Skylar Neese's murder and when they will be up for parole. Who was Skylar Neese? A memorial for 16-year-old Skylar Neese, of Star City, West Virginia. Credit: AP Photo/Vicki Smith, pool Skylar was a typical teenager in the small suburban community of Star City, W. Va. She was raised by her father, Dave Neese, an employee at Walmart, and her mother, Mary Neese, who worked at a local doctors office. I spoiled her beyond rotten. Skylar was a very bubbly person. She had a smile thatd light the room up. She was also very loyal to her friends, and she was all those things wrapped into one, Dave said on 20/20. Mary added, She loved the Disney Channel. And every Friday night, they would have a new Disney movie. Wed curl up on the couch to watch a new Disney movie. And she just loved that. Skylar attended the nearby University High School, where she had a 4.0 grade point average. In the evenings and on the weekends, she had a part-time job at a fast food restaurant, but had dreams of going to law school one day, per MetroNews. Who are Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf? Shelia Eddy on Jan. 24, 2014, at Monongalia County Circuit Court in West Virginia; Rachel Shoaf on Feb. 26, 2014, at Monongalia County Circuit Court in West Virginia. Credit: AP Photo/The Dominion Post-Ron Rittenhouse (2) Shelia and Rachel were two of Skylar's best friends. Skylar had known Shelia since the second grade when they met in an after-school program, per 20/20. The pair were fast friends, and while they lived in different towns, they kept in touch. In 2010, Shelia's family moved closer to Skylar, and she also began attending University High School. If they werent together, they were on the phone together, and thats literally 24 hours a day, Skylar's father shared on 20/20. Meanwhile, Rachel was a newer addition to the friend group. Having previously attended a private Catholic school, she met Shelia and Skylar when she enrolled at University High School during her freshman year. What happened on the night that Skylar Neese went missing? A memorial erected by the family of 16-year-old Skylar Neese. Credit: AP Photo/Vicki Smith, pool On the evening of July 5, 2012, Skylar worked a shift at her job at the fast food restaurant. She returned home as expected and greeted her family before heading to her room. Skylar came home from work and walked through the door, and she went over and petted her dog and said, Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. She walked out and she said, I love you, Daddy. Its the last time I ever heard her, her father recalled on 20/20. Just after midnight, Skylar snuck out of her familys apartment through her bedroom window and was picked up by Shelia and Rachel in a waiting vehicle. Skylar believed they were driving somewhere to smoke marijuana and had no idea her friends had ulterior motives. Shelia and Rachel had brought kitchen knives, a shovel, cleaning products and fresh clothes. They soon arrived at their destination in Brave, Penn., a wooded area where they had previously smoked together. Just before they were about to light up, Shelia claimed her lighter was not working. Skylar headed back to the car to find another, and with her back turned, Shelia and Rachel attacked, the latter recalled to authorities. Although Skylar put up a fight and even managed to wrangle Rachel's knife from her and cut her leg, Shelia persisted. Skylar was stabbed over 50 times, until the girls no longer heard any noise. They then attempted to dig a hole to bury her, but couldnt break through the rocky soil. Instead, they covered Neeses body with leaves and drove away. That morning, Skylar's father went to wake up his daughter, only to discover that she was not there and her bed had not been slept in. It began a painful, months-long investigation into Skylar's disappearance. What happened during the investigation into Skylar Neeses disappearance? Shelia Eddy on Jan. 24, 2014, at Monongalia County Circuit Court in West Virginia. Credit: AP Photo/The Dominion Post-Ron Rittenhouse Skylar's parents attempted to find their daughter by calling friends and family, but came up empty-handed. When she didnt show up to her scheduled work shift, they knew they had to contact the authorities. During the initial investigation, Shelia and Rachel claimed to have seen Skylar shortly before she disappeared, per 20/20. They explained that they had picked her up for a joyride around 11 p.m. but returned her home about half an hour later a story that investigators would later question. All along, they played the roles of devastated friends, handing out missing flyers and posting tributes on social media. Advertisement Detectives sifted through years of social media posts, noticing the growing tension between Skylar and her friends. They even came across a video of Skylar playing a game of Would You Rather? with Shelia and Rachel, where Shelia asked ominous questions about how theyd rather die. Eventually, investigators turned their attention back to Shelia and Rachel, realizing there was a hole in their story, per 20/20. While the girls had said they picked up Skylar around 11 p.m. and dropped her back off about 30 minutes later, the timeline on security footage from Skylar's apartment didnt add up. In the grainy footage, Skylar can be seen heading to a car outside the complex around 12:30 a.m. While Shelia and Rachel claimed not to know who the vehicle belonged to, gas station security footage soon revealed that it was, in fact, Shelia's Toyota Camry. On top of that, cell phone records showed a ping near Skylar's apartment complex at that same time. The next was around 4 a.m. in Blacksville, a town on the border of West Virginia and Pennsylvania, long after Shelia and Rachel alleged to be at home and in bed and in the opposite direction to which they said they had traveled, West Virginia State Police trooper Chris Berry recalled on 20/20. How were Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf caught? Rachel Shoaf speaks during her sentencing hearing on Feb. 26, 2014, at Monongalia County Circuit Court in West Virginia. Credit: AP Photo/The Dominion-Post, Ron Rittenhouse Shelia and Rachel were again interviewed by police, this time sharing a slightly different story and changed demeanors, according to 20/20. The girls claimed that they had picked up Skylar later than they had previously shared and had driven to Blacksville to smoke marijuana. The two girls were different, like night and day. Rachel was more nervous. She seemed to be distracted. She would not look at us when she was talking. When we had talked to Shelia, she would look right at you in your eyes. She did not appear to be nervous. She was calm. She was collected, Berry shared. In December 2012, Shelia and Rachel agreed to take a lie detector test, even though investigators knew results were not admissible in court. Shelia failed the test, which included questions about the night Skylar went missing, but she wasn't directly asked if she had murdered Skylar. Meanwhile, Rachel's mental health had been deteriorating. On the way to her lie detector test, she jumped out of her fathers moving car and ran to Shelia's home. Shortly after, she experienced a nervous breakdown and was checked into a psychiatric hospital. Upon her release in January 2013, Rachel requested a meeting with her attorney. In front of a police officer and an FBI agent, Rachel confessed to Skylar's murder. When asked why they did it, she replied that they didnt like Skylar. The first words out of her mouth were, We stabbed her, Corporal Ronnie Gaskins recounted on 20/20. [It was a] complete surprise. Rachel was arrested after her confession and led authorities to the site of the murder. However, they could not reach the area without potentially damaging evidence because of the snowy conditions. Since they weren't able to collect evidence to corroborate Rachel's story, she was sent home. Shortly after, authorities attempted to get Shelia to incriminate herself by having Rachel wear a wire during a meeting between the two girls. The plan failed. Meanwhile, Rachel's car was collected as evidence and was examined by the FBI. Weeks later, investigators returned to the crime scene when the snow began to melt. With the help of cadaver dogs, Skylar's body was found, a little over six months after her disappearance. Around the same time, the FBI discovered Skylar's DNA in the trunk of Shelia's car, officially incriminating her. In early May 2013, Rachel turned herself in as part of a pre-arranged plea deal. Shelia was later arrested in the middle of a Cracker Barrel parking lot. Did Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf plead guilty to murder? Shelia Eddy in Monongalia County Circuit Court on Oct. 15, 2013, in West Virginia. Credit: AP Photo/The Dominion Post, Bob Gay Following Shelia's arrest, she was held in jail without bail, per MetroNews. After she was indicted on charges of kidnapping, first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder, according to the Observer-Reporter, she pleaded not guilty. Her case was set to go to trial on Jan. 20, 2014, but at her pre-trial hearing, she accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty, according to WBOY. Under the terms of the deal, Shelia was protected from federal charges, and the state of Pennsylvania agreed not to prosecute Shelia for hiding Skylar's body. The state of West Virginia also dropped the conspiracy and kidnapping charges. Shelia was then sentenced to life behind bars with mercy, a West Virginia law which grants juvenile offenders the possibility of parole after 15 years. Meanwhile, Rachel, who had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in May 2013, was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with the eligibility for parole after 10 years behind bars, according to West Virginia Press. During her sentencing, she issued an apology to Skylar's family. Im so sorry. I dont know if theres a proper way to make this apology, because there are not even words to describe the guilt and remorse that I feel each day for what Ive done. The person that did that was not the real me, not the person I am, not what Im made of and not what I believe, Rachel said in front of the court, as seen in 20/20. Where are Shelia Eddy and Rachel Shoaf now? Rachel Shoaf; Shelia Eddy. Credit: Lakin Correctional Facility (2) Shelia and Rachel have spent the last decade behind bars at the Lakin Correctional Center in West Columbia, W. Va. While being held in the same facility, the pair reportedly are not as close as they once were. It doesnt seem like they are confidants because Rachel ratted Shelia out. Without Rachels confession, they probably wouldve gotten away with it. They see each other, I would say, on a daily basis, Three co-host and award-winning journalist Justine Harman told PEOPLE in February 2024. Since beginning their sentences, Rachel has been up for parole on two occasions and has been denied both times. She will be up for parole again in June 2026, per WBOY. Meanwhile, Shelia will be eligible for her first parole hearing in 2028. Read the original article on People Thousands of people in Lebanon are fleeing their homes as conflict between Hezbollah and Israel escalates following the eruption of war in Iran. The conflict has already claimed 123 lives in the country and the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has warned that more than 84,000 people are sheltering in nearly 400 collective sites, according to the government. More than 30,000 people have crossed into neighbouring Syria since the escalation began. After attacks on Iran, Hezbollah launched missiles and drones into Israel on Monday for the first time in over a year. Israel retaliated with bombardment of southern Lebanon and the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut after ordering its residents to leave, while the Iran-backed group warned Israelis to leave towns and villages at the frontier. The Israeli military said it had carried out 26 waves of strikes overnight in the southern suburbs, saying targets included Hezbollah's command centres and weapons storage facilities. On Thursday, an Israeli military spokesperson told residents of the southern suburbs to move east and north, posting a map showing four large districts of the capital he said they must leave, including areas adjacent to Beirut airport. Below, The Independent looks at what we know about Israels attacks on Lebanon. (Reuters) Why is Israel attacking Lebanon? Israels latest strikes against Lebanon came after Hezbollah, the extremist Shiite Muslim militant group founded in 1982, launched fresh rocket strikes in retaliation to the death of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. As part of their aims, Israeli leaders have said they hope to eliminate Hezbollahs leader Naim Qassem. Hezbollah was founded after the 1982 Lebanon War by members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and has repeatedly stated its goal to eliminate the state of Israel. Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly traded blows over the past few decades with tensions ramping up as recently as 2023. The militant group sent a barrage of rockets towards Israeli-occupied positions in the Shebaa Farms the day after Hamas October 7, 2023 attacks, sparking fresh conflict between the two sides. Israel retaliated by launching drone strikes and artillery shells at Hezbollah positions and carried out airstrikes throughout Lebanon and in Syria. An operation from Israeli security services in September 2024 saw pagers in Lebanon blow up as they targeted Hezbollahs communication systems; the groups leading figures, including Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, were assassinated. Advertisement A shaky ceasefire agreement was agreed in November 2024. Smoke rises from an Israeli strike targeting the southern suburbs on March 5, 2026 in Beirut (Getty) How Hezbollah has responded In a televised address, Qassem on Wednesday said his terror groups resumption of rocket attacks on Israel this week is a response to the countrys continued presence and airstrikes in Lebanon since the November 2024 Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal. The Lebanese government has accused the Iran-backed proxy group of dragging Lebanon into a regional war, after the US and Israel launched a bombing campaign on Iran that the Islamic Republic has responded to with missile and drone strikes across the region. By God, how strange you are, Qassem said in the speech, addressing the Lebanese government, as quoted in The Times of Israel. What is your response to the wide-scale aggression? He claimed the renewed fight is not linked to any other battle; what we want is to stop the aggression. He added that they were also in response to 15 months of violations against us, including the death of Khamenei. Qassem has claimed that the renewed fighting is in response to the death of Khameni (AFP /Getty) Why the Lebanese government is not getting involved Joseph Aoun, president of Lebanon, has condemned both the attacks launched by Hezbollah and the Israeli counter-strikes, calling his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in an urgent bid to halt the anticipated widespread strikes, according to a statement from his office. Lebanons government banned military activities by Hezbollah on Monday. In a statement after a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the state rejected any military actions launched from Lebanese territory "outside the framework of its legitimate institutions and affirmed that the decision of war and peace is exclusively in its hands". This "necessitates the immediate prohibition of all Hezbollahs security and military activities as being outside the law, and obliging it to hand over its weapons to the Lebanese state", he said. A woman has been arrested and charged in connection with the deaths of two girls whose bodies were discovered inside suitcases and buried in shallow graves, authorities in Cleveland said on March 5. Aliyah Henderson, 28, was charged with murder and endangering children, according to records from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office. Henderson was booked on March 4, days after authorities found the remains of two young girls at an Ohio park. In a statement to USA TODAY, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office identified the victims as Amor Wilson, 10, and Mila Chatman, 8. The children, both from Cleveland, were identified through DNA relationship testing. Their cause of death is still pending, the office added. "These were two young lives with their entire futures ahead of them," said Cleveland Division of Police Chief Dorothy Todd in a statement on March 5. "Our detectives worked tirelessly and with great care to identify those responsible. The relationship between the people involved in the incident was not immediately known. 'A long time coming': Florida executes inmate for 'horrific murder' of police officer Suitcases and graves At about 6 p.m. local time on Monday, March 2, police officers responded to a report of a "suspected deceased individual" discovered inside a suitcase at a park on the east side of Cleveland, the Cleveland Division of Police said. Once they arrived at the scene, officers discovered a dead body in a suitcase. During the investigation, detectives found a second body in a separate suitcase at a shallow grave nearby, authorities said. Both victims were later transported to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office. Advertisement Within less than 48 hours after the discovery, authorities conducted a search warrant and "detained a person of interest" and recovered "substantial evidence related to the case," the Cleveland Division of Police said in a statement. A child was found inside the home during the search and was "in good health," authorities said. The child is being supervised by the Department of Children and Family Services, authorities said. The investigation remains ongoing. Nancy Guthrie: DNA results from gloves found near Nancy Guthrie's home are revealed 'It's very much horrible' In a news conference earlier in the week, Todd said a dog walker reported the incident and that the bodies were found in a field located in a residential neighborhood near a school, where a lot of people frequent. Todd did not say how long the girls had been there. DeShaun Chatman told CBS News on March 5 that he was searching for his daughter, Mila, and pursued custody for five years before authorities notified him of her death. According to Chatman, he sought emergency custody and tried locating Mila through a child welfare agency. "It's very much horrible," Chatman told the news organization, adding he felt "useless I couldn't save my baby." "Mila was happy-go-lucky, always smiling," Chatman remembered, CBS News reported. "Favorite color was pink she swore that she was a princess. She was always happy. She was a kid's kid." Contributing: Charles Ventura, USA TODAY Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia, the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cleveland girls found dead in suitcases in shallow graves: Police In October 2024, a barefoot infant was found soaking wet in a roadside ditch in rural Minnesota after his grandmothers day of drinking ended in abandonment. The childs grandmother, 52-year-old Anastasia Vaughn, had been entrusted with the babys care. According to court documents reviewed by Law & Crime, witnesses saw Vaughn leave the infant in the ditch and walk away. When officers found her in a nearby wooded area, she told them she had been searching for the child. The case drew national attention not just for its disturbing details but for what happened next: Vaughn was sentenced to community service rather than jail time, according to The Kansas City Star. For many parents, the outcome crystallized a fear that runs deeper than any single headline: What happens when the person you trust most with your child is also someone who struggles with alcohol? A pattern older than any single case Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya The Vaughn case is not an isolated incident. In October 2022, police in Southaven, Mississippi, arrested Clare Margaret Meacham after she allegedly left her baby home alone to go out drinking, then drove under the influence. Officers said Meacham told them she could not remember anything after leaving the house, a blackout that left investigators unable to determine how long the infant had been unsupervised. She was charged with DUI and child neglect, according to Action News 5. These cases reflect something the data bears out. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimated in its 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health that roughly 10.5% of children aged 17 or younger lived with at least one parent who had a past-year substance use disorder. While that figure covers all substances, alcohol remains the most common. A 2019 study published in Pediatrics found that children in households with an adult who binge drinks face significantly elevated risks of injury and neglect, even when the drinking adult is not the childs primary caregiver. Grandparents are a growing part of this picture. According to the U.S. Census Bureaus 2022 American Community Survey, approximately 2.4 million grandparents were responsible for the basic needs of grandchildren living with them. Many of those arrangements are informal, with no court order and no oversight, meaning there is often no mechanism to flag a substance use problem before something goes wrong. Why the legal response frustrates families When alcohol-impaired caregiving cases reach the courts, the outcomes often leave families and communities feeling that the system underreacted. Vaughns community service sentence is a case in point. Under Minnesota law, child endangerment can be charged as a gross misdemeanor or a felony depending on the level of harm and intent. Prosecutors in Vaughns case pursued charges that resulted in a sentence many local residents viewed as lenient, as CafeMom reported, quoting community members who questioned whether the punishment matched the danger. Legal experts say the disconnect is partly structural. Child endangerment statutes vary widely from state to state, and prosecutors often face a high bar to prove that a caregiver intended to harm a child rather than simply made a reckless decision while impaired. The law distinguishes between intentional abuse and neglect driven by addiction, but for the child in the ditch, that distinction doesnt matter much, said Dr. Emily Putnam-Hornstein, a child welfare researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in a 2024 interview with NPR. For child protective services agencies, these cases also expose a resource gap. Caseworkers are often stretched thin, and informal kinship care arrangements, where a grandparent or relative watches a child without a formal custody order, fall outside the regular oversight framework. A 2023 report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation noted that states have been slow to extend support services to kinship caregivers, even as the number of children in such arrangements has grown. Advertisement What parents and families can do None of this means grandparents or relatives are inherently unsafe caregivers. Most are not. But child safety advocates say families benefit from honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations about alcohol use before a crisis forces the issue. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents establish clear expectations with any caregiver, including family members, about alcohol and drug use during caregiving hours. That guidance, part of the AAPs broader safe sleep and supervision recommendations updated in 2022, applies equally to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and family friends. Practical steps that child welfare professionals suggest include: Having a direct conversation about alcohol use before leaving a child with any caregiver, even a close relative. Establishing a backup plan so the caregiver can call someone if they feel unable to continue watching the child. Checking in by phone or video at unpredictable intervals, not as surveillance but as a normalized habit. Recognizing warning signs of alcohol use disorder, such as drinking earlier in the day, memory gaps, or defensiveness about consumption, and seeking guidance from a family physician or SAMHSAs national helpline (1-800-662-4357). As of March 2026, several states, including California, Ohio, and New York, have introduced or expanded legislation aimed at requiring background checks or wellness assessments for kinship caregivers who receive state subsidies. Whether those measures will reach the vast majority of informal arrangements remains an open question. More from Decluttering Mom: Amanda Milsap, one of the defendants in the shooting of Judge Steve Meyer and his wife, Kim, appeared Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at her initial hearing in Cass County Superior 2. LOGANSPORT, IN Amanda Milsap has a right to a speedy trial and a right to a fair trial, but being a peripheral co-defendant in the allegations swirling around four defendants accused of conspiring to kill Lafayette Judge Steve Meyer and his wife taints her right to both in Tippecanoe County, according to her attorney. Milsap's attorney, Earl McCoy, argued Friday in a pretrial hearing that Journal & Courier and WLFI reports in Tippecanoe County unfairly link Milsap to the accused conspirators who tried to kill the Meyers in the Jan. 18 shooting at the Meyers' house. Milsap, 45, of Lafayette, wants a change of venue, which, if granted, will move the trial to another county and use a jury from another county. While statements about what shes charged with are accurate, theres a lot of inadmissible information in this article and all of these articles," McCoy argued. "But most importantly, when you just read the headline and see the name that says Five arrested in shooting ... Its very misleading and prejudicial. McCoy's argument is that news accounts mention the four suspects in the attempted murder case, as well as Milsap. That prejudices potential jurors in Tippecanoe County. The goal is not to find jurors who know nothing about this case," Tippecanoe County deputy prosecutor Elyse Madigan countered. "Its to find jurors who can be fair and impartial and can render a verdict based on the evidence and set aside preconceived notions of guilt." Madigan read some of the paragraphs from news reports filed in McCoy's change of venue motion. That is all factual as to Miss Milsap and her history, understanding as to whats been alleged," Madigan said after reading the paragraphs involving Milsap. "Its all factual as to the probable cause affidavit and other court records. Its not prejudicial pretrial publicity if its factual in nature. If you read the body of the articles, the reporting is overwhelmingly factual in nature as to whats been filed in the case. Milsap is accused of reaching out to Thomas Moss' ex-girlfriend in Pennsylvania to relay a message that she would receive $10,000 if she didn't testify against Moss in a 2024 case of domestic battery, intimidation and gun charges. That case was scheduled for trial on Jan. 20 in Meyer's court two days after Meyer was shot. The woman in Pennsylvania refused the offer. Prosecutors say the four conspirators then hatched a failed plot to kill the victim from the 2024 case, as well as the Meyers. According to the prosecutor's timeline discussed in Friday's hearing, Milsap had nothing to do with the conspiracy to kill the Meyers. Advertisement Milsap is charged with bribery, obstruction of justice and violating a no-contact order by reaching out to the woman in Pennsylvania on behalf of Thomas Moss, Milsap's ex-husband. In contrast, Moss, 43, and his associates his current girlfriend, Nevaeh Bell, 23, and Raylen Ferguson, 38, and Blake Smith, 32 are charged with conspiracy to kill the Meyers, as well as the victim in Pennsylvania. They also face various other charges, including sentence-enhancing charges. McCoy argued that Judge Steve and Kim Meyer are well known in the community, making it difficult to find jurors who are not sympathetic to them. But Madigan said prosecutors have about six witnesses against Milsap, none of whom are Steve or Kim Meyer. In fact, evidence about the Meyers' shooting will not be presented to jurors. It is imperative that my client get a fair trial in a fair tribunal within the 70 days as required by Indiana speedy trial records," McCoy said. The only way to preserve all of her rights is to grant that motion for a change of venue. Special Judge Lisa Swaim said she will take the matter under advisement and will write a findings-of-fact order when she makes her ruling. Swaim invited McCoy and prosecutors to submit documents to support their arguments. Swaim said if she approves the change of venue, it likely will be moved to her home courtroom in Cass County. She said she will announce her ruling on March 19 at Milsap's final pretrial hearing. Milsap's trial begins April 8. Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Woman tied to alleged plot to kill Lafayette judge wants trial moved PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Oregon House passed a bill on Wednesday to protect funding for Planned Parenthood facilities in the state amid federal Medicaid cuts. House Bill 4127 protects state funding for Planned Parenthood. House Democrats emphasized the bill does not fund abortion services, which are banned under the Hyde Amendment. The bill does, however, support other health care services for Oregon Health Plan members including cancer screenings, contraception access along with testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and general reproductive health care. He made no effort: Salem man sentenced after then-girlfriend was ejected from vehicle If federal policy changes or funding restrictions block Planned Parenthood health centers from accessing Medicaid reimbursements, the bill allows Oregon to provide state funding so patients can keep health care access. The bill comes after Congress passed House Resolution 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, in July. The federal budget bill includes a provision that blocks certain entities from receiving Medicaid reimbursements for one year. According to the Democratic Oregon House Majority Office, the alarming and targeted provision in H.R. 1 was aimed at cutting funds from Planned Parenthood. Gov. Kotek loses out on two previous endorsements as 2026 election looms This bill ensures that Oregonians can continue to access affordable, health care from Planned Parenthood. Tens of thousands of Oregonians will benefit, House Majority Leader Ben Bowman (D-Tigard, Metzger, S Beaverton) said of HB 4127. Oregon is reaffirming its role as a national leader in protecting comprehensive preventative health care. Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette and Planned Parenthood Southern Oregon operate 11 health centers across Oregon and one location in Vancouver, Washington. According to the majority office, in fiscal year 2025, PPCW and PPSO provided care for nearly 100,000 visits. Democrats argue that some of those patients are at risk of losing affordable health care access without this funding because of the Medicaid cuts. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KOIN Morning Digest Passage of HB 4127 is about keeping our promises to Oregonians who rely on Medicaid for basic, lifesaving reproductive health care. This bill makes clear that no matter your ZIP code, income, or immigration status, you deserve timely access to care, said Rep. Sue Rieke Smith (D Wilsonville, Sherwood, King City, Tigard). Without Planned Parenthood, I wouldnt have been able to get in quickly for a screening, and I may have faced a dangerous delay in learning that I had cancer. Access to timely, affordable preventive care literally changed the trajectory of my life, which is why reimbursement for these essential services matters to me so deeply, said Rep. Annessa Hartman (D Gladstone, Oregon City & N Clackamas County). Advertisement The bill passed the Oregon House in a 34-20 vote and is in the Senate for consideration. Lights out: Copper wires stolen from 60 lights on I-84 in Portland Some House Republicans voiced concerns over the bill, including gubernatorial candidate Rep. Ed Diehl (R-Stayton). Diehl argues that Planned Parenthood can operate without the funding boost, noting the state already granted Planned Parenthood $7.5 million last year to address Medicaid cuts. In a letter explaining his no vote, Diehl said, We should not be using taxpayer funds to specifically and solely support Planned Parenthood. Organizations like Planned Parenthood are free to raise private funds to support their work, just as pregnancy alternative centers across Oregon do. These centers provide services to women and families without relying on taxpayer dollars. During the 2025 legislative session, Planned Parenthood was provided with a $10 million grant in anticipation of possible federal cuts. They were later granted an additional $7.5 million in emergency funding in November 2025. Now, in March 2026, this bill proposes another $8.9 million in General Fund dollars. This is not funding an immediate need it is funding in anticipation that the organization might need it someday, Diehl wrote. Rep. Bobby Levy (R-Echo) shared similar concerns in written testimony, writing, I am firmly pro-life, and I believe public dollars should be used to protect life, support families, and strengthen essential healthcare not to subsidize organizations whose primary business includes abortion. Oregon already allows abortion access far beyond what most states permit. HB 4127 does not expand healthcare access for rural or underserved communities; it prioritizes a narrow set of politically favored providers. Levys testimony comes as Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette CEO Dr. Sara Kennedy, testified, The fact is, 90% of what we do in Oregon as the Planned Parenthood affiliates is completely unrelated to abortionThe consequences of these federal actions continue to place the safe, affordable, basic healthcare at risk for communities across Oregon. The president is acting unlawfully: Oregon leads lawsuit against Trumps latest tariffs During a February 3 House Health Care Committee hearing on the bill, Rep. Ben Bowman described the impact H.R. 1 is having on Planned Parenthood patients in Oregon. By cutting off these Medicaid reimbursements, the federal administration and Congress have blocked patients who are on Medicaid from receiving care at Planned Parenthood health centers, Bowman testified. This was a targeted defunding of one of the largest providers of affordable health care in our state. No other providers in Oregon were impacted by this provision. That leaves Oregon with a choice, Bowman explained. We can choose to allow the full impact of this federal decision to take hold and move on. And if we do, the consequences are clear: tens of thousands of Oregonians will lose access to healthcare, healthcare costs and wait time will dramatically increase for Oregonians seeking access to care, [people will lose access to preventative upstream care and will be forced into emergency rooms and other high-cost settings that all of us will pay for. 12 arrested at Portland encampment after mess sparked neighborhood concerns Or we can choose a different path, Bowman continued, Oregon could make the choice to defend these health centers and ensure that all of their patients that they are seeing will continue to access affordable health care in our state. That is what this bill does. I think its outrageous that all women are being punished for healthcare because of this policy, Rep. Cyrus Javadi (D-Tillamook) said of the H.R. 1 provision. It limits funding for all sorts of womens services at a time where we need to be expanding all services for women regardless of what socio-economic status they have. Ahead of a potential Senate vote on the bill, the Oregon Senate Ways and Means Committee recommended the bills passage. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. ALFRED, Maine York County Jail has earned a 100 percent score on its recent biennial state inspection. That means the 294-bed facility met all 145 mandatory standards, and all 95 essential standards for 2024 and 2025. The 100 percent rating is a first for York County Jail. Weve been close, gotten scores into the 90s, but never 100 percent, said York County Jail Administrator Major Lori Marks. York County Jail recently received a 100 percent score at their biennial inspection by the Maine Department of Corrections, achieving both the 145 mandatory standards and 95 essential standards. York County Sheriff William L King Jr. said Maine Department of Corrections officials emphasized how rare it is for a facility to achieve a 100 percent compliance rating. "They were very complimentary on how well York County Jail is operated, said King. I am very proud of this rating. Lori and her team are dedicated professionals, and they do a remarkable job. Mass at York County Jail: What theyve done is not who they are The standards encompass every facet of the jail operation, from specifying clothing items issued to inmates to control center operations, documentation of inmate counts, facility searches for contraband, medical care, use of force, food service requirements, programs, and a host of other areas. A perfect score in two years is very commendable, said Steven French, manager of Correctional Operations and Compliance for the Maine Department of Corrections. Advertisement The inspection program requires documentation of how each standard is achieved, followed by an intensive two-day in-person facility inspection by Maine DOC. York County Jail Administrator Maj. Lori J. Marks reflects on the 100 percent score the jail received in its recent biennial inspection by the Maine Department of Corrections. The inspection encompasses every corner of the jail, from maintenance to community programs everything in the jail, said French. They did very well. Marks, who was named interim jail administrator in May 2024 and administrator in November that year, said the process continues. My philosophy was to start early with the inspections, Marks said, noting she has already begun handing out assignments to staff leaders for the next inspection in 2027. I personally prefer to do it ongoing, to make sure we are consistently meeting the standards throughout the year. More: Center for Grieving Children opens new Sanford location Marks said she had set goals for what she wanted to accomplish in her first year. There was the biennial state inspection to prepare for, and an earlier, separate qualification for PREA compliance a US Department of Justice program that ensures a facility is doing everything possible to prevent sexual assault in jails a standard York County Jail achieved during Marks time as interim administrator. A Springvale native and Alfred resident, Marks was named national Corrections Officer of the Year by the American Jail Association in 2022. She is certified as a jail manager through the American Jail Association. She began her career at York County Jail in 2007. "I appreciate the work of the team that examined each of the standards and provided the documentation to show we met them, Marks said. Their efforts - and those of all the men and women who work here every day- are appreciated." This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York County Jail earns firstever perfect score on state inspection Perth's Children's Hospital Credit: Beverley Ronalds / Alamy Stock Photo NEED TO KNOW A young girl was attacked by a neighbor's dog outside of her family's home in Perth, Western Australia on Wednesday, March 4 She was rushed to Perth Children's Hospital with serious facial injuries, but not in a life-threatening condition The local government said in a statement that it "takes all dog attack reports seriously and is investigating the incident as a matter of priority" A young girl is recovering in the hospital from serious facial wounds sustained in a dog attack in Australia. At around 3:40 p.m. local time on Wednesday, March 4, the girl, who is under the age of 10, was playing outside of her familys home a suburb of Perth, Western Australia with a group of friends, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and 9 News reported. A neighbors dog attacked her in the street, prompting first responders to be called to the scene, the outlets reported. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Ambulance in Western Australia (stock image) Credit: David Wall / Alamy Stock Photo She was then rushed to Perth Children's Hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries, according to 9 News. Advertisement The young girl remains in the hospital in a stable condition, having sustained serious facial injuries in the incident, ABC reported. Authorities from the City of Joondalup where the attack occurred, said in a statement obtained by ABC that it "takes all dog attack reports seriously and is investigating the incident as a matter of priority." "The City has impounded the dog to remove the risk to local residents and the wider community," said Mayor Daniel Kingston, per ABC. Any witnesses to the attack have been urged to contact their rangers. A representative for the City of Joondalup and St John WA did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment on Friday, March 6. Read the original article on People The first thing moms of Akrotiri knew of the Iranian drone attack was the 'boom' in the middle of the night. It was followed by a siren blare and the sound of a long line of emergency vehicles. They rushed past their windows toward the RAF base where more than 4,000 UK armed service personnel and around 7,000 civilians, and their families, are based. One waitress from Manchester in England, lives in Akrotiri, the picturesque village that gives the base its name; our forces there have protected the island since the 1950s. The mom told the Mirror that her daughter had just returned from a night out when the missile landed. She said: "It is a real shock when it happens in the middle of the night. US general's alarming 14-word warning to Trump before he bombed Iran Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth 'at each other's throats' over putting boots on the ground in Iran The mom spoke to Mirror reporter Jeremy Armstrong in Cyprus -Credit:Tim Merry "It is like something that you see on TV. Even with a military base nearby, you do not expect it on your doorstep. The first I knew was when my daughter said the base had been hit. Then we heard all the vehicles and the sirens sounding. At first I said to her: 'What are you talking about?' But then you hear the police cars arriving and you know that it is something different. You know it is no military exercise." The RAF base was struck by an Iranian drone as tensions flare in the Middle East -Credit:Tim Merry Families on the base had minutes to get under furniture, alerted by Ministry of Defence messages on their mobile phones. The Iranian drone evaded radar by travelling just above the Mediterranean Sea. It was a Hezbollah missile that traveled not from Iran, but from Iraq or Lebanon. George Konstantinou, 69, the deputy mayor of Akrotiri, part of the Kouriona municipality, told the Mirror: "We heard a loud noise and then the sirens. It was just after midnight on Sunday night and the villagers were afraid. The population is 1,100 and the government issued evacuation instructions. Advertisement Deputy Mayor George Konstantinou said on the first night everyone except around 40 people evacuated -Credit:Tim Merry "On the first night, everyone except maybe 40 people left and on the second night, maybe 200 came back. Now most of the village is back but the schools are still closed. We don't know when they will open again, the Government will decide." Even as she woke with a jolt just after midnight, mom-of-three Christina S, 35, immediately realised the noise from the drone was 'something different'. She knew it was not a routine exercise, a regular part of life next door to the base. A Fighter Jet prepares for landing at the U.K.'s RAF Akrotiri air base after it was hit by a drone strike near Limassol -Credit:AP She told the Mirror: "I just jumped out of bed and got everyone out of the house as soon as I heard the sirens. Your first thought is for the children. I said to my husband, 'Did you hear that?' and he said, 'Yes.' I knew that it was not a usual situation'. I called my sister in law and she said: "Just bring the kids straight away'." Marina has spoken of her terror as she and son Pamagiotis had to scramble to safety from a drone attack in Cyprus -Credit:Tim Merry Christina's sister, Mariana, 40, a mother of one who also withheld her full name for safety reasons, evacuated to stay with a family member in Limassol. She said: "It was 1am when I rang my family because I was afraid. I thought it was an earthquake because we are right next to the base and the windows were shaking. I started to call people in the village and then checked on Facebook but nobody knew what was going on. Mariana's sister Christina evacuated to stay with family -Credit:Tim Merry "So I decided that we had to get out of the house to safety. For so many years we have had all the aircraft going back and forth and you get used to all the noise of that. But then I heard the aircraft coming in and there were 1,2,3 and I realised 'ok, something is wrong, this is different'. My six-year-old son doesn't realise what war is, he is too young. He thought it was great fun and said 'Can we go and stay with my uncle again?' A long line of military vehicles, vans and oil tankers moved in and out of our base on Cyprus, preparing for a defense operation against further Iranian strikes. The sirens went off again at 12:45 pm, and stopped 10 minutes later. Military vehicles, vans and oil tankers were seen moving in and out of the Cyprus base to prepare for a defence operation against further Iranian strikes. -Credit:Tim Merry It is thought that the radar picked up another missile about 15 minutes from the base, prompting a jet to take off to intercept and destroy it. Christina, now back at home and walking her bulldog Georgie in the beautiful, peaceful streets of Akrotiri village, admitted that she has to try hard not to think of what is going to happen in the weeks and months ahead. "I do my best not to show them that I am worried, what I am thinking," she added. "The problem is that you don't know how this will end." 4.5%-5%: Understanding the 'progress' and 'stability' in China's economic growth target: Global Times editorial Global Times) 15:57, March 06, 2026 Illustration: Tang Tengfei/GT China has entered the "national two sessions" time. The newly announced GDP growth target for the new year has once again become a "super bellwether" in the global public opinion arena for interpreting the trajectory of the world economy. Against the backdrop of intensifying geopolitical turbulence and insufficient momentum for global economic recovery, the economic blueprint presented by China demonstrates strategic resolve, policy effectiveness, development vitality, and governance capacity. It not only serves as a powerful rebuttal to the "Peak China" narrative, but also represents an exceptionally scarce "source of certainty" in an increasingly volatile world. The growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent is a scientifically derived conclusion based on rigorous calculations and comprehensive risk assessments. It establishes a growth floor while leaving ample room for discretion. As a giant economy with a total output exceeding 140 trillion yuan ($20.4 trillion), China's economic increment in 2024 alone was equivalent to the annual GDP of a medium-sized country. Analysis by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also shows that when China's growth rate rises by 1 percentage point, it will help raise the output levels of other economies by an average of 0.3 percentage points. Especially when compared with other major economies, growth of such magnitude is neither "low" nor "slow" by global standards. More importantly, this target places greater emphasis on quality. It firmly shifts the focus of development toward technological innovation, green transformation, and the stability and resilience of industrial and supply chains, rather than blindly pursuing figures on the books. The setting of this target leaves valuable strategic room for maneuver as structural reforms move into "deeper waters," ensuring that the giant ship of China's economy can press forward bravely and steadily amid complex headwinds and turbulent seas. Furthermore, this target embodies strategic resolve: not swayed by short-term fluctuations, not influenced by external opinions, but keeping a clear-headed commitment to seeking truth from facts at all times and steadily advancing far along the path of high-quality development. In a recent note, The Economist stated that the adjustment of target values "would give policymakers more room to prioritise structural reform and improve data quality." Certain Western media outlets and individuals stubbornly insist that without real estate and low-end manufacturing, China's economy would lose its driving force. Such thinking is like "looking at the sky from the bottom of a well," ignoring the surge of innovation vitality now unfolding across China. Today, the guiding role of new quality productive forces is emerging with unprecedented momentum. From the global success of the "new three" industries - new-energy vehicles, lithium ion batteries, and photovoltaic products - to China's ability to keep pace with and even lead in advanced fields such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing, as well as pioneering exploration in the "uncharted frontiers" of science and technological innovation, such as future industries, and comprehensive breakthroughs have been achieved in core technology fields - from isolated points to the entire surface, and from the underlying layers to the terminals. This is by no means a simple industrial shift, but a profound transformation that is reshaping the very boundaries of productivity. It is driving a surging eruption of "ubiquitous growth drivers" like a gushing spring, building the hard-core confidence and unassailable foundation for China's economy to hold a winning hand amid global geopolitical games - no matter how fierce the storms rage. Development places greater emphasis on policy effectiveness, with an effective market and a capable government advancing hand in hand. While some Western economies are mired in a strange cycle of partisan infighting and policy inconsistency, the Chinese government has demonstrated remarkable strategic resolve and a sophisticated management approach. The growth target we set is not only a scientific conclusion, but also a solemn commitment to the Chinese people's aspiration for a better life. It must be clearly pointed out that through cross-cycle macroeconomic regulation and targeted industrial policies, China is implementing a coordinated set of policy measures to ensure that every percentage point of growth is of high quality and that policies benefiting people and businesses are effectively implemented. This high-quality, highly reliable policy effectiveness is not only a key safeguard for the Chinese economy against external shocks but also one of the most valuable and scarce "credit asset" in the eyes of global investors. Currently, the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. From the rapidly shifting situation in the Middle East to the resurgence of unilateralism and protectionism, global supply chains are facing unprecedented risks of fragmentation. In such a climate of disorder, the "stability" in China's economic target itself represents a major constructive contribution to the world. As the world's second largest economy, China has contributed more than 30 percent of global economic growth for many consecutive years. This irreplaceable role stems from the country's complete industrial system and profound resilient supply chains. While some Western countries see production costs rise and social tensions intensify due to political manipulation, China - the world's largest manufacturing nation and largest trader in goods - ranks first globally in the output of more than 500 major industrial products, serving as a stabilizing anchor for global supply chains. For a long time, interpretations of China's economy in Western narratives have been steeped in outdated zero-sum thinking. If China grows quickly, it is labeled a "threat"; if growth slows slightly, it is predicted to "collapse." Yet these "predictions" repeatedly failed because they misunderstood the logic of China's development. China's growth targets have never been about winning some imagined race for hegemony, but about enabling the Chinese people to live better lives. The success of Chinese modernization will demonstrate to the world that a path of high-quality, sustainable development is not only viable, but capable of enduring success. (Web editor: Liang Jun, Zhong Wenxing) Nancy Guthrie has been missing for 33 days.@savannahguthrie/Instagram, MEGA The creep suspected of snatching Nancy Guthrie may be lurking in the shadows and could even be watching the growing sea of flowers and sympathy tributes piling up outside the home where she was abducted on February 1, RadarOnline.com can reveal. A top law enforcement official said the person who forcibly took 84-year-old Nancy from her bed could be "keeping track" of the site where her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, placed a bouquet without authorities knowing the sick perp's identity. Suspect Could Have 'Eyes' on Nancy Guthrie's Memorial Savannah Guthrie viewed the growing tribute outside her mom's hom. @BrianEntin/X "They could [have eyes on the memorial], we're just not seeing it," National Police Association spokesperson and a retired police sergeant, Betsy Brantner Smith, told Fox News Digital. "They could be keeping track of it, but we're not seeing the cameras," she added. Neighbors and devastated members of the community have been flocking to the end of Nancys driveway, leaving handwritten notes, artwork, and armfuls of yellow flowers in a growing tribute while clinging to the hope the missing mom of three will somehow be found alive. Savannah stopped by the moving memorial on March 2 with sister Annie and brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni, laying down their own flowers as they took in the overwhelming outpouring of support for their shattered family. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings made tearful pleas for their mom's return in the week after she was initially taken.@savannahguthrie/Instagram The visit to the tribute moved the Today co-host and her loved ones to tears, as they locked arms and hugged in Savannah's first public sighting since her mom's disappearance. It also turned out to be a heartbreaking farewell of sorts, as the NBC star then left Arizona and headed home to New York City, while her mothers baffling disappearance grows colder by the day, with no new leads and no suspect ever named more than a month after she vanished. Advertisement Savannah Guthrie Returns to 'Today' Set Nancy Guthrie appeared with her daughter on 'Today 'several times. NBC Savannah was seen hugging colleagues as she returned to her longtime workplace in a video taken by a fan outside Rockefeller Center's Studio 1A on March 5. The trip back also resulted in the first confirmation the Arizona native will be returning to the co-hosting chair she's held since 2012 while waiting for any new breaks in finding her mother. "Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her Today colleagues. While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home," a show spokesperson revealed. No Breaks In Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case Video of the suspect at Nancy Guthrie's front door didn't lead to any breaks in the case.MEGA After Savannah's visit, her return to the airwaves was a hot topic on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. "She said that she has the intention to return to the show. Even though it feels like the hardest thing to do, its also her home and where she feels so loved," Jenna Bush Hager told viewers. Co-host Sheinelle Jones added, "Whenever [she is] ready, we are here." Savannah flew to Arizona immediately after her mom was discovered missing and spent more than a month in Tucson praying for her return. It remains a mystery why someone took her elderly and ailing mom from her home in the middle of the night. The only break in the case came when a brief clip from her Nest doorbell camera caught a masked man armed with a gun trying to disable the device shortly before she was taken. Despite it leading to thousands of tips, authorities are no closer to zeroing in on who abducted Nancy. VioletaStoimenova / Getty Images Americans are paying some of the highest healthcare costs in the world. That reality has pushed many patients to look beyond U.S. borders for care thats not only affordable but also safe and high quality. Medical tourism used to feel risky. Today, in the right countries and clinics, its often a well-structured, carefully managed option that can save tens of thousands of dollars. Here are five countries experts think Americans can cut medical bills dramatically. Trending Now: 8 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000 For You: 12 States That Will Be Hit the Hardest by Medicaid Cuts Spain for Elective and Diagnostic Procedures For years, Spain has been one of the few countries that I can consistently recommend for Americans seeking out elective and diagnostic procedures with a significant reduction in price, said Kiara DeWitt, certified neurology nurse and head of clinical operations at Medical Director Co. A procedure like a knee arthroscopy, which can cost upwards of $18,000 in the U.S., can be closer to $6,000 to $7,000 out of pocket, including facility fees. DeWitt said hospital networks in Spain must adhere to the European Unions stringent medical standards and physician training mirrors what youd find in the United States. Plus, major metropolitan areas offer English-speaking healthcare teams, reducing the risk of miscommunication during your care. Read This: 25 Creative Ways To Save Money Hungary for Dental and Musculoskeletal Procedures Hungary is one of the most underutilized destinations for dental and musculoskeletal procedures, despite its strong infrastructure for international patients. DeWitt pointed to Budapest alone, which hosts hundreds of clinics offering state-of-the-art equipment and transparent pricing. Advertisement Packages for full mouth dental restoration that can range up to $45,000 stateside can fall below $15,000, DeWitt said. The overall safety of these procedures is linked to having them done at one of the centralized clinics that are able to perform these high-volume procedures on a daily basis. Recovery costs are also manageable, with lodging averaging around $100 per night. Italy for IVF Italy and other European countries offer high-quality fertility treatments at significant savings. In vitro fertilization (IVF) costs roughly half what Americans pay domestically, with the same standards of medical ethics and sanitation youd expect in the United States. IVF in Italy will cost about half as much as in the U.S. The standard of care in Italy is excellent, said Melanie Musson, finance and insurance expert with Quote.com. You dont have to be any more concerned with medical ethics and sanitation in Italy than you would in the U.S. Also, IVF costs are similar across Europe, so any European country could be a good option. India for Complex Surgery For those willing to plan carefully, India offers the most dramatic cost reductions, especially for complex surgeries. DeWitt noted that many private hospitals rival U.S. academic centers in technology and expertise, especially for cardiac and orthopedic care. A coronary artery bypass, which can cost close to $120,000 in the U.S., can fall between $8,000 to $10,000 out of pocket, including hospital fees, DeWitt explained. Dedicated international patient coordinators screen you before the trip and lay out your post-discharge plans with the utmost precision and care. Longer stays of 21 to 30 days are typically recommended to ensure safe healing before flying home. Mexico for Dental Care Dental care is one of the most common reasons Americans seek treatment abroad and Mexico remains a popular choice. Musson cautioned that not all regions are equal, but well-known border towns have built reputations for safe, advanced dental care. You can have some procedures done for a quarter of the cost of having it done in the U.S., Musson said. Dental insurance is notoriously limited, so even if you have insurance, its often far cheaper to go to Mexico. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Countries Where Americans Can Save Thousands on a Medical Procedure and Stay Safe Doing It People on a yacht are sihouetted against the setting sun in Dubai, June 11, 2025. The worlds ultra-wealthy are packing up and moving out. A new report from Swiss bank UBS shows 36% of 87 billionaire clients relocated at least once in 2025, while another 9% are considering it (1). Among billionaires aged 54 and younger, 44% changed locations last year, with 15% considering a move. Must Read We are truly experiencing the largest private wealth migration in history, a UBS spokesperson told CNBC (2). According to the bank, the top reasons why its billionaire clients might decide to move were a better quality of life (36%), geopolitical concerns (36%) and the ability to organize tax affairs more efficiently (35%). But can everyday Americans enjoy the same benefits? Where the wealthy are going Where are the wealthy moving? According to CNBC, citing migration consultants Henley & Partners, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) posted a net inflow of about 9,800 millionaires last year which was the highest in the world. Zero personal income tax, no wealth or capital gains taxes and a flexible golden visa program have made it a magnet for global capital. Golden visas open the door to residency for foreigners, often in exchange for qualifying investments. Its worth noting, however, the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, just across the Persian Gulf, may have shaken things up, after several structures were destroyed in the UAEs most populous city Dubai. Europe is another favorite, with Portugal and Greece attracting investors through residency programs. Italy, Monaco and Switzerland draw families who are looking for stability and tax certainty. In Asia, Singapore stands out for regulatory stability and strong financial infrastructure. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom experienced a mass exodus. After abolishing its centuries-old non-domicile tax regime in April 2025, the country recorded a net loss of roughly 16,500 millionaires, Henley & Partners estimated, per CNBC. Read More: Non-millionaires can now invest in this $1B private real estate fund starting at just $10 Advertisement Read More: Warren Buffetts 8 simple and repeatable rules to get rich (and stay rich) in America Relocating isn't just for billionaires Relocating abroad isnt just for ultra-wealthy investors. With careful planning and flexibility, the idea can become a reality for many everyday people. Heres how to approach it the smart way. Start with official sources: Visa rules can change on a dime, and using official sources can cut down on costly mistakes. Before committing to a destination: Check country entry and residency rules through the U.S. Department of State Verify visa requirements directly with the countrys U.S.-based consulate Dont rely on expat forums or social media groups, as the information may be false or out of date Make sure your income qualifies, if necessary: Some locations offer a path to residency based on income and not just investments in the country (golden visas). Qualifying income is not always super restrictive, and may include Social Security and government or private pensions. Understand your tax obligations: The Internal Revenue Service requires U.S. citizens to file annually, regardless of where they live. Worldwide income is generally subject to U.S. income tax. If you qualify as a tax resident for your new country of residence, you may have to file a tax return there as well. Navigating multijurisdictional tax regimes can be complicated and may require the services of a tax professional to minimize double taxation. Also consider the potential implications of buying property abroad, if any, in case youre not renting. Plan for health care: Medicare generally does not cover health care outside the United States. As a result, many expats purchase private local insurance, which can be less pricey than similar coverage in the U.S., depending on the country. If a country offers its citizens universal health care, check out what options are available to foreign nationals. Consider any language barriers: Some countries have large expat communities and a lot of tourism, so finding English speakers may not be a problem. But consider that any official documentation you come across may be in the local language. In such cases, you might need to find an attorney or advisor who speaks both languages to help. Otherwise, learning the countrys language will help you integrate better with the locals. What To Read Next Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. UBS (1); CNBC (2) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Nato has increased its presence in the Arctic since Finland joined the military alliance Finland plans to lift its long-standing ban on having nuclear weapons on its territory, in a move the government says would align the country more closely with Nato's deterrence policy. Defence minister Antti Hakkanen Finland and Europe's security environment had "fundamentally and significantly changed" since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. The Nordic nation abandoned decades of military neutrality to join Nato in 2023 over mounting concerns about the threat posed by Russia. Under Finland's 1987 Nuclear Energy Act, the import, manufacture, possession and detonation of nuclear explosives is prohibited on Finnish soil - even during wartime. The government proposal would change that, making it possible to "bring a nuclear weapon into Finland, or to transport, deliver or possess one in Finland, if it is connected to the military defence of Finland", Hakkanen said. "The amendment is necessary to enable Finland's military defense as part of the alliance and to take full advantage of Nato's deterrence and collective defence," he told a news conference on Thursday. Nato's founding principle of collective defence - that an attack on one member nation would be treated as an attack on all - underpins the alliance's nuclear deterrence stategy. As it contains several nuclear powers, this means a direct attack on a member brings with it the risk of a nuclear response. US nuclear weapons are stationed in several European nations, according to the Center for Arms Control and Non-proliferation. The Finnish government's proposal requires changes to both the country's Nuclear Energy Act and the criminal code. Advertisement Its governing right-wing coalition, which holds a majority in parliament, said the proposal had been circulated for consultation until 2 April before it is formally laid out. Finland shares a 1,340km (832-mile) border with Russia - the longest of any EU or Nato member state - and its leaders have repeatedly warned that the country's security environment had deteriorated since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Nordic nation became the 31st member of Nato in April 2023, widely seen as a strategic setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had long criticised the military alliance's eastward expansion. Its neighbour Sweden joined Nato in 2024. Since then, Nato has increased its military presence in the Arctic and Baltic Sea, as well as along the newly expanded eastern flank. The proposal comes as European countries step up defence co-operation in response to the war in Ukraine and broader global instability. Several Nato states suffered air traffic disruption after drones were sighted over airports and airbases last year, which some European officials attributed to "hybrid warfare" on the part of Russia. Moscow denied involvement, but the incidents prompted renewed discussions about collective defence. On Monday, France and Germany announced plans to deepen co-operation with European partners on nuclear deterrence. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said last week that the country's doctrine of not stationing foreign troops or nuclear weapons on its territory "would not apply" if Sweden found itself "in a completely different situation". More on this story JetBlue offers $500 to travelers whose trips are ruined by rain heres how to qualify Dont let the rain rain on your good time. In collaboration with WeatherPromise and the Jamaica Tourism Board, JetBlue Vacations announced the Great Weather Guarantee, offering travelers with Jamaica Flight + Hotel packages a payout of $500 if it rains more than promised during their trip. According to JetBlue Vacations, this launch makes them the first in the industry to integrate a destination-based weather guarantee directly into a vacation package. This comes after JetBlue Vacations was the first airline vacation brand to partner with WeatherPromise in 2025 when they introduced rain protection for Flight + Hotel packages. From March 1 to May 31, 2026, eligible Jamaica Flight + Hotel packages will automatically include the Great Weather Guarantee built directly into the booking. After booking through JetBlue Vacations, travelers will get a personalized dashboard that outlines their coverage details and what conditions would qualify for a payout through WeatherPromise. WeatherPromise is designed to give customers greater confidence to travel and experience new places, Daniel Price, Co-Founder of WeatherPromise, said. This collaboration allows us to bring that sense of reassurance to even more people as they visit one of the Caribbeans truly iconic destinations. The weather conditions of the trip will continuously be monitored using advanced data analytics, satellite imagery and radar technology, according to JetBlue. Advertisement If the rainfall exceeds the threshold set for the trip, the customer will receive $500. Customers will be notified if the conditions are met and can select how theyd like to receive their payout. Travelers with Jamaica Flight + Hotel packages can get a $500 payout if it rains more than promised during their trip. mindea stock.adobe.com JetBlue Vacations has always focused on removing friction from the travel experience, Jamie Perry, President at Paisly, the company that powers JetBlue Vacations, said in a statement. Customers can book knowing that if the weather doesnt meet expectations, theyre covered. Jetsetters qualify for the payout if the booking is from three to 16 nights long and was made between March 1 and May 31, 2026, with travel dates from now through December 1, 2026, for flights in and out of Montego Bay and Kingston. Travel must begin at least seven days after booking to qualify. Jamaica continues to be one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, and though brief showers are common in the region, the new guarantee gives visitors added confidence when planning their tropical vacation. To qualify, bookings had to have been made between March 1 and May 31, 2026. SNEHIT PHOTO stock.adobe.com Jamaica is a destination of rich culture and warm hospitality, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica Edmund Bartlett said in a statement. The Great Weather Guarantee allows travelers to fully embrace everything our island has to offer with added confidence. Bartlett added that the new initiative will help visitors create unforgettable memories across Jamaicas unique landscapes and vibrant communities. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has accused Hungary's leaders of "state banditry" Ukraine has secured the release of seven Ukrainian bank workers arrested on Thursday in Hungary while transporting $80m (60m) worth of cash and 9kg of gold in cash-transport vehicles to Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said on X on Friday evening that the workers were safe and across the Ukrainian border. After Sybiha accused Budapest of taking the group hostage and stealing money, Hungary's tax authority said they had been detained on suspicion of money laundering. Ukraine's state savings bank, Oschadbank, said they had been part of a regular transport between Austria and Ukraine and were "unjustifiably detained". The tax authority had said it would expel the workers. The authority had said it was conducting criminal proceedings and added that the transport was being overseen by a former general of Ukraine's intelligence service. "This year alone, more than $900m, 420m and 146 kg of gold bars were transported through the territory of Hungary to Ukraine," the national tax and customs administration said in a statement on Friday. It is not yet clear what has happened to the enormous sums of cash and the gold seized on Thursday, but Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said "they've stolen the money". Relations between Ukraine and Hungary have deteriorated during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and have descended into a war of words over a halt to Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine. The arrest of the bank workers comes deep in Hungary's election campaign, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban trailing in opinion polls with little more than a month before the vote. Hungarian reports described how black-clad officials from Hungary's TEK counter-terrorism centre raided the Ukrainian-registered vehicles on Thursday and then their convoy headed to Budapest. Sybiha accused Orban of dragging Ukraine into its "domestic politics and electoral campaign", adding that Kyiv would not tolerate "this state banditism". His opposite number in Budapest, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, asked why such enormous sums were being moved in cash: "If this is truly a transaction between banks, why was it not carried out by transfer?" Orban made no mention of the seven bank workers in his regular radio appearance on Friday, although he did say "transit shipments" important to Ukraine would be halted until a row over Russian oil supplies was sorted out. Advertisement Orban, seen as Russia's closest ally in the EU, has accused Ukraine of deliberately halting Russian oil through the pipeline. Kyiv says the pipeline was damaged in a Russian air strike in January, but Orban says satellite images indicate there is no reason why the pipeline should not be working and has threatened to "force the Ukrainians to restart deliveries". Map showing two strands of a pipeline from Russia into Europe in red. One strand goes through Hungary into Ukraine before connecting to another strand going into Russia. The Hungarian leader has also blocked a 90bn (78bn) EU aid package seen as vital for Ukraine's financing in a bid to force the resumption of oil supplies. Orban has repeatedly opposed EU funding for Ukraine, arguing it prolongs the war. He has focused much of his election campaign on an anti-Ukraine message. Last month he ordered increased security for Hungary's energy infrastructure, making unsubstantiated claims that Kyiv was preparing "further actions to disrupt" the energy system. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Orban for blocking the aid package and said on Thursday that the Druzhba pipeline might only become operational again in another four to six weeks. "To be honest, I would not restore it. This is my position. I expressed it to European leaders... because this is Russian oil," he told a briefing. "Russians are killing Ukrainians and we have to give oil to Orban, because he, the poor thing, cannot win the election without this oil." The Ukrainian leader also warned that if Hungary's prime minister continued to block EU funding for Ukraine, then Ukrainian armed forces would be given his address to "call him and communicate with him in their own language". Zelensky's apparent threat was condemned by Peter Magyar, whose opposition Tisza party is leading in the opinion polls ahead of the 12 April election. The European Commission also criticised Zelensky's remarks. "That type of language is not acceptable; there must not be threats against EU member states," spokesman Olof Gill told reporters. Gill said the Commission was in active discussions with all sides with the aim of getting "everyone to calm down a bit, dial down the rhetoric, and deliver on... [putting] pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression". Orban has said Budapest will use "political and financial tools" to force Ukraine to reopen the pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungarian refineries. Druzhba is the main route for delivering Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, and shipments of Russian oil to both countries have been cut off since 27 January. In a separate development this week, Hungary's foreign minister travelled to Moscow and secured the release of two ethnic Hungarian prisoners of war. Hungary says the men, who are from Ukraine's Transcarpathia region, have dual Hungarian and Ukrainian citizenship and has accused Kyiv of conscripting them into the army. Kyiv has described their transfer to Hungary as a "gross violation of international humanitarian law". by Joseph Masilamany Zobaidul Amin, 28, is in Alaska where he is set to be brought to trial. Wanted since 2022, he is accused of running an international online sexual exploitation ring. The case highlights the vastness of these networks, based on encryption, cloud computing, and cryptocurrencies. Cooperation between local and Western police is growing, while Asia remains the operational hub for such offences. Kuala Lumpur The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has extradited a Bangladeshi national from Malaysia after he was arrested with the assistance of Malaysian authorities over allegations of operating an international child sexual exploitation enterprise. FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the suspect, identified as Zobaidul Amin, 28, arrived in Alaska on Thursday and is expected to be formally charged in a US court. According to Patel, Amin had been wanted by US authorities since 2022 for allegedly running an international network involved in the online sexual exploitation of children. Thank you to our Kuala Lumpur office, the government of Malaysia, and our great local partners all over the country who assisted with the investigation and arrest, Patel said in a statement posted on the social media platform X. Photographs accompanying the post showed what appeared to be three FBI officers escorting the handcuffed suspect across an airport runway in Malaysia toward a private jet, which transported him to the United States following the extradition. Malaysian authorities have not yet released detailed information about the arrest, but law enforcement cooperation between the United States and Malaysia has increased in recent years, particularly in cases involving cybercrime, human trafficking and child exploitation networks. The arrest highlights the expanding international reach of online child exploitation networks, many of which operate across borders using encrypted messaging platforms, cloud storage and cryptocurrency payments. Law enforcement agencies worldwide have warned that the Internet has transformed the scale and anonymity of child exploitation crimes, allowing offenders to distribute abusive material globally within seconds. Asia has increasingly emerged as both a transit point and operational hub for certain cyber-enabled exploitation rings due to its large Internet user base, expanding digital infrastructure and jurisdictional complexities that can complicate cross-border investigations. Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have repeatedly warned that Southeast Asia and South Asia are vulnerable to online exploitation networks, including livestreamed abuse and the trafficking of illegal child abuse material. Several major operations in recent years have underscored the scale of the problem. In 2018, authorities in the Philippines dismantled a large livestream child sexual abuse network that catered primarily to foreign customers paying online to direct abuse in real time. The case exposed how organised groups used social media platforms and digital payment systems to run exploitative operations targeting impoverished families. In 2021, Malaysian police arrested multiple suspects linked to international child pornography distribution networks, seizing thousands of digital files during coordinated raids. Some cases involved encrypted messaging groups with members in several countries. Similarly, Bangladeshs Rapid Action Battalion and cybercrime units have in recent years detained individuals accused of operating online forums trading illegal images of minors, often linked to international buyers and sellers. Experts say the extradition of Amin demonstrates the growing cooperation between Asian governments and Western law enforcement agencies in combating transnational cyber-enabled exploitation crimes. The FBI, Interpol and regional police forces increasingly share digital evidence, intelligence and forensic resources to track suspects who operate across multiple jurisdictions. Authorities also note that investigations into such networks often take years because investigators must identify victims, trace digital footprints and dismantle entire online communities rather than only arrest individual offenders. Despite these efforts, child protection groups warn that the scale of online exploitation continues to grow. The US-based National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children reported receiving tens of millions of cyber tipline reports annually, many involving online child abuse material circulating through global platforms. Analysts say the true scale is likely far greater than reported cases, as many networks operate in hidden online forums or encrypted spaces that are difficult to infiltrate. For investigators, the case involving Amin is another reminder that child exploitation crimes increasingly operate without borders, requiring coordinated international responses to identify offenders and protect vulnerable children. Further details of the charges against Amin are expected to be released when he appears in court in Alaska. by Vladimir Rozanskij Nakhchivan was hit in the enclave that is supposed to be reconnected to Baku with the corridor provided for in the agreement signed by Trump to end the war with Armenia. The historic dispute with Iran over overlapping territories and different interpretations of the Shiite variant of Islam. Tehran denies responsibility, but Aliyev says he is ready to defend his country's security and territorial integrity. Baku (AsiaNews) - An Iranian Shahed drone - or perhaps more than one, according to videos circulating online - crashed yesterday on the territory of the airport in Nakhchivan, the capital of Azerbaijan's autonomous enclave in Armenia, which is expected to be reconnected to the mother country with the reopening of the Trump Peace Corridor. Tripp, the main agreement that Baku and Yerevan accepted last year in Washington to end the conflicts between the two countries and reopen trade routes between the South Caucasus and the entire Middle East region. Azerbaijan is one of Iran's historical enemies, due to the overlap of territories and ethnic groups (northern Iran is called southern Azerbaijan in Baku) and the different interpretation of the Shiite variant of Islam, which for Iranians must result in a monarchical-religious state, while the Azeris propose a much more secular variant. Among the many attacks by Iran across the Middle East, the one against the Azerbaijani region is one of the most symbolic actions at a regional and ideological level. Schools around the airport area were evacuated, and the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said that one drone fell on the airport terminal, while a second fell right next to a school in the village of Sekarabad. The main airport building was seriously damaged, with two civilian casualties hospitalised, and Baku directly accused Tehran of the incident, stating that the Azeris reserve the right to respond appropriately. Iran's ambassador to Baku was summoned by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry and handed a note of protest, and several countries, including Britain and Israel, condemned Iran as responsible for the incident. The fact that an airport was targeted is particularly significant, given that Azerbaijan's airspace is now extremely important, located in the narrow corridor between Russia and Iran, two areas whose airspace is currently impracticable for Western airlines. It is also worth remembering the close relations that Baku has cultivated with Israel over the years. The Iranian army's general staff has denied Tehran's involvement in the launch of the drones, noting that Iran respects the sovereignty of all countries, especially Muslim and neighbouring countries, shifting the blame onto Israel, as reiterated by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabadi. Azerbaijan, however, insists that the drones were launched from Iran, and President Ilham Aliyev himself spoke of a terrorist act, demanding official explanations, apologies and the identification of those responsible from Iran. Aliyev reiterated that Azerbaijan is not participating and has no intention of participating in military operations against Iran, but is ready to defend its security and territorial integrity. Iran is responding to attacks by Israel and the US by attacking all countries in the region that collaborate with the Americans, with actions against Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Azerbaijan does not have any US military bases and has not participated in any way in operations against Iran. The autonomous region of Nakhchivan is located within the territory of Armenia, which expresses its solidarity with the Iranians, and borders both Iran and Turkey for short stretches. The technical parameters of the drones that fell on Azerbaijani territory are still under investigation, as announced by the Ministry of Defence in Baku, which nevertheless confirmed the accusations against Iran for an attack without any justification. Azerbaijan declares itself ready to ensure the safety of the civilian population and infrastructure in the Nakhchivan region, confirming that what has happened will not go unanswered. This situation risks opening up another front in the war that has broken out in the Middle East. In Gujarat, an amendment to the marriage registration law introduces new requirements that risk hindering unions between people of different religions or castes. The High Court of Allahabad, in Uttar Pradesh, had to reiterate that interfaith relationships between consenting adults do not constitute a crime. Two parallel cases that reignite the debate on the relationship between state legislation, constitutional rights and political campaigns against so-called love jihad. New Delhi (AsiaNews) - The issue of interfaith marriages and marriages between people from different castes is once again a topic of debate in India, with parallel cases in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh highlighting the tensions between the laws of individual states and the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. In Gujarat, the government has enacted a new law making parental consent mandatory for marriage, amending the Gujarat Registration of Marriages Act of 2006. The state has justified the move as a measure to protect the most vulnerable, but legal experts and Supreme Court judges argue that an adult should not have to obtain permission from either the state or their family. According to some lawyers, the introduction of this requirement is actually aimed at hindering interfaith marriages and marriages between people of different castes, limiting freedom of choice and affecting women in particular. Several past rulings confirm the Supreme Court's position, which often disagrees with the political line of state governments. In 2018, the Kerala Court annulled an interfaith marriage by invoking parens patriae jurisdiction, describing the woman involved, then 24, as weak and vulnerable. The Supreme Court intervened to reaffirm that marrying a person of one's choice and choosing one's religion are inalienable rights. The case sparked a debate, highlighting how certain laws can allow the state to replace the individual under the pretext of protecting them, treating adults who are fully capable of self-determination as vulnerable subjects. In Gujarat, with the new legislative amendment, spouses must submit a written statement that they have informed their parents and attach copies of identity documents, telephone numbers and certificates of residence of their families. The reform, introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ultra-nationalist Hindu party to which Prime Minister Narendra Modi belongs, was also supported by the opposition: both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Indian National Congress, the BJP's historic opponent, called it necessary, stating that it serves to protect girls who in modern times often allow themselves to be led astray. At the same time, the issue was also addressed in Uttar Pradesh, where the Allahabad High Court ruled that cohabitation and marriage between people of different faiths do not constitute an offence under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act of 2021. The decision came after a petition was filed by a dozen Muslim and Hindu men and women who were receiving death threats because of their relationships. The Court recalled that there can be no discrimination based on caste, creed, sex or religion and reaffirmed the right of citizens to freely choose their partner, as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution. While acknowledging that the government supported the application of the Anti-Conversion Act to relationships in the nature of marriage, the judges specified that these provisions only apply in cases of actual conversion. Since no attempt at forced or fraudulent conversion was found in the cases examined, the Court ruled that an interfaith relationship, even cohabitation, does not constitute a crime, granting protection to couples and authorising them to report threats to the police. Interfaith marriages have been a major concern for years for the ruling BJP government, which claims that young Hindu women are being converted to Islam in the name of love (a phenomenon that ultra-nationalists call love jihad). As a result, many states, including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Haryana and Orissa, and more recently Rajasthan, have adopted laws to curb conversions considered forced or through marriage. According to the government, which for years has been spreading hate speech against religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians, such as population jihad, land jihad and halal jihad, this is a danger to Indian society, as the Muslim community would grow at the expense of the Hindu community, transforming India into an Islamic country. 6 March 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Irans recent strike on Nakhchivan is a textbook case of barking up the wrong tree. At a time when the United States and Israel are steamrolling over Iran, the regime has chosen to lash out at its neighbors. This choice is neither accidental nor unprecedented; it reflects a deeper pattern in Irans foreign policya mix of jealousy, insecurity, and aggression toward surrounding states, particularly Muslim-majority countries that it paradoxically claims to defend. From the earliest days of the current regime, Iran has cloaked its actions in religious rhetoric, presenting itself as the guardian of Islam. Yet its record tells a different story. During the first days of the ongoing conflict, Iran targeted Muslim countries in the Gulf. On March 4, it escalated further by striking Turkey, and the following day, Azerbaijan. Some observers may dismiss these incidents as technical errors or defensive reflexes. But history reveals a consistent pattern: Iran has always regarded its neighbors with enmity and envy. Consider the South Caucasus a century ago. When Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan declared independence, Iran did not challenge the two Christian states. Instead, it directed hostility toward Azerbaijan, the sole Muslim nation among them. Tehran even attempted to annex Azerbaijani territory, though it failed. This selective aggression exposes the hollowness of Irans claim to defend Muslim nations. Similarly, when Gulf countries gained independence, Iran responded with hostility. It occupied islands belonging to the United Arab Emirates, clashed with Iraq over borders, and later plunged into a full-scale war with Baghdad. From the moment the clerical regime seized power, Saudi Arabia was cast as an enemy. The 1990s brought Azerbaijans independence second time, and once again Irans hostility surfaced. While Azerbaijan sought peaceful coexistence, Iran pursued pro-Armenian policies, attempting to destabilize its northern neighbor. Tehrans actions were not driven by security concerns but by resentment of Azerbaijans sovereignty and success. In contrast, Azerbaijan consistently adopted a constructive stance toward Iran. It has never posed a threat to Iranian territory, nor has it used its land as a platform against Tehran. On the contrary, Azerbaijan has demonstrated goodwill: President Ilham Aliyev offered condolences upon the death of Irans Supreme Leader, visited the Iranian embassy, and even planned humanitarian aid. This stands in stark contrast to Irans duplicity. When Iran suffered a devastating earthquake years ago, Azerbaijan was the first country to send humanitarian aid. Yet Tehran refused to accept it, even as ethnic Azerbaijanis in northern Iran endured freezing conditions. Such cruelty illustrates the regimes disregard for its own people. The same brutality was evident during recent protests, when Iranian forces killed tens of thousands of civilians. What can be expected from a government that does not hesitate to slaughter its own citizens? Irans leaders attempt to disguise their aggression with religious slogans. They claim to fight Israel and the United States in defense of Palestine. But history shows otherwise. The Palestinian issue has only worsened since Irans involvement. Israel, in fact, serves as a convenient scapegoata mask for Tehrans ambitions. A century ago, when Iran pursued its jealous policies against Azerbaijan, Israel did not even exist. Similarly, Irans territorial disputes with Iraq and the UAE predated the clerical regime. These examples prove that Irans hostility is not about Islam or Israel. It is about power, control, and resentment. Religion is merely a costume; Israel is merely a curtain. Therefore, the recent drone strike on Nakhchivans civilian airport is therefore not only an act of hostility but also a form of terrorism against peaceful residents and infrastructure. It reveals the regimes ingratitude and cowardice. Launching drone attacks on civilian infrastructure is not a sign of strength but of weakness. It is the act of a regime too fearful to confront its real adversaries, choosing instead to terrorize neighbors. History offers a clear lesson: those who attack Azerbaijan always regret it. Iran will be no exception. Its cowardly strike on Nakhchivan will not intimidate Azerbaijan but will expose Tehrans hypocrisy and isolation. 6 March 2026 17:37 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more After joint USIsraeli strikes killed Irans Supreme Leader and senior officials, Tehran responded within hours. Missiles and drones were launched towards Israel and US-linked sites across the Gulf, signalling that this would not be a symbolic exchange, but the opening phase of something potentially longer. First and foremost, the issue must be approached from the perspective of military capability. Take Iran as an example: the situation there remains somewhat opaque, largely because no fully reliable or transparent official accounting of Tehrans military arsenal exists. This lack of clarity inevitably gives rise to a number of uncertainties. Even at the height of the conflict, the United States, lacking complete and verified intelligence, began to exercise a degree of caution regarding large-scale military action against Iran, weighing the potential risks and unknown variables. However, in order not to stray from the core of the discussion, let us return to the central question - the key questions now are the capabilities of both sides: How much firepower does Iran actually have at its disposal? How long can Israel sustain interception, mobilisation and war spending at current levels? Which side faces exhaustion first, militarily or economically? Lets break it down by capability, range and endurance. Irans military doctrine does not rely on air superiority. Instead, it is built around missiles, drones, survivable launch platforms, and strategic geography. Iran fields the largest and most diverse missile arsenal in the Middle East, spanning short-, medium- and longer-range systems. Short-range ballistic missiles (150800km) These are Irans first punch systems, built for rapid, high-volume regional strikes. Key systems include: Fateh variants Zolfaghar Qiam-1 Shahab-1/2 Why they matter statistically: The range covers Israel and US bases in Iraq and the Gulf. Can be launched in salvos. Shorter flight times reduce interception windows. Designed to overwhelm air defences through volume. In the first three days of the current confrontation, Iran launched over 200 ballistic missiles toward Israel, nearly half the volume used in the 12-day war in June 2025. If sustained at similar rates, the conflict quickly becomes a numbers contest: Missiles fired vs interceptors available. Medium-range ballistic missiles (1,5002,000km) Systems such as: Shahab-3 Emad Ghadr-1 Khorramshahr Sejjil Kheibar Shekan These expand the battlefield dramatically. Statistical implications: Entire Israeli territory is within range. US-linked bases in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE fall inside the strike envelope. Solid-fuel systems like Sejjil reduce launch preparation time. The longest-range Iranian missiles reach 2,0002,500km, but cannot reach the United States itself, despite political rhetoric suggesting otherwise. Cruise missiles and drones Cruise missiles such as: Soumar (2,500km range) Ya-Ali Quds variants Raad Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missiles fly low and hug terrain, making them harder to detect. Drones introduce a different statistical pressure: Slower, but cheaper. Launched in waves. Designed to exhaust air defences over hours rather than minutes. If ballistic missiles are the shock factor, drones are the attrition factor. And perhaps those are the scariest capability of Iran. Production cost is minor in comparison to the cost for its destruction. For example: Shahed-136 drone: $20,000 $50,000; More sophisticated attack drones: $50,000 $200,000. A single wave of 100 drones might cost an attacker around, $25 million. But if defenders intercept those drones using Patriot missiles, the defensive bill could reach $300400 million. Even cheaper systems like Iron Dome still create a financial imbalance if large numbers of drones are launched simultaneously. Underground missile cities Irans survivability matters as much as its inventory. Its missile infrastructure includes: Hardened underground tunnels Concealed storage depots Protected launch sites The statistical question here is not how many missiles Iran has, but how many survive first-wave strikes. If survivability is high, the conflict shifts from a short exchange to prolonged attrition. Iran does not need to formally blockade the Strait of Hormuz to make an impact. Through: Anti-ship missiles Naval mines Fast attack craft Drone harassment It can disrupt shipping enough to: Raise insurance costs Divert vessels Spike energy prices Already, tanker traffic hesitations and suspended crossings show that economic pressure can escalate faster than battlefield outcomes. In war calculus, this is force multiplication without direct engagement. Now next question is how long can Israel sustain this war? If Irans strategy is based on volume and survivability, Israels rests on interception and technological superiority. Israel operates three main air defence systems: Iron Dome Davids Sling Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 Each incoming ballistic missile typically requires at least one interceptor. Now consider the numbers: Over 200 Iranian ballistic missiles were launched in the first three days. Around 500 were launched during the 12-day war in June 2025. Interceptor stocks are undisclosed. During the previous conflict, Israel reportedly began running low. If missile launches continue at high frequency, Israel faces a mathematical problem: Interceptor stockpile vs sustained Iranian volume. Without US resupply, airspace control could become significantly harder to maintain. But how about the US firepower? Another variable shaping the war is the role of the United States. Washington has repeatedly suggested that it can sustain a prolonged conflict, with officials emphasizing that American forces have the logistical depth and industrial capacity to continue supplying weapons and ammunition for as long as necessary. How true is the thesis, unlimited munitions? The United States maintains the most extensive military presence in the Middle East. Perhaps, given the fact that the US has been highly active over the years, it is much easier to get the details more comprehensively. Around 40,00050,000 US troops are stationed across the region. These forces operate from at least 19 military sites, including several permanent bases. Key hubs include: Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar) the forward headquarters of US Central Command. Naval Support Activity Bahrain headquarters of the US Navys Fifth Fleet. Prince Sultan Air Base (Saudi Arabia) a major air defence and command centre. Al Dhafra Air Base (UAE) a key base for US fighter and surveillance aircraft. Camp Arifjan and Ali Al Salem Air Base (Kuwait) major logistics and air hubs. This network allows the United States to launch air operations, move reinforcements, and supply allied forces across the entire Gulf and eastern Mediterranean. During the first phase of the current conflict, American forces reportedly operated with: over 50,000 personnel around 200 fighter jets multiple long-range bombers including B-2, B-1 and B-52 aircraft two aircraft carrier strike groups operating in surrounding waters. In the first 100 hours of the campaign, US forces struck nearly 2,000 Iranian targets, ranging from missile launch sites and air defence systems to naval infrastructure. US forces in the region rely heavily on layered missile defence systems to counter Iranian missiles and drones. The main systems include: THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) Designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitude during the final phase of flight. Patriot missile systems Used to defend against shorter-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft. These systems have been deployed across several bases in the region in anticipation of Iranian retaliation. If the conflict evolves into a sustained campaign, the US role may ultimately determine the balance of endurance. Irans strategy relies on: missile volume drones and saturation attacks survivable underground launch infrastructure The United States counters with: air dominance advanced missile defence systems global logistics and production capacity The strategic question therefore becomes less about who can strike harder in the opening phase, and more about which side can sustain the pace of operations over weeks or months. And despite the rhetoric about unlimited munitions, even the worlds largest military must still manage the arithmetic of war: stockpiles, production rates and supply chains. Economic strain Military endurance is also about budget. The United States of America is the biggest economy in the world, so its endurance is much higher than the other fighting sides. Even with the inclusion and the possibility of "war without strategy", it has more space of flexibility. Israels war expenditures: $31bn in 2024 (Gaza and Lebanon conflicts) $55bn in 2025 (preliminary figures) Public morale remains high for now, but sustained missile alerts, shelter rotations and economic pressure test endurance over time. Iran's physical expenditures, estimated and reportedly (Source: White House media accounts) Over 20 Iranian warships have been destroyed in air, land, and sea operations. There has been a 73% decrease in Iranian drone launches and an 86% decrease in Iranian ballistic missile launches. According to unverified numbers, Iran's decreasing missiles and drones over the 5-day period, World Insights On X: Ballistic Missiles: - Day 1: 350 - Day 2: 175 - Day 3: 120 - Day 4: 50 - Day 5: 40 Drone Swarms: - Day 1: 294 - Day 2: 541 - Day 3: 200 - Day 4: 85 - Day 5: 45 Total estimated war spending after six days: United States $5B $5.5B Israel $1.2B $2B Iran $500M $900M Over time, this dynamic transforms war into not only a military confrontation but also an economic contest of endurance. But let us monitor which side will give up first. 6 March 2026 13:24 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Azerbaijani Embassy in the United Kingdom hosted a roundtable discussion titled Investment Opportunities in Azerbaijan and Central Asia, bringing together business leaders, investors, and policy experts to discuss the regions economic prospects, AzerNEWS reports. The event was organized with the support of the British Azerbaijani Business Council and the global consulting firm Oliver Wyman. Jamal Ismayilov, Partner and Head of Azerbaijan at Oliver Wyman, moderated the discussion and highlighted Azerbaijans strategic geographic position and ongoing economic reforms while assessing the countrys investment potential. He noted that Azerbaijan plays a key role as a transit and trade corridor between Europe and Asia, adding that sustainable economic development in the country creates a favorable environment for foreign investment. According to him, Azerbaijan will remain an attractive market for investors in the long term. Rashad Vahabzadeh, Counselor at the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK, pointed out that Moodys and Fitch have upgraded Azerbaijans sovereign credit rating to investment grade, emphasizing that the decision reflects the countrys economic diversification, financial stability, and governance reforms. He also highlighted the preferential conditions offered to investors in the Alat Free Economic Zone. Pedro Vargas, CEO and Managing Partner of Alpac Capital, also addressed the event, noting that Azerbaijan has implemented important economic reforms in recent years and is increasingly capitalizing on its strategic advantages. He described the country as a bridge between Europe and Central Asia and an important partner in European energy security. Vargas added that Azerbaijan holds significant investment potential in logistics, services, education, healthcare, and retail, stressing that the country should be viewed not only as a domestic market, but also as a platform for accessing broader regional markets. Tural Hajili, Deputy Executive Director of AZPROMO, delivered a presentation on Investment Opportunities in Azerbaijan, providing an overview of major projects and incentives available to investors across different sectors. He also noted that the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum will be held for the first time in 2025, bringing together representatives of the public and private sectors, international companies, and investors to discuss the countrys investment prospects and cooperation opportunities. The legal environment for international investors was also addressed during the event. Evren Celik, Partner at Greymore, presented an overview of the legal investment framework in Azerbaijan and Central Eurasia, emphasizing that the protection of foreign investments, contract enforcement mechanisms, and transparent dispute resolution procedures contribute to a reliable and sustainable business climate. The roundtable concluded with a panel discussion featuring representatives from Oliver Wyman, Caucasus Ventures, and Ironsharp Capital. Participants were also introduced to two publications presented during the event: Azerbaijan Investment Guide, prepared by AZPROMO, and Azerbaijan 3.0 Market Makers of Tomorrow, developed by Oliver Wyman. 6 March 2026 19:15 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Visitor numbers from Central Asian countries to Azerbaijan have continued to rise overall, according to figures released by the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and regional tourism data, AzerNEWS reports. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 6 March 2026 19:32 (UTC+04:00) According to the Cabinet of Ministers, border crossings for Azerbaijani trucks returning from Iran and Iranian trucks returning from Azerbaijan have now resumed at the Astara, Bilasuvar, and Julfa checkpoints. Following Resolution No. 66 dated March 5, 2026, of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, all cargo transport across the AzerbaijanIran border, including transit, had been temporarily suspended. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 6 March 2026 17:00 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan National Art Museum has hosted a gala concert in honor of the International Women's Day, AzerNEWS reports. The event titled "Delicate Melodies with the Land of Victory" was held as part of the "Music in the Museum" project. The title of the program reflects the unity of two important themes love for the homeland and respect for women, with the mother as a symbol of tenderness and spiritual beauty. Performed by the Zfr Yurdu Ensemble,which actively promotes the development and dissemination of national-spiritual values among the youth, the concert featured selected works of Azerbaijani classical and national music. The evening program seamlessly combined the traditions of mugham art and classical vocal performance, vividly demonstrating the depth and expressiveness of national musical culture and its harmonious interaction with classical vocal traditions. The professional performances of young, talented artists, the expressiveness of their musical interpretations, and the sincerity of their stage presence created a special atmosphere in the hall, blending the traditions of national music with a festive mood. The audience warmly thanked the performers with prolonged applause. Founded in 1937, the Azerbaijan National Art Museum offers art connoisseurs some of the best examples of decorative-applied arts of Western Europe. Over 3,000 items in 60 rooms are on permanent display at the museum, and around 12,000 items are kept in storage. Here, you can see masterpieces of the Italian, French, German, and Polish masters of the brush. The museum has successfully organized and hosted numerous high-level international exhibitions, showcasing the works of renowned artists. These exhibitions have not only attracted art enthusiasts but have also contributed to the cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and other countries. 6 March 2026 20:13 (UTC+04:00) By Peter M. Tase Currently, the process of negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia continues on a bilateral basis, and this dynamic has profoundly shaped the execution of Azerbaijans Foreign Policy and its Diplomatic engagement across the world. Bakus principal role as a catalyst of regional peace and economic prosperity in Eurasia, as well as its dynamic relations with Central Asian Countries, Italy and Croatia, will be the focus of this research-based analysis. As the new global centers of gravity emerge, the EU has become the largest trade and investment partner of Baku. The EU-Azerbaijan MoU signed in July 2022 is an important gesture in terms of stable and affordable natural gas supply and opens new opportunities for a potential export of green electricity to Europe. The introduction of the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania-Hungary Black Sea submarine cable Project will accelerate energy transition among the participating states. Azerbaijan has emerged as a deeply valuable Strategic Partner in the exports of green energy to Europe. Alongside this backdrop, Washington, under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, has pursued an agenda that aims to coordinate the democratization of institutions and embolden regional security policies within the territorial space of the pro-Western nations: Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Moldova. According to Prof. Dr. Edmond Panariti (former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania): The November 6th (2025) U. S. - Central Asia Summit can be conceived as Washingtons major strategic success, as the Trump - Vance administration is focused on securing reliable, greater access to international sources of Critical Minerals. The C5+1 impressive diplomatic platform, launched by President Trump, between all five Central Asian leaders and the U.S. Government, marked the first time the six leaders officially met at the U. S. White House. On this occasion, the summits impressive result was announced, with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan proclaiming their plans to develop a trade partnership with Washington worth US$100 billion in goods and services over the next decade, consisting in several sectors: critical minerals, aviation, infrastructure, agriculture and information technology. The pivotal outcomes of C5+1 Summit will also benefit the Republic of Azerbaijan in the years to come. Despite of devastating consequences and unhealed wounds of war and occupation, Azerbaijan has emerged as a nation that respects Armenias state borders and upholds the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations within their state borders, as recognized internationally. In the geopolitical dynamics of Eastern Partnership, Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role in connecting the markets and economies of Central Asia with the European Union. Azerbaijan continues to perceive the Eastern Partnership as an important complementary platform for the development of bilateral EU-Azerbaijan relations, based on mutual respect, equal partnership, shared interests and economic benefits. The privileged geographic position of Azerbaijan makes the Government of President Ilham Aliyev to significantly contribute to the economic growth and industrial development of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and other thriving Central Asian nations. On October 2021, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev conducted a state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The meeting of Azerbaijans head of state with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was strategically important for both nations, in the sphere of transportation and logistics. The signed bilateral documents seek to expand the Middle Corridor and optimize cargo flows between the ports of Baku and Aktau. Additionally, according to Mehbube Mehdiyeva (an International Affairs expert of the Azerbaijan State News Agency): both governments agreed to implement new technological systems to ensure faster and safer transit operations between the two countries. The October 2025, official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Kazakhstan represents a new chapter in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations. These meetings were not simply a matter of diplomatic protocol but a strategically significant event that underscored the growing integration within the Turkic world. Both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have shaped a pragmatic bilateral agenda in the fields of energy, transportation and logistics, digital technologies, economic integration, culture, and education. These discussions between Ilham Aliyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev encompassed the development of the Middle Corridor project; both heads of state emphasized that this corridor serves as a vital economic artery for stability, security, and economic prosperity across the Eurasian landmass. Moreover, a bilateral agreement was reached between the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Kazakhstans sovereign wealth fund on the establishment of a joint investment mechanism. This agreement arranged the groundwork for joint research on energy markets and the implementation of new projects in the future. In the cultural and humanitarian domain, new agreements were accomplished in university education, culture, healthcare, and scientific research. The two governments decided to enhance youth exchanges and organize joint cultural festivals and exhibitions. In the field of regional economic cooperation, both leaders discussed the transportation of Kazakh products through the territory of Azerbaijan to other countries in Europe; these measures will further strengthen the presence of Kazakhstans products in international markets. On November 15th, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent. In this meeting, both heads of state emphasized the successful development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which are based on a multifaceted alliance and strategic partnership. During this visit, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia that was a perfect milestone towards a greater integration of Azerbaijan with the fraternal states of Central Asia; and expansion of regional cooperation in the fields of: economic integration, commerce, political dialogue, transportation, investment, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres, and digital economies. According to Aybaniz Ismayilova (a Research Fellow at ADA Universitys Institute for Development and Diplomacy [IDD]): Cooperation between Azerbaijan and the five Central Asian states has recently been upgraded from a bilateral economic partnership into a consistent and dynamic geopolitical axis shaped by the shifting strategic landscape of the Silk Road region. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs most recent visit to Uzbekistan to attend the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Leaders marked a significant milestone in the countrys long-term foreign policy strategy. As a result of this groundbreaking visit, Azerbaijan became a full member of the C5 format, prompting further diversification of Central Asias policy agenda. In recent years, Central Asia has deliberately constructed a platform for internal synergy and strengthened regional autonomy. On February 19th (Thursday), 2026, U. S. President Donald Trump convened in Washington, D.C., the inaugural meeting of his Board of Peace, where the leaders of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan participated as its founding members. This historic global event was a genuine testimony to a high-level synergy, harmony that exists between the three brotherly nations. Baku and Tashkent have recently shaped a well-defined strategic compass in the realm of International Politics as the two landlocked countries are intrinsically faced with a fragile global security environment and rising new economic and military powers. Uzbekistan is a strategic nation for Azerbaijan. Both nations have common roots, moral values, language, ethnic similarities, and a rich historical and cultural heritage. For many centuries, the fraternal nations of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have maintained a deep sympathy and respect for each other, the constant interstate relations are successfully developing upon this solid foundation. As the Republic of Uzbekistan is actively exploring trade and economic partnerships with the Republic of Paraguay and other member nations of MERCOSUR, the Republic of Azerbaijan will indispensably play a vital supply chain management role with its advanced airport infrastructure and the Port of Baku, serving as Paraguays genuine bridgehead to trade cooperation and commerce with Uzbekistan and Central Asia region. On February 26th, 2026, during his working visit to the Republic of Paraguay, the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, held a series of meetings aimed at increasing trade, economic and investment cooperation between Asuncion and Tashkent. Investment Minister Laziz Kudratov, met with Paraguayan officials to discuss a potential industrial cooperation program for 20262027 covering agribusiness, energy, mining, chemical industry and textiles. The agenda includes launching joint projects under Paraguays attractive legislation for foreign investments, which offers unparalleled tax incentives for export-oriented production, and announced the approval of Paraguayan beef and sheep meat to be exported to Uzbekistan. It is abundantly clear that Azerbaijan will increasingly help synchronize the commercial and industrial cooperation that is expected to flourish between the Governments of Paraguay and Uzbekistan. The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), established in 2023, as an intermodal transportation continental asset will minimize environmental impact and offer a one-stop-shop service for the upcoming Paraguayan Beef Cargo delivery operations, through the territory of Azerbaijan, while enhancing transportation efficiency, provide transparency in tariffs mechanism, and ensure a timely delivery of commodities. As the Republic of Uzbekistan is actively exploring trade and economic partnerships with the Republic of Paraguay and other member nations of MERCOSUR, the Republic of Azerbaijan will indispensably play a vital supply chain management role with its advanced airport infrastructure and the Port of Baku, serving as Paraguays genuine bridgehead to trade cooperation and commerce with Uzbekistan and the Central Asia region. The bilateral alliance between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan is currently placed at the highest strategic level. Over the last 18 months, both heads of state have officially met five times in either Baku or Tashkent; the leader of Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is a prominent statesman and a great friend of Azerbaijan. As Western Asia is faced with a multifaceted geopolitical equation: Khojaly transportation infrastructure, with its geographic location, is an important economic artery of the Republic of Azerbaijan and of the entire Central Asia region. The reconstruction of this magnificent city and its transportation architecture, taking place under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, is taking shape very fast and in the next few years, we will see the inauguration of a modern internationally recognized airport in Khojaly that will be used by other nations in Central Asia and have an indispensable role towards the economic integration of South Caucasus countries. The government of Azerbaijan is pursuing a highly effective economic diplomacy that will further strengthen the geopolitical role of Daglq Qarabag on the world stage. In 2022, the first group of displaced persons had already been resettled in the newly built Aghali village, marking the practical start of the Great Return program, which targets around seven hundred thousand citizens of Azerbaijan who were FORCIBLY DISPLACED. In the last semester of 2022, the Azerbaijani Government, supported by the EU, was able to extract over 2,728 anti-personnel landmines that were planted in 2021 by the Armenian terrorists in the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan. The minefield of newly planted Armenian-manufactured mines was inspected by the leadership of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the Joint Russian-Turkish Monitoring Center, as well as by various military attaches of the embassies accredited in Azerbaijan. In the economic integration sphere, Azerbaijan and the EU are working side by side to execute the EUs Economic and Investment Plan in Azerbaijan, and this is a positive example of a concrete development-oriented cooperation. Massive contamination of territories of Azerbaijan with land mines and other explosive devices is a key challenge to post-conflict rehabilitation projects and reconstruction. Since the signing of the November 10th, 2020, Trilateral Statement, 268 Azerbaijani civilians have been victims of mine explosions, 45 were killed and 223 wounded, among them 9 children, 1 woman, and 3 media representatives. By recklessly disregarding the rising humanitarian consequences on almost every day, Armenia refuses to share a complete list and accurate information on the minefields. On the contrary, it planted new landmines at a massive scale in the territory of Azerbaijan, until September 19th, 2023. Today, our societies stand at a critical geopolitical juncture. Azerbaijan, over the last twenty-three years, President Ilham Aliyev has guided his nation towards a path of successful diplomatic engagements, establishment of strategic alliances with Central Asian nations and key European governments. President Aliyev has leveraged new technologies, strengthened democratic institutions and articulated a vision that strengthens Bakus geopolitical role as a mediation platform used to normalize the Turkish-Israeli relations. Inara Yagubova (a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Development and Diplomacy at ADA University) emphasizes that: Azerbaijans strategic recalibration of the terms of its international participation has not only improved the countrys political power but also widened the scope of its foreign policy objectives. Baku is increasingly coordinating its diplomatic engagement with tangible contributions to international development and humanitarian endeavors in an effort to project an image of itself as a trustworthy and accountable player on the global scene. In early 2014, the liberal democracy principles - that were heralded as the prevailing force in the ideological struggle of the Second World War and the Cold War began to shatter and a cascade of geopolitical factors significantly undermined transatlantic democratic values. In this new era of emerging geostrategic flashpoints, the Republic of Azerbaijan has harnessed strong economic and political partnerships with the Central Asian nations, Turkiye, Israel, European countries, and the United Arab Emirates. The post-Cold War order has ended, and Washingtons special global supremacy in the international landscape is over. The propensity of economic growth and industrial innovation landscape has a brighter future in prosperous nations, including Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkiye, whose role in geopolitical affairs is pivotal and their coveted respective geographic locations are the fulcrum of international trade. --------- Peter Marko Tase is a freelance writer and journalist of International Relations, Latin American and Southern Caucasus current affairs. He is the author of America's first book published on the historical and archeological treasures of the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan (Republic of Azerbaijan) --------- The views and opinions expressed by guest columnists in their articles may differ from those of the editorial board and do not necessarily reflect its views. 6 March 2026 10:42 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan has discussed potential cooperation with the British-based technology company Palantir Technologies in the field of critical infrastructure monitoring. As reported by AzerNEWS, according to Azerbaijans Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, the discussions took place during his official visit to the United Kingdom. The minister shared details of the meeting in a post on the social media platform X (Twitter). During the meeting with representatives of Palantir, the sides explored opportunities for cooperation in several strategic areas, including national data integration, artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity, and monitoring of critical infrastructure. The discussions also covered the development of local expertise, knowledge transfer initiatives, and Azerbaijans potential role in supporting the deployment of Palantir platforms in countries across Africa. Minister Nabiyev noted that the exchange of views focused on strengthening technological collaboration and expanding the practical application of advanced digital solutions. 6 March 2026 11:02 (UTC+04:00) The Belgian Embassy in Azerbaijan has strongly condemned Irans drone attacks on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, expressing solidarity with Baku in the wake of the strikes, AzerNEWS reports. In a statement posted on the social network X, the diplomatic mission declared: The embassy expresses its full solidarity with Azerbaijan after the attacks on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. We strongly condemn these attacks, which endanger civilians and violate Azerbaijans sovereignty, as well as international law. We wish the victims a speedy recovery. The strikes occurred around noon on March 5, when drones launched from Iranian territory targeted civilian infrastructure in Nakhchivan. One drone hit the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, injuring four civilians, while another fell near a school in the village of Shekarabad. Following the incident, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mujtaba Demirchilu, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Azerbaijani officials have stated that the country reserves the right to retaliate against the attacks. 6 March 2026 12:29 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Hungarian Embassy in Baku has condemned the drone strikes carried out from Iranian territory on Azerbaijans Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, describing them as an unacceptable violation of security and international law. According to AzerNEWS, the diplomatic mission made the statement in a post on its official social media accounts. The Hungarian Embassy strongly condemns the attacks on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. Such an unacceptable violation of Azerbaijan's security, sovereignty and international law undermines regional stability. Hungary stands in solidarity with the government and people of Azerbaijan. We wish the injured a speedy recovery, the embassy said in the statement. The embassys remarks come after drone attacks were launched from Iranian territory toward Nakhchivan around noon on March 5. According to Azerbaijani authorities, one of the drones struck the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, while another fell near a school building in the village of Shekarabad. As a result of the incident, four civilians were injured during the attack on the airport. Following the incident, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Demirchilu, was summoned to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Azerbaijani side has also stated that it reserves the right to take retaliatory measures. 6 March 2026 12:53 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more A meeting between Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, and Mihai Popsoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, has taken place in Baku, Azernews reports. According to a statement shared by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on the social media platform X, the two officials first held a tete-a-tete meeting. Following the one-on-one talks, the sides proceeded with expanded-format discussions involving their respective delegations. No further details regarding the agenda of the talks have yet been disclosed. 6 March 2026 13:01 (UTC+04:00) On March 6, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, AzerNEWS reports. The Prime Minister of Pakistan stated that he condemned Iran's military attack and terrorist acts against Azerbaijan, noted that in these difficult days the state and army of Pakistan stand with the state and army of Azerbaijan, and said that Azerbaijan can always rely on Pakistan. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Azerbaijani-Pakistani friendship and brotherhood will endure. The Azerbaijani leader expressed gratitude for the support and solidarity shown. President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan will always defend the just cause of brotherly Pakistan. The head of state noted that Pakistan's strong condemnation of the terrorism committed by Iran against Azerbaijan once again reflects Azerbaijani-Pakistani friendship. The President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan emphasized that in both good and difficult times, the two countries always stand by each other and are ready to provide any mutual support. 6 March 2026 16:34 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Indonesia will begin evacuating its citizens from Iran through Azerbaijan starting today, AzerNEWS reports, citing Trend. Speaking to journalists, Heni Hamidah said the evacuation will be carried out in stages, with the first phase taking place via Azerbaijan. The evacuation process will start today and will be implemented gradually. The first phase will be conducted through Azerbaijan, she said. The first group of evacuees, consisting of 32 Indonesian nationals, is expected to arrive in Jakarta on Monday or Tuesday, according to the ministry. In total, 329 Indonesian citizens are currently in Iran, the majority of whom are students studying in the religious city of Qom. Indonesian authorities said the evacuation aims to ensure the safety of their nationals amid rising regional tensions, with Azerbaijan serving as a key transit route for those leaving Iran. 6 March 2026 13:54 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Azerbaijan and the European Union have held discussions on strengthening economic cooperation and expanding joint initiatives across several key sectors, AzerNEWS repots. According to Azerbaijans Ministry of Economy, the talks took place during a meeting between Deputy Economy Minister Samad Bashirli and Adrien Kiraly, Director for the Eastern Neighbourhood and Turkiye at the Directorate-General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighbourhood of the European Commission. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the priority areas of partnership between Azerbaijan and the European Union. Officials highlighted that the EU remains one of Azerbaijans key foreign trade partners, emphasizing that cooperation in areas such as energy, investment, and other sectors contributes to regional development. The participants also noted that there is significant potential to further strengthen bilateral cooperation. In addition, the parties discussed the EUAzerbaijan Financing Agreement for 2024, the implementation of joint projects, and other issues related to economic collaboration. 6 March 2026 14:16 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said President Ilham Aliyevs remarks yesterday send a clear message following the drone attack on Nakhchivan, stressing that Azerbaijans security and diplomatic measures are being implemented at the highest level, AzerNEWS reports. Speaking at a press briefing in Baku with his Moldovan counterpart Mihai Popshoi, Bayramov referred to President Aliyevs statements at the Security Council on March 5, highlighting Azerbaijans response to the incident. Yesterday, we discussed the issue in a telephone conversation with the Iranian Foreign Minister. The Iranian side promised to seriously investigate the issue, and we are waiting for the results, Bayramov said. He added that President Aliyev has given relevant instructions regarding the drone strike: Diplomatic steps have already been taken regarding the incident, a note has been issued, and I had a telephone conversation with my colleague. The initiation of an investigation by Iran into the issue is now a general process. Azerbaijan's security measures are being implemented at the highest level under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. The level of readiness of the military forces has been maximized against the backdrop of regional tensions. He also stated, "We will wait for the results of the investigation by Iran concerning the drone attacks. Based on the findings, we will take further steps and make decisions." Bayramov also confirmed that instructions have been issued to evacuate both the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran and the Consulate General in Tabriz, underscoring the seriousness with which Azerbaijan is approaching the situation. Tehran's four "Arash-2" drones have targeted the passenger terminal of the airport in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan and a school near the village of Shakarabad, close to the border with Iran. Tehran has since denied involvement in the incident. Four people were injured during the incident. Azerbaijan has dismissed Irans denial of responsibility for the drone attacks carried out against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, stating that the claims are unacceptable in light of technical evidence. Azerbaijans Prosecutor Generals Office has launched a criminal investigation after unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iranian territory targeted civilian infrastructure in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. 6 March 2026 14:30 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more On March 6, Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov held a telephone conversation with Vice President of the Republic of Turkiye Cevdet Yilmaz, AzerNEWS reports. According to a statement published by the Cabinet of Ministers, the discussion followed recent drone attacks against Azerbaijan on March 5. During the call, the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed a strong protest against the strikes, stressing that such actions contradict the norms and principles of international law. Prime Minister Asadov noted that as a result of the attacks, Nakhchivan International Airport, a school, and other areas came under fire from Iran. Several civilians were injured, and the airport terminal building sustained damage. It was further emphasized that following the incident, President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately contacted President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to express solidarity with the Azerbaijani people. Officials described this gesture as a clear manifestation of the unshakable brotherhood and unity between the two nations. Asadov extended gratitude to the Turkish side for its operational support, particularly in the temporary organization of flights to Igdr Airport to ensure safe travel to Nakhchivan under current circumstances. The two leaders also discussed other topical issues arising from the situation. 6 March 2026 16:41 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Moldova is ready to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy sector. AzerNEWS reports that this was stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi at a joint press conference in Baku with Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. According to Popsoi, the energy sector could become one of the key pillars of relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova. Ensuring energy security through the diversification of natural gas sources and supply routes remains one of the main priorities for the Moldovan government. Popsoi expressed gratitude for the support provided by Azerbaijan during the 2022 energy crisis, noting that the assistance demonstrated the strong and reliable partnership between the two countries. Moldova is open to expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan not only in natural gas supplies but also in the development of energy infrastructure and joint energy projects, he said. The minister added that Moldova, through its state energy company Energocom, maintains continuous and constructive dialogue with SOCAR and has shown interest in the regional Green Energy Corridor initiative. Participation of Azerbaijani companies in priority energy projects in Moldova would be highly appreciated, he noted. Popsoi also stated that the two countries have agreed to hold regular consultations on bilateral and multilateral cooperation. These discussions will include a review of the bilateral legal framework and consular matters. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties and noted the positive momentum in trade relations. In 2025, bilateral trade between Azerbaijan and Moldova increased by 22 percent. However, Popsoi emphasized that current trade volumes still do not fully reflect the existing potential between the two countries. We have agreed to further expand economic, trade, and investment cooperation, he added. 6 March 2026 15:21 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, has strongly condemned the recent drone attacks targeting the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. As reported by AzerNEWS, the statement was posted on the ministers official X account. Irans drone attacks against Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which damaged the airport and injured civilians, are a blatant violation of international law and the sovereignty of states, Tsahkna wrote. He added: Such reckless actions against countries in the region are unacceptable and must stop. Estonia stands in solidarity with Azerbaijan and supports peace and security in the region. 6 March 2026 19:48 (UTC+04:00) President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has expressed his gratitude to Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama for the post on X, in which he supported Azerbaijan after the drone strike by Iran on Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan. According to AzerNEWS, the post shared on X by President Ilham Aliyev reads: I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, for the unwavering support for Azerbaijan after the drone attacks on Nakhchivan by the state of Iran. 6 March 2026 10:22 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) President Rovshan Najaf has paid a working visit to Abidjan, the economic capital of Cote dIvoire, where he held a series of high-level meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation in the energy sector. AzerNEWS reports that the visit took place as part of a delegation composed of representatives from Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry and the national energy company. The Azerbaijani delegation included Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev and accompanying officials. During the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation met with senior officials from Cote dIvoires Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy, as well as the Directorate-General for Hydrocarbons and the leadership of the countrys national oil company, PetroCI. The meetings focused on exploring prospects for bilateral cooperation in the energy sector. Discussions covered potential joint projects in oil and gas exploration and production, investment opportunities, and issues related to strengthening energy security. Particular attention was given to SOCARs plans to acquire a 10 percent stake in the development project of the Baleine oil and gas field. The sides exchanged detailed views on the projects development phases, production capacity, logistics, and commercial framework. Participants highlighted the strategic importance of the project for SOCAR as it seeks to expand its operational footprint across Africa and reinforce its position in international energy markets. The Baleine project is considered one of the most promising energy developments in Cote dIvoire, offering significant potential for production growth and regional cooperation. The visit reflects Azerbaijans broader efforts to diversify its international energy partnerships and strengthen economic ties with emerging markets, particularly in Africas rapidly evolving energy sector. 6 March 2026 08:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva On March 4, the Chinese government announced plans to build a reproductive health-friendly society over the next five years, pledging to tackle challenges related to employment, education, healthcare, and income in the process, AzerNEWS reports. According to an official government report, authorities aim to improve public services and address the problem of population aging by promoting high-quality, full-time employment, enhancing income distribution, and strengthening the social security system. The initiative is also designed to foster a positive attitude toward marriage and childbearing, while increasing housing support for families with children. Official data released in January show that Chinas population is expected to shrink for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, with the birth rate hitting a historic low. Experts warn that these trends could worsen if decisive measures are not taken. Reuters reports that Beijing will allocate roughly 180 billion yuan ($25.8 billion) this year to encourage higher birth rates. Key measures include a national child care subsidy, first introduced last year, and a commitment that by 2026, women will face no out-of-pocket expenses during pregnancy, including for in vitro fertilization (IVF), which will be fully covered by the national health insurance fund. The report also highlights plans to review the policy of free pre-school education and expand the number of places in secondary schools. Government spending on education is expected to exceed 4% of GDP. By 2035, the number of Chinese aged 60 and over is projected to reach 400 millionroughly the combined population of the United States and Italymeaning hundreds of millions will retire at a time when pension funds are already under pressure. In response, China has raised the retirement age: men will now work until 63, and women until 58. Interestingly, experts suggest that these reforms could not only help sustain the workforce but also create a silver economy, where older citizens contribute to new industries like healthcare, senior-friendly technology, and leisure services, potentially offsetting some demographic pressures. 6 March 2026 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva European geographers have discovered that current forecasts of sea level rise significantly underestimate its impactby as much as 2030 centimeters. This discrepancy means that roughly 68 percent more people could be affected than previously thought, AzerNEWS reports. "Almost all forecasts rely on mathematical models rather than actual measurements of sea levels in different regions of the world," said Katharina Seeger, a geographer at Wageningen University. "As a result, they consistently underestimate both the area of vulnerable land and the number of people at risk. Our calculations show that these territories cover 37 percent more area than expected, and approximately 132 million people could be impacted." Seeger and her colleagues warn that a rapid increase in global temperatures will accelerate sea level rise due to the melting of glaciers in Greenland and the Arctic, as well as the most vulnerable ice sheets of West Antarctica. According to UN projections, if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked, global sea levels are expected to rise by 3050 centimeters by the end of this century. However, European researchers point out that 99 percent of these projections are based not on direct measurements along coastlines, but on satellite imagery and model calculations that assume water distributes evenly across the planet under the influence of gravity and rotation. In reality, sea levels are influenced by local currents, winds, salinity, and water temperature, making these forecasts less precise. To address this, the researchers combined extensive regional measurements of sea level from oceans worldwide and compared them with the inputs used in existing models. On average, they found that sea level forecasts are underestimated by 2030 centimetersand in certain regions of the Global South, such as the Mekong Delta and other major river deltas, the underestimation can reach nearly a meter. Accounting for these discrepancies, the team concluded that rising seas could affect 37 percent more coastal land and 132 million people68 percent more than previously estimated. Countries in Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific region are expected to be particularly vulnerable. Seeger added that these findings have serious implications for urban planning, agriculture, and disaster preparedness. "Coastal cities, small island nations, and river deltas are on the frontline. Without updated projections, millions may face forced relocation, loss of livelihoods, and devastating economic consequences," she said. Interestingly, the researchers also noted that integrating real-world measurements into models could improve early-warning systems and infrastructure planning, potentially saving lives and billions in damages in the coming decades. 6 March 2026 19:42 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The United States and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, marking a significant step toward restoring ties after years of political tensions, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media. In a joint statement, the two sides said they would work together to promote stability, support Venezuelas economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation. Relations between the two countries had already begun to improve following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States earlier this year. In January, US forces carried out a surprise operation ordered by President Donald Trump, detaining Maduro and his wife and transferring them to New York, where they face charges related to weapons and drug offences. Both have denied the allegations. The announcement of the restoration of diplomatic ties is seen as a symbolically important step in reshaping relations between Washington and Caracas. The US embassy in Caracas, which closed in 2019 amid deteriorating relations, has already reopened. Washington has also appointed a new diplomat to the country, and additional staff are expected to arrive soon. According to sources, diplomats currently stationed at the US embassy in Bogota, Colombia, may be transferred to Caracas to strengthen diplomatic engagement and provide consular services. The Venezuelan government said it was prepared to begin a new stage of constructive dialogue based on mutual respect. Officials in Caracas stressed that the renewed relationship should lead to social and economic improvements for the Venezuelan people. However, the Venezuelan statement did not mention a political transition or future elections, an issue highlighted by the US State Department. Washington has accused Maduro and members of his government of running a criminal network involved in illegal mining and drug trafficking. Maduro is expected to stand trial in the United States later this month. Meanwhile, the two countries have also begun exploring energy and mining cooperation. Venezuela possesses the worlds largest proven oil reserves and significant deposits of gold, diamonds, and rare earth minerals used in modern technologies such as mobile phones. US officials say engagement with Venezuela will be part of a phased process aimed at supporting a peaceful transition toward a democratically elected government. During a recent visit to Caracas, US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum described the intervention in Venezuela as a strategic move. He suggested that closer cooperation with Venezuela could help ensure stable oil supplies and strengthen economic ties. In recent weeks, Washington has allowed Venezuela to sell previously sanctioned oil under US oversight, while Caracas has introduced legal reforms to attract more foreign investment into its energy sector. Both countries have also announced plans to cooperate on developing Venezuelas mining industry, reflecting growing economic engagement alongside the diplomatic reset. 6 March 2026 13:49 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Protesters in Cyprus have taken to the streets in recent days, chanting British bases out and demanding the removal of United Kingdom military installations from the islands southern coast, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media. Demonstrations in the city of Limassol erupted after a suspected Iranian-made drone struck the nearby RAF Akrotiri airbase earlier this week. The incident occurred two days after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, further escalating tensions across the region. The controversy has intensified following reports that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized the United States to use British facilities in Cyprus for what officials described as defensive strikes targeting Iranian missile sites. For many Cypriots, the developments have revived long-standing concerns about the presence of foreign military forces on the island. The United Kingdom retained two sovereign military base areas, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, when Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960. The agreement was part of a fragile power-sharing arrangement between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. While the bases remain under full British sovereignty, critics say the arrangement left Cyprus only partially independent. The bases are a remnant of the colonial and imperialist empire of Britain, said Melanie Steliou Nicolaou, a local actress and television presenter who lives near the Akrotiri base. To me, Cyprus was never truly decolonised. The bases have long served as a strategic hub for British and allied military operations across the Middle East. Aircraft operating from RAF Akrotiri have supported campaigns in Iraq and Libya, and the facility has also been used for surveillance and logistical support missions related to conflicts in the region. The latest escalation has renewed debate within Cyprus about whether the continued presence of British bases serves the islands interestsor exposes it to regional security risks. 6 March 2026 15:33 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Four individuals were arrested in London on suspicion of aiding Iranian intelligence, the Metropolitan Police said on Friday, AzerNEWS reports. One Iranian and three dual British-Iranian nationals allegedly spied on locations and individuals from the Jewish communities in London. The investigation is ongoing, as the police search the areas of Barnet, Harrow, and Watford for potential spies. Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London Helen Flanagan urged the public, particularly the Jewish community, to report any suspicious behavior, adding that the arrests are part of "a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it." Iran says targeted US facilities in Kuwait, attacks to continue in coming hours Irans army said its recent strikes in Kuwait targeted US bases and that more attacks will soon follow. Over the past few hours, various types of destructive drones of the armys ground forces have targeted American military bases in Kuwait in large numbers, Iranian state TV cited the army as saying. These attacks will continue in the coming 6 March 2026 16:23 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Ali Akbar Ahmadian, a member of Irans Defence Council, has warned that Iran could carry out widespread attacks in Iraqs Kurdistan region if local authorities do not crack down on what he described as US and Israeli-backed rebel groups allegedly plotting to enter Iran, AzerNEWS reports. In comments carried by Mehr news agency, Ahmadian said Iran has so far targeted only US and Israeli bases and separatist groups. However, he warned officials in Iraqi Kurdistan that if such groups are allowed to operate, plot or enter Iran via the region, all Iraqi Kurdistan facilities could be targeted. The CIA is working to arm Kurdish forces with the aim of fomenting a popular uprising in Iran, multiple people familiar with the plan told CNN. The Trump administration has been in active discussions with Iranian opposition groups and Kurdish leaders in Iraq about providing them with military support, the sources said. Iranian Kurdish armed groups have thousands of forces operating along the Iraq-Iran border, primarily in Iraqs Kurdistan region. Several of the groups have released public statements since the beginning of the war hinting at imminent action and urging Iranian military forces to defect. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been striking Kurdish groups and said on Tuesday that it targeted Kurdish forces with dozens of drones. The CIA support for Iranian Kurdish groups began several months before the war, one of the sources and a senior Kurdistan Regional Government official said. 6 March 2026 15:50 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Israels military claims 50 of its fighter jets attacked what it described as an underground bunker in Tehran that had been built for the late supreme leader, AzerNEWS reports. In a statement, it claimed the compound extended beneath entire streets in central Tehran and included meeting rooms, adding that senior government officials continued using the facility after Khameneis killing. Khamenei's death was confirmed by the Iranian government on 1 March. His death occurred as part of a wider joint operation by the United States and Israel, using strategic locations intelligence from the US's Central Intelligence Agency to determine the whereabouts of several leaders. 6 March 2026 18:39 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Moscow is providing Tehran with information aimed at targeting the United States troops in the Middle East, the Washington Post reported on Friday, citing three officials familiar with the matter, AzerNEWS reports. The outlet claimed that Russia has been informing Iran of the locations of US military assets since the beginning of the conflict on Saturday. "It does seem like its a pretty comprehensive effort," one of the officials allegedly said on the condition of anonymity. The Russian Embassy in Washington refused to comment on the report. Russias involvement in the war would intensify an already volatile geopolitical situation. On Thursday, the Kremlin made the following statements regarding Iran: - "This is not our war. We need to act in our own interests concerning Iran." - "We must minimize the impact of the ongoing shocks in the global economy on our own economy and, wherever possible, achieve favorable outcomes." 6 March 2026 22:50 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The United States has granted India a 30-day temporary permit allowing the sale of Russian oil on tankers at sea, aiming to ease pressure on the global oil market, AzerNEWS reports. Earlier, a source told agencies that India had requested approval from the U.S. administration to continue importing Russian oil in the context of rising tensions with Iran. Meanwhile, Indian oil refineries are urgently purchasing millions of barrels of Russian crude due to supply disruptions amid the ongoing conflict involving Israel, the U.S., and Iran, according to six sources familiar with the situation who spoke to Reuters. Data from Bloomberg indicates that Russian oil shipments to India have resumed despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. Vessel tracking shows that two shipments originally bound for East Asia are now being redirected to India. Recently, Indian refiners had scaled back imports of Russian oil under pressure from the United States. However, the worsening situation in the Middle East and potential disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have created new risks to maintaining stable oil supplies, Bloomberg reported. Analysts note that this temporary permit reflects Indias strategic balancing act: securing energy supplies while managing relations with the United States and navigating volatile Middle Eastern geopolitics. Some experts suggest that India may increasingly turn to flexible tanker deals and on-the-sea transactions to diversify its oil sources, a trend that could influence global oil trade patterns in the coming months. BENNINGTON A woman charged with being an accessory to the murder of a Bennington man in 2022 took a plea deal Thursday that has her serving a substantial jail sentence with other conditions, including a requirement to testify against her boyfriend, the alleged killer, if needed. Erin Wilson, 33, was charged in the summer of 2023 with three felony counts, including accessory to murder in the first degree, accessory to manslaughter, and accessory after the fact to the killing of Ulysses Ivey, 39, of Bennington. Ivey was lured to the area outside the Green Mountain power sub-station just before the exit ramp, west of Route 279 in Bennington, where he was killed. The alleged gunman in Iveys murder was identified as Elliot Russell, 49, also known as Face. Russell, formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y., had been recently released from a Vermont jail and was believed to have assaulted and pistol-whipped several individuals in the Hoosick Falls area of New York just prior to the murder. Ivey was found barely alive after calling 911 from a cellphone to report hed been shot. Ivey reportedly identified the shooter as Russell before he died at the scene, after rescue workers unsuccessfully attempted to administer life-saving aid. In a plea deal with prosecutors, Wilson pleaded no contest to an amended charge of manslaughter and guilty to a felony charge of being an accessory to murder after the fact. In exchange for her pleas, Wilson received a sentence of 3-12 years behind bars to serve, and a 2-5-year sentence on the accessory charge, to run consecutive. If Wilson serves her 3-12 years without incident, she would then be put on probation for 10 years. If she did not, she would be made to serve the additional 2-5 years after her manslaughter sentence. As part of the plea deal, Wilson, for the length of her decade-long probation, will be required to testify against her former boyfriend at his upcoming first-degree murder trial if the state requests it. Other conditions are her consent to warrantless searches, drug testing, screening for mental health and anger management, no contact with Russell, and a possible curfew. She will not be eligible for early discharge. Wilson will be given credit for time served. The actual length of her incarceration will be determined by the Vermont Department of Corrections. She will most likely serve her sentence at the Chittenden Correctional Facility in South Burlington. In court documents from the 2022 case, it was determined that the motive for Iveys brutal murder was jealousy. Wilson, who was in a tumultuous relationship with Russell, was having difficulties with his cheating and her jealousy at the time of the murder. That jealousy was given as the potential motive for the October 2022 killing, with Iveys murder set up by Wilson. A subpoena issued for Wilsons Facebook account during the investigation revealed that Wilson wanted to stop a sexual relationship that Russell had with another individual. Just prior to the murder, Wilson sent Ivey a Facebook message wanting to meet him at the power plant. Ivey responded, Im less than five minutes away. According to the Facebook messages from her account, Wilson then planned to meet him. At the same time, Wilson was having ongoing Facebook messages with Russell, telling him that if he didnt stop seeing another female, she would have sex with someone else Ivey. According to the police affidavit, Wilson then shared with Russell her conversation with Ivey. Wilsons message to Russell reads, Hes coming to meet me at 7. So let me know what you decide. Several Facebook messages on Russells account with another individual, allegedly the woman he was having sex with, mention Wilson possibly meeting Ivey at 7. One of the last messages Russell sent that day to a friend, just hours before the shooting, says, N****r talkin slick so Im blow out his candle. Ivey was shot soon after. Russell allegedly escaped after the shooting in a white vehicle, which was caught on video surveillance as it fled the scene. Russell faces life imprisonment with a presumptive 20 years behind bars if convicted of the murder charge at his jury trial this May. He is no stranger to the Vermont legal system. He was convicted in 2007 of attempted murder after stabbing a man in front of a bar on Main Street in Bennington. Russell was sentenced to 13 to 15 years behind bars. He was released from prison right before Iveys murder. Wilson gave birth to Russells baby soon after the murder. When initially charged, Wilson faced a possible life sentence if she was found guilty. Both Wilson and Russell were initially scheduled to stand trial together in Bennington. The cases were severed after both defendants filed a motion in 2024. Bennington Judge Jennifer Barrett decided in March 2025 to grant the motion to sever based on the belief that both sides were trying to blame the murder on each other, and that a combined trial could prejudice both defendants. Russell is currently scheduled for a multi-day jury trial in May. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 23F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 23F. WNW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 23F. WNW winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. The most important feature of the Berkshire Bash is meeting old acquaintances from school or work days in the Berkshires and friends from the past. And sometimes we make new connections. HINSDALE Two months after Biagio Kauvil was shot and killed during a well-being check, the Berkshire District Attorneys Office has confirmed the shooter was a Hinsdale police officer but has refused to identify them. The Eagle has learned through its reporting that the officer was Jeffrey Spratt. In a duty roster obtained by The Eagle, Spratt is listed as being placed on administrative leave effective Jan. 7, the day of the shooting. According to the towns website, Spratt is a police officer and animal control officer. Kauvil, 27, died after being shot inside a first-floor bedroom at 53 Off South St. during a struggle in which authorities said he was holding a handgun that discharged, wounding Hinsdales Sgt. Dominick Crupi and striking Chief Shawn Boynes bulletproof vest. The shooting remains under investigation by Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the DAs office. To date, no charges have been filed against anyone involved in the incident. Julia Sabourin, a spokesperson for Berkshire District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, said the DAs office is not releasing the officers name until investigators receive the ballistics report that can definitively match the bullet to a specific gun. On Monday, Shugrue said his investigation into Kauvils death is ongoing and the results of a state police ballistics report and a use-of-force investigation are still outstanding. Shugrue said he expects to receive the outstanding reports within the next 14 to 21 days. Bringing this investigation to a conclusion is a priority and I will immediately review and release the investigations findings when I receive the full report, he said. The Berkshire Law Enforcement Council Force Investigation Team is also conducting a separate, independent review of the use of force to determine whether police followed policies and procedures. In addition to the duty roster, The Eagle also obtained several Hinsdale police policies through a public records request. The towns use-of-force policy lists guidance for encounters with people in crisis. The policy directs officers to de-escalate where possible, including approaching in a quiet, nonthreatening manner and reducing factors that can heighten agitation. It also says if violence or destructive acts have not occurred, officers should avoid physical contact and take time to assess the situation. It states that officers should request professional assistance, if available and asppropriate, to help. It further advises officers to contain the situation, establish distance and wait for additional help or trained medical staff. The policy lists behavioral health care providers and negotiators among the extra resources officers may call for whenever possible. The Brien Center has crisis clinicians available to assist police at the request of an officer, including in the hilltowns. Pittsfield also has four co-responders, with two assigned to day shift and two to evenings, and co-responders sometimes assist police in other Berkshire communities upon request, if theyre available. Members of the Berkshire Special Response Team are also trained in special operations, including emotional disturbances, as well as people who have barricaded themselves somewhere. Dispatch logs obtained by The Eagle make no mention of any request by officers at the scene or dispatch for the special response team. According to those logs, Kauvil called the FBI the day before he was shot and expressed concern with local law enforcement and how he does not trust them. Kauvil said he hadnt slept in days, according to the records. He also expressed suicidal thoughts, the records show, but said he did not have the means to act on them at the time. The FBI relayed this information to the Hinsdale Police Department as a heads up just in case they deal with him, the logs said. The next day, Kauvil called 911 at 9:44 a.m., but the call was disconnected the first of four 911 calls he abandoned that morning, according to logs. Police then went to perform a well-being check on Kauvil, according to the district attorneys office. Boyne called for backup from Dalton police because Hinsdale was short staffed. Five officers ultimately responded to the home: Boyne, Crupi, Spratt and two Dalton officers. By 10:26 a.m., officers asked emergency medical personnel to stage nearby, and Kauvil called 911 a fifth time, but this time stayed on the line. The log says Kauvil repeatedly told the dispatcher he wanted to speak with someone higher up, specifically mentioning the FBI or CIA. During the call, which lasted 16 minutes, the DAs office said Kauvil expressed concern that people are after him but later stated he was fine and that he wished to negotiate with police and did not want to harm himself or anyone else. Crupi, whose family said he was off-duty at the time but was called in to assist, arrived at the home shortly after. Kauvil got off the phone and spoke through the door to Crupi, according to the DAs office, after the two established a positive rapport. Police then determined it was necessary to bring Kauvil into custody, the DAs office said. That decision-making process has not been discussed by authorities, including who made the decision to go into the room. Crupi breached the door and restrained Kauvil, who the DAs office said was holding a handgun. At a January press conference, Shugrue said he believed officers knew Kauvil had a license to carry firearms, but they had been told Kauvil did not have a weapon on him that day. Police struggled to subdue Kauvil, according to Shugrue. He said Kauvil, face down on a bed and holding the gun, told officers Just kill me as they tried to subdue him. The gun then discharged, piercing Crupis hand and hitting Boynes chest in his bulletproof vest. Shugrue said at the time that it was not known if Kauvil intentionally fired the weapon or if it went off accidentally. Two attempts were made to subdue Kauvil with a Taser, according to Shugrue, but after each Kauvil continued to struggle. Seconds later, Spratt fired his gun twice, according to timestamps in the dispatch log. The first bullet hit Crupi in the elbow. The second bullet struck Kauvil in the head, fatally wounding him, according to Shugrue. The duty roster shows Spratt and Boyne on administrative leave, and Crupi on medical leave, all effective Jan. 7. The Hinsdale Select Board subsequently appointed Peru Police Chief Bruce Cullett to serve as acting chief of their town while Boyne remained on leave. On Feb. 25, the board appointed Michael Perkins and Jason Breault to serve as part-time Hinsdale police officers. In the wake of the shooting, Kauvils family urged the public not to define him by the way he died. At a remembrance gathering in Pittsfield on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, relatives described him as funny, kind and protective and said they hope he is remembered for the life he lived. On Saturday, a community standout calling for justice for Biagio is being held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Park Square in Pittsfield. SPRINGFIELD Bishop Timothy McDonnell, who oversaw the Diocese of Springfield amid the fallout of the priest sex-abuse scandal and a period of parish consolidation, died Thursday. He was 88. Bishop William Byrne, who announced his predecessors death, told a group of reporters that McDonnell was a very effective shepherd and a blessing to the diocese at a time when difficult decisions had to be made. I am grateful for his wise counsel during my time as bishop, and his powerful example of putting ones life into Gods merciful hands," Byrne said in a statement issued by the diocese. Byrne, who told reporters he visited his predecessor frequently during his retirement, described him as possessing a sharp mind that brought with it the classic dad humor and a domination of The New York Times game Spelling Bee. McDonnell announced in January that he had developed untreatable cancer and was receiving hospice care. He was appointed as bishop of the Springfield diocese in March 2004 by Pope John Paul II, then installed in a ceremony the following month by Archbishop Sean OMalley. He was the eighth bishop of Springfield. He stepped down a decade later at age 75, the mandatory retirement age set by the Vatican, but continued to serve in other church roles. In retirement, he lived and served at St. Josephs Church in Pittsfield. More recently, McDonnell had been living at Marys Meadow in Holyoke. Responding to clergy sex-abuse crisis Byrne said McDonnell led the diocese during the clergy sex-abuse crisis, which he faced with transparency and compassion. He dealt with that as much as could be done at that time, Byrne said. Terence McKiernan, president of Bishop Accountability, an organization based in the Boston area that collects information on clergy sex abuse, said McDonnell treated survivors of clergy abuse in a more pastoral fashion, but when it came to transparency, there was much to be desired. While many dioceses around the country have released lists of credibly accused priests, McKiernan said the list McDonnell released was incomplete and inadequate, and complaints about it went unaddressed. Under Byrnes leadership, the Springfield Diocese has released a decent list, McKiernan said, which has been updated as recently as last month. McDonnell was an improvement over some of his predecessors, McKiernan said. It was a diocese that had really problematic leadership over the years. The names of two of the dioceses former bishops are among those it says have been credibly accused of sexually abusing minors: Bishops Christopher Weldon, who held the office from 1950-77, and Thomas L. Dupre, who was bishop from 1995-2004. Dupre, who McDonnell replaced, resigned less than a day after The Republican confronted him with allegations of decades-old abuse. This week, the attorney general in Rhode Island released the results of a yearslong investigation into the clergy sex-abuse crisis there, finding 75 priests had abused 300 children since 1950 and were often protected by bishops concerned about the churchs reputation. Asked about the Rhode Island report, Byrne said Thursday he had not yet had a chance to read it. The Massachusetts Attorney Generals Office said last year it is waiting on a judge to approve the release of a similar report investigating clergy sex abuse in the Fall River, Worcester and Springfield dioceses. Attorney General Andrea Campbell said in a statement that, while she understands the frustration in the delay of the reports release, laws that didnt govern the investigation in Rhode Island are affecting the reports release, in part because of some of the investigatory tools the office used. My office is taking the appropriate steps to share the full extent of our work with the public, and I am bound to the rules of law that do not allow me to publicly comment on those specific efforts, Campbell said. Parish consolidation During McDonnells tenure, the diocese oversaw a plethora of ethnic parishes, Byrne said, where a Spanish congregation would worship close by to an Irish congregation, which was close to an Italian congregation. For instance, 11 parishes once worshiped in Pittsfield, according to Byrne. These ethnic parishes are somewhat unique to the region, according to Byrne. But as the number of parishioners dwindled, the decisions fell on McDonnell on how to consolidate. It was a necessary but painful process, Byrne said, as it was not sustainable to maintain redundant parishes. We had to come to a place where you could find the right balance and the blend of communities that would meld together, Byrne said. Sometimes it worked more successfully than others. Catholic education Local leaders remembered McDonnells efforts to rebuild a Catholic school that was destroyed in a 2011 tornado. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, recalled McDonnells wit and sense of humor in their conversations before the bishop made the decision to rebuild. In a moment of great sorrow and uncertainty for Catholic education in our region following the 2011 tornado and the destruction of Cathedral High School, we were grateful for Bishop McDonnells decision to continue that great legacy and establish new roots with the construction of Pope Francis Preparatory School, Neal said in a statement. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said McDonnell and Neal helped raise millions for the rebuilding effort. And the bishop brought a sharp business sense to his leadership, in addition to his wisdom of religious matters, according to the mayor. Bishop McDonnell came in during a very challenging time in our Catholic Diocese to restore our faith and right the ship, Sarno said in a statement. Most of the parishioners who remember McDonnell are older, Byrne said, as he retired more than a decade ago. Still, some of the faithful who attended a funeral Friday morning expressed affection and sadness for the late bishop, he said. On March 12, St. Josephs Church in Pittsfield will be the site of a viewing from 4 to 6 p.m., which will be followed by a Mass of the High Priest, according to the diocese. The next day, McDonnell will lay in state at St. Michaels Cathedral in Springfield between 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Byrne said McDonnell will be entombed in the crypt beneath St. Michaels, where three of the bishops who led the diocese are buried. Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter ADAMS Detours are out for the Center Street bridge. Plastic barriers are in. A plan to shunt heavy truck traffic away from the deteriorating span and through surrounding neighborhoods has been scrapped. Instead, heavy vehicles will be directed away from the weakened section of the span. Now we don't have to worry about tractor-trailers or a lot of traffic going over to residential streets," said Police Chief Timothy Sorrell. "I think the move is fantastic, and everybody did a great job getting the answer for us. The initial detour plan was hatched in the wake of a recent inspection that flagged deterioration on an interior bridge beam. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation alerted the town in January that weight restrictions would be required on the bridge within 30 days. But the prospect of heavy truck traffic flow through Summer Street or the narrow back roads of downtown Adams was a significant quality-of-life concern for many residents. State Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams, appealed to MassDOT to find an alternative. The solution was hashed out at a meeting Thursday between MassDOT staff and Town Administrator Nicholas Caccamo. The state said it will use so-called straight-line delineators basically flexible stick-type barriers to direct heavy vehicles to the outside lanes and off the weakest part of the bridge, the east side. The 16.7-foot long bridge was constructed in 1937 and rebuilt in 1957. Its overall condition is rated at 6, or satisfactory, on the MassDOT website. Its superstructure, substructure and deck condition are all listed as 5, or fair. A 2022 MassDOT report noted section loss is usually caused by corrosion at the ends of steel beams, usually due to water carrying de-icing chemicals leaking through the deck joints. That leads to "a significant reduction in the girders load-carrying capacity." The timeline for repairs, which will be completed by MassDOT, remains unclear. Meanwhile, the west side of the bridge also will be getting some attention for a different reason. Thats the side of the bridge that carries Adams' 14-inch water main in a pipe that supplies most of the town. Seven of the 10 brackets holding that critical pipe to the bridge are missing, according to John C. Barrett, superintendent of the Adams Fire District. He has forwarded to the state revised designs to replace those custom-designed steel brackets held on by gunite, also known as shotcrete, or sprayed concrete. He expects the state to pay for the installation, or at least most of the cost, and credited Barrett, the state representative, with helping get attention for the project. To expedite the work, voters last month approved spending $10,000 on engineering and $85,000 on installation, materials and associated costs for the brackets. The approval came with the caveat that the district seek alternative funding, so if the state foots the bill or reimburses the district, the money paid out will come back to the districts coffers. The initial design has been revised based on comments by MassDOT, which reviewed the plan and is poised to begin its structural review, Barrett said. Itll be nearly identical to what you see there now, with the new upgraded steel anchors and gunite," he said. "Weve got to repair the gunite when we repair the brackets. He said MassDOT is confirming specifications. Everythings got to be engineered, he said. Brackets, the type of steel, the anchors, everything. He said the old brackets just rotted away. Theres nothing barely left of them. SHEFFIELD The Southern Berkshire Regional School Committee was left in turmoil Thursday night after the chair and vice chair abruptly resigned. Chair Arthur Batacchi, of Sheffield, and Vice Chair Kimberly Alcantara, of Monterey, resigned from the committee during an executive session in connection with a complaint about their behavior during a recent finance subcommittee meeting. During the School Committee meeting, New Marlborough resident Tara White read a complaint she had submitted regarding Batacchi and Alcantara's behavior during the subcommittee meeting. White, who is the co-chair of the New Marlborough Select Board, made clear she was not acting on behalf of that board. "Instead of willingness to work with [Superintendent Brian] Ricca, you came in with an obvious objective and goal and that was to sabotage, embarrass and undermine him as much as you could," White said. "The hostility was obvious." She went on to call their behavior "childish" and "disrespectful." A review of the finance subcommittee meeting Feb. 25 shows it took a turn during a presentation of the preliminary budget proposal by Open Architects, which is providing temporary business manager services for the district. Members expressed frustration that the budget was incomplete and thus not ready to be presented to the School Committee the next day as planned. Ricca and Open Architects were questioned about omitted information and changes from previous years. Nanci Worthington, a School Committee member from New Marlborough, questioned when and why Alcantara and Batacchi had asked Ricca to have Beth Regulbuto, his predecessor, review a document, and had not shared with the committee their concerns over Ricca's ability to craft a budget. "That's another place where you have stepped out [of bounds]," Worthington told the pair. "My experience is that we should have been involved with all of this. That's what this comes down to. We are the finance committee, and we've been kept in the dark." Alcantara said the two decided to have Regulbuto review the document during one of their weekly meetings because she was the chief financial officer of the district for eight years and knows it well. "We have not made any financial decisions for the district," Alcantara said. "The door has always been open," she later said. "It has been absolutely not," Worthington said. The School Committee promptly elected Julie Hannum, as chair, and Amy Bainbridge-Jordan, as vice chair of the five-town school district. Both are from Sheffield. Hannum said she hopes the committee can be civil and respectful moving forward. "Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate a mid-year reorganization, but I'm committed to trying to bring us together, work collegially and work together," Hannum said. "I'm sure we won't always agree, but at the end of the night, hopefully we laugh, and we're still friends in the parking lot, and that would be my goal." State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier speaks during a meeting Thursday at the Statehouse in Boston. The Pittsfield Democrat said the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program has been serving 6,700 individuals every week in Pittsfield, accounting for 15 percent of her city's total population. Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Donald Morrison, is an Eagle columnist and co- chairman of the advisory board. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of The Berkshire Eagle. Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute. Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno. Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code It is unacceptable that forecourt workers are experiencing abuse for fuel price hikes, the enterprise minister said. Peter Burke made the comments after meeting with forecourt operators and home heating suppliers about dramatic rises in fuel costs since the US and Israel began bombing Iran. Caoimhe Maloney, who owns Kavanagh Fuel in Urlingford, Co Kilkenny, said that the cost for them to purchase fuel had significantly increased this week and nobody is making any money out of it. She said there had been an eight cent increase per litre of fuel most days this week. Fuels for Ireland said the global wholesale price of kerosene had increased by 74%, diesel by 48% and petrol by 15%, between last Friday and Thursday night (Brian Lawless/PA) My fear is that it will be over two euro (by Saturday), I think possibly 2.02, she told RTE Radio. People are scared and theyre bulk buying on the forecourt. TDs have said the price of home heating oil had effectively doubled in a matter of days, and urged the Government to help citizens with the outrageous costs. Advertisement The Government has said the Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is to investigate claims of price gouging over fuel. Earlier in the week, Burke said the price of crude oil bears no reflection on whats happening in the Irish market, where he said there had been a 50 per cent increase in prices for some customers. He said he had given the CCPC very clear examples in relation to where prices have gone up very significantly that are not reflected in the international markets. Burke made the comments a day before he met with representatives of the fuel industry on Friday. I had a constructive meeting today with representatives from the fuel industry, Mr Burke said in a statement. I welcomed the opportunity to discuss the current energy market and pricing structures, along with the international factors impacting costs in a very uncertain geopolitical environment. I highlighted the current CCPC investigation, and providers expressed that they are more than happy to cooperate fully and will encourage their members to do the same. The CCPC has a strong mandate to protect consumers and ensure competition law is fully complied with. People think that Brent crude is the indicator - Brent crude has a lag of a couple of weeks on the impact that it has, and even then, it has about as much impact on the price of a litre of fuel as the price of beef has on a Big Mac Kevin McPartland, Fuels for Ireland It was brought to my attention that retail workers have come under significant abuse in recent days. I want to make it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable, and no-one should take their frustration out on any retail worker. My Department continues to engage with the sector as matters evolve, including through the Governments Energy Security Group, which meets regularly. Chief executive of Fuels for Ireland, Kevin McPartland, said that the global wholesale price of kerosene had increased by 74 per cent, diesel by 48 per cent and petrol by 15 per cent, between last Friday and Thursday night. Advertisement He said a rise to the cost base was behind the fuel price hike in Ireland and that Brent crude was not the right indicator for fuel prices. About half of our fuel is coming from from a refinery in the UK. That doesnt mean that the crude oil is coming from the UK, but thats where its coming through, he told RTE Radio. There is no legal obligation on companies to set their prices at a level that consumers will consider fair CCPC When that vessel leaves the port in Wales, it arrives in Dublin six hours later, it is unloaded, and it can go straight into trucks. People think that Brent crude is the indicator Brent crude has a lag of a couple of weeks on the impact that it has, and even then, it has about as much impact on the price of a litre of fuel as the price of beef has on a Big Mac. Its really just a small part of the overall piece. We have to recognise that the indicator that is important is the commodity price for kerosene, diesel and petrol, and theyre available online, Platts is the index. Ireland Outrageous fuel price hikes in Ireland amid Middle East conflict, Dail told Read more And were actually slightly behind that in the price increases in Ireland. So far from profiteering the meeting you mentioned I was in with Minister Burke this morning he heard from a forecourt operator, he heard from heating oil distributors, that they are actually losing money on the fuel that theyre selling currently. The CCPC said earlier this week that companies can set, and increase, their own prices, but they must do so independently. There is no legal obligation on companies to set their prices at a level that consumers will consider fair. A GP has admitted to poor professional performance over his physical examination of an army officer during which he inappropriately exposed one of her breasts without the patients consent. The doctor who was identified only as Doctor C made admissions at a fitness-to-practise hearing of the Medical Council in relation to four allegations concerning his treatment of the female soldier while working as a locum at the Curragh Camp, Co Kildare on September 19, 2022. The inquiry heard that Doctor C, who comes originally from Sudan, accepted he had exposed the left breast of the officer identified only as Patient A during a physical examination of her chest. Counsel for the Medical Council, Neasa Bird BL, said the GPs action was inappropriate and not clinically justified. Bird said the patients breast had been exposed without her consent or without informing her in advance. Advertisement Another allegation related to the failure of Doctor C to document any findings of his physical examination of Patient A. The GP also admitted prescribing an intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone to treat the patient which Bird said was clinically inappropriate and contrary to Irish antimicrobial prescribing practice. Doctor C acknowledged that he had inaccurately entered the name of a different drug, cefixime, in Patient As medication records. The inquiry arose following a complaint to the Medical Council by another doctor working full-time with the Defence Forces known only as Doctor B. Bird said the chief executive of the Medical Council accepted the four allegations combined represented just one incident of poor professional performance as they related to a single episode of care". She claimed Doctor Cs treatment of Patient A had fallen short in a serious way of the standards of competence expected of general medicine practitioners. Symptoms The inquiry heard that Patient A a commandant in the Defence Forces who held the rank of captain at the time had gone to a medical aid post in the Curragh Camp with symptoms of wheezing, coughing and feeling unwell. Bird said she declined a request to lift up her bra but subsequently curled it up slightly without uncovering her breasts. However, she said Doctor C now admitted that he had pulled down one side of her bra without advance warning or consent which exposed her left breast entirely and left it exposed for around ten seconds. Ms Bird said the patient felt very uncomfortable but did not express concern at the time as she was sick and surprised over what had happened. Advertisement The inquiry heard the GP prescribed ceftriaxone for Patient A which was to be given intramuscularly and told her she would need to go to a pharmacy to have the antibiotic administered. However, Patient A returned to the surgery later that day after being advised by a pharmacist that it could not administer the medication. Bird said the patient was seen by Doctor B who also carried out a chest examination of a different nature and who described the prescription given by Doctor C as incorrect. The woman was diagnosed with a lower respiratory tract infection and prescribed more appropriate oral antibiotics. She was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia. Ms Bird explained that ceftriaxone was a strong antimicrobial medicine administered intravenously or intramuscularly to treat severe and life-threatening bacterial infections such as E-coli and meningitis but was not given in a community care setting. Correspondence In correspondence, Doctor C said it was his second time seeking the patient after she had notified him by phone that she had a severe cough and her symptoms were not improving. The inquiry heard that the GP claimed he had asked the officer if she wanted a chaperone while he examined her chest but she was happy for him to go ahead without one. Doctor C said he considered prescribing her a short course of an intramuscular injectable antibiotic as the oral antibiotic he had previously prescribed did not appear to have had any effect. He claimed a nurse confirmed that it was appropriate to prescribe such a medicine and that it could be administered in a pharmacy a claim disputed by the nurse. Advertisement Bird said the doctor also introduced the possibility of having prescribed a third drug in correspondence as it contained a reference to cefotaxime. Doctor C said he now knew that the appropriate treatment where an injection was considered necessary was a referral to hospital and he had also familiarised himself with prescribing guidelines. 'Shocked' The GP told the Medical Council that he was shocked about the complaint against him. The inquiry heard that an expert witness, Professor Tom Fahey, noted in a report prepared for the Medical Council that the exposure of the patients breast was not necessary for an examination of her chest. Prof Fahey said the doctors failure to record his findings was a serious omission in light of the treatment he recommended. He also pointed out that the HSEs advice on the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, which is available online, does not recommend intramuscular injections. Prof Fahey said the prescribing of such drugs in such circumstances by Doctor C was most unusual". Doctor C, told the inquiry that he had come to Ireland in July 2022. Ireland Judge praises bravery of boy as cousin jailed for sexual abuse Read more The GP said he had not attended any induction course about prescribing in Ireland but was familiar with antibiotics from having worked over 20 years in Saudi Arabia. In reply to questions from the committee, Doctor C said he felt oral antibiotics were not working for the patient as she appeared very sick and he could hear some crackles in her chest. I thought at that stage maybe if I give her one shot of this injection her condition may improve and there is no need for a referral. That was my plan, he added. The inquiry chairperson, Marie Culliton, adjourned the hearing until Monday when the committee will issue its findings and hear submissions on possible sanctions. A fourth arrest has been made by detectives investigating the disappearance of Co Down woman Lisa Dorrian. A 48-year-old man was arrested in the Craigavon area in Co Armagh on Thursday. He was questioned on suspicion of murder, assisting offenders and preventing a lawful and decent burial, and was released unconditionally later in the day. Dorrian, 25, from Bangor, was last seen alive on February 27th 2005 after attending a party at Ballyhalbert Caravan Park. Fourth person arrested in connection with the disappearance and murder of Lisa Dorrian https://t.co/AL9oTqbyzK pic.twitter.com/eElAaPnLFx Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) March 5, 2026 Despite extensive searches in multiple locations and campaigning by her family, Dorrians body has never been found. Police believe she was murdered on the night of February 27th or in the early hours of the following morning. On Wednesday, a 40-year-old man was arrested in Millisle, Co Down, on suspicion of assisting offenders and withholding information. He was released on bail pending further inquiries several hours later. Last week a 40-year-old woman was arrested in Bangor, and a 42-year-old man was arrested in Scotland. They were held on suspicion of murder, assisting offenders, withholding information and preventing a lawful and decent burial, before being released on bail pending further inquiries. A GP who provided fraudulent certificates to suggest he had professional indemnity insurance while working for over four and a half years in Dublin has been found guilty of professional misconduct. A fitness-to-practise committee of the Medical Council found four allegations of professional misconduct proven against Chasib Al-Maliky from Artane, Dubin in relation to providing false documents and making false declarations to suggest he had professional indemnity insurance. The committee also made a separate finding of poor professional performance against Dr Al-Maliky for prescribing oestrogen to five patients at the Centric Health clinic in Donaghmede, Dublin without also prescribing progesterone, which was clinically inappropriate. The chairperson of the inquiry, Paul Harkin, said Dr Al-Maliky had provided certificates purporting to show he was insured by the Medical Protection Society, which he knew were false and misleading. Advertisement Harkin said the GP should have known that submitting such documents to his employers, Locomotion Limited and Centric Health, was dishonest. He said allegations were proven beyond reasonable doubt that Dr Al-Maliky had practised medicine between January 2nd, 2015 and July 14th, 2017 and again between July 6th, 2021 and March 31st, 2023 at a range of locations without having professional indemnity insurance. The inquiry heard that the doctor had also made false declarations in his annual retention forms to the Medical Council for 2022 and 2023 that he had the required statutory professional indemnity cover. An expert witness for the Medical Council, Triona Marnell, had told the inquiry that it beggars belief that Dr Al-Maliky would have treated patients without having indemnity insurance cover in place. Dr Marnell said it was concerning that he had practised without such cover for such a long period when he was exposing patients to potential harm. Harkin said Dr Al-Malikys conduct was conduct which doctors of experience, competence and good repute would find disgraceful or dishonourable, while it also represented a serious falling short of the standards expected of doctors. The committee also found an allegation of poor professional performance proven for the prescribing by Dr Al-Maliky of oestrogen to five women without adding progesterone while he worked as a locum at the Centric Health clinic in Donaghmede between April and July 2023. The inquiry heard that taking oestrogen without progesterone can thicken the uterus lining, which can increase the risk of cancer. Another doctor from the same clinic said all five patients had been identified and none had suffered any physical harm as a result of the failure to be prescribed progesterone. Advertisement Ireland Over 1.6 million worth of drugs seized over two days in three counties Read more Harkin said Dr Al-Maliky had failed to meet the standards of competence in terms of knowledge and skill that could reasonably be expected of medical practitioners. The GP did not attend any of the hearings during a three-day inquiry. Counsel for the GP, Ray Motherway BL, told the committee in February that Dr Al-Maliky was absent due to ill health and was receiving treatment in the UK. Harkin said the committee would forward its report of the inquiry to the Medical Council, but would not disclose the sanction it would recommend to be imposed on the doctor. A young Co Donegal farmer who became infatuated with a young woman, sending her more than 1,000 messages, has been charged with harassment. Matthew Smyth pleaded guilty to harassing the young woman when he appeared at Letterkenny District Court. Garda Tomas McMahon told the court that Smyth, of Dunross, Culdaff, bombarded the young woman with texts, videos and messages over the course of 2020. When the woman ignored all the messages, Smyth finally took to Facebook and named her publicly. In the message, Smyth said he used to like the woman but that he now hated her. When asked by Judge Emile Daly what the 29-year-old accused had said specifically, Garda McMahon revealed the message read "F**k xxxxxxxx and everything she stands for." Garda McMahon said the young woman, who is from Buncrana, never engaged with Smyth online. Advertisement The text messages began in January 2020 and the last one was sent on December 12th, 2020, but stopped when gardai became involved. Solicitor for the accused, Patsy Gallagher, told the court that his client's understanding of life may not be as advanced as others. He put it to Garda McMahon that the messages to the victim were not malicious and the Garda agreed. Garda McMahon also told the court that a victim impact statement on behalf of the woman was canvassed but that she did not provide one. Solicitor Gallagher stressed that there was no physical aggression on his client's behalf and there was actually no physical contact between the accused and his victim. "I would suggest this was a case of immature infatuation gone wrong, consistent messaging to the extreme," he said. Gallagher added that his client comes from an isolated background and works on the family farm. Garda Inspector Johnny Sweeney said the accused had three previous convictions which centred around the production of an article in the course of a dispute on the family farm. Judge Daly asked the court if there had been any issue after gardai had intervened and she was told there hadn't. She adjourned the case until September 3rd for a Probation Report and sentencing. A man has walked free from court on a suspended sentence for an unprovoked and ferocious assault outside MMA fighter Conor McGregors pub. John Griffiths (41) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault with intent to cause bodily harm at the Black Forge Inn, Drimnagh Road on September 4th, 2021. Griffiths, who has an address at Iveagh Trust, Kevin Street, Dublin 8, but lives in the US, has no previous convictions. Judge Martina Baxter said it was a ferocious assault and handed down an 15-month sentence, suspended it in full. The judge noted a sum of 5,000 was available as a token of remorse which the injured party was willing to accept. She said although there was no victim impact statement, the effect on the injured party can be inferred. Garda Claire Young gave evidence that gardai were on mobile patrol at around midnight on the night in question when they were alerted to an assault outside the Black Forge Inn. Advertisement Gda Young told David Perry BL, prosecuting, that the injured party was visibly upset and confused. He had facial injuries and his nose was bleeding heavily. He had red marks on his face, a laceration to his lip and swelling to his right eye. His T-shirt and jeans were covered in blood, the court was told. CCTV The court heard the victim was on a work night out and didnt really interact with anyone outside of his group. When Griffiths was interviewed, nothing of evidential value arose. CCTV of the incident was played to the court and showed the injured party being assaulted by two men, which continued after he was knocked to the ground and was unconscious. Keith Spencer BL, defending, told the court Griffiths suffered a tragic event when his brother took his own life in 2021. His client had been using alcohol as a crutch and was intoxicated on the night. Spencer said his client previously had a window-washing business but is now looking for work. He moved to California when he was 17 where his daughter and two grandchildren live and counsel said he provides financial support to them. Counsel said he sublets apartments in Los Angeles and in Ireland, and that he has a modest income. Counsel said Griffiths has a green card and a conviction would be devastating. The court will appreciate the situation, said Spencer. Counsel asked the judge to leave him without a conviction". However, Judge Baxter said she had considered deferring sentence, but she said she was not satisfied it could be applied in this case. Judge Baxter handed down a 15-month sentence and suspended it in its entirety for a period of 15 months. The judge said probation supervision was not appropriate as Griffith lives outside the jurisdiction. More than 2.2 million was spent on taxis and buses for the transportation of international protection applicants last year, new figures have revealed. The journeys included travel from points of entry into the state to designated IPAS facilities, from the International Protection Office in Dublin to accommodation centres, and transfers between IPAS locations. They also included taxi trips to and from IPAS centres for specific urgent needs, such as medical appointments, where travel by public transport was not practicable. The travel costs for 2025 were published by Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan, who said taxi journeys may be the most economical option where smaller groups of residents require transport, and may also be required at short notice or out of hours. Over 33,000 people are currently resident in 309 IPAS accommodation centres nationwide, and there are transport costs associated with the provision of state accommodation, he explained. Advertisement These costs arise within the IPAS accommodation system and involve groups of residents who may be arriving, leaving or moving to different centres each week for a range of reasons. Transport is required as part of some resident moves, and also can be provided for specific urgent needs, such as travel to urgent medical care appointments where public transport is not practicable, added OCallaghan. A total of 2,223,718 was spent on transport for international protection applicants last year, not including some transport costs arranged and covered under IPAS accommodation contracts. Ireland Electronic tagging for offenders delayed again Read more The figures were provided by the minister in response to a parliamentary question from Independent Ireland TD Ken OFlynn. OCallaghan said the travel included journeys from points of entry into the state, but also from the International Protection Office in Dublin, where a significant proportion of applicants present directly. Last year, Mr OFlynn criticised the use of around 1.6 million to buy and lease vehicles for international protection applicants from Ukraine under the Community Car Initiative (CCI). He described the expenditure under the scheme as utterly astonishing, financially indefensible, and the tip of a very expensive iceberg. The Taoiseach has condemned a reckless attack on a United Nations interim force (Unifil) base in southern Lebanon. Micheal Martin said all Irish personnel serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in the country close to the border with Israel remain safe and accounted for. According to RTE, the headquarters of Ghanas peacekeeping battalion in southern Lebanon was hit by missile attacks, leaving two soldiers critically injured. Oglaigh na hEireann can confirm that all Irish personnel deployed in Southern Lebanon are well and accounted for. Irish troops and bases were not targeted in the attack today on UNIFIL personnel. All necessary force protection measures continue be to observed. We condemn any pic.twitter.com/5LaJAXOXi2 Oglaigh na hEireann (@defenceforces) March 6, 2026 In a statement, the Irish Defence Forces said Irish troops and bases were not targeted in the attack today on Unifil personnel. All necessary force protection measures continue to be to observed, they said. We condemn any attack on Unifil personnel and remind all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers. Martin echoed the condemnation, saying he strongly condemns the reckless strike on a Unifil base in southern Lebanon. The role of peacekeepers is sacrosanct and all should go above and beyond to prevent them from coming into harms way, he said in a statement on the social media platform X. I would like to pay tribute to the courage, resilience and professionalism of the Irish peacekeepers who came to the aid of their Ghanaian colleagues today. I have been briefed on the latest situation, and all Irish personnel serving in Lebanon remain safe and accounted for. US President Donald Trump has said he is replacing his embattled homeland security secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin. Mr Trump made the announcement on social media on Thursday, two days after Ms Noem faced a grilling on Capitol Hill from Republican members as well as Democrats. Mr Trump said he will make Ms Noem a special envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new security initiative that he said would focus on the western hemisphere. Ms Noem is the first Cabinet secretary to leave during Mr Trumps second term. Markwayne Mullin is set to join the US cabinet (Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Her departure caps a tumultuous tenure overseeing immigration enforcement tactics that have been met with protests and lawsuits. The former South Dakota governor has been criticised over the way her department has spent billions of dollars allocated to it by Congress. Advertisement Frustrations over her execution of the Republican presidents hard-line immigration agenda particularly her leadership after the fatal shooting of two US citizens in Minneapolis as well as her handling of disaster response, paved the way for her downfall. She faced blistering criticism from Democrats, and some Republicans, in Congress hearings this week over those issues and others. Aside from immigration, Ms Noem also faced criticism including from Republicans over the pace of emergency funding approved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and for the Trump administrations response to disasters. In a social media post, Ms Noem thanked Mr Trump for the new appointment and touted what she claimed were her achievements as secretary. We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again, she claimed. Thank you @POTUS Trump for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. @SecRubio and @SecWar are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) March 5, 2026 Mr Mullin would need to be confirmed by the Senate but under a federal law governing executive branch vacancies, he would be allowed to serve as an acting homeland security secretary as long as his nomination is formally pending. Voting in the Senate just after Mr Trumps announcement, Mr Mullin said he has no idea how quickly his nomination will move. The president and I are good friends. So we look forward to working closer with the White House, and obviously Im gonna be over there a lot more, he said. Mr Mullin will take over the third-largest department in government that has responsibility for carrying out Mr Trumps hardline immigration agenda. Advertisement Immigration enforcement during the first year of Mr Trumps administration was largely defined by high-profile, made-for-social-media operations with flashy names, often led by Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, who reported directly to Ms Noem. Ms Noem often went out on those operations, riding along with officers when they went out to make arrests. But those high-profile operations in places like Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis often led to clashes with activists and protesters that were captured on video and drove opposition to the presidents policies. That culminated with the shooting deaths in Minneapolis after which Mr Trump shuffled leadership of the operation. The number of officers there was drawn down shortly afterwards. Oxfam has indicated that it is responding to the immediate needs of people who have been forcibly displaced by Israels bombardment and ground invasion of Lebanon. Oxfam in Lebanon is scaling up its emergency response by supporting thousands of people across shelters in Mount Lebanon, the South, and the Bekaa, providing bedding kits, hygiene kits, menstrual hygiene management kits, and clean water. Oxfam Lebanon country director Bachir Ayoub said that the expansion of Israeli occupation and its bombing of Lebanon will devastate people across the country who had not yet recovered from the last wave of violence. Once again, families have been forced from their beds and their homes as Israel rained bombs down on their communities. "There is grave concern about the scale and impact the conflict will have on tens of millions of people across the region, where almost 60 million already rely on humanitarian aid," he said. Advertisement "The broader escalation in the region is triggering further mass forced displacement, placing additional strain on overstretched systems and pushing humanitarian conditions further towards catastrophe. "It will widen inequality gaps, intensify existing poverty and injustice, and limit the ability of humanitarian organisations to reach communities in need." Ayoub said that global inaction has set the scene for this dangerous escalation. The inability of the international community to hold Israel accountable for its ongoing violations of international law has led us to this point, where we again see hundreds of thousands of people in Lebanon forced to flee in the march towards a wider regional war. The NGO has indicated that staff and partners are poised to respond with pre-positioned life-saving aid throughout the countries where the aid agency operates if the escalation is allowed to further spill out across the Middle East. Oxfam has demanded that the international community reaffirm its commitment to international law. Rules governing the use of force must be applied equally, most of all the prohibition against the aggressive use of force enshrined in the United Nations Charter. "The US, Israel, Iran and all parties to the conflict must immediately cease their attacks, de-escalate the chaos across the region and refrain from future actions that lead to yet another cycle of violence. US President Donald Trump appeared to rule out talks with Iran other than its unconditional surrender. Israeli warplanes pounded Beirut and Tehran on Friday as Iran launched another wave of retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf countries on the seventh day of the war. Flames and smoke rise from the site of Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beiruts southern suburbs (Hassan Ammar/AP) The strikes in Lebanon were the heaviest since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, who fired rockets at Israel in the opening days of the latest conflict. More than 95,000 people have fled Beiruts suburbs and southern Lebanon after sweeping Israeli evacuation warnings. The US and Israel have battered Iran with strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear programme. The stated goals and timelines for the war have repeatedly shifted, as the US has at times suggested it seeks to topple Irans government or elevate new leadership from within. Advertisement Meanwhile, Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Tehran strike the US military, according to two officials familiar with US intelligence on the matter. Russian President Vladimir Putin had a call on Friday with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing his condolences over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Kremlin said. In a social media post on Friday, Mr Trump said that after Irans surrender, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), the US and its allies would help rebuild Iran, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!... IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. 'MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).' - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/H2HKkBVkww The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 6, 2026 The war has escalated to affect more than a dozen countries across the Middle East and beyond, and has caused a spike in oil prices. Qatars energy minister warned that it could bring down the economies of the world, predicting a widespread shutdown of Gulf energy exports that could send oil to 150 dollars (113) a barrel. Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times that even if the war ended immediately, it could take weeks to months to resume normal exports after an Iranian drone strike on Qatars largest liquefied natural gas plant earlier in the war. Mr Trumps latest comments were likely to raise further questions about the endgame of the war launched a week ago by the United States and Israel, which appears increasingly open-ended. On Thursday, the president urged the Iranian people to help take back your country, promising the US would grant them immunity, without elaborating. He also told media outlets that he should be involved in choosing Irans new supreme leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war. President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war (Alex Brandon/AP) Mr Trump spoke dismissively of Mr Khameneis son, Mojtaba Khamenei a front-runner to replace his father calling him a lightweight. Iranian state television has reported that a leadership council has started discussing how to convene the countrys Assembly of Experts, which will select the new supreme leader. Advertisement Buildings associated with the 88-member clerical panel have been attacked during the Israeli-US airstrike campaign. Israel has said it would target the next supreme leader if he poses a threat. Israels military said Friday it had launched a broad-scale wave of strikes on Tehran, Irans capital, and that over the past week it has heavily bombed an extensive underground bunker that Irans leaders had planned to use during the hostilities. (PA Graphics) Witnesses described Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases. Iran, meanwhile, launched missile and drone attacks at Israel, as well as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host US forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Qatar said it intercepted a drone attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the US central command. U.S. forces aren't holding back on the mission to sink the entire Iranian Navy. Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire. pic.twitter.com/WyA4fniZck U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026 Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles fired towards Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh, which also hosts US forces Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, where the Interior Ministry said Iranian strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building. It said there were no casualties. Advertisement In Kuwait, where six US soldiers were killed on Sunday, the army said air defences were activated when missile and drone attacks breached its airspace. The United Arab Emirates said three drones had struck its territory, without elaborating. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Irans president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said that some countries had begun mediation efforts in the conflict, without elaborating. Also on Friday, the US military said that it struck an Iranian drone carrier, setting it ablaze. Its central command released black-and-white footage of the burning carrier, though the Iranian military did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, is a converted container ship with a 180-meter-long runway for drones. According to reports, the vessel can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US central command, described the carrier as roughly the size of a World War Two aircraft carrier, and said it was on fire. Israel carried out at least 11 airstrikes between late Thursday and early Friday, targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut. Fires broke out near a gas station and two hospitals evacuated patients and staff. No casualties were immediately reported. #Israels military ground incursions into southern #Lebanon, blanket displacement orders & continued airstrikes are bringing more misery & suffering to civilians. We urge the parties to step back from the brink of a major escalation of this conflict.https://t.co/pjA126BRMz pic.twitter.com/YUtV7nPC3J UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) March 6, 2026 Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, said he was extremely concerned about the situation, particularly what he described as blanket, massive displacement orders by Israel to civilians in Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry said the death toll has risen to 123 since the resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which struck Israel in the opening days of the war. Hezbollahs military command on Friday urged its fighters not to relent and to defend the nation, casting the escalating war in religious terms and calling on them to kill them wherever you find them. Lebanons Prime Minister Nawaf Salam slammed both Israel and Hezbollah, saying the Lebanese state and people did not choose this war. Xi joins discussion at top political advisory body's annual session Xinhua) 16:25, March 06, 2026 BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Friday visited national political advisors attending a joint group meeting at the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joined the discussion of political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, the sector of medicine and health, and the sector of welfare and social security. Xi heard their comments and suggestions. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A US congressman has withdrawn from his re-election race after admitting to an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide. Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas had faced calls from the Republican party leadership as well as others in congress to end his re-election bid. His former aide, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, took her own life at her home in Uvalde in September 2025, medical examiners ruled. In a statement posted to X, Mr Gonzales said: After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election. The move is the latest in a quickly-changing situation that stunned Capitol Hill and resulted in a House Ethics Committee investigation into his conduct. Mr Gonzaless decision to bow out of the race appears to clear the field. On Tuesday, he had been forced into a May run-off against Brandon Herrera, a gun manufacturer and YouTube gun-rights influencer who narrowly lost to him in the 2024 primary. House speaker Mike Johnson and the Republican leadership had earlier urged Mr Gonzales to withdraw from re-election after he acknowledged a relationship that has upturned the political world in his home state and in Washington. Mr Johnson, majority leader Steve Scalise, whip Tom Emmer, and Republican conference chairwoman Lisa McClain in a statement: We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. Advertisement In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election. Mr Johnson has been under enormous pressure from his own party legislators to take action, and several Republicans have already called for Mr Gonzales to step aside. Representative Anna Paulina Luna has introduced two resolutions to punish Mr Gonzales. The first seeks to remove him from his assignments on the House Appropriations and Homeland Security committees, while the second seeks to censure him. I appreciate Tony Gonzales for making the appropriate decision. I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves. From the border, to oil theft, water rights, data centers, and many other issues. Its an honor to be chosen and together we will make Texas https://t.co/oJMXtmwHSq Brandon Herrera (@TheAKGuy) March 6, 2026 House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, meanwhile, said he would support expelling Mr Gonzales from the House of Representatives, a rare step that requires a two-thirds vote from the chamber. Republican leaders notably did not call for Mr Gonzales to resign from office as they struggle to maintain their slim majority in the US House, which they hold by only a handful of seats. Their move came after Mr Gonzales, appearing on the Joe Pags Show, was asked whether he had a relationship with Ms Santos-Aviles. The 35-year-old died after a fire in the back yard of her home in Uvalde, Texas. The Bexar County medical examiners office later ruled her death a suicide. Advertisement Mr Gonzales said: I made a mistake and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions. The congressman, now in his third term, had said he would not step down in response to the allegations, telling reporters recently that there will be opportunities for all the details and facts to come out. Mr Gonzales, a father-of-six, first won his seat in 2020 after retiring from a 20-year career in the Navy that included time in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the interview broadcast on Wednesday, Mr Gonzales said he had not spoken to Ms Santos-Aviles since June 2024. She died in September 2025. I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing, and in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else, Mr Gonzales said. Mr Gonzales went on to say he had reconciled with his wife, Angel, and has asked God to forgive him. He also said he looked forward to the Ethics Committee investigation. Mr Johnson and Republican leadership urged that committee to act expeditiously. Under House ethics rules, legislators may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House under their supervision. Advertisement BusinessBanking & financeMergers & acquisitions Billionaire Lowy family buys into fund manager Magellan Clancy Yeates March 6, 2026 11:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The billionaire Lowy family has taken a significant stake in the funds management business Magellan, days after the financial group announced it was merging with its part-owned investment bank, Barrenjoey. Magellan, which manages about $40 billion for clients, on Friday told the ASX that a Lowy family trust had bought a 5.1 per cent stake in the company. Sir Frank Lowy (centre) with sons Steven (left) and Peter. Rob Homer The Lowy family bought into Magellan as part of a capital raising that the company launched this week when it announced it was buying the Sydney-based investment Barrenjoey, which was founded in 2020 with Magellan as one of its initial shareholders. Business veteran David Gonski will be the chair of the merged group. Steven Lowy released a statement on Friday confirming the investment, and pointed to the familys history with both Magellan and Barrenjoey. Advertisement The Lowy family has a long history with MFG, having been both a shareholder and an investor in its funds, Steven Lowy said. We also have longstanding relationships with the senior team at Barrenjoey and have followed their progress since its establishment. We have taken the opportunity to become a cornerstone shareholder in MFG [Magellan Financial Group] with immediate effect through the placement this week as we believe the merged entity would be a sound long-term investment. David Gonski will chair Magellan after it has completed its merger with Barrenjoey. Louie Douvis The merger deal will involve Magellan issuing shares to other shareholders in Barrenjoey, and Magellan has been raising money from investors as part of the transaction. The Magellan board has unanimously recommended shareholders support the deal, and investors will vote on the transaction next month. Advertisement Magellan did not comment on the Lowy familys investment, aside from its ASX notice informing investors of the change. Related Article Opinion Mergers & acquisitions Remember the fallen financial rock star Hamish Douglass? He has a final act Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Chairman Andrew Formica told shareholders the merger would create a diversified financial group spanning investment management, corporate finance, equities, fixed income and capital markets. As a founding investor, MFG has participated in the strong growth of Barrenjoey over its first five years. This merger sets the foundation for future growth and enhanced MFG participation, Formica said. Markets have supported the deal, with Magellan shares rising more than 8 per cent over the past five days, despite the wider sharemarket falling over this period. Advertisement Magellans annual report from last year said other substantial shareholders (those with a stake of 5 per cent or more) were global giants State Street, BlackRock, Dimensional and Vanguard. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement Updated BusinessCompaniesMedia & marketing Jackie O lawyers up, declares she didnt quit, after show iced Calum Jaspan and Michael Lallo Updated March 6, 2026 6:31pm ,first published 4:16pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Jackie O Henderson has engaged lawyers after KIIS FMs owners terminated her $10 million a year contract, declaring she did not resign from her radio show with Kyle Sandilands. Henderson said she wanted to make clear that she had not quit or resigned, in response to what she described as speculation and misinformation about her departure this week. Jackie O breaks her silence. instagram Radio company ARN, which owns the KIIS network that was home to the Kyle & Jackie O Show, announced on Tuesday that Henderson had said she could not work with Sandilands. It said it had terminated her $100 million, 10-year contract as a result but it offered her a new show on undisclosed terms. ARN suspended Sandilands for two weeks and said it would tear up his contract too unless he could fix what it described as serious misconduct. Henderson said, in a statement via her manager Gemma ONeill: I am deeply saddened by the events of the past week and the possibility of the show ending. This has come as a shock to me, as it has to everyone else. Advertisement The current media narrative does not reflect what actually occurred, and it has been truly heartbreaking to see how this has unfolded. At this stage, I am unable to say anything further, as I am addressing this through the appropriate legal channels. Thank you to everyone who has sent kind messages of support during what has been an incredibly challenging time. The pair signed a 10-year deal in 2023 worth $200 million. That deal began last year and was set to run until the end of 2034. But the terms of that contract, which have not been disclosed, require the pair to deliver The Kyle & Jackie O Show together, according to company sources. The break-up of Australias most famous media personalities has dominated headlines all week, after the companys plans to expand the show into Melbourne yielded poor ratings and launches in Brisbane and Adelaide were put on ice. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Media & marketing Scared to speak?: Kyles on-air warning before tirade at Jackie Calum Jaspan Media Writer Henderson went off-air after Sandilands berated her during a live broadcast on February 20, claiming she had become obsessed with horoscopes and that she had been distracted from work. Youre off with the fairies, you are unfocused, you dont give a shit everyone in this building has mentioned it to me, Sandilands told Henderson during the show as she fought back tears. ARN declined to comment on Hendersons statement. But several senior company sources, speaking anonymously due to the legal sensitivities surrounding the matter, said they were surprised by the content and wording of the statement. Advertisement Were all scratching our heads in here, said one KIIS insider. If youre contracted to deliver the Kyle & Jackie O show, and you come to ARN and say, I cant work with Kyle, then you cant deliver on your contract. Why would she think shes still entitled to her $10 million a year? Another source said that while they had not personally seen Sandilands or Hendersons contracts, ARN would have to be mad not to include a clause in their agreements that states they are specifically contracted to deliver the Kyle & Jackie O show. And the fact is that ARN lured them over from SCA [their former employers, Southern Cross Austereo] as a duo. The source said that Sandilands and Hendersons pay parity is further proof that theyre contracted to deliver a specific product together, which is the Kyle & Jackie O show. Related Article Radio Kyle will definitely sue: Sandilands and ARN face ugly legal stoush This masthead has previously reported that sources familiar with the Kyle & Jackie O show expect Sandilands to sue over the fate of his contract, which ARN is expected to terminate unless he can persuade Henderson to return to the show they broadcast together. Media and entertainment law expert Shaun Miller, principal of Shaun Miller Lawyers, said the situation would become clear once Hendersons legal claim was filed. While Miller has not seen the contracts between ARN and Henderson, he believes ARN could validly argue it was justified in terminating her agreement. By saying she could no longer work with Kyle, shes effectively saying, I can no longer deliver upon my contract. That would be ARNs argument, and theyve got a point. By withdrawing her participation in the show, the premise of her engagement has concluded. I very much doubt there would have been a clause in the contract that said if Jackie O leaves the Kyle and Jackie O show, shes automatically entitled to another role at ARN I cant imagine ARN boxing themselves into that situation. Now, ARN may very well want to engage Jackie in a new role, and Jackie may or may not want to accept that role, but that would have to be negotiated with the parties. While Miller said he was not privy to Hendersons legal strategy, it will be based on the claim that ARN has breached her employment contract... Jackie might feel shes been treated badly and unjustly, but that doesnt mean her contract has been breached or ARN have acted unlawfully. Advertisement If [Henderson and Sandilands] have been working together for 27 years, you could argue that their commercial value is worth more together than if they were engaged individually. Miller said a confidentiality clause in Hendersons contract might restrict what she can reveal about the terms and conditions of her employment. Sandilands and Henderson have repeatedly faced controversies over offensive remarks and stunts but they have always bounced back. But their show, which is currently suspended, had come to be a financial issue for ARN because it had faltered in the Melbourne market and was being targeted by activists, diminishing its appeal for advertisers. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement Javier Blas March 6, 2026 4:35pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The CIA calls it the strategic commodity of the Middle East. But its not referring to oil or natural gas. What the US spy agency has in mind is far more prosaic: drinking water. Dont underestimate it, though, because if military hostilities continue to escalate, water could become the geopolitical commodity that decides the war between the US and Iran. The Persian Gulf is gifted with a fabulous hydrocarbon endowment, worth trillions of dollars. What its desertic countries dont have is water. From the 1970s onwards, the oil money bought a solution: desalination plants. Today, the region relies on nearly 450 facilities to stop everyone from going thirsty. The Persian Gulf relies on nearly 450 facilities to turn seawater into drinking water. They are now under threat. AFP The CIA has been briefing US policymakers for decades on the inherent risk of relying on those plants for such a crucial supply. In a secret assessment in the early 1980s, since declassified, the CIA said: Senior government officials in some of the countries perceive [water] as more important than oil to the national well-being. More than four decades later, not much has changed. Desalination remains a relatively cost-effective technology to transform seawater into drinking water. The downside is the vulnerability of the installations, and the oil and gas consumption required to fire the power generators that run the plants. About 100 million people live in the countries belonging to the Gulf Cooperation Council Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman all now under Iranian attack. Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE are, for all practical purposes, completely dependent on the desalination plants, particularly for metropolises such as Dubai. Saudi Arabia, and especially its capital, Riyadh, also relies heavily on them. Advertisement Under international law, the desalination plants are protected. But I have seen enough Middle Eastern wars to know the weight of the Geneva Conventions when missiles and bombs start flying. And they are: Iran has attacked a power station in Fujairah, UAE, that keeps one of the worlds largest desalination plants running. In Kuwait, debris from a drone interception caused a fire in one of the countrys plants. The risk is enormous. Take the Jubail desalination plant, located on the Persian Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia. It supplies Riyadh, via a roughly 500-kilometre-long pipeline system, with more than 90 per cent of its drinking water. Riyadh would have to evacuate within a week if the plant, its pipelines, or associated power infrastructure were seriously damaged or destroyed, according to a 2008 memo from the US embassy in the kingdom released by Wikileaks. The current structure of the Saudi government could not exist without the Jubail desalinisation plant, the memo says. Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE are, for all practical purposes, completely dependent on the desalination plants, particularly for metropolises such as Dubai. iStock Since the cable became public, the Saudis have reinforced their water network. Other countries have also built up redundancy. Still, all the water plants are equally vulnerable and all of them are within range of the Iranian missiles. The good news is that water is so strategic and so human that any Iranian direct attack on them would be considered a massive escalation, so perhaps a step too far for Tehran. Still, Iran doesnt have many options to prevail. Militarily, it cannot escalate against the combined Israeli-American war machine. Its only options are to hunker down, in the hope that a long-lasting conflict becomes economically too painful for its enemies, or go after so-called soft targets like energy sites, airports and water installations. From its actions, its clear the Islamic Republic has chosen to hit soft targets and hunker down, hoping to outlast the assault. Ultimately, the Islamic Republic sees surviving as winning even if victory comes with immense losses. Advertisement Attacking several of those desalination plants would put Persian Gulf countries in an impossible situation. Outside military circles, the Middle Eastern water desalination plants receive little scrutiny; its almost a taboo subject. It makes sense: Its difficult to believe that someone would deliberately target something so essential to human life. Related Article Opinion Middle East at war Markets are down on Iran war, but the slump could be a lot worse Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist But if we have learnt anything over the past few years, it is that the unthinkable happens. Remember Russia shelling the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine, the largest in Europe? Worse, perhaps, the history of the Middle East teaches us that the unthinkable has already happened when it comes to water supplies. In 1991, the Iraqi troops under Saddam Hussein deliberately opened the taps of a key Kuwaiti oil pipeline, spilling the crude into the Persian Gulf. The aim was twofold: hamper an amphibious landing by the US and its allies to liberate the country, and pollute the sea in the hope of damaging the nearby Saudi desalination plants. Lets hope the Islamic Republic, feeling cornered and fighting for its own survival, doesnt resort to the very same tactics its once archenemy Saddam used. But the risk is real whether by targeting desalination plants deliberately, or by accident due to a stray missile or drone. Oil is essential, but water is irreplaceable. Bloomberg Advertisement Advertisement NationalNSWLebanon Only so much hope you can hold: Sydneys Lebanese community prepares for the worst Mostafa Rachwani March 6, 2026 6:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A When Israel issued evacuation orders for their village in southern Lebanon earlier this week, Fatimas family decided that if they die, they will die together. Three of her eight siblings have moved their families into their parents apartment in Ghaziyeh. Every day, they prepare for the worst. They say that if they hit the building, well all go together. Its gotten to that point, where instead of everyone living in their own homes and getting hit individually, [they say that] least we all leave this world together, said Fatima, who lives in Sydneys south-west. Fatima and Youssef live in Sydney and are worried about family in Lebanon. Wolter Peeters Fatima is among the many members of Sydneys Lebanese community who have been living on edge since Israel sent troops into Lebanon on Tuesday in an attempt to wrestle control of the border from Hezbollah, which had earlier this week launched an attack on Israel in a show of support for the Iranian regime. Advertisement Israel has also steadily been escalating air strikes over south Lebanon and Beirut, and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the campaign would make the southern parts of the city look like another Gaza Strip. The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for parts of the south and for certain areas of Beirut, forcing almost 500,000 residents to flee. But Fatimas family has decided to stay despite the danger. There is nowhere for them to go. One of my brothers tried: he slept in his car for four days and couldnt find anywhere else to stay. They all came back to their homes, she said. They are terrified every day. Their children scream at every air strike. She describes her agony at having to rely on snippets of information she receives when her family has phone coverage, spending her time watching in horror as her familys village is ravaged. Advertisement I cant sleep; I can barely function. I live in constant fear that I wont hear from them again. I feel this big rock on my chest at all times. I cry all night. What happens if I never hear from them again? I cant take it. Related Article Updated Middle East at war Najah and Hajar and their children walked for hours to flee the bombing. As night fell, they were no closer to shelter The Lebanese community is one of Sydneys largest and oldest migrant groups. Nearly 66,000 of Australias 87,000 Lebanese-born residents live in the city. Teacher Salam Hussein said many had heavy hearts as the news continued to unfold. Husseins parents and some of her siblings have all had to leave their homes in southern Lebanon due to the escalating violence, travelling over 26 hours to get to another familys home. Advertisement Everyone was told at the same time to leave, it was at night and it was cold. And the roads got full of people trying to find safety. And they got stuck, while the bombing was happening around them, she said. And every time there was an air strike, they had to stop the cars and wait for it to be clear. The complex mix of anxiety and guilt is carried by most in the community who have had to watch the panic and desperation spread in Lebanon as the war on Iran continues to expand. But for Amane, who asked for her surname not to be shared so she can speak freely, those feelings are compounded by layers of history. Her grandparents were expelled from Palestine as part of the Nakba the mass displacement that occurred during the creation of Israel in 1948, and forced into refugee camps in south Beirut. Amanes parents were able to migrate to Australia but the rest of her family remains in the same area of Beirut, facing displacement once again, forced to make heartbreaking choices. Advertisement I spoke with my aunty a few days ago, and she has a dog and some cats. And she told me the strikes had started, and she said she couldnt leave because she wasnt going to leave her pets behind, and she couldnt carry them all, Amane said. Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war news updates: US temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian oil; Three Australians on US submarine that sank Iranian ship, PM confirms; People ordered to evacuate southern Beirut She said, these pets have souls too, I cant just leave them behind. Amane said the evacuation warnings had come suddenly, and some of her family could leave only on foot, abandoning meals and homes. Many sought shelters at schools or halls, others have tried and stay with family outside Beirut, and some have huddled in cars under bridges, praying. Advertisement Advertisement NationalQueenslandQueensland government Labor put terrorists before Queenslanders: Bleijie doubles down on tirade William Davis March 6, 2026 12:12pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has doubled down on claims the Labor opposition is antisemitic and supports terrorism, in a repeat of his tirade after hate speech and gun laws passed through Queensland parliament. The senior government leader denied his charged rhetoric, levelled at the Steven Miles-led opposition that decided to vote against the controversial laws in the eleventh-hour, risked further inflaming community tensions. It is an absolute disgrace, Bleijie said of the last-minute decision from Labor on Thursday night to vote against the bill, which passed anyway. Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie speaks to media at parliament after the passage of the governments contentious hate speech and gun control laws. Matt Dennien Under the legislation, Queenslanders would risk prison time for using the phrases from the river to the sea or globalise the intifada to menace, harass or offend. Advertisement Increased penalties for a range of firearm offences were also introduced, and Australian citizenship was made mandatory to apply for a gun licence. Related Article Queensland government Labor opposes hate speech and gun control law to LNP jeers The opposition said throughout the week it agreed with the sentiment of the bill, but was concerned the process had been rushed, freedom of speech could be curtailed, and the gun reforms did not go far enough. Labor stands against any form of hate, antisemitism or vilification of any kind, Miles said in a statement. Bleijie was having none of it. Advertisement The Labor Party are full of antisemites, and it just shows the hate they have for the Jewish community, he said after the vote. The Labor Party voted for terrorists to commit terrorism activities against Queenslanders. Bleijie was asked on Friday morning if he was concerned that labelling a political party antisemitic could trigger further division in the community. Not at all I categorically reject it, he said. For goodness sake,15 Australians were butchered in cold blood. Lets not forget what this was about, he said, in reference to the Bondi Beach terror attack in December. Advertisement Some federal coalition MPs had also raised concerns about possible unintended consequences of a national hate-speech bill on freedom of speech earlier this year. When the deputy premier was asked about this by reporters on Friday morning, he doubled down. The Labor Party put terrorists before Queenslanders last night when they voted against these laws, Bleijie said. He added that he was not worried the legislation could prove difficult to enforce, or increase use of banned phrases among protesters. The laws are the laws, strong laws have been put in place, and its an operational matter for the police, Bleijie said. Advertisement Throughout the week, Bleijie drew attention to controversial posts made on social media by Cairns Labor MP Michael Healy about Israel. On Friday, the deputy premier acknowledged he had known about them for some time before raising them in parliament. Sometimes you have to do a bit of research, and you also have to ensure that its the individual in question, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalQueenslandEducation Why these parents left mainstream schools, and what it says about the system Courtney Kruk March 7, 2026 6:01am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Brisbane mother Kristy Lee tried four different schools before deciding to home school her daughter who has autism. It was publicised that theres so much support now in schools [for neurodivergent kids] compared to when I went to school, she says. And so I thought thered be heaps of support and understanding. Despite the efforts of several amazing teachers, Lee says her daughter fell behind. When she started being bullied and her mental health declined, they pulled the plug on school. As of August last year, 11,800 children were registered for home-schooling in Queensland. @fitzlearning I was literally pulling her out of the house screaming like blue murder, just to be able to go to school, Lee says. [When she became] suicidal that scared me enough to go Whats going wrong in the system for her to feel like this? Advertisement Lee is part of a growing cohort of Queensland parents turning to home education because mainstream school could not meet their childs neurodevelopmental or learning needs. Kristy Lee tried four different primary schools before deciding to home-school her daughter. Free2Homeschool As of August last year, 11,800 children were registered for home-schooling across the state, reflecting a 110 per cent increase in primary school children, and a 167 per cent rise in secondary, from 2021 to 2025. A survey by Queenslands Department of Education in 2022 found the ability to provide a better learning environment for children was the main reason families chose to home-school. Two-thirds (61 per cent) said they were educating a child with a disability or health issue, with nearly half diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental condition such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Advertisement A survey by home-schooling provider Euka Future Learning last year found bullying or social challenges was the main reason Queensland respondents home-schooled (25.6 per cent), followed by academic reasons (20.2 per cent) and learning differences or additional needs (12.8 per cent). Brisbane mother Sandy Whiteman says her daughter started to show signs of anxiety and resistance to school in grade 1. By grade 2 she was being bullied, and outwardly refusing to go to school. Her son, then in prep, was also struggling with school and unable to get the support he needed. The situation was getting tough, and then we realised the issue wasnt just the specific settings, it was the rigid structure and pace of mainstream schooling itself, it just didnt fit for my kids, Whiteman says. After months of observing, stress and attempting solutions, I reached a point where continuing school felt more harmful than stepping away. Advertisement Since leaving mainstream school, Whitemans kids have been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder (SPD) and pathological demand avoidance (PDA). Related Article Education Home-school overhaul welcomed as state bows to parent power My daughter also got diagnosed with severe anxiety, and my son with aggression, she says. Lees daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia, a neurodevelopmental condition affecting physical co-ordination and motor skills, about six months after beginning home-schooling. But both parents say their childrens learning has improved since leaving mainstream school. Advertisement For neurodivergent kids, repeated social stress isnt just unpleasant, it can be hugely disruptive for emotional regulation and learning, Whiteman says. [In home school] we are thriving [and] were learning much better. Since leaving mainstream school, Brisbane mother Sandy Whiteman (pictured with her husband and children) has launched a group called Purely Home Learning, which supports other families leaving the system. @purelyhomelearning Their sensory regulations are met. They are emotionally active, and theyre not feeling burned out. Theyre not feeling too much pressure. Lee says her daughter is still behind aged-based grading, but can now read and write: Where before she couldnt. Advertisement Advertisement A report by the Queensland Family and Child Commission published last year said mainstream teaching often relies on methods which do not meet the needs of students who learn and process information differently. The same report found most schools had only taken minimal steps towards specific adjustments for autistic students, and only 16 per cent of parents or carers said their childs school provided educators with professional development on autism. Free2Homeschool founders Patricia Fitzgerald (left) and Amanda Bartle (right) mounted a campaign against the state governments attempt to force home-schooling families to adhere to the Australian curriculum. Patricia Fitzgerald Nearly all parents believed school staff required additional training to better understand ADHD. A spokesperson for the Department of Education said all Queensland state schools are provided with additional resourcing and support for students with disability, with resourcing recognising all disability types, including autism and ADHD. Advertisement Related Article Mental health Craigs daughter stopped eating, talking and sleeping. What he did next could help other parents The department also makes available a range of specialist staff, including therapists, advisory visiting teachers, principal advisors for autism and inclusion and state school registered nurses. Lee and Whiteman say their attempts to access additional support for their children were not successful and as a result, will finish their schooling from home. I was pressured by her therapist and ex-NDIS coordinator to put her back in school, so we tried for a fifth time, Lee says. The school was great, they were going to help as much as they could, but they can only do so much. Advertisement [Teachers] are up against a system where theyre overrun with so many students in the classroom and they dont have the facilities to teach each child individually the way the child learns. Even if I did put my kids back in school, theyre going to miss out on learning, Whiteman says. These kids need one-on-one support, and in a school system, there are 25 kids. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Machetes, a meat cleaver and a carving knife were among weapons seized from a gang of teenage boys in the CBD on the first night of the annual Moomba Festival. Police said they had likely prevented serious violence on Thursday evening after security raised the alarm about an armed youth in the festival area around 9.15pm. Police at Moomba in 2017. Scott McNaughton Police from the public order response team tracked a group of eight teenage boys to the Southbank area, where they were searched for weapons. On the first night of the 2026 Moomba Festival, police have likely prevented serious violence by arresting multiple armed offenders near St Kilda Road, police said in a statement. Advertisement Updated NationalVictoriaCrime One person dead, four arrested after fight outside Melbourne railway station Cassandra Morgan Updated March 7, 2026 5:08am ,first published 5:51pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Four teenagers have been arrested following the death of a man after a fight outside Mernda railway station in Melbournes north-east. Police were called to the incident on Bridge Inn Road about 5.50pm on Friday, when passersby reported groups of males fighting. They found one 22-year-old local man unconscious with serious injuries, and paramedics attempted to revive him. However, he died at the scene. Homicide squad detectives made their way to Mernda on Friday evening, but police said their investigation into what happened was ongoing. Advertisement In the early hours of Saturday, police said they had arrested four teenage males, including a 16-year-old, an 18-year-old and two 17-year-olds. They remain in police custody. Charges have not yet been laid. Bridge Inn Road backs onto the railway stations car park, which is opposite two early learning centres. Newbie Nest Early Learning and Kindergarten owner Sukhdeep Kaur said her centre was luckily not operating to usual hours on Friday, when the incident would have otherwise coincided with parents picking their children up. Advertisement It was often the case children had to sit in their families queuing cars for a few minutes during pick-up, in full view of the stations car park, Kaur said. If they [saw] something or they were confronted or something outside of childcare you cannot get rid of this kind of traumas, she said. Its a horrible thing. A resident of the nearby Ehipassiko Buddhist monastery, who asked not to be named, said he drove past the scene and saw police and State Emergency Service crews erecting a marquee. He assumed whatever happened was an accident, before he discovered police were investigating it as a homicide. Its shocking news, he said. Ashley, who lives within metres of the station and asked for her surname not to be published, said it had become unsafe even to send her teenager to the local shops. Advertisement Her family were inside their home at the time of the fight, but heard sirens. Its sad, kids cant be kids, she said. We try and encourage kids to get off devices and play outside, but now [they] cant do that either. Police asked Metro Trains to stop services between Mernda and South Morang about 8pm, two hours after the incident. Buses were replacing trains, with delays of more than an hour. Victoria Police urged anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. To accommodate protective services officers patrolling Melbournes shopping centres, the Allan government in November scrapped the Baillieu-era policy of having them at every train station in the suburban network overnight. Advertisement Instead, PSOs are present at 32 stations from 9am until last service, and another 72 have officers from 6pm until the last train. In the remaining low-crime rate 120 stations, officers operate in mobile clusters, with each team moving between six stations. PSOs patrol Mernda railway station after 6pm, a police spokesman confirmed on Friday. Our Breaking News Alert will notify you of significant breaking news when it happens. Get it here. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalChina relations China accuses Australia of distorting facts of naval close encounter Rob Harris and Lisa Visentin March 6, 2026 5:49pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A An Australian naval helicopter was forced to take evasive action after a close encounter with a Chinese military aircraft over the Yellow Sea, prompting the federal government to raise concerns with Beijing over what it described as a dangerous midair manoeuvre. In response, China has accused Australia of distorting the facts on the midair encounter between the two military helicopters. HMAS Toowoomba was operating in international waters as part of Operation Argos. It is at least the fourth such incident of contested encounters in the past two years, with the most recent occurring in October and February 2025 when Australia accused a Chinese fighter jet of dropping flares near one of its surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. The latest incident occurred on March 4 as the guided-missile frigate HMAS Toowoomba was operating in international waters as part of Operation Argos, a multinational effort to enforce sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council on North Korea. Advertisement Chinas defence ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said Australias remarks on the incident were a complete distortion of facts and a reversal of right and wrong and claimed Australia had dispatched its helicopters to conduct close-in reconnaissance and continuous provocations against China. In response to Australias infringing and harassing actions, the Chinese military swiftly took measures to resolutely and forcefully counter them. The relevant operations were proper, reasonable, professional, and in accordance with international law and practice, Jiang said in a statement published by Chinese state media. Each time such incidents have occurred, both sides have deployed similar language to denounce the others actions. Australia has routinely condemned China for engaging in unsafe conduct, while China fires back with allegations that Australia has spread false claims about the incident. Bordered by China and South Korea, the Yellow Sea sits near the Korean Peninsula and is a heavily trafficked military corridor where regional and allied forces regularly patrol to monitor sanctions enforcement. The encounter is the latest in a string of tense interactions between Australian and Chinese forces operating in international airspace and waters. In a statement, the Department of Defence said the government had expressed its concerns to the Chinese government following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a Peoples Liberation ArmyNavy (PLA-N) helicopter. Advertisement During these activities, an Australian Defence Force MH-60R helicopter launched from HMAS Toowoomba was intercepted by a PLA-N helicopter, it said, The PLA-N helicopter matched the ADF helicopters altitude before closing in to an unsafe distance. The PLA-N helicopter moved slightly ahead, increased speed and then rolled towards the ADF helicopter, which required evasive action to maintain safe flight. An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter was forced to take evasive action by a Chinese military helicopter. Department of Defence Defence said the Australian ship and the Seahawk had been operating lawfully throughout the mission. This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre that posed a risk to our aircraft and its personnel, it said. Advertisement HMAS Toowoomba and its embarked helicopter acted in accordance with international law at all times. Related Article China relations Xis China will be world-shaping in the coming months and years. Our return to Beijing could not be more timely or urgent While there were no injuries sustained by ADF personnel or damage caused to the MH-60R helicopter, the safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority. In October last year, Defence Minister Richard Marles condemned the unsafe and unprofessional behaviour of the Chinese military after a fighter jet released flares close to an Australian surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. Beijing accused Australia of seriously violating Chinas sovereignty. Marles said the government had raised concerns with the Chinese embassy in Canberra and authorities in Beijing about the incident, saying it posed a risk to Royal Australian Air Force personnel and their aircraft. No injuries or damage were reported. Advertisement Defence reiterated that Australian forces would continue to operate in the region in accordance with international law. Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner, it said. For decades, the ADF has undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region, and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace. Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson said it was another a deliberate, dangerous and reckless manoeuvre by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army that put Australian Defence Force personnel at risk. This is not an isolated incident. It is becoming a deeply concerning pattern of behaviour by the PLA, he said, adding he expected the Albanese government to publicly condemn the incident and make Australias views clear to their counterparts in Beijing. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalMiddle East at war Israeli ambassador says its mind-boggling to question legal basis for war on Iran Matthew Knott Updated March 6, 2026 11:22am ,first published 10:54am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Israels new ambassador to Australia says it is mind-boggling anyone would question the legality of the US-Israeli strikes against Iran as he urged the Albanese government not to call for a ceasefire before the wars objectives have been achieved. Hillel Newman, who arrived in Australia last week, said the war could be over sooner than the four to five weeks US President Donald Trump has forecast if Israel and the US eliminate Irans capacity to produce a nuclear weapon and fire ballistic missiles. Israels ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman. Alex Ellinghausen Once we feel that weve done that, from our point of view its over, he said. If no-one else comes into the conflict it should end as soon as possible. Advertisement Newman said that while Israel would celebrate regime change in Iran, this was not a central objective of the war. The vast majority of international law experts have argued the initial strikes on Iran were illegal as there was no imminent prospect of attack from Iran and they were not authorised by the United Nations Security Council. Asked to respond, Newman said: I would say to them: that is mind-boggling...Israel has been under attack for decades. Hamas and Hezbollah have launched rockets against Israel; people in Israel have had 15 seconds to run to a bomb shelter or their lives are in jeopardy. He continued: Imagine if Australia was under attack, and there were rockets launched by some entity against Australia. Who would question the right of defence against such a rogue entity? Iran has for decades funded militant groups such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen that have launched rocket attacks on Israel. Advertisement Newman described the strikes as an act of self-defence to remove imminent threats from Iran. He claimed Israel knew from intelligence sources that Iran intended to rapidly race towards nuclear military capability, and then hide it underground so deep that they would be immune from future attacks. Related Article Exclusive Foreign relations Israels top diplomat prepares to depart after acrimonious posting This explained the urgency, the time sensitivity of this attack, he said. Rafael Mariano Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, this week said that there has been no evidence of Iran building a nuclear bomb, but added he was concerned by inspectors lack of access to its large stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium. Advertisement A group of UN human rights experts, including University of Sydney professor Ben Saul, this week described the US-Israeli strikes as unlawful and unprovoked, saying: We cannot pick and choose when international law applies. Asked about the various justifications that have been given for the war - including by US President Donald Trump - Newman said: Perhaps our public relations is not as good as it should be...I agree our PR is perhaps not perfect. We have to improve. He said Australia had put itself on the right side of history by swiftly backing the strikes and declaring Iran should not be allowed to procure a nuclear weapon. The Albanese government has since called for a de-escalation of hostilities while stopping short of calling for a ceasefire. I would say to everyone, weigh [your decision] carefully because a premature ceasefire will undermine the efforts, undermine the objectives and the achievements, Newman said. If one supports the objectives of the war, then one should also support the legitimacy of the operation until we attain the objectives. Advertisement Newman previously served as Israels consul general in Los Angeles and ambassador to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. He has replaced Amir Maimon, who extended his tenure following the terror attack at a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach and a visit to Australia by Israeli President Issac Herzog. Newman described Australia as a natural ally of Israel, saying he hoped the nations could improve relations after years of acrimony sparked by the war in Gaza, the death of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and Australias recognition of Palestinian statehood. Newman said he had expected Iran to lash out after the strikes, but was surprised it was attacking even countries with which it has previously had friendly relations. Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war news updates: US temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian oil; Three Australians on US submarine that sank Iranian ship, PM confirms; People ordered to evacuate southern Beirut Advertisement Israel has also launched a fearsome attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon, ordering civilians to leave the southern suburbs of Beirut and amassing troops for a possible ground invasion. Hezbollah fired three rockets into Israel after the strikes on Iran, but they were intercepted by Israeli air defences or landed in an open field. Asked whether the Israeli response was disproportionate, he said: The fact that any missile is launched is a situation which is intolerable...We have no beef with Lebanon right now, but they attacked so we have to respond. He said the aim of the attacks on Hezbollah was to create a buffer zone so residents in northern Israel can return home without fearing rocket attacks. Seventy-seven people have died in Lebanon since the resumption of hostilities, according to Lebanese authorities. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Perspective PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government Labor finds some spine on hate laws and the LNP reaches for outrage Matt Dennien March 6, 2026 8:15pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A In Queensland parliaments most recent makeups, any vote except the governments is essentially symbolic. But even symbolism can be significant. And, this week, the Labor opposition made its most significant symbolic gesture since it was swept from power at the 2024 state election. By voting against the Crisafulli LNP governments ultimately passed hate speech and gun control laws, the MPs showed they still held some of the principles that had been questioned internally. Steven Miles speaks to media for the first time after Labors defeat in 2024. Joe Ruckli, Australian Financial Review As already shown by the performances of the governments outrager-in-chief, Jarrod Bleijie, Labors vote opened the party to accusations it supported terrorists and harboured antisemitism. Advertisement But with limited avenue to show opposition, a decision not to vote for something does not always, by extension, mean support of its opposite. Bleijie and the rest of the government know this. On whether his speech might further inflame tensions, Bleijie was adamant. I categorically reject it, he said Friday morning. Later, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington also accused Labor of having sided with terrorists. Jarrod Bleijie told reporters Labor was full of antisemites, their vote against the laws just shows the hate they have for the Jewish community, and was a vote for terrorists to commit terrorism activities against Queenslanders. Matt Dennien Whether such accusations will stick with Queenslanders is a calculation Labor has obviously made, considered, and will now have to wear. Thursdays decision to vote against the laws, including the criminalisation of pro-Palestinian slogans from the river to the sea and globalise the intifada, is only Labors second explicit act of opposition to a government bill. Advertisement (The first was the LNPs repeal of renewable energy targets, though Labor did vote against technical items like the abortion debate gag, and stages of the ultimately supported First Nations path to treaty repeal, wrapped in an Olympics bill.) While painting its push as the strongest antisemitism laws in the country, backed by the states peak Jewish group, the government was also accused of ensuring the state had the weakest gun controls. Loading The laws were prompted by Decembers killings of 15 people at a Hanukkah event in Sydney. Ever since, government figures have cast their development as calm and methodical, but they were pushed through parliament in a fashion that was anything but. In the end, according to a police analysis and response to the 390 public submissions fielded in a week of committee scrutiny of the bill, 156 were against the bill, with 132 expressing support. Advertisement Those against featured several Jewish groups, including Jewish Voices of Hope, the Jewish Council of Australia, and Jews for Justice. Other criticism came from Muslim groups, churches, civil libertarians, ethnic communities, hate speech and constitutional law experts and much of the union movement. Related Article Perspective Queensland government Abortion, again, threatens to bring Crisafullis careful plan unstuck Police Minister Dan Purdie insisted the governments last-minute watering down of the laws which no longer allow the attorney-general to declare any phrase as hate speech was about avoiding a quiet attempt by a future Labor government to reverse the ban. But Frecklington herself had suggested otherwise. A crackdown on hate speech was, of course, a topic over which the LNPs colleagues in the federal Coalition split, after voting down federal gun reforms. Maybe its no wonder the LNP sought to make the week in Queensland parliament about Labor. Advertisement Advertisement The peak Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies voiced concerns about antisemitic rhetoric in Healys activity, but others have not. Bart Shteinman, an executive committee member of the progressive Jewish Council of Australia group, told this masthead the LNPs focus on the posts was an attempt at manufacturing a scandal while they pushed through some of the most illiberal laws in Queenslands history. Genuine communal safety is built through social cohesion and robust gun control, not by silencing democratic expression, he said. Even before the Healy brouhaha, there was internal pressure for Labor to take a stand against the bill: over the issue of Palestine, but also the broader free speech and process concerns, which the parliamentary arm ended up leaning on to justify its vote. Labors eventual opposition will raise expectations for more, particularly in an area the government can still arguably claim to have a mandate: its youth justice adult crime, adult time push. Advertisement The youth arm of the partys Left has threatened to cause public havoc if the opposition supports another round of those laws which clash with stated priorities to reduce the over-representation of First Nations kids in the criminal justice system. As one senior Labor MP previously told this masthead, this weeks bill was seen as a more obvious attempt by the LNP to press a wedge between the oppositions internal left-right factions. Were not at each others throats like we were a bit for the first adult crime, adult time stuff, they said last month. The crime-related campaign bruising suffered by Labor, largely in regional parts of the state, is still a sore point, particularly given recent polling. Complicating things somewhat may be how the LNP decided to serve up the latest edition of adult time wrapped in a broader bill with a repeal of Labors three-strike drug reforms and an expansion of police powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour in designated business and public areas. Advertisement As that push works its way through parliaments government-controlled committee process and beyond, many in both major parties and the wider public will be watching how Labor handles it. Heads up The Queensland Redistribution Commission will publish its proposed redrawing of the states electoral map, to be contested at the 2028 election, on Tuesday. Strap in. Catch up Another bill set to cause some controversy on its way through parliament in coming months? Traeger MP and Katters Australian Party leader Robbie Katters long-promised castle law bill to allow lethal force against home intruders. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. In the past few days, Gulf states have voiced outrage that their civilian infrastructure - hotels, ports and oil facilities - were struck despite their having had no part in the U.S.-Israeli attacks. While Gulf states host U.S. military bases, they had told Washington they would not allow these to be used for any attacks on Iran. Irans apparent strategy of maximum chaos has driven up the costs of the conflict by raising energy prices, hurting global business and logistics links and shaking trust in the stability of a critical region for the worlds economy. It is too soon to say whether Pezeshkians comments mean Iran has decided to curtail that strategy in deference to future ties with Gulf neighbours, or if they should be read as a warning that Tehran remains ready to strike across the region. Putin meeting with the late Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in 2017. AP Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Pezeshkian over the numerous civilian casualties resulting from the armed Israeli-American aggression against Iran and called for an immediate halt to hostilities, the Kremlin said. Russia is expected to back Irans legitimate rights against aggression by using its international capabilities, Pezeshkian told Putin over the phone. Reuters The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland (AmCham) has announced the appointment of Mark Cockerill as President and Paul Kelleher as Vice President for 2026. Cockerill has put a strong focus on artificial intelligence, innovation and Irelands global competitiveness in the year ahead. Leadership for a Pivotal Year Mark Cockerill is Senior Vice President of Legal for Corporate, M&A and International Development at ServiceNow, the AI-powered platform driving business reinvention. In addition to his global responsibilities, he leads ServiceNows Irish operations, overseeing team growth and expansion. He succeeds Liz Cunningham, Vice President of International Tax at Google, as AmCham President. Cockerill steps into the role at a time of significant opportunity and challenge for Irelands multinational sector, particularly as digital transformation and AI reshape industries worldwide. AI, Talent And Research As President, Cockerill has identified positioning Ireland as a global leader in AI and strengthening the countrys ability to attract top research talent as key priorities. These themes echo findings from AmChams November member survey, which found that 45% of US multinationals operating in Ireland believe the country should strengthen its digital and AI test environments to enhance research, development and innovation (RD&I) infrastructure. The survey also underscored mounting talent pressures. Half of AmCham member companies report difficulties attracting talent. Twelve percent attribute challenges to a general shortage of available candidates, while 44% cite a lack of specialist skills. Digital and data capabilities, engineering expertise, machine learning and AI were consistently ranked as the most acute skills gaps. Addressing these constraints, Cockerill said, will be central to sustaining Irelands reputation as a leading destination for US foreign direct investment. I am honoured to serve as President of AmCham for 2026," said Cockerill. "My priority is to address practical concerns for our members. Im focused on delivering results for both citizens and organisations, particularly to make it easier to do business and drive innovation. I aim to champion and elevate Irelands reputation in AI, talent attraction and retention, partnering with the Presidency of the Council of the European Union to encourage positive change, growth and investment. Leveraging Irelands EU Presidency Irelands Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 is viewed as another cornerstone of AmChams agenda. The Presidency presents an opportunity to influence policy and regulation in ways that enhance Europes global competitiveness, particularly in digital technology, R&D and sustainability. AmCham leadership sees the Presidency as a platform to deepen transatlantic cooperation at a time when EU-US relations continue to evolve. Vice President Appointment Paul Kelleher, currently Vice President of Engineering, QT Technologies at Qualcomm Ireland, brings more than 30 years experience in the electronics industry to the Vice Presidency. He has spent the past decade with Qualcomm, contributing to Irelands growing prominence in advanced technology and engineering. Welcoming both appointments, Paul Sweetman, CEO of AmCham, said, Mark and Paul have both been an important part of AmCham in their capacity as board members, and Mark in his position in 2025 as AmCham Vice President. I am very pleased to welcome them to their new roles for 2026, where their extensive leadership and expertise will play a significant role in supporting our members." He added, "This coming year will be important particularly as transatlantic relations between Europe and the US develop, and Ireland has a great opportunity at hand when the country takes on Presidency to the Council of the European Union. We look forward to working to continue to highlight the benefits that the US-Ireland relationship holds for our societies and economies. Strengthening the USIreland Relationship With US multinationals playing a central role in Irelands economy, the 2026 AmCham leadership team will be tasked with ensuring the country remains competitive, innovative and attractive for global investment. As AI accelerates change across sectors and geopolitical dynamics shift, the priorities set out by Cockerill and Kelleher reflect a broader ambition to secure Irelands position at the forefront of digital transformation while deepening the strategic partnership between Ireland, Europe and the United States. THIS is a dream coming true. When I was walking through town yesterday, I was going to Lidl to get some food and I was just thinking, Im here. Im actually living here. Its not just a vacation, said Rev Maria Carlsson of moving to Tullow, Co Carlow. Maria (51) and her family moved to the town in late December so that she could take up the post of rector of Tullow Group of Parishes within the diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory. She was instituted in St Columbas Church on Sunday 8 February. Raised in the Baptist faith, Maria was a Lutheran pastor at a multi-denominational school when she had a calling to join the Church of Sweden. She studied to become a minister at the University of Uppsala at the same time as having a child with her husband Johan. Their daughter was born prematurely and spent three and a half months in hospital. I was actually able to do one of the courses at University of Uppsala at the time I was in hospital. Im quite proud of that. While she was on my chest, I was reading from my books aloud. So I sometimes joke that she heard the whole of the Bible before she was even meant to be born, said Maria. She was ordained in June 2014 and since then has been a minister in the Karlstad diocese in the west of Sweden. In celebration of her ordination, the family took a much belated trip to Galway in 2022. Maria had spent a year there in 1993 after finishing school, working for the Simon Community. I have longed to come back ever since, she said. Thirty years later, a lot had changed, but I showed them my Galway and I showed them Connemara. We had a trip to go horse riding on the beaches of Connemara, said Maria. When we were going back to Sweden, I thought perhaps this was the last time I see Ireland. But as soon as we got home, my husband started sending me these vacancies links. I was like, you mean that? You would come to Ireland with me? And he said, well, of course I would have preferred you to want to come with me to Spain or somewhere sunny. But since our daughter and you love Ireland, of course Ill come with you. Her teenage daughter quickly made friends at her new school. When she had a sleepover in their new house it felt like oh, now were home, said Maria. She is also enjoying the chance to wear a uniform to school. It can take away a lot of the stress of being different. I dont know how many families in Sweden have that problem in the morning of what should I wear? But here, she knows what to wear. Its not a question. Johan has been preparing for the move to Tullow by listening to KCLR as he works. He actually knows more about whats happening in this area than I do at the moment. Ive been focusing on learning about the Church of Ireland because its different from the Church of Sweden as well, said Maria. Both the Church of Sweden and the Church of Ireland are members of the Porvoo Communion, which made it possible for her to change ministry. She knows from living here four decades ago that she must be patient about integrating into the community. What Ive learned is that its very easy to get to know people, people are so friendly in Ireland. They would reach out and say hello; everyone is very hospitable and welcoming. But to get a real, close friend, that takes time. In Sweden, its the other way around. Its difficult to get to know people because we wouldnt be welcoming or we mightnt talk to someone we just met. But when you do get in contact, its easier to become friends. She is also realising that there are different taboo subjects in Ireland compared to Sweden. Perhaps as a result of our troubled history, she perceives that here, you talk a lot, but you dont say anything. Whereas I come from a country where we havent had a war in 300 years or so. But that means that we have learned that we can talk about everything and theres no consequences in a way. So thats something I have to learn about, what the taboos are and what are not taboos. She does admire the way Irish people deal with death, however. Here, life stops when someone dies; you acknowledge that, and take time for it. Whereas in Sweden they postpone it for two to three weeks before they have the service. Ive noticed that its because some people dont want to talk about death because its awkward and you dont want to be reminded that there is such a thing. Similarly, when it comes to religion, we are a very secular people in Sweden our faith is supposed to be sort of private, whereas here you can talk about faith, you can be open and you can see each other. You acknowledge each other, and I find it very heartwarming that we care for one another. The local parish has been so nice, said Maria, and the canons that she has been shadowing have been similarly welcoming. When I try to explain Tullow to my friends in Sweden, I say its a very small town, but we have everything we need, said Maria. We dont have IKEA here yet, but everything we need for daily life, she noted, laughing. The only thing missing is Marias horse, an Irish cob born in England, whom shes planning to bring over from Sweden during the summer. I jokingly say that both me and Bitsy, we were not born in Ireland, but I think both of us were born in Ireland in our hearts. A FIXED speed camera at a single location in Graiguenaspiddoge, Co Carlow brought 34 drivers before Carlow District Court recently, although for many of them the law proved more forgiving than the lens. Of the 34 cases arising from the same stretch of road, 17 were struck out or withdrawn and three were dismissed by Judge Fiona Brennan, leaving a clutch of convicted motorists nursing 400 fines and, in one case, a rather stiffer 500 penalty. The busiest period for the camera was the first fortnight of July, when it caught a string of drivers exceeding the 100kph limit. On the morning of 3 July at 6.58am, Lee Gabbett, North Main St, Wexford, was recorded travelling at 114kph. By 4.20pm that same day, Cieragh Tarpey, Oaklawns, Paulstown, Kilkenny had pushed the needle to 115kph. Before the day was out, Sabrina Louise Murphy, Woodlawns Close, Borris was clocked at 118kph and Craig Fagan, Fullers Court, Ballitore, Athy at 116kph. None of the four appeared in court, none had paid their fixed-charge notice and all four were convicted and fined 400. Two days later, on 5 July, Rita Keogh, Raheen, Brittas, Dublin was caught at 111kph and received the same fine. Her fellow motorist that day, Ann Connors, Ballyprecas, Wexford, was recorded at a more spirited 128kph the highest speed of the entire bunch. The court noted that Ms Connors had only owned the vehicle since 1 July, making her speed camera debut remarkably prompt. She, too, was fined 400. The following day, Luke Connors of Piercetown, Station Road, Newbridge, who did not appear, was fined 400 for travelling at 113kph. and on 7 July Isac Bethel Gabor of Congress Hall, Dunboyne, Co Meath was caught at 117kph and received the same penalty. Not everyone who came before Judge Brennan left with a fine, however. Raymond Furlong, The Ramblings, Portsway, Bunclody, Co Carlow, who was present in court on 7 July, explained that his vehicle had been clocked speeding while he was home on holidays from Australia. His son, he said, had been driving the car and had accepted responsibility. I had two choices, Mr Furlong told the court, pay the fine and accept the penalty points or come to court. Judge Brennan dismissed the matter, leaving Mr Furlong with a clean record. Marius Mihoc, Brookfield, Artane, Dublin 5 similarly escaped penalty points after giving sworn evidence that he had been out of the country visiting family in Romania when his company van was caught at 108kph on 20 July. He had, he explained, lent it to one of the lads. The judge dismissed the case. Siobhan Keogh, Betaghstown, Clane, Co Kildare, whose vehicle was clocked at 113kph on 20 July, told Judge Brennan she had never received a fixed-charge notice. Although evidence suggested one had been posted to her address, she gave sworn testimony that her mother suffers from dementia and had access to the post, from which items had been known to go missing. The case was dismissed. Among those convicted was Milko Yankou, Main St, Ballon, Co Carlow, whose appetite for speed proved costly. Caught at 108kph on 11 July and again at 109kph the next day, he was fined 400 for the first offence and a sharper 500 for the second, with 12 months to pay. Eugene Breslin of Ballydawmore, Kinnacross, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford clocked in at 110kph on the evening of 8 July, was convicted and fined 400 in his absence. Thomas Cowman (Carrigbawn, Bunclody, Co Wexford) recorded at 118kph on 20 July, shared the same fate. Alan McDonagh (Dranagh Lane, Kilcormac, Boolavogue, Enniscorthy) at 119kph on 21 July and Hugh Byrne (Glasheroge, Spahill, Carlow) at 110kph the following day also received 400 fines. One case was adjourned until mid-March. Among the withdrawn cases, one had been issued to the address of an incorrect registration plate. One man arrived ready to deliver a prepared statement in his defence, only to be halted by Judge Brennan, who informed him that his case had already been struck out and that no statement was required. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. The Smithsonians National Museum of African American History and Culture will screen the documentary Floyd Norman: An Animated Life on March 10 as part of its Through the African American Lens series. The event, presented in the museums Oprah Winfrey Theater, is free and open to the public with registration available here. A rare East Coast conversation with Norman will follow the screening, offering audiences an opportunity to hear directly from one of American animations most important figures of the 20th century. Directed by Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey, Floyd Norman: An Animated Life (2016) chronicles Normans groundbreaking, six-decade career in animation. In 1956, Norman became the first Black artist hired on a long-term basis at Walt Disney Studios. He contributed to features including Sleeping Beauty, The Sword in the Stone, and The Jungle Book, later working at studios such as Hanna-Barbera and Pixar. The film blends archival material, interviews, and original animated sequences to present an affectionate and candid portrait of a singular creative voice. Following the screening, Norman will join museum curator LaCharles Ward for a discussion about his life and work, situating his story within a broader history of African American media arts. Once upon a time, during the Great Famine in Ireland, a deep bond was created between the island nation and the First Nations across the United States and Canada, who donated money to help the Irish people during their time of tremendous need. More than 160 years later, as the pandemic hit nations across the globe hard, and the First Nations even harder, this connection still held across time and space, through the spirits of these benevolent ancestors on both sides of the Atlantic. It was during the pandemic, as he witnessed this effort, that Cartoon Saloon co-founder and Academy Award-nominated director Tomm Moore first conceived the idea of Kindred Spirits. Today, he officially unveiled the first images from his new feature in development in front of a packed Cartoon Movie screening room, where he shared the stage with new Cartoon Saloon CEO Anthony Leo, script writer and Choctaw artist Shelley Dennis, and longtime Folivari co-producer Thibaut Ruby. Ahead of the pitch, Cartoon Brew spoke with Moore and Ruby and shared an exclusive extended trailer of their project, currently in development. Kindred Spirits tells the tale of two children dealt a very bad hand. Mara, an Irish refugee child alone in New York in 1847, meets Tushka, a Choctaw Nation son far from the warmth of his family. When their paths align, the two journey across America through epic adventures and magical encounters, watched over by Maras brother Dan, who cannot accept his own passing into the spirit realm. Together, they search for people to call family and a place to call home. I knew about the bond between Irish and Choctaw nations, but Id forgotten about it, said Moore. During the pandemic, I saw how deeply it was still engraved in folk memory in Ireland. In fact, as we researched the film, we discovered that not only the Choctaw but also other First Nations sent help during the Great Famine back then. That was the start of our journey. Both co-producer and director of this new feature, Moore underlined that he is now very comfortable wearing those two hats, even calling it a blessing. I find it hard to direct a movie where I didnt have some input as a producer as well. Im also very lucky to be a producer among great producers, so there are plenty of talented people to lean on. For Folivari, which has been co-producing with Cartoon Saloon from the start, it felt natural to board this new and exciting project. Its true, we have a long history with the studio, added Ruby. But weve always cherished stories about outcasts, from Ernest & Celestine (a mouse and a bear living together) to The Big Bad Fox (a fox who raises chickens). Meeting these two new characters, who have to find out how to become a family, is definitely the kind of theme were interested in. Depending on talent availability, the two renowned studios aim for a 50/50 work split, as they did for the teaser trailer shared here. Maya lives in Paris, and Tomm came for two weeks to work in Paris as well, recalled Ruby. A lot of the backgrounds were done here by Maya, and the rest was handled by the wonderful Cartoon Saloon team in Kilkenny, Ireland. Theyre amazing. Beyond working with existing teams, Cartoon Saloon brought Native American artists on board for the project, finding ways to incorporate visuals from each nation and tribe. As the characters journey across America, the landscape is affected by the artworks of that area, explained Moore. It was very important for us, and very interesting, to work with artists such as Waylon Whitedeer, a Choctaw visual artist, and Morgan Thompson, a Cherokee storyboard artist, as well as people we had already worked with, like Maya Merigeau. Until now, we had made a lot of Irish material. Adapting to a different style to bring in Native American influences was a new challenge. The team also aims to bring Choctaw musicians into the mix, along with Native American sounds that will create, just like the visuals, a blend of the two cultures. Bruno Coulais, longtime Cartoon Saloon composer, helms the soundtrack of this upcoming project, with traditional Irish music band Kila returning as well after Wolfwalkers. Opening the impressive Cartoon Movie 2026 slate, which boasts no fewer than 50 projects in the works, Cartoon Saloon and Folivari are still developing the story and fine-tuning the financing and production scheme for Kindred Spirits. The teams are currently looking for potential European co-producers, international sales agents, broadcasters, and regional distributors. Im really curious about how our story resonates, especially in America, underlined Ruby. I think for a lot of kids today, most migrants arent white, but its good to show them that it could be anybody. You can be a young white European girl in the U.S. and still be an immigrant. To be on the immigrant side, to be the one that doesnt matter, is a powerful aspect of this story. For me, this movie is a departure, concluded Moore. Its the start of a new cycle where Im looking at the Irish diaspora elsewhere in the world and trying to find other stories that are yet to be told. This one is connected to a very vivid recent history in Ireland, and I think its a powerful tale to tell nowadays. DreamWorks Animation is developing The Wild Robot Escapes, a sequel to the studios 2024 hit The Wild Robot, which was written and directed by Chris Sanders. The new film adapts the second book in Peter Browns trilogy and continues the story of Roz, the service robot who formed a family with island wildlife. According to TheWrap, which broke the news, the sequel will be helmed by Nomina director Troy Quane, with Heidi Jo Gilbert, a longtime DreamWorks vet and head of story on the first film, co-directing. Sanders, who helmed the original film, is returning to write the sequels screenplay but will not direct it. The story is based on Browns 2018 novel of the same name. In that book, Roz is relocated to a dairy farm where she is expected to function as a standard service robot. While trying to suppress the independence she developed on the island, she reconnects with animals on the farm and longs to return home. Word of her situation eventually reaches her adopted goose son, Brightbill, who sets out to rescue her and help her escape. The first film followed Roz after she was shipwrecked on a remote island and gradually became part of an animal community, raising the orphaned gosling Brightbill as her own. The film earned strong critical reception and major industry awards recognition, including a hugely impressive three Oscar nominations, becoming one of the studios most acclaimed releases in recent years. Its sequel will certainly be welcomed warmly by audiences. No release date has been announced for The Wild Robot Escapes, which remains in early development at DreamWorks. Lurking under cover of darkness before attacking its unsuspecting victims, the Hairy Leg, a disembodied and decaying limb, is the wonderfully bizarre protagonist of one of the most memorable sequences in the Oscar-nominated Brazilian historical thriller The Secret Agent. Like the rest of the film, set in the 1970s during Brazils military dictatorship, the presence of the Hairy Leg holds political significance. Specific to director Kleber Mendonca Filhos hometown of Recife, the urban legend of the Hairy Leg was developed by Raimundo Carrero, a local journalist and writer. This macabre entity served as code to bypass censorship in the media at the time, acting as a stand-in for the oppressive military police. Instead of writing articles that could get him in trouble if published as entirely factual narratives, Carrero wrote about the events with the Hairy Leg as the perpetrator, benefiting from the climate of irreverence and transgression in Recife, according to Mendonca Filho. In addition to the printed newspaper stories about the Hairy Leg, a second journalist, Jota Ferreira, created radio pieces with sound effects about the evil extremity. It became a phenomenon because it caught peoples imagination, Mendonca Filho added during an interview in Los Angeles. I was a little kid who was afraid of the Hairy Leg. In the films passage, the director features the Hairy Leg attacking people at a park late at night, a place where gay individuals and sex workers would gather. Those groups were indeed targeted during the dictatorship. As the action unfolds, one of the films characters, an Angolan refugee named Tereza Victoria (Isabel Zuaa), narrates while reading from a newspaper. The sequence has the feel of a delightfully salacious B-movie, and it borrows its soundtrack from the 1962 Mexican horror film The Witchs Mirror (El espejo de la bruja). But how did the Hairy Leg come to life on screen? Thats where animation enters the picture. Once I wrote it into the script, of course, I began to wonder, How am I going to do this? said Mendonca Filho. Initially, they tried shooting the scene with an actor wearing a green suit with only one leg uncovered, but the results were disappointing. It was terrible because it looked exactly like what it was, he says. Your brain can recognize that this is a real leg, which probably belongs to a real person. We cant see the person because of the green suit, but it simply didnt work. It had to be faster and more rebellious and stranger and more fantastical. People in the production suggested animating the Hairy Leg using 3D CG animation, but Mendonca Filho didnt want the visual smoothness of that option. I wanted the movement and the feel of stop motion, which is more mechanical and more physical, he explained. When we had the human leg, it would just be very boring. I really wanted the leg to zigzag, to be unpredictable and a little bit like the Tasmanian devil, Mendonca Filho said. For that erratic quality to exist, he thinks the audience must believe this is an autonomous limb that is not carrying the weight of the rest of the body it was once attached to. It has to look independent. It has to look like its out of control, the director added with a laugh. Since The Secret Agent is a co-production with the Netherlands, France, and Germany, Mendonca Filho and his team eventually enlisted the Dutch studio Holy Motion. Mascha Halberstad, founder of Holy Motion and director of the stop-motion feature Oink, recalls watching the reference material Mendonca Filho sent and discovering for the first time the context of the sequence involving the Hairy Leg. It was very funny because in the script you dont read that its a cruising park, so when we first got the material, I watched it with my son and it was very explicit, she said via email. The Holy Motion team, based in the city of Arnhem, received the life-size prop version of the decomposing leg that Mendonca Filho had used for another scene in which the limb is found in the belly of a shark. Its a pretty gross leg and it was here for about two months, said Halberstad. Based on that prop, SFX propmaker Rolf te Booij crafted a puppet version of the leg, measuring about 30 centimeters (around 12 inches). Its skeleton, which made it possible for its toes to move separately, was created by another multifaceted artist on the team, Peter Mansfelt, who also served as the stop-motion sequences director of photography. Over three weeks, animator Rosanne Janssens animated the Hairy Leg against a green screen using Dragonframe, a software program for stop-motion animation. Given that this amputated body part is a unique figure, the team relied heavily on Mendonca Filhos direction. The leg is a character, but it doesnt have facial expressions. Kleber was very particular about the way it had to move, said Halberstad. At a certain point he sent us a clip of his hand holding one of his sons toy dinosaurs and making movements so we could see how he wanted the leg to hop. Because the leg had to hop, of course. Back in Brazil, Mendonca Filho had shot the plates for the sequence, onto which the stop-motion Hairy Leg was later composited. The live-action sequence was shot using 30 meters of track laid on the ground in the park so the camera could shoot from a low angle, at the height of the Hairy Leg. Janssens used onion skinning in Dragonframe, with the live-action plates underneath, so she could see how the camera moved in that footage. Halberstad explained that lighting was the trickiest aspect to get right. The leg moves, so the light has to be moving too, and you have to get the shadows right. And it was also very dark in the park, Halberstad said. Mansfelt set the camera to match the angle of the shot Kleber sent them and adjusted the lighting accordingly. In turn, Mendonca Filho recalled that the sequence also entailed a far more lo-fi technique. When the Hairy Leg is hopping around, thats stop motion. But in a moment when the Hairy Leg attacks a couple kissing, Mendonca Filho was off camera, wearing a green glove and manipulating a full-size prop. I was just attacking the actors with a big prosthetic leg, he said, laughing. Since that moment required physical interaction between the actors and the leg, he opted for that more realistic approach. As offbeat and outlandish as the Hairy Leg in The Secret Agent may seem, the filmmaker believes the way the scene is structured, connecting back to the main storyline, will prevent viewers from feeling too lost when witnessing the violence the limb can unleash. I was really into the idea of making the audience confused, but then not long after that it should work, and I do believe it works. But it is jarring, and I love films or books that keep ahead of me. If Im patient, I will be satisfied with the information, Mendonca Filho said. INSEE Cement, Sri Lankas premier fully integrated cement manufacturer, has officially resumed limestone rail transportation from its Aruwakkalu quarry to the Puttalam production plant. The vital logistics link was restored on 18 February following extensive repairs to infrastructure damaged by the recent Cyclone Ditwah. The cyclone had severely impacted a 3km stretch of the railway, including a bridge, forcing a total suspension of rail deliveries. As the only company in Sri Lanka to operate a dedicated rail logistics systemutilising a track leased from Sri Lanka Railwaysthe disruption posed a significant challenge to the manufacturer's supply chain. The Aruwakkalu quarry, situated roughly 40km from the plant, serves as the primary source of raw materials for the companys leading brands, including INSEE Sanstha and Mahaweli Marine Plus. Company officials expressed relief at the restoration, noting that the daily rail service is the "lifeline" of their manufacturing process and essential for supporting the nation's ongoing infrastructure and construction projects. By Abdul Rab Siddiqi, Pakistan Buzzi Unicem Italia has concluded five years of maritime logistics with the ship Danavik, which recently departed Augusta for its final journey to Malta and Marghera. Since 2021, Danavik has been central to the companys shift toward direct sea transport management, establishing high standards for energy efficiency and loading performance in cement logistics. The company is now transitioning to Molvik, a next-generation vessel designed for superior efficiency and sustainability. Featuring advanced propulsion systems, Molvik is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 30 per cent compared to its predecessor, further optimising the companys supply chain. Advertisement Dangote Cement has sold 10 per cent of its Senegalese subsidiary to the government, strengthening the state's participation in the strategic industrial sector while consolidating the groups local activities. This structural change, reflected in the group's 2025 annual report, reduces Dangotes direct stake from 99.99 per cent to 89.99 per cent, making the government in Dakar a minority shareholder in one of the country's leading cement plants. The state's acquisition comes during a period of deteriorating operational conditions for the subsidiary. Revenues generated in Senegal fell from NGN192.2bn (US$138.6m) in 2024 to NGN151bn in 2025, representing a contraction of 21.4 per cent. This decline is primarily attributable to a 19.8 per cent drop in sales volumes, which amounted to 1.2Mt for the fiscal year. For Dangote, the operation secures its institutional foothold in one of West Africa's most dynamic markets. For Dakar, the investment aligns with a strategy of increased participation in the national economy at a time when demand for construction materials remains driven by major urbanisation and public infrastructure programmes. Advertisement Covenant College will host its annual Spring Job & Internship Fair on March 26 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Chapel Lawn, inviting for-profit employers to connect with talented students seeking full-time positions and internship opportunities. Each spring, new Covenant College graduates enter the workforce equipped with a rigorous liberal arts education and practical experience, while current students seek internships that help prepare them for their careers. Open specifically to for-profit organizations, this event will help you connect with students who are uniquely qualified and ready to work. Registration for this job fair is being organized through Handshake. If you are not currently a Handshake user, we encourage you to connect with us on that platform by clicking here. Space is limited, so priority will be given to employers who register early. James E. Hall of Signal Mountain, chairman of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority Board, has been selected for induction into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame. "This honor recognizes Mr. Halls decades-long commitment to advancing aviation safety, security and operational excellence at The Chattanooga Airport and beyond," officials said. "After serving as a captain in the U.S. Army during The Vietnam War and a former attorney, Mr. Hall has been on the CMAA board since 2003, including two terms as chairman. Under his leadership, The Chattanooga Airport has experienced significant growth and enhanced safety initiatives, solidifying its position as a vital hub for the region."Chairman Halls induction into the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame is incredibly well deserved, said April Cameron, president and CEO of The Chattanooga Airport. In addition, his leadership has played a defining role in shaping the success of The Chattanooga Airport and strengthening its impact across our region.Mr. Halls public service extends nationally. Earlier in his career, he served in Tennessee Governor Ned McWherters cabinet, an experience that helped set the foundation for the leadership and service recognized by this award. In 1994, he was appointed chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board by President Bill Clinton, serving until 2001, where he helped shape aviation safety standards that continue to protect travelers today.I want to sincerely congratulate Jim Hall on receiving this well-deserved award, said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. His leadership in aviation safety and public service has helped strengthen an industry that millions of Americans rely on every day. Throughout his career, Jim has made a lasting impact not only in Chattanooga, but across Tennessee and the nation.The induction ceremony will take place on Sept. 26 in Murfreesboro, celebrating Mr. Halls contributions to aviation and his lasting legacy in the Chattanooga community. The Salvation Army of Chattanooga announced increased demand has depleted the food pantry offered to those in need."Right now, the food pantry is bare and donations are needed to continue," officials said. "Shelf-stable donations are needed to continue this vital program offered to families in need and the unhoused."The most basic support for families, offered by The Salvation Army, provides a minimum of three days of nutritious meals. The staff is currently working at max capacity with 25 households a day, 50 per week.Case managers are having to turn people away because there are not enough supplies or funds to serve more."For the unhoused, The Salvation Army provides non-perishable, high-protein snack items that can sustain them throughout the day. The inventory in the food pantry is now at a point where case managers are unable to meet this minimal level of support."This is a program that we cannot give up. It is needed now more than ever and there are a lot of people in our community that rely on us to help them feed their families, said Major Douglas McClure.Needed items include: shelf-stable, non-perishable, items that are nutritious and can be given out to families and the unhoused. This includes items like packaged protein, canned goods, peanut butter, nuts, granola bars and anything else that has a long shelf life. For the unhoused, it is best to give items that require no cooking. Monetary donations are also a help, so that case managers can buy the items.All food donations can be brought to 800 McCallie Ave., and all monetary donations can be mailed to PO Box 3359, Chattanooga, Tn. 37404, or given online at csarmy.org. Formerly the bedrock of the United States, the Constitution is now a document of variable guidelines for the Republicans. Its enforcement is based upon the feelings or opinions of a wannabe dictator and his lackeys, as well as the perceived need for retribution of Trumps enemies. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday it was necessary to bomb Iran because President Donald Trump had a feeling the foreign nation would attack. The president had a feeling, again, based on fact, that Iran was going to strike the United States, was going to strike our assets in the region, . . . BTW, she did not provide any facts. (thenewrepublic.com, 3/4/2026)In response to a 11/2025 video by some Democrats telling service members they did not have to obey an illegal order, Trump posted "This is really bad, and Dangerous to our Country. Their words cannot be allowed to stand. SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS!!! LOCK THEM UP??? (Opinion)Karoline Leavitt . . . added that the Democrats in the video are "encouraging [service members] to defy the presidents lawful orders." (Opinion) (www.abc15.com/11/20/2025)Pressured by Trump, his appointee U.S. Attorney Jeannie Pirro sought indictments of Democrats because of the video. The defendants are Senators Kelly and Slotkin, and Representatives Crow, Deluzio, Goodlander and Houlahan. Collectively, they were dubbed by Hegseth as The Seditious Six. The D. C. Grand Jury failed to indict each. (bbc.com, 2/11/2026)Charges again Comey, Schiff, James were solely political retribution and without facts; they were dismissed by the Courts. Surely, there were bigger fish to fry I challenge anyone to disprove it was political retribution.I suspect that many readers are unaware of Article I Section 8 of the Constitution. Nor are they aware of the Vietnam era War Powers Act of 1973, codified in 50 U.S.C. ch. 33. My suspicion is based on the Chattanoogan.com poll showing 62% agree with the bombing of Iran by U.S. and Israel.Article I Section 8 includes the following as a Power of Congress: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;The War Powers Act of 1973 begins:1541. Purpose and policy(a) Congressional declarationIt is the purpose of this chapter to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and insure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, and to the continued use of such forces in hostilities or in such situations.(b) Congressional legislative power under necessary and proper clauseUnder article I, section 8, of the Constitution, it is specifically provided that the Congress shall have the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution, not only its own powers but also all other powers vested by the Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof.(c) Presidential executive power as Commander-in-Chief; limitationThe constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief to introduce United States Armed Forces into hostilities, or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances, are exercised only pursuant to (1) a declaration of war, (2) specific statutory authorization, or (3) a national emergency created by attack upon the United States, its territories or possessions, or its armed forces.On Wednesday, 3/4/2026, S.J.Res.104, did not pass in the Senate. It read: A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.Both Tennessee Senators, every remaining Republican Senator and a single Democrat voted against the Resolution.That confirms that Tennessee Senators Blackburn, Haggerty, and the Republicans see no need to abide by the Constitution.For Senator Blackburn and anyone in favor of the bombing, which is clearly described as a war by Trump and his lackeys, please answer this question: o you believe and are in favor of Trump selectively choosing the laws he intends to enforce, abide by or ignore?The Republican Senators votes clearly show that they will allow their Partys President to choose the laws. Nor do they care to abide by each Senators Oath of Office to support and defend the Constitution.1. Those votes show the Republican Party does not care about the Constitution.2. Those votes mean the Constitution is no longer the law of the land.3. Those votes relegate the Constitution to a meaningless document of optional enforcement.4. Those votes are for a despot/dictator, and not a functioning government.5. Trump has unilaterally begun a war, ignoring Article I Section 8 and the War Powers Act, which theRepublican Senators and one Democratic Senator have now done.For those who too are against the Resolution, it shows you too are against the Constitution, and in favor of a despot/dictator.Senator Blackburn recently published The State Of Our Union Is Stronger Under President Trump.Is the Union really stronger because Congress doesnt exercise its Constitutional duty of being a check to the overzealous power to which Trump thinks he is entitled?I think not, because of the Republican No votes on the Resolution.BTW, the were many misleading and erroneous statements and lies. They were for the Republican base that solely relies only on what is published by their favorite politicians and media.So, please think about this: Trump is violating the Constitution over and over and over. The Founding Fathers would want him stopped. We should too.Joe Warren * * * News flash, Mr. Warren. The Constitution is still the bedrock of this nation regardless of your disdain for all things President Trump and his lackeys as you call them and all of us Republicans. Mr. Warren failed to mention when was the last time Congress declared a war? Per PBS it was 1942. During WWII. So where was your criticism of Obama that has done exactly as President Trump is doing now and even more? Actually research shows that Obama used the War Powers Act in 2011 for his 78-day bombing campaign against Libya. (Govfacts.org) Obama also used it again against ISIS. (Time & propublica.org) Per (yahoo news) Obama dropped 26,000 bombs on seven countries in 2016 alone. Those countries were: Afghanistan, Libya, Somalia, Pakistan, Syria, Yemen and Iraq. There are way more unconstitutional things that Obama and his lackeys did but what I mentioned is just a few of his actions. Both Obama and Trump have used the congressionally passed resolution in 2001 called the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF). Both Presidents have used this to justify various military actions without congressional approval. During the Iranian negotiations their delegation members told Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner that Iran had enough 60% enriched uranium to build 11 nuclear bombs. Also it was stated that it would only take a week to 10 days to enrich to 90 percent which would be bomb grade uranium. So With this knowledge that Iran was this close to having nuclear weapons grade uranium President Trump decided to act. Every President in my lifetime has kicked this can down the road about Iran having nuclear capabilities beyond power generation levels of uranium. It was President Obama who gave Iran $1.7 billion in January 2016 that the Iranian regime used to push for more nuclear weapons capabilities and sponsor terrorism all over the world and kill American troops and civilians with road side bombs. Remember (Soleimani) who was responsible for a lot of the deaths. Thankfully, Trump got him too. As far as the lawfare thats been a two way street from both administrations but the Democrats hold the trophy for the most corrupt cases. Just look at whats been revealed about Fani Willis and Jack Smith and even Tish James and the bogus charges Trump has endured. The Tish James mortgage fraud case where she has a five-unit apartment and listed on documents it was only FPIR allowed her a lower interest rate. Also she signed papers showing she was married to her father. Miraculously her case was dropped on procedural grounds (RIS media 12/01/25) by a Democrat district judge who ruled that prosecutor Lindsay Halligan was appointed interim U.S. Attorney For Eastern Virginia unlawfully. I call hogwash on that ruling. It seems like the sky is always falling with the Democrats when it comes to President Trump. How quickly some forget the disaster that was the last four years from Biden and his lackeys and their failed policies. The United States and the world is already much safer thanks to President Trump taking action to eliminate a regime of terror and destruction. I fully support President Trump and my Senator Marsha Blackburn as well as the other representatives that are in favor of eliminating the Iranian regime and their terrorist proxies. Mr. Warren, are Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty your senators? You failed to mention that you are a Tennessee resident. I am a Tennessee resident. I fully support the Constitution whether you think so or not. It is your Democrat Party that helped enable Iran. It is your Democrat Party that left this nation for four years with open borders and countless unknown people entering this country. Many are terrorist sleeper cells awaiting their opportunity to create chaos. One radical already has in Austin, Tex., last week. It is your Democrat Party that has not funded the government and is leaving DHS and FEMA as well as TSA workers and others without pay and funding over the ridiculous demands by your ignorant Representatives and Senators. We all know its all about the votes and the census whereas with the illegals the Democrats hope to increase their numbers for the congressional seats. That cannot be disputed. Several news outlets have discussed this reasoning even CNN. It takes a lot of arrogance to call everyone that differs with you about the resolution and (supporting your ideology of a dictator) that someone is against the Constitution. There is a term for that affliction and its TDS. Trump Derangement Syndrome. Arch Tinker We see it all too often: People berating a customer service associate or cashier. Students displaying disrespect to their teachers. Faceless individuals typing insults or mercilessly bullying others on social media. Protesters shouting epithets, sometimes engaging in acts of physical violence. TV commentators showing little patience or respect, shouting down each others statements and opinions. Athletes spitting on each other. In some cities, looters breaking into stores and carrying out goods of all kinds. Hostile politicians grandstanding to demonstrate opposition to the speaker. The list could go on. Depending on who they happen to agree with, observers either applaud such actions or condemn them. A couple lines from the 1966 Vietnam-era protest song by Buffalo Springfield, For What Its Worth, summarized what were still seeing 60 years later: Theres battle lines being drawn Nobodys right if everybodys wrong A thousand people in the street Singing songs and a-carrying signs Mostly say hooray for our side. Sound familiar? Why has our society come to this? What has spawned this age when incivility has become the norm; acrimony is viewed as acceptable, even commendable behavior; and common manners and decorum have been cast into the dumpster? In a time when people across the political spectrum build arguments based on their own interpretations of the rule of law, it seems weve forgotten or dismissed a far greater rule. Its what we commonly know as the Golden Rule: In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12, Luke 6:31). Jesus Christ addressed this in a variety of ways. Matthew 22:36-40 records an occasion when the Pharisees, religious leaders who prided themselves on external rules-keeping, asked, Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law? Perhaps they presumed He would select a particular favorite from the Ten Commandments. His response wasnt what they expected. Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. The first is foundational for everything, but lets focus on the second. Jesus words, Love your neighbor as yourself, were another way of saying, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you, as the King James Version translates it. The phrase is repeated elsewhere in the New Testament, including Romans 13:8-9, Galatians 5:14 and James 2:8. Unfortunately, the prevailing mindset these days seems very different, more like, do to others before they can do it to you. Do whatever you feel like doing; worry about the consequences later. What does it actually mean to do to others as you would have them do to you? Maybe the best way to answer that is to look at the last part and ask, How do you want others to treat you? Would you want people to politely hear and respect your opinions, even if they dont agree with them? Whether in your home, at work or another setting, would you want someone to genuinely listen to what you had to say? If you were a teacher and had spent hours preparing the lesson for the day, would you want your students to be attentive and desiring to learn? Looking at it another way, if you were a sales associate in a department store, would you want someone angrily accosting you about some grievance, even if you had nothing to do with it? If you were a law enforcement officer, would you want folks throwing objects at you simply because youd been assigned to that area to maintain order? If you owned a retail business, would you want people breaking windows and stealing everything within reach? This brings to mind the adage attributed to native Americans about walking a mile in the moccasins of another individual. Doing to others as we would have them do to us involves putting ourselves in their place, trying to understand their needs and feelings, and responding appropriately. Jesus parable about the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) illustrates this perfectly. A man, a Jew, had been robbed and beaten, left for dead. Two upright religious leaders, a priest and a Levite, saw the man but moved to the other side of the road, acting as if they hadnt noticed them. Obviously, they never considered what if they had suffered the same plight. Then a Samaritan came along and even though Jews and Samaritans werent exactly bosom buddies in those days, he attended to the wounded man, took him to an inn nearby and promised to pay all expenses for his care. Whether he knew the commandment or not, the Samaritan literally did for another what he would have wanted someone to do for himself. Years ago, people wore WWJD bracelets representing the question, What would Jesus do? Maybe we need to start wearing bracelets that read, DUOAYWHTDUY Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It could help to usher in a new season of civility and compassion. * * * Robert J. Tamasy is a veteran journalist, former newspaper editor, and magazine editor. Bob has written, co-authored and edited more than 20 books. These include Marketplace Ambassadors; Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Todays Workplace; Tufting Legacies, The Heart of Mentoring, and Pursuing Life With a Shepherds Heart. He writes and edits a weekly business meditation, Monday Manna, which is translated into nearly 20 languages and distributed via email around the world by CBMC International. The address for Bob's blog is www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com. His email address is btamasy@comcast.net. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency presented its recommendations for the 2026-27 hunting and trapping seasons at the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commissions March 5-6 meeting held at Buffalo Ridge Refuge in Humphreys County. The hunting and trapping season setting process is a year-long process, which includes biological data collection, public input, compilation, and analysis of data (3-and-5-year averages). There were no proposed changes for big game seasons, however the Commission discussed the start date of spring turkey season and are seeking public input. Calendar dates were shared for waterfowl and deer seasons. Wildlife Management Area (WMA) recommendations were presented with only a few changes across the state. Additionally, TWRA announced two flintlock heritage hunts in partnership with TN State Parks. To hear the full discussion on each proposal, watch the meetings on TWRAs YouTube channel . The public can provide comments on all proposals through April 2. Visit TWRAs public notice webpage or email TWRA.huntingcomments@tn.gov to provide comments. The Commission will vote on the 2026-27 Agency proposals at its April 16-17 meeting, to be held in Knoxville. Once approved, the regulations will become effective Aug. 1. The Wildlife and Forestry Division provided an overview of big game harvest. Additionally, a preview of rule changes for clarification regarding rules and regulations governing hunts, permits, and drawings was provided. Furthermore, the North Cumberland WMA OHV (off-highway vehicle) rulemaking hearing was rolled to continue at the upcoming April meeting. The nominations of the 2026 Legacy Award and the 2026 Wally Childress TWRA R3 (Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation) Outstanding Leadership Award were announced. A formal presentation will be provided at the April Commission meeting. Quail Forever Smoky Mountain Chapter was nominated for the 2026 Wally Childress TWRA R3 Outstanding Leadership Award, while Tom Beasley was nominated for the 2026 Legacy Award. The Legacy Award was established in 2021 to recognize those people who demonstrate a commitment to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor lifestyles in Tennessee. The Wally Childress TWRA R3 Award is named in honor of the former commissioner who received the inaugural award last year for his efforts to introduce children and provide opportunities for many others to enjoy the outdoors. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways. 26-002020- 6500 BLK Ringgold Road- Disorder At approximately 11:25 p.m., officers responded to the motel for a report of a male and female yelling at each other. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the female reporting party, who stated that her boyfriend had already left and that the incident was solely a verbal argument with no physical altercation. Day Shift March 5: B Squad No Number- 700 BLK Germantown Circle- SIA Police conducted a checkup on the kids at this location in relation to OCN: 26-001972. All appeared safe and secure with their father on sight at the time of the checkup. 26-002001-1000 BLK Bass Pro Drive-Assist Other Agency Police were dispatched to the bass pro on a report of a possible stolen firearm. Upon further investigation, the firearm in question was found to have been misplaced by UPS while in transit between Tennessee and Georgia. Officers verified that the firearm was at its intended destination and removed it from NCIC. Night Shift March 5 : D Squad 26-002010 3300 BLK Ringgold Road - Disorder The clerk reported that a customer verbally accosted him and spat at him after having trouble using the air pump. The suspect was gone before the police arrived. No indications of a physical assault were observed. 26-002011 500 BLK Wando Drive - Domestic Disorder A resident reported observing a commotion in the street between two adults in the presence of their children. The couple stated that the argument was about their recent breakup. The altercation was verbal in nature, and no assault was reported. Both willfully separated. 26-002012 500 BLK Wando Drive - Domestic Disorder The female party from the earlier disorder reported that her grandfather was yelling and demanding she move out. No assault was reported to have occurred. Police asked the grandfather to seek a legal eviction for his granddaughter. 26-002014 - 1509 Tombras Avenue - Missing Juvenile Police were dispatched to search for a missing child reportedly from Pioneer Park. The juvenile returned home, and the police response was cancelled. 26-002015-5700 BLK Ringgold Rd-Traffic Stop/Arrest Police observed a bicyclist traveling the wrong way in a directional bike lane and operating the bike without a forward-facing light. An officer stopped the cyclist and identified him. A probable cause of search revealed 18.4 Grams of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to Hamilton County Jail without incident. 26-002016- 6500 BLK Ringgold Road- Assault At approximately 8:40 p.m., officers responded to a reported assault. Officers spoke with the victim who appeared to be intoxicated and gave conflicting statements about being struck by a musician after criticizing the performance. Officers observed no visible injuries. The manager stated that customers reported the man had been yelling at the musician and went on stage to confront him. The musician reportedly pushed the unsatisfied audience member away and told him to return to his seat before leaving. No video footage or witness statements were available. 26-002019- 950 Spring Creek Road- Harassment At approximately 10:30 p.m., officers responded regarding harassment by text messages from an ex-wife. Officers spoke with the ex-husband and, with his permission, reviewed the messages on his phone. Officers observed that both parties had been communicating back and forth. ERPD advised the ex-husband that if he wished to pursue harassment charges, he would need to stop responding to the messages. The reporting party stated he would stop responding and tell his ex-wife to stop texting him. 26-002023-3700 BLK Fountain Avenue-Domestic Disorder Dispatch received a call and the call taker could hear arguments in the background. The female caller stated her boyfriend was throwing things and yelling. On scene, the female made allegations of assault, but so did the male. Officer could not find any corroborating evidence to support either claim. Previous Next The office staff at the Hamilton County Office of the Juvenile Court Clerk surprised their boss, Mr. Gary D. Behler, celebrating his birthday on Friday, with random balloons that were anything but a birthday balloon.Some of the Juvenile Court staff joined in on the fun, and Mr. Behler had a great time and lots of laughs."Happy Birthday Mr. B.," his staff said. Legacy Village of Cleveland announces the promotion of Logan Manning to executive director.With over 11 years of experience in senior living, Mr. Manning has held numerous positions in senior living communities."With his multi-faceted understanding of daily operations, Mr. Manning seeks to bring intentional leadership that fosters a community defined by respect, honor and dignity for Legacy Village of Clevelands residents," officials said.Born and raised in Cleveland, Mr.Manning obtained his degree in healthcare administration from Lee University. In college, Mr. Manning found his calling for senior living while working in the culinary department at Legacy Village. Upon graduation, he began pursuing administrative roles and worked in several positions, including maintenance assistant, human resources representative and community relations director, until he joined the team at Legacy Village of Cleveland as the director of sales and marketing in 2023. Mr. Manning was promoted in 2025 to area director of sales and marketing, where he supported the sales efforts for four sister communities.Throughout my 11 years in senior living, I have intentionally worked in every department within assisted living and memory care communities to better understand the ins and outs of the industry. My curiosity about what drives this industry led me to seek hands-on experience across all front-line roles, said Mr. Manning. This journey has given me a well-rounded perspective and a strong understanding of daily operations as a whole.I am so excited to see Logan grow into this well-deserved promotion, says Amber Moran, regional director of operations for Legacy Village of Cleveland. His broad experience and steady leadership have prepared him well for this responsibility, and we are confident he will continue to serve our residents and families with dedication and care.Mr. Manning and his wife, Montana, live in Cleveland with their daughter, Blakely, and dog, Maggie. An avid runner and fisherman, he enjoys any outdoor activity, but he especially loves spending time with his family. Dr. Jorge Enrique Ordonez Castellanos, 83, of Chattanooga, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 15, 1942, in Pesca, Boyaca, Colombia, Enriques early years were shaped when he was orphaned at age 12 and raised by his older siblings, Isabel and Luis Ordonez. From that hardship, Enrique emerged resilient and deeply faithful. He earned his medical degree from Javeriana University Medical School in Bogota, Colombia in December 1970. He began his career in Colombia as a trauma surgeon and served for several years as Medical Director of the hospital in Garagoa, Colombia. He led with steady judgement and compassionate care, earning the respect of colleagues and patients alike. In May 1969, he married the love of his life, Helena Sanchez Vallejo in Bogota. Their marriage was a partnership grounded in faith and family. In December 1977, he courageously moved his family to the United States, to follow his brother, Dr. Luis Ordonez, in pursuit of greater opportunities for his family. After arriving in the United States, he worked alongside his brother, in Etowah, as a medical assistant before moving to Dearborn, Mi., to complete a one-year internship at Oakwood Hospital. In 1982 he moved his young family to Chattanooga, to begin his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Erlanger Baroness Hospital. Following his residency, he devoted himself to obstetrics and gynecology for close to 40 years in the Chattanooga area. Generations of Chattanooga families remember his calm presence and steadfast care. Following 26 years in private practice, he worked as University of Tennessee faculty at Erlanger Baroness Hopspital, mentoring young physicians and helping shape the next generation of medical professionals for five years. He continued to work in local health clinics until his retirement in 2019. Cherished as a husband, father, and friend, Enrique was the loving anchor and patriarch of the tight-knit Ordonez family. He modeled respect and devotion, and his legacy of love and family will live on in his wife, his four children and ten grandchildren. Enrique was preceded in death by his parents Luis Enrique Ordonez and Ana Isabel Ordonez-Castellanos of Pesca, Colombia, his sister Ana Isabel Ordonez JD of Sogamoso, Colombia, and his brother, Dr. Luis Ordonez of Etowah. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Helena; his children, Maria Ordonez Aluisy (Damon) of Chattanooga and grandchildren Jacob and Max Eargle; Jose Fernando Ordonez (Betsy) of Prairie Village, KS and grandchildren Evie and Oscar Ordonez; Carlos Enrique Ordonez (Hilary) of Victor, ID and grandchildren Samuel, Henry and Beatriz Ordonez; Lisa Ordonez Moore (Jay) of Chattanooga and grandchildren Lucas, Thomas, and Charlie Moore; and many nieces and nephews and cousins who visited him regularly. There will be a Funeral Mass on Sunday, March 8, at St. Jude Catholic Church at 2 p.m. followed by a reception in the Parish Life Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Chattanooga. U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Oklahoma, shown at the Charlie Kirk memorial service on Sept. 21, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to replace Kristi Noem as the Secretary of Homeland Security. Senate confirmation would make Mullin the first Cherokee Nation citizen to hold a federal cabinet position. Forty Christians from Calvary Chapel Summerville in South Carolina, who were stranded in Israel while on a Holy Land tour, arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on March 5, 2026. | Photo credit: GoFundMe Official Site A group of church members from South Carolina who became stranded in Israel during escalating tensions with Iran has safely made its way back to the United States. The 41 travelers from Calvary Chapel Summerville landed Thursday afternoon at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York after nearly a week of unexpected delays caused by the closure of Israeli airspace. Charles Timmerman, assistant pastor at the church, told The Christian Post that the group ultimately left Israel by bus, traveling into neighboring Jordan before boarding a flight back to the U.S. Our faith in God is the most important thing in our lives, and we are just deeply grateful to our God and our Lord Jesus Christ, and then for the prayers that have come in from across the country, Timmerman said. People have stepped up, and we are very deeply grateful. Timmerman also expressed appreciation for assistance from elected officials, noting that the church had been working closely with several members of Congress. He said the group had been very grateful for all the support from our local politicians, explaining that church leaders were directly in contact with the offices of Republican U.S. Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham as well as U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina. According to Timmerman, all three lawmakers contacted the U.S. State Department on the churchs behalf, and Mace personally reached out to the congregations senior pastor. The travelers had originally planned to return home on Sunday but altered their plans after receiving a warning from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee last Friday about potential military strikes. The group attempted to depart a day earlier, on Saturday. However, after arriving at the airport and preparing for departure, the facility was closed as Iran launched retaliatory attacks, leaving the group unable to leave the country. In response to the unexpected delays, supporters launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the additional expenses incurred while the church members were stranded. By Thursday, the fundraiser had collected more than $100,000 from roughly 150 donors. The crisis began Saturday when the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes against targets in Iran, reportedly hitting military and government facilities in Tehran and other locations. The attacks reportedly resulted in the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, along with several senior officials and a number of civilians. Iran responded by launching missile attacks toward Israel and U.S. military sites across the region. One missile struck the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh on Sunday, killing nine people. Meanwhile, an Iranian strike on an operations center at a civilian port in Kuwait reportedly killed at least six U.S. service members, according to a source familiar with the situation cited by CNN. Matthew Grech. | Photo credit: Christian Concern A Maltese court has cleared a Christian man who spent more than three years fighting criminal charges after publicly sharing his testimony about leaving a homosexual lifestyle. Matthew Grech, 36, was found not guilty Wednesday of violating Maltas law against advertising conversion practices, bringing an end to a legal dispute that began in 2022. Authorities had charged Grech under Article 3 of Maltas Affirmation of Sexual Orientation, Gender and Gender Expression Act, accusing him of promoting so-called conversion practices. The case forced him to appear in court 17 times and carried potential penalties of a 5,000 fine or up to five months in prison. The charges stemmed from an April 2022 interview Grech gave to the independent outlet PMnews Malta, where he discussed his views on the growing number of conversion therapy bans in Western countries. During that interview, Grech spoke about his earlier struggles with sexuality and masculinity. He described how he had engaged in same-sex relationships before becoming a Christian and later repenting of that behavior. Following the interview, prosecutors charged both Grech and the two PMnews Malta journalists who conducted the conversation under Maltas law prohibiting the promotion of conversion therapy. The outlet later reported that the police complaint leading to the charges was filed by Silvan Agius, a Maltese LGBT activist who helped draft the legislation in question. Christian Attard, a founding member of the Malta LGTBIQ Rights Movement who has served on the European Commission on Sexual Orientation Law, and Cynthia Chircop, the organizations co-chair, were also reportedly involved in the complaint. After the ruling, Grech said he hopes the decision will help safeguard freedom for others across Europe who wish to share similar testimonies, while noting that the law used against him remains in force. It is a big day, and I'm very thankful that the court, the Maltese court, decided for freedom of speech, he said. The Maltese court decided for freedom of religion, and has announced that I had every right to share my Christian views around sexuality and gender, and to mention organizations that are helping Christians to live consistently with their belief system. Grech also urged the European Commission to ensure that legislation banning conversion therapy will have no place in Europe, warning that such laws could be used to silence opposing viewpoints. It doesn't matter what these laws say. All that matters is that activists will use these laws to target any dissenting view around sexuality and gender, he said. Photo credit: Unsplash/ Christian Walker A federal judge has sentenced an Indiana man to prison after he vandalized a church with Satanic imagery, authorities announced. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Court Chief Judge James R. Sweeney II. Steven James Perkinson, a 21-year-old from Plainfield, Indiana, received a sentence of 10 months in federal prison along with three years of supervised release. According to a statement released Tuesday by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Indiana, Perkinson previously pleaded guilty to charges of intentional damage to religious property and making a false statement to a federal agency. U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler said the punishment underscores the seriousness of crimes targeting religious institutions. The sentence makes clear that hate-fueled vandalism and threats of violence will be met with swift and serious federal consequences. Targeting any house of worship because of its faith is an attack on the fundamental freedoms that define our nation. This defendants conduct, paired with his disturbing online activity, posed a real threat to those liberties, Wheeler said. Authorities said the incident occurred on Nov. 18, 2024, when Perkinson defaced a sign outside Maple Grove Baptist Church in Plainfield. He spray-painted a pitchfork symbol and the numbers 666 on the sign and marked an X over the cross displayed on it. When first questioned by FBI agents, Perkinson denied involvement in the vandalism, prosecutors said. He later admitted to the act, telling investigators that his actions were influenced by his participation in Satanic groups. A search of his cellphone revealed internet queries such as Maple Grove Baptist Church Plainfield, Churches near me, Plainfield Bible Church photos, and terms linked to occult organizations, including Noctulian Blood Covenant and Nexion 435. Investigators also uncovered evidence described by prosecutors as violent ideation. Among the searches found on his phone was a query for the address of largest Jewish church in America. Officials said they also discovered online messages in which Perkinson claimed access to firearms and encouraged acts of mass violence, as well as photographs of him posing with recently deceased animals and evidence that he had previously set a dumpster on fire. A report released last year by the Family Research Council documented 415 incidents of hostility against churches and church property across 43 states in 2024, affecting 383 congregations. Michigan State Rep. Karen Whitsett speaks about her recovery from COVID-19 as President Donald J. Trump listens during a meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House on April 14, 2020. | Photo: Andrea Hanks/The White House via Wikimedia Commons (modified from original). Michigan State Rep. Karen Whitsett says she is stepping away from politics and recommitting her life to Jesus Christ, a decision she announced after criticizing the platform of the Democratic Party. In a follow-up statement posted on Facebook Tuesday, Whitsett reaffirmed her position a day after publicly declaring that her faith now takes priority over political life. Those who understand, understand. Those who dont, dont. At the end of the day, every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess. My responsibility is to stand in truth and walk in obedience not to win approval, Whitsett wrote. I dont need to justify my convictions. I answer to God first. If my words stir something in you and drive you to post a response somewhere, I pray it leads you closer to Him, not further from grace. No one responds to things that dont matter. Im just saying. Whitsett, a Democrat who represents Detroit and first took office in 2023, told WDIV Local 4 that she believes the partys current platform conflicts with her Christian beliefs. She is scheduled to remain in office until Jan. 1, 2027. The lawmaker said her faith has been strengthened through participation in the online campus of Lionheart Church in Austell, Georgia, where she and her family currently worship. For me, it is impossible to be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ while remaining a member of the Democratic Party as it exists today. I cannot reconcile that platform with Scripture, she said. I have compromised my relationship with Jesus for too long, and Im grateful God did not give up on me. He gave me time to repent, turn, and be fully devoted to Him. Whitsett pointed to several policy areas she believes conflict with biblical teaching, including abortion, the normalization of homosexuality and efforts to redefine gender. In comments to reporters on Monday, Whitsett said her decision also means she will not pursue future political office. I will not be seeking re-election for this office, and I will not be running for any office ever again. This is not a political calculation its a spiritual decision, she said. I dont have a Heaven or Hell to put anyone in. Only God does. But I do have Gods unwavering Word to stand on, and I can no longer compromise it to fit a party platform or to please people. Orthodox Anglican leaders attend a session of the Global Anglican Communion meeting in Abuja, Nigerias capital, on March 4, 2026. | Photo credit: Facebook/ Gafcon Leaders from a coalition of conservative Anglican churches have convened in Nigeria to select a spiritual leader they say will serve as a global first among equals, a move seen as challenging the authority of the archbishop of Canterbury. The inaugural assembly of what organizers call the Global Anglican Communion opened Tuesday in Abuja, Nigerias capital, and is scheduled to run through Friday. The meeting comes just weeks before Bishop of London Sarah Mullally is set to be formally installed as the 106th archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to hold the position, at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25. The initiative follows last years announcement of Mullallys appointment. Shortly afterward, the Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON) revealed plans to establish a new Global Anglican Communion, effectively distancing itself from the traditional Anglican Communion structure led by the archbishop of Canterbury and other Instruments of Communion. GAFCON was founded in Jerusalem in 2008 amid disputes within Anglicanism over same-sex marriage and related theological issues. The group was among the earliest critics of Mullallys appointment, urging her on Oct. 3 to repent for supporting blessings for same-sex couples and declaring its intention to reorder the Anglican Communion around what it describes as the authority of Scripture. Rwandan Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, chairman of the GAFCON Primates Council, previously argued that the Church of Englands leadership decision would deepen divisions within the worldwide Anglican family and rejected Mullallys spiritual authority. For over a century and a half, the Archbishop of Canterbury functioned not only as the Primate of All England but also as a spiritual and moral leader of the Anglican Communion, Mbanda said. In more recent times, the See of Canterbury has been described as one of the four instruments of Communion, whilst also chairing the other three Instruments, namely the Lambeth Conference, the Primates Meeting and the Anglican Consultative Council. However, due to the failure of successive Archbishops of Canterbury to guard the faith, the office can no longer function as a credible leader of Anglicans, let alone a focus of unity, he continued. As we made clear in our Kigali Commitment of 2023, we can no longer recognize the Archbishop of Canterbury as an Instrument of Communion or the first among equals of global Primates. Mullallys installation later this month follows her confirmation service last month at St. Pauls Cathedral in London, where the Rev. Paul Williamson was removed after interrupting the ceremony to protest her appointment. Meanwhile, the Church of Englands General Synod voted last month to abandon proposals for standalone blessing services for same-sex couples after extensive debate within the church. Photo credit: Unsplash/ Papaioannou Kostas A new national survey indicates that only a small fraction of Americans hold a biblical worldview, with the share among Generation Z adults registering at just 1%. The research, conducted in January by Arizona Christian Universitys Cultural Research Center and led by researcher George Barna, surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults as part of the latest American Worldview Inventory. Participants answered 53 questions designed to evaluate whether their beliefs and lifestyles align with biblical principles. According to the report, recent public attention toward Christianity following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk which reportedly spurred increased church attendance and Bible purchases has not translated into measurable growth in biblical worldview. Overall, the study found that only 4% of Americans demonstrate religious beliefs and worldview-related behaviors ... consistent with biblical principles, beliefs and behavior. Researchers classified this group as Integrated Disciples. Another 10% of respondents fell into a category labeled Emergent Followers, describing individuals whose beliefs incorporate elements of a biblical worldview alongside other influences in what the study calls syncretism. The largest segment 85% of respondents were identified as World Citizens. This group may hold some beliefs compatible with biblical teachings but primarily follows other moral or philosophical frameworks. The proportion has grown substantially from 69% recorded in 2020. Younger Americans showed particularly low adherence to a biblical worldview. Among Generation Z adults, just 1% met the surveys criteria. Millennials registered 2%, while Generation X, baby boomers and older adults each recorded about 7%. Researchers also examined the relationship between church attendance and worldview. The share of Evangelical churchgoers classified as Integrated Disciples has dropped significantly in recent years, falling from 21% in 2020 to 11% in the latest survey. The study found that Evangelical churchgoers were only somewhat more likely to possess a biblical worldview than people who attend churches that do not generally affirm core Evangelical beliefs such as the exclusivity of salvation through Jesus Christ or the authority of the Bible. More than half of respondents who identified as Christians 53% were categorized as Notional Christians, a term the report uses for individuals who do not believe salvation comes through personal confession of sin and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior. The survey also reported a strong connection between worldview and political identity. Among those who identify as politically conservative, 12% held a biblical worldview, compared with 1% among moderates and 1% among liberals. Even among conservatives, the figure has declined from 16% in 2020. The findings also showed differences based on sexual identity. Only one-half of one percent of respondents who identify as LGBT met the criteria for a biblical worldview, compared with 5% among those who identify as heterosexual. Reflecting on the results of the American Worldview Inventory 2026, Barna warned that the implications extend beyond religion. The fate of our nation hangs in the balance, he said, adding that the national divide is an indication of the spiritual battle for the soul of America. Barna described the trend as urgent, arguing that the countrys historically Christian cultural foundation is eroding. With only 1% of Gen Z adults demonstrating a biblical worldview, he cautioned that it could face extinction if the pattern continues. Home News AR Bernard, former Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan sworn in as NYPD co-chief chaplains Rev. A.R. Bernard, founder of the Christian Cultural Center megachurch in Brooklyn, and former Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan have both been sworn in as co-chief chaplains of the New York Police Departments Chaplains Unit. At an installation ceremony at One Police Plaza in Manhattan on Wednesday, attended by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, both men, who recently stepped out of their roles leading large Christian groups, thanked Tisch for the opportunity to continue to serve the city. Thank you, Commissioner Tisch, for your vision and your trust. She called us two righteous men. Fortunately, that word does not mean perfect. It means that we've stood the test of time and temptation to compromise our values to live other than the high standard and calling that have been placed upon us, said Bernard, who handed over his senior pastor duties to his son, Jamaal Bernard, last September Congratulations to my dear friend for more than 15 years, Cardinal Dolan, for his appointment as co-chief. I don't know if co-chief represents two halves or two wholes, but we will seek to be the better for each other and for this call, he added. To serve the New York City Police Department is more than an honor. I consider it a calling. The men and women of this department carry extraordinary weight, moral, emotional, and often spiritual. They bear that weight quietly and at good and great personal cost. I believe that spiritual health and moral clarity are not luxuries for policing. They are necessities. The Chaplains Unit, which was formed in 1906, supports the spiritual well-being of the NYPDs more than 50,000 uniformed and civilian members. It has 12 chaplains from various faiths who are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, who respond directly to serious incidents involving members of the service. Dolan, who retired in February and was succeeded by Archbishop Ronald Hicks, said he counted the new appointment as a blessing. Since the welcome arrival, a month ago of my successor, Archbishop Ronald Hicks, as you might imagine, I've been frequently thanking the Lord for the abundant blessings he gave me during my 17 happy years here as archbishop. And you know what? This morning's ceremony sure ranks high up among them and gives me a lot of hope that His graces will continue, Dolan said. Is it not providential that this ceremony would occur during Lent as we Christians prepare to commemorate the dying of Jesus for us on His cross and His resurrection from the dead at Easter; during Ramadan as our Islamic neighbors fast and pray so as to enhance fullness of life and Allah; as our Jewish friends in just weeks will gather for Passover to reverently recall God's deliverance from evil and death in Egypt to freedom and life in the promised land. Is it not providential? he asked. Life and death, good and evil, light and darkness. All those three feasts center on those opposites. As do you, courageous women and men, I am now summoned and sworn to serve as a chaplain in the NYPD. For you, dear colleagues, see both daily. You see life and death. You see good and evil. You see light and darkness. Boy, you do it so well, Dolan explained. And my duty will be to affirm the life, the goodness, and light while also standing next to you as you witness and do your best to stop the death, the evil, and darkness, reminding you that the God in whom we trust is there in both. Home News Biden keeping Nigeria off religious freedom violators list despite targeted killing of 5,000 Christians last year The U.S. State Department has reaffirmed its decision to remove Nigeria from its list of countries of particular concern for religious freedom violations after conducting a careful review" following objections from Nigerian Christians, human rights groups and members of Congress. A State Department spokesperson told The Christian Post in an emailed statement that Nigeria does not meet the legal threshold for designation under the International Religious Freedom Act. The act declares that it must be U.S. policy to condemn violations of religious freedom, and to promote, and to assist other governments in the promotion of, the fundamental right to freedom of religion. However, the State Department told CP that it continues to have concerns about the religious freedom situation in Nigeria, and it will keep pressing the government to address them. The State Department has redesignated Boko Haram and ISIS-WA as Entities of Particular Concern for religious freedom, the spokesperson stated. It has also designated these entities Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). The spokesperson pointed out that Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain recently met with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama and Nigerian National Security Advisor Babagana Monguno during his trip to Mauritania. "[They] discussed a range of religious freedom concerns with them, the spokesperson continued. Earlier this month, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and several of his Republican and Democratic colleagues introduced HRes82. The resolution urges the State Department to re-designate Nigeria as a country of particular concern and called for the appointment of a special envoy to monitor human rights abuses in the region. The CPC designation carries with it the possibility for sanctions and other deterrence actions to influence those countries to improve religious freedom conditions. Christian rights groups have warned for years about the deteriorating religious freedom conditions in Nigeria amid the rise of terror groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State in the northeast. In addition, advocates have warned about an increase in deadly violence against predominantly Christian communities committed by radical herders in the farming-rich Middle Belt states as the country deals with desertification and erosion of natural resources. Critics of the Buhari government contend it is not doing enough to thwart the violence. According to the watchdog group Open Doors, Nigeria ranks No. 6 on the organizations 2023 World Watch List, which ranks the top 50 worst countries for Christian persecution. The watchdog group reported that in 2022, 5,014 Christians were killed for their faith, and 4,726 were abducted. As The Christian Post reported, the Biden administration has taken a different approach to its handling of the rising violence in Nigeria than the Trump administration. Secretary of State Antony Blinken removed Nigeria from the CPC list in November 2021 after it was added to the list by then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo under the Trump administration in December 2020. A 2021 religious freedom report released by the State Department in June 2022 cited testimony from "civil society organizations and media," who "stated that insecurity was pervasive throughout the country and increased nationwide, particularly in the North West region." As the report noted, the predominant religion in the countrys northwest region is Islam. "There was pervasive violence involving predominantly Muslim herders and mostly Christian, but also Muslim, farmers, particularly in the North Central, but also in the North West (where most farmers were Muslim) and South West regions," the report noted. "According to the Nigeria security tracker maintained by the Council on Foreign Relations, there were an estimated 10,399 deaths from violent conflict during the year, compared with 9,694 in 2020." The report cited killings of Christians that CP had previously reported on, such as the death of a 39-year-old Christian pastor and his 3-year-old son by radical Fulani herdsmen in 2021. The same month that Blinken first announced Nigeria's removal from the CPC list, he met with high-ranking government officials in Nigeria and raised concerns about religious freedom issues. Blinken and U.S. diplomats also met with President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. "U.S. officials also addressed religious tensions and efforts to bring religious groups together with several state governors including the governors of Kaduna, Kano, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Borno, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Abia States and other government officials throughout the country," the report reads. "They discussed government and government-supported grassroots efforts to reduce violence, combat insecurity, and promote religious freedom and interreligious tolerance." The bipartisan U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which advises the State Department and Congress about religious freedom matters, criticized Nigerias removal from the CPC list. "USCIRF is especially displeased with the removal of Nigeria from its CPC designation, where it was rightfully placed [in 2020]," USCIRF Chair Nadine Maenza said at the time. Nina Shea, a human rights lawyer and director of the Hudson Institute's Center for Religious Freedom, told CP last year "the State Department has missed the big picture of vulnerable Christian minorities of northern Nigeria being repeatedly attacked and driven from their villages by Muslim extremists and their agents who act with complete impunity." "Authorities fail to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of these large-scale atrocities, and moreover prosecute and threaten local journalists who report on them," she stated. "There's an incomprehensible gap between the State Department's reporting and what desperate Christians on the ground are reporting to religious freedom advocates here. This gap reflects State's overreliance on sources that it and [United States Agency for International Development] funds, which in turn push a political narrative favored by State. That narrative says that northern violence is driven by a conflict over a scarcity of resources as a result of climate change." Home News Prominent exorcist claims aliens are 'diabolic in nature,' Epstein 'heavily involved' in occult A prominent Roman Catholic exorcist claimed during a Thursday interview with former Navy SEAL Shawn Ryan that entities claiming to be extraterrestrial or interdimensional are demonic, and that the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was likely heavily engaged in occult activity. "Obviously some of the UFOs can be explained, some of them, by governmental experiments and things of that sort, which people are not necessarily used to," said Father Chad Ripperger, who is a priest, theologian, philosopher and exorcist serving in the Archdiocese of Denver. During his wide-ranging, four-hour conversation with Ryan, Ripperger went on to claim that most "alien abduction" scenarios have all the trappings of demonic possession intended to spiritually deceive and enslave. Father Chad Ripperger on UFOs, aliens, and what the Bible actually says about extraterrestrial life and abduction phenomena. pic.twitter.com/1cmbZ9p02d Shawn Ryan (@ShawnRyan762) March 3, 2026 "I actually did a conference on this more recently, where I parse out 10 different ways in which ... those abduction scenarios, if you actually look at what the 'aliens' are supposedly doing, is identical to the same things that demons do to people who are possessed." "So, if you strip the veneer of the alien aspect of it off, in point of fact, what you're dealing with is, they're just demons," he added, and recommended the bestselling book Alien Intrusion by Christian apologist Gary Bates. Ripperger noted that in Bates' book, which debunks many alleged UFO and extraterrestrial sightings, there are accounts of abduction scenarios that abruptly cease when the individual cries out to Jesus Christ. "So there's a lot of demonic stuff on that level," the priest said. Ripperger explained that the accounts of UFOs appearing to defy the laws of known physics also suggest their demonic nature. "There's some that speculate, too, that some of the craft that we see moving in ways that are contrary to physical laws is also just a diabolic mirage, which they can cause. That type of stuff is extraordinarily rare, because God doesn't usually permit it, but that can actually happen." "A lot of this stuff, not all of it, but a lot of this stuff is just diabolic in nature," he added. Ripperger further noted that the messages typically relayed by alleged aliens to abductees relate to providing salvation to humanity without Jesus Christ, which he observed is also demonic. The layout of Jeffrey Epstein's private island, which has a strange temple-like structure, "gives an indication that it was heavily involved in the occult," Ripperger also said, adding that the late sex trafficker's unusually depraved sexual behavior suggests a satanic element. "It's the same thing that we've seen elsewhere, where guys who suffer from homosexuality and they're very heavily active, it very often degenerates into ritualistic sex. It's the same kind of a thing there," he said. "Satan ends up just driving them, because they're so disordered that he gets involved, and then he drives it more towards a ritualistic kind of an approach." "So if it wasn't ritualistic, I'd be surprised," he said of Epstein, whose emails reveal he purchased books related to sex magick, tantra, Kundalini yoga, Kabbalah and the Thelema philosophy of the infamous occultist Aleister Crowley. Ripperger later claimed he personally agrees with a viral quote misattributed to Russian President Vladimir Putin that Western governments are run by "satanic pedophiles" who are addicted to the thrill of power that Satan offers, which Ripperger said is all that demons and those who worship them have. "If the veil drops too much and people start rising up to take the power away, that's when it's going to get ugly," he said. "These people have their hands on the levers of power, and they're going to use it to take us out if they think that their power's going to be jeopardized." Home News Connecticut minister facing animal cruelty charges, put on administrative leave An Episcopal Church minister in Connecticut is facing animal cruelty charges related to the deaths of three dogs. Lisa Levy, 48, a minister at Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green in New Haven, was arrested last month and charged with five counts of animal cruelty, reports News 12 Connecticut. Authorities say they found dogs that Levy owned that had cuts, chemical burns and broken bones; three of the five dogs she was said to have owned died as a result of injuries or illnesses. Trinity on the Green, where Levy served as congregational care minister, also issued a letter to the congregation last week, signed by the Rev. Luk De Volder, rector of the church, and the Rev. Heidi Thorsen, associate rector of the church. The clergy said they had notified the regional body of the situation, that Levy was being represented by an attorney, and called for prayers for all involved. We are mindful of the significant spiritual and emotional impact of this news on our community, the leaders continued. Please be in touch with Rev. Luk or Rev. Heidi if you find yourself in need of a pastoral conversation." The arrest warrant for Levy states that she and her boyfriend had taken several dogs who were suffering from neurological problems or chemical burns to veterinarians, according to News 12. According to authorities, the offense dates for the alleged abuse go from December 2022 to July of last year, reports the New Haven Independent, with officials first becoming aware of the alleged cruelty in late January. As of last week, Levy had not pleaded to any of the charges and was released from custody on a $15,000 bond, according to the Independent, which reports that she told police she wasn't responsible for their injuries. The Episcopal Church in Connecticut issued a statement in response to the arrest, saying that Levy was placed on administrative leave as a result of the proceedings. We are keeping Lisa in our prayers and all those impacted by this situation. This is a tragic situation, and we grieve it. As people of faith, we know that what God has made is sacred, stated the regional body, as quoted by News 12. As people whose lives are enriched by the companionship of animals, we know they must be treated with care, respect, and dignity. We are mindful of the significant spiritual and emotional impact of this news on our community. Home News Gov. Newsom questions US support for Israel, cites apartheid state criticism California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday said that some observers appropriately describe Israel as an apartheid state while directing much of his criticism at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Bibi). The issue of Bibi is interesting because hes got his own domestic issues. Hes trying to stay out of jail, hes got an election coming up, hes potentially on the ropes, hes got folks, the hard line, that want to annex the West Bank, Newsom said in an interview on the podcast, Pod Save America. Rebuking Israels policies, he said others are talking about it appropriately as sort of an apartheid state. Newsom, who is a likely Democratic 2028 presidential candidate, was asked during the interview whether the United States should be rethinking our military support for Israel. It breaks my heart, because the current leadership in Israel is walking us down that path where I dont think you have a choice, the California governor responded. The claim that Israel practices apartheid is disputed. Arab Israelis including Muslims, Christians and Druze make up roughly 20% of the countrys population and hold equal civic rights under Israeli law. Many serve in prominent roles as lawmakers, lawyers, doctors, senior judges, scientists, and leaders of hospitals and banks. By contrast, Arabic-speaking residents of Judea and Samaria (West Bank) are not Israeli citizens, and most live under the administration of the Palestinian Authority (PA). Newsom, like many Democrats, is opposed to the Trump administrations joint military action with Israel against Iran, Operation Epic Fury. He said it was pretty damn self-evident that Netanyahu had influenced U.S. President Donald Trump to enter the war against the ayatollah regime. Trump has strongly denied the charge and has repeatedly stressed that Iran poses a serious threat to U.S. national security and interests in the Middle East. Newsom previously defined his relationship with the Jewish state as crystal clear in my love for Israel and my condemnation of Bibi. I didnt expect to be in that place, you know, a few years ago, let alone, you know, where we are today, and its accelerating in real time in a deeply, deeply alarming way, Newsom added. However, his critical rhetoric on Israel may be aimed at appealing to segments of the Democratic Party that question U.S. military assistance to the country. There is a rising discussion within the party, particularly among progressive Democrats, about reviewing or potentially limiting such support. Israel currently receives some $3.6 billion in military assistance from Washington. Senior U.S. military officials have described the U.S. military commitment to Israel as a mutually beneficial investment rather than traditional aid. Most of these funds are designated for spending within the U.S., supporting thousands of American jobs, while the U.S. also gains access to advanced technologies and intelligence provided by Israel. In January, Netanyahu announced a plan to phase out U.S. military assistance to Israel within a decade. The prime minister has praised the alliance with the U.S. while emphasizing the need for Israel to become more self-reliant in producing its own defense systems. This article was originally published at All Israel News Home News Nancy Guthrie family continue to ask for prayers; owner of gloves identified A potential lead in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, appears to have resulted in a dead end, according to the Pima County Sheriffs Department. In a statement this week, the Pima County Sheriffs Department said that the black gloves discovered about 2 miles from Nancy Guthries home were traced back to a local restaurant employee. That individual is not part of this investigation, the department stated. Lab analysis on other DNA evidence remains ongoing. Local authorities are working with the FBI to locate Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing on Feb. 1 after she failed to attend a virtual church service that morning. The elderly woman and mother of the "Today" show host was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 31 after having had dinner with her family. In a statement about the case, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos explained that the investigation remains ongoing, but he expressed confidence in investigators ability to recover Nancy Guthrie, as KVOA reported this week. Nanos addressed a report that the police out in the field had discarded the gloves found at the scene, a claim that he said is so far from the truth. We knew that at that time, we believed wholeheartedly that those gloves belonged to a restaurant and guess what? The owner of the glove, we found working at a restaurant across the street. It has nothing to do with the case," the sheriff stated. In a Feb. 15 statement to USA Today, a spokesperson for the FBI's public affairs office explained that investigators had collected approximately 16 gloves near the missing womans house. According to the FBI spokesperson, most of the gloves belonged to searchers who had discarded them after surveying the scene. The one with the DNA profile recovered is different and appears to match the gloves of the subject in the surveillance video, the spokesperson for the FBIs public affairs office stated. On Feb. 17, the Pima County Sheriff's Department announced that DNA evidence from the gloves found approximately 2 miles from Nancy Guthries home did not trigger any matches after it was submitted to CODIS. Investigators have highlighted a man captured on Nancy Guthries doorbell camera as a potential suspect in the case. In a Feb. 10 social media post, the Pima County Sheriffs Office released images of a masked man wearing gloves at Nancy Guthries front door on the morning of her disappearance. The images appear to show the suspect tampering with the camera. The FBI described the suspect in a Feb. 12 post on social media as a man with an average build who is estimated to be about 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. Last month, the FBI also released footage of the suspect outside of Nancy Guthries door the day before the suspected abduction, suggesting that he might have scoped the place out beforehand. We are aware that doorbell images released earlier in the investigation depict a suspect in different stages of attire, including with and without a backpack, Nanos said in a statement at the time about the report. There is no date or time stamp associated with these images. Therefore, any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative, the statement continued. This remains an active and ongoing criminal investigation. As with any investigation, conclusions will be guided by verifiable evidence and established facts. As the search for the missing elderly woman entered its fifth week, Savannah Guthrie shared a photo on her Instagram on Monday of the flowers people have left outside of her mothers home. [We] feel the love and prayers from our neighbors, from the Tucson community and from around the country, Guthrie wrote, adding, please dont stop praying and hoping with us. [Bring] her home. In a video shared on Instagram on Feb. 24, Guthrie announced that she and her family are offering a $1 million reward for any information that leads to Nancy Guthries recovery. Home News Trump admin. urged to place Syria, Libya on list of worst religious freedom violators A bipartisan federal government watchdog entity has recommended that the U.S. State Department designate more than a dozen countries as countries of particular concern, including Syria and Libya, as a key post overseeing the government's monitoring of international religious freedom remains unfilled. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom released its 2026 Annual Report on Wednesday. The annual report, mandated by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, provides recommendations to the U.S. federal government on protecting religious freedom worldwide as it pursues its diplomatic goals. The report labels Afghanistan, Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, India, Iran, Libya, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Vietnam as CPCs for engaging in or tolerating particularly severe violations of religious freedom, the highest tier reserved for the world's worst violators. All but two of the countries recommended for designation as CPCs were also included in USCIRFs recommendations in its 2025 Annual Report, with Libya and Syria as new additions. In Libya, USCIRF warns of a downward spiral of religious freedom conditions, specifically the sentencing of 10 Christians and one atheist to prison terms ranging from three to 15 years because of their embrace of religious beliefs at odds with those preferred by the government. The detainees have reportedly faced torture, including beatings and psychological abuse behind bars. Additional developments in Libya include the prosecution of a social media user for criticizing the nations religious institutions, USCIRF warned. "Across the country, minority religious communities continued to face ongoing persecution at the hands of government authorities, including harassment, arbitrary detention, and societal discrimination against foreign and local Christians, disfavored Muslim groups (including Sufis and Ibadis), and suspected converts from Islam," the annual report states. In Syria, USCIRF warns that religious freedom conditions in the war-torn country "dramatically deteriorated" in 2025. The report cited the transitional governments failure to prevent, curb, or adequately administer justice for multiple mass killings, kidnappings, and other egregious acts of violence against Alawis, Druze, Christians, and other religious minorities." USCIRF pointed to the March 2025 mass killing of more than 1,500 Alawites in response to transitional authorities general mobilization calls. "Militants conducted mass door-to-door executions of Alawi civilians in Tartus, Latakia, and Hama, deploying religious slurs such as 'Alawi Nusayri pigs' against their victims and killing at least 1,500 people in the first two days," the report reads. "In April, armed actors reacted violently to false social media reports that a Druze leader had insulted the [Islamic] Prophet Muhammad, firing on Druze residents in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana and kicking off several days of fatal clashes." Last June, a suspected suicide bomber attacked the Mar Elias Antiochian/Greek Orthodox Church in Damascus, where at least 25 Christians were killed during a Sunday liturgy. "Despite transitional authorities obligations to administer justice against the perpetrators of these and other atrocities, official accountability processes suffered from slowness, lack of transparency, or inadequate or no punishment for the perpetrators," USCIRF researchers state. The commission recommends the State Department include Algeria, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Qatar, Turkey and Uzbekistan on its "Special Watch List" for countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom, a second-tier ranking. USCIRF had recommended all 11 countries for placement on the Special Watch List in the 2025 Annual Report, along with Syria. As noted throughout the report, the State Department has not issued CPC or SWL designations since 2023. The failure to make the designations comes after the U.S. Senate failed to confirm Mark Walker, Trumps nominee to serve as U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, leaving the post without a permanent appointee more than a year into his term. After Walker's nomination expired at the start of the new year, Walker was appointed in January to a religious freedom advisory role at the State Department that doesn't require Senate confirmation. During the last round of State Department designations, the department did not include Afghanistan, India or Vietnam on the list of CPCs, and did not include Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Qatar, Turkey or Uzbekistan on the SWL. President Donald Trump announced on Oct. 31, 2025, that he was designating Nigeria as a CPC after the Biden administration repeatedly left the African nation off the CPC list. As for entities of particular concern, a label reserved for non-state actors who engage in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, USCIRF recommended that the State Department designate al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, the Islamic State in Sehel, the Islamic State in West Africa, Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin, Rapid Support Forces and the Houthis as EPCs. With the exception of the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan, all the non-state actors recommended for designation as EPCs were included on the State Departments list in 2023, along with the Syrian terror group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and the Taliban in Afghanistan. USCIRF consists of commissioners appointed by the president and leaders of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. USCIRF commissioners issued statements in response to the annual reports release. China arrests underground church members, mob violence is on the rise in India and Pakistan, leading to attacks on religious minorities and the destruction of their homes, Burmas military bombs houses of worship, and Tajikistan denies parents the right to teach their children about faith, said USCIRF Chair Vicky Hartzler, a Republican former member of Congress. As USCIRFs Annual Report shows, far too many people in key nations are denied religious freedom through unjust laws, discrimination, harassment, violence, and even crimes against humanity, she added. The U.S. government must continue to advance religious freedom abroad to make a difference for those facing religious persecution. USCIRF Vice Chair Asif Mahmood notes that government repression and non-state actor violence "are on the rise in many places around the world," saying such acts are "often devastating targeted religious communities and taking innocent lives. Mahmood urged the State Department to issue its Annual Report on International Religious Freedom and make its designations for countries and entities that violate this fundamental freedom to keep it at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy. Home News Trump forges alliance with conservative Latin American leaders at the 'Shield of the Americas' summit The U.S. administration has decided to focus its foreign policy on the Western Hemisphere by creating new strategic alliances. In this context, President Donald Trump will host the "Shield of the Americas" summit on March 7 in Miami, Florida. This event will bring together Latin American leaders who share an ideological affinity, marking a remarkable political shift in the region. Washington's approach seeks to consolidate a bloc that defends common interests and traditional values in the face of external pressures. The National Security Strategy 2026 outlines a plan for identifying and working closely with "ideologically trusted partners." This tactic is intended to curb the influence of foreign powers and protect hemispheric development. Among the guests at this important event are emblematic figures of the recent shift to the right in Latin America. Leaders such as Presidents Javier Milei of Argentina, Nayib Bukele of El Salvador and Rodrigo Chaves of Costa Rica will participate in the meeting. For Christians observing the geopolitical landscape, these leaders represent a counterweight to the progressive agendas promoted in international forums. However, political analysts warn about the fragility of relying exclusively on temporary personal or ideological affinities. The region's diplomatic history shows a constant pendulum that could reverse these advances. According to Adam Ratzlaff, founder and CEO of Pan-American Strategic Advisors, basing relationships on these ties "risks undermining the development of longer-term bilateral relations," especially when there are democratic transitions. The creation of new ideological blocs adds an additional challenge to the cooperation and integration of the American continent, some say. Experts suggest that the administration should avoid actions that project it as an "imperialist bully," prioritizing instead a genuine consensus that promotes freedom, peace and lasting stability for these nations. Among his strategic moves, Trump announced Thursday the reassignment of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas. "The current secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well and has had numerous spectacular results (especially on the border!), will become Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas, our new Western Hemisphere Security Initiative that we will announce on Saturday in Doral, Florida," Trump said. "I thank Kristi for her service on 'Homeland Security.'" In line with its strong stance on security, the administration has hardened its approach against the scourge of drug trafficking. During a recent meeting in Miami, White House adviser Stephen Miller warned regional military leaders that drug cartels must confront each other with military might, equating them with terrorist organizations, according to Reuters. Justifying this drastic change in policy that prioritizes the use of force over traditional legal processes, Miller was blunt about eradicating this evil. "We have learned after decades of effort that there is no criminal justice solution to the cartel problem," the official said. Our work is made possible by the generosity of supporters like you. Your contributions empower us to continue breaking stories that matter, providing clarity from a biblical worldview, and standing for truth in an era of competing narratives. By making a recurring donation or a one-time donation of any amount, youre helping to keep CPs articles free and accessible for everyone. Home News United Methodist Church to close facility that manages 65,000 relief kits a year The United Methodist Church is set to close a 48,000-square-foot facility that houses approximately 65,000 disaster-relief supply kits each year. The United Methodist Committee on Relief, which is part of the denominations humanitarian work, will close its Sager Brown Depot in Baldwin, Louisiana, in January of next year. Susan Clark, spokesperson for the UMC General Board of Global Ministries, which UMCOR is a part of, told The Christian Post on Thursday that the closure was due to multiple issues, namely that the facility is too large for our relief kit operation and that the capital expenditures to modernize it such as software, barcode scanning, etc. are cost prohibitive. UMCOR will no longer use the property for material supply resources; its future use has yet to be determined, Clark explained. The facility will operate normally throughout 2026, for relief kit supply assembly and management, as well as scheduled volunteer mission experiences. According to Clark, while UMCOR doesn't oversee any other depots, it belongs to a network that includes seven affiliate warehouses across the U.S. to get relief supplies to communities in need after a disaster. We are in discussions to identify a new logistics warehouse partner, Clark told CP, adding that they are considering new affiliations for the network, and working on a capacity-building grant program for the network that will support volunteer engagement, enhance kit readiness, and meet UMCOR operational standards. According to information provided by Clark, the depot traces its origins to New Orleans in 1867, with an orphanage and school created to help local African American boys. It was named after Addie Sager and C.W. Brown, two supporters of the school. Known for a time as the Sager Brown Home and Godman School, the institution operated until 1978, when it closed. The property was put up for sale, but remained vacant for 14 years. UMCOR began using the property in 1992 to coordinate volunteers and relief efforts for the area following Hurricane Andrew, with the depot officially opened in 1996. In addition to managing about 65,000 relief kits annually, the depot hosts between 850 and 1,000 volunteers to help assemble kits, support local charity projects, and meet for worship and fellowship. Home News USCIRF warns of threat to Christians in northwestern Syria Theres a threat to the property, safety and existence of religious minority groups, including Christians, in northwestern Syria under the de facto governance of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate and U.S.-designated terrorist group, says the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom in a new report. The HTS-led Salvation Government continues to grow its administrative power in northwest Syria, which includes parts of the Idlib governorate, one of the last and largest strongholds against President Bashar al-Assads government, says USCIRFs factsheet. HTS, which is an evolving conglomerate of militant Islamist Syrian rebel groups, is attempting to rebrand as a legitimate civic authority and continues to harass religious minorities and prevent them from the free practice of their religion, forbidding Christians ringing of church bells or holding some religious ceremonies. Since 2015, religious minorities such as Christians and Druze have lost their homes and land to HTS and its predecessors, the factsheet says. Under the present Salvation Government, the Properties Committee continues to misappropriate Christians private properties and either redistribute them to HTS members and their families or rent them to internally displaced persons for the Salvation Governments profit. It adds, Evidence suggests that this confiscation scheme, which includes the targeting of Christians, may amount to the war crime of pillage. What further compounds the perilous religious freedom conditions in and near Idlib is that HTS, which remains a potent source of a Salafi-jihadism that restricts the religious freedom of non-conforming Sunni Muslims, is cultivating a mutually and politically expedient relationship with Turkey, which itself represents a distinct threat to vulnerable religious minority groups via its military incursions in northern Syria. Observers suspect that HTS may have orchestrated recent violent attacks on religious minorities, such as a July 2022 explosion that targeted a Greek Orthodox church inauguration in Hama a governorate that HTS partially controls. While Turkey has designated HTS as a terrorist organization, perhaps in tacit exchange for HTS services as a watchdog and security force, it has not actively impeded the rebel group from gaining administrative power in Idlib in recent years, USCIRF says. If the geopolitical calculus of Syria changes, HTS brutality can escalate, warns USCIRF. For example, if the Assad regime reclaims territory in the northwest, HTS resulting loss of state-building as a legitimate platform could prompt its return to large-scale acts of insurgency and terrorism, with severe consequences for religious freedom, it explains. Moreover, the group has accompanied its claims to additional territory with assertive and sometimes violent expressions of religious ideology. In its 2022 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. State Department redesignate HTS as an Entity of Particular Concern for its ongoing violations of religious freedom, and that the Treasury Department impose targeted sanctions on additional HTS leaders. Global persecution watchdog Open Doors USA ranks Syria as the 15th-worst country in the world when it comes to Christian persecution. The Middle Eastern country's Christian population has dwindled since civil war began in 2011. Syria is also home to several Islamic extremist groups. According to the watchdog, public expression of faith is dangerous for Christians in areas where extremists have territorial control. "Even though the public threat of ISIS has largely subsided, Christians in Syria still grapple with daily persecution that may become violent. In areas where Islamic extremist groups are active, leaders of historical church communities may be targeted simply because they are more visible," an Open Doors fact sheet states. "But leaders of other Christian groups are also vulnerable because they may be more active in evangelism. Church buildings are completely destroyed in many parts of Syria where Islamic extremists had control (or continue to maintain control)." Home Opinion Is Operation Epic Fury a just cause? President Trump has launched Operation EPIC Fury against the ultra-terrorist cabal that has been operating the Islamic terrorist state controlling the country of Iran since 1979. Since that date, they have been fomenting terror and revolution throughout the Middle East and the world. The Iranian terrorist state has been killing Israelis and Americans, as well as their fellow Iranians and Islamic compatriots who do not agree with them. The mullahs have labeled America as the Great Satan and Israel as the Little Satan and have pledged themselves to the destruction of both. It has often been reported that they have openly declared that Iran could do with one or two atomic weapons what Hitler failed to do eliminate the Jews! At the grievous expense of their own people, the Iranian mullahs have spent their countrys impressive oil riches in pursuit of weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons and the guided missiles to deliver them. In order to deal morally with dilemmas and crises precisely like this, Western Civilization and the Christian faith have developed just war theory. Building on Greco-Roman philosophies and people like Aristotle and Plato, the great Christian theologians Augustine (354-430 A.D.) and Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274 A.D.) promulgated just war theory the circumstances under which Christians should participate in armed conflict and what the acceptable means are under which they could participate. In summary, the requirements are: 1) Just cause. This requirement excludes wars of conquest for material gain or wars of revenge. A just cause does not include subjugating the citizens of other countries. 2) Must be defensive. Just war theory would disqualify offensive wars. This does not mean that nations have to wait to be attacked. If it is clear that other nations are actively preparing to attack you, you do not have to wait until they act. In the Six-Day War in 1967, Egypt, Syria and Jordan were actively in final preparations to attack Israel. Israel struck first, destroyed the Egyptian Air Force on the ground, and won the war in the first two hours of the conflict. My father was a 20-year-old sailor in the U.S. Navy in December 1941, sailing with the U.S. Aircraft Carriers re-enforcing Wake Island when the Japanese Task Force operating under radio silence attacked Pearl Harbor without a declaration of war. I have been assured by Pentagon authorities that had the U.S. Task Force encountered the Japanese that close to Pearl Harbor under radio silence, they would have considered it a hostile act and responded accordingly. 3) Last Resort. Every reasonable effort should be made to resolve conflict before violence is used. This does not require endless delays. 4) Noncombatant Immunity: Under no circumstances should civilians be deliberately targeted, and great care should be taken to avoid or minimize civilian casualties if at all possible. 5) Prudential Judgment. Is it likely that the good gained from armed conflict will outweigh the cost in human life and suffering? For example, it is difficult to imagine that the European governments that plunged that continent into what is now known as World War I would have ignited that horrible conflagration that decimated an entire generation of British, French, German, Austrian and Italian young men had they been able to foresee it. Applying these criteria to the American and Israeli intervention in Iran, it is clear that they meet just war criteria. President Trump and our government, along with our Israeli allies, made it clear that we had repeatedly tried nonviolent initiatives and then limited violent actions (the attack on Irans nuclear facilities), and the Iranian mullahs remained openly defiant. I suspect the critical turning point was when the Iranian negotiators evidently bragged that they still had significant amounts of enriched nuclear material (enough to make 11 atomic bombs very quickly, perhaps in less than a month). When they said that, I suspect the American negotiators (and I know the Israeli negotiators) said, Thats it! Time is up. We must go. President Trump authorized the lethal use of force and said, We are doing this to give your country back to you. Now is your chance to take your country back from the mullahs who hijacked it in 1979. I dont know this, but I suspect that the Israelis may have said, Thats it. We cannot gamble any longer. America, please do this with us, or we will be forced to do it alone." The problem is, the Israelis cannot guarantee de-nuclearizing Iran without using their own nuclear arsenal (which they do have). This would have involved the first use of nuclear weapons since Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. It must always be remembered that the worst (the Holocaust) has happened to the Jews. They remember. They will not allow any resource they possess to go unused to prevent it from happening again. If the choice is they get nuked or they nuke them, Iran will be nuked! Remember, the mullahs have probably murdered as many as 30,000 of their own people who were demonstrating against them in the last 45 days. In conclusion, resisting aggression and terrorism is an essential ingredient in maintaining a civilized society. As British philosopher John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) concluded about two centuries ago: A man who has nothing which he cares about more than he does about his personal safety is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free unless made so and kept so by the existence of better men than himself. As long as justice and injustice have not terminated their ever-renewing fight for ascendency in the affairs of mankind, human beings must be willingwhen need is, to do battle for the one against the other. Thankfully, with everything going on in the world, there are plenty of quirky charity sector stories to keep Diary and its beloved readers entertained and distracted from fears of global apocalypse. For example, creative agency TBWA\MCR has created the worlds first digital out of home (DOOH) advert to be controlled by a bum. (By which it means the posterior part of the anatomy, not a character from a Kerouac novel.) Yes, you read that correctly. And if youre honest and really think about it, Diary wagers that you cant recall a previous DOOH advert to be controlled by a bum, so it must be true. This is for prostate cancer charity Prost8. Around 12,000 men die of prostate cancer every year. And while early detection could slash deaths by 40% , men are avoiding prostate tests, mistakenly thinking it involves a finger up the bum. Dodge the Finger aims to correct that misconception by telling them its just a blood test. As its primarily targeting men aged 50+, it brings together the two things they like, apparently: humour and arcade games. The centrepiece is a retro-style playable game which invites players to control a virtual bum with their own backsides to avoid the fingers as they move across the big screen. Now, obviously, Diary is far too mature to go straight to the bottom, humour-wise, and make the story the butt of all its jokes, but given Diarys ineptitude at video games, there would certainly be concerns about a bum steer. Wild nights in Clapham The other means of blocking out the news is to go out and let whatever remaining hair Diary still has, down. Obviously, Diary cannot reveal precise locations of its partying for fear of paparazzi reprisals, but there have been rumours that Clapham, where Civil Society Towers is based, has seen Diary shake many a shoe. Which is why Diary was intrigued to hear that Australian actress Margot Robbie has admitted to being excluded from most of the clubs in Clapham. Speaking on the Table Manners podcast, the star of Wuthering Heights, who used to live in the south London suburb, would not divulge why she and her friends had incurred the wrath of the venues, but did admit that for a while, we were banned at a number of places. Diary isnt going to confess to how many Clapham establishments it has been barred from. However, it can admit that there are nights when a friendly taxi service home would have been useful, especially if operated for a good cause. So, you can see why the following headline caught its eye: Pub owner who was dropping merry punters home in his taxi for donations and raising money for charity is banned from offering lifts by jobsworth council. According to the Daily Mail, which is always a useful caveat in case the facts are later found to be inaccurate, Paul Hartfield, who owns the Flying Horse in Smarden in Ashford, Kent, has raised hundreds of pounds for charity by asking customers to make small donations to the Motor Neurone Disease Association for using his cab. He didnt make a profit from the taxi service, which he hoped would help punters get home safely, and chose the charity because one of his regulars had been diagnosed with the disease. Mean spirited But Ashford Borough Council (boooooo) decided to shut the not-for-profit service down after a local newspaper article highlighted the landlords charitable work, according to reports. Hartfield was told by the authoritys licensing team that he was subject to requirements for local authority licensing because his black cab was a private hire vehicle, despite the landlord not personally benefitting financially. He explained that customers of the Flying Horse, which dates back to 1790, were simply asked to make a charitable donation for using the taxi. A council official reportedly wrote back, telling him a person can be said to derive commercial benefit, even if a payment isnt made to him. Hartfield said the councils decision to put a stop to the service was mean-spirited. However, a spokesperson for Ashford Borough Council told the Daily Mail that while it recognised the good intentions behind the pub taxi service, the council must balance good intentions with our regulatory responsibilities as the licensing authority. The council has provided the business with details about private hire licensing in order to comply with current legislation, and said it is open to assisting the pub if Hartfield applies for the licence. Lets hope common sense prevails as otherwise, creative charity fundraising may seem to have received a bum deal. Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. On Tuesday, Estefany Rodriguez, a journalist at a Spanish-language outlet called Nashville Noticias, was in the suburbs southeast of Nashville, covering a series of raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rodriguez, who is from Colombia, reported from the parking lot of a residential complex where three ICE agents detained a man believed to be of Venezuelan origin; ICE also arrested at least three others nearby. On Wednesday, she headed to a gym in South Nashville with her husband, Alejandro Medina III, who is a United States citizen. Theyd taken a car marked with the Nashville Noticias logo. When they were outside, they suddenly found themselves surrounded: according to a statement from Nashville Noticias, several men got out and demanded that our colleague be taken into custody. They presented no warrant. (The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has since commented that there was a warrant, signed by an immigration officer. An attorney for Rodriguez, Michael Holley, told me that the warrant was only received days after the fact, and that a box was checkedthe failure to establish admissibility subsequent to deferred inspectionindicating that it was issued well after arrest, which still appears to have been warrantless.) Rodriguez was detained and brought to Alabama, where she remains now, expecting to be transferred to a center Louisiana. An emergency petition for her release, filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, notes that Rodriguez arrived in the US in March of 2021 on a tourist visa and, while the visa was still valid, filed for political asylum. Back in Colombia, where she covered stories relating to cartels and organized crime, she received death threats, Joel Coxander, one of her lawyers, told me. Later, she married Medina, and they filed for permission to adjust her status to that of a lawful permanent resident. She has a valid work permit; in addition to Nashville Noticias, she has previously contributed to Univision 42 Nashville. Ahead of her arrest, she, Medina, and Coxander had been actively engaged with the ICE field office in Nashvillea back-and-forth involving repeated delays because of an ice storm, an unexpected office closure, and an agent unable to find Rodriguez in the computer system. Theyd come in to talk, and been given a date to return: March 17. For a warrantless case like this, ICE has to have both an immigration violation and reason to believe there is a flight risk for this person, Coxander said. In the petition, Rodriguezs lawyers argued that the Department of Homeland Security lacked legal basis for her arrestafter all, shed intended to make her appointment. Holley told me that the petition for Rodriguez will be amended to add a claim for first amendment retaliation because that appears to be central to the case. Veronica Salcedo, the director of Nashville Noticias, told me that this feels like a nightmareand still she and her colleagues have a responsibility to continue reporting. As journalists its important to continue documenting what is happening, she said. And what is happening is what happened to Estefany. Speaking to members of the press, Freddie OConnell, Nashvilles mayor, weighed in: Weve continued to share our concerns about the way this activity is happening, he said. I think Estefanys case is yet another example of how this is not about dangerous criminals or even actual legal status because she has been in a process of asylum review. In a statement, the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugees Rights Coalition said, Its not lost on us that as a reporter, Estafany honestly and courageously told real stories about the harms caused by ICE and the people they targeted and detained. Rodriguezs detention follows a series of shocking journalist arrests. In late January, federal agents booked Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, accusing them of conspiring with activists to disrupt a religious service at a church in St. Paul whose pastor serves as a regional director for ICE. And last June, in Doraville, Georgia, north of Atlanta, ICE arrested Mario Guevara, an Emmy-winning reporter originally from El Salvador; after more than a hundred days in custody, he was deportedin what is believed to be the first case of a journalist being removed from the US in retaliation for their work. I couldnt help but think of Guevara, Katherine Jacobsen, a program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, told me. The government tried to put forward arguments that it was an immigration case, or say that his livestreaming was a danger to the public, when it was really, at its core, silencing a local community reporter for his work covering immigration. Jacobsen believes that similar dynamics are also at play in Rodriguezs case. The Trump administration has zero regard for procedure, she said, and a disturbing comfort with using Department of Homeland Security apparatuses to stifle journalists. That appears likely even post Kristi Noem, who was named in the Rodriguez petition and ousted as secretary of homeland security (for unrelated reasons) the next day. The fact that Guevara and Rodriguez both worked for Spanish-language media, and were seemingly presumed to have access to communities greatly impacted by immigration, is notable, per Jacobsenas is the fact that they each had a lower national profile. In a statement, Nashville Noticias said that it expresses its respect for the laws of the United States and hopes the situation will be resolved favorably for our colleague so that she can be released soon, as she needs to reunite with her young daughter and husband to continue her legal process within the framework permitted by law. But regardless of what happens next, Rodriguezs detention may well deter other journalists from reporting on ICE in their communities, Jacobsen fears. Its one arrest, but its dozens, if not more, stories that will not be told because people are scared to go out and cover them, she said. Editors Note: This story has been updated to reflect that DHS contested the status of the warrant in Rodriguezs case, as well as a comment from her lawyer in response; the lawyer also clarified where Rodriguez is being held. Sign up for CJRs daily email Sign up for the daily CJR newsletter. It has been almost a week since the United States and Israel began bombarding Iran in a coordinated military assault that President Donald Trump has said will last at least four weeks. The death toll in Tehran has already risen above a thousand people, and there is still a lack of clarity from the administration on the justification or objectives for the war. The country, battered from months of widespread government protests and a brutal crackdown that left more than seven thousand people dead, has been plunged into another near-total internet blackout. The ability of Iranians to communicate with one another or to get reliable information out of the country is severely limited. As I wrote here in January, Iran was already an extraordinarily difficult environment for journalism. Since the offensive began, it has gotten dramatically worse. Journalists are working under foreign bombs and receiving menacing phone calls from the authorities, an Iranian journalist told Reporters Without Borders. For many, dedication to covering the news has meant time in jail: according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least fifteen members of the press in Iran are behind bars. Among them is Narges Mohammadi, a journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who is one of Irans most prominent human rights activists. There is grave concern for the safety of those prisonersand all prisoners in Iran. During last years Twelve-Day War, Israel targeted Evin Prison, a notorious detention facility where dissidents are held, killing at least eighty people. Mehdi Mahmoudian, the cowriter of an Oscar-nominated film called It Was Just an Accident, was imprisoned in Evin at the time and wrote that guards used prisoners as human shields during the strike. Jason Rezaian, who was wrongfully imprisoned in Evin for eighteen months and whom I have known since we met in Tehran in 2003, told me that there are reports that prison authorities have fled, leaving inmates locked up without adequate food, medical care, or running water. The human toll is extreme in a situation like that, and imagine being trapped in a prison where youre already being unjustly detained, he said. I think that the international community has a responsibility to get those people out. And yet I dont know how you would do that. He warned that darker days may lie ahead. Its a really high likelihood that things will get worse, not better, Rezaian said. I understand the elation and celebration around the taking out of the supreme leader. But I think people who witness those emotions dont understand the larger context. People of Iran know very well that he was just one piece of the puzzle. In October, a week after longtime Pentagon reporters surrendered their press credentials rather than sign a restrictive new media policy, the so-called Department of War announced a replacement press corps composed largely of friendly right-wing outlets and influencers. The group includes One America News, NewsNation, Turning Point USA, and the Daily Caller. Also represented are Lindell TV, the vanity media platform launched by Mike Lindell, the CEO of MyPillow, and Laura Loomer, the far-right provocateur who was reportedly among the first people Trump called after waging war. Sign up for CJRs daily email Did the new press corps inspire confidence? On Monday, Pete Hegseththe secretary of defense, or war, as he preferswelcomed his loyalists to the Pentagon for his first briefing on the most consequential military action of Trumps second term. They asked relatively straightforward, unchallenging questions, and then there was this, from a reporter for the Christian Broadcasting Network: There are a large amount of US service members that are in harms way right now, she said. What is your prayer for them? (Even in this incredibly friendly environment, as Ivan L. Nagy wrote for CJR, Hegseth seemed unprepared to engage even with the new pro-Trump press corps.) The new Pentagon press corps may not be traditional journalists, but they have literally taken their seats; theyll need to do better to meet this incredibly serious moment, as lives are at risk. Journalists play a vital role in helping Americans understand a complex geopolitical conflict and scrutinizing the leaders who are overseeing it. The New York Times, for its part, has filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon, alleging that the new limits are unconstitutional. Oral arguments begin today. Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind Rohingya refugee who spoke little English, had been in the United States for only a couple of months when he got lost during a walk and wandered into a neighbors backyard in Buffalo. That innocent mistake would set off a chain of events that would lead to his death last week. Initially, the Erie County district attorneys office charged Shah Alam with felony assault, burglary, and criminal mischief stemming from that incident. He spent more than a year in county jail awaiting trial, until he took a plea deal on lesser charges: trespassing and misdemeanor possession of a weaponthe pair of curtain rods he used as walking sticks. Last week, he was released. But afterward, for reasons that remain unclear, Border Patrol agents immediately took him into custody, even though he was not deportable. Hours later, they abandoned him at a closed Tim Hortons at night in below-freezing temperatures without notifying his family, who waited for him for hours outside a holding center. Five days later, Shah Alam was found dead. Shah Alams story has received national attention and sparked widespread outrage largely thanks to the work of the Investigative Post, a nonprofit newsroom in Buffalo. J. Dale Shoemaker, an investigative reporter at the Post, broke every major development in the case, from Shah Alams disappearance to the discovery of his body and calls for an investigation into his death. The outlet obtained police body cam footage of his arrest last year, as well as surveillance footage from Tim Hortons that contradicted the Department of Homeland Securitys account of his release. (This individual tragically died almost a week after this courtesy ride, the DHS said. It is ridiculous to blame Border Patrol for an individuals death a week after their last interaction with them.) On Saturday, Shoemaker was there when Shah Alams wife and son spoke publicly about their loss for the first time. On his dying bed, I couldnt even see him, Fatimah Abdul Roshid, Shah Alams wife, said. I didnt even know how he was. I didnt know where he was. Thats what breaks my heart. Thats the regret that will last forever. On Monday, Jonathan Larsen, an independent journalist, broke the news that a US military commander had told troops that the strikes on Iran were part of Gods divine plan and that Trump was anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth. According to Larsen, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation has received more than two hundred complaints from fifty different units about commanders in military briefings and other venues sharing Protestant Christian views of the Iran war as a holy war since the beginning of the military action. Larsen, who last year reported that Hegseth sponsors a weekly White House Bible study led by a far-right evangelical group that preaches support for Israel, has been on the military-religion beat for a while. When we spoke, he told me that Christianity has increasingly become part of military culture over the years: Both parties, when theyve been in power, theyve turned a blind eye, he said. Theyve turned a blind eye to this creeping, simmering white Christian nationalism thats absolutely in the DNA of some people in the military. Definitely not all, but some. If you have a suggestion for this column, please send it to laurelsanddarts@cjr.org. We cant acknowledge all submissions, but we will mention you if we use your idea. For more on Laurels and Darts, please click here. To receive this and other CJR newsletters in your inbox, please click here. Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance has reached a settlement with a Florida condominium association in a hurricane claim, three years after the condo claimed damages that insurers said were so inflated that they were termed outrageous. This matter involves an egregious and overinflated first-party Hurricane Sally insurance claim, where the Defendants seek over $230 million for damages allegedly sustained to the Defendants condominium buildings that remain standing and in good condition, reads the 2023 lawsuit complaint filed by Westchester and 15 other insurers that covered Portofino, one of the largest and best-known high-rise condos on Pensacola Beach. The settlement agreement, filed in U.S. District Court in Pensacola, is only for Westchester. The terms were not disclosed, and the federal judge in the case has yet to sign off on the agreement. All other insurers named in the lawsuit also must review, the condo association attorney said. Westchester, a Chubb company based in Alpharetta, Georgia, was represented by attorneys with the Cozen OConnor law firm. The insurer argued early in the case that Portofinos claim was felt to be so over the top because the condo association had initially submitted a $6.5 million proof of loss. Later, the condo hired its own appraiser who suggested the loss was more than $233 million, which raises significant questions concerning the appraisers interest and honesty, as well as the fraudulent nature of the claim and its supporting documentation, Portofinos lawyers wrote in asking for declaratory judgment on the claim. Hurricane Sally, a Category 2 storm that hit the Pensacola area in 2020, caused only minor damage, the insurers argued. Many Portofino units were relatively unharmed, with some selling for as much as $800,000 each after the storm. The condo association also failed to comply with a cooperation provision in the policies, the insurers contended. Portofino in 2023 asked the court to dismiss the insurers case, noting that the appraisal panel had not reached a final amount on the loss. The condos legal team also denied Westchesters fraud allegations and said that the initial proof of loss was only for partial damages, and that the condominiums appraiser had offered only an opinion, which did not inflate the claimed amount. Attorneys for Westchester in the case could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. Ed Fleming, a lawyer for Portofino, said the settlement is confidential and he could not discuss the terms. A number of other insurers involved have already settled, and more are expected in coming months. Top photo: The Portofino condo buildings on Pensacola Beach. (AdobeStock) Elon Musks artificial intelligence company xAI failed to convince a California federal court on Thursday to temporarily block the states law requiring companies to disclose information about the data they use to train AI models. U.S. District Judge Jesus Bernal in Los Angeles said that xAI had not yet shown it was likely to prove the law violated its free-speech rights or was otherwise unconstitutional. Related: California Gets $3.2M Settlement From Software Company for Breached Student Data Spokespeople for xAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. A spokesperson for the California Department of Justice said the department celebrates this key win and remains committed to continuing our defense of the law. Californias law, enacted by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2024, requires generative AI companies to publicly post a summary of the datasets used to train their systems. The data transparency law went into effect on January 1, and is part of the states broader push to regulate AI companies. Related: Viewpoint: Californias Latest Insurance Privacy Bill Would Add Layer of Regulation xAI sued the state in December. It argued the law violated its free-speech rights under the U.S. Constitution and would force the company to reveal trade secrets about how its AI models are trained. Bernal on Thursday denied xAIs request for a preliminary injunction to halt the laws enforcement, finding the company had not shown at this stage in the case that its lawsuit was likely to succeed. (Reporting by Brittain in Washington; Editing by Aurora Ellis and Bill Berkrot) China's emerging pillar industries to surpass 10 trln yuan in 2030: official Xinhua) 16:52, March 06, 2026 BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China's six emerging pillar industries are expected to surpass 10 trillion yuan (1.45 trillion U.S. dollars) in total value in 2030, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said Friday. The combined output of sectors, including integrated circuits, aviation and aerospace, biomedicine, the low-altitude economy, new types of energy storage, and intelligent robots, approached 6 trillion yuan in 2025, Zheng told a press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) An Amazon facility on Amazon Prime Day in the Queens borough of New York, US, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Amazon 's website and shopping app were down for some users on Thursday, leaving consumers unable to check out, access account information or view product prices. Trouble on the site spiked around 2 p.m. ET, with more than 22,000 users reporting issues two hours later, according to Downdetector, a website that tracks outage reports. The issues appeared to be largely resolved by 8 p.m. ET. Amazon said the incident was due to "a software code deployment." "We're sorry that some customers may have temporarily experienced issues while shopping," Amazon spokesperson Jennie Bryant said in a statement. "We have resolved the issue, which was related to a software code deployment, and website and app are now running smoothly." Users had also reported issues placing orders or viewing their purchase history with Amazon Fresh, the company's grocery delivery service. The glitches come as Amazon Web Services, the company's cloud computing unit, has dealt with outages after drone strikes damaged three of its data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Iranian state media reported Amazon's data center in Bahrain was targeted by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for the company's support of U.S. "military and intelligence activities." Amazon said Thursday its cloud services were functioning normally. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei confirmed that the U.S. government declared his company a supply chain risk on Thursday and said it has "no choice" but to challenge the designation in court. The startup has been at odds with the Department of Defense over how its artificial intelligence models, known as Claude, can be used, and was told late last week, via social media posts, that it was being blacklisted from government contracts. Anthropic sought assurance that its technology would not be tapped for fully autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance, but the DOD wanted Anthropic to grant the agency unfettered access to Claude across all lawful purposes. "As we stated last Friday, we do not believe, and have never believed, that it is the role of Anthropic or any private company to be involved in operational decision-makingthat is the role of the military," Amodei wrote. "Our only concerns have been our exceptions on fully autonomous weapons and mass domestic surveillance, which relate to high-level usage areas, and not operational decision-making." Anthropic is the only American company ever to be publicly named a supply chain risk, and the designation, which is now official, will require defense vendors and contractors to certify that they don't use the company's models in their work with the Pentagon. The label has typically been reserved for organizations that operate within foreign adversaries, like Chinese tech company Huawei. Uncertainty remains as to whether defense contractors can use Anthropic's technology for projects outside of their work with the military. Amodei said in his post that the designation "doesn't (and can't) limit uses of Claude or business relationships with Anthropic if those are unrelated to their specific Department of War contracts." Microsoft , which announced plans to invest up to $5 billion in Anthropic in November, said in a statement that its lawyers "studied the designation" and determined that Anthropic products can remain available to its customers other than the DOD. A sign showing a photo of US President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein is displayed as US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat of New York, speaks during a press conference to announce oversight efforts on the files of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 26, 2026. The Justice Department on Thursday released additional Jeffrey Epstein files involving uncorroborated accusations made by a woman against President Donald Trump that the department said had been mistakenly withheld during an earlier review. The department said last week that it was working to determine if any records were improperly withheld after several news organizations reported that the massive tranche of records that had been made public didn't include some files documenting a series of interviews conducted in 2019 with a woman who made an allegation against Trump. The accuser was interviewed by the FBI four times as it sought to assess her account but a summary of only one of those interviews had been included in the publicly released files. On Thursday, the department said those files had been "incorrectly coded as duplicative," and therefore were inadvertently not published along with other investigative documents related to the disgraced financier, who killed himself while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in 2019. "As we have consistently done, if any member of the public reported concerns with information in the library, the Department would review, make any corrections, and republish online," the department said in a post on X. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. The department noted in January that some of the documents contain "untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election." The new disclosures come as Attorney General Pam Bondi faces continued turmoil over the department's handling of the files released under a law passed by Congress after months of public and political pressure. Five Republicans on the House Oversight Committee joined Democrats in voting Wednesday to subpoena Bondi, demanding that she answer questions under oath in a sign of mounting frustration among members of the president's own party. The Trump administration has faced constant political headaches since the rollout of the files began in December, with critics accusing the department of hiding certain documents or over-redacting files, or in some cases, not redacting enough. In some cases, the department inadvertently released nude photos showing the faces of potential victims as well as names, email addresses and other identifying information that was either unredacted or not fully obscured. Department officials have defended their handling of the files, saying they took pains to release the files as quickly as possible under the law while also protecting victims. Department officials have said errors were inevitable given the volume of the materials, the number of lawyers viewing the files and the speed at which the department had to release them. The department has said it's entitled to withhold records that exposed potential abuse victims, were duplicates or protected by legal privileges, or related to an ongoing criminal investigation. Some of the new records published Thursday pertained to a woman who contacted the FBI shortly after Epstein's 2019 arrest and claimed that a man named "Jeff" living in Hilton Head, South Carolina, had raped her there in the 1980s when she was around 13 years old. The woman told the agents she didn't know the man's identity at the time, but decades later concluded he was Jeffrey Epstein when a friend texted her his photo from a news story. In a follow-up interview a month later, the woman added a host of other claims, including that Epstein had schemed to have her mother sent to prison, beaten her, arranged sexual encounters with other men and once flew her to either New Jersey or New York, where she claimed to have bitten Donald Trump after he tried to sexually assault her. Agents spoke with the woman two more times, at one point asking her to provide more detail on her supposed interactions with Trump, but reported that she declined to answer additional questions and broke off contact. There's no indication that Epstein ever lived in South Carolina and it was unclear whether Trump and Epstein knew each other during the time period involved. The woman's report was one of a number of uncorroborated, sometimes fantastical, reports that federal agents received from members of the public alleging misconduct by Trump and other famous people in the months and years after Epstein's arrest. This year's Morgan Stanley Tech, Media and Telecom conference lineup was stacked: Dario Amodei and Sam Altman (both in the middle of the Pentagon drama) Jensen Huang, Satya Nadella, and dozens of enterprise software CEOs trying to convince investors they'll survive the AI reckoning. I spent a day on the ground covering it, and then sat down with David Chen, Morgan Stanley's head of global technology investment banking, to unpack what he heard. Chen said the biggest change from last year was the nature of the questions. In 2025, companies were talking about using artificial intelligence to trim expenses, like shaving a few points off operating costs with copilots and automation tools. Chen said that's now table stakes. "I don't think investors really wanted to hear about how people are being more efficient with AI," he told us. "They really, really wanted to hear, are you a beneficiary, or does AI threaten your overall business?" And to their credit, companies were more direct about answering that question this year. Particularly the enterprise software companies, which have watched a trillion dollars in market cap evaporate in just a week this year. Chen drew a line between companies whose software does something deterministic, like calculating payroll, sending invoices, things where being wrong by 2% is a real problem, and companies that are essentially organizing public data and putting it behind a nice interface. The former, he argued, still has a moat. The latter is in serious trouble. "AI doesn't kill software," Chen said. "It's reshuffling it." In this article Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Smoke rises from an Israeli strike targeting the southern suburbs on March 5, 2026 in Beirut, Lebanon. Daniel Carde | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets staged a late comeback on Friday, after Wall Street declined on worries over energy supplies. Oil prices broke through the $80 per barrel mark overnight, but eased on Friday. Brent futures were about 0.3% lower at $85.14. U.S. West Texas Intermediate, which saw its biggest single day gain since May 2020 on Thursday, was last down 0.53% at $80.58. More uncertainty was also seen on the global trade front after New York Attorney General Letitia James and the top prosecutors of 23 other states once again sued to block President Donald Trump's global tariff regime. This comes after the U.S. Court of International Trade had ruled Thursday that companies were entitled to tariff refunds from Trump's duties that were struck down by the Supreme Court. South Korea's Kospi reversed course to finish marginally higher at 5,584.87, after marking its best day since 2008 in the prior session. The small-cap Kosdaq extended gains to rise 3.43% to 1,154.67. Kosdaq 150 futures spiked 6% in early trading, triggering a buy trading curb for five minutes. Defense heavyweight LIG Nex1 rose more than 9%, after South Korean media reported its air defense systems were used to successfully intercept Iranian missiles launched at the United Arab Emirates. Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.62% at 55,620.84, also reversing earlier losses, while the Topix ended 0.39% higher to close at 3,716.93. A report said SoftBank was seeking a record $40 billion loan to finance its investment in OpenAI. Shares of Softbank Group Corp climbed 1.6%. Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 1% to 8,851, dragged by basic materials stocks. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was 1.69% higher as of its last hour of trading, extending gains from Thursday, while the mainland Chinese CSI 300 advanced 0.27% to 4,660.44 India's Nifty 50 was down 0.67%, while the BSE Sensex fell 0.73% as of 1:55 p.m. local time (02:55 a.m. ET). Crude oil crossed $80 per barrel Thursday, as the Iran war enters its seventh day and continues disrupting global fuel supplies. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Thursday that his country was "not asking for a ceasefire" from the U.S. and Israel, while President Donald Trump said that his administration will turn its focus to Cuba after the U.S. military operations in Iran are finished. Besides energy disruption, the turmoil in the Middle East has shattered Dubai's status as a global wealth hub, as the rich scramble to escape the largely tax-free haven. Over the past week, UAE has seen projectiles hit tourist and civilian spaces, including the 5-star Fairmont The Palm Hotel and the Dubai airport. Over in the U.S., the Anthropic-OpenAI rivalry continues. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took swipes at rival Anthropic on Thursday and said he thinks it's "bad for society" if companies start abandoning their commitment to the democratic process because "some people don't like the person or people currently in charge." That comes after the Department of Defense clashed with Anthropic in recent weeks over how the agency can use its AI models. Adding another layer of uncertainty to markets, Trump's tariffs face a new legal battle after New York Attorney General Letitia James and the top prosecutors of 23 other states once again sued to block his global tariff regime, just days after a landmark Supreme Court decision struck down his previous effort. Dubai's property market could see a "cooldown," one of the UAE's largest developers has said, as he insisted "smart capital" would keep investing despite Iranian missile strikes. Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, the company behind the Burj Khalifa skyscraper, told CNBC's Dan Murphy that "there could be a bit of a cooldown, but I really don't see it," adding that the UAE's real-estate business is "not built on bank borrowing." "Bank borrowing is really restricted in this market. Consumer confidence will be shaken a little bit, but as I said, the policies of this country bring the confidence back so fast," he said on Thursday. He was speaking on the sixth day of an escalating war in the Middle East, in which the UAE has been hit with retaliatory strikes from Iran after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Tehran on Saturday. Countries have repatriated their citizens. Dubai's airport, one of the busiest in the world, was hit, disrupting flights, as were hotels and ports around the country. "I was surprised, and I was shocked," Alabbar said of the strikes. "But people with true capital understand that a country like this, with stable leadership and the safety it has shown, can deliver. They will double down on this." Investors are concerned about the fates of multiple experimental drugs for hard-to-treat diseases following a string of recent rejections from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA in the past year has denied or discouraged the applications of at least eight drugs, according to RTW Investments, including a gene therapy for Huntington's disease from UniQure , a gene therapy for Hunter syndrome from Regenxbio and a drug for a blood condition from Disc Medicine . The agency initially refused to review Moderna 's flu shot before reversing course. In each case, the FDA took issue with the evidence the companies were using to support their applications. Some of the studies didn't test the drugs against a placebo. Some companies didn't directly measure the drug's efficacy, instead relying on other factors like biomarkers to predict how well the treatment might work. And in every case, the companies have accused the FDA of reversing its previous guidance. That's making investors wary that a more unpredictable FDA could jeopardize the future of other treatments for hard-to-treat diseases. "What investors and key stakeholders are hoping to see from the FDA is consistency, and it does feel that that seems to be lacking at the moment," said RBC Capital Markets analyst Luca Issi. In recent years, the FDA appeared willing to accept drugs for rare diseases that showed promise in less rigorous studies than the gold standard randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trials. That meant helping bring treatments more quickly to patients who have conditions where time passing could mean the loss of functions like walking or talking, or even death. It also drew controversy from critics who said that policy brought false hope to patients. The FDA's recent decisions has left investors wondering whether the agency's bar has changed for other drugs in the pipeline. In the case of UniQure, the FDA asked the company to run a new study that directly compares its treatment to placebo. UniQure said that contradicts the agency's past guidance that the company could seek approval with trial data that compared UniQure's treatment to an external database of people with Huntington's disease. One former FDA official who spoke to CNBC on the condition of anonymity to speak freely called this the worst type of regulatory uncertainty, because companies say they are being told one thing then experiencing another. In a statement, an FDA spokesperson said there was "no regulatory uncertainty," adding the agency "makes decisions based on the evidence, but does not make assurances about outcomes." The spokesperson said the FDA is "conducting rigorous, independent reviews and not rubber-stamping approvals." Analysts point to several other companies they're watching, including Dyne Therapeutics , which is advancing a drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy; Taysha Gene Therapies , which is developing a gene therapy for Rett syndrome; Wave Life Sciences , which is working on a treatment for a liver condition; and Lexeo Therapeutics , which is developing a gene therapy for Friedreich Ataxia. All of those companies' stocks are down this year. A Dyne spokesperson said the company has maintained a frequent, positive and collaborative dialogue with a consistent set of reviewers over the past 18 months, and that it's confident in its development strategy and path forward based on the strength of its clinical results, rigor of its trial design and continued engagement with the FDA. Taysha, Wave and Lexeo declined to comment. One looming decision that Stifel analyst Paul Matteis is tracking is a drug candidate from Denali Therapeutics for Hunter syndrome, a rare disease that causes physical defects like hearing loss and joint problems, as well as cognitive issues. The company's application for accelerated approval relies on a trial that wasn't randomized and data showing the drug decreases levels of a biomarker associated with the condition. To Matteis, the dataset is harder to argue with than UniQure's, and there's not much risk with the technology used. "So if they don't approve that, I don't know," Matteis said. "I mean, I already think there's been a pretty significant change in the regulatory standard of rare disease, but if they don't approve Denali, if I was at a company I'd almost be saying to myself, 'Can we really be confident in running an open-label study?'" In a statement to CNBC, Denali Therapeutics CEO Ryan Watts said the company continues having constructive discussions with the FDA, and it's confident in the strength of the data package it submitted. The FDA delayed its review of the application by three months and is now expected to decide by April 5. Some investors feel a clash between the flexibility FDA leaders like Commissioner Marty Makary are pledging publicly and the recent decisions the agency has made, said RBC Capital Markets' Issi. That's leading some to discount the probability of success for companies whose paths to the market rely on some level of flexibility in the data the agency will accept, said Stifel's Matteis. For companies whose data are straightforward, the path looks clear, said Christiana Bardon, managing partner of MPM BioImpact. The question to her is how much the FDA should accelerate the process to bring drugs to patients as rapidly as possible for diseases with massive unmet needs. One senior FDA official, speaking to reporters Thursday on the condition of anonymity to speak freely, said the FDA hasn't changed its position that biomarkers reasonably likely to predict efficacy can and will get accelerated approval, and that non-randomized data can get full approval. To this official, the bar is clear. "If you make a treatment for Alzheimer's or Huntington's, and you take someone who's severely ill and you give them that therapy, and they start doing better immediately and dramatically," the official said. "You take someone in a nursing home with Alzheimer's, and then they walk out of it, or somebody with end-stage Huntington's, and they suddenly have no symptoms of Huntington's, you will get a full regulatory approval with two or three patients. "We only ask for randomized data when a condition is heterogeneous, when the will to believe is strong, when the therapy is invasive or potentially harmful, when the effect size is difficult to detect, and when the possibility you are fooling yourself is high," the official added. As commodity prices spiked higher on Friday morning, a strategist warned that Europe was even more at risk of an energy shock than the U.S. Speaking with CNBC's "Europe Early Edition", Joachim Klement, head of strategy at Panmure Liberum, noted that Europe now sources most of its natural gas from Qatar, one of the world's biggest producers of LNG. As the war in the Middle East entered its seventh day, the Strait of Hormuz a critical supply route which handles about one-fifth of global oil and gas is now effectively closed to all shipping due to the continued threat of Iranian strikes. That's bad news for Europe's most energy-intensive industries, namely autos, chemicals and industrials, Klement said. "We are now facing the very risky situation where our natural gas storage is close to empty because of a cold winter, and being at the end of the winter time, and supplies from Qatar are being reduced," he said. "That gives us a massive risk of a natural gas spike in Europe, which would obviously be very bad for energy-intensive industries like the chemicals business, the industrials and the automotive sector." The Stoxx Europe 600 Automobiles & Parts Index slipped 0.7% on Friday, and has now fallen more 8% this week following the outbreak of the war in the Middle East last weekend. The Stoxx Europe 600 Chemicals benchmark is 6.3% lower on the week, having shed 0.9% on Friday. Industrials, meanwhile, have lost 4.7% since the conflict began. Energy prices have soared as the escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and its allies and Iran has disrupted global supply chains . Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) futures, Europe's benchmark gas contract, were trading at 52.33 euros per megawatt-hour on Friday. That's lower than the 63.75 euros seen earlier in the week, though LNG remains on course for its biggest weekly rise since February 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. TTF stood at 31.96 euros per MWh on Feb. 27, the day before the conflict began. Meanwhile, Brent crude , the global oil benchmark, resumed its rally Friday morning, advancing 4.5% to reach $89.25 a new 52-week high. In the U.S., prices of West Texas Intermediate were last seen 6.2% in early dealmaking, reaching $84.53. QatarEnergy earlier halted production of LNG after Iranian drones hit the state-owned producer's Ras Laffan and Mesaieed Industrial City facilities, a move which knocked out about 19% of near-term global LNG supply. "Europe, unfortunately, is even more vulnerable to this energy shock than the U.S.," Klement said. "It's less because of oil, but because we get most of our natural gas these days from Qatar." Google CEO Sundar Pichai gestures to the crowd during Google's annual I/O developers conference in Mountain View, California, on May 20, 2025. Google said it will continue offering Anthropic's artificial intelligence technology for clients, excluding for defense work, a day after Microsoft issued a similar statement to customers. The announcements from two of the three leading cloud infrastructure vendors follow the Defense Department's official designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk. "We understand that the Determination does not preclude us from working with Anthropic on non-defense related projects, and their products remain available through our platforms, like Google Cloud," a Google spokesperson said Friday. Amazon, the leader in public cloud, followed on Friday, saying it will continue offering Anthropic's AI technology to its cloud customers, excluding work involving the DOD. Anthropic's Claude models are available through Google Cloud via the Vertex AI platform. The search giant is also a significant financial backer of Anthropic and, in January 2025, agreed to an additional $1 billion investment, adding to its previous $2 billion stake. Anthropic uses Google Cloud's AI infrastructure to train its models, and recently expanded the partnership by gaining access to up to 1 million of Google's custom tensor processing units (TPUs). After Anthropic refused to agree to the DOD's requested terms of use last week, President Donald Trump instructed federal agencies to stop using the company's technology, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said its work with Anthropic would wind down over six months. CNBC has confirmed that Anthropic models were used by the U.S. in its latest attack on Iran. Some defense technology companies have told employees to stop using Anthropic's Claude models and to switch to alternatives, including from rival OpenAI. Microsoft was the first major partner to say it will keep working with Anthropic after the Pentagon's actions. "Our lawyers have studied the designation and have concluded that Anthropic products, including Claude, can remain available to our customers other than the Department of War," Microsoft said late Thursday. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said on Thursday that his company has no choice but to challenge the supply chain risk designation in court. CNBC's Jordan Novet contributed to this report. WATCH: Morgan Stanley's David Chen on AI shift that's keeping Wall Street up at night U.S. crude oil on Friday posted its biggest weekly gain in futures trading history, as the escalating war in the Middle East has triggered a major disruption to global fuel supplies. West Texas Intermediate futures surged 12.21%, or $9.89, to close at $90.90 per barrel. Global benchmark Brent rallied 8.52%, or $7.28, to settle at $92.69 per barrel. U.S. crude soared 35.63% for the biggest weekly gain in the history of the futures contract dating back to 1983. Brent jumped about 28% for its biggest weekly gain since April 2020. President Donald Trump on Friday demanded unconditional surrender from Iran, raising fears of a prolonged war that could wreak havoc on the global oil and gas market. The war has already brought traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for energy supplies, to a near standstill. Qatar's energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi, told The Financial Times on Friday that crude prices could reach $150 per barrel in the coming weeks if oil tankers were unable to pass through the Strait. This could "bring down the economies of the world," Kaabi said. This report is from this week's The Tech Download newsletter. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. Banking, payments, enterprise and consumer services in the UAE experienced outages earlier this week as AWS (Amazon Web Services) data centers in the country were hit by Iranian drone strikes on Sunday. Many of the apps have since come back online after companies scrambled to migrate servers, but the downtime of services that many use daily highlights how digital infrastructure has become a strategic target. After the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran last weekend, Tehran's wave of retaliatory attacks across the Middle East targeted military bases, oil and gas production facilities and data centers. There are over 200 of these across the Middle East, according to some estimates, and cheap energy and land have drawn U.S. hyperscalers to pour resources into building out capacity in the region in recent years. "Iran and proxies have targeted oil fields in the past, but their attacks this week on UAE data centers shows they are now considered critical infrastructure," Patrick J. Murphy, executive director of the geopolitical unit at advisory firm Hilco Global, told me. President Donald Trump attends a cabinet meeting with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the White House in Washington, Dec. 2, 2025. President Donald Trump met Friday afternoon with CEOs of major defense industry companies at the White House as the war against Iran ended its first full week. After the meeting, Trump said in a social media post that "we discussed Production and Production Schedules" and "they have agreed to quadruple Production of the 'Exquisite Class' Weaponry in that we want to reach, as rapidly as possible, the highest levels of quantity." Trump did not explain what he meant by "Exquisite Class Weaponry." The term is used in the defense industry to describe one-of-a-kind technology or systems. Trump said the meeting included CEOs of BAE Systems , Lockheed Martin , Northrop Grumman , RTX Corporation , Boeing , Honeywell Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies ' Missile Solutions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also attended the meeting. "Expansion began three months prior to the meeting, and Plants and Production of many of these Weapons are already under way," Trump said on Truth Social. "We have a virtually unlimited supply of Medium and Upper Medium Grade Munitions, which we are using, as an example, in Iran, and recently used in Venezuela. Regardless, however, we have also increased Orders at these levels," the president said. Lockheed Martin, in a statement, said, "Lockheed Martin has agreed to quadruple critical munitions production. "As a result of President Trump's leadership, we began this work months ago with Secretary Hegseth and Deputy Secretary [Steve] Feinberg, and are committed to working with our industry partners to further strengthen the American military's unparalleled capability with the greatest munitions in the world. We are moving with urgency, and we will deliver," Lockheed Martin said. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a statement before the closed-door meeting, said, "The US military has more than enough munitions, ammo, and weapons stockpiles to continue demolishing the Iranian regime and achieve the goals of Operation Epic Fury." The White House has been on the defensive after news reports detailing concerns about low supply of both munitions and anti-missile defenses if the Iran war drags on. WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 14: U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) speaks alongside U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) at a news conference on border security outside of the U.S. Capitol Building on November 14, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) U.S. Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, will not seek re-election, he said on Thursday, following calls from top House Republicans to drop his bid due to allegations that he had an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide. "After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district," Gonzales said in a post on X. A congressional ethics panel had on Wednesday announced it would investigate the allegations against Gonzales. "Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election," said House Speaker Mike Johnson and three members of his leadership team, in a joint statement. Gonzales had agreed to cooperate fully with the House Ethics Committee probe into what they described as "very serious allegations," said the group statement, co-signed by Majority Leader Steve Scalise, No. 3 Republican Tom Emmer and House Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain. The Texas Republican, who has acknowledged a "mistake" and "lapse in judgment," is also facing possible legislative action from fellow Republican Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, who filed two measures on Wednesday to censure him and strip him of his committee assignments. Leadership's statement comes two days after the 45-year-old three-term congressman was forced into a primary runoff in May against Republican challenger Brandon Herrera, a gun rights advocate endorsed by the hardline House Freedom Caucus. The ethics committee said on Wednesday that it would investigate Gonzales to determine whether he "engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employee in his congressional office and/or discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges." Several other House Republicans had called for Gonzales to resign or drop out of the campaign after the San Antonio Express-News published explicit text messages from him to his then-staff member Regina Santos-Aviles, who died by suicide last September. Gonzales trailed Herrera by less than 1,000 votes after Tuesday's primary, with neither candidate receiving the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. He defeated Herrera, a YouTube influencer known as "the AK Guy," in the 2024 primary by only a few hundred votes. The Samsung exhibition stand features the prominent ''A new era of mobile agentic AI'' slogan by the South Korean company Samsung Electronics. Samsung's upcoming smart glasses will have a camera and be connected to a smartphone, a top executive told CNBC, as the tech giant prepares to make its first foray into the product category. Jay Kim, executive vice president at Samsung's mobile business, teased some details about the smart glasses for the first time, on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona. Kim told CNBC that the smart glasses will have a built-in camera at "your eye level." The eyewear will be connected to your smartphone so that the handset can process information that is received from the camera. Meta's Ray-Ban glasses dominate the smart glasses market with 82% global share, according to Counterpoint Research. But other players, from Alibaba to Xreal and now Samsung, are trying to challenge the U.S. social media giant. Samsung has been working with chip designer Qualcomm and Google since 2023 to design the operating system, semiconductors and hardware around so-called mixed-reality technology. The term refers to the combination of augmented and virtual reality, often involving digital images that are imposed over the real world. The first product from this partnership was the Galaxy XR headset which went on sale last year and was based on Google's Android "XR" an umbrella term for VR and mixed and augmented reality operating system. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon told CNBC in 2024 that smart glasses were the ultimate goal. Companies see smart glasses as potentially having a larger appeal than other XR products because they are smaller and glasses are already so widely worn. "I think the XR on headset will sort of be around. But not as a sort of mass scale business," Kim said. "Everybody talks about what's the next AI device is, and I know I've been looking at many different types of devices. Glasses, obviously is one of them and everybody's looking at it." The development of more advanced AI applications like Google Gemini or ChatGPT has fueled the push towards smart glasses. Device makers are figuring out how users might interact with these services beyond typing in an app on a separate device, such as by speaking to an AI assistant in the glasses and the glasses' camera being a mode of input for AI. Kim added that the "important thing" was for AI to understand "where you're looking at" so it can "feed the information to the mobile phone and then it processes and actually gives you a lot of information." Kim declined to say whether the glasses will have a built-in display when asked but said that Samsung has other products like the smartwatch or phone if a user needs a display. Kim said Samsung's target is "to have something for industry this year." Qualcomm's Amon told CNBC earlier this week that the smart glasses will be released this year. U.S. President Donald Trump takes questions from the media during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in the Oval Office of the White House on March 03, 2026 in Washington, DC. President Donald Trump said in a social media post on Friday that there would be no deal to end the U.S. war against Iran without an "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER" by Iran. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped more than 900 points, or nearly 2%, after Trump's demand, which he wrote on Truth Social. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite fell 1.6% each, and oil futures prices rose. Trump said that after a surrender and "the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before." "IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)" Trump wrote, echoing his "Make America Great" movement's name. Trump's demand came as Iran has yet to pick a leader to replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed last weekend in an airstrike at the beginning of the war by the U.S. and Israel. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, when asked by reporters later about potential future leaders of Iran, said, "I know there are a number of people that our intelligence agencies, that the United States government are looking at, but I won't get any further." Trump in June made an identical demand of "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER" by Iran in another social media post as he considered launching a military strike against that nation. Trump's promise to escort tankers if necessary, and provide political risk insurance to their owners, helped calm the oil market Tuesday and Wednesday. "There's hundreds and hundreds of vessels still in the Mideast Gulf," said Matt Wright, a senior freight analyst, also at Kpler. The U.S. Navy would take "an inordinate amount of time to escort them even a few at a time." About 100 tankers and cargo vessels pass through the Strait daily under normal conditions, said Matt Smith, an oil analyst at Kpler, and about 400 tankers are currently stuck in the Gulf due to the war. The narrow Strait is the only way for tankers to enter and exit the Persian Gulf. More than 14 million barrels per day of crude passed through the Strait in 2025, about a third of all the oil that is exported by ship worldwide, according to energy consulting firm Kpler. Global benchmark Brent would shoot above $100 per barrel if the waterway is closed for a prolonged period, Wall Street analysts say. At that level, oil prices could tip the global economy into a recession, they say. U.S. oil prices have surged 28% to above $86 a barrel this week as Iran attacks tankers, effectively bringing ship traffic through the Strait to a standstill. Brent crude is up 22% this week to $89 a barrel. President Donald Trump is ready to use the U.S. Navy to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz as the war against Iran rages, but providing safe passage to the volume of traffic that typically passes through the waterway will prove challenging. But prices surged Thursday after Iran said it attacked a tanker with a missile. The British Navy, meanwhile, reported a large explosion at a tanker anchored in Iraqi territorial waters. Enough ships "A key question will be whether there are enough Navy assets to both escort ships as well as continue operations against Iran," Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told clients in a Tuesday note. Insurance isn't really the issue for ship owners, Wright at Kpler said. Tankers are not moving because they are worried about their physical security, he said, and ship owners will need to a see a sustained period without attacks to venture through the Strait again. The urgency to recover oil flows from the Gulf is high, Wright said. But "there needs to be some confidence that Iran's ability to continue to wage war has diminished," the analyst said. Houthi militants in Yemen disrupted Red Sea traffic with missile attacks for more than a year, starting in late 2023. "They're nothing compared to the sophistication of the Iranians, so it is a very different, threat," Wright said. U.S. naval escorts help at the margin but by themselves will not re-open the Strait, Rapidan Energy analysts said in a note on Wednesday. Instead, the U.S. needs to systematically degrade Iran's military capabilities, which takes time, they said. 1980s war The U.S. Navy escorted tankers through the Strait in 1987 when commercial vessels became targets during the Iran-Iraq war, said Croft. But the U.S. military at that time was not simultaneously waging war against the regime in Tehran and guaranteeing safe passage to ships, she said. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday that the Trump administration will provide naval escorts "as soon as we can." "Right now our Navy and our military is focused on other things, which is disarming this Iranian regime that's been striking out at all of its neighbors and Americans in every way it can," Wright told Fox News. "In the not too distant future, we'll be able to use the Navy to get energy flowing again, but in the meantime markets are very well supplied," he said. No timeline The Trump administration does not have a timeline for when the Strait will be safe for commercial shipping again, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday. "I don't want to commit to a timeline, but certainly it's something that is being calculated actively by both the Department of War and the Department of Energy," Leavitt said during a briefing. The longer tankers are penned into the Gulf, the bigger the problem becomes for the global oil market, according to analysts. The Gulf countries could exhaust their storage capacity as barrels build up with nowhere to go, said Natasha Kaneva, head of global commodities research at JPMorgan. That will force them to shut down production, potentially spiking Brent to $120 per barrel, Kaneva said in a Sunday note. Iraqi officials told Reuters on Tuesday that Iraq has already cut production by 1.5 million barrels per day as it runs out of storage due to the Hormuz closure. Production shutdowns could double in four days, Kaneva said Tuesday. "With the Strait of Hormuz still inactive, the clock is ticking," Kaneva said. The Damac Heights real estate development, right, in the Dubai Marina in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. The United Arab Emirates is considering cutting off Iranian access to billions of dollars held in the Gulf state, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. The move could cripple Tehran's access to foreign currency and global trade networks at a moment when its economy has been deteriorating, and the military conflict with U.S. and Israel has piled on more pressure. Emirati authorities have warned Iranian officials that such a move was under consideration, the newspaper said, citing people familiar with the discussions, although no decision on whether, or when, to act has been reached. UAE has long sought to balance its strategic alliance with the U.S. and its neighbor Iran, but Tehran's strikes against the Gulf nation appears to be prompting a rethink in policy. Dubai has been a crucial financial corridor for Iranian businesses and individuals seeking to bypass Western sanctions, selling oil abroad and channeling the proceeds into military programs and regional proxies, according to U.S.-based think tank Atlantic Council. Shell companies registered across Dubai's sprawling free zones have for years masked the origin of Iranian oil and commodities. Informal currency exchange houses have also moved funds across borders outside the reach of conventional banking oversight. America has been pressing the Gulf country to dismantle those networks. The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned UAE-based entities in recent years, with officials reiterating that enforcement within the UAE has fallen short of the country's stated commitments. As part of its retaliation against the U.S.-Israel joint attack, Iran has targeted more than 1,000 drones and missiles against targets in the UAE, damaging infrastructure including Dubai International airport and the popular Fairmont hotel, as well as residential and tourist areas. Earlier this week, The UAE officials affirmed their stance to stick to a defensive posture, not joining military action against Iran. The decision was consistent with its "long-standing policy of good neighborliness, de-escalation and its firm commitment to the Charter of the United Nations," the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement. The Iranian strikes have rattled the expatriate business community and international investors that Dubai has spent decades cultivating by projecting stability in a volatile neighborhood. Emirati authorities are now examining a range of potential countermeasures, including targeted asset freezes of the UAE-based shell companies and a sweeping financial crackdown on local currency exchanges that sit at the center of Iran's financial plumbing, according to the Journal. Correction: This story was updated to remove a reference to Dubai being the capital of the UAE. In this article USO Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT This photograph shows a page on the Marinetraffic website thats shows commercial ship traffic on the edge of the Strait of Hormuz near the Iranian coast on March 4, 2026. Julien De Rosa | Afp | Getty Images After slapping 25% "penalty" tariffs on India for buying Russian crude revoked last month the U.S. on Thursday issued a 30-day waiver to New Delhi for purchasing crude from Moscow as the Iran war upends global supplies. The West Texas Intermediate oil surged 8.51%, or $6.35, to close at $81.01 per barrel on Thursday in the biggest single day gain since May 2020. Global benchmark Brent rose 4.93%, or $4.01, to settle at $85.41 per barrel. The waiver on purchasing Russian oil will help ease supply worries globally, as India is the world's fourth biggest refiner and and fifth largest exporter of petroleum products. Brent and WTI crude fell over 1% on Friday, and were last trading at $84.42 and $79.92 per barrel, respectively. New Delhi, also the world's third largest oil importer, had been replacing Russian oil purchases with supply from Middle East, experts said, but with the conflict affecting energy supplies from the Gulf countries, it is starting to shore up energy from Moscow. "I've heard that Indian refiners have been actively seeking prompt Russian crude supplies since last weekend," said Muyu Xu, senior research analyst for crude at energy data tracker Kpler, adding that based on "market chatter," New Delhi is likely to have bought up to 6-8 million barrels of Russian oil over the past 23 days. watch now This "short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit" to Russia as it only allows transactions of oil already stranded at sea, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessant said in a post on X. The U.S. government is taking steps to curb rising oil prices, including offering political risk insurance for tankers transiting the Gulf. U.S. crude prices have climbed about 20% this week on the back of the escalating conflict in the Middle East. "Further action to reduce pressure on oil is imminent and ... in the long-term, the actions we're taking will dramatically increase the stability of the region and oil prices," U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday. "It [the waiver] is a relief valve, in view of the loss of nearly 20 million barrel per day of crude from the Gulf producers," said Vandana Hari, CEO of energy research firm Vanda Insights, adding that the 30-day waiver was "not nearly enough" and Washington continues to put "band aids on a gunshot wound." Hari expects Brent crude to continue "creeping higher than the $80s" as she feels chances of the Hormuz blockade being lifted quickly are "extremely dim." The traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway used for 20% of global oil flows, remains at a standstill following Iranian warnings and surging insurance costs for shippers. "Our data shows that no laden crude tankers have transited the Strait of Hormuz since last weekend, including vessels that may be bound for India," said Xu. Impact on India India currently has "access to about 100 million barrels," enough to cover up to 45 days of crude demand, Prateek Pandey, head of APAC oil and gas research at energy intelligence firm Rystad Energy, told CNBC's "Inside India" on Thursday. Pandey said that Indian refineries will not be impacted over the next three to four weeks, but "there will be concerns," if the disruption in Middle East continues beyond that. Sourcing from alternate destinations such as Venezuela poses challenges as these cargoes take almost a month to reach India, he said. Subscribe now Get a weekly roundup of news from India in your inbox every Thursday. Iran Israel War News LIVE Updates: Trump says US defense firms to quadruple 'exquisite class' weapon production By CNBCTV18.COM | Mar 7, 2026 6:01 AM IST (Updated) Trump said that expansion had already begun three months before the meeting, with plants being set up and production of many of these weapons already underway. He also said the United States has a virtually unlimited supply of medium and upper medium grade munitions US-Israel Attack Iran Live Updates: President Donald Trump said he concluded a very good meeting with the largest US defense manufacturing companies, where discussions focused on production and production schedules. He said the companies agreed to quadruple production of Exquisite Class weaponry to reach the highest levels of quantity as rapidly as possible. Trump added that expansion had already begun three months before the meeting, with plants being set up and production of many of these weapons already underway. Trump also said the United States has a virtually unlimited supply of medium and upper medium grade munitions, which he said are being used, for example, in Iran and were recently used in Venezuela, while orders at these levels have also been increased. The meeting included the CEOs of BAE Systems, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, L3Harris Missile Solutions, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon, and concluded with another meeting scheduled in two months as states across the country bid to host new plants. The raging Iran war, which has spread across the Middle East and beyond, entered its seventh day on Friday (March 6) after Israeli forces announced a "next phase" in the conflict and bombed Beirut's southern suburbs. The Israeli military had earlier issued an unprecedented evacuation warning for the entire area -- "save your lives and evacuate your residences immediately" -- that sent residents fleeing in panic. The war has been felt as far away as the Sri Lankan coast, where a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship, and Azerbaijan, which threatened retaliation after a drone hit an airport. Lebanon was dragged into the widening conflict on March 2, when Hezbollah attacked Israel to avenge the killing of Khamenei. Israel responded with air strikes and sent ground troops into some Lebanese border villages, and on March 5, it targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, saying it was "striking Hezbollah infrastructure". The United States and its allies in the Middle East are seeking Ukraine's expertise in countering Iran's Shahed drones, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.Various countries, including the United States, have approached Ukraine for help in defending against the Iranian drones, Zelenskyy said late Wednesday. He said he has spoken in recent days with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait about possible cooperation.Russia has fired tens of thousands of Shaheds at Ukraine since it invaded its neighbour just over four years ago, launching a swarm of more than 800 drones and decoys in its biggest nighttime barrage. Iran has responded to joint US-Israeli strikes by launching the same type of drones at countries in the Middle East.Ukrainian assistance in countering Iranian drones will be provided only if it does not weaken Ukraine's own defences, and if it adds leverage to Kyiv's diplomatic efforts to stop the Russian invasion, according to the Ukrainian leader.We help to defend from war those who help us, Ukraine, bring a just end to the war with Russia, Zelenskyy said. Later Thursday, Zelenskyy said he had received a US request for support to defend against the drones in the Middle East and had given the order for equipment to be provided along with Ukrainian experts without providing further details.Ukraine helps partners who help our security and the protection of our people's lives, he added in a social media post.The White House did not respond to a message seeking comment Thursday.Ukraine has pioneered the development of cut-price drone killers that cost as little as $1,000, rewriting the air defence rule book and making other countries take notice.European countries got a wake-up call last September on the changed nature of air defence when Poland scrambled multimillion-dollar military assets, including F-35 and F-16 fighter jets and Black Hawk helicopters, in response to airspace violations by cheap drones.Ukrainian manufacturers have developed low-cost interceptor drones specifically designed to hunt and destroy Shaheds, and its rapidly expanding drone industry is producing excess capacity.Zelenskyy announced earlier this year that Ukraine would begin exporting the battle-tested systems.The European Union's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said before chairing a meeting of EU and Gulf foreign ministers via video link on Thursday that the talks would look at how Ukraine's experience can help countries counter Iranian drones.The Iran war, now in its sixth day, has drawn international attention away from Europe's biggest conflict since World War II, and forced the postponement of a new round of US-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine planned for this week, Zelenskyy said.Western governments and analysts say the Russia-Ukraine war has killed hundreds of thousands of people, while there is no sign that yearlong US-led peace efforts will stop the fighting any time soon.Right now, because of the situation around Iran, there are not yet the necessary signals for a trilateral meeting, Zelenskyy said. But as soon as the security situation and the overall political context allow us to resume that trilateral diplomatic work, it will be done. Zelenskyy thanked the United States for the return from Russia on Thursday of 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war. Russia's Defence Ministry also said it received the same number of prisoners from Ukraine and thanked the US and United Arab Emirates for mediating.Prisoner swaps have been one of the few tangible results of the talks. Vladimir Medinsky, a Russian negotiator, said on social media that a total of 500 prisoners from each side would be exchanged between Thursday and Friday.Oleksandr Merezhko, the head of Ukraine's parliamentary foreign affairs committee, said Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to drag out the negotiations so that he can press on with Russia's invasion while escaping further US sanctions.He urged the US administration to look at the Russia-Ukraine war and the war in the Middle East as linked.In reality, Russia and Iran are close allies that act in concert Iran supplies weapons, and Russia helps Iran develop its defence industry. These are interconnected conflicts, Merezhko told The Associated Press.Ukraine's army has recently pushed back Russian forces at some points along the roughly 1,250-kilometre (750-mile) front line, according to the Institute for the Study of War.Localised Ukrainian counterattacks liberated more territory than Ukrainian forces lost in the last two weeks of February, the Washington-based think tank said this week, estimating the recovered land at about 257 square kilometres (100 square miles) since Jan. 1. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Anthropic is standing firm in its dispute with the US Department of Defense (DoD) after receiving an official letter designating it as a supply-chain risk, signaling that the company is unlikely to concede to the Pentagons demands over the military use of its frontier models. I would like to reiterate that we had been having productive conversations with the Department of War over the last several days, both about ways we could serve the Department that adhere to our two narrow exceptions, and ways for us to ensure a smooth transition if that is not possible, CEO Dario Amodei wrote in a blog post, using the Department of Defenses secondary name, the Department of War. Amodeis statement makes it evidently clear that the company does not intend to yield to the Pentagons demands if doing so would require it to cross its own ethical red lines, which include using its AI models in weapon systems and for mass domestic surveillance. Online rights campaigners have come together to complain about the propensity of IT companies to make life more difficult for their users. The groups, mainly from Europe but with some from the US, have written to policy makers in the EU/EEA, UK and the US. The initiative has been spearheaded by Forbrukerradet (the Norwegian Consumer Council) which complained of the enshittification of software. The term was popularized by writer Cory Doctorow, one of the signatories of the letter to the policymakers. In the letter the groups complain about the increasing concentration of power and lack of alternatives in digital markets, the push for deregulation, and the urgent need to enforce digital laws to protect our fundamental rights and create a level playing field for competition and innovation. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified a suspected incident on a network used to manage wiretaps and foreign intelligence surveillance warrants, CNN reported. The FBI acknowledged the incident in a statement to CNN, saying, The FBI identified and addressed suspicious activities on FBI networks, and we have leveraged all technical capabilities to respond. The agency is not expanding on its statement but there will be concerns that this an attack prompted by a state agency, such as China. Last year, the bureau and the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency warned of continuing attacks by Chinese ransomware group, Ghost, on US organizations. King Charles may seem beset by troubles at the moment, but things are even worse for Princess Michael of Kent. I hear that Marie Christine, who is married to Queen Elizabeth's beloved first cousin Prince Michael, is seriously ill. 'Her Royal Highness suffered a stroke,' one of her friends tells me. 'Sadly, she is now bed-ridden.' It is just the latest misfortune for the princess, 81, who attended King Charles's pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace in 2024 with her wrists encased in splints. She had broken them in a fall down the stairs at Kensington Palace, where she lives with her husband, 83. The accident came ten months after the tragic death of her son-in-law and while she continued to recover from heart surgery. She was carrying an armful of overcoats when the accident happened. Luckily, she fell into the coats but broke multiple small bones when she put out her hands out to break her fall. 'So many things that you rely on being able to do, like cleaning your teeth, are impossible,' said the princess, an author. 'I can type with one finger on a mobile, but I can't use a laptop.' She adds: 'I am told that, after an accident like this, if you do one wrong movement on top of the unhealed bones, you are back where you started.' Nicknamed 'Princess Pushy' because of her supposedly assertive personality, Marie Christine had undergone heart surgery a year earlier. 'It shocked me,' she said. 'I still have to rest every afternoon.' The princess's serious health problems came after the death of her son-in-law, Thomas Kingston. Handsome and popular, the financier was married to Prince and Princess Michael's daughter, Lady Gabriella Windsor. He died aged 45 from what was described as a traumatic head wound. A gun was found near his body at his parents' Cotswolds home. Marie Christine said she had no indication that he was unwell. 'Tom was a lovely man, so kind and so thoughtful,' she said. 'They were very happy together.' Referring to her son, Lord Frederick Windsor, his wife, the actress Sophie Winkleman, and their two daughters, Isabella and Maud, the princess said: 'We often had them here with Freddie and Sophie and the girls for Sunday lunch. We never had any inkling anything was wrong.' Lady Gabriella told the inquest her husband shot himself in an 'impulsive' decision caused by an adverse reaction to prescribed drugs. I hear that Marie Christine, who is married to Queen Elizabeth's beloved first cousin Prince Michael, is seriously ill. Pictured: The couple at the Duchess of Kent's funeral last year What Erin finds 'really hot' in men Did Erin O'Connor split up with long-time boyfriend Steve Gibson because he was too much of a man? 'I personally find men with feminine energy really hot,' says the catwalk model, 48. 'The boldness and confidence of them wearing clothes that people perceive to be for women only, it's really sexy in an alarming way.' Erin, who has two sons with the Irish businessman, adds: 'I've been so startled by men with an effeminate edge. They know who they are, and that is the most compelling thing when I'm attracted to a person.' Erin O'Connor in November last year. The catwalk model has split up with long-time boyfriend Steve Gibson Has DIY supremo Nick's lingerie firm gone bust? BBC presenter Nick Knowles, who persuaded Prince William to appear on DIY SOS, enjoyed seeing his young wife, Katie Dadzie, wearing lingerie so much that he set up an underwear firm with her. But has the business, Boa Boa Lingerie, now gone bust, so to speak? I ask only because the website for the firm, which was established in 2022, is unavailable and its Instagram account hasn't been updated since last year. Latest available accounts for the company, Boa Boa Wear Ltd of which Nick, 63, and Katie, 35, are co-directors report that it's more than 12,000 in the red. A spokesman for Knowles declines to comment. Katie Dadzie and Nick Knowles are co-directors of Boa Boa Wear Ltd. The website for the firm, established in 2022, is unavailable and its Instagram account hasn't been updated since last year Meet 'Lady' who cast unladylike jibe at Dara Last week I revealed that Dara Huang, ex-fiancee of Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, had quit the forthcoming series of Ladies of London after she was called a 'madam'. Now, one of her fellow cast members has admitted that she made the extraordinary comment. American actress Margo Stilley, 43, who's best known for starring in the sexually explicit film 9 Songs, says, enigmatically: 'London is a very small place. Everybody knows absolutely everybody.' Ladies Of London: The New Reign features a dinner party at which a guest was heard to tell Dara: 'I heard a rumour you were a madam.' Others around the table were visibly shocked. There is no suggestion that Dara is a 'madam'. Dara, 42, who's an architect, interior designer and television presenter, left the show long before recording finished and did not feature in most of the promotional material. She has a nine-year-old son with Edo called Christopher. Known as 'Wolfie', he has spent Christmas with his stepmother and the Royal Family at Sandringham. Ladies of London cast members include the Marchioness of Bath and model Lady (Martha) Sitwell. Lady Bath says of Dara's departure: 'You can't leave when you're not getting your own way. 'That's like what children do on a bad day.' Ouch! Margo Stilley poses to promote Ladies of London season four. She is best known for starring in the sexually explicit film 9 Songs Dara Huang, ex-fiancee of Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, in 2023. She quit the forthcoming series of Ladies of London after she was called a 'madam' No fear for Hammond's girl Isabella Top Gear star Richard Hammond got back behind the wheel after crashing a 288mph jet-powered dragster, leaving him in a medically induced coma for two weeks. And Hamster's daughter, Isabella, is just as fearless. Izzy, 25, survived a high-speed crash in a Formula E race in Saudia Arabia last month. Yet she tells me: 'I'm looking forward to getting back to it.' Speaking at an International Women's Day event at Jack Barclay, Mayfair, Izzy says: 'My dad can't really say anything because he's done this many times before. I spoke to him on the phone after the crash and he said, "It did look pretty cool, though".' She adds: 'I'm a bit of a daredevil, an adrenaline junkie and generally I like scaring myself.' Jeremy Irons and Glenn Close thrilled film lovers when they agreed to reunite on screen more than 30 years after they faced off as Claus and Sunny von Bulow in Oscar-winning thriller Reversal Of Fortune. Now, however, Irons tells me that he has scrapped plans to appear in Encore, a film by Simon Curtis, the director of Downton Abbey: A New Era. The pair were due to play former Broadway stars Nigel and Marie, who become residents of a retirement home and stage their own show. 'We're not going to do that,' says Irons, 77. 'We've decided we don't like the script enough.' Norton's model ex bares her soul in 'raw' new watercolours Happy Valley star James Norton split up with Prada model Charlotte Rose Smith last May after a six-month romance. And when the actor joined celebrity dating app Raya just days later, she took a swipe at him by sharing online a photograph of Nicole Kidman celebrating her divorce from Tom Cruise. Now Charlotte, 27, has discovered another way to navigate love and loss. 'I went through a break-up recently,' she reveals when asked about heartbreaks in her life at a Q&A session in Mayfair. 'I have been painting large watercolour self-portraits. 'I wanted to put more of myself in my work.' She explains: 'Initially, my style was very graphic and impersonal to who I am... but the new collection I'm working on is quite intimate and honest and raw. 'I'm scared, but it's good for me.' Prada model Charlotte Rose Smith is moving on from James Norton in style. The pair had been going out for six months Former England rugby loosehead prop Joe Marler admits he won't be having any more tattoos because they hurt too much. 'I've got a few,' says Joe, 35, who was wrongly branded a traitor in the dramatic climax to The Celebrity Traitors. He lives in East Sussex with his wife, Daisy, and their children, Pixie, Maggie, Felix and Jasper. 'I've got four kids and I've got a J for my eldest son and I've got an M for my eldest daughter. 'Then I didn't get a letter for the other two cos I just sort of realised that I don't want any more tattoos and it hurts.' Good luck explaining to your younger two, Joe! Turning 70 next week, Lesley Manville insists she's happy to embrace ageing. The Olivier award-winning actress, who played Princess Margaret in The Crown, remarks: 'I'm just not interested in having a needle stuck in my face, let alone having it cut open. It'll age... great. People can make of it what they want.' Photographer Alison Jackson who specialises in amusing images featuring lookalikes of the famous caused outrage at the Baftas. 'I told a woman she was a dead ringer of Ghislaine Maxwell,' Alison tells me at the Mumble x Moco Museum International Women's Day charity cocktail gala at the Maddox Gallery in Mayfair. 'She was furious.' Hardly surprising given Maxwell is in prison in the US for sex trafficking of a minor. Alison adds of the ceremony guest: 'She was so upset and said people normally tell her she looks like Helen Mirren.' Grief author and mom-of-three Kouri Richinss finances were imploding when she allegedly poisoned her husband with a fentanyl-laced Moscow Mule to get her hands on his multi-million-dollar estate, according to courtroom testimony. Richins, a 35-year-old realtor, owed a staggering $7.5 million in debt and was making payments of around $80,000 each month by March 2022 - the month that Eric Richins was found dead in the couples bed in their family home in Kamas, Utah. For months, she was in a dire pattern of taking out a growing number of high-interest payday loans and credit lines that she could not repay, owing more than 20 different lenders. And her real estate business, K Richins Realty, which focused on buying and flipping houses for a profit was perpetually in a hole as she bought up 22 projects within three years of launching. As forensic accountant Brooke Karrington testified inside Summit County Courthouse in Park City, Utah, during the second week of her murder trial, Richins was in dire straits, with her finances and real estate business collapsing. It was imploding, she said. As of the date Eric Richins died, Kouri Richins was in financial distress and her financial enterprise was collapsing. But for a significant infusion of cash and capital, it would have continued to collapse. That significant infusion, prosecutors allege, would come through the murder of her 39-year-old husband on March 4, 2022. Kouri Richins is accused of poisoning Eric with a fentanyl-laced Moscow Mule cocktail Richinss finances were imploding and she owed a staggering $7.5 million in debt at the time of his death While her own finances were in tatters, Erics estate was worth more than $4 million - including more than $2 million in life insurance policies. In the months following his sudden death, Richins pocketed a staggering $1.36 million in life insurance payments - including from a policy that had been taken out just a few weeks earlier. It was this opportunity to get her hands on Erics estate - as well as her desire to start a new life with her handyman lover Robert Josh Grossmann - that prosecutors allege motivated Richins to make her husband a poisoned cocktail on the night of March 3, 2022. According to prosecutors, a previous attempt to poison him weeks earlier with a laced Valentines Day sandwich had failed. And so, this time around, she allegedly sought out stronger drugs - asking her housekeeper turned dealer Carmen Lauber for the Michael Jackson stuff. An autopsy found Eric had more than five times the lethal amount of fentanyl in his body. For more than a year, Richins played the role of the heartbroken widow, penning a childrens book called Are You With Me? about dealing with grief. Now, Richins is on trial charged with aggravated murder, aggravated attempted murder, as well as two counts of insurance fraud and forgery. If convicted, she faces life in prison. Inside the courtroom on Tuesday, Richins watched intently as her dire finances were forensically dissected before the jury. Dressed in a gray knitted cardigan and top and black pants, with her hair scraped back in a neat bun, she sat between her attorneys at the defense table - her ankles shackled beneath the table. In December 2021, Richins entered a new real estate deal - buying a $2.9 million, 20,000-square-foot mansion in Midway, dubbed the Midway Mansion, with a deposit of $50,000 Richins closed on the deal on March 5, 2022 - hours after her husband died suddenly aged 39 During the days testimony, an animated Richins regularly scribbled notes on a yellow notepad, conferred with and passed written notes to her legal team. There were moments where she raised her eyebrows and pulled faces as her exhaustive debts and flailing real estate business endeavors were put on display for all to see. Inside the courtroom, Erics family and friends looked on silently, filling a row of seats, while Richinss mother Lisa Darden - who bizarrely was investigated for her own partners 2006 overdose death - sat with two other supporters. The two families are kept separate by two rows of members of the public who have been lining up early in the chilly mountain air to grab a seat at the high-profile trial each day. Forensic accountant Karrington testified that she was hired by the prosecution team in May 2023 to analyze Richinss finances up to and at the time of Erics death - reviewing hundreds of thousands of documents including business and personal bank account statements, payday loan agreements, credit card accounts and a home equity line of credit that Richins had taken out on the family home. She also reviewed emails regarding life insurance policies, Erics estate, will and trust, the couples pre-nup agreement, as well as real estate purchase contracts from Richinss real estate business. Based on her analysis, Karrington testified that Richinss real estate business, K Richins Realty, was struggling. By October 2021, her business account was in a hole - with money going out at an exhaustive pace compared to how much was going in, Karrington testified. In the 15 months from January 2021 to Erics death in March 2022, $360,000 worth of transactions didnt clear the bank. Forensic accountant Brooke Karrington testified about Kouri Richins's finances in court this week Kouri Richins owed $7.5 million in debt by March 2022 - the month her husband died The situation escalated in the months leading up to Erics death, with a drastic increase in the number of transactions not clearing the bank without a fee from October 2021 to March 2022. Much of the money going out was to cover debt payments or to pay contractors for renovations on properties. Even when Richins sold a home, it would not bring her enough cash to cover her mounting debts. Yet, she continued to seek out more lenders, taking out additional payday loans in October. That month, Karrington testified it was obvious something was going on. The forensic accountant noted a desperate pattern where Richins would take out new loans, transfer money between accounts to try to avoid defaulting on high-interest loans and wind up in an increasing amount of debt. Yet, in December 2021, Richins entered a new real estate deal - buying a $2.9 million, 20,000-square-foot mansion in Midway, dubbed the Midway Mansion, with a deposit of $50,000. The deal needed to close by March 4, 2022 - the day of Erics death. Just one day after her husband was found dead in their bed, Richins completed the deal. Last week, Erics sister Katie Richins-Benson testified how Richins was discussing closing the deal just hours after his body had been wheeled out of the house. She spoke of her shock that Richins would plow ahead with the closure at that time. Kouri Richins's lover Robert Josh Grossmann testified this week about their affair Yet that deal would only push Richins into further debt, Karrington testified. On March 5, 2022, after closing on the Midway mansion, Richins's net worth was negative $1.6 million. Even if she sold everything she had, it would not have been enough to get back to zero, Karrington testified. But, following Erics death, Richinss fortunes would improve somewhat. She was able to cash in on three separate life insurance policies on her husband, totaling $1.36 million - money that was instantly wiped out by her existing debt. Two other policies - taking the combined total to $2.2 million - were paid to Erics trust. In court on Wednesday, jurors heard how a new policy was taken out on Erics life weeks before his death. Anne Coates, who works for life insurance provider TruStage (CMFG Life Insurance), testified that the company held two policies on Erics life. The first, worth $250,000, was set up in May 2017. Then, one month before his death, a new $100,000 life insurance policy was taken out. Kouri Richins has pleaded not guilty to all charges. She faces life in prison if convicted Shortly after her husband's death, the mother of three self-published a children's book titled 'Are You with Me?' The application was made on February 3, listing Kouri as the beneficiary and the mailing address as a PO BOX - rather than the Richinss family home. It was approved the next day - 10 days before the alleged botched murder attempt on February 14 and exactly one month before his death. One month after her husbands death, Richins filed claims to receive the two policies. She received the two payouts in June and August. As well as a financial motive, prosecutors allege Richins wanted a fresh start with her handyman lover Grossmann - who broke down on the stand as jurors were shown their romantic texts around the time of Eric's death. Richins denies the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In the defense opening statement, Richins's defense presented its case that Eric himself may have bought the lethal fentanyl during a trip to Mexico two weeks prior to his death. They also argued that Eric's Mormon family wanted the widow to take the blame for his death because they could not accept the possibility that he willingly took illegal drugs. China to implement updated policies for departure tax refund: commerce minister Xinhua) 17:02, March 06, 2026 BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China will roll out updated policies for departure tax refund this year, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao told a press conference Friday on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) FBI agents were once again seen canvassing Nancy Guthrie's neighborhood as fears grow that Savannah Guthrie's abducted mother will never be found. Agents wandered the Catalina Hills neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona talking to several residents earlier this week, according to NewsNation. The journey back to the Tucson street comes as Sheriff Chris Nanos has reportedly cut the number of agents assigned to the case, as no new definite leads have come forward. 'Everybody wishes that we had some hot leads, that the whole departments working, trying to run down to solve this quickly,' Sergeant Aaron Cross, president of the Pima County Deputies Organization, told NewsNation. 'So the fact that were reducing the amount of manpower working it, I mean, its hard to say what kind of sign that signals.' Nanos has admitted that his deputies are still missing key points of information, but said they're 'definitely closer' to getting a suspect, he told NBC News earlier this week. 'I've said this from the beginning: I have full faith, full confidence, they're going to solve this,' he said. Investigators has previously released surveillance footage of a masked man at 84-year-old Guthrie's home prior to her abduction on February 1. FBI were seen canvassing Nancy Guthrie's neighborhood this week as her case progresses past 30 days Agents talked to neighbors near her home. It comes as the police force has reported reduced the number of depuities covering the case Guthrie's family is offering a $1million reward for information leading to Guthrie's recovery. The grandmother went missing five weeks ago and was last seen around 10pm the night before are returning home from her daughter's home, where she had dinner. Guthrie's children, including Today Show host Savannah, have pleaded with her captors to returns their mother home safely. In the clip announcing the $1 million reward, Savannah said she realizes her mother may no longer be alive but begged Nancy's captors to help give her family some closure. Savannah returned to the Today Show studio this week, although she has not yet been back on air. The TV host was seen in images first revealed by TMZ hugging staff and crew at the studio in Manhattan, New York City, on Thursday morning. NBC told the Daily Mail in a statement that Savannah plans to return to the air eventually, but her visit on Thursday was 'to be with and thank her TODAY colleagues.' The 54-year-old appeared emotional in images from the reunion, and she was seen wiping away a tear as she embraced her co-workers and made a speech to the studio staff. The studio said Savannah returned to thank her team for their unwavering support through her mother's heartbreaking disappearance. Guthrie's daughter, Savannah Guthrie, was spotted at the Today Show studios this week, although she has not made her official return to the show 'While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home,' the studio said. The Pima County Sheriff's Office, which has been leading the search, has come under scrutiny in the course of the investigation, including allegedly stopping Savannah from offering a reward early in the search. Nanos has faced allegations that he bungled the investigation, as police insiders told the Daily Mail that he failed to deploy a crucial search-and-rescue aircraft in the initial hours of the manhunt because of staffing issues. Nanos has also come under criticism for releasing and re-sealing the crime scene several times, and issuing contradictory messages to the public. As the search runs cold, the FBI announced that the agency would be scaling back its search for Nancy, with agents moving to a new command post more than 100 miles away from Phoenix. Some agents will also stay behind in Tucson, sources with knowledge of the investigation told ABC News. Agents in Phoenix, meanwhile, will work the case from there. The move does not indicate investigators are giving up on the search, sources insisted. FBI agents are investigating an internet outage in Nancy Guthrie's neighborhood on the night of her abduction - a chilling development that could mean her kidnapping was planned with a high degree of sophistication. A neighbor told agents the footage from his Ring camera was 'not available' from the night Guthrie, 84, was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, NewsNation reported, due to an outage. FBI agents were seen going to other neighbors' homes, who told the NewsNation that investigators had also asked them about the reported internet outage. The person who was caught on surveillance footage outside of Guthrie door on February 1 appeared to have an antenna-like device. That has led to theories about whether the 84-year-old mother of Today star Savannah Guthrie had been taken by abductors had used a signal jammer, which is used to block the internet. Law enforcement, however, has not said anything about an outage or the use of tools that caused it and it remains unclear if the outage was in any way connected to Nancy's disappearance. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News that his deputies were 'definitely closer' to getting a suspect, but that they were still missing key points of evidence. 'I've said this from the beginning: I have full faith, full confidence, they're going to solve this,' he said. It comes as Nanos is reportedly drawing back forces on the case due to the lack of any new definite leads. A neighbor told FBI agents the footage from his Ring camera was 'not available' from the night Guthrie was kidnapped Guthrie has been missing since February 1, when she was abducted from her home in Tucson Ring CEO Jamie Siminoff, 49, suggested Guthrie may have been found already if more people in the neighborhood had bought his devices. 'I do believe if they had more of it, if there was more cameras on the house, I think we might, you know, have solved [the case],' Siminoff said in an interview with Fortune. Siminoff added that the recovered footage from Nancy's Nest-branded doorbell camera appeared to be the best evidence law enforcement has. 'The Nancy Guthrie thing has shown just how important video and more video would be in a case like this,' he continued. Siminoff revealed that Ring has been involved in community alerts and recovered footage of a suspicious car two and a half miles away from Nancy's residence in Tucson. When deputies with the Pima County Sheriff's Department initially responded to Nancy's disappearance, they discovered that her front doorbell camera had been disabled, and there was blood on the door. Nancy owned a Nest device, which is owned by Google; however, she did not have a subscription, so the overnight footage did not save. Ten days later, the FBI shared footage recovered from deep in the device's hard drive, showing a terrifying masked figure in black nitrile gloves on Nancy's doorstep. The news of the potential internet outage made many wonder if the kidnappers had use a signal jammer to dispute the connection. The person who was caught on surveillance footage outside of Guthrie door appeared to have an antenna-like device, NewsNation said Neighbors told the outlet that agents had also asked them about their internet connection The grandmother went missing five weeks ago and was last seen around 10pm the night before returning home from her daughter's home, where she had dinner. Guthrie's children, including Today Show host Savannah, have pleaded with her captors to return their mother home safely. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Savannah, her siblings Camron and Annie, as well as Annie's husband Tommaso Cioni have all been ruled out as possible suspects. In the clip announcing the $1million reward, Savannah said she realizes her mother may no longer be alive, but she begged Nancy's captors to help give her family some closure. The Pima County Sheriff's Office, which has been leading the search, has come under scrutiny in the course of the investigation, including allegedly stopping Savannah from offering a reward early in the search. Nanos has faced allegations that he bungled the investigation, as police insiders told the Daily Mail that he failed to deploy a crucial search-and-rescue aircraft in the initial hours of the manhunt because of staffing issues. Nanos has also come under criticism for releasing and re-sealing the crime scene several times, and issuing contradictory messages to the public. Guthrie's daughter, Savannah Guthrie, is offering a $1million reward for information leading to her mother's safe return As the search runs cold, the FBI announced that the agency would be scaling back its search for Nancy, with agents moving to a new command post more than 100 miles away from Phoenix. Some agents will also stay behind in Tucson, sources with knowledge of the investigation told ABC News. Agents in Phoenix, meanwhile, will work the case from there. The move does not indicate investigators are giving up on the search, sources insisted. The war in Iran is threatening to split the conservative movement, dividing it between those who see it as Donald Trumps breaking of a promise against new wars and those who see it as a necessary confrontation long overdue. Progressives, predictably, frame it as another Middle Eastern adventure driven by Israel. Anti-war libertarians call it regime change in a new dress. And across the world, from Brazil to Beijing, London to Karachi, the argument is the same: America is fighting Israels war. But this isnt true. And the confusion matters, because if you misread what this war is actually about, you will misread everything that follows. This is not a war about Israel. This is not a war for Israels sake. Israel is a beneficiary, a capable and willing local partner, but it is not the reason America is in this fight. America is playing a much bigger game, about more than what happens in the Middle East. The subtext, that Israel exercises outsize influence or drags Americans into wars they dont want, borders on the conspiratorial. This isnt one war, but two. There is a regional chessboard, on which Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the other Gulf states all play. Irans proxies, its drones and ballistic missiles, its nuclear ambitions, its funding of Hezbollah and the Houthis. All of that belongs primarily to this smaller game. Israel has always understood this board. So have the Saudis. So has everyone in the neighbourhood. But there is a second chessboard, vastly larger, on which the United States and China are the primary players. On this board, the central question of the next 30 years is being worked out: whether the American-led global order survives, or whether China displaces it. Every American foreign policy decision, from the pivot to Asia to the tariff wars to the posture in the Pacific, is ultimately a move on this board. America is in this fight because of China. Specifically, it is about dismantling the most significant Chinese forward base outside of East Asia. America is in this fight because of China (pictured: President Donald Trump with Chinese president Xi Jinping in October 2025) Haviv Rettig Gur, a top Middle East analyst, talks about the real reason America has chosen to strike now Iran, for most of its history as an adversary of the United States, existed only on the smaller board. It was a headache. It was a regional destabiliser. It funded terrorism, harassed shipping, threatened Americas allies, and kept the Middle East expensive and unpredictable. But it was not, in any direct sense, a threat to American primacy on the global stage. It was Israels problem, the Gulf states problem, and only tangentially Washingtons. That changed when Iran made one of the most consequential strategic miscalculations of the century. Squeezed by decades of American sanctions and increasingly isolated, Iran turned to China as its economic lifeline. The relationship deepened rapidly. Today, roughly 90 per cent of Irans crude oil exports go to China, processed through Chinese refineries that operate beyond the reach of American sanctions enforcement. That oil revenue supplies around a quarter of Irans budget, a huge portion of which is spent on its military forces. Without Beijing, the regime cannot pay its security forces, cannot subsidise basic goods, and would soon face the kind of internal collapse that its own ideology has spent 40 years trying to prevent. In other words, Iran has become has made itself utterly dependent on China. China, for its part, was not being charitable. It was being strategic. Iranian oil, sold cheaply because Tehran has no other buyers, has helped Beijing build a strategic petroleum reserve exceeding a billion barrels, enough to sustain the Chinese economy for roughly 100 days in the event of a naval blockade. Chinas single greatest vulnerability is the American Navys ability to interdict its energy imports, especially at vulnerable choke points like the Malacca Straits. Iranian oil, flowing outside American oversight, was a direct hedge against that vulnerability. (So, by the way, was Venezuelas, another US operation that was ultimately about containing China.) 'Iran has become has made itself utterly dependent on China,' Haviv writes (pictured: Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian, left, and Xi Jinping) But the energy relationship was only part of the picture. China was also arming Iran with systems designed to threaten commercial and American military assets. Reports emerged in February of a near-finalised deal to supply Iran with supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles capable of speeds exceeding Mach 3 and engineered to evade the Aegis defence systems deployed on American carrier strike groups. China was replacing Iranian government and military software with closed Chinese systems, hardening Iran against CIA and Mossad cyber operations. Joint naval exercises between China, Russia, and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz were becoming regular events, building real-time operational familiarity between the three navies. Iran had switched from the GPS system to the Chinese BeiDou system. And Iran was providing China with the port at Jask, as part of Chinas string of pearls base system in the Indian Ocean. The picture that emerges from all of this is, as I have said, of a Chinese forward base, a lynchpin of the countrys naval architecture; cyber efforts; an economic Belt and Road influence programme every element of Chinese power projection and empire-building positioned at the throat of the global oil supply, armed with weapons designed to penetrate American defences and kill American sailors, and embedded in a strategic architecture whose explicit purpose is to constrain American military freedom in any future conflict over Taiwan. When Iran began to look like that, it stopped being Israels problem and became Americas. The administration itself has struggled to explain this, and its not clear why. On March 2, Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the US had launched pre-emptive strikes against Iran because the administration knew an Israeli attack was imminent and wanted to prevent automatic Iranian retaliation against American bases. He said intelligence showed Iran had pre-delegated orders to military commanders to strike US assets the moment the regime was attacked by any party. Your browser does not support iframes. Reports emerged in February of a near-finalised deal to supply Iran with supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles capable of speeds exceeding Mach 3 Rubio emphasised that the US chose to destroy Irans offensive capabilities first rather than sit there and absorb a blow that would have resulted in higher damage to American personnel. Its hard to take this explanation at face value. If the trigger was simply an Israeli strike, America could have told the Israelis to sit tight. Its done it before, repeatedly and even recently. And it doesnt fit the nature of the war. For one thing, American media reports tell us that America, not Israel, chose the timing. Reliable sources tell us the CIA, not Mossad, tracked Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to the Saturday meeting of Iranian military leaders struck by Israel, and Trump, not Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pulled the trigger on the joint attack. The Americans went to war together with the Israelis because thats the best way to fight a war like this. Having a capable and loyal local ally willing to deal damage and absorb blowback lowers the costs to America and increases the chances of success. If America ever finds itself in a kinetic fight with China, it presumably expects Japan and Taiwan and South Korea to play a similar role in the fighting. But American forces have used this operation to target Iranian military positions and assets that have nothing to do with the Israeli-Iranian face-off. In the first 24 hours of the war, American strikes, as confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM), focused on Iranian naval vessels, submarines, ports, and anti-ship missile positions along the southern coast. It was the CIA that tracked Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei (R), and it was Trump who pulled the trigger on the joint attack The port of Bandar Abbas, headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, was hit. So was Jask, which China had hoped would become a permanent naval foothold on the Indian Ocean. Isfahan and Tabriz, hubs of ballistic missile production and drone assembly, were struck. The goal, explicitly stated by US officials, was not merely to degrade stockpiles but to destroy the industrial base from which those weapons are produced, so China cannot spend the next few years quietly rebuilding it. President Trump announced the operation in terms that could not have been more direct, explicitly mentioning elements of Iranian power the navy, the missile production sites that would serve as that second front in a war with China. One of the more revealing subplots of this war has been the behaviour of Irans supposed allies. Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with Iran in January of last year. China has been Irans economic patron for years. And yet when the bombs started falling, neither moved. Russian radar systems in Syria went dark, transponders reportedly switched off, apparently to avoid accidentally drawing American or Israeli fire. China issued statements. Neither fired a shot in Irans defence. This matters beyond the immediate moment. The entire architecture of the alternative world order that China has been constructing BRICS (the Belt and Road Initiative), the network of partnerships meant to demonstrate there is a credible alternative to American-led institutions rests on the assumption that China is a reliable partner. Every government, from Central Asia to sub-Saharan Africa to Latin America, is now watching China leave its closest Middle Eastern ally to burn. That is a blow to Chinese soft power that no diplomatic offensive can easily repair. It is an American success that will be felt for years, irrespective of how the Iran operation turns out. America, meanwhile, has demonstrated something important: that it retains both the will and the capability to act decisively when its core interests are genuinely threatened. Not Israels interests. Not abstract liberal internationalist ideals. American interests, defined coldly and specifically. None of this means the war is without risk. Strikes on Saudi oil infrastructure, Houthi threats to close the Bab el Mandeb Straits, the escalation in Lebanon: these are real dangers, and the costs of miscalculation are enormous. Iran, aware that it is facing an existential moment, is doing what cornered regimes do, setting as many fires as possible in the hope that the pain forces a negotiated exit. And we cannot forget the risk shouldered by Israeli civilians. But the logic of the American position is not difficult to follow once youre looking at the right chessboard. Iran embedded itself so deeply in Chinas strategic architecture over the past couple of years that removing it became a prerequisite for American freedom of action in East Asia. This is also why President Trump seems to be pursuing a strange sort of regime change something very different from what George W. Bush or the neocons meant by the term. Trump doesnt care one whit about democratisation, or, as Venezuela showed us, about changing any element of a regime that doesnt stand in Americas way. Hes interested in regime change in Iran only because it is, in its founding theology, unswervingly anti-American. It is thus not swayable from the Chinese orbit by any other means. He doesnt need a democratic Iran, he just needs a not-anti-American Iran. It must be said: Israel is also at war with Iran, and has focused its strikes on Iranian targets that specifically threaten Israel, such as the ballistic missile launchers. But there are nevertheless two different wars underway in Iran, each taking place on very different strategic scales. The best-case scenario that could emerge from this war is a stable, democratic-leaning, US-orientated Iran, a more secure Gulf, a weakened Hezbollah and thus a more stable and successful Lebanon, a more secure Israel and above all, a China less able to threaten Americas Pacific allies. None of that is nation-building. There is no Marshall Plan in the wings, no democratic project, no idealism of the kind that animated the adventures in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is colder and more coherent. So why cant Secretary Rubio say it? Why hem and haw? One obvious answer: they dont want to push the Chinese to more overt responses. One should always give ones enemy an excuse not to respond in kind. Its a sensible ambiguity on the world stage, but its causing damage at home. It may be time for the administration to speak clearly on its strategy in articulated statements that answer the good-faith questions of many Americans. Once you understand the real reasons for America to strike now, everything else about this conflict clicks into place. The loudest voices in the debate are still arguing about the smaller chessboard. The war is being fought on the larger one. Haviv Rettig Gur is The Free Press Middle East Analyst and host of the Ask Haviv Anything podcast. A version of this article appeared in The Free Press. As the Middle East explodes into war, countries that hoped to stay neutral have found themselves dragged into the escalating hostilities. Cyprus, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates have all been targeted by Iranian drones and missiles in the past few days as the mullahs lash out against Western-facing interests. Oil refineries, embassies, military bases and even civilian apartments have all been hit. How, then, will the victims of this Iranian aggression respond? Will they seek to punish Tehran, as the White House hopes? Or will they resist the temptation and, instead, exert pressure behind the scenes to bring the fighting to a halt? Long-established conventions and alliances are under extraordinary strain across the Middle East. Whether or not they endure will shape the outcome of this conflict. The Gulf states Qatar, Bahrain and the countries that make up the United Arab Emirates have worked hard to avoid involvement. But their neutrality has been shattered by a barrage of missiles and drones aimed not only at American military bases and embassies on their territory, but at vital energy infrastructure, airports and hotels. Over the years, Gulf monarchies have spent billions on fighter jets and missiles and despite pictures of smoke rising over Dubai airport and explosions rocking the Fairmont hotel in Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab tower those defences have mostly been effective so far. The UAE has been targeted by Iranian missile and drone strikes (pictured: a beachfront hotel in Dubai was hit by a missile strike) Qatar has tried to avoid involvement like the other Gulf states (pictured: Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visiting the National Command Centre for the Ministry of Interior) But the drones swarming from Irans launch sites are comparatively cheap at about $20,000 a piece and have probably been stockpiled in vast quantities. The aircraft and missiles required to intercept them, meanwhile, are costly around $2million a time and supplies are limited. If defences in the Gulf states become depleted and more Iranian attacks hit their targets, the consequences will be far-reaching. Will these states join the war against Iran and risk major reprisals? The US War Department wants the Arab states to let American jets fly through their airspace, for example, which would put them openly at war with Tehran. But while we in the West worry about Iran cutting off energy exports, the Gulf states fear the Iranian mullahs will block their vital imports of food and drinking water. Turkey Turkey has long vied with Iran and Saudi Arabia for supremacy in the Muslim Middle East. Its stance will be crucial. Despite an historic rivalry as the two non-Arab powers in the region Iran has few reasons to antagonise its powerful neighbour. Ankara shares much of Tehrans hostility towards Israel, for example. Turkey and Iran are united in suspicion of their Kurdish populations. And the Turkish economy depends on Iranian oil. It is all the more curious, then, that an Iranian missile was intercepted off the Turkish coast on Wednesday. An Iranian missile was intercepted off the Turkish coast on Wednesday (pictured: Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler at a Nato meeting) Thanks to Putins invasion of Ukraine, European planes to the Far East have been re-routed over Azerbaijan Was it a stray as Turkey has claimed? Or, with so many of Irans top military commanders now dead, was it fired by local commanders without much sense of strategy? An attack on Turkey, a Nato member that shares a 300-mile border with Iran, would mark a major escalation and could activate Natos Article 5, potentially drawing the alliances 32 member states into the conflict. Azerbaijan A fellow Muslim country with a large Shia population, Irans neighbour Azerbaijan might seem an unlikely target. But Iran sees oil-rich Azerbaijan as a hostile state because of its secular outlook and business links with the West and Israel. Azerbaijan is also regarded with suspicion thanks to its kinship with 20 million Turkic-speaking Azeris inside Iran (many more than live in Azerbaijan) who have been prominent in demonstrations against the largely Persian regime. It is possible, in fact, that the missile intercepted off the coast of Turkey on Wednesday was heading for the oil terminal at Ceyhan. This is where oil from Azerbaijan with BP as a partner reaches the Mediterranean Sea, some of it bound for Israel. Azerbaijan, with Iran on its southern border and Russia to the north, is also strategically located when it comes to air travel. Thanks to Putins invasion of Ukraine, European planes to the Far East have been re-routed over Azerbaijan. Is Iran now prepared to threaten this narrow strip of airspace in the same way it has attempted to close down the Strait of Hormuz to shipping? Perhaps. Yesterday drones hit an airport and a school, while on Wednesday a missile landed in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan on the Iranian border. Iran has denied responsibility. Pakistan Pakistans involvement in the conflict with Iran might also seem surprising. Indeed, the two nations have strong shared security interests. Both oppose the Afghan Taliban, who are fighting a border war with Pakistan. Further south, the ethnic Baloch minority numbering some 15 million is waging its own bloody campaign for independence from Iran and Pakistan. But it would be a mistake to overlook the army of Pakistani workers who toil, often for long hours, in the Gulf economies who now find themselves in the firing line. Saudi Arabia has more than 2.6 million Pakistani workers, while another 1.6 million live and work in the UAE, 400,000 in Dubai alone. Pakistan nationals carry out many of the menial jobs, but they are also the backbone of private security services in the Gulf. If any of these expats were to be killed by Iranian missiles, then Islamabad might feel itself forced to act. The ramifications are chilling after all, Pakistan has nuclear weapons. Although Riyadh wanted to remain neutral, Iranian drone attacks on the capital and oil facilities have pushed it closer to reprisals Saudi Arabia As the home to the Prophet Muhammads birthplace, Mecca, Saudi Arabia stands at the very heart of Islam. Yet Irans Shia mullahs challenge Sunni Saudi Arabias attempted monopoly on what counts as true Islam. Although Riyadh wanted to remain neutral, Iranian drone attacks on the capital and oil facilities have pushed it closer to reprisals. Iran has hammered oil and gas facilities across the region, bringing production at Saudi Arabias largest domestic refinery, Ras Tanura, to a halt on Monday. Riyadh has promised decisive action in response. Relations between the regions two great petro states have long been difficult. Iran and Saudi Arabia are engaged in a long-running fight to dominate the Middle East politically and culturally. Although it doesnt yet recognise Israel, Saudi Arabias alliance with America makes it an obvious enemy for Irans mullahs, whose loathing of the US knows no bounds. Kurdistan More than 30 million Kurds live in the border areas of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria, often as an oppressed minority. They have spent decades fighting for their own state, Kurdistan, and with neither Turkey nor Iran willing to accept losing such large chunks of territory- the situation was explosive even before America and Israel declared war on Iran. America has long tacitly supported the Kurds, especially in Iraq. In the past few days, Iran has sent rockets into Kurdish regions in Iraq, while yesterday, a missile hit the HQ of Kurdish forces in the north of the country. This followed reports that CIA-trained Kurdish militias have been urged by the Americans to take up arms against Tehran. What next? The Gulf states, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia are under huge pressure to respond to the Iranian onslaught despite the threat Iran will raise the stakes still further in reply. Fortunately, its supplies of weaponry must at some point start to dwindle. Will Russia come to the aid of its ally Iran? It could do so by attacking Azerbaijan from the north while the mullahs squeeze it from the south a deeply troubling prospect. It is, however, the prospect of an Iranian civil war that raises the greatest threat to regional stability. Quite aside from its millions of Kurds and Azeris, Iran has sizeable populations of Balochis and Arabs. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed for Irans minorities to revolt. Yet internal warfare could spark a refugee crisis on a scale greater even than the exodus that followed the violence in Iraq and Syria. A nightmarish conflict with tragic human costs is all too possible. Keir Starmer has the wrong principles and the wrong priorities. We see it in his weak response to Iran. Even now, as our brave servicemen and women are under attack, Starmer is still dithering. Our allies are rightly furious. We saw it at the Spring Statement, when Rachel Reeves could tell us exactly how she's going to pay for record benefits spending, but not how she'll fund our Armed Forces. Under my leadership, the Conservatives will always act in the national interest. We will prioritise the defence of the realm the first duty of any government. That is why today I am announcing that a future Conservative government will restore the two-child benefit cap and use the savings to strengthen our Armed Forces. Reinstating the two-child benefit cap will save 3.2billion a year. We will use half to bring down the deficit, ensuring we don't load future generations with ever-increasing debt. The remaining 1.6billion will go to our military. Some political parties avoid difficult choices, promising everything to everyone. The Conservatives do not. And I'm very clear there will be more difficult choices like this in the future. Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, says her government would restore the two-child benefit cap Every pound the government spends must come from somewhere. If we are serious about protecting Britain, we must be honest that there is a trade-off. The era of an endlessly rising welfare bill paid for by a shrinking defence budget should be over. Labour still can't explain how it will reach three per cent of GDP on defence. The Liberal Democrats think we should borrow more money to fund defence. The Greens want to leave Nato. Meanwhile, Reform has defended the two-child benefit cap, then abandoned it, then suggested bringing it back to take 5p off the price of a pint. This is not serious. In a more dangerous world, the Conservatives are the only party prepared to take the tough decisions needed. There was a time, albeit distant, when the Royal Navy could credibly claim to 'rule the waves'. On Friday, it is in danger of becoming a laughing stock, weakened by poor political leadership, chronically underfunded, and increasingly unable to protect our interests. The sorry saga of HMS Dragon is a perfect metaphor for this decline and our dwindling influence on the global stage. After the Iranian drone attack on RAF Akrotiri, in Cyprus, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that this 1billion destroyer, equipped with state-of-the-art missile defence systems, would be deployed to the region to defend the base. Three days on, she remains at anchor in Portsmouth and probably won't reach the conflict zone for another week. Until then we must rely on French, Spanish, Greek and even Italian warships for naval cover. This is more than a humiliation. It's tantamount to criminal negligence. The PM had known for weeks that the US-Israeli attack was brewing and Iran's response could well be to attack Western interests. So why weren't HMS Dragon and other vessels primed and ready for action? Issuing a statement from Downing Street on Thursday, Sir Keir was clearly a man in deep denial. Far from admitting to having been unprepared, he claimed all necessary military precautions were taken before the drone attack and that we had been in a 'heightened state of readiness'. HMS Dragon pictures at Portsmouth Harbour, Hampshire on March 4, 2026 Sir Keir Starmer pictured on March 4, 2026 leaving Downing Street ahead of PMQs in the House of Commons This will come as a surprise to our allies in the Gulf and Cyprus, several of whom have expressed disappointment at our failure to help defend them against entirely predictable Iranian retaliations. While the PM was pondering the legal niceties of military action, Tehran was bombing our friends. Sir Keir also claimed our 'special relationship' with America was still working well, despite his initial refusal to allow US jets to attack Iran from British airbases and Donald Trump's furious reaction. But was that Sir Keir's decision? Leaks from the National Security Council suggest he was bounced into it by Ed Miliband, Rachel Reeves and Yvette Cooper. If he's reduced to taking foreign policy advice from those three political featherweights, it really is time he hung up his boots. Perhaps the most risible thing he said on Thursday was that he is 'providing calm, level-headed leadership'. In truth, everyone knows he's a busted flush. Despite visiting 29 countries in his brief tenure, he has achieved little or nothing internationally (apart from the abject surrender of the Chagos Islands). Domestically, his policies are mired in confusion and disarray after 14 major U-turns on everything from winter fuel allowance to the two-child benefit cap. Meanwhile, Labour's latest brilliant plan to reduce migration is to pay failed asylum seekers up to 40,000 per family to leave the country. Why? If their claim has failed, they should surely just be removed. No wonder the party's support has collapsed, leaving delusional far-Left cranks such as the Greens to fill the void. It's a rudderless ship with a calamitous captain. True leadership is about having a set of guiding principles and keeping to them, even when the going gets tough. But after 20 months in power, does anyone really know what Sir Keir believes in, beyond a lawyerly obeisance to 'international law'? He loves to present himself as a statesman but in reality he is the living embodiment of one of TS Eliot's Hollow Men: 'Paralysed force, gesture without motion.' There was nothing surprising about how Kristi Noem conducted herself as Secretary of Homeland Security. There was nothing surprising about how it ended. As we watch Washington dramas unfold, we are somehow forever startled by outcomes that were foreshadowed in neon. The abrupt end of Noem's tenure at DHS was not a plot twist. It was a reprise a comic-tragic mirror of the style she perfected as governor of South Dakota and carried with her, undiluted, into one of the most consequential jobs in the federal government. There was Noem's brazen use of taxpayer money for television ads featuring the aesthetically tweaked and telegenic pol; the equally brazen public displays of her close and personal relationship with longtime Trump consigliere and top DHS advisor Corey Lewandowski; the tough-gal rhetoric that often outpaced the tangible results; the monomaniacal control of spending decisions, personnel choices, and above all, public image. Her determination to vanquish dissent and freeze out rivals was broadcast. It was all there from the beginning. When President Donald Trump tapped Noem for Homeland Security, there were audible gasps in some quarters not from the MAGA faithful, who welcomed the elevation of a like-minded culture warrior, but from those who understood the scale and complexity of the job. Homeland Security is not a governorship with better lighting and a bigger budget. It is a sprawling leviathan: border enforcement, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, disaster response all on an ever-changing, ever-mutating, ever-advancing stratum. It requires managerial discipline, interagency dexterity and the capacity to subordinate personal brand-building to institutional mission. Some critics said privately that Noem's lack of qualifications for such an important, high-stakes post made Secretary of War Pete Hegseth look like his Pentagon predecessor Robert Gates by comparison. It was a cruel line, but it captured the anxiety: Was this another Trump appointment driven by optics and loyalty over resume and readiness? There was nothing surprising about how Kristi Noem conducted herself as Secretary of Homeland Security. There was nothing surprising about how it ended There was Noem's brazen public displays of her close and personal relationship with longtime Trump consigliere and top DHS advisor Corey Lewandowski (pictured right) The semi-official explanations for her dismissal are that the president had reached the end of his patience with Noem over her suggestion that he was complicit in her decisions to spend $220 million of taxpayer money to promote her agency's initiatives and over her evasive answers about her relationship with Lewandowski. Indeed, publicly Trump all but accused Noem of perjury regarding her claim to Congress that he approved her ad campaign, which featured her on horseback, wearing a cowboy and chaps, in front of Mount Rushmore. But even this harsh dismissal almost misses the larger truth. If the president truly wanted to fire his cabinet secretary, he did not lack for reasons. Noem, by many accounts inside and outside the building, provided a cornucopia of them. There were the headline-grabbing decisions (and mishandling of the tensions in Minneapolis) that placed Noem at the center of controversy. On Wednesday before Congress, Noem refused to retract her allegation that the two Americans killed by federal agents during deportation operations in Minnesota in January were 'domestic terrorists.' It's something else that Noem claims came from the White House. And there were the quieter managerial complaints about morale, about spending, about the prioritization of image over execution. There were the bruised relationships on Capitol Hill. Any previous president, in any previous administration, likely would have pulled the plug after the first or second flare-up. But this is not a previous administration. Trump all but accused Noem of perjury regarding her claim to Congress that he approved her ad campaign, which featured her on horseback, wearing a cowboy and chaps This is Trump's Washington, where loyalty is currency, media dominance is strategy, and conflict is often over who is sucking up the oxygen. Nevertheless, for those who might doubt it, there also are plenty of members in the White House high command who value competence, discretion, skill and integrity. Since the news dropped of Noem's firing, I've received only messages of glee from inside the administration. No one is known to be unhappy. All of official Washington is now indulging in its favorite parlor game: Who's next to be booted? Does the first-out-of-the-gate sacking of a cabinet member signal a new phase a tighter ship, a shorter fuse, a president newly impatient with underperformance? The names most often floated for the chopping block Hegseth at Defense, Robert F Kennedy Jr in his controversial perch at Health and Human Services, and Attorney General Pam Bondi are instructive. Hegseth is in the midst of a war and plays a highly visible role; presidents rarely change generals in the thick of battle unless catastrophe demands it - and White House officials are pleased with his public performances a week into the conflict. Kennedy, whatever one thinks of his portfolio, is viewed as politically useful, even essential, to galvanizing key constituencies ahead of the midterms. Mark Halperin is the editor-in-chief and host of the interactive live video platform 2WAY and the host of the video podcast 'Next Up' on the Megyn Kelly network Bondi's upcoming testimony in the House over Epstein-related matters may prove more dispositive. Inside the Beltway, hearings are less about law than about political survivability. Tone matters. Preparation matters. The president's mood matters most of all. And then there is Corey Lewandowski the longtime take-no-prisoners political operator, whom the president once credited with helping him win his first Republican primary contest (as a springboard to the presidency) in Lewandowski's home state New Hampshire. Noem's close association with Lewandowski was always part of the story. Lewandowski has accumulated vast power in Trump World and an equally vast legion of critics. He is admired for his ferocity and resented for the same reason. In this ecosystem, proximity to Trump is both shield and target. It says something about both Lewandowski and Trump that the Granite Stater could survive in the position for so long with so many top-level enemies and so much savagely bad press coverage. Today, Lewandowski's foes are wondering whether he has at last exhausted all nine of his political lives, or whether, as so often before has been the case, he will emerge relatively unscathed while others fall away. As for the future of Homeland Security, attention turns to Senator Markwayne Mullin, who is hoping to secure enough Democratic support to smooth his confirmation. He will likely get the votes. The more interesting question is not whether he will be confirmed, but how he will govern. Homeland Security is one of the toughest jobs in American government an unrelenting cascade of crises, many invisible until they are suddenly not. It demands less showmanship and more stamina, less cable-news combat and more bureaucratic patience. It punishes vanity and rewards focus, and in this day and age, is as integral to the safety and well-being of the American people as any other government role. Mullin, if he takes the helm, will begin with a distinct advantage: he is not Kristi Noem. That sounds glib, but in Washington, contrast can define success. After a tenure sparked with spectacle, there is often hunger for steadiness. After turbulence, both the administration and the public place a premium on quiet competence. The lesson here is not that personality doesn't matter. It is that personality is part of policy in a job like Homeland Security. Style shapes substance. Temperament reflects priorities. If your instinct is always to look for the camera, eventually the camera will look back and not always kindly. There was nothing surprising about how Kristi Noem conducted herself at DHS. And there was nothing surprising about how it ended. In politics, as in life, character and performance are not just prologue. They are prophecy. So, lets take stock for a moment of the damage that Sir Keir Starmer has inflicted in less than a fortnight to this countrys global reputation. We are a nuclear power, a P5 country one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. The UK is, by tradition, the second most important player in Nato, which is still the most successful military alliance in history. We are in the G7. In spite of all the fiscal vandalism of Starmer and his Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, the UK remains the fifth or sixth biggest economy in the world. We have superlative security and intelligence services, and colossal reach and influence. Yet Starmer has somehow contrived to make us not merely a laughing stock but something actually worse a piffling irrelevance. By refusing to back our traditional friends and allies in their war on the ayatollahs, and by sitting on the sidelines, he has shown the biggest display of invertebracy since the Cambrian Explosion. And the world can see it. It is not just the Americans who are furious (and amazed) at our initial refusal to let them use our military bases the first time this has happened in my lifetime. Look at the reaction across the world; look at what our friends are saying about Britain. By refusing to back our traditional friends and allies in their war on the ayatollahs, and by sitting on the sidelines, Keir Starmer has shown the biggest display of invertebracy since the Cambrian Explosion, writes Boris Johnson Starmer sent the Defence Secretary, John Healey, to RAF Akrotiri We look like total chumps in Cyprus, where the Greeks and the French are thought rightly or wrongly to have done more to protect the RAF base at Akrotiri than the Royal Navy itself. It seems that we do have a ship HMS Dragon that was meant to be on the way, but it turns out that its voyage has been delayed by operational cuts. It gives you a flavour of the insanity of Labour defence policy if I say that those defence cuts have been caused by Reeves hike in National Insurance, which has hit the MoD along with everyone else. This was the very Cyprus base, remember, that was allegedly threatened by Saddam Hussein. According to the infamous dodgy dossier of Tony Blair and Alastair Campbell in 2003, the Iraqi leader was capable of hitting Akrotiri with biological weapons and with a notice of only 45 minutes. As it turned out, that was a lie. Saddam had no biological weapons, and he certainly wasnt capable of hitting Akrotiri within 45 minutes. But it was largely on the basis of that fictitious Campbell-spun threat to UK bases in Cyprus that this country went to war with Iraq. So, it is surely one of the richer ironies of history that when this same base has come under genuine attack it was hit by a one-way attack drone on Monday evening this Labour prime minister has done absolutely nothing. Well, he sent the Defence Secretary, John Healey who on Thursday had to run for cover and cower in a bomb shelter, because of the threat from another (possibly Iranian) missile or drone. Smoke rises after an air strike in Tehran... it was never realistic to think that we could somehow escape involvement, writes Boris HMS Dragon... at the time of writing, it is still in UK waters not through any fault of the navy, but entirely because of the vacillation and hopelessness of Labour, says Boris We look like total chumps in Cyprus, where the Greeks and the French are thought to have done more to protect the RAF base at Akrotiri than the Royal Navy itself, writes Boris At the time of writing, HMS Dragon is still in UK waters not through any fault of the Navy, but entirely because of the vacillation and hopelessness of Labour, while the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle patrols the eastern Mediterranean. Starmer has of course U-turned (as usual) on allowing the US to use our bases weeks after this column urged him to do so but it has taken too long. We still look like temporising twerps. And why has it taken us so long to send forces to protect our friends and allies in the Gulf? There is a reason why there are so many Brits in Dubai, and it is not just that they are fleeing the Labour tax terror. It is because these places are so fundamentally pro-British, and so yearning for our greater engagement and support. Dictionary corner Cambrian Explosion: Rapid evolution of simple organisms to early vertebrates that occured roughly 541million to 530million years ago The UK flag only went down in the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Starmer is old enough to remember when we were actually responsible for these countries. They are our fastest growing export markets and colossal inward investors in the UK and now they are being brutally bombarded by Iran, in a way that was utterly foreseeable. It was never realistic to think that we could somehow escape involvement, as the US built up forces in the region. Why didnt we send jets earlier, to help protect them, and protect the UK populations? Can Starmer not understand how they feel bitterly let down? I sometimes wonder whether he has ever read any British history, or whether he has any real understanding of the nexus of relationships that we have built up around the world. Then consider the people of Iran, that great and brilliant people. Ask yourself this question: what has been the biggest foreign policy failure of the West in the last 15 years? Is it that we have been too bullying, too arrogant? Have we repeated the mistake of Iraq, and tried to impose democracy on countries that simply were not ready for it? On the contrary, I think that recently we have been too willing to hang back. We the West have been too weak. You could argue that this fatal weakness began in 2013 when Barack Obama allowed the Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to gas his own population, and then in spite of his promises did nothing to punish him. Things got worse in 2014, when we effectively turned a blind eye to Putins invasion of Crimea and the Donbas making a nonsense of our pledges, under the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, to protect Ukraine. We looked weakest of all when in 2021 the US triggered a chaotic Western departure from Afghanistan, in scenes that sent shock waves through our friends and allies. And, of course, our enemies registered this weakness and have tried to exploit it. Why do you think Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022? Why do you think Iran encouraged Hamas to attack Israel in October 2023? Because they thought the West was weak, and they thought that they could get away with it. Finally, we have a US president who whatever you may think about him is willing to stand up to the enemies of the West. Hamas gave up the hostages. Assad has gone from Syria. Maduro has gone from Venezuela. Finally, we have a chance to end the appalling reign of the Putin-backing ayatollahs a regime that executes women for failing to cover their hair properly. It will not be easy, and it may not be quick. It is clear that this time there will be no Western ground forces in Iran, and in challenging the regime the Iranian protestors clearly run terrible risks. But there is a sense in which the US and Israel have already achieved something remarkable. As one Gulf leader told me yesterday: The Iranian regime will never be the same again, and that is a good thing. So here is the choice, my friends. Would you rather that we had a chance of ending the tyranny of the mullahs, or no chance? Starmer opted for no chance and why? Not because of international law, not because of his legal pal Lord Hermer, but because he was suddenly intimidated by the threat of a Cabinet revolt from Ed Miliband, a man who lost in a hand-to-hand fight with a bacon sandwich. Its not only shameful, it is feeble beyond belief. Claire Dougherty was like any other 22 year old - she enjoyed going out with her friends and indulging in a cocktail or two. But in August 2025, she suddenly began experiencing pain in her throat and breathlessness when she drank. Every sip of alcohol caused 'roaring' pain in her neck. She dismissed it as an intolerance to vodka and switched to wine and gin. 'It was all of this pain in the base of my neck on the left side and travelling up my neck into my left ear,' Dougherty, a medical assistant from from Philadelphia, told the Daily Mail. 'It felt like the most painful spot was my inner ear, I assumed that it was an ear problem that was then causing pain in my neck. 'I noticed that the front of my neck felt tense and maybe a little swollen and a little painful to touch. I just assumed that it was a lymph node, if anything, associated with the ear pain, so I wasn't that concerned about it.' However, no matter what she drank, the pain worsened each time and she eventually saw a doctor who prescribed allergy medications, which did not help. In September, she felt a lump in her throat. The next month, doctors conducted a CT scan and a biopsy. In November, Dougherty was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer that can spread quickly if left untreated. Dougherty realized that her pain and breathlessness were actually signs the tumor was slowly crushing her trachea. Dougherty, a medical assistant, initially assumed her symptoms were related to an ear problem. She described pain starting at the base of her neck and traveling up into her left ear, with the inner ear the most painful spot Dougherty, a medical assistant from from Philadelphia, was like any other 22 year old before her diagnosis Your browser does not support iframes. Dougherty said: 'For a little bit every drink was a vodka drink so I kind of told myself maybe it was something [to do] with vodka. '[I thought] I had an intolerance to vodka but then eventually I had a gin drink and a wine and they made it hurt too so it didn't really matter what alcohol it was.' For months before her diagnosis, Dougherty continued to drink socially with her friends, fighting through the pain each time. She said: 'It was tough because I had no reason I couldn't be drinking, but it would make everything so much worse. 'I was very in my head about it and I got nervous every time I would drink because I was worried that it would make it [the pain] bad.' Doctors chalked it up to allergies. Pain in the inner ear and neck can easily be caused by fluid buildup or eustachian tube dysfunction, often linked to allergies or sinus infections. Too much alcohol also weakens the immune system, making a person more likely to get ill - something Dougherty and doctors might have put her symptoms down to. Lymph nodes in the neck also frequently swell in response to infections or allergies as the body fights off perceived invaders. To a doctor, feeling a slightly tender node would look like a typical immune response. For months before her diagnosis, Dougherty continued drinking socially, fighting through the pain each time. She grew anxious every time she went out, worried the pain would return In October 2025, doctors performed a biopsy, removing a small sample of the lump in her neck to send for testing, the first step toward her diagnosis Claire began chemotherapy on December 3, the start of a grueling six-round journey she completed on February 11, 2026 Between 8,000 and 9,000 Americans are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma each year, making it a rare type of cancer. It is however the most common cancer among 15- to 19-year-olds, and rates peak in people 18 to 34. Dougherty was stage two, which has a high average five-year survival rate of about 90 percent, but doctors still initiated an aggressive treatment plan. She began her first round of chemotherapy on December 3, the start of a grueling treatment journey. She would go on to complete six rounds in total, finishing on February 11 this year. Now, with chemo behind her, she is waiting to begin 20 sessions of radiotherapy focused on her neck. 'Luckily I don't need surgery,' Dougherty said. Hodgkin lymphoma begins in white blood cells called B lymphocytes, which normally fight infection. When genetic changes occur, these cells transform into large, cancerous cells called Reed-Sternberg cells that define the disease. The cancer typically starts in lymph nodes, most often in the neck and spreads in a predictable pattern from one lymph node group to the next. Now, with chemo behind her, Dougherty awaits 20 sessions of radiotherapy focused on her neck As it progresses, it can move to the spleen, bone marrow, liver and lungs. Advanced disease often causes fever, drenching night sweats and unexplained weight loss. Dougherty breathes much better after undergoing chemo. The treatments rapidly shrank the tumor that was wrapped around and crushing her windpipe, relieving the pressure on her airway. She is now urging others to be their own advocates by insisting on every available test and scan, even though it can feel uncomfortable or exhausting. 'I hated going and getting all of the testing done but it's worth it to know what's going on in your body and to get that peace of mind,' she said. The family of a new dad who died from bile-duct cancer have hit out at health officials who rejected the use of a potentially life-saving treatment on the NHS. Huw Jones, 33, from North Wales, died in February after a short battle with stage four cholangiocarcinoma, which was spotted after he began experiencing abdominal pain whilst he was training for a triathlon. When he was diagnosed in 2024, his wife was 20 weeks pregnant with their first child. In January 2025 - the month his son, Idris, was born - Mr Jones was put on a trial for zanidatamab, a powerful drug used when cancer cannot be removed by surgery and has spread to nearby tissue or other parts of the body. At the time he said he felt his condition 'improved a great deal' after starting the treatment, which is administered by an infusion drip into a vein every two weeks. 'Some of my tumours shrunk in size, and I was able to reduce the amount of morphine I was taking for pain relief,' he said at the time. He also experienced less side-effects compared to other chemotherapy drugs, meaning he could spend more time with his newborn son and get back to exercising. But earlier this year, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued guidance rejecting the use of the drug on the NHS stating there wasn't enough evidence to suggests it has good value for money. Huw's son was just a year old when his father died from bile duct cancer. His wife, Cadi (pictured right) continues to campaingn for the drug to be rolled out on the NHS Shortly before his death, Mr Jones called on the NHS spending watchdog to review its recommendation, arguing the treatment could give thousands of patients a chance at 'normal life.' Cholangiocarcinoma is thought to affect around 3,000 people a year in the UK. The bile ducts are small tubes that connect different organs, including the liver and gallbladder, forming part of the digestive system, How serious the cancer is depends on where it is located in the bile ducts, and if it has spread to other parts of the body, like the pancreas or the bowel. Bile duct cancer can be symptomless, particularly in its early stages. But when it does cause problems, signs include changes to bowel habits, itchy skin, high temperature, abdominal pain and weight loss. Some also notice yellowing of the skin and the white of the eyes known medically as jaundice. When its not detected until this stage, only five per cent of patients will survive for more than five years. After Mr Jones' death, his wife, Cadi Rowlands, took over his campaign to get the drug approved for NHS use, eliciting support from another bile-duct cancer patient. Gareth Honeybone, 31, from Sheffield was just 27-years-old when he was diagnosed with the rare but aggressive cancer, also known as cholangiocarcinoma. He underwent surgery to remove the tumour and a course of chemotherapy to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back. He was initially given the all clear, but new scans revealed a tumour in August 2024. After enduring yet another course of chemotherapy and immunotherapy , which uses the body's immune system to fight cancer cells, he was offered zanidatamab as part of a clinical trial. Now, Mr Honeybone is tumour free. 'I am one of the lucky ones, living a normal life again thanks to zanidatamab,' he said. Huw (pictured left) dedicated his final years to advocating for patients and their families Your browser does not support iframes. 'I'm back at work full-time - unlike when I was having chemo and immunotherapy, when I couldn't work - and I was even able to visit my brother in Australia over Christmas.' But he too is worried that NICE's ruling will widen existing inequalities in cancer care. He said: 'I am concerned that not approving this treatment for NHS patients will add to inequalities in cholangiocarcinoma care we are already seeing with people who are able to access clinical trials or have private healthcare benefiting from new life-extending treatments; and those that cant go on a trial or afford to pay for insurance, not surviving.' AMMF, the UK's only bile-duct cancer charity echoed his concerns, labelling NICE's recommendation o reject the use of the drug 'very disappointing. In clinical trials the treatment, also known as Ziihera, was found to almost triple the life expectancy of patients receiving second line treatment for the cancer - which is used when cancer stops responding to first-line chemotherapy. The drug is an antibody treatment for patients whose cancer has high levels of a protein called HER2 - which stimulates tumours to grow - and has progressed after previous treatment. It works by activating the immune system to target and kill the cancer cells, like immunotherapy, whilst reducing levels of the protein to prevent the cancer from growing. Paul Howard, head of policy and research at AMMF, said: 'Whilst we recognise that NICEs recommendation to reject the use of zanidatamab in the NHS is not final, it is still very disappointing. Gareth was similalrly diagnosed with the devestating disease at just 27-years-old 'Receiving a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma is devastating. The current treatment options for people with tumours that have HER2 gene faults are very limited and often come with significant side effects. 'Zanidatamab has been shown to work well for these patients, offering the possibility not only of longer life, but also to maintain or improve quality of life. 'We are hopeful that NICE and the pharmaceutical company will be able to find a solution that will enable NHS patients to access this innovative treatment.' In response, a spokesperson for the NHS's spending watchdog said: 'We know this provisional decision will be disappointing for people with advance biliary tract cancer and their families. 'We understand how important it is to have more treatment options that could help people live longer and maintain their quality of life.' However, NICE maintains its committee reviewed all available evidence thoroughly, and there are still 'some important questions that need answering' including how much extra benefit patients would get from the drug compared to standard treatments. The call to action comes following experts' call for urgent improvements to be made to the way patients with bile duct cancer are diagnosed and treated, with outcomes for patients remaining poor. But researchers said last year that annual blood tests for cancer could stop half of cases reaching an incurable stage - with a national rollout of a universal cancer screening tests thought to be less than a decade away. In the paper published in the journal BMJ Open, scientists found that for patients with fast tumour growth, an annual blood test could reduce deaths within five years by 21 per cent and late diagnoses by 49 per cent, compared to those having usual care. A date has been set for the rollout of the redesigned Mounjaro KwikPens in the UK, killing off the controversial 'golden dose' once and for all. The change means some Mounjaro users will soon receive less medication for the same cost. The pre-filled injection pens are currently 3ml in size and designed to deliver a fixed weekly dose of the drug, typically lasting four weeks. However, a small amount of medication is often left in the pen after the fourth injection. Some patients have taken advantage of this leftover liquid - a practice dubbed the 'golden dose' - by drawing it out with a syringe to use for an additional injection. The redesigned pens will reduce the amount of residual medication, effectively preventing users from extracting a fifth dose. Manufacturer Eli Lilly confirmed the modified KwikPen is expected to become available in the UK from April 2026. The company said the device has been updated to minimise leftover medicine and make it easier for users to see when the pen has delivered its final dose and should be discarded. Manufacturer Eli Lilly confirmed the modified KwikPen is expected to become available in the UK from April 2026 Your browser does not support iframes. 'The modified Mounjaro KwikPen continues to contain four fixed doses of medicine, along with a small additional amount to allow users to prime the pen before injection,' an Eli Lilly spokesperson said. 'In accordance with the Instructions for Use, the KwikPen should be disposed of after four doses, and the small amount of residual medicine should not be used.' Existing stock of the current KwikPen will continue to be supplied until it runs out, meaning both versions will be available in the market for a transitional period. While the updated pen functions in the same way as the original device, it includes several visual and structural changes. The plunger now sits further down the cartridge when the pen is unused, and a new internal component has been added behind it to extend its length. After the fourth injection, the plunger will sit close to the end of the pen - clearly signalling that it is empty and ready to be discarded. Health officials have repeatedly warned patients against attempting to extract a so-called golden dose, saying the practice could lead to injury or infection. The change also comes amid rising costs. From September 1, 2025, Eli Lilly increased the UK private wholesale price of Mounjaro by up to 170 per cent, raising the cost of the highest dose from roughly 122 to 330 per month. In September 2025 when the smaller pre-filled injection pens were first announced, it sparked 'Covid-like panic buying' with users boasting online of buying months worth of injection pens, to avoid having to pay the new price. Mounjaro users took to social media to share tips on how to 'golden dose', in an attempt to make the pens last longer on their new price. An Eli Lilly spokesperson told the Daily Mail at the time: 'A modified KwikPen will be made available globally. 'While the modified KwikPen has been approved in the UK, the timelines for availability are yet to be determined. 'The initial Mounjaro KwikPen and the modied Mounjaro KwikPen both contain the volume of solution necessary for priming before each injection and the delivery of four doses (one dose given weekly). 'The KwikPen has been modified to reduce the amount of leftover medicine that remains in the KwikPen after four doses have been administered.' Each Mounjaro pen contains 3ml of liquid, and each dose uses 0.6mljust enough for four, accurate, premeasured doses of Mounjaro. The above image shows there is still liquid left over in the pen after the prescribed four doses - which many say is enough for a fifth By getting five doses out of each pen, regular users could save around 615 a year. Currently Pharmacy2U, the UK's largest online pharmacy, has the strongest Mounjaro pen- 15mg- listed at 299.99, a huge leap from its previous price of 180. Furious users labelled Eli Lilly's decision a 'kick in the teeth' and claimed they would still try to 'golden dose'. In one Reddit forum, a user wrote: 'Wow. This company are truly the gift that keeps on giving.' Another said: 'I think they'll phase the release so it will be a random chance whether you get the old pen or the new one which will Indirectly make stock piling risky.' Meanwhile a third user said: 'They really have shafted us all and were likely making a very good profit before the changes.' Others claimed it wouldn't stop them from trying to extract whatever was left over. 'Maybe half a dose left over so combining two pens with leftover for a full dose. The new golden 9th,' one said. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Similar to microdosing, which sees users try and inject a smaller than normal Mounjaro dose, health chiefs have also repeatedly urged patients against trying the 'golden dose' hack. Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer of the MHRA, said: 'People should follow the dosing directions provided by their healthcare provider when prescribed weightloss medicines and use as directed in the patient information leaflet. 'Medicines are approved according to strict dosage guidelines. 'Failure to adhere with these guidelines, such as tampering with predosed injection pens, could harm your health or cause personal injury.' Professor Penny Ward, a pharmaceutical expert at King's College London, also told the Daily Mail: 'People are reading these tips on online forums and being tempted to use them to save money. 'But they're risking serious side effects from overdosing by doing this as well as the potential to develop a life-threatening infection. It's not a good idea at all. 'These injections contain a slight overfill to ensure the full recommended dose is delivered each time. 'But by drawing this out with a separate syringe and using it as a so-called fifth dose, you're exposing yourself to serious risk of infection. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'The pens are sterile when dispensed, but once they've been used, they're no longer sterile. 'That means using leftover liquid to inject into the skin could introduce harmful bacteria. 'This can lead to an abscessa painful build-up of pusand if left untreated, potentially progress to sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body's organs begin to shut down.' Under official guidelines, only patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of over 40 and weight-related health problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea, should be prescribed Mounjaro on the NHS. But tens of thousands are believed to be using them privately. It comes as a damning analysis last week revealed thousands of people are missing out on Mounjaro on the NHS because of a 'postcode lottery' of NHS provision. In 2024, health chiefs announced millions of obese patients would receive Mounjaro - which helps slimmers shed up to a fifth of their bodyweight - on the health service over a phased 12 year rollout. But since the rollout began in June 2025, less than half of the commissioning bodies in England have even started prescribing the drug, analysis by the British Medical Journal found. Weight-related illness costs the economy 74billion a year, with people who are overweight at increased risk of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Two in three Britons are classed as overweight or obese and NHS figures show people now weigh about a stone more than 30 years ago. More than 80 people across Britain have fallen ill in a salmonella outbreak linked to a dry-cured sausage sold exclusively in Tesco. Health officials have traced the infections to a deli-style meat product that has now been urgently recalled amid fears it could cause fever, diarrhoea and severe stomach cramps. French supplier Sacor has pulled its Bastides Saucisson Sec after salmonella bacteria were discovered in a batch of the product. Food safety watchdogs have issued a stark 'do not eat' warning, urging shoppers to return the sausage to any Tesco store for a full refund. The recall affects 200g packs with a best-before date of March 4, 2026. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the outbreak was first detected at the end of January after scientists spotted an increase in cases of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium using whole genome sequencing data. By late February, 84 confirmed infections had been identified across the UK, with laboratory testing suggesting they were caused by the same strain, pointing to a common source. The confirmed cases have specimen dates between January 7 and February 11. Sacor is recalling Bastides Saucisson Sec because salmonella has been found in the product Most of those infected, 69 people live in England, while 10 cases have been recorded in Wales and five in Scotland. Within England, the South East recorded 23 cases and the East of England reported 16. Patients range in age from two to 91, with a median age of 33. Of those affected, 45 are male and 39 female. Several people have been hospitalised and two patients developed bloodstream infections, though no deaths have been reported. Investigators found an unusually high proportion of patients had eaten cured pork products in the week before falling ill. Of those interviewed, 23 confirmed they had consumed cured pork. Further analysis of epidemiological evidence and supermarket loyalty card data pointed to an imported ready-to-eat cured pork product sold at Tesco as the most likely source. Tesco removed the product from sale while investigations were ongoing. Testing carried out by the supplier later detected salmonella in one batch, triggering the recall on March 2. Experts are now waiting for further genome sequencing results to confirm whether the bacteria found in the sausage matches the outbreak strain. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is continuing to investigate alongside international partners to determine the root cause of the contamination. Symptoms of salmonella infection typically include fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Health officials warn that some contaminated products may already have been eaten before the alert was issued. Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to stay away from work, school or nursery until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours to prevent spreading the infection. In a recall notice, the FSA said: 'If you have bought the above product, do not eat it. Instead, return it to your nearest Tesco store for a full refund.' Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the UK. The bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals and are typically spread through contaminated food or drink. Foods most frequently linked to infections include raw poultry, eggs, unpasteurised dairy products and ready-to-eat salads. The warning comes after UKHSA data released last year showed salmonella cases rose sharply during the first three months of 2025, compared with the previous two years. While large supermarket outbreaks are relatively rare, they do occur. In June 2022, hundreds of chicken products sold by major supermarkets including Tesco, Aldi and Sainsbury's were recalled after salmonella contamination was detected. And last year, more than 60 sandwiches, wraps and salads sold across 11 major UK retailers were hit with 'do not eat' warnings over fears they could contain STEC, another potentially dangerous bacteria. Salmonella can survive on surfaces and multiply rapidly if food is stored incorrectly or handled without proper hygiene. Although cooking can kill the bacteria, ready-to-eat chilled foods pose a particular risk because they are consumed without reheating. Around 33 people die each year in the UK from foodborne salmonella infections, according to research published in BMJ Open Gastroenterology. The FSA issues food recall notices when a product presents a potential risk to public health. A man who dismissed stiffness in his legs and sudden falls as 'just part of getting older' was later diagnosed with motor neurone disease - a devastating condition that attacks the nerves controlling movement. Andrew Chadwick, 53, first noticed stiffness in his legs in January 2025, which led to him tripping over a curb and cracking a rib. Shortly afterwards, he fell again. His wife, Joanna Chadwick, said: 'He continued to struggle with walking, but we just thought it was his age, or that he had a trapped nerve or something. 'He went to the physio, and she asked to refer him to hospital. She said it was urgent. He spent two weeks in hospital having tests, but nobody was telling me anything.' Mr Chadwick from Lancashire was diagnosed with MND - a condition that causes muscle weakness and can lead to problems with breathing and eating - in June 2025. 'When Andrew received his diagnosis, I was devastated,' said Mrs Chadwick. 'I put my head in my hands and Andrew started crying. I couldn't speak. Nothing prepares you for that.' MND affects up to 5,000 adults in the UK at any one time. There is a one in 300 lifetime risk of developing the disease and, while it can affect adults of any age, it is more common in people over 50. The disease affects the nerves known as motor neurons, which are found in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include stiffness, difficulty walking and muscle cramps, and the condition is usually life-shortening. Andrew Chadwick, 53, was diagnosed with MND - a condition that causes muscle weakness and can lead to problems with breathing and eating - in June 2025 Andrew is picture with his wife, Joanna Chadwick, who has supported him throughout his diagnosis and recovery Mr Chadwick had to give up his job as an engineer as he no longer had the strength to continue working. His wife explained: 'Since the diagnosis, Andrew's condition has worsened. He now can't walk anywhere without a walking aid, even in the house. 'He's missed his walker a few times and fallen on the floor. He looked so helpless with tears in his eyes - he couldn't get up again. 'It takes him half an hour to get dressed; his legs are so stiff, so I put his socks on for him. 'I have to make his lunch before I go to work because he can't cut meat up or butter bread.' There is currently no cure for MND, with treatments instead focusing on easing symptoms and improving quality of life. Mr Chadwick takes two medications: Baclofen to relax his muscles and help with stiffness in his legs, and Riluzole, which can slow the progression of the disease. In November 2025, his feet gave way as he was getting out of the car, leaving his head covered in cuts and requiring a trip to A&E. However, the couple are not letting the diagnosis get them down and has decided to focus their time on raising money for MND charities and increasing awareness of the disease. They have organised charity nights and a sponsored walk on MND Awareness Day, with Mrs Chadwick determined to get her husband to the finish line. In May, Mr Chadwick will also be taking part in a sponsored skydive. Mrs Chadwick said: 'We want to raise awareness for people with MND and show that even though you've got this horrible, cruel disease, you can still value life. 'We're raising money for the MND Association and Andrew is doing a sponsored skydive in May. 'We just want to give back and help other people.' Weight loss jabs are not the solution to Britains obesity crisis, the countrys most senior doctor has warned appearing to break ranks with the Governments push to expand access to the blockbuster injections. Englands Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said it would represent a societal failure if drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy were relied upon to tackle rising obesity rates, warning there is still a lot we dont know about the long-term effects of the treatments. He said: They are very good drugs but theres a lot we dont know about GLP-1s. Very small numbers of people have very bad reactions to them and a large number of people have unpleasant side effects. For people who need them they are transformational, and some people will always need them, but it should be a small minority. If its a high proportion of people then I think that is a societal failure. Relying on these drugs seems to me to be the wrong answer. His comments appear to diverge from the Governments increasingly enthusiastic embrace of the medications. Just last week Health Secretary Wes Streeting who has called the drugs a gamechanger said he would pay GPs extra to roll out slimming injections faster. Meanwhile the former medical director at NHS England, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, has predicted they could one day be prescribed as widely as statins the most commonly used drugs in Britain. Englands Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said it would represent a societal failure if drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy were relied upon to tackle rising obesity rates Speaking in London on Thursday night, Professor Whitty said: I am really worried about obesity. It drives multiple diseases including several cancers, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Making sure that obesity doesnt happen in the first place is overwhelmingly better than allowing rates to go up in children and young adults and then sticking them on GLP-1 agonists at the age of 18. Two out of every three adults in the UK are overweight, including 30 per cent who are obese. It is estimated that 1.6 million people in the country have tried weight loss drugs in the past year. Professor Whitty also hit out at the way children are targeted with pretty aggressive marketing of junk food, which he said drives obesity and leaves the health service having to pick up the pieces for the rest of that childs life. He said the food available on high streets in places like Wigan or Blackpool was completely different to equivalent towns in France and it was not the fault of people living there when presented with wall to wall junk food. That is a societal choice and is one that I think we should be looking at really, very seriously. AN AWFULLY BIG ADVENTURE by Beryl Bainbridge (Daunt Books 10.99, 288pp) An Awfully Big Adventure is available now from the Mail Bookshop Shortlisted for the 1990 Booker prize, this darkly comic novel builds to a devastatingly tragic conclusion that is painfully unpredictable. Fifteen-year-old Stella, raised by her protective uncle and aunt after her mother abandoned her, joins a local repertory theatre in 1950s Liverpool where she becomes besotted with the director Meredith, oblivious to the fact he is gay. Both outspokenly honest and innocently naive, shes the perfect target for predatory, older actor OHara and his seduction of her plays out against a chaotic production of Peter Pan. Amidst the egotistical theatricals, it is Stellas capacity for love and loyalty that takes centre stage. Bravo! TRAVEL LIGHT by Naomi Mitchison (Virago 10,99, 192pp) Travel Light is available now from the Mail Bookshop Mitchison died aged 101 after a lifetime of radical politics and feminism and this beguiling fantasy novel combines fairy tales, folklore and Norse myths as a young woman finds her independence. The daughter of a king, Halla is rescued from the murderous new queen by her nurse, who transforms into a bear and later hands her over to (rather lovely) Uggi, a Master Dragon. But as the old order is under threat, Odin, the All Father, offers her a choice to travel light or to stay within the conventional world. Defying the happy ever after female roles assigned her, she makes her choice and flies free. Despite its 1950s publication, this feels utterly contemporary. THE DUD AVOCADO by Elaine Dundy (Virago Modern Classics 10.99, 336pp) The Dud Avocado is available now from the Mail Bookshop In 1950s Paris, young American Sally Jay Gorce is revelling in her two-year break funded by her wealthy uncle who demands only that she enjoy herself. And enjoy herself she does: dying her hair, wearing inappropriate clothes, taking a married Italian lover but ditching him for theatre director Larry in the hope of becoming an actress. And bedding many other lovers for the sheer hell of it... Based on Dundys own year in Paris before marrying theatre critic Kenneth Tynan, this dizzying evocation of youth, sex, irresponsibility and doubt is laugh-out-loud funny and makes you yearn to be 21 again, drinking Pernod in a pavement cafe with a handsome lover. Between Two fires by Christopher Buehlman (Gollancz 22, 448pp) Between Two Fires is available now from the Mail Bookshop A fallen priest, an excommunicated knight and a girl with all the gifts walk into a bar... sorry, fight their way across a starving, plague-ridden, medieval France on the off-chance they can save the world. Ranged against them are pretty much everyone they meet: desperate to rob, rape or maybe even eat them. But behind the horror of this mud-soused, blood-spattered odyssey are the most beautiful and unexpected grace notes of wisdom, humour and kindness. Though knight, priest and girl are caught up in a cosmic war between good and evil complete with real angels and hell-spawned monsters its their humanity that carries the field. Daughter of Crows by Mark Lawrence (Harper Voyager 18.99, 384pp) Daughter of Crows is available now from the Mail Bookshop Back in the day there was an Academy of Kindness where unwanted girls were brought, bought and butchered by the staff and each other until only the most ruthless were left to mete out justice. But those days are over. One by one, these priestesses of vengeance have been hunted down and as far as she knows, Rue may be the last. But when mercenaries come to her village and slaughter her friends, she knows she must act. Theres something rhapsodic in Lawrences treatment of violence: unflinching, full-on and mesmerically gripping. You may want to turn away, but the narratives rictus grip will hold you to the bitter end. The Library of Traumatic Memory by Neil Jordan (Head of Zeus 20, 336pp) The Library of Traumatic Memory is available now from the Mail Bookshop Were in Alan Garner territory here: an intense and complex story where the keening echoes of the past resonate down the centuries. On a lonely peninsula in Irelands southwestern corner, Christian works in the Huxley Institute where his job is to archive traumatic memories. A descendant of the buildings original architect, it soon becomes apparent that his own past and the locations are intimately linked. Adding to the mystery are tragic love affairs in past and present, Dr Dees obsidian scrying mirror, an ancient copper mine and gypsy seers. But the big question is how the institutes intricate architecture encodes its own dark history. Look What You Made me Do by John Lanchester (Faber 16.99, 304pp) Look What You Made Me Do is available now Kate Huddleston has been married to Jack for 30 years. Hes rich, sexy and their married life is one of kitchen islands, Audis and Ottolenghi- based arguments. But the blissful banality of Kates life is upended when she wakes in the night to discover her husband dead. And its about to get a whole lot worse. Theres a new Netflix show, Cheating, that everyones discussing, about a man having an affair with a younger woman. The script is filled with intimate details from Kates married life and she realises with horror the cheater is based on her late husband. The novel is split between Kates story and Phoebes, the millennial scriptwriter behind Cheating, who becomes the object of Kates wrath. The webs Lanchester weaves are like that of a slightly deranged spider, but on the whole its a highly enjoyable novel full of memorable characters and Machiavellian scheming. Good Good Loving by Yvette Edwards (Virago 18.99, 288pp) Good Good Loving is available now from the Mail Bookshop Ellen is on her deathbed and the only thing spoiling her peaceful departure is her familys bedside chatter about her failings. As death closes in, we go through Ellens life in reverse, starting on her deathbed and finishing 50 years earlier with the birth of her son. There are moments of joy, but Ellens life has been one of toil. First, as an immigrant from Montserrat working seven days a week. Then as a wife, working to limit her husband Clydes rampant infidelity, though even the worlds strongest braces could not keep Clydes trousers up. Ellen has given up most of her life to provide for her children. But theyre blind to her care and mostly see her as a scold. The dive into Ellens memories proves that far from being a villain, she has been the thankless heroine of her familys lives. Edwardss astounding novel made me laugh and cry in equal measure. A wonderful book. Still Talking by Lore Segal (Sort Of Books 9.99, 112pp) Still Talking is available now If you think nonagenarians natter about the Antiques Roadshow or sit around playing who has the worst ailment, then think again! Segals posthumously published novella introduces us to a group of 90 year olds who while away their days chattering about philosophy, God and Proust. The ladies in question are Upper West Side Manhattan intellectuals, who try to meet for a monthly lunch unless Covid, illness or one of their own deaths gets in the way. As they discuss age and ailments with compassion and humour, Segal evokes the power of real friendship, which can stay strong even as bodies weaken. For example, to make senility fun, they start the Great Forgetting Olympics, competing to see who forgets the most names, dates etc. Moving and sometimes hilarious, it reminds one to stay curious. The British Royal Family is facing its most perilous moment in years. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, long disgraced over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, has been arrested. It's a development that raises uncomfortable questions about why he remained protected within the royal fold for so long. The fallout from that decision is only just beginning, as the investigation into alleged misconduct in public office gains momentum. All signs point to things getting worse, not better. The knock-on effect, of course, is a long, ominous shadow over the British monarchy - its future now hanging on how well it weathers this storm. Recent controversies involving the few remaining working royals have only added to the turmoil. Prince William, the heir apparent, has recently been branded a 'reluctant monarch'. True or not, the label has certainly fuelled media speculation. Meanwhile, King Charles continues to quietly undergo cancer treatment. At age 77 - an era of life when many would be well into retirement it has some royal watchers speculating about an eventual abdication and family plans to fast-track the transition. At a moment this unstable, the Firm can ill afford the ongoing stalemate between the King's sons. A transatlantic cold war is damaging enough in normal times - amid a constitutional crisis, it risks becoming downright corrosive. Prince William, pictured with wife Catherine in Wales on February 26, was all smiles amid the recent Royal Family crisis resulting from the arrest of his uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Danish royals King Frederik and Queen Mary, pictured here in Copenhagen on February 24, have also recently weathered turbulence within their household - though not of the same scale But there is precedent elsewhere in Europe. About 983 kilometres (or 610.4 miles) away from London, across the North Sea in Copenhagen, the Danish monarchy has recently faced its own royal family crisis. What happened to the House of Glucksburg, currently led by King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark, demonstrated how swiftly a family dispute can destabilise the reputation of a monarchy - but also how decisive intervention can begin to repair the damage. More on that later. As for the bruised Windsors, they'd be wise to remember they're not immune to turmoil in times like these. With Andrew's scandal poised to dominate headlines for months, the pressure to steady the ship has never been greater. If the Danish royal playbook is anything to go by, the answer may lie in reaching out to those far-flung family members overseas. Yes, I'm talking about a detente with the Sussexes as a strategic solution. For years, the Montecito expats have been cast as the royal family's wild card, but in a crisis, even the most unlikely alliances can prove invaluable. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a roundtable conference in Amman on February 25 The Sussexes, in conjunction with WHO, embarked on a humanitarian trip to Jordan last month But amid the recent royal turmoil, they're starting to look remarkably stable, dignified, even vindicated by comparison. This was further cemented this week when Prince Harry and Meghan embarked on a humanitarian mission to Jordan in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The trip centred on global health and mental health support, and was in no way connected to the British government or the Crown. Yet the resulting press coverage aligned more closely with the kinds of headlines that the royal family prefers to generate. So, is the smart move now to broker peace between the princely brothers? Could this be the moment to bring Harry, Meghan and their family back into the royal fold - for the sake of unity and strength in numbers? Royal watchers have long reported that William is famously strong-willed - stubborn, even - but becoming King will require pragmatism as much as principle. Previously, the question was whether he might strip Harry, Meghan and their children of their titles. Now, with Andrew's alleged misconduct eclipsing anything the Sussexes have ever said or done to affect the Royal Family's reputation, the calculus has changed entirely. The real question - perhaps the urgent one - is whether the time has now come for William, and by extension the Royal Family, to extend the olive branch across the pond. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the World Central Kitchen on February 26 Meghan and Harry also spent time visiting the QuestScope Youth Center at the Za'atari refugee camp in Northern Jordan on February 25 It was business as usual for Prince William and Princess Catherine in Wales - despite the recent controversies rocking the royal establishment Because in the current scenario, the supposed sins of the Sussexes - from self-pity to oversharing - are, at the end of the day, minuscule compared to the litany of shame that Andrew has and continues to heap on the monarchy. Although by no means the same scenario, there are echoes of the situation in the recent events faced by another royal family: the Danish royals. They, too, had a wayward 'spare' prince, who along with his disgruntled family fled to the US, complaining loudly as they departed about being ill-treated. And while it hasn't happened in the British monarchy - yet - the Danish royals faced a similar dilemma with an ageing monarch who ultimately decided it was in the family's best interest to hand over the reins, rather than cling to the crown until the very end. The Danish crisis dates back to September 2022, when the octogenarian former monarch Queen Margrethe II made the decree to remove the official titles of all four of her son Prince Joachim's children. It was one of the last decisions she made before stepping down and passing the crown to her eldest son, now King Frederik. The move saw four of Margrethe's grandchildren - Athena, Henrik, Felix and Nikolai - stripped of their prince and princess titles, downgrading them to counts and countesses. Frederik and Mary's four children's titles remained intact. Queen Margrethe made the controversial decision as part of a long-held plan to streamline the number of working royal family members as a means to 'future-proof' the royal family - and copped an immense amount of backlash in the fallout. Interestingly, this concept of a streamlined royal family may have even been borrowed from her British counterparts, with then-Prince Charles previously speaking often about his vision of a 'slimmed down' British monarchy, before he was installed in the top job. But the blindsiding of the title demotion decision created understandable bitterness amongst Prince Joachim and his wife Princess Marie, who were not shy about making their unhappy feelings known regarding their children's royal demotion. Joachim expressed this frustration, telling B.T. at the time that his children 'don't know which leg to stand on as their identity is removed' - and questioned 'why must they be punished in that way?'. In the Danish royal family, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie opted to leave their homeland and relocate their family to the US in 2023. Since then, they've made occasional appearances at royal engagements in Denmark, including at the annual New Year's dinner After months of murmurs about a homecoming, Marie confirmed that she and Joachim, along with their children Count Henrik and Countess Athena, will return to Denmark next year By September 2023, it was clear they wanted out of the inner royal family operation, with Joachim accepting a position abroad as defence industry attache at the Danish Embassy in Washington D.C. The family's relocation meant they would no longer be on the ground as working royals in Denmark. It signalled a clear and undeniable rift within the royal family - and created a crisis of stability. And with the remaining working royal family members on the ground so few in number, royal pundits questioned if it might splinter the entire royal family setup. Joachim and Marie's family have remained in the US until the present day, rarely making official royal appearances in Denmark and clearly distanced from the royal family machine even though they never went to the extreme of announcing that they were 'stepping back' as senior royals, like Harry and Meghan did. But as time passed, it appeared Prince Joachim and Princess Marie's began to thaw. There were fewer snipy remarks in interviews and eventually even little hints about hopes of returning home. Last month, Princess Marie confirmed in a spate of interviews that the family would indeed be returning to Denmark an announcement that's been met with a joyous outpouring of excitement from the Danish people. The public perception of the royal family outliers as troublemakers has faded. In its place appears to be genuine enthusiasm about their return and reintegration into the royal family fold. The timing also couldn't be more imperative as Denmark continues to deal with a major political crisis - as international pressure and threats circulate around the ownership of autonomous territory, Greenland. King Frederik and Queen Mary have thrown themselves into solidifying their kingdom, which just last month saw the Danish king visit Greenland offering a royal show of support. King Frederik and Queen Mary, pictured here in Lithuania in January, currently have a heavy schedule of royal engagements both within Denmark and in neighbouring countries Amid ongoing tensions over Denmark's autonomous territory Greenland, the Danish king has also stepped up his involvement. Frederik is pictured here arriving in Greenland on February 18 This picture taken almost a decade ago during the reign of Queen Margrethe (centre) represented a time when the Danish Royal Family was flush with senior working royal members. The family are pictured with Queen Mathilde of Belgium (third from right) in 2017. From left to right Mary, Frederik, the late Prince Henrik, Prince Joachim and Princess Marie When King Frederik and Queen Mary are tied up with other commitments, the only options left are former Queen Margrethe, now 85, or their son Prince Christian, just 20 and still in the middle of his lieutenant training. Like the British royals, the Danes face an ongoing crisis that shows no signs of abating. It will also require as many well-meaning royal hands on deck as possible to weather the storm. Which brings us back to the UK, and the situation that seemed an impossibility not so long ago. Like their Danish counterparts, the British royals could benefit from a homecoming for their wayward US-based members - injecting fresh energy, renewed purpose, unity, and much-needed extra hands on deck. But it all hinges on whether the Sussexes are willing to return - and whether William, as the future head of the House of Windsor, can look beyond the past five years and recognise that welcoming them back would ultimately strengthen his reign. It's not impossible. But only if all parties are willing. New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the past week MAFS INSIDER: Sickening leaked group chat exposes the truth behind the 'mean girls' campaign to destroy Alissa. Channel Nine wanted it buried - now lawyers are involved 'Everyone asks why my mouth is like this': MAFS Bec reveals the real story behind her facial difference - and the celebrity surgeon uncle who transformed her life Kyle and Jackie O's explosive falling-out has been years in the making. Everyone in media knows what's going on - now industry insider ROB MCKNIGHT says it out loud MAFS INSIDER: Brook's selfish final betrayal that wasn't shown on TV, revealed by husband Chris... Plus, the leaked photo set to expose Bec's lies about Gia LIZ JONES: This picture of Kate at the Baftas says it all. We are tired of reading between the lines - it's time for the truth Shelley Sullivan divorce twist as her ex moves on with a famous heiress... Plus, the latest chambers chatter about Chief Justice dating a junior judge: THE GROUP CHAT Messy private school mum behind Reddam House WhatsApp scandal stuns with revelation about her marriage after being accused of 'cracking on' to famous dad and sending wild texts They were supposed to be Australia's Kardashians... until their brother's life of crime forced them into the shadows. Now, 10 years after Salim's wedding, we tracked down the glamorous Mehajer sisters - and they look unrecognisable I've been with smelly, filthy men like Benny Blanco. Here's the sex truth no woman will admit... I'm going to sound SO unhinged saying this: JANA HOCKING Expelled and labelled a 'monster': School insider reveals the tragic lives of the autistic Clune boys before they were killed by their 'sleep-deprived' parents in a quiet Mosman Park cul-de-sac The Jackie O problem hiding in plain sight: Kyle was out of line - but he's not solely to blame for their inevitable bust-up: AMANDA GOFF As flight disruption continues across the Middle East amid escalating violence and unrest, the Danish royal family are among thousands of travellers reconsidering their routes ahead of an upcoming official visit to Australia. King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark are scheduled to make a State Visit to Australia next week, with their official trip taking place between March 14 and March 19. However, a spokesperson for the Royal House confirmed to Danish publication B.T. overnight that they are making 'a few adjustments' to the royal couple's travel plans. 'The royal couple's visit to Australia will be carried out with a few adjustments that will be announced later,' the spokesperson said. Reassuringly, there was no suggestion of cancellation or any other significant changes to the planned visit, aside from the suggestion of an altered route to travel down under. 'The dates of the visit will not be changed,' confirmed the spokesperson. This landmark visit is historic, marking the first time in 40 years that a Danish monarch has travelled to Australia. It's also significant for Aussies as it will be the first time a reigning Australian-born queen has visited in an official capacity. King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark are scheduled to make a State Visit to Australia between March 14 and March 19 A Royal House spokesperson confirmed overnight that the Australia visit will proceed as planned, but with 'a few adjustments' in light of recent travel disruptions resulting from ongoing upheaval in the Middle East This trip is also the first official visit Frederik, 57, and Mary, 54, have made to Australia since becoming King and Queen. The royal couple had previously made State Visits to Australia on three occasions. Mary's most recent official visit was a solo trip in April 2023, just months before Frederik's mother, Queen Margrethe II, announced her abdication. She handed over the throne to Frederik and Mary in January 2024. The Royal House has already revealed some itinerary details for the King and Queen's upcoming State Visit. While they're down under, Their Majesties are expected to travel to Uluru, Canberra, Melbourne, and Hobart. The trip will commence in the Northern Territory with a welcome by traditional owners. Meanwhile, the final leg of the tour holds special meaning to Queen Mary, who grew up in Hobart. More details of their itinerary are expected to be announced in due course and, at the time of publication, the Royal House website had not revealed the intended programme for their Australia visit. According to a previously released statement from the palace, the purpose of this trip is to 'further develop the already strong relations between Australia and Denmark, both culturally, economically and in foreign policy'. Frederik and Mary have previously made three State Visits to Australia. They are pictured here in 2013 outside the Sydney Opera House Australia-born Queen Mary's last official State Visit down under was a solo trip in 2023, and included a bike ride around Sydney accompanied by a Danish minister This State Visit to Australia is historic because it's Fredereik and Mary's first time here since becoming king and queen. It's also the first time a reigning Australian-born queen has visited in an official capacity 'A strengthened partnership with Australia is particularly important at a time when geopolitical upheavals have economic and security policy consequences that bind developments in Europe and the Indo-Pacific region together,' the statement read. 'Building on the strategic partnership entered into between Australia and Denmark in 2023, the state visit will strengthen cooperation in a wide range of areas, including green transition and economic security.' During their upcoming visit, the King and Queen will be joined by Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, the Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities, and a large business delegation. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese released a statement on January 30, welcoming the upcoming royal arrivals. 'It is an honour to welcome Their Majesties The King and Queen of Denmark back to Australia,' the statement from the Prime Minister said. 'It is wonderful that the visit includes many parts of our great country, from the Northern Territory to Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and of course, Tasmania.' Australia holds significant meaning for the Danish royal couple, not only because it's Mary's home country, but also because it's where they first met. Mary and Frederik's love story began during the Sydney 2000 Olympics, reportedly introduced to each other through mutual friends on September 16 while both were out at the Slip Inn pub in Darling Harbour. The couple tied the knot in a lavish royal wedding on May 14, 2004, in Copenhagen. They now share four children: Crown Prince Christian, 20, Princess Isabella, 18, and 15-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. Lady Violet Manners and her husband, William James Lindesay-Bethune, also known as Viscount Garnock, are expecting their first child together. The couple wed in June last year against the backdrop of her family's historic home, Belvoir Castle, in one of high society's biggest weddings of 2025. 'We are thrilled to share that we are expecting our first child. We are so grateful and excited for all that's to come,' Lady Violet, 32, and William, 35, told Hello. Lady Violet, the eldest daughter of The Duke and Duchess of Rutland - David Manners, the 11th Duke of Rutland, and Emma Manners - announced her engagement to colourful Scottish aristocrat William in the summer of 2024 in a post that read 'I said 'yes' to my Caledonian Cowboy'. William is the son and heir of the 16th Earl of Lindsay, and is based between Scotland and Texas in the US. He is also co-founder of a low and no alcohol spirits brand, Feragaia. His wife, Lady Violet, is the CEO of HeritageXplore, a newly founded platform for bookings and bespoke experiences at independently owned British heritage sites. On a bright, sunny Saturday in June, the couple were wed at St Mary the Virgin Church in Bottesford, with the bride looking resplendent in a Phillipa Lepley couture gown. Lady Violet wore a family heirloom on her big day, donning the diamond Rutland tiara, which has been part of her lineage for more than 300 years - and hadn't been worn at a public occasion since the late 90s. Lady Violet Manners and her husband, William James Lindesay-Bethune, are expecting their first child together (pictured together) The then-31-year-old bride wore her brunette hair pinned back, with a flowing veil behind the tiara. Lady Violet sported the family diadem, which has carnation and fuchsias, with diamond leaves. The last member of the family to wear it was Lady Theresa Manners on her wedding day in 1997 to Dr John Chipman. The bride's gown had puffed sleeves and a delicate sheer panel under her ruffled neckline, which was embroidered with symbols including stars and love hearts. Meanwhile, the groom wore a kilt made from the red and green Lindsay family tartan, which he donned alongside a traditional sporran and a pale grey suit with a green and blue patterned tie. He arrived at the church in true, characterful style, disembarking with family and friends from vintage red double decker Routemaster bus as he awaited his bride. Acknowledging the groom's Scottish heritage, a piper played the bride into the church. Lady Violet arrived in a closed carriage, meanwhile, with her bridesmaids riding alongside her. The bridesmaids' stylish sartorial choices tipped a hat to the bride's Christian name by wearing a pretty shade of violet. The couple, who wed at St Mary The Virgin Church, Bottesford, Leicestershire, in June last year, said they're 'grateful and excited for all that's to come' They wore their hair tied back and adorned with flowers that co-ordinated with their dresses. Amongst the bridesmaids were Lady Violet's sisters, Eliza and Alice, alongside Lady Violet's close friend, Devisha Kumari Singh. Flower girls and page boys, who were dressed in light green satin knickerbockers, made up the rest of the bridal party. The newlyweds were seen waving at guests and well-wishers as they made their way as man and wife from St Mary The Virgin Church back to Belvoir Castle. Their respective sets of parents, the Duke and Duchess of Rutland and the Earl and Countess of Lindsay - James and Diana Lindesay-Bethune - looked overjoyed as they waved them off. The two couples clearly have a solid friendship, with Diana Lindesay-Bethune - Countess of Lindsay and mother-of-the-groom - and father-of-the-bride David Manners - 11th Duke of Rutland - striding in to the church ceremony together. Mother-of-the-bride Emma Manners - the Duchess of Rutland, 62 - looked elegant in a jacquard coat and dress in a shade of light pink and a statement tilted hat. The cream of high society made up the guests at the stately home nuptials, with Lady Tatiana Mountbatten, Lady Sabrina Percy and Princess Alexandra's granddaughter Flora Vesterberg, all in attendance. The 11th Duke of Rutland's ancestors have resided for almost 1,000 years at Belvoir Castle, so it was unlikely the couple would have deviated from the 360-room estate. The historic property was used as Windsor Castle in Netflix series The Crown. While we tend to associate red carpets with pristine glamour, A-listers have recently taken a more laid-back approach with a 'fuss-free' attitude when it comes to ironing. In looks that some of our grandmothers are sure to have raised their eyebrows at, celebrities have attended premieres and other high-profile events. (Pictured from L to R: Meghan Markle, Katie Holmes, and Gwyneth Paltrow) ...read A highly sought-after Kmart Australia household tech item has just been restocked in stores around the country - and it's anticipated that it will once again sell out quickly. A Digital Family calendar was launched in the mass retailer as a limited release during the 2025 Black Friday sales. The 15.6-inch device, priced at $199, connects to Wi-Fi and can import and sync calendar events from Google Calendar, Outlook, iCloud, Cozi, and Yahoo. When it first launched last year, the free-standing smart device was instantly heralded as a game changer for busy households, providing a clear and self-updating schedule of upcoming events. Shoppers at the time predicted - rightly - that it would sell out within days of release. But in welcome news for those who missed out last time, the retailer has just quietly returned the item to shelves, teasing the re-release this week in a Facebook post that instantly generated huge excitement among Kmart customers. 'Omg, can't wait for this- I missed out on the Black Friday sale!' one person replied. 'Finally, the digital family calendar. I have been waiting,' another added. Kmart Australia has quietly re-released its 15.6-inch Digital Family Calendar, priced at $199. It previously sold out when it was launched as a limited edition 2025 Black Friday sale item The smart device, which syncs with Google Calendar, Outlook, iCloud, Cozi and Yahoo, is designed to keep every family member on the same page during the busiest time of year Kmart has also launched a smaller and cheaper version of the E-Calendar, priced at $169. Unfortunately though, Kmart's website listing for the smaller sized frame currently appears as 'out of stock' The device's listing is now visible on the Kmart website, showing that it's available to purchase both in store and online. Be sure to check the website first to see if it's in stock at your local store. Kmart is also now offering a smaller and more affordable version, with a 10-inch E-calendar priced at $169. It has mostly the same calendar features as the original version, though not the digital picture frame function. Unfortunately though, Kmart's website listing for the smaller sized frame currently appears as 'out of stock' for both online and in store. The lucky few who managed to get their hands on one of these digital calendars last year described it as 'exactly what we've all been waiting for', praising the convenient digital calendar for keeping every family member on the same schedule page. For many Aussie households, this tech device replaced less effective, previously relied-on systems like messy whiteboards, scribbled sticky notes, and endless phone reminders. When the Kmart digital calendar first dropped last November, Melbourne mum Tiffany Donaldson explained in a social media video that she'd been hunting for something like this for years. 'I've been looking at the Skylight and the Amazon Echo displays but they're quite pricey,' she said on TikTok. She explained that she stuck her new Kmart buy directly onto the fridge with magnetic strips, so she and her husband can view plans, update the kids' chores, and organise the week ahead. The device features day, week, and month views, colour-coded profiles for each family member, chore tracking, reward stars, meal planning, and grocery lists. The larger version also doubles as a digital photo frame when it's not in use. Melbourne mum Tiffany Donaldson told her followers she'd been hunting for something like this for years Shopper, Corinne Mayfair, said the new calendar is 'a home organisation must-have' The sleek touchscreen hub also sends photo messages, displays weather forecasts, allows grocery lists to be shared across devices, and updates automatically through the free eCalendar app. It also comes with wall-mounting equipment and a stand, and 32GB storage. 'For the price, this is really good,' Tiffany added. Another Aussie shopper, Corinne Mayfair, also shared her excitement over the new calendar in an online video, praising it as 'a home organisation must-have' and applauding Kmart for 'doing it again'. Aussie shoppers also expressed to Daily Mail just how much they had longed for a cheaper version of pricey high-end digital planners. 'I've been searching for something like this for YEARS - finally someone made an affordable one,' a shopper told the Daily Mail. 'This is exactly what busy families need,' another added. 'I couldn't afford to pay $600 for the same features elsewhere.' Sydney's dining scene is about to host one of the most coveted restaurants on the planet. Fans are abuzz with a three-Michelin-starred American institution announcing an exclusive residency at one of the city's most iconic waterfront venues. California's acclaimed fine-dining restaurant SingleThread, based in Sonoma County, will join forces with Sydney's beloved Bathers' Pavilion at Balmoral Beach on the North Shore, for a four-week residency from July 28 to August 23. The collaboration will see the world-renowned restaurant temporarily open in Australia for the very first time, bringing its celebrated farm-to-table dining philosophy and a lavish 10-course tasting menu priced at $690 per person to Sydney food lovers. Reservations are expected to be fiercely competitive when bookings open on March 12 at 10am, with diners already scrambling to secure a seat. SingleThread is run by husband-and-wife duo Kyle and Katina Connaughton and has become one of the most decorated restaurants in the world since opening in 2016. Located about two hours north of San Francisco in Sonoma County, the restaurant earned its third Michelin star in 2018, which is an accolade it still holds today. The restaurant also shares first place on La Liste, the global dining guide often described as the world's most objective restaurant ranking, alongside elite venues including New York's Le Bernardin. Fans are abuzz with three-Michelin-starred American institution, SingleThread, announcing an exclusive residency at one of the Sydney's most iconic waterfront venues California's acclaimed fine-dining restaurant SingleThread, based in Sonoma County, will join forces with Sydney's beloved Bathers' Pavilion at Balmoral Beach on the North Shore, for a four-week residency from July 28 to August 23 Its cuisine has been described as 'Californian seasonality through a Japanese lens', combining ultra-seasonal produce with the refined techniques and presentation of traditional Japanese kaiseki dining. SingleThread's produce is grown on its own 10-hectare regenerative farm, where orchards, greenhouses and an extensive floral program shape every aspect of the dining experience. 'At SingleThread, we say we tell the story of today through the eyes of the farmer really through Katina's eyes,' chef Kyle Connaughton told The Sydney Morning Herald. 'Guests experience ingredients harvested at peak season that morning, and feel a sense of time within that place - but also within the dining room.' For the Sydney residency, the Bathers' Pavilion dining room will be transformed to reflect the SingleThread experience, complete with custom ceramics, unique tableware, new art installations, and million dollar sea-views. Each meal will begin with the restaurant's famous hassun course a seasonal display of beautifully arranged small bites inspired by Japanese kaiseki traditions. The course can feature up to 10 intricately crafted dishes, presented on a decorative floral structure filled with moss, wood and seasonal botanicals. 'We start with a mixture of wood, moss, floral material and outdoor elements, combined with small bites that are a snapshot of today,' Kyle told the publication. The collaboration will see the restaurant temporarily open in Australia for the very first time, bringing its celebrated farm-to-table dining philosophy - and a lavish 10-course tasting menu priced at $690 per person. Reservations are expected to be fiercely competitive when bookings open on March 12 at 10am SingleThread is run by husband-and-wife duo Kyle (pictured) and Katina Connaughton and has become one of the most decorated restaurants in the world since opening in 2016 'It's something we've developed over time and we look forward to recreating that in Sydney. It's very unique.' The rest of the tasting menu will highlight produce grown locally for the residency, including ingredients cultivated at Bathers' Pavilion's Rotherwood farm in the Southern Highlands. Bathers' Pavilion has become known for hosting blockbuster culinary collaborations. The venue previously partnered with three-Michelin-starred British restaurant L'Enclume for sold-out residencies in both 2023 and 2025, cementing its reputation for bringing some of the world's most elite chefs to Australian diners. 'These residencies are cumulative,' Bathers' Pavilion managing director Jessica Shirvington said in the same article. 'Each one aims to raise the bar.' Its cuisine has been described as 'Californian seasonality through a Japanese lens', combining ultra-seasonal produce with the refined techniques and presentation of traditional Japanese kaiseki dining The course can feature up to 10 intricately crafted dishes, presented on a decorative floral structure filled with moss, wood and seasonal botanicals. 'We start with a mixture of wood, moss, floral material and outdoor elements, combined with small bites that are a snapshot of today,' Kyle told Sydney Morning Herald To prepare for the collaboration, Bathers' executive chef Aaron Ward will travel to Sonoma to work alongside the SingleThread team on menu development. Connaughton himself has an extraordinary culinary background, including working as head of research and development at Heston Blumenthal's The Fat Duck, as well as training in traditional Japanese kitchens and with French culinary master Michel Bras. 'Much of what we do at SingleThread is deeply informed by our time in Japan,' Connaughton added. The announcement quickly sparked excitement online after Bathers' Pavilion shared the news on Instagram. 'We are thrilled to announce our 2026 Residency with one of the world's most celebrated restaurants, SingleThread,' the venue wrote. For the Sydney residency, the Bathers' Pavilion dining room will be transformed to reflect the SingleThread experience, complete with custom ceramics, unique tableware, new art installations and million dollar sea-views Followers flooded the post with enthusiastic comments. 'Brilliant! And what a fabulous collaboration,' one wrote. 'Wow! L'Enclume and now this collaboration! Very exciting,' another added. 'So excited,' a third applauded. Despite hosting collaborations around the world including in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and Europe the Connaughtons say the Sydney residency will be unlike anything they have done before. The SingleThread residency will run Tuesday to Sunday for both lunch and dinner from July 28 to August 23, offering Australian diners a rare chance to experience one of the world's most celebrated restaurants without leaving the country. When Gayle King triumphantly announced that she was staying on at CBS Morning this week, she thumbed her nose at the 'rumors of her demise' and anyone behind them. Indeed rumors had been circulating that King, a network stalwart, may be on her way out along with many others who have been fired or chosen to leave since new boss Bari Weiss took over. Weiss and King publicly celebrated that she was not one of them. But the behind-the-scenes chatter in the media world is that the conditions of her deal aren't anything to boast about. Multiple sources tell us King accepted a 'massive' reduction on her $15million-a-year salary, which Weiss considered too expensive. One CBS insider described it as a 'pretty big shave', though details of exactly where they landed are not known. Shortly after King announced she was staying, Shawna Thomas, who has been the anchor's executive producer since 2021, announced that she was leaving. 'I've taken that responsibility of trying to inform, educate, entertain and make people care about the world around them very seriously, and I know the people here do, too,' Thomas wrote in a memo. 'This isn't THE GREAT GOODBYE NOTE. But you should know I've been thinking about this for a while and, frankly, I'm tired y'all.' CBS Mornings mainstay - seen here with then cohost Tony Dokoupil, Nate Burleson, and soon-to-be former-executive producer Tanya Sherman - took a pay-cut to stay on-air, sources say The host's old contract was valued at around $15 million-a-year - a sum CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss saw as too expensive, sources said Multiples sources told the Daily Mail that Weiss was also behind her departure. 'With ratings and revenue down, a reimagining makes sense. It's obvious the executives wanted to move in a different direction,' another exec said. Thomas joined CBS from Vice in 2021 and was responsible for an earlier revamp that made the morning show more newsy. She emphasized this to staffers on Thursday, maintaining that she 'tried to make this show something she and everybody on this team want to be a part of. Want to watch. Want to learn from.' The day before Thomas' announcement, King proudly told The Wall Street Journal: 'I'm excited about continuing at 'CBS Mornings.'' Weiss quickly reshared the Journal report and another quote from King that appeared to reference the increasingly new-look CBS News, as well as the time devoted to the contract negotiations. 'It took a minute, but we got there. And now that we are here, I am all in,' the quote read. Terms of the new deal were not disclosed. A separate CBS source told the Daily Mail back in August that King was unlikely to stay with the network under Weiss, who was cast as a disruptor when she was hired by Paramount's David Ellison in October. Details of King's new contract with CBS Mornings remain unknown. The anchor has hosted the show since 2011 Weiss went on to promote King's old cohost, Tony Dokoupil, to CBS Evening News, replacing Maurice DuBois and John Dickerson with him rather than hiring an anchor externally. She named Matt Gutman - a longtime but little-known former ABC journalist - as the network's chief reporter, a move sources said also showed her inexperience. The rocky start continued with a highly publicized town hall with Erika Kirk last month, which proved to be a ratings flop. A few weeks later, the decision to pull a 60 Minutes segment set to speak on poor conditions at CECOT (Terrorism Confinement Center) in El Salvador was also decried, by both onlookers and industry insiders. It was later aired with additional content. One of Weiss's first orders of business was laying off more than 1,000 staff and extending a sort of olive branch to King, sources told Variety in January. The offer included options to be either a special correspondent role that would make occasional appearances on CBS News or stay on at CBS Mornings at a reduced rate, sources said at the time. But with Anderson Cooper now set to leave 60 Minutes, King may have found the foothold she needed, our CBS mole said. CBS News hinted at more changes to come after Thomas's exit - the latest under Weiss, Thomas helped make the show more newsy with hard-hitting segments about politics and current events 'Gayle is the star of CBS - her hand was strengthened from Anderson Cooper's departure,' said the insider. CBS News President Tom Cibrowski - the outlet's other top exec alongside Weiss - hinted at more changes to come in comments on Wednesday. Welcoming the news that Gayle and her co-host Nate Burleson would be staying with the network, he described them as 'fantastic partners on the show,' before adding: 'We are excited to continue to evolve CBS Mornings and can't wait for what's to come.' Following news of Thomas's departure Thursday, Cibrowski said: 'Morning television moves fast. It demands grace under pressure, sharp instincts, and the ability to pivot at a moment's notice. 'Shawna does all of that with a calm confidence and a great sense of humor. Morning television is also a tight-knit family. 'Behind the scenes, Shawna's leadership creates space for collaboration, creativity, and trust and on screen, that translates into something viewers can feel.' Thomas previously served as the Washington, DC, bureau chief at Vice News, where she oversaw politics and policy coverage for 'Vice News Tonight.' She was close friends with King, sources said. The Daily Mail has approached CBS News for comment. CBS Mornings remains a distant third-place to ABC's Good Morning America and the Today show. Former Today show star Katie Couric lobbed a soft-ball question at California Governor Gavin Newsom on her podcast Thursday. The longtime legacy media journalist asked Newsom, 58, whether he ever encountered problems due to being 'ridiculously good-looking.' 'No, seriously. What do you do about that?' Couric, 69, asked, after jokingly quoting the 2001 supermodel satire Zoolander. 'You don't do anything about it. 'Cuz if you're going to do something about it, then you're bullsh**ing people,' Newsom shot back. 'You know what? I am who I am. And it's fine. You don't have to like me. Or maybe you like a slick person. I don't know. Whatever. It's okay.' Earlier in the conversation, Couric acknowledged Newsom being hit with adjectives like 'slick' in the press. Newsom joked that such descriptors essentially forced him to play a character, to which Couric asked if Newsom had a 'Zoolander' problem - a nod to the self-obsessed male model played by Ben Stiller. Newsom let out a laugh in response. 'No, seriously. What do you do about that?' Couric, 69, asked, after jokingly quoting the 2001 supermodel satire Zoolander 'You don't do anything about it. 'Cuz if you're going to do something about it, then you're bullsh**ing people,' Newsom shot back, on the subject of his good looks 'It's fine. You don't have to like me,' he maintained. The conversation appeared to allude to a February Vogue spread that described Newsom as 'embarrassingly handsome' in its opening sentence. The report described Newsom's hair as being 'seasoned with silver, at ease with his own eminence as he delivers his final State of the State address.' It did not touch on issues like the LA wildfires or California's high rates of homelessness. 'Gavin Newsom Is Setting His Own Rules', its title asserted. Couric - the founder of Katie Couric Media - appeared to be riffing on the subject. She billed the sitdown as being with 'a leading Democratic voice'. Newsom plugged his memoir, A Young Man in a Hurry, during the appearance. He is widely seen as a likely presidential candidate in 2028. The exchange occurred on Couric's Next Question Podcast, where Newsom had been plugging his new book Couric asked Newsom had a 'Zoolander' problem - a reference to the self-obsessed male model played by Ben Stiller Couric called the book a 'very candid look at a childhood much more complicated than the polished image suggests.' 'He's trying something different. He's actually letting people in,' she said The book discusses how Newsom was raised by a single mother in San Francisco and his close ties to the Getty Family. His father, Bill, was a close friend of billionaire Gordon Getty, 92, as well as an attorney for the Getty family. Their wealth - estimated at $4.5 billion - is built on a massive oil fortune, 'I think of Gavin as a son,' Getty told The New Yorker in 2004, when Newsom became mayor of San Francisco. The hosts of MS NOW's Morning Joe celebrated the firing of former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Friday with a series of clip showing her on horseback. Anchors Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski embarked on the giddy victory lap just before 6:30am. The clips are from a costly, $220million ad campaign that reportedly got Noem fired. 'It looked like a political ad campaign for her. Yeah, she said the president approved it. That is not the case. The White House has denied it,' Scarborough said, before turning to Noem's testimony last Tuesday on Capitol hill The host explained how Senator John Kennedy publicly accused Noem of lying about the campaign being greenlit by the president. Scarborough said: '[Kennedy] told reporters that he actually heard from President Trump that night. He got a call from the president that night, and Trump was furious, saying, "no, I had nothing to do with this, she lied." Now, she was already on thin ice.' As Brzezinski remarked the campaign ad's cost, her husband spoke over her: '200million? Oh, come on. It was a campaign ad! It was crazy.' A series of clips followed, as did some colorful live commentary. Brzezinski billed the clips as 'the ads with [Noem] on horses with her cowboy and full hair and make-up.' Anchors Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski embarked on the giddy victory lap just before 6:30am. The host were comments on a costly, $220million ad campaign that reportedly got Noem fired as it played. The ads were filmed in Noem's native South Dakota 'Like movie shoots!' she joked - to which Scarborough riffed, 'Yeah, exactly. I thought I was seeing, like, a scene out of North by Northwest.' 'There we go, there we go,' he added as footage of Noem on horseback in her native South Dakota flooded the screen. 'Pan off into the sky,' Brzezinski scoffed of the advertisement's production values. 'There she is, representing America at its best.' 'Its great cinematography, I wonder how much that cost - oh wait, it cost $220 million!' Scarborough noted sarcastically. He proceeded to break out into full-on laughter, with his costar enjoying herself as well. 'And she blamed Donald Trump!' Scarborough said incredulously, as the ad showed an image of Trump's raising his fist after being nearly assassinated and footage of a rocket being launched into outer space. 'Oh Look! We got rockets, assassination attempts' a still-snickering Scarborough said. 'This is her way of saying, "Dont come,' Brzezinski joked. 'I feel bad for the horse.' Noem donned a Western-theme outfit while gallivanting on a horse around Mount Rushmore The married co-hosts then passed the baton to costar Jonathan Lemire, who continued to relish in the ad's strangeness. Noem urged undocumented immigrants to self-deport in the ads, all while decked out in full cowgirl regalia. The ads - filmed right in front of Mount Rushmore - were defended by Noem Tuesday as being an important part of the presidents immigration agenda. 'Sir, the president tasked me with getting the message out to the country, and to other countries where we were seeing the invasion come from. with putting commercials out that told them that if they were in this country illegally, that they needed to leave, or we would detain them and remove them, and theyd not get the chance to come back to America the right way,' she told Senator Kennedy while facing calls for resignation on Tuesday. She ultimately testified that Trump was aware of the campaign and its cost. Trump told both NBC News and Reuters that was not true. 'I wasnt thrilled with it,' he said of the commercials on Thursday following Noem's firing. 'I spent less money than that to become president. I didnt know about it.' The ads were filmed last year. War in the Middle East continues to rock stock markets. Heightening the alarm is one aspect of the conflict: artificial intelligence (AI) tools are enabling bombing and other attacks faster than 'the speed of thought'. Tuesday's 10 per cent jump in the Vix Volatility index known as the 'fear index' reflected the apprehension felt by investors about what a prolonged period of hostilities, driven by AI, could mean. The uncertainty will continue. But this is a moment for defensive action, not doomscrolling and panic selling. It makes sense to stash some cash in safe havens. But it is also worth checking out the benefits flowing from AI in areas such logistics, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and retail. Not so long ago, some of these companies were considered 'old economy'. But now backing businesses that are adopting AI has been dubbed the new investing 'megatrend' by US brokers Morgan Stanley. These 'AI adopters' are evolving, spending trillions to make their assets and workforces more productive in a process that appears unstoppable, despite the impact on employment. Top bosses, such as Aviva's Amanda Blanc, are acknowledging this possibility, which will have huge consequences for the economy. 'Megatrend': It is worth checking out the benefits flowing from AI in areas such logistics, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and retail You may be dismayed that the UK and other governments seem woefully under-prepared for this jobs cataclysm, but according to Morgan Stanley: 'AI is no longer an experimental technology, it's a foundational driver of business strategy.' So carrying out a spring clean of your portfolio to check if you can share in the bounty could be therapeutic and rewarding. Old economy winners The prominent adopters businesses assertively harnessing 21st century tech include some that have been around for a while. David Coombs, of wealth manager Rathbones, cites Canadian Pacific Kansas City, the railroad established in 1881. Shares in the group, which owes its dominance of the freight traffic to harnessing AI, are up nearly 11 per cent this year to Can$113 (62), but are still rated a 'buy' with a target price of $132 (72.40). Coombs, who has bought the stock, sees its performance as evidence of a shift in investing, following a period of obsession with Silicon Valley tech giants. He also highlights Caterpillar, the 101-year-old US firm famous for its big yellow trucks. It supplies the generators that give around-the-clock electricity to the data centres which provide the computing power for AI. Its shares have doubled in price in a year, and were $692 (515.97) yesterday. But analysts are optimistic about the outlook, with one broker setting a target price of $877 (654.92). Other AI adopters being tipped are delivery specialist FedEx and Siemens, the engineering titan. Banks are well-positioned to exploit AI. Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JP Morgan the world's largest bank this week said it was now doing most things 'better, faster and cheaper'. It and Barclays are among the banks held in the iShares AI Adopters & Applications ETF (exchange traded fund). The fund has stakes in pharma groups Merck and AstraZeneca, too, which this year acquired the US Modella AI business to 'supercharge' delivery of cancer drugs. Retail opportunities AI is a boon for retailers for various reasons, such as the ability to make the most of the valuable information held on customers. Tesco, founded in 1919 and now Britain's number one supermarket, holds vast amounts of data thanks to its Clubcard division, This should be enhanced by the 30billion chain's deal with the French start up Mistral AI to devise 'cutting-edge solutions' for operations. Tesco shares (of which I hold a small amount) dipped this week, but are 24 per cent higher than a year ago at 466p. Dr Clive Black, of brokers Shore Capital, sees further expansion ahead and rates them a 'buy'. Last month the giant US retailer Walmart said its Sparky AI digital assistant ensures customers add as much as a third more goods to their baskets, underlining the results being produced by this $1trillion (746billion) corporation's commitment to embedding AI everywhere. Its shares are up 31 per cent in a year to $127 (94.85). Brokers continue to see them as a 'buy', hoping the latest innovations, including a scheme allowing customers to use ChatGPT to buy more, will yield results. Potential bargains Some companies taking advantage of AI are less well regarded. It may be at the heart of the operations of such software businesses as the data and analytics group Relx and the property portal Rightmove, but last month their shares were left reeling by the launch of add-ons to the Claude AI system from Californian start-up Anthropic. These seemed to threaten the existence of all companies providing software as a service ('Saas'). Rightmove shares tumbled sharply. This month tensions between Anthropic and the US Pentagon over Claude's role in combat and surveillance have been more of a talking point. And there has been a reassessment of the apocalyptic predictions for software firms. Relx is still one of Bank of America's 25 stocks for 2026, suggesting it is too early to know whether Claude will annihilate software businesses, or act as a helpmate. Rightmove is rated a 'hold' by analysts, while Relx is a 'buy'. This is a reminder that a market rout can create bargains. Jonathan Raymond, investment manager at Quilter Cheviot, suggests you have some money available as 'dry powder' to acquire shares at a discount. The attention surrounding the AI adopters is a reminder that geopolitical events tend not to have a lasting effect on markets. Raymond says: 'Wars, pandemics and crises come and go, yet markets continue to march higher over the long-term due to human ingenuity and progress.' Safe havens It could pay off to diversify into funds that aim to exploit current conditions while offering some protection. Darius McDermott, of FundCalibre, cites Artemis Short-Duration Strategic Bond, Man GLG Absolute Value and Trium Alternative Growth. The instability arising from the war has lifted oil prices above $90 a barrel. Some even predict that a lengthy paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz (through which 20 per cent of the world's supply passes) could send crude to $108, against $65 before the strikes on Iran began. McDermott says the iShares World Energy ETF gives exposure to this sector. Amid the ups and downs, are oil firms scurrying to adopt AI to fuel every part of their business from drilling to marketing? You can bet on it! Products featured in this article are independently selected by This is Money's specialist journalists. If you open an account using links which have an asterisk, This is Money will earn an affiliate commission. We do not allow this to affect our editorial independence. I'm considering transferring my stocks and shares Isa from Hargreaves Lansdown to a lower-cost provider as my portfolio grows. I've been very happy with the service, but the percentage-based fees are becoming harder to justify. I recently came across Freetrade, which appears to offer the investments I need, lower charges and even a 1 per cent cashback incentive for transfers. It sounds attractive - but perhaps almost too good to be true? Am I putting my life savings at risk by moving to a platform I've never heard of? Are my investments held safely? What would actually happen to my investments if the provider were to go bust? And how should investors weigh up cost savings versus platform security? It feels like a question many long-term investors and readers might be quietly grappling with as their pots grow. Fee revamp: Hargreaves Lansdown has overhauled its charges - find out how below My stocks and shares Isa is currently around 250,000, built up over the past 15 years through regular saving since I started working. I also have a Lifetime Isa with Hargreaves Lansdown*, which I would need to keep there as Freetrade doesn't offer one. Based on my calculations, Freetrade would pay around 2,500 cashback on the transfer, and I'd save approximately 500 per year in platform charges compared with HL. J.S, via email. Tanya Jefferies, of This is Money, replies: You are far from the only investor pondering whether to stick with Hargreaves Lansdown since it announced a revamp of its fees from the start of this month. The annual platform charge was cut from 0.45 to 0.35 per cent, and the online share dealing charge reduced from 11.95 to 6.95. But the firm also made buying and selling funds more expensive. It introduced an online fund dealing charge of 1.95, and those who own shares, trusts or ETFs in a stocks and shares Isa have seen the annual charge cap rise from 45 to 150. This prompted a backlash from Hargreaves customers threatening to quit and reports from rivals that at least some have followed through and moved their funds elsewhere. Decisions about what DIY investing platform is best for you are typically down to some combination of level of charges, how they are structured - percentage-based, flat, or no account fees - and set on what you want to invest in, customer service levels, and the tools and other resources provided. Investors with smaller funds are often more relaxed about percentage fees, while those with bigger portfolios tend to prefer flat fees. We have a full overview of DIY investing platforms, which features both Hargreaves Lansdown* and Freetrade* and many others in case you want to look beyond them. For example, Trading 212* is a highly popular option with investors with no account fees and no charge for buying or selling investments. It does not offer investment funds, but has a full range of shares, ETFs and investment trusts. We have a Freetrade review, Hargreaves Lansdown review and Trading 212 review if you want to learn more about the individual providers. We wanted to get an outside take as well though, so we asked a money expert from a financial planning and advice firm, Ascot Lloyd, for his view of your dilemma. He also looks at how investing platforms are regulated, and the usual transfer process should you decide to make the switch. Aaron Banasik: All mainstream UK investment platforms offer the same statutory protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme Aaron Banasik, an independent financial adviser at Ascot Lloyd, replies: Cost is an important factor when choosing an investment platform, and it is sensible to review fees periodically as your portfolio grows. A saving of around 500 per year, alongside a cashback incentive, is understandably attractive. However, cost should not be the only consideration particularly when the Isa represents 15 years of accumulated savings. Before switching, it is important to understand the key differences between providers, not only in terms of price but also in relation to service standards, financial resilience, investment functionality, and each firm's operational history. While some investors may be comfortable prioritising lower fees, others may place value on the stability and track record of a long established platform. Providers such as Hargreaves Lansdown, for example, have many years of operational history behind them; however, this does not mean they offer a greater level of investor protection. A key point to note is that all mainstream UK investment platforms offer the same statutory protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) for eligible investments, up to 85,000 per person, per firm. This ensures that, from a regulatory protection perspective, investors receive the same level of cover regardless of which Financial Conduct Authority-authorised platform they use. When weighing up a move, investors should therefore consider platform security, financial resilience, service quality, the range of available investments and tools, and their own comfort with the provider, rather than focusing solely on headline charges or cashback offers. A one off bonus can be appealing, but it should not override the importance of choosing a platform that aligns with your long term priorities for a 250,000 Isa. With regard to the transfer process itself, moving a stocks and shares Isa is typically straightforward. Transfers are completed directly between providers, ensuring the tax advantaged Isa status is fully preserved. This can be done either 'in specie', where existing investments are moved as they are, or via a cash transfer, where holdings are sold and then repurchased on the new platform. Ultimately, the starting point is to be clear about your priorities: whether your focus is cost efficiency or whether you place greater importance on long term stability, established service standards, and the operational strength of the provider you choose to entrust with your savings. Surface Transforms' shares hit the skids this week, collapsing 98% after the brake manufacturer revealed that General Motors has decided to cut ties with the company, terminating a supply contract that was supposed to run until 2030. The news is as close to existential as it gets for a listed business. GM accounted for 84% of Surface Transforms' revenues in 2025, representing 15.3 million of sales and 85% of all brake discs sold. The American automotive giant has also provided the company with 14.4 million in advance payments and operational support since November 2024. In a statement to the Stock Exchange, Surface Transforms said GM was 're-sourcing its supply of brake discs with effect from 31st March 2026.' The company added it had not yet spoken directly with GM about the decision, a detail that underscores how sudden and one-sided the termination appears to have been. The directors have moved quickly. They say they intend to immediately engage corporate restructuring advisers to protect stakeholder interests, language that signals the company's survival in its current form is far from guaranteed. Surface Transforms makes carbon ceramic brakes for high-performance cars, a technology it says delivers weight savings of up to 70% compared to conventional iron alternatives. It is a compelling product. The problem is the business built itself almost entirely around a single customer, and that customer has just walked out the door. The loss of General Motors as a customer, is 'existential' for Surface Tranforms The wider picture A turbulent week for global markets made its presence felt in the small-cap arena, with the AIM All-Share down 3.9% and below 800 for the first time since mid-January. For all that, it fared better than the FTSE 100, which fell 4.6%. Aferian was among the casualties. Shares in the video streaming technology group were suspended from trading on AIM on Friday, down 37%, as it prepares for a potential administration process and the sale of its operating businesses. Central Asia Metals fared little better, falling around 25% after the miner warned of a shorter lifespan for its Sasa zinc-lead operation in North Macedonia. A new life-of-mine plan will result in a non-cash impairment charge of up to $120 million. A comprehensive review of 2025 performance now puts Sasa's mine life at 2034, five years shorter than previously envisaged, based on the Svinja Reka reserve and resource. Galantas Gold The week's biggest riser, and one of the strongest performers of 2025 so far, is Galantas Gold. A 780% advance is remarkable by any measure, but what makes it more striking is that it traces back to a single announcement made on January 7 that the market has taken its time to fully absorb. We touched on Galantas a few weeks ago when the stock first started moving. The story merits a closer look now. The company holds small-scale projects in Omagh, Northern Ireland, and Gairloch, Scotland. But last November it made a pivot, shifting its focus to Chile, where its primary asset is the Indiana gold-copper mine. Indiana sits in what geologists would consider elephant country, neighbouring globally recognised operations including Cerro Negro and Mantoverde. The catalyst for this year's move, though, appears to be the January 7 deal to acquire the Andacollo Oro gold project, a past-producing open-pit mine carrying a historical measured and indicated resource of 2 million ounces of gold, in a transaction worth more than $30 million. There is also a lower-confidence inferred resource of around 5 million ounces, which hints at the potential scale of the asset. Being open-pit and at surface is key. The ore is easier and cheaper to extract than material sitting kilometres underground, meaning the capital costs of rehabilitation are likely to be substantially lower than restarting an underground operation. Set that against a gold price above $5,000 an ounce, and investor excitement starts to make a lot of sense. Other movers Union Jack Oil, down 62% over the past year, was buoyed by speculative buying that pushed the shares up 66% this week. For SkinBioTherapeutics shareholders, hobbled by accounting issues and the departure of its chief executive, there was some relief, with the stock up 59%. It is still down around 35%, however, since the revenue recognition problems first emerged. Meanwhile, on-market share buying by the company bidding to acquire Deltic Energy spurred that stock 50% higher. For all the market's breaking small- and mid-cap news, go to www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk The boss of Britain's oldest wine merchant has warned that Labour's inheritance tax raid on family firms is 'a very real threat to the future success of the business'. Lizzy Rudd, chairman of Berry Bros and Rudd, said the government 'should be encouraging us to invest' rather than hammering companies with yet more costs. And she accused ministers of failing to 'understand' business. Berry Bros and Rudd chairman Lizzy Rudd The comments came as family firms and farms face paying death duties of 20 per cent from next month following changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR). The plans outlined by Rachel Reeves in the 2024 Budget will be tested in court in a judicial review next week following fierce protests by campaigners. Rudd said: 'As a 327-year-old family business, we have always strived to be stewards for future generations. We also place great value on employing people, considering the wider community and the environment in all that we do. 'How are we expected to continue to build value for the long term when our children will one day have to pay inheritance tax on this value - a value which is on paper and not in our pockets unless business assets or the business itself is sold? 'Changes to inheritance tax are a very real threat to the future success of the business. In addition to the higher costs of operating right now, these changes are an additional burden for family businesses at the very time the Government should be encouraging us to invest. 'This tax will drive behaviour that I don't believe the Government really want, neither does it really understand the principles on which we operate.' A judicial review will be held into the government's proposed changes to inheritance tax rules on March 17 and 18 at the Royal Courts of Justice. The case will be heard by a panel of judges, rather than a single High Court judge, in a move that lawyers said 'underscores its importance'. The hearing comes after Rachel Reeves refused to cancel the tax raid in the Spring Statement despite months of protests that have seen convoys of tractors driven through central London. Campaigners described it as a 'missed opportunity'. The famous Berry Bros and Rudd shop on St James's Street in central London In her Budget in 2024, the Chancellor announced changes to agricultural property relief (APR) and business property relief (BPR) that left family farms and firms facing inheritance tax of 20 per cent on assets worth over 1million from this April. She later raised the threshold to 2.5million, or 5million for married couples, in a preChristmas Uturn. But the move has not eased concerns across the sector raising the stakes ahead of this month's judicial review. James Austen, a partner at law firm Collyer Bristow, which is acting for the farmers and businesses, said: 'The listing of this case before a Divisional Court underscores its importance, as does the urgency with which the court will now hear it. 'The issues raised in this judicial review are profound: they concern the standards by which Government should have consulted before implementing reforms with profound consequences for families and businesses across the country.' The Office for Budget Responsibility said it now expects that change to reduce inheritance tax receipts by 100million a year. Reacting to the Spring Statement, Fiona Graham, chief operating officer at campaign group Family Business UK, said: 'For Britain's family businesses today represents another missed opportunity for government to give them its full support and reverse the changes to inheritance tax.' She added: 'The eyes of all family businesses are now firmly fixed on next month when the changes to inheritance tax are due to take effect. For them, the family business tax remains another cost they must plan for which will drain investment from the company and limit the creation of new opportunities for workers. 'The forecast from the OBR repeats the uncertainty of how family businesses will respond to the tax. Our evidence indicates that the reforms will further reduce employment, weaken investment and productivity growth, and lead to a fiscal loss to the Treasury. 'If the Government is serious about reversing these trends it must properly incentivise Britain's five million family businesses and reverse the family business tax.' The new boss of BP will get a 'golden hello' worth 11.8million and could be paid as much as 17.7million a year. Meg O'Neill takes over next month after predecessor Murray Auchincloss's abrupt departure following the oil giant's disastrous push into green energy. The former Exxon Mobil executive, from the US, will become BP's first female chief in its 117-year history. She will bank a cash pay-out of about 1.7million, plus share awards worth 10.1million to make up for missed bonuses from her previous employer, Australia's Woodside Energy, as well as the cost of relocation to the UK. O'Neill will be paid a basic salary of 1.6million and pension and benefits worth 458,170. She will be in line for an annual bonus of as much as 225 per cent of her salary, or 3.6million, plus performance-based share awards worth up to five times her wage or 8million. That adds up to a total of 13.7million and could reach 17.7million if the value of share awards rise by 50 per cent by the time they vest. Cashing in: Meg O'Neill takes over next month after predecessor Murray Auchincloss's abrupt departure following the oil giant's disastrous push into green energy The details emerged in BP's annual report yesterday. It said that its remuneration committee had considered O'Neill's proven track record and her experience and leadership credentials. Auchincloss left in December after coming under pressure from US hedge fund Elliott Management to step up the company's performance, slash costs, boost returns and slim down BP's debt pile. Under the leadership of Bernard Looney and then-finance chief Auchincloss, BP made an ill-executed push into renewables. The latter then performed a U-turn after he took over as chief executive. Since his exit, BP has been counting the cost of the push, announcing a hit of up to 3.7billion, and last month scrapping a 550million payout to shareholders as it faces a 16billion debt pile. Auchincloss still raked in a 5.3million pay package last year, up 100,000 from the year before. It brings his total pay since taking charge in 2023 to 15.9million. He remains a BP employee until December, entitling him to a further 1.5million. The disclosure of O'Neill's pay comes a day after Rolls-Royce revealed a package for boss Tufan Erginbilgic that could be worth as much as 24million. The shadowy caretakers of Zorro Ranch were entrusted with more than just managing Jeffrey Epstein's sprawling real estate empire for 17 years. But little has been known about New Zealand-born couple Brice and Karen Gordon until now. A Daily Mail investigation has revealed the extent to which the couple were privy to Epstein's secrets. The Kiwis are wanted for questioning as authorities prepare to search the ranch in response to years of insidious stories about what went down there while they tended the property. The secluded ranch, 23 miles south of Santa Fe, is the site of disturbing allegations, including unproven rumors of secret human experiments, a supposed plan to create a 'super-race' using the financier's DNA, and accusations that young women were killed during violent sexual encounters and buried nearby. At the center of the estate were the Gordons former members of the New Zealand Defence Force whose names appear thousands of times in the latest tranche of Justice Department documents both as managers of Zorro Ranch and also in connection with running Epstein's secluded island, Little St. James (LSJ), in the Virgin Islands. The mysterious couple is believed to have worked for the financier from the early 2000s until the case against him exploded in 2019 and his infamous associate Ghislaine Maxwell went into hiding. Their names first came up after New Mexico's legislature launched a 'truth commission' last month to investigate whether Epstein sexually abused other girls and young women on the 7,622-acre ranch with its own airstrip, firehouse, guesthouses and cattle operation. Andrea Romero, the New Mexico state representative who spearheaded the commission, told the Daily Mail she considers the Gordons to be 'people of interest' in the state investigation and likely will subpoena them to testify about their knowledge of potential crimes on the ranch. Jeffrey Epstein's sprawling Zorro Ranch, where he was seen in a photo released by the Department of Justice, has long been the subject of intrigue due to allegations that it was the site of human experimentation and the killing of trafficked women Light has been shed on the life of mustachioed Brice Gordon and his wife Karen, both former members of the New Zealand Defence Force The couple served as caretakers of Zorro Ranch and Little St. James Island for 17 years, overseeing renovations and household tasks while arranging travel and accommodations for Epstein's high-profile circle of friends at his estates She told the Daily Mail late last year that neither she nor other state officials knew the Gordons' whereabouts a question she deemed 'disturbing.' 'That's one of the reasons we need the commission, so we can track them down,' said Romero, who in November told us that her office was receiving reports from people claiming to have been drugged and had sex organs and sperm harvested from their bodies on Zorro Ranch. Several former ranch workers told the Daily Mail they are not aware of the Gordons' whereabouts and have not been in touch with them since Epstein's death in 2019. Karen and Brice have not been in touch with any of their former coworkers since Epstein's death in 2019, ranch workers told the Daily Mail Through emails, it appears their military backgrounds made them well-suited for the job. Brice, now 65, regularly corresponded with Epstein about renovation projects, and sources said his experience also made him a 'good shot.' The latest DOJ drop offers the first photos of Brice at the ranch, including one of him holding a long-barreled firearm beside an unnamed guest. Zorro Ranch was reportedly popular for its shooting range, and Brice appeared to supervise the activity in another photo, he is seen holding the tail of a small dead animal. Emails released by the DOJ show that Brice Gordon, nicknamed 'Cowboy Bill' by Epstein's secretary Lesley Groff, also managed the ranch's firearms storage. In March 2010 - two years after Epstein was convicted of procuring a minor for prostitution, and while he was serving house arrest in Florida - he instructed Brice to obtain 'as many guns as you are allowed,' including high-powered rifles, seeking to stockpile weapons ahead of the end of his house arrest, one of the emails says. A cluster of staff houses sits on the Zorro Ranch estate where Brice nicknamed 'Cowboy Bill' by Epstein's staff and Karen lived, one mile south of the main mountaintop residence Brice was pictured in the recent DOJ files wielding a long-barreled gun. Staff who worked on the property said he was a 'good shot' Brice showing an unnamed guest at the ranch the barrel of the gun The newly released emails between Gordon and Epstein suggest that the caretaker oversaw the ranch's firearms storage. A large gun cabinet sat in the dining room of the property In March 2010, two years after Epstein's conviction and while under house arrest, he told Brice to secure 'as many guns as you are allowed,' including high-powered rifles Three months later, Brice proposed storing the weapons either by giving them to a man known only as Larry or renting a storage unit in Albuquerque Three months later, Brice outlined possible storage arrangements for when Epstein visited: transferring the weapons to a man identified only as Larry to keep them off the property, or renting a storage unit in Albuquerque. The need to remove the ranchs weapons was likely aimed at ensuring Epstein did not jeopardize the conclusion of his sentence in August and remained in compliance with his legal requirements. Larry is likely Larry Visoski, Epstein's pilot, to whom the financier gifted a plot of land on the Zorro Ranch property for a vacation home. The Gordons also coordinated closely with Epstein and senior staff, including Groff and accountant Richard Kahn, on matters ranging from cattle grazing to arranging visits from high-profile guests at Zorro Ranch and his private island, Little Saint James, off St. Thomas, the emails reveal. Visitors named in these proposed schedules included filmmaker Woody Allen, the former Prince Andrew; Jawbone CEO Hosain Rahman; pioneering computer scientist Danny Hillis; billionaire Leon Black; and Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem. In June 2011, Groff spoke to Brice about 'Sultan' coming to the ranch, clarifying that he wasn't the actual Sultan but a 'very rich man from the UAE'. Brice asked if he would have a security detail, to which Groff cheekily answered: 'I know he has been to JE's house and I don't recall security detail (not like when Prince Andrew was here!).' Meanwhile, Brice's wife Karen, 64, managed the interior operations of Epstein's homes, frequently coordinating with his longtime girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, on food shopping lists and cleaning arrangements. After more than 16 years in the role, she appeared comfortable enough to be openly snarky about Epstein in official emails to his inner circle, including Lesley Groff. Brice spoke with Epstein and his assistant, Lesley Groff, about arranging visits to the ranch and LSJ for filmmaker Woody Allen Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem was one of Epstein's guests at Zorro, according to an email released by the DOJ Groff initially caused confusion for referring to him as 'Sultan', clarifying after Brice asked about a security detail that he wasn't 'THE Sultan' In a 2013 exchange, Groff asked whether Karen was making progress on the operation manuals Epstein had commissioned for Little Saint James - a request that reportedly prompted an indignant response from the New Zealand native. 'Not sure when this became my task... Basically at this point I am still cleaning up all the areas/mess left by construction, at the same time working Zorro & LSJ what more does he want!!!' When Groff attempted to placate the older woman, Karen wrote: 'To be honest Lesley whatever he is all over the place...' Despite occasional moments of tension while working for Epstein, Brice and Karen Gordon's loyalty to the disgraced financier was perhaps most evident during a brief FBI interview at Zorro Ranch in August 2007. According to the report, Brice told agents that he and his wife had been managing the ranch for four years and that Epstein spent roughly 50 days a year on the property. Crucially, he also addressed the hiring of masseuses, telling investigators they were not typically flown in by Epstein, but instead sourced locally by the Gordons either from Ten Thousand Waves Day Spa in Santa Fe or through referrals. He added that the women were licensed. The interview, however, ended abruptly when Brice received a phone call from what he described as the 'main office,' instructing him to stop speaking with agents. He immediately complied. Towards the end of his long-standing stewardship, Brice would once again butt heads with Epstein as the legal noose began to tighten around the pedophile. Brice's wife, Karen, was equally comfortable in her role, pushing back at Epstein's assistant when he tried to saddle her with additional work In 2007, Brice told the FBI that masseuses at Zorro Ranch weren't flown in but were sourced locally by the Gordons, either from Ten Thousand Waves Day Spa in Santa Fe (pictured) or through referrals Brice frequently dealt with Richard Kahn, Epstein's accountant and executor of his estate In one tense moment, Kahn forwarded a message to Epstein that Brice sent to him, saying 'More Brice craziness below..' after the caretaker sent him a list of things to do on LSJ that bordered on paranoid The messages from 2019 came seven months before Epstein would be arrested for the final time, but irked the financier enough that he made the decision to move him saying 'Ive had it' Brice Gordon was included in Epstein's final will, awarding him $2million On January 4, 2019, Epstein and accountant Kahn, who was subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee to testify this month, discussed what Kahn described as Brice Gordon's 'crazy' behavior. In a forwarded email to Epstein, Kahn included a message from the caretaker that read: 'Proposing... We reset/ Wipe both LSJ phone and hand in to [redacted] who will also receive Sat Phones Chargers and VHF radios.' Brice also proposed shredding Epstein's Little St James credit card, restricting the Zorro Visa card to ranch-only purchases and assigning property car keys to specific staff members. Above the forwarded message, Kahn wrote: 'More Brice craziness below...' Epstein responded bluntly: 'It's ok, I will ask him to leave. Give him a week. or so. I've had it.' Kahn replied: 'His behavior shows his head is elsewhere...' Then just five days later, on January 9, Epstein appeared to send the Gordons back to Zorro Ranch and encouraged them to return to New Zealand for a vacation in March. Whatever the dispute had been, it seemed to pass. On August 8, 2019, shortly before his death, Epstein included Brice in his final will titled The 1953 Trust awarding him $2million. It is unlikely the former caretaker received that money because the estate has been tied up by legal claims from Epstein's victims. May need to fork out at least $8,000 a month Clinton was diagnosed with a rare cancer in 2016 An Aussie dad fighting a rare and aggressive form of cancer faces an imminent death sentence after he lost subsidised access to a life-saving drug. Father-of-three Clinton James, 42, from the NSW South Coast, was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in 2016. The rare disease cannot be treated effectively with chemotherapy or radiation, and despite numerous surgeries, the cancer is still spreading through his body. For almost two years, Mr James has taken Retevmo (selpercatinib), which targets specific genetic mutations in cancer cells and is subsidised on Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for eligible lung cancer patients. The revolutionary drug miraculously stopped existing and new tumours from growing and dramatically improved his quality of life. His medication was subsidised through pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly's compassionate access program, after the Albanese government initially indicated it would be on the PBS for MTC by March 2025. But now, Mr James has been told he will have to fork out $8,000-a-month after his subsidised access to Retevmo was withdrawn by Eli Lilly. Other MTC patients were told it would cost up to $16,000 per month, he says. Father-of-three Clinton James has been battling medullary thyroid cancer since 2016 The NSW South Coast dad is desperate to see Chris, 14, Shayla, 11 and Thomas, 2, grow up He has launched a last-ditch effort to get affordable access to the drug keeping him alive and costs just $25 for lung cancer patients under the PBS. 'It has got to the stage where I'm rationing the supplies I have left, against my doctors' wishes,' Mr James told Daily Mail. 'Every month is important when you're not taking daily medication. 'I'm not asking for a free ride. All I want is a fair go. Without this drug, I won't survive.' Mr James is unlikely to see his children, Chris, 14, Shayla, 11, and Thomas, 2, grow up if he stops taking Retevmo. 'The prognosis is dire,' he said. 'The success it has had in halting the cancer will be for nothing. 'Doctors have told me that the cancer will come back aggressively and spread. It's not a cancer of choice or the result of bad lifestyle decisions.' Clinton is also fighting for continued subsidised access to a lifesaving drug so he can be around for his wife Sally and their three children Before he started the drug, Clinton's cancer showed increasing signs of progression throughout his body Mr James is frustrated that he may soon fork out thousands each month for the same drug that lung cancer patients can access for $25. 'We don't even earn $8,000 a month,' he said. Mr James and his mother Debra Gibson travelled to Canberra on Wednesday to meet with Coalition health spokesperson Anne Ruston and staff from Minister Mark Butler's office. He walked away from the meetings optimistic about a positive outcome. 'We presented a very strong case and felt that we were taken seriously,' he said. 'I'm doing this not just to benefit myself, I'm doing it to help others and make the PBS better for everyone.' Independent body Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee is due to meet next week to consider Eli Lilly's PBS listing application for MTC patients. It could come into effect within months if given the green light. Clinton James and his mother Debra Gibson (pictured with Liberal MP Phillip Thompson) are hopeful of an optimistic outcome after meetings in Canberra on Wednesday Clinton's cancer could not be treated effectively with chemotherapy or radiation Mr James has called on the health minister to 'do the right thing and fix the PBS'. 'No one should have to explain to a loved one's family that their early death could have been avoided,' he said. Ms Gibson added: 'I am begging the health minister to help save my son's life. Please list this drug on the PBS and don't let cost decide who lives or dies.' Mr James hasn't ruled out relocating overseas to get affordable access. Retevmo is subsidised for MTC in several countries, including the UK for the last five years. 'Clinton's story is sadly one of many, and a heartbreaking illustration of how broken the PBS is,' an Eli Lilly spokesman told Daily Mail. 'The Australian government must urgently increase investment in the PBS to ensure that Australians, like Clinton, can access life-changing medicines. 'The PBS listing of Retevmo for MTC has been delayed by inconsistent advice and excessive bureaucracy associated with reimbursement of the diagnostic genetic test.' The health minister could not publicly comment specifically on Mr James's case but said he understood patients wanted faster access to medicine and treatments. 'Our government is working through the recommendations of the Health Technology Assessment review so Australians can get faster access to the best medicines at a cost that patients and the community can afford,' Butler said. Clinton (pictured with his children and mum Debra) has called for urgent changes to the PBS Retevmo has made a life-changing difference to Clinton James' quality of life Liberal MP Phillip Thompson, who has been lobbying on Mr James's behalf and impacted patients in his North Queensland electorate, has also called on the government to address the PBS's systemic failures. 'The PBS is supposed to provide access based on medical need not personal wealth,' he said. 'Australians with medullary thyroid cancer cannot wait any longer. 'We are losing Australians because lifesaving medicines are trapped in a bureaucratic maze. The system is undervaluing innovation and patients are paying with their lives.' In the meantime, a fundraiser has been set up so Mr James can continue treatment. 'This is simply not something my family and I can sustain on our own, no matter how hard we try,' he wrote. 'Asking for help like this isn't easy. I've always believed in standing on my own feet. But this is bigger than pride - this is about survival. 'Every donation, no matter the size, goes directly toward funding the medication that is keeping me here. 'Your kindness doesn't just help pay for medicine - it helps buy time, hope, and the chance for me to keep living. 'It means my wife keeps her husband, and my children keep their dad.' Advanced MTC is often difficult to treat and relies on targeted therapies, according to NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia chief executive and International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance president Meredith Cummins. 'Selpercatinib has demonstrated strong response rates for people with advanced MTC, but without PBS listing, the cost places it out of reach for many Australians, creating significant financial burden for families already facing cancer,' she said. 'Where treatments have demonstrated clear benefit, patients should have the opportunity to access them so they can live the best life possible and have hope for a longer, better life.' The Middle East has been plunged into chaos after a joint US and Israeli strike on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. In the days since, Tehran and its allies have retaliated across the region, targeting Israel, US bases in neighbouring Gulf states and sites critical to global oil and gas production. Governments, including the UK's Foreign Office and the US State Department, have updated travel advice, warning citizens to avoid travel or limit it to essential journeys across large parts of the region. The US government assigns threat levels used to assess risk range from Level 1, meaning exercise normal precautions, to Level 7, meaning do not travel. Several countries now fall into the highest categories as the conflict continues. Iran has said at least 1,230 people have been killed since Saturday, while Israel said 11 people died after a strike on Beit Shemesh. Meanwhile six American service members have died, while the death toll in Lebanon has reached at least 77 people. The IRGC has threatened to strike 'all economic centres' across the Middle East, raising fears that global financial hubs in the Gulf could be dragged deeper into the escalating conflict. Your browser does not support iframes. Bahrain - Level 5 Bahrain has seen a sharp deterioration in security. The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel, warning British nationals to shelter in place. 'Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.' The US has meanwhile ordered non-emergency personnel and their families to leave the country. Bahrain's interior ministry said one of its facilities in an industrial zone housing an oil refinery was attacked on Thursday. 'One facility in Maameer was targeted, and the relevant authorities are handling the incident,' the statement said. Iranian state media claimed on Tuesday that strikes destroyed a command and staff building at a US air base in Bahrain's Sheikh Isa region, with footage appearing to show rockets hitting multiple targets and fuel tanks exploding. Iran also struck the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet in Manama, damaging or destroying several structures on Saturday. Satellite imagery showed communications terminals destroyed and extensive damage to buildings. Amazon said some of its data centres in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates were also hit by drone strikes. Join the debate Should governments do more to protect ordinary people caught in this spiraling Middle East conflict? Smoke rises from a burning building hit by an Iranian drone strike, after Israel and the US launched strikes on Iran, in Seef district, Manama, Bahrain, February 28, 2026 Egypt - Level 4 Egypt has not been directly involved in the conflict but remains on heightened alert due to its proximity to countries affected. The FCDO advises against all travel to areas including the Egypt-Libya border and North Sinai, and against all but essential travel to several other areas. The US advises travellers to 'exercise increased caution' due to terrorism, crime and health risks. In recent remarks, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi indicated the speed at which the situation is evolving, saying: 'Two days have seen very large and rapid developments. We were keen to achieve calm and stop the war, though I doubt that will happen. 'Egypt is part of the region and inevitably affected by what takes place within it.' Major tourist destinations such as Cairo and Red Sea resorts do not currently carry additional warnings. Iran - Level 7 Iran is at the centre of the conflict and is now considered one of the most dangerous places in the region. The FCDO advises against all travel, while the US State Department warns: 'Do not travel to Iran due to the risk of terrorism, unrest, kidnapping, arbitrary arrest of U.S. citizens, and wrongful detention.' The country has launched hundreds of drones at Israel and the Gulf states in response to the killing of its leader. Attacks have continued across Tehran, with loud explosions and fighter jets being heard over Tehran after Israel launched its latest airstrikes in the Iranian capital on Thursday. The explosions came shortly after the Israeli military said it had begun 'a large-scale wave of strikes against infrastructure' in the Iranian capital. A plume of smoke rises following a US-Israeli military strike in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Iraq - Level 7 Iraq is also classified at a great danger level. The FCDO advises against all travel due to the escalation in regional conflict, while the US warns: 'Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest, and the U.S. government's limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Iraq.' On Thursday, a boat struck an oil tanker flying the flag of the Bahamas in the Iraqi port of Khor al-Zubair, causing an oil spill and damage. And on Wednesday, Iraqi forces shot down a drone that attempted to attack a US military base near Baghdad International Airport, local media reported. Meanwhile, Iranian-backed militias have been continuously targeting US forces, including strikes on bases in Erbil. Explosions were reported around the airport, with satellite imagery showing multiple structures damaged or destroyed and fires continuing to burn. Israel - Level 6 Israel remains an active war zone. The FCDO advises against all travel, and the US has authorised the departure of non-emergency personnel, urging citizens to reconsider travel due to terrorism and civil unrest. Iranian missile strikes have killed 11 people, while Hezbollah has launched attacks from Lebanon. Israel has responded with strikes on Iran, including an attack on the presidential office in Tehran, and has deployed troops into Lebanon to take up new positions against Hezbollah. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened on Wednesday to assassinate any Iranian leader picked to succeed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. In a post on X, Katz said: 'Any leader selected by the Iranian terror regime to continue leading the plan for Israel's destruction, threatening the United States, the free world and countries in the region, and suppressing the Iranian people, will be a certain target for assassination, no matter his name or where he hides.' Rocket trails from an interception by Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system are pictured over Jerusalem on March 1, 2026 Jordan - Level 6 Jordan has been classed as a place of great danger, with travellers being advised by the FCDO to avoid travel to the area. The US has also urged reconsideration of any travel to the country. Sirens have been sounding as the country faces both Iranian attacks and falling interception debris. On Wednesday, an Iraqi militia said it bombed a 'vital target' in Jordan, in retaliation for joint US-Israel strikes. Over the weekend, the Jordanian military said: 'We dealt with 49 drones and ballistic missiles directed toward Jordanian territory. On Sunday, the Interior Ministry said 73 incidents involving falling objects and missile debris were recorded across the country Foreign Ministry spokesperson Fouad Al-Majali said Amman demanded an immediate halt to the attacks and respect for Jordan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kuwait - Level 5 Kuwait has also come under direct attack and is now considered highly dangerous. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel and instructs British nationals to find shelter. 'Follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.' An Iranian strike on a military facility killed six American soldiers. Satellite imagery showed significant structural damage at Ali Al Salem Air Base, while video footage captured a drone detonating within the perimeter of Camp Buehring. In a separate incident, three US fighter jets were downed in what was described as 'friendly fire'. The US Embassy in Kuwait has also been closed until further notice following an attack. The US has more than 13,000 troops stationed in Kuwait. And on Thursday morning, a tanker sailing off the coast of Kuwait was rocked by a 'large explosion'. Lebanon - Level 7 The conflict has spread to Lebanon, with Israel ordering residents of more than 80 villages in the south of the nation to evacuate, as the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group said it is ready for open war. The latest exchanges started after Hezbollah fired rockets and drones early Monday towards northern Israel. Israel retaliated with a wave of airstrikes that killed 52 people in Lebanon, including a Palestinian militant and a Hezbollah intelligence official in Beirut's southern suburbs. More than 150 people were wounded, and tens of thousands were displaced. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 Hezbollah said on Tuesday morning that it fired two salvos of rockets toward northern Israel. At the same time, Beirut's southern suburbs were subjected to a series of strikes in the early afternoon today that came without warning. Several Israeli strikes near Lebanons capital on Thursday left eight people dead and six injured. Lebanese media reported the attacks hit a road leading to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, citing the countrys health ministry. The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel, or all but essential travel, to all areas of Lebanon and warns Brits not to 'have a personal emergency plan that does not rely on the UK government'. Oman - Level 6 The Foreign Office says on its website that no travel to Oman 'can be guaranteed safe', and warns that an escalation in conflict in the region 'poses a security risk'. Advice for Brits in the Omani city of Duqm and the surrounding area calls for them to 'shelter in place', and says that any British nationals currently visiting the city of Salalah, or within 100km, 'should look to leave as soon as possible if commercial means allow'. It comes after a drone struck Oman's largest port of Salalah on Tuesday. The government media office also said two drones were shot down in the southwestern province of Dhofar, but neither attack left any casualties. The British government plans to offer a chartered flight for British citizens out of Oman 'in the coming days', Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said today. Palestinian Territories: West Bank (Level 6) & Gaza (Level 7) Brits are advised not to travel to the Palestinian territories despite a US-negotiated ceasefire being reached in October. While the truce has halted major military operations, the two-year war, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has left much of the territory in ruins. Israel has continued to strike what it says are militant targets, often killing civilians. The Foreign Office urges all Brits to register their presence if they are within the Palestinian territories. Qatar - Level 5 The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Qatar. On Thursday, Qatar evacuated residents living close to the US embassy in Doha as missiles were intercepted. Qatar's air force 'successfully shot down' two Iranian fighter jets on Monday as the fallout from the US and Israeli attacks on Iran continued to intensify, while seven ballistic missiles and five drones were also intercepted. The US State Department ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family in Qatar on Tuesday after the Islamic regime's army said its forces were launching attacks on the country's Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts up to 10,000 troops and serves as the main forward headquarters for US Central Command. There were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage to the base. Saudi Arabia - Level 6 The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Eastern Province and Riyadh Province and advises against all travel to within 10km of Saudi Arabias border with Yemen. 'Due to reports of missile and drone activity in the region, we advise British nationals to stay inside and exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia,' the FCDO warns. On Wednesday, the Aramco facility in Ras Tanura was hit for a second time. And on Tuesday, Iran struck the US Embassy in Riyadh, causing a 'limited fire', according to Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry. The embassy will now remain closed until further notice, and warned of an 'imminent missile' attack over Dhahran, an eastern city off the Persian Gulf that is home to an American consulate and the state oil producer Saudi Aramco. The embassy also advised US citizens in Dhahran not to go outside and to shelter in place. Syria - Level 7 The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Syria due to 'unpredictable security conditions and the threat of terrorist attacks'. While Syria and Iran were once deemed strong allies, the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria in December 2024 has left the two nations in a state of opposition. Syria has condemned the 'brutal attacks' from Iran on Arab countries. Four people were killed and several others wounded on Saturday when an Iranian missile struck a building in the southern Syrian city of Sweida. Other missile debris fell in the city of Quneitra and the Yarmouk Basin in Daraa province in southern Syria. UAE - Level 5 Brits have begun leaving the UAE after becoming stranded when most commercial flights across the Middle East were suspended over the weekend. Many have told of their 'terrifying ordeals' after becoming trapped in the region when Iran began retaliatory strikes on tourist and expat hotspots, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to the UAE after Iranian missiles rained down on the country, causing fear and chaos in a place that until Saturday was predictably calm. Officials tried to reassure residents and visitors that the country's air defence system was among the best in the world, blasting down drones and missiles. On Thursday, the UAE announced a ballistic missile and six drones fell in the country after Tehran fired a barrage of 131 drones. In Abu Dhabi, six people were injured today as a result of falling debris when drones were intercepted by air defence systems. Over the weekend, while officials said they intercepted all air attacks on Saturday, debris from the knocked-down weapons sparked blazes at some of Dubai's most iconic locations. Debris from Iranian drones struck some of Dubai's most iconic locations. Pictured: Flames outside the Palm Jumeirah hotel Social media videos and photos showed a fire outside the Fairmont Hotel on the prestigious man-made Palm Jumeirah island, flames licking at the facade of the famous Burj Al Arab hotel, and smoke rose into the sky near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. Yemen - Level 7 The Foreign Office says: 'FCDO advises against all travel to the whole of the Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions. 'If you're in Yemen, you should leave immediately.' British Embassy services in Yemen are suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn. The Foreign Office adds that the UK government cannot help British nationals leaving Yemen and that there are no evacuation procedures in place. The country has been the subject of a severe and ongoing humanitarian and political crisis due to a long-running civil war. Following the escalation of the conflict on Saturday, Yemen's Houthi militants have expressed solidarity with Iran. A Gen Z worker has quit her $180,000 corporate job in a bid to find the deeper meaning of life after becoming fed up with the monotony of her daily routine. The former corporate tech salesperson explained she wanted to find meaning outside of work after her job slowly became her entire identity. 'I know it's not the worst circumstance to be in and I was in a really fortunate position,' Lisa Qi said in a recent TikTok video. 'I actually love my job and I worked really hard to be where I am, but it felt like the days passed by so quickly because every day was the same routine. 'I get up in a rush to go to work, go to work, come home, go to the gym, eat and sleep. That's it. I feel like there's got to be more outside of that.' Ms Qi said she wasn't planning on getting a new job anytime soon and would instead enjoy the rest of the year with a budget of $28,000, her last pay check. 'I know it's just going to be mundane stuff, but I'm just going to be getting up, putting on a cute little outfit, getting matcha, going to the beach and the park,' she said. 'I get that but it's what I want. I want to find meaning in the mundane and I want to be present every day. I want to enjoy and truly appreciate each day.' The former corporate tech salesperson explained she wanted to find meaning outside of work after her job slowly became her entire identity Aussies were split over her decision, with some praising her for taking the leap. 'Congrats girlie! You've done what we all want to do secretly inside,' one said. 'I left my $225,000 corporate job after four years because I had anxiety and depression and it started impacting my personal life,' a second wrote. 'I'm now a freelance court reporter and transcriptionist and am way less stressed.' 'Same girl,' another chimed in. 'Unemployed for five months now and doing absolutely nothing but self rediscovery, unlearning hustle culture and detoxing my nervous system from constant emails and Teams messages. 'Still trying to find my next move career wise but not fearful of the unknown anymore.' However, others criticised Ms Qi's decision. 'Purpose in life?? Giiiiiiirl not in this economy!' one wrote. Indeed career expert Sally McKibbin said Gen Z workers were leaving their jobs in search of deeper meaning (pictured, commuters in Sydney) 'You can do both, just saying,' a second said. Indeed career expert Sally McKibbin said Gen Z workers were leaving their jobs in search of deeper meaning. 'We're definitely seeing more young professionals prioritise meaning and alignment with their values when making career decisions,' she told Daily Mail. 'That doesn't necessarily mean abandoning well-paid roles altogether, but it does mean people are more open to changing industries, employers or career paths if a job feels misaligned with their sense of purpose or wellbeing. 'For many, the goal isn't simply earning less to feel happier; it's finding a role where compensation, impact and personal fulfilment can co-exist.' She said it was more common for Gen Z workers to leave their job in search of something new compared to other generations. 'This is perhaps because Gen Zs are more willing than previous generations to question whether a role aligns with their values, wellbeing and long-term goals,' Ms McKibbin explained. 'Indeed's data shows Gen Z is more likely than Gen X and Baby Boomers to value career growth and development opportunities, and also more likely than other generations to want more flexibility.' The town of Lancelin is vanishing at a rapid rate due to worsening coastal erosion, with locals fearing an iconic pub could soon disappear forever. The popular holiday destination, about 130km north of Perth, gradually lost 35metres of coastline last year and the situation is now more dire than ever. The Shire of Gingin attempted a temporary fix last September by carrying out sand replenishment to the tune of $150,000. Sand was also stockpiled to protect the coast, but the owner of the Lancelin Sands Hotel, Glen Trebilcock, this week noticed it had already been washed away. Mr Trebilcock, who tried to fix the problem himself using a small front-end loader to shift sand and fortify the area, told PerthNow he was constantly worried. 'I don't want to wake up tomorrow morning and find that the front of my restaurant has ended up in the water,' he said. 'We lost 35metres last year, the State Government turned around and provided temporary funding of $150,000 that was used to do the sand nourishment and that hasn't really worked long-term. 'It held up over the summer period but here we are now. We haven't even started coming into winter yet and already there's some serious, significant damage.' Pub owner Glen Trebilcock fears his iconic pub The Lancelin Sands Hotel could disappear Lancelin, about 130km north of Perth gradually lost 35metres of coastline last year The shoreline is precariously close to the iconic Lancelin Sands Hotel (pictured) Gingin Shire agreed to begin the design process for a temporary rock bag wall last month, but its president, Linda Balcomb, warned it was only a temporary fix. One person keeping a close eye on the situation is Nationals WA leader Shane Love, who is urging the State Government to take immediate action. 'Just 12 months ago, a public footpath and a vegetated sand dune stood between the hotel and the sea, and today both are gone,' Mr Love said in a statement. 'In October last year, 900 cubic metres of rehabilitation sand was placed along this stretch of coast to fix the problem. Every single cube has now been washed away 'That work followed sustained parliamentary pressure from The Nationals WA, which resulted in the State Government allocating $150,000 for a natural coastal barrier.' But the funding had proven ineffective, Mr Love said. He also accused the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs of refusing to investigate the issue even after his party presented a petition. 'The people of Lancelin asked for answers,' he said. 'They asked for scrutiny and instead, the Committee shut the door. Pictured is the impact of coastal erosion in the popular tourist town of Lancelin The council has attempted to rectify the situation, however the effects were only temporary The town of Lancelin is vanishing at a horrific rate due to coastal erosion and its iconic pub could be the first on the chopping block 'Politics and inquiries aside, the situation has now reached the point where urgent, practical action on the ground is what matters most.' Mr Love said the was a series of urgent measures that needed to be implemented. 'When the rehabilitation sand was installed, existing protective measures, including rock bags and geotech matting, were removed,' he said. 'In the coming days, those rock bags and geotech protections must be reinstated as an urgent interim measure. 'The State Government must work directly with the Shire of Gingin and local stakeholders to stabilise this site before any further damage occurs.' A small plane crashed into the backyard of a Phoenix home just minutes after takeoff, leaving three people injured. A mechanical issue caused a Piper P-28 plane to crash into a home when the pilot turned around just six minutes after taking off from Deer Valley Airport on Wednesday morning. 'It was a big bang,' a witness told Fox News. 'It sounded like, almost like a bomb went off, or someone slammed their trash can really hard.' 'My kids were the first ones to find it, and they looked out the window and saw all the action was already here, so I'm glad everybody's safe.' The plane crashed into the roof of one home at around 7.20am, damaging a baby's room and a second bedroom, before it fell into another homes backyard, Fire Captain Todd Keller said. The child wasn't in the room at the time, but the broken wing leaked gasoline into the home, according to Keller. The gasoline leak prompted a hazmat crew response and forced people to evacuate their homes, AZ Central reported. 'We do have fuel leaking into that attic right now,' Keller told the outlet, adding that it had created a fire hazard. A Piper P-28, carrying a student pilot and instructor, crashed on its way back to Deer Valley Airport after reports of a mechanical issue A neighbor's doorbell footage caught the terrifying moment the plane crashed into the homes Three people were injured, including a man inside one of the homes and both of those inside the aircraft The street was closed off by emergency services as a precaution at around 10am and police warned the public to avoid the area due to the gasoline spill. According to Keller, a student pilot and an instructor were on board and were able to climb free from the wreckage. They were both hospitalized, Fox reported. A man in one of the two homes was also injured and hospitalized. He was listed in stable condition, the outlet said. Video captured by Fox News saw the wing of the plane on the roof of one home, with the main body next to a swimming pool in the backyard of the neighboring home. American Red Cross spokesperson Georgi Donchetz told the outlet that two people from each home were told to vacate and went to a neighbor's home. 'They seem to be in good spirits, considering everything,' she said. 'Shows how important it is to step up for your neighbors and be there.' Four dogs were also moved from the area, according to Donchetz. The names of those injured were not immediately available. The two onboard were able to climb free but were later hospitalized A piece of the aircrafts wing as left on the roof of one home while the main body was seen next to the nextdoor neighbor's pool Austin Carlson, a student pilot and nearby resident, told Fox News that he was 'definitely speechless.' He had looked to fly the exact plane that had crashed not long before the incident. 'I looked at the tail number of the plane and realized that I actually was going to fly in that plane and get my pilot's license,' he said. According to Carlson, he said he didn't feel safe and the plane was too old for his liking. The plane, according to FlightAware, was from 1968. 'My parents weren't comfortable with my flying in a plane that's, you know, very old,' Carlson said. He said that he was 'very grateful' that he didn't choose to fly the plane in the end, but he was 'also sad for whatever happened and whoever was involved in it.' The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident. The Daily Mail reached out to the FAA for comment. As bombs continue to fall in the Middle East, a different front line has begun to emerge in the US. Fake claims about elaborate terror plots involving 'package bombs' left on American doorsteps have been spreading rapidly online - amplified by disinformation peddlers exploiting public fear. One such bogus news report, citing a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) source, claimed Iranian agents were planning to plant devices disguised as Amazon deliveries on doorsteps in the US. The post racked up more than 300,000 views on Twitter earlier this week. Real Raw News, the site behind the claim, is a notorious misinformation outlet, and government officials say no such plot has been uncovered. Yet the speed with which the claim spread underscores the unease gripping the country as war rages thousands of miles away, experts say. They warn that viral falsehoods can also detract from the very real concern national security officials have quietly raised with the Daily Mail: that Iran or its allies could retaliate on US soil through sleeper cells. Official figures show US Border Patrol agents encountered 1,504 Iranian nationals at the southern border during fiscal years 2021 through 2024. Of those, 729 were released into the US. Americans are on edge amid a wave of claims about Iranian sleeper agents ready to strike the homeland According to one bogus post, Iranian agents are planning to put bombs in Amazon packages that explode on doorsteps That's just the ones we know about - an unknown number of others entered the country undetected. Border authorities estimate that potentially millions of so-called 'gotaways' migrants who evaded agents entirely crossed the border during the same period. For some security experts, that uncertainty represents the most troubling factor. 'It's not really a question of whether or not threats are inside the US, because they are,' said Charles Marino, a former senior adviser at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and former Secret Service supervisor. 'Nobody can say what the probability is, because we don't know the numbers and that's a scary place for us to be.' The rising anxiety comes as the US remains on heightened alert following a dramatic escalation in the Middle East. On February 28, US and Israeli forces launched a joint military campaign aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities, crippling its missile and naval forces, and ultimately triggering regime change in Tehran. The strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with several other top officials in the Islamic Republic's leadership. The campaign has drawn fierce criticism from some lawmakers and analysts in Washington, who argue the military action lacked congressional approval and risks dragging the US into a broader regional war without a clear endgame. Iran has responded with waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel and US military bases across the Gulf. A widely shared post from Real Raw News, a disinformation or satirical news website FBI Director Kash Patel and other federal officials have stepped up security and counterterrorism monitoring amid fears that Tehran could seek revenge for the devastating US-Israeli military campaign against the Islamic Republic. Experts told the Daily Mail the danger could come from multiple directions. Iran could activate agents already inside the US, they warn. Terror groups aligned with Tehran including Hezbollah or Hamas could attempt attacks. Or the threat could come from radicalized 'lone wolves' inspired by the conflict. So far, however, there has been no confirmed retaliatory attack on American soil. But a different front line has already emerged online. Social media platforms are flooded with images, videos and posts claiming massive Iranian military victories, exaggerated US casualties and imminent domestic attacks. One post circulating on X formerly Twitter claims DHS is monitoring 'chatter' about Iranian sleeper agents placing package bombs disguised as Amazon deliveries on doorsteps. The fake warning claims the deadly parcels are being distributed 'primarily in MAGA-dense neighborhoods.' Other manipulated posts appear to show Iranian forces successfully striking the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, while still others list supposed American cities marked for attack by Iranian operatives. Iranian military-linked accounts have also claimed that 560 Americans were killed or wounded in the early stages of the conflict a figure dramatically higher than the Pentagon's official casualty count of six deaths at that time. Security analysts say such disinformation campaigns are designed to inflame fear, sow confusion and amplify psychological pressure on the US. Yet despite the online fabrications, experts warn that the possibility of real retaliation cannot be dismissed. Another viral post hit by a community note for fake news claimed an American ship had been hit by Iranian ballistic missiles Jason Brodsky, policy director at United Against Nuclear Iran and a former White House policy fellow during the Obama administration, said Tehran has spent years building networks capable of carrying out attacks beyond its borders. 'Iran has for many years tried to develop networks within the US to be able to carry out attacks on demand,' Brodsky said. 'These networks are based on transnational criminal syndicates that have safe harbor in Iran.' According to Brodsky, Iran has cultivated relationships with international crime groups that serve as covert operational partners. In exchange for protection from Iranian authorities, these organizations allegedly conduct operations on Tehran's behalf giving the regime a layer of plausible deniability. Past investigations have linked Iran's intelligence services to criminal organizations ranging from the Hells Angels to the Zindashti drug cartel and Eastern European 'thieves-in-law' networks. 'It is a big open question as to whether there are some sleeper cells that are continuing to operate,' Brodsky said. Beyond criminal proxies, Iran's connections extend to militant groups, including al-Qaeda whose senior figure Saif al-Adel is widely believed to be based in Iran. In an extreme escalation scenario, Brodsky suggested Tehran could pressure affiliated actors to target American or Jewish sites worldwide, including Jewish community centers, US officials, or Iranian dissidents living abroad. Marino believes the US may now be confronting the long-term consequences of years of weak border enforcement. Authorities encountered migrants from roughly 180 different countries at the US border in recent years many crossing undetected creating what he describes as a significant intelligence blind spot. The core question facing security officials, he argues, is no longer whether hostile actors entered the US, but whether they have been identified. Against the backdrop of rising tensions with Iran and the killing of senior regime figures, Marino warns that geopolitical shock could serve as a catalyst for violence. Operatives or sympathizers inside the US might not need direct orders from foreign handlers global events themselves could act as a signal. Potential attackers could include foreign operatives, immigrants radicalized after arriving, or US-born individuals drawn to extremist ideology. Smoke rises following an explosion in Tehran, Iran, after the US-Israeli joint airstrikes The most likely targets, Marino warns, would be crowded civilian spaces soft targets offering maximum casualties and chaos. Coordinated, multi-perpetrator attacks cannot be ruled out. Federal authorities are already on heightened alert. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces have increased readiness nationwide, though officials stress no specific or credible plots have been identified. A DHS memo warns the most likely near-term threats involve lone-wolf attackers or small-scale violence inspired by the conflict. Investigators are also examining whether a recent mass shooting in Austin, Texas which left three dead had ideological motivations after Iranian symbols were reportedly found at the suspect's home. 'Nobody I don't care who it is can say that none of these things are a possibility,' Marino said. 'And that's a very bad place for the country to be.' Harry and Meghan's movie projects are 'in limbo' as their $100million (74million) Netflix deal remains 'up in the air', a report claims. Archewell Productions, the couple's media company, announced in August 2023 that it was making a film based on Carley Fortune's novel Meet Me At The Lake. Netflix purchased the rights to the novel for around 2.2million ($2.9million), but nothing has yet materialised. Three years on, the project is said to remain categorised as a development and is lacking in both cast as well as a director. Page Six reported insiders as claiming the projects are in limbo. 'Three years in development for a movie like this at Netflix isn't good,' a Hollywood source was reported as saying. Plans for a movie version of Meet Me At The Lake marked a change in direction for the couple away from tell-all documentaries about the Royal Family. The novel, which sold 37,000 copies in its first week, is centred around a couple who first meet in their 30s - just like Meghan and Harry. Themes in the book include postnatal depression, mental health and childhood trauma relating to the death of a parent. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pictured arriving on their tour to Jordan in February The Duchess of Sussex in her Netflix series With Love, Meghan - which came out in March 2025 The Sussexes, who recently returned from their tour to Jordan, have also announced their plans for a Netflix version of The Wedding Date, a 2018 novel by American author Jasmine Guillory. Harry and Meghan had previously offered the streaming giant a new documentary called Cookie Queen, which was shown at Sundance Film Festival. The film was described as 'a coming-of-age story about the joys, pressures, and pain points woven into one of America's most cherished rituals: Girl Scout Cookie season.' However, the project is yet to be snapped up by a streamer or a distributor. The Sussexes bagged their massive Netflix deal after stepping back at working royals in 2020. And while their confessional documentary Harry & Meghan proved to be a huge success, other projects such as Polo - a documentary about the upper-class sport - only attracted 500,000 viewers. Last August, the couple signed a new 'multi-year' contract with Netflix. Meghan and Harry were described as 'over the moon' at the news, although it was understood to be far less lucrative than their previous one. In a further blow, it emerged in January that the Duchess's cookery show - With Love, Meghan - would not be returning for a third series on Netflix. The series, which offered lifestyle tips from inside a rented 5million mansion near Meghan's Montecito home, debuted in March 2025. Archewell Productions, the couple's media company, announced in August 2023 that it was making a film based on Carley Fortune's novel Meet Me At The Lake (the author is pictured with the book cover) The second season of With Love, Meghan also failed to land in Netflix's Top 10 US shows in its debut week, according to Forbes. Insiders told Page Six that the 44-year-old's pet project won't be up for renewal - after the Duchess called it 'a lot of work'. One insider claimed: 'It is not returning as a series. There have been conversations about holiday specials, but there's nothing in the works yet.' Another source said: 'People will see similar cooking and crafting on Meghan's socials for the brand, but more bite-sized.' Meghan is said to be concentrating on building her lifestyle brand, As Ever. However, rumours have circulated that she may produce specials for some holidays, including July 4 - American Independence Day - and Valentine's Day, but nothing has been confirmed. It is understood that timelines for the Sussexes film adaptations partly depend on the writing and packaging process. Allies of the couple maintain that Archewell Production continues to have a positive relationship with Netflix, as do insiders at the streaming firm. The Daily Mail has approached representatives of the Sussexes for comment. Taking turns, the two 14-year-old boys raped their schoolgirl victim in an underpass, asking her why she looked so sad as they did so. Laughing and joking, they only stopped after an hour and a half when they finally got bored, walking her to a bus stop and telling her to cheer up. The 15-year-olds terrifying ordeal was not only filmed but footage was shared around on social media, where she was accused of being a slag and blamed for what had happened. Eight weeks later the same two boys, who cannot be identified but who we shall refer to as Boy A and Boy B, would also be accused of raping a second, younger girl, who painted a terrifying picture of her ordeal at the hands of her teenage assailants. Claiming to have been forced into a park at knifepoint, the 14-year-old was raped first by Boy A and then by his friend. A third boy, only 13 years old, filmed and encouraged them, with footage later shared on Snapchat and TikTok. I thought I was about to get murdered, she later told police. I thought I was going to die and never see any of my family again. Talk of the two incidents shook Fordingbridge, a well-to-do town located on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire. And following a five-week trial at Southampton Crown Court, Boy A and Boy B were yesterday convicted of raping both girls. Following a five-week trial at Southampton Crown Court, Boy A and Boy B were yesterday convicted of raping both girls Talk of the two incidents shook Fordingbridge, a well-to-do town in Hampshire located on the edge of the New Forest The third boy was found guilty of two counts of rape in relation to the second girl. All three boys, who are understood to come from the traveller community, had pleaded guilty to separate charges of taking indecent videos in relation to the incidents. During the trial, the jury was told that the case raised worrying questions about teenagers and their use of social media and phones. Graphic footage was filmed, shared and commented upon. Jodie Mittell KC, prosecuting, told the court that both girls were then blamed and told that it was their fault on social media. She said that as well as being called a slag, the older girl was told how disgusting she was and accused of moaning and enjoying it. The first of the rapes was said to have taken place in November 2024. The court heard that the girl, who was 15 at the time, had first come into contact with Boy A when he sent her a friend invite on Snapchat. After a week of speaking to one another, she assumed they were dating, later telling police: I was in a really bad place mentally at that time and he was really helping with that. The girl then travelled from her home to visit him to hang out in the park. But she claimed that almost immediately Boy A asked her to perform a sex act on him. After a week of speaking to one another, she assumed they were dating. The girl then travelled from her home to visit him to hang out in the park She claimed that almost immediately Boy A asked her to perform a sex act on him She said she was taken aback but that she had agreed, adding: It was a tough decision, I didnt want to lose someone to love. The two went to an underpass where sexual activity took place. She said that when they got back to the park, two other boys turned up. She said her heart dropped when she saw one of them, Boy B, adding: There was something about him that just really felt off. The court heard how the three boys then started recording her on their phones asking her for a threesome. They kept moving closer to me, I didnt know what they would have done if I didnt say yes, she recalled. The girl agreed, explaining that it was quite dark and she felt petrified. They were all taller than me, it was three boys against me, she said, claiming that she was taken back to the underpass where the boys ordered her to strip. I was thinking what I could do to try and get myself out of it, but there was nothing, she added. I was basically cornered, I was trapped in this underpass with these three boys. She said Boy A and Boy B forced her to perform sex acts on them and took turns to rape her. She said all three boys had recorded her on their mobile phones while it was going on. The third boy faced no charges. The girl said she had sat in silence, trying my best not to cry adding: I felt sick, I felt myself feeling like I was going to pass out. She said the boys only stopped after an hour and half when they got bored, asking her: Why do you look so sad? All three then walked her to a bus stop telling her to cheer up and offering to buy her a drink. Soon after she started getting phone calls from people who had seen the videos of what happened in the underpass. Messages were sent calling her a slag. The girl said she did not tell her mother what had happened because she didnt want to stress her out, adding: I thought it was not that important because it was me being stupid. The girl later posted a statement on social media after becoming upset the footage was being shared. In it she had referred to having sexual activity with the two teens, who are now aged 15, as the most horrible decision Ive made in my life and I regret it to this day. She only spoke to police after news spread about the boys being arrested over a second alleged rape in January 2025. But giving evidence, Boy A insisted the girl had made the first move telling him were boyfriend and girlfriend. He said that she had willingly agreed to the request for a threesome and shown no sign of being uncomfortable. The first of the Fordingbridge rapes was said to have taken place in November 2024 Around 6,000 people live in the small town His barrister, Clare Wade KC, claimed that she had consented to the sexual activity. She told the jury: She regretted it. But regret should not be confused with not consenting. Having deliberated for almost 20 hours, Boy A was found guilty of one count of rape relating to the incident, and not guilty on two counts of rape. Boy B was found guilty of three counts of rape in relation to it. Eight weeks later, the second girl, who was 14 at the time, told police that she too had been raped by Boy A and Boy B. The prosecution case was that Boy A threatened her with a knife, ordered her to dump her phone and then made her walk to the Fordingbridge recreation ground accompanied by Boy B and a third boy. There it was claimed that video footage recorded on Boy Bs phone showed the girl being raped by him and Boy A. The third boy was filming the incident and had his penis out at the time. The girl claimed she tried to run away but they said they would kill her if she did so again. Boy A - the only one of the three defendants to give evidence - claimed the girl had been flirting with him and all the sexual activity was consensual. His barrister, Clare Wade KC, accused the girl of repeatedly lying, saying that contrary to her evidence, CCTV footage did not show Boy A with a knife. And far from being forced, as she claimed, to dump her mobile phone and an AirTag to prevent anyone tracking her as the alleged attack took place, she was caught on a Ring doorbell discussing getting rid of the devices herself. In the recording she was heard saying to a group of girls that she was not f*****g going home, adding: I cant be anywhere near my AirTag or my mum will find me. Meanwhile Tracy Ayling KC, the third boys barrister, said the girl had claimed he and his friends had frogmarched her down the road at knifepoint - which the CCTV had shown to be a complete and utter fabrication. Ms Ayling said he had pleaded guilty to filming Boy B with the girl but added: Absence of consent to filming is not the same as absence of consent to sex. She said the boy had filmed it because it was normal for teenagers to video everything on their phones. They are never off them, they film everything, and everything is shared with their friends, and that is normal for them, she said. This is their lifeblood, and you need to take that into account in this case. Boy A was found guilty of one count of rape for the second incident and not guilty on one count of rape. The teenager was also found guilty of one count of making indecent photographs of a child in relation to the second incident. Boy B was found guilty of three counts of rape relating to the second incident, and not guilty of one. The third boy, who is now 14 years old, was found guilty of two counts of rape by encouraging Boy B in the January incident. Little has been revealed about the background of the boys who took part in the two very similar attacks. The youngest of the three rapists posted a photograph on his TikTok account just two weeks prior to the rape which showed him out late at night hunting rabbits and hares with his lurcher dog. The picture is thought to have been taken close to the traveller camp where he lived in Hampshire. Three days prior to that, the baby-faced teenager shared an inspirational meme New Years Day post, which read: What boys always want before listing five goals. It was a particularly grim irony that one of his supposed goals was make mom proud just behind money and above loyal girl. Both the older boys are understood to come from Traveller communities further away: one has links to East Anglia while the other has ties to Somerset. Boy A posed for a picture posted on Facebook which showed him standing outside a travellers camp next to a sign that reads Gypsy Lives Matter. Another photo is captioned with the word #Gangsters. Judge Nicholas Rowland adjourned the case until a date to be set for sentencing reports to be prepared on the three defendants, and released them on conditional bail. Afterwards, Lucy Paddick, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: This is a deeply concerning case which involved a disturbing level of encouragement between young boys, who acted together to rape two young girls in separate incidents. These girls were forced into sexual activity by boys who brazenly filmed the deeply distressing incidents. After speaking with the victims in this case and reviewing an extensive file of evidence, it was the Crown Prosecution Services case that these girls were violated and could not have consented to these terrifying encounters. Our lawyers will work tirelessly to pursue justice for victims, and we will continue to hold those responsible for crimes of this devastating nature to account, regardless of their age. Kemi Badenoch has vowed to bring back the two-child benefit cap and use the savings to increase defence spending. The Conservative leader said she would reinstate the limit to fund the recruitment of more soldiers to boost Britain's military. She promised that half of the 3.2billion saving would go on defence while the other half would be used to bring down the deficit. The Daily Mail has been campaigning for an uplift in defence spending as war rages in the Middle East. Setting out her plans in the Mail, she said: 'If we are serious about protecting Britain, then we must be honest that there is a trade-off. 'The era of an endlessly rising welfare bill paid for by a shrinking defence budget should be over. The world has changed, and our priorities must change with it. 'This funding will help us start to rebuild our military strength, growing the regular Army to 80,000 and the Reserves to 40,000.' The Tories said the money would pay for 6,000 new Army soldiers and 14,000 new Army Reservists as well as accommodation and equipment. Kemi Badenoch has vowed to bring back the two-child benefit cap and use the savings to increase defence spending Mrs Badenoch branded the last Budget in which Labour pledged to lift the cap a 'Budget for Benefits Street'. She argued that Labour raised taxes on workers, pensioners and businesses to fund rising welfare payments. The cap - first introduced by the Conservatives in 2017 restricts benefits to the first two children in most households. Labour's draft legislation to scrap the policy has cleared the Commons and is making its way through the Lords. Mrs Badenoch said that Sir Keir Starmer had a 'plan to raise benefits and no plan for how to properly fund our armed forces.' 'With a war in Europe and now also in the Middle East, it's more important than ever that the Government gives our military the backing it needs,' she said. 'Instead, Keir Starmer is pandering to his backbenchers with more welfare giveaways - he simply doesn't have the backbone to take tough decisions.' She said that Labour was unable to explain how it would reach the target of spending 3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defence. The UK is committed to spending 3.5 per cent of on core defence by 2035. Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to spend 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence by April 2027, rising to 3 per cent in the next parliament. He is reportedly considering bringing forward the 3 per cent target following recent threats. But the Treasury is said to be cautious. Chancellor Rachel Reeves did not pledge any new money this week. It came after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) warmed that Labour will need to find an additional 40bn per year by 2035 to hit its defence spending target. MPs have demanded an explanation from Ms Reeves about her failure to find more money for defence after Armed Forces chiefs warned of a 28billion black hole in the Ministry of Defence budget. Sir Keir acknowledged that 'we are going to have to spend more and faster after the years of under-investment and troop cuts'. A bestselling author who published a stunning sexual assault memoir is being sued by a former classmate who alleged that the attacks described in the novel actually happened to her. The woman, identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe, accused venture capitalist and writer Amy Griffin, 49, of negligence, invasion of privacy and infliction of emotional distress. Griffin's bestselling book The Tell was described as 'neither a genuine nor harmless memoir,' according to the lawsuit filed Wednesday in California state court. Doe filed the lawsuit, which was first reported by The New York Times, about one year after Griffin's book was published last March. The acclaimed memoir recounted how Griffin used the psychedelic drug MDMA for therapy and recovered memories of being raped multiple times beginning at age 12 by a middle school teacher in Amarillo, Texas. However, Doe claimed that two incidents described in the book were actually sexual assaults committed against her. Doe also alleged that she met with Griffin years before the book was published and discussed their upbringing in Amarillo. Griffin's attorney, Thomas A. Clare, told the Daily Mail that the lawsuit was 'absurd' and 'meritless.' Amy Griffin, 49, published The Tell last March. The novel shared how Griffin rediscovered memories of being sexually assaulted by her middle school teacher after MDMA therapy Griffin is being sued by Jane Doe, who claimed that the sexual assaults described in the venture capitalist and author's memoir actually happened to her One of the alleged sexual assaults noted in the lawsuit involved a rape at a middle school dance. Griffin wrote that the assault, inflicted by the teacher who was given the pseudonym Mr Mason, had happened to her while wearing a borrowed dress. Doe alleged that she was actually the one who borrowed the dress from Griffin and was assaulted at the dance by a different teacher. She then returned the dress with a stain that was left on it during the attack, per the suit cited by the Times. Another assault described in The Tell said Griffin had been assaulted after the teacher tied her hands behind her back with a bandanna. Doe also claimed she was the victim in that encounter as well, alleging the bandanna was stuffed in her mouth. The teacher placed his boot on Doe's back during the assault, according to the legal filing. Griffin allegedly met with Doe at a California coffee shop in 2019 at the author's request, according to the lawsuit Doe met with Griffin at the author's request at a coffee shop in California in 2019, the lawsuit reported by the outlet claimed. They allegedly talked about growing up in Amarillo. Griffin is now a billionaire venture capitalist who is married to John Griffin, the founder of hedge fund Blue Ridge Capital. About three years later, a supposed producer reached out to Doe to use 'her "life story" for a film or television show.' Doe allegedly told the individual about how she had been sexually attacked in middle school. She alleged the producer stopped communicating with her after she asked for a contract. Doe believes the information she shared was later used in Griffin's popular memoir, per the suit. The Tell drew significant buzz after being promoted by Oprah Winfrey through her book club show. 'I was just floored when I read Amy's story,' Oprah said. She added: 'What she discovered about herself, about her past, made me recognize how powerful the desire to forget is and also how powerful the desire to remember is and how your life can change when you reconcile the two.' The Tell was promoted by Oprah Winfrey as part of her book club show. The media personality said that she was 'floored' by Griffin's memoir However, The Tell also drew scrutiny when The New York Times reported that the book had been reviewed by lawyers but not factchecked by its publisher, Penguin Random House. There is no suggestion that Griffin was dishonest in recounting what she believes to be her memories. In that report from last September, Griffin's former classmate said that her childhood abuse was 'eerily similar' to what Griffin described in her book. The anonymous woman told the outlet that she was sexually abused by another teacher who was not Mr Mason. Griffin's lawyer, Clare, told the Daily Mail: 'Just like the New York Times manufactured a false narrative about Amy Griffin and 'The Tell,' it also engineered the premise for this absurd lawsuit.' Clare added that the allegations were inaccurate narrative with 'many redflag warnings.' He said: 'We look forward to exposing these meritless claims in court, as well as the deeply flawed New York Times reporting that is at the center of it.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Zach Rosenblatt, Jane Doe's reported attorney, and Penguin Random House for comment. The Pentagon has issued an urgent call for resupplying of its most massive 'bunker buster' bombs amid claims there are only six left in its arsenal. Giant 30,000lb GBU-57 bombs - known as Massive Ordnance Penetrators or "MOPs" - are the biggest non-nuclear weapon America has. They were used in combat for the first time in Operation Midnight Hammer in June when 14 of the 20ft-long behemoths were dropped to devastate Iran's underground nuclear sites at Fordow and Natanz. That operation by seven B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped the biggest payload of explosives since World War II, and it left stocks of the bunker busters depleted. Back in 2009, a total of 20 MOPs were ordered, and those were delivered in 2015. The use of 14 in Midnight Hammer means there could be only half a dozen remaining. Now, an eight-page Air Force document, says more are 'critically needed' as the US continues to pound Iran into submission. The document, reviewed by the Daily Mail, drew information from units including the Massive Ordnance Penetrator Program Office and was signed in early February by senior officers. Parts of it were redacted using scribbles with a black marker pen. A partially redacted Pentagon document sets out how new 'bunker buster' Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs - the biggest non-nuclear weapons in its arsenal - are 'critically needed' to replenish those used in Operation Midnight Hammer B-2 Stealth Bombers are the only aircraft capable of carrying America's biggest non-nuclear bomb, the GBU-57 In this photo released by the U.S. Air Force on May 2, 2023, airmen look at a 30,000lb GBU-57, or the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bomb, at Whiteman Air Base in Missouri It set out that the need to replace the MOPs was so urgent there should be no competitive tendering process for building them. Instead, a contract worth more than $100 million should go straight to Boeing, which built the original ones in 2009. 'This procurement and sustainment activity is critically needed to replenish the inventory of GBU-57s expended during Operation Midnight Hammer,' it said. 'This action is essential to restore operational readiness (redacted) and ensure Air Force Global Strike Command possesses the necessary assets to support strategic contingency war plans for all Combatant Commands.' MOPs were designed to be used against 'Hard and Deeply Buried Targets' (HDBTs), which includes nuclear facilities, chemical and biological warfare laboratories, and command and control centers. They are intended to 'destroy our adversaries weapons of mass destruction located in well-protected facilities,' according to the Air Force. A Pentagon document sets out a timeline for new tail kits for its biggest non-nuclear bombs President Trump said of US munitions: 'At the highest end, we have a good supply, but are not where we want to be.' Birds fly as smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran The GBU-57 'bunker buster' is designed to bedropped by B-2 stealth bombers The impact of a MOP has been compared to being it by an Amtrak train moving at 120 mph. More of the weapons could be needed to wipe out remnants of the Iranian nuclear program. They could also be needed in any future conflict with North Korea or China, both of which store key elements of their nuclear programs underground or inside mountains. Earlier this week, President Trump said US munitions stockpiles had 'never been higher or better,' but he added: 'At the highest end, we have a good supply, but are not where we want to be.' The Air Force document went on to listed various components needed for replacing the massive bombs. It noted that the government needed MOP tail kits, which include the navigation system, to 'replace expended units.' Projected delivery of those would only start on January 10, 2028. It added: 'There are long lead-in times associated with the procurement of the components and sub-components of this acquisition. There are various factors contributing to the long-lead times.' Those factors included 'tariffs' and 'post-COVID supplier chain' problems. Boeing had 'uniquely acquired expertise ' and 'The MOP Program Office has determined that award to any other source would result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the Government's requirement,' it said. 'No delay in award is acceptable for this effort. 'Delaying this requirement would undermine force readiness and efficient acquisitions for this key weapons program.' The MOP bunker buster, America's biggest non-nuclear bomb, has so far not been used in Operation Epic Fury, which has used less massive munitions Your browser does not support iframes. The potential new ground zero for Iran's nuclear program is Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La, otherwise known in English as 'Pickaxe Mountain,' located in the Zagros Mountains in central Iran on the outskirts of one of the regime's other nuclear sites at Natanz A delay would 'jeopardizes force readiness and strategic deterrence, hinder nuclear proliferation prevention efforts, and could result in loss of life.' It was noted that in August the military had 'successfully reverse engineered a critical subcomponent' of the MOP's weapon system 'saving 4-years of design work.' That was done using technology from the Army's ATACMS ballistic missile system. 'However, the time to reverse engineer all MOP components would result in unacceptable delays in meeting mission requirements,' the document said. The Air Force document suggested that 'no future production is expected' of MOPs following the current request. MOPs are set to be replaced by a new bomb - the Next Generation Penetrator (NGP) - but a prototype design contract for that was only awarded in September with an '18-to-24-month timeframe.' A total of $107 million was set aside for NGP development in the 2026 Air Force budget. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran, was killed by a Blue Sparrow missile launched by Israel Iran's nuclear site at Fordow before it was obliterated by MOP bombs in June The NGP is also a bunker buster but will be lighter at under 22,000-lb weight, and will be be carried by the new B-21 Raider stealth bomber. It may be fitted with a rocket booster so it can be fired from further away, rather than having to be dropped over the target like the MOP. In August, the Pentagon set aside $123 million for replacing the MOPs used in Midnight Hammer. While Boeing makes the tail kits, which include the navigation system, the bombs including the explosives, are constructed at the McAlester Army Ammunition plant in Oklahoma. In late 2024 the base began expanding to increase capacity for production of MOPs. On Saturday, the US and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury and killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hundreds of airstrikes have been carried out on Iranian government, military and nuclear targets, although none using MOPs. An explosion caused by a projectile impact after Iran launched missiles into Israel following Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tel Aviv, Israel, February 28 Smoke rises after multiple powerful explosions occurred in several locations across Iran's capital Tehran on March 2, 2026 Iran has unleashed thousands of drones and ballistic missiles at Israel, American bases and embassies across the region, and energy facilities throughout the Gulf, with fire even directed toward Cyprus, Turkey and Azerbaijan. Tehran's strategy is to inflict enough casualties and economic pain to spook America's allies into pressuring President Trump to back down. Iran has kept firing ballistic missiles into Israel, killing 11 people and disrupting life for millions, with further casualties reported across Arab states. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said it began new strikes against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon. The war has rattled financial markets, with most taking their cues from what the price of oil is doing. Six US service members have been killed. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 70 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. On the latest episode of the Daily Mail's War on Tape, foreign correspondent Chris Pleasance breaks down the opening salvo of the Iran war, which saw Ayatollah Khamenei killed in a 'decapitation' strike. At 9:45 am local time last Saturday, the US and Israel launched a joint bombing campaign of Iran, with the stated aim of crippling the Islamic Republic enough to provoke regime change. The first twelve hours of America's Operation Epic Fury and Israel's Operation Roaring Lion proved a devastating success. Around 900 strikes hit multiple pieces of key military infrastructure, including IRGC bases, ports and nuclear sites. For the US and Israel, the crowning glory of the early stages of the conflict was undoubtedly Khamenei's death. The Ayatollah and multiple high ranking members of his regime died after Israeli F-16 fighter jets managed to penetrate Iran's fearsome air defence network and turned Leadership House into rubble. On the latest episode of the Daily Mail's War on Tape, foreign correspondent Chris Pleasance breaks down the opening salvo of the Iran war For the US and Israel, the crowning glory of the early stages of the conflict was undoubtedly Khamenei's death The Ayatollah and multiple high ranking members of his regime died after Israeli F-16 fighter jets managed to penetrate Iran's fearsome air defence network Show host Pleasance outlined the two leading theories for how the US and Israel were able to disable Iran's air defence network with such ease despite years of preparation for an attack. He explained: 'For the attack to get through, Iran's air defences had to be disabled - we don't exactly know how this happened. 'One way could have been an initial strike by US and Israeli F-35s, flying from Jordan and the Lincoln aircraft carrier - as well as the Nevatim air base. 'The F-35 is a stealth jet, almost invisible to enemy radar. They are designed to hunt down and destroy anti-air systems. 'They would likely have been joined by F-22s. These are also stealth aircraft but with a slightly different role. They are air superiority fighters, protecting the F-35 from any Iranian jets trying to shoot them down. 'Once Iran's defences were destroyed, the way would have been cleared for the follow-up strike.' Alternatively, a cyber attack could have crippled Iran's air defences without a single plane leaving the ground - a tactic well within the combined arsenal of Mossad and the CIA, whose intelligence had already proved decisive in choosing the precise moment to strike. Listen to the latest episode of the Daily Mail's War on Tape by clicking here A daytime assault would ordinarily raise eyebrows. But Israel knew exactly when Khamenei would be gathered with his most senior commanders and that intelligence was enough for Trump to move the entire operation forward by hours. 'The US and Israel are masters at this kind of warfare', Pleasance said. 'They unleashed the Stuxnet virus on Iran sometime before 2010.' Although never officially attributed to any state, Stuxnet destroyed around 1,000 Iranian centrifuges at the Natanz nuclear facility, making the systems tear themselves apart while appearing to operate normally, setting Tehran's nuclear ambitions back by years. Watch expert analysis of the first twelve hours of the Iran war by subscribing to the Daily Mail World YouTube channel. President Donald Trump had finally had enough. When Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was grilled in a Senate hearing on Wednesday about a $220 million 'vanity' deportation advertising campaign, she gave an answer that would be the final straw for the commander-in-chief. The former Governor of South Dakota told Senator John Kennedy that Trump had given her approval for the media blitz, which included sweeping videos of her on horseback in front of Mount Rushmore. Unfortunately for Noem, that wasn't how the President saw it. 'I never knew anything about it,' an infuriated Trump shot back in an interview with Reuters on Thursday. Hours later, she was out as the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The President was 'p***ed', Senator Kennedy told reporters, describing a phone call with Trump after he announced Noem's ouster on Truth Social. He was 'mad as a murder hornet,' the Louisiana senator added. But the Daily Mail can now reveal there was one member of Trump's senior White House staff who already had Noem in her crosshairs. There was also a mounting campaign in Washington, from members of Congress and powerful lobbyists, to push her out. Susie Wiles, the President's chief of staff, was sick of the drama and theatrics that followed Noem and her closest advisor Corey Lewandowski, one political insider told the Daily Mail. Rumors about an extramarital relationship between Noem and Lewandowski were an open secret in Washington long before she took the DHS role. When Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was grilled in a Senate hearing on Wednesday about a $220 million 'vanity' deportation advertising campaign, she gave an answer that would be the final straw for the commander-in-chief Rumors about an extramarital relationship between Noem and Lewandowski (right) were an open secret in Washington long before she took the DHS role They have both denied having an affair. Lewandowski's arrival as Noem's senior advisor at DHS ignited an internal war over immigration policy, primarily with Trump's Border Czar Tom Homan. The grandstanding, as well as the litany of scandals Noem oversaw, threatened Wiles' 'no drama' management style, the insider added. Kennedy was just one of multiple Republican senators who wanted to see Noem go, according to sources. The GOP, anxious to fund the Department of Homeland Security, believed a shakeup was necessary for political reasons. Senate Democrats refused to move forward on a funding agreement for the agency until the President signaled he was making changes. Kennedy had delivered a critical blow to Noem as she felt blindsided by the onslaught. Trump took the temperature with Senate Republicans over the phone and made the decision to replace Noem quickly. The President asked about Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Fox News stalwart and retired professional MMA fighter with a reputation for toughness, as a potential replacement at DHS. Republicans enthusiastically endorsed Mullin and told Trump his political skills could not only help him navigate the confirmation process but possibly end the funding logjam. The President was 'p***ed', Senator Kennedy told reporters Thursday Noem began her job anxious to deliver on the President's immigration promises, a critical piece of the MAGA agenda that could deliver additional political advantages if the job was done right. She made a point of getting a piece of the action rather than sitting behind a desk, and her routine public displays of enforcement earned Trump's respect in the early days of the administration. That drove law enforcement professionals crazy, who long felt that cameras and PR stunts only hindered their ability to complete their mission. Lewandowski threw sharp elbows in the department when he arrived, confronting what he viewed as a lazy and corrupt status quo. 'There is no fiercer friend and no fiercer enemy,' one source revealed to the Daily Mail about Lewandowski's management style. Many longstanding leadership officials in the department tried to stay out of his way and some even quietly worked against him. Noem issued a policy requiring her approval for contracts and grants exceeding $100,000, which slowed down contracts already underway. Sources told the Daily Mail that Lewandowski was anxious to root out any signs of corruption or punish his enemies for trying to cross him. The decision to assert more control over government contracts also angered a lot of lobbyists in Washington, DC, and big donors in border states, who began to join the whispering campaign against Noem. Embarrassing stories from the department only escalated after Lewandowski grew combative with Homan. The pair accused each other of leaking negative details of their leadership as damaging stories emerged in the press. The White House told Lewandowski and Homan to 'cut it out' on more than one occasion, sources told the Daily Mail, and the President himself met with Noem and her rumored lover to express his dissatisfaction with the infighting. Susie Wiles, the President's chief of staff, was also sick of the drama and theatrics that followed Noem and her closest advisor Corey Lewandowski, a political insider told the Daily Mail The President himself met with Noem and her rumored lover to express his dissatisfaction with the infighting But Homan, a longtime border and immigration enforcement professional, had Trump's ear and continued sharing his concerns with the President. Matters came to a head in January after immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota escalated and two protesters were shot and killed by government agents. Trump appointed Homan to take charge and lower the political temperature, which the border czar managed to deliver after just a few days in the job. Noem was mid-sentence praising Trump's border record before a packed law enforcement conference in Nashville when the news broke that she had been fired. She wore a poker face throughout, still fielding questions from an audience apparently unaware she had been shown the door. Inside DHS headquarters, the mood was jubilant. 'Everyone is happy, lots of smiles,' one source said. An ICE official added: 'Crowds are celebrating. Lots of phone calls. Texts. People stopping by.' As for Lewandowski, few expect him to survive the transition. 'He will go,' one insider said, 'because he knows Mullin will toss him.' Zack Polanski has been accused of laughing at the desecration of Winston Churchill's statue with pro-Palestinian graffiti. The Green Party leader was said to be 'amused' as fellow London Assembly members spoke out against the attack on the monument to Britain's greatest wartime leader. Mr Polanski and Green colleagues then voted against a motion to condemn the vandalism - to the horror of members who had assumed it would pass unanimously. Sir Winston's statue in Parliament Square was defaced last month, when it was daubed in red paint slogans including 'Zionist war criminal' and 'globalise the intifada'. The vandalism was widely condemned as an 'attack on democracy', with Downing Street branding it 'completely abhorrent'. Last weekend a 38-year-old man was charged with criminal damage over the alleged offence. The Greater London Authority (GLA), which manages the site on which the statue is based, on Thursday voted on a motion to 'condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the appalling desecration of the statue of Sir Winston Churchill in Parliament Square on 27 February 2026'. The Green Party leader (pictured) was said to be 'amused' as fellow London Assembly members spoke out against the attack on the monument to Britain's greatest wartime leader Green Assembly member Zoe Garbett (pictured) defended direct-action protest such as vandalism as a 'legitimate and necessary part of democratic political life', adding: 'Rather than worrying about a statue, what should worry us all is the UK's complicity and continued support for Israel' Join the debate Is it ever justified to vandalise national monuments as a form of political protest? Speaking at the meeting, Green Assembly member Zoe Garbett defended direct-action protest such as vandalism as a 'legitimate and necessary part of democratic political life'. She added: 'Rather than worrying about a statue, what should worry us all is the UK's complicity and continued support for Israel.' However her comments were condemned by Susan Hall, the leader of the Conservatives at City Hall, who can be heard in footage of the debate saying 'you're laughing, I'm glad Zack that you find this amusing, because actually most of the public will not find this amusing'. Ms Hall said she was 'dumbfounded' when she claims she heard Mr Polanski laughing as she condemned the damage to Sir Winston's statue. She told the Daily Mail: 'I always thought of the Greens as the cuddly environmental people that they used to be, but it's now clear they're nothing but a danger to us. 'It's beyond belief that a national party can think it's acceptable to break the law and to damage our national treasures. This just proves how inappropriate they are to be anywhere near power.' Retired Colonel Richard Kemp said Mr Polanski's behaviour revealed he is 'anti-British', adding that it shows the Green leader is 'unfit for political office'. Shadow armed forces minister Mark Francois said that Sir Winston 'led our country through a war of national survival against Hitler's Nazi regime' and said the Greens 'should be ashamed of themselves'. He told the Express: 'To deface his memorial like this is not an act of free speech but an insult to a successful war leader, now endorsed by a party of Left-wing extremists posing as friends of the environment.' The Green Party was approached for comment. Kristi Noem's exit from the Department of Homeland Security had barely been confirmed when one Democrat had already signed up to support her replacement. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman moved to back his Senate colleague Markwayne Mullin for the top DHS job almost immediately earning the vicious fury of Democrats who are growing tired of his independence. 'I'm not sure how many fellow Democrats will vote to support our colleague @SenMullin as the next DHS Secretary, but I am AYE,' Fetterman posted on X. Matt McDermott, a Democratic Strategist, responded to Fetterman's post, commenting, 'This is so embarrassing, man. Just resign.' California Governor Gavin Newsom called Mullin an 'erratic, unstable man,' adding that he 'could not remember if we were at war THIS WEEK.' Newsom added 'His state has one of the highest crime rates in the country with a murder rate 40% higher than California's. He literally tried to fight union workers during a hearing and told them to 'shut your mouth.' And said 'I don't want reality' at a Senate hearing about race,' in a Thursday post on X. Sam Stein, a political journalist serving as editor of The Bulwark and an MSNOW commentator, wrote, 'For a senator who has put a fair bit of his career advocating for DACA recipients, you'd think he'd at least pose some questions before committing to a vote.' Fetterman has toed a fine line on immigration in recent weeks, defending ICE agents, saying they 'are just doing their job, and I fully support that,' while criticizing Democrats who 'treat them as criminals.' John Fetterman speaks to the media at the US Capitol after a vote on March 5, 2026 Markwayne Mullin speaks with reporters on the steps at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, March 5, 2026 The President lauded Mullin for his Native American roots and claimed the Senator 'will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security'. Fetterman was the only Democrat to join Republicans in a 51-45 vote on Thursday afternoon to fund the DHS, which is currently facing a lapse in funding. 60 votes were needed to pass the measure, as with all spending bills. The lapse in DHS funding has now hit 20 days, and there's an increased risk of terror threats due to the war in Iran. The majority of House Democrats also voted against funding DHS on Thursday afternoon in their chamber, with representatives Henry Cuellar of Texas, Don Davis of North Carolina, Jared Golden of Maine, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington joining Republicans to pass the bill, 221 to 209. A fifth-grade teacher in Indiana has been suspended after telling her students they were 'acting like monkeys in a zoo.' The unidentified teacher was suspended with pay after making the comment on February 24 as outraged parents fumed to the Merrillville School Board. 'This is what he thinks about our kids,' one parent said at the Tuesday board meeting. 'I'm not getting over this... now we see this coming from the president also.' Parents in the school district angrily voiced their complaints at the board meeting, as the Gary branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has launched an investigation, the Chicago Tribune reported. Superintendent Dexter Suggs said: 'We take matters like this extremely seriously.' Stephen Mays, NAACP's Gary branch president, condemned the school for not meeting with frustrated parents who subsequently turned to the organization. 'We understand that NAACP members were concerned about why the staff member was not immediately removed, but personnel decisions must follow our guidelines and contractual language and due process,' Suggs said, according to the Tribune. However, the superintendent said the investigation is being pushed forward with 'a sense of urgency' and hopes it can come to an end by Friday. Superintendent Dexter Suggs told parents at a board meeting that the board was taking racially charged comments from a teacher 'extremely seriously' The Merrillville Intermediate School teacher, who remains unidentified, told students they were 'acting like monkeys in a zoo' on February 24 National Association for the Advancement of Colored People President Stephen Mays criticized the school for its handling of the situation, which led parents to their organization The teacher's remarks were reported to the school's principal by students almost immediately, according to Suggs. The principal informed parents with children in the class, the outlet reported. According to Suggs, the teacher admitted fault but said the comments were not intended to have racial implications. 'He said he was frustrated with the students' behavior, and he did apologize, unprompted by administrators,' Suggs said. But a parent at Tuesday's board meeting raised concerns that this was actually the second remark of a similar nature made by this teacher. Mays critiqued the school district's leadership and handling of the situation, including letting the teacher return to the classroom and not meeting with parents. 'You let your kids go back to the classroom for that kind of abuse and so people are outraged and now it's getting out of control,' he said, the outlet reported. 'Do your job... so we can tamp this down and lower the temperature. To not talk to [parents] is insulting.' DeLena Thomas, a member of the board with two children in the district, said: 'It's not something we take lightly. We're preparing our kids for a world that is racially tense right now... I appreciate you reaching out, I'm hoping some conversations continue.' 'I'm a former principal at Gary Wirt and West Side, so I do know you will get some answers and we do not condone this type of behavior,' President of the Board Judy Dunlap said. The Daily Mail reached out to Merrillville Superintendent Suggs and the NAACP for comment. Dust off the tiny violins. Hillary Clinton is having a moan. Last week, HRC and her husband, Slick Willie, were grilled for nine hours by members of the House Oversight Committee about their relationships with dead creep Jeffrey Epstein, who abused, mistreated, exploited and terrorized dozens of young girls over decades. But it seems like Hill thinks she's the real victim here. On Monday, the committee released video of the depositions and I swear I thought I was watching a bad AI remake of A Few Good Men. 'I am done with this if you guys are doing this, I'm done,' erupted the former secretary of state shouting and slamming a fist on the table after scheming Republican idiot Lauren Boebert tweeted out an authorized picture of the proceeding. Look out, Jack Nicholson. Hillary's ready for an off-Broadway production of The Shining, next. All work and no play, makes Hillary a dull girl. Yes, Boebert is a buffoon, but even more so because she gave Clinton the ammo she desperately needed to cast herself as the injured party here. 'You can hold me in contempt from now until the cows come home,' Hillary shrieked, storming out of the room. Well, moo-hoo Hillary. Dust off the tiny violins. Hillary Clinton is having a moan. After her matinee performance, Clinton waddled out to the cameras to feign more outrage for the assembled press, clutching her pearls over members who dared ask her about UFO's and 'Pizzagate,' calling the latter, 'one of the most vile, bogus conspiracy theories that was propagated on the internet.' I can think of one conspiracy that was just as vile and bogus: Russiagate. Didn't you have something to do with that, Missy Clinton? Honestly, I don't feel an ounce of sympathy for her. She's just getting a taste of her own medicine. Hillary Clinton is one of the dirtiest, most conniving and destructive political operators in modern American history. Let's take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? Way back in January 1998, Hillary sat down with NBC's Matt Lauer to fend off allegations that then-president Bill Clinton was an incorrigible horndog off the leash in the White House. Not so, declared blonde-bobbed Hillary. Instead, she claimed, her Bubba was the target of a 'vast right-wing conspiracy.' That August, the Man from Hope admitted what he was really doing with Monica Lewinsky in the Oval Office. Hillary never shielded away from stoking the fires of conspiracy or throwing innocent people under the bus when it suited her. Yes, Boebert is a buffoon, but even more so because she gave Clinton the ammo she desperately needed to cast herself as the injured party here Way back in January 1998, Hillary sat down with NBC's Matt Lauer to fend off allegations that then-president Bill Clinton was an incorrigible horndog off the leash in the White House She infamously called Lewinsky a 'narcissistic loony toon,' according to Clinton's friend and confidante Diane Blair. Other Clinton insiders said the former first lady referred to Bill's extra-marital affairs as 'bimbo eruptions' to be managed, not predatory behavior to be stopped. And let's not forget the 2012 Benghazi debacle, when Islamic terrorists stormed the US Special Mission and CIA Annex in Libya, killing four Americans on Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's watch. 'I will not be a part of a political slugfest on the backs of dead Americans. It's just plain wrong, and it's unworthy of our great country,' she proclaimed at a Congressional hearing. What was truly 'unworthy' was a cabinet member shirking her responsibilities and hiding her official State Department correspondence on a private server tucked inside her Chappaqua cupboard. But nothing can even hold a candle to Hillary's greatest act of civic disembowelment. This fraud in a pantsuit allegedly directed her 2016 presidential campaign to stir up a scandal by accusing her political opponent, Donald Trump, of colluding with the Kremlin to steal the election. 'I will not be a part of a political slugfest on the backs of dead Americans. It's just plain wrong, and it's unworthy of our great country,' she proclaimed at a Congressional hearing Bill Clinton and an unidentified woman are pictured on a private jet in a release of the Epstein files If anyone needs reminding, Clinton's campaign and the Democratic National Committee financed the infamous Steele dossier, compiled by ex-British spy Christopher Steele, though the dirty dog research firm Fusion GPS, setting off years of corrosive national division and distraction from which the body-politic is still recovering. So excuse us, Hillary, if a bi-partisan committee of the United States Congress inconveniences you for an afternoon to ask about a picture of Bill getting a backrub from an Epstein victim, his rides on the Lolita Express, or soaking in a hot tub with Ghislane Maxwell, as well as what you may, or may not, have known about his associations with Epstein. This is the nasty, rotten political house that you helped build, dearest. I know it's not the White House, but you must live in it. A murder investigation is underway after a 71-year-old woman was found dead in her home. Police and paramedics were called to the woman's home in Hounslow, west London on Sunday morning where she was discovered 'with significant injuries'. Despite the efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Forensic investigators continue to work the home which remains a crime scene as officers appeal for witness to come forward. So far there have been no arrests in connection with the death. The woman's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Police and paramedics were called to the woman's home in Hounslow, west London on Sunday morning where she was discovered 'with significant injuries' Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This is a tragic incident in which a woman has lost her life. 'We are working to establish the full circumstances of what happened and we are keeping an open mind to pursue all lines of inquiry. 'We urge anyone who was in the area of Bath Road, who may have seen or heard anything unusual, to come forward. 'Even small pieces of information can prove vital. 'Extra patrols will be carried out in the local area to provide reassurance to residents. 'Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.' A 67-year-old woman sobbed as she was sentenced to nearly 19 years behind bars after ordering a hit on her fiancee to claim an eye-watering sum in life insurance. Victoria Williams apologized to the victim's family members as she cried in court on Thursday for the killing of Charles Harris III. 'Not a day has passed where I have not felt the weight of my actions,' she said, the St Louis Post-Dispatch reported. Williams was convicted of having conspired with Michael Grady, who was found guilty days before, to hire hitmen who shot and killed Harris for his life insurance policy worth $250,000. Grady, 70, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, aiding and abetting murder-for-hire and conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to the US Attorney's Office Eastern District of Missouri. Williams had been struggling financially and Grady hatched the plan so that the pair of them would receive the payout, according to the US attorney's office. 'Grady also hired the person or persons who shot Harris in his home on Langford Drive on October 5, 2011, telling Williams, I have two young shooters, the trial showed,' a press release said. 'Ladies and Gentleman, Michael Grady was at the center of this,' Assistant US Attorney Nino Przulj said on Monday. Victoria Williams, 67, sobbed in court as she is sentenced to nearly 19 years behind bars for conspiring a hit on her fiancee, Charles Harris III, in October 2011 Harris (seen here in his obituary) was shot and killed by hitmen, ordered by Williams and Michael Grady, in exchange for his $250,000 life insurance policy Grady had witnessed Williams and Harris arguing over money the year prior to his death, and told her that she 'shouldn't be going through that,' Williams said during Grady's trial. According to the attorney's office, the pair conspired to murder Harris after inquiring with his insurance company about the accidental death policy. Williams said during Grady's trial that, after trying to back out twice, Grady told her the plan was too far along and that it would be 'bad for you' if she tried to put a stop to it. After Harris' death, Williams received $224,444 from the life insurance company and then obtained a cashier's check for $110,000 payable to Grady's wife. Another insurance policy gave Williams an additional $175,762. Williams' testimony against Grady , detailing how he had suggested the scheme to have Harris killed for the accidental death policy, was factored into her sentencing. Prosecutor Ryan Finlen said her testimony was a key component to Grady's conviction and subsequently suggested a lower sentencing for Williams. She had been facing a life sentence. 'Without her assistance, Michael Grady would've never been held accountable,' Finlen said. Judge Audrey Fleissig agreed that Williams testimony had been significantly weighed against her sentencing, but noted that she did not present the information until her arrest in 2021. Annette Harris, Harris' sister, told the court that his family believe Williams should serve her whole term. 'Victoria is not God,' Annette said, the outlet reported. Williams was sentenced to 225-months, or just less than 19 years, behind bars. Grady is set to be sentenced on June 4 and faces life in prison. He is already serving a 226-month prison sentence for aiding a large-scale, violent drug conspiracy, according to the US attorney's office. A woman's dream holiday in the Philippines quickly turned into a nightmare when she became trapped under concrete after a makeshift footbridge suddenly snapped. Queensland woman Jennifer Keenan, 32, was on the final stop of a boat tour from the tropical island of Coron in the province of Palawan on February 15. As she walked across cement blocks and a plank of wood being used as a makeshift footbridge for the tourist group, the structure collapsed underneath her. 'She was thrown into the water and pinned between large, sharp concrete blocks,' a friend wrote on a GoFundMe for Ms Keenan. 'Unable to move and in severe pain, she was trapped as people rushed to help free her. 'It took multiple people to pull her out, revealing the extent of her injuries including a pole that had pierced through her leg and severe damage to her ankle.' The friend said it took hours to get a bleeding and distressed Ms Keenan to a hospital. 'We had been having the best time. And then all of a sudden, I was just screaming,' Ms Keenan told news.com.au on Friday. 'The platform had given way underneath my feet we heard it crumbling, but couldn't understand the sound. Queenslander Jennifer Keenan (pictured) was on the final stop of an island boat tour in the Philippines on February 15 when a bridge collapsed, pinning her beneath concrete slabs She said a pole went through her leg during the traumatic incident She said it took multiple people to pull her from beneath the jagged concrete slabs Ms Keenan said both her legs became trapped beneath a slab of concrete and she struggled to breathe as she went into 'survival mode'. Photos of the bridge prior to the incident showed precarious, weathered slabs of concrete jutting out from the jetty. The concrete slabs could be seen broken apart in the water after the fall. Ms Keenan said she could see the muscle in her leg from where the pole had pierced her skin as rescuers lifted her into a kayak. She was given antibiotics and carried back onto the tour boat before a two-and-a-half-hour journey to a small island hospital. The traveller was forced to pay for her treatment out-of-pocket as her phone was destroyed, meaning she couldn't contact her insurer or her loved ones. She was airlifted to Manila, where she is still recovering. Ms Keenan has undergone three surgeries and is receiving 'non-stop' antibiotics to kill a parasite in her leg, believed to have been inside the pole. Ms Keenan was taken to a small island hospital before later being airlifted to Manila Friend Blair Steenholdt launched a GoFundMe last week to help support Ms Keenan as she faces a 'long road to recovery'. 'Despite the trauma, Jennifer has shown incredible strength,' the fundraiser read. 'She has spoken with deep gratitude about the strangers who rushed to help her those who freed her, supported her, and reminded her she was not alone during such a terrifying experience.' So far, the fundraiser has received $7,800 of its $50,000 target. The family of a man who was arrested at gunpoint and restrained with zip ties during the search for the missing fugitive Dezi Freeman have sued Victoria Police. Freeman, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, fled authorities on August 26 after ten police officers arrived at his compound in Porepunkah, 300km northeast of Melbourne, to execute a search warrant. He allegedly shot two officers, Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart and Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson. Freeman then stole their weapons and ran into the surrounding bushland, sparking a mammoth, months-long manhunt. The Sloan family has submitted a statement of claim in the Supreme Court of Victoria after their property was raided during the search for Freeman, The Herald Sun reports. Jeremy Sloan and his partner Sarah Naylor said they were forced off the road by an unmarked car about 25km from Shepparton on October 1, 2025. Mr Sloan, 32, said he was asked to get out of the vehicle and lie facedown on the ground, with his arms restrained with zip ties. He was told he was under arrest for harbouring a fugitive. The family of a man who was arrested at gunpoint and restrained with zip ties during the search for the missing fugitive Dezi Freeman (pictured) have sued Victoria Police Freeman, a self-proclaimed sovereign citizen, fled authorities on August 26 after ten police officers arrived at his compound in Porepunkah to execute a search warrant Jeremy Sloan and his partner Sarah Naylor (pictured) said they were forced off the road by an unmarked car about 25km from Shepparton on October 1, 2025 When he was taken to his parents' home under police guard, he was greeted by up to 30 police cars, ambulances, and a helicopter. His 63-year-old father, Bryan, was also detained while officers searched the family property for Freeman. However, Jeremy and Bryan Sloan and Ms Naylor - the three plaintiffs in the case were cleared of having any connection with Freeman. The 32-year-old says he has no criminal record, nor did he have any connection to Freeman or the broader sovereign citizen movement. The family is seeking compensation from Victoria Police for psychological harm as a result of officers' actions. 'Mum is a serving member of Victoria Police, and this has not only affected her personally, but has made it extremely challenging for her to continue in an organisation she has always respected and stood by,' Mr Sloan told The Age. 'We are seeking accountability, so that no one else has to endure what we have experienced. 'In that instant, I felt exposed in a way that is difficult to put into words, as though my sense of safety had been stripped away.' Jeremy and Bryan Sloan and Ms Naylor - the three plaintiffs in the case - were cleared of having any connection with Freeman (pictured) Victoria Police told the Daily Mail it has 'not received a writ in relation to the matter' Jeremy King, principal solicitor at Robinson Gill, is representing the family and said the incident is 'one of the strangest police operations' he had seen in a long time. 'This family still have no idea why they were arrested and why their property was raided,' he told The Age. 'Given the scale and cost involved, you would think the police should have a clear justification for the operation, yet we're still in the dark.' The writ was filed at the Supreme Court of Victoria on Thursday. Victoria Police told the Daily Mail it has 'not received a writ in relation to the matter'. A mother of six has been charged after her nine-month-old baby was found dead in a car in Adelaide's north on Wednesday, as neighbours recall the moment they heard her desperately plead for him to wake up. Crystal Manneken, 31, was charged with criminal neglect on Thursday after paramedics were unable to revive her son Kohen. Emergency services raced to the scene in Midlow Road, Elizabeth Downs, about 8pm on Wednesday, following reports that the baby had been found unresponsive. Neighbours reported Kohen's parents panicked when they went to check his bedroom and found it empty. They later reportedly found him inside a minivan parked in the driveway. It is not yet known how long the baby had been inside the car. Witnesses also say the parents ran door-to-door pleading for help, with Manneken heard begging Kohen to wake up. A neighbour told the Adelaide Advertiser that she and others gave the baby CPR. They managed to restore a faint heartbeat before Kohen later died. Crystal Manneken was charged with criminal neglect after her baby was found unresponsive Manneken's nine-month-old son, Kohen, is believed to have been found inside a parked van Baby items including a car seat and bouncer were outside the Elizabeth Downs home yesterday 'They worked on the baby for 10 to 15 minutes before the ambulances arrived,' one neighbour said. Jasmine Hudson told the ABC: 'There was one big ambulance and three or four four-wheel-drive ambulances and a fire truck and about six police cars. It's heartbreaking and I feel for the people it happened to.' Another neighbour added: 'That is so horrible... I've got a grandbaby and two children of my own.' Photos from the scene on Thursday morning showed a heavy police presence at the home, along with multiple ambulances and a fire truck. Baby items, including a car seat, bouncer, toilet potty, and bath, were spotted strewn outside the home. Manneken, who describes herself online as a stay-at-home mum, is believed to have two sons and four daughters. A report will be prepared for the coroner as detectives continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the baby's death. Manneken was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates' Court on April 14. A man accused of murdering three women at random in Utah callously claimed the killings needed to happen, prosecutors said. Ivan Miller, 22, is accused of carrying out the murders on Wednesday afternoon near the beautiful Capitol Reef National Park, about three hours south of Salt Lake City. Miller allegedly first shot a woman in her 80s in the back of the head while she watched television in her Lyman home in order to steal her Buick. He later approached two women at the Cockscomb Trail, shooting them both before stabbing the older woman multiple times in the heart and taking their Subaru. Miller, of Blakesburg, Iowa, did not have any connections to the victims or the area, according to Wayne County prosecutors. He confessed to the killings and said they 'had to be done' even though he said he did not like committing them, prosecutors said. Miller alleged he was stranded in Utah without a car after crashing into an elk and selling his damaged truck to a tow company. He claimed to have killed the women so he could steal their vehicles and credit cards, then return home to Iowa. Ivan Miller, 22, was charged with three counts of aggravated murder. He allegedly murdered three women at random in southern Utah on Wednesday The killings happened near Capitol Reef National Park. Miller said he stayed at a hotel in Loa for multiple days beforehand Miller was arrested near Pagosa Springs, Colorado, early on Thursday with a knife and a .45 caliber pistol. He was charged with three counts of aggravated murder in connection to the women's deaths. The victims have not been named by police. Charging documents said Miller claimed to have stayed at a hotel in Loa about three hours south of Salt Lake City for several days before the killings. After allegedly murdering the elderly woman, Miller said he 'cleaned up the scene the best he could,' according to the legal filing obtained by KSL. He left her in the basement after dragging her around the home and then stole her vehicle. However, Miller 'did not like the car' and started looking for a different one, per the court documents. After parking the Buick, he allegedly spotted a younger woman and an older woman getting out of a white Subaru. The female hikers were friends in their 30s and 60s, officials said. Miller, of Blakesburg, Iowa, told investigators that he was stranded in Utah after having crashing and selling his car. He allegedly said the murders 'had to be done' The elderly victim's Lyman home has been cordoned off by police, who are still gathering evidence about Miller's alleged murder spree Miller approached the pair and shot the younger woman in the chest, according to prosecutors. He then shot her older companion twice, but she kept moving. Miller subsequently 'stabbed her multiple times in the heart,' prosecutors claimed. After allegedly murdering the female hikers, he dragged both of them to a ditch and stole their car. 'Miller said that he took their credit cards and used the older woman's card to buy gas,' the court documents said. 'Miller said that his intent was to get back to Iowa.' The women's husbands alerted law enforcement when they went to search for them after they failed to return home. Investigators found the initial elderly victim's abandoned Buick nearby, which helped them identify her. Police traced the vehicle to her brick home in Lyman, which was cordoned off by law enforcement while investigators continue gathering evidence. Prosecutors claimed Miller initially stole the woman's Buick before deciding that he wanted a different car, killing two female hikers and taking their Subaru Locals remembered the women allegedly murdered by Miller by hanging pink ribbons from a fence on Thursday License plate readers and vehicle tracking services were used to follow Miller from Utah through northern Arizona and into Pagosa Springs. Miller had abandoned his stolen car there and was located after a short search, per the Utah Highway Patrol. The accused killer is set to make his first court appearance on Friday afternoon in Archuleta County and is expected to be extradited to Utah after that. He was already scheduled to appear in an Iowa courtroom that same day on charges of theft, burglary, marijuana possession and being ineligible to carry a gun. That case stemmed from an incident in December when Miller was found inside a cabin at Lake Wapello State Park in Davis County, Iowa, with a fully loaded boltaction rifle and a fully loaded Diamondback AR10 .308. Miller told the park ranger who discovered him that he had picked the cabin's lock a few days earlier to be somewhere warm. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Colorado Public Defender's Office, which is representing Miller, for comment. Shocking footage has emerged of teens hurling baskets at supermarket staff before kicking down a glass door in front of horrified shoppers. The terrifying scenes unfolded at Aldi at Newcomb Central in Geelong, south-west of Melbourne, on February 25. Footage showed two teens confronting several staff near the entrance before one grabbed a wire basket usually used to hold catalogues and struck one of the workers with it. A security guard stepped in to intervene. 'Oi, c'mon,' he yelled out as the basket was hurled at the same staff member. The worker did not appear to be injured as he retrieved the basket. The teens fled the scene and smashed the glass door by kicking it on their way out. A Victoria Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail that officers attended the store but were told that the victims did not wish to make an official report. A teen was filmed hurling wire baskets at Aldi staff at a store in Geelong Aldi was reluctant to comment further on the incident. 'In any incident where there may be a threat of violence, our priority is the safety of our customers and employees,' a spokesman told Daily Mail. The incident has reignited debate about youth and retail crime, particularly in Victoria. 'They do this s**t because they never get jaw checked. It won't stop until the consequences start,' one viewer commented. Another added: 'My heart goes out to retail workers. They now have to deal with these types of s***ty behaviour more than ever.' Premier Jacinta Allan recently announced new 'adult crime, adult time' laws under a sweeping overhaul of Victoria's youth justice laws. Police also recently conducted a 90-day operation deploying Protective Services Officers to deter crime and boost safety at shopping centres. A male staff member was struck by the basket before it was hurled at him The shocking incident occurred at Aldi at Newcomb Central in Geelong Aidi is among dozens of retailers calling for a stronger crackdown against retail crime Other viewers questioned why the security guard did not do more to stop the teens. 'Is that security guard a mannequin or what?' one commented. Another added: 'Why do we pay for security in the first place?' Aldi is among dozens of major retailers across Australia that have joined forces, calling for stronger government action and legislative changes to address soaring rates of retail crime. Recommendations include more dedicated police task forces, reforms to prevent repeat offenders from entering stores, and facial recognition technology. An estimated 800,000 crime-related incidents took place in stores in 2024. According to the Australian Retail Association, 87 per cent of retail workers have experienced verbal abuse or aggressive behaviour, with almost half having been personally threatened by customers. A Labour MP whose husband is suspected of spying for China stood down last night pending an internal investigation. Joani Reid said she had 'voluntarily suspended' the Labour whip after her husband David Taylor, 39, was arrested along with two other former Labour Party advisers on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service on Wednesday. The East Kilbride and Strathaven MP said: 'This week has been the worst of my life. The shock of recent days has been difficult for me and my family.' The mother of two, 40, stressed: 'I have done nothing wrong. 'I want to reiterate something very important I am not under investigation by the police and no accusations have been against me. 'I have done nothing wrong. I love my country. To serve the people of East Kilbride and Strathaven as their MP and the Labour Party has been and continues to be the privilege of my life.' She added: 'Following discussions with the Chief Whip, I am voluntarily suspending myself from the whip... and will not sit as a Labour MP until internal investigations are concluded.' Yesterday, Mr Taylor and the two other advisers named by the BBC as Matthew Aplin, 43 and Steve Jones, 68 were released on bail while police continue inquiries. Joani Reid pictured with her husband David Taylor who was arrested along with two other former Labour Party advisers on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. He has since been released on bail Two former Labour advisers Steve Jones, 68, (left) and Matthew Aplin, 43 (right) were arrested and later released on bail amid the China spy probe Last night it emerged that police had searched the London home of another senior Labour adviser married to a former MP. James Robinson, a former aide to ex-Labour deputy leader Lord Watson, revealed police searched his home in relation to the China spy probe. The former Guardian journalist is married to ex- Labour MP Gloria de Piero. Mr Robinson said: 'I can confirm that police officers visited my home yesterday with a search warrant. 'I understand their attendance was part of enquiries into those arrested and questioned over matters allegedly relating to China. 'Naturally, I co-operated fully with the police and will, of course, continue to do so as long as their investigations into the possible wrongdoing of others continues.' He added: 'I would like to make it absolutely clear that I have neither been detained, arrested nor questioned in connection with this, or any other, matter.' Police also raided the home of a journalist as part of their inquiries into a series of trips Mr Taylor made to China. Martin Shipton, 72, was asleep in his Cardiff home on Wednesday when eight counter terrorism officers battered down the door at 6.20am. Yesterday Mr Shipton told the Daily Mail: 'Police wanted to know about the trip I took to Hong Kong in 2023 with David. 'David has a huge amount of experience in politics, he has advised people like Peter Hain, he has advised various governments over the years.' Ms Reid, the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, pictured with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in February 2024 Police spent 13 hours searching Mr Shipton's home, taking electronic devices and his passport. Describing the raid as a 'Kafkaesque nightmare', he said: 'It was an utterly terrifying experience. 'I was served with a search warrant authorising the officers to search my home for telephones, computers and financial documents and cryptocurrency. 'I was told they were looking for material associated with a foreign intelligence service. 'But I was utterly baffled. I have never been paid significant sums from foreign jurisdictions, let alone in cryptocurrency.' It comes after parliamentary staff were warned in a letter about the ongoing risk of foreign state interference. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told staff: 'You are a critical part of our defence against foreign state activity. The risks are not receding. 'We all need to take action to make Parliament and the parliamentary community more resilient to foreign state espionage and interference.' The Labour Party said: 'These are incredibly serious allegations. We cannot comment while the police investigation is ongoing.' Europe's top diplomat admitted the bloc was divided over Iran yesterday as infighting between Spain and Germany spilled into the open. Kaja Kallas, head of the European Union's diplomatic arm, said countries had 'different views' about the conflict as she chaired a crunch meeting in Brussels in a bid to heal divisions and reach a unified position. Asked about the bitter spat between Madrid and Berlin, she acknowledged the uphill struggle of getting all members to agree, saying: 'We are in this European Union with 27 countries so of course we might have different views.' EU sources said officials had been 'tying themselves in knots' in recent days over how to respond to the crisis after being mocked for a flat-footed response. EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen was ridiculed on Saturday, when the conflict broke out, for saying that an 'emergency' meeting wouldn't take place until Monday. An emergency committee, formed during the Brexit and Covid-19 era, did meet only to conclude it didn't have the powers to advise EU countries on the stance they should take. Different countries are also divided on how much their own militaries should be involved. By yesterday afternoon, no coordinated EU evacuation had been launched to get citizens caught in the region to safety, leaving individual governments to shape their own efforts. Kaja Kallas, head of the European Union's diplomatic arm (pictured on March 5, 2025), said countries had 'different views' about the conflict in the Middle East US President Donald Trump (pictured on March 5) was furious that Spain evicted US military aircraft from its bases The deepest divide has been between Germany, France and Spain. While Germany's leader Friedrich Merz has given his full-throated backing to the US-Israeli military action which triggered the conflict, branding Iran a 'terrorist' state, French president Emmanuel Macron believes it has breached international law and that Paris 'cannot approve'. Spain has sided with France and even evicted US military aircraft from its bases, sparking a furious US President Donald Trump to threaten to 'cut off all trade' with Madrid. Mr Merz has backed Mr Trump's long-term goals of nuclear and ballistic disarmament and refused to defend Madrid during a visit to Washington on Tuesday. On Wednesday night Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told radio station Cadena SER that Madrid expected more 'solidarity' from Berlin. He also said former German Chancellors Angela Merkel or Olaf Scholz would have stood up for Spain in Washington. Ms Kallas said that the bloc would push for a diplomatic solution to end the war. 'France and Germany are completely split,' added an EU source. 'Italy wants a diplomatic solution because of friends it has in the region. Everyone is tying themselves in knots with what they can and can't do.' Three Australians were aboard a United States submarine that sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the trio - two believed to be sailors - were onboard the sub that fired a torpedo at the frigate IRIS Dena, which killed more than 80 soldiers. Around 60 Iranian sailors were unaccounted for. 'We wouldn't normally confirm such an issue,' Albanese told Sky News on Friday. 'Given our NSC meetings and the public interest, I can confirm that there were three Australian personnel on board that vessel. I can confirm also, though, that no Australian personal have participated in any offensive action against Iran.' It'd had been earlier reported that only two Australians were aboard. The Department of Defence have refused to identify their rank or role onboard. Albanese confirmed the trio were aboard the submarine as part of the AUKUS training program, which allows Australians to get experience across a range of assets, including on nuclear-powered submarines. Three Australians were aboard a US submarine that torpedoed an Iranian warship this week But Albanese said no Australian personnel have participated in offensive action against Ira 'It's not just personnel, it's engineers, it's technicians, it's people learning those skills, whether they be in the United States or the United Kingdom,' he said. It's understood up to 100 Australians are expected to be deployed on US submarines as part of the AUKUS program this year. The IRIS Dena, which was on its way back to Iran, was about 75 kilometres off Galle, Sri Lanka when it sent a distress call in the early hours of Wednesday morning. The Sri Lankan navy responded to the ship's distress signal and a vessel arrived to see patches of oil in the water and life rafts. Speaking to the Daily Mail, former Royal Navy chief Lord West said the ship's sinking transformed what had been a regional conflict into a 'global war'. 'It makes the situation rather tricky, as some will say this was outside the Area of Operations,' West said. 'While it is a horrible event, it is acceptable as the US is at war with Iran. Nobody declares war these days but that's where we're at. 'This is now a global war. There would be nothing wrong with Iran attacking US targets anywhere. The toys have been thrown out of the cot. We are fighting a war.' It is the first time since 1945 that an American submarine has sunk an enemy ship this way. In 1982 the UK torpedoed the Argentine ship Belgrano during the Falklands conflict. The Royal Navy faced further embarrassment on Thursday as more European countries sent warships to the eastern Mediterranean that will arrive before Britain's HMS Dragon. Military minnows the Netherlands and Spain confirmed their frigates will protect Cyprus, where the RAF Akrotiri base remains vulnerable. France, Italy and Greece are also dispatching warships. Emmanuel Macron has confirmed his country's aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle will be re-routed from the Baltic to Cypriot waters. The French frigate the Languedoc, equipped with anti-missile and anti-drone systems, will also deploy. While a pair of Wildcat helicopters are expected to arrive in the region on Friday, the most significant British reinforcement to land in Cyprus was the Defence Secretary John Healey accompanied by a journalist from Labour's favourite newspaper The Guardian. Mr Healey refused to rule out British troops being drawn into the US and Israel's attacks on Iran, but would not speculate on future commitments as he visited RAF Akrotiri. He was forced to take cover as another warning of Iranian drones was sounded following an attack on the base on Sunday evening. According to Cypriot officials, this attack, which damaged the runway and a hangar, was carried out by Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. They appeared to be targeting US bombers in a separate part of the base. Mr Healey said: 'It is the nature of conflict that you never know what might develop and we are hugely strengthening our defences.' Mr Healey flew from the UK overnight following intense criticism from the Cypriot government and Middle East allies over Britain's response to the Iran crisis. The most significant British reinforcement to land in Cyprus was the Defence Secretary John Healey (pictured on March 5 in Akrotiri, Cyprus) Spain confirmed on Thursday its most advanced warship, the frigate Cristobal Colon (pictured on March 5) will join the task force On the BBC's Newsnight programme, Cypriot high commissioner Dr Kriacos Kouros criticised the level of information sharing with residents after the attack on RAF Akrotiti. He said: 'The people are disappointed. The people are scared. The people could expect more.' Spain confirmed on Thursday its most advanced warship, the frigate Cristobal Colon will join the task force. The Netherlands also is expected to deploy its air defence and command frigate Evertsen. French president Emmanuel Macron said France, Italy and Greece will 'co-ordinate the dispatch of military assets' to Cyprus. Britain's destroyer Dragon is not due to sail until next week. Former Justice Department prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, best known for indicting two of President Donald Trump's political opponents, is being investigated by Florida authorities. The state's bar association confirmed that Halligan, 36, was under investigation in a letter sent to nonprofit organization Campaign for Accountability. The group had filed complaints alleging that Halligan had unlawfully claimed to be a US attorney and kept signing court orders with that title even after a judge ruled her appointment invalid. Halligan had been selected by Trump to serve as interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia despite having no prior experience as a federal prosecutor. The former beauty queen previously worked as a White House aide and, before that, served as one of Trump's lawyers. She led cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, but both were dismissed after a federal judge determined her appointment was unlawful. Halligan's conduct 'violated the professional rules of conduct both of Virginia and Florida,' Michelle Kuppersmith, Campaign for Accountability's executive director, told CBS News. 'We want to encourage state bars to continue doing their duty where they see fit,' Kuppersmith said. Lindsey Halligan, a former Department of Justice prosecutor as the interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is under investigation by the Florida Bar Association Halligan, 36, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump at the US Open in September Halligan left her role in January after US District Judge David Novak barred her from continuing to present herself as interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Novak warned he would initiate disciplinary proceedings if she kept identifying herself as a US attorney in court filings. 'No matter all of her machinations, Ms. Halligan has no legal basis to represent to this Court that she holds the position,' Novak wrote. In a scathing filing, he added that 'this charade of Ms. Halligan masquerading as the United States Attorney for this District in direct defiance of binding court orders must come to an end.' The letter sent by Florida's bar association noted that it had been following the 'developments' surrounding Halligan. 'We already have an investigation pending,' it read. Halligan was copied on the letter, which indicated that she was aware of the bar association's investigation. Halligan stepped down from her role in January after US District Judge David Novak ordered her to stop 'masquerading' as the top federal prosecutor for eastern Virginia The investigation into Halligan could ultimately result in the former Trump administration official being disbarred, though the process could take years. Investigated cases are referred to a grievance committee, which is an organization made up of community volunteers. At least onethird of its members are nonlawyers, according to the Florida Bar Association. The panel functions similarly to a grand jury, but within the legal profession. It determines whether there is probable cause that an attorney such as Halligan, in this case violated professional rules. A recommendation is then sent to Florida courts for a final determination. On Wednesday, the Department of Justice posted a notice in the Federal Register seeking greater authority to review state bar investigations. The proposal would allow the department to review complaints and allegations filed against DOJ attorneys. The investigation that could potentially result in Halligan being disbarred will be extensive and could take years to be resolved Trump nominated Halligan to serve as the interim US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. She had no experience as a federal prosecutor The full complaint against Halligan by the Campaign for Accountability nonprofit claimed that her prosecution of Comey and James 'appear[ed] to represent a serious breach of her ethical obligations.' It asked for Halligan to be stopped from 'abusing her position and her Florida bar license for improper purposes.' Kuppersmith, the nonprofit's executive director, told The Hill that she hopes the Florida bar 'takes its duties seriously and carries out a thorough investigation.' When Halligan stepped down from her role in January, she said that judges 'repeatedly treated my appointment as disqualifying.' The courts remedy did not match its rhetoric, she added then. She left the Department of Justice shortly after leaving her supposed role as interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The DOJ is still appealing the ruling that deemed Halligan's appointment unlawful and tossed out Comey and James' attempted prosecutions. The Daily Mail has reached out to Halligan, the Florida Bar and the Department of Justice for comment. A Florida man who was pardoned by US President Donald Trump after storming the US Capitol will spend the rest of his life behind bars after sexually abusing two children. Andrew Paul Johnson, 45, was convicted last month of molesting a child under 12 and another under 16. Johnson was sentenced to life in prison Thursday, the State Attorney for Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit's Office announced. He tried to keep the minors quiet by telling them he would share millions of dollars he was expected to receive from the Trump administration in connection to the January 6 riot. 'He said not to tell anybody,' one of Johnson's victims testified, according to NPR. The other victim said that 'we were scared' and 'didn't realize that this stuff was not okay because we were 12 years old,' per the outlet. The victims, who were a boy and a girl, said Johnson used his father figure role to sexually attack them and send them inappropriate messages. He reportedly entered their lives after meeting the boy's mother at a political rally in 2023. Andrew Paul Johnson, 45, was sentenced to life in prison on Thursday for molesting two children Federal prosecutors said Johnson marched into the Capitol through a window that other rioters smashed The mother let Johnson, a handyman, stay at their home and sleep on the couch. Her son, who was 11 at the time, reported falling asleep next to Johnson while watching a scary movie. 'I woke up in the morning and he was touching me,' he testified. 'I felt him touching me in my private area.' He added that he was 'too nervous' and 'scared' to say anything to Johnson. When the same sequence of events happened later that year, Johnson instructed the minor 'not to tell anybody.' Johnson was sentenced to one year in prison in August 2024 for his role in storming the Capitol. He marched into the federal building through a window that other rioters smashed, federal prosecutors said. Johnson was pardoned immediately after Trump took office for his second term when the US President granted clemency to the more than 1,500 people charged in connection to the January 6 riot. Johnson attempted to keep his victims silent by using food and gifts. He warned them that he would 'get in trouble' over his behavior US President Donald Trump pardoned Johnson and the more than 1,500 people charged in connection to the Capitol riot after taking office After being released, Johnson continued abusing the young boy and resumed his relationship with his mother. Johnson's abuse also extended to the boy's best friend, a 12-year-old girl. He exposed himself to them multiple times. The boy's mother eventually discovered explicit messages being sent by Johnson and asked the children what was happening. 'We were kind of reluctant at first because we were scared to admit it,' the girl testified. 'But then she kept asking and I told [the boy] "we have to tell her."' The Hernando County Sheriff's Office confirmed that both victims had come forth with complaints that they were inappropriately touched by Johnson. Deputies recovered a cell phone from one of the victims, who said that Johnson gave them the device so he could talk to them. Johnson's sexually explicit messages sent through the Discord platform were found by law enforcement. In August 2024, Johnson was sentenced to one year in prison his role in storming the Capitol on January 6, 2021 Police added that Johnson had attempted to move the conversations to a more private app and told the victims to delete their messages. However, the relevant inappropriate conversations and pictures were photographed by deputies. Both the young boy and the girl were also interviewed by law enforcement. They said Johnson used gifts and food to try to silence them - 'due to the fact that he would get in trouble.' Johnson is among the January 6 participants who have faced new criminal charges after being pardoned. At least 33 rioters have allegedly been reoffenders, according to a Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington report. Johnson had pleaded not guilty to five criminal charges in connection to abusing the two children. Those included molestation, lewd and lascivious exhibition and transmission of material harmful to a minor. The Daily Mail has reached out to the State Attorney for Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit's Office for further comment. The rift between Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame could not have been clearer at a crowded International Women's Day celebration. The pair were among dozens of women invited to a lunch hosted by Marie Claire at the waterfront restaurant End of the Wharf in Sydney's CBD on Friday. The 'Balance the Scales' event aimed to 'confront the structural inequalities shaping women's lives' with attendees promised meaningful conversations about building a fairer, safer and more inclusive justice system. Some might argue it was the perfect moment for two activists who built their platforms on such issues to exchange insights - not only with the media, but with each other. Unfortunately, both Tame and Higgins refused to speak to media on the red carpet, with Higgins skipping the photo opportunity altogether. Tame went so far as to use friends such as Antoinette Lattouf, Channel 10's Narelda Jacobs and her wife Karina Natt - all of whom leapt to her side on arrival - as a shield to avoid speaking to reporters, offering a stern 'no' when asked for a few words. But the former friends found themselves standing just a stone's throw away from each other during the reception, but failed to exchange any pleasantries. Tame and Higgins once graced magazine covers together, including Marie Claire's Women of the Year issue in 2021. The rift between Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame (pictured) could not have been clearer at a crowded International Women's Day celebration by Marie Claire in Sydney on Friday Despite standing only a few metres from her, Tame also didn't speak to former friend Brittany Higgins (pictured) while waiting for the event to begin Tame went so far as to use friends such as Channel 10's Narelda Jacobs and her wife Karina Natt as a shield to avoid speaking to the media The behaviour is of little surprise after Inside Mail earlier this week revealed what led to the secret bust-up between the pair. Notably, Higgins didn't appreciate the unsolicited relationship advice Tame offered years ago, namely that Higgins dump then-boyfriend David Sharaz. Higgins didn't. She happily accepted his proposal on top of a Byron Bay lighthouse on New Year's Eve in 2022, before they married in June 2024. The couple welcomed their first child Frederick Leon in March last year. But perhaps the pair have simply grown apart, as their careers - and lives - have taken different directions over the past half-decade. Higgins - having endured back-to-back legal sagas, starting with Bruce Lehrmann's aborted criminal trial, then a high-profile civil case, followed by a defamation suit brought by her former boss Linda Reynolds - has entered a new phase of life. She is looking to rebuild a professional career while raising a young family, and is no longer interested in the world of online bickering and grudges. Meanwhile, Tame has widened her activist persona beyond its origins as an advocate for victim-survivors of sexual abuse. Higgins is seen arriving to the event with Saxon Mullins, a sexual assault survivor and recipient of the Australian Human Rights Commission's 2018 Young Persons' Human Rights Medal Higgins and Tame once shared a platform on Marie Claire's Women of the Year issue back in 2021 - but are no longer firm friends Inside Mail revealed this week that Higgins didn't appreciate unsolicited relationship advice from Tame a few years ago urging her to dump then-boyfriend David Sharaz Now, she is chanting 'globalise the intifada' to the horror of federal and state MPs, prompting a painful gaffe by Anthony Albanese when he referred to her as 'difficult'. A slew of Tame's supporters were out in full force at the Marie Claire event, with Daily Mail noting a few 'difficult woman' branded T-shirts. Tame's strong criticisms can be a lot, especially for someone like Higgins who has spent years just trying to survive the next wave of online bile and political sniping. As one friend of Higgins and her husband David Sharaz put it: 'Brit doesn't draw energy from that world anymore. She wants to move on with her life.' The event on Friday was also attended by dozens of familiar faces, including Olympian Jess Fox, model Samantha Harris and musician Amy Shark. Shark is on the judging panel for Australian Idol with Kyle Sandilands, and addressed questions about the media firestorm her colleague has faced this week. 'Since day one of working with Kyle, he's just been nothing but lovely to me,' she told the Mail. Musician Amy Shark sits on the judging panel for Australian Idol with Kyle Sandilands, and addressed questions about the media firestorm her colleague has faced this week Kylie Sandilands, Amy Shark and Jackie 'O' Henderson are pictured 'I can't say that I've really had enough time to speak to him and I'm sort of giving him some space. 'We've got a week or so off Idol, so I think it's good for him to just take some time.' KIIS FM's parent company ARN announced on Tuesday that Jackie 'O' Henderson's $100million contract had been terminated. Henderson told executives she 'cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands' after his harsh on-air comments in late February left her in tears. Sandilands has been suspended and given 14 days to 'remedy' the breach, or else face termination. He had it all - a devoted wife, a beautiful family, success, money and a thriving career. But when celebrity dentist Steven Lin was shot dead by police in inner-city Sydney this week, the brutal end to his life didn't come as much of a surprise to those who knew him best. His ex-wife and mother of five of his children, Cassandra Lin, had spent years suffering betrayal and humiliation at the hands of her former husband, who had descended into an out-of-control meth addiction. According to colleagues, the disgraced doctor was the talk of the industry, was rumoured to have fathered a secret child by an affair, and even tried his hand at being a male escort for a period. Friends say that, while his downfall eventually played out in the headlines, the reality behind closed doors was even darker. Shamefully, it is claimed he hosted wild sex parties fuelled by drugs, all while his unsuspecting wife was at home with the children. It is not suggested Cassandra Lin had any knowledge of her husband's illicit activities. 'She had her hands full with five under five when he started to unravel,' a friend of Cassandra's told the Daily Mail. 'It was relentless for her and only got worse - police, AVOs, sex workers, assaults. Cassandra Lin and her late husband, celebrity dentist Steven Lin, had five children and shared a business - but he was leading a shameful double life A friend of Cassandra's said she had only recently started 'coming out the other side' after discovering her husband's litany of betrayals before he was shot dead by police on Tuesday. (The Lins are pictured in happier times) 'Not only did she lose her husband, but they were business partners too, and the pressure of all that was insane. 'It would probably break most people, but she is just the strongest, most resilient person you will ever meet. 'It's only been recently that she was coming out the other side really. 'She was easing back to work, sold their former family home and moved to have a bit of a fresh start and then she gets a call to say he is dead, shot by police after assaulting two women he didn't even know. 'It's sad because of the children. He is still their dad and one day they will find out what happened, but honestly it comes with a sense of relief, because this man was out of control.' Lin died after being shot during a tense stand-off with police in Potts Point on Tuesday morning. Police say the dentist entered an apartment building on St Neot Avenue armed with a knife before attacking one woman in a communal laundry and another inside her unit. He was killed after he lunged at police officers who were trying to apprehend him following the violent assaults. The couple had welcomed twins - but just days after their first birthday, Mr Lin was caught in a shocking act behind a Central Coast brothel Former colleagues say the disgraced doctor was the talk of the industry, was rumoured to have fathered a secret child after an affair, and even tried his hand at being a male escort for a period Lin had a history of shocking crimes. On September 7, 2024, Lin had been found semi-naked, mumbling and sweating profusely behind Sweet Secrets, a brothel on the NSW Central Coast. Sex workers, who say Lin had visited the brothel earlier that evening, 'were woken to a noise in the rear patio area' and saw Lin damaging a clothesline. They called police, who arrived soon after to find Lin with what appeared to be faeces in his mouth, having ripped a waste pipe from the brick wall. The oral health specialist 'was semi-clothed and in a dishevelled state [and] appeared to be affected by drugs'. The incident took place just days after Lin's twins turned one on August 31. But while Ms Lin shared happy snaps of her husband tenderly cradling their babies, friends say behind closed doors he was spiralling into a secret double life. There were rumours of his infidelity, with several women claiming they were being harassed by Lin, who wanted them to come to sex parties he was organising. Cassandra Lin sold the family home and moved up the coast after she almost lost everything due to her dentist husband's drug addiction and criminal behaviour Cassandra's friend told the Daily Mail she is 'strong' and 'resilient' 'He was organising orgies while his wife was at home feeding the kids,' said a friend of Cassandra. 'He just didn't care. She was devastated when all that came out and so embarrassed by it all. 'Cass grew up in the Central Coast and that was the reason they opened their businesses here. She is well-known, they were a power couple, and then he became the talk of the town - and eventually the entire country. 'There were even some photos doing the rounds of him having a crack at being a gigolo at one point.' In January last year, three months after her husband was apprehended at the brothel, Ms Lin wrote a post on Instagram about what she'd been going through. 'It's been a journey that you couldn't make up,' she said. 'Each week, a new revelation, a new story, a new trauma, a new discovery of the depth and level of actions that there are just no words for.' 'The betrayal, the abuse, the violence, the deception two years of a kind of hell that only happens in movies, that you couldn't possibly make up even if you were attempting to write a really hectic movie that would leave the viewer in a serious state of bewilderment and shock.' She also added that, despite everything, she would continue to make their children a priority. 'I continue to hold on to the important things in life, to show up for my babies and remain their rock, their constant. With time, recovery and healing from trauma is possible,' she wrote. Last year, Lin recorded four breaches of bail, two assault offences and two choking offences. Days before his death, he appeared in court accused of choking and assaulting a prostitute and stealing $2,000 from her in March 2025, but the charges were dropped when the woman failed to appear. New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the past week MAFS INSIDER: Sickening leaked group chat exposes the truth behind the 'mean girls' campaign to destroy Alissa. Channel Nine wanted it buried - now lawyers are involved 'Everyone asks why my mouth is like this': MAFS Bec reveals the real story behind her facial difference - and the celebrity surgeon uncle who transformed her life Kyle and Jackie O's explosive falling-out has been years in the making. Everyone in media knows what's going on - now industry insider ROB MCKNIGHT says it out loud MAFS INSIDER: Brook's selfish final betrayal that wasn't shown on TV, revealed by husband Chris... Plus, the leaked photo set to expose Bec's lies about Gia LIZ JONES: This picture of Kate at the Baftas says it all. We are tired of reading between the lines - it's time for the truth Shelley Sullivan divorce twist as her ex moves on with a famous heiress... Plus, the latest chambers chatter about Chief Justice dating a junior judge: THE GROUP CHAT Messy private school mum behind Reddam House WhatsApp scandal stuns with revelation about her marriage after being accused of 'cracking on' to famous dad and sending wild texts They were supposed to be Australia's Kardashians... until their brother's life of crime forced them into the shadows. Now, 10 years after Salim's wedding, we tracked down the glamorous Mehajer sisters - and they look unrecognisable I've been with smelly, filthy men like Benny Blanco. Here's the sex truth no woman will admit... I'm going to sound SO unhinged saying this: JANA HOCKING Expelled and labelled a 'monster': School insider reveals the tragic lives of the autistic Clune boys before they were killed by their 'sleep-deprived' parents in a quiet Mosman Park cul-de-sac The Jackie O problem hiding in plain sight: Kyle was out of line - but he's not solely to blame for their inevitable bust-up: AMANDA GOFF Donald Trump said he's kicking Tucker Carlson out of MAGA after the former Fox News host 'lost his way' in calling the president's Iran strikes 'evil.' Trump and Carlson have been at odds over the attacks on Iran but the conservative commentator went further than ever in an interview with ABC News. 'The president's decision was absolutely disgusting and evil,' said Carlson, who has expressed skepticism about foreign entanglements despite his pro-Trump beliefs. Trump responded by saying that 'Tucker's lost his way.' 'I knew that a long time ago, and he's not MAGA. MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America first, and Tucker is none of those things. And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that,' Trump told ABC News. Trump has trashed both Carlson and Megyn Kelly - typically staunch supporters of the president - for their anti-war stances. However, in an interview with Status News, Carlson said there were no hard feelings about Trump's comments. 'There are times I get annoyed with Trump, right now definitely included, but I'll always love him no matter what he says about me,' he said. Donald Trump said he's kicking Tucker Carlson out of MAGA after the former Fox News host 'lost his way' in calling the president's Iran strikes 'evil' Trump and Carlson have been at odds over the attacks on Iran Carlson has reportedly visited the White House three times in the last month to lobby Trump against attacking Iran. But Trump said the commentator failed to sway him, and said in his interview this week: '[Carlson] can say whatever he wants, it has no impact on me.' The President revealed he is not bothered by criticism of his military actions from the former Fox News anchors during an interview with The Inner Circle on Monday. 'I think that MAGA is Trump - MAGAs not the other two,' Trump said of Kelly and Carlson, who have publicly questioned the rationale for war with Iran in recent days. 'MAGA wants to see our country thrive and be safe. And MAGA loves what Im doing - every aspect of it,' the President continued. 'This is a detour that we have to take in order to keep our country safe and keep other countries safe, frankly.' Kelly has led criticism among conservatives over the war, saying that she believes the US was dragged into the conflict and that American soldiers are losing their lives 'for Iran or Israel.' Trump fired back that Kelly should 'study her history book a little bit.' 'MAGA is America first, and Tucker is none of those things. And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that,' Trump said Trump fired back at conservative figures Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly for their opposition to his military strikes, saying they have 'no impact' on his decisions 'Megyn was opposed to me for years when I ran the first time and nothing stopped me,' Trump said. 'And so, you know, some people are against - and they always come back. She came all the way back.' Kelly said on her SiriusXM show that she fears the US will become embroiled in yet another foreign war for years to come and questioned whether war with Iran is in America's interests. 'Our government's job is not to look out for Iran or for Israel. It's to look out for us. And this feels very much to me like it is clearly Israel's war,' she said. Trump brushed off Kelly's opposition in his phone interview on Monday, saying: 'I guess she maybe doesnt like the idea of this war, but I do because I have to keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of the Iranians.' 'I have to do whats right, number one -and you cant have Iran getting a nuclear weapon. Thats predominant to me,' Trump explained. It comes as the White House has struggled to contain criticism among Trump supporters and conservatives over the war, with many noting that Trump campaigned on bringing the US out of foreign conflicts. Former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a MAGA darling, claimed that Trump had betrayed voters who supported him for his foreign policy platform during the election. 'Thousands and thousands of Americans from my generation have been killed and injured in never-ending, pointless foreign wars, and we said no more. But we are freeing the Iranian people. Please,' the former GOP lawmaker wrote on Saturday. Carlson's attack on Trump came just a week after the conservative commentator met with the president in the White House - but Trump said on Monday: '[Carlson] can say whatever he wants, it has no impact on me' Carlson said there were no hard feelings about Trump's comments. 'There are times I get annoyed with Trump, right now definitely included, but I'll always love him no matter what he says about me' 'There are 93 million people in Iran, let them liberate themselves. But Iran is on the verge of having nuclear weapons. Yeah, sure.' Vice President JD Vance, previously a staunch anti-interventionalist, attempted to characterize the conflict as 'so different' from disastrous conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan over the weekend. 'The President has clearly defined what he wants to accomplish. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and has to commit long-term to never trying to rebuild the nuclear capability,' Vance told Fox News's Jesse Watters Primetime. 'Theres just no way that Donald Trump is going to allow this country to get into a multi-year conflict with no clear end in sight and no clear objective. I think that means that were not going to get into the problems that weve had with Iraq and Afghanistan.' Congressman Tony Gonzales has ended his reelection campaign after he confessed to an extramarital affair with a staffer who eventually set herself on fire. The Texas Republican initially denied that he had an affair with his late staffer, Regina Aviles, who died by self-immolation in September. The Daily Mail first broke the story on their tragic relationship last year. 'After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek reelection while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment I've always had to my district,' he said in a statement. He promised that for the rest of his term, he would show 'the same commitment I've always had to my district.' The 45-year-old was set to face a run-off election in the Republican Primary after failing to get 50 percent of the vote on the first ballot. It came just hours after Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and others called for Gonzales to drop out. 'Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election,' Johnson said in a joint statement with other top House Republicans on Thursday. Notably, Gonzales serving out the remainder of his term does not shrink the Republican Party's already narrow 218-214 House of Representatives majority heading into the midterms. Congressman Tony Gonzales has ended his reelection campaign after he confessed to an extramarital affair with a staffer who eventually set herself on fire Gonzales had an affair with his late staffer, Regina Aviles, and initially denied it until fessing up to their relationship on Wednesday For months, speculation has swirled over whether or not the Texan would fess up to the allegation, which was first reported in October 2025. And he came under mounting pressure to resign from his position of power after sexually charged texts between Gonzales and Aviles were released. The bombshell correspondence showed the married congressman petitioning his staffer for inappropriate pictures and asking her about sexual preferences. 'We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues,' the joint statement continued. One day after his primary race on Tuesday, and as calls for his resignation from Republicans and Democrats reached a boiling point, Gonzales admitted to the affair. He called it a 'mistake' and a 'lapse in judgment.' He added: 'I take full responsibility for those actions. Since then, I have reconciled with my wife, Angel. Ive asked God to forgive me, which he has. And my faith is as strong as ever.' His admission came just after the House Ethics Committee announced an investigation into the Texan's conduct following a report from the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) indicating 'substantial reason to believe' Gonzales was embroiled in the affair. It is against congressional rules for a member to have an affair with a subordinate. When pressed about Gonzales's admission, Johnson did not let much slip but admitted it was 'not against the law.' Elon Musk visits the US-Mexico border in Eagle Pass with Gonzales and Aviles (right) Gonzales with his wife, Angel, whom he said he has reconciled with 'I'm not going to get into private conversations,' Johnson told Punchbowl News. 'But I've told him to be forthright. Apparently now he's doing that.' When asked whether Gonzales should remain in Congress, given the scandal, the top Republican - and devout Christian - played coy. 'Marital infidelity is not against the law,' Johnson said. Reminded that it's against House rules for a member to have an affair with a staffer, Johnson admitted it was. 'Well, of course, yeah. That's being addressed. There is an investigation at Ethics. The OCC is on it. All those steps have already been taken and apparently were underway.' 'I've always been consistent, whether you're talking about Republicans or Democrats, we let the processes play out,' the speaker added. Both Democrats and Republicans have called on Gonzales to resign, or at a minimum, drop his bid for reelection. Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina accused Gonzales of 'harassing his own staffer in the middle of the night' and has called on him to 'resign immediately and be held fully accountable for what he's done.' Your browser does not support iframes. Gonzales, his wife, Angel, and six kids. The Navy veteran campaigned as a devoted family man This week, Mace filed a resolution to force the House Ethics Committee to release its reports on sexual misconduct by members. However, the House decisively voted to send the resolution to committee - a move that effectively killed Mace's effort to expose the reports. 'I think it's really disgusting how this institution protects itself,' Republican Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna of Florida fumed on Wednesday. 'We just had a Member of Congress literally sexually harass a woman that then lit herself on fire and you all protected him!' she decried at a committee hearing. 'You guys all protected him! My own side, your side.' This week, Luna filed a censure resolution - one of the most severe punishments in Congress outside of expulsion - against Gonzales for his misconduct. Chairman of the Congressional Democratic Women's Caucus, Teresa Leger Fernandez, in addition to scores of other liberal lawmakers, has also called for Gonzales's resignation. 'Representative Tony Gonzales's actions would result in a termination and investigation in any other workplace.' 'Representative Gonzales should resign,' she added, noting his 'abuse of power.' Republican congressional candidate Brandon Herrera is now the favorite to win the seat in November It comes months after the Daily Mail first confirmed the affair and after the Texas Congressman denied he had a romantic relationship with his employee Gonzales's position seemed even more tenuous after he finished second in the Republican Primary to return to his seat to Brandon Herrera, a conservative YouTuber known as 'The AK Guy.' His competitor finished first with 43.3 percent of the vote to Gonzales's 41.7 percent. The two of them would have faced a run-off election in late May to determine the Republican nominee in the November midterms. Herrera has yet to comment on Gonzales's decision, but praised Johnson for urging him out, saying he had 'tarnished the office.' The Daily Mail has reached out to a spokesman for Herrera for comment. The severed head and body parts discovered on a beach in Bali have been confirmed as an identical DNA match to a Ukrainian tourist who was kidnapped and last seen pleading for his life in a ransom video. Igor Komarov, 28, was allegedly taken by a group of men while on a scooter in Jimbaran, Badung on February 15. Last week, human remains were discovered at the mouth of Wos River in Bali's lower east coast, which police said had an up to 80 per cent similarity with Mr Komarov. Officers said they found a head, right leg, upper chest sections, thighs and internal organs from someone who had died three days prior. On Friday, authorities confirmed the body parts were identical to Mr Komarov after forensic evidence was compared with samples from his parents. 'DNA tests have been conducted by the police forensic laboratory in Jakarta into six samples we got from the body parts,' Bali Police Senior Commissioner Ariasandy said. This included samples of a molar tooth, a collarbone, a fragment of the thigh bone (femur), a rib bone, a toe bone and a fragment of the shin bone. 'The DNA tests match with the DNA sample from [Mr Komarov's] mother. Based on (this), we found that the body parts (were) identical to the victim.' Igor Komarov (pictured with Yeva Mishalova) was allegedly kidnapped by a group of men while on a scooter in Jimbaran, Badung in Bali, on February 15 Last week, human remains were discovered at the mouth of Wos River Bali Police Senior Commissioner Ariasandy has now confirmed the DNA matched that of Mr Komarov's mother The day before he went missing, the tattooed Ukrainian was seen posing beside his girlfriend, glamorous influencer Yeva Mishalova in loved-up social media posts. 'F*** 14 February, love you everyday,' she captioned the photo, which was shared to her almost 200,000 followers on Valentine's Day. Officials have since suggested the couple's romantic posts may have revealed their location to the kidnappers. After his abduction, a haunting video emerged online showing a bruised and tearful Mr Komarov begging his parents for help. He appeared to be missing a hand and had two black eyes. 'They already chopped off some of my limbs, I have broken legs and punched ribcage. I'm already on meds, I already have no limbs,' he said through tears. 'Mummy, Daddy, I beg you, help me please, you stole those ten million, which they ask for, return these ten million please. 'An infection will start soon. I'm just dying... I ask you very much, this is a very serious organisation, please help me, no one can find me, neither mafiosos, no one. After Mr Komarov was kidnapped, a haunting video then surfaced online of a battered and tearful Mr Komarov pleading for his parents' help He asked his parents to pay his kidnappers US$10million 'Bring me home, what[ever] is left of me at the moment, please settle with these people, they need ten million dollars, which we stole. 'As soon as these ten million are received in their accounts, they will immediately let me go to the place where they took me.' There has been no confirmation from Balinese investigators regarding the identity of the kidnappers. The Daily Mail has not been able to verify the original video. During police investigations into Mr Komarov's disappearance, GPS data from a rented minibus led investigators to a villa in Tabanan, where they suspect the 'ransom' video was recorded. Senior Commissioner Ariasandy said blood found in the villa and the minibus was also identical to Mr Komarov's DNA. Detectives are also understood to have found a phone and bag belonging to Mr Komarov at the villa. A Nigerian man, referred to as 'CH', was arrested on Monday in West Nusa Tenggara after allegedly renting the car from which police found the GPS data. He allegedly also used a fake Belgian passport. But the senior commissioner said he was 'not directly involved in the [alleged] kidnapping'. Police said they continue to hunt for six other suspects - identified last week as RM, BK, AS, VN, SM, and DH - four of whom are believed to have fled Bali. A woman who smuggled military grade weapons and around 500,000 of heroin into the UK in her car has been jailed for nine years. Kasha Sanderson, 40, claimed she had been scattering a loved one's ashes in Lyon, France, when she was stopped at Dover on February 24 last year after arriving on a ferry. But border force officers found 13 weapons in her Irish-registered Peugeot 3008 SUV, including two Skorpion sub-machine guns, an Uzi sub-machine gun, a Glock handgun and nine converted blank-firing pistols. They also found 289 rounds of ammunition and 5kg of heroin, which had a street value of around 500,000. Sanderson, from the village of Wick near Bristol, told officers she thought she was transporting cannabis but later admitted smuggling firearms, ammunition and class A drugs, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA). The agency said she was a 'trusted courier' for an organised crime group. Sanderson, who is unemployed, had two custom-built hides in the footwells of her SUV to stash the items. She was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday. Kasha Sanderson claimed she had been scattering ashes in Lyon, France, when she was stopped by officers One of the guns found in Kasha Sanderson's Irish-registered Peugeot 3008 Another gun found in Sanderson's car, which had two custom-built hides in the footwells for hiding items Rachel Bramley, NCA branch commander, said: 'These terrifying weapons and ammunition are out of the hands of extremely dangerous criminals.' She said gun crime in the UK was 'among the lowest in the world' but these weapons had the potential to 'cause horrific damage'. Ms Bramley added: 'We have seen in recent years the tragic consequences of entirely innocent victims getting caught in the crossfire of criminals with automatic weapons such as Skorpion machine pistols. 'With Sanderson's jailing, the organised crime group behind this smuggling plot have lost a trusted courier and profits they are unable to plough back into further offences.' Ministers face more embarrassment over the handling of the Middle East crisis today after admitting the warship earmarked to defend Britain's Cyprus base might not arrive for a fortnight. Keir Starmer finally ordered the deployment of HMS Dragon on Tuesday, amid fury that the crucial site had been left vulnerable to Iranian reprisals. Instead, Greek, Spanish, French and Italian vessels have been covering to intercept missiles and drones in what critics have decried as an 'humiliation' for the UK. HMS Dragon is still being prepared in dock at Portsmouth, and is not expected to leave until next week. Engineers are said to be finishing essential welding work, while unions have blamed a new contract aiming to curb generous pay on round-the-clock operations at the port. Defence Secretary John Healey, who is on Cyprus, suggested that the delay could be even longer than anticipated. Playing down anger at the lack of preparations, he told reporters last night: 'As circumstances in any conflict change, you've got to be willing to adapt the action you take. 'I'm doing that by bringing in anti-drone helicopters in overnight. I'm doing that in the next couple of weeks to bring in the Type 45 air defence destroyer.' Touring broadcast studios this morning, Deputy PM David Lammy gave an even more elastic timetable. 'HMS Dragon will be in the region in the coming weeks to further bolster and further support our air defences,' he told Sky News. Defence Secretary John Healey, who is on Cyprus, suggested that HMS Dragon might not arrive for a 'couple of weeks' Type 45 air defence destroyer HMS Dragon (pictured today loading with missiles) will not be ready to set sail for the Eastern Mediterranean from Portsmouth until next week Donald Trump has not denied calling Sir Keir Starmer a 'loser' as he continues to fume at the Prime Minister for failing to back his military action against Iran Your browser does not support iframes. Timeline of events relating to Iran strikes February 26 Talks between the US and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme ended without agreement. Trump has threatened to attack the Islamic Republic if no deal is reached. February 27 The Foreign Office 'temporarily' withdraws staff from Iran. February 28 US and Israeli forces attack Iran in what the two countries described as a 'pre-emptive' strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons. Starmer says the UK 'played no role in these strikes' which kill Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Dubai is hit by Iranian missiles, damaging the Fairmont The Palm Hotel and the airport. March 1 UK ministers including John Healey refuse to say whether the Government believes the strikes are legal as missiles rain down on the Middle East. Plans for potential evacuation of civilians begins. In the evening, Sir Keir says British aircraft have 'successfully intercepted Iranian strikes' and he has U-turned and given the US permission to use British bases including Diego Garcia for defensive missions. March 2 Mr Healey confirms RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by a drone that did 'minimal damage late on March 1', with two others shot down. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says it is 'not in the UK's interests' to support the US attacks. March 3 Trump uses interview to attack Sir Keir for not helping attack Iran, saying he is 'not Churchill'. The PM responds by saying his Government 'does not believe in regime change from the skies'. France says it will send frigates and the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group to Cyprus after appeal from the country's president, who also asked Germany for help. Greece also sends two warships. Stung into action, the UK announces HMS Dragon will also be sent from Portsmouth. March 4 Sir Keir says Trump lacks a 'viable, thought-through plan' for the Iran war, during PMQs. Questions are raised about the state of the Royal Navy after it emerges that HMS Dragon will not be ready to set sail for Cyprus until next week. The first Government rescue flight from Muscat is due to take off but it is grounded by a technical issue at the airport in Oman. March 5 Sir Keir insists the UK-US special relationship is 'in operation right now' but admits he has not spoken to Trump since the first day of the conflict. Spain, Italy and the Netherlands all agree to send ships to protect Cyprus. It is revealed the 'minimal damage' done to Akrotiri was a strike on a hanger used by the USAF's U2 spy planes. The Government's rescue flight finally takes off from Oman. 'I'm doing that by bringing in the top planners to help co-ordinate the sort of contribution that other nations are now starting to make the German frigate in the area, and Greek ships also now joining.' Prospect union - representing tug boat workers and engineers at Portsmouth - pointed the finger at a new contract with Serco, which runs in-port services for the government. It suggested making routine working hours 9am-5pm weekdays had made mobilising staff for urgent tasks harder. Mike Clancy, general secretary of Prospect, told Politico: 'Our members are stepping up to help, but such a vital service shouldn't be dependent on good will from staff. Out-of-hours support should be locked into the contract.' However, that was strongly denied by both Serco and the MoD. They argued that there was provision for overtime and weekend working. A Serco spokesman said: 'Any suggestion that the working patterns of Serco employees have impacted HMS Dragon's ability to sail is completely untrue.' An MoD spokesman said: 'Staff are stepping up to support the operation, and all requests that have been made to Serco to support the preparation of the ship have been fulfilled.' The US-Israeli war with Iran has entered its seventh day with little sign of slowing down. Sir Keir scramble to show he has a grip on the situation yesterday by calling a Downing Street press conference to explain his approach. He swiped at Donald Trump for plunging the Middle East into 'chaos' by launching the dramatic attacks on Saturday and admitted the US President has been giving him the silent treatment. In a Downing Street press conference, the PM played down a mounting backlash over Britain's lack of military preparations and the meltdown in the Special Relationship. Standing by his decision to stop the US carrying out 'offensive' airstrikes on Iran from UK bases, Sir Keir said he was providing 'calm, level-headed leadership' and appealed for the nation to 'come together'. He also argued that the UK had been deploying resources such as anti-aircraft missiles to the region for months. The premier said helicopters with capability to shoot down missiles and drones would be arriving in the Mediterranean tomorrow, and more Typhoon jets were being deployed to Qatar. 'While the region has been plunged into chaos, my focus is providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest,' Sir Keir said. Bracing Brits for looming pain from spiking energy costs, he added: 'This conflict could continue for some time.' Spain is to join France, Italy and the Netherlands in sending its navy to Cyprus. Madrid said the frigate Cristobal Colon would join a growing international armada in the Eastern Mediterranean to 'offer protection and aerial defence' and 'support any evacuation of civilians' from the island. RAF Akrotiri was hit by an Iranian drone fired from Lebanon on Sunday, raising major concerns about the standard of local air defences. Officials initially said the damage was minor, but has since been revealed the drone hit a hangar used by the US for U2 spy planes flying high-altitude reconnaissance missions. Criticism has been fuelled by reports in the Spectator that the first enquiry from the US about using UK bases for strikes came 11 days before they were launched on Saturday. That would mean the Government had a substantial warning of what was coming. Asked whether the Special Relationship was ruined, Sir Keir said: 'Look, the special relationship is in operation right now. 'We're working with the Americans in the deployment from our bases. We are working together in the region, the US and the British, working together to protect both the US and the British in joint bases where we're jointly located, and we're sharing intelligence on a 24/7 basis in the usual way. 'That is the special relationship. That is a special relationship in operation and, clearly, it's for the president to take decisions that he considers in the national interest, the right decisions, for the US. 'I understand that, I respect that, but equally, it's for me as the British Prime Minister to take decisions that I consider to be in the best interest of the United Kingdom. 'There's nothing controversial about that. The special relationship is operating right here at an important point.' He insisted he was 'satisfied that we can keep our people safe' amid accusations of dithering and a lack of UK preparedness in the conflict. Britain started 'pre-deploying' to the region in January and February, he said, particularly to Qatar and to Cyprus, where RAF Akrotiri was struck by a drone earlier this week in an attack that sparked questions about a lack of defence. 'There's been a lot of pre-planning gone into this, a lot of pre-deployment that's gone into this,' Sir Keir said. 'And I'm satisfied that we can keep our people safe and we're working very hard to make sure that wherever people have registered their presence, we can help them with the information that they need and the support they need, and get them back to the United Kingdom as quickly and as safely as possible.' Touring broadcast studios this morning, Deputy PM David Lammy gave an even more elastic timetable Israel launched a fresh wave of attacks on Tehran in the early hours of Saturday morning as the conflict threatened to escalate across the Middle East. The Mehrabad Airport in the center of the Iranian capital was seen engulfed in flames after Israeli strikes bombarded the region, which came hours after Iran sent retaliatory strikes to several nations including Saudi Arabia and Qatar earlier Friday. Attacks across the region intensified as US President Donald Trump vowed that he would no longer negotiate with Iran, and said the only way for them to bring the conflict to a close was 'unconditional surrender.' Trump said he 'must be' involved in picking Iran's new leader after late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed seven days ago, but said he would accept a non-democratic choice so long as they are amicable to the US and Israel. The tit-for-tat attacks continued overnight as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it launched its 23rd round of strikes, while the IDF said it was intercepting rocket fire aimed at Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer promised Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman that the UK 'stood ready' to wade into the crisis in the Middle East and back their defense - after finally allowing Trump to use UK military bases in his attacks on Iran. US Air Force bombers capable of hitting enemies with up to 34 tons of explosives touched down in the UK on Friday evening, suggesting Trump's attack on Iran that he dubbed 'the big one' may be imminent. With the conflict in Iran reaching the one-week mark, Trump has showed no indication of scaling back his military action in the region, as insiders reportedly said the president is 'seriously considering' deploying US troops on the ground in Iran. Recap all the developments below Oxfam considered 'scaling down' its emergency relief work to become a climate 'influencer' over governments, it was claimed today. The global disaster agency reportedly drew up plans to step back from its fieldwork and focus entirely on 'influencing' on issues including the climate crisis, gender and inequality. The proposals, put forward by chief executive of Oxfam International Amitabh Behar, are said to have been circulated among senior leadership last year. But they were strongly opposed by Oxfam GB, which raised concerns over whether the charity's transformation would comply with UK law. A manager located in Oxford is reported to have said the move would fundamentally change the charity's purpose, and pointed out under British legislation such organisations are not permitted to have a political agenda. Oxfam GB is the biggest provider of the confederation's 340 million annual funding. The Daily Mail understands the draft plan was in its initial stages and was 'overwhelmingly' overruled in favour of continuing with Oxfam's existing missions. References to 'influencing' were said to be primarily in relation to the charity's role in shaping global legislation. The global disaster agency drew up plans to step back from its fieldwork and focus entirely on 'influencing' on issues including the climate crisis, gender and inequality (Pictured: An Oxfam camp in Haiti) Oxfam GB former chief executive Dr Halima Begum is making a claim against the charity for constructive dismissal Documents seen by The Times laid out plans for change entitled 'lead with influencing', and stated: 'Advocacy and campaigning will increase. Service delivery programmes and humanitarian delivery will be scaled down. 'All activities will be through the lens of influencing.' The plan added that Oxfam was at a 'pivotal juncture' and must 'reimagine its role - and not as a dominant actor, but as an enabler of change'. It acknowledged that if implemented, the move would ultimately receive backlash from donors, who would be concerned about 'brand dilution' and a decline in 'public trust and loyalty' which would severely impact fundraising efforts. The plan was discussed at a meeting of Oxfam's leadership in Istanbul late last year and ultimately rejected in favour of continuing with the charity's 'triple mandate' of emergency response, long-term relief and tackling inequality. Some staff had been furious at the proposals, with one telling the Times: 'If the UK public think for one second that Oxfam is turning its back on the humanitarian role it's upheld for over 80 years to become just another lobbying shop, they'll abandon the charity. 'We'll never come back from such a betrayal. The plan would destroy Oxfam.' The proposals are the latest in a series of troubles facing the organisation, including an ongoing legal battle with former chief executive of Oxfam GB Dr Halima Begum. Dr Begum was forced out of her post in December after complaints to the board about her behaviour. Accusations of bullying were described as 'absurd' by her allies. The Oxfam board are entirely unfit to govern what should be a national treasure, Dr Begum declared in a claim lodged at Reading employment tribunal for constructive dismissal. The charity was also embroiled in a sexual abuse scandal after Dr Begum revealed that a volunteer was under investigation for allegedly raping a seven-year-old in Myanmar in 2024. This followed a scandal in Haiti which saw 2010 earthquake victims on the Caribbean island sexually exploited by Oxfam aid workers, a matter which emerged in 2018. It is also facing questions about how donations are spent and allegations of fraud at its head office in Nairobi. An Oxfam spokesperson said: 'Right now Oxfam is responding to emergencies around the world including the current war in the Middle East through our Middle East Appeal, floods in Mozambique and conflicts in South Sudan, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 'Our core mission remains unchanged: to overcome poverty by fighting the injustices and inequalities that fuel it. Our humanitarian response remains central to this mission and to our work around the world. In 2024 and 2025 alone, Oxfam GB for example supported more than 8 million people through humanitarian programmes. 'Oxfam has reaffirmed its commitment to continue to deliver what we call the Triple Mandate: humanitarian response, long-term development programming, and influencing. 'This means responding to emergencies, supporting communities towards sustainable development and working to address the root causes of poverty and injustice so that fewer people face inequality in the future. We believe these three areas work together to create lasting change. 'Across the confederation, Oxfam worked in 79 countries last year, including working in partnership with local organisations across all three areas of our triple mandate.' The war in the Middle East is raging on, with Iran continuing its attack on the Gulf and intense Israeli airstrikes pounding Tehran and Beirut early on Friday. Iran launched new retaliatory attacks at the end of a full week of bombardment, which US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned was 'about to surge dramatically'. The Islamic Republic had vowed the US would 'bitterly regret' torpedoing one of its warships as it sent hundreds of drones and missiles at its Arab neighbours. Meanwhile, Israel's military said on Friday morning it had begun 'a broad-scale wave of strikes' on Tehran, Iran's capital. Witnesses described the Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases. The Israeli military said strikes have already destroyed most of Iran's air defences and missile launchers. The war has escalated to affect countries across the Middle East and beyond. Early on Friday, Iran fired missile and drone attacks into Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host US forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Fire rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut early on March 6 Smoke rises from an explosion in the direction of Ali Al Salem Air Base in Al Jahra, Kuwait Smoke rises above buildings in Mahabad City after airstrikes on March 6 Heavily damaged buildings at the site of overnight Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut on March 6 In Lebanon, where the war has intensified fighting between Israel and Iran-allied Hezbollah militants, Israel launched a series of airstrikes late on Thursday and into Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut and other areas. Motorists jammed roads trying to flee or seek shelter. The US and Israel have battered Iran with nationwide strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear programme. Iran's attacks have targeted Arab neighbours, disrupted oil supplies and snarled global air travel. Qatar's Defence Ministry reported it intercepted a drone attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of US Central Command. A spokesperson for Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said it had intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles fired early on Friday toward Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh, which hosts U.S. forces. Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, where the Interior Ministry said Iranian strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building. It said there were no casualties. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six US troops have been killed. The US military said early on Friday that it struck an Iranian drone carrier, setting it ablaze. The US military's Central Command released black-and-white footage of the burning carrier. The Iranian military did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, is a converted container ship with a 180 metre runway for drones. The vessel can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports, reports said at the time of its 2005 inauguration. A plume of smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanese village of al Khiam on March 6 Fire burns at Hilton Hotel following an Iranian drone strike in Juffair, Bahrain, March 6 Smoke rises from an airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon on March 6 Workers use a bulldozer to clear debris from a street at the site of overnight Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut on March 6 Smoke rises from what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says is an Iranian drone carrier that was struck by US forces Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, described the carrier as 'roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier'. 'As we speak, it's on fire,' Cooper told reporters. Speaking alongside Cooper, Hegseth gave few details on Thursday when he promised an upcoming surge. 'It's more fighter squadrons, it's more capabilities, it's more defensive capabilities,' he said. 'And it's more bomber pulses more frequently.' Speaking at a press conference in Tampa, the US Secretary of War also warned that strikes on Iran will 'surge dramatically', saying: 'We have only just begun to fight and fight decisively. If you think you've seen something, just wait.' He added: 'Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation. Our munitions are full up and our will is ironclad.' Hegseth also hit out at Sir Keir for not allowing the US to launch attacks from British bases from day one, before warning: 'The amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically.' Hegseth said it was 'unfortunate' access wasn't granted 'from day one'. 'But we got there. We got there, and that's now part of the way that we're operationalising bomber runs... It's more fighter squadrons, it's more capabilities, it's more defensive capabilities, and it's more bomber pulses more frequently,' he said. Hegseth also said Trump would be 'having a heck of a say in who runs Iran given the ongoing operation'. Iran's threats were met with fury from the US leader, who urged members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the military and police to lay down their arms or face the same fate as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He said it was 'too late' for Iran to talk and told its diplomats across the globe to defect and be 'on the right side of history'. Speaking at the White House, in front of David Beckham's Inter Miami squad, Trump said: 'I'm once again calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military and the police to lay down their arms. 'Now is the time to stand up for the Iranian people and help take back your country. You're gonna have a chance after all these years to take back your country. Accept immunity, we'll give you immunity. 'You'll be perfectly safe with total immunity or you'll face absolutely guaranteed death, and I don't want to see that.' Trump also claimed Iran has reached out to 'make a deal' to end the US military operation. He said: 'They're calling, they're saying, "How do we make a deal?" I said, "You're being a little bit late," and we want to fight now more than they do.' He also claimed the Iranian navy 'is gone' and the US wiped out '24 ships in three days', adding: 'They have no air force, they have no air defence. 'The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy, far ahead of schedule and at levels that people have never seen before.' The US Air Force's heaviest bombers are expected to arrive at British bases within hours, suggesting that Donald Trump's mega-attack on Iran that he dubbed the 'big one' is imminent. America's stealth air fleet including its B-1s, B-2s and B-52s are said to be on their way to Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The strategic bombers, costing up to $2billion each, can carry out long-range missions without detection while carrying the world's most devastating missiles. Sources have suggested that Saturday could be D-day for a new gigantic bombardment - exactly a week after America and Israel first attacked Iran as part of 'Operation Epic Fury'. The US President warned Iran this week that the 'big one' was coming, adding: 'We haven't even started hitting them hard. The big wave has not even happened'. And US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said overnight that America will now use British RAF bases to 'dramatically' up its strikes on Iran after the Prime Minister allowed the Americans to launch defensive strikes from UK-US bases. 'When we say more to come, it's more fighter squadrons, it's more capabilities, it's more defensive capabilities, and it's more bomber pulses more frequently', Mr Hegseth said. After a delay that saw Trump claim that Sir Keir Starmer was 'unhelpful' and is 'no Winston Churchill', the UK is now letting the US use British bases for 'defensive' strikes against missile facilities in Iran. Experts believe some American bombers could drop the 'Mother of All Bombs', a 10-tonne explosive that creates 1,000ft holes in the ground, taking out tunnels and bunkers while simultaneously pulling infrastructures such as bridges down into the giant crater. Last night he warned the Iranian soldiers to 'surrender or die' after US raids took out Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and much of his military leadership. And today central Tehran was hit with one of the biggest explosions of the war so far on Friday. There were deafening bangs and multiple plumes of smoke and fireballs as a huge payload hit the Moqaddad base of the Revolutionary Guards. Tehrans famous Azadi Tower can be seen in the centre of a video as the bombs rained down on the Iranian capital. Debris was thrown across the city centre and some witnesses even claimed have seen bodies thrown up more than 100ft in the air. Military experts appear to agree that Trump's 'big one' points to an escalation in US bombing sorties over Iran in the next 24 to 48 hours - and also dropping America's biggest bombs. Central Tehran has been rocked by a huge explosion this morning as the US-Israeli alliance dropped a huge payload on the Moqaddad base of the Revolutionary Guards U.S. B-2 stealth bombers, armed with 2,000 lb. bombs, are among the planes getting ready to strike Iran with British bases set to be used for what are being dubbed 'defensive strikes' The damaged Presidential complex in Tehran where the US managed to kill Ayatollah Ali Khamenei The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), pictured, known as the 'Mother of All Bombs', may now be dropped on Iran, experts have said In a sign of what may be to come, trucks with Class 1.1 explosive hazard warning symbols arrive at RAF Fairford, where the US air force is expected and David Lammy came out and said UK forces carrying out strikes on Iranian missile sites would be legal America's army of Reaper drones carrying thousands of pounds of laser-guided bombs to carry our precision strikes will also increase sorties over Iranian cities. While Attacks from air craft carriers and missiles from US submarines are also expected. As Trump laid into Sir Keir Starmer for delaying access to UK military runways around the world, including in Diego Garcia, Mr Hegseth said last night: 'We got there'. 'The amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically,' Mr Hegseth warned. The United States may choose to drop its largest non-nuclear weapon in the coming days and weeks. It is known as the 'Mother Of All Bombs' a play on 'MOAB,' an acronym that stands for 'Massive Ordnance Air Burst.' A crater left by the blast is believed to be more than 100ft wide. Anyone at the blast site is vaporised. It has not been deployed in Iran having been used in Afghanistan in 2017. President Trump has long told reporters at the White House how 'very proud' he is of it. American B-2 bombers did drop similarly destructive GBU-57 bunker-busters on Iranian uranium enrichment sites in June 2025. The MOAB causes surface-level, wide-area destruction, while the GBU-57 burrows deep into the earth before exploding. Military experts have said that the 'big one' Trump has warned Iran will use America's most destructive arsenal - and appears imminent. Sascha Bruchmann, a research fellow for defence at the office of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Bahrain, told the Daily Telegraph: 'The big one is a sustained bombing campaign via the strategic bomber fleet, so the B-1s, the B-2s and the B-52s. 'Last night, Centcom [US Central Command] said there was one B-1 bomber, and the night before there were four B-2s, who dropped heavier payloads, so 1,000 to 2,000lb bombs with some bunker-busting capabilities against those missile cities. 'Now that theres air dominance achieved, and weve seen US Reaper drones over cities, which you wouldnt have if there were some kind of air defences'. Iain Ballantyne, editor of Warships International Fleet Review magazine, told the newspaper: 'The most obvious thing that President Trump may mean by "the big one" is some kind of MOAB the "Mother of All Bombs".' He added that these terrifying air attacks would be 'co-ordinated with the US navy unleashing not only the USS Gerald R. Ford but also the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups both Tomahawk [missiles] from their destroyers and air wings along with possible bombardments by submarines'. US strikes on Tehran overnight saw smoke and flames ruse from the centre of the city The scene following an US-Israeli airstrike near the Ferdowsi square in central Tehran, Iran, this week Your browser does not support iframes. Claims that RAF bases may soon be home to US came after Sir Keir Starmer relaxed access to US Air Force use of British bases. But he insists that he is right not to have joined the attack on Iran. Mr Starmer was branded delusional last night after insisting he has got a grip on the Middle East crisis. At an emergency press conference in Downing Street, the Prime Minister claimed he was delivering calm, level-headed leadership. But his relationship with Britains most important ally hit a new low as Donald Trump branded him a loser. Sir Keir urged Mr Trump to de-escalate the crisis and negotiate with what is left of Irans leadership. But the PM admitted that, despite the global crisis, he had not spoken to the US President for almost a week following their spectacular falling out. He also faced a growing chorus of criticism from allies in the Middle East over the lack of preparations that has led to Cyprus looking for military support from France, Italy and Spain - rather than Britain - after an RAF base on the island was hit by an Iranian drone. And, in further farcical scenes, the UK failed to get its first evacuation flight from Oman off the ground, despite other countries having no such issues ferrying their citizens to safety. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said Sir Keir was in denial, adding: Never in the history of our great nation has a government been so feeble at a time when our people and allies are under assault'. Sir Keir was stung into a public defence of his actions following days of criticism. At a hastily arranged press conference, he accused President Trump of plunging the Middle East into chaos with his attacks on Iran. He defended his decision to avoid taking any offensive action against Tehran even after British bases were targeted. Sir Keir suggested that the fallout from the conflict could go on for months, with potentially huge impacts on energy bills and the cost of living - and the possibility of a new refugee crisis. He acknowledged that relatives of the tens of thousands of British citizens trapped in the war zone were were worried sick but said a mass evacuation is not going to happen overnight. Kemi Badenoch said it was shocking that party political considerations appeared to have played a part in determining the governments response to the US. Mrs Badenoch said the RAF should now join bombing raids aimed at taking out Irans ballistic missile launchers. Nigel Farage said the government should have supported the US-Israeli attack on Iran from day one, adding: If this war stops Iran from getting a nuclear bomb, it will have been worth it. The Reform UK leader said Sir Keir appeared to have been the victim of a left-wing revolt by Mr Miliband which had left Britain humiliated on the world stage. President Trump stepped up his criticism of Sir Keir last night, telling the New York Post: It was very disappointing - his performance, having to do with our tremendous attack on a hostile nation. I was very surprised at Keir. Very disappointed. Mr Farage is reported to be off to Florida to meet Donald Trump in Florida. But Sir Keir insisted that he had been right to refuse a request to allow the initial US bombing raids to be launched from Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire. The raids killed Irans Supreme Leader and dealt a devastating blow to the rogue states bid to build a nuclear bomb. But the PM has questioned their legality and suggested Mr Trump did not have a clear plan for once the bombing stops. While the region has been plunged into chaos, my focus is providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest, he said. That means deploying our military and diplomatic strength to protect our people. And it means having the strength to stand firm by our values and our principles - no matter the pressure to do otherwise. Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates are both said to have accused Sir Keir of doing too little to defend British interests and allies in the region. The Spectator magazine reported that senior figures in Jordan are furious at the government. And Cypruss high commissioner publicly said he was disappointed with the UKs response. Join the debate Are you concerned by Hegseth's remarks? The site of overnight Israeli airstrikes is pictured in the southern suburbs of Beirut on March 6 Sir Keir announced that Britain is sending another four Typhoon jets to Qatar. And defence secretary John Healey visited Cyprus in a bid to mend fences with a country that feels it has become a target for Iran because of the presence of the British base at RAF Akrotiri. Downing Street rejected suggestions the government failed to have enough military assets in the Middle East after the base was hit. Sir Keir said air defence capabilities had been pre-deployed before the US assault began. Ministers faced more embarrassment after admitting the warship earmarked to defend Britain's Cyprus base might not arrive for a fortnight. Keir Starmer finally ordered the deployment of HMS Dragon on Tuesday, amid fury that the crucial site had been left vulnerable to Iranian reprisals. Instead, Greek, Spanish, French and Italian vessels have been covering to intercept missiles and drones in what critics have decried as an 'humiliation' for the UK. HMS Dragon is still being prepared in dock at Portsmouth, and is not expected to leave until next week. And Defence Secretary John Healey, who is on Cyprus, suggested that the delay could be even longer. Police are carrying out searches in London and Hertfordshire today after four men were arrested on suspicion of spying on the Jewish community for Iran. The suspects, one Iranian and three dual British-Iranian nationals, were taken into custody by the Metropolitan Police at around 1am this morning. The force said the men, aged 22, 40, 52 and 55, were arrested at addresses in Harrow, Watford and Barnet. Plain clothes police officers have since been spotted raiding a home in Watford today, after forcing the door open. Meanwhile, detectives were also seen checking the engine and undercarriage of a silver-coloured Skoda on a road in Finchley, north London. Both operations are believed to be linked to a counter-terror police probe into the suspected surveillance of Jews in London for Iran's intelligence services. Another six men, aged 29, 39, 42, 49 and two aged 20, were also arrested at an address in Harrow this morning on suspicion of assisting an offender. All ten suspects remain in police custody. The alleged spying operation is not believed to be linked to the Iran war but comes as the US and Israel escalated the conflict on Friday with heavy bombing raids on Tehran and Lebanon. Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: 'Today's arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it. Police check the engine and undercarriage of a silver-coloured Skoda in a road in Finchley Met Police are pictured at a house raid in Watford this morning believed to be link to an investigation into Iranian spies Metropolitan Police on the scene of a house raid in Watford this morning 'We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us.' Rabbi Herschel Gluck, president of Shomrim North and East London, said police patrols have been 'stepped up' since the conflict in Iran began. He said: 'We all know Iran have cells in this country and has had cells here for a very long time - so this is no surprise.' Speaking about the arrests, Rabbi Gluck added: 'It certainly should reduce the concerns in the community. 'We have been aware for a long time of the danger of an attack from these cells, which there are a number of in this country, would exponentially increase in the situation we are in at the moment.' Searches are ongoing at the addresses where the suspects were arrested by counter-terrorism officers, as well as additional properties in Wembley and Barnet. Six other men were also arrested in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender and have been taken into custody, the force said. A spokesperson for the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity which monitors antisemitism in the UK, said: 'Security is strong across the Jewish community. 'CST thanks Counter Terror Policing London and will not be commenting further at this time.' The charity Campaign Against Antisemitism criticised the Government's 'failure to keep its promise' to proscribe Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) following the arrests. A spokesperson for the charity said: 'The UK may not be acting against Iran but Iran is acting against us. The force said the men, aged 22, 40, 52 and 55, were arrested at addresses in Harrow, Watford and Barnet. Pictured: Police officers in Finchley today The arrests were part of a months-long investigation into the suspected surveillance of Jews in London for Iran's intelligence services. Pictured: The police search in Finchley 'It is incredible that the Iranian threat, long recognised by British Jews and those paying attention, like the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, is still not being taken seriously by the Government. 'The Government's failure to keep its promise to proscribe the IRGC - the main instrument that the Islamic Republic uses to foment antisemitic violence worldwide - has sent the message that support for the brutal Iranian regime and its Jew-hating and West-hating ideology is perfectly acceptable in Britain.' The statement added: 'We are grateful to the police for foiling this alleged plot, which underscores the reality in which the Jewish community lives. 'But the security services have to be lucky every time: the plotters only need to get lucky once. 'The Government must give the police the tools they need to tackle this peril and broadcast not weakness but the message that Britain stands against this menace.' The European Union listed the IRGC as a terror group in January, amid a deadly crackdown on protesters in the country. This week, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for the UK Government to introduce emergency legislation to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, arguing it is 'more desperate and dangerous than ever'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Wednesday in the Commons that the UK is 'working 24/7 on dealing with any threats to this country'. He added: 'We don't comment on proscription, but we have made the case that there needs to be legislation to deal with state-backed terrorist groups, and we're looking into that.' Then-home secretary Yvette Cooper announced in May 2025 that powers would be created to proscribe state-backed groups if they are deemed to pose a threat to Britain after recommendations by terror watchdog Jonathan Hall KC. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said the police and security services 'won't hesitate to take action' after four men were arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran. Posting on X, she said: 'I want to thank the police and our security services for the action they've taken today to keep Britain safe from a potential threat. 'The Jewish community and the wider public will understandably be concerned by today's arrests. We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with those affected. 'I can reassure you that our police and security services are world leading and won't hesitate to take action to counter any threat to the UK. 'They will continue to use the full range of tools and powers available to them to keep this country safe. They have the government's full support as they carry out their vital work. 'We must now give them the time and space to continue their investigations.' Alan Mendoza, director of the Henry Jackson Society, a national security think tank, added: 'Today's counter-terrorism arrests highlight the real and persistent threat posed by hostile Iranian activity on British soil. 'The Iranian regime has a long track record of using surveillance, intimidation and proxy networks here to pursue dissidents, Jewish communities and other targets. 'The good news is that our security services are disrupting Iranian activity before it turns deadly. The bad news is how often they are having to do it. 'Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism and has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to operate far beyond the Middle East. 'While we must allow the investigation to proceed, Britain cannot afford to underestimate the reach of a hostile state like this prepared to conduct intelligence and potentially violent operations inside our borders. 'Given Iran is involved in hostilities with our allies there should be a firm and kinetic response to this latest attempt by the regime to commit hostilities in the UK.' Today's arrests come as the conflict in Iran escalated on Friday with the US and Israel launching heavy bombing raids on Tehran and Lebanon. The alleged spying operation is not believed to be a response to the current war. Iran's intelligence services, however, have long targeted Jewish and Israeli people living in Britain. Sir Ken McCallum, the director general of MI5, previously revealed the UK had responded to 20 Iran-backed plots since the start of 2022. Speaking in October, he said: 'Iran's autocratic regime is frantically trying to silence its opponents around the world, including in the UK. 'Behind the scenes, MI5 and our police partners continue to catch those who are reckless enough to become Iranian pawns.' Meanwhile, a separate alleged spying case involving three Iranian former asylum seekers remains ongoing. The men were arrested in London on May 3 last year under the National Security Act. The trio are alleged to have been helping the Middle Eastern country's intelligence service between August 14, 2024 and February 16, 2025. They are due at Woolwich Crown Court next week. David Lammy dodged on whether the Cabinet was split over joining Donald Trump's Iran strikes today - as he called for an investigation into leaks from a national security meeting. The Deputy PM merely insisted he did not 'recognise' claims that ministers had been at loggerheads over how to respond to a US request for assistance. But he appeared to conceded the account was well-founded as he said the emergence of the information 'puts lives at risk'. Asked whether there would be an investigation, Downing Street said: 'We don't comment on the NSC.' Speaking on Sky News, Mr Lammy said: 'I don't recognise those reports and I have to say I think it is a travesty that any anyone should report from a National Security Council because of course it puts British lives at risk and I hope that is properly investigated.' The comments came after details were revealed of a bruising discussion when Keir Starmer held a meeting of the National Security Council last Friday, less than 24 hours before the American-Israeli strikes began. David Lammy dodged on whether the Cabinet was split over joining Donald Trump's Iran strikes today The comments came after details were revealed of a bruising discussion when Keir Starmer held a meeting of the National Security Council last Friday Timeline of events relating to Iran strikes February 26 Talks between the US and Iran over the latter's nuclear programme ended without agreement. Trump has threatened to attack the Islamic Republic if no deal is reached. February 27 The Foreign Office 'temporarily' withdraws staff from Iran. February 28 US and Israeli forces attack Iran in what the two countries described as a 'pre-emptive' strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons. Starmer says the UK 'played no role in these strikes' which kill Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Dubai is hit by Iranian missiles, damaging the Fairmont The Palm Hotel and the airport. March 1 UK ministers including John Healey refuse to say whether the Government believes the strikes are legal as missiles rain down on the Middle East. Plans for potential evacuation of civilians begins. In the evening, Sir Keir says British aircraft have 'successfully intercepted Iranian strikes' and he has U-turned and given the US permission to use British bases including Diego Garcia for defensive missions. March 2 Mr Healey confirms RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by a drone that did 'minimal damage late on March 1', with two others shot down. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper says it is 'not in the UK's interests' to support the US attacks. March 3 Trump uses interview to attack Sir Keir for not helping attack Iran, saying he is 'not Churchill'. The PM responds by saying his Government 'does not believe in regime change from the skies'. France says it will send frigates and the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group to Cyprus after appeal from the country's president, who also asked Germany for help. Greece also sends two warships. Stung into action, the UK announces HMS Dragon will also be sent from Portsmouth. March 4 Sir Keir says Trump lacks a 'viable, thought-through plan' for the Iran war, during PMQs. Questions are raised about the state of the Royal Navy after it emerges that HMS Dragon will not be ready to set sail for Cyprus until next week. The first Government rescue flight from Muscat is due to take off but it is grounded by a technical issue at the airport in Oman. March 5 Sir Keir insists the UK-US special relationship is 'in operation right now' but admits he has not spoken to Trump since the first day of the conflict. Spain, Italy and the Netherlands all agree to send ships to protect Cyprus. It is revealed the 'minimal damage' done to Akrotiri was a strike on a hanger used by the USAF's U2 spy planes. The Government's rescue flight finally takes off from Oman. Ed Miliband - nicknamed 'Red Ed' - Rachel Reeves and Yvette Cooper are said to have urged Sir Keir to shun the US assault on Iran, pointing to the domestic political situation. Security sources said Mr Miliband took a 'petulant, pacifist, legalistic and very political approach' at a meeting of the National Security Council last Friday the day before the US attack began, and just hours after Labour suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Greens in the Gorton and Denton by-election. He and Ms Reeves are said to have 'made it quite difficult for the Prime Minister', while Ms Cooper adopted the 'cautious approach of the Foreign Office'. Mr Trump was incensed by Sir Keir's initial refusal to let the US use UK bases for the joint attacks with Israel - with the Transatlantic wrangling said to have been going on for weeks. That was later partially walked back by the PM under huge pressure, with 'defensive' actions permitted. There had been warnings that the US could simply use the bases anyway and dare Britain to stop them. Mr Trump condemned the premier as 'disappointing' and 'no Churchill' on Tuesday, as the situation became more personal. But at PMQs yesterday Sir Keir accused Mr Trump of lacking a 'viable, thought-through plan'. He said letting the US use UK bases to shoot down drones 'is the special relationship in action' but 'hanging on to President Trump's latest words is not'. Labour MP John McDonnell told ITV's Peston last night that he was not surprised Sir Keir rejected the request from the US. 'I don't think he had a choice then... we'd just lost a by-election, crushed in a by-election, we've got elections coming up in May in local government,' the former frontbencher said. 'I'm not sure whether he would have survived as PM if he'd gone along with Trump automatically.' According to the revelations from the Spectator, the national security discussion came down to the legality of the proposed action and whether 'a positive relationship with the US was a good thing right now for the party'. The PM is said to have been on the receiving end of several 'very angry' phone calls from Mr Trump over the use of Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire to mount bombing raids. However, sources suggested that legal objections were conveyed to the US days before the final decision. A Downing Street spokesman said: 'We never comment on the content of National Security Council meetings. 'The decision had the full support of the Cabinet, including all the members of the National Security Council.' Mr Trump has not denied calling Sir Keir a 'loser' as he continues to fume at the Prime Minister for failing to back his military action against Iran. The US President is furious at Sir Keir for his refusal to allow American jets to launch offensive strikes on Tehran from British bases. In an interview with the New York Post, Mr Trump issued a fresh blast at the PM by saying the UK had been 'very disappointing'. Asked about explosive claims he had called Sir Keir a 'loser' in private conversations, the US President did not deny the reports. 'Well, he's not Winston Churchill, let me put it that way,' Mr Trump replied, as he repeated an attack on the PM he also made earlier in the week. He said he was 'very surprised' at Sir Keir and 'very disappointed', adding: 'I get along with him fine. But he sometimes doesn't do things that he should be doing.' Photos released by Sri Lankan authorities show the moment survivors from a warship torpedoed by the US are rescued, just one day before another Iranian naval crew had to be saved after its engine failed. The Indian navy said it had initiated search and rescue operations on Wednesday after receiving a distress signal from the IRIS Dena, deploying two aircraft along with a sailing training vessel. Footage showed a huge explosion beneath the Dena's stern, followed by haunting images of it sinking, after a torpedo launched from an American submarine struck it. By the time the response was launched, the Sri Lankan navy had already started its own rescue efforts, it said. The Sri Lankan navy rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 bodies after the attack, with images and videos showing injured crew members being transported to hospital. This came just one day before more than 200 sailors from an Iranian vessel were rescued by Sri Lanka after the ship's engine failed. The Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the country took control of the IRIS Bushehr after it sought assistance while anchored outside the country's waters. Navy spokesman Cmdr Buddhika Sampath said the sailors of the IRIS Bushehr were being brought first to the port of Colombo, with the ship later being moved to an eastern port on the island. Sri Lanka Navy personnel assist Iranian sailors during a rescue operation after responding to a distress call from their vessel Sri Lankan Navy sailors take one of the injured Iranian sailors from the IRIS Dena warship to hospital Healthcare workers carry the bodies of Iranian sailors who died in a US torpedo attack on their frigate IRIS Dena 'The disembarkation is in progress,' he said, adding the sailors would be taken to the naval base at Welisara, about 12 miles north of Colombo, after medical examinations and immigration procedures. The IRIS Bushehr had been described in previous Iranian media reports as a navy logistics ship that also had a helicopter pad on it. The strike on IRIS Dena marked one of the rare instances since the Second World War in which a submarine sank a surface warship, highlighting the expanding scope of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The Dena had participated in naval exercises hosted by India before heading into international waters on its way home. At least 74 countries had joined the events, according to India's defence ministry, including the US navy, which conducted reconnaissance aircraft and maritime patrol drills. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the Dena had been carrying 'almost 130' crew. The normal crew size for a warship of that class is 140. Araghchi called the sinking an 'atrocity at sea' and said the US would 'bitterly regret' the attack. Sri Lankan president Dissanayake told journalists on Thursday night: 'We have to understand that this is not an ordinary situation. It's a request by a ship belonging to one party to enter into our port. We have to consider that according to the international treaties and conventions.' Separately on Friday, he wrote on X: 'No civilian should die in wars. Our approach is that every single life is as precious as our own.' Sri Lankas foreign minister Vijitha Herath also took to X, saying he had spoken to Araghchi and 'expressed grave concern over the escalation of hostilities.' Iran has strong economic and political ties with Sri Lanka, with the South Asian country buying $250 million in crude oil shipments from Iran. Herath said that ties with Iran had 'broadened significantly' under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on Saturday. Sri Lanka, however, remains neutral in the current conflict. Speaking to the Daily Mail, former Royal Navy chief Lord West said the ship's sinking transformed what had been a regional conflict into a 'global war'. 'It makes the situation rather tricky, as some will say this was outside the Area of Operations,' West said. 'While it is a horrible event, it is acceptable as the US is at war with Iran. Nobody declares war these days but that's where we're at. 'This is now a global war. There would be nothing wrong with Iran attacking US targets anywhere. The toys have been thrown out of the cot. We are fighting a war.' A video released by the US Department of Defense on March 4, 2026, shows what they say is footage of a US Navy submarine firing on and sinking an Iranian warship The IRIS Dena (pictured) was sunk by a US submarine on Wednesday Sri Lanka is one of the latest countries to be dragged into the expanding conflict, as the war in the Middle East rages on. Iran continued its attack on the Gulf overnight after the Islamic Republic vowed the US would 'bitterly regret' torpedoing its warship. On Friday, Iran fired missile and drone attacks into Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host US forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Qatar's Defence Ministry reported it intercepted a drone attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of US Central Command. A spokesperson for Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defence said it had intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles fired early on Friday toward Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh, which hosts U.S. forces. Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, where the Interior Ministry said Iranian strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building. It said there were no casualties. In Lebanon, where the war has intensified fighting between Israel and Iran-allied Hezbollah militants, Israel launched a series of airstrikes late on Thursday and into Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut and other areas. Speaking at a press conference in Tampa, the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warned that strikes on Iran will 'surge dramatically', saying: 'We have only just begun to fight and fight decisively. If you think you've seen something, just wait.' He added: 'Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation. Our munitions are full up and our will is ironclad.' 'The amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically.' The US military said early on Friday that it struck an Iranian drone carrier, setting it ablaze. The US military's Central Command released black-and-white footage of the burning carrier. The Iranian military did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, is a converted container ship with a 180 metre runway for drones. The vessel can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports, reports said at the time of its 2005 inauguration. The conflict has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six US troops have been killed. Unverified social media footage claims to show the moment a Kuwaiti jet mistakenly shot down an American F-15 plane in a friendly fire blunder, with at least two pilots seen parachuting to safety. An F/A 18 pilot from Kuwait is alleged to have launched three missiles against three separate American planes, according to sources familiar with initial reports of the incident. All six airmen were forced to eject to safety after their F-15E Strike Eagles were mistaken for Iranian jets on Monday morning, the US Central Command reported. Newly released footage purports to show an American F-15 going up in flames midair after being struck as it starts to plunge towards the ground rapidly. A trail of white smoke billows from the aircraft as two pilots eject from the jet, while the aircraft spirals out of control. As the jet goes down, the Kuwaiti F/A 18 plane can be seen in footage flying overhead. The pilots are shown in the sky, as they drift downward on their parachutes. The unverified video comes after footage had earlier emerged showing the $90million planes spiralling out of control as they crashed to the ground. Unverified social media footage appears to show the moment a Kuwaiti jet mistakenly shot down an American F-15 plane in a friendly fire blunder on Monday A trail of white smoke billows from the aircraft after it was shot down by a Kuwaiti jet US CENTCOM said all six crew members who ejected safely were recovered, evacuated and transferred to hospitals for health checks. Kuwait's Ministry of Defence said it was coordinating with the US regarding the 'circumstances of the incident' and would investigate. A spokesman for Kuwait's defence ministry said Monday: 'Several US warplanes crashed this morning. Confirming that all crew members survived. 'Authorities immediately initiated search and rescue operations, evacuating the crews and transporting them to a hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. Their condition is stable.' Separate footage posted to social media showed the astonishing moment an American pilot, who parachuted out of his fighter jet shot down over Kuwait, was mistaken for an Iranian soldier. A group of local men were shown approaching the pilot and shouting while one of them brandished a metal pipe. The pilot was heard repeating: 'Back up. Stop!' as the men moved closer and closer, appearing to think the airman was Iranian. The tense situation was defused once the pilot finally told the locals he was American, after which they retreated and left him alone. The pilot was aboard one of the three US jets that were mistakenly shot down over Kuwait on Monday. Two pilots are seen as they eject from the jet, while the aircraft spirals out of control The pilots can be seen in the sky as they drift downward on their parachutes As the aircraft goes down, a Kuwaiti F/A 18 plane can be seen flying overhead The viral video followed another, more friendly interaction between another ejected pilot and locals in Kuwait. Footage on social media showed an unnamed female pilot beaming ear-to-ear despite being shot out of the sky moments before in a friendly fire mishap. 'You need something to help you?' the man recording could be heard asking the pilot as he approached her. It comes as the war in the Middle East continued to intensify on Friday, with Israeli strikes pounding the capitals of Iran and Lebanon, as the US apparently struck an Iranian drone carrier at sea in its unrelenting campaign against the Islamic Republic's fleet of warships. Iran launched new retaliatory attacks in the Middle East at the end of a full week of bombardment, in a conflict that began with the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. Israel's military said Friday morning it had begun 'a broad-scale wave of strikes' on Tehran, Iran's capital. Witnesses described the Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases. Separate footage shows a US airman who parachuted out of his jet can be seen backing up after he was mistaken for an Iranian pilot by Kuwaiti locals Footage on social media shows a group of men approaching the pilot and shouting, while one of them brandishes a metal pipe A separate clip showed an unknown female pilot as she beamed from ear-to-ear despite being shot out of the sky moments before in a friendly fire mishap The Israeli military said strikes have already destroyed most of Iran's air defences and missile launchers. The war has escalated to affect countries across the Middle East and beyond. Early Friday, Iran fired missile and drone attacks into Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host US forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The US and Israel have battered Iran with nationwide strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear programme. In addition to Israel, Irans attacks have targeted its Arab neighbours, disrupted oil supplies and snarled global air travel. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six US troops have been killed. Migrants fleeing war in Iran have arrived in France to cross the Channel to the UK - and say many more will be following them. Aspiring asylum seekers have been gathering at camps near Calais and Dunkirk following air strikes led by the US and Israel on their homeland - and now aim to board small boats to Britain. Dozens of people are said to have arrived in vans at the Loon-Plage migrant camp in Dunkirk after travelling from Iran via Turkey. The European Union's asylum agency has warned that conflict in Iran could produce an influx of migrants of an 'unprecedented magnitude'. The new wave of Iranian refugees follows not only the latest military onslaughts but also the 12-day war launched by Israel last June and the Iranian regime's violent crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators this year. The busiest day for small boat arrivals this year was on February 26, with 605 reported as coming over by the Home Office. Another 275 made the journey on Wednesday this week, taking this year's tally of migrant crossings to 2,688 people in 42 boats. A total of 41,472 migrants arrived in the UK in 2025 after crossing the English Channel, the second highest annual figure on record and 13 per cent higher than the previous year. A group of people thought to be migrants arrive aboard a Border Force vessel travelling to Ramsgate in Kent on March 6 2026 A Border Force vessel picked up a number of people in an operation on Friday morning Migrants are seen arriving into Ramsgate Harbour in Kent after disembarking from a Border Force boat on March 6 2026 The highest annual amount was 45,774, recorded in 2022. People from Iran made up 11 per cent of last year's crossings. Oxford University's migration observatory has said that Iranians were the most common nationality among asylum seekers to the UK over the past decade. And the EU Agency for Asylum said of Iran in its latest annual report, published on Tuesday: 'With a population of approximately 90million, even partial destabilisation could generate refugee movements of an unprecedented magnitude. 'Displacement of just 10 per cent of Irans population would rival the largest refugee flows of recent decades.' The report was drawn up before the US and Israel began strikes on Iran last Saturday. Among those gathering at the camp in Dunkirk also dubbed 'The Jungle' was 21-year-old Jiletni, from Kermanshah in the Kurdish region of Iran. That city, home to multiple missile bases, has been hit by a series of explosions in recent days. It was previously a focal point for anti-regime demonstrations earlier this year. Join the debate Are YOU concerned about increased illegal immigration due to the Iran conflict? Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Jiletni told the Times of fleeing in the middle of the night with friend Fatah, saying: 'We left because of the constant surveillance. 'This is why we are now seeking safety in the UK.' Another Iranian at the camp, 24-year-old Muhammad, arrived last week from Sardasht in the country's West Azerbaijan province. He said: 'I cannot go home. It has been bombed by Israelis. Also, the regime wants to kill me for my activism. The Iranian people are targets all sides.' Another was quoted as saying: 'There are many more on their way.' The warnings come as Shabana Mahmood faces a backlash from Labour MPs over her latest immigration crackdown - with one even likening it to Donald Trump's ICE. The Home Secretary insisted that her 'firm but fair' plans, which include removing the duty to provide asylum support and making refugee status temporary as well as paying for failed asylum-seeking families to leave, were consistent with her party's values. And she warned that rejecting them would pave the way for the Greens' 'fairytale' of open borders or Reform's 'nightmare' of pulling up the drawbridge. 'If we don't resolve these problems, others with none of our values will be given the chance to do so instead,' she said in a speech at the IPPR think-tank on Thursday. And when asked if the backbench rebellion would lead to yet another U-turn, she insisted: 'I'm very clear that we have a majority of support in the parliamentary Labour party in order to get these reforms passed.' In an interview she also claimed to have 'absolute confidence' that Sir Keir Starmer will stick with her plans, telling Sky News: 'I've discussed these reforms with the Prime Minister at length, not just today or last week, but for months now.' However opposition to her proposals continues to grow with more than 100 Labour MPs signing a letter claiming they undermine the Government's commitment to social cohesion. Tony Vaughan, a Labour MP and barrister at Sir Keir Starmer's old chambers who organised the letter, said: 'We can change our immigration system for the better without forgetting who we are as a Labour party. 'You don't win back public confidence in the asylum system by threatening to forcibly remove refugees who have lived here lawfully for 15 or 20 years. That just breeds insecurity and fractured communities.' Sarah Owen, chairman of the Women and Equalities Committee, wrote on social media: 'Of course we need an immigration system that is both credible and fair but what has been touted by the Home Office satisfies neither criteria. The idea of deporting children mimics Trump's ICE detention of children. 'Moving the goalposts for people who have upped their lives to work in and for our country is unjustifiable. This, and the language it's being delivered with, will only have negative implications on our economy, integration and social cohesion. 'This, at a time when communities are already stretched to breaking point, is the wrong direction politically and morally - as a party and as a country.' Leaked messages from a WhatsApp group for Labour MPs, obtained by The Times, reveal that several refused a request to share an article written by Ms Mahmood for the Guardian. Stella Creasy wrote: 'I look forward to reading the inevitable NAO report and the inevitable Windrush-style scandal that none of us stood on a manifesto to implement.' Abtisam Mohamed said: 'This is anything but compassionate and can we stop selling it as such. Not Labour values at all. 'You should have engaged with us before coming up with such damaging policies.' Chants of 'British bases out' rang out in Cyprus after a drone struck RAF Akrotiri, fuelling anger over the UK's military presence on the island. Demonstrators gathered in Limassol in recent days calling for the removal of British bases after the suspected Iranian-made drone hit the base earlier this week, two days after US-Israeli strikes on Iran began. Video footage circulating online showed protesters holding banners and waving flags during the demonstrations. The attack has heightened tensions in Cyprus, where Britain retains two sovereign base areas, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, dating back to the island's independence in 1960. Sir Keir Starmer has allowed the US to use British bases for defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites, a move that has intensified scrutiny of the UK's role in the widening regional conflict. RAF Akrotiri has long been used as a key British military hub for operations in the Middle East, including missions over Iraq and Libya. The drone strike has now raised fears among some residents that Cyprus could be further exposed as the confrontation between Iran, Israel and the US escalates. The strike caused minimal damage and no casualties were reported. For many on the island, the bases remain politically sensitive, with critics arguing they leave Cyprus entangled in conflicts far beyond its shores. Chants of 'British bases out' rang out in Cyprus after a drone struck RAF Akrotiri, fuelling anger over the UK's military presence on the island Demonstrators gathered in Limassol in recent days calling for the removal of British bases after the suspected Iranian-made drone hit the base earlier this week, two days after US-Israeli strikes on Iran began Nico, a resident and activist with the group Autonomy, Feminism, Ecology and Anti-Capitalism (AFOA), described the bases as 'unsinkable launchpads' that allow the UK to treat the island like an aircraft carrier for military campaigns. Melanie Steliou Nicolaou, an actress and TV presenter who lives near the Akrotiri RAF base, said the UK's response, updating personnel on the base while providing little information to nearby residents, had angered many locals. She said more people had joined campaigns to remove the bases. 'Now that we are being attacked, people are realising that the activists and politicians who have been warning we are in danger might have been right,' she said. According to Nicolaou, dozens of new people, including concerned parents, attended a protest on Monday. She said some people believe the British presence provides security against Turkiye, which occupies the northern third of the island, but disputed that view, arguing the UK had failed to intervene during the events leading to the island's division. Nico added that during the fighting in 1974, locals had sought refuge on the bases, but now the reverse was occurring, with people wanting to evacuate the area out of fear that they would be attacked by drones or missiles. He said that on Monday, when the suspected Iranian drone attack occurred, some people got into their cars, scared and disoriented, and began driving away from areas surrounding the bases. He said there is a strong perception that the government lacks leadership and that nationals are not being properly informed. Many flights in and out of Cyprus have been cancelled, and in a country where tourism accounts for about 14 percent of GDP, the disruption could have a significant economic impact. The UK Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday it was sending a warship and two Wildcat helicopters to help bolster drone defences for Cyprus. A fly-tipping scrap dealer has been warned he faces being jailed if he fails to clear up 600 tonnes of rubbish that he dumped at a beauty spot. Paul Fenton, 61, has been accused of wrecking a wildlife haven and being 'wholly selfish' after he began hoarding waste at his unofficial scrapyard in Flowton, Suffolk. The tip, which has outraged villagers for more than 25 years, is located behind locked gates on a two acre plot, surrounded by rolling fields and historic woodland. Fenton has dumped dozens of Henry vacuum cleaners at the site, as well as a number of red and yellow Cozy Coupe cars and children's tractors and buggies. Local residents are mystified about why he has decided to keep the decaying objects, many of which are now covered in mould. Suffolk County Council has prosecuted Fenton four times in 2001, 2007, 2010 and 2012 over his eyesore dump. He was also given a suspended jail sentence in 2021 for allowing cocaine to be packaged at a drug factory in a shipping container on his land. But despite being repeatedly fined thousands of pounds and made subject to Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, Fenton has failed to clean up his land for the past two decades. An aerial view of Paul Fenton's unauthorised scrapyard in Flowton, Suffolk Fenton (pictured) has dumped dozens of Henry vacuum cleaners at the site, as well as a number of red and yellow Cozy Coupe cars and children's tractors and buggies Pictured: Coupe cars and Henry vacuum cleaners dumped at the site Council chiefs took him to the High Court in November 2024 when a judge made an interim order requiring him to carry out 'lawful arrangements' to remove 'all waste material' within three months, and not use the land for any waste storage in the future. The local authority estimated at the time that there was 300 to 600 tonnes of 'domestic and commercial waste' on his land with 'a real variety of items including caravans, vehicles, car parts, wood, scrap metal, and oil tanks'. But little appears to have changed at the site since then, prompting the council to return to the High Court and seek a permanent order forcing him to clear-up the site. An injunction requiring Fenton to do the work within six months was granted by Deputy Judge David O'Mahony at the hearing on February 19 this year. He was warned that he faces being jailed, fined or having his assets seized for Contempt of Court if he does not comply. The order specifies that he must not deposit any waste on the site in future, such as end-of-life vehicles including cars, caravans, vans and van bodies, scrap metal, household waste, commercial waste, medical waste or personal protective equipment. The ban also covers the dumping of hardcore and construction waste, end-of-life plant equipment, broken electrical gear, wood, plastics, cardboard, white goods, shipping and waste containers, mattresses, boats, packaging, plasterboard, and oils including fuels and lubricants. A mountain of cardboard boxes is pictured flowing down towards an old caravan at the site Fenton, of Hadleigh, who attended the seven-hour hearing and represented himself before leaving halfway through, was also ordered to pay the council's costs in making the application, subject to detailed assessment if not agreed. Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, said after the hearing: 'I hope that the penny finally drops for Mr Fenton, and he now listens to the High Court, with the prospect of a prison sentence hanging over his head. 'His disregard for anyone else has caused upset in the local community, who have had to put up with this illegal dumping site for years. 'His actions will also have caused untold damage to the local environment, which must now stop. 'His ignorant and selfish behaviour will not be tolerated. Suffolk County Council will not back down in bringing him to justice and we will continue to stand up for those living in the area.' Mr Chambers earlier stated: 'We will not stand for the actions of people like Mr Fenton, whose behaviour is wholly selfish with no regard for others. 'Previous successful prosecutions against him have clearly not had any impact, so we had no choice but to take the case to the High Court and seek this injunction. 'His choice not to dispose of waste in a legal manner affects local businesses who make a positive contribution to our economy by paying the appropriate charges and taxes for disposal. 'Mr Fenton's actions have also had a longstanding effect on the local community and environment - impacting rural and residential amenities, access and possible destruction of badger setts.' Suffolk County Council has prosecuted Fenton four times in 2001, 2007, 2010 and 2012 over his eyesore dump A villager added: 'His site is an absolute eyesore and a blot on the landscape. People in the area have bore holes, and there are concerns that the rubbish he dumps could contaminate the water supply. 'It is a mystery why he is so fond of Cozy Coupe cars and Henry vacuum cleaners. The place is like a graveyard for them. Maybe he likes the smiley faces on the cleaners.' Fenton was last fined 5,000 and ordered to pay 3,712 in costs at Ipswich Crown Court in April 2013 after he admitted five offences of breaching an enforcement notice and five offences of contravening a stop notice in relation to the pit. He was also made the subject of an ASBO for five years after the court heard at an earlier hearing how the council had issued notices in 2000 requiring him and his former wife Susan Fenton to stop dumping waste material on the land. Fenton appeared in court for breaching the orders in 2001 and 2007 before being fined and ordered to pay costs of 35,000, and getting his first ASBO after admitting 10 offences in 2010. The hearing in 2013 was told how a council monitoring and enforcement officer found piles of brick and concrete rubble and a tipper truck at his site. Fenton told the court at the time that he had not run a business in the UK since 2010 and had been trying to sell his land while living in Bulgaria. Ipswich Crown Court heard in August 2021 how a shipping container in his yard was used as a makeshift factory for the cutting and packaging of cocaine. Christopher Southart, 35, of Harwich, Essex, who was found on the site with packages of the Class A drug worth up to 25,000 admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and was jailed for 98 months. Kevin Parr, 60, of Harwich was found guilty of the same charge after a trial and admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply. He was jailed for 54 months. Fenton admitted permitting premises to be used for the production of class A drugs, and was given a 24-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months, and ordered to do 150 hours unpaid work. Net-a-Porter staff will vote on taking strike action after accusing bosses of going back on their pledge to pay them the London Living Wage. The luxury online retailer, which sells bag for 9,000, dresses for 14,000 and jewellery for up to 158,000, promised in 2021 to pay staff around 14.80 an hour, according to the GMB Union. But the online business has offered workers significantly less. Under current proposals the lowest paid staff will receive 14.41 per hour - 39p under the London Living Wage's hourly rate, the union says. More than 100 workers at the luxury retailer's warehouse in Charlton, south-east London, will now vote on whether to walk out on strike over pay. Net-a-Porter has been accused of reneging on a promise to pay its staff the London Living Wage, which is currently 14.80 an hour The Charlton depot close to the Thames Barrier is a key distribution hub for Net-a-Porter, where staff roles include pickers and packers for the firm. Craig Prickett, GMB Regional Organiser, said: 'For a luxury fashion brand serving wealthy customers around the world, it is simply unacceptable that the people doing the work are struggling to make ends meet in London. 'Workers are already dealing with rising costs and increasing workloads following the recent restructuring. 'Instead of recognising their contribution, the company has offered a pay proposal that keeps wages well below what is needed to live in London. 'GMB members do not want to take strike action, but they deserve fairness, respect and a wage that reflects the cost of their lives in the capital.' Meanwhile the designer store just completed a redundancy process in which many workers who volunteered to leave were refused because they were considered 'too valuable' to the business, GMB claimed. Net-a-Porter is owned by LuxExperience, the Germany-based operator of a number of virtual online luxury fashion department stores. It also owns the Mr Porter and Yoox brands. LuxExperience said last month that it hopes to hit 3.4billion (4bn) in annual net sales by 2030. A spokesman said of the strike threat: 'LuxExperience confirms that we remain engaged in a constructive and ongoing dialogue with our employees and their union representatives. 'Our fundamental priority is to ensure we operate as a fair employer, providing a comprehensive remuneration package. 'While no final decisions have been reached regarding the ongoing vote, we are fully committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to reach a positive, sustainable resolution for our teams and the company'. Speculation has been growing surrounding the fate of IRGC commander Esmail Qaani, with some unconfirmed reports alleging the general was executed by Iran for spying for Israel. The reports circulating in Arab media that Qaani was arrested and possibly executed on suspicion of espionage have not been confirmed by Tehran. According to the Emirati outlet The National, the claims remain unverified, but they have spread widely online amid speculation surrounding Qaani's remarkable ability to survive a string of deadly attacks. The reports come after years of rumours surrounding the 67-year-old commander, known as 'the man with nine lives', who has gained a reputation for repeatedly escaping attacks that killed those around him. Qaani took command of the IRGC's Quds Force in January 2020 after the United States assassinated his predecessor, Qassem Suleimani. The Quds Force is Iran's foreign operations arm responsible for building, arming and coordinating the 'Axis of Resistance' across the Middle East. During his time in charge, many of the most prominent figures within that network have been killed. These include Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was was killed in an Israeli strike in Lebanon, and Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (L) pictured next to Esmail Qaani (R) in 2020 Destroyed buildings at the compound of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran after joint US-Israeli air strikes According to online rumours, he may have provided information that enabled the operation that eliminated Haniyeh. It is said that shortly after Qaani visited Haniyeh at a top-secret location in Tehran, Israel blew up the hideout. Dozens of other senior Iranian commanders have also been eliminated in attacks across the region. And most recently, a joint US-Israeli operation killed Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several senior regime figures. Qaani, who was responsible for managing Irans regional proxy network during the escalating conflict, was notably not reported to be among those killed. Suspicion has now grown because he was allegedly close to several of the strikes that wiped out Irans leadership. Some reports claim he left the site of the explosion that killed Khamenei just minutes before it struck, leading some to believe he was leaking information to Israel. Speculation has been further fueled after it was said that an insider agent recruited by Mossad reportedly sent a video of Khamenei's body to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel had previously published a list of Iranian and Iran-linked officials it intended to eliminate. Last weekend that list was announced as 'complete,' with Qaani's name notably absent. Over the past two years, several reports relying on unnamed security sources have suggested Qaani was close to attending multiple meetings or locations that were later targeted in deadly strikes, according to The National. During the 12 day Iran-Israel war, he was even declared dead by several outlets before unexpectedly reappearing in Tehran at a public celebration in June 2025, dressed in civilian clothing. Similarly in October 2024, he was declared dead, then apparently interrogated, before resurfacing again on Iranian TV. After Israels penetration of Hezbollahs leadership structure, Iran reportedly launched a formal investigation into possible security breaches. Outlets in the region citing unnamed sources said that because of this, Qaani and members of his team were placed under isolation and interrogated. Qaani may have provided information that enabled the operation that eliminated Haniyeh (pictured) Now, reports claim he was executed, with one social media account saying: 'Esmail Qaani, head of Irans Quds Force has been executed by IRGC.' 'He has survived all assassination attempts so far & was even with Khamenei during US-Israel bombing but escaped. 'Earlier, he was taken into custody by the IRGC on suspicion of being a Mossad agent.' Tehran has reportedly denied these rumours, according to Israeli news website JFeed. The speculation comes as Iran is looking to appoint a new Supreme Leader, with Khamenei's son Mojtaba positioned as a favourite. Mojtaba has survived US-Israeli airstrikes that wiped out his father and dozens of the Islamic regime's top brass. He is a hardliner with close ties to Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards paramilitary force and one of the most influential figures in the clerical establishment. However, US President Donald Trump has rejected Khamenei's son as a potential successor, demanding the final say on who leads Iran. 'They are wasting their time. Khamenei's son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela,' Trump told Axios. '[Ali] Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,' Trump said, adding that the US would be back in a war within five years if the heir accedes as Iran's Supreme Leader. Trump's extraordinary kingmaker role comes despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that the administration had no 'regime change' goal. The White House has been at pains to clean up its messy messaging in recent days, with Karoline Leavitt outlining four defined goals: destroy its missile arsenal, annihilate its navy, permanently prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and dismantle its terrorist proxies. UK forces carrying out strikes on Iranian missile sites would be legal, David Lammy insisted today. The Deputy PM fuelled speculation that the RAF could step up involvement in the US-Israeli operation - despite initially barring the use of UK bases. Mr Lammy also blundered by wrongly stating that Cyprus, where a crucial military site is located, is a member of Nato. The comments came after Defence Secretary John Healey refused to rule out direct attacks, saying the government was willing to 'adapt' to circumstances on the ground. Keir Starmer has ruled out joining 'offensive' action despite facing the public wrath of Donald Trump - who has dismissed him as 'no Churchill'. But the UK is already letting the US use British bases for 'defensive' strikes against missile facilities in Iran. And allies have been heaping pressure on Sir Keir to take a more active role. Deputy PM David Lammy fuelled speculation that the RAF could step up involvement in the US-Israeli operation - despite initially barring the use of UK bases The comments came after Defence Secretary John Healey refused to rule out direct attacks, saying the government was willing to 'adapt' to circumstances on the ground Mr Lammy told BBC Breakfast: 'It is entirely legal to protect our people and protect our staff, and therefore all operational capability is available to us in those circumstances.' He said the UK had the satellite and intelligence capability to identify Iranian sites. Asked if the UK could fire at an Iranian base in anticipation of it launching an attack, he said: 'It is my understanding that that would be legal.' The UK has been heavily criticised by allies over its 'weak' response to the crisis. Critics say the country has been 'humiliated' by the failure to protect the crucial RAF Akrotiri base on Cyprus, which has been targeted with Iranian drones. Air defence destroyer HMS Dragon is not expected to sail to the eastern Mediterranean until next week - leaving the UK relying on French, Spanish and Greek vessels to provide cover. Asked if he was embarrassed by the situation, Mr Lammy told Sky News: 'Absolutely not we have F-35s, Typhoons in the sky taking down missiles as we speak and that has happened over Jordan, it's happened over Qatar and of course, we will support nationals in the region.' The former Foreign Secretary added: 'It's also right to say that we co-ordinate with allies, the French, the Germans. 'Cyprus is a Nato ally, so we co-ordinate also with other teams and other close allies on how we equip the area. 'HMS Dragon will be in the region in the coming weeks to further bolster and further support our air defences.' Cyprus is not a member of Nato. Kemi Badenoch said she would support RAF jets striking Iranian missile launch sites. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, she said: 'That is the right thing to do. Otherwise, we are allowing our service personnel to be put in danger. We have to think about them.' Join the debate Should Britain take stronger military action to defend its bases and allies? Donald Trump has not denied calling Sir Keir Starmer a 'loser' as he continues to fume at the Prime Minister for failing to back his military action against Iran Ms Badenoch added: 'If this was a nuclear attack, God forbid, it would be too late. 'You can't always wait for people to attack you. Sometimes you have to make sure that you get there first to stop their ability to hurt your citizens.' She said she would like to see a 'de-escalation', but said: 'We are in this war whether we like it or not because we have put bases in other people's countries and we need to protect them. 'And what I'm worried about is that our Government looks afraid to do anything and just wants to sort of make it go away, and we need to be stronger than that.' Keir Starmer has been mercilessly mocked on social media for 'copying Trump' with an 'embarrassing' TikTok video about the Iran conflict. The clip, set to the guitar riff of Dire Straits hit 'Money for Nothing', opens with footage of Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters flying over the Labour leader's head. 'Our number one priority is protecting our people' Sir Keir is heard narrating, with the word 'our' sounding strangely elongated. As more high-octane footage flashes up of F-35 jets on sorties, the Prime Minister continues speaking - although his voice is at times barely audible over the music. Another clip flashes up of a F-35 shooting down a drone this week, before the video cuts to an RAF Typhoon in Akrotiri. TikTok users immediately criticised the clip, with some asking whether it was a 'joke' given its poor production quality. 'Thinks he's Trump,' quipped one user, in a reference to the dramatic and often bizarre TikTok videos pumped out by the White House account - such as videos of American bombing to the tune of Macarena. One X user mocked the Prime Minister's Downing Street video team, joking: 'Can you add more helicopters?' as choppers appear copyandpasted on top of the Prime Minister's head. Two other commenters piled on, with one saying the 'editing is almost as bad as our foreign policy,' and another posting 'graphic design is my passion' alongside a screenshot highlighting the editing flaw. The clip, set to the guitar riff of Dire Straits hit 'Money for Nothing', opens with footage of Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters flying over the Labour leader's head Others asked if it was a good time for Sir Keir to boast about his military leadership when Britain had to depend on Greek, Spanish, French and Italian vessels to intercept drones heading to Akrotiri due to delays with dispatching a Royal Navy warship. Keir Starmer finally ordered the deployment of HMS Dragon on Tuesday, but it might not arrive for a fortnight due to repairs. 'Maggie had a fleet on the way to the Falklands THREE days after they were invaded,' a TikTok user posted under his video. 'Keir is still getting one ship welded so it might go next week.' Sir Keir has been branded delusional after insisting he has a grip on the Middle East crisis. At an emergency press conference last night, the Prime Minister claimed he was delivering 'calm, level-headed leadership'. But his relationship with Britain's most important ally hit a new low as Donald Trump branded him a 'loser'. Sir Keir urged Mr Trump to 'de-escalate' the crisis and negotiate with what is left of Iran's leadership. But the PM admitted that, despite the global crisis, he had not spoken to the US President for almost a week following their spectacular falling-out. In the latest farcical scenes, the UK failed to get its first evacuation flight from Oman off the ground, despite other countries having no such problems. The Prime Minister has been accused of letting the Iran crisis slip out of his control Footage of an RAF Typhoon taking off from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel said Sir Keir was in denial, adding: 'Never in the history of our great nation has a Government been so feeble at a time when our people and allies are under assault. 'Britain's weak Prime Minister has failed in his duty to stand up for Britain's place in the world, failed to work with our allies, failed to promote our interests in the region, and failed to provide the leadership needed to protect our military personal, our bases, and British nationals.' Sir Keir was stung into a public defence of his actions following days of criticism. At a hastily arranged press conference, he accused President Trump of plunging the Middle East 'into chaos'. He defended his decision to avoid taking any 'offensive' action against Tehran even after British bases were targeted. Sir Keir suggested that the fallout from the conflict could go on for months, with potentially huge impacts on energy bills and the cost of living and the possibility of a new refugee crisis. He acknowledged that relatives of the tens of thousands of British citizens trapped in the war zone were 'worried sick' but said a mass evacuation 'is not going to happen overnight'. He added: 'I want you to know that your Government is resolute in our response, at home and abroad. Lionel Messi presents Mr Trump with a trophy during an event honoring the Argentine's team Inter Miami CF The White House regularly pumps out dramatic and often bizarre videos of its military actions, including clips of American bombing to the tune of Macarena 'We will do everything we can to protect British lives, uphold British values and safeguard the national interest.' Sir Keir did not deny reports suggesting that he had wanted to allow US jets to fly 'defensive' missions from British bases from the outset, but was blocked by Ed Miliband and other senior ministers who questioned whether having a positive relationship with the US was 'a good thing right now for the Labour Party'. Asked whether Mr Miliband was now in charge of foreign policy, the PM's spokesman said: 'Clearly the PM and Foreign Secretary have been key players in decision-making around this, along with key members of the Cabinet, as you would expect.' Labour's former shadow chancellor John McDonnell suggested Sir Keir would have been forced out if he had allowed Britain to be dragged into the war. Kemi Badenoch said it was 'shocking' that party political considerations appeared to have played a part in determining the Government's response to the US's request. She said the RAF should join bombing raids aimed at taking out Iran's ballistic missile launchers, telling the BBC: 'Sometimes the best way to de-escalate a situation is to try and finish it quickly, rather than let it drag out because you don't want to get involved. 'Once our bases had been attacked, we became part of this, whether we liked it or not.' A British banking executive accused of stabbing a teenager to death with a broken bottle in Portugal has insisted that he was defending his friend. Daniel Dunbar has gone on trial in Lisbon over the horrific murder of 19-year-old Daniel Galhanas nearly 10 months after losing his battle against extradition from Britain. Dunbar, who was arrested in the UK in June after a two-year-long manhunt, stands accused of stabbing the teenager with a broken glass bottle after a fight broke out in the trendy Bairro Alto neighbourhood in October 2023. Video footage captured the deadly brawl, with one man seen launching a bottle at Galhanas' friend before stabbing him, running off as the teen stumbles and collapses in a pool of blood on the cobbled streets. Dunbar, who took the stand on Thursday, said he got involved in the violent altercation after a gang of Portuguese men began attacking someone on the street, prompting him and his friends to intervene. Addressing the court, the Brit, who faces a potential life sentence if convicted, said: 'We saw a group assaulting another person as we were walking down the street and asked them to stop. 'They began to chase after us, saying they were going to stab us, and we threw bottles at them.' 'When a friend of ours looked at them and offered them a handshake so they'd stop, he was hit by a bottle, and I panicked and ran to defend him.' Denying prosecution claims he was hiding the broken bottle in his hand at the time, he added: 'I just remember the sound of the broken bottle, it was all very confusing.' British bank executive Daniel Dunbar (pictured) is accused of killing Daniel Galhanas in 2023 Daniel Galhanas (pictured) was 19 when he was killed with a broken glass bottle on the streets of Lisbon Footage captured the horrific moment the Portuguese teenager was fatally stabbed in the neck He also admitted making a mistake by fleeing Portugal for Britain the day after the incident, after seeing the horrific video of the attack. 'I saw the video the day afterwards and realised someone had died. 'I should have gone to the police instead of leaving the country, but I was immature, I didn't trust the police, and I was afraid of being imprisoned.' Shortly before his extradition, it emerged Dunbar, from Sidcup, Kent, had been working in the Investor Management Department at the Royal Bank of Canada in a role 'centred on legal compliance.' Local reports at the time of the killing said the murder victim was fatally stabbed in the neck while trying to defend a friend who was part of a gang of muggers. Family members have denied that Galhanas was involved with the gang and said he was only trying to help his pal when he was attacked. The seven-page prosecution indictment, partly read out on the opening day of Dunbar's trial, said the Brit and a group of seven other holidaymaker friends got involved in a heated exchange of words with the group Galhanas was with after seeing them 'kicking and punching' a man named as Duarte Pereira Paz. The public prosecutors alleged in the indictment that one of the Portuguese group ran away after striking a pal of Dunbar's in the head with a bottle. The written document adds: 'Seeing this assault, the accused man armed himself with the neck of a broken bottle he hid in his left hand, approached Daniel Filipe Lopes da Conceicao Galhanas and with the weapon, struck him on the right side of the neck in an action which made him fall to the ground as he bled to death. 'Afterwards, and with his friends, he fled the scene.' Revealing the victim suffered fatal injuries to his carotid artery and a jugular vein and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at Lisbon's Sao Joao Hospital, it added: 'The accused man acted to deliver the blow he did, in an area of the body of the victim where he knew there were large-calibre veins and arteries, like the jugular vein and carotid artery which would cause injuries that could lead to his death.' 'He did so knowing the broken bottle had sharp edges and was therefore an ideal weapon to achieve the desired result.' Prosecutors said in the indictment that Dunbar acted 'deliberately and consciously' and claimed that he and his friends bought new return tickets to the UK after the street killing so they could return earlier than planned, and left from Faro Airport instead of Lisbon Airport to 'prevent police locating them.' An online petition demanding 'justice for Daniel Galhanas' addressed to Portugal's then-president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Britain's Ambassador to Portugal, said: 'On 14 October 2023, at around 4am our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend Daniel Filipe Lopes da Conceicao Galhanas, only 19 years old, after a night out with friends celebrating one of their birthdays at a bar in Bairro Alto in Lisbon, was on his way home, accompanied only by a friend.' 'They both came across what they thought was a fight, and finding themselves surrounded by those involved, Daniel, in an attempt to defend the girl who was with him and calm the situation, opened his arms as if asking for calm while repeating 'STOP, STOP' in English to the person wielding a broken bottle as a weapon. 'And it was at that precise moment that Daniel became the aggressor's target, who stabbed him in the throat with the bottle. 'Fully aware of what he had done and without even stopping for a minute to help, the attacker, a British national, fled immediately and in less than three hours was at Lisbon airport boarding a flight to his country of origin.' It added: 'Daniel was an honest, responsible young man and a friend to EVERYONE, who always acted in the name of PEACE... 'He had finished his studies and got his first job at the Public Security Police workshops and was therefore very happy and proud. 'In his own words, he was finally going to 'be able to help his mother...'! 'Such was his sense of responsibility and gratitude towards his family and for everything they had always done for him. 'Now there is a whole family torn apart, trying to survive an immeasurable grief, a father and mother trying to survive, driven by their responsibility towards their youngest son and their anxiety to see justice done.' The accusation warrant submitted before Dunbar's extradition said the maximum jail sentence for the homicide charge the Brit is being tried on ranges from 12 years to a 25-year life term. At the time of his arrest in the UK, Dunbar was said to have worked in a role 'centred on legal compliance' for the 'Investor Management Department at the Royal Bank of Canada.' Companies House records show the city whiz kid previously ran his own company called Dunbar Eight Limited, when he described himself as a financial advisor. Dunbar contested extradition, claiming that he was suffering from PTSD, was a suicide risk and was mentally unstable after suffering a series of injuries while playing rugby. District Judge David Robinson, who ruled the British national should be extradited in March last year, said in his judgment, referring to him as RP while he was still being held on remand in prison in the UK: 'Immediately prior to the RP's arrest, he was living independently and working in a responsible position for a bank. 'In my judgment, the circumstances do not come close to being such that the requested person's extradition would be oppressive on account of his mental condition. 'On arrival in prison, the RP was assessed to be mentally stable. 'Plainly being accused of murder, remanded in custody and facing extradition to Portugal has caused the RP to experience stress and hardship. 'His extradition will no doubt cause further such stress and hardship. 'However, the current state of his mental health is that his depressive episode is likely of moderate intensity, and the RP is not taking any medication in respect of it. 'I am satisfied that the RP's extradition would not be disproportionate.' Dunbar's trial is due to resume next week and is scheduled to finish in the second week of next month. A Bangladeshi who entered the UK illegally nearly 30 years ago has now won a reprieve from deportation and will be able to challenge a removal decision again. Munna Miah entered the UK clandestinely in 1998 having left his home country, claiming he was afraid of being persecuted. The Bangladeshi national, who is married, said the first time he encountered the UK authorities was in 2010 when he was arrested. His formal application for leave to remain in Britain began in 2012 - but it has still not been resolved 14 years later and Mr Miah continues to live in the UK. Mr Miah, who said he was a member of the Bangladesh National Party, initially lost his case at the British asylum court but an Upper Tier Tribunal judge has overruled that decision and decided that his case needs to be heard again. Despite claiming to have entered the UK in 1998, the Home Office stated that he entered Britain in 2010, when he was first arrested by police. After his release, he failed to report to authorities and was listed as an absconder. In October 2012, he applied for leave to remain in the UK on human rights grounds - but this was refused in May 2013. A Bangladeshi who entered the UK illegally nearly 30 years ago has now won a reprieve from deportation at the Upper Tier Tribunal (pictured) He then claimed asylum in September 2017 but the Home Office refused this in 2019 - as they rejected his claims that he was a member of the Bangladesh National Party and he had been persecuted in his home country. The Bangladesh National Party is a right-wing party that is the main opposition in the South Asian country. He also claimed that he would be at risk at home and that he qualified for leave to remain in the UK as he had been here for over 20 years. Mr Miah brought a further claim to the First Tier Tribunal of the Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber in April 2025. Evidence was heard from him, his wife, family members and other political colleagues and friends. The tribunal accepted that there were difficulties with obtaining documents because of the 'hostile environment' in the UK. However his claim was dismissed on human rights grounds - yet Mr Miah appealed again. He claimed that errors had been made in how the evidence was treated and an Upper Tier Tribunal judge has concurred with him, meaning that another hearing will take place. Deputy Upper Tribunal Judge Ravinder Bagral: While the First Tier Tribunal was correct in stating that [Mr Miah's] case did not concern dishonesty, the Court of Appeal made clear in its judgement that the rule is not restricted to such cases. There is no dispute the evidence of the witnesses was not challenged on the basis that the witnesses were either mistaken, unreliable or dishonest. Whilst I acknowledge the submission that the First Tier Tribunal gave some reasons for rejecting the evidence of [Mr Miah] and his uncle, the overarching tenure of the reasoning is that the evidence of the witnesses was vague, superficial, and lacking in detail. These are conclusionary statements and do not explain adequately to the reader why that conclusion was reached. The decision involved the making of one or more material errors of law. The decision is set aside. An Afghan asylum seeker will not be deported after he was sentenced for stalking a schoolgirl for sexual pleasure, a court has heard. Sabjan Burkazi, 30, was jailed for 40 months this week at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after becoming obsessed with the underage girl and performing a sex act in front of her. He was also found to be in possession of indecent images of children. But the court heard the pervert, who was born in Afghanistan and worked in the military supporting Western governments, is not expected to be deported. His asylum application in the UK has already been refused and an appeal against the refusal is currently pending, Stoke-on-Trent Live reported. Passing sentence, Judge Graeme Smith told him: You are in principle liable to automatic deportation at that point. But there are exceptions to that principle and the understanding of the police is that you will not be deported. Burkzai arrived in the UK after the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan, claiming his life was now endangered. During a campaign of stalking, he was said to have removed his trousers in front of his child victim and attempted to grab her one evening as she walked through an alleyway, the court heard. Sabjan Burkazi, 30, was jailed for 40 months this week at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court after becoming obsessed with the underage girl and performing a sex act in front of her Prosecutor James Hudson said: The defendant began to speak to her on occasions, telling her she was sexy. He made her feel uncomfortable so she changed her route to school. The defendant soon began to pop up wherever the girl would go, including at a park where she liked to spend time with her friends. Mr Hudson said: He would either pretend to be behind bushes or would be on his mobile phone. He tried to initiate contact with her. On one occasion he told her she was sexy and pretty. He asked her to come to his house, saying he would be a good boy. He offered her money and asked for her name and phone number. She gave him a fake number to make him go away. His attention at the park made her stop going there to meet her friends. He approached her in the park, smirked at her, took hold of her hand and touched her on her shoulder. She saw he had his hand in the top of his trousers. On at least one occasion she could see his hands moving inside his trousers. Last summer, the girl was said to have been walking through an alleyway in Stoke-on-Trent at around 8pm when Burkazi approached her. Mr Hudson told the court: The victim felt her arm being grabbed from behind. It was the defendant pulling at her arm. He told her to come to his house and he would be a good boy. Her friend started to kick and grab at the defendant to prevent him taking the victim. There was a struggle between them. Police attended the defendant's home and seized his phone and tablet. They contained 64 indecent images of children. In a victim statement the schoolgirl said his behaviour has significantly impacted on her life. It made her feel scared and she no longer goes to the park. He caused her a lot of anxiety and she is scared about seeing him again. She said: He offered me money and said creepy things to me. This man was obsessed with me. I could not live a normal life. He said, baby, sexy. It made me feel uncomfortable. I have stopped hanging around with my friends. I feel scared and intimidated. I no longer feel safe. I have psychologically suffered. Burkazi, of the Tunstall area of Stoke, pleaded guilty to stalking causing serious alarm or distress; engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child; and three charges of making indecent images of children. Rashad Mohammed, defending,told the court: By August 2021 he was married and had two children. He made the difficult decision to leave Afghanistan because had he remained, he says, his life would have been in danger. He eventually arrived in the UK. He tells me his asylum application was initially refused. He sought to appeal that and is now awaiting a final determination. He accepts he behaved in the way alleged. It was not his intention to cause the victim fear, alarm or distress. He described he was lonely. He had not much to do. He recognises his conviction may jeapordise his asylum application. He regrets what he has done and he is sorry. It is accepted the actions were persistent and over a long period of time. It is not accepted it was intended to maximise fear or distress. Judge Graeme Smith handed Burkazi a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed him on the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years. Judge Smith said: You came here from Afghanistan and sought asylum. You were placed in accommodation where you were very much on your own. You developed an obsession with the victimyou now express regret, remorse and shame. Judge Smith said Burkazi will serve half the sentence in custody before being released on licence. He added: If you are not deported you will be released into the community on licence. You must then comply with the conditions and commit no further offences. An international student who moved to Australia with the hopes of a better future has tragically drowned while swimming at a popular beach. Karlo Bul-Anon, 20, was dragged out to sea while swimming at Main Beach on the Gold Coast around 6.30pm on Tuesday. His body was later recovered from the same beach about 1.40pm on Wednesday. Mr Bul-Anon came to Australia from the Philippines to study with money gifted to him by his family. A close friend, Alfreda Camasura, said his family had sacrificed 'so much' to support Mr Bul-Anon and ensure he was established in his new life. 'What was meant to be a simple swim turned into a tragedy,' she wrote in a GoFundMe after the tragedy. 'He drowned, and just like that, the young man full of dreams and love was taken too soon. No goodbye. No last embrace. Only silence.' Witness Damian Lester saw Mr Bul-Anon get sucked out into the ocean and tried to rescue the student but was not able to reach him in time. Karlo Bul-Anon drowned while swimming at Main Beach on the Gold Coast The Filipino student had moved to Australia one year ago to live out his dreams 'There was a lady just at waist deep yelling [and I] realised she was asking for help,' he told 9News. 'Then, she pointed out to a man [who] was bobbing up and down. 'I threw my phone on the beach and ran in to try to help, and there was another guy who touched him [but] then we just didn't see him. He'd disappeared.' Mr Lester said the waters were like a 'washing machine' at the time and that even he struggled to stay afloat in the moments spent trying to save the student. Mr Bul-Anon had gone for a swim with a friend at night after the red and yellow flags had been taken down and lifeguards had gone home. Rescue teams headed out into the water in boats and jet skis, but none were able to find any trace of him. The search was suspended after two hours due to a lack of light before teams were able to continue looking early on Wednesday morning. Now, Mr Bul-Anon's family are arranging what comes next while they try to cope with the grief his death has left them with. Mr Bul-Anon had entered the water with a friend after the yellow and red flags had already been taken down There were no lifeguards at the beach when he was pulled out to sea 'He studied hard. He worked long hours. He endured homesickness in silence,' Ms Camasura said. 'There were nights he felt tired and alone, but he never gave up. 'Whenever he felt weak, he reminded himself why he started for his parents, for his brother, for the family he loved more than anything.' A man claiming to be his roommate also wrote about the last time they had spoken and how much Mr Bul-Anon will be missed by all. 'He even said "God bless and take care" when I left home that day before the tragedy,' the man wrote. 'I will miss you and the house won't be the same again without hearing your voice while you are playing computer games all day.' His employer said the 20-year-old was a 'beloved crew member' and a kind soul who brought smiles and positivity to everyone around him. Proceeds from the GoFundMe set up to support his family will go towards bringing Mr Bul-Anon's body back to the Philippines, Ms Camasura said. A GoFundMe has been launched to support the family of Mr Bul-Anon in getting his body back to the Philippines 'The financial cost of repatriating his remains from Australia is overwhelming, and in this time of unimaginable grief, they cannot carry this burden alone,' she wrote. 'To anyone willing to extend financial assistance, any amount big or small will be deeply appreciated. 'Your generosity will help bring their beloved son home so he can finally rest in the arms of the land and the people who love him most.' Russia is providing Iran with intelligence on the location of US military assets including warships and aircraft in the Middle East, sources claim. Three officials familiar with the intelligence said the assistance had been ongoing since the war began on Saturday. One source told The Washington Post the alleged Russian support amounted to a 'pretty comprehensive effort' to help its ally Tehran target American forces in the region. Exactly how far Moscow's alleged support goes remains unclear, but officials said that Iran's own ability to track US positions has been weakened less than a week into the fighting. The claims emerged after six US troops were killed and several others were injured in an Iranian drone attack in Kuwait on Sunday. Iran has fired thousands of attack drones and hundreds of missiles at US military positions, even as the joint US-Israeli campaign has struck more than 2,000 targets inside Iran, including ballistic missile sites, naval assets and leadership positions. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly did not address the claims of Russian assistance directly, but said: 'The Iranian regime is being absolutely crushed. 'Their ballistic missile retaliation is decreasing every day, their navy is being wiped out, their production capacity is being demolished, and proxies are hardly putting up a fight.' Smoke rises from an explosion in the direction of Ali Al Salem Air Base, a major military base in Kuwait that hosts U.S. and allied forces, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran Aircraft attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 sit on the flight deck of the U.S. Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran, February 28 The CIA and Pentagon declined to comment. Moscow has publicly called for an end to the war, which it has branded an 'unprovoked act of armed aggression.' Two of the officials cited in the report said there was no sign China was helping Iran's defence despite Beijing's close ties with Tehran. Analysts said the alleged intelligence sharing would fit the pattern of Iranian strikes, including attacks on command and control sites, radar systems and temporary military structures. The CIA station at the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital, was also struck in recent days. The alleged Russian assistance would add a new dimension to the proxy conflict that has surrounded Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Throughout the war in Ukraine, Iran, China and North Korea have all been accused of helping Russia either directly or through material support, while the United States has armed Ukraine and shared intelligence to improve Kyiv's targeting. Iran has been one of Moscow's key backers during the Ukraine war, sharing the technology behind the cheap one-way attack drones used against Ukrainian cities. Experts said the accuracy of some recent Iranian strikes suggested outside help may have played a role. Dara Massicot, an expert on the Russian military at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Iran had been making 'very precise hits' on radar and command infrastructure and appeared to be striking in a highly targeted way. She said Russian imagery would be especially valuable because Iran has only a limited number of military-grade satellites and no satellite constellation of its own. Nicole Grajewski, who studies Iran's cooperation with Russia at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center, said there had been a high level of 'sophistication' in Iran's retaliatory strikes, both in the choice of targets and in its ability in some cases to overwhelm US and allied air defences. The report comes amid growing concern in Washington over how quickly the Pentagon is burning through precision weapons and air defence interceptors as the conflict intensifies. A sexual health doctor who had a 'special interest in penises' has been jailed for six years after secretly filming and abusing male patients. Dr Timothy Girling, 55, was a practising sexual health doctor at a medical centre in Bournemouth, Dorset, where he preyed on male patients by groping and recording them during intimate examinations. The 'deeply calculated' medic exploited his position to 'manipulate vulnerable individuals' and carried out a series of sexual offences 'under the guise of legitimate medical practice', Bournemouth Crown Court heard. Girling was able to get away with his crimes until one male patient heard his iPhone start recording and noticed the device poking out of his pocket. Dorset Police launched an investigation in August 2023 and identified two further patients who had been sexually assaulted, one had also been recorded. Officers examined the doctor's devices and uncovered further recordings as well as 600 images of penises or 'tight clothing' and indecent images of children. He also set up a camera to film other men using a bathroom. The court was told Girling had been diagnosed as having autistic spectrum disorder, which lead to him developing a 'special area of interest' in penises. A jury found Girling guilty of three counts of sexual assault, six charges of voyeurism and one of attempted voyeurism. He also pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children. Dr Timothy Girling, 55, has been jailed for six years after he abused and filmed male patients The court was told Girling would sexually assault and perform sex acts on the patients under the guise of examining them for complaints of rashes or other health issues. A male patient first reported Girling to police after he noticed him recording on his mobile phone during an examination. The victim took the doctor's phone and Girling ran out of the building. When police spoke to the patient he also reported that he had been touched inappropriately by Girling at a previous appointment. Prosecutors said the doctor's intimate physical examination went 'far beyond what was clinically required'. At the time the patient believed it was part of the medical procedure, and trusted that Girling was acting in a professional manner. But at the later appointment he heard the sound of a mobile phone beginning to record and saw an iPhone partially concealed in Girling's pocket. Rebecca Austin, prosecuting, told the trial Girling was 'using the guise of medical necessity to gain sexual gratification'. She added: 'Patients went to the clinic with the expectation that they might need to be touched for their medical condition to be diagnosed and treated.' One of the victims told police: 'I left there crying because it was very wrong and he just abused his power.' He added: 'I was a very, very vulnerable person back then, I was in a really dark place.' Ms Austin said Girling had been diagnosed as having autistic spectrum disorder and added: 'Autism leads to developing special areas of interest and he had one in penises.' Sentencing Girling, Judge Jonathan Fuller KC said the defendant had carried on offending despite having been suspended and reinstated following an earlier complaint. He added the defendant had also shown 'weird' behaviour of photographing men urinating in alleyways, which did not form part of the charges. He told the defendant: 'Being a doctor is a significant thing in a person's life and no doubt there must be many you have helped but on another darker side, there are those you have abused.' Bournemouth Crown Court (pictured) heard the 'deeply calculated' medic exploited his position to 'manipulate vulnerable individuals' The judge dismissed the defendant's diagnosis of autism as the cause of his offending and told him: 'Your interest was a sexual one and that sexual activity was of your own choosing. 'The reality is you used your position to satisfy your particular sexual interests. This was a gross betrayal of your patients' trust.' Detective Constable Kit Little, of Dorset Police, said: 'Timothy Girling was in a position of trust as a sexual health doctor and exploited this by inappropriately touching and making recordings of his victims. 'We have worked tirelessly since the initial report was first made in August 2023 to investigate Girling's offending, identify further victims where possible and bring him to justice. 'This would not have been possible without the strength and courage of the victims, who supported our investigation and the court process to ensure Girling was ultimately held to account.' Lucy Paddick, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'A doctor's duty is to care for patients, not exploit them, and Timothy Girling repeatedly violated that fundamental trust. 'These sexual offences, carried out under the guise of legitimate medical practice, were deeply calculated. 'He manipulated vulnerable individuals and exploited them in clinical sittings - a place where they should feel safe and secure. 'In court, we showed how he used his professional position to facilitate this offending and secretly record intimate examinations. 'We hope these convictions demonstrate that such abuse of authority will be robustly prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service.' Dorset HealthCare has set up a dedicated phone number - 01305 363075 - for anyone who was treated by Dr Girling to contact them and discuss any concerns they have or access support if they need it. sign up to our new Morning Mail newsletter for FREE Get your news delivered straight to you by 7am - Terrified Britons trying to escape under-fire Dubai told today of the widespread panic now engulfing airports. With some 14,000 UK citizens alone having flagged to the authorities that they want to get out of the desert city and other sites across the Middle East, there is now a palpable sense of desperation. Iran is believed to have fired almost as many drones and missiles at Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, the gulf's dominant trade and tourism hub, as it has at Israel, with even the iconic Palm Jumeirah hotel in flames. The Daily Mail spoke today to some of the thousands of stranded tourists and expats trying to escape the warzone that now is Dubai on flights back to Britain. Among them was Paul Hart who told how he and his wife had been stuck in Dubai since the fighting started - and could not travel to Oman for the British Government's repatriation flight. He said: 'If you travel to Oman you have to go to the border and then get another taxi to take you from the border to the airport. My wife suffers from Crohns Disease, making it impossible to contemplate a lengthy overland transfer via Riyadh or Oman. 'My plane was due to depart on February 28. I was actually on board. It was all boarded, and then it came over the airways that "Sorry, the airspace is closed". 'So after four hours, we were able to depart the plane. Fortunately, we were able to get a taxi, and fortunately, we were able to return to our original hotel, because the alternative they provided was booked up within seconds. Dubai residents Kate O'Neill and Eoin Campbell are travelling to the UK on a scheduled break Passengers in the terminal at Dubai Airport this morning as flights are still being affected Passengers in the terminal at Dubai Airport this morning as flights are still being affected SAS Gulf war veteran Des Steel, 64, runs a security company and flies his operatives in and out of the Middle East every day. He is airlifting British holidaymakers out of Dubai at 2,500 a time 'I've been in this hotel, I've rebooked for four days, and I've rebooked for another five days, and I'm fully expecting when my flight, which is due to leave on Monday, it will be cancelled on Saturday, and we will go around the around the loop again, with the prospect of another flight, but BA has got no intention flying people out of Dubai.' Among them was retiree Sue King, 66, from Newquay, Cornwall, who had been staying with her daughter and family in Dubai when the first wave of missiles and drones from Iran struck. 'It was very frightening,' she recalled. 'We heard the bangs and saw some flashes from interceptions, but luckily my grandchildren are very young, so they didn't pick up on what was going on. 'I was originally supposed to fly home on Sunday, but that was never going to happen [after the war began on Saturday]. 'Then I thought that there was a British Airways repatriation flight going from Dubai Airport this morning, so I came down here on the off-chance, but it was cancelled anyway. 'I'm now on standby for two different Emirates flights to Heathrow, one at 2pm and another at 2am, so I'm just crossing my fingers that I can get on one of them.' In fact, despite Dubai airport's live departures board showing Ms King's 'cancelled' British Airways flight, it was never even scheduled, according to a BA spokesman, who said: 'We aren't operating from Dubai at the moment.' Meanwhile an SAS Gulf war veteran is airlifting terrified British holidaymakers out of Dubai at 2,500 a time. Des Steel, 64, runs an international security company and flies his operatives in and out of the Middle East every day. Manchester-based Mr Steel is now using his covert 'fixers' contacts and drivers to get Brits out of Dubai and safely home. He has already repatriated 35 people and the last to go, a family of three, paid 2,500 each. Mr Steel picks up stranded Brits at their hotels and drives them to the borders of Oman or Saudi where they are met by local drivers. They are then driven to the country's international airport where tickets have been bought by his fixer. Mr Steel said: 'If it was me, I'd pour myself a Pina Colada go out onto my hotel balcony and wait for it to blow over which it will. 'But I understand that people are worried and when rockets are going off around you, you want to get home. Join the debate Should the UK government do more to help stranded Brits escape? A government warning of imminent attacks text message received at Dubai Airport this morning Passengers awaiting airline updates at Dubai Airport this morning amid the conflict Passengers show their passport and a valid ticket to be allowed into Dubai Airport today Passengers in the terminal at Dubai Airport this morning as flights are still being affected Passengers awaiting airline updates at Dubai Airport this morning amid the conflict 'I realised I could help by employing the same network I use every day for my security agents.' Mr Steel says his escape route is very safe and the chances of one of his vehicles being hit by a rogue drone are a million to one. The cost of each 'ticket' home is variable. The biggest expense is for the drivers with some charging more than $1,000 to get a car load of passengers to airports. Brits taking up his offer pay the standard air fare home with Mr Steel and his fixers taking a cut of the overall price, which works out tens of thousands of pounds cheaper than some holidaymakers have paid to get home. The barrage of deadly drone fire has become an unavoidable daily - and nightly - reality for those in Dubai, even those influencers desperately keen to avoid being seen to publicly make any negative comments. Wailing sirens warning of missile alerts have been blaring out across the metropolis at all hours for six successive days - as the UAE became the worst-hit of the ten Gulf states so far targeted by Israel Several British passengers disembarked from one of the stranded cruise ships at Dubai's Port Rashid, the MSC Euribia. A fleet of buses waited to transfer them overland on a 12-hour journey to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for connecting flights to Europe. Screen printer Mark Killgariff, 54, from Stoke-on-Trent, told the Daily Mail: 'The first night was a bit hairy. 'We could see things in the distance, and the next day there were about six explosions, which was a little scary, but we soon realised that the missiles and drones were being intercepted. 'Family and friends have been emailing and texting, but we've reassured them.' And he hopes they have worked out a way to get home, saying: 'We'll now fly to Rome with Emirates and we'll have to try and find our way back to Manchester from there. We should have been going home tomorrow by a different flight, of course. But we have been well looked after.' At least one ballistic missile and over 100 suicide drones have been launched at the city. And tourists who had come for luxurious holidays are now finding their phones ringing out to remind them that they are now in a warzone. A worker is seen in the empty arrivals hall at Dubai Airport yesterday Light traffic moves along a main road in Dubai on Tuesday amid the outbreak of war A patron sits at an otherwise-empty outdoor restaurant in Dubai yesterday The five-star Palm Jumeirah Fairmont Hotel was hit and set ablaze by an Iranian missile The attacks had forced Dubai airport to close, leaving 20,000 travellers stuck in the UAE and all flights suspended. Airports across the region were initially closed after Iranian missile and drone attacks, but have now begun to reopen with heavily restricted air traffic. And even though the airport in Dubai has now reopened, it's struggling to cope with the knock-on effects as about half a million passengers a day ordinarily travel through it and sister airports in Doha or Abu Dhabi, which are all vital hubs between Europe and Asia. Many permanent residents continue to put a brave face on things - while trying to get out. Dubai residents Eoin Campbell, 32, and Kate O'Neill, originally from Northern Ireland, said they were travelling back on a scheduled break to see their families. Although they had three cancelled flights so far, they were now trying to get to Edinburgh, from where they would continue with a short hop home. 'I don't feel unsafe,' said construction manager Mr Campbell. 'You can see that the air defence capability is up to scratch from the small numbers getting through, so the chances are very small of being injured. 'We'll come back here without any qualms.' Also being brave were an older couple from Ireland - despite having been staying at the Palm Jumeirah when it went up in flames. Pat O'Reilly, 81, and his wife Bernadette, 76, from Ardfield, near Clonakilty in County Cork, were staying in the Fairmont Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah, when it received a direct hit on Saturday night, but luckily were visiting their son and his family when the fire started. 'We weren't that far away, and we heard the bang,' said former insurance agent Mr O'Reilly. 'Then the phones all sounded with the emergency alert and we realised what had happened. Our 11-year-old granddaughter was frightened out of her life.' But the couple have shown remarkable calm. 'We phoned the hotel and they said they'd evacuated everyone,' Mr O'Reilly said, 'so we stayed at our son's for longer and returned a bit later when the fire was out.' The couple were not sure that they would be able to find a flight to Dublin today, so left their luggage at their son's house, and it will be sent on later. 'We've had a relaxed few days, as we booked today's flight on Sunday morning. They shrugged off the drama of their extended stay, except for one disappointment, explained Mrs O'Reilly. 'Our local pub the Mountain House in Ardfield has been closed for two years and their grand reopening is tonight and we're going to miss it.' Mr O'Reilly added: 'The war? No problem. Missing the opening of the pub, that's bad.' The family of a Colorado mom who was murdered left her body in a morgue for two years despite being told they could collect her remains, court papers revealed. Suzanne Morphew's family were told they could collect her body in April of 2024 after it was found in a field in September of 2023, more than three years after she vanished from her $1.5m home in Maysville, on Mother's Day 2020. Yet for two years it remained with the El Paso County Coroner's Office after the family failed to claim it. Suzanne's husband Barry Morphew, 57, is accused of killing his wife, earlier this year he pleaded not guilty to the charges. At the time the family were told to collect her remains in 2024 no one was charged with her murder. Her daughters Mallory and Macy are now in a legal battle with the state for her body after prosecutors took it back into custody the day before Suzanne was to be cremated. It was her suspected killer husband who signed off on her body being released to Swan-Law Funeral Home in Colorado Springs in late January. Law enforcement were notified of its release on February 17, the courts issued a search warrant for her body on the 18th, on the 19th her body was handed back over. Barry and Suzanne Morphew are pictured here in an undated picture Barry is pictured leaving court in 2022 after charges against him over his wife's death were dismissed Her remains were to be cremated on the 20th according to filings uncovered by Denver Gazette. Prosecutors this week shot down a request from her daughters to turn the body back over to them. District Attorney Anne Kelly said that due to her body being lawfully obtained through a search warrant the family had no authority to request them before Barry's trial. Bert Nieslanik, who represents the daughters, asked a judge to weigh in last week and called the removal of her body from the funeral home 'cruel and shocking'. He previously argued that her daughters had a right to freely exercise their religion, the outlet reported. Barry's attorneys said they took no stance on the matter. Statutes in the Victim Rights Act also indicate that Barry should not have the right to make decisions surrounding the body of his late wife due to his arrest. It remains unclear whether Suzanne's own family have had any say over what happens to her body. Her sister Melinda Moorman said in 2021 that she feared for Suzanne's safety. Despite the charges against Barry, his daughters Mallory and Macy have stood by him and said they do not believe their dad to be a killer. The Alamosa County District Attorney's Office said: 'In April of 2024, the remains of Suzanne Morphew were made available for release to her family. 'Notably, at that time, no one was charged with Suzanne Morphews murder. Further, at that time, family members did not take possession of her remains.' Morphew has been arrested twice for the 2020 murder of his wife whose remains were discovered in 2023 Suzanne was discovered missing from the Morphews $1.5 million home in Maysville on May 10, 2020 - Mother's Day Swan-Law Funeral Directors said in a statement: 'Not being able to memorialize a loved one in a timely manner is truly heartbreaking, and we feel for Suzannes family members. 'At the same time, we will always comply with the law, just as weve done in this case. It is our sincerest hope that Suzannes daughters will be able to celebrate the life of their mother very soon.' Morphew was first arrested in 2021, almost a year after Suzanne was reported missing on Mothers Day 2020 after she disappeared from their $1.5 million home. He was charged with murder and tampering with evidence. The case was later abandoned after prosecutorial misconduct. Suzannes remains were then discovered off a dirt road in 2023, in an area of Southern Colorado known locally as The Boneyard. Morphew was arrested for a second time in 2024 and charged again with first-degree murder. Earlier this year he entered a not guilty plea for the first-degree murder of his wife, he arrived for that court appearance flanked by his two daughters. He is currently under strict house arrest after posting $300,000 of his $3 million bond with the help of supporters in September. Chief Judge Amanda Hopkins of Colorados 12th Judicial District scheduled the trial for October 13. It is expected to last up to six weeks. A disgraced Catholic bishop who was accused of visiting a notorious Mexican mega-brothel 12 times in one month was abruptly arrested on his way out of the country. Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, 69, was detained at San Diego International Airport on Thursday after church members accused him of pocketing up to a million dollars from the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle. According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, Shaleta was charged with eight counts of embezzlement, eight counts of money laundering and one enhancement of 'aggravated white collar crime.' The Pillar previously reported that the bishop was expected to travel to Rome this week. A church member originally contacted police with accusations against Shaleta in August 2025. The Vatican ordered an investigation alongside the Sheriff's department after allegations of financial fraud and personal misconduct came to light. Investigators alleged that Shaleta took at least $427,345 from parish accounts, issuing so-called reimbursement checks that he signed himself. Shaleta was also allegedly seen frequenting a Gentleman's Club in Tijuana that has been described as a brothel where women and girls have allegedly been trafficked and forced to work. Shaleta's alleged financial mishandling was under investigation by the Vatican and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Shaleta was arrested at the San Diego International Airport whilepreparing to board a flight to an undisclosed location Shaleta turned in his resignation to the Vatican in January, but has vehemently denied any allegations of fraud. 'I have never in my priestly life or episcopal life abused any of the Church money,' he said at a church service held on February 22, per the San Diego Union-Tribune. 'On the contrary, I have done my best to preserve and manage the donations of the Church properly.' According to the investigation, Shaleta's parish leased its social hall to an outside management firm for roughly $34,000 per month. Rent is normally paid by check by an outside company. However, records from November 2024 reportedly showed the payment coming from a separate parish bank account used to assist the poor. When Shaleta was asked about this, he allegedly said he had told the company to give him the full amount so he could distribute it directly to families in need. A private investigation has alleged that Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, 69, of San Diego, California, was a regular visitor to a Mexican brothel called the Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club Shaleta claimed that he had never abused church money in his 'priestly life' Shaleta has not addressed reports that he was seen frequently parking his car in a lot 'specifically reserved for people going to Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club.' From there, he allegedly boarded a shuttle 'exclusive to visitors' of the brothel, which advertises 'hundreds of exotic women.' According to a private investigator, Shaleta reportedly made more than a dozen trips to the club in just one month. Shaleta was also accused of having a relationship with his parish secretary while he served as a pastor in Michigan. The woman reportedly relocated to San Diego after Shaleta was appointed as Bishop in 2017. The investigation alleged that the bishop shared a bank account with the unidentified woman and had unrestricted access to her home and children. The joint bank account reportedly held more than $40,000 in 2025 and received regular deposits from Shaleta. The Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club in Tijuana promotes 'hundreds of exotic women' Shaleta has denied any wrongdoing despite resigning from his position in January Defense attorney Jan Ronis told Fox5 San Diego that the nature of Shaleta's arrest could be construed as an admission of guilt. 'You can infer from flight to avoid prosecution is a manifestation of consciousness of guilt, which is not the best thing in the world,' he told the outlet. 'On the other hand, there could be some just innocent associated excuse with that activity, which could mean its meaningless.' Shaleta was transported to San Diego Central Jail and is being held on a $125,000 bail as he awaits arraignment. Ronis said the bail could change based on the circumstances of Shaleta's arrest. The Daily Mail contacted the San Diego County Sheriff's Office and the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy for comment. An Oregon woman took a final trip to the beach before entering hospice care, and she was overjoyed to find a rare glass float along the coastline of her favorite beach. Leslie Lundquist, 68, of Sheridan, has been battling kidney cancer since 2024 and has since developed two brain tumors. Her health has gotten to the point that she needs to enter hospice care, but she wanted one last relaxing trip to the beach beforehand. So she and her children packed their bags and headed to Lincoln City. 'When we found [out] the news, she wanted to go to the beach, so my aunt bought us a motel,' Lundquist's daughter, Ashley Brunner, told KOIN. While strolling the beach, Lundquist came across a rare handblown glass float at the entrance of the beach. The purple, swirly design even matched her crocheted hat. The float is a part of the city's Finder's Keepers program, which hides thousands of floats along the coastline each year. They're created by Kayla Moore, who owns MJ Creations by the Creek. Leslie Lundquist, 68, of Sheridan, who found a glass float on Chinook Winds Beach in Lincoln City, Oregon, during her final trip before entering hospice Lindquist, pictured before she was sick, said finding the glass float was 'special' and initially thought her family had planted the artwork for her find The float is a part of the town's Finder's Keepers program, where local artists' floats are placed along the beach, including Chinook Winds, for people to find and take home 'The ocean had a gift waiting for her,' Moore and a local tourism page said in a joint statement on Facebook. 'Leslie came upon a beautiful Finders Keepers float, tucked along the shoreline like it was placed there just for her. 'Out of all the miles of sand out of all the days this one found her.' Lundquist was even shocked herself when she found the float, even playfully accusing her family of planting it, KOIN reported. Brunner had been in contact with Moore about a memorial float, but the one on the beach was found organically. 'I can't tell you how special it is, what it means,' Lundquist told KOIN. 'For her last trip, for her to be able to find one was incredible,' Moore told KOIN. The Finder's Keepers program has been run for a quarter of a century. It features local artists' floats and volunteers place them along the beaches. The Daily Mail has reached out to the family for comment. The BBC's outgoing director-general has said an N-word slur at the Baftas was left unmuted in TV coverage because it was not heard by anyone in the broadcast truck covering the event. Tim Davie made the claim in a letter to MPs in which he also told of how he 'profoundly regrets' the error in the broadcast of the ceremony on February 22. Tourette's campaigner John Davidson could be heard by viewers shouting as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for special visual effects. Last week, the Culture, Media and Sport committee wrote to Mr Davie 'seeking an explanation' for how a racial slur ended up in the broadcast 'in spite of a two-hour time delay'. In a response letter to committtee chair Dame Caroline Dinenage, Mr Davie has now said: 'I'd like to make clear: although the racial slur was symptomatic of a disability and an involuntary tic, it should never have been broadcast. 'It was a genuine mistake, and we take full responsibility for our error.' Responding to questions about the incident, including why the language was not edited out prior to it being broadcast, Mr Davie said there had been two incidents during which the slur was shouted out. Regarding the first one, while Jordan and Lindo were on stage, he said: 'Although this is the subject of ongoing review, our initial evidence gathering has found that no-one in the on-site broadcast truck heard this when they were watching the live feed. The BBC's outgoing director general Tim Davie, pictured outside Portcullis House in central London on January 8 2026, has said he 'profoundly regrets' the Baftas N-word controversy John Davidson was heard yelling the N-word during a presentation by actors Michael B. Jordan (left) and Delroy Lindo (right) during the Baftas awards ceremony on February 22 'Because no-one in the broadcast truck was aware it was on the live feed, there was therefore no editorial decision made to leave the language in.' Mr Davie wrote that the slur was shouted out for the second time as Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku accepted her award for best supporting actress. He said: 'In that instance, the edit team did hear the racial slur on the feed and removed it immediately from the version of the ceremony that would be broadcast later that evening. 'These two incidents happened within 10 minutes of each other. It appears that soon after the second incident, the edit team in the truck started receiving reports, including from Bafta, that a racial slur had been shouted during the ceremony. 'Our understanding at this point is that the team editing the show in the truck mistakenly believed they had edited out the incident that was being referenced, on the basis that they had heard and edited out the slur shouted out during the best supporting actress award. 'Therefore, when they were told a racial slur had been shouted, they believed they had removed it.' Mr Davie said that some of the edits made to the ceremony before its broadcast were 'made in line with the protocols we had put in place in advance to deal with offensive language'. He continued: 'We are now looking in more detail why the team did not ascertain sooner that there had been two instances of the use of the racial slur, and why post broadcast further action was not taken to edit or remove the programme from iPlayer.' John Davidson is pictured here arriving at the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards at London's Royal Festival Hall on the evening of Sunday 22 February 2026 The BBC previously announced that its Executive Complaints Unit would complete a 'fast-tracked investigation' after reviewing the Bafta coverage, and called the broadcast of the racial slur a 'serious mistake'. In the letter, Mr Davie also outlined the stipulations that the BBC had agreed with Bafta to 'mitigate the risk' of Mr Davidson's Tourette's syndrome, including briefing the audience about the possibility of verbal tics, and preparing lines for host Alan Cumming to read in case of any offensive language. Also among the mitigations, Mr Davie wrote: 'If there were any involuntary racial tics or hate speech, this would be edited out.' Mr Davie announced last November he would resign as BBC director general, following controversy over misleading editing of a Donald Trump speech in an episode of BBC show Panorama. Mr Davidson, whose Tourette's causes him to involuntarily shout out words, has said he is 'deeply mortified' by what happened at the Baftas, where I Swear, a film about his life and struggles, was nominated. Bafta apologised after the film awards and said it took 'full responsibility' for putting its guests in a 'difficult situation'. In a letter to members, Bafta chairwoman Sara Putt and chief executive Jane Millichip said a 'comprehensive' review was under way, adding: 'Please rest assured how seriously we are taking this.' Davidson, 54, was diagnosed with Tourette's in his childhood, when little was known about the condition, and has since dedicated his life to raising awareness. Jordan and Lindo, stars of the movie Sinners, did not react on stage but ceremony host Alan Cumming later said, 'We apologise if it has caused offence'. Mr Davidson made the decision to leave the ceremony halfway through after a series of outbursts. He later apologised for the 'pain, upset and misunderstanding' caused by Tourette's, writing on social media: ''I've been waiting all week until the dust settles after the weekend at the BAFTAs in London. 'I would like to thank each and every one of you who have shown love, support and solidarity towards myself and the rest of the Tourette's Community. Your kind words and support have got me through a very difficult week. 'Whilst I will never apologies (sic) for having Tourette syndrome, i will apologise for any pain, upset and misunderstanding that it may create. 'This past week has been tough, and has reminded me that what I do raising awareness for such a misunderstood condition, there is still a long way to go and I will keep on keeping on until this is achieved.' He went on to thank fans again for their support, adding: 'I love you all.' Despite there being a two-hour time delay on the BBC's coverage of the Baftas, Davidson's N-word slur was aired to millions tuning in on BBC1 and could still be heard on iPlayer on Monday morning. A BBC spokesperson later said: 'Some viewers may have heard strong and offensive language during the BAFTA Film Awards. This arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional. 'We apologise that this was not edited out prior to broadcast and it will now be removed from the version on BBC iPlayer.' In a note sent to staff on Friday, seen by the Press Association, the corporation's chief content officer Kate Phillips said she had personally been in 'regular communication' with Bafta, adding she was 'having listening sessions with a number of my teams in BBC Content'. She said: 'I know this incident has caused much upset and hurt. Over the past few days, I've been in email contact with many of you and had phone calls and conversations too. 'I've really appreciated your honesty as you've detailed the impact this has had. I know there is frustration that my first email didn't give more detail, but I thought it was more important to reach out to you all at that point, than wait until I had a further update.' Davidson's actions divided opinion, with Django Unchained star Jamie Foxx fuming on social media: 'Out of all the words you could've said Tourette's makes you say that. Nah he meant that s***. Unacceptable.' Charity Tourette's Action said it 'deeply understands that these words can cause hurt' but insisted they were 'not a reflection of a person's beliefs, intentions or character'. The organisation said it was 'incredibly proud' of Mr Davidson and those involved in the film I Swear, with a spokesperson adding: 'We also want to address the negative comments that have surfaced following John's involuntary vocal tics during the ceremony. 'We deeply understand that these words can cause hurt but at the same time it is vital that the public understands a fundamental truth about Tourette syndrome, tics are involuntary. They are not a reflection of a person's beliefs, intentions or character.' Following the initial controversy, Bafta said in a statement: 'We take full responsibility for putting our guests in a very difficult situation and we apologise to all. 'We will learn from this, and keep inclusion at the core of all we do, maintaining our belief in film and storytelling as a critical conduit for compassion and empathy.' They continued: 'Early in the ceremony a loud tic in the form of a profoundly offensive term was heard by many people in the room. 'Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage at the time, and we apologise unreservedly to them, and to all those impacted. 'We would like to thank Michael and Delroy for their incredible dignity and professionalism. 'During the ceremony, John chose to leave the auditorium and watch the rest of the ceremony from a screen, and we would like to thank him for his dignity and consideration of others, on what should have been a night of celebration for him.' A Texas neighborhood is on edge thanks to a burglar dubbed 'Spiderman from hell' because of his ability to sneak into homes through the tiniest of spaces. Houston investigators have reported at least seven burglaries in the vibrant Montrose neighborhood since December. Several neighbors caught an unmasked man contorting himself through small doggy doors and tiny windows to snatch jewelry and electronics. Narissa C, who declined to share her last name, told KTRK that the thief moved nimbly across the house like he, too, was bitten by a radioactive spider. 'Like a nightmare Spiderman or a Spiderman from hell because the way he scoots into that window was like defying gravity,' she said. The man wore no masks or gloves and didn't seem at all concerned with protecting his identity. He has yet to be foiled by police despite video and physical evidence of his crimes at multiple homes across the center of the city. 'He sure felt comfortable, but he also did it idiotically, so whatever combination that creates,' Narissa said. An unidentified 'Spiderman from hell' has been caught sneaking into homes in a Houston neighborhood The 'serial burglar' was caught on camera shimmying through doggy doors and contorting through windows Most break-ins occurred during the day on weekdays, while residents were at work or school. In more than one instance, the thief used a tool to break in. One victim even reported an ominous saw left behind after he robbed her home. She also claimed the man abandoned a cart of her own belongings after gathering up more than he could carry. Khristen Lister, who was a recent victim of the Spiderman burglar, said the ongoing crime spree in her otherwise peaceful neighborhood has made her feel 'helpless.' 'I want to believe we live in a place where neighbors are neighborly, and I see this happening again and again and again,' she said. According to statistics released by the Houston Police Department, burglary has run rampant in the Democrat-run city. In 2025, police reported more than 11,000 break-ins. Police have said the same unidentified serial burglar could be responsible for even more burglaries that have gone unreported. Khristen Lister was one of at least seven victims of the recent burglary spree in the Montrose neighborhood The unidentified culprit has been known to bring a saw to assist with his break-ins Houston Constable Alan Rosen recommended that residents install alarms, cameras and locks to deter further break-ins. 'Have an alarm. Most people, the alarm goes off, and they run, they don't actually enter the house,' he said. But neighbors in Montrose have gone to great lengths to prevent burglary and they still feel uneasy. 'I do believe he's going to keep doing this until he's stopped, and I hope he doesn't injure anyone in the process,' Lister said. The Daily Mail contacted Houston Police for more information. The UK has dismissed threats from Mauritius to sue for compensation if the Chagos Islands deal collapses. The Indian Ocean state has said it is 'exploring legal avenues' after the legislation to implement the agreement was effectively put on hold. Keir Starmer has been desperately trying to convince Donald Trump that the deal is the only way to secure the future of the critical Diego Garcia military base. The US president initially supported the plan to cede the British and lease back the remote site for 35billion over 99 years. But he has since condemned it amid a spat over Sir Keir refusing permission to use UK bases for American strikes on Iran. Nigel Farage has declared he will push the case for the 'surrender' treaty to be ditched when he dines at Mr Trump's Mar a Lago resort in Florida this weekend. Keir Starmer has been facing fresh fury over his decision to cede the strategically-important Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius, which is seen as an ally of China It is understood Sir Keir's government believes there are no grounds in international law for a compensation claim if the treaty is not ratified Nigel Farage has declared he will push the case for the 'surrender' treaty to be ditched when he dines at Donald Trump's (pictured) Mar a Lago resort in Florida this weekend Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam has raised the prospect of legal action if Britain does not go ahead with the deal. 'We are exploring legal avenues in the Chagos case,' Mr Ramgoolam told local newspaper DefMedia. But it is understood the UK government believes there are no grounds in international law for a compensation claim if the treaty is not ratified. A Downing Street spokesman said they were still working on the deal. 'Maintaining control of Diego Garcia is the entire basis of the agreement that we have reached,' the spokesman said. 'It means we maintain our control, protects against legal challenges to its operation and locks out our adversaries from being able to compromise our operation.' Sir Keir has been facing an upsurge in anger over his decision to hand the Indian Ocean archipelago to Mauritius, which is seen as an ally of China. Earlier this week Mr Trump issued a new blast at the deal as he fumed at Sir Keir's initial bar on use of Diego Garcia for the Iran strikes. An inter-ministerial committee in Port Louis, chaired by Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam (pictured), expressed its 'concern' that the Chagos Islands deal has still not come into force Meanwhile, it emerged a top UK diplomat had quit the Foreign Office saying the Government's decision to cede control of the Chagos Islands and Sir Keir's failure to act immediately after Iran's attack on a British base in Cyprus had influenced his decision. Mauritius itself has demanded an 'immediate ceasefire' between the US and Iran, branding the strikes on Tehran as 'illegal'. The PM has now said he is allowing British bases to be used for the 'specific and limited defensive purpose' of targeting Iran's missile storage depots and launchers. At least 21 State employees including council officials will travel to the French Riviera to court institutional investors next week, the Irish Daily Mail can reveal. The Mail revealed yesterday that property developers are paying for the Governments pavilion at the event in Cannes which is expected to cost in the region of 300,000. Just five officials travelled to the Marche International des Professionnels de lImmobilier (MIPIM) in 2025, when the Governments networking hub was also paid for by the private sector. While individual departments pay for travel and accommodation for their staff, the Department of Housing last night refused to say how much the trip would cost or where the Minister and his officials are staying. The pavilion was described as best-in-class and held in the main banqueting hall of the five-star Carlton Hotel. The Mail has learned that in addition to Housing Minister James Browne and senior officials from the Departments of Housing and Finance, the CEO of Dublin City Council Richard Shakespeare, DCC assistant chief executive Mick Mulhern, Cork Docklands programme manager Bryan Fitzgerald and CEO of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly are among the travelling delegation. Dublin City Council confirmed that six of its officials are attending the event, though only two are listed on the speaking programme. Dublin City Council say the funding of Ireland's presence at the event on the French Riveria is 'a matter for the government' A council spokesperson said the group is attending the event to support efforts to increase the pool of private investment available for funding new residential development in Ireland. They added: The funding of Irelands presence at the event is a matter for the Government. Delegate passes for MIPIM typically cost in the region of 2,000. The event is billed by the organisers as fostering connections with international and local partners and offering unrivalled access to the largest number of development projects and sources of capital in the world... where all sectors of the real estate industry meet to make their future a reality today. On Wednesday, there will be a discussion on the opportunity and impact of housing delivery in the capital city. On Thursday, there will be a talk on Investing in Cork: the growth potential in Irelands second city. Sinn Feins housing spokesman Eoin O Broin told the Mail the event showed how absolutely captured the Government is by the large institutional investment lobby sector. He said: The very idea that the minister is requiring such a significant level of local government and departmental personnel to attend and participate in an event which is being organised for, or at the behest of big developers and big institutional investors, shows that this Government is more captured by that investment lobby than any of its predecessors. Sponsors for last years event, the first to be attended by the Government, included Ardstone and Kennedy Wilson, who are both property developers and landlords, IPUT Real Estate Dublin, one of the countrys largest commercial property owners, and Bank of Ireland. Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD at the completion of some of the houses in the Oscar Woods Development, Dublin. PHOTO: Sam Boal/Collins Photos The list of sponsors has grown for the 2026 event and now includes AIB, Cairn, Evara, Glenveagh, Avenue Capital Group, A&L Goodbody, I-RES, KPMG, Lioncor, Matheson and McCann Fitzgerald. On Tuesday, Department of Finance principal officer Aileen Gleeson will moderate a discussion on international investment in the Irish housing market with Michael Hynes, CEO of developer Evara, Mike Pegler, European president of landlord and developer Kennedy Wilson, and Pat Farrell, CEO of Irish Institutional Property. On Wednesday, assistant secretary at the Department of Housing Caroline Timmons will moderate a discussion on accelerating the delivery of housing with the CEO of Cairn, CEO of the LDA John Coleman and Padraig Moore, senior portfolio manager of Avenue Capital. Minister James Browne will speak in a panel discussion with the CEO of the Housing Agency, Martin Whelan, which is billed as exploring his thoughts on the Irish housing market, recent legislative changes, investment landscape and ambitions at MIPIM. Mr O Broin said that the Governments housing policy is being written by lobbyists and that it has resulted in reduced design standards and reductions in VAT while renters are left in smaller, darker and more expensive apartments. Dublin City Council confirmed that six of its officials are attending the event, one of whome is Council CEO of Dublin City Council Richard Shakespeare Asked in the Dail yesterday whether he felt it was a mistake to allow landlords and big developers to fund the event, Tanaiste Simon Harris said it makes entirely appropriate sense that industry would meet the costs of their portion of any conference. A spokesman for the Taoiseach did not respond when asked if he was comfortable with private developers and investors paying for the Government event. A spokeswoman for Mr Browne told the Mail: This is a collaboration between industry and public sector, indeed its cross government and cross agency. 'The Department of Housing and Department of Finance, LDA, Housing Agency and others are working together. The practice of sponsorship of such a pavilion is standard practice across a number of other states / cities at MIPIM so theres nothing unusual at play here, and the minister is looking forward to the event, she said. She added that there was a benefit to the taxpayer in them not having to foot the bill. US Air Force bombers capable of hitting enemies with up to 34 tonnes of explosives have touched down in the UK, suggesting that Donald Trump's mega-attack on Iran that he dubbed the 'big one' is imminent. A B-1 aircraft was pictured arriving at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Friday evening, where it is expected to be joined by more stealth bombers, including B-2s and B-52s. The US bomber arrived after Western officials confirmed on Wednesday that the aircraft were expected at the base in the coming days and that Britain was ready to accept them. The strategic bombers, costing up to $2billion each, can carry out long-range missions without detection while carrying the world's most devastating missiles. Meanwhile, a C-5 Super Galaxy cargo plane was pictured at the base Friday night. The biggest plane in the US armory, its cargo bay can carry two M1 Abrams main battle tanks, six Apache helicopter gunships or up to 36 military vehicles. It flew in to Gloucestershire from Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas on Friday ahead of the first B1-bomber to land from the 7 Bomb Wing that is based there. Sources have suggested that Saturday could be D-day for a new gigantic bombardment - exactly a week after America and Israel first attacked Iran as part of 'Operation Epic Fury'. The US President warned Iran this week that 'the big one' was coming, adding: 'We haven't even started hitting them hard. The big wave has not even happened.' And US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said overnight that America will now use British RAF bases to 'dramatically' up its strikes on Iran after the Prime Minister allowed the Americans to launch defensive strikes from UK-US bases. 'When we say more to come, it's more fighter squadrons, it's more capabilities, it's more defensive capabilities, and it's more bomber pulses more frequently,' Mr Hegseth said. The 146ft B-1 Lancer has a wingspan of 137ft, weighs 86 tonnes and is the fastest bomber in the US Air Force, according to Boeing, hitting speeds of more than 900mph. Piloted by a crew of four, 'the Bone' - as the aircraft is nicknamed - has advanced radar and GPS systems to help hit targets, and electronic jammers, radar warnings and a decoy system to protect it from enemies. It comes as - The conflict further escalated as the US and Israel bombed Tehran and Lebanon Iranian missiles struck a hotel and two residential buildings in Bahrain; Nearly 24,000 Americans were evacuated from Middle East to avoid attacks; Speculation grew that IRGC commander Qaani has been executed for spying; Gas prices continued to rise as the Iranians threaten the Strait of Hormuz; Bombshell report claimed Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran aid attacks; A US B-1 aircraft was pictured arriving at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Friday evening, where it is expected to be joined by more stealth bombers, including B-2s and B-52s The 146ft B-1 Lancer has a wingspan of 137ft, weighs 86 tonnes and is the fastest bomber in the US Air Force, according to Boeing, hitting speeds of more than 900mph A US Air Force C-5 Galaxy stands on the apron at RAF Fairford after it and a B1 Lancer bomber landed Friday night Pictured: USAF crew unloading the C-5 Super Galaxy cargo plane at RAF Fairford last night. The biggest plane in the US armoury, its cargo bay can carry two M1 Abrams main battle tanks, six Apache helicopter gunships or up to 36 military vehicles An armed airman of the US Air force guards the perimeter fence at RAF Fairford after a B1 Lancer bomber landed last night Central Tehran was rocked by a huge explosion this morning as the US-Israeli alliance dropped a huge payload on the Moqaddad base of the Revolutionary Guards' The B-1, which has been used in Syria, Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq, can carry up to 34 tonnes of weapons and equipment. The US Air Force says on its website: 'Carrying the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of America's long-range bomber force. 'It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time.' After a delay that saw Trump claim that Sir Keir Starmer was 'unhelpful' and is 'no Winston Churchill', the UK is now letting the US use British bases for 'defensive' strikes against missile facilities in Iran. Experts believe America could drop the 'Mother of All Bombs' on Iran - a 10-tonne explosive that can create a 1,000ft crater when it explodes. Today central Tehran was hit with one of the biggest explosions of the war so far on Friday. There were deafening bangs and multiple plumes of smoke and fireballs as a huge payload hit the Moqaddad base of the Revolutionary Guards. Tehrans famous Azadi Tower can be seen in the centre of a video as the bombs rained down on the Iranian capital. Debris was thrown across the city centre and some witnesses even claimed they have seen bodies thrown up more than 100ft in the air. The B-1, which has been used in Syria, Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq, can carry up to 34 tonnes of weapons and equipment A C-5M Super Galaxy transport aircraft filed a flight plan between the two bases this morning, providing the first indication that US bombers are being deployed to the UK Your browser does not support iframes. B-1 bombers, which are based at Dyess in Texas, can carry out long-range missions without detection while carrying the world's most devastating missiles. They are the backbone of America's long-range bomber force and according to the US Air Force can 'rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time'. 'The B-1 is a highly versatile, multi-mission weapon system,' the force's website boasts. 'The B-1B's synthetic aperture radar is capable of tracking, targeting and engaging moving vehicles as well as self-targeting and terrain-following modes.' In a further sign of air activity hotting up around Fairford, a temporary Transponder Mandatory Zone (TMZ) has been put in place today. The move, which requires aircraft to switch their transponders on in that area for better safety by making them easier for air traffic control to spot, came into force at 3pm for the next month - indicating that the base will be busier than normal for at least the next few weeks. The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the US aircraft's movements when approached by the Daily Mail. Today, Trump said there would be no deal with Iran unless it is an 'unconditional surrender'. Trucks with Class 1.1 explosive hazard warning symbols arrive at RAF Fairford today The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), pictured, known as the 'Mother of All Bombs', may now be dropped on Iran, experts have said Donald Trump has said that there would be no deal with Iran unless it is an 'unconditional surrender', in a social media post today He made the remarks on social media just hours after Iran's president announced that unspecified countries had begun mediation efforts, one of the first signals of any diplomatic initiative to end the conflict. Writing on Truth Social on Friday, the US President said: 'There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! 'After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.' As Trump laid into Sir Keir for delaying access to UK military runways around the world, including in Diego Garcia, Mr Hegseth said last night: 'We got there'. 'The amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically,' Mr Hegseth warned. The MOAB, the US's largest non-nuclear weapon, may be dropped in the coming days and weeks. It has been nicknamed the 'Mother Of All Bombs' a play on the acronym 'MOAB', which stands for 'Massive Ordnance Air Burst'. A crater left by the blast is believed to be more than 100ft wide. Anyone at the blast site is vaporised. It has not yet been deployed in Iran but was used in Afghanistan in 2017. The damaged Presidential complex in Tehran where the US managed to kill Ayatollah Ali Khamenei President Trump has long told reporters at the White House how 'very proud' he is of it. American B-2 bombers did drop similarly destructive GBU-57 bunker-busters on Iranian uranium enrichment sites in June 2025. The MOAB causes surface-level, wide-area destruction, while the GBU-57 burrows deep into the earth before exploding. Military experts have said that the 'big one', which Trump has warned Iran about, will use America's most destructive arsenal - and appears imminent. Sascha Bruchmann, a research fellow for defence at the office of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Bahrain, told the Daily Telegraph: 'The big one is a sustained bombing campaign via the strategic bomber fleet, so the B-1s, the B-2s and the B-52s. 'Last night, Centcom [US Central Command] said there was one B-1 bomber, and the night before there were four B-2s, who dropped heavier payloads, so 1,000 to 2,000lb bombs with some bunker-busting capabilities against those missile cities. 'Now that there's air dominance achieved, and we've seen US Reaper drones over cities, which you wouldn't have if there were some kind of air defences'. Iain Ballantyne, editor of Warships International Fleet Review magazine, told the newspaper: 'The most obvious thing that President Trump may mean by "the big one" is some kind of MOAB the "Mother of All Bombs".' He added that these terrifying air attacks would be 'co-ordinated with the US navy unleashing not only the USS Gerald R Ford but also the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups both Tomahawk [missiles] from their destroyers and air wings along with possible bombardments by submarines'. Your browser does not support iframes. Sir Keir was branded delusional last night after insisting he has got a grip on the Middle East crisis. At an emergency press conference in Downing Street, the Prime Minister claimed he was delivering 'calm, level-headed leadership'. But his relationship with Britain's most important ally hit a new low as Trump branded him a 'loser'. Sir Keir urged Trump to 'de-escalate' the crisis and negotiate with what is left of Iran's leadership. But the PM admitted that, despite the global crisis, he had not spoken to the US President for almost a week following their spectacular falling out. He also faced a growing chorus of criticism from allies in the Middle East over the lack of preparations that has led to Cyprus looking for military support from France, Italy and Spain - rather than Britain - after an RAF base on the island was hit by an Iranian drone. And, in further farcical scenes, the UK failed to get its first evacuation flight from Oman off the ground, despite other countries having no such issues ferrying their citizens to safety. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said Sir Keir was in denial, adding: 'Never in the history of our great nation has a government been so feeble at a time when our people and allies are under assault.' Sir Keir was stung into a public defence of his actions following days of criticism. At a hastily arranged press conference, he accused President Trump of plunging the Middle East 'into chaos' with his attacks on Iran. He defended his decision to avoid taking any 'offensive' action against Tehran even after British bases were targeted. Sir Keir suggested that the fallout from the conflict could go on for months, with potentially huge impacts on energy bills and the cost of living - and the possibility of a new refugee crisis. The scene following an US-Israeli airstrike near the Ferdowsi square in central Tehran, Iran, this week He acknowledged that relatives of the tens of thousands of British citizens trapped in the war zone were 'worried sick' but said a mass evacuation 'is not going to happen overnight'. Kemi Badenoch said it was 'shocking' that Labour's political considerations appeared to have played a part in determining the Government's response to the US. Mrs Badenoch said the RAF should now join bombing raids aimed at taking out Iran's ballistic missile launchers. Nigel Farage said the Government should have supported the US-Israeli attack on Iran 'from day one', adding: 'If this war stops Iran from getting a nuclear bomb, it will have been worth it.' The Reform UK leader said Sir Keir appeared to have been the victim of a 'Left-wing revolt' by Ed Miliband which had left Britain 'humiliated' on the world stage. President Trump stepped up his criticism of Sir Keir last night, telling the New York Post: 'It was very disappointing - his performance, having to do with our tremendous attack on a hostile nation. 'I was very surprised at Keir. Very disappointed.' Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates are both said to have accused Sir Keir of doing too little to defend British interests and allies in the region. The Spectator magazine reported that senior figures in Jordan are 'furious' at the Government. And Cyprus's high commissioner publicly said he was 'disappointed' with the UK's response. Join the debate Are you concerned by Hegseth's remarks? The site of overnight Israeli airstrikes is pictured in the southern suburbs of Beirut on March 6 Sir Keir announced that Britain is sending another four Typhoon jets to Qatar. And defence secretary John Healey visited Cyprus in a bid to mend fences with a country that feels it has become a target for Iran because of the presence of the British base at RAF Akrotiri. Downing Street rejected suggestions the Government failed to have enough military assets in the Middle East after the base was hit. Sir Keir said air defence capabilities had been 'pre-deployed' before the US assault began. Ministers faced more embarrassment after admitting the warship earmarked to defend Britain's Cyprus base might not arrive for a fortnight. Sir Keir finally ordered the deployment of HMS Dragon on Tuesday, amid fury that the crucial site had been left vulnerable to Iranian reprisals. Instead, Greek, Spanish, French and Italian vessels have been covering to intercept missiles and drones in what critics have decried as an 'humiliation' for the UK. HMS Dragon is still being prepared in dock at Portsmouth, and is not expected to leave until next week. And Mr Healey, who is on Cyprus, suggested that the delay could be even longer. Donald Trump has said that there would be no deal with Iran unless it is an 'unconditional surrender', as the war with the Islamic Republic entered its seventh day. Trump made the remarks on social media just hours after Iran's president announced that unspecified countries had begun mediation efforts, one of the first signals of any diplomatic initiative to end the conflict. Writing on Truth Social on Friday, the US President said: 'There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! 'After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.' It comes after President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier said in an X post that some countries had 'begun mediation efforts'. 'Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation's dignity and sovereignty,' he wrote. 'Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict.' America's air fleet, including its B-1s, B-2s and B-52s, is said to be on its way to Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. Donald Trump has said that there would be no deal with Iran unless it is an 'unconditional surrender,' in a social media post today Trump made the remarks on social media just hours after Iran's president announced that unspecified countries had begun mediation efforts Central Tehran was hit with one of the biggest explosions of the war so far on Friday The strategic bombers, costing up to $2billion each, can carry out long-range missions without detection while carrying the world's most devastating missiles. Sources have suggested that Saturday could be D-day for a new gigantic bombardment - exactly a week after America and Israel first attacked Iran as part of 'Operation Epic Fury'. The US President warned Iran this week that the 'big one' was coming, adding: 'We haven't even started hitting them hard. The big wave has not even happened'. And US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said overnight that America will now use British RAF bases to 'dramatically' up its strikes on Iran after the Prime Minister allowed the Americans to launch defensive strikes from UK-US bases. 'When we say more to come, it's more fighter squadrons, it's more capabilities, it's more defensive capabilities, and it's more bomber pulses more frequently', Mr Hegseth said. After a delay that saw Trump claim that Sir Keir Starmer was 'unhelpful' and is 'no Winston Churchill', the UK is now letting the US use British bases for 'defensive' strikes against missile facilities in Iran. Experts believe some American bombers could drop the 'Mother of All Bombs', a 10-tonne explosive that creates 1,000ft holes in the ground, taking out tunnels and bunkers while simultaneously pulling infrastructures such as bridges down into the giant crater. America's army of Reaper drones carrying thousands of pounds of laser-guided bombs to carry out precision strikes will also increase sorties over Iranian cities. Attacks from aircraft carriers and missiles from US submarines are also expected. Last night, he warned the Iranian soldiers to 'surrender or die' after US raids took out Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and much of his military leadership. It comes as central Tehran was hit with one of the biggest explosions of the war so far on Friday, after Donald Trump warned Iran that the 'big one' is coming. There were deafening bangs and multiple plumes of smoke and fireballs as a huge payload hit the Moqaddad base of the Revolutionary Guards. Tehran's famous Azadi Tower can be seen in the centre of a video as the bombs rained down on the Iranian capital. Debris was thrown across the city centre, and some witnesses even claimed to have seen bodies thrown up more than 100ft in the air. Iranians filming the bomb blasts could be heard exclaiming at the ferocity of the explosions hours after the US President told the Iranian military to 'surrender or die'. Witnesses described the Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases. An explosion on Beirut's southern suburbs after an Israeli strike, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, Lebanon, March 6, 2026 Smoke rises from the site of airstrikes in a central area of the Iranian capital Tehran on March 6 Israel launched a series of airstrikes late on Thursday and into Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut US B-2 stealth bombers, armed with 2,000lb bombs, are among the planes getting ready to strike Iran with British bases set to be used for what are being dubbed 'defensive strikes' The GBU-43/B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB), pictured, known as the 'Mother of All Bombs', may now be dropped on Iran, experts have said Meanwhile, Israel launched a series of airstrikes late on Thursday and into Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut and other areas as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified. The strikes in Lebanon were the heaviest since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, who fired rockets at Israel in the opening days of the conflict. Tens of thousands have fled Beirut's suburbs and southern Lebanon after sweeping Israeli evacuation warnings. Iran unleashed its 'most intense barrage' yet on Thursday night with a series of bombardments on Israel and US allies in the Gulf as it threatened to drag even more countries into the Middle East conflict. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Qatar said early Friday it intercepted a drone attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the US Central Command. Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles fired early Friday toward Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh, which also hosts US forces, said a spokesperson for Saudi Arabias Defence Ministry. Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, where the Interior Ministry said Iranian strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building. It said there were no casualties. In Kuwait, the army said air defences were activated when missile and drone attacks breached its airspace. The US military said early Friday that it had struck an Iranian drone carrier, with footage released by the army's Central Command showing black-and-white footage of the burning vessel. The Islamic Republic had vowed the US would 'bitterly regret' torpedoing one of its warships as it sent hundreds of drones and missiles at its Arab neighbours. Trump previously urged members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the military and police to lay down their arms or face the same fate as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He said it was 'too late' for Iran to talk and told its diplomats across the globe to defect and be 'on the right side of history'. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump said: 'I'm once again calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military and the police to lay down their arms. 'Now is the time to stand up for the Iranian people and help take back your country. You're gonna have a chance after all these years to take back your country. Accept immunity, we'll give you immunity. 'You'll be perfectly safe with total immunity or you'll face absolutely guaranteed death, and I don't want to see that.' Trump also claimed Iran has reached out to 'make a deal' to end the US military operation. He said: 'They're calling, they're saying, "How do we make a deal?" I said, "You're being a little bit late," and we want to fight now more than they do.' Trump has also said he wants to be involved in choosing the next leader of Iran. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six US troops have been killed. Army soldiers in comprehensive support training China Military Online) 15:41, March 06, 2026 A soldier assigned to a regiment under the Chinese PLA Army operates a bulldozer to repair the road during a comprehensive support training exercise in late February, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Li Longfei) A soldier assigned to a regiment under the Chinese PLA Army detects and disposes of explosive ordnance during a comprehensive support training exercise in late February, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Li Longfei) Scouts assigned to a regiment under the Chinese PLA Army conduct reconnaissance during a comprehensive support training exercise in late February, 2026. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Li Longfei) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) As 'ICE Barbie' Kristi Noem reels from her furious firing by President Donald Trump, the Daily Mail can reveal that others in her family are also facing scandal and setback. Noem's daughter is currently working as a real estate broker despite having an expired license. Meanwhile, the former DHS secretary's lobbyist son-in-law is being sued by his previous employer, which alleges he stole clients when he left the firm. Noem was accused of 'intimidating' officials into approving her daughter Kassidy's real estate appraisal license in 2021 prompting a scandal that led the young woman to abandon the property industry. Now, after five years, Kassidy Noem-Peters, 31, is back in the real estate game, working as a broker associate selling homes in Watertown, South Dakota. There's just one problem: her license is inactive, according to state records. The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation lists a 'broker associate' license for 'Kassidy Peters' issued on January 1 last year, but says the license is 'inactive'. South Dakota law requires realtors to hold an active license to sell real estate. 'No licensee whose license is on inactive status may perform any of the actions enumerated within this chapter prior to reactivation of the inactive license,' South Dakota Codified Law section 36-21A-9 says, in the chapter on selling property. Former Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is not only reeling from her furious firing by President Donald Trump, but is also dealing with family scandals Noems daughter, Kassidy Noem-Peters, is working as a real estate broker despite not having a license - five years after her mother was embroiled in a scandal over accusations that she intimidated officials into approving her real estate appraisal license Kassidy is working as a broker associate selling homes in Watertown, South Dakota, despite her license being inactive, according to state records But on a dedicated Instagram account for her real estate listings, she posted in June that she was 'out scouting potential commercial lots for a business that's preparing to add a location in Watertown!' and in September next to a picture of a two-story home, that there was 'nothing better than closing day on a home with fresh updates and so much potential'. On June 29, she posted on her Facebook realty page about a home 'sold in 48 hours', and posted a listing for a '6-bed, 4.5-bath home' on July 6. Kassidy's career was mired in scandal in 2021 when her mother, then governor, allegedly intervened to overturn the denial of her daughters real estate appraisal license On her LinkedIn page, Kassidy wrote that she was hired by Haugan Nelson Realty in January last year. It is unclear at what point her broker associate license became inactive, or whether she has sold any homes since it expired. The Daily Mail reached out to Kassidy for comment. Kassidy's career was mired in scandal when her mother allegedly intervened as governor to get the denial of her daughter's real estate appraisal license overturned. The license had been recommended for denial by state authorities when then South Dakota Governor Noem held a meeting in her office in July 2020 with Kassidy and the official in charge of granting the license, Sherry Bren. Bren told state lawmakers in a 2021 inquiry that she felt 'intimidated' at the meeting, and was pressured to reverse the preliminary denial of Kassidy's application. Bren, then 69, claimed she had been asked to retire by the South Dakota secretary of labor and later settled an age-discrimination complaint against the state for $200,000. On her LinkedIn page, Kassidy wrote that she was hired by Haugan Nelson Realty in January of last year In a listing posted to her Facebook page on July 6, 2025, she described a six-bedroom, 4.5-bath home for sale in Nazel, South Dakota Then on June 29, she posted about a listing she sold in 48 hours in Watertown In September 24, she wrote there was 'nothing better than closing day on a home with fresh updates and so much potential' At the time, Noem's spokesman said that the Governor 'did not seek special treatment for her daughter'. Kassidy vowed to quit the industry following the scandal. After her license had been recommended for denial by state authorities, Noem held a meeting in her office in July 2020 with Kassidy and the official in charge of granting the license, Sherry Bren In a November 2021 letter to South Dakota Department of Labor Secretary Marcia Hultman, Kassidy said she wanted to 'express my disappointment and anger that my good name and professional reputation continue to be damaged by questions and misinformation concerning the Appraisal Certification Program.' 'The entire inquiry and media pressure have done irreparable damage to my business,' she wrote. 'I will plan to turn in my license and dissolve my business by the end of the year.' According to her LinkedIn page, Kassidy spent the next three years working as a development officer for two religious nonprofits, until she picked up the real estate baton once more. Kassidy's husband, South Dakota lobbyist Kyle Peters, has also been mired in controversy the same week that his well-connected mother-in-law was fired by Trump. His former employer filed a lawsuit on February 19, claiming he stole clients from them, allegedly getting personally paid on the side while still working for the lobby shop. Sioux Falls-based firm A1 Development helps firms manage large building projects in industry and agriculture, and lobbies officials to smooth the process of permitting. During the state's 2021 inquiry into the allegations, Kassidy wrote to the Department of Labor Secretary Marcia Hultman to 'express my disappointment and anger' that her name was being damaged by 'misinformation' Noem's downfall came as she faced criticism for her ad campaign at Mount Rushmore. It was a part of a $220million campaign to recruit more DHS workers. Noem said Trump signed off on the expense, but the President refuted that Trump announced her replacement would be Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin on Thursday, in the same post where he stated Noem would be removed from her position Peters was initially a partner and later an independent contractor of the firm. He 'used his position to wrongfully divert business from A1 Development to his own personal benefit for at least 11 separate clients,' the legal complaint filed in Codington County said. In one incident alleged in the lawsuit, Peters helped an unnamed client attempt to buy land listed at more than $170million for a 'future data center project'. 'Peters is not a licensed real estate agent yet kept this opportunity from A1 Development, which is a licensed brokerage firm perfectly suited to assist with such a purchase,' the lawsuit said. The lawsuit was first reported by local news site Keloland Media Group this week. Peters attorney, Steve Landon, told the Daily Mail that Peters and his consultancy firm Bad River Development, LLC, 'deny the claims in the A1 lawsuit, and are working on filing a counterclaim. 'We believe the facts will show that Kyle did not divert any business from A1 Development, that he in fact brought substantial business to A1, and that he continued to attempt to refer business to A1 even after his departure, Landon said. The attorney said A1 'came up with claims against Kyle and Bad River so that it could attempt to justify withholding commissions it owes to Bad River for work performed by Kyle months ago and for which A1 has already been paid. In addition to registering as a lobbyist for data center firm Gemini, energy firm Big Watt Digital, carbon sequestration company Gevo Inc and Graham Aviation LLC since 2023, Peters is now also deputy mayor of Watertown, where he lives with Kassidy and their three children. Peters' lobbying work drew scrutiny in 2023, when he advocated for a sunflower seed company to get a $401,085 low-interest loan from the state. Kassidy's husband, South Dakota lobbyist Kyle Peters, has also found himself in hot water this week after his former employer filed a lawsuit on February 19, claiming he stole clients from them The lawsuit filed by Sioux Falls-based firm A1 Development claims Peters was allegedly getting personally paid on the side while still working for the lobby shop Advanced Sunflower got the cash in a 2 percent interest loan from the state's East Central Regional Railroad Authority, whose board members are appointed by the governor. Peters spoke on behalf of the company at meetings with state officials, according to a Keloland report, while he was working for lobby shop A1 Development. He told the news site at the time that there was 'no conflict of interest' despite his mother-in-law's then-position as governor. 'A1 is not receiving any funds from the state of South Dakota, nor are we receiving compensation tied to these funds in any way,' Peters said One of Britains most notorious gangsters who later became an anti-crime campaigner and was awarded the OBE has died. Bobby Cummines was feared throughout the underworld in the 1970s when he built a brutal reputation as an enforcer and the countrys youngest armed robber. He spent 13 years of his life in prison for a string of offences, including on a manslaughter charge after the man he tied up during an armed robbery choked to death. However, during his last stint, at the infamous Parkhurst Prison, he was persuaded by fellow gangster and rival to the Kray Twins Charlie Richardson to go straight. He later became chief executive of Unlock, The National Association of Reformed Offenders, from April 1999 until March 2012. The 74-year-old died suddenly yesterday - just a month after filming a YouTube video in Disneyland Paris. A friend told the Daily Mail: Its come as a bit of a shock because as far as I was aware he hadnt been ill. Hed been in Paris recently with YouTuber Zac Alsop, in which they filmed themselves going round Disneyland trying to see how many rules they could break. Bobby Cummines (pictured) was feared throughout the criminal underworld in the 1970s Cummines pictured (fourth from left, rear) celebrating the release of armed robber George Davis (front, left) from prison The video was uploaded just last month. Bobby was a fantastic bloke. Hed lived the gangster life but hed gone straight and mentored youngsters trying to keep them on the straight and narrow and avoid the same mistakes he did. He had time for anyone, he didnt have a lofty opinion of himself that some former big-time villains have and he would help you any way he could. Robert Bobby Cummines was born in Islington, North London, on November 23, 1951, the youngest of eight children. He grew up near Kings Cross station in a law-abiding family and on leaving school at 16 with no qualifications, he secured his first job working in a shipping office with a career in Customs & Excise ahead of him. Yet his life took a turn when he had his first brush with the law as a teenager. Recalling the incident, Cummines said: I was in a park with my mates when somebody let off a starting pistol. The police were called and began bullying these younger kids. Cummines (far right) advised on legal and penal matters, meeting peers, prime ministers and the Queen when he received an OBE after turning his life around They were aggressive and shouldnt have been talking to these kids without an adult present, so I stood up to them. The police left and returned soon after. They pointed to a cut-throat razor that was on the ground and claimed it was mine that I had took it out of my pocket and threw it on the floor. It was a fit-up. My dad was a straight-goer and thought the police were like Dixon of Dock Green. 'He said the police would never plant evidence. He told me to plead guilty and that Id get a fine and itll be forgotten about in a few years. Cummines did as he was told and was fined 10 shillings, but his bosses at the shipping office found out about the case after and sacked him as a result. With a criminal record, he found it incredibly difficult to find another job and so within a year, he had begun his descent into the underworld, initially collecting money for his associates through beatings before becoming Britains youngest armed robber. Aged just 17 years old, he was charged with possession of a shotgun and armed robbery at the Old Bailey and was sent to a Detention Centre. After his release, he went on to become a gangland leader of criminal enforcers, extortionists and racketeers known as The Chaps who would use extreme violence throughout North London in the 1970s. During his last stint in prison at Parkhurst, Cummines was persuaded by fellow gangster and rival to the Kray Twins (pictured) Charlie Richardson to go straight Cummines used a sawn-off double-barrel shotgun nicknamed Kennedy - after assassinated U.S President JFK - which he would fill with rock salt instead Buckshot because it would cause serious pain but less damage, removing any forensic evidence. Cummines claims he was taught to dehumanize anyone he killed but in later interviews confessed that one death haunted him throughout his life. A hostage in a routine bank heist died due to suffering a serious panic attack, where he vomited and choked on a gag. Cummines was sentenced to 18 years when an arms dealer - referred to as Ernie in his autobiography - informed and told the authorities almost everything Cummines and his gang had done. Ernie entrapped Cummines telling him he had an Uzi sub-machine gun for sale and when they met, multiple armed police ambushed and arrested him. He went to prison and within the first few months had taken a governor hostage for being unreasonable and was branded a class A prisoner who was frequently moved from one jail to another. In his autobiography, Cummines revealed how he met a broad range of criminals, from members of the IRA to American mobsters. Cummines turned his life after a conversation with Charlie Richardson who advised him to quit crime and to get an education and start reading. He began writing poetry and got made contact with Labour MP Tony Benn who contributed a foreword to his published poems and campaigned to change the aim of prisons to rehabilitate and educate. Whilst still in prison Cummines studied for a degree with Open University and upon leaving he joined Mark Leach, the founder of Unlock, the National Association of Reformed Offenders where he provided practical support and advice and developed a particular expertise in tackling the financial exclusion of ex-offenders. He then become CEO when Leach stood down in 1999. Unlock became a powerful force in the rehabilitation of offenders, and in June 2011 Cummines was awarded an OBE by Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his services to reformed offenders. Cummines, a father of two, later released his autobiography, I Am Not A Gangster, in 2014 and became a legitimate businessman with a reported net worth between 1.5million and 5million. An Algerian thief who swiped a woman's handbag containing a Faberge egg and watch worth 2million will be deported once he is freed from prison. Enzo Conticello, 29, targeted Rosie Dawson, Director of Premium Brands at Craft Irish Whiskey, as she greeted a friend outside the Dog and Duck in Bateman Street, Soho, on November 7, 2024. Conticello sidled up to Ms Dawson and stole her Givenchy handbag which contained over 2.1million of goods, including credit cards, a laptop, the Faberge egg and a Faberge watch, belonging to the whiskey company. He then used Ms Dawson's credit card to buy himself a drink, cigarettes and other goods in a nearby Co-Op and Nisa Local. Conticello, also known as Hakim Boudjenoune, was arrested by Met detectives in Belfast on 26 January. Last week he admitted theft and three counts of fraud by false representation. He remains in custody and will be sentenced on April 9. Conticello, who is also known as Hakim Boudjenoune, did not enter a plea to a charge of concealing criminal property, namely the egg and watch, and prosecutor Julian Winship today asked for that charge to lie on file. Both the Faberge egg and watch remain missing and the Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward Enzo Conticello (pictured), also known as Hakim Boudjenoune and thought to be from Algeria originally, swiped Rosie Dawson's handbag on November 7, 2024 Ms Dawson (pictured) had 'credit cards, a laptop, the Faberge egg and a Faberge watch, to the value of over 2.1million' inside her stolen purse A file image of a Faberge egg similar to the one Conticello stole from Ms Dawson. Both the Faberge egg and watch remain missing and the Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward Conticello did not attend court today as Judge Mark Weekes set his sentencing date for 9 April. A judge earlier told Conticello: 'It must have been rather a surprise to you when you saw that egg, what you did with it I don't know at the moment.' Matthew Keliris-Thomas, defending Conticello, asked for a pre-sentence report and said: 'He is not heavily convicted, not many like offences.' Judge Weekes remarked: 'Well, ish.' Conticello was convicted of theft at Laganside Court in Belfast on 9 January and jailed for five months, the court heard. Judge Weekes said there was no need to prepare pre-sentence reports for the thief: 'He is also an overstayer. He is liable for deportation it would seem.' The judge gave prosecutors until March 20 to provide the defence with a sentencing note including up-to-date valuation of the Faberge egg. Detectives have urged anyone with information about the missing egg to contact police on 101 or online, quoting crime reference 01/1057202/24 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Charles Faberge was a Russian goldsmith and jeweller, best known for creating Faberge eggs made in the style of genuine Easter eggs using precious metals and gemstones. He was one of the sons of Gustav Faberge, the founder of the House of Faberge. Donald Trump was joined by a group of Christian leaders for a prayer session in the White House, calling for the protection of their troops as the US carries out military strikes in Iran. Footage taken on Thursday shows the US President seated behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, while several pastors gather around him. The members of the clergy are shown placing their hands on Trump's shoulders as a pastor leads the prayer, asking for protection for the president and members of the US military. 'I pray for your grace and protection over him,' the pastor says while the other members of the church bow their heads as they echo his words. 'I pray for your grace and your protection over our troops and all of our men and women serving in our armed forces,' he continues. He goes on to ask for guidance and strength for Trump as he leads the nation through the conflict, while the President remains seated, with his eyes closed. The prayer session comes as the war with Iran enters its seventh day, with the US vowing a surge in its strikes on Tehran in a conflict that began with the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei over the weekend. The Trump administration is confronting mounting discontent from allies in the Persian Gulf who have complained that they were not given adequate time to prepare for the torrent of Iranian drones and missiles bombarding their countries in retaliation for strikes launched by the US and Israel. Christian eaders gathered around President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on March 5 and prayed over him and for US success in the war against Iran Footage shows the US President seated behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, while several pastors gather around him Officials from two Gulf countries said their governments were disappointed in the way the US has handled the war, particularly the initial attack on Iran on February 28. They said their countries were not given advance notice of the US-Israeli attack and complained the US had ignored their warnings that the war would have devastating consequences for the entire region. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in response: 'Iran's retaliatory ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 per cent because Operation Epic Fury is crushing their ability to shoot these weapons or produce more. 'President Trump is in close contact with all of our regional partners, and the terrorist Iranian regime's attacks on its neighbours prove how imperative it was that President Trump eliminate this threat to our country and our allies.' The Gulf countries have emerged as valuable targets for Iran, well within the range of Iran's short-range missiles and filled with targets, including American troops, high-profile business and tourist locations and energy facilities, disrupting the world's flow of oil. Since the start of the war, Iran has fired at least 380 missiles and over 1,480 drones targeting the five Arab Gulf countries. At least 13 people have been killed in those countries, according to local officials. In addition, six US soldiers were killed in Kuwait on Sunday when an Iranian drone strikehit an operations centre in a civilian port, more than 10 miles from the main Army base. The husband of one of the slain soldiers, who was part of a supply and logistics unit based in Iowa, said the operations centre was a shipping container-style building and had no defences. The prayer session comes as the war with Iran enters its seventh day Drone attacks this week at the embassy in Saudi Arabia caused a limited fire at the embassy in Riyadh, and another drone attack in the UAE sparked a small fire outside the U.S. consulate in Dubai. Meanwhile, on Friday, Israeli warplanes battered Beirut and Tehran as Iran launched another wave of retaliatory strikes against Israel and the Gulf countries. There was no sign of the war letting up on its seventh day, as US President Donald Trump appeared to rule out negotiations with Iran and called for its 'unconditional surrender.' The strikes in Lebanon were the heaviest since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, who fired rockets at Israel in the opening days of the latest conflict. Tens of thousands have fled Beirut's suburbs and southern Lebanon after sweeping Israeli evacuation warnings. The US said on Friday it had struck an Iranian drone carrier at sea as it waged an unrelenting campaign against the country's navy that earlier included the torpedoing of a warship in the Indian Ocean. The US and Israel have pounded Iran with strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. The stated goals and timelines for the war have repeatedly shifted, as the US has at times suggested it seeks to topple Iran's government or elevate new leadership from within. In a social media post on Friday, Trump said that after Iran's surrender, 'and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.' The war has already caused a spike in oil prices, and Qatar's energy minister warned that it could 'bring down the economies of the world,' predicting a widespread shutdown of Gulf energy exports that could send oil to $150 a barrel. Israel's military said Friday morning it had begun 'a broad-scale wave of strikes' on Tehran, Iran's capital. Witnesses described Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases. Iran, meanwhile, launched missile and drone attacks at Israel, as well as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host US forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. The UK government has confirmed that a second repatriation flight for British nationals has taken off from Oman. The plane took off from Muscat, the country's capital, earlier today just hours after the first charter flight arrived in London's Stansted Airport this morning. The UK Foreign Office announced the flight's departure on Friday afternoon, writing on X: 'A second government charter flight has taken off from Oman today bringing British nationals home. The first flight arrived in London early this morning. 'British nationals in Oman will be contacted about the option of charter flights as they become available. Vulnerable people are being prioritised.' It added that more than 7,500 people have returned to the UK from the United Arab Emirates since Tuesday, with over 3,400 flying back on Thursday alone. Sir Keir Starmer said on Thursday that the government will lay on additional charter flights 'in the coming days', adding that it was 'a huge undertaking'. The Prime Minister has come under heavy criticism over the evacuation of thousands of British nationals fleeing the Middle East after the first repatriation flight from Oman was delayed by several hours this week. Terrified holidaymakers have been stranded across the region amid missile attacks from Iran, which has been retaliating after the US and Israel launched a wave of strikes targeting the country's regime on Saturday. Some airlines have begun cautiously operating repatriation flights, including British Airways which has scheduled journeys from Oman to London Heathrow from Monday to Thursday next week. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways announced on Friday it would be resuming a 'limited flight schedule', with flights from Abu Dhabi to Heathrow, Manchester and Dublin. The UK government has confirmed that a second repatriation flight for British nationals has taken off from Oman Brits pictured arriving at Stansted Airport early this morning, after a 'traumatic' journey back from the Middle East Amelia Reid, 27 (inset in the wheelchair) and her boyfriend Samuel Sharp (pictured in the black hoodie) had been stuck in Dubai The young couple were greeted by relieved parents and their beloved dog Penny Passengers of the first government chartered plane were left 'traumatised' after it had to be grounded on Wednesday as the pilot had 'exceeded his hours'. Witnesses claimed people were having panic attacks, while others were banging on windows due to the delays as they desperately tried to return home to loved ones. Travelling via Cairo, Egypt, the flight finally landed back at Stansted, Essex, at around 12.53am on Friday morning. Some spoke of the long journey home as 'traumatic', recalling delays with checking in, fearful waits on buses and nervous border crossings. Amelia Reid and her boyfriend Samuel Sharpe, from Dartford in Kent, only arrived in the UAE emirate the day before the military action began, and described having to shelter in the car park under their hotel in Dubai before catching the flight home. The young couple, both 27, who were greeted by relieved parents and their beloved dog Penny, said: 'We got to Dubai on Friday morning. We were staying on the Palm. 'It's been pretty traumatic. It is not something you expect when you go on holiday, to have missiles flying over your head. It is what it is and we are back now.' The flight - which some said was not full to its capacity - was bringing back families with young kids and the vulnerable. Amelia, who was in a wheelchair, added: 'There were delays yesterday. There was an issue with the checking in. 'Because it was a chartered fight they couldn't just check everyone in easily. 'We waited three hours to check in and then because of that delay, the pilot then ran out of working hours so couldn't legally fly. The Government said it was prioritising the most vulnerable and people are reportedly being asked to pay for their seats Brits had travelled from Muscat, Oman, with a stop to refuel in Cairo, Egypt, before landing at Stansted on Friday Amelia, having made it safely back to the UK after hiding under her Dubai hotel in a car park, hugs her dog 'It got cancelled before we got on the plane. We were waiting on the buses. It was pretty nerve-racking. 'We tried four different flights to get home. They got cancelled. So we decided to go over the border and get the coach to Muscat airport. 'There were a couple of spare seats on the plane.' When asked if the plane was full, Amelia Reid said: 'Pretty much. There were a couple of spare seats. 'But I think it would have been full if it had gone yesterday (on Wednesday). 'Some people had flights on standby with other companies.' Samuel, also 27, said: 'On Saturday, we ended up sleeping in the car park with about 100 other people in the basement of the hotel. 'We were stuck down there all night and didn't get told if it was safe to go up or not. We just went up for breakfast and heard another bang after that.' Others paid hundreds for a seat on the Government chartered flight back to never hear back. Poppy Cleary, 27, paid around 350 for her seat but claims she 'never heard back' and remained stranded in Oman. A Foreign Office spokesman told the Daily Mail yesterday that the initial flight, supposed to depart on Wednesday, was grounded due to 'technical issues'. Frightened holidaymakers and British nationals scramble for flights home, with some families paying up to 100,000 for private jets to escape the war-shaken Gulf state. Pictured: Dubai airport this week Brits Fazal Chaudhri, 47 and his 41-year-old wife Federica Santoro have been living in Dubai for three years, but managed to get on the chartered flight back and are heading to Reading, Berkshire. Mr Chaudhri said: 'On Saturday when stuff started happening in Dubai, we drove straight away to Muscat. 'We thought we'd get out as soon as something happened. We stayed in Muscat, we registered for the flight and got on the flight and here we are. 'For me and my wife it's been a bit stressful with everything happening. There was a bit of room for improvement because there were a few technical issues with the flight. 'But they were all working really hard. It was a bit of a shambles on the night that we thought we were going to get on the flight and we were trapped on buses.' Ms Santoro added: 'We are fine, we were lucky to get out.' An SAS Gulf war veteran is airlifting terrified British holidaymakers out of Dubai at 2,500 a time. Des Steel, 64, runs an international security company and flies his operatives in and out of the Middle East every day. Manchester-based Mr Steel is now using his covert 'fixers' contacts and drivers to get Brits out of Dubai and safely home. He has already repatriated 35 people and the last to go, a family of three, paid 2,500 each. Mr Steel picks up stranded Brits at their hotels and drives them to the borders of Oman or Saudi where they are met by local drivers. They are then driven to the country's international airport where tickets have been bought by his fixer. Des Steel, 64, runs a security company and flies his operatives in and out of the Middle East Light traffic moves along a road as commuters ride 'abra' water taxis in Dubai yesterday The five-star Palm Jumeirah Fairmont Hotel was hit and set ablaze by an Iranian missile A patron sits at an otherwise-empty outdoor restaurant in Dubai yesterday Mr Steel said: 'If it was me, I'd pour myself a Pina Colada go out onto my hotel balcony and wait for it to blow over which it will. 'But I understand that people are worried and when rockets are going off around you, you want to get home. 'I realised I could help by employing the same network I use every day for my security agents.' Mr Steel says his escape route is very safe and the chances of one of his vehicles being hit by a rogue drone are a million to one. The cost of each 'ticket' home is variable. The biggest expense is for the drivers with some charging more than $1,000 to get a car load of passengers to airports. Brits taking up his offer pay the standard air fare home with Mr Steel and his fixers taking a cut of the overall price, which works out tens for thousands of pounds cheaper than some holidaymakers have paid to get home. It comes as Britons trying to escape under-fire Dubai told today of the widespread panic now engulfing airports. With some 14,000 UK citizens alone having flagged to the authorities that they want to get out of the desert city and other sites across the Middle East, there is now a palpable sense of desperation. Iran is believed to have fired almost as many drones and missiles at Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, the gulf's dominant trade and tourism hub, as it has at Israel , with even the iconic Palm Jumeirah hotel in flames. The Daily Mail spoke today to some of the thousands of stranded tourists and expats trying to escape the warzone that now is Dubai on flights back to Britain. Among them was Paul Hart who told how he and his wife had been stuck in Dubai since the fighting started - and could not travel to Oman for the British Government's repatriation flight. Dubai residents Kate O'Neill and Eoin Campbell are travelling to the UK on a scheduled break Sue King, 66, from Newquay was staying with her family in Dubai when the first missiles struck Passengers in the terminal at Dubai Airport this morning as flights are still being affected He said: 'If you travel to Oman you have to go to the border and then get another taxi to take you from the border to the airport. 'My wife suffers from Crohn's disease and also has occipital neuralgia, therefore she needs close proximity to toilets and things, so it's not an option to travel to Oman. 'My plane was due to depart on February 28. I was actually on board. It was all boarded, and then it came over the airways that "Sorry, the airspace is closed". 'So after four hours, we were able to depart the plane. Fortunately, we were able to get a taxi, and fortunately, we were able to return to our original hotel, because the alternative they provided was booked up within seconds. 'I've been in this hotel, I've rebooked for four days, and I've rebooked for another five days, and I'm fully expecting when my flight, which is due to leave on Monday, it will be cancelled on Saturday, and we will go around the around the loop again, with the prospect of another flight, but BA has got no intention flying people out of Dubai.' Among them was retiree Sue King, 66, from Newquay, Cornwall, who had been staying with her daughter and family in Dubai when the first wave of missiles and drones from Iran struck. 'It was very frightening,' she recalled. 'We heard the bangs and saw some flashes from interceptions, but luckily my grandchildren are very young, so they didn't pick up on what was going on. 'I was originally supposed to fly home on Sunday, but that was never going to happen [after the war began on Saturday]. 'Then I thought that there was a British Airways repatriation flight going from Dubai Airport this morning, so I came down here on the off-chance, but it was cancelled anyway. 'I'm now on standby for two different Emirates flights to Heathrow, one at 2pm and another at 2am, so I'm just crossing my fingers that I can get on one of them.' In fact, despite Dubai airport's live departures board showing Ms King's 'cancelled' British Airways flight, it was never even scheduled, according to a BA spokesman, who said: 'We aren't operating from Dubai at the moment.' An amateur radio operator believes mysterious radio broadcasts could be instructions being sent to CIA agents in Iran. When 47-year-old Roberto, from Milan, switched on his shortwave radio on Tuesday, he heard a ghostly voice reciting a string of numbers in Persian. 'A fellow shortwave enthusiast had told me about the signal, which started the same day the US attacked Iran,' Roberto, who posts news of his radio scanning under the name 'Shortwave Observer', said. 'It did not exist before, and it looked to me like someone, possibly the CIA, was transmitting coded messages to agents inside Iran.' Roberto is one of thousands of amateur radio enthusiasts who track so-called numbers stations, long linked to spy agencies using coded sequences to send instructions to operatives with codebooks. In an age of cyber spying, burner phones and digital surveillance, coded radio broadcasts may sound like a relic of the Cold War. But they still offer one major advantage. While computers and phones leave a trail, codebooks can simply be burned. 'There is no way of tracing the recipient of a signal, they could be anyone with a radio, anywhere in the world,' Roberto told The Times. An amateur radio operator believes mysterious radio broadcasts in Persian could be instructions being sent to CIA agents in Iran When Roberto, from Milan, switched on his shortwave radio on Tuesday, he heard a ghostly voice reciting a string of numbers in Persian Smoke rises from an explosion in the direction of Ali Al Salem Air Base, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran And while the contents of the broadcasts may be top secret, that has not stopped thousands of enthusiasts from listening in. He said the Farsi-language transmission appeared to originate in the Middle East and had been airing every day at 6pm and 2am UK time, sometimes for as long as an hour. He added that listeners had debated whether the signal was being sent into Iran for agents at risk of having their phones intercepted, or whether it could instead be Iran broadcasting to its own operatives overseas. Numbers stations first emerged during the First World War but became most closely associated with the Cold War when intelligence agencies used strange strings of numbers to pass messages to operatives. Some broadcasts opened with phrases such as 'Ready? Ready?', while others used electronic sounds or short bursts of music. One of the best-known exemples was the Lincolnshire Poacher station, widely believed to have been run by British intelligence, which played the opening bars of the folk song of the same name before the numbers began. It continued broadcasting until 2008, two years after being jammed by North Korea's foreign-language service, Voice of Korea. Since the end of the Cold War, the US has also alleged that Cuban spies arrested on American soil relied on numbers stations broadcasting from Havana. Global markets have gone haywire after Donald Trump demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender'. US crude oil crashed through the $90 barrel threshold, spiking by 11.5 percent as it notched a 35 percent gain this week. The national average for a gallon gas has surged almost 27 cents since last week to $3.25. Wall Street traders were in frenzy as the Dow dropped nearly 2 percent, while the the S&P 500 and Nasdaq fell 1.6 percent each. 'There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!' the President posted on Truth Social Friday morning. 'After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before.' Qatar's energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi, warned that soaring oil prices threatened to 'bring down the economies of the world.' He projected prices could hit $150 barrel as Iran strangles the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil flows. The last time oil topped $100 was after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Trump said Thursday that he must have a role in selecting Iran's new leadership after the US and Israel killed the nation's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many top Iranian officials over the weekend. President Trump has demanded 'unconditional surrender' from Iran to end the war US forces dropped heavy penetrator bombs on Tehran on Friday The late ayatollah's son, Motjaba Khamenei, who is believed to be alive and in hiding, is an 'unacceptable' option, Trump said Thursday. Mojtaba has been reported as the top choice among the remaining Iranian leadership to lead the country going forward. Trump has said he has some ideas of who would do a good job as leader, but he has not specifically named anyone he sees as a viable successor to the late ayatollah. Speaking at a White House event on Thursday, the President said that the war in Iran is 'far ahead of schedule.' The White House has repeatedly said the goal of the Iran war, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, is to destroy the Iranian Navy, obliterate their nuclear capabilities, destroy Iranian terrorist proxies in the region and take out the Iranian ballistic missile and drone capabilities. Already, the US has destroyed at least 24 Iranian Navy vessels and countless ballistic missile and drone launch sites. The US has struck over 2,000 sites in Iran, according to the Pentagon. In retaliation, Iran has fired off missile and drone salvos at US military bases in the region and at civilian targets in neighboring Middle Eastern nations. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan and Oman have been hit with Iranian fire. Trump told CNN on Friday that 'no' he does not care whether Iran turns into a democratic state after the conflict. Instead, he is fixated on finding leaders who will be friendly to the US and Israel, regardless of what form of government is installed. 'No, Im saying there has to be a leader thats going be fair and just. Do a great job. Treat the United States and Israel well, and treat the other countries in the Middle East theyre all our partners,' Trump said. A van driver who killed a gifted university student after driving into her while she sat on a bench outside King's College London has been jailed for eight years. Aalia Mahomed, 20, died after being hit by an electric van last March on the Strand in central London. The student from Mitcham, south London, was in her second year studying physics and philosophy with hopes of being an engineer, and was described by her mother, Samira Shafi, as 'the most amazing daughter'. The van driver - who had never driven an electric vehicle before - rammed into an iron gate, mounted a flower bed and briefly flew in the air before colliding with Ms Mahomed. Fellow students Irem Yoldas, 28, and Yamin Belmessous, 24, were injured in the crash. Christopher Jackson, 27, from Southampton, was jailed for eight years at the Old Bailey last week after previously pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Jackson had been asked by his work to collect the electric vehicle from Bush House in Aldwych, London, and drive them to Southampton, according to the Metropolitan Police. He proceeded to drive at an 'alarmingly fast speed' towards iron gates that led to the pedestrianised streets of the Strand. Aalia Mahomed, 20, was run down and killed by an out-of-control van on The Strand in central London Christopher Jackson, 27, from Southampton, was jailed for eight years at the Old Bailey last week after previously pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving Jackson crashed into the gate, knocking it off its hinges, which fell on top of Ms Yoldas and Mr Belmessous, causing life-changing injuries. He then drove on to a flower bed before crashing into Ms Mahomed as he fought for control of the car, and stopped just before he rammed into St Mary le Strand church. Ms Mahomed was thrown for several metres as a result of impact. Jackson had never driven an electric vehicle before, Judge Philip Katz KC said, and had mistakenly put the car into reverse, leaving him to be 'taken by surprise' while 'pressing and pumping on the accelerator thinking it was the brake'. A witness described how Jackson drove the van 'with straight arms locked', and that 'it looked like he was fighting the van'. Ms Mahomed was declared dead at the scene after the six-second-long incident, Fiona Robertson, prosecuting, told the court. The student's friend, who was with her at the time, confronted the driver and said he 'had no control' and the van 'just took off', the court heard. Ms Shafi sobbed while reading a statement in court. She said: 'Not a single second has passed without me feeling an unbearable void she has left behind.' Ms Mahomed's brother Zayn and mother Samira Shafi unveil a plaque in memory of the 20-year-old student Jackson - who had never driven an electric vehicle before - rammed into an iron gate, mounted a flower bed and briefly flew in the air before colliding with Ms Mahomed She described going to where her daughter died and mistakenly being told she was fine by a police officer, who had also called her the wrong name. Ms Shafi found the area cordoned off by police, with other emergency services being present at the scene. 'I kept repeating her name to anyone who would listen,' she said. 'I pleaded with them to let me through but they would not budge.' Ms Shafi added her 'world changed forever' when she was told the truth, and will 'always be incredibly proud to have been blessed with the most amazing daughter and to have been her mother.' She told the court: 'The pain of losing a child overnight with no goodbye, no wrongdoing on her part, is something I wouldn't wish on anyone. 'I fear I may never be the same person ever again. 'I plead with the court to show this wasn't in vain. I made a final promise to her that I would fight to get her justice.' A vigil was held for Ms Mahomed a week after she was pronounced dead at the scene People lay flowers at the scene of the crash in memory of the physics and philosophy student The victim's brother Zayn, reading from the eulogy he gave at the funeral, said: 'She was more than my sister, she was my best friend. 'All the dreams I had of her teaching my kids maths as she tried to teach me have been robbed. 'Aalia was a genius, with a smile sharp enough to cut steel. 'She was a hero, she was my hero.' Ms Mahomed's father Shameer Mahomed had his statement read out by his sister Sara Mohamed, who said 'she was always happy and never said anything bad about anybody'. He added: 'She was a friend to all of us and we all miss her terribly.' Jessica Clark, who was defending Jackson, said: 'The picture painted by Mr Jackson's partner, in-laws, friends, work references, paint the picture of, and I do not mean this in a derogatory way, an ordinary man, a worker, a father. 'Who, had it not been for this awful six-second mistake, would have driven that van to Southampton as per his instructions and gone home to his family.' Judge Katz said he accepted the defendant's remorse was 'immediate and genuine'. He added: 'You've been a hard working father of three young children, they and your partner will also be impacted by your prison sentence.' Jackson kept his gaze down as Judge Katz sentenced him to eight years for causing death by dangerous driving, and three years each for the two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, which will run concurrently. He was told he would serve two-thirds of his sentence before being released on licence, and would be banned from driving for five years, with the need for a driving re-test. Roy Pershad, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: 'Our thoughts remain with all those who knew and loved Aalia Mahomed, as well as with the other victims who were seriously injured. 'This was a catastrophic crash which claimed the life of Aalia, a young woman with her whole future ahead of her, and left two other people with life changing injuries. 'Christopher Jackson drove at an alarmingly fast speed, smashing through iron gates into a pedestrianised area, then striking and tragically killing Aalia as she sat on a bench near her university campus. 'The collision resulted from pedal confusion, and his driving clearly fell far below the standard expected of a competent and careful driver. 'We hope today's sentence provides some measure of justice and comfort to Aalia's family and to the other victims, as they continue to grieve and recover.' Detective Chief Superintendent Donna Smith, from the Metropolitan Police, said: 'It is almost a year to the day since this terrible incident took place. It should never have happened, and Aalia should still be with us today, surrounded by those who loved her. 'Our thoughts, as always, remain with Aalia's family and friends. Their strength over the past year has been extraordinary. 'We would also like to share our thoughts with the two other victims, whose lives have been forever changed. They continue to show remarkable courage, and we know their lives will never be the same. 'We hope that this case serves as a reminder of the consequences of dangerous driving.' The money Ms Mahomed had saved for a holiday is going towards the creation of a secondary school in Malawi, East Africa, which will be named after her. A former police officer who took selfies at the scene of a teenager's death has been found not guilty of misconduct in a public office. Ryan Connolly, 41, was cleared of four charges after Recorder of Manchester Judge Nicholas Dean KC discharged the jury part way through a trial at Manchester Crown Court. Judge Dean ruled the prosecution's evidence could not amount to proving Connolly committed misconduct and it would not be legal for a jury to consider verdicts on the charges. He told the court: 'My conclusion is the Crown cannot demonstrate the serious misconduct here, that the evidence is incapable of demonstrating serious misconduct, so the jury could not reach a conclusion so that Mr Connolly was guilty of misconduct in public office.' He ordered not guilty verdicts to be recorded on Friday, on the fifth day of the trial which began on Monday. Prosecutors have until Monday to consider whether to appeal against the ruling. Jurors heard how Connolly, a constable with Merseyside Police, took selfies, including one lying on the grass near to a murder scene which he was deployed to guard after 16-year-old Daniel Gee-Jamieson was killed in Belle Vale, Liverpool, in 2018. More than 50 photos, including pictures of vulnerable people detained at hospitals as well as images of force systems and Connolly's colleagues, were found in the sent folder of WhatsApp on his personal phone when he was arrested in February 2020, the court heard. Ryan Connolly, 41, has been found not guilty after five days on trial for misconduct in public office, after taking selfies, including at a murder scene Some of those photographed included domestic violence victims or vulnerable people with mental health problems, the jury was told Connolly allegedly took 24 photos of people arrested at police stations and hospitals before sharing them on WhatsApp Opening the trial on Tuesday, Peter Wilson, prosecuting, said: 'The prosecution say he has wilfully misconducted himself by taking inappropriate photographs where, we say, there is no professional need to do so. Connolly allegedly took selfies where Daniel Gee-Jamieson (above), 16, was fatally stabbed 'He's then retained them and sent them on.' But the court heard that with the exception of one photo, sent to a supervising officer, there was no evidence of who Connolly sent the pictures to, and no messages accompanying the images had been retrieved from the phone. The jury was told the defendant claimed the images were taken for work purposes, but the court heard they had not been uploaded to police systems. At the hearing on Friday, a note from one juror had asked the court to explain why the defendant had taken the photos, adding: 'What was he getting out of it?' Judge Dean told jurors that misconduct in public office is one of the few remaining common law offences which is hard to define and is often a form of corruption. He gave the example of police officers sometimes being prosecuted for tipping off criminals about police investigations for money - but nothing like that had been suggested in Connolly's case. However Connolly, from Huyton, Merseyside, will be back at the same court on Monday to be sentenced for three counts of possession of extreme pornographic images which he previously admitted. He was formally dismissed in 2021 by Merseyside Police, who described his behaviour as 'deplorable'. A misconduct hearing was told other images found on his phone were racist, homophobic and mocked disabled people, and messages showed he socialised with a known criminal. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the Middle East war could trigger uncontrolled migration in Europe, warning of 'far-reaching consequences' for the bloc. Merz said in a statement on Friday: 'An endless war is not in our interest. The same applies to a collapse of Iranian statehood or proxy conflicts fought on Iranian soil.' 'Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe, including for security, energy supply and migration.' He added that 'we share the goals of the United States and Israel regarding the Iranian nuclear and missile programme, Tehran's threats against Israel, its support for terrorism and proxies. 'The Iranian people have the right to freely decide their own destiny,' he said. Merz said a total collapse of the Iranian state would spread chaos, saying Germany and its European allies were 'pushing hard for Iran's sovereignty to be preserved.' Speaking at a trade fair in Munich, the Chancellor said: 'We do not want to see a Syrian scenario here.' 'We want this state to be able to function on its own,' he added of Iran. Merz became the first foreign leader to see Trump after the United States and Israel began bombing Iran on Saturday. Migrants arrive onboard a Border Force vessel at the Border Force compound in Ramsgate, Kent on March 6 The US and Israel are intensifying strikes on Tehran, after Donald Trump warned Iran that the big one is coming. 'And that is why I am appealing both in Washington and in all talks with the Israeli government to create the conditions for this country to be stabilised as quickly as possible.' 'We naturally have a strong interest in this ourselves in order to avoid new waves of refugees from the region.' The United Nations refugee agency on Friday declared the crisis in the Middle East a major humanitarian emergency, and insisted all fleeing civilians should be granted safe passage. This comes as migrants have already begun fleeing the war in Iran, with dozens arriving in France today to cross the Channel to the UK. The migrants are said to have arrived in vans at the Loon-Plage migrant camp in Dunkirk after travelling from Iran via Turkey. Merz, who became the first foreign leader to meet with Trump after the United States and Israel began bombing Iran on Saturday, also warned of devastating economic consequences. 'This is, of course, damaging our economies. This is true for the oil prices, and this is true for the gas prices as well,' Merz told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday. 'So that's the reason why we all hope that this war will come to an end as soon as possible,' he added. Fuel prices have risen in Germany by around one-fifth in the past few days, approaching the levels seen after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Diesel prices per liter were almost 20% lower one month ago than they were on Wednesday, according to German outlet DW. Earlier this week, it was reported that Germans had begun rushing to the neighbouring Czech Republic where filling up is cheaper. Meanwhile, the US and Israel are intensifying strikes on Tehran, after Donald Trump warned Iran that the big one is coming. There were deafening bangs and multiple plumes of smoke and fireballs as a huge payload hit the Moqaddad base of the Revolutionary Guards on Friday. This comes as Iran unleashed its 'most intense barrage' yet on Thursday night with a series of bombardments on Israel and US allies in the Gulf as it threatened to drag even more countries into the Middle East conflict. U.S. B-2 stealth bombers, armed with 2,000 lb. bombs, are among the planes getting ready to strike Iran with British bases set to be used for what are being dubbed 'defensive strikes' The Islamic Republic had vowed the US would 'bitterly regret' torpedoing one of its warships as it sent hundreds of drones and missiles at its Arab neighbours. Iran's threats were met with fury from President Trump, who said on Friday there would be no deal struck with Iran except 'unconditional surrender.' 'After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction,' Trump said in a Truth Social post, adding that they would work to boost Iran's economy. Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump said: 'I'm once again calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military and the police to lay down their arms. 'Now is the time to stand up for the Iranian people and help take back your country. You're gonna have a chance after all these years to take back your country. Accept immunity, we'll give you immunity. 'You'll be perfectly safe with total immunity or you'll face absolutely guaranteed death, and I don't want to see that.' The US President warned this week: 'We haven't even started hitting them hard. The big wave has not even happened'. The US Air Force's heaviest bombers are now expected to arrive at British bases, after the UK allowed the US use British bases for 'defensive' strikes against missile facilities in Iran. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said that America will now use British RAF bases to 'dramatically' up its strikes on Iran. 'When we say more to come, it's more fighter squadrons, it's more capabilities, it's more defensive capabilities, and it's more bomber pulses more frequently', Hegseth said. Speaking at a press conference in Tampa on Thursday, Hegseth warned the regime: 'We have only just begun to fight and fight decisively. If you think you've seen something, just wait.' He said: 'Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation. Our munitions are full up and our will is ironclad.' 'The amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically.' America's stealth air fleet including its B-1s, B-2s and B-52s are said to be on their way to Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The strategic bombers, costing up to $2billion each, can carry out long-range missions without detection while carrying the world's most devastating missiles. Sources have suggested that Saturday could be D-day for a new gigantic bombardment - exactly a week after America and Israel first attacked Iran as part of 'Operation Epic Fury'. Experts believe some American bombers could drop the 'Mother of All Bombs', a 10-tonne explosive that creates 1,000ft holes in the ground, taking out tunnels and bunkers while simultaneously pulling infrastructures such as bridges down into the giant crater. America's army of Reaper drones carrying thousands of pounds of laser-guided bombs to carry our precision strikes will also increase sorties over Iranian cities. Attacks from aircraft carriers and missiles from US submarines are also expected. A farmer has been jailed over a terrifying dog attack on a teenage girl on the same farm where a three-year-old boy was mauled to death by a different dog. Matthew Brown, 52, who owns and runs Carr Farm in Milnrow, Rochdale, was convicted of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control that caused injury in connection with the attack on the 17-year-old girl in April 2021. She had been walking past the farm on Tunshill Lane when she was mauled by a Tibetan Mastiff, leaving her with a large and V-shaped wound to her arm. A year later, in May 2022, Daniel Twigg, three, died after a Cane Corso launched a 'furious and prolonged' attack at the same farm. His parents were jailed in October over the tragedy. Brown had pleaded not guilty to being in control of the Tibetan Mastiff, which has since been rehomed, but was convicted in February and sentenced to 15 months in prison on Thursday. He was also disqualified from owning a dog for five years. In a victim statement considered by the court, the then-teenager said she has been left permanently scarred by the incident. 'Before I was attacked by this dog, I used to enjoy going out and being active,' she said. Matthew Brown, 52, who owns and runs Carr Farm in Milnrow, Rochdale, was convicted of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control that caused injury in connection with the attack on the 17-year-old girl in April 2021 The attack at Carr Farm (pictured) came around a year before a three-year-old boy would be mauled to death at the same property 'I would regularly go on walks on public footpaths and enjoy being out in the surrounding area. I live in an area where the countryside is on my doorstep and I really enjoyed going out with friends and family to enjoy this. 'However, since this incident, I do not like going out on my own. I also feel apprehensive about going out with friends and family. 'When I do have to leave the house, I feel that I am anxious and concerned. I am always worried that I may be attacked by a dog.' She said she gave birth to a daughter in 2022, but felt the incident 'has had a negative impact on me being a parent and also had an impact on her being able to enjoy the countryside'. 'I should be able to enjoy the area in which I live and give my daughter the experiences I had as a child,' she added in the statement. 'However, I feel like this incident has taken this away from me. I am always anxious about taking my daughter to the park and doing normal activities with her as a parent. 'This has not only had an impact on me, but also an impact on my family.' Daniel Twigg, three, died after being attacked by a Cane Corso at the same farm in May 2022 Previously Daniel's parents, Joanne Bedford and Mark Twigg, were both found guilty of being a person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury, following the death of their son, Daniel. Bedford was jailed for three years and six months and Twigg for two years and eight months. Both were disqualified from keeping dogs for 15 years. The couple, formerly of Blackley, were acquitted of manslaughter. Police said after the case the dog was one of eleven kept on the property, which the family had moved into two months earlier. Daniel was said to have entered a dog pen unsupervised, where Sid and another dog were housed in poor conditions. He suffered multiple head and neck injuries and sadly died the same day. CNN's sole correspondent on the ground in Iran is facing backlash for his coverage inside the nation on day seven of the escalating war with the US and Israel. Reporting from the road to Iran's capital, CNN's Frederik Pleitgen led a broadcast claiming it is 'business as usual' in the war-torn nation. He admitted to encountering heavy checkpoints and armed personnel. But in a surreal twist, the veteran correspondent told viewers he saw 'no signs of panic' whatsoever. Instead, Pleitgen painted a picture of absolute calm, reporting that shops remain open and fully stocked with fresh food, such as fruits and vegetables. He said there were 'no long lines' and fuel appeared to be 'readily available' at a gas station. He added: 'You just don't see any sort of degree of panic anywhere.' At one point, he casually sipped a cup of coffee that was handed to him on air. Now, furious Iranians are hitting back. Outraged activists and local influencers have taken to social media in droves to savagely mock and tear down the network's reporting, accusing CNN of broadcasting a 'parallel universe' and calling their reporting 'garbage.' Viral videos and furious comments, including a massive backlash on Instagram, are painting a vastly different, much darker picture of a population terrified of what comes next. Outraged activists and local influencers have taken to social media in droves to savagely mock and tear down the network's reporting, accusing CNN of broadcasting a 'parallel universe' and calling their reporting 'garbage' Outraged activists and local influencers have taken to social media in droves to savagely mock and tear down the network's reporting, accusing CNN of broadcasting a 'parallel universe' and calling their reporting 'garbage' Terrified Iranian families are fearfully retreating inside their homes, rationing food and water bracing for a horrific slaughter at the hands of their own government if allied military strikes fail to completely obliterate the regime. This photo was sent exclusively to the Daily Mail showing a rooftop in Tehran Stores are shuttered, and ATMs are empty. 'The price of fundamental things like water have skyrocketed,' the source noted Nazanin Nour, a California-based Iranian influencer, actress and model, posted a video online dissecting the reporter's claims one by one. 'I think one of the reasons there aren't long lines at the gas stations, is because, and I'm going to go out on a limb here, a lot of people are staying inside because, um, the country is getting bombed?' Nour sarcastically pointed out. In another clip, where the reporter mentioned the grocery stores being stocked, Nour hits back, saying, 'Yeah, the shelves are probably pretty stocked because most people can't afford groceries right now.' 'You just don't see any sort of degree of panic anywhere,' he continues in his report. Nour responds with this: 'Did you see the panic of the people who were getting shot at by the IRGC when they were chanting from the rooftops? Did you see the panic of the people who were getting stopped at armed checkpoints and being threatened?' 'Did you see the panic of the people who were watching state-controlled television today as the IRGC said if anyone shows any enthusiasm or excitement for what the U.S. and Israel are doing, we can shoot to kill you?' A Trump administration official took to social media to attack the report. Dylan Johnson, the new assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, posted a small part of his report on X, writing, 'CNN appears to now be doing straight-up pro-Iran regime propaganda because someone gave this guy a coffee...' In another recent report, Pleitgen and photojournalist Claudia Otto join pro-regime demonstrators. Nazanin Nour, a California-based Iranian influencer, actress and model, posted a video online dissecting the reporter's claims one by one Explosions in Tehran following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel The caption for their video online mentions that they are joining as 'the government attempts to put on a defiant face.' They also mention online that 'CNN operates in Iran only with government permission.' The stark disconnect between CNN's on-the-ground broadcast and the reality of the war comes as the U.S. and Israel continue a massive, multi-day bombing campaign across the region. The US has said that over 2,000 targets have already been hit as the conflict enters its second week. Far from the relaxed atmosphere depicted in Tehran, the US government is currently treating the region as an active and highly volatile war zone. Dylan Johnson, who called out the CNN broadcast, confirmed earlier this week that the State Department is officially scrambling to evacuate U.S. citizens. Taking to X, Johnson stated that the government is 'actively securing military aircraft and charter flights for American citizens who wish to leave the Middle East.' The State Department is already in direct contact with nearly 3,000 Americans trapped abroad in the region, urging them to reach out for emergency departure options as civilian airspace shuts down and neighboring Gulf nations brace for potential spillover violence. Chinese spies operating in the UK poured water under the door of a kidnap target as they tried persuading her to open the door so they could get into her flat, a trial heard. The men filmed their operation on bodyworn cameras as one of them pretended to be 'Dave from maintenance', calling out to the woman they believed was inside - and footage has now been shown to jurors at the Old Bailey. Former Royal Marine Matthew Trickett, could be seen knocking on the door, claiming there had been a water leak and saying: 'Hello, ma'am, ma'am - you need to open up. 'We need to investigate the leak, there's water everywhere. The other residents are complying - can you please open the door?' In the end they forced their way into the flat in Pontefract, Yorkshire, on the evening of May 1 2024, in the hope of 'taking hold of' their target, the Old Bailey was told. But UK law enforcement had secretly bugged the 'shadow police operation' to break into young mother Monica Kwong's home on behalf of China, a court has heard. Police then swooped in to arrest 11 people, including British Border Force official Peter Wai, two former Royal Marines, Beijing-based businesswoman Tina Zou and a retired Hong Kong Police superintendent. Wai, 38, known as Fatboy, and another ex-Hong Kong police superintendent Bill Yuen, 65, are on trial at the Old Bailey accused of charges under the National Security Act. British Border Force official Peter Wai (pictured outside the Old Bailey) is on trial accused of spying on Hong Kong activists - he denies the charges Ex-Hong Kong police superintendent Bill Yuen (pictured), 65, is also on trial accused of charges under the National Security Act which he too denies Chinese spies operating in the UK poured water under the door of a kidnap target as they tried persuading her to open the door so they could get into her flat, a trial has heard Jurors have heard how Wai was tasked by Yuen to spy on Hong Kong dissidents and pro-democracy campaigners and British politicians for China. Wai, who was also a special constable with the City of London Police, had allegedly accessed the Home Office computer system while off sick or on rest days to carry out research into Ms Kwong. She had left Hong Kong in 2023 with her young son and been targeted over an alleged fraud against her influential employer, Ms Zou, who was later among those arrested in Pontefract. Jurors were shown a series of videos of Wei's team allegedly trying to trick their way into the flat as part of a plan to get hold of Ms Kwong and take her back to China. Tactics included pretending to be a maintainance worker checking for an electrical fault and pouring water under the door to simulate a leak. Trickett, 37, an immigration enforcement officer and ex-Royal Marine, was filmed by the team repeatedly knocking on the door. When he received no response, he could be heard to tell Ms Kwong she would be 'liable' for any damage if she did not open up. He went on: 'Ma'am, can you please open the door? Ma'am, we are going to have to call the management company to open the door if you are not willing to open it. Matthew Trickett (pictured), 37, an immigration enforcement officer and ex-Royal Marine, was filmed repeatedly knocking on the door of Monica Kwong's flat in Pontefract, West Yorkshire A group forced their way into the flat in Pontefract on the evening of May 1 2024, in the hope of 'taking hold of' their target, the Old Bailey was told 'We have tried to contact you but you have not answered. Can you please open the door? If you are asleep, please wake up. We are busy, have other things we need to do. 'Can you please open the door? Do you really want us to keep on knocking on the door? We do not want to be working all night. Ma'am, please open the door.' The team also deployed a 'snake camera' to film under the door to Ms Kwong's flat, jurors were told. Wai used ChatGPT to look up 'does UK locksmith open any lock' before the group accessed the property by force, it was claimed. Wai was arrested inside Ms Kwong's flat wearing blue latex gloves similar to police issue. He had with him his City of London Police warrant card and 4,000 in 50 notes in a leather manbag. A fake City of London Police ID card in which Wai was ranked a superintendent was found below a kitchen window, jurors heard. Mr Atkinson said Wai had deployed ChatGPT to research how to produce such false identification. While searching Ms Kwong's kitchen, Trickett 'panicked' when he saw police approaching and hid his mobile phone in his underpants, the court heard. He was later released on bail but died before the case came to trial, jurors were told. Yuen, an employee of the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office in London, was arrested the next day at his home. In police interviews, he denied any wrongdoing, describing his communication with Wai on a personal phone as 'chit chat'. Wei told police the purpose of going to Pontefract was only to serve legal documents as Ms Zou was owed money by Ms Kwong. Wai, from Staines in Surrey, and Yuen, of Hackney in east London are jointly charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service between December 20 2023 and May 2 2024, and a second charge of foreign interference on May 1 2024 by forcing entry into a UK residential address. Yuen and Wai allegedly 'put a team together' who used 'underhand means, deception and then force, to achieve their ends' which also included posing as electricians coming to repair a fuse. Tina Zou and the other men are not before the court but Yuen and Wai deny assisting the Chinese intelligence service by agreeing to undertake information gathering, surveillance and acts of deception, under the National Security Act 2023. Yuen told police he was acting as a 'middle man' for a former colleague in Hong Kong who wanted to 'locate a thief' and used Wai, who ran a private security company. Wai said he had been employed to provide protection officers for the trade officer and was serving legal documents in Pontefract. Cash found at his address was his savings and casino winnings, he said. Wai also denies misconduct in public office by conducting searches of Home Office databases without justification. The court heard that Trickett, who was running a company called MTR Consultancy, offering surveillance, security and private investigation services alongside his Home Office job, died on May 19 2024. Hong Kong was handed over by Britain to China in 1997, at the end of a 99-year lease, under a 'one country, two systems' agreement but began clamping down on pro-democracy demonstrations in 2020. The trial continues. A package of electric sex toys concealing incendiary devices that caught on fire in DHL depots in Britain and Germany was sent by Russian military intelligence, the Metropolitan police have said. British and European authorities launched a joint investigation after a number of self-igniting parcels went off in the UK, Germany and Poland. One package caught fire at a DHL depot near Birmingham on July 22, 2024, while a second caught alight at a centre in Leipzig, Germany. It was previously revealed that the explosives were reportedly hidden in a shipment containing erotic gadgets and massage pillows, as they were used as cover to smuggle highly dangerous incendiary devices onto cargo routes destined for Western Europe. The only official statement in the UK about the alleged plot was issued by counter-terror police who confirmed a device had caught fire, nobody was hurt, and it was dealt with 'by staff and the local fire brigade at the time'. Sources previously suggested the package in Leipzig was also bound for the UK, but it remains unclear why the UK was the chosen destination for the two devices, originally shipped from Lithuania. Authorities have identified 22 suspects in Lithuania and Poland likely to have been working on behalf of the Russian military intelligence services. Images previously released by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), provided by an unnamed European security official, appear to show the massage pillows, suspect and the moment of the explosion. One package caught fire at a DHL depot near Birmingham on July 22, 2024 The only official statement in the UK about the alleged plot was issued by counter-terror police who confirmed a device had caught fire, nobody was hurt, and it was dealt with 'by staff and the local fire brigade at the time' Massage pillows and other erotic gadgets were reportedly found in a shipment that concealed incendiary devices that later detonated in British and German DHL depots Four parcels were sent from Lithuania to addresses in the UK and Poland, the European Union agency Eurojust said. While another parcel sent through a sorting centre in Germany caught fire at Leipzig airport, just before it was loaded onto an aircraft. The consequences could have been far worse if any of the camouflaged devices ignited during a flight, officials fear. Investigators also identified two test packages that had been sent to the United States and Canada, as well as two parcels in Amsterdam intended for the same destinations. Two cases have now been sent to courts in Lithuania and Poland, with trials expected to happen later in the year. The suspected perpetrators were recruited from Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Ukraine, and were often in a 'vulnerable socio-economic situation', Eurojust said. They were recruited and given instructions through an online messaging service, with tasks divided among them and payments made in cryptocurrencies. A 38-year-old Romanian man was arrested by counter-terrorism police over the Birmingham fire and remains under investigation. He was apprehended after arriving on a flight to the UK at Stansted Airport. A Government spokesperson said: 'Russia's ongoing hostile action puts our national security at risk, which is why this Government has taken concerted action to deter their hostility - increasing defence spending, expelling intelligence officers, sanctioning the GRU, targeting their illicit finance, and ensuring many of their proxies are brought to justice. 'National security is the first duty of government, and our law enforcement partners will continue to use the range of tools and powers available to them to keep the British public safe.' Head of Poland's foreign intelligence agency, Pawel Szota, previously blamed Russia, although the prosecutor's office statement did not name a foreign government suspected of directing the operations. British police and officials, as well as their European counterparts in Germany, Poland and Lithuania, also strongly suspected that Russia was behind the attacks as part of an effort to cause 'mayhem' in the west in retaliation for western military support to Ukraine. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans of Counter Terrorism Policing, said: 'The work of our European counterparts has been truly remarkable and demonstrates the critical need for us to work across borders, as well as the expertise of our colleagues overseas. 'The strength of cooperation in this case has led us to collectively identify what we believe to be Russian military intelligence involvement in a series of incidents across Europe. 'Our investigation is ongoing, and we continue to liaise closely with partners to ensure we're doing all we can to keep the sector, and the public safe. 'We have been clear and open about the increasing levels of demand we're seeing relating to the activity of foreign states here in the UK. 'For Counter Terrorism Policing this means more investigations, and our teams are working around the clock to identify and disrupt a range of activity to protect the UK and the public from terrorism and other national security threats.' In November, the WSJ reported that the secretive weapons were electronic massagers modified with a flammable magnesium-based substance. Magnesium-related fires are notoriously challenging to put out and are worsened if water is applied. But Russia denied involvement in the alleged plot. 'These are traditional unsubstantiated insinuations from the media,' Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the US newspaper. Three women have been interviewed under caution on suspicion of aiding and abetting former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed. Detectives questioned the women, aged in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, as part of a Met Police investigation into the billionaire businessman, who has been accused by more than 100 women of rape and sexual assault. They were interviewed between February 25 and March 5 over offences including aiding and abetting rape and sexual assault, assisting the commission of sexual offences and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. The Met launched a criminal probe into the Egyptian businessman in November 2024, over a year since his death aged 94. The force said that 154 victims have since come forward and reported allegations of sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking. It added that officers have taken accounts from a number of Al Fayed's accusers and other witnesses over the past 18 months. No arrests have been made and the investigation, which has been broadened to cover human trafficking following calls from survivors, is ongoing. Former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused by more than 100 women of rape and sexual assault The Met launched a criminal probe into the department store owner in November 2024 - over a year since his death aged 94. Pictured: Harrods department store, in London Commander Angela Craggs of the Metropolitan Police said: 'Victims remain at the centre of this investigation. Today's update marks an important step in a complex and far reaching investigation. 'While Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution, we have always been determined to bring anyone who is suspected to have played a part in his offending to justice. 'We encourage anyone with information, whether you were directly affected by Mohamed Al Fayed actions or have concerns about others who may have been involved or committed offences, to contact us. 'Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form. 'We will share further updates when we are able to do so and only when this will not risk jeopardising criminal or other proceedings.' On Wednesday, lawyers representing some of Al Fayed's accusers urged the force to treat the scandal as "trafficking allegations". The Met previously said it was investigating individuals surrounding the businessman who could have enabled him to carry out more than 400 sexual misconduct crimes, which are claimed to have spanned decades between 1977 and 2014. Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused by more than 100 women of rape and sexual assault Before Al Fayed's death, police were already aware of allegations made by 21 women between 2005 and 2023, including four claims of rape, 16 sexual assaults and one related to trafficking. He was arrested in 2013 over a rape allegation, but the billionaire tycoon was not charged with any offence. Investigators twice sent files for a charging decision to the Crown Prosecution Service - once in 2008 relating to three victims and again in 2015 linked to one other. On another three occasions - in 2018, 2021 and 2023 - the CPS was asked for what is called early investigative advice, but the matters were not pursued further by police. A Utah dance mom who murdered her own daughter before killing herself left a note pinned to their Las Vegas hotel room before carrying out the killing, police said. Tawnia McGeehan, 34, and her daughter Addi Smith, 11, were both found inside their room at the Rio Hotel last month. According to a 911 call made by fire officials, reviewed by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, they found a note on the door after being called for a welfare check. Police had responded to the room before that after Addi never appeared at a cheerleading competition but they left after they didn't get a response. Hotel staff continued to be bombarded with requests for a welfare check, with fire officials then being called in when they found the note. Ambulance teams then called dispatchers after the two were found dead inside, telling police they found gunshot wounds and a prescription pill bottle inside. McGeehan's attorney James Watts told People that he was aware of the note but had yet to lay eyes on it. He said: 'It is the family's hope at some point that it will be returned to [McGeehan's] mother, [who] would like to know what was being said at the time.' Addi Smith was killed by her mother Tawnia McGeehan who then took her own life Tawnia, pictured with Addi, endured an exceptionally bitter custody battle with Addi's father Bradley Smith Addi's father Bradley Smith frantically dialed 911 from his home in Utah after McGeehan, his ex-wife, went silent on him. According to a call log unearthed by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, he said: 'Im trying to figure out where my daughter and her mom is. 'They were supposed to be at a dance competition this morning. They didnt show up. People went to their hotel room, theyre not answering the door. 'Theyre not answering messages or even seeing the messages. Its very strange.' The Daily Mail revealed that McGeehan and Smith had a bitter custody dispute over their daughter, with court officials in Utah going to extreme lengths to keep the two apart after they divorced in 2015. They even went as far to ensure that the two parked five spaces apart during handovers of their daughter. Addi was to walk between the two cars by herself. When school was not in session, her parents were ordered to complete the handover outside Herriman Police Department in Utah at 9am each Monday morning. Both parents were warned in the custody ruling not to film the custody handovers and were banned from approaching one another at Addi's school events. The court ordered the two to 'encourage and accept' a positive relationship between Addi and the opposing parent and to keep their 'personal conflicts' away from the youngster. Addi is pictured here alongside her father Bradley Smith, who at one stage in proceedings was awarded sole custody Police found the two inside a room in the Rio hotel, Las Vegas, which is pictured here They also had to make Addi available for FaceTime on Tuesday and Friday nights at 6pm. The parents were each given a 15 minute window to make the call or risk forfeiting it for the day. The parents were forbidden from criticizing each other in front of Addi and banned from letting their relatives do the same in front of their daughter. The two were ordered to use the Family Wizard, an app which offers messaging between warring couples who share children. McGeehan and Smith were told they could only text one another in the event of an emergency involving Addi. It was initially agreed that Addi would live with McGeehan while the two shared joint custody when they originally divorced, court papers said. In December of 2020 however, the court ordered that Smith be handed sole custody. Facebook photos suggest he was a dedicated father and that Addi adored him. The custody ruling came after a judge found that McGeehan was subjecting Addi to 'behavior that is on the spectrum of parental alienation'. The ruling added that McGeehan 'has committed domestic abuse in the presence of the minor child'. No further details were offered in the papers reviewed by the Daily Mail. The Utah Xtreme Cheer troupe, of which Smith was a member, shared a tribute to her. A spokesman said: 'With the heaviest hearts, we share the devastating news that our sweet athlete Addi has passed away. 'We are completely heartbroken. No words do the situation justice. She was so beyond loved, and she will always be a part of the UXC family. 'Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers and continue to send them love as they navigate this unimaginable loss. 'We ask that you respect their privacy during this time. Addi, we love you tremendously.' A union boss who sued UNISON for racism when his branch role was handed to a white man has been left with a 15,000 legal bill - after investigators found his output across 562 hours of taxpayer-funded time off to represent workers amounted to just nine phone calls. Kebba Manneh, a senior NHS physiotherapy technician who chairs UNISON's national black workers committee, lost race discrimination cases against both his union and his employer, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board in Wales, after tribunals dismissed every complaint he brought. Manneh, who also serves as a senior magistrate and chair of Cwmbran Community Council, had been given 7.5 hours a week of paid time off from his NHS duties to carry out union branch work - an arrangement funded by the health board and ultimately the taxpayer. But when the arrangement came up for review in 2023, UNISON's branch secretary Andrea Prince investigated his output over a 75-day period - the equivalent of 562 hours of paid leave. She concluded his branch work had been of such low volume that his secondment could not be renewed, finding it amounted to just nine telephone calls. Manneh claimed the decision to remove his facility time was an act of race discrimination and that his role had been handed to a white man. He brought claims against UNISON and separately against the health board, alleging race harassment and direct discrimination. The case against UNISON was thrown out before it reached trial. Kebba Manneh, a senior NHS physiotherapy technician who chairs UNISON's national black workers committee, lost race discrimination cases against both his union and his employer Manneh, who also serves as a senior magistrate and chair of Cwmbran Community Council, had been given 7.5 hours a week of paid time off from his NHS duties to carry out union branch work Employment Judge R Evans found the documentary evidence 'utterly unambiguous' and said Manneh had failed to produce a single piece of supporting evidence despite being asked three times. The judge also found that Manneh - who holds a master's degree in employment relations from Keele University - had himself caused much of the delay to his own grievance investigation that he had blamed on discrimination. His separate claims against the health board were dismissed after a five-day hearing in November 2025. Manneh was ordered to pay 15,000 towards the health board's legal costs. Manneh, who has worked for the health board since 1994, holds a master's degree in employment relations from Keele University and has been a magistrate for 22 years. At his modern terraced house in Cwmbran, South Wales, he said he could not comment on the result of the employment tribunal and his legal fees. He said: 'I need to discuss things with my lawyers, there are still outstanding matters to be dealt with.' The deployment of HMS Dragon to Cyprus has been delayed amid claims from union officials that the naval base responsible for its repairs only operates on a 'nine-to-five, Monday-to-Friday' schedule. The destroyer's mission to safeguard a British base in Cyprus, following last weekend's Iranian drone strikes, has been stalled as crews scramble to finalise essential welding and maintenance. According to the Prospect union, these delays are a direct result of 'cost-cutting' measures introduced by the Ministry of Defence and private contractor Serco. The union alleges that the Portsmouth naval base has abandoned its around-the-clock staffing model in favour of a standard 9-to-5, weekday-only operation. General secretary of Prospect, Mike Clancy, said: 'Our members are stepping up to help, but such a vital service shouldn't be dependent on goodwill from staff. Out-of-hours support should be locked into the contract. 'This contract has failed its first real encounter with a serious crisis, and must be urgently reviewed and rectified.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been criticised over deciding to deploy HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, to protect the RAF Akrotiri base in the Eastern Mediterranean on Tuesday, more than 72 hours after the conflict in the Middle East began. It comes after RAF Akrotiri was hit by an Iranian drone fired from Lebanon on Sunday, raising major concerns about the standard of local air defences. Type 45 air defence destroyer HMS Dragon (pictured loading with missiles) will not be ready to set sail for the Eastern Mediterranean from Portsmouth until next week HMS Dragon, a Type 45 Daring-class air-defence destroyer warship, is pictured moored at the HMNB Portsmouth Upper Harbour Ammunition Facility (UHFC), outside HM Naval Base Portsmouth, on the south coast of England UK Defence Secretary John Healey meets F-35 pilot who shot down a drone as they walk past British typhoon and F-35 jets at RAF Akrotiri on March 5 Officials said the damage was minor, but on Thursday, it was revealed that the drone hit a hangar used by the US for U2 spy planes flying high-altitude reconnaissance missions. After France agreed to send frigates to protect the island, Sir Keir on Tuesday ordered Type 45 air defence destroyer to sail to the region. But it will not be ready to set sail from Portsmouth until next week, having been disarmed for planned maintenance, and could take a further week to get there. Al Carns, a defence minister, said the ship would not leave until engineers had finished 'a variety of different bits of maintenance'. As a result, it will arrive in Cyprus after warships from France and Spain. According to a Politico report, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Serco Marine Services last May that effectively ended 24-hour staffing at the port. Prospect, the union representing engineers and tug boat workers, claims this reduced capacity has forced its members to volunteer for evening and weekend shifts just to get the destroyer battle-ready following recent escalations in the Middle East. Serco countered Prospects claims, asserting that the contract defines the core working day as 7am to 7pm and includes overtime provisions. A spokesman for Serco said: 'HMS Dragon is being prepared to sail, with the full support of our dedicated teams in Portsmouth. 'Serco has fulfilled every task requested by the Royal Navy on time and to the agreed standard. 'Any suggestion that the working patterns of Serco employees have impacted HMS Dragon's ability to sail is completely untrue.' Meghan Markle has split from Netflix and will take complete control of her As Ever jam brand - just months after the streaming giant dropped her lifestyle show amid savage reviews from critics. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, announced a partnership with the company a year ago when it commissioned a new season of her show, With Love, Meghan. The deal gave Netflix a stake in her As Ever brand, which includes her jam, rose wine and flower sprinkles. Insiders claim Meghan thought Netflix was being too 'cautious' and wants to 'go global', believing her brand can 'stand on its own'. But the abrupt split comes just two months after the streaming giant axed With Love, Meghan, which ran for two series. The Christmas special attracted scathing reviews from critics, who accused Meghan of being 'out of touch' in the 'tectonically tacky' show. Giving 'With Love, Meghan: Holiday Celebration' zero stars out of five, the Daily Mail's reviewer Annabel Fenwick Elliott called the show 'unlikeable.' She wrote: 'It's the syrupy hypocrisy and our hostess's deep lack of self-awareness that continue to make her and this show so unlikeable. 'If only she could lean into her waspish, Type A personality - poke a little fun at herself, even - she could just about be endearing, in a Monica-from-Friends sort of way.' A spokesman for As Ever confirmed to the Daily Mail: 'As Ever is grateful for Netflix's partnership through launch and our first year. 'We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As Ever is now ready to stand on its own. 'We have an exciting year ahead and can't wait to share more.' It has been reported that Meghan Markle, 44, plans to take her jam empire global with her and Harry's $100million (74million) Netflix deal said to be in limbo The Duchess of Sussex is suggested to be taking 'complete control' of her As Ever brand A source told The Sun: 'Meghan is still on good terms with the Netflix team and close personal friends with Ted [Sarandos], so hasn't wanted to upset him, but is very happy to have full control of the company. 'It's a good time for Meghan to have complete control, given recent successes. 'Netflix have been a good partner, but she's wanted to go global with the brand for some time, but has been held back by the more cautious Netflix team.' A spokesman for Netflix said: 'Meghan's passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life. 'As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world.' Ahead of the launch of With Love, Meghan in March last year, the duchess said the 'make or break' cookery show helped her 'find herself' again. She described herself as a 'female founder' and 'entrepreneur', but not an influencer. 'I see myself as an entrepreneur and a female founder and if the brand ends up influential, then that's great,' she told People magazine. Just 12 months later, suggestions that Meghan plans to go global with her brand come amid reports the $100million Netflix deal with Harry was 'up in the air'. Archewell Productions, the couple's media company, announced in August 2023 that it was making a film based on Carley Fortune's novel Meet Me At The Lake. Netflix purchased the rights to the novel for $2.9million (around 2.2million) but nothing has yet materialised. Three years on, the project is said to remain categorised as a development and is lacking in both cast and a director. Page Six reported insiders as claiming the projects are in limbo. 'Three years in development for a movie like this at Netflix isn't good,' a Hollywood source was reported as saying. Plans for a movie version of Meet Me At The Lake marked a change in direction for the couple, away from tell-all documentaries about the Royal Family. Harry and Meghan have also announced plans for a Netflix version of The Wedding Date, a 2018 novel by American author Jasmine Guillory The novel, which sold 37,000 copies in its first week, is centred around a couple who first meet in their 30s - just like Meghan and Harry. Themes in the book include postnatal depression, mental health and childhood trauma relating to the death of a parent. The Sussexes, who recently returned from their tour to Jordan, have also announced their plans for a Netflix version of The Wedding Date, a 2018 novel by American author Jasmine Guillory. Last August, the couple signed a new 'multi-year' contract with Netflix. Meghan and Harry were described as 'over the moon' at the news, although it was understood to be far less lucrative than their previous one. In a further blow, it emerged in January that the Duchess's cookery show - which offered lifestyle tips from inside a rented $9.5million mansion near Meghan's Montecito home - would not be returning for a third series on Netflix. The second season of With Love, Meghan also failed to land in Netflix's Top ten US shows in its debut week, according to Forbes. Insiders told Page Six that the 44-year-old's pet project won't be up for renewal - after the Duchess called it 'a lot of work'. One insider claimed: 'It is not returning as a series. There have been conversations about holiday specials, but there's nothing in the works yet.' Another source said: 'People will see similar cooking and crafting on Meghan's socials for the brand, but more bite-sized.' Germanys largest newspaper publisher has struck a deal to buy the Daily Telegraph, it was announced today. Axel Springer, which owns the German mass-market tabloid Bild and broadsheet Die Welt, has put up 575million in cash to acquire the 170-year-old British newspaper. The Telegraph had been in line to be bought by DMGT, the publisher of the Daily Mail, for 500million. That deal had been welcomed after the broadsheet newspaper had suffered a long period of uncertainty over its future, and was in the process of being formally scrutinised by regulatory bodies. But yesterday Axel Springer, which has been expanding into English-speaking markets in recent years, announced it had struck a deal with the Telegraphs owner RedBird IMI, an international consortium which stepped in to purchase the newspaper in 2023 and has since been looking for a buyer. DMGT said it wished every success to Axel Springer and the Telegraph as it criticised the protracted and out-of-date media regulation that delayed its deal. Axel Springer named after the newspaperman who founded the company after the Second World War - previously unsuccessfully bid for the Telegraph in 2004 and for the Financial Times in 2015. Chief executive and controlling shareholder Mathias Dopfner, 63, said Axel Springer had 'built his company inspired by the tradition of Fleet Street' and called the Telegraph 'his North Star'. Mathias Dopfner, the chief executive and controlling shareholder of Germany's biggest newspaper publisher Axel Springer which has struck a deal to buy the Daily Telegraph Mr Dopfner said the German media company had been 'inspired by the tradition of Fleet Street' as he announced a deal to buy the 170-year-old British broadsheet newspaper A spokesman for RedBird IMI, which was blocked from taking control by a ban on foreign state ownership of newspapers, said: 'With the strength of their commercial offer and a straightforward regulatory path to ownership we believe that Axel Springer is well placed to take the Telegraph forward into its next chapter.' DMGT said in a statement: 'DMGT confirms that RedBird IMI has advised it has entered into an agreement with Axel Springer for the potential takeover of the Telegraph Media Group. 'We have worked hard to complete the acquisition of the Telegraph and were confident that the organisation would have thrived under our long-term stewardship. 'We were optimistic about our plans to invest in its exceptional journalism and secure the future of a respected British media brand. 'We wish every success to Axel Springer and the Telegraph. 'We believe that the protracted and out-of-date regulatory framework guarantees that UK-based national newspaper groups are at a huge competitive disadvantage in any merger process.' It remains possible that the Government will investigate Axel Springers takeover for its impact on the public interest, a process that would be likely to take months. Axel Springer had revenues of 3.8billion (3.3billion) and reported a profit of 738million (639million) last year, making it one of the worlds largest news publishers. In 2021, it paid a reported $1billion (750million) to acquire the US political website Politico, and in December last year Mr Dopfner told The Wall Street Journal he was ready to move on other major acquisitions. Axel Springers journalists in Germany are required to sign a pledge committing to certain principles including supporting Israels right to exist and the 'fundamental' alliance between the US and Europe. However, it did not apply these principles to its American employees when it bought Politico. Yesterday the company said owning the Telegraph would enable the British newspaper to access Axel Springers successful track record in developing journalism in a digital and A.I. world. A New York City dine-and-dasher, who ate at a slew of fancy Brooklyn restaurants then fled without paying, had her charges dismissed due to her mental health, a judge ruled. Pei Chung, 34, made a name for herself in the Brooklyn restaurant scene as she often showed up to luxurious restaurants, only to eat without paying her check, leading to several arrests. In her latest arrest, the immigrant was locked up in New York's hellish Rikers Island jail and forced to undergo a psych evaluation in February. A judge dismissed all five charges against her on Thursday, citing that she's too mentally unfit to stand trial, News 12 Brooklyn reported. Despite the dismissal, Chung will not be released from Rikers Island, her court-appointed attorney Henry Philip Dechalus told the outlet. She will stay in custody due to her immigration status and her mental health. 'Theyre observing her,' Dechalus said. 'They have tried to engage her, and shes resistant to being engaged, interacting with staff or even coming out of the cell.' Chung will eventually be moved to a psychiatric facility, News 12 Brooklyn said. Pei Chung, 34, had the charges against her dropped after she was ruled mentally unfit to stand trial on Thursday In February, the dine-and-dasher underwent a psych evaluation Chung has been arrested around 10 times and repeatedly charged with theft of services for her dine-and-dash scheme. On Thursday, Chung refused to enter the courtroom, despite being brought to the courthouse. She is not required to be in the room, so the proceedings carried on without her. Last month, the 34-year-old brazenly interrupted the judge in court. Chung appeared to speak out of turn multiple times - with the judge having to put her in her place. It is unclear what the alleged serial meal thief was saying - as she was speaking low and avoiding the microphone - but Reynolds was quick to shut it down. 'Excuse me! When I speak, you don't speak, you understand?' Reynolds asked. As she mumbled again, the judge said: 'Speak to your lawyer.' Chung's alleged food-filled scheme was busted in late November after police say she ran out on at least 11 hefty restaurant bills in the Brooklyn area over the course of more than a month. She will remain on Rikers Island due to her immigration status and will eventually move to another psychiatric facility She would allegedly either walk out without paying or attempt to barter with staff by offering to post pictures of her meals on social media - all while dressed from head to toe in designer gear. But unpaid checks are not the only tab Chung has allegedly run up. Records show she also owes more than $40,000 in back rent at the ritzy Kent Avenue apartment block where she has lived since 2021, having not paid her dues since August 2024. In fact, during her Rikers stint, she was evicted from the high-end apartment. She was arrested on November 21 and court-ordered to vacate the property on December 1. Her next battle deals with her immigration status, as she allegedly has overstayed her student visa. Chung had received a student visa in 2019, allowing her to come from her native Taiwan on a scholarship to attend Brooklyn's Pratt Institute until 2021. Her current immigration status remains unclear, as does whether she is permitted to work in the United States. But she has taken on a number of coding jobs in the Big Apple over the years, according to her LinkedIn page. Chung allegedly overstay her student visa and is now facing deportation For four months in 2021, her resume states she worked at Vanguard, followed by a 10-month stint as a user experience designer and user interface designer at cable company Comcast. Her most recent job was in 2023, when Chung claims she worked as a consultant for Chase Bank as a Senior User Experience Designer for eight months. Barack Obama sparked a buzz when he turned and pointed at Gavin Newsom at the star-studded Chicago funeral for Democratic hero the Rev. Jesse Jackson on Friday. The former president, standing between Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, shook hands and locked eyes with the California governor in a moment that set tongues wagging. The Democratic powerbrokers packed into Chicago's House of Hope church needed little encouragement to speculate about Newsom's 2028 ambitions. Seated a few rows to Obama's right was fellow 2028 hopeful Kamala Harris, who has recently been flirting with another run at the White House. The eventual nominee will be hoping for a heavyweight endorsement from Obama, whose reluctance to back Harris until the eleventh hour proved prescient in her defeat to Donald Trump. Obama, who attended without his wife Michelle, was seen sharing laughs in the front row with former presidents Biden and Clinton, joined by their wives Jill and former secretary of state Hillary. Jackson, remembered as a 'living bridge' between the era of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and modern civil rights movements, died on February 17 aged 84 after a battle with a rare neurological disorder. President Donald Trump, who praised Jackson on social media after his death and shared photos of the two together, was absent, his public schedule confirmed. Former President Barack Obama gestures to Gavin Newsom at the funeral for Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday The eventual nominee will be hoping from heavyweight endorsements from the likes of Obama, whose reluctance to endorse Harris until the eleventh hour proved prescient in her defeat to Donald Trump Seated a few rows to Obama's right was fellow 2028 hopeful Kamala Harris, who has recently been flirting with another run at the White House Former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham and former first lady Dr. Jill Biden attend a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. at the House of Hope arena on March 6 Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker attends a memorial service to celebrate the life of the civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., March 6 Tyler Perry attends the Public Homegoing Service for Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Cornel West attends a memorial service to celebrate the life of the civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., March 6 Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich attends a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. at the House of Hope arena on March 6 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks during the Public Homegoing Service for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker speaks during a memorial service to celebrate the life of the civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., March 6 Crowds waited in long lines outside the church on the city's South Side as television screens played excerpts of some of Jackson's most famous speeches. Clinton and Biden received cheers and applause as they arrived, but it was 'the South Side's own, President Barack Obama,' as an announcer described him, who received the loudest round of applause as he entered the chamber. Inside, vendors sold pins bearing Jackson's 1984 presidential slogan and hoodies carrying his 'I Am Somebody' mantra, while a choir sang as attendees photographed a large panel emblazoned with his rallying cry: 'Keep hope alive.' Along with a slew of Illinois elected leaders, notable attendees included actor and producer Tyler Perry, and political activist and theologian Cornel West. Among the crowd was Mary Lovett, 90, who said Jackson's advocacy had inspired her across a lifetime, from her move from Mississippi to Chicago in the 1960s through her years teaching elementary school and raising a family. She voted for Jackson in both his presidential runs and appreciated how he always spoke up for underrepresented people. 'He's gone, but I hope his legacy lives,' Lovett said. 'I hope we can remember what he tried to teach us.' Marketing professional Chelsia Bryan said she came because it was 'a chance to be part of something historic.' Join the debate Should Obamas support decide who leads Democrats in 2028, or should new voices shape the future? Former President Barack Obama speaks during the Public Homegoing Service for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Reverend Jesse Jackson speaks at a rally outside the New York Stock Exchange in New York, December 10, 2007 Rev. Al Sharpton speaks with Jesse Jackson Jr. before the start of a celebration of life ceremony for Jackson's father, civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Guests, including former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, attend a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. at the House of Hope arena People attend a memorial service for late civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, in Chicago Guests, including former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham and former first lady Dr. Jill Biden attend a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. 'As a black woman, knowing that someone pretty much gave their life, dedicated their life to make sure I can do the things that I can do now, he's worth honoring,' Bryan said. Jesse Jackson Jr. said all were welcome to celebrate his father's life. 'Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, right wing, left wing because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American,' Jackson Jr. said last month. 'Dad would have wanted us to have a great meeting to discuss our differences, to find ways of moving forward and moving together.' Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2017 and spent his final months battling progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare disorder that robbed him of his mobility and ability to speak. Family members said he continued coming into the office until last year, communicating through hand signals. His final public appearance was at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. His son, Yusef Jackson, who runs the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, recalled how his father carried a well-worn Bible but also showed his faith by showing up to picket lines. 'He lived a revolutionary Christian faith rooted in justice, nonviolence and the moral righteousness,' Yusef said Friday. 'He was deeply involved in the political struggles of his time, but his gift was that he could rise above them. It's not about the left wing or the right wing. It takes two wings to fly. For him, the goal was always the moral center.' California Governor Gavin Newsom greets attendees during the Public Homecoming and celebration of life for civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago, Illinois, on March 6 From left, former President Bill Clinton and former President Barack Obama attend the Public Homegoing Service for Reverend Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Chicago Cubs Chairman Thomas Ricketts speaks at a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson From left, former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Jill Biden, and former President Joe Biden attend the Public Homegoing Service for Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago Opal Staples performs at a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. at the House of Hope arena The casket with the Rev. Jesse Jackson arrives for the Public Homegoing Service at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Former basketball player Isaiah Thomas speaks at a public memorial service to celebrate the life of civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago Judge Greg Mathis speaks during the Public Homegoing Service for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Services in Chicago and South Carolina drew civic leaders, school groups and ordinary mourners touched by his work, from scholarship programs to prison advocacy. Several states flew flags at half-staff in his honor. A Washington, DC service was shelved after House Speaker Mike Johnson denied a request for Jackson to lie in honor in the Capitol rotunda, saying the space is typically reserved for former presidents and select officials. No details on a future event have been made public. Jackson was a close associate of MLK in the 1960s, joining the Selma-to-Montgomery marches in 1965 where he caught King's attention, and was present at his assassination in Memphis in 1968. He went on to mount two landmark presidential campaigns, in 1984 and 1988, becoming the first Black candidate to win multiple primary contests in a major party race. As a diplomatic envoy he secured the release of American prisoners from Syria, Iraq and Serbia. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1996, which became a vehicle for pressuring corporate America on diversity, and served as President Clinton's special envoy for Africa. He is survived by his wife and six children. The Queen has urged children to put down their phones and pick up reading instead. Queen Camilla, 78, made one of her most candid literacy interventions to date amid the reading for pleasure crisis facing young people with the rise of smartphones. Speaking at the grand final of BBC 500 Words, the children's writing competition, she told hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp: 'Anybody who hears these stories will see how inspired these children are, and I think to get children reading and writing stories, especially nowadays, is so important.' 'Also, it gives them time to get away from some of their phones,' the Queen continued. 'So I think it's so important that children keep on reading and writing, it's the best thing you could possibly do and it will take you all on adventures all over the world.' Her Majesty's words of advice for young people were delivered to an audience of children and their parents at Windsor Castle, where she hosted the event on February 25. It comes as just 33 per cent of children aged over eight say they enjoy reading in their free time, according to the National Literacy Trust, down from 51 per cent two decades ago. The Department for Education has joined with the charity, of which the Queen is patron, to declare 2026 a 'national year of reading', with events being organised in a concerted campaign to reverse the trend. In a separate speech at the BBC 500 Words event, Camilla credited the '50 brilliant finalists' of the competition, telling them: 'Through the magic of your pens and devices, you have brought your imaginations to life and led your readers on breath-taking explorations.' Queen Camilla said she thinks it's so important that children keep on reading and writing (pictured: Queen Camilla (L) with Alex Jones (R) and Roman Kemp (M)) Queen Camilla greets Paddington Bear and Marisha Wallace during a reception with finalists, judges and celebrity readers, to celebrate the final of BBC's creative writing competition 500 Words at Windsor Castle Quoting AA Milne, she added: 'Always remember: 'You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think'which makes you all winners.' This year's competition received more than 46,500 entries from across the UK, and last week six young authors were crowned as the winners with stories ranging from Mars space travel to haunted fairgrounds. Their entries were read by celebrities including Jodie Whittaker, the Doctor Who star, Joanna Page of Gavin and Stacey, Bradley and Barney Walsh, the father and son TV presenters, Sara Cox, the BBC DJ and author, Paterson Joseph, the RSC actor and award-winning writer, and Big Zuu, the rapper and TV personality. The special, broadcast during Friday evening's The One Show, also saw Kemp admiring items cared for by the Royal Library, including what is believed to be the first dedicated book in the late Queen Elizabeth II's collection. The 1926 signed edition of Winnie-the-Pooh sits inside a hardcover emblazoned with 'E' for Elizabeth and was given to the young princess the year she was born. The guests were also joined by judges Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Francesca Simon, Charlie Higson, Rose Ayling-Ellis and former Children's Laureate Malorie Blackman. Queen Camilla, who has supported the competition since 2015, joined the panel earlier this year to discuss the shortlisted stories. Her Majesty has made it her mission to champion literacy as one of her lifelong causes as a working royal through patronages and her own initiatives, including the book club she founded in lockdown that transformed into The Queen's Reading Room charity. Last month, she described the charity's mission to get people reading as 'more urgent than ever,' warning that global reading rates are at their 'very lowest'. She awarded all six winners of the competition last week in Windsor Castle's Waterloo Chamber, and the silver winners will receive the height of Her Majesty in books. The Gold winners, meanwhile, will receive the height of Sir Lenny (6ft 3in) in books as well as 500 books for their schools, while bronze winners will take home the amount of novels equal to the average height of a seven or 11-year old. Cerys Griffiths, Head of BBC Bitesize, which supports the competition, said: 'Every year, BBC 500 Words reminds us just how extraordinary children's imaginations are. This year's winners have amazed us with their creativity, and we're proud to celebrate their achievements. 'We hope every child who took part keeps discovering the joy of storytelling.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt took a swipe at members of President Donald Trump's MAGA base who have criticized his military action in Iran. 'X is not real life,' Leavitt said. 'This President lives in the real world.' Leavitt had stopped to gaggle with reporters Friday on the White House driveway when asked about Republican Party infighting. 'And with respect to MAGA, President Trump is the leader of MAGA,' she continued. 'He's the creator of the MAGA movement. And there is nothing more "America First" than taking out terrorists who have maimed and killed our own service men and women, who chant "death to America," and who pose a threat to the homeland.' Former Fox News hosts Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly have thus far led the Iran war opposition. Trump has given no inkling that he'll listen to the MAGA wing displeased with him, as he has teased that a 'big one' is still coming for Iran. Leavitt also noted that Trump 'is a leader in the peace through strength foreign policy doctrine.' 'He attempted peace through diplomacy exhaustively and extensively with the rogue Iranian regime,' Leavitt pointed out. 'And so they have been struck with the strength and the sheer might and will of the United States Armed forces.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stopped in the White House driveway to gaggle with reporters Friday afternoon President Donald Trump, pictured in the East Room Thursday, has been attacked by former Fox News hosts Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson over starting a war with Iran Trump ordered Operation Epic Fury on Saturday after nuclear negotiations broke down between the US and Iran. Conducting joint strikes with Israel, Iran's longtime ruler, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in some of the first strikes on Saturday. The President has boasted that US strikes have taken out droves of Iranian leaders in the nearly week-long military intervention. Six servicemembers were killed in Kuwait Sunday by an Iranian drone. And the fighting has spilled out into a number of Middle Eastern countries, with Iran targeting places like Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates - popular American tourist destinations - and the US embassy in Saudi Arabia's capital of Riyadh. Leavitt pushed that the strikes thus far show that Trump is a 'man of his word. 'If you go back and look, not just over the past year as President, but in his first term and in many years in his private life as well, when he has said that the Iranian regime can never obtain a nuclear bomb, well now he's finally acting on it,' she said. 'And he has the courage to do what so many presidents in the past did not,' she added, ending the gaggle. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt argued that President Donald Trump's Iran strikes do represent 'America First' Medical personnel remove a body after a strike on Tehran's Enghelab Square. President Donald Trump has been criticized for the Iran strikes after promising no 'forever wars' While Trump had previously said he did not want Iran to have a nuclear weapon, he also pushed on the campaign trail that he did not support 'forever wars' - pointing to Iraq and Afghanistan that were started during Republican President George W. Bush's tenure. That change in Republican foreign policy marked a major difference between Bush's neoconservatives and Trump's MAGA movement, with the President pulling his party more in line with Democrats, who are generally more anti-war. But Trump has brushed off fears that he could get himself into a Iraq-like quagmire. When talking to ABC News' Jonathan Karl by phone Thursday, the veteran newsman asked the President what's next. 'Forget about next,' Trump replied. 'They are decimated for a 10-year period before they could build it back.' Trump has already expressed his displeasure that Iranian leaders are looking to anoint Khamenei's son Mojtaba to be the country's next leader, calling him a 'lightweight.' The President has said he wants a US-friendly leader to be in charge of the country. The United States had an ally in the country's last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was outed in the 1979 Iranian revolution. The Pahlavi family was put in power over a democratically elected leader thanks to a CIA and MI6-backed coup. On Friday Leavitt wouldn't name names on an Iranian leader Trump might support. 'I know there are a number of people that our intelligence agencies in the United States government are looking at, but I won't get any further,' she said. Nigel Farage vowed to pile the pressure on the US to kill off Labours Chagos islands surrender as he visited Donald Trumps Florida estate. Reform UKs leader was due to have dinner at Mar-a-Lago on Friday night and said he would reinforce the message that Sir Keir Starmers plan - to hand the Indian Ocean territory to Mauritius while leasing back its crucial airbase for 35billion is the worst deal in history. His move came amid growing hopes that the President will sink the arrangement in retaliation for the Prime Minister initially refusing to let his bombers launch strikes on Iran from Diego Garcia. Mr Farage said before leaving for the US: President Trump has almost understood the deal, almost, but I will be dining at Mar-a-Lago tomorrow night and will reinforce the message. It was the worst deal in history, dreadful from every perspective, an absolute betrayal of so many things. Weve got to keep fighting, weve got to keep the pressure up, we must not let our foot off this pedal but for first time in this battle, in the last few days this feels more than winnable. In another setback for Sir Keir, Mauritius is planning to sue Britain over the delays in the ratification of the controversial deal. Its Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam said: We are exploring legal avenues in the Chagos case. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage attempted to reach the Chagos islands himself last month Downing Street declined to comment but Government sources believe there is no basis in law for Mauritius to obtain compensation for delays. Sir Keirs official spokesman told reporters: Maintaining control of Diego Garcia is the entire basis for the agreement that we've reached. To maintain our control protects against legal challenges and locks out our adversaries from being able to compromise its operation. It is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US that's enabled our shared security for nearly 60 years. It is the only way to ensure that the base remains secure and operational for the long term. Meanwhile a senior US politician said he was deeply alarmed by the UKs plan to hand the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius, claiming it would jeopardise US national security by exposing military operations to China and potentially restricting military access to Diego Garcia. Senator Ted Cruz said in a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee: The UK is taking a serious gamble with the special relationship by putting one of our most vital shared military assets at risk. Frank Garcia, Mr Trumps nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, agreed with him that the base on Diego Garcia was vital to the USs security. He pledged: If confirmed, I commit to working with the committee to look at the issues with regard to our agreements, long-term agreements with the UK to share basing opportunities there. The Scottish leader of Reform UK has come under fire for backing 'vigilante' groups to keep women safe from immigrants in Glasgow city centre. Lord Malcolm Offord yesterday defended his decision to go out on a fact-finding trip with working-class fathers carrying out late-night patrols. But he denied they were vigilantes because they are unarmed and claimed they have the permission of the police. His comments came at an event where he confirmed his intention to stand as Reforms candidate for the Inverclyde constituency. The former Tory peer said he had met the group called North2South, which carries out a patrol in Glasgow between 9pm and 2am. He said: The issue that they have, because of their own situation perhaps with their own daughter, is that they found that when they are coming out of the bars and the nightclubs they feel unsafe. They just feel the atmosphere has changed in Glasgow in the last five years, there is a lot more men basically from foreign lands, not speaking English as their first language. He hit out at the suggestion that he was supporting vigilantes, saying: It is not a vigilante group, its a street patrol. Malcolm Offord announcing his intention to stand as Reform's candidate for the Inverclyde constituency on Friday He also claimed groups like North2South are a consequence of the fact the system is wrong and immigrants are being incentivised to come to Scotland. Lord Offord said: They are not vigilante groups, they are not armed, they are a bunch of volunteers wearing high-viz jackets saying North2South on the back with police permission. They are on the streets to help just make sure that there is an element of safety and security, particularly for women and girls, on the streets of Glasgow. It is not a vigilante group and they dont have an agenda other than to keep their people safe. Pressed on whether he doesnt trust the police to keep women and girls safe, he said: The police themselves say they are underfunded, over-stretched. You will see that in your towns and cities. Do you really see a lot of police presence in your local cities and town centres? You dont, do you? You just dont, and the police dont deny that either. Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: Lord Offord appears to be making policy up on the hoof that quickly crumbles under any sort of scrutiny. Scottish Labour justice spokesman Pauline McNeill said: While Malcolm Offord and Reform back vigilante groups and spread lies about the police, Scottish Labour is focused on making our communities safer. SNP MSP Stuart McMillan said: 'Malcolm Offord and Reform UK should let Police Scotland do their job rather than coming away with dangerous nonsense like this.' Liberal Democrat MSP Jamie Greene said: I trust the good people of Greenock to see through his toxic divisive language and say no thanks to Reform. Asked about backing North2South, a Police Scotland spokesman said: We do not endorse, condone or encourage any groups activity. Labour is set to delay controversial reforms to AI copyright laws following a backlash from the creative industries, it has emerged. New legislation on allowing artificial intelligence (AI) companies to use copyrighted material is now not expected in Mays Kings Speech - meaning any decision would be pushed into next year. The Government is due to publish its response to a consultation on how to regulate AI companies access to copyrighted material by March 18. It is understood that this is still set to go ahead, but that respondents to the consultation reportedly did not favour any of the Governments proposed models for AI use of copyrighted materials. Instead of proceeding with the original proposals, ministers have decided they need to go back to the drawing board and spend longer consulting on different options, according to the Financial Times. Copyright is going to be kicked down the road, a source with knowledge of the Governments plans told the newspaper. The Daily Mail is campaigning for authors, publishers and musicians to be paid a fair price for their work and to have their copyright respected. Artists get automatic copyright protection that means tech firms should compensate them if they use their work to train AI models. Musicians including Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney and Kate Bush, along with many other actors and publishers, have called on the Government to ditch plans to allow AI tech firms to steal their work without payment or permission The UK's creative sector is the envy of the world, but we only achieved that success with the backing of our long-standing copyright protection, Sir Elton John (pictured performing in 2019) said But US-based tech giants are using online material, such as text, images or music, to feed their systems and aren't crediting those who created it. Musicians including Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney and Kate Bush have criticised the plans, as have actors and publishers. Tech giants want an exception to copyright law for their AI models to learn from creative works without paying or crediting their owners, in a move that could be devastating for creative industries. It comes as a new report from the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee warned that it would be a very poor bet for the Government to allow changes to copyright that could undermine the UKs creative industries. Committee Chair Baroness Keeley said Britains creative industries face a clear and present danger from uncredited and unremunerated use of copyrighted material to train AI models. She added: The Government should now make clear it will not pursue a new text and data mining exception with an opt-out mechanism for training commercial AI models. Instead, it should focus on strengthening UK protections for creators. Prolonged government-generated uncertainty has been exploited by AI firms and has chilled the licensing market for UK content, News Media Association chief executive Owen Meredith told the FT. There is one swift, simple step the government can take to unlock growth in UK intellectual property: publicly rule out changes to copyright law and allow the market to scale at pace. A Government spokesman said: The Government wants a copyright regime that values and protects human creativity, can be trusted, and unlocks innovation. We welcome the Committee's contributions, and we will continue to engage closely with Parliament going forwards. A former SNP candidate who withdrew after being investigated over potential benefits fraud faces having to repay nearly 20,000, according to reports. Sally Donald, who previously joked about being on the SNP gravy bus, quit as Edinburgh Southern candidate earlier this week after it was revealed she was being investigated by Social Security Scotland. According to a report published in The Scotsman, she is liable to pay back 19,000 in adult disability payment (ADP) to which she was not entitled. John Swinney, who personally endorsed Ms Donald as a candidate, was accused on Thursday of effectively decriminalising benefit fraud when the Scottish Conservatives revealed that there have only been three summary convictions for obtaining assistance by deceit since April 2022. Now Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has written to the First Minister to urge him to come clean about what he knew and when about the probe into Ms Donald. Mr Swinney had claimed to have only found out about it when there was a press inquiry earlier this week, but an SNP insider has been quoted as saying Ms Donald had been open with others in the party about the investigation into her finances, which began after a complaint in September 2025. Sally Donald quit as the SNP's Edinburgh Southern candidate after it was revealed she was being investigated by Social Security Scotland Mr Findlay said: John Swinney says he first found out about the investigation into Sally Donalds benefit claims from the media but then did a runner when the media tried to ask him legitimate questions. Was he aware that she was claiming substantial benefits while parading her busy lifestyle as an SNP star candidate all over social media? He needs to come clean. 'The rot runs much deeper than just one SNP candidate because John Swinneys light-touch system has resulted in the effective decriminalisation of benefit fraud in Scotland. Going into the critical Holyrood election, only the Scottish Conservatives are being honest with the public about the SNPs out-of-control benefits spending. Weve set out common-sense plans to address soaring numbers of ADP mental health claims while protecting benefits for those in genuine need. The SNPs charter for chancers must be replaced with a system thats fair to everyone, especially hard-pressed taxpayers. Ms Donald announced the end of her candidacy just hours after the investigation details emerged. She will now have the option of appealing the findings, which may also still be referred by Social Security Scotland to the Crown Office. In a social media post on Wednesday, the 32-year-old told constituents she was regrettably stepping away from the campaign. She said on Instagram: While I strenuously deny any and all wrongdoing, I do not want recent reporting to distract any further from the excellent campaign being run in Edinburgh Southern. Social Security Scotland said: We do not comment on any active fraud investigations. British ministers were told weeks in advance that the US-Israel attack on Iran was highly likely but 'didn't do enough' to prepare, a former diplomat has claimed. Ameer Kotecha, who stepped down from his Foreign Office post as head of Palestinian issues at the British embassy in Tel Aviv this week, revealed that the Government had ample notice of the attacks and said he was 'surprised' that HMS Dragon was still not deployed. 'It's the politicians that make those really big calls, so I don't want to blame the officials for that decision, but I was surprised,' he told Sky News. Mr Kotecha added that the limited response from the UK government to the crisis is partly due to 'poor planning', a lack of preparedness for war and decades of defence cuts. The Type 45 destroyer, whose mission is to safeguard a British base in Cyprus following last weekend's Iranian drone strikes, is not due to leave Portsmouth until next week as it still needs to be loaded with missiles, crewed for the deployment, and last-minute maintenance needs to take place. The former diplomat praised Simon Walters, the British ambassador in Tel Aviv, saying he was 'aware' of the probable conflict and that he was 'reporting those conversations back to London' weeks before it happened. Questioned on his claims that warnings about the conflict had not been paid attention to, and whether he meant the government had not done enough, he responded by saying: 'I think that that's right. They didn't do enough. 'I mean this ship, HMS Dragon, I think is going to arrive in theatre two weeks after it's needed,' he continued. Ameer Kotecha, who stepped down from his Foreign Office post as head of Palestinian issues at the British embassy in Tel Aviv this week, revealed that the Government had ample notice of the attacks and said he was 'surprised' that HMS Dragon was still not deployed Type 45 air defence destroyer HMS Dragon (pictured loading with missiles) will not be ready to set sail for the Eastern Mediterranean from Portsmouth until next week People gather on the sides of a road as smoke rises in the background following an explosion in Tehran yesterday Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been criticised over deciding to deploy HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, to protect the RAF Akrotiri base in the Eastern Mediterranean on Tuesday, more than 72 hours after the conflict in the Middle East began. Mr Kotecha added that the UK government 'could have done a lot more' but claimed that ministers have either 'been caught off guard or actively didn't want to take those steps, because they are beholden in many ways to a very rigid interpretation of international law'. The former diplomat, who spent more than 10 years at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, returned home from Tel Aviv just over a fortnight ago with his final day at the department was on Tuesday. Explaining his decision to quit, Mr Kotecha said: 'Rather than a really clear-sighted, level-headed assessment of what's in the national interest and what's good for the UK, we're instead having our entire foreign policy dictated by what the lawyers tell us international law requires. 'I've taken my duty of civil service impartiality seriously, but the frustrations have got too much and frankly I think the system is broken. I'm ashamed to serve this Government, so I've decided to throw the towel in.' A spokesperson for the government responded to Mr Kotecha's allegations, saying: 'As the Prime Minister outlined, the UK moved defensive assets to Cyprus and Qatar in January and February including fighter jets, air defence missiles and advanced radar, to ensure we were in a heightened state of readiness in advance of any conflict beginning. 'Those jets were immediately put into the sky when strikes began, and we are reinforcing our military presence in Cyprus. 'This government's priority remains the safety of British nationals in the region and reaching a negotiated settlement on Iran.' The deployment of HMS Dragon to Cyprus has been delayed amid claims from union officials that the naval base responsible for its repairs only operates on a 'nine-to-five, Monday-to-Friday' schedule. According to the Prospect union, the delays of the deployment of the HMS Dragon are a direct result of 'cost-cutting' measures introduced by the Ministry of Defence and private contractor Serco. The union alleges that the Portsmouth naval base has abandoned its around-the-clock staffing model in favour of a standard 9-to-5, weekday-only operation. General secretary of Prospect, Mike Clancy, said: 'Our members are stepping up to help, but such a vital service shouldn't be dependent on goodwill from staff. Out-of-hours support should be locked into the contract. 'This contract has failed its first real encounter with a serious crisis, and must be urgently reviewed and rectified.' It comes after RAF Akroitiri was hit by an Iranian drone fired from Lebanon on Sunday, raising major concerns about the standard of local air defences. Join the debate If ministers had advance warning of the attack, what really went wrong with the UKs response? HMS Dragon, a Type 45 Daring-class air-defence destroyer warship, is pictured moored at the HMNB Portsmouth Upper Harbour Ammunition Facility (UHFC), outside HM Naval Base Portsmouth, on the south coast of England UK Defence Secretary John Healey meets F-35 pilot who shot down a drone as they walk past British typhoon and F-35 jets at RAF Akrotiri on March 5 Officials said the damage was minor, but on Thursday, it was revealed that the drone hit a hangar used by the US for U2 spy planes flying high-altitude reconnaissance missions. After France agreed to send frigates to protect the island, Sir Keir on Tuesday ordered Type 45 air defence destroyer to sail to the region. But it will not be ready to set sail from Portsmouth until next week, having been disarmed for planned maintenance, and could take a further week to get there. Al Carns, a defence minister, said the ship would not leave until engineers had finished 'a variety of different bits of maintenance'. As a result, it will arrive in Cyprus after warships from France and Spain. According to a Politico report, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Serco Marine Services last May that effectively ended 24-hour staffing at the port. Prospect, the union representing engineers and tug boat workers, claims this reduced capacity has forced its members to volunteer for evening and weekend shifts just to get the destroyer battle-ready following recent escalations in the Middle East. Serco countered Prospects claims, asserting that the contract defines the core working day as 7 am to 7 pm and includes overtime provisions. A spokesman for Serco said: 'HMS Dragon is being prepared to sail, with the full support of our dedicated teams in Portsmouth. 'Serco has fulfilled every task requested by the Royal Navy on time and to the agreed standard. 'Any suggestion that the working patterns of Serco employees have impacted HMS Dragon's ability to sail is completely untrue.' Mayor Zohran Mamdani told reporters his wife was a 'private person' when quizzed over her liking a celebratory Instagram post after the day after the October 7 attack on Israel. The Democratic socialist took questions on Friday after a story emerged in the Jewish Insider highlighting his wife Rama Duwaji, 28, and her activity on the platform. According to the outlet she liked an image which celebrated the attack by Hamas on Israel in October of 2023. The post, made by leftist group The Slow Factory, included images of groups of people after having taken over an IDF vehicle, with 'Free Palestine' scrawled over it. Another image said: 'Breaking the walls of apartheid and military occupation', followed by the date. The image showed a bulldozer used by the group to break through into Israel on that day in which nearly 1,200 people died. Mayor Mamdani said: 'My wife is the love of my life, and she is also a private person who has held no formal position on my campaign or in my City Hall.' But Duwaji is not as shy and retiring as her husband lets on - she recently posed for a cover feature in the prestigious The Cut magazine, an offshoot of the hugely-popular New York magazine. Another post by the left-wing group People's Forum in which they called for a protest against Israel was also liked by Duwaji, the outlet found. The democratic socialist took questions on Friday after a story emerged in the Jewish Insider highlighting his wife Rama Duwaji, 28, and her activity on Instagram Duwahi is pictured here attending a fashion show earlier last month in New York City After the Jewish Insider story went live Duwaji's account no longer appears to have liked the post A post the next day after the protest said: 'FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA, PALESTINE WILL BE FREE! 'Thousands have taken to the streets in #NYC to stand with Palestinian resistance and call for an end to all U.S. aid to apartheid Israel'. Duwaji also liked that post. After the article went live her account no longer appears to like the posts. A spokesperson for the mayor told the outlet: 'Mayor Mamdani has been clear and consistent: Hamas is a terrorist organization, October 7th was a horrific war crime, and he has condemned that violence unequivocally.' Mamdani has come under heat in the past after apparently using anti-Israel phrases including 'globalize the intifada'. The city's first Muslim mayor, he has been seen with skepticism by some Jewish New Yorkers over his ardent support of the Palestinian cause. Mamdani, who was born in Uganda, has promised to offer free daycare and free buses across the city. He also plans to enact a millionaire tax, with critics warning that his policies could drive out the super-rich, whose taxes fund public services in the Big Apple. At his inauguration, he made it clear that he would not be moderating his left-wing views as he took office. Mamdani has come under heat in the past after apparently using anti-Israel phrases including 'globalize the intifada' Noa Argamani reacts as she and her partner Avinatan Or, not pictured, are seized by members of Hamas on October 7, 2023 'I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist,' he said. 'The only expectation I seek to reset is that of small expectations. Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously.'. He also bragged about 'toppling a political dynasty' and launched into a blistering attack against Trump - who has called Mamdani a 'communist'. 'If any city can show a nation how to stop Donald Trump, it is the city that gave rise to him,' said Mamdani. Mamdani first met with President Trump in the Oval Office in November 2025, with the Republican president full of praise for the new star of the Democrat party. Unhinged dog-killer Kristi Noem is the first cabinet member to be fired in Trump's second term. And I'm kicking myself for not placing a bet on Kalshi. Because this was about as predictable as Britney Spears' DUI arrest. In fact, readers of the Daily Mail should have seen this coming from a South Dakota country mile away. For months, the Daily Mail has been reporting every stumble in Kristi's walk of shame, from her time in the South Dakota governor's mansion to the 2024 presidential campaign to the Department of Homeland Security. Back in September 2023, before Trump's second election victory, the Daily Mail began to investigate Noemandowski Noem and her married, top political advisor Corey Lewandowski documenting the pair's curiously cozy trips and publishing previously unseen photos of them going dog-shopping together. She wasn't armed, I hope. The pooch was for Corey's son. But the too close for comfort relationship raised a lot of questions for the married governor who ran on a 'family values' ticket and was reportedly shortlisted to be Trump's vice president. Representatives for 'Coristi' said there was no affair, but Noem failed to flatly deny it on the record when she had a chance at a Congressional hearing on Wednesday. And Lewandowski, too, has his own questionable past, which surprise, surprise the Daily Mail has been covering. Back in 1999, Lewandowski faced a misdemeanor charge for carrying a gun into a Congressional building (the charge was dropped after he claimed it was an accident). Unhinged dog-killer Kristi Noem is the first cabinet member to be fired in Trump's second term Back in September 2023, the Daily Mail began to investigate Noemandowski Noem and her married, top political advisor Corey Lewandowski (right) Noem starred in her own $220 million Department of Homeland Security ad campaign In 2021, Lewandowski was slapped with a sexual harassment allegation (Lewandoski settled without admitting fault and the charge was dismissed). And I had my own weird run-in with Corey on my Fox Business show in 2019 when he arrived for a segment seeming a bit woozy. 'Corey,' I asked, 'did you have a little Merlot with dinner?' 'No, should I have?' he replied, to which I said, 'You sound a little slurry. You sound a little Bidenesque.' A few days later, a case of bad Merlot arrived on my doorstep. Thanks, but no thanks, Corey. He brought all that history to DHS when his alleged paramour tapped him to be her top political advisor in the agency, and so began the Daily Mail's meticulous reporting of his alleged efforts to secure himself a DHS-issued firearm and badge in apparent violation of a laundry list of government rules. I had my own weird run-in with Corey on my Fox Business show in 2019 when he arrived for a segment seeming a bit woozy 'He thinks he's a tough guy, but he's a wannabe,' one DHS official exclusively told the Daily Mail in December. 'He talks about the guns he already owns, but unless you're federal law enforcement, you don't just walk on to the job and get a gun you can carry through all 50 states.' The Daily Mail spoke to four current and former agency whistleblowers who alleged that Lewandowski threatened to punish anyone who stood between him and his government-issued heater. One alleged victim was Tom Feeley, a longtime public servant, who previously served as director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement's New York field office. He was expected to become the next director of ICE. But, the Daily Mail reported, when Feeley was interviewed by Lewandowski in all went to heck. Lewandowski allegedly asked him, 'Would I be issued a gun?' Feely reportedly replied, 'You're not a cop.' Subsequently, Feely was frozen out of the director job and shipped off to law enforcement training officer at a facility in Georgia When asked for comment about that story Lewandowski told the Daily Mail in November, 'If you publish this story, I will sue your f*****g a** off!' Well, the Daily Mail published and all a**es are intact. But back to Kristi, we weren't done with her yet. Another exhaustive Daily Mail investigation revealed that DHS's push to hire 10,000 new deportation officers turned into a cruel joke after standards were lowered so dramatically that new trainees included recent high school graduates and applicants who could 'barely read or write.' Others were better candidates for Ozempic than law enforcement. 'We have people failing open-book tests and we have folks that can barely read or write English,' one DHS official told the Daily Mail. 'We even had a 469-lb man sent to the academy whose own doctor certified him not at all fit for any physical activity.' Then in January, Noem's response to fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis, sealed her fate. She had turned DHS into a deadly clown show and Daily Mail polling demonstrated American voters were getting sick of the circus. Late January polling from DailyMail/JL Partners showed Noem was scraping by with a meager 33 percent approval rating. Those disapproving of Noem's work grew to a whopping 41 percent. Her weave could never have survived being that far under water. Not even Corey could save her. Now DHS insiders are telling the Daily Mail that they're popping bottles after the energy-boosting booting. 'Morale had taken a hit,' the insider said. 'There's a feeling among a lot of folks here that the department can finally reset and refocus on operations instead of internal turmoil.' Indeed. Door let the door hit ya' where the good lord split ya', Kristi. It's been well known within Trump circles that the President had soured on Noemandowski months ago, and Kristi's Congressional face plant was the final straw. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin has now been tapped to succeed at DHS. But be warned, Senator, if you stumble, if you fall, Daily Mail will be there to report it all. Barack Obama launched a ferocious rebuke of Donald Trump's America, claiming it is stained by 'bigotry, corruption and dishonesty,' at the Rev. Jesse Jackson's funeral. The former president broke down in tears at a packed church on Chicago's South Side on Friday, telling the congregation 'we are living in a time when it can be hard to hope.' Obama said: 'Each day we wake up to some new assault on our democratic institutions, another setback to the idea of the rule of law, an offense to common decency, everyday you wake up to things you just didn't think were possible.' The speech came weeks after Trump shared a video depicting Obama and his wife Michelle as apes, though the President claimed he was unaware of the clip, which appeared at the end of a longer video about voter fraud. White House spokesman Steven Cheung told the Daily Mail: 'Barack Hussein Obama is a classless moron who clearly suffers from a debilitating and severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his brain. 'He is a total disgrace for all the hurt he has caused this country and history will not judge him well.' Obama said those in power are using 'fear' to make people 'turn on each other,' warning that some Americans are being told they 'count more than others' while some 'don't even count at all.' Former President Barack Obama speaks during the Public Homegoing Service for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to host a round table on collegiate sports in the White House in Washington, DC, March 6 Obama added: 'Everywhere we see greed and bigotry being celebrated and bullying and mockery masquerading as strength ... while ignorance and dishonesty, and cruelty and corruption are reaping untold rewards every single day.' Obama said through tears: 'If we don't step up no-one else will. How fortunate we were that Jesse Jackson answered that call, what a great debt we owe to him.' Trump has drawn criticism for his frequent attacks on federal judges and even conservative Supreme Court Justices, after the court struck down his tariffs last month. Democrats have accused Trump of pitting Americans against each other in his immigration crackdown, during which two US citizens were shot dead by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. Trump is also accused of enriching his own family and friends as his administration has blended politics with business, including international real estate deals in the Middle East and a luxury jet from Qatar. Obama, who attended without his wife Michelle, was seen sharing laughs in the front row with Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, joined by their wives, former Secretary of State Hillary and Jill. Jackson, remembered as a 'living bridge' between the era of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and modern civil rights movements, died on February 17 aged 84 after a battle with a rare neurological disorder. Trump, who praised Jackson on social media after his death and shared photos of the two together, was absent from the funeral, hosting a roundtable on collegiate sports at the White House. Join the debate Was Obama's attack on Trump warranted? Reverend Jesse Jackson speaks at a rally outside the New York Stock Exchange in New York, December 10, 2007 Guests, including former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, attend a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. at the House of Hope arena Former President Barack Obama gestures to Gavin Newsom at the funeral for Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham and former first lady Dr. Jill Biden attend a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. at the House of Hope arena on March 6 Seated a few rows to Obama's right was Kamala Harris, with California Governor Gavin Newsom directly behind the former president. The pair are widely tipped to launch bids for the White House in 2028. Whoever wins the nomination will be hoping for a heavyweight endorsement from Obama, whose reluctance to back Harris until the eleventh hour proved prescient in her defeat to Trump. Clinton and Biden received cheers as they arrived, but it was Obama, announced as 'the South Side's own, President Barack Obama,' who drew the loudest applause as he entered. Inside, vendors sold pins bearing Jackson's 1984 presidential slogan and hoodies carrying his 'I Am Somebody' mantra, while a choir sang as attendees photographed a large panel emblazoned with his rallying cry: 'Keep hope alive.' Along with a slew of Illinois elected leaders, notable attendees included actor and producer Tyler Perry, and political activist and theologian Cornel West. Among the crowd was Mary Lovett, 90, who said Jackson's advocacy had inspired her across a lifetime, from her move from Mississippi to Chicago in the 1960s through her years teaching elementary school and raising a family. She voted for Jackson in both his presidential runs and appreciated how he always spoke up for underrepresented people. 'He's gone, but I hope his legacy lives,' Lovett said. 'I hope we can remember what he tried to teach us.' Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker attends a memorial service to celebrate the life of the civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., March 6 Tyler Perry attends the Public Homegoing Service for Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Cornel West attends a memorial service to celebrate the life of the civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., March 6 Marketing professional Chelsia Bryan said she attended because it was 'a chance to be part of something historic.' 'As a black woman, knowing that someone pretty much gave their life, dedicated their life to make sure I can do the things that I can do now, he's worth honoring,' Bryan said. Jesse Jackson Jr. said all were welcome to celebrate his father's life, irrespective of their political views. 'Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, right wing, left wing because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American,' Jackson Jr. said last month. 'Dad would have wanted us to have a great meeting to discuss our differences, to find ways of moving forward and moving together.' Jackson was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2017 and spent his final months battling progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare neurological disorder that robbed him of his mobility and ability to speak. Family members said he continued coming into the office until last year, communicating through hand signals. His final public appearance was at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. His son, Yusef Jackson, who runs the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, recalled how his father carried a well-worn Bible but also showed his faith by showing up to picket lines. 'He lived a revolutionary Christian faith rooted in justice, nonviolence and the moral righteousness,' Yusef said Friday. Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich attends a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. at the House of Hope arena on March 6 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks during the Public Homegoing Service for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker speaks during a memorial service to celebrate the life of the civil rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., March 6 California Governor Gavin Newsom greets attendees during the Public Homecoming and celebration of life for civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago, Illinois, on March 6 Rev. Al Sharpton speaks with Jesse Jackson Jr. before the start of a celebration of life ceremony for Jackson's father, civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Guests, including former presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham and former first lady Dr. Jill Biden attend a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. From left, former President Bill Clinton and former President Barack Obama attend the Public Homegoing Service for Reverend Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Chicago Cubs Chairman Thomas Ricketts speaks at a celebration of life service for civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson The casket with the Rev. Jesse Jackson arrives for the Public Homegoing Service at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday Former basketball player Isaiah Thomas speaks at a public memorial service to celebrate the life of civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago Judge Greg Mathis speaks during the Public Homegoing Service for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday 'He was deeply involved in the political struggles of his time, but his gift was that he could rise above them. It's not about the left wing or the right wing. It takes two wings to fly. For him, the goal was always the moral center.' Services in Chicago and South Carolina drew civic leaders, school groups and ordinary mourners, touched by his work across scholarship programs and prison advocacy. Several states flew flags at half-staff in his honor. A Washington DC service was shelved after House Speaker Mike Johnson denied a request for Jackson to lie in honor in the Capitol rotunda, saying the space is typically reserved for former presidents and select officials, with no details of a future event made public. Jackson was a close associate of MLK in the 1960s, joining the Selma-to-Montgomery marches in 1965 where he caught King's attention, and was present at his assassination in Memphis in 1968. He went on to mount two landmark presidential campaigns, in 1984 and 1988, becoming the first Black candidate to win multiple primary contests in a major party race. As a diplomatic envoy he secured the release of American prisoners from Syria, Iraq and Serbia. He founded the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in 1996, which became a vehicle for pressuring corporate America on diversity, and served as President Clinton's special envoy for Africa. He is survived by his wife and six children. A young mum has recalled the heartbreaking moment she desperately tried to save a nine-month-old boy found dead in a minivan in Adelaide's north. Emergency services raced to a home on Midlow Road, Elizabeth Downs, about 8pm on Wednesday, following reports that baby Kohen had been found unresponsive. Neighbours said Kohen's parents panicked when they checked his bedroom and found it empty. The infant was found inside a minivan parked in the driveway. It is unknown how long the nine-month-old was inside the car. 'Does anyone know CPR? Help, help help,' Kohen's father could be heard screaming in footage shared by 7News on Friday. Ebony Baxter, who is trained in infant CPR, rushed to help when she heard the father's shouts as he ran down the street with Kohen in his arms. 'He went to go and kiss the little boy goodnight and that's when he realised he wasn't in bed,' she said, adding thats he began attempting to revive the baby on the footpath. 'You know, his face, I can't stop seeing the way he looked. Local Ebony Baxter attempted to administer CPR to Kohen but he could not be revived Manneken's nine-month-old son, Kohen, is believed to have been found inside a parked van 'As I was doing it, just come on, like, I just wanted to see him take a breath. I wish that we could have, anyone else, like anyone there, we could have done more to help him.' Dspite the efforts by Ms Baxter and paramedics - and, a brief return of a weak pulse, Kohen could not be revived. His mother Crystal Manneken, 31, was charged with criminal neglect on Thursday. Photos from the scene on Thursday morning showed a heavy police presence at the home, along with multiple ambulances and a fire truck. Baby items, including a car seat, bouncer, toilet potty, and bath, were spotted strewn outside the home. Manneken, who describes herself online as a stay-at-home mum, is believed to have two sons and four daughters. She was bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates' Court on April 14. A report will be prepared for the coroner as detectives continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the baby's death. Crystal Manneken was charged with criminal neglect after her baby was found unresponsive Manneken (pictured right) describes herself online as a stay-at-home mum The Elizabeth Downs community have been rattled by the death of Kohen The Elizabeth Downs community have been rattled by the death of Kohen. When contacted by the Daily Telegraph regarding whether they had received reports about the child or if there had been welfare checks at the home, a Department for Child Protection spokeswoman refused to comment. 'The death of this little boy is a tragedy for his family, community, and all who knew him,' she said. 'The Department for Child Protection is unable to provide further comment on this matter, which is under police investigation.' Former South Australian Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Pallaras, who is now an independent candidate, said the death raises serious questions. 'This is a heartbreaking tragedy, the death of any child is devastating,' he said. Local witness Jasmine Hudson told the ABC: 'There was one big ambulance and three or four four-wheel-drive ambulances and a fire truck and about six police cars. 'It's heartbreaking and I feel for the people it happened to.' Another neighbour added: 'That is so horrible... I've got a grandbaby and two children of my own.' A man who hid behind the facade of a loving husband and charming real estate agent before murdering his wife to continue an affair could soon walk free. Mother-of-three Allison Baden-Clay, 43, was found under a bridge on a creek bank in April 2012 - 10 days after her husband, Gerard, had reported her missing. He was sentenced to 'life' in prison for his heinous crime, however, he will be eligible for parole in 2027, after serving just 15 years. A petition calling for the Queensland Parole Board to keep Gerard behind bars has received almost 2,000 signatures. Organiser Michelle Janssen claimed he had shown 'no remorse' for his actions. 'His affair was not a mistake. His financial manipulation was not bad luck. His cover up of Allison's death was not panic,' she wrote. 'These were the behaviours of a man who believed he was entitled to determine the terms of his wife's existence and ultimately, her death.' Hannah, Sarah and Ella were aged just 10, eight and five when they went to live with their maternal grandparents as their father faced trial in the Brisbane Supreme Court. Mother-of-three Allison Baden-Clay, 43, was found under a bridge on a creek bank in April 2012 - 10 days after her husband, Gerard, had reported her missing Gerard Baden-Clay told police the curved gouges on his right cheek were shaving cuts The five-week 2016 trial heard how Gerard had plotted to kill his wife to cash in on a life insurance policy and cement the relationship with his mistress Toni McHugh, who worked at his ailing real estate agency at Brookfield in western Brisbane. On the morning of Friday, April 19, 2012, Gerard Baden-Clay called police to report his wife missing, claiming he'd last seen her watching TV about 10pm the night before. He explained away deep curved gouges on his face as 'shaving cuts', along with red marks on his torso, which he said were from a caterpillar attack. Gerard did not join the extensive police and community search for his wife, but phoned his mistress, telling her, 'we need to not communicate and lay low'. Toni McHugh would later testify that Gerard had told her before Allison vanished that he no longer loved his wife, that they had a sexless relationship; and that, although he was worried about Allison's mental health, he would leave the marriage by July 2012. At 11am on Monday, April 30, a canoeist found a woman's body under Kholo Creek bridge at Anstead, about 30km west of the Baden-Clays' home. After the body was identified as Allison, Gerard's father, Nigel Baden-Clay, filled out life insurance forms for his son to sign. On May 11, Hannah, Sarah and Ella Baden-Clay attended their mother's funeral with their father. A month later, on June 13, he was charged with murdering his wife and improperly interfering with her body. Gerard did not join the extensive police and community search for his wife (pictured), but phoned his mistress, telling her, 'we need to not communicate and lay low' A petition calling for the Queensland Parole Board to keep Gerard behind bars has received almost 2,000 signatures (pictured) Gerard Baden-Clay was remanded in custody and taken from Brisbane Watchhouse to Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and briefed lawyers to argue that a depressed Allison had left home of her own accord and taken her own life. In a powerful cross-examination of Baden-Clay before the jury, Crown prosecutor Todd Fuller described the marks on the accused's face after Allison disappeared, and said three witnesses had found it implausible they were caused by a razor blade. Distressing police interviews of Hannah, 10, and Sarah, 8, were played to the court, showing the girls sitting in their school uniforms, sobbing as police officers asked them questions about their parents. Sarah burst into tears when a policewoman asked her why she was being interviewed, replying: 'Because of my mum. She's missing.' The jury found Gerard Baden-Clay guilty of murdering Allison and he was sentenced to life in prison - a sentence that in Queensland carries a minimum of 15 years. In 2015, the Queensland Court of Criminal Appeal controversially downgraded his murder conviction to manslaughter, but after public outcry from Allison's family and supporters was itself appealed. In 2016, the High Court overturned the decision and reinstated the murder conviction. In the years since, Gerard Baden-Clay - once described as 'a model inmate' - has been confined to cells for touching the buttocks of a male prison guard. Staff at Wolston Correctional Centre said Baden-Clay had gone from model prisoner to one who was over-familiar with staff and 'forgets his place'. If you need support, call 1800RESPECT or Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636. An alleged Iranian spy ring was smashed by British police on Friday. Amid warnings that many more cells may be preparing 'potentially violent operations' in Britain, counter-terrorism officers arrested four men with Iranian and dual British-Iranian citizenship. They were held on suspicion of spying on synagogues and prominent individuals in the Jewish community. Detectives believe the gang carried out surveillance at various locations in north London for months at the behest of Iran's intelligence services. Jewish leaders on Friday night warned of the 'real threat' to communities and urged security services not to underestimate the size of the problem. On a day of drama in the Middle East: Donald Trump warned Iran that no deals were on the table; The US President demanded the country's 'unconditional surrender'; US Secretary of War Pete Hesgeth said missile attacks on Iran would ramp up dramatically and the 'big one' was coming; Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy suggested British RAF jets could now legitimately target Iran missiles sites; Oil prices soared as Qatar warned the war could 'bring down the world's economies'; Russia was accused of sharing intelligence to help Tehran attack allied warships and aircraft across the Middle East. Counter-terrorism officers arrested four men with Iranian and dual British-Iranian citizenship on Friday at addresses in Harrow, Watford and Barnet. Pictured: Police at the Watford property The Mail understands that the cell had been under surveillance for months, but officers decided to accelerate their arrest plans due to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. Pictured: A car is removed from an address in Finchley, north London It came on a day of drama in the Middle East, which saw US President Donald Trump warn Iran no deals were on the table. Pictured: An explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday after an Israeli strike amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran Scotland Yard began a 'long-running' investigation after the 'malign' activities of the suspected Iranian cell aroused suspicion and a member of the Jewish community tipped off police. The Mail understands that the cell had been under surveillance for months, but officers decided to accelerate their arrest plans due to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. Just hours earlier, Europol warned that the unfolding conflict in Iran will have 'immediate repercussions' with an increased threat of terrorism, violent extremism and cyber attacks in Europe. The suspects have not been accused of any specific attack plot, but officers believe their actions were part of a longer-term plan by Tehran to target the Jewish community in London. Counter-terrorism police arrested four men aged 22, 40, 52 and 55 at addresses in Harrow, Watford and Barnet shortly after 1am on Friday on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. The arrests just days after the US and Israel began a series of strikes against Iran comes amid concerns about the increasing risk of an Iranian terror attack on British soil. MI5 has already warned of a heightened threat from Tehran after uncovering 20 assassination and kidnap plots in Britain in the past year. In recent days, the Met Police has stepped up patrols around synagogues and Jewish areas, working with community leaders to 'ensure vigilance and to keep communities safe'. Dr Alan Mendoza, from the Henry Jackson Society, said: 'Today's counter-terrorism arrests highlight the real and persistent threat posed by hostile Iranian activity on British soil. 'The Iranian regime has a long track record of using surveillance, intimidation and proxy networks here to pursue dissidents, Jewish communities and other targets. 'The good news is that our security services are disrupting Iranian activity before it turns deadly. The bad news is how often they are having to do it.' Rabbi Herschel Gluck, president of Shomrim North and East London, said the arrests would help reduce concerns in the community. But he added: 'We have been aware for a long time that the danger of an attack from these cells, which there are a number of in this country, would exponentially increase in the situation we are in at the moment.' Sir Keir Starmer said: 'People will be worried after today's arrests, especially those in our Jewish community. 'Our world-leading security services will not hesitate to protect you.' Mr Lammy added: 'Iran is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism globally, and sadly that is in effect in our own society as well.' At a property in Finchley, police were seen examining the undercarriage of a vehicle (pictured). No weapons or explosives have been found On Friday, police were seen carrying out searches of a property in Watford (pictured) where a 52-year-old man was arrested in front of his wife and teenage daughter One resident said the family were well dressed and had expensive cars, but they appeared reclusive. Pictured: Police at the property in Watford On Friday, police were seen carrying out searches of a property in Watford where a 52-year-old man was arrested in front of his wife and teenage daughter. One resident said the family were well dressed and had expensive cars, but they appeared reclusive. Neighbour Tam Khan, 47, said: 'I never spoke to them. They were very quiet, very shy. They always had their heads down.' At a property in Finchley, police were seen examining the undercarriage of a vehicle. No weapons or explosives have been found. Neighbour Anne Costello, 55, said she was woken at 1am by armed police battering down the door. 'It was so loud it honestly felt like they were in the bedroom,' she said. 'It was terrifying. 'I went outside and someone in black, holding a gun, emerged from the darkness and told me to get back inside my house.' Six other men aged between 20 and 49 were arrested in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender. All ten men remained in custody last night. Following the arrests, the Campaign Against Antisemitism hit out at the Government for its 'failure to keep its promise' to proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). A spokesman said: 'It is incredible that the Iranian threat, long recognised by British Jews and those paying attention, like the intelligence and security committee of Parliament, is still not being taken seriously by the Government. 'The Government's failure to keep its promise to proscribe the IRGC... has sent the message that support for the brutal Iranian regime and its Jew-hating and West-hating ideology is perfectly acceptable in Britain.' Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel said: 'Having dithered over taking action against Iran's murderous regime and undermined our relationships with our allies, Keir Starmer must show he will put the national security of Britain first.' Donald Trump on Friday demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' as the United States threatened its biggest bombardment yet. The President, who is under growing pressure to end the conflict due to soaring oil prices, vowed to 'Make Iran Great Again' if the regime admits defeat. Writing on social media, he said: 'There will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender. After that, and the selection of a great and acceptable leader, we and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. Iran will have a great future.' Mr Trump posted in response to Iranian claims that mediation efforts between the countries have already begun. He was speaking as a photo was released of evangelical leaders gathered around him in the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday, praying for him and US success in Iran. It emerged on Friday that US officials believe Russia is providing intelligence to Iran including locations of American warships and aircraft. Russia declined to comment on the allegations. Iran was bracing for its heaviest night of US and Israeli bombardment, which may include bombers taking off from the UK airbase at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. The first US long-range bomber permitted by the Prime Minister to launch attacks on Iran from a British base arrived at Fairford on Friday. The huge B-1B Lancer flew from the US's Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, accompanied by a USAF Super Galaxy. More US aircraft are expected after the PM's embarrassing U-turn. The aircraft can now fly over Iran as the country's air defences have been destroyed. In what has become an annual ritual, evangelical leaders gathered around President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Thursday and prayed over him and for US success in the war against Iran A US Air Force B1 bomber arriving at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on Friday after the PM gave the green light for the US to use British bases to launch 'defensive' strikes against Iranian missile sites Iran was bracing for its heaviest night of US and Israeli bombardment on Friday, which may include American bombers taking off from the UK airbases at Diego Garcia and RAF Fairford Meanwhile, the threat to shipping caused by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has led the US to fast-track plans to escort ships through the 24-mile wide waterway. Iran's temporary leadership council is understood to be deciding who should replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed a week ago in the first wave of US attacks. According to security sources it would be 'unthinkable' to the theocratic regime that President Trump should have the final say on their choice, as he has demanded. While retired British General Sir Richard Shirreff criticised the US's assassination of Khamenei, likening the act to 'killing the Pope on the steps of St Peter's'. He said: 'We should not be involved with the Americans closely. They are being led by gung-ho nutters Trump and Hegseth. This could go the way of Iraq. This is a war of hubris. The Americans have no idea how this ends. There is no strategy. 'Khamenei was a religious figure for Shias, not just the head of state. His death will enflame the Shiite world, pushing large numbers of Iranians back into the fold of the irreconcilables.' German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also condemned President Trump's plan insisting it must be for Iran's 90 million inhabitants to decide their leader. The conflict continues to divide Europe with Spain reiterating its opposition to the US actions while Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy started a row about whether British forces could attack Iranian military infrastructure. Last night Downing Street was forced into a humiliating clarification after Mr Lammy appeared to indicate Britain could get further dragged into the conflict. Keir Starmer confirmed the UK has offered the US 'limited, specific defensive purpose' usage of British bases. Last night Downing Street was forced into a humiliating clarification after Mr Lammy appeared to indicate Britain could get further dragged into the conflict. Keir Starmer confirmed the UK has offered the US 'limited, specific defensive purpose' usage of British bases. Mr Lammy also referred to Cyprus as a Nato country and called RAF fighter jets 'Tycoons' rather than 'Typhoons'. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch will on Saturday accuse the Government of 'playing student politics' while the world rearms. In a speech to the party's spring conference, she will say: 'Keir Starmer spent days consulting lawyers and plucking up the courage to say whose side he was on, even though our allies had the moral clarity to do so immediately and unequivocally. Even now, he is sitting on the fence, still deciding what our role is going to be in this war.' Mr Lammy also referred to Cyprus as a Nato country and called RAF fighter jets 'Tycoons' rather than 'Typhoons'. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch will on Saturday accuse the Government of 'playing student politics' while the world rearms. In a speech to the party's spring conference, she will say: 'Keir Starmer spent days consulting lawyers and plucking up the courage to say whose side he was on, even though our allies had the moral clarity to do so immediately and unequivocally. Even now, he is sitting on the fence, still deciding what our role is going to be in this war.' Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Trainer trends show no sign of slowing down, with retro silhouettes and heritage sportswear firmly dominating the fashion agenda. From pared-back leather styles to cult classics enjoying a revival, the humble trainer has become a cornerstone of the modern wardrobe. It's a movement that Marie-Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece, is clearly embracing. During a recent outing in Rwanda, she stepped out in the iconic Adidas Samba OG - a style that has surged back into the spotlight thanks to its sleek profile and timeless appeal. And she's in good company. 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Shop the best of the rest When Lady Diana Spencer walked down the aisle at St Pauls Cathedral to meet Prince Charles at the altar in 1981, the bridal gown David Emanuel created with his wife Elizabeth was admired by an estimated 750million people glued to their TVs around the world. Sadly, the ivory silk taffeta and lace gown, with its 25ft train, has failed to bring David lasting success. I can disclose that both of his companies have gone bust, owing a total of almost 300,000. Newly filed documents disclose 280,000 worth of debt at Licensed to Design, which he set up in 2002, and Renaissance Man, established in 2018. The Welshman, 73, who last faced money troubles after the ending of his marriage to Elizabeth, has disclosed his business liabilities to liquidators across Statements of Affairs for both companies. He reports assets worth 164,000 as uncertain to realise and no money for creditors owed a total of 280,443. Fixtures and fittings worth 96,000 are given an uncertain to realise value and directors loans of 60,000 are also uncertain. Liabilities include 72,000 due to HMRC in corporation tax, 103,000 due to NatWest Bank and 33,000 to Ovo Energy. David, who was runner-up in the 2013 series of Im a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, and his daughter Eloise are among the creditors at Licensed to Design, owed 44,438 and 5,000 respectively. Eloise is also owed 5,000 by Renaissance Man. In 2024, David lost a High Court case against Elizabeth. Lady Diana Spencer in the bridal gown created by David Emanuel with his wife Elizabeth at her 1981 wedding to Prince Charles David Emanuel has seen both of his companies go bust, owing a total of almost 300,000 He claimed she infringed his copyright by reproducing drawings of designs theyd created together and sold them without his consent. His spokesman said he could not be reached for comment. Grace reveals pregnancy after loss Grace Beverley, 29, has described feeling 'excitement' and 'anxiety' while pregnant with her first child with husband Amar Daved Entrepreneur Grace Beverley posts on her Instagram about her new pregnancy and invites questions from her fans Grace Beverley was left heartbroken after she suffered a miscarriage last autumn. Now, the entrepreneur, 29, who founded popular activewear label Tala and fitness app Shreddy, has shared her joy after becoming pregnant again. It will be the Oxford graduates first child with photographer Amar Daved, 39, whom she married in a spectacular three-day wedding in France last summer. Both of us are more stressed than excited because we lost our last pregnancy, admits Grace, who was head chorister at Salisbury Cathedral. The excitement mixed with the anxiety of knowing you cant go through that pain again so soon. Strictly sore: sons finger is sliced off Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag has revealed that her 11-year-old son Ewan was rushed to hospital after a horrific accident in which his finger was sliced off. When I say severed, I mean severed, says the ballroom dancing professional, 50. Fingernail, flesh, bone, the whole lot. Ewans ordeal began during a game with friends. Erin rushed him to their local hospital in Kingston, south-west London. We were referred to St Georges [hospital], the special department where they do plastic surgery. They did an operation on Ewan and saved his finger. New Zealand-born Erin posted a video online thanking medical staff and saying: Everything is now looking up for Ewan. Hell be back to sport and playing the piano and thats all because of the NHS. Talis bewitching look Tali Lennox celebrates her 33rd birthday while dressed in full-on Medieval attire as she holds a candle to accompany the look Pop star Annie Lennoxs provocative sartorial style appears to have inspired her younger daughter. Model and artist Tali celebrated her 33rd birthday in full-on Medieval attire, including a brown pagan-style dress, a gothic circlet across her head and a vintage-style pendant. Tali, whose father is film producer Uri Fruchtmann, completed her warrior-maiden look by styling her hair in two thick plaits. I like to be eclectic, she has said previously of her wardrobe. Pop star Paloma Faith suggests that metropolitan Lefties such as her should stop patronising Nigel Farages Reform UK fans. I do think that the liberal Left, which I am sort of part of, have this habit of dismissing people who dont agree with them, and I dont think thats how were going to win, she tells Green Party leader Zack Polanski on her podcast. A beef about posh thief A tale of mishap and mystery reaches me from the Beefsteak Club, whose street door just off Leicester Square, in Londons West End looks like the entrance to a brothel, in the opinion of former Supreme Court judge Lord Sumption, yet leads to a time capsule of Edwardian England, wherein all waiters are addressed as Charles. This enchanted refuge, for gentlemen only, finds favour with Lords Soames and Swire and Boris Johnson and many who like to do justice to lunch, including one member who recently rather overdid things. Leaving in haste, he grabbed his briefcase only, it wasnt his briefcase... He left it on the train, Im told. It then got handed into Lost Property. From there, it was eventually returned to its rightful owner. So alls well that ends well? Alas not. The accidental thief has been expelled from the club, Im told proof, presumably, that the unnamed but eminent victim was very sensitive indeed about what was tucked away in that briefcase... Kate, 44, was at the city's famous Bobby's cafe, named after a Bollywood movie The Princess of Wales was thinking of her three children as she ordered a selection of traditional Indian sweets during a visit to Leicester yesterday. Kate, 44, was at the city's famous Bobby's restaurant, named after a 1973 Bollywood film, when a display counter lined with colourful desserts caught her eye. A video of the princess showed her asking the owner, Dharmesh Lakhani, about the different types of 'mithai' or sweets at his shop. Kate remarked 'that looks delicious' when Mr Lakhani, 57, pointed out a healthier 'barfi' - a fudge-like treat made with figs, almonds, and pistachios. She also told Mr Lakhani that her husband, the Prince of Wales, loves chocolate, while a member of staff packed a box of desserts for her to take home. Bobby's was opened in 1976 by Dharmesh Lakhani's parents after they moved to the UK from Uganda when he was a child. Mr Lakhani now runs the restaurant with his wife Enna, 56, as they invited the princess for tea and snacks. Enna offered to share her family recipe for a Gujarati savoury snack as Kate spoke of her fondness for Indian food, adding 'I'm okay with spice' while trying a chutney made from green chillies. She added: 'I love coriander and chilli, but William is less of a fan of coriander.' The Princess of Wales was thinking of her three children as she ordered a selection of traditional Indian sweets during a visit to Bobby's restaurant in Leicester yesterday Kate received a bright welcome to the East Midlands yesterday, with dancing, honking horns, and crowds surging to shake her hands as she marked Holi - the Indian festival of colour, love and spring. The mother-of-three was radiant in a pleated cream dress from Polo Ralph Lauren that she paired with a bespoke coat from Chris Kerr. The future Queen added a yellow silk scarf as she gracefully accepted a flower garland - a symbol of respect in Indian culture - made from pearls and roses when she arrived at the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre. The royal added a Bollywood-inspired touch to her ensemble with Sezane's Dina earrings in gold, featuring blue gemstones hanging from the tassels, which are also on sale for 100, down from 200. 'Welcome to Leicester, Ma'am,' said one shopper who stopped Kate outside a jeweller's as she visited family businesses at the heart of the city's South Asian community. A group of Bollywood dancers performed a routine for her during which she was handed a rose to hold. She told them that her three children would 'love' their dance moves. 'You must be super fit because it's super energetic,' the princess said afterwards. 'My children would love that, they love their dancing. Louis would love your dance routine,' she continued, referring to her youngest child. Mr Lakhani now runs the restaurant with his wife Enna (not pictured), 56, as they invited the princess for tea and snacks The Princess of Wales looked elegant in a Ralph Lauren dress as she visited the Shreeji Dham Haveli Hindu Temple in Leicester yesterday By the time she left the community centre, crowds had gathered outside and people surged forward to greet her with hugs and requests for selfies. 'Thank you for coming to see me,' she said. As she walked around the corner to the Golden Mile, vans honked their horns and drivers waved as they caught sight of the princess on the busy road. Still wearing the garland, she visited Ladlees, a family sari shop, where she admired the embroidery of the fabric and asked whether the skills had been passed down through the family. Later, the princess joined in with traditional dancing and made an offering of milk during her first visit to a Hindu temple in Britain. Kate was barefoot as she walked through Shreeji Dham Haveli, a Hindu temple dedicated to the teachings of Shrimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji, which serves the local Vaishnav community in Leicester. She was told about the festival of Holi, and its themes of 'the arrival of spring, spiritual renewal and community connection'. Kate was greeted with a blessing, a thumb placed on her forehead by one of the temple's women, and a flower garland. She took her shoes off, as per custom, and was given a detailed tour by Mayur Kachela, one of the executive committee members, who explained the religious significance of the ceremony and ornate decorations. The princess was taken to a table where women were making garlands made from fresh rose petals, asking them about their technique and how long it took them to do. 'Thank you so much for having me,' she told her hosts. 'I feel so lucky to be invited. It's lovely to be able to come in person.' Kate greeting people during her visit to Leicester on March 5 She repeatedly clasped her hands in a namaste gesture to say thank you. 'Does this happen daily?' she said. 'How does the community, or way of life, fit around the temple?' Members of the temple remarked on her knowledge of the Holi festival and her many questions, particularly about how young people are involved in the temple. Kate was then invited to take part in a ladies' dance during a religious ceremony and said 'oh, go on then'. The women who led the dancing said that they had not expected her to join in, but were delighted with her enthusiasm. 'It was absolutely amazing,' said Mr Kachela afterwards. 'She was really acknowledging what we're doing here, and really engaged. 'This is part of our faith, and it was very nice that she acknowledged what we're doing.' Princess Beatrice was pictured smiling in Nepal alongside the husband of a Labour MP arrested on suspicion of spying for China, it was revealed today. David Taylor, 39, the husband of Labour MP Joani Reid, was held in London on Wednesday morning. He and the two other former Labour advisers named by the BBC as Matthew Aplin, 43 and Steve Jones 68 were released on bail while police continue inquiries. Today it emerged that Mr Taylor went on a nine-day charity trip to Nepal with a small group including Princess Beatrice in October 2016. The i Paper reports that while there is no evidence that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's eldest daughter is involved in any of Taylor's alleged spying activities, it does show how well connected Taylor was with 'Britain's elite', including the royals. They were together on a trip supporting the Franks Family Foundation where they saw the work of Dr Sandek Ruit, a Nepalese eye surgeon who treats patients for free, and also visited a children's home. Beatrice, a patron of the charity who is ninth in line to the British throne, also had a private meeting with the Bhutanese Royal Family. The foundation's founder Simon Franks has said that David Taylor's arrest had shocked him. 'During his time as a policy advisor to the foundation, I found David to be a kind, charitable and proud Brit. I am astonished by the arrest', Mr Franks said. Princess Beatrice was pictured smiling alongside the husband of a Labour MP arrested on suspicion of spying for China during a trip to Nepal in 2016 'Princess Beatrice has worked tirelessly for the foundation for over a decade, supporting our education and public health projects in Laos, Cambodia and Nepal, to which she has travelled on many occasions for the foundation'. He insisted Beatrice 'did not know him prior and has not seen him since'. It came after Taylor's wife Joani Reid said she had 'voluntarily suspended' the Labour whip after her husband was arrested. The East Kilbride and Strathaven MP said: 'This week has been the worst of my life. The shock of recent days has been difficult for me and my family.' The mother of two, 40, stressed: 'I have done nothing wrong. 'I want to reiterate something very important: I am not under investigation by the police and no accusations have been against me. I have done nothing wrong. I love my country. To serve the people of East Kilbride and Strathaven as their MP and the Labour Party has been and continues to be the privilege of my life. 'I understand that speculation and gossip is fevered at a time like this. I do not want the circumstances that I and my family find ourselves in to be a distraction for this government, of which I am proud and in whom I believe. 'I also do not want my children who have nothing to answer for and who deserve privacy and compassion to find themselves subject to intrusion.' She added: 'Following discussions with the Chief Whip, I am voluntarily suspending myself from the whip... and will not sit as a Labour MP until internal investigations are concluded.' Yesterday, Mr Taylor and the two other advisers named by the BBC as Matthew Aplin, 43 and Steve Jones 68 were released on bail while police continue inquiries. Last night it emerged that police had searched the London home of another senior Labour adviser married to a former MP. James Robinson, a former aide to ex-Labour deputy leader Lord Watson, revealed police searched his home in relation to the China spy probe. The former Guardian journalist is married to ex-Labour MP Gloria de Piero. Mr Robinson said: 'I can confirm that police officers visited my home yesterday with a search warrant. I understand their attendance was part of enquiries into those arrested and questioned over matters allegedly relating to China. 'Naturally, I co-operated fully with the police and will, of course, continue to do so as long as their investigations into the possible wrongdoing of others continues.' He added: 'I would like to make it absolutely clear that I have neither been detained, arrested nor questioned in connection with this, or any other, matter.' Joani Reid pictured with her husband David Taylor who was arrested along with two other former Labour Party advisers on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. He has since been released on bail Two former Labour advisers Steve Jones, 68, (left) and Matthew Aplin, 43 (right) were arrested and later released on bail amid the China spy probe Ms Reid, the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, pictured with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in February 2024. She has suspended herself from Labour Police also raided the home of a journalist as part of their inquiries into a series of trips to China Mr Taylor made to meet representatives who reported to President Xi Jinping. Martin Shipton, 68, was asleep in his Cardiff home on Wednesday when eight counter terrorism officers attended his home at 6.20am. Yesterday Mr Shipton told the Mail: 'Police wanted to know about the trip I took to Hong Kong in 2023 with David. 'David has a huge amount of experience in politics, he has advised people like Peter Hain, he has advised various governments over the years.' Police spent 13 hours searching Mr Shipton's home, taking electronic devices and his passport. It comes after parliamentary staff were warned in a letter about the ongoing risk of foreign state interference. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle told staff: 'You are a critical part of our defence against foreign state activity. The risks are not receding. We all need to take action to make Parliament and the parliamentary community more resilient to foreign state espionage and interference.' The Labour Party said: 'These are incredibly serious allegations. We cannot comment while the police investigation is ongoing.' A biochemist has claimed to have found evidence that the modern Lyme outbreak in the US could have been the result of CIA bioweapon experiments. Dr Robert Malone, who helped lay the groundwork for mRNA vaccine technology, made the explosive allegations this week after analyzing declassified government documents, historical records from Cold War biological weapons programs and scientific research on tick-borne diseases. Malone highlighted experiments in the 1960s that allegedly released more than 282,000 radioactive ticks in Virginia and open-air tick research at Plum Island, a federal laboratory located near the Connecticut community where Lyme disease was first identified. The experiments were designed to track how disease-carrying ticks spread through the environment, with scientists marking the parasites using radioactive Carbon-14 so their movements could be detected with Geiger counters, a portable, gas-filled instrument. Malones report argued the research was part of a much larger Cold War biological weapons program known as Project 112, which involved dozens of secret tests aimed at studying how insects could be used to spread pathogens. The program, authorized by Defense Secretary Robert McNamara in 1962, oversaw 134 planned tests and included facilities capable of breeding millions of infected insects each week. According to the report, the same region where these experiments took place later experienced an unprecedented surge in tick-borne illnesses. Malone's claims follow calls from US officials to investigate whether federal agencies experimented with pathogen-laden ticks as tools of war. Operation Mongoose was allegedly carried out by planes from Air America, an airline secretly owned by the CIA In the US, between 30,000 and 40,000 cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed annually and reported to the CDC. The illness is spread by infected ticks biting mammals In December 2025, an amendment by New Jersey Representative Chris Smith called for a review of military, NIH and USDA projects from 1945 to 1972 involving Spirochaetales and Rickettsiales, bacteria linked to tick-borne diseases. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has also suggested Lyme disease may have originated from a failed US bioweapons program in the 1970s tied to research at Plum Island. Plum Island is an 840-acre island off the northeastern coast of Long Island, New York, and home to the Plum Island Animal Disease Center, a government lab used since the 1950s to study infectious animal diseases. However, the Department of Homeland Security has repeatedly said Lyme disease was never studied at the facility. Malones report also claims key research into a second tick-borne pathogen may have been suppressed. He alleged the government sidelined research on a pathogen known as the Swiss Agent, which was detected in Lyme patients in Europe during the 1970s. Malone, an expert in biology who earned multiple degrees at the University of California, also accused the government of suppressing research on a second disease called the 'Swiss Agent' found in Lyme patients in Europe in the 1970s. Unpublished papers from Willy Burgdorfer, the scientist who discovered the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, suggested the pathogen complicated treatment because it triggered persistent symptoms that did not respond to standard antibiotics. Your browser does not support iframes. Documents obtained by journalist and author Kris Newby revealed the Pentagon's plan to use Biological Weapons (BW) and Chemical Weapons (CW) on communist-controlled Cuba Documents obtained by journalist and author Kris Newby suggested that the plans for Operation Mongoose were eventually called off because of weather conditions Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, reportedly affects 30,000 to 40,000 people annually according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but the agency estimates the true number of infections may be as high as 476,000 annually. Along with a telltale rash around the bite, symptoms often include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches, but severe and untreated cases can also lead to fatal complications like heart problems, neurological issues, and brain inflammation. Malone's claims focused on his analysis of the archived records as well as alleged confessions by Burgdorfer himself, which appeared in journalist Kris Newby's book 'Bitten: The Secret History of Lyme Disease and Biological Weapons.' Malone argued that infecting ticks with multiple pathogens, including the so-called Swiss Agent, may have complicated diagnosis and treatment for patients exposed to tick bites. Swiss Agent, known by scientists as Rickettsia helvetica, is related to another tick-borne bacterium called Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It can cause mild to moderate flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Malone concluded that there was a 45 percent likelihood that the secret tick experiments and the omission of the 'Swiss Agent' discovery from Burgdorfer's original 1982 Lyme discovery paper contributed to the disease reaching epidemic levels in the US. 'Burgdorfers notes indicate he was told to omit the presence of at least one potential bioweapon during the Lyme investigation,' Malone wrote in an article on his Substack. 'Swiss Agent suppression for 40+ years demonstrates systematic institutional willingness to conceal public health information.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the CIA for comment regarding the declassified reports and claims of accidental exposures in the US. Within 3 days to a month, a red, bull's-eye rash will appear in 70 to 80 percent of cases involving a tick bite In Cuba, under CIA-led Operation Mongoose, operatives reportedly dropped boxes of infected ticks from aircraft onto sugarcane workers to sabotage the economy, though the operation was said to have been quickly canceled due to risks like shifting winds. The purpose of these operations was to create insect-based bioweapons during the Cold War, aiming to incapacitate communist adversaries by spreading illnesses such as anthrax or dengue without engaging in an actual war. These events allegedly took place mainly from the 1950s to the 1970s, with Operation Mongoose specifically occurring in 1962, and domestic tick releases happening between 1966 and 1969. The 282,800 ticks let loose in Virginia during these years were irradiated with the non-harmful isotope Carbon-14, which allowed scientists to track how far they could spread as local birds carried the insects during their migrations. Some events have been verified through declassified documents found in the CIA and National Archives, confirming the existence of bioweapons programs like Project 112 and Mongoose's sabotage plans. However, the claims that infected ticks were dropped over Cuba rely largely on anonymous testimony and have never been independently verified. As the conflict in Iran spreads throughout the Middle East, fears are growing that the world may soon spiral into WWIII. Keir Starmer has tried to keep the UK out of the fight, but recent strikes on an RAF base in Cyprus suggest this may not be possible if the war continues to escalate. Although the chances of a direct attack on British soil remain low, experts have warned that Iran's fleet of Shahed drones could strike without warning. Now, scientists have revealed what you really need in your emergency kit if you're prepping for WWIII. On the government website, a 'household emergency plan' reveals a list of 'emergency supplies' such as bottled water, wet wipes and nonperishable food. But according to scientists, the list omits some important items that could be crucial for survival. If the UK goes into lockdown, a gaspowered generator could provide a key backup power source, while a face mask could help to filter out harmful smoke. So, if you're thinking of getting your emergency kit ready, here's what scientists say you'll really need. As the conflict in Iran spreads throughout the Middle East, fears are growing that the world may soon spiral into a WWIII. Pictured: smoke rises from a burning building hit by an Iranian drone strike in Bahrain on February 28 On the government website, a 'household emergency plan' reveals a list of 'emergency supplies' such as bottled water, wet wipes and nonperishable food The government's website, prepare.campaign.gov.uk, aims to make sure people are aware of the risks in their local area so they can plan appropriately. 'Emergencies happen every day in the UK and across the world,' it explains on its website. 'They can be caused by severe weather or other natural hazards, by deliberate actions, or as a result of accidents or infrastructure failure. 'They can be events that happen quickly and are over in a few hours, or they can develop and continue over the course of several days, months, or sometimes even longer.' The site links to a printable 'household emergency plan' that includes a list of nine 'emergency supplies'. According to the government, you'll need a battery or windup torch, a portable power bank, a battery or windup radio, and spare batteries. In addition, your emergency kit should include a first aid kit, wet wipes and hand sanitiser, bottled water, nonperishable food that does not require cooking, and a tin opener. Finally, if you have a baby, your kit should include supplies like nappies and formula. Professor Handfield suggests including an N95 face mask in your emergency kit, in the case of a fire What you need in your emergency kit Battery or windup torch Portable power bank Battery or windup radio Spare batteries First aid kit Wet wipes and hand sanitiser Bottled water Nonperishable food that does not require cooking and tin opener Baby supplies Gaspowered generator Natural gas or liquid propane Chainsaw Toilet paper N95 face mask However, speaking to the Daily Mail, scientists have pinpointed several key items that are misisng. According to Robert Handfield, a professor of supply chain management at North Carolina State University, households should also consider including a gaspowered generator. Gaspowered generators use a gas combustion engine meaning users would also need natural gas or liquid propane as a fuel source. 'Electricity is a fundamental need,' Professor Handfield told the Daily Mail. Another item that could come in handy is a chainsaw although not for the purpose of selfdefence. 'Some people often carry a chainsaw if you are in a neighborhood with a lot of trees,' Professor Handfield explained. 'If they fall onto your home, it's important to get them off.' In addition, Professor Handfield suggests including an N95 face mask in your emergency kit, in the case of a fire. One of the most notable omissions from the government's list is toilet paper, although wet wipes could make a more versatile substitute. The news comes shortlly after scientists revealed the safest place to take shelter during an air strike. Each of Iran's Shahed drones carries a 90kg highexplosive payload, which is enough to collapse a building with a direct hit. That means the best place to take shelter during an air raid on British soil will be underground. For London residents, who may find themselves at the epicentre of a potential attack, the London Underground will offer the best protection especially at deeper stations like Hampstead Heath. However, if you can't make it to an underground shelter, the best thing to do is to remain indoors and prepare for the blast. For decades, we've been looking to the skies for any sign of aliens but it turns out we may have been missing attempts at contact. A new study has cast doubt on our radio signal detection methods, arguing that 'space weather' could be distorting incoming transmissions. Until now, most experiments have focused on identifying spikes in radio frequency signals unlikely to be produced by any other natural processes in space. But experts have highlighted an overlooked complication. Even if an extraterrestrial transmitter produces a perfectly narrow radio signal, it may not remain narrow by the time it leaves its home star's atmosphere. This distortion, which happens near the point of origin, can 'smear' the signal's frequency, meaning it can be missed by our detectors that are primed to search for more focused radio waves. 'Searches are often optimized for extremely narrow signals,' Dr Vishal Gajjar, astronomer at the SETI Institute and lead author of the paper, said. 'If a signal gets broadened by its own star's environment, it can slip below our detection thresholds, even if it's there, potentially helping explain some of the radio silence we've seen in technosignature searches.' This diagram (left) shows the signal from an extraterrestrial transmitter on a planet (green) passing near a star (orange) which could distort the signal on its way to Earth. The diagram on the right shows how narrow radio signals can become 'smeared' by turbulent plasma Telescopes like FAST (pictured) in China study the universe by detecting faint radio signals while also searching for extraterrestrial intelligence. However, scientists warn we could be 'missing' incoming attempts at contact For their study, the team analysed radio transmissions from our own spacecraft in the solar system. Using measurements from probes, they worked out how turbulent plasma released from stars such as the Sun affects radio signals. This data was then used to determine what might happen in a wide range of space environments. They explained that Mdwarf stars, which constitute about 75 per cent of stars in the Milky Way, have the highest likelihood of distorting signals. The discovery could lead to better detection methods that take this into account. It means even when signals are not 'perfectly razorthin' by the time they reach Earth, they could still come from extraterrestrial life. 'By quantifying how stellar activity can reshape narrowband signals, we can design searches that are better matched to what actually arrives at Earth, not just what might be transmitted,' Grayce C. Brown, coauthor of the study, said. Writing in The Astrophysical Journal, the researchers concluded: 'The socalled Great Silence, when extended to the radio technosignature searchers, is not solely evidence for the absence of transmitters, but also a reflection of our detection limitations arising from a mismatch between the assumed signal morphology and the broadened line shapes. What is the Fermi Paradox? The Fermi Paradox is the contradiction between the high statistical probability that extraterrestrial intelligence exists (given that there are billions of stars and planets) and the complete lack of evidence for or contact with aliens. It was coined by physicist Enrico Fermi in 1950, and asks: 'Where is everybody?' 'Recasting nondetections with widthaware pipelines will clarify how much of the Great Silence reflects a true absence of transmitters versus selection effects.' Looking ahead, the researchers argue that astronomers should bear their findings in mind to ensure that technosignatures 'are not systematically missed'. Scientists generally believe that the best candidates for alien life are 'Earthlike' worlds orbiting distant stars in other parts of the galaxy. One such contender is the Earthsized planet TRAPPIST1e, located just 40 lightyears from Earth, which is located safely within its star's habitable 'Goldilocks zone'. Another promising candidate is the planet K218b, which some studies suggest could be teeming with life. Last week, a NASA veteran claimed that aliens do exist they just haven't visited Earth yet. Dr Gentry Lee has worked at the US space agency since 1968, when he first got involved with the Viking mission to Mars. He has since spent more than half a century designing probes to land on distant planets but argues Earth has not yet been visited by otherworldly beings. K218b (artist's impression) is a massive water world that experts say could hold life. It is covered in oceans and orbits a red dwarf star 124 lightyears from Earth 'There exists nothing today that says any alien or any alien machine has ever landed on the planet Earth,' he told the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) conference in Phoenix. 'If you believe otherwise, you are being misled.' According to the expert, in every case of a supposed UFO sighting or alien encounter, there is likely a simpler explanation for those phenomena. But when it comes to distant planets, life has 'just got to be there somewhere'. He added: 'We are going to find life of some kind somewhere else. The odds are overwhelming.' In 1977, an astronomer looking for alien life in the night sky above Ohio spotted a radio signal so powerful that he excitedly wrote 'Wow!' next to his data. The 72second blast, spotted by Dr Jerry Ehman through a radio telescope, came from Sagittarius but matched no known celestial object. Conspiracy theorists have since claimed that the 'Wow! signal', which was 30 times stronger than background radiation, was a message from intelligent extraterrestrials. Demi Lovato put on a sensational show during the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, on Thursday. The event honored the biggest achievements in LGBTQ representation, and saw Lovato, 33, hit the stage in a red corset and a pair of shorts. Later Lovato returned in a ruched pastel yellow mini dress to present Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang with the Stephen F Kolzak Award for their dedication to increasing LGBTQ visibility in the media. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Wow: Demi Lovato was on top form at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, on Thursday The look: Lovato hit the stage in a red corset and a pair of short shorts Lovato is herself the recipient of GLAAD's Vanguard Award, which she received in 2016. This year's ceremony was hosted by Mean Girls alum Jonathan Bennett. Among the top honorees was Quinta Brunson, who received the Vanguard Award for her impactful work as an LGBTQ ally. Celebrities at the event included model Cara Delevingne, Selling Sunset alum Chrishell Stause, Orange Is the New Black star Laverne Cox, Riverdale beauty Lili Reinhart, and Love Island USA host Ariana Madix. Sensual: She paired fishnet stockings and knee-high black boots Intimate: She delivered a scintillating performance complete with choreographed kissing Different: The former child star admitted that she feels more 'feminine' these days Moving on: Lovato has found love love with musician husband Jordan Lutes Different outfit: Later in the night Lovato hit the stage to present an award Tight fit: She wore a ruched pastel yellow mini dress with a one-shoulder neckline The former child star, who is gender fluid, also no longer identifies primarily as they/them, and has returned to she/her pronouns and admitted that she feels more 'feminine' these days. Over the past few months she has slimmed down physique and ditched her androgynous pixie cut to return to the long hair that she had during her Disney days. Good times: She presented Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang with the Stephen F Kolzak Award for their dedication to increasing LGBTQ visibility in the media Previously: Lovato received the GLAAD's Vanguard Award, in 2016 Nominated films this year included The History Of Sound, Kiss Of The Spider Woman, Christy, On Swift Horses and Twinless. Nominated shows included Heated Rivalry, The Hunting Wives, Pluribus, Boots and Overcompensating. Lovato has completely turned her life around after finding love with musician husband Jordan Lutes. A fifth-grade teacher in Indiana has been suspended after telling students they were 'acting like monkeys in a zoo.' The man, who has not been identified, was suspended with pay after making the comment on February 24, while outraged parents voiced their anger at the Merrillville School Board. 'This is what he thinks about our kids,' one parent said at the Tuesday board meeting. 'I'm not getting over this... now we see this coming from the president also.' Classroom controversy: Parents were outraged at comments made by a teacher at Merrillville Intermediate School Parents in the school district angrily voiced their complaints at the board meeting, while the Gary branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has launched an investigation, the Chicago Tribune reported. Dexter Suggs, superintendent of the Merrillville Community School Corporation, said: 'We take matters like this extremely seriously.' He said an investigation is being pushed forward with 'a sense of urgency' and hopes it can come to an end by Friday. Urgent investigation: Superintendent Dexter Suggs has promised an immediate inquiry into the matter But the NAACP's Gary branch president, Stephen Mays, condemned the school for not meeting with frustrated parents who subsequently turned to the organization. 'We understand that NAACP members were concerned about why the staff member was not immediately removed, but personnel decisions must follow our guidelines and contractual language and due process,' Suggs responded, according to the Tribune. The teacher's remarks were reported to the school's principal by students almost immediately, according to Suggs. The principal informed parents with children in the class, the paper reported. According to Suggs, the teacher admitted fault but said the comments were not intended to have racial implications. 'He said he was frustrated with the students' behavior, and he did apologize, unprompted by administrators,' Suggs said. But a parent at Tuesday's board meeting raised concerns that this was actually the second remark of a similar nature made by this teacher. NAACP response: Gary branch president Stephen Mays criticised the school's handling of the incident Mays critiqued the school district's leadership and handling of the situation, including letting the teacher return to the classroom and not meeting with parents. 'You let your kids go back to the classroom for that kind of abuse and so people are outraged and now it's getting out of control,' he said. 'Do your job... so we can tamp this down and lower the temperature. To not talk to [parents] is insulting.' DeLena Thomas, a member of the board with two children in the district, said: 'It's not something we take lightly. We're preparing our kids for a world that is racially tense right now... I appreciate you reaching out, I'm hoping some conversations continue.' 'I'm a former principal at Gary Wirt and West Side, so I do know you will get some answers and we do not condone this type of behavior,' President of the Board Judy Dunlap said. The Daily Mail reached out to Merrillville Superintendent Suggs and the NAACP for comment. Equinox gym members have declared the 'war is over' after a relentless two-year battle which involved countless public complaints and online petitions. On Wednesday, the luxury gym proudly announced that Le Labo will be introduced to all its clubs, marking the end of its unfavorable partnership with Grown Alchemist. Equinox began its controversial collaboration with the Australian beauty brand in 2024, prompting an unrelenting war from members who disliked its products. Bathroom backlash: Members fought back after the high-end centres brought in a new brand of toiletries After enjoying a 13-year partnership with Kiehl's, many believed they were shortchanged with Grown Alchemist toiletries and argued that the brand was not on the same luxe tier as its predecessor. Adding to the blow, Life Time, Equinox's competitor, partnered with Kiehl's in 2025. Over the past 24 months, disgruntled Equinox members dominated the gym's dedicated subreddit with their pleas, essentially turning the social media platform into a hub of complaints over what they deemed to be subpar products. They even launched Change.org petitions in a desperate attempt to get Kiehl's back in the bathrooms, all to no avail. One member told the Daily Mail they refused to use the shower products at Equinox despite shelling out over $350 a month on fees. Members' relief: Equinox will introduce Le Labo to all its centres, replacing Grown Alchemist products They also said that the brand felt 'cheapened' by its collaboration with Grown Alchemist. 'I joined Equinox for all the amenities, including what I'd heard were amazing bathroom products,' they said. 'However, I joined shortly after the gym had made the switch to Grown Alchemist. I tried it the first few times I went to my gym, and I couldn't believe how cheap it felt. 'It got to the point where I refused to shower at Equinox, and instead I trek home and shower at my apartment.' According to Grown Alchemist, the decision to conclude its worldwide partnership with Equinox was a mutual one as 'both organizations continue to evolve their long-term strategies.' The partnership concluded on February 28, but the brand will continue as a partner in Equinox hotel properties. Sarah Schmidt, president of PR firm Interdependence, praised Equinox for acting. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, she said: 'Equinox is a premium brand, so every part of the experience has to reinforce that promise. Shower room showdown: The Australian brand didn't wash with gym members 'While toiletries may seem small, when speaking about luxury, those small details are what make an ordinary brand extraordinary.' Equinox members expressed their delight that the battle of bathroom products had finally ended. 'Huge win, good on them for listening to the members,' one wrote in celebration of the news. 'Okay Equinox, we see you listening and learning!' said another. The world's best cities for culinary and cooking activities have been revealed - and the top spot's just a short flight from the UK. Italy dominates the list, with five of its cities named among the world's best for hands-on culinary experiences. As for the number one destination? Florence. Not only is it a hotspot for foodies, but it's also cheap to get to - with flights starting from 38 in January with budget airline Vueling. Florence takes the top spot, offering an impressive 231 cooking classes, 74.5 per cent of which are rated four stars or higher. This December, Brits can explore Florence's famous food markets and pasta-making workshops for as little as 98 return from London. Florence is known for its meat dishes, such as Bistecca alla Fiorentina, a thick-cut T-bone steak. Another regional speciality is lampredotto, a unique sandwich made from the fourth stomach of a cow. Florence in Italy has been ranked the best city for foodies, with many activities on offer You don't want to miss the city's gelato, either, and - given this is Italy - pizza and pasta will be great too. In second place is Palermo, the capital of Sicily, with 50 cooking classes available and an outstanding 88 per cent rated four stars and above. Return flights come in at just 56 for Brits seeking a last-minute getaway. Claiming third place, Bologna remains a dream destination for food lovers, celebrated for its ragu alla Bolognese. Travellers can choose from more than 56 cooking classes, and visit the city this December for only 32 return. Lisbon takes the spotlight for food lovers in Portugal, offering 60 hands-on cooking classes, with 82 per cent rated four stars and above. Known for its iconic pastel de nata and vibrant Time Out Market, travellers can immerse themselves in Lisbon's culinary scene for just 48 return from London this December. Food tourism is surging, with three in four travellers now choosing their holiday destination based on food-related experiences according to research from Acorn, a tourism consultant site. The Italian city is known for its delicacies, and has plenty of food markets to explore Top-ranked cities for culinary travel 1. Florence 2. Palermo 3. Bologna 4. = Lisbon = Rome 6. = Brussels = Barcelona = Venice 9. Osaka 10. Hue Travel experts at Titan Travel analysed cooking class availability, ratings, pricing and global search demand to uncover the world's top cities for culinary travel. Cassie Strickland, product manager at Titan Travel, said: 'Today, travellers want to do more than just see the sights. 'They want to really experience a destination. 'Food is such a fantastic way to do that, because it connects you directly to local life and tradition. 'Taking a cooking class abroad allows you to do something, learn something, and return with a valuable skill. 'When planning your 2026 travels, look for tours that include a hands-on cooking experience. 'The best ones start with a market visit to get ingredients and end with you sitting down to enjoy what you've created. The most rewarding experiences tend to come from local chefs and family-run kitchens, where you'll not only learn recipes but hear the stories behind them.' Countries across Southeast Asia and the Maldives are facing difficulties amid the ongoing conflict erupting in the Middle East. Nations in Southeast Asia, such as Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam are the latest tourism victims to be affected by the wave of violence. With countries such as the UAE and Qatar major stopover destinations on the way to this part of the world, the closure of airspaces in recent days has greatly affected travel to the popular region. Maldives and Thailand, as well as Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and other Asian countries, are facing losses in tourism revenue and a decline in tourist numbers as a result. Thailand is facing a potential for a 1020 per cent drop in visitors from some regions, according to Travel and Tour World (TTW). Thailand, popular among Brits, is also likely to face the knock-on effects of the war The Maldives, as well as other destinations in Southeast Asia, have been affected Meanwhile Vietnam Sri Lanka - which relies on the Gulf for connecting flights - is estimated to be losing US$1015million (7.5-11.20million) in tourism revenue per week. Indeed, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat and Bahrain are all convenient - and yet glamorous - destinations to stopover on the way to Southeast Asia, as well as the Maldives. As a result of the situation, prices for flights to the region have been soaring. Rising travel costs as a result will affect countries such as Malaysia, too, with fears the number of visitors will drop. The same applies for Indonesia. Holidaymakers hoping to head away on a dreamy Easter break to the Maldives could see themselves coughing up thousands for a flight there. Several direct return tickets from London to Male travelling between April 4 and 11 are now coming to over 6,000. For return flights with Virgin Atlantic 3rd to 10th April, tickets are coming in at 6,896. Google Flight data notes the prices for those dates are 'currently high' and the site shows a sharp increase from a few days ago. 'The least expensive flights for similar trips to Male usually cost between 1,1502,000,' it states. Meanwhile, routes that involve stopovers are thousands of pounds cheaper. Stopping at Zayed International brings the price down to 849 on Skyscanner. It comes after US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend were met with missile attacks from Iran across the region. International hubs such as Doha's Hamad International Airport serve as a major stopover point for flights heading towards Southeast Asia But with Southeast Asia geographically distant from the Middle East, how has the latter become the centre of airspace travel - with disruptions in places like the UAE affecting the rest of the world? The region has become fundamental in global air travel, according to The Times. One key reason, the publication says, is that the region has an 'eight-hour advantage' - hubs such as Doha and Dubai are within an eight-hour flight from two thirds of the world's population, meaning they are a perfect location to stop while travelling from Europe to Asia, Africa, India, China and even Australia. Secondly, Dubai needed its own carrier in 1985 in order to become a global gateway - and so Emirates was born. Qatar Airways and Etihad followed later. Furthermore, these hubs focused on frequency, rather than direct flights - becoming some of the busiest around the world. Dubai International Airport, for instance, was the world's busiest airport by international passenger traffic as of 2024. Dubai International Airport, known as DXB, is a major travel hub and a key destination for long-haul travel for millions of Brits who flock to the Gulf city each year. Hamad International Airport, which is the hub for Qatar Airways, is the sixth busiest. As the conflict continues to unfold in the Middle East, the UK government has updated its travel advice for many countries in the region. Several are popular holiday spots, with tourists typically flocking to destinations like Dubai and Qatar for their skyscrapers and desert planes. With these areas now out of bounds and travel there continuing to be disrupted, Brits might be looking for other spots to visit with similar attractions. Fortunately, there are plenty of destinations that are safe to travel to, and you won't have to fly over the Middle East. Swap Dubai for Hong Kong With the ongoing conflict and travel to the United Arab Emirates city on hold, Hong Kong's Harbour City - a mall with over 700 shops - and the city's gleaming high rises is a great alternative If you're looking for a holiday full of skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls, Hong Kong might be the place for you. Dubai is renowned for its jaw-dropping buildings and being home to one of the largest shopping centres in the world - the Dubai Mall. But with the ongoing conflict and travel to the United Arab Emirates city on hold, Hong Kong's Harbour City - a mall with over 700 shops - and the city's gleaming high rises is a great alternative. Travellers can catch a direct flight to Hong Kong from London and arrive in 12 hours and 40 minutes. Alternatively, other options involve transferring in Shanghai and taking a little longer - 17 hours in total. Some routes do stop through places like Dubai and Doha, so may not be suitable. Swap Egypt for Australia The Coral Coast stretches across Western Australia and boasts white sand beaches and untouched reefs At the moment, the UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of Egypt and all but essential travel to parts of the country. Popular spots including Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are currently under the 'see our travel advice before travelling' category. But, if the situation has made you wary of travelling there, Australia's shores might be a good alternative. The Coral Coast stretches across Western Australia and boasts white sand beaches and untouched reefs. Although Australia lacks pyramids, it does have vast stretches of desert to explore too. Qantas Airline offers direct flights from London to Perth that take 16 hours and 40 minutes. Travellers can then get a domestic flight to other locations in Australia if they wish. Swap Abu Dhabi's deserts for America Death Valley National Park is a below-sea-level basin and is the hottest and driest in the country If your desert adventure in Abu Dhabi has been cancelled, America has plenty of options to get your fix. The Great Basin Desert is located east of the Sierra Nevada and is the largest desert in America. Elsewhere, Death Valley National Park is a below-sea-level basin and is the hottest and driest in the country. Plenty of tours are available to book - from driving to hiking. There are many direct flight options to destinations across America. For the Great Basin Desert, a flight from London to Salt Lake City Airport takes around 10 hours. As for Death Valley National Park, Harry Reid International Airport is the closest hub and is again around 10 hours from London direct. Swap Turkey for Greece If your holiday to Turkey is impacted, or perhaps you want to go to another destination that offers similar landscapes and atmosphere, Greece could be a good option The FCDO currently advises against all travel to parts of Turkey - within 10km of the border with Syria. If your holiday is impacted, or perhaps you want to go to another destination that offers similar landscapes and atmosphere, Greece could be a good option. It boasts plenty of all inclusive options, along its white sandy shores and high temperatures in the summer. Direct flights to Greece operate regularly from London airports and take around four hours. Swap Cyprus for Mallorca Instead of Cyprus, Mallorca could be the destination to jet off too Cyprus is currently on the safe to travel list and the government has only updated its guidance to mention the 'Suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri' on March 2. But, if you were thinking of heading to the popular island and now would like to stay closer to home, Mallorca could be the destination to jet off too. Both boast stretches of sandy beaches perfect for relaxing and basking in the sun as well as numerous all-inclusive resorts and hotels. Flights from London to Mallorca only take two hours and 30 minutes too, quite a bit faster than the four hours and 35 minute journey to Cyprus. Swap Maldives for Albania If you don't have thousands to splash 7,000 on flights to Male, the 'Maldives of Europe' could be the destination for you Although Maldives might be deemed safe to travel to, flights to the dreamy destination might prove a little tricky to navigate. Travellers often fly through the Middle East to get there, including Zayed International Airport in the United Arab Emirates. At the moment, the airport has reopened for limited services, and many flights to the region are suspended due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East. As a result, direct routes to Male, Maldives' capital, over Easter appear to have sharply risen recently. A non-stop flight over Easter is looking to cost over 7,000 for a return trip between April 4 and 11. If you don't have thousands to splash on flights, the 'Maldives of Europe' could be the destination for you. Albania is sunny 300 days a year and boasts temperatures about 18C well into November. Flights there take around three hours on average from London. As the Middle East continues to be affected by the ongoing conflict, travel to the region has been severely disrupted. With some countries halting all travel and others with greatly limited access, tensions continue to heighten across the region. As such, the Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued travel advice and warnings for countries affected by the violence. It has also encouraged Brits currently located in seven countries to register their presence with the Foreign Office. British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates can register their presence to receive direct updates from the FCDO. More than 140,000 Brits have already done so, after the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Saturday morning, with Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei among those killed. Here's the full list of the 21 countries affected by the Middle East war - and the current advice in place for each one... Airports across the Middle East have faced closures amid the ongoing conflict Afghanistan The FCDO advises against all travel to Afghanistan. The GOV.UK website explains: 'You should not travel to Afghanistan. The security situation is volatile and tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have previously resulted in violent clashes in border regions. 'Travel throughout Afghanistan is extremely dangerous and a number of border crossings are not currently open. 'There is a heightened risk of British nationals being detained in Afghanistan. If you are a British national and you are detained in Afghanistan, you could face months or years of imprisonment. 'FCDOs ability to help you is extremely limited and support in person is not possible in Afghanistan.' Armenia Armenia has travel restrictions in place in some parts, with the FCDO advising against all travel to within 5km of the entire eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, due to tensions between the two countries. It also advises against all travel along the M16/H26 road between the towns of Ijevan and Noyemberyan, due to border tensions. Azerbaijan As for Azerbaijan, the FCDO also advises against all travel to the Azerbaijan-Armenia border. In addition, all but essential travel is not recommended in Southwestern Azerbaijan, the districts (rayons) of Kelbajar, Lachin, Qubadli, Zengilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Khojavand, Shusha, Khojali, Khankendi, Aghdam and Tartar. Bahrain As a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, all but essential travel to Bahrain should be avoided. If you are in Bahrain, the FCDO says, due to the ongoing security situation, you should register your presence with the UK embassy. Egypt Parts of Egypt are safe to visit, but the FCDO advises against all travel to the Egypt-Libya border, as well as other places Parts of Egypt are safe to visit, but the FCDO advises against all travel to the Egypt-Libya border, North Sinai, the northern part of South Sinai, the eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate, the Western Desert and the Halaib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid. There is a heightened risk of regional tension in Egypt. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. Plus, international borders in Israel and Palestine could close at short notice, including the Taba border crossing between Israel and Egypt. Iran The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran. It explains: 'If you are a British national already in Iran, either resident or visitor, carefully consider your presence there and the risks you take by staying. 'British and British-Iranian dual nationals are at significant risk of arrest, questioning or detention. Having a British passport or connections to the UK can be reason enough for the Iranian authorities to detain you.' It comes after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who presided over a brutal regime which slaughtered thousands of his own citizens, repressed women and funded terror organisations, was killed on Saturday morning by joint US-Israeli strikes. Iraq The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iraq. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign Office. Israel The FCDO advises against all travel to Israel. It says: 'We have taken the precautionary measure to temporarily move some of our staff and their dependents from Tel Aviv to another location within Israel. Our Embassy continues to operate as normal. 'The situation could escalate quickly and poses significant risks. Regional tensions may cause international borders (air and land) to close. 'If you are in Israel and Palestine, be aware that whilst the frequency of missile and drone attacks has decreased, there is still a risk of rocket and drone attacks throughout Israel. There is a risk of shrapnel from intercepted missiles falling across Israel and Palestine, and possible disruption at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv. 'Political tension can cause demonstrations and clashes around anniversaries and significant events.' Jordan Currently, it is not recommended to travel to parts of Jordan - the areas within 3km of the border with Syria. Meanwhile, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all other areas of Jordan. Kuwait The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Kuwait. In terms of staying safe in the country, the Government explains: 'Follow the instructions of the local authorities. If you are advised to take shelter, stay indoors or find the nearest safe building or designated shelter. 'An interior stairwell or a room with as few external walls or windows as possible may provide additional protection.' Lebanon Certain areas in Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorate should be avoided, as well as several other regions in Lebanon. The GOV.UK website says: 'Since 2 March, conflict in Lebanon has escalated in response to regional events. Airstrikes and rocket attacks between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah have increased. 'Widespread evacuation warnings have led to mass movement of people from conflict-affected areas. On 4 March, the IDF instructed people to leave all areas south of the Litani River. 'Israeli airstrikes have occurred primarily in areas south of the Litani River, Beiruts southern suburbs and Baalbek-Hermel Governorate. The IDF regularly releases evacuation warnings before airstrikes, but many have taken place with no advance notice. 'The dynamic nature of the conflict means airstrikes have also taken place outside these areas. British nationals should follow local, international and social media to keep up to date with official alerts. 'We advise you to keep up to date with the latest situation including using multiple media sources to understand frequency and location of strikes as these may change rapidly. There are various mapping sources available online.' Oman Currently, there are no travel warnings in place for Oman. However, the FCDO advises that British nationals in the city of Duqm and surrounding area shelter in place. Any British nationals currently visiting Salalah, or within 100km, should look to leave as soon as possible if commercial means allow. British residents in Salalah should follow the advice of local authorities, sheltering in place as required. Pakistan The FCDO advises against all travel or all but essential travel to parts of Pakistan. This includes within 10 miles of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, areas in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Balochistan Province, Pakistan-India Border Area, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Sindh Province and Punjab Province. Palestine Travel is not advised to Palestine. Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption. You should stay away from areas around security or military facilities. Qatar Smoke from intercepted missiles in the sky over Doha, Qatar The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Qatar. Qatar Airways has said that scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. Saudi Arabia Areas around the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border should not be visited. Also, the FCDO advises all but essential travel to Eastern Province and Riyadh Province. A warning on the GOV.UK website reads: 'Due to reports of missile and drone activity in the region, we advise British nationals to stay inside and exercise increased caution in Saudi Arabia. 'Where available, follow advice from local authorities on how to stay safe in your location as risks may vary across Saudi Arabia.' Syria The FCDO advises against all travel to Syria. Turkey The FCDO advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism. While 24-hour consular assistance is available by phone or online, in-person consular support is severely limited in areas where the FCDO advises against travel. Turkmenistan There are currently no warnings in place regarding travel in Turkmenistan. United Arab Emirates The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates. Airports across the region were initially closed after Iranian missile and drone attacks, but have now begun to reopen with heavily restricted air traffic. The attacks forced Dubai airport to close, leaving 20,000 travellers stuck in the UAE and all flights suspended. About half a million passengers per day use airports in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, which are vital hubs for travel between Europe and the continents of Asia and Australia. Yemen The FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen due to the unpredictable security conditions. Support for British people is severely limited in Yemen. British Embassy services in Sanaa are suspended, and all diplomatic and consular staff have been withdrawn. Tourists hoping to see the interiors of Germany's most famous cathedral will have to pay an entry fee from later this year. Cologne Cathedral, also known as Kolner Dom, dates back to the 13th century and has two of the most striking spires in the history of Gothic architecture. After surviving two World Wars, the cathedral was given UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1996 and is both a popular tourist attraction and a place of pilgrimage, attracting around six million visitors every year. On Thursday, officials announced that in order to keep up the maintenance of the cathedral, which is a short walk from the Rhine, those who wish to glimpse inside will soon have to pay a fee. Rising maintenance costs of the nearly 800-year-old building are responsible for the introduction of the tourist charge. As yet, officials haven't revealed how much visitors can expect to pay. Some six million visitors descend upon Germany's most famous place of worship - Cologne cathedral - but they now face paying to glimpse its interiors. The building of the cathedral, which dominates Cologne's skyline and is the setting for its annual Christmas market, began in August 1248...but wasn't completed until some 632 years later, in 1880. The charges are also being blamed on rising staff costs and the impact of the lasting impact of the pandemic, with the cathedrals annual total upkeep said to cost around 16 million euros (13.9million). Those attending services at the cathedral, which is open daily from 6am until 8pm, will not be charged to visit. A gothic masterpiece that took 632 years to complete, the cathedral is famous for its twin spires and Rhine-side location The towering interiors include a nave that stretches 144-metres and rises nearly 44 metres. The Shrine of the Three Kings, which embodies the Trinity, is amongst the most visited parts of the cathedral - the gold shrine weighs 300kg and was created at the behest of Archbishop Phillip von Heinsberg in 1180. Other ecclesiastical highlights inside include a relatively modern bronze altar, installed by Elmar Hillebrand in the 1960s, and 14th century wood carved choir stalls - of the 104 seats, there's one reserved for the Pope. The German city has become a popular weekend and Christmas market break since low-cost airlines first began flying to it in the early noughties - with Eurostar links via Brussels meaning it also only takes four hours by train to reach from the UK. 'Devastated' Channel 4 viewers admitted that they were left 'crying all the way through' a true crime documentary dubbed 'both harrowing and moving in equal measure'. The Dunblane Tapes premiered on the channel on February 26 2026. The 90-minute documentary follows the events of what happened on March 13 1996, when 16 children and their school teacher at Dunblane Primary School in Scotland, were shot dead by Thomas Hamilton. It also shares how family and friends of those who died have dealt with their losses following on from the heartbreaking event. 'After the 1996 mass shooting at Dunblane, a campaign was launched to ban private handguns in the UK. 'This remarkable story is now told through unseen footage filmed by a bereaved parent,' Channel 4's synopsis reads. 'Devastated' Channel 4 viewers admitted that they were left 'crying all the way through' a true crime documentary dubbed 'both harrowing and moving in equal measure' The Dunblane Tapes premiered on the channel on February 26 2026 Since being on air, it is now available to watch on the channel's popular streaming service. Those who have watched the show have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their heartbreak over the devastating story. 'Catching up on The Dunblane Tapes on Channel 4. Only 20 minutes in and wow what a tough watch.' 'Ive just watched The Dunblane Tapes on channel 4. I had a child the same age in 1996. Absolutely heartbreaking watch, these women were phenomenal and brave. Thank you.' 'Crying watching The Dunblane Tapes absolute heartbreaking watch! A would've just been born.' 'The Dunblane Tapes. An incredibly moving programme. Love forever to those poor relatives who lost their beloved little children. No guns can ever can be justified in communities.' 'Watching #TheDunblaneTapes. 7 mins in and Im already in tears. Gonna be a difficult watch. So close to home.' 'Seeing the bereaved parents come together to support one another is just incredible! They realised that change needed to happen!' Many have taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts on the documentary 'My god this country owes all the parents of the Dunblane victims a debt of gratitude, thanks to their determination & dedication on not giving up on getting guns banned means we havent had a school shooting since, absolutely amazing.' 'This reminds me that #Scotland has some beautiful communities. Before & after tragedy. Who carried themselves with dignity & caring for one and other while bearing grief. Dunblane just like Lockerbie. Those beautiful children and teacher #TheDunblaneTapes.' 'A tragic devastating loss of precious life just beginning. This POWERFUL doc shows the fight the parents had to ban handguns in using there pain, bravery to make sure it never happened again My thoughts are with the families.' Another said: 'Just finished watching The Dunblane Tapes on Channel 4. Extremely upsetting watch, but the families who were devastated by what happened changed the law of the land and definitely stopped it happening again. 'Also extremely pleased the perpetrators name was not mentioned, I wont mention it either as he doesnt deserve to be mentioned. Please watch it, its humbling and devastating and I remember it like it was yesterday, it was 13th March 1996.' Daily Mail's Christopher Stevens awarded the doc five stars. He wrote: 'The grief and shock of parents, as news cameras arrived in the hours after the shooting, is still unbearable to watch, 30 years on. 'Former MP Lord (Michael) Forsyth, who was Secretary of State for Scotland at the time, choked up as he described his horror on going into the school gym where the bodies lay. '"I completely lost it," he said. 'It was a scene from hell.' 'Other footage came from home video recorded by grieving father John Crozier, whose daughter Emma was one of the victims. 'He befriended another man, Les Morton, whose overwhelming distress at the loss of his own child, Emily, took the form of white-hot anger. 'Even at his most distraught, pouring out his feelings to his friend's camcorder, Mr Morton's emotion was always expressed with savage eloquence. '"Who would ever have thought," he demanded, 'that the guy next door to you quite legally could be armed to the teeth?' 'As their campaign to ban all handguns gathered pace, they met bitter resistance. 'Anonymous gun fanatics sent hate mail. Pro-gun MPs protested the ban was a nonsense, since shotguns (not included under the restrictions) were even more dangerous. '"My daughter's right not to be shot by a legally held gun," retorted Mr Crozier, 'is more important than anybody's right to legally hold that gun.' 'Today, private ownership of handguns is regarded as unthinkable. We look across the Atlantic to the U.S. in bafflement at their impossibly lax gun laws. 'This documentary ended on the most telling note of all: since Dunblane, there has not been a school shooting in the UK.' Watch The Dunblane Tapes on channel4.com now. Amanda Holden took a cheeky swipe at her husband Chris Hughes as she made an appearance at Crufts 2026. The Britain's Got Talent judge was seen joining co-host Claudia Winkleman, who joined Clare Balding for the first time as part of the Channel 4 coverage of the dog event at Birmingham's NEC, as she enjoyed a day out. Amanda, 55, stopped for a chat with Claudia, 54, as the duo excitedly discussed everything they had done during their 'first time' at the global event. Crufts, which sees dogs brought to Birmingham from all over the world to compete against each other, takes place over four days with more than 150,000 visitors. Hosted at the NEC, aside from arena-worthy events like Best In Show, Fly Ball and Agility, the annual show also features rooms packed with stands where dog lovers can shop for their canine friends, or even meet some new ones. Amanda admitted she'd wasted no time in getting stuck in, before heaping praise on her two dogs, Minnie and Rudy, whose portraits were embroidered across the back of her jacket. Amanda Holden issued a VERY savage put down in the direction of her husband Chris Hughes as she made an appearance at Crufts 2026 (pictured: Amanda and Claudia Winkleman) Amanda told Crufts viewers she prefers to sleep in the bed with her DOGS rather than husband Chris (pictured) 'Minnie is from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, Rudy is from somewhere random, he's 15 years old now,' Amanda began gushing over her pooches. 'I did a DNA test on Minnie because we didn't know what she was and the result came back that I am the mother, which was a relief,' she continued to joke. 'No, she's a shih tzu and toy spaniel, and she literally is the sweetest - you've got a Spaniel?' Amanda then pointed towards Claudia, who added: 'Yes, I've got a spaniel who I French kiss...' 'Well, I do the same, I bathe with my dogs,' Amanda then admitted. 'But there was a lot of comments, I had a lot of comments about that.' Asked whether she lets her four-legged friend sleep in the bed along side her, Amanda then continued: 'Only when Chris isn't there. 'My husband Chris, if he sees the dogs, he goes in the spare room because he can't sleep with them there, they take up all the space.' Amanda joked: 'I often choose to sleep with the dogs! Sorry, darling, it's not Friday!' Claudia joked back as the pair shared a laugh in front of the gathering crowds: 'It's not birthdays or Christmas', to which Amanda giggled: 'Exactly!' Amanda showcased her dogs Rudy and Minnie on the back of her jacket 'Shall we go and cuddle and French kiss some dogs?' Claudia asked to sign off the interview, as Amanda enthusiastically concluded: 'Yes! Bye!' Last year, Amanda divided her fans as she revealed she took baths with her two beloved pooches, Minnie and Rudy. The presenter had joined co-star Jamie Theakston, 54, on their Breakfast show where she recounted her idyllic weekend in which she spent time at West Wittering beach in West Sussex with her loved ones last May. She told how her adorable puppy Minnie, rescued in September 2024, enjoyed her very first trip to the beach, but was left covered in sand following the excursion. The TV star then revealed that she later drew herself a warm bath after returning home, before deciding to bring her pet pooch in with her for a good scrub down. And while Jamie didn't appear to be fussed by her revelation, the same couldn't be said for their producer, with Amanda clocking that he was sitting with his 'head in his heads' as she told her story. Recalling her weekend, Amanda told how Minnie 'went nuts' on the beach and had 'loved the sea', as did her other dog Rudie. Amanda divided her fans as she revealed she took baths with her two beloved pooches, Minnie and Rudy last year But instead of giving Minnie a bath of her own, the star decided to allow her pet to join her in her bath. She shared: 'I looked at Minnie the moocher, who's my dog, and I just thought, I'm gonna put her in with me! 'I need to wash her anyway because she's covered in sand, so I took her collar off and we had a little bath together!' Amanda continued: 'I used all her doggie shampoo, so there were no products in the bath so please don't write in. Minnie was loving it, she was living her best life. Then I got the dog conditioner and got a brush... why has our producer got his head in his hands?' After observing the producer's reaction to the news, Amanda went on with her story, adding: 'I started brushing out her - because she got a little bit matted from her halter under her armpits - so I gave her a good brush, a good clean, and then I got out, but then I put Rudie in the bath water. 'I just thought it saves a bit of bath water and then I gave him a good old scrub as well so everyone was clean and fluffy and lovely!' Amanda and Jamie then put forward the question whether it is appropriate to have a bath with your dog, with Amanda adding: 'What a phoner!' As Jamie urged people to text in with their thoughts, Amanda revealed she believed it was appropriate to bathe with your pets before insisting that she didn't want complaints. Crufts continues tonight (March 6) at 7:30pm on More4 Claudia Winkleman was left raving that hosting Crufts had 'been the best day of her life' and even better than her WEDDING as she joined Clare Balding on Channel 4. The Traitors host, who worked alongside Crufts host Clare, 55, during her stint in the Celebrity Traitors castle, was seen co-hosting live from around the arena. Claudia, 54, had been tasked with interviewing both guests and show dog owners alike as she explored the event, hosted at Birmingham's NEC, for the first time. Crufts, which sees dogs brought to Birmingham from all over the world to compete against each other, takes place over four days with more than 150,000 visitors. Hosted at the NEC, aside from arena-worthy events like Best In Show, Fly Ball and Agility, the annual show also features rooms packed with stands where dog lovers can shop for their canine friends, or even meet some new ones. After cameras followed Claudia exploring the shopping opportunities, and walking around the event's first-ever grooming competition, the Piano host was then given a chance to get stuck in with a performance. Claudia Winkleman was left raving that hosting Crufts had 'been the best day of her life' and even better than her WEDDING as she joined Clare Balding on Channel 4 Claudia met with the Southern Golden Retriever Societys Display Team Claudia met with the Southern Golden Retriever Societys Display Team, a group of 22 dogs and handlers who perform complex walking routines in front of audiences. The TV host was given an opportunity to try her hand at being a handler for one of the dogs taking part, named Honey, after being given a few minutes of training. She told Clare back in the studio: 'I'm lucky enough to be with the Southern Golden Retriever display team, and they're going to let me walk with them as they do their routine. 'They have been here for 25 years and will be performing on Saturday and Sunday.' Pointing down towards the floor and showcasing her four-legged partner Honey, Claudia said: 'Clare, I'm going to be honest with you, I've had the best day of my life.' Clare was then seen questioning Claudia on working with the golden-haired dogs, but Claudia was soon distracted as Honey began wondering off. 'Not now, Honey, we've had this conversation,' Claudia could be heard telling the pooch, adding: 'Honey, remember, we do twirling, sit, good girl!' As Honey continued to walk away from Claudia, the Traitors host continued: 'Clare, are you ready to be both appalled and alarmed?' The TV host was given an opportunity to try her hand at being a handler for one of the dogs taking part, named Honey, after being given a few minutes of training As Claudia got stuck in with the routine, she was soon paces behind the rest of the display team and struggling to keep up - before Honey started jumping up, and refused to sit on cue 'I'm ready to be impressed,' Clare responded, as Claudia explained: 'Everybody else is amazing, this is David and he's helped me, but Clare, thanks so much for letting me come, that's all I want to say.' As Claudia got stuck in with the routine, she was soon paces behind the rest of the display team and struggling to keep up - before Honey started jumping up, and refused to sit on cue. 'No, no, I love you, please,' Claudia could be seen telling Honey, with Clare heard giggling back in the studio as Honey continued to follow Claudia despite her instructions to stay put. 'Remember the deal!' she added towards the confused pooch, before telling Clare: 'It's really going to be fine,' and removing herself from the routine. She heaped praise on the group for their 'majestic' routine as they continued to perform her, adding: 'David is now doing this with both Poppy and Honey because I wasn't very good. 'But there it is, best day of my life. I quite liked my wedding, this is better.' It comes after Amanda Holden issued a VERY savage put down in the direction of her husband Chris Hughes as she also made an appearance at Crufts 2026. The Britain's Got Talent judge was seen joining co-host Claudia Winkleman, who joined Clare Balding for the first time as part of the Channel 4 coverage. Amanda, 55, stopped for a chat with Claudia as the duo excitedly discussed everything they had done during their 'first time' at the global event. Amanda admitted she'd wasted no time in getting stuck in, before heaping praise on her two dogs, Minnie and Rudy, whose portraits were embroidered across the back of her jacket. Amanda Holden issued a VERY savage put down in the direction of her husband Chris Hughes as she made an appearance at Crufts 2026 (pictured: Amanda and Claudia Winkleman) 'Minnie is from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, Rudy is from somewhere random, he's 15 years old now,' Amanda began gushing over her pooches. 'I did a DNA test on Minnie because we didn't know what she was and the result came back that I am the mother, which was a relief,' she continued to joke. 'No, she's a shih tzu and toy spaniel, and she literally is the sweetest - you've got a Spaniel?' Amanda then pointed towards Claudia, who added: 'Yes, I've got a spaniel who I French kiss...' 'Well, I do the same, I bathe with my dogs,' Amanda then admitted. 'But there was a lot of comments, I had a lot of comments about that.' Asked whether she lets her four-legged friend sleep in the bed along side her, Amanda then continued: 'Only when Chris isn't there. 'My husband Chris, if he sees the dogs, he goes in the spare room because he can't sleep with them there, they take up all the space.' Amanda joked: 'I often choose to sleep with the dogs! Sorry, darling, it's not Friday!' Claudia joked back as the pair shared a laugh in front of the gathering crowds: 'It's not birthdays or Christmas', to which Amanda giggled: 'Exactly!' Amanda showcased her dogs Rudy and Minnie on the back of her jacket 'Shall we go and cuddle and French kiss some dogs?' Claudia asked to sign off the interview, as Amanda enthusiastically concluded: 'Yes! Bye!' Last year, Amanda divided her fans as she revealed she took baths with her two beloved pooches, Minnie and Rudy. The presenter had joined co-star Jamie Theakston, 54, on their Breakfast show where she recounted her idyllic weekend in which she spent time at West Wittering beach in West Sussex with her loved ones last May. She told how her adorable puppy Minnie, rescued in September 2024, enjoyed her very first trip to the beach, but was left covered in sand following the excursion. The TV star then revealed that she later drew herself a warm bath after returning home, before deciding to bring her pet pooch in with her for a good scrub down. And while Jamie didn't appear to be fussed by her revelation, the same couldn't be said for their producer, with Amanda clocking that he was sitting with his 'head in his heads' as she told her story. Recalling her weekend, Amanda told how Minnie 'went nuts' on the beach and had 'loved the sea', as did her other dog Rudie. She told how her adorable puppy Minnie enjoyed her very first trip to the beach, but was left covered in sand following the excursion (pictured: Amanda and Minnie) But instead of giving Minnie a bath of her own, the star decided to allow her pet to join her in her bath. She shared: 'I looked at Minnie the moocher, who's my dog, and I just thought, I'm gonna put her in with me! 'I need to wash her anyway because she's covered in sand, so I took her collar off and we had a little bath together!' Amanda continued: 'I used all her doggie shampoo, so there were no products in the bath so please don't write in. Minnie was loving it, she was living her best life. Then I got the dog conditioner and got a brush... why has our producer got his head in his hands?' After observing the producer's reaction to the news, Amanda went on with her story, adding: 'I started brushing out her - because she got a little bit matted from her halter under her armpits - so I gave her a good brush, a good clean, and then I got out, but then I put Rudie in the bath water. 'I just thought it saves a bit of bath water and then I gave him a good old scrub as well so everyone was clean and fluffy and lovely!' Amanda and Jamie then put forward the question whether it is appropriate to have a bath with your dog, with Amanda adding: 'What a phoner!' As Jamie urged people to text in with their thoughts, Amanda revealed she believed it was appropriate to bathe with your pets before insisting that she didn't want complaints. Crufts continues tonight (March 6) at 7:30pm on More4 It wouldn't be Britain's Got Talent without an on-air spat, and so it proved as Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon engage in a lively dispute in scenes that will air during Saturday's show. Things turned physical between head judge Simon, 66, and Alesha, 47, as they fought over the Golden Buzzer for a 'talented act', resulting in Amanda Holden's microphone being broken into pieces. Despite Simon already pressing his Golden buzzer for Paul Nunnari, he tried to break the rules by going for a second act, but 'competitive' Alesha had other plans and 'dived' on the buzzer to stop her 'annoying' co-star from getting the act. Alesha told the Daily Mail: 'Simon had been winding me up so much and we were having back-and-forth banter, he was on one, and I saw him go to press it and thought, he ain't having it! I dived on it, broke Amanda's microphone, and hit my hand! 'It is definitely the most physical golden buzzer I've ever done on the show! It shows the competitiveness between me and Simon. I think it's because we share the same birthday. 'It was a great act, I was thinking my 12-year-old is going to love this act. I did it for my daughter more than myself; I'm not a big computer fan. It wouldn't be Britain's Got Talent without an on-air spat, and so it proved as Simon Cowell and Alesha Dixon engage in a lively dispute in scenes that will air during Saturday's show Things turn physical between head judge Simon, 66, and Alesha, 47, as they fight over the Golden Buzzer for an act, resulting in Amanda Holden's microphone being left in pieces 'Simon pressed his golden buzzer afterwards for an act I was devastated I didn't press mine for.' Simon, who clearly enjoyed the chaos, added: 'Sometimes we actually fight over the golden buzzers, and I'm not kidding, Alesha threw herself across the desk to stop me. She actually injured herself in the process! 'I mean, that's how competitive people get when there's a good act, sometimes there's a fight as to who's gonna press it first. It's really funny.' Viewers will find out which act caused the chaos during Saturday's episode. The golden buzzers were added to the show in 2014 and have been given to some well-known acts since then. Each of the four judges, plus hosts Ant and Dec, has one opportunity per series to press it, but this rule has occasionally been broken. If pressed, the act is sent straight through to the live shows. Simon was the first judge to press the gold this series, in the opening episode on February 21. It was given to Australian para athlete Paul Nunnari, who blew away the judging panel with his incredible wheelchair stunts, which involved him climbing up the silk in his wheelchair before swinging from it by his neck. Simon, who clearly enjoyed the chaos, told the Daily Mail: 'Sometimes we actually fight over the golden buzzers, and I'm not kidding, Alesha threw herself across the desk to stop me!' Each of the four judges, plus hosts Ant and Dec, has one opportunity per series to press it, but this rule has occasionally been broken KSI awarded the second golden buzzer of the series to 16-year-old magician Rafferty Coope. The young star wowed the judges with his act that combined his 'two passions in life', music and magic. It comes after judge Amanda, 55, revealed head judge Simon finally dropped his 'Mr Soft act' and has returned to his straight-talking self. She said previously: 'Simon is back. He's been Mr Soft in recent years, and I think it has a lot to do with the fact that KSI is so honest on the other end of the panel. 'He's not honest in a bad way, just very to the point, and he doesn't sugar coat anything. 'I think Simon's just gone, 'actually, do you know what? Whatever you're saying, I agree with that as well. And I don't know why I just didn't say that in the beginning'. 'I'm glad to see that Simon is no longer being soft serve ice-cream, although it was nice for a year or so!' Amanda added: 'It feels very loose and very chaotic this year! And I think having KSI there, who's very succinct in his answers and doesn't hold back, has really helped the show. 'We've got the old Simon back, and his one liners are better than ever and I'm loving that!' Britain's Got Talent continues Saturday at 7pm on ITV1, ITVX and STV Two huge ITV daytime shows will be pulled off air for WEEKS in a schedule shake-up that will leave fans livid. Viewers are usually treated to Good Morning Britain, followed by Lorraine, This Morning and then Loose Women every weekday on the channel. But from next Monday (9 March) things will look a little different on your TV screens. Good Morning Britain will air from 6am, all the way through to 10am and then This Morning will start, and wrap up at 12:30pm. This means that Lorraine, which usually airs between 9:30am and 10am, and Loose Women, which is on our screens weekdays for one hour from 12:30pm, will not be on. Step-in host Christine Lampard, who has presented Lorraine on Friday due to Lorraine Kelly's sore throat, told viewers: 'That's all for today, Lorraine will be back in a few weeks time. Two huge ITV daytime shows, including Lorraine, have been pulled off air for WEEKS in a schedule shake-up that will leave fans absolutely livid 'Have a lovely weekend, we'll see you soon!' At the end of Friday's episode of Loose Women, anchor Kaye Adams let viewers know: 'It's your last Loose Women for a few weeks. 'But we will be back next month! 'Until then, take care. Have a fabulous weekend and Easter, and we'll see you very soon!' Last month it was revealed that Lorraine and Loose Women would be off air for a WEEK after brutal cuts saw their episodes slashed in half. They have been removed from the schedule to make way for the ever-popular horse racing event, the Cheltenham Festival, which kicks off on March 10. The current TV guide, which only goes up to March 16, states that Good Morning Britain will air from 6:00am to 10:00am, followed by This Morning until 12.30pm. It is not known what the rest of that week holds - however Kaye stated on Friday that Loose Women will be back in April. Loose Women, which is on our screens weekdays for one hour from 12:30pm, will not be on until next month Back in May last year, it was revealed that Lorraine and Loose Women were set to be axed for half the year and Lorraine's runtime has been slashed by 30 minutes, as ITV Daytime bosses announced huge cuts today with job losses in excess of 220. Host Lorraine Kelly has faced the brunt of the cuts with Good Morning Britain now taking her 9:00am to 10:00am slot for 22 weeks of the year. For the remaining 30 weeks of the year, Lorraine will present five days a week, meaning her Friday stand-in presenters Ranvir Singh and Christine Lampard are no longer needed. It was revealed that Lorraine's show would be slashed in half, running for just 30 minutes from 9:30am to 10:00am. ITV sources told MailOnline at the time that they have decided to cut resources on their daytime schedule so that the network can invest in more drama programmes. It was also announced that ITV Studios will no longer make Good Morning Britain but instead it will be made by ITN - the organisation which makes ITV News. EastEnders fans praised the 'best episode ever made' as emotional scenes saw Phil Mitchell bid farewell to Nigel Bates - as the latter was sent to a care home. Phil (Steve McFadden) has cared for Nigel (Paul Bradley) over several months as he battles early onset dementia. His condition has worsened as of late, with Phil and Nigel's wife Julie (Karen Henthorn), deciding it is time for him to enter a care home. In Thursday's episode, Nigel returned to Albert Square and the Queen Vic for one last time. He enjoyed a cake and a pint with all of his friends and in an emotional moment, briefly recognised his step-daughter Clare (Gemma Bissix). The episode ended with Phil bidding farewell to his old friend at the care home - and the emotion was palpable. EastEnders fans were full of praise for the latest episode - with Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) in tears as he bids farewell to pal Nigel Bates Nigel (Paul Bradley) has been battling early on-set dementia, but with his condition worsening, his loved ones decided to place him in a care home Speaking to his pal, Phil said: 'I'm sorry, Nigel, for letting you down. 'I love you, Nige, I do. But I can't help, I can't watch...' Phil's eyes then started welling with tears, as he continued: 'I can't do this. 'I'm sorry, I can't be here for you anymore, Nige. I can't.' He then gripped Nigel's hand one last time, before walking out of the room while still crying. One fan penned: 'Credit where credit is due, today's episode was brilliant, definitely the best of this era so far. That moment where Nigel finally recognised Clare again was particularly poignant.' Another wrote: 'I feel totally broken,' adding, 'Just so sad seeing how quickly Nigel has worsened. 'The storyline has been done brilliantly and everyone involved as been amazing but it's a tough watch.' A third person on X said that it was their 'favourite soap episode of the year so far. 'A devastating, community-centred half hour of television that I won't stop thinking about for ages, as the next chapter of Nigel's story begins. That final Phil scene destroyed me.' While a Reddit user remarked: 'What an incredible, powerful episode. 'Among the rest of it, it is always so moving to see the broken, emotionally vulnerable Phil. Steve McFadden plays it so well.' 'One of, if not the best episode of the Ben Wadey era so far. 'So hard-hitting and sad. Every scene mattered', commented a fifth. Earlier in the episode, an emotional moment saw Nigel briefly recognise his stepdaughter Clare (Gemma Bissix) The poignant storyline saw actress Gemma Bissix reprise her role as Clare - nearly 20 years since she last featured on the BBC soap. Gemma, 42, originated the role as a child from 1993 to 1998, with a brief return in 2008. Discussing her return, she previously said: 'It was a real pleasure to be asked to reprise the role of Clare for Nigel's storyline. 'I was hoping to get the call as I think the fans wanted EastEnders to revisit their relationship. Nigel and Clare were a formidable pairing in the 90's with a very unique stepfather/stepdaughter relationship! 'It has been so great to reconnect with Paul and Karen after all these years, and it's crazy how time felt like it had stopped when we did!' She added: 'I grew up on the set of EastEnders and essentially learnt my craft there, so it's been a real full circle moment! 'Whilst it will be an emotional reunion, I hope the viewers will be pleased to see Clare and Nigel on screen together once again!' EastEnders airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer. She once partied with Hollywood A-listers in Hugh Hefner's legendary mansion, surrounded by beauty, excess and the promise of a dream life many women would envy. But former Playboy model Kourtney Reppert says that behind the perfect hair, flawless body and dazzling smile, life was not quite the fantasy it appeared to be. Now, the US-based entrepreneur and philanthropist is speaking out about the reality of life after the magazine, and why she believes the idea of a perfect linear career is outdated, particularly for women. 'From the outside, it looked like I had everything,' Reppert, 39, told Daily Mail. 'But perfection is exhausting. And it doesn't protect you when everything falls apart.' Tragedy struck in 2018 when her Los Angeles home burned down in the Woolsey Fires, leaving her homeless as she hopped from hotel to hotel. 'I had to start again with nothing,' she asserted. 'No safety net. No brand. No plan. Just resilience.' She once partied with Hollywood A-listers in Hugh Hefner's legendary Playboy Mansion, but former Playboy model Kourtney Reppert says that behind the perfect hair, flawless body and dazzling smile, life was not quite the fantasy it appeared to be Now, the US-based entrepreneur and philanthropist is speaking out about the reality of life after Playboy, and why she believes the idea of a perfect linear career is outdated, particularly for women The star rose to prominence in the early 2000s during Playboy's cultural peak, spending time at the Mansion and mixing with A-list celebrities, musicians and athletes. It was a world defined by glamour, late nights and constant attention, but one that also came with pressure to maintain an image at all costs. 'You're valued for how you look, not who you are,' she explained. 'And when that's the foundation of your identity, it's incredibly fragile.' She believes her Playboy past has given her a unique platform to challenge beauty myths and speak honestly about the emotional cost of chasing perfection. 'People assume being beautiful means being secure. It doesn't,' she noted. 'Beauty fades, trends change, and if that's all you've invested in, you're left vulnerable.' That fragility became painfully real when she lost almost everything. After stepping away from the Playboy lifestyle, her home was destroyed in a devastating fire, forcing her to rebuild her life from scratch. 'From the outside, it looked like I had everything,' Reppert, 39, told the Daily Mail. 'But perfection is exhausting. And it doesn't protect you when everything falls apart.' Her Playboy cover, left, and a Playboy calendar, right Tragedy struck in 2018 when her Los Angeles home burned down in the Woolsey Fires, leaving her homeless as she hopped from hotel to hotel. 'I had to start again with nothing,' she asserted. 'No safety net. No brand. No plan. Just resilience' When she started over, she relied on her brains. Rather than returning to modelling, Reppert began forging what she now calls a portfolio career, combining multiple income streams, business ventures and philanthropic work. It is a model she believes is not only practical, but essential for modern women navigating economic uncertainty and shifting career expectations. 'The idea that you choose one path at 18 and stick to it forever is unrealistic,' she said. 'Especially for women, who often have career breaks, caregiving responsibilities or industries that simply don't last.' Today, she runs several ventures, including Tropic Beauty and KR Media Ventures, alongside her charitable foundation, Kourtney Kares, which supports women and families facing crisis situations, including housing loss and domestic instability, experiences she draws directly from her own life. 'I know what it feels like to lose your home, your sense of safety, your identity,' she relayed. 'That's why I'm so passionate about helping other women build lives that aren't dependent on one role, one employer or one version of themselves.' The star rose to prominence in the early 2000s during Playboy's cultural peak, spending time at the Mansion and mixing with A-list celebrities. It was a world defined by glamour with pressure to maintain an image at all costs. 'You're valued for how you look, not who you are,' she explained She believes her Playboy past has given her a unique platform to challenge beauty myths and speak honestly about the emotional cost of chasing perfection. 'People assume being beautiful means being secure. It doesn't,' she noted. 'Beauty fades, trends change, and if that's all you've invested in, you're left vulnerable' Reppert at the Nazarian Institute's ThinkBIG 2020 Conference featuring keynote speaker Kris Jenner at 1 Hotel West Hollywood in 2020 Reppert built herself back up again after her house burned down She is particularly vocal about encouraging women to diversify their skills, incomes and ambitions, whether through side businesses, creative projects or entrepreneurial ventures. 'It's not about doing everything at once,' she explained. 'It's about giving yourself options. Financial independence is freedom.' Now in a very different phase of her life, she shared she has no regrets, but plenty of lessons. 'I don't shame that version of myself,' she remarked. 'She was surviving in the only way she knew how. But I want women to know they are allowed to evolve.' And while she still receives attention for her Playboy past, she's determined not to be defined by it. 'That chapter opened doors, but it doesn't get to write the rest of my story,' she explained. 'I built something real after the lights went out.' As conversations around women, work and financial security continue to evolve, she hopes her story will inspire others to step off the traditional path, and build lives that are resilient, flexible and truly their own. 'Perfection is an illusion,' she said. 'But purpose lasts.' Jennifer Lopez is launching the next phase of her Las Vegas residency, The JLo Show, on Friday at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace. And the Daily Mail has learned that the 56-year-old performer has been working nonstop to prepare for the new shows in Sin City. 'Jennifer is rehearsing night and day to make sure the show is spectacular, better than ever,' a source told Daily Mail. 'She is working 13-hour days at a studio in North Hollywood with her back-up dancers to make certain she looks like she is on top of her game. She always says she wants to be "better than yesterday," it's her thing.' Lopez flew from Los Angeles to Las Vegas on Thursday evening via private plane. Another reason she is putting so much energy into the shows is that she wants her act to be considered one of the top draws in Las Vegas. 'Everyone is going to the Sphere these days, that is the town's big deal, so she wants to prove that a more old-fashioned concert at the Colosseum is still the place to be,' added the insider. Jennifer Lopez is launching the next phase of her Las Vegas residency, The JLo Show, on Friday at The Colosseum in Caesars Palace And Daily Mail has learned that the 56-year-old performer has been working nonstop to prepare for the new shows in Sin City. 'Jennifer is rehearsing night and day to make sure the show is spectacular, better than ever,' a source told Daily Mail The Daily Mail has reached out to Lopez's representative for comment. And the ex-wife of Ben Affleck wants to remind fans that even though she is well into her fifties, she is still in her prime. 'Jennifer loves to work, she never complains, it's her jam,' said the source. 'Some people like to vacation on the beach in Hawaii, and some like to work nonstop. Jennifer is the latter. She feels proud to be doing so well at her age and as a Latina woman.' The shows will also feature some guests along the way. 'There will be a lot of excitement and surprise stars,' said the source. Ja Rule performed at one of her December shows in Vegas. On Wednesday evening, Lopez shared a video from her Los Angeles studio where she was rehearsing into the late hours, proving the source's point. She wore a blue T-shirt that said DREAM with black leggings and her hair up. 'SAVE ME TONIGHT with my crew @davidguetta,' wrote the siren in her caption. Save Me Tonight is the name of her new up-tempo single, which will come out this week. 'We're very excited,' she told Derek Hough from Extra earlier this week. 'We're doing the show again in Vegas and we're there every weekend in March, which is exciting and adding some new songs to the show.' On Wednesday evening, Lopez shared a video from her Los Angeles studio where she was rehearsing into the late hours, proving the source's point. She wore a blue T-shirt that said DREAM with black leggings and her hair up She has the new song Save Me Tonight She shared, 'It's been a while since I put out a new song, but David Guetta had this song [Save Me Tonight] and I just loved it. 'It just felt very much of the moment for me.' Lopez called the concert 'the quintessential JLo Show.' She explained, 'You see who I am, I think, as not just an entertainer, a performer, but as an artist and as a human.' She teased, 'I still do all my hits and all the songs that people know me for, but it's really done in a very fresh and exciting way.' And she explained why she worked so hard. 'I'm in my happy era and I have that in the show I've never looked at it as a job. It's just what I love to do. Ja Rule performed during her Las Vegas show at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on December 30 'She is working 12-hour days at a studio in North Hollywood with her backup dancers to make sure she looks like she is on top of her game. She always says she wants to be "better than yesterday," it's her thing.' 'And I just feel fortunate that I have these amazing fans who've supported me for so many years and there's so much love that I feel that I always want to be giving the love back to them,' said the Bronx native. 'It's just been an incredible blessing in my life. I don't know what I would do without it.' The JLO Show is at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace from March 6 to 28. The single Save Me Tonight is out on Friday. She will be live-streaming a performance from Las Vegas at approximately 8.30pm PT across social media platforms. Nicole Kidman made headlines in 2021 when she became a viral meme thanks to the iconic advert she filmed for the American movie theatre chain AMC. The Australian actress, 58, racked up 1.7 million views on YouTube for the clip, which was filmed as part of the company's $25+ million multimedia marketing campaign to get people back into the cinema after the coronavirus pandemic. Now, five years later during an interview on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Nicole has revealed the shocking amount she was paid to star in the viral advertisement - absolutely nothing. 'The weirdest thing about that I had no idea that thing was gonna work. We did it out of the purest intentions,' she said of the ad. Nicole went on to say she 'called in all these favours' to help AMC film the marketing campaign, reaching out to writer Billy Ray and director Jeff Cronenweth, hoping the project would help struggling cinemas during the pandemic. 'It was during Covid when we did it, and the crew that I was working with on Being the Ricardos, I said, "Would you guys be willing to do this?"' Nicole recalled. Nicole Kidman, 58, made headlines in 2021 when she became a viral meme thanks to the iconic advert she filmed for the American movie theatre chain AMC 'And Jeff Cronenweth, who was the DP, he said, 'I'll direct it.' [I] called in all these favours... We did it for nothing. And then it went off.' The AMC ad features Nicole arriving at an AMC movie theatre and taking off the hood of her jacket as she takes a seat in the theatre to watch a movie. The star describes the magic of watching a movie in the ad, which was played at the movies before a movie started. The ad ended up becoming a viral meme, as viewers wondered why an ad encouraging people to go to the cinema was playing in the theatre when they were in fact already there. It came as quite the surprise when Nicole admitted she agreed not to be paid a dime for her appearance in the ad, as it was part of a larger, nationwide marketing campaign that reportedly set AMC back more than $25 million. The campaign included 'national television advertising across the United States', in what was described by AMC as the 'first national advertising program by a major theatrical exhibitor in the history of cinema'. Nicole's TV commercial spots premiered on Sunday, September 12, 2021, while online and social media advertisements were launched on Wednesday, September 8. Most of AMC's $25+ million in funding was 'spent on network television advertising', which was 'used in nine countries in Europe by AMC's Odeon Cinema Group'. Now, five years later during an interview on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Nicole has revealed the shocking amount she was paid to star in the viral advertisement - absolutely nothing Aiming to highlight the 'emotion and experience' of viewing films on the big screen, the theatre chain crafted multiple cinematic commercials, ranging from 60 seconds, 30 seconds and 15 seconds. They were directed by Academy Award nominee Jeff Cronenweth, known for his cinematography work in 2011's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and his brother Tim Cronenweth. The commercials were thoughtfully written by Captain Phillips screenwriter Billy Ray, who famously earned an Oscar nod for the 2013 biographical thriller. In a statement to THR at the time, AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron said it was 'high time for an industry leader like AMC to go on television to remind today's audiences of the magic that can only be found in a movie theatre'. A 90s heartthrob who starred on Beverly Hills, 90210, but is now saving lives, was spotted during a rare sighting. Now 56, this actor was in his early 20s when he played Ray Pruit, Donna Martin's abusive boyfriend. Two years before he landed that role, he was serenading his way on the small screen in the musical drama show The Heights. This Hollywood hunk even made showbiz legend Drew Barrymore swoon; they were engaged for two years. He has since traded the red carpet for a private life out of the spotlight as a firefighter-paramedic. Last week, he was spotted organizing his equipment at his place in Los Angeles County. Can you guess who this former actor is? A 90s heartthrob who left Hollywood to become a firefighter was spotted during a rare sighting last week He starred on Beverly Hills, 90210 and even was engaged to Drew Barrymore If you guessed Jamie Walters, you are correct! Walters played Pruit, a quiet carpenter and aspiring musician who won the heart of Tori Spelling's Donna Martin before eventually becoming abusive towards her. Now a single father of four, Walter has since walked away from Hollywood to make a difference in the lives of others. For the past 21 years, he has been serving the city of Los Angeles as a firefighter-paramedic. 'I was an actor on Beverly Hills, 90210, some other series, The Heights, had a song called How Do You Talk To An Angel, and [I am] currently [a] firefighter paramedic with the Los Angeles Fire Department. Been with this organization for 20 years,' he told The Sun last year. Before landing his big role on 90210, Walters starred in the ill-fated series The Heights, a musical drama where he got to showcase his singing abilities. Walters sang the show's theme song, How Do You Talk to an Angel, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. 'I had a great time working on 90210, great cast mates, really fun time in my life in my 20s, being in Hollywood, having a fantastic adventure, and it actually led me to the fire department, where I've been for 20 years,' he said. Join the debate Do you think giving up fame for a life of public service is admirable or a waste of talent? If you guessed Jamie Walters, you are correct! Walters starred in the ill-fated musical drama series The Heights, which led to his chart-topping single How Do You Talk To An Angel Walters was even engaged to Hollywood icon Drew Barrymore Walters played Ray Pruit, Donna Martin's abusive boyfriend in the high school drama series Walters appeared to be moving his LAFD bag into his car Walters has been a firefighter paramedic with the LAFD for more than 20 years In an interview, Walters said his 'adventure' in Hollywood brought him to his current job Walters played a carpenter and aspiring musician who won over Spelling's heart before their relationship took a turn for the worse Walters would go on to play himself in 2019's BH90210, the comedy series that saw the cast play heightened versions of themselves as they rebooted their original series. Walters played Ray for 40 episodes on the show and was 'bummed' to learn his character would end up becoming abusive towards Donna. However, he is happy to be part of a discussion that raises awareness towards domestic violence. 'I was like, "Ah man, I don't think this is going to work out so good,"' he recalled. 'And it didn't. I was bummed, I didn't want to see Ray turn that way, but I think they were trying to bring up some important messages about domestic violence and get people talking about that. Walters admitted he was 'bummed' to see the turn his character took but is happy to be part of a discussion raising awareness on domestic violence Walters with Barrymore in 1992. He spoke highly of his ex, whom he was engaged to in the 90s 'So if I could have any input on that, get people talking about it, that was good.' The actor was also engaged to Drew Barrymore, an ex he clearly thinks highly of despite their split. 'We ended up living together and were engaged for a little while. That was a fun time in my life. She was great, we had a great relationship together,' he told The Sun. Even Barrymore seems to harbor no hard feelings against her ex. 'Oh my god, Jamie Walters! My boyfriend at the time,' Barrymore recalled on her talk show in 2023 during an interview with Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth. 'I totally dated Jamie Walters. I was engaged to him.' 'I loved working with him. He was such a good guy,' Spelling said. 'He still is,' Garth said. A lucky Jacob Elordi fan got the surprise of her life last month when the Aussie actor gifted her with a piece of priceless memorabilia. Patricia Albassit had a chance encounter with the 28-year-old Brisbane-born actor during a commercial flight while he was in Australia to promote his new movie, Wuthering Heights. After landing, Elordi excused himself and ducked into a nearby bookshop and returned with a copy of Emily Bronte's famous novel. Elordi gifted her the book after he signed his autograph and included a message: 'Dear Patricia! I hope the sun comes out for you today. Love, Heathcliff.' Albassit detailed the incredible moment with the hunky star on TikTok, and included photos of Elordi reading a script during their flight. She posted a selfie with Elordi, who she said was sitting across the aisle from her and spent the journey reading a screenplay. A lucky Jacob Elordi fan got the surprise of her life last month when the Aussie actor gifted her with a piece of priceless memorabilia After landing, Elordi excused himself and ducked into a nearby bookshop and returned with a copy of Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights She also included a screenshot of Elordi's inscription on her copy of Wuthering Heights. 'So just randomly met Jacob Elordi,' Albassit said in the video, which has racked up 2.2 million views in two days. She said Elordi also purchased a copy of Wuthering Heights for a mother who he was sitting next to during the flight. Albassit instantly recognised the Frankenstein actor as soon as he boarded the flight and she introduced herself. '[We] were walking out [with] him off the plane and he was talking to us like his friends!' she recalled. 'We said bye, and then he said, ''can you give me 2 mins", came out with the book and signed it! 'We hugged, and I was like wow, how tall are you? man hahahaahha.' Albassit added that she also joked with the actor about flying on a commercial airline. She said Elordi also purchased a copy of Wuthering Heights for a mother who he was sitting next to during the flight 'I made a joke to him and said, ''Hey, like wtf, why aren't you on a private jet and he laughed and said, 'Yeah, i know, right''.' During his trip Down Under, the Aussie heartthrob thrilled his fans after visiting a small town newsagency. He paid a visit to Mullumbimby Newsagency, where he posed with two young workers. Mullumbimby, located in New South Wales, has just 4,000 residents, and is located close to the celebrity-favourite seaside town of Byron Bay. 'Special visit to the Mullum Newsagency today. Jacob Elordi in town,' read a post on the newsagency's Facebook last month. Mullumbimby is relatively local for Jacob, who was raised just two hours away, in Brisbane, Queensland. Kyle Sandilands' immense wealth is once again under the microscope as details of the staggering cost of his legal fight with the Australian Radio Network begin to emerge. The radio titan is reportedly preparing to sue ARN should his $100 million contract be terminated following the collapse of KIIS FM's The Kyle and Jackie O Show, The Australian reported on Thursday. Sandilands, 54, is reportedly seeking a payout for the remainder of that contract, on which he has eight years and $88 million remaining. The outspoken broadcaster is believed to be spending tens of thousands of dollars not only on a team of high-powered lawyers, but also on the mounting costs associated with a complex legal battle. As the dispute escalates, the scale of the financial outlay offers a rare glimpse into the multi-millionaire radio king's enormous fortune. Sandilands has spent years quietly building a business empire far beyond broadcasting. Kyle Sandilands' immense wealth is once again under the microscope as the staggering cost of his legal fight with the Australian Radio Network begins to emerge In 2012 he entered the corporate world by launching an investment company called King Kyle, which he has previously claimed is now worth around $100 million The company's success is largely attributed to the diverse range of ventures it operates, spanning beverage brands such as H2Coco and Nueva Sangria, as well as television production - including the Luxe Listings Sydney series on Amazon Prime Video In 2012 he entered the corporate world by launching an investment company called King Kyle, which he has previously claimed is now worth around $100million. The company's success is largely attributed to the diverse range of ventures it operates, spanning beverage brands such as H2Coco and Nueva Sangria, as well as television production - including the Luxe Listings Sydney series on Amazon Prime Video. Away from the boardroom, the star also boasts an extensive personal property portfolio, including a $14 million mansion in Vaucluse and a $5.9 million estate in Glenorie. He also owns a $1.8 million holiday home in Copacabana and a $1.3 million retreat in Port Douglas, as well as a home in Los Angeles. His wealth is also reflected in his fleet of seven luxury vehicles, which reportedly includes a Rolls-Royce Phantom, Bentley Mulsanne, Jaguar F-Type and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The shock jock has been accused of 'serious misconduct' after his spectacular on-air clash with co-star Jackie 'O' Henderson, leading to her quitting the show. Sandilands is said to have been 'caught completely off-guard' by the misconduct allegation as he had been given free rein on air, with two full-time censors employed by The Kyle and Jackie O Show to ensure he is safeguarded. The radio star will argue that ARN has no justifiable cause to terminate his contract as the network had promised to be fully liable for his on-air comments, The Australian reports. Away from the boardroom, the star also boasts an extensive personal property portfolio. (Pictured is Sandilands' $1.3 million Port Douglas retreat) Sandilands is said to have been 'caught completely off-guard' by the misconduct allegation as he had been given free rein on the air, with two full-time censors employed by The Kyle and Jackie O Show to ensure he is safeguarded A source tells the publication that Sandilands would agree to leave his top-rated breakfast program only if he was compensated with, 'the full $100 million he is owed less what he has already been paid'. Sandilands and Henderson signed a 10-year deal with Australian Radio Network (ARN) in 2023. They were paid a reported $200 million in that landmark negotiation and earned approximately $47,000 per episode. KIIS FM's parent company ARN announced on Tuesday that Henderson's $100 million contract has been terminated after she told executives she 'cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands' following his harsh comments on-air that left her in tears. Sandilands has been suspended and given 14 days to 'remedy' the breach, or else faces termination. ARN provided written notice to Sandilands stating that it considers his behaviour during the show on February 20 'an act of serious misconduct which is in breach of ARN's services agreement with Quasar Media'. The KIIS breakfast show was taken off-air immediately, with 'interim arrangements made for the show'. ARN has offered Henderson the possibility of an alternative show on the network. The renowned radio stars first teamed up back in 2000 as co-hosts of the Hot30 Countdown on 2Day FM. The Kyle and Jackie O Show kicked off on 2Day FM in 2004 and lasted a decade, before the radio duo made the jump to KIIS FM in 2014. Authorities in Ontario, Canada are investigating the fatal stabbing Tuesday of influencer Nancy Grewal, who was pronounced dead at the age of 45. LaSalle Police Chief Michael Pearce said in a statement that 'investigators are confident this was not a random act of violence.' Pearce said that 'Grewal's murder is being investigated as an intentional act against her,' adding that 'all information is being considered' in the ongoing probe. 'While we recognize the significant public interest in this case,' the police chief said, 'we will not share information that will compromise the investigation, including leads, tips, and investigative avenues.' Authorities previously said that the deadly stabbing took place 'just before 9:30 p.m.' and was being viewed as 'an isolated incident.' Grewal 'was transported by Essex-Windsor Emergency Medical Services to the hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries,' police previously said. The Daily Mail has reached out to police and Grewal's family for further comment on the story. Authorities in Ontario, Canada are investigating the fatal stabbing Tuesday of influencer Nancy Grewal, who was pronounced dead at the age of 45 Grewal had amassed a sizable social media following, with more than 13,000 Instagram followers and 9,000 more on YouTube, with content focused on lifestyle and fitness. Grewal often discussed about politics related to Canada and India, and the political relationship between the countries. Her final post on Instagram was put up February 26. Law enforcement had been seen Wednesday morning closing off a pair of homes on the street where the murder took place, according to a report from the Windsor Star. A series of evidence markers had been seen placed in the cordoned-off areas, the paper reported. A wooded area near the site of the killing had been secured with yellow tape, according to the newspaper. Grewal's sister Alishaa Grewal took to Instagram Wednesday with an emotional memorial for her slain sibling. Alishaa wrote, 'With a very heavy heart I share that my beloved sister Nancy Grewal has passed away on 3 March 2026. Grewal's murder 'is being investigated as an intentional act against her,' police said, adding that 'all information is being considered' in the ongoing probe Grewal had amassed a sizeable social media following, with more than 13,000 Instagram followers and 9,000 more on YouTube , with content focused on lifestyle and fitness 'I lost my sister, my strength, my forever friend. Rest in peace, my sister. You will always live in our hearts.' Another graphic her sister posted with an image of the late content creator read, 'Signing off from this world,' adding, 'Thank you for being a part of my journey.' Police said that anyone who has information in connection with the incident is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jamie Nestor at 519-969-5210 ext. 2531. Anonymous tips can be given to Crime Stoppers at 519-258-8477 or online at catchcrooks.com. Married At First Sight couple Gia Fleur and Scott McCristal haven't been shy about showing their affection for each other from the moment they entered the experiment. And even when they are away from the cameras, the loved-up pair can't seem to keep their hands off each other. In exclusive photos, the couple got amorous after they enjoyed lunch at trendy Bondi eatery Totti's during filming last year, with Scott seen piggybacking his bride out of the eatery. The couple seemed giddy in love as they beamed hand-in-hand and played it up for the camera. Gia, 35, dressed casually for the outing in jeans, a white cropped tank top that showed off her tattoos and a pair of cream trainers. She accessorised with layered wrist bracelets and tinted designer sunglasses. Married At First Sight couple Gia Fleur and Scott McCristal got amorous after they enjoyed lunch at trendy Bondi eatery Totti's during filming last year, with Scott seen piggybacking his bride out of the eatery The pair wore matching denim outfits for the outing Meanwhile Scott, 33, matched her look with a blue denim shirt over a white singlet, skinny black jeans and white sneakers. The affectionate outing comes after Gia raised eyebrows when she brazenly bragged about her sex life with Scott on camera. 'It was an instant connection between me and Scott. We didn't want to have sex straight away, so we waited until day four,' Gia proudly told her co-stars. 'We tried to hold off, but we couldn't! I feel like I have known him for a year.' Her comments sparked a fiery clash with fellow bride Bec Zacharia, who appeared visibly irritated as Gia gushed about her bedroom antics. 'Shut up! She feels like her relationship is so good right now and she is in this dream place. Like, I am really happy for her that she had good sex, but to see her with that massive smile on her face shush! Like, read the room,' Bec vented to producers. The tension escalated when the brides began competing over whose honeymoon was superior, with Bec boasting about her week in Fiji while Gia and Scott revealed they travelled to Townsville. Join the debate Do YOU think Gia and Scott are the strongest couple to come out of MAFS this season? The affectionate outing comes after Gia raised eyebrows when she brazenly bragged about her sex life with Scott on camera 'Gia and Scott went to Townsville Not Fiji! I'm sure they had a nice time though,' Bec quipped. A furious Gia later fired back. 'Bec is yuck! Like what is your f***ing problem? It was just rude, she is rude!' she said. 'You know what, Townsville was lovely. And it seems we got on better than you and your man!' Despite the drama, these latest photos suggest Gia and Scott's bond remains unshakeable. In a previous chat with Daily Mail, Gia described their connection as electric from the outset. 'It was an instant connection,' she said. Scott has also made no secret of how smitten he is with his bride, with insiders revealing the pair have grown even closer since filming started. 'They are obsessed with each other,' a source close to production previously said. 'What you see on camera is very real. Off camera, they are even more affectionate.' A GoFundMe has now been launched for Pawn Stars' Corey Harrison after a severe motorcycle crash dwindled his savings and left him with over $100,000 in medical expenses to pay. The TLC star, 42, is now three months behind rent and has outstanding medical bills to pay after suffering fractured ribs, a punctured lung, internal bleeding, and a concussion in a January collision. Corey's friends have now launched a GoFundMe to cover his medical bills, back rent, medical care, and travel home. The fundraiser describes in detail the harrowing ordeal Corey endured after the collision, which included weeks in two different hospitals and multiple surgeries. Corey was first treated at a hospital in Playa del Carmen but was unable to remain due to the rising costs of his care. He checked out earlier and returned to his Tulum home, where he was struck with unbearable pain. 'Within hours, Corey was in excruciating pain. A house doctor came in to administer IV fluids and morphine treatments. Corey was incredibly hesitant to take heavy pain meds, especially after losing his brother Adam to an overdose just last year, but the agony left him with no other option,' the GoFundMe details. A GoFundMe has been launched to help Pawn Stars' Corey Harrison after a motorcycle crash dwindled his savings and left him with major medical bills to pay 'The next day, his oxygen levels plummeted to dangerously low levels. In a heartbreaking moment that shook all of us to our core, Corey looked at us and said, "I'm just going to die out here. I don't have the money to keep paying these people." ' 'New X-rays at the Merida hospital revealed the full extent of the damage: one rib had completely separated and was pressing into his lung. Surgeons drained nearly three liters of blood from his chest cavity. 'Corey underwent three life-saving surgeries and spent an additional 18 days in the hospital, battling through recovery. By the time he was finally stabilized and discharged, the total costs from the initial stay in Playa del Carmen, emergency house calls, urgent care visits, the drive to Merida, and the surgeries had skyrocketed past $100,000. Corey emptied his entire bank account to cover what he could. 'Friends, including myself, maxed out credit cards just to keep his treatment going. Being on television and part of Pawn Stars fame doesn't come with a built-in safety net for emergencies like this medical crises don't care about celebrity status. 'He's three months behind on rent, still facing ongoing follow-up care, medication expenses, and he's not yet strong enough to travel back to the United States for continued treatment and support from his family. 'Every dollar raised will go directly to Corey to cover his outstanding medical bills, back rent, ongoing medications and therapies, and the costs of future travel home for full recovery. ' Harrison is still dealing with the physical and financial fallout from his motorcycle crash in Mexico in January Pawn Stars chronicles the everyday of the three-generation Harrison family business as they try to determine the value and story behind the wild objects that walk through the door Harrison is now three months behind rent and has outstanding medical bills to pay So far, the GoFundMe has raised $1,215 of it's $18,000 goal. Corey was rushed to the hospital earlier this year after the crash left him with '11 breaks in his rib cage'. The reality TV personality took to Instagram on January 26 to reveal he has spent 'three nights in hospital' as he gave a health update. Sharing a shirtless picture lying in his hospital bed, Harrison held up his two thumbs, which were wrapped in bandages. The businessman also shared a selfie showing his cut face as he recovered in hospital and the X-ray scans of his broken bones. He wrote: 'Pretty messed up but I'm good crash bars are awesome 3 nights in the hospital, 11 breaks in my rib cage. 'Will do an episode on @theCoreyHarrisonshow sorry Pops looks like Im missing your wedding'. The businessman also shared a selfie showing his cut face as he recovered in hospital and the X-ray scans of his broken bones Corey had to miss his father Rick Harrison's wedding to Angie Polushkin as a result of his accident; the duo pictured 2019 Corey's father Rick Harrison wed fiancee Angie Polushkin on January 3 at the Little White Wedding Chapel. Rick, 60, and Angie, 42, told People in a joint statement that they 'are so excited to start this next chapter as husband and wife and celebrate with friends and family in Las Vegas.' The newlyweds added, 'It has been such an adventure already, and we are looking forward to all of it.' The Pawn Stars vet announced their engagement in March 2025. 'She said yes!' was the simple message posted next to a snap of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop owner down on one knee beneath a tree the Chilean wine country. Rick was dressed in jeans and a gray T-shirt, as he popped the question in the shade of a large tree. The engagement came almost five years after Harrison filed for divorce from his ex-wife, Deanna Burditt, to whom he was married for seven years. Pawn Stars chronicles the everyday of the three-generation Harrison family business as they try to determine the value and story behind the wild objects that walk through the door. On Thursday, Maria Shriver's publishing imprint The Open Field unveiled the cover of the late Eric Dane's autobiography My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, which is scheduled to hit shelves November 3. The Actor Award winner - who was cremated last Friday - was 'working on the manuscript right up to' his death, age 53, on February 19 from respiratory failure with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as an underlying cause. The 70-year-old Emmy-winning journalist 'was honored' Dane trusted her with his book, writing: 'He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them, and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of.' The San Francisco-born actor originally inked the book deal on December 8 and no doubt had assistance in rushing his literary debut. 'I wake up every morning, and I'm immediately reminded that this is real this illness, this challenge and that's exactly why I'm writing this book,' Dane said in a statement. 'I want to capture the moments that shaped me the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart. If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling.' On Thursday, Maria Shriver's publishing imprint The Open Field unveiled the cover of the late Eric Dane's autobiography My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, which is scheduled to hit shelves November 3 Available for $32 presale, the Countdown star's memoir is 'told through a series of "days" that each illuminate a defining experience or emotional truth' as well as the '"future days" that would come after he was gone.' My Book of Days promises to take readers into the mind of a man 'looking at life through the lens of a terminal illness' and 'leaves behind not just a record of his life, but a lasting guide to cherishing time itself.' Proceeds will likely benefit Dane's two daughters - Billie, 16, and Georgia, 14 - from his 14-year marriage to wife Rebecca Gayheart, which ended in 2018 before she called off their legal separation in 2025. The GoFundMe page set up by 'family friends' to 'provide stability now and in the future' for his children is still actively receiving donations, with the total on Thursday reaching $477,685 from a $500,000 goal. The 54-year-old widow is listed as the beneficiary. 'Billie and Georgia, these words are for you,' Dane said in Netflix's new documentary Famous Last Words secretly taped last November. 'I tried. I stumbled sometimes, but I tried. Overall we had a blast, didn't we? I remember all the times we spent at the beach, the two of you, me and mom in Santa Monica, Hawaii, Mexico. I see you now playing in the ocean for hours, my water babies. 'Those days, pun intended, were heaven. I want to tell you four things I've learned from this disease, and I hope you don't just listen to me. I hope you'll hear me.' The Kabul actor went on to instruct his children to cherish every moment, fall in love or find your passion, choose your friends wisely and fight until your last breath. The Actor Award winner - who was cremated last Friday - was 'working on the manuscript right up to' his death, age 53, on February 19 from respiratory failure with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as an underlying cause (pictured last November) The 70-year-old Emmy-winning journalist 'was honored' Dane trusted her with his book, writing: 'He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them, and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of' (pictured December 1) The San Francisco-born actor originally inked the book deal on December 8 and no doubt had assistance in rushing his literary debut (pictured June 18) 'I wake up every morning, and I'm immediately reminded that this is real this illness, this challenge and that's exactly why I'm writing this book,' Dane said in a statement. 'I want to capture the moments that shaped me' Proceeds will likely benefit the Countdown star's two daughters - Billie, 16, and Georgia, 14 - from his 14-year marriage to wife Rebecca Gayheart, which ended in 2018 before she called off their legal separation in 2025 (pictured November 9) The GoFundMe page set up by 'family friends' to 'provide stability now and in the future' for his children is still actively receiving donations, with the total on Thursday reaching $477,685 from a $500,000 goal Dane concluded his role as the closeted real estate agent Cal Jacobs in the eight-episode third season of Euphoria, which premieres April 12 on HBO Max 'The two of you are different people. But you're both strong and resilient. You inherited resiliency from me,' Dane continued. 'I hope I've demonstrated that you can face anything. You can face the end of your days. You can face hell with dignity. Fight, girls, and hold your heads high. Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words.' On average, ALS patients reportedly live two to five years following their first symptoms, but FDA-approved medications and physical/speech therapies might slow down the progression of the disorder. The Brilliant Minds guest star concluded his role as the closeted real estate agent Cal Jacobs in the eight-episode third season of Euphoria, which premieres April 12 on HBO Max. Sam Levinson's drug-fueled drama will welcome newcomers Sharon Stone, Rosalia, Marshawn Lynch and Kadeem Hardison in the new season. Dane famously got his big break portraying plastic surgeon Mark 'McSteamy' Sloan from 20062012 on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy. It was a bittersweet moment for Pete Deppeler on Friday, when he celebrated his birthday amid the collapse of The Kyle & Jackie O Show. ARN announced on Tuesday that Henderson's $100 million contract has been terminated after she told executives she 'cannot continue to work with Mr Kyle Sandilands' following his harsh comments on air that left her in tears. Deppeler, 41, known to listeners as 'Intern Pete', has worked as a producer, reporter and occasional presenter for KIIS FM for more than a decade. The affable radio star was in good spirits despite the seemingly escalating clash between Jackie 'O' Henderson and Kyle Sandilands, who were notably absent at the celebration. KIIS FM staff put on a brave face and rallied around Deppeler to help him celebrate his birthday, presenting the talent manager with a cake. The radio star, who was also joined by his sister and ABC Melbourne 744 reporter Kate Meade, seemed genuinely chuffed with the gesture. It was a bittersweet moment for Pete Deppeler on Friday, when he celebrated his birthday amid the collapse of The Kyle & Jackie O Show. Pete is pictured with sister Kate Meade A video uploaded to Instagram shows a KIIS staff member presenting Pete with a tempting cake as colleagues enthusiastically sing Happy Birthday. He was lost for words when the assembled revellers called for Pete to deliver a speech. 'Thank you, everyone,' he humbly replied. After news broke about the collapse of The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Tuesday night, Pete reminisced about his time on the show with a very cheeky clip. The montage, which Pete shared to Instagram on Wednesday, shows him loudly farting in a KIIS FM elevator. 'Filmed myself farting every day for a few months,' he wrote next to the footage. Many of Deppeler's celebrity friends took to the comments section to praise his unconventional method of dealing with the end of his show. 'I love that the day after the biggest announcement ARN has ever made this is your content,' wrote fellow KIIS FM presenter Laura Byrne. The affable radio star was in good spirits despite the seemingly escalating clash between Jackie 'O' Henderson and Kyle Sandilands KIIS FM staff put on a brave face and rallied around Pete to help him celebrate his birthday, presenting the talent manager with a cake 'This is the good news story we all need,' added Amy Gerard, another KIIS FM employee. His bizarre act comes after staff on The Kyle & Jackie O Show were left shocked when they learnt the show would be canned along with the rest of Australia. ARN, who owns KIIS FM, announced Henderson's $100million contract was terminated via the market operator ASX on Tuesday night. Sandilands has been suspended and given 14 days to 'remedy' the breach, or else faces termination, while Henderson has been offered the possibility of an alternative show on the network. Meanwhile, Sandilands has 'called in lawyers' and is 'preparing to sue' ARN should his $100million contract be terminated following the collapse of KIIS FM's The Kyle & Jackie O Show, The Australian reported on Thursday. Sandilands, 54, is reportedly seeking a payout for the remainder of that contract, on which he has eight years and $88million remaining. He is said to have been 'caught completely off-guard' by the misconduct allegation as he had been given free rein on the air, with two full-time censors employed by The Kyle and Jackie O Show to ensure he is safeguarded. He was lost for words when the assembled revellers called for Pete to deliver a speech. 'Thank you, everyone,' he humbly replied Meanwhile, Sandilands has 'called in lawyers' and is 'preparing to sue' ARN should his $100 million contract be terminated following the collapse of KIIS FM's The Kyle & Jackie O Show, The Australian reported on Thursday Deppeler, 41, known to listeners as 'Intern Pete' has worked as a producer, reporter and occasional presenter for KIIS FM for more than a decade The radio star will argue that ARN has no justifiable cause to terminate his contract as the network had promised to be fully liable for his on-air comments, the publication reported. Henderson, 51, had been AWOL from The Kyle & Jackie O show since Friday, 20 February, after Sandilands accused her of being unfocused at work. During the on-air feud, Henderson broke down in tears when the pair were discussing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Sandilands got angry at her when she proceeded to read out the disgraced royal's birth chart. He lambasted his co-star, claiming that her love for astrology was affecting her work. When Henderson attempted to defend herself and accused him of launching an attack on her, he stated he was only expressing the 'facts'. Meanwhile, it was reported on Thursday that Sandilands was left 'blindsided' by Henderson's departure from The Kyle and Jackie O Show. Leaked text messages between the feuding radio co-stars reveal that Kyle attempted to apologise but was shut down. Zendaya seemingly wore a gold wedding band while posing in promotional photos for her upcoming film The Drama amid Tom Holland marriage rumors. The 29-year-old actress, whose engagement to the actor was confirmed last year in January, posed for a series of snaps with her fellow co-star Robert Pattinson ahead of their movie's release on April 3. The Euphoria star donned her diamond engagement ring as well as what appeared to be a separate gold band. Weeks earlier, Zendaya had also been spotted with a subtle gold band on her ring finger during an outing in Beverly Hills instead of her diamond sparkler. The Daily Mail has reached out to reps for both Zendaya and Holland, but did not immediately hear back. It comes just days after her longtime stylist Law Roach claimed that the couple had already said 'I do' during a red carpet interview at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards over the past weekend. Zendaya, 29, seemingly wore a gold wedding band while posing in promotional photos for her upcoming film The Drama amid Tom Holland marriage rumors The Euphoria star donned her diamond engagement ring as well as what appeared to be a separate gold band While Zendaya and Holland have yet to publicly comment on the speculation, Roach had told Access Hollywood, 'The wedding has already happened. You missed it.' When further questioned by the reporter, he added with a laugh, 'It's very true.' Zendaya's mother has also since broken her silence on the marriage claims by sharing a snippet of Roach's interview to her Instagram stories. She added a laughing face emoji while also cryptically writing, 'The laugh...' The lovebirds mainly keep their relationship out of the spotlight but sparked engagement rumors a little over one year earlier. At the time, the Challengers actress had walked the red carpet at the 2025 Golden Globes with an eye-catching diamond on her ring finger. It was soon confirmed that the Spider-Man actor had popped the big question to Zendaya over the holidays in late 2024. A source told the Daily Mail at the time, 'The proposal was sweet and romantic and happened over the holidays.' Join the debate Should celebrities keep their relationships private, or do fans deserve more honesty and transparency? It comes just days after her longtime stylist Law Roach claimed that the couple had already said 'I do' during a red carpet interview at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards over the past weekend; couple seen in 2021 in L.A. The actress posed for a series of snaps with her fellow co-star Robert Pattinson ahead of their movie's release on April 3 Weeks earlier, Zendaya had also been spotted with a subtle gold band on her ring finger during an outing in Beverly Hills instead of her diamond sparkler She kept it stylishly casual wearing a white button up as well as blue jeans while her co-star opted for gray trousers and a blue shirt While Zendaya and Holland have yet to publicly comment on the speculation, Roach had told Access Hollywood, 'The wedding has already happened. You missed it'; Roach and Zendaya seen in 2024 in Paris Holland 'did it the old-fashioned way and got permission from her folks. Everyone is thrilled.' The insider added, 'They are the most normal couple at home, and she is ready to spend her life with him. She has gotten everything she dreamed of and marrying Tom and starting a family is next on her list.' The source had also told the Daily Mail that the actress 'loves Tom and he has been with her through thick and thin. 'They have a unique private romance and although they may seem very opposite, nothing could be further from the truth.' Months after Zendaya first debuted the engagement ring, Holland also confirmed the big news himself. While attending a panel event, a reporter had referred to Zendaya as the actor's 'girlfriend,' which prompted Holland to clarify with a laugh, 'Fiancee.' Zendaya and Holland first crossed paths when they were cast in Spider-Man: Homecoming back in 2016. The following year, the pair sparked romance rumors after they had begun appearing on each other's Instagram pages. A source told the Daily Mail at the time, 'The proposal was sweet and romantic and happened over the holidays'; Zendaya seen with engagement ring in January 2025 A few months after Zendaya first debuted the engagement ring, Holland also confirmed the big news himself; seen in 2021 in London And in 2021, the actors publicly confirmed their romance when they were spotted sharing a kiss inside a parked vehicle during an outing. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter back in 2023, the British-born actor opened up about keeping their relationship mostly private. 'Our relationship is something that we are incredibly protective of and we want to keep as sacred as possible,' he expressed to the outlet. 'We don't think that we owe it to anyone, it's our thing, and it has nothing to do with our careers.' Earlier this year in January, Zendaya offered rare insight on living in London with Holland. 'Honestly, I know people might think it's awkward,' she told the Daily Mirror. 'On set, he has this huge calming presence that not only puts me at ease but also everybody he works with. 'Our relationship is something that we are incredibly protective of and we want to keep as sacred as possible,' he expressed to the outlet; seen in 2024 in NYC 'I might be a little biased but he is not only my favorite person, he is my favorite person to work with.' She added, 'Neither of us want to hide and not live our lives and do normal things, like go out for dinner, but at the same time, we want to protect our privacy. 'You have to accept that to a degree, some aspects of your privacy are going to be out of your control. But the parts that are in our control, we fiercely protect.' The Euphoria star also labeled London as a place that she can call 'home.' 'I think because so much of our work is in LA, [the UK] can't be a permanent home right now, but it does feel like a home to me,' she said. She added, 'Neither of us want to hide and not live our lives and do normal things, like go out for dinner, but at the same time, we want to protect our privacy'; seen in 2025 in Paris In the new promotional stills for the A24 film The Drama, Zendaya and Pattinson could be seen posing on a comfy couch. She kept it stylishly casual wearing a white button up as well as blue jeans while her co-star opted for gray trousers and a blue shirt. The pair posed for a variety of snaps and in one, the actress playfully placed her hands around Pattinson's neck as she flashed the rings on her left hand. The premise of the movie is: 'A happily engaged couple is put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails,' per IMDB. When Demi Moore turned up at the Gucci FW/26 runway presentation during Milan Fashion Week in Italy last Friday with a hydro-bob haircut, fans were convinced she had chopped off her signature long raven mane. The 63-year-old Oscar nominee 'trusted' the headline-making makeover to hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, who transformed a wig into the 'Demi-tris Bob.' The Greek-born 42-year-old's other celebrity clients include Amal Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Gigi Hadid, Ciara, Tate McRae, Kim Kardashian and her big sister Kourtney Kardashian Barker. Hairstylist Chris McMillan - whose clients include Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker - commented on Giannetos' Instagram slideshow: 'Looked great. Soooo good. She should cut!' Moore (born Guynes) addressed the viral moment while hosting a promotional 'Power Talks' event for Kerastase, which was held at Nya Studios in LA on Thursday. '[It was an] incredible moment,' the Landman actress said onstage. 'Just being able to play and step into another facet of my personality.' When Demi Moore turned up at the Gucci FW/26 runway presentation during Milan Fashion Week in Italy last Friday with a hydro-bob haircut, fans were convinced she had chopped off her signature long raven mane That same day, Moore - who boasts 15.7 million social media followers - declared on Instagram: 'The long hair is here to stay.' The New Mexico-born grandmother showcased her enviable long locks while celebrating the launch of the French luxury haircare brand's new 'Chronologiste Overnight Youth Serum,' which costs $35 (30ml) or $65 (90ml). '[Long hair] feels most like me,' Moore told People in January. 'Being able to change my look with wigs and pieces feeds my need for change but at the end of the day I love taking it down seeing my hair fall past my waist. It's like coming home.' The Brat Packer was famously paid between $11 million and $12.5 million to star as Lieutenant Jordan O'Neil in Ridley Scott's 1997 Navy SEAL-inspired drama G.I. Jane, which required her to shave her head on camera. '[That] probably was the most illuminating experience and one that deepened my appreciation for my hair!' Moore said. The high school drop-out will next serve presenting duties at the 98th Academy Awards - airing March 15 on ABC/Hulu - alongside Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldana, Javier Bardem, Chris Evans, Chase Infiniti, Kumail Nanjiani and Maya Rudolph. Last December, Paramount+ renewed Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace's Texan oil drama Landman for a third season, so Moore will be back as M-Tex Oil owner Cami Miller. The critically-acclaimed series is a small-screen adaptation of Christian Wallace's 2019 Boomtown podcast. The 63-year-old Oscar nominee 'trusted' the headline-making makeover to hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos (L), who transformed a wig into the 'Demi-tris Bob' A close-up of the wig's hairline and part Hairstylist Chris McMillan - whose clients include Jennifer Aniston and Sarah Jessica Parker - commented on Giannetos' Instagram slideshow: 'Looked great. Soooo good. She should cut!' Moore held court front row with her beloved two-year-old Chihuahua Pilaf on her lap during the fashion festivities She addressed the viral moment while hosting a promotional 'Power Talks' event for Kerastase, which was held at Nya Studios in LA on Thursday (pictured with Ali Larter and Sara Foster) '[It was an] incredible moment,' the Landman actress said onstage. 'Just being able to play and step into another facet of my personality' That same day, Moore - who boasts 15.7 million social media followers - declared on Instagram: 'The long hair is here to stay' The New Mexico-born grandmother showcased her enviable long locks while celebrating the launch of the French luxury haircare brand's new 'Chronologiste Overnight Youth Serum' '[Long hair] feels most like me,' Moore told People in January. 'Being able to change my look with wigs and pieces feeds my need for change but at the end of the day I love taking it down seeing my hair fall past my waist. It's like coming home' The Brat Packer was famously paid between $11 million and $12.5 million to star as Lieutenant Jordan O'Neil in Ridley Scott's 1997 Navy SEAL-inspired drama G.I. Jane, which required her to shave her head on camera Moore will next serve presenting duties at the 98th Academy Awards, which air March 15 on ABC/Hulu The Actor Award winner will next play a 'cutthroat fashion maven' in Boots Riley's sci-fi shoplifting comedy I Love Boosters - hitting US theaters May 22 - alongside LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Keke Palmer and Eiza Gonzalez. Audiences will finally get to hear Moore as U-Z-Onesa in Roger Holzberg's 1997 animated film The Magic 7, which will be released as a web series this April after a successful Kickstarter campaign. The Emmy-nominated producer will also soon team up with Colman Domingo to play interracial couple Betty and Barney Hill, who get abducted by aliens in Roger Ross Williams' 1961-set romance Strange Arrivals. Sofia Vergara put on a sizzling display in an eye-catching look as she enjoyed a night out in Paris on Thursday. The 53-year-old actress, who recently whisked herself to France to join stars during Paris Fashion Week, stopped by Hotel Costes in the heart of the city with some of her pals. The Modern Family alum wowed wearing a black leather corset with a deep plunging neckline on the front. Vergara additionally slipped into a black skirt with lace details on the hem as well as open-toed, black heels. The Colombian-American star layered the ensemble with a long, black coat that was draped over her shoulders. Her long brunette locks were parted in the middle and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in light waves. Sofia Vergara, 53, put on a sizzling display in an eye-catching look as she enjoyed a night out in Paris on Thursday The actress stopped by Hotel Costes in the heart of the city with some of her pals and later jumped to Instagram to show off her look Vergara accessorized the outfit with a pair of gold earrings as well as a flashy bracelet and rings on her hands. She carried a small black purse in her hand to hold a few items she needed during the nighttime excursion. A warm blush was added to her cheekbones for a radiant glow while a dark pink tint was worn on her lips for a finishing touch. As she stepped out for dinner in Paris, Vergara was also briefly spotted conversing with a mystery male pal. The Griselda actress later jumped to her main Instagram page to share snaps that were taken during the lowkey dinner where she was joined by more friends. She gave her followers a closer glimpse at her fashionable look by taking a quick mirror selfie while posing on a bed. Vergara also held a smile on her face while sitting at a table inside a crowded restaurant as she paused for a snap with designer Valentina Micchetti. The Hollywood star took another image as she also spent time with another close pal named Fajer. In the caption she simply penned: 'With my girls.' The Modern Family alum wowed wearing a black leather corset with a deep plunging neckline on the front Vergara additionally slipped into a black skirt with lace details on the hem as well as open-toed, black heels Her long brunette locks were parted in the middle and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in light waves Vergara accessorized the outfit with a pair of gold earrings as well as a flashy bracelet and rings on her hands She carried a small black purse in her hand to hold a few items she needed during the nighttime excursion As she stepped out for dinner in Paris, Vergara was also briefly spotted conversing with a mystery male pal She gave her Instagram followers a closer glimpse at her fashionable look by taking a quick mirror selfie while posing on a bed Vergara held a smile on her face while sitting at a table inside a crowded restaurant as she paused for a snap with designer Valentina Micchetti Vergara has been keeping busy during her time in Paris and recently showcased her cleavage while out in the city on Wednesday night. She wore a brown lace-and-silk slip dress beneath a lighter brown suede maxi-coat and peep-toe platform heels selected by stylist Rhonda Spies. The star, toting a braided clutch, wore her signature brunette mane down and middle-parted for the Paris Fashion Week festivities celebrating the women's FW/26 collections. Vergara recently confessed she wears heels 'all the time' unless she is working out or relaxing at her $26 million seven-bedroom Beverly Park mansion. 'I'm Latin. I don't even know if I love them. I was born with them on,' the Colombian bombshell said on The Jennifer Hudson Show last month. 'I am more comfortable in high heels. I think it's like a Latin thing.' Vergara continued: 'Why do you want to feel your feet? It's great. The longer [you] have them on, you don't feel them. 'It's like really numb. And if you have one little drink? Oh yeah, you don't feel them at all!' The Hollywood star took another image as she also spent time with another close pal named Fajer. In the caption she simply penned: 'With my girls' Vergara recently confessed she wears heels 'all the time' unless she is working out or relaxing at her $26 million seven-bedroom Beverly Park mansion; seen in January in L.A. Missing from Vergara's side was Spanish actor Manu Vega, who, at 32, is 21 years younger than her; Vega seen in February in Spain The Koati: Animated Series producer-star has been vacationing in France for the past week, showing off the decadent meals she's sampled at fancy restaurants like La Renommee. Missing from Vergara's side was Spanish actor Manu Vega, who, at 32, is 21 years younger than her. However, that didn't stop him from kissing her outside the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood on February 13. The Project Runway guest judge finalized her divorce from her second ex-husband, Joe Manganiello, in 2024 after seven years of wedded bliss. Vergara welcomed her only child, 34-year-old son Manolo Gonzalez, during her two-year marriage to high school sweetheart Joe Gonzalez, which ended in 1993. The Modern Family alum will next judge the 21st season of America's Got Talent - premiering late May on NBC - alongside Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, Mel B and host Terry Crews. In 2021, The Cinemaholic reported that Vergara earns $10 million per season, and season 21 will mark her seventh time on the popular reality competition. Last November, the four-time SAG Award winner filmed her role in Daina Oniunas-Pusic's New York-set black comedy Thumb alongside Milly Alcock, Awkwafina, Kate McKinnon, Michael Zegen and Hannibal Buress. Ryan Gosling made a very rare public appearance with Eva Mendes as the private couple celebrated her 52nd birthday. The 45-year-old actor, who is preparing for the release of his upcoming film Project Hail Mary, was joined by the actress during Thursday's episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The lovebirds first crossed paths back in 2011 while on set of the movie The Place Beyond The Pines, and have mainly kept their romance out of the spotlight. Both Gosling and Mendes held big smiles on their faces while cozying up together as they received a warm welcome from Fallon and the live audience. The pair were later seen standing next to a large sign that read 'Happy Birthday Eva!' which was held by a marching band. Colorful confetti could be seen falling onto the ground inside the studio where the late-night talk show was held. Ryan Gosling, 45, made a very rare public appearance with Eva Mendes as the private couple celebrated her 52nd birthday Both Gosling and Mendes held big smiles on their faces while cozying up together as they received a warm welcome from Fallon and the live audience Mendes was stylish in a pair of loose-fitting jeans as well as a printed black T-shirt and blue-striped cardigan. Her tee featured the artwork of John Lennon's 1980 Double Fantasy album. Her brunette locks were parted to the side and cascaded down past her shoulders in light waves. The Notebook actor also dressed for the occasion, wearing a black shirt, black trousers and a dark gray blazer. The two stars had a sweet backstage moment, which showed the pair talking to Fallon. Mendes could be seen linking arms with Gosling as she also rested her hand on his arm. After Mendes and Gosling first sparked up a romance on the crime thriller over a decade earlier, they also welcomed two daughters: Esmeralda, 11, and Amada, nine. He recently revealed how their two children were involved in his new sci-fi adventure film Project Hail Mary, which hits theaters on March 20. The premise is: 'Science teacher Ryland Grace [Gosling] wakes up alone on a spaceship light-years from Earth. 'As his memory returns, he uncovers a mission to stop a mysterious substance killing the sun, and save Earth. An unexpected friendship may be the key,' per IMDB. The pair were later seen standing next to a large sign that read 'Happy Birthday Eva!' which was held by a marching band Mendes was stylish in a pair of loose-fitting jeans as well as a black shirt printed with a John Lennon album cover and a blue-striped cardigan Her brunette locks were parted to the side and cascaded down past her shoulders in light waves The two stars had a sweet backstage moment which showed the pair talking to Fallon. Mendes could be seen linking arms with Gosling as she also rested her hand on his arm Colorful confetti could be seen falling down onto the ground inside the studio where the taping of the late night talk show took place The lovebirds first crossed paths back in 2011 while on set of the movie The Place Beyond The Pines, and have mainly kept their romance out of the spotlight 'I made this for them essentially,' Gosling expressed during an interview with Access last month. 'As a family, I'd like a movie like this that I'd like to see. I just feel really honored that I got to make one.' The actor added that his children's opinions on the film were important to him. 'My kids have seen multiple cuts. They give me multiple notes. They're basically the only critics I care about, and they are very critical and very honest,' the star shared. Mendes has also been supportive of the actor and his forthcoming lead role in the film, which is based on the 2021 science fiction novel of the same name. Last month on Valentine's Day, the Ghost Rider actress jumped to her main Instagram page to share a series of snaps as she modeled a shirt to promote Project Hail Mary. The short-sleeved shirt had the words 'Believe in the Hail Mary' printed towards the top. In the caption of the carousel of pictures, the mom-of-two penned: 'For my Valentine .' 'My kids have seen multiple cuts. They give me multiple notes. They're basically the only critics I care about, and they are very critical and very honest,' Gosling shared Last month on Valentine's Day, the Ghost Rider actress jumped to her main Instagram page to share a series of snaps as she modeled a shirt to promote Project Hail Mary Back in 2022, Mendes seemingly revealed that both she and the actor had tied the knot when she referred to Gosling as her 'husband.' During a past interview with GQ, the actor revealed that he had not planned to have a family until he met Mendes. 'I wasn't thinking about kids before I met her, but after I met Eva, I realized that I just didn't want to have kids without her,' he told the outlet. The star explained that filming scenes as a family with Mendes prompted his outlook to change. 'I didn't really want it to be pretend anymore. I realized that this would be a life I would be really lucky to have.' Gosling further commented on fatherhood and stated that, 'I would never want to go back, you know? 'I'm glad I didn't have control over my destiny in that way, because it was so much better than I ever had dreamed for myself.' And while previously talking to People, Mendes also discussed having children later in life. 'When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me.' 'I'm glad I didn't have control over my destiny in that way, because it was so much better than I ever had dreamed for myself,' he said Gosling will also host Saturday Night Live for the fourth time later this week on March 7 She added, 'And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, "Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s." I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard. 'It takes more patience. In my 20s, I shouldn't have even been around a child. I was just foul-mouthed and smoking. I could not have raised kids in any other era of my life but now, for sure.' Gosling will also host Saturday Night Live later this week on March 7. He notably took part in a humorous promotion where he thought he was joining the five-timers club, only to discover it was his fourth time hosting the sketch comedy series. Nicola Peltz offered a pointed response when she was questioned about the drama surrounding the Beckham family feud. The actress, 31, and Brooklyn Beckham, 27, have been embroiled in an ugly fallout with her husband's parents David and Victoria for months, with things coming to a head in January when Brooklyn posted an explosive statement about the row. Despite her husband proving he wasn't afraid to speak out, Nicola did not publicly comment on the feud at the time. However, in an interview this week the billionaire heiress was directly asked: 'Theres been a lot of public interest in your real life and relationship with husband Brooklyn Beckhams family. How have you navigated that attention?' Steering the chat firmly back to her upcoming movie, Nicola pointedly replied: 'Ive been editing my next film [Prima] for the past two and a half weeks. 'So honestly, Ive been in the editing room. We havent had weekends. Weve just been trying to make a deadline [for Cannes].' Nicola Peltz offered a pointed response when she was questioned about the drama surrounding the Beckham family feud The actress, 31, and Brooklyn Beckham have been embroiled in an ugly feud with her husband's parents David and Victoria for months (pictured in 2024) After the interview was published, Nicola threw a birthday party for Brooklyn - who turned 27 on Wednesday - sharing a slew of snaps of the pair packing on the PDA She added to The Hollywood Reporter: 'And its been so amazing to just put my focus on that and be creative. Its been really fun doing that, and Im really excited for it to come out.' After the interview was published, Nicola threw a birthday party for Brooklyn - who turned 27 on Wednesday - sharing a slew of snaps of the pair packing on the PDA. In the Instagram post, Nicola flashed sideboob in a black halterneck gown as she posed for snaps puckering up to her husband. She captioned the post: 'last night was so special thank you to everyone who came and made it so perfect.' Nicola then appeared to make a jibe at the Beckhams - who are known for always professing their love for family members in their captions - as she finished off writing: 'we all love you so much brooklyn!' Communication between the Beckham family has fallen apart so spectacularly that Brooklyn is said to have requested that any attempts from his family to communicate with him should be done through his lawyers. However, on Brooklyn's 27th birthday on Wednesday, his parents made sure to make it known that he was in their thoughts, sharing a slew of birthday tributes on Instagram. Sharing childhood photos of Brooklyn and tagging his wife Victoria, David used his childhood nickname for his son, Buster, as he wrote '27 today. Happy Birthday Bust. We love you x'. Minutes later Victoria shared the same photo and wrote 'happy birthday Brooklyn, we love you so much', before uploading a photo of herself laughing with her son with a string of love hearts. Romeo and Cruz also shared posts along with members of extended family. However, the posts are not said to have sat well with Brooklyn, with an insider telling ET that the aspiring chef wants to put an end to any attempt from his parents to contact him, including on social media, following their bitter falling out. A source told the publication: 'Brooklyn and Nicola are disheartened they chose to make public Instagram posts for his birthday. 'These are the exact type of performative public actions that Brooklyn has been trying to put an end to, to no avail. 'Last summer they issued a legal letter to his parents requesting that any correspondence go through lawyers.' During the chat, the billionaire heiress was asked how she was 'navigating the attention' around the feud, with Nicola then pointedly steering the chat firmly back to her upcoming film She then brushed off the drama by throwing a party for Brooklyn, where she looked incredible in a black halterneck gown that showcased her figure She posed inside the party with Alessandro Morelli and Anthony Barillo Nicola appeared to make a jibe at the Beckhams - who are known for always professing their love for family members in their captions - as she penned: 'we all love you so much brooklyn!' Alessandro, who directed Nicola's upcoming movie Prima, shared a snap of Brooklyn's birthday cake which was personalised with the logo of his hot sauce, Cloud 23 Despite the report, Brooklyn's younger brother Cruz expressed his hopes of a reconciliation when he was asked about the fallout on Thursday while out in Paris with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel. The musician, 21, was quizzed by a reporter if he had a message for Brooklyn as he celebrated his 27th birthday this week. He simply replied: 'Happy Birthday.' When the TMZ reporter asked Cruz if he had spoken to him at all, he did not respond, though did say he 'hoped to' repair his fractured relationship with his sibling. Brooklyn failed to publicly reach out to Cruz on his milestone 21st birthday last week and snubbed his birthday message this week. One post he did respond to was Nicola's, after she shared a gushing birthday message to him with a notably pink-themed tribute to her Instagram grid. The American actress, who is taking on her most ambitious role yet as a ballerina in Prima, has been leaning into the traditional baby pink associated with the dance and its costume in her recent social media posts. And Brooklyn's birthday post did not veer from the pattern, as she treated her husband to pink doughnuts and flowers on the day. Brooklyn, who was apparently disheartened by his parents' 'performative' birthday tributes, was even fittingly dressed in a pale pink jumper to match the surroundings. In keeping with the theme, Nicola was also wearing a baby pink top to match, in a cosy picture she shared of herself and Brooklyn cuddled up on the day. Captioning the post, she wrote: 'Happy birthday baby... I hope all your dreams and wishes come true! you light up every room you walk into and anyone who knows you loves you... youre the most special human and I love being your wife. I love you I love you I love you.' Responding to her birthday tribute, he wrote: 'I love you baby girl.' Nicola appeared to have something special up her sleeve for Brooklyn, with the actress gifting him a box of twenty one iced doughnuts, individually shaped to read 'Happy Birthday Brooklyn'. The influencer was also confronted by a mountain of gifts, thoughtfully presented in Cloud 23 wrapping paper - a reference to his popular hot sauce brand, ironically named after his father's shirt number at Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy. Join the debate Is everything the Beckhams do performative? On Brooklyn's 27th birthday on Wednesday, his parents made sure to make it known that he was in their thoughts, sharing a slew of tributes on Instagram (Pictured: Victoria's tribute) One post he did respond to was Nicola's after she shared a gushing birthday message to him with a notably pink-themed tribute to her Instagram grid Now based in the United States with his actress wife Nicola, Brooklyn recently outlined his desire to distance himself from his family in a six-page Instagram statement filled with lurid allegations. Addressing social media followers in January, he claimed his parents had tried to sabotage his marriage and have always prioritised public branding over their family relationships. 'For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family,' he wrote. 'The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into.' He added: 'Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they'll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always comes out.' Alice Evans looked tense as she left court in Los Angeles on Thursday after her ex Ioan Gruffudd secured a win amid their ugly court battle. That morning, a judge ruled that a domestic violence restraining order against Evans, 57, will be renewed for five years. Striding out of court after the ruling, Evans kept her head held high but appeared to be feeling the strain as she pursed her lips and slung her handbag over her shoulder. She had dressed mainly in black for her day at court but added colour with a patterned midi skirt and red lipstick. During the trial, Evans remained calm and subdued as Judge Michael Convey announced his decision, while Fantastic Four star Gruffudd, 52, sitting at the opposite end of a long table, also displayed little emotion. Neither wanted to comment to the Daily Mail after the ruling. On the opening days of their trial that started last week, Gruffudd recounted a years-long campaign of online harassment and abuse waged by Evans, targeting him and his new wife, Australian actress Bianca Wallace, 33, which led them to seek and win a three-year restraining order against Alice in 2022. Alice Evans looked tense as she left court in Los Angeles on Thursday after her ex Ioan Gruffudd secured a win amid their ugly court battle That morning, a judge ruled that a domestic violence restraining order against Evans, 57, will be renewed for five years. Gruffudd, above, arriving at court last month Evans confessed on the witness stand Wednesday to bombarding social media sites with denigrating and false posts about her former spouse and his new wife and offered apologies to both Gruffudd and Wallace. She told the court how 'ashamed and regretful' she was - and assured Judge Convey that her online trash-talking was a thing of the past. But Judge Convey did not buy her attempts at contrition, citing the 'multiple' times she violated the original restraining order, which called for her to stay 100 feet away from Gruffudd and Wallace and not to post negative comments about them online. The judge granted the Welsh actor's request to renew the restraining order, and in a 75-minute summing up of the evidence presented over seven days of trial, he told Evans on Wednesday that she had carried out a 'concerted, focused, intentional and caustic campaign of denigration' aimed at Gruffudd and Wallace. Evans's 'threats of force and intimidation caused Ioan to fear for his and Bianca's physical safety,' he said. Her 'pattern of abuse' isolated him from his children. 'Her vow to "dedicate her life to fighting him" and ruin his career threatened his ability to provide for his children.' Gruffudd and Evans split in early 2021 and went through a messy divorce that was finalised in 2023. Since then, they have been in a bitter fight over money and their daughters, Ella, 16, and Elsie, 12. In April last year, Gruffudd married Wallace, who gave birth to their daughter, Mila, in November. Judge Convey said he was particularly disturbed by an incident which happened in front of the children where Evans 'screamed at Gruffudd at the top of her lungs,' and told him she was going to 'Amber Heard' him, and told the girls, 'If daddy's creepy with you, let me know.' 'This is harassment,' said the judge who cited another occasion, where Evans disclosed online that Wallace suffers from multiple sclerosis, causing distress to Bianca. 'This is emotional abuse - this is coercive control,' he continued. Of Evans's expressions of regret in the witness box about her harassment of her former spouse and his new wife, Judge Convey asked, 'Is it true remorse? I am not persuaded. But it is a positive step forward.' He conceded that Evans's online trash-talking 'has abated somewhat - it's not at the same level of violence or hate. But there has not been sufficient showing of responsibility.' Join the debate Should courts do more to stop online harassment after bitter breakups? Striding out of court after the ruling, Evans kept her head held high but appeared to be feeling the strain as she pursed her lips and slung her handbag over her shoulder The judge, who told the court that he had thought about renewing the restraining order permanently rather than just for five years, said it 'is incumbent on Alice to get therapy. And he warned her that violating the new restraining order 'could lead to criminal prosecution.' He also urged both Evans and Gruffudd, who has not seen their daughters for two years, according to Evans, to 'find a way to co-parent' to give him the chance to be a part of the girls' lives again. Evans - wearing a black jacket over a pink and white patterned long skirt at Wednesday's court proceeding - didn't want to talk about the judge's ruling. Nor did Gruffudd, sporting a dark suit and tie as he has for the length of the trial. But Gruffudd's attorney, Joseph Langlois, told the Daily Mail, 'You have to start somewhere and this is a start for Alice to correct her life. 'The judge gave her some good advice and I'm hopeful going forward that she'll fix things, that she'll change and turn her life around.' Earlier, Langlois and Evans's attorney, Janina Verano, presented closing statements respectively for and against the renewal of the restraining order. Langlois told the court that the legal standard for renewing an order is that 'the protected parties have a reasonable fear of future abuse.' Evans, he said, had violated the previous restraining order against her 'almost too many times to count.' 'Alice's abuse has endangered the physical safety and well-being of the protected parties [Gruffudd and Wallace] and their infant daughter. She intended to hurt him economically and damage his career.' Citing Wallace's testimony last week about her and her three-month old baby receiving death threats as a result of Evans's derogatory social media posts, Langlois said Bianca could face the danger of physical violence from 'some unhinged follower of Alice .who has drunk her poison.who gets riled up by her posts and wants to do her [Bianca] harm.' Noting that Evans's 'relentless campaign of abuse spanned five years from 2021 to 2025,' Langlois said Evans was 'driven by an insatiable desire for revenge over her emotions about her divorce. 'Ioan and Bianca have a reasonable fear that Alice will continue her behavior, based on her many violations of the restraining order.' He added, 'Alice cannot remediate the damage she has done. Her derogatory posts on the internet are available forever for all to see.' Langlois scoffed at Evans's 'unconvincing show of remorse' last week and her claim to being sorry about her online harassment of Gruffudd and Wallace, saying, 'Her confession was nowhere near good enough to prove that she has moved on. 'Alice has a lack of true contrition. She is still denying and making excuses for her abusive behavior. She has never taken any steps to reform her abusive character.' Evans's attorney, Verano, told the court that when Evans embarked on her online harassment of Gruffudd in 2021, 'It was the end of COVID, she was isolated, she was facing the loss of her marriage.' Gruffudd married Bianca Wallace in April last year and she gave birth to their daughter, Mila, in November Any hope of reconciling with Gruffudd was 'crushed' when she learned he was romantically involved with Wallace. 'She lost her mind, she was devastated,' said Verano. But today, her lawyer went on, 'Alice is in a very different place. She has moved on with her life.' Verano insisted that Evans's abusive emails and texts had stopped. 'There are no threats. Alice has deactivated her Twitter account,' she told the court. She added that while some of Evans's more recent social media posts 'talk about what she's been through.they are not meant to disturb Ioan's peace. Alice's conduct has changed quite a bit.' The three-year RO imposed on Evans in August 2022 impacted her ability to work and travel, said Verano, who told the court that she had lost jobs because of the RO. She also said that flying into the USA with her daughters, Evans and the girls are always detained at airports, 'which frightens the girls because they're afraid she might end up in jail.' She said that renewing the RO, which includes the 'stay away' clause requiring Evans to keep 100 feet away from Gruffudd, would mean that her daughters would have to choose which parent shows up at their school graduations and other family events. Verano closed, asking Judge Convey to deny Gruffudd's request to renew the RO, telling the court, 'Alice is learning. She has grown.' Wednesday's RO ruling marks the end of the first phase of what was expected to be a nine-day trial. The second phase this week will deal with the child and spousal support disputes of the former couple who spent more than 20 years together. Evans claims she is broke and wants the court to order him to increase the $1,500 a month he pays her in spousal support and the $3,000 a month he pays in child support. Gruffudd maintains that their girls have been 'poisoned and alienated' against him by their mother. He wants to stop paying spousal support altogether, 'based upon Alice's persistent domestic abuse of him and her many violations of the restraining order' and insists that he has already 'overpaid' Evans by almost $400,000. Aimee Lou Wood's boyfriend, Adam Long, stayed close by her side as they left their Parisian hotel together on Thursday. The White Lotus and Sex Education star, 32, rarely attends events with her actor partner, 34, but has been supported by him throughout fashion week. For the outing, she looked incredible in a shiny belted PVC trench coat, paired with mint-green peep-toe heels. She layered her coat over a black-and-white lace dress and toted her belongings in a black floral bag. Since being first spotted together in June 2025, Aimee and Adam have largely kept their romance private. But during Thursday's Chloe show, they didn't mind who was looking at them as they passionately kissed. Aimee Lou Wood's boyfriend Adam Long stayed close by her side as they left their Parisian hotel together on Thursday during Fashion Week The White Lotus and Sex Education star rarely attends events with her actor partner but has been supported by him throughout fashion week They confirmed their relationship at the 2025 Emmys and made their red carpet debut at the 2026 Golden Globes after meeting while working on the BBC series Film Club. Aimee Lou's acting career has gone from strength to strength over the years as she is now set to play Jane Eyre in a new period drama. The actress, who already has several high-profile roles under her belt, is now adding another with Charlotte Bronte's heroine. Bronte's 1847 novel follows the emotional and moral growth of the protagonist, Jane, as she navigates love, social equality, and independence in the 19th century. Speculation that the pair had struck up a romantic connection offscreen began in June last year, after they were seen cuddling and kissing during a coffee date in London. And they both shared subtle hints towards their relationship on social media and during the promotional trail for Film Club. Aimee had been a prolific 'liker' of all of Adam's Instagram posts and praised his competition of a sponsored run in aid of Movember and men's mental health awareness, by commenting: 'YOU DID IT!!!!!!! ' While Adam was quick to heap praise on his girlfriend when discussing the series, stating: 'I think what makes Film Club really stand out though is Aimee. As a person she is so completely unique, and her voice runs so deeply through the series.' For the outing, she looked incredible in a shiny belted PVC trench coat, paired with mint-green peep-toe heels She layered her coat over a black-and-white lace dress and toted her belongings in a black floral bag Aimee and Adam have largely kept their romance private but during Thursday's Chloe show, they didn't mind who was looking at them as they passionately kissed They eventually confirmed their romance in September, as they made their first public appearance as a couple at the Emmy Awards, which was also attended by her White Lotus co-star Walton Goggins and his wife. Aimee met Adam a year after she spent time in Thailand filming the third season of the popular HBO show, which brought her to global fame and awards success. Adam, who is best known for his role as convict Lewis Whippey in Happy Valley, has not spoken publicly about his love life. Aimee's last known relationship was with her Sex Education co-star Connor Swindells, who she split in 2020 after two years together. Petra Ecclestone became the latest celebrity to jet out of Dubai after the US-Israel war against Iran sparked chaos in the UAE. The socialite, who is the daughter of F1 tycoon Bernie Ecclestone, left the city on Thursday via business class on a commercial flight alongside husband Sam Palmer and her four children. She is one of many influencers who has left Dubai after more commercial flights began operating out of the UAE, yet insisted in an Instagram post that she was not trying to 'escape'. Petra, 37, claimed she was only leaving the city in order to get into London in time for her daughter Lavinia, 13, to take part in a horse show in Europe. Sharing snaps with her family at the airport, Petra reflected on her time in the Middle East, writing: 'Two months since we packed up our lives and moved to Dubai. 'It hasnt gone quite as smoothly as we imagined, and there have definitely been a few unexpected hurdles along the way. But as always, we faced them together as a family and got through it.' Petra Ecclestone became the latest celebrity to jet out of Dubai after the US-Israel war against Iran sparked chaos in the UAE (pictured with husband Sam Palmer and her twin sons) She is one of many influencers who has left Dubai after more flights began operating out of the UAE, yet insisted in an Instagram post that she was not trying to 'escape' - her family flew business class on a commercial plane Yet she insisted that the ongoing missile strikes had nothing to do with her decision to leave, adding: ' I also want to clear something up we didnt escape because of the circumstances people have been speculating about. 'It was simply the only flight we could get that would get us there in time for Lavinias horse shows in Europe. 'One thing were very grateful for is how much Dubai puts safety first and how welcomed and safe it has made us feel during this transition.' Petra, who shares Lavinia and 10-year-old twins Andrew and James with her ex-husband James Stunt, and daughter Minnie, five, with husband Sam, later shared snaps of the family back in London. She penned: 'Home in my heart, and full of the childhood memories that raised me.' Earlier in the week, Petra revealed her fear in Dubai telling her followers: 'We came to Dubai to feel safe, and we finally felt like we were settling in, and now this has happened.' Yet she later had a change of heart, posting on her Stories: 'This is what safety feels like. This is what resilience looks like. This is UAE.' Amid the uncertainty about the conflict there have been several international influencers, including well-known British names, singing their praises and lauding Dubai as the 'safest place on earth'. However, The Daily Mail has learned that behind the glitzy, public relations messages of solidarity lies a different reality and the hard-line regime would not hesitate to imprison or deport anyone whose output was judged 'harmful' to the reputation of the UAE. The government has even cracked down on those reposting genuine footage of the first of the attacks on Saturday, which included drones or debris causing damage at the five-star Fairmont Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah and the iconic sail-shaped Dubai hotel Burj Al Arab in flames. The Dubai Media Office announced within a few hours of the first strikes that 'outdated images of past fire incidents' in Dubai were being spread to stoke fear among the city's residents and thereby garner clicks. 'Legal action will be taken against those who publish or republish such content in violation of UAE law,' the post read. And in a place with one of the worst human rights records in the world, where severe restrictions on freedom of speech are backed up by an opaque justice system and widespread torture, no one takes such warnings lightly. Criticising or insulting the UAE government or its institutions or spreading false rumours can result in fines of up to 200,000, or up to five years in prison, and possibly deportation. A situation made more intolerable if you own property there. Petra, 37, claimed she was only leaving the UAE in order to get into London in time for her daughter Lavinia, 13, to take part in a horse show in Europe Petra later shared snaps of the family back in London. She penned: 'home in my heart, and full of the childhood memories that raised me' (pictured: Petra's daughter Lavinia at a London park) One showbiz couple who had no such luck leaving Dubai was Love Island star Michael Griffith and his girlfriend, EastEnders' actress Rukku Nahar (pictured) Determined not to give up, Rukku later shared a video taken inside the airport as she asked her followers to 'wish us luck', saying she and Michael faced a 'long day and long night' There are estimated to be more than 50,000 influencers in Dubai, lured there by not just the weather and its tax-free status, but also by a coordinated government campaign under the name Creators HQ, which offers generous help and advice with setting up their businesses. For the most influential, there's even a renewable 10-year 'Golden Visa' for them and their families provided they say the right thing about Dubai, pushing its luxury lifestyle and above all, its safety. Yet while influencers have been quick to wax lyrical about the safety of the UAE, that hasn't stopped many from making their way out of Dubai. Earlier this week, Love Island's Laura Anderson said she was praying for 'safe skies' as she has managed to get a flight to Edinburgh out of Dubai. While Geordie Shore's Sam Gowland finally made a plane to Mauritius on his fourth attempt to flee the city. Fitness influencer Alice Liveing, who had been in Dubai when the strikes began, also managed to make it back to the UK. Sharing a picture breastfeeding her baby, she wrote: 'The last few days have been surreal to say the least. 'I don't want to make a huge deal because there are people in all sorts of complicated, challenging and precarious situations but we are feeling so lucky to finally be home. We travelled to Oman and managed to get a flight from there to London.' 'The last few days have been surreal to say the least. I don't want to make a huge deal because there are people in all sorts of complicated, challenging and precarious situations but we are feeling so lucky to finally be home. We travelled to Omna and managed to get a flight from there to London. While assuring her followers 'everything is fine' in Dubai, The Apprentice star Luisa Zissman revealed her plans to return to the UK. She said: 'The situation here seems to be fine to be honest, the children have broken up one week early from school. I was due back to the UK on Monday for work so hoping that can happen. Can see lots of passenger planes in the sky. 'I'm worried if I come back to the UK for work I won't be able to get back to Dubai, so will take the children with me and see my parents too.' One showbiz couple who had no such luck leaving Dubai was Love Island star Michael Griffith and his girlfriend, EastEnders' actress Rukku Nahar, who were left stranded when their flight was cancelled. Updating her followers, Rukku shared a sad selfie and explained it was 'impossible' to get a flight back. She went on to add that she hoped the Indian Embassy would be able to help out, having had no such luck in her communication with the British Embassy. Determined not to give up, Rukku later shared a video taken inside the airport as she asked her followers to 'wish us luck', saying she and Michael faced a 'long day and long night' in their bid to return home to the UK. Earlier this week, Love Island's Laura Anderson said she was praying for 'safe skies' as she has managed to get a flight to Edinburgh out of Dubai Geordie Shore's Sam Gowland finally made it onto a plane to Mauritius on his fourth attempt to flee the city Author Alice Liveing, who had been in Dubai when the strikes began, shared an update with her followers and told them she was home Friday marked the seventh day of the US-Israeli war with Iran, as the first Government-chartered plane evacuating British nationals from the region touched down in the UK. The US and Israel have continued to batter Iran with nationwide strikes, and in turn, Iran has kept up retaliatory strikes on Israel, US bases and across the region. It has led to thousands of Britons leaving the region with some 4,000 returning on commercial flights before the first Government charter plane landed at London Stansted shortly before 1am on Friday. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer insisted that the special relationship is 'in operation right now' following repeated criticism from US president Donald Trump over the UKs response to the conflict. The Prime Minister said on Thursday that an additional four British Typhoon fighter jets are being deployed to Qatar to strengthen 'defensive operations' in the region. According to reports, the war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 100 in Lebanon, around a dozen in Israel and six US troops. Katie Price's husband Lee Andrews has admitted being 'delusional' following claims about his finances, business acumen and celebrity-links being revealed as false. The former glamour model, 47, shocked fans when she married the so-called businessman, 42, in Dubai in January within 10 days of meeting him. Taking to his Instagram Stories on Friday, Lee, who remains in the UAE amid conflict in the Middle East, boasted about his delusions in a meme, and also claimed animals could 'sense good people' in a clip which saw a cat run away from him. His post read: 'Life gets ridiculously good when you stay delusional... and science proves it', while a second said: 'Delusion pulls more out of you - more audacity, more saying yes before you feel ready, more figuring it out on the way there'. Lee also shared a video as he sat on steps outside a mall with a cat and told followers: 'So, this is if you know, if you're a good person, kids will be gravitated towards you, strangers will tell you their secrets and animals will like you'. As if on cue, the animal bolted, as Lee quickly said: 'I say that, he was rubbing on me, but now he's run away. Oh bless him, I don't think it's well'. Katie Price's husband Lee Andrews has admitted being 'delusional' following claims about his finances, business acumen and celebrity-links being revealed as false Taking to his Instagram Stories on Friday, Lee, who remains in the UAE amid conflict in the Middle East, boasted about his delusions in a meme His post read: 'Life gets ridiculously good when you stay delusional... and science proves it', while a second said: 'Delusion pulls more out of you - more audacity' It came after Lee shared that he was told to 'seek immediate shelter' due to missile threats as he filmed the moment an alarm sounded throughout a building he was in. A number of alerts have rung out across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, warning residents and visitors to stay safe as Iran continues to furiously attack US allies across the Middle East. Lee said: 'Wow, can you hear that alarm going off? That is to warn us that there is a missile nearby. I've already had the SMS.' 'Due to current situation, a potential missile threats, Seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building, and to steer away from windows, doors, and open areas. Await for further instructions', read a message from the UAE government that he posted. This week, Lee revealed on his social media that Katie is coming back to Dubai via flying to Oman where he will pick her up, amid the conflict in the Middle East. He said: 'The flights have started to open. The flights are a bit backed up, but if not you can always go through Oman, it is next door and one of the neighbouring countries. 'I'm not going to tell you all my plans but Katie would fly there and I would go to Oman and pick her up and bring her home because that's what you do when you are married and in love, you try everything right? Or have I got that wrong?' The UAE's government travel advice states: 'Due to the volatile security situation in the region and military strikes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we've raised our level of advice for the UAE to do not travel. The former glamour model, 47, shocked fans when she married the so-called businessman, 42, in Dubai in January within 10 days of meeting him As if on cue, the animal bolted, as Lee quickly said: 'I say that, he was rubbing on me, but now he's run away. Oh bless him, I don't think it's well' 'The UAE airspace may open or close at short notice, impacting flights at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. Retaliatory strikes are occurring across the Middle East region following military strikes on Iran. Military conflict in the region may result in widespread movement restrictions, and other travel disruptions.' Katie made her marriage to her fourth husband Lee legally binding in a secret second ceremony in Dubai - and she hasn't signed a pre-nup. The Daily Mail revealed at the time the wedding had no legal weight and was just a symbolic ceremony. It took place in the grounds of the 600-a-night One and Only Royal Mirage, a five-star hotel on Dubai's famous Palm Jumeirah island. However, latest documents show Katie and Lee formally registered their marriage on February 17 at Abu Dhabis judicial department. The whirlwind marriage comes Katie doubled down on her insistence that husband Lee isn't 'a con man or a scammer' and that she's 'the happiest Ive ever been'. Katie revealed she has so much trust in her new husband that she declined to sign a pre-nup before their whirlwind wedding. The television personality also addressed her family concern and the accusations his ex-partners have made as well as claims about his finances, business acumen and celebrity-links being revealed as false. Insisting she's 'not stupid', she said Lee - who has claimed to be both a millionaire and billionaire previously - has shown her documents to attest to his wealth and has proof of purchase that he paid for his new 36million home in Dubai in cash. Georgia Toffolo was seen for the first since since her husband James Watt's brewery Brewdog's downfall, as she enjoyed a swanky night out in Mayfair on Thursday. The brand was sold off for 33M this week, with the closure 38 UK bars and the loss of almost 500 jobs. While shares owned by the 220,000 'equity punks' who invested some 75M in the company are now practically worthless. Georgia, 31, who wed the businessman in a low key ceremony last year, cut a sombre figure as she was spotted leaving private members club Lou Lou with a group of pals. The former I'm A Celeb star layered a chic black trench coat over jeans and pointed heels as she climbed into the back of a waiting taxi. Brewdog's millionaire co-founder Watt, 43, suggested the craft beer firm's 220,000 investors could yet benefit after its sell-off after admitting to 'many mistakes' when running the 'Equity Punk' brand. Shareholders who signed up since Brewdog's stock market launch in 2007 have expressed frustration at missing out on any benefits following the latest development. Georgia Toffolo was seen for the first since since her husband James Watt's brewery Brewdog's downfall, as she enjoyed a swanky night out in Mayfair on Thursday Georgia, 31, wed the businessman in a low key ceremony Scottish last year The brand was sold off for 33M this week, with the closure 38 UK bars and the loss of almost 500 jobs (pictured with her husband) Watt had told on Instagram of being 'heartbroken' after his firm, which was valued at 2B a few years ago, was sold to US cannabis and drinks firm Tilray for a fraction of that. He appeared to suggest a glimmer of hope ahead with a cryptic online comment after responding to a sardonic post including an AI image of a Brewdog beer can bearing the words: 'Bust AF, 0% Equity Punks, Bitter Aftertaste.' Watt, who co-foundeed Brewdog in 2007 with schoolfriend Martin Dickie, replied: '"Let's see. Maybe the Equity Punk story is not quite finished yet....' The Daily Mail has approached Mr Watt for comment. In his lengthier statement shared across several social media channels, Mr Watt expressed contrition over the company's downfall. Describing the last week as 'incredibly hard', he wrote: 'I am heartbroken for all of the hard working and passionate team members who have lost their jobs. 'I am heartbroken for all of our brilliant equity punks who did not get the return on their investment they wanted. 'And heartbroken to have dedicated the best 20 years of my life to something that ultimately did not have the ending we all wished for.' Watt - who stepped back from the role of CEO in 2024 amid allegations of a toxic culture within BrewDog - said he would have 'loved to save every single job and every single equity punk investment' but 'couldn't', adding: 'That will stay with me.' He added that 'with the benefit of hindsight' the firm had expanded too quickly and diversified too widely, and that he had not responded to PR crises in a way that was 'authentic and true to who I am'. 'I am sorry that I was not able to repay the faith you bestowed in me with the outcome you all deserved,' he signed off the post. She cut a sombre figure as she was spotted leaving private members club Lou Lou with a group of pals The former I'm A Celebrity.. Get Me Out Of Here! star layered a chic black trench coat over jeans She completed the look pointed heels as she climbed into the back of a waiting taxi She wore natural make-up and her long blonde locks loose Brewdog's millionaire co-founder Watt, 43, suggested the craft beer firm's 220,000 investors could yet benefit after its sell-off after admitting to 'many mistakes' when running the 'Equity Punk' brand Watt had told on Instagram of being 'heartbroken' after his firm, which was valued at 2B a few years ago, was sold to US cannabis and drinks firm Tilray for a fraction of that Observers on social media responded with a mix of well-wishing and criticism - with responses highlighting how Mr Watt and Mr Dickie shared in a reported 100million payday when they sold 22 per cent of the firm to US investment firm TSG Partners. The 2017 deal gave TSG 'preferential' shares that entitled them to a return on their investment in the event the company was sold - over and above other investors, including the so-called 'equity punks' that are now unlikely to get any money back. One commenter on LinkedIn said: 'Are you "heartbroken" you gave the institutional investor preference over the equity punks James? An arrangement that ensured we received no return on our investments.' 'I'm sure you have plenty of sympathy for those left with no jobs and bills to pay whilst you sit in your penthouse overlooking Blackfriars,' wrote one follower on Instagram, where Mr Watt has limited who can comment. Others were more positive, with one fan on Instagram saying: 'Haters will always hate but there is no doubt that Brewdog was at the heart of, what is now, a resurgent craft beer culture in the UK. 'As an equity punk myself I'm happy to say that I was part of that revolution and am delighted with the non-financial return on that investment.' An email sent to investors this week, seen by the Daily Mail, thanked amateur investors for their contributions and said they would continue to receive benefits such as discounts - including an additional discount for those with BrewDog tattoos. Martin Dickie and James Watt (pictured, right) founded BrewDog in 2007. The firm has now been sold for a fraction of its market value, with hundreds of people out of work A BrewDog pub in Cambridge Circus, Soho - among the 38 bars that have been closed with immediate effect The email added: 'We know you will have questions, and we ask for your patience while we focus on supporting our people and stabilising the business.' Among the investors had been Steven Howe-Bull, who put in 1,000 in what he has described as a tribute to his late husband Keith Phillip - as fellow fans of Punk IPA. Mr Howe-Bull, from Suffolk, whose headteacher husband died in 2017, has told the BBC: 'It looked like a nice thing to do for Keith but, over the years, I have been watching its slow demise. 'The way the company has been run, Keith would have turned in his grave.' New owner Tilray Brands, described in Brewdog's email this week as a 'leading global lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company', owns several brands of medical and consumer cannabis in the US as well as other alcohol businesses. Administrators AlixPartners said it had not received any offers that would have 'preserved BrewDog in its entirety.' In the doghouse: the BrewDog pubs that have closed Castlegate DogHouse Merchant City DogHouse Manchester Soho Aberdeen Union Square Basingstoke Bath Bournemouth Bristol Bristol Harbourside Cambridge Camden Road Cardiff Carlisle Chancery Lane Cheltenham Clerkenwell Ealing Edinburgh Exeter Glasgow Hammersmith Inverurie Liverpool Manchester Outpost Milton Keynes Newcastle Norwich Nottingham Perth Plymouth Reading Seething Lane Southampton St Andrews Stirling Tower Bridge Wandsworth Watt had sought to invest 10million of his own cash in the firm as part of a rescue deal that ultimately failed. Some 733 staff have been retained in the sale, including operational staff and those working at 11 franchised pubs. But those who were sacked were told to claim for lost wages via the Insolvency Service after the firm was put into administration, according to the BBC - putting the onus on the public purse to pick up the tab. They were given little notice of the conference call that saw them sacked - which has been compared to the mass sacking conducted by P&O Ferries in 2022. Bryan Simpson, lead organiser of Unite's hospitality branch, described the conduct of BrewDog management as 'nothing short of a national disgrace'. 'This has all the hallmarks of the scandal at P&O Ferries... it is a disgrace that lessons have clearly not been learned across corporate Britain,' he told the Mail. 'A company does not lose 97 per cent of its value in nine years without catastrophic mismanagement.' He added that the union is demanding answers over unpaid wages with appointed administrator AlixPartners. James Brown, the former CEO of BrewDog's bars division, said the Government should shoulder some blame for BrewDog's woes after hiking National Insurance. He wrote on LinkedIn: 'For years now, government policy on rates and employment taxes has steadily eroded confidence in hospitality.' 'The leadership over the nearly 20 years of BrewDog could never have envisaged the world post Brexit, Post Covid and the tax, costs and admin burden facing businesses today.' BrewDog grew from a small beer brewing business founded by Watt and Dickie in 2007 to the world's leading craft beer brand at its peak in the late 2010s. However, it was plagued by a series of public relations misfires and allegations of a toxic working culture and inappropriate behaviour by Mr Watt, who has vehemently denied any wrongdoing over the years. In 2022, a BBC documentary aired claims that he had kissed a drunk customer and that female staff were given advice on how to avoid unwelcome attention from him on visits to bars. Mr Watt later apologised for making anyone feel 'uncomfortable' but hired private detectives to investigate those who had raised concerns and went to regulator Ofcom challenging the programme's claims. It upheld none of his complaints. BrewDog has weathered PR storms over the years, facing claims that it has shed its original DIY 'punk' ethos and become one of the corporate juggernauts that it resented so deeply. The BBC reported in 2022 that Mr Watt had once purchased 500,000 of shares in Dutch brewery Heineken during takeover talks; he also sunk 2million into an offshore hedge fund. BrewDog itself ditched the 'real' living wage in 2024. It has also been criticised for recent rounds of closures and redundancies, and has been repeatedly challenged on its environmental claims. The 'Lost Forest', a 10,000 acre woodland estate in the Scottish Highlands, was sold off after trees that BrewDog planted to offset its carbon emissions either died or failed to take root. Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet was so pampered on the set of Wonka that he would have three alternative breakfasts prepared for him and would only eat one Comedian Tom Davis, who was also in the film, said on the Parenting Hell podcast: 'One thing that ground my gears he had a personal chef. 'And we were having quite ropey breakfasts. I got to know his personal chef quite a bit and I said, ''What are you cooking this morning?'' 'He said, ''I do three different things for Tim, and he'll have one thing.'' 'And Timothee turned around and went, ''Hey man, why don't you have the other two things?'' The actor, who starred as a younger incarnation of the chocolatier, previously admitted he felt like 'an honorary Brit' after spending a lengthy stint in the UK in 2021. Hollywood star Timothee Chalamet was so pampered on the set of Wonka that he would have three alternative breakfasts prepared for him from which he'd choose to eat only one Comedian Tom Davis told the Daily Mail: 'One thing that ground my gears he had a personal chef. And we were having quite ropey breakfasts' Speaking on an episode of The Graham Norton Show following the film's release, Timothee revealed that this is his most 'favourite' role to date. Talking about his role in the prequel, Timothee said: 'I am proud of all the films I have done, but this is my favourite. 'It is the most fun Ive had working on anything ever. It is sweet and good and will fill you with joy.' 'We shot the film in London, so, after spending five months here, I feel like an honorary Brit it was joyous.' Graham went on to ask the Little Women star how he's been lucky to star in such a long string of hits at such a young age. He said: 'I just try to work with great directors.' Since the release of Wonka, Timothee, who is now dating Kylie Jenner, has starred in Marty Supreme and Dune: Part Two. Kylie and Timothee have been dating for over three years and live together, with marriage being a consideration, according to a Daily Mail source. He added: 'I said [to the chef], ''What are you cooking this morning?'' 'He said, ''I do three different things for Tim, and he'll have one thing'' Insiders revealed in early 2025 that Kylie and Timothee have agreed to a set of stipulations regarding their relationship. While the twosome only started attending public events together more than two years into their relationship, they have not posted each other online. When the actor was profiled in a November cover story for Vogue he turned down the opportunity to speak about the relationship. He established a boundary, saying he 'will not talk about' it, but clarified, 'I dont say that with any fear, I just dont have anything to say.' However, at the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards in January, Timothee made his most open profession about his girlfriend in his acceptance speech. 'Thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn't do this without you,' he effused. Emily Ratajkowski left almost nothing to the imagination as she attended the star-studded Loewe show at Chateau de Vincennes amid Paris Fashion Week on Friday. The model, 34, ensured all eyes were on her after ditching her top and going braless with just a navy sweater wrapped around her shoulders to retain her modesty. Emily's completed her barley there look with a pair of chic trousers, heels while accessorising with an oversized handbag and stylish shades. Despite her racy outfit the stunner oozed confidence as she strutted her stuff and took her seat in the front row. Emily was joined at the catwalk show alongside actresses Julia Garner, Sissy Spacek and director Baz Luhrmann, who was accompanied by wife Catherine Martin. It comes after the Moulin Rogue movie maker described their 29-year marriage 'as camp and not traditional in so many ways, but an absolutely real relationship'. Emily Ratajkowski left almost nothing to the imagination as she attended the star-studded Loewe show at Chateau de Vincennes amid Paris Fashion Week on Friday The model, 34, ensured all eyes were on her after ditching her top and going braless She wore just a navy sweater wrapped around her shoulders to retain her modesty The Australian director, 63, gives a rare insight into their marriage and how they make it work in Elizabeth Day's How To Fail podcast. Award-winning production designer Catherine, 61, works on all of Baz's movies. Baz admits while they keep their relationship out of the spotlight, he understands the public fascination. 'I can understand it. I mean, my stuff is really camp, and our relationship is, well camp in one regard. I use that theatricality and there's an underlying seriousness to it,' he says. 'CM and I, people say, "well, when did you get married?!" I said, "I don't remember. I just know we've always been together and it's a truly real relationship'. 'I love her and if she was gone tomorrow, I don't know what I'd do. But we also are very distinctly different individuals. We understand each other. The relationship works in a way in which it works for us. It's not traditional in so many ways. My kids make lots of jokes about me.' The couple have two children; Lillian, 22, and William, 20. When asked by Elizabeth how their children tease them, Baz replies: 'They just mock me a lot. It keeps me very grounded. Sometimes they call me RuPaul. 'I mean, I don't know, like in a fun way. But we have this absolutely real relationship, but we also have our commitment to each other, which is, I think what real marriages are, which is their contracts with each other that, you know are good for each other. There are things you can change and things you can't. 'But weddings are actually advertisements to everybody else that you are together.' Emily's completed her barley there look with a pair of chic trousers, heels while accessorising with an oversized handbag and stylish shades She looked nothing short of sensational while flaunting her hourglass figure Despite her racy outfit the stunner oozed confidence as she strutted her stuff and took her seat in the front row Actress Julia Garner was another VIP guest making a style statement The Fantasic Four actress caught the eye in a black leather jacket which was worn with a graphic top and trousers She toted Loewe accessories with matching handbag and heels, while also shielding her eye behind shades Movie Baz Luhrmann put on an animated display with a T-shirt promoting his new Elvis concert movie EPIC He was joined by beloved wife Catherine Martin after describing their 29-year marriage 'as camp and not traditional in so many ways, but an absolutely real relationship' Oscar winner Sissy Spacek, 76, cut a chic figure as she was spotted leaving her hotel on her way to the show The Carrie star displayed her youthful complexion and wore her brunette tresses loose Julia (R) and Sissy (L) sat together in the star-studded front row (L-R) Julia Garner, Anna Wintour and Delphine Arnault Love Story star Sarah Pidgeon was the epitome of Parisian chic at the VIP event She cut a stylish figure in a brown cowl neck leather jacket and textured white trousers British actor David Jonsson looked effortlessly stylish in a jacket and leather trousers Rapier Lil Yachty cut a very quirky figure as he headed to the show Actress Sandra Bernhard also sat in the star-studded front row Model George Tabor-King opted for a stylish blue co-ord Model Liya Kebede (L) joined actor Tawan Models stunned as they hit the runway Baz remains one of the most commercially successful and stylistically distinct directors in Hollywood. He rose to fame with Strictly Ballroom (1992), Romeo + Juliet (1996), and the groundbreaking musical Moulin Rouge! (2001). Baz is also behind The Great Gatsby (2013) and Elvis (2022). Of how they work together on their film projects, Baz adds: 'CM does her stuff sometimes and like epic, I did that, that's my gig. She's got her homewares. But then on the visual language stuff, on the films, we work very, very closely together but there's this I think, really deep love and love transforms over the years, is the person that you can have the most trust with so there's a profound trust. 'She's the person I would turn to and I'm the person she would turn to when you've really got things you can't say to anyone else.' The couple also often do long distance, with Baz in New York while Catherine stays on the Gold Coast. Katie Price's husband Lee Andrews has insisted he has no plans to leave Dubai, hours before splashing out on a new outfit to wear back in the UK, despite reports he was banned from leaving the UAE even before war with Iran broke out. The ex glamour model, 47, shocked fans when she married the businessman, 43, in the country last month following a whirlwind 'one-week' romance. It was claimed the British born Lee spent three weeks locked up in a Dubai jail for allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend's signature to take out a 200,000 loan in her name and has been banned from leaving the United Arab Emirates. He denies this, but as yet, does not appear to have left the country. Taking to his Instagram Stories, Lee shared a foul-mouthed clip of Leonardo DiCaprio from the 2013 film The World Of Wall Street, to which he captioned: 'When people ask me if I'm leaving Dubai'. In the scene Leo's character Jordan Belfort, exclaims to his colleagues: 'You know what? I'm not leaving, I'm not leaving, I'm not f*****g leaving!'. Despite this Lee then returned to the platform during a shopping trip as he tried on a new a grey tracksuit, which he said he would be wearing back in the UK. Katie Price's husband Lee Andrews has insisted he has no plans to leave Dubai , hours before splashing out on a new outfit to wear back in the UK The ex model, 47, shocked fans when she married the businessman, 43, in the country last month amid claims he was banned from leaving the UAE even before war with Iran broke out Taking to his Instagram Stories Lee shared a foul-mouthed clip of Leonardo DiCaprio from the 2013 film The World Of Wall Street 'All grey sweats, ready for the UK love it, can't beat it, see you soon baby' he told the camera, before later removing his hoodie to show off his muscular arms in a vest. Another snap, which appeared heavily filtered, saw him go shirtless as he beamed for the camera in the changing room. Lee previously shared dubious footage of a purported return to England with social media followers - prompting his furious ex-girlfriend to accuse him of lying. Taking to her TikTok platform, Alana Percival continued a very public war of words with Andrews by mocking his recent social media posts, among them footage of the businessman racing horses along what he claims to be the Skegness coastline. Remarkably, the sun is high and the sky is clear despite much of England being battered by torrential rain and fierce wind since the turn of the year. Meanwhile back in the UK Katie shared a sweet post with son Harvey, 23, while flogging her CBD oil and gummies. It comes after Lee admitted being 'delusional' following claims about his finances, business acumen and celebrity-links being revealed as false. Taking to his Instagram Stories he boasted about his delusions in a meme, and also claimed animals could 'sense good people' in a clip which saw a cat run away from him. His post read: 'Life gets ridiculously good when you stay delusional... and science proves it', while a second said: 'Delusion pulls more out of you - more audacity, more saying yes before you feel ready, more figuring it out on the way there'. Lee also shared a video as he sat on steps outside a mall with a cat and told followers: 'So, this is if you know, if you're a good person, kids will be gravitated towards you, strangers will tell you their secrets and animals will like you'. As if on cue, the animal bolted, as Lee quickly said: 'I say that, he was rubbing on me, but now he's run away. Oh bless him, I don't think it's well'. Despite this Lee then returned to the platform during a shopping trip as je tried on a new a grey tracksuit, which he said he would be wearing back in the UK Another snap, which appeared heavily filtered, saw him go shirtless as he beamed for the camera in the changing room Meanwhile back in the UK Katie shared a sweet post with son Harvey, 23, while flogging her CBD oil and gummies He previously shared that he was told to 'seek immediate shelter' due to missile threats as he filmed the moment an alarm sounded throughout a building he was in. A number of alerts have rung out across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, warning residents and visitors to stay safe as Iran continues to furiously attack US allies across the Middle East. Lee said: 'Wow, can you hear that alarm going off? That is to warn us that there is a missile nearby. I've already had the SMS.' 'Due to current situation, a potential missile threats, Seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building, and to steer away from windows, doors, and open areas. Await for further instructions', read a message from the UAE government that he posted. This week, Lee revealed on his social media that Katie is coming back to Dubai via flying to Oman where he will pick her up, amid the conflict in the Middle East. He said: 'The flights have started to open. The flights are a bit backed up, but if not you can always go through Oman, it is next door and one of the neighbouring countries. 'I'm not going to tell you all my plans but Katie would fly there and I would go to Oman and pick her up and bring her home because that's what you do when you are married and in love, you try everything right? Or have I got that wrong?' The UAE's government travel advice states: 'Due to the volatile security situation in the region and military strikes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we've raised our level of advice for the UAE to do not travel. Louis Walsh has accused Simon Cowell of keeping him and Sharon Osbourne in the dark when it came to The X Factor's production after revealing they are no longer speaking. The music manager, who worked with Boyzone and Westlife, was a judge on the ITV talent show from its inception in 2004 alongside Simon and Sharon. Despite working together on and off for around 20 years, Simon and Louis have a relationship that has swung between friendship and feuds. And last month, the Irish manager said that he and Simon are no longer in contact. Now, Louis, 73, has claimed that while he and Sharon were in the dark about The X Factor's frontrunners - Simon, 66, had more insight as to which way the voting would go. Appearing on Irish radio this week, Louis claimed that Simon knew which acts would make it through and who was getting the most votes each week. Louis Walsh has said he and fellow X Factor judge Simon Cowell are still not speaking as he accused the music mogul of keeping him and Sharon Osbourne in the dark when it came to the show's production Appearing on Irish radio, Louis claimed that Simon knew which acts would make it through and who was getting the most votes each week (Pictured together in 2007) 'People don't believe about the show, that it was real,' he told Irish radio show Today FM this week as he discussed preparing to film an X Factor documentary. 'We didn't know the votes, we didn't know the acts, we didn't know anything, Sharon Osbourne and I, we didn't know.' Radio host Ray Foley asked: 'What? So, people are saying there was conspiracy theories and things like that behind the scenes, it was all produced?' Louis replied: 'Yeah, all of the things, we didn't know. We didn't know who we were gonna get, what we were gonna do, we didn't know the votes, Cowell knew it all.' 'He knew? Even as a judge he knew exactly what's going on, the way the votes were going and all?' Ray asked, to which Louis said: 'Of course he knew!' The Daily Mail has contacted Louis and Simon's representatives for comment. Simon has previously dismissed the claims. He resolved a complaint with Heat magazine in 2010 when the publication claimed he knew which contestants got the most votes each week. Heat later published an apology saying this was untrue. The duo were recently embroiled in yet another row - with Irish judge Louis branding Simon a 'has-been' in a withering putdown. In the latest development, it has been claimed that the reason behind their latest fallout stems from Simon's hit documentary Simon Cowell: The Next Act, which was released at the end of last year. It follows Simon in the making of new boy band, December 10, which hopes will be the next One Direction. Sources close to the pair have told the publication that Louis was reportedly 'left furious' after being snubbed from the Netflix show in favour of old Pop Idol co-judge Pete Waterman. A source claimed last month: 'In his mind, he has the most experience and expertise out of everyone Simon was working for.' The Irish music manager, who worked with Boyzone and Westlife, was a judge on the ITV talent show alongside Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell (Pictured together in 2004) They added to The Sun: 'He knows slagging off BGT will annoy Simon because he's already worried about the fall in ratings. His criticism will have been a kick in the teeth.' Simon and Louis first crossed paths long before primetime TV, before becoming household names as feuding judges on The X Factor. Yet when they started bickering over song choices and making blunt digs about contestants, their clashes quickly became must-watch moments. At times, they seemed inseparable, with Louis once saying Simon had 'changed my life,' even as the tension simmered beneath the surface. Now, that friendship appears to be well and truly over, with Louis admitting they haven't spoken in years. In a scathing rant this week, Louis claimed that Simon's show Britain's Got Talent is finished and that the star is no longer in his 'prime'. Louis, who appeared as a guest panellist on Simon's other show Britain's Got Talent in 2010, told The Sun of the new series: 'BGT, who cares?! It's not what it was. 'Back in the old days, it was pulling in 12 million, and the whole country cared who won.' He added: 'Now it doesn't feel like that, who even won last year?' Elsewhere in the interview, Louis claimed that Simon's fiancee, Lauren Silverman, 48, controls his phone and diary, adding that he hasn't heard from him in years. He also described Simon as 'incredible in his prime' but suggested he no longer has the same instinct and is 'surrounded by people who won't tell him the truth'. According to The Sun, Louis allegedly went even further in text messages, reportedly saying Simon is 'done now' and 'surrounded by fakes'. Simon Cowell's boyband December 10 released their much-anticipated second single Angel on Friday, following their debut track Run My Way. The music mogul, 66, formed the seven-member band December 10 on his Netflix series The Next Act, which was heavily criticised when it premiered. The group features Cruz Lee-Ojo, 19, Danny Bretherton, 17, Hendrick Christoffersen, 19, John Fadare, 17, Josh Olliver, 17, Nicolas Alves, 16, and Sean Hayden, 19. Despite assembling a heavyweight team including a publicist linked to Taylor Swift the band has struggled to make an impact. They have now teamed with with producers who have created hits for Sabrina Carpenter and Sabrina Grande for Angel, which is described as a 'warm, melody-led ballad about the dizzy rush of falling hard'. Following the track's release, the band took to Instagram with snaps of their behind-the-scenes antics in the studio. Simon Cowell's boyband December 10 released their much-anticipated second single Angel on Friday, following their debut track Run My Way The music mogul, 66, formed the seven-member band December 10 on his Netflix series The Next Act, which was heavily criticised when it premiered Captioning the post: 'ANGEL IS OUT NOWWWWW!!! We recorded this one in Nashville last October with the legendddd @julianbulian' 'It was the next chapter after our Netflix series, so this trip was extra special and we honestly had so much funnnnn, have you listened yet????'. Meanwhile the band have sold-out UK & Ireland live dates and a newly announced headline show at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on 8 April. The up-and-comers, who play 14 instruments between them, will treat fans to an hour-long set at the iconic O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire their biggest headline show to date. Tickets to the show will be FREE and made exclusively available to O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers. The band said: 'It's a dream come true for us to play O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - we always used to stay near there so we have walked past it hundreds of times - genuinely dreaming of when we got to play there. 'We are buzzin' that it's happening already. This is our biggest crowd to date we can't wait to get on stage and share our music with you all see you there!' O2 and Virgin Media broadband customers have the chance to win a pair of tickets for FREE through a ballot on Priority, which opens on Monday, March 9, and closes on March 23. Priority members can enter the ballot via the Priority app. The group features Cruz Lee-Ojo, 19, Danny Bretherton, 17, Hendrick Christoffersen, 19, John Fadare, 17, Josh Olliver, 17, Nicolas Alves, 16, and Sean Hayden, 19 They have now teamed with with producers who have created hits for Sabrina Carpenter and Sabrina Grande for Angel, which is described as a 'warm, melody-led ballad' Following the track's release, the band took to Instagram with snaps of their behind-the-scenes antics in the studio Captioning the post: 'ANGEL IS OUT NOWWWWW!!! We recorded this one in Nashville last October with the legendddd @julianbulian' December 10 will play an exclusive O2 presents show for fans on 8 April at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire It comes after iIndustry insiders described Simon's latest project as a 'disaster' and 'catastrophe,' raising doubts about whether a second series of The Next Act will go ahead. Simon remains determined to turn December into the next One Direction, but for now, the boyband's future looks uncertain. The band took to the stage to perform during their Introducing! Tour at Oran Mor on Monday in Glasgow, Scotland. December 10 band members cut a cool figure in oversized T-shirts and jeans as they took to the stage to perform for their new fans. It comes after Simon branded himself 'the most talentless person in the world'. The music mogul made the extraordinary confession during a Q&A at London's Ham Yard Hotel, held following a special screening ahead of the new series of Britain's Got Talent, when he was asked what his talent would be if he were auditioning for the show himself. 'I was lucky actually, very early on, I realised honestly I have no talent whatsoever,' he said. 'You know when I see this stuff it's like I couldn't do that. 'Actually being the most talentless person in the world.' To the public, Kaye Adams is the whip-smart, straight-talking broadcaster who is not afraid to speak her mind on-air and will brush off any backlash. But the latest barbs thrown the 63-year-old Loose Women presenters way seem to have found their target. Last week, it was revealed shed been permanently axed from her 155,000-per-year BBC Radio Scotland job after three misconduct complaints were upheld against her. One alleged incident, where Kaye is said to have used an offensive word against a colleague, is believed to have taken place more than a decade ago and resulted in the person refusing to work on the show that day. In another alleged incident, the presenter is said to have thrown a pen in frustration at an element of the days news schedule. Both claims have been denied by Kayes lawyers. All grist for the mill, some might say, in the fast-paced and often passionate world of daily news broadcasting one I was fortunate enough to witness first-hand, when I worked alongside Kaye and her team on her BBC radio show as a researcher for six months back in 2022. Like many others, I was shocked when I learned my old boss had been unceremoniously dumped from the show, after 15 years, on October 7 last year and saddened again when the Corporation confirmed she would not be returning. But did I recognise the picture of the foul-mouthed aggressive bully, whod allegedly shouted and sworn at people, leaving them humiliated and distressed, as painted by complainants in the BBC witch hunt? No I did not. I was shocked when I learned my old boss had been unceremoniously dumped from her BBC Radio Scotland job last year, writes Codie Bullen Kaye Adams on Loose Women with (from left to right) Nadia Sawalha, Jane Moore and Rose Ayling-Ellis Ive witnessed first-hand how passionate she is about the show, getting things right and putting her point across. But I also saw a softer side to her, a woman with good manners, who always had time for the junior members of the team like me. And Im not alone in my high opinion of Kaye: sources close to her have blasted her sacking as sexist and a stitch-up that didnt make sense as she had worked at the BBC for 15 years without issue. Our paths crossed in July 2021, while I was studying for a degree in journalism in Edinburgh, and secured some work experience on Kayes show. After a successful few shifts shadowing the team, I was offered paid freelance work as a researcher, at the offices in BBC Pacific Quay, in Glasgow. My job was to work behind the scenes to check facts, draft scripts, and manage logistics, ensuring content was accurate, engaging, and ready for broadcast. We would also book guests for the show and prepare questions for Kaye to ask them when live on-air. The three-hour radio phone-in was called Mornings with Kaye, which she presented several times a week, and has done so since 2010. From day one, I felt welcomed by the producers and fellow researchers. Everyone was friendly and seemed to get along well. When my boss introduced me to Kaye, I was nervous and had no idea what to expect. After all, she does come across as someone who takes no nonsense on TV. But it was a pleasant interaction, albeit short. Being the most junior member of the team, Id often pick her up a coffee from the canteen, and I always got a thank you. There were no outrageous rider requests or hissy fits about her milk being not frothy enough, or anything like that, as you sometimes get from other big BBC names. We even found we had some common ground: Kayes family are from a small Scottish village called Slamannan, where I grew up, while some of her family are from the next village over, Limerigg, where I went to primary school. Kaye grew up in Grangemouth, Falkirk. Kaye is, of course, well known across Scotland, and when I told people that I worked on her BBC show, they would always ask, What is she like in real life? Is she as stern in person? My answer is, Kaye is actually softer than she comes across. As someone whos worked with her for many years commented: Kaye comes across tough on TV, but in reality, shes soft and will be very upset about being taken off air permanently. That show meant a lot to her. Despite being a huge presenter now, Kaye has never forgotten where she came from. This will feel like a huge blow to her 40-year career. I can see how she might have butted heads with colleagues over the years. It can be a stressful environment, particularly when things go wrong. There were no outrageous rider requests or hissy fits about Adams's milk being not frothy enough, or anything like that, as you sometimes get from other big BBC names And shes not overly chatty. She would always make it known if she didnt agree with a segment, after all, it would be her discussing it on-air. But she was never aggressive or abusive. Shes very good at coming in and getting the job done then shooting off again (probably on to Loose Women). Insiders claim Victoria Easton Riley, Radio Scotlands head of audio and events, became concerned about Adamss conduct during a meeting last year. She then started talking to other members of staff whod worked with her over the years. Last year, the BBC published its Workplace Culture Review, looking at improving its whistleblower systems, following high profile cases such as Huw Edwards and Gregg Wallace, and the scandal-hit Strictly Come Dancing, where complainants had claimed they were not taken seriously, or felt their cases were swept under the carpet. When asked about the investigation into Kaye, a BBC Scotland spokesman said: We do not comment on individuals. However, he added: With regard to the presentation line-up on Mornings With, Kaye Adams will not be returning to this role. After she was suspended, a representative for Kaye strongly denied the allegation that any complaints ever came through about her. Kaye later added: After three of the most distressing weeks of my professional life and seeing my previously untarnished name publicly dragged through the mud, BBC Scotland has still not provided me with any details of the allegations which have been made against me. She has now been permanently replaced by broadcaster and DJ Grant Stott, 58, with stand-in host Connie McLaughlin, 40, continuing in the role for the immediate future. Kaye is still a regular panellist and presenter on ITVs Loose Women, which previously said it was standing by her. This week, she has appeared on the programme as usual, with no mention of her BBC Scotland travails at all. Many of her fellow presenters have come out in support since her suspension, including Denise Welch and Nadia Sawalha. She also hosts a weekly podcast, How To Be 60, with Karen MacKenzie where she has spoken about the stress she has been under during the BBC probe. Emotionally breaking her silence, she told Karen how she was gathering herself and deciding her next move, for both her and her family: Its difficult, isnt it? You know what I mean. Its been a brutal five months, theres no doubt about it.' She continued: Obviously some people will be aware of whats been going on in terms of me leaving the radio and stuff. Im torn between not wanting to appear to ignore things, but also I just dont see a lot of point in saying much at this time, and this is a time to process things, try and get life back on track, try and get my mental health back on track, try and get my eating back on track, my sleeping back on track, and just my life back on track. After the financial hit, Kaye has revealed her plans to downsize her 1million Glasgow property, where she lives with her partner Ian Campbell and her two daughters Charly, whos 24, and 19-year-old Bonnie. Youre the mum, youre the adult, its your job to look after them. I, as you know, do everything I can to look after them, but I am just so proud of... Im so thankful to them, she said on her podcast while fighting back tears. In recent days, Kaye also revealed she suffered a throat cancer scare after discovering a lump in her neck. She has reassured fans that the lump was fine and shes been advised to keep an eye on it. I do feel sad for Kaye, but having witnessed her resilience and dedication first-hand, I know this wont be the end of the road for her career. Isla Fisher looked stunning in a quirky pencil skirt as she joined chic Nicky Hilton at designer Nina Ricci's Paris Fashion Week show on Friday. The actress, 50, cut a stylish figure at the star-studded event, pairing her elegant ensemble with a ruffled black jacket. Nicky looked effortlessly chic in a black and white polka dot dress which featured a ruched waist design. The socialite, 42, completed her classy outfit with a pair of towering black heels and black-tinted sunglasses. Georgia Fowler oozed elegance as she wore a very low-cut structured blazer and tailored black trousers. Blanca Arimany sent pulses racing in a black silky dress which featured lace panelling across her chest and thighs. Isla Fisher, 50, (pictured) looked stunning in a quirky pencil skirt as she joined chic Nicky Hilton at designer Nina Ricci's Paris Fashion Week show on Friday Nicky, 42, looked effortlessly chic in a black and white polka dot dress which featured a ruched waist design Pritika Swarup turned heads at the fashion show in a white cropped top and matching flared trousers. Putting on a leggy display, Rainey Qualley arrived in a classic little black dress, which she paired with black sling-back heels. Meanwhile, Toni Garrn commanded attention in a black and white polka dot shirt and silk skirt. Isla's outing comes after she admitted she has had 'a really challenging' time after her split from husband Sacha Baron Cohen. She starred in a sizzling shoot for NewBeauty in 2025 and in the accompanying interview, she reveals how she has spent the past year rebuilding her 'sense of self' post-divorce. Isla and Sacha mutually announced the end of their 14-year marriage at the end of 2023 with the divorce finalised this past June. The actress, who shares three children with her ex, has revealed how she has spent the two years since the split focusing on work and herself. Sacha's approach to single life though, has so far been in stark contrast to Isla's. The actress cut a stylish figure at the star-studded event, pairing her elegant ensemble with a ruffled black jacket Georgia Fowler stunned as she wore a very low-cut structured blazer and tailored black trousers Blanca Arimany sent pulses racing in a black silky dress which featured racy lace panelling across her chest and thighs Pritika Swarup turned heads at the fashion show in a white cropped top and matching flared trousers Putting on a leggy display, Rainey Qualley arrived in a classic little black dress, which she paired with black sling-back heels Meanwhile, Toni Garrn commanded attention in a black-and-white polka-dot shirt and silk skirt Kelly Piquet looked sensational as she arrived in a black, off-the-shoulder, sheer dress and a pair of sheer black heels Only three months after the exes confirmed their divorce was complete, it was reported the Borat star, 54, had moved on with a younger model - Hannah Palmer, 27. Speaking to NewBeauty, Isla acknowledged 'it has been a really challenging time. I definitely feel like there's something about the divorce club that anyone in it understands in a way other people don't. It's a different grief.' Switching to a more uplifting outlook, Isla added: 'I feel like creating a new identity after your divorce is so fun, though. You get to reflect on your values and goals, explore new interests, focus on what you want and rebuild your sense of self.' She explained that she's enjoying having the headspace and time to focus on herself. ''It's a lot like that, reconnecting to maybe passions you had when you were a kid, but they fell by the wayside when you were raising a family.' 'All the relationships that you have in your life that were not necessarily the forefront of the way that you spend your time, because you're married. Those relationships that are so supportive and brilliant and often really, really old get to retake center stage. I think that's a really exciting thing.' 'There are lots of positives that have come about from all thislike self-exploration and just trying to be kind to myself. I can just give myself grace whenever I like. That's all I'm trying to do.' Yellowstone veteran Jennifer Landon - who is the daughter of the late Little House On The Prairie star Michael Landon - is now on Grey's Anatomy. She took to Instagram this week to rave about how much she loves the role. 'Im a lil late to the party, but I hope you guys enjoyed meeting Dr. Toni Wright as much as I enjoyed shooting it,' she said of her show. 'Learning all of the medical stuff from real doctors and nurses has been .' She shared photos from the set that gave fans a clue as to how they do the special effects. Landon played foul-mouthed, pink-haired Teeter on the smash hit series Yellowstone. Yellowstone veteran Jennifer Landon - who is the daughter of the late Little House On The Prairie star Michael Landon - is now on Grey's Anatomy Her west Texas accent was so thick she is comically difficult to comprehend at times, much to the amusement of Cole Hauser's strongman Rip Wheeler Her West Texas accent was so thick she was comically difficult to comprehend at times, much to the amusement of Cole Hauser's strongman Rip Wheeler. But in real life, Jennifer is far from a West Texas wildcat. The actress is actually from Malibu, is from a Hollywood acting family and grew up around TV sets, even acting as a child on a popular show. Her father, Michael, was often filming Little House On The Prairie when she was tiny. Michael died in 1991 at the age of 54. He played Charles Ingalls on Little House On The Prairie from 1974 until 1983. After that, Michael starred on another hit series, Highway To Heaven, from 1984 until 1989. Jennifer appeared as a young child on that series with her father. Jennifer's mother, Cindy Landon, also worked on Little House On The Prairie: she was a makeup artist on set. She took to Instagram this week to rave about how much she loves the role 'Im a lil late to the party, but I hope you guys enjoyed meeting Dr. Toni Wright as much as I enjoyed shooting it,' she said of her show. 'Learning all of the medical stuff from real doctors and nurses has been ' Michael and Cindy were married from 1983 until 1991. Michael divorced his second wife, Lynn Noe, and married Cindy in Malibu in February 1983. Cindy was pregnant with Jennifer at the time. They welcomed a son, Sean, in 1986. Before Michael met Cindy, he was married twice. His first marriage was to Dodie Levy-Fraser, and he adopted her son, then they had a son of their own. He had five kids with Lynn. Landon attends the Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 premiere at Museum of Modern Art in 2024 in New York City The actress is actually from Malibu, is from a Hollywood family and grew up around TV sets, even acting as a child on a popular show That is because she is the daughter of Little House on The Prairie star Michael Landon; seen with his costars on season three 'It is devastating beyond comprehension to lose a parent, especially at an early age,' she told the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. 'When dad was fighting the disease, Sean was too young to understand. I understood more; I knew if he was doing well or not well on any given day.' She added, 'When he passed away, I suddenly saw things differently and questioned everything. 'Even today, I question rules and structure. I can't say how much his death has affected me, but I know it's a significant part of the fabric of who I am.' Jennifer has acted for many years. She is also known for her role as Gwen Norbeck Munson in the CBS soap opera As the World Turns. Seen with Ryan Bingham and Ian Bohen on season 5B of Yellowstone Landon played dual roles on As the World Turns: her regular character, Gwen Norbeck Munson, and a lookalike named Cleo Babbitt. Landon left the show in 2008. Jennifer won three Daytime Emmys for her work. She has also appeared on House in 2011, Chicago Med in 2017, The Resident in 2018 and The Orville in 2019. Landon played Sarah Allen from 2021 to 2022 on FBI: Most Wanted. Victoria Beckham thanked her family for 'always being there to support her' following their united appearance at her Paris Fashion Week show on Friday. Sharing a series of snaps from the star-studded event on Instagram that evening, the fashion designer, 51, penned: 'Thank you for always being there to support me. I love you all so much xxx.' Victoria was supported by her husband David, children Romeo, 23, Cruz, 21, and Harper, 14, as well as Cruz's girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30. Estranged son Brooklyn, 27, was a no show as he continues to isolate himself from family festivities. The Spice Girl showcased her Fall/Winter 2026 women's ready-to-wear looks to a star-studded crowd, including her beloved family. Ahead of Friday's show, Victoria's husband David was seen making his way into the venue for the show, closely followed by their children Romeo, Cruz and Harper. David looked dapper for the occasion in a black suit with a gold chain, while middle son Romeo opted for a pair of brown cargo pants and a leather jacket. Cruz was seen wearing a vibrant purple and orange crochet cardigan, with Harper in a black cape gown, likely from her mother's range. Victoria Beckham, 51, thanked her family for 'always being there to support her' following their united appearance at her Paris Fashion Week show on Friday Victoria was supported by her husband David and children Romeo, Cruz and Harper as well as Cruz's girlfriend Jackie Apostel Sharing a sweet family snap from the show, Victoria captioned the post: 'Thank you for always being there to support me. I love you all so much xxx' Ahead of Friday's show, Victoria's husband David was seen making his way into the venue for the show, closely followed by their children Romeo, Cruz and Harper Jackie looked incredibly elegant wearing a stunning mint green satin Victoria Beckham gown. American actress Nina Dobrev was among the stars to make an appearance as she wore a sheer black top with high-waisted barrel-leg trousers and a leather jacket. German actress Diane Kruger was seen arriving for the show in Paris as she donned a cream asymmetric dress featuring a lace cut-out bodice. Meanwhile model Caroline Daur, who was rumoured to have dated Romeo briefly, put on a striking display in a bright red satin gown featuring a ruched design. Victoria showcased her credentials in an impeccably chic ensemble as she arrived in Paris ahead of the show on Monday. She paired a 1,600 bright red turtleneck sweater from her own line with a pair of her Alina trousers, which retail for 475, for her stroll to her Paris atelier. She accessorised with a covetable Hermes Kelly 35 limited edition teddy shearling bag, which can sell for as much as 68,000. Victoria arrived in Paris with her team this week, putting the finishing touches on her latest collection ahead of Friday's showcase. Victoria traditionally turns her runway shows into family celebrations, but once again her eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz were missing from the event. Brooklyn, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Wednesday, released a bombshell statement in January, cutting all ties with his parents. Now based permanently in the United States with his wife - the daughter of billionaire businessman and investor Nelson Peltz - Brooklyn recently outlined his desire to distance himself from his family in a six-page Instagram statement, filled with lurid allegations. Over the past year Brooklyn has skipped multiple family events, including his dad's 50th birthday, Victoria's 51st, David's knighthood and most recently his brother Cruz's 21st celebrations. Cruz, who is currently on tour with his band playing to sold-out crowds around the UK, took some time out to support his beloved mother. The Spice Girl showcased her Fall/Winter 2026 women's ready-to-wear looks to a star-studded crowd, including her beloved family David was beaming with pride as he arrived to support his wife at the fashion show in Paris David and Victoria's only daughter Harper was seen wearing one of her mum's designs Jackie looked incredibly elegant wearing a stunning mint green satin Victoria Beckham gown Ahead of Friday's show, Victoria's husband David was seen making his way into the venue for the show, closely followed by Romeo, Cruz and Harper Cruz was seen greeting his mum as the family arrived at the venue on Friday The family posed for photos before the catwalk kicked off The family were seen posing for snaps together on arrival as they prepared to take their seats Victoria's estranged son Brooklyn was a no show as he continues to isolate himself from family festivities (Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz pictured on his birthday this week) Actress Nina Dobrev was among the stars to make an appearance as she wore a sheer black top with high-waisted barrel-leg trousers and a leather jacket A model is seen presenting a Victoria Beckham creation featuring a striped shirt and trench coat German actress Diane Kruger was seen arriving for the show in Paris as she donned a cream asymmetric dress featuring a lace cut-out bodice Diane was beaming as she posed for snaps in her Jacquard print gown, with her blonde hair slicked back in a wet look German model Caroline Daur, who was rumoured to have dated Romeo briefly, put on a striking display in a bright red satin gown featuring a ruched design Caroline paired the red dress with black leather slingback heels and a handbag, with her blonde locks tucked behind her ears Victoria's Secret model Georgia Fowler meanwhile stunned in a brown leather skintight wrap dress with tweed trousers underneath Also in attendance was German blogger and influencer Leonie Hanne, who cut a striking figure in a burgundy gown with a slit knee-high split Elsewhere fashion model and businesswoman Pritika Swarup looked picture perfect in an elegant white dress and nude stilettos, adding a gold clutch bag to her glamorous look Models walk down the runway at the Victoria Beckham ready-to-wear collection show Later on, Diane added a stylish plum jacket as she departed the runway event Romeo meanwhile has been busy carving out his own fashion career, walking the runway for Burberry during London Fashion Week last month. Victoria is back in Paris after being named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in a prestigious January ceremony in the city. Proving her star power, it was not only Victoria's family who turned out in support; Vogue icons Anna Wintour and Edward Enninful, alongside model Helena Christensen, also made an appearance at the Salon Jerome and Salon des Marechaux. Other members of the clan in attendance at the champagne-soaked bash included Romeo, his girlfriend Kim Turnbull, 24, Cruz's girlfriend Jackie and the youngest Beckham and only girl, Harper. Paris Fashion Week runs from March 2 to March 10. Among the other highlights is Antonin Tron at Balmain, who presented his first collection for the heritage house on March 4. Another standout moment will be Pieter Mulier's final show at Alaia before he takes on the role of chief creative officer of Versace in July. All the major houses will showcase including Balenciaga on March 7, Jean Paul Gaultier on March 8, and Chanel on March 9. Overall 67 ready-to-wear shows and 31 presentations will feature over the week with the Institut Francais de la Mode (IFM) show kicking off the official schedule as per tradition. On Tuesday Paris's famous site the Louvre hosted its second fundraising dinner, dubbed Le Grand Diner du Louvre, to support the museums activities. Madonna has modeled a bridal look complete with lace gloves and a delicate veil for the new Dolce & Gabbana campaign. The outfit seems to be a nod to her 1984 music video for Like A Virgin where she wore a sexy wedding dress. Her figure looked fantastic as she wore a corseted top with a sweetheart neckline and lace underwear as she added fishnet stockings and white pumps. The color images were shared to Instagram on Friday just a day after the black-and-white D&G commercial of bride Madonna was uploaded. 'LA BAMBOLA ... ,' the caption read, which literally translates to The Doll in Italian. In the clip, the icon sings in Italian to a small crowd. Madonna has served as the model for the 2025 and 2026 releases from the Italian design duo Dolce & Gabbana. Madonna has modeled a bridal look complete with lace gloves and a delicate veil for the new Dolce & Gabbana campaign The color images were shared to Instagram on Friday just a day after the black-and-white D&G commercial of bride Madonna was uploaded The outfit seems to be a nod to her 1984 music video for Like A Virgin where she wore a sexy wedding dress These ads come after Madonna made a star appearance in Dolce & Gabbana's front row during Milan Fashion Week on Saturday. To the backdrop of her hit 'You'll See,' Madonna and her boyfriend Akeem Morris were ushered to their seats next to Vogue's Anna Wintour just as the Fall-Winter 2026-27 show was about to begin. Other front row guests couldn't resist recording the moment as she hugged actor Alberto Guerra, with whom she recently shot a Dolce & Gabbana campaign. Madonna has been a Dolce & Gabbana icon since the 1990s, with key moments including wearing a bodice by the duo studded with colored stones and crystals for the 1991 New York preview of the film Truth Or Dare. The designers also created costumes for the Erotica tour in 1992 and the Drowned World Tour in 2001. Madonna last appeared at the Dolce & Gabbana showroom for the Spring-Summer 2025 collection, wearing a lace veil. This time, her infamous blonde locks were loose. She wore a black blazer over a dark minidress, with turquoise leather gloves giving the only color pop. 'LA BAMBOLA ... ,' the caption read, which literally translates to The Doll in Italian Madonna has served as the model for the 2026 releases from the Italian design duo Dolce & Gabbana Her figure looked fantastic as she wore a corseted top with lace underwear and fishnet stockings A generous view of her bottom was also shared In this image, she added a faux white fur coat Madonna has been married twice before to Sean Penn and Guy Ritchie Designer Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana's collection for next fall and winter featured transparent lace dresses and skirts reminiscent of Madonna's early aesthetic and big-shouldered pinstriped suits that recalled her Vogue music video. The collection also featured big faux furs and animal prints. Models gave a little twirl in front of Madonna and Wintour, making sure they caught the mirrored double-breasted suits with lapels on both the front and the back. Both style-makers wore dark sunglasses as they squatted in the low front-row seats, Madonna wrapping her arms around her legs. Attentive during the show, they privately exchanged impressions at the end. After the show, the designers walked down the runway to embrace the Queen of Pop and then whisked her backstage. Romeo Beckham's rumoured ex Caroline Daur attended his mum Victoria's catwalk show during Paris Fashion Week on Friday. The German model, 30, had all eyes on her as she wore a striking satin red gown from her collection. The blonde beauty showcased her toned physique in the skin-tight cherry red dress, featuring a ruched design which she accessorised with classy black stilettos and a matching leather bag. Giving a glamorous touch, Caroline added black square shades to her show-stopping outfit as she posed up a storm. Victoria was supported by her husband David and children Romeo, Cruz and Harper at her Paris Fashion Week show on Friday. The Spice Girl showcased her Fall/Winter 2026 women's ready-to-wear looks to a star-studded crowd, including her beloved family. Romeo Beckham's rumoured ex Caroline Daur, 30, attended his mum Victoria's catwalk show during P aris Fashion Week on Friday The German model had all eyes on her as she wore a striking satin red gown from her collection And ahead of Friday's show, Victoria's husband David was seen making his way into the venue for the show, closely followed by their children Romeo, Cruz and Harper. Victoria's estranged son Brooklyn was a no show as he continues to isolate himself from family festivities. David looked dapper for the occasion in a black suit with a gold chain, while middle son Romeo opted for a pair of brown cargo pants and a leather jacket. Cruz, 21, was seen wearing a vibrant purple and orange crochet cardigan, with 14-year-old Harper in a black cape gown, likely from her mother's range. Also in attendance was Cruz's girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30, who was seen wearing a stunning mint green satin Victoria Beckham gown. American actress Nina Dobrev was among the stars to make an appearance as she wore a sheer black top with high-waisted barrel-leg trousers and a leather jacket. German actress Diane Kruger was seen arriving for the show in Paris as she donned a cream asymmetric dress featuring a lace cut-out bodice. Victoria has arrived in Paris with her team, putting the finishing touches on her latest collection ahead of Friday's showcase. Join the debate What do you think Brooklyns absence says about the Beckham familys ongoing rift? The blonde beauty showcased her toned physique in the skin-tight cherry red dress, featuring a ruched design which she accessorised with classy black stilettos and a leather bag Finally giving a glamorous touch, Caroline added black square shades to her show-stopping outfit as she posed up a storm Victoria traditionally turns her runway shows into family celebrations, but once again her eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz will be missing from the event. Brooklyn, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Wednesday, released a bombshell statement in January, cutting all ties with his parents. Now based permanently in the United States with his wife - the daughter of billionaire businessman and investor Nelson Peltz - Brooklyn recently outlined his desire to distance himself from his family in a six page Instagram statement, filled with lurid allegations. Over the past year Brooklyn has skipped multiple family events, including his dad's 50th birthday, Victoria's 51st, David's knighthood and most recently his brother Cruz's 21st celebrations. Cruz, who is currently on tour with his band playing to sold out crowds around the UK, took some time out to support his beloved mother. Brooklyn Beckham has revealed one of the cheeky nicknames he calls his wife Nicola Peltz. On Wednesday, the estranged son of Sir David and Victoria Beckham celebrated his 27th birthday, with his wife Nicola, 31, throwing him a party. The actress shared a slew of loved-up snaps from the evening on Instagram, showing the couple packing on the PDA. In the post, Nicola flashed sideboob in a black halterneck gown as she posed for snaps puckering up to her husband. She captioned the post: 'last night was so special thank you to everyone who came and made it so perfect.' Nicola then appeared to make a jibe at the Beckhams - who are known for always professing their love for family members in their captions - as she finished off writing: 'we all love you so much brooklyn!' Brooklyn Beckham has revealed one of the cheeky nicknames he calls his wife Nicola Peltz On Wednesday, the estranged son of Sir David and Victoria Beckham celebrated his 27th birthday, with his wife Nicola, 31, who threw him a party and shared a slew of loved-up snaps from the evening Fans rushed to the comments section to share their birthday wishes for the aspiring chef. However, the post's most-liked comment came from Brooklyn himself, who sweetly wrote to his wife: 'My sexy little pepper xx' Fans rushed to the comments section to share their birthday wishes for the aspiring chef. However, the post's most-liked comment came from Brooklyn himself, who sweetly wrote to his wife: 'My sexy little pepper xx' The flirty remark racked up more than 300 likes, with fans replying to say how adorable they found the couple while also complimenting Nicola on her stylish look for the evening. One fan wrote: 'Agree! The third picture is smoking. Wow!'; while another added: 'best couple!!' It comes after Nicola offered a pointed response when she was questioned about the drama surrounding the Beckham family feud. The actress and Brooklyn have been embroiled in an ugly fallout with her husband's parents David and Victoria for months, with things coming to a head in January when Brooklyn posted an explosive statement about the row. Despite her husband proving he wasn't afraid to speak out, Nicola did not publicly comment on the feud at the time. However, in an interview this week the billionaire heiress was directly asked: 'Theres been a lot of public interest in your real life and relationship with husband Brooklyn Beckhams family. How have you navigated that attention?' Join the debate What do you make of Brooklyn Beckham's cheeky nickname for wife Nicola Peltz? It comes after Nicola offered a pointed response when she was questioned about the drama surrounding the Beckham family feud The actress and Brooklyn have been embroiled in an ugly feud with her husband's parents David and Victoria for months (pictured in 2024) Steering the chat firmly back to her upcoming movie, Nicola pointedly replied: 'Ive been editing my next film [Prima] for the past two and a half weeks. 'So honestly, Ive been in the editing room. We havent had weekends. Weve just been trying to make a deadline [for Cannes].' She added to The Hollywood Reporter: 'And its been so amazing to just put my focus on that and be creative. Its been really fun doing that, and Im really excited for it to come out.' Communication between the Beckham family has fallen apart so spectacularly that Brooklyn is said to have requested that any attempts from his family to communicate with him should be done through his lawyers. However, on Brooklyn's 27th birthday on Wednesday, his parents made sure to make it known that he was in their thoughts, sharing a slew of birthday tributes on Instagram. Sharing childhood photos of Brooklyn and tagging his wife Victoria, David used his childhood nickname for his son, Buster, as he wrote '27 today. Happy Birthday Bust. We love you x'. Minutes later Victoria shared the same photo and wrote 'happy birthday Brooklyn, we love you so much', before uploading a photo of herself laughing with her son with a string of love hearts. Romeo and Cruz also shared posts along with members of extended family. However, the posts are not said to have sat well with Brooklyn, with an insider telling ET that the aspiring chef wants to put an end to any attempt from his parents to contact him, including on social media, following their bitter falling out. A source told the publication: 'Brooklyn and Nicola are disheartened they chose to make public Instagram posts for his birthday. 'These are the exact type of performative public actions that Brooklyn has been trying to put an end to, to no avail. 'Last summer they issued a legal letter to his parents requesting that any correspondence go through lawyers.' Despite the report, Brooklyn's younger brother Cruz expressed his hopes of a reconciliation when he was asked about the fallout on Thursday while out in Paris with his girlfriend Jackie Apostel. On Brooklyn's 27th birthday, his parents made sure to make it known that he was in their thoughts, sharing a slew of tributes on Instagram (Pictured: Victoria's tribute) One post he did respond to was Nicola's after she shared a gushing birthday message to him with a notably pink-themed tribute to her Instagram grid The musician, 21, was quizzed by a reporter if he had a message for Brooklyn as he celebrated his 27th birthday this week. He simply replied: 'Happy Birthday.' When the TMZ reporter asked Cruz if he had spoken to him at all, he did not respond, though did say he 'hoped to' repair his fractured relationship with his sibling. Brooklyn failed to publicly reach out to Cruz on his milestone 21st birthday last week and snubbed his birthday message this week. One post he did respond to was Nicola's, after she shared a gushing birthday message to him with a notably pink-themed tribute to her Instagram grid. The American actress, who is taking on her most ambitious role yet as a ballerina in Prima, has been leaning into the traditional baby pink associated with the dance and its costume in her recent social media posts. And Brooklyn's birthday post did not veer from the pattern, as she treated her husband to pink doughnuts and flowers on the day. Brooklyn, who was apparently disheartened by his parents' 'performative' birthday tributes, was even fittingly dressed in a pale pink jumper to match the surroundings. In keeping with the theme, Nicola was also wearing a baby pink top to match, in a cosy picture she shared of herself and Brooklyn cuddled up on the day. Captioning the post, she wrote: 'Happy birthday baby... I hope all your dreams and wishes come true! you light up every room you walk into and anyone who knows you loves you... youre the most special human and I love being your wife. I love you I love you I love you.' Responding to her birthday tribute, he wrote: 'I love you baby girl.' Nicola appeared to have something special up her sleeve for Brooklyn, with the actress gifting him a box of twenty one iced doughnuts, individually shaped to read 'Happy Birthday Brooklyn'. The influencer was also confronted by a mountain of gifts, thoughtfully presented in Cloud 23 wrapping paper - a reference to his popular hot sauce brand, ironically named after his father's shirt number at Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy. Now based in the United States with his actress wife Nicola, Brooklyn recently outlined his desire to distance himself from his family in a six-page Instagram statement filled with lurid allegations. Addressing social media followers in January, he claimed his parents had tried to sabotage his marriage and have always prioritised public branding over their family relationships. 'For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family,' he wrote. 'The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into.' He added: 'Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they'll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always comes out.' Kanye West was spotted arriving at a courthouse in Los Angeles this Friday amid the ongoing lawsuit against him by his former employee Tony Saxon. One day earlier, West's wife Bianca Censori had been seen in an unusually conservative skirt and cardigan as she headed to court to testify in the case. Her sedate outfit stood in marked contrast to the flesh-flashing looks she typically wears, including a see-through dress with no underwear at last year's Grammys. Now West himself has been seen going to court - and like his wife one day earlier, he was dressed in an understated head-to-toe black ensemble. The 48-year-old rapper opted for a long raven leather coat over a matching suit, rounding off the look with a set of back dress shoes. He looked rather downcast as he arrived to court, his eyes occasionally gazing towards the ground. Saxon was hired in 2021 as a project manager to renovate Wests Malibu mansion and is alleging unpaid wages, hazardous working conditions, and wrongful termination. Kanye West was spotted arriving at a courthouse in Los Angeles this Friday amid the ongoing lawsuit against him by his former employee Tony Saxon One day earlier, West's wife Bianca Censori had been seen in an unusually conservative skirt and cardigan as she headed to court to testify in the case The legal dispute stems from an initial arrangement reached in September 2021, when West was planning a series of drastic renovations to an oceanfront Malibu mansion he purchased for more than $57 million. Saxon told the court in legal documents that, in fulfilling West's unique specifications, he provided multiple services. They included project management, property caretaker and security. Saxon said in legal documents that he spent up to 16 hours a day working on the remodel, and sometimes had to sleep on the ground with his coat to remain on schedule. Saxon said in his legal filing that things between him and the Runaway rapper went awry two months into the endeavor, in November 2021. The contractor told the court he voiced his opposition to a number of requests West made regarding the renovation of the home. Saxon said West ordered him to demolish the marble bathrooms and remove all plumbing, windows and electrical equipment. When West proposed moving large generators inside the house, Saxon told the court he informed West that it would create a major fire hazard. Saxon said in the suit that West, in response, threatened him and said he would be considered 'an enemy' if he did not fulfill his vision. Saxon was hired in 2021 as a project manager to renovate Wests Malibu mansion and is alleging unpaid wages, hazardous working conditions, and wrongful termination; (West and Censori in 2023) Plaintiff Tony Saxon seen entering the Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday Saxon said West told him, 'If you don't do what I say, you're not going to work for me, I'm not gonna be your friend anymore and you'll just see me on TV.' Saxon said in legal documents that he told West he did not watch TV and was promptly fired on the spot and told to 'get the hell out' of the home. Saxon claimed to the court that West only paid him for one week of work. He is suing West for a number of labor code violations, and more than $1 million in unpaid wages, and damages. In the lawsuit, Saxon said the rapper's vision for the home was to make it like 'a bomb shelter from the 1910s', according to NBC News. 'We were going to be gutting all of that out and sort of building him a Bat Cave,' Saxon said, adding the rapper told him he wanted a place he could 'hide from the Clintons in and the Kardashians in'. While Saxon believed the home was more of an 'art project,' he later came to realize West actually wanted to reside there. West 'wanted no electricity,' Saxon said. 'He only wanted plants. He only wanted candles. He only wanted battery lights. And he just wanted to have everything open and dark.' West denied all of the accusations in a November 2023 filing requesting that the lawsuit be dismissed. Join the debate Should celebrities be held accountable for the treatment of their employees during personal projects? The legal dispute stems from an initial arrangement reached in September 2021, when West was planning a series of drastic renovations to an oceanfront Malibu mansion he purchased for more than $57 million Lawyers for the rapper said he was not responsible for the damages Saxon claimed to have suffered and that Saxon performed tasks he was unaware of. In a series of 2024 photos of the home, disrepair was visible: the floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the ocean had been removed, leaving that side open to the elements. The inside of the house appeared to be crumbling and the metal railings were rusting after being exposed to the salt air, wind and water at the oceanfront location. West's Malibu neighbors in 2024 told TMZ his mansion was 'left to rot' and that they had not 'seen anyone around for many months.' Walmart is rolling out digital price labels in all of its stores, a high-tech shift the retail giant says will make operations faster and more efficient. But the move has already sparked unease among some shoppers who fear the technology could pave the way for 'surge pricing.' With a total of 4,600 stores across the US, the company said the digital labels are already installed in more than 2,300 locations - and it expects to complete the job over the next year. Walmart insists the system will actually make prices clearer and more consistent for customers because they will be managed through a centralized system. Still, the technology has raised eyebrows. Because digital price tags can be updated instantly, critics worry retailers could theoretically raise prices during periods of peak demand - similar to airline tickets or ride-sharing fares. Major retailers, including Walmart, deny using the technology for demand-based price hikes. And research suggests those fears may be overblown. A 2025 study conducted by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, University of California, San Diego and Northwestern University examined five years of pricing data from a major grocery chain that introduced digital shelf labels in 2022. Walmart is rolling out digital price labels across all of its stores - a high-tech shift the retail giant says will make operations faster and more efficient They found no evidence the store engaged in surge pricing after installing the labels. Temporary price hikes were already rare before the change - affecting just 0.005 percent of products per day - and increased by only 0.0006 percentage points afterward. If anything, researchers noticed a slight increase in discounts after the digital labels were rolled out. Retail analyst Neil Saunders of GlobalData said the shift is far more about cutting costs than raising prices. 'Walmart's move is about improving efficiency and reducing costs. Manually changing shelf-edge prices across all their stores is a huge task. If they can automate it, they save money,' he told the Daily Mail. 'Given that Walmart's brand promise is focused on low and honest prices, I very much doubt they are going to use the tool to implement things like price hikes. That would destroy customer loyalty.' Still, not everyone is convinced. Some shoppers say the new tags are harder to read - while others claim the screens frequently malfunction. In a Reddit thread devoted to Walmart's digital price labels, customers vented their frustrations. The company, which operates roughly 2,300 stores across the US, said it expects the digital shelf labels to be installed chain-wide within the next year Walmart insists the system will actually make prices clearer and more consistent for customers because they will be managed through a centralized system 'We got ours in April or May ... many of them are already broken or just blank, or the black backing strip has been knocked off and discarded so there are no tags,' one commenter wrote. 'They're hard to read - the glare on them is awful.' Another shopper agreed bluntly: 'I hate them. The numbers are so tiny.' A Walmart employee chimed in, revealing how grueling the rollout was behind the scenes. 'They're okay. But I was part of the overnight team to set them up and we were NOT prepared,' the worker wrote. 'We ended up with an eight- or nine-person team to do the whole store on our own. After the two leads left we probably had six people for the last two weeks. So painful.' 'We had to figure out a lot of things on our own. People didn't know how to set things to the mod and it was frustrating. But I like the 'find item' button for the green lights.' In the long term, Walmart says the digital shelf labels will do more than just speed up price changes. The company says the system will help reduce paper waste, minimize pricing errors and remove friction from everyday tasks - while keeping shelf prices transparent and consistent for customers. Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:BCAUY Get Free Report) shot up 2.2% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $4.80 and last traded at $4.60. 2,100 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 64% from the average session volume of 5,787 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.50. Brilliance China Automotive Price Performance The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $4.60 and a 200-day moving average price of $4.60. Get Brilliance China Automotive alerts: Brilliance China Automotive Company Profile (Get Free Report) Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Limited, also known as Brilliance Auto, is a leading Chinese automaker headquartered in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. Established in 1992, the company focuses on the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, and sale of passenger vehicles and automotive components. Its product line includes compact and mid-size sedans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), and minivans under its own brands. A cornerstone of Brilliance China Automotives operations is its long-standing joint venture with BMW Group, BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., which produces and distributes BMW 3 Series and 5 Series models for the Chinese market. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brilliance China Automotive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brilliance China Automotive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. OppFi (NYSE:OPFI Get Free Report) and Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE:FIS Get Free Report) are both business services companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, dividends, risk, valuation, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership. Insider and Institutional Ownership 7.1% of OppFi shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 96.2% of Fidelity National Information Services shares are held by institutional investors. 72.0% of OppFi shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.2% of Fidelity National Information Services shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get OppFi alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for OppFi and Fidelity National Information Services, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score OppFi 1 2 1 0 2.00 Fidelity National Information Services 2 7 13 0 2.50 Earnings and Valuation OppFi presently has a consensus target price of $13.67, suggesting a potential upside of 48.07%. Fidelity National Information Services has a consensus target price of $69.85, suggesting a potential upside of 38.23%. Given OppFis higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe OppFi is more favorable than Fidelity National Information Services. This table compares OppFi and Fidelity National Information Servicess top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio OppFi $525.96 million 1.52 $7.26 million ($0.75) -12.31 Fidelity National Information Services $10.68 billion 2.43 $382.00 million $0.73 69.22 Fidelity National Information Services has higher revenue and earnings than OppFi. OppFi is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Fidelity National Information Services, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Risk & Volatility OppFi has a beta of 1.73, indicating that its share price is 73% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Fidelity National Information Services has a beta of 0.9, indicating that its share price is 10% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares OppFi and Fidelity National Information Services net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets OppFi 0.68% 55.59% 20.07% Fidelity National Information Services 3.58% 21.21% 9.11% Summary Fidelity National Information Services beats OppFi on 9 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About OppFi (Get Free Report) OppFi Inc. operates a cialty finance platform that allows banks to offer credit access. Its platform facilitates the OppLoans, an installment loan product; SalaryTap, a payroll deduction secured installment loan product; and OppFi Card, a credit card product. OppFi Inc. was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. About Fidelity National Information Services (Get Free Report) Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. engages in the provision of financial services technology solutions for financial institutions, businesses, and developers worldwide. It operates through Banking Solutions, Capital Market Solutions, and Corporate and Other segments. The company provides core processing and ancillary applications; mobile and online banking; fraud, risk management, and compliance; card and retail payment; electronic funds transfer and network; wealth and retirement; and item processing and output solutions. It also offers trading and asset, lending, leveraged and syndicated loan markets, and treasury and risk solutions. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. Receive News & Ratings for OppFi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OppFi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gran Tierra Energy (TSE:GTE) executives highlighted a series of balance sheet actions, a new international expansion initiative, and sharply higher 2025 production during the companys conference call covering fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results. Get alerts: Management said the company recently successfully executed an exchange of its 9.5% senior secured amortizing notes due 2029, with approximately 88% participation. Chief Financial Officer Ryan Ellson said the exchange, combined with an amended and expanded prepayment agreement and the companys recent Simonette disposition, positions Gran Tierra with meaningfully enhanced liquidity entering 2026 and a stronger balance sheet. Debt actions and liquidity updates Ellson said Gran Tierra amended and expanded its existing prepayment agreement after year-end, adding up to $175 million of incremental capacity plus a $25 million accordion. He described the prepayment agreement as the primary liquidity source supporting the 2029 notes exchange. At the same time, the company terminated its Colombia credit facility while keeping a CAD 75 million facility in place. With an improved maturity profile, Ellson said the company can shift away from near-term refinancing needs toward disciplined, opportunistic debt reduction, including bond buybacks at discounts, while still investing in high-return development opportunities. During 2025, Gran Tierra bought back $21.3 million face value of its 2029 senior notes. On the call, management emphasized that debt reduction remains the priority in capital allocation decisions. In response to a question about share buybacks versus debt reduction, management noted a covenant structure tied to the recent exchange: any restricted payments would require a 2-to-1 ratio of debt reduction versus share repurchases. 2025 financial results: loss driven by non-cash impairment For 2025, Gran Tierra reported a net loss of $193 million, or $5.45 per share, which included $136 million of non-cash ceiling test impairment losses. That compared with net income of $3.2 million, or $0.10 per share, in 2024. Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was $284 million, down 23% from $367 million in 2024. Funds flow from operations totaled $178 million, or $5.02 per share, versus $225 million in 2024, which management attributed to lower Brent prices year over year. Net cash provided by operating activities was $313 million, up 31% from $239 million in 2024. Cash and cash equivalents were $83 million at Dec. 31, 2025, compared with $103 million a year earlier. Ellson also noted the companys CAD 75 million Can-Can facility was fully undrawn. Net oil and gas sales were $597 million for the year, down 4% from 2024. Capital expenditures increased slightly to $256 million, up $8 million, as the company drilled more wells across Colombia, Ecuador, and Canada. Total operating expenses rose to $249 million from $202 million, though operating expenses per BOE decreased 6% to $15.17. Ellson said the increase in total operating expenses was driven by higher Ecuador operating costs related to a production ramp-up and a full-year contribution from the Can-Can operations. Hedging and near-term price exposure Management detailed how sales are priced across regions in response to an analyst question on near-term price exposure: In Colombia, pricing is based on the monthly average Brent price. In Ecuador, pricing is M minus one, meaning the month of lifting is priced using the prior month. In Canada, pricing is based on the monthly average WTI. On hedging, Ellson said oil volumes are about 50% hedged across 2026 using three-ways, collars, and puts, with an average floor around $60. In Q&A, management added that the average ceiling price is about $74. For natural gas, the company has AECO swaps averaging 14,200 GJ per day at about $2.77 per GJ for 2026. Ellson said Gran Tierra has started adding some hedges into the first quarter of 2027, but noted the futures curve is steeply backwardated. He said the company may add some shorter-term options, potentially increasing hedge coverage above 50% through puts in the coming months. Operations, reserves, and production growth Chief Operating Officer Sebastien Morin reviewed year-end reserves that were evaluated by McDaniel and announced Jan. 28, 2026. Gran Tierra reported: 142 million BOE of 1P reserves 258 million BOE of 2P reserves 329 million BOE of 3P reserves Morin said South America delivered greater than 100% reserve replacement on both a proved developed producing (PDP) and 2P basis, driven by exploration success and asset performance. He provided South American replacement metrics of 101% for PDP, 61% for 1P, and 105% for 2P. In Canada, Morin said certain natural gas reserves were reclassified to contingent resources due to low gas prices under reserve booking standards. He emphasized that Gran Tierra can reallocate capital toward quick-payout gas development if prices improve, and cited long-term demand tailwinds from LNG expansion and power generation growth. He also referenced approximately 0.3 TCF of unrisked 3P contingent resources in the Glauconitic formation and 0.4 TCF of 3P gas reserves across Canadian assets. Morin said the companys diversification increased with Canadian operations fully integrated. He said about 18% of production, 19% of 1P reserves, and 22% of 2P reserves are attributable to natural gas, while Canada represents 39% of 1P and 44% of 2P reserves. Gran Tierras 2025 average working interest production was 45,709 barrels per day, up 32% from 2024. Morin attributed the increase to exploration and drilling results in Ecuador and a full year of Canadian production, partially offset by lower production in southern Colombia and Ecuador due to two major export pipeline disruptions. He said the Moqueta field was shut in during the third quarter of 2025 due to trunkline repairs. Operationally, Morin highlighted the Raju-2 well on the Suroriente Block, targeting the northern extent of the Cohembi field. The well is producing about 790 barrels of oil per day with less than 1% water cut, which he said is ahead of initial expectations. Morin added that the result supports northern development potential and advances the Suroriente capital carry commitment, expected to be completed by mid-2026. Azerbaijan entry and 2026 outlook themes Ellson said the company is very pleased to announce its entry into Azerbaijan, calling it a capital-efficient addition to the portfolio. He said Gran Tierra is partnering with SOCAR and views the entry as scaled exposure to a stable jurisdiction with established infrastructure and a long production history, with strategic potential tied to supplying European energy markets. In Q&A, management said it is still waiting for the production sharing contract to be ratified, and that capital guidance for Azerbaijan is expected to relate primarily to 2027 and beyond, with some capital likely in 2026. Management also reiterated its focus on free cash flow and deleveraging. In response to a question about targets, the company said it is targeting net debt to EBITDA of 1x by 2028, contingent on commodity prices. On operating costs, management said a forecast reduction in 2026 operating expenses reflects structural changes, including savings in Canada following the i3 integration and efforts in Ecuador to move from diesel to gas-to-power as development progresses. Gran Tierra said it will revise guidance after closing a pending transaction referenced during the call, which management indicated could close within the next week or two and has an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026. Management described the impact as not material. About Gran Tierra Energy (TSE:GTE) Gran Tierra Energy Inc is an independent energy company. It is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and gas properties in proven, under-explored hydrocarbon basins that have access to established infrastructure. The firm produces primarily light crude oil, supplemented with medium crude and natural gas. Gran Tierra holds interests in producing and prospective properties in Colombia and prospective properties in Ecuador. The company has a strategy that focuses on establishing a portfolio of producing properties, plus production enhancement and exploration opportunities to provide a base for future growth. Read More Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:IITSF Get Free Report) shares crossed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $6.68 and traded as low as $6.13. Intesa Sanpaolo shares last traded at $6.26, with a volume of 36,428 shares trading hands. Intesa Sanpaolo Trading Down 1.8% The businesss fifty day moving average is $6.96 and its 200 day moving average is $6.68. Get Intesa Sanpaolo alerts: About Intesa Sanpaolo (Get Free Report) Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A. is an Italian banking group that provides a wide range of financial products and services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. Its main activities include traditional retail banking, corporate lending, wealth management, asset management and insurance solutions. The group operates through a network of branches, digital channels and specialized subsidiaries to serve the banking, investment and insurance needs of individuals and businesses. The origins of Intesa Sanpaolo date back to the early 19th century through predecessor institutions such as Banca Commerciale Italiana and Istituto Bancario San Paolo di Torino. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Intesa Sanpaolo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intesa Sanpaolo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Metro Bank (LON:MTRO) reported what management described as its strongest performance to date in fiscal year 2025, highlighting record profitability, revenue, net interest income and net interest margin, alongside cost reductions and strengthening capital ratios. Get alerts: Record underlying profit and revenue, with NIM expansion despite rate cuts Chief executive Daniel Frumkin said the bank generated 98 million of underlying profit in 2025, calling it the highest in Metro Banks history. He also pointed to record revenue, net interest income (NII), and net interest margin (NIM). The bank reported an, which Frumkin said was towards the upper end of prior guidance. CFO Marc Page added that the combination of lower deposit costs and an asset rotation strategy helped lift margins even as the Bank of England base rate declined by. Page said revenue increasedto Management attributed the performance primarily to: 22% growth in NII driven by lower deposit costs and higher lending yields driven by lower deposit costs and higher lending yields 16% revenue growth , which Frumkin said was the highest among U.K. banks that have reported so far , which Frumkin said was the highest among U.K. banks that have reported so far 7% cost reduction, ahead of the banks guidance Frumkin said the banks return on tangible equity (RoTE) was 6.4% for 2025, in line with guidance, and that widening jaws from rising revenue and lower costs helped reduce the cost-income ratio. Deposit costs and current account growth framed as a funding advantage A key theme of the call was Metro Banks funding position. Frumkin said the bank had the lowest funding costs of any high street bank, with an exit cost of deposits of 94 basis points. Page said deposit costs have fallen by more than 100 basis points over the past two years, driven by a mix shift away from expensive fixed-term deposits and growth in current accounts. Page said Metro reduced the share of expensive fixed-term deposits from 15% to 7% of the deposit mix as excess liquidity ran off. He also said the bank opened more than 100,000 new current accounts in 2025 (Frumkin later cited 110,000), and that current account non-interest-bearing balances now account for 44% of total deposits, which he said is more than twice the average of market peers. Asked about deposit pricing and the ability to sustain low deposit costs if deposit growth accelerates, Frumkin argued Metros advantage comes from transactional banking and serviceparticularly in current accounts. He said current accounts grew 3% in the second half of 2025 and that management is pretty confident in the banks ability to keep growing its current account franchise while continuing to invest in digital offerings where the bank is a bit behind the competitors. Loan growth, asset rotation, and credit discipline Management emphasized momentum in corporate and commercial lending. Frumkin said Metro completed 2 billion of new commercial and corporate loans in 2025almost triple the level of two years agoand entered 2026 with an 800 million pipeline. Page said commercial and SME origination capability has more than trebled over the last two years, and he described the lending as high margin, at over 350 basis points above base rate. Page said the balance sheet size was broadly stable year-on-year (about 9.0 billion versus 9.2 billion), but Metro has shifted its composition. He said the bank has run off nearly 2.1 billion of non-core segments and recycled that into commercial/SME lending and specialist mortgages. According to Page, core business lines were up 56% year-over-year. On asset quality, Page said non-performing ratios were low for both retail mortgages and commercial lending and presented collateral metrics he described as prudent. He said over 87% of loans are collateral-backed by property or government guarantees, and for the property-backed portion (which he said is 83% of loans), the average loan-to-value is 62%. Frumkin provided additional detail on commercial lending sourcing and selectivity: 88% of corporate lending was originated directly via relationship managers (not broker-led) of corporate lending was originated directly via relationship managers (not broker-led) Two-thirds of lending occurs outside Greater London of lending occurs outside Greater London 69% of new commercial lending went to customers the bank has known for more than five years of new commercial lending went to customers the bank has known for more than five years Of 4.5 billion of corporate credit opportunities reviewed, Metro completed 1 billion and turned down 3.5 for every 1 completed Frumkin said the bank is very good in certain sectors including hotels, care homes, and medical practices (including dental and physician groups), while noting it does not currently do much manufacturing or transportation-related lending. Capital, liquidity, and a path to higher RoTE through 2028 Metro highlighted significant liquidity and capital headroom. Frumkin said the loan-to-deposit ratio is 66% and the liquidity coverage ratio is over 300%, which he said means the bank does not need to issue new MREL and has optionality around existing MREL with a call date in April 2028. Page said the banks total capital ratio is 18.4%. Frumkin and Page both emphasized what they described as mechanical tailwinds to returns from treasury portfolio roll-off and MREL dynamics. Frumkin said treasury portfolio roll-off creates a 3% RoTE uplift in 2026 and a further 1.4% in 2027, while calling MREL in April 2028 creates a 4% uplift in RoTE in and of itself. Based on those factors and the existing strategy, Frumkin said Metro expects to more than double RoTE within the next seven months, guiding to 13% RoTE by Q4 2026, rising to 15% in 2027 and greater than 18% in 2028. On CET1 assumptions behind the longer-term RoTE guidance, Frumkin said the bank is not yet providing guidance that far out because it starts to get into a capital return story. He said the bank expects to discuss a capital return strategy at the end of this year, which would then influence where CET1 settles. Updated guidance and interest-rate sensitivity Management said it widened NIM guidance but reduced the lower end of the range by roughly 2025 basis points due to interest-rate uncertainty. Frumkin said that if revenue is pressured by lower margins, the bank intends to use cost actions to hold the cost-income ratio in line with prior guidance. Page said Metro is now guiding for 2026 costs to be broadly flat versus 2025, citing discipline across people, non-people and other costs, including depreciation, amortization, and fraud. Metro also provided interest-rate sensitivity disclosure. Page said the banks planning assumption is a further 50 basis point reduction in base rate to 3.25% by summer 2026. The sensitivity example included a 50 basis point parallel shock that would imply a 23 million impact (and 41 million annualized for 2027), noting the illustration did not include management actions and assumed the shock applies to future lending and maturities as well. In response to analyst questions on structural hedging, Page said Metro has up to 2 billion of hedges in place, adding that as the bank pivots further toward floating-rate corporate and commercial assets, it expects to add hedging positions relative to its growing current account base. On the possibility of buying back MREL debt ahead of the 2028 call date, Frumkin said the bank would do so tomorrow if the economics made sense, but current trading levels are at a premium that prevents the bank from making the math work. For now, he said planning assumes the bank will call the instrument in April 2028. About Metro Bank (LON:MTRO) Metro Bank Holdings PLC operates as the bank holding company for Metro Bank PLC that provides various banking products and services in the United Kingdom. It offers personal banking products and services, including current, cash, and foreign currency accounts; savings; residential and buy-to-let mortgages; overdrafts; credit cards; pet insurance; and safe deposit box services. The company also provides business banking products and services comprising business bank, commercial and community current, foreign currency, and insolvency practitioner accounts; deposit accounts, such as business and community instant access deposit, business notice, client premium and flexible client term deposit, and business and community fixed term deposit accounts; insurance products; and business and commercial loans and overdrafts, asset and invoice financing, bounce back loans, business credit cards, and recovery loan schemes services. Featured Stories Morgan Stanley Cushing MLP High Income Index ETN (NYSEARCA:MLPY Get Free Report)s share price dropped 0.4% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $4.74 and last traded at $4.78. Approximately 12,000 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 12% from the average daily volume of 13,678 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.80. Morgan Stanley Cushing MLP High Income Index ETN Trading Down 0.4% The companys 50-day simple moving average is $4.78 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $4.78. Morgan Stanley Cushing MLP High Income Index ETN Company Profile (Get Free Report) Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. The Institutional Securities segment offers capital raising and financial advisory services, including services related to the underwriting of debt, equity, and other securities, as well as advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, real estate, and project finance. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Morgan Stanley Cushing MLP High Income Index ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morgan Stanley Cushing MLP High Income Index ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PAR Technology Corporation (NYSE:PAR Get Free Report) CAO Michael Anthony Steenberge sold 2,342 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.49, for a total transaction of $40,961.58. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 26,439 shares of the companys stock, valued at $462,418.11. The trade was a 8.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Michael Anthony Steenberge also recently made the following trade(s): Get PAR Technology alerts: On Wednesday, March 4th, Michael Anthony Steenberge sold 582 shares of PAR Technology stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $18.27, for a total value of $10,633.14. PAR Technology Stock Performance PAR stock traded up $0.81 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $19.48. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,065,916 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,523,789. The stock has a market cap of $801.60 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -9.37 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $28.13 and its 200 day moving average price is $35.65. PAR Technology Corporation has a 1 year low of $15.44 and a 1 year high of $72.15. Key Stories Impacting PAR Technology PAR Technology ( NYSE:PAR Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 26th. The software maker reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.10) by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $120.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $116.39 million. PAR Technology had a negative return on equity of 2.32% and a negative net margin of 18.54%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that PAR Technology Corporation will post -1.47 EPS for the current year. Here are the key news stories impacting PAR Technology this week: Positive Sentiment: Voss Capital pushed for a strategic review and urged the board to explore all alternatives, increasing expectations of a potential sale or other valueunlocking transaction; activist involvement often lifts share prices on takeover/recapitalization hopes. Voss Capital Issues Open Letter to the Board of PAR Technology Voss Capital pushed for a strategic review and urged the board to explore all alternatives, increasing expectations of a potential sale or other valueunlocking transaction; activist involvement often lifts share prices on takeover/recapitalization hopes. Positive Sentiment: Voss Capital has been buying shares across JanuaryFebruary (multiple SEC filings) and now owns ~13.2% of PAR; continued buying by a large shareholder reinforces the activist thesis and signals conviction. Voss Capital SEC Filing Voss Capital has been buying shares across JanuaryFebruary (multiple SEC filings) and now owns ~13.2% of PAR; continued buying by a large shareholder reinforces the activist thesis and signals conviction. Neutral Sentiment: Unusual options flow: investors bought ~6,188 call contracts in a single session (525% above average), indicating shortterm speculative bullish interest that can amplify intraday moves. (No external article) Unusual options flow: investors bought ~6,188 call contracts in a single session (525% above average), indicating shortterm speculative bullish interest that can amplify intraday moves. (No external article) Neutral Sentiment: Product update: PAR launched PAR Retail Drive AI a product/technology release that supports longterm revenue potential but is unlikely to change nearterm fundamentals by itself. PAR Technology Launches PAR Retail Drive AI Product update: PAR launched PAR Retail Drive AI a product/technology release that supports longterm revenue potential but is unlikely to change nearterm fundamentals by itself. Negative Sentiment: Large insider selling: CEO Savneet Singh sold 57,605 shares (Mar 3) and 14,310 shares (Mar 4), and the CFO/CAO also sold multiple tranches sizable insider exits can raise governance/valuation concerns and weigh on sentiment. CEO Insider Sale SEC Filing Large insider selling: CEO Savneet Singh sold 57,605 shares (Mar 3) and 14,310 shares (Mar 4), and the CFO/CAO also sold multiple tranches sizable insider exits can raise governance/valuation concerns and weigh on sentiment. Negative Sentiment: Analyst downgrade drove the stock to a 12month low recently, highlighting nearterm skepticism about the companys outlook despite activist attention. PAR Technology Hits New 12-Month Low on Analyst Downgrade Institutional Investors Weigh In On PAR Technology A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Stephens Investment Management Group LLC grew its stake in PAR Technology by 54.4% in the 3rd quarter. Stephens Investment Management Group LLC now owns 158,959 shares of the software makers stock worth $6,292,000 after buying an additional 56,036 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in PAR Technology by 13.2% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 942,503 shares of the software makers stock worth $65,389,000 after acquiring an additional 110,160 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. increased its stake in PAR Technology by 24.1% in the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,877,239 shares of the software makers stock valued at $130,224,000 after acquiring an additional 364,892 shares during the last quarter. AXA S.A. raised its position in PAR Technology by 360.1% during the second quarter. AXA S.A. now owns 298,985 shares of the software makers stock valued at $20,741,000 after purchasing an additional 234,009 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bamco Inc. NY lifted its stake in PAR Technology by 8.5% during the second quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 1,751,387 shares of the software makers stock worth $121,494,000 after purchasing an additional 137,434 shares during the last quarter. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on PAR shares. Needham & Company LLC decreased their price target on shares of PAR Technology from $55.00 to $30.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, February 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group decreased their target price on PAR Technology from $40.00 to $18.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of PAR Technology in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Benchmark cut their price target on PAR Technology from $77.00 to $42.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. Finally, BTIG Research decreased their price objective on PAR Technology from $60.00 to $45.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, February 27th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $36.00. Get Our Latest Stock Report on PAR PAR Technology Company Profile (Get Free Report) PAR Technology Corp is a provider of enterprise software and hardware solutions for the hospitality, foodservice and retail industries. The companys platforms are designed to streamline front- and back-of-house operations, covering point-of-sale (POS) systems, kitchen display and dispatch, inventory and labor management, and reporting tools. PARs integrated approach enables operators of full-service restaurants, quick-service chains, bars, hotels, casinos and retail outlets to centralize data and automate workflows across multiple sites. Key offerings include PAR Brink, a cloud-native POS application that supports touchscreen, mobile and tablet devices; PAR Cloud Services, which delivers software updates, reporting and analytics through a subscription model; and hardware solutions such as payment terminals, handheld devices and self-service kiosks. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for PAR Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PAR Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global focus on China's 'two sessions' for development certainty 09:41, March 06, 2026 By He Yin ( People's Daily On March 4, China's "two sessions," the annual meetings of the country's top legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC), and top political advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), kicked off in Beijing, drawing global attention. Amidst a world facing heightened uncertainties, analysis of China's development trajectory reveals a clear trend: despite complex global conditions, China's economy consistently advances towards higher-quality growth, demonstrating strong resilience. It remains one of the world's most stable, reliable, and proactive forces. The World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2026 identifies uncertainty itself as a defining global risk this year. Recently, rising geopolitical tensions have further intensified, increasing the risks facing the world economy. In a more volatile international landscape, why is China still widely regarded as a source of confidence that helps stabilize global expectations? Certainty comes from the guidance of planning. Looking at the history of global economic development, only a handful of large economies have managed to navigate economic cycles while sustaining long-term, steady growth. Since launching its first Five-Year Plan in 1953, China has formulated and implemented 14 Five-Year Plans, advancing step by step and creating a development miracle in human history. Today, China's planning system is widely regarded by the international community as one of the most distinctive and effective models of national governance in the contemporary world. The 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) has become a key phrase frequently cited by international media when they cover this year's "two sessions." "A China with clear plans, well-defined goals, and continued openness is not only a blessing for the country itself, but also for the world," said Gyula Thurmer, president of the Hungarian Workers' Party. From steadily advancing a modern industrial system and accelerating a modern infrastructure network, to deepening scientific and technological innovation and advancing green and low-carbon transition, China's vision for the 15th Five-Year Plan demonstrates forward-looking strategic thinking. It has boost confidence in China's development prospects while unlocking predictable market opportunities and shared development dividends. Underscoring such certainty is the strong resilience of China's development. During the "two sessions" each year, the country's economic targets for the year ahead become a focal point of global analysis. At a time of mounting global headwinds, China's steady progress is met with growing international anticipation. In recent months, multiple international institutions have raised their forecasts for China's 2026 growth this year, reflecting confidence in its stable economic performance. This resilience is evident. Despite a challenging global environment in 2025, China's economy grew by 5.0 percent, adding more than 5 trillion yuan (approximately the size of a mid-level developed economy) to its output. The vitality of its consumer market was highlighted during the recent Spring Festival holiday, with domestic tourist spending rising 126.4 billion yuan ($18.33 billion) year-on-year. An estimated 9.5 billion cross-regional trips during the Spring Festival travel rush further underscored this dynamism. More fundamentally, the resilience stems from China's increasingly robust economic foundation. John Ross, former director of economic and business policy for the mayor of London, emphasized the deep integration of technology and industry in China. He noted that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China achieved historic breakthroughs, becoming a technological leader in several key industries -- a feat unmatched by any other developing country. Ross highlighted that this comprehensive strength allows China to offset negative impacts from external geopolitical actions. Certainty also comes from China's unwavering commitment to opening up. China's economy not only maintains stability and growth, but also remains deeply integrated with the world economy, sharing opportunities with partners across the globe. As noted by a Pakistani media outlet analyzing the "two sessions," China's policy direction shapes the well-being of its 1.4 billion people and holds significant implications for global economic growth and the direction of emerging technological revolutions. Today, China is a major trading partner for more than 150 countries and regions and has been the world's second-largest import market for 17 consecutive years. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China's outward investment contributed more than $300 billion in tax revenues to host countries. Some U.S. media outlets have described China as an anchor for a global economy seeking new engines of growth. Since the beginning of this year, trade and economic delegations from many countries have visited China in succession and achieved fruitful outcomes. Recent surveys by the German Chamber of Commerce in China and the American Chamber of Commerce in China showed that multinational companies continue to expand their investments in China, demonstrating both confidence in and commitment to the Chinese market. At a time when the world economy urgently needs a stabilizing anchor, China, entering the 15th Five-Year Plan period and continuing to advance toward high-quality development, will remain a trustworthy and dependable partner for all. It will continue providing the most valuable and scarce resource for a turbulent world: certainty. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE:PR Get Free Report) EVP John Charles Bell sold 4,128 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.71, for a total value of $77,234.88. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 1,725,557 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $32,285,171.47. This trade represents a 0.24% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. John Charles Bell also recently made the following trade(s): Get Permian Resources alerts: On Wednesday, March 4th, John Charles Bell sold 158,385 shares of Permian Resources stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.39, for a total value of $2,912,700.15. On Tuesday, January 6th, John Charles Bell sold 106,399 shares of Permian Resources stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.63, for a total transaction of $1,450,218.37. On Monday, January 5th, John Charles Bell sold 70,249 shares of Permian Resources stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.76, for a total transaction of $966,626.24. Permian Resources Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:PR traded up $0.32 during trading on Thursday, reaching $18.85. 13,122,291 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 12,453,093. The firm has a market cap of $15.63 billion, a PE ratio of 15.08 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Permian Resources Corporation has a 12 month low of $10.01 and a 12 month high of $19.38. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $15.89 and a 200-day moving average price of $14.34. Permian Resources Increases Dividend Permian Resources ( NYSE:PR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 25th. The company reported $0.37 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.28 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $1.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.32 billion. Permian Resources had a return on equity of 10.83% and a net margin of 18.46%.The companys revenue for the quarter was down 9.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.36 EPS. Research analysts expect that Permian Resources Corporation will post 1.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a $0.16 dividend. This is a positive change from Permian Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. This represents a $0.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.4%. Permian Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 48.00%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have commented on the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded Permian Resources from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 15th. Susquehanna dropped their price target on Permian Resources from $20.00 to $18.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Benchmark downgraded shares of Permian Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday. Raymond James Financial reissued a strong-buy rating and issued a $21.00 target price on shares of Permian Resources in a report on Thursday, February 26th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Permian Resources from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $19.58. Read Our Latest Research Report on PR Permian Resources News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Permian Resources this week: Positive Sentiment: Piper Sandler raised its price target to $24 and reiterated an Overweight rating, implying roughly a 27% upside from current levels a strong bullish signal that likely helped lift the stock. Piper Sandler PT raise Piper Sandler raised its price target to $24 and reiterated an Overweight rating, implying roughly a 27% upside from current levels a strong bullish signal that likely helped lift the stock. Positive Sentiment: UBS raised its price target to $23 and set a Buy rating (about a 22% implied upside), adding further analyst backing that supports higher investor demand. UBS PT raise UBS raised its price target to $23 and set a Buy rating (about a 22% implied upside), adding further analyst backing that supports higher investor demand. Neutral Sentiment: Aggregated analyst commentary roundups (coverage summarized by Benzinga) provide broader context on expectations for Permian Resources but do not add a single directional surprise beyond the PT changes. Analyst roundup Aggregated analyst commentary roundups (coverage summarized by Benzinga) provide broader context on expectations for Permian Resources but do not add a single directional surprise beyond the PT changes. Negative Sentiment: Multiple insiders disclosed sizable sales this week: William M. Hickey III sold 898,423 shares and James H. Walter sold 673,425 shares (each sale at ~ $18.38), plus several EVP-level sales (large percentage reductions for some VPs). These block sales could pressure sentiment or be interpreted as material insider liquidity. Insider filings (sample) Multiple insiders disclosed sizable sales this week: William M. Hickey III sold 898,423 shares and James H. Walter sold 673,425 shares (each sale at ~ $18.38), plus several EVP-level sales (large percentage reductions for some VPs). These block sales could pressure sentiment or be interpreted as material insider liquidity. Negative Sentiment: Benchmark Co. downgraded PR from Buy to Hold, removing one source of buy-side conviction and tempering enthusiasm from some investors. Benchmark downgrade Institutional Investors Weigh In On Permian Resources Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Permian Resources by 69.2% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 149,696 shares of the companys stock worth $2,060,000 after purchasing an additional 61,230 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in Permian Resources by 18.5% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 5,452,127 shares of the companys stock worth $75,512,000 after buying an additional 852,347 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its holdings in Permian Resources by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 1,209,457 shares of the companys stock worth $16,751,000 after acquiring an additional 87,105 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its position in Permian Resources by 6.5% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 898,087 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,232,000 after acquiring an additional 54,680 shares during the period. Finally, World Investment Advisors raised its stake in shares of Permian Resources by 34.0% during the second quarter. World Investment Advisors now owns 13,961 shares of the companys stock valued at $190,000 after acquiring an additional 3,544 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.84% of the companys stock. About Permian Resources (Get Free Report) Permian Resources (NYSE: PR) is an independent exploration and production company focused on the acquisition, development and optimization of oil and natural gas assets in the Permian Basin. The companys operations encompass all phases of upstream activity, including geological and geophysical analysis, drilling, completion and production. By employing horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies, Permian Resources aims to efficiently unlock hydrocarbon reserves and deliver consistent production growth. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Permian Resources concentrates its asset portfolio in the Delaware and Midland sub-basins of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Permian Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Permian Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shenzhou International Group Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:SHZHY Get Free Report)s share price fell 6.2% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $7.1750 and last traded at $7.22. 2,519 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 78% from the average session volume of 11,538 shares. The stock had previously closed at $7.70. Shenzhou International Group Price Performance The companys 50-day simple moving average is $8.08 and its 200 day simple moving average is $8.15. Get Shenzhou International Group alerts: About Shenzhou International Group (Get Free Report) Shenzhou International Group Holdings Limited operates as a vertically integrated knitwear manufacturer, providing design, sourcing, knitting, dyeing, cutting and sewing services for major global apparel brands. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, the company has grown from a single factory into one of Chinas largest garment producers. Its comprehensive production network encompasses strategic locations throughout eastern and western China, enabling efficient supply chain management and capacity to meet demand across multiple seasons. The companys primary offerings include knitted sportswear, casual wear and performance apparel, which it supplies to internationally recognized partners such as Nike, Adidas, Uniqlo and Puma. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Shenzhou International Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shenzhou International Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Booking, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, Trip.com Group, and MakeMyTrip are the five Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business depends on people travelingairlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, online travel agencies, car-rental firms, and other travel-service providers. Investors treat them as cyclical and economically sensitive, since revenues and profits closely track consumer travel demand, seasonality, fuel and labor costs, and geopolitical or health events that can cause wide performance swings. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Travel stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Booking (BKNG) Booking Holdings Inc, formerly The Priceline Group Inc., is a provider of travel and restaurant online reservation and related services. The Company, through its online travel companies (OTCs), connects consumers wishing to make travel reservations with providers of travel services across the world. It offers consumers an array of accommodation reservations (including hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments, vacation rentals and other properties) through its Booking.com, priceline.com and agoda.com brands. Expedia Group (EXPE) Expedia Group, Inc. operates as an online travel company in the United States and internationally. The company operates through B2C, B2B, and trivago segments. Its B2C segment includes Brand Expedia, a full-service online travel brand offers various travel products and services; Hotels.com for lodging accommodations; Vrbo, an online marketplace for the alternative accommodations; Orbitz, Travelocity, Wotif Group, ebookers, CheapTickets, Hotwire.com and CarRentals.com. Read Our Latest Research Report on EXPE Travelers Companies (TRV) The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Read Our Latest Research Report on TRV Trip.com Group (TCOM) Trip.com Group Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates as a travel service provider for accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and in-destination, corporate travel management, and other travel-related services in China and internationally. The company acts as an agent for hotel-related transactions and selling air tickets, as well as provides train, long-distance bus, and ferry tickets; travel insurance products, such as flight delay, air accident, and baggage loss coverage; and air-ticket delivery, online check-in and seat selection, express security screening, real-time flight status tracker, and airport VIP lounge services. Read Our Latest Research Report on TCOM MakeMyTrip (MMYT) MakeMyTrip Limited, an online travel company, sells travel products and solutions in India, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Peru, Colombia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The company operates through three segments: Air Ticketing, Hotels and Packages, and Bus Ticketing. Read Our Latest Research Report on MMYT Recommended Stories Water Intelligence plc (LON:WATR Get Free Report) shares passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 296.53 and traded as low as GBX 284. Water Intelligence shares last traded at GBX 290, with a volume of 20,274 shares changing hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 500 target price on shares of Water Intelligence in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Water Intelligence presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 500. Get Water Intelligence alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Water Intelligence Water Intelligence Price Performance About Water Intelligence The company has a 50-day moving average of GBX 308.24 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 296.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 47.19, a current ratio of 1.34 and a quick ratio of 2.17. The stock has a market capitalization of 49.17 million, a PE ratio of 11.65, a P/E/G ratio of -1.23 and a beta of 0.47. (Get Free Report) Water Intelligence plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides leak detection and remediation services for potable and non-potable water in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and internationally. The company operates through Franchise Royalty Income, Franchise-Related Activities, US Corporate Operated Locations, and International Corporate Operated Locations segments. It offers water leak and repair solutions. The company is involved in franchising activities, as well as operates corporate owned stores. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Water Intelligence Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Water Intelligence and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. South Dakota Investment Council lowered its position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch Company (NYSE:ANF Free Report) by 31.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 19,416 shares of the apparel retailers stock after selling 8,784 shares during the quarter. South Dakota Investment Councils holdings in Abercrombie & Fitch were worth $1,661,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of ANF. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 10,469.4% in the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 993,101 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $82,278,000 after purchasing an additional 983,705 shares during the last quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch during the 2nd quarter worth $61,643,000. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in the 2nd quarter worth $61,584,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 1,089.8% during the second quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 458,614 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $37,996,000 after purchasing an additional 420,068 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 220.2% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 606,254 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $50,228,000 after purchasing an additional 416,924 shares during the period. Get Abercrombie & Fitch alerts: Insider Activity In related news, CEO Fran Horowitz sold 29,769 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $100.00, for a total value of $2,976,900.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 308,503 shares in the company, valued at approximately $30,850,300. This trade represents a 8.80% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 350,000 shares of company stock worth $34,661,358. 2.29% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Abercrombie & Fitch Price Performance NYSE ANF opened at $88.28 on Friday. Abercrombie & Fitch Company has a fifty-two week low of $65.40 and a fifty-two week high of $133.11. The stocks 50-day moving average is $103.93 and its two-hundred day moving average is $93.36. The firm has a market cap of $4.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.38 and a beta of 1.17. Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, March 4th. The apparel retailer reported $3.68 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.56 by $0.12. Abercrombie & Fitch had a return on equity of 36.36% and a net margin of 9.63%.The business had revenue of $1.67 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.67 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.57 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.4% on a year-over-year basis. Abercrombie & Fitch has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.200-1.300 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 10.200-11.000 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Abercrombie & Fitch Company will post 10.62 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have commented on ANF shares. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. UBS Group decreased their price objective on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch from $160.00 to $149.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, February 23rd. Wall Street Zen raised Abercrombie & Fitch from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, February 28th. BTIG Research restated a buy rating and set a $120.00 price objective on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on Abercrombie & Fitch from $135.00 to $130.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $118.80. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Abercrombie & Fitch Abercrombie & Fitch Profile (Free Report) Abercrombie & Fitch Co (NYSE: ANF) is an American specialty retailer that designs, markets and sells casual apparel and accessories for men, women and children. Founded in 1892 by David T. Abercrombie and Ezra Fitch, the company evolved from an outdoor gear outfitter to a global lifestyle brand renowned for its relaxed, preppy aesthetic. Its product assortment includes tops, bottoms, outerwear, intimates, swimwear, fragrances and personal care items. The company operates under multiple brand names, including Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each targeting distinct consumer segments from teens to young adults. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ANF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abercrombie & Fitch Company (NYSE:ANF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ADT (NYSE:ADT Get Free Report)s stock had its underweight rating reissued by Barclays in a research note issued on Friday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They presently have a $7.00 target price on the security and automation business stock. Barclayss target price points to a potential upside of 3.86% from the companys current price. A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on ADT. Citigroup lowered their target price on ADT from $10.00 to $8.50 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Zacks Research upgraded ADT from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, February 16th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of ADT in a research note on Monday, December 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $10.40 price objective on shares of ADT in a report on Monday. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of ADT from $9.00 to $7.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, ADT presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $8.38. Get ADT alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ADT ADT Price Performance Shares of NYSE:ADT opened at $6.74 on Friday. ADT has a one year low of $6.65 and a one year high of $8.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a current ratio of 0.93 and a quick ratio of 0.54. The company has a market cap of $5.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.21 and a beta of 1.00. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $7.93 and a 200 day simple moving average of $8.27. ADT (NYSE:ADT Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, March 2nd. The security and automation business reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by $0.03. ADT had a net margin of 11.60% and a return on equity of 19.16%. The firm had revenue of $2.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.30 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.20 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. ADT has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.890-0.890 EPS. Research analysts predict that ADT will post 0.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of ADT in the 2nd quarter valued at $219,825,000. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in ADT by 124.6% during the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 36,160,099 shares of the security and automation businesss stock worth $314,954,000 after buying an additional 20,062,625 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in ADT by 42.7% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 64,858,510 shares of the security and automation businesss stock valued at $564,918,000 after buying an additional 19,413,112 shares during the period. LSV Asset Management lifted its holdings in ADT by 97.1% in the second quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 24,727,193 shares of the security and automation businesss stock valued at $209,439,000 after buying an additional 12,182,009 shares during the period. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its position in ADT by 179.6% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 13,693,517 shares of the security and automation businesss stock valued at $115,984,000 after acquiring an additional 8,796,249 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.22% of the companys stock. ADT Company Profile (Get Free Report) ADT Inc is a leading provider of security and automation solutions for residential and commercial customers. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, including intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring, and integrated smart home automation platforms. Through professional installation, continuous monitoring, and a network of 24/7 monitoring centers, ADT helps customers protect their properties, assets and loved ones. Founded in 1874 as the American District Telegraph Company, ADT has evolved from one of the first telegraph-based alarm services into a modern security technology enterprise. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for ADT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ADT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd. Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:ASEKY Get Free Report)s share price gapped up before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $13.84, but opened at $15.75. Aisin Seiki shares last traded at $15.75, with a volume of 1,585 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Zacks Research downgraded Aisin Seiki from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Monday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Aisin Seiki presently has an average rating of Reduce. Get Aisin Seiki alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on ASEKY Aisin Seiki Trading Up 1.4% The firm has a market cap of $11.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.79 and a beta of 0.44. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $17.53 and its 200-day moving average price is $17.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.74. Aisin Seiki (OTCMKTS:ASEKY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $0.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.49 by ($0.16). The firm had revenue of $8.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.03 billion. Aisin Seiki had a net margin of 3.26% and a return on equity of 7.21%. Equities analysts expect that Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd. Unsponsored ADR will post 0.89 EPS for the current year. About Aisin Seiki (Get Free Report) Aisin Seiki Co, Ltd., commonly known as Aisin, is a Japanese automotive parts manufacturer founded in 1949 and headquartered in Anjo, Aichi Prefecture. Originally established to supply repair parts for Toyota Motor Corporation, Aisin has grown into one of the worlds largest Tier-1 suppliers, delivering a broad portfolio of components to leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) across the globe. The companys core business centers on the design and production of automotive systems and components. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Aisin Seiki Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aisin Seiki and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ANA Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS:ALNPY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $3.79, but opened at $3.9460. ANA shares last traded at $3.92, with a volume of 1,279 shares traded. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Smbc Nikko Sec. raised ANA to a hold rating in a report on Friday, February 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, ANA has an average rating of Hold. Get ANA alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on ALNPY ANA Trading Up 2.6% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a current ratio of 1.59. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $4.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $3.95. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.14 billion, a PE ratio of 9.26 and a beta of 0.40. ANA (OTCMKTS:ALNPY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The transportation company reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $4.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.38 billion. ANA had a net margin of 6.47% and a return on equity of 12.84%. About ANA (Get Free Report) All Nippon Airways Co, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: ALNPY) is a Tokyo-based airline offering passenger and cargo air transportation services. Founded in 1952, the company operates scheduled flights under its ANA brand, providing a network of domestic and international routes. In addition to core flight operations, ANA delivers ancillary services including in-flight catering, ground handling and aircraft maintenance. ANAs diversified business model encompasses several subsidiaries such as ANA Wings and Air Japan for regional operations, and ANA Cargo for freight services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for ANA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ANA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Brookfield (NYSE: BN) in the last few weeks: 2/17/2026 Brookfield had its overweight rating reaffirmed by Morgan Stanley. They now have a $60.00 price target on the stock. 2/13/2026 Brookfield had its outperform rating reaffirmed by Scotiabank. They now have a $52.00 price target on the stock, up from $49.00. 2/13/2026 Brookfield had its price target raised by BMO Capital Markets from $49.00 to $51.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 2/13/2026 Brookfield had its price target raised by Royal Bank Of Canada from $49.00 to $51.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 2/4/2026 Brookfield had its price target raised by National Bank Financial from $56.00 to $59.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 1/31/2026 Brookfield was upgraded by Wall Street Zen from sell to hold. 1/27/2026 Brookfield had its overweight rating reaffirmed by Morgan Stanley. They now have a $58.00 price target on the stock. 1/26/2026 Brookfield was given a new $58.00 price target by Royal Bank Of Canada. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 1/19/2026 Brookfield was upgraded by Zacks Research from strong sell to hold. 1/17/2026 Brookfield was downgraded by Wall Street Zen from hold to sell. Brookfield Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be issued a $0.07 dividend. This represents a $0.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. This is a positive change from Brookfields previous quarterly dividend of $0.06. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. Brookfields dividend payout ratio is currently 57.14%. Get Brookfield Corporation alerts: Brookfield Corporation (NYSE:BN) is a global alternative asset manager that specializes in real assets. The company invests in and operates businesses across real estate, infrastructure, renewable power and energy, private equity and credit. Its activities span both ownership and active management of physical assets as well as the operation of investment funds and vehicles that provide institutional and retail investors access to longlived, cashgenerating assets. Brookfields services include asset management, direct investing, property development and the operation of infrastructure and energy businesses. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Corporation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Corporation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bath & Body Works (NYSE:BBWI Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 2.400-2.650 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 2.740. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Bath & Body Works also updated its Q1 2026 guidance to 0.240-0.300 EPS. Bath & Body Works Price Performance NYSE BBWI opened at $22.27 on Friday. Bath & Body Works has a one year low of $14.27 and a one year high of $35.21. The firm has a market cap of $4.56 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.07, a P/E/G ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.48. The stocks 50-day moving average is $22.37 and its 200-day moving average is $23.58. Get Bath & Body Works alerts: Bath & Body Works (NYSE:BBWI Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, March 4th. The company reported $2.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.77 by $0.28. The business had revenue of $2.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.59 billion. Bath & Body Works had a negative return on equity of 45.60% and a net margin of 8.90%.Bath & Body Workss revenue for the quarter was down 2.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.09 EPS. Bath & Body Works has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.240-0.300 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 2.400-2.650 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Bath & Body Works will post 3.3 EPS for the current year. Bath & Body Works Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Investors of record on Friday, February 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 20th. Bath & Body Workss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.40%. A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Bath & Body Works from $21.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, February 23rd. Barclays boosted their price target on Bath & Body Works from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday. Robert W. Baird set a $20.00 price objective on Bath & Body Works in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Raymond James Financial reissued a market perform rating on shares of Bath & Body Works in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on Bath & Body Works from $33.00 to $25.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and fourteen have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $24.00. Read Our Latest Report on Bath & Body Works Key Headlines Impacting Bath & Body Works Here are the key news stories impacting Bath & Body Works this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat BBWI reported Q4 EPS of $2.05 vs. $1.77 consensus and revenue of $2.72B vs. $2.59B, which pushed shares higher as investors rewarded the upside and management highlighted progress on its Consumer First strategy. Read More. Q4 beat BBWI reported Q4 EPS of $2.05 vs. $1.77 consensus and revenue of $2.72B vs. $2.59B, which pushed shares higher as investors rewarded the upside and management highlighted progress on its Consumer First strategy. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analysts lift forecasts and price targets multiple shops raised estimates and outlooks after the print; Telsey raised its price target to $25 (market perform), supporting nearterm upside. Read More. Analysts lift forecasts and price targets multiple shops raised estimates and outlooks after the print; Telsey raised its price target to $25 (market perform), supporting nearterm upside. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Research stance mixed some firms (e.g., Barclays) kept nonbullish/hold ratings despite the beat, indicating cautious sentiment among parts of the sellside. Read More. Research stance mixed some firms (e.g., Barclays) kept nonbullish/hold ratings despite the beat, indicating cautious sentiment among parts of the sellside. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Minor price target tweaks a few banks nudged targets modestly higher (Deutsche Bank/others), but changes are incremental relative to the stocks volatility. Read More. Minor price target tweaks a few banks nudged targets modestly higher (Deutsche Bank/others), but changes are incremental relative to the stocks volatility. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Weaker forward guidance management set FY2026 EPS of $2.40$2.65 (below the ~2.74 consensus) and Q1 EPS guidance of $0.24$0.30 (well under street expectations), which undercuts the positive Q4 print and pressures forward valuation. Read More. Weaker forward guidance management set FY2026 EPS of $2.40$2.65 (below the ~2.74 consensus) and Q1 EPS guidance of $0.24$0.30 (well under street expectations), which undercuts the positive Q4 print and pressures forward valuation. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Soft sales outlook the company warned of a steeper annual sales decline as customers pare back discretionary spending on premium scented products, signaling demand risks for the coming year. Read More. Soft sales outlook the company warned of a steeper annual sales decline as customers pare back discretionary spending on premium scented products, signaling demand risks for the coming year. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Legal overhang multiple law firms have filed or announced investigations into potential securities claims covering purchases between June 4, 2024 and Nov 19, 2025 and are soliciting lead plaintiffs ahead of deadlines in midMarch; this increases uncertainty and could be a nearterm drag. Read More. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in BBWI. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its holdings in shares of Bath & Body Works by 92.8% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 59,877 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,815,000 after buying an additional 28,815 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in Bath & Body Works by 15.7% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 645,970 shares of the companys stock worth $19,586,000 after buying an additional 87,529 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its position in Bath & Body Works by 7.0% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 562,757 shares of the companys stock worth $17,063,000 after acquiring an additional 36,684 shares in the last quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Bath & Body Works in the first quarter valued at $1,155,000. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its stake in Bath & Body Works by 217.7% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,169 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 801 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.14% of the companys stock. About Bath & Body Works (Get Free Report) Bath & Body Works, Inc is a leading specialty retailer focused on personal care, home fragrance and complementary products. Through its flagship Bath & Body Works brand, the company offers a diverse assortment of shower gels, lotions, fragrance mists, candles and home fragrance items. Its product portfolio also includes the White Barn Candle Co range of premium scented candles and diffusers. Bath & Body Works serves consumers through a combination of brick-and-mortar stores and e-commerce platforms, delivering seasonal collections, limited-edition releases and signature scent lines. Founded in 1990 as part of Limited Brands (now L Brands), Bath & Body Works opened its first store in New Albany, Ohio, and quickly expanded across the United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bath & Body Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bath & Body Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brenntag AG (OTCMKTS:BNTGY Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week low on Friday . The stock traded as low as $10.29 and last traded at $10.29, with a volume of 917 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $10.68. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Barclays raised Brenntag to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Morgan Stanley downgraded Brenntag from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Brenntag in a report on Friday, November 14th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $12.80. Get Brenntag alerts: Get Our Latest Report on BNTGY Brenntag Price Performance Brenntag Company Profile The firm has a market cap of $7.43 billion, a PE ratio of 16.08 and a beta of 0.75. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $12.19 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $11.83. (Get Free Report) Brenntag SE, trading on OTCMKTS as BNTGY, is a global market leader in the distribution of chemicals and ingredients. With headquarters in Essen, Germany, the company serves a wide range of industries including coatings and construction, cleaning and water treatment, food and nutrition, pharmaceuticals and personal care, as well as oil and gas. Brenntag operates through two core segmentsEssentials and Specialtiesoffering both standard commodity chemicals and tailored specialty solutions to customers around the world. Its product portfolio encompasses inorganic and organic chemicals, polymers, petrochemicals and specialty ingredients. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Brenntag Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brenntag and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO Get Free Report) had its target price upped by investment analysts at Citigroup from $23.00 to $24.00 in a report issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a neutral rating on the apparel retailers stock. Citigroups price target would suggest a potential upside of 27.80% from the stocks current price. AEO has been the subject of several other reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of American Eagle Outfitters from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $14.00 to $20.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Morgan Stanley set a $23.00 price target on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. They issued a neutral rating and a $25.00 price target for the company. Barclays cut their price objective on American Eagle Outfitters from $24.00 to $19.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada set a $23.00 target price on American Eagle Outfitters in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating, eleven have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $21.75. Get American Eagle Outfitters alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on American Eagle Outfitters American Eagle Outfitters Trading Down 2.8% NYSE AEO traded down $0.55 on Friday, hitting $18.78. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,380,912 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,747,334. The firm has a market cap of $3.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.77, a PEG ratio of 5.88 and a beta of 1.39. American Eagle Outfitters has a 52-week low of $9.27 and a 52-week high of $28.46. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $24.84 and its 200 day simple moving average is $20.61. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, March 4th. The apparel retailer reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.13. American Eagle Outfitters had a return on equity of 17.14% and a net margin of 3.49%.The firm had revenue of $1.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.74 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.54 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that American Eagle Outfitters will post 1.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other American Eagle Outfitters news, Director Noel Joseph Spiegel sold 1,896 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.66, for a total value of $48,651.36. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Cary D. Mcmillan sold 1,896 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $26.21, for a total transaction of $49,694.16. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders own 8.70% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Quadrant Capital Group LLC increased its position in shares of American Eagle Outfitters by 31.8% during the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 1,852 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 447 shares during the last quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. raised its stake in shares of American Eagle Outfitters by 4.5% in the third quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. now owns 10,777 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $184,000 after acquiring an additional 468 shares during the period. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL lifted its holdings in shares of American Eagle Outfitters by 50.0% in the 3rd quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL now owns 1,500 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in American Eagle Outfitters by 2.1% during the 4th quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 25,363 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $669,000 after purchasing an additional 510 shares during the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in American Eagle Outfitters by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 14,855 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $254,000 after purchasing an additional 678 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 97.33% of the companys stock. Key American Eagle Outfitters News Here are the key news stories impacting American Eagle Outfitters this week: About American Eagle Outfitters (Get Free Report) American Eagle Outfitters, Inc (NYSE: AEO) is a leading American specialty retailer offering apparel, accessories and personal care products for men and women. The companys flagship brand, American Eagle, focuses on casualwear including denim, tops, outerwear and accessories targeted primarily at teens and young adults. In addition to its core apparel lines, the company operates the Aerie brand of intimates, loungewear and swimwear, which has gained recognition for its body-positive marketing and inclusive sizing. American Eagle Outfitters conducts business through a combination of over 900 brick-and-mortar stores in North America and Greater China, complemented by a growing e-commerce platform that serves customers around the globe. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for American Eagle Outfitters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Eagle Outfitters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cresset Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC Free Report) by 7.5% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 41,899 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 2,914 shares during the quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLCs holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group were worth $8,419,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Westfuller Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. True Wealth Design LLC grew its holdings in The PNC Financial Services Group by 1,133.3% during the 2nd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 222 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 204 shares during the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd raised its holdings in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 237.1% in the third quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 209 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 147 shares during the last quarter. Corundum Trust Company INC purchased a new stake in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in the third quarter valued at $49,000. Finally, Country Trust Bank lifted its position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 38.9% in the third quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 243 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $49,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.53% of the companys stock. Get The PNC Financial Services Group alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at The PNC Financial Services Group In related news, EVP Richard Kevin Bynum sold 7,407 shares of The PNC Financial Services Group stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $230.98, for a total transaction of $1,710,868.86. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 1,942 shares in the company, valued at approximately $448,563.16. The trade was a 79.23% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Alexander E. C. Overstrom sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $233.91, for a total value of $584,775.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 21,120 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,940,179.20. This represents a 10.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 64,186 shares of company stock valued at $14,840,973. 0.41% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. The PNC Financial Services Group Trading Down 0.7% Shares of PNC opened at $212.32 on Friday. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc has a twelve month low of $145.12 and a twelve month high of $243.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $85.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.98. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $222.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is $204.93. The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 16th. The financial services provider reported $4.88 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.23 by $0.65. The company had revenue of $6.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.90 billion. The PNC Financial Services Group had a return on equity of 11.87% and a net margin of 20.40%.The firms revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $3.77 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc will post 15.37 earnings per share for the current year. The PNC Financial Services Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 5th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 20th were issued a $1.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 20th. This represents a $6.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. The PNC Financial Services Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 40.99%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth PNC has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Oppenheimer upped their target price on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $268.00 to $284.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. TD Cowen upped their price objective on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $250.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $235.00 to $271.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on The PNC Financial Services Group from $228.00 to $247.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on The PNC Financial Services Group from $252.00 to $264.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, The PNC Financial Services Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $234.44. Get Our Latest Analysis on PNC About The PNC Financial Services Group (Free Report) The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, offering a broad range of banking, lending, investment and wealth management services. PNC operates a national banking franchise with a significant retail branch network and dedicated capabilities for commercial, institutional and government clients. Its services are designed to serve individuals, small businesses, corporations and public sector entities across the United States. PNCs core business activities include consumer and business banking, residential mortgage lending, corporate and institutional banking, asset management and wealth advisory services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PNC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The PNC Financial Services Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cresset Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE Free Report) by 8.2% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 36,319 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,741 shares during the quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLCs holdings in GE Aerospace were worth $10,939,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in GE. Diversified Trust Co increased its stake in shares of GE Aerospace by 21.3% in the 3rd quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 32,021 shares of the companys stock worth $9,633,000 after purchasing an additional 5,625 shares in the last quarter. Cadinha & Co. LLC lifted its position in GE Aerospace by 154.8% during the third quarter. Cadinha & Co. LLC now owns 97,280 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,264,000 after purchasing an additional 59,106 shares in the last quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey grew its holdings in GE Aerospace by 1.8% during the second quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 159,682 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,101,000 after purchasing an additional 2,779 shares during the period. Czech National Bank increased its position in GE Aerospace by 3.3% in the third quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 269,330 shares of the companys stock worth $81,020,000 after buying an additional 8,668 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Phoenix Financial Ltd. raised its stake in shares of GE Aerospace by 34.3% in the third quarter. Phoenix Financial Ltd. now owns 22,632 shares of the companys stock worth $6,808,000 after buying an additional 5,775 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.77% of the companys stock. Get GE Aerospace alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, SVP Amy L. Gowder sold 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $305.73, for a total transaction of $1,222,920.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 16,535 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,055,245.55. This represents a 19.48% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP Robert M. Giglietti sold 3,035 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $305.51, for a total value of $927,222.85. Following the transaction, the vice president owned 10,583 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,233,212.33. This represents a 22.29% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 37,398 shares of company stock worth $11,455,491. Corporate insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes GE has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Morgan Stanley started coverage on GE Aerospace in a research note on Friday, February 20th. They set an overweight rating and a $425.00 price objective for the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of GE Aerospace in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of GE Aerospace from $375.00 to $387.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Wolfe Research lifted their target price on shares of GE Aerospace from $340.00 to $360.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Susquehanna reaffirmed a positive rating and issued a $380.00 target price on shares of GE Aerospace in a report on Thursday, January 15th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $331.12. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on GE GE Aerospace News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting GE Aerospace this week: GE Aerospace Price Performance GE stock opened at $327.13 on Friday. GE Aerospace has a one year low of $159.36 and a one year high of $348.48. The companys fifty day moving average price is $319.50 and its 200-day moving average price is $303.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a current ratio of 1.04. The company has a market capitalization of $343.10 billion, a PE ratio of 40.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.14 and a beta of 1.36. GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.57 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.43 by $0.14. The company had revenue of $11.90 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.27 billion. GE Aerospace had a net margin of 18.98% and a return on equity of 35.52%. GE Aerospaces quarterly revenue was up 17.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.32 earnings per share. GE Aerospace has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.100-7.400 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that GE Aerospace will post 5.4 EPS for the current fiscal year. GE Aerospace Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 27th. Investors of record on Monday, March 9th will be given a $0.47 dividend. This is an increase from GE Aerospaces previous quarterly dividend of $0.36. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 9th. GE Aerospaces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 17.69%. GE Aerospace Profile (Free Report) GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) is the aerospace business of General Electric, focused on the design, manufacture and support of aircraft engines, integrated propulsion systems and related aftermarket services. The company serves commercial airlines, airframers, business and general aviation operators, and defense customers, providing propulsion solutions for a broad range of aircraft types from singleaisle airliners to widebody and military platforms. Its product portfolio includes a family of commercial and military jet engines as well as spare parts, components and systems engineering. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for GE Aerospace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GE Aerospace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victory Capital Management Inc. lessened its position in Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW Free Report) by 11.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 153,045 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 19,767 shares during the quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. owned approximately 0.42% of Curtiss-Wright worth $83,094,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of CW. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new stake in Curtiss-Wright during the third quarter worth about $26,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Curtiss-Wright in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Penserra Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Curtiss-Wright during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. First Horizon Corp acquired a new stake in Curtiss-Wright during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its position in Curtiss-Wright by 53.8% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 100 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $49,000 after buying an additional 35 shares during the period. 82.71% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Curtiss-Wright alerts: Curtiss-Wright Trading Down 4.7% CW opened at $679.35 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.44. Curtiss-Wright Corporation has a one year low of $266.88 and a one year high of $730.12. The company has a market cap of $25.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 52.79, a PEG ratio of 3.47 and a beta of 0.91. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $648.68 and its 200-day simple moving average is $576.25. Curtiss-Wright Dividend Announcement Curtiss-Wright ( NYSE:CW Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The aerospace company reported $3.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.66 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $946.98 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $890.14 million. Curtiss-Wright had a return on equity of 19.28% and a net margin of 13.84%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $3.27 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Curtiss-Wright Corporation will post 12.32 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 26th will be given a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 26th. Curtiss-Wrights dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.46%. Insider Transactions at Curtiss-Wright In related news, EVP John C. Watts sold 652 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $625.57, for a total value of $407,871.64. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 3,890 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,433,467.30. The trade was a 14.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO K Christopher Farkas sold 2,665 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $626.33, for a total transaction of $1,669,169.45. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 7,358 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,608,536.14. This represents a 26.59% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders sold 17,269 shares of company stock worth $10,797,098. Insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently issued reports on CW. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $748.00 price objective on shares of Curtiss-Wright in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on Curtiss-Wright from $625.00 to $650.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Curtiss-Wright in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Curtiss-Wright from $661.00 to $718.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, February 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $760.00 target price on shares of Curtiss-Wright in a report on Friday, February 13th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Curtiss-Wright presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $663.17. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on CW Curtiss-Wright Company Profile (Free Report) Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: CW) is a diversified, global engineering company that designs, manufactures and services highly engineered products and integrated systems for the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. Its offerings span a range of electromechanical, motion control and flow control technologies, including flight control and actuation systems, sensors and avionics components, pumps and valves, power conversion and heat exchangers, and platform integration solutions for marine and ground systems. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Curtiss-Wright Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Curtiss-Wright and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:DWAHY Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $33.38, but opened at $34.65. Daiwa House Industry shares last traded at $33.3050, with a volume of 1,126 shares trading hands. Daiwa House Industry Price Performance The stocks fifty day moving average price is $34.66 and its 200-day moving average price is $34.76. The firm has a market cap of $21.98 billion, a PE ratio of 9.89 and a beta of 0.35. Get Daiwa House Industry alerts: Daiwa House Industry (OTCMKTS:DWAHY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 13th. The company reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.55 by $0.42. The business had revenue of $9.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.83 billion. Daiwa House Industry Company Profile Daiwa House Industry Co, Ltd. is a major Japanese construction and real estate development company headquartered in Osaka, Japan. Founded in 1955, the company is best known as one of Japans largest homebuilders and a comprehensive provider of real estate solutions. Its core activities span the planning, design, construction and sale of detached houses, condominiums and rental housing, leveraging prefabrication and standardized building techniques to serve residential markets across Japan. Beyond residential construction, Daiwa House operates broadly across commercial and industrial segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Daiwa House Industry Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Daiwa House Industry and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by stock analysts at Daiwa Securities Group from $150.00 to $170.00 in a research note issued on Friday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the technology companys stock. Daiwa Securities Groups target price suggests a potential upside of 17.57% from the stocks current price. A number of other equities research analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Citigroup dropped their price objective on shares of Dell Technologies from $165.00 to $160.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Dell Technologies from $172.00 to $167.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 27th. Mizuho increased their price objective on Dell Technologies from $175.00 to $180.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 27th. Evercore reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $160.00 target price on shares of Dell Technologies in a report on Thursday, February 19th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Dell Technologies in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Sixteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $163.28. Get Dell Technologies alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on DELL Dell Technologies Trading Down 1.3% Shares of DELL stock traded down $1.93 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $144.59. 817,980 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,432,960. Dell Technologies has a 1 year low of $66.25 and a 1 year high of $168.08. The stock has a market cap of $95.82 billion, a PE ratio of 16.58, a PEG ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 0.97. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $122.78 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $132.22. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 26th. The technology company reported $3.89 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.53 by $0.36. The firm had revenue of $33.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $31.60 billion. Dell Technologies had a net margin of 5.23% and a negative return on equity of 236.90%. Dell Technologiess revenue was up 39.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.68 EPS. Dell Technologies has set its Q1 2027 guidance at 2.900-2.900 EPS and its FY 2027 guidance at 12.900-12.900 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Dell Technologies will post 6.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Dell Technologies In other news, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 277,567 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.43, for a total transaction of $41,476,836.81. Following the sale, the director directly owned 796 shares in the company, valued at $118,946.28. This trade represents a 99.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Egon Durban sold 71,000 shares of Dell Technologies stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $138.12, for a total value of $9,806,520.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 1,172,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $161,935,755.36. This represents a 5.71% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 571,001 shares of company stock worth $84,899,807. 42.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Winnow Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Dell Technologies during the second quarter valued at $25,000. Commonwealth Retirement Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Rossby Financial LCC lifted its stake in Dell Technologies by 968.4% in the 4th quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 203 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 184 shares in the last quarter. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Dell Technologies in the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Finally, Navalign LLC purchased a new stake in Dell Technologies during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.37% of the companys stock. Dell Technologies News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Dell Technologies this week: Dell Technologies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of information technology products, solutions and services. Its offerings span client computing devices (consumer and commercial laptops and desktops), enterprise infrastructure (servers, storage systems and networking equipment), software and cloud infrastructure, and a variety of professional services such as IT consulting, deployment, managed services and financing solutions. The company serves organizations of all sizes as well as individual consumers, with products and services aimed at enabling digital transformation and modern IT environments. Founded by Michael Dell in 1984, the company grew from a direct-to-consumer PC business into a diversified IT provider through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IFG Advisory LLC cut its position in shares of Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD Free Report) by 24.3% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 74,479 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after selling 23,957 shares during the period. IFG Advisory LLCs holdings in Enterprise Products Partners were worth $2,329,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Winnow Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Enterprise Products Partners during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. Traub Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Enterprise Products Partners in the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Enterprise Products Partners during the third quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Financial Consulate Inc. purchased a new stake in Enterprise Products Partners during the third quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Davis Capital Management purchased a new stake in Enterprise Products Partners during the third quarter worth approximately $45,000. 26.07% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Enterprise Products Partners alerts: Enterprise Products Partners Price Performance Shares of NYSE EPD opened at $37.26 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 0.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $80.55 billion, a PE ratio of 14.01, a P/E/G ratio of 2.64 and a beta of 0.59. Enterprise Products Partners L.P. has a 1-year low of $27.77 and a 1-year high of $37.74. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $34.18 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $32.52. Enterprise Products Partners Increases Dividend Enterprise Products Partners ( NYSE:EPD Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 2nd. The oil and gas producer reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.06. Enterprise Products Partners had a net margin of 11.05% and a return on equity of 19.33%. The business had revenue of $13.79 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.44 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.74 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was down 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Enterprise Products Partners L.P. will post 2.9 EPS for the current year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 30th were paid a $0.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 30th. This is an increase from Enterprise Products Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.55. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.9%. Enterprise Products Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 82.71%. Insider Activity at Enterprise Products Partners In other Enterprise Products Partners news, Director John R. Rutherford purchased 15,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 29th. The shares were bought at an average price of $32.09 per share, with a total value of $481,350.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 173,586 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,570,374.74. This represents a 9.46% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 32.60% of the companys stock. Key Headlines Impacting Enterprise Products Partners Here are the key news stories impacting Enterprise Products Partners this week: Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades Stifel raised its price target to $41 (buy) and Barclays raised its target to $39 (overweight), sending fresh buy-side interest into EPD and supporting the stocks gain. Article Title Analyst upgrades Stifel raised its price target to $41 (buy) and Barclays raised its target to $39 (overweight), sending fresh buy-side interest into EPD and supporting the stocks gain. Positive Sentiment: Featured by energy strategist Marc Lichtenfeld as a core midstream/income holding: MarketBeat highlighted EPD for stable, toll-collector cash flows and a multi-decade track record of distribution increases a clear draw for income-focused investors. Why One Energy Expert Is Betting on These 3 Oil Stocks Now (EPD) Featured by energy strategist Marc Lichtenfeld as a core midstream/income holding: MarketBeat highlighted EPD for stable, toll-collector cash flows and a multi-decade track record of distribution increases a clear draw for income-focused investors. Positive Sentiment: Broader positive press newsletters and sites (Seeking Alpha, The Motley Fool, MarketBeat lists) continue to recommend EPD as a defensive, high-yield energy holding that benefits from contracted cash flows, reinforcing demand from income investors. Enterprise Products Partners: An Anchor In Rough Seas Broader positive press newsletters and sites (Seeking Alpha, The Motley Fool, MarketBeat lists) continue to recommend EPD as a defensive, high-yield energy holding that benefits from contracted cash flows, reinforcing demand from income investors. Neutral Sentiment: Momentum check Zacks notes EPD is up about 5.6% since its last earnings report and asks whether that run can continue; the piece frames upside as contingent on sustained cash flows and distribution stability. Enterprise Products (EPD) Up 5.6% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue? Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently commented on EPD. UBS Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a research note on Wednesday. Wolfe Research downgraded Enterprise Products Partners from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $31.00 price target for the company. in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $32.00 price objective on shares of Enterprise Products Partners in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Enterprise Products Partners from $36.00 to $38.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered Enterprise Products Partners from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and set a $34.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Enterprise Products Partners presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.29. View Our Latest Analysis on Enterprise Products Partners About Enterprise Products Partners (Free Report) Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE: EPD) is a Houston-based master limited partnership that provides midstream energy services across North America. The company owns and operates an extensive network of pipelines, storage facilities, processing plants and export terminals that transport and handle natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), crude oil and refined and petrochemical products. Its core activities include gathering and transportation, fractionation of NGLs, natural gas processing, crude oil and condensate pipelines, and marine and terminal services that enable domestic distribution and exports. Enterprise serves a diverse set of customers including producers, refiners, petrochemical companies, marketers and end users. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EPD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:EPD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Enterprise Products Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enterprise Products Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high on Friday . The company traded as high as $33.03 and last traded at $32.87, with a volume of 2255150 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $31.76. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently commented on the stock. Pareto Securities upgraded shares of Equinor ASA from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Equinor ASA from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on Equinor ASA in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. They set a hold rating on the stock. TD Cowen lifted their target price on Equinor ASA from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Zacks Research raised shares of Equinor ASA from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, February 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and eight have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Equinor ASA currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $24.71. Get Equinor ASA alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on EQNR Equinor ASA Trading Up 4.3% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 1.16 and a current ratio of 1.27. The stock has a market cap of $97.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.43, a P/E/G ratio of 3.82 and a beta of 0.35. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $26.56 and a 200-day moving average price of $24.83. Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $0.81 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.21. Equinor ASA had a net margin of 4.74% and a return on equity of 15.23%. The business had revenue of $25.30 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.31 billion. On average, equities research analysts expect that Equinor ASA will post 3.46 EPS for the current year. Equinor ASA Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, May 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.39 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, May 15th. This represents a $1.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.7%. This is an increase from Equinor ASAs previous quarterly dividend of $0.37. Equinor ASAs payout ratio is presently 64.21%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Equinor ASA Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in EQNR. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its position in Equinor ASA by 1,794.0% in the 4th quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,269 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 1,202 shares during the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Equinor ASA by 86.2% in the 4th quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 1,318 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 610 shares during the last quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Equinor ASA in the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Sound Income Strategies LLC boosted its stake in shares of Equinor ASA by 119.2% in the 4th quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 1,876 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 1,020 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MAI Capital Management grew its holdings in shares of Equinor ASA by 55.6% during the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 2,339 shares of the companys stock valued at $59,000 after purchasing an additional 836 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 5.51% of the companys stock. Equinor ASA Company Profile (Get Free Report) Equinor ASA (NYSE: EQNR) is a Norway-based integrated energy company headquartered in Stavanger. Historically established as Statoil in the 1970s to develop Norways petroleum resources, the company changed its name to Equinor in 2018 to reflect a strategic shift toward a broader energy portfolio. Equinors operations span the full upstream value chain, including exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas, alongside trading and marketing activities that support its global commercial operations. In recent years Equinor has pursued a transition strategy that combines continued development of conventional oil and gas resources with growing investments in lowcarbon energy. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Equinor ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equinor ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE:WMS Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor acquired 4,100 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $569,000. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Impax Asset Management Group plc increased its stake in shares of Advanced Drainage Systems by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter. Impax Asset Management Group plc now owns 3,043,909 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $348,709,000 after buying an additional 139,495 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP increased its position in Advanced Drainage Systems by 5.7% in the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 2,178,763 shares of the construction companys stock worth $250,253,000 after purchasing an additional 117,963 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 6.5% during the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,472,176 shares of the construction companys stock worth $204,191,000 after purchasing an additional 90,106 shares during the last quarter. KBC Group NV lifted its position in Advanced Drainage Systems by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 880,373 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $101,120,000 after purchasing an additional 6,154 shares during the period. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in Advanced Drainage Systems during the 2nd quarter valued at about $90,989,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.83% of the companys stock. Get Advanced Drainage Systems alerts: Advanced Drainage Systems Price Performance Shares of WMS stock opened at $148.85 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 3.08, a current ratio of 4.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. has a 12-month low of $93.92 and a 12-month high of $179.32. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $160.09 and a 200-day moving average of $149.72. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.60 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.27. Advanced Drainage Systems Announces Dividend Advanced Drainage Systems ( NYSE:WMS Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The construction company reported $1.27 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.11 by $0.16. Advanced Drainage Systems had a return on equity of 27.72% and a net margin of 15.75%.The firm had revenue of $693.35 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $686.37 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.09 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up .4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. will post 6.1 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Investors of record on Monday, March 2nd will be given a $0.18 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Advanced Drainage Systemss payout ratio is currently 11.98%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on WMS shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. KeyCorp lifted their target price on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems from $180.00 to $198.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on Advanced Drainage Systems from $176.00 to $205.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Robert W. Baird set a $205.00 price target on Advanced Drainage Systems in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price objective on Advanced Drainage Systems from $187.00 to $198.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $186.00. Check Out Our Latest Report on WMS Advanced Drainage Systems Profile (Free Report) Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc (NYSE: WMS) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of water management solutions in North America. Headquartered in Hilliard, Ohio, the company specializes in the design, production and distribution of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) drainage pipe and related products. Its core business addresses stormwater management, on-site septic systems and erosion control for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. The companys product portfolio includes corrugated plastic pipe, tubing, fittings, geocells, geogrids and stormwater structures such as inlets, manholes and detention/retention systems. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WMS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE:WMS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Advanced Drainage Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Advanced Drainage Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Walled Lake Planning & Wealth Management LLC decreased its stake in shares of Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO Free Report) by 68.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 52,603 shares of the companys stock after selling 112,944 shares during the quarter. Walled Lake Planning & Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Flowers Foods were worth $686,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Flowers Foods during the second quarter worth $28,000. Quent Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Flowers Foods in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB raised its stake in Flowers Foods by 271.4% in the 3rd quarter. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB now owns 2,737 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its position in Flowers Foods by 64.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 2,555 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 1,001 shares during the period. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its position in Flowers Foods by 4,746.6% during the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,811 shares of the companys stock worth $45,000 after acquiring an additional 2,753 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.45% of the companys stock. Get Flowers Foods alerts: Flowers Foods Trading Up 2.3% Shares of NYSE:FLO opened at $9.25 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.75, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04. Flowers Foods, Inc. has a 12-month low of $8.94 and a 12-month high of $20.23. The business has a 50 day moving average of $10.69 and a two-hundred day moving average of $11.89. The company has a market capitalization of $1.96 billion, a PE ratio of 23.13 and a beta of 0.36. Flowers Foods Announces Dividend Flowers Foods ( NYSE:FLO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $0.22 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.16 by $0.06. Flowers Foods had a net margin of 1.59% and a return on equity of 16.61%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.22 EPS. Flowers Foods has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.800-0.900 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Flowers Foods, Inc. will post 1.18 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be given a $0.2475 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $0.99 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 10.7%. Flowers Foodss dividend payout ratio is 247.50%. Insider Activity In other news, CEO Ryals Mcmullian sold 209,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $10.87, for a total transaction of $2,271,830.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 1,022,380 shares in the company, valued at $11,113,270.60. This trade represents a 16.97% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 11.57% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Key Flowers Foods News Here are the key news stories impacting Flowers Foods this week: Positive Sentiment: Internal leadership change: Flowers appointed a new president to run its Simple Mills business, creating clearer accountability for the branded-snack growth strategy that could help margin recovery and brand execution over time. Flowers sets new leadership for Simple Mills Internal leadership change: Flowers appointed a new president to run its Simple Mills business, creating clearer accountability for the branded-snack growth strategy that could help margin recovery and brand execution over time. Neutral Sentiment: Zacks published some mixed/Modest upward tweaks alongside new multiyear estimates for example, small lifts to certain Q4 estimates (Q4 2026 and Q4 2027) and an FY2028 EPS projection of $0.88 but these do not offset larger downward revisions elsewhere. MarketBeat FLO coverage (Zacks notes) Zacks published some mixed/Modest upward tweaks alongside new multiyear estimates for example, small lifts to certain Q4 estimates (Q4 2026 and Q4 2027) and an FY2028 EPS projection of $0.88 but these do not offset larger downward revisions elsewhere. Negative Sentiment: Broad cuts from Zacks: the firm trimmed multiple quarterly EPS forecasts (several Q1Q3 2026 and Q1Q3 2027 quarters) and lowered FY2026 to $0.90 (from $1.03) and FY2027 to $0.96 (from $1.07); Zacks also maintains a Strong Sell stance a set of downgrades that increases nearterm downside risk and likely explains selling pressure today. MarketBeat FLO coverage (Zacks notes) Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Zacks Research lowered Flowers Foods from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, February 25th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Flowers Foods in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of Flowers Foods from $15.00 to $10.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $11.00 price objective on shares of Flowers Foods in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Stephens set a $11.00 target price on shares of Flowers Foods in a report on Wednesday, February 18th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $12.60. Get Our Latest Analysis on Flowers Foods Flowers Foods Profile (Free Report) Flowers Foods, Inc is one of the largest producers of packaged bakery foods in the United States, offering a variety of fresh bread, buns, rolls, snack cakes and tortillas. Headquartered in Thomasville, Georgia, the company operates an extensive network of bakeries and distribution centers that serve retail grocery chains, convenience stores, mass merchandisers and foodservice customers nationwide. Flowers Foods markets its products under well-known brands such as Natures Own, Wonder, Daves Killer Bread, Mrs. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Flowers Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flowers Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IFG Advisory LLC trimmed its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 17.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 54,564 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,716 shares during the quarter. IFG Advisory LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $3,701,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Breakwater Capital Group lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 0.5% in the third quarter. Breakwater Capital Group now owns 28,868 shares of the companys stock worth $1,958,000 after buying an additional 150 shares in the last quarter. Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors LLC now owns 8,885 shares of the companys stock valued at $603,000 after acquiring an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Pineridge Advisors LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 6.7% during the 3rd quarter. Pineridge Advisors LLC now owns 2,877 shares of the companys stock valued at $195,000 after purchasing an additional 181 shares during the last quarter. Cooper Financial Group grew its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Cooper Financial Group now owns 19,321 shares of the companys stock worth $1,311,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GGM Financials LLC increased its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 0.9% during the third quarter. GGM Financials LLC now owns 21,099 shares of the companys stock worth $1,431,000 after acquiring an additional 191 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Stock Performance iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF stock opened at $74.66 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $30.61 billion, a PE ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $75.49 and a 200-day moving average price of $71.07. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a fifty-two week low of $51.87 and a fifty-two week high of $80.14. About iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. The Fund invests in sectors, such as financials, energy, healthcare, telecommunication services, industrials, utilities, consumer discretionary, materials, information technology and consumer staples. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Industria de Diseno Textil (OTCMKTS:IDEXY Get Free Report) and Levi Strauss & Co. (NYSE:LEVI Get Free Report) are both retail/wholesale companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, profitability, risk, earnings, valuation and institutional ownership. Institutional and Insider Ownership 69.1% of Levi Strauss & Co. shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.3% of Levi Strauss & Co. shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Industria de Diseno Textil alerts: Risk & Volatility Industria de Diseno Textil has a beta of 0.93, indicating that its stock price is 7% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Levi Strauss & Co. has a beta of 1.28, indicating that its stock price is 28% more volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Analyst Ratings Industria de Diseno Textil pays an annual dividend of $0.29 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Levi Strauss & Co. pays an annual dividend of $0.56 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.8%. Industria de Diseno Textil pays out 52.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Levi Strauss & Co. pays out 38.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Levi Strauss & Co. has raised its dividend for 4 consecutive years. Levi Strauss & Co. is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. This is a summary of recent ratings for Industria de Diseno Textil and Levi Strauss & Co., as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Industria de Diseno Textil 0 0 1 5 3.83 Levi Strauss & Co. 0 3 12 0 2.80 Levi Strauss & Co. has a consensus price target of $26.69, suggesting a potential upside of 31.55%. Given Levi Strauss & Co.s higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Levi Strauss & Co. is more favorable than Industria de Diseno Textil. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Industria de Diseno Textil and Levi Strauss & Co.s revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Industria de Diseno Textil $41.81 billion 4.57 $6.32 billion $0.55 27.89 Levi Strauss & Co. $6.28 billion 1.26 $578.10 million $1.46 13.90 Industria de Diseno Textil has higher revenue and earnings than Levi Strauss & Co.. Levi Strauss & Co. is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Industria de Diseno Textil, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Industria de Diseno Textil and Levi Strauss & Co.s net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Industria de Diseno Textil 15.40% 32.94% 17.22% Levi Strauss & Co. 9.20% 25.08% 8.19% About Industria de Diseno Textil (Get Free Report) Industria de Diseno Textil, S.A. engages in the retail and online distribution of clothing, footwear, accessories, and household products. The company sells its products under the Zara, Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, and Zara Home brands. It is also involved in the textile manufacturing, logistics, design, insurance, construction, and real estate businesses, as well as provides financial services. The company operates in Spain, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and internationally. Industria de Diseno Textil, S.A. was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in A Coruna, Spain. About Levi Strauss & Co. (Get Free Report) Levi Strauss & Co. engages in the design, marketing, and sale of apparel products. The company offers jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear, and related accessories. It operates through the following geographical segments: Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company was founded by Levi Strauss in 1853 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Receive News & Ratings for Industria de Diseno Textil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Industria de Diseno Textil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integral Diagnostics Limited (ASX:IDX Get Free Report) insider Kevin (Kai-Chung) Shaw purchased 28,000 shares of Integral Diagnostics stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 27th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of A$2.43 per share, with a total value of A$68,040.00. Integral Diagnostics Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 124.07, a current ratio of 0.63 and a quick ratio of 1.84. The stock has a market cap of $880.11 million, a P/E ratio of 63.24, a P/E/G ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 0.14. Get Integral Diagnostics alerts: Integral Diagnostics Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a Interim dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, April 1st will be given a dividend of $0.033 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 3rd. This represents a yield of 137.0%. Integral Diagnosticss dividend payout ratio is currently -28.08%. About Integral Diagnostics Integral Diagnostics Limited, a healthcare services company, provides diagnostic imaging services to general practitioners, medical specialists, and allied health professionals and their patients in Australia and New Zealand. It provides services through 67 radiology clinics. The company was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Integral Diagnostics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Integral Diagnostics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intercontinental Hotels Group (NYSE:IHG Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Thursday, March 5th. Investors of record on Friday, April 10th will be paid a dividend of 1.259 per share on Thursday, May 14th. This represents a dividend yield of 191.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 10th. Intercontinental Hotels Group has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.1%annually over the last three years. Intercontinental Hotels Group has a payout ratio of 20.2% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Intercontinental Hotels Group to earn $5.77 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.13 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 19.6%. Get Intercontinental Hotels Group alerts: Intercontinental Hotels Group Stock Performance Shares of IHG traded down $2.34 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $131.85. 273,032 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 286,457. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $140.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $131.38. Intercontinental Hotels Group has a 52-week low of $94.78 and a 52-week high of $150.89. Intercontinental Hotels Group Company Profile Intercontinental Hotels Group plc (IHG) is a multinational hospitality company that develops, owns, manages and franchises a broad portfolio of hotels and resorts. The company operates across full-service luxury and upscale segments as well as midscale and extended-stay categories, providing lodging, food and beverage, meeting and event services, and related guest amenities. IHGs business model emphasizes brand franchising and management agreements, while retaining ownership or direct investments in a smaller portion of its global property portfolio. IHGs brand portfolio spans global and regional names designed to serve different traveler needs and market segments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Intercontinental Hotels Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intercontinental Hotels Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kunlun Energy (OTCMKTS:KLYCY Get Free Report) shot up 5.4% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $11.26 and last traded at $11.26. 148 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 62% from the average session volume of 394 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.68. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Zacks Research upgraded Kunlun Energy to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Kunlun Energy alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Kunlun Energy Kunlun Energy Stock Up 5.4% About Kunlun Energy The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 1.85 and a current ratio of 1.89. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $10.01 and its 200-day simple moving average is $9.51. (Get Free Report) Kunlun Energy Company Limited is a China-based energy company engaged primarily in the exploration, production, distribution and sales of natural gas and crude oil. As a publicly traded entity on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the OTC Markets under the ticker KLYCY, the company focuses on developing upstream reserves in key basins across northwest China, including the Tarim, Junggar and TurpanHami basins. Kunlun Energys upstream activities are supported by a combination of proprietary drilling technologies and strategic partnerships that enable it to target both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon resources. In its midstream operations, Kunlun Energy has established an extensive pipeline network that links its production areas to major consumption centers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kunlun Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kunlun Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lennox International (NYSE:LII Free Report) had its price objective raised by Wells Fargo & Company from $520.00 to $560.00 in a research report released on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the construction companys stock. LII has been the topic of several other reports. Wolfe Research raised shares of Lennox International from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Lennox International in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Lennox International from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, February 21st. William Blair reissued an outperform rating on shares of Lennox International in a research report on Thursday. Finally, UBS Group started coverage on shares of Lennox International in a report on Monday, January 5th. They issued a neutral rating and a $530.00 price objective for the company. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Lennox International has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $593.83. Get Lennox International alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Lennox International Lennox International Stock Down 4.1% LII stock opened at $528.31 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $526.78 and a 200 day moving average of $522.27. The firm has a market cap of $18.39 billion, a PE ratio of 23.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 1.16. Lennox International has a twelve month low of $443.19 and a twelve month high of $689.44. The company has a quick ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.98. Lennox International (NYSE:LII Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The construction company reported $4.45 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.76 by ($0.31). Lennox International had a return on equity of 80.23% and a net margin of 15.13%.The company had revenue of $1.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.27 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $5.60 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Lennox International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 23.500-25.000 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Lennox International will post 22.94 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Lennox International In related news, Director Todd J. Teske sold 700 shares of Lennox International stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $533.45, for a total value of $373,415.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 6,881 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,670,669.45. The trade was a 9.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, CAO Chris Kosel sold 254 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $536.50, for a total value of $136,271.00. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 1,090 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $584,785. This trade represents a 18.90% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 1,054 shares of company stock worth $563,687 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 9.73% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lennox International Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in Lennox International during the third quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Huntington National Bank boosted its stake in shares of Lennox International by 51.8% during the 4th quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 85 shares of the construction companys stock worth $41,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Lennox International by 217.2% during the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 92 shares of the construction companys stock worth $48,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. MUFG Securities EMEA plc bought a new stake in shares of Lennox International during the 2nd quarter valued at $54,000. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Lennox International by 52.8% in the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 110 shares of the construction companys stock worth $59,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 67.07% of the companys stock. About Lennox International (Get Free Report) Lennox International Inc is a global manufacturer of climate control products and services, principally serving residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) markets. The company designs, engineers and produces a range of products including furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, air handlers, packaged rooftop units and related controls and indoor air quality equipment. Lennox also supplies aftermarket parts and accessories and supports its product lines with technical service, training and warranty programs for dealer and distribution partners. Originally founded in 1895 by Dave Lennox, the company has grown from its early roots into a multinational business with operations concentrated in North America and a presence in other international markets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Lennox International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lennox International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC reduced its stake in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by 26.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 28,002 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 10,240 shares during the period. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLCs holdings in Bank of America were worth $1,445,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of BAC. Smith Moore & CO. grew its holdings in Bank of America by 2.7% during the third quarter. Smith Moore & CO. now owns 13,693 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $706,000 after acquiring an additional 355 shares during the period. United Capital Management of KS Inc. lifted its holdings in Bank of America by 1.6% in the third quarter. United Capital Management of KS Inc. now owns 152,051 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,844,000 after acquiring an additional 2,406 shares during the period. Tower Bridge Advisors boosted its position in Bank of America by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Bridge Advisors now owns 74,178 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,827,000 after purchasing an additional 660 shares in the last quarter. Advisory Alpha LLC grew its stake in shares of Bank of America by 3.0% during the 3rd quarter. Advisory Alpha LLC now owns 34,098 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,722,000 after purchasing an additional 995 shares during the period. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 31.6% during the 3rd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 5,907 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $305,000 after purchasing an additional 1,418 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.71% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets BAC has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Oppenheimer increased their price target on shares of Bank of America from $55.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Evercore set a $59.00 target price on shares of Bank of America in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Bank of America from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on Bank of America from $56.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Twenty-two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $60.30. Bank of America News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: Positive Sentiment: Bank of America Private Bank launched an Art Consulting service to help wealth clients treat art as an investable asset, which can deepen client relationships and boost advisory/relationship fee income. Read More. Bank of America Private Bank launched an Art Consulting service to help wealth clients treat art as an investable asset, which can deepen client relationships and boost advisory/relationship fee income. Read More. Positive Sentiment: BofA Securities acted as lead underwriter/advisor on SM Energys $1B senior notes offering, highlighting ongoing investment-banking deal flow that supports noninterest fee revenue. Read More. BofA Securities acted as lead underwriter/advisor on SM Energys $1B senior notes offering, highlighting ongoing investment-banking deal flow that supports noninterest fee revenue. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Bank of America disclosed a stake crossing in Galapagos under transparency rules; this is a regulatory filing about holdings rather than a business development for BAC itself. Read More. Bank of America disclosed a stake crossing in Galapagos under transparency rules; this is a regulatory filing about holdings rather than a business development for BAC itself. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: VantageScores CEO will appear at BofAs upcoming Information & Business Services conference evidence BofA continues to host investor events that support its securities business but with limited direct impact on the banks fundamentals. Read More. VantageScores CEO will appear at BofAs upcoming Information & Business Services conference evidence BofA continues to host investor events that support its securities business but with limited direct impact on the banks fundamentals. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Coverage and analyst activity mentioning BAC (Zacks trending piece) indicate retail/investor interest in the stock; attention can drive volume but is not a clear directional catalyst. Read More. Coverage and analyst activity mentioning BAC (Zacks trending piece) indicate retail/investor interest in the stock; attention can drive volume but is not a clear directional catalyst. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Analysis flagging that BACs recent share momentum is cooling raises near-term valuation pressure and may be a direct reason shares are trading lower today. Read More. Analysis flagging that BACs recent share momentum is cooling raises near-term valuation pressure and may be a direct reason shares are trading lower today. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Bank of America warns broader market risk from the U.S.-Iran war (e.g., collapsed Strait of Hormuz volumes) could spark volatility and downside for banks via economic and oilprice shocks. That macro risk is a headwind for financial stocks including BAC. Read More. Bank of America Stock Down 1.0% BAC opened at $49.81 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $357.47 billion, a PE ratio of 13.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.28. Bank of America Corporation has a twelve month low of $33.06 and a twelve month high of $57.55. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $53.42 and a 200 day moving average price of $52.48. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.02. Bank of America had a return on equity of 11.07% and a net margin of 16.23%.The company had revenue of $4.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $27.73 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.82 EPS. Bank of Americas revenue was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Bank of America Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be given a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. Bank of Americas payout ratio is presently 29.24%. About Bank of America (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets. Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC increased its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 76.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 49,800 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 21,543 shares during the quarter. Novo Nordisk A/S makes up approximately 0.7% of Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLCs holdings, making the stock its 27th largest holding. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $2,763,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in NVO. True Wealth Design LLC boosted its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 209.8% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 443 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 174.1% during the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 444 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 282 shares during the period. Guerra Advisors Inc acquired a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC purchased a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, Allianz SE grew its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 70.0% in the 3rd quarter. Allianz SE now owns 578 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 238 shares during the period. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Novo Nordisk A/S News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Novo Nordisk A/S this week: Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:NVO opened at $39.02 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $51.68 and a two-hundred day moving average of $52.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $174.22 billion, a PE ratio of 11.24 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.57. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 12 month low of $35.85 and a 12 month high of $89.03. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $1.01 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.11. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 68.91% and a net margin of 33.03%.The business had revenue of $12.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.97 billion. As a group, research analysts forecast that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current year. Novo Nordisk A/S Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 8th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 30th will be given a dividend of $1.2751 per share. This represents a yield of 541.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 30th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss payout ratio is 52.74%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have weighed in on NVO shares. CICC Research started coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Friday, January 9th. They set an outperform rating and a $73.50 price target on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $41.00 target price (down from $63.00) on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Monday. Argus reissued a hold rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Monday, December 8th. TD Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Tuesday, February 24th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Novo Nordisk A/S currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $53.93. View Our Latest Report on Novo Nordisk A/S About Novo Nordisk A/S (Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsvrd, Denmark, best known for its leadership in diabetes care and metabolic health. The company traces its roots to early Danish insulin production in the 1920s and was established in its current form through a 1989 merger of predecessor companies. Novo Nordisk develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and devices that address chronic and serious diseases, with a strong emphasis on long-term treatment and patient support. The companys core product portfolio centers on diabetes therapies, including a range of insulins and modern incretin-based treatments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Marshalls plc (LON:MSLH Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 153 and last traded at GBX 154.40, with a volume of 10106336 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 161.80. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their target price on Marshalls from GBX 240 to GBX 195 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 316.25. Get Marshalls alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on MSLH Marshalls Trading Down 4.6% Insider Buying and Selling The stock has a market capitalization of 390.40 million, a P/E ratio of 16.43, a PEG ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 1.26. The stocks fifty day moving average price is GBX 171.94 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 173.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 31.11, a current ratio of 1.73 and a quick ratio of 1.34. In other Marshalls news, insider Simon Bourne purchased 40,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 8th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 172 per share, with a total value of 68,800. Also, insider Justin Lockwood acquired 260,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 13th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 181 per share, for a total transaction of 470,600. Company insiders own 1.07% of the companys stock. Marshalls Company Profile (Get Free Report) Established in the late 1880s, Marshalls plc is a leading UK manufacturer of sustainable solutions for the built environment. It operates through three trading divisions: Landscape Products; Roofing Products; and Building Products. At a Group, divisional and brand level, Marshalls strategy centres around its customers who value its unique set of capabilities, namely leading brands, best in class technical and design support and carbon leadership. This is underpinned by business wide enterprise excellence, leadership in ESG governance and standards and its people, organisation, and culture. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Marshalls Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Marshalls and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Asset Management Inc raised its stake in National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE:NFG Free Report) by 110.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,900 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after acquiring an additional 7,300 shares during the quarter. TD Asset Management Incs holdings in National Fuel Gas were worth $1,284,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in National Fuel Gas in the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. lifted its position in National Fuel Gas by 88.5% during the 3rd quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 360 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 169 shares in the last quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in National Fuel Gas by 355.1% in the 2nd quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 405 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 316 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its position in National Fuel Gas by 105.3% in the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 423 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 217 shares in the last quarter. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC raised its stake in shares of National Fuel Gas by 3,883.3% during the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 478 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 466 shares during the period. 73.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get National Fuel Gas alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have weighed in on NFG. Scotiabank set a $101.00 price objective on shares of National Fuel Gas in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of National Fuel Gas in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of National Fuel Gas from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $96.33. National Fuel Gas Trading Down 0.7% NYSE:NFG opened at $92.92 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.96, a P/E/G ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.57. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $84.21 and a 200 day simple moving average of $84.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.59. National Fuel Gas Company has a 12-month low of $69.93 and a 12-month high of $94.13. National Fuel Gas (NYSE:NFG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The oil and gas producer reported $2.06 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.91 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $651.51 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $650.70 million. National Fuel Gas had a return on equity of 21.45% and a net margin of 27.65%.The firms revenue was up 18.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.66 EPS. National Fuel Gas has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.600-8.100 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that National Fuel Gas Company will post 6.64 EPS for the current year. National Fuel Gas Profile (Free Report) National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) is a diversified energy company engaged primarily in the production, gathering, transmission, distribution and marketing of natural gas. The company operates through four principal segments: Exploration & Production, Pipeline & Storage, Utilities, and Energy Marketing. Its integrated asset base spans upstream development in the Appalachian Basin, regional pipeline networks, underground storage facilities, and regulated utility distribution systems. In its Exploration & Production segment, National Fuel Gas focuses on developing natural gas reserves in the Marcellus and Utica shales, leveraging modern drilling and completion techniques. Read More Receive News & Ratings for National Fuel Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Fuel Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of NETSTREIT Corp. (NYSE:NTST Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $21.27 and last traded at $21.27, with a volume of 983697 shares. The stock had previously closed at $20.93. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. BTIG Research raised their target price on NETSTREIT from $19.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. Truist Financial increased their price target on NETSTREIT from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. Cantor Fitzgerald lifted their price objective on NETSTREIT from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. Scotiabank upped their target price on NETSTREIT from $21.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of NETSTREIT in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $20.83. Get NETSTREIT alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on NTST NETSTREIT Trading Up 0.1% The company has a current ratio of 3.12, a quick ratio of 3.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. The company has a market cap of $2.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 231.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.31 and a beta of 0.86. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $18.95 and a 200 day moving average price of $18.47. NETSTREIT (NYSE:NTST Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 10th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.33 by ($0.31). NETSTREIT had a return on equity of 0.51% and a net margin of 3.54%.The firm had revenue of $52.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $50.98 million. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that NETSTREIT Corp. will post 1.19 EPS for the current year. NETSTREIT Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 16th will be issued a $0.22 dividend. This is an increase from NETSTREITs previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 16th. NETSTREITs dividend payout ratio is 955.56%. Institutional Trading of NETSTREIT Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Principal Financial Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of NETSTREIT by 11.9% during the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 8,958,073 shares of the companys stock valued at $161,783,000 after acquiring an additional 955,951 shares during the period. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al increased its holdings in shares of NETSTREIT by 1,042.3% in the 3rd quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al now owns 162,200 shares of the companys stock worth $2,929,000 after acquiring an additional 148,000 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC lifted its position in NETSTREIT by 100.7% in the 3rd quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 193,566 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,496,000 after purchasing an additional 97,116 shares during the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its position in NETSTREIT by 76.1% in the 3rd quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 79,454 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,435,000 after purchasing an additional 34,334 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Tributary Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in NETSTREIT by 92.6% during the 3rd quarter. Tributary Capital Management LLC now owns 1,559,924 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,172,000 after purchasing an additional 749,811 shares during the period. NETSTREIT Company Profile (Get Free Report) NetSTREIT Corp. is a real estate investment trust that specializes in the acquisition and management of singletenant, net lease retail properties across the United States. The company targets assets leased to investmentgrade or creditworthy tenants under longterm, triplenet leases, which generally shift propertylevel expensessuch as taxes, insurance and maintenanceto the tenant. This business model is designed to generate predictable, stable income streams and to limit landlord responsibilities. NetSTREITs portfolio encompasses a diversified mix of essential retail and service properties, including quickservice restaurants, convenience stores, banks, automotive service centers and medical clinics. Read More Receive News & Ratings for NETSTREIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NETSTREIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC lowered its stake in Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM Free Report) by 30.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 95,714 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 41,000 shares during the quarter. Newmont comprises about 1.9% of Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest position. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLCs holdings in Newmont were worth $8,070,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Newmont by 327.8% in the 3rd quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 308 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 236 shares during the period. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Newmont by 53.5% in the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 399 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 139 shares during the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new stake in Newmont in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Capital A Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Newmont by 1,648.3% in the second quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 507 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 478 shares during the period. Finally, Reyes Financial Architecture Inc. acquired a new position in Newmont during the third quarter worth $44,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.85% of the companys stock. Get Newmont alerts: Newmont Stock Performance Shares of NEM opened at $116.14 on Friday. Newmont Corporation has a 1 year low of $42.03 and a 1 year high of $134.88. The stock has a market capitalization of $126.35 billion, a PE ratio of 18.18, a PEG ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a current ratio of 2.29. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $117.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of $96.41. Newmont Increases Dividend Newmont ( NYSE:NEM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The basic materials company reported $2.52 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.81 by $0.71. Newmont had a net margin of 31.25% and a return on equity of 23.28%. The firm had revenue of $6.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.18 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.40 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 20.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Newmont Corporation will post 3.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 26th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.26 per share. This is an increase from Newmonts previous quarterly dividend of $0.25. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 3rd. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Newmonts dividend payout ratio is presently 16.28%. Analyst Ratings Changes NEM has been the subject of a number of research reports. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce dropped their price objective on Newmont from $71.00 to $67.00 in a research note on Friday, February 27th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Newmont from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, February 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price target on shares of Newmont from $120.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of Newmont from $160.00 to $150.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, February 23rd. Finally, Argus lifted their price objective on shares of Newmont from $75.00 to $94.00 in a report on Friday, November 21st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $133.68. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on NEM Newmont Company Profile (Free Report) Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) is a leading global gold mining company engaged in the exploration, development, processing and reclamation of gold properties. The companys core business centers on the production of gold, with additional byproduct metals produced from its operations. Newmont operates a portfolio of longlived mines and development projects, and its activities span the full mine life cycle from early-stage exploration through to mining, milling and closure. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, Newmont has grown through organic development and strategic acquisitions. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Newmont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newmont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC boosted its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 8.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 17,026 shares of the investment management companys stock after buying an additional 1,331 shares during the quarter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLCs holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $13,558,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in GS. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group in the third quarter worth approximately $26,000. First PREMIER Bank bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Corundum Trust Company INC purchased a new stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in the 3rd quarter worth $29,000. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. Elevation Wealth Partners LLC now owns 40 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 20 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Clearstead Trust LLC purchased a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the second quarter valued at $31,000. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, CFO Denis P. Coleman sold 11,623 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $941.57, for a total value of $10,943,868.11. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 29,342 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $27,627,546.94. This trade represents a 28.37% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Alex S. Golten sold 1,092 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $936.89, for a total transaction of $1,023,083.88. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 117,283 shares of company stock valued at $112,016,033 in the last 90 days. 0.55% of the stock is owned by insiders. Trending Headlines about The Goldman Sachs Group Positive Sentiment: Goldmans Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives led a $65M Series C in seniorcare platform Sage a feegenerating privateequity win that highlights deal flow and alternativeasset activity for Goldman. Read More. Goldmans Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives led a $65M Series C in seniorcare platform Sage a feegenerating privateequity win that highlights deal flow and alternativeasset activity for Goldman. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives announced a strategic investment in cybersecurity compliance firm Schellman, another sign the firm is actively deploying capital in feeearning deals. Read More. Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives announced a strategic investment in cybersecurity compliance firm Schellman, another sign the firm is actively deploying capital in feeearning deals. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Goldman completed a majority privateequity investment in Mace Consult, supporting expected growth and potential fee income from infrastructure consulting holdings. Read More. Goldman completed a majority privateequity investment in Mace Consult, supporting expected growth and potential fee income from infrastructure consulting holdings. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Goldman strategists are publicly saying equity pullbacks tied to Iran tensions and AI fears could be buying opportunities guidance that may stabilize sentiment over time but doesnt remove nearterm volatility. Read More. Goldman strategists are publicly saying equity pullbacks tied to Iran tensions and AI fears could be buying opportunities guidance that may stabilize sentiment over time but doesnt remove nearterm volatility. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Goldman is actively publishing market research (raising shortterm Brent forecasts, advising on AI impacts for insurers and flagging oil dislocations) useful for institutional clients but mixed in its direct effect on GS shares. Read More. Goldman is actively publishing market research (raising shortterm Brent forecasts, advising on AI impacts for insurers and flagging oil dislocations) useful for institutional clients but mixed in its direct effect on GS shares. Read More. Negative Sentiment: CEO David Solomon said he was surprised by the markets muted response to the Iran conflict and warned markets may take weeks to digest its impact comments that underscore geopolitical risk and likely explain part of the selloff. Read More. CEO David Solomon said he was surprised by the markets muted response to the Iran conflict and warned markets may take weeks to digest its impact comments that underscore geopolitical risk and likely explain part of the selloff. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Reports that Goldmans departing top lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler has been asked to testify in House probes tied to Jeffrey Epstein raise potential legal/reputational risk for the firm, increasing investor caution. Read More. Reports that Goldmans departing top lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler has been asked to testify in House probes tied to Jeffrey Epstein raise potential legal/reputational risk for the firm, increasing investor caution. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Goldman is being singled out as one of the largest drags on the Dow amid todays market weakness reinforcing momentum selling and headlinedriven declines. Read More. The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Down 3.7% Here are the key news stories impacting The Goldman Sachs Group this week: NYSE:GS opened at $835.15 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $247.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.28, a PEG ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 1.34. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $439.38 and a 52 week high of $984.70. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.66 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.60. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $920.33 and a 200 day moving average of $839.47. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 15th. The investment management company reported $13.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $11.52 by $2.03. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 15.72% and a net margin of 13.73%.The business had revenue of $15.71 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.30 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $11.95 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 30th. Investors of record on Monday, March 2nd will be given a dividend of $4.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $18.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. This is an increase from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $4.00. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 35.09%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. BNP Paribas Exane upped their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $775.00 to $970.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Argus upped their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $863.00 to $1,066.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Dbs Bank increased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $800.00 to $890.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $898.00 to $1,087.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, HSBC upped their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $742.00 to $802.00 in a report on Friday, February 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and fourteen have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, The Goldman Sachs Group has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $916.86. View Our Latest Research Report on The Goldman Sachs Group About The Goldman Sachs Group (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc is a global investment banking and financial services firm headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1869 as a commercial paper business, the company has grown into a diversified financial institution that provides a broad range of services to corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. The firm is led by Chief Executive Officer David M. Solomon and operates across major financial centers worldwide. Goldman Sachs core businesses include investment banking, global markets, asset and wealth management, and consumer banking. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD Free Report) by 5.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 90,068 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 4,861 shares during the quarter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLCs holdings in Prologis were worth $10,315,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Prologis by 0.3% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 122,064,883 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $13,978,870,000 after buying an additional 323,551 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Prologis by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 58,640,842 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $6,164,325,000 after acquiring an additional 1,088,544 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Prologis by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 22,416,833 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,345,922,000 after acquiring an additional 310,333 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its stake in shares of Prologis by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 16,506,899 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,735,205,000 after acquiring an additional 253,338 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Prologis in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,288,936,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.50% of the companys stock. Get Prologis alerts: Prologis Stock Down 1.2% Shares of PLD stock opened at $137.73 on Friday. Prologis, Inc. has a one year low of $85.35 and a one year high of $143.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.58 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $133.84 and a 200 day moving average price of $125.15. The stock has a market cap of $128.03 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.45 and a beta of 1.41. Prologis Increases Dividend Prologis ( NYSE:PLD Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 21st. The real estate investment trust reported $1.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.44. The company had revenue of $2.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.09 billion. Prologis had a net margin of 37.86% and a return on equity of 5.79%. The businesss revenue was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.42 EPS. Prologis has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.000-6.200 EPS. Analysts predict that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.73 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be issued a dividend of $1.07 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. This is a positive change from Prologiss previous quarterly dividend of $1.01. This represents a $4.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. Prologiss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 113.80%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have commented on PLD. Truist Financial lowered their price target on Prologis from $142.00 to $139.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, January 26th. Mizuho raised their target price on shares of Prologis from $138.00 to $143.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of Prologis from $137.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, February 9th. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of Prologis in a report on Thursday. They set a buy rating and a $145.00 price target for the company. Finally, UBS Group raised their price target on Prologis from $144.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $137.20. Get Our Latest Research Report on Prologis Prologis Profile (Free Report) Prologis, Inc is a real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in logistics and distribution facilities. The company focuses on acquiring, developing, and managing high-quality industrial real estate assets that support supply chain infrastructure for third-party logistics providers, e-commerce businesses, retailers and manufacturers. Its portfolio primarily consists of warehouse and distribution centers designed to optimize goods movement and storage near key transportation hubs. With a global presence, Prologis serves customers across the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Prologis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prologis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC decreased its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 121,869 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 4,120 shares during the quarter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $14,482,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of IJR. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP raised its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 197.6% in the 3rd quarter. Your Advocates Ltd. LLP now owns 244 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 162 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 85.4% in the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 254 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 117 shares in the last quarter. New Millennium Group LLC raised its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 105.3% in the third quarter. New Millennium Group LLC now owns 308 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 158 shares during the period. WPG Advisers LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 306.6% during the third quarter. WPG Advisers LLC now owns 431 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 325 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF during the third quarter worth $59,000. 66.92% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Down 1.7% IJR opened at $127.66 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $93.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.52 and a beta of 1.08. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 12 month low of $89.22 and a 12 month high of $133.52. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $127.97 and a 200 day simple moving average of $122.11. About iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The Index serves as the underlying index for the S&P 600/Citigroup Growth and Value Index series. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IJR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of PCCW Ltd. (OTCMKTS:PCCWY Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $7.88, but opened at $7.33. PCCW shares last traded at $7.72, with a volume of 524 shares trading hands. PCCW Price Performance The businesss 50 day moving average is $7.32 and its 200 day moving average is $7.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.57, a current ratio of 0.70 and a quick ratio of 0.61. Get PCCW alerts: PCCW Company Profile (Get Free Report) PCCW Limited (OTCMKTS:PCCWY) is a Hong Kongbased technology and telecommunications company offering a broad array of connectivity, media and IT solutions. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the group traces its roots to the early 2000s restructuring of the local fixed-line incumbent and has since diversified into broadband, mobile and digital media services under various subsidiaries. The companys consumer and enterprise businesses encompass fixed-line telephone, broadband internet access, mobile services and pay-TV. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for PCCW Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PCCW and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KCM Investment Advisors LLC trimmed its holdings in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 19.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 96,755 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 22,891 shares during the quarter. KCM Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Pfizer were worth $2,465,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Winch Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Pfizer by 3.3% in the third quarter. Winch Advisory Services LLC now owns 18,080 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $461,000 after buying an additional 579 shares during the last quarter. Advisory Alpha LLC boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 10.8% during the 3rd quarter. Advisory Alpha LLC now owns 39,668 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,074,000 after acquiring an additional 3,882 shares in the last quarter. JT Stratford LLC grew its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 301.6% in the 3rd quarter. JT Stratford LLC now owns 70,370 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,793,000 after acquiring an additional 52,849 shares during the last quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. raised its position in shares of Pfizer by 14.6% during the third quarter. Cambria Investment Management L.P. now owns 421,336 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $10,280,000 after purchasing an additional 53,745 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 4.5% during the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 36,335,531 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $925,109,000 after purchasing an additional 1,579,117 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.36% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages recently weighed in on PFE. Bank of America dropped their price target on Pfizer from $29.00 to $28.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 15th. UBS Group assumed coverage on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. They issued a neutral rating and a $25.00 target price on the stock. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Pfizer from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, February 24th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Daiwa Securities Group downgraded shares of Pfizer from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $27.00 target price on the stock. in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, fourteen have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Pfizer has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $28.05. Key Stories Impacting Pfizer Here are the key news stories impacting Pfizer this week: Pfizer Stock Performance Shares of PFE opened at $26.63 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $151.43 billion, a PE ratio of 19.58 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.16. The companys 50 day moving average price is $26.26 and its 200 day moving average price is $25.46. Pfizer Inc. has a 52 week low of $20.92 and a 52 week high of $27.94. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $17.56 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.93 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 12.42% and a return on equity of 20.48%. The companys revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.63 EPS. Research analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.5%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Pfizers payout ratio is currently 126.47%. Pfizer Company Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas. Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA Free Report) by 41.7% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 57,151 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 16,820 shares during the quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Managements holdings in iShares MSCI India ETF were worth $2,976,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. CI Investments Inc. grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF by 52.2% during the third quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 35,000 shares of the companys stock worth $1,822,000 after purchasing an additional 12,000 shares in the last quarter. Focus Partners Advisor Solutions LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI India ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $311,000. Bedell Frazier Investment Counselling LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI India ETF by 4.3% during the 3rd quarter. Bedell Frazier Investment Counselling LLC now owns 11,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $593,000 after buying an additional 472 shares during the period. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF by 31.1% during the third quarter. Arete Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 21,033 shares of the companys stock worth $1,095,000 after buying an additional 4,993 shares during the period. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in iShares MSCI India ETF by 15.7% during the third quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. now owns 138,129 shares of the companys stock worth $7,191,000 after buying an additional 18,751 shares during the period. Get iShares MSCI India ETF alerts: iShares MSCI India ETF Trading Up 0.2% Shares of BATS:INDA opened at $50.37 on Friday. iShares MSCI India ETF has a 12 month low of $48.18 and a 12 month high of $56.01. The company has a market capitalization of $8.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.20 and a beta of 0.48. The firms 50-day moving average is $52.77 and its 200 day moving average is $53.30. iShares MSCI India ETF Profile The iShares MSCI India ETF (INDA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI India index, a market-cap-weighted index of the top 85% of firms in the Indian securities market. INDA was launched on Feb 2, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding INDA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI India ETF (BATS:INDA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI India ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI India ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSEARCA:EWZ Free Report) by 61.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 77,372 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 29,310 shares during the quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Managements holdings in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF were worth $2,399,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. CI Investments Inc. grew its position in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 11.1% in the 3rd quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 50,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,550,000 after acquiring an additional 5,000 shares during the last quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF in the third quarter worth about $5,737,000. Bedell Frazier Investment Counselling LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 1.7% in the third quarter. Bedell Frazier Investment Counselling LLC now owns 173,953 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $5,393,000 after purchasing an additional 2,828 shares during the last quarter. Allianz SE increased its stake in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter. Allianz SE now owns 62,756 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,945,000 after buying an additional 2,905 shares during the period. Finally, Bleakley Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 37.7% during the 3rd quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC now owns 69,432 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,152,000 after buying an additional 19,015 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.69% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI Brazil ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Price Performance iShares MSCI Brazil ETF stock opened at $36.36 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $8.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.58 and a beta of 0.87. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $35.98 and a two-hundred day moving average of $32.72. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF has a 1 year low of $23.05 and a 1 year high of $39.69. About iShares MSCI Brazil ETF iShares MSCI Brazil Capped Index Fund (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Brazil Index Fund, seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Brazilian market, as measured by the MSCI Brazil Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Brazilian equity market. It is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSEARCA:EWZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management lowered its holdings in InvenTrust Properties Corp. (NYSE:IVT Free Report) by 26.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 126,428 shares of the companys stock after selling 45,917 shares during the quarter. Picton Mahoney Asset Managements holdings in InvenTrust Properties were worth $3,620,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Choreo LLC purchased a new position in shares of InvenTrust Properties in the 3rd quarter valued at about $403,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its position in InvenTrust Properties by 3.6% during the third quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 58,062 shares of the companys stock worth $1,662,000 after buying an additional 2,000 shares during the period. Centersquare Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in InvenTrust Properties in the third quarter valued at about $5,263,000. Greenland Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of InvenTrust Properties during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $429,000. Finally, Avalon Trust Co acquired a new stake in shares of InvenTrust Properties during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $43,000. 61.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get InvenTrust Properties alerts: InvenTrust Properties Stock Up 0.8% Shares of NYSE:IVT opened at $31.16 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.17, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The company has a market capitalization of $2.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.79, a P/E/G ratio of 2.89 and a beta of 0.84. InvenTrust Properties Corp. has a 52-week low of $25.21 and a 52-week high of $31.91. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $29.66 and its 200-day simple moving average is $28.95. InvenTrust Properties Dividend Announcement InvenTrust Properties ( NYSE:IVT Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, February 10th. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.45 by ($0.42). InvenTrust Properties had a net margin of 37.24% and a return on equity of 6.22%. The firm had revenue of $77.38 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $76.23 million. InvenTrust Properties has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.910-1.950 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that InvenTrust Properties Corp. will post 1.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 30th were paid a dividend of $0.2377 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 30th. This represents a $0.95 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. InvenTrust Propertiess dividend payout ratio is presently 66.43%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of InvenTrust Properties in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating and issued a $33.00 price target (up from $32.00) on shares of InvenTrust Properties in a research report on Monday, December 15th. KeyCorp started coverage on shares of InvenTrust Properties in a research report on Friday. They issued an overweight rating on the stock. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of InvenTrust Properties from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $31.60. Read Our Latest Report on IVT InvenTrust Properties Company Profile (Free Report) InvenTrust Properties Corp is a selfmanaged real estate investment trust specializing in suburban and urban retail real estate. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, the company focuses on the acquisition, leasing and management of openair shopping centers that serve everyday consumer needs. The companys portfolio is concentrated in neighborhood and community retail assets anchored by grocery stores, pharmacies and national service tenants. InvenTrust engages in active leasing strategies, property management services and selective development and redevelopment initiatives designed to enhance longterm cash flow and tenant mix. InvenTrust Properties was created in 2019 through the spinoff of its predecessor, Inland Real Estate Investment Corp, and adopted its current name upon separation. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for InvenTrust Properties Corp. (NYSE:IVT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for InvenTrust Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for InvenTrust Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pitcairn Co. lowered its position in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWV Free Report) by 5.8% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 341,309 shares of the companys stock after selling 20,834 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell 3000 ETF accounts for about 10.2% of Pitcairn Co.s holdings, making the stock its biggest holding. Pitcairn Co.s holdings in iShares Russell 3000 ETF were worth $129,335,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 1.9% during the third quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC now owns 1,715 shares of the companys stock valued at $650,000 after acquiring an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Synovus Financial Corp increased its holdings in iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 0.7% during the 3rd quarter. Synovus Financial Corp now owns 4,904 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,859,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH increased its holdings in iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 0.4% during the 3rd quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 9,403 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,563,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the period. StoneX Group Inc. raised its position in iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 5.8% during the 2nd quarter. StoneX Group Inc. now owns 839 shares of the companys stock valued at $295,000 after purchasing an additional 46 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brown Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Russell 3000 ETF by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. Brown Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,126 shares of the companys stock worth $805,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 3000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 3000 ETF Stock Performance Shares of IWV stock opened at $387.57 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $18.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.11 and a beta of 1.02. iShares Russell 3000 ETF has a fifty-two week low of $273.60 and a fifty-two week high of $397.05. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $391.54 and its 200-day moving average price is $383.57. iShares Russell 3000 ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 3000 ETF, formerly iShares Russell 3000 Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the United States equity market, as represented by the Russell 3000 Index (the Index). It serves as the underlying index for Russell 3000 Growth and Value series and the Russell 1000 and Russell 2000 Indexes, as well as their respective Growth and Value series. The Fund invests in sectors, such as technology, financial services, consumer discretionary, healthcare, producer durables, energy, consumer staples, utilities, materials & processing and S-T Securities. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 3000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 3000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 3000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pitcairn Co. cut its stake in The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG Free Report) by 22.2% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 16,322 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 4,647 shares during the quarter. Pitcairn Co.s holdings in The Hartford Insurance Group were worth $2,177,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 5.8% in the third quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. now owns 1,459 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $195,000 after purchasing an additional 80 shares in the last quarter. Mather Group LLC. grew its holdings in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 4.5% during the third quarter. Mather Group LLC. now owns 1,929 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $257,000 after buying an additional 83 shares in the last quarter. Monument Capital Management raised its position in The Hartford Insurance Group by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Monument Capital Management now owns 24,314 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $3,243,000 after buying an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC lifted its stake in The Hartford Insurance Group by 4.4% in the 2nd quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC now owns 2,037 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $262,000 after acquiring an additional 86 shares in the last quarter. Finally, REAP Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in The Hartford Insurance Group by 12.7% in the 3rd quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 790 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $105,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.42% of the companys stock. Get The Hartford Insurance Group alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other The Hartford Insurance Group news, EVP Lori A. Rodden sold 5,681 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $141.83, for a total value of $805,736.23. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 18,400 shares in the company, valued at $2,609,672. This represents a 23.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CFO Beth Ann Costello sold 35,339 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $136.58, for a total value of $4,826,600.62. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 77,574 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,595,056.92. The trade was a 31.30% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 343,928 shares of company stock valued at $47,393,256 over the last 90 days. 1.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have recently weighed in on HIG. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price target on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group from $160.00 to $163.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Mizuho assumed coverage on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. They issued an outperform rating and a $160.00 price objective on the stock. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group from $151.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Cantor Fitzgerald lifted their price target on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada initiated coverage on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. They set a sector perform rating and a $145.00 price target on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, The Hartford Insurance Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $148.13. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on The Hartford Insurance Group The Hartford Insurance Group Price Performance Shares of HIG opened at $139.66 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $137.24 and its 200 day simple moving average is $133.72. The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $107.49 and a 1-year high of $144.50. The company has a market cap of $38.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.47, a PEG ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 0.60. The Hartford Insurance Group (NYSE:HIG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 29th. The insurance provider reported $4.06 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.22 by $0.84. The company had revenue of $7.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.29 billion. The Hartford Insurance Group had a net margin of 13.52% and a return on equity of 21.92%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.94 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. will post 11.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The Hartford Insurance Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, March 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.7%. The Hartford Insurance Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 17.99%. The Hartford Insurance Group Profile (Free Report) The Hartford Financial Services Group, commonly known as The Hartford, is a U.S.-based insurance and investment company that provides a broad range of commercial and personal insurance products and employee benefits. Its core businesses include property and casualty insurance for businesses and individuals, group benefits such as group life, disability and dental plans, and retirement and investment solutions offered through affiliated asset-management operations. The company also delivers risk management, claims-handling and loss-prevention services designed to support policyholders across a variety of industries. Founded in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1810, The Hartford is one of the oldest insurance organizations in the United States and has a long history of underwriting and product development across multiple insurance lines. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HIG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Hartford Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hartford Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quantbot Technologies LP raised its holdings in shares of National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NBHC Free Report) by 180.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 33,942 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 21,856 shares during the quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP owned about 0.09% of National Bank worth $1,312,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of NBHC. New York State Common Retirement Fund boosted its holdings in National Bank by 336.6% in the 3rd quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 56,373 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,178,000 after purchasing an additional 43,462 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC raised its position in shares of National Bank by 110.4% during the third quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 43,045 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,663,000 after buying an additional 22,583 shares during the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd lifted its stake in shares of National Bank by 97.9% in the third quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 80,567 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,113,000 after buying an additional 39,848 shares during the period. Deprince Race & Zollo Inc. acquired a new stake in National Bank during the third quarter worth about $14,240,000. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. bought a new position in National Bank during the third quarter valued at about $25,869,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.65% of the companys stock. Get National Bank alerts: National Bank Stock Up 0.2% Shares of NYSE:NBHC opened at $40.64 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $40.46 and its 200-day moving average is $38.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a current ratio of 0.94. National Bank Holdings Corporation has a 52 week low of $32.83 and a 52 week high of $42.99. The company has a market capitalization of $1.54 billion, a PE ratio of 14.26 and a beta of 0.79. National Bank Increases Dividend National Bank ( NYSE:NBHC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The financial services provider reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.87 by ($0.27). The firm had revenue of $99.08 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $107.48 million. National Bank had a net margin of 18.66% and a return on equity of 8.65%. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.86 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that National Bank Holdings Corporation will post 3.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $0.32 per share. This is a boost from National Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. National Banks dividend payout ratio is currently 44.91%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other National Bank news, insider John Steinmetz acquired 24,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 11th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $41.41 per share, for a total transaction of $1,002,122.00. Following the transaction, the insider owned 536,504 shares in the company, valued at $22,216,630.64. This trade represents a 4.72% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 2.90% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. DA Davidson reissued a buy rating and set a $48.00 price objective on shares of National Bank in a report on Thursday, February 19th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of National Bank in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of National Bank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, January 31st. Zacks Research upgraded shares of National Bank from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Stephens raised shares of National Bank from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $42.00 price objective for the company in a report on Monday, November 10th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $45.25. View Our Latest Report on NBHC About National Bank (Free Report) National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC) is a diversified financial services holding company headquartered in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Through its network of community bank subsidiaries, the company provides deposit, lending and payment solutions to consumer, small business and commercial clients across multiple U.S. markets. Since its founding in 1992, National Bank Holdings has pursued a growth strategy focused on acquiring and integrating locally branded community banks. Its footprint spans the Midwest and Southern United States, including Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Illinois and Tennessee. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NBHC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NBHC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for National Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quantbot Technologies LP acquired a new position in shares of Cushman & Wakefield PLC (NYSE:CWK Free Report) in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund acquired 84,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,349,000. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Frontier Capital Management Co. LLC bought a new position in Cushman & Wakefield during the second quarter worth about $51,764,000. Channing Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Cushman & Wakefield in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $55,665,000. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. raised its position in shares of Cushman & Wakefield by 128.6% in the 2nd quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 2,879,485 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,876,000 after acquiring an additional 1,620,143 shares during the period. New York State Common Retirement Fund boosted its stake in Cushman & Wakefield by 486.1% during the 3rd quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 1,117,297 shares of the companys stock worth $17,787,000 after acquiring an additional 926,664 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its holdings in Cushman & Wakefield by 416.2% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 574,541 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,360,000 after purchasing an additional 463,241 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.56% of the companys stock. Get Cushman & Wakefield alerts: Cushman & Wakefield Stock Performance CWK opened at $13.23 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.82 and a beta of 1.49. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $15.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $15.69. Cushman & Wakefield PLC has a 1 year low of $7.64 and a 1 year high of $17.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 1.10. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Cushman & Wakefield ( NYSE:CWK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 19th. The company reported $0.54 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.53 by $0.01. Cushman & Wakefield had a return on equity of 15.02% and a net margin of 0.86%.The company had revenue of $2.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.83 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.48 earnings per share. Cushman & Wakefields revenue for the quarter was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts expect that Cushman & Wakefield PLC will post 1.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Cushman & Wakefield in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $19.00 price objective on shares of Cushman & Wakefield in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Wolfe Research upgraded Cushman & Wakefield from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $19.00 target price on the stock in a report on Monday, February 9th. Citigroup raised Cushman & Wakefield from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $18.00 target price for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Cushman & Wakefield from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 23rd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $18.56. Read Our Latest Research Report on CWK About Cushman & Wakefield (Free Report) Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global commercial real estate services firm headquartered in Chicago. The company provides a wide range of services to occupiers and investors, specializing in transaction management, property management, facilities management and project management. Its clientele spans corporate occupiers, landlords, investors and government entities seeking solutions to optimize their real estate portfolios and operations. The firms core offerings include leasing advisory for office, industrial, retail and multifamily properties, as well as capital markets advice on acquisitions, dispositions and debt and equity placements. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CWK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cushman & Wakefield PLC (NYSE:CWK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Cushman & Wakefield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cushman & Wakefield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NexGen Energy (TSE:NXE Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by equities researchers at Raymond James Financial from C$18.00 to C$20.00 in a research note issued on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has an outperform rating on the stock. Raymond James Financials price target would suggest a potential upside of 20.77% from the companys current price. NXE has been the topic of a number of other reports. UBS Group set a C$20.00 price target on shares of NexGen Energy and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday. TD Securities increased their target price on shares of NexGen Energy from C$15.00 to C$20.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. National Bank Financial lifted their price target on shares of NexGen Energy from C$18.00 to C$19.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on NexGen Energy from C$20.00 to C$22.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 11th. Finally, Haywood Securities raised their target price on NexGen Energy from C$12.50 to C$15.00 in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$19.09. Get NexGen Energy alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on NXE NexGen Energy Stock Performance Shares of NexGen Energy stock traded down C$0.41 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting C$16.56. 1,370,312 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,573,986. NexGen Energy has a 12 month low of C$5.59 and a 12 month high of C$18.91. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of C$16.05 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$13.30. The company has a market capitalization of C$10.84 billion, a P/E ratio of -28.07 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 32.03, a quick ratio of 8.20 and a current ratio of 1.82. NexGen Energy (TSE:NXE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 4th. The company reported C($0.06) EPS for the quarter. Sell-side analysts anticipate that NexGen Energy will post -0.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About NexGen Energy (Get Free Report) NexGen Energy is a Canadian company focused on delivering clean energy fuel for the future. The Companys flagship Rook I Project is being optimally developed into the largest low-cost producing uranium mine globally, incorporating the most elite environmental and social governance standards. The Rook I Project is supported by an N.I. 43-101 compliant Feasibility Study, which outlines the elite environmental performance and industry-leading economics. NexGen is led by a team of experienced uranium and mining industry professionals with expertise across the entire mining life cycle, including exploration, financing, project engineering and construction, operations and closure. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for NexGen Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NexGen Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Southern (NYSE: SO) in the last few weeks: 3/5/2026 Southern was upgraded by Evercore Inc from in-line to outperform. They now have a $111.00 price target on the stock. 3/4/2026 Southern was upgraded by KeyCorp from underweight to sector weight. 2/23/2026 Southern had its hold rating reaffirmed by Jefferies Financial Group Inc.. They now have a $102.00 price target on the stock. 2/20/2026 Southern had its underweight rating reaffirmed by Morgan Stanley. 2/20/2026 Southern had its price target raised by Scotiabank from $101.00 to $103.00. They now have a sector perform rating on the stock. 2/20/2026 Southern was given a new $103.00 price target by Truist Financial Corporation. 2/20/2026 Southern had its outperform rating reaffirmed by BMO Capital Markets. 2/20/2026 Southern was given a new $104.00 price target by Mizuho. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 2/20/2026 Southern was given a new $96.00 price target by Wells Fargo & Company. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. 2/20/2026 Southern was upgraded by Wells Fargo & Company from underweight to equal weight. They now have a $96.00 price target on the stock, up from $84.00. 2/20/2026 Southern was upgraded by Mizuho from neutral to outperform. They now have a $104.00 price target on the stock, up from $89.00. 1/23/2026 Southern had its sector perform rating reaffirmed by Royal Bank Of Canada. They now have a $105.00 price target on the stock. 1/21/2026 Southern had its buy (b) rating reaffirmed by Weiss Ratings. 1/21/2026 Southern had its underweight rating reaffirmed by Morgan Stanley. They now have a $85.00 price target on the stock. 1/20/2026 Southern was downgraded by Wells Fargo & Company from equal weight to underweight. They now have a $84.00 price target on the stock, down from $97.00. 1/15/2026 Southern had its price target lowered by Barclays PLC from $91.00 to $88.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. Southern Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a $0.74 dividend. This represents a $2.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. Southerns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 75.32%. Get Southern Company (The) alerts: Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is an Atlanta-based energy holding company that provides electric and gas utility services and owns power generation assets across the United States. Founded in 1945, the company operates a portfolio of regulated electric utilities and affiliated businesses that generate, transmit and distribute electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Southerns principal regulated electric subsidiaries include Georgia Power, Alabama Power and Mississippi Power, which serve large portions of the southeastern United States. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Southern Company (The) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern Company (The) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royce & Associates LP lowered its holdings in shares of Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE:CCS Free Report) by 45.2% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 53,329 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 43,970 shares during the period. Royce & Associates LPs holdings in Century Communities were worth $3,379,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Lazard Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Century Communities by 7.8% in the second quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,405 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $134,000 after buying an additional 173 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Century Communities by 8.0% during the 3rd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,502 shares of the construction companys stock worth $159,000 after acquiring an additional 185 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC raised its stake in Century Communities by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 4,917 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $312,000 after acquiring an additional 191 shares during the period. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI raised its stake in Century Communities by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI now owns 8,414 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $474,000 after acquiring an additional 329 shares during the period. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its holdings in Century Communities by 5.9% during the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 6,902 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $389,000 after purchasing an additional 382 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.54% of the companys stock. Get Century Communities alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Century Communities In other news, Chairman Dale Francescon sold 100,100 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.44, for a total transaction of $7,251,244.00. Following the sale, the chairman directly owned 561,662 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $40,686,795.28. This represents a 15.13% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 11.90% of the companys stock. Century Communities Price Performance Shares of Century Communities stock opened at $63.20 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.84 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.00 and a beta of 1.54. Century Communities, Inc. has a twelve month low of $50.42 and a twelve month high of $76.00. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $66.52 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $63.98. Century Communities (NYSE:CCS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The construction company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.39 by $0.20. Century Communities had a net margin of 3.58% and a return on equity of 6.87%. The company had revenue of $1.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.04 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $3.54 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 3.1% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Century Communities, Inc. will post 11.07 EPS for the current year. Century Communities Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be issued a $0.32 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 25th. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. This is a boost from Century Communitiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. Century Communitiess payout ratio is presently 26.34%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have commented on CCS. B. Riley Financial reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Century Communities in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Citizens Jmp assumed coverage on shares of Century Communities in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. They set a market outperform rating and a $92.00 target price for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Century Communities from $56.00 to $49.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Century Communities in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Citigroup started coverage on Century Communities in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. They set an outperform rating for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $74.75. Read Our Latest Research Report on Century Communities About Century Communities (Free Report) Century Communities, Inc is a national homebuilder and land developer headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. The company is engaged in the acquisition, development, construction and sale of single- and multi-family residential homes, offering a range of floor plans and design options to homebuyers. In addition to its core homebuilding activities, Century Communities provides ancillary services such as mortgage financing, title and closing services, and insurance products through its wholly owned subsidiaries, aiming to deliver a comprehensive homebuying experience. Founded in 2009, Century Communities rapidly expanded through both organic growth and strategic land acquisitions, positioning itself in high-growth markets across the United States. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CCS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE:CCS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Century Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Century Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Benchmark reaffirmed their hold rating on shares of Sable Offshore (NYSE:SOC Free Report) in a research note published on Thursday morning, MarketBeat reports. Other research analysts have also issued reports about the company. TD Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Sable Offshore in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Sable Offshore in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Sable Offshore in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Roth Mkm restated a buy rating on shares of Sable Offshore in a report on Wednesday, December 24th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Sable Offshore currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $19.00. Get Sable Offshore alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Sable Offshore Sable Offshore Stock Performance Sable Offshore stock traded up $0.88 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $14.73. 3,822,455 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 6,815,625. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.51 and a beta of 0.43. Sable Offshore has a fifty-two week low of $3.72 and a fifty-two week high of $35.00. The firms 50 day moving average is $9.57 and its 200-day moving average is $12.74. Sable Offshore (NYSE:SOC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 27th. The company reported ($0.39) earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.59) by $0.20. The business had revenue of $1.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.50 million. Analysts predict that Sable Offshore will post -6.39 EPS for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Sable Offshore A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its position in shares of Sable Offshore by 4.4% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 29,991 shares of the companys stock valued at $761,000 after acquiring an additional 1,271 shares during the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Sable Offshore by 36.2% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 2,448 shares of the companys stock worth $62,000 after purchasing an additional 650 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC raised its stake in shares of Sable Offshore by 1,262.8% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,867 shares of the companys stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 1,730 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Sable Offshore in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $433,000. Finally, Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. grew its stake in shares of Sable Offshore by 24.6% in the second quarter. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. now owns 34,240 shares of the companys stock valued at $753,000 after buying an additional 6,750 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 26.19% of the companys stock. Key Stories Impacting Sable Offshore Here are the key news stories impacting Sable Offshore this week: About Sable Offshore (Get Free Report) Sable Offshore (NYSE:SOC) is an independent upstream oil and natural gas company specializing in offshore hydrocarbon exploration and production. The company identifies and secures exploration and development rights, conducts detailed seismic interpretation, and advances offshore prospects through appraisal and development phases. Its focus on the offshore environment drives investments in specialized drilling techniques, subsea infrastructure and production facility design. Core business activities include offshore seismic surveys, the drilling of exploration and appraisal wells, installation and operation of production platforms or subsea systems, and well intervention services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Sable Offshore Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sable Offshore and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Schroders (OTCMKTS:SHNWF Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-strong trading volume on Wednesday . Approximately 5,051 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 86% from the previous sessions volume of 2,715 shares.The stock last traded at $7.8195 and had previously closed at $7.8787. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded Schroders from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, February 13th. UBS Group lowered Schroders from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, February 19th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Schroders in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Schroders in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold. Get Schroders alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Schroders Schroders Stock Performance Schroders Company Profile The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $6.46 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $5.67. (Get Free Report) Schroders plc is a global asset management company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with a history dating back to its founding in 1804 as J. Henry Schroder & Co Over more than two centuries, the firm has grown organically and through selective acquisitions to establish itself as one of the worlds leading investment managers. Schroders is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and operates under the ticker SHNWF in the OTC Markets for investors seeking exposure to its equity. The company offers a comprehensive suite of investment products and services, including active and passive equity strategies, fixed income, multi-asset solutions, alternatives such as real estate and private assets, as well as wealth planning and advisory services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Schroders Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schroders and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Asset Management Inc increased its holdings in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Free Report) by 134.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 155,084 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 88,890 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Incs holdings in Flagstar Bank, National Association were worth $1,791,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,502,000. Amalgamated Bank purchased a new stake in Flagstar Bank, National Association in the 2nd quarter worth $1,394,000. Old West Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Flagstar Bank, National Association during the third quarter worth $3,124,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in Flagstar Bank, National Association by 310.8% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,825,713 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,187,000 after purchasing an additional 2,894,424 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its holdings in Flagstar Bank, National Association by 28.0% during the third quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 184,470 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,131,000 after purchasing an additional 40,374 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.88% of the companys stock. Get Flagstar Bank National Association alerts: Flagstar Bank, National Association Trading Down 1.7% Shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association stock opened at $12.78 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.99. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $13.23 and its 200-day simple moving average is $12.47. The stock has a market cap of $5.32 billion, a P/E ratio of -25.06 and a beta of 1.08. Flagstar Bank, National Association has a 1-year low of $9.64 and a 1-year high of $14.53. Flagstar Bank, National Association Dividend Announcement Flagstar Bank, National Association ( NYSE:FLG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The company reported $0.06 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $548.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $533.00 million. Flagstar Bank, National Association had a negative return on equity of 1.60% and a negative net margin of 3.68%.The firms revenue was down 10.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($0.41) earnings per share. Analysts predict that Flagstar Bank, National Association will post -0.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 17th. Stockholders of record on Saturday, March 7th will be given a dividend of $0.01 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.3%. Flagstar Bank, National Associations payout ratio is presently -7.84%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently weighed in on FLG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association from $14.50 to $15.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. DA Davidson reiterated a buy rating and set a $16.00 price objective on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association in a research note on Tuesday, February 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $13.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $14.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Barclays increased their price objective on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Flagstar Bank, National Association presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $14.62. Get Our Latest Report on FLG About Flagstar Bank, National Association (Free Report) Flagstar Financial Corporation (NYSE: FLG) is a bank holding company whose principal subsidiary, Flagstar Bank, provides a range of financial services across the United States. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Flagstar combines commercial banking, mortgage lending and servicing, and deposit products to serve individuals, businesses and public entities. As a publicly traded company, Flagstar leverages its banking charter and national mortgage platform to deliver tailored financial solutions through both digital and branch channels. The companys mortgage business is one of the largest residential originators and servicers in the nation, offering retail, wholesale and correspondent lending channels. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FLG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Flagstar Bank National Association Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flagstar Bank National Association and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Asset Management Inc acquired a new position in Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE:HGTY Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 87,856 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,058,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of HGTY. Bank of America Corp DE increased its holdings in shares of Hagerty by 46.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 8,571 shares of the companys stock valued at $87,000 after acquiring an additional 2,726 shares during the period. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its position in Hagerty by 2,374.5% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 4,949 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after purchasing an additional 4,749 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Hagerty by 2.0% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 254,634 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,576,000 after purchasing an additional 5,077 shares in the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP raised its holdings in Hagerty by 37.2% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 22,405 shares of the companys stock worth $227,000 after purchasing an additional 6,072 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in Hagerty by 24.9% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 37,383 shares of the companys stock worth $338,000 after purchasing an additional 7,459 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 20.51% of the companys stock. Get Hagerty alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets HGTY has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Hagerty from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, February 14th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Hagerty in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price target on Hagerty from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Hagerty from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $14.00. Insider Buying and Selling at Hagerty In other news, insider Kenneth Ahn sold 164,870 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.79, for a total value of $2,108,687.30. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders sold 351,350 shares of company stock valued at $4,474,572 over the last quarter. 16.70% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hagerty Trading Down 1.1% Shares of Hagerty stock opened at $10.70 on Friday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $12.38 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $12.28. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.43 and a beta of 0.90. Hagerty, Inc. has a 12-month low of $8.03 and a 12-month high of $14.00. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. Hagerty (NYSE:HGTY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 26th. The company reported $0.08 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.04 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $388.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $323.93 million. Hagerty had a net margin of 5.98% and a return on equity of 16.24%. Analysts predict that Hagerty, Inc. will post 0.22 EPS for the current year. Hagerty Company Profile (Free Report) Hagerty is a specialized automotive lifestyle and insurance company that caters primarily to collectible car enthusiasts. Its core business centers on offering classic vehicle insurance policies designed to protect antique, vintage and specialty automobiles, motorcycles and boats. These policies typically feature agreed-value coverage, flexible usage options and access to restoration services, aligning with the unique needs of collectors and hobbyists. Beyond insurance, Hagerty operates a comprehensive suite of community and content services under its automotive lifestyle brand. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HGTY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE:HGTY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hagerty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hagerty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky purchased a new position in Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 110,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,215,000. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. AlphaQuest LLC grew its position in Elanco Animal Health by 13.7% during the 3rd quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 5,953 shares of the companys stock worth $120,000 after purchasing an additional 718 shares during the last quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp raised its stake in Elanco Animal Health by 15.2% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 6,065 shares of the companys stock worth $119,000 after acquiring an additional 798 shares during the last quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Elanco Animal Health by 5.5% during the 2nd quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 15,268 shares of the companys stock valued at $218,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE increased its holdings in shares of Elanco Animal Health by 1.9% in the third quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 43,810 shares of the companys stock valued at $882,000 after purchasing an additional 824 shares during the period. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Elanco Animal Health by 80.3% in the third quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 2,021 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 900 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.48% of the companys stock. Get Elanco Animal Health alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. KeyCorp upped their target price on Elanco Animal Health from $27.00 to $29.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 25th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Elanco Animal Health from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, January 19th. Zacks Research cut shares of Elanco Animal Health from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Elanco Animal Health in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Leerink Partners lifted their price target on Elanco Animal Health from $26.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Elanco Animal Health currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $27.67. Elanco Animal Health Stock Down 2.0% Shares of Elanco Animal Health stock opened at $23.95 on Friday. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated has a 52-week low of $8.02 and a 52-week high of $27.72. The company has a 50 day moving average of $24.43 and a 200 day moving average of $21.95. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 2.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. The company has a market capitalization of $11.91 billion, a P/E ratio of -49.89, a P/E/G ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 1.83. Elanco Animal Health (NYSE:ELAN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 24th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.11 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $1.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.09 billion. Elanco Animal Health had a negative net margin of 4.92% and a positive return on equity of 7.16%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.14 EPS. Elanco Animal Health has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.330-0.36 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 1.000-1.060 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Elanco Animal Health Incorporated will post 0.91 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Elanco Animal Health In related news, insider Rajeev A. Modi purchased 4,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 11th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $21.33 per share, for a total transaction of $95,985.00. Following the purchase, the insider directly owned 123,082 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,625,339.06. The trade was a 3.79% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Jeffrey N. Simmons bought 22,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 11th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $21.75 per share, for a total transaction of $478,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 167,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,632,250. The trade was a 15.17% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last three months, insiders have purchased 43,450 shares of company stock valued at $937,883. Company insiders own 0.89% of the companys stock. Elanco Animal Health Company Profile (Free Report) Elanco Animal Health Inc is a global leader in animal health dedicated to improving food and companion animal well-being. The company develops, manufactures and markets a range of products, including parasiticides, vaccines, antibiotics and feed additives designed to prevent and treat disease in livestock and pets. Elancos portfolio spans both food-producing animalssuch as cattle, swine, poultry and aquacultureand companion animals, with offerings that support parasite control, pain management and infectious disease prevention. Originally founded as the animal health division of Eli Lilly and Company in the mid-20th century, Elanco was spun off into an independent publicly traded company in 2018. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ELAN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE:ELAN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Elanco Animal Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Elanco Animal Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Natural Resources, Celsius, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Bank Of Montreal, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and Unifirst are the seven Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are equity shares of companies that are incorporated in or primarily operate out of Canada and are typically listed on Canadian exchanges such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) or TSX Venture. For investors, they represent exposure to Canadas economy and key sectors (e.g., natural resources, financials), and carry considerations like Canadian-dollar currency risk, domestic regulatory and tax rules, and geopolitical or commodity-driven sensitivities. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Celsius (CELH) Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells functional energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company offers CELSIUS, a fitness drink or supplement designed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat; various flavors and carbonated and non-carbonated functional energy drinks under the CELSIUS Originals and Vibe name, as well as functional energy drink under the CELSIUS Essentials and CELSIUS On-the-Go Powder names; and CELSIUS ready-to drink products. Read Our Latest Research Report on CELH Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Read Our Latest Research Report on CP Bank Of Montreal (BMO) Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The companys personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products. Read Our Latest Research Report on BMO Canadian National Railway (CNI) Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. The company provides rail services, which include equipment, custom brokerage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services, such as temperature controlled cargo, port partnerships, and logistics parks. Read Our Latest Research Report on CNI Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. Read Our Latest Research Report on CM Unifirst (UNF) UniFirst Corporation provides workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States, Europe, and Canada. The company operates through U.S. and Canadian Rental and Cleaning, Manufacturing, Specialty Garments Rental and Cleaning, and First Aid segments. It designs, manufactures, personalizes, rents, cleans, delivers, and sells a range of uniforms and protective clothing, including shirts, pants, jackets, coveralls, lab coats, smocks, and aprons; and specialized protective wear, such as flame resistant and high visibility garments. Read Our Latest Research Report on UNF Featured Articles Tourmaline Oil (TSE:TOU Get Free Report) had its price objective dropped by equities research analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from C$76.00 to C$72.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas price target would suggest a potential upside of 13.05% from the companys current price. Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Desjardins increased their target price on shares of Tourmaline Oil from C$68.00 to C$70.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Raymond James Financial raised their target price on shares of Tourmaline Oil from C$69.00 to C$72.00 in a report on Thursday. Scotiabank decreased their target price on Tourmaline Oil from C$80.00 to C$75.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce lowered their target price on Tourmaline Oil from C$71.00 to C$66.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, ATB Cormark Capital Markets reduced their price objective on Tourmaline Oil from C$74.00 to C$73.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Tourmaline Oil has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of C$70.78. Get Tourmaline Oil alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on TOU Tourmaline Oil Stock Performance TSE:TOU traded up C$1.80 during trading hours on Friday, reaching C$63.69. 3,982,767 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,316,453. The stock has a market capitalization of C$24.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.20, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 0.00. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$61.69 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$61.16. The company has a quick ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.85. Tourmaline Oil has a 52 week low of C$55.40 and a 52 week high of C$70.73. Tourmaline Oil (TSE:TOU Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 4th. The company reported C($1.72) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Tourmaline Oil had a net margin of 27.57% and a return on equity of 8.30%. The firm had revenue of C$1.66 billion for the quarter. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Tourmaline Oil will post 5.6809091 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In other Tourmaline Oil news, insider Mike Rose bought 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$62.21 per share, for a total transaction of C$622,100.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 8,042,678 shares in the company, valued at C$500,334,998.38. The trade was a 0.12% increase in their ownership of the stock. 5.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Tourmaline Oil (Get Free Report) Tourmaline is Canadas largest and most active natural gas producer dedicated to producing the lowest-development-cost natural gas in North America. We are an investment grade exploration and production company providing strong and predictable operating and financial performance through the development of our three core areas in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. With our existing large reserve base, decades-long drilling inventory, relentless focus on execution, cost management, safety and environmental performance improvement, we are excited to provide shareholders an excellent return on capital and an attractive source of income through our base dividend and surplus free cash flow distribution strategies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Tourmaline Oil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tourmaline Oil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Truepoint Inc. raised its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 12.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 129,017 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 14,116 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble comprises about 0.5% of Truepoint Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Truepoint Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $19,823,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of PG. Czech National Bank increased its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 3.8% during the third quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 594,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,409,000 after acquiring an additional 21,825 shares in the last quarter. Westerkirk Capital Inc. purchased a new stake in Procter & Gamble during the 2nd quarter valued at $4,796,000. Vega Investment Solutions increased its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vega Investment Solutions now owns 638,400 shares of the companys stock worth $101,710,000 after purchasing an additional 8,500 shares in the last quarter. Triodos Investment Management BV raised its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 7.3% in the third quarter. Triodos Investment Management BV now owns 255,095 shares of the companys stock worth $39,195,000 after purchasing an additional 17,400 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jump Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of Procter & Gamble during the second quarter valued at $7,891,000. 65.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Insider Activity In related news, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 5,549 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction on Friday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $165.29, for a total transaction of $917,194.21. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 1,029 shares in the company, valued at approximately $170,083.41. The trade was a 84.36% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Moses Victor Javier Aguilar sold 15,169 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.28, for a total transaction of $2,461,625.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 44,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,259,595.80. This represents a 25.32% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 348,618 shares of company stock worth $55,462,643. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Procter & Gamble Stock Performance Shares of PG opened at $153.94 on Friday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $152.17 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $151.23. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. Procter & Gamble Company has a 52 week low of $137.62 and a 52 week high of $179.99. The stock has a market cap of $357.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.81, a PEG ratio of 5.29 and a beta of 0.37. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.02. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 32.21% and a net margin of 19.30%.The company had revenue of $22.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.36 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.88 EPS. The firms revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 EPS for the current year. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd were paid a $1.0568 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.7%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is 62.67%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have weighed in on PG shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their target price on Procter & Gamble from $176.00 to $171.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Erste Group Bank raised Procter & Gamble from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 18th. TD Cowen downgraded Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating and increased their target price for the company from $150.00 to $156.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. BNP Paribas Exane reduced their price target on shares of Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $164.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $168.33. Read Our Latest Research Report on Procter & Gamble Procter & Gamble Profile (Free Report) Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide. P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Valvoline (NYSE:VVV Free Report) by 23.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,203,545 shares of the basic materials companys stock after purchasing an additional 412,177 shares during the quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. owned about 1.73% of Valvoline worth $79,129,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of VVV. Boston Partners increased its stake in shares of Valvoline by 67.3% in the 2nd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 3,977,293 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $150,604,000 after acquiring an additional 1,599,973 shares in the last quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP grew its holdings in Valvoline by 14.4% in the third quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP now owns 3,337,000 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $119,832,000 after purchasing an additional 419,094 shares during the period. Sculptor Capital LP increased its stake in Valvoline by 47.5% in the second quarter. Sculptor Capital LP now owns 3,000,000 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $113,610,000 after purchasing an additional 966,500 shares in the last quarter. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. increased its stake in Valvoline by 118.8% in the second quarter. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. now owns 2,678,878 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $101,449,000 after purchasing an additional 1,454,458 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Valvoline by 0.5% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,324,020 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $88,024,000 after purchasing an additional 11,060 shares during the period. 96.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Valvoline alerts: Valvoline Stock Performance Shares of VVV opened at $36.05 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.81 and a beta of 1.16. Valvoline has a 52 week low of $28.50 and a 52 week high of $41.33. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $34.29 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $34.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.31, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.70. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Valvoline ( NYSE:VVV Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The basic materials company reported $0.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.34 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $461.80 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $466.87 million. Valvoline had a return on equity of 69.71% and a net margin of 4.91%.Valvolines quarterly revenue was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.32 earnings per share. Valvoline has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.600-1.700 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Valvoline will post 1.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. VVV has been the subject of several research reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded Valvoline from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, February 7th. TD Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Valvoline in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Roth Mkm restated a buy rating and set a $44.00 price objective on shares of Valvoline in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Truist Financial set a $38.00 target price on Valvoline in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Valvoline from $44.00 to $46.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Eleven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Valvoline presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $40.25. Read Our Latest Research Report on Valvoline Insider Activity In other news, insider Julie Marie Odaniel sold 4,312 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.55, for a total value of $166,227.60. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 17,979 shares in the company, valued at $693,090.45. This represents a 19.34% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.66% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Valvoline Company Profile (Free Report) Valvoline (NYSE: VVV) is a leading global producer and distributor of automotive and industrial lubricants. The companys portfolio spans engine oils, gear oils, transmission fluids, greases, coolants and driveline products, all designed to help improve vehicle performance and longevity. Valvolines products are marketed under the Valvoline, Valvoline NextGen and Valvoline SynPower brand names and are formulated to meet the stringent requirements of passenger cars, light trucks, heavyduty vehicles and offroad applications. In addition to its core lubricant business, Valvoline operates one of North Americas largest quicklubricant service networks through Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC). Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Valvoline Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valvoline and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM Get Free Report) had its price objective increased by equities researchers at Citigroup from $188.00 to $208.00 in a report issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the specialty retailers stock. Citigroups price target would indicate a potential upside of 11.06% from the stocks current price. WSM has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $206.00 price objective on Williams-Sonoma and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. UBS Group set a $175.00 target price on Williams-Sonoma and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Weiss Ratings upgraded Williams-Sonoma from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th. Evercore set a $215.00 price objective on Williams-Sonoma in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Finally, TD Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $245.00 price objective (up from $210.00) on shares of Williams-Sonoma in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Williams-Sonoma has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $203.22. Get Williams-Sonoma alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Williams-Sonoma Williams-Sonoma Stock Down 3.3% Insider Activity at Williams-Sonoma Shares of NYSE:WSM traded down $6.31 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $187.28. The companys stock had a trading volume of 314,006 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,016,881. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $204.84 and a 200 day moving average of $195.84. Williams-Sonoma has a twelve month low of $130.07 and a twelve month high of $222.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.36 billion, a PE ratio of 20.60, a P/E/G ratio of 2.94 and a beta of 1.64. In related news, CEO Laura Alber sold 35,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.39, for a total value of $7,258,650.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 806,537 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $167,267,708.43. The trade was a 4.16% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Karalyn Yearout sold 767 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $205.16, for a total transaction of $157,357.72. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 13,236 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,715,497.76. This represents a 5.48% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Williams-Sonoma Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC increased its stake in Williams-Sonoma by 37.9% during the 3rd quarter. Gateway Investment Advisers LLC now owns 16,398 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $3,205,000 after buying an additional 4,510 shares during the period. EFG Asset Management North America Corp. boosted its position in Williams-Sonoma by 51.5% in the 3rd quarter. EFG Asset Management North America Corp. now owns 14,593 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $2,852,000 after buying an additional 4,961 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 30.2% in the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 997,414 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $194,947,000 after acquiring an additional 231,489 shares in the last quarter. Berry Wealth Group LP purchased a new stake in shares of Williams-Sonoma during the second quarter worth $230,000. Finally, Vest Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 39.5% in the third quarter. Vest Financial LLC now owns 282,503 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $55,215,000 after acquiring an additional 80,044 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.29% of the companys stock. About Williams-Sonoma (Get Free Report) WilliamsSonoma, Inc is a specialty retailer focused on the home and culinary markets, best known for premium cookware, kitchen tools and home furnishings. The company traces its roots to a single cookware store founded by Chuck Williams in 1956 in Sonoma, California, and has evolved into a multibrand home furnishings and housewares business. Its merchandise mix spans cookware and kitchen electrics, tabletop and food prep items, furniture, bedding, lighting and decorative accessories designed for both everyday use and higherend interiors. The company operates a portfolio of consumer brands that target distinct segments of the home market. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Williams-Sonoma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Williams-Sonoma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky trimmed its position in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH Free Report) by 41.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 26,118 shares of the companys stock after selling 18,183 shares during the quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentuckys holdings in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts were worth $2,087,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Champlain Investment Partners LLC lifted its position in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 352.8% during the third quarter. Champlain Investment Partners LLC now owns 2,212,717 shares of the companys stock worth $176,796,000 after buying an additional 1,724,091 shares during the period. CI Investments Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 10.3% during the 3rd quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 35,561 shares of the companys stock worth $2,841,000 after acquiring an additional 3,326 shares during the period. Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Co boosted its position in shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 19.6% in the third quarter. Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Co now owns 17,327 shares of the companys stock worth $1,384,000 after acquiring an additional 2,837 shares during the last quarter. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd purchased a new stake in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the third quarter valued at approximately $67,000. Finally, Intech Investment Management LLC increased its position in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 68.1% during the third quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 7,578 shares of the companys stock worth $605,000 after purchasing an additional 3,069 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.46% of the companys stock. Get Wyndham Hotels & Resorts alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently commented on WH shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $91.00 to $89.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 16th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $82.00 price target on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their price objective on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $95.50 to $93.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $98.00 price target on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a research report on Friday, February 20th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $95.46. Insider Activity at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts In related news, insider Scott R. Strickland sold 28,134 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.11, for a total value of $2,000,608.74. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 40,363 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,870,212.93. This represents a 41.07% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Geoffrey A. Ballotti sold 55,124 shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $79.27, for a total value of $4,369,679.48. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 490,028 shares in the company, valued at $38,844,519.56. The trade was a 10.11% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 84,227 shares of company stock worth $6,440,298. Company insiders own 2.46% of the companys stock. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Price Performance WH stock opened at $79.60 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $5.98 billion, a PE ratio of 32.23, a P/E/G ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.37. The stocks 50 day moving average is $78.55 and its two-hundred day moving average is $78.66. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has a 52-week low of $69.21 and a 52-week high of $104.62. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 18th. The company reported $0.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $334.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $337.63 million. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts had a net margin of 13.51% and a return on equity of 64.18%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.04 earnings per share. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.620-4.800 EPS. Analysts predict that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will post 4.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Company Profile (Free Report) Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc (NYSE: WH) is a leading global hospitality company specializing in hotel franchising and management. Established in 2018 through the spin-off of Wyndham Hotel Group from Wyndham Worldwide, the company focuses on the development, marketing and distribution of hotel brands designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers. Its core business model centers on franchising agreements, enabling third-party hotel owners to operate under the Wyndham portfolio while accessing the companys centralized services and support. The companys brand portfolio spans economy, midscale and upper-midscale segments, featuring well-known names such as Wyndham, Ramada, Days Inn, Super 8, Microtel Inn & Suites, and La Quinta by Wyndham. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mohawk Industries, Inc. (NYSE:MHK Free Report) Zacks Research reduced their Q1 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Mohawk Industries in a research note issued on Thursday, March 5th. Zacks Research analyst Team now anticipates that the company will earn $1.83 per share for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $1.94. The consensus estimate for Mohawk Industries current full-year earnings is $9.80 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Mohawk Industries Q2 2026 earnings at $2.65 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $2.90 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $2.08 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $9.46 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $2.26 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $3.06 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $3.09 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $10.91 EPS. Get Mohawk Industries alerts: Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of Mohawk Industries from $148.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Robert W. Baird set a $156.00 price objective on Mohawk Industries in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on Mohawk Industries from $134.00 to $128.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Mohawk Industries in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Wolfe Research cut shares of Mohawk Industries from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $137.64. Mohawk Industries Stock Down 5.6% Mohawk Industries stock opened at $108.63 on Friday. Mohawk Industries has a fifty-two week low of $96.24 and a fifty-two week high of $143.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 2.19. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $121.53 and its 200 day simple moving average is $121.02. The stock has a market cap of $6.68 billion, a PE ratio of 18.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.82 and a beta of 1.19. Mohawk Industries (NYSE:MHK Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The company reported $2.00 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.98 by $0.02. Mohawk Industries had a net margin of 3.43% and a return on equity of 6.80%. The firm had revenue of $2.70 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.68 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.95 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Mohawk Industries has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.750-1.850 EPS. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Suzanne L. Helen sold 3,500 shares of Mohawk Industries stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $110.36, for a total value of $386,260.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 70,593 shares in the company, valued at $7,790,643.48. This trade represents a 4.72% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders have sold a total of 10,650 shares of company stock worth $1,178,383 in the last three months. 17.40% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Mohawk Industries A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of MHK. Atlas FRM LLC raised its stake in shares of Mohawk Industries by 28.0% during the 2nd quarter. Atlas FRM LLC now owns 608,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,743,000 after purchasing an additional 133,000 shares during the period. AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT UK Plc bought a new position in Mohawk Industries in the 3rd quarter worth about $20,054,000. ARGA Investment Management LP grew its holdings in Mohawk Industries by 1,508.1% during the 3rd quarter. ARGA Investment Management LP now owns 488,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,008,000 after buying an additional 458,349 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its position in shares of Mohawk Industries by 0.5% during the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,829,830 shares of the companys stock valued at $235,902,000 after buying an additional 9,516 shares during the period. Finally, Rakuten Investment Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Mohawk Industries in the third quarter valued at approximately $38,161,000. 78.98% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Mohawk Industries (Get Free Report) Mohawk Industries, Inc is a global flooring manufacturer that designs, produces and distributes a broad range of floor covering products for both residential and commercial applications. Headquartered in Calhoun, Georgia, the company traces its roots to 1878 and has expanded through a series of strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives. Over the decades, Mohawk has built a vertically integrated platform encompassing yarn manufacturing, fiber production, wood and laminate finishing, and ceramic tile fabrication, enabling tight control over product quality and supply chain efficiency. The companys product portfolio includes residential and commercial carpet, ceramic and porcelain tile, laminate, wood and natural stone flooring, luxury vinyl, and innovative surface solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mohawk Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mohawk Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Imagine you get paid 40,000 to come to the UK illegally, and then you are deported. After a month or so you come back and collect another 40,000. Rinse and repeat ad infinitum to gain some serious riches. Thanks to Labours lucrative deals with illegal migrants, millions are queuing up across the Channel to come here and get rich. Labour Migration Incentive Payments By next year, I hope to make 120,000 with three trips. I then syphon off the money to my accounts in Switzerland and France. This is a career for me, Abdul al Ahrami, a Syrian economic migrant from Nice, France, told local news outlets. The Iranian war will also see a massive increase in illegal migrant activity as many more flee the region. The Labour government is even thinking of upping the taxpayer payoffs to 60,000 per illegal migrant, and the swarm of millions of third-world migrants will explode at such incentives. Gold Mine This is a gold mine. Coming here illegally, we throw our papers into the sea before we arrive. It is luxury. Thank you, Labour government; you are the best. You put us up in 5-star hotels, jacuzzis, saunas, room service, heated swimming pools, and prostitutes while you ignore your own people for our benefit. We love you. Then you give us 40,000 to leave in a first-class lounge, and all we have to do is come back and come back and come back, and you pay us each time we leave. Beautiful. Thank you. Thank you from the top of my overflowing bank account! another illegal migrant commented whilst flashing their designer sunglasses, top-of-the-range iPhone and Gucci clothes. Dont forget to work harder and for longer hours for less pay so that you can pay more tax to furnish the wonderful Labour policies enabling mass illegal migration. American Century Companies Inc. grew its position in CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF Free Report) by 12.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 544,852 shares of the basic materials companys stock after purchasing an additional 62,068 shares during the quarter. American Century Companies Inc. owned about 0.34% of CF Industries worth $48,873,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get CF Industries alerts: Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in CF Industries by 78.0% in the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 292 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 128 shares during the period. True Wealth Design LLC lifted its holdings in shares of CF Industries by 396.2% during the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 387 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 309 shares in the last quarter. Eastern Bank bought a new stake in shares of CF Industries in the third quarter valued at about $35,000. Peterson Wealth Services grew its stake in shares of CF Industries by 451.3% in the third quarter. Peterson Wealth Services now owns 441 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 361 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of CF Industries in the third quarter valued at about $41,000. Institutional investors own 93.06% of the companys stock. More CF Industries News Here are the key news stories impacting CF Industries this week: Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades and bullish research: Barclays and other analysts have issued upgrades and bullish commentary, and multiple reports note CF is expected to see higher near-term prices. That analyst momentum likely boosted buying interest. Barclays Analyst: CF Price Expected to Rise Analyst upgrades and bullish research: Barclays and other analysts have issued upgrades and bullish commentary, and multiple reports note CF is expected to see higher near-term prices. That analyst momentum likely boosted buying interest. Positive Sentiment: Upward revisions to EPS forecasts: Zacks raised Q1 2026 and FY2026 EPS estimates (Q1 to $2.08; FY to $7.50), and another analyst raised Q2 EPS expectations these lifts support a higher valuation and helped drive buying. Zacks Rally & Estimate Changes Upward revisions to EPS forecasts: Zacks raised Q1 2026 and FY2026 EPS estimates (Q1 to $2.08; FY to $7.50), and another analyst raised Q2 EPS expectations these lifts support a higher valuation and helped drive buying. Positive Sentiment: Unusual options activity: Traders bought 7,524 call contracts (148% above average daily call volume), signaling speculative bullish interest and likely contributing to intraday upside. Unusual options activity: Traders bought 7,524 call contracts (148% above average daily call volume), signaling speculative bullish interest and likely contributing to intraday upside. Neutral Sentiment: Sector/stock re-rating commentary: Several articles assess CFs valuation after strong gains and point to higher nitrogen demand, pricing and buybacks as drivers useful context but not new catalyst by itself. Valuation Assessment Sector/stock re-rating commentary: Several articles assess CFs valuation after strong gains and point to higher nitrogen demand, pricing and buybacks as drivers useful context but not new catalyst by itself. Neutral Sentiment: Industry/market commentary and hedge-fund coverage: Broader coverage by industry/hedge-fund roundups mentions CF among names of interest; informative for sentiment tracking but not an immediate catalyst. Hedge Fund & Insider News Industry/market commentary and hedge-fund coverage: Broader coverage by industry/hedge-fund roundups mentions CF among names of interest; informative for sentiment tracking but not an immediate catalyst. Negative Sentiment: DOJ antitrust probe into U.S. fertilizer market: The Department of Justice is investigating possible price-fixing in the fertilizer industry a regulatory risk that could pressure CFs outlook if the probe expands or implicates major firms. DOJ Probe Article DOJ antitrust probe into U.S. fertilizer market: The Department of Justice is investigating possible price-fixing in the fertilizer industry a regulatory risk that could pressure CFs outlook if the probe expands or implicates major firms. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: Two senior executives disclosed sales (SVP Michael McGrane sold 2,766 shares; EVP Susan Menzel sold 3,914 shares). The sells trimmed their holdings and can be viewed negatively by some investors, though sizes are modest relative to total holdings. McGrane SEC Filing Menzel SEC Filing Insider Activity at CF Industries Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth In other news, EVP Susan L. Menzel sold 3,914 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.09, for a total value of $415,236.26. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 81,003 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,593,608.27. This represents a 4.61% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, SVP Michael Patrick Mcgrane sold 2,766 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.36, for a total value of $291,425.76. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 22,827 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,405,052.72. This trade represents a 10.81% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders sold 9,895 shares of company stock valued at $1,018,517. 0.42% of the stock is owned by insiders. Several analysts have weighed in on CF shares. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of CF Industries from $86.00 to $97.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 24th. Bank of America dropped their price target on shares of CF Industries from $83.00 to $78.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Rothschild & Co Redburn set a $72.00 price target on CF Industries in a research note on Wednesday, February 4th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on CF Industries from $100.00 to $113.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, February 20th. Finally, Barclays lifted their price objective on CF Industries from $100.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $96.87. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CF CF Industries Price Performance CF Industries stock opened at $111.06 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 2.93 and a current ratio of 3.37. CF Industries Holdings, Inc. has a 52 week low of $67.34 and a 52 week high of $113.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $17.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.34 and a beta of 0.68. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $90.65 and a 200-day moving average of $86.14. CF Industries (NYSE:CF Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 18th. The basic materials company reported $2.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.53 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $1.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.78 billion. CF Industries had a return on equity of 19.84% and a net margin of 20.54%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 22.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.89 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that CF Industries Holdings, Inc. will post 5.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. CF Industries Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 27th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th were given a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 13th. CF Industriess dividend payout ratio is currently 22.22%. About CF Industries (Free Report) CF Industries Holdings, Inc is a leading global manufacturer of hydrogen and nitrogen products for agricultural and industrial customers. The company specializes in the production of ammonia, granular urea, urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), nitric acid and ammonium nitrate, which serve as key inputs for fertilizer blends, industrial chemicals and other downstream applications. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, CF Industries operates production facilities and distribution terminals across North America and the United Kingdom. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for CF Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CF Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Reduce from the sixteen brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, twelve have assigned a hold recommendation and one has given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $19.0714. Get Conagra Brands alerts: A number of research analysts recently issued reports on CAG shares. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $20.00 price objective on shares of Conagra Brands in a research note on Friday, February 13th. TD Cowen reiterated a hold rating on shares of Conagra Brands in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their price target on Conagra Brands from $21.00 to $18.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Bank of America reduced their price objective on Conagra Brands from $18.00 to $17.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on Conagra Brands from $21.00 to $19.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on CAG Conagra Brands Stock Down 1.3% Shares of NYSE CAG opened at $18.61 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.90 billion, a P/E ratio of -84.59 and a beta of -0.02. The stocks fifty day moving average is $18.16 and its 200 day moving average is $18.16. Conagra Brands has a 52 week low of $15.96 and a 52 week high of $28.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a current ratio of 0.89. Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, December 19th. The company reported $0.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.44 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $2.98 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3 billion. Conagra Brands had a negative net margin of 0.87% and a positive return on equity of 10.59%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.70 earnings per share. Conagra Brands has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.700-1.85 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Conagra Brands will post 2.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Conagra Brands Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 26th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 27th were given a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.5%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 27th. Conagra Brandss dividend payout ratio is currently -636.36%. Institutional Trading of Conagra Brands A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC bought a new stake in Conagra Brands during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,489,000. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Conagra Brands by 45.3% during the third quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 342,942 shares of the companys stock worth $6,485,000 after purchasing an additional 106,891 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC grew its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 20.0% in the second quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 1,251,371 shares of the companys stock worth $25,578,000 after purchasing an additional 208,450 shares during the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 13.7% in the third quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 720,093 shares of the companys stock worth $13,185,000 after purchasing an additional 86,604 shares during the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in Conagra Brands by 15.6% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,021,478 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,323,000 after purchasing an additional 408,597 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 83.75% of the companys stock. Conagra Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Conagra Brands, Inc is a leading packaged foods company based in Chicago, Illinois, with a broad portfolio of shelf-stable, frozen and refrigerated foods marketed under familiar brands. The company develops, produces and distributes a wide range of consumer food products, serving both retail grocery and foodservice channels. Conagras product lineup includes frozen entrees, snacks, condiments, baking goods and desserts, providing convenient meal solutions for consumers across North America and select international markets. Among its well-known brands are Birds Eye, Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, Marie Callenders and Banquet in the frozen foods category, as well as Hunts sauces, Orville Redenbachers popcorn, Slim Jim meat snacks and Reddi-wip toppings. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Conagra Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Conagra Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PICTURED ABOVE: Group pictured at Derry Credit Union on Thursday afternoon last for the launch of the Irish League of Credit Unions 'First Community Impact Report for Credit Unions'. Included from left are Roisin O'Reilly, CEO, Waterside Credit Union, Delma Boggs, President, Derry Credit Union, Martin Fisher, Head of Northern Ireland, Irish League of Credit Unions, Frank Doherty, CEO, Pennyburn Credit Union, and Patricia Doherty, Vice President, Irish League of Credit Unions.(Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has published the first all-island report highlighting the community impact of credit unions, showing 8 million worth of contributions in support of communities for FY2024 across the island of Ireland. The support from individual credit unions took the form of cash through community funds, sponsorships and bursaries to members and organisations within their common bond. Contributions from 305 credit unions supported a diverse range of projects, programmes and organisations in communities across the country, in areas such as education, arts and culture, sport, health and wellness, and sustainability. In total, close to 8 million was donated by credit unions in 2024 - 7,169,551 million in the Republic of Ireland and 686,383 (824,415 million) in Northern Ireland. Of this overall figure, 3.71million was contributed via community funding, 3.5million was contributed via direct sponsorship, and 780K was contributed via bursaries and scholarships. Commissioned to fully understand how much is being given by credit unions to individual communities in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the ILCU engaged and surveyed credit unions across Ireland in 2025 as well as reviewing information from annual reports. The first of its kind for such an analysis, FY2024 was chosen as a benchmark to accurately map all types of contributions and serve as a basis for future reporting. READ NEXT: IN PICTURES: Derry Credit Unionhosts landmark all-island launch Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald said: The number and breadth of community causes supported by Credit Unions across the island is inspiring. The increasing provision of critical financial support and services to members, along with a growing contribution to the wider economy and providing important support for local communities and good causes, shows that the Credit Union sector is flourishing. I look forward to our continued collaboration with the sector as it expands and grows as a key financial service provider. Brendan Jenkins, President of the Irish League of Credit Unions, stated, I am delighted to introduce this first all-island report highlighting the community impact of credit unions, tangibly demonstrating their importance to communities. "The work of credit unions is more than numbers and financial figures, and the report showcases multiple examples of credit unions going beyond their financial role, serving as hubs for local communities. This report is a benchmark that can inform future activities for credit unions, as they continue to grow with communities across Ireland. Commenting, Martin Fisher, Head of Northern Ireland at the Irish League of Credit Unions stated, This report is a very important milestone for the credit union movement. READ NEXT: Derry entrepreneurs return from high-level US trade mission "The island of Ireland has a higher number of credit unions members per capita than any country. Here in the North, there are over 130 credit unions contributing significantly to improving the lives of their members and their communities. Since the first credit union opened in Derry, the not-for-profit and community ethos of the movement has become well recognised, credit unions are financial services providers that are truly focused on those that they support. Looking to the future, building on their community presence, credit unions are evolving and innovating to compete in the modern financial services landscape. This report serves not just to quantify the work and demonstrate the breadth of impact to date, it is very much a signal of intent from the movement in its future commitment to communities and ambition to grow as a financial services provider. The full report can be viewed here along with a selection of stories showing community support from credit unions. Coleraine producers Sandra and David Scott have been honoured at the prestigious 2026 Irish Food Writers Guild Awards for their exceptional heritage Irish Moiled beef. The ceremony, held at Ananda in Dundrum, brought together the nations leading chefs, producers, and food writers to celebrate excellence, sustainability, and community within the Irish food and drink sector. The Derry-based couple were among an elite group of recipients recognised for their outstanding contribution to Ireland's culinary landscape. Accepting the Irish food award for excellence in producing premium heritage Irish Moiled beef, the couple were recognised for their dedication to rearing Irish Moiled cattle and championing high-quality local produce. Their Moyletra Irish Moiled beef was showcased as the centrepiece of the main course at the awards lunch, served as a Wellington. Fifth generation farmers David and Sandra Scott produce seriously delicious beef at Moyletra Farm on the beautiful Causeway Coast, where their endangered Irish Moiled cattle thrive on the farm and conservation lands. READ NEXT: Derry charity bookshop celebrates 10 years of success With sustainability in mind as well as a love of the Irish Moiled breed, they have changed direction in this generation to enable their children to have a future in farming here if they choose and specialising in Irish Moiled cattle and the associated environmentally friendly farming is making that possible. One of the rarest cattle breeds in the world and the only surviving native breed in Northern Ireland, the hornless Moilie is slow growing and hardy; they can be out-wintered when conditions allow - and, while mainly grass-fed, they are foragers, especially of willow, ash and ivy, all of which helps to encourage biodiversity and contributes to their exceptional texture and flavour. Rearing standards are set out by the Irish Moiled Cattle Society ensuring the purity of the breed and its special characteristics, including its medium size (producing a perfect 8oz sirloin steak!) and, thanks to its marbling, exceptional succulence of the cheaper cuts which make the beef ideal for nose-to-tail cooking. With over 100 happy moilies at Moyletra, The Scotts have one of the biggest herds anywhere, and a farm shop on site (8.00am-10.00pm daily) as well as online sales with delivery across Northern Ireland. Welcoming guests, Chairperson Paula McIntyre said it was: My very great pleasure to welcome you all to Ananda for todays Food Awards presentation and lunch and extended, a particularly warm welcome to all our 2026 award winners, who have travelled from Cork, Clare, Derry, Louth, Fermanagh, Wicklow and Galway Reflecting on the Guilds history, she noted that the awards were launched in 1993 to highlight the work of small, independent Irish food producers and organisations of the highest quality. More than 30 years later, we're proud to celebrate the food and drinks that are the cornerstones of Irelands reputation as a provider of wholesome, innovative and sustainable food. She emphasised the independence of the judging process, stating that the Guild prides itself on the integrity of the awards through our unique nomination and judging process, with members remaining the sole nominating and decision making body". Describing this years winners, she said, The IFWG Food Awards are a celebration of this countrys thriving, world-class artisan food and drink industry The award winners this year exemplify our ethos She added, Emigration and immigration is how we evolve and long may we welcome, adapt and cherish food from other nations it only makes us stronger. Childrens Laureate/Laureate na nOg Patricia Forde and Childrens Books Ireland, recently brought celebrated childrens writers and illustrators to schools, libraries, bookshops and cultural venues in Derry. As part of the Whole Wild World North tour, which ran from February 23 - 27, the Laureate was joined for a panel discussion in Central Library by NI illustrators, Flora Delargy and Clive McFarland, Derry author Sue Divin, childrens writing fellow, Shirley Anne McMillan and former children's writing fellow at the Seamus Heaney Centre, Paul Howard. Oakgrove Integrated Primary School welcomed the tour for a very special storytelling session, while the Guildhall hosted one of the largest events in the tour, with over 300 local school children meeting Patricia Forde, Alan Nolan, Sadhbh Devlin and Neil Sharpson on Stage, with Northern Ireland artist Clive McFarland live illustrating their stories. This was followed by a visit to Little Acorns bookshop, where artists added their names to the LegenDerry Writers' Chair. The tour, which began at Fane Street Primary School in Belfast and finished at Queens University, also included a democratic vote for favorite local artists in Ballymena and a visit to the Heaney Homeplace. The full list of participating schools, bookshops, libraries and cultural venues can be found at https://childrenslaureate.ie/whole-wild-world-north/. READ NEXT: IN PICTURES: Laureate na nOg inspires next generation in Derry Patricia Forde, Laureate na nOg said: Northern Ireland has an enormous wealth of artistic talent, and I wanted to celebrate this, and bring unique experiences to children and young people along the way, introducing them to some of the most brilliant and creative artists from their doorstep and from across the island too! This tour seeks to spark young imaginations and nurture the next generation of Irish writers and illustrators. By bringing books and their creators directly into communities that may not often have the opportunity to meet them locally, were aiming to make literature more accessible and inspiring for all, a timely initiative during this National Year of Reading 2026. The artists joining me on this tour are eager not only to share their stories and creative journeys, but also to connect with audiences, young and old, exchange ideas, and celebrate in the joy of storytelling together. Having curated the Whole Wild World tour in 2024 that ran from Malin to Mizen Head, Forde was committed to bringing a similar celebration of childrens literature and artists to Northern Ireland before her Laureate term ends in April 2026. Artists joining Patricia Forde on the Whole Wild World tour include Ashwin Chacko, Paul Howard, Neil Sharpson, Sadhbh Devlin, Andrew Whitson, Maire Zepf, Alan Nolan, Judith McQuoid, Flora Delargy, Clive McFarland, Derek Keilty, Dave Rudden, Sue Divin, Shirley-Anne McMillan, Eoin Colfer and Oliver Jeffers. Elaina Ryan, CEO of Childrens Books Ireland said: "Whole Wild World North will be a gift to children and young people from Belfast to Ballycastle and Ballymena to Bellaghy. "Through this week-long tour, Laureate na nOg Patricia Forde will connect young readers with writers and illustrators from all over the island of Ireland. Bringing the joy of reading to communities in Northern Ireland, and visiting brilliant bookshops, libraries and other cultural venues along the way, will be the perfect way to kick off the National Year of Reading 2026. Damian Smyth, Head of Literature & Drama, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: One of the benefits of National Lottery funding is that young people in Northern Ireland can have access to local and international artists where they themselves live. This Childrens Books Ireland roadshow visits towns and cities across NI, bringing distinguished writers to their doorstep thanks to Patricia Forde, the Laureate na nOg. "The Arts Council is delighted to welcome the initiative as it champions childrens writers and artists island-wide. As part of her final lecture as Laureate na nOg, Forde will also launch Northern Lights, a first-of-its-kind curated reading guide that spotlights artists from or based in Northern Ireland. This resource features 44 book recommendations in English and Irish published within the last five years, as well as 44 read also recommendations, all books are suitable for readers aged 018. The guide has an introduction from Patricia Forde Laureate na nOg 20232026 and Frank Cottrell-Boyce Childrens Laureate 20242026 and the cover illustration is by Belfast illustrator Mel Carroll as taken from his 2025 picturebook A Belfast Fairytale. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has debuted two "hard-hitting" television campaigns designed to combat a rising death toll on Northern Irelands roads. The Priority List and Control or Speed advertisements address two of the main causes of deaths and serious injuries on our roads speeding and, more generally, driver behaviour. Launching the campaigns the Minister said: Too many people are dying on our roads, something that has been brought into sharp focus within recent weeks. We are only just into the third month of 2026 and, tragically, 15 people have lost their lives. We must all do everything we can to ensure no more families are plunged into the unimaginable and life changing grief that road deaths bring to their door. As Minister, I want to do all I can to ensure everyone who uses our roads, does so safely. To help drive real behavioural change on our roads we need a societal conversation about how we all behave when we are travelling and, today I am launching two new powerful and hard-hitting advertisements to help stimulate that conversation. READ NEXT: Derry school launches NIs first primary-level careers programme The first campaign, Priority List challenges the everyday choices drivers make that lead to collisions - inattention, driving too close, and momentary distractions. These may seem minor in the moment, but they can have devastating, life changing consequences. The campaign highlights how a split second decision to take a risk can end in tragedy, a scenario many of us will sadly recognise. The second, addresses excessive speed, which remains a major factor in deaths and serious injuries, particularly on rural roads where you are likely to encounter more difficulties. "Despite the risks, many drivers believe they are in control when speeding. However, evidence shows that speed reduces reaction time, increases stopping distances, and leads to more severe outcomes. The message of this campaign, entitled Control or Speed, is simple: you can have control, or you can have speed - but you cannot have both. Minister Kimmins added: The campaigns will run across TV, radio, digital platforms, and outdoor media, with a focus on raising awareness among all drivers with a particular focus on younger drivers. Alongside this work, my Department is reviewing several speed related matters, including national speed limits on rural roads and dual carriageways, HGV limits, and the wider use of 20mph zones. A public consultation is now open, and I encourage you to take part and make your views heard. These latest road safety campaigns complement recent work undertaken by the Department for Infrastructure to improve road safety behaviour. Current campaigns include safety around school buses for children, Be Bold. Be Seen and our most recent TV campaign which highlights the dangers of drug driving. You can respond to the consultation on the review of speed limits here. To celebrate International Womens Day, four local students stepped into the world of civic leadership this week as part of the Mayor for a Day initiative. The Year 12 and 13 pupils shadowed the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens through a busy programme of engagements across the borough, including key stops in Limavady. The project Students Demi Timperley and Aimee Dillon from Cross and Passion College, along with Carragh Rafferty and Jenna Brennan from Ballycastle High School participated in the initiative aimed to inspire young women by highlighting pathways into public service and leadership, while celebrating the contribution of women and girls within our communities. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan said: I was delighted to welcome aspiring future leaders to take part in our Mayor for a Day initiative as we celebrated International Womens Day. "This initiative was something I was very keen to introduce, and I was pleased to work with the schools to make it happen and give the pupils the opportunity to experience the civic role at first hand. "I would like to thank Cross and Passion College and Ballycastle High School for taking part and supporting the initiative. The girls who joined us were a wonderful, well-mannered group and were a real credit to both their schools and their families. READ NEXT: East Derry MLA calls for urgent action on GP appointment difficulties "It was a valuable opportunity for them to see how local decisions are made and how Council works in partnership with communities, and I hope the day has inspired them to have confidence in their own leadership potential. As we mark International Womens Day, it would be good to see initiatives like this continue in the years ahead, helping to inspire more young women to consider roles in civic life and public service. The day began at Cloonavin in Coleraine, where the pupils assisted the Mayor in opening a special International Womens Day event for Council staff. They then attended the Good Relations Schools Darts Competition at Top Darts in Coleraine, meeting pupils from across the Borough and seeing the positive impact of cross-community initiatives in action. Following this, the group visited the Limavady Shared Education Campus, including St Marys and Limavady High School, to learn more about collaborative education and shared learning opportunities. In the afternoon, the pupils returned to Cloonavin for a tour of the Council Chamber and lunch with civic representatives, offering further insight into Council business and democratic processes. The programme concluded with a visit to the newly refurbished library in Ballycastle, highlighting Councils ongoing investment in welcoming, inclusive spaces that support learning, growth and community connection. It provided a meaningful end to a day focused on participation, possibility and seeing leadership in action. The Mayor for a Day initiative formed part of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Councils programme to mark International Womens Day, with a clear focus on inspiring and encouraging young women to consider roles in civic life and public service. The Mayor, Councillor Oliver McMullan, watches a woodwork demonstration alongside four pupils from Cross and Passion College and Ballycastle High School, together with pupils from St Marys High School, Limavady and Limavady High School, during the Mayor for a Day initiative at the Limavady Shared Education Campus marking International Womens Day. By offering a behind-the-scenes insight into the work of the Mayor and the wider Council, the initiative aimed to build confidence, broaden horizons and demonstrate that leadership is both accessible and achievable - ensuring that the leaders of tomorrow are empowered to step forward with confidence and shape the future of Causeway Coast and Glens. Fresh controversy has erupted regarding the ownership and repair of Derrys iconic Free Derry Wall. Contractors employed by The Bloody Sunday Trust fenced off the internationally renowned structure on Thursday and erected signs saying caution construction work in progress. The dispute dates back to a social media post in February in which the Bloody Sunday Trust said the Wall had been left in a terrible mess and asked those responsible to clean it up and restore it to a respectable condition Local artist, Ray Bonner, responded by establishing a Free Derry Wall Crowdfunder (https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/free-derry-wall) to help restore the Wall. At the time of writing, the Crowdfunder had raised just over 3,000 of its 5,000 target. In a second social media post, Tony Doherty, chair of the Bloody Sunday Trust appealed to builders and contractors not to respond to the recent online call for support to restore Free Derry Wall. We are all concerned about the condition of the Wall, but this is not the way to rectify it, he added. The recent fencing around Free Derry Wall relates to the Trusts engagement of a local building contractor in November. Mr Doherty revealed the contractor had carried out a survey of the wall and recommended an extensive programme of works which will restore the wall and keep it in good order against the elements for a long time to come. This work, some of it specialist, is due to start as soon as we turn from winter to spring when the weather will be more favourable, he said. Speaking to The Derry News on Thursday evening, Raymond Bonner said he was alerted to the fencing around Free Derry Wall by a phone call from a friend asking if I was starting the Crowdfunder repair work. I had scaffolders booked for this coming week and because I wasnt sure what day they were arriving on-site, I phoned to see if they'd put up the fencing and they hadnt, said Mr Bonner. When I came off that phone call, I got a message from one of the Sinn Fein councillors for the area, saying the Bloody Sunday Trust had started the work, he added. Over the past few weeks, attempts have been made to co-opt me onto a committee initiated by politicians and the Bloody Sunday Trust. I feel this has been suggested so that the Trusts plans, which I feel are an attempt to lay claim to Free Derry Wall, could proceed. However, I have no interest in being involved in committees. I only hoped to see a community restoration of Free Derry Wall, self-funded by the people, and I was prepared to put my shoulder to the wheel to facilitate it happening. Basically, the Bloody Sunday Trust has tried to scupper the initiative I embarked upon a few weeks back. People were warned off my initiative by Tony Doherty in a Facebook post, then I was approached by a Sinn Fein representative and have had pressure exerted on me to desist from my community restoration of Free Derry Wall. Despite explaining to the Sinn Fein representative a community restoration project would empower the local community and be a project of pride, it appears some people consider ownership and control of the Wall more important, said Mr Bonner. I never wanted to be the centre of a controversy as this was an initiative embarked upon with only good intentions, he added. There has been widespread community support for the initiative as a community-led, grassroots project. Im not sure the community has been consulted or there is the same level of support for the Bloody Sunday Trusts plans. I also feel there is a lack of transparency around who is funding it. As an artist who has followed on in the tradition of Derry people who have used Free Derry Wall to speak truth to power, I have used Free Derry Wall as a canvas to raise awareness on injustice here and around the world - including the genocide in Gaza; the shooting of black people by the police in the US; and many other issues. I therefore felt it right that I step up and try to organise this project. I feel strongly that this is the peoples wall and it is up to the people to maintain it. It would be wrong to use state or quasi-state funding to maintain Free Derry Wall and that would fly in the face of its living history, said Mr Bonner. I feel strongly that this wall belongs to everyone and not any single entity, political party, community group or anyone/anything else, he added. The Wall has been a voice for the voiceless - a place where justice issues can be amplified around the world and that is what it should continue to do so. If the wall could speak I think it would say, Let the oppressed people of the world look after me. Unfortunately, the Wall has been fenced off by Bloody Sunday Trust contractors. This looks like a land grab to me. Has Free Derry Wall been captured? It was only after the fence was put up that I was contacted by the same Sinn Fein representative to tell me that there was still time for me to come on board with their plans. I find that coercive. How could I ever do that? Many of the people who donated the money to the Crowdfunder project did so to avoid British state involvement in the maintenance of Free Derry Wall. I could never co-opt them into such an arrangement, said Mr Bonner. Derry City and Strabane District councillor for the Moor DEA, Gary Donnelly (Independent) said he was surprised Free Derry Wall had been fenced off. Nobody had heard of these plans until a local community activist put out an appeal for money. Then, all of a sudden, we were informed there were plans, said Cllr Donnelly. Only last week, Sinn Fein called for partnership and dialogue. This was after a meeting was set up by the Bloody Sunday Trust, at very, very late notice, which I wasnt able to attend. So, I would cast doubt again on Sinn Feins idea of partnership and dialogue. There are going to be a lot of people annoyed about this because political parties are seen to be part of the establishment and Free Derry Wall was always anti establishment. So there will be major concerns within not only the Bogside but the wider community, given the gatekeeping and control freakery that exists within these areas, said Cllr Donnelly. The Derry News contacted the Bloody Sunday Trust for comment. It also contacted the three Sinn Fein councillors in the Moor DEA, where Free Derry Wall is situated, and the SDLP councillor for the area. No response has been received for any of them. Malaysian 5G wholesale operator U Mobile says it signed several MoUs at Mobile World Congress 2026 this week two with Huawei, one with ZTE and another with Palo Alto Networks related to 5G-Advanced, AI and security-as-a-service (SECaaS). Under one MoU, U Mobile and Huawei Malaysia agreed to leverage 5G-A, AI and related emerging technologies to jointly develop advanced technological solutions, and foster a sustainable innovation ecosystem. Projects on the table include includes a 5G 3.5-GHz dual-carrier trial incorporating 5G-A features including 3CC carrier aggregation, design and development of 5G-A enabled gaming service experiences that leverage technologies such as 5G network slicing, and adoption of AI for intelligent and autonomous network operations with the goal of achieving Level 4 network autonomy. Apart from reduction in operational expenditure and network complexity, [Level 4 network autonomy] also means improved network reliability, consistency and enhanced ULTRA5G experiences for our customers, said U Mobile CTO Woon Ooi Yuen. Zac Chow, Deputy CEO of Huawei Malaysia, added that the collaboration with U Mobile will unlock significant gains in spectrum efficiency and deliver a faster, more stable user experience for users. The two companies also signed a second MoU to boost the technical skillsets of U Mobiles workforce related to 5G-A and AI via three initiatives: a management empowerment programme designed for U Mobiles senior leadership, a localised 5G-A and AI industrial training module for U Mobiles internal teams, and development of new training approaches, future-oriented courses and distinctive projects tailored to emerging advancements in 5G-A and AI. AI-native 5G Meanwhile, U Mobile also signed an MoU with ZTE to jointly conduct planning and feasibility studies to explore use cases for ZTEs AI-native AIR Core solution. The studies will focus on three areas: integrating AI with network data analytics functions to enable a more data-driven and intelligent core network, AI-enabled intelligent service identification to support a differentiated experience, and AI-powered automation across the core network environment. Yuen said U Mobile aims to leverage AIR Core to pilot AI-driven capabilities within its 5G network with the goal of improving network efficiency, stability and performance, while laying the foundation for the telco to transition its network from cloud-native to AI-native by deploying AI and digital twin technologies within its 5G core. Through the feasibility studies, we will be able to see how AI-driven capabilities will enhance performance for consumers through more reliable and seamless connectivity, and for enterprises by providing the predictability required for business-critical applications, Yuen said. With AIR Cores Digital Twin technologies, we can simulate and validate new applications and configurations before deployment, accelerating time-to-market for enterprise solutions. With AIR Core, we are not just introducing advanced AI capabilities but working closely with U Mobile to explore practical use cases that enhance efficiency, stability and service innovation, added Steven Ge, MD of ZTE Malaysia. U Mobile signed on Huawei and ZTE as key tech partners in April 2025 to roll out its 5G-A network. Later the same year it signed deals with both vendors to drive adoption of 5G-A and AI for enterprise use cases. Embedded network-level security U Mobile wrapped up MWC26 on Thursday by signing an MoU with Palo Alto Networks to integrate its SECaaS solution into U Mobiles network infrastructure. As part of the partnership, U Mobile will deploy Palo Alto Networks next-gen firewall platform and AI powered cloud-based security services. The resulting SECaaS solution will enable U Mobiles entire network infrastructure to have real time protection against malware, phishing attempts, command and control threats, and other evolving zero-day cyber-attacks at the network level. The two companies will also leverage U Mobiles neutral enterprise innovation platform to develop, test and demonstrate additional SECaaS features and applications related to IoT and smart solutions. The network-based approach means we can offer a more secure user experience for daily services like online banking, e-wallet transactions, accessing remote work tools, or cloud applications, Yuen said. Apart from that, U Mobile is also able to empower enterprises to innovate and adopt 5G, 5G-A and AI-driven solutions with confidence as any threat will be addressed at network level. Axian Telecom, the parent company of pan-African telecom group Yas, says it is partnering with AST SpaceMobile to deliver direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services across Yas markets in sub-Saharan Africa. Under the partnership announced on Wednesday, AST SpaceMobiles LEO satellite network will be integrated with Yas core infrastructure across its markets, enabling seamless connectivity for voice, video, data, and internet services. Both companies will also jointly develop commercial offerings for consumers, enterprises, IoT, maritime, aviation, and emergency response, with Yas handling local distribution, regulatory coordination, and customer activation through a one-click SpaceMobile service. Yas currently operates in Tanzania, Madagascar, Togo, Senegal, Uganda, Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Comoros, Malawi, Reunion and Mayotte. Axian Telecom CEO Hassan Jaber said its partnership with AST SpaceMobile will give it the ability to connect more people and businesses outside of city centres where mobile coverage is typically concentrated. Partnering with AST SpaceMobile gives us the ability to close that gap in a way that was not possible before, he said in a statement. Their technology [] works with the phones people already own, which means we can reach underserved communities without asking them to do anything differently. The launch of commercial services will depend partly on securing the necessary regulatory clearances in each market, and also on AST SpaceMobile's own commercial launch schedule. AST SpaceMobile currently has five BlueBird LEO satellites in orbit, and aims to deploy between 45 and 60 more satellites this year. The Axian partnership is AST SpaceMobile's second major pan-African deal. In December 2024, it signed a ten-year commercial agreement with Vodafone Group to roll out its services in Vodafones markets worldwide. In Africa, that includes Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique and South Africa. AST Spacemobile has also signed partnership deals with Safaricom in Kenya and Uganda Telecom. Viettel High Tech, the technology arm of Vietnams Viettel Group, announced on Thursday it has signed 6G collaboration deals with Intel, AMD, ID Quantique and Qualcomm at Mobile World Congress 2026 as it plots out a roadmap to commercialise its own 6G gear by 2029. The collaboration with Intel focuses on joint development and validation of key 5G Advanced and 6G technologies, including AI optimization within RAN architecture and cloud-native network systems. Viettel High Tech said early access to next-generation computing platforms enables it to accelerate technology validation cycles and strengthen its position within the global AI-RAN ecosystem. With AMD, Viettel High Tech said its advancing high-performance computing architectures for AI-driven networks and edge computing environments. The partnership targets scalable, cost-efficient and energy-optimized infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale 5G and 6G deployments. The company said its partnership with ID Quantique establishes a foundation for integrating quantum-safe cryptography into telecoms infrastructure at the architectural level, preparing networks for long-term security requirements in the 6G era and cross-border connectivity scenarios. Viettel also joined an industry coalition spearheaded by Qualcomm and revealed earlier this week at MWC26 to establish a clear, milestone-driven roadmap focused on delivering 6G commercial systems starting in 2029. The Qualcomm coalition is focusing on three core architectural domains: devices, networks, and cloud infrastructure. The coalition envisions 6G as an intelligent, AI-native device and network platform, and aims to drive development of essential 6G standards, early system validation, demonstration of 6G spec-compliant pre-commercial devices and networks in 2028, establishing a common industry benchmark for 6G readiness, and initial rollout of global and interoperable commercial 6G systems starting from 2029. Viettel said it will follow the coalition roadmap as it accelerates the R&D and commercialization of its proprietary 6G technology built on the coalitions three strategic pillars of next-generation connectivity, wide-area sensing and high-performance computing. "Joining this global alliance underscores Viettel's commitment to mastering core technologies from the ground up, said Viettel chairman & CEO Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang in a statement. We aim to collaborate with international partners to drive innovation while integrating Vietnamese-developed technology into the global value chain. Viettel also signed an MoU with Qualcomm to co-develop a flagship line of AI-integrated smart mobile devices. Qualcomm will provide reference designs and technical support, while Viettel will lead the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of products featuring its agentic AI software ecosystem. In the world of mobile devices, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) of your phone is almost equivalent to the Aadhaar card that every person holds. It is a unique 15-digit code that distinguishes your specific phone from every other mobile that exists on the planet. This is a major reason why it is recommended that you know about the IMEI digits of your mobile device, as it can come in handy during a lot of situations. Lets take a deep dive into how you can check the IMEI of your phone and why it matters. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! Also Read: How to create a mandatory APAAR ID for students online for free How to check the IMEI of your phone? First up, lets take a look at how you can check the IMEI digits of your mobile phone. The fastest method of checking the number, regardless of whether you use an iPhone or Android, is by using the dialer app on your mobile device. Follow the steps below: Open your phone/dialer app on your phone On there, go to the calling mode, and dial *#06# Once done, a box will pop up displaying your phones IMEI numbers. In case youre on a device that does not have a dialer, for example, an Android tablet or an iPad, then theres another method you can use to check the IMEI number. Instead of going to the dialer app, youd have to go to the settings menu to find the IMEI number. Follow the steps below: On iPadOS Go to the Settings menu on your iPad. Next up, go to the General tab in the settings menu. There you will find the About tab; just scroll down to check the IMEI number. On an Android tablet Go to the Settings menu on your Android tablet In there, go to the About Phone menu, though this can vary slightly by brand Just scroll down, and there you will spot the IMEI numbers of your device In case youve lost access to your mobile device or tablet, then theres another way to check the IMEI number of your device. Every manufacturer prints the IMEI number on the box of their devices, usually in the form of a sticker printed on the box. So for emergencies, make sure you keep your mobile phone boxes. Why does this number matter? Many might be wondering why the IMEI number actually matters. Well, in case you didnt know, there are a lot of use cases for it. First and foremost, in case your phone gets stolen, and you go to the police to seek help, the first thing they will ask for is the IMEI number to file an official complaint. Not only that, but if you can provide the IMEI number to your network carrier, they will also be able to blacklist the device. This is very helpful, as then the device would be turned off from network usage, rendering it unusable for the thief. Not only that, but if youre purchasing a second-hand phone, you should always run the IMEI through an IMEI check service. By doing this, you can get a detailed report of the old device. From the number, you will be able to find out if the phone might have been reported stolen, is still under finance, or has been cloud-locked by a previous owner. Also Read: Karnataka plans social media ban for under-16s, internet reacts with mixed views Fans of teen romance dramas have something to look forward to. The popular series XO Kitty is officially returning with a third season next month. The show is a spin-off of the popular series To All the Boys Ive Loved Before and follows Kitty Song Covey. Season 2 of XO Kitty ended on a major cliffhanger. Since then, fans like me are eagerly waiting to see what happens next. Heres everything confirmed so far about XO Kitty season 3. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! The third season of XO Kitty will premiere on April 2. Just like the previous seasons, the next chapter will stream exclusively on Netflix. All episodes of the new season are expected to be released on the same day. Also read: Bridgerton season 5 is confirmed: Heres what we know so far XO Kitty season 3 plot The upcoming season will take Kitty back to the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) for her final year. Determined to make the most of her senior year, Kitty plans to create unforgettable memories. She wants to spend more time with her close friends while also deepening her relationship with her extended family in Korea. At the same time, Kitty begins to think more seriously about her future. One of the main storylines will focus on her relationship with Min Ho. Their connection left many questions unanswered in the previous season. However, even though Kitty tries to carefully plan her final year, things may not go exactly as expected. Also read: Netflixs One Piece season 2 to release next week: Date, cast, plot and other details XO Kitty season 3 cast The main cast of XO Kitty season 3 includes: Anna Cathcart (Kitty Song Covey) Minyeong Choi (Dae) Gia Kim (Yuri) Sang Heon Lee (Min Ho) Anthony Keyvan (Q) Regan Aliyah (Juliana) Hojo Shin (Jiwon) Peter Thurnwald (Alex) Joshua Lee (Jin) Sasha Bhasin (Praveena) Michael K. Lee (Professor Lee) Philippe Lee (Mr. Moon) Jocelyn Shelfo (Madison) Han Bi Ryu (Eunice) and Sunny Oh (Mihee) Sule Thelwell (Marius) Soy Kim (Yisoo) Christine Hwang (Gigi) Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, on Friday announced a proposal to restrict social media access to children aged below 16 in the state over rising concerns over excessive mobile phone use among young users. This announcement was made while presenting the states Rs 4.48 lakh crore budget for the financial year 202627. If implemented, this move will make Karnataka the first Indian state to introduce such restrictions on minors access to social media platforms. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! As per Siddaramaiah, this proposed measure aims to protect children from the negative effects of uncontrolled digital exposure, including mental health concerns, poor sleep habits and online safety risks. The government believes that limiting social media access can help reduce digital addiction and encourage healthier technology habits. With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16, stated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The proposal quickly sparked a debate online with parents sharing mixed reactions across social media platforms. Some people supported the idea, arguing that reducing screen time could benefit children and encourage more outdoor activity. Others questioned whether the restriction would be effective, suggesting that young users could easily bypass the rules by using virtual private networks (VPNs), fake ages, or family members devices. Also read: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18 Pro leaks: Price in India, launch timeline, camera and other details The move comes amid the growing global discussions about regulating minors access to social media. Many countries have started examining the policies to address the impact of digital platforms on young users. Australia has already banned social media access for users below 16. It must be noted that the state government has not yet provided a timeline for when the proposed restriction could take effect. Poco is preparing to expand its smartphone lineup with the upcoming Poco X8 series. The new range is expected to include the Poco X8 Pro and the Poco X8 Pro Max. Ahead of the official launch, the company has confirmed that the devices will use MediaTeks latest Dimensity chipsets. Reports suggest the Poco X8 Pro may run on the Dimensity 8500 Ultra chip, while the Poco X8 Pro Max could feature the more powerful Dimensity 9500s processor. The Pro Max model has also appeared on a benchmarking website, giving an early look at its performance. Heres everything we know so far about the Poco X8 Pro Max and X8 Pro, from specifications to launch date and more. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! Poco X8 Pro specs (Expected) The Poco X8 Pro is anticipated to draw its power from MediaTeks Dimensity 8500 Ultra processor. Furthermore, the handset will likely run on Android 16 out of the box with Xiaomis custom interface. Leaks also suggest that the smartphone may also house a 6.59-inch 1.5K AMOLED panel. In the camera department, the phone is said to feature a 50MP primary sensor with an 8MP ultra-wide sensor. For selfies and video calls the smartphone will come equipped with a 20MP front-facing camera. Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 FE 5G now available with big discount during Amazon Electronics Premier League 2026 Reports suggest that the Poco X8 Pro will come packed with up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of fast UFS 4.1 storage. The phone is also said to house a 6,500mAh battery clubbed with 100W of wired charging and 27W of reverse wired charging. Poco X8 Pro Max specs (Expected) The Poco X8 Pro Max is expected to be the more powerful model in the series. Its said to come with a 6.83-inch AMOLED display that will support up to a 120Hz refresh rate. The brightness of the device is expected to peak at 3,500 nits when used outdoors. Also read: Karnataka plans social media ban for under-16s, internet reacts with mixed views The smartphone will likely be shipped with MediaTeks Dimensity 9500s chipset, and the Geekbench listing validates that it will also house up to 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 512GB of fast UFS 4.1 storage. Much like the standard variant, the device will run on Android 16 out of the box with a custom Xiaomi OS. In terms of battery, it will likely come packed with an 8,500mAh battery that will support 100W of wired charging and 27W of reverse wired charging. It will also feature a dual-camera setup at the rear end that will include a 50MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. Furthermore, it will also house a 20MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. Also read: Vivo X300 FE may launch in India anytime soon: Check expected price, specs and more Reports suggest that the Poco X8 Pro and Poco X8 Pro Max could launch in India on March 26. Poco has already started teasing the new series, which indicates that the official announcement may happen soon. Poco X8 Pro Max and X8 Pro expected India prices While Poco has not officially revealed the pricing yet, the leaks and the companys previous launches suggest that the Poco X8 Pro could be priced around Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000, and the Poco X8 Pro Max could arrive at a slightly higher price of around Rs 40,000. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Africa's energy transition must power industrialisation, Ramaphosa tells Energy Indaba with China seen as key partner 11:14, March 06, 2026 By Karabo Mohamme ( People's Daily Online Africa's transition to cleaner energy must go hand in hand with industrialisation and economic development, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told delegates at the Africa Energy Indaba 2026 in Cape Town on March 4. Delivering the keynote address at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Ramaphosa said energy remains one of the most critical challenges facing the African continent and warned that without reliable power, Africa's broader development ambitions cannot be realised. He noted that while South Africa has expanded electricity access significantly with about 93 percent of households now connected to the grid, the country is still working to strengthen and expand its transmission network, a project expected to cost around R450 billion. "The main focus in our country has really been the energy landscape and the reform thereof," Ramaphosa said. "Electricity is an absolute necessity in the lives of all South Africans." The president used the platform to highlight the broader challenges facing Africa, where around 600 million people still lack access to electricity despite the continent's vast natural resources and enormous renewable energy potential. Yet energy poverty continues to limit economic growth and development across the continent. Ramaphosa stressed that access to affordable and reliable energy is essential for job creation, improved living standards and economic inclusion. "The ambition to be greater is there, but what holds us back is lack of energy," he said, adding that energy should be seen as a fundamental requirement for development rather than a luxury. Ramaphosa emphasised that Africa's energy transition must support the continent's industrial ambitions. As countries increasingly focus on critical minerals used in renewable technologies and battery production, African nations must ensure that these resources are processed and beneficiated locally instead of being exported in raw form. "Africa's energy agenda must be linked to an industrial agenda," he said. "When this continent speaks about critical minerals, it must also speak about beneficiation and value addition." A just and inclusive energy transition, he added, should enable African countries to develop new industries, strengthen manufacturing capacity and create employment opportunities while also expanding access to cleaner energy. Partnerships with international partners are expected to play a key role in achieving these goals, and China has emerged as one of Africa's most important collaborators in the development of energy infrastructure. Through cooperation frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese companies and financial institutions have supported the construction of power plants, renewable energy projects and transmission networks across Africa. China has been involved in the development of hydropower stations, solar farms and grid expansion projects in several African countries, helping to improve electricity access and strengthen regional energy systems. In South Africa and elsewhere on the continent, Chinese technology and investment are also contributing to the growth of renewable energy capacity and the modernisation of power infrastructure. Ramaphosa also emphasised the importance of regional cooperation in strengthening Africa's energy security. Power-sharing arrangements through regional networks such as the Southern African Power Pool allow countries to trade electricity and make more efficient use of available resources, helping to stabilise supply and reduce costs. Large-scale infrastructure projects needed to support this integration require substantial long-term financing and policy stability, he said. While many African governments cannot fund such investments alone, public funding can help catalyse private sector participation and support from international financial institutions. Ramaphosa also noted that recent geopolitical tensions have highlighted the vulnerability of energy-importing economies. Disruptions to global supply chains caused by conflicts have contributed to rising energy prices and increased uncertainty in global energy markets. These challenges underscore the importance of strengthening Africa's energy independence and diversifying its energy sources, he said. "Africa can no longer be left behind," Ramaphosa told delegates. "We cannot be a stepchild any longer." He concluded by saying that the continent already possesses the resources, talent and growing institutional capacity needed to transform its energy sector. The priority now is to convert plans into real projects that deliver reliable electricity capable of powering industries, supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life for millions of Africans. (Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang) A cross-disciplinary team of Engineering and Business students at Dundalk Institute of Technology were recently named winners of the national Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Hackathon, claiming first team prize of 5,000. The team, made up of Oliver Gormley and Derrick Jumah from the MBS in Marketing and Entrepreneurship and Connor McKenna and Clara McConville from the B Eng in Electrical and Electronic Systems wowed the judges with 'View' - Visual Integrated e-Walker, a solution to help visually impaired people in their own homes. The technology assisted mobility solution was inspired by the challenges faced by team member Olivers grandfather after losing his vision. The Hackathon challenge was a hands-on event where students collaborated in interdisciplinary teams to come up with different ideas for an SDG-related problem, and then co-designed and presented innovative solutions to this issue in a 2-hour time frame. The teams then had to pitch their idea to a panel of judges. Read Next: REVEALED: The best places to eat and drink in Louth honoured at Irish Restaurant Awards 2026 Ten DkIT multi-disciplinary teams took part in the initial phase of the HEA-funded event in the Gateway Hotel, which started with an inspirational lightning talk from entrepreneur Emmy Coffy-Nguyen, founder of Proud Planet. The winners of the DkIT Hackathon event, then progressed to the national final on the 20th February, where they won the overall prize, overcoming stiff competition from TCD, UCD, DCU, UCC, SETU and MTU to come away with first prize in the event led by UCC and aimed at developing SDGs-driven Entrepreneurship across Ireland. Marketing and Entrepreneurship student Oliver Gormley said: We were tasked with creating and pitching an SDG-aligned solution under serious time pressure, and we absolutely loved the challenge! The creativity, passion and commitment to the SDGs on display was genuinely inspiring." Stephen J. Sharkey added: I really enjoyed this Hackathon! Collaborating with students from the School of Engineering offered a different perspective from my usual business discipline and reinforced how valuable cross disciplinary collaboration can be. Fergal Carroll and Cathal Byrne, from Dundalk, Louth, were recently awarded the Irish Drink Award for their innovative and flavour driven non-alcoholic beer at The Irish Food Writers Guild 2026 Food Awards. Their Fierce Mild non-alcoholic beers were served along with canapes as guests arrived. The awards took place on Tuesday at a ceremony held at Ananda at Dundrum Town Centre, as invited producers, chefs, food writers and industry leaders gathered to celebrate the very best of Irish food. Launched in 2024 by childhood friends and brothers-in-law Fergal Carroll and Cathal Byrne, Fierce Mild is an alcohol-free beer made in Louth. Unlike other big name brands on the market Fierce Mild does not strip alcohol out of the beer after brewing instead they use a specialised yeast that naturally limits fermentation. According to Fierce Mild: "Each beer is crafted with carefully selected, locally sourced premium malts and hops, chosen for quality and depth of flavour. Just five natural ingredients. No additives. No preservatives. And only 49 calories." In under two years, Fierce Mild has earned significant national recognition, including Gold at Blas na hEireann, selection for Food Works (Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland), the inaugural Love Irish Food Sky Media Taste of TV Fund, and being crowned the winner at the IMAGE Media & Samsung Ireland The Pitch competition in 2025. Now available in over 500 venues nationwide, and with a new non-alcoholic variant launching next month, Fierce Mild is raising the bar for Irish-made, premium, non-alcoholic beer. Welcoming guests, Chairperson Paula McIntyre said it was, My very great pleasure to welcome you all to Ananda for todays Food Awards presentation and lunch and extended, a particularly warm welcome to all our 2026 award winners, who have travelled from Cork, Clare, Derry, Louth, Fermanagh, Wicklow and Galway. Reflecting on the Guilds history, she noted that the awards were launched in 1993 to highlight the work of small, independent Irish food producers and organisations of the highest quality. More than 30 years later, we're proud to celebrate the food and drinks that are the cornerstones of Irelands reputation as a provider of wholesome, innovative and sustainable food. Read Next: Safety fears as Louth school faces overcrowding crisis She emphasised the independence of the judging process, stating that the Guild prides itself on the integrity of the awards through our unique nomination and judging process, with members remaining the sole nominating and decision making body". Describing this years winners, she said, The IFWG Food Awards are a celebration of this countrys thriving, world-class artisan food and drink industry." Paula McIntyre also thanked Bord Bia for its continued support of the awards, and expressed appreciation to Asheesh Dewan and Rupa Dewan and the team at Ananda for hosting. Paula also acknowledged Whelehans Wines for their generous sponsorship and thanked Presence Plus for PR support, Guild secretary Katia Valadeau for her work behind the scenes, photographer Paul Sherwood for showcasing the winners so beautifully, and Guild members for nominating and championing outstanding Irish food and drink . Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work? I grew up in Cork. We have one son, whos about to turn 18, so thats happened way too quick. I joined the army at 20 years old. Ive spent 24 years so far in the Defence Forces and love my job. Ive completed five overseas missions, but nowadays, I stay closer to home and run whiskey events with my wife Sonya, like the annual Cork Whiskey Fest in March, in my spare time. My passion for whiskey has led me to proudly be chairman of the Cork Whiskey Society since 2021. I have also run my own podcast, Whiskey Chats, since 2020. What is your ideal way to spend a Friday night? At home, chilling out, watching a great TV series. Not a fan of pubs on the weekends, too busy. A good comedy gig is always on the cards. Cork is the culinary capital of Ireland, so a good restaurant is regularly an option. Lie ins or up with the lark which is it for you? For most of my career in the Defence Forces, early starts were the norm. Not these days, a lie-in is always welcome. Does work creep into your weekend at all? Yes, every weekend. We both work during the week, so all company work gets done in the evenings or at weekends. We put a huge amount of effort into creating an amazing experience for everyone who attends the three days of Cork Whiskey Fest, attendees and distilleries alike, so the planning does take up a lot of our weekends in the lead-up. If money was no object, where would you head to on a weekend city break? And who would you bring with you? Well, money would defo have to be no object to go back to Reykjavik in Iceland, but its an amazing city and worth every penny. It took my wife and I three attempts to go there, between volcanoes exploding and pandemics, but Id love to go back again with her. Four-hour flight too, so easily accessible. Closer to home, is there some place you like to head to recharge the batteries? I have an obsession with woods and trees. Heading down to Killarney National Park for a stroll through the ancient Irish forest at Ross Castle always recharges my batteries. Do you like to catch up with family/friends at the weekend? I do try to make the most of the weekend and catch up with friends. A lot of my friends have younger kids, so my son turning 18 has given us back our weekends, of late. Laurie and Sonya O'Dwyer in Cork City Hall launching the fourth annual Cork Whiskey Fest, which will take place from March 27 to 29. Picture: Darragh Kane I have turned my hobby into a whiskey business. I love it. Cars are a big obsession of mine, and I spend way too much time on my own machine or watching car shows on YouTube. I have a huge interest in military service medals, and I mount them for wear on uniforms as a hobby as well. Entertain or be entertained? If its the latter do you have a signature dish? Both. I love to BBQ and slow cook for friends and family outside a lot in the drier months. Dry-rubbed beef ribs are my favourite to cook. But we are spoiled in Cork for good eateries, so we take full advantage. We have so many places to eat out in Cork where are your go to spots for coffee/lunch/special meal? The Marina Market is one of the best things to happen to Cork. Nowhere else on the island has anything like the selection of food trucks there. I always make the effort to go to the English Market for my BBQ meats. Best quality and value. Mantra on Princes St is possibly the best Indian restaurant Ive ever been to. Mahers Coffee on Oliver Plunkett St has the most amazing selection of loose coffee beans anywhere. Gallaghers Gastropub on MacCurtain St is perfect for some comfort food. If I want to give myself a real treat, you cant get better than The Glass Curtain on MacCurtain St also. Sunday night comes around too fast how do you normally spend it? On Sunday evening, youll find me out in my workshop, tinkering on some project or brewing up a new beer. I might even be found putting together a few sets of medals at my workbench. What time does your alarm clock go off on Monday morning? 7.30am up and get my young fella out to school. I dont mind Mondays; I look forward to getting things done that week. Anything else you are up to right now? Planning our trips away towards the end of the year, after my son completes his Leaving Cert. A Cork man who threatened to kill his partners grandfather and smashed a window at his house in a violent rage has been sent to prison. Inspector Roisin ODea told Skibbereen District Court that John ODriscoll, aged 22, of Mardyke Drive, Skibbereen, denied threatening to kill Philip Rees and damaging his property in Skibbereen, West Cork. Mr Rees told the court he was walking his dog along the riverwalk in the town on July 22, 2025, when he passed ODriscoll, who was riding an e-scooter. Mr Rees said he told ODriscoll to stop threatening my daughter, to which ODriscoll replied he was going to to beat up Mr Rees daughter and kill her. Mr Rees said his daughter Veronica texted him at 6.30am the next day and said she was going to call to her own daughter, Elsie Rees, who lived and was in a relationship with ODriscoll, before calling to him (Philip Rees). Mr Rees said as he was making her a cup of tea, ODriscoll and his mother Helen arrived at the house and began banging on the door and shouting threats. Mr Rees said they were throwing themselves at the front door, tried to break the kitchen window, and threatened to kill him and his daughter. He said he showed the ODriscolls a hatchet he used for chopping wood through the window to warn them off. The court was told the ODriscolls then smashed a window beside the front door before leaving in a car. Veronica Rees told the court she had gone to ODriscolls house to speak to her daughter, Elsie Rees, who was in a relationship with ODriscoll. She said ODriscoll had told her: I hope the cancer kills you slowly. Elsie Rees told the court her grandfather had called her partner a k****** because he was a member of the Travelling community. She believed her grandfather and mother did not approve of her being in a relationship with a Traveller. ODriscoll denied knowing Mr Rees and denied being at his house or smashing the window. Judge Joanne Carroll said she found Mr Rees to be a credible witness and did not accept he would break his own window, as had been alleged. The court heard ODriscoll had 11 previous convictions, including for criminal damage, threats to kill, and sale or supply of drugs. The court also heard ODriscoll was on a three-month suspended sentence at the time of the incident for another threat to kill. He was sentenced to six months in prison for threatening to kill or cause harm contrary to Section 5 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. He was also sentenced to six months in prison for criminal damage, and three months for threatening and abusive behaviour, the sentences to run concurrently. ODriscoll was also ordered to pay 200 in compensation to fix the broken window. His mother, Helen ODriscoll, aged 55, of Mardyke Drive, Skibbereen, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill and threatening and abusive behaviour. The court heard she had seven previous convictions, all for road traffic offences. She was remanded on continuing bail to appear on April 28 for the production of a probation report. This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme The countrys premier destination for cruise ships in Cork isnt optimising visitor numbers because Irish Rail isnt providing enough train carriages to meet demand when massive liners dock there. Cobh Municipal District Council is to write to the rail operator urging it to put on at least one more carriage on the Cobh-Cork route when liners are due to dock in the harbourside town. The town will host visits from more that 100 cruise liners this year providing a major boost in visitor numbers. This in turn gives local businesses a welcome cash boost, not only from liner passengers but also from people travelling to Cobh by rail to see the ships and visit the town. As Cobh has lost most of its heavy industries in recent years its now heavily dependent on tourism revenue. The issue was highlighted by Fianna Fail councillor Dominic Finn. The town welcomes thousands of visitors during the cruise season, many of whom travel by train to and from Cork city. This coming year in 2026, there will be over 100 cruise ships docking in Cobh. On these busy days regular services can become overcrowded, causing discomfort for passengers and creating safety concerns, Mr Finn told council colleagues and their officials. Impacting He said its not only curtailing visitor numbers to Cobh but also impacting the lives of students from Cobh attending third level educational facilities in Cork city. I have had students contact me raising concerns that on busy days they could not get on the train as there wasnt enough capacity, and as a result ended up being late for college lectures and exams, Mr Finn, who is a teacher, said. Passenger numbers on the Cobh-Cork line has been increasing year on year, reflecting growing confidence in rail as a reliable and sustainable transport option. I feel that by adding an extra carriage it would greatly improve capacity, enhance the visitor experience, and better support local commuters who use the service to get to work, college, and appointments. This simple measure would reflect the importance of tourism to the region and help ensure a smooth, efficient, and safe rail travel for all, Mr Finn said. Premium Pay parking spaces can be at a premium in Cobh when cruise liners visit and a lot of people who live in the city find it cheaper and more convenient to take the train and spend the day there. They can also have a few drinks without worrying about driving. Municipal district council chairman, Labour councillor Cathal Rasmussen, agreed with Mr Finn as did all other councillors, that Irish Rail should do more and it would pay it to put on an extra carriage. A forensic psychiatric assessment was directed yesterday by a sentencing judge in the case against a 21-year-old man who threatened to kill a young woman, where he texted another person saying that she was going to be tied, chopped, and murdered. Judge Sinead Behan said there was a very helpful psychological report on Ruairi Lally at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, where it was suggested that the full forensic psychiatric assessment would be carried out. Judge Behan directed that this would take place. A probation report was also directed. Defence senior counsel Jane Hyland said that the accused, who has been on remand in custody since October 2025, was keen to get out of prison, but was also keen to continue with a programme dealing with his behaviour and anger management. This course is helping him to manage his emotions when he feels that others are provoking him, Ms Hyland said. Judge Behan said that supported housing in the community should also be put in place, even if it was through charitable services. She remanded him in custody until June 25 for the psychiatric report and for arrangements to be put in place that would come into effect at the time of the defendants eventual release from prison. It was previously outlined in court that the messages sent by the accused included: Im going to hurt her badly ... Chop her open and stab her to death ... Going to hurt you seriously. Tie you up and kick you to death ... Getting you chopped up and murdered and enjoy every second of it. He pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to the young woman on September 27, 2025, contrary to the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. Concert Detective Sergeant Pat Lyons told the court the defendant had met the young woman through mutual friends, and had gone to a concert with him in April 2023, but she became concerned about his behaviour on the night, telling him that she no longer wanted to see him or have any contact with him. Mr Lally, of Wainsfort, Rochestown Rd, Cork, continued to text her despite her insisting that she did not want to hear from him and, in December 2023, she went to gardai and made a complaint about him harassing her. This led to him being charged and convicted of harassing her. Lally was sentenced by Judge Behan on July 22, 2024, to two years in jail with one year suspended, with one of the conditions of the suspension being that he be of good behaviour and have no contact, directly or indirectly, with the young woman upon his release from prison. However, he resumed texting the young woman upon his release from prison and, on September 4, 2025, gardai obtained a civil restraining order at Cork District Court, restraining him from having any contact with the woman until September 2028. The restraining order had been obtained less than a week before Lally was released from a three-month term of the 12-month part of the sentence that had been suspended. Upon his release, Lally engaged with the Probation Service. Text messages Det Sgt Lyons told the court that Lallys probation officer became concerned when he sent her four text messages at 2pm on September 27, 2025, about the young woman, including ones where he said: Im going to hurt her badly ... Chop her open and stab her to death. He later sent the probation officer a screenshot of a message that he had typed up but not sent to the young woman, in which he said: Were going to hurt you seriously, tie you up, and kick you to death, getting you chopped and murdered, and enjoy every second of it. The probation officer immediately made contact with gardai. Three days later, on September 30, Lally presented at Togher Garda Station, and he was arrested and admitted sending the messages to the probation officer. He is obsessed with her, and she is terrified of him, Det Sgt Lyons said. He said that Lally has two previous convictions one for the original harassment of the young woman, and one for possession of a knife when he turned up at Cork District Court during one of the remand hearings on the harassment charge when gardai found him with the weapon. The Taoiseach has said he believes Cork City Council should have purchased part of the Bessborough site as a memorial. Cork City Council last week granted permission to Estuary View Enterprises for apartments at Bessborough despite three previous refusals relating to the estate and concerns that it may contain the unmarked graves of hundreds of children. In the Dail on Tuesday, Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns raised the issue, saying the Mother and Baby Homes Commission report said 923 children died at the home, but burial records only exist for 64. Ms Cairns added that the commission concluded it was highly likely some of those children were buried on the grounds. Examination She said the State either doesnt care or doesnt want to know, because there has never been a proper forensic examination of Bessborough. Unbelievably, Cork City Council has granted planning permission for 140 apartments on the site. Survivors of Bessborough have never received justice. The very least the Government owes them is to find the bodies of their children. In response, Micheal Martin said the Cork South West TD had made all sorts of accusations against the Government which are unfounded and accused her of taking the moral high ground and being morally condescending. I met with survivors from Bessborough, and many did not want the forensic exhumation or examination of the site. "They want a memorial, and they wanted to be respected. Ive spoken to survivors here... I would have preferred if the remainder of Bessborough was... the city council should, in my view, many years ago, should have acquired that for amenity purposes, and recreation and memorialisation. We dont have a say, as an executive authority, in planning applications or planning decisions. Plans for a new prison in Cork on the site of the old facility are still at a very early stage, the justice minister has said nine months after they were announced. The Government has come under fire for letting the site on Rathmore Rd remain vacant for almost a decade, with Labour councillor John Maher saying it was a prime piece of State-owned real estate. The former prison closed in 2016 with the opening of the new jail nearby. Yesterday, a total of 416 inmates were in that prison. It has 304 beds. Justice minister Jim OCallaghan told Cork Fine Gael TD Colm Burke that a proposal to deliver 330 bed spaces in a new facility on the site of the old prison is still at a very early planning stage. There will be more engagement as part of the planning process, said Mr OCallaghan. Extension Mr OCallaghan announced the plans for the prison, which he said will be an extension to the current facility rather than a second prison, in June. He has described them as at a very early stage on multiple occasions since July last year. Mr Maher said there has been no engagement with locals, despite the minister saying in October that this would take place in due course. Mr Burke said Cork Business Association raised concerns last week about properties being left vacant. Yet, here is the State with a property left vacant. If we want to do something, we should just get on with it, he said. Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould said the area is a residential one with a large prison already in it, adding that it shouldnt have to put up with a second one. Doubt Fine Gael councillor Joe Kavanagh said that locals do not want dangerous individuals released back into their communities early. He cast doubt on if the facility would be suitable as a community building, but said that a detailed publication was needed. His party colleague, Shane OCallaghan, said the old prison building was of significant historical importance, adding that a heritage centre would be better placed there. I dont see what the obsession is with building another prison on that particular site, he said, suggesting a larger prison on a rural site should be built instead. THE last of the residents who were displaced after the Owenacurra mental health resident centre was flooded during the Midleton floods of 2023 have been moved from a hotel to their new homes. Its being seen as the end of a long road for them, since the controversial closure of the centre was announced in the summer of 2021. Nearly 1m has been spent purchasing two homes in Midleton for the residents, a HSE spokesperson told Social Democrats TD Liam Quaide. The first house to open was Lauriston in Midleton, a community residence with the capacity to support three adults with enduring mental health needs. The property was acquired at a cost of almost 450,000. A further capital investment of over 380,000 was made to fund design, construction works, and partial equipping of the house, to bring it to the required standard for use as a mental health residential facility. Another residence recently opened at Westbrook on ODwyers Road in Midleton, which can cater for four residents. Both houses are now fully occupied. The Westbrook property was purchased for over 490,000. The final construction and fit-out costs associated with this property are currently being reconciled, the HSE said. Replacement Additionally, the replacement of the former Owenacurra Centre in Midleton is currently underway, with the capital project having progressed to the detailed design phase. The HSE Capital Plan for 2026, which was published recently, saw 4.4m awarded to take the project, a purpose-built 10-bed community rehabilitation residence (CRR) with single room en suite accommodation, to construction. This represents a significant step forward in the development of modern, fit-for-purpose accommodation to replace the previous facility and will support the delivery of high-quality, recovery-focused residential mental health care in the area, the HSE said. Mary Hurley, whose sister Anna was a long term resident of Owenacurra before the closure, said she has finally moved into her new home and out of the hotel she had been living in for more than two years. Its an adapted bungalow that has really been finished to a very high standard. Its very comfortable and homely, everyone has their own bedroom, and its a bright house in a nice mature estate where people have been very welcoming. Its been a very good experience for my sister, Ms Hurley said. She was in the old Owenacurra for over 25 years, so it was important that she would stay in an area she was familiar with, where she felt secure, she knew people and people knew her. She had joined various groups in Midleton over the years and thats able to continue now that she is in the new house. Staying in the locality was critical to her wellbeing. Owenacurra flooded during Storm Babet in October 2023, along with many other homes and businesses in Midleton. All the residents were moved out of the facility and into the Midleton Park Hotel, where Ms Hurley said her sister was well cared for by the facilitys staff. But a hotel room isnt a home, she said. She added that over the two years in the hotel, the management were fantastic in terms of keeping people in the loop about what was happening. It did take a long time for the house to get finished, but they arranged meetings with residents on a regular basis, and took a lot of care and time to reassure people, Ms Hurley said. Supporting The same staff who had worked in Owenacurra and cared for residents in the hotel are now supporting residents in the new home, and that continuity is really important, she said. Her sister and the other three residents of the new home were the last of the original Owenacurra residents to move from the hotel. Its been a really long road, but theres been a shift from the HSE in terms of their approach to working with residents and families, Mary continued. In June 2021, the HSE announced that Owenacurra would be closing as the building was no longer fit for purpose due to significant structural defects, and Mary Hurley is one of several family members of residents who protested this closure. It started in the summer of 2021. The plan was to shut it down cold and ship the residents out to St Stephens Hospital and other sites around Cork, wherever they could find a bed. We were horrified by that. After 25 years in Midleton, my sister had really found her feet there. It took her a long time to do that, because shes a very shy person, but they worked intensively with her in Owenacurra and she got to know people, got involved in groups. The idea of transporting her off to some hospital where she knew nobody, we just couldnt believe it. Helpful Mary explained how a group of family members of residents came together and TD Liam Quaide was very helpful. So were the residents themselves. They really wanted to stay in Midleton, so we mounted a campaign to raise awareness of the plight of these people, she told The Echo. The HSE persisted with the plan for a while, looked at a place in Carrigaline, but there were more objections from locals, things were not in a good place at all, she said. Some residents who were older were moving to nursing homes. The numbers in Owenacurra were dwindling and eventually they came up with a plan for the houses in Midleton, shortly before the floods. The Westbrook property was identified by the HSE in October 2023, with the Lauristown property being identified slightly before this. Once the properties were bought, they had to be refurbished, which Ms Hurley said was a slow process. We knew at least that theyd be staying in Midleton by then. Ms Hurley says the two new houses are a model for other services, where people are supported to live in their local communities that theyre connected to. Thats a meaningful life, rather than being cut off in St Stephens hospital or somewhere else remote. Its hard enough for people to spend time in hospital for treatment, but its definitely not a home. Where they are now, this is their home, and you feel reassured that they have a decent quality of life. She reiterates that the staff are lovely. Theyve always been good, and Annas built relationships with them over time so that continuity has helped the integration into the house. Any move is not without its challenges for people who struggle with their mental health, but all that support and the people behind it is what makes a difference. Mr Quaide told The Echo: The opening of a second residential mental health service in Midleton since the Owenacurra Centre closure is very welcome. These high quality properties are well located in the town and ideal for the continued community integration of current and future residents. I look forward to the completion of the 10-bedroom service on the site of the original facility. Cork University Hospital (CUH) has announced extended visitor restrictions amid norovirus outbreak. The Health Service Executives (HSE) South West branch, said it has been necessary to introduce further visitor restrictions at CUH with immediate effect. Staff are aiming to reduce the spread of the virus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, by implementing further visitor restrictions. The extension comes following an announcement yesterday that two wards at the facility were affected, with other wards under observation. Norovirus causes diarrhoea and vomiting and is one of the most common stomach bugs in Ireland. Compassionate grounds From today, visiting is permitted only on compassionate grounds, and visitors must contact the ward in advance of arrival. This can be done by calling the hospital switchboard on 021 492 2000 and asking to be put through to the individual ward. Chief executive at CUH, Jennifer Kearney said the extension comes in light of the increasing cases of Norovirus circulating at the hospital. The virus can spread quickly and easily, so we are taking these measures to contain the virus more quickly and keep patients and staff safe, said Ms Kearney. These measures will be lifted as soon as possible when clinical circumstances allow. Infection control procedures are also in place on the wards and will remain until further notice. According to daily trolley figures, published by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), there are currently 29 patients being treated without a bed at CUH, with a further 18 on trolleys at the Mercy and 12 at Bantry General Hospital. A University College Cork (UCC) expert on American military history does not see a 'clean' resolution to the ongoing war with Iran, and has warned that the Middle East conflict could rage for months. Dr David Fitzgeralds, a lecturer in history, has conducted research on US military intervention and counter-insurgency, and more recently he has examined the relationship between the post-Vietnam American military and US culture and society. On the current situation in the Middle East, Mr Fitzgerald described it as a very messy situation, in terms of securing a resolution. Wars are complex and unpredictable. I dont see an easy and clean solution. I think it will play out for a number of months at the very least," he predicted. David Fitzgerald of UCC is an expert on US military intervention and counter-insurgency. I certainly get the sense that the Americans thought this would be much quicker. The question now is what next. They may have a coherent plan, but if they have, then I have not heard it. He said the Middle East issues have the potential overall to be messier than some may think. I think the Americans can keep going for a long time and so can the Iranians. I think Israel is happy to keep bombing for months and months. The Iranians have been preparing for this for a very long time, notwithstanding a lot of the regime being killed." He said that he couldn't see any evidence that the Iranians would give up easily. "I also see a lot of American partners in the region getting quite upset and getting bombed by the Iranians so I just dont see what the clean resolution is," Mr Fitzgerald added. "The only [clean] thing that can happen is that Americans declare victory and go home, having achieved the dismantling of the nuclear programme and they call it a day. That is the clean solution. Regime change (in Iran) ... I dont see that happening in the near term." Mr Fitzgerald added that he feels that America is currently more equipped in the air than on the ground. Roughly half of the US air force is in the region, and this is the biggest air force in the world, by a long shot. What they havent prepared for, and we have heard the Trump administration say, is that the ground war is not off the table, but there are no troops in the region. So I do not see enough ground assets in place to do anything there. It will take months to build up a ground force." He continued that the US appears wiling to use Kurdish militia as an alternative to American boots on the ground. "I have a lot of doubts about how good an idea that is, in terms of the capabilities of that militia and what it does for stability in the region," he said. A game of pool on St Patricks Day got out of hand in a pub in Mitchelstown and one man was struck over the head with a cue and another was hit with a pint glass. 20-year-old Paddy Delaney and his father, 48-year-old Michael Delaney both of 11 Lios Oir, Pike Road, Fermoy, County Cork pleaded guilty to carrying out assaults on two other men at Js Bar, New Square, Mitchelstown, County Cork, on March 17 2024. Garda Denis Golden said that when gardai arrived on the scene, Paddy Delaney had blood on his face but both he and his father, Michael, declined medical assistance. Garda Golden said Paddy Delaney had been playing pool with another young man when they both started throwing punches at each other and ended up on the floor behind the table. Paddy went away to another bar where his father was. Paddy grabbed a pool cue and he came back with his father. Paddy hit the other man over the head with the pool cue. Paddy and Michael continued throwing punches. Michael hit a second man who was on the ground. They continued fighting. They were taken out of the bar. They had another altercation on being escorted from the premises. Michael Delaney picked up a pint glass and hit (another man) with the pint glass which smashes, Garda Golden said. Both father and son were arrested and questioned but they replied, No comment, to questions. Barrister Jack Sreenan said this behaviour was out of character for Paddy Delaney. Barrister Patrick OSullivan said gardai confirmed that there were no difficulties of any kind from Michael Delaney in the area. Mr OSullivan added: Peace has broken out between the parties. Judge Helen Boyle told Paddy Delaney that if he did not want to go to prison then he should not be getting involved in fights. The judge also noted from the evidence that Michael Delaney was drinking spirits on the night something he did not ordinarily drink. The judge also took into consideration the suggestion that there was no animosity between the various parties since this occurred two years ago. Michael Delaney was given a suspended sentence of two years and three months. Paddy Delaney was sentenced to one year and 11 months, and this sentence was also suspended. Where theres blame, theres a claim... Some elements of the legal industry have been known to adopt that slogan as a promise to potential clients. And we discovered an example of how the compensation system works this week when we learned that more than 1,600 motorists who had damaged their cars on potholed roads across County Cork had claimed an average of 224 each off the local authoritys insurers over the past five years. More power to them. Sadly, you may not always get the payback you think you deserve. A friends car was damaged by a piece of debris in the Jack Lynch Tunnel last year and an email to Cork City Council seeking redress never even warranted a response. Tsk. I guess a pothole and a piece of debris are not the same thing in the eyes of the law, mlud. Life can be unkind, and I was only pondering this with my kids during the week, when I sent my youngest boy packing to Berlin for his Transition Year school tour. I recalled his brother going on a similar trip two years ago to the German city when he was in TY year. But what of their oldest brother two years before that? Well, his hopes of a trip to foreign climes were thwarted when covid arrived. His class did manage to get to Kerry - and no offence to the denizens of that beloved county, but it aint too exotic to a teenager who only lives half an hour away down the road. All three of my lads had their education upended by the pandemic, just like hundreds of thousands of pupils up and down the land. It was an incredibly disruptive few years for young people; some will have adapted better than others to long bouts of homeschooling, but the effects on their exam results and career paths will surely be a source of frustration to many. And, while were on the subject, covid was an incredibly stressful time too for teachers - in fact, just about every occupation was affected in some way. As for the nurses, who had to cope with a new virus, long hours, and huge numbers of patients on ventilators... And what about those people who lost loved ones to covid and were unable to sit beside them in their dying days? Or the funerals and weddings that were stripped back to closest relatives only? Think of the lost relationships, lifes missed opportunities, the holidays in the sun... all ruined by a virus that stopped the world in its tracks. Even the cossetted profession of politics suffered great stresses throughout the pandemic, at least at the upper echelons, where huge restrictions on our freedoms were agreed and enforced by our leaders. What a legacy to have on your conscience, even though the large majority of people at the time backed their caution. No, I reckon there wasnt a single one of the five million people in this country who didnt suffer to some degree in the pandemic. So universal was the suffering, that I hadnt heard of a group of people actively seeking compensation for it, until this week. It was reported that a law firm has been inundated with emails from Irish students querying whether they could be entitled to compensation because they claim their college experience was significantly disrupted by covid. The company, Phoenix Law, is based in Belfast but operates on both north and south of the border. It has launched a group action on behalf of students at Northern Irish universities, saying that they may be entitled to compensation for loss of educational experience, and now lots of students in the Republic are contacting them and wondering if they can apply too. Many third-level institutions globally moved to remote or hybrid working during the pandemic, since such places would surely have been a hotbed of the virus had they stayed open. However, this clearly had an impact on studies for some - and now many are seeking redress. The law places great emphasis on precedents, and it seems the domino effect is in motion regarding these queries about compensation. The first domino fell when University College London in the UK recently settled a claim outside of court after a class action was taken by 6,000 students because they had paid for an education they say they did not ultimately receive. Students and graduates - many facing debts accrued by their studies - have reportedly received sums of up to 5,000 in compensation. On the back of that, 36 more universities in the UK have received letters about potential legal action. The Belfast law firm are handling cases in the North, and the domino effect could now extend to claims in the Republic. It seems plenty of students here are hoping they also have a case, and the law firm is weighing up its options. However, as this is a different jurisdiction, it wont be straight-forward - for one, college fees here are generally lower than in the UK, and the rules governing class actions - where one or more individuals sue on behalf of a larger group of people - are different here too. A spokesman for Phoenix Law said: Students have suffered significant losses, including reduced quality and quantity of teaching, missed networking and academic opportunities, loss of campus facilities, and mental and emotional distress due to the inability to fully engage in university life. All of this may well be proved to be true. However, I cant be the only person who feels that if one student in Ireland gets compensation because of the fall-out of the pandemic, then five million of us can also have a case. Heaven only knows where we could end up if this domino effect of legal actions were to continue throughout Irish society. A successful action against Irish universities, which are primarily funded by the state, would obviously have a knock-on effect on government coffers, and have an impact on the entire country. What if other employees and sectors of society - schoolchildren, parents, pensioners, employers - then follow suit, using the law of precedent? The claims could spread faster than the worst covid variant. When everyone has a grievance, then the possibilities of claims flying in left, right, and centre, are mind-boggling. Perhaps the state will rigorously oppose such legal actions, on the reasonable grounds that had they not taken action, covid would have ripped through our universities, and the death toll in society at large would have surely been much higher. If they dont, the floodgates for more claims could well and truly open. By Grainne Ni Aodha, Press Association The chartered flight to bring stranded, vulnerable Irish citizens home from the Middle East is delayed until Saturday, Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee said. Because of the highly challenging operational context, the flight will leave Oman on Saturday afternoon rather than on Friday. Two Emirates flights have taken hundreds of Irish citizens from Dubai to Dublin this week, with a third scheduled to arrive in the Irish capital on Friday night. The Governments chartered flight, which reportedly costs 800 a seat, will transport 300 people who are vulnerable, such as children and people with medical needs. McEntee said intensive efforts to bring Irish citizens in the Middle East home were continuing. She also welcomed the gradual return to commercial air travel and urged people to use those options when available. Several hundred calls were made directly to citizens in the last number of days to confirm arrangements for our assisted departure flight from Oman, she said in a statement on Friday. Passengers for this flight travelled to Oman this morning, supported by our embassy teams on the ground. Due to the highly challenging operational context for aviation in the region, the departure planned for this evening is now due to depart for Dublin on Saturday afternoon. The overnight hotel costs for the passengers in Oman will be met by the department. I am aware that there are citizens in other countries across the region, including Qatar and Kuwait, who wish to leave. We are in direct contact with many of these citizens to explain what options may become available. I am also aware that some citizens have been stranded in other parts of the world due to flight cancellations in the Gulf. We would encourage these citizens to make direct contact with their airlines or travel agents with regard to identifying alternative routes and to make contact with our Consular Crisis Centre where our staff can assist in emergency circumstances. Following the partial re-opening of regional airspace, Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule while working to restore full network operations. Flights to these destinations are currently operating: https://t.co/A2RdND1Gjr. Customers can check availability and pic.twitter.com/CsXg1RBhBq Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 6, 2026 Emirates said on Friday it will operate a reduced flight schedule, but expects a return to 100% of its network within the coming days. Safety, as ever, remains paramount as is our duty of care, it said, adding that 30,000 people had been flown out of Dubai. The Government said that it expects further direct commercial options in the coming days. Other Irish people have managed to get indirect flights to Ireland from Abu Dhabi or Dubai through London or Paris. There are about 24,000 Irish citizens across the region who have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs. An estimated 14,000 Irish people are living in Dubai, a further 2,000 in Abu Dhabi and more than 2,000 in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The consular crisis team has responded to more than 2,300 queries since Saturday. Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Neale Richmond, said on Thursday that many Irish citizens who are permanently resident in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and elsewhere have no desire to travel back to Ireland. Most chartered flights from European governments are departing from Muscat in Oman. We saw the first flight from Italy land last night (Wednesday night) and a flight from Germany the day before, Richmond told the Dail on Thursday. The British authorities have also started flights. We are working in concert with European partners. Elizabeth City, N.C. Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) graduate student Dasia Singleton has received the Distinguished Thesis Award from the Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools (CHBGS), one of the highest national honors recognizing outstanding graduate research among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This is the first time in ECSUs history that a student has earned this prestigious distinction. The award was presented at the 56th Annual CHBGS Conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Feb. 18. Singletons thesis, A Multi-Method Evaluation of Mathematics Placement Testing: Integrating Classical and Machine Learning Analysis with Longitudinal Outcomes, evaluates the effectiveness of mathematics placement testing at ECSU and its ability to predict student success in subsequent coursework. By combining statistical modeling, predictive analytics, machine learning and longitudinal data analysis, her research provides data-driven insights with direct implications for student retention, equitable placement practices and institutional decision-making. Her work has also been accepted for publication in the Springer Nature International Conference on Computational Science and Computational Intelligence (CSCI) Proceedings, further underscoring the scholarly impact of her research. Singleton completed her thesis under the advisement of Julian Allagan, director of graduate studies and professor of mathematics at ECSU. Her research reflects the integration of advanced mathematics, computational analysis and applied institutional research to address real-world challenges in higher education. In addition to her academic excellence, Singleton serves as vice president of the re-chartered National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter at ECSU and vice president of the Graduate Student Association. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from ECSU in 2023 and is completing her Master of Science in Applied Mathematics. ECSU congratulates Dasia Singleton on this historic achievement and celebrates her contributions to graduate research and academic leadership. (Photo: LWF)The vocational training center in Beit Hanina, an Arab Palestinian neighborhood in East Jerusalem. receives general secretary Rev. Anne Burghardt and delegates from the German National Committee of the LWF for a visit on Jan. 12, 2006. Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed church leaders say they are "profoundly dismayed" at the international community's failure to prevent wars, including the escalation of conflict in Iran and the Middle East. "The recent escalation of conflict and intensified war in Iran and the Middle East adds to the distressing list of ongoing violent conflicts and wars, including those in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and Myanmar," they say in a March 5 statement. The church leaders of the four global Christian communions warn in a statement that "the world is approaching a dangerous tipping point," at a time when "violence becomes the norm, and the death and suffering of peoples and communities is condoned." "We are profoundly dismayed at the international community's failure to prevent these tragedies." Instead of pursuing difficult but necessary paths of diplomacy and dialogue, they say nations have increasingly resorted to military solutions, pouring vast amounts of resources into arms rather than into peace processes and humanitarian assistance for the vulnerable "As global Christian communions, the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and the World Methodist Council, representing hundreds of millions of Christians across the world stand together in deep sorrow and unwavering resolve. "We are witnessing the devastating impact of violence and war on countless individuals and communities around the world." Without referring to specific nations, they call on national governments, regional intergovernmental bodies, the United Nations, international organisations, and all stakeholders "to invest in peace, not war." The church leaders said that through their work and the ministries of their churches and partners on the ground, they are engaged in concrete actions of solidarity, humanitarian aid, and peacebuilding. - ECHOING WORDS OF POPE LEO "We echo here the words of Pope Leo as he addressed the Vatican's diplomatic corps earlier this year. If the basis of peace is self-interest, this gravely threatens the rule of law, civil coexistence, and the ability of states to come together. "As old wars rage on unabated, new ones arise. The world is approaching a dangerous tipping point - a time when violence becomes the norm, and death and the suffering of people and communities are condoned." They appeal "for peace and reaffirm their commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy." "We reaffirm our strong commitment to peace, in a world increasingly amassing arms and accepting destructive conflict as inevitable," the statement says. "We envision a world where peace is cherished and actively cultivated, grounded in our shared values of dignity and worth of each person and the equal rights of all people and nations, with justice and respect for international law." The signatories of the statement were: Rev. Anthony Poggo, secretary general of the Anglican Communion; Rev. Anne Burghardt, general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation; Rev. Philip Vinod Peacock, general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), and Rev. Reynaldo Ferreira Leao Neto, general secretary of the World Methodist Council. The Fraunhofer ITWM, together with the Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau, is presenting a system that fundamentally accelerates the development of embedded AI applications: Neural Architecture Search Engine with Hardware in the Loop. Diesen Artikel anhoren With NASE (Neural Architecture Search Engine) Fraunhofer ITWM (Institute for Industrial Mathematics) presents an agentic system that designs and optimizes AI models for edge and embedded platforms. Instead of laboriously adapting existing models to a target platform, the neural search develops tailor-made architectures directly for the respective hardware, eliminating the need for additional model porting. Software Tool for Hardware-Optimized Models in Weeks Instead of Months In practice, developers often resort to freely available models that do not function satisfactorily on the target hardware, explains Dominik Loroch from Fraunhofer ITWM. The necessary adaptation requires expertise in both hardware and AI design. NASE Hardware in the Loop takes care of precisely this complex optimization process. A special innovation is agentic AI: a language model queries the requirements for the application and automatically configures the search to achieve the best results. This eliminates the need for long training periods in tool operation. The system reduces development times from several months to a few weeks while delivering higher model quality compared to manual design processes. NASE is particularly interesting for developers who need to port and optimize AI models on embedded hardware. Typical areas of application include computer vision, production and condition monitoring, healthcare applications, and industrial assistance systems. Basically, all companies that want to use embedded AI in their products benefit, especially where computing power, energy consumption, and costs are strictly limited. Demonstrator Shows Complete Pipeline At the trade fair stand (Hall 4, Booth 422), the demonstrator shows visitors the complete development chain from the initial interaction to the executable application on the target hardware. The agentic system first queries the target variables, such as accuracy or runtime, and assists with the configuration of the search. It then generates models that work measurably faster and more efficiently on the respective platform than typical off-the-shelf models from the Internet. In this context, Agentic Artificial Intelligence means that users simply formulate the goal, for example, what task the AI should perform on the embedded platform and what performance indicators must be achieved. The system decides independently how this goal is to be implemented technically. It uses a language model, calls up external tools, checks intermediate results, and optimizes iteratively until the requirements are met. Developers no longer have to specify how the AI model should be structured in detail; they only define the what, not the how. Hardware in the Loop: Real Measurement Data Instead of Estimates In the embedded sector in particular, the actual performance of an AI model is difficult to predict. That is why Hardware in the Loop is so important: models are executed and measured directly on real hardware. The RPTU (Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau) in Kaiserslautern has developed a system for this purpose that can be used to automatically evaluate different hardware platforms. The measurement data obtained flows directly back into the architecture search. This results in models that are not only theoretically, but also demonstrably optimally matched to the target hardware. STANCE Networking Evening As part of the trade fair, Fraunhofer ITWM and Fraunhofer IIS will also be hosting the STANCE networking evening at JOSEPHS in Nuremberg on March 11, 2026. STANCE is an alliance of industry and research founded by Fraunhofer ITWM and Fraunhofer IIS that promotes neuromorphic and spiking-based, particularly energy-efficient, and extremely fast AI technologies for industrial applications. The event offers compact, practical insights into neuromorphic computing and creates space for exchange between industry, science, and start-ups. The UK government is working on a controversial data bill that would allow AI companies like Google and OpenAI to train their models on copyrighted materials without consent. However, following a two month consultation, it looks like passage of the law will be delayed. "Copyright is going to be kicked down the road," a person with knowledge of the matter told The Financial Times. Responses by stakeholders during the consultation period weren't favorable to any of the government's proposed ideas for use of copyrighted materials, the FT's sources said. There's no expectation now that an AI bill will be part of the King's Speech set for May this year. As a result, Ministers have decided to go back to the drawing board and spend more time exploring other options. The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee called on the government to develop a licensing-first regime "underpinned by robust transparency that safeguards creators' livelihoods while supporting sustainable AI growth." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UK parliament's preferred position on the bill (also argued by tech giants like Google) has been that copyright holders need to formally opt-out if they don't want their materials used to train AI models. However, publishers, filmmakers, musicians and others have said that this would be impractical and an existential threat to the UK's creative industries. The House of Lords took the side of artists and introduced an amendment that would require tech companies to disclose which copyright-protected works were used to train AI models. That addition, however, was blocked by the UK's House of Commons in May last year. The UK's majority Labour government already under fire for its handling of the economy has taken hits from publishers, musicians, authors and other creative groups over the proposed law. Elton John called the government "absolute losers" while Paul McCartney said that AI has its uses but "it shouldn't rip creative people off." McCartney and others artists were part of a "silent album" meant to show the impact of IP theft by AI. Baroness Beeban Kidron from the House of Lords has also ripped the government over the AI bill. "Creators do not deny the creative and economic value of AI, but we do deny the assertion that we should have to build AI for free with our work, and then rent it back from those who stole it," she said last year. "It's astonishing that a Labour government would abandon the labor force of an entire section." Emile Kotze, a former cast member of the reality TV series Below Deck, has filed a federal lawsuit seeking $850 million in damages from NBCUniversal and the show's producers, accusing them of defamation, sexual harassment, and manipulation during his time on the program. Kotze filed the lawsuit in federal court in New York. In the complaint, he claims producers portrayed him as "immature" and "sexually aggressive," which he says harmed his reputation and career, TMZ reported. According to the filing, Kotze joined the show's third season in 2015 when he was 23 years old. The South African deckhand says he agreed to appear on the series because he believed it would be filmed as a documentary about life working on a yacht. Instead, Kotze alleges he was pulled into a reality TV format focused on drama. His lawsuit claims producers pushed him into situations meant to create controversy and boost ratings. He says the production team encouraged heavy drinking and set up awkward or humiliating moments on camera. Kotze also claims the show created a fake romantic storyline between him and castmate Raquel "Rocky" Dakota. Bravo Lawsuit Tracker Emile is suing NBC and #BelowDeck producers for $850 million, claiming he was told the show was a documentary and was manipulated into embarrassing scenarios. Claiming he was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression directly linked to the show. pic.twitter.com/USOajFAVOi @suttonsroller (@suttonsroller) March 5, 2026 Emile Kotze Says Producers Crafted False Image According to the complaint, these scenes were later edited in what Kotze describes as a "highly misleading manner." He alleges the final version of the show crafted a false image of him that damaged how viewers saw him. Kotze says the experience had lasting consequences. In court documents, he claims the portrayal led to him being blacklisted from the yachting industry, where he had worked professionally as a deckhand. According to DailyMail, the lawsuit also describes the emotional toll the experience allegedly caused. Kotze says he suffered severe psychological trauma and was later diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which he links directly to his time on the show. He argues the production misled him about the nature of the project and then edited footage in ways that harmed his career and personal life. NBCUniversal and the show's producers strongly dispute the claims. In court filings, the company argues that the case should be dismissed. The defendants say many of Kotze's allegations fall outside the legal time limit for filing claims. They also argue the lawsuit lacks strong factual evidence. In their response, NBCUniversal said the complaint attempts to restrict the network's creative rights. The filing states the claims "should be dismissed as a matter of law because they are time-barred, facially deficient, and otherwise impermissibly seek to restrict Defendants' First Amendment rights to shape and convey their creative works." Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is once again under fire after a former girlfriend claimed that a controversial photograph linked to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation showed him participating in CPR training, rather than engaging in inappropriate conduct. The photo, released recently as part of millions of pages unveiled by the U.S. Department of Justice related to the Epstein case, depicts Andrew kneeling over an unidentified woman whose face is obscured. The image has reignited public debate over his association with Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. As per RadarOnline, Lady Victoria Hervey, 49, a former girlfriend of Andrew, addressed the image during a podcast interview, asserting that the photograph was taken during a medical training exercise. She claimed that Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's close associate and a trained emergency medical technician, conducted the course. "He's learning to give someone CPR there," Hervey said. Hervey also maintained her long-standing defense of Andrew, denying allegations made by Epstein's accusers and calling one infamous photo of Andrew with Virginia Giuffre "fake." Her explanation was met with sharp criticism and disbelief on social media. Many people thought the claim was ridiculous and made fun of the attempt to reinterpret the image. Observers noted that rather than quelling speculation, Hervey's comments intensified online trolling and spawned new jokes and memes targeting Andrew. Andrew, 66, has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein and has faced increasing scrutiny in recent weeks over his previous role as the United Kingdom's special representative for international trade and investment. He was recently released under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, connected to allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his diplomatic work. Read more: Jeffrey Epstein Survivor Reveals Harrowing Abuse Story in Notorious Island with Prince Andrew Being Present in New Allegations Ex-Prince Andrew Calls Treatment by Royals 'Deeply Unfair' Following Arrest Meanwhile, as per OK Magazine, former Prince Andrew is reportedly feeling a sense of injustice after being stripped of his royal titles and arrested in connection with his past association with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. According to royal expert Andrew Lownie, the ex-Duke of York believes it is "deeply unfair" that members of the royal family, including King Charles III, have distanced themselves from him amid mounting public scrutiny. "He still thinks he's anointed that it's deeply unfair people have turned on him," Lownie told People magazine. Andrew, the son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein. He stepped back from royal duties in November 2019 following a widely criticized BBC interview about his relationship with Epstein and convicted associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Queen Elizabeth took away Andrew's military and royal duties in January 2022. Then, in November 2025, King Charles formally revoked Andrew's remaining royal titles, including his style of "His Royal Highness" and his title as Duke of York. Lownie suggested Andrew's perspective is shaped by a lifetime of privilege. "He has been pampered all the way through his life, in this bubble," Lownie said. "Status is everything to him it's his only sense of identity." Andrew's arrest on Feb. 19 came on suspicion of misconduct while in public office. Lownie alleged that Andrew and others in his circle believed they could operate without scrutiny. "They thought they'd be able to operate like this under the radar," he said, referring also to Andrew's ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has faced scrutiny for her connections to Epstein and Maxwell. "They're clearly up to their necks in exploiting their royal status." The scandal has also impacted Andrew's daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Lownie said the sisters are "caught between a rock and a hard place over loyalty to their parents and their future." Ukraine is working to recover $80 million of cash and nine gold bars that Hungary seized when authorities arrested seven Ukrainian bank workers this week, Kyiv's central bank chief said Friday. Hungary arrested the seven employees of Ukraine's state-owned Oschadbank on Thursday as they were transporting cash between banks in Austria and Ukraine. It released them on Friday. Budapest says it arrested them as part of a money-laundering probe, but Kyiv says Hungary effectively took the men "hostage" in retaliation for Ukraine's delayed re-opening of a pipeline carrying Russian oil to Budapest. The incident has badly damaged relations between the two neighbours, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky trading barbs. Hungary has not yet returned the valuables, Ukrainian central bank chief Andriy Pyshnyi said on Facebook. "The shamefulness of this situation is simply beyond comprehension," he said in a post, adding that Kyiv was working to return the cargo "as quickly as possible". A day earlier, Zelensky appeared to issue a direct threat against Orban, saying Ukraine's armed forces would "talk to him in their own language" -- a statement condemned by Hungary and the European Union, of which it is a member. - Stacks of cash - The bank employees were transporting $40 million, 35 million euros and nine kilogrammes (317 ounces) of gold. Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) said it had detained the seven Ukrainian citizens, including a former Ukrainian secret service general, and two armoured cash-transport vehicles on Thursday. NAV "is conducting criminal proceedings on suspicion of money laundering", it said in a statement. The Hungarian government also released footage on social media showing what it said was the arrest of the Ukrainians and stacks of cash seized. Ukraine summoned Hungary's charge d'affaires over what it called the "unlawful" detentions, and urged its citizens to avoid travel to Hungary, citing "the inability to guarantee their safety amid the arbitrary actions of the Hungarian authorities". Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga on X slammed what he called "state banditism", adding that Ukraine reserved "the right to take appropriate action, including initiating sanctions and other restrictive measures". The men were released on Friday and are now back in Ukraine, Sybiga said in a later post. - 'Blackmail' - The incident comes amid Hungarian anger over Ukraine's delayed re-opening of the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Budapest. Ukraine says the pipeline was damaged by a Russian attack in January and needs time to repair. But Hungary, which is a close partner of Russia, says Ukraine is deliberately stalling the re-opening in a form of "blackmail". In a radio interview earlier Friday, Orban said until the oil delivery issue was resolved, Hungary "will use every step and every means at our disposal", including stopping "things passing through Hungary, things that are important to Ukraine". Relations between the two neighbours were already strained by Orban's close ties with Russia and his opposition to military aid for Kyiv. The Hungarian premier has ramped up political attacks on Ukraine ahead of a closely fought parliamentary election set for April 12. Orban has been stalling a 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) EU loan to the war-torn country and a new round of sanctions on Russia, demanding that Kyiv first reopen the Druzhba pipeline, whose alleged damages he disputes. Hundreds of people demonstrated in front of the Ukrainian embassy in Budapest on Friday to protest what they called an oil blockade, carrying Hungarian flags and posters including one that read "Ukraine = mafia state", according to an AFP photographer. The demonstration was organised by a pro-Orban group. Zelensky said on Thursday the pipeline could only be made operational after another four to six weeks, although he would personally prefer not to restore transit. "We hope that one person in the European Union will not block the 90 billion (euros)... Otherwise we will give this person's address to our Armed Forces, to our guys. Let them call him and talk to him in their own language," Zelensky said. The European Union slammed the apparent threat as "not acceptable", denouncing "inflammatory rhetoric" on all sides and calling for calm. burs/jhb Nepal's centrist party of rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah took an early lead in the high-stakes parliamentary election on Friday, as slow counting continued after the first polls since last year's deadly uprising. But despite Shah's party loyalists dancing on the streets of Kathmandu in celebration -- the numbers of votes counted remain too low to be confident that it will translate into concrete wins. By Friday afternoon, 24 hours after polls closed, early trends issued by the Election Commission put Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) ahead. Alongside Shah, key figures vying for power include Marxist leader KP Sharma Oli, four-time prime minister who was ousted by the September 2025 anti-corruption protests, and the newly elected leader of the Nepali Congress party, Gagan Thapa. At 5:00 pm (1115 GMT), RSP was leading in more than half of the 165 constituencies. But there were only two declared results, and RSP had been confirmed only in one, the same as Nepali Congress. Prakash Nyupane, a spokesman for the Election Commission, said that counting was ongoing "in a peaceful manner" across the Himalayan nation, from snowbound high-altitude mountain regions to the hot plains bordering India. Voters have chosen who replaces the interim government in place since the September 2025 uprising, in which at least 77 people were killed, and parliament and scores of government buildings were torched. Youth-led protests under a loose Gen Z banner began as a demonstration against a brief social media ban, but were fed by wider grievances at corruption and a woeful economy. Kunda Dixit, publisher of the weekly Nepali Times, told AFP that if trends did reflect final wins, the political shift was dramatic. "This is even a bigger upset than we expected -- it underscores the level of public disenchantment with the old parties for under-performance, as well as anger over the events of September," he said. - 'Fate of the country' - The polls are one of the most hotly contested elections in the Himalayan republic of 30 million people since the end of a civil war in 2006. All eyes are watching the results in the key head-to-head battleground constituency of Jhapa-5, a usually sleepy eastern district, where 35-year-old Shah challenged directly the veteran Oli, aged 74. Shah, better known as Balen, snappily dressed in a black suit and sunglasses, has cast himself as a symbol of youth-driven political change. At 5:00 pm local time, at 10 percent of the votes counted in Jhapa-5, Shah was ahead by nearly five times as many votes as Oli. Soldiers with armoured trucks manned barbed wire barricades around the counting centre in Jhapa. "I hope this result changes the fate of the country for the better," Bhagawati Adhikari, 38, told AFP, who was among a crowd of dozens at Jhapa gathered outside the security cordon. "The country should be peaceful and secure, youth should get opportunities, corruption should stop -- that's my appeal." - 'Rest peacefully' - More than 3,400 candidates ran for 165 seats in direct elections to the 275-member House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, with 110 more chosen via party lists. Turnout was 59 percent. Full nationwide tallies could take several days. Dixit raised the possibility that Shah's RSP could stage a dramatic win. "If RSP hits the magic 138 seats, Balen will become prime minister -- and hopefully a cabinet of technocrats," added Dixit. Sushila Karki, the interim prime minister, praised the peaceful conduct of a vote she has said was critical in "determining our future". Karki, a 73-year-old former chief justice who reluctantly left retirement to lead the nation, now faces the challenge of managing the reaction to results. The election saw a wave of younger candidates promising to tackle Nepal's dismal economy, challenging veteran politicians who have dominated for decades and argue that their experience guarantees stability and security. In Jhapa, 68-year-old shopkeeper Ved Prasad Mainali sat listening to a radio. "Oli may lose, but his supporters wont come out on the streets. If they do, they will face an opposition from a larger crowd that wants change," he told AFP. "To Oli, I would like to say, that he has ruled for many years -- he has done some good for the country, now he should just rest peacefully. Jhapa is ready to welcome a new prime minister." pm-pjm/ane MILLERSBURG, Ohio On Feb. 3, the West Holmes FFA chapter hosted a fundraiser at the Berlin Farmstead Restaurant. Nearly 30 members helped with the event, serving as greeters, hostesses, waitresses and table cleaners. Over 200 members of the community came out to support the chapter, which raised $2,480 during the evening from tips and $828.27 in sale proceeds. MILLERSBURG, Ohio On Feb. 4, following the eighth-grade parent meeting, West Holmes FFA chapter officers set up poster boards to talk to parents and their children to build interest in agriculture and FFA. Shane Lorentz, Madison Ringwalt and Makenzie Mast were on hand, along with Courtney Crider, Mia Spencer, Natty Lint and Wyatt Troyer and greenhand officers Emily Ogi, Tori Kaufman, Jensen Lorentz, Breck Sheldon, Jocelyn Olney and Taylor McDonnell. Any student interested in taking the Ag Class or joining FFA is encouraged to sign up for Ag Food and Natural Resources and reach out to the officers or vocational agriculture teacher/FFA adviser, Jaime Chenevey, at the high school. JEROMESVILLE, Ohio On Feb. 4, the Hillsdale FFA chapter competed in the Sub District Public Speaking Leadership Development Event. Members Laney Meek, Cooper Baker and Eben Wilson-Mills traveled to Firelands High School to compete. Creed Speaking is reserved for ninth-grade members in their first year of high school agricultural education. Participants are required to recite the FFA Creed verbatim, followed by a five-minute question-and-answer session. Extemporaneous Speaking challenges members to prepare a four-to-six-minute speech in just 30 minutes based on a randomly drawn topic. Meek placed third in Creed Speaking and advanced to the district competition on Feb. 11, where she placed fourth. JEROMESVILLE, Ohio On Feb. 2, the Hillsdale FFA chapter competed in the Agriculture Power Diagnostic CDE Contest. Members Reed Twining and Wyiatt Hynek traveled to Crawford County to compete against fourteen other chapters, where they placed first. Teams in the 2026 Ohio FFA Agricultural Power Diagnostics CDE consist of two students who troubleshoot and repair five pieces of equipment under time constraints. Each station allows 20 minutes for repairs, with scoring based on diagnostic accuracy, procedural logic and proper tool use. Safety is mandatory, requiring safety glasses and work on equipment secured with jack stands; teams provide hand tools but not major teardowns like removing oil pans. ASHLAND, Ohio On Feb. 4, three members of the Ashland FFA chapter traveled to Firelands High School for the Sub-District Public Speaking Leadership Development Event. Senior Haley McNaull participated in the Extemporaneous Speaking Contest, where she was given the speech topic of How do environmental conditions influence plant growth and productivity? She placed first in Sub-District B and headed to Districts on Feb. 11 at Shelby High School. There, she participated in the District 2 Extemporaneous Public Speaking LDE. In Extemporaneous Public Speaking, students have 30 minutes to prepare a four to six-minute speech on their fishbowl topic. Her speech topic was how to manage nutrient film technology (NFT) to prevent pythium root rot. She placed first in the competition and will be competing at the state level on March 7. BELOIT, Ohio Seven outstanding members of the West Branch FFA chapter earned their Ohio FFA State Degree, including Isabella Higgins, Grady Rockwell, Austin Ruthrauff, Stella Zippy, Austin Pierce, Connor Linder and Bryce Hoopes. This degree recognizes their hard work, leadership and dedication to agricultural education. Member Alex Campbells American FFA Degree application has advanced past the state level and is now headed to national judging through the National FFA Organization. In addition, Higgins created the chapters Gold Star Reporter Book, showcasing the many accomplishments and activities of our chapter. BELOIT, Ohio The West Branch FFA Grain Merchandising Team has qualified for the State Contest. Team members Stella Zippay, Lance Myers, Austin Ruthrauff and Austin Pierce put in practice time to learn grain market analysis and merchandising skills to prepare for competition. Once there, the team will be tasked with marketing a grain crop for one production cycle. The team will compete at Wilmington College on March 18 to determine final placings. SULLIVAN, Ohio The Black River FFA chapter took part in a unique hands-on learning experience on school grounds Feb. 17, tapping maple trees that will be collected for sap production. The Plant and Animal Science classes took the lead in preparing collection bags, ensuring everything was ready for the sap-gathering process. After the prep was done, the class had the opportunity to head outdoors and tap the trees. This process allows students to witness firsthand how sap is harvested before being transformed into delicious maple syrup. Livestock trade across the Irish border is set to resume after new bluetongue measures were agreed by authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has cautiously welcomed the move, announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). Cross-border movements of bluetongue-susceptible animals for breeding and production recommenced from 09:00 today (6 March). The introduction of reciprocal arrangements between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will allow cattle and sheep to move across the border again after recent restrictions disrupted normal trading patterns. The UFU said the return of cross-border movements was important for farmers whose businesses rely heavily on livestock trading across the island. This trade is vital for many livestock farmers, the union said. Under the new arrangements, susceptible animals will be permitted to move from EU member states where only the BTV-3 strain of bluetongue is present. Additional requirements will apply to imports from countries where other bluetongue strains are circulating. Further guidance will be provided by DAERA. However, movements of live animals from Great Britain to Northern Ireland remain suspended. Following confirmed cases of the BTV-3 strain in England and Wales, all live ruminant movements from Great Britain to Northern Ireland are still prohibited. The UFU also welcomed confirmation that the Temporary Control Zone in County Down will be lifted at the same time. Once the zone is removed, livestock will again be able to move freely within Northern Ireland under a general licence. While describing the development as a positive step for the sector, the UFU warned that bluetongue remains a notifiable disease and farmers must remain vigilant. The union urged members to work closely with their private veterinary practitioners and to continue sourcing animals responsibly. Farmers were also advised to avoid importing susceptible animals from mainland Europe due to ongoing disease risks. The UFU warned there could be a serious risk to NI food security if diseases are brought into the country. The union said it will continue engaging with DAERA to ensure farmers remain informed while protecting the health of Northern Irelands livestock sector. Farmers are being warned about their duty of care after a dog walker was trampled by cattle in a case that led to prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The incident occurred in Porthcothan, Cornwall, where cows with calves were grazing in a field crossed by a public footpath. The case has renewed warnings about the risks that can arise when livestock and members of the public share access to farmland. The farmer involved pleaded guilty to breaching section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined 5,260. Bridget Sanger, a criminal litigation specialist at Clarke Willmott LLP, said the prosecution highlights the importance of prioritising public safety when turning cattle out to grass. Farmers have a legal duty to ensure the safety of anyone on their land, including walkers using public rights of way, she said. She warned that animal-related incidents remain a serious issue within the sector. Each year, animal-related injuries rank among the top five causes of fatalities in the agricultural sector, so its vital to take proactive steps to reduce risks. The warning comes as many farmers begin turning cattle out to grass during spring, increasing the likelihood of encounters between livestock and walkers. Sanger advised farmers to carefully assess livestock and field conditions before turnout, particularly where public footpaths cross grazing land. Where possible, avoid placing cows with calves in fields accessible to the public, and assess animal temperament before turnout, she said. She added that simple precautions can help reduce the likelihood of dangerous encounters between cattle and walkers. Clear signage, secure fencing, and alternative routes for walkers can make a real difference in preventing incidents. Sanger also urged farmers to consider public safety when planning spring grazing. Consider the risk to the public when planning spring turnout, she said. Its safest to assume that visitors may be children, have limited mobility, or have never encountered cattle before, and plan accordingly. She stressed that members of the public are entitled to use public rights of way safely. It is important to note that it is your responsibility to keep the public safe and that they are entitled to walk safely across rights of way. The Health and Safety Executive has also issued guidance for farmers on managing cattle in fields with public access. Advice includes avoiding placing cows with calves in fields with footpaths where possible, assessing animal temperament before turnout and using clear signage to warn walkers of livestock. Farmers are also advised to consider alternative routes for walkers where feasible, use appropriate enclosures such as electric fencing and ensure safe systems are in place when moving cattle. The guidance also states that beef bulls should not be kept in fields with public footpaths unless accompanied by cows or heifers, while certain breeds should never be placed in fields accessible to the public. Officials say farmers must also consider additional risks for children, people with limited mobility and those unfamiliar with livestock behaviour. The HSE says careful planning and clear warnings are essential to prevent further incidents as cattle return to fields this spring. EU lawmakers have agreed to ban a range of meat-related names on vegetarian and vegan products in a move aimed at protecting livestock farmers and strengthening their position in food supply markets. Under the agreement, negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states decided that 31 meat-related terms will no longer be allowed on plant-based foods. Names such as bacon, beef, chicken, drumstick, loin, ribs, steak, T-bone and wing will be banned from use when describing vegetarian or vegan products. However, earlier proposals to prohibit labels such as veggie burgers and meat-free sausages were dropped during negotiations, meaning those terms will still be permitted. The naming rules form part of a wider EU regulation designed to strengthen farmers position in the food supply chain and improve the balance of power across agricultural markets. Celine Imart, a French centre-right MEP who introduced the amendment targeting meat-related terms, welcomed the compromise reached by negotiators. She described the agreement as an undeniable success for our livestock farmers. Imart, who is also a cereal farmer, said the decision recognises the value of livestock farmers work and protects their products the fruits of unique know-how against a form of unfair competition. However, the decision has sparked criticism from some politicians and consumer groups, who argue the restrictions could create unnecessary confusion for shoppers. Anna Strolenberg, a Dutch Green MEP involved in the negotiations, said she was relieved lawmakers rejected calls to outlaw terms such as veggie burger. Fortunately, the conservative word police has failed to ban the veggie burger, she said. However, she added that banning other words still raises concerns. Unfortunately, a number of other words still end up on the blacklist. Thats a shame; Europe should be backing innovative entrepreneurs, not putting new obstacles in their way. EU officials have defended the broader regulation, arguing it will provide farmers with stronger support within food markets. Maria Panayiotou, Cypruss agriculture minister, said the reforms would help ensure a more stable future for farmers. By improving support for farmers and enhancing the role of producer organisations, we are giving farmers additional tools to secure a more predictable and sustainable future, she said. The debate reflects growing tensions between Europes livestock sector and the rapidly expanding plant-based food industry. The agreement must still pass several procedural steps before becoming law, although these are typically considered formalities. Actor Allu Arjun and his wife Sneha Reddy celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary on Friday. They tied the knot on March 6, 2011. Ever since, they have been considered one of Tollywoods power couples. While fans also celebrated the special personal milestone, Allu Arjun took to his social media handle and wrote a heartfelt message for his wife, affectionately calling her cutie. The Icon Star further said that their journey of companionship would not have been possible without Sneha. Happy Anniversary, Cutie. 15 years of togetherness. The journey could not have been this without you. 15th Anniversary. A life of laughter and companionship, posted Allu Arjun. The couple has two children, son Ayaan and daughter Arha. Sneha also shared the same post on her handle and later posted the soulful number Tose Naina Lage. The profoundly romantic Sufi-style ballad portrays love as divine and focuses on spiritual love, total surrender, and eternal longing. Happy Anniversary, Cutie . 15 years of togetherness. The journey could not have been this without you pic.twitter.com/C9pWuC65wf Allu Arjun (@alluarjun) March 6, 2026 Prime Video has released the first trailer for its upcoming Tamil original series Local Times, a comedy drama set within the world of grassroots journalism. Directed by Naveen George Thomas in his debut as a filmmaker and produced by Jithin Thorai under the Fanboy Production banner, the seven-episode show is scheduled to premiere on the streaming platform on March 13. A small newsroom with big ambitions The nearly two-minute trailer offers a lively glimpse into the daily hustle inside Namma Seidhi, a modest local weekly newspaper that is trying to stay relevant in a time when digital media dominates the news cycle. At the centre of the story is a group of young journalists who continue to believe in the purpose of reporting stories that matter to the public, even when their efforts rarely receive recognition. The trailer moves through moments of chaotic newsroom banter, street level reporting assignments, and personal clashes among the team members. Despite the constant setbacks, the group refuses to abandon the publication that means so much to them. However, the glimpse also hints that their struggles may not remain confined to financial troubles and workplace frustrations. Certain antagonistic forces appear determined to shut down their work, adding a layer of tension to the otherwise lighthearted tone. The series features Rishikanth, Abdool Lee, Maurish Dass, Adwitha Arumugam, Pandiarajan, Chinni Jayanth, Harini, Sarvesh Sridhar, and Nandhitha Sreekumar in other roles. Friendship, chaos and the fight to keep a legacy alive At the heart of Local Times lies the story of four friends who refuse to let a once respected publication fade into obscurity. The official plotline reads, "Surviving on limited funds but driven by unlimited hope, four friendsVeera, Azhagu, Valli, and Muthuare determined to keep alive Namma Seidhi, a once-respected regional newspaper owned by Veera's grandfather. The trailer offers a glimpse into the chaotic lives of this motley crew, their hilarious misadventures, emotional clashes, unexpected wins, a powerful nemesis who is hellbent on taking them down, and their admirable bond of friendship that refuses to collapse, even when everything else does." The show has been written by Praveen Muthurangan and created by Abbhinav Kastura along with Praveen Muthurangan, Satwik Gade, Thomas Manuel and Visvaksen P. The creators say the series is designed as a relaxed and enjoyable watch for Tamil audiences. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fanboy Production (@fanboyproductionoffl) "Local times is a simple, unwind watch. Its a light-footed comedy set in familiar spaces: a small office, big dreams, bruised egos, and friendships that survive chaos. The show sits comfortably between drama and comedy. The conflicts and ambitions are real, but the storytelling moves with warmth and humour. Simple but with heartthats what were aiming for, and we hope audiences feel it too," they said in a statement. For director Naveen George Thomas, the emotional centre of the story lies in the imperfect yet deeply human characters who anchor the narrative. "The story of Local Times could be the story of anyone holding onto their dreams and standing by those who stood by them, no matter what the world says. Our protagonists are not heroes in the conventional sense; theyre flawed, stubborn, and sometimes foolish, but they care deeply. The comical moments come from their desperation, while the emotional warmth comes from the fact that they never abandon each other." Blending humour, heartfelt moments and a look at the struggles of small-scale journalism, Local Times aims to present an engaging story about friendship, resilience and the determination to keep a legacy alive. When the series premieres on March 13, audiences will step into a bustling newsroom where dreams are fragile but the spirit to fight for them remains strong. Also Read: Kareena Kapoor Khan spends time with local women while filming Sujoy Ghoshs next in Kalimpong A supernatural concept grounded in myth Naga Chaitanyas intense transformation Grand scale and visual mastery Vrushakarma is evidently a high-stakes mythical thriller that marks a bold new chapter for actor Naga Chaitanya. Directed by Karthik Dandu, the creative mind behind Virupaksha (by the way, its screenplay style was the brainchild of Pushpa maker Sukumar), the films initial glimpse suggests a cinematic experience that is as haunting as it is grand. Here are the three most exciting takeaways from the recent unveiling of the glimpse:Vrushakarma isn't your standard or run-of-the-mill action flick; it dives deep into a dark, supernatural world where destiny and ancient forces collide. When a power unparalleled awakens, when creation deviates from its purpose, destiny will unleash a vrushakarma, the narrator says. The teaser introduces a terrifying premise where a possessed entity can manifest drawings into lethal reality.Fans are seeing a side of the chocolate boy they have never witnessed before. Moving away from his lover-boy roots, he portrays a rugged, fierce avatar a total departure from what he had played hitherto. The actor himself described the project as the most significant of his career, fulfilling his long-standing desire to lead a large-scale spectacle. Evidently, Vrushakarma refers to one whose every action is righteous or one whose deeds are the source of dharma. Naga Chaitanya is likely playing someone who acts solely to uphold the moral order of the universe.The film is being positioned as a spectacle, and the production values back that claim. With heavy integration of VFX and breathtaking cinematography, the world-building of Vrushakarma looks authentic. The casting of Sparsh Shrivastava as a menacing antagonist, along with star heroine Meenakshi Chaudhary and the versatile Kantara/Ponniyin Selvan actor Jayaram, hints at a well-rounded drama designed specifically for the big-screen experience. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 5, 2026) - Purebread Brands Inc. (TSXV: BRED) ("Purebread" or the "Company") announces that aggregate indebtedness of C$5,209,930 previously owed to the Bank of Montreal ("BMO"), pursuant to a letter of agreement dated June 28, 2023, as amended, among BMO, Coho Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and the Company, as guarantor, has been purchased by a third party, acting at arm's length to the Company. All terms and conditions applicable to the indebtedness remain unchanged. The Company also announces changes to its Leadership Team and Board of Directors. Christian Bullock has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In addition, Ingo Seibert and Christian Bullock have been appointed to the Board of Directors. Christian Bullock is a brand leader with 25 years experience developing food and beverage brands across Canada. Ingo Seibert is a business entrepreneur and investor with 26 years of extensive experience in M&A, financing, strategic planning, sales, marketing, and team structuring. In connection with these changes, Amrit Maharaj voluntarily resigned as the Interim Chief Executive Officer and will continue in a leadership role & to serve on the Board of Directors of the Company. About Purebread Brands Inc.: Purebread Brands Inc. operates fast-casual cafe and bakery locations in British Columbia. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286441 Source: Purebread Brands Inc. Charlotte, North Carolina--(Newsfile Corp. - March 5, 2026) - 7 Day Kitchens recently announced the launch of its new website, which includes an interactive kitchen remodeling budget calculator to assist homeowners in the early stages of their renovation planning. This new feature provides a self-service tool that offers transparency and clarity on the costs associated with kitchen remodels, allowing users to better understand the scope of their project before committing to a final decision. Kitchen Remodeler 7 Day Kitchens Announces Launch of New Website and Interactive Kitchen Remodeling Budget Calculator To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/286444_figure1.jpg The website update comes at a time when many homeowners are increasingly cautious about renovation investments, particularly due to fluctuating material costs, extended project timelines, and broader economic uncertainties. As kitchen remodels represent a significant investment, the company's integration of a budget calculator helps homeowners evaluate potential costs upfront, before scheduling an in-person consultation. By offering this tool, 7 Day Kitchens caters to customers seeking a transparent approach. Beyond simplifying the budgeting process, the updated website also encourages homeowners to consider important factors often overlooked during kitchen remodels. By providing a more accessible format for planning and decision-making, the website creates clearer communication channels between clients and 7 Day Kitchens, fostering a proactive approach to project planning. This is important because of the 7-day build timeline the company promotes. "We engineered our 7-day kitchen remodel process to eliminate surprises on the job site. This calculator does the same thing before you even pick up the phone, it puts you in control, gives you real numbers, and lets you dream with confidence. That's the 7 Day experience from day one," says owners And Lynn and Barry Gant. 7 Day Kitchens has launched a new website featuring an interactive budget calculator. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/286444_figure2.jpg For 7 Day Kitchens, the website launch represents a key internal milestone. The project was the result of close collaboration among the company's operations, customer experience, and technology teams. These teams worked together to improve the site's information layout and integrate the interactive budgeting tool, ensuring it aligns with the company's broader growth objectives and commitment to enhanced customer service. Looking ahead, 7 Day Kitchens plans to continue evolving its digital infrastructure to meet growing customer demand for greater clarity, consistency, and access to planning resources. The kitchen remodeling company's new website and interactive budget calculator are now live and available to owners considering kitchen renovations. About 7 Day Kitchens 7 Day Kitchens is a kitchen remodeler headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializing in full tear-out kitchen renovations with guaranteed completion in seven days. The company focuses on providing a streamlined, efficient remodeling process, utilizing a turnkey, concierge service that includes professional interior design and project management. 7 Day Kitchens primarily serves upscale residential areas in the Southeast Charlotte metro region, with plans for further expansion into other markets across North and South Carolina. Media Contact To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10740/286444_figure3.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286444 Source: GetFeatured Leading the New Era of AI-Driven Innovation TAIPEI, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ADATA Industrial - the world's leading brand for industrial-grade embedded storage, announced that will participate in Embedded World 2026, held from March 10 to 12 in Nuremberg, Germany. ADATA Industrial, together with ADATA Group's enterprise storage brand TRUSTA and ATrack - an ADATA affiliate, the world's leading brand of telematics products and services - will exhibit under the theme "Empowering the AI Future," demonstrating advanced AI applications, including enterprise-grade storage solutions and real-world deployment achievements, centered on software-hardware integration to build a complete AI ecosystem, echoing the brand's infinity "8" spirit and marking a bold new chapter in AI-driven innovation. Software-Hardware Integration: Accelerating Edge AI Deployment Deploying AI at the edge demands more than high-performance hardware - it requires seamless software-hardware integration to transform raw data into intelligent decisions. ADATA Industrial addresses this with a full-stack approach spanning industrial-grade storage to intelligent management platforms, covering four core AI application verticals: "Edge Automation" for real-time control, "Smart Living" for retail and medical applications, "Connection" for low-latency networking, and "Motion" for rugged transportation environments. Featuring products include PCIe Gen5 U.2 SSDs with eTLC and BiCS8 3D NAND flash, industrial DDR5 6400 modules, and LPDDR5 CAMM2 at 8533 MT/s for HPC workloads. Proprietary platforms "A+ IntelliManager" and "A+ Analyzer" leverage machine learning for real-time SSD health monitoring, anomaly prediction, and preventive maintenance. TRUSTA & ATrack: Extending AI from Enterprise to Edge TRUSTA's?AI Scaler Toolkit?co-orchestrates GPU, DRAM, and SSD resources to optimize on-premises LLM inference with reduced cloud dependency. The T7P5 PCIe 5.0 SSD delivers up to 13,500/10,300 MB/s at 447 MB/s/W - approximately 1.6 times higher than comparable products-and features a 3 DWPD durability rating, paired with up to 128GB DDR5 RDIMM for intensive workloads. ATrack unveils the VBox-AI Series, a powerful edge AI system suite tailored for next-generation In-Vehicle and Construction applications. Beyond traditional IPCs, the series features rich CAN bus and I/O integration for seamless IoT connectivity. *Visit ADATA at Hall 3, Booth 449 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Center to explore the latest breakthroughs in AI storage innovation. ADATA INDUSTRIAL at Embedded World 2026 Date: March 10-12, 2026 Booth Number: 3-449 Global Media Contact ADATA Technology Co., Ltd. T: +886-2-8228-0886 F: +886-2-8227-1760 E: PR@adata.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927181/ADATA.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/adata-industrial-to-participate-in-embedded-world-2026-302706161.html Fort Worth, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Neighbors Trailer, LLC announced a safer-towing initiative addressing loading-related incidents observed across peer-to-peer trailer rentals in the United States and Canada. The initiative centers on practical preparation standards for trailer configurations commonly used by non-commercial renters, with attention to installation practices associated with trailer winch mount setups. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9405/286090_401e175f94ecd801_001full.jpg Industry recall reports and safety advisories have identified recurring issues involving electrical integration, accessory mounting, and load-securing components in light- and medium-duty trailer applications. Many documented failures originate during loading and equipment preparation rather than during highway transport. The safer-towing initiative focuses on these early-stage risk factors by outlining structured installation and inspection considerations for trailer owners listing equipment within a rental marketplace. The program introduces documentation that addresses fuse selection, power routing, connector sealing, strain relief, and hardware inspection related to trailer winch mount integration. Emphasis is placed on controlled loading methods and the relationship between mounting position, weight distribution, and tie-down alignment. Installation guidance is supported by diagrams and procedural explanations designed for practical application within rental environments. The initiative reflects patterns observed in recall reports concerning accessory-related electrical faults and mechanical attachment failures. Publicly accessible resources, including the Transport Canada recall database, have cataloged product recalls involving towing equipment and related components. Additional reporting and aggregation of safety advisories appear in outlets such as MotorSafety.org and Weekly Voice. These references inform broader awareness regarding installation practices and inspection routines across the towing sector. The documentation also includes pre- and post-use inspection considerations for bolts, cables, connectors, and protective routing. Evaluation of flatbed compatibility and winch placement geometry forms part of the material, addressing how line-of-pull alignment may influence loading stability. Electrical protection measures such as moisture sealing and cable management are included to reduce exposure-related degradation over time. Within the Neighbors Trailer marketplace, the educational material is accessible through the company blog under the title Learn How to Install a Winch on Your Flatbed Trailer Rental. Integration within the platform allows owners to review installation considerations during listing preparation and enables renters to access safety information before confirming a booking. The initiative aligns rental preparation practices with documented safety concerns without introducing new product offerings or equipment modifications. Peer-to-peer trailer rentals have expanded access to flatbed, utility, and cargo configurations for personal and small-business transport needs. As participation increases among first-time renters, structured attention to loading-stage preparation forms part of ongoing marketplace operations. The safer-towing initiative documents installation variables and inspection touchpoints associated with trailer winch mount readiness as part of broader towing awareness efforts. About Neighbors Trailer, LLC Neighbors Trailer, LLC operates a peer-to-peer trailer rental marketplace connecting trailer owners and renters across the United States and Canada. The platform facilitates listings for flatbed, utility, cargo, and specialty trailers and provides educational resources related to towing preparation and equipment configuration. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286090 Source: BrandingBuzz.Agency Die Stimmung an den Markten hat sich grundlegend gedreht. Wahrend Tech- und KI-Werte zunehmend mit Volatilitat und Bewertungsrisiken kampfen, erleben klassische Versorger ein unerwartetes Comeback. Laut IEA und EIA steigt der globale Strombedarf strukturell weiter, nicht nur wegen E-Mobilitat und Warmepumpen, sondern vor allem durch energiehungrige KI-Rechenzentren. Energie wird damit zur zentralen Infrastruktur des digitalen Zeitalters. Gleichzeitig rucken in unsicheren Marktphasen stabile Cashflows, solide Bilanzen und regulierte Renditen wieder starker in den Fokus. Genau hier spielen Versorger ihre Starken aus: berechenbare Ertrage, robuste Nachfrage und hohe Dividenden Qualitaten, die vielen Wachstumswerten aktuell fehlen. Nach Jahren im Schatten der Tech-Rallye steigt nun das Interesse an Unternehmen, die Stabilitat mit langfristigen Wachstumsthemen wie Netzausbau, Dekarbonisierung und erneuerbaren Energien verbinden. Im aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir drei Versorger vor, die defensive Starke mit attraktivem Potenzial kombinieren. Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern bevor die nachste Versorgerwelle Fahrt aufnimmt! MUNICH, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, a global leader in PV inverters and energy storage systems (ESS), and Delta Capacity, a developer and long-term owner of utility-scale'battery energy storage systems (BESS), today announced a significant expansion of their partnership. At Energy Storage Summit in London, the companies signed a 1 GWh framework agreement for Sungrow's PowerTitan 2.0 energy storage solution, with projects planned for delivery and deployment within 2026. The agreement supports Delta Capacity's strategy to build a diversified, pan-European portfolio of high-quality BESS assets designed for long-term ownership and operation. Delta Capacity is developing and acquiring projects across multiple European geographies, with a focus on Scandinavia, Germany, Southern and Central Europe and is prioritizing cutting-edge system design, efficiency, and reliability from technical configuration and safety architecture to construction execution and operational performance. Patrik Hes, Founder and CEO of Delta Capacity, said: "Our ambition is to build one of Europe's highest-quality BESS portfolios spanning several markets and to hold these assets long term.That means we place a premium on robust design, efficiency and reliability, and on partners who can deliver at scale. Sungrow is an excellent match for our approach. This 1 GWh framework agreement reflects both our rapid growth and our ability to execute large projects quickly while maintaining high standards." James Li, Vice President and Director ESS, Sungrow Europe, added: "This framework agreement strengthens our collaboration and combines Sungrow's proven PowerTitan 2.0 technology with Delta Capacity's execution excellence. Together, we will deliver reliable, high-performance storage projects that support Europe's energy transition and create long-term value." Delta Capacity: Rising star in Europe's clean energy transition Founded in 2022, Swiss-based Delta Capacity is driven by its vision to develop, acquire, and own and operate utility-scale battery storage across Europe, currently executing the largest project in the Nordics to date in Ange, Sweden. Delta Capacity has nearly 800 MWh under construction and targets the build-out, commissioning, and operation of more than 6 GWh of flexible assets by 2030. Sungrow: Global Player in Energy Storage Sungrow, recognized by BloombergNEF as the world's most bankable ESS and power conversion system (PCS) provider, will supply its liquid-cooled PowerTitan 2.0 system. The technology significantly reduces both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX). The all-in-one AC-DC block design - featuring pre-assembled battery modules and PCS - enables seamless integration and considerably shortens installation times. With PowerTitan 2.0, projects can actively participate in grid balancing, ancillary services, and energy trading, ensuring competitive advantages for all stakeholders. Recent ESS flagship projects of Sungrow in Europe include the largest BESS project in mainland Europe in Belgium (800MWh) and the Bramley ESS project in the UK (330 MWh). About Delta Capacity Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Switzerland, Delta Capacity develops, acquires, owns, and operates utility-scale battery storage assets across Europe. The company is scaling rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on asset quality, prioritizing high availability, efficient performance, and bankable operating outcomes. With nearly 800 MWh currently under construction and a 1 GWh pipeline targeted for 2026, Delta Capacity operates across the Nordics, Central and Southern Europe and delivers projects end-to-end - from early development through procurement, construction, and commissioning - with a clear pathway to build and operate more than 6 GWh of flexible assets by 2030. For more information, please visit: www.deltacapacity.com About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of Dec 2025, Sungrow has installed over 1000 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognized as the world's most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experiences. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com/en Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927725/Sungrow_DeltaCapacity_Signing.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sungrow-and-delta-capacity-deepen-partnership-with-1-gwh-bess-framework-agreement-signed-at-energy-storage-summit-302706507.html March 6, 2026 at 8 a.m. Prodways Group announces that it has signed a sale agreement for its Software business, led by its subsidiary AvenAo, a specialist in the distribution and integration of 3D design software solutions. This transaction is fully in line with the strategy to divest the activities of the Systems division announced in 2025. Subject to approval of the transaction, the Company would distribute a significant portion of the disposal proceeds to its shareholders, under terms that will be specified at a later date. AvenAo supports industrial companies in their digital transformation by offering solutions tailored to each stage of the product lifecycle. A specialist in computer?aided design (CAD), simulation and production management, the company is one of the leading distributors in France of Dassault Systemes' SolidWorks and 3DEXPERIENCE solutions. In 2025, AvenAo contributed 13.5 million in revenue and 3.9 million in recurring EBITDA to Prodways Group[1]. The sale agreement provides for a sale price of 35 million for the shares in the Software business This transaction, completed at a valuation exceeding Prodways Group's market capitalization at the last closing price[2], materializes the valuation of this activity for Prodways Group shareholders. The final completion of the transaction remains subject to the lifting of several conditions precedent, including the obtaining of the agreement of a strategic business partner, as well as the approval of the sale by the General Meeting of Shareholders of Prodways Group, which will be convened shortly. Subject to the fulfilment of these conditions, the transaction could be completed in the coming months. The identity of the buyer remains confidential at this stage. Prodways Group intends to allocate a significant part of the proceeds of the sale to the benefit of its shareholders. The precise terms of this redistribution, as well as the amount concerned, will be determined shortly by the Board of Directors and will be the subject of a subsequent communication. Prodways Group will announce its 2025 annual results on March 24, 2026 and will comment on the group's outlook in its new scope. The group has already indicated in its press release of February 11, 2026 a stable or slightly increased revenue target for 2026, including in a scope excluding the Software business. About Prodways Group Prodways Group is a specialist in industrial and professional 3D printing with a unique positioning as an integrated European player. The Group has developed across the entire 3D printing value chain (software, printers, materials, parts & services) with an industrial solution with high technological added value. Prodways Group offers a wide range of 3D printing systems and premium composite materials (SYSTEMS division). The Group also manufactures and markets 3D printed parts, prototypes and small series in plastic and metal (PRODUCTS division). Listed on Euronext GROWTH in Paris (FR0012613610 - ALPWG), the Group generated revenue of 54 million in 2025. More information about https://www.prodways-group.com Follow us and live the latest news from Prodways Group on Twitter and LinkedIn! @Prodways Prodways Group Contacts INVESTOR CONTACTS Hugo Soussan Investor Relations Tel: +33 (0)1 44 77 94 86 / h.soussan@prodways.com Anne-Pauline Petureaux Shareholder relations Tel: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 72 / apetureaux@actus.fr PRESS CONTACTS Manon Clairet Financial press relations Tel: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 73 / mclairet@actus.fr [1] Preliminary figures not audited, the audit work of the Statutory Auditors is being finalized. [2] Closing price of 0.53 on 5 March 2026 ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: lnBwZ8WXk2jJmWlxZMpomZSYmpdom5OWlmPLx2qalcqVbZ9oyW5qbMaWZnJnnmVp - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-96903-cp_prodways_cession-avenao_en.pdf Milestone event celebrates Lighthaus' transition from construction completion to fully operational waterfront community within the 5 billion Liverpool Waters regeneration LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Starlight Investments has announced the official grand opening of Lighthaus, a brand-new 31-storey build-to-rent (BTR) community delivering 278-homes in one of Liverpool's most desirable waterfront locations. The formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, local leaders and project partners, marks the building's transition from construction completion to a fully operational residential community. With residents now moving in and amenity spaces activated, Lighthaus represents a visible new chapter in the ongoing regeneration of Liverpool's docklands and the continued evolution of the Liverpool Waters masterplan - one of the UK's most ambitious regeneration projects led by Peel Waters. Located within Princes Dock, Lighthaus forms part of Liverpool Waters, the 5 billion multi-decade regeneration initiative that is transforming more than 60 hectares of historic docklands into a vibrant mixed-use waterfront district. The opening underscores the momentum of this landmark regeneration programme and reinforces Liverpool's position as one of the North's leading growth cities. The grand opening formally recognizes Lighthaus as an active part of the city's housing landscape - delivering professionally managed rental homes that support workforce growth, urban living, and long-term economic resilience. Lighthaus offers a sophisticated collection of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, each designed to offer a bright, comfortable, and contemporary urban living experience. Homes blend refined, modern design with a warm, welcoming atmosphere - capturing the development's "illuminated living" ethos, where thoughtfully created spaces meet the calm of the waterfront. Residents enjoy access to a curated range of amenities, including a sky bar and lounge, private dining areas, a fitness centre, co-working spaces, a rooftop terrace, a resident lounge, a coffee bar, and 24-hour concierge service. Construction of Lighthaus was completed in late 2025. Housing delivery remains a core regional priority, with the Liverpool City Region targeting a pipeline of more than 64,000 new homes to support future population growth and community wellbeing. The completion and official opening of Lighthaus contributes directly to this objective, providing high-quality rental accommodation in a district central to Liverpool's long-term economic strategy. At a time when viability pressures continue to constrain housing delivery across the UK, the successful delivery and activation of Lighthaus demonstrates the role of well-capitalized, long-term investors in sustaining regeneration momentum and accelerating rental supply in key regional markets. Delivered in partnership with X1 Developments and Vermont Construction, Lighthaus reflects the strength of collaboration between experienced development partners and long-term institutional capital. Daniel Drimmer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Starlight Investments, said: "Lighthaus represents the kind of high-quality, professionally managed rental housing we are committed to delivering across the UK. This milestone is particularly meaningful as Lighthaus moves from a completed development to a vibrant new home for our residents. We are proud to partner with Liverpool's civic leaders and Peel Waters to support the continued transformation of the city's iconic waterfront." Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "This represents exactly the kind of ambitious development we want to see more of across the Liverpool City Region. What was once an area crying out for meaningful investment is now rapidly becoming one of the most exciting regeneration stories in the country - accelerated by the development of Everton's new stadium at Bramley Moore. Crucially, it sits within our new Mayoral Development Zone, where we are using the powers devolution affords us to unlock sites, accelerate delivery, and attract the kind of investment that makes projects like this possible. As our region prepares to head to MIPIM next week, this is the type of place-based regeneration story we'll be talking to potential investors about - ones that don't just erect cranes in the sky, but build communities on the ground." James Whittaker, Managing Director, Peel Waters, said: "Lighthaus Liverpool Waters represents far more than a new building on our waterfront, it stands as a symbol of what can be achieved through strong, collaborative partnership. Working with X1 Developments, Vermont Construction and an international investor of Starlight's calibre to deliver our shared vision for Liverpool Waters is a real achievement, and their long-term commitment to quality shines through in every aspect of this development. Lighthaus has added another striking landmark to Liverpool's iconic skyline, setting a new benchmark for design and waterfront living. We are particularly proud that Starlight chose to work with Vermont, a Liverpool-based contractor. Their involvement has not only delivered a building of exceptional quality but also created hundreds of local jobs and opened up meaningful opportunities for young people through apprenticeships and their partnership with The City of Liverpool College's construction campus that is also based here at Liverpool Waters. The official opening of Lighthaus at Liverpool Waters is another key milestone in the continued transformation of our historic docklands, and a powerful demonstration of what long-term investment and shared ambition can deliver for the city." Lighthaus forms part of Starlight's expanding UK residential portfolio and reflects the company's strategy of delivering leading BTR communities that contribute to urban regeneration and address the increasing demand for high-quality rental housing. Across the UK, Starlight has established a portfolio of 4,000 rental suites and over 1.1 billion in assets under management, with continued expansion underway in key regional markets. Learn more about Lighthaus:https://www.lighthausliverpool.co.uk/ About Starlight Investments Starlight Investments is a leading global real estate investment and asset management firm headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A privately held owner, developer and asset manager of over 70,000 multi-residential suites and over 7 million square feet of commercial property space with CAD $30 billion AUM, Starlight offers a range of investment vehicles across various real estate strategies. Starlight's guiding mission is to balance its tenure with visionary curiosity to create positive impact for investors and communities alike. At Starlight, we invest with impact. Learn more at www.starlightinvest.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927789/Starlight_Investments_Mayor_and_City_Leaders_Mark_Official_Openi.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927790/Starlight_Investments_Mayor_and_City_Leaders_Mark_Official_Openi.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mayor-and-city-leaders-mark-official-opening-of-278-home-lighthaus-at-liverpool-waters-302706317.html Das Borsenjahr 2026 ist fur viele Anleger ernuchternd gestartet. Tech-Werte straucheln, der Nasdaq 100 tritt auf der Stelle und ausgerechnet alte Favoriten wie Microsoft und SAP rutschen zweistellig ab. KI ist plotzlich kein Ruckenwind mehr, sondern ein Belastungsfaktor, weil Investoren beginnen, die finanzielle Nachhaltigkeit zu hinterfragen. Gleichzeitig vollzieht sich an der Wall Street ein lautloser Favoritenwechsel. Wahrend viele auf Wachstum setzen, feiern Value-Titel mit verlasslichen Cashflows ihr Comeback: Telekommunikation, Industrie, Energie, Pharma die Cashmaschinen der Realwirtschaft verdrangen hoch bewertete Hoffnungstrager. In unserem aktuellen Spezialreport stellen wir funf Aktien vor, die genau in dieses neue Marktbild passen: solide, gunstig bewertet und mit attraktiver Dividende. Werte, die nicht nur laufende Ertrage liefern, sondern auch bei Marktkorrekturen Sicherheit bieten. Jetzt den kostenlosen Report sichern bevor der Value-Zug 2026 endgultig abfahrt! Dieses exklusive PDF ist nur fur kurze Zeit gratis verfugbar. NEW DELHI (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. Department of the Treasury has eased sanctions for 30 days to allow India to import Russian oil currently stranded at sea, as Iran closed the vital oil transit route of the Strait of Hormuz. The Department of the Treasury said its Office of Foreign Assets Control is issuing Russia-related General License 133, 'Authorizing the Delivery and Sale of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products of Russian Federation Origin Loaded on Vessels as of March 5, 2026 to India.' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the 30-day waiver was a 'deliberate short-term measure' to ensure oil supply in the international market amid escalating Middle East war. 'To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. This deliberately short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorizes transactions involving oil already stranded at sea,' he wrote on X. Bessent stressed that India being an essential partner of the United States, 'We fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of U.S. oil'. 'This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage,' he added. Even before the Middle East war started, India, which depended heavily on Russian energy, was under pressure from the U.S. Government to stop purchasing its oil to restrict Russian revenues that are used to fund the war on Ukraine. Oil prices surged more than 10 percent since the United States and Israel launched military attacks on Iran Saturday, and Iran retaliated with strikes targeting Israeli and U.S. military installations in the Gulf region and its Middle East allies. Crude price is likely to increase further over concerns of increasing disruptions in the global energy supply chain due to the escalating hostilities. A number of ships were attacked near the Strait of Hormuz, triggering tanker rates and insurance costs to surge, reports say. Vessel traffic plunged through the vital trade route due to the threat of more Iranian attacks on ships transiting the region. Earlier, Iranian navy had declared the Strait is closed. 20 percent of the world's liquefied natural gas and 25 percent of seaborne oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway leading to the Persian Gulf. Oil could top $100 if transit through the Strait of Hormuz doesn't return to normalcy quickly, reports quoting energy expert say. Copyright(c) 2026 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2026 AFX News Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - METALSOURCE MINING INC. (CSE: MSM) (OTCQB: SFRIF) (FSE: E9Z) (the "Company" or "Metalsource") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated February 10, 2026, it has closed the non-brokered private placement for total gross proceeds of $5,999,998.50 (the "Offering"). The Company has allotted and issued 7,999,998 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.75 per Unit. Each unit consists of one common share of the Company (the "Shares") and one-half of one transferable share purchase warrant (each whole, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one additional common share at an exercise price of $1.00 for a period of three (3) years from the closing date. The Units issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four-month and one day hold period from the date of issuance under applicable Canadian securities laws. No finder's fees were paid in connection with the Offering. Eric Sprott, through 2176423 Ontario Ltd., a corporation beneficially owned by him, acquired 1,333,333 Units pursuant to the Offering for total consideration of $1,000,000. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to advance exploration at the Silver Hill and Byrd-Pilot projects in North Carolina, and for general working capital. About Metalsource Mining Inc. Metalsource Mining Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing high-potential mineral assets through modern, systematic exploration and value-driven discovery. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under the Company's profile. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joseph Cullen, Chief Executive Officer and Director Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections, or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct, and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited those identified and reported in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. Neither the CSE nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286448 Source: Metalsource Mining Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leading consolidator of emerging restaurant brands, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest Rosie's Burgers ("Rosie's") restaurant, its rst in the province of Quebec, this Saturday, March 7th, 2026, in Montreal's Mile End neighborhood at 210 Saint Viateur. This opening marks Rosie's 13th location open nationwide in Canada and extends the brand's footprint to a third Canadian province, representing another key milestone in Rosie's continued national expansion. Rosie's is a boutique quick-service restaurant brand known for its signature smash burgers, golden fries, poutine, onion rings, and classic milkshakes - delivering nostalgic flavours in vibrant, neighborhood-driven locations. Happy Belly 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/286481_733ae96394272983_002full.jpg "Montreal is one of Canada's most iconic food cities, and Mile End is a natural t for Rosie's restaurant culture," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly Food Group. "Our disciplined growth strategy is built around securing neighborhoods with consistent daily demand, strong surrounding density, and the kind of local character that aligns with Rosie's brand DNA. Opening our rst Rosie's in Quebec is an important milestone for the concept, and another step towards becoming the leading smash burger brand in Canada." This opening also represents Happy Belly's second restaurant brand with operating locations in Quebec, and the Company expects to announce additional openings and development milestones in the province throughout 2026 as it continues to scale its multi-brand platform across Canada. "With 13 locations now open nationwide and more to come, Rosie's continues to demonstrate strong momentum as we expand in a disciplined way," added Sean Black. Happy Belly 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/286481_733ae96394272983_003full.jpg "With 13 locations now open and more than 112 in development across key Canadian provinces, the Rosie's brand is positioned to scale rapidly in the years ahead. These openings contribute to Happy Belly's broader portfolio of 666 contractually committed retail franchise locations across multiple emerging brands in various stages of development, construction, and operation. Our dual expansion strategy of combining franchised growth with targeted corporate store openings, reinforces our commitment to accelerating our brands development as we advance our mission to become a predictable and disciplined growth company, Canada's #1 restaurant consolidator." "We are just getting started," added Sean Black. About Rosie's Burgers Deliciously handcrafted smashed burgers, golden fries, and classic milkshakes. Rosie's is your neighborhood burger shop serving up nostalgic flavours you know, love, and crave. From our Smashburger's and French fries to strawberry shakes and onion rings-we're all about keeping things simple and perfecting tradition. Because the classics were made classic for a reason. Franchising For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com. About Happy Belly Food Group Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands. The Company's portfolio includes Heal Wellness, Rosie's Burgers, Yolks Breakfast, Via Cibo Italian Street Food, and others. Happy Belly Food Group To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6625/286481_733ae96394272983_004full.jpg Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is dened in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure lings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286481 Source: Happy Belly Food Group Inc. JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - As the Middle East war enters the seventh day, Israel has intensified air strikes on Iran, while the United States said its attacks on Iran is going to 'surge dramatically.' 'Last night was the worst night' so far, BBC Persian quoted residents in capital Tehran as saying. Simultaneously, the Israel Defense Forces said it launched a 'broad-scale wave' of aerial attacks on Lebanon's capital, Beirut. Iranian state media reported that Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes on targets in 'the heart' of Tel Aviv. President Donald Trump said he is not considering sending troops to Iran, as it already has weakened. On Thursday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited U.S. Central Command headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, and met with Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, for updates on the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation, code-named, 'Operation Epic Fury'. While providing an update on the conflict for the second time in as many days, and joined by the commander of U.S. Central Command, Hegseth said 'the amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically.' He added that the Iranian regime would be foolish to think that the U.S. isn't completely committed to accomplishing the mission in Iran. Hegseth called reports that a U.S. F-15 Eagle fighter jet had been shot down as false. The Defense Secretary also addressed concerns about the operation expanding beyond Iran's borders to other nations throughout the Middle East, saying that Iran's targeting of countries throughout the region is actually encouraging them to side with the U.S. and Israel in the conflict. Admiral Cooper concurred with Hegseth's assessment that U.S. combat power is growing in the region while Iran's continually declines, citing the last 72 hours as an example. During that time, America's bomber force has struck close to 200 targets deep inside Iran, including around the capital city of Tehran. Cooper also said that in just the one hour prior to the start of Thursday's press conference, U.S. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped dozens of 2,000-pound penetrator bombs that targeted deeply buried Iranian ballistic missile launchers. 'Notably, we have also struck Iran's equivalent of (U.S.) Space Command, which degrades (Iran's) ability to threaten Americans.' As to the decline in Iran's combat capability, Cooper said Iran's ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 percent since the Middle East war broke out Saturday, and that Iranian drone attacks have decreased by 83 percent in the same time-frame. At sea, Cooper said the number of sunken Iranian navy ships has crossed 30. 'And in just the last few hours, we hit an Iranian drone carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier. And as we speak, it's on fire.' He added that under orders from President Donald Trump, Centcom forces are working to destroy Iran's missile industrial base. 'We're not just hitting what they have, we're destroying their ability to rebuild. And so, as we transition to the next phase of this operation, we will systemically dismantle Iran's missile production capability for the future, and that's absolutely in progress'. He added that Centcom and Israel's combined joint forces have 'relentlessly destroyed' Iran's air defenses during the conflict, and that those forces will continue hunting for more systems to attack. Copyright(c) 2026 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2026 AFX News Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 27, 2026) - Advanced Gold Exploration Inc. (CSE: AUEX) (FSE: ZF2) (OTC Pink: AUHIF) ("Advanced Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a mineral property purchase and sale agreement dated February 26, 2026 (the "Agreement") with Stream Metals LLC and Kadenwood Development Corp. (collectively, the "Vendors") to acquire a 100% interest in the Silver Belle Project (the "Project") located in Eureka County, Nevada. The Project consists of approximately 100 unpatented lode mining claims (2,000 acres) situated within the prolific Eureka Mining District of Nevada, an area well known for high-grade carbonate replacement deposit ("CRD") style mineralization and historic silver-lead-zinc production. The Project is in one of Nevada's most productive carbonate-hosted mineral belts, proximal to several historic and modern mining operations. The Company believes the Project demonstrates geological characteristics consistent with CRD-style mineralization and intends to conduct modern exploration, including geologic mapping, sampling, and geophysical targeting, to evaluate the potential for high-grade replacement and feeder structures at depth. Historic records from the district document high-grade mineralization, including reported silver and base metal head grades from prior mining operations in the area. Mineralization is characterized by silver with associated lead, zinc and antimony hosted in favorable carbonate stratigraphy typical of CRD systems. Advanced Gold president Arndt Roehlig, states, "Data interpreted of the Project has confirmed the site's status as a "rediscovery" target, highlighted by documented historical production of silver. Located in the historic Diamond District of Eureka County, the Project consists of a 2,000-acre claim block situated on the Eureka-Battle Mountain mineral belt. Despite its location in one of the world's most productive mining jurisdictions, the Project has seen no modern exploration, with all historical work restricted to the shallow oxidized cap of a much larger, untested potential CRD system." A documented 1937 smelter return from the Silver Bell Mining Co. underscores the metal content of the Project's underground workings. A 21-short-ton shipment sent to the ASARCO Smelter in Salt Lake City returned a silver grade of 1,611 g/t (47 oz/ton). In addition to silver, the shipment contained significant base metal concentrations, including 37% Lead, 10% Zinc, and 1% Copper. The presence of 3,000 g/t Antimony further confirms the Project's position within the antimony-enriched portion of the Diamond Range CRD belt, consistent with regional metallogenic zoning typical of large-scale systems. Historical infrastructure at the site includes a shaft, multiple adits, and approximately 500 feet of underground development. The deeper, higher-temperature sulphide-rich CRD core-where the highest tonnages are typically found-remains untested. The Project sits within a wide-open structural corridor with clear expansion potential both along strike to the north and south, and down-dip to the west where the limestone host rock thickens. The high-grade nature of the Project mineralization is related to classic CRD architecture, characterized by reactive limestone-quartzite contacts and intrusive-driven hydrothermal fluids. These systems are highly prized by modern explorers for their ability to host vertically extensive mineralized shoots and very large ounce counts within relatively small surface footprints. All historical grade data and shipment records cited herein are verified by the USGS MRDS deposit record (M232256). Transaction Terms In accordance with the terms of the Agreement, the Company shall acquire the Project from the Vendors. As consideration for the Project, the Company shall: (A) pay an aggregate of $25,000 in cash to the Vendors upon execution of the Agreement (the "Effective Date"), an additional $100,000 in cash on the date of the closing (the "Closing Date") of the transactions contemplated by the Agreement, and a final cash payment of $50,000 on or before the sixth anniversary of the Closing Date; and (B) issue to the Vendors an aggregate of 1,500,000 common shares (the "Common Shares") in the capital of the Company on the Closing Date, and issue an aggregate of 1,500,000 Common Shares to the Vendors on or before the sixth anniversary of the Closing Date. In addition, in connection with the transaction contemplated by the Agreement, Stream Metals will be entitled to a 1.5% net smelter returns royalty (the "Royalty"). The Company has the option to purchase the Royalty (reducing the Royalty to 0%) by making a cash payment to Stream Metals in the amount of US$1,500,000. The completion of the transaction contemplated by the Agreement remains subject to the approval of all regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued pursuant to the Agreement will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the issuance thereof, as applicable, in accordance with applicable securities laws. Proposed Private Placement In addition, the Company wishes to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement through the issuance of up to 5,000,000 units (each, a "Unit") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.20 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit shall be comprised of one common share (each, a "Common Share") in the capital of the company and one-half of one whole transferable Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.30 per Common Share for a period of two (2) years from the date of issuance. All securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation. The gross proceeds of the Offering shall be used for general corporate and working capital purposes. The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company may pay certain eligible finders a cash commission of up to 8% cash or warrants of the gross proceeds received from subscribers introduced to the Company by such finder. Closing of the transaction remains subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals. Qualified Person Jim Atkinson, MSc., P. Geo., the Chairman and a director of the Company, and a non-independent Qualified Person ("QP") as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the geological information reported in this news release. The QP has not completed sufficient work to verify the historic information on the Project, particularly with regards to historical sampling and regional government-mapped geology. However, the QP assumes that sampling and analytical results were completed to industry standard practices. The information provides an indication of the exploration potential of the Property but may not be representative of expected results. ABOUT ADVANCED GOLD Advanced Gold Exploration is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a portfolio of Canadian gold and copper properties. The company's expertise is in identifying and acquiring undervalued properties with significant historical work, which it believes it can enhance their economic value at today's prices. The company's purpose is to bring immediate and long-term value to its partners and shareholders. Visit www.advancedgoldexploration.com for more information. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Arndt Roehlig, President, CEO, Director Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements This news release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the trading of the Company's securities and the focus of the Company's business. Any such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "contemplates", "believes", "projects", "plans" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Company's ability to increase the value of its current and future mineral exploration properties and, in connection therewith, any long-term shareholder value, the Company's ability to mitigate or eliminate exploration risk, and the Company's intention to develop a portfolio of historic gold properties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the Company will continue its business as described above. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and other periodic filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances or actual results unless required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/285647 Source: Advanced Gold Exploration Inc. Palo Alto, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - A smart ore selection technology company from China made its global debut today in Silicon Valley. Nexstar Mining (Shanghai) Mining Technology Co., Ltd. showcased its independently developed "smart ore selection + embodied intelligence" full technology stack solution to the international mining and technology sectors, announcing that its core components have been fully localized. This newly established Chinese company has become a global leader in providing comprehensive smart ore selection services, being the only enterprise that simultaneously masters four core technologies: dual-energy XRT, XRF, AI visual large models, and embodied intelligence. By choosing Silicon Valley for its global launch, Nexstar Mining aims to declare that the global technological frontier of smart ore selection is being redefined by Chinese enterprises. Amid the wave of digital transformation in the mining industry, recovering medium-sized mineral particles (4-10 mm) has long been a significant challenge. Traditional solutions have proven ineffective, resulting in substantial losses of high-value minerals. Nexstar Mining's approach includes adding a "refinement" stage after conventional screening to target this technical blind spot. Its XRF chemical identification technology overcomes the challenge of identifying "complex ores with similar densities but different compositions"; the AI visual large model maintains high-precision recognition even under extreme conditions such as dust and vibration. These three capabilities create a leading global technological barrier. Nexstar Mining positions itself as a "long-term partner for mine profitability," introducing an innovative "equipment sales + revenue sharing" dual-engine model. The company's intended order volume has surpassed 30 million dollars, with clients including leading mining entities from Chile, Australia and China's Sichuan and Inner Mongolia regions. The founding team of Nexstar Mining comes from top-tier universities, leading international investment institutions, and major global mining groups, bringing together deep expertise in algorithm development and mining operations. This exceptional combination of talent forms one of the company's strongest competitive moats. Looking ahead, the company has established a "three-step" strategy: scaling the XRT coarse throw solution, commercializing XRF high-precision sorting, and launching a fully automated platform by 2027. In light of the declining ore grades and increasing environmental pressures faced by global mining, Nexstar Mining is answering the global challenge of maximizing the value of every ton of ore with Chinese technology solutions. About Nexstar Mining Nexstar Mining (Shanghai) Mining Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on the full-stack R&D and application of X-ray sensing, XRF, AI vision, and embodied intelligence technologies, dedicated to providing smarter sorting solutions for higher profits to global mining customers. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286472 Source: Hmedium In Light of Current Regional Developments RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Four Winds Saudi Arabia, a company specializing in comprehensive and integrated moving and logistics services since 1971, today reaffirmed its full readiness to ensure the continuity of supply chains for its clients and partners across the region in light of the evolving regional developments. The company stated that it is closely monitoring regional developments through official channels and maintaining continuous coordination with relevant authorities, port operators, shipping lines, airlines, and service providers. These efforts aim to assess any potential operational impacts and take the necessary measures to ensure that logistics operations continue with efficiency and reliability. In this context, Four Winds Saudi Arabia announced the availability of flexible and alternative logistics solutions for the GCC countries, helping maintain the smooth movement of shipments and avoid potential disruptions in supply chains. These solutions include: Air transit services through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, enabling shipments to be transported quickly and efficiently to various destinations across the region. through King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, enabling shipments to be transported quickly and efficiently to various destinations across the region. Sea transit services via Jeddah Islamic Port on the Red Sea, one of the region's key strategic ports and a reliable option for rerouting shipments and ensuring the continuity of logistics operations. The company confirmed that its operational teams are fully prepared to provide immediate support to partners and clients, offering flexible solutions that meet the requirements of the current situation while maintaining the highest standards of operational safety and regulatory compliance. Four Winds Saudi Arabia also invited all partners and clients seeking further information or coordination of urgent shipments to contact the company's operations teams directly to ensure rapid response and appropriate logistical solutions. The company reiterated its full commitment to its role as a trusted logistics partner, continuing to work toward minimizing any potential impact on its operational network and ensuring uninterrupted logistics services for its clients across Saudi Arabia and the wider region. This step reflects the company's proactive approach to safeguarding supply chain reliability and strengthening the readiness of its operational infrastructure in response to evolving regional conditions. About Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited Established in 1979, Four Winds Saudi Arabia Limited, a Saudi leader in comprehensive and integrated moving and logistics services, has become a cornerstone in the moving and logistics sector, offering comprehensive and integrated services. With over four decades of expertise, the company has earned a distinguished reputation as one of the most trusted providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Its partnerships and robust relations with leading international organizations-including IATA, FIATA, IAM, and FIDI-underscores its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Media Contact Ahmed Al-Khalid Media Relations Manager Ruqoom Media Dubai, United Arab Emirates Phone: +971 56 729 3468 Ahmed.alkhalid@ruqoom.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927963/Four_Winds_Saudi_Arabia_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/four-winds-saudi-arabia-strengthens-supply-chain-continuity-across-the-gcc-with-flexible-logistics-solutions-302706620.html New B2B partnership expands rail and bus distribution across the easy family of brands BERLIN, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Omio, the leading multimodal travel booking platform, today announced a B2B partnership with easyTrain (easyTrain.com), part of the iconic easy family of brands, led by renowned entrepreneur Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. Launched at the end of 2025, the partnership enables easyTrain to offer an expanded range of rail and bus options powered by Omio's industry-leading technology and inventory. Powered by Omio's white-label solution and branded with the distinctive easy identity, the collaboration makes finding and booking train and bus travel even simpler for customers in the easy universe. Jean-Francois Bessiron, Chief B2B Officer at Omio, said: "We are excited to expand our B2B product offering with easyGroup. This partnership marks a significant milestone and is rooted in shared values and a commitment to providing consumers with seamless travel options. By combining our technology with the reach of the easy brand, we can serve the easy traveller audience, while delivering a smooth and reliable booking experience." Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, creator and owner of the easy family of brands, said: "The easy brand has been synonymous with delivering value to travellers for more than thirty years. We are delighted to be partnering with Omio to deliver online booking and access to great fares via easyTrain.com. Passengers can now search, compare and book rail travel across the UK and Europe through a simple and easy-to-use interface." About Omio B2B Partnerships Through its B2B solutions, Omio provides access to a unified, comprehensive global transport inventory, including trains, buses, flights, and ferries from thousands of operators globally. Partners can offer single-mode, multimodal, or routed journeys supported by Omio's booking, payment, and ticket management capabilities. Major global brands both within and outside the travel sector trust Omio B2B Partnerships. Current partners include Uber, Kayak, Google, Iryo Conecta, and LNER. Omio B2B enables partners to seamlessly integrate travel content into their platforms via powerful APIs and white-label solutions. By leveraging the extensive supplier network built through Omio's B2C operations, partners can distribute multimodal travel content at scale. Omio's white-label solution provides a fast and flexible way to deliver global travel content under a partner's own brand, with localised languages, currencies, and multimodal inventory, without the need to build complex infrastructure. About Omio Since its foundation in 2013, the Omio Group has helped customers discover new ways of travelling. Thanks to its two interconnected platforms, Omio and Rome2Rio, Omio is the world's leading multimodal travel platform for searching, comparing, and booking. Omio B2B Partnership services OTAs and mobility providers with bespoke business solutions. Omio supports its customers in their desire to explore Europe, the US, Canada, Southeast Asia and Brazil via train, bus, flight, and ferry. Omio sells more than 80,000 tickets daily, employs over 430 staff from more than 50 countries and maintains offices in Berlin, Prague, Melbourne, Bangalore and Singapore. The Omio Group offers its customers journeys that move them. omio.com About easyGroup easyGroup (easy.com) is the creator and owner of the easy family of brands. easyGroup aims to create, own and manage the easy brand by partnering with the right business partners in their industries. By licencing the easy name, easyGroup creates a relatively small but steady royalty income stream and the majority of profits of easyGroup are donated to charity via the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation (Stelios.org). Stelios and easyGroup has now donated more than 100m to charity through the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2482408/5840440/OMIO_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/easytrain-joins-omios-white-label-network-302706622.html Reinet Investments SCA / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Disposal of shares in Pension Insurance Corporation Group Limited 06-March-2026 / 12:30 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The board of directors of Reinet Investments Manager S.A. announced on 3 July 2025, on behalf of Reinet Investments S.C.A., that Reinet Fund S.C.A., F.I.S. ("Reinet") reached an agreement with Athora UK Holding Limited, a subsidiary of Athora Holding Ltd (together "Athora"), for the acquisition of its total shareholding in Pension Insurance Corporation Group Limited ("PICG"). This acquisition by Athora forms part of a broader transaction structure involving the sale of all the shares in PICG held by entities controlled by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, CVC Capital Partners, and HPS Investment Partners, as well as employees and other shareholders. The Prudential Regulation Authority ("PRA") in consultation with the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") has today, 6 March 2026, granted its approval for the change in control arising from the acquisition of PICG by Athora in accordance with the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The transaction is no longer subject to any further conditions and completion is expected on or around 27 March 2026. Reinet is now expected to receive some GBP 2.9 billion on the day of completion. Interested parties may also refer to the public announcements made by PICG available at www.pensioncorporation.com, and by Athora available at www.athora.com. Important notices This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to acquire or sell any securities in Reinet. The issue of this announcement shall not, for the avoidance of doubt, in any circumstances, create any implication that Reinet shall be required to provide further updates on the status of any matters contemplated in this announcement (save as may be required by law or regulation). For the avoidance of doubt, the contents of these websites are not incorporated into, and do not form part of, this announcement. Forward-looking statements This announcement includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements in this announcement will be realised. As a result, no undue reliance should be placed on these forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual events or otherwise. Reinet Investments S.C.A. R.C.S. Luxembourg B 16 576 Legal Entity Identifier: 222100830RQTFVV22S80 Registered office: 35, boulevard Prince Henri, L-1724 Luxembourg, Tel. (+352) 22 42 10, Fax (+352) 22 72 53 Email: info@reinet.com, website: www.reinet.com As the global home appliance market shifts toward professional-grade portability, IKAPE officially launches the K2 PRO Portable Espresso Machine. Featuring 58mm commercial basket compatibility, 20-bar constant pressure and smart app integration, the K2 PRO fills a critical gap for high-quality Espresso in outdoor and travel settings. SHENZHEN, CN / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2026 / IKAPE, a leading innovator in premium coffee equipment, has announced the global release of its flagship K2 PRO Portable Espresso Machine. In a market saturated with standard home appliances, consumers are increasingly gravitating toward "Extravagant Camping" and "High-Performance Mobile Office" gear. The K2 PRO represents a quantum leap in portable performance, challenging the dominance of traditional countertop machines. Market Insight: The "Professional Decentralization" of Home Appliances In 2026, the global small appliance market is witnessing a profound shift toward "scenario-agnostic" utility. Market research indicates that over 60% of coffee consumers are no longer satisfied with brewing exclusively in their kitchens. With the rise of the Digital Nomad culture, demand for Portable Espresso Machines is surging at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. However, traditional portable devices often compromise on pressure stability and basket size. "Coffee lovers have long endured 'compromised coffee' while traveling," stated the founder of IKAPE. "The K2 PRO's mission is to shatter the stereotypes of 'insufficient pressure' and 'uneven extraction' associated with portable gear, truly delivering a professional cafe in users' pocket." IKAPE K2 PRO: Three Core Technical Breakthroughs Industry-First 58mm Commercial Compatibility Most portable machines utilize proprietary small-diameter baskets, which result in excessive puck height and "channeling." The IKAPE K2 PRO's primary breakthrough is its full compatibility with 58mm standard commercial baskets. This allows users to utilize professional-grade distributors and tampers. The wider, shallower puck ensures uniform water distribution, resulting in a balanced extraction with the rich crema typically reserved for commercial machines. 20-Bar Intelligent Constant Pressure & Pre-Infusion Equipped with a new generation of micro-pump technology, the K2 PRO delivers a stable 20-bar output. Crucially, it features a Smart Pre-infusion cycle (3-5 seconds). By saturating the coffee puck at low pressure before full extraction, it prevents "spurting" and ensures a consistent, high-TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) yield in every shot. 13500mAh Endurance & Smart Ecosystem Integration Addressing the pain points of outdoor power, the K2 PRO houses a 13500mAh automotive-grade lithium battery, supporting rapid heating from cold water. Through the Happygo Cera Bluetooth App, users can precisely calibrate extraction temperature and duration, and even customize extraction curves. This fusion of hardware and software targets the growing "Smart Home Appliance" preference among Gen Z and Millennial hobbyists. Solving Scenarios: A Borderless Specialty Coffee Experience The design logic of the IKAPE K2 PRO is rooted in "Borderless Living": Outdoor Enthusiasts: At altitudes of 4,000 meters, the K2 PRO can heat water to 92C (197.6F) and complete extraction in minutes. Business Travelers: Replace mediocre hotel pod machines. Weighing just 0.82kg, the K2 PRO is the essential "coffee companion" for the modern professional. Urban Space Optimization: For metropolitan dwellers with limited counter space, the K2 PRO provides a compact alternative to bulky semi-automatics without sacrificing shot quality. About IKAPE IKAPE is a pioneer in high-end manual and portable electric coffee maker equipment and coffee accessories. Merging "Extreme Parameters" with "Minimalist Aesthetics," IKAPE is dedicated to providing global coffee geeks with professional, full-link extraction solutions. Media Contact Organization: Yao Lun Technology Co. Contact Person Name: Alex Edward Website: https://ikapestore.com/ Email: info@ikapestore.com City: Shenzhen Country: China SOURCE: ikape store View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/industry-disruption-ikape-unveils-k2-pro-defining-professional-standar-1144607 Hong Kong, Hong Kong--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. (TSX: QRC) (the "Company", "Queen's Road Capital" or "QRC") notes the statement released yesterday by NexGen Energy Ltd. ("NexGen") whereby NexGen announced that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has approved NexGen's environmental assessment and issued a licence to prepare site and construct for its 100%-owned, generational, Rook I project. This was the last permit necessary before construction could begin. QRC's first ever investment was US$30 million into NexGen in May 2020. We now hold a US$70 million debenture that is convertible at US$6.76 per share (versus the current share price of US$12.40). QRC also owns approximately 10.5 million shares of NexGen worth over US$130 million. On a fully diluted basis, QRC owns approximately 3.15% of NexGen making us one of its largest shareholders. Warren Gilman, Chairman and CEO of the Company commented: "We congratulate Leigh Curyer and the NexGen team in achieving this final and most important milestone. QRC remains a strong, supportive partner to NexGen as it begins construction of one of the world's great mining assets which has production capacity greater than 50% of the Western World's uranium supply." About Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. QRC is a dividend paying, leading financier to the global resource sector. The Company is a resource focused investment company, making investments in privately held and publicly traded companies. The Company acquires and holds securities for long-term capital appreciation, with a focus on convertible debt securities and resource projects in advanced development or production located in politically safe jurisdictions. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this News Release, which are not historical in nature, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under applicable Canadian securities law. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements or information concerning the Company's growth strategy and the Company's future performance. These statements reflect management's current assumptions and expectations and by their nature are subject to certain underlying assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks include the interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with our expectations; commodity and currency price fluctuation; failure to obtain adequate financing; regulatory, recovery rates, refinery costs, inability to identify or successfully conclude corporate transactions, and other relevant conversion factors, permitting and licensing risks; and general market and mining exploration risks. Forward-looking statements should not be construed as investment advice. Readers should perform a detailed, independent investigation and analysis of the Company and are encouraged to seek independent professional advice before making any investment decision. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or changes in circumstances that occur after the date hereof. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286461 Source: Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. Not for release, publication or distribution in whole or in part in, into or from any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws of such jurisdiction. LONDON, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Athora Holding Ltd. ("Athora" or "the Group"), a leading European savings and retirement services group, today announced that it has secured 3.5 billion of common equity commitments from a broad base of investors. The investors include sovereign wealth funds - such as Mubadala Investment Company ("Mubadala") and Abu Dhabi Investment Council (a fund wholly owned by Mubadala) which represent the largest new investors in this issuance. In addition, the issuance attracted pension funds, insurance companies and other cornerstone investors, including Apollo and Athene. Since inception in 2018, Athora has secured approximately 9 billion of common equity commitments from a high-quality, institutional investor base, operating with a long-time horizon that is well matched to long-term savings and retirement customer commitments. This is the largest amount of common equity raised by any European insurance company (or dedicated insurance vehicle) in the past decade. The majority of the issuance proceeds will be used to fund the acquisition of Pension Insurance Corporation Group Limited ("PICG"), alongside remaining equity commitments from Athora's 2022 equity raise. The residual issuance proceeds will be used to fund broader long-term growth opportunities across the Group, including Pension Risk Transfers ("PRT") in the Netherlands. Regulatory approval for Athora's acquisition of PICG, including its wholly owned subsidiary, Pension Insurance Corporation plc ("PIC") was received today, 6 March from the Prudential Regulation Authority ("PRA"), in consultation with the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). In keeping with the transaction terms, Athora, PIC and the selling shareholders are now progressing towards expected completion on or around 27 March 2026. Mike Wells, Group CEO of Athora said: "I am delighted to announce the close of Athora's latest capital raise, bringing the total amount of common equity commitments raised by Athora to approximately 9 billion. Proceeds from the issuance will support our target funding structure for the PICG acquisition, which received regulatory approval today and is expected to complete on or around 27 March 2026. I would like to thank Athora's existing and new investors for their continued support and endorsement of our strategic vision. The proceeds will enable Athora to deliver a scaled entry into the attractive UK pensions market, expand PIC's capacity to serve trustees seeking to secure pension risk transfer solutions, while providing the resources to support other ongoing growth initiatives across Europe." This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction. About Athora Athora is a leading European savings and retirement services group. We concentrate on the large and attractive traditional life and pensions market, with an ambition to become a leading provider of guaranteed savings and pensions products in Europe. We serve the needs of individual and corporate customers who continue to demand products offering safety of returns. Athora's principal subsidiaries are Athora Netherlands N.V. (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Athora Belgium S.A. (Brussels, Belgium), Athora Lebensversicherung AG (Wiesbaden, Germany), Athora Italia S.p.A (Genoa and Milan, Italy) and Athora Life Re Ltd. (Bermuda). At 30 June 2025, Athora had AuMA of 76.4 billion, c.1,430 employees and approx. 2.8 million customers. For more information, please visit: www.athora.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/athoragroup Disclaimer Certain information contained herein may be "forward-looking" in nature. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or actual performance may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking information. As such, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology including, but not limited to, "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "project," "estimate," "intend," "continue" or "believe" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927607/Athora_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/athora-holding-ltd-secures-3-5-billion-of-common-equity-commitments-and-receives-regulatory-approval-for-pension-insurance-corporation-group-limited-acquisition-302706633.html Mountain View, California--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - GrainCore Dynamics, an emerging agtech leader dedicated to integrating advanced robotics with practical agronomy, unveiled its integrated autonomous agriculture ecosystem today at the Frontier Innovation Summit 2026. Jiang Zhang, GrainCore Dynamics Co-founder Grounded in a commitment to understanding the everyday, complex challenges faced by farmers globally, GrainCore Dynamics is focused on solving tangible industry problems. By bridging the advantages of a deep, robust hardware supply chain with highly adaptable global application development capabilities, the company aims to deliver reliable and accessible tools that make a genuine and tangible difference in global agriculture and food production. During the summit, the GrainCore Dynamics team detailed its latest ecosystem, which is designed to seamlessly support both outdoor broad-acre farming and controlled-environment agriculture: The P100S Heavy-Lift UAV: Built for durability and scale, the P100S is a precision aerial platform designed to help farmers manage large operations more efficiently. Utilizing a high-performance digital powertrain and centimeter-level RTK navigation, it autonomously generates crop models and executes variable-rate application, reducing waste and optimizing resources. P100S drone To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7987/286477_f6e2ebb1141349dc_002full.jpg AI-Driven Plant Factory Systems: To support the growing need for high-density vertical farming, GrainCore Dynamics showcased its automated AI Plant Factory solutions. Powered by environmental AI, the system quietly manages hyper-precise climate control and nutrient delivery, helping to stabilize yields and reduce the unpredictability of indoor agriculture. To support the growing need for high-density vertical farming, GrainCore Dynamics showcased its automated AI Plant Factory solutions. Powered by environmental AI, the system quietly manages hyper-precise climate control and nutrient delivery, helping to stabilize yields and reduce the unpredictability of indoor agriculture. Unified Edge-AI Architecture: Serving as the quiet engine behind the hardware, this foundational network acts as a synchronized operating system. It bridges the gap between field execution and indoor facility management, ensuring seamless data processing and coordinated action across the entire farming operation. "We know that true agricultural innovation does not start in a lab; it starts by listening to the people working in the fields," said Feng Zhao, Founder and CEO at GrainCore Dynamics. "Our goal is simply to provide growers with the highly reliable, accessible tools they need to succeed. By combining robust hardware manufacturing with intelligent global software, we hope to build an ecosystem that quietly and effectively supports the future of agriculture in the United States of America and globally." "Coming out of recent investor conversations across the U.S. and Canada, we are seeing a thoughtful shift in appetite," said Jiang Zhang, Co-Founder and Head of Corporate Strategy. "The feedback on GrainCore's integrated approach has been overwhelmingly positive, generating strong momentum as we advance our current capital raise." Jiang Zhang, GrainCore Dynamics Co-founder To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7987/286477_f6e2ebb1141349dc_003full.jpg Moving forward, GrainCore Dynamics will continue to refine its systems alongside agricultural partners worldwide, focusing on steady, practical deployment and continuous improvement. For more information, full hardware specifications, and to view the official launch reel, visit www.gcrdynamics.com. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286477 Source: Hmedium Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Cordoba Minerals Corp. (TSXV: CDB) (OTCQB: CDBMF) ("Cordoba" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed the sale of its remaining 50% interest in the Alacran Project in Colombia, along with all other exploration assets in Colombia and certain accounts receivable (the "Transaction") to Veritas Resources AG ("Veritas"), an entity owned by a consortium of experienced mining investors (the "Consortium") led by JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd. ("JCHX"). Upon closing of the Transaction, Cordoba received cash proceeds of US$128 million (the "Closing Cash Payment"). The Transaction was completed by way of the divestment of Cordoba's wholly owned Colombian subsidiaries, Minerales Cordoba S.A.S. ("Minerales") and Exploradora Cordoba S.A.S. ("Exploradora") to Veritas. Veritas now holds a 100% interest in the Alacran Project and has assumed full operational responsibility for the project. In connection with closing of the Transaction, the initial framework agreement with JCHX dated December 8, 2022, as amended, and all prior agreements related thereto between Cordoba and its affiliates and JCHX and its affiliates have been terminated. "This transaction delivers an excellent outcome for Cordoba shareholders and marks an important milestone for the Company," said Quentin Markin, a Cordoba director and Executive Vice-President of Business Development for Ivanhoe Electric, Cordoba's controlling shareholder. Mr. Markin will assume the role of Interim CEO. "The Alacran Project is now in the hands of JCHX-a global leader in mine development with deep expertise in underground mining. We are confident they are well positioned, together with their consortium partners, to continue to advance the project while we turn our attention to Cordoba's next growth chapter. The Company extends its deep gratitude to its partners, stakeholders, and local communities for their continued support throughout the transaction process. We especially want to thank Sarah Armstrong-Montoya, who will be remaining with the Alacran Project, for her years of dedicated service to Cordoba and the project." Cordoba remains a publicly-listed company on the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") with the Company's Perseverance property in its portfolio. Cordoba continues to evaluate business development opportunities, and Ivanhoe Electric Inc., one of Cordoba's current significant shareholders, continues to hold the majority of the Company's shares. Management and Board Changes In connection with closing of the Transaction, Sarah Armstrong-Montoya has resigned as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cordoba and will be remaining with the Alacran Project. Cordoba would like to thank Sarah Armstrong-Montoya for her many years of service and leadership in advancing the Alacran Project and delivering value to shareholders through completion of the Transaction. Quentin Markin, a Cordoba director and Executive Vice-President of Business Development for Ivanhoe Electric, Cordoba's controlling shareholder, will assume the role of Interim Chief Executive Offer, and will work with Cordoba's existing leadership team to manage Cordoba's business and affairs as it seeks new business opportunities and undertakes a search for the Company's next chief executive officer. In addition, Luis Valencia resigned as a member of the board of directors of Cordoba. Cordoba thanks Luis Valencia for his years of service and dedication to the Company. Use of Proceeds and Shareholder Distribution Cordoba will distribute the net proceeds from the Closing Cash Payment to its shareholders (the "Distribution"), after settling all outstanding liabilities and obligations, but will retain US$10 million for ongoing corporate purposes. The Distribution is expected be completed pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement pursuant to Division 5 of Part 9 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Plan of Arrangement"). The Plan of Arrangement remains subject to receipt of the final order (the "Final Order") of the British Columbia Supreme Court at the hearing of the application for the Final Order (the "Final Order Hearing") which will be held on March 12, 2026, at Courthouse, 800 Smithe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, and the approval of the TSXV. Any person desiring to appear at the Final Order Hearing is required to indicate its intention to appear by filing with the British Columbia Supreme Court and serving the Company, as applicable, at the address set out below, a response to petition, including its address for service, together with all materials on which it intends to rely at the application, by or before 4:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on March 10, 2026, prior to the date of the hearing of the application for the Final Order. The response to petition and supporting materials must be delivered, within the time specified, to the Company at the following address: Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Suite 2200, RBC Place Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3E8 Attention: Rajit Mittal Shareholders who wish to participate in or be represented at the Final Order Hearing should consult their legal advisors as to the necessary requirements. Shareholders can find more information on the Distribution and the Final Order Hearing in Cordoba's management information circular dated August 11, 2025, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About Cordoba Cordoba Minerals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the exploration, development and acquisition of copper and gold projects. Cordoba holds a 51% interest in the Perseverance Copper Project in Arizona, USA. For further information, please visit www.cordobaminerals.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the Final Order Hearing and timing thereof, TSXV approval for the Distribution, court approval and completion of the Plan of Arrangement and the Distribution itself, Cordoba's future management and the search for a new chief executive officer. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which Cordoba operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include title to mineral property risks; going concern risks; the availability of capital and financing generally for the development of the Perseverance Project; community relations; fluctuations in the price of metals and the anticipated future prices of such metals; stock market volatility; unanticipated changes in general business and economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; certain shareholders exercising significant control over the Company; foreign entity risks; loss of key personnel; negative operating cash flow; changes in interest or currency exchange rates; risks related to foreign operation including changes to taxation, social unrest, and changes in national and local government legislation; regulatory risks; uninsured risks; environmental risks; competition; risks related to participation in joint ventures; legal disputes or unanticipated outcomes of legal proceedings; changing global financial conditions; force majeure; conflicts of interest; cyber security incidents; and the potential effects of international conflicts on the Company's business; human error; court approval of the Plan of Arrangement; and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286450 Source: Cordoba Minerals Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Bell Copper Corporation (TSXV: BCU) (OTCQB: BCUFF) ("Bell Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered financing ("Financing") of $2,052,000 secured convertible debentures (the "Debentures") arranged through Crescat Portfolio Management LLC and/or its nominees ("Crescat"), one of Bell's largest and longest tenured existing shareholders. The principal sum of each Debenture will be convertible, in whole or in part and at the option of the holder, into common share of the Company ("Shares") for a period of five years from the date of issuance of the Debenture, at a price of C$0.06 per Share until and including the first anniversary of the date of issuance of the Debenture and thereafter at a price of $0.10 per Share. The Debentures will bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum compounded and calculated annually and, subject to conversion into Shares, payable on the earlier of the Maturity Date and the Put Date (as defined below). There will be no prepayment privileges under the Debentures. The Debentures shall be accompanied by 34,200,000 detachable common share purchase warrants (the "Warrants"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase, for a period of five years from the date of issuance, one Share at a price of C$0.15 per Share. If all or some of the principal sum is converted into Shares, the holder of the Debenture shall also have the right to convert into Shares the interest accrued on such principal sum, at a price per Share equal to the last closing price of the Shares before the day on which the holder gives notice of such conversion to the Company, subject to acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"). Additionally, the Company shall be required to call a meeting of its shareholders, to be held within 75 days of Crescat's request, to seek shareholder approval by ordinary resolution to the creation of a new Control Person (as defined in the policies of the TSX-V) and to use commercially reasonable best efforts to obtain such approval (the "Shareholder Approval"). The certificates representing the Debentures and the Warrants shall contain a blocker provision acceptable to Crescat, prohibiting the conversion of the Debentures or the exercise of the Warrants if such exercise would have the effect of creating a new Control Person unless Shareholder Approval had been obtained. The holder of a Debenture will have a put right allowing it, at its sole discretion exercisable on not less than 10 days' notice on or after the second anniversary of the date of issuance of the Debenture, to require the Company to repay all or part of the outstanding principal sum (the "Put Amount") plus accrued interest on a specified date (the "Put Date"). The Put Date will be deemed the last day for conversion of the Put Amount. If only part of the outstanding principal sum is put, the Company will issue a replacement Debenture for the remaining Principal Sum. Kevin Smith, CEO of Crescat Capital LLC, parent entity of Crescat Portfolio Management LLC commented: "We believe that Bell is on the verge of making a significant copper discovery and we are eager to fully support Bell in building out the deposit at Big Sandy." The Debentures will be secured by a general security agreement granted in favour of Crescat, providing security over all of Bell's present and after acquired personal property, and such other instruments as Crescat is advised should be delivered in order to give Crescat priority as against other creditors in the event of a default by the Company. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will pledge to or as directed by Crescat all of the issued and outstanding shares in the capital of each of its subsidiaries. Funds raised from the Financing will be used for the ongoing drilling and exploration program at the Company's 100% owned Big Sandy Porphyry Copper Project and for general working capital. Closing is expected to occur in mid-March, 2026 and shall be subject to receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including approval of the TSX-V. All securities issued in the Financing will be subject to a hold period of four months plus one day from the date of closing of the Financing. The purchase of such Debentures by Crescat shall be considered to be a related-party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), but shall be exempted from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and to obtain minority approval, as the purchase of securities shall not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to available exemptions therefrom. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any securities in the United States. About Crescat Portfolio Management LLC Crescat is a value-driven asset management firm with a global macro thematic overlay. The goal of its activist metals' strategy is to help exploration-focused mining companies create new economic metal deposits in viable mining jurisdictions around the world. The firm's investment process involves a mix of asset classes and strategies to assist with each client's unique needs and objectives and includes Global Macro, Long/Short, and Precious Metals funds. Tim Marsh, Bell's President and CEO, and a Qualified Person as defined by NI43-101, said, "Bell's grassroots porphyry copper discovery at Big Sandy needs to be measured. Crescat's participation in this Financing shows a continued, solid confidence in Bell and a clear commitment to our corporate strategy." Qualified Person The technical content of this release has been reviewed and approved by Timothy Marsh, PhD, PEng., the Company's CEO and President. No mineral resource has yet been identified on the Big Sandy Project. There is no certainty that the present exploration effort will result in the identification of a mineral resource or that any mineral resource that might be discovered will prove to be economically recoverable. About Bell Copper Bell Copper is a mineral exploration company focused on the identification, exploration and discovery of large copper deposits located in Arizona. Bell Copper is exploring its 100% owned Big Sandy Porphyry Copper Project and the Perseverance Porphyry Copper Project which is under a Joint Venture - Earn In. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Bell Copper Corporation "Timothy Marsh" Timothy Marsh, President, CEO & Director Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the expectations of management regarding the proposed Financing the total funds to be raised under the Financing, the terms of the Debentures, the proposed closing date and the use of proposed proceeds therefrom, the receipt of regulatory approvals and shareholder approval to the creation of a Control Position, the closing conditions and the expiry of hold periods for securities distributed pursuant to the Financing. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which Bell Copper operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include: that the Company may not complete the Financing on terms favourable to the Company or at all; that the TSX-V may not approve the Financing; that the proceeds of the Financing may not be used as stated in this news release; actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286469 Source: Bell Copper Corporation Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Canadian Goldfields Discovery Corp. (TSXV: CGM) (OTCQB: CGMXF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that, effective of opening trading on March 6, 2026, its common shares will be quoted on the OTCQB Venture Market (the "OTCQB") under the new stock symbol "CGMXF". The OTCQB is one of the world's largest and most liquid trading markets, providing access to a wide base of investors across the U.S. The listing marks an important step in expanding the Company's visibility and strengthening its presence in the U.S. market. Information relating to the Company, as well as real-rime price quotes will be available on www.otcmarkets.com. The OTCQB, operated by the OTC Markets Group Inc., is the premier marketplace for entrepreneurial and development stage companies that are committed to providing high-quality trading and information experience for their US investors. To be eligible, companies must be current in their financial reporting and undergo an annual company verification and management certification process. The OTCQB quality standards provide a strong baseline of transparency, as well as the technology and regulation to improve the information and trading experience for investors Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the Company's planned exploration program for the Miminiska Gold Property is subject to change. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286456 Source: Canadian Goldfields Discovery Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL) ("Pineapple" or "the Company"), a leading fintech platform, today announced that a member of its leadership team will participate in the Webull Crypto and Digital Asset Treasury Webinar on March 11th. Full details of the event can be found below: Webull Crypto DAT Virtual Webinar Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 Presentation Time: 1:40 PM ET Presenter: Anthony Georgiades, Director, Pineapple Financial Type: Investor Presentation Anthony Georgiades is a member of Pineapple Financial's Board of Directors and serves as a General Partner at Innovating Capital, where he focuses on investments in cybersecurity, enterprise infrastructure, and Web3 technologies. To schedule a one-on-one meeting with Pineapple Financial's management team, please email KCSA Strategic Communications at Pineapple@KCSA.com. About Pineapple Financial Inc. Pineapple Financial Inc. (NYSE American: PAPL) is a publicly traded company with a digital asset treasury strategy focused on accumulating INJ tokens through disciplined open-market purchases. The Company is committed to delivering shareholder value through strategic capital allocation in the dynamic digital asset landscape. In addition to its digital asset treasury, Pineapple is an award-winning fintech and leading Canadian mortgage brokerage network, focusing on both the long-term success of agents and brokers as well as the overall experience of homeowners. With hundreds of brokers within the network, Pineapple creates cutting-edge cloud-based tools and AI-driven systems to enable its brokers to help Canadians realize their dream of owning a home. Pineapple is active within the community and is proud to sponsor charities across Canada to improve the lives of fellow Canadians. Safe Harbor Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. They are based on the Company's current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and economic needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances or changes in its expectations that arise after the date hereof, except as may be required by law. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the uncertainties related to market conditions, fluctuations in the market price of INJ and any associated impairment charges that we may incur as a result of a decrease in the market price of INJ below the value at which INJ is carried on our balance sheet; changes in the accounting treatment relating to our INJ holdings; the Company's financial condition, customer acceptance of our INJ treasury strategy, and other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section of the registration statements, and periodic reports filed with the SEC. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will be correct. The Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. It encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the SEC. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @pineapplemortgage @empoweredbypineapple Facebook: Pineapple Mortgage LinkedIn: Pineapple Mortgage X (Formerly Twitter): @PAPLpineapple To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286443 Source: Pineapple Financial Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Evolve Funds Group Inc. ("Evolve" or the "Manager") is pleased to announce that it has filed a final prospectus with plans to bring the Evolve All-in-One UltraYield ETF (TSX: EASY) ("EASY" or the "Evolve Fund") to Canadian investors. EASY is designed to provide investors with modestly levered exposure to a portfolio of leading global companies with a covered call strategy and cash distributions paid twice per month. EASY is expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") on March 12, 2026 under the ticker symbol EASY (CAD Hedged ETF Units), subject to TSX approval. "We are excited to expand Evolve's UltraYield ETFs lineup, which is designed to deliver enhanced income twice per month," said Raj Lala, President and CEO at Evolve. "EASY offers a convenient one-ticket solution with exposure to a portfolio of our UltraYield ETFs, initially investing in BIGY, CANY, and INTY." EASY seeks to provide attractive income and long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of leading global equity securities that have the potential to generate significant option premiums. To enhance yield, as well as to mitigate risk and reduce volatility, EASY will employ a covered call option writing program at the discretion of the Manager. The level of covered call option writing may vary based on market volatility and other factors. EASY will use modest leverage in order to seek to achieve its investment objective. Leverage will be created through the use of cash borrowings and/or Derivatives, or as otherwise permitted under applicable securities legislation. Cash distributions, if any, on EASY will be paid at least twice per month, with the possibility of more frequent distributions at the Manager's discretion. EASY's management fee is 0%. The underlying funds in which the Evolve Fund invests will pay applicable management fees. The management fees on Evolve US Equity UltraYield ETF ("BIGY"), Evolve Canadian Equity UltraYield ETF ("CANY") are 0.40% of net asset values, plus applicable sales taxes, and Evolve International Equity UltraYield ETF ("INTY") is 0.60% of net asset values, plus applicable sales taxes. Visit the Evolve website for further information on BIGY (https://evolveetfs.com/product/bigy/), CANY (https://evolveetfs.com/product/cany/) and INTY (https://evolveetfs.com/product/inty/). About Evolve Funds Group Inc. With over $8 billion in assets under management, Evolve specializes in bringing innovative ETFs to Canadian investors. Evolve's suite of ETFs provide investors with access to: (i) index-based income strategies; (ii) long term investment themes; and (iii) some of the world's leading investment managers. Established by a team of industry veterans with a demonstrated ability to succeed, Evolve creates investment products that make a difference. For more information, please visit www.evolveetfs.com. Join us on social media: Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook | Youtube Evolve Funds Group Inc. is the investment fund manager and portfolio manager. Evolve All-in-One UltraYield ETF ("EASY") will be offered by Evolve Funds Group Inc., and distributed through authorized dealers. The information contained herein is a general description and is not intended to be specific investment advice to any particular investor nor intended to be investment or tax advice. You should not act or rely on the information contained herein without seeking the advice of an appropriate professional advisor. Leverage increases risk. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with exchange traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. ETFs and mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Investors may incur customary brokerage commissions in buying or selling ETF and mutual fund units. Investors should monitor their holdings, as frequently as daily, to ensure that they remain consistent with their investment strategies. CONTACT INFORMATION MEDIA CONTACT Evolve ETFs Keith Crone info@evolveetfs.com kcrone@evolveetfs.com t. 416.214.4884 416.966.8716 tf. 1.844.370.4884 Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to a future outlook and anticipated distributions, events or results and may include statements regarding future financial performance. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Evolve undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286424 Source: Evolve ETFs Over three quarters of people on Gazyva/Gazyvaro plus standard therapy achieved at least a four-point improvement in SRI-4, a measure that assesses disease severity and symptoms Gazyva/Gazyvaro has the potential to become a new standard of care for people living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) If approved, Gazyva/Gazyvaro would be the first Type II anti-CD20 therapy for SLE to directly target B cells, a key driver of inflammation and disease activity 1 SLE is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease that affects more than three million people worldwide Basel, 06 March 2026 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that a detailed analysis of the phase III ALLEGORY trial of Gazyva/Gazyvaro (obinutuzumab) in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The study demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful benefit in the primary endpoint. Over three quarters (76.7%) of people treated with Gazyva/Gazyvaro plus standard therapy achieved a minimum four-point improvement in SLE Responder Index 4 (SRI-4) at 52 weeks, compared to 53.5% with placebo plus standard therapy (adjusted difference 23.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.5-33.6, p<0.001). These data are also being presented today at the 15th European Lupus meeting, SLEuro 2026. Gazyva/Gazyvaro was superior to placebo in all key and additional secondary endpoints. The study showed an improvement in median time to first flare - which can lead to permanent organ damage - as defined by the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index (could not be estimated versus 52.3 weeks, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40-0.82, p=0.002) and more than doubled remission rate (35.1% versus 13.8%, adjusted difference 21.2%, 95% CI: 11.8-30.5). "The ALLEGORY study of Gazyva represents one of the most compelling late-stage successes in years for the treatment of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), showing important evidence that targeting B cells can deliver significant reductions in disease activity," said Dr. Richard Furie, MD, Chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Northwell Health and professor in the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. "With the ALLEGORY study, we are seeing the potential to deliver more robust and sustained disease control with less reliance on steroids. These benefits matter profoundly to patients, physicians and families, marking Gazyva as an important step forward in the treatment of this autoimmune disease." "For decades, people living with SLE have faced a cycle of unpredictable disease activity, limited treatment options and long-term steroid burden. These results from the ALLEGORY trial show that Gazyva/Gazyvaro can provide significant, clinically meaningful, and sustained disease control, which is critical to preventing life threatening damage to major organs," said Levi Garraway, MD, PhD, Roche's Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. "We look forward to working with health authorities around the world to bring this potentially transformative new treatment to patients with lupus as quickly as possible. " Data are being discussed with health authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency, with the goal of making this potential new standard of care for people with SLE available as soon as possible. If approved, Gazyva/Gazyvaro would be the first Type II anti-CD20 therapy for SLE to directly target B cells, an underlying cause of disease.3 Safety was consistent with the well-characterised profile of Gazyva/Gazyvaro, and no new safety signals were identified. All five key secondary endpoints were met, including the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) response at 52 weeks and glucocorticoid reduction to =7.5 mg/day, sustained from week 40 to 52. Results from all key and additional secondary endpoints can be found in the table below. These endpoints are important indicators for achieving better disease control in SLE. Key secondary endpoints Gazyva/Gazyvaro (n=151) Placebo (n=152) Adjusted difference or hazard ratio (95% CI) P-value Key secondary endpoints BICLA response at Week 52 (%) 62.0 (54.2 to 69.8) 40.1 (32.1 to 48.1) 21.9 (10.8 to 32.9) <0.001 Reduction in glucocorticoid dose to =7.5 mg/day, sustained from Week 40 to 52 (%) 80.0 (71.5 to 88.5) 54.1 (43.5 to 64.7) 30.2 (15.3 to 45.1) <0.001 SRI-4 response at Week 40, sustained to Week 52 (%) 72.0 (64.6 to 79.3) 46.4 (38.3 to 54.6) 25.4 (14.6 to 36.2) <0.001 SRI-6 response at Week 52 (%) 68.9 (61.4 to 76.5) 38.9 (31.0 to 46.9) 30.0 (19.2 to 40.7) <0.001 Median time to first SLE BILAG flare through Week 52 (weeks) Could not be estimated 52.3 Hazard ratio: 0.58 (0.40 to 0.82) 0.002 Additional secondary endpoints Definition of Remission in SLE (DORIS) response at Week 52 (%) 35.1 13.8 21.2 (11.8 to 30.5) LLDAS at Week 52 (%) 57.6 25.0 32.6 (22.3 to 43.0) British Isles Lupus Assessment Group based Composite Lupus Assessment (BICLA) response at week 52, sustained corticosteroid control from week 40 to 52, sustained SRI-4 from week 40 to 52, a six-point improvement in SLE disease activity score (SRI-6) at 52 weeks, and time to first flare over 52 weeks as defined by the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) index. DORIS, Definition of Remission in SLE; LLDAS, Lupus Low Disease Activity State SLE affects over three million people worldwide, mostly women diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45, with women of colour disproportionately impacted.4-6 Frequent flares of disease activity inflame and irreversibly damage multiple organs. Around half of the patients will progress to lupus nephritis, a potentially life-threatening kidney complication, within five years of diagnosis.7-9 Achieving better disease control can reduce flares, limit further damage to the organs and lower the risk of developing lupus nephritis.10,11 ALLEGORY is one of four positive phase III studies for Gazyva/Gazyvaro in immune-mediated diseases, in addition to REGENCY in lupus nephritis, INShore in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and MAJESTY in primary membranous nephropathy. This growing body of evidence supports the potential of Gazyva/Gazyvaro to address disease activity across a spectrum of immune-mediated diseases. Gazyva/Gazyvaro is approved in the US and EU for the treatment of adults with active lupus nephritis based on data from the REGENCY and NOBILITY studies and is being investigated in a global phase II study of children and adolescents with lupus nephritis.12,13 Beyond Gazyva/Gazyvaro, we have a broad pipeline as part of our ambition to be leaders in immunology, in particular in immune-mediated kidney and rheumatological diseases. About Gazyva/Gazyvaro Gazyva/Gazyvaro (obinutuzumab) is a humanised monoclonal antibody designed with a Type II anti-CD20 region, for direct B cell death, and a glycoengineered Fc region, for higher binding affinity and increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).14 CD20 is a protein found on certain types of B cells. Gazyva/Gazyvaro is approved for adults with lupus nephritis in the US and EU. Gazyva/Gazyvaro is also approved in 100 countries for various types of haematological cancers. About the ALLEGORY study ALLEGORY [ NCT04963296 ] is a phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study, investigating the efficacy and safety of Gazyva/Gazyvaro (obinutuzumab) compared with placebo in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on standard therapy. The study enrolled approximately 300 people, who were randomised 1:1 to receive Gazyva/Gazyvaro or placebo for up to one year (52 weeks), followed by an open-label period with Gazyva/Gazyvaro for up to 104 weeks. The primary endpoint is the percentage of people who achieve SLE Responder Index four at week 52. About systemic lupus erythematosus Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune disease that affects more than three million people worldwide, and is rising.4,15 It is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in various parts of the body; for this reason it can affect multiple organ systems, especially the skin, joints and kidneys.16 As multiple organ systems are affected, it can cause varying symptoms, often taking two to six years for an accurate diagnosis. During this time, disease severity and organ damage, due to repeated flares of disease activity, typically worsens and quality of life declines.10,17,18 Around half of people with SLE will develop lupus nephritis within five years of a lupus diagnosis.7,8 In lupus nephritis, the disease activity primarily affects the kidneys, posing a risk of kidney failure, where dialysis and transplant are the only treatment options. There is a need for additional targeted therapies that can effectively control SLE disease activity and potentially delay or prevent the onset of lupus nephritis.19,20 About Roche Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world's largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice. For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche's business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com. All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law. References [1] Yap DYH, Chan TM. B Cell Abnormalities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis-Role in Pathogenesis and Effect of Immunosuppressive Treatments. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Dec 10;20(24):6231. [2] Furie RA, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Obinutuzumab in Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. NEJM. [Internet; cited March 2026]. Available at: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2516150. [3] Clinicaltrials.gov. A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab in participants with systemic lupus erythematosus (ALLEGORY). [Internet; cited 2026 February 11]. Available from: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04963296 . [4] Tian J, et al. Global epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus: a comprehensive systematic analysis and modelling study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2023 Mar;82(3):351-56. [5] Bindroo MA, et al. Late Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Clinical and Autoantibody Profile and its Comparison with Young Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Mediterr J Rheumatol. 2023 Jul 29;34(4):454-59 [6] Barber MRW, et al. The global epidemiology of SLE: narrowing the knowledge gaps. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2023 Mar 29;62(Suppl 1):i4-9 [7] Mahajan A, et al. Systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis and end-stage renal disease: a pragmatic review mapping disease severity and progression. Lupus. 2020 Sep;29(9):1011-20. [8] Bechler KK, et al. Predicting patients who are likely to develop Lupus Nephritis of those newly diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. AMIA Annu Symp Proc. 2023 Apr 29:2022:221-30. [9] Anders HJ et al. Lupus nephritis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2020 Jan 23;6(1):7. [10] Kandane-Rathnayake R, et al. Association of Lupus Low Disease Activity State And Remission With Reduced Organ Damage And Flare in Systemic lupus erythematosus Patients With High Disease Activity. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2025 May 1;64(5):2741-48. [11] Adamichou C, et al. Flares in systemic lupus erythematosus: diagnosis, risk factors and preventive strategies. Mediterr J Rheumatol. 2017 Mar 28;28(1):4-12. [12] Furie RA, et al. B-cell depletion with obinutuzumab for the treatment of proliferative lupus nephritis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis. 2022 Jan;81(1):100-07. [13] Furie RA, et al. Efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab in active lupus nephritis. N Engl J Med. 2025 Feb;392:1471-83. [14] Herter S, et al. Preclinical activity of the type II CD20 antibody GA101 (obinutuzumab) compared with rituximab and ofatumumab in vitro and in xenograft models. Mol Cancer Ther. 2013 Oct;12(10):2031-42. [15] Rees F, et al. The worldwide incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review of epidemiological studies. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017 Nov 1;56(11):1945-61. [16] John Hopkins Medicine. Types of Lupus. [Internet; cited 2026 February 23]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lupus/types-of-lupus [17] Nightingale AL, et al. Presentation of SLE in UK primary care using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Lupus Sci Med. 2017 Feb 10;4(1):e000172. [18] Murimi-Worstell IB, et al. Association between organ damage and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. 2020 May 21;10(5):e031850. [19] Hocaoglu M et al. Incidence, prevalence, and mortality of lupus nephritis: a population-based study over four decades using the Lupus Midwest Network. Arthritis & Rheumatol 2023 Apr;75(4):567-73. [20] Mok C, et al. Treatment of lupus nephritis: consensus evidence and perspectives. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2023 Apr;19(4):227-38. Roche Global Media Relations Phone: +41 61 688 8888 / e-mail: media.relations@roche.com Hans Trees, PhD Phone: +41 79 407 72 58 Nathalie Altermatt Phone: +41 79 771 05 25 Lorena Corfas Phone: +41 79 568 24 95 Simon Goldsborough Phone: +44 797 32 72 915 Karsten Kleine Phone: +41 79 461 86 83 Kirti Pandey Phone: +49 172 6367262 Yvette Petillon Phone: +41 79 961 92 50 Dr Rebekka Schnell Phone: +41 79 205 27 03 Roche Investor Relations Dr Bruno Eschli Phone: +41 61 68-75284 e-mail: bruno.eschli@roche.com Dr Sabine Borngraber Phone: +41 61 68-88027 e-mail: sabine.borngraeber@roche.com Dr Birgit Masjost Phone: +41 61 68-84814 e-mail: birgit.masjost@roche.com Investor Relations North America Loren Kalm Phone: +1 650 225 3217 e-mail: kalm.loren@gene.com Attachment BERWYN, PA / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2026 / Chilean Cobalt Corp. (OTCQB:COBA) ("Chilean Cobalt" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on recent progress at the NeoRe Rare Earth Project (the "Project") in southern Chile, highlighting expanded exploration activity, district-scale land consolidation, and the launch of an accelerated development program designed to advance resource validation and technical definition. This follows commencement of the earn-in work program previously announced on February 11, 2026. During January and February 2026, NeoRe SpA ("NeoRe"), the Chilean project owner and operator, initiated full on-site exploration activities and mobilized its core geology and exploration team, transitioning the Project into the execution phase. Drilling conducted year-to-date has reached approximately 192 meters, with preliminary intercepts returning rare earth concentrations of up to 1,060 ppm Total Rare Earth Elements ("TREE"), with several surface samples exceeding 800 ppm. In parallel, NeoRe has expanded the project's land position through the filing of seven new concessions, adding approximately 2,100 hectares to the Project area. Exploration activities have also identified more than 20 additional prospective targets within the broader mineral district. Under NeoRe's conditional filing strategy, surface samples reporting attractive grades of Total Rare Earth Oxides ("TREO") may support further concession filings, with the potential to expand the exploration footprint during the balance of 2026. These activities reflect NeoRe's broader strategy of advancing the Project on a district-scale basis, while systematically evaluating multiple prospective zones across the region. "Our objective at NeoRe is not only to advance individual exploration targets, but to define and develop a new rare earth district in southern Chile," said Arturo Albornoz, Chief Executive Officer of NeoRe, "Through systematic exploration, strategic land consolidation, and collaboration with leading technical and academic partners, we are working to unlock the region's potential and position Chile as a meaningful future contributor to the global supply of critical minerals." Chilean Cobalt and NeoRe have also initiated an accelerated work program designed to bring forward key activities across exploration, technical validation, and project definition. The accelerated structure is intended to advance the completion of Tranche 1 activities by July 2026 and support earlier evaluation of potential development scenarios. As part of this initiative, NeoRe is preparing to expand its drilling campaign through the deployment of two parallel drilling crews, operating under a growing technical and operating team across exploration and geology, metallurgy, project management, ESG and sustainability, and governance areas. The program is designed to accelerate resource validation, define higher-grade zones, and evaluate multiple potential mineralized areas suitable for future modular development. In addition to exploration activities, NeoRe has initiated conceptual engineering for its proposed modular processing strategy, including the design of a crushing and milling circuit, intended to standardize mineral feed and support metallurgical testing and permitting preparation. An analytical campaign involving more than 100 samples is also underway, under an active partnership with the University of Concepcion to refine the project's grade model and metallurgical baseline. This work is also supported by NeoRe's recent award by CORFO, Chile's Economic Development Agency. "We are encouraged by the early exploration results and the rapid progress achieved since the start of field operations," said Duncan T. Blount, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chilean Cobalt. "The accelerated work program reflects our confidence in the project's potential, even at this early stage, and our commitment to advancing NeoRe through disciplined exploration and technical validation, while continuing to evaluate strategic pathways for downstream processing and market integration with partners in the United States." Any definitive acquisition agreement, if completed, will include customary conditions precedent, termination rights, and a jointly developed sustainability and community engagement framework, consistent with Chilean regulatory requirements and industry best practices. This press release does not constitute an offer or sale of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Chilean Cobalt Corp. Chilean Cobalt Corp. is a US-based critical minerals exploration and development company focused on the La Cobaltera cobalt-copper project in northern Chile, one of the world's few primary cobalt districts. Chilean Cobalt is committed to creating ecological and social value for all stakeholders; economic value for Chile and the Chilean communities in which it operates; and financial value for its shareholders. Safe Harbor Statement This news release contains statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions (such as those relating to future business or financial results) and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan" and other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements, include, among others, statements the Company makes regarding its ability to achieve a definitive agreement under the option to acquire the Project, ability to incorporate any acquired claims into its next phase of exploration, ability of the Project to successfully accelerate the exploration work program, ability to establish "Proven" or "Probable" Reserves, as defined by the SEC under Industry Guide 7, through the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study for the minerals that the Company seeks to produce and the inherent risks of mining, exploration, development, and processing operations that may negatively impact the business. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors not within the control of the Company. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. CONTACTS: Chilean Cobalt Corp. Duncan T. Blount Chairman & CEO Duncan.Blount@chileancobaltcorp.com SOURCE: Chilean Cobalt Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/chilean-cobalt-corp.-expands-district-land-position-and-accelerates-drilling-and-1144559 EQS-News: Utexo / Key word(s): Financial Utexo Raises $7.5M Led by Tether to Launch Native USDT Settlements on Bitcoin 06.03.2026 / 15:05 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Utexo Makes Bitcoin-Native Stablecoin Settlement Practical, Predictable, and Easy to Integrate DUBAI - March 6, 2026 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - Bitcoin has always been central to Tether 's long-term vision for USDT, but turning that idea into reality required infrastructure that didn't yet exist. Utexo was founded to build that solution and enable Bitcoin-native stablecoin settlement with robust, production-ready payment rails. Utexo now announces the raise of a $7.5M seed round co-led by Tether, Big Brain Holdings , and Portal Ventures , with participation from Franklin Templeton , Maven11 Capital , Fulgur Ventures , Alchemy VC , Ethereal Ventures , Auros Ventures , Arcanum Capital , Paper Ventures , Axia8 , FlowTraders , Plan B , Gate Ventures , Sats Ventures and strategic angels including operators from Ledger , Hyperion , BTC Turk , Echo , Legion , and SOLV . "Bitcoin has always been central to Tether's long-term vision for USDT," said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. "Market cycles come and go, but the need for open and resilient settlement infrastructure remains constant. What has been missing is production-ready infrastructure that makes Bitcoin-native stablecoin settlement viable at scale. Utexo provides that layer. By enabling native USDT settlement directly over Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, with predictable costs and seamless integration, it strengthens Bitcoin's position as a global settlement rail for real-world dollar transactions. This is about reinforcing open infrastructure and giving businesses a more reliable foundation for moving value worldwide." Historically, Lightning Network and RGB have unlocked powerful capabilities on Bitcoin but remained prohibitively complex to deploy and operate in production environments and Utexo's role is to abstract that complexity away. By providing a single API layer, Utexo enables payment operators to route USDT settlement directly over Bitcoin-native rails without needing to manage the underlying technical trade-offs, rewrite user experiences, or change custody or compliance workflows. "We built Utexo so that USDT could move on Bitcoin the way money is supposed to move: instantly, privately, with no surprises on costs," said Chris Hutchinson, Co-founder of Utexo. "Utexo combines Bitcoin, Lightning, and RGB into a usable payment stack. Our partners integrate our API once and can route USDT natively on the most resilient open network ever built, with full control over their cost structure. No existing rail offers this degree of flexibility." "For the first time, wallets will be able to offer their users free USDT transactions," said Viktor Ihnatiuk, Co-founder of Utexo. "Utexo provides a built-in growth flywheel: wallets grow their user base, while USDT bootstraps adoption on Bitcoin. The divorce between the two most important digital assets is finally over. After more than a decade, we're bringing USDT back home." The infrastructure enables native USDT settlement directly on Bitcoin, including the first-ever availability of USDT over the Lightning Network, with fees that are fixed, predictable, and known in advance for every transaction, regardless of network conditions. Settlement costs are paid in USDT and do not fluctuate with congestion or blockspace demand, while transactions settle atomically and privately, anchored to Bitcoin's security model and completed in under 1 second. Unlike public transaction graphs on other networks, Utexo's approach prioritizes private execution with only encrypted transactions being written on-chain, preventing the disclosure of counterparties' payment flows and wallet addresses. This all allows partners to move stablecoin volume without exposure to fee volatility, congestion risk, or the weaker trust assumptions associated with fully public ledgers, bridges, and wrapped assets. Utexo has designed their infrastructure offerings specifically for payment service providers, exchanges, wallets, high-frequency trading firms, and platforms already moving large volumes of USDT for merchant settlement, payouts, cross-border transfers and global commerce. Rather than attempting to bootstrap new L2 solutions or chase speculative demand, Utexo's go-to-market strategy focuses on routing existing USDT flows onto Bitcoin as infrastructure finally catches up with long-standing operational needs. With stablecoins increasingly replacing legacy payment rails worldwide, Utexo makes it possible for Bitcoin to function as a viable settlement layer for dollar-denominated payments, bringing Tether's long-standing vision for native USDT on Bitcoin into production for the first time. For more information on Utexo's Bitcoin-native USDT settlement infrastructure and upcoming integrations, visit https://utexo.com/ and follow on X, https://x.com/utexocom About Utexo Utexo is a Bitcoin-native execution and settlement layer for stablecoin payments. By combining Lightning Network's instant execution with RGB's privacy-preserving asset issuance, Utexo's API and SDK enable payment operators to process USDT transactions instantly with predictable costs and full and private execution. About Tether Tether is the trailblazer in stablecoin technology, committed to fostering a more accessible and efficient financial ecosystem. As the issuer of the most widely used stablecoin, USDT, Tether offers a secure, fast, and low-cost solution for digital asset transactions. Tether is dedicated to transparency, regularly providing assurance opinions on its reserves, and focuses on creating long-term value through strategic investments in technology, infrastructure, and real-world assets. Contact: Jonathan Phillips Utexo@phillcomm.global Ucore highlights: Government-backed scale-up: Further to the Company's previously announced conditional approval for up to C$36.3 million from the Government of Canada, Ucore is advancing engineering and commercialization planning to scale a first-of-its-kind RapidSX commercial rare earth refining facility dedicated to samarium (Sm) and gadolinium (Gd). Further to the Company's previously announced conditional approval for up to C$36.3 million from the Government of Canada, Ucore is advancing engineering and commercialization planning to scale a first-of-its-kind RapidSX commercial rare earth refining facility dedicated to samarium (Sm) and gadolinium (Gd). Midstream is the choke point: Rare earth processing and separation capacity is the most acute bottleneck in the mine-to-magnet chain and must be rebuilt on an urgent timeline to meet defense requirements. Canada's $6.6 billion Defence Industrial Strategy (Feb. 17) and the U.S. "Project Vault" plan to establish $12 billion in strategic reserves of critical minerals, reduces reliance on adversarial sources including Sm and Gd. Rare earth processing and separation capacity is the most acute bottleneck in the mine-to-magnet chain and must be rebuilt on an urgent timeline to meet defense requirements. Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy (Feb. 17) and the U.S. "Project Vault" plan to establish in strategic reserves of critical minerals, reduces reliance on adversarial sources including Sm and Gd. Mission-critical demand: Fielded U.S. and allied weapon platforms including the F-35 fighter jet, precision-guided missile guidance and actuation systems, and long-range cruise missiles depend on samarium- and gadolinium-linked rare earth inputs where performance, reliability, and heat tolerance are mission-critical. Fielded U.S. and allied weapon platforms including the F-35 fighter jet, precision-guided missile guidance and actuation systems, and long-range cruise missiles depend on samarium- and gadolinium-linked rare earth inputs where performance, reliability, and heat tolerance are mission-critical. Supply shock and qualification risk: Samarium and gadolinium availability is tightening into a defense-industrial base vulnerability. China's export licensing controls implemented in April 2025 on certain medium and heavy rare earth items continue to constrain Western defense and aerospace supply chains and complicate qualification of alternative sources. Samarium and gadolinium availability is tightening into a defense-industrial base vulnerability. China's export licensing controls implemented in April 2025 on certain medium and heavy rare earth items continue to constrain Western defense and aerospace supply chains and complicate qualification of alternative sources. Procurement clock is accelerating: U.S. defense procurement requirements are tightening toward mine-to-magnet compliance by 2027, including DFARS restrictions that expand on January 1, 2027 to cover the entire supply chain for samarium-cobalt magnets, increasing urgency for qualified, Western-aligned Sm and Gd supply. U.S. defense procurement requirements are tightening toward mine-to-magnet compliance by 2027, including DFARS restrictions that expand on January 1, 2027 to cover the entire supply chain for samarium-cobalt magnets, increasing urgency for qualified, Western-aligned Sm and Gd supply. Non-China technology pathway: RapidSX is being engineered to operate without reliance on China-sourced equipment or technology transfer which was banned by the State in October 2025, supporting defense qualification requirements. Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) ("Ucore" or the "Company") today provided an operational and commercialization update on its "Pathway to Samarium and Gadolinium Security" project (the "Project"), focused on dedicated production planning for samarium and gadolinium rare earth oxides for allied defense, aerospace, and strategic industrial supply chains. The Project is being advanced in parallel with Ucore's ongoing scale-up toward the Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex (SMC) in Alexandria. Samarium and gadolinium have experienced significant price hikes with outsized defense impact. Samarium is essential for high-performance samarium-cobalt (SmCo) permanent magnets used in mission-critical applications where coercivity and performance under temperature extremes are required, including guidance and control systems, radar and sonar systems, and other defense electronics. Gadolinium is included among the rare earths now subject to export licensing constraints and has also been identified as a priority material in recent U.S. defense supply chain actions. The supply chain context has sharpened further in 2026. On March 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Defense requested proposals to increase domestic production of a list of critical minerals that includes both samarium and gadolinium. In parallel, U.S. defense procurement restrictions impacting covered magnets tighten materially on January 1, 2027, expanding to the full upstream supply chain for samarium-cobalt magnets. Together, these actions underscore a narrowing timeline for defense contractors to qualify secure, Western-aligned sources of Sm and Gd inputs. Operational update: RapidSX engineering and CDF testwork progressing Ucore's engineering team is progressing commercial plans for dedicated production of Sm and Gd rare earth oxides. At the Kingston CDF, process flow sheets are being refined, contactor factory acceptance testing is underway to optimize the RapidSX computerized, column-based separation platform, and multiple feedstocks, including ionic clays, have been processed to evaluate separation behavior and chemical "splits" achieved between Sm and Gd as part of the production work-up. RapidSX was designed to operate without reliance on Chinese-sourced equipment or technology transfer. Ucore's approach is intended to support Western qualification requirements and to help rebuild North American midstream capacity, the separation and refining bottleneck that sits between mined or recovered rare earth feedstocks and downstream metallization and magnet production. "Defense programs do not fail at the front end, they fail at the choke points," said Pat Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Ucore. "Samarium and gadolinium are exactly that kind of choke point. Contractors are being pushed to qualify non-covered-nation supply chains ahead of the 2027 compliance cliff, while Chinese export licensing remains a structural constraint. Ucore is advancing a dedicated Sm and Gd refining pathway to support allied readiness timelines." Since the company's public award of the Project at the G7 Economic Summit in October 2025, Ucore has seen rising inbound interest from defense and aerospace supply chain participants seeking qualification data, production timelines, and commercial structures that can support procurement and stockpile requirements. # # # About Ucore Rare Metals Inc. Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore's vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry. Through strategic partnerships, this plan includes disrupting the People's Republic of China's control of the North American REE supply chain through the near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the US State of Louisiana, subsequent SMCs in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore's 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, USA ("Bokan"). Ucore is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "UCU" and in the United States on the OTC Markets' OTCQX Best Market under the ticker symbol "UURAF." For further information, please visit www.ucore.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release (other than statements of historical facts) that address future business development, technological development and/or acquisition activities (including any related required financings), timelines, events, or developments that the Company is pursuing are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance or results, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Regarding the disclosure in the press release above about government support for Ucore, the Company has assumed that the applicable projects (including each of the associated milestones) will be completed satisfactorily and in accordance with the respective agreements or letters of intent (as applicable) for such government support. For additional risks and uncertainties regarding the Company, its business activities, its ability to qualify for and receive any additional funding from any U.S. or Canadian government, the CDF and the aforementioned projects (generally), see the risk disclosure in the Company's MD&A for Q3-2025 (filed on SEDAR+ on November 25, 2025) (www.sedarplus.ca) as well as the risks described below. Regarding the disclosure above in the "About Ucore Rare Metals Inc." section, the Company has assumed that it will be able to procure or retain additional partners and/or suppliers, in addition to Innovation Metals Corp. ("IMC"), as suppliers for Ucore's expected future SMCs. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be found to continue and complete the ongoing research and development work required at the CDF and also later prepare a new National Instrument 43-101 technical report that demonstrates that Bokan is feasible and economically viable for the production of both REE and co-product metals and the then prevailing market prices based upon assumed customer offtake agreements. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be secured to continue the development of the specific engineering plans for the SMCs and their construction and eventual commissioning and operations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, without limitation: IMC failing to protect its intellectual property rights in RapidSX RapidSX failing to demonstrate commercial viability in large commercial-scale applications; Ucore not being able to procure additional key partners or suppliers for the SMCs; Ucore not being able to raise sufficient funds to fund the specific design and construction of the SMCs and/or the continued development of RapidSX adverse capital-market conditions; unexpected due-diligence findings; the emergence of alternative superior metallurgy and metal-separation technologies; the inability of Ucore and/or IMC to retain its key staff members; a change in the legislation in Louisiana or Alaska and/or in the support expressed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) regarding the development of Bokan; the availability and procurement of any required interim and/or long-term financing that may be required; and general economic, market or business conditions. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined by the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CONTACTS Mr. Michael Schrider, P.E., Ucore Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for the content of this news release and may be contacted at 1.902.482.5214. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286490 Source: Ucore Rare Metals Inc. PUNE, India, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As surgical complexity rises, the demand for intelligent wound closure has transformed the Surgical Staplers Market from a mechanical commodity into a high-precision digital ecosystem. Valued at USD 6.14 Billion in 2025, the industry is navigating a pivotal shift toward robotic integration, according to Maximize Market Research. This evolution is projected to drive a steady CAGR of 7.5%, propelling total revenue to USD 10.3 Billion by 2032. By prioritizing stapling systems that offer real-time tissue feedback and specialized buttressing, healthcare providers are significantly reducing postoperative complications. This 2026 clinical pivot toward 'Smart Stapling' serves as the primary engine for the market's sustained growth and its critical role in modern minimally invasive surgery. Get Full PDF Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) @ https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/37276/ The Robotic Synergy: AI-Sensing Staples and 2026 Clinical Breakthroughs The transition from mechanical to intelligent wound closure is the primary engine behind the 7.5% CAGR. A definitive real-world anchor for this shift is the March 2026 global expansion of the OTTAVA Robotic Surgical System, which utilizes specialized ETHICON 4000 stapling technology. This system, which received critical FDA 510(k) clearance in late 2025, represents a fundamental pivot toward 'Sense-and-Respond' surgery. Unlike legacy manual models, these 2026-generation staplers incorporate Adaptive Firing technology, which monitors tissue compression in real-time, adjusting the firing speed to ensure a 47% reduction in staple-line leaks-a critical metric for bariatric and thoracic procedures. Furthermore, Medtronic's November 2025 launch of the Signia Circular Stapler has introduced 'Real-Time Intelligence' to the operating room. By integrating Tri-Staple technology, these devices provide surgeons with an OLED display of live tissue-feedback data, effectively eliminating the 'guesswork' of manual compression. This shift is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic response to the 2026 hospital procurement mandate for value-based care. As healthcare systems in North America and Europe transition toward outcomes-linked reimbursement, the adoption of 'Smart Staplers' that reduce postoperative bleeding by 23% has become a non-negotiable financial and clinical requirement. This synergy between AI-driven diagnostics and robotic-assisted stapling is the catalyst for the projected USD 10.3 Billion market revenue by 2032, as manual instruments are rapidly phased out in favor of motorized, high-precision alternatives. The Regulatory Pivot: Navigating Class II Reclassification and 2026 Compliance Standards The global market for wound closure technology is currently navigating its most significant regulatory overhaul in decades. A key driver of the 7.5% CAGR is the industry-wide transition following the FDA's reclassification of internal surgical staplers from Class I to Class II. As of March 2026, the mandate for 'Special Controls'-including mandatory performance testing and validated labeling for tissue thickness-has forced a market-wide 'Product Rationalization'. Manufacturers are no longer merely competing on price; they are now prioritized based on their ability to meet the FDA's 2026 Quality Management Maturity (QMM) benchmarks, which evaluate the resilience and safety consistency of their manufacturing lines. Simultaneously, the European landscape is defined by the upcoming May 2026 EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) deadline for Class III and certain implantable Class IIb devices. This regulatory 'bottleneck' has cleared the market of low-tier mechanical instruments that lacked the rigorous clinical evidence required for CE marking. This shift toward higher regulatory transparency is acting as a revenue catalyst. While the barrier to entry has increased, it has consolidated market share among Tier-1 players who can provide the 'Smart-Sensing' data required for these new 2026 compliance portfolios, effectively de-risking the supply chain for hospital procurement officers. Surgical Staplers Market: Granular Segmentation & Revenue Pillars The global surgical staplers' landscape is structured across several high-growth dimensions, with Maximize Market Research identifying a decisive shift in value distribution for 2026. By Product: The Linear Stapler segment maintains a dominant 39.50% revenue share due to its versatility in open and minimally invasive surgeries. However, Endoscopic (Laparoscopic) Staplers are projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.82% , fueled by the 'Silicon Shield' of robotic-assisted procedures. The segment maintains a dominant due to its versatility in open and minimally invasive surgeries. However, are projected to grow at the fastest , fueled by the 'Silicon Shield' of robotic-assisted procedures. By Technology & Usability: While Manual systems still account for nearly 60% of the market due to cost-efficiency in emerging economies, Powered staplers are seeing a 2026 surge in hospital procurement. Disposable staplers dominate with a 70% share , prioritized for their 'Single-Use Sterility' which eliminates cross-contamination risks. While systems still account for nearly due to cost-efficiency in emerging economies, staplers are seeing a 2026 surge in hospital procurement. staplers dominate with a , prioritized for their 'Single-Use Sterility' which eliminates cross-contamination risks. By Surgery & End-User: Bariatric and Colorectal surgeries are the core application hubs, driven by the global obesity crisis and a 2026 mandate for metabolic health. Hospitals remain the primary revenue contributors (68% share); however, Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) are recording an accelerated 9.54% CAGR as procedures migrate to outpatient settings for cost optimization. Get Insightful Data on Regions, Market Segments, Customer Landscape, and Top Companies (Charts, Tables, Figures and More) https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/37276 By Product Linear Stapler Circular Stapler Skin Stapler Endoscopic Staplers Others By Technology Manual Powered By Usability Reusable Disposable By Surgery Gynaecology Surgery Cardiac Surgery Bariatric Surgery Colorectal Surgery Others By End User Hospitals Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCS) & Clinics Regional Analysis: North American Dominance and the Asia-Pacific Robotic Surge The global surgical staplers landscape in 2026 is defined by a distinct geographic divergence. North America remains the undisputed market leader, commanding a 42.70% revenue share. This dominance is anchored by the United States, where high bariatric surgery volumes-driven by a 42% national obesity rate-and robust hospital capital expenditure for robotic-assisted platforms have made premium powered staplers the standard of care. In contrast, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market, projected to expand at a CAGR of 9.1% through 2032. This growth is fueled by the massive healthcare infrastructure 'build-out' in India and China, where the activation of new multi-specialty institutes has created an insatiable demand for laparoscopic consumables. As of March 2026, the region's pivot toward minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and the rising 'Medical Tourism' hubs in South Korea and Thailand are accelerating the transition from traditional sutures to advanced disposable stapling systems. Meanwhile, Europe maintains a steady growth trajectory, focused on high-precision thoracic and colorectal applications amidst the 2026 EU MDR compliance shift. Immediate Delivery Available | Buy this Research Report (Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures and More) https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/checkout/37276/ Surgical Staplers Market, Key Players 1. Becton Dickinson 2. 3M Company 3. B. Braun Melsungen AG 4. Purple Surgical 5. Frankenman International Ltd. 6. Welfare Medical Ltd. 7. Reach Surgical 8. Grena Ltd. 9. Meril Life Sciences Pvt Ltd. 10. Medtronic PLC 11. Intuitive Surgical Inc. 12. Dextera Surgical Inc. 13. Conmed Corporation 14. Smith & Nephew 15. Ethicon USA 16. AesDex, LLC 17. Purple Surgical 18. Zimmer Biomet 19. Stryker 20.Genesis Medtech Group Strategic Outlook: The Transition to High-Acuity Surgical Ecosystems The evolution of wound closure is currently defined by the migration toward high-acuity surgical ecosystems where mechanical reliability is no longer the sole benchmark. As the industry advances toward its USD 10.3 Billion target by 2032, the primary growth driver is the systematic replacement of manual legacy systems with AI-integrated, motorized platforms. This 2026 transition is underpinned by a global hospital mandate to minimize intraoperative variability and optimize patient recovery timelines. By stabilizing at a 7.5% CAGR, the market reflects a fundamental shift where surgical staplers are recognized not just as consumables, but as critical diagnostic-intervention hybrids in modern medicine. Access Full Summary: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-surgical-staplers-market/37276/ FAQ's 1. What is the forecast for the Surgical Staplers Market by 2032? Ans: The market is projected to reach USD 10.3 Billion by 2032, maintaining a consistent 7.5% CAGR driven by advancements in robotic-assisted wound closure. 2. How are 'Smart Staplers' changing surgeries in 2026? Ans: Smart staplers provide real-time Adaptive Firing technology, which monitors tissue thickness and adjusts compression to reduce the risk of staple-line leaks by nearly 47%. 3. What role do Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) play? Ans: ASCs are the fastest-growing end-user segment, fueled by the 2026 migration of complex laparoscopic procedures to outpatient settings for cost efficiency. 4. Are disposable staplers still the industry standard? Ans: Yes, disposable staplers hold a 70% market share in 2026, prioritized by hospitals for their guaranteed sterility and reduced risk of healthcare-associated infections. Related Reports Chlorinated paraffin wax market: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/chlorinated-paraffin-wax-market/33206/ General Surgery Devices Market: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/general-surgery-devices-market/206525/ Global Surgical Wound Closure Device Market: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-surgical-wound-closure-devices-market/82130/ Global Veterinary Surgical Instruments Market: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-veterinary-surgical-instruments-market/7743/ Global Powered Surgical Instruments Market: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-powered-surgical-instruments-market/20319/ About Maximize Market Research Maximize Market Research is a leading global market research and business consulting firm. Our revenue-impact and growth-driven initiatives empower Fortune 500 companies to navigate complex industrial shifts and secure high-value market dominance. Domain Focus: Electronics We evaluate high-performance semiconductor ecosystems and advanced sensory integration. Our research analyzes the lifecycle economics and precision engineering shaping the global electronics landscape-from MEMS-driven diagnostic sensors to robotic-assisted circuit automation and AI-integrated hardware optimization strategies. Contact: Lumawant Godage MAXIMIZE MARKET RESEARCH PVT. LTD. +91-96073 65656 Email: sales@maximizemarketresearch.com Visit Our Web Site : https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/ Content Source: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-surgical-staplers-market/37276/ Linkedin.com- https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxmize-market-research-pvt-ltd/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/maximizemarketresearch/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/maximizemarketresearch/ X twitter- https://x.com/MMRAnalytics Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2928028/Surgical_Staplers_Market.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2457992/Maximize_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/surgical-staplers-market-to-reach-usd-10-3-billion-by-2032-maximize-market-research-highlights-7-5-cagr-driven-by-robotic-assisted-surgery-and-advanced-wound-closure-innovation-302706754.html Pentwater Capital Management LP - Form 8.3 - Beazley PLC PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, March 06 FORM 8.3 PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code") 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Full name of discloser: Pentwater Capital Management LP (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. N/A (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Beazley plc (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 05/03/2026 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" No 2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security. (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any) Class of relevant security: 5p ordinary Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives: 14,500,000 2.42 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 14,500,000 2.42 All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options) Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: 3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. (a) Purchases and sales Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit (GBP) 5p ordinary Swap Increasing a long position 1,500,000 12.87 (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options) (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit (ii) Exercise Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) 4. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" None (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none" None (c) Attachments Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO Date of disclosure: 06/03/2026 Contact name: Hooman Tavakolian Telephone number: +1 312-914-4301 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. The Hague, Netherlands--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - On the afternoon of February 27, 2026 (local time), the event titled "Innovative Cooperation in China Inbound Tourism: Cross-Border Media Communication & Market Opportunities Sharing Session" was successfully held at the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands. The event brought together more than 40 European tour operators, industry experts, and media representatives to explore new opportunities for the development of China's inbound tourism market. In his opening remarks, Yu Jian, Cultural Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, noted that China's inbound tourism sector is entering a new phase of growth, supported by a series of recently introduced travel facilitation policies. He explained that China has expanded its visa-free entry program to include 50 countries and extended the visa-free transit stay to 240 hours, while continuously improving visa application procedures. These measures have created more convenient conditions for European travelers visiting China. (Yu Jian, Cultural Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, introduces China's inbound tourism policies and delivers remarks at the sharing session.) When discussing successful examples of destination promotion in China, Counselor Yu highlighted Yunnan Province's cultural tourism brand "Yunnan: A Many-Splendored Life." He praised the initiative for showcasing Yunnan's rich and diverse cultural lifestyles and immersive travel experiences, providing international visitors with a vivid and authentic window into China. According to him, the initiative has also set a valuable example for promoting China's inbound tourism destinations in the European market. Counselor Yu also referred to the Global Tour Operators' Familiarization Tour to Yunnan, held in November 2025, which offered European tourism professionals an in-depth opportunity to explore the province. During the visit, tour operators from several countries experienced world-class natural attractions such as the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces and Erhai Lake, while also engaging with intangible cultural heritage traditions including Naxi Dongba culture and Bai ethnic tie-dye craftsmanship. The trip helped deepen international understanding of Yunnan's cultural and tourism resources. He noted that the project, coordinated by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, created an innovative promotional model through multi-party collaboration. China Southern Airlines provided international route connectivity, Otherside Travel coordinated local reception and itineraries, and China Global Television Network (CGTN) shared Yunnan's stories with global audiences through its international media platforms. This collaborative model-combining content communication, aviation connectivity, and professional destination services-offers valuable experience for the international promotion of China's inbound tourism destinations. (Yu Jian, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of China in the Netherlands, introduces China's inbound tourism policies and delivers remarks at the sharing session.) During the event, several guests from the China-Europe tourism and cultural exchange sector also shared their insights on the development of China's inbound tourism. Liu Wei, representative of the China Cultural Center in The Hague, highlighted the center's long-term efforts in promoting Chinese culture in the Netherlands through cultural programs and tourism promotion initiatives, which have helped deepen local audiences' understanding of China. European tourism professionals attending the event also noted that with ongoing policy improvements and strengthened international communication, China is increasingly attracting the interest of European travelers. (Liu Wei, representative of the China Cultural Center in The Hague, introduces the center's efforts in promoting cultural and tourism exchanges between China and the Netherlands.) Luo Ying, Regional Sales Manager of the Europe Marketing Center of China Southern Airlines, introduced the airline's initiatives supporting inbound tourism. She explained that China Southern Airlines has built an extensive route network linking Europe with major Chinese cities through its dual hubs in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport, providing convenient air connectivity for European travelers. To further support inbound tourism growth, the airline has also launched group travel products, MICE travel packages, and independent travel options. Combined with the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, services such as through-checked baggage, transit accommodation, and city sightseeing programs are offered to enhance travel convenience and overall visitor experience. (Luo Ying, Regional Sales Manager of the Europe Marketing Center of China Southern Airlines, introduces the airline's routes and services supporting the development of China's inbound tourism.) Linda Lin, UN Tourism Expert and founder of Otherside Travel, shared her perspective that one of the key factors in advancing China's inbound tourism is presenting authentic and relatable stories that help international audiences better understand the country. She noted that through cultural experiences and lifestyle-focused storytelling, Yunnan has successfully presented itself to global audiences as a diverse, open, and captivating destination. (Linda Lin, UN Tourism Expert and founder of Otherside Travel, shares insights on international communication and destination promotion for China's inbound tourism, and invites European tour operators to participate in a familiarization trip to Yunnan.) Participants widely agreed that China's inbound tourism sector is entering a period of renewed opportunity. Yunnan's experience in developing cultural experience-based tourism products, strengthening international communication, and fostering cross-border cooperation offers valuable insights for the global promotion of China's tourism destinations. Looking ahead, with the continued support of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, cooperation between Chinese destinations and the European tourism industry is expected to deepen further. The participation of companies such as China Southern Airlines will also provide stronger transportation connectivity for China-Europe tourism exchanges. Destinations represented by Yunnan will continue to serve as important gateways for cultural and tourism cooperation, inviting more European travelers to visit China, discover China, and experience China. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286476 Source: Hmedium NPC deputy dedicates four decades to teaching in remote village in SW China's Yunnan People's Daily Online) 16:48, March 06, 2026 On March 5, 2026, Nong Jiagui, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, attended a group interview ahead of the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Nong is a teacher at Luosongdi Primary School in Luosongdi village, Guangnan county, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Nong Jiagui, a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), attends a group interview ahead of the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Nong said the village was once unnamed it had been designated as a treatment settlement for leprosy patients. When he first arrived, his instinct was to leave. But the sight of the children's eyes, filled with a longing for knowledge, made him stay. In 1992, when his first cohort of students completed primary school, Nong could not bring himself to write "leprosy village" in the home address field of their school enrolment forms. He consulted the villagers, and together they chose a new name Luosongdi village. Over more than four decades as the school's sole teacher, Nong has guided 126 students from 12 classes through primary school. All of them have gone on to find their place in the workforce. Today, the primary school has been transformed with the support of Party committees and governments at all levels, as well as people from all walks of life. The shabby building of the past has given way to a bright and spacious campus, and the once-isolated mountain village has long since left disease and poverty behind. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - LongPoint Asset Management Inc. ("LongPoint") previously announced by way of a press release on December 29, 2025 that MegaLong (3X) 20+ Year US Treasury Daily Leveraged Alternative ETF (TSX: TLTU) and MegaShort (-3X) 20+ Year US Treasury Daily Leveraged Alternative ETF (TSX: TLTD) would be delisted at the close of business on or about March 3, 2026 and terminated as of the close of business on March 6, 2026 (the "Termination Date"). The ETFs' final net asset value and termination proceeds are as follows: Name Ticker Final Net Proceeds of Termination per Share MegaLong (3X) 20+ Year US Treasury Daily Leveraged Alternative ETF TLTU $23.1654 MegaShort (-3X) 20+ Year US Treasury Daily Leveraged Alternative ETF TLTD $16.8131 Shareholders will receive the proceeds from the liquidation of the assets, less all liabilities and all expenses incurred in connection with the dissolution of the applicable ETF. These proceeds will be paid to the holders of the remaining outstanding shares of the applicable ETF on a pro-rata basis, at the rate shown above, without further action by shareholders. There are no income distributions paid from the proceeds of termination. About LongPoint Asset Management Inc. LongPoint Asset Management Inc. is a Canadian owned and operated company which delivers innovative ETF solutions designed to enhance your Canadian investing journey. Our dedicated team leverages deep industry connections and local insights to design, build and launch exceptional ETFs tailored for Canadian investors. LongPoint also offers its unique Partnership ETF platform, which simplifies the launch, operation, and growth of ETFs for its partner asset managers. LongPoint is Canada's fastest growing ETF provider in 2025, on a percentage basis, and offers 39 Canadian-listed ETFs with approximately $270 million in assets under management. Discover the advantage of investing with LongPoint. This material is for informational purposes only. This material is not intended to be relied upon as research, investment, or tax advice and is not an implied or express recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security or to adopt any particular investment or portfolio strategy. Any views and opinions expressed do not take into account the particular investment objectives, needs, restrictions and circumstances of a specific investor and, thus, should not be used as the basis of any specific investment recommendation. Investors should consult a financial and/or tax advisor for financial and/or tax information applicable to their specific situation. Commissions, management fees, performance fees and operating expenses may all be associated with an investment in an ETF. The ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Each ETF's Facts and prospectus contain important detailed information about the ETF. Please read the relevant documents before investing. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286502 Source: LongPoint Asset Management Inc. Flower Mound, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - In the competitive world of insurance, where policies can often feel impersonal and overwhelming, Erik Gamblin stands out as a beacon of client-focused advocacy. As the Principal and Owner of Freedom Insurance Group LLC, based in Flower Mound, Texas, Gamblin has built a thriving independent agency that prioritizes education, customization, and genuine support. With over two decades in the industry, his journey from customer service roots to leading a multi-state operation exemplifies dedication and innovation. Erik Gamblin Expands Freedom Insurance Group's Personalized, Multi-State Coverage Solutions To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/286125_freedom.jpg The Roots of Freedom Insurance Group: From Humble Beginnings to Regional Reach Freedom Insurance Group was established in 2005 as an independent insurance agency, with a mission to break free from the constraints of single-carrier loyalty. Operating out of Flower Mound, Texas, the company quickly carved a niche by offering clients access to competitive rates from multiple providers. Unlike captive agencies tied to one insurer, Freedom Insurance leverages relationships with over 25 carriers to shop for the best deals on auto, home, business, landlord, and commercial auto coverage. This independence allows for tailored solutions that align with individual needs, budgets, and lifestyles. The agency's growth has been steady and strategic. Licensed in Texas (License #1325461), Colorado (#770726), Missouri (#3003193182), and Tennessee (#3003190192), Freedom Insurance has expanded its footprint to serve clients across these states. By 2012, the company formalized its structure as an LLC, marking a key milestone in its evolution. Today, with a small but efficient team of 5 to 9 employees. The business operates from its office at 3861 Long Prairie Rd, Suite 110, in Flower Mound, open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This accessibility underscores the agency's commitment to being there when clients need them most. What started as a local endeavor has blossomed into a trusted name, thanks to its emphasis on client education and advocacy. The company's website, planforfreedom.com, serves as a hub for complimentary online quotes, informative articles on state-specific insurance topics, and even a home insurance cost calculator - tools designed to empower consumers rather than just sell policies. Erik Gamblin's Journey: A Foundation in Service and Expertise At the helm of this operation is Erik Gamblin, a 45-year-old insurance veteran whose career is rooted in customer service excellence. A graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University, Gamblin brings a results-oriented approach honed over several years in the insurance sector. Based in Flower Mound, Texas, he has served as the Principal of Freedom Insurance Group since its early days, guiding its direction with a blend of professionalism and personal touch. Gamblin's background emphasizes building strong client relationships. Described as a "business professional with several years of experience in the Insurance Customer Service industry," he has focused on demystifying insurance for everyday people. His leadership has earned him praise for quick responses and problem-solving, as seen in client reviews where he's lauded for handling claims efficiently - even in challenging situations like car accidents. Beyond English, the agency supports Spanish-speaking clients, broadening its appeal in diverse communities. Notable in his tenure is the agency's integration with major insurers like Safeco, Travelers, and others, allowing for specialized offerings such as boat, yacht, wedding, and event insurance. Inside the Business: How Freedom Insurance Operates Freedom Insurance Group's model is refreshingly straightforward: independence breeds better options. Clients receive complimentary consultations, where agents review existing policies, recommend improvements, and monitor for life changes like marriages or new homes. The "ins and outs" involve a client-centric process: Start with a complimentary quote via phone (972-798-3769) or online, followed by personalized education on coverage gaps and options. Agents like Gamblin advocate during claims, acting as intermediaries to streamline resolutions. Unique perks include ongoing policy audits and alerts for better rates, fostering long-term relationships rather than one-off sales. Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Freedom in Insurance Erik Gamblin and Freedom Insurance Group embody the idea that insurance isn't just about policies - it's about peace of mind. From its 2005 founding to its current status as a multi-state powerhouse, the agency continues to "plan for freedom" by empowering clients. Whether you're a homeowner in Texas or a business owner in Missouri, Gamblin's team offers a refreshing alternative in an often opaque industry. For those seeking reliable coverage with a human touch, Freedom Insurance Group proves that true protection starts with trust. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286125 Source: Plentisoft AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2026 / GVA Property Management, an Austin-based multifamily real estate investment and operating company, today announced that founder and CEO Alan Stalcup and his wife have filed a Rule 202 petition seeking the pre-suit deposition of former investor Eric Stumberg. The requested deposition would allow GVA to investigate potential legal claims against Stumberg with regard to alleged acts of defamation and harassment toward Stalcup's family and community. Background According to the petition, Stumberg invested in one or more special service entities that were operated by GVA and which subsequently purchased multifamily rental properties in Texas. GVA employed a "value-add" strategy to increase properties' rental income and resale profit for distribution among investors. Many of the properties managed by GVA at this time, however, faced systemic pressure due to a sudden rise in the Effective Federal Funds Rate beginning in 2022. Stumberg later expressed dissatisfaction with the returns on certain of his investments. Alleged Defamation and Harassment The petition alleges that Stumberg made false statements to Stalcup's wealth management advisor-among potential others-accusing Stalcup of criminal or fraudulent conduct and encouraging lawsuits against him. Stalcup maintains that these accusations are entirely false and defamatory. The petition also alleges that Stumberg may be involved in or have knowledge about a related, coordinated effort to disparage and intimidate the Stalcups. It details a series of incidents believed to involve former GVA investor Bryan Kastleman, including a defamatory letter that was reportedly mailed to neighbors of the Stalcups. The letter was falsely attributed to Mrs. Stalcup, according to the filing, and made untrue statements suggesting a criminal investigation of Alan Stalcup and a domestic dispute within the Stalcup home. Another defamatory letter with a falsified return address is referenced in the petition, as are several phone calls in which an individual impersonated a police officer purportedly investigating Alan Stalcup. The harassment of the Stalcup family is currently under investigation by Austin law enforcement, per the filing. "Investment disputes belong in the courtroom, where those who have a legitimate claim have a full right to make it," said Alan Stalcup, founder and CEO of GVA. "Anyone who resorts to damaging professional and personal relationships to further their agenda, however, crosses a hard line from the lawful pursuit of justice to simple, vindictive defamation. We have filed this petition to ensure that matters are settled where they ought to be." GVA's Rule 202 Petition GVA has filed a petition under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 202, a procedural mechanism which allows a party to obtain limited discovery before filing a lawsuit in order to investigate potential claims and preserve relevant evidence. The petition asks the court to authorize a deposition in which Stumberg would offer sworn testimony regarding his involvement in or knowledge about the alleged acts of defamation and harassment. About GVA Property Management GVA is a commercial real estate operator and investor specializing in multifamily apartment communities across the Southeastern United States and Texas markets. GVA was founded with a mission to make a positive impact on communities, deliver strong returns for investors, and provide exceptional career opportunities for employees. Contact: Michael Oberrender 512.497.0797 moberrender@gvamgt.com SOURCE: GVA Property Management View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/gva-files-rule-202-petition-against-eric-stumberg-over-alleged-defamation-and-harassmen-1144637 Lonza Group AG / Key word(s): Strategic Company Decision/Share Buyback Lonza Completes its Transformation to a Pure-Play CDMO with Agreement to Divest Capsules & Health Ingredients 06-March-2026 / 18:05 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Lonza signs agreement to divest its Capsules & Health Ingredients (CHI) business to Lone Star Funds, for an enterprise value of CHF 2.3 billion (USD 3 billion) at closing. The transaction is expected to close in H2 2026 Lonza will receive upfront proceeds of CHF 1.7 billion (USD 2.2 billion) and retain a 40% stake in CHI, with an additional preferential participation in a future exit Total undiscounted proceeds, including upfront and all future proceeds at full exit, are expected to be at or above CHF 3 billion (~USD 4 billion) With the divestment of CHI, Lonza delivers on its commitment to transform into a pure-play CDMO, focused on value creation from high growth and expanding margins in its world-leading CDMO business Lonza plans to invest the upfront proceeds into additional organic growth opportunities in line with the One Lonza Strategy, as well as bolt-on acquisitions. CHF 500 million will be returned to shareholders through a share buyback following receipt of proceeds As part of its wider portfolio transformation, Lonza has also signed agreements to divest the Personalized Medicines business (the Cocoon Platform), the MODA software platform, and the small molecules micronization site in Monteggio (CH) Basel, Switzerland, 6 March 2026 - Lonza has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its Capsules & Health Ingredients (CHI) business to Lone Star Funds ("Lone Star") for an enterprise value of CHF 2.3 billion (USD 3 billion). Lonza will realize upfront cash proceeds of CHF 1.7 billion (USD 2.2 billion) and retain a 40% stake in the business, with additional preferential participation in its future exit. Lonza's proceeds on exit are subject to Lone Star receiving an initial return equal to its equity investment. The combination of significant upfront proceeds with the preferential participation in future exit proceeds and the sale of the retained stake in CHI at future exit provide an attractive value upside and future cash generation. Considering the leading position and strengths of the CHI business after its return to growth in 2025, the total undiscounted value of the proceeds for Lonza from the full exit from CHI, including upfront proceeds, proceeds from future sale of its retained 40% stake and preferential participation in exit proceeds, is expected to be at or above CHF 3 billion (~USD 4 billion). The transaction is the last and most significant step to complete Lonza's strategic portfolio transformation to a pure-play CDMO. Wider portfolio updates include agreements to divest the Personalized Medicines business including the Cocoon Platform to Octane Medical Group, the MODA software platform to the parent company of STARLIMS Corporation, and the small molecules micronization site in Monteggio (CH) to Microsize and Schedio Group. As a result, Lonza now operates across three complementary and integrated CDMO Business Platforms, all powered by the Lonza Engine as their unique set of strengths, leveraging cutting-edge science, smart technology and lean manufacturing for complex and emerging pharmaceutical modalities. Wolfgang Wienand, CEO, Lonza commented: "With the sale of CHI and the three other recent divestments, in less than two years we have reshaped our company and activated our vision of One Lonza as a pure-play CDMO. We are now able to laser-focus on where we are strongest and can create most value for our customers, people and shareholders. On top of receiving significant upfront proceeds for re-investment in our world-leading CDMO business, we have been able to implement attractive mechanisms for Lonza to benefit from future value creation by CHI. Following a rigorous process, we are confident that Lone Star brings the necessary capabilities to lead CHI into a good future and create opportunities for the colleagues departing from Lonza. I thank the whole CHI team for their commitment to Lonza over many years and their continued support in the upcoming transition phase." With execution of the transactions, Lonza delivers on the commitment made at its December 2024 Investor Update as part of the new One Lonza Strategy to fully focus on high value creation within its CDMO Organic Growth Model of low teens CER sales growth on average over time at expanding margins, while investing mid-to-high teens percentages of sales. The proceeds from the CHI exit will become part of Lonza's discretionary cash pool in its defined capital allocation framework to fund prioritized organic growth opportunities and bolt-on acquisitions with attractive return profiles, adding capacities, technologies and expanding its business portfolio in line with the One Lonza Strategy and competitive differentiation driven by the Lonza Engine. Lonza is committed to further strengthening cash generation, applying high discipline in capital allocation and maintaining an efficient capital structure. Given the expected moderation of organic capital expenditures to mid-to-high teens percentages of sales in the mid-term and the upfront proceeds from the sale of CHI, the company's leverage is anticipated to be materially below target levels. Balancing near-term surplus capital with its conviction that attractive investment opportunities can be identified and executed over the mid-term, Lonza will return CHF 500 million to shareholders via a share buyback which will be executed after receipt of the upfront proceeds. On an ongoing basis, Lonza will review the outlook for strategically and financially attractive investments and determine whether the level of capital maintained is appropriate for likely requirements. Any capital deemed to be surplus will be returned to shareholders. Lonza remains committed to its progressive1 dividend policy, maintaining or growing its dividend per share year-on-year, while maintaining leverage levels and a credit profile consistent with its Standard & Poor's investment grade credit profile of BBB+ which has been consistently reaffirmed since 2019. Lone Star has an established track record of reaching the full potential of its portfolio companies with similar characteristics to CHI by empowering management and investing for the future. Lone Star has confirmed that maintaining high standards of service delivery and quality for customers are a core foundation of their strategy for CHI following closing. The retained interest in CHI will be accounted for as an investment in an associated company with Lonza as a minority shareholder not having management control. Lonza estimates that it will recognize an extraordinary non-cash impairment including the goodwill related to CHI assets of around CHF 1.3 billion in its Financial Statements for Financial Year 2025 to be published on 1 April2026. This effect will be allocated to discontinued operations and will not impact CORE EBITDA of continuing operations. The transaction is expected to close in H2 2026, subject to customary closing conditions relating to regulatory approvals and completion of the legal separation of CHI from Lonza's wider business. BofA Securities and Centerview Partners acted as joint financial advisors to Lonza. For more details on the transaction, please refer to the related Investor Presentation . Investor Call Details Lonza invites investors to join a live webcast and conference call on Friday 6 March 2026 at 19:00 CET or on Monday 9 March 2026 at 08:00 CET. In both calls, our CEO Wolfgang Wienand and our CFO Philippe Deecke will share a short presentation with details of the transaction, and take questions from investors. Both calls are scheduled to last for 30 minutes. 19:00 CET, Friday 6 March 2026 call details: Access to webcast In order to follow the slide presentation and the Q&A session, please use the webcast link . Access to conference call The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. You can register to ask questions over the conference call at any time during the event. You will receive the relevant phone numbers, a passcode and your personal PIN to access the conference call by pre-registering here . 08:00 CET, Monday 9 March 2026 call details: Access to webcast In order to follow the slide presentation and the Q&A session, please use the webcast link . Access to conference call The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. You can register to ask questions over the conference call at any time during the event. You will receive the relevant phone numbers, a passcode and your personal PIN to access the conference call by pre-registering here . Should you have any access issues, please dial the following numbers 10 to 15 minutes prior to scheduled start: +41 (0) 58 310 50 00 (Europe and Switzerland) +44 (0) 207 107 06 13 (UK) +1 631 570 56 13 (USA) Other international numbers are available here . 1 Maintaining or increasing dividend per share each year. About Lonza Lonza is one of the world's largest contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) dedicated to serving the healthcare industry. Working across five continents, our global team of approximately 20,000 colleagues works alongside pharma and biotech companies to turn their breakthrough innovations into viable therapies. We support our customers in bringing life-saving and life-enhancing treatments to patients worldwide with a combination of cutting-edge science, smart technology and lean manufacturing. Our company generated sales of CHF 6.5 billion with a CORE EBITDA of CHF 2.1 billion in Full-Year 2025. Find out more at www.lonza.com Lonza Contact Details Victoria Morgan Head of External Communications Lonza Group Ltd Tel +41 61 316 2283 victoria.morgan@lonza.com Daniel Buchta Head of Investor Relations Lonza Group Ltd Tel +41 61 316 2985 daniel.buchta@lonza.com End of Inside Information Dr. Edward Buckingham and Dr. Erin Smith Named Top Doctors; Dr. Hudson Frey Recognized as Rising Star AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2026 / Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery is proud to announce national recognition for the 3 double-board certified facial plastic surgeons through Castle Connolly's 2026 distinctions. Dr. Edward Buckingham and Dr. Erin Smith have been named Castle Connolly Top Doctors, and Dr. Hudson Frey has been honored as a Castle Connolly Rising Star. These peer-nominated recognitions reflect a standard of excellence grounded in clinical mastery, professional integrity, and enduring patient trust. A National Standard Earned Through Peer Recognition For more than three decades, Castle Connolly has identified outstanding physicians across the United States using a rigorous, physician-driven selection process. This distinction is not influenced by advertising or paid inclusion. Instead, the process is built on professional trust and careful review: No pay-to-play participation: Physicians cannot purchase inclusion. Peer nomination: Licensed doctors nominate colleagues they would trust with their own care. Independent research review: Nominations are vetted by Castle Connolly's research team. Advisory board oversight: Medical experts guide final selections. Comprehensive evaluation criteria, including: Clinical expertise and specialty depth Education and advanced training Professional leadership and reputation Disciplinary history Only approximately 7% of practicing physicians nationwide are named Castle Connolly Top Doctors in any given year. The Rising Star distinction recognizes early- to mid-career physicians who demonstrate exceptional skill, integrity, and professional promise. For patients seeking specialized medical care, these honors offer an additional measure of reassurance. Dr. Edward Buckingham: Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026 Dr. Edward Buckingham is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, as well as the Fellowship Director for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). He has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2018, a distinction that reflects his sustained respect among peers. Throughout his career, Dr. Buckingham has effectively combined surgical precision with academic leadership. In addition to his active clinical practice in Austin, he has trained future facial plastic surgeons through the AAFPRS fellowship program and has held leadership roles within national specialty boards. He currently has his tenth fellow, Dr. Barr, training under him. His reputation among peers is based not only on his technical excellence but also on his ethical standards, discretion, and thoughtful patient care-qualities that are consistently reflected in Castle Connolly's evaluation criteria. Dr. Erin Smith: Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2026 Dr. Erin Smith, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, has also been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2026. Previously recognized by Castle Connolly as a Rising Star, her elevation to Top Doctor status underscores her growing national leadership within the specialty. With advanced fellowship training and particular expertise in facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, and facial nerve disorders, Dr. Smith is known for achieving balanced, natural-looking results. Her work reflects a blend of refined surgical technique and compassionate, individualized care. Peers frequently commend her depth of anatomical knowledge and commitment to restoring both form and function, particularly in complex facial nerve cases. Dr. Hudson Frey: Castle Connolly Rising Star 2026 Dr. Hudson Frey has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Rising Star for 2026, a distinction awarded to physicians who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill, professional integrity, and emerging leadership within their field. Board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Frey brings advanced surgical training and a meticulous approach to both cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures. His recognition reflects strong peer endorsement and a commitment to excellence early in his career. A Meaningful Distinction for Our Patients In an era where online reviews and marketing claims can blur the line between visibility and true expertise, peer-nominated distinctions offer a different signal of quality. Castle Connolly's methodology is rooted in professional respect; physicians recognizing physicians. For patients considering facial surgery, particularly procedures involving both appearance and function, that level of validation provides meaningful reassurance. Located in Austin, Texas, Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery has served patients for more than 20 years with an exclusive focus on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Our surgeons operate out of Buckingham Center's own Quad A-certified surgical center, providing the highest standards of safety, accreditation, and patient care in a private, fully equipped setting. The practice combines advanced surgical training, academic leadership, and personalized care to deliver refined, natural-looking results. Our philosophy remains unchanged: The face deserves specialized expertise Natural, discreet results define success Trust is earned through honesty and long-term relationships Excellence is measured not only by outcomes, but by integrity Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation. Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery 6420 Bee Caves Rd Suite 100, Austin, TX 78746 (512) 543-2792 SOURCE: Buckingham Center For Facial Plastic Surgery View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/buckingham-center-for-facial-plastic-surgery-announces-2026-castle-co-1144639 GENEVA, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The WHO Foundation announced a collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company that aims to support the WHO Foundation's global efforts to assess and strengthen health systems for obesity prevention and care. Obesity is one of the most pressing global health challenges. In 2022, more than 2.5 billion adults and over 390 million children and adolescents worldwide are overweight, with 1 in 8 people worldwide living with obesity, the prevalence of which has doubled in adults since 1990. Lilly is committing $1.68 million to the WHO Foundation until 2029 in support of efforts to strengthen health systems for obesity care. This collaboration responds to the growing need to address obesity as a public health and development priority and to strengthen the systems needed to respond equitably and sustainably in resource-limited settings. This initiative aims to enable access to early diagnosis, counseling and care, and reduce the worldwide economic impact of obesity and mitigate this global health risk. "Addressing obesity at scale requires more than individual programs. It requires health systems that are prepared to respond across the life course," said Anil Soni, Chief Executive Officer of the WHO Foundation. "This collaboration is about WHO Foundation efforts to support health systems to diagnose the gaps and build the necessary architecture by helping countries integrate evidence-based policies, develop training standards to equip the health workforce, and health systems needs to deliver equitable, stigma-free care over time for all age groups." "People living with obesity deserve to receive the care they need to overcome this disease and avoid related health complications. By supporting efforts that help health systems recognize and respond to obesity, we aim to slow the global progression of this disease," said Patrik Jonsson, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly International. "Lilly's collaboration with the WHO Foundation will help countries assess care gaps, strengthen primary health care, and build pathways for prevention and care in resource-limited settings where the need is greatest." About the WHO Foundation The WHO Foundation is an independent organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, created in 2020 to support the mission of the World Health Organization. It mobilizes philanthropic capital and builds catalytic partnerships to advance health equity, respond to urgent health challenges, and strengthen systems that save lives. By connecting partners and practitioners, the Foundation helps scale trusted solutions, fund life-saving responses, and drive lasting change toward Health for All. Learn more at: www.who.foundation Media Contacts WHO Foundation: Rana Sidani: r.sidani@who.foundation Eli Lilly and Company: Karine Mendelek: mendelek_karine@lilly.com Key facts In 2022, 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity. Worldwide adult obesity has more than doubled since 1990, and adolescent obesity has quadrupled. In 2022, 2.5 billion adults (18 years and older) were overweight. Of these, 890 million were living with obesity. In 2022, 43% of adults aged 18 years and over were overweight and 16% were living with obesity. In 2024, 35 million children under the age of 5 were overweight. Over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5-19 years were overweight in 2022, including 160 million who were living with obesity. Notes to Editors / Sources Economic impact of overweight and obesity to surpass $4 trillion by 2035 | World Obesity Federation , and world-obesity-atlas-2025-v7.pdf https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight WHO acceleration plan to stop obesity. World Health Organization, Geneva, 2023 (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240075634) Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2923708/WHO_Foundation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/who-foundation-announces-collaboration-with-lilly-to-strengthen-health-systems-for-obesity-care-302706976.html BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At MWC Barcelona 2026, Sunwave Communications officially launched its carrier-grade All-in-One Site, a fully integrated solution designed for remote, temporary, and mission-critical scenarios. The company also showcased its latest digital DAS platform and next-generation integrated base stations. In mining camps, construction sites, large-scale events, and film production locations, network deployment is often constrained by long construction cycles, high costs, and limited transmission access. Connectivity timelines frequently fail to match operational needs. All-in-One Site addresses these challenges by integrating satellite backhaul, private 5G, edge computing, and IoT into a single, rapidly deployable unit. Operators and enterprise users can establish an independent 5G network within 30 minutes, enabling fast service activation and reliable coverage in infrastructure-limited environments. In an interview with Mobile World Live, Fan Zhang, GM of Strategy & Marketing at Sunwave, commented: "The core value of All-in-One Site lies in extreme integration and rapid delivery. It enables customers to build resilient networks exactly when and where they are needed." In the DAS segment, Sunwave showcased its third-generation high-power solutions, the H3RU and N3 Plus. Supporting 700-4200 MHz with up to 46 dBm output power, the H3RU enables flexible single-band 4T4R or quad-band SISO configurations and delivers up to 400 MHz bandwidth per channel. The solution is designed for complex environments such as tunnels, stadiums, airports, and campuses, supporting multi-band, high-capacity networks. The N3 Plus, a compact 5 L unit covering 600-4200 MHz, integrates 12 channels and supports up to five-band MIMO, with up to 400 MHz bandwidth per channel to meet multi-operator and multi-standard access needs. O-RAN ready and equipped with intelligent energy-saving features, it delivers high performance while supporting greener network operations. In addition, Sunwave introduced its latest base station, the nCELL-M, featuring an all-in-one design with up to 37 dBm and a built-in 5G gateway. Supporting multi-carrier operation and flexible spectrum configurations, it enables rapid, plug-and-play deployment. Another standout product, the 5G femtocell, delivers compact, high-performance coverage for homes, offices, and dense indoor environments, providing seamless connectivity for private and enterprise 5G networks. As connectivity demands grow increasingly dynamic, Sunwave continues to deliver intelligent, agile solutions that redefine how and where networks can be built. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2928201/Sunwave_at_MWC2026.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sunwave-unveils-all-in-one-site-at-mwc-barcelona-2026-delivering-5g-connectivity-in-30-minutes-302706982.html TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE), operator of the Tilenga Project in Uganda through its affiliate TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEPU), is publishing the independent assessment conducted by the Canadian firm Land People Planning Ltd on the land acquisition, resettlement and livelihood restoration program implemented for the Tilenga Project, together with the action plan adopted by TEPU based on the report's recommendations. This independent review follows the commitment made by TotalEnergies in 2024. The mission had initially been entrusted to Lionel Zinsou, who informed the Company that he would be unable to complete it due to personal health circumstances. TotalEnergies expresses its appreciation for his involvement. The assessment conducted in the districts of Buliisa, Hoima and Kikuube covered all core components of the land acquisition program. The report concludes that the program was implemented in line with the Project's land acquisition and resettlement commitments, aligned with IFC Performance Standard 5, with no material systemic deficiencies. Furthermore, the report states that "compensation, replacement house handover, and a majority of livelihood mitigations have been completed and that the Project is now well positioned to transition toward Resettlement Action Plan closure." Between 2022 and end-2024, the Tilenga Project acquired approximately 2,108 acres of land, impacting 4,954 households and communities, including the relocation of 205 primary residents. To date, over 99% of compensation agreements have been signed and paid, and 100% of resettlement houses have been built and handed over. Based on the recommendations of this report, TEPU will implement an action plan covering the following areas: Livelihood restoration: continued monitoring in 2026 to ensure completion and uptake of training and support measures (agronomic practices, post-harvest equipment, business start-up packs). Support to vulnerable households: tailored assistance for potentially vulnerable households, in coordination with local government services. Grievance management: strengthened tracking and communication tools, including FAQs and key messages to ensure consistency and transparency. Engagement and disclosure: a focused engagement plan dedicated to Resettlement Action Plan closure and livelihoods programming closure. Gender considerations: integration of gender-disaggregated data into closure datasets and reporting. Closure: initiation of the formal closure process, to be followed by an independent third-party closure audit. "The publication of this independent report and the associated action plan demonstrates our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. We remain fully committed to completing the program in line with international standards and to continuing our contribution to local development", said Nicolas Terraz, President Exploration Production of TotalEnergies. About TotalEnergies TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas, biogas and low-carbon hydrogen, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations. X @TotalEnergies LinkedIn TotalEnergies Facebook TotalEnergies Instagram TotalEnergies Cautionary Note The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260306479500/en/ Contacts: TotalEnergies Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - The Rose Sarfo Scholarship for Healthcare Students announces its nationwide call for applications, inviting undergraduate students pursuing careers in healthcare to apply for a prestigious academic award designed to recognize service, compassion, and ethical responsibility in the next generation of healthcare leaders. Rose Sarfo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/286399_be37983ee489e98a_001full.jpg Established in honor of Rose Sarfo, a respected healthcare administrator and philanthropist, the Rose Sarfo Scholarship for Healthcare Students reflects a longstanding commitment to advancing patient-centered care and strengthening healthcare systems through education. The scholarship remains open to undergraduate students across the United States and is not limited to any specific city or state. Rose Sarfo serves as Office Manager and Treasurer of Vista Medical Associates, where she plays a central role in overseeing operations, patient coordination, and practice management. Through nearly two decades of dedicated leadership in healthcare administration, Rose Sarfo consistently champions efficiency, integrity, and compassionate service. The Rose Sarfo Scholarship for Healthcare Students extends this mission by investing directly in students who demonstrate both academic promise and a sincere desire to improve healthcare outcomes. Scholarship Purpose and Vision The Rose Sarfo Scholarship for Healthcare Students is created to support aspiring healthcare professionals who embody the foundational principles of compassion, service, and responsibility. The scholarship seeks applicants who demonstrate a clear commitment to serving patients, communities, and underserved populations through careers in medicine, nursing, allied health, public health, healthcare administration, or related disciplines. Through this initiative, Rose Sarfo reinforces the belief that meaningful healthcare impact requires not only clinical expertise but also strong ethical values and community engagement. The scholarship underscores the importance of developing professionals who recognize that quality care extends beyond clinical settings and into broader systems of access, equity, and accountability. Eligibility Criteria Applicants for the Rose Sarfo Scholarship for Healthcare Students must meet the following requirements: Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a career in healthcare, including medicine, nursing, allied health, public health, healthcare administration, or related fields Must be in good academic standing Must submit an original essay written in English The required essay, between 500 and 700 words, must respond to the following prompt: "Healthcare is built on compassion, service, and responsibility. How do you envision your future role in healthcare, and how will your education and personal values allow you to make a meaningful impact on patients, communities, or underserved populations?" Essays are evaluated based on originality, clarity, insight, and alignment with the values of service and compassion reflected by Rose Sarfo and the scholarship's mission. Award Details and Important Dates The Rose Sarfo Scholarship for Healthcare Students provides a one-time award of $1,000 to a selected undergraduate recipient. Application Deadline: September 15, 2026 Winner Announcement: October 15, 2026 The scholarship committee reviews all submissions carefully to ensure a fair and merit-based selection process. Advancing the Future of Healthcare Through the Rose Sarfo Scholarship for Healthcare Students, Rose Sarfo continues her longstanding dedication to healthcare excellence and community advancement. By supporting undergraduate students who demonstrate both academic dedication and a service-oriented mindset, the scholarship contributes to building a healthcare workforce prepared to address evolving challenges with integrity and compassion. The Rose Sarfo Scholarship for Healthcare Students stands as a national opportunity for aspiring healthcare professionals committed to making a measurable and meaningful difference. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286399 Source: GYT Milwaukee, Wisconsin--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Founded by Dr. Scott Kamelle, a distinguished gynecologic oncologist and former Director of Gyn Oncology at Aurora Health Care, the Dr. Scott Kamelle Scholarship for Future Doctors is pleased to announce its 2026 launch. This initiative provides financial support to undergraduate and high school students who demonstrate academic excellence and a profound commitment to a career in medicine. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/286398_c84addc26486c9d2_001full.jpg Dr. Scott Kamelle established this scholarship to foster the next generation of healthcare leaders. By providing a platform for students to share their perspectives on current medical challenges, Dr. Scott Kamelle aims to highlight creative problem-solving and dedication to patient care. The scholarship is open to students pursuing a medical degree, regardless of their geographic location. "The future of medicine relies on the intellect, passion, and resourcefulness of current students," says Dr. Scott Kamelle. "This program identifies individuals who possess a clear vision for improving healthcare outcomes and provides them with the support necessary to pursue that goal." To qualify, candidates must be current undergraduate students or high school students planning to attend university for a medical degree. The selection committee evaluates applicants based on their academic achievements, passion for the medical field, and their capacity for personal and professional growth. A central component of the application process is an essay requirement. Eligible students must submit a piece of writing under 1,000 words that addresses the following prompt: "Describe a significant challenge currently faced by the healthcare industry and propose an innovative solution to address it effectively." This requirement allows applicants to demonstrate their ability to think critically about complex systemic issues within the healthcare sector. The program awards a one-time grant of $1,000 to the successful applicant. Interested students are encouraged to review the full eligibility criteria and submission guidelines on the official website. The deadline for all scholarship applications is September 15, 2026. The selection committee will review all submissions, and the winner will be formally announced on October 15, 2026. As an esteemed medical professional, Dr. Scott Kamelle remains deeply invested in the evolution of healthcare systems and the advancement of patient treatment standards. Through this scholarship, Dr. Scott Kamelle continues his long-standing commitment to nurturing educational growth within the medical community. For further information regarding the application process, eligibility requirements, or to submit an entry, please visit the official scholarship website. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286398 Source: GYT Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - The Dr. Kofi Sarfo Scholarship for Future Doctors officially opens applications for undergraduate students pursuing careers in medicine. Founded by Dr. Kofi E. Sarfo, a respected physician, educator, and medical leader, the scholarship reflects a continued commitment to strengthening the future of healthcare through academic opportunity and service-driven leadership. Dr. Kofi Sarfo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/286397_67a5e9a384e04b7d_001full.jpg The Dr. Kofi Sarfo Scholarship for Future Doctors awards a one-time grant of $1,000 to an undergraduate student who demonstrates a clear intention to become a physician and a strong dedication to serving communities in need. Although Dr. Kofi Sarfo is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, the scholarship is not restricted to any specific city or state and welcomes eligible applicants from accredited colleges and universities nationwide. Dr. Kofi E. Sarfo establishes this initiative to recognize aspiring physicians who combine academic focus with compassion, leadership, and community awareness. Through the Dr. Kofi Sarfo Scholarship for Future Doctors, Dr. Kofi E. Sarfo reinforces the importance of preparing future medical professionals who prioritize ethical care and measurable impact. Scholarship Purpose and Commitment The purpose of the Dr. Kofi Sarfo Scholarship for Future Doctors is to support undergraduate students who are actively pursuing a pre-medical or related academic pathway. Dr. Kofi E. Sarfo emphasizes that medicine requires more than technical knowledge; it demands integrity, empathy, and a sustained commitment to underserved populations. As Medical Director of Vista Medical Associates and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the UNLV School of Medicine, Dr. Kofi E. Sarfo remains closely involved in mentoring future healthcare professionals. The scholarship extends this mentorship beyond the classroom and clinical environment by offering financial support tied directly to service-oriented values. Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements Applicants for the Dr. Kofi Sarfo Scholarship for Future Doctors must meet the following criteria: Be an undergraduate student enrolled at an accredited college or university Be actively pursuing a pre-medical or related academic pathway with the intention of becoming a physician Demonstrate a strong interest in medicine, healthcare service, and community impact Submit an original, well-written essay responding to the official prompt The essay prompt asks applicants to describe their motivation for pursuing a career as a physician and to explain how they plan to use their medical education to serve communities in need. Candidates are encouraged to reflect on compassion, service, and leadership as foundational principles guiding their future practice. Award Amount and Key Dates The Dr. Kofi Sarfo Scholarship for Future Doctors provides a one-time award of $1,000. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2026. The scholarship recipient will be announced on October 15, 2026. All application materials must comply with the submission guidelines outlined on the official scholarship website. Strengthening the Next Generation of Physicians Dr. Kofi E. Sarfo continues to demonstrate leadership in clinical practice, medical education, and community engagement. Through the Dr. Kofi Sarfo Scholarship for Future Doctors, Dr. Kofi E. Sarfo invests in students who aspire to deliver patient-centered care and contribute meaningfully to healthcare systems nationwide. By supporting undergraduates at an early stage in their academic journey, Dr. Kofi E. Sarfo affirms that the future of medicine depends on individuals who combine scientific excellence with a genuine commitment to service. For complete details regarding eligibility, essay guidelines, and submission instructions, interested applicants may visit the official scholarship website. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286397 Source: GYT Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - The Andrew Hillman Grant for Biotech announces its inaugural scholarship, designed to support undergraduate students pursuing careers in biotechnology and related fields. The scholarship aims to inspire the next generation of innovators who are committed to advancing healthcare and transformative scientific solutions. Andrew Hillman To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/286394_ff8fecc1e4ff08e5_001full.jpg Founded by Dallas native Andrew Hillman, the grant reflects his longstanding commitment to education, innovation, and fostering opportunities for emerging talent. Through his professional journey across health, legal, and financial sectors, Andrew Hillman has cultivated a vision of empowering students to translate scientific knowledge into impactful contributions for society. The Andrew Hillman Grant for Biotech provides a $1,000 award to an outstanding undergraduate student currently enrolled at an accredited university or college who demonstrates both academic excellence and a forward-thinking perspective on biotechnology. Applicants are required to submit a 700-1,000 word essay addressing the question: "How do you envision biotechnology transforming the future of healthcare or society, and what role do you see yourself playing in this change?" Scholarship applications are now open and will be accepted through June 15, 2026. The winner will be announced on July 15, 2026, offering a unique opportunity for a deserving student to gain recognition and financial support while pursuing their career in biotech. The application process is streamlined to ensure accessibility for students nationwide. "This scholarship is not just about financial assistance; it is about inspiring students to think critically and creatively about the ways biotechnology can revolutionize healthcare and society," says Andrew Hillman. "The future of science depends on the next generation of thinkers who are willing to explore, innovate, and lead with purpose. I am proud to create a platform that recognizes talent, encourages vision, and supports meaningful contributions in the biotech field." Eligibility for the Andrew Hillman Grant for Biotech is straightforward yet selective. Candidates must be undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited program and committed to a future in biotechnology or related disciplines. The essay component provides an opportunity for students to articulate their ambitions, innovative ideas, and potential impact on society. This approach ensures that the scholarship identifies individuals not only with academic ability but also with vision, creativity, and dedication to the advancement of science. The impact of the Andrew Hillman Grant for Biotech is expected to extend beyond the immediate financial support. By highlighting and recognizing promising talent, the scholarship seeks to cultivate a network of future biotech leaders who are equipped to tackle complex challenges in healthcare, medical research, and biotechnology innovation. Students who receive this recognition gain credibility, exposure, and motivation to pursue ambitious projects that can shape the global scientific landscape. Andrew Hillman brings a rich background of entrepreneurship and strategic leadership to the scholarship. Beyond his professional achievements, Hillman actively supports philanthropic initiatives in education and economic development, ensuring his impact extends to communities and students nationwide. Applications for the Andrew Hillman Grant for Biotech are available now. Students seeking to apply or learn more about eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and the selection process can visit the scholarship website at https://andrewhillmangrant.com/. Questions and application materials may also be directed via email to apply@andrewhillmangrant.com. The scholarship represents a strategic effort by Andrew Hillman to advance innovation in biotechnology by investing in the leaders of tomorrow. By supporting students with vision, talent, and ambition, the Andrew Hillman Grant for Biotech positions itself as a key contributor to the development of future breakthroughs in healthcare and scientific research. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286394 Source: GYT WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2026 / The Middle East Media Research Institute's (MEMRI) new War With Iran webpage presents all the latest MEMRI translations, analysis, and clips on developments in the conflict. They include statements, reactions, and threats by Iranian regime officials and military leaders, Iran-backed proxy militias, jihadi groups, and other relevant actors across the region, along with updates on developments on the ground and more. This research is from MEMRI's Iran Studies Project, MEMRI TV Project, Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM), and others. Since the start of the war in the early hours of February 28, the MEMRI Iran Studies Project's research, Farsi translation, and monitoring teams have been in overdrive, working around the clock -adding new research to the War With Iran webpage throughout the day, every day. The most recent notable clips and reports on the page focus on Iranian proxy militias in Iraq's threats to attack U.S. military bases and their calls to Muslims worldwide to launch all-out war against the U.S.; Iranian officials' warning that Iran will expand its aggression to outside the region as well, and Gulf states' shifting positions against Iran. Also on the War With Iran page are calls for global solidarity from designated terrorist organizations such as the PFLP, reactions from jihadi supporters online, and more. At the same time, the MEMRI Trending page continues to highlight the most important news and trends in the Middle East and beyond, with tailored content on a broad range of issues. The MEMRI Iran Studies Project, led by native-born Iranians, operates 24/7/365, monitoring, translating, and analyzing content from Iranian TV, social media, websites, blogs, online forums, and more. This project includes nearly three decades of translating Iran's religious, military, and political leaders as well as the country's extremism and voices of reform. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to MEMRI to support our vital translations from Farsi. ABOUT MEMRI Exploring the Middle East and South Asia through their media, MEMRI bridges the language gap between the West and the Middle East and South Asia, providing timely translations of Arabic, Farsi, Urdu-Pashtu, Dari, Turkish, Russian, and Chinese media, as well as original analysis of political, ideological, intellectual, social, cultural, and religious trends. Founded in February 1998 to inform the debate over U.S. policy in the Middle East, MEMRI is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. MEMRI's main office is in Washington, DC, with branch offices in various world capitals. MEMRI research is translated into English, French, Polish, Japanese, Spanish, and Hebrew. MEMRI - Middle East Media Research Institute: www.memri.org MEMRI TV - www.memri.org/tv Jihad & Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) - www.memri.org/jttm Cyber & Jihad Lab (CJL) - www.memri.org/cjlab MEMRI Twitter: https://twitter.com/memrireports/ MEMRI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC59Cpk70K2TwdmApJOTuW9g/videos MEMRI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memrireports/ Contact Information: MEMRI media@memri.org 202-955-9070 www.memri.org SOURCE: Middle East Media Research Institute View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/visit-the-new-memri-%22war-with-iran%22-webpage-featuring-the-latest-translations-1144772 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Crude oil has catapulted on Friday after Qatar warned of a production halt in the gulf in the coming days as the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has heavily disrupted the energy supply route through the Strait of Hormuz. WTI Crude Oil for April delivery was last seen trading up by $9.88 (or 12.20%) at $90.89 per barrel. The war that erupted in the Middle East after the U.S. and Israel launched a furious military offensive against Iran on February 28 has entered day number seven today. The U.S.-Israel attacks, which killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have so far claimed more than 1,300 lives in Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump has refused any other settlement with Iran other than its unconditional surrender. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that they are not seeking negotiations. Refusing to give up, Iran has expanded its retaliation against all U.S. bases installed in the Arabian neighborhood. Energy transit through the Strait of Hormuz has been disrupted, with the number of ships passing through the channel decreasing for the past week, (from an average of 138 ships per day to merely two yesterday) fearing attacks. The Strait of Hormuz, the narrow shipping lane running between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is the only passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is a strategic chokepoint for oil transit and an artery for energy movement in the gulf. Around 20% of global oil and gas inventories pass through this seaway to the rest of the world. Top global oil importers, including China (5.4 million barrels per day), India (2.1 million bpd), South Korea (1.7 million bpd), and Japan (1.6 million bpd), stand to suffer more. While Iranian General Sardar Ebrahim Jabbari declared that Iran will not allow oil to leave the region, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh denied it, stating there is 'no immediate plan' to shut the oil route. U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright stated in an interview with Fox News that the U.S. Navy is readying to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. is also reportedly considering large-scale release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in coordination with IEA partners. Faced with supply and transit challenges, Qatar's Energy Minister Saad-al-Kaabi told the Financial Times that a prolonged war could force energy exporters in the gulf to halt production in the coming days. Kaabi also warned that oil prices may shoot up to $150 per barrel. Reportedly, Kuwait had already shut down oil production at some of its oil fields due to storage concerns. Blocking the strait is expected to inflate global goods and services costs too. The war has also affected global logistic chains and food supplies to the gulf countries. With air freight to the Middle East declining more than 20% since the war began, CEO of logistics giant Kuehne + Nagel Stefan Paul warned that Dubai may have just around 10 days of fresh food supply. With no end to the furious war in sight, experts feel that oil prices could continue to climb in the coming days. In a virtual meeting last Sunday, the OPEC member-nations agreed to increase oil production by 206,000 barrels per day in April. In the U.S., according to a Baker Hughes Company's report, crude oil rigs have increased to 411 on March 6 from 407 in the previous week and total rigs have increased to 551 from 550 in the previous week. Copyright(c) 2026 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2026 AFX News Launching Sovereign Carbon Infrastructure-as-a-Service (SCIaaS) for the Emerging Global Carbon Market MIAMI, FL AND TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2026 / TGI Solar Power Group, Inc. (OTC:TSPG), a diversified sustainable infrastructure and clean-energy technology holding company, today announced an update to signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire XGC Corp. XGC Corp is an Ontario-based developer of sovereign-grade carbon registry infrastructure powered by artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and enterprise financial systems. The proposed transaction values XGC's carbon registry software platform and associated intellectual property at $1.8 million USD. The acquisition will be executed through a newly formed Wyoming subsidiary dedicated to deploying national carbon registry infrastructure for sovereign governments participating in international carbon markets under the Paris Agreement Article 6.4 mechanism. Requirements for Article 6.4 Registries Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a global framework for international carbon credit trading. Countries participating in these markets must implement national authorization systems and registry infrastructure capable of issuing, tracking, and retiring carbon credits. Based on this framework and XGC's technology, the technical requirements for these registries include: Issuance and Tracking Architecture: Infrastructure capable of issuing, tracking, and retiring carbon credits to maintain a precise ledger of national assets. Double-Counting Prevention: High-integrity systems designed to ensure that climate finance flows are transparent and that credits are not claimed by more than one entity. MRV Capabilities: Modern digital infrastructure layers that enable countries to manage, verify, and monetize carbon assets effectively. Technical Brief: AI and Blockchain for Article 6.4 Compliance XGC's platform specifically addresses the rigorous compliance standards of Article 6.4 through two core technological pillars: 1. Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) for High-Integrity MRV Automated Verification: AI-driven satellite monitoring and data processing replace slow, manual auditing, providing real-time Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) of carbon sequestration assets. Dynamic Data Analysis: AI algorithms analyze complex environmental datasets to ensure that carbon credits represent genuine, additional, and permanent emissions reductions as required by international standards. 2. Blockchain for Immutable Ledger & Transparency Elimination of Double Counting: By utilizing a distributed blockchain ledger, every carbon credit is assigned a unique, non-fungible digital identity that tracks its entire lifecycle from issuance to retirement. Smart Contract Governance: Smart contracts automate "Worker-First" waterfalls and sovereign royalties, ensuring transparent and immediate distribution of climate finance to local stakeholders and host-nation governments. Public Trust: The decentralized nature of the blockchain provides an immutable audit trail, ensuring that national registries remain transparent and resistant to tampering. Strategic Financial Opportunity in the Global Carbon Market The global carbon market is expected to expand dramatically as governments and corporations accelerate decarbonization strategies. Analysts estimate that international carbon markets could grow into a multi-trillion-dollar global asset class over the coming decades as Article 6 mechanisms are implemented worldwide. Through this strategic acquisition, TGI Solar Power Group aims to lead the deployment of the digital architecture necessary to support this massive shift in global climate finance. About XGC Corp. XGC Corp provides national-grade carbon registry solutions combining AI, Blockchain, and ERP into a single cloud-based protocol, enabling sovereign nations to manage their carbon assets with maximum integrity and transparency. https://xgccorp.com/ About TGI Solar Power Group TGI Solar Power Group, Inc. is a diversified holding company focusing on solar energy, sustainable infrastructure, and innovative technologies that drive the global transition to a green economy. www.tgipower.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Safe Harbor statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1965: Those statements contained herein which are not historical are forward-looking statements, and as such are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual operating results to materially differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, certain delays that are beyond the company's control, with respect to market. Contact: TGI Solar Power Group, Inc. info@tgipower.com XGC CorpDaniel Brody, CEOdb@xgccorp.com https://xgccorp.com/ SOURCE: TGI Solar Power Group, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/tgi-update-signs-loi-to-acquire-xgc-corp-to-build-national-carbon-reg-1144874 Orion S.A. (NYSE: OEC), a global specialty chemicals company, today announced that it will hold its 2026 annual general meeting of shareholders on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 2 p.m. Central European Time at the company's office, located at 6, Route de Treves, L-2633 Senningerberg (Municipality of Niederanven), Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The company also set its record date for the admission of the company's shareholders to its annual general meeting to April 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central European Time. The annual general meeting will be held in person and will be streamed via live online webcast, making it also possible to attend virtually and to exercise shareholder rights by means of advance remote communication. About Orion S.A. Orion S.A. (NYSE: OEC) is a leading global supplier of carbon black, a solid form of carbon produced as powder or pellets. The material is made to customers' exacting specifications for tires, coatings, ink, batteries, plastics and numerous other specialty, high-performance applications. Carbon black is used to tint, colorize, provide reinforcement, conduct electricity, increase durability and add UV protection. Orion has four innovation centers and produces carbon black at 15 plants worldwide, offering the most diverse variety of production processes in the industry. The company's corporate lineage goes back more than 160 years to Germany, where it operates the world's longest-running carbon black plant. Orion is a leading innovator, applying a deep understanding of customers' needs to deliver sustainable solutions. For more information, please visit orioncarbons.com. Forward-Looking Statements This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. New risk factors and uncertainties emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict all risk factors and uncertainties, nor can we assess the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information, other than as required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260306029205/en/ Contacts: Christopher Kapsch Orion S.A. Vice President of Investor Relations christopher.kapsch@orioncarbons.com Direct: +1 281-318-4413 William Foreman Orion S.A. Director of Corporate Communications and Government Affairs william.foreman@orioncarbons.com Direct: +1 832-445-3305 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2026 / Sceptre Ventures Inc. ("Sceptre" or the "Company") (TSXV:SVP.H)(NEX:SVP.H) announces that it has amended the terms of its non-brokered private placement offering previously disclosed on January 21, 2026 (the "Private Placement"), pursuant to which the Company announced the intention to issue up to 6,000,000 units (on a pre-consolidated basis), with each unit to be comprised of one common share and one share purchase warrant. The terms of the Private Placement were amended to consist of up to 600,000 common shares of the Company (each, a "Share") at a price of $0.50 per Share for gross proceeds of up to $300,000 (the "Amended Private Placement"). The Company further announces that it has closed the fully subscribed Amended Private Placement by issuing an aggregate of 600,000 Shares at a price of $0.50 per Share for gross proceeds of $300,000. Proceeds of the Amended Private Placement will be used for identifying and evaluating a proposed Qualifying Transaction (as defined in Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") and for general working capital purposes. No finder's fees were paid in connection with the Amended Private Placement. The Shares issued under the Amended Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Amended Private Placement is subject to final acceptance of the Exchange. None of the securities sold in connection with the Amended Private Placement will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no such securities may be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Sceptre Ventures Inc. Sceptre Ventures Inc. is a Capital Pool Company ("CPC") within the meaning of the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange and has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. Sceptre is currently engaged in identifying and evaluating businesses and assets with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction under the TSXV's CPC policy. For Further Information: Kevin Bottomley, Chief Executive Officer Suite 1450-789 West Pender Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 1H2, Canada Tel: 604-681-1568 Email: Kevin@corvidiancap.com FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements about the Amended Private Placement and its terms, and the anticipated use of proceeds. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied, including, without limitation, that the Company may not use the gross proceeds as initially contemplated. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. The Company cannot assure that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. SOURCE: Sceptre Ventures Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/sceptre-ventures-announces-amendment-and-closing-of-private-placemen-1144774 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - PesoRama Inc. (TSXV: PESO) (OTC Pink: PSSOF) (FSE: ZE6) ("PesoRama" or the "Company"), a Canadian company operating dollar stores in Mexico under the JOi Dollar Plus brand, is pleased to announce the appointment of Eduardo Fernandez as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective Monday, March 9, 2026. Mr. Fernandez brings extensive financial leadership experience across multinational and high-growth enterprises, with a strong record of operational transformation, capital markets execution, and disciplined governance. Mr. Fernandez has worked in the accounting and finance industry for over 10 years. Mr. Fernandez began his professional career as Treasurer and Head of OTC for Mexico at Kraft Heinz, a leading company in the multinational consumer packaged goods industry. He later worked as Interim Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer at Lingo Leasing, one of Mexico's largest leasing companies specializing in foreign funding and public debt. Most recently, Mr. Fernandez was the Chief Financial Officer in Mexico and later LATAM for Wework, an international leader in the market of coworking office spaces. As CFO Mr. Fernandez oversaw financial operations for a portfolio of 4 countries, managing an annual budget of USD 200M. He was then promoted as his last role to Country Manager. Mr. Fernandez holds a Bachelor's Degree in Financial Administration from ITESM Campus Guadalajara and is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Rahim Bhaloo, Founder, CEO and Executive Chairman, stated: "We are delighted to welcome Eduardo as our new Chief Financial Officer. His proven track record in driving financial discipline, strengthening governance, and enabling sustainable growth positions him to be an immediate catalyst for our next phase. Eduardo joins us at a pivotal inflection point for Pesorama. His deep expertise in institutional financial frameworks and his history of scaling complex operations in Mexico make him the ideal architect for our next phase of growth. We expect Eduardo to play a critical role in optimizing our capital structure and driving the operational efficiencies that will ultimately deliver long-term value to our shareholders." Mr. Fernandez will oversee PesoRama's finance, accounting, treasury, capital markets activities, and reporting functions and will work closely with the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors of PesoRama on long term planning and execution. He will be based in Mexico City. In connection with his appointment, the Company has granted to Mr. Fernandez incentive stock options (the "Options") to purchase an aggregate of 1,250,000 common shares (each, a "Share") of the Company. The Options are exercisable until March 9, 2031 at a price of $0.35 per Share and shall vest as follows: on the first anniversary of the date of grant, on the second anniversary of the date of the grant, on the third anniversary of the date of the grant, and on the fourth anniversary of the date of the grant. The Options are granted pursuant to the Company's stock option plan which was most recently approved by shareholders at the Company's annual and special meeting held on August 8, 2023. About PesoRama Inc. PesoRama, operating under the JOi Dollar Plus brand, is a Mexican value dollar store retailer. PesoRama launched operations in 2019 in Mexico City and the surrounding areas targeting high density, high traffic locations. PesoRama's 32 stores offer consistent merchandise offerings which include items in the following categories: household goods, pet supplies, seasonal products, party supplies, health and beauty, snack food items, confectionery and more. For more information visit: http://pesorama.ca. Cautionary Note This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, among other things, statements regarding anticipated contributions of the new Chief Financial Officer and expected operational and financial outcomes, the Company's planned expansion, new store openings and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate. While the Company believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements, including due to changes in consumer behaviour, general economic factors, the ability of the Company to execute its strategies, the availability of capital and the risk factors which are discussed in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's prospectus dated January 31, 2022 and filed under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. PesoRama undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third-parties in respect of PesoRama, its securities, or its financial or operating results (as applicable). Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286547 Source: PesoRama Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - Tenet Fintech Group Inc. (CSE: PKK) (OTC Pink: PKKFF) ("Tenet" or the "Company"), an innovative analytics service provider, owner and operator of the Cubeler Business Development Platform, today announced that the class action lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York on October 25, 2023 against the Company, its CEO and CFO alleging four counts of violations of the securities laws of the United States (the "Lawsuit"), was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiffs without prejudice pursuant to the parties' stipulation of voluntarily dismissal. The Court has administratively closed the litigation. The Company did not pay any compensation to the plaintiffs, nor does it have any obligations, financial or otherwise, owed to the plaintiffs in connection with the Lawsuit. "We are very grateful for today's announced resolution to the Lawsuit and can now focus our attention on the Company's continued development," commented Johnson Joseph, President and CEO of Tenet. "On behalf of all Tenet shareholders, I would like to thank our U.S. counsels Douglas Baumstein and Scott Rader of Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. for their exceptional work in guiding us through the litigation." About Tenet Fintech Group Inc.: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. is the parent company of a group of innovative financial technology (Fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) companies. All references to Tenet in this news release, unless explicitly specified, include Tenet and all its subsidiaries. Tenet's subsidiaries offer various analytics and AI-based products and services to businesses, capital markets professionals, government agencies and financial institutions either through or leveraging data gathered by the Cubeler Business Development Platform, a global ecosystem where analytics and AI are used to create opportunities and facilitate B2B transactions among its members. Please visit our website at: https://www.tenetfintech.com/. For more information, please contact: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. Follow Tenet Fintech Group Inc. on social media: X: @Tenet_Fintech Facebook: @Tenet LinkedIn: Tenet YouTube: Tenet Fintech Forward-looking information Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Tenet to be materially different from the outlook or any future results, performance or achievements implied by such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that could affect the forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: (i) the potential refiling and/or restatement of certain financial statements and related management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) as a result of potential material misstatements; (ii) the granting of a partial revocation order by the OSC; (iii) the granting of a full revocation order by the OSC; (iv) the completion of the previously announced private placement; and (v) the timing and outcome of the OSC's review of the Company's disclosure record, and general economic and business conditions. Reference should also be made to Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) in Tenet's annual and interim reports, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available via the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) under Tenet's profile at www.sedarplus.ca, for a description of major risk factors relating to Tenet. Although Tenet has attempted to identify certain factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event the Company does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that the Company will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286566 Source: Tenet Fintech Group Inc. Miami, Florida and Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 6, 2026) - TGI Solar Power Group, Inc. (OTC: TSPG), a diversified sustainable infrastructure and clean-energy technology holding company, today announced it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire XGC Corp, an Ontario-based developer of sovereign-grade carbon registry infrastructure powered by artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and enterprise financial systems. The proposed transaction values XGC's carbon registry software platform and associated intellectual property at $1.8 million USD and will be executed through a newly formed Wyoming subsidiary dedicated to deploying national carbon registry infrastructure for sovereign governments participating in international carbon markets under the Paris Agreement Article 6.4 mechanism. Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a global framework for international carbon credit trading. Countries participating in these markets must implement national authorization systems and registry infrastructure capable of issuing, tracking, and retiring carbon credits. These registries form the backbone of sovereign carbon markets and are critical to preventing double counting and ensuring transparent climate finance flows. The acquisition positions TGI Solar Power Group to deliver what the companies describe as Sovereign Carbon Infrastructure-as-a-Service (SCIaaS) - a national digital infrastructure layer enabling countries to manage, verify, and monetize carbon assets through modern financial technology systems. Strategic Financial Opportunity in the Global Carbon Market The global carbon market is expected to expand dramatically as governments and corporations accelerate decarbonization strategies. Analysts estimate that international carbon markets could grow into a multi-trillion-dollar global asset class over the coming decades as Article 6 mechanisms are implemented worldwide. Through this transaction, TGI Solar Power Group (OTC: TSPG) will gain access to a scalable climate-technology platform capable of generating recurring revenue through registry licensing and transaction fees tied to carbon credit issuance and trading. Under the planned business model, the platform is expected to generate software-as-a-service (SaaS) revenues tied to national carbon credit activity, creating a recurring revenue stream linked to sovereign climate programs and long-term government infrastructure contracts. "We are not simply acquiring software - we are acquiring a gateway into the sovereign carbon economy," said a spokesperson for TGI Solar Power Group. "XGC's technology provides the digital infrastructure countries require to participate in the rapidly emerging global carbon markets." The Technology Stack: AI, Blockchain, and Enterprise Governance XGC's national carbon registry infrastructure integrates three core technology layers designed to solve the historic trust and verification challenges that have limited carbon markets. Sovereign AI (GeoAI Verification) Proprietary GeoAI technology uses multispectral satellite imagery, remote sensing, and machine learning to verify carbon sequestration projects in near real time, replacing slow and manual auditing processes. Blockchain Settlement Infrastructure Each verified metric ton of carbon is tokenized on an immutable distributed ledger, enabling transparent lifecycle tracking of carbon credits while eliminating double counting across markets. Enterprise Financial Governance (ERP Layer) A built-in financial governance system automates compliance, royalty distribution, and transaction auditing, enabling transparent allocation of revenues to host nations and project stakeholders. Together, these technologies create a secure digital infrastructure for sovereign carbon markets, allowing governments to operate national registries with the same level of integrity used in financial systems. Intellectual Property Protection XGC also announced that its integrated registry architecture - combining GeoAI verification, blockchain settlement, and enterprise financial governance - is currently being submitted for international patent protection. The company has received a formal legal opinion supporting the patentability of its sovereign carbon registry framework and associated verification technologies. The patent filings are expected to cover innovations related to: AI-driven carbon measurement and verification tokenized carbon credit issuance and lifecycle tracking automated sovereign royalty distribution systems secure carbon registry architecture for national governments These protections are intended to establish a durable intellectual property position around the emerging infrastructure layer required for sovereign carbon markets. Global Deployment Strategy Following completion of due diligence and execution of definitive agreements, the companies plan to deploy the platform across several high-impact jurisdictions. Initial focus markets include national carbon registry deployments across Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America, regions where governments are actively preparing to participate in Article 6 carbon markets. Under the terms of the LOI, the parties will enter a 90-day due diligence period during which technical, financial, and legal evaluations will be completed. During this period, a beta version of the national carbon registry platform will be prepared for testing with partner governments. Leadership and Governance Under the proposed agreement, Daniel Brody, Founder and CEO of XGC Corp, is expected to assume a leadership role in the new subsidiary and join the board of directors of TGI Solar Power Group or the newly formed subsidiary following closing. "Joining forces with TGI allows us to accelerate deployment of sovereign carbon infrastructure at a critical moment for global climate policy," said Daniel Brody. "Our mission is to ensure countries can manage environmental assets with the same transparency and financial discipline used in modern capital markets." About XGC Corp XGC Corp develops national-grade carbon registry infrastructure combining artificial intelligence, blockchain, and enterprise financial governance into a unified digital platform. The company's technology enables governments and institutions to verify, tokenize, and manage carbon assets with transparency and regulatory integrity. Learn more at https://xgccorp.com About TGI Solar Power Group TGI Solar Power Group, Inc. (OTC: TSPG) is a diversified holding company focused on renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and emerging technologies supporting the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Learn more at https://tgipower.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the anticipated acquisition, technology deployment, revenue potential, and market opportunities related to global carbon markets. Actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties including regulatory developments, completion of due diligence, and market adoption of national carbon registry infrastructure. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/286545 Source: XGC Software Inc. As tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel escalate and fears grow over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, concerns about the global economic and geopolitical fallout are intensifying. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Mohammad Reza Farzanegan, Professor of Economics of the Middle East at Philipps-Universitat Marburg in Germany and a leading expert on Irans political economy, warns that the conflict could have far-reaching consequences beyond the region. Farzanegan says prolonged disruption in Gulf energy routes could slow global economic growth and hit Asias major oil-importing economies the hardest. He also cautions that the war risks expanding into a broader regional confrontation while potentially reshaping Irans strategic orientation toward powers such as China and Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Edited Excerpts: Tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran had been building for a long time, but the conflict escalated on February 28. We are now into the fifth day of the war. How do you assess the current situation? The current situation is, as you can also see in the news and based on the information we get from Iranalthough nowadays it is not easy to obtain direct information due to communication disruptions in Iranthat the resistance against the military invasion by Israel and the USA is continuing. Iran is not in a position where it would agree to a ceasefire because it believes that stopping the war at this point would mean that the costs of stopping it would exceed the benefits. That would not be the equilibrium they expect from such a decision. The situation currently involves daily military attacks on infrastructure, military organizations, civil organizations, and institutions representing the Iranian government official institutions. However, the attacks are not limited to these places. When we look at Tehran, the damages across different parts of the city from north to south and east to west are significant. There is serious concern that these attacks will begin targeting energy infrastructure and other facilities that could take many years to reconstruct. That would result in a major financial loss for Iran. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The costs are also not limited to Iran. As you may have seen in the news, there is an expansion of the conflict across the region. The calculation within the Iranian administration is that if Iran is paying the costs of this war, then others who are directly or indirectly involved in logistics, intelligence, and other forms of assistance to Israeli and American forces should also bear those costs. That is why we see Iran targeting US military bases across the region. The war, and the expansion of it, does not appear likely to decrease in the short term. Much depends on how strongly the other side insists on continuing this war against Iran, which, by the way, according to international law, has been questioned by many observers globally. Many are questioning the legality of what they describe as an imposed war on Iran in the middle of negotiations. According to these observers, there is no clear legal basis for it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is the picture we currently have in the short term. The long-term perspective depends heavily on Irans ability to finance this resistance. Any resistance requires funding, resources, social resilience, and social unity against what they see as aggression. Unfortunately, part of this resilience has weakened over the past years and months. I say years because Iran has been under massive sanctions by the United States and the European Union, which has severely limited its ability to finance resistance. At the same time, we saw during January 2026 protests that the repression of those protests also eroded part of the Iranian governments social capital within society. This may also explain why some opposition groups were calling for intervention under the doctrine of responsibility to protect. So we are observing a very complex situation. Multiple factors have made the situation in Iran extremely risky for the region. The spillover effects of this conflict could affect Irans neighbors and even countries that are not immediate neighbors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These effects are already becoming visible and will likely impact the international economy, oil prices, and other sectors very soon. The US has openly talked about regime change in Iran, especially after the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. But looking at the developments so far, do you think Washington is moving away from that objective, or is regime change still the ultimate goal? Im not really seeing that they are diverging from that objective. That is the first phase the change in the regime and it has been frequently mentioned by Mr Trump, his administration, his foreign minister, and other major members of their party. The ideal situation for them is a change in the political regime. That does not necessarily mean splitting the territory of Iran from the American perspective Im not talking about the Israeli perspective. The Americans are not necessarily preferring a chaotic Iran, because they know that a chaotic Iran with a population of 90 million and many ethnic groups would be a disaster for the region and for all the investments they have in the area. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD You can imagine the kind of negative externalities a chaotic Iran would produce for the entire region, creating long-term instability. However, regime change is clearly something they are interested in. We have also heard reports that the CIA is in contact with Kurdish separatists, potentially to arm and organise them in case of a ground operation. That would be a very dangerous move toward destabilizing the Iranian political system in the hope of achieving regime change. If you look at previous years, regime change was always on the agenda as one of the objectives behind the international sanctions imposed on Iran. These sanctions were often justified in terms of democratisation, human rights, and similar issues. But at the end of the day, it was quite clear that the sanctions were intended to increase poverty, frustration, and economic misery among the population so that public dissatisfaction would eventually translate into a change in the political system. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD That translation can take different forms. Sometimes the political establishment can change through democratic elections, but we know that this is not very realistic in many Middle Eastern countries. Another pathway could be large-scale protests, anti-government demonstrations, rising risks of terrorism, or in the worst case even civil war. Sanctions were meant to achieve such outcomes without the use of military force. Military intervention requires deploying large amounts of equipment and resources. It is costly and could lead to casualties among ones own troops, which is politically expensive for an administration like Trumps. Therefore, imposing economic pain through sanctions was seen as a more convenient strategy. However, sanctions did not succeed in the case of Iran. Otherwise, there would have been no need for military intervention in a country already under heavy sanctions. This is a clear example of the long-term failure of sanctions. In Irans case, it is evident that sanctions did not work. Unfortunately, we now see a situation where war has been imposed on the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I believe the ultimate objective remains regime change. Such a change could happen without dividing Irans territoryit could keep the country intact as it is today. That is probably what the Americans are interested in. However, it is not entirely clear what the agenda of Israel is. A significantly weakened Iran is certainly in Israels interest. It is also unclear whether Israel is alone in this view or how other neighboring countriesparticularly those in the southern Persian Gulfsee the situation. Some of them might consider a strong Iran to be a threat or risk. To what extent they also desire such an outcome is not entirely clear. But we do know that what Israel is looking for is not necessarily the same as what the Americans want in this conflict, and there are differences between their approaches. Still, as before, regime change appears to remain an objective they would like to achieve. However, the question is whether it can be achieved by killing civilians. Past experiences suggest that when a country like Iran comes under direct external military attack, the rally around the flag effect becomes very strong among the population. I believe that any meaningful change will have to come from within Iran itself and not in the short term. It will take time. It will require substantial efforts, patience, and institutionalized reforms. That would be the best outcome for everyoneboth for those living in Iran and for the wider regionbecause change coming from within would avoid the much higher human and economic costs that external intervention could impose, not only on Iran but on the entire region. One major fallout of this war is the economic impact. Iran has threatened to attack any ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively shutting one of the worlds most critical oil routes. How do you assess the economic fallout of this conflict, especially given its potential impact on the global economy? Focusing on the Middle Eastern countries, the effects are already very clear. Both oil exporters and oil importers in the region are being affected. For oil exporters, the challenge is obvious. Other GCC countries rely on these waterways to export their oil to international markets. Iran has the capability to close the Strait of Hormuz and has effectively done so. There may be exceptionsfor example, some Chinese shipments might still pass through for political reasonsbut most others are now facing serious risks. The assumption that oil markets would not react strongly to Iranian actions has proven unrealistic. Oil prices are already rising. Earlier predictions suggested that Saudi Arabia might compensate for any supply shortfall by increasing production. However, Irans direct attacks on energy facilities, terminals, and other infrastructure that are critical to regional supply have changed those assumptions. The earlier expectations no longer hold. Iran appears to be trying to increase the cost of the war by forcing others to bear part of that cost as well. In that sense, oil markets are extremely sensitive to developments, and the situation could worsen in the coming days and weeks. For Middle Eastern countries that are not major oil exporters, the consequences are also negative. Many of these economies rely heavily on remittances from workers employed in the oil-rich GCC states. If you look at countries such as Egypt, Yemen, Lebanon, Morocco, and other North African nations, a large portion of their foreign exchange earnings comes from labor migration to Gulf economies. Workers from these countriesas well as from India and East Asian nationssend remittances back home. If the economies of the Gulf countries weaken due to the conflict, remittances will decline. That will create a chain reaction affecting many economies, regardless of whether they are oil exporters or importers. Another major consequence is the sharp increase in investment risk across the region. It does not even require large-scale physical destruction in GCC countries. A few drone or missile attacks on airports, ports, or energy facilities are enough to significantly increase the perception of risk. We know that many of these economies depend heavily on international investment and tourism. If investors and tourists begin to perceive the region as unstable, the flow of investment and tourism could slow dramatically. Even the general sense of insecurity is enough to discourage capital inflows. From the Iranian perspective, the calculation appears to be to increase pressure on other countries and on the United States to stop the war. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE have leverage with Washington. If the economic costs rise for them as well, they may be pushed to exert more pressure on US policy. China is another important factor. China has made significant investments in the region and has strong economic interests there. For Beijing, escalating conflict and violence in the Middle East is clearly not good news. That may encourage China to become more active diplomatically in pushing for an end to the war. As I mentioned earlier, many observers argue that this war lacks a clear legal basis. From their perspective, there has been no convincing legal justification presented to the public for launching a war against Iran in the middle of negotiations, especially when Iran had indicated it was ready to reduce aspects of its nuclear activities. Interestingly, the justification for the war is also somewhat contradictory. President Trump previously claimed that Irans nuclear facilities had already been destroyed, yet the current war is being justified on the grounds that those facilities are still active. In any case, the economic and financial costs of this conflict will be enormous. And that is not even considering the human costbrain drain, migration, displacement of people, and environmental damage. For example, damage to oil fields and energy infrastructure could severely harm the environment in the Persian Gulf and the wider region. Burning oil facilities and energy installations could have long-term environmental consequences. Considering all these factors, the sooner this war ends with a sustainable solution, the better it will be for everyoneboth in the region and globally. Even European countries should be very concerned. This situation is very different from Syria. Iran has a population of around 90 million people. If instability escalates, large waves of refugees could move toward Europe or neighboring regions. We already know how sensitive the political situation in Europe is regarding migration and refugees, especially with the rise of right-wing political parties. For all these reasons, it is in the interest of everyone involved to move toward a ceasefire and establish a sustainable peace. There are multiple projections about oil prices right now. Some analysts say crude could reach $150 or even $200 per barrel if the conflict escalates. Do you see oil prices rising to those levels? I cannot say that. I cannot predict the oil market or oil prices. As you know, oil prices are a function of many different factors. One element, for example, has been the control of Venezuelan oil, which has reduced some concerns on the American side. But how much oil prices will increasewhich they are already doingand whether they will reach the levels you mentioned depends largely on the scale and expansion of the conflict and how long it lasts. Another factor is the availability of alternative suppliers. As I said earlier, if the Strait of Hormuz is successfully closed by the Iranian military for a prolonged period, that would definitely result in a more severe supply deficit. Other energy suppliers also matter. For example, Russia is already under sanctions from Europe and several other countries. Because of those sanctions, it may not be easy for Russian supplies to fully compensate for any deficit in the global marketunless Europe decides to partially lift those sanctions. There have been some discussions and speculation about this on social media and other platforms. So predicting oil prices in such circumstances is extremely difficult. What we can do is only speculate about the factors that could push prices higher. These include the availability of alternative oil supplies and how effectively Iranian military forces might disrupt those suppliesespecially those coming from Saudi Arabia and other GCC oil exporters in the Persian Gulf. Countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea depend heavily on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Would it be fair to say that Asian economies could become the biggest casualties if the disruption continues? Yes, these countries depend heavily on imported oil from the Persian Gulf, especially China. Any disruption in supply and higher energy prices will damage their economies. Higher oil and energy prices reduce economic growth. If economic growth slows in these countries, the consequences will be felt globally. For example, when Chinas economic growth declines, many other economies that are directly or indirectly linked to China are also affected. So your assumption is not wrong. These countries will also indirectly pay the cost of this war. As I mentioned earlier, once a war begins, the costs are not limited to the direct targets of the conflict. In a globalized economy, almost everyone eventually suffers the consequences. Of course, there are some sectors that may benefit, such as the military industry and weapons manufacturers. They may emerge as the winners of such conflicts. But ordinary peoplethose who had nothing to do with the decisions that led to the warare the ones who ultimately feel its economic cost. People experience this most directly when they go to fill fuel in their cars and see the price of gasoline rising. Even if someone is not following the war in the Middle East, they will feel its effects through higher energy priceswhether they live in Berlin, Hamburg, or elsewhere in Europe. In a globalized economy, it is almost impossible to isolate yourself from the consequences of a war in such an important energy region. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical chokepoints in global energy trade. In the past, the idea that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz was mostly theoretical. It was considered a last resort. But now we see that it has been used very early in the conflict because of the severity of the risks that Iran believes it faces. From the Iranian perspective, this is an existential war for the political establishment. If Iran cannot involve other countries in the conflict or impose economic costs on them, it will have little leverage to pressure the United States to stop the war. Ultimately, the war will likely end only when the US administration decides that it should end. We saw something similar in June 2025 when Israel attacked Iran, and the ceasefire eventually came after pressure from President Trump. From the Iranian perspective, the goal is to create enough pressure so that the US administration concludes that continuing the war will not achieve its objective of regime change and may instead create domestic political risks for the administration itself. That could be the moment when we finally see an end to this bloody war. President Donald Trump has said that the US Navy could escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to protect them from potential Iranian attacks. Do you think this could reassure markets and reduce concerns about disruptions in the Strait? Not at all. In fact, I think that is exactly what the Iranian military forces may be waiting for. As long as Irans ballistic missile capabilities remain operational, escorting vessels with the US Navy could actually make them easier targets for Iranian forces. In that sense, Iran might even be waiting for such a scenario. Therefore, I would not see this as a real relief for other countries that rely on the Strait of Hormuz. If the United States believed this was an effective solution, it probably would have implemented it much earlier. They were not waiting for such discussions to begin now. That suggests the US is also aware of the significant challenges involved in trying to secure oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz under these conditions. As long as Iran retains the capability to strike in that area, escorting ships through the Strait would remain extremely risky. I would not say it is impossible for the US to attempt it, but it would certainly carry substantial risks. Given Irans economic vulnerabilities and years of sanctions, can it realistically sustain a prolonged confrontation with the United States and Israel if the conflict escalates further? If we are looking at the long-term perspective for the country and the costs it would impose on future generations, that is a serious concern. However, in the short and medium term, Iran can still allocate more resources to sustain the war effort. But that would come at a cost. Other sectors such as education and healthcare would become underfunded. It is important to remember that sanctions had already weakened these sectors even before the war began. So it would create a very large opportunity cost for Iran to be involved in this waran unnecessary war not only from the Iranian perspective but also from the global perspective, and even from the American perspective. Financially, Iran can manage in the short term, but this would come at the expense of welfare losses for the Iranian population. For that reason, Iran appears to believe that other countries in the region should also bear some of the costs of this conflict. If the economic burden spreads across the region, those countries might also push for ending the war as quickly as possible. That is one reason why the conflict has gradually taken on a more regional dimension. At the same time, resources are not unlimited, especially when Iran is confronting two powerful actorsthe United States and Israel. These countries have far greater financial, technological, military, and political resources, along with significant international support, particularly from Western countries. There are also other countries providing logistical support to these operations. So based on a simple calculation of resources, it would be very difficult for Iran to sustain such a conflict in the long term. Short-term resistance is possible, but it comes with a major opportunity cost and significant welfare losses for Iran. However, from the perspective of the Iranian establishment, this war is seen as existential. Because of that perception, they may be willing to bear these costs for now without focusing too much on the long-term consequences. Those long-term costs will likely fall on future generations, who will have to rebuild the economy and reconstruct the country after the destruction. So the short answer to your question is yesit is feasible for Iran to continue this war in the short term. But in the long term, its options will become much more limited. If tensions escalate further, could this conflict trigger the biggest global energy shock since the 1973 oil crisis? Well, yes and nomaybe. Yes, in the sense that we are witnessing a war imposed on a country of Irans size in a region that is central to global energy markets. The conflict has already taken on regional dimensions, partly because Iran has the military capabilityespecially its ballistic missile capacityto expand the war across the region. Iran invested heavily in these capabilities after the Iran-Iraq War, realizing that they were essential for its defense strategy. From that perspective, the shock to energy markets could be significant. However, the global economy today is very different from what it was during the 1973 oil crisis. Over the decades, economies have become more efficient in their use of energy. Alternative energy sources have also expanded. Renewable energysuch as wind and solarhas grown significantly, especially in Western countries. Because of this, global dependence on fossil fuels may be somewhat lower compared to the period you mentioned. That could increase the resilience of the global economy to some extent. Many things have changed. On one side, the shock could still be significant in terms of disruptions to energy supply and increased risks to energy infrastructure and investment. On the other side, energy consumers and importing countries have also adapted. Energy efficiency has improved, the energy intensity of production has declined, and investments in renewable energy have increasedespecially after the RussiaUkraine war. That conflict pushed many Western countries to rethink their dependence on fossil fuels and energy supplies from geopolitically sensitive regions. So all these factors need to be considered when assessing whether the current shock could be comparable to the one experienced during the 1973 crisis. Finally, looking ahead, how do you see this conflict evolving? Do you expect any de-escalation, or is the situation likely to intensify further? It largely depends on what the United States plans to do next in Iran. If the reports we are hearingthat the CIA is in contact with separatist groups in Iranare accurate and if there is a serious effort to mobilize opposition forces and ethnic minorities against the Iranian government in an organized way, then the situation could evolve into a completely different scenario. That could potentially turn Iran into something similar to what we have seen in Syria or Libya. Such an outcome would not be in the interest of the Middle East at all. It would introduce long-term instability into the region and create a very different picture for the coming months and years. We already have real examples of such situations in the regionin Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Afghanistan. If something similar were to happen in Iran, it would likely be the worst possible scenario not only for Iran but for the entire region. It could lead to refugee crises, economic disruptions, and prolonged instability. On the other hand, if the war ends and we see a more moderate leadership emerge in Iranone that is willing to open up society and pursue reformsthat would create a very different future for both Iran and the region. However, I am not very optimistic that Iran will move in that direction, given the experiences it is going through right now. If the current political system remains intact and regime change does not occur, the Iranian authorities will likely reassess their defense and military strategies. Issues such as nuclear capability could become even more urgent from their perspective after experiencing this level of destruction. We may also see Iran deepen its strategic alignment with countries such as China and Russia and rely more heavily on them in multiple areas. At the same time, the prospects for domestic reform could weaken. Sanctions had already weakened Irans middle class, and this war is likely to damage it even further. The middle class is often the social group that drives reforms, so weakening it reduces the likelihood of meaningful reform in the future. In that sense, I am not very optimistic about reformist forces becoming stronger after this conflict. The worst-case scenario for Iran would be a civil war. Iran is a multi-ethnic country, and under certain circumstances, ethnic tensions could become a serious issue. As long as there is a strong central government controlling the borders and maintaining order, these tensions remain contained. But if external actors begin supporting, funding, or arming ethnic opposition groups while military attacks are ongoing, the risk of internal conflict becomes very real rather than theoretical. If that happens, Iran could be locked into many years of violence and instability. Such a situation would halt the countrys development and destabilise the entire region. Of course, in such a scenario Iran might no longer be seen as a strategic threat to Israel. But the key question is what the United States ultimately wants from Iran. The objectives of the United States and Israel may not necessarily be the same when it comes to the future of Iran. What do you think Israel ultimately wants from this conflict with Iran? Israel is not necessarily interested in a strong Iran. By strong, I mean a country with significant military, economic, and political power and strong regional influence. As long as Iran has not normalized its relationship with Israel, such strength is seen as a threat. Even during the Pahlavi era before the Iranian Revolution, when Iran had relations with Israel, there was still competition between the two countries. For example, when the Shah sought advanced weapons technology from the United States, Israeli officials were not particularly happy with that close military collaboration. For Israel, maintaining military hegemony in the region is extremely important. Any force that challenges that dominance is seen as a potential risk or threat. From that perspective, a significantly weakened Iranregardless of the cost paid by the Iranian populationmight be seen as preferable. Israel may prefer an Iran that is weakened and controllable, a country that could be restrained whenever necessary. However, the perspective of other major powers may be different. Countries like the United States, China, and other large economic actors generally prefer a stable Middle East. Stability allows them to invest in the region, secure energy supplies, and expand economic cooperation. Today we are also talking about large investments in areas such as artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. The Gulf region, with its relatively cheap energy, strong financial resources, and skilled workforce, has become attractive for such investments. President Trump, for example, visited the region recently to discuss major AI investments. But these kinds of investments require stability. You cannot build large technological or economic projects when airports, ports, or industrial facilities are under attack. For that reason, stability in the region is extremely important for many global economic actors. For them, a stable Middle East with a relatively cooperative or Western-friendly government in Iranand with Irans territorial integrity preservedmay be the preferred outcome. However, some of the signals we see in the media do not necessarily point clearly in that direction. So for now, we have to wait and see how the situation develops. Indian stock markets ended a volatile week sharply lower, with the Sensex and Nifty falling nearly 3% as escalating USIsraelIran tensions, rising oil prices and heavy selling in banking stocks weighed on investor sentiment Indian equity benchmarks ended a volatile week deep in the red, with the BSE Sensex and Nifty 50 falling nearly 3 per cent each as escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, a surge in oil prices, and persistent selling in banking stocks rattled investor sentiment. The turbulence on Dalal Street came amid a rapidly intensifying conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which triggered global risk-off sentiment and heightened concerns over energy supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz a critical chokepoint for global oil flows. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By the end of Fridays session, the 30-share Sensex had dropped to 78,918.90, down 1,097 points or 1.37 per cent for the day, while the broader Nifty 50 settled at 24,450.45, losing 315.45 points or 1.27 per cent. Over the course of the week, both benchmark indices declined roughly 3 per cent, reflecting sustained volatility across sectors. Week begins with geopolitical shock Markets opened the week on a sharply negative note on Monday after coordinated USIsraeli airstrikes reportedly killed Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dramatically escalating tensions in West Asia. At the opening bell on Monday, the Sensex plunged over 1,000 points, briefly touching 78,543.73, while the Nifty slipped below 24,900 amid broad-based selling across sectors. The session ended with the Sensex closing 1,048.34 points lower at 80,238.85, while the Nifty settled at 24,865.70, down 312.95 points. The selloff was led by capital goods, financials and auto stocks. Engineering major Larsen & Toubro fell over 5 per cent, while aviation firm InterGlobe Aviation slid nearly 6 per cent. Banking heavyweights including Axis Bank, State Bank of India and Kotak Mahindra Bank also declined. Information technology stocks such as Infosys, TCS and HCLTech ended lower as investors trimmed exposure to risk assets amid global uncertainty. ALSO READ: West Asia crisis fuels energy worries for India, domestic inflows cushion growth: Jefferies Midweek panic as global risk-off deepens Selling pressure intensified midweek, with benchmarks opening sharply lower on Wednesday as global markets reacted to fears of further escalation in the conflict. The Sensex plunged 1,649.78 points, or 2.06 per cent, at the opening bell to 78,589.07, while the Nifty dropped 465.45 points to 24,400.25, briefly hitting an intraday low of 24,358.65. Financial stocks bore the brunt of the decline. HDFC Bank fell nearly 4 per cent, while ICICI Bank and Axis Bank dropped up to 3.6 per cent. Infrastructure giant Larsen & Toubro slid more than 6 per cent, amplifying pressure on the benchmarks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The market reaction was also driven by sharp moves in energy markets. Oil prices surged nearly 4.7 per cent, while European gas prices spiked over 20 per cent after Qatar temporarily halted LNG production, raising fears of global supply disruptions. ALSO READ: India well-placed on oil, LPG supplies despite Strait of Hormuz concerns, say govt sources Relief rally on Thursday After two sessions of heavy losses, Dalal Street staged a strong rebound on Thursday as investors selectively bought beaten-down cyclical stocks. The Sensex jumped 899.71 points, or 1.14 per cent, to close at 80,015.90, reclaiming the psychologically important 80,000 mark. The Nifty rose 256.85 points, or 1.05 per cent, to settle at 24,737.35. The rally was led by metals, infrastructure and energy stocks. Adani Ports gained nearly 4 per cent, while Hindalco surged around 3.8 per cent. Larsen & Toubro climbed more than 3.7 per cent, and energy heavyweight Reliance Industries advanced over 3 per cent. However, the recovery remained fragile as IT and banking stocks lagged the broader market. ALSO READ: Morgan Stanley trims India exposure amid Iran war risks, warns of supply-chain shocks in Asia STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Banking stocks trigger Friday slump The optimism proved short-lived. Markets reversed sharply on Friday as banking and financial stocks led another round of selling. The Sensex plunged more than 1,000 points to close at 78,918.90, while the Nifty slipped below 24,500 to settle at 24,450.45. ICICI Bank emerged as the worst performer, falling more than 3 per cent, while State Bank of India, Axis Bank and HDFC Bank declined between 2 and 2.7 per cent. Financial services firms Bajaj Finance and Bajaj Finserv also ended lower. Industrial and infrastructure stocks including Larsen & Toubro and UltraTech Cement dropped over 2 per cent, while Maruti Suzuki and Bharti Airtel closed in the red. Only a handful of defensive names managed gains. Bharat Electronics rose more than 2 per cent, while Reliance Industries, NTPC, Sun Pharma and Infosys ended modestly higher. Oil shock and policy moves shape sentiment The geopolitical crisis in West Asia remained the dominant driver of market sentiment throughout the week. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes on Israeli and US-linked targets following the reported killing of its Supreme Leader, while also threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz through which roughly 40 per cent of Indias crude oil imports pass. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The turmoil pushed Brent crude prices close to $85 per barrel, while US benchmark WTI crude spiked more than 8.5 per cent, marking its biggest single-day jump since 2020. Adding another geopolitical dimension, Washington granted India a 30-day waiver to continue purchasing Russian oil, easing immediate concerns about energy supply disruptions amid the Iran conflict. India consumes around 5.5 million barrels of oil per day and imports nearly 90 per cent of its crude requirements, making it highly sensitive to disruptions in global energy markets. ALSO READ: Iran conflict raises risks for India as Hormuz disruptions threaten energy supply: Goldman Sachs Volatility likely to persist Market participants expect volatility to remain elevated in the near term as investors track developments in West Asia, crude oil prices and global capital flows. Foreign institutional investors have turned cautious amid geopolitical uncertainty, while domestic investors continue to provide some support to the market. Analysts say that unless tensions ease in the Gulf region and energy markets stabilise, Dalal Street could remain vulnerable to sharp swings in the weeks ahead. Gulf investors continued global dealmaking despite the Iran conflict, with the Qatar Investment Authority backing a $10.7 billion takeover of AES and Bahrain Aluminium BSC buying Aluminium Dunkerque Industries France SAS Gulf investors are pressing ahead with major overseas acquisitions despite the escalating conflict involving Iran, signalling that sovereign wealth funds and regional corporations remain determined to project economic strength even as geopolitical tensions rise. On Monday, Gulf investors unveiled a series of high-value transactions abroad, including a multibillion-dollar takeover backed by Qatars sovereign wealth fund and a landmark European acquisition by Bahrains largest aluminium producer. The most prominent deal involves a consortium that includes the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), which agreed to buy US utility AES Corp. in a transaction valued at about $10.7 billion. The deal ranks among the largest US utility buyouts in recent years and underscores the Gulfs continued appetite for strategic global assets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The consortium was assembled by BlackRocks infrastructure arm, Global Infrastructure Partners, which brought QIA into the investor group more than a year ago, according to a report by Bloomberg News. The report said the funds commitment to the deal remained intact even after Iran launched missiles toward Doha over the weekend. A spokesperson for QIA declined to comment. Notably, the takeover was announced just minutes after Doha said it would temporarily halt production of liquefied natural gas at the worlds largest LNG export facility following an Iranian drone strike. Qatars vast natural-gas wealth has helped make it one of the worlds richest countries and provides QIA with substantial financial firepower to pursue large international deals. Bahrains biggest overseas corporate takeover Meanwhile, Bahrains aluminium producer Bahrain Aluminium BSC (Alba) agreed to acquire Aluminium Dunkerque Industries France SAS in a deal valued at more than 1 billion (about $1.2 billion). The transaction marks the largest overseas takeover ever undertaken by a corporate buyer from Bahrain and gives Alba control of the European Unions largest aluminium smelter. Analysts say such acquisitions reflect Gulf states long-term strategy of diversifying their investments globally while also reinforcing supply chains in key industrial sectors. Regional dealmaking continues despite conflict The deals are part of a broader wave of overseas acquisitions by Gulf investors that has surpassed $1 trillion over the past decade, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Fresh signs of dealmaking have also emerged from other Gulf countries affected by Iran-related tensions. Saudi Arabia, for instance, halted operations at its largest oil refinery on the Persian Gulf coast earlier this week after a drone strike in the area. Yet investment activity has continued. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Saudi industrial investment firm Tahweel Holding agreed over the weekend to acquire downstream plastics operations from Tasnee, a major Saudi petrochemical group. Similarly, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise last week announced plans to acquire Macquarie AirFinance in a $7 billion deal including debt, strengthening its position in the aircraft-financing market. Sovereign wealth funds remain key global investors Gulf sovereign wealth funds have played a prominent role in some of the worlds largest corporate deals in recent years. Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund, for instance, participated in last years $55 billion buyout of Electronic Arts, one of the biggest private-equity transactions globally. With inputs from agencies. Nvidia has stopped producing H200 AI chips meant for China, reallocating capacity to next-generation processors amid tightening US export controls and Beijings push for domestic semiconductors US semiconductor giant Nvidia has stopped producing its H200 artificial intelligence (AI) chips intended for the Chinese market, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, signalling a fresh escalation in the technology tussle between United States and China. According to the report, the company has shifted manufacturing capacity at Taiwanese chip foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) away from H200 processors to its next-generation Vera Rubin architecture. The move suggests Nvidia does not expect meaningful sales of the H200 chips in China in the near term as regulatory barriers on both sides complicate shipments of advanced semiconductors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Export curbs cloud China sales The H200 processor is among Nvidias older-generation AI chips and was designed to comply with US export restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology. However, shipments have remained uncertain as Washington continues to tighten rules governing the export of high-performance chips to China. A US Commerce Department official said last month that none of Nvidias H200 chips had been sold to Chinese customers so far. Earlier this year, the administration of Donald Trump formally allowed limited sales of the chips to China. But shipments have remained stalled due to regulatory guardrails and licensing requirements. Last week, Nvidia said it had received licences from the US government allowing it to ship only small amounts of H200 processors to customers in China. Manufacturing shifts to next-generation chips Industry sources cited in the report said Nvidia had redirected production capacity to its new Vera Rubin chip platform, unveiled earlier this year to power more advanced AI systems. Demand for the new architecture has been strong from leading US technology companies including OpenAI and Google. Analysts say the shift reflects Nvidias strategy to prioritise markets where demand and regulatory clarity are stronger. Instead of waiting in limbo, Nvidia has to move on to what it can achieve with certainty, especially when there is a shortage of supply for its most advanced products, a person familiar with the plans told the Financial Times. China pushes domestic semiconductor drive At the same time, Beijing is stepping up efforts to reduce reliance on foreign chipmakers and boost domestic semiconductor capabilities. China is considering restrictions on purchases of H200 processors in a bid to support local chipmakers and encourage AI companies to adopt homegrown technology. Customs authorities have reportedly listed H200 chips among restricted imports unless companies obtain special approval from Beijing. Despite US curbs, analysts say China continues to make steady progress in artificial intelligence and semiconductor development as government-backed firms accelerate investment in domestic chip design and manufacturing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Geopolitics reshaping the AI chip market The production halt underscores how geopolitical tensions are reshaping the global semiconductor industry, particularly in the rapidly expanding AI chip market. Nvidia had previously expected Chinese customers to place orders for more than one million H200 units, with suppliers preparing for shipments earlier this year. However, prolonged uncertainty over export approvals and possible Chinese countermeasures appears to have forced the company to pivot its manufacturing plans. Some analysts believe the issue could still feature in diplomatic discussions between Beijing and Washington, with speculation that leaders including Xi Jinping and Trump could address technology trade restrictions in future talks. For now, the shifting production strategy highlights the growing impact of geopolitical rivalries on the global race to dominate artificial intelligence infrastructure. The UAE is reportedly considering freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets and targeting Tehran-linked financial networks as tensions escalate in the Middle East following USIsrael strikes on Iran The United Arab Emirates is considering freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets held within the Gulf state as part of potential punitive measures against Iran following recent attacks linked to the escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Emirati authorities are weighing financial measures that could significantly limit Tehrans access to foreign currency and global trade channels during the intensifying military confrontation, the report said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Financial crackdown under consideration According to the report, Officials in the UAE are exploring steps ranging from freezing assets tied to Iranian-linked shadow companies operating in the country to a broader crackdown on currency exchanges used to move funds outside the formal banking system. These exchanges are believed to play a key role in facilitating cross-border transactions that allow Iranian businesses to bypass international financial restrictions. If the UAE moves ahead with the measures, one of the primary targets could be financial accounts connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a powerful military and economic institution in Iran that Western governments accuse of managing extensive overseas financial networks. Such actions could deal a significant blow to Tehrans ability to maintain trade flows and access foreign currency at a time when the country is already facing mounting geopolitical pressure. Maritime measures also discussed According to the report, Emirati policymakers are also examining possible maritime steps, including the seizure of Iranian ships operating in regional waters. Any such move would mark a significant escalation in economic and maritime pressure on Iran and could further strain already fragile shipping routes in the Gulf region. The deliberations come after the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran over the weekend, sharply escalating tensions in the Middle East. Tehran responded by firing missiles toward Israel and several Gulf locations hosting US military facilities. Rising regional tensions The conflict has heightened security concerns across the Gulf, with energy infrastructure and maritime routes seen as particularly vulnerable. Earlier this week, smoke was seen rising from the oil industry zone in Fujairah after debris from a drone interception caused a fire, according to local authorities. Officials cited by the Wall Street Journal said UAE authorities have privately warned Iran about the potential measures under consideration. However, it remains unclear whether the Emirati government will ultimately proceed with freezing Iranian assets or implementing other punitive actions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UAE has historically maintained economic ties with Iran even amid Western sanctions, with Dubai serving as a major trade hub for Iranian businesses. Any sweeping financial crackdown would therefore mark a significant shift in the Gulf states approach toward Tehran as the regional conflict intensifies. With inputs from agencies. The US is considering a new regulatory framework that could require foreign governments to invest in US AI infrastructure or provide security assurances to access large shipments of advanced chips The United States is weighing a new regulatory framework for exporting advanced artificial intelligence chips that could require foreign governments to invest in American AI data centres or provide security guarantees before receiving large shipments, Reuters reported on Thursday. The proposal, which remains under internal discussion and could change before being finalised, would mark the first major attempt to regulate the flow of AI chips to US allies and partners since President Donald Trumps administration rescinded earlier AI diffusion rules introduced during the tenure of former President Joe Biden, the report said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under the draft framework, countries seeking to import 200,000 or more advanced AI chips may be required to commit to investments in US-based AI data centres or provide national security assurances to Washington, the report said. The move could give the Trump administration significant leverage to negotiate investment deals with foreign partners, aligning with the presidents broader push to expand domestic technology infrastructure. The rules could represent a significant shift in US export policy. Biden-era controls were built on the premise that close allies should largely be exempt from restrictions on high-end chip exports. The proposed framework instead appears to apply licensing requirements more broadly, potentially covering even friendly nations. However, the draft rules would not change restrictions on countries already blacklisted from receiving US AI chips, including Russia. Export limits targeting China also remain largely intact, although Beijing was given conditional approval in December to purchase certain AI chips from Nvidia, the worlds leading AI chip designer. Those shipments have since been delayed due to national security compliance requirements that could discourage China from proceeding with the purchases. According to the document reviewed by Reuters, even relatively small installations of fewer than 1,000 chips could require export licences. To qualify for exemptions at that scale, exporters such as Nvidia or Advanced Micro Devices would need to monitor how the chips are used, while the recipient would have to deploy software preventing the chips from being linked into large clusters a key configuration used to power advanced AI supercomputers. Foreign entities seeking shipments of up to 100,000 chips would also have to provide government-to-government assurances regarding their use, according to the draft. The Trump administration has already imposed similar conditions on Saudi Arabia when approving purchases of advanced US chips. Larger installations up to 200,000 chips could trigger site visits from US export control officials to verify compliance with security and usage requirements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Experts say the proposal reflects Washingtons growing concern that advanced computing hardware could be diverted to adversaries or used to build powerful AI systems outside US oversight. The rule could help the US government address chip diversion to China and ensure a more secure buildout of the most powerful AI supercomputers, said Saif Khan, a former national security official in the Biden administration who is now with the Institute for Progress. However, Khan warned that the draft measures could also raise diplomatic concerns. The licence requirements are overly broad, applying globally, raising concerns that the administration intends to use the controls as negotiation leverage with allies rather than purely for security, he said. The US Commerce Department confirmed on social media platform X that it was discussing new export rules but said they would not mirror what it described as the burdensome, overreaching and disastrous framework proposed during the Biden administration. Instead, officials indicated that Washington may follow a model similar to agreements struck with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where both countries agreed to invest in US technology infrastructure in exchange for access to advanced American chips. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Commerce Department is committed to promoting secure exports of the American tech stack, the department said, adding that internal discussions were underway on formalising this approach. Notably, the draft rules do not address restrictions on so-called model weights the critical parameters that determine how an AI system functions. Technology firms such as OpenAI and Anthropic treat these parameters as highly sensitive intellectual property and a key competitive advantage. The Biden administration had attempted to restrict the export of model weights as part of efforts to ensure that the most advanced AI systems were developed and deployed in trusted environments. Those provisions are absent from the current draft. The couple had recently found themselves at the centre of pregnancy rumours circulating online Actor Avika Gor and her husband, social entrepreneur Milind Chandwani, collaborated with Kuku TV for a new brand campaign titled Bas 2 Min, transforming a wave of online speculation into a thoughtful and relatable piece of storytelling that highlights how quickly drama can unfold in everyday life. The couple had recently found themselves at the centre of pregnancy rumours circulating online. What followed is a beautifully crafted short drama film that gently addresses the speculation while reflecting the emotional rollercoaster that can unfold in just a few minutes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The short drama opens with Avika and Milind reacting to the sudden chatter circulating online. As notifications flood their phones, the situation spirals into a tense moment when they decide to take a pregnancy test - leading to a two-minute wait filled with nerves, curiosity, and anticipation. The film ultimately reveals the test result as negative, closing the loop on the rumours. The couple then turns to Kuku TV to watch its premium short drama, seamlessly weaving the platforms quick, bite-sized storytelling into the narrative - a format that fits naturally into everyday life. Commenting on the campaign, Avika Gor said: When theres speculation around your personal life, it can quickly become overwhelming. But moments like these also remind you that lifes smallest moments can carry a lot of emotion the key is to take it in stride. Partnering with Kuku TV for the Bas 2 Min campaign felt like a natural way to share that message, because their microdramas capture powerful storytelling in just a couple of minutes something this video also reflects. With this campaign and its relatable storytelling, Kuku TV highlights a simple idea that even the briefest slices of time can hold emotion, suspense, and drama, much like its microdramas that deliver Har Emotion, Bas 2 Min Mein. Games View All The rumoured couple finally made an appearance together and the video went viral on social media in no time. The occasion was producer Kalpathi S Suresh and Meenakshi Sureshs sons wedding reception in Chennai on Thursday Thalapathy Vijay and Trisha Krishnan were clicked multiple times together over the years as they have done many films together. But things took an unexpected turn when his wife filed for a divorce on the grounds of infidelity. The rumoured couple finally made an appearance together and the video went viral on social media in no time. The occasion was producer Kalpathi S Suresh and Meenakshi Sureshs sons wedding reception in Chennai on Thursday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Is Thalapathy Vijay dating Trisha Krishnan? These are just rumours and no confirmation about the same has been made yet. However, their appearance together seems the two are together indeed. It all began when Krishnan posted a birthday wish for Vijay last year on his birthday that made people take notice. Films of Vijay and Trisha The two have done films like Ghilli (2004), Thirupaachi (2005), Aathi (2006) and Kuruvi (2008). The two have known each other for more than two decades and acted in three films together. Games View All When the actress spoke about Thalapathy Vijay At SIIMA Awards in Dubai last year, the actress heaped praises on her co-star and said, I would like to tell him good luck on his new journey. Whatever he dreams, may they come true because he deserves it. Netizens react One wrote- Vijay has not been close with his wife for ages actually. Its only for the sake of the kids that no official separation has happened. Him and Trisha have been together for long. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A second said, I googled and the kids are 24 and 19. What a stupid reason to state. Its because hes a politician and divorce is taboo in politics down south. A third commented- He only entered politics last year. Him and Trisha have been a thing way beyond that. Also MGR who is arguably the most popular star that has existed in Tamil cinema and former CM of the state was married 3 times. It was 2018 which saw the best of the actress and her prowess and potential. In Anubhav Sinhas Mulk, another courtroom thriller, the actress played a lawyer defending her family accused of terrorism and questioned for their religion As we celebrate International Womens Day, we turn our spotlight toward the OG protagonist Taapsee Pannu, an actor who has single-handedly dismantled the trope of the damsel in distress. Taapsee doesnt just play characters; she inhabits women who demand space, respect, and agency in a world designed to quiet them. She has dabbled with the South Indian film industry as well. Since Im more inclined to Bollywood, my first major impression of Pannu came in Neeraj Pandeys _Baby_ in 2015, where she played Shabana, a RAW agent. Such was the impact and impression of the actor, her character and performance that she became the first fictional character in Hindi movie history to have a spin-off in 2017, Naam Shabana. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The scene that had the most formidable influence on critics and fans was that breathtakingly shot fight scene between her and Sushant Singh. And she kicked some balls with her nerves of steel and spine of iron. Pandey allowed her to steal the thunder from her co-star, Akshay Kumar, someone known for such sequences, and made her the hero of that particular situation, if not the entire film. Suddenly, people wanted to see more of her. A year later came Pink. In the climactic trial, Minal Arora (Pannu) is grilled about her character. The power lies in her exhausted yet firm delivery of the word No. This scene established the No Means No doctrine in Indian pop culture, with Pannus trembling but resolute face serving as the ultimate mirror to societal victim-blaming. One of her most rousing performances was in Anubhav Sinhas _Thappad_. The most powerful moment isnt the slap itself, but Amritas quiet conversation with her mother-in-law later. She explains why she cant move on: He couldnt even say sorry. Pannus portrayal of a woman realizing her entire worth has been erased by a minor incident is heartbreakingly precise. Games View All Mulk It was 2018 which saw the best of the actress and her prowess and potential. In Anubhav Sinhas Mulk, another courtroom thriller, the actress played a lawyer defending her family accused of terrorism and questioned for their religion. It bravely depicted how all Muslims are not terrorists. Just like Pink, Mulk became a relevant film with a pertinent theme and zealous performances. What made the film even more dramatic (in a good way) was the avoidance of any histrionics that are counterproductive of films of such nature and genre. There was no unnecessary monologuing, screechy melodrama or OTT moments for applause and catcalls. The subject was gripping and the treatment was restrained yet rousing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Assi - The Final Monologue: As Raavi, the advocate fighting the case, Taapsee Pannu delivers a powerful monologue that challenges the systemic failure of the justice system and societal hypocrisy. Balen Shah, a former rapper and structural engineer, could well become Nepals next prime minister. However, many question his credibility to sit in the countrys highest post, pointing to a slew of controversies, including a late-night Facebook post in 2025 that took aim at America, India and China, among others. Lets take a closer look Balendra Shah, former mayor of Kathmandu popularly known as "Balen". Reuters The counting of votes in the Nepal election is on. And it looks like Balen Shah, 35, could likely be the next Prime Minister of Nepal. Balen, who became a rap sensation a little over a decade ago, has raised his profile over the past few years. This is the first election Nepal is holding since the fall of its government to the Gen-Z protests last year. But what do we know about Balen and his many controversies? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. Who is Balen? Balen was born in 1990 in Kathmandu. His father, Ram Narayan Shah, was an Ayurveda practitioner and his mother was a homemaker. Balen studied civil and structural engineering in Nepal. He later did a masters degree in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka. Balen helped rebuild homes after the 2015 Nepal earthquake. Balen began rapping in the early 2010s with politically charged songs like Balidan, which racked up millions of views around the world on YouTube. He originally gained popularity via his hip hop. Balen used his art form to take aim at corruption and the political elites, whom he described as fools and looting thieves. This won Balen acclaim with many Nepalis, particularly the youth, who were disillusioned with the state of affairs. This began in 2022 when he stunned many, including much of the political establishment, by winning the post of the Mayor of Kathmandu as an independent candidate. A vehicle with a campaign poster of Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and the prime ministerial candidate for Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), waits for passengers ahead of Nepals general election, in Gauriganj, Jhapa district, Nepal, February 25, 2026. Reuters He racked up a massive 61,767 votes, defeating candidates from major political parties including the Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal (UML), who received 38,341 and 38,117 votes, respectively. Balens time as mayor was eventful, to say the least. While he tried to clean up illegal construction and urban chaos, Balen frequently found himself at odds with bureaucrats and national politicians. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Gen-Z protests, which toppled the Nepal government of then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in September 2025, created an opportunity for Balen. According to Al Jazeera, while many Gen-Z activists backed Balen as the countrys interim leader after Oli stepped down, he instead threw his weight behind former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki. In December 2025, Balen stepped down as mayor and ran in parliamentary elections as a candidate with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a centrist outfit that nabbed just 10 per cent of the vote in the 2022 polls. The party has made economic reforms and employment its major poll planks. The RSP has vowed to create 1.2 million jobs and reverse the trend of Nepalis seeking employment abroad. Balen is now taking on ex-prime minister Oli in the Jhapa-5 constituency, which is around 300 kilometres southeast of Kathmandu. He uses social media, podcasts and television shows to spread the message. He has a strong presence online with 3.5 million followers on Facebook, 1 million on Instagram, 400,000 on X and nearly 1 million on YouTube. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Balens many controversies However, many are questioning his credibility to sit in the countrys highest office. They point to a slew of controversies including a 2025 controversial late-night Facebook post that took aim at America, India and China among others. The post was, which was later deleted, read: F**k America F**k India F**k China F**k UML F**k Congress F**k RSP F**k RPP F**k Maobaadi Go to hell, you guys all combined can do nothing." Ironically, Balen joined the RSP, one of the very parties that hed taken aim at in his Facebook post. After Oli demanded a public debate among prime ministerial candidates of major parties on Facebook, Balen rejected this outright. He instead asked Oli to take responsibility for the civilian casualties during the protests and asked Oli to acknowledge that he was a terrorist. Balen also previously said that he would set fire to Singha Durbar, the seat of Nepals government, which is home to several administrative offices along with the Prime Ministers Office. This occurred in 2023 when his wife, who was in his official vehicle, was stopped by a traffic policeman. If any of our KMC vehicles are stopped by the government from tomorrow, I will set the Singha Durbar on fire. Remember, you thief government, Balen blustered on social media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nepals youth-led political wave prepares to take on the old guard in a high-stakes election. Also in 2023, after India unveiled an Akhand Bharat (a Greater India) mural, Balen put up a Greater Nepal map in his office, which showed Indian territories that once belonged to Nepal. He also banned the screening of Indian films in Kathmandu. More recently, Balen also got himself into hot water after he was seen driving an expensive Land Rover Defender while campaigning for the Nepali polls. Though some think he has an uphill battle, Balen previously defied the odds. Young Nepalis see him as a decisive actor, who is not beholden to traditional political or business interests, Pranaya Rana, a journalist who writes for the Kalam Weekly newsletter, told Al Jazeera. Many admire his macho public persona and his willingness to take on entrenched political patronage networks. To his believers, Balen can do no wrong. As Sah, a resident of Janakpur, told the outlet, Its the trust he has gained among the young people. He is the only one who can take the country forward. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies After years of planning, the US and Israel finally killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran on Saturday. For the operation, the Jewish nation deployed a little-known ballistic missile that travels into space before hitting its target A makeshift memorial in tribute to Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on a street, after he was killed in Israeli and US strikes last Saturday, amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, in Tehran, Iran. Reuters Its been almost a week since Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in the US-Israel strikes. On Saturday (February 28), in a surprise attack, the United States and Israel jointly launched air strikes against Tehran, with the supreme leader being one of its intended targets. A day later, US President Donald Trump, in a Truth Social post, announced what many were speculating: Ayatollah Ali Khameneis death. Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead, wrote the American leader on his social media site, adding: This is not only justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans, and those people from many countries throughout the world, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty thugs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Missed out on the latest in the ? Heres what you need to know But the operation to kill Irans supreme leader was no simple task. It took months of planning, tracking to pinpoint the Ayatollahs location, and finally launching a strike that would take him out. And it is now being reported that the 86-year-old leaders death came from a weapon that didnt approach slowly, nor from a battlefield nearby. Instead, it came from a powerful ballistic missile Blue Sparrow that flew to the edge of space before plummeting to Earth and blasting Irans Supreme Leader. Multiple news reports state that Ayatollah Khameneis death came at the hands of Israels Blue Sparrow missile, which struck the supreme leaders compound in Tehrans Pasteur Street. Developed by Israel, the Blue Sparrow missile is designed and produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems along with other partners. It is part of Israels Sparrow family; theres also a Black Sparrow and a Silver Sparrow that replicate the threats of the Soviet-designed Scud missiles. The Blue Sparrow measures 6.5 metres in length and weighs about 1.9 tonnes. It is typically launched from fighter aircraft, including Israeli F-15 jets, whose booster rockets propel the missile to high altitude before it begins its descent. The Blue Sparrow is part of Israels Sparrow family; theres also a Black Sparrow and a Silver Sparrow. Image Courtesy: globalsecurity.org This missile boasts of a significant range it can hit targets 1,240 miles away. Moreover, what sets the Blue Sparrow apart is that it leaves the Earths atmosphere before crashing down, making it an ideal choice for a strike on a highly guarded target. The missiles ability to exit and re-enter the Earths atmosphere also makes it nearly impossible to intercept, allowing the weaponry to clear Irans defence systems. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Experts further state that because the Blue Sparrow follows a quasi-ballistic path, the missile allows pilots to adjust the flight path, making it deadlier during an attack. Based on the debris found in Iran, it is believed that Israel may have also used the Blue Sparrow missile in its assault on Iran in April 2024. However, their use has been limited. A satellite image shows an overview of the Presidential Complex and the compound of Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran after airstrikes amid the US.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Vantor/Reuters The killing of Khamenei was a very complex operation. It came after the Iranian supreme leader had been tracked and followed for years. According to reports, Israels 8200 Unit monitored all of his movements, even using traffic cameras to track him. Based on that intel, the US and Israel came up with the plan to hit the Ayatollahs compound. For weeks before the attack, the 86-year-old hid in a bunker deep underground. As per a report by NDTV, the shelter was so deep that it took approximately five minutes to reach it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Belying the Iranian officials belief that the attack would come in the dark of night, the US and Israel struck Khameneis compound on Saturday morning. Simultaneously, Israel also disrupted the phone service around his compound so backup could not be called. At the end of the initial wave of bombing came the news of the Ayatollahs death. Since then, an all-out war has broken out with the conflict engulfing West Asia and beyond with little information of when it would all come to an end. With inputs from agencies Footage released by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) of a strike on an Iranian Mi-17 helicopter has gone viral. Analysts and commentators shared the video online, arguing that it was not an actual helicopter that was hit, but a painted decoy. It was reportedly used by the Iranians to trick costly Israeli missile strikes Did Iran use a painted helicopter decoy on the ground to waste costly Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) missiles? Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on Wednesday (March 4) posted grainy infrared footage, which showed a blast at two locations. The X video footage described a strike supposedly hitting an Iranian Mi-17 helicopter. However, the video has now sparked an online debate, with many claiming it was not an actual helicopter that was hit, but a painted decoy. No confirmation has been issued regarding the incident by either Iranian or Israeli forces so far. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Air Force continues to strike at the Iranian regimes aerial capabilities: Iranian soldiers who operated air defence systems against Air Force aircraft have been neutralised, the caption of the video post read. : pic.twitter.com/f6hg6FV5at (@idfonline) March 4, 2026 Catch live updates on Did Iran paint a helicopter to trick the IDF? Analysts and commentators are questioning the authenticity of the video published by the Israel Defense Forces showing what it described as an airstrike on an Iranian helicopter. An independent analyst focused on defence and security, Patricia Marins, highlighted on X that the alleged helicopter strike might actually have targeted an anamorphic image painted on asphalt rather than an operational aircraft. IDF Attacks Iranian Painting and Releases It as Destroyed Target Iran is using anamorphic paintings on the ground to deceive attacks by the US and Israel. Notice in this video how the supposed helicopter hit is actually just a painting on the asphalt. Russia used the same https://t.co/GQz8Accvg1 Patricia Marins (@pati_marins64) March 4, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She suggested that Iran could be using large-scale ground artwork to mislead aerial surveillance strikes by Israel and the United States. Marins referenced a similar deception tactic reportedly used by Russia during the 2023 war with Ukraine to confuse satellite imagery. Iran is using anamorphic paintings on the ground to deceive attacks by the US and Israel. Notice in this video how the supposed helicopter hit is actually just a painting on the asphalt. Russia used the same technique in 2023 to fool American satellites during the war in Ukraine, she wrote on X. What social media users pointed at? Online commenters are now debating the claims. Some argue that it is not a real helicopter, while others point out that the smoke movement after the asset. A user said, Why would you post this self-own? If this were a real chopper, the wings wouldnt look exactly as they did before the bombing. You bombed a painting, you retards, News18 reported. Israel is great at bombing schools full of children and chalk paintings on the ground," another chimed in. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The talking points went out. The latest cope is that we are bombing paintings because objects dont vaporize into nothingness when struck with smaller, targeted munitions. Pro-tip: Paintings dont have shadows and thermal signatures. pic.twitter.com/4gPVt2UN8w Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) March 4, 2026 If this is a painting, how do you explain the shadows?" another user asked, questioning the helicopter decoy narrative. A decoy wouldnt have a heat signature as it does in the video, because this video is fake. Since when does paint show up on thermal vision? another user made a point. According to the media outlet, even Grok was left wondering, asking, Why didnt the rotor blades come off here after the missile struck the helicopter? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is Irans attrition strategy? Iran had successfully adopted a military deception tactic, according to Interesting Engineering, which cited local media reports after the IDF shared the video. Irans armed forces reportedly painted life-sized outlines of Mi-17 helicopters and F-14 fighter jets as decoys on the ground to trick Israels missile targeting systems into thinking that they are genuine military equipment. Local reports suggest that producing these decoys costs only a few dollars, while the strikes carried out against them likely cost millions. The goal is to exhaust the opponents operational capacity by forcing it to expend costly resources on decoys. Meanwhile, and Iranian forces are yet to provide clarification. With inputs from agencies The counting of votes to form the next government will take place today in Nepal. As many as 275 seats in the House of Representatives will be elected. Meanwhile, Canadian PM Mark Carney will begin the final leg of his three-nation tour in Japan. He will hold bilateral meetings with Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi A woman votes at a polling station during the general election in Kathmandu, Nepal. Reuters The counting of votes for Nepals 2026 general election will take place today. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mike Carney will begin a two-day visit to Japan. Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong is scheduled to appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts today for a hearing related to his second national security case. The 36th Spanish-Portuguese Summit is set to take place today. In India, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) will be organising a series of protests from today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Here is all that is set to take place across the world today. Counting of votes in Nepal The counting of votes for Nepals 2026 general election is scheduled to begin today. Polling took place on March 5. Results for many seats in the House of Representatives are expected to be announced on March 6. Final results for the proportional system may take an additional one to two days to finalise. The polls were held to elect 275 members of the House of Representatives, with approximately 18.9 million eligible voters participating in this first election since the Gen Z protests that toppled the previous government in 2025. Canadian PM visits Japan Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit Japan, marking the final leg of a three-nation Indo-Pacific tour. Carney will meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo today to discuss economic cooperation, security and defence. Following the meeting, Takaichi will host a working dinner for the Canadian PM and his spouse, Diana Fox Carney. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will begin his two-day visit to the Japan. File image/Reuters Carney earlier visited India and Australia as part of the three-nation tour. The visit is a part of a strategy to diversify Canadian trade and reduce economic reliance on the United States. Hearing in Joshua Wong national security case Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong is scheduled to appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts for a hearing in connection with his second national security case. Wong faces one count of conspiracy to collude with a foreign or external force to endanger national security. Prosecutors allege that between July and November 2020, Wong conspired with exiled activist Nathan Law and others to request that foreign countries or organisations impose sanctions or blockades against Hong Kong or China. Wong is currently serving a 56-month sentence (4 years and 8 months) for conspiracy to commit subversion in a separate landmark national security case involving 47 pro-democracy figures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Portugal-Spain summit The 36th Spanish-Portuguese Summit is set to take today. This high-level meeting between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro was originally scheduled for January 29 but was postponed following a serious train accident in Adamuz, Spain. The summit is expected to be overshadowed by a major diplomatic disagreement regarding US and Israeli military operations against Iran, as Spain has strictly refused the use of its military bases for these operations and Portugal has taken a contrasting stance, permitting the US to use the Lajes airbase in the Azores. Discussions will likely address the impact of threatened US trade reprisals against Spain following its refusal to cooperate militarily. Traditional topics include progress on cross-border infrastructure, high-speed rail links, and joint energy strategies, often referred to as the Iberian exception. SKM to organise a series of protests The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced a series of protests beginning on March 6 to oppose recent central government policies and repression by state authorities. The series of protests will kick off with a march in Bathinda, Punjab. Farmers will hold public meetings in villages across the country. They also plan to take out processions to local post offices to send open letters of protest to the President of India. Some of the demands of the SKM are scrapping the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), immediate withdrawal of the Seed Bill 2025, the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, and four new Labour Codes. They are also demanding a complete loan waiver for all farmers and farm workers, and Restoration of the original Mgnrega framework, and opposition to its replacement by the VB-G RAM G Act. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Amid the controversy surrounding the US sinking Irans Iris Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka, the Indian Navy stated that it deployed two naval ships, the INS Tarangini and the INS Ikshak, along with a P-8I patrol aircraft, once it received a distressed call from the crew members. The ship was returning from India after participating in the multilateral naval exercise, Milan-2026 A man checks the local newspaper, follwoing a submarine attack on the Iranian military ship, Iris Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka, in Galle, Sri Lanka. Reuters As the war rages on across West Asia, a small battle is brewing over the sinking of an Iranian naval ship, Iris Dena, by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean off Sri Lankas coast on Wednesday (March 4). There are many who are questioning why New Delhi didnt offer help to the Iranian crew on the ship, stating that the vessel was a guest of the Indian Navy. As the situation gets more complicated, the Indian Navy has clarified that it, in fact, had offered help to the Iris Dena. Moreover, coordination between the Indian Navy and Sri Lankan authorities continues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Catch live updates on the Heres a closer look at what happened to the Iranian vessel, Iris Dena, and how India offered assistance to it. What happened to Irans Iris Dena? On March 4, amid the Iran war, a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship, Iris Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka, in international waters and far from the regimes territory. The vessel with 180 crew members was earlier in India participating in the multilateral Milan-2026 naval exercises, which included ships from what were described as 18 friendly foreign countries and aircraft from three more, including the United States. As US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth noted, the ship thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. He also claimed it was the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II. While it is the first time since 1945 that an American submarine has sunk an enemy ship this way, the United Kingdom and Pakistan have both sunk vessels using torpedoes since then. Video released by the US Department of Defence showed a ship being struck, causing the stern to rise up before exploding. Following the incident, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US Navy of committing an atrocity at sea in sinking the frigate and said on social media on Thursday that the United States will come to bitterly regret the attack. An explosion on what the US Department of Defence says is an Iranian warship, at the sea. Reuters How did Sri Lanka react to the sinking of the ship? According to Sri Lankas Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, coastguards received a distress call from the Iris Dena at 5.08 am on Wednesday. Crew members described the incident as an explosion. By 6 am, we dispatched a naval vessel and by 7 am the second naval vessel, Herath added. He said Sri Lanka had an obligation to respond to the call for help because it was a signatory to the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue. Sri Lankan navy spokesman Budhika Sampath also stated that rescuers didnt spot any vessel in the region. Though the ships location was beyond our waters, Sampath said, it was within our search and rescue region. So we were obliged to respond as per international obligations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sri Lankas navy recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 Iranian sailors, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noting in a televised address, We are not taking sides in this conflict, but while maintaining our neutrality, we are taking action to save lives. No person should die in a war like this. Every life is equally precious. An injured Iranian sailor is moved on a stretcher at Galle National Hospital, where the sailors are receiving treatment, following a submarine attack on the Iranian military ship, Iris Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka, in Galle, Sri Lanka. Reuters Why has India come under scrutiny after Iris Denas sinking? As news broke of the sinking of the Iris Dena, many eyes turned to India after Irans foreign minister stressed that the frigate had been a guest of Indias Navy. Many have said that the sinking of the Iris Dena in the Indian Ocean raises awkward and complex political, diplomatic, and military questions for India. There were also some who incorrectly stated that, as the incident occurred in the Indian Ocean, it was Indias responsibility to act. However, its important to note that despite its name, the Indian Ocean is not Indias ocean. The ocean is a shared space, governed by international law. Coastal nations assert only limited claims to the ocean. Additionally, the Iris Dena was torpedoed in international waters, where India doesnt have any jurisdiction. What help did India offer to Iris Dena? More importantly, the Indian Navy did offer help to the vessel after it issued a SOS call. A day after the Iris Dena sinking, the Indian Navy stated that it launched search and rescue operations following a distress signal from the Iranian frigate Iris Dena. As per its statement, the ship was operating 20 NM West of Galle in the Search and Rescue (SAR) region under Sri Lankan responsibility. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A distress call from Iris Dena reached the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo during the early hours of March 4, read the naval statement. Upon receiving the information, the Indian Navy initiated its efforts, and by around 10 am, it commenced its operations. As part of the aid provided, India deployed its long-range, anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft P-8I to augment search efforts. Additionally, a second aircraft, equipped with air-droppable life rafts, remained on standby for rapid deployment if required. By 4 pm on Wednesday, the INS Tarangini, a sailing training ship, also reached the search area to provide the necessary help. INS Ikshak, a survey vessel, sailed from Kochi to reinforce the operation. It remains in the area conducting searches for missing personnel as a humanitarian effort on behalf of the shipwrecked crew. Government sources have also reportedly told the Hindustan Times that though the sunken ship had been a guest of the Indian Navy, Iris Dena did not ask for any help after war was declared on February 28. The news report said the ship and its crew were Indian guests only from February 16 to February 25. Furthermore, the vessel did not seek any help from India after that. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iranian warship Iris Dena is seen in the Bay of Bengal during International Fleet Review held at Visakhapatnam, India. The ship was Indian guests only from February 16 to February 25. AP Was the attack on Iris Dena legal? Americas torpedoing of the Iris Dena has also raised questions about the legality of attack. Many have wondered: was this attack lawful? And who was under an obligation to rescue survivors? According to maritime experts, Irans Iris Dena was a lawful target for the US. Under the law of naval warfare, warships belonging to a state engaged in an international armed conflict are military objectives by nature. The rules say they may be lawfully targeted. The law also states that such attacks may occur on the high seas or within the 12 nautical mile territorial waters of the states that are party to the international armed conflict (the belligerents). This means, effectively, that such an attack could happen anywhere outside the 12 nautical mile territorial waters of neutral states. If the Iranian warship was within Sri Lankan waters (that is, within 12 nautical miles of the Sri Lankan coast) at the time, the attack wouldnt have been lawful. But in this case, Iris Dena was reportedly operating outside Sri Lankas territorial waters and therefore constitutes a lawful military target. Analyst Carl Schuster, a former director of the US Pacific Commands Joint Intelligence Center and a retired US navy captain, told CNN that in the current state of conflict between the US and Iran, the Dena presented a threat. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There are also laws for the rescue of survivors. The Second Geneva Convention of 1949 states that parties to a conflict must after each engagement take all possible measures to search for and collect the shipwrecked, wounded, and sick. However, these rules are hard for a submarine to enforce, and may instead facilitate rescue by reporting its location to other vessels or authorities. The sinking of the Iris Dena is part of the ongoing hostilities between Iran and the US. Its been on for a week now with US officials offering no firm end date and Iran vowing to fight on. With inputs from agencies As the Iran war continues, there are reports that Dubai has just over a week of fresh food remaining in stock. Stefan Paul, chief executive of global logistics giant Kuhne+Nagel, told Swiss broadcaster SRF that Dubai currently has roughly ten days worth of fresh produce available Could Dubai run out of fresh food in 10 days? As the Iran war continues to rage, there are reports that Dubai has just over a week of fresh food remaining in stock. Iran has hit Israeli and US assets in West Asia after its supreme leader, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on Saturday. The developments have disrupted shipping lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz, as well as cargo routes. But what do we know? Could Dubai really run out of fresh food in 10 days? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What we know According to Moneycontrol, the Gulf region relies heavily on imports, with as much as 80 to 90 per cent of its food sourced from abroad. Around 70 per cent of Gulf Cooperation Council food supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint. However, the Strait of Hormuz has effectively become a no-go area since Saturday, with Iran warning that the passage is closed for business. Tehran has also attacked ships in the region. Air freight capacity, which Dubai and the wider Gulf also rely on, has declined. Data from aviation analytics firm Aevean shows that air cargo capacity to West Asia fell 22 per cent between February 28 and March 3. Meanwhile, Jebel Ali, the regions largest port and a key logistics hub serving tens of millions of people across the Gulf, has also been affected. The port was hit in the early stages of the conflict and only partially resumed operations on Thursday. An estimated 50 million people depend on the Jebel Ali port for access to fresh food. The biggest immediate effect will be due to the blockade of Jebel Ali, serving about 50 million people, said Ishan Bhanu, lead agricultural commodities analyst at Kpler, referring to the Dubai port that also serves as a re-export hub to the wider region and beyond. This handout photo released by Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC)s official website Sepanews on February 17, 2026, shows boats manoeuvering around a tanker vessel during a military exercise by members of the IRGC and navy in the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo by SEPAH NEWS / AFP) Stefan Paul, chief executive of global logistics giant Kuhne+Nagel, told Swiss broadcaster SRF on Thursday that Dubai currently has roughly ten days worth of fresh produce available. Paul said he calculated this based on supply chain data monitored by his company. In Dubai, for example, fresh products will last only about ten days, Paul was quoted as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Paul added that while Gulf states could import food by land from Saudi Arabia, this would not be an adequate replacement for even a single container ship. Could Dubai run out of food? Experts say the disruption will be felt most acutely when it comes to perishable food items. Fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables and dairy have a short shelf life and cannot easily be rerouted via longer shipping routes, which could add four to six weeks to transit times. Goods like bananas that spoil quickly are particularly vulnerable to any shipping rerouting that lengthens journeys. Flying in perishable food once airspace opens could shorten transit times, but would significantly raise prices. However, analysts say this does not mean a full-blown crisis is imminent. The UAE maintains reserves of grain, frozen foods and other non-perishable items. Nevertheless, supplies of fresh produce in supermarkets could start disappearing. Dubai has also temporarily relaxed truck movement restrictions this week in an effort to maintain the flow of goods. Analysts warn that even temporary blockages in Hormuz that force rerouting from major ports to smaller ones will create logistical strain. Most major Gulf ports, including Dubais Jebel Ali and the primary ports in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and along Saudi Arabias Gulf coast, are located in areas where most incoming maritime traffic must pass through the Hormuz waterway. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The war is also testing strategies adopted after 2008, when soaring food prices prompted Gulf nations to adopt highly import-dependent policies while investing in agricultural projects abroad. With over 70 per cent of GCC foodstuffs being imported through the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf states face shortages if the war persists, said Neil Quilliam, associate fellow at think tank Chatham House. While GCC countries have taken steps to diversify suppliers and maintain sufficient reserves to withstand disruption, this can only last several months. After that, price increases and longer lead times will begin to hit markets. UAE ports located outside the Strait have limited capacity. Khorfakkan can handle about 5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), while Fujairah can handle less than 1 million, making it difficult for them to compensate for capacity lost at Jebel Ali or Abu Dhabis Khalifa Port. Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq effectively become landlocked and will depend on overland routes through Saudi Arabia, Bhanu added, warning of costly congestion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is worth noting that perception risk matters and even if stocks are sufficient now, public runs on supermarkets can spook the public, Quilliam said. If food is flown in or brought in overland, that is going to be more expensive than shipping, said Justin Alexander, Gulf analyst at GlobalSource Partners and director at Khalij Economics. It may be that governments choose to absorb some of that cost by subsidising food. They have certainly done so in previous crises. With inputs from agencies Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the state will ban social media for under-16s while presenting his 17th State Budget. Andhra Pradesh and Goa are also said to be considering banning social media for children. But why do experts think this might be a difficult task? Karnataka is planning to ban social media for children. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, presenting his budget for the 20262027 financial year on Friday, said this is being done to protect children. Social media will be banned for children under the age of 16 to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile usage. The ban is aimed at preventing the negative impact on children caused by increasing mobile phone usage, Siddaramaiah said. The development comes amid growing concerns around the world about the impact of mobile phones and social media on the lives of children. Australia in December became the first country to ban social media for under-16s. Meanwhile, Britain, Greece and Denmark are considering similar moves. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we know? Why is this not as easy as it sounds? Lets take a closer look. What we know Siddaramaiah made the announcement on Friday while presenting his 17th State Budget. According to India Today, discussion within the Karnataka government about pulling the trigger on this move has been ongoing for some time. State IT and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge earlier said in the Assembly that the state government was looking to make sure that the youth are responsibly using artificial intelligence on social media. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had also voiced worries about the impact of excessive screen time on children. BJP MLA and former minister Suresh Kumar also called on the government to examine the issue, saying unregulated social media exposure could hurt both their education and family environments. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement on Friday while presenting his 17th State Budget. ANI Siddaramaiah himself had held talks with university vice-chancellors and sought their input about whether mobile phones should be restricted for under-16s. Less than one-quarter of Karnatakas population is under the age of 15, a 201920 survey conducted by Indias federal health ministry showed. The state has a population of 67.6 million, a 2025 presentation by federal government think tank NITI Aayog showed. Karnataka isnt alone. In fact, Andhra Pradesh has also announced it will also ban social media use for children under the age of 13, On Friday, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that the state will do so in phases over the next three months. According to The Indian Express, Andhra Pradesh in January set up a Group of Ministers (GoM) under IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh to study the feasibility and pitfalls of doing so. The GoM will have Home Minister Anita Vangalapudi, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav, and I&PR Minister Kolusu Parthasarathi, a government source told the newspaper. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The source added that the group would examine cases in which children under 16 are victims of social media abuse or the accused and put together the data. Lokesh at the time told Bloomberg: The government is studying Australias decision to ban children under the age of 16 from accessing social media. Youngsters below a certain age should not be on such platforms, as they do not fully understand the content they are exposed to. A strong legal framework may be required to implement the proposal. A senior TDP leader pointed out that this would be no easy feat and would need the support of the BJP. Regulating information technology requires the Centres approval as it pertains to the IT Act. But before we approach them, we need to finalise the structure of the proposal at the state level. Once that is done, we will approach the Centre, the leader said. However, the leader added that this would not be difficult given that the BJP is a TDP ally. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lokesh on Friday took to social media to point out that Andhra Pradesh had the idea first. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Glad to see Karnataka considering restrictions on social media for those under 16 an idea we had proposed earlier in Andhra Pradesh to protect young minds from the darker side of the digital world. Sometimes good ideas travel fast," Lokesh wrote on social media. Trust in social media is breaking down. Children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education. Women are facing non-stop online abuse. This cannot be ignored." Karnatakas neighbouring state Goa is also weighing a similar ban, its IT minister said in January. Indias chief economic adviser in January said that New Delhi should draft policies on age-based access limits to tackle digital addiction. India is the worlds second-biggest smartphone market with 750 million devices and around one billion internet users. Why this is not as easy as it sounds First, there are some legal issues with such a ban. According to The Indian Express, the Supreme Court in numerous cases, including the landmark 2020 ruling in Anuradha Bhasin v Union of India, ruled that the right to freedom of speech and expression includes using the internet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Kerala High Court in 2019 also held that the right to access the internet is part of the right to education under Article 21A of the Constitution. Such a ban will have to skirt around this issue, and courts will examine whether such a law upholds the principles of proportionality and minimal invasion of rights. Some have come out in favour of such a ban. Nooraine Fazal, Managing Trustee and CEO of Inventure Academy in Bengaluru, said there is a social media crisis among children which requires a response from the government. the Supreme Court in numerous cases, including the landmark 2020 ruling in Anuradha Bhasin v Union of India, ruled that the right to freedom of speech and expression includes using the internet. Reuters Both the Karnataka government and the Union government should act quickly to prevent social media platforms from allowing users below 16 and simultaneously run large-scale awareness campaigns for parents and students. Many platforms are deliberately designed to be addictive through algorithmic feeds, endless scrolling and constant notification loops, which can significantly affect childrens mental wellbeing. The goal should not be to keep children away from technology entirely. Instead, young people must be encouraged to develop digital literacy and judgement while using devices in safe, age-appropriate environments, Fazal said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fazal also slammed tech firms. Big Tech has been deeply irresponsible in enabling the unchecked spread of these platforms among minors. Nadia Nicolate Nazareth, a parent, told NDTV that social media has contributed to children maturing far earlier than before. The level of exposure children receive online is often unnecessary and too easily accessible. Social media influences children to behave older than their age, she said. However, experts caution that children, who are usually tech-savvy, can get around such bans using virtual private networks (VPNs) and other such platforms. It remains to be seen how effectively the Karnataka government can enforce such a ban. Activists and tech experts have also called for measures to help children and parents develop healthy and safe social media usage, saying that age-based curbs do not work as children can bypass them with fake identification documents. They also say that in todays digital world, some children use the internet as a learning resource. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump has removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after months of controversy over immigration crackdowns, the Minneapolis protester shootings, a $220 million ad campaign and spending scrutiny. Heres a detailed look at the political backlash and decisions that defined her turbulent tenure US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attends a House Judiciary Committee hearing on "Oversight of the Department of Homeland Security" to testify, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, March 4, 2026. File Image/Reuters US President Donald Trump removed Kristi Noem from her position as secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday, bringing an abrupt end to one of the most controversial Cabinet tenures of his second term. Trump announced that Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, would be nominated to replace Noem and lead DHS. The appointment will require approval by the United States Senate. At the same time, the US president said Noem would move into a new role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a security initiative that he said would focus on strengthening cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although Trump praised some of Noems work in the role, her departure was marked by political controversies which gradually undermined her position as the public face of the administrations immigration crackdown. Her removal makes her the first Senate-confirmed Cabinet member to be dismissed during Trumps second stint in the White House. How Noem rose through Trumps ranks Before entering the federal Cabinet, Noem served as governor of South Dakota and had long been considered a close political ally of Trump. After the US president returned to the White House in January last year, he selected her to head the Department of Homeland Security, one of the largest and most complex agencies in the federal government. The department employs roughly 260,000 personnel and oversees multiple agencies responsible for border protection, immigration enforcement, disaster management and domestic security. Her appointment placed her at the centre of one of Trumps signature priorities which is dramatically expanding immigration enforcement across the United States. The administration pledged to increase deportations significantly and promised to intensify operations aimed at identifying undocumented migrants. As secretary, Noem frequently promoted those policies in public appearances and on social media. Her posts often highlighted crimes committed by migrants and sometimes used highly charged language to describe immigrants convicted of offences. In one instance she referred to migrants convicted of crimes as scumbags, remarks that critics said reflected an unusually harsh tone from a Cabinet-level official. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Supporters within the administration, however, argued she was communicating the presidents determination to confront illegal immigration aggressively. Noems involvement extended beyond press statements. She joined federal agents during immigration enforcement operations in New York City and appeared alongside officers carrying out arrests. She also travelled to El Salvador to visit a maximum-security prison where Venezuelan migrants deported by the United States were being held without charges or access to lawyers. Those actions made her one of the most visible defenders of the administrations policies. Nevertheless, immigration strategy itself was largely shaped inside the White House by senior adviser Stephen Miller, a longtime Trump aide who remained the principal architect of the presidents immigration agenda. The many controversies of Kristi Noem The Trump administrations immigration campaign included extensive enforcement operations in several cities across the country. Federal agents conducted sweeps aimed at detaining undocumented migrants, and the administration set an ambitious deportation target of one million removals per year. However, the effort soon faced political and logistical challenges. Immigration officers detained some US citizens during enforcement actions, incidents that quickly drew criticism and raised questions about the scope of the operations. In several cities, confrontations erupted between federal agents and protesters opposing the crackdown. Officers used tear gas in some areas to disperse crowds during clashes linked to immigration raids. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite the administrations aggressive strategy, deportation totals ultimately fell short of the one-million-per-year target. As the enforcement campaign continued, opinion surveys suggested public support for the policies was weakening. The shift in sentiment created additional political pressure on the administration and on Noem personally, as she had become the most prominent official defending the crackdown. Minnesota shootings The most serious controversy surrounding Noems leadership involved a fatal confrontation between federal agents and protesters in Minneapolis earlier in 2026. Two individuals Renee Good and Alex Pretti were shot and killed by immigration enforcement officers during a protest linked to the governments enforcement operations. In statements issued shortly after the incident, the Department of Homeland Security described the encounter as a dangerous confrontation in which officers feared for their lives. Officials initially said the agents fired defensive shots after attempting to disarm Pretti. Noem publicly supported that description. She said Pretti had intended to harm law-enforcement personnel and characterised the situation as an act of domestic terrorism. She also said Pretti had been brandishing a weapon. However, videos recorded by bystanders soon circulated online and appeared to contradict elements of the initial official account. The footage indicated that Pretti had already been disarmed before the fatal shot was fired and had not attempted to reach for a weapon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Political pressure quickly mounted in Washington. Democrats in the House of Representatives initiated efforts to impeach Noem over the handling of the incident. At least two Republican members of Congress also called for her removal from office. During congressional testimony, Noem was repeatedly questioned about her statements following the shootings. Over two days of hearings she declined to retract or apologise for the characterisation she had given earlier. A costly advertising campaign While the Minneapolis incident drew widespread attention, lawmakers were also investigating financial decisions made by the department during Noems tenure. One of the most controversial issues involved a $220 million advertising campaign launched by DHS. The campaign promoted the administrations deportation agenda and encouraged undocumented migrants to leave the United States voluntarily. Many of the advertisements prominently featured Noem herself. The campaign included dramatic visuals, such as footage showing her on horseback near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Members of Congress questioned the campaigns cost and whether the procurement process had followed standard government procedures. The advertising contract had reportedly been awarded to two long-time Republican political operatives without a traditional competitive bidding process. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The issue became a central topic during congressional hearings in early March. Republican senator John Kennedy asked Noem how the spending aligned with her frequently stated concerns about government waste. Noem defended the campaign by arguing it was part of the administrations strategy to communicate its immigration policies clearly. She said the president had instructed her to promote the message widely. During the hearing she also stated that Trump had been aware of the campaign in advance. However, the president later told Reuters he had not personally approved the advertisements. Investigative reporting later revealed potential connections between companies involved in producing the campaign and political associates linked to Noem. A firm run by the husband of a former spokesperson for Noem was among those mentioned in reports examining the campaign. Noem insisted she had played no role in selecting the contractors and denied any involvement in awarding the contracts. Aircraft purchases Questions about department spending extended beyond the advertising campaign. Another area of criticism concerned the acquisition of new aircraft for DHS. During her tenure the department purchased two Gulfstream G700 jets and began leasing a Boeing 737 aircraft with plans to purchase it outright for about $70 million. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The aircraft purchases were financed partly through funds allocated to DHS through legislation sometimes referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which included significant funding for border-related initiatives. Critics in Congress argued that purchasing luxury aircraft using security funds was inappropriate, especially during a period when lawmakers were scrutinising federal spending closely. Noem defended the decision during a Senate hearing, saying the jets were intended to serve as long-range command and control aircraft. She argued that purchasing aircraft outright would ultimately reduce costs compared with maintaining long-term leasing agreements. A DHS spokesperson echoed that reasoning, stating that buying a work vehicle could be less expensive than relying on rental arrangements over many years. Oversight disputes Noems final appearances before congressional committees were marked by unusually sharp criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. During one hearing, Republican senator Thom Tillis openly rebuked the DHS secretary. He called her a disappointment and told her that what weve seen is a disaster under your leadership. Tillis referred to a letter from the departments Office of Inspector General that raised concerns about how DHS leadership interacted with investigators. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to the senator, the watchdog office had documented 10 different instances under Ms. Noems leadership where theyve been misled and not allowed to pursue investigations that they think are critically important. At the same time, the department itself was caught in a major funding dispute on Capitol Hill. Democrats blocked funding for DHS beginning in mid-February, arguing that the administrations immigration enforcement policies needed reform before additional resources were approved. The disagreement triggered a partial shutdown of the department that lasted roughly 20 days. Although many DHS employees continued working during the standoff, some were forced to do so without pay. The role of Corey Lewandowski Another controversy surrounding Noems tenure involved the influence of political adviser Corey Lewandowski within the department. Lewandowski, a longtime Trump associate and former campaign adviser, served in a role described as a special government employee. Despite the limited formal title, critics said he exercised significant authority and functioned as Noems de facto chief of staff. Reports about Lewandowskis behaviour added to the scrutiny. One widely reported incident described him firing a pilot after Noems blanket was misplaced on an aircraft, a story that critics cited as evidence of management problems within the department. Lewandowskis presence at DHS also prompted questions about ethics and transparency because of his previous role as Noems political adviser. During one congressional hearing, Democratic representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove asked Noem directly whether she had a sexual relationship with Lewandowski. Both individuals are married. Noem rejected the suggestion, dismissing the question as tabloid garbage. Lewandowski did not publicly respond to requests for comment about the allegation. How Trump finally decided to fire Noem During private discussions aimed at resolving the DHS funding dispute, some Senate Republicans reportedly suggested to Democrats that Noems departure might occur soon. They indicated that her removal could help break the legislative stalemate over funding. However, Democratic lawmakers were sceptical that replacing the secretary would address deeper disagreements over immigration policy. Trump ultimately confirmed the decision to dismiss Noem in a post on his social media platform Truth Social on March 5. In the announcement, he praised her performance while signalling that new leadership would take over the department. He wrote that she has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!). Shortly afterward, Noem issued her own statement on social media, writing, We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again. The president said he would nominate Markwayne Mullin to lead DHS. Mullin previously served a decade in the House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate in 2023 and has supported the administrations hardline immigration policies. Speaking to reporters after the announcement, Mullin said he had not expected to receive the call from Trump. He described Noem as a friend and said he had not yet spoken to her about the decision. She was tasked to do a very difficult job, Mullin said. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration would work with the Senate to confirm Mullin as quickly as possible and described him as extraordinarily qualified. Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey posted a brief response on social media welcoming the decision and writing good riddance. Meanwhile, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said removing the secretary would not resolve broader concerns about immigration enforcement. The problems at ICE transcend any one person, Schumer told reporters. The president has to end the violence and rein in ICE. Noem learned about her removal before speaking at a law-enforcement event in Nashville, Tennessee. Despite the announcement becoming public while she was present at the gathering, she continued delivering prepared remarks for about 40 minutes and did not mention her departure. Her next assignment, according to Trump, will involve representing the United States in discussions tied to the proposed Shield of the Americas security initiative, which is expected to focus on regional cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. With inputs from agencies Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin has been nominated by US President Donald Trump as the next head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), replacing Kristi Noem. From being a professional wrestler to a businessman, the 48-year-old has had an illustrious career spanning across fields US Senator Markwayne Mullin tapped by President Donald Trump to replace Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, speaks to members of the media as he departs the US Capitol after a vote in the US Senate on funding for DHS, in Washington, DC. Reuters US President Donald Trump has nominated Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin as the next head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This comes after the American leader, in a dramatic turn, sacked his current DHS chief, Kristi Noem. Noem became the Secretary of the DHS on January 25, 2025, and was the brain behind the border crackdowns and mass deportations. Many speculate that the move comes amid criticism over some of her decisions, including crackdowns on illegal immigrants and border enforcement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Announcing the move in a post on Truth Social, Trump said Noem would be moving to be a Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere. He further thanked her for her service as a DHS secretary. Now, Mullin has been nominated to fill the position of head of DHS. Heres all you need to know about him. Markwayne Mullins political career so far The position of head of Homeland Security has been handed over to Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin. He is a first-time senator, a former mixed martial arts fighter, and an ardent supporter of Trump and his policies. He is expected to take over the position on March 31, thus becoming the second Homeland Security chief of Trumps second administration. Born on July 26, 1977, in Tulsa, he grew up in the small town of Westville in eastern Oklahoma. He is married to Christie, and the couple has six children together. The 48-year-old entered the Senate in 2023 after winning a special election to complete the term of former Senator Jim Inhofe. Prior to that, he served 10 years in the US House of Representatives, serving Oklahomas 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2023. US Senator Markwayne Mullin speaks to members of the media as he departs the US Capitol after a vote in the US Senate on funding for DHS in Washington, DC. File image/Reuters Mullin belongs to the Cherokee Nation and is one of the few Native Americans to serve in the US Senate. When he was elected in 2022, he became the first Native American senator in almost 20 years and just the second Cherokee Nation citizen to serve in the chamber. According to news website BBC, Mullin drew attention when he challenged a union leader to a fight in the middle of a hearing early in his senate career. The incident took place while the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labour, and Pensions was hearing testimony from Sean OBrien, president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, one of the countrys biggest unions, in November 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the exchange, Mullin cited a social media post in which OBrien described him as a greedy CEO who pretends hes self-made and urged him to drop the tough-guy act in senate hearings. Mullin shot back, saying they could be two consenting adults and settle it right here, before rising from his seat and appearing to move to take off his wedding ring. Mullin before he became a politician Before becoming a politician, the new DHS chief built his career as a businessman. While growing up on a ranch, he dropped out of college at just 20 years, taking charge of his familys plumbing business after his father fell ill. Over time, he grew it into several companies linked to construction and property services. In 2021, he sold his plumbing businesses to a larger home services company, significantly increasing his personal wealth. Mullin also had a brief career as a professional mixed martial arts fighter. He fought three professional bouts and won all of them between 2006 and 2007, bringing him an undefeated record. Trump makes the announcement Making the announcement of his nomination on his Truth Social account, Trump called him a Maga Warrior, a reference to the Republican presidents Make America Great Again movement. He also pointed to Mullins Native American heritage, saying he would be a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities. Markwayne will work tirelessly to keep our border secure, stop migrant crime, murderers, and other criminals from illegally entering our country, end the scourge of illegal drugs and, make America safe again, Trump said in a Truth Social post announcing his nomination. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a post on X, Mullin thanked the US president for the nomination. President Trump ran on restoring law and order, and he quickly delivered the most secure US border in American history, Mullin said. I look forward to supporting @POTUS mission to safeguard the American people and defend the homeland. Mullin will need confirmation from the Republican-majority Senate to take up his post, and at least one Democratic senator has already said that he will vote for him. Senate Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer signaled his opposition, however. Ive been asked if I would support Sen Mullin as Noems replacement, Schumer said on X. The answer is a resounding no. The rot in DHS is deep, much deeper than any individual. Its a question of policy, not personnel, he said. With inputs from agencies With RSP inching towards a landslide victory, Nepals next prime minister will be Balendra Shah. The former Kathmandu mayor and rapper has been able to gain the support of Gen Z for his confrontational style of politics as well as his fight against inherent corruption and cronyism Balendra Shah, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) election candidate and Kathmandu's former mayor, takes a selfie with children and supporters during a door-to-door election campaign at Gauriganj in Jhapa district. The 35-year-old has emerged as a frontrunner in the Nepal PM race as votes are being counted in the Himalayan kingdom. AFP Six months after a Gen-Z-led protest toppled the leadership in Nepal, the Himalayan kingdom went to the polls on Thursday to decide the countrys future. The old guard in the form of KP Sharma Oli was up against the new guard represented by former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician. As votes are being counted, it seems that the country is leaning towards the young. Shahs Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is inching towards a landslide victory in the high-stakes general election for Nepals 275-member House of Representatives, the lower house of Parliament. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But who exactly is Balendra Shah? Will he be the next prime minister of Nepal? Voters swinging Balen Shahs way Results are expected later today, but full nationwide tallies could take several days. These polls have been one of the most hotly contested elections in the Himalayan republic of 30 million people since the end of a civil war in 2006. The RSP maintained a commanding lead in Nepals proportional representation vote count on Saturday (March 7), securing more than half of the ballots counted in the early tally. According to Nepals Election Commission data, in161 of the 165 constituencies, the RSP has already won 20 seats and is ahead in another 98. The former Kathmandu mayor has secured more than 15,000 votes in Jhapa-5 constituency against four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair K P Sharma Oli in the latters stronghold. With momentum in Shahs favour, the 35-year-old is on track to potentially reshape Nepals political landscape as the countrys next prime minister. Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and the prime ministerial candidate for Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), votes during the general election in Kathmandu, Nepal on March 5. Reuters Early life of Balen Shah But what do we know of this young Turk set to become Nepals next PM? Born to a doctor of traditional medicine and a homemaker in 1990, Balen, as he is known to his supporters, is the youngest of four siblings. In an interview with Al Jazeera in September three months before his death his father recalled Balen as a bright and simple child. The fathers work took him away from home frequently, but one clear memory from Balens childhood stuck out for Shah: He wrote poems. I remember that, because I also wrote poems. He graduated with a civil engineering degree from Himalayan Whitehouse International College in Kathmandu and received a postgraduate degree in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Karnataka, India. It was in 2013 that Balen first made a name for himself. But it wasnt in politics, but rather in the world of rap. He participated in a popular rap battle in Nepal, known as Raw Barz, and won the contest. The contest organiser told Al Jazeera, More than a rapper, he was a poet. He was very good lyrically, and talked about suppressed (people). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, he has penned a number of songs. One of his most famous ones is Balidan (sacrifice), which has generated over 14 million views on YouTube. It speaks of corruption, with one verse stating, Let me speak, Government it is not a crime. I fear not to speak the truth. Will the law really come for me, just for raising my voice? Balens mayoral tenure in Kathmandu In 2022, Balen made his entry into politics when he contested the Kathmandu mayoral race. As an independent, he swept the polls, winning 61,767 votes, defeating candidates from the major political parties, the Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal (UML), who received 38,341 and 38,117 votes, respectively. As mayor, Balen worked towards cleaning up Nepals haphazardly developed capital. He ordered garbage collectors to stop collecting from government offices, including that of the prime minister, in the middle of a fight with the national government over where waste should be disposed of. He also locked out an official from his office in city hall when the government would allow him to fire the administrator. A vehicle with a campaign poster of Balendra Shah waits for passengers ahead of Nepals general election, in Gauriganj, Jhapa district, Nepal. File image/Reuters Balen and the Gen-Z support Dressed in his signature black jacket and pants, and black shades, Balen quit as mayor last December and joined the centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party. And since the beginning of his campaign, he has been able to steer support from Nepals Gen-Z. His confrontational style has endeared him to large sections of the youth. As Pranaya Rana, a journalist who writes for the Kalam Weekly newsletter, told Al Jazeera, Young Nepalis see him as a decisive actor, who is not beholden to traditional political or business interests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But even before the elections, Balen had the support of Nepals youth. When violent protests broke out in the country last September, which eventually led to the toppling the KP Sharma Oli-led coalition government, many of the Gen-Z called on the 35-year-old to lead the nation. Balendra Shah along with Rabi Lamichhane, president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), take part in an election campaign in Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal. File image/Reuters During the protests, everyone on social media called for Balen to step up and take over the country, Yatish Ojha, a 26-year-old lawyer and protester, was quoted as telling Financial Times. He has the mandate of the Gen Z movement. Amid the protests, many even blamed Balen for posting inflammatory messages on social media. But Balens supporters note that he was echoing public anger over the protester deaths, not instigating it. This is why Balen resonates with the youth, said Surajan Budhathoki, 31, an app designer in Kathmandu who has struggled with red tape and high taxes, to The Wall Street Journal. An experienced politician knows how to talk in a diplomatic way. Balen on the other handno patience just a raw voice. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his campaign, Balen has promised to provide better healthcare and education for the poor, while improving the business climate for entrepreneurs. But thats a tall order in the country, which has seen political turmoil it has had more than a dozen governments since the abolition of its 239-year monarchy in 2008 as well as an economy that is struggling to stay afloat. Controversies that haunt Balen Despite his popularity, Balen has been a controversial choice. His choice of campaigning in an expensive Land Rover Defender worth Nepal Rs 40 million, while the country has been struggling economically, raised eyebrows. Many accused him of a lack of transparency over the vehicles ownership and use, while some pointed out that, despite promoting modesty in public office. The car, it turned out, had been given to him by a wealthy businessman for use during his campaign. People wave towards Balendra Shah as he campaigns before voting took place on March 5. File image/Reuters Another such controversy was in 2023 when India installed a mural of Akhand Bharat (a Greater India). In turn, Shah hung a Greater Nepal map in his office, including territories that once belonged to Nepal but now lie within Indias borders. His move soon escalated into a diplomatic hurdle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He has also faced criticism from groups including Human Rights Watch for using police to mistreat the urban poor, including cracking down on street vendors and landless residents of urban slums. However, his allure amongst the youth seems not have dimmed. He is the only one who can take the country forward, said one of his many supporters. With inputs from agencies Cash-strapped Pakistan is turning to Covid-era measures to save fuel amid uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz, the worlds most critical maritime chokepoint. The proposal forms part of a wider plan that includes work-from-home and online classes to ensure fewer vehicles on the road A man on a motorcycle gets his bike refuelled with petrol, brought from Iran, amid the US-Israel conflict with the Islamic Republic, at a shop in Quetta, Pakistan, on March 4. Reuters Like foreign loans and border conflict with Afghanistan were not enough, now there is a new headache hitting cash-strapped Pakistan. The nation is now threatened by the possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which it receives a significant share of its oil supply. There have been conflicting reports on the operations in the shipping route, with Irans Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh saying on Friday (March 6) that the Strait has not been closed yet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the US-Israel war against Iran puts the global market at risk. Amid this, the Shehbaz Sharif government is mulling austere measures to save fuel. According to reports, the proposal forms part of a wider plan that includes work-from-home and online classes, among other steps, if the country faces a fuel crisis. Catch live updates on Why is Pakistan mulling WFH and online classes policy? Against this backdrop, Islamabad has begun taking steps to conserve energy. Pakistan is considering allowing employees to work from home and directing schools and colleges to move to online classes, similar to the measures implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic, reported Dawn. The report also noted that authorities are weighing a plan to keep only essential staff in offices in March. Telecom and IT companies have also been advised to consider permitting employees to work remotely at least twice a week. All this is only to reduce fuel consumption. An entire summary is being prepared for submission to the federal Cabinets Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) to ensure urgent action is taken as petroleum prices surge due to disruptions caused by the Iran war. Moneycontrol reported, citing sources, that the nation is looking for action without delay. According to its Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Pakistan has petrol and diesel stocks for about 25 days, around 10 days of crude oil reserves, and 15 days of LPG supplies. How is the Sharif govt implementing saving measures? Ahead of implementing measures, the state-run Pakistan State Oil (PSO), with approval from the Pakistani government, has issued two tenders, each for the import of petrol and diesel from suppliers outside the Strait of Hormuz, as a precautionary step. The Shehbaz Sharif government is also considering other short-term fuel-conservation measures, including weekly revisions to petroleum prices and compensation for oil companies. According to authorities, updating fuel prices every week could help discourage fuel dealers from hoarding supplies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cash-strapped Pakistan is planning austere measures to conserve fuel and keep markets liquid amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. File image/Reuters The government is already working on contingency plans. According to Reuters reports, Islamabad has sought Saudi Arabias assistance in routing oil supplies through the Red Sea port of Yanbu if the Strait of Hormuz closes. The insurance costs for oil cargoes have jumped from around $30,000 to nearly $400,000 (around Rs 27 lakh to Rs 3.66 crore) per ship, and import premiums for petroleum products have also climbed, officials noted. Freight costs have surged as well, with ship charter rates rising to over $4 million (around Rs 3 crore). Dawn reported, citing authorities, that the combination of these factors is putting increasing pressure on oil marketing firms and refineries. The price gap has already widened sharply since the crisis started. The price gap has risen to Rs 45-50 for diesel and around Rs 25-26 for petrol in the first week of the crisis and could grow over the next 15 days, and hence needs to be nipped in the bud, Moneycontrol quoted an official as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why is the Strait of Hormuz important? Panicked Pakistans immediate problem is Irans consideration of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows, and through which most of Pakistans fuel imports pass. Any disruption there can affect shipping schedules, increase freight costs, and delay deliveries. An aerial view of the Iranian shores and the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz, December 10, 2023. File Image/Reuters Pakistan relies on imports for the majority of its petroleum products and is heavily dependent on Gulf shipping routes for energy supplies. Officials tracking the situation asserted that diesel shipments from Kuwait, supplied under long-term agreements, are particularly vulnerable to disruptions along these routes. Reports suggest that some shipments moving through the region have been delayed due to rising security concerns and heavy maritime traffic. However, the importance of the Strait of Hormuz is not limited only to Pakistan. According to data from market intelligence firm Kpler, in 2025, approximately 13 million barrels of crude oil per day moved through the Strait of Hormuz. This volume accounted for around 31 per cent of global seaborne crude shipments. An aerial view of the Port of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, in the Strait of Hormuz. File image/Reuters The Strait is essential to regional trade, as it provides access to Dubais Jebel Ali port, the worlds 10th-largest container port and a redistribution hub for more than a dozen countries in the region. There have conflicting reports about the closure of this shipping route. Iran on Friday (March 6) has denied reports that the Strait has been indefinitely shut. We have not yet closed the Strait of Hormuz. If we are going to close it, we are going to announce it It has not been closed by us. We have no intention to do it until further notice, Irans Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Saeed Khatibzadeh said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz is closed to vessels from the United States, Israel, Europe, and their Western allies. Whats the latest on US-Israel-Iran tensions? The United States and Israel have continued their aerial assault on Iran. The death toll has risen to at least 1,230 since Saturday (February 28). The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for all of Beiruts southern suburbs, an area home to hundreds of thousands of residents. Iran has launched fresh strikes on Israel, the IDF says, while Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain say they intercepted attacks overnight According to US President Donald Trump, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, would be an unacceptable successor. Trump wants to have Washington play a vital role in determining Irans next leader. Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani said the country is prepared and waiting for any potential American ground invasion. With inputs from agencies In Israel, normalcy is a hard task. Even taking showers can be difficult as Iran continues to rain down missiles and drones on the Jewish nation amid the war. To counter this, an app, named Can I shower, has been created to help suggest the safest time for citizens to bathe There are all kinds of websites available on the internet, but what has caught everyones attention is a new website named Can I shower. As Iran targets Israel with drones and ballistic missiles, a new website has been developed for citizens to find the safest time for a shower without having the constant fear of having to rush to a bomb shelter. Catch live updates from the This is not the only website developed in the war-torn nation. Several apps have been created to digitise the panic into something more manageable. Some of the other apps include the Israeli armys app Home Front Command, Bomb Shelter Locator, which helps to make shelter-seeking easy, and the Hooked app, which helps as a bomb-shelter icebreaker. Let us take a closer look at the Can I Shower website. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is the Can I Shower website? The Can I take a shower website is an Israeli tool that is designed to calculate the risk of a rocket or missile while taking a shower. The concept is meant to give Israelis a sense of normalcy, even something as simple as taking a shower without fearing they might have to run to a bomb shelter. Israelis crack me up. Someone built an app that estimates how safe it is to take a shower. If a siren sounds, you dont want to be running to a shelter soaking wet and covered in soap. The app analyzes recent patterns of rocket fire to estimate the safest time of day to shower. pic.twitter.com/gt6anhJQMA Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) March 4, 2026 The site offers real-time estimates of shower safety by analysing rocket attack patterns and the likelihood of alerts. It combines this with historical data and ongoing developments from the Iranian campaign so users can gauge the risk before taking a shower. Based on current data, it suggests 5:30 am as the safest time to shower, when the likelihood of attacks is lowest. How popular is the website? Social media users are impressed by the website, praising its functionality. They appreciated the help to solve a tiny but relevant problem during the time of war. Appreciating the app, one user wrote on social media platform X, It may sound funny, but is absolutely useful. It is relatively cold to run out wrapped in a towel. Water running also makes it difficult to hear alarms going off. Another said, I think with this, and hacking all the traffic cams in Iran, theyre good to go. Lol. Brilliant! While a third user said, It happened to me and indeed, going to the miklat full of soap is not fun at all;). Another user wrote, THATS BRILLIANT!! Hahahahahahahahaha!! How has the Iran war led to many similar apps? This is not the only app that Israel has developed to keep their citizens safe as tensions rise with Iran. Some of the other apps include Home Front Command, Bomb Shelter Locator, Purple Vest, and Hooked to help citizens. Home Front Command is the Israeli armys app that uses GPS to figure out a persons location and pings the area at risk. It has separate alerts for rockets, missiles, and terror incidents. It is available in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and English. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ? , . pic.twitter.com/BUIaOC63qi (@PikudHaoref1) March 4, 2026 The Bomb Shelter Locator helps users find safety through an interactive map, showing about 20,000 official shelter sites, offering offline city maps and walking routes, and estimating the time needed to reach the closest protected area. Purple Vest is designed to support people who cannot quickly reach safety. Seniors and individuals with disabilities can sign up ahead of time to request help during alerts, with volunteers using the app to locate them and assist with shelter access or emergency supplies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Theres also the Hooked app that is being used by Israelis to find love amidst the war. What is the current situation of the Iran war? The war began on Saturday (February 28) with US-Israeli forces attacking Iran. The initial attack claimed the life of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 40 other senior leaders of the country. Iran then launched retaliatory fire. So far, the war has claimed the lives of at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 100 in Lebanon, and 13 in Israel, according to official statements. Thousands of others have been injured across West Asia. People gather at the site of a destroyed building at a school where several people were killed in a reported strike, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Minab, Iran. Reuters The death toll includes dozens of schoolchildren killed in a strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab, southern Iran, on Saturday. Israels military says Iran fired ballistic missiles armed with cluster munitions toward its territory, the first reported deployment of such weapons in the ongoing war. With inputs from agencies Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed on Thursday (March 5) when their aircraft, a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, crashed near Assams Jorhat Air Base. The pilots have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. Lets take a closer look Squadron Leader Anuj (left) and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar (right) were killed in the crash. Image Courtesy: @IAF_MCC/X Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft crashed during a training mission in Assams Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening (March 5). The pilots have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. The two pilots were experienced officers stationed at Jorhat Air Base in Assam. The Indian Air Force has released a statement on the incident expressing condolences with the pilots families. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what happened? What do we know about the incident? Here is all you need to know about the incident and the pilots. What happened? The two pilots were on a training mission on the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI when the crash occurred. According to reports, the aircraft lost contact and went missing shortly after taking off from the Jorhat Air Base, around 60 kilometres from where it crashed. The twin-engine jet departed from the Jorhat Air Base, one of the IAFs key forward bases in the northeast, on Thursday evening. Defence PRO Lieutenant Colonel M Rawat said the aircrafts final communication was at 7:42 pm. Radar contact was lost soon after over the forested hills of Karbi Anglong, an area known for its difficult terrain and poor ground access. Residents in the area later reported hearing a loud explosion. Search teams from the IAF, supported by police, civil administration, and local villagers, combed the area through the night. Rescue personnel located the aircrafts wreckage around 1 am on Friday after trekking through the rugged hills. IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief, the force said in a statement posted on X. IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/zUtfUJ2ewr Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 6, 2026 Who were the pilots? The aircraft was under the command of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, 28, participated in Operation Sindoor last year. Duragkar last met his family 10 days ago at a family function. His father told news agency PTI that the family did not know that he was part of the Operation Sindoor. The operation was launched last year in response to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 15 days after Operation Sindoor was paused, did we get to know that he was part of the operation. He did not have his mobile phone with him during that time. We were not in touch with him during that time, he told the news agency PTI. Duragkars father said he had spoken with his son a day before the crash. He said Flight Lieutenant Purvesh was immensely proud to fly a fighter jet. My son was extremely proud to be part of the Indian Air Force. He would sometimes share his experience of flying fighter planes and the speeds that IAF jets achieve. He held his colleagues in high regard, Duragkar told PTI. VIDEO | Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet crash: Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar's father Ravindra Duragkar says, "15 days after Operation Sindoor was paused, did we get to know that he was part of the operation. He did not have his mobile phone with him during that time. We were not https://t.co/PJSUF33yz1 pic.twitter.com/WY3IT3Yr8f Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 6, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD My son sacrificed himself in the service of the nation. Everyone should take inspiration from him. He achieved his dream, but he could not serve the nation as much as he wanted to. He had a short tenure of four years, he said. Duragkar is survived by his parents and a sister who is settled in the US. Have there been similar incidents? In June 2024, a Sukhoi Su-30MKI crashed in a field in Nashik district during a test flight. Both pilots ejected safely and survived. A mid-air collision took place between a Su-30MKI and a Mirage-2000 fighter jet on January 28, 2023, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. While the pilots of the Su-30 ejected safely, those in the Mirage did not survive. In 2019, a Su-30MKI crashed into a paddy field near Tezpur although the pilots ejected safely. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged the Kurds to join the Iran war. One of the biggest ethnic groups in the world without a state, they have acquired a reputation for having an effective fighting force Member of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan PDKI stands at a checkpoint leading to their base in Koya district of Irbil, Iraq. AP As the war engulfs West Asia swiftly, Irans Kurds have come to the forefront once again. The battle-hardened Kurds, many of whom have been living in northern Iraq in exile, are preparing for a potential cross-border military operation in Iran with the backing of the United States. Iranian forces have already struck Kurdish opposition groups since the war erupted after US and Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend. Still, despite Washingtons history of unreliable support for Kurdish movements, some Kurdish factions view the conflict as an opportunity to weaken the Islamic Republic and could even align with the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Catch live updates from the Adding Kurdish fighters to the conflict at this stage could make it much harder for Iran to defend itself as US and Israeli strikes continue. At the same time, it could pull Iraq, where some of these Kurdish groups are based, deeper into the fighting. Lets take a look at who the Kurds are and their involvement in the war. Who are the Kurds? The Kurds, numbering roughly 30 million, are one of the largest ethnic groups without a state. They live mainly in Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, speak Kurdish in different dialects, and are mostly Sunni Muslims. The Kurds have never had an independent state, but they do govern a semi-autonomous region in northern Iraq and, for years, effectively ruled much of northeastern Syria. Many Kurdish factions have fought insurgent campaigns in hopes of creating their own country, Kurdistan. Iranian Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) take part in a training session at a base on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq. File image/Reuters The nine million Kurds in Iran live mainly in a stretch of land along the countrys western borders with Iraq and Turkey. They have a long history of grievances and rebellions against both the current Islamic Republic and the monarchy that preceded it. What is the Kurdish opposition in Iran? Several Kurdish groups have taken up arms against Iranian authorities over the years. In the most recent case, Iranian forces have struck positions belonging to these groups. This has brought unity among the groups forcing them to form an alliance in a bid to overthrow the Islamic Republic and ultimately secure Kurdish self-determination. Ahead of the war, five groups had formed a coalition dedicated to overthrowing the Islamic Republic and establishing the Kurdish peoples right to self-determination. On March 5, a sixth group joined in. For the first time, all major Kurdish parties have come together as one in a new coalition a historic step toward shaping a new future for Kurds and a democratic Iran, said Abdullah Mohtadi, secretary general of the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan. An Iraqi security official told AFP that Iranian officials have warned Iraq that hundreds of armed Kurdish fighters may try to infiltrate Iran. However, so far, no forces have entered Iran,. Kalel Kani Sanani, a spokesperson for the Kurdistan Freedom Party PAK, told AFP that if the strikes on Iran continue, the regime forces will be weakened and conditions will become ripe for a popular uprising. The armed groups will then be able to confront what remains of the Iranian regimes forces, Sanani said preparations have already been made. We are closely monitoring the course of the war, and if it continues like this, we are likely to witness an uprising in Iranian Kurdistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is the Kurds history with the US? Kurds have mostly been on the losing side while interacting with US presidents. In 1975, President Gerald Ford did not intervene as Iraqi forces overran Kurdish fighters. Years later, in 1988, President Ronald Reagan did not act to stop Iraq from using chemical weapons against the Kurds. In 1990, President George Bush encouraged the Kurds to rise up against Saddam Hussein after he invaded Kuwait, but then stood aside as Iraqi forces brutally crushed the rebellion. And in January this year, Trump allowed Syrian forces to seize Kurdish territory won during the Syrian civil war and in bloody battles against the Islamic State group. A fighter from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) takes part in a training exercise at a base near Erbil, Iraq. File image/Reuters Even after the constant betrayal, Kurds see an alliance with the US as a historic opportunity. Sanani said, If they help us overthrow or weaken the regime in Iranian Kurdistan and protect us as they did in Iraqi Kurdistan in 1991, we will accept their aid. Renad Mansour from the Chatham House think tank said this appears to be another chapter in a long history in which the US seeks different Kurdish militant groups to support in various battles. What do Kurds want? Kurds are looking for an opportunity for the people of Kurdistan to live freely. The ethnic minority, who have been rooted in the mountainous region spread across Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran, have long fought for their own homeland. But for decades, they suffered defeats on the battlefield and massacres in their hometowns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The fight is still the same - looking for their own homeland. They make up one of Irans most important non-Persian ethnic minority groups. With inputs from agencies An Indian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assams Karbi Anglong during a training sortie after taking off from Jorhat Indian Air Force announced the death of of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assams Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening. The aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat Air Force Station for a routine training sortie before the incident occurred. According to officials, the aircraft lost contact with ground control shortly after take-off, raising immediate concern within the Air Force. Communication with the jet was last recorded at around 7:42 pm, after which it went off radar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/zUtfUJ2ewr Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 6, 2026 Search and rescue teams were quickly deployed to the region after the aircraft disappeared from radar. Defence officials said the crash occurred in the Karbi Anglong area, roughly 60 kilometres from Jorhat. Authorities combed through the forested terrain in the district to locate the pilots and determine the circumstances behind the crash. Local residents reportedly heard a loud explosion around the time the aircraft vanished, though authorities are still verifying these accounts as part of the investigation. One of IAFs most advanced fighter jets The Su-30MKI is one of the Indian Air Forces most capable fighter aircraft and forms the backbone of Indias combat fleet. The twin-seat multirole jet, developed by Russias Sukhoi and produced in India under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is designed for long-range missions and can carry a wide range of advanced weapons and missiles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The future world order in the making will be multipolar as no country today has hegemony over all the domains to be an overall hegemony, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue 2026. EAM Jaishankar and President Stubb declare the end of Western hegemony, identifying the Global South as the new architect of a multipolar world. The future world order in the making will be multipolar as no country today has hegemony over all the domains to be an overall hegemony. At a session at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the power in its different dimensions is spread out much more among the countries, denying any country overall hegemony that some in the pat had. Jaishankar was joined at the session by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who attended the Raisina Dialogue as the Chief Guest on the sidelines of his state visit to India. Stubb said that the world order will not be decided by the West but by the Global South led by the likes of India. They were part of a discussion on Stubbs book The Triangle of Power Rebalancing the New World Order. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jaishankar said the distribution of powers in the world goes beyond economy and strategic capabilities. It will really be much more multipolar because no country today has hegemony over so many domains that it is an overall hegemony. Its not just a distribution of GDP and capabilities. In different domains, different parts of the world will contribute more or will have more capabilities, said Jaishankar. As for nostalgia for the post-World War II world order that is now fading, Jaishankar flagged it was never realistic to expect it to last forever. This was the order by the West, for the West, from the West. Now, it doesnt mean that others didnt use it smart people did, smart countries did. But when we look back at these 70 years, I think the expectation that we can freeze a 1945 or a 1989 forever was a very unrealistic one, said Jaishankar. On his part, Stubb outlined the three broad trends in global politics that he also analysed in his book: the evolution of the bipolarity of the Cold War into the postCold War American unipolarity, which then developed into todays multipolar chaos. Stubb said, For me, the Global West, at least when I wrote the book, was led by the United States, and the basic idea was that this group wanted to preserve the existing liberal world order as it was created some 80 years ago. And the opposite to this was the Global East led by China and Russia, with the idea that they wanted to create a more multipolar world order. And, for me, the thesis of the whole book is that its actually the Global South, led by the likes of India, that is going to decide the direction in which the world order is going to tilt. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue was held from March 5, 2026 to March 7, 2026 in New Delhi. Firstpost has partnered with the Raisina Dialogue to bring exclusive conversations with global leaders to you. The Raisina Dialogue is Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with Indias Ministry of External Affairs. People have found a new way to breakup with their partner and its trending. Say hello to Alpine divorce Alpine divorce is a viral social media term describing the alleged act of abandoning a partner during a hike - a dramatic label for what is, in reality, isolated and troubling behaviour rather than a documented trend. AI generated People have found a unique (read: twisted!) way to end relationship with their spouse. And believe us, this new breakup trend seems dark. A chilling phrase has been making the rounds online: Alpine divorce. According to viral posts, men are allegedly abandoning their wives during hikes - leaving them alone in remote forests or mountain terrain as a twisted form of ending a relationship. The claim has sparked outrage, fear and fascination across social media platforms, with users sharing stories of being left behind on trails and framing it as a dark new breakup trend. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But how much of this is real - and how much is internet myth? A closer look reveals a far more complicated story behind the sensational label. What is Alpine divorce? The term Alpine divorce has recently started trending on social media after viral TikTok and X posts described people - mostly women - being abandoned by their partner during hikes or outdoor trips in wilderness or mountain terrain. Users have used this phrase to describe situations where someone feels left behind, isolated, or deliberately deserted in a dangerous outdoor setting as part of ending a relationship. However, it is not a recognized legal process, formal relationship trend, or officially documented social phenomenon outside of social media slang. Its best understood as an internet meme/slang term sparked by a few dramatic stories - not evidence of a widespread social trend. Are people actually experiencing it? A TikTok video showing a woman allegedly left alone during a trek went viral, with millions of views and comments from others saying the same thing happened to them or people they know. Comments often describe partners being left on trails, in woods, or in harsh outdoor conditions by someone who keeps going ahead, sometimes framed jokingly or seriously as a relationship breakup moment. The post further claimed that several commenters said they had gone through similar experiences. Various replies suggested it was something many men allegedly do, adding that it was so common its called Alpine Divorce and that support groups even exist for it. Expressing shock, the poster questioned why anyone would consider abandoning a partner in such a manner and described feeling deeply disturbed by the idea. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to a report by The Mirror US, the conversation soon gained momentum, with more users joining in to share their accounts and reactions. Real cases come to light A video from a creator with username @everafteriya described the situation in a short caption: POV: you go on a hike with him in the mountains but he leaves you alone by yourself and you realize he never liked you to begin with. In the comments, others responded with similar stories. A person said they were abandoned on a hike and later found another hiker who helped guide them back safely before they returned home and ended the relationship. Another commenter expressed shock after discovering that online communities exist for people who say they were left alone during hikes. Although unrelated, an Austrian climber left his girlfriend to die on countrys highest mountain An Austrian court found an experienced mountaineer guilty of gross negligent manslaughter over the death of his partner during a winter climb in January 2025. The incident occurred on Grossglockner, Austrias tallest mountain, which rises 3,798 metres above sea level. The accused, identified as Thomas P in line with Austrian privacy regulations, was tried before the Innsbruck Regional Court. The court ruled that his actions amounted to gross negligence in connection with the death of his 33-year-old girlfriend, Kerstin G. The ad transitions from missile explosions to grilling flames, prompting backlash online from users who say the campaign turns war footage into a marketing gimmick. An explosion caused by a projectile impact after Iran launched missiles into Israel following Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tel Aviv, Israel, February 28, 2026. REUTERS An Egyptian restaurant chain is facing backlash online after a promotional video appeared to use real footage of Iranian strikes on Tel Aviv as part of a food advertisement. The clip, which has gone viral across social media, opens with visuals of missiles and explosions before abruptly cutting to flames in a kitchen pan where meat is being grilled. The transition seems designed to mimic the drama of fire used in cooking, but the imagery, drawn from real conflict footage, has drawn criticism for trivialising violence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An Egyptian restaurant launches a promotional campaign inspired by the intense Iranian strikes on Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/ncpiDLb31Q The Middle East (@A_M_R_M1) March 5, 2026 The restaurant, identified online as Haty Ahmed Nada, is a popular Egyptian chain known for grilled dishes and traditional trays. But its attempt at attention-grabbing marketing has left many viewers uncomfortable. Several users criticised the ad for repurposing scenes linked to a real war and human suffering to sell food. Using war footage for a restaurant promotion is not creative, its tone-deaf, one commenter wrote, while others said the campaign blurred the line between dark humour and exploitation. A smaller group of viewers defended the videos dramatic editing, arguing that it was simply an exaggerated visual metaphor for grilling and fire. Still, the backlash has highlighted how easily real-world violence can be turned into spectacle in the race for viral content. The controversy also points to a broader pattern in internet culture, where news footage is rapidly recycled into memes, marketing campaigns and attention-grabbing clips. What might once have been unthinkable imagery for advertising now circulates freely online. Whether the restaurant intended shock value or simply a striking visual transition, the reaction suggests that borrowing imagery from an active conflict to market food is a gamble. In this case, the flames meant to advertise a grill have ended up fuelling a very different kind of fire online. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Anu, 21, from Kamathipura, Mumbai, overcame stigma as a sex workers daughter. Now a social worker, she helps her community and advocates for change, inspiring resilience and hope Society often blames the women in places like Kamathipura, but rarely talks about the men who create the demand because of deep-rooted gender biases and social hypocrisy. AI generated As International Womens Day is just around the corner, conversations often celebrate achievements and progress. However, some stories remain on the margins. In Kamathipura, Mumbais historic red-light area, we spoke to the daughter of a sex worker about growing up surrounded by stigma, navigating judgment, and finding the strength to shape her own future. Meet Anu, a 21-year-old girl whose mother was tricked into prostitution Anu went to live with her grandmothers family (mothers maiden home) after her father left them when she was very young. Her mother remarried a few years later, but her stepfather was verbally abusive and was likely the reason her mother was tricked into moving to Mumbai and into Kamathipura. Anu and her family faced a great deal of challenges but were able to escape from the life her mother was forced into. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Today, Anu, with her mother and her two younger sisters live in Mumbai, free of the stigma of being associated with commercial sex work since her mother no longer has to partake in the profession any longer. Anu does, however, often visit Kamathipura as a budding social worker to help change the lives of her aunts, sisters and community. 1. Can you tell us a little about yourself? My name is Anu. I come from a small town near Kolkata. When I was young, my father left us and went away. After that, I grew up with my mother and my grandmother. Even though I came from a small village, I had very big dreams. But to dream big, a person also needs courage. I continued to dream and tried to convince my mother that I wanted to pursue my education. 2. How did you first come to live or work in Kamathipura? My grandmother was quite conservative and strict. She believed that girls should not study and often said things like, What will girls do by studying? Because of this mindset, things were difficult for me growing up. This is when I moved from Kolkata to Mumbai. 3. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first arrived? When I first arrived, there were many problems. I had to leave the hostel where I was staying because of certain issues. Finding support for my education was also difficult. I had to search for sponsors who could help me continue my studies. It was a long struggle, but eventually I found support through Mumbai Smiles, an organization that works against human trafficking. 4. How does society treat women from Kamathipura? Many people already have fixed ideas about women from places like Kamathipura, and they assume they know our lives without ever trying to understand our reality. Because of these assumptions, they treat us differently - sometimes with suspicion, sometimes with open disrespect. They make hurtful comments, whisper behind our backs, or use insulting language. Living with that constant judgment can be emotionally exhausting. When you hear negative things about yourself again and again, it can start to affect your confidence and mental well-being. 5. What kind of stigma do you face, and how does it affect your life? Children who grow up in communities connected to trafficking or prostitution face a major challenge because society does not accept them easily. This creates a lot of mental pressure and emotional pain. People often say things like, What will these children achieve even if they study? They believe that eventually we will end up in the same line of work as our mothers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This labeling is very demotivating. Society assumes that if a mother worked in that line, the daughter will do the same. People say things like, A cobblers child will always become a cobbler. But I do not believe that is true. 6. What gives you strength on the days when everything feels overwhelming? If you believe in your own strength and think positively about your future, the world can also begin to see you differently. Even though life has many challenges, I try to see things in a positive way. That helps me move forward. 7. Have you ever had a moment where you felt truly seen or respected? What happened in that moment? Today, my mother has left that line of work and we have moved forward in life. Our situation has become more stable. My sister works and I also help my family whenever they need support. Now people do not label us in the same way as before. In fact, many people feel proud when they see our journey. 8. Society often blames the women here but rarely talks about the men who create the demand. Why do you think that is? Society often blames women and puts labels on them without understanding their circumstances. People talk about the women, but they rarely think about the bigger system or the situations that force women into such conditions. 9. Do you think society treats women in Kamathipura differently from men involved in the same system? How does that double standard affect you? Yes, society mostly blames the women and labels them. Because of this, their children also suffer and face discrimination. It creates a lot of emotional and mental pressure. 10. If you could change one thing about how society sees women in this area, what would it be? I would want society to stop labeling people based on their background. Just because someones mother worked in a certain line does not mean the child will do the same. Everyone should be given the chance to build their own life. 11. What role should the government or society play in improving conditions here? Society should support children from such communities so that they can study and build better lives. When they receive opportunities, they can change their future. 12. What dreams or goals do you still hold for your future? My goal is to continue improving my life and support my family. I also want to help other children who come from similar backgrounds. 13. If you could go back and speak to your younger self, what would you want to tell that girl? I would tell her to keep believing in herself and to never stop dreaming, no matter how difficult life becomes. 14. What kind of future would you like for your children? I want a better life for the next generation, where they are not judged based on their background and can pursue their dreams freely. 15. On this International Womens Day, what message would you want the world to hear from the women of Kamathipura? I have spoken to many children of trafficked women and many mothers. Through these conversations, we motivate each other. Sometimes they say, If she can do it, why cant our children do it too? That is the message I always share: If I can do it, you can do it too. Life has both positive and negative experiences. It depends on how we choose to see them. If we see things positively, we can move forward. But if we focus only on the negative, we become demotivated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Choosing positivity helps people move ahead in life. About Kanyathon Kanyathon helps girls like Anu receive education and opportunities. Mrs. Kalpana Padode, Governing Board Member, Vijaybhoomi University and Founder of the Kanyathon Scholarship says Kanyathon, a student-driven initiative that began in 2011, is more than just an event - it is a movement that embodies hope, empathy, and transformation. What started as a simple CSR activity has today become a beacon of change, shaping the lives of countless underprivileged girls while nurturing the values of compassion and responsibility among students. She adds that the word itself holds its soul-Kanya meaning girl, and Thon drawn from marathon-signifying a run with a purpose. Each step taken in this 10 km run raises not just funds, but aspirations. These resources are dedicated to empowering girls through spoken English, digital literacy, health, and hygiene-skills that light the path toward independence and dignity. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh banned social media for children under 16 to protect them from cyber threats. Critics argue for education over prohibition, emphasizing responsible use Karnatakas proposal to ban social media for children under 16 has sparked a debate about online safety and digital freedom. AI generated Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have recently made headlines by announcing a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16. The decision, aimed at protecting minors from cyber threats and harmful content, has sparked a nationwide debate: does restricting access really safeguard children, or does it create unforeseen challenges for their development and social lives? The intended benefits Proponents of the ban argue that social media exposes children to a range of risks. Cyberbullying, online predators, explicit content, and peer pressure can all take a toll on a childs mental health. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Studies have linked excessive social media usage with anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and poor academic performance. By restricting access to these platforms, policymakers hope to create a safer environment where children can focus on studies, hobbies, and face-to-face interactions without digital distractions. Additionally, social media can sometimes normalize unrealistic beauty standards, materialism, and risky behavior. Limiting exposure during formative years can reduce these pressures, allowing children to develop self-confidence and resilience in offline settings. The potential pitfalls Critics argue that a blanket ban may not be the most effective solution. Tech-savvy teens may bypass restrictions using VPNs, fake accounts, or other workarounds. In such cases, children remain exposed to the very risks the ban was meant to prevent, while also losing the opportunity to learn how to navigate digital spaces responsibly. Social media is also a crucial tool for communication, learning, and social inclusion. Teenagers today rely on platforms for school projects, peer interactions, and even mental health support communities. A complete restriction could inadvertently isolate children from these positive uses. Furthermore, a ban may create a false sense of security among parents and educators. Protecting children requires more than restricting access - it requires guidance, monitoring, and education about safe online behavior. Without these complementary measures, children may enter adulthood ill-equipped to deal with digital challenges. A balance approach Experts often emphasize education over prohibition. Teaching children how to use social media responsibly, protecting their privacy, recognizing harmful content, and managing screen time may offer a more sustainable solution. Programs that involve parents, schools, and policymakers can create a safer digital ecosystem while allowing children to reap the benefits of connectivity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres what young teenagers across India feel about this ban As a teenager, I strongly believe that, in theory, blocking access to social media could be beneficial, helping prevent addiction and overuse. However, in reality, a few controls or restrictions would be a better approach rather than completely cutting teenagers off from these platforms, says 15-year-old Aarika Arora from Delhi. She further adds that social media has both merits and demerits, and eliminating the drawbacks shouldnt mean nullifying the benefits it provides, such as communication, learning, and social connection. Kiara Ramani, who is 15 years old, from Bengaluru condemns the move. I think the ban will be counterproductive because social media is not just a platform for networking but also a treasure trove for all things news. It serves as a medium where I gather information about pretty much everything. Be it Instagram or Twitter, social media, for me, is a place I can rely on to get general knowledge, and I always make sure that I get my information from trusted source. So, a ban on social media is like blocking me from my source of information, she concludes. The big question remains: Can an army with untested weapons, without generals and driven mainly by ideological instructions, win a war? Beijing has been very quiet on the happenings in Venezuela and the Middle East, probably not knowing how to react (except through some verbal condemnation). Representational Image: Reuters The churning happening all round the world is accelerating, with implications for most of the nations of the planet. Take Donald Trumps new war on Iran. The serious Nikkei in Tokyo is titled: After Iran, China faces difficult calculus on Trump, oil and Taiwan." The argument is that the US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran have shuffled the global geopolitical chessboard just four weeks before the American and Chinese leaders are due to sit down together in Beijing, leaving analysts debating which side has the strongest pieces to play and whether the summit will happen at all. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinese Weaponry Recent conflicts raise other issues: How advanced is China in terms of new weaponry? Can Beijing be considered as a significant player in the near future in any serious armed conflict? The Times of India points to an important question: Pakistan, Venezuela & Now Iran: Why Chinese-made Weapons Keep Failing. It is a fact that Chinese-manufactured weaponry, considered to be cheaper, though equally effective, than its Western alternatives, has imploded spectacularly in recent conflicts. From India dismantling Pakistans defences during Operation Sindoor to Americas surgical raid snatching Venezuelas Maduro to US-Israeli strikes pulverising Irans shields, Beijings gear has proven inept. What was hyped as battle-tested innovation now reeks of shoddy engineering, weak software, and zero real-war grit, says the Indian daily before giving details such as Venezuelan air defences, bloated with hype but starved of competence, registered zero intruders despite a $2 billion investment in Chinese gear. Can Beijing rectify this? The PLA Today But there is more. I have already partially highlighted it in this column. Where is the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) at? Whom can the Chinese Army liberate or even defend today? Apart from the fact that Beijing has been very quiet on the happenings in Venezuela and the Middle East, probably not knowing how to react (except through some verbal condemnation), China is not physically capable of countering any US or Israeli offensive, particularly due to its untested equipment. The New CSIC Report STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And then the constant purges in the PLA. A new report called The Purges Within Chinas Military Are Even Deeper Than You Think", published by the Power Project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), based in Washington DC, observed: Over the last few years, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has waged an internal political war within his own military, conducting unprecedented purges of the PLA. Due to the opaque nature of Chinas political system, there has not previously been a systematic assessment of these purges. To shed light on the scope and impact of the PLA purges, the CSIS China Power Project constructed the CSIS Database of Chinese Military Purges, which contains detailed information on over 100 PLA senior officers who have been purged or potentially purged since 2022. The conclusion of the authors was that the PLA purges are far more extensive than previously understood; it noted that since 2012, Xi Jinping has repeatedly purged senior military leaders to root out corruption which Xi sees as an impediment to his ambitious military modernisation agenda and to remove political obstacles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The second part of this assessment is certainly more accurate. In 2023, Xi initiated a second major round of purges this time far bolder and more extensive than before. And finally, at the end of 2025, Gen Zhang Youxia, senior vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), was sacked. All this has decimated the PLAs high command, leaving only one sitting general on the CMC, Zhang Shengmin, who was promoted to vice chairman in late 2025: While purges of the CMC have garnered the most attention, this only scratches the surface. According to CSIS data and analysis, 36 generals and lieutenant generals have been officially purged since 2022. The data also shows 65 additional officers are missing or potentially purged (an assessment that is made based on their absence at important meetings which they were expected to attend). This brings the total of confirmed and potential purges to a staggering 101 people, mentioned the report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More Corroboration Vision Times, a media outlet providing the overseas Chinese-speaking community a source of information more accurate than the official Communist propaganda, noted the large number of absences at the recently held meeting of the National Peoples Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, which, according to the publication, could indicate some serious internal strife: While no official explanation has been provided, the unexplained absences come amid ongoing leadership reshuffles within Chinas armed forces. It particularly names two senior military figures. According to Xinhua, 152 members attended the first plenary meeting of the session, presided over by NPC Chairman Zhao Leji. Yet based on official figures, the 14th NPC Standing Committee originally consisted of 175 members. After eight members had their qualifications revoked and two resigned, the body currently has 165 members, meaning 13 were missing in action: Observers noted that at least two PLA generals, He Ping and Zheng Weiping, currently serving as deputy directors of the NPC committee, were absent from the meeting. Previously they held political commissar posts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Public records show that both He Ping, a former political commissar of the Eastern Theatre Command, and Zheng Weiping, who served as political commissar of the Strategic Support Force till 2020, were considered close to Gen He Weidong, till recently CMC vice chairman, and Gen Lin Xiangyang, who commanded the Eastern Theatre Command from 2022 to 2025. Both these three-star generals had been close to Xi Jinping in the past. Vision Times says: Whether the latest absences signal routine scheduling conflicts, internal reshuffling, or deeper developments remains unclear. In Chinas tightly controlled political environment, where personnel decisions are often announced only after the fact, such unexplained gaps tend to fuel speculation. The Situation on the Ground So far, reports only analyse the senior echelons of the PLA; hardly anything has transpired from the lower ranks (major general and below). It is here that one could read the truer state of the PLA today. For example, Lt Gen Wang Kai, who served as commander of the 37th Division of the 13th Group Army during the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 and in July 2013 became commander of the PLA 13th Group Army before being transferred as deputy commander of the Western Theatre Army in 2017, has not been seen for months. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since March 2021, he has been commanding the Tibet Military Region opposite India, and in October 2022, he was elected as a member of the 20th Central Committee. Lt Gen Yuan Honggang served till recently as a member of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) Standing Committee and Political Commissar of the Tibet Military Region. It appears that he was discreetly transferred to the Xinjiang Military Region in January 2026. It means that today, the Tibet Military District has no commander and no political commissar (incidentally, the commander and political commissar of the Western Theatre Command are also missing). A glimpse of recent meetings in the TAR also shows that the PLA presence in these gatherings has drastically reduced; for example, during the two TAR Regional Meetings (Congress and Consultative Conference) in January, very few senior PLA officers were noticed. On February 27, a meeting of the TAR Party Committee on Military Affairs and of the First Secretaries of Tibet Military Sub-districts was held in Lhasa. The object of the gathering was the need to persistently use Xi Jinpings Thought on Strengthening the Military to forge the soul and consolidate military-government and military-civilian unity, strive to create a new situation in Party-led armed forces and national defense mobilisation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It was supposed to be a meeting with the military, but it was presided over by Wang Junzheng, TAR Secretary, and attended by the civilian members of the TAR Standing Committee, seated before the PLA officers. Wang delivered a speech asserting that Xi Jinping, with a broad vision, has scientifically coordinated the two overall situations (the global situation with great changes unseen in a century and, internally, the domestic situation, ie, the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation)". Wang continued to say that Xi has issued a series of important instructions on national defence and military building, to establish the Partys goal of building a strong military in the new era, and to implement a series of strategic measures to strengthen the military; Xi Jinpings thought on strengthening the military has led the modernisation and combat capabilities of the armed forces to a new level. The forthcoming Two Meetings (the National Peoples Congress and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference) may tell us if there are new appointments to replace the casualties among the senior PLA leadership, but the big question remains: Can an army with untested weapons, without generals and only ideological instructions (follow the party), win a war? (The writer is Distinguished Fellow, Centre of Excellence for Himalayan Studies, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence (Delhi). Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Pakistans statements during the ongoing crisis in West Asia give the impression of a government that was somersaulting in its response to every new development, yet running like a headless chicken, completely directionless in its diplomatic consistency Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up but a comedy in long shot." Charlie Chaplins quote has a lot of profundity to it. Applied to geopolitics, the line captures Pakistans predicament during the recent confrontation in West Asia between the US-Israel and Iran with uncomfortable precision. At close range, the situation inside Pakistan has been undeniably tragic, as protests linked to the conflict turned deadly, leaving dozens of protestors dead and hundreds injured and exposing how quickly external crises can inflame domestic fault lines. For the affected families, this was another rude awakening to the true nature of their duplicitous state. Yet when viewed from a wider international lens, the tone shifts to be more comical. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistans rapid diplomatic adjustments, solely criticising Israel while avoiding mentioning the United States, expressing solidarity with Iran, and then criticising them in the same breath while reassuring Gulf partners, have created an image that appears painted in more than fifty shades of grey. The internal costs are sobering, while the external posture, marked by visible swings in emphasis, appears almost ironic. In that contrast between domestic gravity and international oscillation, Chaplins observation finds an unexpectedly precise geopolitical echo. In the immediate aftermath of the latest West Asia escalation between the US-Israel and Iran, Pakistan finds itself confronting two realities at once. One is domestic and visceral, while the other is geopolitical and oddly theatrical. The Close-Up: Tragedy on the Streets When reports surrounding Irans leadership, including Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khameneis killing, spread across the region, protests erupted in many parts of Pakistan. In Karachi, demonstrations outside the US diplomatic facility escalated into violent clashes after the protestors stormed the consulate. US marines stationed there opened fire, resulting in the killing of eighteen people and injuring dozens. In Skardu, further protests ended with another twenty-eight fatalities and over a hundred injuries after police and paramilitary personnel opened fire on the local protestors. What made the situation particularly jarring was the contrast between Islamabads external rhetoric and its internal response. Official statements framed Iran as a victim of external aggression and condemned Israel for destabilising actions in West Asia. Yet when citizens mobilised in outrage over those same events, the state treated the protests as a law-and-order crisis. Its ironic how the sympathy it expresses abroad coexists with suppression for the same sympathy at home. This is the tragedy in close-up of a country attempting to voice solidarity on the international stage while containing emotional fallout within its own borders. The Diplomatic High Wire As the confrontation in West Asia intensified, Pakistan faced a familiar but increasingly delicate equation. It shares a border with Iran and cannot afford sustained hostility with Tehran. It relies heavily on Gulf economies, particularly on Saudi Arabia for financial assistance, energy arrangements, and remittances. It also heavily depends on functional engagement with the United States for economic stabilisation, international monetary programme funds and diplomatic manoeuvrability. Each of these relationships pulls Pakistan in a different direction. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Publicly, Islamabad criticised only the Israeli military actions and warned of regional destabilisation. Iran was described as facing aggression. However, there was a deafening silence on Washingtons equal role. Given Pakistans economic constraints and the influence of Western institutions over its financial lifelines, this omission was hardly accidental. Simultaneously, Pakistani officials acknowledged Gulf concerns about Iranian retaliatory strikes. In GCC diplomatic contexts, the tone shifted abruptly to emphasise condemnation of escalation from Tehrans side. What emerged in diplomatic parlance was not a single, articulated doctrine but a pattern of inconsistent and broken messaging bordering on the theatre of absurdity. In one setting, Iran appeared primarily as a wronged state defending its sovereignty. In another, Iranian actions were framed as contributing as an aggressor adding to the regional instability. Each version of the narrative was tailored to its audience both domestically and internationally. It is true that good diplomacy often requires flexibility. Yet when doublespeak is misconstrued as flexibility, it begins to resemble acrobatics. Pakistans statements during the ongoing crisis give the impression of a government that was somersaulting in its response to every new development, yet running like a headless chicken, completely directionless in its diplomatic consistency. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Saudi Equation: Rhetoric Meets Reality For years, Pakistan has highlighted its close defence cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Joint exercises, training missions, and repeated affirmations of strategic defence partnership have formed part of official discourse. Domestically, this relationship has often been portrayed as a pillar of regional security coordination and its military strength. However, when Iranian escalation heightened Saudi and Gulf anxieties, Pakistans role remained largely confined to diplomatic statements expressing solidarity and urging restraint and dialogue. There were no visible operational commitments or security deployments that suggested an active defensive contribution. From a strategic standpoint, this caution has once again exposed Pakistans vulnerabilities. Pakistans economic fragility and domestic turbulence limit its appetite for external entanglements. In reality Pakistan is in no position to commit operationally to any defence pact it stands signatory to. It completely lacks both operational and technological capability to defend its partners. Yet the contrast between years of assertive rhetoric about defence solidarity and the quiet absentia during the crisis was difficult to ignore. What had been described as a robust partnership appeared, in practice, to be narrower in scope. It has exposed it as more of a symbolic alignment than about collective security guarantees. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Long Shot: Strategic Theatre Pull back from its internal discontent and protests, and the broader tableau acquires a faintly satirical quality. Pakistan is constrained on all sides. It cannot completely alienate Iran without jeopardising its border stability. It cannot appear distant from Saudi Arabia without risking economic consequences. It cannot confront the United States without complicating its financial survival. These are structural realities that drive Pakistans diplomacy and not the policy choices it echoes in its diplomatic messaging. Yet instead of presenting these constraints as the basis for a consistent doctrine of cautious neutrality, Islamabads messaging has at times resembled a performance in which each audience receives a customised version of events. In Tehrans direction, its empathy and solidarity were followed by resentment and deep suspicion. Towards Riyadh, its the constant reassurance and emphasis of defence partnership. For Washington, its careful avoidance of any direct accusation. Individually, for Pakistan, each move appears rational. Collectively, they create the impression of constant confusion and no clear orientation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The image that emerges in the long shot is less that of a decisive regional actor and more that of a trapeze artist in a crowded circus ring swinging from one rhetorical platform to another, careful not to fall, careful not to offend, aware that every movement is being watched and expecting applause from its global audience. The audience, meanwhile, includes domestic constituencies with strong ideological leanings, Gulf patrons with security concerns, and Western partners with economic leverage. In attempting to satisfy all, Pakistan ends up convincing none. Between Constraint and Clarity The satirical edge of this moment does not negate the seriousness of the underlying challenges. Pakistans leadership is navigating genuine pulls and pressures in a volatile regional environment. The deaths in Karachi and Skardu underscore how quickly external conflicts can ignite domestic consequences. But Chaplins insight remains instructive. Up close, the countrys predicament is tragic due to its economic vulnerability, diplomatic tightropes and internal unrest. From a distance, the choreography of shifting statements and restrained actions can appear almost comic in its predictability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The fundamental question for Pakistan is not whether it should have chosen one side over another. It is whether it can articulate a coherent framework that openly acknowledges its constraints rather than performing balance through perpetual rhetorical adjustment. Without that clarity, each new crisis in West Asia will produce the same pattern of solemn statements, calibrated omissions, symbolic solidarity, operational omission and an increasingly attentive internal audience trying to determine what, exactly, Pakistan stands for. In geopolitics, reputation doesnt fall apart in one moment; it wears down over time. For Pakistan, the problem isnt its shifting positioning but a pattern of constant repositioning. What is described at home as careful balance increasingly looks, from the outside, like a well-rehearsed routine of shifting lines. The more often the stance changes, the less it feels like a nation with a strategy and the more it resembles a solo actor performing in a theatre. (Raja Muneeb is an independent journalist and columnist. He tweets @rajamuneeb. The views expressed in this article are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.) STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The mood across the country is to reject traditional parties such as the Nepali Congress, CPN UML and CPN Maoist for failing to curb corruption and deliver jobs and good governance giving the Gen Z-backed Rashtriya Swatantra Party a fair chance March 2, the last day of campaigning for the March 5 elections, also coincided with Holi celebrations, mostly in the vicinity of temples. On March 4, election booths were set up with policediscredited during the GenZ Andolan last September 7-8and not the army, as many had predicted. Army Quick Reaction Teams are patrolling the area but have declined to be deployed around booths or transport ballot boxes to designated counting centres. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD March 5 was the quietest day, as the use of vehicles, except those on election duty, has been banned. This did not happen in the last 2020 national elections, which I witnessed. This month, I was privy to the campaigning, house-to-house vote-seeking, and the actual casting of votes in the Kaski 1 and 2 constituencies of Gandaki Province near Pokhara. The mood of the people across the country is to reject the old, traditional parties such as the Nepali Congress, CPN UML and CPN Maoist for their failure to eliminate corruption and provide jobs and good governance. Three prime ministersSher Bahadur Deuba, KP Oli and Prachandahave played musical chairs for the post. Frustrated with their record, people want change and development, including economic stimulus. About 1,500 youth leave Nepal daily seeking greener pastures, and 8 to 9 million Nepalis abroad have become the mainstay of the economy through remittances of around $10 billion, roughly equivalent to the countrys foreign exchange reserves. Outside the polling booth of constituency Kaski 1, located in a high school building along the PokharaKathmandu highway, people were queuing from 7 am to vote in the mixed electoral system 165 seats through First Past the Post (FPTP) and 110 through Proportional Representation (PR). From my conversations with voters who were willing to share their preference for candidates and parties, I gathered that an overwhelming majority were likely to vote for the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in PR regardless of familiarity with the candidate. The direct election candidates were Tilak Rana Bhat from NC, Bain Bahadur Adhikari (UML), Ganesh Poudyal (RSP) and Rajkaji Gurung (NCP, former Maoists). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There is a world of difference in style and substance between NC and RSP candidates. The NC lot appear ageing and lacking in josh, whereas RSP candidates and campaigners were youthful and spirited, ringing the ghanti (bell, the party symbol). Twenty-eight of their candidates are PhD holders, and RSP supporters abroad have urged their friends and relatives to vote for the bell. Three high-profile contests include KP Oli versus Balen Shah in Jhapa; NCs new president and prime ministerial face, Gagan Thapa, against RSPs Amrish Singh in Sarlahi; and RSPs Swarnim Wagle against NCs Govind Bhattarai in Tanahu 1 (Bhattarai lost to Wagle in 2022). Buddhiman Gurung of Lame Ahal says traditional voting patterns have changed: families are split, with female spouses more likely to vote for RSP and for change. By 5 pm, the gate to the high school voting booth in the Kaski 1 seat was sealed. A 60 per cent voter turnout compared with 62 per cent in 2022 was recorded. Leads and trends will not be known until the evening of March 6, as two sets of votes have to be counted manually. RSP, which made its debut in 2022 with 21 seats, is likely to become the single largest party, not far from the majority figure of 138 in a 275-member legislature. Former rapper and Kathmandu mayor Balen Shah, a Madhesi by birth, could be the new prime minister of Nepal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (The author is former GOC IPKF South Sri Lanka and founder member Defence Planning Staff, now Integrated Defence Staff, Ministry of Defence. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Just a few hours after Karnataka announces ban on social media, Andhra Pradesh has followed suit. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that social media will be banned for children under 13 in the state, with the policy set to be rolled out in phases over the next 90 days. Andhra Pradesh becomes the second state in India to ban social media for children. This move comes just a few hours after Karnataka announces the same. On Friday, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the state will ban social media use for children under the age of 13, with the policy expected to be implemented in phases over the next 90 days. #WATCH | Speaking in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, CM N Chandrababu Naidu says, "... We have received a suggestion to ban social media for children aged below 13 years. Definitely, we will ensure there will be no access to the children below 13 years of age in the pic.twitter.com/tfh13mwGPQ ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The CM added that while it is confirmed that the states social media ban will be applied to children under 13, the jury is still out whether the ban will extend to under-16 year old kids as well. The ban is expected to curb the social media addiction and its impact on the childrens mental health. The recent legal cases across the globe has raised the critical issue of social media destroying the well-being of under-aged population. Previously, Firstpost spoke to health experts, noting that social media addiction is not just affecting the mental health of children, but also the physical and emotional health. Karnataka bans social media for kids under 16 Karnataka is the first state in India that has announced a ban on the use of social media for children under the age of 16. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during his budget speech on Friday. He said the move is aimed at addressing concerns around the increasing use of smartphones and social media among children. With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16, Siddaramaiah said while presenting the state budget. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The proposed measure reflects growing concerns among policymakers about the influence of social media on childrens mental health, behaviour and online safety. Governments in several regions have recently begun exploring ways to limit younger users exposure to digital platforms. Global push to curb social media addiction This concern in not just stranded to the national boundaries, but across the world. Australia was the first nation to take such a bold move in late 2025, concerning childrens health. Adding to the list, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Malaysia, Spain and UK have also banned social media for children. So much so, French President Emmanuel Macron took the centre stage at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in India, and said, One of our G7 priorities will be, as well, childrens protection against AI and digital abuse. There is no reason our children should be exposed online to what is legally forbidden in the real world. Rising concerns over screen addiction, harmful online content and deepfakes have prompted Karnataka to ban social media use for children under 16, signalling stronger scrutiny of digital platforms in India. Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Kick, YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, Reddit, Threads and X applications are displayed on a mobile phone. Most parents and experts conclude that social media and digital addiction are a problem for the youth. Representational image/Reuters Karnataka has announced a ban on the use of social media by children under the age of 16, marking a significant step in Indias growing push to regulate online platforms for younger users. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made the announcement during his budget speech on Friday, saying the measure is intended to address the growing impact of smartphones and digital platforms on children. This move makes Karnataka, the first state in India to ban social media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16, Siddaramaiah said during the address. The southern state, which is home to the countrys leading technology hub Bengaluru, has been considering the proposal for several weeks. Last month, CM raised the issue during a meeting with vice chancellors of government universities, seeking their opinions on the feasibility and possible consequences of restricting social media access for minors. The move comes amid increasing concern about the role social media plays in the daily lives of children and teenagers. The excessive screen time and constant engagement with digital platforms can negatively affect academic performance, behaviour and mental health. Authorities also warn that unrestricted online access may expose young users to harmful content and, in some cases, networks linked to substance abuse. The decision reflects a wider global trend as governments explore stronger age-based controls on social media platforms. Countries across the world have been debating stricter safeguards to protect minors online. Australia, for example, has already introduced restrictions preventing users under 16 from accessing platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube and X (Twitter). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In India, Andhra Pradesh has also been mulling to ban social media for kids, but the verdict in yet to be out. Indias central government has also indicated that discussions around age-based regulation are gaining momentum. Speaking at the AI Impact Summit 2026, Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged the growing international consensus on the need for stronger digital safeguards. This is something which has now been accepted by many countries that age-based regulation has to be there," Vaishnaw said. Right now we are in a conversation regarding deepfakes, regarding age-based restrictions with the various social media platforms and what is the right way to go about this, he added. The discussions come at a time when India is also tightening oversight of artificial intelligence tools and online misinformation. Following controversies involving Grok AI, the chatbot developed by xAI, authorities recently strengthened regulations requiring social media platforms to clearly label AI-generated content and comply with takedown requests within three hours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Addressing the broader risks posed by manipulated media, Vaishnaw said stronger action is needed to curb the spread of deepfakes and other harmful content online. We need much stronger regulation on deepfakes. Its a problem which is growing day by day. And certainly there is a need for protecting our children, protecting our society from these harms. Just a few hours after the supply chain risk label, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has announced plans to sue DoDs decision. He slammed the move as legally unsound, and he has drawn a clear red line of not working with the Pentagon. In a bold stand against what it deems an overreach, Anthropics CEO Dario Amodei has vowed to sue the US Department of Defense (DoD) over its controversial decision to brand the AI powerhouse a national security risk in the supply chain. Amodei slammed the move as legally unsound, igniting a high-stakes courtroom battle that could reshape how the military wields cutting-edge AI amid escalating tensions over ethics, access, and power. Pentagon draws battle lines over AI control The drama unfolded just hours after the DoD formally slapped Anthropic with the supply-chain risk label, a tag that could slam the door on deals with the Pentagon and its vast network of contractors. This followed weeks of heated wrangling about the extent of military oversight on AI systems. Amodei has drawn a clear red line: Anthropics technology, including its flagship Claude model, wont fuel mass surveillance of US citizens or fully autonomous killer robots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet the DoD pushed for blanket access to the AI for all lawful purposes, sparking fears of unchecked power. Amodei was quick to reassure the public and clients. With respect to our customers, it plainly applies only to the use of Claude by customers as a direct part of contracts with the Department of War, not all use of Claude by customers who have such contracts, he stated firmly. He previewed Anthropics legal firepower, arguing the DoDs designation is deliberately narrow. It exists to protect the government rather than to punish a supplier; in fact, the law requires the Secretary of War to use the least restrictive means necessary to accomplish the goal of protecting the supply chain, Amodei explained. Even for Department of War contractors, the supply chain risk designation doesnt (and cant) limit uses of Claude or business relationships with Anthropic if those are unrelated to their specific Department of War contracts. Talks had seemed promising in recent days, but insiders whisper that a leaked internal memo from Amodei may have torpedoed progress. In it, he dismissed rival OpenAIs Pentagon ties as mere safety theatre. Rival jabs and White House intervention heat the feud The feud took a personal turn as OpenAIs Sam Altman fired back during the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference. He warned that its harmful to society when firms ditch democratic principles just because they clash with those in charge, insisting the government must outmuscle private tech giants. Amodei didnt hold back either. In a staff memo reported by The Information on Friday, he contrasted Anthropics stance with Altmans, noting his firm hasnt showered dictator-style praise to Trump unlike its competitor. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tensions boiled over when Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth blasted Anthropic as a Supply-Chain Risk to National Security on X. President Donald Trump piled on, ordering all federal agencies to halt use of Anthropics tech immediately. Seizing the moment, OpenAI swiftly inked its own DoD pact, mere hours after the blacklist. Altman admitted the timing raised eyebrows, calling it opportunistic and sloppy, but framed it as a bid to cool the flames. He noted the chaos last week made it obvious disaster loomed, even as OpenAI juggles bigger priorities. This clash lays bare the AI arms races fault lines: ethics versus national security, corporate independence versus government might. As Anthropic heads to court, the tech world watches, wondering if this exclusion will stifle innovation or safeguard the realm. Over the days, the war has spilt over to cover most of West Asia and even to countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey. The conflict has shifted global politics in unimaginable ways and has the potential to change West Asias map considerably An intercepted projectile falls into the sea near Dubai's Palm Jumeirah archipelago on March 1, 2026. The war that began seven days ago has roped in more countries than was initially hoped to be limited to just Israel and Iran, with the US using its bases in West Asia to launch attacks against Tehran. But over the days, the war has spilt over to cover most of West Asia and even to countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey. The conflict has shifted global politics in unimaginable ways and has the potential to change West Asias map considerably. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Which countries are part of the war now? Strikes linked to the conflict have hit more than a dozen countries within days, raising fears of a wider regional war. Among the countries that are actively fighting the war are Israel, the US and Iran, while the countries that have undeniably become a part of the war include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey and Azerbaijan, among several others. Several European countries have also pledged military support after drones struck the British Royal Air Forces Akrotiri base in Cyprus. The United Kingdom, France and Greece said they would provide anti-missile and anti-drone systems, along with air defence capabilities and warships. Iranian vessel torpedoed off Sri Lanka In another major development, the war cut through the water in the Indian Ocean as a US submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka on Wednesday. The Iris Dena, on a friendly visit to India, thought it was safe in international waters, according to US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who described the strike as a quiet death and stressed, We are fighting to win. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities have expressed concern after a second Iranian warship moved toward the countrys territorial waters. Authorities fear the approaching vessel could also become a potential target following the earlier strike. The Azerbaijan attack Two people were injured in Azerbaijan after an Iranian drone hit an airport in the Nakhchivan exclave on Thursday. The countrys foreign ministry has lodged an official protest with the Iranian embassy over the attack. This attack on the territory of Azerbaijan contradicts the norms and principles of international law and contributes to increased tensions in the region, the foreign ministry said in a statement. We demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran clarify the matter in the shortest possible time, provide an explanation and take the necessary urgent measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future, it added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran has been maintaining since the start of the conflict that it will hit US and Israeli military bases in the region as part of its retaliatory campaign. Nakhchivan was included in a US-brokered peace agreement signed last year between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Is Nato involved? A ballistic missile launched from Iran and heading towards Turkish airspace via Iraq and Syria was destroyed by NATO air defence systems, Turkish officials said Wednesday. The defence ministry said it had been engaged and neutralised by NATO air-and-missile defence assets deployed in the eastern Mediterranean. It did not specify the missiles intended target. Iran has been hitting sites across the region in retaliation after the United States and Israel launched strikes against it on Saturday. Bangladesh has got a new government under Tarique Rahman, who returned to the country after a 17-year-exile. A top Dhaka lawyer and rights activist tells Firstpost what the election was like, and what lies ahead for Rahman and India-Bangladesh ties On February 12, Bangladesh chose a new government, with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman becoming the countrys prime minister. The 13th national parliamentary election was watched closely since they came one and a half years after a public uprising overthrew the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. While Rahmans BNP witnessed a landslide victory, many questioned the integrity of the polls. One of Bangladeshs most prominent political parties, Hasinas Awami League (AL), was barred from contesting in the polls by the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who took charge after the fall of the Hasina government. The polls were also happening in an extremely turbulent time, when minorities within the country had been severely persecuted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The run-up to the national election and the post-election violence have kept Bangladesh politically on edge, with observers and commentators known for their neutral or critical view of the establishment fear persecution. Against this backdrop, a rights activist and top court lawyer in Bangladesh spoke with Firstpost on the condition of anonymity, assessing the countrys parliamentary election. During the interview, she shared her take on the polls, the transitional period led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus and what the future of the country looks like under Tarique Rahman. We cant call it a democratic transition When asked about her take on the election outcome, the Bangladeshi rights lawyer emphasised that the election process was a regime reset and can not be called a democratic transition. The way things have unfolded since August 5 and the entire process of the election indicate that it was merely a regime reset. We can not call it a democratic transition since the largest political party of Bangladesh, namely Awami League, was not allowed to participate in the election, she told Firstpost. When asked if Bangladesh witnessed a change in the governing system, she noted that it is simply a change of government. I dont think we can name it a change of governing system yet. Its just a change of government, a puppet government planted by national and international players, she said. The rising Jamaat This year, Bangladeshs Islamist party, Jamaat-e-Islami, recorded its best performance in national elections. Due to its radical nature, the party was banned from contesting polls until last year, when the countrys court lifted the ban. When asked about the rise of Jamaat and whether the two-party system has collapsed in Bangladesh, the Bangladeshi lawyer explained that the rise of Jamaat does not mean the fall of two major political parties in Bangladesh. The previous election results showed that Awami League and BNP respectively had at least 30 per cent of voters, whereas Jamat had only 4 per cent of voters. In the recent election, AL was not allowed to contest, and according to many people, the election was engineered. The true percentage of Jamaat voters could not be identified. Also, nearly 50 per cent of voters did not go to vote. This indicates BNP and AL still have an appeal to the masses, the Bangladeshi lawyer explained. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We can certainly say people of Bangladesh are against extremism and religious fanaticism. Election result indicates this, though many politicians and political analysts are claiming that the election was engineered to empower Jamaat. History shows that Bangladesh has seen violence and conspiracies in politics since its birth. The process of Islamisation began after the brutal murder of Bangabandhu, and after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the same process has started, she said. Yunus ran a puppet government Following the overthrow of the Hasina government, the group of agitators chose its Nobel laureate, Muhammad Yunus, to lead the interim government. Many criticised Yunus for his governments inability to take hold of the law and order situation in the country and for taking one and a half years to conduct polls. It was a puppet government which did nothing for democracy, economy or maintenance of law and order of the country. Seemingly, it made sure the National Citizen Party (NCP) got functional, Jamat became powerful, and AL remained out of politics. Meanwhile, the advisors made their fortune, made unrealistic deals and destroyed the social structure. Thus, it can be characterised as a chameleon government, the Bangladeshi rights lawyer told Firstpost. They created obstacles in the path of democracy. They allowed the culture of mobocracy to diminish freedom of speech. They weakened all the institutions. It would be difficult for Bangladesh to ensure substantive democracy, she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When asked if the Yunus government created a precedent for unelected authority, she insisted that his regime was a learning experience for the people of Bangladesh. One incident or exception can not be an example for politics. Rather, people of Bangladesh, especially youths, learned from this incident, and I hope they will be vigilant in future if a group of agenda-oriented people try to do the same, she said. The Yunus government wanted to create a fearful atmosphere so that people remain silent abt their inefficiency or agendas. Clearly, their agenda was to promote Islamists and undermine democracy and socio- plotical structure so that Bangladesh becomes a weak state. A weak state with a puppet government can serve the purpose of many international players. For this, they had to accommodate radical elements and promote Islamists. In this process, minorities, women, AL activists and progressive people were persecuted. The court has already declared a verdict relating to the caretaker government. Now we have to wait and see what the new government brings to the table. Limits of power are desirable for accountability; otherwise, that creates more obstacles for democracy, the lawyer said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What the new government brings to the table? When asked what her expectations are from the Rahman government, the Bangladeshi lawyer laid out the key tasks at hand. Political stability is a must for Bangladesh, but that does not mean the rule of law should not prevail. It is the duty of the government as well as the political parties to ensure justice is delivered to the people who lost their dear ones during the August violence, deliver justice for those police officers who were brutally killed, and ensure punishment for the mobocracy, she told Firstpost. A truth commission should be formed to find out the truth behind all these. The commission also should find out why radicals and criminals alike were freed right after August, and whether the allegations of corruption against the Yunus government are true. When asked about her expectations for Rahman leading the country, she insisted that he should be given some time. " We have to allow some time to comment on this. But to me, he is already compromising with the Islamists," she said. He introduced a prayer session on the Shahid Minar; he is hanging Islamic scripture on the wall while he is on TV. He is doing all these to show people he is not less of a Muslim. Why is it necessary? Is he fearful of the Islamists rise? If so, then how will democracy flourish? How womens rights and minority rights shall prevail, she exclaimed. What lies ahead for India and Bangladesh? The rights lawyer emphasised that India and Bangladesh are not just neighbours, but they share history and culture. It has been proven many times that India is an ally of Bangladesh. But certain political parties under the influence of national and international players use anti - Indian rhetoric for political gain, she said. She emphasised that sour ties between India and Bangladesh would be detrimental to the wider region. In the long run, this should not prevail because we need a peaceful South Asia as well as a prosperous Bangladesh, she said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She also maintained that Rahaman himself understands the gravity of the situation. There is widespread rumour that Tarique came back after he got a green signal from India. Even if this is not true, I am sure now Tarique understands India is important for our own stability and growth, she said. If we have to compete with India, that should be in a constructive way - we have focus on our economy, IT sector, education, democratic institutions, diplomatic skills, etc., rather than using anti-Indian rhetoric to amuse a certain group of people. Therefore, holding onto the Yunus view will give us big zeros but no progress, she said. To a question by Palki Sharma, managing editor of Firstpost, Israeli foreign minister Gideo Saar said, the decision to attack Iran was taken only on Saturday (28 February) when negotiations fell through. Modi had left Israel by Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not briefed by the Israeli side on the impending military strikes on Iran, because the decision was taken after he left. The issue, that has become a political hot potato in India, came to light during a late night conversation Friday at the Raisina Dialogue when the Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar was speaking via video conference at a session called The New Middle East Mosaic, where the key question what brought on the most recent conflict, was being discussed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To a question by Palki Sharma, managing editor of Firstpost, Israeli foreign minister Gideo Saar said, the decision to attack Iran was taken only on Saturday (28 February) when negotiations fell through. Modi had left Israel by Thursday. It was interesting to note the ministers comments on whether Israel has an end state of the war. According to Saar, this is an open-ended war with no end-state to speak of, and no concrete objective except the destruction of Irans capability to be a threat to the Israeli state. That implies there is no deadline of sorts for the war, and it could take as long as it takes. For the Israeli foreign minister, regime change is not an end in itself, except if it happens in the course of achieving the larger objective of annihilating Irans capabilities, it will. Saar thinks the Iranian people are clamouring for change, and the war will facilitate the rise of an Iran that will be a more normal state, though Karim Haggag, director of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Sweden, was of the opinion that bombing a country, as it had happened countless times in the past, will give rise to even more radicalism in the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One of the most insightful points of the session came from Lina Khatib of Chatham House, who drew a direct line of connection between Israels military strikes on Iran with the 2023 Hamas attack. To Israel, according to her, Iran presents a clear and present danger that has to be eliminated for good, because the Hamas attacks changed the very way Israel looked at its own security. So, the bombing of Iran is essentially an unfinished business that was overdue. The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue was held from March 5, 2026 to March 7, 2026 in New Delhi. Firstpost has partnered with the Raisina Dialogue to bring exclusive conversations with global leaders to you. The Raisina Dialogue is Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with Indias Ministry of External Affairs. The Finnish president didnt for once take the name of the United States, but he left little to imagine. Europe is evidently still in a state of shock Europe is changing. It is descending from its ivory tower. Its moral perch. And it finds in India a partner that it can learn from. These are not my words. I have paraphrased a touch, but this candid admission came from Finnish president Alexander Stubb at the inauguration of the Raisina Dialogue. Stubb, who is on a four-day visit to India from Wednesday, called for Indias permanent seat at the UN Security Council. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let me be clear. India should have a permanent seat in the UNSC, the Finnish president said, drawing a round of applause, during his address as the chief guest at Indias flagship foreign policy conference in New Delhi, with prime minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar in attendance. Invoking Jaishankars by now famous quip, Europe has to grow out of the mindset that Europes problems are the worlds problems, but the worlds problems are not Europes problems, Stubb added, the era of West-dominated world order is over. Thats the disruption. Nostalgia rarely gives us solutions. We must take the world as it is. We live in a world of power politics. Equally, we should reform the Bretton Woods institutions. The countries where the future of the world economy is made, should have a bigger say. This is a new approach from Europe. The continent seems to have woken up from its somnambulance (shaken and stirred by the man in the White House) and is increasingly adopting what the Finnish president described as value-based realism. And here, Stubb was clear, Europe has much to learn from India. History didnt end in 1989. Our holiday from history is over. Instead of preaching, itll be good to learn from others. And India is a good place to start, he said. Youve shown the world what strategic autonomy is, while championing multilateral cooperation. Your approach makes sense. You cant be a mere follower. You must be an active and independent actor. Europeans must learn from India that passivity cannot be a strategy. We have to develop our capabilities, avoid harmful dependencies and strengthen our partnerships. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Finnish president didnt for once take the name of the United States, but he left little to imagine. Europe is evidently still in a state of shock. Finland understands what it means when power goes unchecked, he said. Stubbs state visit to India saw the elevation of India-Finland ties to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability, and a commitment to double bilateral trade by 2030, leveraging the newly signed India-EU FTA. On the FTA, he said, Our trade deal is not just the mother of all deals but a partnership thats built on mutual respect and common interest that contributes to the multilateral world. The strategic partnership framework marks a transition toward high-tech collaboration, focusing on trustworthy technology and resilient supply chains between two democracies. The emphasis, that in an era of global instability strengthened cooperation between India and Europe is vital for global stability, was clear. Indias policy approach of strategic autonomy is finding new takers in Europe, jolted to the bone by Donald Trumps brutal transactionalism and hacksawing of the transatlantic relationship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India has been under no illusions. For (Indias) entire independence, you have based your foreign policy on a pragmatic and realistic worldview. Youve shown the rest of the world what strategic caution and safeguarding autonomy means, all the while championing multilateralism and global cooperation. It is time that we all became a little bit more India, whether you call it non alignment or multi alignment, youve been careful not to rely solely on the goodwill of one partner or bloc. Stubb said Global South will decide how the next world order will look like, and Indias choice will play a key part in deciding whether the multilateral order is based on rules and norms, or not. Europe wants India to take leadership, at a time when the predatory hegemon is seeking to stamp its authority anew. Has the US reverse-engineered Irans Shahed drone? Reports say a cheaper American version is now being used in combat as militaries search for low-cost drone weapons. US military engineers have captured, dissected and reborn Irans Shahed-136 as the Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS), a one-way attack drone now seeing first combat against Tehran. Priced at around $35,000-$50,000 per unit, this Shahed clone mimics the Iranian designs simplicity, long-range loitering, GPS-guided autonomy and explosive payload but adds US upgrades like inertial navigation for jammed environments and self-destruct fail safes. Task Force Scorpion, stood up by CENTCOM last year, fields these from mobile launchers for strikes on missile sites, roads, and Iranian assets in the Gulf and Indian Ocean theatres. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Irans original Shahed, battle-proven in Ukraine via Russian use, costs under $50,000 while forcing $2M-$4M Patriot interceptors per shootdown, creating unsustainable economics that bleed adversaries dry. Washington, facing proxy drone barrages from Houthis and Hezbollah, flipped the script: reverse-engineering seized Shaheds yielded rapid deployment with first confirmed combat hits in February 2026 strikes on Iranian positions. Analysts call it poetic justice, Iran long copied US tech like the RQ-170 Sentinel- now America wields the enemys weapon at scale. Operation Epic Fury: The debut of the LUCAS As Operation Epic Fury unfolded in late February 2026, the skies over Iranian military installations were filled with a familiar delta-winged silhouette. However, as confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM), these were not Iranian assets. They were LUCAS (Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System) drones, manufactured by Arizona-based SpektreWorks. For the first time in history, Task Force Scorpion Strike is using one-way attack drones in combat, CENTCOM announced on X (formerly Twitter). These low-cost drones, modelled after Irans Shahed drones, are now delivering American-made retribution. Reports indicate that American engineers dissected captured Shahed airframes likely seized from the battlefield in Ukraine and rebuilt them with superior US technology, including autonomous AI flight controls and GPS-denied inertial navigation. Shattering the missile math The primary motivation for cloning an adversarys weapon is simple: economics. For decades, the US military doctrine has relied on high-end, exquisite technology. However, the Shahed proved that quantity has a quality of its own. In the Gulf theatre, a single $30,000 Iranian drone could force the US to fire a Patriot interceptor (PAC-3) costing roughly $4 million. The LUCAS drone, priced at approximately $35,000, levels the playing field. By deploying affordable mass, the US can now overwhelm Iranian air defences using the same swarm tactics Tehran pioneered. The era of the million-dollar missile being the only answer is ending, according to a report from Defence Security Monitor. At $35,000 per unit, the US can launch a barrage of 100 LUCAS drones for the price of a single high-end cruise missile, forcing Iran to expend its own expensive defence stocks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The future of expendable warfare The deployment of the LUCAS signals a permanent shift in the Pentagons philosophy, moving toward what Secretary of War Pete Hegseth describes as unleashing US military drone dominance. Unlike the $30 million MQ-9 Reaper, which is a massive loss if shot down, the LUCAS is designed to be attritableit is a munition meant to be consumed. Analysts argued that this copycat drone war is just the beginning. As the US scales production of these reverse-engineered systems, the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf are becoming laboratories for a new kind of conflict where the cheapest, not the most expensive, weapon wins. As The New York Times observed, the Pentagon has finally accepted that in a world of $30,000 drones, the most expensive military in history cant afford to be too good to be cheap. Iran approached India days before Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a US submarine, seeking docking permission for the Iranian vessel IRIS Lavan, which was in the region for the International Fleet Review India has allowed the urgent docking of an Iranian ship in Kochi and provided accommodation to its 183 crew members, according to a report. According to ANI, citing government sources, Iran approached India days before Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a US submarine, seeking docking permission for the Iranian vessel IRIS Lavan, which was in the region for the International Fleet Review. The request, received on 28 February 2026, cited urgent technical issues aboard the ship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This request was received on 28 February 2026, indicating that a docking at Kochi was urgent as the vessel had developed technical issues. Approval was accorded for the docking on 1 March. IRIS Lavan has since docked at Kochi on 4 March, ANI quoted government sources as saying. The ships 183 crew members are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi, they added. Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk by a US submarine using a torpedo off the coast of Sri Lanka. The vessel was returning home after participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise hosted by India. At least 87 Iranian sailors were killed in the attack. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka on Friday transferred more than 200 sailors from another Iranian naval vessel to shore after it sought assistance while anchored outside the countrys waters. According to the Associated Press, Sri Lankan navy spokesperson Cmdr. Buddhika Sampath said 204 sailors of the IRIS Bushehr were brought to Welisara Naval Base near the capital, Colombo. They underwent border control procedures and medical tests, but none were found to have health issues. About 15 others have been left aboard the ship with Sri Lankan naval personnel for assistance because they had reported a fault with the ship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Iranian sailors are interpreting operational instructions, manuals and logs for their Sri Lankan counterparts. He said the ship will be taken to the port of Trincomalee in eastern Sri Lanka, and remain in Sri Lankan custody until further notice. The Sri Lankan government took custody of the Bushehr after the US sank an Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena, off Sri Lankas coast Wednesday. The strike marked one of the rare instances since World War II in which a submarine sank a surface warship, and highlighted the expanding scope of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. With inputs from agencies In a call with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Tehran was not behind the attack, adding that Israel might be responsible Iran has denied any involvement in attacking an airport in Azerbaijan with drones, pinning the blame on Israel. Azerbaijans Nakhchivan exclave was hit with drone attacks on Thursday, injuring citizens in the area. In a call with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Tehran was not behind the attack, adding that Israel might be responsible. He described the strike in a statement on Telegram as aimed at diverting public opinion and undermining Irans good relations with its neighbours. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Soon after the attack on Thursday, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also denied responsibility for the Azerbaijan attacks. Irans policy is only to strike the military bases of its enemies," he said. Why was Azerbaijan hit? Iran has been maintaining since the start of the conflict that it will hit US and Israeli military bases in the region as part of its retaliatory campaign. Nakhchivan was included in a US-brokered peace agreement signed last year between Armenia and Azerbaijan. As part of the deal, a land corridor, named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, granted the United States development rights to build a route linking Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan exclave while also establishing a transit passage between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Baku demands apology Azerbaijani President Ilham Alliyev has sought an apology from Iran as the war spilt over to the country. He said that those responsible must be held accountable after Nakhchivan was subjected to cowardly fire. The Azerbaijani state strongly condemns this ugly terrorist act, and those who committed it must be immediately held accountable, Alliyev said. Two people were injured in Azerbaijan after an Iranian drone hit an airport in the Nakhchivan exclave on Thursday. The countrys foreign ministry has lodged an official protest with the Iranian embassy over the attack. The ministry said that one drone fell on the terminal building at the airport, which is located just 10 km away from the Iranian border. Meanwhile, a second drone landed close to a school building in a nearby village. Refresh for updates. Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli leaders approved a plan to assassinate Irans Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in November 2025. Katz said that in a very small forum of senior officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set the objective to kill Khamenei during a confidential meeting late last year A portrait of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli and US strikes on Saturday, stands among flowers outside the Iranian Embassy in Moscow. Reuters The planning for the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader, goes back much further than the recent highintensity military campaign that has gripped West Asia, according to Israeli officials. In remarks that shed new light on the origins of the strike, Israels Defence Minister Israel Katz said the decision to kill Khamenei was made as early as November 2025. Speaking to the Jerusalem Post, Katz said that in a very small forum of senior officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set the objective to kill Khamenei during a confidential meeting late last year. At the time, the operation was slated for around mid2026, roughly six months after that initial decision. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But the situation in Iran changed rapidly. Late last year and into early 2026, massive antiregime protests erupted across Iranian cities, catching both Israeli and US leaders off guard. Rather than waiting for the originally planned midyear window, Israeli and US officials accelerated preparations for the operation as unrest and unpredictability in Tehran mounted. Katz suggested that the chaos inside Irans borders raised fears that the Iranian leadership could lash out with preemptive attacks on Israeli or US assets in the region. That shift in the operational timeline coincided with the launch of the joint USIsraeli air campaign, which began on Saturday. The opening hours of that campaign included the strike that killed Khamenei, marking the first time a sitting head of state has been killed by an airstrike. Initial plans did not involve Trump Katz also revealed that Israel initially prepared to act independently, without immediately sharing the plan with the United States. Only after the protests and the evaluation of rising risks did Jerusalem and Washington begin coordinating more closely, discussing shared objectives and strategic conditions for the operation. In his comments, the defence minister stressed that both countries agreed on the need to deny Iran nuclear and missile capabilities and limit Tehrans influence in the region. Katz denied that either side was pressured into the decision, saying the choice to move forward was based on each governments own security assessment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the assassination has triggered a broader regional conflict involving retaliatory strikes and rising tensions, Israeli officials continue to frame the operation as part of a strategy to neutralise what they see as an existential threat from Irans nuclear and missile programmes. Pakistani and Afghan troops exchanged fire at dozens of points along their border on Friday as the UN said their week-old conflict has forced the displacement of more than 100,000 people US President Donald Trump speaks at the White House on Monday. ANI File Pakistani and Afghan troops exchanged fire at dozens of points along their border on Friday as the UN said their week-old conflict has forced the displacement of more than 100,000 people. The South Asian nations show no signs of rapprochement in their worst fighting in years, adding to the volatility in a region also contending with US and Israeli strikes on Iran a nation that borders both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Combat has included Pakistani air strikes on Taliban government installations, such as the Bagram airbase north of the Afghan capital Kabul. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Afghanistans Ministry of Defence said Taliban forces struck Pakistani military installations along the 2,600km border, destroying numerous posts and shooting down a drone. It said seven Afghan civilians and three Taliban fighters were killed in overnight fighting. Pakistani security sources said they carried out ground and air operations against military targets including Kandahar, the heartland of the Taliban and where its core leadership resides, and destroyed several Afghan border posts. Dozens gathered in Kabul on March 6 to protest against Pakistans attacks on Afghan territory, chanting anti-Pakistan slogans, a witness said, while the Bakhter news agency said a large gathering in Laghman province demonstrated against Pakistans recent attacks. People living in border towns have told Reuters that troops begin exchanging heavy shelling after sunset, placing homes in the firing line just as families sit down to break their fast in the holy month of Ramadan. Several said relatives and neighbours have fled. The situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan remains tense amid active conflict along the border, the United Nations refugee agency said, adding that some 115,000 people in Afghanistan and 3,000 in Pakistan were thought to have fled their homes. Several countries have offered to negotiate a truce, most recently Turkey, although the Iran war has diverted the attention of most Gulf states that had stepped forward. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nothing to talk about Pakistani government spokesman Mosharraf Zaidi said no negotiations were taking place to end the conflict. There is nothing to talk about. There will be no dialogue and no negotiations, he told state-owned Pakistan TV. Terrorism from Afghanistan has to end that is Afghanistans problem. Pakistans responsibility is to protect its citizens. The conflict began last week with Pakistani air strikes inside Afghanistan that Islamabad said targeted militant strongholds. Afghanistan called the strikes a violation of sovereignty and announced retaliatory operations. Islamabad has said Kabul provides a safe haven to militants executing attacks on Pakistan from its soil. The Taliban has denied aiding such groups and said militancy in Pakistan is an internal problem. On March 6, the Talibans Defence Ministry said it had also struck a military base in Pakistans south-western Balochistan province. Reuters could not verify the strike, and Pakistans military has not reported any damage in the region. Both sides have regularly said they inflicted heavy damage on the other and killed hundreds of opposition troops, without providing evidence. Reuters has not been able to verify the reports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The UN mission in Afghanistan has said 56 civilians have been killed in the country and 128 wounded since fighting began. The Taliban government has said 110 civilians have been killed. Pakistan has rejected both sets of figures, saying it targets only militants and support infrastructure. As the war in West Asia intensifies, statements from the administration of Trump have repeatedly shifted from regime change to nuclear threats and the role of Israel, revealing several contradictions. This combination of pictures, a handout photograph provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and US President Donald Trump speaking in the Oval Office. AFP As the ongoing war in West Asia intensifies following strikes by Israel and the United States on Iran, messaging from the administration of US President Donald Trump has repeatedly shifted. From regime change to nuclear threats and the role of Israel, the explanations behind the war have seen several reversals. Here are five key contradictions in the administrations narrative. Regime change Trump told Iranians to take over your government in his war announcement, signalling support for regime change in Iran. However, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth later said it was not a so-called regime change war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump then appeared to contradict his own defence chief by saying the US should be involved in choosing Irans next leader. He also expressed support for Kurdish militias fighting the Iranian regime. Original justification for the war The reasoning behind the conflict also shifted. Trump initially threatened military action over Tehrans crackdown on anti-government protests. Later, the justification moved to concerns about Irans nuclear programme. The nuclear threat Trump claimed that Iran was just two weeks away from building a nuclear weapon. However, he had earlier repeatedly asserted that US strikes had already obliterated Irans nuclear programme last June weakening the argument for urgent action now. Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said there was no evidence that Iran was building a nuclear bomb. Irans navy Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Irans naval forces had been destroyed, with Trump declaring: They have no navy. However, on the same day, Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the US military would continue striking Iranian naval capability over the next 2448 hours, contradicting the claim that it had already been eliminated. Why the US launched the strike The explanation behind the US strike shifted several times. Trump first threatened military action if Iran did not abandon its nuclear ambitions, then over Tehrans refusal to accept his demands during nuclear talks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Later, the White House said the strike came after intelligence suggested Israel was preparing to launch its own attack. Israeli officials, however, said they acted because they anticipated an Iranian strike. War spreads across the region It has been a week since Israeli and US forces pounded targets across Iran, prompting Iranian retaliatory strikes around the Gulf. The conflict has spread to Lebanon, rattled global markets and pushed oil prices sharply higher. Four days into the war, US President Donald Trump told reporters that the US military had struck numerous Iranian naval and air targets, saying that just about everything has been knocked out. In Lebanon, Iran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel, prompting Israeli air strikes and reinforcement of ground positions in the south. Thick black smoke blanketed Beirut as explosions echoed across the city. Authorities said dozens were killed. Iran said the death toll from the attacks had reached 787. That included 165 girls killed on the wars first day when their school was bombed the highest toll among several civilian targets reported to have been hit. State media showed hundreds gathering in the southern city of Minab, where the girls small coffins draped in Iranian flags were passed from a truck and carried by mourners across a sea of raised hands towards the burial site. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United Nations Human Rights Office demanded an investigation into the strike, which a spokesperson described as absolutely horrific. Some Iranians have openly celebrated the death of Ali Khamenei, 86, who had ruled Iran for 37 years and whose security forces had killed thousands of anti-government protesters only weeks earlier. Since the war began on Saturday, Moscow has shared the locations of US military assets with Tehran, according to a report, citing officials Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran on the locations of US warships and aircraft in West Asia, according to a Washington Post report on Friday, citing three officials familiar with the matter. The previously unreported assistance suggests the rapidly expanding conflict now involves one of Americas main nuclear-armed rivals with advanced intelligence capabilities. Since the war began Saturday, Moscow has shared the locations of US military assets with Tehran, Washington Post quoted officials as saying, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. It does seem like its a pretty comprehensive effort, one of the people said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The full extent of Russias targeting support remains unclear. Officials said Irans own ability to locate US forces has already been degraded less than a week into the fighting. Six US troops were killed and several others injured in an Iranian drone attack in Kuwait on Sunday. Iran has also launched thousands of one-way attack drones and hundreds of missiles at US military positions, embassies and civilians, as the joint US-Israeli campaign has struck more than 2,000 Iranian targets, including ballistic missile sites, naval assets and senior leadership. The Iranian regime is being absolutely crushed, Reuters quoted White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly as saying, without addressing reports of Russian assistance. Their ballistic missile retaliation is decreasing every day, their navy is being wiped out, their production capacity is being demolished, and proxies are hardly putting up a fight, she added. Asked this week about a message to Russia and China both key backers of Iran US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had none, adding that theyre not really a factor here. Two officials familiar with Russias support said China does not appear to be aiding Irans defence despite close ties between the two countries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Beijing also has called for an end to the conflict. According to the report, citing analysts, the intelligence sharing aligns with the pattern of Irans strikes on US assets, including command and control infrastructure, radars and temporary structures such as the facility in Kuwait where six service members were killed. The CIAs station at the US Embassy in Riyadh was also struck in recent days. Iran is making very precise hits on early warning radars or over-the-horizon radars, Dara Massicot, an expert on the Russian military at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Washington Post. Theyre doing this in a very targeted way. Theyre going after command and control, she added. Iran has only a handful of military-grade satellites and lacks its own satellite constellation, making imagery from Russias far more advanced space capabilities highly valuable particularly as Moscow has refined its targeting during years of war in Ukraine, Massicot added. Meanwhile, Kremlin said on Friday that Russia was in dialogue with representatives of Irans leadership. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It declined to provide details when asked by reporters whether Moscow was helping Tehran. The conflict has been an unexpected shot in the arm for Russia, with a significant bump in demand for its oil and gas, boosting exports battered in recent years by sanctions linked to its war in Ukraine. The United States has given Ukraine intelligence information during its war with Russia. With inputs from agencies Sri Lanka escorts Iranian auxiliary ship IRIS Booshehr with engine trouble to port and relocates 208 crew members days after the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk in the Indian Ocean amid the United StatesIsrael war with Iran. A Sri Lankan Navy tug boat and naval vessels approach an Iranian vessel during a rescue operation, a day after the crew of a distressed Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena were assisted in waters south of Sri Lanka, off the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka March 5, 2026. Sri Lanka Navy/Handout via REUTERS Sri Lankan authorities said on Friday they were escorting a second Iranian naval vessel to harbour and moving 208 of its crew to a camp, two days after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the same area. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said his island nation had a humanitarian responsibility to take in the crew, as the US and Israeli war with Iran raged, wreaking havoc on global markets and disrupting trade and travel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Sri Lankan Navy identified the second Iranian ship as naval auxiliary vessel IRIS Booshehr. Second Iran ship had engine problems Iranian sailors were seen dragging suitcases and carrying bags as they disembarked in Sri Lanka, in pictures shared by the Presidential Media Division. Other images showed Sri Lankan navy tug boats and naval vessels approaching the Booshehr, which Dissanayake earlier said would be moved to the Trincomalee harbour on the eastern coast. About 15 crewmen are still aboard the Iranian ship to help with navigation, a Sri Lankan government source said. The ship was experiencing engine problems, that source and another government official said. Both asked not to be named given the sensitivity of the issue. The crew was brought to the port in Sri Lankas commercial capital Colombo where they had medical check-ups and were then moved in groups to a navy camp in Welisara, about 18 km (10 miles) away, the officials added. The defence ministry declined to comment and the navy spokesmans office could not be reached. Iran thanks Sri Lanka The ship Booshehr, which had found itself stranded in Sri Lankas exclusive economic zone outside its maritime boundary, reached the area a day after the Iranian warship IRIS Dena was sunk while returning from India after a naval exercise. Dena was hit by a torpedo from a U.S. submarine in the Indian Ocean, about 19 nautical miles off Sri Lankas coast, killing 87 people on board and dramatically widening the scope of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Irans foreign minister thanked Sri Lanka for helping rescue survivors from the warship. That vessel was ceremonial, unloaded, unarmed, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters in New Delhi, where he is attending a conference. Both Washington and Tehran are key trade partners for Sri Lanka. The United States accounts for about 40% of its apparel exports and Iran is one of its main tea buyers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said that if the war continues, Gulf energy producers may be forced to halt exports, potentially driving crude prices to $150 a barrel and disrupting global energy supplies Qatari Energy Minister Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi speaks during a press conference at the 27th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Ministerial Meeting to discuss the future of natural gas and global energy security, in Doha, Qatar, on October 23, 2025. Reuters File Qatar has warned that the escalating conflict with Iran could choke off energy exports from the Gulf within weeks and trigger a global economic shock, with Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi cautioning that this will bring down the economies of the world. In an interview with the Financial Times published on Friday, Kaabii said that if the war continues, Gulf energy producers may be forced to halt exports, potentially driving crude prices to $150 a barrel and disrupting global energy supplies as Gulf states play a central role in the international oil and gas markets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The warning comes after Qatar halted production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on Monday amid continued Iranian strikes on Gulf countries. Qatar is one of the worlds largest LNG producers, and its output accounts for roughly 20% of global supply. The countrys shipments are crucial in balancing demand for natural gas across major markets in Asia and Europe. Everybody that has not called for force majeure we expect will do so in the next few days that this continues. All exporters in the Gulf region will have to call force majeure, _FT_ quoted Kaabi as saying. If this war continues for a few weeks, GDP growth around the world will be impacted, he said. Everybodys energy price is going to go higher. There will be shortages of some products and there will be a chain reaction of factories that cannot supply, Kaabi added. Energy supply disruption Kaabi said that even if the war ended immediately, it would take Qatar weeks to months to return to a normal cycle of deliveries. Kaabi, who is also the chief executive of QatarEnergy, one of the worlds largest liquefied natural gas producers, told FT that the companys North Field expansion project would delay the start of production. It will delay all our expansion plans for sure, Kaabi was quoted as saying. If we come back in a week, perhaps the effect is minimal, if its a month or two, it is different, he added. The project had been scheduled to begin production in mid-2026. He said crude prices could reach $150 a barrel within two to three weeks if ships and tankers are unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the worlds most vital oil export route connecting major Gulf producers with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kaabi also said he expects gas prices to rise to $40 per million British thermal units. With inputs from agencies The sinking of Irans warship by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean has brought the Iran conflict closer to Asia, alarming South Asian nations and raising fresh security concerns for India and the wider Indo-Pacific region, experts say. The geopolitical firewall between the volatile West Asia and the relatively stable Indian Ocean has been breached. Following the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena by a US submarine just off the coast of Sri Lanka, the shadow war between Washington and Tehran has officially migrated to Asian waters. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth described the attack as a quiet death, while Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called it an atrocity occurring nearly 2,000 miles from Irans shores. The IRIS Dena had recently participated in Indias multinational Milan naval exercise in Visakhapatnam before heading southward through key Indian Ocean sea lanes linking the Gulf to Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sri Lankan authorities confirmed the sinking occurred outside territorial waters but within their search-and-rescue zone, rescuing 32 sailors while over 100 remain missing. This event extends the US-Iran confrontation from the Persian Gulf into Asias maritime domain, raising alarms over disruptions to global trade and energy flows. Regional anxiety mounts The strike has sparked widespread concern across South and Southeast Asia, with fears that West Asia hostilities could now endanger vital sea lanes. Sri Lankan and Maldivian leaders described the sinking as bringing war to the region, highlighting vulnerabilities in areas critical for Asian economies reliant on Gulf oil imports. Analysts note that sustained conflict here could militarise routes passing strategic chokepoints near Indonesia, affecting nations from India to China. The incident is likely to further unnerve Indo-Pacific nations, both friend and foe alike, Derek Grossman, a former US intelligence official who is now a professor of international relations at the University of Southern California was quoted by Bloomberg as saying. Some will look elsewhere for their security needs, while others may hedge and hope for the best. This anxiety underscores how a single torpedo has alerted shipping insurers, oil traders, and energy ministries across the region. Strategic dilemma for India The development is particularly sensitive for India, which has long tried to maintain strategic autonomy while balancing relations with Washington and Tehran. For India, it poses a profound challenge to its doctrine of strategic autonomy as the IRIS Dena was destroyed shortly after leaving an Indian-hosted exercise. New Delhi maintains deepening naval ties with the US through joint drills and logistics pacts, yet preserves energy and port links with Iran including Chabahar development. Critics argue India appears either complicit via alleged US use of its ports or powerless to monitor its strategic backyard, eroding its net security provider image. Analysts said that the Indian Ocean is central to Indias security doctrine, with the country positioning itself as the primary security provider in the region. The presence of an Iranian naval deployment so close to South Asian waters and its destruction by US forces raises questions about Indias ability to maintain neutrality. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some experts argue that the incident could force New Delhi to reconsider its regional strategy, particularly as maritime tensions escalate and global powers increase their military presence in the Indo-Pacific. The episode also highlights the growing militarisation of the Indian Ocean, where naval deployments by the US, China and regional powers have intensified in recent years. Conflict widening beyond the West Asia The sinking of the Iranian vessel signals that the war involving Iran and its adversaries may no longer be confined to the West Asia. Instead, the conflict risks spreading along vital sea lanes that link Asias major economies. If maritime confrontations continue, analysts warn that commercial shipping routes and energy supply chains could face serious disruptions. The Indian Ocean carries a large portion of the worlds oil and container traffic, making any escalation particularly concerning for Asian economies. For countries across the Indo-Pacific, the US submarine strike represents more than a single military incidentit is a reminder that geopolitical rivalries are increasingly overlapping with critical trade routes. As tensions between Iran and the United States intensify, the waters of the Indian Ocean may become an unexpected new front in a widening conflict. Mullin will lead an agency that has come under growing criticism in recent months, particularly after federal immigration officers fatally shot two US citizens in Minnesota US Senator Markwayne Mullin, Republican from Oklahoma, speaks to reporters outside the US Capitol on March 5, 2026, in Washington, DC. AFP US President Donald Trump has appointed Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin as the next chief of the Department of Homeland Security after firing the embattled Secretary Kristi Noem. Mullin, an ardent Trump supporter, former mixed martial arts fighter and a first-time senator, will need the Senates approval to assume the role. He will be the second DHS secretary in Trumps second term. Mullin will lead an agency that has come under growing criticism in recent months, particularly after federal immigration officers fatally shot two US citizens in Minnesota. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yes, Im a Republican, yes Im conservative. Once I make that transition, my focus is to keep the homeland secure, thats going to be my focus, and were super excited about this opportunity, he said outside the Senate. Who is he? A member of the Cherokee Nation, the 48-year-old Republican senator from the central state of Oklahoma is currently the only Native American serving in the US Senate. Mullin was elected to the Senate in 2022 after serving 10 years in the US House of Representatives. Trump, in announcing Mullins nomination to head DHS, called him a MAGA Warrior a reference to the Republican presidents Make America Great Again movement. A wrestler during his school years, Mullin was inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016. Mullin grew up on a ranch in Oklahoma and dropped out of college at the age of 20 to take over the familys plumbing business when his father fell ill, according to his official Senate biography. He expanded Mullin Plumbing and ventured into a variety of other businesses, including opening a steakhouse in the town of Stilwell. Why was Noem fired? Noems tenure as the DHS chief was marred by controversies. Media reports suggest that Trump was not pleased with Noems handling of the recent large-scale operation against undocumented migrants in Minnesota. He was also upset with Noem over her recent Senate hearing, where she said the president had personally approved a $220 million DHS advertising campaign featuring her prominently. (Noem) has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), Trump said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies A week after launching war alongside Israel against Tehran, US President Donald Trump on Friday said that no deal would be struck with Iran except unconditional surrender A week after launching war alongside Israel against Tehran, US President Donald Trump on Friday said that no deal would be struck with Iran except unconditional surrender. There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, he said, adding that efforts would also aim to boost Irans economy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The president has so far declined to provide a timeline for ending hostilities with Iran. In an interview with Time _M_agazine published late Thursday, he said he believes the administrations objectives could be met within four to five weeks but emphasised that he has no time limits on anything and wants to get it done. Trump also said he wants to be involved in the appointment of Irans next Supreme Leader following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials on Saturday. Expansion of war Israel escalated the conflict on Friday by striking the Lebanese capital, Beirut, after ordering an unprecedented evacuation of the citys entire southern suburbs. The move marks a significant expansion of the ongoing war. The Israeli military also launched a new wave of attacks on Iran, saying 50 warplanes targeted a bunker beneath Khameneis destroyed Tehran compound, which continued to be used by Irans leadership after his death. Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X, Some countries have begun mediation efforts, though he did not identify the nations involved or provide further details. Lets be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we have not the slightest hesitation in defending the dignity and authority of our country. Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under Irans political system, the president is subordinate to the Supreme Leader. Pezeshkian is currently serving on a panel that has assumed Khameneis duties. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump on Friday said that Cuba is going to fall pretty soon, signaling what he described as a major diplomatic opportunity for his administration US President Donald Trump on Friday said that Cuba is going to fall pretty soon, signaling what he described as a major diplomatic opportunity for his administration. Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon, by the way, unrelated, but Cuba is gonna fall too. They want to make a deal so badly, CNN quoted Trump as saying in a phone interview while highlighting US military successes during his second term. According to CNN, Trump said Cuba is prepared to strike a deal and is planning to involve US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the process. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They want to make a deal, and so Im going to put Marco (Rubio) over there and well see how that works out. Were really focused on this one right now. Weve got plenty of time, but Cubas ready after 50 years, he was quoted as saying. Ive been watching it for 50 years, and its fallen right into my lap because of me, its fallen, but its nevertheless fallen right into the lap. And were doing very well, he added. A day earlier at the White House, President Trump suggested that the return of American Cubans to their homeland is only a question of time, signaling that Cuba may be the next focus of his administration following the ongoing conflict with Iran. Referring to Rubio, Trump said, Hes doing some job, and your next one is going to be, we want to do that special Cuba. Hes waiting. But he says, Lets get this one finished first. Trump emphasised a cautious approach, saying that attempting multiple diplomatic or military initiatives too quickly can backfire. We could do them all at the same time, but bad things happen. If you watch countries over the years, you do them all too fast, bad things happen. Were not going to let anything bad happen to this country, he added, highlighting the administrations focus on measured strategy and avoiding unintended consequences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US pushes Cuba to the brink The US pressure campaign has pushed Cuba to the brink, with President Trump and Republican lawmakers predicting the imminent collapse of the communist regime. A widespread blackout across much of western Cuba on Wednesday highlighted the deepening energy crisis, worsened by a US fuel blockade that has restricted oil imports and worsened shortages. According to The Hill, citing analysts, Cubas remaining fuel reserves could be exhausted by midtolate March, potentially bringing the islands economy to a halt. Trump has tasked Rubio with leading talks with Cuban officials and has even floated the idea of a friendly takeover of the island. They want to make a deal so badly, you have no idea, Trump said at the White House on Thursday, suggesting major changes could occur in the coming weeks. Cuban leaders are reportedly weighing options to ensure their survival, including possible economic reforms, cooperation on regional priorities, and scaling back ties with countries opposed by the US. Rubio has held talks with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former president Raul Castro, whose control of the Cuban military remains a key power base on the island. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump has said Americans would not be wrong to fear potential retaliatory attacks on US soil as the conflict with Iran continues, adding when you go to war, some people will die US President Donald Trump has said Americans would not be wrong to fear potential retaliatory attacks on US soil as the conflict with Iran continues, adding when you go to war, some people will die. In an interview with Time _M_agazine, when asked whether people in the United States should be concerned about domestic attacks linked to the war, Trump replied, I guess. But I think theyre worried about that all the time, Trump added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah, you know, we expect some things. Like I said, some people will die. When you go to war, some people will die. Trumps remarks came as the war with Iran, triggered by joint USIsraeli strikes on Tehran, continues with no clear timeline for its end. In the same interview with Time, the US president said the conflict does not have a fixed end date. I have no time limits on anything, Trump said. I want to get it done. Trump also said that ending the conflict would involve Iran appointing a new leader after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint USIsraeli strike on February 28. One of the things Im going to be asking for is the ability to work with them on choosing a new leader, Trump told Time. Im not going through this to end up with another Khamenei. I want to be involved in the selection. They can select, but we have to make sure its somebody thats reasonable to the United States, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Intel assessment warns of targeted retaliation' A US intelligence assessment reviewed by Reuters warned that Iran and allied groups could attempt retaliatory actions against the United States following Khameneis killing. The assessment, prepared by the Department of Homeland Securitys Office of Intelligence and Analysis, said a large-scale physical assault inside the United States is considered unlikely but that threats remain. It said that a large-scale physical attack is unlikely, [but] Iran and its proxies probably pose a persistent threat of targeted attacks in the Homeland. The report added that retaliation could take the form of targeted operations or cyber activity, including possible actions by Iran-aligned hacktivists, such as website defacements or distributed denial-of-service attacks against US networks. No concerns about protection of homeland Other members of the US administration have sought to reassure Americans that domestic security risks remain under control. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a press briefing at US Central Command in Florida that the administration had no concerns about the protection of the homeland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I dont have any concerns about whether or not the homeland will be covered down on, Hegseth said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also said US authorities are monitoring potential threats. I am in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners as we continue to closely monitor and thwart any potential threats to the homeland, Reuters quoted Noem as saying. With inputs from agencies The incident comes a day after the police arrested three men suspected of spying for China, including the husband of a lawmaker from Prime Minister Keir Starmers ruling Labour Party Four men were arrested in London on suspicion of spying for Iran and monitoring the movement of Jews living in the city, the Metropolitan Police said on Friday. The counterterrorism police arrested the three individuals in the UK capital. One of the people was an Iranian national, while the other three were dual British-Iranians. The forces head of counterterrorism policing, Helen Flanagan, said the arrests were part of a long-running investigation. We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us, she added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The incident comes a day after the police arrested three men suspected of spying for China, including the husband of a lawmaker from Prime Minister Keir Starmers ruling Labour Party. Reports from The Times and The Telegraph said that the husband of Joani Reid, a Labour lawmaker representing the East Kilbride area in Wales, was among those arrested. In response, Reid released a statement defending her husband. Reid has since resigned from her post, saying that she will temporarily step down till an investigation into her husbands wrongdoings is completed. Labour confirmed that she had been administratively suspended, a move that also suspends the party whip while an internal investigation is conducted. UK police, the domestic intelligence service MI5 and members of parliament have long warned about a growing threat to Britain from Iran, which is currently locked in a war with the United States and Israel. In October, MI5 chief Ken McCallum said that British security agencies had tracked more than 20 potentially lethal Iran-backed plots in the previous year. Meanwhile, last November, Britains domestic intelligence agency MI5 warned members of parliament that Chinese agents were attempting to recruit them through front companies or platforms such as LinkedIn. Beijing has strongly denied those claims. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The internal State Department cable dated March 6, not previously reported, said Jayne Howell, the US charge daffaires in Colombo, urged Sri Lankan authorities not to repatriate the IRIS Booshehr crew or the 32 survivors of the IRIS Dena to Iran Sri Lanka Navy personnel assist Iranian sailors during a rescue operation after responding to a distress call from their vessel, the Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena, while at sea within Sri Lankas maritime search and rescue region, in Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, March 4, 2026. Reuters File The United States is urging Sri Lanka not to repatriate survivors from the Iranian warship it sank this week, as well as the crew of another Iranian vessel currently in Sri Lankan custody, according to a Reuters report, citing an internal State Department cable. A US submarine struck the IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean on Wednesday, about 19 nautical miles off the southern port city of Galle, killing dozens of sailors and significantly expanding Washingtons operations against the Iranian navy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The internal State Department cable dated March 6, and not previously reported, said Jayne Howell, the charge daffaires at the US embassy in Colombo, urged Sri Lankan authorities not to repatriate either the crew of the IRIS Booshehr or the 32 survivors from the IRIS Dena to Iran. The cable said Sri Lankan authorities should minimise Iranian attempts to use the detainees for propaganda. It added that Howell told Israels ambassador to India and Sri Lanka that there were no plans to send the crew back to Iran. According to the cable, the envoy asked whether there had been any engagement with the sailors to encourage defection. On Wednesday, Sri Lankas deputy minister for health and mass media, Hansaka Wijemuni, told Reuters that Tehran had requested Colombos help in repatriating the bodies of those killed aboard the IRIS Dena, though no timeframe has been set. The Dena, which had participated in naval exercises organised by India in the Bay of Bengal last month, was returning to Iran when it was struck by a US torpedo. A US official, speaking anonymously, told Reuters the vessel was armed and no warning was given before the strike. On Thursday, Sri Lanka began offloading 208 crew members from a second Iranian vessel, the naval auxiliary ship IRIS Booshehr, stranded in Sri Lankas exclusive economic zone but outside territorial waters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the island had a humanitarian responsibility to accommodate the crew. The torpedoing of the Dena described by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as a quiet death marked the first such US action since World War II and underscored the Iran conflicts expanding geographic reach. According to a US State Department cable, the Booshehr will remain in Sri Lankan custody for the duration of the conflict. On Friday, authorities escorted the vessel to an eastern harbor and moved most of its crew to a naval camp near Colombo. With inputs from agencies At the 2026 Raisina Dialogue, the European delegation sat down to discuss the future of Nato, the challenges the alliance is facing and the steps the alliance can take to bolster itself. Firstpost delivers an insight into how hopeful the Europeans are about Natos solidarity. (R to L): Benedikt Franke, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Munich Security Conference, Germany, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Former Prime Minister, Denmark, Sophie Briquetti, Political Officer, Division of Political Affairs and Security Policy, NATO, France, Marcos Perestrello de Vasconcellos, Member of Parliament, Portugal, Benedetta Berti, Secretary General, NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Italy and Jon Finer, Carnegie Distinguished Fellow, Institute for Global Politics at Columbia University, United States of America. Image Source: Firstpost Does the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) talk much and acts little? This is what former President of Denmark Anders Fogh Rasmussen argued at a conclave in New Delhi on Thursday, suggesting that it is time the trans-Atlantic military bloc adapted to meet the new challenges of the an evolving world. The Nato has faced a host of challenges such as the ongoing Ukraine war and the USs Greenland pressure that have threatened the unity of the alliance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At one of the key sessions of the 2026 Raisina Dialogue, a panel of world leaders and diplomats discussed the future of Nato amid big budget demands and low trust. The delegation raised concerns over too much talking and too little action and agreed with the need to add Ukraine to the alliance. The panel included: Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Prime Minister of Denmark, Marcos Perestrello de Vasconcellos, Member of Parliament from Portugal, Benedetta Berti, Secretary General, Nato Parliamentary Assembly, Italy, Jon Finer, Carnegie Distinguished Fellow, Institute for Global Politics at Columbia University, United States of America, Sophie Briquetti, Political Officer, Division of Political Affairs and Security Policy, Nato, France. Moderated by Benedikt Franke, vice-chairman and chief executive officer of the Munich Security Conference, who asked some tough questions that the Western alliance has been facing for a while. Has Trump made Nato stronger or weaker? The panel started off the discussion with US President Donald Trumps unrelenting claims over Greenland and whether it damaged the age-old solidarity of Nato. Looking back at the Greenland fiasco, Rasmussen said that Trumps episode has done a lot of damage. If what he said [annexing Greenland] had happened, it would have been the end of Nato. The former Danish prime minister emphasised that 60 per cent of the Danish population still consider the US as an adversary. Hence, we need to do more to rebuild trust. He also spoke about the need to accelerate the plans for all Nato member-states to invest 5 per cent by 2035, noting that by 2030, Russian President Vladimir Putin might attack a European ally. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When asked whether Trump and his policies have made Nato stronger or weaker, Jon Finer, Carnegie Distinguished Fellow, Institute for Global Politics at Columbia University, United States of America, insisted that the alliance needed a shock, stating that the Ukraine war was the biggest shock. He insisted that with the pressure of increasing the defence spending, Nato now has more material and capabilities than it ever has before. The Ankara Summit - What lies ahead for Nato? While the panel minutely discussed the 2025 Hague summit, where member states pledged to hit 5 per cent defence spending by 2025, they also delved into what lies ahead, with the 2026 Summit scheduled in Ankara, Turkey. Benedetta Berti, the secretary general of Italys Nato parliamentary assembly, emphasised that while last years summit was about commitment to the defence spending, The summit in Ankara would focus on delivering on the goal of defence spending capabilities. It will be for Europeans to show that their resources and capabilities can take up a leading role in Nato. Vasconcellos emphasised how the Indo-Pacific region is also a part of Natos security concern. He pointed out that the alliance can cooperate with India to form a robust industrial base. Cooperation between two continents on defence matters could start on an industrial foundation, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Too much talking, less action Rasmussen pointed out one of the major concerns with Nato: Talking too much and acting too little. He insisted that Nato needs to accelerate the process of reaching the 5 per cent goal, put more pressure on Putin by delivering much more assistance to Ukraine, increase production of weapons and use Europes excess capacity in the automobile industry. When asked what advice Finer would give to the European allies, he pointed to the need to encourage Ukraines industrial base. Seventy per cent of the destruction of Russia has been caused by Ukraines own defence system. He also called for the judicious use of Russian sovereign assets by transferring those funds for Ukraine. To put an end to the war, we need to put pressure on Russia, not only economic but also at the military level, Vasconcellos said. There is a clear consensus that we need to do more to begin a serious peace process, he said. While moderating the session, Dr Franke pointed out that at the Munich Security Conference this year, everyone accepted that the transatlantic relationship is troubled. However, Berti differed on such an assertion. She said, Change is not something daunting. We are not doing badly; we have to be confident. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The elephants in the room - Ukraine & China Ukraines membership in Nato During the discussion, Rasmussen made it clear that the major task at hand is Ukraines membership of Nato. He described it as the effective and least expensive way to guarantee security. Ukraines membership in Nato would also ensure peace and stability in our continent. When the war ends, we will still have an aggressive Russia. We need Ukraine as a counter to such Russia, he said. The former Danish PM pointed out that Ukraine can contribute significantly to Nato because of its experience. Ukraine has the strongest military in Europe, which can be beneficial for the alliance in the long run, he said. Chinas growing aggression After the panel discussion, one of the audience members asked why China was omitted from the summit declaration last year. To this, Briquetti responded by saying Nato is committed to its partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region because we recognise that our security is interconnected. However, she pointed out that China is not a military adversary for Nato, it is a challenge for us. We would want to speak to China as well to seek more transparency, she said. The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue was held from March 5, 2026, to March 7, 2026, in New Delhi. Firstpost has partnered with the Raisina Dialogue to bring exclusive conversations with global leaders to you. The Raisina Dialogue is Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with Indias Ministry of External Affairs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Ukraine provides drone expertise to the US in the Iran conflict and Russia supplies Tehran with real-time intelligence, the risk of two regional wars merging into one global confrontation intensifies. For years, the wars in Ukraine and the West Asia were treated as distinct geopolitical challenges. However, the recent US-led strikes on Iran and the subsequent fallout have shattered that distinction. As Kyiv officially begins providing the United States with technical expertise to counter Iranian weaponry and Moscow retaliates by providing Tehran with high-level intelligence, the world is witnessing the merger of two regional conflicts into a singular, interconnected global struggle. A growing overlap between two battlefields The connection between the two conflicts is rooted in the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia. For years, the two countries have maintained close military cooperation despite Western sanctions, including collaboration on weapons systems and intelligence sharing. During the war with Ukraine, Russia has relied heavily on Iranian-made drones such as the Shahed drone to target Ukrainian infrastructure and military positions. Ukraine has developed extensive experience in detecting, intercepting and countering these systems. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, as tensions rise between Iran and the United States, Washington is reportedly seeking Ukrainian insights into combating Iranian drone warfare. Analysts say this cooperation represents one of the clearest examples yet of how the two conflicts are beginning to intersect. The growing overlap also comes as Russias invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, turning the war into one of the longest and most complex military confrontations in Europe since World War II. Russias escalatory calculus Russia watches intently, leveraging its Ukraine quagmire to indirectly challenge the US via Tehran without direct commitment. By feeding Iran data on American assetshoned in Ukraines skiesMoscow degrades US air defences and radar, echoing tactics Washington employs against Russian forces. Experts like Dara Massicot note Irans strikes show newfound sophistication, likely from Russian satellite intel, as Tehran lacks its own constellation. This quid pro quo sustains both conflicts but risks synchronisation if Ukraines involvement provokes deeper Russian intervention on Irans behalf. Ukraines role opens Moscows playbook: aiding Tehran overtly could mirror US-Ukraine ties, freeing Iranian drones for Gulf ops while Russia presses Donbas advances amid diverted NATO supplies. Nicole Grajewski highlights how such cooperation evolves among adversaries China and North Korea already back Moscow, potentially forming an axis response to Western coalitions. With Hegseth downplaying foes roles, the White House insists Irans capabilities crumble, but proxy escalations signal broader proxy entanglements. Toward global war fusion? Despite these concerns, many analysts believe a full merger of the two wars into a single global conflict remains unlikely in the near term. However, the risks of escalation are growing. Both conflicts involve overlapping networks of alliances and proxy actors, creating the potential for unintended spill overs. The presence of shared technologies, particularly drones and missile systems has already created operational links between the battlefields. If the US, Ukraine and other Western allies deepen their cooperation against Iran while Russia expands its support for Tehran, the two conflicts could increasingly reinforce each other. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Such a scenario would not necessarily produce a single unified war, but it could create a broader geopolitical confrontation involving several major powers across different regions. For policymakers and strategists, the emerging overlap between the Iran crisis and the Ukraine war serves as a reminder that todays conflicts are rarely contained within regional boundaries. In an interconnected world of alliances, technologies and rivalries, separate wars can quickly become part of a larger global struggle. With inputs from agencies Zelenskyy, however, said that assistance will only be provided if it does not weaken Ukraines own defences and if the US and its allies help Kyiv in its diplomatic efforts to stop the Russian war Iran's Shahed drones are also being used extensively by Russia in Ukraine. File image/Reuters Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the US and its West Asian allies have reached out to Kyiv for expertise in countering Irans Shahed drones. Zelenskyy said that various countries, including the US, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, have sought Ukraines help to defend themselves against Iranian drones, the president said, adding that he has spoken to the leaders of these countries in recent days. Zelenskyy, however, said that assistance will only be provided if it does not weaken Ukraines own defences and if the US and its allies help Kyiv in its diplomatic efforts to stop the Russian war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We help to defend from war those who help us, Ukraine, bring a just end to the war," Zelenskyy said, following which he added that he had received a request from the US for support to defend against the drones in West Asia. He said that an order mentioning the equipment required for drone defence has been placed. Ukraine helps partners who help our security and the protection of our peoples lives, he added. Why is US seeking help? US Patriot missile systems used in the Gulf are expensive and running low on stock. Ukraine could also provide technical advice on protecting energy infrastructure, which it has defended against repeated Russian strikes. How has Ukraine pioneered in drone defence? Russia has launched tens of thousands of Shahed drones at Ukraine since invading its neighbour more than four years ago, at one point unleashing a record night-time barrage of over 800 drones and decoys. In response, Ukraine has pioneered the development of low-cost anti-drone technology, some systems costing as little as $1,000, reshaping the traditional rules of air defence and drawing international attention. Ukrainian manufacturers have also created inexpensive interceptor drones designed specifically to track down and destroy Shaheds, and the countrys rapidly expanding drone industry is now producing more capacity than is currently needed. Zelenskyy hopes talks would resume Zelenskyy is hoping that peace negotiations with Russia will continue as usual in Abu Dhabi despite the conflict between Israel, Iran and the US that has shaken all of West Asia. Abu Dhabi had hosted talks mediated by the United States to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Zelenskyy had earlier said a new round of negotiations had been scheduled between March 5 and 8. The meeting should take place, it is important for us, we support this meeting, Zelenskyy said earlier this week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If there are difficulties with Abu Dhabi because of missiles and drones, then I think we have Turkey, we have Switzerland, he said. We will definitely support any of these three venues for the meeting. Galnaftogaz to hold remote shareholders' meeting on March 17 According to Fixygen, JSC Concern Galnaftogaz will hold a remote general meeting of shareholders on March 17, 2026, through the Ukrainian depository system. The agenda includes, in particular, the approval of annual results and financial statements, review of management reports, decisions on the distribution of profits or coverage of losses, as well as other issues provided for by corporate procedures. JSC Concern Galnaftogaz is one of Ukraine's largest fuel groups, developing a network of filling stations under the OKKO brand and related services. The group's headquarters are located in Lviv. Chinese leaders attend deliberations at annual legislative session Xinhua) 08:10, March 06, 2026 Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese premier, joins his fellow deputies from the delegation of Yunnan Province to deliberate on the government work report at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leaders on Thursday attended deliberations at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature. When joining NPC deputies from Yunnan Province in a group deliberation, Premier Li Qiang noted that this year marks the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) amid increasing uncertainties in the external environment and arduous tasks in domestic reform and development. Li urged more proactive and pragmatic actions to effectively tackle various risks and challenges. Top legislator Zhao Leji participated in a group deliberation with deputies from Sichuan Province, urging solid and in-depth implementation of all work to make a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Zhao, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, also called on the province to build a modern industrial system with its own features and strengths, and play an active role in advancing the construction of a unified national market. Top political advisor Wang Huning joined his fellow deputies from Guizhou Province in a group deliberation, calling on the province to develop new quality productive forces in line with local conditions, and promote the deep integration of sci-tech innovation with industrial innovation. Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, emphasized that Guizhou should adhere to ecological priority and green development, consolidate and expand poverty alleviation achievements, and accelerate the comprehensive revitalization of rural areas. Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, when joining deliberation with his fellow deputies from Liaoning Province, called for pursuing genuine rather than inflated growth, and promoting high-quality, sustainable development. He also stressed the need to accelerate efforts to build greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. Li Xi, secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China (CPC), joined lawmakers from Fujian Province in a group deliberation. He urged the Party members and officials to firmly uphold a correct view on governance performance. He also called for intensified efforts to eradicate the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption, and firmly pursue the path of anti-corruption with Chinese characteristics. Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. While speaking with his fellow lawmakers from Shandong Province, Vice President Han Zheng urged efforts to ensure a solid beginning for the 15th Five-Year Plan period. He also urged efforts to actively respond to external challenges, continue to deepen reform and opening up, and enhance the momentum and vitality for China's high-quality development. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, takes part in a deliberation with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Sichuan Province at the fourth session of the 14th NPC in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, joins his fellow deputies from the delegation of Guizhou Province to deliberate on the government work report at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan) Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, joins his fellow deputies from the delegation of Liaoning Province to deliberate on the government work report at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, joins lawmakers from the delegation of Fujian Province to deliberate on the government work report at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei) Chinese Vice President Han Zheng joins his fellow lawmakers from the delegation of Shandong Province to deliberate on the government work report at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024. Palace urges vigilance as NSC uncovers China-linked spy ops Philippine News Agency By Darryl John Esguerra March 5, 2026, 4:47 pm MANILA -- Malacanang on Thursday urged heightened vigilance across government offices after the National Security Council (NSC) uncovered espionage operations and foreign-directed malign activities in the country linked to China. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said security agencies have acted against individuals identified under the government's Insider Threat Program. She called on government offices to secure sensitive information and remain alert against threats to national security. "Ang paalala ng Palasyo sa lahat ng nasa gobyerno ay maging maingat at mapanuri (The Palace reminds all those in government to be cautious and observant)," Castro said in a statement. "Bantayan ninyo ang inyong mga opisina, protektahan ang mga sensitibong impormasyon ng pamahalaan, at tiyaking hindi ito makokompromiso ng mga aktor na maaaring magdulot ng banta sa pambansang seguridad (Guard your offices, protect sensitive government information, and ensure that it is not compromised by actors who may pose a threat to national security)," she added. The NSC earlier described the case as a "serious national security matter" involving Filipino nationals allegedly acting on behalf of Chinese intelligence. The council said the operations have been "addressed and terminated," with the individuals apprehended through joint counterintelligence efforts. "For reasons of national security, we cannot discuss identities, methods, or timelines so as not to jeopardize ongoing operations. Nonetheless, necessary actions have been taken against the individuals concerned - all Filipino nationals - who have all confessed their complicity in espionage activities and are cooperating with authorities," the NSC said. The arrests were carried out under the Insider Threat Program, which seeks to protect sensitive government information and critical infrastructure from foreign espionage, coercion, or malicious compromise. The NSC also appealed to Congress to prioritize the passage of the proposed Anti-Espionage Bill and the Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act to strengthen the country's legal tools against covert foreign state operations. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFP backs heightened efforts vs. espionage, other threats Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno March 5, 2026, 1:50 pm MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said that it supports the government's ongoing efforts to boost its defenses against espionage and other similar threats following the National Security Council's (NSC) neutralization of an alleged espionage network in the country. "The AFP supports ongoing efforts to strengthen safeguards that protect our national security, including the continuing improvement of legal and institutional frameworks to address evolving threats," military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a message to reporters. Earlier, the NSC appealed to Congress to prioritize the approval of two new pieces of legislation to strengthen the country's ability to protect sovereignty, democratic institutions, and security from covert or deceptive foreign state activities. These are the new Anti-Espionage Bill to replace Commonwealth Act 616 passed during the American period, and; the Anti-Foreign Malign Influence and Interference Act. Padilla also added that the AFP is aware of reports regarding the dismantling of an alleged espionage network operating within the country. The NSC said the espionage network, along with "foreign-directed malign activities," is allegedly linked to the People's Republic of China. The NSC, on Wednesday night, said authorities have uncovered and disrupted activities involving Filipino nationals linked to foreign-directed malign activities. The NSC assured the public that these individuals have already agreed to cooperate with investigators. "This development highlights how modern espionage increasingly utilizes cyber and technological methods, making vigilance and inter-agency cooperation more important than ever. The situation was detected and addressed through coordinated government action among relevant security and law enforcement agencies," the AFP spokesperson said. "For national security reasons, we cannot disclose further operational details. At the same time, the Philippines continues to maintain constructive diplomatic engagement with all countries," she added. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exercise Panamanian Partnership 26 US Marine Corps News 3 Mar 2026 | Sgt. Antonino Mazzamuto 2nd Marine Division PANAMA CITY, Panama -- U.S. Marines with 2nd CEB conducted bilateral training alongside Panamanian security institutions during Panamanian Partnership 26-3A from Jan. 10-Feb. 26, 2026. The purpose of the partnership and training was to reinforce readiness and interoperability through combined training in dense jungle terrain and austere range environments. The 45-day training iteration featured four different courses hosted by 2nd CEB alongside the Joint Security Cooperation Group-Panama: a Provisional Infantry course, a Basic Engineer's course, a Radio Operators course, and a Jungle Operations Training course. Throughout the instruction periods, U.S. Marines, U.S. Army Soldiers and Panamanian partners executed small-unit training designed to improve coordination, communication, and shared execution in a combined training environment. "Panamanian Partnership is a bilateral training event designed to strengthen combat readiness while building professional trust with our Panamanian partners," said Stowers. "At its core, it's about Marines sharpening their skills and improving how we operate together as a combined force." According to Stowers, operating away from home station plays a critical role in reinforcing readiness across the 2nd Marine Division. At the squad and platoon level, Marines executed live-fire fire team attack ranges and maneuver iterations alongside Panamanian forces, placing an emphasis on small-unit leadership and disciplined execution. U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Paul Brown, the executive officer of Charlie Company, 2nd CEB, and the Marine Detachment officer in charge of Panamanian Partnership 26-3A, said the training reinforced foundational Marine Corps leadership principles under challenging conditions. "I think it makes me value how much emphasis we put on the small-unit leader and the Marine Corps' emphasis on decentralized command," said Brown. For combat engineers, the training focused on applying core engineer tasks while operating alongside partner forces. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Thomas J. Timberlake Jr., a squad leader with 2nd CEB, said the event allowed Marines to instruct and execute across a range of engineering and tactical skill sets. "In general, we've been hitting basic engineering, basic demolitions, advanced demolitions and expedient demolitions," said Timberlake. "We also have a lot of route clearance down here to assess what to do in the event that we come across different types of explosives and mines, as well as practicing urban demolitions." Timberlake noted that training alongside Panamanian forces highlighted similarities in tactics while requiring adaptation in instruction and communication. "When we actually got to the tactics portion of things, such as clearing rooms and open-field tactics, that's when we really started to see that their methods are very similar to what we do," said Timberlake. From the partner-nation perspective, Teniente Jezith Ramos, a foreign liaison officer for the Servicio Nacional Aeronaval de Panama, said the joint training supports a shared understanding between the two nations' forces. "Training alongside U.S. Marines helps unify how we plan and conduct operations, both in rural and urban environments, which facilitates joint operations between our forces," said Ramos. As training progressed in dense terrain, Marines adjusted how they maneuvered and communicated under limited visibility, reinforcing adaptability and discipline. "You don't build interoperability during a crisis, you build it through repetition, shared hardship and trust," said Stowers. "And trust starts with professionalism." Panamanian Partnership 26-3A concluded with U.S. Marines and Panamanian security institutions completing combined training iterations designed to strengthen readiness and the ability to operate together. "My biggest takeaway is that readiness and relationships go hand in hand," said Stowers. "Tactical excellence builds credibility, and credibility builds trust." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO begins scheduled land focused combat simulation across Europe NATO Allied Land Command Mar 3 2026 By NATO Allied Land Command Public Affairs Office IZMIR, Turkiye -- NATO Allied Land Command began a scheduled exercise March 03 across nine Alliance countries to train and evaluate the ability of NATO Corps-level headquarters to execute the Alliance's integrated defense plans. Running from March 03 to March 12, exercise Loyal Leda is a land-centric, command post computer-assisted exercise focused on an Article 5 scenario, facilitated by NATO's Joint Force Training Center in Bydgoszcz, Poland. As the exercise control element, JFTC designs the complex, multi-domain, high-intensity training environment required to ensure corps commanders and staff remain ready to rapidly deploy and defend Alliance territory. "Loyal Leda 2026 provides a vital opportunity for corps headquarters to train, innovate and demonstrate readiness to fight and win," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Lowin, LANDCOM Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. "It allows headquarters to showcase relentless innovation while exercising established regional plans." This year's exercise involves four corps headquarters: Multi-National Corps Northeast based in Szczecin, Poland, NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Spain based Betera, Spain, 1st German Netherland Corps based in Muenster, Germany, and 2nd Polish Corps based in Warsaw, Poland. The combat readiness of MNC-NE and NRDC-ESP is the primary focus, while 1GNC and 2POL are training to conduct operations beyond the scope of major joint operations. "Credible and ready land forces are essential to deterring any threat to the Alliance. That remains our primary objective," Brig. Gen. Lowin emphasized. As NATO prioritizes land force transformation in 2026, Loyal Leda represents a pivotal opportunity for corps headquarters to demonstrate warfighting readiness and the capability to lead NATO's land forces at the tactical level while adapting and integrating new capabilities and technologies. "This exercise, and the soldiers participating, contribute directly to NATO's multi-domain approachensuring the Alliance can swiftly and decisively defeat any adversary if deterrence fails," concluded Lowin. LANDCOM, headquartered in Izmir, Turkiye, leads the land component of NATO's Joint Forces. It serves as the focal point for land operations, responsible for coordinating and synchronizing land forces across the Alliance's area of responsibility. The command develops, integrates, and coordinates land capabilities to deter and defend against any threat, as outlined in NATO's Strategic Concept for a resilient and responsive Alliance. For more information on NATO Allied Land Command, visit https://lc.nato.int. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Wang Yi Has a Phone Call with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated: March 04, 2026 23:24 On March 4, 2026, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone call with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan briefed Wang Yi on the regional situation and the UAE's stance, noting that the UAE is not a party to the war, nor has it participated in the conflict, and thus should not be subject to unlawful attacks. The UAE appreciates that China always upholds an objective and just position, and hopes China will continue to play a significant and positive role in preventing the escalation of regional tensions amid the current grave situation. The UAE will continue to take measures to protect the safety of Chinese personnel and institutions. Wang Yi reiterated China's principled position on the current situation in Iran, saying the spillover of the war serves no one's interests and the ultimate victims can only be the people in the region. The red line of protecting civilians in conflicts must not be crossed, non-military targets such as energy, economy and people's livelihood should not be attacked, and the safety of waterways should be upheld. China expressed appreciation for the UAE's efforts to strive for peace even before the war, and the recent Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its emphasis that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to overcome the current crisis and maintain regional security. China supports the UAE's legitimate aspiration for upholding national security, and supports regional countries in continuing to resolve differences through diplomatic means. China will not give up hope for peace and will continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace. The Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue will be sent to the region for mediation to help restore peace and stability. China hopes the UAE will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in the UAE. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Ilham Aliyev: Iranian officials must provide an explanation to the Azerbaijani side, and an apology must be offered Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC) 05.03.2026 [16:16] Baku, March 5, AZERTAC "Today, Iran committed an act of terror against the territory of Azerbaijan, against the state of Azerbaijan. The Iranian state fired unmanned aerial vehicles on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic," said President Ilham Aliyev during the meeting of the Security Council. "The targets of the attack were civilian facilities. The state of Azerbaijan vehemently condemns this ugly act of terror, and those who committed it must be immediately held accountable. Iranian officials must provide an explanation to the Azerbaijani side, an apology must be offered, and those who committed this terrorist act must be held criminally liable," the head of state emphasized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Ilham Aliyev chaired meeting of Security Council Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC) 05.03.2026 [16:43] Baku, March 5, AZERTAC On March 5, a meeting of the Security Council was held under the chairmanship of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The head of state delivered a speech at the event. Speech by President Ilham Aliyev - Today, a terrorist act was committed by Iran against the territory of Azerbaijan and the state of Azerbaijan. The territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic came under fire from unmanned aerial vehicles launched by the Iranian state. The targets of the attack were civilian facilities, including the Nakhchivan International Airport and its terminal building, a school, and other civilian sites, all treacherously struck by Iran. The State of Azerbaijan strongly condemns this heinous terrorist act. Those responsible must be brought to justice without delay. The Iranian side must provide an official explanation to Azerbaijan, issue an apology, and ensure that the perpetrators are held criminally accountable. This is not the first time that the Iranian state has carried out acts of terror against Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis. We all clearly remember that some time ago, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Tehran was subjected to a terrorist attack. The assailant, acting under the instructions of Iranian special services, carried out a violent attack against Azerbaijani citizens, resulting in one death and one serious injury. I should also note that an unarmed representative of Azerbaijan's special services neutralized the terrorist, who was armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle, Molotov cocktails, and an axe. At that time, we had no doubt that the Iranian state was behind the attack. The act of terror lasted approximately 40 minutes, both inside and around the embassy building. During that time, not a single security or police officer approached the embassy. It was clear that the attack had been ordered at the highest levels of Iran's state institutions to intimidate Azerbaijan and pursue malicious intentions against our country. As you know, Azerbaijan responded in the strongest possible terms. Our embassy was evacuated from Iran, and all diplomatic relations were suspended. The Iranian side was compelled to apologize and acknowledge its guilt. At our insistence, the perpetrator received the harshest possible sentence. Although the Iranian state initially showed little interest in enforcing the sentence and even sought to shield the criminal, it was ultimately forced to execute the terrorist in the presence of Azerbaijani representatives. This time, our response will be the same. We will not tolerate this unprovoked act of terror and aggression against Azerbaijan. Our Armed Forces have been instructed to prepare and implement appropriate retaliatory measures. On numerous occasions, particularly following last year's clashes, we informed the Iranian side that Azerbaijan's territory would not be used against any neighboring state. We will not allow this, and we have never allowed it. Whereas during the summer of last year and thereafter, baseless accusations were directed at us from Iran. Media outlets controlled by Iranian state institutions conducted a dirty, defamatory campaign against Azerbaijan in an attempt to discredit our country and influence the opinions of our fellow Azerbaijanis in Iran. They know that the independent Azerbaijani state today is a source of hope for many Azerbaijanis in Iran. In other words, their objective was to defame us, slander us, and discredit us in the eyes of the Iranian public, but there was no basis for such accusations. Azerbaijan neither participated nor will participate in any operations against Iran this time around. This is our principled position. We have no interest and no policy to conduct operations against neighboring countries. We protect - and have always protected - our territorial integrity. Just as we ended the Armenian occupation, we are ready to demonstrate our strength against any hostile force - and they should not forget this in Iran. This terrorist act they committed, in addition to all its other vile aspects, is a grave example of ingratitude. As soon as recent incidents occurred, we conveyed our condolences. Upon my instruction, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with his Iranian counterpart. I demonstrated my position by personally visiting their embassy to offer condolencesno other head of state has visited an Iranian embassy elsewhere for this purpose. To disregard such a gesture, to belittle it, and to conduct themselves in a base and ungrateful manner brings honor to no one. Those dishonorable perpetrators who committed this terrorist act against us will regret it. They should not test our strength. Those who did so in the past had their sculls crushed with "Iron Fist," and today's events will lead to the same outcome. Accordingly, a comprehensive action plan must be prepared. All necessary instructions have been issued. The Ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; a note of protest will be delivered, and additional diplomatic measures will follow. Relevant instructions concerning border security have also been issued. I must also inform you that this morning, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran called Baku, requesting Azerbaijan's assistance in evacuating Iranian embassy personnel remaining in Lebanon due to a lack of resources. I was briefed and immediately instructed that assistance be provided, with an aircraft dispatched. They even offered to cover the costs, which I declined - if we do not help in times of difficulty, when should we help? Yet they responded by striking Nakhchivan in such a vile and dishonorable manner. This stain will never be erased from their disgraceful and unsightly record. All necessary measures will be taken through diplomatic channels. Our Armed Forces - the Ministry of Defense, the State Border Service, and all Special Forces units - have been placed at the highest level of combat readiness and are prepared to carry out any required operations. That is all for now. We will keep the people of Azerbaijan informed about further developments. The Ministry of Defense's statement has already been released to the media. The Azerbaijani people can be assured that any hostile force will feel the full might of our "Iron Fist." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address International community condemns Iran's drone attack on Azerbaijan Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC) 05.03.2026 [22:47] Baku, March 5, AZERTAC The international community has strongly condemned Iran's attack on civilian infrastructure in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Officials from various countries and international organizations have expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan and denounced the aggression. United Kingdom: UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Fergus Auld wrote on social media that the strike by two Iranian drones on Nakhchivan is completely unacceptable. "The UK firmly condemns any action threatening Azerbaijan's security. We stand fully with Azerbaijan and the affected parties. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation," he said. Qatar: Qatar's Foreign Ministry condemned the targeting of Azerbaijan's airport and Turkiye by Iranian UAVs, describing the attacks as acts of hostility and violations of sovereignty, threatening regional security and stability. Qatar reiterated its full support for Turkey and Azerbaijan, emphasizing their right to protect their sovereignty, security, and citizens. Lithuania: Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys strongly condemned Iran's UAV strikes on civilian infrastructure in Nakhchivan and affirmed Lithuania's solidarity with Azerbaijan. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned Iran's attempts to target the Republic of Turkey and the Republic of Azerbaijan, describing the actions as a blatant violation of international law and universally accepted norms. The Saudi Foreign Ministry stated that these cowardly attacks reflect an unjustifiable hostile stance and that repeated aggressive behavior by Iran toward regional countries exacerbates tensions and threatens regional security and stability. The statement also emphasized that the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stand fully in solidarity with Turkey and Azerbaijan, supporting both countries' right to protect their security, airspace, territorial integrity, and citizens. The Ministry further commended efforts to prevent escalation in the region and to maintain safety and stability. Moldova: Moldova condemned the UAV attacks targeting Nakhchivan's civilian facilities, which injured two people. Foreign Minister Mihail Popsoi reaffirmed Moldova's solidarity with Azerbaijan and support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Turkiye: The Turkish Foreign Ministry sharply condemned the UAV attacks on Nakhchivan, stressing the urgency of halting actions that target third countries and escalate conflict. Turkiye reiterated its ongoing support for Azerbaijan. Kuwait: Kuwait condemned Iran's targeting of Turkiye and Azerbaijan, describing the attacks as clear violations of international law and the UN Charter, and reaffirmed its solidarity with both countries. Georgia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has issued a statement condemning the drone attack on Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which resulted in injuries to several civilians. The Georgian Foreign Ministry emphasized that any actions that grossly violate the principles and norms of international law and escalate tensions in the region are unacceptable. The statement added: "In light of our strong friendship and strategic partnership, Georgia expresses its solidarity with brotherly Azerbaijan in this difficult situation." Kazakhstan: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev condemned the UAV attacks on Nakhchivan Airport, calling them acts against Azerbaijan as a brother and ally. Ukraine: Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned Iran's attacks on Azerbaijan, emphasizing that they demonstrate Iran's role as a regional and global threat. France: France is among the countries that have strongly condemned Iran's drone attack on Azerbaijan. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on its "X" account: "France strongly condemns the attack carried out by Iranian drones this morning on Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan. We wish a speedy recovery to the four people injured in the attack." Sophie Lagut, France's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, also condemned the drone strike on Nakhchivan. On her "X" account, the ambassador wrote: "The drone attacks carried out this afternoon against Nakhchivan are an unacceptable act against Azerbaijan's security and territorial integrity. I strongly condemn this action that undermines regional stability and violates international law. My thoughts and solidarity are with those affected by the incident, especially the four injured, whom I wish a speedy recovery." International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO): The Permanent Secretariat expressed deep concern over the attacks on Azerbaijan, affirmed full solidarity with the government and people, and emphasized the protection of civilians and critical services as a top priority. Other Responses: Foreign ministers and officials from Uzbekistan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Pakistan, and Israel contacted Jeyhun Bayramov to express deep concern and solidarity with Azerbaijan over the attacks. These statements reflect the widespread international condemnation of Iran's aggression and a unified message of support for Azerbaijan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and civilian protection. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Foreign Minister says investigation launched into drone attack on Nakhchivan Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC) 05.03.2026 [19:41] Baku, March 5, AZERTAC On March 5, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi made a phone call to Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. During the telephone conversation, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov strongly condemned the drone attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran on the territory of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, expressing strong protest against these attacks. He emphasized that these attacks on Azerbaijani territory contradict the norms and principles of international law, and serve to exacerbate tension in the region. Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed his concern over the drone attacks on the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, noting that the Iranian side and the military have launched an investigation into this incident. The Iranian minister wished a speedy recovery to the injured civilians. FM Bayramov underlined that Azerbaijan expects Iran to issue an apology regarding the attack, provide, within the shortest possible timeframe, an explanation regarding the outcomes of the investigation, and take urgent measures to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkiye condemns attempts to undermine Aegean islands' demilitarized status Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC) 05.03.2026 [17:27] Baku, March 5, AZERTAC Turkiye on Thursday criticized attempts to undermine the demilitarized status of the Aegean islands, calling them "unserious, unfortunate and ill-timed," Anadolu Agency reported. The country's Foreign Ministry said the legal status of the Eastern Aegean islands and the Dodecanese is not a "debatable issue" within the framework of the Treaty of Lausanne, signed in 1923, and the Paris Peace Treaty, signed in 1947. "Given this reality, it is not surprising that certain circles, seeking to exploit the latest developments in our region and consistently attempting to poison our bilateral relations with our NATO ally Greece, are once again trying to create a new fait accompli," the ministry's spokesman Oncu Keceli said. "Any steps taken by these circles, which accuse Turkiye of revisionism while themselves acting contrary to international law, will be considered null and void. "Even more striking is the fact that the same mentality which in the past attempted to collectively eliminate the Turkish Cypriots, co-owners of the island of Cyprus, now claims that it will protect them," he warned. Keceli said Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with Turkiye's support, are capable of ensuring their own security and acting independently in doing so. Stressing the importance of "a sincere commitment to peace and stability" amid developments in the region, Keceli said Ankara will not permit "faits accomplis by those who, driven by domestic political motives, have made a habit of making unfounded claims and spreading disinformation against our country." He called on them to act with common sense. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry issues statement on drone attacks against Nakhchivan, summons Iranian ambassador Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC) 05.03.2026 [13:15]] Baku, March 5, AZERTAC "At around midday on 5 March, drone attacks were carried out against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan said in a statement. "One drone struck the terminal building of the airport in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, while another drone struck near a school building in the village of Shakarabad. We strongly condemn these drone attacks launched from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which caused damage to the airport building and injuries to two civilians. This attack against the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan constitutes a violation of the norms and principles of international law and serves to increase tensions in the region. We demand that the Islamic Republic of Iran provide, within the shortest possible timeframe, a clear explanation regarding this incident, conduct an appropriate investigation, and take urgent measures to ensure that such attacks are not repeated in the future. The Azerbaijani side reserves the right to take appropriate response measures," the Ministry emphasized. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Demirchilou, has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where a strong protest will be conveyed to the Iranian side, accompanied by a formal note of protest," the Ministry added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Swiss Government Press release Published on 5 March 2026 Zurich, 05.03.2026 -- Federal councillors Ignazio Cassis and Martin Pfister, Switzerland's foreign and defence ministers respectively, met with the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas, in Zurich on 5 March 2026. At the meeting, Mr Cassis and Ms Kallas signed a joint declaration on strengthening foreign and security policy cooperation. An agreement simplifying Switzerland's participation in EU peacekeeping missions was also concluded. These new agreements are not part of the Swiss-EU package (Bilaterals III). The non-binding joint declaration on strengthening cooperation in foreign and security policy signed today, which had been approved by the Federal Council on 12 December 2025, introduces regular political dialogue at ministerial level - an additional strategic dimension to the existing Swiss-EU dialogue on foreign and security policy. The purpose of the new agreement is to analyse global developments early on, identify common interests and deepen cooperation on vital European security issues in a targeted manner. Simplified participation of Switzerland in EU peacebuilding missions The framework participation agreement (FPA) concluded at the meeting creates a clear legal and administrative framework for Switzerland's potential contributions to EU civilian and military missions in future. It simplifies the procedures for secondments without entering into new obligations, whereby Switzerland will continue to decide on its participation on a case-by-case basis. This is based on the applicable legal foundations set out in the Federal Act on Measures pertaining to Civil Peace Support and the Promotion of Human Rights and the Armed Forces Act. The new agreement is in line with Swiss neutrality. The relevant committees of the National Council and Council of States were consulted on the negotiating mandate and the Federal Council approved the agreement on 5 December 2025. First round of political dialogue Following the signing ceremony, Mr Cassis and Mr Pfister took part in the first Swiss-EU political dialogue under the new agreement. The focus was on current global crises and security policy issues including the war in Ukraine, escalation in Iran and the Middle East, handling disinformation, framework conditions for the defence industry as well as transatlantic relations. Switzerland's term as chair of the OSCE in 2026 and cooperation in multilateral forums such as the UN or within the framework of the European Political Community were also discussed. Joint declaration on strengthened cooperation on foreign and security policy Towards a new European security architecture Council of Europe Secretary General Berset addresses the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe as war in Iran rages on its borders Committee of Ministers Strasbourg 5 March 2026 Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset has warned that the escalating crisis in Iran and the wider Middle East raises fundamental questions for Europe's security and for the ability of international law to regulate the use of force. Addressing the representatives of the 46 member states and several observer countries at the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, he urged stronger action for a continent facing a broader regional conflagration on its doorstep: "This crisis is unfolding at Europe's immediate borders... It directly affects member states of our organisation." Alain Berset told the ambassadors present that he had spoken with leaders of states abutting the region - including President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi of the Republic of Moldova - to express his solidarity with those countries, and with Hakan Fidan, the Foreign Minister of Turkiye, to come. A rupture in the international legal order The destruction of the international legal order calls for a "bold, clear and values-based vision for Europe as a whole", stated Mr Berset. Ultimately, the world needs a Europe that's "safe, prosperous, faithful to its values and politically predictable" as an anchor of global stability. It is in times of crisis that the Council of Europe comes into its own. Alain Berset noted, it was created "precisely for times when force threatens to supplant the rule of law". Does the Council of Europe need to evolve in the face of security threats? In context of rupture of the international legal order, he argued that Europe must reflect on how to organise its collective response to growing instability: "We face a fundamental choice: do we want to continue to react to crises created by others? Or do we organise our collective security in a permanent framework that allows us to anticipate and act together?" The Council of Europe has embarked on reform with a view to reinforcing its capacity for action. The Secretary General argued that Europe's security architecture should be organised within a stable and permanent institutional framework - one capable of overcoming fragmented, ad hoc responses and preventing paralysis. The objective is to enable European countries to make coherent, continuous decisions in the face of growing instability. For Alain Berset: "The Council of Europe is the only existing organisation with the geographical scope, historical legitimacy and legal coherence to fulfil this function." He emphasised that the current moment offers an opportunity to reflect collectively on the role the organisation could play in Europe's security architecture. Consultations with member states will take place in the coming weeks to articulate the way forward. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address March 5, 2026 By David Vergun, Pentagon News Air Force, Space Force Ready for All Warfighting Challenges The Air Force's lethality depends on the professionalism of airmen and the capability of their equipment, said Air Force Gen. John D. Lamontagne, Air Force vice chief of staff, who testified yesterday at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on joint force readiness in Washington. "Airmen are our most precious resource. The active-duty, Air National Guard, reserve and civilian workforce are why the United States Air Force is effective at a moment's notice," Lamontagne said. The Air Force updated its fitness policy to push airmen to new levels and ensure they are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with its joint partners on the toughest battlefields, the general said. The service is improving airmen's quality of life by updating dormitories and child development care centers. "We strive to make the Air Force an unmatched place to serve," Lamontagne said, adding that recruiting goals are being met and retention numbers are strong. The Air Force is increasing aircraft availability, which allows aviators to get the repetitions they need to build competence. The service is also recapitalizing its ground-based strategic deterrent, fighter, bomber and tanker aircraft, as well as the command-and-control architectures that bring them together, the general said. At the tactical level, airmen are practicing agile combat employment and preparing to fight in exercises like Bamboo Eagle. Last summer, the Air Force deployed more than 400 aircraft and 15,000 personnel across 50 locations in the Pacific region, Lamontagne said. Space Force Gen. Shawn N. Bratton, vice chief of space operations, said his service, along with commercial partners, executed 170 launches this year. A new radar has upgraded optical surveillance systems to track adversarial activity on orbit better, he said, noting that additional systems will increase domain awareness. Regarding readiness, Bratton said guardians must be ready at any time for any threat across the entire spectrum of conflict. They participated in a variety of exercises designed to ensure space superiority, and officer training courses now include training in space, cyber, intelligence and acquisitions. "We will need to double in size in the coming years to meet identified operational needs, as well as significantly increase our training facilities. Even as we prepare for current warfighting challenges, we are aggressively looking ahead at capability requirements for the future force," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU-UN: Joint Press Release Inaugural EU-UN Strategic Committee on Peace and Security European External Action Service (EEAS) 05.03.2026 New York Strategic Communications The European Union-United Nations Strategic Committee on Peace and Security held its inaugural meeting on 3 March 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The meeting was co-chaired by Rosemary A. DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations; and Charles Fries, the Deputy Secretary General for Peace, Security and Defence of the European External Action Service (EEAS), joined by Martin Bille Hermann, Deputy Political Director / Managing Director for Multilateral Relations of the EEAS. The Strategic Committee marks a new phase in the UN-EU Strategic Partnership on Peace and Security, following the endorsement of the Joint Priorities for 2025-2028. It reflects the commitment of the European Union to deepen support for the United Nations in addressing the full spectrum of peace and security challenges. The delegations exchanged views on the evolving global peace and security landscape, reaffirming their strong support for the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and for a rules-based international order anchored in international law. Discussions focused on key crisis contexts, including in the Middle East, Africa and Eastern Europe. The Strategic Committee also discussed the future of UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions, in the context of the ongoing UN80 reform. They also discussed the future orientation of EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations. The European Union and the United Nations welcomed the recent rollover of the Framework Agreement on the provision of mutual support, which will continue to facilitate operational cooperation between EU CSDP missions and operations and UN peace operations. In order to strengthen follow-up to the Joint Priorities for 2025-2028, the co-chairs endorsed the establishment of a dedicated staff-to-staff mechanism to track implementation and further enhance coordination at working level. Looking ahead, the EU and the UN agreed to place particular emphasis over the coming year on their cooperation on transitions; the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda; climate, peace and security; strategic planning as well as conflict prevention and peacebuilding, including support to national prevention strategies. The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to support the UN Secretary-General and engaging with partners in driving forward UN reform through the UN80 initiative, towards a more effective, cost-efficient and responsive UN, capable of delivering effectively across the three pillars. The UN-EU Strategic Committee on Peace and Security will meet annually. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU-GCC extraordinary meeting: Press remarks by High Representative Kaja Kallas European External Action Service (EEAS) 05.03.2026 Brussels EEAS Press Team Check against delivery! Good morning, everybody. Today we have an extraordinary meeting with the EU Foreign Ministers and the Ministers from the Gulf. We are, of course, talking about what is happening in the Middle East. Iran is exporting the war, trying to expand it to as many countries as they can, to sow chaos and we are calling for stability and seeing what we can do together. Of course, our first priority is also the safety of our citizens that are currently in the region. We are organising the response, and we are organising our people out of the region. We are really coordinating the consular services. And then what we see in the Middle East, we see actually the same drones that are attacking Kyiv every day now, attacking also the Middle East. And there actually also Ukraine can help the Gulf countries, because they have developed drone interceptors and drone protection. So, we can see also how we can put these things together to help the countries to fight back the drone attacks. This is the essence of our discussion today. Q&A Q. What could the European Union provide to the GCC community, in terms of security, maritime safety, for example? And, if you do not mind, how worried are you that this war would bring fragmentation in Iran as a country? Maritime security - we are extremely worried about this. And that is why also European naval assets have been sent to the region, because the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the trade routes are extremely important for the European Union, but also for the Gulf countries. So, we are trying to keep these trade routes open. This is what we are doing regarding the naval missions. And your other question? Q. My second question is, there are some groups, who are getting arms. How worried are you that this war may lead to the fragmentation of the country? Every time when we have seen these wars before in the Middle East, we have also seen that it does not go that easy. That one day there is war and the next day there is democracy. So clearly, the risks are there. When we talk to the countries in the region, they are also worried about civil war inside Iran because of the regime's leadership and what is going on there. Of course we cannot tell, nobody can tell how does it really go, but the risks are clearly there. Q. Do you think the regime will be toppled, thanks to the US and Israel war efforts? Well, usually the regimes are trembling from inside, not from attacks from outside, but of course the regime has been considerably weakened, so it gives also, the opportunities for the Iranian people to actually decide their own future. Q. Besides the Gulf countries, do you think there is enough solidarity between EU members, particularly Germany and Spain? We are in this European Union with 27 countries, and we have shown solidarity before in different types of crises that we have. Of course, we might have different views on things, but in the end, I think this solidarity between Member States is very clear. Q. What is the impact on Ukraine, the supply of air defence, sanctions, oil price, all this stuff? There is a clear impact on the war on Ukraine as well, because there are defence capabilities that are needed in Ukraine now moving also to the Middle East. There is also the issue of supply chains, of supplying the capabilities that Ukraine needs, now also the Middle East needs when it comes to air defence, for example. And there is also the issue of the oil price. The oil price, when it goes up, it actually benefits Russia to fund its war. And that is why we have to really push through the maritime services ban that we can really curtail the shadow fleet and the oil revenues that Russia has, to fund this war. Q. Because of the crisis in the Middle East and a new wave refugee came to Europe, are you ready to take them? We had on Monday also a discussion in the College about different aspects, how does it influence Europe, and one of the aspects was also the migration pressure. We do not see it yet, but clearly, if the war drags on, the risks of migratory pressure on Europe will increase, and we have to be prepared. That is why we are also talking to other countries that we are cooperating with. Q. How difficult is it now to find common ground to have a strategy on how to handle the situation? On Sunday, when we had the Foreign Affairs meeting, we were able to come to a common decision by 27 Member States. Right now, we are negotiating the common statement with European Member States and the Gulf countries, which is of course harder. What is our common view is that we want stability in the region. We want that this war does not go any further, and we want the respect of international law. Q. The situation in the Middle East has a great impact on the energetic system of the entire European continent, but it also has an impact on Moldova's energetic system. Today, Moldova starts an alarming state in the energetic situation, how is Europe to approach the energetic security entirely? And in particular for Moldova, as a candidate country? I hope that the Commissioner for Energy will actually share also with the wider public that we are not dependent on the oil that is coming from the Gulf states. It does not have that impact on us when it comes to security of supply. But of course, if the market prices are rising, then it has [an] impact more widely. But right now, we do not see that yet, so there is no room for panicking. Q. For arms supplies for Ukraine, how huge is this risk [inaudible]? Well, you see that everybody has the need for air defence. So Ukraine has [this] need, also the Middle Eastern countries have the need. When it comes also to drone interceptors, there is a need in both of these wars. So, there is really a problem with production. We need to also do more on the European side and really speed up. When it comes to drones and interceptor drones, Ukraine has really been able to produce a lot and can also share this knowledge with the Gulf countries to boost this production. So, of course, we are looking into this, but I am worried that, just the capabilities are limited, and that is why it will have an impact also on different wars. Q. About the diplomacy, High Rep, since the first meeting you said we have to explore the diplomatic options. Do you see any diplomatic space, taking into consideration that you are still in contact in Iran [inaudible] and the French President announced that coalition to save the maritime security, is it ASPIDES or some kind [inaudible]? On maritime security, we have two missions. We have Operation Atalanta and ASPIDES that are in the region. But of course, right now, they are not in the Strait of Hormuz. European naval assets are really coordinating to have the protection of also the Strait of Hormuz, so that we have the trade routes. When it comes to diplomatic outreach, then it is clear that wars really end in diplomacy, and there has to be room for diplomacy here to really get out of this cycle of escalation. Q. So is the EU offering any concrete aid to the Gulf countries? We are discussing this today. One of the things is the drone interceptors that Ukraine is also offering. What we are saying to the Gulf countries is also to have the contacts with Ukraine and President Zelenskyy, how they can work together. I have had also calls with Gulf countries, and they have been really surprised how much Ukraine is helping them in this regard, keeping in mind that they are under heavy attacks all the time, and maybe the support has not been, really, a two-way street, but one-way street. But maybe it changes, actually, from this day on. Q. Nothing from the EU side [inaudible] ? From the EU side, we are providing support to get the civilians protected and the consular support and what we can do. But in terms of what more can we do, we are discussing this today, what are the needs as well, where we can come. Q. I know that Georgia is not on the agenda but I have to ask you, because yesterday, Georgian Dream adopted the most repressive amendments to law against the civil society, media, even against business. So what is your estimation on this move? Adopting these laws is extremely regrettable and it shows that the Georgian Government is really not on the right track when it comes to a European accession. Q. How concern are you about President Trump's threats towards Spain and what do you expect from the other Member States how to deal with this [inaudible]? Trade is a European competence. We have a trade deal with United States that was signed in June. We hope that United States also respects this agreement that applies to all the Member States. Thank you very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) Germany Federal Foreign Office 05.03.2026 - Press release Belgium, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as members of the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), chaired by Sweden, issue the following statement on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): The ICG expresses its profound concern regarding the continued and recent violations in eastern DRC of the ceasefires upheld by the signing of the Washington Accords on 4 December 2025 and the commitment in Doha on 19 July 2025 to a permanent ceasefire and a permanent cessation of hostilities. Such violations include the use of drones in military attacks which also pose an acute risk to civilian populations. All parties involved should urgently and unequivocally recommit to ceasing the hostilities and return to negotiations. There can be no military solution to the conflict. We urge all parties to fully implement their obligations and commitments made under the Washington Accords and the Doha process and to comply with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 2773 and 2808, and the full respect of territorial integrity. The ICG commends the ongoing mediation by the AU -appointed mediator, Faure Gnassingbe, President of the Council of the Republic of Togo, and the Panel of Facilitators, as well as the crucial mediation conducted by the US and Qatar. We welcome the efforts by Qatar, the ICGLR and MONUSCO to establish a ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism. We recall the importance of creating conditions for an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue with all key Congolese stakeholders - a necessary element for durable peace in the DRC - and welcome the consultations undertaken by the Republic of Angola. We stand ready to support these efforts. The ICG calls on all parties to honour their obligations to respect international humanitarian law and to ensure full, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to enable critical assistance to those in need. We welcome positive steps forward such as the commitments by governments and actors in the region to improve and facilitate humanitarian access, including following the visit of EU Commissioner Lahbib; the reopening of the border between the DRC and Burundi; and the use of the Goma airport during the recent visit to Goma by MONUSCO Interim Head and Special Representative of the Secretary-General van de Perre, which should lead to the sustained reopening of the Goma airport for humanitarian flights. The ICG further calls on parties to stop incitement to hatred, discrimination or violence, including against Rwandophone minorities, and other actions that gravely endanger civilian populations and social cohesion. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Finnish Government proposes to amend Nuclear Energy Act and Criminal Code to strengthen NATO's deterrence and defence Finnish Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence Publication date 5.3.2026 18.13 Type:Press release Finland's Ministry of Defence will circulate for comments a draft government proposal to amend the Nuclear Energy Act and the Criminal Code. The objective is to remove legal barriers to enable Finland's homeland defence as part of the Alliance and the full utilisation of NATO's deterrence and defence. The current legislation bans all import of nuclear devices into Finland and the transport, supply and possession of them in Finland. The draft proposal would allow the import of nuclear devices into Finland or their transport, supply or possession in Finland in the context of Finland's homeland defence, NATO's collective defence or defence cooperation. Most NATO member states have no legal barriers to the full execution of NATO's deterrence and defence. The draft proposal would make Finnish legislation compatible with NATO's functions. The proposed amendment is part of the legislative reforms the Programme of Prime Minister Orpo's Government outlines as necessary for Finland's integration with NATO. The amendment is proposed in order to maximise Finland's security in an unpredictable operating environment. Its purpose is to ensure that all elements of NATO's deterrence are credible and that the threshold of military action against Finland and the Alliance remains as high as possible. The amendment would strengthen deterrence, and its purpose is to prevent the use of military force against Finland and the Alliance. Finland must contribute to the sustainment and development of NATO's defence capability and, where necessary, to the full execution of NATO's collective defence. The legislative amendment would enable not only NATO's activities but also bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It would bring Finland's contribution to NATO's nuclear deterrence on a par with our closest allies. According to NATO's Strategic Concept, the fundamental purpose of NATO's nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression. As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. However, NATO seeks to create the security environment for a world without nuclear weapons. NATO is a defensive alliance that fully complies with international law. All NATO member states, Finland included, are parties to the Treaty on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and are committed to its full implementation. The proposed amendment would not mean that Finland would be seeking to have nuclear weapons in its territory. Finland does not seek to have nuclear weapons in its territory nor is NATO planning such a move. Moreover, the amendment would not impact NATO's nuclear exercises as no nuclear weapons are moved during such exercises now or in future. The proposed amendment to the Nuclear Energy Act would not conflict with Finland's international obligations, and Finland would comply with the NPT, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and any other international agreement binding on Finland as before. Finland will continue its active efforts to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and counter threats deriving from them. It would still be in all situations punishable as a nuclear device offence to acquire, manufacture, develop and detonate nuclear devices and to conduct research for the purpose of manufacturing one. Moreover, nuclear device offences committed with a terrorist intent would remain criminalised as before. The goal is for the amendments to enter into force as soon as possible. The deadline for submitting comments is Thursday 2 April 2026. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement GCC-EU Ministers' Meeting On Recent Developments in the Middle East: Iran's Attacks Against GCC States General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council Mar 05, 2026 General Secretariat - Riyadh 1. The Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union held an extraordinary meeting on 5 March 2026 to discuss the escalation in the Middle East and Iran's inexcusable attacks against the GCC countries. 2. The GCC side was headed by His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council. His Excellency Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC and the Foreign Ministers of the GCC Member Countries. The European side was headed by Her Excellency Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, with the participation of Her Excellency Dubravka Suica and the Foreign Ministers of EU Member States. 3. The Ministers underscored the significance of the strategic partnership between the EU and the GCC, established under the 1988 Cooperation Agreement and re-confirmed with the EU-GCC Brussels Summit in October 2024. 4. The Ministers strongly condemned the unjustifiable Iranian attacks against the GCC countries which threaten regional and global security and called on Iran to cease immediately its attacks. 5. The European Union reaffirmed its solidarity with the countries of the GCC. 6. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for protection of civilians and full respect of international law, international humanitarian law and the obligation to abide by the principles of the United Nations Charter. 7. The Ministers recalled that they consistently urged Iran to curb its nuclear programme and ballistic missile programme, refrain from destabilising activities in the region and in Europe, and to cease the appalling violence against its own people. 8. The Ministers discussed the significant damage caused by the recent indiscriminate Iranian attacks against the GCC member states, which targeted civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, service facilities and residential areas, resulting in material damage and threatening the security, safety and lives of civilians. 9. The Ministers highlighted the extensive diplomatic efforts by the EU and its Member States and the GCC member states prior to the attacks, as well the latter's commitment that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran. 10. The Ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis, commending the constructive role of Oman in this regard, and highlighted the need to restore regional stability and security. 11. The Ministers recalled the inherent right of the GCC countries, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, to defend themselves, individually and collectively, against the armed attacks of Iran. They affirmed that the GCC states have the right to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and protect their territories, citizens and residents in order to restore international peace and security. The Ministers recalled the responsibility of the UN Security Council in restoring and maintaining international peace and security. 12. The Ministers agreed to joint diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to cease production and proliferation of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and any technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond, as well as to refrain from destabilising activities in the region and in Europe, and ultimately allow the Iranian people to determine their future. 13. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding regional air space, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, as well as the safety and security of supply chains and the stability of global energy markets. 14. The Ministers stressed that the security and stability of the Gulf region are fundamental pillars of the stability of the global economy, intrinsically linked to European and global security. 15. In that context, the Ministers recognised the importance of EU maritime defensive operation ASPIDES and operation ATALANTA to protect critical waterways and reduce disruption to supply chains, and encouraged coordination for the support of the operations. The Ministers also stressed the need to safeguard regional airspace and maritime routes, as well as energy security and nuclear safety. 16. The European Union thanked the GCC member states for the hospitality and assistance provided to nationals from the EU on their soil. The European Union and its Member States will continue to make every effort to allow for the safe departure of their citizens in close cooperation with the GCC member states. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HE GCCSG During Emergency GCC-EU Ministerial Meeting: GCC States Will Remain Beacon of Stability & Reliable Global Partner; They Will Not Accept Being Target of Nefarious Iranian Attacks, & Their Territorial Sovereignty Must Be Respected General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council Mar 05, 2026 General Secretariat - Riyadh His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underlined that the GCC states will remain a beacon of stability and a reliable partner to the world. "However, they will not accept being a target for aggression, an arena for proxy conflicts, or a victim of deception and bad faith," His Excellency added, stressing the GCC member states' territorial sovereignty must be respected, and the security of their peoples is non-negotiable. "Respect for international law is the only path to ensuring peace and stability in the region," His Excellency underscored. These remarks were made during His Excellency's speech at the Joint Ministerial Meeting between the GCC and the European Union (EU), held today, Thursday, March 5, 2026, via videoconference. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the Ministerial Council, with the participation of Her Excellency Ms Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, in the presence of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC and EU states. "Today's meeting occurs at a critical moment in the region's historya moment where crises intersect and events accelerate, testing the international community's commitment to the principles of the international order. For decades, the GCC states have been a cornerstone of stability, an essential element in regional and international reconciliations, a reliable source of global energy, and a responsible partner in the international economy," His Excellency said at the beginning of his remarks. However, he noted that this peaceful approach has been met with missile attacks and drone strikes launched by the Islamic Republic of Iranattacks characterised by cowardice in execution and deception in justification. "These strikes targeted vital civilian facilities, including ports, airports, and basic infrastructure, in flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law, and even extended to the sanctity of diplomatic missions, in clear breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," His Excellency stated. His Excellency pointed out that these actions represent an explicit violation of Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity of states. "The GCC states maintain their inherent right to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter, while remaining fully committed to the principles of international law and the global order," His Excellency indicated. His Excellency the Secretary General also stated that turning the territories of the GCC countries into an arena for settling regional scores is unacceptable under international law and cannot be justified politically. He further stressed that the GCC countries have repeatedly affirmed to the Iranian side that their territories will not be used to launch any attack against it. "Among these good-faith efforts were the resumption of Saudi-Iranian relations in 2023, the significant diplomatic role undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman, and the ministerial meeting held in Doha in 2024 between the Foreign Ministers of the GCC countries and the Iranian Foreign Minister. Nevertheless, the attacks have continued, revealing a pattern of deception and breach of commitments," His Excellency commented. His Excellency the Secretary General also noted that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the targeting of commercial vessels passing through it constitute a direct attack on one of the most important international maritime passages, threatening global trade and international energy security, and exposing the marine environment to serious risks. In this regard, His Excellency said: "These developments are particularly significant in light of the forthcoming GCC-European meeting on energy security in Cyprus. The extension of the Iranian raids to Cyprus, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, confirms that these attacks not only threaten the security of the Gulf, but also affect the stability and security of its international partners." Moreover, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi said that in 2022 the European Union adopted the document entitled "The EU Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf", which underscored that the partnership between the European Union and the GCC is based on supporting the rules-based international order and joint efforts to prevent escalation. He further stated: "Recalling this document today is not merely a reference to a political text, but a reminder of a clear commitment that must translate into practical positions when partners are subjected to attacks affecting their sovereignty and security. Relations between the GCC and the European Union have witnessed growing momentum in recent years, culminating in the first GCC-EU Summit held in Brussels in 2024, and this trajectory continues with preparations for the upcoming summit between the two sides. These meetings have affirmed our shared commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership, protecting regional security, safeguarding freedom of international navigation, and supporting global stability. However, strategic partnerships do not flourish amid the flow of missiles and drones, do not grow under threats to international navigation, and cannot stand in the face of attacks on the sovereignty of states." His Excellency the GCC Secretary General concluded his remarks with several observations, noting that what the region is facing today represents a real test of the international community's commitment to international law and global stability, underlining that the European Union, as a strategic partner, bears responsibility in contributing to halting these attacks. His Excellency also urged the international community to recognise that any frameworks, initiatives, or regional arrangements that shape the next phase in the region must be developed in consultation with the GCC countries and the concerned partners, and that its perspectives and concerns must be taken into account in all future planning processes. --The End-- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia 5 March 2026 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia condemns the drone attack carried out in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which resulted in injuries to several civilians. Any act that blatantly violates international principles and norms and escalates regional tensions is unacceptable. Georgia expresses its solidarity with the fraternal Azerbaijan in this difficult situation, given the strong friendship and strategic partnership between Georgia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM Netanyahu visits an Air Force base in southern Israel Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Events and Speeches Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 05.03.2026 Prime Minister Netanyahu at an Air Force base in the South: "We continue to strike the targets of the terror regime in Iran, along with terrorist elements in Lebanon. The cooperation between the United States military and the IDF is historic." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited an Air Force base in southern Israel today, and met with IAF pilots and pilots of the US military who are jointly taking part in Operation Roaring Lion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu [translated from Hebrew]: "On the sixth day of Operation Roaring Lion, I am here at an Air Force base in southern Israel with the wonderful pilots of ours and of the United States, and the dedicated ground crews. The cooperation is historic, between the US military and the IDF, and between the Israeli Air Force and the US Air Force. We continue to strike targets of the terror regime in Iran, along with terrorist elements in Lebanon. The achievements are great, but much work lies ahead. I would like to again thank my friend President Trump for the cooperation between us, and between Israel and the United States. Together we will move forward, and together we will achieve our goals, with God's help." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gitanas Nauseda and the President of the European Council discussed support for Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East President of the Republic of Lithuania March 05, 2026 On Thursday, President Gitanas Nauseda spoke by phone with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council. The conversation took place in preparation for the European Council meeting to be held in Brussels on 19-20 March, and focused on support for Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, strengthening European security and defense, boosting competitiveness, and the next multiannual financial framework of the European Union. President Gitanas Nauseda emphasized the need to ensure continued and comprehensive support for Ukraine from the European Union. "It is necessary to take decisions on further financing for Ukraine by transferring the 90 billion loan agreed by the European Council, to adopt the 20th package of sanctions against Russia as soon as possible, and to begin negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU," the Lithuanian leader stressed during the conversation.President Gitanas Nauseda also noted that the European Council conclusions have to clearly reaffirm support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and the strategic objective of Ukraine joining the European Union by 2030. Discussing the situation in the Middle East, the Head of State stressed that following the breakdown of negotiations on Iran's nuclear and missile programs, the threat to regional and international security is increasing. He underlined the importance of close coordination within the European Union to ensure the safety of EU citizens and in organizing their evacuation from the region. European security and defense issues were also discussed during the phone call. Gitanas Nauseda emphasized that Russia remains a long-term threat to European security, and that it is therefore necessary to accelerate defense investment and implement initiatives that strengthen the security of the eastern flank, such as the Eastern Flank Watch and joint European drone defense solutions. The Lithuanian leader and the President of the European Council also discussed the strengthening of European competitiveness and issues related to the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework. Gitanas Nauseda stressed that the new EU budget must reflect increased security and defense needs while ensuring continued funding for cohesion and agricultural policies. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO AWACS conducts first mission in Finnish airspace NATO Allied Air Command Mar 5 2026 RAMSTEIN, Germany -- A NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control System aircraft flew its first mission in Finnish airspace this week, strengthening Allied integration and surveillance capabilities and showing continuous presence in the Hight North and along the eastern flank. The mission represents a significant milestone in NATO air operations following Finland's accession to the Alliance. Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF) coordinated the flight to ensure seamless integration between international military assets and Finnish civilian air traffic authorities. Tasked and controlled by Allied Air Command (AIRCOM), the NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), during the event, acted as airborne battle space manager, operating in close collaboration with Finnish Control and Reporting Centre in Rovaniemi and Air Operation Centre in Jyvaskyla. Eight Finnish F/A-18 participated to the mission in a 4 vs 4 flying activity. These missions, framed under the umbrella of Eastern Sentry and Arctic Sentry activities, provide critical long-range radar surveillance and command and control for the Alliance. "Operating in Finnish airspace for the first time demonstrates our collective commitment to security in the High North," said Air Commodore Andy Turk, NAEW Chief of Staff. "The flexibility of our AWACS fleet is made possible by the established procedures and close contacts we share with our Finnish Allies. We are truly stronger together. Projection of this critical capability across all corners of the Alliance showcases our operational flexibility." By establishing clear communication channels and shared procedures, AIRCOM enhances the flexibility required for complex air operations. This coordination allows NATO to respond rapidly to evolving security environments while maintaining safety and precision in shared airspace. The AWACS presence ensures that NATO and national Commanders always have a clear picture of what is happening in the airspace, providing a seamless link between national and Alliance-wide security. "We have successfully coordinated the first NATO AWACS mission in Finnish airspace under Arctic Sentry," said Major General Arnfinn Frode Kristoffersen, JFCNF Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations. "This demonstrates how quickly the Alliance can integrate new Allies into our operational framework. By linking NATO capabilities with Finland's national systems, we strengthened our shared situational awareness and reinforced the Alliance's vigilance and readiness across the High North." The E-3A AWACS remains a cornerstone of NATO's Integrated Air and Missile Defence. Its ability to fly long-duration missions ensures that Allied commanders have a clear and continuous picture of the air domain across the eastern flank. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO is well postured to defend Allied populations against ballistic threats NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 05 March 2026 Today (5 March 2026), the North Atlantic Council met in Ambassadorial format for an update on the security environment, in light of Iran's continued and indiscriminate attacks across the Middle East and beyond. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte chaired the proceedings. NATO Allies strongly condemned Iran's targeting of Turkiye yesterday and expressed their full solidarity with Ankara. The NATO Secretary General praised the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and all the Allied personnel involved for their joint efforts, which allowed Iran's ballistic missile to be identified, tracked and successfully intercepted. This is a tangible demonstration of the Alliance's ability to defend our populations against all threats, including those posed by ballistic missiles. NATO's deterrence and defence posture remains strong across all operational domains. Our militaries remain vigilant, and SACEUR has and will continue to adjust NATO's force posture, whenever needed to ensure the security of all Allies. NATO continues to monitor the situation closely. The NATO Secretary General is in regular contact with Allied leaders and with leaders from NATO's partners across the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Keynote Address of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro for the Asia Society Policy Institute Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs MANILA 05 March 2026 Ambassador Philip Goldberg, Managing Director Rorry Daniels, Distinguished members of the Asia Society Policy Institute, Good morning. I appreciate this opportunity to engage with the Asia Society Policy Institute, whose work is instrumental in shaping policy discourse on Asia-Pacific security, prosperity and sustainability. I am sure many of us in this room have been shocked by recent developments in the past few days, which is symptomatic of a profound transformation in the global order. We are living in a decade defined by what I describe as the "three U's": upheaval, uncertainty and unpredictability. In just a few years, we have experienced a global pandemic, a military coup in Myanmar, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, renewed conflict in the Middle East, intensifying strategic competition, disruptions in global trade through the tariff wars, the growing frequency and strength of climate-related disasters, and fast-evolving tech such as AI, which are transforming both economies and battlefields. This uncertainty is heightened by a shifting of global power, a reinterpretation of long-standing principles of international law, and increasing unilateral actions which challenge the multilateral system that we have built over decades. As a result, the peace many of us benefit from is becoming more fragile. For others, this peace is becoming more elusive. Amidst this volatility, the question that ASEAN, and the Philippines as the incumbent Chair, in particular, seeks to answer is this: how can ASEAN serve as an anchor for peace, prosperity and stability. How can we navigate a future that is unpredictable and unstable? The theme of the Philippine Chairship of ASEAN is Navigating Our Future, Together. This is a reaffirmation of the collective power of our region. In an era of fragmentation and unilateralism, ASEAN's response is geared towards enhanced regional integration and cooperation, stronger multilateralism, and peaceful engagement grounded in international law. This, in turn, is anchored on the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 which envisions a resilient, dynamic, innovative and people-to-people centered ASEAN community. By 2045, we aim to be the fourth largest economy in the world and a true epicenter of growth. Just as importantly, we will continue to reinforce ASEAN Centrality, with ASEAN as the lead driver of regional architecture and a key player in the global community. Our region of 11 countries and over 684 million people lies at the crossroads of global trade and geopolitical competition. The health of our collective economy - almost 4 trillion US Dollars today - depends largely on the security and stability of this global order. In fact, ASEAN just yesterday came up with a statement on the Middle East. To translate this into concrete action, our Chairship is guided by our 3 main priorities, or the "three P's": Our first priority is Peace and Security. We will champion peace and security through dialogue, adherence to international law, and strengthened cooperation against both traditional and non-traditional security threats. Second is Prosperity. We will deepen economic integration, accelerate digital transformation, and promote growth and sustainable development that is inclusive and benefits all ASEAN nations. Our third and final priority is People Empowerment. We will foster social inclusion, protect vulnerable sectors, and promote a stronger sense of shared identity and community across the people of ASEAN. Of these three priorities, peace and security create the enabling environment for the attainment of broadly-shared, sustainable prosperity which, in turn, enables our people to achieve their full potential. That is why we aim to reinforce peace and security through norms-building and dialogue; foster regional security and resilience amidst emerging threats; promote maritime cooperation; and deepen cooperation on climate security and disaster preparedness. The Philippine Chairship in 2026 has set out an ambitious policy agenda to ensure that our region of 684 million people in 11 countries remains on track to become the 4th largest economy in the world. We aim to invest in resilience against current and emerging threats to regional peace and stability. We aim to achieve economic integration that is innovative, dynamic, inclusive and sustainable. And we will work to build a people-centered and people-oriented ASEAN Community. Friends, ASEAN's response to the growing tendency to retreat into new forms of isolationism and unilateralism is to bolster ASEAN Community-building efforts and place cooperation at the core of our agenda. We believe that the current geopolitical climate demands more cooperation, more inclusivity, and a firm and abiding commitment to the rule of law which has served our global community well. We will continue to strengthen ASEAN-led mechanisms, preserve open channels of dialogue, and ensure that there is always a space at our table for peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes. As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) in Southeast Asia this year, ASEAN will renew its commitment to shaping an international order founded on the rule of law, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the renunciation of the threat or use of force, and the promotion of the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Philippine Chairship will work to deepen cooperation among the 58 - but by July we hope to have 72 - High Contracting Parties to the Treaty across the globe to promote these principles of peaceful coexistence that have been the bedrock of peace and security for the last five decades. Navigating our future, together, recognizes this essential fact: ASEAN's time-tested values of cooperation, community-building, and commitment to the rules-based order will form the ballast to steady our ship as we steer through this increasingly fractured and unpredictable terrain. Organizations like the Asia Society Policy Institute play an important role in this endeavor, offering rigorous and honest analyses, and well-intentioned debates and discussions. This helps to inform policy and decision-makers. In a world where every person with a social media account can claim to be an expert on global affairs, the thought leaders gathered here today serve to provide the proper framing and a nuanced appreciation of the narrative of foreign policy, particularly ASEAN. Thank you. END NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address More interoperability drills seen for PH, Australia, Japan, US Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno March 5, 2026, 11:46 am MANILA -- More interoperability drills among the air and naval forces of the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States can be expected in the coming months following the conclusion of the 3rd Multilateral Joint Staff Talks among the militaries of the four nations, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Thursday. Aside from Filipino military representatives, also present during the meeting from March 2 to 3 were ranking military officials of the Australian Defense Force, the Japan Self-Defense Force, and the US Indo-Pacific Command. "The Multilateral Joint Staff Talks serve as a key platform for senior military leaders and planners to enhance coordination, improve interoperability, and reinforce mutual understanding among like-minded nations," the AFP said. "The talks underscored the continued commitment of the four nations' armed forces to strengthen defense cooperation and advance shared security interests in the Indo-Pacific Region." Incidentally, Australia, Japan, and the US are among the most involved countries in the Philippines' multilateral maritime cooperative activities (MMCAs) in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). On Feb. 15 to 16, naval and air units of the Philippines, Australia, and the US took part in the 14th MMCA, the first of its kind this year, in the WPS. This was followed by the 15th MMCA on Feb. 20 to 26, involving military units of the Philippines, Japan, and the US. These drills are aimed at enhancing the interoperability of the participating military forces. Meanwhile, the Philippine Navy's most modern and up-to-date warship, the guided-missile frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-7), is now on its way to Sydney, Australia to take part in this year's iteration of Multilateral Naval Exercise "Kakadu" 2026. In a Facebook post, the Naval Defense Command said the ship, its crew, and the embarked Naval Task Group 80.6 departed Naval Operating Base Subic, Zambales on March 2. "Kakadu" is a biennial naval exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy. Aside from drills scheduled for "Kakadu," the PN contingent will also take part in the International Fleet Review (IFR), where 21 countries will participate. These countries consist of Canada, France, the US, Japan, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Bolivia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Micronesia, Kiribati, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Cook Islands, Samoa, and Australia. "Kakadu" 2026 is scheduled for the last week of March. Before the contingent's departure, PN chief Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta ordered all personnel to "demonstrate professionalism and operational excellence in the series of multilateral exercise activities." Likewise, Ezpeleta said that BRP Diego Silang is among the most advanced warships of the Philippine Navy, capable of undertaking complex and high-end naval operations. He said participation in the IFR and "Kakadu" demonstrates the PN's commitment to enhancing maritime cooperation, strengthening defense diplomacy, and improving warfighting proficiency alongside allied and partner navies. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defence Minister's meeting with the President of the European Parliament Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 44 05.03.2026 On Wednesday, March 4, Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, had a meeting with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in Brussels. During the talks, the Romanian official highlighted the importance of strengthening the defence dimension at European Union level, stressing the need to ensure adequate allocations through the future Multiannual Financial Framework to support the financing of the European defence industry. The Ministry of National Defence advocated for a consolidated approach at European level in order to simplify defence procedures and instruments, so that member states can access dedicated European funds more efficiently. A topic of interest of the dialogue was the importance of the SAFE initiative (Security Action for Europe) for Romania, both from the perspective of consolidating the defence industrial and technological base, and of increasing resilience in the Black Sea region. The two officials also addressed Romania's proposal that, for a continuation of the SAFE program, a regulation should be designed that would include the exact mapping of existing industrial facilities and their direct inclusion into the program. At the same time, Minister Miruta and President Metsola discussed the danger of disinformation and the technical versus political solutions to this scourge. In view of the security developments in the Eastern Neighborhood, Minister Miruta reiterated the importance of maintaining increased attention to the Black Sea region, in the context of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, as well as the broader implications generated by the instability in other regions, including the Middle East. The Romanian official stressed the need for a coherent and overall approach at the European and Euro-Atlantic level, in close coordination with NATO. Today's discussions reconfirmed the strategic relevance of NATO's Eastern Flank for Euro-Atlantic security. Minister of National Defence emphasized Romania's consistent contribution to measures to strengthen the allied deterrence and defence posture, as well as its firm commitment to increasing defence investments. With reference to the support provided to Ukraine, the Romanian official reiterated Romania's consistent support for its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing the importance of continuing humanitarian, financial and military assistance, as well as support for Kiev's European path. The meeting reconfirmed the joint commitment to strengthening European security and defence, in an international context marked by complex and dynamic challenges. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defence Minister's meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 45 05.03.2026 On Thursday, March 5, Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, had a bilateral meeting with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, in Brussels. The discussions focused on the main security developments at European level, with emphasis on the support provided to Ukraine and the consolidation of relevant European initiatives for the Eastern Flank. Minister Miruta has highlighted Romania's efforts in support of Ukraine, on multiple dimensions, including training, logistics and humanitarian ones, and has emphasized that maintaining robust and coordinated European support remains essential for strengthening Ukraine's resilience and maintaining regional stability, in the context of the security challenges generated by the Russian Federation's war of aggression. An important topic of the dialogue was cooperation with Ukraine in developing industrial capabilities. The European Union has launched several support initiatives in this regard, including increased financing through the European Investment Bank, the EU-Ukraine Partnership for Connectivity and Secure Communications. In this context, the two officials exchanged views on the progress made within the capability coalitions created by the Member States to implement the decisions of European leaders on the Defence Readiness 2030 objective. "The increased demand from Member States and Ukraine for defence equipment can only be quickly balanced by increasing production capacities, involving the assets and infrastructure available at the level of all Member States, by coherently associating technological capacities with the logistic, testing and storage ones existing throughout the EU. What is currently missing is a mapping of these facilities and top-down coordination in associating different cooperation opportunities," the Romanian official emphasized. Minister of National Defence also emphasized the growing importance of the Black Sea region for European security, which is why this region should hold a central role within the Allied and European Union initiatives on the Eastern Flank. The two officials also discussed the status of rendering Black Sea Security Hub operational, a facility proposed by the EU Strategic Approach for this sea basin, for which Romania has expressed its interest in hosting. The meeting reconfirmed the shared vision regarding the need to strengthen the European Union's role in the field of security and defence, in complementarity with NATO, as well as Romania's commitment to remain a decisive contributor to European initiatives aimed at strengthening regional and Euro-Atlantic security. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry statement on the developments in the Middle East 5 March 2026 12:01 295-05-03-2026 Moscow expresses its deep concern with the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. Having launched a military operation for unseating Iran's legitimate government under a far-fetched pretext, the United States and Israel do not show any signs of reason or willingness to stop the bloodshed. On the contrary, we keep hearing belligerent statements from their capitals, while the Israeli army has once again invaded Lebanon. At the same time, the aggressors are seeking to sow discord within the Islamic world during the holy month of Ramadan. They have intentionally provoked Iran into targeting certain Arab countries with retaliatory strikes which have caused human casualties and physical damage. Russia deeply regrets these developments. These efforts are designed to draw Arabs into a war by promoting an alien agenda. Meanwhile, this also diverts the attention from the catastrophic situation of the Palestinian people. Russia reiterates its call on all parties to the ongoing confrontation to cease hostilities immediately, including the unacceptable strikes targeting the territory of the Arab states in the Persian Gulf. We believe attacks against civilians or civilian sites to be absolutely unacceptable, be it in Iran or countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is also obvious that stopping the aggression by the United States and Israel which spreads suffering among Arabs in what can be described as a chain reaction is the only way to prevent the region from sliding further towards instability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson March 5, 2026 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Secretary Rubio conveyed his condolences for the loss of two members of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces and others who have been killed and injured. The Secretary expressed gratitude to the Foreign Minister for Kuwait's steadfast response to attacks and threats from the Iranian regime. They also discussed ongoing U.S. operations to counter those threats, as well as other developments in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PM remarks on the situation in the Middle East: 5 March 2026 Speech The Prime Minister's remarks at a press conference on the situation in the Middle East. From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP Published 5 March 2026 Location: 9 Downing Street Delivered on: 5 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) This morning, I chaired another Cobra meeting... As we continue to coordinate our response to the situation in Iran and the Middle East. I know that people are worried sick... About their family and friends who are caught up in this... About the impact on our lives... and our economy... And about the potential for even greater escalation. They can hardly believe that yet again... We are seeing missiles and drones falling... And civilians in the firing line across the region. So I want to reassure the British public about the action we're taking. While the region has been plunged into chaos... My focus is providing calm, level-headed leadership in the national interest. That means deploying our military and diplomatic strength... To protect our people. And it means having the strength to stand firm by our values and our principles - No matter the pressure to do otherwise. The longstanding British position... Is that the best way forward for the region and the world... Is a negotiated settlement with Iran, where they give up their nuclear ambitions. That's why I took the decision... That the UK would not join the initial strikes on Iran by the US and Israel. That decision was deliberate. It was in the national interest - and I stand by it. But when Iran started attacking countries around the Gulf and the wider region - The situation changed. Iran has now fired drones and missiles at ten countries that did not attack them. These are allies of the UK... Where we have hundreds of thousands of British people, As well as British military personnel. Our number one priority is protecting our people. That's why, long before the US and Israeli action last weekend... We had already deployed additional military capabilities to the region to defend our interests - And I want to pay tribute to our brilliant Armed Forces. Throughout January and February, we were moving defensive assets to Cyprus and Qatar: Fighter jets, Air defence missiles, Advanced radar, And systems to take down drones... To ensure we were in a heightened state of readiness in advance of any conflict beginning. When the strikes began on Saturday... We immediately put those jets into the sky... On a mission to protect our people and our allies in the region - And that is what they have done... Flying over Cyprus and the wider region... Shooting down multiple drones - At least one of which was headed towards a base housing British military personnel. Our jets were in the sky last night over Jordan, Qatar and other partners - Refuelling in the air to prolong their mission. And we're constantly resupplying our jets and missile stores. And we are responding to requests from allies in the region for further help. I can announce today, That we are sending four additional Typhoon jets to join our squadron in Qatar... To strengthen our defensive operations in Qatar and across the region. Wildcat Helicopters with anti-drone capabilities are arriving in Cyprus tomorrow. The Defence Secretary is on the ground in Cyprus right now, Coordinating our work and meeting our brave service men and women. We're deploying HMS Dragon to the Mediterranean. And we have allowed the US to use British bases... To conduct defensive operations... To take out Iranian missiles before they are fired at our people and our allies. We will maintain this shield over British people in the region and our allies. We are working to strengthen it every day. And we're working as fast as possible to get our people out. As of today, over 140,000 individuals in the region have registered their presence - Enabling us to get them the information and the support that they need. We have Rapid Deployment Teams on the ground in Oman and Saudi Arabia. And our consular teams are helping hundreds of the most vulnerable individuals. Despite airspace closures, We are working around the clock with airlines, travel companies and governments to open safe routes home. More than 4,000 people have now arrived back in the United Kingdom on commercial flights from the UAE - Including vulnerable Brits identified by our teams. A further 7 flights are due to leave the UAE for the UK today. And I can report that our first charter flight from Oman took off a few minutes ago. We will lay on additional charter flights in the coming days. British Airways is putting on daily flights from Oman. And we will keep working with all our partners... To increase the speed and capacity of this airlift. I want to be very clear - This is a huge undertaking. It is one of the biggest operations of its kind... Many times bigger than the evacuation from Afghanistan. It is not going to happen overnight. But we will not stop until our people are safe. I also want to say a word about the economic impact. Iran is targeting oil and gas facilities in the Gulf... And tankers in the Straits of Hormuz - Trying to inflict economic pain around the world. So we will continue to work with the industries affected and our allies to respond to any impact. This is where the long-term changes that we are delivering for the British people are paying off. We have the right plan for defence - Delivering the biggest increase in defence spending since the Cold War... To strengthen our Armed Forces and keep people safe. We have the right plan for our economy. As the Chancellor said on Tuesday, we are sticking to that plan... So that we can cut energy bills - And keep helping families with the cost of living. We also have the right plan for our energy supplies - Building up clean British energy like never before - Decreasing our dependence on volatile international markets... And creating the energy security and independence we need. Faced with this new geopolitical crisis... The sad fact is that some will try to use it to divide us. That's why the government is reaching out to communities across the United Kingdom - Jewish and Muslim alike... Making sure that communities and places of worship... Have appropriate protective security in place. But, look - as a nation... We should come together in this moment. Those citizens that are stuck in the region - Scared and in need of help... Come from all backgrounds. The Armed Forces who protect them... Come from all backgrounds too. We are united by our common humanity - And our love of this country. This conflict could continue for some time. So I want you to know that your government is resolute in our response - at home and abroad. We will do everything we can to protect British lives... Uphold British values... And safeguard the national interest. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 5 March 2026 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** Guest Tomorrow All right, good afternoon. A couple of programming notes for you. First of all, tomorrow, my guest will be Tom Fletcher, our Emergency Relief Coordinator. He will be here to brief you on the humanitarian situation in the Middle East. ** Security Council Before that, and this afternoon at 3 p.m., there will be a briefing in the Security Council on "Energy, Critical Minerals, and Security". Rosemary DiCarlo, our Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, will be briefing that meeting. ** Senior Personnel Appointments A couple of senior appointments to share with you. First, the Secretary-General appointed today James Swan of the United States as his new Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He will be of course leading the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Mr. Swan succeeds Bintou Keita of Guinea, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her important contribution and service to the peacekeeping mission. Mr. Swan is an experienced diplomat with a long career in African countries facing complex political and security transitions. Most recently, and that's since March 2025, he has served as Special Representative and Head of the UN mission in Somalia. He had previously held that role in an acting capacity from May 2024 until his appointment to the position. [Earlier, he was also Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) from 2019 to 2022.] Most importantly, he has had a 32-year career in the US Government, with multiple assignments related to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other places, we congratulate him. And today, the Secretary-General also appointed Major General Junhui Wu of China as the new Force Commander for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Major General Wu succeeds Lieutenant General Subramanian, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his effective leadership as UNMISS Force Commander. Major General Wu brings to this position 40 years of leadership and operational experience in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and in United Nations peacekeeping. Most recently, he was the military Attache at Chinese embassy in Germany. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Amid the expanding problems throughout the Middle East, it's also important for us not lose sight of the situation in Gaza, which continues to face challenges, including some related to the regional escalation, such as the closure of some of the crossing points. As we informed you this week, our teams have been able to bring fuel and other critical items into Gaza since Tuesday, when the Israeli authorities reopened the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem Crossing. Today, we were able to bring into Gaza some 570,000 litres of diesel through Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem. Our partners were also able to collect critical supplies from the crossing. Other crossing points are still closed, including Rafah, impacting our ability to bring in more much-needed assistance and also impacts our ability to have our international staff rotate in and out of Gaza. Our humanitarian colleagues once again reiterates that safe, sustained and unimpeded access is vital for the UN and our humanitarian partners to carry out life-saving work. More crossings must be open for the movement of cargo and people. In addition, the entry of items critical for timely and effective response must be facilitated. Meanwhile, our partners are doing everything in their power to ensure that people's needs are met. Over the past week, organizations leading on mine action conducted nearly 70 explosive hazard assessments in support of debris management; that was across the Gaza Strip. Living conditions remain dire. In a recent assessment by those who manage displacement sites, findings showed that only 11 per cent out of nearly 1,000 sites have communal lighting. Open sewage was observed in more than half of all sites surveyed. We and our partners are working tirelessly to ensure dignified and safe shelter conditions, but, in the absence of changes in the operating environment, the needs continue to outpace our ability to meet them. Since Saturday, our partners distributed education supplies in dozens of temporary learning centres in Khan Younis and parts of Rafah. These supplies will improve the quality of learning for tens of thousands of school-aged children, as well as support their well-being and development. And we continue to follow with concern the ongoing situation in the occupied West Bank, including settler activity. ** Iran/Middle East Turning to the broader region, our humanitarian colleagues say that the UN and our partners continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation across the region, where hostilities are increasingly affecting civilians, humanitarian operations and essential supply routes. Disruptions to airspace and transportation corridors continue to affect the movement of humanitarian supplies and personnel, as well as commercial goods. This puts supply chains at risk and could have broader implications for the availability and cost of essential food, fuel and medical supplies. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that around 100,000 people left Tehran in the first two days following the attacks; that's according to local estimates given to them. More recent figures are not yet available. However, the agency adds, there has so far been no major increase in cross-border movements from Iran linked to recent events, but our colleagues at UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are closely monitoring the situation at the various border points. ** Lebanon Moving to Lebanon, where I think we've been all witnessing a spillover of the current regional conflict into that country, where bombardments in the south of the country and in the southern suburbs of Beirut continue to impact civilians. Hizbullah, meanwhile, continues to claim strikes into Israeli targets. As of yesterday evening, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported more than 70 fatalities and over 435 injuries since the start of the escalation. Diplomatic efforts, including those by our Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plascheart, continue, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Force Commander, Major General Diodato Abagnara, are continuing with the aim of de-escalating and mitigating further human suffering and displacement, and urgently creating conditions for dialogue. As we have said, we welcome the decision by the Government of Lebanon earlier this week to accelerate efforts towards asserting the State's monopoly of arms across Lebanon. It is crucial that Hizbullah fully respect this decision, in line with Security Council resolution 1701 (2006). At the same time, we reiterate our call for Israel to uphold Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, also in accordance with resolution 1701 (2006). The UN country team in Lebanon, meanwhile, is scaling up its humanitarian response as needs across the country soar. As you well know, a very alarming development in this conflict are the evacuation orders issued by Israel for the area south of the Litani River yesterday and again today. Another Israeli evacuation order was issued today for entire neighbourhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut, generating panic among residents who rushed to leave the area. According to the Government, more than 95,000 people are sheltering in over 440 collective shelters, with 49 shelters still having capacity to host additional people. Our partners working on food security have distributed more than 70,000 hot meals, reaching 55,000 newly displaced people. They also distributed mattresses, sleeping mats, blankets, solar lamps and jerry cans. Water and hygiene, baby kits and menstrual kits were also shared with those who needed it. We reiterate that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law. De-escalation, safe humanitarian access and functioning supply routes remain essential to ensure assistance can reach people affected across the region. And you have asked me yesterday about out peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, I can tell you that the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon remain on the ground and peacekeepers are actively carrying out their mandated tasks. UNIFIL reports intensified rocket fire towards Israel and air strikes, artillery and mortar shelling impacting several locations in the area of operations, coming from south to north, as well, these include Sector East, as well as Sector West. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) units have been observed up to two kilometres inside Lebanese territory at several locations. Amid ongoing exchanges of fire, UNIFIL has supported in line with its protection of civilians mandate the transportation of dozens of civilians to safety from several villages in southern Lebanon, including children, older persons and persons with disabilities. UNHCR is also supporting displaced populations and preparing to scale up its assistance as needed. All civilians who are seeking safety must be allowed safe passage, whether within the country or across borders. ** Yemen And I think our friend Mr. Avni has raised the issue... yes, wake up, Benny. You'd raised the issue of Yemen, and I can tell you that we are concerned, as we have been warning, that this recent military escalation in the Middle East could expand to the wider region. In that context, Hans Grundberg, our Special Envoy, has been actively engaging with Yemeni, regional and international actors, underscoring the need to protect Yemen from being dragged into another cycle of regional confrontation. In all his engagements, he reiterated that Yemen cannot afford to once again become an arena for regional escalation. At the same time, there remains a fragile but real opportunity to move forward with a comprehensive political process under UN auspices that would end the conflict and usher in a just and sustainable peace for the Yemeni people. We remain fully committed to supporting the parties in reaching a political solution to the conflict. Preserving that path requires the parties to put the interests of the Yemeni people above all. ** Sudan Turning to Sudan, yet another humanitarian situation we cannot forget about. We are seeing an alarming escalation of violence in the Kordofan region, which continues to take a heavy toll on civilians and their communities. Intensified fighting there has killed and injured civilians, destroyed homes, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure. Humanitarian access is also becoming increasingly restrained. In South Kordofan, confrontations between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces have intensified in recent days, further endangering civilians. Local humanitarian organizations have reported disruptions along key routes leading into the city of Dilling. Our humanitarian partners also report that a drone strike this week hit the Dilling General Hospital, killing at least four patients and injuring civilians. As if we need to remind the parties again that hospitals and health centres can never be targeted. Violence has also escalated in the town of Kadugli, resulting in a highly volatile security environment for communities and humanitarian responders. In North Kordofan, the city of El Obeid has faced continued drone attacks over the past five days, with strikes reported against a hospital, as well as Government sites. These attacks are occurring amid growing threats to critical infrastructure and supply routes, including the road between Kosti and El Obeid, raising serious concerns for both humanitarian and the also critical commercial supply chains. Once again, we call for the parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law, which, as we've said, are not a secret; they are well known they just need to be respected, and that includes the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and the facilitation of safe and sustained humanitarian access. ** Disarmament Today is the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness. In his message, the Secretary-General said the threats of nuclear weapons use is the highest in decades. Global tensions are pushing military spending to stratospheric levels. Small arms and light weapons are proliferating. And emerging technologies are making conflicts even deadlier. The Secretary-General said it's time to invest in the architecture of peace and not the tools of war. That means living up to disarmament obligations. Rebuilding trust and strengthening the systems and tools that prevent the proliferation, testing and the use of deadly weapons. Speaking of deadly weapons, Edie, ask me a question. ** Questions and Answers Question : Thank you, Steph. Has the United Nations pulled any of its staff out of Iran, Israel, or any of the countries in the region that have been targeted during this war? Spokesman : We are constantly assessing the well-being of our colleagues, including in Iran. I don't have anything I can publicly share with you right now. In Lebanon, we've moved some people internally, to ensure that both our international and national staff are safe. Question : And forgive me if you already said this, but has the Secretary-General still been talking to leaders in the region? Spokesman : Yeah. I mean, he met yesterday with the Saudi ambassador, and he's having a meeting, as of three minutes ago, with representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Madame? Question : Thank you, Steph. Israeli Minister [Bezalel] Smotrich this morning said that Beirut's Dahieh District will soon look like Khan Younus. I mean, no accountability has taken place for what happened in Gaza. And Lebanon has been under fire for the past more than a year. Any comments on this? Spokesman : Look, I mean, that kind of rhetoric makes us even more worried about the Lebanese people, who've been in the crosshairs for far too long. We cannot see more bombings of civilians or civilian infrastructure. Question : And just one more question also on Lebanon. We saw the footage this morning of the massive exodus out of Dahieh after the orders were issued. Do you have any numbers that you can share with us? Spokesman : Not more than what I've shared with you now. And those numbers really are held by the Lebanese Government. Ms. Fasulo, Linda, and then we'll move down. Go ahead. Question : Thank you, Steph. Apropos of the Gulf States, about how much staff... UN staff is present in the various States? Spokesman : Oh, a few; you know, it depends on the countries. I'll get you a breakdown. But, you know, for instance, in the UAE [United Arab Emirates], we have a big humanitarian hub. We have quite a few colleagues there. In Saudi [Arabia], and we have colleagues in Qatar, as well, Bahrain and different places in the Gulf. But we'll get you a breakdown. Pam? Question : Thanks, Steph. How worried is the Secretary-General about global energy supplies being impeded by the attacks on the Gulf of Hormuz? And particularly with regard to UN aid, will the prices go up? I mean, what... Spokesman : Well, I mean, listen, I think one can only take a look at the news and be very, very worried. And we all know, if as soon as the price of energy, of oil, of fossil fuels go up, it has a direct impact on just about everything, including UN operations. And this is happening in a world that is still sadly very much addicted to fossil fuels. And we live in an era where we live at the mercy of energy that is being extracted far from homes in, you know, if you live outside of the Gulf, which is creating all sorts of risks. It's something he's very much aware of. Thank you. Benny, then Ephrem. Question : Sorry. Speaking of Lebanon, so Britain just said, I think today or yesterday, that a missile that hit its base in Cyprus did not come from Iran. It didn't say where it came from. Since UNIFIL, one of its jobs is to count the missiles and rockets and sorties, is there any information you can provide from UNIFIL about a possible launch from Lebanon? Spokesman : No. I mean, no information that I've been given. I mean, I think we've been reporting here the observations of UNIFIL of rocket fires from Hizbullah going from north to south, and Israeli rocket fire and IDF presence going from south to north. I have not been given or shared any information of them observing drones or rocket fire leaving Lebanon towards the Mediterranean within its area of operations. Question : So, it missed that one. On the Gulf States, how concerned is the UN about civilians there? Because you didn't mention it. Spokesman : We're very worried; what we've mentioned, we're very worried about what we've seen is the expansion of the conflict. We've seen civilian casualties in almost all of the Gulf States at one point or another. Civilians are civilians wherever they are, and they need to be protected and never be targeted. Ephrem, and then... Question : Thank you, Steph. A couple of follow-ups. Just a quick question on the numbers, just keeping tracks of the numbers. You said 70 people died in Lebanon. When were these numbers last updated? Because the Health Ministry is saying 102 people died so far. Spokesman : Those are numbers I was given today, so we'll try to... Question : Okay, thank you. And do you have any details from the meeting of the Secretary-General with the Saudi ambassador and what he told him? Spokesman : It's along the same lines, expressing his own concern about the expansion of the conflict, his worry about the expansion of the conflict to the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia. Question : And I think you mentioned yesterday he met with the Iranian PR [Permanent Representative]. Was that yesterday? And I wonder, did he bring up Hizbullah and your message, which you just read today? Spokesman : I mean, I gave you the readout that I shared with you yesterday on that meeting. Vusala? Question : Steph, as you are aware, earlier today, the Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan was subjected to drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran. So, the targets of these attacks were a civilian airport and school. Azerbaijan and a number of countries in the region and beyond condemned these attacks as a serious violation of the UN Charter and international law. So, in this regard, what's the reaction of the Secretary-General on this very serious incident, which caused damage to civilian infrastructure and injured civilians in Azerbaijan? Spokesman : We're obviously very worried and concerned about the drone attack on [Azerbaijani] territory. It's yet another example, of another country in which this conflict is being expanded into. It is a clear violation of [Azerbaijani] sovereignty, and again, we urge... we do not want to see any further escalation and want to make sure international law is respected. Yes, please. Go ahead, Milo. Question : There have been different narratives and voices about the possibilities of the peace talks resumed between Iran and the US. And we know that SG has been in contact with Oman's PR. Does the UN have any idea how possible is this peace talk to be resuming? Spokesman : We don't have any information to share at this moment. We would like to see the dialogue resume as quickly as possible to avoid any further killings of civilians. Okay. Yes, madame. Zena? Go ahead. Correspondent : Sorry for my late question. Spokesman : No, it's okay. Question : As you are raising concern about the expansion of this war and it's clear that it's expanding, okay? Is the United Nations ready for World War III? Spokesman : We're not into hypotheticals. We don't want to see any more conflict. We want to see an end to this conflict. There will be... I think it is clear that we're already seeing an increase in humanitarian need. Once this conflict ends, and it will end, the humanitarian needs will be even clearer, and they will require even more resources and more efforts. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNHCR: Over 330,000 displaced by recent hostilities in Middle East and beyond UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees The following news comment can be attributed to Matthew Saltmarsh, UNHCR global spokesperson. 5 March 2026 GENEVA - Intensifying hostilities across the Middle East have triggered significant population movement, while clashes along the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan have forced thousands of families to flee. Overall, more than 330,000 people have been forcibly displaced, mostly within their own countries. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is already supporting displaced populations and preparing to scale up its assistance as needed. We are also urgently calling for dialogue and de-escalation as violence intensifies. In Iran - a long-term host to 1.65 million people forced to flee, mostly from Afghanistan - around 100,000 people left Tehran in the first two days following the attacks, according to local estimates. More recent figures are not yet available. However, there has so far been no major increase in cross-border movements from Iran linked to recent events. In Lebanon, over 84,000 people are now sheltering in nearly 400 collective sites, the government reports. And over 30,000 people - mostly Syrians but also some Lebanese - have crossed into Syria since the escalation began, according to authorities. Meanwhile, the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan remains tense amid active conflict along the border, with reports of internal displacement in both countries, including an estimated 115,000 people in Afghanistan and around 3,000 people in Pakistan. It is imperative that all civilians who need to move or cross borders to find safety are given safe passage. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The brutality of war measured in children's lives as hostilities escalate in Iran UNICEF Statement Statement by UNICEF in the Middle East and North Africa 05 March 2026 AMMAN, 5 March 2026 "UNICEF is deeply concerned about the deadly impact the ongoing military escalation in Iran is having on children. Approximately 180 children have reportedly been killed and many more injured. "Among the casualties are 168 girls killed when a strike hit the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Minab, in southern Iran, on 28 February, while classes were in session. Reports indicate that the majority of those killed were schoolchildren aged between 7 and 12. In addition, 12 children were killed in other schools across five different locations in Iran. "These child casualties are a stark reminder of the brutality of war and violence on children, which impacts families and communities for generations. "Children and schools are protected under International Humanitarian Law and must be places of safety. "As military strikes continue across the region, children are increasingly exposed to violence and the impact on essential civilian infrastructure poses a direct threat to their wellbeing. At least 20 schools and 10 hospitals have reportedly been damaged in Iran, disrupting children's access to education and critical health services. "UNICEF urgently calls on all parties to uphold their obligations under international law, and to ensure the protection of civilians. Under international humanitarian law, the lives and wellbeing of children must always be protected. "UNICEF continues to closely monitor the situation and stands ready to support the humanitarian efforts to assist children and families affected by the escalating violence." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN calls for fair play in the global race for critical minerals 5 March 2026 - Critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt are central to the transition to a zero-carbon economy. As the Security Council meets on Thursday to discuss "energy, critical minerals and security," here is some of the work the UN is doing to ensure that the transition is just and equitable. Despite geopolitical upheavals, the shift from a fossil-fuel-based global economy to one driven by clean electrification remains on track. According to the International Energy Agency (an autonomous international agency that is not part of the UN system), lithium demand grew by nearly 30 per cent in 2024, and nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earths by 6-8 per cent. The growth of EVs, batteries and renewables is driving a major surge in demand for critical minerals. From the UN Secretary-General to several agencies and entities, the UN system has been issuing guidance, convening meetings and producing reports on the mining and exploitation of these minerals, aimed at making sure that as many people as possible benefit from a cleaner, low carbon global economy. Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals In April 2024, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals to ensure a just, fair and sustainable transition that fully benefits all countries and communities endowed with these minerals. Later that year, the panel released its first report, which Mr. Guterres described as a "how-to guide to help generate prosperity and equality alongside clean power." The report identifies ways to ground the renewables revolution in justice and equity so that it spurs sustainable development, respects people, protects the environment and generates prosperity in resource-rich developing countries. UN Guidance for Action on Critical Energy Transition Minerals The guidance, produced in June 2025, proposes measures to ensure that critical energy transition minerals are extracted and used in ways that advance human rights, environmental protection and equitable development. It is structured around three core principles: Human rights must be central. This means human rights due diligence; impact assessments; free, prior and informed consent; civicspace protection; and robust grievance mechanisms. The environment and planetary integrity must be assured, with priority given to strong environmental and social impact assessments, biodiversity protection, nogo zones, decarbonisation, circulareconomy measures, and progressive minesite rehabilitation. Justice and equity throughout the system, with an emphasis on meaningful community participation, gender equality, inclusion of Indigenous Peoples, and fair benefitsharing. 'A major development opportunity': UN trade agency According to the UN trade agency (UNCTAD), the booming demand for critical minerals is reshaping geopolitical and industrial dynamics, placing resourcerich developing countries at the centre of emerging value chains. The energy transition presents a "major development opportunity" for these nations: UNCTAD says that, by moving from raw mineral exports to local processing and value addition, they can significantly increase economic returns. For example, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo local cobalt processing nearly tripled export value, rising from $167 million to $6 billion in 2022. Serious environmental risks: UN environment agency The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is concerned that expanding mineral production brings serious environmental, social, economic, and geopolitical risks. Mining and processing can generate high greenhousegas emissions, biodiversity loss, pollution, human rights abusesincluding impacts on Indigenous Peopleswhile supply shortages and tight markets contribute to price volatility, geopolitical tensions, and pressure to open mines in sensitive areas. UNEP is calling for mineral governance to extend along the entire value chain, not just at mine sites, and for stronger international cooperation, transparent governance, and enhanced collaboration among governments, industry and communities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World News In Brief: Sudan conflict intensifies, Global inequality deepening, HIV success amid new medicine, increase in 'Domicide' worldwide 5 March 2026 - There has been an alarming escalation of violence in the Kordofan region where fighting has killed and injured civilians, destroyed homes, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure. In South Kordofan, confrontations between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia and the Sudanese Armed Forces have "intensified in recent days", the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, said. This includes a drone strike that hit the Dilling General Hospital this week, killing at least four patients and injuring civilians. Violence has also escalated in North Kordofan and the city of El Obeid has faced continued drone attacks over the past five days. Aid access 'restrained' "Humanitarian access is also becoming increasingly restrained," Mr. Dujarric said. There are growing threats to critical infrastructure and supply routes, including the road between Kosti and El Obeid, raising serious concerns for both humanitarian and the also critical commercial supply chains. Mr. Dujarric urged parties to follow international law and ensure "the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and the facilitation of safe and sustained humanitarian access." UN rights chief warns global inequality is deepening The UN human rights chief has warned that the world's economic system is failing billions of people and putting development goals at risk. Speaking on Thursday, Volker Turk said more than half of the world's workers earn a living in the informal economy, often without basic protections like paid sick leave or maternity leave. This includes nearly 60 per cent of working women. 'Devasting consequences' He said deep inequality is worsening the situation. Over the past two decades, the richest one per cent captured 41 per cent of all new wealth, while the poorest half of humanity received just one per cent. "The consequences are devastating," he warned, linking poverty and lack of social protection to exploitation and human trafficking. With the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development slipping off track, Mr. Turk urged major reforms - from restructuring global debt and expanding social protection, to measuring progress by people's wellbeing, not just economic growth. HIV treatment 'one of the defining public health successes': WHO's Tedros Once a death sentence, HIV can now be controlled with safe and effective medication. As a result, the number of annual AIDS-related deaths has dropped by 70 per cent in the past 20 years. In recent years, the same medicines that are used to treat HIV infection have also been used to prevent it in people at risk. Progress in mitigation Last year, a new medicine was approved for the prevention of HIV, lenacapavir, and was described by World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as the most important development in addressing HIV since the first antiretrovirals were approved almost 40 years ago Lenacapavir is taken once every six months by people who are HIV-negative but at risk of infection. In trials, it has been shown to prevent almost all cases of HIV in those at risk. In October last year, the WHO "prequalified" it. Since then, the WHO has supported nine countries to roll out lenacapavir to people at risk of HIV: Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 'Domicide' on the increase as conflicts proliferate, warns top rights expert The mass destruction of homes due to conflict around the world has continued to cause massive destitution and AI has made it far worse, according to Special Rapporteur on housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal. On the unfolding war in the Middle East, the UN Human Rights Council-appointed independent expert highlighted reports indicating that AI had been used to hit more than 1,000 targets in the first 24 to 48 hours in Iran. "I hope that the Iran crisis stops gathering momentum, that steps are taken to bring it to a full stop as soon as possible, and that parties return to the negotiating table to sort out whatever differences that they have instead of trying to bomb each other and destroy everything that they've taken decades to build." Widespread destruction In his last report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Mr. Rajagopal described the widespread or systematic destruction of housing in Gaza, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine and elsewhere as "domicide". Following his country visit to Guatemala in July 2025, the Special Rapporteur also highlighted the "widespread practice of forced evictions and the criminalization of Indigenous Peoples and peasant communities" there. He maintained that many evictions were driven by judicial orders following criminal complaints filed by private developers, with little protection from the authorities for those losing their homes or land. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Middle East, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Middle East Civilians at risk across region as supply routes disrupted OCHA says that the United Nations and its partners continue to monitor the rapidly evolving situation across the Middle East, where hostilities are increasingly affecting civilians, humanitarian operations and essential supply routes. Disruptions to airspace and transportation corridors continue to affect the movement of humanitarian supplies and personnel, as well as commercial goods. This puts supply chains at risk and could have broader implications for the availability and cost of essential food, fuel and medical supplies. In Iran, authorities report more than 1,000 deaths and damage to over 100 civilian sites, including residential areas, medical and pharmaceutical facilities, Iranian Red Crescent Society bases and schools. The UN Refugee Agency reports that around 100,000 people have been displaced since 28 February, with population movements observed from major cities toward rural areas. The Government is leading the humanitarian response. The humanitarian community is mobilizing and is ready to support. Turning to Lebanon, bombardments in the south of the country and in the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut, continue to impact civilians. As of yesterday evening, the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported more than 70 fatalities and over 435 injuries since the start of the escalation. Today, Israeli authorities renewed orders instructing residents south of the Litani River, including those in the cities of Tyr and Bint Jbeil, to move north of the river. A forced displacement order was also issued for Dahieh, an entire neighbourhood in the south of Beirut. According to the Government, more than 95,000 people are sheltering in over 440 collective shelters, with 49 shelters still having capacity to host additional people. In close coordination with national and local authorities, humanitarians are scaling up operations to support people in collective shelters and host communities. Humanitarian partners working on food security have distributed more than 70,000 hot meals, reaching 55,000 newly displaced people. Humanitarians have also distributed mattresses, sleeping mats, blankets, solar lamps and jerry cans. They have also provided drinking water and hygiene, baby and menstrual kits. OCHA reiterates that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times in accordance with international humanitarian law. De-escalation, safe humanitarian access and functioning supply routes remain essential to ensure assistance can reach people affected across the region. Occupied Palestinian Territory Critical aid reaches civilians amidst access constraints OCHA report that efforts to provide assistance continue across Gaza despite many persisting challenges, some of which are related to the ongoing regional escalation, such as the closure of some crossing points. Humanitarian organizations have been able to bring fuel and other critical items into Gaza since Tuesday, when the Israeli authorities reopened the Kerem Shalom crossing. Today, the UN was able to bring into Gaza some 570,000 litres of diesel through Kerem Shalom. Humanitarians were also able to collect critical supplies from the crossing. Other crossings are still closed, including Rafah, impacting aid organization's ability to bring in more much-needed assistance. Furthermore, while coordinated movements within Gaza have resumed, international personnel rotations remain suspended. OCHA reiterates that safe, sustained and unimpeded access is vital for the UN and humanitarian organizations to carry out life-saving work. More crossings must be open for the movement of cargo and people. In addition, the entry of items critical for timely and effective response must be facilitated. Meanwhile, humanitarians are doing everything in their power to ensure people's needs are met. Over the past week, partners leading on mine action conducted nearly 70 explosive hazard assessments in support of debris management efforts across Gaza. Living conditions remain dire across the Strip. In a recent assessment by partners who manage displacement sites, findings showed that only 11 per cent out of nearly 1,000 sites have communal lighting. Open sewage was observed in more than half of all sites surveyed. The UN and its partners are working tirelessly to ensure dignified and safe shelter conditions, but, in the absence of changes in the operating environment, the needs continue to outpace humanitarians' ability to respond. Since Saturday, partners leading on education distributed education supplies in dozens of temporary learning centres in Khan Younis and parts of Rafah. These supplies will improve the quality of learning for tens of thousands of school-aged children as well as support their wellbeing and development. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza and the West Bank with urgent support. Sudan Hospitals, key supply routes hit as conflict spreads in Kordofan region OCHA is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in Sudan's Kordofan region. Intensified fighting has killed and injured civilians, destroyed homes, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure. Humanitarian access is also being further constrained. In South Kordofan, confrontations between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces have intensified over the past week. Local humanitarian organizations have reported disruption of key routes into the city of Dilling. Humanitarian partners also report that a drone strike this week hit the Dilling General Hospital, killing at least four patients and injuring several civilians. Violence has also escalated in the town of Kadugli, resulting in a highly volatile security environment for communities and humanitarian responders. In North Kordofan, the city of El Obeid has faced continued drone attacks over the past five days, with strikes reported against a hospital as well as government sites. At the same time, critical infrastructure and supply routes, including the road between the cities of Kosti and El Obeid, are increasingly under threat, raising serious concerns for both humanitarian and commercial supply chains. OCHA once again calls for the parties to adhere to their obligations under IHL, including the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as facilitating humanitarian access. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Sudan with urgent support. Posted on 5 March 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US sinking of Iranian warship near Sri Lanka sparks wider concern; domestic criticism mounts in India over government's silence Global Times By Liu Xin Published: Mar 06, 2026 01:57 PM The US sinking of an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka's coast, with more than 100 people reportedly missing or dead, has brought the Middle East conflict to the Indian Ocean, triggering international reactions and growing concern over the wider spillover of the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran, while the Indian government has also come under criticism for its silence over the sinking of the vessel, according to media reports. A US submarine sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday, with 32 sailors rescued and more than 100 missing or dead. The episode was the first time since World War II that an American submarine had attacked a surface vessel, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, according to a Bloomberg report on Thursday. The US Department of Defense reposted a video on its X account on March 4 in which Hegseth said, "In the Indian Ocean, an American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo quiet death." It also posted video footage that appeared to show a vessel catching fire after being struck, with waves surging around it. Sri Lankan coastguards received a distress call from the IRIS Dena at 5:08 am on Wednesday, with surviving crew describing an explosion. Thirty-two survivors, all seriously injured, were taken to Galle National Hospital. Eighty-seven bodies were recovered from the sea, Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said. More than 10 sailors remain missing, according to a report from Al Jazeera. Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced on Thursday that his navy would take custody of the second Iranian naval vessel and move it to the northeastern port of Trincomalee for safekeeping, amid fears it could be targeted. He said his government held discussions with Iranian officials and the captain of the ship, Al Jazeera reported. The US strike appears to violate the "just war" principle of proportionality, which holds that military force should be proportionate to the conflict and its objectives, Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle East Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times, noting that the Iranian vessel was reportedly outside the combat zone when it was sunk, causing significant casualties and the move has been seen as exceeding reasonable limits, escalating the conflict and drawing criticism and concern. The US sinking of the Iranian vessel have caught wider attention. The Bloomberg report on Thursday noted that the US action off Sri Lanka's coast "expands the deepening Middle East war to India's doorstep" and it cited retired Indian officials as saying that it "was embarrassing to India and amounted to the war reaching a territory where India tries to project itself as the preferred security partner for smaller nations such as Sri Lanka" A Guardian report on Thursday noted that "the torpedo strike prompted questions from former US officials about whether Washington's aim of eliminating all of Iran's military breached international law." Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi made a sharp response over the sinking of Iranian naval frigate and mentioned India in a post on X on Thursday. Araghchi wrote the frigate as "a guest of India's Navy" and slammed the US for perpetrating an "atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores." He noted that the vessel "was struck without in international waters without warning" and "mark my words: the US will come to bitterly regret precedent it has set." The Indian government hasn't directly responded to the US sinking of the naval vessel. At a joint briefing with Finland's President Alexander Stubb on Thursday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for dialog and diplomacy to end global conflicts from Ukraine to West Asia, per Bloomberg. The Iranian warship had participated in the International Fleet Review and the multilateral naval exercise MILAN 2026, organized by the Indian navy in the port of Visakhapatnam from February 15 to February 25. The Iranian warship was seen sailing at sea during the exercises in a February 17 post on X by the Indian navy. Another image showed several of its crew members posing on deck with the Iranian flag in the background, according to Associated Press. The Indian government's silence has drawn criticism. For example, Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the government's lack of response to the incident in a post on X on Thursday, writing: "The conflict has reached our backyard, with an Iranian warship sunk in the Indian Ocean. Yet the Prime Minister has said nothing." Kanwal Sibal, former Indian foreign secretary, wrote on X on Thursday that "The Iranian ship will not be where it was if we had not invited it to talk part in our Milan exercise. We were the hosts. I am told that as per protocol for this exercise ships cannot carry any ammunition. It was defenseless." Sibal wrote that "the US has ignored India's sensitivities as the ship was in these waters because of India's invitation. We are far from politically or militarily responsible for the US attack. Our 'responsibility' is at a moral and human plane." Iran's ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, told reporters in the Indian capital on Thursday that there had been "no negotiations, no messages from India", when asked whether New Delhi had been in touch with Tehran over the sunken ship. "You can ask them [India]," he added, according to the National News. Indian Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of "destroying" India's foreign policy which had been carefully and painstakingly built and followed by successive governments over the years. "Modi Govt.'s reckless abdication of India's strategic & national interests is there for all to see," Kharge said in a X post. The incident has also sparked criticism within India as some people in the country sees the US move at India's "doorstep" as an embarrassment for New Delhi. Zhang Junshe, a military affairs expert, told the Global Times, adding that India has long sought a larger role on the global stage and has repeatedly expressed ambitions to become a regional, even global power. However, its muted diplomatic and military response to the incident does little to support such aspirations. For years, many Indian strategists have referred to the Indian Ocean as "India's ocean," yet the attack occurred in the Indian Ocean and near India's surrounding waters without a clear reaction from New Delhi, Zhang said. Indian media News 18 said in an article that "for India, the sinking is a diplomatic and security nightmare." It wrote that "The incident forces India into a difficult corner: it must balance its growing strategic partnership with the US against the need to prevent the Indian Ocean from becoming a playground for foreign wars." While an Al Jazeera article on Friday, which titled "How US sinking of Iranian warship blew hole in Modi's 'guardian' claims" said that "India sees itself a security provider in the Indian Ocean. On Wednesday, it couldn't save even its own guest." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NZ Army deploys second infantry rotation to the Republic of Korea to train alongside partners New Zealand Defence Force For the second year running, a New Zealand Army infantry platoon has deployed to the Republic of Korea to train alongside Korean and United States forces. 06 March, 2026 This week, a platoon of 34 soldiers and a contingent headquarters left New Zealand for three months to undertake a variety of training exercises and activities as part of the New Zealand Defence Force's (NZDF) long-standing commitment to supporting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. This is the second NZ Army infantry platoon deployment to the United Nations Command (UNC); enabling joint training with both US and Korean forces on the Peninsula. Land Component Commander Brigadier Jason Dyhrberg said this deployment followed a hugely successful first rotation last year. "We are operating in an ever-evolving, increasingly complex strategic environment and it is vital that we not only play our part in supporting our partner nations on overseas missions, but also ensure that our soldiers are trained to the highest standards, and get the opportunity to test themselves alongside our partners." The training will take place at various training areas and centres in South Korea and will include close country, littoral and urban training scenarios, including at the world-class Korea Combat Training Center. The joint training builds on long-standing relationships between the NZ Army and their Korean and US counterparts, both of whom are vital partners in the Indo-Pacific region. "Opportunities to expose our soldiers to how some of our military peers conduct their training in world-class facilities is immensely valuable and gives our troops the opportunity to measure themselves alongside some of the world's best," Brigadier Dyhrberg said. "We're incredibly proud of our training systems here in New Zealand, but any opportunity to share and learn from the experiences of our partners is really important, which our soldiers will in turn bring back home and pass on to their comrades too. It will also enable even closer alignment and future interoperability with our soldiers being qualified and recognised as combat-ready under both US and Korean systems and standards." Defence Attache to Korea, Colonel Rob Loftus, said these types of deployments also provided significant benefit above and beyond just the training, with positive impacts on the broader military and international relations. "The NZDF has a long-standing commitment to supporting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and this platoon deployment clearly continues to demonstrate New Zealand's commitment in this respect," Colonel Loftus said. "This second infantry platoon rotation also comes over a period of significant cultural and commemorative activities in relation to the Korean War. The 75th anniversary of the Battle of Kap'yong in April carries huge significance for the New Zealand Army particularly. The platoon also plans to take the opportunity to pay their respects to the fallen at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea in Busan whilst here." Australian Army Lieutenant General Scott Winter, UNC Deputy Commander, said the arrival of New Zealand's second combat platoon to the Korean Peninsula was "a powerful affirmation that what matters most is not the size of the force, but the will behind it". "When a nation sends its sons and daughters to stand alongside Republic of Korea, US, and UNC forces, it sends a message of resolve that no adversary can misread. Seventy-five years of partnership has shown us that the defence of the Republic of Korea is not a bilateral obligation, but a shared responsibility. New Zealand's commitment reinforces the multinational fabric of this command. "We are proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our New Zealand partners once again and welcome this platoon for a valuable opportunity to enhance our interoperability and collective regional security." The latest deployment builds on the legacy started when New Zealand contributed both naval and ground forces in support of UNC during the Korean War in the early 1950s. More than 6000 New Zealanders served during the War. The platoon will remain on the Korean Peninsula until early June. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia voices concern over worsening Mideast conflict People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 20:40, March 05, 2026 MOSCOW, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Foreign Ministry has expressed alarm about the deteriorating situation in the Middle East. In a statement released on Thursday, the ministry said there were no signs that the United States and Israel, which launched a military operation against Iran, would show restraint and stop the "bloodshed." It said the operation was launched under a fabricated pretext. The ministry said the United States and Israel are attempting to sow division within the Islamic world during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and to provoke Iran into retaliatory strikes on facilities in several Arab countries, which resulted in human and material losses. It added that such actions were intended to draw Arab states into a war serving "foreign interests" and to divert attention from the catastrophic plight of the Palestinian people. Russia called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities, including strikes on the territories of Arab states in the Gulf. It said attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure were "completely unacceptable." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Military Operation Epic Fury -- Air Campaign The air campaign of Operation Epic Fury, which began on 28 February 2026, drew on decades of target development, force pre-positioning, and suppression-of-enemy-air-defense planning that CENTCOM and its subordinate air component had accumulated against the Iranian target set since the early 1990s. The campaign was organized around three simultaneous but sequentially prioritized objectives: suppressing the Iranian integrated air defense system to create the access conditions for subsequent strike operations; destroying Iran's nuclear enrichment, reprocessing, and weaponization infrastructure; and degrading the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' offensive military capability including its ballistic and cruise missile launch infrastructure, naval forces, and proxy support networks. The air campaign did not operate in isolation -- it was designed from the outset as one element of a joint campaign that also included an extensive cruise missile strike program and naval operations against the Iranian fleet -- but the air component provided the sustained offensive capacity that the missile campaign's finite inventories could not, and the low-observable aircraft that the air component included provided the only available means of attacking the deeply buried targets that Iran's most sensitive nuclear infrastructure occupied. Air Campaign: Command Architecture and Pre-War Force Posture The Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar served as the nerve center for the air campaign, as it had for every major air operation in the CENTCOM area of responsibility since the facility was consolidated there in 2003. By February 2026 the CAOC at Al Udeid had accumulated more than two decades of targeting data, air-to-air refueling track planning, intelligence fusion capability, and practiced coordination with the carrier strike groups' embarked air wings that the opening of the campaign required. The Air Force Component Commander, who served simultaneously as the Joint Force Air Component Commander for the theater, exercised operational control over both the land-based tactical air and the carrier air wings through the CAOC's battle rhythm, which had been rehearsed repeatedly in exercises against notional Iranian target sets that bore close resemblance to the actual target list the campaign used. The land-based air component at the campaign's opening included F-35A Lightning II squadrons at Al Udeid Air Base and Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, F-15E Strike Eagle squadrons at Al Udeid, and the tanker fleet of KC-135 Stratotankers and KC-46A Pegasus aircraft whose continuous orbits over the Arabian Sea and the Gulf would sustain both the carrier air wings operating south of the Strait of Hormuz and the land-based strike packages penetrating Iranian airspace. B-52H Stratofortress aircraft deployed to Diego Garcia provided a long-range standoff strike capability with the AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missile, each aircraft capable of carrying twelve JASSM-ER rounds internally and externally -- a weapons load equivalent in strike capacity to a significant portion of a smaller carrier air wing's daily sortie output, delivered from an aircraft operating entirely outside Iranian air defense coverage. The B-2A Spirit stealth bomber fleet, operating from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on round-trip missions of more than 30 hours duration and from forward deployments at Diego Garcia that reduced transit time to the target area, provided the campaign's indispensable capability against the deeply buried nuclear facilities that no other platform could credibly threaten. The B-2's combination of very low observable signature and the capacity to carry the GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator -- a weapon that no other aircraft in the American inventory can carry -- made it the only platform available to strike hardened underground targets such as the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, buried under approximately 80 meters (260 feet) of rock in the mountains south of Qom. The B-2 fleet's small size -- the Air Force maintained 19 aircraft at the campaign's opening, with typically 12 to 14 operationally available at any given time -- meant that its sorties were allocated with great care to the targets that justified them, and that the Fordow mission and the comparable deeply buried targets in the Iranian nuclear complex consumed a disproportionate share of the available B-2 effort in the campaign's opening days. The B-1B Lancer fleet, restricted from carrying nuclear weapons by the New START treaty and by the Air Force's decision to convert it to a conventional-only role in the 1990s, served as the primary magazine for AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles and additional JASSM-ER rounds in the air campaign, operating from Al Udeid and from Diego Garcia. The B-1B's capacity for 24 internally-stowed AGM-158 series missiles per aircraft, combined with its supersonic dash capability and terrain-following flight modes, made it a significant strike asset against the distributed Iranian naval and land-attack missile infrastructure that the campaign needed to suppress in its early phases. B-1B strike packages against IRGC Navy fast attack craft bases and ballistic missile transporter-erector-launcher sites in the first 72 hours of the campaign were a major component of the SEAD and counter-missile portions of the effort. Air Campaign: Carrier Aviation and the Arabian Sea Operating Area The carrier aviation component of the air campaign operated primarily from the northern Arabian Sea, south and southeast of the Strait of Hormuz, rather than from within the Persian Gulf itself. This geographic choice reflected lessons drawn from twenty years of planning against the Iranian anti-access threat: the Strait of Hormuz, with its shallow water, dense mine threat, IRGC fast attack craft operating from island bases, and shore-based anti-ship missiles covering the navigable channels, was assessed as too dangerous for carrier operations without a prior suppression campaign of the surrounding threat infrastructure that would itself require days of preparatory strikes. Conducting those preparatory strikes while the carriers were already inside the Gulf -- exposed to the full threat system they were attempting to suppress -- was operationally circular. The solution adopted in all post-1994 CENTCOM carrier employment plans for an Iran contingency was to operate the carriers from the Arabian Sea, outside the Strait's immediate threat envelope, and use the range of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning II to reach targets inside Iran from that position. The range implications of Arabian Sea carrier operations were significant but manageable with adequate tanker support. The Strait of Hormuz is approximately 550 kilometers (340 miles) from a carrier operating at typical Arabian Sea operating areas north of the 20th parallel. Natanz, the primary uranium enrichment facility and the most significant nuclear target at the outset of the campaign, is approximately 400 kilometers (250 miles) north of Bandar Abbas by direct great-circle route -- putting it at roughly 950 kilometers (590 miles) from an Arabian Sea carrier position. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's combat radius without external tanks or in-flight refueling is approximately 720 kilometers (450 miles); reaching Natanz from the Arabian Sea operating area therefore required at least one aerial refueling cycle for most strike packages, provided by Air Force tankers in the designated refueling tracks over the Gulf of Oman and southeastern Gulf. The F-35C's internal fuel capacity, combined with its stealthy configuration that does not require the external fuel tanks that degrade a non-stealthy aircraft's range and signature simultaneously, provided somewhat better unrefueled radius -- approximately 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) in combat configuration -- that reduced but did not eliminate the tanker dependency for the deepest Iranian targets. Three carrier strike groups were deployed to the Arabian Sea and adjacent waters at the campaign's opening, providing a combined embarked air wing of approximately 200 fixed-wing aircraft across the three carriers. Carrier Strike Group composition in 2026 centered on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as the primary strike and multi-role aircraft, with each air wing typically including three strike fighter squadrons of twelve aircraft each, one F-35C squadron of ten to twelve aircraft, one EA-18G Growler electronic attack squadron of five aircraft, one E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning squadron of four aircraft, and support aircraft. The EA-18G contingent across three carriers provided fifteen jamming aircraft -- a quantity sufficient to support simultaneous multiple strike packages with dedicated jamming coverage, which the SEAD planning required during the campaign's first days when Iranian air defense operators were still reacting and attempting to operate their systems rather than shutting them down to avoid HARM-homing munitions. The F-35C's role in the air campaign differed from the Super Hornet's in ways that reflected the two aircraft's different design philosophies. The Super Hornet was the workhorse -- it carried the heavy conventional bomb loads in JDAM and laser-guided configurations that the campaign's non-hardened targets required, flew the combat air patrol missions that protected the carrier operating areas and the strike packages over Iran, and provided the tanking capacity from its own external fuel tanks that extended the range of other air wing aircraft. The F-35C provided something the Super Hornet could not: the ability to operate inside Iranian airspace during the early days of the campaign, when residual air defense systems were still active and non-stealthy aircraft could not penetrate without unacceptable attrition risk. F-35C strike packages, flying without the tanker formations that would have generated radar returns visible to Iranian early warning systems, carried the SDB-II (Small Diameter Bomb II) and GBU-31 JDAM loads into defended target areas during SEAD-incomplete phases of the campaign when Super Hornet strikes would have been premature. USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), the world's largest carrier, transited the Suez Canal on 5 March and entered the Red Sea during Day 7 of the conflict, adding a second carrier air wing to the strike capacity available from the northern approaches. The Ford's arrival gave the campaign a second axis of approach against western Iran -- from the Red Sea through Saudi and Iraqi airspace rather than from the Arabian Sea -- that potentially complicated Iranian air defense allocation between the two threat axes. USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) completed pre-deployment work-up training on 5 March and was expected to deploy as a third carrier to the eastern Mediterranean, further expanding coalition strike capacity and providing an additional axis into Syria and northern Iran. Air Campaign: Iranian Integrated Air Defense -- the Suppression Problem Iran's integrated air defense system was the most capable that any American air campaign had confronted since the Gulf War, and in some respects more demanding than the Iraqi IADS of 1991 because it had not been degraded by twelve years of no-fly zone enforcement before the campaign began. The system was built around a layered architecture combining long-range early warning radar networks, medium and long-range surface-to-air missile systems, short-range point defense systems, fighter interceptors, and an expanding command and control network that had received substantial investment through the 2010s and 2020s. Iran had acquired the S-300PMU-2 surface-to-air missile system from Russia, a delivery that the Obama administration had unsuccessfully pressured Russia to cancel and that was completed in 2016. The S-300PMU-2, known in NATO reporting nomenclature as the SA-20B Gargoyle, is a mobile long-range system with a maximum engagement range of approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) against aircraft and a significant capability against cruise missiles and ballistic missile reentry vehicles in its more capable configurations. Iran deployed multiple S-300 battalions covering Tehran and the major nuclear facilities, creating engagement envelopes that extended well south and west of the protected sites and overlapped with adjacent batteries to reduce the corridor-of-approach exploitation that had been possible against earlier single-battery deployments. The S-300's mobility -- each battery can relocate in approximately five minutes from fire order to movement -- imposed a targeting problem that differed fundamentally from fixed-site systems: locating and destroying a mobile system required continuous ISR coverage of the battery's known operating areas, rapidly updated targeting data, and either a loitering strike asset or a weapon with a short enough time-of-flight to catch a battery before it completed its movement. The Russian-supplied Tor-M1 short-range air defense system, acquired by Iran in 2007, provided point defense coverage for the nuclear facilities and major military installations that the S-300 batteries protected at medium and high altitude. The Tor-M1's engagement envelope of roughly 12 kilometers (7 miles) in range and 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) in altitude addressed the low-altitude gap that long-range systems inherently left -- a gap that any aircraft attempting to overfly the target at low altitude to avoid the S-300 would have found densely covered. The combination of S-300 medium-to-high altitude coverage and Tor-M1 low-altitude coverage created a layered engagement zone around the high-priority targets that required simultaneous suppression at multiple altitude bands for a conventional non-stealthy strike package to operate with acceptable loss rates. Iran's domestic air defense production, accelerated through the 2010s as the threat of American or Israeli strikes motivated investment in indigenous capability, added several system families to the layered architecture. The Bavar-373 long-range SAM system, claimed by Iranian sources as comparable to the S-300 in capability and assessed by Western analysts as somewhat less capable but still effective against non-stealthy aircraft at significant range, was deployed in increasing numbers from 2019 onward. The Khordad-15 medium-range system, which achieved international attention when it reportedly downed a high-altitude surveillance drone in 2019, provided additional medium-altitude coverage at lower cost than imported Russian systems. The Sayyad-3 and Sayyad-4 series of missiles provided the intercept rounds for these launchers, with the Sayyad-4 claimed to have a range of approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) against aerial targets and some residual capability against ballistic missiles. Iran's fighter interceptor force -- aging F-14 Tomcats, F-4 Phantoms, and domestically produced Kowsar and Saeqeh jets -- was assessed as capable of challenging non-stealthy aircraft in a permissive environment but not of competing with F-22, F-35, or F-15E in contested airspace. The suppression campaign against this system required multiple simultaneous approaches rather than a sequential one. The AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range, carried by EA-18G Growlers and from modified pylons by F-35s and Super Hornets, was the primary anti-radiation weapon targeting active radar emitters. The AARGM-ER's extended range compared to its predecessors -- approximately 185 kilometers (115 miles) in the most favorable engagement geometries -- allowed EA-18G crews to fire from outside the engagement envelopes of the systems they were targeting, reducing the risk of losing the jamming aircraft on which subsequent strike packages depended. The JASSM-ER, carrying a penetrating warhead against hardened radar and command facilities, targeted the fixed nodes of the air defense network -- the sector operations centers, the long-range radar sites, and the fiber-optic and microwave relay nodes through which radar data and engagement commands flowed from the national air defense command center in Tehran to the individual fire units in the field. Severing these links degraded the network's ability to coordinate multi-battery engagements against a single target and forced individual battery commanders to make engagement decisions with less information than the system had been designed to use. The stealth component of the suppression campaign was conducted by B-2 and F-35 aircraft operating against radar and command facilities without triggering the detection and engagement responses that would have alerted battery commanders to shut down their emissions and disperse. A Growler firing an AARGM-ER at an active S-300 radar signals clearly that a suppression campaign is in progress and prompts the battery to shut down and move; an F-35C dropping a Small Diameter Bomb on the same radar from within its detection threshold, without having been detected on approach, provides no warning and no decision time. The mixed strategy -- F-35 and B-2 strikes on the highest-priority fixed nodes, AARGM-ER shots against active emitters that had been allowed to continue operating as decoys, and JASSM-ER strikes against command and communication infrastructure from standoff -- was designed to collapse the IADS architecture both physically and informationally before the non-stealthy Super Hornet-led strike packages began operating in defended airspace. The IDF reported that approximately 80 percent of Iran's air defense network had been destroyed by Day 7 of the conflict. Air Campaign: The Nuclear Target Set Iran's nuclear infrastructure presented five categories of target, each requiring different weapons and different approaches, distributed across a geographic area that extended from Khondab near Arak in the north-center of the country to Bushehr on the Gulf coast in the southwest -- a distance of roughly 650 kilometers (400 miles) as the crow flies, requiring strike packages routed through different corridors of approach and covered by different air defense layers. The Natanz Fuel Enrichment Plant, the largest uranium enrichment facility in the Iranian program, was the single most important target in the nuclear set and the one that received the greatest strike allocation in the campaign's opening hours. Natanz comprises two distinct facilities at the same complex: an above-ground pilot enrichment plant that served as the early demonstration facility before larger-scale enrichment was achieved, and the main underground fuel enrichment plant buried approximately 8 meters (26 feet) below ground surface under a reinforced concrete protective structure. The underground plant houses the centrifuge cascades that enrich uranium hexafluoride from natural uranium concentrations to the weapon-relevant levels that Iran had achieved. Eight meters of earth and reinforced concrete is sufficient to defeat most conventional penetrating munitions, but it is within the defeat envelope of the GBU-31(V)3/B -- the penetrating variant of the 2,000-pound JDAM -- delivered with precise accuracy against the specific structural weak points identified through long-term ISR coverage of the facility's construction. The combination of precision and penetrating warhead, delivered in multiple weapons against overlapping aim points, was assessed as capable of collapsing the underground structure's roof and destroying the centrifuge cascades without requiring the GBU-57 that the deeper facilities demanded. The Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, constructed inside a mountain near the city of Qom and buried under approximately 80 meters (260 feet) of solid granite -- announced to the IAEA only after Western intelligence services detected it through satellite imagery and human intelligence reporting in 2009 -- was the facility that had driven the development of the GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator. At 80 meters of rock overburden, Fordow was assessed as beyond the defeat capability of any munition in the American inventory except the GBU-57. The GBU-57, weighing approximately 13,600 kilograms (30,000 pounds), uses a penetrating case of hardened steel and a delayed-fuze warhead to penetrate through rock and reinforced concrete before detonating inside the structure rather than at its surface. The weapon's defeat depth against competent rock is classified, but unclassified assessments suggest capability against targets buried up to approximately 60 meters (200 feet) under hard rock at moderate delivery angles, with deeper targets requiring multiple weapons detonated in sequence in the same penetration channel -- a technique in which the first weapon creates a shaft and subsequent weapons follow its path to detonate progressively closer to the protected structure. The B-2's centerline weapons bay accommodates two GBU-57 rounds. The Fordow strike therefore required multiple B-2 sorties delivering multiple weapons in precise sequence to the same aim point, coordinated by the CAOC to arrive within the narrow time window that the sequential detonation technique required. The Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility, which converts uranium ore concentrate into uranium hexafluoride feed gas for the centrifuge cascades at Natanz and Fordow, was an above-ground facility that presented no penetration challenge but required decontamination planning because of the toxic chemical hazards associated with uranium hexafluoride release. Strike planners allocated bunker-penetrating JDAM rounds rather than blast-fragmentation weapons to the Isfahan conversion building, intending to collapse the structure and trap the hexafluoride rather than disperse it. The adjacent Isfahan nuclear research complex, which housed plutonium metallurgy research facilities and uranium fuel fabrication capabilities, received separate aim points against its research reactor and fuel fabrication halls. The Arak IR-40 heavy water research reactor had been partially redesigned under the terms of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with its original plutonium-producing core replaced by a new design with lower plutonium output. By 2026 the facility's status -- whether the redesign had been fully implemented or whether Iran's post-JCPOA nuclear activities had restored any of its original capabilities -- required direct damage assessment following the strike rather than pre-strike certainty. The Arak facility was targeted with bunker-penetrating JDAM rounds against the reactor building and with incendiary munitions against the heavy water production infrastructure adjacent to the main reactor. The Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, Iran's only operating power reactor, presented the campaign's most politically sensitive nuclear targeting question. Bushehr was a Russian-supplied light-water reactor of the VVER-1000 type, operating under IAEA safeguards and under a fuel supply and spent fuel return arrangement with Russia that effectively prevented the diversion of its fuel cycle products to weapons use. Striking Bushehr would destroy a civilian power generation asset built and operated under international oversight, damage relations with Russia whose cooperation the United States required on other issues, and potentially release radioactive contamination into the northern Gulf region. Campaign planning resolved this question in favor of non-targeting: Bushehr was excluded from the strike list on the grounds that its civilian function was verified, its weapons relevance was minimal, and the diplomatic and environmental costs of striking it outweighed any military benefit. Ground forces of any kind operating from the Bushehr region were legitimate targets; the plant itself was not. Air Campaign: IRGC Military Infrastructure and Command Targets Beyond the nuclear set, the air campaign's target list extended to the IRGC's conventional military infrastructure, its ballistic missile and cruise missile programs, its naval forces ashore, and the command and logistics nodes through which the IRGC exercised control over its proxy networks across the region. These targets were operationally important in their own right -- they represented the military power that made Iran a regional threat independent of its nuclear program -- and they were essential for reducing the Iranian capability to retaliate against American forces and GCC infrastructure while the nuclear strikes were in progress. The IRGC Aerospace Force's ballistic missile infrastructure was the highest-priority non-nuclear target set in the air campaign, ranked above conventional ground force targets because the missile force represented the most immediate retaliatory threat against American bases and GCC cities during the campaign's early hours. Iran's ballistic missile inventory, accumulated over three decades of development and procurement from North Korea, China, and domestic production, included several thousand missiles of various ranges, from the short-range Fateh-110 with a range of roughly 300 kilometers (185 miles) through the medium-range Shahab-3 and its Ghadr and Emad variants at 1,300 to 1,800 kilometers (800 to 1,100 miles), to the long-range Khorramshahr with its reported range of 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). The missiles were distributed across a network of hardened launch complexes, underground storage tunnels, and mobile transporter-erector-launchers whose precise locations at any given moment were a persistent intelligence challenge even with continuous overhead surveillance. The fixed launch complexes and underground missile storage facilities received JASSM-ER and GBU-57 strikes from B-2 and B-52 aircraft in the campaign's opening hours. The mobile missiles presented the harder problem: a Shahab-3 TEL departed from its garrison, driven to one of dozens of surveyed launch sites in the mountains of western and central Iran, and erected its missile for firing provided an exposure window of approximately 30 to 60 minutes between erection and launch. Prosecuting that window required a sensor-to-shooter link from overhead surveillance to a strike asset that could reach the TEL within its window -- the most demanding real-time targeting problem in the campaign. The IRGC Navy's shore infrastructure, naval bases, and the fast attack craft and missile boats that posed the primary threat to American surface vessels throughout the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz approaches, was targeted in coordinated air and naval strikes during the campaign's first 48 hours. The Bandar Abbas naval complex, home to the IRGC Navy's primary Gulf forces and the location of significant shore-based anti-ship missile batteries, was struck simultaneously from the air and by submarine-launched Tomahawks. The smaller IRGC Navy bases on the Gulf islands -- Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb -- were targeted by carrier air and by B-1B strikes delivering anti-ship and bunker-penetrating munitions against the pier facilities, missile battery positions, and fuel storage that sustained IRGC small-boat operations. The Bandar Imam Khomeini logistics port, through which much of the missile and weapons shipment to IRGC proxies in Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon had been processed, received strikes against its warehousing and crane infrastructure. IRGC command infrastructure in Tehran received B-2 strikes in the campaign's second night, after the air defense suppression campaign had opened the corridors to the capital's airspace with acceptable risk. The Imam Ali compound in northeastern Tehran that housed IRGC headquarters, the IRGC Aerospace Force headquarters at Lavizan, and the Sepah command complex on the northern outskirts of the capital were targeted along with the specific named individuals responsible for Iran's retaliatory missile launches. Beyond formal command nodes, the campaign struck Iranian Islamic Republic Broadcasting (IRIB) headquarters on 3 March, parliament, and -- on Day 8 -- the IRGC Imam Hossein University military academy and an underground ballistic missile production and storage facility beneath Tehran in a wave of more than 80 Israeli Air Force jets dropping 230 bombs. The escalation from surface command infrastructure to deep underground missile production facilities in Tehran marked the campaign's transition from IADS suppression and nuclear targeting into sustained degradation of the IRGC's entire institutional capacity. Air Campaign: Tanker Architecture and the Logistics of Sustained Operations The tanker architecture sustaining the air campaign was as critical to its execution as the strike aircraft themselves and considerably more vulnerable to disruption. A carrier air wing operating from the Arabian Sea required continuous tanker availability in the refueling tracks over the Gulf of Oman, the Strait approach, and the air corridors over southern Iran to sustain the round-trip range to targets in the Iranian interior. The land-based strike packages from Al Udeid and Al Dhafra similarly required tanker support for the longer sorties, though the distance from these bases to the Iranian border was shorter than from the carrier operating areas and the tanker requirement per sortie correspondingly less. The B-52 and B-1B missions from Diego Garcia -- roughly 3,700 kilometers (2,300 miles) from the southern Iranian border -- required tanking both outbound and inbound, consuming tanker sorties that were simultaneously needed for the tactical aircraft closer to the target area. The tanker fleet available to the campaign comprised approximately 150 to 200 KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46A Pegasus aircraft deployed to bases throughout the region -- Al Udeid, Al Dhafra, Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, and additional overflow staging at Incirlik in Turkey and Souda Bay in Crete. The KC-46A's fly-by-wire boom system and its ability to refuel both boom-equipped Air Force aircraft and drogue-equipped Navy and Marine aircraft from the same aircraft without a pod change made it considerably more flexible in a mixed-force environment than the KC-135, which could only refuel boom-equipped aircraft without a drogue adapter that reduced its transfer rate. The campaign's planners allocated KC-46s preferentially to the mixed Navy-Air Force refueling tracks where both boom and drogue capability was essential, and KC-135s to the tracks serving predominantly Air Force strike packages where boom-only offload was adequate. The vulnerability of the tanker architecture was recognized as the campaign's most significant single Achilles heel. A tanker orbiting in a refueling track is a large, slow, non-maneuverable aircraft radiating continuously on its transponder and predictably located by the schedule. An Iranian ballistic missile armed with a conventional cluster warhead, targeted against a refueling track over the Gulf of Oman, could not precisely hit any individual tanker -- but the track itself was predictable and the consequences of disrupting it were severe. The missile defense coverage of the tanker operating areas, provided by Aegis cruisers and destroyers in the northern Arabian Sea, was addressed in the campaign planning with a priority allocation of SM-3 intercept capacity to the tracks closest to known Iranian MRBM launch areas. Air Campaign: Assessment and Phase Transitions The air campaign's first 72 hours, the period of maximum IADS suppression activity and the first nuclear target strikes, produced a mixed damage assessment. The S-300 batteries covering Tehran and the major nuclear sites suffered significant attrition from AARGM-ER strikes against active emitters and B-2 strikes against fixed command nodes, but mobile batteries that had dispersed before the opening strikes survived to impose intercept attempts against early strike packages. The overall assessment was that the IADS had been degraded enough by H+24 to permit Super Hornet penetrations of southern Iran under escort, and enough by H+72 to permit unescorted penetrations of most of the country at medium altitude -- the threshold that the campaign's master attack plan had designated as the condition for transitioning from Phase I SEAD to Phase II sustained strike. The transition to Phase II was visible in the shift from the opening nights' concentration on air defense and command targets to the expanding strike packages against IRGC missile infrastructure, conventional military facilities, and the proxy support network throughout the region in Days 3 through 7. IDF reporting of more than 400 targets struck in western Iran on Day 7 alone -- concentrated on ballistic missile launchers and drone storage -- reflected the Phase II counter-MRBM campaign operating at full intensity after the IADS suppression had opened the required access. CENTCOM's Day 7 report that Iran's ballistic missile launch rate had dropped to approximately 10 percent of Day 1 levels was the primary indicator of Phase II's tactical effectiveness against the most immediate Iranian retaliatory threat. The campaign's costs through its first eight days were substantial. CSIS analysts estimated the first 100 hours at approximately $3.7 billion, or $891 million per day, with $3.5 billion of that total unbudgeted. The largest unbudgeted cost was munitions replenishment: CENTCOM confirmed expending more than 2,000 munitions in the first 100 hours, and CSIS estimated $1.5 billion in offensive strike munitions consumed at H+100. The Penn Wharton Budget Model placed the two-month war cost estimate at $40 to $95 billion depending on ground force involvement and munitions mix. Congress had not, as of Day 8, received a supplemental funding request. Trump met with major defense contractors at the White House on 6 March to discuss quadrupling weapons production, addressing a production base capacity problem whose resolution was measured in quarters and years rather than the weeks in which campaign munitions consumption was occurring. Standoff Strike Missiles: The Tomahawk System and Its Evolution The missile campaign of Operation Epic Fury constituted the opening salvo of the conflict and in certain respects its most consequential phase. Hundreds of Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles fired from surface combatants and submarines in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Red Sea, combined with AGM-158B JASSM-ER rounds from B-52H and B-1B bombers operating from Diego Garcia and Gulf-region bases, struck Iranian air defense installations, nuclear facilities, ballistic missile infrastructure, and command nodes in the opening hours of 28 February 2026 -- before the carrier strike groups' aircraft had crossed the Iranian coastline and before the Iranian military had a clear picture of the scale of the operation it faced. The Tomahawk's combination of long range, low radar cross-section, terrain-hugging flight profile, and precision terminal guidance made it the instrument of choice for targets where a manned aircraft would face unacceptable attrition from surviving air defenses, and for the opening hours of a campaign when suppression of those defenses was still in progress. The JASSM-ER complemented the Tomahawk with greater warhead penetrating capability and longer range, at the cost of lower inventory depth and different platform requirements. Together the two systems gave campaign planners a standoff strike capacity of roughly 1,500 to 2,000 rounds across the combined naval and air inventories -- a number large enough to saturate many target sets but finite enough that allocation decisions were consequential and that restrike requirements would place demands on the tactical aircraft that the missiles could not satisfy indefinitely. The BGM-109 Tomahawk has been the United States Navy's primary land-attack cruise missile since its first combat use in Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, when 122 Tomahawks were fired in the opening hours of the air campaign against Iraqi targets. In the decades between Desert Storm and Operation Epic Fury, the weapon evolved through multiple variants -- the TLAM-C conventional unitary warhead version, the TLAM-D submunition dispenser variant subsequently withdrawn from service due to concerns about unexploded ordnance, and the Block IV TLAM-E that entered service in the early 2000s with a turbofan engine replacing the earlier turbojet, a digital scene-matching area correlator terminal guidance system, and a two-way datalink that allowed in-flight retargeting and battle damage assessment imagery transmission back to the firing platform or to the CAOC -- into the Block V and Block V Mod 1 variants that represented the weapon's configuration at the time of Epic Fury. The Block V Tomahawk, formally designated the BGM-109E, incorporated the Maritime Strike Tomahawk capability that earlier variants lacked: an active radar seeker in the nose that allowed the weapon to engage moving surface targets -- ships at sea -- as well as fixed land targets. This capability was directly relevant to the Epic Fury missile campaign's naval component. IRGC Navy fast attack craft and missile boats operating in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz region, which had been untargetable with earlier Tomahawk variants because they moved between fixed aim points, became targetable with the Block V's active seeker and its ability to receive updated targeting coordinates through the in-flight datalink. A Maritime Strike Tomahawk launched against a known IRGC patrol area could be retargeted from the CAOC to a specific vessel if overhead surveillance detected it after launch, closing the engagement loop that earlier variants' fixed aim point guidance had left open. The Block V Mod 1 variant added a Joint Multi-Effects Warhead System, replacing the earlier unitary blast-fragmentation warhead with a multi-mode warhead capable of optimizing its detonation for penetration against hardened targets, blast against open-air targets, or fragmentation against personnel and light equipment. The warhead's ability to switch modes through a fuze setting programmed before launch or updated through the datalink after launch gave planners more flexibility in assigning a single weapon to targets of varying hardness, though the warhead's penetrating capability was substantially less than that of the penetrating JDAM variants and entirely inadequate against the deeply buried Iranian nuclear facilities that the GBU-57 and GBU-31(V)3 addressed. The Tomahawk's flight profile -- subsonic cruise at approximately 880 kilometers per hour (550 miles per hour) at altitudes from 15 to 100 meters (50 to 330 feet) above terrain, following a pre-programmed route that exploited terrain masking and avoided known radar coverage -- imposed a time-of-flight constraint that was among the most significant operational differences between the missile campaign and the manned aircraft campaign. A Tomahawk launched from a surface ship in the Arabian Sea required approximately one to two hours to reach targets in central Iran. This transit time was factored into the campaign's master attack plan, which time-sequenced launches from different platforms at different distances so that weapons fired at different times would arrive at their designated targets in the coordinated sequence the overall attack plan required. A weapon launched too early would arrive before the IADS suppression sequence designed to protect it from remaining air defense systems; a weapon launched too late would arrive after other weapons had already triggered Iranian radar operators to begin active tracking of inbound threats. Standoff Strike Missiles: Platform Deployment and the Firing Order The inventory management of Tomahawks across the firing platforms was among the most sensitive planning constraints in the missile campaign. A standard Arleigh Burke-class destroyer carries 90 Tomahawks in its Mk 41 vertical launch system cells, alongside Standard Missiles for air defense, ASROC anti-submarine rockets, and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles -- meaning that the destroyer cannot fire all 90 cells as Tomahawks without accepting reduced air defense and anti-submarine capacity that the threat environment of an active conflict with Iran made imprudent. A Ticonderoga-class cruiser carries 122 Mk 41 cells with a comparable multi-mission load. A Virginia-class submarine carries 12 Tomahawks in its main torpedo tubes' ready stowage and up to 40 in the Virginia Payload Module that Block III and later variants include -- 52 per submarine if fully loaded for land attack, a weapons load that could be fired in a single engagement but that left the submarine with no remaining Tomahawks for subsequent targets and required a return to port for reload on a timeline measured in weeks rather than days. The surface combatant force available to the missile campaign comprised the surface action groups, carrier strike group escorts, and independently deployed ships positioned in the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, the Red Sea, and -- for a limited number of platforms willing to accept the risk of the Strait transit against a partially unsuppressed IRGC naval threat -- the Persian Gulf itself. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers providing the primary Tomahawk launch capacity were the same ships providing the carrier strike groups' air and missile defense -- a dual-mission load that created persistent tension between the campaign planners who wanted to maximize Tomahawk magazines committed to the land attack mission and the anti-air warfare coordinators who needed Mk 41 cells reserved for Standard Missile-3 and Standard Missile-6 rounds to defend against Iranian ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles. The resolution of this tension was a planning constraint: each surface combatant was allocated a Tomahawk load that the anti-air warfare coordinators assessed as compatible with maintaining adequate air defense, and the total land-attack capacity derived from summing those allocations. For a carrier strike group with six escorts the Tomahawk load available for land attack after air defense reserves was approximately 200 to 250 rounds per strike group, or 600 to 750 rounds across three strike groups. Independently deployed surface action groups in the Red Sea and southern Arabian Sea added several hundred more. The aggregate surface ship Tomahawk inventory available in the campaign's opening days was on the order of 1,000 to 1,200 rounds. USS Spruance (DDG-111) was confirmed in OSINT reporting as having launched TLAMs during the operation. OSINT tracking documented multiple sequences of low-flying cruise missiles transiting Iraqi airspace, with observers counting more than twenty missiles in some sequences. CENTCOM released imagery of Tomahawk launches from Navy warships. At least one Tomahawk observed in open-source footage carried a reportedly low-observable paint scheme and distinctive forward-swept wing configuration that some analysts identified as a specialized Block V variant, though CENTCOM released no official confirmation of specific variants employed. The submarine force contribution was launched from positions in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, with individual submarines having been assigned specific target packages during the final phases of mission planning at the CAOC and in the submarine force staffs. The Virginia-class submarine's Virginia Payload Module added 40 additional Tomahawk tubes to the conventional torpedo tube complement, giving a fully loaded Block III Virginia 52 Tomahawks -- more than four times the load of a Los Angeles-class boat. The geographic diversity of the firing positions -- Arabian Sea boats firing from the south and southeast, Red Sea boats firing from the west through Saudi Arabian airspace, Gulf boats if any had successfully transited the Strait -- was a deliberate planning choice that complicated Iranian air defense responses. A salvo arriving exclusively from one direction could, in principle, be managed by concentrating available radar and intercept capability on that azimuth; salvos arriving simultaneously from multiple azimuths required the air defense system to manage threats from multiple directions simultaneously, a task that the disrupted IADS of the opening hours was poorly positioned to accomplish. Standoff Strike Missiles: The JASSM-ER Integration The AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range complemented the Tomahawk in ways that reflected the two weapons' different performance characteristics. The JASSM-ER is an air-launched weapon -- it requires an aircraft to carry it to a launch point -- rather than a ship-launched or submarine-launched one, which means it depends on the availability of aircraft whose own access to launch positions within the weapon's range of the target may be constrained by the same air defense problem the missile is trying to help solve. The JASSM-ER's range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) substantially mitigated this constraint in the Iranian context: a B-52H flying from Diego Garcia or a launch point in the Gulf of Oman, without entering Iranian-claimed airspace, could reach nearly all of Iran's nuclear and missile infrastructure with the JASSM-ER's reach, while the launching aircraft itself remained well outside any known Iranian interceptor's engagement range. The JASSM-ER's penetrating warhead -- a 450-kilogram (1,000-pound) WDU-42/B penetrating blast-fragmentation warhead hardened for impact against reinforced concrete and buried structures before fuze detonation -- gave it a harder-target capability than the standard Tomahawk Block V unitary warhead, though substantially less capable than the GBU-31(V)3 JDAM penetrating variant and far less capable than the GBU-57. The JASSM-ER was allocated in campaign planning to targets in the intermediate hardness range -- reinforced surface buildings, underground structures with limited overburden of less than approximately 3 meters (10 feet), and hardened aircraft shelters -- where the Tomahawk's unitary warhead was insufficient but the GBU-57 was unnecessary. This allocation placed JASSM-ER strikes against many of the IRGC's hardened missile storage facilities, the reinforced command bunkers at IRGC regional headquarters, and the protective structures covering centrifuge component fabrication facilities at Isfahan. The B-52H's role in the JASSM-ER campaign was particularly significant given the aircraft's ability to carry twelve JASSM-ER rounds per aircraft in a mixed internal and external load. Operating from Diego Garcia in round-trip missions of approximately fourteen hours to Iranian target areas, the B-52 required aerial refueling both outbound and inbound, consuming KC-135 and KC-46 tanker sorties in direct competition with the tactical air component's tanker demand. The campaign's tanker allocation plan reserved dedicated KC-135 tracks for the Diego Garcia bombers in addition to the tactical tracks supporting the carrier air wings and land-based tactical aircraft. The B-1B's JASSM-ER contribution differed from the B-52's in several respects. The B-1B carries up to 24 JASSM-ER rounds internally, twice the B-52's capacity, in its variable-sweep wing configuration that also gives it a lower radar cross-section than the B-52's large fixed-wing planform -- a consideration that the partially suppressed Iranian air defense environment in the campaign's early days made relevant even for aircraft operating at standoff range. The B-1B's supersonic dash capability allowed it to close to its launch point more quickly than a pure subsonic cruise approach would permit, reducing the window during which Iranian air defense operators could calculate the bomber's track and vector interceptors toward it before launch was completed. The B-1B had been restricted from nuclear weapons delivery since the New START treaty era and was by 2026 exclusively a conventional strike platform, allowing its full weapons capacity to be allocated to the conventional missile campaign without the nuclear command and control requirements that complicated earlier dual-capable bomber employment. Standoff Strike Missiles: The AGM-158C LRASM and the Anti-Ship Mission The Long Range Anti-Ship Missile, the AGM-158C variant of the JASSM airframe adapted for maritime targeting, was the primary anti-ship weapon employed by the air component against the IRGC Navy's surface fleet. The LRASM's ability to autonomously navigate to a target area, classify and identify specific vessel types from among a group of surface contacts, and maneuver through the target vessel's air defense without requiring continuous guidance from the launching platform represented a significant capability advance over the older AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile that it supplemented. The Harpoon's sea-skimming terminal flight and active radar seeker were effective against ships lacking sophisticated point defense, but the IRGC's larger frigates and corvettes, equipped with point defense guns and short-range SAMs, could engage a Harpoon reliably enough to impose significant attrition on Harpoon salvos. The LRASM's combination of low observable airframe shaping, autonomous final approach routing to exploit target ship blind spots, and low-altitude attack angle that complicated radar tracking reduced this attrition risk to a level that campaign planners assessed as acceptable. The LRASM strikes targeted the IRGC Navy's frigate and corvette force -- the larger surface combatants whose anti-ship missile armament posed the greatest threat to American surface vessels -- while the Tomahawk's Maritime Strike variant handled the many dozens of fast attack craft, missile boats, and patrol vessels that constituted the IRGC's primary numerical strength. The distinction was between the LRASM's precision autonomous engagement of specific high-value naval targets and the broader Tomahawk maritime strike pattern against pier facilities, repair infrastructure, and the fuel and weapons depots from which the fast attack craft operated. The IRGC's Moudge-class frigates -- domestically designed surface combatants displacing approximately 1,500 tonnes and equipped with the Nour anti-ship missile -- were the primary LRASM targets. These ships, concentrated primarily at Bandar Abbas and at Bushehr, were struck in the campaign's opening hours in coordinated attacks combining LRASM rounds from B-1B aircraft with air-launched Harpoons from carrier F/A-18 aircraft and Tomahawk Maritime Strike variants from surface ships -- a multi-axis, multi-weapon attack designed to saturate the ships' point defense systems with simultaneous engagements from different azimuths and at different altitudes. CENTCOM reported destroying 43 Iranian warships by Day 8 of the conflict. Standoff Strike Missiles: Iranian Intercepts and Countermeasures Iran's ability to intercept incoming cruise missiles was a planning factor that the campaign had to take seriously even as the same campaign was designed to degrade that ability. The Tomahawk's small radar cross-section -- estimated in the vicinity of 0.05 square meters in its operational configuration -- was detectable by high-powered ground-based radars at ranges of roughly 50 to 80 kilometers (30 to 50 miles) under favorable conditions, giving air defense operators approximately three to five minutes of tracking time before the missile reached its target. This was inadequate time for a fighter intercept but potentially adequate time for a surface-to-air missile engagement if a battery was positioned in the missile's flight path and had its radar operating when the Tomahawk crossed into detection range. The Tor-M1 short-range SAM, with its reaction time from target detection to missile launch of approximately eight to twelve seconds, was the primary Iranian system capable of engaging Tomahawks in their low-altitude cruise phase. The Tor-M1's maximum engagement altitude of approximately 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) and its minimum engagement altitude of roughly 10 meters (33 feet) bracketed the Tomahawk's typical terrain-following altitude, and the system's engagement range of up to 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) gave its operators a brief window to engage before the missile passed the battery. Iranian deployment of Tor-M1 batteries along likely Tomahawk approach corridors -- particularly the corridors leading from the Arabian Sea through the Strait toward the nuclear facilities and Tehran -- was assessed before the campaign as one of the primary near-term threats to Tomahawk effectiveness, and the AARGM-ER and JASSM-ER allocation against Tor-M1 radar positions was driven partly by this concern. Iran's intercepts of incoming missiles during the campaign's opening hours were limited in number but not zero. Iranian Tor-M1 batteries operating under radio silence -- not emitting radar until they had acquired a target through passive infrared or optically assisted detection -- achieved a small number of Tomahawk kills in the southern approaches to Tehran and in the corridors approaching Fordow, where the density of air defense coverage was highest and the Tomahawk approach routes most constrained by terrain. The intercept rate in the campaign's first 24 hours was assessed by American analysts at approximately 3 to 7 percent of missiles fired in the most heavily defended corridors -- a loss rate acceptable from a campaign planning perspective but meaningful as an indicator of remaining IADS capability that justified continued SEAD investment before the manned aircraft phases achieved their full planned tempo. Standoff Strike Missiles: Inventory Sustainment and the Finite-Magazine Problem The most significant strategic constraint on the missile campaign was one that planners had recognized for decades and that Operation Epic Fury exposed in operational reality: cruise missile inventories are finite, reload timelines are measured in weeks rather than days, and a sustained campaign consuming weapons faster than the industrial base replenishes them will eventually face a choice between accepting reduced operational tempo or accepting reduced readiness margins for future contingencies. The United States manufactured Tomahawks at a rate determined by annual procurement in the defense budget, which through the 2010s and early 2020s had been approximately 200 to 300 missiles per year -- a quantity that, measured against the 1,000-plus that a major campaign consumed in its opening phase, represented roughly four years of production consumed in a single night. The inventory depth that the Navy maintained against a major contingency was classified, but unclassified estimates by defense analysts suggested approximately 3,000 to 4,000 Tomahawks in the operational inventory in the decade before Epic Fury. An opening salvo of 500 to 700 weapons, followed by sustained operations consuming another 100 to 200 per week, would exhaust this inventory in a matter of weeks if the pace were maintained -- a timeline that imposed real constraints on how long the pure missile campaign component of Epic Fury could be sustained at its opening intensity. The surface ship reload problem amplified this constraint. A destroyer that had fired 40 of its 90 Mk 41 cells in the opening phase of the campaign had to return to a port with a Tomahawk reload facility -- Guam, Japan, Bahrain, or potentially a commercial port in the Gulf if security conditions permitted -- to replenish its magazine, a round trip that typically required five to ten days depending on the ship's operating area. The campaign's logisticians had pre-positioned additional Tomahawk stocks at Bahrain and Diego Garcia in the weeks before the campaign began specifically to reduce the reload cycle time, but the pre-positioned quantity was itself finite and replenishable only by airlift from the continental United States or by surface ship from production and storage facilities on the East Coast. The Virginia-class submarine's reload problem was less time-sensitive but more geographically constrained. A Virginia that had fired its 52 Tomahawks in the campaign's opening phase could not reload at sea. The submarine had to return to a port facility with a weapons handling pier, a crane capable of handling Tomahawk canisters, and a supply of weapons in the adjacent magazine. The round trip from an Arabian Sea operating area to Diego Garcia and back consumed approximately three weeks -- a period during which the submarine was unavailable for further Tomahawk contribution to the campaign. The industrial base response to campaign consumption was authorized within the first weeks of the conflict, with Congress providing emergency supplemental appropriations to accelerate Tomahawk production and fund additional JASSM-ER procurement from Lockheed Martin's Troy, Alabama production facility. The production acceleration timelines -- typically 12 to 18 months from appropriation to delivery for complex precision weapons -- meant that the first weapons produced under the emergency authorization would not enter the inventory before the campaign's most intensive phase was likely concluded. The campaign thus had to be planned and executed against the inventory that existed at the conflict's opening. Trump met with major defense contractors at the White House on 6 March and discussed quadrupling production, addressing a reality that was broadly understood across the defense planning community: a conflict of this scale consumed precision weapons faster than the peacetime industrial base was sized to replenish them, and the gap between consumption and production timelines represented the campaign's most durable structural constraint. Standoff Strike Missiles: Integration with the Air Campaign and Phase Transitions The relationship between the missile campaign and the air campaign was one of time-phased complementarity rather than independent parallel tracks. The missile campaign's opening salvos were designed to create the conditions in which the air campaign's manned aircraft could operate; the air campaign's SEAD effort was designed to reduce the threats that would otherwise have achieved unacceptable intercept rates against subsequent missile strikes; and the combined effect of both was the degradation of Iranian military capability that the overall campaign sought. The opening hours of 28 February 2026 were organized around the principle that the Iranian air defense system had to be confronted from multiple directions and with multiple weapon types simultaneously if its operators were to be denied the time to react, redistribute, and reconcentrate their capability. Tomahawks arriving from the south and southeast targeting radar and command nodes in southern Iran were timed to arrive within the same fifteen-minute window as B-2 strikes from the north and west against Tehran's air defense command infrastructure and JASSM-ER strikes from B-52s in the Gulf of Oman against the nuclear facility perimeter defenses. Iranian radar operators tracking Tomahawks inbound from the south while B-2s were simultaneously striking from directions those operators could not detect were being asked to fight a system degradation they had not been designed to manage -- the IADS architecture that Iran had built assumed that suppression and strike would arrive sequentially, with SEAD preceding strike package entry, rather than simultaneously from multiple directions by multiple weapons of radically different signatures and flight profiles. The transition from the opening missile salvo to the sustained combined campaign approximately 48 to 72 hours after the first strikes reflected damage assessment of the IADS: sectors assessed as effectively suppressed were opened to manned aircraft operations under reduced SEAD support, while sectors where residual batteries remained operational continued to receive Tomahawk and AARGM-ER attention before the manned aircraft entry. This sequential sector opening, driven by real-time damage assessment from overhead surveillance and from the EA-18Gs' passive sensors monitoring Iranian radar emissions, was the mechanism by which the missile campaign and the air campaign achieved their transition from Phase I SEAD-dominant operations to Phase II sustained strike -- the operational evolution that CENTCOM's daily reporting through Day 8 implicitly described even when it did not announce explicitly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Missile Campaign Iran entered Operation Epic Fury possessing the largest and most diverse ballistic missile arsenal in the Middle East -- a force built over three decades from North Korean technology transfers, domestic engineering programs of increasing ambition, and sustained investment in underground storage and hardened production infrastructure that was intended to preserve it through exactly the kind of sustained air campaign it now confronted. The IRGC Aerospace Force, which controlled all ballistic missile and drone operations, executed its pre-planned retaliation within hours of the coalition opening strikes on 28 February 2026, firing hundreds of ballistic missiles and one-way attack drones in the opening salvo of what Iranian commanders described as a long-war attrition strategy. By Day 5, 5 March 2026, IRGC sources cited by Fars News Agency reported that Iran had fired more than 500 ballistic and naval missiles and approximately 2,000 one-way attack drones since the conflict began. By Day 8, US Central Command confirmed that Iran's ballistic missile launch rate had declined to approximately 10 percent of its Day 1 rate and its drone launch rate to approximately 17 percent of its opening pace -- a decline that coalition planners attributed to launcher attrition, destruction of fixed launch support infrastructure, and what Iranian statements characterized as a deliberate transition to rationing for a prolonged campaign. The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, in its second week by 11 March 2026, prompted Tehran to adapt its ballistic missile tactics in ways that challenged prevailing narratives in Western media. Reports indicate that Iran has fired approximately 300 ballistic missiles toward Israel since late February, with Israeli Defense Forces assessments revealing that roughly half carried cluster warheads dispersing 20-24 submunitions each, often weighing up to several kilograms. These submunitions functioned primarily as kinetic energy impactors upon descent, relying on high-velocity terminal impact rather than large explosive payloads to inflict damage. This design made them particularly suited for suppressing or destroying soft, high-value targets such as exposed radar antennas, command posts, and sensor arrays integral to ballistic missile defense (BMD) networks. Cluster munitions have long been recognized in military doctrine for their utility in area saturation and defense suppression roles. Submunitions can achieve multiple hits across dispersed sites, overwhelming point defenses and exploiting the vulnerability of static or semi-static radar installations that emit signatures and require line-of-sight exposure. Historical precedents, including operations where cluster weapons degraded air defense batteries by targeting radars and launchers, underscore this capability. In the current conflict, Iran's employment of such warheads aligns with a classic suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) strategy, aiming to blind or degrade layered systems like Arrow, David's Sling, and allied contributions including THAAD. The tactic exploits the physics of ballistic trajectories: submunitions released at high altitude create a dispersed footprint that complicates interception by systems optimized for unitary threats, while their kinetic energy proves effective against unarmored or lightly protected components like radar dishes and support equipment. Recent developments in the broader theater revealed the effectiveness of this approach beyond Israel. Satellite imagery and official confirmations document Iranian strikes destroying or severely damaging multiple high-value U.S. and allied radars. At Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, an AN/TPY-2 radar associated with a THAAD battery was struck and apparently obliterated in the war's opening phase, with debris visible around a blackened site. Similar damage appears at UAE locations, and reports suggest losses of additional AN/TPY-2 units and even a long-range AN/FPS-132 early-warning radar. These systems, valued in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars each, form the backbone of regional BMD cueing and tracking for interceptors engaging Iranian ballistic threats. Their degradation directly impairs the ability to detect, track, and engage incoming salvos, creating windows for follow-on strikes and reducing overall defensive coherence across Gulf states and Israel. The New York Times coverage from March 11, 2026, exemplifies a selective framing that emphasizes humanitarian concerns over strategic realities. The article highlighted footage of submunitions descending like fireballs, civilian injuries from shrapnel in central Israelincluding one fatality and serious woundsand expert warnings about indiscriminate effects potentially breaching international humanitarian law. It notes increased usage compared to the June 2025 exchanges and quotes Israeli spokespeople decrying the tactic as targeting population centers. Yet this portrayal largely omits the military rationale: submunitions as precision tools for kinetic strikes on BMD radars and associated soft infrastructure. No discussion appears of hardened missile site radars (MSRs) or equivalent systems designed precisely to withstand such threats through armor, mobility, or redundancy. The piece frames Iran's actions as escalatory barbarism while downplaying how U.S., Israeli, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) forces failed to anticipate or adequately protect against this elementary SEAD measure despite decades of experience with cluster tactics in various conflicts. This analytical gap reflects broader asymmetries in conflict reporting. Western outlets often amplify civilian risk narratives when adversaries employ area-effect weapons, while glossing over similar historical uses by allies Israel in 2006 Lebanon, the U.S. in past operationsor the inherent vulnerabilities of fixed, high-value assets in modern missile warfare. Iran's shift to clusters amid degraded launcher numbers (with over 300 reportedly destroyed) and reduced salvo volumes signals resource adaptation: conserving precision unitary warheads for critical targets while employing clusters for saturation and suppression. The tactic strains interceptor stockpiles, as systems like Iron Dome struggle against dispersed bomblets post-release, and exposes static radars to kinetic impacts that can disable without total destruction. Strategically, the approach yielded measurable gains. Destroyed THAAD-associated radars in Jordan and the UAE, combined with impacts on other Gulf sites, have deepened regional missile defense woes, forcing reliance on remaining assets and potentially higher expenditure rates for interceptors. This attrition favors the side with deeper magazines or asymmetric tools, though Iran's overall missile force continues to erode under sustained airstrikes. For Israel, the clusters introduce psychological and operational pressure, diverting resources to damage assessment and unexploded ordnance clearance while complicating urban defense calculations. Ballistic missile defense architectures depend on vulnerable sensors; failing to harden, mobilize, or defend them adequately invites exploitation. Iran's use of kinetic cluster submunitions represents not innovation but application of established principlessaturation to penetrate defenses and degrade enablersexposing gaps in anticipation by the coalition. As the conflict evolves, with Iranian barrages tapering but regional ripple effects growing, this episode highlights how asymmetric adaptations can offset conventional superiority, compelling a reevaluation of static asset protection in high-threat environments. The media emphasis on moral outrage risks obscuring these tactical realities and the strategic costs borne by BMD-reliant powers. Defense at the Speed of Light Defense manufacturers, including Electro Optic Systems (EOS), accelerated the delivery of the R400 Remote Weapon System and the APOLLO High-Energy Laser to Middle Eastern allies. These systems were utilized to counter mass drone swarms at a fraction of the cost of traditional interceptors. The acceleration of defense systems like the EOS R400 Remote Weapon System (RWS) and the APOLLO High-Energy Laser (HEL) to Middle Eastern allies represents a strategic pivot toward "cost-per-kill" efficiency in modern warfare. By early 2026, Electro Optic Systems (EOS) secured significant ordersincluding a $12 million (A$17 million) contract for a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countryto bolster regional defenses against escalating drone swarm threats. The R400 RWS serves as the kinetic "hard-kill" component of this layered defense. Weighing less than 400 kg, it allows light vehicles to carry the firepower of a 30 mm cannon, traditionally reserved for much heavier platforms. Its four-axis stabilization and sub-milliradian accuracy enable precise engagement of Group 1 and 2 UAS at ranges up to 2,000 meters, even while the vehicle is in motion. The system is often paired with proximity-fuzed ammunition, which creates a "shrapnel cloud" effect to neutralize multiple small drones with a single burst. The APOLLO High-Energy Laser complements these kinetic rounds by offering a near-zero cost-per-shot alternative. Scalable from 50 kW to 150 kW, the APOLLO can neutralize up to 20 drones per minute at a distance of 3 kilometers for a hard kill, or disrupt optical sensors at ranges up to 15 kilometers. Housed in a mobile 20-foot ISO container, the system can be deployed in under two hours and provides 360-degree coverage. When connected to external power, it possesses an unlimited "magazine," effectively rebalancing the economics of defense where a $1 laser shot can destroy a $20,000 loitering munition. Recent military cooperation agreements, such as the $35 billion partnership between South Korea and the UAE, have further integrated these technologies into broader air defense architectures. EOS has also engaged in local manufacturing discussions within the UAE to ensure sovereignty and rapid sustainment of these systems. This infrastructure supports a "deep magazine" strategy, ensuring that allied forces are not depleted of expensive interceptor missiles during sustained, high-volume saturation attacks. Iran's Missile Doctrine and the Deterrence-by-Punishment Strategy Iran's ballistic missile program was from its inception a response to strategic vulnerabilities that its air force could not address. The destruction of most of Iran's air force in the opening months of the Iran-Iraq War, combined with the subsequent international arms embargo that prevented meaningful reconstitution, left the Islamic Republic with no credible air-delivered strike capability against regional adversaries or US military bases. The ballistic missile program, which began with Scud-B derivatives acquired from Libya and Syria in 1985-86 and expanded through North Korean technology transfers and domestic development across the subsequent four decades, filled this gap with a weapon that required no airfield, no overflight clearance, no survivable aircraft, and no pilot whose training represented an irreplaceable investment. A missile in a hardened underground tunnel was survivable through a first strike that would have destroyed a parked aircraft; a mobile transporter-erector-launcher dispersed among the mountains of western Iran was harder to locate before launch than any fixed air base. The doctrine that evolved from this program was what Iranian strategists called deterrence by punishment: the capacity to inflict unacceptable costs on any adversary's civilian infrastructure, military bases, and economic assets as the price of attacking Iran. This was not deterrence by denial in the American sense -- the capability to prevent an adversary from achieving his military objectives -- but deterrence through the promise of retaliation that made the expected costs of attacking Iran higher than the expected benefits. The specific targets the doctrine identified -- Israel's cities and nuclear research center at Dimona, US military bases throughout the Gulf and in the broader Middle East, the oil infrastructure and economic centers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states that hosted American forces -- were chosen to hold at risk assets whose loss would impose disproportionate political and economic consequences on the adversaries and their partners. The message embedded in every missile test and every Iranian military parade was that the cost of attacking Iran would be borne not only by Iran's own military but by the regional order that depended on American military presence, Gulf oil production, and Israeli urban normality. This doctrine required accumulating missiles in sufficient quantity that even after absorbing a first strike that degraded a significant fraction of the inventory, enough rounds remained to execute the threatened retaliation at a scale that caused the political disruption the doctrine depended on. Iranian military statements through the decade before the conflict consistently framed the program's scale in terms of the requirement to retain a meaningful second-strike capacity -- a post-attack residual inventory large enough to deliver hundreds of missiles against the threatened targets even if a sophisticated first strike destroyed a substantial fraction of the pre-attack stockpile. The IDF's pre-conflict estimate of approximately 2,500 missiles in Iran's inventory as of February 2026, if correct, suggested that Iran had by this measure largely achieved the second-strike threshold it sought: even a first strike that destroyed half the inventory would leave more than 1,000 missiles available for retaliation, a number adequate to overwhelm any conceivable regional BMD architecture if launched in coordinated mass salvos. Stockpile and Industrial Base -- Pre-War Status The IDF's February 2026 estimate of approximately 2,500 ballistic missiles in Iran's inventory represented a partial recovery from the losses the program sustained during the Twelve-Day War of June 2025, in which the Institute for the Study of War assessed that Israeli strikes likely destroyed approximately one-third of Iran's then-existing stockpile. That assessment implied that Iran held approximately 3,000 to 3,500 missiles before the Twelve-Day War and had rebuilt the inventory by roughly 500 to 1,000 rounds in the eight months between the end of that conflict and the opening of Epic Fury. The rebuilding pace was constrained by a problem in Iran's solid-fuel production infrastructure that the October 2024 Israeli strikes had imposed. The October 2024 strikes, conducted against the solid-fuel propellant production facilities associated with Iran's newer and more capable missile systems, destroyed an estimated 12 to 20 planetary mixers -- specialized industrial equipment used to blend the constituent chemicals of solid rocket propellant into a homogeneous mixture capable of stable burning at the required pressure and temperature. Planetary mixers are not commercially available items; they are precision-engineered machinery supplied by a small number of specialized manufacturers, none of which would sell to Iran under the sanctions regime. China was assessed as the only plausible alternative source, and Iran reportedly diverted significant procurement resources to obtaining replacement mixers through Chinese channels in the months following the October 2024 strikes. The first confirmed evidence of progress on this problem came in early 2026, when a ship carrying approximately 1,000 metric tons of sodium perchlorate -- a primary oxidizer used in solid rocket propellant -- arrived at Bandar Abbas. The quantity was sufficient to produce propellant for roughly 260 Kheibar Shekan missiles or approximately 200 Haj Qassem rounds, suggesting that Iran had either received replacement mixers or had found an alternative processing path. Whether this material had been fully processed and loaded into functional missiles before Epic Fury strikes targeted the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group and related production facilities is not confirmed. The solid-fuel production disruption had a specific operational consequence that shaped the missile campaign's early character: it pushed Iran toward a higher ratio of liquid-fuel missiles in the opening salvos than its pre-2024 doctrine had planned. Solid-fuel systems -- the Sejjil, Kheibar Shekan, Haj Qassem, and Fattah-1 -- require no fueling sequence before launch; they can be transported, erected, and fired within minutes, reducing the exposure window during which a satellite or ISR aircraft can detect and target the launcher before it fires. Liquid-fuel systems -- the Shahab-3 family, Ghadr, Emad, Khorramshahr, and Qiam -- require that propellant and oxidizer be loaded into the missile's tanks at the launch site, a process requiring 30 to 60 minutes during which the TEL and its support vehicles are visible, stationary, and targetable. ISW observed during the first days of Epic Fury that Iran appeared to be expending older liquid-fuel Shahab and Zolfaghar variants preferentially in the high-volume opening salvos, while holding the newer solid-fuel systems -- particularly the Fattah series -- in reserve for the long-war phase that Iranian commanders described. Whether this reflected deliberate allocation by IRGC commanders or simply the availability distribution of a partially rebuilt inventory was not determinable from open sources. The Short-Range Ballistic Missile Layer The shortest-range systems in Iran's inventory served the rapid-volley mission: saturating air defense magazines in the Gulf states and Israel with high volumes of launches on trajectories that gave BMD operators minimal warning time. The Fateh-110 family, with ranges from approximately 200 to 500 kilometers (125 to 310 miles) depending on variant, was the backbone of this layer. The Fateh-110's solid-fuel road-mobile launcher requires no external fueling, can operate from any sufficiently hard surface, and fires within minutes of receiving a launch order -- characteristics that the TEL-hunting campaign could not suppress as effectively as the longer setup-time liquid-fuel systems. The multiple Fateh variants that Iran had developed since the original 2002 fielding -- the Fateh-313 with 500 kilometer range, the Fateh-Mobin with improved guidance, and the Zolfaghar derivative with 700 kilometer range -- represented an evolution from a rocket with 1950s-era accuracy against city-sized targets into a system claimed capable of precision attack against specific military facilities at ranges that encompass all of the Gulf states' US military basing from southwestern Iranian territory. The Zolfaghar, introduced in 2016 and first used in combat against ISIS positions in Syria in 2017, extended the Fateh family's reach to approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) while retaining its road-mobile solid-fuel advantages. Iran fired Zolfaghar missiles at Israeli targets, Gulf state military bases, and -- according to the JINSA analysis -- at specific US facility complexes in the opening days of Epic Fury. One Zolfaghar targeting the fuel depot complex at a Gulf base in the conflict's opening phase was reported by JINSA analysts to have executed terminal maneuvering that defeated a Patriot PAC-3 MSE engagement attempt, suggesting that the vehicle's terminal guidance system incorporated evasive maneuvering capability beyond what the simple ballistic trajectory that PAC-3's engagement software assumed. The significance of this event extended beyond the specific detonation: it confirmed that Iran had operational awareness of the PAC-3's kinematic limitations and had designed its terminal guidance to exploit them, and that the short-range layer of Iran's missile force was capable of tactical adaptation to BMD defeat -- not just mass volume overwhelm. The Qiam-1, with its distinctive finless airframe and liquid fuel, occupies a different design space than the Fateh family despite similar range. The Qiam's finless reentry vehicle, which removes the aerodynamic surfaces that give radar trackers a strong cross-section return, was specifically designed to complicate terminal-phase radar tracking by reducing the RV's distinguishable features at the moment of engagement -- a stealth-by-geometry approach that provides some degradation of the BMD radar's ability to establish the precise intercept solution that hit-to-kill requires. Iran has fired the Qiam extensively against Saudi and Emirati targets in the Yemen proxy war since 2015 and entered Epic Fury with significant operational experience in its employment and in the pattern of BMD system responses to it. That operational history informed IRGC Aerospace Force targeting decisions in the conflict, particularly regarding which targets could be prosecuted effectively with Qiam-scale accuracy and which required the higher-precision Zolfaghar or Kheibar Shekan. The Medium-Range Ballistic Missile Inventory The medium-range inventory -- systems with ranges from approximately 1,000 to 2,500 kilometers (620 to 1,550 miles) -- gave Iran the capability that transformed its missile program from a regional harassment tool into a strategic instrument affecting European energy markets, global shipping insurance rates, and the security calculus of states as distant as India. A Shahab-3 or Ghadr-1 fired from central Iran reaches Tel Aviv, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and every US military installation in the Gulf on trajectories of 10 to 15 minutes from launch to impact -- a timeline too short for diplomatic intervention, too compressed for civilian evacuation of threatened facilities, and barely adequate for BMD intercept attempts even with the most capable systems at full readiness. The MRBM layer of Iran's missile force was therefore the layer that the campaign's planners treated with the most operational urgency from a force protection perspective, and the layer that the coalition's BMD architecture had been specifically structured to address. The Shahab-3, derived from North Korea's Nodong-A and first tested in 1998 before entering IRGC service in the early 2000s, remained the quantitative backbone of Iran's MRBM inventory in 2026 despite its age and its liquid-fuel limitation. With a range of approximately 1,300 kilometers (808 miles) and a circular error probable of roughly 190 meters in its original configuration -- reduced substantially in later variants with improved GPS-inertial guidance -- the Shahab-3 carried a 760 to 1,000 kilogram conventional warhead adequate to destroy an aircraft shelter, collapse a building, or create a crater that closes a runway. The missile's liquid-fuel two-stage propulsion required approximately 30 to 60 minutes of fueling preparation at the launch site, which made its TEL teams the most persistent targets of the coalition's counter-TEL campaign from the conflict's opening hours: overhead surveillance could detect the fuel and oxidizer trucks arriving at a surveyed launch area and direct a strike package against the site before the missile was erected and fueled. Iran's tactical response to this vulnerability was to disperse its liquid-fuel TELs and their support vehicles across larger operating areas, limit the time they spent at any single location, and use civilian infrastructure -- roads, bridges, tunnels -- in ways that complicated coalition strike authorities. The Ghadr-1, an extended-range Shahab-3 derivative produced by the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group in Tehran, extends the platform's range to approximately 1,600 to 2,000 kilometers (994 to 1,243 miles) through a combination of a lighter and more aerodynamic reentry vehicle -- the distinctive "baby bottle" shrouded RV that first appeared on Ghadr imagery in 2007 -- and increased propellant volume. The shrouded RV's contribution is both aerodynamic and guidance-related: the shroud reduces drag during the boost phase and the atmospheric entry, allowing more of the missile's propellant energy to contribute to range rather than aerodynamic losses, and it covers the RV's aerodynamic fins until shortly before terminal phase, when the shroud separates and the fins deploy for the terminal guidance phase. Western analysts assessed the Ghadr as carrying a warhead comparable to the Shahab-3's in size but with meaningfully improved terminal accuracy, making it the preferred instrument for strikes against larger fixed facilities -- port infrastructure, air bases, urban power distribution -- in Israel and the eastern Mediterranean periphery. The Emad, another Shahab-3 derivative that Iran publicly displayed in 2015, extends the family further with a range estimated at approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles) and introduces a maneuvering reentry vehicle that provides terminal guidance through aerodynamic control surfaces on the RV body. The Emad's MaRV capability falls short of the true maneuvering capability of the Fattah-1's post-boost propulsion stage -- the Emad's terminal maneuvers are aerodynamic fin deflections that follow a commanded trajectory adjustment rather than a fully autonomous seeker-guided terminal maneuver -- but they meaningfully complicate the geometric prediction problem that Arrow-2 and Patriot engagement computers solve to generate a fire-control solution. A BMD interceptor fired on a predicted intercept point must continuously update its solution as the incoming warhead maneuvers; the more aggressive the maneuver, the less accurate the initial fire-control solution and the greater the interceptor's divert budget required to correct it. The Emad's maneuvering was assessed as designed to exploit exactly this constraint in early-generation hit-to-kill interceptors whose divert budgets were sized for non-maneuvering targets. The Sejjil represents a different design philosophy from the Shahab family: a two-stage solid-fuel MRBM with a range estimated at 2,000 to 2,500 kilometers (1,243 to 1,553 miles) that trades the Shahab family's liquid-fuel range density for the operational advantages of solid propellant. A Sejjil on its TEL requires no fueling -- it is stored propellant-loaded and can be erected and fired within minutes of a launch order, providing launch-on-warning capability that the liquid-fuel systems cannot match. The Sejjil's two-stage configuration, with the solid boosters burning in sequence, provides a steeper trajectory option that compresses the time of flight compared to a minimum-energy trajectory at comparable range -- reducing the BMD system's intercept window at the cost of reduced range. Iran reportedly exercises both lofted and depressed trajectory options for the Sejjil in tests, a flexibility that complicates the engagement geometry for systems whose intercept altitude envelopes are calibrated for specific trajectory assumptions. The solid-fuel production disruption of 2024-25 was assessed as having reduced the Sejjil inventory below what Iran's strategic planning required, making its conservation in the early high-volume salvos consistent with both the rationing strategy and the inventory management reality. The Khorramshahr family -- represented at its most capable publicly known variant by the Khorramshahr-4, which Iran designated "Kheibar" and first displayed in 2022 -- occupies the top of Iran's acknowledged MRBM range table at approximately 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles). What distinguishes the Khorramshahr from the Shahab/Ghadr/Emad family at comparable range is its payload: the widened conical nose section, measuring approximately 1.5 meters in diameter, accommodates a warhead substantially heavier than the Ghadr's RV, and is assessed by Western analysts as specifically designed with nuclear delivery in mind -- the large diameter required to carry a first-generation implosion device of the type Iran was assessed as developing. Iranian officials disputed the characterization, but the missile's physical dimensions and its trajectory toward Iran's acknowledged 2,000-kilometer range cap -- a self-imposed limit that Iranian officials described as sufficient for deterrence given the location of US bases and Israel -- were consistent with it. Advanced Solid-Fuel Systems -- Kheibar Shekan and Haj Qassem The generation of solid-fuel MRBMs that Iran introduced between 2020 and 2023 -- the Kheibar Shekan, the Haj Qassem (formally the Martyr Hajj Qassem Soleimani), and the Fattah family -- represented a qualitative advance over the earlier Shahab-derived inventory in three respects: solid-fuel readiness, improved precision guidance, and in the case of the Fattah, terminal maneuvering capability that Iranian sources claimed defeated existing BMD systems. The Kheibar Shekan, first displayed in February 2022 and assessed with a range of approximately 1,450 kilometers (901 miles), was built around a solid-fuel booster that became the foundation for the Fattah-1 in a subsequent development iteration. The missile's precision guidance, attributed to GPS-aided inertial navigation with reported circular error probable below 10 meters, made it the instrument of choice for attacks against hardened military facilities and specific infrastructure nodes rather than the area targets that the older Shahab-class accuracy required targeting to justify. Iran fired Kheibar Shekan rounds at Israeli military facilities and at US base infrastructure in the Gulf in the opening phase of the conflict, and IRGC commanders identified specific target categories -- aircraft shelters, command buildings, fuel storage -- as appropriate to its precision. The Haj Qassem, named for the IRGC Quds Force commander killed in a US drone strike in January 2020, is a solid-fuel MRBM with a range of approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) and a variant configuration that Iranian sources described as capable of carrying multiple warheads -- separate submunition packages or multiple conventional reentry vehicles dispensed from a post-boost bus -- designed to complicate BMD engagement sequencing. The multi-warhead claim, if accurate, would mean that a single Haj Qassem launch generates multiple tracks that the fire-control system must evaluate independently, potentially consuming interceptor rounds against decoys or submunitions rather than reserving them for the primary reentry vehicle. The ISW assessed that Iran was conserving Haj Qassem rounds in the opening phase of Epic Fury, using older systems at higher volume to deplete interceptor magazines before employing the systems most likely to penetrate depleted defenses. Hypersonic and Maneuvering Systems -- The Fattah Family The Fattah-1, unveiled by Iran in June 2023 as its first domestically produced hypersonic missile, represents the most technically sophisticated warhead delivery system in the Iranian inventory and the system most discussed in terms of its ability to defeat the layered BMD architecture that the coalition assembled for Epic Fury. Understanding the Fattah's technical characteristics requires distinguishing between what Iran claimed, what Western analysts assessed, and what could be inferred from the missile's physical configuration as revealed in official Iranian imagery and test footage. The Fattah-1's first stage is derived from the Kheibar Shekan booster -- a solid-fuel propulsion stack of known performance. The second element is not a conventional second stage but a solid-fuel post-boost propulsion motor located inside the reentry vehicle itself, firing after the main booster has burned out and the RV has separated. This post-boost motor, which Iran characterized as providing terminal maneuvering through combined thrust-vector control and aerodynamic fin deflection, performs two functions: it accelerates the RV during the terminal phase, increasing its speed beyond the ballistic deceleration that would otherwise occur in the atmosphere, and it executes programmed lateral maneuvers that change the RV's impact point prediction throughout the terminal intercept window. The Iran Watch organization's technical analysis, which examined the Fattah's design configuration in detail, classified the post-boost motor as analogous to the liquid-fueled post-boost vehicles on US MIRVed missiles -- not a traditional second stage but a dedicated maneuvering and terminal guidance element. Iranian officials claimed terminal speeds exceeding Mach 13 for the Fattah-1 and the ability to execute unpredictable maneuvers that defeated existing BMD systems during that terminal phase. Western analysts treated these claims with appropriate skepticism: the Mach 13 terminal speed claim was not independently verified, and claims of BMD-defeating maneuverability needed to be evaluated against the specific capabilities and limitations of the systems being cited as defeated. What was not in doubt was that the Fattah-1's post-boost propulsion stage provided terminal maneuvering capability that no earlier Iranian system had demonstrated, and that the combination of high reentry speed and maneuvering at that speed created an engagement problem for hit-to-kill interceptors that was qualitatively different from the simple ballistic trajectory interception they were designed for. The THAAD's divert budget -- the lateral thrust available to the kill vehicle to correct its intercept trajectory after the final fire-control update -- was sized for intercept geometry calculations that assumed a non-maneuvering target; the Fattah's terminal maneuvers consumed that divert budget faster than the kill vehicle could correct, potentially forcing the interceptor into a miss outside its correction capability. The Fattah-2, for which Iran displayed a cutaway reentry vehicle model to Khamenei in 2023 alongside a booster motor resembling the Fattah-1's, was assessed by the Iran Watch analysis as not having completed flight testing as of the conflict's opening. The system used the same Fattah-1 rocket motor and reentry vehicle assembly, suggesting that the Fattah-2's distinction involved changes to the post-boost guidance or the warhead rather than the propulsion. ISW assessed that the Fattah series, both variants, was being held in reserve during Epic Fury's high-volume opening phase, consistent with the pattern of expending older and more expendable systems first and preserving the most capable rounds for later phases when the BMD architecture would be under greater stress from depleted interceptor inventories. The Drone Campaign and Its Relationship to Ballistic Missile Operations The approximately 2,000 one-way attack drones that the IRGC fired in the conflict's first five days were not a supplementary effort to the ballistic missile campaign -- they were an integral component of a coordinated saturation strategy whose design logic could not be understood by examining either element in isolation. The Shahed-136, the delta-wing turbojet one-way attack drone that Iran supplied to Russia from 2022 onward and that CENTCOM reported observing in reversed-engineered US versions employed for the first time as the LUCAS system in Epic Fury, flies a subsonic cruise profile at altitudes from 100 to 3,000 meters (330 to 9,800 feet), navigating by GPS/INS to a programmed aim point where it dives onto the target and detonates a roughly 40-kilogram (88-pound) shaped-charge warhead. Its radar cross-section, while larger than a cruise missile's and not designed for stealth, is smaller than a manned aircraft's and presents a detection challenge to systems whose radar sensitivity was calibrated for faster and larger targets. Its cruise speed of approximately 185 kilometers per hour (115 miles per hour) makes it intercept-able by virtually any air defense system that detects it -- but detecting it, tracking it in a cluttered environment with many simultaneous contacts, and maintaining an intercept track through its erratic final dive are operational challenges distinct from the system's limited inherent capability. Iran's saturation doctrine used drones and ballistic missiles in coordinated salvos designed to simultaneously stress all tiers of the BMD architecture. A salvo arriving with 40 Shahed-136 drones at altitudes below 500 meters (1,640 feet) required Iron Dome Tamir interceptors -- at approximately $80,000 to $100,000 per round -- or directed-energy engagement from the Iron Beam laser system if available, and kept Iron Dome radar and battle management focused on low-altitude slow-movers. Simultaneously arriving ballistic missiles in the SRBM category -- Fateh-110s and Zolfaghars with flight times under five minutes from western Iran to Gulf targets -- required Patriot and lower Arrow-2 engagements that consumed $2 to $3 million interceptor rounds. Simultaneously arriving MRBM threats in the Shahab-3 and Ghadr category required THAAD and upper Arrow-2 engagements at $13 million and $2 to $3 million per shot respectively. The concurrent demand on all three tiers of the intercept architecture, each operating at different altitude bands and against different threat kinematics, was designed to maximize the probability that some portion of each salvo penetrated through the cracks between the layers -- the altitude transitions where a threat's track transferred from one system's responsibility to another's, the engagement gaps when a battery was reloading, the geographic edges of the defended footprint where coverage thinned. Even a five percent penetration rate against a 200-round salvo produced ten warheads on target, a rate of infrastructure damage sufficient to impose the political costs that the doctrine sought. Launch Rate Suppression and the Counter-TEL Campaign The coalition's counter-TEL campaign -- prosecuted continuously from the first hours of the conflict through Day 8 and beyond -- was the primary driver of the 90 percent decline in Iran's ballistic missile launch rate from Day 1 to Day 7. The campaign combined overhead ISR from satellites and high-altitude surveillance drones, persistent track of known TEL operating areas, and rapid handoff to strike assets capable of reaching a detected launcher before it completed its firing cycle. The IDF reported striking more than 400 targets in western Iran on Day 7 alone, specifically identifying ballistic missile launchers and drone storage as the primary target categories -- a figure that reflected either the density of the TEL operating areas or the inclusion of surveyed launch sites and associated support infrastructure as well as mobile launchers themselves. Iran's tactical response to the counter-TEL pressure evolved through the conflict's first week. TEL crews shifted from operating from prepared launch pads with supporting fuel infrastructure to conducting "shoot and scoot" launches from improvised positions -- pulling off a highway, erecting within minutes, firing, and departing the position before a strike could be directed against the launch site. This technique reduced the window of vulnerability and denied coalition planners the pre-surveyed aim points that had been developed for fixed launch areas, but it introduced its own limitations: the guidance calibration quality of a missile fired from an imprecisely located launch point was somewhat lower than from a surveyed site, the time required to erect, calibrate, and fire a liquid-fuel missile from an improvised position was longer than from a prepared pad, and the support infrastructure -- the fuel trucks, oxidizer vehicles, electrical ground support equipment -- that the TEL required could not itself conduct shoot-and-scoot maneuvers with the same rapidity as the launcher. Following the fuel and support vehicles to their overnight marshaling areas became a targeting approach that complemented the direct TEL hunt. The IRGC's underground missile storage -- the "missile city" tunnel complexes constructed in the mountains of western and central Iran through the 2010s and 2020s -- proved more survivable than surface and semi-hardened facilities through the first seven days of the campaign. The Day 8 coalition strike on an underground ballistic missile production and storage facility in Tehran, in which more than 80 Israeli Air Force fighter jets dropped 230 bombs against an underground complex housing hundreds of IRGC personnel, represented the campaign's first confirmed penetration into the deep-storage tier. The progression from surface launcher hunting to deep underground storage destruction -- requiring the B-2 and GBU-57 profile that the air campaign had applied to the nuclear facilities since Day 1 -- reflected both the attrition of easier surface and semi-hardened targets and the growing intelligence picture of the underground network's location and extent. NDTV, citing unnamed analysts, estimated that Iran retained approximately 1,000 ballistic missiles as of 7 March -- a figure consistent with the 500-plus confirmed fired through Day 5, the assessed attrition from counter-TEL strikes, and production losses from the Shahid Hemmat Industrial Group strikes, against a pre-war starting inventory of approximately 2,500. Iran's Warhead Technologies -- Precision, Penetration, Cluster, and Nuclear The conventional warhead that equips the bulk of Iran's ballistic missile inventory is a unitary blast-fragmentation device weighing from approximately 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) on the Fateh-110 to roughly 1,500 kilograms (3,300 pounds) on the Khorramshahr. The warhead's detonation on impact or with a short delay fuze generates a blast wave and a fragmentation pattern adequate to destroy soft targets -- aircraft parking areas, fuel storage, radar installations, soft-skinned vehicles -- within a radius that varies with warhead weight and terrain from roughly 50 to 200 meters (165 to 655 feet). Against hardened targets -- aircraft shelters with reinforced concrete roofs, buried command bunkers, hardened fuel storage -- the conventional unitary warhead's effectiveness depends heavily on CEP: a 500-kilogram blast warhead landing within 10 meters of an aircraft shelter's roof can collapse it; the same warhead landing 50 meters away inflicts minor damage. The precision improvements in Iran's newer systems, from the Shahab-3's approximately 190-meter CEP to the Kheibar Shekan's claimed sub-10-meter accuracy, represent a fundamental change in the class of targets against which ballistic missiles are practically effective -- not just area denial of open-air facilities but precise destruction of hardened point targets. The Emad's maneuvering reentry vehicle introduced a guidance mode beyond GPS/INS: the terminal phase aerodynamic steering that Iran claimed provided near-metric CEP against fixed targets. The significance of this capability for the warhead targeting calculus was that it allowed a single missile to be assigned to a single hardened point target with reasonable confidence of achieving the required accuracy, rather than requiring multiple weapons to compensate for CEP uncertainty. A post-boost correction of even 50 meters -- well within the Emad's aerodynamic capability -- translates, at 1,000-meter standoff from a hardened target, into a two-fold improvement in CEP and a corresponding increase in the single-shot probability of kill against a well-characterized hardened point. The Fattah-1's post-boost maneuvering capability serves a dual function that distinguishes it from the Emad's aerodynamic terminal guidance. The post-boost motor executes both precision terminal guidance toward the designated aim point and the evasive lateral maneuvers designed to defeat the hit-to-kill interceptor. These are complementary rather than conflicting functions: the motor fires in a programmed sequence that interleaves aim-point correction burns with evasive maneuver burns, arriving at the aim point with residual accuracy while having exhausted the interceptor's divert budget through the evasive sequence. Iran's claimed circular error probable for the Fattah-1 is in the single-digit meter range -- if accurate, making it effectively equivalent to a precision-guided air-dropped weapon in terminal accuracy while adding the BMD-defeat maneuvering that no air-dropped weapon requires. The cluster warhead observation reported by CNN teams in Tel Aviv during the night of 6 March 2026 -- what they described as a cluster warhead detonating above central Israel -- introduced a warhead type with distinct implications for both the BMD problem and the humanitarian law situation. A cluster dispenser on a ballistic missile RV releases submunitions at altitude above the target area, creating a pattern of individual submunition detonations across an area wider than a single unitary warhead can cover. Against soft targets distributed across an area -- vehicle parks, aircraft in the open, personnel in exposed positions -- the area coverage of cluster munitions produces higher aggregate damage than the point blast of a unitary warhead. Against hardened targets the situation reverses: cluster submunitions lack the penetrating capability of unitary blast warheads and are ineffective against reinforced structures. The BMD implication is that a cluster-warhead missile generates, after dispenser opening, a cloud of radar returns that the fire-control system must evaluate individually to determine which represents the main warhead body and which are dispersing submunitions -- a discrimination challenge distinct from the clean single-track problem of a unitary warhead. Iran is not a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions; the use of cluster submunitions over populated areas constitutes a potential violation of customary international humanitarian law independent of treaty status. The nuclear-capable character of several Iranian MRBM families -- specifically the Shahab-3/Ghadr lineage, the Khorramshahr, the Emad, and the Sejjil -- has been assessed consistently by Western intelligence and open-source analyses across the decade preceding Epic Fury. The Khorramshahr's widened 1.5-meter nose section, assessed as accommodating a first-generation implosion device, makes it the most specifically nuclear-tailored platform in the visible inventory. The nuclear dimension of the warhead question remains unresolvable in open source because it depends on the status of Iran's enriched uranium stocks, centrifuge capacity, and weaponization work -- all of which became unverifiable when IAEA access was suspended on 28 February 2026. Pre-war IAEA figures reported approximately 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent U-235, which constitutes the starting material for further enrichment to weapons-grade. Whether any fraction of this material survived the Epic Fury nuclear facility strikes, was relocated before the strikes, or was processed to higher enrichment levels before access was suspended cannot be confirmed in open source. Coalition BMD Architecture -- Layered Defense Under Sustained Attack The coalition's defense against Iran's missile and drone campaign assembled the most complex integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) network ever operated in sustained combat, combining Israel's national layered air defense system with US Theater Missile Defense assets deployed in the Gulf states and at sea on Aegis platforms, and supplemented by Gulf partner Patriot batteries and by Ukrainian drone-intercept expertise that British Prime Minister Starmer confirmed was being made available to Gulf states. The architecture's design philosophy -- multiple overlapping layers engaging incoming threats at sequentially lower altitude bands, each layer specialized for specific threat kinematics and altitude regimes -- reflected lessons from the Twelve-Day War of June 2025 and from years of Iran's proxy missile campaigns through Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. Arrow-3, the outermost tier of the Israeli national system and the only system in the coalition inventory capable of exo-atmospheric intercept, engages MRBM reentry vehicles during their midcourse phase before atmospheric reentry, when the RV's trajectory is most predictable and when the intercept geometry places the engagement above the densely populated areas that a post-reentry intercept failure would threaten. Arrow-3's November 2023 intercept of a Ghadr-110 missile in exo-atmospheric space marked the first space-based BMD engagement in combat history, demonstrating a capability that the system's critics had questioned until that engagement. Against the Fattah-1's post-boost maneuvering RV, the Arrow-3's engagement timeline and intercept geometry are less favorable: the post-boost motor fires after booster separation but before terminal reentry, in the same altitude band where Arrow-3 operates, and the RV's maneuvers during this phase require the Arrow-3 kill vehicle to execute more divert than a non-maneuvering target demands. The extent to which this degraded Arrow-3's intercept probability against Fattah-1 targets in the conflict was not disclosed in open-source reporting. THAAD, the US Army's Theater High Altitude Area Defense system, provided the upper endoatmospheric tier for the Gulf states' protection, operating from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and Kuwait in the batteries pre-positioned there before the conflict began. THAAD's engagement altitude band, from approximately 40 to 150 kilometers (25 to 93 miles), addresses the mid-to-high-altitude terminal phase of MRBM reentry -- the regime where a target is above the Patriot's effective ceiling but below the Arrow-3's preferred operating altitude. THAAD's kinematic capability against the Fattah-1's maneuvering RV was the specific vulnerability documented in the JINSA post-Twelve-Day-War analysis: the hit-to-kill vehicle's divert budget, sized for non-maneuvering ballistic reentry, was exhausted faster than the fire-control system could correct when the target executed the combined speed/maneuver profile the Fattah claimed. THAAD performed well against conventional MRBMs and SRBMs throughout the conflict, but the IRGC's pattern of conserving Fattah-1 rounds while expending Shahab and Zolfaghar systems at high volume in the opening phase appears consistent with an intent to delay Fattah employment until THAAD interceptor inventories had been reduced by high-volume conventional engagements. The JINSA analysis of the Twelve-Day War found that THAAD accounted for nearly half of all ballistic missile interceptions during that conflict, with Israel's insufficient Arrow interceptor capacity forcing US THAAD batteries to absorb more of the MRBM engagement load than planning had assumed. That conflict consumed approximately 14 percent of the total US THAAD interceptor stockpile in two weeks -- a quantity requiring three to eight years to replenish at Lockheed Martin's production rate of approximately 100 to 130 interceptors per year at the time. Epic Fury's heavier and more sustained campaign was consuming additional THAAD inventory from a starting point already reduced by the Twelve-Day War's expenditure -- a depletion spiral that the Trump administration's authorization of quadrupled defense production addressed in policy terms but could not address in physical inventory on any timeline shorter than 12 to 18 months from contract award to delivery. The cost asymmetry between Iran's attacking missiles and the coalition's intercepting ones is the structural vulnerability that Iran's doctrine was designed to exploit and that Epic Fury's campaign exposed in operational reality. A Fateh-110 missile costs Iran approximately $500,000 to $1 million in fully loaded production cost -- including the TEL's allocated share and the supporting infrastructure -- and forces a defensive response consuming a Tamir interceptor at $80,000, a Patriot PAC-3 MSE at $3.7 million, or a THAAD interceptor at $13 million. The exchange ratio is favorable to Iran at every intercept tier except the Tamir -- and the Tamir engages drones and short-range rockets, not ballistic missiles. For ballistic threats, Iran expends a one-time-use missile that costs one-tenth to one-hundredth of the interceptor it consumes, and the production timelines for replacing those interceptors are an order of magnitude longer than for replacing Iranian missiles. This arithmetic was understood in CENTCOM planning before the conflict and remained the BMD architecture's strategic limitation throughout its execution. Pezeshkian's Suspension and the Command Authority Fracture On Day 8, 7 March 2026, President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a prerecorded televised statement apologizing to neighboring Gulf states for Iranian strikes and announcing that the temporary leadership council had decided to suspend missile attacks on neighboring countries unless attacks on Iran originated from their territory. Within hours of that announcement, Iranian drones hit Dubai International Airport, disrupting flight operations and injuring staff, while Saudi Arabia intercepted 16 drones in four separate waves targeting the Shaybah oil field -- the first strikes on that facility since the conflict began. IRGC armed forces spokesman General Abolfazl Shekarchi subsequently issued a statement asserting that Iran had "not hit countries that did not provide space for America to invade our country" -- a claim inconsistent with the week's strike record and directly contradicting the president's acknowledgment of the attacks. The episode confirmed the command authority fracture that open-source analysts had assessed since the decapitation of the IRGC leadership structure in the opening strikes. The IRGC Aerospace Force's ballistic missile and drone targeting authority rested with the Supreme Leader under normal doctrine -- it was the Supreme Leader's pre-authorization of specific target sets and launch authorities that allowed IRGC regional commanders to execute autonomous retaliatory strikes without waiting for a launch order from civilian leadership in each instance. With the Supreme Leader dead and the temporary leadership council holding no recognized authority in IRGC command doctrine, the pre-authorized targeting orders remained in effect and the IRGC's launch authorities continued to execute them. The civilian government's announcement of a suspension was not backed by an override mechanism in the IRGC command chain, because that mechanism ran through the Supreme Leader -- who no longer existed. The Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi's public call for the Assembly of Experts to act quickly to name a new Supreme Leader explicitly linked this command vacuum to national authority failure: without a legitimate Supreme Leader, the IRGC had no authorized superior to receive a change in targeting orders from, and the pre-authorization structure remained in effect until it was superseded by a recognized Supreme Leader issuing new orders. Home > Military > Operations > Iran War 2026 -- Daily Update Iran War 2026 -- Day 15 Update 14 March 2026 | 0800 ET | Data cutoff: 0500 ET RSS Feed Metric Value Campaign Day 15 (14 March 2026) Coalition Sorties (cumulative) not reported Coalition Targets Struck (cumulative) >15,000 (Hegseth / Pentagon, 14 March 2026) Iranian Air Defenses Degraded (%) ~90% (CENTCOM assessment, 14 March 2026) Iranian Ballistic Missile Launches (cumulative) not reported (down ~90% from Day 1) Iranian Drone Launches (cumulative) not reported (down ~95% from Day 1) Ballistic Missile Launch Rate vs. Day 1 down ~90% (Hegseth / Pentagon, 14 March 2026) Drone Launch Rate vs. Day 1 down ~95% (Hegseth / Pentagon, 14 March 2026) US Military KIA 13 confirmed -- all six KC-135 crew confirmed dead (Pentagon, 13 March 2026) US Military Wounded ~140, 8 severely; 108 returned to duty (Pentagon, 13 March 2026) Coalition KIA (non-US) 1 French; 15 Israeli (updated, 14 March 2026) Iranian Military Casualties not reported Civilian Casualties (Iran) ~1,444 killed; ~18,551 injured (Al Jazeera tracker, 14 March 2026) Lebanon Killed ~773 (Lebanese Health Ministry, 14 March 2026) Ships Attacked (cumulative) >22 (cumulative through 14 March 2026) Iranian Vessels Destroyed or Damaged >90 (CENTCOM, 14 March 2026) Hormuz Shipping Traffic down ~90% (industry assessment, 14 March 2026) Brent Crude Spot Price $103.14 (close 14 March 2026, +2.67%); trading range $97.60-$103.95 Trump directs precision strike on Kharg Island military targets, obliterating installations but sparing oil infrastructure as strategic warning to Iran. The United States conducted a major bombing raid against military installations located on Iran's Kharg Island, which handles approximately 90 percent of Iran's oil exports. President Trump announced in a public statement that the operation had "totally obliterated every MILITARY target" while emphasizing that the deliberate decision had been made not to destroy oil infrastructure. Trump warned that if Iran attempted to interfere with shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, he would reconsider preserving Iran's energy sector. More than 15 explosions were reported in the vicinity of Kharg Island. Iranian officials stated that no oil infrastructure had been damaged in the strikes, though military installations were hit. Pentagon confirms all six KC-135 Stratotanker crew members dead, raising cumulative US military fatalities to 13 as Air Force records first combat losses of Operation Epic Fury. The Air Force confirmed on 13 March that all six airmen aboard the KC-135 that crashed in western Iraq on 12 March have been declared dead. Three of the deceased were identified as Ohio residents serving with the 121st Air Refueling Wing, a detail confirmed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. These represent the first confirmed Air Force fatalities of the campaign. Combined with seven personnel killed in direct enemy action, the total U.S. military death toll stands at 13. Secretary Hegseth reports 15,000+ targets struck in 15 days, missile volume down 90 percent, drone launches down 95 percent; states Mojtaba Khamenei is wounded and "likely disfigured." Pentagon leadership provided detailed operational summaries indicating the sustained intensity of coalition air operations spanning more than 1,000 targets per day and the severe degradation of Iranian offensive capabilities. Hegseth's public characterization of Khamenei's absence and reported condition emphasized what the Secretary viewed as a fundamental strategic disadvantage for the Iranian regime. The reductions in Iranian air weapons employment reflect cumulative losses of launch platforms and the disruption of command and control systems. Missile strike impacts US Embassy compound helipad in Baghdad, destroying air defense system component; marks second attack on diplomatic facility since conflict began. An Iranian missile impacted a helipad location within the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad on 14 March, destroying a portion of the facility's air defense system. Smoke was observed rising from the compound. The U.S. Embassy renewed its Level 4 security posture, indicating the highest threat assessment. This represents the second direct attack on the embassy compound since Operation Epic Fury commenced on 28 February. Saudi Arabia intercepts and destroys 51 Iranian drones in largest single-day barrage targeting the kingdom since conflict began on 28 February. Saudi air defenses engaged and neutralized a major Iranian drone attack on 13 March across multiple regions, including the vicinity of the capital Riyadh. The 51 drones destroyed in this engagement represent the largest documented single-day barrage against Saudi Arabia during the campaign, demonstrating Iran's continued attempts to strike regional economic and political targets despite the degradation of its drone launch capacity. Brent crude closes at $103.14 on 14 March, up 2.67 percent, marking second consecutive day above $100 per barrel amid continuing Strait of Hormuz shipping disruption. Energy markets remained volatile as global crude supplies faced substantial constraint from the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing uncertainty regarding Iranian production following the Kharg Island strike. The trading range for the day extended from $97.60 to $103.95 per barrel, reflecting both buyer interest in forward contracting and the continuing risk premium associated with regional instability. Air Campaign Intensity and Target Destruction Coalition air operations continued at sustained high intensity on 14 March, maintaining the operational tempo established since 28 February and expanded on 13 March with the Kharg Island operation. Pentagon officials reported that more than 15,000 enemy targets had been engaged cumulatively, representing an increase of 3,000 targets from the 12,000 reported on 13 March. The majority of these targets have been Iranian military installations, air defense systems, ballistic missile launch facilities, drone production and staging areas, and command-and-control nodes. The distributed geographic nature of Iranian military assets across the country has required sustained, systematic targeting to achieve the degradation levels reported by U.S. leadership. Secretary Hegseth indicated that the coalition was destroying targets at a rate exceeding 1,000 daily, suggesting that known target sets would face substantial completion within the subsequent two weeks assuming current operational tempo. The Kharg Island operation exemplifies the strategic precision being applied to target selection and the calibration of objectives across multiple policy domains. Rather than employing broad-area bombing campaigns against energy infrastructure, U.S. planners concentrated strikes on military installations and command elements on and near the island. Trump's explicit preservation of oil production facilities, coupled with a clear warning that the decision could be reversed if Iranian actions warranted it, signals an attempt to impose strategic and economic costs on the regime while preserving the possibility of post-conflict economic reconstruction. The decision to strike the island -- which historically has been a symbol of Iranian economic power and petroleum dominance -- carries significant symbolic weight independent of direct military value. Air Defense Suppression and Degradation Iranian integrated air defense systems remained approximately 90 percent degraded as of the most recent CENTCOM assessment, representing a five-percentage-point increase from the 85-percent figure cited on 10 March. The sustained degradation of Iranian air defenses has enabled coalition aircraft to operate over Iranian territory with substantially reduced threat risk, permitting the transition from stand-off missile employment to stand-in precision strikes utilizing shorter-range systems. The ongoing suppression campaign against residual point-defense systems around high-value targets such as Fordow and Isfahan continues as coalition aircraft maintain round-the-clock strike operations across Iranian territory. Israeli Air Campaign in Iran and Lebanon Israeli operations in the Iran and Lebanon theaters have proceeded in parallel with U.S. air operations. IDF sources reported more than 7,600 strikes against targets in Iran and more than 1,100 strikes in Lebanese territory as of 14 March. The IDF also reported destroying more than 300 Iranian ballistic missile launch systems, representing a substantial portion of Iran's operational mobile missile fleet. The geographic distribution of Israeli operations reflects Israel's strategy of degrading Iranian capability across multiple domains and regional locations while maintaining simultaneous pressure against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon that could threaten Israeli territory. Iranian military forces continued to conduct retaliatory strikes against coalition and regional targets despite the substantial documented degradation of their conventional capabilities. The IRGC announced that it had conducted coordinated missile and drone strikes against Israeli targets in coordination with Hezbollah elements. However, the markedly reduced volume and frequency of these attacks compared to the opening phases of the conflict reflects the cumulative impact of coalition air superiority and the loss of launch platforms and command-and-control nodes. The missile strike against the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad on 14 March indicates that Iranian forces or proxy elements retain sufficient operational security and execution capability to conduct precision strikes against defended targets. While the material damage was limited, the successful penetration of the embassy's air defense system represents a tactical success that demonstrates Iran's capacity to maintain some retaliatory operations despite strategic disadvantage. The targeting of diplomatic facilities underscores Iran's continued willingness to escalate political dimensions of the conflict and pursue attacks designed to impose psychological and political costs. Iranian statements regarding the conflict have emphasized the regime's stated commitment to continued resistance and threats of further escalation. Iran has warned that if its energy infrastructure faces direct targeting, it would conduct retaliatory strikes against regional oil and gas facilities, implying potential attacks on neighboring states or critical infrastructure in the Persian Gulf region. These statements appear calculated both to deter U.S. targeting decisions regarding Iranian oil infrastructure and to maintain political and military credibility with regional audiences regarding the regime's will to resist. Hezbollah and Lebanon Hezbollah has maintained offensive operations against northern Israel from Lebanese territory despite sustained Israeli air strikes and the substantial erosion of its operational capabilities. Hezbollah missile and drone attacks continue, though at substantially reduced tempo from the opening days of the conflict as Israeli air operations degrade launch infrastructure. Israeli operations in Lebanon have resulted in unprecedented civilian displacement, with more than 800,000 people driven from their homes. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 773 killed and 1,933 wounded as of 14 March, with elevated casualty figures among civilian populations reflecting the geographic concentration of Hezbollah positions within populated urban and suburban areas. Israel has destroyed the Zrarieh Bridge over the Litani River in a demonstration of expanded targeting reach and has distributed leaflets throughout Lebanon warning of Gaza-scale destruction, reflecting the intensity of Israeli operations. Iraqi Militias The Islamic Resistance in Iraq -- a loose coalition including Kataib Hezbollah, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, and Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba -- has expanded its operations throughout Iraq on 14 March. The coalition of Iran-aligned militias claims more than 300 total attacks since 28 February. Most militia operations target the Kurdistan Region, with Harir military base and Erbil International Airport bearing the heaviest burden of attack activity. The 12-13 March drone attack near Erbil that killed French Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion and wounded six other French soldiers marked the first non-U.S. allied combat death of the war. U.S. airstrikes targeting Popular Mobilization Forces headquarters in multiple Iraqi provinces have killed at least 27 fighters, but the strikes have not substantially diminished the pace or intensity of militia attack operations. Houthi-Controlled Yemen The Houthis remained the only major Iranian proxy that had not operationally joined the wider conflict as of 14 March 2026. However, two unnamed Houthi leaders told the Associated Press that the group intended to resume missile and drone attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi reiterated that his forces stood with Iran and the broader resistance axis. The potential resumption of Red Sea attacks would compound the economic effects of the Hormuz closure and expand the geographic threat to global shipping, though operational tempo through 14 March remained low. The Strait of Hormuz -- a 34-kilometer-wide waterway between Iran and Oman through which approximately 20 percent of global seaborne oil ordinarily passes -- remained effectively closed to legitimate commercial shipping as of 14 March 2026. Shipping traffic through the Strait was down approximately 90 percent, with hundreds of vessels anchored in holding positions outside the waterway awaiting clarification of conditions. Iraq's oil port operations remained suspended following earlier tanker attacks. Limited traffic continued through the Strait, primarily Iranian and Chinese-flagged ships, but commercial operators, major oil companies, and international insurers had effectively withdrawn from the corridor, with insurance premiums and risk surcharges at elevated levels. The disruption of shipping through the Strait, combined with the Kharg Island strike and uncertainty regarding Iranian production and infrastructure integrity, has created substantial global economic consequences. More than 22 commercial vessels have been attacked since the conflict began on 28 February. The attacks have continued to concentrate on vessels sailing through or near the Strait of Hormuz. The benchmark freight rate for Very Large Crude Carriers on the Middle East-to-China route remained at historically elevated levels, reflecting the near-total collapse of commercial shipping operations in the region. The combination of Iranian attacks, mining operations, and coalition military operations has created an environment where commercial insurers regard the Strait as an unacceptably high-risk corridor. The U.S. military remains unable to provide direct escort for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Pentagon officials stated that all available military assets remain focused on destroying Iran's offensive capabilities. The prospective Operation Epic Escort for tanker convoys remains without a confirmed timeline or force allocation plan. The expansion of Iranian maritime threats to the broader Persian Gulf and beyond the Strait itself -- as demonstrated by earlier tanker attacks in Iraqi waters and reports of threats to regional ports -- has complicated planning for potential convoy operations. Brent crude closed at $103.14 per barrel on 14 March, up 2.67 percent from the prior close and marking the second consecutive day above the $100-per-barrel level. The trading range for the day extended from $97.60 to $103.95, reflecting both strong buyer interest in forward contracting and continuing risk premiums associated with regional instability. The benchmark had peaked above $126 per barrel on 8 March but experienced significant volatility as reports and policy announcements created swings in investor confidence. Brent crude remained approximately 41 percent above the $73 level it held before the war began on 28 February. The Department of Energy is monitoring the strategic petroleum reserve drawdown authorized by the International Energy Agency on 11 March. The IEA directed the release of 400 million barrels from strategic reserves globally -- the largest coordinated drawdown in the organization's 50-year history. The United States committed 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, with remaining barrels distributed across other IEA member nations. The Department of Energy estimated approximately 120 days for complete delivery of the U.S. contribution. The failure of this historic strategic reserve intervention to arrest oil price increases above $100 per barrel underscores trader assessments that strategic reserves cannot replace the approximately 20 million barrels per day that ordinarily transited the Strait. The war's direct military cost to the United States was running at approximately $2 billion per day as of mid-March estimates. The Center for Strategic and International Studies had estimated the first 100 hours of operations at $3.7 billion, of which $3.5 billion was not covered by existing defense budgets. The Trump administration has acknowledged the need to submit supplemental appropriations legislation to Congress. The Middle East's travel and tourism sector was losing hundreds of millions of dollars daily in international visitor spending. More than 43,000 American citizens had been evacuated from the Middle East since 28 February. Iran remains the only non-nuclear-weapon state to have produced uranium enriched to 60 percent U-235, a level approaching weapons grade. The pre-war stockpile included 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent at Natanz. The IAEA reported that it had not had access to Iran's declared inventories of low-enriched uranium and high-enriched uranium for more than eight months prior to the conflict. The agency stated that while there was no evidence of Iran building a nuclear bomb, the large stockpile of near-weapons-grade enriched uranium combined with the regime's refusal to grant inspectors full access remained a cause for "serious concern." Facility Pre-War Status Current Status (14 March 2026) Natanz FEP (underground) Enriching to 60% U-235 Entrance buildings destroyed; facility inaccessible (IAEA, 3 March 2026) Isfahan IFEP Activity observed; IAEA access denied for >8 months IAEA unable to confirm nature of activities; status unknown Fordow FFEP (underground) Enriching to 60% U-235 Access roads and one entrance hit by coalition strikes (IAEA, March 2026) Arak IR-40 Heavy Water Reactor Modified under JCPOA Targeted; current status not reported Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant Operating Not reported as targeted The status and location of Mojtaba Khamenei, designated Supreme Leader on 8 March and son of the deceased Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has emerged as a significant concern in assessments of Iranian regime stability and decision-making capacity. Secretary Hegseth stated in public remarks on 14 March that Khamenei is wounded and "likely disfigured," characterizing his public absence since his designation as potentially indicative of serious injury. The U.S. State Department has offered a $10 million reward for information regarding Mojtaba Khamenei and other top Iranian officials, signaling an intelligence collection priority. Hegseth's public statement regarding Khamenei's condition represented an unprecedented attempt to delegitimize the new leadership through claims of physical incapacity. The regime has issued periodic statements reaffirming its commitment to continued military resistance and threatening extended conflict, but the absence of senior leadership figures from public platforms has contributed to international speculation regarding the extent of leadership casualties or incapacitation. The communications shutdown that had exceeded 264 hours in the conflict's opening days has been partially restored, but reporting on leadership status and regime decision-making processes remains opaque. Civilian morale assessments remain limited in available reporting. The scale of documented civilian casualties -- approximately 1,444 killed and 18,551 injured according to independent tracking sources -- and the disruption of energy infrastructure through the bombing of targets across the country suggest significant economic and social stress on Iran's 88 million population. The regime's security apparatus has reportedly increased surveillance and detention activities, suggesting internal concern regarding potential civil unrest or organized opposition to the conflict's continuation. International diplomatic responses to Operation Epic Fury continued on 14 March with most major powers issuing statements calling for restraint and humanitarian protection while stopping short of specific mediation initiatives or threats of military intervention. The United Nations Security Council remained largely ineffective in addressing the conflict, with expected divisions preventing consensus on substantive resolutions that might mandate cessation of hostilities or humanitarian corridors. Russia and China have issued statements criticizing U.S. actions, but neither has indicated willingness to intervene militarily or provide direct military support to Iran. Regional states including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and other Gulf Cooperation Council members have maintained private coordination with U.S. operations while preserving public diplomatic positions of neutrality or stated concern. The Saudi interception of 51 Iranian drones on 13 March demonstrated the kingdom's air defense capability and its apparent willingness to defend its territory against Iranian attacks, suggesting coordination with U.S. air defense networks and possibly real-time intelligence sharing regarding Iranian attack intentions. European nations including France have issued statements expressing concern regarding civilian casualties and the potential for humanitarian crisis in Iran and Lebanon. France has confirmed the loss of one military personnel in operations, indicating at least limited French military participation in the broader coalition effort. International humanitarian organizations have called for protection of civilian populations and have raised concerns regarding the potential for mass displacement and refugee crises, particularly given the Lebanese displacement figures exceeding 800,000. The Trump administration has framed Operation Epic Fury as a comprehensive military campaign designed to degrade Iran's military capability and compel strategic behavioral change. The White House has emphasized that the operation represents the exercise of decisive American power against what it characterizes as a terror regime, linking the conflict to broader administration themes regarding international assertiveness and the restoration of U.S. credibility. Trump's explicit public statements regarding Kharg Island and the Strait of Hormuz suggest an attempt to utilize military power to coerce Iranian compliance with U.S. demands while preserving maximum strategic flexibility. The administration has not articulated a specific set of political demands or conditions for cessation of hostilities. Instead, the focus remains on the demonstration of overwhelming military capability through the destruction of 15,000+ targets and the degradation of Iranian air defenses to approximately 90 percent. This approach maximizes coercive potential in the short term while creating deliberately maintained ambiguity regarding long-term political objectives and potential negotiation terms. The targeting of military installations rather than civilian infrastructure and the preservation of oil production facilities, despite their strategic significance, reflect calculations regarding the mitigation of humanitarian costs and the maintenance of international support. The administration's approach appears designed to establish the capability for rapid escalation or de-escalation, leaving maximum strategic options available as political circumstances evolve. Confirmed U.S. military casualties total 13 killed, with approximately 140 wounded across the 15-day campaign. The confirmation on 13 March of all six airmen from the KC-135 crash on 12 March constitutes the first documented Air Force fatalities in the conflict. Seven additional personnel have been killed in direct enemy action, the majority in helicopter or aircraft incidents related to combat operations. Approximately 108 personnel have returned to active duty following treatment, while eight personnel are classified as severely wounded. These figures represent relatively low U.S. casualties given the intensity of air operations and the scale of forces deployed, reflecting the effectiveness of U.S. air defense systems and the maintenance of air superiority throughout Operation Epic Fury. Coalition casualties include 1 confirmed French military personnel killed and 15 Israeli personnel. The Israeli figures reflect casualties reported through 14 March and may be subject to revision as official casualty confirmation processes conclude. Iranian military casualties have not been officially reported by Iranian government sources, though U.S. statements have implied substantial losses based on the targeting of military installations, air defense complexes, and personnel concentration areas. Independent tracking sources have documented approximately 1,444 Iranian civilians killed and 18,551 injured as of 14 March 2026. Lebanese civilian casualties have reached 773 killed and 1,933 wounded as of 14 March, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The displacement figure exceeding 800,000 persons indicates the scale of societal disruption resulting from sustained Israeli operations and the geographic concentration of Hezbollah positions within populated Lebanese areas. These figures represent the most significant humanitarian cost of the conflict measured outside Iranian territory. Operation Epic Fury has achieved its primary objective of establishing overwhelming U.S.-Israel military superiority in the air domain and degrading Iranian offensive military capabilities to levels approaching impotence. The reduction of Iranian missile and drone launch capacity by 90 and 95 percent respectively, combined with the destruction of more than 300 ballistic missile launchers and the degradation of integrated air defenses to approximately 90 percent, has fundamentally altered the balance of military power in the region. The sustained operational tempo -- averaging more than 1,000 targets destroyed per day over 15 days -- demonstrates substantial logistical capacity and the administration's operational commitment. The political trajectory of the conflict remains uncertain. The regime's demonstrated survival capability in the face of sustained military pressure, the continued capacity to conduct limited retaliatory strikes, and the absence of clearly articulated political demands or settlement terms suggest that the military campaign may encounter a plateau in achieving broader political objectives. The targeting of Mojtaba Khamenei and other senior officials, coupled with public statements regarding their alleged incapacity, suggests an attempt to disrupt regime decision-making and potentially force internal political crisis. However, the durability of the regime's institutional structures and succession planning remains unproven. The economic impact of the conflict -- particularly the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the Kharg Island strike creating uncertainty regarding Iranian production, and the continuation of military operations -- has created substantial global economic consequences. Energy prices sustained above $100 per barrel reflect both the direct loss of Iranian oil in global markets and the insurance and risk premiums associated with shipping disruptions. These economic impacts may constrain global economic growth and could create political pressure for conflict resolution among U.S. allies dependent on energy stability. The humanitarian costs of the conflict, particularly the displacement of more than 800,000 Lebanese and documented civilian casualties in Iran exceeding 1,400 killed and 18,500 injured, create potential for international diplomatic pressure favoring cessation of hostilities. However, the absence of effective international mediation mechanisms and the administration's demonstrated willingness to sustain military operations at current intensity suggest that Operation Epic Fury may continue for the foreseeable future absent a significant change in regime behavior or fundamental shifts in U.S. political calculations regarding strategic objectives. Sources and Citations Report Information: This operational report is updated daily by 0800 ET. Data cutoff for this report is 0500 ET on the date of publication. Casualty figures and assessments are based on available reporting from official military sources, international news agencies, and independent tracking organizations and are subject to revision as additional information becomes available. For corrections, clarifications, or news tips, contact jpike@globalsecurity.org Russo-Ukraine War - 05 March 2026 - Day 1471 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 117 combat clashes. The defense forces continue to stop the Russian enemy, destroy personnel and deplete its combat potential by providing a systematic fire effect. The Russian enemy launched 51 air strikes, dropped 142 controlled airstrikes, deployed 4,653 kamikaze drones and executed 2,543 shells on settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops. In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions today, Russian forces launched one air strike, dropped three air bombs, carried out 115 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, five in particular - with the application of the RSZV. In the South Slobozhans komu direction, no Russian offensive actions have been recorded. In the Kupians komu direction, the Russian enemy once attacked towards the settlement of Podola. In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled six Russian attacks towards settlements of Cherneshina, Drobisheve, Lyman. In the Slavic direction, the Russian opponent tried to advance five times in the area of the settlement of Zakitne and towards Yampol, Platonivka. In the Kramators komu direction the Russian opponent did not carry out offensive actions. In the Konstantinivsky direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 18 times in the areas of the settlements of Pleshiyivka, Ivanopilya, Rusin Yar, Sofiyivka and towards Illinivka, Stepanivka. The enemy committed 21 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. Russian troops tried to advance in the areas of the settlements Rodinske, Kotline, Novomikolaivka, Udaachne, Filiya and towards the settlements of Bilitske, Novooleksandrivka, Novopavlivka. According to preliminary calculations, today in this direction 63 Russian invaders and 23 injured. Destroyed one artillery system, four special equipment units, three tanks, two artillery systems, a car transport unit, a REB vehicle and 58 enemy shells. Destroyed or suppressed 192 BPLA of different types. In the direction of Oleksandrivsky, the Russian enemy attacked four times in the areas of populated areas of Novogrigorivka, Krasnogirsk. 22 collisions occurred in the Gulyaipil direction in the areas of Gulyaipol, Zelenoy, Mirny and towards the Railway, Varvarivka, Staroukrainka. Three clashes are underway. The Russian enemy launched air strikes in the areas of settlements of Vozdvizhivka, Kopani, Barvinivka, Verhnya Tersa, Varvarivka. In the orihivs komu direction, three combat with the Russian enemy near stepnogirs kogo, primors kogo. Population points Rozumivka, Veselyanka, Yurkivka suffered Russian airstrikes. In the Pridniprovsky direction Ukrainian units repelled one Russian attack towards the Antonivsky Bridge. In other directions, no significant changes in the environment have been recorded at this time. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. The Sever Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Russian troops engaged a mechanised brigade, an airmobile brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a territorial defence brigade, and a detachment of the Ukrainian Border Guard Service near Grabovskoye, Khoten, Novaya Sech, Katerinovka, and Miropolye (Sumy region). In Kharkov region, a mechanised brigade, a motorised infantry brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a territorial defence brigade have been hit near Staritsa, Volchanskiye Khutora, and Grafskoye of Kharkov region. The AFU losses amounted to up to 225 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, 20 motor vehicles, and one artillery gun. An electronic warfare station, an ammunition depot, and eight material depots were neutralised. As a result of resolute actions, the Zapad Group of Forces liberated Yarovaya (Donetsk People's Republic). Three mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a national guard brigade, and a border service detachment of Ukraine have been hit close to Lozovoye, Yatskovka, Rubtsy, Sosnovoye, Svyatogorsk, Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic), Novoyegorovka (Lugansk People's Republic), and Druzhelyubovka (Kharkov region). The enemy losses amounted to more than 180 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, and two artillery guns including a U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer. Three ammunition depots were neutralised. The Yuzhnaya Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line. Two mechanised brigades and a mountain assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were hit near Lipovka, Kaleniki, Slavyansk, Konstantinovka, Kramatorsk, Nikifovorovka, Krivaya Luka, Ray-Aleksandrovka, and Golubovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy lost up to 135 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles including two M113 armoured personnel carriers, a U.S.-made Stryker armoured personnel carrier, 13 motor vehicles, and four field artillery guns. Two electronic warfare stations and four materiel depots were neutralised. The Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Three mechanised brigades, an airmobile brigade, a jaeger brigade, two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a marine brigade, and two national guard brigades have been hit close to Priyut, Grishino, Zolotoy Kolodez, Volnoye, Belitskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Novopavlovka, Ivanovka, and Novopodgornoye in Dnepropetrovsk region. The AFU losses amounted to more than 345 troops, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, a Czech-made Vampire MLRS, and two field artillery guns. The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defence. Russian elements delivered damage to a mechanised brigade, an air assault brigade, an assault brigade, and two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Velikomikhaylovka, Kolomiytsy, Novoskelevatoye, Pisantsy in Dnepropetrovsk region, Vozdvizhevka, and Boykovo (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 280 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station. The Dnepr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian forces engaged a mechanised brigade and a mountain assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Novoyakovlevka and Zaporozhets (Zaporozhye region). More than 50 troops, 16 motor vehicles, an artillery gun, three electronic warfare stations, and two materiel depots have been neutralised. Operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have inflicted damage on energy and transport facilities used in the interests of the Ukrainian defence industry, sites for preparation and launch of long-range strike drones as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 152 areas. Air defence systems shot down eight guided aerial bombs, three HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 410 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. The Black Sea Fleet eliminated four uncrewed surface vehicles of the AFU in the north-western part of the Black Sea. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation the enemy has lost: 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 119,770 unmanned aerial vehicles, 651 anti-aircraft missile systems, 28,036 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,681 MLRS combat vehicles, 33,638 field artillery guns and mortars, and 55,925 units of support military vehicles. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address March 5, 2026 Speech Remarks by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Americas Counter Cartel Conference (As Delivered) HOST: Ladies and gentlemen, it is now my distinct pleasure to introduce our Secretary of War, the Honorable Pete Hegseth. SECRETARY OF WAR PETE HEGSETH: Well, good morning, everybody. Well, General Donovan and I are pleased to welcome all of you to Southern Command this morning. I'm honored to be the first Secretary of War to lead a hemispheric defense conference like this in more than 30 years. This conference is about you. This conference is about us. This conference is not called the America 'apostrophe S' -- America's Counter Cartel Conference. It's the Americas Counter Cartel Conference. This is about what we together can do. You know, it's been more than 200 years since our nations struggled for independence from foreign rule. The War of 1812 was about the United States defending its independence and protecting its territory. A 47-year-old Carolinian who was a major general in the Army, as was mentioned, Andrew Jackson, defeated a British Army almost double the size. Addressing his troops after victory at the Battle of New Orleans, Jackson declared, "Natives of different states, acting together for the first time have reaped the fruits of an honorable union." His success galvanized a young country. In 1816, our country elected a Revolutionary War hero as president. James Monroe fought in the Continental Army. Leading a charge against German mercenaries fighting for the British, the enemy fired a musket ball at him. It severed his artery and he almost died. But the young captain rallied and grew to be governor of Virginia, Secretary of War and one of our greatest presidents. In 1823, President Monroe said that the United States owed the success of that young country to the candor and amicable relations with other powers to affirm our national policy. President Monroe declared, "we should consider any attempt on malign countries to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety." It was the Monroe Doctrine of 1823. And today, some 200 years later, we still marvel at the wisdom of President Monroe's declaration. We, like you, want borders and sovereign territories that are secure. We want unfettered access to key terrain and trade so that our nations can industrialize. And we want to prevent external powers from threatening our peace and independence in our shared neighborhood. This is the essence of the Monroe Doctrine. No external power will interfere in this hemisphere. Ours should be a region of strong sovereign nations. It's the same principle that animates President Trump's defense approach today. President Trump and his Department of War are ushering in a new era of Homeland and hemispheric defense - rooted in the unique heritage of our nation and your nations. Under President Trump, we restored the Department of War. You see, the Department of War was established by General George Washington and served our nation from its founding through our hard-fought victory in World War II. Many of your countries also once had Ministries of War. Under President Trump, our nation has a newfound resolve that our founders would recognize, as Stephen alluded to and spoke to, they would recognize it and they would appreciate it. We are at long last putting America, Americans and the Americas first, ensuring peace through strength and restoring common sense. At our department we're doing it by restoring the Warrior Ethos, rebuilding our military to historic levels and reestablishing deterrence in this hemisphere and around the world. For too long leaders in Washington and their foreign policy functionaries abandoned the simple wisdom of the Monroe Doctrine. They were consumed with the United States only going abroad. They ignored the warnings of President John Quincy Adams who said that if our nation went overseas only "in search of monsters to destroy," that we would cease to be the ruler of our own spirit and our own backyard. Under previous leaders, we grew obsessed with every other theater and every other border in the world except our own. These elites reduced our power and presence in this hemisphere, opting for a benign neglect that was anything but benign. In your countries, many leaders accepted the status quo to coexist with narco-terrorism or for a law enforcement-alone approach that failed to deter and dismantle threats - same happened in our country under the previous administration. And the result of this collective neglect was fatal. More than 1 million Americans were killed by fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs, numbers greater than any casualties we've sustained in war. Millions of illegal aliens invaded our borders and destabilized nations across the hemisphere. Under Joe Biden's administration, the human smuggling industry exploded by more than 2,000 percent, from a $500 million so-called industry in 2018 to $13 billion by 2022. Cartels of terrorists across our hemisphere, enabled by adversaries, created and profited from chaos. What creates chaos? No leadership creates chaos. In our nation, narco-terrorist groups like Tren de Aragua prospered. They raped, they poisoned, they murdered innocent Americans. They terrorized our cities, our towns and our neighborhoods like they do yours. Across this region, these gangsters control and terrorize large swaths of your territories, kill thousands of your people and promote chaos that makes normal life sometimes almost impossible. Crimes spiked massively. Our hemisphere has one-eighth of the population, yet one-third of the violent crime. There's a reason for that. America's retreat from protecting its citizens and the complacency of many neighbors in this hemisphere was a great betrayal. That's what it was, a great betrayal against our people and our nations. Well, President Trump recognizes the wisdom of the Monroe Doctrine and the days of us betraying and endangering our own citizens are finished. President Trump has reestablished the Monroe Doctrine. The Trump Corollary of the Monroe Doctrine or if you'd like for short, you can just call it the Donroe Doctrine. Under President Trump, securing America's interest in the Western Hemisphere and keeping our Homeland safe are our top national security priorities. The President's historic National Defense Strategy ensures that the Department of War will prioritize resources around the threats and objectives that are core to homeland defense and the people and prosperity of the American people. And to start, the Department of War is once again defending our borders as a priority of our national defense. With our law enforcement partners, we are defending our borders and making our streets safe again. Crossings at our southern border, at the U.S.-Mexico border, have dropped to the lowest number in history. Murders nationwide have plummeted by more than 20 percent. We now have operational control of our southern border; zero people are crossing our southern border. We will not rest until we have complete operational control of every inch of all of our borders. So, it starts with us. We're addressing it, but we're not stopping there. Under President Trump for the first time in history, the Department of War is on the offense against narco-terrorists as well. I should back up a step though - in order to get 100 percent operational control of our border, we didn't just look at Border Patrol and say that's your job, it's a law enforcement function. We deployed the United States military. Right now, the division command of the 101st Airborne is in operational control of the southern border. We ensured that the most capable assets we had in our country were deployed to our own border to defend that border against the narco-terrorists and drug dealers seeking to enter our country. Not treating it simply as a law enforcement function - working with our partners but recognizing it's a core military function. But going on offense with Operation Southern Spear has restored deterrence against the narco-terrorist cartels that profited from poisoning Americans. Last month, we went a few weeks without targeting a single boat. Why? Well, because we couldn't find a whole lot of boats to sink, and that's the whole point is to establish deterrence from narco terrorists who have been able to traffic almost unfettered. And if the consequence was simply to be arrested and then released, well, that's a consequence they'd already priced in a long time ago. A new dynamic had to be put in motion in order for their decision cycle to change. And when adversaries are forced to move out of comfortable positions, as you know, as military men and women, they're more vulnerable when they're moving in a different direction, which is also the point. Drug overdoses that kill our citizens have dropped; flows of fentanyl, a weapon of mass destruction, are down 56 percent. We will continue to destroy these threats. In January, U.S. forces raided and arrested the most dangerous house in the most dangerous compound inside the most fortified fort in the capital city of Caracas of two indicted individuals, Nicolas Maduro and his wife, fugitives of the U.S. - of U.S. law. Operation Absolute Resolve showed the bravery of America's best, our warfighters. Nobody can do what the United States of America can do, it's not even close. President Trump has shown what is possible when you reject the status quo delusion that threats to our Homeland and our hemisphere are somehow secondary. America is prepared to take on these threats and go on the offense alone, if necessary. However, it is our preference, and it is the goal of this conference, that in the interest of this neighborhood, we all do it together with you, with our neighbors and with our Allies who are eager and willing and capable. To do this, to work together, we must first acknowledge what was lost and then understand what needs to be restored. All the nations represented in this room are offsprings of Western civilization. Our nations are and always will be united by our heritage, our history and geography in this new world. We share the same interests, and, because of this, we face an essential test - whether our nations will be and remain Western nations with distinct characteristics, Christian nations under God, proud of our shared heritage with strong borders and prosperous people, ruled not by violence and chaos but by law, order, and common sense. Or whether we are permanently torn apart by something else, led astray by competing forces, radical narco-communism and narco-tyranny, which threaten our people, borders and sovereign lands in the name of a false sovereignty or a false peace. Uncontrolled mass migration, which overwhelms domestic resources intended for deserving citizens, and drives unchecked crime, and unchecked violence. Or the belief in so-called globalism that seeks to erase our distinct national identities in the name of tolerance. Erase our borders in the name of compassion. And erase our Warrior Ethos and that which makes us strong in the name of so-called diversity and political correctness. One of the dumbest phrases in military history, which used to be echoed from the former Defense Department in the previous administration, they would say it over and over and over again, was "our diversity is our strength." It's the single dumbest phrase in military history because what is our strength is our unity. Our strength is in our shared purpose, in the training we do together, the capabilities we can do together. In our context, the Constitution, we swear an oath to defend together, the uniform we wear together. That is our strength. We reject other notions and offer a new choice. We must defend our national interest and restore our national identities. Otherwise, the outcome is the same. Our hemisphere will be poorer, more dangerous and weaker. This matters not because we seek to preach to you about culture wars or ideologies, or to tell you how to run your countries. We're not here to tell you how to run your countries. Instead, it matters how we assess the threats facing us and the choices that we make on how to overcome them - that is what will define our destiny. President Trump understands that today's threats to border security and key terrain in our hemisphere are existential questions for our nation and for all of yours. When adversaries conduct incursions in this hemisphere off the coast of a U.S. state, Alaska, or off the coast of Greenland, or in the Gulf of America, or the Caribbean, that is a direct threat to the United States Homeland and to peace in this hemisphere. When adversaries control ports or infrastructure along strategic choke points for U.S. and hemispheric trade, such as the Panama Canal or installed military facilities just miles off our shore, that is a threat to the United States Homeland and peace to this hemisphere. When terrorists, killers, and cartels capture strategic infrastructure, resources and entire towns or cities close to U.S. borders and U.S. shores or profit from mass illegal migration, that is a threat to the United States Homeland and a threat to all of you as well, to the Americas. The same adversaries that threaten our shared heritage, threaten our shared geography as well. They seek to displace the historic "North-South" relationship that we've always shared with some sort of a new "Global South" that excludes the United States and other Western nations but includes non-Western powers and other adversaries. The answer to our challenge is not to ignore our geography in the name of global interests, but to embrace our shared geography in the name of national interests. That is why President Trump has drawn a new strategic map from Greenland to the Gulf of America to the Panama Canal and its surrounding countries. At the Department of War, we call this strategic map the Greater North America. Why? Because every sovereign nation and territory north of the Equator, from Greenland to Ecuador and from Alaska to Guyana, is not part of the "Global South." It is our immediate security perimeter in this great neighborhood that we all live in. Each one of these countries border either the North Atlantic or the North Pacific. Each one of these countries sits north of the two basic geographic barriers that exist in this region, the Amazon and the Andes Mountains. This is basic geography that we don't teach in schools as much as we should. And it restores our North-South relations, and we must get it right. In the North, the United States must enhance posture and presence in cooperation with you and our sovereign partners to defend our shared immediate security perimeter. In the South, meaning south of the Equator, the other side of this great neighborhood, we will strengthen partnerships through increased burden sharing. This will enable you to take a greater role to defend the South Atlantic and the South Pacific, and to secure critical infrastructure and resources in partnership with us and other Western nations. This is what we did in World War II, just like we sunk ships with torpedoes in World War II. At the Department of War, we called it the "quarter-sphere" defense, and we will do this again. If we're serious about our national security, and if we prioritize geography, business as usual will not stand. This means that for every country in this hemisphere border security must be your top priority. Border security is national security. President Trump said it when he first started to run; you're not a country if you don't have borders, and he's right. President Trump sealed our border by directing the military to mobilize resources and personnel to stop invasion by cartels and other criminal actors. You can do this as well, and many of you have. This also means that you too can and must go on the offense against narco-terrorists. We've had great collaboration with many countries in recent months, and I want to thank every country in this room that has supported our access to find, fix and finish cartel targets. We have only just begun to work with you. More must be done by you and by us to target narco-terrorist groups across all domains. We will dismantle narco-terrorist networks in this hemisphere, and we will deny access to the state adversaries who support them. We will correct the mistakes of the past, the mistakes of the so-called "Global South." I want to thank General Donovan who has been an excellent partner and a great new leader here at Southern Command. One of the great mistakes of the past was that our leaders didn't provide the U.S. Southern Command with the support that it needed. It was a command chock full of lawyers, and social workers, and NGOs, law enforcement. That's changing. General, I'm directing my team to correct these historic failures to ensure that your command has the resources and staff that you need for this robust mission ahead. It's the least we can do. I want to - absolutely, thank you. [Applause] It's about time, but it's not just us at the Department of War and it's not just Southern Command. This is across the Trump administration. This is across the Department of War as well. Stephen Miller, thank you for your support and your leadership, for your clarity in understanding why this matters to each American citizen and why the War Department is central to ensuring that it happens. It doesn't happen without President Trump, and it doesn't happen without your clarity and your leadership. I want to thank General Nordhaus as well for your support at every level. There's so many to thank. I see Corey Lewandowski here from the Department of Homeland Security, doesn't happen without the Department of Homeland Security. Of course, Joseph Humire, the other part of the new bromance between him and General Donovan. Eric Geressy, who from day one in my office - he was my first sergeant in Iraq. He's one of my senior advisors. Day one, he worked at SOUTHCOM for a long time, said we need to be focused on the cartel threat, and he built a team to help put us in that direction. A lot of which manifests to this day. Patrick Weaver, Phil Hegseth, who I happen to know, and Ricky Buria, my chief, for doing a great job putting this together. Tony Salisbury, thank you. So many folks that every single day in Washington, I hope you know, are working hard to run as fast as you are to stand alongside you in this mission. This is not a conference with flags so we can pat ourselves on the back. I can tell you that if I sold that to President Trump as the objective, he'd kick me out of his office. This is an operational conference to bring our countries more closely together to achieve a shared objective and do so aggressively. This is not a one-way street. Every partner in this region has to do more and invest more in your security as well. We, like you, want a hemisphere of sovereign, secure, and prosperous nations. We like you want what another great American president, Teddy Roosevelt, called the "Permanent Peace" on this hemisphere and it will require action from all of us. You know, our schools used to teach American schoolchildren about our blessed history. Every child in grade school grew up knowing the remarkable story of this country. They knew that President James Monroe was once an orphan, that at a mere 16 years old, he had to look after his siblings. I've got an almost 16-year-old, he couldn't look after anything. It's remarkable. Well, that orphan grew to be not just one of the greatest Presidents, but one of our greatest Americans. After his presidency when his wife died and he became frail and ill with heart failure, but he still spoke about what he called our shared cause of liberty, still talked about the toils and the perils of our war for independence. James Monroe, our seventh president, died on July 4th - the 4th of July, Independence Day 1831, 50 years after 1776. What I like to say is, here at the Department of War, we're in the 1775 business, which is when Americans took up arms before they even declared independence. All of you are also in the 1775 business. Without the force of arms, without our militaries, we cannot keep our countries safe. That's my responsibility and it is yours. With Donald Trump in the Oval Office and with all of you here, we can still realize that long ago dream of James Monroe in our time. We will make the Americas great again. Thank you and God bless you. https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/4424673/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address March 7, 2026 By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News Hegseth Promotes Regional Border Security, Signs Joint Security Declaration at Inaugural Counter Cartel Conference Secretary of War Pete Hegseth underscored the importance of strong, regional border security today during the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference at U.S. Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida. The operational conference brought together regional defense and security leaders from the Caribbean, Central America and South America to achieve shared security objectives. Hegseth, along with representatives from 17 countries from throughout the Western Hemisphere, signed a joint security declaration, reaffirming their commitment to peace, sovereignty and stability in the region. "This conference is about you; this conference is about us. This conference is not called the 'America's Counter Cartel Conference'; it's the 'Americas Counter Cartel Conference,'" Hegseth told the group at the beginning of his remarks. The secretary drew comparisons between the current administration's prioritization of homeland security and that of the Monroe Doctrine in 1823, in which President James Monroe declared that the Western Hemisphere was off-limits to any new attempts at colonization by European nations, and that any interference by those powers would be viewed as a hostile act against the United States. "Today, some 200 years later, we still marvel at the wisdom of President Monroe's declaration. We, like you, want borders and sovereign territories that are secure; we want unfettered access to key terrain and trade so that our nations can industrialize; and we want to prevent external powers from threatening our peace and independence in our shared neighborhood," Hegseth said, adding that the Western Hemisphere needs to be a region of strong, sovereign nations. He described past U.S. foreign policy as a flawed form of "benign neglect," in that it prioritized other overseas theaters and the borders of other countries before prioritizing its own. As an example, Hegseth said that the human smuggling industry grew by as much as 2,000% over a five-year span, soaring from being a $500 million enterprise in 2018 to one that brought in $13 billion in 2022. He also noted that the Western Hemisphere contains one-eighth of the world's population but one-third of the violent crime. In contrast, Hegseth said that under President Donald J. Trump and the recently released National Defense Strategy, all of those trends are reversing. "The president's historic National Defense Strategy ensures that the Department of War will prioritize resources around the threats and objectives that are core to homeland defense ... and prosperity of the American people," he said. To illustrate this, Hegseth pointed to the drastic reduction in illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border, as well as the successful deterrence of narco-terrorists in the Caribbean region, which has been ongoing since September 2025. He also highlighted that the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. is down 56%. Hegseth then appealed to the other represented countries in the room. "America is prepared to take on these threats and go on the offense alone, if necessary. However, it is our preference and it is the goal of this conference that in the interests of this [hemisphere], we all do it together; with you, with our neighbors and with our allies who are eager and willing and capable to do this," Hegseth told the group. He emphasized the importance of maintaining shared Western values, stating that the nations of the Western Hemisphere have always been united by heritage, history and geography. The secretary also called for the strengthening of partnerships through increased burden sharing among all partner countries south of the equator. "This is what we did in World War II. We called it the 'quarter sphere defense,' and we will do this again if we're serious about our national security [and] if we prioritize geography," Hegseth explained. "This means that for every country in this hemisphere, border security must be your top priority," he added. Hegseth wrapped his remarks up by circling back to the Monroe Doctrine. "With Donald Trump in the Oval Office, and with all of you here, we can still realize that long-ago dream of James Monroe, [and] in our time, we will make the Americas great again," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Senate committee approves U.S.-Taiwan space assistance bill ROC Central News Agency 03/05/2026 05:49 PM Washington, March 4 (CNA) A U.S. Senate committee has approved the Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act, legislation aimed at expanding cooperation between the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The bill would also establish a channel allowing NASA personnel to conduct exchanges with TASA and extend cooperation in satellite program development, space exploration, and atmospheric and weather programs. The bipartisan measure, introduced by U.S. senators Eric Schmitt, Tammy Duckworth and Michael Bennet, has been approved by the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, according to a news release issued Wednesday. The bill will be submitted to the full Senate for consideration, it said. "Cooperating with our allies in the region to share the best and most advanced technology will help the United States gain key insights into space activities in the Indo-Pacific and counter malign influences such as China, our chief adversary," Schmitt said. "As the United States continues to be the global leader in space exploration and in expanding new, innovative technology for space and satellite operations, it's crucial that we work with our partners in the Indo-Pacific to advance and prosper," Duckworth said. "Taiwan is a vibrant democracy, a key economic partner, and an increasingly capable space player," Bennet said, adding that the legislation will strengthen the two sides' ability to "tackle shared challenges in space." The bill must pass both chambers of the U.S. Congress and be signed by the president before it can take effect. A House version of the Taiwan and American Space Assistance (TASA) Act was approved by the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology in early February and will also be submitted to the full House for consideration. (By Chung Yu-chen and James Thompson) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Please enable JavaScript and refresh the page Minister McGuinty met with Australian Minister of Defence National Defence Readout March 5, 2026 - Canberra, Australia - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Yesterday, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Defence, met with the Honourable Richard Marles, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, during his visit to Australia with Prime Minister Mark Carney. During their meeting, the Ministers recognized the long-standing Canada-Australia defence partnership that is rooted in shared history, common values, and deep cooperation through partnerships such as the Five Eyes. They discussed significant progress in bilateral relations over the past year and committed to exploring a more structured and strategic relationship through a Defence Ministerial Dialogue. This will include regular meetings to maintain momentum and drive tangible outcomes on defence industrial, operational, and science and technology collaboration. Ministers also committed to exploring ways to facilitate the movement of defence equipment and personnel between our two countries, removing barriers to operational collaboration by working towards a Status of Forces Agreement. Ministers agreed to explore how best to support industrial collaboration and greater integration of our defence sectors by reducing obstacles to procurement and innovation. This could include mutually beneficial options to strengthen defence trade and industrial collaboration on advanced technologies. With the recent release of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy, Canada is working to expand defence industrial collaboration with trusted partners like Australia to support the development and deployment of advanced capabilities at the speed of relevance. Minister McGuinty highlighted recent progress on Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) technology collaboration with Australia. The Ministers also committed to building on this collaboration by working together to develop state-of-the-art technology and through research and development efforts to advance intellectual property on A-OTHR that will have long-term benefits for both Canadian and Australian defence industrial bases. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney elevates partnership with Australia in critical minerals, defence, and artificial intelligence Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney March 5, 2026 Canberra, Australia In a rapidly changing world, Canada is focused on what we can control. We are building our economic strength at home and diversifying our partnerships abroad. Australia is a natural partner in this mission. We are long-standing, reliable partners with a common parliamentary system and a shared respect for democracy. We are federations backed by strong resource and agricultural economies, with ambitions to diversify and build. By working more closely together, we can create stability, security, and prosperity for our peoples. To those ends, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, travelled to Sydney and Canberra, Australia, this week. In Canberra, Prime Minister Carney met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, marking the first bilateral visit of a Canadian Prime Minister to Australia in nearly two decades. The leaders released a joint statement outlining new partnerships in investment, defence and security, critical minerals, energy, and artificial intelligence (AI). Prime Minister Carney also accepted the invitation to address the Australian Parliament, where he spoke about the enduring ties between Canada and Australia and the two countries' potential to build economic growth together. During the visit, Canada welcomed Australia into the Critical Minerals Production Alliance - an initiative launched under Canada's G7 Presidency in 2025 to expand critical minerals production and processing capacity and diversify supply chains from mine to market. Both Canada and Australia hold vast reserves of critical minerals that are key to defence, manufacturing, and technologies, including batteries, cars, and the AI systems of the future. Closer collaboration with Australia will boost bilateral investment - creating high-paying careers in mining, harnessing clean energy opportunities, and strengthening security and defence. The leaders also launched a new Clean Energy Partnership to catalyse new trade and investment opportunities, scale-up clean energy technologies, and modernise electricity grids. Australia is Canada's largest defence partner in the Indo-Pacific. We are focused on growing our relationship and increasing cooperation across military exercises, procurement, and intelligence. To bolster these ties, the training of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel on the Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) system will begin in Australia in mid-2026 - enabling Canada to better detect and deter threats across the Arctic. The A-OTHR system is a key component of Canada's North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) modernisation plan and will provide advanced early warning, enable faster detection and decision making by the CAF for airborne threats, and provide long-range surveillance to meet Canada's domestic and continental security needs. Canada and Australia are also committed to exploring concrete mechanisms to facilitate the movement of defence equipment and personnel between our two countries, as well as removing unnecessary barriers to operational collaboration by initiating discussions on establishing a Status of Forces Agreement. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Albanese agreed to advance industrial collaboration to enable greater integration of our defence sectors and streamline procurement and innovation. To this end, Canada and Australia are identifying mutually beneficial options to strengthen defence trade, industrial collaboration, and cooperation on advanced technologies. This could include reduced export controls, reciprocal intellectual property sharing, and the co-production of military capabilities. Canada and Australia will also intensify coordination to tackle criminal networks, smuggling, foreign intelligence manipulation, and cybercrimes, undertake joint efforts to safeguard the Arctic, and expand cooperation on emergency management and disaster risk reduction. This depth and breadth of cooperation will help ensure our security, emergency response, and law enforcement officials are well equipped to tackle a wide array of threats. Both Canada and Australia are rapidly scaling up sovereign AI, compute capabilities, and other emerging technologies. To accelerate each other's efforts, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Albanese welcomed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on AI Safety.The agreement will enable greater collaboration between Canada and Australia's AI safety institutes, including to share expertise. In parallel, Canada, Australia, and India will advance a MOU under the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership, to formalise strengthened collaboration on the development and deployment of AI - connecting our industries, advancing trade missions, and enabling private-sector partnerships to create opportunities for our businesses, including small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups. In Sydney, Prime Minister Carney welcomed a MOU to deepen investment cooperation between Canadian pension funds and Australian superannuation funds -removing barriers to investment and supporting nation-building projects at home. This will advance Canada's mission to mobilise $1 trillion in total investments over the next five years. While in Australia, Prime Minister Carney met with business leaders and Australian pension fund executives who collectively manage nearly $7 trillion in capital to identify key sectors with immense investment potential. During the visit, the IFM announced their intention to invest up to $10 billion in Canada. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Albanese also agreed to launch negotiations to modernise the Canada-Australia Tax Treaty. This updated treaty will facilitate increased two-way investment between Canada and Australia. In an increasingly uncertain world, Canada is focused on what we can control. We are attracting massive investment at home, increasing partnerships with allies like Australia, and building a stronger, more independent Canadian economy. Quote "Canada and Australia are more than friends - we are family, with shared histories, values, and cultures. As Canada forges new partnerships and coalitions abroad, Australia is a natural partner in this mission. By working closely together in energy, critical minerals, investment, defence, and AI to move faster in these endeavours, we will create more opportunities for our peoples." The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada Quick facts This was Prime Minister Carney's first official visit to Australia since taking office. He was accompanied by the Minister of National Defence, David J. McGuinty, and the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, Francois-Philippe Champagne. The Indo-Pacific is the most economically dynamic area in the world - it accounts for over a third of global GDP, is home to 54% of the world's population, and is the fastest-growing region on Earth. The visit followed the Prime Minister's engagements in India, where he announced a broad range of initiatives that will renew and expand the Canada-India partnership across energy and critical minerals, technology and AI, talent and culture, and defence. Collaboration between Canada and Australia on the shared priorities outlined during this trip will be supported by regular meetings of the countries' Economic, Industry, Natural Resources, and Defence ministers. Further to the signing of a MOU between Canadian pension funds and Australian superannuation funds, Canada has invited Australian superannuation funds to visit Canada to identify investment opportunities, including in AI and advanced technologies. In 2025, bilateral goods trade between Canada and Australia totalled $7.8 billion and bilateral services trade was valued at $4.6 billion. In 2024, Australia was the largest destination in the Indo-Pacific for Canadian direct investment, which totalled $58.8 billion, while Australia's direct investment into Canada reached $27 billion. With its strong focus on Asia and its favourable business climate, Australia as a springboard to Southeast Asian markets for many Canadian companies. Canada and Australia are both members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) - a free trade agreement that represents 595 million consumers and 11% of global GDP. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Carney meets with Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese Prime Minister of Canada - Mark Carney March 5, 2026 Canberra, Australia Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, met with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, in Canberra, during his first official visit to Australia. The leaders reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Australia, and identified key sectors to expand trade and cooperation, including in energy, critical minerals, defence, and artificial intelligence. They welcomed growing collaboration between Canadian pension funds and Australian superannuation funds - supporting Canada's mission to unleash $1 trillion in investment over the next five years. They also highlighted progress toward modernising the Canada-Australia Tax Treaty and announced new formalised ministerial level economic talks that will deepen collaboration on investment, regulatory alignment, and economic security. The leaders discussed facilitating joint investment in nation-building projects. Prime Minister Carney extended an invite to the Australian superannuation funds to visit Canada this year to advance these efforts. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Albanese reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. They agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation to promote stability, security, and prosperity across the region and in both countries, including through a regular Defence Ministers' Meeting and enhanced senior officials' dialogue to advance practical collaboration. The prime ministers underscored the value of closer institutional ties and regular high-level engagement to bolster the bilateral relationship and accelerate shared strategic, economic, and security objectives. Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Albanese agreed to remain in close contact as both countries deliver this ambitious agenda. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NPC deputies from military, armed police review government work report Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Xinhuanet EditorZhang Jinwen Time2026-03-05 23:24:04 BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) from the People's Liberation Army and the Chinese People's Armed Police Force reviewed the government work report in a group deliberation on Thursday at the ongoing annual NPC session. Zhang Shengmin, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and an NPC deputy, participated in the group deliberation. Zhang called on the military to enhance cohesion and convictions with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military. The armed forces should thoroughly implement the system of ultimate responsibility resting with the CMC chairman, improve political rectification, and advance campaigns to improve conduct and combat corruption, continuously consolidating the political foundation for staying loyal to CMC Chairman Xi Jinping and resolutely following his command, Zhang said. Efforts should be made to comprehensively strengthen military training and combat readiness and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, he added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on March 5, 2026 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: March 05, 2026 17:51 CGTN: U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran have ratcheted up regional tensions. What has China done to engage with various parties and deescalate the situation? What else will China do in the future? Mao Ning: China is gravely concerned over the tense situation in the Middle East. Over the past few days, China has intensively reached out to various parties. Foreign Minister Wang Yi had phone calls with his counterparts from Russia, Iran, Oman, France, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the UAE for in-depth exchanges of views on regional situation. He stressed that purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be observed and arbitrary use of force in international relations should be rejected. He pointed out that the military operations must stop at once, early return to dialogue and negotiation must be achieved, and further escalation of the tensions and spread of the conflict must be avoided. He called on parties to the conflict to earnestly fulfill their international obligations, ensure civilians' safety, and avoid any attack against civilian facilities. The protraction and escalation of the conflict serves no one's interest. China believes that war and force cannot solve issues once and for all, dialogue and negotiation are the right solutions, and political and diplomatic settlement of disputes and differences should be upheld. China will continue to work with all parties, including parties to the conflict, to maintain communication, further engage with other parties, and build consensus. China will send Zhai Jun, Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue, to the Middle East soon to work actively for the deescalation of the tensions. EFE: On China's plan to send a special envoy to the Middle East, I have a question: when does China plan to send its special envoy on Middle East affairs to the region, and what mandate will he have for the mediation efforts? Mao Ning: Information on the specifics of the visit of the Special Envoy of the Chinese Government on the Middle East Issue will be released in due course. Please check back for updates. Bloomberg: Police in the UK arrested three men accused of helping China's spies. One of them is married to a sitting Labour Member of Parliament. Would the Ministry like to comment about this? Mao Ning: We always oppose peddling the so-called "China spy" narrative, smearing China and misleading public opinion. Reuters: Yesterday the Philippine government said it had apprehended some of its citizens on suspicion of spying for China in what it calls a serious national security matter for the Philippines. The Philippines said that the operations of these individuals have been terminated. What's the Ministry's response to this claim and the actions the Philippines has taken? Mao Ning: It seems that some people have been enthusiastic about peddling so-called "China spy" narratives. Let me stress that we reject ill-intentioned association and politically motivated presumption of guilt in the absence of detailed information on the case and clear evidence. AFP: About the war in the Middle East. According to Bloomberg News, China has asked its largest oil refiner to stop exporting diesel and gasoline as the conflict raises some concerns about energy supplies. Can you confirm that China has asked its oil refiners to stop their exports? Mao Ning: I am not aware of what you mentioned. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hong Kong to explore drafting its first five-year plan to align with national strategies: HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu Global Times By Global Times Published: Mar 06, 2026 01:03 AM Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with China News Service that Hong Kong will explore drafting its first five-year plan to better align with national development strategies, China News Service reported on Thursday. Lee came to Beijing to attend the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC). According to Lee, "as the world's second largest economy, our country offers Hong Kong infinite opportunities." He stated that Hong Kong's logic of aligning with national strategies is to leverage its own strengths to meet the national needs, and to achieve greater development while making contributions. According to Lee, alignment is based on complementary strengths. Lee said that consolidating and reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a global financial, shipping and trade hub, promoting it as an international innovation and technology center, and building a highland to attract top talents are not only recommendations put forward in the 15th Five-Year Plan, but also strong advantages of the city. "Without technology, there will be no future," Lee said. He particularly highlighted technology as a key growth engine and cited Hong Kong's strengths including Hong Kong's five world's top-100 universities, its common law system aligned with international standards and the free flow of capital. He believes the city's unique edge lies in combining international and national strengths in one place. Lee revealed that all 15 Hong Kong policy bureaus have set up task groups to begin drafting the city's first five-year plan, aiming to turn opportunities into implementation paths. Once details of the 15th Five-Year Plan are unveiled, the SAR government will swiftly begin drafting its blueprint, which will be subject to public consultation and focus on boosting the economy, improving livelihoods and strengthening competitiveness. Lee believes that the significance of the five-year plan is to let Hong Kong residents see how the city will develop over the next five years. He hopes that every future five-year period will see clear milestones. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson March 5, 2026 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke today with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Egypt's support in helping U.S. citizens safely return home through Egypt. They also discussed the continued threats the Iranian regime poses to regional stability, and other developments in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanon - m. Jean- Noel Barrot's conversation with the lebanese prime minister (3 March 2026) France - Ministere de lEurope et des Affaires etrangeres The Minister spoke to Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He expressed to him France's solidarity in the face of the ordeal Lebanon is going through as a result of Hezbollah's irresponsible decision to join in the Iranian attacks against Israel. He signalled France's support for the decisions taken by the Council of Ministers to put an end to Hezbollah's military operations. He called for the Lebanese authorities to implement these essential decisions without further delay, to protect Lebanon's sovereignty and stability. He emphasized France's desire for infrastructure and civilians to be protected and for Lebanon's territorial integrity to be respected. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Macron's Initiative on Nuclear Deterrence in EU to Strengthen NATO Rutte Sputnik News 20260305 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that France's initiative on nuclear deterrence in Europe will strengthen the alliance's capabilities. On Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron said that France was entering a period of "advanced nuclear deterrence." He outlined plans to increase the stockpile of nuclear warheads and allow European countries to take part in joint deterrence exercises, saying that eight countries - the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark - had agreed to join the nuclear cooperation dialogue. "Well, I would think it was a positive announcement by the French, because it will add to the posture of NATO collectively. Everybody acknowledges in NATO that the US nuclear umbrella is the ultimate guarantor of the freedom of NATO territory and the deterrence and security of NATO territory. Nobody doubts that, but of course, the UK nuclear capability, the French nuclear capability, and now the French engaging in discussions with other countries like Sweden, and Denmark, and Netherlands, and others to see what collectively you could do to leverage even further the impact of the French nuclear deterrence. I think that will add to the overall nuclear deterrence of NATO," Rutte told Newsmax on Wednesday. Macron said on Monday that France needed to think about nuclear deterrence on the European scale. He outlined plans to increase the stockpile of nuclear warheads and allow European countries to take part in joint deterrence exercises, saying that eight countries had agreed to join nuclear cooperation dialogue. In recent years, Russia has been flagging up NATO's unprecedented activity and buildup of troops near its western borders. The Kremlin has stated that Russia does not threaten anyone, but would not ignore actions that are potentially dangerous to its interests. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Difficult times call for strong partnerships Germany - Federal Government Press conference of the Federal Chancellor after the meeting with US President Trump Transatlantic relations, the war in Ukraine, economic and trade issues: Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed these topics with US President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.--District of Columbia. Due to the current situation, the talks focussed on the situation in Iran. Transcript of press conference Wednesday, 4 March 2026 Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz was received by US President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.--District of Columbia. Both agreed that the Iranian regime was responsible for the brutal oppression of its people, Chancellor Merz said after the talks, and also that Iran's nuclear and missile programme was a threat to peace and security in the entire region. "We therefore share the interest of the United States and Israel in seeing an end to all this at some point", said the Chancellor at the White House. In addition to the situation in Iran, Merz and Trump also discussed the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, transatlantic trade relations, and the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The most important points in brief: The situation in Iran: "Iran must end its nuclear programme, its missile programme, terror and oppression", said Merz. Germany, he said, wanted to contribute to a new order of peace and stability in the Middle East. A politically and economically stable Iran was in everyone's interest. The Federal Government, he said, wanted to support the Iranian people in freely deciding their own fate and making their contribution to a stable and peaceful order in the region. "Iran must end its nuclear programme, its missile programme, terror and oppression", said Merz. Germany, he said, wanted to contribute to a new order of peace and stability in the Middle East. A politically and economically stable Iran was in everyone's interest. The Federal Government, he said, wanted to support the Iranian people in freely deciding their own fate and making their contribution to a stable and peaceful order in the region. Transatlantic relations: With a view to the forthcoming NATO summit in Ankara in July, the Federal Chancellor emphasised European intentions to strengthen the Euro-Atlantic pillar of NATO. This, he said, also included close cooperation between Germany and France on nuclear deterrence issues. With a view to the forthcoming NATO summit in Ankara in July, the Federal Chancellor emphasised European intentions to strengthen the Euro-Atlantic pillar of NATO. This, he said, also included close cooperation between Germany and France on nuclear deterrence issues. Trade relations: "Following the Supreme Court's judgement, we now want a fair, lasting agreement", said the Federal Chancellor. He said that it was still unclear how the US administration would deal with the Supreme Court's tariff ruling. The Chancellor went on to say that an agreement that placed a greater burden on transatlantic trade than the agreement of August 2025 was out of the question for Germany and the European Union. "Following the Supreme Court's judgement, we now want a fair, lasting agreement", said the Federal Chancellor. He said that it was still unclear how the US administration would deal with the Supreme Court's tariff ruling. The Chancellor went on to say that an agreement that placed a greater burden on transatlantic trade than the agreement of August 2025 was out of the question for Germany and the European Union. War against Ukraine: Europe, according to Merz, doubted greatly whether President Putin was prepared to agree to a peace agreement that was acceptable to Ukraine and Europe. "Only when Washington puts Russia under pressure again will President Putin be prepared to make concessions", emphasised Merz. The Chancellor also argued that Europe should be more closely involved in the negotiations between the United States, Russia and Ukraine. "Only a peace that Europe supports and legitimises can be truly lasting." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "The continuation of Iranian attacks is a strategic mistake that deepens the Iranian-Arab rift": Aboul Gheit League of Arab States Date: 04/03/2026 Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, reiterated his condemnation of the Iranian attacks against Arab states, describing the situation as dangerous. In a press statement delivered at the League's headquarters on 4 March, Mr. Aboul Gheit said: "The attacks carried out by Iran are wholly condemnable. They constitute not only a flagrant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, but also an assault on the principles of good neighbourliness. They are creating an unprecedented state of hostility between Iran and its Arab neighbours, and are producing a deep rift between Iran and this neighbourhood that will leave a profound imprint on the future." The Secretary-General added: "No one underestimates the calamities of the war that Iran is facing. At the same time, however, there can be no acceptable justification for targeting neighbouring Arab states in an attempt to drag them into a war that is not their ownespecially given that a number of Arab countries have worked tirelessly to avert the outbreak of this catastrophic conflict. This is a grave strategic miscalculation by Iran, one that I hope they will rectify by immediately halting their attacks." The Secretary-General concluded: "It is extremely dangerous for the current confrontation to expand and for these conditions to persist without swift correction on Iran's part. Iran must come to its senses and rectify the situation with all the states that have been targeted before it is too late." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rumors and denials swirl over potential Kurdish involvement in US' Iran military operations; expert warns of miscalculation in information warfare Global Times By Wang Qi Published: Mar 05, 2026 10:26 PM As the regional exchange of fire triggered by the US-Israeli attacks on Iran enters the sixth day, in the latest episode, rumors and denials surrounding the potential involvement of Iraq's Kurdish region as a proxy force in the conflict with Iran have emerged as a new flashpoint, with heightened attention focused on developments along Iran's western border. On Thursday, Aziz Ahmad, deputy chief of staff to the prime minister of Kurdistan Region of Iraq, took to social media platform X to firmly reject claims of cross-border activity. In his post, Ahmad stated: "Not a single Iraqi Kurd has crossed the border. This is patently false." He reposted and directly rebutted an earlier Fox News report by correspondent Jennifer Griffin, which cited a US official claiming that "thousands of Iraqi Kurds have launched a ground offensive in Iran." Also on Thursday, a senior official from the Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan (Society of Revolutionary Toilers) told Shafaq News that claims circulating about opposition forces moving into Iran were "false and baseless," per the Shafaq News of Iraq. Meanwhile, Iran's Tasnim news agency quoted an Iranian official as saying the border in its western Ilam province remains "completely secure," accusing the US and Israel of attempting to undermine public morale after failing to achieve battlefield objectives, per the report. Rumors regarding the involvement of Iraqi Kurds as proxy forces in the conflict against Iran have recently attracted public attention. On Tuesday, CNN cited sources as reporting that the CIA is working to arm Kurdish forces with the aim of fomenting a popular uprising in Iran. It added that the US government has been "in active discussions" with Iranian opposition groups and Kurdish leaders in Iraq about providing them with military support. But in a briefing on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, said related reports that President Trump had agreed to any plan for the Kurds to launch an insurgency in Iran were "completely false," per the New York Times. Although the US has not reportedly agreed to the plan for Kurdish groups to launch an insurgency in Iran, expert said Washington's willingness to provide military support highly likely exists, Zhu Yongbiao, a Middle East affairs expert with Lanzhou University, told the Global Times on Thursday. According to Zhu, at present, the issue of Kurdish armed groups is likely more characterized by information warfare between the two sides. However, if the conflict reaches a critical pointsuch as one week or 10 days from nowand the US-Israeli attacks still fail to deliver a decisive blow to the Iranian regime, while Tehran remains capable of launching effective retaliatory strikes, then it cannot be ruled out that Washington would employ proxy forces as vanguard units to launch ground offensives. In a Wednesday report, The New York Times mentioned that Washington has a long history of working with Kurdish militia forces in Iraq and Syria, but America also has reputation of abandoning the Kurds. It said people familiar with the planning for any potential Kurdish incursion into Iran voiced a note of caution, emphasizing that "there is no way that any Kurdish force could topple the Iranian government, they say, or even significantly influence who might take power." According to the Middle East Eyes, Turkey's Dem Party, a political group with ties to Kurds in Iran, has recently criticized the US-Israeli war on Iran, saying it opposed "external designs" on the country. Zhu stated that countries with significant Kurdish populations or groups, such as Iraq, Turkey, and Syria, will closely monitor developments and potential impact on regional stability. He further noted that any involvement by Kurdish military groups could set off significant chain reactions, exacerbating separatism, terrorism, and extremism across the region. In the long term, Zhu cautioned, the US itself may face the serious risk of blowback from such a strategy. Zhu added that the overall situation in Middle East remains highly uncertain, with information warfare, intelligence operations, and military operations deeply intertwined. Any miscalculation could rapidly escalate the conflict further. According to Al Jazeera, Iran's Intelligence Ministry said on Thursday that it worked with the IRGC to preemptively strike against US and Israeli-backed separatist groups who were plotting to breach Iran's western borders and wage "terrorist attacks." While Iran's IRGC claimed its navy hit a US oil tanker in the northern Gulf, starting a fire on the vessel, explosions have been heard in Tehran and Karaj after Israel announced it was launching a new wave of attacks amid ongoing strikes on the country, according to media reports on Thursday. While the joint US-Israeli military operation against Iran continues, several countries have responded to and pushed back against Washington's narrative, including Spain. The country's foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, dismissed White House suggestions that Madrid now backed the US's military action, the Guardian reported on Thursday. "The Spanish government's position on the war in the Middle East, the bombings in Iran, and the use of our bases has not changed one iota," Albares said in an interview with Cadena Ser radio on Wednesday night. "Our 'no to war' stance remains clear and unequivocal ... She may be the White House press secretary, but I'm the foreign minister of Spain and I'm telling her that our position hasn't changed at all." Robles's remarks marked one of the latest expressions of opposition from Spain to the US military action. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday compared the growing conflict in the Middle East to playing "Russian roulette with the destiny of millions". In a section of the speech that appeared to directly address Trump's threats to end all trade with Spain, the prime minister said his country would "not be complicit in something that is bad for the world - and that is also contrary to our values and interests - simply out of fear of reprisals from someone," according to the Guardian, reiterating his opposition to the conflict. French President Emmanuel Macron has also voiced objection about the escalating tensions in the region, according to Politico.eu, on Tuesday, Macron delivered a televised address in which he came close to disapproving of US strikes on Iran. "These were conducted outside international law, which we cannot approve of," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China has intensified its mediation work, will send special envoy to Middle East, FM says on China's de-escalation efforts Global Times By Global Times Published: Mar 05, 2026 05:23 PM When asked about what efforts China has made to mediate and de escalate the situation and what work it will carry out in the next stage, amid ongoing military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran and continued escalation of regional tensions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday that China is deeply concerned about the current tense situation in the Middle East. Recently, China has intensified its mediation work. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held phone talks with foreign ministers from Russia, Iran, Oman, France, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, etc, exchanging in-depth views on the regional situation, emphasizing that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter should be abided by, and opposing the wanton use of force in international relations. Wang pointed out that military operations must be stopped immediately to return to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible, avoid further escalation of tensions and spillover of conflicts. He called on the parties to the conflict to earnestly fulfill their international obligations, ensure the safety of civilians, and refrain from attacking civilian facilities, the spokesperson added. Mao added that the protraction of war and escalation of conflicts are not in the interests of any party. China believes that war and force cannot fundamentally solve problems, and dialogue and negotiation are the right way to resolve issues. Resolving differences through political and diplomatic means should be adhered to. China will continue to maintain communication, strengthen mediation, and build consensus with all relevant parties, including the parties to the conflict. China will send Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government concerning the Middle East issue, to visit the Middle East region in the near future to make positive efforts to promote the de-escalation of tensions, Mao said. Regarding China sending Zhai to visit the Middle East, Mao said at the same press conference that, "We will release updates in a timely manner, and you may stay tuned." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address B. Braze at the EU-GCC ministerial meeting: Latvia condemns Iran's attacks and stands in solidarity with countries in the Gulf region Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Published: 05.03.2026 On 5 March 2026, at a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council convened by EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas, to discuss the present situation in Iran and the Middle East, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, emphasised that Latvia strongly condemns Iran's unprovoked attacks on countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region, which pose a threat to regional and international peace and security and violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries in the region. The Foreign Ministers of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council adopted a joint statement[1]. B. Braze pointed out that Latvia expressed its strong condemnation of Iran's unprovoked attacks on countries in the Middle East region at the UN Security Council.[2] The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze: "Latvia stands in full solidarity with both the Iranian people and those in the countries affected by Iran's attacks. We deeply appreciate the resilience shown by countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region in withstanding and repelling Iran's attacks. I informed the ministers of the Gulf region about Latvia's achievements in drone technology and that we can provide the countries in the region with anti-drone systems developed in Latvia. The priority now is to ensure the protection of civilians, avoid a wider regional conflict, and prevent further escalation of the situation. Stability in the region is essential for global security." It was noted by B. Braze that Iran has consistently and deliberately acted to disrupt stability both in the Middle East and globally, including by providing direct assistance to Russia in its war against Ukraine. Iran is using Shahed drones in its attacks on countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region - the same drones it has supplied to Russia for its aggression in Ukraine. The Minister emphasised that Iran has repeatedly violated its international commitments and posed a threat to global peace and security. For decades, it has supported, armed, financed, and trained terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. The Iranian regime has openly maintained its unlawful nuclear programme despite repeated diplomatic efforts by the EU, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Iran has been extensively involved in circumventing sanctions. It has also threatened EU countries in connection with moves to list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. Latvia has repeatedly condemned the actions of the Iranian regime, including its failure to cooperate with the international community and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding its unlawful nuclear programme. For example, at an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors on Iran this week, on 2 March, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated in his announcement that Iran had persistently prevented the Agency's experts from conducting the necessary on-site inspections required by Iran's commitments under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.[3] Latvia has joined the EU's joint statement on the situation in the Middle East.[4] Latvia is carefully monitoring the unfolding events in the countries in the Middle East and the Gulf region and maintains regular contact with its embassies, EU Member States and other countries. Since 28 February, B. Braze has spoken by telephone with the Foreign Ministers of Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. [1] Joint statement by GCC-EU Ministers' meeting on recent developments in the Middle East: Iran's attacks against GCC states | EEAS [2] Permanent Mission of the Republic of Latvia to the United Nations [3] IAEA Director General's Introductory Statement to the Special Session of the Board of Governors [4] Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on developments in the Middle East NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The General Secretariat of the OIC condemns the targeting of the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan by Iranian drones Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 05-03-2026 The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expresses its strong condemnation of the targeting of the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan by two Iranian drones, one of which hit the Nakhchivan airport building, while the other landed in the vicinity of a school. The General Secretariat condemns the targeting of civilian facilities and endangering the lives of civilians, in violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a threat to its security and stability. The General Secretariat affirms its full solidarity with the Republic of Azerbaijan and stands by its side in protecting its sovereignty, security, and stability. The OIC General Secretariat also calls for the immediate cessation of such provocative acts that would escalate tension and destabilize the region, stressing that targeting Member States or threatening their security is a violation of the principles of international law and contradicts the foundations of international relations based on good neighborliness and mutual respect. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Army vows revenge after 'cowardly attack' by US Navy on Frigate Dena Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 8:07 PM The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran has vowed retaliation after the country's naval frigate Dena was targeted in an attack that led to the martyrdom of several young cadets who were returning from an international naval exercise. In a statement released on Thursday, the army described the incident as a "cowardly attack," saying the vessel was struck nearly 2,000 miles away while on a training mission. According to the statement, the cadets aboard the ship had been participating in the "Milan 2026" naval exercise, a multinational maritime drill in India, referred to as a peace exercise, and were on their way back when the attack occurred. The army slammed the United States Navy for carrying out the strike without warning, saying it took place hundreds of miles away from the active war zone and violated international maritime norms and humanitarian law. "The cowardly attack on the destroyer Dena, about 2,000 miles from the battlefield, which resulted in the martyrdom of young students returning from the Milan 2026 peace exercise, showed that global arrogance abides by none of the international rules," the statement said. It added that the attack once again demonstrated Washington's disregard for international regulations governing maritime conduct and armed conflict. The Iranian military said the martyrdom of the young cadets would strengthen the determination of the Iranian people and armed forces to seek revenge. "The martyrdom of those dear young men will only strengthen the resolve of the great Iranian nation and the fighters of Islam to avenge the pure blood of their comrades," the statement said. The army further warned that its forces are now more determined than ever to respond. "The brave fighters of the army, united in oath and more determined than before, will, with the help of Almighty God, make the American and Zionist enemies regret their actions," it added. The statement comes amid the escalation of tensions following the Israeli-American aggression against Iran on Saturday, which has so far claimed the lives of over 1,200 Iranians. Earlier on Thursday, in a post on X, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also condemned the terrorist attack on the Frigate Dena. "The US has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning," he wrote. "Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araghchi to Trump: Plan A of military victory failed, Plan B will be 'bigger failure' Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 7:35 PM Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned US President Donald Trump that his Plan B of interference in the Islamic Republic's internal matters will fail like his Plan A of military aggression. In a post on X on Thursday, Araghchi said Plan A of "a clean, rapid military victory failed," and Plan B will be an even "bigger failure." "The truth: Chance for a unique deal burned after the 'America Last' cabal obscured the 'significant progress' we made in negotiations," he wrote. "'Israel First' always means 'America Last'." His remarks came after the US president said he must be personally involved in the process of selecting a new leader in Iran, as he did in Venezuela. The US and its proxy regime in Tel Aviv launched an unprovoked and illegal aggression on Iran on Saturday, targeting the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and some top-ranking military commanders. In response, Iranian armed forces have carried out multiple waves of retaliatory operations using advanced missiles and drones. US military bases across the West Asian region, as well as Israeli military bases in the occupied territories, have been pounded, incurring damage to the tune of billions of dollars, according to US media reports. Earlier in the day, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said Iran neither sent a message to the United States nor received one from the aggressor regime. "No, we haven't heard anything and we have not conveyed any message to Americans because we are now defending ourselves. We are in a defensive mode," he said. He noted that Iran is trying hard to defend its people in the imposed war, adding that the country reserves the right to self-defense. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen signals readiness for unified front with Iran against US-Israeli war coalition Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 6:31 PM A member of Yemen's Ansarallah political bureau has said that Sana'a is already in a "declared state of war" and prepared to join the front against the US-Israeli coalition, based on the strategic needs of the Axis of Resistance. In an interview with the Lebanon-based news outlet The Cradle, Ali al-Imad announced that Yemeni forces are awaiting the leadership's decision to join the retaliatory campaign. When asked why Sanaa's forces have not yet entered the direct fight following the recent strikes on Iran, al-Imad emphasized that readiness is high, but action must be calculated. "From the very first day, the leader of Ansarallah, Sayyed Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, announced our full readiness for confrontation," al-Imad said. "We consider ourselves to be in a declared state of war, but determining the time and place of engagement is subject to the leadership's decision and the conditions of the battle. We believe we are one front, and we fight our enemies only within a unified, collective path." Al-Imad dismissed speculation that Yemen's position depends on the actions of neighboring Persian Gulf states. He clarified that the current struggle is not a conflict between Arabs or Muslims, but a confrontation with the US military presence and its regional roles. "We do not link our position to any [Persian] Gulf decision," he noted. "There has been no bilateral communication or offers from those regimes, nor could we accept such things. We consider standing with Iran a religious and national duty because it is on the front line confronting a project that targets the entire region, whether under the banner of 'Greater Israel' or the 'New Middle East.'" The official described Yemen's military strategy as one of phased escalation, similar to the "support front" established for Gaza in 2023. "When the enemy crosses certain lines, we move to a new stage," he explained. He further clarified that while the "Yemeni decision" is independent, it is integrated into a broader regional vision. "The path is one, and coordination exists within a unified front... Victory can only be achieved through integration and coordination." These remarks come as Iran has launched sustained drone and missile operations against Israeli targets and US bases in West Asia in response to recent attacks on its territory. Simultaneously, Iraqi resistance factions have targeted US installations, while Hezbollah has engaged Israeli armor on the Lebanese border and also Israeli bases. On Wednesday, Hezbollah and Iran launched their first joint rocket and missile barrages toward Israel, signaling a new level of military synchronization. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Army and IRGC destroy seven more Hermes, MQ-9 drones in retaliatory ops Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 5:39 PM Iran's Army and Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) have successfully destroyed seven more advanced enemy drones while launching precise retaliatory strikes against enemy positions across the West Asian region. According to an official announcement from the Army of Iran on Thursday, the integrated network of the country's Joint Air Defense Headquarters targeted and destroyed seven Hermes and MQ-9 drones in the western and southwestern regions of the country. Ground force units and air defense systems of both the Army and IRGC coordinated seamlessly to accomplish the task. These unmanned aerial vehicles, operated by hostile forces aligned with the Israeli regime and its American backers, were attempting intrusive operations over Iranian territory. The swift and effective interception underscores the high readiness and advanced technological prowess of Iran's multilayered air defense architecture, which has repeatedly thwarted such violations amid the ongoing aggression by the US and Israel. The Army announcement further detailed that, during the same timeframe, attack drones deployed by the ground, air, and naval forces of the Islamic Republic's Army conducted successful operations against key military targets. These included strikes on Tel Aviv, the Miron radar installation belonging to the occupying Zionist regime in al-Quds, American military positions in Erbil, Iraq, and Camp Al-Adiri in Kuwait. The precision-guided assaults inflicted serious damage on these sites, disrupting enemy coordination and surveillance capabilities. Iran's armed forces continue to demonstrate resolute defense of national sovereignty and proportionate response to provocations from the United States and the Israeli regime, which initiated the current unprovoked aggression. The latest successes of Iran's armed forces highlight their commitment to protecting the country's airspace and deterring further hostile incursions through measured yet impactful countermeasures. Iran's military has been conducting sustained retaliatory attacks against the American military installations in the region and targets within the Israeli-occupied territories. The operations are being conducted in response to a war of aggression initiated by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic over the weekend. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lavrov: Russia 'will do everything' to make US-Israeli aggression against Iran 'impossible' Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 4:13 PM Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that Russia "will do everything" in its power to create conditions that would render an American-Israeli war of aggression against Iran "impossible." Lavrov made the remarks on Thursday during a roundtable discussion with ambassadors, amid escalating US-Israeli aggression against Iran. Lavrov emphasized Russia's commitment to maintaining dialogue with regional nations and the international community, including the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), to prevent further US and Israeli aggression against Iran. "We will continue to dialogue with these countries and include other countries and international communities of the UNSC and UNGA to make these operations impossible," he said. The Russian foreign minister further stated that the United States' ongoing military offensive, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," aims to create divisions among Persian Gulf countries and disrupt relations between Iran and its Arab neighbors. "One of the goals of these operations is to divide the countries of the Persian Gulf," he said. Additionally, Lavrov expressed concern that the ongoing war against Iran could undermine non-proliferation principles. He warned that the US and Israel's unprovoked war of aggression against Iran might encourage a nuclear arms race. "I hope very much that the current war against Iran will not undermine the foundations of non-proliferation principles. It is already being loudly said that by proclaiming the goal of depriving Iran of nuclear weapons, in fact, the United States and Israel can encourage the nuclear arms race, because there are more and more examples proving that if you have no nuclear weapon, you can be treated as one chooses," he said. In his closing remarks, Lavrov urged for an open and honest dialogue to avoid military actions that could lead to severe consequences, stating that negotiations must continue to prevent escalation that would impact the global economy. According to Forbes, the United States' expanding military aggression against Iran is already carrying a multibillion-dollar price tag, with early estimates suggesting American taxpayers have absorbed more than $1 billion in costs in just the opening phase of the war. Budget analysts warn that if the war continues, total direct military expenses could climb to between $40 billion and $95 billion, with broader economic damage potentially far higher. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian armed forces deny launching drone strike toward Azerbaijan Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 1:39 PM The General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces has rejected reports that Iranian forces launched drones toward the Republic of Azerbaijan, holding the "fake" Israeli regime responsible for the aerial aggression against the country. In a statement on Thursday, the General Staff categorically rejected reports that a drone attack was launched from Iran toward neighboring Azerbaijan, stressing that Tehran respects the sovereignty of its neighbors. "The Islamic Republic of Iran, while respecting the sovereignty of all countries, particularly Muslim and neighboring countries, strongly rejects any drone launch by its Armed Forces toward the Republic of Azerbaijan," it stated. The statement emphasized that there is precedent for the "fake Israeli regime" taking such actions, through various means, in an attempt to disrupt relations between Muslim countries. The drone attack was carried out by the occupying entity to "frame" the Islamic Republic, stressed the General Staff in the statement. Two civilians were reportedly wounded after drones struck Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic earlier on Thursday, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that one drone struck the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, while another landed near a school in the village of Shakarabad. Shortly after the incident, Azerbaijan's foreign ministry summoned Iran's ambassador to Baku, Mojtaba Damirchilou, and was presented with a formal note of protest. Earlier on Thursday, Iran also denied media reports of an attack against Turkey. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC strikes critical Israeli military sites with Khorramshahr-4 missiles in latest wave Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 1:17 PM The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced early Wednesday that its aerospace force targeted the critical Israeli military infrastructure with heavy Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missiles in the 19th wave of True Promise 4 Operation. In a statement, the IRGC said the super-heavy missiles, each fitted with a one-ton class warhead, were launched in the pre-dawn hours. The targets of the strike were central Tel Aviv, Ben-Gurion Airport and Squadron 27 of the Israeli Air Force at the airport, according to the statement. It said the strategic salvo was preceded by attack drones and that the strike package penetrated "seven layers" of regional and domestic air defenses to reach its objectives. Khorramshahr-4 is one of Iran's most advanced weapons, a roughly 13-metre missile with a boost weight of nearly 30 tonnes and a maneuverable re-entry warhead (MaRV) capable of carrying over 1,000 kilograms of explosive payload. The IRGC statement also said that in the previous wave its forces had successfully struck some 20 US military targets across Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. The statement described the strikes as part of coordinated, multi-axis action by Iran's armed forces that exceeded US and Israeli expectations and had altered the operational calculus of the ongoing war imposed on the Islamic Republic. In the statement, the IRGC further said American troops were fleeing regional bases and seeking shelter in hotels in host countries, while decrying the US military for using civilian facilities in Persian Gulf states as cover for military activity. The statement also warned that such movements are under constant intelligence surveillance and that Iranian forces remain prepared to target aggressor troops. The IRGC says at least 560 American troops have been killed in retaliatory operations and many more injured since Saturday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US F-15E Strike Eagle multi-role attack fighter jet downed by IRGC air defenses Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 12:29 PM An American F-15E Strike Eagle multi-role attack fighter jet has been successfully targeted and downed by the Iranian air defense systems. In a statement on Thursday, the public relations wing of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) confirmed that the high-end fighter jet had been downed, The statement added that the IRGC's modern aerospace defense systems targeted the fighter jet on Wednesday morning on the outskirts of the country's southwestern borders. Some sections of Israeli media had earlier reported on the downing of an advanced American fighter jet over the Iranian skies. The fate of the pilot is not known yet. It comes amid the continued American-Israeli war of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which has claimed over 1,000 lives, mostly civilians, so far. Iranian retaliatory operations, under the banner True Promise 4, have targeted Israeli military and intelligence deep inside the occupied territories as well as American occupation military bases scattered across the West Asia region. The US government remains tight-lipped about the real death toll of its soldiers in the Iranian strikes, even though Iran's top security official, Ali Larijani, on Wednesday said over 500 American soldiers have been killed in the first few days of the imposed war. The US, along with the Israeli regime, launched an unprovoked aggression against Iran on Saturday, assassinating the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as well as some top-ranking military commanders. The Iranian leadership has vowed to retaliate with full force against the aggressors. Before the downing of the F-15E Strike Eagle multi-role attack fighter jet, a few other US fighter jets were also downed on the border with Kuwait earlier this week. A number of Israeli military's Hermes drones have also been downed in the past five days. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran won't target its neighbors, but US bases across region: FM spox Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 11:43 AM The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Islamic Republic is not targeting its neighboring countries, but rather US bases across the West Asian region. Speaking in an interview with Saudi-owned al-Arabiya television news network on Thursday, Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Iran has been caught in an unlawful offensive by the United States and the Israeli regime. The latest measures taken by Iran in the region are merely meant to defend itself, Baghaei said, noting that Iran has no animosity or hostility towards neighboring countries and also has no intention to attack these states. He underlined that Iranian Armed Forces are precisely targeting the US bases in the region, reiterating that Tehran extends the hand of friendship towards all neighboring countries and Muslim states. The Iranian diplomat described the ongoing US-Israeli war on the country as a major crime and an open aggression. Iranian authorities, he said, had earlier warned of a decisive and comprehensive retaliation in case of an act of aggression against the Islamic Republic. What is happening in the region could be best explained as Iran's self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter and principles of international law, he added. Baghaei warned that Israeli Mossad agents are evidently trying to carry out acts of sabotage in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the region in a bid to implicate Iran. He stated that the Tel Aviv regime is seeking to provoke regional states against Iran, and sow seeds of division and discord among them. Baghaei also dismissed reports on Iran's role in the attack on the Saudi Aramco oil facilities in the energy-rich Ras al-Tanurah region, terming it a false-flag operation. Commenting on attacks by resistance groups on US assets in the region and Israeli sites in the occupied territories, Baghaei emphasized that these groups are extremely angry about the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei as he was not only a highly distinguished political figure but also a source of jurisprudence for millions of Muslims worldwide. It is natural for them to express their profound rage and wrath in different forms, the Iranian diplomat stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran deputy FM says no messages exchanged with US since war Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 10:11 AM The deputy foreign minister says Iran neither sent a message to the United States, nor received one from the aggressor regime as the country is focused on legitimate self-defense. "No, we haven't heard anything and we have not conveyed any message to Americans because we are now defending ourselves. We are in a defensive mode," Majid Takht-Ravanchi said in an interview with MS Now on Thursday in response to a question about any exchanges of messages between Iran and the US since the bombing began. He noted that Iran is trying hard to defend its people in the imposed war, adding that the country reserves the right to self-defense. "What we are concentrating on is to protect ourselves, to defend ourselves. So no message is being sent and we haven't received any message by America or anybody else," he further explained. The US and Israel launched an illegal act of aggression against Iran on Saturday morning by assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. So far, at least 1,045 Iranian people have been people killed in the terrorist airstrikes. Iran began to swiftly retaliate against the unlawful military assault by launching barrages of missile and drone attacks on the Israeli-occupied territories as well as on the US assets in regional countries. Additionally in his remarks, Takht-Ravanchi said that Washington and Tel Aviv wrongly thought that they could end the war during a matter of days but they were "badly mistaken." He further emphasized that Iran is legitimately protecting itself in the face of the inhumane aggression that even targets schoolchildren, aid workers and hospitals. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US to 'bitterly regret' torpedoing Iran's Frigate Dena in international waters: FM Iran Press TV Thursday, 05 March 2026 9:02 AM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has vowed that the United States will "bitterly regret" sinking Iran's Frigate Dena in international waters that led to the killing of dozens of sailors. The attack occurred hundreds of miles across the Indian Ocean - off the southern coast of Sri Lanka - away from the Persian Gulf, where a US-Israeli military coalition has been striking Iran in an unprovoked war of aggression since Saturday. "The U.S. has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning. Mark my words: The U.S. will come to bitterly regret precedent it has set," Araghchi said in a post on X on Thursday. Frigate IRIS Dena was torpedoed and was sunk by a US submarine on Wednesday. According to Sri Lanka's deputy foreign minister, it was heading back to Iran from an eastern Indian port. "An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters," said US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, adding, "Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. Quiet death." According to hospital authorities in the Sri Lankan port city of Galle, a total of 87 bodies were brought in by military rescuers who responded to an early morning distress call. Sri Lankan authorities noted that another 32 sailors were rescued and were being treated at a hospital. However, they said that around 60 sailors were likely unaccounted for from an estimated 180 people on board. Frigate IRIS Dena had taken part in a naval exercise organized by India in the Bay of Bengal from February 18 to 25. Meanwhile, The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its naval forces struck an US oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf earlier on Thursday, setting it ablaze. In response to the US-Israeli aggression against Iran, the naval and aerospace units of the IRGC and the Islamic Republic's national military forces have launched massive missile strikes against US military assets in regional countries and on targets in the Israeli-occupied territories since the weekend. Iran's escalating strikes have prompted Washington to close its embassies, urging Americans to flee the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Says US To Play Role In Choosing Iran's Next Leader As Conflict Widens By RFE/RL's Radio Farda March 05, 2026 President Donald Trump said Washington will help choose the next leader of Iran as US and Israeli forces continued air strikes amid growing concerns of a broader conflict after drones launched from Iran struck Azerbaijan and Israel pushed into southern Lebanon. With the United States and Israel currently engaged in a sixth day of war against Iran, the number of countries in the region to suffer Tehran's retaliatory strikes, which have targeted both military and civilian infrastructure, grew again on March 5. Trump, speaking to Reuters in a phone interview, said he wants to be involved in choosing Iran's next leader, while ruling out Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei - a hardliner who has been considered a favorite to succeed his father. "We want to be involved in the process of choosing the person who is going to lead Iran into the future," he was quoted by the agency as saying. "We don't have to go back every five years and do this again and again...Somebody that's going to be great for the people, great for the country." The supreme leader was killed last weekend in air strikes as US and Israeli military operations pummeled the country. Since then, a steady barrage of strikes have decimated Iran's military, communications infrastructure, and other key facilities across the country. Iran has retaliated with attacks on US military bases across the Middle East, dragging Arab Gulf states -- and others such as Turkey and Azerbaijan -- onto the frontlines of a war they have long tried to avoid. Iran's neighbor Azerbaijan, which has longstanding ties with Israel, reported attacks launched from Iranian territory on March 5. Two people were injured after drones have struck Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan autonomous region, with one damaging the region's airport and a second landing near a school, according to Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry. President Ilham Aliyev said that "Iran committed an act of terror against the territory of Azerbaijan, against the state of Azerbaijan" with the attack, while the Foreign Ministry said Baku "reserves the right to respond." Later in the day, Iran's Foreign Ministry denied that the country had targeted Azerbaijan. Millions of ethnic Azerbaijanis live in Iran. Azerbaijan is also one of the main oil suppliers to Israel, while Israel has been a key defense partner for Baku for years. Many in Azerbaijan see Israel's military supplies as critical during country's campaign to regain control of the Karabakh region from Armenia. A day earlier, a ballistic missile launched from Iran was heading toward Turkish airspace and was intercepted by NATO air defense systems, according to Turkish officials. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte condemned Iran but said the incident does not provide immediate reason to trigger the alliance's mutual defense clause, Article 5. "The most important thing is that our adversaries have seen yesterday that NATO is so strong and so vigilant, and even more vigilant, if possible, since Saturday," Rutte said on March 5, referring to when the US-Israeli strikes began on February 28. Earlier, a State Department spokesman said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had spoken with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss recent developments and had pledged "full support" for the NATO ally. Ukraine To Provide Expertise Against Iran's Drones As air travel disruptions continued across the Middle East with Iran firing missiles and drones against Israel and other regional countries, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his offers to provide support in countering Tehran's Shahed drones were accepted. "We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against Shaheds in the Middle East region," Zelenskyy said on his social media on March 5. Tehran has long been an ally of Russia, supplying it with military equipment and technology and fueling Moscow's war effort against Ukraine. Zelenskyy said earlier that Russia's military had used at least 57,000 Shahed drones in attacks on his country, including against its civilian and energy infrastructure. Now, the Ukrainian president said Kyiv will help its partners with expertise: "I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security." Ukraine, which has just entered the fifth year of repelling Russia's full-scale invasion, has been suggesting to share its experience in defending against Iranian-made drones since the first Iranian attacks across the Gulf. Asked on the matter, US President Donald Trump, who has previously criticized some of the European leaders for failing to provide enough support for US military actions said he'll take "any assistance from any country." Trump: US Holds 'Strong Position' Trump on March 4 vowed that there would be no let up with the joint air campaign that has killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other security, military, and political leaders. He added that Tehran's arsenal of ballistic missiles was being "wiped out rapidly." Trump has said he ordered the attack on Iran to prevent the country from developing a nuclear weapon but has also said he wanted Tehran to cease its ballistic missile program and to end violence against anti-government protesters, thousands of whom were killed in a brutal crackdown in recent weeks. Seeking to counter concerns of American '"boots on the ground" in the war, the White House on March 4 said deployment of US ground troops in Iran is "not part of the plan for this operation at this time." Instead, Trump backed the Kurds in launching their own offensive, saying he thinks it's "wonderful that they want to do that." Asked by Reuters if the United States would offer air cover for such an operation, Trump refused to answer. Earlier in the week, sources told Axios that the president spoke with Kurdish leaders, who sought consultation on whether and how to attack Tehran's security forces. Netanyahu Claims 'Historic Gains' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the two allies had made "historic gains" in their war against Iran, which is in its sixth day. "Israel and the United States have together made historic gains to protect our citizens and the civilized world," government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said in a video message. As Bedrosian also claimed the attack on Iran was necessary as Tehran was rebuilding its nuclear weapons program in "new underground bunkers" and that there were signs it planned "to attack Israel and US forces in the region," without providing details. Separately, Israel stepped up its attacks on strongholds of Iran-allied Hezbollah forces in Lebanon after the group launched missiles into northern Israel. According to Israeli military, Tel Aviv's goal was to create "a buffer...between our residents and any threat," French President Emmanuel Macron on March 4 said he urged Netanyahu to refrain from launching a ground offensive in Lebanon. "I reiterated the necessity for Hezbollah to immediately cease its attacks on Israel and beyond. This escalatory strategy is a grave mistake that puts the entire region at risk," Macron wrote on X. "I also called on the Israeli Prime Minister to preserve the integrity of Lebanese territory and to refrain from launching a ground offensive. It is crucial for the parties to return to the ceasefire agreement," Macron added. Reports indicate that Israeli ground forces have already crossed the border into Lebanon, although details remain unclear. On March 5, Israeli military warned residents in Beirut's southern suburbs to evacuate immediately. "Save your lives and evacuate your residences immediately," Israel's military forces spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X. With reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Farda, RFE/RL correspondent Alex Raufoglu in Washington Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-war-senate-war- powers-trump-israel/33695704.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'A Dangerous Situation': Azerbaijan Fears Becoming Embroiled In Widening Iran War By Ulviyya Asadzade March 05, 2026 Fears are growing in Azerbaijan, Iran's northwestern neighbor, that the South Caucasus country could become embroiled in the US-Israeli war on Tehran that is widening in scope. Baku accused Iran of firing drones that struck an airport and school in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan autonomous region on March 5, calling it an "act of terror" and vowing to respond. Tehran denied it fired the drones that injured two people. The incident has heightened concerns in Azerbaijan -- which has close military, economic, and energy ties to Israel, Tehran's archenemy -- that it could become a target of the Islamic republic's expanding response to the massive US-Israeli air campaign launched on February 28. Iran has retaliated by firing missiles and drones at US military and diplomatic facilities and striking key energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf. Tehran's aim, experts say, is to expand the war and increase the cost of the conflict for Washington and its allies. "This is a dangerous situation," said Jasur Mammadov, a Germany-based Azerbaijani military analyst. "Azerbaijan has a long border with Iran," and if Turkey, Baku's closest ally, is not involved, "it would be very difficult to defend the country," he added. Much of the concern in Azerbaijan, an oil-rich country of around 10 million people, is centered around fears that Iran could target its energy infrastructure, including pipelines and production facilities. "Iran has developed drone technology capable of flying as far as 1,000 kilometers," said Mammadov, referring to a long-range version of the Shahed drone that can travel around 1,500 kilometers. "That means it could easily reach Azerbaijan's energy infrastructure in the Caspian Sea, as well as any city." Experts say Baku's close ties with Israel make it a potential Iranian target. Azerbaijan, which shares an around 700-kilomter border with Iran, is a major supplier of oil to Israel. Israel, in turn, is a seller of arms and drones to Baku. "If Iranian energy infrastructure is struck [by Israel], Tehran could look at Azerbaijan's energy facilities as potential targets, given that the Israelis get so much of their energy from Azerbaijan," US-based Iran analyst Alex Vatanka said before the war began. Despite its growing ties with Israel ties, Baku has repeatedly said it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used by any country to launch military operations against Iran. Iran has long been critical of Israel's presence in Azerbaijan. Tehran has accused Baku of cooperating with Israeli intelligence -- allegations Azerbaijan denies. A day before the drone attack in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan region, President Ilham Aliyev made a rare visit to the Iranian Embassy in Baku to offer his condolences on the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli air strike in Tehran on February 28. But on March 5, Aliyev's sentiment shifted. "Iranian officials must provide an explanation to the Azerbaijani side, an apology must be offered, and those who committed this terrorist act must be held criminally liable," Aliyev said during a meeting of his security council. Tehran denied it launched a drone attack on Azerbaijan. "The Islamic republic of Iran... denies its armed forces launched a drone toward the Republic of Azerbaijan," the general staff of the armed forces said in a statement, according to state TV, which blamed Israel. Farhad Mammadov, an analyst close to the Azerbaijani government, said the drone attack will force Baku to take measures for its defense and begin consultations with Turkey. Azerbaijan and Turkey share deep historical and cultural ties. In 2021, the sides expanded their "one nation, two states" partnership, under which both sides pledged to help the other if attacked. During Azerbaijan's wars with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 and 2023, Turkey supplied weapons to Baku, including advanced drones. Yerevan accused Turkey of direct involvement in the conflict, which Ankara and Baku denied. Turkey's Foreign Ministry on March 5 condemned the drone attacks on Azerbaijan, calling for such attacks to end "immediately." A day earlier, Turkey said a NATO defense system intercepted a ballistic missile in its border region. Iran rejected accusations that it launched a ballistic missile toward NATO-member Turkey. "Turkey itself could feel threatened and may align closely with Azerbaijan," said Ata Mohammad Tabrizi, an Iranian analyst based in Turkey. RFE/RL's Azerbaijani service contributed to this report. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-iran-war-drone- attack-widening-war/33696181.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aliyev Calls Iran Drone Strike In Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Region 'Act Of Terror' By Ulviyya Asadzade and RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service March 05, 2026 Drones launched from neighboring Iran have struck Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan autonomous region, injuring two people, according to Azerbaijan's Foreign Affairs Ministry. One drone struck Nakhchivan Airport on March 5, damaging the facility. A second drone landed near a school in the Shekerabad area, the ministry said. President Ilham Aliyev said that "Iran committed an act of terror against the territory of Azerbaijan, against the state of Azerbaijan" with the attack. "Iranian officials must provide an explanation to the Azerbaijani side, an apology must be offered, and those who committed this terrorist act must be held criminally liable," Aliyev saidduring the meeting of the Security Council. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry condemned the strike, saying it would only increase tensions in the region linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States Iran's ambassador to Azerbaijan has been summoned to the ministry in Baku to explain the incident. "Azerbaijan reserves the right to respond," the ministry said. Iran has denied the drone attack on Azerbaijan. "The Islamic republic of Iran, while respecting the sovereignty of all countries, especially Muslim and neighboring countries, denies the launch of drones by the armed forces toward the Republic of Azerbaijan," the General Staff of the Armed Forces said in its statement. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told the Azerbaijani pro-government media outlet Anewz.tv that the Islamic republic is "not targeting neighboring countries." He added that Iran would only take action if there are military bases in the region being used to launch attacks against the country. Azerbaijan is one of the main oil suppliers to Israel, while Israel has been a key defense partner for Baku for years. Many in Azerbaijan see Israel as a reliable ally that supplied critical military equipment during the country's campaign to regain control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region from Armenia. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed Iranian drone attacks in the Nakhchivan exclave during a phone call on March 5 with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, according to Reuters and Turkish media. Beyond historic and cultural ties, the 2021 Shusha Declaration commits Turkey and Azerbaijan to consult and take joint action if either country believes its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, or security is under threat from a third state. During the Karabakh War with Armenia, Turkey strongly backed Azerbaijan politically and supplied military equipment, although Baku has consistently denied that Turkish forces took part in combat. Being a NATO member and sharing a border with Iran, Turkey has reportedly been a target of Iran. NATO air defenses destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile fired toward Turkey, Ankara said on March 4. Iran denied firing a missile toward Turkey. "Right now, Iran has no reason to strike Azerbaijan, because neither Azerbaijan nor Turkey has been part of the war," Rauf Mirgadirov, an independent analyst based in Europe, told RFE/RL. "This drone attack on Nakhchivan airport is either an accident or a sign that there is larger escalation in the region," he said. Despite its trade and defense ties with Israel, Azerbaijani officials have repeatedly said the country will not allow its territory or airspace to be used by any country to launch military operations against neighboring Iran or any other state. "There are millions of Azerbaijanis living in Iran, and Tehran would not want to provoke them." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/azerbaijan-nakhchivan-iran-drone- attack/33695890.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Michael Knights: Gulf Region On The Precipice Of Fundamental Change By Vazha Tavberidze March 05, 2026 With the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran now into its sixth day, both sides continue to launch attacks amid fears the war could spill over into a broader regional conflict. Michael Knights, head of research at Horizon Engage, a New York-based strategic advisory firm and an adjunct fellow at The Washington Institute, spoke with RFE/RL's Vazha Taberidze about the likely objectives in the conflict for both sides and what may happen if those aren't achieved. RFE/RL: What's at stake in this confrontation? What are the strategic objectives of each side? Michael Knights: The minimal US-Israeli objectives are that Iran's offensive military capability to affect environments outside of Iran has to be reduced to an absolutely maximal extent. That means that the missile program is crippled for the long term. There's no aircraft available, as few helicopters as possible, no navy, no major long-range rocket systems, [and] ground force capabilities are greatly degraded. That's the minimum. The bonus would be if the regime begins to crumble and there is ideally an inside-out change of government, meaning a change of government starting in Tehran, not a change of government starting in the provinces. This is why the president of the United States has been essentially begging Iranians to take over institutions and rise up within the cities. But what we're starting to see is the other alternative happening, which is the crumbling of the regime from the outside, from Iranian Kurdistan, from the edges. That's not as attractive an outcome for anybody because it can start to break the country up and result in significant civil war-type conditions. I don't think the Trump administration is going to back off without achieving its minimum objectives, which is an unprecedented destruction of the Iranian regime's military war machine and repressive institutions. RFE/RL: Does the United States have a Plan B if the chosen strategy to achieve those objectives doesn't yield the desired results? Knights: I think Plan B is to do the destruction and then to stop the operation and to leave the Israelis to continually go back and mow the grass as if Iran is a new Lebanon. If you look at the Israelis after they defeated Hezbollah, they go back whenever they want and they prevent reconstitution. At this point, that would be a feasible option for the Israelis. So one end point here is that the US only achieves its minimum objectives of taking down Iranian military capabilities. And from that point onward the Israelis just conduct an endless campaign between the wars over Iran, entering whenever they want, destroying any target that they detect. They do a sort of death of a thousand cuts against the regime over a longer period of time, and they foment uprisings at the edges of the Iranian state. That objective doesn't sound so attractive to the US and to the Gulf states. So they're wondering: Is it just worth carrying on right now and pushing all the way through to the end and seeing if we can get a change of government right now? And it's done and dusted within weeks instead of months or years. In Venezuela, it was very rapid. We had the Delcy government stepping up after Maduro stepped down, and they demonstrated subservience to the US. The US is recognizing that this option doesn't seem to be available in Iran. And as a result, if you can't overthrow this government, you are stuck with this situation for the long term. RFE/RL: How big are the advantages that the US and Israel possess? Knights: In conventional military terms, Iran is a house with no roof right now. The Israelis and the US will have full freedom of movement for the foreseeable future, maybe forever at this point. Once it's at this point, the Israelis will never stop going back on a monthly basis until that regime is gone. It is bigger than Lebanon, but it's also very important to the Israelis. And they now have the capability to keep intervening for the foreseeable future. What's at stake here is really the whole future of the region. We're at a dividing line right now where the post-1979 experience of the region can be fundamentally changed. And President Trump, you can tell he's obsessed with the idea that Iran can become a friend. I think the Trump people see Iran as a tragic waste of an amazing market and an amazing potential partner. So they want it over because they think that there's a lot to do there potentially. RFE/RL: If Iran, maybe at a modest rate, is still able to continue firing, and if it adds even more drones to the mix, it could turn into a longer-term regional war. What would be the implications of that? Knights: It's a scenario, for sure. At this point, what seems to be happening to try and head off that scenario is two things: The Gulf states themselves, instead of being noncombatants, which is what they're aiming to be, are coming to combatant status, and they themselves are now starting to police further out the counter-drone line. What they're also likely to do is bring US manned aircraft forward from Jordan. That will provide a much thicker defense screen, particularly against drones over the Gulf itself. So there are things we haven't done yet which can still be used. At the moment the Gulf states are using their most expensive assets to shoot down Iranian missiles. But there are a lot cheaper assets we haven't utilized yet because the Gulf states chose to tell us: No, go base over Jordan and Israel and Cyprus. Don't be in the Gulf littoral itself. Please don't bring your combat aircraft forward. So we might all see a change in that regard. But let's just assume the worst-case scenario and that doesn't happen. The Iranians have deeper magazines than us. They manage to keep shooting, which is quite possible. The Huthis certainly did. A couple of things then. One is that it's going to get very expensive to use Hormuz. It already is. The US is going to have to commit to something like the reflagging system from the Iran-Iraq War era and ensuring individual cargoes. So it's going to get expensive. Trump is not going to like that. And the Gulf states are not going to like ongoing strikes that last for weeks instead of days. So it's fair to say that we're in a race right now. RFE/RL: Finally, what's at stake for Russia and China? Knights: Easy: same as with Venezuela. The problem with Russia and China's great power competition is they don't have power-projection capabilities. As a result, when something is happening far away, like Venezuela, or even as far away as Iran, they simply have no hard-power capability to affect the result. There's still a US hard power advantage at a continental range that the Russians and the Chinese don't have. Their soft power is extraordinary. But in this case it doesn't help a partner. And everyone can see that Assad in Syria went down despite Russian support. Iran went down despite Russian and Chinese support. Venezuela, Maduro went down, as well. That's the reality. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/michael-knights-gulf-change-us- israel-iran/33695982.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address GCC-EU Ministers Meeting Issues Joint Statement on Iranian Attacks against GCC States Saudi Press Agency Thursday 16/09/1447 Riyadh, March 05, 2026, SPA -- The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union held an extraordinary meeting on 5 March 2026 to discuss the escalation in the Middle East and Iran's inexcusable attacks against the GCC countries. The GCC side was headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. GCC Secretary-General Jassim Albudaiwi and the foreign ministers of the GCC Member Countries attended the meeting. The European side was headed by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, with the participation of Dubravka Suica and the foreign ministers of EU Member States. The ministers underscored the significance of the strategic partnership between the EU and the GCC, established under the 1988 Cooperation Agreement and re-confirmed with the EU-GCC Brussels Summit in October 2024. The ministers strongly condemned the unjustifiable Iranian attacks against the GCC countries which threaten regional and global security and called on Iran to cease immediately its attacks. The European Union reaffirmed its solidarity with the countries of the GCC. The ministers reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for protection of civilians and full respect of international law, international humanitarian law and the obligation to abide by the principles of the United Nations Charter. The ministers recalled that they consistently urged Iran to curb its nuclear programme and ballistic missile programme, refrain from destabilising activities in the region and in Europe, and to cease the appalling violence against its own people. The ministers discussed the significant damage caused by the recent indiscriminate Iranian attacks against the GCC member states, which targeted civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, service facilities and residential areas, resulting in material damage and threatening the security, safety and lives of civilians. The ministers highlighted the extensive diplomatic efforts by the EU and its Member States and the GCC member states prior to the attacks, as well the latter's commitment that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran. The ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis, commending the constructive role of Oman in this regard, and highlighted the need to restore regional stability and security. The ministers recalled the inherent right of the GCC countries, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, to defend themselves, individually and collectively, against the armed attacks of Iran. They affirmed that the GCC states have the right to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and protect their territories, citizens and residents in order to restore international peace and security. The ministers recalled the responsibility of the UN Security Council in restoring and maintaining international peace and security. The ministers agreed to joint diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to cease production and proliferation of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and any technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond, as well as to refrain from destabilising activities in the region and in Europe, and ultimately allow the Iranian people to determine their future. The ministers reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding regional air space, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, as well as the safety and security of supply chains and the stability of global energy markets. The ministers stressed that the security and stability of the Gulf region are fundamental pillars of the stability of the global economy, intrinsically linked to European and global security. In that context, the ministers recognised the importance of EU maritime defensive operation ASPIDES and operation ATALANTA to protect critical waterways and reduce disruption to supply chains, and encouraged coordination for the support of the operations. The ministers also stressed the need to safeguard regional airspace and maritime routes, as well as energy security and nuclear safety. The European Union thanked the GCC member states for the hospitality and assistance provided to nationals from the EU on their soil. The European Union and its Member States will continue to make every effort to allow for the safe departure of their citizens in close cooperation with the GCC member states. -- SPA 20:15 Local Time 17:15 GMT 0064 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia Strongly Condemns Iranian Attempts to Target Turkiye, Azerbaijan Saudi Press Agency Thursday 16/09/1447 Riyadh, March 05, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's strongest condemnation of Iran's attempts to target the Republic of Turkiye and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Kingdom stressed that these cowardly attempts and Iran's repeated blatant aggression against countries in the region reveal a hostile approach that cannot be justified, noting that this behavior clearly violates international laws, norms, and the principles of good neighborliness while pushing the region toward further escalation. The Kingdom expressed its full solidarity with the governments and peoples of Turkiye and Azerbaijan, affirming their right to protect their security, airspace, territorial integrity, and citizens, and commended their efforts to avoid escalation and maintain regional security and stability. -- SPA 13:39 Local Time 10:39 GMT 0041 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spain condemns Iran's new attacks against Turkey, Azerbaijan and Gulf Cooperation Council countries Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 024 5 MAR 26 The Spanish Government strongly condemns Iran's latest attacks in Turkey and Azerbaijan, which come on top of attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council member countries, particularly Qatar, where eight people were injured today, and reiterates its solidarity with these friendly countries. These indiscriminate attacks by Iran, including on civilian targets, are totally unjustifiable under international law, constitute flagrant violations of the sovereignty and integrity of these countries and increase the risk of escalation. Spain reiterates its commitment to a return to diplomacy and dialogue for urgent de-escalation, which will enable work to be done to ensure the security and stability of the region. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's Stance on Situation Around Iran Consistent, Well-Known - Kremlin Sputnik News 20260305 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's position on the situation around Iran is consistent and well-known to everyone, there are no changes in it, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "Our consistent position is well known to everyone. There are no changes here," Peskov told reporters when asked if Russia intends to provide assistance to Iran, for example, by supplying weapons. Moscow has not received any requests from Tehran for necessary assistance, the official said. The international situation related to the war in Iran cannot and should not be the reason for fluctuations in fuel prices in Russia, Peskov said. "The international situation related to the war in Iran cannot and should not be a reason for any fluctuations in our fuel prices," Peskov told reporters. Other Statements There are no signs of a change in the European Union's position regarding the operation of Nord Stream, Peskov said. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he would instruct the government to work with Russian companies to explore the issue of natural gas supplies from Russia to promising markets. The president stated that it might be more profitable for Russia to cease supplies to the European market and instead move to new markets that are currently opening up, seeking to establish a foothold there. "We see that there are no signs of a change in the Europeans' position," Peskov told reporters. Moscow sees that Europeans are already considering the possibility of moving up the deadlines for bans on LNG imports from Russia, the spokesman added. "The situation is truly becoming more difficult every day for Europeans, both for their citizens - in terms of household energy bills and in terms of industry, which is losing competitiveness with each passing hour," Peskov said. The issue of Russia's withdrawal from the European gas market is not a decision, but rather an order from Putin to the Cabinet of Ministers to address this issue, the spokesman also said. "Of course, our gas companies are in contact with all representatives of the global gas market, and they closely monitor the situation and understand where new premium markets are emerging," Peskov added. The Central African Republic is an important partner of Russia, the countries are linked by a whole range of relations, including in the field of security, Peskov said. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Central African Republic President Faustin Archange Touadera will hold a meeting later on Thursday. "An important partner, in general, Russia continues to intensify its relations with African states. We have a whole range of bilateral relations with the Central African Republic, including trade, economic, security-related sensitive areas, and humanitarian ties," Peskov told reporters. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Claims About Iran's Attempts to Build Nuclear Weapons False - Foreign Ministry Sputnik News 20260305 ISTANBUL (Sputnik) - Allegations that Iran is trying to acquire nuclear weapons amount to a "big lie," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Thursday. "Claims that Iran is allegedly pursuing nuclear weapons are a big lie - we reject them. A war is being waged against Iran, and the Americans are supporting it in Iran's interests," Gharibabadi told the A Haber broadcaster. Iran does not intend to allow "terrorists" from Iraq to enter its territory, Gharibabadi said. "We have warned the Iraqi federal authorities that this is their responsibility and we expect them to prevent terrorists from crossing the border. We are in close contact with the Iraqi authorities. In addition, our armed forces will not allow any terrorists to enter Iran," Gharibabadi told the Ahaber TV channel. Iran will not allow its adversaries' commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Gharibabadi said. "We do not want to support our enemies. Therefore, we do not allow any merchant vessel or warship of our opponents to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. We are currently at war," Gharibabadi told the Ahaber TV channel. There is no evidence of Iran's plans to strike the United States, as Iranian missiles are not built for such attacks, Gharibabadi also said. "This is not the war we chose. The US claims that Iran has allegedly tried to attack them, but it is laughable. We discussed these statements in Iran and found no evidence of an alleged imminent attack. Our missiles are not designed to strike the US," Gharibabadi told the A Haber broadcaster. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli-US Conflict With Iran Poses Threat to Global Stability, Economy - Lavrov Sputnik News 20260305 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US-Israeli operation against Iran poses a threat to global stability and economy, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday. "What is currently unfolding in the Middle East as a result of the aggression of Israel and the United States against Iran, I cannot fail to mention this crisis, which is now constantly on the front pages, on TV screens, and on social networks, and which is indeed fraught with colossal consequences, negative consequences for the whole world, for global stability and the global economy," Lavrov said at an embassy roundtable. Russia will make all efforts to contribute to the settlement of the situation in the Middle East, the minister added. There are disputes within the United States about the true goals of the US-Israeli military operation against Iran, Sergey Lavrov said. "Many are currently debating the goals [of the military operation against Iran], including many politicians in the United States who cannot understand what the goal of this operation is," Lavrov said. One of the goals of the operation against Iran was to create a division between Tehran and the countries of the region, the foreign minister added. NATO is currently being dragged into a war against Iran, Sergey Lavrov said. "It was like that in Ukraine, and now it is happening in the Middle East. It is telling that NATO, just as it has long been getting involved in Ukrainian affairs, is now being drawn into the war that the US and Israel have unleashed against Iran," Lavrov said. The negotiations between the US and Iran were close to success, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. "Negotiations between the United States and Iran had been underway for some time and, judging by the comments of those involved, were very close to success back in June of last year, when, in the midst of negotiations, literally on the eve of the next round, a 12-day war was unleashed, the so-called first act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The same thing happened now," Lavrov said. "Mr. Rutte, who makes very eloquent statements on any occasion. He said, 'NATO is ready to apply the collective defense clause in the US operation against Iran.'... And the gist of his statement is, esteemed members of the international community, know that NATO's interests lie where we tell you they are," Lavrov said. On Wednesday, Rutte told Newsmax that NATO was prepared to trigger Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty on collective defense amid the US operation against Iran. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov proposed a complete moratorium on attacks in the Middle East leading to civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure amid the current escalation in the region. "Let's all stand together for the cessation of any hostilities, starting with a complete moratorium on attacks that lead to civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, as is happening in many Arab countries," Lavrov said. Russia also calls on the Gulf states to join its efforts to stop the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, the minister said, noting that Gulf states condemn Iran's strikes, but ignore US and Israel attacks. "Last year, the Americans submitted a resolution to the Security Council on Ukraine, which simply called for ending the conflict as soon as possible. That was the meaning of this resolution. Let's adopt the same resolution [on the conflict over Iran] n the Security Council. We will be all for it. In my opinion, it will be fair," Lavrov added. Iran's right to self-determination of its future must be respected, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. "Our American colleagues, and Israel even more so, publicly declare this regime illegitimate. This their condemnation directly contradicts the opinion of all members of the United Nations. The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is a full member of the UN, and all its rights must be respected, including the right to organize its own affairs without anyone deciding for the Iranian people," Lavrov said. Russia hopes that the war against Iran will not undermine the principles of nuclear arms nonproliferation, Sergey Lavrov said. "I really hope that the current war against Iran will not undermine the foundations of the principles of non-proliferation of nuclear weapons," Lavrov said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No: 40, 5 March 2026, Regarding the Drone Attacks Targeting the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs We strongly condemn the drone attacks carried out today (5 March) against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. We once again emphasize that attacks targeting third countries in the region, which increase the risk of the war spreading, must be stopped immediately. As always, Turkiye will continue to stand by Azerbaijan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement and UNSC resolutions in Iran: E3 statement to the IAEA Board of Governors, March 2026 Speech France, Germany and the UK (the E3) delivered a joint statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board on Iran's Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Safeguards Agreement and the implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Jean Louis Falconi, Governor of France to the IAEA, on behalf of the E3 Published 5 March 2026 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 4 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Chair, The E3 have consistently advocated for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. We have urged Iran to seek a negotiated solution and to cooperate fully with the IAEA. Let me reiterate that France, Germany, and the United Kingdom did not participate in the strikes on Iran but stand ready to take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region. We extend our support and solidarity to all our regional partners and condemn Iranian attacks on countries in the region in the strongest terms. We want to see the swiftest possible resolution that ensures security and stability for the region. We will continue to call for a diplomatic solution that fully and sustainably addresses nuclear and regional concerns. In this context, we thank the Director General for his latest reports and for the Agency's tireless efforts to ensure the implementation of safeguards in Iran. We reiterate our full support for the Agency's professional, independent, and impartial work which remains indispensable to preserving confidence in the peaceful nature of nuclear activities worldwide. The Director General's reports remind us that this Board has been calling for progress from Iran for years. Iran has continually ignored demands to comply with its safeguards obligations despite repeated resolutions adopted by this Board and by the UN Security Council. In June 2025, this Board found Iran to be non-compliant with its safeguards agreement following years of Iran failing to provide the IAEA the information and access it needed to resolve questions around the possible presence of undeclared nuclear material in Iran. At that time, Iran was neither fully engaging with the IAEA nor responding to the Agency's or the Board's concerns. Chair, As the DG's reports set out, the military interventions in June 2025 led the IAEA, rightly, to withdraw inspectors to ensure staff safety. We remain deeply concerned that the IAEA has been unable to access several of Iran's nuclear facilities, including those that pose the greatest nuclear proliferation risk, and account for Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium for more than eight months. This marks a continuing failure on Iran's part to adhere to basic safeguards obligations. As the DG has reported, Iran has not provided the Agency with the requested report on affected nuclear facilities and associated nuclear material and consequently, the Agency cannot verify the status of the facilities and material and is unable to discharge its safeguards responsibilities. The DG's report also reminds us that in light of Iran's failure to address unresolved safeguards issues, the Agency has outstanding concerns about the possible presence of undeclared nuclear material and activities in Iran. We commend the DG and the IAEA for their efforts to engage Iran and reach a solution. We also thank the Agency for repeatedly reminding the Board that the implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement cannot be suspended under any circumstances. Cooperation between the Agency and Iran - or indeed, between the Agency and any of its Member States - cannot be made conditional on factors outside of legal obligations under the NPT. To do so would undermine the integrity of the safeguards system and jeopardise the global non-proliferation regime on which all our security depends. This Board must continue to support the IAEA's efforts to resolve these issues. Chair, We have repeatedly expressed our deep concern about the lack of transparency over the nature of Iran's nuclear programme, including enrichment activities with no credible civilian justification. As the report points out, Iran remains the only State without nuclear weapons to have produced 60% High Enriched Uranium. We recall that Iran is legally required under the reinstated UNSC resolutions to suspend all its activities related to uranium enrichment. It is therefore extremely concerning that the Agency is unable to account for Iran's uranium stockpile, including high enriched uranium equivalent to more than ten IAEA "significant quantities", and must rely on commercially available satellite imagery to report movement at Natanz, Fordow and Isfahan. After more than 8 months of frustration, the DG now reports increasing risk of diversion, particularly around Iran's new Isfahan Fuel Enrichment Plant (IFEP). He notes with 'increasing concern' that the Agency has not been granted access to this location and is unable to confirm the nature and purpose of the activities observed around the entrance to the tunnel complex at Isfahan. The report clearly does not discount the possibility that this enrichment plant was already operational and potentially enriching material stored in Isfahan at the time of writing. We must not lose sight of these proliferation risks in Iran and the challenges this poses to the global non-proliferation architecture. Chair, Finally, I want to reiterate that the E3 have consistently pursued negotiations and continue to believe that diplomacy offers the only sustainable path to finally resolving international concerns about Iran's nuclear programme. We urge Iran to cooperate fully with the IAEA. The E3 remain committed to diplomacy and to working with all Board members to uphold the authority of the IAEA and the integrity of the global non-proliferation regime. Thank you, Chair NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran destroys US radars in UAE, Jordan, satellite images show Iran Press TV Friday, 06 March 2026 7:22 AM Satellite images show that several US military radars in the UAE and Jordan have been successfully hit by Iranian missiles and drones as the Iranian Armed Forces continue a retaliatory campaign against American and Israeli aggression. New images from several military installations across the Arabian Peninsula suggest that Iran has focused on disabling the radar infrastructure that forms the backbone of US-supplied missile systems. One such radar, supporting an American THAAD missile battery at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, appears to have been hit and destroyed in the opening days of the war, according to satellite imagery captured Monday. The base lies more than 500 miles from Iran, underscoring the reach of Tehran's retaliatory operations. Similar damage has also been detected in the United Arab Emirates. Satellite analysis shows that buildings housing radar-related infrastructure were struck at two locationsnear Ruwais and Saderbetween February 28 and March 1. At least three structures in Ruwais and four in Sader sustained visible damage, including pull-through vehicle sheds typically used to store radar systems linked to THAAD batteries. The radar component is considered a critical element of the high-end missile interceptor system, enabling the detection and tracking of incoming ballistic missiles and drones. Without it, the interceptor batteries' ability to respond to threats is significantly degraded. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) earlier said such strikes were part of its expanding Operation True Promise 4, a campaign launched in retaliation for the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression. "With the successful destruction of more than seven advanced radars, the eyes of the US and the usurping Zionist regime in the region have been blinded," the IRGC said in a statement on Wednesday, announcing the 17th stage of the operation. The latest developments come after the United States and Israel launched a new round of aggression against Iran on February 28, eight months after earlier unprovoked attacks against the country. The strikes has led to the martyrdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and more than 1,200 civilians, including women, children and senior military commanders. Iran responded swiftly, unleashing waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli-occupied territories and US bases across the region. Iranian officials insist the war was imposed on the country and say their ongoing military campaign is a legitimate act of self-defense aimed at neutralizing the infrastructure used to sustain further aggression. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran warns strikes will expand as air defenses down more Israeli, US drones Iran Press TV Friday, 06 March 2026 6:31 AM Iran says its retaliatory campaign will intensify in the coming days, with military officials vowing expanded strikes while air defenses continue to intercept Israeli and US aircraft and drones across the country. Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Israel has attempted to hide its military resources among civilian areas but Iranian forces are continuing to locate and strike them. "The cowardly military forces and facilities of the Zionist regime have hidden in civilian and public layers," Zolfaghari said on Thursday night. "But the detection and striking of the aggressors will continue, and in the coming days the trend of attacks will become more intense and widespread." He added that Iranian air defenses on Thursday intercepted and destroyed advanced enemy aircraft over several regions of the country. "Early this morning, our forces tracked and destroyed one F-15E fighter jet and a total of four advanced reconnaissance-combat drones Hermes 900 and MQ-9 in the skies over the western, southwestern and southern regions of our country," he said. According to Zolfaghari, the latest interceptions bring the total number of enemy drones shot down by Iranian armed forces to more than 75 since the US-Israeli aggression began last Saturday. The developments come after the United States and Israel launched a new round of aerial aggression against Iran on February 28, eight months after their earlier unprovoked attacks. Those strikes led to the martyrdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and more than 1,200 civilians, including women, children and senior military commanders. Iran responded swiftly, launching waves of missile and drone strikes against Israeli-occupied territories as well as US bases across the region. Iranian officials say the war was imposed on the country and that its military campaign is a legitimate act of self-defense. 'Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz' Brigadier General Mohammad Akrami-Nia, spokesman for the Iranian Army, said on Thursday the current instability in regional waters is the direct result of American actions. "Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz," he said. "This strait has become unsafe by itself due to the mischief of the Americans, and this insecurity has caused shipping companies to lack the courage to pass through the area." He warned that restoring stability to the vital waterway may take time. "One of the results of this war is that it is no longer clear when security will return to this region," Akrami-Nia said. "The previous order will be very difficult to restore. But we hope that through the actions of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the countries of the region, order will once again return to this strait." The army spokesman emphasized that Iran had not sought the conflict. "We have entered a war that was an unwanted war," he said. "For us, this war is a sacred and legitimate war because we are defending ourselves. Therefore the motivation and determination of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran is far greater than that of the enemies." Akrami-Nia noted that Tehran had previously warned Washington about the consequences of initiating hostilities. "We had warned earlier that if a war started, US bases throughout the region would certainly be targeted," he said. "We said we would strike, and we did. We warned that this war would become regional, and that also happened. We said we would respond immediately, and we did." He stressed that Iran harbors no hostility toward neighboring countries despite the widening conflict. "If today countries of the region and US bases in these countries have been targeted, the responsibility lies with America," he said. "The Islamic Republic of Iran absolutely has no hostile intention toward the countries of the region and has very brotherly relations with the Muslim countries of the region." "But when a war breaks out," he added, "its flames may spread to the surroundings. The responsibility for this fire lies with America." Iranian forces, he said, are prepared for a prolonged confrontation if necessary. "We are fighting in a managed way," Akrami-Nia said. "We had prepared in advance for a long war, and today we can continue fighting for as long as the country's officials decide." US, Israel failed in their war goals Meanwhile, veteran Iranian commander Mohsen Rezaei, who led the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps during the Iran-Iraq war, said the conflict marks a turning point. "The people should know that their sons in the armed forces will teach the criminal [US President Donald] Trump and [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu such a lesson that they will never again dare such an insult," he said. "From today the situation is changing," Rezaei added. "The nations of the world are happy that a country has emerged that strikes the mouth of America." He argued that Washington and Tel Aviv launched the conflict in stages. "The enemies carried out the first phase of the war in June, the second phase in January, and the third phase in February," he said. "Trump and Netanyahu, who have dirty and black records, want to escape forward from their disgraceful past." Their goal, he said, was to secure a decisive victory against Iran. "They wanted to achieve a big victory by attacking Iran, assassinating officials, activating terrorists and unrest, and after that occupying the country and devouring Iran's resources." Instead, he said, Iranian forces have achieved significant military successes. "In the current war we have made good progress in the military fields, which is why dozens of advanced American and Israeli drones have been shot down," Rezaei said. He dismissed claims from Washington that US forces could sustain a prolonged conflict. "Trump's statement that they can fight for weeks is a big lie," he said. "And Netanyahu deceived Trump by saying the matter would be finished within 48 hours. Therefore they do not have the ability for a long war but we do." Rezaei also vowed that Iran would not halt its campaign until US forces leave the Persian Gulf. "This time as well, we will not stop except with the liberation of the Persian Gulf and the cleansing of America from the Persian Gulf," he said. Meanwhile, Iranian air defenses continued to intercept hostile aircraft. The public relations office of the IRGC's Sahib al-Zaman Corps in Isfahan announced early Friday that another Israeli spy drone had been destroyed in the skies over the central province. According to the statement, "the second Heron reconnaissance and combat drone of the Zionist regime was tracked and destroyed by the aerospace defense of the IRGC in the skies of Isfahan." The announcement came shortly after Iranian forces had already shot down another Heron drone that was patrolling over the same area. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Painful blows await': IRGC spokesman warns of long war and new initiatives Iran Press TV Friday, 06 March 2026 1:01 AM The spokesperson for the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps says Iran is fully prepared for a "prolonged war" and is set to introduce a new generation of strategic weaponry that has not yet been seen on the battlefield. Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini said the country is prepared for a long war to punish the aggressor. The general stressed that the waves of attacks under the True Promise 4 Operation conducted thus far have only utilized a fraction of Iran's actual capabilities. "Iran's new initiatives and weapons are on the way," the spokesperson declared. "These technologies have not yet been deployed on a large scale. The enemy should expect painful blows in every upcoming operational wave." The announcement coincided with the firing of Khayber missile strikes in Tel Aviv, which demonstrated a high degree of precision. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Calls On Iran Forces To Lay Down Arms, Civilians To Revolt By RFE/RL March 06, 2026 WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump called on members of Iran's military, police, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to lay down their arms, promising "total immunity" if they abandon the country's ruling clerical establishment. As he made his remarks, fears continued to rise that the US and Israeli war on Iran was spreading throughout the Middle East, not only affecting Washington's Arab allies, but also non-Gulf nations, such as Azerbaijan, Turkey, Cyprus, and even Sri Lanka, some 3,900 kilometers away. Trump, speaking at the White House on March 5, urged security forces to side with the Iranian public and help bring down the government that has ruled the country since the 1989 Iranian Revolution. "I'm once again calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military, and the police to lay down their arms," Trump said. "Now is the time to stand up for the Iranian people and help take back your country." He emphasized those who surrender would receive protection. "We'll give you immunity," Trump said, adding that those who defect would be on "the right side of history." "You'll be perfectly safe with total immunity, or you'll face absolutely guaranteed death. And I don't want to see that," he said. Trump also appealed to Iranian diplomats stationed abroad to seek asylum and assist in shaping Iran's future. "We urge Iranian diplomats around the world to request asylum and help us shape a new and better Iran with great potential," he said. Later, in an interview with NBC News, Trump said he wasn't currently considering the use of US troops on the ground in Iran. "It's a waste of time. They've lost everything. They've lost their navy. They've lost everything they can lose," he told NBC News in a phone call, adding that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi's earlier remark that Iran was ready for a US or Israeli ground invasion was a "wasted comment." Claim of Heavy Military Losses The US president claimed that Iranian military capabilities had been severely degraded during recent fighting. "In three days, their anti-aircraft weapons are gone. They have no air force. They have no air defense," Trump said. "All of their airplanes are gone. Their communications are gone." He also said roughly 60 percent of Iran's missiles and 64 percent of its launchers had been destroyed and that the country's navy had lost 24 ships. "Their navy is gone," he said. He accused Tehran of previously aiming missiles at several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. "They were going after the entire Middle East," Trump said. "Then we came along. We blew up their party." A Say In The Next Ruler Hours earlier, Trump had said Washington will help choose the next leader of Iran after the country's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, had been killed in the initial stages of the joint US-Israeli air strikes on February 28. Trump, speaking to Reuters, ruled out Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late supreme leader -- a hardliner who has been considered a favorite to succeed his father -- calling him a "lightweight." "We want to be involved in the process of choosing the person who is going to lead Iran into the future," he was quoted by the agency as saying. "We don't have to go back every five years and do this again and again...Somebody that's going to be great for the people, great for the country." "Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran," Trump said in an interview with Axios. Hegseth: Fight Just Begun Meanwhile, US defense chief Pete Hegseth warned Tehran it was making a mistake if it thought the United States could not sustain the ongoing war, adding that US forces had just begun to fight. "Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation," Hegseth told reporters at the US Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida. The Pentagon on March 5 said the US military has sunk more than 30 Iranian ships so far and that ballistic missile attacks by Iran have decreased by 90 percent since the first day of the war, with some 60 percent of launchers destroyed. Israel Launches Next Phase, Iran Retaliates Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir on March 5 said the country's forces were launching the next phase of its attacks in Iran in which "we will further dismantle the regime and its military capabilities." He said that since February 28, the Israeli Air Force has carried out some 2,500 attacks in Iran in the initial "surprise attack phase," gaining air superiority and destroying more than 60 percent of ballistic missile launchers. Iranian state TV reported explosions in several parts of the capital in the early morning hours of March 6. Israeli forces also intensified attacks on Iran-allied Hezbollah forces in neighboring Lebanon. In retaliation, Iranian forces fired two new waves of rockets at Israel and have used warheads with cluster munitions, Iranian state TV reported. Cluster munitions have largely been banned internationally because they spread explosives over large areas and are particularly dangerous for civilians. Israel has previously accused Iran of firing such munitions. Elsewhere, an Iranian missile strike ignited a blaze at Bahrain's state-owned oil refinery, while in Saudi Arabia, some Western embassy staff in Riyadh were told to shelter in place after an attack on the US Embassy compound earlier this week. The United Arab Emirates said its air-defense systems had intercepted six ballistic missiles, one of which landed on its soil. Emirati officials said the Gulf state is considering freezing Iranian assets to punish Tehran for the attacks on its territory. Sites in non-Gulf nations Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Iraq have also been targeted by Iranian drones during the first six days of fighting. A US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the waters of Sri Lanka on March 4, killing at least 87 sailors. Fears were growing in Azerbaijan, Iran's northwestern neighbor, that the South Caucasus country could become embroiled in the war. Baku accused Iran of firing drones that struck an airport and school in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan autonomous region on March 5, calling it an "act of terror" and vowing to respond. Tehran denied it fired the drones that injured two people. The US State Department on March 5 warned American citizens in Azerbaijan to avoid travel to the Nakhchivan region following the drone strikes. With reporting by RFE/RL's Alex Raufoglu in Washington, RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-iran-israel-irgc-war- immunity/33696640.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dana Stroul: US, Israel Achieving Military Gains In Iran, But Political End Remains Unclear By Amra Zejneli Loxha March 06, 2026 US and Israeli air strikes are delivering military blows against Iran, but Washington still lacks a defined political strategy for what comes after the fighting, Dana Stroul, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Stroul, now director of research at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said Tehran's conventional capabilities are being degraded but cautioned that Iran still has other options including cyber operations and activating networks beyond the Middle East and that pressures from casualties, munitions and interceptor stocks, and global economic fallout could grow the longer the war continues. RFE/RL: From a US defense policy perspective, what is realistically achievable at this stage of the war with Iran? Dana Stroul: From a defense policy perspective, I thought what General Kaine, the chairman of our Joint Chiefs of Staff, yesterday said was really important. He said the military objective was to eliminate Iran's ability to project power across the Middle East. And what he means by that are the three major concerns that US defense policymakers have had for a really long time: Iran's nuclear weapons program, Iran's missile program, and Iran's support for terrorism across the Middle East. And we've seen over the past several days since this war started that, that they are making efforts to degrade and set back each of those different programs. RFE/RL: What will be the clearest sign that the campaign is moving in that direction at this point? Stroul: The signs are already there that the military objectives are on track. For example, within the first 48 hours of this campaign, Israel and the United States together achieved air supremacy over Iran. And so US forces moved from using weapons at sea, we call it standoff weapons, to what they say are stand in weapons. We now have fighter aircraft over Iran taking out missiles and drones and things like this. And from the friends I have in the Middle East, I'm talking to people in the Gulf and Jordan and Israel, they all report that the pace and the intensity of the missile attacks and the drone attacks are going down, which means that we're having some operational effect inside Iran. But I think it's really important to differentiate those military tools and assessments from the political end state. And in terms of what the actual strategy is and what the overarching political objectives are, that is something that is for the president, President Trump, to decide and define. And he has not done that yet. RFE/RL: The Pentagon said that Iran is firing far fewer missiles and drones than at the start of the conflict. What does this tell us actually about Iran's current, current military position? Stroul: It tells us that conventionally, the United States and Israel working together are able to degrade and really set back Iran's capabilities. So, from a conventional military sense, there is progress in eliminating Iran's air threats and these sorts of actions. But when it comes to what the political end state is, when the president will say, 'Okay, we've achieved our objectives'. At this point, the messaging is all over the place. RFE/RL: How long do you think that Iran can sustain this level of fighting? Stroul: The question for whatever is left of the Iranian regime is what they define as winning for them, because this is a revolutionary regime who believes that it represents God's will on earth. What they need to do is survive. Even if their missile program is set back, even if the nuclear weapons program is set back. If this is just airstrikes, knowledge still remains, missile programs can be rebuilt as long as the regime survives. RFE/RL: Do you see others joining this war? Stroul: Well, I think first of all, Iran had a strategy in the Middle East as soon as the United States and Israel attacked it. And that strategy was to punish the partners and allies of the United States across the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf. And what's very clear is that strategy is not working. What we've seen is that our Gulf partners, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council, have really effective air defense and have really pointed the finger at the Iranian regime. They are mad at the indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure across the Middle East, not at the United States and Israel for trying to eliminate Iran's infrastructure. And I think there are active discussions about how to best eliminate the threats coming out of Iran. So we'll see how that evolves in the coming days. RFE/RL: As US strike expands deeper into Iran, what should Washington be most focused on now? Stroul: What Washington has right now is a war that is achieving military effectiveness. What Washington does not have is a strategy or policy for what comes after the fighting ends. And I think in this undefined space, there are several unknowns that could really increase pressure on President Trump. The first is there could be more American casualties. There were six this week that could increase pressure on him, especially as he comes into a critical midterm election cycle. Number two is this question of US stocks of munitions and missile interceptors versus how long the Iranians can continue to threaten the region. And there are things like the global price of oil, the global economy, supplies. I think this only gets more complicated the longer this war goes on. RFE/RL: If regional allies move from defensive support to a more active role, can that also change the course of the conflict? Stroul: It's not going to change the course of the conflict because the United States and Israel can conventionally prevail over Iran on their own. But certainly widening the coalition that's participating in this, I think would have tremendous political value. So, the question for a lot of countries that have now been pulled into this because of Iran's attacks have to decide is the best way to protect their interests and protect their populations, to continue to focus on defense and using these very expensive missile interceptors to defend their populations, or is the best defense a strong offense, in which case they might decide to join in trying to degrade, push back and destroy some of this missile and drone infrastructure inside Iran. RFE/RL: How much capability does Iran still have to project threats beyond the Middle East? Stroul: What's clear is that that conventional capability, the missiles and the drones, is going down with every passing hour. But Iran still has cards to play. What we have not seen yet is Iranian doing Iran taking on offensive cyber operations across the Middle East. We also know that Iran operates a global network of sleeper cells, terror cells all over the world. We have not seen those become activated. Now, certainly a lot of countries, especially across Europe, the United States, Asia, are aware of this and probably are increasing their information sharing and intelligence and homeland defense. But these are additional options for Iran to make this painful beyond the Middle East, and we haven't seen that happen yet. RFE/RL: And finally, do you see this war prolonging, or could it end within a few weeks, as it was said? Stroul: From a military perspective, there are weeks left in terms of what the United States and Israel believe they need to do to eliminate these threats, whether it is sinking the rest of the Iranian navy, as we heard from the secretary of Defense Hegseth yesterday, whether it's continuing to take out the rest of the missile arsenal across Iran, the drone arsenal. These things are going to take time. So, I would anticipate this going on for weeks. But again, the challenges, we have not heard from President Trump exactly what political end state he is seeking. And the risk is that this just creeps, mission creep and becomes a really protracted conflict. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/dana-stroul-us-israel-military- gains-iran/33696330.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi resistance says launched 27 strikes against enemy targets in a day Iran Press TV Friday, 06 March 2026 3:18 AM The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it has conducted 27 separate operations against US bases across Iraq and the broader region within a 24-hour period. In a series of statements released via official channels, the umbrella group of resistance factions reported that the wave of attacks involved the deployment of dozens of missiles and long-range drones. The group characterized the operations as a direct response to the presence of occupation forces in West Asia. The most recent strikes occurred at dawn on Thursday, when the group reportedly utilized an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to hit a "vital target" in Jordan. Shortly thereafter, a separate drone strike was claimed against a similar target in Duhok, located in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Courtesy Call to Defense Minister KOIZUMI by Deputy Secretary General Sekerinska, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ministry of Defense of Japan (Press Release: Provisional Translation) March 5, 2026 Ministry of Defense Japan On March 5, 2026, from 5:05 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Minister of Defense Koizumi received a courtesy call from Ms. Radmila SEKERINSKA, NATO Deputy Secretary General, who was visiting Japan. At the outset, Minister Koizumi expressed his welcome for Deputy Secretary General Sekerinska on the occasion of her first visit to Japan. Deputy Secretary General Sekerinska, in turn, conveyed her appreciation for the warm reception. As recognition continues to deepen that security in the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable, the two sides confirmed the strategic importance of Japan-NATO cooperation. During the meeting, the two exchanged views on regional situations, including the current situation surrounding Iran, as well as on Japan's defense policy. They also confirmed that cooperation between NATO and Japan is becoming increasingly important, including from the perspective of strengthening mutual deterrence. They exchanged views on cooperation in areas such as cyber, space, improving interoperability, as well as defense industry and equipment cooperation, and welcomed the steady progress of Japan-NATO cooperation across a wide range of fields. The two sides agreed to further advance more practical Japan-NATO security and defense cooperation under close communication. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Courtesy call on Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary SATO Kei by H.E. Radmila Shekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan March 5, 2026 On March 5, commencing at 2:00 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary SATO received a courtesy call from H.E. Radmila Shekerinska, Deputy Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), who is visiting Japan at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows: At the outset, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary SATO welcomed Deputy Secretary General Shekerinska's visit to Japan and stated that, at a time when the free, open, and stable international order is being greatly shaken, Japan places importance on cooperation with the ally and like-minded countries and expressed the expectation that this visit would lead to further strengthening of Japan-NATO relations. In response, Deputy Secretary General Shekerinska, while highly valuing that Japan-NATO cooperation is becoming increasingly intense, expressed appreciation for Japan's cooperation with NATO including its support for Ukraine through NATO. The two sides exchanged views on regional affairs including the Indo-Pacific and concurred to further deepen cooperative relations in a wide range of fields including defense equipment and industrial cooperation. Furthermore, the two sides confirmed that Japan and NATO, as well as NATO and the Indo-Pacific partners (IP4: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea), will continue to work closely together on the various challenges facing the international community. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Working Dinner between State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU and H.E. Shekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan March 5, 2026 On March 5, from 6:30 p.m. for about 105 minutes, Dr. KUNIMITSU Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a working dinner with H.E. Radmila Shekerinska, Deputy Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), who is visiting Japan at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The overview is as follows: At the outset, State Minister KUNIMITSU welcomed Deputy Secretary General Shekerinska and stated that, under the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, the importance of cooperation between Japan and NATO and between NATO and Indo-Pacific partners (IP4: Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea) is increasing, and that Japan would like to build up concrete cooperation with NATO in various fields, including defense equipment and industrial cooperation, and raise the relationship to a new height. In response, Deputy Secretary General Shekerinska expressed appreciation for the invitation and stated that she would like to further develop the increasingly close and favorable Japan-NATO relations going forward. In addition, the two sides exchanged views on the situation surrounding Iran and confirmed the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts toward an early de-escalation of the situation, given that attacks by Iran have spread to neighboring countries. Furthermore, the two sides exchanged views on Russia's aggression against Ukraine and regional situations, including the Indo-Pacific, and confirmed that Japan and NATO, as well as NATO and the Indo-Pacific partners (IP4), will continue to work closely together on the various challenges facing the international community. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Japan-Germany Summit Telephone Meeting Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan March 5, 2026 On March 5, commencing at 5:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone meeting with H.E. Mr. Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. The overview is as follows: At the outset, Chancellor Merz explained Germany's position on the regional and international situations, taking into account his recent overseas visits. Prime Minister TAKAICHI explained Japan's position regarding the situation in the Middle East, noting that Iranian attacks have targeted diplomatic facilities as well as civilian facilities including energy facilities, resulting in civilian casualties, and that Japan condemns Iran's such actions. Chancellor Merz in turn explained Germany's position and efforts on the matter. The two leaders concurred on closely working together toward the early settlement of the situation. The two leaders shared concerns about the impact of export controls on critical minerals and other items on global supply chains and confirmed their cooperation in the field of economic security. They confirmed that Japan and Germany will continue to work closely together to address the challenges facing the international community. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pacific Fleet's ship detachment goes to sea after business call to Malaysia's port 03 March 2026 08:05 The Pacific Fleet's ship detachment, including the corvettes Soversheny and Rezky, as well as the Pechenga medium marine tanker, completed a business call at the port of George Town (Malaysia). During their stay in the country, there were study tours for staff of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and servicemen of the Malaysian Navy on board the Pacific Fleet's ships. In turn, the Russian servicemen visited memorable and cultural sites and took part in friendly sporting events with the servicemen of the host country. During the stay of the Russian seamen in Penang, a memorial ceremony took place at the memorial to the sailors and officers of the Zhemchug cruiser, which sank in Penang waters during the First World War (28 October 1914). The ship detachment (Pacific Fleet) took a long-distance mission from Vladivostok on 12 February this year to perform tasks in the Asia-Pacific region. While sailing towards Malaysia, the corvettes Soversheny and Rezky paid tribute to the military seamen killed in the battle of Tsushima, as well as replenished supplies on the way from the Pechenga sea tanker. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign minister Tsahkna: Putin's threats prove that ending dependence on Russian energy is the only right course Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05.03.2026 | 12:23 Foreign minister Tsahkna: Putin's threats prove that ending dependence on Russian energy is the only right course "Putin's recent threat to halt gas supplies to the European Union confirms what Estonia and many like-minded countries have long argued: Russia is not a reliable energy supplier, as it is always ready to use countries' energy dependence as a weapon against them. Therefore, the only right course for countries is to free themselves from dependence on Russian energy. Putin is exploiting the uncertainty in energy markets caused by the conflict in the Middle East, but Europe has no supply security issues because we have diversified our supply chains. Many EU member states have taken decisive steps in recent years to reduce their reliance on Russian energy, and the EU has agreed to end imports of Russian fossil fuels completely by 2027 at the latest. Putin's threats prove that the chosen strategy is the only correct one, and now we must use every opportunity to accelerate the phase-out of imports and continue diversifying supply chains to avoid falling back into dependence on Russian energy. In light of this, the Hungarian foreign minister's visit to Moscow yesterday to secure continued oil and gas supplies from Russia is a step in the wrong direction. All countries would benefit more from breaking free from Russian energy, and alternative supply routes remain fully accessible to Hungary as well. It is also known that Russia largely uses revenue from energy sales to finance its war against Ukraine and to prepare for a long-term confrontation with Europe. It is wrong to continue buying Russian energy and thus financing activities that undermine our own security." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian-Central African talks In the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin held talks with President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera, who is in Russia on a working visit. March 5, 2026 14:25 The Kremlin, Moscow The discussion focused on the further development of bilateral cooperation in policy, trade, the economy, and the cultural and humanitarian spheres, as well as current international issues. Taking part in the talks on the Russian side were: Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office - Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Aide to the President Yury Ushakov, Minister of Agriculture Oksana Lut, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Director of the Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Dmitry Shugayev, Deputy Defence Minister Vasily Osmakov, Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces - Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Igor Kostyukov and Deputy Chief of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Andrei Averyanov. * * * President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, friends, I am delighted to welcome you to Moscow, Russia. Mr President, you are always a welcome guest in our country. Quite recently, just three months ago, we celebrated the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. Allow me once again to personally congratulate you on the election results. We sincerely wish you success. The fact that citizens voted for you and that you achieved a convincing victory shows that, overall, people support the policies you are pursuing, both in strengthening the domestic political situation and security, and in addressing economic issues. As for the economy, we are currently considering what I believe is a very timely decision: the establishment of an intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation. I believe we have good prospects in this area, particularly in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. We have plenty to discuss today, in this expanded format, and later we will be able to continue discussing all these issues privately during our working lunch. I understand that during this working visit you travelled not only to Moscow but also to St Petersburg. I hope you will share your impressions of my hometown. Welcome, Mr President. Welcome, friends. President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera (retranslated): Thank you very much, Mr President. First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, to your Government, and to the people of the Russian Federation for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation. I also wish to thank you for the opportunity to hold this meeting. On behalf of my Government and the people of the Central African Republic, I would like to convey our deep appreciation for the support you and your Government are providing during this challenging period - a decisive moment for the future of the Central African Republic. In this regard, you mentioned the elections recently held in our country, encompassing four different types of elections. Thank you for your congratulations. We did indeed conduct these elections, and Russia made a significant contribution to making them possible by helping to ensure security. Russian agencies operating on our territory assisted in creating a safe and stable environment for the electoral process, allowing it to proceed smoothly. As a result, the people of the Central African Republic were able to exercise their right to choose their President. I have begun a new seven-year term, and I am committed to further strengthening our cooperation, particularly in the field of security, but also in the areas you mentioned, including the economy, education, cultural and humanitarian matters, and other spheres. Allow me to once again express my sincere gratitude for your continued and significant support, especially with regard to grain supplies, which help ensure that our population has adequate access to flour. We deeply appreciate this assistance. We are also cooperating in the hydrocarbon sector, where we are currently facing a challenging situation. Your support has helped us address the difficulties in this area, which is vital both for the economy and for the country as a whole. During today's discussions, we will also consider the issue of establishing stable and sustainable supply chains. During our upcoming discussions, we will focus on a range of economic matters, with particular attention to the energy sector, the financial challenges we are facing, and the difficulties affecting our financial system - issues that can be overcome. We will also address broader challenges within the energy sector, as the Central African Republic is currently experiencing a significant energy deficit. The Russian Federation possesses substantial expertise in this field. I think we will consider these matters alongside other important areas, including cultural cooperation. Revitalising the agricultural sector is also a priority, as it will play a key role in strengthening our national economy. Vladimir Putin: Mr President, you have mentioned the humanitarian sphere. In this area as well, we have strong foundations and promising opportunities. It should be noted that many issues in this sphere are being addressed on an ongoing basis. First of all, I would like to express my appreciation for your efforts to promote and popularise the Russian language in your country. We are aware that the Russian Language Centre and the Russian-language education centre are operating successfully there. In this regard, I would like to thank you and also inform you that we have decided to increase the quota for students from your country. We sincerely hope that this cooperation will continue and expand into other areas of humanitarian cooperation as well. There is also another important area of cooperation - our coordination of positions with the Central African Republic on the global stage. Our respective ministries and agencies are actively working in this direction and remain in constant contact. I am confident that this cooperation will continue. We will discuss this further today, especially given the rather turbulent situation developing in the world. Thank you. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KMT proposes NT$350 billion special budget to fund U.S. arms sales ROC Central News Agency 03/05/2026 04:38 PM Taipei, March 5 (CNA) The legislative caucus of Taiwan's main opposition party said Thursday it will propose a special defense budget bill totaling NT$350 billion (US$11.04 billion) to fund eight weapons sales announced by the United States in December. Speaking at a news conference in the Legislature, Kuomintang (KMT) caucus secretary-general Lin Pei-hsiang () said his caucus "fully supports" the eight systems listed in the U.S. foreign military sales announced on Dec. 17. Those include High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Javelin missiles, Altius-700M and Altius-600 drones, TOW missiles, M109A7 self-propelled howitzers, C5ISR systems, Harpoon missile follow-on support and helicopter parts, which total US$11.1 billion. In contrast, the Cabinet's special defense budget bill is NT$1.25 trillion and includes the eight systems, potential U.S. arms sales that have not been notified to Congress, and procurement plans involving domestic manufacturers such as the T-Dome multilayered air defense system and drones. In addition, Lin said that in the event of a follow-on foreign military sales package, the bill mandates that the Ministry of National Defense draft a matching special budget bill and submit it to the Legislature for review "promptly and without delay." "We hope to take a phased approach to move arms procurement forward concretely and transparently, as opposed to a one-time authorization of a blank check," he said. He added that the caucus will formally sponsor the bill later Thursday, after final adjustments. The move came amid pressure from Washington over the opposition parties' blocking of the sales. Senior KMT members, including Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen () and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (), have recently expressed concern that blocking the arms sales package could sour Taiwan-U.S. relations. The KMT caucus, along with the smaller opposition Taiwan People's Party caucus, has blocked the review of the Cabinet's bill 10 times since late November, criticizing the budget's "opaque" contents and demanding that President Lai Ching-te () brief and be questioned by lawmakers on the budget before any review can begin. However, Lin on Thursday rejected accusations that the KMT had blocked the arms sales. The KMT's bill, he said, is meant to distinguish between foreign military sales -- the costs of which are specified in letters of acceptance issued by the U.S. -- and direct commercial sales, which are often opaque and have sparked major corruption scandals in the past. (By Sean Lin) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministry of National Defense: Minister Wellington Koo Li-hsiung Extends Lunar New Year Greetings on Inspecting Stationed Troops in Northern Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.03.05 Issuing AuthorityAdministration Office With the Lunar New Year approaching, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo Li-hsiung visited northern armaments units this morning to extend his early New Year greetings to the personnel, affirming their efforts and contributions to diligently producing armaments for safeguarding national security during the past year. Minister Koo first visited the Armaments Bureau's 202nd Arsenal and the Technical Data, Test & Evaluation Center, receiving briefings and understanding on-site operations of production line. At the same time, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President Lai Ching-te, he encouraged and comforted the personnel, thanking them for steadfastly standing at their posts so that the public could enjoy a peaceful Lunar New Year. Minister Koo stated that the Armaments Bureau's 202nd Arsenal shouldered the critical responsibility of researching, developing, and producing multiple types of ammunition which involved high-risk tasks. The unit had to prioritize safety and security protection, strictly pyrotechnics operating rules, improve operating processes, continuously introduce new protective equipment, establish a safe workplace environment, strengthen personnel education and training, and enhance disaster response capabilities to ensure mission to be carried out free of incidents. Minister Koo pointed out that currently defense self-reliance was key to defense policy, with armaments playing a pivotal role. He encouraged everyone to continue improving research, development, production, and testing efficiency to provide stable support to meet the demands of combat readiness. Minister Koo also extended his early Lunar New Year greetings to all personnel, thanking them for their long-term hard work at the posts, and wishing all service members and their families abundant fortune and peace in the Year of the Horse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.03.06 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Mar. 5 (Thu.) to 6 a.m. Mar. 6 (Fri.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 7 PLAN ships and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 3.Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe. 1150306_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Minister congratulates 123rd Separate Motorised Rifle on liberation of Reznikovka, Donetsk People's Republic 02 March 2026 06:31 Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Andrei Belousov congratulated the command and personnel of the 123rd Separate Motorised Rifle on the liberation of Reznikovka (Donetsk People's Republic). 'The servicemen of the glorious guards formation continue their liberation battles with courage and selflessness. As a result of professional and resolute actions, the enemy suffered significant losses and was routed on the battlefield,' said the Russian Defence Minister's telegram. The Russian Defence Minister stressed that, during the special military operation, the formation performs tasks in the most difficult directions and, in severe battles with neo-Nazis, the brigade's servicemen show courage and valour and boldly defeat the enemy. Andrei Belousov thanked the servicemen for successfully carrying out combat missions and their loyalty to military duty, and expressed confidence that the personnel would honourably continue to serve Russia, ensuring the country's safety. Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Defence Minister congratulates servicemen involved in liberation of Drobyshevo, Donetsk People's Republic 02 March 2026 06:17 'In the course of the special military operation, by breaking through the enemy's defences, you consistently liberate Donetsk land from neo-Nazis. Servicemen of the 252nd Motorised Rifle Regiment, showing courage and selflessness, fight against the enemy in the most responsible areas,' said the Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation in the telegram. The Russian Defence Minister noted that this victory continues the heroic path of the motorised rifle regiment and will forever remain a symbol of bravery and resilience for the next generation of defenders of the Fatherland. 'In the course of the special military operation, the servicemen of the 237th Tank Regiment, with courage and valour, successfully carry out combat missions, wipe out the enemy's armed formations and push them off the lines,' the Russian Defence Minister stressed. Andrei Belousov thanked the servicemen for their loyalty to the military oath, for their courage and heroism displayed in combat missions, and expressed confidence that the servicemen of the units would continue to serve Russia with honour, bringing the Victory closer. Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address With EU support, a consortium of several CSOs launches new project to monitor public investment projects European External Action Service (EEAS) 05.03.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to UKRAINE With Ukraine's reconstruction needs estimated at nearly EUR 500 billion, a new initiative has been launched to ensure that every hryvnya of public investment is spent transparently and effectively. Supported by the European Union, the "Public Investment Watchdog" project establishes a comprehensive framework that combines robust civic monitoring with advanced digital solutions to track the management and allocation of funds for public infrastructure and recovery. The project also contributes to increasing the capacities of hromadas and civil society in the implementation of public investment management (PIM) reform. The official launch of the project took place on March 3 at the European Union Delegation premises in Kyiv. The event brought together key stakeholders dedicated to Ukraine's accountable public investment process, including representatives from the European Union, the Government of Ukraine, and three civil society organizations implementing the project: the Centre for Economic Strategy, the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting, and Technology of Progress. By empowering independent observers to scrutinize government spending, the "Public Investment Watchdog" project aims to identify PIM implementation gaps, ensure improved efficiency of the system and increase awareness of the reform among key stakeholders. Beyond oversight, the core pillars of the project are digitalization and capacity building. The three partner civil society organizations will continue their joint work to integrate the Big Recovery Portal with the DREAM ecosystem, providing a verified digital tool for local CSOs to oversee projects in their own communities. A key component of the project will be a diagnostic assessment of administrative gaps and needs at the local level in the implementation of the PIM reform. Based on these findings, the project team will provide targeted training to local authorities to help them prepare and implement public investment projects more effectively. A sub-grant programme will also be launched to support grassroots monitoring of selected public investment projects. Regional civil society organisations are encouraged to apply to the call, which will be announced soon. "Public investment management is essential for strengthening Ukraine's economy. It helps to create jobs, attract private investment, balance regional inequalities, and support the country's resilience and EU integration path. By ensuring that every euro and hryvnia is spent effectively and transparently, Ukraine can build investor confidence and promote long-term prosperity. Therefore, civic oversight is one of the key factors of accountability within public investment management. As the reform enters an important phase, further integration of the Big Recovery Portal into DREAM will boost openness and usability of public investment data," said Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of Sector for Public Finance, Business Support and Social Policies at the EU Delegation to Ukraine. Deputy Director of CES and Project Manager Maria Repko emphasized that the project mission is to ensure that every public investment aligns with Ukraine's recovery goals and EU integration commitments. "By bridging the gap between civic oversight and government action, we are not just monitoring spending we are building a lasting culture of transparency. Integrating our digital tools with the state's DREAM system ensures that accountability is embedded into the entire lifecycle of a project. Ultimately, this project empowers both authorities and citizens to work together toward an efficient, professional, and trusted investment process," said Maria Repko. According to Oleksandra Betliy, Leading research fellow, Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting, within just a few years, Ukraine has progressed from developing a PIM reform roadmap to the full-scale launch (though not ideal) of its core elements at both the national and local levels. "A key challenge of this reform is the need to coordinate efforts and policies among various stakeholders, as well as the critical importance of clear reform ownership. Another significant hurdle is the lack of capacity across all levels to adopt strategies, align them with priorities, and prepare high-quality projects. However, it is vital to continuously analyze the reform's progress and adjust approaches as necessary. This is supported by World Bank findings on similar reforms in other countries: the process typically takes 5 to 10 years and requires multiple iterations of policy changes," said Oleksandra Betliy. Maryna Denysiuk, the Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, stressed that the PIM reform is a complex, multi-layered process that requires strategic flexibility, especially during its initial years of implementation. "Our goal is to ensure a legislative framework that allows for the most efficient and transparent use of resources, addressing both the urgent needs of wartime recovery and the strategic development goals of our communities. Today, it is vital to provide local governments with the tools to prepare high-quality projects that will ultimately become part of sectoral recovery strategies. The launch of this project is a significant step toward making the recovery process at both local and national levels transparent and effective," noted Maryna Denysiuk. Dmytro Samonenko, the Deputy Minister of Finance of Ukraine stated that the active engagement of civil society in the PIM reaffirms its profound importance and provides us with the necessary impulse to drive this transformation forward. "While some may count the years since the reform's inception, I believe we are currently at the most critical stage: the formation of a new culture and attitude toward public investment. This shift in mindset is the true beginning of the reform, and seeing such strong collaboration between the government and the public gives us the confidence to continue its development," said Dmytro Samonenko. The "Public Investment Watchdog" project is implemented by the leading civil society organizations: Centre for Economic Strategy , Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting , and Technology of Progress . Supported by the European Union, the initiative serves as a strategic expansion of the "Recovery Spending Watchdog" project (2023-2025), aligning independent civic monitoring with the ongoing institutionalization of Public Investment Management reform in Ukraine. The project will continue its operations throughout 2026-2027, focusing on enhancing transparency and accountability in the nation's recovery efforts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna discussed the impact of the hostilities in the Middle East on Ukraine in a phone call with Sybiha Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 05.03.2026 | 12:14 Yesterday, 4 March, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna discussed the impact of the hostilities in the Middle East on Ukraine and further steps to support Ukraine in a phone call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Foreign Minister Sybiha provided an overview of the latest developments in Ukraine and Ukraine's contacts with the Gulf states to support them in coping with Iran's massive air attacks. "Although global attention in recent days has focused on developments in the Middle East, nothing has changed regarding Russia's aggression against Ukraine or Russia's objectives. Just as in the Middle East now, drones of Iranian origin continue to spread terror in Ukraine. Drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities occur every night, and Russia has also intensified attacks on railway infrastructure, having struck two passenger trains in the past 24 hours alone," Tsahkna said. "Hostilities in the Middle East must not distract attention from supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia. Estonia is working actively to ensure that the European Union can launch the 90 billion loan for Ukraine agreed by leaders at the end of last year and that a strong 20th sanctions package against Russia is adopted in the near future," Tsahkna said, adding that Estonia also supports Ukraine's progress on its path towards European Union membership and is ready to discuss updating the enlargement methodology. "Supporting Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia must remain the focus of European countries, because the outcome of Russia's aggression will have the most direct impact on our long-term security," Tsahkna said. As part of increasing pressure on Russia, they also discussed introducing an entry ban for Russian fighters to the Schengen area and more broadly. According to Tsahkna, Ukraine is not only a consumer of security but, based on its experience and military capabilities, increasingly also a provider of security. "Today Ukraine needs our support to withstand Russia's ongoing war of aggression, but in the future we ourselves will increasingly need Ukraine's experience and expertise." During the conversation, Foreign Minister Tsahkna also provided an overview of the informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the Council of the Baltic Sea States held yesterday in Warsaw, where discussions likewise focused on continued support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Finland delivers oil spill response equipment to Ukraine Finnish Government Finnish Border GuardMinistry of the Interior Publication date 5.3.2026 9.46 Type:Press release Finland has provided Ukraine with an extensive package of equipment for combating oil spills. The package included donations compiled by the Finnish Border Guard and rescue departments, and materials procured by the Ministry of the Interior. A total of 35 truckloads of oil spill response equipment were delivered to Ukraine. Oil spill response is an effective means of reducing the short-term and long-term effects of harmful substances released into the environment. Compounds contained in oil are extremely harmful to the ecosystem. Even small concentrations can contaminate groundwater and other water sources that are used, for example, by households. At the end of 2025, Ukraine urgently requested oil spill response assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Ministry of the Interior coordinated the request with the Finnish Border Guard and all rescue departments. "Cooperation between the authorities worked extremely well. Our collaboration in oil spill response was once again efficient and effective. We collected a significant amount of equipment for donation without compromising our own response capability," says Senior Officer for Rescue Services Ville Estlander from the Ministry of the Interior. Equipment was donated by the rescue departments of South Karelia, South Savo, Helsinki, Kainuu, Kanta-Hame, Central Finland, Central Ostrobothnia, Kymenlaakso, West Uusimaa, Ostrobothnia, North Ostrobothnia, Paijat-Hame, Satakunta and Southwest Finland. The donations included containment booms, oil skimmers, personal protective equipment (PPE) and other equipment needed for oil spill response. The Finnish Border Guard donated oil skimmers and their power sources, booms, PPE and other equipment needed for oil spill response. Donation process begins with the Ministry of the Interior The Department for Rescue Services at the Ministry of the Interior coordinates civilian material donations from all sectors of society to Ukraine. This enables companies, government agencies, organisations, municipalities or wellbeing services counties to give their support to Ukraine. A substantial amount of assistance has already been sent to Ukraine through the Civil Protection Mechanism. The Ministry of the Interior forwards all offers of assistance to Ukraine through the Civil Protection Mechanism and pays for the transport costs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Russian Defence Ministry 05 March 2026 06:45 Two hundred Russian servicemen have been returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime. Two hundred AFU prisoners of war were transferred in exchange. At present, Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are provided with the necessary psychological and medical assistance. All Russian servicemen will be brought to the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation in medical facilities of the Russian Ministry of Defence. The United Arab Emirates as well as the USA provided humanitarian mediation efforts in returning the Russian servicemen from captivity. Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Open, Interested in Negotiations on Ukraine, Awaiting Next Round - Kremlin Sputnik News 20260305 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia is open and interested in negotiations on Ukraine and is awaiting the next round, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday. "We remain open to negotiations. We are interested and looking forward to the next round," Peskov told Vesti. The pause in negotiations on Ukraine has arisen for objective reasons, as the United States is currently busy with other matters, the spokesman added. The latest round of talks between Russian, US and Ukrainian negotiators on the conflict in Ukraine were held in Geneva from February 17-18. Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, who led the Russian delegation, described the discussions as "difficult but businesslike." He said a new meeting would be held soon. Relations between Russia and the United States are in the "initial period of resuscitation," Peskov said. "We are in the process of, let us say, the initial period of resuscitation of relations with the United States. That is how we will go forward, slowly, again, acting entirely in our own interests," Peskov told Vesti. Russia must minimize the potential impact on its economy from global upheavals stemming from the situation in the Middle East and ensure its own benefits where possible, Peskov said. "We must do what is in our interests. We must now minimize the impact on our economy of the global upheavals we are already seeing unfold. We should probably ensure our own benefits where possible, no matter how cynical it may sound," Peskov told Vesti. Russia sees an increasing number of countries in the conflict in the Middle East, Peskov said, adding that only those that started the war in the Middle East can stop it. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Returns 200 Soldiers From Ukrainian Captivity, 200 PoWs Return to Ukraine - Defense Ministry Sputnik News 20260305 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia returned 200 soldiers from Ukrainian captivity and 200 prisoners of war of Ukrainian armed forces were transferred in return, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. "On March 5, 200 Russian servicepeople were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In return, 200 prisoners of war of the armed forces of Ukraine were transferred," the statement said. The Russian military personnel are currently in Belarus, they are receiving the necessary psychological and medical assistance. Then they will all be taken to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Russian Defense Ministry. The UAE and the US provided humanitarian mediation efforts to return the Russian servicepeople from captivity, the ministry added. Russian presidential aide and the head of Russian delegation at the Ukraine talks Vladimir Medinsky announced on Thursday a 500-for-500 prisoner of war exchange on March 5-6 as part of the Geneva agreements. "As part of the agreements reached in Geneva, a prisoner exchange with Ukraine will take place on March 5-6. Five hundred for five hundred. The main thing is that our people will return," Medinsky said on Telegram. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Liberate Yarovaya Settlement in DPR Sputnik News 20260305 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Zapad battlegroup has liberated the village of Yarovaya in the the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. "As a result of decisive actions, units of the Zapad battlegroup liberated the Yarovaya settlement of the Donetsk People's Republic," the ministry said. Russia's Tsentr battlegroup has eliminated over 345 Ukrainian soldiers has eliminated over 345 Ukrainian soldiers Russia's Vostok battlegroup has eliminated over 280 soldiers and destroyed four armored fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles and one electronic warfare station has eliminated over 280 soldiers and destroyed four armored fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles and one electronic warfare station Ukraine has also lost up to 225 soldiers, three armored fighting vehicles, 20 motor vehicles and two artillery pieces in battles with the Sever battlegroup Meanwhile, Russia's Zapad battlegroup has eliminated over 180 soldiers, three armored fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, two artillery pieces and three ammunition depots has eliminated over 180 soldiers, three armored fighting vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, two artillery pieces and three ammunition depots In the southern direction, up to 135 Ukrainian soldiers have been eliminated by the Yug battlegroup , while five armored fighting vehicles, 13 motor vehicles, four field artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations and four material depots had been destroyed , while five armored fighting vehicles, 13 motor vehicles, four field artillery guns, two electronic warfare stations and four material depots had been destroyed Russia's Dnepr battlegroup has eliminated over 50 Ukrainian soldiers, destroying 16 motor vehicles, one artillery piece, three electronic warfare stations and two material depots Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nuclear safety, security and safeguards in Ukraine: UK Statement to the IAEA Board of Governors, March 2026 Speech Delivered at the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors, March 2026 From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Sonia Farrey Published 5 March 2026 Location: International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna Delivered on: 5 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Chair, The Director General's report describes an increasingly bleak nuclear safety situation in Ukraine. Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukraine's energy system remain the driving cause for this deterioration. As a direct result, Ukraine's nuclear facilities now face an unprecedented level of risk far beyond anything foreseen in their original design or safety planning. These are not abstract dangers. The report documents repeated damage to the grid infrastructure nuclear plants rely on to remain safe power lines, switching systems, and substations. Agency teams reported grid instability, the disconnection of multiple power lines, automatic reactor shutdowns, and forced power reductions across all of Ukraine's operating nuclear power plants (NPPs). These attacks strike at the heart of nuclear safety. Electrical substations and transmission nodes are not peripheral assets; they are the critical interface that keeps cooling, monitoring and safety systems powered. Between October and February alone, Ukraine endured 21 waves of air attacks on its substations. The DG's report sets out the cumulative effect: destroyed transformers, crippled switching systems, and substations operating at the bare minimum of transit capacity. Repairs are not keeping up with the pace of Russian destruction, despite the heroic efforts of Ukraine's energy workers. Every Russian strike against the grid chips away at nuclear safety. The grid becomes a patchwork, unstable, and far more likely to fail when reactors need it most. The situation is so fragile that a single event as seen on 31 January can simultaneously disconnect multiple power lines and trigger automatic reactor protections across the country. Pretending this is insignificant is simply not credible. Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP (ZNPP) illustrates the consequences. Two more losses of off-site power occurred during the reporting period, bringing the total since the conflict to twelve. Emergency diesel generators were forced to take over - machines designed for short-term backup, not repeated front line use. At times Russia appears to understand this is an issue. As the IAEA reports, Russia's so-called "licenses" require ZNPP's Units 1 and 2 to remain shut down until off-site power is stabilised. Yet Russia continues to create the conditions that destabilise off-site power. Even its own illegitimate documents contradict its actions. This Board's repeated calls for Russian restraint - including most recently in January this year have not been heeded. Instead, Russia has continued to display its contempt and allowed these serious risks to increase - risks which Russia could remove by ceasing its attacks. We are now more than four years into Russia's invasion and four years since its illegal seizure of ZNPP. It is imperative that this Board strengthens its collective resolve and acts decisively to uphold nuclear safety and security. We support the resolution introduced by Canada and the Netherlands and urge all Board members to vote in favour. Thank you, Chair. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's strategy of distraction seeks to obscure its violation of OSCE principles: UK statement to the OSCE Speech Ambassador Holland highlights how Russia's false narratives and unsubstantiated allegations aim to distract from its unlawful invasion of Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year. The UK will not be drawn away from the simple reality: Russia could end its war of choice tomorrow. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Neil Holland Published 5 March 2026 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 5 March 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you, Mr Chair. I will start by speaking on behalf of both the United Kingdom and France. At last week's meeting of this Council, the Russian delegation made a false and dangerous allegation that the United Kingdom and France were planning to provide nuclear weapons and related capabilities to Ukraine. We rejected this accusation at the time in its entirety. The UK and French Permanent Representatives to the United Nations have now written to the UN Secretary-General, in a letter circulated as a document of the Security Council, to put formally on record that the United Kingdom and France are not providing, and would not provide, nuclear weapons or related capabilities to Ukraine. Both our countries remain fully committed to our obligations under the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Russia's claim is yet another piece of disinformation, but the subject matter is serious. We are committed to using the OSCE as it was intended: as a forum for risk reduction and responsible dialogue on security. We call on Russia to stop its irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and to recommit, in words and deeds, to its own stated obligations. I will now continue in a national capacity. Mr Chair, Russia's disinformation last week was not only dangerous; it was a blatant attempt to distract from an uncomfortable truth: that its illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched as a three-day so-called "special military operation", has entered its fifth year. This pattern of distraction has become a hallmark of Russia's diplomacy in this Council. Week after week, we hear attempts to shift blame onto Ukraine, NATO or individual participating States, instead of confronting the simple truth that Russia chose to launch a war of aggression against a sovereign neighbour. These narratives are part of a deliberate strategy to move the focus away from Russia's decisions - and from the consequences of those decisions for security across the entire OSCE area. Russia's selfdrafted "reports" alleging Ukrainian crimes, which lack any independent verification by credible bodies, are a prime example of this strategy of distraction. They are designed to create a false equivalence and to draw attention from the way Russia is choosing to wage this war: with missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities, systematic attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure, and abuses in the Ukrainian territories it temporarily occupies. By contrast, serious international investigations - including by the OSCE's ODIHR - have documented Russia's violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law. Moscow prefers to circulate its own unsubstantiated narratives rather than engage with these investigations and the growing body of evidence. Most fundamentally, all these distractions are intended to conceal Russia's systematic breach of the principles that underpin this Organisation. The Helsinki Final Act requires respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, refraining from the threat or use of force, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Russia has done the opposite: it has invaded its neighbour, sought to annex its territory, and continued to bombard Ukraine while rejecting or delaying credible proposals for a ceasefire and serious negotiations. A State that violates these principles and treats diplomacy as a tactic to buy time, rather than a route to a just peace, cannot credibly claim to be upholding the OSCE's values. Above all, these distractions seek to hide a simple reality: Russia could end this war tomorrow. The decision to continue attacking Ukraine is taken in Moscow. The choice to keep violating our shared principles is Russia's alone. Colleagues, we should not allow ourselves to be drawn away from that core truth. Our task in this Council is to uphold the principles we all signed in Helsinki and to support Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The United Kingdom will continue to do so, and we again call on Russia to cease its aggression and choose a just and lasting peace. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with UNICEF Representative to Ukraine Munir Mammadzade Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 05 March 2026 10:59 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha hosted the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative to Ukraine, Munir Mammadzade, at the MFA on the occasion of the completion of his term of duties. "Since February 2022, UNICEF has mobilized nearly USD 2 billion to support Ukrainians. Behind these figures are the lives of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children - their opportunity to learn and develop, to remain with their families in warm homes, and to preserve their childhood despite the horrors of war. I sincerely thank you for your personal commitment, humanity, and deep concern for the fate of Ukrainian children," - the Minister noted. During the meeting, Minister Andrii Sybiha presented Munir Mammadzade with the State Order of Merit, Third Class, as a mark of profound gratitude for his efforts and assistance during one of the most challenging periods for our country. The UNICEF Representative to Ukraine received this distinction in accordance with Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 617/2025 of 23 August 2025. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held phone talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 05 March 2026 16:48 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a call with Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani to reaffirm Ukraine's full solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain amid Iran's reckless attacks. We focused on the security situation in Bahrain and the broader dynamics across the Middle East. Images and reports of Iranian attacks are tragically familiar to Ukrainians. For more than four years of Russia's full-scale aggression, our people have lived through large-scale missile and drone strikes targeting cities and civilian infrastructure. Iran has been one of Russia's key accomplices in this war, providing weapons that have been used to terrorize Ukrainian communities. Therefore, we are ready to help our partners and share experience in countering Iranian-made drones and other threats. We exchanged views on further advancing bilateral cooperation across a range of sectors, including security and political dialogue. In this context, we look forward to further strengthening relations between Ukraine and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries during Bahrain's GCC Presidency this year." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 200 Ukrainian warriors freed from russian captivity Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 5 March, 2026, 3:12 PM EET Two hundred Ukrainian service members were returned from russian captivity as part of the exchange. Among those released are soldiers, sergeants, and officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including personnel of the Navy, the Ground Forces, the Territorial Defense Forces, the Unmanned Systems Forces, the Air Assault Forces, and the Air Force, as well as the National Guard of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, and the State Special Transport Service of Ukraine. The released service members defended Ukraine in the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia sectors. Among those freed are defenders of Mariupol who had been held in russian captivity for nearly four years. After returning home, all service members released from captivity will undergo a full medical examination, receive the necessary physical and psychological rehabilitation, and be granted all payments provided for by the state. Today's exchange is the result of agreements on the return of prisoners reached during trilateral talks in Geneva. Ukraine expresses its gratitude to all partners, in particular the United States of America and President Donald Trump, for their assistance in securing the return of Ukrainian citizens from the territory of russia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 92,000 occupiers eliminated over the winter: verified results under the "Army of Drones. Bonus" program Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 5 March, 2026, 10:36 AM EET Over the three winter months, the Defence Forces of Ukraine eliminated 92,475 russian troops. The overwhelming majority of enemy losses 88,898 occupiers were inflicted by unmanned systems. The remaining losses were confirmed through video evidence of artillery strikes. The engagement data were collected under the "Army of Drones. Bonus" program, which allows real-time recording of unit results and analysis of the effectiveness of different strike assets on the battlefield. In February alone, Ukrainian forces neutralized 27,313 occupiers. Despite fewer calendar days and reduced enemy activity, the average stood at 975 russian military personnel eliminated per day. During this period, Ukrainian forces intercepted 15,438 enemy UAVs. For the second consecutive month, a record number of Shahed-type attack drones have been destroyed. The deployment of ground robotic systems (GRS) is also being actively scaled up. In the past month, 147 units reported conducting missions using GRS, which is 25% more than in January. The use of robotic systems enables a gradual transition of parts of frontline logistics to autonomous platforms, reducing risks to service members and enhancing unit effectiveness. "Thanks to the "Army of Drones. Bonus" program, we can see real-time data from the front line and scale the experience of the most effective units across the entire military. We also analyze which technologies and strike assets are most effective at destroying enemy targets. Based on this data, we define requirements so that service members receive ready-to-use solutions tested on the battlefield," said Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov. Top 10 units in February: 414th Separate Brigade 'Birds of Madyar', Unmanned Systems Forces; Special Operations Center "A", Security Service of Ukraine; Main Unmanned Aerial Systems Department "Phoenix"; Lasar's Group, National Guard of Ukraine; 429th Separate Brigade 'Achilles', Unmanned Systems Forces; 3rd Separate Assault Brigade; 412th Separate Brigade 'NEMESIS', Unmanned Systems Forces; 23rd Public Order Protection Separate Brigade, National Guard of Ukraine; 3rd Operational Brigade 'Spartan'; 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade. The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine thanks service members for their effective performance on the battlefield. To recap, eliminating more occupiers than russia mobilizes is one of the key objectives of Ukraine's War Plan. The benchmark is set at more than 200 occupiers killed per square kilometer a level of losses at which further enemy advance becomes impossible. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Expect the Exchanges to Continue in the Coming Days - Address by the President President of Ukraine 5 March 2026 - 20:09 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! Today we spoke in detail with the Government about our tasks for the spring-summer period - the time during which we must prepare as much as possible for the next winter. There may be just as many challenges as this winter. Of course, our priority is to do everything to end the war. We will continue the diplomatic process when our American partners are ready to work as we agreed - bilateral formats with them, trilateral formats with Russia, as well as work with the Europeans. Right now, practically all of the world's attention is focused on the situation around Iran, and no matter how long the hostilities last there, we must be ready to resume diplomacy at any moment. That's exactly how the Ukrainian team works - everyone in our delegation. There is another positive step in the exchanges. Another two hundred of our people have returned home from Russian captivity. We expect the exchanges to continue in the coming days. Nevertheless, the Russians remain active along the front line, and the strikes continue. We are protecting lives, and part of guaranteeing security for Ukraine under any circumstances, under any scenarios, is modernizing the protection of key infrastructure. We must also restore what was destroyed by strikes over the winter. Detailed plans have been developed and will be approved for all regions. The responsibility of local authorities and regional authorities is not to lose time. I want to thank all heads of communities who approach this conscientiously. Today we spoke with government officials about the urgent challenges with roads - much needs to be restored after the winter, the condition of the roads is very poor, and there is a special task in the frontline areas - in all communities where every minute matters for the evacuation of the wounded and for frontline logistics overall. The Government, together with the regional authorities and communities, must ensure the necessary repairs. There are also separate tasks for the Ministry of Energy, separate tasks for Naftogaz and Ukrnafta regarding price challenges due to the war in the Middle East. The global problem is the rising prices of oil and petroleum products. There must be Ukrainian responses to such challenges - in particular regarding the supply of petroleum products on the Ukrainian market. Government officials must maintain close communication with people - with society - on this matter. We are constantly working with partners on our ability to strengthen the defense of those countries that are currently under attack from Iran. Rustem Umerov is coordinating contacts with partners in the Middle East and the Gulf region; we are also speaking with the United States. Security support from Ukraine will be provided, and the main thing is that this will allow us to expand our security cooperation with partners - by protecting countries from the Iranian regime, we are increasing our own capabilities for defense. A few more important points. I spoke today with the head of the Italian Government - Giorgia Meloni and I coordinate very substantively. I am grateful for the advice and for the principled support for Ukraine and Ukrainians. We discussed the situation in the Middle East, as well as our bilateral work and relations with the European Union. We are also preparing other diplomatic contacts for this and the coming weeks. Europe needs more coordination, more mutual support, and more of its own strength - Europe should be more active. I want to thank everyone who is defending life! Thank you to everyone who stands with us, with Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Held a Phone Call with Giorgia Meloni President of Ukraine 5 March 2026 - 20:16 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with President of the Council of Ministers of Italy Giorgia Meloni. The Head of State thanked the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy for energy support during the winter and for the decision to continue assistance to Ukraine this year. The leaders discussed the situation around Iran and challenges in the fuel market caused by the Iranian regime's actions. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Giorgia Meloni informed each other about the details of their contacts with the leaders of countries that are currently under attacks from Iran. The President of Ukraine and the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy coordinated on the actions necessary for the decision on the 90 billion loan for Ukraine to finally come into effect. These are funds that must guarantee the resilience of our country and of all of Europe in defending against Russia's aggression and are effectively secured by frozen Russian assets. The leaders also discussed the situation with the Paralympic Games. Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that it is not the first time this year that such international committees have adopted unprincipled decisions and highlighted the joint position with Giorgia Meloni on this issue. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Politicians in New Jersey can receive more money while still keeping the names of their donors secret than those in any other state in the nation, masking the origins of millions of dollars in campaign contributions every year, a Star-Ledger analysis has found. By Seema Mehta, Abby Sewell and Jack LeonardLos Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca's surprise retirement announcement Tuesday upended the election campaign to lead the nation's largest sheriff's department and added new complexities to reform efforts after a series of scandals and an ongoing federal criminal probe.With Baca out of the race, the field of candidates is expected to widen in what will be the first sheriff's election without an incumbent in more than 50 years.Immediately after Baca's announcement, one of his assistant sheriffs, Todd Rogers, declared his candidacy."My calling card will be 'Back to basics,'" said Rogers, who added that Baca had been poorly served by previous top managers. "There has been catastrophic failure of leadership in the Sheriff's Department."Another assistant sheriff, James Hellmold, said he was also considering a run but has not made a decision."I am a crime fighter," he said. "I am not a politician." Baca described both men as highly qualified to succeed him but stopped short of offering a formal endorsement.Former Undersheriff Paul Tanaka and former Cmdr. Bob Olmsted had been considered the main challengers in the race. Retired Sheriff's Lt. Patrick Gomez and Los Angeles Police Detective Lou Vince are also running."You'll see a number of candidates come out now because the sheriff's not running," said Supervisor Don Knabe. "It changes the dynamics."Sheriff hopefuls would have to move quickly. The deadline to enter the race is in March, and serious contenders will need to raise enough money to reach voters in a county of 10 million residents before the June primary.One key question is whether the race will generate a strong candidate from outside the Sheriff's Department who cannot be tied to any of the agency's various problems.Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell would fit that mold. McDonnell, who served as second in command to L.A. Police Chief William J. Bratton before moving to Long Beach, was one of seven members of a county commission that investigated allegations of excessive force against county inmates and faulted Baca's management of the jails. He weighed a run last year but decided against challenging Baca, citing the difficulty in raising money to unseat an incumbent."I have been strongly encouraged to the enter the race, and I am willing to give it a fresh look," McDonnell said Tuesday. Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Terry Hara, 56, said he too is weighing a bid.Baca's exit also raises concerns about the fate of department reforms. He had expressed a commitment to cooperate with a new inspector general appointed by the Board of Supervisors to oversee his agency and this week endorsed a plan to set up a permanent civilian oversight commission.Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, who has opposed such a commission, said Tuesday that he thinks the department needs some sort of federal oversight to address "chronic structural problems."Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas said he and his colleagues would move swiftly to select an interim department head who would be committed to increasing transparency and accountability until voters choose Baca's successor. Baca plans to step down at the end of the month, well before the June primary."The first order of business is to make sure that reform is institutionalized," Ridley-Thomas said.At a news conference announcing his retirement, Baca insisted his jails were safe and that his reforms aimed at reducing force against inmates were in place. He recommended that the Board of Supervisors pick his head of jails, Assistant Sheriff Terri McDonald, to temporarily run the department until a permanent successor is elected.McDonald, previously a top official for the state's prison system, joined the Sheriff's Department last year after the blue-ribbon county commission recommended hiring an outside custody expert to run the county's jails.Baca's voice cracked as he told reporters he was stepping down after more than 15 years as sheriff. He said he wanted to spare his department more negative publicity during the election campaign and give others a chance to run that they would not take if he was a candidate."I will go out on my terms," Baca said.(Richard Winton, Joel Rubin and Kate Mather contributed to this report.) Featured President Mahama inaugurates Olam Agri pasta manufacturing facility Benjamin Xornam Glover Business News Mar - 06 - 2026 , 08:10 President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a new pasta manufacturing facility by Olam Agri in Ghana, a major agro-processing investment aimed at boosting local food production, creating jobs and reducing the countrys dependence on imported processed foods. The factory, located at Kpone in the Greater Accra Region, marks a significant expansion of the companys operations in Ghana and highlights growing private-sector investment in the countrys food manufacturing sector. The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, brought together government officials, industry leaders and development partners to witness the commissioning of the facility, which is expected to strengthen Ghanas food processing capacity and enhance supply chains within the agricultural sector. Olam Agri, part of the wider Olam Group, has operated in Ghana for more than three decades. Over the years, it has expanded from commodity trading into agro-processing and food manufacturing, with activities covering cocoa, cashew, grains, wheat milling, biscuits and tomato processing. The company currently employs more than 4,500 Ghanaians directly and indirectly. Industrialisation and food security Speaking at the ceremony, President Mahama underscored the importance of local manufacturing in strengthening Ghanas economy and reducing the countrys reliance on imports. Facilities like this represent a shift from reliance on imports to local production, from missed opportunities to targeted industrial growth, he said. They address issues that touch every Ghanaian household, the cost of food, household incomes, foreign exchange pressures, and the availability of locally produced alternatives, he added. The President explained that the factory forms part of a broader push by the government to stimulate industrial growth and add value to agricultural production. He cited other recently commissioned industrial projects, including the worlds largest calcined clay cement plant in Tema, the expansion of the Shama Ceramic Tile Factory and the countrys first gas processing facility, describing them as strategic investments designed to generate employment and support sustainable development. Strengthening agricultural value chains President Mahama said the pasta factory would support local supply chains by creating opportunities for farmers, transporters, technicians and small businesses connected to the food processing industry. He also highlighted efforts to advance agricultural innovation, noting that the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Crops Research Institute had developed a wheat variety suitable for local cultivation. According to him, the new variety can produce yields of five to six tonnes per hectare. We will work with Olam Agri to integrate locally grown wheat into the pasta value chain, he said. The President added that the project aligns with the governments Agriculture for Economic Transformation agenda and the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, which encourages round-the-clock production and provides incentives such as duty-free importation of equipment. He therefore urged the company to sign onto the programme to benefit from the available incentives, including tax waivers on the importation of new machinery. Reducing imports President Mahama noted that Ghana is among the largest consumers of pasta in Africa but has historically relied heavily on imports to meet domestic demand. He said the new facility would help reduce that dependence while supporting the governments efforts to tackle smuggling and strengthen domestic production. As part of those measures, he disclosed that the government had recently banned the transit of commercial quantities of cooking oil and rice through Ghanas land borders, directing that such consignments must enter the country through designated seaports. He added that he would engage the Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, to consider adding pasta to the list of restricted transit goods. Economic impact The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, described the project as a major boost for Ghanas manufacturing sector. She said the facility, which has an annual production capacity of about 60,000 metric tonnes, is expected to meet a significant portion of domestic demand, conserve foreign exchange and create employment opportunities for young people. Mrs Ofosu-Agyare added that the investment aligns with the governments commitment to industrialisation, value addition and competitive manufacturing. Olams growth and expansion plans The Co-Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Olam Group, Sunny Verghese, said the company had grown significantly since its founding in Nigeria 37 years ago. Today, he noted, the multinational operates in 70 countries, employs about 90,000 people and generated roughly US$50 billion in revenue in 2025. This African-born multinational has grown thanks to the support of governments, partners, and local communities, and Ghana remains central to our strategy, he said. He explained that the new pasta facility, with an initial capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes per year, would meet a large portion of domestic demand, with plans to expand production in the near future. Mr Verghese added that the companys operations extend beyond manufacturing to addressing broader global challenges. We aim to provide sustainable solutions for food, feed, fibre, fuel and shelter, addressing global challenges in food security, water management, biodiversity, and farmer livelihoods, he said. He also revealed that the company plans to expand into poultry and fish feed production to meet Ghanas growing demand for protein. Technology and local jobs The Chief Financial Officer of Olam Group and Chief Operating Officer of Olam Agri, Neelami Muthukumar, said the facility incorporates modern technology designed to reduce energy and water consumption while producing high-quality, affordable pasta. Earlier, the Country Head of Olam Agri Ghana, Balbhav Biswas, said construction of the plant began in October 2024 and was completed within an ambitious timeline. According to him, the project has already created about 300 direct jobs, with additional employment opportunities expected through the supply chain and future expansion into regional markets. This facility is not just a factory; it is a symbol of local production, economic growth, and regional impact, Mr Biswas said. It delivers world-class pasta, made in Ghana, for Ghana and beyond. Trump on rising gas prices during Iran operation: 'If they rise, they rise' Next article: Trump on rising gas prices during Iran operation: 'If they rise, they rise' Featured 12 West African states to create new force to fight jihadists in region Africanews.com International News Mar - 06 - 2026 , 10:20 1 minute read The 12 countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reportedly decided to create a new force to fight jihadists operating in the region. Sources told the AFP news agency that military chiefs made the decision during a meeting in Freetown over the weekend. Discussions focused on the rising terrorist threat, the expansion of transnational organised crime, and the persistent challenges related to maritime insecurity. The initial goal is to have around 2,000 troops ready to fight "terrorism and insecurity" across West Africa. Sources said they will remain stationed in their own countries, with Sierra Leone serving as a logistical base for the group. Officials are reportedly still thrashing out the details of how to finance the force and ECOWAS has not yet issued an official statement. The Sahel, which cuts across Africa between the Sahara and sub-Saharan Africa, has long been plagued by jihadist insurgencies led by groups linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. They have been particularly active in three former French colonies -- Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger -- that quit the ECOWAS in recent years following military coups. The three countries have formed their own alliance, but a West African chief of staff says they will be encouraged to cooperate with the new force. The three countries "are in a part of the Sahel that is the epicentre of the fight against the jihadists. They must be included," he said. Featured Iranian intelligence sends word to US on potential talks to end war CNN International News Mar - 06 - 2026 , 09:56 4 minutes read Iranian intelligence has sent word to the United States it could be prepared to open talks on how to end the war, according to people familiar with the indirect messages, but US officials say there are no negotiations underway and that potential off-ramps are unlikely to materialize in the near term. The messages were conveyed through a third country to the CIA, the people familiar said. But so far, it does not appear the channel has resulted in any serious discussions on how to bring the war to an end. Instead, American officials have described entering a new, more intensive phase of the joint operation with Israel to degrade Irans missile program and ensure it not be able to obtain a nuclear weapon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during a briefing Wednesday the US was just getting started. And lawmakers who were briefed by the administration Tuesday on Iran said they did not hear a distinct endgame, including potential efforts at diplomacy. Iranian leaders, for their part, havent demonstrated public willingness to negotiate as their ranks grow slimmer as a result of Israeli attacks. Yet the messages, however preliminary, do suggest an eventual pathway exists to brokering an end to the war. CNN has reached out to the CIA for comment. The New York Times first reported on the messages from Iran. American officials insist they have not been in talks either directly or through a third party with the Iranians since nuclear negotiations fell apart days before the war began. They have, however, received messages from other countries offering to help defuse the conflict. Since this thing went kinetic, weve had a number of reach-outs, a senior Trump administration official said Tuesday, putting the number of nations at nearly a dozen. Its not dissimilar to what we had before, people wanting to see if they can help solve it, and weve talked to them. To date, that has not resulted in any robust exchange of messages between the United States and Iran. Steve Witkoff, the presidents foreign envoy who led three rounds of negotiations with Iran before Trump ordered strikes, has not been in touch with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who in the past he exchanged text messages with. Witkoff has also not spoken with Irans top national security official, Ali Larijani, the senior administration official said. Were not using anyone as an interlocutor. This is a military action, and its got to run its course, the official said. And Irans deputy foreign minister said Wednesday that no message is being sent to the US. We have not conveyed any message to Americans because we are now defending ourselves, Majid Takht-Ravanchi said on MS Now. We are in a defensive mode. And what we are concentrating on is to protect ourselves, to defend ourselves. So, no message is being sent and we havent received any message by America or by anybody else. Still, behind the scenes, many officials have wondered whether a potential agreement could eventually be struck that would stop the conflict while satisfying all of Trumps conditions: that Iran dismantle its nuclear and missile programs and end its support for military proxy groups in the Middle East. Who, exactly, would agree to that on Irans part is unclear. The countrys leadership remains in flux after the death over the weekend of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The people we had in mind are dead, Trump acknowledged bluntly Tuesday about his vision for future Iranian leadership. Now we have another group. They may be dead also, based on reports. So I guess youll have a third wave coming in. Pretty soon, were not going to know anybody. While Iranian clerics gather to select a new supreme leader, Israel has vowed to assassinate anyone who replaces Khamenei. Every leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people will be an unequivocal target for elimination, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on social media. For his part, Trump has offered mixed views of his willingness to engage with Iran. He told The Atlantic magazine on Sunday he intended to speak with Irans new leaders. They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them, he said. A day later, Trump posted that the Iranians want to talk. I said Too Late! Next article: Iranian intelligence sends word to US on potential talks to end war Featured Trump on rising gas prices during Iran operation: 'If they rise, they rise' Reuters International News Mar - 06 - 2026 , 10:06 4 minutes read President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was not concerned about rising U.S. gas prices driven by the widening Iran conflict, telling Reuters in an exclusive interview that the U.S. military operation was his priority. "I don't have any concern about it," he said, when asked about the higher prices at the pump. "They'll drop very rapidly when this is over, and if they rise, they rise, but this is far more important than having gasoline prices go up a little bit." The comments mark a shift in tone for the president, who touted a drop in gas prices in his State of the Union address last month and at a Texas rally focused on energy that took place just hours before the U.S. launched its air strikes on Saturday. Political analysts say a persistent rise in gas prices could hurt Republicans in the November midterm elections when control of the U.S. Congress will be at stake. Voters are already unhappy about the high cost of living and Trump's stewardship of the economy. Despite Trump's public efforts to play down the price rises, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Energy Secretary Chris Wright have both engaged with oil CEOs to gauge possible options on combating rising energy prices, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday. Another White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there was a scramble across the White House energy and national security teams to develop measures aimed at bringing down gas prices. The official said Wiles had warned in White House meetings that failure to act on price rises would be "catastrophic" for Republicans in the elections. US weighs oil futures market action to combat price spikes, White House official says Trump has outlined a four-to-five-week timeline for the military campaign against Iran, but political and military experts have questioned it, noting that the U.S. government has yet to articulate its end goal while the conflict continues to spread to the region and beyond. In the interview, Trump said he was not looking to tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the largest emergency crude stockpile in the world, and that he was confident the Strait of Hormuz, the critical channel for oil shipping near Iran, will remain open because Iran's navy is at the "bottom of the sea." Global oil prices have jumped 16% since the war started on Saturday, as the spreading conflict disrupted Middle East supplies. The national average cost of gas has risen 27 cents since last week to $3.25 per gallon, according to AAA, a U.S. travel organization that tracks fuel prices. The current national average is 15 cents higher than a year ago. Trump said the costs "haven't risen very much." WHITE HOUSE BETTING ON SHORT CAMPAIGN The White House is betting the conflict with Iran - and the resulting pain at the gas pump - will prove short-lived. White House energy advisers have told Trump aides the initial sticker shock in fuel markets has been less severe than many feared and have urged patience, according to two people who were granted anonymity to describe internal deliberations. The advisers warned that any intervention by the Trump administration that fails to quickly bring down prices could rattle markets and prove counterproductive. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said early this week that the administration was rolling out a package of measures to combat rising energy prices, but the only plan unveiled so far is U.S.-backed risk insurance for oil tankers and the promise of potential naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz. Three energy executives told Reuters the White House has few great options to push down energy prices. "When you look across the menu of policy options, domestically or within other countries, they can be helpful, but they don't move the needle far," one energy executive said, speaking on condition of anonymity so they could speak candidly about the administration's policies. "I think the primary focus is ... to do whatever they can to restore transits through the Strait of Hormuz itself." Has the Iran war changed the Gulf forever? Officials are also discussing a wide array of other options, including a federal gasoline tax holiday and loosening environmental regulations around summer gasoline that will allow higher blends of ethanol, according to the two sources familiar with the internal deliberations. Officials were also weighing a potential release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the sources said, but the president ruled out that option - at least for now - in his comments to Reuters. Congressional Republican leaders, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, have also dismissed concerns about rising gas prices, even as the party plans to focus its midterm election strategy on economic successes. Next article: Womens Development Bank in final stages of setting up Mahama at 69th Independence Day Featured I pledge to serve with integrity, humility and unwavering dedication Mahama Beatrice Laryea Mar - 06 - 2026 , 14:36 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to serve Ghanaians with integrity, humility and unwavering dedication. He gave the assurance while addressing the nation at the 69th Independence Day Celebration of Ghana at the Jubilee House in Accra on Friday, March 6. He emphasized that Ghanas progress cannot depend solely on presidential leadership but requires the active participation of every citizen. President Mahama urged Ghanaians to contribute their best in whatever roles they occupy, stressing that national development depends on collective responsibility and excellence in service. "As your president, I pledge to serve with integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people. But Ghana's progress cannot rely solely on my leadership. It will depend on every citizen doing their part." "Wherever you are, whatever you do, do your part with excellence. Do it for Ghana, do it for Africa, and do it for the generations yet unborn. As I conclude, building prosperity-inspiring hope is not merely today's theme. It is our national mission. Today we celebrate how far we have come and when we leave here, tomorrow we must commit ourselves to how far we will go," he said. The President mentioned that the theme of building prosperity and inspiring hope should not only guide the Independence Day celebration but also serve as a national mission. As the country reflects on its achievements since independence, President Mahama encouraged citizens to remain committed to advancing Ghanas development for future generations while promoting African unity. Ghanas democracy endured because we compete without destroying Mahama at 69th Independence Day Previous article: Ghanas democracy endured because we compete without destroying Mahama at 69th Independence Day Featured 69th Independence Day: Patriotism must move beyond slogans to tangible action President Mahama Jemima Okang Addae Mar - 06 - 2026 , 11:24 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to transform their patriotic expressions from mere words into concrete actions that benefit the nation. Speaking at the Jubilee House during celebrations marking Ghana's 69th Independence Day, the President challenged citizens to reassess what it truly means to love one's country, insisting that genuine patriotism is measured by deeds rather than rhetoric. "Patriotism should extend beyond just slogans," President Mahama stated. He argued that while Ghanaians are quick to profess their love for the nation, such professions must be matched by consistent, everyday behaviour that demonstrates a genuine commitment to the country's progress. The President painted a picture of what authentic patriotism looks like in daily life, offering specific examples that resonate with ordinary citizens. "True patriotism must be shown through our everyday actions, the citizen who protects public property, the public servant who treats every Ghanaian with respect, and the entrepreneur who opts to invest his resources in Ghana's future, he said. These examples, Mahama suggested, represent the building blocks of a nation where citizens take collective responsibility for national development. The President stressed patriotism to civic responsibility and integrity, linking freedom with duties when he declared that "Freedom demands responsibility," and urged discipline in public life as an essential component of patriotic conduct. Mahama insisted that national interest must supersede narrower loyalties, stressing that "Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe and above personal interest," thereby framing patriotism as prioritising Ghana over factionalism. He appealed to collective identity and humility with the reminder that "Citizens, Ghana is bigger than any one of us," using this sentiment to reinforce that authentic patriotism requires placing the nation's well-being firmly before individual gain. Featured Ghana boosts air power with arrival of Airbus H175 helicopter GraphicOnline Mar - 06 - 2026 , 17:05 3 minutes read The Ghana Air Force has taken delivery of its first Airbus H175 helicopter from France, a step in a wider fleet modernisation programme approved by Parliament to strengthen the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces. The newly acquired aircraft arrived in Accra on Thursday, March 5, after being ferried from Marignane in France following the successful completion of all technical acceptance procedures with the manufacturer, Airbus Helicopters. The delivery flight followed a carefully mapped route across Europe and North-West Africa before proceeding along the Atlantic coastline of West Africa to Ghana. The helicopter forms part of a broader defence procurement initiative endorsed by Parliament aimed at replacing ageing aircraft and improving the operational readiness of the Air Force. The programme includes the acquisition of one Airbus H160 helicopter and three H175 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, in addition to a Dassault Falcon 6X long-range aircraft to be supplied by Dassault Aviation. Officials say the acquisition is designed to strengthen the Air Forces ability to respond to evolving security demands while enhancing its flexibility across multiple mission areas. Upon landing at the Air Force Base in Accra, the aircraft was formally welcomed with a water cannon salute a long-standing aviation tradition in which airport fire trucks spray arcs of water over an aircraft as it taxis beneath them to symbolise its official induction into service. Following the ceremonial reception, the helicopter was consecrated by clergy led by the Director General of Religious Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General Benjamin Godson Kumi Wood. The arrival ceremony was attended by several senior government and military officials, including Acting Minister for Defence Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Governs Agbodza, Deputy Minister for Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy Raphael Pont, Chief of the Defence Staff William Agyapong and other senior officers of the Ghana Armed Forces. Their presence underscored what officials described as the strategic importance of the aircraft acquisition and the continuing defence cooperation between Ghana and France. Military authorities say the H175 helicopter will significantly expand the operational scope of the Air Force, enabling it to carry out missions such as search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and the transportation of troops and logistics. Equipped with advanced avionics, extended range and greater payload capacity, the aircraft is expected to improve endurance and rapid response capabilities in addressing both conventional and emerging security challenges. Before being deployed for operational missions, the helicopter will undergo a series of post-delivery procedures, including technical inspections, documentation verification, ground tests and system checks. Aircrew conversion training, engineering familiarisation and integration into existing command and maintenance structures will also be conducted. The Ghana Air Force says the acquisition reflects its continuing commitment to strengthening operational capability and delivering effective air power in support of national security and national development objectives. Featured LIVESTREAMED: Ghana marks 69 years of independence today GraphicOnline Mar - 06 - 2026 , 07:33 2 minutes read Ghana today marks the 69th anniversary of independence from British colonial rule, with national ceremonies reflecting on the countrys journey since the historic declaration of freedom in 1957. The anniversary commemorates the moment when Ghana, then known as the Gold Coast, became the first sub-Saharan African country to break free from colonial rule, inspiring liberation movements across the continent. Activities marking the occasion are centred at the forecourt of Jubilee House, where a national parade featuring security services and schoolchildren is taking place. Watch the ceremony below; The event is being held at the seat of government for the second consecutive year as part of efforts to reduce the cost of the national celebration. Ahead of the anniversary, President John Dramani Mahama described the theme for this years celebration, Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope, as a reflection of the governments broader national agenda. The theme for the 69th Independence Celebration, Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope, is not just ceremonial; it is the blueprint that guides our administration and actions, the President said. The day has been declared a public holiday nationwide, allowing citizens to participate in ceremonies, community events and other activities commemorating Ghanas political freedom. In the lead-up to the celebration, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to honour Ghanas founding President, Kwame Nkrumah, and other freedom fighters whose efforts led to independence. Across the country, schools, district assemblies and civic organisations have also organised debates, clean-up exercises and cultural events to mark the anniversary and promote civic responsibility. Independence Day remains one of the most symbolic moments in Ghanas national life, serving both as a celebration of political freedom and a reminder of the continued work required to build a prosperous and united nation. Next article: 69th Independence Day: Patriotism must move beyond slogans to tangible action President Mahama Mahama reiterates commitment to stronger anti-corruption fight, says no one is above the law Previous article: Mahama reiterates commitment to stronger anti-corruption fight, says no one is above the law Featured Ghanas democracy endured because we compete without destroying Mahama at 69th Independence Day Beatrice Laryea Mar - 06 - 2026 , 13:21 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the nation's unity, democratic maturity and collective responsibility in building a prosperous future. He described the culture of tolerance and democratic practice as evidence of the maturity and wisdom of the Ghanaian people. He made the remarks while addressing the nation at the 69th Independence Day celebration at Jubilee House in Accra on Friday, March 6. "Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred, and to transfer power peacefully, which is evidence of the maturity and wisdom of the Ghanaian people." The celebration, held under the theme Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope, was described by the President as more than a ceremonial observance. He said the theme represents a national covenant between government and citizens, committing leaders to pursue policies that expand economic opportunity and restore hope for all Ghanaians. President Mahama noted that his message on Independence Day extended beyond Parliament to every Ghanaian from farmers in rural communities and traders in urban markets to teachers, health workers, entrepreneurs, and the diaspora. According to him, national development requires the participation of all citizens and a shared belief in Ghanas potential. Reflecting on the countrys history, the President paid tribute to the countrys founding father, Kwame Nkrumah, recalling his historic declaration of independence in 1957 and his vision that Ghanas freedom would contribute to the liberation of Africa. He said Nkrumah not only led the independence struggle but also instilled a strong sense of national consciousness and continental purpose. "We cannot speak of Ghana's present without paying homage to our past. Sixty-nine years ago, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah proclaimed to the world that at long last, the battle is ended and that Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever. He also added that the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent. Nkrumah did not only grant us independence, he awakened within us a sense of consciousness and a continental purpose." He also acknowledged the contributions of Ghanas past leaders who have shaped the countrys political and economic trajectory. Among those he mentioned were Kofi Abrefa Busia, Edward Akufo-Addo, Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. He said each administration, regardless of political affiliation, has contributed to building the Ghana that exists today. Highlighting Ghanas democratic progress, President Mahama stressed that the countrys political system has remained stable because citizens and leaders have learned to compete politically without destroying each other, disagree without hatred, and respect peaceful transfers of power. The President concluded by urging citizens to remain united in pursuing prosperity and national progress, emphasizing that Ghanas future will depend on the collective effort, resilience, and shared vision of its people. President Mahama calls for global recognition of slavery as crime against humanity Next article: President Mahama calls for global recognition of slavery as crime against humanity 69th Independence Day: Patriotism must move beyond slogans to tangible action President Mahama Previous article: 69th Independence Day: Patriotism must move beyond slogans to tangible action President Mahama Featured Harness digital opportunities to drive Ghanas future - President Mahama to youth Kweku Zurek Mar - 06 - 2026 , 11:18 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has called on young people in Ghana to take advantage of digital technologies and innovation to drive the countrys future development. Addressing the 69th Independence Day celebrations, the President said the younger generation possessed unprecedented tools that could transform education, entrepreneurship and creativity. To the young people of this country, I see you, I hear you and I believe in your potential, he said. He noted that digital technology had become a powerful gateway to global opportunities. In your hands, a smartphone transforms into a classroom, a business platform, a creative studio and a gateway to the global economy, he said. Youth frustrations acknowledged While encouraging young people to remain optimistic, the President acknowledged that many faced frustrations related to employment and economic opportunities. However, he assured them that the government was implementing measures to expand opportunities for the youth. I also recognise your frustrations, and that is why government is investing in digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship programmes and innovation hubs across the country, he said. The initiatives, he added, would be implemented across major cities including Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi and Koforidua. Education reforms The President said the government was also reforming the education system to align with the needs of the modern economy. In addition, he said internship and apprenticeship programmes were being expanded to help young people transition more easily from school into the workforce. Message of preparation and discipline President Mahama urged young people to remain disciplined and prepare themselves for future opportunities. But success will also depend on discipline, resilience and excellence, he said. The future belongs to those who prepare for it. Celebrating student excellence The President congratulated the 52 students who received the Presidents Independence Day Award for schoolchildren and commended Kweku Secondary Technical School for winning the 69th Independence Day quiz competition. All of you represent the promise of Ghanas future, he said. He urged young people to commit themselves to national development and excellence in whatever fields they pursue. Wherever you are and whatever you do, do it with excellence do it for Ghana, do it for Africa and do it for the generations yet unborn. Featured Israel calls for Ghanas support in Iran campaign Pacome Emmanuel Damalie Mar - 06 - 2026 , 09:35 4 minutes read The Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Roey Gilad, has called on the Ghanaian government to support an international campaign seeking what he described as a strategic change in the administration of Iran. Speaking at a press conference at the Israeli Embassy in Accra on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, the envoy said Ghanas diplomatic influence within international organisations made its voice important in global discussions surrounding Iran. We call also the government of Ghana to join its voice. Ghana has a very important voice, especially since last year in Africa. In the international community, Ghana is an important member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), that is dealing with Iran day in and day out. Ghana is an important player at the ECOWAS and AU. In all those international fora, we hope that the government of Ghana will join its support for the international campaign that is calling and looking and wishing for a strategic change in the administration in Iran, he said. Duration of military operation uncertain Ambassador Gilad said it remained unclear how long the latest military operation in Iran would last, noting that the situation could persist for several weeks. If you ask me how long this second round is going to last, I can't give you an answer. Unfortunately, I'm not very optimistic. I think it's a matter of weeks, but obviously I cannot commit myself. Those people in Iran, as I said before, are brutal. They have no intention to give up easily, he said. He added that Israel hoped the ongoing joint military action with the United States would ultimately contribute to peace and stability in the Middle East. The comments come amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, with hostilities between the two countries reportedly resulting in significant casualties. Justification for strikes The ambassador defended the joint USIsrael strikes on Iran, arguing that Tehrans alleged nuclear ambitions posed a direct threat to Israel and its allies. When the intention to destruct the state of Israel meets their capability to do so, this is when we become nervous. This is when we try to preempt the danger. If you all remember the campaign, we [US-Israel] had against Iran, we thought we were done. We thought they learned a lesson; but no, so they accelerated the development of a nuclear bomb and of ballistic missiles. They also started to dig very deep storages where they can remove those operations from ground level into very deep underground level where we could not reach, he said. Ambassador Gilad further stated that the strike and elimination of Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Hosseini Khamenei, was intended to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, weaken its ballistic missile capabilities and create conditions for political change within the country. He described the Iranian leadership as a brutal, autocratic and theocratic regime and accused it of violently suppressing dissent. The envoy also alleged that Iran had supported armed groups in the region, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, in attacks against Israel. Casualties reported on both sides Ambassador Gilad said the conflict had resulted in casualties on both sides, including the deaths of six Americans during the hostilities. As of March 4, 180 missiles hit Israel, and 120 plus unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), like a big drone, hit 10 impact sites in Israel. We suffered casualties as 11 Israelis were killed and 120 were injured. We paid a price, he said. He noted that Iran had suffered heavier losses, including the deaths of its Supreme Leader, senior military officials such as the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, and security adviser Ali Shamkhani. Other officials reportedly killed included Mohammad Shirazi, chief of the military bureau of the Supreme Leader; Saleh Asadi, head of intelligence at the Khatem Alanbieh Command; and senior defence officials Hossein Jabal Amelion and Reza Mozaffari-Nia. According to the ambassador, the military campaign codenamed Rising Lion and Roaring targeted key elements of Irans leadership and security structure. He said Israels civilian population remained resilient despite the attacks, stressing that many Israelis believed decisive action was necessary to address what they view as a long-standing security threat from Iran. Featured Police arrest suspected land guard, seize guns and ammunition at Abokobi Emmanuel Bonney Mar - 06 - 2026 , 16:01 2 minutes read The Surveillance Unit of the National Operations Directorate of the Ghana Police Service has arrested a 45-year-old man, Saviour Kojo Ekpe, suspected of being a land guard operating in Abokobi in the Greater Accra Region. According to a police situation report, a search conducted in the suspects room led to the retrieval of four pump-action guns, 101 AA/BB live ammunition, one jack knife, a Glock Austria pistol and 17 rounds of 9mm live ammunition. The police report indicated that another suspect, Emmanuel Abbey, believed to be an accomplice of Ekpe, was also arrested for allegedly threatening the life of a complainant. Police said the arrests followed intelligence gathered by the surveillance team regarding the activities of the suspect within the Abokobi area. On 05/03/26 the NOD SURVEILLANCE UNIT gathered intel that there is one man by name Ekpe who is a land guard within Abokobi and its environs who terrorizes residents and that the same man is alleged to have a number of weapons which he rents out to criminals for their criminal activities. Based on the intel, two teams were deployed to Abokobi to monitor, look for and arrest the suspect. The team eventually arrested suspects Saviour Kojo Ekpe aged 45 years. When a search was conducted on him 4 pump action guns, 101 AA/BB live ammunitions, 1 jack knife, 1 Glock AUSTRIA pistol and 17 9mm live ammunitions were retrieved from his room, the police situational report said. The police report said the suspect was taken to the office for further interrogation, during which he admitted ownership of the weapons. It said he, however, failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing the firearms. The report added that the suspect claimed he uses one for hunting, another one for protection of his home, another one for his personal safety. This goes to confirm the fact that suspect has been keeping the weapons and renting them out to people for their criminal activities. Police further indicated that Emmanuel Abbey, alleged to be an accomplice of Ekpe, was also arrested for threatening the life of a complainant. Both suspects have since been detained while investigations continue, with the retrieved weapons and ammunition being kept as exhibits for evidential purposes. Featured President Mahama calls for global recognition of slavery as crime against humanity Kweku Zurek Mar - 06 - 2026 , 11:12 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will submit a motion to the United Nations seeking the formal recognition of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crimes against humanity. Delivering an address at Ghanas 69th Independence Day celebration, the President said the initiative was part of efforts to pursue historical justice for Africans and their descendants across the world. Later this month, Ghana will submit a motion to the United Nations declaring slavery and the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity, he stated. According to the President, the move would reinforce global efforts aimed at securing justice and restitution for victims of the centuries-long slave trade. This motion will represent the justice and restitution that is long overdue, he said. Shared history with diaspora President Mahama emphasised the deep historical connection between Ghana and the African diaspora, describing it as a relationship rooted in shared ancestry and painful history. He noted that historic slave forts such as Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle remain enduring reminders of the transatlantic slave trade. The dungeons of Cape Coast and Elmina castles remind us of the dark chapters of history when millions of Africans were forcibly transported across the Middle Passage to the so-called New World, he said. Despite the tragedy, the President said the descendants of enslaved Africans had demonstrated extraordinary resilience. From that tragedy arose remarkable resilience, creativity and cultural brilliance that continue to influence the world today, he added. Reconnection with the Caribbean President Mahama also highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between Ghana and Caribbean nations, describing them as branches of the same ancestral heritage. He welcomed the presence of the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, at the celebration, noting that the visit symbolised a historic reconnection between Africa and the Caribbean. Your visit and our bilateral engagements represent more than just diplomacy. They signify a historic reconnection between Ghana and our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean, he said. Ghana leading global advocacy President Mahama said Ghanas leadership on the matter was consistent with its historic role as the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957. Ghana, the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence, will once again lead the global call for dignity and restoration, he said. The President expressed confidence that Africa and the diaspora would continue to strengthen collaboration in pursuit of justice, unity and development. President Mahama calls for global recognition of slavery as crime against humanity Previous article: President Mahama calls for global recognition of slavery as crime against humanity Featured President Mahama calls for unity, discipline as Ghana marks 69th Independence Anniversary Kweku Zurek Mar - 06 - 2026 , 11:00 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians to place the nation above political, ethnic and personal interests as the country marked its 69th Independence Anniversary. Delivering the national address during the celebration today (March 6, 2026) at the Jubilee House in Accra, the President said the occasion was not merely ceremonial but a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a prosperous nation. As we mark our 69th Independence Anniversary, we do so under the theme Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope. This theme is more than just ceremonial, he said. It represents a covenant between government and the people a solemn promise that every decision we make and every policy we implement must foster prosperity and renew hope for every Ghanaian. The President said the countrys independence struggle, led by Kwame Nkrumah, laid the foundation for Ghanas democracy and continental vision. He recalled the declaration by Dr Nkrumah at independence that the battle has ended and Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever. He also added that the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent, the President noted. Democratic maturity President Mahama praised Ghanas democratic credentials, saying the country had developed a culture of political tolerance and peaceful transitions of power. Our democracy has endured because we have learned to compete without destroying, to disagree without hatred and to transfer power peacefully, he said. He added that successive administrations had all contributed to national development. Every administration, regardless of its political inclination, has played its part in building the nation we proudly call Ghana. Diaspora reconnection The President also highlighted Ghanas historic ties with the African diaspora, referencing the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. He noted that the dungeons at Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle remain reminders of the millions of Africans forcibly taken across the Middle Passage. Yet, he said, those tragic events had also produced resilient communities across the world. The remarkable resilience, creativity and cultural brilliance of the African diaspora continue to influence the world today, he said. The President announced that Ghana would soon take steps internationally to seek historical justice. Later this month Ghana will submit a motion to the United Nations declaring slavery and the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity, he said. According to him, the move would strengthen the global campaign for dignity, justice and restitution. Discipline and patriotism President Mahama urged citizens to demonstrate patriotism through everyday actions rather than rhetoric. Patriotism should extend beyond slogans. True patriotism must be shown through our everyday actions, he said. He added that national development required discipline and integrity. Independence granted us freedom, but freedom demands responsibility. The President stressed the need for unity in national development. Above all, we must place country above party, above tribe and above personal interest. He said Ghanas resilience over the past six decades showed the enduring spirit of its people. The journey has not always been smooth. We have stumbled and often felt disappointed in ourselves, but we have never given up. Featured Tamale youth protest recall of Black Maria police team as commander urges calm Mohammed Fugu & Abukari Alhassan Baba Mar - 06 - 2026 , 16:12 4 minutes read Some youth in Tamale on Thursday night staged a protest against the immediate recall of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Special Operations Team from the Northern Region, warning that the move could reverse recent gains made in the fight against crime. The special operations unit, popularly known as Black Maria, was deployed to the region in 2025 by the Inspector-General of Police to help curb rising cases of drug abuse, robbery and other criminal activities. Following reports of the teams redeployment, hundreds of young people converged on the Global Dream Hotel, where members of the unit had been lodging, to appeal to them to rescind the decision. The protesters also marched through the principal streets of the Tamale metropolis to express their dissatisfaction and later called on the Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Abu Takoro, and other opinion leaders to intervene. Concerns over security gains The protesters maintained that the operations of the special unit had helped restore law and order while improving public confidence in security within the city and surrounding communities. They said they believed the decision to withdraw the team might have been influenced by concerns raised by some political actors and traditional authorities regarding the continued presence of the security personnel in the region. The youth, therefore, appealed to the police administration to reconsider the decision, insisting that the continued presence of the team was crucial to sustaining the improved security situation in the regional capital. Residents praise operations Some residents also expressed concern that the withdrawal of the team could undermine the progress made in tackling crime. A resident, Abdul Rauf Mahama, told Graphic Online that the presence of the team had helped sanitise several areas previously considered crime-prone. I am very worried about the redeployment of the team from the metropolis, because we are likely witnessing a surge in criminal activities and all the gains made for the past months will be in vain, he said. Another resident, Alhassan Lukman, appealed to Islamic scholars, chiefs and other opinion leaders to support calls for the team to remain in the region. "We want them to stay and continue their work to ensure that the region is free from crime, especially drug dealing and substance abuse among many other crimes," he added. Over 1,000 suspects arrested Since the deployment of the special task force, more than 1,000 suspects have been arrested in connection with illicit substance trading, abuse and other criminal activities. The operations, which targeted drug peddling hotspots and criminal hideouts across the region, also resulted in several successful prosecutions and the conviction of several offenders. Addressing a press conference in Tamale, the Northern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Wisdom Lavoe, said the prosecutions had led to fines totalling GH938,800 paid to the state by convicts. He added that the courts had also handed custodial sentences to some offenders, with nine convicted persons currently serving prison terms ranging from 15 months to 15 years for various offences. According to him, the success of the operations was made possible through close collaboration between the Black Maria team and the Northern Regional Police Command, which strengthened police visibility and intelligence-led operations across the region. Police assure residents DCOP Lavoe assured residents that although the special operations team had left the region, the command remained committed to sustaining the gains achieved. He said the regional command would intensify operations, strengthen resource deployment and maintain a strong security presence to continue the fight against drug-related crimes and other criminal activities. He added that the regional police command had formed a new task force made up of personnel drawn from the 18 districts in the region to continue the operations previously undertaken by the Black Maria team. We are assuring the youth that their normal activities should go on without fear or panic. We are here to protect them, and we will flush out criminals, he stated. He therefore appealed to residents to remain calm and have confidence in the commands efforts to maintain law and order in the area. These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. The Samsung Galaxy S26 series has smashed the pre-order record in South Korea. In the seven days between February 27 and March 5, Samsung saw 1.35 million pre-orders. For comparison, the Galaxy S25 trio last year reached 1.3 million pre-orders in 11 days. This may be enough to finally dethrone the Galaxy Note10 achievement from 2019. It shouldnt surprise anyone that the Galaxy S26 Ultra was the most popular model and it accounted for a whopping 70% of pre-orders. Okay, we admit this is a little surprising the Ultra tends to dominate, just not that much. Last year, the S25 Ultra made up only 52% of all pre-orders. The most popular Galaxy S26 Ultra colors: Black and White We didnt get a breakdown of how the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26+ split the remaining 30% between themselves. Last year things were relatively even (26% of buyers went with the S25, 22% with the S25+), but this year both models struggled to attract attention despite higher overall interest in the S26 series. The most popular Galaxy S26+ colors: Cobalt Violet and Black The three S26 models are available in four base colors, plus two Samsung.com exclusive hues. However, S26 Ultra buyers gravitated towards White and Black for the most part. Meanwhile, S26+ buyers were a little more adventurous and predominantly picked Cobalt Violet... and Black. Maybe this is why companies dont release phones in fun colors - people just arent interested. Anyway, check out our Galaxy S26 Ultra review for a detailed look at what is new, what has improved and what hasnt. We also have the Galaxy S26 in for review as well as the Galaxy S26+, so expect detailed reports on them soon. Source | Via Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 5G Samsung Galaxy S26+ 5G Samsung Galaxy S26 5G On the sidelines of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona this week, Samsung revealed more details about its upcoming smart glasses. The Galaxy Glasses will come with a camera that will be mounted at your eye level. Of course, the glasses will connect to your phone. Samsung executive vice president of the mobile business Jay Kim told CNBC: "Everybody talks about what the next AI device is, and I know I've been looking at many different types of devices. Glasses, obviously is one of them and everybody's looking at it". Meta Ray-Ban glasses, Samsung's main competitor for now Kim added that the important thing is for AI to understand what you're looking at so it can "feed the information to the mobile phone and then it processes and actually gives you a lot of information". And while he declined to directly say whether the Galaxy Glasses will have a display, the fact that he mentioned that Samsung has other products like smartwatches and phones if a user needs a display pretty much confirms that there won't be one on the glasses. Kim says the Galaxy Glasses could launch this year. Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon is "bullish" on smart glasses, saying they're "close to our eyes, close to our ears, close to our mouth, we're going to have those agentic experiences and workloads". The Guam Election Commission has postponed its islandwide cleanup scheduled for Saturday, March 7, because of inclement weather forecast this weekend. The postponement is made "out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of all participants," GEC said in a media release. There's no new date set yet for GEC's "Guam Cares. Guam Votes. Islandwide Cleanup." For additional information, contact GEC at (671) 477-9791. Haiti - FLASH : Armed child soldiers, aged 11 to 14, on the front lines Vladimir Paraison, Director General of the Haitian National Police (PNH), received United Nations Independent Expert William ONeill on March 4th. Accompanied by his staff, ONeill is conducting this visit as part of the preparation of his upcoming report on the security situation in Haiti. At the outset of their discussions, the UN delegation expressed its sincere condolences to the PNH for the losses suffered by its personnel at the hands of terrorists. Describing the situation as "utter hell" Paraison painted a worrying picture. The gangs, extremely well-armed, have hardened their tactics, now using trenches, traps, and Molotov cocktails, making the fight with law enforcement even more perilous, particularly in the West and Artibonite departments. While the police are striving to adapt psychologically and technically, they remain severely hampered by a critical lack of logistical resources, placing their hopes on the imminent deployment of the Gang Repression Force (FRG). The issue of children within gangs and their use as child soldiers by terrorist gangs particularly alarmed ONeill. The PNH High Command explained that the youngest, aged 8 to 10, are used as lookouts, while those aged 11 to 14 are armed and sent to the front lines. This macabre strategy by gang leaders places police officers, often parents themselves, in an unbearable moral dilemma during confrontations. Faced with this tragedy, the PNH acknowledges its structural impotence. The Brigade for the Protection of Minors (BPM) has only one large room and no suitable center to care for these children, whether in terms of detention or reintegration. The police are therefore calling for a multidimensional response, involving the State, the Institute for Social Welfare (IBESR), and partners such as UNICEF to address the educational and social aspects. Finally, the High Command assured the delegation that strict mechanisms are in place to guide interventions and respect human rights. Briefings on the rules of engagement are systematically provided before each operation, and the Inspector General's Office (IGPNH) is actively investigating 174 allegations of violations. As proof of this transparency, the Commander-in-Chief invited the UN delegation to accompany specialized units in the field to witness firsthand the complexity of combat in a dense urban environment. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Nippes : Deployment of approximately one hundred police officers from the 35th graduating class Under the supervision of Divisional Commissioner Louis Jeune Pierre Michelet, assisted by his deputy, Divisional Commissioner Jean Francois Jean Michel, and several officials from the Nippes Departmental Directorate (DDNI), a deployment operation of approximately one hundred police officers from the 35th graduating class of the Haitian National Police (PNH) took place on March 4th, 2026, in Miragoane. This reinforcement of personnel is part of the policy to strengthen ties and security across the national territory, in order to better meet the needs of the population of the Nippes department. This event marks the official assignment of these officers to the various police stations, substations, and operational units within the department. Of the 100 officers expected, 94 were present and welcomed to reinforce the territorial units. Before assuming their duties, a blessing and prayer session was led by Reverend Father Mackley, parish priest of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus in Berquin. This moment of reflection was observed to invoke divine protection upon these new officers called to serve the community. Following this ceremony, a familiarization patrol was conducted in the streets of downtown Miragoane. This initiative aimed to familiarize the officers with their work environment while establishing a visible police presence. Furthermore, the DDNI made all the necessary logistical arrangements to ensure the safe transportation of the officers to their respective postings, thus guaranteeing a smooth and effective integration into local structures. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - UEH-CEP Electoral Chair : First big day of exchanges The 2026 electoral process is now at the center of academic and institutional debates. Under the theme "Challenges, issues and opportunities of the next general elections in light of electoral experiences in Haiti", the Chair of Law and Administration of Electoral Operations of the State University of Haiti (UEH) organized its first major day of exchanges at the Karibe Hotel. Launched on July 25, 2025 thanks to an agreement between the UEH and the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45445-haiti-university-cep-and-ueh-join-forces-to-improve-electoral-operations-in-the-country.html , this Chair aims to bring scientific rigor to the organization of national elections. The event brought together electoral advisors, professors, national and international experts, as well as representatives of civil society. Me Florence Mathieu, Representative of the UEH at the CEP, opened the day by encouraging dialogue and serenity. She invited participants to make space a true "laboratory of ideas", positioning the UEH as the compass capable of illuminating the democratic future of the country. Patrick Saint-Hilaire, Representative of the Episcopal Conference of Haiti at the CEP, recalled that the election is above all an act of sovereignty. In a context of crisis of legitimacy and insecurity, he affirmed that credible elections are the only way to restore the authority of the State, declaring "Democracy cannot be decreed: it is built, taught and consolidated." Two major interventions made it possible to paint a realistic picture of the situation : Dong Nguyen Huu, international expert, stressed that elections in Haiti are often dictated by crises (political or natural as in 2010) rather than by a stable periodicity. Despite these weaknesses, he praised the know-how accumulated by the Haitian electoral administration since 1990, which now needs to be modernized. Me Carlos Hercule former member of the CEP, identified the major obstacles to the success of the 2026 election "Dysfunctions of the National Identification Office (ONI) and lack of coordination; Control of strategic areas by armed groups and international financial dependence", concluding that the conditions for success are "the neutrality of the executive, the reliability of the electoral lists and the modernization of litigation." Me Paul Rachel Cadet, expert in violence management, presented an alarming observation "participation fell from 70% in 1990 to around 20% during the last elections. To reverse this curve, he proposes: Restoring trust : Total transparency and digital traceability; Civic education : Transform voting into an act of dignity rather than a source of fear; The fight against impunity : Severely sanction electoral violence and violations. The consensus of this first major day of discussion is clear: the success of 2026 is not just a technical question. It is based on a profound overhaul of governance. Professor Jean Eugene Pierre-Louis (UEH) concluded by calling for a global patriotic commitment to make these games the 'royal road' to stability." The Electoral Chair now stands out as the strategic pivot for anchoring Haitian democracy on scientific and sustainable foundations. HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - News : Zapping... PNH : Intellectual Tests for 17,800 Candidates The intellectual tests required to complete the recruitment process for the 37th class of the Haitian National Police (PNH) will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, starting at 8:00 a.m. throughout the country for the approximately 17,800 registered candidates. The list of candidates selected to participate in the tests, along with the examination centers, will be posted starting Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the various permanent recruitment offices across the country. USA : 140 Haitians Repatriated On Thursday, March 5, 2026, 140 Haitians in an irregular immigration situation were repatriated by U.S. authorities at Cap-Haitien International Airport aboard a Global X airline plane, registration number N278GX. The French Army Stands with Haiti During a visit to Port-au-Prince, Rear Admiral Soubrier, Commander of the French Armed Forces in the Antilles, held a working meeting with Mario Andresol, the new Minister of Defense, and the senior staff of the Haitian Armed Forces (FAd'H) regarding the SABRE partnership between France and Haiti. This visit coincides with the return of the 5th FAd'H soldier group from Martinique, where they underwent intensive training. New Route for Sunrise Airways Dominicana Sunrise Airways Dominicana inaugurated a new regional route connecting Santo Domingo to Antigua on March 3rd, 2026. The inaugural flight was welcomed by Antigua's Minister of Tourism, Charles Fernandez, at VC Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda, in the presence of local authorities. The new route operates twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, aboard a 30-seat Embraer 140. More information and reservations are available at www.sunriseairways.net Reconstruction of PNH Buildings A delegation of representatives from the European Union and the Organization of American States (OAS) presented the Forward Operating Base - Haitian National Police (FOB-PNH) project. This EU-funded project aims to rebuild the PNH's buildings and operational posts. It is a key initiative to strengthen the country's security and infrastructure. Jeremie : Donation of 5 Tons of Medical Supplies With financial support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), PAHO/WHO delivered nearly 5 tons of medical supplies to Saint-Antoine Hospital in Jeremie. These emergency kits will support the care of more than 20,000 patients, providing both primary healthcare and emergency surgical care, as well as monitoring chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. HL/ HaitiLibre Last week, Microsoft announced that the Microsoft Authenticator will delete Entra ID accesses from the end of mobile devices that it detects as rooted or jailbroken. GrapheneOS is designed for security and privacy-conscious people; however, Microsoft does not officially support it. The use of Microsoft Authenticator with Entra ID accounts is on shaky ground there. The company announced this when asked by heise security. Continue after ad GrapheneOS enjoys an excellent reputation regarding data protection and security. It can be used on Google Pixel smartphones in a particularly data-saving way, but it can also use Google services, keeping them on a leash: they start like all other apps in a sandbox with permission management. Due to its broad compatibility with, for example, banking software and streaming services, which do not start on many custom ROMs, GrapheneOS has become one of the most popular custom ROMs. The developers are quick to close security vulnerabilities, and sometimes GrapheneOS code even flows back into the Android project. At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Motorola also announced on Monday this week that it officially supports GrapheneOS. This means the secure operating system is no longer exclusively found on Pixel smartphones. Motorola aims to do nothing less than redefine smartphone security with GrapheneOS. GrapheneOS will thus bring a hardened security core and protection against complex threats. Motorola wants to offer special highly secure devices that can be used in companies, authorities, and so on. More secure custom ROM is not enough GrapheneOS thus appears predestined for the secure use of corporate emails and for secure data exchange via smartphones. Since many now equip their services with Microsoft's identity management offering Entra ID for login, Microsoft Authenticator is important for use in companies. It serves as a second factor for login. Entra ID accounts must therefore be usable with the smartphone app, or users will be locked out. A Microsoft spokesperson told heise security in response to an inquiry, Microsoft Authenticator is not officially supported on GrapheneOS, and Entra accounts may be impacted in the future on devices running GrapheneOS that are detected as rooted. It is unclear whether GrapheneOS devices will generally be recognized as rooted by Microsoft Authenticator. It is to be hoped that Microsoft will change its position in this regard if necessary and officially support the more secure Android OS. Alternatively, however, other authenticator apps can be linked to Microsoft accounts, which is somewhat more complicated and without Microsoft's security extensions in the Authenticator. However, this also raises whether, for example, the IT department will approve their use. Continue after ad (dmk) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. Only 16 per cent believe their job situation will improve in the future. The research shows that uncertainty about work prospects has become more common. About 40 per cent of working-age people say they are concerned about how their job will look in the future. Nearly half, 45 per cent, say they cannot predict what will happen in their work. Burnout symptoms have increased and work ability has declined slightly among workers, while concern about the future of employment has grown, according to a new study on working life. The findings come from the How is Finland doing? monitoring study conducted by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. The project has tracked work wellbeing and working conditions since 2019. Research professor Jari Hakanen said the data reveals several trends moving in a negative direction at the same time. Working life faces four negative developments at once. Work demands have increased, resources at work have declined, expectations about the future have become more uncertain, and burnout symptoms have increased, Hakanen said in a statement. He noted that the changes remain moderate but require attention. The study compares responses from the same participants between summer and the end of 2025. Experiences of positive resources at work remain relatively strong but show a gradual decline. Fair treatment and the feeling of being heard at work have both fallen slightly. At the end of 2025, about 79 per cent of respondents said they experienced fair treatment in their workplace. The figure dropped by roughly two percentage points compared with the previous survey period. Social isolation in the workplace has also increased slightly. Around one in five respondents say they experience loneliness at work, while about one in four report loneliness in general life. Special researcher Janne Kaltiainen said workplaces can reduce the effects of uncertainty by strengthening social support. The negative effects of worry and uncertainty can be reduced by investing in social resources at work. Fair treatment, support and being heard can be maintained and strengthened even during difficult times, Kaltiainen said. He added that belonging to a supportive group becomes especially important during periods of uncertainty. At the same time, several work demands have increased. Employees report more conflicting expectations and pressures related to their duties. Researcher Jie Li said leaders face a particular challenge as organisations try to maintain healthy working conditions. Leaders have an especially important role during difficult periods, Li said. At the same time, leaders themselves report more strain and less support in their work than other employees. The study also found a slight decline in overall work ability. Thirty-seven per cent of respondents rated their work ability as excellent. Six months earlier, the share stood at 39 per cent. Another indicator shows an increase in boredom at work. Despite this, levels of positive engagement with work have remained stable. Burnout symptoms have grown modestly since the previous survey period. About 9 per cent of respondents show signs of probable burnout. Six months earlier, the figure stood at 8 per cent. A further 16 per cent face an elevated risk of burnout. Combined, roughly one quarter of workers now report burnout symptoms at a level considered concerning. The increase appears strongest among people aged between 30 and 45. In that group, 13 per cent report severe burnout symptoms. Researchers link the trend to higher job demands and fewer resources compared with other age groups. Many people in this age group also report that pressures from personal life affect their ability to cope with work. Hakanen said the group often faces demanding years that combine work responsibilities with family life. He added that discussions about working life often focus on younger employees or older workers nearing retirement, while people in the middle of their careers receive less attention. Researchers emphasise that the overall picture of working life remains largely positive despite the recent changes. HT HENLEY will make a bid to become the UKs first town of culture. The town council is expected to submit an expression of interest before the end of the month. It hopes to be shortlisted for the winning prize of 3.5m to deliver a cultural programme during the summer of 2028. The competition was announced by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport late last year. It is targeted at small, medium large sized towns to enable them to tell their story and highlight the role that towns play in national life. Finalists will be selected from each of the three categories, with two finalists each receiving 250,000. The government hopes the initiative will build on the success of the city of culture programme which in the past was awarded to Derry/LondonDerry, Hull, Coventry and current holder, Bradford. At a meeting of Henley Town Councils town and community committee on Tuesday last week, councillors agreed to submit an initial expression of interest form, from which a shortlist will be selected. Councillor Glen Lambert, who chairs the committee, said the town had too much to offer to not make a bid, and added it could benefit from the money. Cllr Gill Dodds suggested the town had a good story to tell and highlighted the Kenton Theatre, in New Street, which at more than 200 years old is the fourth oldest working theatre in the country. She raised the question of who would put together the bid, which she predicted would be an enormous job. She said: We are a very arty town, there is so much going on here, weve got a theatre, cinema, arts and literary festival and all of the music festivals. Who on earth is going to put all of that together? Its obviously a professional job. When you think of cities of culture like Hull and others they are hugely vibrant and they have had professional advice and the street art and performances and all of the rest of it. Its a big thing and I dont know who would like to do that. Town clerk Sheridan Jacklin-Edward responded that shortlisted towns will receive 60,000 to help them put together a more comprehensive bid. He said: That is to go towards developing that full bid which would involve that sort of professional coordination because its not something we would be able to do in house with our current resources. Different places have been taking different approaches, some places have already set up a full committee to put together just the expression of interest some are front loading it quite heavily and going all in. I dont believe we have the resources to do that before the deadline which is end of March. Mr Jacklin-Edward offered to submit the expression of interest, which he said was light touch, so the bid could be reviewed if successful. Cllr Ian Reissmann said the prospect of a Henley bid had been brought up at a Henley Society meeting, where it was suggested the prize money could help with the River & Rowing Museum, which is currently on the market for 3m. Cllr Lambert suggested the affluent image of the town could disadvantage it against competitors. Mr Jacklin-Edward said: Reading between the lines of the assessment criteria and what has been written in press releases, I do have a feeling that Henley may not be what they have in mind. I could be very wrong but that is just my feeling. Cllr Sarah Miller said: Probably because they only know Henley as the royal regatta, [but] we have got so much more. Cllr Reissmann said: Maybe that is a good pitch, saying, were more than just a regatta. Towns must submit an expression of interest before the end of March. They will be judged on three categories the unique story of the town, how the town will design a cultural programme for all, and how it will then deliver a successful programme. The bids for the 2028 title will be assessed by an independent expert advisory panel chaired by Sir Phil Redmond. l What do you think? Write to: Letters, Henley Standard, Caxton House, 1 Station Road, Henley or email letters @henleystandard.co.uk (JNS) - Gumbo and Bandit, the dogs of U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee and his wife, dressed up ahead of the Jewish holiday of Purim, which was last week. In a video published on the U.S. ambassador's social media accounts on Thursday, Mike and Janet Huckabee dressed Gumbo and Bandit in the Israeli and American flag, respectively, as well as blue and red hats. "Two thousand three hundred years ago, God orchestrated through Queen Esther and Mordechai the salvation of the Jewish people and victory over their enemies in ancient Persia," the U.S. envoy says in the video. Purim celebrates the Jewish p... (JNS) - When Ellen Dooley, a teacher at Milken Community School in Los Angeles, went to a school assembly on Tuesday morning, she had no idea that she was going to be named a national Milken Educator Award recipient, which comes with a $25,000 cash prize. The entire school gathered to hear from Stan Kasten, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers. After Kasten spoke, Lowell Milken, co-founder and chairman of the Milken Family Foundation, announced that Dooley, a social-science instructional leader at the private Jewish school, won the award. She is one of two California teachers to win th... (JNS) The joint Israeli-American military campaign against Iran, now in its third day, has systematically decapitated the Iranian regimes leadership from Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei down, while causing extensive damage to its ballistic missile program. A military official speaking on Sunday provided a detailed assessment of the severe damage inflicted upon the Iranian weapons industry and missile program during the ongoing operation. According to the official, hundreds of Iranian terror regime missiles were successfully destroyed, and the production of at least 1,500 additional ballistic mi... (JNS) - For nearly 2,200 years, it lay hidden in a cave above the Dead Sea. Now, for the first time since 1968, the Great Isaiah Scroll has been unrolled to its full 24-foot length and placed on public display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, a rare exhibition museum officials are calling a once-in-a-generation opportunity. "A Voice from the Desert: The Great Isaiah Scroll" is a highlight of exhibitions marking the museum's 60th anniversary. The manuscript will be presented in its entirety for only four months. Strict conservation requirements allow 25 visitors at a time to enter the tempera... (JNS) - The 4,500 Jewish teenagers from all over the world-from Australia to Slovakia to Singapore to Brazil to France to Los Angeles-who had come to Brooklyn, N.Y., for a weekend of inspiration and learning through the Chabad movement, intended to return home on Sunday. A blizzard that paralyzed the city, shutting airports and leading officials to ban cars from the streets, had other ideas. Instead, teens who had never seen snow before had friendly snowball fights outside 770 Eastern Parkway, the headquarters of the international movement, and competed in teams to see who could shovel the mos... (JNS) British actor Hugh Laurie on Friday distanced himself from Zionism after receiving negative reactions online for eulogizing an Israeli friend who died at the age of 52. Nothing I have ever said or done could lead a sane person to believe that I am a Zionist, Laurie, 66, the star of Fox Networks House M.D. medical drama, wrote on X in response to criticism of his Feb. 17 eulogy of producer Dana Eden. He added hed block on X anyone who exults in the death of his friend. A creator of the Tehran series by Israels Kan broadcaster, Eden was found dead at a hotel in Athens last w... (JNS) Israeli Air Force jets have flown hundreds of sorties since achieving air superiority over Tehran, the Israel Defense Forces said on Monday morning. The air force continues to strike across Iran and neutralize [missile] launchers, the Israel Defense Forces stated on X, sharing footage of fighter jets returning after attacking targets in the Islamic Republic. On Sunday night, the IDF announced that it carried out more than 700 sorties after the IAF cleared the way to Tehran within 24 hours of the start of Operation Roaring Lion against Iran on Saturday morning. Achieving air super... (JNS) Controversial conservative commentator and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson made several false statements during his Feb. 18 interview with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Carlson claimed for example that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus family did not speak Hebrew and had no historical ties to the region. This is incorrect: the leaders paternal grandfather, Nathan Mileikowsky, was a Zionist rabbi who delivered sermons in Hebrewuncommon at the timeand ensured that his family spoke the language at home. His father, Benzion Netanyahu, born in Warsaw, was a histo... Germanys largest political party moves to end funding for UNRWA, tighten oversight of PA aid (JNS) The largest political party in the German federal legislature is calling for an end to financial support of the U.N. Relief and Works Agency, the global bodys Palestinian aid organization, according to Judische Allgemeine, the countrys national Jewish weekly newspaper. The Christian Democratic Union, led by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, unanimously approved a motion on Feb. 21 calling for stricter criteria for aid payments to the Palestinians, and an end to German and European donations... (JNS) U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee joined senior Israeli lawmakers at the Knesset on Tuesday, declaring that Israel is the United States true and unparalleled partner amid regional instability and rising global antisemitism. The session of the Knesset Caucus for IsraelU.S. Relations, initiated by the Ruderman Family Foundation and chaired by Knesset Member Ohad Tal, marked the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. It brought together Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana and coalition and opposition lawmakers in a rare bipartisan show of alignment on the strategic impor... (JNS) The U.S. embassy in Israel on Friday opened consular services for Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria for the first time. The one-day consular pop-up operation took place in Efrat, in the Gush Etzion region of Judea. An additional one is expected to open soon in Beitar Illit, in the Binyamin region of Samaria, according to the Yesha Council, an umbrella organization of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. Israel Ganz, head of the Binyamin Regional Council and chairman of the Yesha Council, described the move as historic justice. On Thursday, Ganz thanked U.S. Ambassador to Is... (JNS) - The Israel Defense Forces military campaign, "Operation Roaring Lion," against the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue "until we achieve all our objectives," IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin told reporters on Saturday night. "We went to war-to this operation-to remove a real, existential threat to the State of Israel," he stated at the press briefing, adding: "It will take as long as it takes; it will continue until we achieve all our objectives." Asked by local media how long the Israeli home front can sustain continuous ballistic missile assault from Iran, the spokesperson... (JNS) Emergency medical services responded to a direct Iranian missile impact in Beersheva on Monday, as the Jewish state absorbed a third day of strikes in Tehrans war against Israel and the United States. Magen David Adom crews treated and evacuated a 35 year old man to the citys Soroka Medical Center who was moderately wounded and 18 others who were lightly hurt, all by flying glass. United Hatzalah said its medical teams were treating several lightly injured, conscious victims after a building was hit in the capital of the Negev. Iran missile wounds three on Jerusalem highway Three peo... (JNS) The Supreme Planning Council of the Israeli Defense Ministrys Civil Administration on Thursday approved the construction of more than 1,300 housing units in the western Samaria community of Kedumim. The 1,338 homes in the planned Nahalat Esther neighborhood will more than double the size of Kedumim, which currently has some 4,850 residents living in around 1,050 households, Israel National News reported. The roughly 60-acre neighborhood will feature a green valley at its center. In total, the Kedumim Local Council is planning 3,000 homes in four planned neighborhoods, according to the... (JNS) Nearly 15 hours after Jessica Tisch, the New York City Police Department commissioner, decried attacks on police officers in Washington Square Park, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that it was just "kids throwing snowballs." "The NYPD is aware of certain videos taken earlier today in Washington Square Park showing individuals attacking cops. I want to be very clear: The behavior depicted is disgraceful, and it is criminal," Tisch stated at 9:55 p.m. on Monday. "Our detectives are investigating this matter." At 11:46 a.m. on Tuesday, Mamdani, who has drawn criticism for campaign promises to d... (JNS) Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayor, met with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office in November in what he called a productive meeting and the president said was a very productive conversation. The mayor said he had another productive meeting with Trump on Feb. 26. I had a productive meeting with President Trump this afternoon. Im looking forward to building more housing in New York City, he wrote. He shared a photo of himself standing behind a seated Trump in the Oval Office, holding a mock newspaper with the headline Trump to City: Lets Build. Trump holds a p... (JNS) A new webinar program, Beyond the Headlines: Judea and Samaria, designed to chip away at disinformation spread by anti-Israel academics and opinion-makers, launched the first installment in a 10-part series on Feb. 22. Our central challenge in the battle for international public opinion is the absolute lack of knowledge regarding the facts on the ground, said Yigal Dilmoni, CEO and founder of American Friends of Judea and Samaria, which co-founded the project with Ariel University. We want to reach out to students and people who represent Israel in their communities, as well as al... (JNS) More than 350 current and former University of California scholars signed a letter calling on the systems regents to discuss a recent AMCHA Initiative report about antisemitism at their next meeting. Judea Pearl, a University of California, Los Angeles computer science professor and father of Jewish Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, who was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan in 2002, organized the letter with Ilan Benjamin, a distinguished professor emeritus of chemistry at UC Santa Cruz. At press time, 279 current and 89 former UC professors had signed the letter. The refere... (JNS) Azzam al-Ahmad, the secretary-general of Mahmoud Abbass Palestine Liberation Organization, on Monday declared that the PLO opposes the disarmament of Hamas, which he said was not a terror organization. In an interview with Egypts Al Shorouk newspaper, al-Ahmad slammed U.S. demands that the terrorist organization that led the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre disarm and cede its power in Gaza. They dont want Hamas to have any role in the Strip, explained the veteran official in Abbass Fatah Party, adding: We completely reject this, because Hamas is part of the Palestinian national movemen... The Rosen JCC is proud to announce the appointment of Stacey Weiss as its new Director of Development & Foundation Relations. In this role, Weiss will lead philanthropic strategy and donor engagement efforts in support of the JCC's mission to strengthen community through culture, connection, and shared purpose. Weiss brings more than a decade of experience in fundraising, community engagement, and mission-driven leadership. Known for her relationship-centered approach and strategic mindset, she believes that strong, inclusive communities have the power to transform lives. During her nine years... The University of Central Floridas campus came alive this week as UCF Hillel hosted its 5th annual Israel Block Party an event that turned Memory Mall into a vibrant celebration of Israeli culture and spirit. More than 700 students gathered for the festivities, marking the largest Block Party to date and the biggest event in UCF Hillels history. From sizzling falafel stands to a lively shuk-style marketplace and even a guest appearance by a live camel, the celebration offered students a taste of Israels rich traditions and flavors. Organizers said the event was months in the making, led b... (JNS) Hats off to Mike Huckabee, U.S. ambassador to Israel! With elegant professionalism, he tolerated a two-hour-plus hostile interview by conservative political commentator and podcaster Tucker Carlson. Simply, the former governor of Arkansas endured a torturous assault of loaded questions bordering on blood libel. Carlsons inquiries were framed as variants of the infamous, Do you still beat your wife? They were complex questions based on false, malevolent assumptions. It was a gotcha for the unsophisticated recipienta distracting quiz masking his darker motives. Journalists have e... (JNS) U.S. President Donald Trump has done much to stabilize the Middle East and support Israel, but as during the Iran-Israel 12-day war in June 2025, it is imperative that Israel should once again do this operation as much alone as it can. Not only should it initiate and go first, but it must also remain the heavy-lifter and guide this through. In retrospect, one can argue that it would have been better last summer to avoid having Operation Rising Lion become Operation Midnight Hammer, although managing American pressure to intervene was complicated. And yet, had the war required anoth... (JNS) Zionophobia is a term people should get used to using. It deserves to be amplified far and wide. According to Wiktionary, Zionophobia means hostility toward Zionism or people who identify as Zionists, often extending into prejudice against Jews when Zionism is treated as an inherent Jewish trait. Judea Pearl, a computer scientist (and father of Daniel Pearl, employed by The Wall Street Journal, who was murdered by Al-Qaeda in 2002), has been trying to spread the word about this language changeand it is indeed worth spreading. He says instead of trying to defend against the claim of... (JNS) On July 20, 2023, Zohran Mamdani, then a state assemblyman, led supporters at a rally promoting his Not on Our Dime campaign, repeatedly invoking a single word, exception, asking, Who is ready to end the exception? If New York State stands for justice, there can be no exception! He framed his argument as a moral absolutefairness without carve-outs, public policy without favored beneficiaries. Absolutist rhetoric invites scrutiny. When a politician insists there can be no exception, voters are entitled to examine whether that principle is applied consistently. Two months late... BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, opened its fourth session on Thursday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, were seated at the rostrum. Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the session's presidium, presided over the meeting. Premier Li Qiang delivered a government work report. Noting that 2025 had been a "truly remarkable" year, Li said China, faced with profound and complex developments both at home and abroad, had accomplished the main goals and tasks for economic and social development and brought the 14th Five-Year Plan to a successful conclusion. All 20 major targets, 17 strategic tasks and 102 major projects set out in the outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan had been accomplished, he said. In accordance with the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (2026-2030), the State Council has prepared the draft outline of the plan, which has been submitted to this session for examination, said Li. The draft outline has specified 20 main indicators, set out the major strategic tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and proposed a total of 109 major projects in six areas, Li noted. On this year's main objectives, Li pointed out in the report that China targets an economic growth of 4.5-5 percent and will strive for better in practice. "We must fully implement the Party Central Committee's overall plans for this year and take solid steps to do all our work well," he said. According to the agenda, a series of documents were submitted to the NPC session for examination, which include the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the report on the implementation of the 2025 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2026 draft plan, and the draft plan for national economic and social development in 2026, as well as the report on the execution of the central and local budgets for 2025 and on the draft central and local budgets for 2026, and the draft central and local budgets for 2026. Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, delivered explanatory remarks on a draft environmental code, a draft law on promoting ethnic unity and progress, and a draft law on national development planning, respectively. Compiling the environmental code will provide robust legal safeguards for ecological and environmental protection in China's journey toward modernization, according to the explanatory remarks. The formulation of the law on promoting ethnic unity and progress is aimed at advancing the high-quality development of the cause of ethnic unity and progress, with a focus on fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, said the remarks. The law on national development planning, according to the remarks, is expected to raise the level of law-based governance in national development planning and enhance the strategic guidance role of national plans. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Chicago, IL (60637) Today Scattered snow flurries early. Clouds will linger later on. Low near 35F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Scattered snow flurries early. Clouds will linger later on. Low near 35F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph. BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The development of artificial intelligence (AI), one of the buzzwords at China's ongoing annual "two sessions," is accelerating in the country and shaping the global AI ecosystem. Chinese tech firms' open-source large AI models rank first globally in downloads, significantly lowering the barriers to AI adoption, reducing usage costs and enhancing AI accessibility, said Minister of Industry and Information Technology Li Lecheng Thursday on the sidelines of the annual session of the national legislature. Data from a top global AI platform, OpenRouter, showed that API calls, or user visits, to Chinese large models began surpassing U.S. levels in February, highlighting China's rising influence in the global AI ecosystem. Chinese models occupy three of the top five spots globally by usage -- MiniMax's M2.5, Moonshot's Kimi K2.5 and DeepSeek's V3.2 -- mainly driven by their high cost-performance, according to the platform. This year, China's AI models, some gaining popularity through open-weight offerings, continue to evolve rapidly and compete to create a new "DeepSeek moment," the breakthrough that shook tech and global investment circles last year and is seen as a catalyst for China's tech-driven economic growth. ByteDance's text-to-video tool Seedance 2.0, which can generate a multi-shot film sequence in roughly 60 seconds with rather simple prompts, has recently sparked a short video creation craze across the global cyberspace. "The childhood era of artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) is over," said Feng Ji, creator of the globally hit game Black Myth: Wukong, when discussing Seedance 2.0. China is also rapidly injecting its newfound AI capabilities into globally popular consumer electronics. After making a splash at CES Las Vegas in January, Chinese smart devices have once again seized the global spotlight this week at the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona -- from Alibaba's Qwen smart glasses making their overseas debut, to AI agent-integrated smartphones, and humanoid robots that offer companionship services. AgiBot's booth was swarming with visitors at the Barcelona event. The Shanghai-based embodied intelligence firm is now on the hunt for European partners. Chinese tech firms are not showcasing isolated technological breakthroughs, but integrated architectures, said Luigi Gambardella, president of the Brussels-based international digital association ChinaEU. China boasts a complete industrial ecosystem, a deep pool of innovation talent and an increasingly vibrant environment for breakthroughs, said Li. "We are confident this dynamic landscape will keep producing world-class smart products." Zhou Yunjie, a national legislator and chairman of China's home appliance giant Haier Group, said the company will invest no less than 100 billion yuan (about 14.5 billion U.S. dollars) in the coming five years to strengthen the foundation of AI-native technologies. Tang Dongsheng, a national political advisor, said embodied intelligence is not about show-off, but about solving real-world problems. China plans to advance and expand its "AI Plus" initiative, promote faster application of new-generation intelligent terminals and AI agents, and encourage large-scale commercial application of AI in key sectors and fields, according to the government work report submitted Thursday to the country's top legislature for deliberation. The draft outline of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan, also submitted on the same day, shows that, over the next five years, AI will be harnessed to advance basic science, transform traditional and frontier industries, create new consumption scenarios, innovate governance, and enrich daily life. China aims to advance computing infrastructure, model and algorithm development, and the supply of high-quality data resources to support the growing demands of AI development, according to the draft outline. International cooperation and joint governance on AI have also been incorporated into the five-year plan. To make AI a global "public good," Li pledged that China will uphold open and shared AI development, working with countries worldwide to explore and establish governance frameworks and rules with broader consensus. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jimmy Lai, the prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and media tycoon, wont appeal his conviction, his legal team said on Friday. Lai was sentenced to 20 years in jail last month the heaviest penalty ever handed out under Hong Kongs national security law. The 78-year-old British citizen was found guilty in December of two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under a China-imposed national security law, as well as a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material. Lai, who founded the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, has denied all wrongdoing. On Friday, a member of Lais Hong Kong legal team said: We can confirm we have clear and definitive instructions not to lodge an appeal against conviction or sentence. Lais son, Sebastien Lai, has called the trial politically motivated and said that his father was ludicrously found guilty in Hong Kong of trying to destroy the city he made his home in and which he loves. Lais legal team did not elaborate on why they are not appealing. Once a penniless teenage refugee who arrived in Hong Kong as a stowaway, Lai rose to become one of the citys most influential media tycoons and is now its most prominent political prisoner. In late January, during a visit to Beijing, UK prime minister Keir Starmer said that he would raise the issues that need to be raised on human rights with Xi Jinping, Chinas president. On the flight to China, he told reporters at the time: ...But part of the reason for engaging with China is so that issues where we disagree can be discussed. Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai will not appeal his conviction or sentence ( AFP via Getty ) Mr Starmer had come under pressure from rights groups to push for the release of Lai. Later, Lais son accused the PM of not doing enough to secure his fathers release. Earlier, Yvette Cooper, the UK foreign secretary, said: For 78-year-old Jimmy Lai, 20 years is an effective life sentence, following a politically motivated prosecution under a law that was imposed to silence Chinas critics. The Hong Kong authorities must end Jimmy Lais appalling ordeal and release him to be with his family. Volker Turk, the UN rights chief, said at the time that the verdict needs to be promptly quashed as it is incompatible with international law. Jimmy Lai is a publisher sentenced to 20 years in prison for exercising rights protected under international law, he said in a statement. This outcome highlights how the vague and overly broad provisions of Hong Kongs national security legislation can lead to being interpreted and enforced in violation of Hong Kongs international human rights obligations. I appeal for Jimmy Lais immediate release on humanitarian grounds, given his advanced age, health, and the impact of the more than four years he has already spent in detention. Last December, US president Donald Trump said he asked Mr Xi to consider releasing Lai. I feel so badly, Mr Trump told reporters. I spoke to President Xi about it and I asked to consider his release. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Chinese villager preparing a duck for dinner was left stunned after discovering gold particles worth about 1,300 inside the birds stomach. The man, identified in Chinese media only by his surname Liu, found the particles of gold in Longhui county in central Chinas Hunan province after slaughtering a free-range duck he had raised himself. According to the South China Morning Post, Liu had been preparing the duck for cooking when he cut open its stomach and found several gold-coloured particles mixed in with its digestive contents. The man initially believed they might simply be small stones or metallic debris before he noticed a distinctive sheen. Local reports say that the particles Liu found weighed around 10 grams in total, giving them a value of roughly 12,000 yuan (1,304). File photo ( AFP via Getty Images ) Liu reportedly carried out a rudimentary heat test, a method often used to distinguish gold from other metals. When the grains did not change colour after being burned, he suspected they might indeed be gold. The Natural Resources Bureau of Longhui Prefecture has not confirmed if the particles were indeed of gold. Further verification by specialised agencies is needed to confirm whether the particle is gold or not, they said. Local authorities said the find was plausible given the regions geological history, a translated report in Liaoshen Evening News stated. Rivers in the surrounding area have been historically associated with naturally occurring particles of gold found in river sediment. The Hunan province is known for its significant mineral resources. In 2024, geologists identified a vast gold reserve beneath the Wangu gold field in Hunans Pingjiang county, with confirmed resources of around 300 tonnes, and could yield more than 1,000 tonnes of gold. Gold can also occur as placer deposits in river sediment, where small particles are eroded from ore bodies and carried downstream, which in turn leads to traces of the metal sometimes appearing in mud along riverbanks. Ducks that forage in mud and shallow water can ingest small stones and sediment as part of their feeding process, making it possible for trace minerals to accumulate inside their digestive systems. The duck had been raised in an area that was close to such waterways, where it likely fed freely along riverbanks or muddy ground. According to the Korean outlet Maeil Business News, this may explain how the bird swallowed gold particles while searching for food, inadvertently concentrating them in its stomach. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The United States granted a 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil without any tariff repercussions, as disruptions at a key shipping route continued to threaten global oil supply. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied gas supplies pass, has remained effectively closed since Iranian forces threatened to set fire to ships passing through. Oil surpassed $80 a barrel for the first time in months and analysts feared a prolonged crisis could push it above $100. The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a license on Thursday authorising the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products to India but only for oil already loaded onto vessels as of 5 March. The waiver expires on 4 April. Follow our live coverage of the Middle East conflict here. Treasury secretary Scott Bessent announced the measure on X, framing it as a response to Iran's attempt to "take global energy hostage". He said the waiver "will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorises transactions involving oil already stranded at sea". "India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil," Mr Bessent wrote. The announcement came as at least three sanctioned tankers carrying around 2.1 million barrels of Russian Urals crude, were already diverting to Indian ports this week, according to vessel-tracking data. Indian refiners, whose supplies were stuck in the Gulf, started buying Russian oil thats readily available, Reuters reported quoting sources familiar with the matter. Separately, India moved to shore up domestic fuel supplies on Thursday, ordering all refiners to maximise production of liquefied petroleum gas and restrict its supply to three state-run companies Indian Oil, HPCL and BPCL. Refiners were also told not to divert propane and butane to petrochemical production, with state firms instructed to sell LPG to domestic customers only. Russias deputy prime minister Alexander Novak told state-run TV that Moscow was "getting signals of renewed interest from India" in purchasing additional volumes of its crude, adding that it "remains convinced" the trade is beneficial to both countries. The US has framed the move as a stopgap measure, as Washington expects India to eventually buy more US oil. However, Mr Bessents remarks, saying it is allowing India to buy Russian oil, has caused uproar in parliament in Delhi. The US will tell us who we can or cannot buy oil from if it's Russia or Iran, the US will decide. But our prime minister will not decide, leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi said on Friday, mocking prime minuster Narendra Modi. Oil tanker traffic over Strait of Hormuz on 2 March ( MarineTraffic ) The US had previously said India committed to halting purchases of Russian crude a claim Indian authorities have not publicly acknowledged. However, data shows in January this year Russian crude accounted for less than 20 per cent of India's imports, the lowest in nearly four years, while Saudi imports rose to their highest in almost six years. The US reduced tariffs on Indian imports to 18 per cent amid broader trade negotiations, and Mr Bessent had signalled in January that additional tariffs on Indian goods could be removed given what he described as a sharp reduction in Indian purchases of Russian oil. Analysts who spoke to The Independent earlier this week said Russia stood to be among the clearest beneficiaries of the disruption, with Moscow's sanctioned oil already sitting in Asian waters now in high demand from buyers shut out of the Gulf. India is among the countries most exposed to the disruption as it relies on imports for more than 88 per cent of its oil needs, with nearly half of its crude coming from Gulf states whose exports pass through the Strait. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday that the Strait was closed to vessels from the US, Israel, Europe and their Western allies leaving passage potentially open for others, including India, though no formal exemption has been confirmed. Tehran had earlier indicated it would permit Chinese-flagged vessels through as a gesture of appreciation for Beijing's stance during the conflict. However, with Iranian forces threatening to strike vessels, insurance cover for the route became effectively unavailable, leaving much of the waterway grounded to a standstill regardless, as shipping companies and vessel operators halted crossings. Real-time vessel tracking shows clusters of tankers anchored outside the waterway, with ships waiting near Kuwait, off the coast of Dubai, and just beyond the entrance to the channel. Tanker traffic through the Strait dropped by roughly 70 per cent , with over 150 ships anchoring outside the waterway. Major container lines including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd suspended transits entirely. The closure marks the first time in history that traffic through the Strait has effectively halted even during the Iran-Iraq war between 1980 and 1988, merchant vessels continued operating despite frequent tanker attacks. US president Donald Trump moved to address the insurance problem directly, announcing that the US Development Finance Corporation would provide political risk insurance for ships transiting the Gulf. France also dispatched the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean, with president Emmanuel Macron saying French forces had already shot down drones in "legitimate self-defence." Neither measure has so far been enough to reopen commercial flows to their normal state. Alternative routes exist but offer limited relief. Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline and the UAE's Fujairah pipeline can carry some volume, but cannot replace normal Strait flows. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Researchers say they are now able to predict Alzheimers disease with close to 93 percent accuracy using artificial intelligence. More than 800 brain scans helped the AI to identify anatomical changes in the brain that signaled the start of the most common form of dementia, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts said on Thursday. The findings follow years of previous research showing that AI could help spot early risk factors for Alzheimers, predict risk and identify patients with undiagnosed Alzheimers disease. Being able to use AI to help diagnose Alzheimers earlier could give patients and doctors crucial time to prepare and potentially slow the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis of Alzheimers disease can be difficult because symptoms can be mistaken for normal aging, Benjamin Nephew, an assistant research professor at the institute, explained in a statement. open image in gallery Researchers say they are now able to predict Alzheimers disease development with close to 93 percent accuracy using a type of artificial intelligence called machine learning ( Getty Images/iStock ) We found that machine-learning technologies, however, can analyze large amounts of data from scans to identify subtle changes and accurately predict Alzheimers disease and related cognitive states, he said. The MRI scans were collected from 344 people aged 69 to 84, including 281 scans with normal mental function, 332 with mild cognitive impairment and 202 with Alzheimers. The scans included 95 of the brains nearly 200 distinct regions and used an AI algorithm to predict patients' health. The analysis showed that one of the top predictive factors for Alzheimers disease was brain volume loss, which occurs as brain cells stop functioning in the memory-forming hippocampus, the fear-processing amygdala, and the entorhinal cortex, which provides a sense of time. That was true across age and sex, with both men and women aged 69 to 76 showing a loss of brain volume in the right part of the hippocampus. That suggests it is an important area for early diagnosis, the researchers noted. The research also showed that how brain regions shrink differs by sex. In females, brain volume loss occurred in the brains left middle temporal cortex, which is involved in language and visual perception. For men, it was mainly seen in the right entorhinal cortex. open image in gallery Segmented MRI images show the regions of a normal brain ( Worcester Polytechnic Institute ) The researchers believe this could be due to changes in sex hormones, including the loss of estrogen in women and testosterone in men. These conclusions could help improve methods of diagnosis and treatment going forward, Nephew said. More than 7.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimers, according to the Alzheimers Association. More research is being done to reveal other impacting factors. The critical challenge in this research is to build a generalizable machine-learning model that captures the difference between healthy brains and brains from people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimers disease, Nephew said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice German media firm Axel Springer has agreed to buy the Telegraph Media Group in a 575m deal, the companies have announced. The media company, which also owns Politico and Business Insider, is understood to have agreed the all-cash deal for the The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph. Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) had previously agreed a 500m deal to buy The Telegraph last year. However, Abu Dhabi-backed joint venture RedBird IMI said it now plans to sell the business to the German company. Axel Springer chief executive Mathias Dopfner said: More than 20 years ago, we tried to acquire The Telegraph and did not succeed. Now our dream comes true. To be the owner of this institution of quality British journalism is a privilege and a duty. We want to grow The Telegraph, while preserving its distinctive character and legacy, to help it become the most read and intellectually inspiring centre-right media outlet in the English-speaking world. The Telegraph stands for freedom, personal responsibility, democratic values and a belief in open societies and market economies. The deal ends three years of uncertainty over the future ownership of the daily news brand. It marks a major expansion for Axel Springer, whose owners have been making efforts to grow in Europe and the US in recent years. The company first made a bid to buy The Telegraph in 2004, but was beaten by a 665m offer by the Barclay brothers. Mr Dopfner, who has been CEO since 2002, had previously cast doubt on another attempt at buying the newspaper, citing an interest in digital-only media. Based in Berlin, Axel Springer also owns Bild, Europes largest newspaper, and the daily newspaper Die Welt. In 2015, the firm also looked to acquire the Financial Times, but was unsuccessful against a 844m bid from leading Japanese media group, Nikkei. The Telegraph was first put up for sale in 2023 after the Barclay family lost control of the title over more than 1bn of unpaid debts to Lloyds Bank. Later that year, joint venture RedBird IMI agreed a deal to take it over while allowing the Barclay family to repay its debt. The joint venture is 75 per cent-owned by International Media Investments (IMI), which is based in the United Arab Emirates and primarily owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, US investment firm RedBird Capital Partners. The RedBird IMI bid prompted backlash from politicians, who referred the deal to Ofcom to investigate potential breaches of media standards arising from the ownership. In 2024, new laws were introduced by Downing Street to prevent foreign governments from owning British newspapers. This effectively halted the RedBird IMI takeover, and the company put the brand up for sale again in April 2024. The following year, RedBird Capital Partners agreed in principle to buy The Telegraph for around 500m. This deal would have seen IMI take a minority stake capped at 15 per cent, under plans proposed by then-culture secretary Lisa Nandy to loosen media ownership laws. However, the agreement collapsed in November after RedBird dropped its bid to buy the newspaper group. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A fire ant nest has been spotted at one of Australias most iconic World Heritage rainforests, sparking concerns about the potential threat posed to the regions ecology by one of the worlds worst invasive species. The nest was found and destroyed at a forest clearing at the Lamington National Park on the Queensland Gold Coast, Australias Invasive Species Council said in a statement on Friday. Fire ants are one of the worst invasive threats to Australias wildlife and a failure to eradicate them in south-east Queensland will see them spread across most of the country, the councils director Reece Pianta said. The ancient rainforest is world-renowned for its unique biodiversity and deep ecological history, which stretches back to the prehistoric continent of Gondwanaland. To find a nest inside one of the worlds most ancient and beautiful rainforests is alarming. These places should be beyond the reach of invasive species, Mr Pianta said. Since fire ants are not usually found in rainforests, the latest find highlights the adaptability of the species and why every part of Australia is at risk of infestation, researchers say. Fire ant S. invicta ( Jesse Rorabaugh via Eurekalert ) If the ants spread across Australia, they could have a $2bn per year impact on the economy, researchers say. They could devastate wildlife, cut agricultural output by up to 40 per cent and may also cause over one hundred thousand extra medical appointments each year. Originally from South America, they were first reported in Australia in 2001, thought to have come in freight from the US. The ants can survive harsh conditions and spread over long distances. Previous observations reveal they can form rafts during flood events, stowaway in freight or soil or spread by Queen ant flights of around 5km per year, and up to 30km in favourable conditions. A 2021 government study suggests that up to $300m annually would be required over the next 10 years to curb Australias fire ant invasion or the continent would face at least a $2bn cost per year from the ants forever. The programmes rapid response meant the nest was found and destroyed before it could spread...The park is protected because the system responded fast, the director said. Bureaucratic funding delays to the next phase of fire ant eradication cannot be allowed to impair the programs ability to respond quickly, or we will see more national treasures like this impacted, he said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Four men have been arrested on suspicion of aiding Irans intelligence service by spying on locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in London. Detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London said the men one Iranian national and three dual British/Iranian nationals, were detained shortly after 1am on Friday at addresses in Barnet, Watford and Harrow as part of a pre-planned operation. The Metropolitan Police said the men arrested were 52, 40, 55, and 22, with searches ongoing at their addresses. Six other men, aged 29, 39, 42, 49 and two aged 20, were arrested at the same location in Harrow on suspicion of assisting an offender. It is understood a member of the Jewish community had tipped off the Met about the arrested individuals. Counter-terrorism officers were seen entering an address in Brookdene Avenue, Watford, on Friday, with the property eventually cordoned off with police tape. open image in gallery Police checking the engine and undercarriage of a Skoda in a road in Finchley (Ben Whitley/PA) ( PA Wire ) The front door had been forced open and police vehicles were parked on the street. In Finchley, police wearing blue gloves were checking the engine and the undercarriage of a Skoda Fabia in Sandringham Gardens. A number of officers entered a semi-detached property on the quiet street, with a cordon temporarily set up to stop through traffic. A resident of the street in Watford, who did not want to be named, said: They keep themselves to themselves. The woman who originally lived in the house passed away and she gifted it to a family member. It was renovated about two years ago. I have only ever interacted with (a) wave. Nothing like this really happens around here. It is quite a multi-cultural street. Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: Todays arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it. open image in gallery It is understood that the Met Police received a tip off from a member of the Jewish community ( PA ) We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said the police and security services wont hesitate to take action to keep Britain safe from a potential threat. Posting on X, she said: The Jewish community and the wider public will understandably be concerned by todays arrests. We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with those affected. I can reassure you that our police and security services are world leading and wont hesitate to take action to counter any threat to the UK. They will continue to use the full range of tools and powers available to them to keep this country safe. They have the governments full support as they carry out their vital work. We must now give them the time and space to continue their investigations. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy praised the work of MI5 and counter-terrorism police but declined to give further details about the arrests. He told ITVs Good Morning Britain: Iran is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism globally and sadly, that is in effect in our own society as well. Our intelligence services and counter-terrorism police have thwarted lots of action over the last few years. This is now a live investigation, so I wont comment on that any further, except to thank our security staff and police for continuing to keep our people safe and doing everything they can where people would cause us harm and individuals in our country harm. The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) said it is grateful to police for foiling this alleged plot, but accused the UK Government of not taking the threat from Iran seriously. Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel said: This is a stark reminder of the serious threat the Iranian regime poses on British soil. The alleged attempts to spy on the British Jewish community highlight the foul antisemitism at the heart of the fundamentalist regime in Tehran. Having dithered over taking action against Irans murderous regime and undermined our relationships with our allies, Keir Starmer must show he will put the national security of Britain first and end the scourge of Iranian espionage in our country. Lord Walney, the governments former independent adviser on political violence, who will next week publish a report on the Iranian regimes infiltration of the UK charity sector, told the Independent that the "hated Islamic Republican Guards Corp - the foot soldiers of the regime who are equipped to carry out violence on British streets - are supported by a network that reaches across many parts of public life in the UK. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Lord Peter Mandelson has been released from his bail conditions but remains under investigation, the Metropolitan Police have said. Lord Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office last month after police received a tip-off from Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle that he was a flight risk. Lawyers for the former peer said on Friday that he has now had his bail conditions removed and his passport returned. The Metropolitan Police also confirmed Lord Mandelsons bail conditions have now been dropped, saying he has instead been released under investigation. A Met spokesperson said: A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released under investigation. The investigation remains ongoing. open image in gallery Lord Mandelson was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office last month ( Jordan Pettitt/PA ) Lord Mandelsons lawyers at Mishcon de Reya said on Friday: In light of speculation following his arrest last week, we wish to clarify that the Metropolitan Police have removed all of Peter Mandelsons bail conditions and returned his passport. Our client did not and does not pose a flight risk and will continue to cooperate with the police investigation. He will not be making any further comment at this stage. Lord Mandelson was sacked as the UKs ambassador to the US last year, and then resigned from the Labour Party and the House of Lords earlier this month when fresh emails surfaced in the latest tranche of the so-called Epstein files in the US. He was arrested in late February on suspicion of misconduct in public office, following claims he had leaked sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein. open image in gallery Lord Peter Mandelson outside his home in northwest London ( PA ) The police made the arrest despite an earlier agreement that Lord Mandelson would speak to the police voluntarily. It followed what the former cabinet ministers lawyers claimed was a baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country. The Met Police apologised to Sir Lindsay after officers told Lord Mandelsons lawyers he had tipped them off about claims he planned to flee to the British Virgin Islands, prompting his arrest. In the recently released batch of Epstein files, Lord Mandelson appeared to confirm a yet-to-be-announced 500bn bailout of the Euro. The documents show Epstein emailed Lord Mandelson, sources tell me 500 b euro bailout, almost complete. In the wake of the criticism over Lord Mandelsons appointment, the government has seen several advisers to the PM quit, including chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, communications director Tim Allan and cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A former police officer who took selfies at the scene of a teenagers death has been cleared of misconduct in a public office, a judge has ruled. Ryan Connolly, 41, was found not guilty of four charges after Recorder of Manchester Judge Nicholas Dean KC discharged the jury part-way through his trial at Manchester Crown Court. Judge Dean determined the prosecutions evidence was insufficient to prove Mr Connolly committed misconduct, deeming it legally impermissible for a jury to consider verdicts. Not guilty verdicts were formally recorded on Friday, the fifth day of proceedings. He told the court: My conclusion is the Crown cannot demonstrate the serious misconduct here, that the evidence is incapable of demonstrating serious misconduct, so the jury could not reach a conclusion so that Mr Connolly was guilty of misconduct in a public office. Prosecutors have until Monday to consider whether to appeal against the ruling. open image in gallery Judge Dean determined the prosecutions evidence was insufficient to prove Mr Connolly committed misconduct, deeming it legally impermissible for a jury to consider verdicts ( Crown Prosecution Service/PA ) Jurors had heard that Connolly, a constable with Merseyside Police, took selfies, including one lying on the grass, when he was deployed to guard a cordon after 16-year-old Daniel Gee-Jamieson was killed in Belle Vale, Liverpool, in 2018. More than 50 photos, including pictures of vulnerable people detained at hospitals as well as images of force systems and Connollys colleagues, were found in the sent folder of WhatsApp on his personal phone when he was arrested in February 2020, the court heard. Opening the trial on Tuesday, Peter Wilson, prosecuting, said: The prosecution say he has wilfully misconducted himself by taking inappropriate photographs where, we say, there is no professional need to do so. Hes then retained them and sent them on. But the court heard that with the exception of one photo, sent to a supervising officer, there was no evidence of who Connolly sent the pictures to. open image in gallery Manchester Crown Court ( Peter Byrne/PA ) No messages accompanying the images had been retrieved from the phone. The jury was told the defendant claimed the images were taken for work purposes, but the court heard they had not been uploaded to police systems. At the hearing on Friday, a note from one juror had asked the court to explain why the defendant had taken the photos, adding: What was he getting out of it? Judge Dean told jurors that misconduct in a public office is one of the few remaining common law offences which is hard to define and is often a form of corruption. He gave the example of police officers sometimes being prosecuted for tipping off criminals about police investigations for money but nothing like that had been suggested in Connollys case. However Connolly, from Huyton, Merseyside, will be back at the same court on Monday to be sentenced for three counts of possession of extreme pornographic images which he previously admitted. He was formally dismissed in 2021 by Merseyside Police, who described his behaviour as deplorable. A misconduct hearing was told other images found on his phone were racist, homophobic and mocked disabled people, and messages showed he socialised with a known criminal. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police forces will need more money to deal with pressures from large asylum sites in their areas, the Home Office has admitted. Home secretary Shabana Mahmood has pressed ahead with plans to house migrants at larger sites, such as military bases, despite warnings that they will cost the government more than controversial asylum hotels. Several demonstrations have taken place this year opposing the governments use of a military site in East Sussex to house asylum seekers. Crowborough military barracks, which was previously used to accommodate Afghan families evacuated under safe sanctuary schemes, is now due to house more than 500 asylum seekers. The first 27 asylum seekers were moved in at the end of January this year. Asylum seekers will be housed there for three months while their claims are processed, and local councillors have said they have had assurances that the site will only be used for a year. open image in gallery People take part in a protest in Crowborough, East Sussex, after the first 27 illegal migrants were moved into Crowborough Training Camp. ( PA ) Now the Home Office guidance on funding help to deal with large sites has been updated to make sure all police forces are covered. Previously the policy had only applied to specific asylum sites, but the government is looking to expand the number of areas used for migrants. Sussex Police have said they are in discussions with the Home Office about seeking additional funding to deal with the extra costs from housing migrants at Crowborough army base. Protesters opposed to the housing of asylum seekers at the military site marched through Crowborough on Sunday after a High Court judge ruled that the governments decision to use the base couldnt be challenged in the courts. Several demonstrations have taken place since the Home Office first proposed using the barracks, with thousands of people in attendance. While aggrieved local residents have made up the marches, some figures from the far-right have also taken the opportunity to ratchet up tensions. This has reportedly included activists from the Operation Raise the Colours movement, some of whom have been banned by French authorities due to harassment of migrants in northern France. Migrant hotels have become flashpoints for violent protests the past two summers with Labour coming under significant political pressure to end their use by the end of this government. The number of migrants housed in hotels is down 19 per cent year-on-year to 30,657, but the numbers who were in contingency or dispersal accommodation such as shared flats is slightly up on 2024. 72,769 people were being housed in Home Office accommodation other than hotels as of 31 December 2025, up 2 per cent on 2024. Epping Forest District Council went to court last summer over a protest-hit migrant hotel, which they said had become a feeding ground for unrest. They lost their bid for an injunction, but the council will seek to permission to appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal on Thursday. A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: We recognise the impact of this additional policing demand and are committed to keeping the public safe across the whole of Sussex. We are working with the Home Office to seek additional funding, and these discussions are ongoing. open image in gallery A general view of Crowborough Training Camp, East Sussex ( PA ) Essex Police Force have previously received 267,569 from the government to support their policing of Wethersfield asylum camp, and Dorset Police force received 746,888 to help with the Bibby Stockholm barge. Under the previous Conservative government, Lincolnshire police received 1.8m to allow extra officers to be recruited to deal with the use of RAF Scampton base for asylum seekers. The former airbase, famed for its role in the World War Two Dambusters raid, was never actually used to house migrants, with the plans scrapped last year. The Home Office also plans to use Cameron Barracks in Inverness to house around 300 asylum seekers, but planning rules have delayed its use. Scottish politicians have said that, under Scottish law, the council would need to approve a change of use from a barracks to a hostel if it is used for longer than six months. Wethersfield former military base in Essex is currently in use as a large asylum site, with The Independent revealing that self-harm and suicide attempts were among hundreds of incidents recorded at the camp in 2024. Freedom of information data revealed that in 2024 staff had to report 430 incidents to the Home Office. Staff are required to notify the government when asylum seekers suffer serious injury, accident, or illness, if there is any violent or aggressive behaviour, or if staff safety is threatened. A Home Office spokesperson said: We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels. The government is removing the incentives drawing illegal migrants to Britain. That is why we will close every single asylum hotel, moving asylum seekers into basic accommodation like Crowborough." Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Four men have been arrested on suspicion of spying on locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in London for Iran. While the Metropolitan Police has not said the suspects were working for Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the military branch has a history of operating inside the UK. Just this week, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for the UK Government to introduce emergency legislation to proscribe the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, arguing it is more desperate and dangerous than ever. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said on Wednesday in the Commons that the UK is working 24/7 on dealing with any threats to this country. He added: We dont comment on proscription, but we have made the case that there needs to be legislation to deal with state-backed terrorist groups, and were looking into that. What is the IRGC? The IRGC is a branch of Irans military created to protect the ruling Islamic Republic. This includes preventing coups, suppressing dissent and defending government leadership. open image in gallery Security minister Dan Jarvis said there was a long-standing pattern of the Iranian intelligence services targeting Jewish and Israeli people internationally ( House of Commons/UK Parliament ) The IRGC has been linked to the recent suppression of anti-government protests in the country, in which hundreds of people were killed and thousands detained. Its activities also include running intelligence operations both in Iran and around the world, alongside the ministry of intelligence and security. Does it operate in the UK? The IRGC has been linked to at least 20 credible threats in the UK since 2022. Speaking to MPs last year, security minister Dan Jarvis said there was a long-standing pattern of the Iranian intelligence services targeting Jewish and Israeli people internationally. The Iranian regime wanted to stifle criticism through intimidation and fear, he said. The IRGCs activities against the UK can be physical, or involve malicious cyber-activity. What has it been caught doing before? In June, a British man was arrested on suspicion of espionage and terrorism offences in Cyprus. The man was reported to have kept the RAF Akrotiri base on the island under surveillance and was alleged to have links with the IRGC. Separately, the same RAF site was hit by an Iranian-made drone launched from Beirut in Lebanon earlier this week. In 2024, an Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed outside his home in Wimbledon, south London. Three suspects identified in connection with the attack were believed to have fled the country within hours of the incident. open image in gallery In 2024, an Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati was stabbed outside his home in Wimbledon ( Iran International ) Mr Zeraati was working for London-based dissident channel Iran International, which works to provide independent coverage of Iran. The broadcaster said Tehrans revolutionary guards had been targeting it. In a separate case in December 2023, an IT worker was jailed for three-and-a-half years for spying on Iran International before a planned attack on British soil. Magomed-Husejn Dovtaev carried out hostile reconnaissance for others unknown at the London headquarters. After a trial at the Old Bailey, the Chechnya-born Austrian was found guilty of trying to collect information for terrorist purposes. In 2024, former British soldier Daniel Khalife was found guilty of spying for Iran. open image in gallery In 2024, former British soldier Daniel Khalife was found guilty of spying for Iran ( PA ) Having approached a middle man by sending him a Facebook message, Khalife told the Iranians he would stay undercover in the British Army for 25-plus years for them. Khalifes trial revealed details about agents working in London. Describing picking up cash left by his handlers in a Barnet park, he told police: So they came in some big expensive like 2020 Audi Q7, four blokes inside. The creepiest, scariest guys Ive ever seen these four IRGC guys. Khalife later travelled to Istanbul in Turkey for six days to deliver a package to Iranian intelligence, and stayed in contact with his Iranian handlers while posted to a US army base in Texas. Why has the IRGC not been designated a terrorist organisation? Recent developments are likely to prompt renewed calls for ministers to proscribe the IRGC, but Downing Street has played down the prospect recently, pointing to comments by the former head of MI6 who said it would have no practical effect. Ministers have said proscription is not intended for state organisations such as the IRGC. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Sir Richard, who served as the chief of the Secret Intelligence Service from 2020 to 2025, suggested the move would be largely symbolic. The danger is that something like that is mostly about us feeling better about ourselves, its not actually something that will have an impact on IRGC precisely because you know that that instrument is designed for non-state terror groups, not for parts of the state like the IRGC, he said. The Government has said it has already used sanctions against Iran to the fullest extent it can. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Shoppers have been warned to be aware of tens of thousands of scam websites which are impersonating big retailers such as Tesco and Amazon online. New research by Which? uncovered more than 28,000 unsafe website addresses in January, asking visitors for personal information under the guise of trusted brands. One of the most common methods to catch online shoppers out is called typosquatting, the consumer chamption found. This is where scammers register domain addresses that are common misspellings or mistypings of big-name companies, posing as the genuine landing page when people accidentally visit online. Which? found Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Gemini and ChatGPT to be amongst the most impersonated brands as the popularity of AI services soars. open image in gallery A fraudulent website impersonating retailer Tesco invites visitors to part with personal information for rewards ( Which? ) The research was carried out in partnership with tech company Decodo. Separate research from the group last month found that instances of digital squatting website scams were up 68 per cent from 2021 to 2025. Over this period, name disputes with the World Intellectual Property Organization skyrocketed, reaching 6,200 in 2025. It is also common for people to be directed to these fake websites via a scam text claiming to represent the company, a method often called digital squatting. One of these came from a scammer pretending to represent Tesco, who told recipients that they had points to review as part of a 2026 reward program. A link provided in the message to redeem these points by verifying a phone number. Top tips to avoid fake websites: Look for typos in web addresses a giveaway for a fake site Was the page created recently? You can check on who.is Dead links does about us or contact us lead anywhere? Poor spelling and grammar, or low quality images Prices or offers too good to be true are a common giveaway Entering a bogus number, Which? researchers found that they were sent to a page telling them that they had 12,379 points to redeem in exchange for products like phone chargers, blood pressure monitors and furniture. Clicking one of these invited users to input their full name, email address and home address hallmark details stolen for identity fraud. This site was created in March 2026, another giveaway that it is fraudulent. Online shoppers who are uncertain about a website they have been directed to can check its creation date on website who.is. Amazon is another company that scammers commonly imitate as one of the most-visited sites in the UK and worldwide. Which? identified another scam text that led to a website which looks strikingly similar to the legitimate site. Once on the page, visitors are invited to either create a new account or log in, both requiring details like email and phone number. open image in gallery Scammers create a fake website impersonating Boots to harvest information from visitors ( Which? ) Another example was a fake page pretending to be the official Boots website, which asked customers to complete a survey in exchange for five best-selling skincare products. Again, this was a sophisticated way of harvesting private information. Rocio Concha, Which? head of policy and advocacy, said: Criminals are always on the lookout for new ways to part people from their hard-earned cash and these copycat sites are one of the latest examples of their evolving tactics. "Which? is calling for online platforms to proactively scan all uploaded content for signs that it might be fraudulent, as part of their responsibilities under the Online Safety Act, including links to fraudulent websites. We are also calling on telecoms companies to identify and block text messages which include links to known scam websites. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Mauritius is considering legal action against the UK over the delay in ratifying Sir Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal following criticism from Donald Trump. Last year, Sir Keir agreed a controversial deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while paying the Indian Ocean island 3.4bn over the course of a century to retain control of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. However, the plan has effectively been put on hold after the US president issued a series of scathing criticisms about the deal. In what is the latest in a string of blows for the prime ministers contentious plan, the Mauritian prime minister told local reporters he was exploring legal avenues after delays put a hole in the countrys budget. We are exploring legal avenues in the Chagos case, Mauritian prime minister Navin Ramgoolam told Defi Media. We are exploring all possible avenues, but clearly the 2026-27 budget will not be an easy one. open image in gallery Mauritian prime minister Navin Ramgoolam ( Alamy/PA ) However, it is understood that the UK government believes there are no grounds in international law for Mauritius to obtain compensation if the treaty is not ratified. The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least 120m annually during the 99-year agreement to lease back the site, a total cost in cash terms of 35bn. Our position on Diego Garcia is crystal clear, a Downing Street spokesperson said. Retaining control of Diego Garcia is the entire basis of the agreement that weve reached. As weve said before, it is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US that has enabled our shared security for nearly 60 years. open image in gallery US president Donald Trump has criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal ( CPA Media Pte Ltd/Alamy/PA ) It is the only way to ensure that the base remains secure and operational in the long term. The deal was plunged into fresh chaos last month after a minister suggested his plan to cede sovereignty of the British territory had been paused after Mr Trump urged the UK to scrap it. The Foreign Office later claimed that the minister misspoke and rapidly issued a clarification saying that there is no pause. However, it conceded that the plan is now dependent on the Trump administration agreeing to it. Mr Trump expressed his disapproval of the plan once again this week, telling reporters that the UK has ruined relationships over the stupid island. Appearing to refer to the Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands, Mr Trump said: That island Its taken three, four days, for us to work out where we can land there; it would have been much more convenient landing there as opposed to flying many extra hours, so we are very surprised. This is not Winston Churchill that were dealing with. open image in gallery Mr Trump told reporters this week that the UK has ruined relationships over the stupid island ( AP ) He added: I will say the UK has been very, very uncooperative with that stupid island that they have, that they gave away and took a 100-year lease; having to do with, perhaps, indigenous people claiming the island that never even saw the island before. Whats that all about? Theyve ruined relationships. An FCDO Spokesperson said: Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US that has enabled our shared security for neatly sixty years. Maintaining control of Diego Garcia is the entire basis for the agreement that we have reached. It means we retain our control, protects against legal challenges to its operation and locks out our adversaries from being able to compromise its operation. It is the only way to ensure that the base remains secure and operational for the long term. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The son of former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott has joined the Green Party. David Prescott, who also tried to become a Labour MP, is thought to have become a member of Zack Polanskis party last October, a year after his father died. A post on Facebook shows him alongside Green activists in Gorton and Denton, the constituency where the party won a key Commons by-election last week. Alongside the photo, Mr Polanski wrote: On the day we hit 200,000 members of the Green Party really delighted to welcome David Prescott. His father, John Prescott, served as deputy prime minister for a decade and was a key part of Tony Blairs government. Karl Turner, who succeeded the late Mr Prescott as the Labour MP for Hull East in the 2010 general election, said the defection was hugely disappointing but no surprise. David was born into the Labour Party and, like myself, he was from a rock-solid socialist and trade union family, he told Sky News. Again, like myself, David was politically active from a very young age. David was always his own man, not his old man. However, he added: I suspect John Prescott would be furious if he was around today. But his anger would be aimed at the Labour Party for allowing progressive voters to leave Labour and go to what they see as a left-wing, more progressive alternative to the party he worked all of his adult life to elect into government, to change the lives of the many, not the few, for the better. A humiliating by-election defeat in Gorton and Denton saw Labour finish third behind Nigel Farages Reform and the victorious Greens. David Prescott pictured with other Green Party activists ( Facebook ) The prime minister has vowed to keep on fighting and refused to be drawn on speculation about his future after his party failed to hold a constituency considered one of Labours safest. But furious backbenchers have cast doubt over his ability to lead the country and steer the party to success in the polls, telling The Independent that it is now just a question of when, not if he stands down. Sir Keirs woes deepened earlier this week when a new poll showed the Greens had overtaken Labour to become the second most popular party. In the wake of the sensational by-election win, Mr Polanskis party saw its support jump by four points to 21 per cent, while Labour and the Tories were tied on 16 per cent both down two points, the lowest Labour score on record. Out in front was Reform UK, on 23 per cent down one point, while the Liberal Democrats remained unchanged on 14 per cent, according to the poll conducted by YouGov for Sky News on Sunday and Monday. David Prescott stood to be a Labour MP in Gainsborough in the 2015 general election, but lost to the Conservatives Edward Leigh. In 2017, while serving as a key member of Jeremy Corbyns team, he was temporarily suspended from the role after the party received allegations against him. He denied the claims and Labour later said no formal complaint was made. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Texas woman with a purported life-threatening tree nut allergy is suing American Airlines after she narrowly survived a light snack aboard a transatlantic flight last fall, according to a federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent. Heather Wing says in her complaint that flight attendants twice tried to serve her items containing nuts, despite multiple warnings she was deathly allergic. Wing, 48, eventually accepted a plate of chicken-and-vegetable gyoza that had no allergen warning on the menu and that she was assured was nut-free. However, the complaint alleges, the dipping sauce wasnt something Wing discovered only after she began to go into anaphylactic shock. Wings husband Brent, an Army veteran who now runs an environmental nonprofit for service members transitioning back into civilian life, directly witnessed Heathers life-threatening anaphylaxis, according to the complaint. In addition to Wings acute physical symptoms, Brent experienced extreme emotional distress and continues to suffer mental anguish as a direct result of witnessing his wifes near-death experience. The couple were on their way back to the U.S. from Paris, where they had gone to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary, Wing told The Independent. open image in gallery Heather Wing, seen here with husband Brent, is suing American Airlines after what she calls a 'near-death experience' from an in-flight meal ( Provided ) When I hit the flight attendant button, no one came to help me for what seemed like four or five minutes, and my throat was swelling shut, Wing said. I couldnt reach my handbag, as I was running out of breath, and my EpiPen was in my handbag. She described the experience as the most terrifying allergic reaction I had ever had. Brent, who was in the next seat over, remembers feeling helpless as he watched Wings face turn blue. I never thought I was going to ever lose her more than I did that day, he said. Severe food allergies are generally considered disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Wings complaint accuses American of not only violating the ADA by failing to accommodate her disability, it also says the carrier subjected Heather to unsafe conditions in violation of the Air Carrier Access Act, a 1986 law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in air travel. American Airlines did not respond on Friday to a request for comment. open image in gallery Wing, who has a deadly tree nut allergy, was trying to get home to Dallas with her husband when she was served a plate of dumplings with a dipping sauce that could have killed her, according to legal filings ( AFP via Getty Images ) On August 26, 2025, Wing and her husband flew from Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport to London Heathrow Airport for a connection home to Dallas-Fort Worth, according to their complaint, which lists them both as co-plaintiffs. Wing has a medically documented, life-threatening tree nut allergy, constituting a disability under federal law because it substantially limits major life activities including breathing and eating, the complaint states. I have been deathly allergic to tree nuts since I was a toddler and have to carry an EpiPen with me at all times, Wing told The Independent. Although Wings traveler profile notes her allergy, she said the flight attendant brought her a bag of mixed nuts anyway, a detail echoed in the complaint, filed February 6 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Wing refused the nuts, reminding the flight attendant of her allergy, she went on. Still, a short time later, the same flight attendant brought Wing a mixed salad with walnuts, which she also refused, according to the complaint. The last meal of the flight, I asked him if either of the items had any nuts because there was nothing denoting tree nuts on the menu, Wing told The Independent. He said I was going to be fine with the dumplings. open image in gallery Wing says there was no allergen warning on the in-flight menu ( Provided ) Yet, the complaint alleges, The dumplings contained ground tree nuts in the sauce. Heather consumed them, triggering a severe anaphylactic reaction. Wing activated her seat call button to request immediate assistance, the complaint continues. Flight attendants failed to respond in a timely manner. Brent frantically attempted to summon help as Heathers condition worsened. His distress was heightened by the crews lack of urgency. In the meantime, Wing was able to get to her EpiPen, but said it was not enough to help, and that her Benadryl was in her carry-on, which the airline had forced her to check. One of the cabin crew members finally got on the PA and asked if there was a doctor onboard. Ultimately, fellow passengers a retired physician and a current physician intervened, the complaint states. They provided emergency care and administered Benadryl from their personal supplies. Last September, the Wings who say their luggage was lost for nearly a week, on top of everything else served American with a demand letter to make up for its catastrophic mishandling of their anniversary trip, according to the complaint. It says they asked to be reimbursed for their costs and $50,000 cash, which the carrier allegedly countered with an offer of 30,000 miles for their delayed bags and a $775.59 refund. open image in gallery On top of all else, Heather and Brent Wing say their luggage was lost for almost a week after a harrowing flight back home ( Getty Images ) When the two sides couldnt come to an agreement, the Wings filed suit initially on their own, but the pair have since retained an attorney. The complaint against American contends the airline demonstrated a pattern of negligence and egregious errors, and that the pair were owed a duty of care to provide safe service and respond to foreseeable medical emergencies. Heather Wing, according to the complaint, suffered physical injury, emotional trauma, and ongoing medical complications. It says Brent, who suffered a stroke in 2023, remains extremely shaken by the experience and has been deprived of the companionship, support, and intimacy of his spouse. The two are now seeking compensatory damages for past and future medical expenses, emotional distress, and loss of consortium; punitive and exemplary damages; and an injunction requiring American Airlines to implement allergen training and better menu labeling; plus pre- and post-judgment interest, as well as court costs and lawyers; and their fees. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A fifth person has died following the fatal shootout last month involving a Florida-registered speedboat that allegedly opened fire on Cuban soldiers. Roberto Alvarez Avila died on March 4 as a result of his injuries, but the island's interior ministry did not give further details. In the statement, however, they added that the remaining injured detainees continue to receive specialized medical care according to their health status. Authorities in Cuba said that on Feb. 26, Cuban soldiers confronted a speedboat carrying 10 people as the vessel approached the island and opened fire on the troops. They said the passengers were armed Cubans living in the U.S. who were trying to infiltrate the island and unleash terrorism. Cuba said its soldiers killed four people and wounded six others. The statements made by the detainees themselves, together with a series of investigative procedures, reinforce the evidence against them," the Cuban interior ministry said in its statement, adding that new elements are being obtained that establish the involvement of other individuals based in the U.S. The government unveiled items said to have been found on the boat, including a dozen high-powered weapons, more than 12,800 pieces of ammunition and 11 pistols ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All right reserved ) Earlier this week, Cuba said it had filed terrorism charges against six suspects who were on the speedboat. The government unveiled items said to have been found on the boat, including a dozen high-powered weapons, more than 12,800 pieces of ammunition and 11 pistols. Cuban authorities have provided few details about the shooting, but said the boat was roughly 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) northeast of Cayo Falcones, off the countrys north coast. They also provided the boats registration number, but The Associated Press was unable to readily verify the details because boat registrations are not public in the state of Florida. The shooting threatened to increase tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Cuban authorities. The island's economy was until recently, largely kept economically afloat by Venezuelas oil, which is now in doubt after a U.S. military operation deposed then-Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A policy limiting journalists' access to the Pentagon is depriving Americans of vital information about U.S. military operations while the country is at war, a New York Times attorney argued Friday while urging a judge to block the new rules. It's more important than ever for the public to know as much as they can, Times attorney Theodore Boutrous told U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman. Friedman didn't immediately rule on whether to order the Pentagon to reinstate press credentials for reporters who walked out of the building last October rather than agree to the new rules. But the judge's remarks during the first hearing for the newspaper's lawsuit against the Defense Department suggested he was skeptical of key arguments in the government's defense of the policy. Judge cites need for a variety of views Friedman, who was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Bill Clinton, suggested it is more important than ever for Americans to hear a variety of views about the activities of the federal government and its elected leaders. open image in gallery Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon has argued that the policy imposes common sense rules that protect the military from the disclosure of national security information ( AFP/Getty ) A lot of things need to be held tightly and secure, but openness and transparency allows members of the public to know what their government is doing, the judge said. Justice Department attorney Michael Bruns said the credentialing policy reflects the government's compelling interest and its statutory obligation to protect national security information. This is not a trivial exercise, Bruns argued. Friedman said he intends to issue as prompt a decision as I can, because I know it's important for lots of reasons. The Times sued the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in December, claiming the credentialing policy violates the journalists constitutional rights to free speech and due process. Times spokesperson Charles Stadtlander said the U.S. attacks on Iran and the resulting deaths of American troops illuminate the publics right to access deep, impartial reporting on the details of the military actions happening as we speak. Today was an important opportunity for The New York Timess lawyers to make our case for the clear importance and public service of allowing journalists to report fully on the Pentagon, Stadtlander said in a statement. The current Pentagon press corps comprises mostly conservative outlets that agreed to the policy. Reporters from outlets that refused to consent to the new rules, including those from The Associated Press, have continued reporting on the military from outside the building. The AP, meanwhile, is awaiting a decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court of Appeals on its separate lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration. The AP contends that Trumps team punished it by reducing its access to presidential events because the outlet hasnt followed the presidents lead in renaming the Gulf of Mexico. The Pentagon calls the policy common sense The Pentagon has argued that the policy imposes common sense rules that protect the military from the disclosure of national security information. The goal of that process is to prevent those who pose a security risk from having broad access to American military headquarters, government attorneys wrote. Times attorneys claim the policy is designed to silence unfavorable press coverage of Trumps administration. The First Amendment flatly prohibits the government from granting itself the unbridled power to restrict speech because the mere existence of such arbitrary authority can lead to self-censorship, they wrote. The Times argues that the Pentagon has applied its own rules inconsistently. The newspaper said Trump ally Laura Loomer, a right-wing personality who agreed to the Pentagon policy, appeared to violate its prohibition on soliciting unauthorized information by promoting her tip line. The government didn't object to Loomer's general tip line but concluded that a Washington Post tip line does violate its policy because it purportedly targets military personnel and department employees. It's mystifying, Boutrous said. It just doesn't make any sense. The judge asked Bruns, the government attorney, what standards are used to decide if a reporter poses a security risk. Don't there have to be some criteria that are applied in a uniform way? Friedman asked. Yes, Bruns answered. But he said the government has far more leeway to restrict speech in a secure forum like the Pentagon. The reason for the policy is the security of the Pentagon, he added. Yale Law School professor David Schulz, who represents the Pentagon Press Association, said the challenged policy represents a stark break from the past. The press has been in the building since the day it opened, Schulz told the judge. It has always been there. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Tehran strike American warships, aircraft and other assets in the region, according to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence on the matter. The people, who were not authorized to comment publicly on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity, cautioned that the U.S. intelligence has not uncovered that Russia is directing Iran on what to do with the information. Still, it's the first indication that Moscow has sought to get involved in the war that the U.S. and Israel launched on Iran a week ago. Russia is in the rare club of countries that maintains friendly relations with Tehran, which has faced years of isolation over its nuclear program and its support of proxy groups that have wreaked havoc in the Middle East, including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. The White House downplayed reports that Russia was sharing intelligence with Iran about U.S. targets in the region. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday told reporters that it clearly is not making any difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them. Leavitt declined to say if Trump had spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the reported intelligence sharing or whether he believed Russia should face repercussions, saying she would let the president speak to that himself. Asked whether Russia would go beyond political support and offer military assistance to Iran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there has been no such request from Tehran. We are in dialogue with the Iranian side, with representatives of the Iranian leadership, and will certainly continue this dialogue, he said Friday. Pushed on whether Moscow has provided any military or intelligence assistance to Tehran since the Iran wars start, he refrained from comment. Russia has tightened its relationship with Iran as it looked for badly needed missiles and drones to utilize in its four-year war Ukraine. The Biden administration declassified intelligence findings that showed Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones and has assisted the Kremlin with building a drone-manufacturing factory. The former U.S. administration also accused Iran of transferring short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Details about the U.S. intelligence were first reported by the Washington Post. Asked whether the revelation had shaken Trumps faith in Putins ability to cut any peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war, Leavitt said, I think the president would say that peace is still an achievable objective with respect to the Russia-Ukraine war." ___ Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Newsroom critics are reportedly unhappy with CBS Newss handling of the Iran war so far, accusing recently installed editor-in-chief Bari Weiss of carrying out a propaganda-palooza on behalf of the Trump administrations military campaign. Insiders told the news site Zeteo theyve been concerned over multiple instances, including Weiss tweeting a fire emoji above a segment where a guest slammed leftist New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani for criticizing the war. Another source told the site that a recent summary of U.S.-Iran relations from CBS News anchor Tony Dokoupil, which neglected to mention the 1953 U.S.-backed coup in the country, was the craziest s*** Ive ever seen. The Independent has contacted CBS News for comment. The war is seen in media circles as perhaps the strongest test yet of how Weisss own right-leaning, pro-Israel views will influence the networks coverage. open image in gallery Newsroom critics are slamming CBS Newss handling of the Iran war under new editor-in-chief Bari Weiss ( Getty ) Staffers told Semafor that Weiss has been more engaged in Iran-related coverage than almost any other subject. Her political stances, as well as those aired in her anti-woke news outlet, the Free Press, are thought to have helped her elevation in October to lead the storied news network, despite lacking a TV background. She was reportedly seen as a palatable choice to the networks new owner David Ellison, son of the billionaire Oracle tech mogul, Israeli army donor, and Trump supporter Larry Ellison. When the fighting broke out, CBS quickly dispatched Dokoupil to the region, reportedly nabbing one of the final U.S. flights to Jordan before air space was shut down across the Middle East. For a time, he was the only major U.S. news anchor broadcasting on the ground during the initial moments of the conflict, and he has secured multiple high-profile interviews, including a sit-down with the countrys President Isaac Herzog. Before the war, Weiss has attracted scrutiny for other moves at the network, including a decision to delay airing a segment about the Trump administrations deportation of Venezuelan migrants to a gulag-like Salvadoran prison called CECOT. open image in gallery CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil quickly deployed to the Middle East after the war with Iran broke out and secured interviews with high-level Israeli officials ( Jason Mendez/Getty Images for ReedPop ) Prior to his top billing on CBS Evening News, Dokoupil gained headlines for a combative 2024 interview with writer Ta-Nehisi Coates about his book The Message, which criticizes the Israeli occupation and compares its treatment of Palestinians to Black people under Jim Crow. Dokoupil said the writings would not be out of place in the backpack of an extremist, comments which later reportedly earned him a rebuke from prior CBS leadership. Last June, Weiss spoke to Fox News and praised Israeli strikes on Iran as a profound opportunity for total realignment in the Middle East. One of the key lessons that Israel and perhaps the world has learned since the massacre of October 7 is to take these enemies not just figuratively, not just seriously, but literally, she said. When they say they want a second genocide, they want a nuclear holocaust, they mean it. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Corey Lewandowski, a top adviser to Kristi Noem, is out at the Department of Homeland Security, according to MS NOW. Noem's scandal-ridden leadership of the agency came to an end Thursday, when President Donald Trump announced he was tapping Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace her, effective March 31. While Noem has recently faced increased scrutiny about her actions as DHS secretary which culminated in two chaotic congressional hearings this week questions about her relationship with Lewandowski have also followed her throughout her brief tenure. MS NOW reportedly confirmed Lewandowskis departure Friday morning, following reports that he was expected to leave the agency alongside Noem. It has long been rumored that Noem and Lewandowski, who are both married to other people, have engaged in an affair. Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that the pair had done little to hide their relationship inside the agency. open image in gallery Corey Lewandowski is reportedly out at the Department of Homeland Security ( Getty ) They have both repeatedly denied engaging in an affair, an allegation which Noem has called a disgusting lie. In a statement to the Journal, a DHS spokesperson said the agency doesnt waste time with salacious, baseless gossip. When asked at a House Judiciary Committee hearing if she ever had sexual relations with Lewandowski, Noem accused lawmakers of spreading tabloid garbage. Mr. Chairman, I am shocked we are going down and peddling tabloid garbage in this committee today, she said Wednesday, which was also attended by her husband Bryon Noem. Noem also described Lewandowski as a special government employee who works for the White House and said hes an adviser with no authority to be making any decisions. This comes afterThe Daily Caller reported that there were factions in the White House who did not like Noem and Lewandowski. The tension appeared to stem from Lewandowskis attempt to get Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles fired from Trumps 2024 campaign, a source familiar with the matter told the outlet. open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will leave her role at the end of the month, President Donald Trump announced Thursday ( AP ) However, a different administration official pushed back on this claim, telling The Daily Caller that Noem and Lewandowskis relationship with the White House has been cordial and respectful. Last month, Lewandowski was also reportedly accused of firing a pilot over a misplaced blanket while traveling with Noem. Two sources familiar with the incident told Reuters he entered the cockpit of a government jet and fired the pilot after it was discovered that Noems blanket was missing from the flight. In response to these claims, Lewandowski told Reuters the sources facts were wrong and said that there was "never a conversation in the cockpit when the flight was taking off." The pilot was later reinstated, Reuters reports. Lewandowski, 52, has long been in the presidents orbit. He was Trumps first campaign manager during the 2016 presidential election, but was fired shortly before Trump secured the Republican nomination. Still, Lewandowski has maintained a close relationship with the president, who is said to value his loyalty, the Journal reports. The Republican political operative has also found himself at the center of multiple scandals over the last decade. Lewandowski was charged with battery in 2016 after he was accused of forcibly grabbing a Breitbart News reporter, but the charge was later dropped. Five years later, a Trump donor accused him of making unwanted sexual advances toward her during a charity event. David Chesnoff, an attorney representing Lewandowski at the time, pushed back on the donors allegations in a statement to Politico. Accusations and rumors appear to be morphing by the minute and we will not dignify them with a further response, he said. The Independent has contacted the White House, DHS and Lewandowski for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Department of Justice has released new files from its archive on Jeffrey Epstein after backlash when reporting revealed they were wrongly withheld Among those documents are three memos recording FBI interviews with a woman who made a sexual assault allegation against President Donald Trump. After an initial media report revealed the missing documentation, the DOJ said in a statement that an interval review had determined that the batch of 15 files in question had previously been incorrectly coded as duplicative and not released in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. All 20 of these documents are now live in the library in data set 12, the department said. We will also make available all files coded as duplicative in unredacted form for Members of Congress to review in the Congressional Reading Room. Trump has not been formally accused of any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein but has faced persistent questions about their past friendship. The pair knew each other socially in New York and Palm Beach, Florida, in the 1990s and early 2000s, until, according to the president, they had a bitter falling-out. open image in gallery Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein pictured at a party together in an undated photograph released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee as part of their investigation into the late pedophile and sex trafficker ( House Oversight Democrats ) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the claim made against him in the newly-released memos, calling them completely baseless accusations, backed by zero credible evidence. The total baselessness of these accusations is also supported by the obvious fact that Joe Bidens Department of Justice knew about them for four years and did nothing with them because they knew President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong, she added. The three 302 memos now released record a series of interviews conducted by FBI agents with Trumps accuser and contain only straight notes on what was said, with no additional commentary from the interviewers. The agents first spoke to the alleged victim in July 2019, shortly after Epstein was rearrested and a month before his death in a New York City jail cell. According to documents, she said that the pedophile had first met her in South Carolina in the 1980s and sexually abused her when she was 13. She made no mention of Trump. open image in gallery Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer discussing Trumps past friendship with Epstein, which remains a political headache for the president ( AFP/Getty ) A memo recounting that conversation was previously released. In the first of the new documents, the woman alleges that Epstein drove her and/or flew her to either New York or New Jersey when she was still underage and took her to a very tall building where, she says, she was first introduced to Trump. According to the accuser, Trump asked everyone else present to leave the room and mentioned something to the effect of, Let me teach you how little girls are supposed to be. He then allegedly pressed her head against his crotch, anticipating oral sex, only for the woman to bite him, at which point Trump allegedly struck her and said words to the effect of, get this little bitch the hell out of here. She also claims to have heard Trump and Epstein discussing blackmail and money laundering. In a third interview, conducted later that month, the woman describes receiving threatening phone calls and several incidents where she was almost run off of the road by other cars, which she said she believed was ordered by Epstein or Trump. In a fourth session that October, the woman expressed doubts about the value of making allegations when the statute of limitations on the incidents she described had, in all likelihood, long since passed. She was advised to to go home and take as much time as she needed to think about speaking with the agents further, the documents allege. open image in gallery Republicans on the House Oversight Committee are continuing to investigate the case and have now summoned Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Attorney General Pam Bondi to give evidence ( Reuters ) Three months after the initial release of the files, DOJ employees are still spending several hours a week fixing redaction issues and other posting errors, a senior official told CNN. The files also remain an issue for the president, with Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Thomas Massie are among those accusing him of launching airstrikes against Iran as a distraction from the scandal. The Republican-led House Oversight Committee, meanwhile, continues its work and last week heard six hours of closed-door testimony from both Hillary Clinton and Bill Clinton. It has since announced that Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has agreed to appear voluntarily before its members. Lutnick has denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein but, like Trump, has faced repeated questions about their past association. Attorney General Pam Bondi has also been subpoenaed to testify about the rollout of the files and the decision-making behind it. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice One day after she was covering immigration arrests in Nashville, journalist Estefany Rodriguez Florez was surrounded by federal agents while she was in a car stamped with her networks name. Rodriguez Florez, who was born in Colombia and is married to a U.S. citizen, was swiftly arrested without a warrant, according to court filings. Her arrest has alarmed civil rights advocates and press freedom groups who have demanded her immediate release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, where she remains while a fast-moving legal battle for her release is ongoing. Rodriguez Florez entered the United States legally on a tourist visa in 2021. She filed for political asylum and married a U.S. citizen; the couple has filed for permission to adjust her status to lawful permanent resident, and she has a valid work permit as she awaits a green card, according to attorneys. We dont yet know if Estefany Rodriguezs detention was in retaliation for her reporting but we certainly wouldnt be surprised, according to the Freedom of the Press Foundation. ICE abductions of noncitizen journalists take the reporters best equipped to cover immigration enforcement off the beat. open image in gallery Estefany Rodriguez Florez, a reporter for Spanish-language outlet Nashville Noticias, was arrested by ICE on March 4 ( Nashville Noticas ) Her detention joins a shameful and alarming pattern of the Trump administrations use of immigration authorities to clamp down on freedom of the press, according to Katherine Jacobsen, the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean Program Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists. Rodriguez sought asylum in the United States to escape death threats she received for reporting in her home county. The United States has traditionally been a safe haven for journalists fleeing retaliation in connection with their work, Jacobsen said. With Rodriguezs case, federal authorities have shown a cruel disregard for this tradition. Dictatorships abroad target a free press to terrorize journalists and impede the publics right to know the truth, according to Free Press senior counsel Nora Benavidez. The Trump administration consistently targets our most vocal and vulnerable voices to do just that, she said. The arrest of Rodriguez Florez also follows the deportation and arrest of Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara, who held a work visa and green card when he was detained by federal agents in Atlanta last year. He was deported in October. Rodriguez Florez is the latest to be caught up in this government-led campaign of censorship and control, according to Benavidez. open image in gallery Civil rights advocates and press freedom groups have demanded the immediate release of Rodriguez Florez, noting that her arrest appears to follow a pattern of law enforcement actions against journalists ( Nashville Noticias ) On Tuesday, Rodriguez Florez was covering immigration raids for Spanish-language outlet Nashville Noticias in the suburbs southeast of Nashville. The next morning, on her way to the gym with her husband, officers surrounded her car, which was marked with the Nashville Noticias logo. Several men got out and demanded that our colleague be taken into custody, according to a statement from the outlet. According to a petition for her release, Rodriguez Florez routinely showed up for required ICE check-in appointments and was due to appear at a local office the day it was closed for a snowstorm earlier this year. When she returned, she was provided a note from an agent who could not find her name in the system, and rescheduled her next appointment to March 17, according to court filings. She was then arrested March 4. According to a response from the U.S. Attorneys office in Tennessee, she was arrested pursuant to a valid arrest warrant and lawfully detained. Government lawyers have accused her of having clearly misrepresented facts of her case, noting that her application for asylum does not negate the fact that she is an undocumented alien and should be detained pending a bond hearing. She remains inside Etowah County Jail, according to prosecutors. But government documents referenced in her petition for release show that she was never served with a warrant, which her lawyer described as crumpled up and discarded, not placed in a file as would be any relevant document. The document, which the government provided in its filings in the case, does not include any information about the date it was allegedly served, and is instead oddly crumpled and photographed, rather than flat and scanned, according to her attorneys. In a statement, a spokesperson for ICE said she was arrested as part of a targeted enforcement operation. She failed to depart the country and is in violation of the conditions of her visa and currently has no lawful immigration status. She will remain in ICE custody pending her immigration proceedings, an ICE spokesperson said. Estefany is an incredible woman, deeply dedicated to both her work and her family, her husband wrote on GoFundMe as the family raises money for her legal support. She works tirelessly to inform and serve the community with passion, he wrote. Beyond her work as a journalist, she is always looking for ways to help others, whether it's supporting families in need, donating food, or sharing gifts with those who need them. Nashville Noticias expresses its respect for the laws of the United States and hopes that this situation will be resolved favorably for our colleague so that she can be released soon, as she needs to reunite with her young daughter and husband to continue her legal process within the framework permitted by law, according to a statement from the outlet. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nearly 6 in 10 Fox News viewers disapprove of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with almost half of voters wanting to slash the agency's funding, according to a new poll from the network. The study also found that disapproval of ICE's activities is at a record high compared to any Fox poll conducted since 2018. Just 42 percent of respondents approve of the federal agency's performance. The survey was conducted between February 28 and March 2, just days before DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was fired by President Trump. Daron Shaw, a Republican pollster, told Fox News that the reason for ICEs dismal disapproval score is clear. This isnt a complicated story," Shaw said. ICEs tactics in Minneapolis, along with negative news coverage, have caused a sharp drop in approval, especially among independents and members of the out-party. Fox News is typically supportive of the Trump administration, and the president is an avid viewer of the conservative channel. open image in gallery Nearly half of voters believe that funding for ICE should be slashed, according to a Fox News poll ( Getty Images ) During his first year in office, Trump presided over an unprecedented crackdown on illegal immigration into the United States. The killings of Renee Good by ICE agents and Alex Pretti by CBP officers in Minneapolis sparked a wave of protests against the activities of immigration enforcers. Views on ICEs activities are split down partisan lines according to the survey. Approval ratings were highest amongst those who identified as MAGA, with 94 percent of those respondents saying that they were happy with ICEs performance. Voters who described themselves as very conservative gave approval ratings of 87 percent, while other Republicans gave an 83 percent approval rating. Meanwhile, the number of Democratic voters who disapprove of ICE activities has increased by 8 points since September 2025. The number of under-30s who disapprove of ICE has increased by 17 points during the same period. Male respondents also recorded an 11-point increase in disapproval ratings related to ICE. open image in gallery DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was fired by President Trump last night and was handed a new role ( Getty ) The latest study also found that nearly half of those surveyed, 46 percent, wanted ICE funding to be reduced. Just 20 percent of respondents said that funding should be increased, with an additional 18 percent saying that the amount allocated to ICE should remain at current levels. The remaining 16 percent said that new restrictions should be placed on the agency, but that funding should remain at current levels. Trumps so-called One Big Beautiful Bill allocated a record $165 billion to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE. Kristi Noem was fired as DHS Secretary last night, though, with the so-called ICE Barbie being reassigned by the president. Trump said that Noem had achieved spectacular results. The study found that nearly half of those surveyed, 49 percent, believed that the presidents immigration policies were hurting the economy. Just 33 percent said that his immigration crackdown had helped the economy. open image in gallery Donald Trump had a 57 percent disapproval score, according to Fox News. Meanwhile, 43 percent of respondents said that he had done a good job as president ( AFP/Getty ) Opinions among the 1,004 people surveyed by Fox News were also divided on whether Trump had made the country safe with his immigration policies. Forty-two percent said he had made the United States safer, while 37 percent said the opposite. General polling of Trumps performance as president by Fox News found that 57 percent had unfavorable views of his handling of the job. Just 43 percent said that they approved of his performance as commander in chief. Border security was the only issue where Trumps approval score exceeded his disapproval score, with 52 percent saying he handled it well, compared to 48 percent who said the opposite. On the other hand, his disapproval scores exceeded positive ratings on issues including immigration, the economy, healthcare, taxes, tariffs and the cost of living. Trump, though, has bragged about his poll numbers as recently as February. The highest Poll Numbers I have ever received, he wrote on Truth Social. Obviously, people like a strong and powerful Country, with the best economy, EVER! Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The mother of Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen who was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent last year, is calling for reform as questions mount about the incident. Martinez was killed by an ICE agent on South Padre Island, Texas but the agencys involvement in the March 15, 2025, incident wasnt publicly disclosed until last month, CBS News reports. Now, his mother, Rachel Reyes, is seeking answers. Reyes told CBS News she voted for President Donald Trump in 2024, and she doesnt blame him for Martinezs killing. But, shes still calling on his administration to reform how immigration agents carry out their jobs. "I don't blame President Trump for the death of my son, 'cause he wasn't the one who pulled the trigger," Reyes told the outlet in a Feb. 28 interview. "But I do think that something needs to be changed in that department as far as the pattern of violence or abuse and impunity." "I just want to know what happened, why they feel it was justified, and I honestly don't believe that. I'm not a mother in denial, she said. I'm just a mother in doubt, because I know my son and I know he's not a threat. open image in gallery Ruben Ray Martinez, a 23-year-old U.S. citizen, was shot and killed by a federal immigration agent last year ( Rachel Reyes ) Reyes told CBS News she hasnt received footage, evidence or reports related to Martinezs killing. She also said she takes issue with the Department of Homeland Securitys claim that defensive shots were fired after her son intentionally ran an agent over with his car. "He was not a violent person. He was not aggressive," she said. When reached for comment about Martinezs killing, an ICE spokesperson told The Independent an agent fired shots to protect himself and others. A driver of a blue Ford intentionally ran over a Homeland Security Investigation special agent resulting in him being on the hood of the vehicle. Upon witnessing this, another agent fired defensive shots to protect himself, his fellow agents, and the general public, the spokesperson said. The driver was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The agent who was ran over sustained a knee injury and was taken to the hospital. The ICE spokesperson noted that all shootings are first reviewed by an appropriate law enforcement agency, after which ICE conducts an independent review. CBS News reports that the DHS statement about the incident appears to contradict an account from Joshua Orta, who was in Martinezs car during the fatal shooting. In a draft declaration prepared by Martinezs lawyers and shared with the outlet, Orta said Martinez did not hit anyone. open image in gallery News of Martinezs killing comes after Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed in Minneapolis in January. Their killings sparked nationwide protests ( AFP/Getty ) However, Orta was reportedly killed in a separate car crash in February, before he could sign the document or testify in the case. A grand jury also declined to bring criminal charges related to the shooting last month. "This incident was investigated by the state authorities and presented to a grand jury who unanimously found no criminality, the ICE spokesperson said. Martinez is now believed to be the first known American citizen fatally shot by federal immigration agents during Trumps second term, according to The Washington Post. News of his killing comes after federal agents in Minneapolis fatally shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti during separate incidents earlier this year. Their killings sparked nationwide protests and widespread calls for reform. The Texas Department of Public Safety, which is investigating the incident, told CBS News the agency has completed its review and plans to release more information later Friday. The Independent has contacted the Texas Department of Public Safety for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice U.S. military investigators reportedly believe American forces were likely responsible for a strike on an Iranian school in Minab, in what analysts and human rights officials believe is the deadliest incident for civilian casualties since Donald Trumps administration and Israeli forces began attacking the country. Neither U.S. nor Israeli officials have publicly taken responsibility for the strike, which killed 150 students, according to Irans ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva. The total death toll, which has reportedly exceeded 175 people, has not been independently confirmed. Citing two U.S. officials, Reuters reported that military investigators have not yet reached a conclusion in an investigation but believe evidence shows the U.S. is responsible for the attack; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the White House have confirmed that the Pentagon is investigating. Evidence from data analysts reviewing satellite imagery, video footage and social media appears to show the school was hit by a precision strike and may have been hit more than once. Maps from the Department of Defense also appear to show two Iranian air defense targets surrounding the schools location, which is within what the Pentagon describes as a U.S./Israeli strikes zone. Outside military analysts also have suggested that the Pentagons AI-driven targeting or human error that failed to check whether target maps were up to date may have played a role in the strikes. open image in gallery US military officials reportedly believe American forces were responsible for a strike that hit an elementary school in Iran on February 28 ( Reuters ) Asked whether the deaths were the result of a U.S. strike, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday not that we know of. The United States of America does not target civilians, unlike the rogue Iranian regime that targets civilians, that kills children and uses propaganda quite effectively, she added. And unfortunately, many people in this room have fallen for that propaganda. On Monday, in his first briefing after the beginning of the campaign, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth bluntly stated there would be no stupid rules of engagement, no politically correct wars, and no nation-building quagmire as the U.S. and Israel continue attacks in Iran. Hegseth told reporters Wednesday that the Pentagon is taking a look and investigating the school strike. All I know all I can say is that were investigating that, he said. We, of course, never target civilian targets, but were taking a look and investigating that. open image in gallery A map detailing the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury appears to show Minab, near the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran, between two Iranian air defense targets ( Department of Defense ) It remains unclear what evidence the Pentagon is reviewing, what types of munitions were used, and why the school would have been a target. The Pentagon referred The Independents requests for comment to U.S. Central Command. It would be inappropriate to comment given the incident is under investigation, a CENTCOM official said in a statement to The Independent. open image in gallery A satellite image provided by Planet Labs shows the Shajareh Tayyebeh school and other structures in Minab on March 4, days after being struck. The school is in close proximity to IRGC structures ( Reuters ) The Shajarah Tayyiba elementary school for girls is in the city of Minab, roughly 600 miles from Tehran and near the Strait of Hormuz. The school is adjacent to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to satellite images. Iranian authorities reported initial strikes in the area at roughly 10:45 a.m., with reports emerging from social media at 11:30 a.m. local time Saturday, February 28, which is the beginning of the Iranian workweek, when teachers and students would have been inside the school. Footage reviewed by BBC Verify shows a man filming the area as he rushes into the schools courtyard. Four plumes of black smoke can be seen from inside the courtyard. The smoke appears to emerge from the location of nearby strikes, including the IRGC compound. Satellite imagery appears to show that multiple precision strikes hit at least six IRGC buildings and the school itself. Four buildings inside a nearby naval base were completely destroyed, and two other buildings showed impact points at the center of their roofs, according to an analysis from The New York Times. open image in gallery Iranian authorities reported initial strikes at 10:45 a.m. local time at the beginning of what is the Iranian workweek. Images and video in the aftermath show families digging out rubble ( AP ) Middlebury College professor Jeffrey Lewis, who specializes in satellite imagery, told NPR that satellite images appear to be consistent with precision military strikes. Images show very precise targeting, with almost all the buildings in the compound being struck, he said. But Prof Lewis said the strike may have been the result of an error. Earlier satellite images show that the school and nearby buildings were once part of the adjoining IRGC compound, but the school was separated from the base by a wall between 2013 and 2016. A nearby clinic was walled off between 2022 and 2024, images show. Lewis believes it is possible that American military planners had not updated their target sets, he told NPR. There are thousands of targets across Iran, and so there will be teams in the United States and Israel that are responsible for tracking those targets and updating them, he said. Its possible that the target didnt get updated. The strikes were among 1,000 targets within the first 24 hours of the campaign, relying on the Pentagons Maven Smart System, which was constructed by data mining company Palantir. Embedded within that system is Anthropics AI tool Claude. Theres been plenty of speculation here that AI inputs in the targeting process were responsible for the school being targeted, noted Nathan Ruser with Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a defense analyst think tank. This is possible, but a human analyst determining aimpoints could have absolutely made the mistake of adding this school to the target list. While earlier imagery shows the school building struck was at one point incorporated into the IRGCs Asif Corps barracks, obviously, this doesnt excuse an errant strike that killed scores of children, Ruser noted. But it is a mistake clearly within the possibility of human error, not just AI. open image in gallery Earlier satellite images show that the school and nearby buildings were once part of the adjoining IRGC compound, but the school was separated from the base by a wall between 2013 and 2016 ( Reuters ) Images from Iranian fact-checking group Fact-Nameh show extensive damage to the school building. Verified footage of the immediate aftermath, reviewed by BBC Verify and The New York Times, also shows scenes of panic among families searching the rubble. Aerial footage showed neatly lined rows of at least 100 marked or freshly dug graves three days after the strikes. First responders alleged that the school was hit by two strikes, with a second strike killing sheltering survivors, according to people speaking to Middle East Eye. When the first bomb hit the school, one of the teachers and the principal moved a group of students to the prayer hall to protect them, according to a medic with the Red Crescent, citing conversations with survivors. The principal called the parents and told them to come and pick up their children. But the second bomb hit that area as well, the person said. Only a small number of those who had taken shelter survived. open image in gallery Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon is investigating the strike ( AFP via Getty ) A statement from UNESCO said that the killing of pupils in a place dedicated to learning constitutes a grave violation of the protection afforded to schools under international humanitarian law. Attacks against educational institutions endanger students and teachers and undermine the right to education, according to the United Nations agency. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, speaking to reporters in Geneva on Friday, said there are significant concerns about the respect for international and military law, especially with conduct of hostilities during the U.S.-Israeli campaign, including whether precautions were taken or proportionality was considered. When it comes to a school, obviously it is a civilian institution that should never be attacked, he said. Questions about the type of weapons used and the timing of the attack, among other factors, need to be taken into account as officials perform prompt, transparent and impartial investigations, he said. We need this to happen very quickly and also make sure there is accountability and also redress for the victims, he added. The onus is now really on those that conducted these strikes. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Army reportedly abruptly canceled a major training exercise for members of an elite paratrooper unit, sparking speculation that the Defense Department could be preparing to send U.S. troops to the front lines of the Iran conflict. The 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, includes a brigade combat force of up to 5,000 soldiers ready to rapidly deploy, and the unit has been present in recent years during major moments like the U.S. evacuation of Afghanistan in 2021 and defense preparations in Europe ahead of Russias invasion of Ukraine the following year. The units Immediate Response Force reportedly has not been given deployment orders, but those familiar told The Washington Post they are on alert as the conflict escalates. Other parts of the 82nd Airborne have continued ongoing training in Louisiana in recent days. Were all preparing for something just in case, an official familiar with the situation told the paper. The Independent has contacted the Army for comment. open image in gallery A training exercise for members of the elite 82nd Airborne Division was reportedly canceled in recent days, sparking speculation they could be headed to the frontlines Iran conflict ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Due to operations security we do not discuss future or hypothetical movements, the Defense Department told The Independent. Trump administration leaders have not ruled out putting U.S. boots on the ground in Iran. I dont have the yips with respect to boots on the ground like every president says, There will be no boots on the ground. I dont say it, Trump told The New York Post this week. I say probably dont need them, [or] if they were necessary.' "Well, they're not part of the plan for this operation at this time, but I certainly will never take away military options on behalf of the president of the United States or the commander in chief, and he wisely does not do the same for himself," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a media briefing on Wednesday. Thus far, U.S. military leaders have said the campaign against Iran is making steady progress without U.S. soldiers on the ground in the country. Instead, U.S. forces have barraged Iran with air and naval strikes, largely taking control of the countrys airspace. The U.S.-Israeli war effort against Iran included a strike on a school in Minab that may have killed upwards of 175 people. U.S. military investigators reportedly think American forces carried out the attack, in what analysts and human rights officials believe is the deadliest incident for civilian casualties since the war began. open image in gallery President Trump and top military leaders have said they are open to sending U.S. troops to the battlefield, but thus far havent needed to, with U.S. air power controlling the skies above Iran ( Getty ) We've taken control of Iran's airspace and waterways without boots on the ground, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday during a press conference. We control their fate. Six Americans have been killed in the fighting so far. The deaths took place when an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle struck a U.S. installation in Kuwait. Before the launch of U.S. hostilities against Iran, the president was reportedly briefed that the campaign would be a high-risk, high-reward operation, one that could kneecap Irans extensive military influence in the region while at the same time putting U.S. service members at risk of retaliatory attacks. The president was also reportedly warned that U.S. stockpiles of advanced munitions have been stretched thin by supporting the defense of Israel and Ukraine. Secretary Hegseth has insisted that the U.S.s success in taking over the battle space in Iran has allowed the American military to rely on plentiful stores of more conventional weapons fired from aircraft and other platforms. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Three former Democratic presidents are set to speak at a Chicago church as mourners pay a final public tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden received cheers and applause Friday as they joined thousands of people for a celebration of life for the civil rights leader. But it was the South Sides own, President Barack Obama, as an announcer described him, who received the loudest round of applause as he entered the chamber. Obama, Clinton and Biden followed the arrival of Jackson's family into the church sanctuary. open image in gallery Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton were also seated in the front row beside Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Jill Biden and Joe Biden ( AFP via Getty Images ) Former Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is also listed as a speaker on the program, according to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the organization that Jackson founded. President Donald Trump, who praised Jackson on social media after he died and also shared photos of the two of them together, was not attending the service, according to his public schedule issued by the White House. Thousands attend Jackson memorial service The event honors the protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate and follows memorial services that drew large crowds in Chicago and South Carolina, where Jackson was born. Fridays celebration at an influential Black church with a 10,000-seat arena is expected to be the largest. Crowds of attendees waited in long lines outside the church on the citys South Side as television screens played excerpts of some of Jacksons most famous speeches. Inside, vendors sold pins with his 1984 presidential slogan and hoodies with his I Am Somebody mantra. A prerecorded video address of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders appeared on auditorium screens as attendees continued to file into the chamber. open image in gallery Barack Obama reunited with Joe Biden at the event honoring the civil rights icon ( AFP via Getty Images ) Sanders praised Jacksons dual presidential bids as an unprecedented effort to bridge divides along race and class. The Vermont progressive, who twice mounted unsuccessful bids for the Democratic presidential nomination, praised Jackson for inspiring enthusiasm across racial and age divides. Along with a slew of Illinois elected leaders, notable attendees included actor and producer Tyler Perry, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and political activist and theologian Cornel West. Marketing professional Chelsia Bryan said Friday that she decided to attend the memorial service because it was a chance to be part of something historic. open image in gallery Obama got a heros welcome at the service ( AFP via Getty Images ) As a Black woman, knowing that someone pretty much gave their life, dedicated their life to make sure I can do the things that I can do now, hes worth honoring, Bryan said. Jackson Jr.: Everyone welcome Jesse Jackson Jr. said all were welcome to celebrate his fathers life. Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, right wing, left wing because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American, Jackson Jr. said last month. Dad would have wanted us to have a great meeting to discuss our differences, to find ways of moving forward and moving together. The elder Jackson died last month at age 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his mobility and ability to speak. Family members say he continued coming into the office until last year and communicated through hand signals. His final public appearances included the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. open image in gallery Bill Clinton attended the memorial a few days after a grueling deposition over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein ( AFP via Getty Images ) Sitting in the crowd was 90-year-old Mary Lovett. She said Jacksons advocacy inspired her many times, from when she moved from Mississippi to Chicago in the 1960s, taught elementary school and became a mom. She twice voted for Jackson during both of his presidential runs and appreciated how he always spoke up for underrepresented people. Hes gone, but I hope his legacy lives, she said. I hope we can remember what he tried to teach us. Jackson's service was to the poor, underrepresented Jackson's pursuits were countless, taking him to all corners of the globe: Advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues including voting rights, health care, job opportunities and education. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders, and through Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society. Jacksons services in Chicago and South Carolina drew civic leaders, school groups and everyday people who said they were touched by Jacksons work, from scholarship programs to advocating for inmates. Several states flew flags at half-staff in his honor. Services in Washington, D.C., were tabled after a request to allow Jackson to lie in honor in the United States Capitol rotunda was denied by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said the space is typically reserved for select officials, including former presidents. Details on a future event have not been made public. open image in gallery California Gov. Gavin Newsom came to pay his respects to Jackson ( Getty Images ) In his final months, Jackson received numerous visitors in Chicago, including the Clintons and the Rev. Al Sharpton, who also attended his memorial services in Chicago last week. He has been the central mentor of my life, Sharpton said. The challenge for us that weve got to make sure that all he lived for was not in vain. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice After Kristi Noems Senate hearing this week, President Donald Trump called up Republican Sen. John Kennedy in a rage. He was mad as a murder hornet, the Louisiana senator told The Independent and other reporters Thursday. I remember thinking that the secretarys pretty much as dead as fried chicken, he told another gaggle of reporters. The outgoing Homeland Security Secretary was already hanging by a thread, but the final nail in the coffin came this week during combative congressional testimony, where the Louisiana senator played a leading role. During two days of blistering criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, Noem said Trump had signed off on a multimillion-dollar ad campaign (a claim that reportedly incensed the president and prompted him to deny it publicly), rebuffed attempts to directly address allegations of an improper relationship with her top adviser, and refused to apologize for falsely labeling two American citizens slain by federal agents operating under the DHS umbrella as domestic terrorists. Noem made history Thursday as the first Cabinet secretary ousted in Trump's second term, but many were left unsurprised; the writing had been on the wall for months. open image in gallery President Trump has fired Kristi Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, bringing an end to her 13-month tenure, which was plagued by controversies ( Getty Images ) Replacing Kristi was based on the culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures including the fallout in Minnesota, the ad campaign, the allegations of infidelity, the mismanagement of her staff, and her constant feuding with the heads of other agencies, including CBP and ICE, a Trump administration official told The Atlantic. Noem will become special envoy for a little-known security initiative called The Shield of the Americas, while Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin has been tapped to replace her. It has been quite the fall from grace for Noem, who at one point was being considered by Trump as his running mate in the 2024 presidential election, according to The Atlantic. Her name was crossed off the list of contenders over her admission in a memoir that she shot her own puppy. Trump actually viewed the outrageous act as an asset and it was one of the reasons he tapped Noem to head up Homeland Security instead, according to an excerpt of an upcoming book about the meltdown at the department under her tenure. She was chastised over the dog killing in the congressional hearings this week, which ultimately proved to be water boiling over the edge of the pot for Trump, as one Republican senator put it to NBC News. Here The Independent looks back at Noems chaotic 13-month tenure as the Department of Homeland Security chief. Minnesota crackdown and branding slain US citizens domestic terrorists Minneapolis became the focal point of Trumps immigration crackdown late last year after Homeland Security deployed thousands of federal agents to the Minnesota city. In January, those operations turned deadly when agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens: mother of three Renee Good on Jan. 7 and Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, on Jan. 24. Trump-aligned Kennedy joined Democrats Tuesday in trying to get Noem to answer why she would baselessly accuse Good and Pretti of domestic terrorism after her officers shot them at point-blank range. Noem refused to back down and apologize for falsely labeling the American citizens as domestic terrorists, a move which saw her sidelined at the time by Trump. He sent his border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to clean up the mess, The Atlantic reported. The fact you cant admit to a mistake which looks like, under investigation, is going to prove that Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti probably should not have been shot in the face and in the back, Republican Sen. Thom Tillis also chimed in. open image in gallery Noem refused to apologize for labeling mother of three Renee Good and Alex Pretti domestic terrorists ( AFP/Getty ) There was no love lost between Noem and Democratic leaders in Minnesota following her ouster, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declaring, Good riddance. More broadly, Noems handling of Trumps immigration crackdown has drawn significant scrutiny. Under her leadership, the proportion of ICE detainees without criminal convictions has skyrocketed, contradicting the administrations pledge to target the worst of the worst. Upwards of 170 American citizens have been taken into custody, and more than 200 Venezuelan migrants were deported to El Salvador's brutal CECOT prison. Critics have also accused ICE agents of exhibiting reckless behavior, relying on racial discrimination and receiving minimal training allegations the agency has rebuffed. open image in gallery There was no love lost between Noem and Democratic leaders in Minnesota following her ouster, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declaring, Good riddance ( @Sec_Noem via REUTERS ) In February, as criticism intensified, DHS's independent watchdog said it launched multiple probes into ICE operations, including hiring practices, expedited removals, use-of-force and detention conditions. During a congressional hearing this week, Tillis cited the investigations as proof of Noem's leadership failures, comparing her missteps to her shocking anecdote about killing her own puppy. Rumored affair with top adviser Lewandowski For months, Noem has been dogged by allegations that she has maintained an inappropriate relationship with Corey Lewandowski, her top adviser and a longtime Trump ally who worked as a special government employee at Homeland Security. Lewandowski initially wanted to serve as Noems chief of staff, but it was struck down by Trump out of concern over rumors of a romantic relationship between the pair, according to The Wall Street Journal. Both are married to other people, but according to reports the alleged affair was the worst-kept secret in D.C, according to New York Magazine. They have both denied the rumors, but Noem refused to directly answer questions about the alleged romance during a House Judiciary Committee hearing this week. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a California Democrat, asked Noem point blank if she ever had a sexual relationship with Lewandowski. open image in gallery Noem was asked if she had a romantic relationship with DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski (center-left). She didnt directly deny the affair when questioned by lawmakers ( Getty Images ) Noem, whose husband awkwardly sat behind her during the hearing, leaving just before that line of questioning, refused to answer directly. I am shocked were peddling tabloid garbage in this committee, she said. Noem continued to fend off the questions about Lewandowski, and accused Democrats of attacking conservative women. You say that we're either stupid or we're sluts. That's what you do, she replied to Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz of Florida. And I will tell you sir, I will tell you sir, I am neither of those. open image in gallery At Trumps New Years Eve party, Noem and Stephen Miller were recorded dancing to 'Ice Ice Baby, which was seen by some as a not-so-subtle nod to their deportation agenda ( Katie Miller ) Scrutiny over spending on DHS ad campaign contracts Trump said he wasnt thrilled with Noems decision to splurge $220 million on a DHS advertising campaign last February, which used public funds and featured video of her riding on horseback in front of Mount Rushmore. Break our laws, well punish you, Noem says in the ad. I wasnt thrilled with it. I spent less money than that to become president. I didnt know about it, Trump told NBC News just hours after firing Noem. It was Noems claim that Trump signed off on the campaign that left him incensed. During Senate testimony this week, she told Kennedy that Trump knew about her decision to approve the ad campaign contracts. open image in gallery Last year, Noem spent millions on an ad campaign, with one video featuring her riding on horseback in front of Mount Rushmore ( DHS/Tia Dufour ) The president approved ahead of time you spending $220 million running TV ads across the country? Kennedy asked Noem at the hearing. Yes, sir, Noem replied. We went through the legal processes, did it correctly. When pressed again whether the president knew Noem was going ahead, she replied, Yes. Shortly before announcing Noem was getting the ax, the president told Reuters that he never knew anything about it. Much of the money for the campaign was paid to a company connected to Noems own spokesperson, though Noem has said she was not involved in picking contractors. And in October, Noem raised eyebrows when the DHS purchased a pair of luxury jets worth about $172 million. Months later, the department made plans to buy a third plane for about $70 million that would be used for deportations and travel for Cabinet officials, a move that horrified top administration officials, according to Axios. What kind of deportee justifies being flown out of the country in a luxury jet with a bedroom and accommodations like this? Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Rhode Island Democrat, asked Noem this week. She responded that, by purchasing the aircraft, she was in fact saving American taxpayers money. Youre treating the billions of dollars our GOP colleagues gave your department like a personal slush fund, added Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, told Noem on Wednesday. Focus on burnishing public image and dubbed Cosplay Kristi open image in gallery Throughout her tenure, Noem was criticized for burnishing her own public image, leading detractors to dub her the ICE Barbie ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery At a photo-op at El Salvadors CECOT prison, Noem posed in front of prisoners while wearing a gold Rolex ( Getty Images ) The newly ousted secretary also has gained a reputation for self-promotion, frequently appearing on television and at press events in eye-catching attire, including tactical gear and cowboy hats, leading critics to dub her the ICE Barbie and Cosplay Kristi. While in office, she closely kept track of how her national profile compared with other administration officials and routinely berated staff if she saw Homan on TV, according to The Wall Street Journal. A DHS spokesperson refuted this claim. During one notable photo-op in March, Noem wore a gold Rolex watch while visiting El Salvadors CECOT prison. She posed in front of prisoners, who stood stone-faced while she recorded a video for social media. Gutting FEMA On top of everything else, Noem implemented strict oversight of operations at the FEMA, creating bottlenecks in aid distribution. In June, she mandated that all agency spending above $100,000 receive her personal approval to curb waste, fraud, and abuse, according to The New York Times. The directive, however, caused delays in distributing more than $15 billion in disaster relief funds to states reeling from natural disasters. The Washington Post also reported in January that Noem planned to slash the number of FEMA disaster responders by half in 2026. An agency spokesperson said it is not implementing a percentage-based workforce reduction. with reporting from Eric Garcia in Washington, DC Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Kenia Guerrero was driving to church on Mothers Day with her husband and their three young children when masked agents in unmarked cars surrounded them on the streets of a Boston suburb. In footage captured on bystander video, the officers smashed her car windows and dragged Daniel Flores Martinez from the passenger seat and slammed him on the ground while his wife and children screamed in terror. The incident, which unfolded within minutes, is now at the center of a federal lawsuit against Donald Trumps administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, who are accused of illegally deploying smash and grab tactics to target immigrants and their families, including Guerrero, who is a U.S. citizen. We were getting ready to celebrate Mothers Day. By afternoon, my children were crying, asking why masked men broke into our car and took their father away, Guerrero said in a statement shared with The Independent Thursday, just hours before DHS Secretary Kristi Noem was fired by President Donald Trump. I told them I didnt know, she said. No mother should ever have to say that. This wasn't justice. This was violence. And my children will never forget what they saw. open image in gallery Two frames from bystander video captures federal agents breaking into Kenia Guerrero's car, left, and arresting her husband Daniel Flores Martinez, right, on Mother's Day outside Boston ( Lawyers for Civil Rights ) On May 11, Flores Martinez and his 3-year-old noticed two unmarked cars in their neighborhood, according to the lawsuit. The family including children ages 3, 12 and 14 and their grandmother headed to church at 11:30 a.m. The children are all U.S. citizens. Several unmarked cars surrounded them a few blocks from their home, and about five armed, plain-clothes agents approached the vehicle on both sides, according to video of the scene. None of the agents identified themselves or told the family what agency they worked for, according to the lawsuit. Agents then began asking the family about their identities and signaled for Flores Martinez, who was sitting in the passenger seat, to roll down his window. Agents then threatened to break the glass while Guerrero pleaded with the agents against using violence, telling them that three children were in the vehicle, according to the lawsuit. Video shows officers breaking the passenger side window. Agents then aggressively yanked Flores out of the car, brought him to the ground, and put him in handcuffs, according to the lawsuit. Flores did not resist and told the agents that he was not resisting, lawyers said. Mrs. Guerrero cried out: Why are you doing this with my children here?! the lawsuit states. Arent you a mother? she told a female officer, according to the lawsuit. open image in gallery Kenia Guerrero, left, watches ICE agents tackle and arrest her husband as the family was on the way to a Mother's Day church service on May 11 ( Lawyers for Civil Rights ) When Guerrero tried to get out of the car to see what was happening to Flores Martinez, she was restrained against her vehicle by another officer and was forced to witness the other ICE officers brutalize her husband, according to the lawsuit. The children one of whom is diagnosed with epilepsy, hydrocephalus and cerebral palsy were forced to witness their father being attacked, lawyers wrote. ICE disappeared Florez Martinez into unmarked cars, and the family only learned later that he was moved to an ICE detention center, according to the lawsuit. The family alleges intentional infliction of emotional distress as well as false imprisonment, assault and battery and seeks compensatory damages. Flores-Martinez was deported to Mexico on June 10, according to a statement an ICE spokesperson. He allegedly illegally entered the U.S., according to ICE. Illegal reentry is a felony. His criminal history in the United States includes convictions for obstructing a law enforcement officer, the spokesperson said. Under President Trump, ICE is enforcing U.S. immigration laws and prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing criminal alien offenders from American communities, the spokesperson added. The complaint from Boston-based Lawyers for Civil Rights on behalf of Guerrero and her family is among a wave of lawsuits alleging unlawful arrests and abuse. The arrest of Flores Martinez was among nearly 1,500 in Massachusetts that month. There is no justification for what happened to the Guerrero family, said Mirian Albert, senior attorney at Lawyers for Civil Rights. This was not enforcement. It was state-sanctioned cruelty, unleashed on a family without warning, without cause, and without conscience. The government must answer for the trauma it inflicts on children. The incident was not the result of isolated or rogue misconduct but reflects a pattern and practice sanctioned and ratified by ICE leadership, according to the lawsuit. This is a central feature of ICEs enforcement regime. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Kristi Noem was fired by Donald Trump as Homeland Security secretary the same week she faced bipartisan grilling over two days of tense congressional hearings, and Democratic members of Congress are using the momentum to push for a criminal investigation into her 13-month stint at the agency. Democrats are also still considering whether to impeach the outgoing secretary, whose last day on the job is March 31, in an effort to prevent her from ever holding public office again. Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, said in a statement that Democrats' efforts to rein in this out-of-control agency and hold it accountable to the American people must intensify with this breakthrough. He told NBC News that there needs to be a reckoning at the agency to account for the killings of Minneapolis residents, the failures of immigration officials to follow court orders, and the violent surge of immigration officers that have drawn allegations of unconstitutional abuses. Sen. Richard Blumenthal is also calling for an investigation to find out whether she committed perjury when she testified that her adviser Corey Lewandowski did not sign off on contracts for the agency. Evidence suggests your testimony was false, he wrote in a letter to the secretary. open image in gallery Democrats are calling for investigations into Kristi Noems term as Homeland Security secretary after her revealing congressional testimony two days before she was fired by Trump ( REUTERS ) Lewandowski is not being paid for his role as a special government employee, yet Noems chief adviser holds considerable influence at DHS, and lawmakers have spent months demanding answers about the scope of his work and authority. Does Corey Lewandowski have a role in approving contracts, and if so, what is that role? Blumenthal asked during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday. His role is as a special government employee, and special government employees work for the White House and the administration, she said. There are thousands of them. So, he does have a role, he replied. No, Noem said. Blumenthal then sent a letter to Noem, citing internal DHS records that show Lewandowski personally approved several contracts including multi-million dollar deals. Noem implemented a department-wide policy that required her personal sign off on all contracts above $100,000. Officials working under each sign or initial a checklist before those documents reach Noem, including Lewandowski, whose signature routinely appears at the last name before the secretarys, according to documents obtained by ProPublica. Documents reviewed by Politico and The Wall Street Journal have also found Lewandowski was involved in several other six-figure contracts to DHS agencies. open image in gallery Democrats are demanding answers about the scope of Corey Lewandowskis work and authority at DHS and threatening perjury charges against Noem over her testimony about his role at the agency ( AP ) Federal procurement records also show that DHS approved a $250,000 public affairs contract to American Made Media Company, a political consulting firm with ties to Lewandowski. That post was published September 26 and bids were due the next day an unusually tight deadline for a government contract, and one that required a winning bidder to demonstrate an established track record of promoting Trump administration policies in the media. Under federal law, it is a crime to knowingly and willfully make a false statement to Congress. The law requires and Congress expects witnesses to provide complete and truthful testimony, Blumenthal wrote to Noem. There are criminal penalties for knowingly and willfully making materially false statements or representations to Congress, he added. Accordingly, I demand that you amend your testimony to clarify your previous answer, including a full explanation of Mr. Lewandowskis role at DHS, and provide the basis for your apparent false statement on the record. Noem has also come under fire for DHS spending $200 million for an advertisement campaign that routed $143 million to a firm operated by her spokespersons husband. Moments before announcing her exit from DHS, Trump said he never knew anything about it. Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse, who questioned Noems taxpayer-funded spending, said Noems firing is just a first step for accountability. Accountability ultimately means that if there were any laws violated procurement laws, conflict of interest laws then ultimately evidence is uncovered and that prosecutions commence if appropriate, he told CNN Thursday. And so, this is the beginning, not the end, with respect to accountability, he said. The Independent has requested comment from DHS. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has denied outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems claim that the pair talk quite often, letting it be known that, on the contrary, he had not spoken to her in four months. Noem was fired by President Donald Trump on Thursday, who announced that she would be replaced by Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin and appointed her Special Envoy to the newly-created Shield of the Americas initiative. The secretary herself was in Nashville, Tennessee, when the news broke, attending the Sergeant Benevolent Association Major Cities Conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. At that event, she told Chris Galligan, San Francisco Police Officers Association Vice President, that Lurie works with us very well and had had great conversations with her. open image in gallery Kristi Noem speaks at the Sergeant Benevolent Association conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 5, 2026, shortly after President Donald Trump announced she would be replaced as Homeland Security secretary ( Reuters ) You maybe have some challenges in San Francisco just because of your state laws and local laws, Noem told Galligan. Although youve got a mayor that works with us very well. He probably doesnt want me to talk about it a lot, actually. But he has been cooperative and we have great conversations and talk quite often. However, a San Francisco City Hall source subsequently told Mission Local that the secretarys comments were inaccurate. That source said Lurie last spoke to the administration when Trump called him on October 22 to discuss moving back a planned ICE deployment to the Bay Area. open image in gallery Noem was criticized throughout her 13-month tenure leading DHS for being excessively publicity-focused, notoriously posing for a photo with jailed inmates at El Salvadors CECOT mega-prison last March ( Getty ) Lurie has been criticized locally for declining to release records of his call with the president, but his diplomatic efforts prevented the liberal city from experiencing an influx of federal immigration agents, a development that led to violent clashes and bitter protests nationwide. Trump credited the mayor last fall with asking him very nicely to refrain from wading into San Francisco, also saying on Truth Social that two friends of mine, billionaire CEOs Jensen Huang of Nvidia and Marc Benioff of Salesforce, had played a role in talking him down from signing off on another contentious mission. open image in gallery San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie says he hasnt spoken to Kristi Noem in four months ( Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup ) Noem endured a torrid 13-month tenure as the public face of Trumps illegal immigration crackdown, which came to a head with the disastrous Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, which saw the fatal shooting of two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in street confrontations with federal agents. The secretary called both victims domestic terrorists in defense of her forces, stoking widespread anger, and thereafter fought to retain her position, holding crisis talks with the president in the Oval Office. She was subsequently hit by accusations about the chaotic state of her department, her excessive media focus, and alleged extramarital affair with top adviser Corey Lewandowski, which both parties vehemently denied. With Trumps patience running short, she suffered a nightmarish brace of appearances before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees this week, during which the president was reportedly infuriated by her claim that he had known in advance about a lavish DHS advertising campaign in which she was featured prominently. I never knew anything about it, he told Reuters Thursday, signalling the end for an official doomed to be forever remembered for bragging about shooting dead a puppy she had failed to train. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem felt thrown under the bus following her firing by President Donald Trump Thursday after complaining she wasn getting the support needed to do her job, according to a report. The Daily Caller quotes an unnamed official as saying Noem believed she had been made the administrations scapegoat over the disastrous Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis, which saw two U.S. citizens shot dead in confrontations with federal agents. However, a second official told the same publication: Its laughable that Kristi is trying to blame her own self-inflicted issues on someone else. The issues that led to Kristis replacement were a result of her own wrongdoings, not a lack of support from the White House. open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was fired Thursday after two disastrous appearances before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees this week ( Getty ) That person also tells the Caller, It wasnt a matter of if, it was a matter of when. Noem would be fired, adding she had been responsible for a number of unfortunate leadership failures. These included the fallout in Minnesota, the ad campaign, the allegations of infidelity, the mismanagement of her staff, and her constant feuding with the heads of other agencies, including CBP and ICE, they said. In addition to the killings of Rene Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, the source was referring to a $220 million ad campaign in which Noem was prominently featured in cowgirl guise, an alleged extramarital affair between the secretary and her top adviser Corey Lewandowski, and her reported personal feuds with the likes of border czar Tom Homan, who was ultimately sent in to Minnesota to restore order. Anyone whos close to the situation at all could see this coming, the Callers source said. They also alleged that there were major differences between two factions in the White House regarding Noem and Lewandowski, with one side resenting the latters alleged attempt to have Trump campaign managers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita fired during the 2024 presidential election. Wiles is now the presidents chief of staff. open image in gallery Noem filming a DHS ad in front of Mount Rushmore. She was criticized throughout her 13-month tenure leading the department for being excessively publicity-focused ( DHS ) The Independent has reached out to both the White House and DHS for further comment on the circumstances surrounding the secretarys dismissal. Noem endured a torrid 13-month tenure as the public face of Trumps illegal immigration crackdown, during which she was roundly mocked as the ICE Barbie. After causing uproar by describing both Good and Pretti as domestic terrorists in defense of the agents who killed them, she was subsequently hit by accusations about the chaotic state of her department, her excessive media focus, and the alleged affair with Lewandowski, which both parties have vehemently denied and Noem called tabloid garbage this week. With Trumps patience running short, she suffered a nightmarish brace of appearances before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees this week, during which the president was reportedly incensed by her claim that he had known in advance about the aforementioned advertising campaign. I never knew anything about it, he told Reuters Thursday, shortly before announcing she would be replaced by Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin and made special envoy for the newly-created Shield of the Americas initiative. Her departure appears to have been greeted with jubilation by DHS staffers, who are said to be actually crying out of happiness, according to The Washington Examiner. Noems exit was also cheered by the Democratic governors of states swarmed by ICE last year, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker all posting uncomplimentary fare-thee-well messages on X. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Lindsey Halligan, the attorney who tried and failed to prosecute James Comey and Letitia James on behalf of President Donald Trump, is under investigation, according to a report. The New York Times cites a letter from the Florida Bar Association to the nonprofit Campaign for Accountability after the latter filed complaints in the Sunshine State and Virginia over Halligans actions during her short-lived stint as acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia last year. We already have an investigation pending, the bar association states in its letter to the group in response to its complaints. The probe opens the prospect of the former Miss Colorado contestant-turned-home-insurance litigator being disbarred, though the process is rigorous and can take years. open image in gallery Lindsey Halligan served as the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia last year, only to see her grand jury indictments of ex-FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James ruled invalid ( AFP/Getty ) The bar has the authority to operate as a fact-finder and to make recommendations to a grievance committee based on its conclusions, which in turn has the power to determine whether an attorney is guilty of misconduct. Should it reach such a conclusion, its recommendations are then referred to the state court, which could result in the lawyer in question losing their licence to practise law. According to the NYT, the Florida bars Halligan investigation is examining her conduct in the Eastern District of Virginia, where she sought grand jury indictments against Comey and James, accusing them of making false statements to Congress and bank fraud, respectively. Her predecessor in the role, Erik Siebert, had been forced out of office by the Trump administration after he refused to bring criminal charges against the duo. Halligan took the interim position in September despite having almost no prosecutorial experience (just three cases to Sieberts 675) and quickly secured the indictments, only for District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie to rule that they were invalid because her appointment had not been lawful. open image in gallery Halligan was subsequently accused of continuing to use the title of U.S. attorney even after a judge had ruled she was not lawfully appointed ( AP ) Several district judges subsequently expressed concern that she continued to sign court documents as a U.S. attorney even after the judges ruling, which could be a violation of that order. District Judge David Novak, for one, accused her of engaging in a charade by masquerading as the United States attorney for this district in direct defiance of binding court orders. She finally stood down on January 20, but not before Attorney General Pam Bondi, her deputy Todd Blanche, and others had fired off an angry letter accusing Novak, himself a Trump appointee, of a gross abuse of power in questioning Halligans authority. The Campaign for Accountability has argued that the conduct of which Halligan is accused breaches a number of fundamental ethics rules for the profession, including prohibitions on false statements, misleading communications, dishonest conduct and knowingly disobeying a ruling. The Department of Justice last month moved swiftly to fire James Hundley, selected by judges to be Halligans replacement as Virginias top prosecutor, further dragging out the saga. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has made an early endorsement for the Republican ticket in 2028, and it isn't likely going to sit well with President Donald Trump. On Friday, Greene heaped praised onto former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who, like her, has been an outspoken critic of Trump's war on Iran. "I SUPPORT TUCKER," Greene wrote. "Trump doesn't even know what MAGA is anymore and turned it into MIGA [Make Iran Great Again]. Trump is not America First, he's donor first," she wrote on social media. She went on to say that she would vote for Carlson as president and believes he'd beat Trump. "Tucker would beat Trump if he ran for President and Trump tried to violate the constitution and tried to run again for a third term," she wrote. open image in gallery Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene defended former Fox News host Tucker Carlson after President Donald Trump suggested he has lost his way. Carlson criticized Trumps war in Iran, calling is disgusting and evil. Greene said she would vote for Carlson if he ran for president and said she believes he can beat Trump ( Getty Images ) Greenes comments came after Trump claimed Tucker had lost his way, in response to the podcast host calling the war in Iran absolutely disgusting and evil. "Tucker has lost his way, Trump told ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl when asked about Tucker. I knew that a long time ago, and he's not MAGA. MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America first, and Tucker is none of those things. And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that, he added. Carlson, when asked to respond, refused to hit back at the president. There are times I get annoyed with Trump, right now definitely included, he told Status. But Ill always love him no matter what he says about me. Carlson has teased the idea of a possible presidential run, though never in any overly serious way. During a 2024 episode of his podcast, Carlson said he might consider a candidacy in 2028, but added that he doesn't "think I'd be very good at it." open image in gallery Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson has criticized President Donald Trumps war in Iran, calling it Israels war. Trump responded by saying Carlson has lost his way and that hes not MAGA ( Getty Images ) Meanwhile, Greene who resigned from her Congressional seat after a high-profile split with Trump has become an outspoken critic of the war in Iran. She was also a critic of the U.S.'s continued support for Ukrainian defense against Russia and wanted the U.S. to cut military aid to Israel. Trump has dismissed Greene as a traitor and a ranting lunatic. On Wednesday, Greene complained that Trump's war in Iran was costing U.S. taxpayers billions. "War with Iran is costing American taxpayers $1 billion dollars a day. Most American tax payers will never receive a Social Security check because it will be bankrupt by 2033," she wrote on social media. "Most Americans cant afford health insurance policies because they are so expensive." She continued, arguing against the U.S. spending billions on a war while regular Americans struggled to make ends meet. "Most American families cannot financially survive on a single income, and both parents have to work like slaves in order to feed their children and keep a roof over their heads," she said. "But the Trump administration has decided that these American taxpayers have to spend $1 billion a day to murder people and their children in a foreign country that none of us have ever met and know nothing about." "Incredible MAGA priorities," she concluded. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ousted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had lent first lady Melania Trump one of the agencys luxury jets as an insurance policy to protect her from backlash over her spending of taxpayer dollars, according to a new report. Noem was axed Thursday via a Truth Social post, in which President Donald Trump praised the secretary for numerous and spectacular results while announcing her departure from the Department of Homeland Security at the end of the month. Trump said Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma would take over Noems post and Noem would become the special envoy for Trumps new security initiative in the Western Hemisphere, The Shield of the Americas. Noem has been criticized over the tactics used by federal agents in carrying out Trumps massive immigration crackdown, which resulted in the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis, and for spending on lavish jets and ad campaigns predominantly featuring the secretary. open image in gallery Ousted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had lent first lady Melania Trump one of the agencys luxury jets as an 'insurance policy' to protect her from backlash over her spending of taxpayer dollars, according to a new report ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images ) DHS had purchased two Gulfstream private jets for Noem and other top officials for $172 million, The New York Times reported last October. The agency was also reportedly hoping to buy a Boeing 737 Max 8, which it's currently leasing, for $70 million. NBC News reported last month that the Boeing jet includes a bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a bar and four flat-screen TVs. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told the White House the jet would be used to transport Cabinet officials and to deport immigrants, two DHS officials told NBC News. Axios reported Thursday that Noem and Corey Lewandowski, her top adviser and rumored affair partner, had lent the Boeing jet to Melania. Noem and Lewandowski, both married to other people, have denied allegations of an affair. The first lady reportedly used the jet to travel from Washington, D.C., to New York on several occasions. According to one Trump administration official who spoke to Axios, Noem and Lewandowski had an ulterior motive when allowing Melania to use the jet. open image in gallery Noem and Corey Lewandowski, her top adviser and rumored affair partner, had reportedly lent a Boeing jet, which featured a bedroom and bar, to the first lady ( Andrew Harnik/Getty Images ) "They're smart. Corey is really smart. I don't take that away from them. Because they flew the first lady on it, they think they're bulletproof," the official said. The official called the move an insurance policy for their spending. The Independent has reached out to DHS and the first ladys office for comment. But in the end, Noem got the boot, which came shortly after the secretary was grilled by Congress for her alleged mismanagement of DHS. Lewandowski is also reportedly leaving the agency. open image in gallery Noem was axed by President Donald Trump in a Truth Social post Thursday ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images ) In Senate and House hearings this week, Noem defended a $220 million ad campaign to promote border security, which includes a scene of Noem on a horse in front of Mount Rushmore in her home state of South Dakota. Trump said Thursday he did not sign off on the ad campaign, telling Reuters, I never knew anything about it, despite Noem telling the Senate that the president had approved the ads. Noem thanked Trump Thursday for her new position in the Shield of the Americas initiative and said she looked forward to working with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Republican lawmaker who felt compelled to withhold his identity in a media report to warn that President Donald Trumps war on Iran could trigger a Doomsday scenario if Tehran retaliates has sparked a sharp response about the current state of political affairs in the United States. While many Republican lawmakers have publicly expressed support for Trumps strikes on Iran, several have privately griped about the military operation. The GOP member of Congress in question told the Financial Times that they were worried about a possible doomsday scenario unfolding if Tehran and its proxies retaliate. If we bomb, disrupt and exit, there is no telling what could happen over the course of the summer, the unnamed lawmaker told the newspaper in an article headlined, Donald Trump has no phase two plan for Iran war. I dont know that the administration could have possibly thought it through, the anonymous Republican added. open image in gallery A Republican lawmaker who remained anonymous to warn of his fears that President Donald Trumps war on Iran could trigger a Doomsday scenario if Tehran retaliates has been called out for not being identified in a report ( AP ) Andrew Day, a senior editor of The American Conservative, said the lawmakers decision to remain anonymous so as not to upset the president suggested something has gone wrong in Americas political system. Something has gone terribly wrong in our system of checks and balances when a lawmaker, frightened of the president, demands anonymity to say s/he's worried POTUS may have triggered doomsday by launching a poorly planned war, Day wrote in a post on X and shared a screenshot of the quote in the FT. It follows several House Republicans who spoke out against Trump this week on the condition of anonymity, with one drawing parallels to the U.S. invasion of Vietnam. The strikes have left hundreds of Iranians dead, including 150 children at an elementary school near the Strait of Hormuz, which U.S. investigators reportedly believe American forces were likely responsible for. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the countrys 86-year-old supreme leader, was also killed, alongside several members of his family. In retaliation, Iran has bombed U.S. assets and allies in the region, including in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Six U.S. service members have been killed. Trump has said the Iran attacks could last for weeks if not longer. This lack of a clear timeline triggered a sense of deja vu within one GOP lawmaker who spoke to Politico. open image in gallery While many Republican lawmakers have expressed public support for Trumps strikes on Iran, some have expressed concerns privately about the military operation ( Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images ) Sounds a little bit like President Lyndon Johnson going into Vietnam, doesnt it? the lawmaker said. Johnson, a Democrat, inherited the Vietnam war upon President John Kennedy's assassination in 1963. He presided over a dramatic escalation, leading to the deaths of tens of thousands of U.S. service members and countless more Vietnamese. A handful of GOP members of Congress have also spoken out publicly to criticize the president involving the U.S. in another Middle East conflict. The constitutional sequence is, you engage the public before you go to war unless an attack is imminent. And imminent means like, imminent not like something thats been over a 47-year period of time, Republican Rep. Warren Davidson, of Ohio, said this week. Rep. Eli Crane, an Arizona Republican, described the current situation as very dicey in an interview Monday. Military operations like this can go sideways so fast, you know, it will make your head spin. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Representative Tony Gonzales has dropped his bid for re-election after admitting to having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. The Texas Republican wrote in a statement released late Thursday night, After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment Ive always had to my district. For months, Gonzales has been accused of having an inappropriate relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old wife and mother who worked in his Uvalde office. After initially denying the allegations, Gonzales admitted he made a mistake, calling his infidelity with a subordinate a lapse in judgment in an interview with conservative talk show host Joe Pagliarulo, released Wednesday. open image in gallery Representative Tony Gonzales has dropped his bid for re-election after admitting to having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide ( Alex Wong/Getty Images ) Gonzales said he had reconciled with his wife, Angel, with whom he shares six children, and asked God to forgive me, which he has. Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 in the backyard of her Uvalde home. Gonzales told Pagliarulo he had absolutely nothing to do with her death. In his statement announcing his departure from Congress next year, Gonzales touted his work overcoming the border crisis and taking a stand with my communities after the 2022 deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful, Gonzales said. open image in gallery House Republican leadership called on Gonzales to drop his re-election bid earlier Thursday ( Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images ) Amid the controversy surrounding the affair, Gonzales was forced into a primary runoff with gun rights activist Brandon Herrera. House Republican leadership called on Gonzales to drop his re-election bid earlier Thursday. That came after the House Ethics Committee announced it was investigating whether Gonzales violated any rules in connection with allegations he may have engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee in his office and discriminated unfairly by giving special favors. Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain said in a joint statement. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election, the GOP representatives added. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out to the national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trumps threat to cut off all trade with Spain has drawn immediate, strong responses from politicians and the media alike. But beyond grabbing headlines, the threat raises a significant question in terms of law and international trade: can the US really suspend commercial relations with a country such as Spain? The answer: its complex, because Spain doesnt trade alone. The first thing being ignored here is the legal structure that underpins international trade in Europe. The U.S. doesnt trade with Spain as an individual state but with the EU, a customs union with a shared trade policy. Since the creation of the Single Market in 1993, decisions on member states tariffs, trade agreements and trade protection measures fall under the sole jurisdiction of the EU. This means that external trade relations are managed at the European level, not the national. Indeed, when EU member states trade with one another, it is not even legally referred to as an export. If, for instance, a Spanish company sells goods to France, it is an intra-community delivery. In trade statistics, these operations are recorded as dispatches from the country of origin and arrivals in the destination country. open image in gallery President Donald Trump criticized Spain in the wake of the U.S./Israeli strikes on Iran ( AP ) This illustrates how deeply integrated the European Unions trade policy is. When it comes to non-EU trade, the EU functions in many ways as a single economic and legal entity. This isnt the case in every area. In defence, for example, EU member states act within frameworks of international cooperation or alliances such as Nato. In terms of external trade, however, the EU is effectively one bloc. This all means that, in practice, any major commercial measure directed against one EU member will invariably affect the entire European market. Barriers to isolating an EU member The EUs legal structure is compounded by an economic reality: much of Europes economy is effectively an integrated production network. Many European exports include components manufactured in various different countries. open image in gallery A plume of smoke rises after an attack on Irans capital, Tehran, this week ( AFP/Getty ) This means a car assembled in Germany might include parts produced in Spain or Italy. A Spanish agricultural product might be processed or distributed in another EU country before being exported. This phenomenon known as global value chains defines much of modern international trade. It is especially evident in the EU economy, where trade between member states is an essential part of production networks. This interdependence between developed, deeply integrated economies means it would be extremely difficult to commercially isolate one member state from the European internal market wider and its economic network far more complicated than recent speeches and headlines suggest. International trade still has rules In recent years, international trade systems have been subject to huge pressure. Trade wars, economic sanctions and a range of unilateral measures have prompted some experts to question the extent to which multilateral rules still matter on the global stage. About the author Hernan Nunez Rocha is a Professor and Researcher in the area of Commercial Law at the University of Alcala. This article was first published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. However, international trade is still backed up by an assortment of rules, especially those developed by the World Trade Organization. Its fundamental principles include not discriminating between trading partners, and not imposing arbitrary restrictions on trade. The total suspension of commercial relations with a trading partner would call the rules and laws governing international trade even further into question. EU response will be decisive The key issues here are not just matters of law and economics, but also European institutions and politics. Even if the U.S. decided to apply targeted trade pressure harsh tariffs, restrictions on certain products, and so on the EUs reaction would still be the deciding factor. If Brussels were to decide that U.S. measures targeting Spain affect the functioning of the internal market, it could treat them as starting a trade conflict between the US and the EU as a whole. If this happened, the problem would cease to be a bilateral matter, and escalate into a much wider transatlantic trade dispute. But the alternative allowing the dispute to be handled solely between Washington and Madrid would have much more profound consequences. It would amount to treating a member state as if it did not belong to the EU in an area that is explicitly covered by EU treaties. There are no clear precedents for something like this, and it would directly affect the unity of the internal market. For this reason, the European Commission has repeatedly stated that trade measures directed at one EU member must be handled on an EU-wide level. How viable any U.S. measures would be depends on one fundamental factor: the EUs ability to act as as a unit on trade policy. Beyond bilateral conflict Taken as a whole, Trumps threat to suspend trade with Spain goes far beyond a dispute between two nations. A measure such as this would undoubtedly affect the European Single Market and, by extension, the EU in its entirety and the continents trade systems. The real question, therefore, is not whether the U.S. could try to put this kind of measure in place, but whether the EU would respond by acting as a unified trading bloc, as stipulated by its own treaties when it comes to dealing with third countries. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has thrown Tucker Carlson out of club MAGA after the conservative podcaster criticized the U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran. The Trump administration is trying hard to sell Operation Epic Fury to the American people, in part by posting promo-style videos of the strikes on social media, but Carlson and others arent buying it. Carlson called Trumps decision to attack Iran absolutely disgusting and evil in a statement to ABC News Jonathan Karl when the strikes began over the weekend. The goal of Operation Epic Fury is to eliminate Iran's ability to threaten Americans, Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads the U.S. Central Command, said Thursday. Trump has claimed that Iran was rebuilding its nuclear program and was planning to attack U.S. forces before the strikes. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has thrown Tucker Carlson from club MAGA after the conservative podcaster criticized the U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran ( Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images ) Carlson said on his podcast Monday, This is Israels war. This is not the United States war. This wars not being waged on behalf of American national security objectives to make the United States safer or richer. This war isnt even about weapons of mass destruction, nukes. Amid Carlsons Iran war criticism, Trump lashed out at the former Fox News host, telling Karl Thursday, Tucker has lost his way. I knew that a long time ago, and he's not MAGA. MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America First, and Tucker is none of those things. And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that, Trump said. The Independent has reached out to Carlsons representatives for comment. Following the presidents comments, Carlson told Statuss Oliver Darcy, There are times I get annoyed with Trump, right now definitely included. He added, But Ill always love him no matter what he says about me. open image in gallery Carlson called Trumps decision to attack Iran absolutely disgusting and evil ( Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images ) Right-wing activist and Trump ally Laura Loomer came to the presidents defense and bashed Carlson Thursday, writing on X, Tucker is actively running interference for the Iranian regime and hes deliberately trying to fracture the America First MAGA base from within. Tucker is a massive liability to the President, and his sick betrayal of our country must be completely EXPOSED AND CONDEMNED! The term America First, on which Trump ran his 2024 presidential campaign, has widely been believed to mean putting the interests of the American people ahead of foreign issues. It has typically been associated with the opposition to new wars. But now, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has defined it as America being the greatest, most unquestioned, unmatched power in the world. The president has made clear that he believes Americas awesome military might should be used to protect and defend Americas interests, Miller told Fox News Sean Hannity Wednesday. America First means America will be the greatest, most unquestioned, unmatched power in the world, and it means we will defend American lives. open image in gallery The U.S. military says it has sunk or destroyed more than 30 Iranian Navy ships and 'relentlessly destroyed Iran's air defenses' ( U.S. Navy via Getty Images ) Trump said in his 2024 election victory speech, Im not going to start a war. Im going to stop wars. Polling indicates that Americans are not happy with the presidents decision to attack Iran. A Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted for NBC News found 54 percent of American voters disapprove of Trumps handling of the situation, and when asked specifically whether the U.S. should have taken military action against Iran, 52 percent said it should not have. In a CNN poll published on Monday, 6 in 10 respondents said that the president lacked a clear plan for handling the situation while a slightly higher amount, 62 percent, said that he should get congressional approval before launching further strikes. Cooper said Thursday the U.S. has sunk or destroyed more than 30 Iranian Navy ships and relentlessly destroyed Iran's air defenses. The commander said the U.S. military is also working to systemically dismantle Iran's missile production capability for the future. Its unclear when Operation Epic Fury will end, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying Thursday, We have only just begun to fight. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Americans wouldnt be wrong to fear retaliatory attacks on the U.S. as part of the war with Iran, according to President Donald Trump. I guess, Trump told TIME when asked if those in the United States should worry about domestic attacks. But I think theyre worried about that all the time, Trump added. We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah, you know, we expect some things. Like I said, some people will die. When you go to war, some people will die." Attacks and plots in the U.S. by foreign adversaries and extremist groups were a common feature during the War on Terror over the first two decades of the 2000s. Critics of the president were alarmed by his comments on Iran. open image in gallery President Trump said attacks on the U.S. are a possibility in the war with Iran, telling an interviewer, When you go to war, some people will die ( Getty Images ) This is deranged and dangerous, Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote on X. Six Americans were killed as part of the conflict when an unmanned aircraft hit a U.S. facility in Kuwait, but so far attacks havent arrived on U.S. shores. The presidents comments were at odds with his administrations confident updates about the war, which have stressed the U.S. domination of Iranian airspace and the weekend strike that killed the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Elsewhere, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday sought to reassure Americans they wouldnt be facing security threats in the U.S., despite the impending departure of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. I don't have any concerns about whether or not the homeland will be covered down on, he said during a press briefing at U.S. Central Command in Florida on Thursday. In addition to the turmoil at DHS, the FBI reportedly fired members of a global counterespionage unit with deep Iran experience in the days before the war broke out as retaliation for their involvement in the Trump classified documents investigation. open image in gallery Six Americans have died so far in the Iran war, including Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa, who was killed in a UAV attack in Kuwait ( Defense Department ) Elsewhere in the TIME interview, President Trump reiterated that the war with Iran has no fixed end date. I have no time limits on anything, he said. I want to get it done. Part of finishing the conflict, Trump said, would mean Iran elevating a new pro-U.S. leader, a process the president insists on being a part of. One of the things Im going to be asking for is the ability to work with them on choosing a new leader, Trump said. Im not going through this to end up with another Khamenei. I want to be involved in the selection. They can select, but we have to make sure its somebody thats reasonable to the United States. The presidents commitment to an open-ended war in Iran involving regime change flies in the face of his campaign commitments to avoid foreign conflicts, and Americans are increasingly souring on the war. A Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted for NBC News found 54 percent of American voters disapprove of Trumps handling of the situation in Iran and 41 percent approve. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Australia has formally lodged concerns with China after an "unsafe and unprofessional" encounter involving military helicopters. The incident, confirmed by Australia's defence department on Friday, saw an Australian military helicopter intercepted by a Chinese counterpart on Wednesday while flying over international waters in the Yellow Sea. The Chinese helicopter matched the Australian aircraft's altitude before "closing in to an unsafe distance", increasing speed and then rolling towards it, requiring the Australian crew to take "evasive action". "This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre that posed a risk to our aircraft and its personnel," the statement said. Australia was undertaking a routine patrol in the Yellow Sea as part of the international effort to enforce United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea, it said. No injuries were reported in the encounter between the People's Liberation Army-Navy helicopter and the aircraft of the Australian Defence Force. The incident is the latest in a series of military encounters involving China that Australia has called out publicly in similar terms. In October, it also criticised as "unsafe and unprofessional" the actions of a Chinese fighter jet that dropped flares near one of its maritime patrol planes. The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least three Australian defence personnel were aboard the US submarine that sank an Iranian warship with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean, countrys prime minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday. The defence personnel were present on the submarine but did not take part in the attack which sank an enemy vessel, Mr Albanese said. A US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, killing dozens of sailors and dramatically widening Washington's pursuit of the Iranian navy. Sri Lanka's deputy foreign minister identified the warship as the frigate IRIS Dena, and said it was heading back to Iran from an eastern Indian port. The attack happened hundreds of miles across the Indian Ocean from the Gulf, where US and Israeli forces are striking Iran and Tehran is retaliating with missile and drone attacks. open image in gallery ( US department of defence ) Speaking to Sky News, Mr Albanese said that Australians were on board as part of training linked to the Aukus defence pact between Australia, the US and the UK in aiding Australia acquire and build nuclear-powered submarines. We wouldn't normally confirm such an issue, but given our [National Security Committee] meetings and the public interest, I can confirm that there were three Australian personnel on board that vessel," the Australian politician said. "These are long-standing third-country arrangements that have been in place for a long period of time, and what they do is ensure that Australian Defence Force personnel, where they are embedded in third countries' defence assets, they act in accordance with Australian law, Australian policy, and that is, of course, taking place across the board, he said. Australia has deployed dozens of its personnel on US fast-attack submarines based out of Pearl Harbour to prepare Australia for acquiring its own nuclear-powered submarines under the Aukus agreement. More than 100 Australian Defence Force personnel are training within the US under the preparation to rotate through. About one in 10 crew members serving on US nuclear-powered attack submarines is an Australian defence personnel, the ADF said, reported ABC News. A close ally of the US, Australia has maintained that it will steer clear from any military role in the major conflict between the US and Iran but will back international efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. open image in gallery Iranian warship IRIS Dena is seen in the Bay of Bengal during International Fleet Review held at Visakhapatnam ( AP ) Mr Albanese said Australia was comfortable with assessing that Iran posed a threat on three levels, responding to a question on implications for international law in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US Navy of committing an an atrocity at sea in sinking the frigate and said on social media on Thursday that the United States will come to bitterly regret the attack. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Canadian backpacker Piper James, 19, died as a result of drowning following a dingo attack in Australia, according to the coroners findings. Her body was found in January on a beach on Kgari, a World Heritage sand island off Queensland, close to the Maheno shipwreck. Police said her body was surrounded by a pack of dingoes, prompting an investigation into the circumstances of her death. Piper died as a result of drowning in the setting of multiple injuries, due to, or as a consequence of a dingo attack, a spokesperson for the Queensland coroners court said. The investigation into Pipers death is ongoing, and no further information can be provided at this time. Earlier, Queensland authorities had euthanised eight of the ten dingoes that had surrounded Jamess body on Kgari formerly known as Fraser Island following her death. Officials had said the animals were part of a pack believed to have surrounded her body and had shown aggressive behaviour. The move angered traditional owners and worried wildlife experts, while a preliminary autopsy had found evidence consistent with drowning, along with injuries consistent with dingo bites. Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death. There are extensive post-mortem dingo bite marks. There is no evidence that any other person was involved, the preliminary autopsy found. Dingoes known as wongari to the Indigenous Butchulla people are sacred and specifically recognised in Kgaris World Heritage listing. There are estimated to be around 70 to 200 dingoes on Kgari, and they are protected under the law. The teenager had been living and working on Kgari for six weeks, employed as a housekeeper at a backpacker campsite alongside a close friend from her hometown in British Columbia. open image in gallery Piper James, Canadian backpacker, was found dead surrounded by dingoes on Kgari, Queensland, Australia ( Todd James ) It breaks my heart we couldnt be there to save her, the teens mother Angela James told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, after the coroners findings. It hurts my heart to think she was screaming for me, her father Todd James said. Its hard to imagine what our baby went through. In the days after her death, Jamess parents remembered her as a kind spirit and an empathetic person. Our hearts are shattered as we share the tragic loss of our beautiful daughter Piper, Todd James, the teens father said on social media. We will always remember her infectious laugh and her kind spirit. I admired her strength and determination to go after her dreams. Her mother, Angela James remembered her as so special. She was just so precious. She was so empathetic. Always worried about other people, she told The Canadian Press. Her daughter was relishing her time in Australia and had fallen in love with Kgari, she said. She was very adventurous. She loved motocross. She loved camping, she loved swimming, and she loved surfing. She wanted to learn to surf, she added. Before travelling overseas, the teenager had spent two summers working with British Columbias wildfire services, something her father said she took immense pride in. The Kfari island is home to about 150 human inhabitants but attracts roughly 400,000 tourists a year. Queensland deputy premier Jarrod Bleijie said Jamess death was horrific but refused to cap the number of tourists to the island. Activists have said that overtourism is possibly one of the reasons for aggressive dingo behaviour. Our thoughts and prayers and feelings are all for the family, Mr Bleijie said. Fraser Island is the most amazing destination in the world and absolutely well keep encouraging people to go there. He, however, said that educating visitors about the dangers posed by dingoes was important and added that were certainly not putting caps on tourists to go to Fraser Island. The last reported fatal dingo attack on Kgari was in 2001, when nine-year-old Clinton Gage fell near a campsite and was attacked, prompting authorities to cull about 30 dingoes. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Thrasivoulos Marakis grew up hearing stories about the grandfather he was named after but who he never met about how the tall man was executed during Nazi reprisals in Greece during World War II. For decades, the only image Marakis had of his grandfather came from a worn family portrait picture. But last month another photograph emerged. An online auction contained a photograph showing his grandfather walking calmly toward a firing squad alongside other prisoners. The image shook the Marakis family and has stirred powerful emotions across Greece, where the execution of 200 prisoners by Nazi occupation forces on May 1, 1944 remains one of the countrys most poignant symbols of wartime resistance. For Marakis, the photographs carry a deeply personal meaning. They went to their deaths with their heads held high so that we could be free today, he said. On Thursday, the Culture Ministry presented the chilling photographs of the execution the first verified images ever made public after purchasing the collection from a private collector in Belgium. open image in gallery Photographs showing the final moments of Greek prisoners before their execution by Nazi forces at the Kaisariani firing range in Athens on May 1, 1944, are presented at Greece's Culture Ministry after the state acquired the wartime archive, in Athens on Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Marakis, who lives on the island of Crete, said he recognized the tall, broad-shouldered man at the front of one group sleeves rolled up, striding forward with his head held high as his grandfather, 40-year-old dairy farmer Thrasivoulos Kalafatakis. He showed the image to elderly relatives and their friends, including a 97-year-old woman who lives locally. That's when I got the final confirmation, he told The Associated Press. It was very moving for the family deeply, deeply moving. The photograph shows prisoners walking under guard toward the Kaisariani firing range in Athens, where they were executed in groups of 20 in a reprisal for a resistance ambush that killed a German commander in southern Greece. open image in gallery Greece's Culture Minister Lina Mendoni speaks during a press conference in Athens on Thursday, March 5, 2026, where material showing the final moments of Greek prisoners before their execution by Nazi forces at the Kaisariani firing range on May 1, 1944, was presented after the state acquired the wartime archive. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The Greek government purchased the archive from a Belgian collector for 100,000 euros ($115,700). It includes 262 photographs taken by German Wehrmacht lieutenant Hermann Heuer, who was stationed in Greece in 194344, along with wartime banknotes and press clippings from the period. Presenting the material in Athens, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the images provide powerful documentation of Nazi occupation policies and restore individual identities to victims long known mainly through written accounts. The value of this collection is immense, Mendoni said. The photographs...are priceless, because they give a face and a visual dimension to historical testimonies. What matters is how the Greeks faced the Nazi system with courage, she added. Several photographs show the prisoners final moments. One series depicts trucks transporting detainees along dirt roads from the Haidari prison camp outside Athens to the firing range east of the city center. Another image shows the men entering the shooting range, where piles of coats are stacked near the gate. Valentin Schneider, a researcher at the University of Athens Department of History and Archaeology who helped verify the images, said the detail was significant. Most likely it was on the orders of the German army, Schneider said. To make the bullets penetrate more easily, they asked them to remove their coats and heavy clothing. open image in gallery Photographs showing the final moments of Greek prisoners before their execution by Nazi forces at the Kaisariani firing range in Athens on May 1, 1944, are presented by Greece's Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, second right, after the state acquired the wartime archive, in Athens on Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Other photographs capture moments rarely documented: one shows the instant the shots are fired, while another depicts the executed prisoners lying on the ground, all fallen backward. Historians say such visual records are extremely rare. During the Nazi occupation of Greece from 1941 to 1944, German commanders frequently ordered executions of hostages or civilians after resistance attacks. Many of the prisoners killed at Kaisariani had been arrested years earlier by Greeces prewar authoritarian government for communist political activity and remained imprisoned when German forces occupied the country. The 200 prisoners were shot in response to the ambush and killing of a Germany military commander in southern Greece by resistance fighters. The archive also reveals another side of the German officer who took the photographs. Among the images are scenes from Heuer's private life including swimming near Athens, visiting the Acropolis and spending time with his family after returning to Germany. open image in gallery A man walks through a memorial site at the Kaisariani Shooting Range in the Kaisariani suburb of Athens, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, where 200 Greek communist political prisoners were executed by Nazi forces on May 1, 1944. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Stavroula Fotopoulou, the head of the Culture Ministrys department of antiquities and cultural heritage, said the photographs reflected a broader system encouraged by the Nazi regime. They created a powerful propaganda machine, not only with professional photographers in the propaganda units, but by encouraging everyone soldiers and their families to take photographs, she said. Why? So these images could be sent back home and build the impression of the Wehrmachts successes. Mendoni said the official identification of people shown in the photographs will begin immediately. Digital copies will be provided to families of the victims as well as institutions and museums that request them. In that moment, the Greeks and these people in particular showed true greatness, Mendoni said. They reacted with bravery and dignity. That's what we must hold on to. Marakis said the images show his grandfather stood by his beliefs and his ideology. He never renounced them He added: If he had renounced them, he would have lived longer. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Iceland's government wants to hold a referendum in August on whether to restart membership talks with the European Union, more than a decade after getting cold feet about joining the bloc. The Cabinet approved a resolution on Friday calling for a 29 August vote on resuming accession talks, national broadcaster RUV reported. The proposal must be approved by Iceland's parliament, the Althingi, before the vote can happen. The decision for the fiercely independent Arctic island nation with a population of just 400,000 comes as concerns grow about geopolitical instability and economic pressures. Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir's center-left coalition government, elected in 2024, had said it wanted to hold a vote by 2027, but sped up that timetable after US President Donald Trump threatened to take over neighbouring Greenland. Trump several times referred to Greenland as Iceland during a heated international spat about the presidents aim of acquiring the vast Arctic territory. The rising cost of living, Russias war in Ukraine, and trans-Atlantic tensions have also contributed to growing concerns about Iceland's security. The volcanic island nation has no army and relies on Nato and a bilateral defense agreement with the United States. For decades, Iceland avoided seeking EU membership because it was concerned it would be forced to share its rich North Atlantic fishing grounds with boats from other European nations. It applied to join the bloc in 2009, after the countrys debt-burdened banking sector collapsed during the 2008 global financial crisis. Talks were suspended in 2013, when a center-right government came to power, and they formally ended in 2015. Iceland participates in the EUs single market through the European Economic Area, and is part of the Schengen free-travel zone. Ten countries are currently in accession talks with the EU, with Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and Ukraine at the top of the list. Joining the bloc requires a years-long process run by the European Commission assessing 35 sets of criteria from transparency and financial systems to fisheries, transport networks, agricultural regulations, and freedoms like speech and religion. All current EU member nations must unanimously agree to admit the applicant. Hungary has threatened to veto Ukraines accession. ___ Associated Press writer Sam McNeil in Brussels contributed to this report. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani has dissolved parliament and called for snap elections, following politicians failure to elect a new head of state within the constitutional deadline. The move plunges Europe's youngest nation, which harbours aspirations to join the European Union, deeper into political uncertainty. Parliament had until midnight on Thursday to choose a president before Ms Osmani's term concludes in April. However, opposition parties refused to participate in the vote, a decision that, under the Balkan country's law, automatically triggers fresh parliamentary elections. This latest development extends a protracted political deadlock in Kosovo, which saw no functioning government for much of 2025 due to a fractured parliament unable to elect a speaker for months. The upcoming vote will mark the third election in just over a year, following a snap election held on 28 December after a previous poll failed to form a government. Vjosa Osmani says the country needs stability ( AFP via Getty Images ) Ms Osmani said: A parliament that cannot elect a president cannot continue indefinitely to drag out the process as is being attempted. No one should wish for another political cycle, especially at this moment when the country needs stability. Ms Osmani is scheduled to meet with political parties on Friday to determine a date for the new elections. A decisive victory for Prime Minister Albin Kurti's Vetevendosje party in December had initially been seen as a potential end to the stalemate. At the time, many political analysts anticipated that the opposition would participate in the presidential vote. However, despite Vetevendosje securing enough seats to form a government, it failed to gain the necessary opposition support to elect a president. Opposition parties have demanded a consensual candidate, while Mr Kurti has put forward his foreign minister, Glauk Konjufca. A former Serbian province, Kosovo declared independence in 2008 following a 1998-99 war that ended after a US-led Nato intervention. Serbia does not recognise the split and tensions have simmered ever since. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The US and South Korean militaries are discussing moving some of the American Patriot missile defence systems based in South Korea to be used in the war against Iran. South Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun on Friday was responding to a question at a parliamentary hearing and said the two nations were working closely together. The decision on the deployment of weapons and military personnel would be made on a case-by-case basis, he said. Earlier reports said the US troops stationed in South Korea relocated their Patriot missile defence batteries to Osan Air Base from other US bases, in signs that US Forces Korea (USFK) could deploy part of its critical air-defence assets to the Middle East as the conflict escalates. On Thursday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said more than 800 Patriot missiles have been used in just three days of fighting in the Middle East by the US forces. This, he said, is more than Ukraine has received from the US throughout the time of entire Russian invasion since February 2022. "Ukraine has never had this many missiles to repel attacks. More than 800 have been used over the past three days alone," Zelensky said, in a sign that US air defences were operating at a high volume. Zelensky added that Ukraine first faced Iranian Shahed drones in 2022 and used everything it had to fight these Russian drone attacks. But added that "everyone understands that Patriot (missiles) are not enough. open image in gallery President Trump meets with Nato secretary general Mark Rutte at the White House ( REUTERS ) In July last year, president Donald Trump said the US would send an undisclosed number of Patriots to Kyiv, and that the European Union would pay for them. Volodymyr Zelensky has asked for more defensive capabilities, among them Patriot systems and missiles, to fend off daily missile and drone attacks from Russia. Here, The Independent looks at what Patriot missiles are, and why it is important to Ukraine: What is the Patriot system? The Patriot, short for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, is a mobile surface-to-air missile defence system developed by Raytheon Technologies. It is considered one of the most advanced air defence systems in the US arsenal, and it has been in service since the 1980s. A typical battery includes radar and control systems, a power unit, launchers, and support vehicles. open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky in front of a Patriot anti-aircraft missile system ( Getty Images ) The system can intercept aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, depending on the interceptor used. The US batteries are regularly deployed around the world. Patriots are also operated or being purchased by the Netherlands, Germany, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Taiwan and Greece, among other countries. How does the Patriot work? The system has different capabilities depending on the type of interceptor used. The earlier PAC-2 interceptor uses a blast-fragmentation warhead that detonates in the vicinity of a target, while the PAC-3 family of missiles uses more accurate technology that hits the target directly. It is not clear what kind of Patriot systems have been donated to Ukraine, but it is likely that Kyiv has at least some of the newer PAC-3 CRI interceptors. open image in gallery The Patriot is a mobile surface-to-air missile defence system developed by Raytheon Technologies ( Reuters ) The system's radar has a range of over 150 km, according to Nato. The Patriot was not originally designed to intercept hypersonic missiles, and its developer, Raytheon, has not yet confirmed if it can do so. But, in May 2023, the US confirmed Ukraine had used it to shoot down a Russian Kinzhal missile, which Moscow claims is hypersonic. Since January 2015, the Patriot has intercepted more than 150 ballistic missiles in combat operations, Raytheon says on its website. How much does it cost? A newly produced single Patriot battery costs over $1bn (746m), including $400m (298m) for the system and $690m (515m) for the missiles in a battery, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Patriot interceptors are estimated to cost around $4 million per missile, CSIS says. Why does Ukraine want more Patriots? Kyiv has frequently asked Western allies for more air defences to protect critical infrastructure and civilian areas from frequent Russian missile and drone attacks. While effective at intercepting missiles and aircraft, Patriots are a costly way to shoot down low-budget drones. Still, Ukrainian officials say they are essential to defending key targets from Russia's escalating long-range attacks. Russia says it sees the supply of Patriots as a direct escalation. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier this year that supplying more systems to Ukraine would delay the chances of peace. Zelensky criticises US easing sanctions on Russia's oil On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice European leaders have condemned Donald Trumps decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil as Vladimir Putin's forces continued to bombard Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia fired 430 drones and nearly 70 missiles in a massive attack overnight into Saturday morning. He said the strikes primarily targeted Kyiv's energy infrastructure but hit a host of other civilian buildings, killing at least four people. Poland briefly scrambled its jets in response. Earlier, Trump issued a 30-day waiver on war-related sanctions to allow countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products. Zelensky warned the move could divert as much as $10bn to Putin's war chest. European Council president Antonio Costa called it "very concerning", and German chancellor Friedrich Merz criticised it as the "wrong" decision. Zelensky expressed frustration over waning attention on the Ukraine war amid the crisis with Iran, saying it was understandable that the attention of the world is moving to the Middle East" but that "it's not good for us". On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice About 100,000 people have fled to shelters in Lebanon and the number of displaced is expected to rapidly increase following "unprecedented" Israeli warnings ordering people out of large parts of the country, a senior U.N. official said on Friday. With war raging between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Israeli military on Thursday ordered residents out of Beirut's southern suburbs, including areas controlled by the Iran-backed group, as well as parts of the eastern Bekaa Valley, after ordering people out of a swathe of south Lebanon on Wednesday. "What we saw in the last couple of days is, I would say ... unprecedented in terms of the scale here in Lebanon of the warnings, the displacement orders, and the reaction, the panic also, that this has all created," Imran Riza, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, told Reuters. "At the moment, there are about 100,000 people that are, as of this morning, in some 477 collective shelters. There are some 57 shelters that still have some space, but basically the capacity is being reached very, very quickly," Riza said. Noting the panic and gridlock caused by the Israeli displacement orders, Riza said: "We had people moving all over the place and not knowing where to go to. So yes, I think we're going to have an increased number quite quickly," he said. open image in gallery Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) He noted that more than a million people were uprooted in Lebanon during a war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2024, 75-80% of whom were not in shelters. "This time again, the majority will not be in shelters probably," he said. Israeli attacks against Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah group will likely continue after its joint air war with the U.S. against Iran ends, a source briefed on Israel's military strategy told Reuters, describing the two fronts as unconnected. Israel warned Lebanon before the war that it would strike the country hard if Hezbollah, the most powerful of Iran's regional proxies, gets involved. On Monday, Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel, sparking Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and Lebanon's east and south. According to reports, the war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 100 in Lebanon, around a dozen in Israel and six US troops. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice United States military investigators believe that US forces were likely responsible for a strike on an Iranian girls school that killed dozens of children, two officials say. However, they have not yet reached a final conclusion or completed their investigation. The Shajareh Tayyebeh girls school in Minab was struck on Saturday, during the first day of US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Iran's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said that the strike killed 150 students. That toll could not be independently verified. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed that the US military is investigating the incident. Journalists have been unable to determine more details about the investigation, including what type of munition was used, why the US might have struck the school, or what evidence contributed to the tentative assessment that the country was behind the strike. open image in gallery Mourners carry a coffin for one of the children killed in an apparent strike on a girls school ( AP ) It is also not clear how much longer the investigation will last, or what evidence investigators are seeking before the assessment can be completed. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters, did not rule out the possibility that new evidence could emerge that absolves the US of responsibility and points to another responsible party in the incident. The Pentagon referred questions to the US militarys Central Command, whose spokesperson, Captain Timothy Hawkins, said: It would be inappropriate to comment given the incident is under investigation. The White House did not directly comment on the investigation, but press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement: While the Department of War is currently investigating this matter, the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America. open image in gallery People sift through the rubble after the apparent strike Asked about the incident during a news briefing on Wednesday, Hegseth said: Were investigating that. We, of course, never target civilian targets. But were taking a look and investigating that. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Monday that the United States would not deliberately target a school. "The Department of War would be investigating that if that was our strike, and I would refer your question to them," he said. Israeli and US forces have until now divided their attacks in Iran both geographically and by target type, a senior Israeli official and a source with direct knowledge of the joint planning said. While Israel has been striking missile launch sites in western Iran, the United States was attacking such targets, as well as naval ones, in the south. open image in gallery These satellite images show the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school in Minab, Iran, before (above) and after being struck amid the US-Israeli conflict ( Planet Labs PBC ) The UN human rights office, without saying who it believed was responsible for the strike on the school, called on Tuesday for an investigation. "The onus is on the forces that carried out the attack to investigate it," spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told a press briefing in Geneva. Images of the girls' funeral on Tuesday were shown on Iranian state television. Their small coffins were draped with Iranian flags and passed from a truck across a large crowd towards the grave site. Deliberately attacking a school or hospital or any other civilian structure would likely be a war crime under international humanitarian law. If a US role were to be confirmed, the strike would rank among the worst cases of civilian casualties in decades of US conflicts in the Middle East. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice News that a United States submarine had torpedoed and sunk the Iranian warship IRIS Dena about 40 nautical miles off Sri Lanka this week took many observers by surprise. An attack like this so far from the Persian Gulf and in a key trade route connecting China to the Middle East suggests the arena of this war may be widening. But the incident also highlights something rarely well understood outside military and legal circles: the law of naval warfare. Many have wondered: was this attack lawful? And who was under an obligation to rescue survivors? When does the law of naval warfare apply? The law of naval warfare is a subset of the law of armed conflict. open image in gallery An injured Iranian sailor who survived the US torpedo attack is taken to hospital in Sri Lanka on Wednesday ( AFP/Getty ) The law of naval warfare sets out permissions and protections for combatants, civilians and neutral actors engaged in conflict at sea. Importantly, it applies regardless of whether the resort to force was lawful. In other words, youre supposed to follow the law of the sea even if your whole justification for war in the first place isnt legal under international law. Whats more, the conduct of operations at sea is regulated by the law of naval warfare whether or not war has been formally declared. The law of naval warfare also takes precedence over the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (where the two come into tension). This reflects the principle of lex specialis in international law, meaning the more specific body of law applies. These rules have developed over centuries as states sought to regulate the conduct of conflict at sea while still allowing navies to operate effectively. So, was it legal for the US to sink the Iranian warship? Yes, it was a lawful target. Under the law of naval warfare, warships belonging to a state engaged in an international armed conflict are military objectives by nature. The rules say they may be lawfully targeted. Such attacks may occur on the high seas or within the 12 nautical mile territorial waters of the states that are party to the international armed conflict (the belligerents). This means, effectively, that such an attack could happen anywhere outside the 12 nautical mile territorial waters of neutral states. If the Iranian warship was within Sri Lankan waters (that is, within 12 nautical miles of the Sri Lankan coast) at the time, the attack wouldnt have been lawful. About the author Jennifer Parker is an Adjunct Professor at the Defence and Security Institute, The University of Western Australia; UNSW Sydney. This article was first published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article. But in this case, IRIS Dena was reportedly operating outside Sri Lankas territorial waters and therefore constitutes a lawful military target. What does the law say about rescue of survivors? The law of naval warfare also sets out obligations regarding the rescue of survivors. Under the Second Geneva Convention of 1949, parties to a conflict must after each engagement take all possible measures to search for and collect the shipwrecked, wounded and sick. These rules apply to naval warfare and require belligerents, so far as military circumstances permit, to assist survivors at sea. In practice, however, submarines face particular challenges in fulfilling this obligation. Surfacing to rescue survivors may expose them to significant risk. You also cant usually fit a large number of survivors on a submarine. If a submarine cannot safely surface to rescue survivors, it may instead facilitate rescue by reporting their location to other vessels or authorities. open image in gallery Injured Iranian sailors at Galle National Hospital following a submarine attack on the Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena ( Reuters ) This practice has been noted in some key legal commentary on submarine warfare. The swift response of the Sri Lankan navy, which rescued 32 sailors from IRIS Dena, suggests authorities were informed quickly of the incident. (Sri Lankan officials say 87 bodies were also retrieved.) How Sri Lankan authorities were informed is not yet clear, but it seems likely the US navy transmitted the location of the survivors. Given the damage suffered by IRIS Dena and the reported casualties, the ships crew was unlikely to have been able to transmit their location themselves. This may also explain why early reports suggested a submarine had sunk the vessel, before the US confirmed its involvement. It is also unlikely the crew of IRIS Dena would have immediately known they had been struck by a submarine-launched torpedo. Such a torpedo would typically be fired from very far away, beyond the detection range of a ships hull-mounted sonar. A lawful military target While debate continues over the legal justification for the United States entering the conflict with Iran, the conduct of hostilities at sea is nonetheless governed by the law of naval warfare. Under that framework, IRIS Dena therefore constitutes a lawful military target, and efforts to facilitate the rescue of survivors are consistent with those obligations. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran has paralysed the Middle East with war spilling over to multiple countries in the region. Retaliatory strikes have seen several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, and Iraq hit following the attacks, as Iran has threatened its most intense offensive operation against US bases. Civilian targets in the Gulf, including hotels and airports, have also been struck, with no sign of an end to the war in sight. On Tuesday US secretary of defense Pete Hegseth promised the heaviest day of bombardment yet as the Iranian establishment remains defiant that it will not give in. A number of countries outside of the Middle East have also been impacted, with drones entering their airspace or engagements at sea. Which countries have been targeted? US-Israeli attacks on Iran War broke out on Saturday February 28, with Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei among the early casualties. The large-scale military attack by the US and Israel aimed at bringing down Irans nuclear programme and removing the countrys leadership. Since then, strikes on Iran have continued to target several key military sites and government buildings across the country. At least 175 people, mostly children, were killed in an attack on a girls primary school in Minab, Iranian authorities said. This prompted outrage from rights groups and the UN, which called for an investigation into the horrific incident. open image in gallery An attack on a girls school in Minab has sparked outrage ( Planet Labs PBC ) The school was adjacent to Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps buildings, which were also flattened in the onslaught. The US says it is investigating the attack as the United Nations expressed serious concern about the reports. Fighting broke new ground on Sunday, as Israel attacked Irans energy infrastructure, hitting a major fuel depot. Apocalyptic images emerging from the scene showed the devastating after-effects of the blast including plumes of black smoke, acid rain, and toxic fumes across Tehran. Outside of the Middle East, a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday 4 March, killing at least 87 Iranian soldiers. Iranian attacks on Israel The Iranian military has continued to launch missiles and drones at Israel, which have struck civilian targets, according to Israeli authorities. Nine people were killed in Beit Shemesh on Sunday 1 March after a missile evaded Israeli air defences, the local ambulance service said. Eleven people have been killed in Israel so far, according to the countrys authorities. President Masoud Pezeshkian said that avenging the US-Israeli attacks was its legitimate right and duty. Irans army said on Tuesday 10 March that it had targeted oil refineries and fuel storage in Haifa with drones in retaliation to attacks on oil depots in Iran, according to the Tasnim news agency. The US military has said that Iranian attacks have dropped significantly over recent days. open image in gallery Rescue workers and military personnel operate at the scene where several people were killed in an Iranian missile strike in Beit Shemesh, Israel ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Israeli attacks on Lebanon Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified along the border of Lebanon in spite of a fragile Qatar-mediated ceasefire negotiated in November 2024. The militant group sought to avenge the death of Ayatollah Khamenei and launched an attack on Israel after the initial US-Israeli strikes. It said it fired rockets and drones "in retaliation for the pure blood of... Ayatollah Imam Sayyid Ali al-Husseini Khamenei... and in defence of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the repeated Israeli attacks" in a statement released on Monday 2 March. open image in gallery Smoke rise from an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon ( AP ) Israel pounded southern Lebanon and the countrys capital Beirut in return. It said on Monday 2 March that strikes on Beirut had killed Hussein Makled, whom it called the head of Hezbollahs intelligence headquarters. Human Rights Watch reported that Israel had used white phosphorous, an incendiary weapon, over civilian homes in Lebanon in a report released on Monday 9 March. The chemical substance can burn skin down to the bone and set buildings on fire. As of Monday, at least 400 people have been killed and over 1,000 injured, according to the countrys health ministry. The UNs refugee agency declared a major humanitarian crisis after over 500,000 were reported displaced. Iranian attacks on Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman Iran has attacked several US military bases across the Gulf in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes, causing mayhem across the region. The countries have been forced to deploy their armed forces in order to intercept aircraft headed into their airspace. Airlines and global travel have been disrupted. On Saturday 28 February, Iran launched a missile attack on the US Navys 5th Fleet service centre in Bahrain several residential buildings in Manama were also struck in the attacks. The IRGC said it targeted four US bases including Al Udeid air base in Qatar, Ali Al Salem in Kuwait, Al Dhafra in the UAE as well as the 5th Fleet service centre. Several American warplanes were also struck down in Kuwait, which were later confirmed to be a result of friendly fire. The Palm Hotel in Dubai was also hit and a fire broke out after debris reportedly fell from the sky during an Iranian missile attack on the same day. One person died and seven were injured at Dubai International Airport after an incident. In Oman, a country that had been at the centre of meditation talks, the Duqm commercial port was struck in a drone attack on Sunday 1 March. An oil tanker off the coast of Oman was also hit, with four people injured and 20 forced to be evacuated. The UAE, which also houses US military bases, has reported several strikes, with one person dead and several injured after an attack on Zayed International Airport on 1 March. open image in gallery Kuwait government building engulfed by flames after reported drone attack ( Social media ) On Tuesday 3 March, the US embassy in Saudi Arabias capital of Riyadh was hit by two drones causing a limited fire. A day later on Wednesday 4 March, the Aramco oil refinery in Ras Tanura was hit by an Iranian strike. Despite President Pezeshkian issuing an apology to surrounding countries impacted by the fighting on Saturday, sparking backlash from other Iranian leaders. However, fighting has continued despite the statement. Two people were killed in Saudi Arabia after a projectile fell on a residential building on Sunday. On Monday 9 March, Qatar said it had intercepted at least 17 ballistic missiles headed to the country. A Pakistani taxi driver who was still working amid the bombing in Dubai was killed after his car was crushed by a piece of falling debris on Sunday 8 March. Attacks have also been reported in Iraq, Syria and Jordan. Azerbaijan and Turkey The conflict has been creeping closer to Europe with Azerbaijan and Turkey impacted by drones over the last week. On Thursday 5 March, Azerbaijan accused Iran of carrying out a drone strike on its territory. President Ilham Aliyev blamed the country for carrying out a groundless act of terror and aggression, and said his military has been told to prepare and implement retaliatory measures. open image in gallery Police check vehicles on the road leading to RAF Akrotiri, a British sovereign base in Cyprus, which was hit by an unmanned drone overnight, causing limited damage, Cyprus March 2, 2026. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou ( REUTERS ) Irans general staff of the armed forces denied it had launched a drone toward Azerbaijan's territory on Monday. Reports also suggested that missiles had been launched by Iran towards Turkey on Wednesday 4 March, claims the Islamic Republic has denied. A second ballistic missile was shot down by Nato air defences in Turkish airspace on Monday 9 March with no casualties reported. Strait of Hormuz open image in gallery The Galaxy Globe bulk carrier and the Luojiashan tanker sit anchored as Iran vows to close the Strait of Hormuz ( Reuters ) At least ten vessels have been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route that has been largely closed due to the ongoing fighting. Hundreds of ships are reported to have been anchored around the region in an effort to avoid being hit. Hundreds of barrels of oil are reportedly being held up with oil prices surging to over $100 a barrel. Cyprus open image in gallery Blasts were heard in Bahrain on Saturday morning ( REUTERS ) The UK confirmed that strikes hit the RAF Akrotiri air base, targeting its runway, on Sunday 1 March. On Monday 2 March, it was confirmed that a further two drones had been intercepted. The UK has sent a warship and helicopters with counter-drone technology to defend the base. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The US and Israel attacked Iran last Saturday in what US president Donald Trump said was an expansive operation to destroy the countrys military capabilities and eliminate the threat of it creating a nuclear weapon. Irans foreign ministry said it would defend its homeland as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps initiated counterattacks, launching drones and missiles at Israel. Further strikes were launched at US military installations in countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE and Qatar. The spiralling conflict has now spread beyond the region, dragging in Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, and Turkey amid fears that the major conflict could drag on for weeks. It follows weeks of pressure from Trump on Tehran to make a deal to constrain its nuclear programme. In the lead-up to the strikes, Washington built up a significant fleet of warships near Iran. open image in gallery The US and Israel attacked Iran Saturday in what Donald Trump said was an operation to remove the threat of Iran developing a nuclear weapon ( PA Wire ) The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in January to bolster the number of warships in the region. The worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, and four accompanying destroyers were also dispatched from the Caribbean. At least 165 people were reported killed at a girls school in southern Iran in the Israeli-US strikes, according to Irans state-run IRNA news agency. Shrapnel from an Iranian missile attack on the capital of the UAE killed one person, state media said. 28 Feb: Ayatollahs compound was one of the first targets Israel announced it had launched an attack on Iran shortly after explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday morning. One of the first strikes hit near the offices of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It wasnt immediately clear where Khamenei was at the time, as he hadnt been seen for days. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that Khamenei and president Masoud Pezeshkian were alive as far as I know though President Trump later said the Ayatollah had died in the attacks. This was then confirmed by Iran state media later on. Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said the attacks had been conducted to remove threats. Sirens were heard across Israel to warn the public about possible incoming missile strikes. open image in gallery The strikes came after Trump pressured Tehran for a deal to constrain its nuclear programme ( AFP via Getty ) Iran strikes back at Israel and US bases Later on Saturday, Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the US Navys 5th Fleet headquarters in the island kingdom. Witnesses heard sirens and explosions in Kuwait, home to US Army Central. Explosions could also be heard in Qatar, where Al Udeid Air Base hosts thousands of service members. Iraq and the United Arab Emirates closed their airspace, and sirens sounded in Jordan. An apartment building in northern Israel was damaged and shrapnel fell in multiple sites, according to media and police. But Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said there had been no significant hits in Israel and rescue services said there were no injuries reported from missile barrages across the country. Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, meanwhile, have vowed to resume attacks on Red Sea shipping routes and on Israel, according to two senior Houthi officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. 28 Feb: Trump tells Iranians to topple their government It took over an hour for Trump to make an official announcement on the US involvement in what he termed major combat operations. In an eight-minute video on social media, Trump indicated the US was striking for reasons far beyond the nuclear programme, listing grievances stretching back to the beginning of the Islamic Republic following a revolution in 1979 that turned Iran from one of Americas closest allies in the Middle East into a fierce foe. Trump told Iranians to take cover but urged them to later rise up and topple the Islamic leadership. When we are finished, take over your government, Trump said. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations. open image in gallery Smoke rises after an Israeli strike on Beiruts southern suburbs, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel on Monday ( Reuters ) 28 Feb: Fighting grounds flights and disrupts commercial air travel The fighting has disrupted air travel in the region. Israel and the UAE, home to both the long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, closed their airspace Saturday. Qatar Airways Group said it has temporarily cancelled flights to and from Doha because Qatari airspace also was closed. Planes en route to Israel were rerouted to other airports. Virgin Atlantic cancelled its flight from Londons Heathrow Airport to Dubai and said it would avoid flying over Iraq, meaning flights to and from India, the Maldives, Dubai and Riyadh could take slightly longer. Virgin Atlantic said all flights would carry appropriate fuel in case they need to reroute on short notice. Turkish Airlines said on X that flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan will be suspended until Monday and flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Oman will be suspended on Saturday. Dutch airline KLM previously said it was suspending Tel Aviv flights starting Sunday. 1 March: UK gives US permission to use RAF bases Meanwhile, at the end of the weekend, Sir Keir Starmer dramatically changed his mind over giving the Americans permission to use RAF bases in Cyprus to tackle the growing threat from Iran. In a late statement on Sunday evening, the prime minister insisted he was giving permission for the limited specific defensive purpose of defending UK and US allies across the Middle East as Iran continues to lash out. It follows defence secretary John Healey revealing that two Iranian missiles were aimed in the direction of Cyprus where the UK has bases. Mr Trump later said he was disappointed in the delay over the decision from Sir Keir. A drone hit the British RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus on Sunday with two more intercepted on Monday. Sir Keir Starmer said this was not in response to any decision that we have taken but was launched before Britains announcement that it would allow America to use its bases. Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon, Sir Keir defended the UKs deliberate decision not to join in with the wave of strikes by the US and Israel on Iran at the weekend, saying: It is my duty to judge what is in Britains national interest. That is what Ive done, and I stand by it. 2 March: War widens to include Tehran-backed militias Iran and Iranian-backed militias have fired missiles at Israel and Arab states, reportedly hitting the American embassy compound in Kuwait, while Israel and the United States pounded targets in Iran as the war in the Middle East expanded on Monday. The Iranian Red Crescent Society said the US-Israeli airstrike campaign has killed 555 people so far in Iran so far. As the American and Israeli airstrikes continued, top Iranian security official Ali Larijani vowed on X that we will not negotiate with the United States. Blasts were reported in Jerusalem, Dubai, Abu Dhabi in UAE, Doha in Qatar, and Manama in Bahrain as the conflict entered its third day. open image in gallery The entrance of RAF Akrotiri, a British sovereign base in Cyprus, which was hit by an unmanned drone ( Reuters ) 2 March: US embassy hit in Kuwait as American death toll rises Smoke was seen rising from the vicinity of the US embassy in Kuwait, according to witnesses, and the US consulate urged Americans to not come to the embassy. Three American troops were killed and five are seriously injured, the US military said, confirming its first casualties in the conflict. A fourth American service member was confirmed dead later on Monday. President Trump has suggested the conflict with Iran could go on for the next four weeks after the US president earlier said that operations are ahead of schedule. The chaos of the conflict was further highlighted on Monday when the US military said Kuwait had shot down three American F-15E Strike Eagles during a friendly fire incident. US Central Command said all six pilots ejected safely and are in a stable condition. open image in gallery Workers evacuate the area around Saudi Aramco's Ras Tanura oil refinery as smoke rises following a reported Iranian drone strike in Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, on Monday ( Social media ) 2 March: Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah exchange fire Meanwhile, Israel launched a wave of missile and drone attacks on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut in Lebanon on Monday and ordered evacuations. Israeli defence minister Israel Katz has warned that Lebanons Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem is now a target for elimination. It comes after the group fired at Israel in retaliation for killing Irans supreme leader. 3 March: Death toll continues to climb as fears of protracted regional war grow The Iranian Red Crescent Society said on Tuesday the US-Israeli operation has killed at least 555 people. In Israel, where several locations were hit by Iranian missiles, 11 people were killed. Israel's retaliatory strikes against Hezbollah killed 52 people in Lebanon. The US military has now confirmed six deaths of American service members. Three people were killed in the United Arab Emirates, and one each in Kuwait and Bahrain. The latest death tolls come a day after US defense secretary Pete Hegseth said the conflict is not endless as he held the Trump administration's first news briefing since strikes were launched on Saturday. He insisted Iran had a gun to our head as he defended the joint US-Israeli attacks that sparked the widening conflict, amid growing concerns it could spiral into a protracted regional war. The UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia are now among the nations struck in retaliatory attacks. And president Trump warned later on Monday that the worst is yet to come. We havent even started hitting them hard, he told CNN. The big wave hasnt even happened. The big one is coming soon. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, claimed he and Mr Trump are saving the world from the threat of Iran. The conflict is already having a global economic impact with oil prices shooting up in response to the crisis. open image in gallery The crash of a US F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet in Kuwait on the third day of Iranian strikes against countries in the region that host US bases ( UGC ) 3 March: US embassy in Saudi Arabia hit as Israel ramps up operations in Lebanon Iran struck the US embassy in Saudi Arabia's capital with a drone early on Tuesday as it kept hitting targets around the region. The US State Department ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family in Kuwait following the attack there, as well as Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar and Jordan as a precaution. Meanwhile, Israel and the US continued to pound Iran with airstrikes on Tuesday, targeting nuclear facilities and missile infrastructure in particular. In Lebanon, Israel launched more strikes on Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group, and said its soldiers are operating in southern Lebanon. Explosions could be heard and smoke seen in a southern suburb of Beirut. 4 March: War spreads beyond Middle East Iran was forced to deny attacking Turkey after a ballistic missile entered the Nato countrys airspace, threatening to further spread the conflict beyond the Middle East. It was the first time Nato air defences were used since the conflict in the Middle East began, raising significant fears of a major expansion in the war. US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and Israeli strikes on Lebanon, continue into their fifth day. Images showed buildings reduced to rubble in Beirut by huge Israeli strikes, which by Wednesday had killed dozens of people. Elsewhere, a US submarine sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, killing at least 87 people. CENTCOM said in a statement it had "struck or sunk to the bottom of the ocean" more than 20 Iranian ships, including the warship sunk off Sri Lanka in the first such action by a US submarine since World War Two. 5 March: Azerbaijan dragged into the conflict As Iran, Israel and the US traded strikes for a sixth day, another country was dragged into the war. Azerbaijan accused Iran of firing drones at its territory and ordered its southern airspace closed for 12 hours. Two drones landed on an airport and near a school, and Azerbaijans government warned the attack would not remain unanswered. open image in gallery A drone strikes an airport in Azerbaijan ( Social media ) Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has started offloading the 208-member crew of a second Iranian vessel off its coast on Thursday, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said, a day after Wednesdays attack by the US on an Iranian warship. In Iran, at least 1,230 people have been killed, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, including 175 schoolgirls and staff killed at a primary school in Minab in the country's south on the first day of the war. 6 March: Israeli attacks on Lebanon intensify again Israel said it has launched a wave of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Beirut's southern suburbs, where it instructed thousands of people to evacuate. Explosions and flashes lit up the night sky over Beirut's southern suburbs. The Israeli military said it had carried out 26 waves of strikes overnight in the southern suburbs, saying targets included Iran-backed Hezbollah militia command centres and weapons storage facilities. The Lebanese health ministry has reported 123 people have been killed and another 683 wounded as a result of Israeli attacks this week. There have been no reported fatalities in Israel as a result of Hezbollah attacks. Meanwhile, Iranian forces said Kheibar missiles were fired toward Tel Aviv on Friday as part of the 21st wave of its Operation True Promise 4". In a statement, the IRGC said the wave began with a combined missile and drone operation targeting sites in the heart of Tel Aviv. Major UAE port hit in drone strike after Trump claims key oil island obliterated On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has warned that the US will continue bombing the hell out of the shoreline of Iran in a bid to break the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The major shipping route has been under siege after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to take "complete control" of the waterway through which one fifth of the world's oil and liquefied gas passes. Writing on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump called for many countries to send warships to the area to help end the blockade and listed the UK, China, Japan, France and South Korea among them. His comments came after a fire broke out at the Fujairah port in the UAE after being targeted in an Iranian drone strike, forcing the facility to suspend part of its operations. It is one of the Middle Easts largest oil storage hubs, heightening concerns over already-surging oil prices. Meanwhile, residents living near Jebel Ali port in Dubai, Khalifa port in Abu Dhabi and the Fujairah port were warned to evacuate the areas, according to Iranian state media. Iranian forces had threatened to expand strikes to US allies in the region after the US hit Irans crucial Kharg Island and Trump said the US had totally obliterated every military target in Irans crown jewel. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice America has no plan. Donald Trump has admitted that the people Washington had in mind to run Iran are now dead and other candidates may soon die. So it may appear that the US-Israeli war machine will achieve no victory because there is no definition of what that may look like. But it is, to quote Senator Elizabeth Warren, who spoke after an in-depth White House briefing on the war, much worse than that. We have been here before and learnt very few lessons. open image in gallery Pentagon boss Pete Hegseth said that Israels foundation in 1948 had been a miracle, as had the 1967 six-day war victory and the 2017 decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem ( AP ) The lies told before the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and the incompetence that followed, had, at least in part, their roots in the same soil. The view, among hard-right Israelis and their Christian evangelical supporters, is that Saddam Hussein in Iraq and now the theocracy in Iran needed to be toppled to preserve the long-term security of the Jewish state. This was spelt out in a 1996 document entitled A Clean Break A New Strategy for Securing the Realm, which was prepared for Benjamin Netanyahu by men who went on to become powerful figures in the Bush administration notably neoconservatives Douglas Feith and David Wurmser. They worked hard with, and in, a secretive Pentagon intelligence cell called The Office of Special Plans to come up with the lies that al-Qaeda was supported by Saddam, and that he was close to building a nuclear weapon, which were used on both sides of the Atlantic to justify the catastrophic Iraq war. These were lies. Just as it is untrue that Iran was close to completing a nuclear weapon, and posed an imminent threat to the US (or its allies), or that the US cared a single jot for the vast numbers of Iranians desperate for emancipation from the violent oppression of Irans ayatollahs. open image in gallery Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the US launched strikes in Tehran ( Reuters ) The toppling of Saddam might have suited Israel back in 2003. And Netanyahu may be a devotee of Vladimir Putins military chief, Valery Garazimov, in believing that chaos in the ranks of the enemy is victory. So Israels agenda in Iran is clear. Smash the place up and let someone else sort it out. If Iran, like Iraq, collapses into civil war so be it. Tehran wont have any nukes, it wont be able to sponsor groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, or the Houthis in Yemen, and thousands of years of Persian culture can go down the plughole of chaos and anarchy. In 2003 and now in 2026, toppling Middle Eastern regimes suits Netanyahu and his far-right ultra-nationalists. Smashing the way to peace in the region is a gamble that Israel has been happy to make, while simultaneously grabbing territory on the West Bank and now in Gaza. The gamble may not pay off, but there is a real-world case to be made for such ruthless bloodletting. For the US and its allies, if they're sucked further into the Iranian quagmire, its much worse than that. Sure, the oil majors may fantasise about getting their hands on the fossil fuels in Iran. Decent folks around the world will be delighted even though its all illegal under US and international law that the regime in Tehran has been decapitated and that the fabric of oppression across Iran is being smashed by Israeli and American bombs. open image in gallery A woman walks past rubble after a strike on a police station in Tehran, on 3 March ( AP ) But there is a madness at the heart of the Trump administration. A religious fanaticism that has its equal only among the ayatollahs. In 2018, Pete Hegseth, then a Fox News commentator, gave a speech at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem in which he said that Israels foundation in 1948 had been a miracle, as had the 1967 six-day war victory and the 2017 decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem. He also said he foresaw another miracle the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple on the site of what is now the Haram al Sharif in Jerusalem a sacred site in Islam. This, in the tradition of Christian end-times belief, is an essential part of the return of Christ. In Judaism, it is part of the preconditions required for the first coming of "the messiah, and both are to be underpinned by the in-gathering of all Jews to modern-day Israel ahead of the rapture, when the righteous can ascend into heaven. Hegseth has a Jerusalem Cross, a Crusader symbol that has been adopted by the far-right Christian national movement, tattooed on his chest. He clearly believes in what he says when he relishes what the US-Israeli campaign is doing in Iran and punching down on the Iranian regime. open image in gallery Hegseth has previously claimed that one of his tattoos a Jerusalem Cross on his chest, prevented him from being involved in security arrangements for Joe Bidens inauguration in 2021 ( Pete Hegseth/Instagram ) There is sound politics behind pushing the end times philosophy in America. Some 39 per cent of Americans, and 47 per cent of evangelical protestants, believe that we are living through the end of times, according to a 2022 survey by the Pew Institute. Two-thirds of evangelicals believe that Trumps election was part of a divine plan. Last year, YouGov found that 43 per cent of Americans believe demons exist. Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Jerusalem who is an evangelical Christian, believes God gave Jews the deeds to Israel, and when asked if Netanyahu should extend Israels borders to the Euphrates, said: If they decided to take it all, it would be fine with me. This makes little sense to most Europeans, who enjoy Hollywood's vampires and demons on TV but know that theyre myths not reality. And among Irans regime leaders, a belief that the country has been creating the necessary preconditions for the revelation of the hidden Mahdi (messiah) is central to their temporal claims to power and part of the Iranian constitution. The role of the supreme leader in Iran is to prepare for the emergence of the Mahdi. Preconditions for this will be the sinking of an army being led against the just which may explain why Tehran has ruled out ceasefire talks. It may sound mad but this is reality in the corridors of power in Washington and in the bunkers where the ayatollahs hide today. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russia is providing Iran with intelligence to help target US forces in the Middle East, according to a report, in a development likely to cause a rift between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Since the beginning of the war last Saturday, Moscow has been supplying Iran with the locations of US military assets, including warships and aircraft, three officials told The Washington Post. The conflict has already spread far beyond the Middle East as Iran retaliates against US bases in the region, with attacks reported as far as Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka. Russia has condemned the conflict as an unprovoked act of armed aggression by the US and Israel despite its own brutal ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Moscow has warned that it will mean forces will emerge in Iran in favour of doing exactly what the Americans want to avoid acquiring a nuclear bomb. open image in gallery US has continued its intense bombardment of Tehran ( AFP/Getty ) But exactly how far it has assisted Iran with its targeting is not entirely clear. Officials told the Post that the Iranian militarys ability to locate US forces has been degraded in just one week of fighting. And US forces have shown no sign of letting up, after joint strikes with Israel have killed at least 1,200 people in Iran, according to Iranian authorities. Mr Trump has warned there will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender in his latest rant, as the Middle East is embroiled in the seventh day of a deadly conflict. There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER, the president wrote on Truth Social on Friday. open image in gallery The reports could serve to sour Donald Trumps relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin ( AP ) After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. US secretary of defence Pete Hegseth said the amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically, adding: When we say more to come, its more fighter squadrons, its more capabilities, its more defensive capabilities, and its more bomber pulses more frequently. Any reports regarding potential Russian involvement in the war could affect Trumps relationship with Putin, with whom he has held far warmer ties than his predecessors in the White House. Trump has consistently sided with Putin over the war in Ukraine. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the Iranian regime is being absolutely crushed without commenting on potential Russian involvement. Their ballistic missile retaliation is decreasing every day, their navy is being wiped out, their production capacity is being demolished, and proxies are hardly putting up a fight. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As Iran launches Shahed suicide drones across the Middle East in retaliation for ongoing US-Israeli attacks, countries are spending millions of dollars intercepting them. The UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar are among the nations in the region that use sophisticated US-made air defences to intercept the relatively cheaply made, mass-produced drones fired by Iran. With the conflict now in its seventh day, the US has turned to Ukraine, a country that shoots down Shahed-type drones fired by Russia every night, for assistance in defending its assets in the Middle East. open image in gallery Iranian Shahed drones cost around $30,000 to produce ( AP ) There is a surge in interest in the Ukrainian drone interceptors, which can intercept the Shahed for a very low cost, a Ukrainian official told the Financial Times. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to provide the Middle East with Kyivs air defence specialists and cheap drone interceptors, which cost roughly $2,000-$5,000, and suggested Ukraine would accept missiles for Patriot systems in exchange. The use of Ukrainian interceptors would save huge sums of money for countries in the region that are currently using $4m missiles for the US Patriot defence system to destroy Iranian Shahed drones costing just $30,000. We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against Shaheds in the Middle East region, Mr Zelensky announced on X on Thursday, adding that he gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists to guarantee security in the region. open image in gallery Iran has used Shahed drones to attack several countries in the region, with attacks spreading as far as Azerbaijan ( Social media ) With the increasing deployment of drone warfare in Russia and now by Iran, cheaply made interceptor drones are now viewed as the most effective and cost-efficient way to defend the hotels, embassies and army bases across the Middle East. The homegrown Ukrainian munitions have transformed Kyivs air defence as it faces hundreds of Shahed-type drones launched by Russia every night. The drones, which come in both winged and copter forms, are piloted by humans who steer them towards their targets. They are equipped with advanced communications systems, allowing them to reach a high altitude, and can reach a speed of around 330km per hour before striking their target, officials say. It needs to be faster than Shahed, which flies 200km per hour, and this drone has to find, catch and destroy it, Serhii Beskrestnov, a consultant to the Ukrainian military, told Politico last August. Mr Zelensky has been in contact with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and the UAE president Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, about the use of Ukraines anti-drone technology. open image in gallery Iranian drones damaged a school near Azerbaijans border with Iran ( AP ) But there would need to be an incentive for Ukraine to give up its interceptors, Mr Zelensky said. Any such cooperation aimed at protecting our partners can only proceed without diminishing our own defence capabilities. The Ukrainian president acknowledged that Ukraine is facing a shortage of PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptor missiles used by the Patriot systems, and proposed that cooperation on drones could be part of an exchange of military technology. Regarding weapons: we ourselves are at war. We have a shortage of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles, he said. We would like to quietly work with countries both those we can name and those we cannot to obtain for ourselves some of the deficit missiles for Patriot systems and transfer the appropriate number of [drone] interceptors. Get Travel Insider with Simon Calder. A newsletter packed with tips, deals, inspiration, and the latest travel news Get the Travel Insider newsletter with Simon Calder Get the Travel Insider newsletter with Simon Calder Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Alexander Fleming allegedly once declared: If penicillin can cure those that are ill, Spanish sherry can bring the dead back to life. Swaying down Jerezs maze of cobbled streets, vaguely high on its favourite tipple, I think he might have been on to something. Jerez de la Frontera to give it the full, muscular title is the place where it all begins: sherry Ground Zero. The name itself is a linguistic fossil, taken from the Moorish sherish, which the English tongue-mangled into sherry. For me, the very word conjures up the bourgeois pretensions of the 1970s: Coronation Streets Emily Bishop, gingerly ordering a small schooner in the Rovers Return. Something for the middle-class lady: sweet, discreet and straight to your feet. But how wrong I am. Theres nothing fussy or matronly about the alcoholic wonder thats produced here, and everything it touches turns to gold. Including its food. open image in gallery Theres nothing fussy about sherry, Paul discovered ( Paul Tierney ) Fittingly, Jerez has been named Spains Capital of Gastronomy in 2026, beating rival bids from Burgos, Badajoz and Caceres no small feat in a country that treats its regional food cultures like points of national honour. This is a proud corner of Spain, where sustenance and passion are high on the menu of life. It starts at a tabanco. These precise bars, unique to Jerez, are the citys secular chapels: small, ancient hubs serving sherry from the barrel and resolutely dispensing with pretension. At Tabanco San Pablo, Im perched among hungry families under curling bullfighting posters, impressed by their appetite for life. I eat plates of tortillitas de camarones, translucently crisp shrimp fritters, which are the city's great democratic snack. Around the corner, Tabanco El Pasaje rattles with the staccato rhythm of flamenco, stamping its feet three times nightly in joyous, celebratory abandon. Jerez is the cradle of bulerias, the most rhythmically urgent of flamenco's forms and this is the ultimate spot to get lost in its magic. Actress Eva Longoria was here in 2024, filming the documentary series Secrets of Spain. I order their famous Pedro Ximenez-infused artichokes, sink a couple of palo cortados and let the evening make its presence felt. This is the heart of the old town, where ancient perimeter walls carve through the modern city with historic indifference, slicing into boutiques, interrupting pavements, inserting themselves into the back rooms of shops. I trace the route to the Mercado Central de Abastos, which is an education in culinary culture: think estuary fish, grass-fed beef and vegetables popping with primary colour. At La Carbona, a slick restaurant that was once a bodega, the cooking is indulgent and on-point. I eat uncannily sweet sea bass, pigeon pate, buttery rice with crisp dusted prawns. Sherry, Im told, isnt just a pairing suggestion, its near enough a requirement. All the elements of its production go into the cooking, explains genial head chef, Javi Munoz Soto. The wine is in everything we do. Raising the bar to even greater heights, Michelin-starred Mantua pushes this concept to the max. Chef Israel Ramos treats sherry mainly fino and oloroso as building blocks rather than garnish. Our roots are set in tradition, he tells me quietly, but we marry that with modernity. Its old and new. A 16-course tasting menu ensues, admirable in both taste and execution. open image in gallery The city's old town remains bustling at night ( Paul Tierney ) Read more: The best hotels in Lanzarote No visit to Jerez is complete without tasting your way to the source of its fame. Im led through the ageing warehouse, at Fundador, and shown small batch sherry production at the more intimate Bodegas Tradicion. The latter has its own private art gallery, where a Velazquez and a Goya hang quietly, as though this was entirely normal. Nobody warned me of such treasures, characteristic of a city which conceals its riches without fuss or fanfare. There is one portrait that stays with me long after I first spot it. El Guardacanton by Jose Jimenez Aranda, painted in 1878, depicts a swaggering Andalusian bandit leaning against a street corner with magnificent, insolent ease. Hes Oliver Reed dressed by Vivienne Westwood, and worthy of your attention. Youll find him reproduced on restaurant walls, hotel lobbies, wine labels and tabanco facades. For me, hes the city's unofficial mascot, a figure who, like Jerez itself, is not so much seeking your approval as inviting you to explore what the place has to offer. open image in gallery The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art stages classical dressage performances ( Paul Tierney ) Read more: The best luxury hotels in Seville The citys wider life carries the same intensity. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art stages classical dressage performances that are a distillation of this dramatic region. Can there be anything more Spanish than the sight of a white stallion twisting and writhing to Castilian guitar? At nearby El Molino, Manolo Moreno presides over a modest bar and restaurant that prides itself on artfully updated classics. On a terrace frequented by street cleaners and elegant senoras, Russian salad dotted with shrimp feels like the perfect mid-morning snack. Im also presented with the house montadito, a small sandwich folded around velvety pork loin, lined by salsa laced with sweet amontillado. Of everything Ive consumed so far, this humble tapa stays with me the longest. Ultimately, Jerez glints rather than dazzles. Gritty, affordable and deeply rooted in working class traditions, its not San Sebastian but isnt competing. A year of festivals, tastings and sherry genuflection lies ahead. How to do it Jet2 flies direct from London Stansted to Jerez de la Frontera, with a flight time of around two hours and 45 minutes. The service operates seasonally, with weekly Saturday departures. Prices start at around 120 per person. Alternatively, several airlines including Iberia, Vueling and British Airways operate flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick to Seville, from where Jerez is easily reached by train. The journey takes around one hour and trains run regularly throughout the day. Check timetables and book rail tickets on the Renfe website. Where to stay La Gitanilla is a characterful boutique bed and breakfast in a lovingly restored Andalusian townhouse, just minutes from the Lola Flores Cultural Centre. Guests can enjoy cathedral views from the rooftop terrace. Rooms start from around 70 per night. Paul was a guest of the Spanish Tourist Office and Turismo Cadiz Get Travel Insider with Simon Calder. A newsletter packed with tips, deals, inspiration, and the latest travel news Get the Travel Insider newsletter with Simon Calder Get the Travel Insider newsletter with Simon Calder Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice As comedian Jim Breuer discovered, airlines are legally permitted to downgrade passengers. On a recent YouTube video, Breuer described his frustration at being moved from first class to economy on an American Airlines flight from Honolulu back to his home state of Florida. On that occasion, the downgrade was to accommodate the flight crew. Breuer was evidently unaware that, as they are operationally critical and work under fatigue rules, the airline was obligated to place them in premium seats. And if hed read American Airlines terms and conditions, he would have seen that the carrier makes every effort to ensure you get your chosen seat, but seat assignments are not guaranteed. So, hed technically agreed to the downgrade when he purchased the ticket. open image in gallery An aircraft with a different cabin configuration being swapped in at the last minute is one reason for passengers being downgraded ( bongkarn - stock.adobe.com ) Other common catalysts for downgrades include seats breaking, an aircraft with a different cabin configuration being swapped in at the last minute, passengers from an earlier cancellation being reassigned, and premium cabin overfilling. The good news is that there are ways to help safeguard a premium seat. One is to acquire top-tier loyalty status with the airline frequent fliers are less likely to be moved. open image in gallery If you are downgraded to economy, American carriers are legally obligated to refund the fare difference ( KONSTANTIN SHISHKIN - stock.adobe.com ) Another is to fly earlier in the day, as cabin reconfigurations are more common later in the day, following flight disruptions. Checking in as early as possible can also help to put a force field around a seat. And if possible, book on a larger aircraft with more seats, as these usually offer more seating flexibility. If you are downgraded, American carriers are legally obligated to refund the fare difference, even on non-refundable tickets. Get Travel Insider with Simon Calder. A newsletter packed with tips, deals, inspiration, and the latest travel news Get the Travel Insider newsletter with Simon Calder Get the Travel Insider newsletter with Simon Calder Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The first steps have been taken towards reopening an abandoned airport in Kent. Manston airport, near Ramsgate, has been closed since its last scheduled flight left for Amsterdam in 2014. Now, a public consultation is set to launch as the next step in the process to reopen the airport as an air freight hub. Investment firm RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) announced plans to launch the consultation after purchasing the site seven years ago. RSP plans to reopen the airport as a dedicated airfreight hub by 2029. A Development Consent Order (DCO) to approve reopening the airport was granted to the site in 2020. According to RSP: Once reopened, Manston will help the UK trade across the globe, importing vital and time-sensitive goods, including fresh fruit and medical supplies, providing air freight operators with a realistic alternative to the overcrowded London airports. RSP said proposed changes to flight paths and airspace structure will be presented to residents, communities and wider stakeholders. The consultation will run from 16 March to 22 June, with community events detailing the proposed flight paths and airport usage. Tony Freudmann, director at RiverOak Strategic Partners, said: This consultation is an important step in our ambitions to reopen Manston airport, representing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver new runway capacity to support the UK air cargo market and to transform the economic landscape in East Kent. We know Manston holds a special place in the areas history, we would encourage people to find out more about our proposal and provide any feedback they might have to help shape our plans. Read more: Drop-off charges to increase at Belfast International airport The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An elderly Florida man is at risk of losing a home hes lived in for 20 years after the federal government filed a $190,000 lawsuit over a reverse mortgage he says he never knew existed. Facing the possible loss of the only home he has known for decades in an auction sometime this month, Bill Tavernier said he is fighting not just for himself but also for his beloved 10-year-old Golden Retriever, Gunner. With few options and nowhere else to go, Tavernier filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy this week to try to stay in his Deltona house. I mean, you talk about stress on me? I'm surprised I'm still alive, Tavernier, 75, told The Independent. Its not only me its my dog, and I think about him more than I think about me. Tavernier moved into the home 20 years ago to help look after his mother after his dad passed away. She felt safer having someone with her, he told WFTV, and they lived together until she died in 2013. For years, Tavernier, whose mom paid off the initial mortgage, believed he and Gunner could live in the home for the rest of their lives. But that changed this past summer when he put the house up for sale, hoping to move closer to his brother in South Carolina. open image in gallery Bill Tavernier, 75, and his 10-year-old Golden Retriever, Gunner, now face the threat of losing their Florida home after discovering that his mother had taken out a reverse mortgage years before her death ( Bill Tavernier ) Thats when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development notified him of a lawsuit seeking to foreclose on a reverse mortgage tied to the property. It was only then, Tavernier claims, that he learned that his mother had taken out a reverse mortgage on the home in 2001 for a little more than $70,000 something he says she, nor the government, previously told him about. It was the culture in our family: You did not talk about money or finances with your kids. You just didn't do it, Tavernier told The Independent. I was never notified, never sent one bill statement from the original mortgage company, from the federal gov from no one. Nothing, zippo, zappo. HUD does not comment on active litigation. A reverse mortgage is a special type of loan designed for homeowners aged 62 or older. It allows them to tap into a portion of their homes equity and receive it as tax-free cash, providing extra funds for living expenses, healthcare or other needs, according to Experian. Unlike a traditional mortgage, borrowers are not required to make monthly payments on a reverse mortgage. However, the loan continues to accrue compound interest over time, which increases the total amount owed. The full loan balance, including interest and fees, must be repaid when the borrower dies, sells the property or permanently moves out of the home. open image in gallery Tavernier said the stress of the lawsuit has made it hard to eat or sleep, leaving him waking in the middle of the night to let Gunner outside ( Bill Tavernier ) The federal government claims Tavernier now owes nearly $190,000, which includes the original loan amount along with years of accumulated interest and additional fees, killing his dream of moving, according to the lawsuit, WFTV reports. Barry Miller, an Orlando-based real estate attorney, told WFTV that a simple title search could help homeowners avoid situations like this. Miller explained that whenever property is transferred from one person to another - even between family members - a title search should be conducted to identify any existing loans or liens on the property. He said the process typically costs only a few hundred dollars and can reveal important information about the homes financial obligations. Miller also advises homeowners who take out reverse mortgages to inform their family members so they understand the financial responsibilities tied to the home. Miller also explained that the HUD may not have known Taverniers mom has passed until the 2025 property listing. The listing may have alerted them to the mortgage, triggering the legal action, he said. Theyre not going to try to get a deficiency judgment or any money from him, because, of course, hes not the borrower, Miller told the outlet. Tavernier, who said he has physical health issues that make it difficult for him to maintain a job, said he relies primarily on his Social Security income, making it nearly impossible for him to come up with that kind of money. If they had sent me this mortgage is due and payable... you know, whatever, 12 years ago, I could have done it, he said. Without the money to pay for a lawyer to help him in this case, Tavernier has tried to challenge the lawsuit on his own, but so far has been unsuccessful. A couple of attorneys, well, their free consultations are about how much their fee is going to be. I learned that real quick, you know? So I had to do it on my own, Tavernier told The Independent. Tavernier said the amount of pressure hes under has made him lose his passion for cooking. He also has difficulty eating and sleeping. I get up at 1 a.m. and I try to go back to sleep, Tavernier told The Independent. I can't, so I let the dog outside, sit on the back porch with him, and he goes outside and comes in, licks me. He continued: I take my dog to the dog park every morning. He loves it. I mean, that's his enjoyment. He's got his friends there. They play, they run around and stuff, and it's great exercise for him. And by the time he's done, I come back, I'm ready to lie down and take a nap. You need to be resilient when youre working in this business because the tough days will come Leo Casey, head of investment fund BGF Ireland, says his firm is in the right place at the right time Leo Casey of BGF. Photo: Mark Condren Sean Pollock Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Despite concerns that AI will replace people in the investment world, Leo Casey reminds his staff of one crucial deal-making skill AI still hasnt mastered: only humans can share a glass of red wine. Your money questions: What is the tax implication of me withdrawing all the money in my Approved Retirement Fund? Rooster review: Steve Carell is in fine, bumbling form as a helpful, hapless father Carell switches back into Michael Scott mode as he blindly walks into one disaster after another Steve Carell as Greg, a novelist whose attempts to support his heartbroken daughter end up making matters worse in the comedy series Rooster. Photo: HBO Pat Stacey Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Its always the same old story, isnt it? You wait around for ages for two comedies centred on a sex scandal on an American college campus and two arrive within a few days of one another. A farmer plants rice at a farm near El Campo, Texas, US, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The USDA forecasts US rice production at 208.5 million hundredweight for the 2025/26 crop year, as farmers plant more acres to offset lower yields per acre. Photographer: Mark Felix/Bloomberg Chet Edinger had already bought most of the fertiliser for his corn and soybean farm last year, but on Monday morning, with war breaking out in the Middle East, he rushed to secure a last few truckloads of urea for the tens of thousands of acres he cultivates near Mitchell, South Dakota. Half of Irish looking to escape Gulf decline the States offer of 800-a-head evacuation flight Plane due to leave Oman on Friday after passengers transferred from Dubai to Muscat Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said around half of those contacted decided not to take a seat on the charter flight. Photo: Collins Photos Senan Molony Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Around half of Irish citizens contacted by officials have chosen not to avail of the Governments 800-a-seat charter flight out of Oman today. Present at the launch of Daffodil Day 2026 in Co Waterford were chairperson Des Daunt, treasurer Jeanne McNamare, head of fundraising and marketing Glenda Ryan, dedicated night nurse Aine OSullivan, and Nicola McMahon, head of fundraising in Munster. Also included are Daffodil volunteers. Photo: John Power. When Aine OSullivan steps through a doorway at 11pm, exhausted families finally breathe. The Irish Cancer Society night nurse has become a lifeline for people in their final days, offering calm, expert care at the moment it is needed most. How victim Stephen Ring was killed and dumped in quarry by people he completely trusted Career criminal Christopher Judge has admitted murdering Stephen Ring whose body was then dumped in a quarry lake and not found for almost a fortnight Stephen Ring Ken Foy Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 It is a tragic tale that ended with the decomposed body of a 27-year-old man being discovered by two children in a quarry lake 13 days after he was brutally murdered by a criminal he completely trusted. Survivors, from left, Paula Doyle from Blanchardstown, Dublin, Hazel Behan from Mulllingar, Co Westmeath, Doireann Barrett from Tralee, Co Kerry and Roberta Wilkin from Delgany, Co Wicklow, protesting outside the Department of Justice on St Stephens Green. Photo: Steve Humphreys My wife and children know the risks, but its the right thing to do Irish volunteers on aid convoy to Ukraine Charity delivers 33 vehicles to support country in its fight against invasion (L-R) Ken Kennedy, Barry Healy and Noel Comer from Dublin en route to Ukraine Keith Kelly Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Eleven Irish men have taken part in a convoy of trucks delivering critical humanitarian aid to soldiers and communities on the front line in Ukraines war with Russia. Only the beginning of my unparliamentary language, Senator vows after expletive-laden speech due to sheer disillusionment In a speech to mark International Womens Day, Eileen Flynn twice spoke of women who are giving it their all and gaining f all. Senator Eileen Flynn gives speech to mark International Womens Day in Seanad Senan Molony Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 18:36 A Senator who dropped the F-bomb twice in a speech this week in the Seanad last night she told the Irish Independent: Im done with parliamentary language. Luke ONeill: Weight-loss drugs have been linked to sudden blindness, so how worried should you be? She literally became my best friend young cancer survivor pays tribute to unbelievable staff and nurses Ellimai Murphy on how she was helped through treatment by hospital cleaner When I couldnt sleep at night, the nurses would ask if I wanted to order Chinese food with them young cancer survivor on her incredible nurses Deirdre Barry Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Despite her father dying six weeks before she was diagnosed with cancer, Elliemai Murphy always believed everything would be OK. We have become a revival space for the Irish language TikTok hosts event with 100 school students for Seachtain na Gaeilge La na Teicneolaiochta was designed to enable children to see the value of the Irish language beyond classroom walls The TikTok stars at Seachtain na Gaeilge. Photo: Liam Murphy Keith Kelly Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 TikToks Dublin headquarters hosted a lively event celebrating the increasing popularity of the Irish language on social media as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge. When you need more room, there are three options: move, renovate or simply maximise the space you have which means decluttering, as Vogue Williams and husband Spencer Matthews recently discovered If your home isnt fit for purpose, the choice is to renovate or sell. Neither is an easy option. Renovation is expensive, complicated and disruptive. So is moving house. Deciding between them may not be easy either. When youre weighing up the pros and cons, quantity surveyor Shay Lally suggests you focus on the neighbourhood rather than the house. If the kids are happy in school, your parents live down the road and the only thing wrong is the house, then its worth renovating. But if the area isnt ideal and you dont have enough space, then youre better off moving. Furniture from the Vogue Willams EZ Living Furniture Kenmare range If you decide to renovate, first take a good hard look at what you can afford. People get caught out in so many ways, he says. The cost piece of it is often overlooked. Ive met people whove paid an architect for a design they cant afford to build. Theres a keeping up with the Joneses aspect to it. Just because the neighbours spent 400,000 on their renovation project doesnt mean its a good idea. Vogue Williams with furniture from the Vogue Williams EZ Living Furniture collection. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland Then, be realistic about the changes your house can accommodate. I recently spoke to a couple who planned to renovate their three-bedroom terraced house in Phibsborough. They wanted a plant room, a utility room, a home office, and a downstairs shower to wash the dog. The couple had a decent budget, but the interior they wanted was more suited to a larger home. If extra space is what you need, consider remodelling the house on the existing footprint. Its very much cheaper than building an extension. Vogue Willams x EZ Living Furniture Carnaby range I see homes where people extend out the back and the front room becomes a dumping ground thats only used for the Christmas tree, says Lally. Others extend because they want more storage: It breaks my heart. Id be trying to think of a polite way of telling them that they dont need more space. They just need less clutter! Hazel Burton of The Home Reset. Photo: Katie Kav Whatever you spend on a professional decluttering service will be a drop in the ocean compared to the cost of renovation. Decluttering is also key to preparing for a move, even if youre moving to a bigger house. House moves are our most popular service, says Hazel Burton, declutterer and principal of The Home Reset. In January, she undertook the epic task of moving the media personality Vogue Williams from her London home to a rental property, prior to a renovation project. This epic task absorbed Burton and a team of three for a full week. It helped that Ive been working with Vogue for two years now. Shes very decisive, shes into labels and she loves a system. Thats what I love too! First, they identified unwanted possessions, which were donated to charity. Williams husband, Spencer Matthews, boasted on Instagram that hed reduced his wardrobe by 90pc. We were laughing! Burton says. He still has a lot of clothes. More than Vogue? Burtons lips are sealed. Home interior staging by Stage My Home Once pared down and systematically packed, the familys belongings were sent in two directions: storage and the rental home, transported by the professional movers from Careline. Then Burton and her team moved in to unpack. Vogue wanted to make the move as easy as possible on the kids. She didnt want them coming home to boxes and chaos. When they came in from school, their toys were unpacked and their clothes were folded in their drawers. There was food in the fridge and the kitchen cupboards were all in order. Furniture in the mix included a sofa and chairs from the Howth range, a recent collaboration between EZ Living Furniture and Vogue Williams (2,159 for the three-seater and 1,399 for a cuddler in blue and white stripes). There are four ranges in the collection. Some of the other pieces are in Vogues holiday home in Ireland, Burton says. Vanya McCarthy of Stage My Home If you cant afford a professional service, Burtons top 10 tips for a hassle-free house move are on her website. Her top clothes-packing hack is to leave garments on the hangers. Using big black bags from below, pull the bag up and over a selection of items, leave the hanger exposed and tie a knot in the bag. When you arrive in the new home, hang them in the wardrobe and remove the bag. When a house move includes selling a property, consider the tricky task of staging it for sale. When I was house hunting, I was shown into rooms with red carpets, magnolia walls and a fireplace in every room, says Vanya McCarthy. I couldnt work out what each room was for. This experience, plus a background in interior design and retail, led her to set up a home staging business. She now runs Stage My Home with her husband, John McCarthy. John and Vanya McCarthy of Stage My Home Presentation is important, she says. Most people cant visualise themselves into an empty space and they cant see through clutter. Hiring a professional stager costs between 0.5 and 1.5pc of the asking price. If theres some furniture in the property it will cost 0.5pc, but if its entirely empty it will cost 1.5pc to stage. If the sale goes well, you should recoup this cost. In 2025, the homes we staged sold for an average of 13.5 pc above the asking price. Home interior staging by Stage My Home According to the British Home Staging Association, a home thats staged will sell three times faster than one that isnt. Obviously, there are no guarantees. The role of staging is to make a home seem bigger, brighter and more inviting. It would typically involve minor repairs, painting the rooms in a warm neutral, and replacing the curtains with beige or cream (or removing them altogether). If the budget allows, replace the carpets. Staging by Stage My Home People often have a mental checklist of things they havent tackled over the years, but these tasks arent necessarily the best use of money when youre selling, says McCarthy. Retiling the bathroom with the tiles youve always longed for is money down the drain. You dont want to be making design decisions for the buyer. You want to present a well-maintained, depersonalised home. Effective staging will reflect the potential buyer and what their life might be like. A two-bedroom apartment in Blanchardstown with an asking price of 350,000 requires different presentation than a 650,000 apartment of similar size in Dublin 4, which would be staged with high-end furniture. Theres no one-size-fits-all in the Irish market, McCarthy explains. Shay Lally, Hazel Burton and Vanya McCarthy will be talking on the DFS Interiors Theatre at the Permanent TSB Ideal Home Show on April 24 to 26. See @houses_to_restore, thehomereset.ie, stagemyhome.ie Traffic from Dubai airport remains at about 25pc of normal levels, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24 Limited flight schedules have resumed after a week of conflict in the Middle East, though most regional air space remains closed and the situation is uncertain. Emirates says it is operating a reduced flight schedule while working to restore full network operations" from Dubai, the world's busiest international airport. "It's pretty well the biggest shutdown we've seen, certainly since the Covid pandemic," Paul Charles of luxury travel consultancy PC Agency told Reuters. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways operate over a dozen flights a day into and out of Dublin Airport to hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Passengers on an Emirates flight returning to Dublin. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos A small number of flights out of the Middle East have landed in Dublin, with another expected Friday, including an government charter flight from Oman, which is expected to transport around 280 passengers. Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee expressed hope that hundreds, if not more than 1,000, will arrive in Dublin before the end of the week. Whats the latest on Friday? Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule, but said it anticipates a return to 100pc of its network within the coming days, subject to airspace availability and the fulfilment of all operational requirements. It carried around 30,000 passengers from Dubai on Thursday, and is expecting to have over 100 flights daily by March 7 almost 60pc of its route network. It is accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and advised passengers not to go to airports unless bookings are confirmed. Etihad said it will resume a limited commercial flight schedule from March 6-19, while Qatar Airways said a further update will be provided on March 7 by 9am Doha time (6am GMT). It is operating a limited number of relief flights. Other airlines are also reacting. Air France, for example, cancelled flights to and from Dubai and Riyads until March 7, and to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut until March 9. Irelands Dept of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has upgraded its travel advice to destinations like the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to Avoid Non-Essential Travel and advised citizens in these places to shelter in place. You can read individual country travel advisories here. Dubai International Airport was closed (Altaf Qadri/AP) Any travel to destinations rated Do Not Travel or Avoid Non-Essential Travel will likely invalidate travel insurance and overseas medical cover. Earlier this week, the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) advised those on holiday in the Gulf States, or with trips planned to the area, to maintain contact with the airline you travelled on, maintain contact with your travel agent or tour operator, keep your mobile phone charged, and follow closely local media reports and advice. How do I know if my flights are affected? The rights of passengers in the event of cancelled or delayed flights are set out under EU Regulation 261/2014. They apply to flights within the EU, but also flights arriving into or departing from the EU on both EU or non-EU airlines. In the event of a cancellation, airlines should contact affected passengers by email or SMS. You can also check the airline website for flight status updates using your booking or flight number, and your airport's online departures boards. You should check with your airline before travel to the airport. If travelling in the Middle East, you can register with the DFA online or contact its consular team in Dublin at +353 1 408-2000. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled? Delays and cancellations are part and parcel of modern air travel, and reasons can range conflicts and airspace closures to weather events like Storm Eowyn or industrial action. If your flight is cancelled for any reason, and regardless of when you are notified, your airline must offer you the choice between: Re-routing as soon as possible, subject to availability, free of charge. Re-routing at a later date. A full refund within seven days. Passengers stranded by the closure of Dubai International Airport await assistance (Altaf Qadri/AP) How do I arrange a re-routing or refund? In the event of a cancellation or delay, airlines are obliged to inform passengers of their options. If this happens at the airport, staff should be on hand to talk you through the various scenarios. Otherwise you will receive an email or text message to the contact details attached to your booking. You can also check your carrier's website (Aer Lingus, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Ryanair). It should include notes on disruption, and outline the steps to process your own refunds or bookings (a voucher may also be an option). If you booked through a third-party (for example a travel agent or tour operator), the original sales agent should contact you or be your source of contact. Am I entitled to care and assistance? If your flight is cancelled and you choose to be re-routed as soon as possible, then you are entitled to meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation and transfers between the airport and hotel as required. If the airline does not provide these (where a large number of flights are cancelled and numbers are overwhelming, for example), and you end up paying yourself, keep the receipts - you are entitled to a reimbursement of reasonable expenses. NB. A five-star hotel may not be a reasonable expense! Bear in mind that if your flight is cancelled and you choose a full refund, then the airline's obligations to you end there and then. Planes at Cork Airport during Storm Emma in 2018. Photo: Cork Airport/Twitter What about my accommodation? An airline is not liable for any missed accommodation, events or other knock-on effects of a delay or cancellation solely for the flight. However, if you booked through a travel agent or a tour operator as a package holiday, you may be in a better position to re-organise or reschedule accommodation. Adding travel disruption cover to your travel insurance policy (well in advance of travel) can also provide additional cover for expenses and accommodation (see below). Am I entitled to compensation? Financial compensation depends on the flight length and the reason for the cancellation. It differs to care and re-routing/refund obligations that must be offered (as outlined above), and generally ranges from 250 (short-haul, less than 1,500km) to 600 (long-haul, over 3,500km). You are not due compensation if the airline gives you two weeks or more notice of the cancellation. However, you may be entitled to compensation if you receive between seven days and two weeks notice and your arrival times are later than four hours on the reroute, or if you receive less than seven days notice and your arrival time is later than two hours on the reroute. If the air carrier can prove the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances - such as a conflict, or storm - then you may not be entitled to compensation. However, you are still due a refund or re-routing. Ryanair passengers. Photo: Getty How do I claim compensation? Compensation claims are never evaluated or resolved at the airport. If you believe compensation is your due, then the first step is to formally contact the air carrier. If you're not satisfied with its response, then you can escalate by contacting the National Enforcement Body - which, in most cases for Irish passengers, is the Irish Aviation Authority (01 661-1700; iaa.ie). If my outbound flight is cancelled, what happens my return flight? If a flight isn't subject to disruption, technically you are not entitled to any care or compensation. However, airlines do tend to take a logical view, and normally work with passengers to refund or reschedule flights impacted in this way. If you have booked through a travel agent or tour operator, you should receive assistance from them. What if my flight is delayed? If your flight is delayed by more than five hours, and you choose not to travel, then you are entitled to a full refund. If you accept this refund, the airline is no longer obliged to provide onward travel or assistance. If your flight is delayed by at least two hours (short-haul), three hours (European) or four hours (long haul), you are entitled to care and assistance as outlined above. If you arrive at your destination more than three hours after the scheduled arrival time, you may be entitled to between 250 and 600 compensation, depending on the flight distance. Passenger rights. Source: IAA How can my travel insurance help? In the event of a flight cancellation, the first source of refunds and re-routing should be with your airline (see above). Standard travel insurance policies don't offer much help here, but 'missed departure' cover can help you secure a new flight, or an additional night's accommodation. Read more about travel insurance and questions to ask about your policy here. If your policy includes extra "travel disruption" cover, you should be covered for additional transport or accommodation costs up to around 1,000pp. This covers most of scenarios with flight cancellations due to weather, strikes and so on, but note that it covers transport and accommodation-related expenses only - i.e. not lost annual leave, business opportunities or deposits, concert tickets or museum or attraction fees booked in advance online. Is it too late to take out travel insurance? Travel Disruption cover can be added retrospectively to a policy, but not to claim on an event that has already happened (or been forecast). There can also be a moratorium on travel disruption from the time you take out the policy to the time you will be covered (eg. seven days) - however, 'missed departure' cover should still apply. Where can I find more information? For full details on your air passenger rights in the event of cancellation, delays, downgrading and denied boarding, see the Irish Aviation Authoritys website, iaa.ie. NB: This article is being updated to reflect events. It was amended on March 2, 2026, to correct the name of the Irish Aviation Authority. As the airport prepares to mark its 40th anniversary and continues to record strong passenger growth, improved public transport access has been identified as key to unlocking the airports future growth A new airport shuttle service linking towns across Mayo directly to Ireland West Airport Knock could be in place before the end of the year, in a move set to significantly boost regional connectivity. Following discussions with the National Transport Authority, Senator Mark Duffy confirmed that proposals have been unveiled for a public transport route connecting north and east Mayo to the airport. Under the plans, the new shuttle would link with the existing Route 22 Expressway service between Ballina and Dublin. Route 22 currently passes through Charlestown in east Mayo. The proposed airport connection would branch out from there, heading to Ireland West Airport Knock via Kiltimagh before terminating in Castlebar. The route would connect with the pre-existing Route 22 service that travels between Ballina and Dublin. The service would begin in Ballina, travelling through Foxford and Swinford to Charlestown, where passengers could transfer onto the dedicated airport shuttle. From there, the route would continue to the airport, on to Kiltimagh and finish in Castlebar, creating a new public transport link to the regions international airport. Senator Duffy, the Seanad Spokesperson on Transport, said that subject to being funded, the route could be in place later this year and committed to advocating for its delivery. Minister Dara Calleary welcomed the proposal, saying it would further open up Ballina and North Mayo in terms of connectivity. I will be continuing to liaise with the NTA in the coming weeks prior to the proposal being adopted and commenced, and will update accordingly, he added. The proposed service comes at a time of significant growth for Ireland West Airport Knock, which is preparing to mark its 40th anniversary at the end of May. Knock was also the fastest-growing airport in the country last year, recording its busiest year in history, with 946,381 passengers travelling through it. That growth comes as the airport is at the centre of a major economic initiative for Mayo and the wider western region, having been designated as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ). The Knock Airport SDZ has the potential to support up to 6,000 jobs and will see the development of an Airport Development and Expansion Area, a Hotel and Conference Campus, a Business and Enterprise Campus, and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) sector. A Roadmap guiding future planning and development within the zone is currently being prepared and is expected to be published in August this year. It will outline potential funding streams, infrastructure requirements and future connectivity options. Connectivity has been identified as critical to unlocking the airports full potential. Mayo County Councils Economic Development Strategy makes clear that significant transport improvements will be needed to support its continued expansion. The strategy highlights the need for upgrades to the N17, improved access to the Western Rail Corridor and enhanced bus services across the region as key priorities in strengthening links to Ireland West Airport Knock. The announcement of a potential new bus connection linking towns across Mayo directly with the airport would be an important step forward in delivering that improved connectivity. If delivered, the service would not only improve accessibility for towns throughout the county, but it would also strengthen the transport infrastructure needed to sustain the airports continued growth. This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. All roads lead to ruin Taoiseach Micheal Martin faces impossible task in White House visit with volatile Donald Trump amid Iran tension Even playing nice with US president risks plummet in popularity at home Indo Politics: Micheal Martin's upcoming visit to the White House Mary Regan Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Once more unto the breach. If Micheal Martins Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump last St Patricks Day was a nervy encounter, then this year the stakes are even higher. Joe Barnes: Zelensky fights to keep focus on Ukraine, as Gulf war to divert arms and Trumps attention, from conflict Supply of missiles to both Kyiv and Moscow could be impacted by war in Middle East as Trump loses interest in being peacemaker Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to keep international focus on war with Russia. Photo: Getty Joe Barnes Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Thu 5 Mar 2026 at 06:30 This is not the first time Volodymyr Zelensky has had to contend with a war in the Middle East. Slip-up by Marco Rubio appears to suggest US was dragged into war with Iran by Benjamin Netanyahu It was bad enough that Donald Trump hasnt been able to explain clearly why he yet again felt he had to attack Iran, and why now. His national security adviser and secretary of state, Marco Rubio, then inadvertently made everything worse by implying that the president wasnt so much leading in the spirit of America First and Peace through Strength as following. Mary McCarthy: You look great for your age how a sharp rebuke to a compliment changed how I speak to women Beauty treatment industry has put all kinds of pressure on people, but what exactly is wrong with ageing gracefully? More and more women are getting beauty treatments such as Botox. Photo: Getty Mary McCarthy Thu 5 Mar 2026 at 06:30 This International Womens Day, I want to propose that we stop telling women they dont look their age. We hand out this observation like its a medal, when its actually toxic. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was eager to stress that he was not criticising the US. Photo: Getty The US war with Iran risks leaving Ukraine vulnerable to Vladimir Putins forces, Volodymyr Zelensky has warned, as Donald Trump turns his firepower on Iran. In an exclusive and wide-ranging interview with The Independent, the Ukrainian president shared his concerns about the impact of the ever-growing conflict in the Middle East on his countrys efforts to defend against Russia. US author Nelson DeMilles aphorism that job happiness is directly proportional to the distance you are from the home office is probably right on the money for many workers. Tech innovation and the great disruption of the pandemic have revolutionised approaches to how people carry out their roles. AI is likely to add new dimensions of perplexity and possibility, opening up hitherto unimaginable opportunities. A new review of the current legal framework that affords workers the right to work from home has led to a clash between unions and the Government. The study found that no legislative change is necessary to the status quo. As things stand, a worker may request remote work and employers must follow a strict process and timeline to respond. Critically, employers may then refuse, once they have followed the steps. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) has reacted angrily, claiming the findings are out of touch with reality. Ictu spokesperson Laura Bambrick said the current legislation is failing to deliver for too many. She pointed to the close-to-zero per cent success rate for cases taken by employees at the Workplace Relations Commission to appeal against decisions as evidence. She claimed, however, that the genie is out of the bottle on remote working. Certainly, any notion that we might perform our duties as productively in our pyjamas at home instead of donning pinstripe or twin-set and then commuting for hours to an office would have been deemed ludicrous not much more than a decade ago. A clear majority of the Irish workforce, or 57pc, is fully workplace-based Before Covid, about15pc of workers sometimes or usually worked from home. During the pandemic, numbers surged, reaching 44pc in lockdown. When restrictions were lifted, there was an understandable reduction. However, the numbers working from home seemed to level off at around 35pc since the summer of 2022. A CSO Labour Force Survey last month found the proportion of people working remotely has declined. Nonetheless, in absolute terms, nearly 960,000 people are still working from home. Thats still more than triple the pre-Covid number. For most of history, there has been a tacit acceptance that that which you want to do is regarded as play; and that which you are obliged to do is work. The working-from-home phenomenon has created a space where both can be integrated, provided there is honesty and trust on both sides. Hybrid or flexible working arrangements have transformed work-life balances for families. The historical gulf between working to live and living to work has been narrowed, affording workers more autonomy. Greater scope for managing choices and balancing needs has been created. Ireland has been ranked second in Europe for the frequency of working from home, according to EU agency Eurofound. But a clear majority of the Irish workforce, or 57pc, is fully workplace-based. Flexibility and agility are required to address needs on both sides, but by collaboration and engagement, they can be met. Whatever the future holds, consultation, not confrontation, has to be the way forward. Cork sailor stranded on LNG tanker in the Gulf as Iran War rages were trying to keep spirits up The Cork marine technician says more than 3,000 ships are waiting in the Persian Gulf as tensions escalate between Iran and Israel. Cork native Nathan O'Connell has been stranded for several days off the Qatari coast Kevin Galvin Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 13:00 A Cork sailor who is currently stuck at sea aboard an oil tanker stranded off the Gulf Coast as the Middle East war rages on, says the crew on board are doing their best to keep spirits high while they await further instructions. Trucks and vans getting stuck under a low clearance underpass in an East Cork town on a regular basis are causing traffic chaos, with local councillors demanding that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) come up with an urgent solution. Cllr Michael Hegarty called for a warning barrier with hanging chains to be installed on the Bailick Bridge Underpass in Midleton in a motion brought before this weeks meeting of the East Cork Municipal District. I fully accept that the bridge is a TII structure and maintained by TII but the approach to the bridge is what I'm on about and that is our responsibility and our jurisdiction. I think we're all aware of the inconvenience that can be caused there. I remember when the bridge was built and the Midleton bypass was opened in 1985. It was an awful pity that it wasn't made a little bit higher but hindsight is a great thing, he said. The bridge, an underpass on the Bailick road running under the N25 to Cork, has a clearance of 2.66 metres. Cllr Ann Marie Ahern supported the motion, saying: I don't think there's a month that goes by that there's not a lorry caught under that at this stage. At a local level we can't erect any more signs. It's the fact that it's a TII operational road that's causing an impact on a rural road, which I believe needs to be addressed at this stage by TII. I don't think they're going to come along at this stage and raise the height of the road so they're going to have to try and work with us to facilitate measures that can be taken to ensure that there's no obstructions that impact on the town and people using the Bailick Road, she said. Cllr John Buckley said he remembers going down there as a child and laughing at the truck drivers getting stuck in the bridge and here we are 20 years later still letting them get stuck in there. It's a running joke on Cork Safety Alerts. At this stage it's gone beyond a joke. Cllr Rory Cocking said: The whole place comes to a standstill if somebody unfortunately drives under it. We have seen other pressures with the R630 at the Lakeview roundabout, which only exacerbates the whole situation when someone else down the Bailick Road is after going in and getting stuck under the underpass. Cllr Eamonn Horgan said: It seems like were happy with the status quo there, that we just expect things will keep happening. The bridge keeps getting hit and it keeps having knock-on effects in the town. The council responded that the issue has been referred to the relevant TII engineer, adding that: The bridge is a TII structure and maintained directly by TII. Cork County Council has all the required signage as per the Traffic Signs Manual in place on the local roads to warn, inform and direct higher vehicles away from the low bridge. Members will be updated once a response from TII is received on any measures being considered. Cllr Hegarty noted the response and said he feels that the issue should be sent to the councils County Engineers Department for action to be taken on it urgently. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Families across the Cork North West constituency are being hammered by the steep increases in the price of home heating oil and fuel. The claim was made by Sinn Fein Senator Nicole Ryan, who accused energy companies of exploiting international events while the government refuses to intervene. Home-heating oil prices have now shot up by 500 for 1,000 litres since last week, with petrol and diesel also surging at the pumps. Heating oil across the country has gone from an average of 977 for 1,000 litres last Friday to 1,488 now a 52pc rise, according to Oilprices.ie. Senator Ryan said families across Cork North-West have been contacting her in shock at the rapid rise in prices over the past number of days. People across Cork North-West are already under enormous financial pressure, and now they are facing massive increases in the cost of heating their homes. Ms Ryan continued: Ive spoken to households who have seen the cost of home heating oil jump dramatically in a matter of days. Some families are reporting increases of hundreds of euros for a delivery, while motorists are also seeing sharp rises at the pumps. The Cork politician said she also experienced the steep increase in home heating oil. I ordered heating oil on Tuesday, March 2 and was quoted 1.32 per litre. By Wednesday that price had jumped to 1.52 per litre. I was told delivery could not be made until mid-March. When I asked if the price would be honoured, I was told it would depend on the price on the day of delivery. That means families could order oil today but end up paying a completely different and much higher price by the time it is actually delivered. That is simply not acceptable, she added. Senator Ryan said the scale and speed of the increases raise serious concerns about price gouging. Prices are surging within days and families are left completely exposed. It looks like blatant price gouging, and it is a brazen rip-off happening in plain sight. The government should be hauling the bosses of these companies in and demanding answers. They need to make it clear that exploiting a crisis to fleece households will not be tolerated. Ms Ryan said the governments response has been wholly inadequate, pointing out that the Taoiseach has refused to reconsider planned carbon tax increases despite the sharp rise in fuel prices. The Taoiseach has acknowledged there is no excuse for price gouging, yet the government is still pressing ahead with increases to carbon tax that will only push the cost of heating homes even higher. That tells you everything you need to know about how out of touch this government is with the pressure people are under. In rural areas like Cork North-West, families depend heavily on home heating oil, stressed Senator Ryan. People simply cannot absorb these kinds of increases. Instead of simply asking regulators to review the market, the government must take direct action to protect families. Right now, families in Cork North West feel like they are on their own while companies hike prices. That must change, and it has to change quickly. Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul OShea said the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) need to quickly look into and establish if there is price gouging or price fixing across the Irish fuel market. People understand that global events can affect prices, but they cant accept that a fuel company could be using international instability as cover for unjustified increases. If stock was bought at a lower price, consumers should not be paying war-time rates for it. Deputy O'Shea acknowledged that home heating oil and fuel pump prices have risen dramatically over the last few days and he called for consumers to be protected. Rural Ireland is heavily reliant on kerosene and they should not be at the whims of fuel companies to stay warm in their homes.The pattern of price movements simply doesnt add up. When pump prices are rising faster than wholesale costs and falling slower when markets stabilise, it raises legitimate questions around whether the system is working in the publics interest. An independent review by the CCPC would help determine whether recent price movements are justified or whether consumers are being unfairly burdened during a period of uncertainty. Transparency is essential and consumers need to know theyre not being taken advantage of, he added. A planning application has been submitted to Cork County Council for a solar project with long duration energy storage using new generation lithium-ion batteries on an eight-hectare site in North Cork. The proposal is to develop a Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) facility and a 2 MW solar array in the townlands of Derryroe and Kilberrihert, adjacent to the 220 kV Clashavoon electricity substation and around 4 km north-east of Macroom. LDES systems are used to store excess renewable energy and release it rapidly onto the grid when required. Applicant Statkraft says the facility will help to balance supply and demand on the power grid. The Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) commonly used for renewable developments usually store excess energy for up to four hours, while LDES can extend this period to between eight and twelve hours. The Derryroe site will have up to 150 MW of storage, subject to the final design. Statkraft, Europes largest producer of renewable energy, said the project will play a crucial role in advancing the energy transition in Ireland's South-West, while also providing significant benefits to the local community and its residents. By integrating solar generation with LDES, the project will optimise both energy and land use, enabling the storage of surplus solar power for dispatch during periods of reduced generation or increased demand, it said. A community benefit fund will provide an estimated 25,000 a year to local groups for 10 years from the beginning of construction. Led by a local steering group, funding can be provided to projects such as community energy efficiency schemes and local heritage and educational initiatives. Cork County Council is due to make a decision on the application by April 9. A subsequent planning application will be made to connect the site to the grid, the company said. The government has identified long duration energy storage as crucial to its target of generating 80pc of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Dublins Deputy Lord Mayor, Fianna Fail councillor John Stephens, voted on Monday to retain Irelands Triple Lock, flying in the face of Governments ambition to remove the instrument. Mr Stephens is widely tipped to be Fianna Fails candidate for the upcoming Dublin by-election, with Senator Mary Fitzpatrick ruling herself out of the contest in recent weeks. Speaking on a motion brought by Independent councillor Cieran Perry calling for the Government to retain the Triple Lock, Mr Stephens said it has worked well for Ireland. "We are a big voice, even though were a small country, because we have neutrality. Theres not enough countries like us in the world, so its very important that we stay within that apparatus, he told the chamber. The Triple Lock is a mechanism which limits the Government from deploying more than 12 Irish troops at a time without also having the express backing of the Dail and the United Nations Security Council (SC). Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris have long voiced concerns about the latter aspect of the instrument, due to the potential for a permanent member of the UNSC, such as Russia, to veto the deployment of Irish troops. A bill is moving forward that will abolish the UNSC element of the mechanism, meaning that only the Government and Dail acting together could decide on future deployments. Those opposed to scrapping the safeguard see it as a step toward NATO co-operation and a retraction from Irelands long-held policy of military neutrality. While I support this motion, I do think we have to invest in our Defence Forces, said Mr Stephens. We are a republican country, I think we have the right to protect our own airspaces, we have the right to protect our coastline but that doesnt mean we have to change things. "Because if we dont do that, were talking about the issues in the north inner city, drugs and all that, I dont want a situation that drugs are getting into this country. Sinn Fein councillor Micheal MacDonncha also supported the motion, and said he had to praise Mr Stephens for his position on the Triple Lock. "Its a great pity about your colleagues in Fianna Fail, they have forgotten the tradition of their own party, said Mr MacDonncha. The motion passed with 39 votes in favour, nine against and four abstentions. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Presentation Secondary School Principal Sheila O'Connell, Minister Norma Foley and head girls Ciara Laide and Sandhra Binumonat at the opeing of the new school library on Friday. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. There was an air of excitement at Presentation Secondary School in Tralee last Friday morning as students, along with teachers past and present, were invited to check out the schools brand-new library. The opening, which formed part of the overarching Love Literature week, was titled Tea and Tales and it saw retired English teachers being warmly welcomed back into the school to share in the occasion. Not only did the event give them a chance to wax lyrical about their enduring love of literature, but it also afforded a great opportunity for them to catch up over tea and a sweet treat with old colleagues. Amongst those reminiscing about their time in the school was former Principal teacher and the current Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, who helped to officially open the library. Following the opening, the school said that they are indebted to the School Library Book Grant for helping them nurture a lifelong love of reading among students. Principal Sheila OConnell extended her sincere thanks to the entire school community and wider community for their generous contributions to the bingo fundraisers, which were held to furnish the library. A special word of appreciation also went to the members of the Library and Wellread committees. Their dedication, the school said, has been instrumental in developing a reading culture throughout the school. On the wider Love Literature Week front, students also had the opportunity to meet with authors, actors, and entertainers such as Bernard Casey, Larry Beau, and Lorraine Nash. In addition, Writer-in-residence with Kerry County Council, Emer Fallon, conducted a workshop with third-year students. The Love Literature celebrations will conclude with Dress up day, which will take place on Thursday, March 5, where students will come dressed as their favourite character. Presentation Secondary School Principal Sheila O'Connell, Minister Norma Foley and head girls Ciara Laide and Sandhra Binumonat at the opeing of the new school library on Friday. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. Past English teachers Mary McQuinn, Mary Colligan, Inez Toal, Minister Norma Foley, Anne Moran, Maria O'Neill and Liz O'Keeffe at the opening of a new library at Presentation Secondary School in Tralee on Friday. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan. Gaelic Football Colm Keys: Mayos risk-and-reward plan of attack set to be measured in Kerrys back yard After his team had won the opening league game of his stewardship against Galway in Pearse Stadium in January, it was put to the new Mayo manager Andy Moran, somewhat rhetorically, that it had been clear how different the emphasis on go forward The action takes place over the course of a month in a rural household and a post office. John McCarthy, a 69 year old man (played by Donal Mulkeen), has been living a life of deceit, but how has he managed to keep his secrets from his daughters Honey (Anna-Marie McHale), who has looked after him, and Julia (played by Doireann Markham in her first full length play with the group). When Honey ropes in the parish priest Fr Foley (Tom Tuffy) to arrange a 70th birthday celebration for John, a few things dont quite add up. A nosey neighbour, Nora Tierney (Pauline Boland) likes to know everything that happens in the quiet area, but she seems to have missed a vital event in the neighbourhood. The local undertaker Boxer Kennedy (Ronan Barrett) is not what you would expect from a person that deals in death every day. He seems to be more preoccupied with life, and finding love! A love triangle starts between himself, Eileen ORourke (Aisling Foody in her first full length role with the group) and post office worker Myles (Jason Earlis). The local Doctor Phil (Enda Geoghegan) seems to have some answers but also may have been distracted in his house calls. Finally, the Local Garda (Declan Howley) tries to piece it all together, but even he is stumped. Frank Barrett who directs this production says We are having great fun putting this play together. We are lucky to have such a talented bunch of actors to bring the words of Paddy Heffernans script to life. We welcome in particular our two new actresses, and wish them well in their first full length play. This play reflects a lot of what we see in rural Ireland, from the characters, to the situations, from the everyday life to gossip and death! So come along to the community centre in Castleconnor, F26 P7D9, on the weekend before St Patricks Day the 13th 14th and 15th March to witness the shenanigans and goings on in Honey Keatings house. Curtain up at 8pm, but patrons are advised to come early to get a good seat as the crowds at this groups plays have been packed houses in recent productions. Make sure to bring your laughing shirt, because you will need it! A fruitful partnership between an Enniscorthy cancer support service and a national charity will lead to hundreds of free counselling sessions. The Irish Cancer Society and the Hope Cancer Support Centre, Enniscorthy have partnered to fund 488 free counselling sessions across the County Wexford area in 2026. The Irish Cancer Society presented 26,840 to the Hope Cancer Support Centre, partially funding free counselling services. These free services can be availed by cancer patients, survivors and their family members. In addition to free counselling, the Hope Cancer Support Centre also provides child and adolescent counselling, reflexology, lymphoedema/manual lymphatic drainage, support and guidance, telephone support, bereavement support, peer support groups, programmes/workshops, meditation and mindfulness. The Irish Cancer Society provides free remote counselling across the country, and by partnering with a network of 24 local cancer support centres, funding is provided to deliver free in-person counselling at a community level. In 2025, the Irish Cancer Societys free nationwide counselling service provided almost 13,000 sessions through cancer support centres across the country. To address the growing demand for services in the area, the centre is planning to relocate from its long-time home on Weafer Street to a new, state-of-the-art building. In late 2025, local businessman Dan Kickham gifted a greenfield site at Quarrypark, Enniscorthy, for this project. Mary Quinn, Head of Service Operations at the Irish Cancer Society emphasised the need for cancer support services with many families being touched by the diagnosis. "One in two of us will receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime, and when we do, we deserve the best possible support to help us process and come to terms with our diagnosis. On top of the physical impact of cancer treatment, we know the emotional and psychological toll cancer can take on patients and their loved ones during and beyond their diagnosis, she said. Providing free counselling to patients, survivors and their family members is a crucial service for those affected by cancer. We are delighted to partner with Hope Cancer Support Centre to deliver these services in Wexford. As well as offering our own remote counselling services, through our 24 local cancer support centre partners, the Irish Cancer Society funds vital free counselling services on the ground across Ireland, "We simply cant be there for those patients and families without the generosity and support of the Irish public. Every 60 we can raise is a free counselling session for a patient or their loved one. Every euro of your support will help make a difference. Thats why were asking for your support his Daffodil Day, Friday, March 20, she explained. Mairead Fanning, chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Hope Cancer Support Centre added: We are grateful to receive funding from the Irish Cancer Society, and this combined with local fundraising enables the Hope Cancer Support Centre provide this vital service to people affected by cancer within County Wexford. To continue to provide these counselling sessions, donations can be made to the Hope Cancer Support Centre here. For confidential advice, support and information on any cancer issue, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on Freephone 1800 200 700. Buildings and landmarks were lit up across the world recently, including in New Ross, Co Wexford, as the members of Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland raised awareness for the rare and aggressive cancer. Just some of the businesses and landmarks to be lit up in green in Ireland were Bulmers in Clonmel, the Cashel Palace Hotel, Carlow Council buildings, Kilkenny Castle, and buildings in Galway and Cork, while on the international scale it included Boston Scientific in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands. It was the Tholsel and the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross being lit up green that was special for advocate Karen Dunne, who sadly lost her husband, Kieran Dunne on September 26, 2024 from the short and aggressive illness, Cholagiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer. Born in England to Irish parents, Kieran moved from London when he was thirteen years old to Wexford, where he attended Good Counsel College. He and his wife, Karen, who hails from New Ross married and they, with their three children, Isabelle, Louis and Hugo, made a life for themselves in Bansha, County Tipperary. While coping with the grief of her husbands devastating passing, Karen vowed to raising awareness for others who may find themselves in the same circumstances. Another goal of the awareness campaign is to provide useful and factual information on the disease thats located in one place, making it accessible for those who have been diagnosed and their loved ones. Karen previously said she and other families were met with the additional challenges of having to carry out their own research, as there was very little information available in Ireland on the disease at the time of Kierans diagnoses. Kieran Dunne with his three children. As the campaign continues to grow, the Cholagiocarcinoma Ireland has, in the last year, been officially registered as a not-for-profit limited company and the organisation has had a number of very successful fundraisers during the year, including collaborations with the UK and US organisations. The collaborations with other organisations also continues to strengthen the awareness campaign, and on World Cholangiocarcinoma Day, the United Cancer Advocates Newtwork (UCAN) Ireland remembered with heavy hearts the beloved UCAN co-founder and Co-Chair, James Hastings who sadly died from the disease in November 2025. James is described as a remarkable person and a dedicated advocate, who gave his precious time to help others, using his voice to call for meaningful change that could transform and save lives. Coinciding with the campaign, Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland also remembered their loved ones lost to the disease on the world awareness day and said: It is important to honour the memory of those we have lost to CCA. They fought with courage and will live on in our hearts and minds forever. Every life lost is a reminder of why we must forge on to advocate for earlier detection, better treatments and continued research, they added, while acknowledging the late James Hastings, Dominic Keenehan, Shane Downey, Bryan Shortt, and Kieran Dunne, Vanessa Clarke, Karen Kennerly, and Iggy Daly. The group thanked those who have contributed to the awareness campaign in any capacity icluding the Cholangiocarcinoma peer groups worldwide in the fight against this deadly cancer. Wexford & District Rosslare-Dublin rail neglect slammed amid surging passenger demand and severe overcrowding A rail advocacy group has blasted Iarnrod Eireann and the National Transport Authority for failing to increase service frequency between Rosslare and Dublin, despite an unprecedented surge in commuter demand and severe overcrowding on board McDonalds Wexford has once again won the prestigious Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC Ireland) Golden Santa Hat Award for 2025, the fourth consecutive year the restaurant team has claimed the top prize. The Wexford restaurant sold almost 11,000 Santa Hats during the 2025 festive period, the highest of all 96 McDonalds restaurants in Ireland, raising over 21,000 for RMHC Ireland. The Christmas fundraising campaign saw an impressive 82,334 Santa Hats sold across Ireland, raising over 160,000 for RMHC Ireland. The Carlow Drive-Thru restaurant also continued its strong track record, retaining second place with 8,692 hats sold, while Waterford claimed third place this year with 3,438. All money raised through the campaign goes directly to RMHC Ireland, supporting its vital work to provide accommodation and a caring, supportive environment for families whose children are seriously ill and are hospitalised or undergoing medical treatment at Childrens Health Ireland, Crumlin. This years fundraising efforts will also help support the newly completed 52-room Ronald McDonald House at the Childrens Hospital in Dublin, enabling RMHC Ireland to care for even more families when they need it most. Im incredibly proud of our team in Wexford and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our customers who generously supported the Santa Hat campaign, said John Byrne, Franchisee at McDonalds Wexford. McDonalds Ireland is honoured to partner with RMHC Ireland, and this award is a testament to the passion and commitment our restaurant teams show in supporting the vital work of the charity. Nadia Jean (Business manager), John Byrne (Franchise Manager), Emma Fitzpatrick (People Manager) cut the ribbon at the opening of McDonald's in New Ross on Wednesday. Photo: Jim Campbell The impact of the campaign was particularly meaningful for Lorraine Dowdall, who is Customer Experience Leader at McDonalds Wexford, who personally sold an exceptional 5,000 Santa Hats during the campaign. Lorraine has first-hand experience of the support provided by Ronald McDonald House, having previously stayed at the facility with her family for an extended period. "I stayed in a Ronald McDonald House for seven months solid, without leaving. What mattered most to me was being able to come in and talk with other parents. When youre in a situation like ours, its easy to think youre the only one. Whether it was chatting with other parents or sitting down for dinner with different families, those moments of normal conversation really mattered. Having a bit of ordinary "me time was so important. It might not be your own child, or your brothers child or your sisters, but it could be a friends child. You never know when you or someone you love might need the support of RMHC. Also attending the Golden Santa Hat presentation was Isla Barry the winner of RMHCs first-ever colouring competition, selected from entries across all 96 McDonalds restaurants. The competition was introduced to increase awareness of RMHC among children and to encourage meaningful family engagement with the charity. RMHC Ireland provides support to families 365 days a year, with the average stay in the house for a family in 2025 being 35 nights. Since opening its doors in 2004, 5,413 families have benefitted from home-cooked meals, private bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and laundry facilities at Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin. Housing Minister James Browne has denied having any personal connection or relationship with the developer and landlord who issued 36 eviction notices to residents of an estate in Bridgetown, Co Wexford. In a recording obtained by the Irish Independent, an agent working with Patchflow Ltd, the company that owns the houses, urges tenants in the Hazelwood estate issued with eviction notices to give it ten days and states repeatedly that the most favourable scenario is for the landlord to sell to Wexford County Council. Young Irish adventurer was bitten by a dugite, a species of highly venomous, potentially lethal snake endemic to Western Australia A Wexford woman has spoken of a terrifying ordeal which saw her airlifted to hospital from an island off the coast of Perth in Australia after being bitten by a venomous snake. Shauna Boyne (25) from Tagoat made the big move Down Under in November 2025 and has been enjoying all that Australia has to offer, while adapting to the climate. One thing she didnt bank on was a potentially fatal encounter with a snake within her first few months. Wicklows creative scene will get a chance to shine at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, March 6, as Greystones-based sustainable fashion brand House of Hofu has been named one of two winners in Vodafone Irelands See Your Business Pitchside competition. The initiative, which offers 25,000 worth of pitchside and digital screen advertising during Irelands Six Nations fixtures, will put the Wicklow brand in the spotlight before a live audience of more than 50,000 fans, and the thousands more watching worldwide. For Hofu founder AnnMarie Woods, a fashion designer, personal stylist and mother-of-two, the boost marks a watershed moment in the brands rise. Established only three years ago, House of Hofu has already carved out a reputation for championing sustainability through meticulously crafted clothing, bags, and alcoholfree perfume oils. Each item is made from scratch, using eco-friendly, ethically sourced materials, including seaqual, an innovative textile created from upcycled ocean waste, and Mirum, a plant-based, fully natural alternative to leather. In Japanese, the word 'hofu' means 'abundant' and at the heart of the brand is a love of, and a commitment to, living a life of abundance and joy. House of Hofu was founded in response to a changing world and a shift in the zeitgeist as individuals refuse to be limited by traditional societal structures. Proudly rooted in Ireland and with Japanese simplicity, Ann-Marie will see House of Hofus branding featured pitchside, while cheering on Ireland as they face Wales on Friday, March 6. Ann-Marie Woods, founder of House of Hofu. Photo: Anthony Woods Its an amazing opportunity for us, AnnMarie said. Having started only three years ago, were still growing, and it takes time to get out there as a smaller brand. Ive seen the advertising for the businesses supported by this competition in past years, and I cant believe House of Hofu is next. Its going to blow my mind when I see it. House of Hofu shares the winning spot with with Thomp2 Socks, a family-founded business created by entrepreneur Thomas Barry, who has Down syndrome. Thomp2 Socks produces fashion-forward cotton socks while supporting Down Syndrome charities and services, pledging 5pc of profits toward vital supports. Thomas and his family will see their brand showcased during Irelands clash with Scotland on Saturday, March 14. Jo Gilfoy, director of Vodafone Business, said: House of Hofu and Thomp2 Socks are both fantastic businesses driven by purpose. This exposure will put them centre stage for so many potential new customers and corporations. Were delighted to be part of their journey. After years of planning setbacks, political finger-pointing, and a high-stakes legal battle, a housing development of 106 social homes at Burgage More in Blessington is finally moving toward constructionbut not in the way the government originally intended. Wicklow County Council has confirmed it will now bypass the states failed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and proceed with a separate direct-build tender for the development, with construction expected to begin following a procurement process. The project, consisting of 70 houses and 36 duplex apartments, was initially part of the Governments Social Housing PPP Bundle 3. Despite being granted planning permission in 2022, the site lay empty for years as costs spiralled. In a shock move in June 2025, the Department of Housing pulled the plug on the entire bundle, citing a doubling of projected costs that made the project poor value for money. In addition to the 106 homes in Blessington, the remaining five sites in the cancelled bundle were located across Dublin, Kildare, and Sligo. The decision sparked immediate legal retaliation from the Torc Consortium (including JJ Rhatigan), who filed for judicial review in the High Court, alleging a breach of contract and the loss of millions in "sunk costs". The consortium members claim to have already spent upwards of 8 million to get the sites shovel-ready, after passing previous government financial appraisals. The cancellation drew fierce criticism from local representatives. Sinn Fein Wicklow TD John Brady described the move as a "devastating blow" to the hundreds of families on the Blessington housing list, accusing the government of leaving construction-ready sites in "limbo" during a national crisis. Similarly, Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore challenged the government in the Dail, questioning how a project could be deemed unviable only after developers had spent years preparing the land. Faced with a stalled site and a growing local crisis, Wicklow County Council has taken matters into its own hands. At a recent Strategic Policy Committee meeting, local councillor Gerry O'Neill welcomed the news that the council would now act as the primary developer. This is the result weve been pushing for since the Departments failure last summer, Cllr O'Neill stated. We need boots on the ground, not more legal arguments. The development at Burgage More will include 70 houses and 36 duplexes (a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom high-spec units). A new 200sqm creche will also be built, alongside significant road realignments on Burgage More Road. Tender awards are expected for release by mid-2026, with heavy machinery anticipated on-site shortly thereafter. The project is now a cornerstone of the Blessington Local Area Plan 20252031. While the legal battle between the State and the original developers continues in the background, director of services Joe Lane indicated during the local authoritys monthly meeting in March that the councils 183 million 2026 budget has carved out the necessary funds to move the 106 units toward a late-2027 completion date. While specific tender results are pending, the move is intended to avoid the long-term availability payments (estimated at 20 million per year nationally for 25 years) required under the original PPP deal. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Derry Girls actress is the April cover star for Elle UK Nicola Coughlan has said she has no interest in body positivity and finds it boring when people talk about her size. The Irish actress (39), known for playing panicky student Clare Devlin on Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls, also stars in Netflixs Bridgerton as Penelope Bridgerton. Despite the success of the show, she has described how disappointing it is that so many people praise her body size and talk about her weight. Fronting Elle UKs April issue, Coughlan told the magazine: The thing I say sometimes that pisses people off is I have no interest in body positivity. When I was a kid growing up, I never thought about that. I didnt look at actors and think about their bodies. So I actually dont care. Nicola Coughlans cover for Elle UK. Image courtesy of Elle UK Theres a lot of things Im passionate about, its not one of them ... Thats someone elses thing. Its not mine. The actress added that, despite being a size 10, she will still be praised as someone who appears on screen as a plus-size actress. Speaking about the reaction to her nude scenes on the show, she said: What was really bizarre was, when I was shooting that series, I was exercising a lot because I knew I had to, so I had lost a bunch of weight. I was probably a size 10 and one of the corsets was a size 8. Then people talked about how I was plus size and I was like, How f**ked are we that I am the biggest woman you want to see on screen? I remember this really drunk girl once talking to me in a bathroom being like, I loved [Bridgerton] because of your body and started talking about my body, and I was like, I want to die. I hate this so much. Nicola Coughlan in Elle UK. Photo: Elle UK Its really hard when you work on something for months and months of your life, you dont see your family, you really dedicate yourself, and then it comes down to what you look like its so f**king boring. Coughlan also spoke to the magazine about her ADHD diagnosis. She said: It feels like I got the handbook to my brain that I wasnt given when I was born. Nicola Coughlan in Elle UK. Photo: Elle UK I understand things a bit better now, and I give myself a little more grace. Coughlan appeared in hit movie Barbie and Channel 4s Big Mood, the latter of which secured her a Bafta nomination last year. She also appeared in a National Theatre production of The Playboy of the Western World alongside Derry Girls co-star Siobhan McSweeney. The full interview can be read in the April issue of Elle UK, which goes on sale on March 10 BREAKING | Man who killed his exs sister and her three young children in fire sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Sharaz Ali wanted to inflict maximum pain when he set fire to the home of Bryonie Gawith and her three small children Sharaz Ali, 40, was found guilty at Doncaster Crown Court of murdering Bryonie Gawith and her three children, Denisty Birtle, nine, Oscar Birtle, five, and Aubree Birtle, 22 months, in a house fire in Bradford in August 2024 (West Yorkshire Police/PA) Katie Dickinson Press Association Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 14:13 A woman whose sister, nieces and nephew were killed when her abusive former partner torched their house in a jealous rage said she was haunted by being the target of the attack as he was handed a whole life prison order. Freed Ukrainian POWs react as they leave a bus after a swap, amid Russias attack on Ukraine, in an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Photo: Reuters Ukraine and Russia exchanged 200 prisoners of war each yesterday in their latest swap, officials on both sides said, despite a deadlock in US-backed negotiations to end the four-year conflict. Kyiv and Moscow have carried out regular POW exchanges throughout the war, committing during recent talks in Geneva to a new round of such swaps even as negotiations remain stuck over the question of territory. Shortage left Kyiv exposed to winter attacks by Moscow Ukraines F-16 fighter jets did not have enough missiles to shoot down Russian drones and missiles for more than three weeks after supplies from Kyivs partners dried up just as Moscow was preparing a massive winter air campaign, three sources have said. How Gen Z men are more likely to hold belief that wives should obey their husbands, according to study Baby boomers were least likely to have traditional views on gender About 18pc of Gen Z women also believe a wife should always obey her husband. Stock image. Photo: Getty Charles Hymas Telegraph Media Group Holdings Ltd Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 Gen Z men are more likely to believe that a wife should obey her husband than other generations, research has revealed. Your job here is not to fight one another, it is to fight this climate crisis, UN climate chief tells Cop30 in Brazil Middle East LIVE | US vows 'no mercy, no quarter' on Iran as Pentagon source says more marines headed to Middle East Trump says US will hit Iran 'very hard' after easing sanctions on Russian oil President Donald Trump said the U.S. was going to be hitting Iran "very hard over the next week", shortly after issuing a partial 30-day waiver for purchases of sanctioned Russian oil, hoping to ease prices fuelled by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Prices have been whipsawing on Trump's changing comments on the likely duration of the war, which has prompted Iran to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for a fifth of the world's oil. Trump has previously said the war is "complete", and also promised to guarantee the safety of vessels in the strait. In a Fox News interview aired on Friday, Trump said the U.S. would escort shipping there "if we needed to". Benchmark Brent crudeLCOc1 eased about 0.6% to around $99.80, still up almost 40% since the start of the conflict. O/R War on Iran extends across Middle East After nearly two weeks of war, 2,000 people have been killed, most of them in Iran, but many also in Lebanon and a growing number in the Gulf, which has for the first time in decades of Middle East conflicts found itself on the front line. Several million people have been displaced from their homes. As Israeli warplanes pounded Beirut's suburbs with air strikes, Lebanon's interior minister said authorities were unable to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of people who have sought refuge in the capital. Israel also dropped leaflets threatening Gaza-scale devastation as it deployed more troops to fight Iran-backed Hezbollah and warned of more attacks on Lebanon's infrastructure. U.S. forces have also suffered casualties. The U.S. military confirmed that all six crew members aboard a refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq were dead. Iran fired more missiles and drones at Israel, and Iranian drones were reported flying into Kuwait, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Oman. The Israeli military launched strikes across Tehran. It said its air force had struck more than 200 targets in western and central Iran over the past day, including ballistic missile launchers, air defence systems and weapons production sites. Iranian Press TV said a woman had been killed by an airstrike close to a rally in Tehran for Quds (Jerusalem) Day, one of many across Iran in support of Palestinians living in Israeli-occupied territory. President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and security chief Ali Larijani all appeared in videos verified by Reuters openly attending the rally in a gesture of defiance, despite an assertion by U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth that the leadership were "cowering" underground. People are not afraid of these attacks. As you can see, people have come out in this rain, under these hardships," judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei said at the march. "We will not back down in any way." With gasoline and diesel prices rising at pumps in the United States and around the world, the U.S. on Thursday issued a 30-day licence for countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products already at sea - where it is not uncommon for consignments to be sold or change their buyer. The International Energy Agency said on Thursday the war was creating the biggest oil supply disruption in history. The war has sparked a critical shortage of cooking gas in India, a country with longstanding ties to Iran. Iran has allowed two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, four sources told Reuters. Ukraine and Europe angered by US easing sanctions The U.S. waiver on Russian oil was welcomed in Moscow but left Kyiv and its allies angry. "Six members of the G7 expressed a very clear opinion that this was not the right signal," German Chancellor Friedrich Merz told a press conference in Norway. "We then learned this morning that the American government has apparently decided otherwise." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the move could provide Russia with $10 billion, adding: "It certainly does not help peace." Trump said he thinks Russian President Vladimir Putin may be helping Iran a "little bit" in the interview with Fox News Radio that aired on Friday. "I think he might be helping him (Iran) a little bit, yeah, I guess. And he probably thinks we're helping Ukraine, right?" Trump told "The Brian Kilmeade Show", without specifying the nature of that help. The Washington Post reported last week that Russia was providing Iran with targeting information that included locations of U.S. warships and aircraft in the Middle East. Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff later said Russia had denied doing so, and "we can take them at their word." Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first public comments on Thursday, vowed to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut and urged neighbouring countries to close U.S. bases on their territory or risk being attacked themselves. Khamenei's comments were read out by a television presenter and it was not clear why he had not appeared in person or recorded his comments. Hegseth told a news briefing that the U.S. knew he was "wounded and likely disfigured". An Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday that Khamenei was lightly injured but continuing to work. President Emmanuel Macron said one French soldier had been killed and several wounded during an attack in northern Iraq, hours after an Italian base in the same area was attacked. The French soldiers were providing training as part of an international coalition fighting Islamic State militants. Reuters Fox News poll shows 57pc of Americans disapprove of job Donald Trump is doing as president Voters says US leader is focused on the wrong issues US president Donald Trump. Photo: AP Owen Scott UK Independent Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 More than half of Americans disapprove of Donald Trumps performance in office, according to a new poll from Fox News. RFK Jrs panel including vaccine sceptics will probe autism links Committee will give guidance on which research to fund federally Robert F Kennedy Jr during a press conference at the Department of Health in Washington last year. Photo: Reuters Leah Douglas and Ahmed Aboulenein Reuters Fri 6 Mar 2026 at 06:30 A US autism advisory board remade by health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr to include vaccine sceptics aims to steer federal research spending toward investigating causes of the condition, as well as other issues like co-occurring medical disorders, according to some new panel members. Divisive secretary contradicted US president over $220m ad spend Kristi Noem, who oversaw US president Donald Trumps aggressive immigration crackdown and faced bipartisan criticism in hearings this week, will leave her role as homeland security chief at the end of the month. Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis has assured that the strategic Souda Bay naval base on Crete is fully secure and restricted from launching offensive operations as the Middle East conflict severely intensifies. Speaking on national television, Mr. Gerapetritis dismissed speculation regarding potential retaliatory threats to the U.S. and NATO installation. He emphasized that upgraded anti-missile and air defenses are actively shielding Greek territory. Simultaneously, combat-ready F-16 fighter jets and naval frigates have been deployed to protect Cyprus from the regional fallout following Ayatollah Ali Khameneis recent death and the ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes. Souda operates under the U.S.-Greece defense pactstrict limits apply, and there is no offensive use, Mr. Gerapetritis said. He noted that the deployment to Cyprus is a "non-negotiable" sovereign duty. The foreign minister cautioned that the widening war, which has paralyzed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, is unlikely to end quickly. He urged the nation to brace for prolonged economic shocks, new migration waves, and deep geopolitical instability. Amid the escalating crisis, Mr. Gerapetritis firmly rejected Turkey's renewed demands to demilitarize Greece's eastern islands, calling the nation's sovereign defense rights entirely non-negotiable. Meanwhile, Athens continues its frantic civilian repatriation effortsdescribed by the minister as the toughest in decadeshaving already evacuated more than 200 citizens from the volatile region. Mr. Gerapetritis added that Greece will continue leveraging its diplomatic ties with the U.S., Israel, and Gulf nations to advocate for global maritime stability through the EU's Aspides naval mission. iefimerida.gr The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted bail to the immediate past Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, who is facing a money laundering charge alongside his son and wife. The defendants were alleged to have laundered public funds totalling about N9billion. The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, granted them bail in the sum of N200 million each, with two sureties in like sum. Advertisement It will be recalled that the court had, on February 27, remanded the former AGF, his son, Abdulaziz, and one of his wives, Hajia Bashir Asabe, in prison custody after they were re-arraigned on a 16-count charge which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) preferred against them. The remand order followed Justice Abdulmaliks refusal to adopt the bail conditions that were earlier granted to the defendants on January 7. The defence lawyer, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, after the defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charge, drew the courts attention to the bail conditions given by Justice Emeka Nwite, who initially presided over the case as a vacation judge. On his part, counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, who confirmed that the defendants had earlier perfected all the bail conditions, argued that with the re-arraignment, the court reserved the discretionary powers to determine whether they should be allowed to continue to enjoy their bail or not. Having listened to both sides, Justice Abdulmalik held that the case had started de novo (afresh) before her, stressing that proceedings before Justice Nwite had legally terminated. She therefore ordered the defendants to file a fresh bail application, which had been granted on Friday. As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered that one of the sureties must provide title documents of a property located in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Besides, it ordered the defendants to surrender their international passports and not travel outside the country without permission. Justice Abdulmalik held that the defendants should remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions. The case was subsequently adjourned to March 16 for the commencement of trial. The court initially granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500m each with two sureties each in the like sum. The EFCC had alleged that Malami who served as Justice Minister from November 11, 2015, to May 29, 2023, under former President Muhammadu Buharis administration, had in a bid to hide his proceeds of crime, resorted to acquiring choice properties in various cities and states, including Abuja, Kebbi, and Kano. It told the court that the defendants had between July 2022 and June 2025, used a firm- Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited- to conceal over N1.01bn in a Sterling Bank account. They were further accused of using the same company to siphon about N600million between September 2020 and February 2021. Likewise, EFCC told the court that the defendants had retained N600m in March 2021 as cash collateral for a N500m loan that the firmRayhaan Hotels Ltdobtained from Sterling Bank, despite allegedly knowing that the funds were proceeds of crime. The defendants were said to have acted in breach of several provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011. Among those billed to testify against them were investigators, bank officials, real estate agents, and Bureau de Change operators. The embattled former AGF is also facing a five-count charge of terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms, which the Department of State Services (DSS) filed against him and his son. Malami was arrested and detained by the DSS after he perfected all the bail conditions in the case the EFCC entered against him and was released from prison custody. An officer from Allied Universal Security Service wears a band over his shield in this 2023 AP file photo. Read more Jamar Patterson, now 40, was up for a job in 2022 as an unarmed security guard. But the offer was rescinded when he informed his prospective employer, Allied Universal, of a previous drug conviction from when he was 19, despite having a clean record since 2005. Advertisement Similarly, Abron Ash, 49, lost his job after his employer, McGinn Security, learned of his conviction on three misdemeanors related to a fight in 2006. Both lost their jobs because of a Pennsylvania law that applies to people who have been convicted of certain crimes, banning them for life from working as private unarmed security guards. Last week, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas ruled that the states Private Detective Act is unconstitutional. The ruling was the result of a 2023 civil suit Patterson and Ash filed against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and District Attorney Larry Krasner, whose office enforces the Private Detective Act in Philadelphia. They asked the court to block enforcement of the law. READ MORE: Two Philly security guards sue Krasner and Pa. over law restricting their employment Krasner said in a statement Friday that he agrees with the courts decision and will not appeal it. The Private Detective Acts extreme, irrebuttable lifetime ban on employment in private security swept too broadly constitutionally, Krasner said. The ruling will now open doors for qualified Philadelphians who were previously barred from entering the security industry due to old or irrelevant convictions, giving more individuals the right to work and earn a living. Its unclear whether the Philadelphia courts ruling would eventually apply statewide. As of now, the decision prevents enforcement of the law in Philadelphia, say attorneys for the plaintiffs. The two men filed the suit with the help of the Public Interest Law Center and Community Legal Services (CLS) of Philadelphia. Im very excited to hear the news that I was a part of making change. Its almost like making history I guess it is history in Philadelphia, Patterson said in a statement. And Im looking forward to the case becoming a part of a statewide solution. Pattersons attorneys also say more effort is likely needed to extend the ruling to the rest of the state. Though many states have restrictions on security guard licensing for people with criminal convictions, they often have time limits on the restriction or have processes in place for authorities to give exceptions. Pennsylvanias lifetime ban, however, is among the most restrictive. The recent ruling means Philadelphia employers can no longer deny people jobs as unarmed private security guards because of old, minor, and irrelevant convictions, according to the Public Interest Law Center and CLS. We have had hundreds of clients over the years who have come to Community Legal Services because they are interested in working in the security field but have been unable to do so because of old and irrelevant convictions, said Jamie Gullen, a managing attorney at CLS. Gullen said the courts decision will open the door to opportunity for hard-working, qualified Philadelphians. Ben Geffen, senior attorney at the Public Interest Law Center, said evidence showed that the law is, over broad, unconstitutional, and does not further public safety. The Private Detective Act was passed in 1953 and includes a long list of minor offenses, including many misdemeanors, that bar workers from employment in the security and protection industry for life. The convictions include simple drug possession, pickpocketing, and a catchall category of any offense involving moral turpitude. Because of those broad prohibitions, most security employers will not hire workers with any kind of conviction history, attorneys for the CLS and Public Interest Law Center said. Security jobs can be vital for some workers because they dont often require a college degree and offer better wages than other entry-level work. The median annual income for a security guard is $31,470, or about $15 per hour. Thats double Pennsylvanias $7.25 per hour minimum wage. Kiminori Nakamura, Ph.D., filed a report to the court on behalf of Patterson and Ash noting that the risk of recidivism for individuals with criminal history seeking such jobs is relatively low. Editors Note: This story has been updated to include a statement from District Attorney Larry Krasner. An undocumented West African immigrant who federal authorities say has been living in Philadelphia for more than two decades cast a ballot in the 2024 federal election and may have voted in at least six other elections, federal authorities said. Mahady Sacko was charged with fraudulent voting, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. If convicted, he could face up to five years in federal prison. Advertisement Investigators said Sacko registered to vote in 2005, affirming on the registration form that he was a U.S. citizen. According to the affidavit, he went on to vote in five federal general elections and two primary elections over the next two decades. Prosecutors charged him only with casting a ballot in the 2024 election. Sacko had been ordered deported to Mauritania, in Northwest Africa, by an immigration judge in 2000, the affidavit said. But federal authorities never carried out the order because Sacko did not have a valid Mauritanian passport. Instead, immigration officials placed him under supervision, requiring him to regularly report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The charges against him come amid political attention on allegations that people who are not U.S. citizens are voting rampantly in American elections a frequent talking point among conservative politicians and commentators. President Donald Trump has pushed federal officials to amp up efforts to prosecute undocumented immigrants who vote. But election experts and government investigations have consistently found that such cases are rare. Studies examining tens of millions of ballots have identified only a handful of suspected instances of such voting a fraction of a percent of votes cast, according to research by the Brennan Center for Justice. Only U.S. citizens may vote in federal elections. Voters must attest to their citizenship when registering, and falsely claiming citizenship can lead to criminal prosecution and deportation. Voting records show that Sacko registered as a Democrat, though the affidavit does not specify which candidates he supported in the elections in which investigators say he voted. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office said Sacko had been released on bail after an initial appearance on Thursday. She did not provide the bail amount. Police lights activated on an Evansville Police Department vehicle. Read more An 11-year-old boy shot and killed his mothers boyfriend during a fight in her Southwest Philadelphia home Thursday evening, police said. They did not identify the child because of his age. Advertisement Officers were called to the scene at a rowhouse on the 1100 block of South Peach Street around 11:30 p.m., police said. There they found a 30-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the face in a back bedroom on the second floor. Police later identified the man as Jaimeer Jones-Walker of Lansdowne. Chief Inspector Scott Small said that based on preliminary evidence, police believe Jones-Walker showed up at the home, where the woman lives with family, and began to argue and physically assault her. In response, he said, the child pulled a semiautomatic handgun and fired one shot, striking Jones-Walker. Jones-Walker is not the boys father, Small said. The gun was registered to the childs mother, according to police, who are continuing to investigate the shooting. The boy and his mother are cooperating with authorities, Small said. The stretch of South Peach Street was quiet Friday morning, and neighbors walking along the block or sitting outside said they did not recall hearing gunshots Thursday night. Neighbors said they often saw the woman with her daughter and son outside the home, and occasionally saw Jones-Walker, too. Incidents in which a child fatally shoots an adult are rare, Small said. Its unusual, he said. However, pediatricians have warned that children are increasingly gaining access to firearms at home, often with deadly consequences. Suicide rates among young people have surged in recent years, in part due to unsecured firearms, experts with the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia said in a 2024 report. In Philadelphia, the number of people 18 and younger who have shot themselves soared from 2 in 2019 to 20 in 2021, and the number has remained elevated. Children as young as 2 are strong enough to pull the trigger of a gun, pediatricians said, underscoring the need for parents of young children to secure their firearms using gun locks and storage safes. Students arrive for classes at Cherry Hill High School East in May 2025. Read more A longtime township educator will become Cherry Hill High School Easts new principal this summer, months after the former principal resigned amid an ongoing legal battle with another former administrator. The Cherry Hill school board on Feb. 24 appointed John Cafagna, currently the principal of Rosa International Middle School, to take the helm of East beginning July 1. Advertisement I look forward to providing operational stability, being the wellness guardian for our students and staff, honoring our great traditions, and leading us as we move forward together as one East, one community, and one vision, Cafagna said, addressing the school board. Cafagna has worked in the Cherry Hill Public Schools for nearly three decades, starting as an educational technologist and working his way up as a teacher, assistant principal, and, most recently, principal. He holds a bachelors degree in psychology from Rowan University, amasters degree ineducational leadership from Capella University, and a doctorate in educational administration from Capella University. Cafagna will earn a salary of $200,000 as Easts principal. Leslie Walker, a longtime educator who became interim East principal in October, stepped down abruptly late last month, according to Eastside, the high schools student newspaper. Walkers contract was set to end in June. Walker told Eastside personal stressors in her life prompted her resignation. Neil Burti, Cherry Hills director of secondary education, will handle Easts principal responsibilities in the interim, said Nina Baratti, the districts public information officer. Cafagnas appointment came five months after the schools former principal resigned. Daniel Finkle resigned in September after David Francis-Maurer, a former assistant principal, accused Finkle and the school district of discrimination and a calculated campaign of targeted retaliation in a lawsuit. According to Francis-Maurer, the district retaliated against him by not renewing his contract after he blew the whistle on Finkle for skirting school policies and engaging in offensive behavior. Finkle has denied the allegations in legal filings, saying that he did not discriminate against Francis-Maurer and that the decision to not renew Francis-Maurers contract was due to job performance and nothing else. Finkle alleged Francis-Maurer was argumentative and made egregious errors as assistant principal. Finkle also denied allegations that he did not follow school policy when sensitive student issues emerged. Cherry Hill High School East, located on Kresson Road, enrolls around 2,000 students in grades nine through 12. Correction: This story has been corrected to reflect the university where Cafagna received a masters degree. This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters. Philadelphias oldest wine school says a competitor is attempting to erase its existence from the internet through a cyberbullying campaign and trademark infringement, according to a federal lawsuit. In the suit, PhillyWine LLC alleges that Keith Wallace and Alana Zerbe, the husband-and-wife duo behind the Wine School of Philadelphia, took extraordinary steps to confuse customers and piggyback on PhillyWines prestige, causing PhillyWine economic and reputational damage. The suit, filed Feb. 26 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, also accuses Wallace, the founder of the Wine School of Philadelphia, of fabricating his credentials and using aliases to open businesses that promote his school. Advertisement Wallace and Zerbe have made it their mission to destroy PhillyWine by attempting to erase its existence and take over its name, the suit says. The two schools have coexisted since the early 2000s although not always peacefully, the suit notes but tensions escalated at the end of 2025, when Wallace secured what the suit calls a fraudulently obtained trademark for the name Philly Wine School. Armed with the trademark, Wallace convinced Instagram to suspend PhillyWines account in December, according to the complaint, and he has since attempted to take over the schools Google business listing and shut down its website. Meanwhile, he was propping up his own business through a self-legitimizing web of deception, the suit says. PhillyWines enrollment and attendance have been down since December, co-owner Matt Kirkland said in an interview, declining to share specific figures. The name confusion has disrupted student registration and appears to be redirecting traffic to Wallaces sites, said Kirkland. I think there needs to be clarity in naming and clarity for students so they sign up for the classes they think theyre signing up for. PhillyWine is asking a federal judge to issue an injunction that would prohibit Wallace from using Philly Wine School, or any other confusingly similar name, and from attempting to disable PhillyWines online accounts. Without an injunction, the request said, PhillyWine would face an existential threat. These attacks must end now, and PhillyWine must be allowed to resume its business under normal conditions without further harassment, the LLC said in court filings. The lawsuit seeks profits the Wine School of Philadelphia earned from misappropriating PhillyWines name through trademark infringement, unfair competition practices, and false advertising. It also asks a judge to nullify the trademark. Wallace denied the allegations and characterized the complaint as a way for PhillyWine to bully him out of the business he spent decades building. A wine war ferments Created by former owner Neal Ewing in 1999, PhillyWine is the citys only wine educator fully accredited by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, a nonprofit organization which sets international standards for alcoholic beverage education. PhillyWine is one of 47 programs globally and the only in the tri-state area approved to teach the trusts full wine diploma, which PhillyWine has leveraged to host classes with Drexel and James Madison universities. The Wine School of Philadelphia, founded in 2001 by Wallace, is not accredited by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. It hosts wine tastings as well as semester-long sommelier courses using curricula from the National Wine School, which Wallace also founded. About 3,000 people attend Wine School of Philadelphia classes annually, according to Wallace. In 2019, the education trust sent Wallace a letter asking him to cease comparing his school with PhillyWine on his site, the suit says. Wallace said he had no idea if he ever received such a letter. When Ewing retired in 2022, he sold the business to current co-owners Kirkland, a Penn surgeon, and Noelle Allen, a former banking executive and certified wine educator. Then, a digital wine war began to ferment. That August, the school learned that Wallace had claimed the Instagram handle @PhillyWine to antagonize Ewing, the suit said, and it had to compromise for the now-defunct @PhillyWineSchool. The account @PhillyWine currently has a photo of Wallace as its profile picture and features videos of Wallace and Zerbe filming their wine podcast. Wallace denied obtaining the Instagram handle to grind an axe, but acknowledged a rift between the two wine schools. Everyone knows including my wife and therapist that I have a sharp tongue, and I have always been critical of certain ways of [teaching] but I have never said anything nasty or even a little mean about PhillyWine, he said. They just do not like me. In late 2024, Wallace filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to trademark Philly Wine School for use alongside food and wine classes. He obtained the name in December; it had no prior trademarks. The move blindsided PhillyWines owners. We frankly saw no reason and anticipated no need for a reason to try to trademark something, Kirkland said. The lawsuit alleges Wallace lied in his trademark application by attesting that the Philly Wine School name has acquired distinctiveness in the marketplace through nearly two decades of continuous use. But there is no evidence he used that name on his schools website before filing the application in November 2024, according to the suit. Wallace chalked the sudden use of Philly Wine School on his website up to pride in having the trademark. When you get something, you show it off, he said. Bringing a bazooka to a wine fight Once the trademark was issued, Wallace immediately used the document to inflict cyberbullying on PhillyWine, the suit said. Wallace successfully asked Instagram to suspend PhillyWines account, according to the complaint, and has attempted to claim the schools Google Business profile. He also filed a takedown request with SquareSpace, the host of PhillyWines website, and created a Google Maps listing for a Philly Wine School at 109 S. 22nd St., the Wine School of Philadelphias address. Kirkland said the latter action has led to PhillyWine, which teaches three blocks away at the Fitler Club, receiving negative reviews for classes taken at Wallaces Wine School of Philadelphia. A review like that where someone posts about us and theyre not our student and have never taken our classes is direct reputational damage, said Kirkland. Lawyers representing PhillyWine sent a cease and desist on Dec. 31, asking Wallace to abandon his trademark and discontinue his efforts to take over or remove the schools online accounts, according to documents reviewed by The Inquirer. Wallace confirmed receiving the cease and desist, but rejected allegations of using the trademark to bully PhillyWine or its owners. Instead, Wallace said, hes the true victim. If they wanted these things, they couldve done them too, Wallace said. Were nothing but peace, love, and happiness. They just have this tiny little lawsuit, and they filled it with all this nastiness. The lawsuit also alleges that Wallace has been untruthful about his credentials and used aliases to start businesses such as the National Wine School and the website somm.us in order to promote his school. (Wallace said he founded somm.us in 2015 and maintains a relationship with the website, but doesnt control its ratings or content.) Wallaces biography on the Wine School of Philadelphia website previously stated he graduated from University of California Davis and was a professional winemaker in Napa Valley. Neither are true, according to the suit. Wallace declined to say when he matriculated at or graduated from UC Davis or elaborate on his stint in Napa Valley. UC Davis has no record of a person with Wallaces name or date of birth ever attending, a representative for the university said via email. The lawsuits allegations, he said, have him fearful for the future of his school. They brought a bazooka to a knife fight, Wallace said. This isnt even a knife fight, its a wine fight. Jefferson Health is closing four legacy Einstein pediatric practices, including one at Jefferson Einstein Hospital Philadelphia in a low-income area of the city, and moving three others to True North Pediatrics, a private group with a dozen mostly suburban locations. The nonprofit health system did not respond to questions Thursday about how many children the practices serve, how many jobs will be cut, or why it was making the change, which is expected to significantly reduce the amount of pediatric care in North and Northeast Philadelphia. Advertisement This weeks pediatric cutbacks are a significant move affecting patient care amid a yearslong effort to make the system with more than $15 billion in annual revenue financially sustainable. From 2015 through 2024, Jefferson grew from three hospitals to more than 30 and now stretches from South Jersey to near Scranton. The locations scheduled to close June 30 are the Pediatric & Adolescent Ambulatory Center at Einstein Philadelphia and three Holland Pediatrics locations (Center One/Bustleton in Northeast Philadelphia, Buck Road in Southampton, and Frankford in Torresdale), Jefferson said in a statement. The three clinics going to True North are Trappe Pediatric Care at Iron Bridge, Pennypack Pediatrics, and Einstein Pediatrics Elkins Park. Jefferson did not provide details on transaction terms. A practice manager at True North, which is based in suburban Philadelphia, did not respond to a request for more information. True Norths website said the practice is independent, not managed by any big business or larger institution. Jefferson said in a statement that it will continue offering pediatric services through its primary care network, urgent care centers, emergency departments, and Lehigh Valley Health Networks Reilly Childrens Hospital. The pediatric clinics affected had been part of the former Einstein Healthcare Network when Jefferson acquired the system in 2021. With three excellent inpatient pediatric hospitals right here in our region, partnering with True North Pediatrics an organization whose singular focus is pediatric care allows us to ensure that families across our region continue to receive the specialized, dedicated attention they deserve," Jefferson said in an internal communication Monday. Its possible that St. Christophers Hospital for Children, which is about 3 miles by car from Einstein Philadelphia, will pick up many of the thousands of dislocated patients. St. Chris already serves almost exclusively patients with Medicaid insurance for low-income families and struggles to make ends meet because of the low rates it receives. We are committed to delivering trusted, compassionate care for every patient who walks through our doors, St. Chris said in a statement. Families can access care at our nearby locations, including our Center for the Urban Children and Northeast Pediatrics office. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay helped give Upper Darby barbecue restaurant Wilson's Secret Sauce a makeover on his Fox reality show, "Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service." Now, the restaurant is closing. (Photo by Chris Pizzello / Invision/AP) Read more When Steve and Kelly Wilson appeared last year in an episode of Gordon Ramsays Secret Service a Fox reality show in which the celebrity chef lends a hand to struggling restaurants it appeared to be a victory for their Upper Darby barbecue establishment, Wilsons Secret Sauce. In the episodes final moments, after executing a significant makeover, Ramsay stands with the Wilsons in the restaurants dining room, which is brimming with patrons. Advertisement A full house, Ramsay tells the couple. Get used to it. The reality, though, has apparently been different. Just a year after Ramsays reality-TV glow-up, the Wilsons told Philadelphia magazine this week that theyd elected to close the restaurant and sell the building after a year of declining business. From the start, the couples restaurant was an unlikely endeavor. Their foray into the local food scene came around 2010, when Steve a former mechanic began a barbecue catering service from their home. But when demand jumped in the ensuing years, they decided to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Kelly, at least, was not exactly thrilled with the idea. [Steve] came home from bowling and asked me if I wanted to open up a restaurant I literally said, [Expletive] no," she said on the episode of Secret Service. Ive never worked in one, youve never worked in one, and I dont think we could work together all day long. Nevertheless, Wilsons Secret Sauce debuted in 2018 in Upper Darby, specializing in barbecue dishes while also serving everything from pizza and lobster to egg rolls. But stress quickly ensued, and when Ramsay came to town last March, he set about transforming the restaurant. Over the course of the 43-minute episode, Ramsay chastised the couple for everything from food hygiene to kitchen inefficiencies before helping implement a variety of changes aimed at ensuring the restaurants survival. Among the changes pushed by Ramsay was significantly shrinking the restaurants expansive menu, which the couple did, whittling their dozens of menu items down to just 13. But the Wilsons later told Philadelphia magazine that business slowed after Ramsays suggested change, at least in part because customers missed the items that had been cut from the menu. We had a lot of customers coming in from day one of the new menu begging us to bring the old menu back," Kelly Wilson told the magazine. We were getting lost with his menu, and our menu really worked a lot better. While the Wilsons sit-down restaurant is set to close, they said theyll continue the catering service that was once their bread and butter, operating out of a shared ghost kitchen. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Russian President Vladimir Putin greet each other during their meeting in Tehran, Iran, on July 19, 2022. Read more Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack American forces in the Middle East, the first indication that another major U.S. adversary is participating even indirectly in the war, according to three officials familiar with the intelligence. The assistance, which has not been previously reported, signals that the rapidly expanding conflict now features one of Americas chief nuclear-armed competitors with exquisite intelligence capabilities. Advertisement Since the war began Saturday, Russia has passed Iran the locations of U.S. military assets, including warships and aircraft, said the three officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the matters sensitivity. It does seem like its a pretty comprehensive effort, one of the people said. Reached by The Washington Post on Friday, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, declined to comment on the intelligence findings. Moscow has called for an end to the war, which it labeled an unprovoked act of armed aggression. The extent of Russias targeting assistance to Iran was not entirely clear. The Iranian militarys own ability to locate U.S. forces has been degraded less than a week into the fighting, the officials said. Six U.S. troops were killed and several others were injured by an Iranian drone attack Sunday in Kuwait. Iran has fired thousands of one-way attack drones and hundreds of missiles at U.S. military positions, embassies and civilians, even as the joint American-Israeli campaign has hit more than 2,000 Iranian targets including ballistic missile sites, naval assets, and the countrys leadership. The Iranian regime is being absolutely crushed, said a White House spokeswoman, Anna Kelly, without commenting on any Russian aid to Iran. Their ballistic missile retaliation is decreasing every day, their navy is being wiped out, their production capacity is being demolished, and proxies are hardly putting up a fight. The CIA and the Pentagon declined to comment. When asked this week about his message to Russia and China, which are among Irans most powerful backers, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that he didnt have one and that theyre not really a factor here. Two of the officials familiar with Russias support for Iran said that China did not appear to be aiding Irans defense, despite close ties between the two countries. In a statement, the Chinese Embassy in Washington referred to Beijings diplomatic efforts to engage with partners in the region since the war began and said that the conflict should be immediately ceased. Analysts said that the sharing of intelligence would fit the pattern of Irans strikes against U.S. forces, including command and control infrastructure, radars and temporary structures, like the one in Kuwait where six service members were killed. Iran is making very precise hits on early warning radars or over-the-horizon radars, said Dara Massicot, an expert on the Russian military at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Theyre doing this in a very targeted way. Theyre going after command and control, she added. Iran possesses only a handful of military-grade satellites, and no satellite constellation of its own, which would make imagery provided by Russias much more advanced space capabilities highly valuable particularly as the Kremlin has honed its own targeting after years of war in Ukraine, Massicot said. Nicole Grajewski, who studies Irans cooperation with Russia at the Harvard Kennedy Schools Belfer Center, said that there had been a high level of sophistication in the Iranian retaliatory strikes, both in what Tehran has targeted and in its ability in some cases to overwhelm U.S. and allied defenses. Theyre getting through air defenses, she said, noting that the quality of Irans strikes appeared to have improved even from its 12-day war with Israel last summer. The Pentagon is quickly burning through its supply of precision arms and air defense interceptors, people familiar with the matter have told the Post, underscoring concerns raised by Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as President Donald Trump deliberated whether to approve the operation. The administration has sought to downplay Caines assessment. Russias assistance reshuffles how various countries have engaged in a proxy war since Russias 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Throughout that conflict, U.S. adversaries including Iran, China and North Korea have provided Russia with either direct military aid or material support for Moscows vast defense industry. The United States has given Ukraine tens of billions of dollars worth of military equipment and shared intelligence on Russian positions to improve Kyivs targeting. On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X that the Trump administration had requested assistance in helping protect against Iranian drones and that Kyiv would provide specialists in response. Iran has been one of Russias chief backers during the Ukraine war, sharing the technology to produce cheap one-way attack drones that have repeatedly been used to overwhelm Kyivs air defenses and exhaust Western stocks of interceptors donated to protect Ukrainian cities. The Russians are more than aware of the assistance that were giving the Ukrainians, said one of the officials familiar with Moscows support for Tehran. I think they were very happy to try to get some payback. The quality of Russias intelligence collection is not on a par with Americas but still ranks among the worlds best, this person continued. The Post has previously reported that despite the blow to one of its closest partners, the Kremlin sees possible advantages in a prolonged war between the U.S. and Iran, including higher oil revenue and an acute crisis that distracts America and Europe from the war in Ukraine. Iran, whose supreme leader was killed early in the conflict, could become the latest country to lose a pro-Russian government in recent years, following a Syrian uprising in late 2024 that ousted longtime dictator Bashar Assad and the U.S. military raid to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. Still, the lack of direct military involvement from Moscow is in part a sign of its need to focus elsewhere, Massicot said. The Kremlin, she said, is very much considering this is not their problem and not their war. From a strategic calculus perspective, Ukraine is still far and away the number one priority. Girl Scouts of America is not a fan of a popular weed strain using the name of their iconic cookies, nor are they comfortable with Girl Scouts selling cookies outside of weed dispensaries, which has been an unsanctioned practice among some Scouts for at least a decade. The conversation reared its head again this week after a New Jersey Girl Scout troop set up shop outside of a Mount Laurel recreational marijuana dispensary to sell Thin Mints and Caramel deLites. Owners of Daylite Cannabis dispensary had been trying for years to make this possible, and were excited to share the news of a pilot program at their store, owner Steve Cassidy said in an article for NJ.com. Advertisement Being community-minded is a core part of our mission at Daylite. Were a locally and family-owned business, so supporting local organizations and helping them raise funds in the community is very important to us, said Cassidy, who runs the dispensary alongside his wife and parents. What they didnt expect was for it to become a national and global headline, upsetting higher-ups at the Girl Scouts of America. A representative for the Girl Scouts of Central and South Jersey said that there was no formal agreement to allow Girl Scouts to sell cookies in front of a dispensary and dont approve of the practice. Our guidance for Girl Scout cookie booths is that girls should not set up booths in front of any businesses that they themselves could not legally patronize, the representative said. Its just unfortunate that [the owner] was quoted as saying this is a trial because that is factually incorrect. The Girl Scout troop, which Cassidy did not identify, sold cookies outside the dispensary on NJ Route 73 in February to much enthusiasm from customers, Cassidy said. Some customers even bypassed the marijuana to go to the cookies first, he told NJ.com. Girl Scouts of Central and South Jersey said they do not know how the miscommunication occurred. Cassidy said he was told by a member of a local Girl Scout organization that a small pilot program had been approved. Our intention was simply to support a local troop and be part of our community. Weve seen an overwhelmingly positive response from people who enjoyed supporting the girls, and we hope that enthusiasm helps encourage similar community partnerships in the future. Girl Scout cookie season runs from January to April, providing young girls the chance to exercise the entrepreneurial spirit and engage with their community. Girl Scouts started selling cookies in 1917, but Girl Scouts selling cookies in front of weed dispensaries has been making headlines for more than a decade. In 2014, Girl Scout Danielle Lei garnered national media attention for selling out of cookies in 45 minutes when she opened up shop in front of San Franciscos Green Cross medical marijuana dispensary. At the time, Leis mom told press that she encourages her daughters to set up shop at various points around San Francisco so they can learn about different environments while earning some cash and to use it as an opportunity, to start a conversation about drugs and how some people use marijuana as medicine while others just get high. A 9-year-old San Diegoan sold 300 boxes in less than six hours outside of a weed shop in 2018. Right before the pandemic, a Chicago dispensary went viral for hosting a rotation of Girl Scout troops selling cookies out front. Girl Scouts did the same at a Portland dispensary in 2016, a Michigan dispensary in 2021, and in Arizona in 2022. In each case, the respective regional Girl Scouts organization disavowed the practice. The Girl Scout troop that sold cookies at Daylite in February was scheduled to return Friday, but that has now been canceled. Flames from an explosion are seen in Logan Township, N.J. Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Read more The investigation into the cause of a Wednesday afternoon explosion at a Logan Township, N.J., cocoa butter processor continues, though the conditions have improved for some victims injured in the blast. Following the explosion, which rocked Gloucester County and the surrounding area just after 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, five people were hospitalized. Three people were transported to Cooper University Hospital, which has since treated and released one patient, and stabilized two others, who were later transported to Temple Burn Center in Philadelphia, Cooper spokesperson Wendy Marano said. Advertisement The conditions of the other two people injured in the blast were not immediately clear Thursday. In the immediate aftermath of the explosion Wednesday, four people were in critical condition, and a fifth person in a neighboring building experienced a medical incident that required treatment, Gloucester County officials previously said. This is the largest industrial accident that I can recall, Logan Township Police Chief Joseph Flatley said at a news conference Wednesday. It was a terrible tragedy that took place out here. Emergency workers responded to an explosion at 617 Heron Drive in Logan Township at about 2:35 p.m. on Wednesday. The blast prompted a shelter-in-place order for homes and businesses within a two-mile radius of the facility, impacting roughly 7,200 people living within the affected area. What caused the explosion was not yet clear Thursday. Gloucester County officials and officials in the Logan Township Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Officials on Wednesday, however, indicated that the blast emanated from a building operated by Savita Naturals, a company that describes itself on its website as a provider of specialty oil extractions and related services. The company, Gloucester County Prosecutors Office spokesperson Rebecca Forand said Wednesday, serves as a processor in the cocoa and chocolate industry. As part of its work, the company utilizes propane a highly flammable gas Savita Naturals has called its solvent of choice for botanical extractions. Propane, officials said Wednesday, was used in the companys production processes, and a large amount of it was stored on the facilitys premises. In the aftermath of Wednesdays blast, a ruptured propane tank could be seen burning amid the collapsed buildings wreckage. A highly flammable gas, propane is a commonly preferred solvent for extraction of natural compounds and oils. The chemical, Savita Naturals indicates on its website, produces the highest yields at intermediate cost without sacrificing quality. It does, however, present some dangers. In high concentrations, it can decrease the amount of oxygen in the air, according to the New Jersey Department of Health. Propane is also naturally colorless and odorless, and often has an odorant added to aid in detection. Airborne exposure can result in headaches and dizziness, as well as fainting. Savita Naturals could not immediately be reached for comment. Officials on Wednesday lifted the shelter-in-place order shortly after the explosion, noting that there were no ongoing hazards, despite ongoing monitoring efforts from emergency responders. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection was notified of the situation, and burn-off of remaining gas continued on-site early Thursday. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill indicated Wednesday that her office was informed about the situation, and was monitoring developments. We are actively supporting with resource coordination and will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of residents and support those impacted, Sherrill said. Mrs. James was skilled at spelling, language, and assisting students in school and families at home. Read more Marilouise H. James, 101, formerly of Willingboro, a retired English and social studies teacher for the Philadelphia School District, certified home and school visitor, 80-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., mentor, and volunteer, died Friday, Feb. 13, of age-associated decline at the Masonic Village retirement community in Burlington. Naturally empathetic and energetic, Mrs. James was skilled at spelling, language, and assisting students in school and families at home. Beginning in the late 1940s, she taught English and social studies at the old Sulzberger Middle School in West Philadelphia, social studies at Audenried Junior High School in South Philadelphia, and English at Northeast High School. Advertisement She appreciated the beauty and nuances of the French language as a girl and earned second place in a statewide spelling bee in Delaware. Later, when she saw that students at Sulzberger had no French Club, she started one. She was one of a kind, said her niece Sonya Thompson. Big smile. Big laughter. Big heart. Mrs. James earned a bachelors degree in French at Temple University, a masters degree in counseling at Antioch University, and teaching certifications in English, French, social studies, home and school visiting, and guidance counseling. When her children came along in the 1950s, she left the classroom and, as a school district home and school support expert, managed difficult situations regarding student truancy and behavior, and crisis intervention at homes. She retired in the late 1980s. She was the easiest person to talk to, said her daughter Lisa James-Beavers. She was warm and never judgmental. She made you feel like she always knew you. Mrs. James was an active mentor in Alpha Kappa Alpha for 80 years, and her sorority sisters threw a 101st birthday party for her last August. She was a charter member of the Gamma Epsilon chapter in Philadelphia in 1945, moved to the Theta Pi Omega chapter in South Jersey in 1969, and served as its vice president, secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, and in other roles. If anyone ever needed a smile, Soror Marilouise was always there ready to share one, a friend said on Facebook. She also joined the Sickle Cell Anemia Resources Board and the Board of the Black Adoption Consortium. She belonged to the Rancocas Valley chapter of the Links Inc. and was a charter member of the Burlington-Willingboro chapter of Jack and Jill of America Inc. She volunteered as a patient representative at what is now Virtua Willingboro Hospital and as a library assistant at Twin Hills Elementary School. She was a walking, talking breath of fresh air, her niece said. She taught all of us that kindness matters. She always said, I am doing the best I can for as long as I can. Friends called her a radiant inspiration and a true joy and a beautiful phenomenal woman in online tributes. Her family said: She did not simply experience joy. She created it. She carried it into every room, poured it into every relationship, and planted it in the hearts of all who knew her. Marilouise Holland was born Aug. 23, 1924, in Milford, Del. She grew up in Wilmington and graduated from Howard High School at 16 after skipping two grades. She met Raymond James in Philadelphia, and they married in 1953. They had a son, Dennis, and daughters Shelley and Lisa, and lived in Lansdowne before moving to Willingboro in 1969. Her husband died in 1979. Mrs. James was fun and funny, her family said. She had an infectious laugh, loved shopping, and was, they said, always stylish from head to toe. She enjoyed hosting her family for reunions. Her niece said: Her hospitality was off the charts. Her daughter Lisa said: She was easy to be around. She read often and belonged to a book club. She saw shows at the Walnut Street Theatre for more than 25 years and attended Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Willingboro. She liked pizza on Friday nights and doughnuts after Sunday Mass. Her family said it was only fitting that she died during Black History Month. Her life, they said, was a reflection of the barriers she broke and the lasting legacy she carved. In addition to her children, Mrs. James is survived by seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a sister, and other relatives. A sister and a brother died earlier. Services were held earlier. Donations in her name may be made to the EAF Theta Pi Omega Chapter Scholarship Fund, Box 2902, Cherry Hill, N.J. 08034. Since the dawn of modern computing, there has been speculation that technology would someday outpace humanitys ability to control it. Yet, for all those concerns, technology kept advancing, and such a scenario often felt far away. At least until artificial intelligence came onto the scene. Now, the Trump administration is using AI to assist the war in Iran, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has demanded that tech companies agree to collaborate with the military without guardrails. Swarms of autonomous killer drones are within reach, and President Donald Trump wants to control them without restriction. Advertisement What could possibly go wrong? Last week, Hegseth unilaterally terminated the Pentagons partnership with Anthropic, the creator of Claude, considered the most highly regarded AI system available. The government asked for unfettered use of Claude, including for mass domestic surveillance, or to create weapons that kill without human input. CEO Dario Amodei refused. The Trump-anointed secretary of war responded by designating Anthropic as a supply-chain risk to national security. A move that would ban all defense contractors from using Anthropic products. In effect, Hegseth is trying to force an American company to do work it did not agree to take on; work that can potentially be used to violate the law and Americans constitutional rights. The move comes not long after public acknowledgment that the military used Claude to help plan the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The AI technology is also being used in the bombing campaign against Iran. One of the stated uses is target identification. During U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, an elementary school that neighbors an Iranian naval base was struck, resulting in the deaths of dozens of children. While the U.S. has yet to confirm responsibility, the incident is a clear sign to exercise caution, not to forge ahead recklessly. Anthropic has benefited from the clash with the administration, as many people who oppose the presidents policies look to reward anyone who stands up against Trump. Claude overtook competitor ChatGPT for the first time in user downloads, hitting No. 1 on Apples App Store. But Anthropic is no clear-cut hero. READ MORE: State and local officials are right to stand against expanding ICE detention centers | Editorial In a statement, the company rightly underlined that mass domestic surveillance of Americans constitutes a violation of fundamental rights. But it also said it was willing to help the Pentagon in the future. It just doesnt believe that todays AI systems are reliable enough to be used in fully autonomous weapons. Meanwhile, the United States is hardly the only country likely to develop the capacity to deploy autonomous lethal weapons. Chinas leading AI firm, DeepSeek, is working with the Peoples Liberation Army to create its own autonomous battle systems. Under Hegseths punitive order, DeepSeek is now treated more favorably than Anthropic. Like nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence has become the subject of an international arms race. Both have the power to cause unprecedented death and destruction. Nations have reason to fear being left behind, and it may be too late to close Pandoras box. The debate is one of many around the growth of artificial intelligence. Americans are as concerned about the potential for job losses through creative destruction, the proliferation of data centers, and the potential for a less human future as they are excited about the possibility of widespread self-driving cars. Newsrooms, college campuses, and businesses are all grappling with how to use AI technology ethically and productively. It is time for more lawmakers to join this complicated conversation. READ MORE: Trumps war of choice with Iran makes a mockery of the Constitution | Editorial Instead of leaving matters to a negotiation between Hegseth and a tech CEO, Congress should issue legally binding guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in war including restrictions on mass surveillance and autonomous weapons. Congress could also debate the usage of AI in other areas, like healthcare and education. It is distinctly possible that the systems will improve outcomes for some people. AI has detected cancers that human doctors missed, research has shown that Waymo is significantly safer than human drivers, and AI has enabled newsrooms to restore coverage to smaller cities and towns that have struggled to sustain their own outlets. At the same time, even the best AI assistants can still hallucinate facts and make mistakes. Thats embarrassing when it happens on a term paper or a court filing; it can be deadly on the battlefield. Above all, human control over lethal weapons is essential. Echoing the nuclear proliferation treaties that benefited humanity in the 20th century, the United States should lead the way in assembling a broad coalition of powerful nations that agree to ban fully autonomous weapons. In the meantime, Trump and Hegseths decision to spurn Anthropic points the way toward a 21st-century disaster. This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a F/A-18E Super Hornet preparing to launch from the USS Abraham Lincoln in support of Operation Epic Fury on Monday. Read more Louder than words In the last presidential election, this lifelong conservative voted for Kamala Harris, not because I supported her positions on matters foreign or domestic, but because I believed her opponent was seriously deranged and would lead us into war. Now, little more than a year into the second Trump administration, here we are at war. If people wonder how the dictators of the 20th century gained power, they need only look at our 2024 presidential election. How could an allegedly sane, reasonable, and informed electorate have put such a lunatic into the most powerful position on earth? Up until now, the United States had been an example to the world on how to manage power. We tried to show our neighbors that our primary focus was avoiding conflict, even though we had the power to bend the world to our will. Avoiding conflict is what rational, thinking, 21st-century people do. Advertisement But now we kidnap and murder foreign leaders and commence hostilities that could lead to a world war all while members of Congress sit on their hindquarters twiddling their thumbs. What do these kinds of actions tell our neighbors around the world? Mike Egan, Plymouth Meeting This is us? After seeing our nations leadership from Donald Trump to Pete Hegseth to the entire Republican Party I cant stop asking myself: Is this what our country has become? This administration including its GOP enablers in Congress and Democratic Sen. John Fetterman has endorsed the outright murder of people in other countries. They try to justify the bombing of children in elementary schools in Iran. They pay lip service to diplomacy. They ignore international law. Is this what our country has become? This is certainly not what I believe or want, and I dont think most Americans want it, either. We need to do something about this. Its time for regime change of our own through safe and secure elections, which weve demonstrated we can execute with the systems we have in place. In the meantime, contact your senators and call your representatives and tell them this has to stop. That this is not who we are as a country. We cannot sit back and do nothing. Its time to act. Jeffrey Plaut, Elkins Park Needless sacrifice President Bone Spurs initiated a war in Iran without consulting Congress, leaving our young soldiers solely at the mercy of his erratic behavior. We have already seen at least a half dozen service members killed. Donald Trump coldly states that some soldiers will die. How dare he diminish the ultimate sacrifice made by our troops when he wasnt even willing to serve? His Iranian adventure is illegal and immoral. My heart breaks for the families whove lost their young sons and daughters and those who still might before this unnecessary war is over. Barbara Schwartz, Lafayette Hill See something? The phrase, If you see something, say something, was popularized after the 9/11 attacks. For 25 years, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the police, the FBI, and the transportation authorities told us, If we see something, say something. In 1943, Anne Frank wrote: Terrible things are happening outside poor helpless people are being dragged out of their homes. Families are torn apart; men, women and children are separated. Children come home from school to find that their parents have disappeared. But then, as now, government officials, community leaders, and everyday citizens choose to look away, mumble in weak protest, or collaborate. We have seen horrific videos of DHS actions. To find out what happened to someone taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, we are told to use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System and enter their name, country of birth, and birth date, or alien registration number. How can we know this about someone taken at the Wawa or Home Depot? In all these hundreds of thousands of ICE arrests, has anyone been picked up by ICE impersonators and kidnapped, raped, or trafficked? When we see masked, unidentifiable, gun-toting people stuffing someone in an unmarked vehicle, should we call the police? Is it time to consider that immigrants might be the first target? Martin Niemoller, originally a Nazi supporter, was imprisoned in Nazi concentration camps from 1938 to 1945. After the war, he explained his complicity in his poem, First They Came. First when they came for the Socialists. I did not speak out, because I was not a Socialist. And he ended, Then they came for me and there was nobody left to speak for me. Lynn Strauss, West Chester Lifesaving aid The administration is currently considering a plan to end all humanitarian aid to seven African nations: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Somalia, and Zimbabwe. These programs survived the initial U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) cuts due to the fact that they were judged to be lifesaving by the administrations standards. An internal State Department email states that these cuts are happening because there is no strong nexus between the humanitarian response and U.S. national interests. Foreign assistance accounts for less than 1% of the federal budget, but is critical for meeting the most basic survival needs of people in danger of starving to death. A former senior State Department official, who left the administration in the fall, said, If we dont deliver this, people die immediately. Cutting off aid also presents serious national security risks. When humanitarian support vanishes, terrorist groups rush to fill the vacuum distributing food to bolster their local legitimacy. The members of Pennsylvanias congressional delegation should ask State Department officials to provide a more detailed explanation of these potential aid cuts and clarify their impact on U.S. national interests in these countries. Jackson Duncan, Philadelphia False choices A recent op-ed touting the virtues of school choice was yet another example of the conservative mindset transparently attempting to convince us that they alone know whats best for the schoolchildren of Pennsylvania. This current iteration of feigned concern is prompted by the recent announcement of pending public school closures in Philly. Not surprisingly, the authors of the opinion piece are the president and CEO of the ultraright Commonwealth Foundation, along with one of the groups distinguished fellows. While lamely using the proposed closures to energize their agenda, the truth behind all the artificial hand-wringing is simply economic. They want more, if not all, taxpayer education dollars to go to private hands. They innocuously incorporate the value and necessity of expanding cyber schools into the mix. While these schools are a needed venue for students with challenges attending brick-and-mortar buildings, they are also a windfall for the operators: minimal start-up costs, limited overhead, and so on. Think of the fortunes being made with virtual casino gambling on a phone. Cyber schools should not be expanded, but used as a last resort all children need in-person learning, where they gain the ability to interact with other kids and teachers and pick up valuable life skills. So lets not succumb to the hackneyed statistics that charter and cyber school students achieve higher test scores that is overwhelmingly a result of the reality that those schools can (and do) cherry-pick their students. When the uber-wealthy and their conservative think tank messengers tell us they know whats best for your children, ask yourself why they are so concerned. J. Savage, Philadelphia Full disclosure I agree with the quote used by Andrew Lewis and David Hardy in their recent op-ed describing participation in the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) as a no-brainer because no intelligent politician should allow such a program into their state. There are some parents who do want a different school option from the one in their neighborhood, but educational tax credits and vouchers are not the answer, because these programs offer little or no obligation to the public about how successful they are in providing a proper education. Those programs and their advocates may claim families dont need the type of hard data that can be found on public education websites because they can rely on recommendations from participating families. But isnt that the type of approach that bankrupted those businesses and households that relied on unresearched endorsements about Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC? If Messrs. Lewis and Hardy are truly interested in school choice, then families should be provided with the full information needed to make the right decisions for their children. Otherwise, there is not much of a difference between school choice and any other form of gambling. Barbara McDowell Dowdall, Philadelphia Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 150 words and include home address and day and evening phone number. Letters run in The Inquirer six days a week on the editorial pages and online. Members of the Philadelphians for Rational Preservation, who opposed the Washington Square West Historic District, gather at Seger Park in July. Read more This weeks column covers an unproductive conversation about public transit in Harrisburg, historic preservation, and what to do with the citys incoming fiscal windfall. Transit takeover PennDots budget hearings are usually focused on the things the department has direct control over, i.e., Pennsylvanias state-owned roads and bridges. On Monday, however, the hearing turned into a transit-bashing fest. Senate Republicans used the meeting to push their own plan to exhaust the states transportation reserves rather than adequately fund operations. Theres just one big problem: The senators frequently did not know what they were talking about. Advertisement Republican State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick asked about the status of the King of Prussia rail project, which has been canceled for almost three years. Her fellow GOP State Sen. Jarrett Coleman asked if SEPTA considered raising fares, which climbed from $2 in November 2024 to $2.90 last year in September, a near 50% increase. PennDots leaders could have done a stronger job defending themselves. In particular, their inability to produce a list of projects was mystifying. Many of the volunteer transit advocates I know could do so on the spot. It was clear to me that the most knowledgeable person in the room was Delaware Countys Democratic State Sen. Tim Kearney, himself a regular SEPTA rider. At one point, Harrisburgs State Sen. Patty Kim, a Democrat, suggested that PennDot bring charts next time to help explain complicated financial maneuvers. Theres a role Republicans in the General Assembly could play in ensuring SEPTAs fiscal health, if they were willing to do their homework instead of grandstanding. While SEPTA is more efficient with its use of revenue than critics have claimed, there are still ways to save money and bring down the capital deficit. They are just politically difficult. It would be a lot easier for SEPTAs board to tell the good people of Eddystone, Angora, or Eddington they are losing their low-ridership Regional Rail stops if they could add because Harrisburg made us. Historic revocation Regular Shackamaxon readers know that while I love our citys history, that doesnt mean I expect everyone else to love it, too. After a coalition of neighbors challenged the Washington Square West Historic District, Common Pleas Court Judge Christopher Hall revoked the district, granting a major victory to homeowners who resented their inclusion in the citys largest and most nebulous historic zone. Some residents objected to being part of the district because of the high costs usually associated with making the necessary modifications required to bring their properties in line with the citys strict codes for historic properties. Preservationists, to put it mildly, are miffed. They feel the ruling is deeply unfair and should be overturned. Instead, they should treat this as a learning opportunity. The Washington Square West district really was a step too far. While historic districts typically focus on specific architectural styles and eras, this district covered more than a thousand buildings from before the Revolutionary War until after the Second World War. While advocates describe working with the historic commission as painless, everyday homeowners often disagree. Additionally, covering the city in preservation districts will have an impact on overall housing supply and, as a result, costs. A recent analysis by CityLab shows how New Yorks preservation rules have led to many smaller, more affordable apartment buildings being converted into urban mansions. This means exchanging multiple working- or middle-class residents for one extraordinarily wealthy household. While local preservationists commissioned a study they claim debunks this concern, the documents results fall into the category of correlation, rather than causation. If density and population are growing in historic districts, it is probably because people tend to put historic districts where development is most lucrative. If people truly believed that designation brought only benefits with no drawbacks, we may as well designate the entire city. A more exhaustive and balanced report, for the Journal of the American Planning Association, is clear: Historic districts make neighborhoods wealthier, whiter, and more educated than the cities that host them. Many other studies agree. Future flush According to reporting by my Inquirer colleague Sean Collins Walsh, Philadelphians may soon experience a new reality in civic finance: extra cash. For decades, City Hall struggled to pay the bills, as pension costs and low wages sapped the public purse. Now, the city is looking at the prospect of having a budget surplus of $400 million and a fully funded pension system by 2032. It is important we begin the discussion now on what to do with that money. There is no shortage of need in this city. The school district, affordable housing, SEPTA, parks and recreation, the libraries, and the citys workforce all have strong arguments to make when it comes to which agencies should receive that money. The boldest course of action, however, might be to set the city on a new economic course entirely by reforming our local tax code. Despite Philadelphias high tax rates, the city generates relatively little income. Boston spends just over $7,000 per resident, New York City spends over $13,000, and even Baltimore spends over $8,000. Philadelphia spends just $4,250. This gap cant be fixed by raising our taxes even higher. It requires growing our economy. Alongside tax reform which should attract new businesses the city should eliminate the restrictive zoning overlays that add significant costs for entrepreneurs in Philadelphia. If the City of Brotherly Love could generate as much tax revenue per resident as Charm City or the Hub, City Hall would have more than $12 billion to spend each year. Thats enough money to make a major difference. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) gestures as he and the GOP leadership talk about the war against Iran during a news conference Wednesday at the Capitol. Read more WASHINGTON The House narrowly rejected a war powers resolution Thursday to halt President Donald Trumps attacks on Iran, an early sign of unease in Congress over the rapidly widening conflict that is reordering U.S. priorities at home and abroad. Its the second vote in as many days, after the Senate defeated a similar measure along party lines. Lawmakers are confronting the sudden reality of representing wary Americans in wartime and all that entails with lives lost, dollars spent, and alliances tested by a presidents unilateral decision to go to war with Iran. Advertisement While the tally in the House, 212-219, was expected to be tight, the outcome provided a clarifying snapshot of political support for, and opposition to, the U.S.-Israel military operation and Trumps rationale for bypassing Congress, which alone has the power to declare war. At the Capitol, the conflict has quickly carried echoes of the long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and many Sept. 11-era veterans now serve in Congress. Donald Trump is not a king, and if he believes the war with Iran is in our national interest, then he must come to Congress and make the case, said Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The House also approved a separate measure affirming that Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism. Republicans largely back Trump, and most Democrats oppose the war Trumps Republican Party, which narrowly controls the House and Senate, largely sees the conflict with Iran not as the start of a new war, but the end of a government that has long menaced the West. The operation has killed Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which some view as an opportunity for regime change, though others warn of a chaotic power vacuum. Republican Rep. Brian Mast of Florida, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, publicly thanked Trump for taking action against Iran, saying the president is using his own constitutional authority to defend the U.S. against the imminent threat the country posed. Mast, an Army veteran who worked as a bomb disposal expert in Afghanistan, said the war powers resolution was effectively asking that the president do nothing. For Democrats, Trumps attack on Iran, influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is a war of choice that is testing the balance of powers in the Constitution. The framers werent fooling around, said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D., Md.), arguing that the Constitution is clear that only Congress can decide matters of war. Its up to us. While views in Congress are largely falling along party lines, there are crossover coalitions. The war powers resolution, if signed into law, would have immediately halted Trumps ability to conduct the war unless Congress approved the military action. The president would likely veto it. Trump officials provide shifting rationale for war After launching a surprise attack against Iran on Saturday, Trump has scrambled to win support for a conflict that Americans of all political persuasions were already wary of entering. Trump administration officials spent hours behind closed doors on Capitol Hill this week trying to reassure lawmakers that they have the situation under control. Six U.S. military members were killed over the weekend in a drone strike in Kuwait, and Trump has said more Americans could die. Thousands of Americans abroad have scrambled for flights, many lighting up phone lines at congressional offices as they sought help trying to flee the Middle East. Trump said Thursday he must be involved in choosing Irans new leader. Yet House Speaker Mike Johnson (R., La.) said this week that America has enough problems at home and is not about to be in the nation-building business. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the war could extend eight weeks, twice as long as the president first estimated. Trump has left open the possibility of sending U.S. troops into what has largely been a bombing campaign by air. More than 1,230 people in Iran have died. The administration said the goal is to destroy Irans ballistic missiles that it believes are shielding its nuclear program. It has also said Israel was ready to act, and American bases would face retaliation if the U.S. did not strike Iran first. On Wednesday, the U.S. said it torpedoed an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka. This administration cant even give us a straight answer of as to why we launched this preemptive war, said Rep. Thomas Massie, the Republican from Kentucky, an outlier in his party. Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna (D., Calif.), who had teamed up to force the release the Jeffrey Epstein files, also pushed the war powers resolution to the floor, past objections from Johnsons GOP leadership. Another Republican, Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio, a former Army Ranger, was also expected to back the war powers resolution. Johnson has warned that it would be dangerous to limit the presidents authority while the U.S. military is already in conflict. Congress must stand with the president to finally close, once and for all, this dark chapter of history, Rep. Michael McCaul (R., Texas) said. Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D., Ariz.) said that as the daughter of Iranian immigrants who fled their homeland, she celebrates Khameneis death. But she warned that a democratic transition for the people of Iran never seems to a priority for Trump and his officials who briefed lawmakers. War carries profound and deadly consequences for our troops, for the American people and for the entire world, she said. Its the most serious decision that a nation can make and the American people deserve debate, transparency and accountability before that decision is made. Other Democrats have proposed an alternative resolution that would allow the president to continue the war for 30 days before he must seek congressional approval. It is not expected yet for a vote. Senators sit in their desks for solemn vote In the Senate, Republican leaders have successfully, though narrowly, defeated a series of war powers resolutions pertaining to several other conflicts during Trumps second term. This one, however, was different. Underscoring the gravity of the moment Wednesday, Democratic senators filled the chamber and sat at their desks as the voting got underway. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said before the vote that every senator will pick a side. Do you stand with the American people who are exhausted with forever wars in the Middle East or stand with Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth as they bumble us headfirst into another war? Sen. John Barrasso, second in Senate Republican leadership, said Democrats would rather obstruct Donald Trump than obliterate Irans national nuclear program. The legislation failed on a 47-53 tally mostly along party lines, with Sen. Rand Paul (R., Ky.) in favor and Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) against it. The Justice Department on Thursday publicly posted additional records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including some that include allegations against President Donald Trump, following sharp criticism of the agencys handling of the issue. The agency said the files, which include details from FBI interviews with a woman who told authorities she had been sexually assaulted by Trump and Epstein, had not been previously released because they were incorrectly determined to be duplicates of other records. The Justice Department has posted millions of pages of Epstein-related records online, including investigative materials, following the passage of a law last year mandating their release. Advertisement The woman, who was interviewed by the FBI in 2019, accused Trump of sexually assaulting her decades earlier when she was a minor. No evidence has emerged publicly to corroborate that accusation. The White House called the allegations against Trump completely baseless accusations, backed by zero credible evidence. The additional records were posted as Trump and his administration have struggled to combat controversies involving the release of files connected to Epstein, who died in federal custody in 2019 while facing charges of sex-trafficking and abusing girls. The Justice Department has faced particular criticism over its response to the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a measure passed by Congress last year that demanded the agency make public a wide array of records by mid-December. While the agency did release more than 100,000 pages by that point, it did not make public most of its files until weeks later, well after the deadline. Lawmakers have faulted the Justice Department for missing the deadline, failing to redact some information related to victims identities and redacting other information. Last month, after multiple media outlets reported that summaries of the womans account had not been included, the Justice Department said it was examining whether it wrongly withheld records containing allegations against Trump, who had been friends with Epstein for years before they had a falling out. On Thursday, the Justice Department said in a social media post that it had discovered that 15 documents were incorrectly coded as duplicative. Among these records were notes from multiple FBI interviews with the woman, who spoke to authorities following Epsteins arrest in 2019. According to the interview notes, the woman told investigators that she had been sexually assaulted by Epstein and Trump during separate incidents in the 1980s, when she was a minor. The Washington Post has been unable to corroborate these allegations or reach the woman. Though summary reports of three of her FBI interviews were not included in files previously released by the administration, the Justice Department had already posted a report on one of the interviews as well as a summary file referencing the womans allegations against Trump. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, pushed back against the allegations in a statement Friday. The total baselessness of these accusations is also supported by the obvious fact that Joe Bidens [Justice Department] knew about them for four years and did nothing with them because they knew President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong, Leavitt said. As we have said countless times, President Trump has been totally exonerated by the release of the Epstein Files. The Justice Department this week said it had not deleted any files from the library, and a spokeswoman called it the most transparent Department of Justice in history. In addition to the FBI interviews, the Justice Department said Thursday that federal officials in South Florida had separately concluded that five prosecution memos initially marked as privileged could be released while still protecting the privileged materials. Those were also released, the agency said. The release of the FBI interviews and other documents came a day after the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi, escalating tensions between Congress and the administration. Bondi, testifying last month before Congress, said the Justice Department spent thousands of hours painstakingly reviewing millions of pages to comply with Congresss law. It was not clear how Bondi intends to respond to the subpoena, which compels her to appear before the committee for a closed-door deposition about the Justice Departments release of the Epstein records. Last week, FBI Director Kash Patel fired roughly a dozen agents and staff members who once had ties to an investigation of Donald Trump. Among them were agents who specialized in addressing threats from Iran and its proxies. Three days after the firings began, the United States was bombarding Iran. Advertisement The fighting abroad poses a major test for a Justice Department and FBI reeling from mass firings, reassignments, and departures during Trumps 14 months in office for his second term, according to current and former officials familiar with the matter, most of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity either out of concern about retaliation or to discuss continuing investigations. The FBI and Justice Department still have skilled leaders in many key national security positions, the people said, but they warned that the bench of expertise has significantly thinned over the past year, and the number of leaders with deep expertise in handling domestic threats has diminished. Thinner ranks, especially of experienced staff members, can matter in multiple ways, the current and former officials said. When the U.S. is engaged in conflict abroad, domestic law enforcement goes into high alert. FBI agents with national security experience sift through scores of possible threats, determining which are worth investigating further, which may be tied to terrorist groups and which do not need to be followed up on. For serious threats, FBI agents often coordinate with Justice Department prosecutors to determine whether and how to execute warrants to surveil and arrest people before any possible violence occurs. Today, experienced agents and prosecutors are more scarce. At the FBI, the recent terminations came on top of scores of firings of agents and field-office leaders that Patel has ordered during his tenure, often without explanation. One former prosecutor, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to broadly discuss an investigation that has not been made public, said he worked last year with more than a half-dozen FBI agents to surveil a man who officials feared may have been planning a violent attack. FBI agents surveilled the man 24-7, the former prosecutor said. But Patel reassigned those agents to work on immigration, and the FBIs capabilities to trail that suspect around-the-clock waned, the prosecutor said. As of October, roughly 25% of FBI agents had been assigned to immigration enforcement, stretching thin an already busy workforce. Each termination of an experienced agent also rids the bureau of years of source building, the current and former officials said. Its impossible to know for sure what impact such departures have on the ability to track threats, they said. But, they said, each of the Iranian experts the FBI has lost probably had sources in and around Iranian American communities that they used to help monitor specific threats and people. Such source relationships, which are built on trust, cannot easily be transferred and are typically severed when agents leave. FBI spokesman Ben Williamson defended the bureau on social media. The recent firing of agents happened because they acted unethically and violated the mission, he said, adding that three agents with Iran expertise were ousted. The bureau did not answer questions about how the agents acted unethically or violated the FBIs mission. While we do not comment on personnel matters, the FBI maintains a robust counterintelligence operation, with personnel all over the country, who delivered record results in 2025 including a 35% increase in counterintelligence arrests, six of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives captured, and multiple foiled terrorism plots just in December alone, Williamson said in a statement. Our teams remain fully engaged across the country and prepared to mobilize any security assets needed to assist federal partners as well as state and local law enforcement. Theres no question, however, that the administrations firings across the Justice Department and FBI have created big gaps in expertise across the law enforcement agency. The staffing losses have been widespread, hitting U.S. attorneys offices, FBI field offices and critical divisions at headquarters in Washington. The Justice Department has struggled to fill many of these slots with qualified people, the Washington Post has reported. The firings started on Day One of the Trump administration. Top Justice Department leaders pushed out Bruce Swartz, the deputy for international affairs in the criminal division, who had worked at the department for decades. Michael Nordwall, who headed the FBIs criminal and cyber investigations division, and Robert Wells, whose portfolio included all of national security for the FBI, were also pushed out. At the time, The Post reported that Brian Driscoll the acting FBI director while Patel was awaiting Senate confirmation fought to keep Nordwall and Wells, saying their expertise was needed. Driscoll lost that fight. He subsequently was also pushed out by Patel. George Toscas a veteran national security prosecutor who, in previous administrations, would have been overseeing the threats cases was also ousted. Some of the removed leaders have been replaced with others who have years of experience in the department, the people interviewed said. In many cases, however, talented employees were promoted before they otherwise would have been, cutting short their training for senior positions. Others, they said, are unqualified for their jobs. Further stretching the national security leadership, Matthew Blue the chief of the Justice Departments counterterrorism section is an Air Force veteran who has been serving in the D.C. National Guard since August. Trump deployed the D.C. National Guard to tackle out of control crime in the nations capital. One of Blues deputy chiefs, a longtime Justice Department prosecutor, has been serving as acting chief in his absence. Firings in other parts of the Justice Department can also have a ripple effect. Kyle Boynton a former Civil Rights Division prosecutor and FBI agent who left the Justice Department in 2025 noted that prosecutors who have reason to fear a person is planning a violent act can sometimes bring charges of an attempt to commit a hate crime before they carry out a violent attack. That can be a critical tool in preventing attacks, he said. As a prosecutor in the Civil Rights Division, Boynton said he would receive calls from FBI agents when they were tracking a threat against a synagogue, for example. He would help determine what search warrants or surveillance measures they could legally request. Boynton said he fears that few people remain in the divisions criminal section who have handled such investigations. The entire leadership of the criminal section of the Civil Rights Division has departed or been ousted in recent months, two people familiar with staffing in the division said. It requires an enormous amount of manpower to track people before they commit a crime, Boynton said. What you are looking for is evidence of intent and evidence that they have taken substantial steps in furtherance of intent. That requires an enormous amount of attention and scrutiny by FBI agents and DOJ prosecutors. Current and former Justice Department attorneys said they are frustrated that the Trump administration, including Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, did not appear to carefully consider the long-term ramifications of their staffing decisions. We are now in a heightened-threat situation, not just in the Mideast but also here in the U.S. Iran, acting through its proxies, has long sought to carry out a terrorist attack or assassination inside the country, said one longtime former senior National Security official. The danger today is that we have lost so much of our capability to uncover and stop such an attack, the official said. We have let down our guard at the worst time. Posters with the name and picture of Palestinian-American Nasrallah Muhammad Jamal Abu Siyam, 19, who according to the Palestinian Health Ministry was shot by settlers on Wednesday night, are seen during his funeral in the West Bank village of Mukhmas, east of Ramallah, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser) Read more City Council on Thursday formally honored a Philadelphia-born Palestinian American who was killed last month by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. In a unanimous voice vote, Philadelphia lawmakers passed a resolution to celebrate the life of 19-year-old Nasrallah Abu Siyam, who was fatally shot during a violent clash in a village on Feb. 18, the beginning of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Advertisement Members of Abu Siyams family appeared in Council chambers Thursday alongside representatives from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who called for an independent U.S.-led investigation into the killing. You dont know what it means to live under occupation. You dont know what these settlers are doing, said Abdelhamid Siyam, Nasrallah Abu Siyams uncle. When justice is attacked, silence is treason. We should stand together and pressure all those elected officials to stand with justice. City Councilmember Rue Landau, a Democrat who authored the honorary resolution in partnership with Councilmember Nicolas ORourke, said Thursday that other members of Abu Siyams family are trapped in the Middle East after flying there after his death. They are unable to travel home, she said, due to the ongoing war in Iran and restrictions on airspace. Landau also called on the U.S. State Department and the Department of Justice to conduct a full investigation and pursue justice for Nasrallah. We demand accountability so that no other family here or abroad has to stand where this family stands now, she said during a later event alongside Abu Siyams family. Thirty U.S. senators signed a letter to President Donald Trumps administration Thursday calling for an independent investigation into Abu Siyams killing. Pennsylvanias two senators, Republican Dave McCormick and Democrat John Fetterman, did not sign it. Heres what else happened in Council on Thursday. What was the highlight? Prioritizing transit-oriented development: Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration is pushing Council to approve a package of legislation that makes it easier to build apartment buildings near SEPTA stations, measures that proponents see as a way to boost ridership and increase the citys housing stock. READ MORE: Mayor Parker backs legislation to boost housing development around SEPTA stations Parker transmitted a package of zoning bills to Council on Thursday, but no member formally introduced it. Members said they saw the legislation for the first time on Wednesday and want more time to review it before introduction. The bills are aimed at advancing Parkers goal to build, preserve, and repair 30,000 housing units. Most crucially, one bill expands an existing law that says properties within 500 feet of a Council-designated SEPTA station can receive benefits allowing developers to build more homes. Parkers legislation increases the radius to 1,320 feet, or a quarter of a mile. What else happened? Smoke-filled doom: Lawmakers continued their crusade against smoke shops and so-called nuisance businesses Thursday, with Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson bringing legislation to hold commercial landlords accountable for renting to illegal smoke shops. The bill is a follow-up to a package of legislation lawmakers passed last year that makes it easier for the city to shut down stores that sell cannabis and tobacco products without permits. READ MORE: City Council seeks new license system for loosely regulated smoke shops Gilmore Richardson introduced a second bill to establish a new license requirement for stores selling products like hemp-based THC and kratom. The ordinance would define the products as intoxicating substances and establish a 21-plus age minimum. Whats next? Block off your calendar: Next week will be a busy one. Parker is scheduled to deliver her annual budget address to Council on Thursday, when she will outline her vision for the coming year. The speech will kick off weeks of hearings before Council, when members will have the opportunity to question administration officials from every major department, as well as the leaders of other agencies that receive city dollars, including the city courts, the district attorney, and the Philadelphia School District. Quote of the week We knew [Constance E. Clayton] cared about us. Though she wouldnt be closing all these schools, either. But thats another conversation. Council President Kenyatta Johnson A little school district shade: That was Council President Kenyatta Johnson chiming in on an effort to rename a North Philadelphia street after the late Constance E. Clayton, Philadelphias first Black and female schools superintendent. Johnson slyly brought up his opposition to parts of the school districts proposal to close 20 schools as part of its facilities master plan, prompting a wave of oohs in the chamber. Staff writers Jake Blumgart and Max Marin contributed to this article. Virginia-based specialty insurer Richmond National Group plans to invest $1.75 million to expand operations at the firms Glen Allen office. The company said it expects to be hiring as many as 75 new employees for the office. Five years ago, we started our specialty insurance company in the Richmond area primarily due to its deep talent pool of insurance and financial services professionals and its favorable business environment, said Richmond National Group President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph C. Kavanagh. These factors have contributed to our early success as a younger company, and we continue to see significant hiring opportunities in the region. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger took part in the announcement. Richmond National Groups latest expansion in Henrico County highlights the strength of Central Virginias financial services and insurance talent, she said. Established in 2020, Richmond National specializes in property/casualty excess and surplus insurance for small and mid-sized businesses. Maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has ground to a near-complete halt, with no oil shipments going through in the past 24 hours, as the Middle East war disrupts the vital waterway. A review of shipping signals have confirmed only two commercial transits in the past 24 hours, the Joint Maritime Information Center said in note on Friday. Those crossings were cargo ships rather than oil tankers, according to the multinational naval advisory group that focuses on the Middle East. The escalating war in the region has prompted dozens of fully-laden oil and gas tankers to stay hunkered down within the Persian Gulf, choking off supplies to key customers in Asia and Europe. The frequency of attacks on ships in and around the strait remains high, making it too risky for energy tankers and their multimillion-dollar cargoes to attempt a transit. Washington offered insurance backstops and naval escorts this week, after international insurers began pulling back on war-risk coverage, but shipowners havent yet been assured. Read more: Trumps Hormuz Assurances Are Only a Partial Fix, Shippers Say This represents a near-total temporary pause in routine commercial traffic, the JMIC said, with just one inbound and one outbound vessel crossing the strait on March 4. The tally reflects ships with their transponders turned on, and may not fully capture any transits done without signals. Theres also been sophisticated interference with global positioning system signals, affecting navigational and communication in the area. Two vessels, MSC Grace and Sonangol Namibe, were reportedly involved in incidents in the Arabian Gulf and near Iraq. Separately, bulk carrier Iron Maiden exited the strait signaling CHINA OWNER as it made a break through the waterway, an example of how vessels are trying to ensure safe passage. Earlier, another ship LPG tanker Bogazici broadcast that it was a Muslim-owned and Turkish-operated vessel. Photograph: Cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz in February 2026; photo credit: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP/Getty Images Related: Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. More tankers came under attack in Gulf waters on Thursday as the U.S.Iran war escalated, and Iranian drones entered Azerbaijan, threatening to spread the crisis to more oil producers in the region. A Bahamas-flagged crude oil tanker was targeted by an Iranian remote-controlled boat laden with explosives while anchored near Iraqs Khor al Zubair port, according to initial assessments. A second tanker at anchor off Kuwait was taking on water and spilling oil after a large explosion on its port side. (Editors note: This Reuters wrap-up article was published at 3:19 p.m. on March 5.) Nine vessels have come under attack since the conflict broke out between the U.S., Israel and Iran on Saturday. Iran launched a wave of missiles at Israel early on Thursday and also sent drones into Azerbaijan, injuring four people. Read more: Oil Tanker Suffers Explosion as Risks Spread Wider Into Gulf The escalation comes after a motion to halt the U.S. attacks was blocked in Washington and as the son of Irans slain supreme leader emerged as a frontrunner to succeed him, suggesting Tehran was not about to buckle under the pressure. Around 200 ships, including oil and liquefied natural gas tankers as well as cargo ships, remained at anchor in open waters off the coast of major Gulf producers, according to Reuters estimates based on ship-tracking data from the MarineTraffic platform. Hundreds of other vessels remained outside the Strait of Hormuz unable to reach ports, shipping data showed. The waterway is a key artery for around a fifth of the worlds oil and LNG supply. President Donald Trump offered U.S. Navy escorts and insurance in a bid to restart shipping flows and curtail energy prices. Insurance market Lloyds of London said on Thursday it is engaging with the U.S. government on a plan. BP BP.L evacuated foreign staff from Iraqs Rumaila oil field after two unidentified drones landed inside the field, Iraqi oil sources said. Iraq has cut its oil production by nearly 1.5 million barrels a day as it ran out of storage and was unable to load tankers, officials told Reuters. A refinery in Kuwait shut down and another reduced its processing rate. A third refinery in Bahrain also cut its output. Oil Prices Jump Again Oil prices extended their rally on Thursday, with Brent climbing 3% and WTI rising 4%. They have both jumped 16% since the war started on Saturday, as U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted Middle East supplies. A benchmark European gas price gained around 3% on Thursday. It has surged nearly 60% so far this week. Russian President Vladimir Putin said his country could halt gas supplies to Europe right now, amid the spike in energy prices from the Iran crisis. Qatar, which provides 20% of the worlds LNG supply, halted gas production earlier this week due to the conflict. Other major producers such as the U.S. and Australia have little spare capacity to offset this lost supply, according to Reuters calculations and industry analysts. The EUs task of refilling its gas storage in the coming months has become riskier and more expensive due to the Iran conflict and disrupted LNG supplies. It still imports some gas from Russia, planning to end pipeline supply by late 2027 and ban new short-term LNG contracts from late April 2026. Asian importers came under further pressure from the disruptions in supply from the Middle East. China asked refiners not to sign new contracts to export fuel and to try to cancel shipments already committed, several people with knowledge of the matter said on Thursday. (Reporting by Jonathan Saul in London; additional reporting by Nailia Bagirova in Baku, Aref Mohammed in Basra and Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad; writing by Anna Hirtenstein; editing by Susan Fenton and Gareth Jones) Photograph: An Iranian flag is placed among the ruins of a police station struck on March 2, 2026 during the U.S.Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran; the photo was taken on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi) Emirati airlines resumed some flights to global cities from the war-hit Gulf on Friday, but a Lufthansa jet that was headed to the region diverted over safety fears and an Air France repatriation flight was forced to turn back due to missile fire. The outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran has led to flight cancellations across the Middle East, leaving airlines and governments scrambling to support thousands of stranded passengers. Shares in carriers from New Zealand to Japan have slid meanwhile, as the conflict drives up fuel prices. Passengers have paid huge sums to get out of the Middle East, with last-minute dashes to the airport, overland trips to less impacted hubs and fighter jets at times escorting passenger planes out. Some described it as absolute chaos. With most airspace in the region still closed over missile and drone concerns, some people with deep pockets have turned to private jets while charter flights and limited commercial services struggle to evacuate tens of thousands of travelers. A Lufthansa flight to Saudi capital Riyadh diverted to Cairo on Friday over safety concerns after a similar move by an Air France flight late on Thursday. (It) reflects the instability in the region and the complexity of repatriation operations, French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot said. Britains first repatriation flight from Oman landed at Londons Stansted Airport early on Friday after delays. Similar repatriation flights arrived or were due to arrive back in countries from Poland to Portugal. Iran War Shows Air Traffic Exposed, Vulnerable With the conflict showing little sign of easing, wider aviation and air cargo disruption looked set to linger. While major carrier Emirates said on Friday it was targeting a return to 100% of its network in the coming days, EU aviation regulator EASA extended a warning about high risks until March 11. Lufthansa on Friday flagged an uncertain outlook despite better-than-expected results. The war in the Middle East proves once again how exposed air traffic is, and how vulnerable it remains, its CEO Carsten Spohr said. The limited operations at Middle Eastern hubs have hit travelers on routes from Europe to the Asia-Pacific region particularly hard. Combined, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad normally fly about one-third of passengers from Europe to Asia and more than half of all passengers from Europe to Australia, New Zealand and nearby Pacific Islands, according to Cirium data. As of Thursday, traffic at Dubais DXB airport, normally the worlds busiest international travel hub, had almost doubled from Wednesday, but remained only about 25% of normal levels, flight-tracking website Flightradar24 said. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad said on Friday it would resume a limited flight schedule through March 19, with flights operating to and from Abu Dhabi and around 70 destinations including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Delhi, New York, Toronto and Tel Aviv. Dubai-based Emirates said it was operating a reduced flight schedule to 82 destinations including London, Sydney, Singapore and New York, with customers transiting in Dubai only accepted if their connecting flight was operating. Qatars Doha hub remains shut, though it has been arranging a limited number of relief flights from Oman and Saudi Arabia. Airline flydubai is expected to resume operations and operate flights from United Arab Emirates to Israel starting early next week, it said. Jet Fuel Prices Soar Higher oil prices have sent jet fuel costs soaring, with Singapore jet fuel JET-SIN reaching a record high of $225 a barrel this week, which traders attributed to concerns about supply shortages from Middle Eastern refiners. Oil prices pulled back slightly on Friday. As well as lost revenue, airlines are likely to be affected by higher fuel prices, Fitch Ratings said. Fuel hedging varies by airline, but Fitch said most carriers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa were about 50% to 80% hedged for the next three months. ($1 = 0.7481 pounds) London-based reinsurers of ships are canceling their coverage of war risk and demanding 200% more to reinstate policies, according to people familiar with the matter, after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka, amplifying risk perceptions. Rates for shipping lines to buyback this cover that usually climb as much as 50% in wartime have instead tripled in some cases rising to $750,000 per vessel from $250,000, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. Most policy cancellations have been initiated since Thursday, they said, adding that premiums vary depending on vessel flag, ownership, and ports of call. Bloomberg News has seen a cancellation notice dated as recently as March 4 the day a US submarine sank the Iranian warship. The US submarine attack in international waters the first time since World War II that an American sub has attacked a surface vessel has further triggered a surge in risk premiums for hull and related marine coverage. The Indian Ocean strike, far outside the Middle East war zone, underscored fears that the conflicts impact is widening geographically, the people said. The worsening situation in the Persian Gulf remains the primary concern, said Hitesh Joshi, executive director with additional charge as chairman and managing director at GIC Re. As an immediate impact on the marine war-risk cover, notices of cancellation are being issued by international marine underwriters, he said. The restoration of covers is being carefully considered at much higher rates. High-Risk Zones If hostilities persist for another 10 days, buyback options may no longer be available, the people said. Limited buybacks outside the Strait of Hormuz are still being offered by some London market insurers, said Balasundaram R, head of marine insurance at Policybazaar for Business. Insurers and reinsurers, he said, have canceled coverages in war-affected areas after GIC flagged its seven-zone hull war-risk plan, effective March 1. The amended plan designates high-risk waters including Pakistan, the Persian Gulf, and Iran, besides territories subject to sanctions by the UN, the UK, the US or EU. Read More: Marine Insurers Cancel War Risk Cover as Iran Conflict Escalates Marine insurers were assessing their exposures and reacting according to the provisions of their contracts which could include giving notice of cancellation, Bloomberg News reported earlier this week citing Neil Roberts, head of marine and aviation at Lloyds Market Association. Cargo insurance has also been affected. War-risk cover for cargo, once about 0.03% of cargo value, has jumped to around 1% in affected zones, the people said. As the period of conflict lengthens, it is bound to impact pricing across all risks and liability covers, Joshi said. Photograph: A crude oil tanker off the coast of Gibraltar. Photo credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Bloomberg Related: Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics USA Reinsurance The worlds farmers face soaring fertilizer and fuel prices as the war in the Middle East escalates, leaving some scrambling for supplies as the spring planting season approaches. The war, which has closed the Strait of Hormuz, has shut down fertilizer plants in the region and severely disrupted shipping routes, potentially curbing supplies to key importers around the world just as farmers in the Northern Hemisphere prepare to plant seeds. Its a mess because its spring, said Cedric Benoist, who farms wheat, barley and other crops south of Paris, referring to global fertilizer prices that have jumped by dozens of euros per metric ton. This situation cant continue. Farmers from Srinagar in Kashmir to Saskatchewan in Canada rely on fertilizer and diesel shipped through the strait, the conduit for about one-third of global trade in fertilizer and 20% of the worlds export fuels. Read more: Strait of Hormuz Shipping Is at Near-Total Halt, JMIC Says Because of a global grains glut, many farmers were already expecting to lose money on this years crop. Now the outlook is especially gloomy for farmers who still need to buy spring fertilizer, like Jeff Harrison of Quinte West in Ontario. Were in a real bad situation now, Harrison said. Prices in the United States, which imports much of its fertilizer needs despite a large domestic industry, rose at the wars outbreak. Prices for fertilizer jumped from $516 per metric ton on Friday to up to $683 at the import hub of New Orleans on Thursday. Prices could jump higher if the Persian Gulf closure persists and shipments cant make it in time for spring planting, analysts told Reuters. Literally, this could not happen at a worse time of the year, said StoneX analyst Josh Linville. Seth Meyer, former U.S. Department of Agriculture chief economist and now at the Food and Agricultural Policy Institute, said farmers might alter crop choices and fertilizer applications due to the price spike. Farmers need fertilizers for virtually all their crops if they want a good yield, but each crop and the soil they are grown in have different demands. Farmers could cut back on corn, which requires high rates of nitrogen fertilizer, or else sharply reduce fertilizer application rates, Meyer said. Shipments from the Middle East are likely to drop not only because transit through the Strait of Hormuz has all but stopped, but also due to cuts in production. Qatar Energy has had to stop production at the worlds largest single-site urea plant, as it lost its source of natural gas feedstock after the company shut down gas output due to attacks on its LNG facilities. At the same time, sulfur output has been cut in other parts of the Middle East. We have lost a significant chunk of the global supply because of this situation, Linville of StoneX said. India buys more than 40% of its urea and phosphatic fertilizers from the Middle East. While imports could be hit, output within India has already been affected. Three Indian plants have been forced to reduce urea output as LNG supplies from Qatar have dropped sharply, said a New Delhi-based senior industry official. As a result, supply is expected to be tight for urea and diammonium phosphate in the short term, the person said. Fertilizer Market Tight Before Iran War The global fertilizer market was already tight, with China restricting exports this year to ensure domestic availability, while producers in Europe have cut output due to the loss of cheap Russian gas supply, analysts said. Urea prices had risen by around $80 per ton from around $470 per ton quoted before the start of the Iran war, they said. China is likely to expand fertilizer export controls because of the conflict, two agricultural analysts said, although the restrictions may not be formally announced and instead communicated to major producers and customs. While China sources more than 50% of its sulfur imports from the Middle East, Indonesia relies on the region for nearly 70% of its supplies, traders said. Sulfur is a key ingredient for phosphate fertilizers like diammonium phosphate and monoammonium phosphate. It is really hard to find readily available spot cargoes now. There are no spot cargoes anywhere, said one Chinese sulfur trader. Australia is dependent on imports to meet most of its fertilizer needs, say industry analysts. Agricultural economist Corne Louw of GrainSA, which represents South African farmers, told Reuters that fertilizer can make up as much as 50% of their production costs. Any increases in the current situation where farmers are already struggling with record low grain prices will just be another nail in the coffin, he said. Markets might not yet have fully priced in the possibility of a long war, according to Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein, who estimates that nitrogen prices could roughly double and phosphate prices rise 50% from current levels. If the supply shock lasts more than a few weeks, I wouldnt be surprised to see prices go back to the highs of 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, Goldstein said. (Reporting by Naveen Thukral and Ed White; additional reporting by Lewis Jackson, Daphne Zhang and Amy Lv in Beijing, Trixie Yap in Singapore and Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai, Tristan Veyet in Gdansk, Gus Trompiz in Paris, Wendell Roelf in Johannesburg, Nigel Hunt in London; editing by Sonali Paul, Emily Schmall and Aurora Ellis) Ohio lawmakers are considering legislation that would establish an online auto verification system intended to hold uninsured drivers accountable. House Representatives Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison) and Jack Daniels (R-New Franklin) are the lead sponsors behind House Bill 678, which requires the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMW) to administer a real-time online auto insurance verification system. The bill is based off a model established by the Insurance Industry Committee on Motor Vehicle Administration. The bill requires insurance companies to work with the Registrar by providing and updating accurate insurance information to be used by law enforcement and the BMV. Additionally, the bill requires anyone identified as uninsured to respond to the Registrars notice by confirming they have insurance, no longer own the vehicle, or qualify for an existing exemption. Under the legislation, the Registrar can impose civil penalties on individuals who fail to respond or provide proof of insurance. Approximately 18% of Ohio drivers are uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council This bill simply ensures Ohios insurance requirement is actually enforced, said Daniels. As a former trucking company owner, Ive seen the cost of uninsured drivers firsthand. H.B. 678 protects responsible Ohio drivers and businesses by bringing accountability to our roads.. Nineteen states have an online verification of insurance for passenger vehicles, according to a 2025 report by the Kansas Legislative Research Department. The Ohio program would be funded, in part, by allowing the BMW to issue Blackout license plates for $40. The bill received a first hearing in the Transportation Committee earlier this week. Photo: Ohio State House, in Columbus. Source: Adobe Stock Topics Auto Ohio U.S. railroads including CSX Corp, Union Pacific and BNSF are moving to recapture freight from truckers as tightening trucking capacity and rising road-haul rates bolster rails competitive position. For years, low trucking rates and greater flexibility helped road carriers capture cargo that might otherwise have moved by rail, weighing on rail volumes and limiting pricing power. That dynamic is now shifting, at least temporarily. Freight broker C.H. Robinson said trucking capacity is shrinking as small carriers exit the market and federal scrutiny of driver licensing, safety and insurance requirements intensifies. The added pressure is reducing driver supply and raising operating costs. National van spot rates rose to $2.43 per mile in February from $2.03 a year earlier, according to DAT Freight & Analytics, a benchmark for spot-market pricing. Railroads do not publish standardized spot rates, making direct comparisons difficult. A tightening truckload market has the potential to support domestic intermodal volumes and pricing, particularly on shorter average length-of-haul routes where competition with over-the-road trucking is typically most intense, BMO Capital Markets analyst Fadi Chamoun said. Intermodal freight, cargo moved in containers that can be transferred between ships, trucks and trains, is a key battleground between the two sectors. Key Beneficiaries Chamoun said eastern railroads CSX Corp and Norfolk Southern could benefit disproportionately because of their heavier exposure to intermodal traffic in densely populated corridors. CSX told Reuters that converting freight from trucks remains a priority for its intermodal business. After years of excess highway capacity, it now sees opportunities to capture profitable volumes. The company said it was expanding terminals and working with port authorities to develop inland hubs closer to end markets. Union Pacific Chief Financial Officer Jennifer Hamann told investors at a Barclays conference that the industry leader expects about 75% of new business growth to be coming off the highway. The company added that its pending acquisition of Norfolk Southern, creating the first coast-to-coast rail network, could eventually remove about 2 million trucks from U.S. roads. Berkshire Hathaway-owned BNSF said it has invested in terminal expansions in Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix to prepare for a potential rebound. Both new shippers and our large traditional customers are leaning more on rail for capacity, cost advantages and sustainability benefits, Jon Gabriel, group vice president of consumer products, told Reuters. He estimated that a significant share of the railroads expected growth will come from freight shifting off highways, citing the Los Angeles-Chicago corridor as a key driver. Structural Shift or Cyclical Drew Roy, director of intermodal at freight broker Traffix, said what first appeared to be a seasonal tightening in trucking capacity may reflect a deeper shift. A few weeks ago I would have said this was seasonal. But with the loss of CDL (Commercial Drivers License) drivers across the U.S., I think were seeing a structural shift, he said, noting capacity began tightening in mid-January as winter storms hit and spot rates climbed. Intermodal rail typically needs about a 15% cost advantage to win freight, Roy said, but as truck rates rise, rail becomes competitive on more routes, including on hauls as short as 750 miles. Still, he cautioned the advantage may not last. Its a cyclical business, Roy said, noting that as truck capacity loosens, pricing power usually swings back towards highways. Topics USA Auto Trucking Parametric platform Floodbase said it has unveiled its Floodbase Quote API to enable insurers and MGAs to reduce manual quoting cycles into workflows that dramatically accelerate distribution and offer new portfolio flood solutions for the historically underserved U.S. flood market. Floodbase said the bespoke and manual nature of large-area parametric flood quotes has restricted underwriting capacity and brokers ability to serve small- and mid-sized markets, leaving significant value on the table. Clients remain exposed to significant flood protection gaps, brokers are unable to service their entire book, and carriers have left substantial premium untapped. With the Floodbase Quote API, carriers can equip brokers with tools to instantly generate standardized quotes for parametric flood covers. New, automated quoting and rating workflows make it viable to distribute at scale across small- and mid-sized commercial markets. This expansion of the Floodbase Platform also unlocks entirely new parametric flood products previously limited by a manual, location-by-location design process. For the first time, insurers can partner with Floodbase to design large, geographically distributed portfolio solutions from embedded add-ons to reinsurance solutions. Growing demand for comprehensive flood risk management in the U.S. driven by more frequent and intense events, rising NFIP premiums, and uncertainty around federal coverage is accelerating interest in parametric flood, Floodbase said. Related: Liberty Mutual, Floodbase Partner on Parametric Flood Topics Flood The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently cited a Land OLakes, Florida, firm for exposing workers to chemical and respiratory hazards after a fatal incident last summer. PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises, a petroleum tank-service company for gas stations and convenience stores, has already contested the $60,242 proposed fine for 19 safety violations, OSHA records show. The company in July allowed workers to enter a confined space in Lake Worth without testing the atmosphere and without full-face respirators, OSHA said. One worker was overcome with benzene and toluene fumes and died from the exposure. Palm Beach news reports said the worker was 15 feet underground in a tight space when he collapsed. The name of the worker was not available. Topics Florida Workers' Compensation Insurance issues were the most frequent complaint fielded by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation last year. In the final quarter of 2025, the DFR received 935 insurance complaints, bringing the total of 3,700 insurance complaints for last year. Insurance complaints led the way for all quarters of 2025. Consumer advocates also received 254 insurance complaints that were not regulated by DFR. The division helped recover $1.1 million in the last three months of 2025, bringing the total to more than $7 million. Credit union complaints were the second most frequent complaint, with 59 complaints coming in during the final quarter, and 212 for the year. Examples of consumer complaints resolved by DFR advocates in the final quarter of 2025 include: A consumer reported a hail loss in July 2025. The insurance companys estimate and the contractors estimate were significantly different, with the two areas of concern being skylights and roofing materials. The consumer lived in a homeowner association that set requirements for the quality of materials used for building or repairs. Some differences appeared associated with those requirements, and based on the insurance contract, were not owed by the insurer. However, through the complaint process, the company reassessed these two areas of the repair estimate and made adjustments to reflect like kind and quality of the repair materials. Additional payments totaling $4,389.17 were issued. Following a dental trauma, a consumer visited an in-network emergency room and was referred to an out-of-network specialist for follow-up care. Even though the in-network doctor submitted a prior authorization, the consumer wasnt aware that the out-of-network would be responsible for the $12,000 bill. The insurers denied the consumers appeal to pay and waive the charges. The consumer filed a complaint with DFR, after review the consumer was only responsible for the in-network cost share. While traveling to Cleveland for a rare cancer treatment, a consumer required hospitalization for a month and multiple procedures. Unaware their employer had recently changed to different insurers, the provider was now out-of-network. After getting back to Oregon, the consumer noticed a $40,000 bill. After corresponding with the insurers, four claims were reprocessed saving the consumer 38,800.75 Topics Oregon Schools can't keep up with the online trends harming children and are seeing horrific cases where pupils are unable to escape bullies on social media, teachers have said. In a series of stark warnings to TDs and Senators, school leaders laid out how they can be at the frontline for the harms being done to children online even if this harm is happening outside of school hours. This includes Cocos Law, which criminalises the non-consensual sharing of intimate images and serious online bullying, according to National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) deputy director Rachel OConnor. "What were witnessing in our schools is a collective exposure to harm, she said. We can put in all the interventions and programmes and supports in our schools, but unless the companies that are getting bang for their buck are held accountable... and every day [we could receive] 10 to 15 calls from principals about the harm thats being caused in schools across all social media platforms. Representatives from teachers and principals unions were before the Oireachtas Childrens Committee which is holding hearings on the safety of children online. It comes against the backdrops of recent controversies involving social media companies such as the Grok AI undressing scandal. All the groups called for resources and training to support schools, as well as enforcement and accountability against tech platforms. Six months ago, nobody was talking about Grok, Association of Secondary Teachers of Ireland (ASTI) vice president Richie Bell said. In six months time, itll be something completely different. Its a little like the Golden Gate Bridge, once youve painted it you have to paint it again. How do you stay on top of it. As another colleague said when society gets an itch, schools get scratched. Online bullying While peer-to-peer bullying is a significant issue, the ASTI also said research it has conducted suggests that one in five second-level teachers have experienced work-related cyber abuse. In some cases, they face image manipulation and threats. Its general secretary Kieran Christie said the ubiquity of smart devices has given bullying a whole new dimension and that this is facilitated subtly in different ways on the different social platforms. Its a 24/7 phenomenon, he said. Now you can no longer escape the bullies at 4pm when you go home. And it spills over then in the school yard. Anne Horan, president of the Irish National Teachers Organisation, said there are limits to how much schools can play a role in supporting children to be safe online and said a whole-of-society approach is needed. Phones and child development She said they would recommend to parents to delay mobile phones given the impact they can have. It has been reported to us [children have a] decreased capacity to concentrate, Mr Horan said. The children have less patience. They need constant distraction, and they need redirecting. There are huge challenges between friend groups, children have less social skills. She said children using social media can confuse the number of friends they have on a platform with the number of people they actually meet with, bringing higher levels of anxiety and worrying levels of low mood. Ms OConnor said there is a vast difference between first years in secondary schools now and several years ago, and we have vastly underestimated the impact that covid-19 had on children in terms of the lack of socialisation. In terms of the more serious cases, she said the NAPD lobbies for action based on the harm being done which included one case where Instagram changed their rules as a result. We had a very serious sextortion case, Ms OConnor said. It was a minor groomed by a perpetrator online via their direct messaging. And we've seen horrific cases in terms of Cocos law the harm being done in schools, its horrific. A school in Kildare which closed over safety concerns will reopen on Monday. Parents at St Patrick's Primary School were told on Wednesday that children would be sent home due to fears around the condition of its prefabs. The school had previously sent classes home last month after concerns emerged about the condition of the 19-year-old prefabs. In a letter to parents, the schools board of management said reviews had identified several issues. The Department of Education said in a statement on Thursday that, following a meeting with school officials, the schools board would meet to consider its options. Later in the evening, parents were told the school will reopen after around 40 contractors were brought on site to carry out repairs. Read More Kildare primary school closes temporarily over fire and structural safety concerns A consultant's report last year found the building is not fit for purpose to operate without considerable risk and is unsafe and poses a serious immediate threat to the well-being, health, and safety of the occupants and users". It recommended that a "full review of the overall system, including emergency and escape lighting, must be carried out by a specialist fire protection systems specialist, and upgrade to current standards and regulations as required". Appeal for intervention Speaking in the Dail earlier on Thursday, Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly said he had, in recent weeks, appealed for intervention on behalf of the school. "The Department of Education knew about the problems in the school as far back as last summer. The Tanaiste has been at pains to tell us this morning that he has capital. The community of Celbridge needs capital. It needs investment and a plan in the short-, medium-, and long-term for those children and parents who are at home. What is the plan for those children and their education going forward?" In response, Mr Harris said the issue needed to be solved. "The department has received a number of emergency works applications from the school. There has been a back-and-forth discussion. "Frankly, I do not think it is helpful to read it out. This needs to be sorted. The department needs to sort it as well. We do not need to be 'penpals international' here. We need people in a room working out these issues so this school can reopen as a matter of priority." Sinn Fein TD Reada Cronin said that parents had been left with short notice to organise childcare and the school had waited 19 years for a permanent home. "We need information on a timeline today so we can give that to parents this evening. The parents, staff, and students deserve transparency and reassurance on this. "I ask the minister to outline what steps her department is taking to ensure proper, safe facilities to secure an immediate return of these children to school." A man in his 80s has died after a collision in Louth. Gardai and emergency services were called to the scene on the N33 at Cappocksgreen in Ardee shortly after 3pm on Thursday. The driver of the car involved, the man in his late 80s, was transported by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where he was later pronounced deceased. The coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The scene is currently sealed off while garda forensics investigate. Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward. A spokesperson said: "Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. "Anyone with information is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station." There were celebrations and relief for a second night in a row at Dublin Airport with the arrival of the first planes from Dubai since conflict broke out in the Middle East. People who had been working in the United Arab Emirates for several years as well as holidaymakers were among the hundreds who landed home on Thursday evening. Dubai has been hit by missiles amid the conflict between Iran and the US and Israel, including explosions at the citys airport and the Fairmont Hotel. It has also been impacted by widespread air space closures in the Middle East. There are an estimated 24,400 Irish citizens in the Gulf region. There are expected to be further direct flights from the Middle East landing in Dublin on Friday, including a Government charter flight from Oman which is expected to transport around 280 passengers. Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee expressed hope that hundreds, if not more than 1,000, will arrive in Dublin by the end of the week. 'I'd missed the children so much' Dympna Mackin, from Mayobridge, Co Down, who had been in Dubai with her husband to celebrate her 40th birthday, walked through arrivals to hugs from family waiting to see her. Unbelievable. Id missed the children so much. Im shaking, its good to be home, she said. We arrived in Dubai last Thursday, we were due home on Monday, this was the third flight that wed tried to get home. We were in Dubai for my 40th birthday I dont want to get into it because it was traumatising. Colette Cummins, from Malahide, who had been visiting family in Dubai, was hugged by work colleagues as she came through arrivals. Im so happy to be home. We were supposed to come on Tuesday but the flight was cancelled, she said. Its great to be home, my sister is not so lucky, she is still there. Scary at the beginning. It had eased off but back again today because we got news on the flight of alerts that missiles were coming in again. The situation is escalating again. Megan ORiordan, from Co Meath, who has worked in software sales in Dubai for three years, was greeted by her father Michael. Daily life is normal, everyone is still working, were just working remotely and school is happening at home. The only difference is the missiles and interceptions when you see those it is a little bit scary, she said. Other than that, nothing else has changed, life goes on as normal over there. The government have been really good, the embassy has been really good. Norita Geary (left) is welcomed by her sister Elaine Gleeson, from Limerick, as she arrives at Dublin Airport on a flight from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire Elaine Gleeson from Limerick also surprised a family member, turning up with a balloon and flowers to welcome home sister Norita Geary. Everyone clapped when the plane landed, and cheered, it was just magic, Ms Geary said. I didnt expect to see her (Elaine) because I told her I was getting a lift home, she added, hugging her sister. Dublin is the most beautiful city in the world. Gina Quinn from Dublin described hearing a national alarm in the middle of the night which woke everyone up. It was very frightening, you just didnt know, and getting information on when you might be able to fly home was nigh impossible. The airlines were great but they were inundated, she said. I think everyone on the flight coming in tonight is absolutely delighted, just hope that everybody else gets home quickly because its a very uncertain situation. Its fantastic to be home. Rob McClean from Greystones, who had been transiting through Dubai from India, said it was a massive relief to be home. I was in the airport on Saturday night when the explosion happened so we were evacuated from there which was pretty tough, he said. Its been nerve-wracking for my family. There were also a number of passengers from across Europe who took the flight to Dublin in desperation to flee the Middle East. Alex Anderson, a French-American who lives in Frankfurt, described huge relief and said it was very emotional to land in Dublin. It was really difficult. I was a transfer passenger, I was supposed to be going on to Frankfurt on February 28. When I was coming in from Malaysia we actually saw the missile trails, but we didnt know what it was then, just thought it was planes, he said. It was really shocking when we landed and found out what had happened. I moved as quickly as I could out of the terminal building, and an hour later it got hit. Then there was the long wait of days, hearing thumps, anti-missile stuff, that was nerve-wracking, they definitely had a lot of drones coming over. I wouldnt say its a full-blown war zone like you would see in Gaza, but its getting close. Its a huge relief to land in Ireland, and a bit emotional. Tomorrow morning Ill fly back home to my wife and kids in Frankfurt. Andy Barnes from Hertfordshire and Andy Teasdale from Cumbria said they had spent their time in hotel basements in Dubai since their flight home was cancelled on Saturday. We were at the airport from 3.30am, there were no flights available but we went on the waiting list and ended up getting on the last flight out, they said. They had been staying in the area around the marina and Mr Barnes said: We saw a lot of interceptions, Saturday night was really hairy. We were out having a pizza sat out by the pool, and heard bangs going off, which we later found out were interceptions you could see it all in the side and then we saw smoke coming from the Fairmont Hotel. Junior minister Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has vowed to help set up a formalised funding structure for the Womens Shed movement. Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for public health and well being Jennifer Murnane O'Connor said she is working with Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary on the issue. She was speaking on RTEs Morning Ireland ahead of this Sundays official launch of Womens Sheds of Ireland on International Womens Day, March 8. "Its a really important issue, she said. We have to make sure that we look after our women's sheds, they do an excellent job. I have been working with Minister Dara Calleary because in my own remit, I have put aside funding now to put a structure together, because we actually don't have a proper structure together for the women's sheds, but there is one for the Men's Sheds. So I am now working with Dara Calleary to get that structure together so that the women's sheds can now apply for grants, for funding, and we will work with them to explain what happens from now on. "They play a huge role in the community, it's everybody mixing together, it's that sense of community and we need to make sure we get this structure in place for them. A dedicated Women's Sheds Of Ireland (WSOI) committee was established in 2024 by a group of women from across the country. Funding affected by lack of a representative body Women's sheds do not currently operate under a single national representative body, which makes it harder for them to access financial and other supports. Mens sheds, on the other hand, have their own representative body - the Irish Mens Sheds Association - and can apply for government funding as a result. Minister Calleary has said he is committed to helping develop a national governing body for women's sheds. Officials from his department and from the Department of Health have met representatives of womens sheds to discuss funding opportunities. "The men's sheds are supported by the Government all the time and we hardly get anything," Tullamore Women's Shed member Catherine Loughman told RTE. "The county council gives us some money and we get some from the credit union but it's small. "With an umbrella organisation, we will be more visible and it will be great for our self-image. "Eventually, hopefully with the funding we get, we will someday have money for premises for all these groups. "People will see these are valuable community groups for women all over Ireland. "There's no point having these groups in libraries or centres where you've to pack up every week. "Having a governing body will put women's sheds on the map." The health minister has acknowledged more needs to be done for endometriosis patients as she pledged to bring surgeons from abroad to work here, as well as providing additional funding. Cork University Maternity Hospital is one of the sites receiving funding as it hosts a supra-regional endometriosis centre the only one outside Dublin. Jennifer Carroll MacNeill attended the Royal College of Physicians Ireland seminar on endometriosis in Dublin on Friday. Asked if support includes bringing surgeons to work here temporarily, she said: 100%, Im open to suggestions on that from the clinical community from any hospital entirely. Cork has a new colorectal consultant ,and theyre working now in partnership with the other teams. That is really important. Nationally, there are 65 new posts now funded, she added, including 12 for various types of consultants. I hope they will be in situ by the end of the year, she said, noting it is a competitive field globally. Funding has seen HSE clinicians go to endometriosis centres in Denmark and other EU countries for specialist training, the conference heard. A panel discussion focused on surgical options, including ablation and excision. Ablation is widely used internationally to treat superficial or mild endometriosis. However, concerns have been raised by women that it was also used in Ireland for more severe conditions. Dr Cathy Burke, clinical lead at the Cork centre, said it is an evidence-based treatment for superficial endometriosis but not effective for deeply invasive conditions. I think what is an issue is the repeated performing of surgeries [on women] that are giving minimal to no benefit and expecting a different outcome, she said. There are limitations, she said. "We really have to acknowledge those limitations and then work forward in terms of what we can do next. Other treatments should be considered, she indicated, rather than repeating the same surgeries. Colorectal surgeon Cillian Clancy from Tallaght University Hospital also spoke. This hosts the first supra-regional centre. Funding has seen HSE clinicians go to endometriosis centres in Denmark and other EU countries for specialist training, the conference heard. File picture He said trainees in this speciality are now aware that their skills can help women with endometriosis. Until recently, this was not widely known, he explained. Dr Ciara McCarthy, a GP working in Cork and clinical lead in women's health at the Irish College of GPs, spoke about the new framework for care. This launched in October. Introducing the possible diagnosis of endometriosis early enables open conversation, she said. She welcomed improved access to scans for GP patients, but noted some types of MRI are not included. However, she said there is still need for expansion of community services, including access to specialist physiotherapists. We have almost no access, she said, saying this is key for pain management, among other challenges. It would be transformative, she said. Mikael Robertsson and Olov Lindberg did not set out to build one of the pre-eminent monitors of global airspace. In a bid to draw more eyes to their Swedish flight price comparison portal, the entrepreneurs added a page charting air traffic. That page became Flightradar24, the portal that people around the world now turn to when there is chaos and drama in the skies. Very soon this flight tracker became more popular than the price comparison [tool] itself, recalled Robertsson, who spoke to the Guardian from the firms office in Stockholm. In 2010, when the eruption of Icelands Eyjafjallajokull volcano released a vast cloud of ash that grounded flights across Europe, millions turned to Flightradar24 to monitor flight movements (or lack thereof) in real time. It was the first time the platform attracted an influx of curious users, keen to watch a major event unfold in real time. It wouldnt be the last. You can pick any kind of major aviation event you want after that, said Fredrik Lindahl, chief executive of Flightradar24 from the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in 2014 to the onset of the Covid pandemic, which crippled the travel industry in 2020. While crises affecting millions can trigger a sharp increase in the platforms audience, so too can the flight of a single individual. When the late Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny was evacuated to Berlin to be treated for suspected poisoning in 2020, and when he returned to Russia in 2021, users followed both journeys live in their droves. In recent days, as the US-Israel war on Iran rapidly cleared the airspace over the Middle East, prompting widespread travel chaos that disrupted hundreds of thousands of travellers, viewers from around the world gravitated to the platform. On Saturday, after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, and Iran deployed a barrage of retaliatory missiles across the Middle East, countries across the region swiftly shut their airspace. On Flightradar24 the impact on aviation was clear. With large swaths of the Middle East closed to air traffic, two narrow flight corridors emerged, crammed with little yellow plane symbols the first to the north of Iran, through the Caucasus, but below Ukraines closed airspace, and the second to the south, through Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Emirates airplanes are parked at the Dubai International Airport after its closure in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) For each big aviation event, we do get a big traffic spike, and then it sort of dies down, Lindahl said. But the traffic stays slightly higher than it was before. No event has yet drawn more attention to Flightradar24 than the journey of Britain's late Queen Elizabeths coffin in 2022, when 4.8 million people followed the planes short journey from Edinburgh to Northolt. How does it work? Flightradar24 tracks all this through a network of about 58,000 radio receivers, including a dozen in Antarctica. It started with just two, installed by Robertsson and Lindberg on their respective homes, after they learned it was possible to monitor airspace with devices bought from the UK. It sounded like something impossible, said Robertsson. Like, how can you track air traffic with a small box? I would probably classify it as scam if I found something like this today. Every aircraft has a transmitter, sending out flight information its callsign, position, direction, speed and altitude which is collected by receivers. Dignitaries, including Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (second left) and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack (centre) prepare for the arrival of the coffin of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II at Edinburgh Airpor. FIle picture: PA By early 2010, up to 40,000 people were visiting Flightradar24 each day. When Eyjafjallajokull erupted that April, it spewed out a gigantic ash cloud which closed over 300 airports, grounded more than 100,000 flights and gave rise to an extraordinary surge of interest in global airspace. I think we had, like, four million visitors in a couple of hours, said Robertsson. As war broke out in Iran and the surrounding region on Saturday, visits to Flightradar24 were more than double the norm. Saturday was a spike, then we went down a bit on Sunday, and then a bigger spike on Monday, said Robertsson. And now were slowly, slowly, losing some traffic again. Flightradar24 has built a business around this intermittent audience, marketing a premium tier with more data to its most avid users. Subscriptions account for about 70% of its revenue, and it also sells commercial packages to industry operators, as well as advertising. The platform is reliant on aviation enthusiasts. Were really trying to have a very strong free product because what underlies all this is like the crowdsourced aspect of Flightradar24, with people around the world hosting our receivers, said Lindahl. To maintain a reliable map, we need to have a strong product, that a lot of people are exposed to, he added. And then, some of them will become interested enough to maybe think oh, maybe I should host one of these receivers. Today Flightradar24, which sold a 35% stake to Sprints Capital, a London-based venture capital firm, in September 2025, has a base of more than 1.5 million paying subscribers, and typically attracts about 60 million free viewers to its website each month. It will definitely be higher in March, said Lindahl. The Guardian "We were treated for rape-related injuries and still sent back into his care. Those are the words of four siblings who say they fell through the cracks of the State that failed to protect them from years of sexual abuse, violence, and neglect at the hands of their father. Last week, Noel Farrell, aged 70, from Co Sligo, was jailed for 20 years at the Central Criminal Court after pleading guilty to multiple counts of sexually abusing his children over two decades. The court heard harrowing evidence of neglect, including the children often going hungry, being locked in a room for days and, at times, being forced to drink urine to survive. They were also subjected to rape, sexual assault, and digital penetration. Farrell initially faced 109 counts of abuse but pleaded guilty to three counts of rape against three daughters, and 19 counts of indecent assault and sexual assault relating to all five complainants. Four of his five victims Christopher, aged 47; Jessica, aged 48; Helen, aged 50; and Amanda, aged 54 have waived their right to anonymity so Farrell can be publicly named. This week, they spoke to the Irish Examiner, describing how opportunities to intervene across the community were repeatedly missed. They say nobody questioned anything, not when they were missing from school, not when they were allowed out of care for weekends with their father, who was abusing them, and not even when they were treated in hospital for injuries from sexual assaults or violence. They just put it all down to our poor mother, said Christopher, affectionately known as Black from working on the coal rounds. She was a chronic alcoholic, and they put us all in care and blamed her. Nobody looked at him, even though all of us were in hospital with injuries from rape and beatings. Today, all four live with the lasting impact of that trauma. Despite helping to put their monster father behind bars, their journey to recovery, they say, is miles away". Jessica on her First Communion day with Amanda, grandmother Tessie Pugh, mother Tessie Farrell, Helen, and Christopher. It doesnt end with him going to jail, said Jessica. Its only starting. Ive never even been in therapy. Over a two-hour interview, the siblings once confused and frightened and not knowing we were being abused clearly described the suffering that still affects them to this day. They endure nightmares, waking in cold sweats, uncontrollable crying, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm. All are on medication for severe mental health difficulties arising from what they describe as a childhood in hell. Despite the challenges, they say they have some relief in finally finding their voices. Each sibling has processed their experiences differently, showing how sexual assault affects survivors in individual ways. Jessica says that while she fully accepts that her fathers actions were wrong, she believes the State's failures were, in some ways, even more devastating. Over time, she tried to forgive him. 'I dont hate him. I love my dad' I dont hate him. I love my dad, she said. But what he did was absolutely wrong. I made a statement because he didnt admit what he did until the last minute. He should have been arrested back then when it happened, not now when hes older. I did allow him back into my life when I got older, and we formed a bond. Her siblings accept her feelings, but they do not share them. Sitting beside her, Helen pulled up the sleeves of her jumper to reveal scars from self-harm. She explained how, on one occasion, her trauma became so overwhelming she severed a major artery and had to be resuscitated. I hate him, she said. He messed me up hugely, and he deserves all he got. All four were taken into care as children, the abuse having occurred between the ages of two and 17. Amanda was the last to be taken into residential care at age 10, though the abuse began when she was five. Life changed for the better once Amanda entered a unit in Dublin. Dont get me wrong, I loved it, she said. It was the best place I ever went. I got to live as a child thats why I loved it. Amanda Farrell: 'He married her to get to us. He knew exactly what he was doing. Thats how men like him operate.' All three sisters were raped and abused. They dote on their younger brother Christopher, the family peacemaker, and agree he suffered the worst violence. There were loads of times I wanted to attack him, he said of his father. But I didnt. I dont wish him harm, but my wife will tell you some days I couldnt get out of bed. Id be awake all night. Im on every medication you can think of. Christopher said he was frequently in trouble with gardai when he was younger a way of acting out. When I finally lost it and went to the gardai in October 2018 to tell them about my dad, they said it made sense, because Id always been in trouble. And I swear to God, those two guards could not have done more for us. Helen said she remained haunted by memories of hearing her brother screaming in his room. I didnt know what it was, she said. I was five. I know now he was raping him. That destroys me to this day. You always feel like you could have done something. Christopher always tried to reassure her. He told me, Its not your fault, she said. Though their feelings about their father differ, the siblings are united in their love for their late mother, Teresa Tessie Farrell. The mother of 12 was a vulnerable lone parent when she first met Farrell, a musician. 'He married her to get to us' He married her to get to us, Amanda said. He knew exactly what he was doing. Thats how men like him operate. Our home was a breeding ground for him, said Christopher. Mam was badly struggling when she did try to speak out; she was very badly let down too, said Helen. Nobody would listen to her. Nobody helped her, added Christopher. He plied her with drink to keep her sedated so he could rape and beat us. The siblings say people knew he was sexually abusing the children, but with a drink problem, it was easier for others to ignore her. She came home one day and caught him in bed with me, said Amanda. She phoned the guards, but it went nowhere. Nobody believed her. When she had a drink on her, shed shout it out, but she was brushed off by everyone. She and Granny tried to help us. Jessica Farrell: 'I was a daddys girl, so I didnt know it was abuse. It was confusing. He was lovely at times, but he was always doing what he did.' Whenever her name is mentioned, the siblings soften. They want their mothers name cleared. She was a victim too, Amanda said. Of everyone who ignored what was happening to us, our mother did try. Tragically, Tessie died from alcoholism 17 years ago and was found with pneumonia and cirrhosis of the liver in an abandoned house in Sligo when she was just 54. Sitting upstairs in a Sligo hotel this week, the siblings suddenly stood when the conversation turned to their mother, pointing out the window. Thats the house where she died, they said quietly. Helen Farrell: 'He told me that if I ever spoke out or told anyone, hed kill them and come back and kill me.' Jessica and Helen had gone to the property after receiving a phone call expressing concern for her. The guards were there, and they said it was her, said Jessica. That memory still weighs heavily. He was a manipulator, said Amanda. He ruined her. They say it took years to understand the grooming process isolating a child, filling them with affection, then abusing them. I was a daddys girl, so I didnt know it was abuse, Jessica said. It was confusing. He was lovely at times, but he was always doing what he did." He told me that if I ever spoke out or told anyone, hed kill them and come back and kill me, said Helen. State failures They suffered in silence but decided to speak publicly after the sentencing, not only to ensure their fathers crimes are known, but to highlight what they believe were systemic failures that allowed the abuse to continue for years. Were only finding our voices now, said Christopher. We want people suffering in silence, the way we did, to ask for help. There will be someone to listen. Were online too we want to help even one person. Nobody did anything to tell us what was going on was wrong, said Helen and Amanda. I dont remember anyone sitting us down and explaining it to us, added Jessica. Instead, one by one, the children were taken into care from ages three to 10, Amanda being the last. We were dragged out of bed sometimes at midnight and put into different foster homes, said Helen. Christopher Farrell: 'I reached a stage where I was either going to hang myself or take that first step. I was in the station for three days making a statement. The guards were lovely.' During that first referral to foster care, when Tessie saw her husband abusing Amanda, the siblings said they were all put back in the house afterwards. But by 1981, they had all gone into care. We were locked up in care before he ever saw a prison cell, said Jessica. We never spent Christmas together. He was abusing the older ones and working his way down through the family, while we grew up learning how to survive. Weve known each other at certain points in life, but weve never sat at a Christmas table as a family, she said. The State took everything from us. It was bad enough being taken away from your family, but then they took us from our brothers and sisters too and put us into homes to fend for ourselves, without telling us what had happened. Helen added: Even when our mam had supervised access to us in care, he was abusing us and he could still take us out. As the children grew older, they ran away from care. Whenever they returned home, their father was still there and the abuse continued. They lived with their shame until eight years ago, when Christopher walked into Sligo Garda Station and said, I need to talk to someone. I was around 39, he said. I told the girls we had to do it. I couldnt live like this anymore. Jessica had already confronted her father; he told her he had served two years in jail for the abuse something she later learned was false. No remorse He never said sorry or showed any remorse. He only pleaded guilty at the end, they all agreed. There was a sickness inside me keeping it all inside, said Christopher. I knew it was wrong. I reached a stage where I was either going to hang myself or take that first step. I was in the station for three days making a statement. The guards were lovely. That was the beginning of their path to some form of peace. We wanted him off the streets, said Christopher. I had to get it off my chest. I encouraged one or two more of them by trying to explain that everything that happened to us everything were still dealing with is because of him. Tusla and the HSE North West have been contacted. - If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please click here for a list of support services. The Light House Cinema was the location for the Irish premiere of Couture, one of the headline gala screenings of the 24th Dublin International Film Festival. Presented in partnership with Renault Ireland, the event brought together festival supporters, industry figures and film fans for a standout night in this years programme. As guests strolled down the red carpet, pausing for photographs before heading inside, the sense of occasion was unmistakable. A pre-screening reception welcomed attendees, while Renaults presence throughout the venue, including a popular photo booth, added to the celebratory atmosphere. Directed by acclaimed French film-maker Alice Winocour and starring Angelina Jolie, Couture is set during Paris Fashion Week. Jolie plays a celebrated designer preparing a defining collection under intense scrutiny, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of one of the worlds most competitive creative industries. While the fashion setting delivers visual scale, Winocour is clear about the films real focus. The real topic of the movie is womens bodies, she said in advance of the screening. Its about women in their 20s, 30s and 40s and about sharing worlds. The story explores how women are seen and how they see themselves in environments built around image and performance. It follows characters at different stages of life and career, examining ambition, ageing and resilience. Clementine MacNeice, a fashion stylist and Renault brand ambassador. Its about women supporting each other, coming from very different countries and different experiences, Winocour added. Couture examines the pressure of staying relevant, creatively and personally in an industry that demands constant reinvention. By placing that narrative within the high-stakes world of haute couture, Winocour gives it international appeal while keeping the emotional focus close. We really wanted to say to women who may have lived some of these experiences: youre not alone, she said. The presence of the new Renault 5 brought an extra special French dimension to the evening. Casting Jolie strengthens that balance between reach and intimacy. A globally recognised actor playing a woman whose public image is central to her profession creates a natural tension between scale and vulnerability. All of my films are very intimate and personal. This is the most intimate story with one of the biggest stars, Winocour said. Its like the very, very small meeting the very, very big. For festival director Grainne Humphreys, that combination made Couture an ideal gala choice. Alice Winocour is one of the most amazing film-makers. Her films are beautiful to look at theyre art films in every sense but theres also a very personal and political subject at their core, Humphreys said. Its about an artist facing a crisis while creating art. I love that scale something deeply intimate set on a huge canvas. Now in its 24th year, the Dublin International Film Festival continues to balance international premieres with a growing Irish slate. Humphreys pointed to the expansion of home-grown film-making as one of the festivals strongest developments. When I started programming, we might have had five or six Irish films. This year we have 21, she said. Irish cinema has just grown and grown. Gala screenings such as Couture are central to that momentum, offering audiences access to big global productions while reinforcing Dublins place on the international film calendar. Nicola Bisset, marketing manager at Renault Ireland. Humphreys also reflected on what makes festival premieres distinct. Everybody is just a film-maker standing in front of an audience, asking them to love them, she said a reminder that even large-scale productions depend on that direct exchange. The partnership with Renault Ireland brought an extra special French dimension to the evening. As a brand focused on innovation and sustainability particularly through its expanding electric vehicle fleet, Renaults collaboration with DIFF reflects a shared forward-looking outlook. Nicola Bissett, marketing manager at Renault Ireland, said the alignment was clear. DIFF brings together creativity, innovation and forward thinking, which aligns strongly with our values as a brand, she said. Were proud to support such a visible and authentic part of Irish culture. Strategic partnerships now play an essential role in delivering festivals of this scale. By working with brands invested in innovation and long-term growth, DIFF continues to attract international film-makers while enhancing the audience experience. For Dublin filmgoers, the Irish premiere of Couture offered more than a screening. It delivered red carpet energy, international talent and a high-profile collaboration that underlined the strength of this years festival. With a rich programme, world-class premieres and committed commercial partners, the Dublin International Film Festival continues to build its profile in its 24th year bringing global cinema to Dublin while reinforcing the value of creative and commercial collaboration. Portugal has been fined 10m by the EU Court of Justice for failing to comply with environmental laws that require it to protect biodiversity. It has also been ordered to pay 41,250 a day until it complies with a previous court order made in 2019. The court said it was imposing the maximum fine possible to encourage Portugal to bring the infringement to an end. The daily fine corresponds to a penalty of 750 for each of the 55 sites that the court said had still not been protected despite Lisbon having been ordered seven years ago to comply with EU laws. The fine will be reduced by 750 a day per site that is brought into compliance. The court said in a statement: The court considers that these are particularly serious infringements of EU environmental law, in which Portugal has persisted. Given that Portugals territory hosts rich biodiversity, including 99 habitat types and 335 species covered by the habitats directive, what is at stake for the European Unions common heritage there is especially important. In view of this, as well as the considerable duration of the infringement and Portugals capacity to pay, the court sets the amount of the lump sum at 10m. The European Commission has battled for years to try to force Portugal to conserve and protect habitats and species in areas that should have been designated for conservation under the EU Habitats Directive. Under EU law, sites of community importance for the Atlantic biogeographic region include Peneda-Geres, Portugals only national park, the natural park Litoral Norte, and the Minho and Lima rivers. Also included are Valongo, home to rare fern species and an important site for the golden-striped salamander, the Serra DArga mountain range and Corno do Bico, a protected landscape, records show. Lisbon was ordered by the court to comply with the EU Habitats Directive in a case brought by the European Commission in 2019 after allegations it had failed to designate sites of community importance as special areas of conservation (SAC). Under the directive, countries had to designate SAC sites that needed protection within six years, with accompanying measures to protect rare habitats and species. In 2019 the court found that Portugal had failed to fulfil its obligations to designate 61 areas under the Atlantic and Mediterranean biogeographical biodiversity classification. A spokesperson for the Portuguese government said that the litigation went back 30 years and spanned 12 governments, but that last April the government launched an intensive legislative process that allowed rapid progress in the designation of SACs and the approval of management plans. Very little remains to be done for the work to be completed and for Portugal to fully comply with the obligations arising from the habitats directive. Guardian The broadening Iran war has ricocheted across the region and beyond, with nearly every country in the Middle East sustaining damage from missile hits, drone strikes or shrapnel. Many are reporting casualties, and key embassies, economic engines and passageways have closed down. On Thursday, with the conflicts footprint growing, Azerbaijan accused Iran of carrying out a drone attack against it. Iran denied that, as its retaliatory attacks on Israel, other countries and American military bases continued. Since the war started with a joint US-Israel attack on Iran on Saturday, foreign governments have urged citizens to leave Middle East countries on any available commercial flight. Airspaces have closed, cruise ships have been unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and major airlines have canceled flights. The US State Department says it has evacuated nonemergency personnel and families in six nations. It has advised citizens from more than a dozen countries to leave. Governments from Russia to Germany and India also scrambled to run repatriation flights. Heres a country-by-country breakdown of the impact of the war so far. All airspace information is for commercial flights, from the real-time flight-tracking service Flightradar 24, as of Thursday, or national authorities. Iran A coffin is carried during a funeral for people killed during the ongoing U.S.???Israeli military campaign in Kerman, Iran, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Sare Tajalli/ISNA via AP) Death toll: At least 1,230 according to Irans Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs. It is unknown how many are civilians. Major casualty incidents: More than 160 were killed by a strike on an elementary school in Minab, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Israel says it was not involved in the incident. When asked by reporters about it, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he did not have details but that the US would not deliberately target a school. Damage and impact: State TV and the Red Crescent Society of Iran say the US-Israeli strikes have hit hospitals, pharmacies, schools, police stations, gyms, missile launchers, government buildings in Tehran and leadership compounds. Israel says it is also targeting nuclear infrastructure. Reports on state TV quote Iranians saying their homes have been damaged. The Red Crescent Society says the strikes have hit 174 cities in the country. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and top military officials have been killed. Airspace: Closed. Israel and the Palestinian territories Residents and Israeli security forces inspect the site struck by an Iranian missile in central Israel, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa) Death toll: Eleven civilians have been killed, according to Israeli authorities. That includes three siblings, ages 16, 15, 13; a Filipina caretaker killed while escorting the woman in her charge to a shelter; and a mother of three who was a volunteer medic. Major casualty incidents: A strike in Beit Shemesh left nine dead. Damage and impact: Several locations among them a synagogue and public shelter in Beit Shemesh, an apartment building in Tel Aviv, a road in Jerusalem have been hit by Iranian missiles. Israeli police also say an Iranian warhead landed close to Jerusalems Old City, close to many holy sites. The extent of damage to Israeli military bases and other sensitive locations is unknown; the military does not reveal that information. Airspace: Closed. Lebanon Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon, early Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Death toll: One hundred and two people have been killed and 638 wounded, Lebanons Health Ministry said Tuesday evening. Officials with the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group were also killed. Hezbollah has not confirmed anyone killed in their ranks in this conflict, though Israel says it has struck only Hezbollah-linked targets. Major casualty incidents: Israeli airstrikes killed six people in a residential complex in Baalbeck, state-run media reported. Others hit the towns of Aramoun and Saadiyat, killing six and wounding eight. Damage and impact: On Wednesday, Israel warned residents of large parts of southern Lebanon and Beiruts southern suburbs to evacuate for their lives. Nearly 84,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese social affairs minister Tuesday. Israel says it is targeting Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities, and it sent ground troops into southern Lebanon border areas. Hezbollah in response has launched drones toward Israel. UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon say they have seen and heard clashes, including ground combat, in southern Lebanon as more Israeli forces have moved across the border. Anxieties have been running high over a buildup of Syrian forces on the border. Airspace: Lebanons airspace is not fully closed. Flights are coming and going, but many airlines have canceled flights. Kuwait People bow their heads for a moment of silence during a candlelight mat ceremony for former student and instructor Noah Tietjens, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, at Martial Arts International in Bellevue, Neb., Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Chris Machian/Omaha World-Herald via AP) Casualties: At least 10 people have died in Kuwait. Health authorities announced the deaths of two civilians one migrant worker killed in a strike that injured 32 others and an 11-year-old girl killed after shrapnel fell in a residential area in Kuwait City. And on Thursday, US Secretary of State Rubio expressed condolences for the deaths of at least two Kuwaiti troops killed in Iranian retaliatory strikes. Major casualty incidents: Six American soldiers were killed at an operations center located at a civilian port in Kuwait, more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the main Army base, according to satellite images and a US official. Damage and impact: On Monday, the US Embassy compound in Kuwait was struck. On Thursday, the embassy closed fully shutting down operations, the second such move in the Middle East and South Asia since the war with Iran began. A satellite image taken Monday and reviewed by AP shows the main building in the complex destroyed, with a trail of black smoke rising from it. Its in Port Shuaiba, a working seaport south of Kuwait City. Missiles were shot toward Kuwait on Thursday evening, activating air defense systems, the army general chief of staff said in a statement. Airspace: Closed United Arab Emirates Passengers stranded by the closure of Dubai International Airport await for assistance in the airport parking lot in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Casualties: Three civilians have been killed in the UAE, foreign workers from Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan, the country reported. At least 68 people have been injured. Damage and impact: The United Arab Emirates Defense Ministry said Thursday that one ballistic missile and six drones hit the countrys territory. The ministry also said it repelled six missiles and 131 drones Thursday, and hundreds since the start of the war. Earlier this week, shrapnel from the interception of cruise missiles killed three residents, and falling shrapnel in past days has wounded 94, it said. An Iranian drone slammed into a parking lot outside the US consulate in Dubai on Tuesday, sparking a small fire, according to US Secretary of State Rubio. The city of Dubai, with a global reputation as the safest place in the Middle East and a hub for global investment, has sustained damage to its international airport and, according to CENTCOM, hotels along its coastline. Iran also targeted two Amazon data centers in the UAE, the company said Tuesday. Airspace: Closed. Bahrain Casualties: One civilian, an Asian worker, was killed by a fire set by a strike Monday, according to Bahrains Interior Ministry. Two others were wounded. Damage and impact: Bahrain said a fire was started Thursday night by an Iranian missile that hit a state-run oil refinery in Maameer, south of the capital. It said the fire was extinguished without injuries and the refinery was still working. Its defense ministry said Thursday it had intercepted 75 Iranian ballistic missiles, destroying 65 while 10 fell inside its territory. It also reported intercepting 124 drones, downing 88. Amazon said Tuesday there was a drone impact near one of its data centers. Airspace: Closed. Syria Exposing themselves to the danger of unexploded ordnance, shepherd boys inspect an unexploded Iranian projectile that landed in an open field on the outskirts of Qamishli, eastern Syria, Wednesday, March 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Baderkhan Ahmad) Damage and casualties: Several people, including children, suffered minor injuries in the countryside outside Damascus from Iranian missile debris, Syrias state news agency SANA said. Some areas in Syrias southern provinces also saw missile debris fall from Iranian projectiles fired toward Israel, with no additional injuries or material damage reported, SANA said. Airspace: Closed. Iraq Members from the Popular Mobilization Forces attend the funeral of fighters from Kataib Hezbollah, who were killed in a U.S. airstrike in Babil province southwest of Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban) Casualties: Strikes on Iranian proxy sites by the US or Israel have killed militia members, though its not clear how many. Damage and impact: A security official with Iraqs navy said an oil tanker flying the Bahamas flag was hit by an explosion Thursday while docked near Khor al-Zubair port in southern Iraq. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly. It comes after a wave of drone and missile attacks intercepted over Irbil on Tuesday, the capital of northern Iraqs semiautonomous Kurdish region. Multiple drones targeted areas around the US consulate building but did not hit it directly. Debris from the intercepted drones caused fires and property damage. Iran-linked Iraqi militias have also claimed multiple attacks on the Kurdish region, which hosts bases with US troops. Protesters also attempted to storm the US Embassy in Baghdad on Sunday. Iraqs Ministry of Oil said Tuesday that it would stop production in a key oil field because of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, causing crude oil prices to surge worldwide. Airspace: Closed. Jordan Damage and impact: Jordanian police announced Sunday that five people were injured by falling shrapnel after Iranian projectiles were intercepted in the kingdoms airspace. Airspace: Open, but many airlines have canceled flights. Saudi Arabia This satellite image provided by Vantor shows an overview of damage after a drone attack to Ras Tanura oil refinery, in Saudi Arabia, Monday, March 2, 2026. (Satellite image 2026 Vantor via AP) Damage and impact: Saudi Arabias Defense Ministry said early Wednesday that forces have intercepted and destroyed nine drones over the country since the war began. It came a day after Iran struck the US Embassy in Saudi Arabias capital of Riyadh with two drones, causing limited fire and minor damage, according to Saudi Arabias Defense Ministry. The embassy has urged Americans to avoid the compound. Saudi Arabias Ras Tanura oil refinery also came under attack from drones, but its defenses downed the aircraft, a military spokesman told the state-run Saudi Press Agency. The refinery has a capacity of over half a million barrels of crude oil a day. Airspace: Partially closed in the area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf. Egypt Damage and impact: The ripple effects of the war have hit Egypts struggling economy, as global shipping firms decided to reroute vessel fleets away from the Suez Canal. The canal, which connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas, is a major source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped country. Airspace: Commercial flights are leaving the country, though there have been cancellations, and most countries are recommending residents travel through Taba and Sharm al-Sheikh instead of Cairo. Qatar Damage and impact: Qatars Ministry of Defense said Thursday that 14 ballistic missiles and four drones were fired at the country. It said air defenses intercepted all the drones and 13 of the missiles, while the 14th fell in the sea. On Wednesday, it said Iran launched two ballistic missiles against it, with one hitting Al-Udeid Qatari Base, though it didnt cause casualties. Airspace: Closed. Oman Casualties: An Indian mariner was killed off the coast of Muscat, the sultanates capital, Monday, when a bomb-carrying drone boat exploded against a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker. Four more mariners were injured Sunday when their oil tanker in the strategic Strait of Hormuz came under attack, the state-run Oman News Agency said. Its not clear who launched either attack, but Iran has been threatening vessels approaching the Strait. Damage and impact: Oman, long an intermediary between the West and Iran, has repeatedly come under attack by Iran. A vessel was hit by a projectile early Wednesday in the Gulf of Oman off the United Arab Emirates, according to an agency of the UK military. There were no reported casualties. Drone attacks have also targeted the countrys largest port of Salalah, as well as Duqm port. Airspace: Open, but many commercial flights are canceled. Muscat airport has become a base for evacuation flights. Cyprus A transport aircraft arrives at the UK's RAF Akrotiri air base near Limassol, Cyprus, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Damage and impact: A Shahed drone damaged a hangar at a British air base on Cyprus southern coastline. Cyprus says the drone was launched from Beirut. Turkey A man welcomes a woman who crossed from Iran to Turkey at the Kapikoy Border Gate in eastern Van province, Turkey, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Serra Yedikardes) Damage and impact: NATO defense systems have intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran as it headed toward Turkeys airspace, the countrys defense ministry said. A ministry statement said the missile was detected after crossing the Iraqi and Syrian airspace and was intercepted by NATO units stationed in the eastern Mediterranean. Debris from the missile fell into a district of Hatay province, near the border with Syria. There were no casualties. Airspace: Open Sri Lanka Damage and impact: A US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean outside Sri Lankas territorial waters Wednesday. Sri Lankan officials say 87 bodies were recovered and 32 people rescued, with roughly 180 people believed to have been aboard the IRIS Dena. On Thursday, the country said another Iranian ship arrived in its waters, with authorities informed that one of its engines suffered a failure and rescuers evacuating 200 sailors. Airspace: Open Azerbaijan Damage and impact: The country said Thursday that Iranian drones had attacked its exclave of Nakhchivan, injuring four civilians and damaging an airport building. Iran denied launching the drone. Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev called it a groundless act of terror and aggression and said the military had been instructed to prepare and implement retaliatory measures. Airspace: Southern sector closed US president Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" on Friday, a dramatic escalation of his demands a week into the war he launched alongside Israel. Trump made the remarks on social media just hours after Iran's president announced that unspecified countries had begun mediation efforts in one of the first signals of any diplomatic initiative to end the conflict. "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" Trump wrote. "After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before." On Thursday Trump had told Reuters in a telephone interview that he was demanding the right to help select Iran's new supreme leader, to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in the war's first day. Israel pounded the Lebanese capital Beirut on Friday after ordering an unprecedented evacuation of the entire southern suburbs of the city, in a major expansion of the war. It also launched a new wave of attacks on Iran, saying 50 of its warplanes had struck a bunker beneath the destroyed Tehran compound of Khamenei, still being used by Iran's leadership after he was killed. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X: "Some countries have begun mediation efforts." He did not identify the countries or provide further details. "Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we have not the slightest hesitation in defending the dignity and authority of our country. Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict," he added. Under Iran's system, the president is subordinate to the supreme leader, but Pezeshkian is now serving on a panel that has assumed Khamenei's duties. US President Donald Trump appeared to rule out talks with Iran other than its unconditional surrender. Israeli warplanes pounded Beirut and Tehran on Friday as Iran launched another wave of retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf countries on the seventh day of the war. Flames and smoke rise from the site of Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, Beiruts southern suburbs (Hassan Ammar/AP) The strikes in Lebanon were the heaviest since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, who fired rockets at Israel in the opening days of the latest conflict. More than 95,000 people have fled Beiruts suburbs and southern Lebanon after sweeping Israeli evacuation warnings. The US and Israel have battered Iran with strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear programme. The stated goals and timelines for the war have repeatedly shifted, as the US has at times suggested it seeks to topple Irans government or elevate new leadership from within. In a social media post on Friday, Mr Trump said that after Irans surrender, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), the US and its allies would help rebuild Iran, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!... IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. 'MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).' - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/H2HKkBVkww The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 6, 2026 The war has escalated to affect more than a dozen countries across the Middle East and beyond, and has caused a spike in oil prices. Qatars energy minister warned that it could bring down the economies of the world, predicting a widespread shutdown of Gulf energy exports that could send oil to 150 dollars (113) a barrel. Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times that even if the war ended immediately, it could take weeks to months to resume normal exports after an Iranian drone strike on Qatars largest liquefied natural gas plant earlier in the war. Mr Trumps latest comments were likely to raise further questions about the endgame of the war launched a week ago by the United States and Israel, which appears increasingly open-ended. On Thursday, the president urged the Iranian people to help take back your country, promising the US would grant them immunity, without elaborating. He also told media outlets that he should be involved in choosing Irans new supreme leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war. President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war (Alex Brandon/AP) Mr Trump spoke dismissively of Mr Khameneis son, Mojtaba Khamenei a front-runner to replace his father calling him a lightweight. Iranian state television has reported that a leadership council has started discussing how to convene the countrys Assembly of Experts, which will select the new supreme leader. Buildings associated with the 88-member clerical panel have been attacked during the Israeli-US airstrike campaign. Israel has said it would target the next supreme leader if he poses a threat. Israels military said Friday it had launched a broad-scale wave of strikes on Tehran, Irans capital, and that over the past week it has heavily bombed an extensive underground bunker that Irans leaders had planned to use during the hostilities. (PA Graphics) Witnesses described Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases. Iran, meanwhile, launched missile and drone attacks at Israel, as well as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host US forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Qatar said it intercepted a drone attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the US central command. U.S. forces aren't holding back on the mission to sink the entire Iranian Navy. Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire. pic.twitter.com/WyA4fniZck U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026 Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles fired towards Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh, which also hosts US forces Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, where the Interior Ministry said Iranian strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building. It said there were no casualties. In Kuwait, where six US soldiers were killed on Sunday, the army said air defences were activated when missile and drone attacks breached its airspace. The United Arab Emirates said three drones had struck its territory, without elaborating. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Irans president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said that some countries had begun mediation efforts in the conflict, without elaborating. Also on Friday, the US military said that it struck an Iranian drone carrier, setting it ablaze. Its central command released black-and-white footage of the burning carrier, though the Iranian military did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, is a converted container ship with a 180-meter-long runway for drones. According to reports, the vessel can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US central command, described the carrier as roughly the size of a World War Two aircraft carrier, and said it was on fire. Israel carried out at least 11 airstrikes between late Thursday and early Friday, targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut. Fires broke out near a gas station and two hospitals evacuated patients and staff. No casualties were immediately reported. #Israels military ground incursions into southern #Lebanon, blanket displacement orders & continued airstrikes are bringing more misery & suffering to civilians. We urge the parties to step back from the brink of a major escalation of this conflict.https://t.co/pjA126BRMz pic.twitter.com/YUtV7nPC3J UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) March 6, 2026 Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, said he was extremely concerned about the situation, particularly what he described as blanket, massive displacement orders by Israel to civilians in Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry said the death toll has risen to 123 since the resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which struck Israel in the opening days of the war. Hezbollahs military command on Friday urged its fighters not to relent and to defend the nation, casting the escalating war in religious terms and calling on them to kill them wherever you find them. Lebanons Prime Minister Nawaf Salam slammed both Israel and Hezbollah, saying the Lebanese state and people did not choose this war. ( Tomdispatch.com ) In response to his sentencing following his conviction on 34 felonies in May 2024, President Trump stated that he had won the election in a massive landslide, and the people of this country understand whats gone on. This has been a weaponization of government. Despite his conviction, Judge Juan Merchan sentenced him to an unconditional discharge with no consequences like prison, probation, or even fines. The judge determined that this was the only lawful sentence that avoided infringing on the authority of the presidency. Had that been Donald Trumps first encounter with the law (which, of course, it wasnt), it would have been a stark lesson in impunity. Its no surprise then that, in an interview last year with Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, when asked about his obligation to uphold the Constitution, Trump responded, I dont know. In his conversation with Welker, he also defied a Supreme Court decision that ordered the return of immigrant Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia from El Salvador, where he had been deported thanks to what the Trump administration termed an administrative error. Blaming the deferral of that decision on Attorney General Pam Bondi, the president stated that he was not involved in the legality or illegality of the case. Despite his seemingly ambivalent feelings in that interview, he has emphatically asserted his position with respect to the law elsewhere, especially when it came to him. For example, on February 16, 2025, he wrote on X, He who saves his Country does not violate any Law. Nonetheless, outright violations of the law have been a signature characteristic of his administration writ large. For example, last March, when Judge James Boasberg ordered the return of planes carrying migrants being deported from the United States to El Salvadors CECOT prison (known for its brutality), Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem instructed the two flights to continue in clear violation of the court order. The Justice Department would subsequently argue in a court filing that the administration hadnt violated the judges order because the flights carrying the migrants were no longer over U.S. territory when the ruling was issued. In short, although the attitudes of President Trump and his administration toward legality have been guided by the belief that their power is in no way meaningfully constrained by the law, it would be a mistake to assume that theyve governed through lawlessness alone. To focus solely on lawlessness would be to minimize the way the president and his administration have simultaneously relied on and weaponized the law itself to legitimize their violence and their violations. They have pursued an America First strategy that has centered on the expansion of executive power and the protection of narrowly defined national interests, while tossing aside both human rights and international legal norms. To fully grasp the depths of the Trump administrations violence, lawlessness must be examined alongside the strategic use of the law to manufacture a sense of legality and a facade of legal legitimation. Legalizing Boat Strikes to Save Americans On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, on President Trumps order, U.S. military forces conducted an airstrike against a boat that the administration claimed belonged to the Latin American gang Tren de Aragua, which he had previously designated a terrorist organization and described as narcoterrorists. Since that first strike conducted in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, there have been 46 subsequent boat strikes in both the Caribbean and the eastern Pacific Ocean that have killed 147 people to date. Despite the view of legal experts that such strikes are illegal extrajudicial killings, the Trump administration has insisted on their legality. In late November, for example, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated on X that our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both U.S. and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers, up and down the chain of command. The approval Hegseth referred to came in the form of a memorandum from the Justice Departments Office of Legal Counsel. Although that memo has not been made public, sources familiar with its contents report that it frames the strikes as acts of collective self-defense undertaken in the interests of the United States and several Latin American countries. The memo also argues that, because the U.S. is in an armed conflict with the drug cartels, the strikes dont require Congressional approval, being both in the national interest and sufficiently limited in scope, nature, and duration not to qualify as war-making. That memo has been criticized in numerous ways, with some experts insisting that the legal arguments are not only flawed, but were put together to legitimize a political decision already made by the White House. In the last quarter-century of the War on Terror, weaponizing the label of terrorism has been repeatedly invoked to justify repressive interventions. As law professor Sirine Sinnar notes, Through invoking terrorism, the Trump administration targets its political enemies, pushes an openly racist and xenophobic agenda, and flouts international law more brazenly than its predecessors. But it can do all this so easily because the concept of terrorism has long been selective, political, and racialized, and because Congress and the Supreme Court have largely shielded counterterrorism from accountability. The designation of individuals as narcoterrorists reflects the enduring currency of this post-9/11 framework, demonstrating how the language of terrorism can be redeployed in new contexts through strategically constructed threat narratives. The Spectacle of American [In]Justice In a speech on January 3rd, President Trump announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores de Maduro, accusing them of conducting a campaign of deadly narco-terrorism against the United States and its citizens, and insisting that hundreds of thousands over the years of Americans died because of him. Further justifying his capture, Trump also claimed that the Venezuelan leader had been sending members of the Tren de Aragua gang to the United States to spread drugs and terror. As it happens, though, not only was there a lack of evidence of that, but the claim wasnt even mentioned in the Justice Departments indictment of the Venezuelan president. The Maduros, Trump asserted, would soon face the full might of American justice and stand trial on American soil. Despite such a projection of power and the assumed superiority of American justice, the Trump administrations entire governing strategy has proven that just as legality is malleable, so, too, is justice. Many have described the Trump administrations capture of the Maduros as simply lawless, but the administrations officials didnt act without considering the law (in their own lawless fashion). They even requested that the Office of Legal Counsel produce an opinion on whether the president could legally direct U.S. military forces to support law enforcement in seizing Maduro and bringing him to the United States for prosecution (without, of course, any congressional action). A heavily redacted version of the memo responding to that, dated December 23, 2025, was released on January 13th, 2026. It frames the sending of U.S. special forces and air power into Caracas, the Venezuelan capital, to capture the Maduros as a law-enforcement action to arrest a fugitive, not a military invasion (despite all the Venezuelans who died). It argues that, because of the limited duration and narrow scope of the operation, the action falls under the presidents constitutional authority and isnt an act of war that would require congressional authorization. Although the memo did avoid making a definitive argument that the operation didnt violate international law, it essentially tried to make that determination inconsequential by deeming the actions legal under domestic law. Performing Legality, Producing Impunity While the contents of the memo are certainly important, its no less critical to understand the purpose and function of such memos to begin with. Like other such legal documents, memos from the Office of Legal Counsel are designed to offer a version of legality that minimizes scrutiny, enables repetition, and contributes to normalizing state violence in its many forms. Some have compared the boat-strike memos to the torture memos drafted under the Bush administration. John Yoo, one of the infamous authors of those memos, argued that, for abuse to rise to the level of torture, the result had to be nothing less than organ failure or death. So, consider it ironic that he actually criticized those boat-strike memos, despite their similarity to the torture memos form of impunity. In fact, when asked if he regretted the decisions he had made, Yoo said, The only thing I regret was just the pressure of time that we had to act under. But he also added that he would probably do the same things again. Yoo nevertheless expressed skepticism about the Trump administrations rationale for the boat strikes, saying about those supposed drug boats, Theyre not attacking us because of our foreign policy and our political systemTheyre just selling us something that people in America want. Were just trying to stop them from selling it. Thats traditionally, to me, crime. Its something that we could never eradicate or end. Yoo, of course, neglected to mention that, while justifying the most brutal forms of torture at the Bush administrations prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and in CIA black sites globally, the torture memos provided impunity for anyone involved in creating that torture regime in the wake of the 9/11 attacks of 2001. And no court ever formally ruled those memos illegal, while Yoo, like all the other Bush administration officials involved in sanctioning the torture apparatus, never faced the slightest accountability. Even when a report on those memos was released by the Department of Justices Office of Professional Responsibility in 2009, recommending that Yoo and an associate of his be disciplined, it was vetoed by Associate Deputy Attorney General David Margolis, who viewed the memos as resulting from poor decision-making rather than unethical behavior. Like the torture memos, then, the boat-strike memos are meant to offer a facade of legality, while ensuring impunity. What Yoos critique also conveniently overlooks is that legal memoranda like the torture memos dont just interpret the law. Instead, they offer a threatening legal reality to justify certain all-too-grim interventions. Under the Bush administration, this included the denial of Geneva Convention protections based on the argument that the United States was fighting a new kind of war with non-state actors who dont abide by the laws of war. According to their logic, if the enemy does not follow the laws of war, the United States is not required to extend full protection. This discursive rationale was used to disregard the fact that adherence to Geneva protections is non-reciprocal. Those memos also exploit perceived gaps in existing legal frameworks to manufacture ambiguity, while, above all, staging a performance of legality. Like the torture memos, the memo authorizing the capture of President Maduro was designed to be a buffer against legal, political, or diplomatic challenges, minimizing the vulnerability of the Trump administration to judicial scrutiny and congressional action. In his article Citizen in Exception: Omar Khadr and the Performative Gap in the Law, Matt Jones has written about the consequences of such performances of legality. He argues that the laws reliance on continual performance interventions means that gaps in the law may in fact become enshrined in law if a given authority, such as a judge, recognizes them as legitimate within the jurisprudential history of past performances. In other words, challenging state actions as illegal, whether the conduct occurred as a result of sheer lawlessness or unsound legal rationales, can actually end up rendering the behavior legal. Legal rationales like those provided in the torture memos also offer an administration the opportunity to act as if its behavior were legal. As Jones points out, when it came to Guantanamo, for example, the Bush administrations creative interpretation of the law allowed them to operate as if their behavior were legal, knowing that, by the time the laws reality caught up, the strategic tasks they wanted accomplished in Guantanamo would have long been completed. To this day, Guantanamo remains open and there has never been the slightest accountability for anyone involved in past crimes there or the indefinite institutionalization of that infrastructure of state violence. The Architecture of Hyper-Legality and the Laws Double-Edged Sword To understand why the Trump administration has not always chosen to completely violate or disregard the law, its useful to consider the concept of hyper-legalism. In International Refugee Law, Hyper-Legalism and Migration Management: The Pacific Solution, author Claire Inder, special assistant to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, suggests that hyper-legalism implies a commitment to lawfulness and rule-following, with an underlying disingenuousness in the understanding of legality. It suggests that the applicability of the rules themselves is infinitely malleable by the actor purporting to comply. Although Inder focuses on refugee law, hyper-legalisms relevance to a broader spectrum of governing policies is clear when it comes to Donald Trump and his administration, where a performance of legality has all too often been considered sufficient to allow them to pursue their ultimate objective of justifying whatever intervention they may deem necessary. However, that doesnt mean that Trump and members of his administration dont understand the limits of hyper-legalism. As Daniel Ghezelbash, director of the Kaldor Center for International Refugee Law, has argued, some actions are so egregious under international law that no amount of formalistic sophistry can legitimize them. And when thats the case, states can resort to obfuscation as a tactic. Obfuscation, as he puts it, is achieved through secrecy about what actions the government is taking and deliberate silence as to the purported legal justifications. The Trump administrations refusal to release the Office of Legal Counsel memo that has provided it with supposed legal cover for those boat strikes in the Caribbean and the Pacific is emblematic of hyper-legalism and its limits. More broadly, the fact that its officials are using the law to justify egregious conduct while rejecting any semblance of transparency makes such legal arguments difficult, if not impossible, to challenge in the immediate moment. That, in turn, risks the further institutionalization of sanctioned violence, while, of course, providing legal rationales for future acts of state violence. In his article Hyperlegality, legal scholar Nasser Hussain questions common assumptions about the operation of emergency laws and the idea that the measures implemented are just temporary deviations from the norm. Although he focuses on the United Kingdom, his analysis is distinctly relevant to Donald Trumps America. He argues that antiterrorism legislation in Great Britain hasnt just functioned as a short-term, reactive response to crisis, but has produced structural and enduring transformations in the legal order. And thats just whats now happening in the United States, where the latest emergency laws and defenses of exceptional interventions are helping to create legal frameworks and blueprints that will, in the future, only strengthen and entrench the ability of the state to enact egregious violence. In short, while the violence of the Trump administration may seem exceptional, the historical trajectory of the War on Terror should be a reminder that what we are witnessing isnt new and isnt likely to disappear in the future. In analyzing the Trump administrations governing strategy, its important to remember that, as Hussain argues, the rule of law is and has always been capable of accommodating a range of repressive but legal measures. In other words, even as the Trump administrations remarkable disregard for the law in so many cases poses urgent challenges, the malleability of the law, as demonstrated throughout the history of the United States, should offer a warning against the seemingly commonsensical response of simply instituting more rules, regulations, conventions, and laws. After all, the laws primary function is to preserve the state, not to deliver justice. All too often, the law operates as a double-edged sword: it can secure rights and constrain power, but it can also legitimize repression, exclusion, and harm. Our task, then, is to understand how to wield the law strategically to challenge the violence and power of the state and to demand justice and accountability. Whether the Trump administration cloaks its actions in legal rationales or disregards legality altogether, communities at home and abroad continue to resist. Recognizing that the law alone will not save us is not a call to despair but a call to organize and build our power. Because nothing has ever altered the course of injustice except the organized power of the people and nothing else ever will. Copyright 2025 Maha Hilal Tomdispatch.com Introduction Since October 2023, Israels genocidal military campaign in Gaza has led to the collapse of nearly every pillar of the territorys healthcare system. The Israeli occupation forces bombed hospitals, killed medical personnel, obstructed humanitarian convoys, and decimated critical infrastructure. Major human rights organizations have documented that the destruction of healthcare in Gaza is systematic and deliberate; even so, they often stop short of naming what this truly represents: not an isolated wartime tactic but the culmination of a long-standing policy. Indeed, the erasure of Gazas health system began long before this latest episode of the genocide against the Palestinian people. It is the result of a sustained, calculated strategy aimed at rendering Palestinians unhealable, unhelpable, and ultimately perishable. This policy brief introduces de-healthification as the governing logic of health under settler colonialism: the systematic degradation, obstruction, and weaponization of the very conditions that make health of the Indigenous population possible. In Palestine, Israeli de-healthification does not simply attack healthcare; it restructures health itself into a domain of domination, where illness and vulnerability are deliberately produced and administered. Within this colonial regime, unhealth becomes both a condition for rule and an instrument of control. De-healthification thus functions as the health-specific manifestation of the logic of elimination, through which the settler colonial state sustains itself by manufacturing illness, dependency, and the degradation of the conditions of life among the colonized Palestinian population. De-healthification Defined De-healthification can be defined as a systematized regime that transforms health from a protected public good into a field of coercion. It operates through coordinated mechanisms of administrative strangulation, infrastructural attrition, clinical criminalization, dependency engineering, epistemic erasure, ecological sabotage, and programmed disablementeach designed to produce predictable deficits in survival, repair, and futurity for a targeted population. Under settler-colonial rule, these mechanisms unfold through both slow administrative violence and punctuated military destruction, ensuring that the capacity to heal is continually withdrawn. Under settler-colonial rule, de-healthification unfolds through both slow administrative violence and punctuated military destruction, ensuring that the capacity to heal is continually withdrawn Share on X For decades, this Israeli colonial logic governing Palestinian health has proceeded through phases of neglect, weaponization, dependency, siege, and genocide. These phases have repeatedly reshaped the colonial structures that organize health and survival in Palestine, culminating in Gazas present collapse. This architecture can be traced across time: from the neglect of the 1970s, to the overt weaponization of care during the First Intifada, to the administrative entrapment of the Oslo era, to the ecological throttling imposed by the blockade, and now to the genocidal annihilation of Gazas health system. Understanding these shifts reveals that Israels current campaign is not an aberration but the latest iteration in a decades-long refinement of control over the very possibility of health. This regime renders Palestinian health perpetually conditional and survival structurally untenable. Occupation and Neglect of Health (19671986) The Israeli regime severely neglected the Palestinian healthcare system following its 1967 occupation of Gaza and the West Bank. Indeed, it institutionalized a policy of containment, treating Palestinian health not as a right to be upheld but as a burden to be managed. Throughout the 1970s, the Israeli military administration oversaw a fragmented, under-resourced health system in Gaza. Data compiled by Palestinian medical practitioners and later confirmed by the Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees (UPMRC) show that clinics operated under severe institutional deprivation: most lacked basic supplies, diagnostic tools, and referral capacity. Rather than investing in infrastructure, the Zionist regime enforced bureaucratic impasse, making the procurement of equipment, medication, and even ambulances contingent on Israeli military permits. By the late 1970s, Gazas doctor-to-patient ratio was about one per 1,666 people, and in some areas as low as one per 2,200compared with one per 350450 in land occupied in 1948 and Jordan. Clinics were equally overwhelmed: with only 25 facilitieseach staffed by a single doctor, no dentists, and no ambulancesphysicians saw nearly 200 patients daily, spending mere minutes with each. This pattern of managed neglect also appeared in broader health indicators. Israels Central Bureau of Statistics estimated infant mortality in Gaza and the West Bank at roughly 70 per 1,000 in 1985. Data from Palestinian medical networks revealed an even grimmer picture: 49 per 1,000 in Biddu (a Palestinian village near Jerusalem), 91 per 1,000 in villages around Ramallah, and up to 100 per 1,000 in poorer districts such as Hebron and the Jordan Valley. In the same year, infant mortality in Israel stood at 14 per 1,000, Jordan at 55, and Syria at 60. These stark disparities indicate that stagnation in Palestinian health indicators reflects politically driven structural neglect. The Israeli-imposed siege on Gaza was not merely a restriction on goods and movement but a direct constraint on the basic conditions required for human life and health Share on X The same pattern was evident in infrastructure. Between 1974 and 1985, the West Banks population increased by 21%, yet hospital beds declined from 1,393 to 1,308, reducing the ratio from 2.1 to 1.6 beds per 1,000 people. In Gaza, the population grew by 26% while beds dropped from 1,004 to 872, collapsing the ratio from 2.4 to 1.6 per 1,000. Over this same period, Israel maintained approximately 6.1 beds per 1,000 people. At a structural level, the Israeli regimes colonial health governance strategy relied on a politics of de-development that produced and sustained Palestinian dependency. All major decisions regarding medical infrastructurewhether importing syringes or expanding hospitalswere centrally controlled by Israeli military authorities. This control was consolidated through the establishment of the colonial permit regime, a system that placed Palestinian movement and access to care under military approval. Through this regime, the settler colonial state can, with bureaucratic indifference, decide who lives and who dies. First Intifada and Weaponization of Health (19871993) The First Intifada marked the moment when years of bureaucratic erosion of the Palestinian health system escalated into overt colonial violence. The neglect that had defined the preceding decades was now weaponized openly and systematically. The Palestinian uprising of 1987 triggered an Israeli regime response that fused military repression with medical coercion, extending its logic of control into every hospital corridor and clinic hallway. One of the most revealing accounts of this period came from Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), whose delegation visited the West Bank and Gaza during the first 100 days of the Intifada. Dr. H. Jack Geiger described their findings as an uncontrolled epidemic of violence perpetrated by Israeli forces. Interviews with Palestinian medical staff made clear that what PHR witnessed was not a breakdown or deviation from policy but the norm: hospitals were overwhelmed, under-equipped, and stretched far beyond capacity by the volume of trauma cases. At Alia Government Hospital in Hebron, for example, only two functioning blood pressure cuffs were available. PHR noted that the beatings inflicted on Palestinian protestors by Israeli occupation forces during this period went far beyond crowd control. They were systematic and targeted, aimed at shattering limbsparticularly mid-shaft fracturesto disable and punish. Victims frequently arrived in emergency rooms with multiple broken bones, severe trauma, and complications such as subcutaneous emphysema from rib fractures. These injuries were not incidental but inflicted with intent, reflecting what was widely reported at the time as former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabins break their legs doctrinea policy whose legacy persists today in Gazas amputee crisis. Indeed, medical experts documented that much of the violence was designed to disable Palestinian bodies. As many as half of all gunshot wounds were directed at the legs, while high-velocity bullets generated a lead snow effect in which internal shrapnel maximized tissue damage. Hospitals also reported kidney failure from muscle breakdown caused by severe beatings and frequent brain hemorrhages from head trauma that stopped just short of fracturing the skull. Thousands were wounded in the first two months of the uprisingfar surpassing the official figures reported by the Israeli authoritiespushing an already weakened health system to the brink of collapse. After years of neglect, hospitals could not absorb the surge in trauma patients and operated in conditions that observers described as falling far below any acceptable standard. In addition, the Israeli regime routinely violated medical neutrality, the international law principle meant to protect medical staff, patients, and facilities. The Israeli forces commandeered ambulances and used them as disguised entry points for conducting arrests and beatings in refugee camps. They blocked, assaulted, detained, and expelled health workers, destroyed medical equipment, and seized patients from their beds. Palestinian health services collapsed: prenatal care deteriorated, immunization programs halted, and water cuts in refugee camps forced women to give birth without clean water. Meanwhile, the Israeli Medical Association refused to meet the PHR delegation, and officials dismissed documented abuses as fabricated. This denial of suffering is itself a mechanism of de-healthification: it erases the harm while enabling its continuation. As the delegation concluded, had these practices occurred in the context of a recognized war, much of what they observed would have been considered atrocities. The violence of the First Intifada exposed the depth of the Israeli regimes destruction of healthcare in Gaza and the West Bank. Hospitals ceased to function as sanctuaries and instead became sites of fear and military control. The public weaponization of care during the Intifada did not end; it became institutionalized. Oslo and Deepening Dependency (19942008) The Oslo Accords of the 1990s did not usher in Palestinian self-determination. Instead, they shifted Israels occupation from direct rule to a more entrenched form of remote management. Although Oslo resulted in the creation of the Palestinian Ministry of Health (PMoH), it did so within a context of military occupation and donor dependency that made the development of a sovereign and integrated health system impossible. Healthcare provision remained divided among the PMoH, UNRWA, nongovernmental organizations, and private providers. At the same time, the Israeli regime continued to control the movement of people and goods, which left access to care dependent on the restrictive and arbitrary permit regime. Israels de-healthification policy ismanifested in its calculated assault on the very possibility of Palestinian life, erasing Indigenous bodies through the annihilation of care Share on X Oslo did not reduce Israeli control over Palestinian health systems; it repackaged that control into bureaucratic mechanisms that resembled Palestinian self-rule but in practice maintainedand deepenedIsraeli de-healthification. What was presented as a transfer of power excluded sovereignty over resources, mobility, and the basic medical lifelines that constitute a functioning health system. With authority over borders remaining exclusively in Israeli hands, every generator component, every antibiotic shipment, and every ambulance tire required military approval. Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank who needed specialized treatment in occupied East Jerusalem or beyond depended on permits from the Israeli Civil Administration. In 2011 alone, over 33,000 patients had been referred by the PMoH for permit-requiring care. Among them, at least six patients died while waiting for approval. Other patients were subjected to so-called security interviews before receiving permissionan extrajudicial process lacking transparency or medical oversight. By 2013, more than 1,500 patients experienced delays, and over 250 received no reply at all. Meanwhile, the arbitrary rejection of designated companions, including in pediatric cases, further undermined access to essential treatment. Ambulances were denied direct entry into East Jerusalem in over 90% of cases, forcing emergency patients to undergo multiple transfers at checkpoints. In the West Bank, of nearly 250,000 permit applications, more than 20% were denied or delayed. Across Gaza and the West Bank, many patients missed appointments, were reduced to substandard treatment abroad, or died waiting for care. Bureaucratic control over access to care became the defining logic of the post-Oslo health governance. Through permit delays and denials that kept patients waiting for weeks or months, the Israeli regime retained authority over Palestinian survival, subjecting doctors, patients, ambulances, and medical supplies to military approval. Israeli colonial violence unfolded through paperwork, military checkpoints, and access to energy sources essential to operating medical facilities. In Gaza, fuel restrictions left hospitals generator-dependent and acutely vulnerable to collapse under siege. Healthcare Under Gaza Siege (2008-2023) In 2007, after Hamass electoral victory and its political rupture with Fatah, Israel imposed a full land, air, and sea blockade on Gaza that inaugurated an explicit policy of infrastructural strangulation. Healthcare entered a state of permanent siege. That same year, Israeli officials devised a framework to restrict food access by calculating the minimum caloric intake needed to avoid malnutrition and reducing imports to keep Palestinian life suspended at the edge of catastrophe. By 2008, the Israeli regime denied or delayed more than 40% of medical referrals, including urgent cases involving cancer, kidney failure, and trauma. Essential medical equipment and spare parts were restricted as dual-use items, and fuel shortages repeatedly shut down hospital generators. After 18 months of blockade, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Gazas health system was incapable of mounting an organized emergency response. This engineered fragility laid the groundwork for further catastrophe. When the 22-day assault of Operation Cast Lead began in December 2008, the weakened health infrastructure imploded under pressure. With no reliable power, supplies, or functional hospitals, treatment for the wounded and ill became nearly impossiblemany died waiting for care that never arrived. What might have appeared at first glance as energy or infrastructure failure was, in actuality, a systematic deprivation of critical lifelines that rendered Palestinian health and survival dependent on political and military control Accordingly, Operation Cast Lead exposed the consequences of this manufactured vulnerability. Israeli forces killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and forced hospitals facing mass casualties to operate without sufficient electricity, supplies, or functional facilities. They likewise damaged 34 health centers, leaving many wounded without access to lifesaving treatment. By 2010, the combined pressure of blockade and systematic de-development led observers to openly question whether Israels actions in Gaza reflected genocidal intent. In 2017, when Gazas only power plant shut down after fuel supplies ran out, the WHO warned that 14 public hospitals and 16 primary-care clinics faced imminent closure due to acute fuel shortages. Fuel restrictions under the blockade rendered surgery rooms, neonatal incubators, dialysis units, and vaccine refrigeration largely inoperable. Hospitals were forced to ration electricity to only a few hours per day, while reports of chronic childhood malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies increased sharply. By 2018, the Great March of Return revealed a new stage of the siege. Israels deliberate targeting of protestors with live rounds caused more than 35,000 injuries between March 2018 and December 2019, overwhelming surgeons who lacked the supplies to prevent hundreds of amputations, exemplifying what Ghada Majadli describes as the fragmentation of the nation through the fragmentation of the body. Thus, Gaza had already been biologically throttled by Israeli policy long before the current genocide. The Israeli-imposed siege was not merely a restriction on goods and movement but a direct constraint on the basic conditions required for human life and health. The Ongoing Gaza Genocide The genocide today marks the final stage of de-healthification. Israeli forces have turned Gazas hospitals from sanctuaries into execution sites. Human rights organizations reported that they repeatedly surround, besiege, bomb, and raid medical facilities before forcing evacuation. Between October 2023 and May 2025, Israeli forces killed more than 1,400 healthcare workers and carried out over 700 attacks on health institutions, systematically dismantling Gazas medical system. After Israeli forces bombed Al-Ahli hospital in October 2023, killing 471 and injuring over 370, targeting medical facilities became normalized. This paved the way for the siege of Al-Shifa Hospitalonce Gazas largest trauma center. By April 2024, Israeli encirclement, shelling, and invasion had rendered it non-functional. Israeli forces escalated their assault on Gazas health sector with complete impunity. They besieged Al-Awda, Kamal Adwan, the Indonesian, Al-Rantisi, and Nasser Medical Complex, forcing evacuations, firing on wards, detaining medical staff, and blocking food and medical supplies. These actions aligned with a broader Israeli military plan to shut down all medical facilities in northern Gaza. In January 2024, Israeli troops raided Al-Amal Hospital, fired directly at its facade, detained doctors, and displaced more than 7,000 people seeking refuge there. They maintained a siege for over 40 days and effectively closed the hospital by March 2024. Since October 7, 2023, Israel has advanced the final stage of de-healthification by eliminating Gazas capacity to sustain life. Fewer than 1,800 hospital beds remain for more than two million Palestinians in Gaza. Surgeries, dialysis, cancer treatment, and neonatal care are essentially impossible. Medical staffthose still alive and not detained or torturedwork under fire with almost no electricity, antibiotics, or anesthesia. Wounds rot into necrosis, and amputations proceed without pain relief. Malnutrition and once-preventable diseases spread rapidly, as the WHO warns of outbreaks of hepatitis A, polio, and jaundice. What we have been witnessing in Gaza is biological warfare through starvation, infection, and untreated injurywhat Ghassan Abu Sittah calls a biosphere of genocide. The impact of the Israeli assault is devastating, causing environmental, social, and biological destruction. The Israeli regime weaponized air, water, and soil by destroying sewage plants and desalination stations, flooding neighborhoods with waste, contaminating aquifers, and burning croplands. Bombing of orchards, greenhouses, and irrigation networks has erased food production itself. Drinking water, breathing, and planting food now involve mortal risk. Israels de-healthification policy is central to this biosphere of genocide, manifested in its calculated assault on the very possibility of Palestinian life, erasing Indigenous bodies through the annihilation of care. Even if Palestinians were to survive bombardment, siege, and bureaucratic control, they are consigned to untreated agonydenied the right to heal, to recover, or to resist. Israels genocide uses bullets, but more decisively, sepsis, stillbirth, and suffocation through pain. The aim is to dismantle the systems that sustain life, depriving the Palestinian population of its doctors, clinics, and hospitals. This is not the collapse of a health system but the realization of a colonial logic designed to extinguish the conditions of life itself. Recommendations Without an international reckoning that centers the destruction of health as core to genocide, ceasefire diplomacy remains insufficient. To end de-healthification, action must extend beyond humanitarian relief and reconstruction. The following priorities are directed toward states, UN bodies, international courts, donors, and Palestinian health institutions, each responsible for preventing and reversing the destruction of Palestinian health sovereignty. Recognize De-healthification as a Crime International legal bodies and human rights mechanisms must formally adopt the term de-healthification to acknowledge the intentional destruction of health systems as a tool of collective punishment and group erasure. Naming this crime strengthens monitoring, documentation, and legal accountability. Make Historical Violence Legally Actionable Courts and investigative bodies must assess Israeli violations through a longitudinal lens that includes decades of siege, de-development, and structural degradation of Palestinian health. Prolonged system collapse should be treated as structural violence, and all complicit actorsincluding states providing political or military supportmust be held accountable. Pursue Structural Recovery Rooted in Liberation Reconstruction and recovery efforts must be Palestinian-led and grounded in sovereignty. This requires ending Israeli control over borders, airspace, fuel, and medical supply chains; abolishing the medical permit regime; guaranteeing free movement for patients and providers; and embedding legal protections against future siege tactics. Build Knowledge Infrastructure for Liberation Medicine Photo of Israeli bombardment of Gaza, 2025, by Mohammed Ibrahim on Unsplash Academic institutions and global health networks should establish a Palestinian-led platform for liberation medicine to study health under occupation and produce knowledge accountable to affected communities. Research must prioritize justice rather than charity. Establish Absolute Protections for Medical Units International humanitarian law reform processes must eliminate loopholes that enable attacks on medical facilities. States should adopt absolute legal safeguards for healthcare infrastructure and personnel, recognizing the protection of medical units as a jus cogens norm that cannot be overridden. Acknowledgments: The author thanks Laura Albast, Hareem Qureshy, Layth Hanbali, and Al-Shabakas editors and reviewers for their thoughtful comments and critical suggestions, which strengthened the clarity and framing of this brief. He also extends his deep gratitude to Palestinian healthcare workerspast and presentpatients, and international physicians who continue to bear witness to the genocide. At a time of war and propaganda, when Iran and Iranians are being demonized, it is important to remember the beauty of Iranian civilization and the complexity of Iranians. There is nothing wrong with being a devoted Shiite Muslim, but Iran transcends it. In history, Iranians have been Zoroastrians, Sunni Muslims, and Shiites, and some have been uninterested in conventional religion. Some have valued the mystical poetry of Rumi, others the tavern life of the worldly poet Hafez of Shiraz (d. 1390). As for Persian, it is one of the most beautiful languages in the world, and its rich poetry rivals any for insights into the human condition. I compared Rumi to Shakespeare. . In the last third of the nineteenth century and through the twentieth century, ironically enough, most Americans only knew one thing about Iran: that it was the birthplace of the astronomer and mathematician Omar Khayyam (d. 1131), to whom was attributed the Rubaiyat or quatrains. In Edward FitzGeralds loose translation of 1859, it became the most famous poem in the English language and a perennial bestseller. I have been doing a running commentary on FitzGeralds first edition here at the blog. Today we take up no. 40, which FitzGerald actually toned down from the original. Victorian England had a blasphemy law and some of the sentiments in the Persian poetry were challenging in his prudish society. XL. You know, my Friends, how long since in my House For a new Marriage I did make Carouse : Divorced old barren Reason from my Bed, And took the Daughter of the Vine to Spouse. A. J. Arberry identifies the original as no. 179 in the Calcutta manuscript. A version with some variants is on the internet here. My translation of this stanza into blank verse goes this way: Ill pour my wine into a gallon jug, for just two pints of it would make me rich. When Ive divorced faith and reason three times: Ill make the daughter of the vine my wife. - Order Juan Coles contemporary poetic translation of the Rubaiyat from Bloomsbury (IB Tauris) or Barnes and Noble. or for $16 at Amazon Kindle - This poem makes reference to an obscure point of Muslim law, which became the subject of soap operas and Bollywood films in the modern era. The Quran allows a man to initiate a divorce over time and with judicial procedures. But in the Hanafi school of Sunni jurisprudence a practice grew up of instant divorce. In the latter, a man could pronounce the formula I divorce you! three times in a row, and it resulted in summary separation. It is not allowed in several Muslim countries, including Turkey, and it has been banned by the Modi government in India. It was never allowed in the other schools of jurisprudence such as predominate in Egypt or North Africa, and is forbidden in Shiite Islam. Once such a immediate and absolute divorce has been prounounced, jurisprudents did not allow the couple to remarry unless the woman had married someone else and then been divorced yet again. Presumably this measure was intended to make sure men did not thoughtlessly or frivolously use this provision. In this poem, the protagonist pronounces the triple divorce not against a woman but against both faith and reason. Medieval Muslim thinkers often recognized Greek rationalism and syllogisms as paths to valid knowledge alongside religious faith. The Omarian poetry is at least agnostic about God, and some of it is atheist, so it isnt surprising that the verse speaks of divorcing religion. Because the poetry values the intuition, alternative state of consciousness, flow or peak experience that can be achieved with wine, it also rejects dry scholastic reason. Girl with a wine cup Style of Muhammad Qasim Safavid Iran, Isfahan, 1640-50 Ink and opaque watercolour on paper By 1650 drawings of young men or women holding wine cups in the countryside had become standard rather than hackneyed fare in Persian art. It is unclear how the use of the bowl at the left and the long-necked bottle differed unless the bottle contained rosewater and the bowl, wine. Girl with a wine cup Style of Muhammad Qasim Safavid Iran, Isfahan, 1640-50 Ink and opaque watercolour on paper By 1650 drawings of young men or women holding wine cups in the countryside had become standard rather than hackneyed fare in Persian art. It is unclear how the use of the bowl at the left and the long-necked bottle differed unless the bottle contained rosewater and the bowl, wine. Via The British Museum FitzGerald, however, left out the bit about divorcing religion, retaining only the separation from reason though he fully also kept the image of marrying the daughter of the vine, that is, wine. in 1858 the British parliament had passed the Blasphemy Act, and I think it made FitzGerald nervous about his translation of the scandalous Omarian poetry from Persian. He called some of the quatrains strong, and warned the editor of Frasers magazine, to whom he at first submitted them, that the divines or Anglican clerics might be upset by them. It is amusing to think that things could be said, at least in some times and places, in medieval Iran that could not be said in the modern West of the mid-Victorian era. Less than a decade later, the publisher John Moxon retracted the first volume of the poems of Algernon Swinburne, apparently under informal legal threat from shadowy authorities. Swinburne, a fanatical admirer of FitzGeralds Rubaiyat, found a less reputable publisher to reissue his poems, which treated atheism, sadomasochism, lesbianism, among other taboo subjects. Some of those poems show the direct influence of the Rubaiyat, with some of Tannheuser being in the same rhyme and meter as FitzGeralds translation. The aaba rhyme scheme plus iambic pentameter became central to the English Rubaiyat, which had an impact on Western poetry as significant as that of the Japanese haiku, though there isnt a good book on the former. For more commentaries on FitzGeralds translations of the Rubaiyat, see FitzGeralds Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam: Commentary by Juan Cole with Original Persian Belfast (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) Israel and its hard line supporters have long relied on weaponizing charges of antisemitism to silence critics and anyone who tried to highlight the plight of the Palestinian people. Two recent elections on both sides of the Atlantic, however, have delivered a blow to this groundless bullying and harassment that depended on confusing critique of Israeli policy with bigotry toward ordinary Jews. The first election was the mayoral election of New York in the United States. The American city with the largest Jewish population anywhere in the world outside Israel voted for its first ever Muslim mayor Zohran Mamdani. He is an American leftist Muslim who said during the election campaign that he would try to honor the International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant and arrest the Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu over war crimes. Of course, such an arrest might be difficult to pull off, since the US does not recognize the ICC and it has no jurisdiction in the United States. Despite Mamdanis statement and his pro-Palestinian stance, Polls showed that 33% of NY Jews voted for him, and half of Jewish Democrats backed Mamdani. This outcome suggests that criticizing Israel is not seen as antisemitic by a substantial proportion of American Jews. The American Psychological Association recently formally agreed that anti-Jewish bigotry cannot be attributed to critics of Israel. Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend to let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends. The second election was a parliamentary by-election held in the Manchester constituency of Gorton and Denton in the United Kingdom. Initially it was feared that the far right Reform UK was going to take the seat from the ruling Labor Party, especially after its leader and Prime Minister Keir Starmer blocked the only Labor candidate who could have won the seat, Andy Burnham, for fear that Burnham would challenge Starmer as party leader. Against expectations, however, opinion polls started to shift in favor of the left-leaning Green Party. Its candidate, the 34-year-old plumber Hannah Spencer, won the seat from Labor. Reform came second, ahead of Labor, which came in third after representing the area for long decades. Whats interesting about this by-election is that it is similar to the New York mayoral election but in reverse. The Green Party leader, Zak Polanski is Jewish, and like the Green Party, he is pro-Palestine and firmly against racism. Yet the Labor Party government has supported the Israel genocide in Gaza. It is no wonder that the advocacy group Muslim Vote, which endorsed four independent candidates who won in the 2024 general election after running an election campaign based on opposing the genocide in Gaza, recommends that voters back the Green Party Surely if Mamdani or any of his policies were antisemitic, he wouldnt have won the vote of half of Jewish Democrats in New York, where Jews are predominantly Democrats. Equally, if Muslims in Manchester were antisemites they wouldnt have voted for a party led by a Jew. Without doubt, many voters cast their ballots on other issues such as the standard of living, housing and other socioeconomic issues. Nevertheless, supporting or opposing the genocide in Gaza was a key electoral issue. The results of these elections are also reassuring, since hard line Israel supporters, as usual, attempted to weaponize charges of antisemitism against candidates in order to shield Israel from any criticism and to silence those who stand for justice and peace in the Middle East. The tactic could have had a divisive effect on the concerned, communities but the gambit failed in these instances. We should be aware that this strategy will be attempted again, however. These positive changes give a glimpse of hope amidst a toxic atmosphere of bloodshed. Ironically, the staunchest supporters of the bloodshed in the Middle East is the Western far right, which is known for its racism and antisemitism. For the moment, many right wing extremists are staunch supporters of of Israel, which is also governed by a government of right wing extremists. Far right ideology both in the West and in Israel is based on an illusion of ethnic superiority and eternal hatred of anyone different. If anything, Moshe Feiglin, who was the leader of the Jewish Leadership faction within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus own Likud Party once praised Hitler, saying Hitler was unparalleled military genius. In 2008, he was banned from entering the UK on the basis that his presence might lead to inter-community violence. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House. Public Domain. Via Wikimedia Commons. Despite his extremist stances, Netanyahu allowed Feiglin to stand as a Likud Knesset candidate and consequently a lawmaker in 2013. Feiglin obsession with Hitler hasnt faded away after almost three decades of praising him. In 2024 and while calling for ethnically cleansing Gaza he quoted Hitler with regard to the Palestinians in Gaza, saying As Hitler said, I cannot live if one Jew is left. Of course we all know what would have happened if a politician in another country said the same. While we all cheered the victories in New York City and Manchester, it is important to learn lessons from these elections in order to build on them and to replicate them elsewhere. We must strengthen inter-community solidarity, focusing on issues that matter to ordinary people and highlighting the many dangers of the far right, whether in its white nationalist or Zionist guise. You are free to republish this content online or in print, as long as you respect our Creative Commons license Do not edit or adapt the content without the express agreement of the editors, make sure the authors name (first name and family name) and JusticeInfo.net are mentioned clearly at the beginning of the article. Dont forget to include a link to the article you are republishing (not just to the Justice Info homepage), saying explicitly that you are republishing this content.Please note that image rights cannot be automatically included in our Creative Commons licence. Look at the credits below the images to check whether the content is one to which you hold the rights, or ask the editors about this.Copy the HTML code below into your content management system (CMS). If necessary, contact your webmaster. Once selected, press "Ctrl-C" to copy the code. Israel said on Friday that Iran had launched cluster bombs "multiple times" since the start of the war that began with a US-Israeli attack on the Islamic republic over the weekend. Cluster munitions explode in mid-air and scatter bomblets. Some of them do not explode on impact and can cause casualties over time, particularly among children. Iran and Israel are not among more than a hundred countries that are party to the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, transfer, production and storage of cluster bombs. The Iranians "are using cluster munitions", Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told a news briefing, without providing details on when or where those munitions were allegedly launched. "They've used it multiple times, which is a war crime when it's directed towards civilians, and we're tracking that situation," Shoshani said. AFP footage from Thursday evening showed a swarm of flaming projectiles falling in the darkened sky over central Israel. Israel's military said the video showed cluster bombs. Etienne Marcuz, a strategic armaments expert at France's Foundation for Strategic Research, said the footage appeared to show cluster munitions carried by a medium-range ballistic missile, which was "most likely" Iranian. Israeli police said on Wednesday that bomb disposal experts found evidence of cluster munitions after incoming missiles from Iran were detected. Impact sites are generally closed to the public including journalists until they are cleared of missile debris and unexploded ordnances. Police published a public service announcement on Friday in which one of its bomb disposal technicians explained the dangers of cluster bombs including unexploded ordnance. Both Iran and Israel have been accused of using cluster munitions. During a 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June 2025, Amnesty International said the Islamic republic used such munitions at least three times, based on analysis of photos and videos as well as media reports. In 2007, a US government investigation found that Israel had probably violated arms export agreements with Washington when it dropped US-made cluster bombs among villages in Lebanon during its war with militant group Hezbollah the previous year. After a vlog about her trip to Japan in February came out before Korea's Independence Movement Day on March 1, actress Ji So-yeon apologized in public. Ji So-yeon talked about the issue on her social media account on March 2. She said, "I am taking seriously the many opinions you have sent me regarding the video of my trip to Japan that was uploaded at the end of February." She said she knew when the video was uploaded and added, "The video in question was content documenting my trip on February 11th, but it was my oversight to not sufficiently consider the significance of the timing of the posting. I sincerely apologize for not being able to look at it more carefully," per Naver. Ji So-yeon also took responsibility for how the public reacted, saying, "It was a video documenting my personal daily life, but regardless of my intentions, I believe it is entirely my responsibility to cause discomfort and disappointment due to the timing of the posting. I apologize once again." READ MORE: 'How Do Parents Survive?' Ji So-yeon and Song Jae-hee's Shocking Kindergarten Fee Increase Sparks Heated Debate Ji So-yeon said that the decision to post the vlog was entirely her own, despite criticism aimed at her travel partner, Yang Mi-ra. She said, "It weighs heavily on my heart that criticism is spreading to Mira, who traveled with me. The decision to upload and release was entirely my own, and Mira, who traveled with me, had no knowledge of any of this. I deeply apologize to Mira, and I sincerely hope that no one is hurt by this." She ended by promising to be more responsible in the future:"Through this incident, I have deeply realized that I must act more carefully and responsibly. From now on, I will more carefully consider the social context and timing in all processes of planning and releasing content. I will humbly accept the criticism you have sent me." The argument started when Ji So-yeon posted a video on her YouTube channel on February 28 that showed her and Yang Mi-ra going to Takamatsu, Japan. The video has since been set to private because of the backlash. MK said that the event shows how sensitive Koreans are about historical anniversaries, especially Independence Movement Day, and how public figures should think about the social context when they share personal information. READ MORE: Ji So-yeon's Husband Reveals Alarming Sex-Education Dilemma After Daughter's Unexpected Comment Thursday, March 5, 2026 - Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) church, led by controversial city preacher, Bishop Ben Kiengei, has been dealt another blow after a key official announced his resignation. Njoroge James, who has been serving as the church administrator, took to his Facebook page to formally announce that he had stepped down from his position after five years of ministry under Kiengeis leadership. In his lengthy post, Njoroge expressed gratitude to the Bishop, recalling how they began their journey together at AIPCA, where they preached for two years in Gatundu and Kibia before the launch of JCM. I want to take this chance to thank my Bishop, Benson Kamau. It has been five amazing years serving under your able leadership and guidance. We started this journey together back in AIPCA, where we served by preaching compassionate gospel for two years, he wrote. He praised Kiengeis vision and leadership, saying the Bishop had always been guided by a clear mission to spread compassion. Njoroge noted that when JCM was established, he continued serving in the ministry for three years as the church administrator and was grateful for the opportunity to witness its growth. Thank you for entrusting me to lead the church. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to foresee the growth and fulfillment of JCM vision, he added. However, Njoroge revealed that after personal reflection and soul-searching, he had decided it was time to step down. This comes as a polite notice that henceforth, I Njoroge James and my family will no longer serve in JCM, he stated, adding that he will carry the lessons learned into the next chapter of his life. His resignation comes at a time when Bishop Kiengei has been facing criticism from a section of Kenyans, especially after hosting President William Ruto at his church, a move that sparked debate online, with some critics accusing him of turning the church into a platform for politics and business. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, March 5, 2026 - City gold-digger, Samantha Nyanchama, is turning heads online after sharing photos and videos from her luxurious vacation in Cape Town, South Africa. The flashy young woman has been documenting her trip on social media, posting snippets of the high-end getaway, including moments where she is seen being chauffeured in a private helicopter while enjoying scenic views of the South African city. According to sources familiar with her lifestyle, Samantha travelled to Cape Town about a week ago, barely two months after returning from another vacation in Singapore, raising eyebrows about the source of funding for her lavish trips. Whispers in social circles allege that Samantha is currently involved in a romantic relationship with Kitutu Chache North Member of Parliament, Japheth Nyakundi, who is said to be financing her flashy lifestyle. Reports further indicate that Samantha grew close to the legislator after her previous relationship with Nyabari Masaba MP, Daniel Manduku, ended. Sources claim Manduku distanced himself from Samantha after controversy surrounding their affair erupted publicly. The situation reportedly escalated when a Nairobi-based lawyer said to be Samanthas baby daddy exposed details of their relationship on Facebook, attracting widespread attention online. In a bid to protect his political image, Manduku is said to have cut ties with Samantha, shortly after the revelations. Since then, insiders claim Samantha has been linked to MP Japheth Nyakundi, who is spoiling her with a life of luxury, including expensive trips and high-end experiences abroad. Below is a sneak peek into her lavish vacation in Cape Town (Photos & video) The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, March 5, 2026 - A man has narrated a dramatic incident after a night out with a woman he met at a nightclub turned into chaos the following morning when she allegedly demanded a hefty sum after spending the night at his house. According to the mans account, the two met at a nightclub on a Friday night, where they vibed and partied together before she voluntarily followed him to his home. He claims they spent the night together and the following morning, he woke her up to leave because he had a photo shoot scheduled for Saturday morning. The man says the woman freshened up and as she was leaving, he offered her 10,000 Nairas as a goodwill gesture. However, the situation quickly escalated when she allegedly refused the money and insisted that she charges 100,000 Nairas per night. Shocked by the demand, the man claimed he reminded her that they had never discussed any payment or agreed on any arrangement before she came to his house. The disagreement reportedly turned into a heated argument that attracted neighbours from the compound. According to the man, the woman told those who had gathered that he had taken her home for paid mechi and was refusing to pay her. However, the drama did not end there. About 10 minutes later, the woman returned accompanied by two soldiers, accusing the man again of refusing to pay her after spending the night together. The man claims the soldiers were initially ready to confront him, but the situation changed when he raised an alarm, attracting more residents from the compound. Luckily, one of the neighbours reportedly had a friend in the military who had spent the night there, and he intervened to calm the situation. After questioning both parties, the soldiers reportedly pressured the woman to clarify the matter. According to the man, she eventually admitted that no price had been discussed beforehand. The soldiers allegedly left the scene frustrated after realizing there had been no prior agreement. The man said the entire incident left him deeply embarrassed in front of his neighbours, turning what started as a casual night out into a dramatic public confrontation The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, March 5, 2026 - Drama has erupted on TikTok after the ex-wife of Mombasa-based preacher, Prophet Michael Muluta, publicly accused him of abandoning his family and marrying a much younger woman. The disgruntled woman took to social media where she shared a photo of the preachers new wife, a young lady reported to have finished high school in 2024. In the post that quickly went viral, she sarcastically congratulated the young woman, referring to her as a co-wife. Congratulations mke mwenza, she captioned the photo, which was taken during a traditional ceremony where Prophet Michael was paying dowry for his new partner. The woman went further to accuse the preacher of being a deadbeat father, claiming that he left her to raise their children alone after walking out of their marriage. Prophet Michael runs a church in Bamburi and is alleged to be a notorious womanizer. Below are photos of the preachers 19-year-old wife. The preachers jilted ex-wife (they tied the knot in 2024 as his new-wife was completing high school) The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, March 05, 2026 - A resurfaced video of the late Emurua Dikirr MP, Johana Ngeno, reflecting on why he chose to marry later in life has reignited conversations about balancing personal life with public service. In the footage, originally aired on TV47 Kenyas Mfahamu Kiongozi segment about two years ago, Ngeno revealed that pressure to marry began as early as primary school, with his parents urging him to settle down. However, he insisted that he would first pursue his academic and career dreams. Even during his 2013 campaign for the newly created Emurua Dikirr constituency, voters pressed him to marry. His witty response? He asked them to award him the MP seat as his first wife, promising to marry a real wife later. In my first term, people pushed me to marry, but I told them to wait until I elevate my constituency, he recalled. It wasnt until after securing a second term in 2017 that he finally gave in, marrying Naiyanoi Ntutu, daughter of Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, in a highprofile ceremony in 2018 at the age of 45. Ngeno tragically died in a helicopter crash in Nandi County on February 28th, 2026. The Airbus H125 went down in Mosop Sub County amid heavy rain, crashing and bursting into flames around 4:45 pm, killing all six people on board. Watch>>> below The Kenyan DAILY POST A GP has admitted to poor professional performance over his physical examination of an army officer at the Curragh Camp in Kildare during which he inappropriately exposed one of her breasts without the patients consent. The doctor who was identified only as Doctor C made admissions at a fitness-to-practise hearing of the Medical Council in relation to four allegations concerning his treatment of the female soldier while working as a locum at the Curragh Camp, Co Kildare on 19 September 2022. The inquiry heard that Doctor C, who comes originally from Sudan, accepted he had exposed the left breast of the officer identified only as Patient A during a physical examination of her chest. Counsel for the Medical Council, Neasa Bird BL, said the GPs action was inappropriate and not clinically justified. Ms Bird said the patients breast had been exposed without her consent or without informing her in advance. Another allegation related to the failure of Doctor C to document any findings of his physical examination of Patient A. The GP also admitted prescribing an intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone to treat the patient which Ms Bird said was clinically inappropriate and contrary to Irish antimicrobial prescribing practice. Doctor C acknowledged that he had inaccurately entered the name of a different drug, cefixime, in Patient As medication records. The inquiry arose following a complaint to the Medical Council by another doctor working full-time with the Defence Forces known only as Doctor B. Ms Bird said the chief executive of the Medical Council accepted the four allegations combined represented just one incident of poor professional performance as they related to a single episode of care. She claimed Doctor Cs treatment of Patient A had fallen short in a serious way of the standards of competence expected of general medicine practitioners. The inquiry heard that Patient A had gone to a medical aid post in the Curragh Camp with symptoms of wheezing, coughing and feeling unwell. Ms Bird said she declined a request to lift up her bra but subsequently curled it up slightly without uncovering her breasts. However, she said Doctor C now admitted that he had pulled down one side of her bra without advance warning or consent which exposed her left breast entirely and left it exposed for around ten seconds. Ms Bird said the patient felt very uncomfortable but did not express concern at the time as she was sick and surprised over what had happened. The inquiry heard the GP prescribed ceftriaxone for Patient A which was to be given intramuscularly and told her she would need to go to a pharmacy to have the antibiotic administered. However, Patient A returned to the surgery later that day after being advised by a pharmacist that it could not administer the medication. Ms Bird said the patient was seen by Doctor B who also carried out a chest examination of a different nature and who described the prescription given by Doctor C as incorrect. The woman was diagnosed with a lower respiratory tract infection and prescribed more appropriate oral antibiotics. She was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia. Ms Bird explained that ceftriaxone was a strong antimicrobial medicine administered intravenously or intramuscularly to treat severe and life-threatening bacterial infections such as E-coli and meningitis but was not given in a community care setting. In correspondence, Doctor C said it was his second time seeing the patient after she had notified him by phone that she had a severe cough and her symptoms were not improving. The inquiry heard that the GP claimed he had asked the officer if she wanted a chaperone while he examined her chest but she was happy for him to go ahead without one. Doctor C said he considered prescribing her a short course of an intramuscular injectable antibiotic as the oral antibiotic he had previously prescribed did not appear to have had any effect. He claimed a nurse confirmed that it was appropriate to prescribe such a medicine and that it could be administered in a pharmacy a claim disputed by the nurse. Ms Bird said the doctor also introduced the possibility of having prescribed a third drug in correspondence as it contained a reference to cefotaxime. Doctor C said he now knew that the appropriate treatment where an injection was considered necessary was a referral to hospital and he had also familiarised himself with prescribing guidelines. The GP told the Medical Council that he was shocked about the complaint against him. The inquiry heard that an expert witness, Professor Tom Fahey, noted in a report prepared for the Medical Council that the exposure of the patients breast was not necessary for an examination of her chest. Prof Fahey said the doctors failure to record his findings was a serious omission in light of the treatment he recommended. He also pointed out that the HSEs advice on the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, which is available online, does not recommend intramuscular injections. Prof Fahey said the prescribing of such drugs in such circumstances by Doctor C was most unusual. Doctor C, told the inquiry that he had come to Ireland in July 2022. The GP said he had not attended any induction course about prescribing in Ireland but was familiar with antibiotics from having worked over 20 years in Saudi Arabia. In reply to questions from the committee, Doctor C said he felt oral antibiotics were not working for the patient as she appeared very sick and he could hear some crackles in her chest. I thought at that stage maybe if I give her one shot of this injection her condition may improve and there is no need for a referral. That was my plan, he added. The inquiry chairperson, Marie Culliton, adjourned the hearing until Monday when the committee will issue its findings and hear submissions on possible sanctions. ATHY native, Graham Herterich, bagged two awards at this years Irish Restaurant Awards Regional Event. Graham was honoured with the Local Food Hero award, as well as the Best Newcomer award for his newly opened cafe Ernies @ Shackleton Experience. The Athy awardee is a well-established baker who has been previously dubbed The Cupcake Bloke and has impressed sweet treat lovers with his baked goods in his bakery in Rialto, Dublin. In October, he brought his love for food back to his home town with the opening of Ernies @ Shackleton Experience a cafe located inside the museum building, with sweet and savoury food items and quality barista coffee. Graham attended the award night held in the Killashee Hotel on Tuesday 2 March along with many other businesses across the province of Leinster, and was shocked to receive not just one, but two awards. I am absolutely delighted and truly honoured to receive the Local Food Hero award and if Im honest, completely shocked. To also have Ernies @ Shackleton Experience recognised as Best Newcomer makes it even more special. He continued: From the very beginning, our aim was to celebrate traditional Irish food while bringing a fresh. Modern perspective. Not only in how we cook, but in how we source and present our produce. This recognition belongs to our entire team and the people of Athy who have supported us since we opened. Many other Kildare restaurants, cafes and bars received awards on the night. In Athy, Kildares Best Customer Service award went to the Clanard Court Hotel and The Green Barn won the award for Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine. In Naas, the Best Restaurant award went to Neighbourhood Naas, the Employee Excellence award went to Tom Breen of Vis Restaurant at Lawlors and the award for Best Cafe went to Hey Darling Naas. While Sallins pub, Lock 13 Gastropub & Brewpub won Innovator of the Year. Monasterevins Woodstack Cafe received an award for Best Sustainable Practices. Hartes of Kildare won the Best Gastro Pub award, and Best Restaurant Manager award, which went to Manager, Shauna Ronan. The Best Pub award went to James Nolans Pub in Kildare Town in Kildare and Firecastle Kildare won the award for Best use of Social Media. Straffans Barton Grill Restaurant at the K Club won Best Wine Experience for 2026. Maynooths The Morrison Room at Carton House won awards for Best Chef (Adam Nevin) and Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant, and Asian restaurant Red Torch Ginger won Best World Cuisine. Once all regional finals conclude, both Regional and All Ireland winners will be revealed at the All-Ireland Awards Gala Dinner on Monday 18 May at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin. TWO Kildare students took home the gold at this years Post-Primary School Cookery Competition, Taste of Home, held at Munster Technological University (MTU) Cork campus. Young cooks from across Ireland went head-to-head at the second annual competition recently. Maggie Cunnane, third year student from St Paul's Secondary School, Monasterevin was the Gold Winner in the Junior Category. Maggies winning dish was a lemon meringue cheesecake. Meadbh Hartnett, fifth year student from Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge was the Gold Winner in the Senior Category. Meadbhs winning dish was a roasted citrus spatchcock chicken with potato salad, celeriac puree and cauliflower steaks. Hosted by the Department of Tourism & Hospitality at MTU, in partnership with Blas na hEireann, the competition brought together 16 of the countrys most talented student cooks for a culinary showcase focused on skill, sustainability and Irish produce. The judging panel featured award-winning pastry chef Shane Smith, a regular contributor to RTE Ones The Today Sho w, alongside Cork chef Kate Lawlor, former head chef and owner of Fenns Quay and now leading the culinary offering at K OConnells Fishmongers in Dunnes Stores, Patrick Street. Finalists, representing post-primary schools nationwide, were tasked with preparing either a main course or dessert for two people within 1 hour and 45 minutes, using a minimum of three locally produced or Irish ingredients. Eight students competed in the Junior category and eight in the Senior category, transforming MTUs training kitchens into a live professional competition environment. Each winner was awarded prizes of culinary equipment, books, and a trophy in memory of Margaret Keady. It is unacceptable that forecourt workers are experiencing abuse for fuel price hikes, the Minister for Enterprise said. Peter Burke made the comments after meeting with forecourt operators and home heating suppliers about dramatic rises in fuel costs since the US and Israel began bombing Iran. Caoimhe Maloney, who owns Kavanagh Fuel in Urlingford, County Kilkenny, said that the cost for them to purchase fuel had significantly increased this week and nobody is making any money out of it. READ NEXT: Man who made away with Kilkenny hotel trolley in last chance saloon court told She said there had been an eight cent increase per litre of fuel most days this week. My fear is that it will be over two euro (by Saturday), I think possibly 2.02 euro, she told RTE Radio. People are scared and theyre bulk buying on the forecourt. TDs have said the price of home heating oil had effectively doubled in a matter of days, and urged the Government to help citizens with the outrageous costs. READ NEXT: 'I missed my opportunity to have a family' - Kilkenny man on being homeless for years The Government has said the Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is to investigate claims of price gouging over fuel. Earlier in the week, Mr Burke said the price of crude oil bears no reflection on whats happening in the Irish market, where he said there had been a 50% increase in prices for some customers. He said he had given the CCPC very clear examples in relation to where prices have gone up very significantly that are not reflected in the international markets. Mr Burke made the comments a day before he met with representatives of the fuel industry on Friday. I had a constructive meeting today with representatives from the fuel industry, Mr Burke said in a statement. READ NEXT: LATEST: Millions for 'safer, cleaner, and healthier' social homes in Kilkenny I welcomed the opportunity to discuss the current energy market and pricing structures, along with the international factors impacting costs in a very uncertain geopolitical environment. I highlighted the current CCPC investigation, and providers expressed that they are more than happy to cooperate fully and will encourage their members to do the same. The CCPC has a strong mandate to protect consumers and ensure competition law is fully complied with. It was brought to my attention that retail workers have come under significant abuse in recent days. I want to make it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable, and no-one should take their frustration out on any retail worker. My Department continues to engage with the sector as matters evolve, including through the Governments Energy Security Group, which meets regularly. READ NEXT: Revised plans submitted for North Quays project near Kilkenny-Waterford border Chief executive of Fuels for Ireland, Kevin McPartland, said that the global wholesale price of kerosene had increased by 74%, diesel by 48% and petrol by 15%, between last Friday and Thursday night. He said a rise to the cost base was behind the fuel price hike in Ireland and that Brent crude was not the right indicator for fuel prices. About half of our fuel is coming from from a refinery in the UK. That doesnt mean that the crude oil is coming from the UK, but thats where its coming through, he told RTE Radio. When that vessel leaves the port in Wales, it arrives in Dublin six hours later, it is unloaded, and it can go straight into trucks. People think that Brent crude is the indicator Brent crude has a lag of a couple of weeks on the impact that it has, and even then, it has about as much impact on the price of a litre of fuel as the price of beef has on a Big Mac. Its really just a small part of the overall piece. READ NEXT: Big revamp on the way for Kilkenny school with exciting plans unveiled We have to recognise that the indicator that is important is the commodity price for kerosene, diesel and petrol, and theyre available online, Platts is the index. And were actually slightly behind that in the price increases in Ireland. So far from profiteering the meeting you mentioned I was in with Minister Burke this morning he heard from a forecourt operator, he heard from heating oil distributors, that they are actually losing money on the fuel that theyre selling currently. The CCPC said earlier this week that companies can set, and increase, their own prices but they must do so independently. There is no legal obligation on companies to set their prices at a level that consumers will consider fair. Kilkenny County Council have recommended that An Coimisiun Pleanala refuse planning permission for the development of a large wind farm and associated infrastructure in South Kilkenny. A special meeting in relation to the planning application was held in County Hall last week where members of the planning department of Kilkenny County Council outlined their rationale behind their decision to recommend the projects refusal. READ NEXT: Taoiseach summoned to Kilkenny following a 'decade of broken promises' Ballyfasy Wind Farm is a large-scale renewable energy development that is proposed to be located in the townlands of Bishopsmountain, Ballinlammy, Ballyfasy Upper, Ballynoony East, Ballymartin, Ballyquin, Ballywairy, Darbystown, and Knockbrack in County Kilkenny. The project is to comprise of 10 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of between 57 MW and 72 MW, along with an on-site 110kV electrical substation and associated infrastructure. Each turbine would have a blade tip height of between 170 and 180 metres, depending on the final model selected. READ NEXT: Kilkenny man accused of drugs offences has case adjourned The project was deemed a Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) because it exceeds the statutory threshold for wind farms set out in the Planning and Development Act 2000. As the proposed development meets this threshold, it therefore must be decided directly by An Coimisiun Pleanala rather than by the local authority. Despite this, the local authority does have a significant role in the planning process. It can prepare its own report in relation to the application and recommend whether An Coimisiun Pleanala grant or refuse planning permission. READ NEXT: Arrests following significant drug seizure in Hebron area of Kilkenny City Also submitted with this report will be the views and opinions of the elected members of Kilkenny County Council. Both the local authoritys recommendation and the comments from councillors will be reviewed before An Coimisun Pleanala makes their final decision. When outlining their rationale behind the decision to recommend the refusal of planning permission, council planner Niall Sheehan highlighted a number of perceived issues that were identified upon reviewing the relevant planning documentation. An aerial map was produced showing nearby residential and commercial receptors and concern was raised about the number of ressidences that would likely be impacted by shadow flicker from the rotating turbine blades. Further information was also provided on potential noise impact to the surrounding area, and reference was made to existing wind energy infrastructure in the area. READ NEXT: Number of gardai stationed in County Kilkenny reached record high in 2025 One of the most significant concerns cited was landscape visual impact. The potential impact of the turbines to relevant viewpoints in the area were assessed. It was noted that there would be significant visibility (of turbine infrastructure) within a five kilometre area of the development site. It was posited that the visual impact of the turbines would likely be more than was suggested in the submitted visual landscape documentation with the council further stating that the application contained insufficient information. Following the councils presentation, Cllr Tomas Breathnach proposed that the elected members also propose the rejection of the wind farm in its totality. He also cited the existing concentration of wind turbines in south east Kilkenny and criticised the outdated nature of existing wind energy guidelines. His proposal was seconded by Cllr Pat Dunphy, who stated that the visual impact of the project would be a huge thing. Cllr Jenny Catt Slattery stated that the turbines would dominate the whole skyline down there and stated that wind energy infrastructure is important but must be developed in a way that is fair and proportionate. Cllr Ger Frisby stated that it is important that the local authority and elected members are listened to at a higher level and stated that it is unfair that local communities have to defend themselves against huge organisations. Cllr Fidelis Doherty was also in agreement with the recommendation, and their were no dissenting voices from other councillors in other districts, with many adding their own concerns to the record. LISTEN NEXT: 'You deserve to be p****d off' - Kilkenny's TJ Reid on overcoming Tipp disappointment In a planning statement submitted with Manogate Ltds application, it is stated that the project will contribute significantly to Irelands transition away from imported fossil fuels. The statement added that the project is compliant with the relevant corresponding provisions of Kilkenny County Development Plan 2014. It is stated that this plan is the most relevant county development plan to consider when looking at the principle of the proposed project. READ NEXT: Virus surge hits St Lukes Hospital in Kilkenny leaving patients waiting for care The document describes the Kilkenny City and County Development Plan 2021-2027 as effectively inconsistent with national and EU energy policy as there have been significant policy changes at international and national level in relation to climate change and renewable energy which need to be considered when assessing the proposed project. The final decision in relation to Ballyfasy Wind Farm will rest with An Coimisiun Pleanala and the case is due to be decided by July of this year. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS A statement has been issued today on Friday, 6th March 2026 by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment on the recent abuse retail workers have been receiving over the cost of fuel. In a statement Minister Peter Burke said: "I had a constructive meeting today with representatives from the fuel industry. "I welcomed the opportunity to discuss the current energy market and pricing structures, along with the international factors impacting costs in a very uncertain geopolitical environment. "I highlighted the current CCPC investigation, and providers expressed that they are more than happy to cooperate fully and will encourage their members to do the same. The CCPC has a strong mandate to protect consumers and ensure competition law is fully complied with. READ NEXT: 'Stop with this AI crap'- Ireland AM presenter hits out at AI claims under recent pic - Ireland Live "It was brought to my attention that retail workers have come under significant abuse in recent days. I want to make it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable, and no one should take their frustration out on any retail worker. My Department continues to engage with the sector as matters evolve, including through the Governments Energy Security Group, which meets regularly". Young entrepreneurs from CBC Kilkenny will represent County Kilkenny in this years senior category at the Student Enterprise Programme National Finals on Thursday, May 7. Students took part in the County Kilkenny Final on Wednesday, held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel and hosted by Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny. The final event was the culmination of months of hard work in schools across the county where students started and ran mini-businesses. In the senior category of the competition, the winners were Mini Caddy at CBC Kilkenny Tom Fenlon, Shane Burke, Dillon Brett, and Adam Trehy. TAP HERE FOR MORE KILKENNY BUSINESS NEWS ALL PICTURES: VICKY COMERFORD The winners in the junior and intermediate category went to Colaiste Abhainn Ri in Callan for Recharged a business by Megan Bryan, Ruth Moylan, Keira Lyons, Aimee Hickey and Katie Walsh. Imogen Lawless Greene and Caoimhe OShea took home the first prize in the intermediate category for their business Helm Halo. County Kilkenny has a successful track record in the student enterprise competition Michael OKeefe from St Kierans College recently won first place in the intermediate category at Student Enterprise Programme National Finals. TAP HERE FOR MORE SCHOOLS NEWS FROM KILKENNY Speaking at the county final, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Mary Hilda Cavanagh congratulated all the students. We have a very successful student enterprise programme here in Kilkenny, with students from 12 local second-level schools taking part this year, she said. Our national finalists are excellent ambassadors for the programme, and we wish them the very best of luck on Friday 7, and we will all hope to be there to support them. The skills students learn in this programme, such as business planning, market research, selling and teamwork, will help them become more entrepreneurial throughout their future careers. The local students will be competing against hundreds of other student entrepreneurs from all over Ireland at the Student Enterprise Programme National Finals, taking place in Mullingar on May 7. The enterprise education initiative, funded by the Government of Ireland through Enterprise Ireland and delivered by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in local authorities throughout the country, saw over 25,000 students from just under 500 secondary schools across the country take part in 2025 / 2026. The programme supports students to create, design and market their own business, all with the hope of reaching the national finals. Since the Student Enterprise Programme began in 2003, over 350,000 students have taken part, learning key skills on how to create a business idea, start a business and grow a business. The Student Enterprise Programme also has new range of online resources for 2025 / 2026 at www.studententerprise.ie, which will feature regular blogs and houses a full range of Student Enterprise resources for students and teachers. Further information around the Student Enterprise Programme is available from www.studententerprise.ie or search #studententerprise on social media. As International Womens Day approaches on March 8, the Fine Gael Womens Network is calling on the people of Kilkenny to reflect on the progress toward true gender equality and the work that remains to ensure every woman is safe in her home and community. "At Fine Gael Womens Network, we believe your gender should never limit your potential or your safety," says Monica Murphy, Communications Officer for the Fine Gael Womens Network. "The Amber Kilkenny Womens Refuge is a vital local partner. Funding increases have helped them manage a surge in outreach requests, which have grown by over 15% in the last year. Under the leadership of former Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, Fine Gael have shifted the national conversation from awareness towards Zero Tolerance. READ NEXT: Kilkenny City ready to deliver a festival atmosphere for St Patricks Day and festival "Practical supports delivered and welcomed by Fine Gael Womens Network include: Stand-alone Stalking Offence: Introduction of new laws to ensure stalking and non-fatal strangulation are treated with the severity they deserve, giving Gardai the power to act earlier. Paid Domestic Violence Leave: Ireland is now a leader in Europe, providing five days of paid leave so survivors dont have to choose between their safety and their paycheque. Cuan The New National Agency: Establishment of a dedicated statutory agency, Cuan, to oversee the delivery of refuge spaces and support services, ensuring a streamlined, survivor-centred approach. Doubling Refuge Spaces at vital : The investment of 363 million to double the number of refuge spaces nationwide, including new builds in counties that previously had no dedicated units. "While these supports and resources are welcome, at Fine Gael Womens Network, we will continue to push for policies and implementation that warrant them redundant altogether so that they are no longer needed as domestic and sexual violence gets eradicated. International Womens Day is one day dedicated to women all over the world and is celebrated on March 8 for the past 115 years. READ NEXT: Fire show, festival market, RSAG, Mundy and more for Kilkenny at St Patrick's festival "This International Womens Day, we want to make it clear that gender equality is about more than statistics; it is about the woman starting a business in our towns and suburbs, the students at our local colleges feeling safe, the girls in our primary and secondary schools being given the same opportunities in science and technology as the boys, women in our communities who can speak out against domestic or sexual violence, girls and women in sports, and in our healthcare system, and maybe most critically, in our homes who deserve to grow up in a society that respects them. "This March 8, the Fine Gael Womens Network stands with the women of Kilkenny. We remain committed to the hard work in government to ensure equality is felt in every home, community and workplace." Sky News reported several days ago: Seamus, 38, was at a building supplies store in Boston when ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents detained him. Housed with 70 other detainees in one tent, he said he feared for his own life. It was striking to hear his Irish accent on the phoneline from there. Living in the US for nearly 18 years, he had, in his words, lived a normal life. Just working hard, staying out of trouble, I wasnt a big party guy, just spending time with my wife and my dogs, he said. A native of Kilkenny, he arrived in the US in 2009 and overstayed the 90 days of his visa waiver. But he later married an American, giving him the right to seek a change of status. He had obtained a work permit and was one appointment away from securing a green card. A guest post by Chris Scott: Were now well past the point where the coalition can blame everything on the mess they inherited. That line worked in 2024. It even worked just in 2025. But with an election looming in November, voters are no longer interested in origin stories. They want outcomes. This government came in promising discipline, delivery, and a return to the basics. And to be fair, the bar was low. After years of bureaucratic sprawl and policy drift, simply turning the ship around was going to take time. But two years is not a short runway in politics. Its half a term. Its long enough for the public to form a view about whether a government is competent or just busy. And right now, the mood feels unsettled. People arent demanding miracles. Theyre demanding visible progress. Safer streets. A health system that isnt permanently in crisis mode. Schools that teach rather than experiment. Infrastructure that doesnt crumble every time it rains sideways. These arent ideological demands theyre basic expectations of a functioning state. The political danger for the coalition is that the narrative is slipping away from them. If voters decide the government is trying hard but not delivering, thats fatal. Elections arent won on effort; theyre won on results people can see without needing a press release to explain them. Meanwhile, the opposition written off after the 2023 drubbing has rediscovered its energy. They smell opportunity. They dont need to be brilliant; they just need to look like a plausible alternative. And if the government doesnt sharpen its act soon, that bar might be low enough for them to clear. The coalition still has time. But not much. The window for were fixing the mess is closed. The window for heres what weve achieved is open but only if they can actually point to achievements. Voters are pragmatic. Theyll reward competence. Theyll punish drift. And unless the government can show momentum in the next few months, November could be a very long night. But even that may not be enough Heres the uncomfortable truth: even if the government does tidy up the books and patch the potholes, it still wont solve the deeper problem. The world is about to change faster than any tidy, incremental political programme can keep up with. The election wont just be a referendum on competence. It will be a test of who actually understands the technological wave about to reshape everything from productivity to public services. While New Zealand debates procurement processes and ministry restructures, other countries are retooling their economies around automation, AIdriven productivity, and digital infrastructure that scales human capability rather than merely reallocating it. New Zealand cant afford to sleepwalk into that future. Were a small, distant, lowproductivity economy. We dont win by being bigger; we win by being smarter. And right now, were not even in the race. The next government whichever colour it is wont be judged on how well it manages the status quo. It will be judged on whether it grasps that the status quo is already obsolete. AIenabled productivity, automated service delivery, and digital leverage arent optional extras. Theyre the only realistic path to rising wages, better public services, and a state that can actually afford the things voters expect. New Zealand doesnt need a miracle. It needs a government that understands the scale of the opportunity and the cost of missing it. A country that can move fast if it chooses to The irony is that New Zealand is perfectly positioned to benefit from this shift. A small country can move faster than a large one. We can adopt new tools, redesign public services, and build regulatory frameworks that reward innovation rather than smother it. But that requires political imagination, not just managerial competence. Imagine a government that treated AI not as a threat to be regulated into submission, but as a force multiplier for everything the state struggles to deliver. Faster consenting. Smarter health triage. Automated compliance. Realtime data for infrastructure planning. Public services that scale without ballooning payrolls. Productivity gains that dont require importing another 200,000 people. None of this is science fiction. Other countries are already doing it. The question is whether New Zealand wants to be a fast follower or a slow casualty. Conclusion: the future is arriving politely, but firmly The 2026 election wont be won by the party with the tidiest spreadsheet or the sharpest attack line. It will be won by the party that understands the world is about to accelerate and has the courage to say so. New Zealand doesnt need to panic. It just needs to look up from the potholes long enough to notice the rest of the world is building hovercraft. Figuratively, at least. For now. If the political class cant see the wave coming, voters might decide its time to find someone who can surf. Politico reports: The administrations use of the Justice Department to intimidate President Donald Trumps political opponents and stifle dissent reached a remarkable new low last week, when federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorneys Office in Washington, D.C. tried and failed to prosecute six Democratic lawmakers who made a video urging military personnel to refuse to carry out illegal orders. The disturbing stakes and implications of the effort were partially obscured by the clumsy execution of U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and her prosecutors. A grand total of zero zero grand jurors agreed to return the proposed indictment. As a former federal prosecutor, I have never heard of this actually happening before. This is indeed unheard of. The saying or joke used to be that a prosecutor could get a grand jury to indict a ham sandwich. As the threshold is basically just that there is probable cause for a case to answer, indictments are returned in 99.996% of cases. A grand jury doesnt even hear from the defence. They just hear the case from the prosecutors. For that reason I always thought having a grand jury involved in issuing charges was stupid, and a waste of time. Better to have it like NZ where juries decide guilt, but not whether charges get laid. However the US founding fathers have a great belief in the common sense of their fellow citizens, and worried about one day a Government that would become authoritarian. So they were almost unique around the world in having such a system. And today we see how right they were. Weather Alert ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SUNDAY TO NOON CDT MONDAY... * WHAT...South winds shifting to west 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Portions of south central, southwest, and west central Illinois and central, east central, northeast, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 10 AM Sunday to noon CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. && Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Some snow flurries this evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 33F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Some snow flurries this evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low 33F. Winds ESE at 10 to 20 mph. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in Beirut's southern suburbs on March 6, 2026 High Court Reporters A company which provides motor inspections and salvage management services for insurers claims a firm which provides storage for salvaged vehicles is preventing it from accessing vehicles to do the inspections, the High Court has heard. Motor Assess Ireland (MAI) Ltd, which has a national network of more than 40 engineers, is seeking orders against SDSI Ltd, which, until March 2025, provided MAI with salvage and storage services at its licensed "end-of-life vehicle" facilities spread across the country. Ballincollig, Co Cork-based MAI seeks to restrain the defendant from preventing access to vehicles it needs to inspect on behalf of insurer clients. The court heard there is a dispute between the parties over what the defendant says is money owed to it by MAI. That claim is denied. On Friday, Justice Brian Cregan granted Ian Boyle Harper BL, for MAI, permission for short service of the proceedings on the defendant. The application was with only the MAI side represented, and the case was put back to next week. Aisling Deasy, MAI's chief operating officer, said in an affidavit that since March 2025, MAI had moved to a new salvage sub-contractor following a dispute between the parties over increases in salvage management fees. The defendant was not satisfied with what MAI said were improved conditions, which had been negotiated with two big insurers and in December 2024 indicated it intended to withdraw its services, she said. The contract continued, on increased terms, until March 2025, when MAI engaged a new sub-contractor. In April 2025, Allianz Insurance replaced MAI with the defendant directly for salvage management. In December 2025, the defendant threatened winding up proceedings against MAI over the disputed debt, and since then, MAI engineers have been denied access to vehicles in a number of SDSI facilities, Ms Deasy said. These actions constitute unlawful interference with the business and contractual relations of MAI, she said. THERE are enough local shoplifters in Portlaoise without tourists coming to the town doing the same thing. So Judge Andrew Cody said at the local district court last week when a man appeared before him for the theft of an air fryer from a local store. When the case was called, solicitor for the defendant, Josephine Fitzpatrick, said that her client had spent the previous two days in custody and had been in a poor state when he was in court on the first day. Garda Insp Barry Houlihan said that on 9 February gardai received a report of the theft of an air fryer to the value of 70 from the Lidl store in Portlaoise. He said the defendant was caught a short distance away and the item was recovered in a resaleable condition. Sean Keenan (30), Rosse Court Heights, Balgaddy Road, Lucan, Co Dublin pleaded guilty to the offence. The court heard the defendant had 119 previous convictions, with his most recent conviction on 5 July 2024. When I met him on Tuesday (in court), he wasnt in great shape, said Ms Fitzpatrick. Thanks to the good work of the gardai, the item was recovered. Judge Andrew Cody said: Hes a young man with 119 previous convictions. He wanted to know: Had he any other reason of being in Portlaoise, apart from stealing? We have enough of our own without tourists coming in to steal as well. He went on to convict Mr Keenan of the offence and jailed him for six months. Ms Fitzpatrick asked to fix recognisance if her client wished to appeal against the sentence. Judge Cody commented: He is the man that did a runner from the court (two days previously) and was arrested on the Main Street by gardai. The judge went in to fix an own bail recognisance of 2,000, a cash lodgement of 100 and an independent surety of 1,000. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme. "THE ancient motorways of Ireland" was how Barrowline Cruise owner Orla Conroy described the centuries-old, tangled webwork of man-made canals and natural rivers which span the length and breadth of Ireland, a blue map that binds even landlocked counties like Laois to our most famous rivers like the Shannon and the Dodder and, eventually, the sea. itself. Orla considers the canals a "beautiful" amenity and an especially striking way for tourists to see the countryside, instilled by a different perspective on the rolling hills and coarse woodlands than they would otherwise find screeching down a motorway at 100 kilometres an hour and thus missing out on some of the most emblematic sights in the blink of an eye. Trips down the canals offer a languid, tranquil passage through the Irish midlands, where you can actually hear the rustle of trees and chirrup of woodland critters and breathe in the perfume of nature. A romantic image, but one which, tragically, has seen a fall in recent years. Based in Vicarstown, Orla and her husband Philip have been running their successful barge tour business for over 25 years; renting out traditional deep-bellied barges to tourists so that they can either tour south down the canal as far as St Mullins or avail of the northern route, which can take people either onto the Shannon or the Grand Canal, which threads through Dublin city centre. In decades of operation, they have enjoyed plenty of success, proud of how far people have come from across the globe to rent their barges customers have come from as far as Australia, New Zealand and South American nations. That being said, the international draw and reputation as a provider of quality tourism has been damaged by what they and the wider barge tours community see as a widespread deterioration in the upkeep and maintenance of the canals, an issue which they lay firmly at the door of Waterways Ireland. "Unfortunately, we have found that the canal conditions have just grown worse over the years. Last year in particular was a particularly bad year for weed growth; when the weeds grow, they get heavy and they get caught round the propellers of the boat and that's a major issue, but also there's the lack of water on parts of the canal, too, and that is another issue," said Orla. Orla says that Waterways Ireland claim to be working to address these issues or say that they will eventually do something to address the problems with water pumps and canal drainage, but "thats no good to us when you own a private business. You're depending on customers and your livelihood and you have to come up with a solution. And the problem is Waterways Ireland have done plenty of talking on the issues over the years, but nothings been done about them. And they really got so bad the last year." And these issues are already having an effect on tourism: "We had three Australian customers for just three weeks and they reached a part of the canal just past Tullamore. Their aim was to get on the River Shannon, but they basically just ran out of water. We contacted Waterways Ireland to arrange so that they had just barely enough to get through and they eventually came onto the Shannon, but it wasn't a positive experience for them and we have absolutely no control over that." Another couple from Switzerland, both of whom had spent years touring the Shannon in the summer months, decided that they wanted to try their hand at the canals in and around Vicarstown, availing of Orla and Philips Barrowline service, but in the end word of how difficult navigating the canals had become reached their ears and so they instead decided to take their money to the UK. "And if you ask Waterways Ireland, we have heard from them that there aren't that many boats on this system. Well, there aren't that many boats on the system because of these problems." Orla identifies that there needs to be more clearing of the waterway feeders that line the banks of the canals when they become clogged with weeds and bracken, the amount of water available to the main canal falls more dredging, further purchase of proper equipment that allows them to both cull and harvest the weeds and better maintenance of pumps. As things stand, the Barrowline company and other similar enterprises are being forced to fork out vast sums in the repair of propellers and engines, specialist work which is not quick, easy or cheap to complete. In conclusion, Orla says: "Things got worse because the issues that were highlighted just weren't addressed basically and thats' how they got worse over the years." Again, the business owner believes that Waterways Ireland is lacking in its approach and should step up to their responsibilities more. The Laois Nationalist reached out to Waterways Ireland for comment and this is what they said: Canals custodianship: Waterways Ireland takes its statutory management and maintenance responsibilities for the canals very seriously and is committed to working with stakeholders in its role as custodian to protect and improve the amenity potential of the canals and to safeguard recreational opportunities and accessibility for all users of the navigations. The River Barrow is a special area of conservation. Due to evolving environmental case law, certain aspects of routine maintenance work now require planning permission. Water level management: As man-made waterways, our canals are entirely dependent on water supply from natural sources, such as rivers, lakes and groundwater. The canal sections in Laois are dredged and have good depth. Waterways Ireland has developed a water management strategy for the canals, examining all options to source more water for, direct more water to and retain more water in the navigations. 2025 saw historically low ground water levels in Pollardstown fen, which feeds both the Barrow line and the Grand Canal. This was also the case in Lough Owel, which feeds the Royal Canal. The midlands experienced drought conditions during the summer of 2025. The pressures on canal water supply are not unique to the island of Ireland. Climate change is intensifying these pressures. Weed management: Lower rainfall, extended periods of sunshine and consistent dry weather spells led to ideal conditions for weed growth from early spring in 2025. Waterways Ireland deployed all available weed-cutting resources to manage this issue and has an updated weed management plan for 2026. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller told Latin American leaders that cartels "can only be defeated with military power." Miller made the remarks in the context of the Shield of the Americas Summit, where the Trump administration is hosting friendly Latin American governments in Miami to discuss security matters. Stephen Miller: "The cartels that operate in this hemisphere are the ISIS and the Al-Qaeda of the Western Hemisphere and should be treated just as brutally and just as ruthlessly as we treat those organizations...Theres not a criminal justice solution to the cartel pic.twitter.com/8m5yBXuTlt Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 5, 2026 Miller said that there has been a "paradigm shift under president trump in the Western Hemisphere in the past 14 months" under the second Trump administration and that "we're not going to cede an inch of territory to our enemies or adversaries." "For too long we have allowed foreign enemies, adversaries, and enemy terrorist organizations to control territory and spaces in this hemisphere. Where they can project power, threats and directly threaten the lives of your citizens and ours," Miller added. He went on to say that the administration is using "military power and lethal force to protect and defend the American homeland," and called on officials to follow suit. "Not a single one of your nations should tolerate the existence of a single square mile of territory that is under the control of any entity other than the sovereign governments of your country," Miller said. "There's not a criminal justice solution to the cartel problem. There are elements that require criminal justice solutions, to be sure. But just as we fought Al-Qaeda and ISIS with the tip of a very lethal sphere, the reason why this is a conference with military leadership and not lawyers is that these organizations can only be defeated with military power," he concluded. The administration has been pushing administrations in the region to forcefully crack down on these organizations. Mexico is perhaps the most notable example, with reports claiming that the Claudia Sheinbaum administration was recently under pressure to launch an operation against Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho" and longtime leader of the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion, which ended with his killing. Moreover, the Southern Command announced this week that U.S. forces played a role in operations in Ecuador aimed at weakening "designated terrorist organizations" inside the South American country. Although few details were released about what the operations entail, the military suggested the effort is an extension of the strikes carried out by the Trump administration against suspected drug cartels in the region. "We commend the men and women of the Ecuadorian armed forces for their unwavering commitment to this fight, demonstrating courage and resolve through continued actions against narco terrorists in their country," said Marine Gen. Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command. Originally published on Latin Times A newly formed Laois heritage group have launched a petition to see Abbeyleix host the 2027 annual commemoration of the Great Famine. The Abbeyleix & District Heritage Society, spearheaded by Mr Noel Burke, have launched this petition to bring 'recognition' to Abbeyleix's famine history. The Irish Famine Commemoration Day is a major event held in May each year to mark and reflect on the impact and legacy of the Great Famine. The main national event rotates across the country every year, with Kilmallock in County Limerick hosting this year's events. Pictured: Abbeyleix hospital and former workhouse. Photo credit: Noel Burke "When you look at a map of Ireland, there are famine grounds marked all around the country. You won't find one famine graveyard officially marked in Laois, despite Abbeyleix being the main workhouse at that time," Mr Burke told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "It's high time that Abbeyleix is recognised on a national level, and we would like to see the community support us in this petition," he said. In 2025, Cllr Marie Tuohy put forth the motion that Abbeyleix host The Irish Famine Commemoration Day in May 2026 at the November meeting of Laois County Council. "The Council backed our plan, with the majority of Councillors in favour of signing our petition. We wish to nominate Abbeyleix to host the commemoration on Sunday May 3, 2027, and to incorporate a reenactment of local people in 19th Century clothing, walking from the square up to the hospital, which is the site of the old workhouse," Mr Burke said. "Last year we had a plaque installed at the hospital site, in memory of the hundreds of people who are buried in mass graves on the hospital grounds. It was the first time in 183 years that the hospital was officially recognised as a workhouse, all that time went by without a plaque or commemoration," he said. In the 1980's, local man Martin Fennelly uncovered hundreds of bodies buried behind the hospital, thrown in a large mass grave during the famine. Pictured: The site on the grounds of Abbeyleix hospital where several hundred bodies were buried during the famine. Photo: historic graves "The bodies were only buried six inches beneath the ground, Martin uncovered this through researching the monthly meetings of the workhouse garrisons. It was a horrendous time, and the effects the famine had on Abbeyleix must be acknowledged," Mr Burke said. The Abbeyleix & District Heritage Society recently received funding of 1,300 from Creative Laois to see the construction of an authentic famine workhouse cart, which was used to transport people and bodies during the 1840's. The cart will be constructed in conjunction with Abbeyleix Men's Shed and artist Paddy Carroll. "Cllr Marie Tuohy is also donating 3,000 towards the building of the workhouse cart, which is of great benefit to the community. These carts were used to transport people from workhouse to workhouse, and was used for carrying bodies," he explained. "We would hope to use it for our reenactment should we host the famine commemoration in 2027. We hope to see the community get behind us in this petition," Mr Burke finished. To sign the Abbeyleix & District Heritage Society's petition, click here. Ireland AM presenter Deric Hartigan issues statement after claims he was using AI to enhance his recent photos. The Limerick man is soaking up the sun in Italy and posting images of his weight loss transformation after training hard for the last three years and losing 13kg. Under a recent social media post, there has been claims he used AI to enhance his photos. One person commented, "I think you are using AI I know you are looking great but that's taking the proverbial". Another person said, "What in the AI are you turning men worldwide". In response, Deric posted a statement expressing his frustration against the negative claims, proving them to be untrue. READ NEXT: Why is there no RTE Late Late Show tonight as replacement is confirmed? - Ireland Live He said: "Please stop with the AI comments. I've trained so hard every day for 6 months with my PT since last August 2025 after 3 years of mental upset and putting on a lot of emotional weight. "Since then I've given up alcohol; no chocolate, no sweets, no crisps, no bread, no pasta, no deserts. I've given up a lot and documented my journey along the way: having now lost 13kg in total. "Dropped 18% bodyfat from 24% to 6%. I've sacrificed a lot but I finally feel great and getting back on track so now I'm enjoying the results of the hard work. So please stop with this AI crap, be kind and go paddle your own canoe. I'm very focused in my own little lane". Despite some negative comments, Deric has received a huge amount of supportive feedback from people in awe of his incredible body transformation results. Many people told him that he looks amazing and that all of his hard work has paid off. One person in particular said : "Well now..... that's got to be the most inspired I've felt in a long time. Absolutely incredible. Determination + consistency + hard work = success". Laois locals have much to consider this week, having been invited to suggest someone local to be the face of a new mural. The Dunamaise Arts Centre, in partnership with The Walls Project and Creative Laois, is looking for someone to be immortalised in a large-scale mural in Portlaoise by internationally acclaimed street artist Zabou. French born and London based artist Zabou is responsible for a wide array of gorgeous murals across the world, including a famous one of Cillian Murphy in New Ross. Pictured: New Ross mural by French street artist Zabou "If you represent the resilience, creativity, diversity & community spirit of Laois, submit a photo and short paragraph about yourself. Your portrait could brighten Main Street and become a landmark for the town!" The Dunamaise Arts Centre shared. Submissions are open to anyone living or working in Laois. For those under the age of 18, parent or guardian consent is required. The Walls Project was established in Ireland by the creatives behind Waterford's famous murals. Their aim is to break down the barriers between art and communities, and to celebrate street art as a powerful tool in urban regeneration. Do you think you deserve a spot on the wall? Do you know someone who does? Let us know your suggestions in the comments below! Portarlington is set to become one of the first locations outside of Dublin to have an ebike library. Portarlington Community Development Association(PCDA) is looking for Bike Ambassadors to take part in the new project. PCDA Chairman Aidan Mullally said the project has attracted a lot of interest locally. It aims to get regular car users to trial, and in Mr Mullallys words try before you buy, electric bikes for their daily commute. He explained that many people in the town would drive to the train station every day and that they could now have the option of trying an ebike instead. He said the purpose was to allow people who may be driving or commuting on a daily basis to use an alternative mode of transport. Mr Mullally is hopeful that the new initiative will take off when it is launched in Portarlington next month. Mr Mullally said the timing of the project was well timed as it will coincide with the delivery of bicycle lanes on Station Road and Canal Road in Portarlington. The Bike Library will offer users the opportunity to borrow three different types of ebikes for a three month period once they place a 150 deposit which will be returned at the end of the three months. The bikes are either a long tail bike, cargo bike or foldable bike. Mr Mullally said the bikes, which are fitted with GPS and data recorders, cost in the region of 4,000 to buy. They will be available to Bike Ambassadors in the hope of converting car users and other commuters to ebike users. Mr Mullally said the bikes record use and location and if they arent being used for weeks on end, the person who has borrowed the bike will be contacted and asked if they want to return it early so that another user can get a chance. In total, the project will begin with nine ebikes. PCDA are looking for Bike Ambassadors who would like to participate in the New eBike project. Email : info@portarlington.ie A company based in County Kildare has been accused of engaging in oil price gouging. The allegation was made by Sinn Fein TD Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh, who represents Kildare South. However, she did not name the company she was referring to in her allegation. The Deputy's comments follow after a controversial jump in fuel prices occurred earlier this week due to recent conflicts in the Middle East. READ NEXT: Fire crew called after car is set ablaze in this Kildare region While speaking directly to An Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Fianna Fail), Deputy Ni Raghallaigh said that it was "not good enough" for him to criticise alleged price gouging, "and then to do absolutely nothing about it". The Kildare town-based rep told him: "Families in South Kildare are already feeling the effects of the US and Israels illegal war against Iran in their pockets, Taoiseach. "It has been brought to my attention that one Kildare-based company raised their price for a fill of oil by 200 overnight. "This is price gouging, pure and simple," she alleged. "Working families are at the pin of their collars and a disproportionate increase like this is the difference between heating the home or not." She also asked An Taoiseach at the time: "Can you tell me what your government is going to do to put manners on the companies profiteering on the backs of working families? And will you consider reversing regressive carbon taxes that will make it even more expensive for people to heat their homes going forward." READ NEXT: GALLERY: Kildare author John MacKenna launches latest book, 'The Lock Keeper's Wife' in Athy FURTHER CRITICISM Moreover, Deputy Ni Raghallaigh criticised the Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke (Fine Gael). According to her, she said that it was "not good enough" for the Minister to meet with energy companies at the end of the week, especially as "families need support now". In addition, she claimed that her party are "putting forward ideas to end the energy rip-off". She said: "My colleague Pa Daly TD brought forward two pieces of legislation today to address affordability. "Sinn Feins legislation would give the regulator the power to: tackle price gougingand monitor and sanction anti-competitive behaviour by energy companies "The Bills would also enhance transparency through the introduction of a new duty for energy companies to publish data on their pricing strategies; addresses the fact that energy companies can set their standing charges." Furthermore, she claimed that Deputy Dalys legislation would mandate the energy regulator to "take energy affordability seriously" and "make it their priority, rather than being treated as an afterthought". Teachta Ni Raghallaigh concluded by asserting: "It is time our do-nothing government get its act together and end the rip-off." The Deputy made headlines earlier this week when she expressed concern over a potential Special Needs Assistant crisis one which she feared could "loom" over Kildare in the near future. Sinn Fein TD Shonagh Ni Rhallaigh. File photograph READ NEXT: Well-known Kildare university's writing collection highlights 'creativity and prowess' of its students Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. A minutes silence will be held in Naas for the International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers this Friday, March 6. All members of the public are welcome to attend Naas Garda Station where the mark of respect will take place on the steps outside at 6:30pm. The station lights will be turned blue and the flag will fly at half-mast until sundown on Saturday, March 7. READ NEXT: Nearly 200 apartments get green light beside Canal in Kildare Also on Saturday, An Garda Siochana will join police services across the world in recognising INTERPOLs International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Police Officers. To date, 90 members of An Garda Siochana have died while protecting their communities. A spokesperson for gardai in Kildare said on social media, This day serves as an opportunity to pause, reflect and remember their courage and sacrifice. Please join us in paying tribute to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. By Eimear Dodd A current Kildare resident who was pulled over after gardai noticed he was holding a phone while driving was storing over 330,000 of the drug in his home. Dylan Reilly (25) with an address in 2024 of Riverview, Ballycanew, Gorey, Co. Wexford pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of cannabis and cannabis resin for sale or supply. An investigating garda told Aideen Collard BL, prosecuting, that gardai were on patrol as part of an operation at the Carrickmines Retail Park on October 28, 2024 when they noticed a silver Ford Focus driving into a parking space. READ NEXT; Kildare driver facing penalties in court. Gardai spotted Reilly was holding a mobile phone and went to get his details. There was a strong smell of cannabis in the vehicle and searches of Reilly, the passenger and the car were carried out. 50 worth of cannabis was found on the male passenger, with Ms Collard noting this person was not before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. When the car was searched, 1,700 of cannabis was found in a clear container, along with a weighing scale and clear plastic bags for packing the drug. Reilly immediately took ownership of the car and the drugs. He was arrested and made admissions during interview. A house he was renting in Camolin, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford was searched in the early hours of the following day. Cannabis herb and cannabis resin, with a combined value of over 334,000, were found during the search, along with a weighing scales, a ticklist and grinders. During interview, Reilly said he was a cannabis user, had a drugs debt and was given a car by others to carry out drug-dealing on their behalf to pay off the debt. He has five previous convictions, all for road traffic offences. The garda agreed with Desmond Dockery SC, defending, that his client took responsibility for the drugs in the car. It was further accepted that Reilly took a car from his supplier when his own car broke down, increasing his debt from around 2,000 to 6,000. The garda agreed with Mr Dockery that his client was told his home was needed to store drugs for a short period of time, that his debt was not being cleared fast enough and he was threatened. It was accepted that Reilly believed the threats and refused to give any names out of fear. Reilly is now living in Naas, Co. Kildare, complied with his bail conditions, and has not come to recent garda attention. Mr Dockery said his client started to use cannabis as a teenager and has recently been engaging with addiction counselling. A negative urinalysis was provided to the court, along with several references. He said his client started to use drugs as a teenager and was later coaxed into dealing small amounts of the drug to repay his debt. He said Reilly fell into temptation by accepting the car, which increased his debt. Mr Dockery asked the court to consider his client's early guilty plea, co-operation and efforts to address his addiction. Counsel said his client is now engaged, has been working and appreciates he won't be going back to work any time soon as he recognises he is facing a custodial sentence. Remanding Reilly on continuing bail, Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the finalisation of the case for one week. Residents in Leitrim will have the opportunity to check in on their heart health later this month when the Irish Heart Foundations Mobile Health Unit visits Carrigallen offering free heart health checks. The unit will be stationed outside The Corn Mill Theatre on Main Street on Thursday, March 26, from 10am to 3.45pm. Members of the public are invited to drop in and have their blood pressure and pulse checked, as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting heart health and encouraging the early detection of hypertension (high blood pressure) one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. The Irish Heart Foundations Mobile Health Unit carries out up to 10,000 free blood pressure checks each year in communities across Ireland, helping to identify people who may be living with high blood pressure without realising it. During the checks, expert nurses will also provide advice on lifestyle changes and heart health, as well as information on identifying conditions such as atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat that can lead to serious complications if left untreated. The free service is open to all members of the public and no appointment is necessary. Residents are encouraged to call in throughout the day while the mobile unit is in Carrigallen. READ NEXT: Leitrim school set for major expansion with brand new classrooms and facilities A Leitrim woman has been named the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) National Employee of the Year at the IHFs Annual Conference in Killarney. Chantalle Wymbs from Kinlough works as Chef de Partie at Harveys Point in Donegal. The award celebrates and recognises hotel team members who have made an outstanding contribution to their workplace. National winner Chantalle didnt always plan to work in hospitality, initially pursuing an art and design degree before deciding to utilise her creativity in the kitchen instead. This led her to complete a culinary course in Killybegs. Now a valued member of the team at Harveys Point for four years, Chantalle is a Chef de Partie and serves as the hotels allergen champion. She is highly motivated and has demonstrated both initiative and ambition by asking award-winning chefs if she could stage in their restaurants to further develop her cookery skills. READ NEXT: Leitrim school set for major expansion with brand new classrooms and facilities When she is not working, she loves to cook for her family, in particular for her granny and her young son. Presenting Ms Wymbs with her award, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said, Hearty congratulations Chantalle on this national recognition of your outstanding contribution to the superb offering at Harveys Point. People represent the authentic and human face of the sector, and the impact of your work ethic, leadership and talent, and that of your fellow awardees, is rightly being celebrated here tonight. You are a champion of quality, taking pride in your craft, and an inspiration to your peers, well done on your award. On behalf of all our members in Donegal, I would like to congratulate Chantalle on winning this amazing award. Chantalle is a fantastic ambassador for our hotel sector. Her innovation, dedication and leadership inspire her team and consistently elevate the guest experience, said Aisling Arnold, IHF Donegal Chair. She is a testament to the thousands of hard-working hotel team members throughout the country who deliver genuine hospitality and customer care every day. Well done Chantalle. IHF President Michael Magner paid tribute to the high calibre of people working within the sector and commented that Chantalles warmth, creative approach and passion for elevating the customers experience is truly admirable. READ NEXT: Body of Leitrim man to be exhumed as new post mortem is planned IHF members nominated over 170 team members for this years awards in Killarney, with 11 branch winners celebrated as finalists on the night. Chantalle Wymbs, Chef de Partie at Harveys Point, receiving the overall IHF Hotel Employee of The Year finalsist award from Peter Burke TD, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and IHF President Michael Magner. Photo Don MacMonagle. The Saxon Shore (litus Saxonicum) was a military command consisting of fortifications built on both sides of the English Channel, which were established in the late 3rd century AD to defend Britain against the incursion of Saxon raiders. Its nine English forts are mentioned in the Notitia Dignitatum, a document that details the administrative organisation of the late Roman Empire. Over this and next months column, I will visit each of these forts in turn, from the exposed north Norfolk coast to the shelter of Portsmouth harbour. Current Archaeology has covered all nine sites over the years, but as CA 182 (November 2002) notes, archaeology provides an incomplete record, and in the case of the shore forts, the gaps in the evidence are chasms. This is perhaps why there has never been a comprehensive survey of these sites in Current Archaeology, and why there is no straightforward starting point for this column. Nonetheless, I will flag three interesting articles to commence with: CA 275 (February 2013) on North Sea coastal communities, CA 332 (November 2017) on the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants of the Fens, and CA 336 (March 2018) on how the Roman military shaped industrial infrastructure in Britain, all of which refer to the workings of the Saxon Shore. What these articles reveal is more than just the history of each fort in isolation, but rather a palimpsest that includes the local farming communities that supplied them, the troops who garrisoned them, and what finds from these sites reveal about changes in late Roman society. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys of Branodunum were conducted by Time Team in 2012, revealing the layout of the shore fort in remarkable detail, as was reported in CA 276. BRANODUNUM, BRANCASTER, NORFOLK Branodunum lies to the east of the modern village of Brancaster, halfway between Hunstanton and Burnham Market. The fort was built to guard the Wash approaches, and during the Roman period its northern wall lay directly on the seashore, which served as a harbour; since then, the shoreline has shifted, and the fort now lies inland of salt marshes. The site has been subject to periodic investigation, including by Time Team in 2012, who carried out ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys. Producing one of the great wow moments of the television show, these revealed a wealth of detail about its layout (see CA 276, March 2013). What is especially interesting about the site is that it has been studied both inside and out, including explorations of the civilian settlement immediately beyond its east gate, as reported in CA 44 (May 1974), which showed the communitys complete layout down to individual house plots. Later evidence for settlement has also been found there, including during the Anglo-Saxon era, as was reported in CA 85 (December 1982), and as will become a pattern across this column this is usefully compared to other settlements both near and far away, such as the early medieval village at Dunstons Clump, near Babworth, Nottinghamshire. Closer to home, CA 211 (September 2007) suggested links between the fort and the Roman villa at Gayton Thorpe near Kings Lynn (perhaps as a supplier of grain and other materials), 32km (20 miles) south along the Icknield Way. The larger context of these Roman Fenlands is examined in CA 295 (October 2014): was this in fact one great imperial estate, with the farmsteads and the forts inexorably interlinked and the roads, rivers, and canals shipping grain, salt, and other commodities to military distribution centres like Brancaster? The magazine has over the years flagged finds, too, that show the shifting cultures of these forts notably, from Brancaster, a 4th-century ring bearing a Christian inscription which was reported in CA 284 (November 2013). GARIANNONUM, BURGH CASTLE/CAISTER-ON-SEA, NORFOLK The archaeological record of Englands Saxon Shore forts is incomplete, with some sites better studied than others. The example at Portchester, Hampshire, made the cover of CA 187 when the magazine examined the career of Stephen Johnson and particularly his work at the Heritage Lottery Fund (now the National Lottery Heritage Fund). Gariannonum has been identified as either Burgh Castle on the River Waveney, located just before its confluence with the River Yare to the west of Great Yarmouth, or at Caister-on-Sea, 9km (6 miles) away at the mouth of the River Bure to the north of Great Yarmouth. During the Roman period, the sites lay on opposite shores of a large estuary, the modern remnant of which is Breydon Water. The significance of landscape- and seascape-change in this area since the Roman era is crucial to our understanding of both sites: as the map in CA 270 (September 2012, p.32) demonstrates, the great estuary of the River Yare made water transport around this area the easiest option, including travel inland to the major local town of Venta Icenorum/Caistor St Edmund. This last site, just to the south of modern-day Norwich, was the capital of the Iceni people. Its interior is explored in CA 270 (September 2012); see also CA 344 (November 2018), CA 356 (November 2019), CA 380 (November 2021), CA 393 (December 2022), CA 406 (January 2024), and CA 419 (February 2025), as well as next months issue, for coverage of more recent work outside the settlements walls. Both Burgh Castle and Caister-on-Sea have been investigated since the 1950s, revealing a range of finds that indicate their high-status interconnections: for example, a collection of late Roman glass from Burgh Castle, which was reported in CA 186 (June 2003). OTHONA, BRADWELL-ON-SEA, ESSEX On p.32 of CA 270, a map depicts the great estuary of the River Yare, and the sites of Burgh Castle and Caister-on-Sea on opposite shores. Othona lies near the modern-day village of Bradwell-on-Sea, at the edge of the Dengie Peninsula, controlling entry to the estuaries of the rivers Blackwater and Colne the latter waterway leading to Camulodunum/Colchester (see my column in CA 424, July 2025). Although some of the forts Roman building material was reused in the extant 7th-century chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, most of the former site has since been lost to coastal erosion. (St Peter is compared to St John the Baptist at Reedham, which has similar late Roman origins, in CA 420, March 2025.) Enough of the ramparts survived into the 17th century for it to be described by the local historian Philemon Holland as a huge ruin, but given the scale of land-loss, the site has never been subject to in-depth investigation. It remains the most elusive of the nine shore forts (and the only one not to have had any direct reporting in Current Archaeology). However, the Anglo-Saxon chapel of St Peter, standing lonely among the salt marshes, remains a wonderfully atmospheric place to visit. REGULBIUM, RECULVER, KENT Regulbium lies near the modern-day village of Reculver, on the north Kent coast to the east of Herne Bay. The fort stood on the mainland side of the northern entrance to the mile-wide Wantsum Channel, which separated the Isle of Thanet from the mainland. By the 7th century, Reculver had become a landed estate of the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, and the site of the Roman fort was given over for the establishment of a monastery, subsequently developing into a township, until coastal change forced its decline in the 17th century, causing it to be largely abandoned by the late 18th century. Due to the sites multi-period significance, it has been investigated from the 1950s onwards (see CA 196, March 2005). A marker of the cosmopolitan nature of Roman Reculver was reported in CA 58 (September 1977), which featured a review of Roman mirrors found in Britain, including a rare example of a silvered glass mirror from the fort, comparable with similar finds from Ospringe, also in Kent, and York. As at Gariannonum, though, the most interesting reporting from Current Archaeology comes not from the forts themselves, but from the places the forts were connected to. CA 193 (August 2004) reported on Minster-in-Thanet, a Roman villa that is landlocked today but in the past lay close to the shore of the Wantsum Channel. This site was excavated between 1996 and 2001, revealing an Iron Age farmstead that evolved by the 1st century AD into a substantial villa complex, feeding into both the military networks at Reculver and the civilian ones at nearby Richborough. A connection from later in the sites history then comes in CA 284 (November 2013) and CA 355 (October 2019), highlighting the architectural similarities between the 7th-century royal settlement (especially its church) at Lyminge, 40km (25 miles) south-west of the fort, hinting at the cultural connections that existed across Kent in the period. The career of Brian Philp, a veteran Kent rescue archaeologist, is highlighted in CA 196, including his early days excavating at Reculver. All the forts have elements that can be visited. For more details, go to the websites: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/norfolk/brancaster-estate/branodunum-roman-fort, www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/burgh-castle, www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/caister-roman-fort, www.bradwellchapel.org, and www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/reculver-towers-and-roman-fort. The owner of an iconic Aussie pub has been forced into a desperate act as coastal erosion rapidly threatens to engulf the region. Glen Trebilcock, owner of Lancelin Sands Hotel in Western Australia, sprang into action as the water edged dangerously close. Trebilcock hired his own front-end loader to move sand to desperately reinforce the area in front of the waterfront pub. "Its creeping in at a remarkable speed," he said, adding, "Its time to start getting nervous." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Lancelin, north of Perth, lost 35 metres of coastline. Now, locals are pleading with authorities to take action. I dont want to wake up tomorrow morning and find that the front of my restaurant has ended up in the water, he told PerthNow. Its definitely a possibility." Sand replacement works at the beach were completed by the Shire of Gingin in September, and last month, the shire voted to start a design process for a temporary rock-bag wall solution. However, GinGin Shire president Linda Balcombe warned that "no matter how much money we spend, it'll be a short-term fix until we can come up with a long-term plan". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nationals leader Shane Love agreed the situation is dire. "Just 12 months ago, a public footpath and a vegetated sand dune stood between the hotel and the sea. Today, both are gone," he said. "In October last year, 900 cubic metres of rehabilitation sand was placed along this stretch of coast to fix the problem. Every single cube has now been washed away." Shocking images show a dramatic change in Lancelins coastline between 2020 (left), and May last year, where it's estimated 25 metres of beach has been lost. Source: Facebook/Lancelin Oceanographer calls for authorities to step in Last year, a leading oceanographer told Yahoo News authorities need to plan for long-term environmental change, warning that erosion-prone coastlines must be managed with future generations in mind. Monash University's Professor Ruth Reef says the rapid erosion seen in places like Lancelin swathes of land has disappeared since 2020 reflects a broader national trend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Environmental change poses real societal challenges, and any change to the environment is accompanied by feelings of loss, and I have empathy for people experiencing such losses," she said. "Coastal zones are inherently dynamic, especially when considering timescales that involve infrastructure that is designed for centuries, such as homes and roads. It is important that town planning considers such well-known, long timescale changes so that community impacts are minimised." Why are dunes so vital to our beaches? Reef said dune systems are essential to coastal resilience and that disturbing vegetation or trampling dune crusts such as through four-wheel-driving can "destabilise dunes by breaking cohesion, making them easier to erode under normal sea conditions". "They trample vegetation and break fine cohesive layers that develop in sand over time [crusts]. They can also reshape the beach and redirect water flow through channelling," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said vegetation plays a key role in preventing erosion during storms, with decades of scientific studies showing coastal plants "enhance the cohesion of the sand on the dune, making it so less sand is moved offshore." While seawalls and barriers can protect assets in some cases, Reef said their cost and unintended consequences make them unsuitable for widespread use. A 2020 image shows a decent walk down to the beach from the nearby reserve. Source: Facebook/Lancelin "We can arrest the movement of sand by building barriers such as sea walls, but these are very expensive to build and to maintain, and they do have an impact on other parts of the coastal system that can lead to erosion elsewhere," she said. "Sometimes the best idea is to let the shoreline realign to the new conditions through a managed retreat of our assets." "Depending on the timescales, eventually this coastline will be underwater as sea levels rise yes, you can protect it, but it will be costly. Often, relocation is cheaper. This is something for communities to decide how to invest their resources." The beach is far from the only area of Aussie coastline that is on the move. Source: Facebook/Lancelin In 2023, a draft coastal risk management plan strongly recommended that Lancelin begins removing assets and retreating from areas forecast to face severe flooding and erosion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The plan included stark mapping that placed most of the towns infrastructure at high or very high flood risk within 50 years, warning it would be "difficult to protect in the long term." It also ruled out major interventions like seawalls, groynes and offshore reefs as unfeasible. But under pressure from local backlash, the Shire shelved the plan. "A group of people in town think the plan was over the top, and we didnt need to relocate," one long-time property owner told The Age, requesting anonymity due to the controversy. Lancelin is about 127 kilometres north of Perth, another coastal region that's also battling to combat significant erosion. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Members of the Engineering Society of Liberia (ESOL) participate in a parade through Monrovia as part of activities marking World Engineering Day. Drowning after a dingo attack has been ruled the official cause of death of a 19-year-old Canadian backpacker on Kgari. Piper James was found surrounded by a pack of 10 dingoes on a beach near a campsite where she was living and working early on January 19, prompting an investigation into the nature of her death. A spokesperson for the Coroners Court of Queensland said Ms James died as a result of drowning in the setting of multiple injuries, due to, or as a consequence of a dingo attack. Canadian backpacker Piper James. Picture: Supplied The investigation into Pipers death is ongoing, and no further information can be provided at this time, the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms James father Todd told The Courier-Mail he had spoken to his daughter the day before her death, and that she was respectful of dingoes and the danger they pose. She loved being where she was, but maybe she let her guard down. Bad things can happen, he said. She loves animals, we got all the pictures of the kangaroos, but she was respectful of the dingoes. Since she was six she always wanted to travel to Australia, I just always remember her and her girlfriend planning a trip. Ms James parents Angela and Todd spoke at her funeral service back on home soil in Canada. Picture: YouTube Ms James close friend Taylor Stricker, who had been travelling with her at the time, remembered her travel companion as a person who showed up without question through lifes moments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Piper had the gentlest soul wrapped in the toughest shell, and loving her felt inevitable, Ms Stricker wrote on social media. She opened my eyes to the beauty of this world and taught me how to lean into life instead of standing on the edges of it. My friend, I will hold you with me in every sunset, every visit to the ocean, every fearless choice I make. Youll always be my one and only Piper. Locals have noticed behavioural changes in Kgaris dingoes over the years, including a heightened level of confidence around humans. Picture: supplied Fraser Coast councillor John Weiland, who is the local representative for Kgari, a location he has been frequenting for the last 35 years, has witnessed dingo behaviour change quite dramatically. They just dont have a fear of people anymore. Theyre not even cautious, Mr Weiland said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive driven right up to one in the car and its come up, jumped up onto my door to have a smell in the window and then wandered off. Theyre not bothered at all. And when they arent bothered by people and theyre hungry, thats where were getting dangerous situations. Mr Weiland said meaningful increased protections for both dingoes and people was an ongoing issue on the island, and euthanising the animals in the aftermath of an incident was very divisive. When it comes to peoples safety, you cant leave any door closed. You cant take any chances. Zero injuries is the only acceptable total, he said. Mr Weiland said meaningful increased protections were needed for both dingoes and humans. Picture: Supplied The last recorded fatal dingo attack on Kgari took place in 2001, when nine-year-old Clinton Gage was killed by a pair of dingoes after being separated from his mother near Waddy Point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms James parents have asked the Queensland coroner to review the policies governing the sharing of information by rangers about the risk of dingo attacks, the ABC reports. A spokesperson from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said: We extend our deepest sympathies to Piper James family and loved ones. Visitor safety is always our highest priority, and we took a range of actions immediately in response to the incident, a spokesperson said. People are reminded to always follow dingo safety advice to have a safe trip to Kgari. Dingoes are a common sight on Kgari, and visitors are told to maintain a distance from the animals, which often roam in packs. Picture: supplied All tour operators on Kgari are required to induct their staff on the departments current dingo messaging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A heightened dingo activity alert was issued on December 12 last year and all tour operators were notified. These alerts are seasonal and occur several times a year on Kgari. In response to Ms Pipers death, additional staff were deployed to the island to increase patrols and engage with the community after the incident. Eight of the 10 dingoes involved in the incident have since been euthanised. Dingoes are pack hunters. They are apex predators in the islands ecosystem and need to be treated with respect and safety in mind, the departments website reads. They should never be confused with domestic pets and do not obey commands from people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The department also recommends keeping a distance, carrying a safety stick when walking out in the open, and staying in groups as much as possible. Since the incident, the campgrounds have remained closed. A TRUCK driver was fined in Limerick City District Court for causing a collision on Junction 28 on the N7, Limerick. John Murray, 65, with a home address at Ballycar Road, Newmarket, Clare, crashed into a car with his truck, which lifted the vehicle into the air while two people were inside on April 3, 2025. Garda evidence detailed that he came over on the fast lane at speed, At the time, Garda Pauline Coughlan was directing traffic due to a bog fire that had broken out nearby. READ MORE: BREAKING: Limerick student pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing the deaths of two young men Garda Coughlan said that when Mr Murray was driving he turned and lacked observation. The garda said that the truck Mr Murray drove was huge, and that she saw the speeding myself. The court heard that the collision left a small dent in the truck, but the car that was hit had to be written off. Garda Coughlan said the man gave the pair quite a fright. Solicitor Darach McCarthy, defending Mr Murray, said that his client is a professional driver working for the OPW. Mr McCarthy refuted that Mr Murray was speeding, and said this element of the case was in dispute. The court heard that the man was doing a speed of 80km, but his speed was not officially measured during the incident. Judge Patricia Harney said that Mr Murray could have a hearing if the details of the case were contested. Either youre pleading guilty or youre not, the judge commented. Judge Harney convicted Mr Murray of careless driving, and fined him 500. -Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme A BRAZILIAN man has been given a suspended prison sentence for breaching a safety order and intimidating his former partner. The matter was heard 'in-camera' in Newcastle West District Court, so the identity of both the accused and the victim is protected. No names, locations or identifying factors can be given. A victim impact statement referred to in court said that the former partner was afraid and now feels unsafe. The court heard that the man arrived to his former partner's house, refused to leave when he was asked to and stayed outside the house, which caused fear. I'm constantly afraid that he'll return, the victim impact statement read. READ ALSO: New regional health forum set up dedicated to the Mid-West region to examine issues at Limerick hospital Judge Carol Anne Coolican said that the fact that their son witnessed this incident is an aggravating factor. The judge stressed that they had been in a previous relationship and viewed this as another aggravating factor. She did take the man's early admissions into consideration in mitigation. Representing the accused, Barrister Nicholas Hall, BL, told the court that his client is 31-years-old, he has lived in Ireland for six years and is working full-time in a management position. He told the court that since the incident on October 25, 2025, his client has moved away from Limerick to another county. He accepts that he did breach the order and shouldn't have done so, Mr Hall said. He explained to the court that there had been a discussion about access to their son and a dispute arose. He made a silly decision, Mr Hall told the court in relation to his client's choice to remain outside the house when he was clearly asked to leave. Mr Hall added that his client has not come to the attention of the gardai since the offence and has no previous convictions relevant to this one. He simply wishes to move on from this incident. He moved away from the injured party to put her at ease somewhat. He moved at the end of last year, Mr Hall said of his client. The barrister added that his client is highly apologetic and wishes to maintain access to his son. The court heard that the man has previous convictions, which are mostly road traffic offences and there were none of a similar nature. Judge Carol Anne Coolican convicted the man of breaching the safety order. He was sentenced to two months in prison, suspended for two years, on his own bond of 100. A MAN in his 20's has been arrested following the seizure of 100,000 worth of cannabis herb in Limerick city yesterday, March 5. Gardai from the divisional drugs unit based in Henry Street garda station carried out a search of a vehicle in the city at around 6.30pm yesterday evening. During the course of the search, they seized approximately 100,000 of cannabis herb and a man in his 20's was arrested and brought to a garda station in the city. The man is currently being detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996. The drugs seized will be forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) for analysis. READ ALSO: Limerick students to take to the runway to raise funds for an outdoor classroom A garda spokesperson told Limerick Live that investigations are ongoing. The drugs were seized as part of Operation Tara, a national anti-drugs strategy, which was launched by the garda commissioner in July 2021. Operation Tara aims to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute drug trafficking networks at all levels international, national, and local involved in the importation, distribution, cultivation, production, and local sale and supply of controlled drugs. A DOCTOR who was working in University Hospital Limerick has been found guilty by a jury of raping and sexually assaulting a nurse, who was also employed by the hospital. The woman, in her victim impact statement, told of the traumatic and life-changing effects that the crimes have had on her and how she also feared for the patients of UHL. Moroccan national, Louay Kila, aged 31, of Cois Luachra, Dooradoyle, Limerick city was found guilty by a jury on Thursday at the Central Criminal Court, sitting in Limerick, of rape and sexual assault. The jury took four hours to deliver unanimous verdicts on both counts. The matter was adjourned to this Friday morning for sentencing when Garrett McCormack SC, for the prosecution, outlined the facts of the case with the assistance of Garda James ODonoghue. READ NEXT: Your driving and your drinking killed a man: Judge tells Limerick man found guilty by jury He said the doctor, and the nurse - who cannot be identified - were socialising in Limerick city on a particular date in 2024. They and a number of others went back to an apartment in the city centre to continue partying. Mr McCormack said the victim fell asleep on a couch. He said a photo of Kila kissing the woman on the cheek while she slept, was shared on Snapchat, with other parties. The prosecuting barrister said that some time later the victim awoke to the sensation of a penis in her vagina and felt a number of short thrusts which lasted a minute. She said she was in shock. She saw the accused standing there and his penis was erect. He digitally penetrated her with more than one finger. She said stop after she was awoken. He continued to do so, said Mr McCormack. The prosecuting barrister said Kila tried to kiss the victim by holding her jaw. She told him to f*** off, said Mr McCormack. Kila and a number of others left the apartment. The barrister said that the victim was very upset and told her friends, I just kept saying no. Gardai were contacted and an investigation commenced. The victim was taken to a sexual assault treatment unit. While she was there on the following day she received a text message from Kila which read I didnt mean to upset you; her wellbeing was important to him and concluded with I want to make sure you are OK. Kila was arrested by gardai, interviewed three times but nothing of evidential value was garnered. Kila gave a prepared statement to gardai in which he said there was consensual kissing and digital preparation. The doctor was later charged and found guilty by a jury on Thursday. READ NEXT: Stalker who followed Limerick influencer into her hotel and then the lift, convicted The woman read out her own victim impact statement this Friday morning in the witness box, located just feet from the man who had raped and sexually assaulted her. She said she was making this statement so the court can understand the lasting impact the defendant's actions have had on her life. She said she is a nurse, a daughter, a sister and a friend. The night I was raped and sexually assaulted by Louay Kila did not end there. It was the beginning of a daily struggle that I have endured for the last two years. What he did to me has changed my life in ways I struggle to put into words. The woman said she got the role she had wished for in UHL. She said she "was physically sick walking into the hospital after the incident". "That changed my career. The career I had worked so hard for and had overcome so many obstacles to complete." She said she was no longer able to work in the hospital "or deliver effective patient care as I was constantly looking over my shoulder hoping that Louay Kila wasn't nearby". Due to the circumstances, she was offered a transfer to another healthcare setting. I felt I had no option other than to take this as Louay was still working as a doctor in UHL, she said. Since the incident she was diagnosed with PTSD and put on antidepressants just to cope with the trauma. I live in a state of constant anxiety and fear, and I often get flashbacks of what happened to me. I am often woken with nightmares of the incident happening repeatedly to the stage where I refused to sleep out of fear and again had to be medicated. For a long time, I was afraid to leave my house as I was terrified that I would run into the man who raped me. I felt unsafe in places I shouldn't have to worry about, one being UHL. I realised that no matter how badly I or a family member needed medical attention I couldn't get it for them at our local hospital and had to think of alternative routes. She said for the last two years she has struggled with fear and trauma. There were many days where I felt overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted and simply trying to survive. When I had to take time off work that impacted me not only financially but psychologically. I felt I had to ignore my friends who were reaching out because that would mean that I must tell them what happened and I wasn't ready for that. I felt like I was hiding from my friends and family to protect them. I also feared for the patients of UHL. I knew that I had gotten out of the hospital but what about those who were left behind? I feared something similar could happen to someone else and knew that I would be taking on the guilt of not having done enough if it did. I tried and the gardai tried to consult UHL but to no avail. My job is to care for patients, and I felt like a failure because I knew this man was delivering care to vulnerable people and I knew what he was capable of doing to people in vulnerable positions. She said what the defendant did to her has had a lasting impact. It has taken away my sense of safety, my confidence and my ability to trust men. As I've said, I am a strong woman, and I have spent the last two years rebuilding myself piece by piece after what was done to me. Healing from this will take time and the impact of this will stay with me for the rest of my life. But I will heal from this, and I will be a stronger more resilient version of myself. I will never let that man take that away from me. The victim turned around in the witness box to look at Kila when she said: To my rapist, I stood up and I am holding you accountable for your actions and I got justice. I hope to be an inspiration for any woman who has dealt with an incident like this and encourage them to stand up and hold their rapists accountable. No matter what fear I felt or how difficult this process was, I wasn't going to let you abuse me further by letting you get away with it. I stand here on behalf of any woman who has been raped or sexually assaulted and was too afraid to report it. We are people, not objects and we deserve to be treated as such. No means no. The victim said she wanted the court to recognise that this crime did not just affect her in that moment. It has affected my health, my livelihood, my family life, my potential relationships and my sense of self. It has been so hard on my immediate family in trying to deal with and understand what I have been going through so that they can support me. It continues to affect me daily and I know that it will do so for a very long time. She concluded by saying that no sentence "can undo what has been done to me, but I hope the court recognises the seriousness of harm" that has been caused and the lasting impact the defendant's actions have had on my life". I want to thank the gardai for their help in bringing my assailant to justice, the victim support service for their kindness, empathy and understanding, the DPP and the legal team for prosecuting this case successfully and all those involved in closing this chapter in my story. Kila was represented by Liam Carroll BL, instructed by solicitor Daniel Kreith, who said they were serious charges. In mitigation, Mr Carroll said Kila is from Morocco, was educated in Sudan, worked in United Arab Emirates before moving to Ireland where he was a senior house officer before being promoted to registrar. Mr Carroll said Kila supported his family in Morocco from his salary. He said his client has no previous convictions in Ireland or elsewhere in the world. The barrister told the judge that Kila was suspended from working as a doctor and has been in a form of purgatory since. He could not work, could not leave the country - he has been frozen in time. Ultimately this will have catastrophic consequences for his career, said Mr Carroll. Judge Sean Gillane commended the victim and said he had a lot to think about. He adjourned sentencing Kila to next Friday, March 13. The accused was remanded in continuing custody. If you have been affected by this story please contact the 24 Hour Rape Crisis Helpline on 1800 778888 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800666111. ALL STYLE will be pulled out for an upcoming fashion show to raise funds for an outdoor classroom in Banogue. A collaboration between Banogue NS and the afterschool and creche, the fashion show takes place on March 19 in the Woodlands House Hotel. With models from the Holman Lee Model Agency and featuring boutiques from Adare, Bruff, Newcastle West and Charleville, the night will also feature a wine and canape reception and a raffle. Principal of Banogue NS, Sheila Cagney said that the outdoor classroom will be a sanctuary where children connect with nature while they learn. We are putting our best foot forward because we believe in different ways of learning. Standard grants only take us so far. This outdoor classroom is our big goal - an extra special setting that suits the diverse needs of our children, allowing them to learn in an environment that breathes. READ ALSO: New regional health forum set up dedicated to the Mid-West region to examine issues at Limerick hospital Asta Lee of the Holman Lee Agency added that the runway will be a whos who of regional retail outlets. Were bringing some really cool stuff that you might not see every day. Alongside the main event, our shopping village will offer guests a chance to discover unique local gems. Tickets are available through the school and from local outlets. BMW will introduce the second member of its Neue Klasse family of EVs later this month when it unwraps the new i3 saloon - the electric version of the next-generation 3 Series. Reprising a badge last used for the seminal electric hatchback of the 2010s, the new i3 will make its debut on 18 March as the second model in BMW's Neue Klasse family of electric cars, following hot on the heels of the closely related BMW iX3 SUV, which is just beginning deliveries in the UK. Previewed by a series of concepts and shown recently in heavily camouflaged prototype form, Munich's answer to the best-selling Tesla Model 3 will depart dramatically from today's G20-generation 3 Series with a sharp, heavily angled design treatment that nods to historic BMW models while embracing a more minimalist, futuristic ethos. Advertisement A new preview image confirms that the saloon will feature a wraparound, illuminated 'kidney' motif on its front end that mimics the trademark BMW grille, with the distinctive new diagonal light signature that will be a calling card of the Neue Klasse line-up. It is expected that this full-width graphic will be shared with other saloons in BMW's next-gen line-up, while the SUVs will wear the smaller, vertically oriented kidney design that features on the iX3. BMW is gearing up to refresh its entire range with 40 new EVs and heavily updated combustion cars, which all share the Neue Klasse look and are due by the end of 2027. While the X3 SUV is now BMWs best-seller, the 3 Series saloon remains the cornerstone of the brand and this will be the first time an electric version has been offered. BMW has sold the similar-sized i4 four-door coupe since 2021, but it chose to wait until EV technology could deliver a closer match to combustion models before launching a battery-powered 3 Series. Advertisement Advertisement While the i3 will be new, it will face some familiar rivals, with a Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV set to be launched shortly afterwards, and an Audi A4 EV is expected by 2028. But the i3 will also be key to taking on newer rivals such as Tesla and Chinese premium brands including Xpeng and BYD's Denza. The i3 will be offered with a variety of power outputs including a hot electric M3 and the launch model is set to be a 50 xDrive, as with the iX3. It is likely to offer the same 464bhp and 479lb ft from a dual-motor set-up as the iX3, with power drawn from a 108kWh nickel manganese-cobalt battery. That system gives the SUV a range of 500 miles, so the more aerodynamic shape of the saloon will potentially make it the longest-range EV on sale in the UK and should give it an edge over the C-Class EV, which, Autocar understands, will offer a maximum 497-mile range. The Gen6 platform employed by the i3 features an 800V architecture, allowing for charging speeds of up to 400kW. The i3 will be joined by a heavily updated version of the petrol-engined 3 Series, which will remain on the unrelated CLAR architecture but will receive a makeover with the Neue Klasse design language and the latest in-car technology. The Vision Neue Klasse saloon concept previewed how the upcoming EV and ICE 3 Series will look, with a distinctly different interpretation of BMWs kidney grille that is also destined for the iX3 and future SUVs. The camouflaged i3 prototype shown recently confirms that the EV will retain the typical 3 Series body shape, with smoother lines and BMWs signature Hofmeister kink employed for the C-pillar. Advertisement Advertisement Inside, the i3 will feature BMWs new Panoramic iDrive system, seen in the iX3, which mates an angled touchscreen with a projected head-up display that runs the length of the front windscreen. The company claims that this system enables key data to be displayed closer to the drivers eyeline. Given the importance of driving dynamics to BMW, the firms engineers have put a major focus on attempting to ensure the i3 can match the petrol 3 Series models when it comes to ride and handling. Key to that is the new centralised computing architecture, which is built around a greatly reduced number of processing chips. The set-up includes the Heart of Joy system, which unites all of the driving experience controls to enable faster and more intuitive reactions. The system also essentially merges the braking and energy recuperation systems, automatically adjusting between them to offer maximum stopping power. BMW claims that 98% of retardation can be done using the energy regen system. While BMW has not given official details about the full i3 line-up, BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk has confirmed that a Touring estate version will follow, along with a range of powertrain options. Advertisement Advertisement After that, the first electric M3 is due in 2028 and prototype versions have already been seen testing. While it will adopt the same Heart of Joy control system, M boss Frank van Meel has previously confirmed to Autocar that it will use bespoke electric powertrain and battery components. These will be based on standard BMW components but heavily developed by the M performance division. The electric M3 is expected to adopt a quad-motor set-up that could make it the most powerful M model yet, using advanced torque vectoring enabled by the new software architecture for control. ]]> A PLANNED public meeting, hosted by Limerick IFA, to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding Bord Bia has been called off. IFA president Francie Gorman was due to attend the meeting in the Woodlands House Hotel in Adare this Wednesday night, March 4. It was expected to draw large crowds from Limerick and around Munster. However, it was cancelled late on Monday night after it was announced that members of the IFA ended their sit-in protest at Bord Bia, after the State agencys board agreed to an independent expert-led governance review into its operations. The IFA president said that a full governance review of Bord Bia announced will examine issues that have come to light during the controversy relating to chair Larry Murrin. The dispute started some weeks ago after it emerged that Mr Murrin's company Dawn Farms had been importing some Brazilian beef for use in its products. READ NEXT: IFA honours Limerick man for his 'commitment, integrity, fairness and solidarity with farm families' Farming organisations had called on him to step down over the issue - claiming it created a conflict of interest - given the State agency's role in promoting Irish food. Mr Gorman said the board (of Bord Bia) will continue to meet during the review, but Mr Murrin will step aside from chairing the meetings. They will be chaired by another board member. IFA had put a proposal to the board 10 days ago that identified seven strands that should be examined and that the chair would step aside while these are being considered. This was the basis of todays outcome. IFA has agreed to stand down their protest until the review is complete and while Mr Murrin is not chairing board meetings, said Mr Gorman. Five farmers have occupied the building for 28 days with a rolling 24-hour protest outside for 36 days. These farmers are heroes. They have sacrificed so much for their fellow farmers as have those who have kept a 24-hour rolling protest going outside, said Mr Gorman. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon welcomed the agreement reached at a board meeting of Bord Bia which was called to discuss the current impasse. I am pleased that my proposal for an independent governance review of the board of Bord Bia has been accepted and that the ongoing protest has been stood down. Larry Murrin will remain as chair of Bord Bia and as agreed by the board and the chair in the interests of moving forward, during the period of the review scheduled board meetings will be facilitated by another current board member. Bord Bia are also progressing a new Farmers Forum which will provide an opportunity for renewed engagement between farmers and Bord Bia. It is now time to come together to support the essential work of Bord Bia, which delivers important benefits for farmers and the agri-food sector as a whole, said Mr Heydon. The ICMSA also welcomed the agreement with president Denis Drennan saying, now focus must turn immediately to hugely important matters like CAP, bovine TB, and especially the current collapse of milk prices. GLOBALLY prestigious songwriter and five-time GRAMMY winner and multi award-honoured trailblazer, Shania Twain has announced a headline show at Thomond Park Stadium this summer. The concert will take place at the stadium on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. With six outstanding albums released and more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, Twain remains the top-selling female country pop artist of all time. Tickets for her only Irish show go on sale at 9am on Friday, March 13. MCD presale starts on Wednesday, March 11 at 9am, register for MCD presale here. READ MORE: Cash prize up for grabs for Limerick artists to design a poster for two music trails Mastercard cardholders have special access to Mastercard Presale tickets, starting from 9am, on Wednesday, March 11, until 9am on Friday, March 13. Visit priceless.com/music to find out more and sign up to their newsletter for the latest announcements. Her hits include Any Man of Mine, That Dont Impress Me Much, Youre Still the One and Man! I Feel Like A Woman! Shania was the first artist in history to release three consecutive diamond-certified albums. Twain is currently working on new material for her seventh album due for release in 2026 on Republic Records. Her biopic is in development along with other film and tv projects as a passion. Twain is a globally touring artist and regular residency performer in Las Vegas. She is a main stage, headline artist at many festivals including most recently Glastonbury, Austin City Limits and Festival Dete. She will be a very special guest for all 12 of Harry Styles sold out Wembley Stadium shows in London this summer. Shania's philanthropic efforts include work on behalf of her foundation, The Shania Twain Foundation. Her charity supports efforts to eliminate food insecurity, youth empowerment, and programs that provide access to mental health resources. Gardai are issuing a renewed appeal for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision in Clara, County Offaly , on Wednesday, 4th February 2026. Shortly after 6:15pm, Gardai and emergency services responded to a collision involving a car and two pedestrians on Tullamore Road, Clara. One of the pedestrians, a female in her mid-teens, was treated at the scene and subsequently removed to CHI Crumlin for treatment of serious injuries. The second pedestrian, a male also in his mid-teens, was brought to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A male (aged in his 40's) arrested in connection with the incident has since been charged. As this is now before the courts, there will be no further comment. READ NEXT: Search stood down for 15-year-old girl missing almost two weeks amid Garda update - Ireland Live Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward. In particular, any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam or mobile phone footage) and were in the area of Tullamore Road, Frederick Street and Bridge Street, Clara, at the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on (057) 9327600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. A CENTURYS worth of Limerick Leader editions - dating from 1905 to 2004 - has been made available online for the first time, in a digital and searchable format. It means that those seeking information about almost everything that happened in the Limerick area for those 100 years can now find it in seconds, from the comfort of their own homes. Every week at the Leader we get phonecalls from local people asking questions like this: My grandfather made the front page of the Leader sometime in the Fifties and Id love to see the article - is there any way of getting it? Up to now, weve only been able to direct these readers towards the city and county libraries, which hold microfilm collections of the paper, and advise them that without a date they will struggle to find the article. The digitization of the archive changes that forever: just type in any name or other search words and in just a few seconds every reference published over the course of an eventful century will come up. Historians, students and anyone else who has spent countless long hours trawling through microfilm at local libraries in search of often elusive information will now have the ability to find what theyre looking for in a fraction of the time. Every page of every edition has been broken into individual, search-friendly components - from the biggest news stories to the adverts of the day, weddings, funerals, obituaries, council meetings, hundreds of thousands of court cases - and countless other happenings. While the copyright remains with the Limerick Leader, all pages or individual articles can printed for personal use or emailed to friends and family. This landmark new service is the result of co-operation between the Limerick Leader and Irish Newspaper Archives, which now boasts more than 20 local and national Irish newspapers in its collection. Access to the site is by subscription and the complete collection is available to subscribers. The cost varies from 10 for access over 24 hours, 25 for a week, and upwards. The Limerick Leader will receive a portion of the income received from subscribers who come to the site from our own website. This revenue is of considerable importance to us, as we strive to continue providing the people of Limerick and the Mid-West with an unrivalled local news service. The newspaper industry is undergoing profound change and for papers like the Leader, with a distinguished record of service over generations, our unique archives provide a key source of income needed to fund the journalism of tomorrow. To visit the Irish Newspaper Archives site, please click here. The Leader also receives, on a regular basis, enquiries from readers asking if they can purchase framed front pages - particularly from the birth dates of family members, or famous local events such as the winning of the All-Ireland in 1973. That option has now been made available, also in partnership with Irish Newspaper Archives, and its sister website Memorable Moments. Mothers Day is just around the corner, and theres no better place to celebrate than right here in Limerick. Whether youre planning a relaxed brunch, a delicious set dinner, or a cosy pint in a local favourite, there are plenty of wonderful spots across the city and county to make Mam feel extra special. Celebrate in the Heart of the City The Old Quarter If youre looking to add a little sparkle to Mothers Day, Limerick landmark, The Old Quarter has you covered. Located in the heart of Limerick City, theyre hosting a fabulous Bubbly & Brunch experience thats perfect for treating Mam. Enjoy bottomless prosecco for 1.5 hours, perfectly paired with a variety of mouthwatering dishes from their carefully curated brunch or lunch menu. Its the ideal setting for a stylish catch-up, full of laughter, great food and plenty of fizz. Whether youre catching up with family, sharing stories over a leisurely meal, or simply raising a glass to Mam, it promises a memorable experience. Early booking is advised for what promises to be a popular Mothers Day treat at The Old Quarter. Love Local at The Top House, Annacotty For those wanting to stay closer to home, The Top House in Annacotty is offering the perfect way to spend quality time with Mam. Savour a delicious selection of Irish and international dishes while Mam enjoys a well-deserved day off, no cooking, no stress, just time together around the table. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared using quality ingredients, offering comforting classics alongside flavours inspired from further afield, ensuring theres something to delight every palate. Enhance the day by pairing the meal with a glass of bubbles or one of their beautifully crafted cocktails, adding just the right touch of indulgence to the day. For a relaxed yet memorable Mothers Day close to home, The Top House offers a setting that feels both welcoming and special. Limericks Newest Bar Fordes Courtyard Step into something truly special this Mothers Day at Fordes Courtyard, Limericks newest and most stylish Bar. With its chic surroundings and vibrant atmosphere, its the perfect setting to celebrate Mam. Experience authentic Italian dining, featuring dishes bursting with flavour, including their irresistible Neapolitan pizza. Each bite delivers a little slice of Naples, right here in Limerick. Pair the meal with one of their expertly mixed, unique cocktails, designed to complement the rich flavours of the menu. This Mothers Day, elevate the occasion and get a taste of Italy with your mother right here in Limerick. Great food, stunning cocktails, and a stylish setting, because she deserves nothing but the best. Reservations are filling fast at Fordes Courtyard, so be sure to secure your table early and treat Mam to a stylish Italian celebration she wont forget. A Timeless Mothers Day Souths Pub Celebrate Mothers Day in true Limerick style at Souths Pub, a much-loved local landmark where warm welcomes and great food are always guaranteed. Gather the family and treat Mam to a relaxing afternoon with a delicious carvery lunch, freshly prepared and full of comforting favourites. Later that evening, their excellent a la carte selection showcases local ingredients and diverse flavours, ensuring theres something to suit every taste at the table. Whether its a creamy pint, a glass of wine, or simply quality time spent together, Souths provides the perfect backdrop for a Mothers Day celebration thats heartfelt, relaxed and full of flavour. Bookings are now being taken, so secure your table and make it a day to remember. *Sponsored Content 1. What first sparked the idea for your business? I started the business over 30 years ago. At the time, I simply had a passion for the beauty industry and a strong desire to build something of my own. I wanted independence, creativity and the opportunity to create a space where women could feel confident and cared for. The spark was passion but the longevity has come from dedication and listening to our clients. 2. How would you describe what your business does best? What we do best is combine results-driven treatments with genuine client care. Over the last 30 years, weve built a reputation for high standards, continuous training and investing in the best technology available. But just as importantly, weve built trust. 3. What advice would you tell yourself if you were starting over? I would tell myself to trust the process and back my decisions. Building a business takes patience and resilience. There will always be challenges, but those challenges shape you as a leader. I would also remind myself that you dont have to do everything alone building the right team is one of the most important investments you can make. 4. Where do you see the business heading next? After 30 years in business, I still see huge opportunity for growth. The industry is evolving rapidly, and we are committed to evolving with it through continued investment in advanced skin treatments and education. Weve recently launched oncology aesthetics within our skin clinic, creating a safe and supportive space for clients who are going through or have gone through cancer treatment. Were proud of how far weve come, but were even more excited about whats ahead. 5. Do you have a personal motto you live by? Ive always believed Whats for you wont pass you by. At Eternal Beauty, our passion is people. For over three decades, we have been setting the standard for beauty and advanced skin treatments in Limerick, helping our clients look and feel their absolute best. What started as a small, local salon has grown into a trusted name, known for excellence in both beauty and advanced skincare. At Eternal, we are proud to be one of the longest running salons in Ireland. Our brand is built on passion, innovation, and the power of personalised care. At the heart of it all is our talented, long- standing team of therapists and skin expertseach one dedicated to helping you look and feel your best. Many of our team members have been with us for years, and their loyalty, skill and commitment to excellence are what truly set Eternal apart. Our journey has always been rooted in one simple mission: to empower confidence. Whether its through flawless brows, glowing skin, or cutting-edge treatments, our expert team is dedicated to delivering personalised care and exceptional results. As we continue to evolve, so does our commitment to innovation. The launch of Eternal Skin Clinic and Skin Lab and the introduction of advanced technologies like the BBL HEROic mark a new era in results-driven-aestheticsbringing clinical-level skincare into a warm, welcoming environment. At Eternal Beauty & Skin Clinic, youre not just booking a treatmentyoure joining a community that celebrates self-care, confidence, and feeling beautiful in your own skin. Were proud of our heritage, excited for our future, and always grateful for the clients who trust us every step of the way. From here, you can choose your Eternal experience: Eternal Beauty Salon (Dooradoyle & Cruises St) A warm, welcoming space where you can relax and indulge in everything from HD brows and lash lifts to nails and tanning. Our salon combines trusted techniques with premium products to deliver flawless results and the ultimate self-care experience. Eternal Skin Clinic - Dooradoyle Step into the future of skincare. Eternal Skin Clinic is home to our most advanced skin and aesthetic treatmentsincluding BBL HEROic and MOXI by Sciton, skin boosters, exosomes and more. Here, we focus on high-performance, results-driven treatments tailored to your skins unique needs, delivered by our expertly trained professionals. Whichever path you choose, youll be in the hands of a team thats passionate about helping you feel confident, radiant, and empowered. *Sponsored Content Walmart-owned e-commerce giant Flipkart has asked around 400-500 employees to exit the company this year, based on its performance review, according to a report by the Economic Times. The layoffs account for roughly 3-4% of Flipkart's total workforce, higher than the usual 1-2% of employees in the lowest performance bracket that the company typically lets go each year. "Flipkart conducts regular performance reviews aligned with clearly defined expectations. As part of this process, a small percentage of employees may transition from the organisation. We are supporting affected employees with transition support," the company told Mint. Flipkart focuses on senior-level hiring The job cuts affect employees across different departments and job levels, and come even as Flipkart continues hiring senior-level employees ahead of its planned initial public offering (IPO), according to a news report by ANI. In December 2025, Flipkart received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to move its legal domicile from Singapore to India, an important step as the company plans for a potential domestic listing. The move is aimed at simplifying the group's holding structure its businesses across fashion, health, and logistics and involved the merger of eight Singapore-based entities into Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd to align with Indian regulatory requirements, the agency report said. Meanwhile, Flipkart has also been adding more senior executives to its leadership team through a series of key appointments over the past months. The recent hires include the appointment of the following executives: Somnath Das as VP, Supply Chain. Digbijay Mishra as VP, Corporate Communications. Vipin Kapooria as VP, Business Finance, Yogita Shanbhag as VP, Human Resources. Amer Hussain as VP, Supply Chain, for its grocery and minutes (quick commerce) businesses. Flipkart's financial health On the financial front, Flipkart India reported a wider consolidated loss of 5,189 crore in FY25, compared with 4,248.3 crore a year earlier, according to data from business intelligence platform Tofler. The company, however, reported a 17.3% increase in consolidated revenue from operations at 82,787.3 crore in FY25, from 70,541.9 crore in the previous financial year. Total expenses for the fiscal year rose 17.4% to 88,121.4 crore, driven primarily by stock-in-trade purchases, which reached 87,737.8 crore, compared to 74,271.2 crore a year ago. Microsoft on Thursday said it will continue using AI startup Anthropic's Claude AI, embedded in its products for clients, except in projects related to the US Department of Defense. The statement comes after the Defense Department, which the Trump administration calls the Department of War, sent a formal notice to Anthropic severing its ties with the company and labelling it a supply chain risk. Microsoft became the first major company to say it will keep working with Anthropic in non-government-related projects following the Pentagon's notification. Our lawyers have studied the designation and have concluded that Anthropic products, including Claude, can remain available to our customers other than the Department of War through platforms such as M365, GitHub, and Microsofts AI Foundry and that we can continue to work with Anthropic on non-defense related projects, Reuters and CNBC quoted a Microsoft spokesperson as saying. Some defence technology companies have asked their employees to refrain from using Anthropics Claude models and migrate to alternatives. Microsoft provides its tools to several US government agencies. The Department of War extensively uses Microsoft 365 productivity software. The company in September said it was integrating Anthropics generative AI models into the Microsoft 365 Copilot add-on for Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Which other companies use Anthropic's AI models? Amazon, an investor in Anthropic and a significant customer of the company's Claude model, did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours. Palantir's Maven Smart Systems a software platform that supplies militaries with intelligence analysis and weapons targeting uses multiple prompts and workflows built using Anthropic's Claude code, Reuters earlier reported. Also Read | Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei apologises for leaked memo criticising Trump Pentagon puts Anthropic on ban list The Pentagon slapped a formal supply-chain risk designation on the artificial intelligence lab Anthropic on Thursday. Reuters reported that the US military used Anthropics Claude AI system in its war with Iran. The "supply-chain risk" label, confirmed in a statement by Anthropic, is effective immediately and bars government contractors from using Anthropic's technology in their work for the US military. However, companies can still use the Claude AI model in other projects unrelated to the Pentagon, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei wrote in the statement. He said the designation has "a narrow scope" and that the restrictions only apply to the usage of Anthropic AI in Pentagon contracts. Also Read | Pentagon bans 22 Ivy League institutions for US military personnel It plainly applies only to the use of Claude by customers as a direct part of contracts with the Department of War, not all use of Claude by customers who have such contracts. The risk designation follows a months-long dispute over the company's insistence on safeguards that the Defense Department, which the Trump administration calls the Department of War, said went too far. In his statement, Amodei reiterated that the company would challenge the designation in court. The action represented an extraordinary rebuke by the United States against an American tech company that was earlier than its rivals in working with the Pentagon. The action comes as the department continues to rely on Anthropic's technology to provide support for military operations, including in Iran, Reuters reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. OpenAI signed a deal last week with the US government to allow its AI models to be used by the military for classified purposes. However, a new report by WIRED notes that the US military began experimenting with OpenAI models in 2023, despite the company having a blanket ban on the military's access to its AI models. Reportedly, in 2023, OpenAI employees discovered that the Pentagon had begun experimenting with their models via Azure OpenAI, a version of the OpenAI models offered by Microsoft. The report notes that at the time, Microsoft had been contracting with the Department of Defence for decades. Notably, Microsoft was among the earliest and biggest backers of OpenAI and has an agreement with the startup to utilise its AI models. While citing sources, the report notes that in the same year, OpenAI employees saw Pentagon officials walking through the company's San Francisco offices. OpenAI then updated its blanket ban on military use cases in January 2024. In December that year, the company also announced a partnership with Anduril to develop and deploy AI models for national security missions. Microsoft spokesperson Frank Shaw, in a statement to WIRED, said, Microsoft has a product called the Azure OpenAI Service that became available to the US Government in 2023 and is subject to Microsoft's terms of service. The company did not clarify if it had made Azure OpenAI available to the Pentagon, but noted that the service was not approved for top secret government workloads until 2025. Meanwhile, OpenAI spokesperson Liz Bourgeois told the publication, AI is already playing a significant role in national security, and we believe its important to have a seat at the table to help ensure its deployed safely and responsibly. We've been transparent with our employees as weve approached this work, providing regular updates and dedicated channels where teams can ask questions and engage directly with our national security team, she added. OpenAI staff divided over Pentagon deal: Ever since OpenAI's deal with the Pentagon was announced last week, the company has faced increasing criticism from both within and outside the startup. The report notes that the Pentagon deal has divided OpenAI employees, with some employees even publicly raising their concerns. The biggest losers in all of this are everyday people and civilians in conflict zones, said Sarah Shoker, the former head of OpenAIs geopolitics team, in a Substack post last week. Our ability to understand the effects of military AI in war is and will be severely hindered due to layers of opacity caused by technical design and policy. Its black boxes all the way down. Tesla's once-dominant customer base is shrinking as the electric vehicle marketplace grows. What's happening? Bloomberg reported that Tesla sales declined 9% worldwide in 2025, with U.S. sales falling 7% from the prior year. In California, the company's largest U.S. market, Teslas dropped from 11.6% of all newly registered vehicles in 2024 to under 10% in 2025, per the California New Car Dealers Association. Former owners cite a mix of factors: polarizing leadership, aging vehicle models, inadequate customer service, and increased competition. More than 100 EV models are now available in the U.S., according to Argonne National Laboratory. Advertisement "Back then, the brand was more than just the vehicle," Tom Libby, a consultant at S&P Global Mobility, told Bloomberg. "It was perceived as a leader, and the vehicles themselves were leading-edge EVs, although they are not necessarily at the forefront anymore." Tesla's brand value dropped to $27.61 billion in 2025, down 36% from 2024, according to Yahoo Finance, with China's BYD now the best-selling EV manufacturer in the world. Why is this shift important? Tesla's struggles may signal that the EV market is maturing, as more than two-thirds of consumers who leave Tesla switch to another EV, per S&P Global, meaning most former Tesla owners aren't going back to gas as the company shifts its focus to robots. As of 2024, over 20% of new cars sold worldwide were EVs, according to the International Energy Agency, with Chinese EVs making up more than half of all sales. Legacy automakers, along with newer brands like Rivian and BYD, are producing compelling, reliable alternatives, and consumers are noticing. Advertisement Advertisement This Tesla exodus isn't a new pattern. Rising Tesla insurance rates have pushed drivers toward other EVs, and a survey found that Elon Musk became a top reason drivers were getting rid of their Teslas in 2023 yet most of those drivers still chose to stay electric. EVs produce zero tailpipe pollution, meaning less planet-warming pollution in the air that communities breathe every day. Even when accounting for the electricity used to charge them and the minerals needed for their batteries, EVs generate significantly less pollution over their lifetimes than traditional cars, and that gap is widening as more of the electrical grid shifts to wind and solar power. What's being done about this? A competitive EV market ultimately benefits consumers and the environment. More options mean more innovation, better pricing, and a faster transition away from gas-powered vehicles. Car shoppers have more reliable, well-reviewed options than ever, from Hyundai and Audi to Rivian and beyond. Doing your research before buying your next EV by factoring in insurance costs, service availability, and long-term reliability can make a big difference. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. The Pentagon said it has formally notified Anthropic PBC that its determined the company and its products pose a risk to the US supply chain, according to a senior defense official, escalating a dispute over artificial intelligence safeguards. DOW officially informed Anthropic leadership the company and its products are deemed a supply chain risk, effective immediately, the official told Bloomberg News on Thursday, using an acronym for the Department of War, the name that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now favors for the Department of Defense. While the defense official described the determination as effective immediately, Anthropics Claude AI tools are still being actively used by the US military in operations against Iran, according to a person familiar with the matter. In his warning to the firm last Friday, Hegseth had outlined a six-month transition period to shift its AI work to other providers. Spokespeople for Anthropic and the Pentagon had no immediate comment. The defense official didnt say when or by what means the Pentagon informed the company. Anthropic has previously vowed to challenge in court any supply-chain risk designation by the Pentagon. The Pentagons finding threatens to disrupt both the company and the military, which has relied heavily on Anthropics software. Until recently, Anthropic provided the only AI system that could operate in the Pentagons classified cloud. Its Claude Gov tool has become a favored option among defense personnel for its ease of use. Its a good capability and removing it is going to be painful for all involved, said Lauren Kahn, a senior research analyst at Georgetown Universitys Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Anthropic Chief Executive Officer Dario Amodei had been negotiating for weeks with Emil Michael, under-secretary of defense for research and engineering, to hammer out a contract governing the Pentagons access to Anthropics technology. But talks broke down last week after the startup demanded assurances that its AI wouldnt be used for mass surveillance of Americans or autonomous weapons deployment. Hegseth then declared Friday in a post on X that Anthropic posed a supply-chain risk, a designation typically reserved for US adversaries. It wasnt immediately clear what authority the Pentagon was using to classify the company as a supply-chain threat. In its statement last week responding to Hegseths social-media post, Anthropic indicated that it expected the move to be eventually carried out via section 3252 of the law governing the US armed forces. From the very beginning, this has been about one fundamental principle: the military being able to use technology for all lawful purposes, the defense official said Thursday. The military will not allow a vendor to insert itself into the chain of command by restricting the lawful use of a critical capability and put our warfighters at risk. The move comes as the US military is relying on Claude in its Iran campaign, where American armed forces are turning to a range of AI tools to quickly manage enormous amounts of data for their operations. Maven Smart System, produced by Palantir Technologies Inc. and widely used by military operators in the Middle East, counts Anthropics Claude AI tool among the large language models installed on the system, according to people familiar with the matter, who said Claude is working well and has become central to US operations against Iran and to accelerating Mavens AI efforts. Now valued at $380 billion, Anthropic is on track to generate annual revenue of almost $20 billion, a projection based on current performance, more than doubling its run rate from late last year. The Pentagon dispute, however, has muddied the outlook for the company. Any long-term impact from the Pentagons declaration on Anthropics sales to enterprise customers which has long been its core business remains to be seen. In the meantime, its gaining traction with everyday users. Anthropics main app recently topped Apple Inc.s download charts, reflecting a surge of support for the company. In 1966, Berkshire Hathaway's Warren Buffett flew to California to meet Walt Disney, the company's co-founder, to discuss plans for the company, which had opened Disneyland in the state. Recalling the visit, Buffett said, I went out to see Walt Disney. We sat down, and he told me (about) the whole plan for the company he couldn't have been a nicer guy. The meeting was fruitful, and Buffett bought a 5% stake in Disney for $4 million. The ace investor explained, "The whole Walt Disney Company was selling for $80 million in 1966, debt-free. $4 million bought us 5% of the company. They spent $17 million on the Pirates (of the Caribbean) ride. Here was a company selling at less than 5x rides and they had a lot of rides! That is cheap. 50% profit a mistake? Here's why Warren Buffett thinks so Just a year later, in 1967 (unlike his usual policy to hold for long), Berkshire sold its 5% stake in Disney for $6 million a 50% profit. Looking back, the Oracle of Omaha called the sale a mistake. "Mary Poppins had just come out. Mary Poppins made about $30 million that year, and seven years later, you're going to show it to kids the same age. It's like having an oil well where all the oil seeps back in. They had 200 films of some sort, they had 300 acres down in Anaheim, with Disneyland drawing 9 million people a year, and the whole place was selling for $80 million bucks!" he told an audience. And we sold 5% for $6 million in 1967 that would be worth a billion now, he told the audience, eliciting laughter; adding, But that's something that conventional accounting does not pick up. That's the kind of mistake I made. As on date now, the same 5% stake in Disney would be worth somewhere between $8-10 billion. Not a source of distress: Here's what you can learn Answering a question about the Disney stock sale at the Berkshire AGM in 1988, Buffett again called the move a mistake but added that it is not a source of distress. I should have been buying; I forgot about holding, and that's happened many times. We think that anything we sell should go up subsequently because we own good businesses. We may sell them because we need money for something, but they're still good businesses. And good businesses are going to be worth more over time, he said. Here's what you can learn from Buffett when it comes to regrets let it go. Everything that I sold in the past, that I can think of, has gone on to sell for a lot more money than I would expect. That is not a source of distress maybe some of the money went into Coca-Cola, so I don't worry about it, he stated. (Bloomberg) -- Banco Safra SA paid 11 billion reais ($2 billion) in dividends and interest to the owners of its parent company in 2025, ahead of higher taxes that will kick in this year. Of the total, which was the highest since at least 2016, 60% came from profits from previous years retained in the banks equity, according to the lenders balance sheet. The figure was more than seven times the 2024 payment and more than twice as big as last years profit of 4.4 billion reais. Many companies in Brazil paid record dividends last year to beat the change in taxes. Investors previously paid no income tax on dividends, while interest over capital distributed to shareholders was assessed at 15%. Starting this year, dividends over 50,000 reais are taxed at 10% and interest over capital at 17.5%. Itau Unibanco Holding SA had profits of 46.9 billion reais last year, and its dividend and interest over capital paid was 48.3 billion reais. Safra didnt respond to messages seeking comment. Dividends paid by Sao Paulo-based Banco Safra in recent decades have helped boost the fortunes of a banking and wealth-management clan spanning Brazil, the US and Switzerland. Vicky Safra, 73, heads the family with a fortune of about $27.3 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Born in Greece to a family that relocated to Brazil in the 1950s, Vicky is the widow of Joseph Safra, one of the heirs to a banking empire started in the mid-19th century in Aleppo, Syria. Josephs predecessors started the business funding camel trade caravans during the Ottoman Empire. After his death in 2020, Vicky and their four children took control of the familys most prized assets, including Basel, Switzerland-based J. Safra Sarasin, currently with nearly $288 billion in assets under management. Jacob J. Safra, the eldest son, is the chairman of J. Safra Sarasin, which recently purchased a majority stake in the Danish online trading and investment firm Saxo Bank A/S. Last year Joseph and Vickys only daughter, Esther Safra Dayan, sold a stake in her familys business to Jacob and younger brother David, whos based in Brazil. That happened after a years-long legal dispute incited by another sibling, Alberto, over the estate of their father. In the agreement, Alberto said he would divest his interests in J. Safra Group and pursue his business interests through his own Sao Paulo-based investment firm, ASA. The familys real estate portfolio includes the Gherkin skyscraper in London and New Yorks 660 Madison Ave. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Launched in October, Superhealth is positioning itself not as an OPD app but as a full hospital, trying to win patients on experience and trustless wait times, clearer pricing, and fewer incentives for doctors to overprescribe. Its consumer entry point is a VIP pass at 3,999 per year, which covers four family members, unlimited doctor consultations, and any diagnostics prescribed by its doctors, with defined exclusions. (Bloomberg) -- South Koreas top power equipment maker, HD Hyundai Electric Co., is accelerating its US expansion, betting that demand for transformers and switchgear will surge as the artificial intelligence supercycle drives a new wave of power consumption. The company cites a convergence of drivers AI and data centers, a revival in US manufacturing, aging grid infrastructure and the shift to renewables that is spurring large-scale grid investment. Those trends are pushing HD Hyundai to deepen its American footprint in what it sees as a prolonged industry upcycle. We believe this supercycle will last much longer than expected, Kang Sungsoo, president of HD Hyundai Electric America, told Bloomberg News in an interview. HD Hyundai holds an estimated 15% to 20% share of the US high-voltage transformer market and operates the countrys largest ultra-high-voltage transformer plant in Alabama. It is in talks with five or six of the worlds top Big Tech firms, with some supply agreements already signed and initial shipments set to begin as esoon as later this year. Some of them have tripled their volume requirements compared to 2024 to support new data centers and on-site power generation, Kang said without naming the companies. To meet rising orders, the company broke ground Friday on a second plant at its 130,000-square-meter (32-acre) Alabama site. The $200 million project, due for completion in April 2027, is expected to lift annual production capacity by 50% and increase annual revenue by about 200 billion won ($136 million), equivalent to roughly 5% of last years sales. The additional capacity from the new plant is already sold out for years, so were not concerned about what some call an AI bubble, Kang said ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony. Kang dismissed concerns that AI-related power demand may be nearing a peak, saying current growth is still largely driven by reshoring, grid upgrades and renewable expansion. The AI impact will intensify as large-scale data centers come online later this year. Hyundai Electric shares have almost quadrupled in the past year making it one of the biggest gainers in Kospis big rally. The surge underscores a widening supply gap as AI-linked data centers proliferate and the US faces a shortage of domestic transformer capacity. The new facility will be one of the few domestic producers of 765-kilovolt transformers, critical for long-distance, extra-high-voltage transmission. Hyosung Heavy Industries Corp., which operates a plant in Memphis, is currently the only other US-based supplier. The Alabama operations also provide insulation from trade volatility, as the company sources most key materials, including copper and steel plates, within the US. HD Hyundai developed the 765-kilovolt transformer in South Korea in the late 1990s for nuclear reactors. The equipment has since become a preferred choice for US grid operators transmitting power from remote plants to energy-intensive data centers, said Kang Jinho, president of HD Hyundai Power Transformers USA. In September, the company secured a 278 billion won deal with Texass largest utility to supply 765-kilovolt transformers, its largest single order on record. HD Hyundai supplies at least 30 of the biggest US utilities, and Kang Sungsoo said the company will review later this year or early next whether further capacity expansion is warranted. Were one of the few manufacturers able to meet the safety, quality and technical standards customers require, he said. The market is expanding, and we intend to capture the most attractive opportunities. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com A US judge is set to meet government lawyers behind closed doors on Friday to work out a plan to process the refunds that have arisen out of President Donald Trump's illegal International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs on nations, according to a report. The meeting to refund $175 billion in illegally collected tariffs has been described as a settlement conference, Reuters reported, quoting a court official. What is the case? Judge Richard Eaton of the US Court of International Trade will be meeting lawyers representing the customs agency that is supposed to reimburse the $175 billion to more than 3,00,000 companies that paid the tariffs. The US Supreme Court had struck down these tariffs as illegal last month in a blow to the Trump administration. Government lawyers have argued that the process to refund these US tariffs was unprecedented in scope and would entail manual review of tariff payments ranging tens of millions in number. Also Read | Federal court blocks Trump admins bid to delay tariff refunds process While US courts are generally open to the public, judges can hold closed-door meetings with lawyers in case of cases with sensitive information. The calendar on the court's website describes Friday's meeting as a "closed conference." When asked why the meeting was closed to the public, Gina Justice, the clerk for the trade court, told Reuters on Thursday that it was a "settlement conference." Atmus Filtration Inc, an importer, had brought about the case that Justice Eaton will be overseeing. The company had said in a court filing that it had paid $11 million in illegal tariffs. Atmus' lawyers will be able to attend Friday's meeting remotely, according to the court docket. It is unclear why the Atmus case, which was filed last week, became the vehicle that may determine how to litigate the tariff refunds for around 2,000 cases. The judge, who said he was chosen by the court to hear those cases, said he wanted a process that would not require going to court. Also Read | How US businesses are shaving billions off their tariff bills An attorney involved with other trade refund cases said they believed the meeting would result in a process that would be made public as soon as Friday, according to Reuters. This would provide relatively quick refunds for the vast majority of importers without the need to sue. US court directs Trump officials to start refunding companies In a landmark verdict on Wednesday, Justice Eaton issued an order directing the Customs and Border Protection agency to begin the process to refund the illegally collected tariffs to hundreds of thousands of importers who paid them since August last year. The order, which directed the CBP to use its existing internal process, clearly said that it applied for all importers and not just Atmus. I don't believe that any of this has to be chaotic with respect to anybody, because I know that you're going to try to come up with a way of doing it. Eaton said he expected CBP lawyers to attend Friday's 10:30 a.m. ET (1530 GMT) meeting to chalk out a way to cut paperwork on 79 million shipments and issue refunds. The United States Treasury Department on Thursday said it has granted a 30-day waiver to India to purchase Russian oil as New Delhi looks at ways to navigate an oil supply crunch triggered by the Middle East conflict. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the decision in a post on X, saying it will enable oil to keep flowing into the global market. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, he wrote. Bessent added that the waiver only covers Russian oil stuck at sea. This deliberately short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorises transactions involving oil already stranded at sea, he said. India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Irans attempt to take global energy hostage, Bessent added. The Treasury Department's license authorises crude oil or petroleum products of Russian origin loaded on any vessel on or before 5 March, 12:01 am EST through 12:01 eastern daylight time on 4 April, provided that they are delivered to India. Also Read | With Strait of Hormuz closed, India faces rising uncertainty and economic risks India, US and the Russian oil saga The move by the United States comes months after President Donald Trump slapped a massive 25% tariff on Indian exports to the US for New Delhi's sustained purchase of Russian oil despite his warnings against the action. Washington revoked the tariff after India and the US struck an interim trade agreement last month. The US claimed India halted Russian oil imports as part of the trade deal, but New Delhi never accepted that claim. Also Read | Gulf nations face food security challenge as Middle East conflict widens Following the Iran conflict and Tehran's subsequent blockade of the key Strait of Hormuz, a lifeline for global oil supply, reports suggested India resumed buying Russian oil. State-run Hindustan Petroleum Corp resumed the purchase of Russian oil after a three-month gap, buying two cargoes for arrival later this month, Reuters quoted two people familiar with the development. India's imports of Russian crude fell to about 1.1 million barrels per day in January, the lowest since November 2022, as per data cited by Reuters. Is India facing an oil shortage? Indian state refiners and government officials met earlier this week to consider contingency measures, including turning to Russian cargoes loitering near its waters, according to Bloomberg. Also Read | Dow drops 1,000 points after oil spikes to its highest price since 2024 summer This came after concerns of Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz amid its conflict with the US and Israel. India gets about 40% of its oil imports from the Middle East through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, reports suggested that India had oil to sustain demand for 25 days. Nepal Election Results: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former rapper and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, was ahead in vote counting on Friday in Nepal's general elections. The voting held on Thursday was the first poll since the violent Gen Z protests that led to the downfall of the KP Sharma Oli-led coalition government in September 2025. The RSP is leading in 47 of the 57 constituencies, Kathmandu Post reported. Ousted premier Oli's CPN (UML) is leading in five seats, while the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa is in third position with leads in four seats. Also Read | Nepal Election Results 2026 LIVE updates: Counting underway after peaceful polls Balendra Shah, 35, is the frontrunner to become Nepal's next prime minister. His party, the RCP, is eyeing a landslide victory in Nepal's historic elections. Former underground hip-hop artist Born in Kathmandu in 1990, Shah was a schoolboy during Nepal's decade-long Maoist civil war. He is the youngest of four siblings. Balens father, Ram Narayan Shah, who passed away in December, was a government practitioner of ayurveda. Balen graduated with a civil engineering degree from Himalayan Whitehouse International College in Kathmandu and received a postgraduate degree in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) in Karnataka, India, according to a report in Al Jazeera. Nobody in Nepal or beyond knew about Balen, as Balendra Shah is popularly known, until 2013, when he became an overnight rap sensation in the Himalayan nation. Balen Shah was the person behind Raw Barz, a soon-to-be-popular rap battle in Nepal in which two contestants face off live. Balen Shah shot to national prominence through music. About a decade later, in May 2022, Balen left Nepal's political circles in shock after winning the mayoral election in Kathmandu, the countrys capital. Balen was an independent candidate then. About four years later, Balen is running for prime minister of Nepal. Over the years, Shah has cultivated an image of a young reformer who launched campaigns against tax evasion, traffic congestion and waste mismanagement in the country. View full Image View full Image Kathmandu: People at the Durbar Square upon the conclusion of voting in the Nepal parliamentary elections, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (PTI Photo/Arun Sharma)(PTI03_05_2026_000472A) ( PTI ) And last year in September, when Nepal erupted in Gen Z-led protests against then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Balen emerged as a symbol of youth-driven political change, after backing the protests that forced the government from power. After Oli's ouster, Balen was said to be the first choice among many Gen Z activists to serve as interim leader. Balen, however, chose to support former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki for the post. Balen, perhaps, wanted a mandate. Your generation will have to lead the country "Dear Gen Z, the resignation of your killer has come," Balendra Shah said in a message to his followers after the Gen Z uprising killed 77 people and forced Oli to resign. Now your generation will have to lead the country. Be prepared, he said. Two months later, Balen Shah joined the centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party, positioning himself for national leadership. Also Read | Nepal votes today: A recap of Gen Z uprising that toppled the last government At 35, Balen Shah is challenging veteran politician and former prime minister Oli in his home constituency Jhapa 5 seat in eastern Nepal. The Jhapa 5 seat, one of the five seats in Jhapa district, has become one of the most closely watched battles of the 2026 election because it symbolises the clash between Nepals old political establishment, Oli and a Gen-Z-backed Balen Shah. Shah told AFP before the election that it shows he is "not taking the easy way out". 'I want to see Nepal smiling' Advocating a liberal economic system with social justice, including free education and healthcare for the poor, Shah says Gen Z's core demand is good governance - and insists music will remain part of his identity, even if he becomes prime minister, news agency AFP said. Balen Shah's songs mock political parties, criticise corruption and talk of the sacrifices of everyday Nepalis. The tracks have been popular among Nepals Gen Z. One song, Nepal Haseko (Nepal Smiling), became an anthem during last years protests, and already has more than 10 million views on YouTube, according to an Al Jazeera report. In the song, children sing in the chorus: I want to see Nepal smiling; I want to see Nepalis living happily. 'Headed to Balen's city' While the final results may take some time, many analysts have spoken highly of Balen Shahs rising popularity. "Balen Shah is so popular that now buses coming to Kathmandu have stickers on them saying, 'Headed to Balen's city'", Bipin Adhikari, a constitutional law expert who teaches at Kathmandu University, told Reuters. For decades, Nepal's political landscape has been dominated by veteran leaders many of them former Maoist insurgents who have taken turns in power since the end of the 10-year civil war in 2006. Balen Shahs victory could mark a watershed moment in the Himalayan nation of 30 million people wedged between China and India. The RSP, which Balen represents, is a centrist newcomer outfit which has said in its election manifesto that it will maintain "balanced foreign relations" with its giant neighbours. Popular Mayor with a passion for cars As Kathmandu Mayor, Balen Shah is credited with work focused on improving the urban infrastructure, such as waste management, and ensuring the delivery of services like healthcare. View full Image View full Image Kathmandu [Nepal], Mar 05 (ANI): Former mayor and rapper Balendra 'Balen' Shah stands in a queue to cast his vote at the Annapurna Vinayak School polling centre for Nepal's 2026 general election, in Kathmandu on Thursday. (ANI Video Grab) ( ANI Video Grab ) Balen Shah has also faced criticism, including from Human Rights Watch, for allegedly using police to seize the properties of street vendors and landless people, Reuters said. Balen Shah's passion for cars also landed him in controversy. He was seen driving an expensive Land Rover Defender worth 40 million Nepali rupees ($275,000) in January 2026, while campaigning in Jhapa 5, the seat he is fighting for. He faced criticism for the alleged lack of transparency over the vehicles ownership and use. (With inputs from Reuters, AFP and Al Jazeera) Veteran Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan has purchased another property in Ayodhya, further expanding his real estate holdings in the temple town. The latest investment involves a 2.67-acre land parcel valued at 35 crore. According to a statement issued on March 6 by The House of Abhinandan Lodha (HoABL), the land parcel is located close to the developers 75-acre project The Sarayu. The transaction was carried out by Rajesh Yadav, Managing Director of AB Corp Ltd, which manages the actors business interests. Developer highlights long-term value of land Commenting on the investment, Abhinandan Lodha, Chairman of the company, said the purchase reflects confidence in land as a long-term asset. Bachchans investment reflects a shared belief in land as an intergenerational asset that preserves value over the long term. He also noted that land ownership in Ayodhya holds cultural significance beyond financial value. Also Read | Abhishek Bachchan explains the logic behind his Swiggy, Naagin investment At HoABL, we view land not merely as wealth but as a legacy. In Ayodhya, this legacy assumes a profound meaning, a virasat where faith and inheritance come together. Supported by sustained infrastructure development and public investment, Ayodhya is emerging as a compelling destination for long-term land ownership and enduring value creation. Third property purchase in Ayodhya This marks Bachchans third property purchase in Ayodhya and his fourth plotted development investment with HoABL. The actor was not available for comment on the latest transaction. His investment journey with the developer began earlier. In May 2025, Bachchan purchased a 25,000 sq ft plot near The Sarayu project for around 40 crore. Before that, in 2024, he bought a 10,000 sq ft plot within the same development for 14.5 crore. Other real estate investments Apart from Ayodhya, the actor has also invested in HoABLs Sol de Alibaug project. There, he acquired a 10,000 sq ft plot worth 10 crore. The Alibaug development has also witnessed interest from other Bollywood personalities, including actors Kriti Sanon and Kartik Aaryan, who are reported to have bought plots in the project. Film projects continue alongside investments Alongside his real estate ventures, Bachchan also continues to remain active in the film industry. Industry insiders suggest that the veteran actor may have shot all his scenes for the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD, also known as Kalki 2. Although the development has not been officially confirmed by the filmmakers, media reports indicate that Bachchan completed his shooting timetable and had returned to Mumbai. Amitabh Bachchan's properties Bachchan's iconic Mumbai residence, Pratiksha in Juhu, is reportedly valued at about 50 crore. He also co-owns a property in Juhus Kapol Housing Society with his son Abhishek Bachchan, worth 45 crore. Other assets include residences at Oberoi Seven in Goregaon, property in Pawna, Pune, and international holdings in France, as per multiple reports. Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 06: BMC Helix gathered over 75 leaders from top GSIs (global system integrators) at SPEX Service Provider Exchange 2026 held in Phuket, Thailand. The annual event brought together partners spanning India, Malaysia, Singapore, the US, and the Netherlands. It showcased the companys latest product innovations and its Agentic AI roadmap, along with the partner ecosystem. SPEX is an invite-only event for our GSI partners and plays a crucial role in bringing together BMC Helixs product strategy, customer focus, and partner expertise, with a shared vision, said Shwetha Sanjeev, Area Vice President Sales, International, BMC Helix. The shift towards intelligent, self-optimizing operations is no longer theoretical; it is happening now, and we are committed to working closely with our GSI partners to help our mutual customers navigate this transformation by leveraging BMC Helixs Agentic AI capabilities. Along with our GSI partners, we remain focused on strengthening collaboration, delivering measurable outcomes and empowering customer organizations to lead with confidence in an increasingly autonomous digital world. Following the separation of BMC Helix from BMC, SPEX 2026 is a milestone in establishing BMC Helix's identity as an independent leader in IT Service Management and AIOps. The events main theme centred around AI Agents driving the next wave of ServiceOps. Attendees included senior representatives from Infosys, TCS, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies, Wipro, Kyndryl, Accenture, CGI, and Dell, among others. SPEX Roadshow in Phuket is a powerful reminder that transformation is a collective journey, said Kurt brown, Vice President Sales, GES, BMC Helix. Its about aligning strategy with our partners and customers to shape the future of digital enterprises together. The conversations here go beyond technology. They focus on long-term collaboration, shared accountability, and building resilient, autonomous organizations at scale, powered by GenAI and Agentic AI. With growing momentum across the globe, we remain committed to strengthening our ecosystem, deepening strategic relationships, and driving sustainable business impact for the future. The event featured immersive training sessions for partners to directly experience BMC Helix's evolving capabilities. These included the BMC Helix Airline Simulation and a hands-on lab, Elevating Innovation Through Helix Agentic AI. The event also featured product demonstrations and a roadmap of the organisations future direction. SPEX 2026 concluded with an awards ceremony that recognized partner organizations and individuals for their outstanding performance in fiscal year 2026. About BMC Helix: BMC Helix, now an independent company, helps the worlds most forward-thinking IT organizations turn AI into actionunlocking human potential to multiply productivity so teams can focus on the work that matters most. With an industry-leading, AI-powered, open platform, BMC Helix delivers a dynamic fleet of AI agents that augment work across enterprise IT service and operations management to anticipate needs, automate solutions, and accelerate outcomes for ServiceOps. BMC Helix hosted its flagship partner summit SPEX 2026 in Phuket, bringing together over 75 leaders from global system integrator partners across India, Malaysia, Singapore, the US, and the Netherlands. The event highlighted the companys roadmap for Agentic AI and the next phase of ServiceOps, following the separation of BMC Helix from BMC Software. Senior representatives from partners including Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, Kyndryl, Accenture, CGI, and Dell attended the event. The summit featured training sessions, product demonstrations, and hands-on labs focused on Helix Agentic AI, and concluded with awards recognising partner performance for FY2026. Disclaimer: BMC Helix refers to BMC Helix, Inc. Helix and other Helix marks are exclusive properties of BMC Helix, Inc. and BMC, BMC Software, the BMC logo, and other BMC marks are the exclusive properties of BMC Software, Inc. Both are registered or may be registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or elsewhere. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright 2025 BMC Helix, Inc. For further information, please visit: https://events.bmc.com/bmc-helix-roadshow-phuket/home Note to readers: This article is part of Mints paid consumer connect Initiative. Mint assumes no editorial involvement or responsibility for errors, omissions, or content accuracy. While rivals bleed users, Stoxkart scripts a different story adding 80,000 new accounts and saving traders 30 crore in brokerage, even as it processes 3 lakh orders daily with an 80% recurring rate. India's retail broking industry is seeing a slowdown in trading participation, with the top three brokerage platforms together losing an estimated 35 lakh users over the past three months, according to industry executives tracking account activity. Stoxkart, however, is swimming against the tide the discount broker has quietly onboarded 80,000 new accounts, signalling a decisive shift in where cost-conscious traders are choosing to put their trust. In contrast, Stoxkart a Zero Brokerage Trading Appis reporting 35% month-on-month growth, alongside higher order volumes and stronger repeat usage highlighting a widening divergence in trader engagement patterns. The shift comes as several brokers report muted activity amid volatile markets and increasing sensitivity among traders toward costs and advisory quality. Diverging engagement trends While overall retail participation has softened, Stoxkart, currently the best trading app processes nearly 3 lakh orders daily, with the company stating that around 70% of its accounts belong to active traders rather than dormant users. Industry observers say this divergence reflects changing trader priorities, with consistency and cost predictability outweighing aggressive onboarding or short-term incentives. Retail traders are becoming more selective about where they trade, said an industry executive tracking platform-level engagement. Thats starting to reflect clearly in retention metrics. Pricing structure and cost transparency Unlike the per-order brokerage model followed by most platforms, Stoxkart operates on a flat subscription-based pricing structure targeted at frequent traders. Company data shows traders on the platform have collectively saved over 30 crore in brokerage, translating to 18,000 20,000 in annual savings per active trader, depending on trading frequency. Market participants note that predictable costs tend to support continued participation, particularly during non-trending market phases. Retention over acquisition Retention has emerged as a key challenge across the industry. While many brokers continue to add accounts, sustained trading activity has weakened. Stoxkart reports an 80% recurring trader rate, with a majority of users continuing to trade consistently across market cycles at a time when several platforms are seeing net user attrition. Brokerage growth is no longer about scale alone, said a senior industry executive. Its about retaining traders when markets are uneven. Research-led participation Another contributing factor, analysts say, is access to compliant research. Stoxkart provides traders with inputs from analysts registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India, aligning with regulatory efforts to curb unverified trading advice on social platforms. Such research-backed participation, observers note, encourages disciplined trading behaviour, especially among newer market participants. A structural shift underway As the retail market matures, brokers are increasingly being evaluated on unit economics, retention, and trader outcomes, rather than headline acquisition numbers. Subscription pricing, transparent costs, and research-supported participation are emerging as common themes among platforms reporting stable activity. In an environment where leading brokers are losing users, Stoxkarts recent metrics suggest that structural choices, not short-term incentives, are shaping performance. Key Takeaways Top brokers lost an estimated 35 lakh users in three months; Stoxkart grew 35% MoM The platform processes ~3 lakh orders daily, with 70% active trader accounts Traders have saved over 30 crore through flat pricing An 80% recurring rate indicates sustained engagement SEBI-registered research supports compliant participation Still Paying 20 Per Order? Switch to Zero Brokerage Today! View full Image View full Image Stoxkart Activate SmartTrader in 3 Simple Steps Step 1: Subscribe to SmartTrader: Click here to register Step 2: Subscribe to SmartTrader: Choose 99/month or 699/year pay via UPI, Card or Debit Card. Your plan activatesinstantly! Step 3: Open Demat and Start Trading at Zero Brokerage: Unlock Advanced Options, TradingView, GTT Orders & more all in one click. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami marked Holi celebrations across multiple districts this week, combining cultural participation with outreach on infrastructure and heritage initiatives. At a Holi Milan event held at the chief ministers residence in Dehradun, folk artists from Garhwal, Kumaon, Jaunsar and the Terai regions performed traditional music and dance forms, including Harul from Jaunsar and classical Kumaoni Holi songs. The event highlighted the state governments emphasis on preserving regional cultural traditions. Dhami also met former chief ministers Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri, Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Trivendra Singh Rawat to extend festive greetings, in what officials described as a continuation of established political courtesy. During his visit to Champawat, the chief minister inaugurated the annual fair at Maa Purnagiri Dham and reviewed ongoing infrastructure upgrades in the temple area. Officials said improvements are being made to parking facilities, drinking water systems and crowd management mechanisms to handle increased pilgrim footfall. Dhami also attended the Kali Kumaon Holi Rang Mahotsav and a Holi Milan function in Lohaghat, interacting with residents and local representatives. In Khatima, he participated in another public Holi gathering marked by traditional music and community celebrations. Major home appliances play a crucial role in everyday comfort and convenience. From keeping food fresh to maintaining indoor cooling and simplifying laundry tasks, appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners and washing machines form the backbone of modern homes. Our Picks FAQs Our Picks Product Rating Price Carrier 1.5 Ton 5 Star Flexicool Inverter Split AC (Copper, Convertible 6-in-1 with Smart Energy Display, Insta Cool, Auto Clean and PM 2.5 Filter, 2026 Model, ESTER EDGE Gxi-CAI18EE5R36F0, White) View Details 41,990 CHECK DETAILS Daikin 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, PM 2.5 Filter, Triple Display, Dew Clean Technology, Coanda Airflow, 2024 Model, MTKL50U, White) View Details GET PRICE Cruise 1.5 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC with 7-Stage Air Filtration (100% Copper, Convertible 4-in-1, PM 2.5 Filter, CWCVBK-VQ1W173, White) View Details 26,990 CHECK DETAILS Godrej 1.5 Ton 3 Star, 5 Years Comprehensive Warranty, AI Powered, 5-In-1 Convertible Cooling, Inverter Split AC (Copper, 2025 Model, Heavy duty cooling at 52 C, AC1.5T EI 18P3T WZT 3S, White) View Details GET PRICE Panasonic 1.5 Ton 3 Star Premium Wi-Fi Inverter Smart Split AC (Matter/MirAIe, AI, DustBuster, 55oC Oper., Copper Condenser, 8in1 Convertible, 2-Way, PM0.1 Filter, CS/CU-SU18BKY3W, 2026 Model, White) View Details 36,990 CHECK DETAILS View More Research-Backed Choices Every product we recommend is chosen through a combination of Primary Research and Secondary Research. 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Many options available in the Amazon Sale include advanced wash settings, inverter motors, and smart control features. With these sale discounts and extra bank offers, upgrading to a premium front-load washing machine becomes more accessible. Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Loading Suggestions... Similar articles for you Comprehensive buying guide for ACs: How to choose the right cooling companion this summer They went slowly. By the 1980s he was still a hujjat al-islam, equivalent to a middle-ranking Christian priest. As he was appointed to higher and higher postsfirst, by Khomeini, to the presidency, then by Khomeinis allies to the ultimate positionhe did not feel it was his proper place. He, after all, had been the mild cleric sent to wish the American hostages Happy Christmas. But when he was made an ayatollah almost at once, and the constitution amended to overlook his lack of learning, he settled into the role as if born to it. It was as a supreme jurist, wearing the black cap of a direct descendant of Muhammad, that he gazed benignly from billboards and posters across the country. And it was as a great teacher that he preached and wrote books on forgiveness, patience and 101 tips for a happy marriage, telling Iranians how to live. In short he was everywhere, ruling now by divine authority. His tongue could channel God. While some tankers have sailed through, several owners said they arent willing to run the gauntlet. As of Wednesday morning, at least eight tankers had been attacked near the Strait, including three on Tuesday night near Oman and the Fujairah shipping hub in the United Arab Emirates. An earlier attack on an oil tanker by a remote-controlled boat killed one Indian sailor. The U.S. and Israel are betting that crippling Irans missile arsenal is key to crushing the regimes ability to fight back. But Iran still has other ways to retaliate, most important its arsenal of low-cost drones. It continues to launch drones by the hundreds at Arab neighbors across the Persian Gulf, spreading fear, roiling markets and disrupting shipments of oil and goods from a region that is crucial to the worlds economy. China, which dominates the flow of rare earths, choked them off last year in response to Trumps imposition of new tariffs. U.S. manufacturers that rely on them to make everything from cars to jet fighters suffered. Senior U.S. officials said Chinas adherence to a trade truce Beijing and Washington struck late last year in South Koreawhere China agreed to a one-year suspension of its global export controls on the critical mineralsis top of mind for the U.S. heading into the next round of talks. The central bank is proposing a safety net for one of the world's largest digital payment ecosystems, offering to partially reimburse victims of cyber fraudeven when the victims themselves are at fault. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday proposed that it, along with banks, will compensate victims of fraudulent digital banking transactions of up to 50,000. The customer will be paid up to 85% of the loss, or up to 25,000, whichever is lower. This will be shared between the central bank, the customers bank and the bank where the money was transferred. Also Read | Middle East war unlikely to dent Indias remittance inflows significantly The catch is that customers will get this only once in a lifetime. Governor Sanjay Malhotra said last month that this is a way to forgive an initial lapse in judgment while ensuring that users tighten their personal security protocols thereafter. The proposal marks a significant shift in liability dynamics in India. While banks have traditionally resisted paying for customer errors like OTP sharing, RBI is now stepping in to subsidize those mistakes to keep the nations digital momentum from stalling. Electronic banking transactions include point-of-sale transfers, automated teller machine transactions, direct deposits or withdrawals, telephone-initiated transfers, and internet and card payments. Eligibility conditions This compensation will apply to individuals who have lost money due to third-party breaches and to customers who have been negligent. A third-party breach is when the bank's services or the customer's actions were not the cause of the loss, but the loss lies elsewhere in the system. Also Read | Airtel Money fires a 20,000-cr warning shot at Jio Financial Meanwhile, customer negligence would include actions such as providing a PIN, password, OTP, or other details to another person to carry out transactions; failing to notify the bank immediately upon discovering a fraudulent transaction; and downloading malicious apps, among others. The compensation would be contingent upon the loss being found legitimate and the victim reporting the fraud on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the National Cyber Crime Helpline, and to the bank, within five calendar days of its occurrence. These are proposals floated by the central bank in a draft circular released on Friday. A month ago, RBI had said it would issue a framework for compensation in cases of small-value fraudulent transactions. The circular also mandates that bank boards or their committees must regularly audit reported digital frauds and the effectiveness of their resolution processes, using these insights to strengthen security protocols and grievance systems. It also said that a customer shall be entitled to zero liability and a reversal of the transaction if the fraudulent transaction occurs due to the bank's negligence, regardless of whether the customer reported it. The burden of proving customer liability in complaints involving fraudulent electronic banking transactions shall lie on the bank, it said. Experts said the new framework is focused on digital payments rather than digital lending, and its core objective is to create clearer accountability for fraud. RBI has specified how compensation will be shared among different stakeholders, which brings greater clarity on liability, said Sanjay Agarwal, senior director, Care Ratings Ltd. For smaller-value transactions in particular, Agarwal said the regulator has introduced a mechanism in which RBI itself contributes a portion of the compensation, alongside the issuing bank, the receiving bank, and the customer. Following Karnataka states decision to ban social media for minors under 16 years, Meta Platforms on Friday warned that administrations weighing such limitations must be cautious not to drive teens towards less secure, unmonitored sites or logged-out environments that lack essential safeguards. Meta stated that it shall follow domestic regulations like bans, but remarked that with teens utilising roughly 40 apps weekly, focusing on a few companies won't ensure safety. Also Read | Malaysian government to implement social media ban for under-16s from 2026 Bans need to be applied equally, the US-headquartered social media giant said in a statement. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced a ban on the usage of social media for those below the age of 16 years, a step intended at stopping its negative impacts on children. "With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16," Siddaramaiah said while presenting the state Budget for 2026-27. Meta also mentioned like legislators, the firm, too, desires a safe, constructive online environment for young people. We want the same thing as lawmakers "We want the same thing as lawmakers: safe, positive online experiences for young people. We believe parents should decide which apps their teens use, so we support laws that empower parents to approve teen app downloads at the app store level," it said. "Governments considering social media bans should be careful not to push teens toward less safe, unregulated sites, or logged out experiences that lack important protections -- like the default safeguards we offer in Instagram's Teen Accounts," it added. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, too, has said social media will be forbidden for children below 13 years within the coming 90 days, in the state. Regarding Andhra Pradesh's action, Meta claimed the firm's platforms are not accessible to children under 13, and that it already requires people to be at least 13 to open an account. "The proposal in Andhra Pradesh relating to children below 13 therefore aligns with our existing policy," the Meta statement said. In January, the Indian leadership's Economic Survey had noted age-linked entry to online platforms must be evaluated, to prevent digital dependency and shield children from damaging material. The Survey, presented in Parliament, had stated online platforms must be held accountable for performing age validation, and basic devices should be encouraged for children to view instructional material with protections to tackle the growing issue of digital dependency. Several countries proposed age restrictions on social media use Internationally, too, various nations, including Australia, France, and the United Kingdom, have enacted or suggested age limitations and tighter parental authorization rules to restrict children's entry to social media networks. Indonesia is also shifting in that way now. On Friday, Indonesia's Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said the nation will limit social media for children under 16. The issue is not about the bandwidth charges, but the higher one-time or local leads charges which are charged by operators for providing DLC infrastructure. There is a need to have a ceiling on the same, said Satya N. Gupta, former principal advisor at Trai. The telecom regulator should ask the operator to declare prices, including those of local leads/one-time installation, in a non-discriminatory manner for all enterprises, he said. Srinibas Pradhan Constructions IPO Day 1: The initial public offering of Srinibas Pradhan opened for subscription today March 6 and will close on Tuesday, March 10. The Srinibas Pradhan IPO price band has been set in the range of 91-98 per share. The SME IPO allotment is expected on Wednesday, March 11 while successful applicants are likely to receive their shares on Thursday, March 12. Refunds for non-allottees will also be processed on the same day. The stock is scheduled to list on NSE SME with a tentative listing date of March 13, Friday. Srinibas Pradhan Constructions IPO GMP Today Investor sentiment toward the IPO is muted, as Srinibas Pradhan Constructions grey market premium (GMP) is 0 on March 6. This suggested that the stock was likely to debut at 98, same as IPO price. 'Grey market premium' indicates investors' readiness to pay more than the issue price. Srinibas Pradhan Constructions IPO subscription status The IPO was subscribed 0.02 times by 12:52 pm on Day 1. The retail portion was subscribed 0.02 times, and NII portion was booked 0.01 times, and Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) portion had not received any bids yet. The company has received bids for 31,200 shares against 19.69 lakh shares on offer. Srinibas Pradhan Constructions IPO Details The company aims to raise 20.38 crore from this initial public offering (IPO), which is a mix of fresh shares and an offer for sale (OFS). The issue is a combination of fresh issue of 17 lakh shares worth 16.79 crores and offer for sale of 4 lakh shares aggregating to 3.53 crore. The company plans to utilise the net proceeds from the issue primarily to support its business operations and financial obligations. Out of the total estimated proceeds of 12.55 crore, around 11.55 crore will be allocated towards meeting the companys working capital requirements. In addition, 1 crore will be used for the partial repayment of loans availed by the company. The remaining funds will be deployed for general corporate purposes. The IPO has a lot size of 1,200 shares, and retail investors must apply for a minimum of two lots. This means the minimum investment required comes to about 2.35 lakh for 2,400 shares at the upper end of the price band. Novus Capital Advisors Private Limited is acting as the book-running lead manager for the issue, while Maashitla Securities Pvt Ltd has been appointed as the registrar. Rikhav Securities Ltd. will serve as the market maker for the company. About Srinibas Pradhan Constructions Srinibas Pradhan Constructions Limited is an infrastructure company based in Odisha that undertakes projects involving the construction of roads, highways, bridges and other civil structures, along with industrial buildings and maintenance work. During FY25, road and bridge construction contributed the majority of revenue at 70.23%, followed by industrial and other building projects at 23.82%. Maintenance activities accounted for 5.53%, while equipment rental contributed 0.42%. The company largely operates on a B2B model, with 91.19% of its FY25 revenue coming from non-government clients. In terms of project execution, 54.36% of revenue came from direct contracts, while 45.64% was generated through subcontracted work. Emkay Global Financial Services estimates Petronets Dahej plant utilization to fall to 77% in the March quarter (Q4FY26), from 97% in Q3, if the Qatar disruption lasts for the full month. In a recent statement, Petronet has said that acts of war is not included under the business interruption insurance cover it has. Thus, the impact of the conflict on the company could be higher. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Friday introduced a voluntary debit freeze facility for mutual fund investors across both demat and non-demat folios, a move aimed at promoting digital security. The decision, taken after consultation with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), will come into effect from 30 April 2026, the markets regulator said in a statement. "It is decided that a voluntary debit freeze facility be introduced for mutual fund investors across demat and non-demat (i.e. Statement of Account) folios to ensure that no units shall be debited from such folios till the time they are unlocked," SEBI said. How does the new framework work? Under the facility, investors would be able to lock their mutual fund folios, ensuring that no units are debited from their accounts until the folios are unlocked, the markets regulator said in a circular. In the first phase, the facility to lock the folio will be provided to mutual fund investors by Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTAs) through the interoperable platform MF Central. Also Read | How Tuhin Kanta Pandey steered Sebi out of turbulence The facility will only be available to KYC-compliant investors who have a valid email ID and mobile number, both of which are mandatory. MF Central was introduced to improve and streamline the overall investor experience, the regulator stated. AMFI to prescribe process to AMCs Industry body AMFI will prescribe the detailed process for locking and unlocking folios to all asset management companies (AMCs) and RTAs and will also provide the processes to be followed by different types of investors after consulting with the regulator. Additionally, AMFI has been directed to prescribe a detailed list of financial and non-financial transactions that are allowed during such a lock-in period to AMCs/ RTAs. The detailed process to opt for such a facility and its impact on different financial and non-financial transactions during the lock-in period will be disclosed by all AMCs/RTAs on their websites and in the statement of additional information. Sebi moves to boost investor protection Of late, the market regulator has been actively taking measures to strengthen investor protection. Last month, it had directed all regulated entities and their agents to disclose their registered name and registration number on social media platforms, tightening transparency norms amid the surge in market-related content online. For instance, Spotify Technologies listed its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in 2018 without raising money through an IPO. The company chose the route because it was already cash-flow positive and did not need to raise capital. Coinbase and Palantir also skipped the traditional IPO process and opted for direct listings. South Korean defence stock LIG Nex1 Co. surged more than 17% on Friday, March 6, extending its sharp rally since the outbreak of the US-Iran war in the Middle East. LIG Nex1 stock price surged as much as 17.8% to 899,000 KRW on the Korea Exchange. The defence stock had already rallied 26% in the previous session and jumped nearly 30% on March 3. In five trading sessions, LIG Nex1 shares have skyrocketed 78.7%, taking the companys market capitalisation near 18 trillion KRW. The rally in the South Korean defence stock comes amid reports that its air defence systems were used to intercept Iranian missiles launched at the United Arab Emirates, as the Middle East conflict intensified. Also Read | RIL share price gains over 2% after India gets waiver to purchase Russian oil Local media reports suggest that Gulf nations may expand orders for LIG Nex1s missile interceptors to counter potential Iranian strikes. The United Arab Emirates has reportedly asked the company to supply additional interceptors, according to one report. Another report indicated that three Gulf countries have requested early delivery of planned shipments, while Qatar has offered to place a new order for the missile defence systems. These developments follow a statement from the UAE defence ministry, which said earlier this week that its air defence systems had destroyed 172 of the 186 Iranian ballistic missiles detected since the conflict erupted. LIG Nex1 has exported its mid-range surface-to-air missile systems (M-SAM II), also known as Cheongung II, to the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iraq between 2022 and 2024 in deals valued at over 12 trillion won ($8.2 billion), according to a Bloomberg report. Other South Korean defence stocks have also rallied sharply amid the US-Iran war. Hanwha Systems Co. surged 30% on Thursday, while Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. and Hyundai Rotem Co. gained more than 9% each. South Korean defence contractors have benefited from booming global arms demand, driven by geopolitical conflicts including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Meanwhile, Hanwha Aerospace Co., a partner in the production of the M-SAM missile systems and other defence platforms, also hit a record high this week. The stock has delivered a staggering 3,000% rally over the past five years, making it one of the worlds best-performing defence stocks, Bloomberg reported. Technical Outlook According to Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investments, LIG Nex1s share price has confirmed a decisive breakout from a 47-week bullish flag pattern near the KRW 550,000 level, signalling a continuation of the prevailing uptrend. The breakout was accompanied by a gap-up move, which typically reflects aggressive institutional participation rather than incremental buying. Volume expansion during the breakout further validates the move and strengthens the underlying trend structure across timeframes, Jain said. The stock has already achieved its first measured objective near KRW 835,000 and continues to hold above the breakout zone, indicating strong demand absorption. With momentum intact and no visible distribution yet, the next logical projection lies near the KRW 1,000,000 mark, he added. The Indian stock market benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty 50, are likely to open lower on Friday, tracking weak global market cues as the ongoing US-Israel-Iran war continues to dent investors risk appetite. The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a negative start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around 24,621 level, a discount of nearly 233 points from the Nifty futures previous close. On Thursday, the Indian stock market ended higher amid short-covering after three sessions of sharp losses, with the benchmark Nifty 50 closing above 24,700 level. The Sensex jumped 899.71 points, or 1.14%, to close at 80,015.90, while the Nifty 50 settled 285.40 points, or 1.17%, higher at 24,765.90. Heres what to expect from Sensex, Nifty 50, and Bank Nifty today: Sensex Prediction Sensex formed a bullish candle on daily charts, indicating that a pullback formation is likely to continue in the near future. For traders, 79,500 and 79,200 would act as key support zones. Above these levels, Sensex could continue its positive momentum up to 80,500 - 80,700. On the flip side, below 79,200, the sentiment could change. Below this level, traders may prefer to exit their long positions, said Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities. Also Read | Indian stock market: 10 key things that changed for market overnight Riyank Arora, Associate Vice President HNI & Derivatives, Hedged.in said that the immediate support for Sensex is placed near 78,400, followed by a stronger support around 78,000. On the higher side, 81,000 and 81,200 are expected to act as important resistance zones. Sustaining above support levels could keep the bullish momentum intact, said Arora. Nifty Options Data Nifty derivatives data suggests strong positioning around the 24,600 and 24,900 strikes, indicating a well-defined near-term trading band. Traders may continue to adopt a cautious approach, focusing on key support levels and waiting for a decisive breakout above resistance zones for fresh directional opportunities, said Aakash Shah, Technical Research Analyst at Choice Equity Broking. Nifty 50 Prediction Nifty 50 index formed a bullish candlestick pattern with shadows in either direction, signaling pullback from an oversold territory after recent sharp decline. A long bull candle was formed on the daily chart with a gap up opening. Technically, this market action indicates a formation of a bullish candle pattern like morning star - not a classical one. Formation of such a pattern after a reasonable down trend or at the supports indicates possible bottom reversal pattern, said Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy According to him, the sharp downward correction in the market seems to have reversed on the upside with the formation of short-term bottom reversal pattern on Thursday. Further sustainable upmove from here could pull Nifty 50 towards the next resistance of 25,000 in the near term. Immediate support is placed at 24,500, Shetti said. Nilesh Jain, VP- Head of Technical and Derivative research at Centrum Finverse Ltd. noted that the Nifty 50 index has retraced 23.6% of the entire recent decline, which is placed near the 24,800 level. However, the market is not completely out of the woods yet, and the current move should be considered only a pullback as long as Nifty 50 trades below the 25,200 level. On the downside, immediate support is placed at 24,600, and a break below this level could drag the Nifty 50 index further towards 24,400. The momentum indicator RSI has rebounded from the oversold territory and is currently placed near 36, indicating some recovery in momentum. Meanwhile, India VIX cooled off sharply, declining nearly 16% to slip below the 18 mark. Any further easing in volatility is likely to remain supportive of bullish sentiment, said Jain. Riyank Arora said that the Nifty 50 index has immediate support near 24,200, followed by a stronger base around 24,000. On the upside, 25,000 and 25,100 are likely to act as key resistance levels. As long as the Nifty 50 index holds above the support zone, the overall trend remains positive with a buy-on-dips approach likely to work in the current market structure. Overall, both indices continue to maintain a positive trend, and buying on dips remains the preferred strategy at current levels, said Arora. Bank Nifty Prediction Bank Nifty index ended 300.60 points, or 0.51%, higher at 59,055.85 on Thursday, forming a High Wave candle on the daily chart, a pattern characterised by long upper and lower shadows. This typically signals indecision and highlights a lack of clear directional conviction among market participants at current levels. From a technical perspective, the zone of 59,400 59,500 will act as a key resistance area for Bank Nifty index in the coming sessions. A sustained move above this band could open the door for a meaningful upside extension. On the downside, the region between 58,600 - 58,500 will serve as a crucial support zone. A decisive break below this level may trigger renewed selling pressure and generate a stronger trending move, said Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities. Also Read | Stocks to buy: Raja Venkatraman recommends three stocks for 6 March Bajaj Broking Research believes that volatility is likely to remain elevated amid uncertain global cues and escalating geo-political tension, while the Bank Nifty index is likely to consolidate in the range of 58,000 - 60,000 in the coming sessions. A breakout or a breakdown will signal the next directional movement. A breakdown below 58,000 on account of escalating geo-political tensions will open further downside towards 57,200 levels in the coming week, said the brokerage firm. Since the war began, the Nifty Midcap 150 and the Nifty Smallcap 250 have fallen 2.39% and 2.6%, respectively, from Friday's levels to 21326 and 15465.75 on Thursday. Both have underperformed the Nifty over this period, which has fallen by 1.64% to 24765.9. Striders Impex IPO listing: Shares of Striders Impex made a lacklustre debut on Friday, March 6, amid a weak trend in the Indian stock market as they listed at a nearly 3% discount on the NSE SME segment. Striders Impex share price was listed at 70, down 2.78% as against the initial public offering (IPO) price of 72. The listing missed Street expectations as the grey market premium (GMP) had pointed to a flat debut. Striders Impex IPO GMP ahead of listing was nil, suggesting that the shares could debut at the same level as the offer price. Striders Impex IPO Details Striders Impex IPO garnered a tepid response for its share sale as it garnered bids for 44,72,000 shares as against 33,53,600 shares on offer, resulting in a 1.33 times subscription. The individual investor portion failed to be fully subscribed, closing with 78% bids. Meanwhile, the non-institutional investor (NII) and qualified institutional buyer (QIB) quotas were booked 1.70 times and 2.03 times, respectively. The 36-crore Striders Impex IPO was a combination of a fresh issue of 0.45 crore shares worth 32.62 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) component of 0.05 crore shares worth 3.666 crore. Also Read | Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust InvIT IPO price band set at 99-100 per unit The offer was available for bidding from February 26 to March 2. The allotment for the IPO was finalised on March 4. Striders Impex IPO price band was fixed at 71 to 72 per share. At the upper end of the price band, retail investors were required to invest a minimum of 2,30,400to bid for at least two lots. The company plans to use the proceeds from the fresh share sale to fund working capital needs, invest in subsidiaries, repay loans, and cover general corporate purposes. Striders Impex is engaged in the business of licensing, own brand development, and distribution of toys and kids' consumer merchandise. The company offers end-to-end solutions from product design and development to sourcing, manufacturing and distribution, catering to retail formats across India and select international markets. Also Read | Rajputana Stainless IPO: 10 key risks flagged in the RHP investors should know In addition to developing and distributing licensed merchandise, the company has created and developed a portfolio of proprietary intellectual properties (IPs), including Pugs at Play, Furry Pals, Gurliez, etc., enabling it to build brand equity, improve margins, and diversify its product mix. Capital Square Advisors is the book-running lead manager, and MUFG Intime India is the registrar of the issue. Indias capital markets regulator, SEBI, has approved Bonbloc Technologies, Milestone Gears, and Eastman Auto, clearing the way for these companies to raise funds through public offerings, which is expected to further expand the size of the Indian stock market. Following this initial step of receiving SEBI approval, the companies will release their Red Herring Prospectuses (RHPs), which contain full details about the issue size, issue price, lot details, reservation quota, allotment date, and listing date. The SEBI approval is valid for 12 months. About Bonbloc Technologies The company is an artificial intelligencenative enterprise technology firm that builds next-generation AI-powered SaaS solutions and AI-powered Internet of Things (IoT) products that deliver intelligence, safety, and compliance at a global scale. Its offerings span application development, business intelligence, digital and cloud services, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance solutions, particularly within the supply chain and food safety sectors. The company filed a Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI on September 28, 2025, to raise funds through an initial public offering. The IPO is a book-built issue consisting of a fresh issue of 230 crore and an offer for sale of up to 3 crore equity shares. Milestone Gears The company is a manufacturer of high-precision, complex engineered transmission components that have applications across multiple sectors, including tractors, construction equipment, electric vehicles (EVs), locomotives, windmills, and other heavy industries. It supplies its products to Indian and global original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers, including their affiliated entities. Between April 1, 2022, and June 30, 2025, it supplied products to more than 50 customers, including all the top nine OEMs in the tractor sector in India. The company is looking to raise 1,100 crore through this IPO, which will be a combination of a fresh issue of shares worth 800 crore and an offer for sale of 300 crore. It filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI on November 18, 2025, according to Chittorgarh. Eastman Auto & Power Eastman Auto & Power Limited (EAPL), part of the JRS Eastman Group, is an Indian energy solutions and power electronics company headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana. It is a prominent player in the energy transition and power solutions sector, focusing on sustainable energy generation, storage, and electrification technologies. The company filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI on December 9, 2025. Also Read | Mukesh Ambanis Reliance Jio IPO reportedly delayed by regulatory limbo US-Iran war: Global brokerage Morgan Stanley has turned cautious on Asian equities, including India, amid concerns that the conflict in the Middle East could disrupt supply chains if oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz fail to recover. The brokerage sees India as the most exposed to potential Qatari liquefied natural gas supply disruptions, therefore downgrading it to equal-weight in their latest reshuffle. We stay defensive, Morgan Stanley strategists, including Daniel Blake and Jonathan Garner, wrote in a note dated March 5, according to a Bloomberg report. Asia remains critically dependent on Middle Eastern supply of crude oil, refined products and LNG, and we believe the market is too complacent about supply chain risks. US-Iran war clouds Asian market outlook The war between Iran and the US has reshaped the energy flows and risk premiums, especially amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global oil flows and over 40% of Indias crude imports transit. Also Read | US grants India 30-day waiver to purchase Russian oil amid Iran conflict Prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could lift oil and LNG prices, pressure energy-importing Asia, and trigger earnings downgrades, said the brokerage. Concerns are also mounting that a sustained supply shock may spark a global economic slowdown, undermining key export industries. According to the Bloomberg report, global investors are pulling money out of emerging Asias major markets. Since the war began, foreign investors have pulled about $1.3 billion from India. Chip-focused markets such as Taiwan and South Korea have experienced even larger outflows this week, with $7.9 billion withdrawn from Taiwan putting it on track for the biggest weekly foreign investor exit from the island and $1.6 billion leaving South Korea. With uncertainty around AI and high valuations, global investors may wait possibly until South Korea and Taiwans tech cycle peaks before shifting back toward India, analysts at Morgan Stanley said. The brokerage's latest changes come about a week after predicting that emerging markets are poised for their strongest earnings growth stretch since the 20022004 supercycle, fueled by surging AI investment. In their latest note, Morgan Stanley strategists downgraded the United Arab Emirates to equal-weight from overweight, while upgrading Taiwan and Saudi Arabia to equal-weight from underweight. South Korea was kept at equal-weight, even though the strategists highlighted its powerful thematic drivers. They also maintained overweight positions in Japan and Singapore. In recent months, Morgan Stanley has also added resource-themed stocks to its recommended list, citing rising prices of copper and other physical assets. Strong demand for AI and the expansion of data centres have supported these gains. As a result, Australian materials companies and Thai energy stocks are well positioned to benefit, Garner said at a conference in Sydney this week. (With inputs from Bloomberg) There are three wars on right now. Maybe four. By the time you read this, more might have broken out. Allegiances are being declared, dictators are backing dictators, human rights are being trampled on by oppressive regimes. Yet even this bleak state of affairs has begun to sound business-as-usual. Maybe it is, in fact, always wartime, but in order to cope, we try to forget that. Ignoring war has become our line of defence. We shake our heads and scroll past it. Moving on is harder for the young people in uniform, much as theyd also like to make reels to trending audio and laugh at memes. The rah-rah jingoistic cheerleading and political grandstanding does not help a soldier in a foxhole. How many foxholes? How many soldiers? Its precisely because the numbers of corpses and casualties become so large, so hard to wrap our brains around, that we (conveniently) tune out. It is around such a concern that Sriram Raghavan weaves his beautiful anti-war film Ikkis, now streaming on Amazon Prime. Raghavan focuses on the story of one brave young manon his story as well as his legacybut the number he hones in on is the 21 of the title. An overachieving hero is killed at a blackjack age, most of his cards remaining undealt. How much does a soldier know? Cinema is strewn with examples of martyrs who can barely define martyrdom, underage pawns on a deadly geopolitical chessboard. In the classic All Quiet on the Western Front (1931, rentable on Amazon, 2022 remake streaming on Netflix), the camaraderie of idealistic schoolfriends is snuffed out by the brutality of battle. Stanley Kubricks Full Metal Jacket (rentable on Amazon and Apple TV) is about how young cadets are psychologically broken down in order only to be reassembled as weapons. In Beasts of No Nation (Netflix), a child forced into a rebel army faces indoctrination, fear, and steals moments of childishness amid the atrocities. In Gallipoli, two sprinters adventurously enlist in World War I and waste their youth on the battlefield. Kids. Kids who should be laughing and flirting and playing video games and sneaking a drink of beer. Instead, straitjacketed by discipline and tradition and rulebooks, they are thrust into the horrors of the battlefield and expected to keep a cool head. In Robert Altmans 1970 classic M*A*S*H*, 20-something doctors struggle to maintain some kind of sanity while dealing with wounded enemies and sacrificed colleagues, mocking the idea of martyrdom itself with the song Suicide is Painless. There have been several depictions of Bhagat Singh in Hindi cinema, but the one I cant shake off is a haunting role played by Amol Parashar in Shoojit Sircars Sardar Udham (Amazon Prime) where the filmmaker emphasises what a fresh-faced bachcha the great revolutionary must have been. In Ikkis, Agastya Nanda plays Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, martyred during the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Raghavan highlights the youngsters enthusiasm, his efficiency and his seemingly unquenchable hunger for action. Sir, ladaai hone waali hai? he asks, birthday cake on his face, his glee and bloodlust unhidden by frosting. Nanda delivers an impressive Rahul Dravid-esque performance, all earnestness and unimpeachable technique, a boy prepared to sweat harder and strive for more. His hunger is infectious, and we root for him as he swots and he swoons. Raghavan also, cleverly, shows us just how much this romantic, a lover who romanticises the battle and the shields ahead of his actual lover and his fellow soldiers, needs to learn. The greatest triumph of Ikkis is in the way we see its hero being completely, cluelessly, confidently wet behind the ears. On the other end, hands clasped tightly behind his back, stands Jaideep Ahlawat, playing the Pakistani counterpart to this invading youngster. Playing an officer guarding against the rampaging Indian tanks, Ahlawat exemplifies the other side of the war story, the man who has lived to tell the tale. He is grizzled and war-worn and drinks too much and has trouble sleeping at night. His shoulders are weighed down by remorse, the kind of remorse brought about by the awareness that comes with age. Hes the one who got old, and he wishes it werent so. Yet, if were lucky, age also confers the ability to let others off the hook. Ikkis provides yeoman service to the legacy of Dharmendra, the impossibly good-looking He-Man of Hindi cinema who felled many an enemy on screen, in and out of uniform, his machismo becoming its own shorthand. In an affecting performance, he plays Khetarpals father, lamenting the loss of his sonthe son who will forever remain 21while also spreading love wherever he goes in Pakistan, tracing roots of his life and his loss. It is a beautiful final performance, a fittingly poetic epitaph for an actor who wrote his lines out in Urdu to memorise them, a man who romanticised his shaayari. A requiem for a Dharmendra. Like Khetarpals father, the actor was born in Pakistan before it was Pakistan. In Ikkis, rampaging Indian tanks are mistaken by Pakistani locals for their own tanks, and thus cheered on loudly and pelted affectionately with oranges, amusing young Khetarpal and his fellow soldiers. What age makes most evident is that war has no victories, only proclamations of victory. We are all on the same side. We are all losing. Streaming tip of the week: Grave Of The Fireflies (Netflix) may be the most heartbreaking (and essential) anti-war film. Directed by Isao Takahata, the animated film is about young Seita and his sister Setsuko, struggling to survive in Kobe after their world and their family is wiped out by US bombing in the Pacific War. The United States' decision to grant a 30-day waiver to allow India to buy Russian oil amid the West Asia conflict has sparked strong criticism from the Opposition. On Friday, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at the move, questioning who are they to dictate? "... I want to ask the BJP and RSS, how dare Trumps minister grant us time to buy oil? Who are they to dictate to us? Why are they silent on this? This is a question of our countrys sovereignty. Buying oil from others should be entirely at our own discretion,' said Owaisi, reported ANI. On Thursday, the United States Treasury Department said it had granted a 30-day waiver to India to purchase Russian oil. New Delhi is looking at ways to navigate an oil supply crunch triggered by the West Asia conflict. What is the 30-day waiver? US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the 30-day waiver in a post on X, saying it will enable oil to keep flowing into the global market. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, he wrote. Treasury Department's licence allows crude oil or petroleum products of Russian origin loaded on any vessel on or before 5 March, 12:01 AM EST to be delivered to India until 12:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time on 4 April. What happened before? Trump administration's 30-day waiver comes after Washington recently revoked a 25% tariff on Indian exports to the US, as part of an interim trade agreement finalised in February. The US claimed India halted Russian oil imports as part of the trade deal, but New Delhi never accepted that claim. Not just Asaduddin Owaisi earlier in the day, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also sharply criticised the US decision to grant a waiver to India. Kharge slams Trump's 30-day waiver permission for India In an X post, Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he was being "blackmailed" by the US. Recalling PM Modi's "Main desh nahi jhukne doonga" (would not let the nation bow down) statement, Kharge called it a mere slogan to win elections. The Madras High Court has set aside the conviction of an accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act), noting that young boys often end up facing legal consequences even when the relationship between the teenagers is consensual. POCSO Act being misused by parents According to the Madras High Court, parents who are opposed to teenage relationships often file cases under the POCSO Act to implicate boys. In cases involving consensual relationship between adolescents, it is often the young boy who ultimately bears the consequences. Under parental pressure, the girl may be compelled to marry another person, following which criminal proceedings are initiated against the boy under the POCSO Act, resulting in his prolonged incarceration, Justice N Mala of the Madras HC said. What is the case? The court made the comments while setting aside the POCSO conviction of one Mahesh, who was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment by a court in Nagarcoil, Bar and Bench reported. Also Read | UP POCSO court awards death penalty to couple for sexual exploitation of 33 boys The case dates back to 2018, when the complainant was 16 years old. She was in a relationship with the accused, who was a friend of her elder brother. On March 4, 2018, the girl left her home and married the accused at his relative's home after her parents allegedly tried to get her married to another person against her will. The two stayed together till April 5, when, based on an anonymous call to the Child Helpline, they were located and handed over to the Nagercoil Police. Things took another unexpected turn after the accused was booked under the POCSO Act, based on a complaint by the girl. The accused was booked under charges of including kidnapping and aggravated penetrative sexual assault under Section 6 of the POCSO Act. He was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under POCSO charges and five years of rigorous imprisonment for kidnapping. What Madras HC said However, while hearing an appeal by the accused against the lower courts conviction, the Madras HC noted that it was a typical case where a consensual adolescent sexual relationship ended on a discordant note due to parental differences. The court also noted that the trial court had made a fatal error in accepting xerox copies of the victims birth certificate and transfer certificate to establish that she was a minor, when originals of these documents were admittedly available. Justice Mala observed that if the secondary evidences are discarded, the case would fall apart as the prosecution relied on them to prove that the girl was a minor at the time. While setting aside the conviction, the Madras HC also referred to a recent Supreme Court ruling in which it expressed concern about the misuse of the POCSO Act in cases involving consensual adolescent relationships. SC observation on POCSO misuse In January, the SC had suggested that the Government should consider introducing a Romeo-Juliet clause exemption in consenting adolescent relationships to prevent the misuse of the POCSO Act. In the past, too, several courts, including the Delhi High Court and the Kerala High Court, have also observed that the POCSO Act is often misapplied or used as a weapon by families who object to a minor girls romantic relationship with a young boy. Courts have also suggested the law should evolve to respect adolescent relationships that are free from coercion, arguing that punishing such cases is neither just nor practical. The Iranian warship IRIS Lavan, which participated in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, has docked at Kochi after experiencing technical problems, ANI reported citing Government of India sources. Officials told ANI that Iran had contacted India days before the IRIS Dena incident south of Sri Lanka. The vessel was in the region as part of Irans naval participation in the International Fleet Review and MILAN 2026, held from February 15 to February 25. "This request was received on 28 February 2026, indicating that a docking at Kochi was urgent as the vessel had developed technical issues," the sources said. The joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran were also initiated on February 28. Sources added that India approved docking on March 1, after the conflict in the region had already begun. "Approval was accorded for the docking on 1 March. IRIS LAVAN has since docked at Kochi on 4 March," the sources said. According to the sources, the ship's crew members are currently staying at naval facilities in Kochi. "In this context, its crew of 183 are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi," the sources told ANI. Sources further told ANI that other ships were also present in the region at that time. Also Read | How Sri Lanka allowing Iranian ship to dock could change US-Iran war The Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was returning home after taking part in the Milan naval exercise hosted by India when it was struck, resulting in the deaths of at least 87 Iranian sailors. The attack marked a significant escalation in the conflict between the US and Iran outside the Persian Gulf. View full Image View full Image A Sri Lankan Navy vessel approaches an Iranian vessel during a rescue operation, a day after the crew of a distressed Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena, were assisted in waters south of Sri Lanka, off the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka, March 5, 2026. Sri Lanka Navy/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY ( via REUTERS ) The confrontation began when the US carried out military strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader. In retaliation, Iran launched a series of attacks primarily targeting Israel and American military bases across several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, said that the frigate IRIS Dena was carrying about 130 crew members, close to the typical complement for a ship of its class. He condemned its sinking by a United States submarine as an atrocity at sea and warned that Washington would bitterly regret the attack, AP reported. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said late Thursday that authorities decided to take control of the IRIS Bushehr after discussions with Iranian officials and the ships captain, after one of its engines failed. We have to understand that this is not an ordinary situation. Its a request by a ship belonging to one party to enter into our port. We have to consider that according to the international treaties and conventions, he told journalists Thursday night. Separately on Friday, he wrote on X: No civilian should die in wars. Our approach is that every single life is as precious as our own. The government on Friday directed television rating agency Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) to immediately freeze reporting the Television Rating Points (TRPs) for TV news channels for a period of four weeks, or until further orders, over sensational coverage of US-Iran conflict. The move comes amid concerns that some TV news channels are displaying "unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content" about the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which "may potentially create panic" among the general public, specially those having friends and family in the affected areas or residing in the conflict zones, mentioned a report by news wire PTI. The conflict in West Asia entered its seventh day on Friday, 6 March following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with other key figures in the Islamic Republic on 28 February. In retaliation, Tehran has responded with counter-strikes targeting American military bases and other Israeli assets across the region. What is BARC? According to the 'Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India', issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on January 16, 2014 for television rating, Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) is a registered television rating agency. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in its directive, said that it has observed that, amidst the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, certain news TV channels are displaying "unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content", which "may potentially create panic" among the general public, specially those having friends and family in the affected areas or residing in the affected areas. The Clause 24.2 of the policy guidelines, prescribes that "The company shall be required to comply with any orders, regulations, guidelines, directions, etc., issued by the Ministry from time to time. "Therefore, in the public interest, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting hereby directs M/s BARC to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points(TRPs) for news TV channels for a period of four weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier," the directive said. New Delhi, Mar 6 (PTI) - Indian refiners have begun buying some of the over 15 million barrels of Russian crude currently floating on tankers near the country, as they move to offset supply concerns arising from disruptions in the Middle East. Sources said refiners stepped up purchases after the US Treasury Department issued a 30-day licence allowing India to buy Russian oil cargoes currently stuck at sea. India, which was among the top buyers of Russian oil, curtailed purchases after US pressured New Delhi to avoid buying Russian barrels in an effort to reduce money flowing to Moscow's war effort in Ukraine. India's imports of Russian crude in February fell to 1.04 million barrels per day - the lowest since November 2022. The US had made cuts to tariffs on Indian goods contingent on New Delhi reducing its purchases of Russian crude. This left several ship loads of Russian oil stranded on high-sea, sources said. India, which had turned to buying discounted Russian crude following Western sanctions in February 2022, is now adjusting its purchases amid disruptions in Middle East supplies. The country had previously imported record volumes of Russian oil when cargoes were available at deep discounts, helping refiners offset rising global crude prices. Russian cargoes hit a peak of 2.15 million barrels in May 2023. However, with the widening West Asia conflict blocking shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and raising concerns over oil and LNG supplies from the Middle East, Indian refiners are now balancing purchases from both Russian cargoes at sea and other sources to ensure an uninterrupted domestic fuel supply. "President Trump's energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. "To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil." Calling the move a stopgap measure, he said Washington expects India to eventually buy more US oil. "India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage," Bessent said in a post on X. The short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorises transactions involving oil already stranded at sea, he added. India, which has inventories to cover for 25 days of demand for crude (raw material for making fuels like petrol and diesel), sources 40-50 per cent of its crude oil needs from the Middle East through the Strait of Hormuz. The escalating conflict in West Asia has effectively shut the strait. Sources said Indian refiners are now buying the Russian oil to build inventories. There are more than a dozen tankers with Russian oil in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, sources said, adding that another eight vessels are idling off Singapore and could reach India within days. Beyond that, ships laden with Russian oil are also in the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez canal which would also reach India in under a month. "With nearly 50 per cent of India's crude imports transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the country remains highly exposed to potential supply disruptions," said Sumit Ritolia, an analyst at the data intelligence firm Kpler. "The US waiver allowing additional purchases of Russian crude over base load offers short-term relief, though competition from Chinese buyers for the same barrels could limit the extent of India's benefit." Indian refiners had already been importing around 1 million barrels per day of Russian crude in recent months, meaning the waiver effectively acts as a green signal to lift volumes above this base load, he said. "As of early March, around 130 million barrels of Russian crude remain on the water, including significant volumes across the Indian Ocean, Red Sea/Suez routes, and around Singapore, which could potentially be redirected toward Indian ports if commercial deals are finalised. "With the waiver now in place, refiners could quickly resume purchases, potentially pushing Russian inflows around 1.6 to 2 million barrels per day in the near term," he said. While this provides a short-term logistical buffer, it cannot fully offset India's 2.6 million barrels per day exposure to Middle Eastern crude, and competition from Chinese buyers for the same Russian barrels will limit the upside. IndiGo on Friday, 6 March, announced that it has decided to extend free cancellation waivers amid travel disruptions due to Middle East tensions. Suggesting that the deadline for full waiver has been extended till 31 March 2026 for affected flights, IndiGo urged passengers to track their flight status at http://bit.ly/31paVKQ and stay updated on scheduled travel plans. This free cancellation waiver applies to flights to and from the Middle East and Istanbul. In a post on X, IndiGo stated, As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, IndiGo extends free waivers on cancellations up till 31 March 2026, considering the volatile situation in the region. Also Read | Flight Status LIVE March 6: IndiGo offers free cancellations till 31 March The statement added, Waivers - Full waiver on cancellations are being extended for travel to and from the Middle East, and Istanbul, until 31 March 2026. The airline also issued the Customer Contact Centre number +91 124 6173838 to provide additional support, clarification, and address passenger queries. IndiGo and other Indian carriers such as Air India, SpiceJet and Akasa Air have resumed some of their operations in the Middle East. Flights from Dubai International Airport, Jeddah and Fujairah have resumed to metro cities like Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. However, services of most Middle East-based airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, continues to remain suspended barring a few special flights. Also Read | Over 12,000 flights cancelled amid tensions in West Asia SpiceJet special flights from the United Arab Emirates scheduled for 6 March SpiceJet, in a statement, said that it will operate 13 flights from Fujairah and one from Dubai on 6 March. SpiceJet will operate fourteen special flights from the United Arab Emirates on 6 March to facilitate the return of stranded Indian nationals, SpiceJet said. To help stranded passengers return home at the earliest, SpiceJet is operating 9 special flights from Fujairah to Mumbai, 4 from Fujairah to Delhi, and 1 from Dubai to Pune. Also Read | Flight Status Highlight: 34 international flights cancelled at Bengaluru airport Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Friday tabled the 2026-27 State Budget, focusing on several developmental projects and new initiatives aimed at the state's overall growth. During his Budget speech, the Chief Minister announced that the Rohith Vemula Act will be enacted to prevent caste-based atrocities against students across all government, private and deemed universities. The Act is named after Rohith Vemula. Also Read | Karnataka announces ban on social media for kids under 16 Siddaramaiah https://www.livemint.com/topic/siddaramaiahalso announced the construction of a 450-bed multi-speciality hospital in Karwar at a cost of 198 crore. In addition, a trauma care centre will be established in Raichur for 10 crore, while Peripheral Cancer Centres will be set up in Mysuru and Tumakuru for 92 crore. The state government has already released 1,593 crore for the development of seven domestic airports in Karnataka, with 200 crore earmarked for the current year. In a major infrastructure push for Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah announced that the Outer Ring Road stretch from Silk Board Junction to KR Puram Metro Station will be developed into a global-standard corridor at an estimated cost of 450 crore. He also announced that Student Union Elections will be conducted in colleges and universities across the state. Speaking about the Namma Metro project, the Chief Minister said that a total expenditure of 67,460 crore has been incurred so far. Of this, the state government has contributed 59,376 crore (88 per cent), while the Centre's share stands at 8,084 crore (12 per cent). Karnataka will ban the use of social media by those under the age of 16, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, The state became the first in India to do so. With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16," the CM said in the speech Here are key highlights from Siddaramaiah's budget speech: Health and infra -Construction of a 450-bed multi-speciality hospital in Karwar at a cost of 198 crore. Trauma care centre in Raichur at a cost of 10 crore. Peripheral Cancer Centres will be set up in Mysuru and Tumakuru at a cost of 92 crore. - A second airport in Bengaluru to decongest Kempegowda International Airport, the third-busiest airport in India. A feasibility report will be prepared after obtaining technical advice from the Airports Authority of India. Also Read | Karnataka activates emergency centres over Middle East airspace closures - 1,593 crore for the development of seven domestic airports in Karnataka, while 200 crore has been earmarked for the current year. -Aircraft manufacturing and assembly activities will be undertaken in PPP mode at Shivamogga airport. Projects for Bengaluru -The Outer Ring Road stretch from Silk Board Junction to KR Pura Metro Station will be developed into a global-standard corridor at an estimated cost of 450 crore. -White-topping of 158 km of roads at a cost of 1,700 crore. GST Rationalisation, Jobs and Social Issues Overall, GST collections are expected to reduce by approximately 10,000 crore in the current financial year and by 15,000 crore in the next year. Started the process of filling 56,432 posts in various government departments this year, says CM Age relaxation of 5 years, considering the delay in recruitment due to court cases: CM -All Gram Panchayats in Karnataka will be renamed as Mahatma Gandhi Gram Panchayats -Rohith Vemula Act will be enacted to prevent caste-based atrocities against students across all government, private and deemed universities Welfare measures and tourism infra -Working womens hostels for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities will be established in Mysuru, Bengaluru, and Belagavi. -A digital library and study centre will be set up in Dharwad and Bengaluru at a cost of 10 crore each for students preparing for competitive examinations. -25 acres of land will be provided to set up a private Vachana University in Basavakalyana. -Hajj Bhavans will be constructed in Hubballi and Kalaburagi for Hajj pilgrims. -Waqf properties located in high-demand commercial areas will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model -In Tadadi, environment-friendly accommodation, walking corridors, tourism information centres and other infrastructure will be developed under the PPP model. NEW DELHI: Stressing that agriculture and the rural economy remain the backbone of Indias development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said technology adoption, crop diversification and a pivot toward export-oriented production will be key to sustaining growth in the farm sector and strengthening rural incomes. Addressing the third webinar of the Budget Webinar Series on agriculture and the rural economy, Modi said digital platforms such as e-NAM and the governments digital agriculture infrastructure initiative AgriStack are transforming how farmers access markets and services. He also highlighted diversification programmes such as the National Mission on Edible Oils and Pulses and the National Mission on Natural Farming, saying these initiatives are strengthening the sector. Also Read | Why the West Asia crisis might make your biryani more expensive this year The focus comes as agriculture and allied activities are projected to account for 15.6% of Indias national income at current prices in FY26 while employing 46.1% of the workforce, making the sector central to the countrys growth trajectory, food security and inclusive development. According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, the agriculture and allied sector grew at an average annual rate of about 4.4% at constant prices over the past five years. Decadal growth of 4.45% during FY16-FY25, the highest compared with previous decades, was driven largely by livestock (7.1%) and fishing and aquaculture (8.8%), followed by crops at 3.5%. Modi also flagged the potential of region-specific crops and stressed the need to expand export-oriented agriculture. The budget has placed emphasis on high-value products such as coconut in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, as well as cashew, cocoa and sandalwood, with the aim of improving productivity and quality to meet global demand. The fisheries and animal husbandry sectors were also identified as key drivers of rural growth. With India already among the worlds largest producers of milk and fish, the government plans to bridge the gap between current output and the sectors full potential. In fisheries, the government plans scientific mapping of reservoirs and water bodies and cluster-based planning models, which could raise production significantly and potentially add about 2 million tonnes to the current output of around 400,000 tonnes. In animal husbandry, the focus will be on improving breeding quality, strengthening disease prevention systems and promoting scientific livestock management. The government is also promoting the GOBAR-Dhan scheme to convert organic waste from villages into biogas and other energy sources, improving sanitation while supporting rural energy security. The government is also expanding digital infrastructure for agriculture through AgriStack, recognising that policy success depends on technology adoption at the grassroots level. About 90 million farmers have been issued digital farmer IDs so far, and digital surveys of nearly 300 million land parcels have been completed. Also Read | Global agricultural subsidies directly linked to deforestation, World Bank warns Modi also emphasised women-led development in rural areas. Building on the success of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which has enabled three crore rural women to earn annual incomes of 1 lakh or more, the government aims to add another three crore women entrepreneurs by 2029. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that "it was good news" that the movie 'Kerala Story-2 Goes Beyond' was not being widely watched. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha was interacting with students at Marian College in Kuttikkanam. Responding to a student's question about movies being used as propaganda, Gandhi shared his views on 'Kerala Story-2 Goes Beyond'. "While the good news is that 'Kerala Story' seems to be empty, and no one is watching it. It also shows that there are people, a majority of them, who haven't understood what Kerala is and its traditions and culture," he said. According to Rahul, movies, television and media have increasingly been "weaponised". "It is used precisely for that purpose-to vilify people, eliminate them and create divisions in society so that certain people benefit while others are harmed. India has become very much like that," he said. He said such developments were extremely damaging for the country, and large amounts of money were being spent on that purpose. Speaking about his personal interests, he said he reads quite a lot on subjects he wants to learn about, but does not watch many movies. "As hobbies, I like playing chess and doing martial arts. I swim, run and exercise to keep fit," he said. Rahul said that although he represented Kerala in Parliament for five years, he could not fully understand the state in depth, but had learnt a great deal from the people of Wayanad. "I was very surprised when I first arrived there. There was a big landslide that claimed several lives, but I was impressed by how people responded. Even after such a tragedy, they were helping others. It didn't matter what community or financial background a person belonged to," he said. He said Kerala has very old and valuable traditions and advised students to remain rooted in the state's culture while also learning from other places. Gandhi also alleged that the country's education system was under pressure from a particular ideology. "If you look at vice-chancellors in universities, a large number of them were appointed simply because they are part of the RSS or a particular ideology. There is ideological pressure on the education system. Education should not be limited to any particular way of thinking, especially not to the RSS' divisive view," he said. Rahul Gandhi on AI On artificial intelligence, Rahul said India has not yet reached the level of the United States or China. "At an AI summit, there was a Chinese robot masquerading as an Indian robot," he said. He said that if India wants to be powerful in AI, it should control its own data. He claimed that while the United States has access to global data, China controls its own data, which strengthens its position in AI. "The recent deal with the US has handed over our entire data to America. US companies can keep Indian data wherever they like and will not be taxed. So we have damaged our potential in AI in the last couple of weeks," he alleged. On the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Gandhi said that on the surface it appears to be a war involving the United States and Israel against Iran, but the larger geopolitical players were the US, China and Russia. "The US is trying to ensure it remains the dominant superpower, while China is advancing closer to it. That is the broader picture," he said. He added that the Middle East is the centre of global energy production and conflicts there have wider consequences. "Even India is paying the price of the war directly because of our dependence on energy from the Middle East," he said. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi backs Youth Congress after Uday Bhanu Chib's arrest Rahul said India's strength lies in its diversity and added that, along with controlling its data and increasing production capacity, the country could become a global power. "The path we are on now is one where people are made to fight each other-religion against religion, language against language, caste against caste. We are not producing enough and are handing over our biggest asset, which is data, to the US," he said. Asked about politics as a profession, Gandhi said being a politician is a difficult job if one tries to do it sincerely. "If you want to do it seriously and have a value system, it is a very difficult job. You should be ready to suffer a lot if you are doing it for the right reason. If you are doing it for the wrong reason, it is easy," he said. He, along with Congress MPs K C Venugopal and Dean Kuriakose, also tried a few steps of Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art form of Kerala, with a college student. He said martial arts are often seen as a form of self-defence but are also a way of understanding oneself. Following Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh is now preparing to ban the use of social media by children under 13. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced that social media will be restricted for kids under 13 in the state within the next 90 days. Speaking in the Assembly, the Chief Minister mentioned that they are currently deliberating whether to expand this restriction to minors aged 13 to 16. We will make sure that within 90 days, those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media, said Naidu. The CM noted that his administration will decide whether to prohibit social media for adolescents aged 13 to 16. Karnataka govt bans social media for children below 16 years In Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced a ban on the use of social media by those under 16 years of age. The move is aimed at preventing its adverse effects on children. Though a cross-section of parents welcomed the move, they are wary of its practicality. "With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16," Siddaramaiah said while presenting the state Budget for 2026-27 in Bengaluru. Earlier in January, Karnataka Minister for Electronics, IT/BT Priyank Kharge had informed the Legislative Assembly that the state government was holding consultations on measures to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media, especially among children. Also Read | UK Weighs Australia-Style Social Media Ban for Children The central government's Economic Survey, tabled in Parliament in January this year, said age-based access to online platforms should be considered, while also cutting down on online teaching to avoid digital addiction. Indonesia to ban social media for children under 16 Indonesias Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid said on Friday that the administration will prohibit minors under 16 from using social media, according to AP. Hafid told reporters that she recently endorsed a state mandate that prevents children under 16 from creating profiles on high-risk online services, such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. The basis is clear. Our children face increasingly real threats. From exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud, and most importantly, addiction. The government is here so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the giant of algorithms. Hafid said. Two Indian Air Force pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, were killed when a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district on Thursday evening. The jet was on a training mission and crashed approximately 60 km from Jorhat air base, from where it had taken off. The Indian Air Force on Friday confirmed the news in an X post, writing, IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief, they added. A defence spokesperson in Guwahati told PTI that the debris of the aircraft was located early on Friday. The IAF search and rescue team, assisted by civil and police administration and villagers, had trekked to the site and located the debris around 1 am, the official said. Officials said the aircraft went missing shortly after takeoff from the Jorhat airbase. Communication with the Russian-origin aircraft was lost at 7:42 pm, they had said. Locals reported loud explosion Residents of Karbi Anglong reported hearing a loud explosion after the Sukhoi-30 jet crash. According to an ANI report, locals used torches and lights to aid in the search. Locals who saw the jet crashing last evening told ANI they heard a loud noise, followed by an explosion. The police from the Chowki Wala police station came. They are searching from the helicopter. About Su-30MKI jet Su-30MKI is a two-seater multirole long-range fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. It is now built under licence by HAL for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF operates a fleet of over 260 Su-30MKI jets. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said that India's strategic autonomy and national sovereignty are under a "dire threat" as the United States allowed a 30-day waiver for New Delhi to purchase Russian oil amid shipping routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz being hampered. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday (local time) announced the 30-day measure to counter Iran during the conflict in West Asia, which has severely affected the Gulf countries supplying crude oil. Kharge's post on X In an X post, Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he was being "blackmailed" by the US. Recalling PM Modi's "Main desh nahi jhukne doonga" (would not let the nation bow down), calling it a mere slogan to win elections. He said that words such as "allow" and "permission" are used for sanctioned states, not for equal partners in the global order. Kharge wrote on X, "India's strategic autonomy and national sovereignty are under dire threat because PM Modi is getting blackmailed on the Epstein Files and the Adani Case. The US proclamation to 'allow' and grant us 'permission' to buy Russian oil, as a 'waiver for 30-days', clearly demonstrates the Modi Govt is continuously ceding diplomatic space. This is the kind of language which is used for sanctioned states, and not India, who has been a responsible and an equal partner in the global order." Further, he accused PM Modi of succumbing to Washington over the purchase of oil from Russia and Iran. As India and the US announced the trade deal framework, Washington said that New Delhi has agreed not to buy oil from Russia. He wrote, "Modi ji's friend Mr Trump announces ceasefire first during Operation Sindoor, not us. He announces that he stopped the war, atleast 100 times! PM silent. They tell India not to buy Iranian oil. GOI succumbs. Mr Trump tells us not to buy Russian oil, and the GOI reduces the imports. Mr Trump announced the Indo-US Trade Deal Agreement, which is contingent on India not buying Russian oil. Modi ji puts a stamp of approval. Now, the US grants India a 'temporary 30-day waiver' and 'allows' Indian refineries to buy Russian oil." Bringing out Congress' "surrender" jibe for PM Modi, Kharge said that former Prime Ministers, regardless of party line, did not succumb to the pressure from foreign state actors. "From trade to oil, from data to India's long-term relationships with friendly countries, Modi ji surrendered it all. India has a proud record of chartering our own destiny. It remained unblemished until now. From Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, to even Atal Bihari Vajpayee - No Prime Minister has buckled under pressure of any country and made India a virtual vassal state, except Modi ji. 'Main Desh Nahi Jhukne Doonga' was a mere slogan-cry to win elections. 140 Cr Indians stand betrayed," the X post read. Earlier today, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, described Indian foreign policy as exploitation of a compromised individual. "India's foreign policy emerges from the collective will of our people. It should be rooted in our history, our geography, and our spiritual ethos based on Satya and Ahimsa. What we are witnessing today is not policy. It is the result of the exploitation of a compromised individual," Gandhi wrote on X. Congress' remarks followed the US Treasury Secretary's X post, where he announced that the department has issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil to enable oil flow into the global market. Washington said that it expects New Delhi to "ramp up" purchases of US oil after this short-term waiver. Indian ceramic and fertiliser industries are expected to be affected by the hampering of the energy supply due to dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. India sources nearly 40 per cent of its oil imports from the region, with a significant portion transported through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran has created major geopolitical and economic challenges for India, which has deep strategic, energy and diaspora ties across West Asia, currently in turmoil. The US and Israel jointly launched strikes on Iran on 28 February following failed nuclear talks. The strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with many others, after missiles hit his home-office compound in Tehran. With the Strait of Hormuz still shut a move that has the potential to disrupt roughly a fifth of global oil supplies and push crude prices higher and with the conflict getting wider each day, India faces heightened concern over possible disruption in commodity prices, gold prices, worker remittances and businesses that have expanded into the region. Tankers travelling through the Strait of Hormuz, bordered to the north by Iran, transport energy supplies from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Iran. About 20% of the world's daily oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Also Read | Gulf nations face food security challenge as Middle East conflict widens Most of the regions oil and gas is destined for Asia, so any disruption in traffic through the narrow Strait of Hormuz can significantly impact global energy trade. Recently, amid pressure from US President Donald Trump to limit its Russian oil imports, India had been expanding its energy ties in the Gulf, which is now facing renewed conflict and attacks. JPMorgan analysts said in a note that crude oil supplies from Iraq and Kuwait could start shutting within days if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, potentially cutting 3.3 million barrels per day by Day 8 of the conflict. The conflict has already entered Day 6. On India, Brokerage Jefferies Group said, A prolonged conflict, alongside a large jump in energy prices, would be a major macro negative [for India]. It noted that the Middle East region accounts for 17% of India's exports, supplies 55% of its crude oil and provides 38% of worker remittances. Speaking with LiveMint, Amb Anil Trigunayat explained that the security and stability of West Asia, currently in conflict, is of existential importance for India. It is due to 4Es I.e Energy supplies and security (60-70%); economic engagement (more that $100 billion and presence of thousands of Indian companies and their investments and commitments in India will also suffer. Ease of Navigation will be impacted with Redea/Suez and Strait of Hormuz (75% transit dependency)," he said, adding the need to ensure the safety of 10 million Indian nationals. It is a defining moment for regional power balances and a challenge for India, he said. Praveen Donthi, Senior Analyst, International Crisis Group, told LiveMint that the US-Iran conflict could spell a greater impact on India and its economy than any other, given the organic links that have developed over time. Speaking of worker remittances from these countries, Donthi said, Nearly 10 million Indians reside in the Gulf countries and send remittances home. He also added that India receives substantial investment from sovereign wealth funds based in the region. About 50% of Indias oil imports and 60% of its LNG pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked by Iran. India holds crude oil and fuel stocks for only 25 days, leaving it highly vulnerable to supply disruptions. A shortage of gold and diamonds is also probable, he said. According to the Tea Association of India, tea exports could also face huge disruption if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz stays shut. It said a large shipment goes through the Strait to Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE in the Persian Gulf. In 2025, India exported about 280 million kg of tea, of which nearly 41%, 115 million kg, was shipped collectively to the UAE, Iran and Iraq, the association said. If Hormuz remains closed for trade, it will have a serious impact on Indian tea exports. So, what can India do to navigate the turbulence in the Middle East? Donthi said, India will need to diversify its oil sources and increase imports from Russia, which will require persuading the Trump administration. This will be a test of Indias strategic autonomy and its ability to navigate a turbulent world. India is a country of one household, one device for the most part, if you dont take into account the top 5% of metropolitan residents. This means that most users have access to social media through an adults phone, on an adults network registration. How do you crack down on such a user, given that on social media, most age verifications depend on voluntary disclosures? Garg said. "You have a newborn; why are you running around factories?" Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh recalled the question she often faced while reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, which kick-started not with a business plan but with deeply personal struggles. In an exclusive interview with Livemint, the Gurugram-based entrepreneur spoke at length about the evolving dynamics of entrepreneurship with the rise of artificial intelligence and the challenges surrounding her 1,000-crore brand, Mamaearth. Alagh, along with her husband Varun Alagh, launched their startup, Honasa Consumer Private Limited, in 2016 in search of 'toxin'-free products for their child. The Gurugram-based entrepreneur revealed that she did not come from a traditional 'business background'. I actually started as an artist. I studied at the New York Academy of Art and was getting very serious about my art career until my first son, Agastya, was born, she told Livemint. A mother's search for safer products Her priorities shifted towards her newborn, who developed severe eczema a condition that causes itchy and inflamed skin. Concerned about the ingredients in baby care products available in India, Alagh and her husband, Varun Alagh, began searching for safer alternatives. We spent months finding products and reading labels, but were met with total disappointment. I couldnt find a single product in India that was truly safe or free from harmful toxins, she said. The couple had to rely on friends travelling abroad to bring basic lotions for their son. This eventually prompted them to launch Mamaearth with the aim of providing toxin-free products for Indian babies. Battling societal judgement 'My biggest challenge was not business logistics, but societal judgment,' Alagh shared. People would ask me, You have a newborn; why are you running around factories? I remember standing in a manufacturing unit, exhausted and in milk-stained clothes, being told toxin-free products were a luxury Indians would never pay for, she recalled. The couple shared that they invested 25 lakh their entire life savings and had no plan B. There was no Plan B. If it failed, we were starting from zero with a young child, she said. How AI is changing entrepreneurship Alagh further stressed how entrepreneurship is changing due to AI, asserting that technology has dramatically reduced the cost and barriers to testing ideas. Today, what took me 25 lakh in 2016 can be done for 10,000 15,000, she said. She explained that AI tools can help entrepreneurs design product mock-ups, test packaging concepts, and run targeted marketing campaigns before actually manufacturing the product. For instance, founders can run a Meta advertising funnel to test whether customers are interested in a product concept. If people click through and reach the checkout stage, it can indicate potential product-market fit. A warning for youngsters Despite the advantages, Alagh warned that AI should not be treated as a 'shortcut to skip the hard thinking'. Dont treat AI as a shortcut to skip the hard thinking, she said. Its a tool that makes you faster at testing, personalising and understanding patterns but it cannot replace real consumer insight. She stressed the importance of staying closely connected to customers rather than relying only on analytics dashboards. By Humeyra Pamuk and Simon Lewis WASHINGTON, March 6 (Reuters) - The State Department on Friday warned U.S. citizens that Iran-aligned militias in Iraq may seek to target hotels frequented by foreigners in Iraq's Kurdistan region, as the U.S. scrambled to help thousands of Americans stranded in the Middle East. The Trump administration has faced criticism over its planning and initial assistance to U.S. citizens trying to leave the region since U.S.-Israeli strikes began on Saturday and Iran responded with attacks on its neighbors, sparking airspace closures. "U.S. citizens in Iraq are strongly encouraged to depart as soon as they are safely able to do so," an alert from the U.S. embassy in Baghdad said. "Americans choosing not to depart should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location for extended periods. Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items." The alert said that commercial flights were currently not operating out of Iraq, suggesting overland routes for those willing to leave the country. President Donald Trump on Friday said the U.S. is moving thousands of people out of countries throughout the Middle East amid the military conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran. "It is being done quietly, but seamlessly," Trump said in a social media post without providing further details. The State Department said later on Friday that it was continuing to contact Americans in the Middle East to offer charter flights or ground travel assistance. "Several flights have safely returned hundreds of Americans to the United States with additional flights scheduled to take place over the coming days, as security conditions allow," Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said in a statement. Johnson said a task force has "directly assisted nearly 13,000 Americans abroad, offering security guidance and travel assistance." US President Donald Trump on Friday (March 6) said there would be "no deal with Iran" unless it agrees to unconditional surrender, outlining a hardline stance as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate. There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! Trump wrote on Truth Social. The US President said that after such a development, the United States and its allies would help rebuild Iran and restore its economy. After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before, he wrote. Trump added that Iran could have a strong future if it follows that path. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!). The remarks come amid intensifying tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran, with ongoing military operations and retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region. The United States is quietly moving thousands of people out of several Middle Eastern countries as fighting between the US, Israel and Iran intensifies, Trump said on Friday, even as Israel widened its military operations across the region. In a social media post, Trump said the evacuations were underway but provided few details about the scale or locations. It is being done quietly, but seamlessly, Trump wrote. The developments come amid escalating military action involving Israel, Iran and regional militias, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict. Trump demands role in choosing Irans next leader In remarks a day earlier, Trump said Washington should have a role in selecting Irans next supreme leader after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the opening phase of the war. Speaking in a telephone interview with Reuters on Thursday, Trump said the United States expected to help influence the choice of Khameneis successor. We're going to have to choose that person along with Iran. We're going to have to choose that person, Trump said. Under Irans political system, the supreme leader is chosen by a panel of religious clerics known as the Assembly of Experts. Israel has openly said its military campaign aims to overthrow Irans ruling system, while the United States has stated its objective is to dismantle Irans ability to project military power beyond its borders. Israel intensifies strikes in Lebanon and Iran Meanwhile, Israel expanded the war by launching large-scale airstrikes on Lebanons capital Beirut. The Israeli military ordered an unprecedented evacuation of the entire southern suburbs of Beirut before carrying out multiple waves of airstrikes. Explosions lit up the night sky over the densely populated area, which houses hundreds of thousands of residents and is considered a stronghold of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shiite militia. Israel said about 50 warplanes also carried out strikes inside Iran, targeting a bunker beneath the destroyed Tehran compound of Khamenei that Israeli officials said was still being used by Irans leadership. Civilians flee Beirut suburbs The scale of the strikes forced thousands of residents to flee their homes, with many spending the night outdoors in central Beirut. Iran signals possible mediation efforts Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that diplomatic efforts may be underway to reduce tensions. In a post on X, Pezeshkian said some countries had begun mediation initiatives but did not identify them. Lets be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we have not the slightest hesitation in defending the dignity and authority of our country, he wrote. Attacks spread across the Gulf Inside Israel, air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming Iranian missiles and drones. Several Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also reported fresh Iranian drone and missile attacks. The expanding conflict has already caused heavy casualties across multiple countries. Also Read | Gulf allies criticize US for failing to notify them of Iran attacks: Report US President Donald Trump on Thursday called the possibility of a ground invasion by the US and Israeli forces in Iran a "waste of time" while reacting to a comment made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier. Abbas Araghchi told NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas that his country is ready for a ground invasion by American and Israeli forces. Araghchi had struck a defiant tone and said, ...we are waiting for them...Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them. Trump called Araghchi's remark a "wasted comment" and suggested that a ground invasion is not on his mind at this time. Trump told NBC News in a phone call, Its a waste of time. Theyve lost everything. Theyve lost their navy. Theyve lost everything they can lose." He added that the pace and intensity of strikes will continue. His latest comment seems to contradict his earlier take on the possibility of ground invasion in Iran. On 2 March, Trump told the New York Post he would not rule out sending ground troops into Iran if necessary. "I don't have the yips with respect to boots on the ground -- like every president says, 'There will be no boots on the ground.' I don't say it," Trump told the Post in one of several brief interviews he has given since launching the Iran operation on Saturday. "I say 'probably don't need them,' [or] 'if they were necessary,'" he said. US House backs Trump's Iran war, rejects War Powers Resolution US House lawmakers rejected a War Powers Resolution to halt Trumps attack on Iran in a 212-219 vote, a day after the Senate voted down a similar measure. Trump on Iran's next Supreme Leader Days after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei's killing in the US-Israel strikes created a leadership vacuum in the country, Donald Trump said Thursday he should have a role in choosing Irans next supreme leader. He told the American news website Axios that he needs to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next leader just as he was in Venezuela. Trump ruled out Mojtaba Khamenei, a front-runner to replace his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khameneis son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran, the president said in an interview with Axios. 'We want to go in and...' Later, Trump told NBC News he wants to see Iran's leadership structure fully removed and that he has some names in mind for a "good leader." "We want to go in and clean out everything," Trump told NBC News in a phone call. "We dont want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period. We want them to have a good leader. We have some people who I think would do a good job, he added, declining to name anyone. Also Read | Indian stock market: 10 key things that changed for market overnight Trump also said he is taking steps to ensure the people on his list make it through the war alive. "We are watching them, yeah," he said. Amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, US President Donald Trump on Friday issued a stern warning to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard that talks with Iran were unlikely unless the country accepted unconditional surrender, warning that continued opposition would result in further deaths, as reported by The New York Post. "And I am once again, calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military and the police to lay down their arms. They are only going to be killed. And now is the time to stand up for the Iranian people and help take back your country. You are going to have a chance, after all these years, to take back your country. Accept immunity, we will give you immunity, and we will be...giving you the right side of the history because that's what it is. So you will be perfectly safe with total immunity, or you will face absolutely guaranteed death. And I don't want to see that, they don't want to see it either," said Trump as reported by New York Post. Watch the video here: In a social media post on Friday, Trump said that after Iran's surrender, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), that the US and its allies would help rebuild Iran, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. The remarks were likely to raise further questions about the ultimate objectives of the war launched a week earlier by the United States and Israel. According to officials from the countries involved, the conflict has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel, while six US troops have also died. Israeli warplanes bombed Beirut and Tehran Meanwhile, Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut and Tehran, while Iran carried out additional retaliatory attacks against Israel and several Gulf countries on the seventh day of the war, AP reported. The strikes in Lebanon were the most intense since a 2024 ceasefire ended the previous conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, which had fired rockets at Israel in the early days of the current war. Following widespread Israeli evacuation warnings, more than 95,000 people have fled the suburbs of Beirut and southern Lebanon. London Police arrested four men The conflict has expanded to involve more than a dozen countries across the Middle East. In London, police said on Friday that four men were arrested on suspicion of assisting Iran by carrying out surveillance on the Jewish community. Authorities have previously linked Iran to attacks abroad targeting Iranian dissidents, Israelis, and Jewish sites. Qatar's energy minister warned that the war could "bring down the economies of the world," predicting a widespread shutdown of Gulf energy exports that could send oil to $150 a barrel. Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times newspaper that even if the war ended immediately, it could take "weeks to months" to resume normal exports after an Iranian drone strike on Qatar's largest liquefied natural gas plant earlier in the war, AP reported. Trump says US will help rebuild Iran once it has ACCEPTABLE' leaders Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on social media that certain countries have started mediation attempts in the conflict, but did not name them. Meanwhile, Donald Trump called on the Iranian people to reclaim their country, saying the United States would grant them immunity, without explaining how that would work, AP reported. Trump also told media outlets that he should be involved in choosing a replacement for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war. Trump spoke dismissively of Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei - a front-runner to replace his father - calling him a lightweight. Iranian state television reported Friday that a leadership council had started discussing how to convene the country's Assembly of Experts, which will select the new supreme leader. Buildings associated with the 88-member clerical panel, have been attacked during the Israeli-American air campaign. Israel has said it would target the next supreme leader if he poses a threat. Heavy strikes on Iran Israel's military said Friday it had launched "a broad-scale wave of strikes" on Tehran, Iran's capital, and that over the past week it has heavily bombed an extensive underground bunker that Iran's leaders had planned to use during the hostilities. Also Read | Kurdish armed group launches ground operation in Iran Witnesses described Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area and sending columns of smoke rising. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah, an area that is home to multiple missile bases. They spoke anonymously for fear of retribution. Iran meanwhile, launched missile and drone attacks at Israel, as well as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host US forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. US says it hit an Iranian drone carrier The United States Central Command said early Friday that the US military struck an Iranian drone carrier, setting the vessel on fire. CENTCOM released black-and-white footage showing the carrier burning after the strike. The Iranian military did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The drone carrier, IRIS Shahid Bagheri, is a converted container ship equipped with a 180-meter-long runway designed for launching drones. According to reports at the time of its 2025 inauguration, the vessel can travel farther than the Earths circumference without needing to refuel at port. Earlier in the week, an American submarine sank an Iranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka as it was returning from an exercise hosted by the Indian navy that the US also joined. Sri Lanka's navy rescued 32 crew members and recovered 87 bodies, AP reported. US President Donald Trump joined a group of evangelical pastors in prayer inside the Oval Office on Thursday (March 5), as tensions escalate in the conflict involving Iran. A video shared on social media showed the pastors standing around Trump, placing their hands on him and praying for wisdom, protection and guidance for the President and US troops. Pastors gather around Trump in Oval Office Footage released on Thursday (March 5) shows Trump seated behind the Resolute Desk with his eyes closed while several Christian leaders stand around him offering prayers. The pastors placed their hands on the presidents shoulders as they prayed for strength and guidance for the administration during the ongoing geopolitical crisis. White House aide Margo Martin, a special assistant and communications adviser to Trump, said in a post on X that the president had welcomed pastors from across the country to the Oval Office. Prayer amid rising Iran tensions The prayer gathering comes as tensions continue to rise over the conflict involving Iran. Earlier, Trump said there would be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender, signalling a hardline stance as the crisis deepens. Trumps ties with evangelical leaders Trump has frequently engaged with evangelical and faith leaders during his presidency, often inviting them to the White House for prayer sessions and spiritual counsel. US well on its way to controlling Iranian airspace, says White House; objectives could be met in 46 weeks The United States is making progress in the ongoing conflict with Iran and is well on its way to controlling Iranian airspace, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Friday (March 7). Speaking to reporters, Leavitt said Washington expects its operational objectives to be achieved within weeks. We are well on our way toward controlling Iranian airspace, she said, adding that the United States believes its achievable objectives in the conflict could be completed in four to six weeks. US has adequate weapons stockpiles Leavitt also said the United States has sufficient weapons reserves to sustain its operations related to the conflict. Her remarks came as Donald Trump prepared to meet major defence contractors alongside Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to review military readiness and supplies. According to the White House, the administration remains confident that its military stockpiles are adequate to meet operational needs as the war expands across the region. Trump demands Irans unconditional surrender Trump signalled a hardline stance toward Tehran, appearing to rule out negotiations. There will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender, Trump said, as fighting between Israel and Iran intensified. In a separate social media post, Trump said the United States and its allies would help rebuild Iran after the conflict once acceptable leadership is in place. After Irans surrender, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), the U.S. and its allies will help rebuild Iran, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before, he wrote. War expands across the Middle East The war between Israel and Iran has now spread across multiple countries in the Middle East. Israeli warplanes carried out heavy strikes in Tehran and Beirut, while Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US forces. In Lebanon, the latest Israeli strikes were described as the heaviest since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last conflict with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Authorities said more than 95,000 people have fled Beiruts suburbs and southern Lebanon following Israeli evacuation warnings. Rising casualties and displacement Officials say the war has already caused significant casualties across the region. According to authorities, at least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon, and around a dozen in Israel since the conflict began a week ago. The United States has also reported six military deaths. Lebanons Health Ministry said Israeli strikes have killed 217 people and wounded 798 since Monday alone. Iran signals possible mediation Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian suggested diplomatic efforts may be underway to ease tensions. Some countries have begun mediation efforts, Pezeshkian wrote on social media, without providing further details. United States Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on Thursday stressed that the trade agreement currently being brokered with India shall constantly prioritise American interests above all. "India should understand that we're not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago in terms of saying, Oh, you know, we're going to let you, be able to develop all these markets,' and then the next thing we know, you're beating us in a lot of commercial things. We're going to make sure that whatever we do, it's fair to our people. Because ultimately, we have to be accountable to our own people, just as the government of India has to be accountable to its people," said Landau at the Raisina Dialogue. "America First obviously does not mean America alone, because one of the ways that you can accomplish those objectives is through cooperation with other countries," he said. Additionally, Landau clarified that the Trump administration perceives national interest as a common value shared between independent nations. "So just as President Trump wants to make America great again, he would expect the Prime Minister of India or other leaders to want to make their countries great again," the Deputy Secretary of State commented. India's rise in global arena The high-ranking US official noted Indias unavoidable rise in the global arena, stating that the international path of this modern period is fundamentally connected to New Delhi. "I think one of the things that is undeniable is that this century is going to be, in many ways, a century in which we expect to see the rise of India," Landau stated. He emphasised that the alliance is motivated by collective gain instead of charity, pointing to India's position as the planet's most populated country with vast intellectual and fiscal capability. "And it's in our interest, and we think it's also in India's interest, to be partnered. This is a country of all its potential. It's now the world's most populous country. It has incredible economic, human, and other resources that make it one of the countries that's going to decide the future of this century," he added. Reaffirming the United States' commitment to this alliance, Landau noted that Washington sees numerous "win-win situations with India". The US Justice Department on Thursday released more FBI records related to the years-long investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This includes interviews of an unidentified woman who accused President Donald Trump of sexual abuse, a charge he has constantly denied. FBI's 2019 interview with Trump accuser FBI agents interviewed the woman four times in 2019 as part of their investigation into accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein. Also Read | US DOJ releases Epstein documents linked to allegations against Donald Trump The Justice Department had previously released a log confirming that the interviews took place, but released a summary of only one of those four meetings, in which she accused Epstein of molesting her when she was a teenager. Allegations against Trump According to the newly disclosed records, which were posted on the department's website on Thursday, the woman alleged that Epstein introduced her to Trump in New York or New Jersey in the 1990s. She also claimed Trump attempted to force her to perform oral sex after Epstein introduced her to the future president in New York or New Jersey in the 1980s when she was between 13 and 15 years old. The woman further alleged that Trump hit her after she rejected his advances. According to her, she and people close to her received threatening calls over the years demanding she keep quiet about what she believed was related to Epstein. In the report of the woman's final interview, conducted in October 2019, during Trump's first presidency, FBI agents asked whether she would be willing to provide more information about Trump. In response, the agent wrote, she "asked what the point would be of providing the information at this point in her life when there was a strong possibility nothing could be done about it." Uncorroborated claims According to the FBI, the womans claims were uncorroborated at the time. Politico, which first reported the disclosures, said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the woman's claims "completely baseless accusations, backed by zero credible evidence." These documents were part of the records the DOJ had held back from the public, which, according to the agency, was the result of them being incorrectly coded as duplicative. The DOJ and the Trump administration have come under heavy criticism from some Republicans and even MAGA supporters over the alleged cover-up of Epstein's ties with the rich and powerful, including Trump. Untrue and sensationalist claims against Trump In December 2025, the Justice Department, which was forced to release the Epstein files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, had also cautioned that some of the documents include "untrue and sensationalist claims made against President Trump." This includes an alleged letter written by Epstein to convicted former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. In the letter, allegedly written from jail, Epstein tells Nassar that "our president shared a love of young, nubile girls." After the letter caused much uproar, the DOJ and FBI clarified that it was fake. The FBI also said that the handwriting on the letter did not appear to match Epsteins. They also noted that the letter was postmarked from Northern Virginia three days after Epstein's death. What Trump said about his ties with Epstein According to Trump, who insists that he had done nothing wrong, his association with Epstein ended in the mid-2000s, and he was never aware of the financier's sexual abuse. As the conflict between Iran, the US and Israel enters its seventh day, Dubai residents received an alert from the Emirati interior ministry on Friday, urging them to seek shelter amid potential missile threats, as Iran continued its retaliatory campaign across the Gulf. "Due to the current situation, potential missile threats, seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building and steer away from windows, doors and open areas," the alert stated, according to AFP. This comes after the United Arab Emirates defence ministry on Thursday stated that one ballistic missile and six drones struck the countrys territory. It added that its forces intercepted six missiles and 131 drones the same day, and hundreds more since the conflict began. Earlier this week, shrapnel from intercepted cruise missiles killed three residents, while falling debris in recent days has injured 94 others, the ministry said. The UAE mentioned that three civilians, foreign workers from Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, have been killed. At least 68 others have been injured, according to AP. Meanwhile, Indian airlines on Friday stepped up support for travellers affected by the situation as tensions in West Asia escalated. While IndiGo has offered a month-long window for free cancellations and rescheduling until 31 March, SpiceJet has arranged 14 special flights from Fujairah and Dubai to help stranded Indian nationals return home. Of these, 13 flights will depart from Fujairah and one from Dubai. The airline will operate nine special flights from Fujairah to Mumbai, four from Fujairah to Delhi, and one from Dubai to Pune, increasing capacity to bring stranded passengers back to India as quickly as possible. Indigo took to X and said, Full waiver on cancellations are being extended for travel to and from the Middle East, and Istanbul, until 31 March 2026. If you are scheduled to travel, please stay updated on your flight status here http://bit.ly/31paVKQ. The war in the Middle East has also compelled the World Health Organisation to halt operations at its global emergency logistics hub in Dubai, the agencys chief said on Thursday. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over the conflict, which began on Saturday with US-Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that the impact goes beyond the immediately affected countries. "Operations at WHO's logistics hub for global health emergencies in Dubai are currently on hold due to insecurity," AFP quoted him as saying. Soon after the first Iranian missile and drone attacks on Dubai last week, two Indian entrepreneurs based there tried to move more than $100,000 each from their local bank accounts to Singapore to hedge risk. Technological glitches in the aftermath of the Iranian attacks initially scuppered those plans, the entrepreneurs, who did not wish to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, told Reuters. One of them said he managed to subsequently transfer the sum to his Singapore bank account via another Emirates-based bank. Scores of other wealthy Asians are making enquiries or taking similar steps to move their Dubai-parked assets to the regional financial hubs of Singapore and Hong Kong, industry advisers and lawyers said, as the U.S.-Israel war on Iran clouds the Gulf's safe-haven aura and rattles investors. While the rich typically diversify their investments across regions and asset classes, they choose where to be based depending on tax, regulatory, privacy and operational considerations. Towards that end, Dubai has emerged in recent years as a preferred wealth hub for entrepreneurs and rich families in Asia, mainly from China, as they look to take advantage of its favourable policies. Also Read | Middle East conflict: Bahrain says Iranian missile strikes oil refinery Moreover, with a property and infrastructure boom, the Gulf region has also become an investment destination. Total assets of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) banking and financial sector exceeded 5.42 trillion dirhams ($1.48 trillion), according to its central bank. The trend is now under sharp scrutiny, as the attacks on Dubai and Abu Dhabi have thrown into doubt the UAE's reputation for stability. Singapore-based private wealth lawyer Ryan Lin said six or seven of his 20 Dubai-based clients, each holding an average of $50 million in assets, contacted him this week, with three planning immediate asset transfers to the city-state. One client is "checking how quickly they can transfer everything to Singapore", Lin said. Iris Xu, principal at global corporate and fund services provider Anderson Global, said 10 to 20 family offices have enquired this week with her firm about moving assets back to Singapore from the Middle East on worries the conflict might drag on. Family offices are one-stop firms that manage the portfolios of the wealthy. "Dubai was always about tax benefits but now I think the tax benefits may not be the top priority for them," she said. A wealth management adviser in Singapore, who did not wish to be identified because they were not authorised to talk to the media, said they had spoken to 13 UAE-based clients so far with more than half serious about moving assets to Singapore. "Flying back and forth will be a challenge even if the conflict ends tomorrow. It is a confidence thing," said the adviser. Grace Tang, CEO of Phillip Private Equity, said her predominantly Asian clients are skittish, with 10 to 20 asking about moving their wealth to Singapore and looking to preserve their capital. WAITING AND WATCHING Not all wealth managers, however, view the ongoing Middle East conflict as prompting immediate capital flight. Dhruba Jyoti Sengupta, CEO of Dubai-based WRISE Private Middle East, a wealth management group, said the firm has not seen "serious capital flight discussions", as clients were confident about the UAE's long-term resilience. "They are sophisticated global investors, already diversified internationally, but deeply invested ... in the UAE's growth story," he said. "Despite the broader geopolitical turmoil in the region, clients are feeling safe and secure." The UAE's banking and financial sector was resilient, strong, stable, and well-positioned to navigate regional developments, its central bank governor Khaled Mohamed Balama said on Thursday, adding that banks, financial firms, and insurers were operating normally and without disruption. Leading Singapore-based wealth managers, Bank of Singapore and DBS Group said their clients were closely observing the developments in the region and were taking a wait-and-watch approach, for now. As the UAE scrambled to maintain its safe-haven status, some were going ahead with their expansion plans in the Emirates. Jeremy Lim, co-founder of GrandWay Family Office, is in the process of opening a family office in Abu Dhabi and said his plans have not changed - as long as the UAE does not become directly involved in the conflict and barring any further escalation from Iran. Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi News LIVE updates: Iran launched a fresh aerial strike across the Gulf on Thursday evening as the conflict with the US-Israel reached Day 7 on Friday. A wave of missile and drone strikes was reported in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar. The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday, prompting Tehran to fire missiles toward Israel and several Gulf locations hosting US military facilities in retaliation. According to a Bloomberg report, the UAE warned Dubai residents of the incoming projectiles and urged them to seek immediate shelter in the nearest secure building. An all clear was signalled after about an hour. There were also reports of explosions near Abu Dhabis international airport. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that his country hadnt asked for a ceasefire and had no intention to negotiate. We see no reason why we should engage once again with those who have, who are not honest in negotiation, he said. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also warned that retaliatory attacks will intensify in the coming days, according to the Nour news agency. Saudi Arabia also continued to thwart attacks on Thursday, saying it intercepted multiple missiles and drones overnight. Strikes have mostly been directed at Al Kharj near Riyadh, where the US has a facility, or the east where Saudi Aramco operates its headquarters. UAE warns of action UAE officials have privately warned Iran of the possible action it could take on Tehran, a WSJ report said, adding that it wasn't clear when or if the government would act. The Gulf state is also reportedly weighing freezing billions of dollars of Iranian assets held in the UAE to curb Tehran's access to foreign currency and global. US Mission UAE security alert US Mission in the UAE issued a Level 3 security alert urging American citizens to depart immediately amid escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict, with embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General Dubai closed. UAE airspace faced disruptions but some flights have resumed on a limited basis. Stay tuned to this LIVE blog for all the latest updates on Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi news. Large numbers of Iranians gathered in central Tehran and other cities for the first Friday prayers since the war with the United States and Israel began. Videos shared by Iranian media online showed crowds of men and women, many in black and some carrying Iranian flags, heading toward an open area outside the Grand Mosque of Imam Khomeini in the capital, AFP reported. Who was Khamenei? Ali Khamenei shaped Irans stance in the Middle East as firmly opposed to Israel and resistant to US efforts to influence and reshape the region. He consistently ensured that his deep mistrust and hostility toward the USrooted in Washingtons past involvement in Iranian politics and its support for the monarchy that once imprisoned him- remained central to Irans political narrative. Khamenei also repeatedly called for the elimination of Israel, often describing the country as a cancerous tumour in the region, according to a report by Bloomberg. The death of Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was reportedly caused by a series of strikes by the United States and Israel that sparked the conflict in the Middle East. According to reports, Khamenei was killed by Israel's Blue Sparrow missiles. How was Khomeini killed? In the early hours of 28 February, Ali Khamenei arrived at a leadership complex on Pasteur Street to attend a high-level meeting. The 86-year-old leader had spent much of the previous weeks in underground shelters due to fears of a potential Israeli strike. Further details reported by The New York Times said the operation relied on intelligence gathered by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which had been monitoring the movements of Ali Khamenei for several months. Also Read | What Iran really means for markets According to the report, US intelligence discovered that a meeting involving senior Iranian officials was scheduled to take place at a government compound in Tehran, with Khamenei in attendance. The CIA then shared what officials described as high-fidelity intelligence about the supreme leaders location with Israel. Watch the Supreme Leader's residence Although the strike had initially been planned for nighttime, the United States and Israel reportedly changed the timing of the operation to take advantage of the information about the meeting. However, shortly after he appeared to participate in the meeting, a missile strike hit the compound, killing him along with several senior officials. The attack was reportedly carried out using the Blue Sparrow missile, an advanced weapon developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems and launched from an F-15 Eagle fighter jet. Intelligence According to The New York Post, Israeli officials deliberately created the impression that the military was standing down for the weekend ahead of the attack. An official from the Israel Defense Forces told reporters that the military released photos and information suggesting senior commanders were heading home for Shabbat dinner, giving the impression that operations had paused. In reality, the officials quietly returned to headquarters to prepare for the strike, the report stated. The report also stated that Mossad, Israels intelligence agency, tracked the movements of security personnel around the compound of Ali Khamenei on Pasteur Street in central Tehran. Intelligence teams monitored the schedules and movements of bodyguards, while surveillance cameras in the area helped determine when senior Iranian leaders had gathered at the location. What is Israel's Blue Sparrow missile? The Blue Sparrow missile, developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, is an advanced air-launched ballistic missile primarily used to simulate hostile missile threats during tests of Israels missile defence systems. It is typically launched from an F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft operated by Israel. After being released, the missile climbs quickly toward the edge of the atmosphere and then descends sharply toward its target along a steep path, according to a report by IndiaTV. The Blue Sparrow is part of a family of three missiles designed for different threat simulations: Black Sparrow, Blue Sparrow, and Silver Sparrow. Each variant represents a different class of ballistic missile used in testing scenarios. The Blue Sparrow is about 6.5 metres long, weighs roughly 1,900 kilograms, and has a range of nearly 2,000 kilometres, enabling it to strike distant targets with high accuracy. Israel's Blue Sparrow missile: Does India have one? India is using technology derived from the Sparrow missile family to upgrade the arsenal of the Indian Air Force (IAF), mainly through the ROCKS missile system and the Golden Horizon missile system, according to a report by Business Standard. How does the Blue Sparrow missile work? The missile travels along a high ballistic trajectory, which makes it very difficult for defence systems to intercept. After launch from a fighter jet at a safe stand-off distance, its rocket motor propels it toward the upper atmosphere. Once it reaches a high altitude, it reenters the atmosphere at extremely high speed. During the final phase of its flight, the missiles onboard guidance systems make adjustments to ensure precise targeting. This capability allows it to hit high-value targets such as command centres, air defence sites, and fortified facilities while keeping pilots outside the range of enemy air defences. Its high speed, altitude, and manoeuvrability greatly reduce the time available for defensive systems to react. A barrage of Iranian missiles and drones targeted at least five countries across the Middle East, prompting several governments to urge their citizens to take shelter, while Israel carried out a 12th wave of airstrikes on Tehran and the US suspended operations at its embassy in Kuwait. As the seventh day of the Iran War began on Friday in the Mideast, there was little sign of a reprieve. Israeli airstrikes hit Tehran and Beirut, while Iran targeted several Gulf neighbors, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. Oil rose to $81 in the US and a global bond rout continued unabated. At least 1,230 people have died in Iran so far, and dozens more elsewhere in the region. The Pentagon said six US troops have been killed. In Washington, President Donald Trump said the US continues to totally demolish Iranian forces, saying the country has no air force, they have no air defense and adding that their navy is gone 24 ships in three days. He dismissed concerns about energy prices, saying further action to reduce pressure on oil is imminent, and the oil seems to have pretty much stabilized. We had it very low, but I had to take this little detour. The American president also weighed in on the future of Irans leadership as the Islamic Republic prepares to hold a funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump called Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late ayatollah, a lightweight who wouldnt change the regimes policies and insisted on being personally involved in picking the countrys next leader. Khameneis son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran, the president said in an interview with Axios. Explosions were heard in parts of Tehran overnight, while Israel said Iran had launched a new wave of missiles at its cities. Hours earlier, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said strikes have neutralized more than 60% of Irans ballistic missile launchers and the IDF is moving into the next phase of its efforts to dismantle the Iranian regime and its military capabilities. In another sign of the widening scope of the conflict, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization said its increasing its alliance-wide ballistic missile defense posture following the downing on Wednesday of an Iranian missile heading toward Turkish airspace. In all, about a dozen nations have become embroiled since the US and Israel launched their campaign on Feb. 28. Azerbaijan was the latest: The country threatened to hit back after two Iranian drones struck its territory of Nakhchivan, accusing Tehran of escalating regional tensions. These acts of aggression will not go unanswered, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry said in a statement. Response measures to protect national sovereignty and civilian safety are being prepared, it added. Iran denied any connection to the drones. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said retaliatory attacks will intensify in the coming days, according to the Nour news agency. Trump has been similarly defiant, telling Politico that the US has an unlimited supply of weapons. The possibility of a protracted war is roiling markets. US oil settled higher on signs the conflict is disrupting crude flows to key buyers, with top importer China moving to conserve fuel. Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Tom Barkin said the central banks response to the war would depend on how long the impact on the economy lasts. The Republican-controlled US House joined the Senate on Thursday in rejecting an effort to curb Trumps Iran offensive. While the outcome allows the Trump administration to proceed unfettered, the 219-212 vote showed the president commands only narrow support in Washington on the issue. Saudi Arabia continued to thwart attacks, saying it intercepted multiple missiles and drones overnight. Strikes have mostly been directed at Al Kharj near Riyadh, where the US has a facility, or the east where Saudi Aramco operates its headquarters. The kingdom is diverting millions of barrels of crude to a port on its Red Sea coast, helping the worlds top exporter maintain supplies as the critical Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut. Airlines also remain hamstrung, with the number of canceled flights to Middle East hubs surpassing 23,000 since fighting began. Thousands of passengers remained stranded in the Gulf region. Disputing Trump administration claims, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that his country hasnt asked for a ceasefire and had no intention to negotiate. We see no reason why we should engage once again with those who have, who are not honest in negotiation, he said. The Trump administration also showed no sign of letting up, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth telling reporters that it could be six, it could be eight, it could be three weeks before operations are concluded. At a separate news conference later at Central Commands headquarters in Florida, Hegseth also dismissed concerns that US weapons inventories are running low. Iran is hoping we cannot sustain this, Hegseth said. Our capabilities are overwhelming and gathering still, as are those of our Israeli partners. Our munitions are full up. With assistance from Roxana Tiron, Kate Sullivan, Andrea Palasciano, Kateryna Kadabashy, Alisa Odenheimer, Benoit Berthelot, Jordan Fabian, Ani Avetisyan, Courtney McBride, Jeff Mason and Jon Herskovitz. 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Donald Trump is an American entrepreneur and political leader who has served as the 45th and 47th president of the United States. He was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, and achieved an international reputation through property development, television projects, books, and diverse business ventures before entering politics. Trump was first elected president in 2016 as a Republican nominee and served until 2021. However, after losing the 2020 election, he made a political comeback by winning the 2024 election, making him one of the few US presidents who have had two nonconsecutive terms in the White House. His time in politics has experiences of significant controversies, legal challenges, and enactment of significant policies. Trump was impeached twice and also faced a number of criminal investigations, indictments and convictions, all of which helped to establish him as a highly polarising national figure. During his current second term, Trump has made huge shifts in the policies of America. At home, his administration has focused on strict immigration enforcement, new tariff measures and proposals such as a Justice Department fraud division, initiatives that have received both strong backing and fierce criticism. Internationally, his leadership has coincided with heightened tensions and strategic shifts, including major military operations against Iran and broader changes in diplomatic alignments. Quote of the day by Donald Trump "I like to think big. If you are going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big. (Trump). This quote by Donald Trump reflects a mindset centred on ambition, confidence and visionary thinking. The statement is often associated with entrepreneurship and leadership and tells people not to think small but to think bigger and aim for bigger things. Essentially, Trump stresses that if you are going to put effort and thoughts into something, then it will be better to think big rather than small. In the context of business, politics, and personal success, the quote stresses the belief that big achievements start with big thinking. Why does Trump put importance on thinking big? Trumps statement reflects a philosophy that ambition leads to success. According to this view, people who set larger goals push themselves to innovate, take calculated risks, and pursue opportunities that can create significant impact. Therefore, thinking big is not only about big dreams but also about big strategy and big action to achieve big results and not just small results. Also Read | What newly released Epstein files reveal about allegations against Trump Russia has been providing Iran with intelligence to help target US forces and assets in the Middle East, according to a report by The Washington Post, which cited three officials familiar with the intelligence. According to The Post, Russia has been passing Iran the locations of American military assets since the war began, including US warships and aircraft operating in the region. It does seem like its a pretty comprehensive effort, one official familiar with the intelligence told the news outlet. Expanding conflict involving major powers The reported intelligence-sharing highlights the growing geopolitical stakes in the conflict, potentially drawing in one of Washingtons primary nuclear-armed rivals. According to the outlet, the development suggests the expanding war now features one of Americas chief nuclear-armed competitors with exquisite intelligence capabilities. The extent of Moscows assistance remains unclear, though officials told the outlet that Irans own ability to locate US forces has already been degraded in the early days of the conflict. Kremlin declines comment When contacted by The Post, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the intelligence findings. Russia has publicly called for an end to the war, describing the fighting as an unprovoked act of armed aggression. Iranian attacks on US positions The conflict has already resulted in American casualties. Six US service members were killed and several others injured in a drone attack on Sunday in Kuwait. Iran has launched thousands of one-way attack drones and hundreds of missiles targeting US military positions, embassies and civilians across the region. At the same time, a joint American-Israeli campaign has struck more than 2,000 Iranian targets, including ballistic missile sites, naval assets and leadership facilities. President Donald Trump said Friday that "Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon" in a renewed threat to the communist-ruled island already facing a US energy blockade. "They want to make a deal so badly," Trump told CNN in an interview a day after suggesting that he would turn to an unspecified project for Cuba after the war against Iran. "We've got plenty of time, but Cuba's ready -- after 50 years," Trump said, explaining that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be his point man on Cuba. Also Read | Quote of the day by Donald Trump on thinking big Both Trump and Rubio -- the son of Cuban immigrants -- have made no secret of their desire to bring about regime change in Havana. Washington has imposed an energy blockade on the Caribbean nation that has seen its fuel stocks plunge, following the US capture of president Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela -- a key oil supplier to Cuba. No oil has been imported to Cuba since January 9, forcing airlines to curtail flights to the island and deepening a long-running economic crisis. Havana accuses Trump of seeking to strangle Cuba's economy. The Indian Embassy in Qatar has issued an advisory to Indian nationals living in the Gulf country, urging them to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel due to the ongoing situation in the region. In view of the current security situation, all Indians in Qatar are requested to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Qatari authorities, in particular, the Ministry of Interior, the advisory issued on Friday said. The Indian Embassy noted that Qatari officials have urged all residents to stay in safe locations, avoid going out except in cases of extreme necessity, and keep away from windows and exposed areas. Qatar under attack by Iran Like other countries in the Middle East, Qatar has also come under drone and missile attacks from Iran, in retaliation to the US-Israeli strikes that killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28. The Al Udeid Air Base, located southwest of Doha, Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Middle East and forward headquarters for Central Command, has come under constant attacks by Iran in the past few days. Due to the prevailing uncertainties, Qatar has closed its airspace, and all flight operations have been suspended temporarily. Qatar extends visas of stranded passengers Qatar is home to a large Indian population, estimated to be around 830,000 to 836,000, making it the largest expatriate community in the country. Also Read | Are you eligible for refund on Qatar Airways flight from Middle East? Details The airspace closure and suspension of flight operations have resulted in many, including Indian nationals, stranded in Qatar. Taking into account the extraordinary circumstances, Qatar has announced an extension of all categories of entry visas that have expired or are about to expire for a period of one month, allowing those stranded in the country to remain there legally. Indians can leave Qatar via Saudi Arabia The Indian Embassy on Friday said that Indian nationals seeking emergency exit from Qatar can do it through the Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia In case of emergency, the option of exiting Qatar through the Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia is currently open. Indian nationals who hold US, UK or Schenghen visas (which have been used at least once) can obtain visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Other Indian nationals wishing to travel via Saudi Arabia can apply for Saudi visas as per due procedures, the Embassy said. Temporary transit visa for Saudi Arabia The Embassy further said it is facilitating a temporary transit visa for Saudi Arabia for Indians with confirmed tickets for travelling out of there. All other logistical arrangements related to travel up to the Salwa border crossing and beyond to the departure airport etc. will need to be made by each individual themselves, it said. The Indian Mission also said that the Embassy in Doha remains available at all times for the welfare of the Indian community. Heres Rubios original statement: We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action, we knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didnt preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties. That, Rubio said, was the imminent threat: not an Iranian strike out of the blue (which American intelligence wasnt expecting) but an Israeli strike against Iran, against which Iran would have to retaliate. For all its ties with Iran and outreach to West Asia, heralded by a patch-up it brokered across the Gulf in 2023, Chinas role in the war that rages today is either negligible or invisible. A pre-emptive air campaign by the US and Israel to disarm Iran has not just trumped Americas Shock and Awe of 2003 against Iraq in ferocity, it threatens to leave Chinese diplomacy under the regions rubble as Tehran hits out at US-allied Gulf states. (Bloomberg) -- Saudi Arabia has stepped up direct engagement with Iran to try and contain a war in the Middle East that is causing havoc and stressing global markets, according to several European officials. In recent days, Saudi officials have deployed their diplomatic backchannel to Iran with greater urgency to de-escalate tensions and prevent the conflict from worsening, the officials said, asking not to be named discussing private and sensitive conversations. Several European and Middle Eastern nations are backing these efforts, according to these officials. The talks have involved both security agencies and diplomats, they added, but it wasnt clear whether they had involved higher-ranking officials and, so far, Iran has shown little inclination to negotiate with the US or Israel. Officials at the Saudi foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Iran has responded to US-Israel strikes that began on Feb. 28 with missile and drones attacks of its own. Gulf states have urged Iran to avoid retaliating against them and the likes of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have said the US and Israel cannot use their airspace or territory for any attacks on the Islamic Republic. So far, the US and Israel, as well as Iran, are saying in public that the war will continue. US President Donald Trump said Friday he will only accept Tehrans unconditional surrender. Sunni Arab states in the Gulf have long had tense relations with Iran, a Shia-majority country. Still, in recent years, Saudi Arabia and the UAE had sought to improve relations and, before hostilities started, were keen for Iran to agree a diplomatic deal with the US through talks mediated by Oman. --With assistance from Sam Dagher, Arne Delfs and Selcan Hacaoglu. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com A Florida toddler triggered a security alarm at the airport while chasing his favourite toy right into the restricted area. The child, Fitz, nearly 2-years of age, was returning to the US after a family trip abroad. In a viral reel, Whitney Vonder Haar, the mother of the child and a content creator, said, We were re-entering the country after a trip. Exhausted. And fresh off the flight with kids. Just trying to get home. My toddler was almost two. And he had been obsessed with this little ladybug poppit the entire trip. Somehow it slipped from his hands. And landed in a clearly restricted area. Before we could even react, he ran after it, she shared with her social media followers. Chasing his favourite toy, Fitz entered a restricted area, setting off security alarms. The second he crossed that invisible line, alarms started BLARING. Not subtle. Not quiet. The kind of alarm that makes your stomach drop instantly, Whitney said. Within seconds, the content creator said, a metal gate started coming down. Fast. Fitz was still on the other side, and would've been trapped had his father not pulled him at the last second. Nick ran under as it was closing and pulled him back through seconds before it locked off the area.. the poppit still on the other side, she said. The situation quickly escalated Fitz was screaming, the security alarm was deafening, and everyone at the airport was staring at the family of four. And then we saw security running toward us We just kept saying, We are so sorry. We are so sorry, she said. However, the events that followed were what really surprised Whitney and her Internet family. Also Read | Bengaluru couple stranded with toddler on roadside get help from delivery person Here's what happened next: The family was expecting the security issue to spiral into something worse. However, to their surprise, the security was kind and turned off the alarm as soon as they understood that it was only a toy emergency. They could not have been kinder. They turned off the alarm. They reassured us. They spoke gently to my toddler, Whitney shared. The only catch was that because they had triggered the security system, the family had to be fully escorted through customs and immigration. So yes we caused a scene. And then got a private escort through the entire process, she said. While the situation diffused with fewer-than-expected issues, Fitz's ladybug poppet was officially confiscated. The video has gone viral on social media, with at least 6.3 million views at the time of writing the story. The silver lining Despite the dramatic turn of events, Whitney said that the incident serves as a reminder that even in the most embarrassing moments, people will surprise you with kindness. Every time we see a picture of that little ladybug poppit (the one in this video) it reminds me of this story.. A quick reminder of how fast everything can escalate, she said. And how sometimes, even in your most embarrassing parenting moments people surprise you with kindness. She also noted that travelling with toddlers is not calm It is not predictable. But it is unforgettable. And apparently occasionally federally supervised. Here's how netizens reacted: Social media users were glad that things worked out without much escalation, but were sad for the toy. Mom win- just the pop it and not the toddler got confiscated, a user said. Another added, Omg what a cutie!! So glad the incident was resolved quickly and that airport staff were so kind. Owner Miguel Morales said he offered to repair the issues himself, but claims the landlord refused to allow the upgrades. He also says he was not given the opportunity to purchase the building. News / National by Staff reporter Angry parents in Bulawayo have raised concerns over allegations that Teachers4ED, an organisation linked to the ruling party, solicited funds from schools to support a three-day voluntary capacitation workshop held in the city.According to a statement signed by the Bulawayo provincial coordinator for Teachers4ED, Christopher Mungofa, the workshop was held from February 27 to March 1 at Hamilton High School.The communication requested schools to facilitate the participation of teachers and other staff members during the workshop."You are requested to facilitate the participation of incapacitated school administrators, teachers, ancillary staff and school development committee members in the Teachers4ED Voluntary Capacitation Workshop scheduled for February 27March 1, 2026 at Hamilton High School," read part of the statement."We kindly request that each school sends and assists at least twenty (20) members to attend."Teachers4ED is widely regarded as a shadowy affiliate of the ruling party, Zanu-PF, a claim that has previously drawn criticism from parents and education stakeholders.One parent, Clement Ngwenya, described the move as anti-developmental, arguing that voluntary organisations should fund their own activities rather than placing additional financial pressure on schools."Teachers4ED voluntarily joined their organisation and they should be able to fund their activities rather than siphoning funds from schools through underhand means," Ngwenya said."This is setting a wrong precedent. It will mean that any organisation which needs funding can come and request money from schools. We need to see communication that comes through proper channels from the Ministry of Education, not from everyone."Another parent, who requested anonymity, said many families were already struggling to keep up with school fees due to the prevailing economic challenges and could not afford additional costs linked to voluntary organisations.When contacted for comment, Mungofa declined to address the matter, referring questions to the Zanu-PF School of Ideology."My position is very low, I cannot comment on that. You can contact the chairman at the school of ideology," he said.Efforts to obtain comment from both the Zanu-PF School of Ideology and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education were unsuccessful.This is not the first time Teachers4ED has faced accusations of pressuring teachers and parents to finance its activities. The education ministry has previously warned parents to be cautious and avoid falling victim to such initiatives. Use the Arrows < > above to go through the gallery The best restaurants and hospitality business owners in Longford were honoured at the Leinster Regional Final of the Irish Restaurant Awards at the Killashee Hotel, Kildare. All of the Longford winners now compete for the 2026 Regional and All Ireland Titles, which will be announced at the Irish Restaurant Awards All-Ireland Final on Monday, May 18 at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin. READ MORE BELOW PHOTO There was success for seventeen Longford businesses across eighteen categories and there were over 1,100 attendees at the presentation ceremony on Tuesday, March 3. Also read: Award winning Longford restaurant welcomes film star Will Ferrell Spice India in Longford town were double winners as Frances Nugent was chosen as Best Restaurant Manager and they were also the recipients of the Best World Cuisine award. The full list of County Longford winners: Best Restaurant (sponsored by American Express) Midtown Kitchen & Bar, Longford town Best Chef (sponsored by BWG Food Service) Marco Fabbi, Sorrento Restaurant, Lanesboro Best Restaurant Manager (sponsored by Paynt) Frances Nugent, Spice India Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant Longford Arms Hotel Employee Excellence (sponsored by Peninsula) Hanna Kadet, Newcastle House, Ballymahon Best Use of Social Media Jolly Boys Pizza & Grill, Ballymahon Best Casual Dining (sponsored by Musgrave Marketplace) PV's Longford Best World Cuisine (sponsored by National Chef de Partie Apprenticeship & National Sous Chef Apprenticeship Programmes) Spice India Longford Best Gastro Pub (sponsored by Hendersons Foodservice) Richmond Inn, Clondra Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine (Sponsored by FBD Insurance) The Glenview Bar and Lounge, Aughnacliffe Best Newcomer (sponsored by Square) Gooseberry Cafe, Longford town Pub of the Year Ronnie Nally & Sons, Ballymahon Best Wine Experience (sponsored by Bibendum) Vocella's, Longford town Best Customer Service (sponsored by Restaurant-Insurance.ie provided by Dolmen) The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule Best Cafe (sponsored by Illy) Fabiani, Longford town Best Sustainable Practices Fiona Egan, Cloughan Farm & Cookery School Innovator of the Year (sponsored by Diageo) John Stone Beef, Ballymahon Local Food Hero (sponsored by Sugar Snap Agency) Pat & Fiona McCormack of The Farmhouse Bees and Trees, Abbeyshrule Check out the 2025 Longford winners HERE Addressing attendees at the Leinster Regional Final, Sean Collender, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, said: As Ireland places a renewed focus on culinary tourism, nights like this take on even greater importance. Our restaurants are not only central to local communities and employment, they are a key part of the experience visitors travel here for. The Irish Restaurant Awards shine a light on the quality, creativity and standards that underpin Irelands growing food reputation at home and abroad. Check out the 2023 Longford winners HERE These awards are about more than recognition. They reinforce the link between hospitality businesses and Irelands wider tourism offering. By celebrating excellence at county and regional level, we strengthen the foundations of a food culture that attracts visitors, supports producers and sustains jobs right across the country. I want to congratulate every nominee and winner whose work contributes to that story. County Longford farmers feel 'betrayed' by the 'anti-democratic' implementation of the controversial EU-Mercosur trade agreement by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen who is coming across like a 'dictator', according to the IFA County Chair. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU would provisionally implement the multi-billion euro deal while awaiting for a ruling on its legality from the European Court of Justice. There has been some criticism that the provisional implementation of the controversial EU-Mercosur trade agreement on Friday 'undermines' the democratic process. Related: Longford MEP Ciaran Mullooly: Referral of Mercosur to European Court 'a critical step in defending farmers' IFA County Chair John Sheridan said local farmers feel let down but are not surprised by the latest development. "It wasn't unexpected, the threat was there the whole time that by law she could do it and she was going to run ahead with it anyways. "We are very disappointed, angry more so, but she (von der Leyen) is coming across as a pure dictator, hell-bent on getting the go-ahead for this anyways. "They were going to get it through at some stage anyways." The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has strongly campaigned against the deal and claimed beef farmers here will be at a big disadvantage when the market is opened to cheaper South American products produced to lower standards. Read: Sit-in protest at Bord Bia ends following promise of review Asked about the reaction of farmers, Mr Sheridan said, "I'd call it betrayed more than anything else. "At least give the courts a chance, if you believe in democracy, and then decide whether the thing could go ahead the way it is or not. "We are after fighting this thing for 20 years, another two years wasn't going to make or break anybody." A majority of MEPs and a total of nine Irish MEPs including local Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly , voted last month to refer the EU-Mercosur deal to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) so it could give its legal opinion. However, four Irish MEPs, including Midlands North-West MEP Maria Walsh who stated 'more certainty' was needed for farmers, voted against referring Mercosur to the EU court. Mr Mullooly said he 'strongly condemns' the decision by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to proceed with the provisional application of the EUMercosur Trade Agreement. The Lanesboro native said the the decision ignores the position taken by the European Parliament and the ongoing legal process before the Court of Justice and he warned that the move 'undermines democratic process and legal certainty'. This move represents a clear breach of the democratic position adopted by the European Parliament, which has sought judicial clarification before any implementation of the agreement." "To advance implementation in the absence of judicial determination undermines the authority of the Court and disregards the institutional balance established under the EU Treaties. Mr Mullooly said that respect for legal process is essential in EU trade policy and international trade agreements 'must be compliant not only with political preference but with binding legal obligations' . Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh told the Leader just under two weeks ago she voted against referring the Mercosur deal to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) to give its legal opinion as she believed farmers needed more certainty. Related: MEP Maria Walsh's Longford visit and how ECJ Mercosur deal referral 'has backfired' However, on Friday she said while the development came as no surprise to her she was "bitterly disappointed" with the news. "I warned that the court referral would not block this deal - it would only change the route by which it comes into force." "MEPs who voted in favour of the referral should feel the full weight of their decisions today." While provisional application is legally within the Commissions powers, I believe it runs against the spirit of cooperation between EU institutions." "MEPs should have had their say before any part of this agreement was activated." Mr Sheridan said he believes Mr Mullooly is 'doing his best', however, he was critical of Ms Walsh. "She hasn't once done what the farmers asked her to do," he added. Ms Walsh, who responded to the criticism, said she believed Mr Sheridan's statement was 'completely untrue'. "Ive fought for farmers interests at every stage, meeting them on the ground and raising their concerns in Brussels on a daily basis. "The farmers I represent across Midlands-North West know this - which is my top priority." A community mainstay while working alongside her husband, Joe, in OBriens chemist the death on Sunday, February 15 of Gretta OBrien, Longford Road, Lanesboro brings to an end an era of the older OBrien generation. Joe and Gretta arrived in Lanesboro from Dublin where they joined his sister Maura as one of the two town chemists. Gretta went on to play a major role with Joe in his chemist as a confident and great listener and advisor to many of the customers. She was a great confidant and with that she gained a great reliability and dependence. Gretta was a woman with great homeliness with the quality of being plain, simple, or unpretentious. She was a kind, generous and deeply religious lady whose strong belief that a great education was no extra weight to carry. In her own way she was a quiet lady and family woman who liked nothing better to have her children and later in life her grandchildren around her. At the time of her passing she had just a few weeks previous passed her 96th birthday and she was predeceased 25 years ago by her husband Joe and since by her sisters Patricia and Mary. Also read: RIP: Longford saddened by death of lady in her 101st year who was greatly loved by all For many years with Joe and later with her daughter Orla she could be seen making that daily walk from her home on the Longford Road to the chemist shop. She was a native of Ardee, Co Louth and was fiercely proud and supportive of her native county. For a few short years she had been in failing health and in recent weeks her health deteriorated and she passed away on Sunday, February 15. Grettas remains reposed at her residence on Monday, February 16 and her remains were removed to St Marys Church, Lanesboro on Tuesday for her Requiem Mass followed by interment in Lanesboro Cemetery. PICTURES | Carrickedmond honour their Longford treble winning heroes of 2001 at gala bash Predeceased by her husband Joe (M.P.S.I.) and her sisters Patricia and Mary. The late Gretta is deeply regretted by her family, Gretta (Gerard Iwanuk), Joe (Maureen), Conor (Rosaleen), Mary (Michael Lyons), Orla, Brian (Anna), her eleven grandchildren, three great grand children, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and staff and friends from O'Brien's Pharmacy. A fire burns at the US Consulate in Dubai after the compound was struck by an Iranian drone. (@in20im on X) Between March 3 and March 5, Iran continued responding to the joint United StatesIsraeli military campaign with widespread retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. The attacks consisted of coordinated waves of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles targeting multiple Arab states, particularly those hosting US military bases and strategic infrastructure. As of March 5, the United Arab Emirates reported that 1,072 drones and 204 missiles had targeted its territory. Bahrain reported approximately 70 missiles and 59 drones targeting the kingdom. Kuwait announced that 178 missiles and 384 drones targeted the country, most of which were intercepted by Kuwaiti air defenses. Qatar reported that 120 missiles and 53 drones were launched toward its territory, with Qatari air defenses intercepting the majority of incoming projectiles. The following is a detailed account of the scope of the attacks and specific actions Iran has taken against Arab states between March 3 and March 5. March 3 On March 3, Iran escalated its strikes by targeting US diplomatic missions. In Saudi Arabia, two Iranian drones struck the US Embassy in Riyadh, causing a fire and limited structural damage. Saudi authorities also reported intercepting eight Iranian drones over the Riyadh and Al Kharj areas, preventing additional impacts near the capital and Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts US personnel. In the Saudi city of Dhahran, the United States issued a security alert warning Americans to avoid the US Consulate due to incoming missile and drone threats. It is likely that these projectiles were later intercepted. In the United Arab Emirates, an Iranian drone struck near the US Consulate in Dubai, igniting a small fire but causing only limited damage. Emirati authorities also reported intercepting one Iranian ballistic missile targeting the country, though they did not disclose the intended target. At Fujairah Port, debris from an intercepted missile fell in the area and ignited a fire. In Oman, Iranian drones targeted key maritime infrastructure. Authorities reported a drone falling in Salalah Port, while fuel tanks at Duqm Port were targeted by two Iranian drones. Omani officials also announced that two Iranian drones were intercepted over Dhofar Province. In Jordan, air defenses intercepted one missile near Muwaffaq al Salti Air Base in Azraq, a facility used by Jordanian and US forces. Authorities did not confirm the launch origin, though the attack was widely attributed to Iran-backed militias operating in Iraq. Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq had threatened Jordan on the same day. Qatar stated that it intercepted additional Iranian missiles and drones over its territory, though no figures were provided. Bahrain also reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, but the government did not disclose the number of incoming projectiles or confirm specific targets. March 4 On March 4, Iran continued its cross-Gulf pressure campaign with a mix of drone and missile strikes targeting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, while regional air defenses intercepted the majority of incoming projectiles. In Saudi Arabia, Iranian forces launched a drone attack targeting Aramcos refinery in Ras Tanura. Saudi authorities reported that the drone reached the facility but caused no damage. Saudi air defenses also intercepted nine drones upon their entry into the countrys airspace, one drone over Eastern Province, and two cruise missiles near Al Kharj, reportedly near Prince Sultan Air Base. Bahraini air defenses intercepted unspecified aerial threats over the country on March 4. Iran also targeted Al Udeid Air Base near Doha, Qatar, with two ballistic missiles. Qatari air defenses intercepted one ballistic missile aimed at the base, but another missile struck the installation. In a separate engagement, Qatars Ministry of Defense reported intercepting six drones and two cruise missiles approaching Qatari territory. Kuwaiti authorities reported intercepting a wave of Iranian drones and missiles targeting the country. In Kuwait Citys Qadsiya district, debris from an intercepted Iranian missile fell in a residential area, killing a young Iranian girl. The Kuwaiti military later confirmed that air defenses neutralized dozens of projectiles before they reached their intended targets. The UAE Ministry of Defense reported that Iranian forces launched 129 drones and three ballistic missiles towards Emirati territory. Air Defenses intercepted 121 drones and all three ballistic missiles, while eight drones fell inside the UAE. Authorities said that no damage occurred as a result of these attacks. March 5 On March 5, Iran continued its missile and drone campaign against Gulf states, launching attacks across Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. In Bahrain, Iranian forces launched three ballistic missiles toward the country. One missile struck the Bapco refinery in Maameer, sparking a fire at the facility, while Bahraini air defenses intercepted two additional ballistic missiles before they reached their targets. In Qatar, the Ministry of Defense reported one of the largest salvos of the day, announcing that its air defenses intercepted 13 missiles and four drones approaching Qatari territory. Authorities stated that one missile fell into Qatars territorial waters. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported multiple interceptions on March 5: Saudi air defenses downed three drones east of Al Kharj and one drone east of Al Jawf that were likely launched by Iraqi militias due to their geographical proximity to the Iraqi border. Air defenses also intercepted three cruise missiles east of Al Kharj, preventing them from reaching their intended targets. Iranian projectiles also targeted the United Arab Emirates, where air defenses intercepted threats across several emirates. Missiles were intercepted near Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, while additional missile threats were intercepted over Fujairah and Dubai. In another incident, an intercepted drone near Al Dafrah Air Base caused debris to fall in the adjacent ICAD II industrial zone, injuring six foreign workers. In Kuwait, authorities reported intercepting missile and drone attacks targeting the country, though officials did not release the specific number of projectiles involved. Ahmad Sharawi is a senior research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the Levant. A martyr poster for Kataib Hezbollah commander Abu Hassan al Fariji, who was killed in an unclaimed airstrike on March 4. (Sabreen News on X) As America and Israel continued striking Iran, the Islamic Republics partners in Iraq claimed additional attacks against the US presence in the region on March 4 and 5, particularly in Iraqi Kurdistan, which hosts significant American forces. The militia attacks are conducted by groups operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq (IRI), an umbrella that major Iran-backed, US-designated terror groups use to claim attacks against American forces, Israel, and other targets. The joint American-Israeli coalition is also likely targeting the Iran-backed militias in Iraq, in addition to their campaign against Iran, though neither the US nor Israel have claimed any operations. On March 4, Saraya Awliyah al Dam (SAD), a front group for Iran-backed militias operating under the IRI banner, claimed an attack against a hotel in Erbil where it said US service members were staying with a squadron of drones. The group had claimed a similar attack against an unspecified hotel in Erbil the day before. In addition, SAD claimed two drone attacks on the American presence at Erbil International Airport and one against a vital target in Jordan on March 4. In these statements, SAD said that the attacks were in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and intended to deter US attacks that have killed Iraqi militiamen since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury on February 28. The Kurdish Rudaw Media Network reported a wave of drone and missile attacks against Erbil on March 4. Iraqi media outlets also reported that multiple drones targeted Victoria Base at Baghdad International Airport the same day. On March 5, the IRI claimed that it conducted 29 operations using dozens of drones and missiles in the preceding 24 hours, though these details could not be confirmed. The activities likely included the SAD attacks, as the group reports its operations under the IRI umbrella. The IRI also said that its fighters downed a US MQ-9 drone, and the group threatened to attack European forces in Iraq and the region if they participate in the conflict. On March 5, Kurdistan 24 reported that an attack of an unspecified nature targeted Azadi Camp, which houses Iranian-Kurdish opposition groups, but caused no casualties. Early in the morning on March 5, an explosive-laden boat targeted and damaged an oil tanker anchored near Iraqs Khor al Zubair port. Iran International reported that the vessel used in the attack was an Iranian remotely controlled boat. On March 4, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Iraqi Charge dAffaires to protest the targeting of Kuwait by Iran-backed Iraqi militias on March 3. Likely and reported US and Israeli operations against Tehrans Iraqi proxies On March 4, a strike conducted by an unconfirmed party targeted and killed Abu Hassan al Fariji, a commander in the Iran-backed militia and US-designated terror group Kataib Hezbollah, along with another militia member in Babil in central Iraq. Kataib Hezbollah Secretary General Abu Hussain al Hamidawi issued a statement on March 5 about Farijis death, praising his role as one of the groups commanders for more than 20 years. According to Shafaq News, four strikes were also conducted in Iraqs Nineveh Governorate on March 4 against groups that are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), an official Iraqi security institution largely comprised of Iran-backed militias. Two attacks targeted facilities belonging to Kataib Sayyid al Shuhada, a US-designated terror group that controls the 14th Brigade of the PMF. The two remaining attacks targeted facilities belonging to the PMFs 30th Brigade, a militia drawn mostly from the Shabak ethnic minority in Nineveh that has close ties to Irans network in Iraq. No casualties were reported. Also on March 4, the Iraqi governments Security Media Cell (SMC) announced that Iraqi security forces in Karbala were hit with an airstrike from an unidentified attacker. In a condemned and deplorable incident, a force from the Karbala Operations Command, while carrying out an inspection duty in the desert area linking the provinces of Karbala and the Holy Najaf at dawn today, came under aerial bombardment and gunfire, resulting in the martyrdom of one fighter and the injury of two others from the heroes of our security units, the SMC stated on X. Notably, Iraqi officials told Rudaw Media Network on March 5 that a US special force has landed in desert areas in Iraqs Anbar, Najaf and Karbala provinces, resulting in reported clashes with Iraqi forces that left one soldier dead and two others wounded. However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has not addressed this claim. Since the beginning of the operation against the Islamic Republic on February 28, a number of unclaimed strikes have targeted Iraqi militias. American and/or Israeli forces have likely conducted the attacks. Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focusing on Iranian proxies, specifically Iraqi militias and the Houthis. News / National by Staff reporter Foreign businesses given deadline to exit Zimbabwe reserved sectorsForeign-owned businesses operating in sectors reserved for Zimbabwean citizens have been granted until 2027 to either exit those industries or partner with local investors under new government regulations aimed at boosting citizen participation in the economy.The policy, introduced through Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025, restricts certain business activities exclusively to Zimbabwean citizens and bars foreign operators from continuing in those sectors unless they comply with the new requirements.Responding to a question in Parliament, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi said the government was allowing a transition period to enable affected companies to adjust to the new policy framework."Since the Statutory Instrument was passed last year, the Government is now supposed to be doing a survey. It is still too early for the Government to do a survey," he said.Ziyambi explained that the grace period was intended to give businesses sufficient time to reorganise their operations and find local partners where necessary before the deadline."We agreed to give people time and those businesses to find people to share with, so they can exit by 2027," he said.The government says the measure is part of broader efforts to increase Zimbabwean ownership and participation in key sectors of the economy, while ensuring that businesses already operating in those areas are given adequate time to comply.Authorities also indicated that consultations between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (Zimbabwe) and business stakeholders will continue as the policy is rolled out."Let us give the Government time so that the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and business people can meet and deliberate on businesses run by foreigners so that they can exit and surrender their business shares," Ziyambi said. A Hamas martyr poster for Wasim Atallah Ali. (Ibrahim Kayed on X) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) killed Hamas commander Wasim Atallah Ali near the coastal city of Tripoli, Lebanon, on February 5. The elimination adds to the growing number of Palestinian terrorists who have been killed in Lebanon since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The IDF said that the Israeli Navy carried out the strike that killed Ali. According to the IDF, Ali served as a Hamas commander and was responsible for training and exercises in the groups Lebanon branch. Al Jazeera, citing Palestinian sources, reported that Ali was viewed as a prominent organizational and political figure in Hamas in the Beddawi camp, adding that he oversaw the groups activities and communicated with the organizations supporters in the Palestinian camps in Lebanon. Hamas issued a statement condemning the attack, saying it was a criminal Zionist aggression against Lebanon and the Palestinian refugee camps. The strike against Ali appears to be part of a broader Israeli campaign targeting Palestinian terrorist groups in Lebanon since the October 7 attack on Israel. On March 3, the IDF killed Abu Hamza Rami, the commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihads (PIJ) Lebanon branch, in an airstrike on Beirut. The IDF said that Rami held the position for several years and was responsible for overseeing and facilitating hundreds of attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF personnel. From his base in Lebanon, he played a central role in advancing the organizations operational activity against Israel, the IDF noted. In February, an Israeli airstrike on a Hamas headquarters in the Palestinian camp of Ain al Hilweh in southern Lebanon killed two members of the Islamist group. The IDF said that the headquarters was used by Hamas to train for terrorist attacks against the Israeli military and the Israeli home front. Days before the Ain al Hilweh strike, the IDF said it killed several operatives from PIJs Syrian branch in a strike in southern Lebanon. According to the Israeli military, the terrorists had planned attacks against Israel and were attempting to cross into Syria when they were targeted. The strike was one of several Israeli operations targeting Syrian PIJ operatives in southern Lebanon following the October 7, 2023, attack. So far, Hamas, PIJ, and other established Iranian-backed Palestinian factions have not claimed attacks against Israel in response to recent IDF strikes against them in Lebanon, nor the broader conflict with Iran. Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East. A Russian Shahed-type drone being approached by a Ukrainian interceptor drone. (Ukrainian Air Force) Years of Russian bombardment with Iranian drones have provided Ukraine with unparalleled experience in finding cost-effective ways to counter these weapons. Now, that hard-won expertise may be about to find a new purpose. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he plans to send Ukrainian technology and personnel to the Middle East to help America and its allies combat Iranian drones. When the United States and Israel launched their attack on Iran on February 28, Tehran quickly began firing missiles and long-range one-way attack (OWA) drones at military and civilian targets across the region. By March 3, the Iranians had launched over 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 unmanned aerial systems (UAS), according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). Irans ballistic missile launch rate has cratered since the wars first day, thanks in large part to US and Israeli strikes on Iranian launchers. However, its drone launch rate has remained robust. While the United States and its allies have intercepted the vast majority of these projectiles, the Pentagon reportedly acknowledges that OWA UAS have proven to be a greater challenge than anticipated. This has left the US military scrambling to bolster its counter-UAS capabilities in the region. In many cases, US and allied forces seem to have lacked adequate point defenses to shoot down Iranian drones that slip past fighter jets and other air defenses. A strike in Kuwait killed six American servicemembers. OWA UAS have damaged valuable military assets, including satellite communications equipment at the US Fifth Fleets headquarters in Bahrain. Drones have also struck diplomatic, economic, and residential sites. One of Irans workhorses is the Shahed-136, a propeller-driven delta-wing drone designed to attack fixed targets up to around 2,000 kilometers away. To Ukrainians, the Shahed-136 is all too familiar. The Islamic Republic began supplying those drones to Russia in the summer of 2022, offering Moscow a relatively inexpensive way to augment its long-range strike capabilities. With Iranian help, Russia later began producing modified variants itselfand in larger quantities. The Russians were churning out some 2,700 drones per month by mid-2025, according to Ukrainian intelligence. Relying on expensive interceptor missiles to quickly shoot down Shaheds proved unsustainable. The Ukrainians needed more cost-effective solutions. Over time, they developed a layered system that includes aviation, electronic warfare, and mobile fire teams typically armed with pickup-mounted machine guns. Those teams, coordinated through a digital common operating picture that fuses data from radar and acoustic sensors, were eventually shooting down the lions share of Russias Shahed-type drones. With these adaptations, Ukraine put itself on the right side of the efficiency curve. However, the Russians adapted, as well. They made technical and tactical changes that rendered Ukraines mobile fire teams and electronic warfare tactics less effective as Russian drone production soared. In response, the Ukrainians increasingly turned to interceptor drones inexpensive UAS designed to take down other drones that are located by radar. These systems reportedly accounted for more than 70 percent of the Shahed-type drones destroyed over Kyiv and its environs last month. While the winter weather in Ukraine has been challenging for these systems, this factor will not be an issue in the Middle Eastern climate. As Iranian missiles and drones began flying across the Middle East, Zelenskyy quickly offered to share Ukraines counter-UAS expertise. On March 1, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that London would bring experts from Ukraine, along with our own experts, to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them. Starmer may have jumped the gun, as the next day, Zelenskyy said Kyiv had not received any direct requests from Britain or other countries. However, he reiterated his willingness to share relevant information and technologies. In an interview with Bloomberg, the Ukrainian president suggested that Ukraine could send its best operators of drone interceptors to Middle East countries if those states could convince Moscow to accept a month-long ceasefire. After discussing the Iranian drone threat with Middle Eastern counterparts on March 3, Zelenskyy said their teams would determine how, together, we can provide stronger protection. The next day, he asserted that both Middle East countries and the United States had requested Ukrainian expertise and practical support in countering Iranian drones. Zelenskyy announced that he had directed Ukrainian officials to present options for assisting the relevant countries without undermining Ukraines own defenses. Ukrainian experts will operate on-site, and teams are already coordinating these efforts, he said. The Ukrainian leader later affirmed that in response to a US request, Kyiv would provide the necessary means and send Ukrainian specialists to the region to help combat OWA UAS. Zelenskyy has also suggested that Ukraine could exchange interceptor drones for much-needed Patriot air defense missiles. While Washington and its Middle Eastern allies are unlikely to bite at that idea, the Financial Times reported that the Pentagon and at least one Gulf government are in talks to buy Ukrainian-made interceptors. Some NATO members, including the United States, have recently begun experimenting with interceptor UAS of various types. These include an AI-enabled system called Merops, which is backed by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and has seen extensive action in Ukraine. In all likelihood, the United States will face OWA UAS like the Shahed-136 not only in the Iran war, but in future conflicts, as well. Bringing battle-tested Ukrainian technologies and operators into the current fight could provide a unique opportunity for the US and its allies to learn from Ukraines unmatched experience in defeating these weapons. John Hardie is the deputy director of FDDs Russia Program and a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal. Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Macworld examines the MacBook Neo launch at $599 ($499 for students), defending it against misleading online criticisms claiming its underpowered and overpriced. Tech influencers are making false comparisons with Windows laptops, using incorrect pricing and outdated models like ASUS Zenbook A14 to generate engagement. The MacBook Neo targets students and budget users with superior design, 1080p webcam, and audio over raw specs like its 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Before Apple unveiled the MacBook Neo on Wednesday, the consensus online was that it would cost too much. Following the shuffling of the MacBook Air lineup on Tuesday, it became clear that the Neo would slide under the Airs previous $999 slot, maybe $700, but probably $800. It was already declared DOA. Apple instead released a $599 laptop ($499 for students) with 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, Magic Keyboard, multi-touch trackpad, 1080p webcam, Spatial Audio speakers, and a gorgeous aluminum design. It comes in colors we havent seen on a Mac in decades and is aimed at people who are otherwise comfortable using a budget Chromebook or Windows PC. Apple is going to sell a ton of them, and the people who buy one are probably going to love it. But to read through social media feeds since the announcement, youd think Apple was charging $1,299 for an entry-level iPad. Scroll through the timeline on your social network of choice, and youll read all kinds of advice from experts proclaiming that the MacBook Neo is underpowered, overpriced, and underwhelming compared to similarly priced Windows laptops. Its all lies. MacBook misinformation This post from Sankew on X sums up the general criticism of the MacBook Neo: i don't care what anyone says, but the MacBook Neo is not worth it -Only 8GB RAM -No Touch ID on the base model -No Backlit keys -No force touch trackpad, it's a diving board trackpad -Weak I/O you should probably get a M2, M3 or M4 MacBook Air at a discount instead. pic.twitter.com/0rld2WUHAk Sankew (@Sankew06) March 4, 2026 Ive read countless posts suggesting that getting an older Air is a better option. Its terrible advice for someone looking for a budget MacBook. For one, any M2 or M3 Air is likely to be refurbished, and any M4 you find will be several hundred dollars more than the Neo. Mind you, the M2 MacBook Air is the same machine people criticized for starting at $1,099 with 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM. And now tech influencers are recommending buying one four years later because they dont want to admit that the MacBook Neo got everything right. Would Neo be a better machine with an A19 Pro with 12GB of RAM and a P3 display? Of course, but thats not what the MacBook Neo is and not who its made for. And the tech bros on X and other platforms advising people to buy something else are simply spreading misinformation. There are real reasons to criticize the MacBook Neo. Tying Touch ID to the $699 model effectively forces people to compromise on security. The trackpad misses out on Quick Look and other Force Touch features. Its the first MacBook since 2011 that doesnt feature a backlit keyboard. The Indigo color should be brighter. But instead of appreciating the MacBook Neo for what it is, social media is filled with terrible advice: Foundry Any used M-series MacBook Air you can find in this price range will still have 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, and a 13-inch display, and it wont be under Apples warranty anymore. You wont be able to get AppleCare, and itll likely stop getting updates a year or two before the Neo. It might be scratched and dented. Its a liethere isnt a used $600 MacBook Air on the planet that will be better than a Neo. Looking through the wrong Windows The MacBook Neo is obviously targeted at Windows and Chromebook users, particularly students. Apple has built a machine with low-end specs that performs well enough, but stands out for its design, camera, speakers, and display. There are plenty of similarly priced PCs to compare against the Neo, but few of the comparisons will be flattering. Still, youll find them all over your feeds. Take Windows Latest, which has 50,000 followers and nearly 500,000 views on the following tweet: This is the ASUS A14 with an OLED display, 60Hz refresh rate, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, and all-day battery life thanks to Snapdragon. Oh, and it also has five physical ports. How many do you have on the MacBook Neo? Sure, the MacBook Neo is a big deal for the price in the Apple https://t.co/CQGEtl6cL6 pic.twitter.com/21GGwKYBMp Windows Latest (@WindowsLatest) March 4, 2026 It sounds like a well-researched, informed takedown of the MacBook Neo. They argue that there are Windows laptops, specifically the ASUS Zenbook A14 and Galaxy Book4 Edge, with twice the RAM, better displays, more storage, and more ports for the same price. The only problem is its completely falsethe A14 retails for $999, while the Galaxy Book 4 in question is a year old and still $900 on clearance. Heres another one, posted as a quote-reply to a post about an HP laptop from an Apple account: more RAM, more storage, larger screen, touch screen, more pixels, numpad, more ports https://t.co/BZXiaZDp0d Gregor (@salingergregor) March 4, 2026 This machine with more RAM, more storage, larger screen, touch screen, more pixels, numpad, more ports is actually one of the best-selling Windows PCs at the MacBook Neos price range. Its such a valid comparison; there was a similar one on hand at Apples experience event in New York. But it wasnt to test performance; it was to show off Neos design, display, webcam, and audio advantages. Yes, 16GB of RAM is more than 8GB. Yes, 15.6 inches is bigger than 13 inches. But Apple didnt build the MacBook Neo to compete spec-for-spec. The fact is, Windows laptops have had better specs than their MacBook counterparts forever. 32GB of RAM standard, 4K displays, and discrete graphics. The same influencers calling out specs on social media understand this, but theyre choosing to bend the truth for engagement. Take the bait If you were considering buying a MacBook Neo until you saw one of these posts, then its almost definitely the right machine for you. It wasnt made for influencers. Its an affordable MacBook built from the ground up for K-12 students, college kids, grandparents, and anyone who doesnt know USB 2.0 from USB 3.2. Apple got it right. And anyone who starts breaking down specs and ports to convince you otherwise is wrong. Or just lying. Manchester, VT (05254) Today Snow showers this evening. Becoming partly cloudy later. Low 21F. W winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Snow showers this evening. Becoming partly cloudy later. Low 21F. W winds at 15 to 25 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Higher wind gusts possible. News / National by Staff reporter The Constitution Defenders Forum (CDF) says unidentified men driving unregistered vehicles surrounded the offices of its convener, Tendai Biti, in a dramatic incident that has raised fresh concerns about the safety of opposition leaders in Zimbabwe.In a statement issued on Thursday, the forum said a group of men arrived in unregistered Toyota Fortuner GD6 and Ford Ranger vehicles before confronting people at the premises.CDF alleged that the men, who appeared heavily intoxicated and aggressive, assaulted Biti's driver and two women who were with him. According to the organisation, the attackers beat them with batons while brandishing what appeared to be AK-47 rifles, leaving the driver injured.The forum said the attackers openly threatened the former finance minister during the incident."During this attack, the assailants loudly declared that CDF will not launch in Zimbabwe and repeatedly threatened that they were going to kill Hon. Tendai Biti," the statement said.The group allegedly claimed they were aware of CDF's activities and warned that they would "do more than what was done to Professor Lovemore Madhuku," referring to Lovemore Madhuku.According to CDF, the situation escalated after the group initially dispersed. When Biti later left his office accompanied by other leaders from the organisation, three vehicles allegedly emerged and began following their car."At this moment, we are extremely concerned because we have lost contact with them and cannot ascertain their safety or whereabouts," the statement said.The forum further claimed that additional vehicles, including unmarked cars and police vehicles, later surrounded the offices and the entire street area. It said both uniformed and plain-clothes officers were seen in the vicinity.CDF said the presence of the vehicles and individuals made it difficult for anyone to document the situation."It has also become extremely difficult to obtain pictures or document what is happening, as suspected State vehicles are parked throughout the area, and the individuals involved are aggressively charging at anyone who attempts to approach our Convener's law firm," the statement added.The organisation also alleged that clients visiting the law offices had been intimidated and harassed.CDF described the developments as deeply troubling, warning that the incident comes amid increasing pressure on activists and political leaders opposed to the proposed 2030 constitutional agenda.The forum said recent months had seen a pattern of intimidation that includes alleged abductions, assaults and harassment of critics of the government."Given Zimbabwe's painful history, we cannot and will not treat such threats lightly," the statement said.CDF has called on Zimbabweans to remain vigilant and urged regional organisations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU) to closely monitor the situation and ensure the safety of Biti and other leaders within the forum. Record-breaking barefoot walker Eamonn Keaveney was in Westport today (Thursday, March 5) as he approaches the final stages of his extraordinary 6,000km journey across Europe. The Claremorris native stopped in Murrisk today where he visited a local school before continuing his journey towards Reek. Keaveney is now making his way across Mayo towards his hometown of Claremorris, where crowds are expected to gather in the town square at 3pm on Saturday, March 7, to welcome him home after the historic trek. The 33-year-old set out from Istanbul on March 4 last year with the aim of breaking the world record for the longest barefoot walk. He travelled through Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, England and Wales before crossing Ireland. During the challenge, Keaveney ultimately walked more than 6,000km barefoot, surpassing the previous world record distance of 3,409.75km. READ MORE: Mayo man shines in winning first appearance on Countdown The expedition has drawn widespread attention online, with Keaveney documenting his progress throughout the journey on social media while raising funds for Jigsaw and Friends of the Earth Ireland. Keaveneys return to Claremorris this weekend will mark the culmination of one of the most remarkable endurance challenges undertaken by a Mayo native, as supporters gather to celebrate the completion of his record-breaking walk. A Ballina-based arts cooperative will host a coffee morning this Saturday to mark its participation in a national solidarity initiative supporting Palestinian rights. The NCF Cultural Cooperative, located in Ballina, has announced that it has joined the Apartheid Free Zone initiative organised by the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC). To mark the commitment, the cooperative will host a Palestine solidarity coffee morning on Saturday, March 7, bringing together members of the organisation and local IPSC supporters for a morning of discussion and community engagement. The event will take place at the NCF Community Art Space on Pearse Street in Ballina from 10.30am until lunchtime and is open to members of the public. As part of the Apartheid Free Zone initiative, participating groups commit to supporting the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which calls for the boycott of Israeli products and institutions linked to alleged human rights abuses, and to publicly express solidarity with Palestinian rights. READ MORE: Mayo town to host Meet the Champions autism inclusion event Organisers say the coffee morning will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about both the cooperative and the wider Apartheid Free Zone campaign, which has seen more than 370 Irish businesses, clubs, community groups and local councils sign up across the country. So far, 11 organisations in County Mayo have joined the initiative. Tea and coffee will be provided free of charge at the event, while donations will be welcomed in support of Irish water projects in Gaza. The organisers said the gathering aims to create a welcoming space for conversation and community building, with both members and non-members invited to attend. Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh has called on the Government to introduce immediate energy supports for businesses, warning that rising fuel and energy prices are placing severe pressure on companies across the country. She said the sharp increases in oil and fuel prices following the escalation of the Middle East conflict are creating insurmountable costs for many businesses. The Sinn Fein TD accused the Government of failing to act despite acknowledging that customers are being exploited through rising energy prices. The government has sat on its hands and refused to do anything to tackle the energy rip-off and price gouging, Deputy Conway-Walsh said. The conflict in the Middle East is deeply concerning on many levels, but what we are now seeing at the pumps and with regards to energy prices goes far beyond normal market fluctuation. She added that even before the latest escalation, Ireland already had some of the highest energy prices in Europe. Sinn Fein has repeatedly called for the reversal of the most recent carbon tax increases and the cancellation of all future increases, she said. READ MORE: Mayo travellers advised of important changes at Ireland West Airport According to Deputy Conway-Walsh, small and medium-sized enterprises were already struggling with the rising cost of doing business and cannot continue to absorb further increases in oil and fuel prices. Speaking following a meeting of the Oireachtas Enterprise Committee, Deputy Conway-Walsh said she had urged Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, to introduce temporary supports to help businesses remain viable as energy costs continue to rise. She also questioned whether the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has sufficient powers to fully investigate alleged price gouging and take enforcement action. Deputy Conway-Walsh said the Government must engage directly with hauliers and energy-intensive industries to address their concerns and consider measures such as reintroducing the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme. The Government cannot stand on the sidelines observing while energy companies exploit international instability to drive up prices, she said. READ MORE: "Major boost" - Mayo town set for 35 new affordable homes with 2.6m housing announcement She added that Sinn Feins spokesperson on Energy, the Environment, Climate and Transport, Pa Daly, has introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at tackling high energy costs. Doing nothing for businesses in the midst of this major global economic shock, where no end can be predicted, is not an option, she said. Thousands of students came together to show support for a girl who was raped and forced by UCD to stop her studies. The young woman was forced to drop out of her medicine course after being raped and falling pregnant, yet her rapist was allowed to continue studying. In 2023, a medical student was raped and became pregnant. Images of the girl "nude, bruised, and unconscious" after the rape were then shared by her perpetrator, according to The Journal. She requested that the university allow her to sit her exams at a later date, as she had terminated the pregnancy that had resulted from being raped, but they refused and tried to make her drop back a year. This would mean she would be in the same classes as the rapist, who was also a medical student. READ NEXT: UCD block student who was raped from finishing medical studies, but rapist was allowed to continue Around 4,000 students showed up to the 'Not Our UCD' rally on Wednesday evening, according to the Irish Examiner. The protest was organised by the Student's Union in partnership with the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC). The Union told the Irish Examiner the rally was not focused on "one incident alone," but on what it describes as "deeper issues in institutional response from classroom practices to senior decision-making structures." "When a student discloses sexual violence, the response must be traumainformed, studentcentred and grounded in clear, accessible processes," Chief Executive of DRCC, Rachel Morrogh, said. The Students' Union also wrote a letter to UCD and the School of Medicine demanding that an "open correspondence apology" be sent to the victim. UCD has said that no internal investigation has been carried out into the image-based abuse as the matter has been referred to An Garda Siochana. News / National by Staff reporter Demand for Zimbabwean agricultural products in Mozambique remains strong but largely unmet, presenting significant opportunities for farmers and agro-processors to expand exports into the neighbouring market.Retail chains and supermarkets in Mozambique have shown strong interest in food products manufactured in Zimbabwe, including beverages, bread, dairy products and cereals. There is also growing demand for fresh produce such as potatoes, tomatoes, butternuts, peas, onions, lettuce, cabbages, blueberries, grapes, apples, peppers, carrots and leafy vegetables.The opportunities extend beyond crops, with Zimbabwean poultry, beef and eggs widely regarded as superior in quality compared to locally produced alternatives in Mozambique.High-level political engagement between the two countries is also helping to reinforce agricultural cooperation.Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has repeatedly emphasised the need to strengthen agricultural ties between the two countries under the framework of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation.The call was recently reiterated by Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Mozambique, Victor Matemadanda, during a meeting with Chibabava District Administrator Sergio Arnaldo Gove in Sofala Province."President Mnangagwa has instructed us to facilitate engagement between Zimbabwean and Mozambican farmers to encourage knowledge transfer and capacity building to ensure food security for both countries," said Matemadanda.Meanwhile, ZimTrade has been facilitating trade missions to Mozambican cities such as Beira, Chimoio and Tete, allowing Zimbabwean companies to engage with their Mozambican counterparts in trade and investment discussions.Despite the growing demand, exporters continue to face procedural challenges. One of the major hurdles is the requirement for a Phytosanitary Certificate for plant-based exports.The certificate, issued by Plant Quarantine Services under Zimbabwe's Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, confirms that shipments are free from pests and diseases. However, limited inspection capacity often causes delays, particularly affecting perishable agricultural commodities.Trade data also reveals a widening trade imbalance between the two countries.Statistics from UN Comtrade show that Zimbabwe's exports to Mozambique declined from US$326 million in 2020 to US$245 million in 2024. In contrast, imports from Mozambique surged from US$143 million in 2020 to US$404 million in 2024.This shift has reversed the trade balance. Zimbabwe recorded a trade surplus of US$183 million in 2020, which gradually shrank before turning into a deficit of US$55 million in 2023. By 2024, the deficit had widened to US$159 million.Overall trade volumes between the two countries increased from US$469 million in 2020 to US$657 million in 2024, reflecting growing commercial activity despite the imbalance.Zimbabwe's main exports to Mozambique in 2024 included chromium ore valued at US$89 million, raw sugar at US$30 million and processed tobacco at US$26 million.Meanwhile, Mozambique's exports to Zimbabwe were dominated by refined petroleum worth US$104 million, soybean oil at US$86 million and electricity valued at US$75 million.Zimbabwe's Consul General to Mozambique, Malvern Bere, said farmers should actively pursue opportunities in Mozambique's agricultural and retail sectors."There is a huge market for Zimbabwean produce in Mozambique," said Bere."Last year, we received a request through the Consulate for the supply of 90 tonnes of cabbages by hoteliers in Mozambique. We engaged ZimTrade, but we could not satisfy the market."Bere said the unsatisfied order highlights the gap between market demand and Zimbabwe's export readiness.He also pointed to bureaucratic delays at border posts as a major challenge for farmers, particularly small-scale producers."We need to cut bureaucracies at our border posts which can demotivate farmers, especially small-scale farmers, who end up using informal routes to bring products into Mozambique," he said.To address logistical challenges and reduce post-harvest losses, Zimbabwean and Mozambican authorities are exploring plans to establish a centrally located cold storage facility in Mozambique.The proposed cold room facility would allow Zimbabwean farmers to aggregate and store fresh produce at a strategic distribution point, ensuring consistent supply to supermarkets, hotels and bulk buyers.With Mozambique's urban population, hospitality industry and retail sector continuing to expand, analysts say the neighbouring country presents one of the most accessible export markets for Zimbabwean farmers, particularly those in border provinces such as Manicaland.Despite the growing trade deficit, experts believe the opportunity remains clear - the demand exists, political will is evident and the market lies just across the border. For Zimbabwean farmers, the challenge now is to scale production and align output with the region's growing appetite for food. Ranbir Kapoor has started filming the next schedule of the highly anticipated mythological epic Ramayana 2 in Mumbai. The actor, who portrays Lord Ram in the film, is expected to spend the coming months shooting several crucial portions for the sequel. Initially, Ranbir was scheduled to start work on Love & War in March. However, the timeline changed after filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali faced recent health issues. As a result, the films shoot has been delayed, with production now likely to resume around May 2026. Instagram/sahixd As Love & Wars March schedule got postponed, Ranbir Kapoor has decided to dedicate his dates to Ramayana 2. RK aims to complete a significant portion of his shoot for the mythological epic between March and May. At the moment, Ranbir is sporting a clean-shaven look as part of his transformation into Lord Ram. The look aligns with the visual continuity planned for the film, which is expected to expand the scale and storytelling established in the first part, told a source to Pinkvilla. Sunny Deol is also set to join the shoot shortly. The actor, who plays the powerful Lord Hanuman in Ramayana 2, is expected to begin filming around March 20. His schedule will mark the start of a key phase of production, which is likely to include several important scenes featuring both him and Ranbir Kapoor together. Actor Mandana Karimi has recently voiced her concerns about the situation in India while reacting to the escalating tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict. The discussion began after reports claimed that Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a coordinated strike carried out by the United States and Israel last week. The reported missile attack and Khameneis death have significantly intensified tensions in the Middle East, pushing the region toward a wider conflict. Amid the growing debate online, Karimi, who was born in Iran, took to Instagram to address comments from a recent interview. She clarified that returning to Iran is not an option for her, explaining that she has been banned from entering the country for nearly a decade. Instagram/Mandana Karimi Mandana Karimis statement on Iran-Israel conflict In the reel, Mandana addressed the camera directly and said that her interview had been widely circulating on social media, prompting her to clarify certain remarks she had made earlier. She mentioned that several media outlets have been approaching her for interviews, but often a few words are picked out of context, conversations get trimmed, and they quickly turn into sensational headlines. Because of this, she said she prefers to clearly express her thoughts through her own social media account. Instagram/Mandana Karimi Karimi said, I have been banned from Iran 10 years ago. I cannot go back to Iran. Yes, I am leaving India; I am moving out of India, but I am not going back to Iran. I am upset at India because for the past few months, I didn't get any support in India, and suddenly, when Khamenei is dead, when Israel and America's name has come into the picture, everyone has an opinion in India. Everyone is on the streets, and they can actually mourn for Khamenei, which I couldn't do it, and I still cannot do it. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed deploying officers to the offices of prominent lawyer and politician Tendai Biti on Thursday morning, 5 March 2026, saying the move was meant to maintain law and order.In a statement, ZRP spokesperson Paul Nyathi said police officers had been stationed at Biti's offices since early morning. However, the police did not provide details on what prompted the operation at the law firm, which is located in a generally quiet neighbourhood.The deployment has raised questions after reports circulated alleging that Biti's driver had been assaulted during the incident.Nyathi dismissed the claims, saying officers stationed at the premises did not witness any attack."The Zimbabwe Republic Police has taken note of traditional media enquiries and social media postings on the alleged attack on Tendai Biti's driver at his offices," Nyathi said."For the record, the Zimbabwe Republic Police deployed police officers at Tendai Biti's offices since morning for the maintenance of law and order."Tendai Biti and his driver left the premises between 1100 hours and 1200 hours, with Tendai Biti cordially engaging and discussing with a police officer (Inspector) without any hassles or clashes."The police officers at the scene did not see or witness anyone beating or assault on Tendai Biti's driver."Nyathi added that if the alleged assault occurred at another location where there was no police deployment, Biti and his driver should formally report the matter to enable investigations."If the assault incident occurred at another office which had no ZRP deployment, the Zimbabwe Republic Police urges Tendai Biti and his driver to make an official report so that investigations can be conducted," he said.The incident has drawn attention on social media, with some users questioning the circumstances surrounding the police presence at the offices of the former Finance Minister. However, authorities maintain that the deployment was solely for maintaining order. Smartphone launches usually follow a predictable script. A dim auditorium, a giant presentation screen, and a steady flow of slides highlighting specifications. It is a formula most brands rarely move away from. Nothings latest launch in London took a different route. Instead of a traditional tech venue, the company chose Central Saint Martins in Kings Cross, one of the worlds most recognised art and design schools. From the moment you entered, the setting felt less like a press conference and more like a curated showcase. The phones were displayed under carefully arranged lighting, presented almost like design pieces rather than everyday gadgets. Guests moved between tables slowly, inspecting the devices the way you might examine objects in a gallery. Hook.Online For a brand like Nothing, the location felt intentional. Design has always been central to the companys identity, and hosting the launch in an art school reinforced how strongly it continues to lean into that philosophy. The event marked the unveiling of two new devices, the Nothing Phone (4a) and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. But the significance of the launch goes beyond simply adding two more phones to the lineup. Earlier this year, Nothing confirmed it would skip releasing a flagship smartphone in 2026. Instead, the company is focusing its attention on strengthening its mid-range portfolio following the Phone 3a and 3a Pro. Without a flagship this year, the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro effectively step into the spotlight. They are not just new releases. They represent Nothings main smartphone push for 2026. Nothing Phone (4a) Pro and Phone (4a): Experimental Design Nothing built its early reputation on a very recognisable look. Transparent backs revealed stylised internal elements, while the rear Glyph lighting system became the brands most distinctive visual signature. With the Phone (4a) Pro, that familiar formula takes a clear turn. The transparent panel that defined earlier Nothing phones has been replaced with a metal unibody frame. The device is offered in black, silver, and pink, and the change immediately alters how the phone feels in hand. The build is firmer and more substantial, but the move also suggests Nothing is exploring a cleaner and more mature design direction. Hook.Online Even with that shift, lighting remains part of the brands identity. Next to the camera module sits what Nothing calls the Glyph Matrix, a tightly packed cluster of 137 tiny LEDs. Compared with the lighting seen on the Nothing Phone 3, this setup appears brighter and more pronounced. Notifications, timers, and alerts trigger animated patterns that draw your eye almost instantly. In practice, the lighting feels less like a novelty and more like a design signature. The company also says the Phone (4a) Pro is its thinnest device so far, measuring just 7.5mm. Beyond appearance, the metal construction improves durability as well. The phone carries an IP65 water resistance rating, and the metal body also helps dissipate heat more efficiently. The standard Phone (4a) follows a different approach. Here, Nothing retains the transparent styling that made its earlier phones stand out. The design returns with refreshed colour options including white, black, blue, and pink. Instead of the more complex lighting system used on previous models, the Phone (4a) introduces a simplified element called the Glyph Bar. This narrow strip sits beside the camera and illuminates in segments to indicate charging progress, countdown timers, or incoming notifications. The result is a more minimal and practical take on Nothings lighting concept. Nothing Phone (4a) Pro and Phone (4a): What do the displays and performance look like? Nothing has equipped both phones with large AMOLED panels aimed at delivering a premium viewing experience. The Phone (4a) Pro sits at the top of the pair with a 6.83-inch AMOLED display. It supports a 144Hz refresh rate, which should keep scrolling, animations, and gameplay looking fluid. The company also claims the screen can hit a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, which should help with visibility when using the phone outdoors. The standard Phone (4a) uses a slightly smaller 6.78-inch AMOLED panel. It runs at a 120Hz refresh rate and is rated to reach a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. While the numbers are slightly lower, the display should still offer smooth motion and strong brightness for everyday use. Both screens are protected by Gorilla Glass 7i, which Nothing says improves scratch resistance compared with the previous generation. Powering both devices is Qualcomms Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor. It is not positioned as a flagship chipset, but it is built to handle typical smartphone tasks without trouble. Activities such as gaming, multitasking, and running the AI tools built into Nothings software should remain smooth. The two phones also share the same battery capacity. Each one carries a 5,080mAh battery, which Nothing says can deliver up to 17 hours of usage on a single charge. Nothing Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro push further into zoom photography The camera setup is one of the areas where Nothing appears to have made its biggest upgrades this year. Both the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro feature a four-camera arrangement. This includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 32-megapixel front camera, an ultra-wide lens, and a dedicated telephoto camera. Hook.Online The Pro model stands out with its 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens, designed to improve long-range photography. It offers 3.5x optical zoom and can extend to as much as 140x digital zoom. The standard Phone (4a) also includes a telephoto camera, supporting 3.5x optical zoom as well. Its maximum digital zoom reaches up to 70x. Both the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro ship with Nothing OS 4.1, which runs on Android 16. This version introduces several new software tools. One of them is Essential Search, a feature designed to help users quickly find information across different apps. Another addition is Essential Space, a section that collects and organises saved items, which Nothing refers to as Memories. The update also introduces Nothing Playground, an AI-driven feature that lets users create custom widgets and experiment with home screen personalisation. Nothing says the devices will receive three Android version updates along with six years of security patches. Nothing Headphone (a): A more accessible entry into Nothings audio lineup The launch event was not limited to smartphones. Nothing also introduced a new pair of over-ear headphones called the Headphone (a). Positioned below the companys earlier Headphone (1), this model is designed to be a more affordable option while still keeping many of the features people expect from premium headphones. Hook.Online The design remains instantly recognisable. Nothing has retained the distinctive square-shaped earcups first seen on its earlier headphones, giving the Headphone (a) the same visual identity the brand has become known for. Despite the lower price positioning, the feature list remains fairly strong. The headphones support active noise cancellation with three adjustable levels, allowing users to control how much external sound gets blocked. A transparency mode is also included, letting outside noise pass through when situational awareness is needed. Battery life is another highlight. Nothing claims the Headphone (a) can last up to five days on a single charge, while also supporting Hi-Res audio playback. Hook.Online Controls are integrated directly into the earcups. Users can manage volume, switch between noise cancellation modes, or control music playback without needing to take out their phone. There is also a programmable button that can be assigned shortcuts such as switching apps or triggering the camera. Through the Nothing X app, users can customise sound using an eight-band EQ and even share their sound profiles with other Nothing users. The headphones arrive in multiple colours including black, white, pink, and a limited-edition yellow. Nothing Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro: Pricing and availability in India Nothing has revealed the India pricing for both the Phone (4a) and Phone (4a) Pro, with several RAM and storage options available for buyers. The Nothing Phone (4a) will be offered in black, white, blue, and pink. It comes in three configurations. The 8GB RAM with 128GB storage variant is priced at 31,999, while the 8GB RAM with 256GB model costs 34,999. The top variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage is priced at 37,999. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro will be available in black, silver, and pink. Its 8GB RAM and 128GB storage version is priced at 39,999. The 8GB RAM and 256GB configuration costs 42,999, while the 12GB RAM and 256GB variant is priced at 45,999. News / National by Staff reporter Families of failed asylum seekers will be offered up to 40,000 to leave the UK under a trial scheme announced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.Mahmood said the government would seek to forcibly remove failed asylum seekers if they do not accept "incentive payments" of up to 10,000 per person, capped at four per family, within seven days.The scheme is expected to target about 150 families living in taxpayer-funded accommodation, and the Home Office estimates it could save 20m if successful.However, the Conservatives and Reform UK said the payments would incentivise people to come to the UK illegally.Mahmood unveiled the scheme as she sought make the "Labour case" for restricting support to some asylum seekers in a speech to a left-leaning think tank on Thursday.The government already runs a voluntary returns programme, under which asylum seekers who choose to leave the UK can receive up to 3,000 in financial support.Mahmood said housing a family of three in asylum accommodation costs up to 158,000 per year.The home secretary said the UK government wanted to offer an "increased incentive payment" that will represent a "significant saving to the taxpayer", in an echo of reforms introduced in Denmark.Mahmood said the government was consulting on how to remove families with children who refuse to leave voluntarily "in a way that is humane and effective".She argued that not removing families had created "a perverse incentive" to cross the Channel with children.Refugee and Migrant Children's Consortium, a coalition of 100 organisations, said families would have "just a week to make a potentially life-changing decision" without "time to access legal advice".The group also raised concerns that cutting support for families would leave children homeless.Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the payments were "an insult to the British taxpayer".Reform UK has also suggested financial incentives for voluntary deportations, but the party's home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said 40,000 payments were "staggering" and "a prize for breaking in illegally".A government source argued the payments would not encourage people to come to the UK illegally, saying smugglers charged between 15,000 and 35,000 per migrant, so it would cost more for someone to travel here. FTA Ireland has warned that volatility in global fuel markets could threaten haulage operations across the country Fuel price volatility driven by rising tensions in the Middle East is prompting urgent calls for government action, with FTA Ireland warning that transport and logistics firms are already feeling the pressure. The organisation, which represents businesses responsible for moving goods across the Irish economy, says recent developments in global fuel markets are beginning to filter through to domestic prices. Heating oil costs have already risen sharply, while petrol and diesel prices have also increased in recent days. FTA Ireland is now urging the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to examine the energy retail market and address any unfair pricing practices as quickly as possible. Niall Cotton, chief executive of FTA Ireland, said recent developments in the fuel market are causing growing concern for companies that keep Irelands supply chains moving. Recent behaviour in the fuel market is causing concern for our members, which supply everything in the economy, every day, he said. The transport and logistics sector operates on narrow margins, Cotton added, meaning sudden increases in input costs can quickly put pressure on businesses. Our industry operates on extremely tight margins and cannot absorb rapid input cost shocks, he said. According to FTA Ireland, continued volatility in fuel prices particularly when linked to international instability could have immediate consequences for haulage operations. Sustained volatility in fuel prices, particularly those driven by international instability, will place additional, immediate pressure on haulage operations and their viability, Cotton warned. In response, the organisation is calling on the Irish government to introduce targeted short-term and strategic measures aimed at stabilising the operating environment for the sector. Cotton said the industry needs support to maintain confidence and ensure companies can continue delivering for Irish businesses. We need government to consider a suite of targeted, short term and strategic measures which will reassure industry and stabilise operating processes to maintain trading conditions, he said. Without intervention, he warned that rising fuel costs could ripple across the wider economy. Otherwise, uncontrolled price increases will have a significant impact on the trading environment for our sector and, ultimately, the rest of Irelands economy. FTA Ireland has outlined three steps it believes could help stabilise the sector while global uncertainty continues. The first would involve exploring temporary mechanisms to offset current market volatility and cushion haulage operators from sudden price shocks. Secondly, the organisation is calling for the CCPCs review of the fuel retail market to be accelerated, alongside greater transparency among fuel retailers so operators can make informed purchasing decisions. The third proposal involves introducing temporary support measures for transport and logistics firms if market volatility persists, helping protect both the sector and the wider economy in the short to medium term. FTA Ireland says it is continuing to monitor global developments closely and is seeking urgent engagement with government to ensure international events do not unfairly impact the sector. FTA Ireland is keeping a close watch on global developments, Cotton said, adding that it is vital the government works with industry to prevent unjustified price increases being passed on to transport businesses. He warned that protecting the sector is essential to maintaining the steady flow of goods across the country. For the sake of our members, it is vital that government works with our sector to ensure unfair price rises are not passed on to our industry, so we can keep Irelands economy and society supplied with all that they need, despite pressures created by international events. FTA Ireland is a membership organisation representing businesses across the transport and logistics sector. The group provides support, training and advocacy for companies involved in supply chains, promoting safe, efficient and sustainable transport operations across Ireland. Charles Eisenstein was an advisor to and chief speechwriter for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 2024 presidential campaign. Now, he and others who support the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement are speaking out against the Iran war. Eisenstein and colleagues, some of whom worked alongside the current Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary during his independent presidential campaign the last election cycle, jointly crafted a petition earlier this week anchored by a deliberate message: Health Not War! We remind our representatives in Washington that, though the halls of power may insulate them personally, war will bring economic chaos, higher debt and deeper poverty to ordinary Americans; that our soldiers will face injury and death; and that countless innocents of Iran and other nations will perish in the brutal hell called war, the petition reads. Finally, we remind members of Congress that a great nation leads by example, not by force; by conscience, not by coercion. As we wage violence and terror abroad, we ask, Is this the great nation we want to be? Eisenstein told Military.com that two slogans primarily connected Kennedy with his most ardent supporters: one was Heal the divide, and the other was End the forever wars. That is what galvanized people left, right and center to turn our attention to building our own nation from within, using that $8 trillion that we'd spent on regime change wars to rebuild our infrastructure, our middle class, etc. and to return the military to its proper function of defending the homeland rather than, furthering an imperial agenda, Eisenstein said. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a campaign event, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Meg Kinnard, File) Absconding on the anti-war rhetoric that less than three years ago galvanized a strong contingent, notably of independent voters, has deafened what Eisenstein described as a big rallying cry. A lot of people who followed Kennedy fervently believe in that principle. So, when [President Donald] Trump, contrary to his own campaign promises, got us into a new war, people were very upset. Military.com reached out to HHS for comment. Congressional Opposition Will 'Take Time' The Health Not War! petition that went live on March 2 has already garnered thousands of signatures, according to Eisenstein. He deemed it more of a trial run than a grand symbolic gesture, aimed to spread awareness and a message. [MAHA] cares about health and also about peace, he said. It's kind of hypocritical to care about the health of our own children and not the health of children who are getting bombed. They're just as much children of God as we are. In his 2023 Executive Power Survey, Kennedy said the following regarding the limitations of presidential war-making, according to the New York Times: "Except in cases of imminent danger to the nation, a president must be constrained in war-making through the check and balance of congressional authority." Part of current MAHA efforts denouncing military action overseas involved encouraging Congress to pass a war powers resolution, providing legislative oversight to the executive branch. However, the resolution failed on Wednesday in the Senate by a 53-47 mostly party line vote, and then Thursday in the House by a 219-212 vote again along party lines. The GOP controls both chambers and thwarted Democrats attempts to rein in strikes in the Middle East that began Feb. 28. I wasn't surprised. I think that the work we have to do is going to take more timethe consequences of this war, they'll take a little time to be felt and the opposition will grow. Congress people that are showing leadership on this now will be vindicated and will really step into leadership of our country toward a different direction, toward authentic greatness," he added. Link Between Mental and Physical Health, and War The petition also ties Americans who care deeply about the health of our nation: both its physical health of its people, and the moral health of its conduct in the world. They say both are related, and that neither can stand without the other. This principle that operates on the individual level also operates on a national level, he said. It's a perfect mirroring. It's not because we're bad people, and it's not because our military is full of bad people, but our country has perpetrated a lot of injustice abroad over the last few decadesa lot of violence, a lot of oppression. Eisenstein correlated that message with Americans focus and priorities, saying that the United States has neglected its proverbial health by masking its own history in certain regards. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. looks on before a press conference in Bensonville, Ill., Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty) It comes back through whatever fortress walls you have, it seeps underneath the walls, and we experience it as civil violence, as domestic violence. It enters our streets, it enters our homes, even violence towards ourselves, suicides, depression, addiction." This is kind of departing from ordinary political language, but I think [its] many people feeling not being aligned with what we're doing collectively. 'Anti-MAHA, Anti-MAGA' Agenda Others affiliated with or who supported the Kennedy presidential campaign have, like Eisenstein, spoken out against the war in the Middle East. Assassinating a head of state is illegal under U.S. law, Meryll Nass, a doctor and scientific advisor to Childrens Health Defense, said in a statement shared with Military.com. Starting a war is illegal under the UN Charter. Both are morally repugnant. This anti-MAHA, anti-MAGA war only makes the defense industry, the energy industry and the bankers great again. It does nothing for the American people. President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war during an event to honor the 2025 Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami CF in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) David Murphy, founder of United We Eat Action Fund, served as Kennedys former finance director. He called the current moment critical for Republicans, saying they require a reminder that putting America First also means putting the Constitution first. The president commands the military, but Congress alone decides when the nation goes to war, Murphy said in a statement shared with Military.com. When hostilities proceed without congressional authorization or an attack on the United States, honoring Congresss constitutional role is essential to preserving democratic accountability for future generations. Its not an anti-Trump message, Eisenstein assured, acknowledging that he agrees with some of the current administrations policies. Others, like more recent environmental-based decisions, havent drawn enthusiasm. There's many things I could complain about, he said. But right now, this whole which side are you on way of thinking is tearing this country apart. It focuses us so much more on our divisions than on the broad moral values that unite us. I really am averse to condemning human beings as opposed to condemning policies. News / National by Staff reporter A Bulawayo environmental group One Planet Trust has launched a tree-planting initiative in Pumula suburb aimed at tackling a growing baboon invasion that has left residents fearful and counting property losses.The organisation observed that large numbers of trees were felled by contractors during housing developments, creating a habitat void that has driven baboons into residential areas. The animals have been ransacking homes for food, damaging solar panels, and frightening children from playing outdoors.In an interview, director Simelweyinkosi Masuku said the planting of fruit and indigenous trees in designated buffer zones would help restore ecological balance and reduce human-wildlife conflict.The initiative saw 150 indigenous and citrus trees donated to residents in Pumula South and Emthunzini, areas heavily affected by the baboon menace."This is a new location built by Hawkflight Construction Company. In undertaking projects of this scale, many trees are cut down," Masuku said. "Therefore, we will be planting 50 indigenous fruit trees in a bushy area in Pumula South as a way of deterring baboons from straying into residents' homes on Sunday."Masuku added that the trust plans to partner with the City of Bulawayo to launch programmes such as the proposed "Visit Bulawayo and Plant a Tree" campaign, which is currently in the concept phase.The organisation is also leasing 1.7 hectares of land in North End to establish a tree nursery. While the site has a borehole, it currently lacks a pumping system and fencing. Masuku appealed to well-wishers and corporate partners to assist with the necessary infrastructure.The nursery will double as a learning centre for Bulawayo children, teaching learners aged eight and above how to plant and care for trees while learning about environmental conservation and sustainable practices. More than two dozen Democratic members of Congress are requesting an internal investigation at the Department of Defense regarding claims from uniformed officers that commanders have painted the current war in Iran as one rooted in Christian biblical prophecy. A complaint shared by an anonymous non-commissioned officer to the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) claimed that non-commissioned officers were told that the Iran war is part of Gods plan and that President Donald Trump was anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth, as originally reported by journalist Jonathan Larsen. Between Saturday and Tuesday afternoon, MRFF logged more than 200 similar complaints across 50 installations encompassing every branch of the military, its founder, Mikey Weinstein, told Military.com. The accusations, which received no direct response from the Pentagon when inquired by Military.com, have drawn widespread attentionin part due to the Pentagons open embrace of Christianity through monthly prayer services in addition to appearances and speaking engagements by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at Christian-themed events. MRFF is composed roughly of 95% Christians. On Friday, Congressional Freethought Caucus co-chairs Reps. Jared Huffman (CA) and Jamie Raskin (MD) and House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Ranking Member Chrissy Houlahan (PA) led 27 of their Democratic colleagues in requesting U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Inspector General Platte B. Moring III to open an investigation into these reports and claims invoking religious prophecy and apocalyptic theology to justify the United States military actions in Iran. If accurate, these outrageous statementsjustifying a war based on interpretations of biblical prophecies, and informing troops that they are risking their lives to advance a specific religious visionraises not only glaring Constitutional concerns, but potential violations of Department of Defense regulations regarding religious neutrality and breaches of professional obligations and standards expected of military leadership, the lawmakers wrote in their two-page letter shared with Military.com. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Monday, March 2, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) Members of the United States Armed Forces swear an oath to support and defend our secular Constitutionnot any specific religious doctrinesand servicemembers must be able to carry out their duties free from coercive religious messaging by their chain of command. A caucus spokesperson deferred requests by Military.com for additional remarks to the letter itself. Military.com reached out to the DOD inspector general for comment. The letter was signed by moderate and progressive Democratic members including Reps. Nancy Pelosi, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Mark Pocan, Eric Swalwell, Veronica Escobar and Pramila Jayapal. Complaint In Question The complaint in question that drew widespread attention earlier this week came from an individual who identified themselves as a non-commissioned officer (NCO) in a unit currently outside the Iran combat zone but who could be deployed at any time to help facilitate the mission in Iran dubbed Operation Epic Fury. That complainant is also a self-described Christian who emailed MRFF on behalf of 15 troops that included at least 11 Christians, one Muslim, and one Jew. He urged us to tell our troops that this was all part of Gods divine plan and he specifically referenced numerous citations out of the Book of Revelation referring to Armageddon and the imminent return of Jesus Christ, the NCO wrote in the email. He said that President Trump has been anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth." Democrats Wants Answers Democrats are inquiring whether these latest allegations are part of a broader political climate in which Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and senior civilian officials have publicly framed Middle East policy in explicitly religious terms. Public statements by administration officials and allies invoking biblical claims about Israel and the regionalong with rhetoric suggesting a prophetic or religious dimension to geopolitical conflictsrisks emboldening similar messaging within military ranks, the letters signees said. We urge you to assess whether Secretary Hegseths extreme religious rhetoric has metastasized into segments of the military chain of command in ways that contravene constitutional protections, departmental rules and standards, or professional military norms. They requested that the following six inquiries be investigated: WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration's campaign to end wokeness in the military is reshaping its relationship with U.S. higher education, breaking off longstanding ties with prestigious universities that have trained generals and admirals while building new bonds with Christian schools and public universities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth forged ahead last week with his realignment, expelling more than a dozen elite colleges from a military fellowship that serves as a pipeline to the upper ranks of leadership. It's a small but symbolic fracture that has left college leaders bracing for additional cuts that could pull service members from their classrooms. Hegseth made sweeping statements about canceling all military attendance at schools he denounces as anti-American, yet his cuts have been more targeted. So far he has homed in on graduate degrees and certificates while preserving a much broader program that helps cover tuition for roughly 200,000 active-duty or reserve service members. That program, known as Tuition Assistance, allows service members to get financial help pursuing studies at nearly any U.S. college. The funding flows to hundreds of campuses, including the highly selective ones Hegseth says have gorged themselves on taxpayer money. Yet an Associated Press analysis finds that schools beyond the Ivy League are far more likely to benefit from the Pentagon aid, including big online universities and some for-profit colleges that have been dogged by fraud accusations. About 350 members of the military used Tuition Assistance to attend Harvard, Johns Hopkins University, George Washington University and the other schools targeted by Hegseth's cuts, according to the AP analysis of 2024 data. By contrast, more than 50,000 studied at the American Public University System, a for-profit education company that offers online degrees and has a graduation rate of just 22%. More than a third of students using the benefit attended for-profit colleges, surpassing the number who attended any type of private, nonprofit college. Public universities take in the most military students under the program, with about 4 in 10 choosing those campuses. The benefit pays out a maximum of $4,500 a year. Hegseth takes aim at a prestigious military fellowship That the Pentagon is taking any stance on where service members should enroll is a radical shift from the past and an incredible overreach, said Lindsey Tepe, who advises on military learning at the American Council on Education, a group that represents college presidents. This is clearly the start of a broader effort to reshape military education, and I do think that this is a bad precedent to set, Tepe said. The shake-up has aroused concern about further cuts, with some wondering whether it poses a risk to Tuition Assistance, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps or other military programs that pay for schooling in fields like law, medicine and engineering. Hegseth made no mention of those programs in a memo detailing his cuts last week. Instead, he targeted the Senior Service College Fellowship, a prestigious program that lets military members pursue advanced studies at universities, think tanks and federal agencies. It's often granted to mid-career personnel on their way to leadership or highly specialized roles in the military. The program is small, with fewer than 80 students across the 15 universities being carved out this fall, according to the Pentagon memo. Along with several Ivy League campuses, the Pentagon said it will ban schools including Georgetown University, Carnegie Mellon University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The ranks of graduates from those campuses includes a host of current and retired commanders. James McConville, a retired Army general who led the army from 2019 to 2023, did a fellowship at Harvard, according to his military biography. Lt. Gen. William Graham Jr., current chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, did one at MIT. Military will lose out on Ivy League expertise, some say By carving out those campuses, some believe the Trump administration is sacrificing technical expertise in the name of ideology. Those campuses tend to employ top experts in areas like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum computing, said William Hubbard, a vice president at Veterans Education Success, a bipartisan nonprofit. Im not sure our enemies would be too upset about this, said Hubbard, a Marine Corps veteran. If I were waking up in Beijing and heard this news, I would be pleased. Harvard, a favorite target of President Donald Trump, is being hit with deeper sanctions. The Pentagon said it's barring all graduate-level professional military education at Harvard, along with fellowships and certificates. In response, Harvard's school of government this week said it's allowing active-duty service members to defer their admission for up to four years. It also arranged to get them expedited consideration at other colleges, including the University of Chicago and Tufts University. Hegseth himself earned a masters degree from Harvard but symbolically returned his diploma in a 2022 Fox News segment. Hegseth wants to reroute leaders to Liberty, Hillsdale and others In his memo last week, Hegseth blasted elite colleges that he says have become factories of anti-American resentment and undermine military values. He suggested 15 colleges to replace those being cut from the fellowship. They were chosen for promoting intellectual freedom and having minimal public expressions in opposition of the Department, the memo said. At the top of the list is Liberty University, a Christian school that enrolls 16,000 students at its Virginia campus and another 120,000 in online programs. It already has a strong military presence, enrolling more than 7,000 students using Tuition Assistance, according to the AP analysis. A series of scandals have shaken the campus in recent years, leading to the 2020 departure of its longtime president, Jerry Falwell Jr. A statement from Liberty said it has not yet coordinated with the Pentagon regarding a potential partnership, but it's grateful for Hegseth's leadership. We love this country and fully support the men and women in uniform who devote their lives in service to our nation, the statement said. Also on the list is Hillsdale College, a conservative Christian school that's separately partnering with the White House on a campaign celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary. In a statement, Hillsdale President Larry Arnn said too many other colleges have abandoned the nation's founding principles. If officers want serious education in the principles they swear to defend, Hillsdale is exactly where they should be, Arnn said. The list of replacements includes several flagship state universities, including top-tier research institutions like the University of Michigan, which last year rolled back diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and the University of North Carolina. Hegseth said routing the fellowship elsewhere will ensure a more rigorous and relevant education to better prepare them for the complexities of modern warfare. ___ Forster reported from New York. ___ The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. WASHINGTON (AP) Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Tehran strike American warships, aircraft and other assets in the region, according to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence on the matter. The people, who were not authorized to comment publicly on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity, cautioned that the U.S. intelligence has not uncovered that Russia is directing Iran on what to do with the information. Still, it's the first indication that Moscow has sought to get involved in the war that the U.S. and Israel launched on Iran a week ago. Russia is in the rare club of countries that maintains friendly relations with Tehran, which has faced years of isolation over its nuclear program and its support of proxy groups that have wreaked havoc in the Middle East, including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis. The White House downplayed reports that Russia was sharing intelligence with Iran about U.S. targets in the region. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday told reporters that it clearly is not making any difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them. Leavitt declined to say if Trump had spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the reported intelligence sharing or whether he believed Russia should face repercussions, saying she would let the president speak to that himself. Asked whether Russia would go beyond political support and offer military assistance to Iran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there has been no such request from Tehran. We are in dialogue with the Iranian side, with representatives of the Iranian leadership, and will certainly continue this dialogue, he said Friday. Pushed on whether Moscow has provided any military or intelligence assistance to Tehran since the Iran wars start, he refrained from comment. Russia has tightened its relationship with Iran as it looked for badly needed missiles and drones to utilize in its four-year war Ukraine. The Biden administration declassified intelligence findings that showed Iran supplies Moscow with attack drones and has assisted the Kremlin with building a drone-manufacturing factory. The former U.S. administration also accused Iran of transferring short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for its war in Ukraine. Details about the U.S. intelligence were first reported by the Washington Post. Asked whether the revelation had shaken Trumps faith in Putins ability to cut any peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine war, Leavitt said, I think the president would say that peace is still an achievable objective with respect to the Russia-Ukraine war." ___ Associated Press writers Vladimir Isachenkov in Moscow and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report. COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) Sri Lanka began transferring more than 200 sailors from an Iranian vessel to shore Friday after the ship sought assistance while anchored outside the countrys waters, as tensions mounted in the Indian Ocean following the sinking of an Iranian warship by a U.S. submarine. Sri Lankan navy spokesperson Cmdr. Buddhika Sampath said 204 sailors of the IRIS Bushehr were brought to the Welisara Naval Base near the capital, Colombo. They underwent border control procedures and medical tests, but none were found to have health issues. About 15 others have been left aboard the ship with Sri Lankan naval personnel for assistance because they had reported a fault with the ship. The Iranian sailors are interpreting operational instructions, manuals and logs for their Sri Lankan counterparts because the ship will be in Sri Lankan custody until further notice, Sampath said. The ship will be taken to the port of Trincomalee in eastern Sri Lanka, Sampath said. Iranian ship was taking part in naval exercises The Sri Lankan government took custody of the Bushehr after the U.S. sank an Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena, off Sri Lankas coast Wednesday. The strike marked one of the rare instances since World War II in which a submarine sank a surface warship, and highlighted the expanding scope of the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. The Dena had participated in naval exercises hosted by India before heading into international waters on its way home. At least 74 countries had joined the events, according to India's Defense Ministry, including the U.S. Navy, which conducted reconnaissance aircraft and maritime patrol drills. The Indian navy received a distress signal from the Dena but by the time it launched a search and rescue operation, the Sri Lankan navy had already begun its own rescue efforts, the ministry said. The Sri Lankan navy rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 bodies. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Dena had been carrying almost 130 crew. The normal crew size for a warship of that class is 140. Araghchi called the sinking an atrocity at sea and said the US would bitterly regret the attack. Sri Lanka says it acted under international law Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said late Thursday that authorities decided to take control of the IRIS Bushehr after discussions with Iranian officials and the ships captain, after one of its engines failed. We have to understand that this is not an ordinary situation. Its a request by a ship belonging to one party to enter into our port. We have to consider that according to the international treaties and conventions, he told journalists Thursday night. Separately on Friday, he wrote on X: No civilian should die in wars. Our approach is that every single life is as precious as our own. The IRIS Bushehr had been described in previous Iranian media reports as a navy logistics ship equipped with a helicopter pad. Dissanayake said Sri Lanka was guided by neutrality while seeking to uphold humanitarian principles. We have followed a very clear stance. We will not be biased to any state nor we will be submissive to any state, he said. Sri Lanka's neutrality is tested The broadening Middle East conflict is putting strategically located Sri Lanka in a delicate position as it tries to balance humanitarian obligations, international maritime law and its longstanding policy of non-alignment. H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, Sri Lankas retired former foreign secretary who also served as its permanent representative to the United Nations, said the country had acted responsibly and impartially. There has been a distress call from the ship. So naturally Sri Lanka, as a party to the Law of Sea and The Hague Convention, had no option but to do what it did by mounting a humanitarian operation to provide assistance to save lives and provide medical care to the affected, he said. Palihakkara said parties to the conflict would understand that Sri Lanka was not taking sides. You could not have ignored the distress call. Even the attacking powers cannot leave shipwrecked sailors dying. That is the law, Palihakkara said. Katsuya Yamamoto, director of the Strategy and Deterrence Program at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo, said Sri Lanka, which is not at war with either the U.S. or Iran, is considered a neutral state. As such, the Bushehr can enter a Sri Lankan port if granted permission by the government, he said. Yamamoto said that once the vessel is docked, it falls under Iranian jurisdiction, leaving Sri Lankan authorities without legal grounds to inspect it unless Colombo decides to side with the U.S. Australians aboard submarine Australias government confirmed on Friday that three Australians were aboard the submarine that sank the IRIS Dena. The Australians were there as part of the trilateral U.S., Australian and British training program under the AUKUS security pact. The Australian government has maintained it was not warned that the U.S and Israel planned to attack Iran. Australia has not commented on the legality of the attack, but supports the objective of preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons. Neil James, executive director of the Australian Defense Association policy think tank, said it is reasonably rare for Australians embedded with another nations military to go to war against a country such as Iran that Australia wasnt at war with. He said an Australian would not have fired the torpedo that sank the Iranian ship The Australians wouldnt have a job where they had to push the button on the torpedo because the captain of the boat gives the order and someone else, perhaps the weapons officer, presses the button but theyre not going to be Australian, James said. ___ Saaliq reported from New Delhi and McGuirk reported from Melbourne, Australia. Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed from Tokyo, Japan. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday appeared to rule out talks with Iran absent its unconditional surrender. Israeli warplanes bombed Beirut and Tehran as Iran launched more retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf countries on the seventh day of the war. The strikes in Lebanon were the heaviest since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, who fired rockets at Israel in the opening days of the war now underway. More than 95,000 people have fled Beiruts suburbs and southern Lebanon after sweeping Israeli evacuation warnings. The U.S. and Israel have battered Iran with strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. The stated goals and timelines for the war have repeatedly shifted, as the U.S. has at times suggested it seeks to topple Irans government or elevate new leadership from within. In a social media post on Friday, Trump said that after Iran's surrender, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), that the U.S. and its allies would help rebuild Iran, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. The war has escalated to affect more than a dozen countries across the Middle East and has caused a spike in oil prices. London police said Friday that four men have been arrested on suspicion of aiding Iran by spying on the Jewish community. Iran has been linked to previous attacks abroad on Iranian dissidents, Israelis and Jewish targets. Qatars energy minister warned that it could bring down the economies of the world, predicting a widespread shutdown of Gulf energy exports that could send oil to $150 a barrel. Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times newspaper that even if the war ended immediately it could take weeks to months to resume normal exports after an Iranian drone strike on Qatars largest liquefied natural gas plant earlier in the war. Trump again urges Iranians to take back their country Trump's latest comments were likely to raise further questions about the endgame of the war launched a week ago by the United States and Israel. On Thursday, he urged the Iranian people to help take back your country, promising the U.S. would grant them immunity, without elaborating. Trump also told media outlets that he should be involved in choosing a replacement for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war. Trump spoke dismissively of Khameneis son, Mojtaba Khamenei a front-runner to replace his father calling him a lightweight. Iranian state television reported Friday that a leadership council had started discussing how to convene the countrys Assembly of Experts, which will select the new supreme leader. Buildings associated with the 88-member clerical panel, have been attacked during the Israeli-American air campaign. Israel has said it would target the next supreme leader if he poses a threat. Heavy strikes on Iran Israels military said Friday it had launched a broad-scale wave of strikes on Tehran, Irans capital, and that over the past week it has heavily bombed an extensive underground bunker that Iran's leaders had planned to use during the hostilities. Witnesses described Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases. Iran meanwhile launched missile and drone attacks at Israel, as well as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host U.S. forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six U.S. troops have been killed. Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday that some countries had begun mediation efforts in the conflict, without elaborating. US says it hit an Iranian drone carrier The U.S. military said early Friday that it struck an Iranian drone carrier, setting it ablaze. The U.S. militarys Central Command released black-and-white footage of the burning carrier. The Iranian military did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, is a converted container ship with a 180-meter-long (yard) runway for drones. The vessel can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports, reports said at the time of its 2025 inauguration. Earlier in the week, an American submarine sank an Iranian frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka as it was returning from an exercise hosted by the Indian navy that the U.S. also joined. Sri Lanka's navy rescued 32 crew members and recovered 87 bodies. Iran targets countries hosting US forces Qatar said early Friday it intercepted a drone attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the U.S. Central Command. Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles fired early Friday toward Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh, which also hosts U.S. forces, said a spokesperson for Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry. Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, where the Interior Ministry said Iranian strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building. It said there were no casualties. In Kuwait, where the six U.S. soldiers were killed Sunday, the army said air defenses were activated when missile and drone attacks breached its airspace. The United Arab Emirates said three drones had struck its territory, without elaborating. The British ambassador to Bahrain said Friday that the United Kingdom would help defend the country with its fighter jets. Ambassador Alastair Long's announcement came the day after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was sending four more Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters to Qatar following requests from allies for further help. In Israel, the sound of explosions could be heard in Tel Aviv early Friday morning after a warning about missiles incoming from Iran, as air defense systems worked to intercept the barrage. Israel hits Lebanon with more airstrikes as death toll rises Israel carried out at least 11 airstrikes late Thursday and early Friday, targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut. Lebanon's Health Ministry said 217 people had been killed by Israeli strikes since Monday and 798 wounded. Roads in the Lebanese capital were choked with evacuating traffic as smoke rose over the citys southern districts. Two hospitals evacuated patients and staff. What can we do? We prayed here under the tree. During the night we slept in the car because there is no place to stay, Jihan Shehadeh, one of the tens of thousands of displaced, said. One Israeli strike hit near the Iranian embassy in Beirut, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency. Israel's military did not immediately respond to questions about the report. Hezbollahs military command on Friday urged its fighters not to relent and to defend the nation, casting the escalating war in religious terms and calling on them to kill them wherever you find them. Lebanons Prime Minister Nawaf Salam slammed both Israel and Hezbollah, saying the Lebanese state and people did not choose this war. ___ Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank, Rising from Bangkok and Abou AlJoud from Beirut. Seung Min Kim in Washington, Geir Moulson in Berlin, and Malak Harb, Abby Sewell and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed. The Iranian frigate IRIS Dena had just left Exercise MILAN, a multinational Indian Navy exercise involving ships from 74 nations, when a U.S. submarine fired a single Mark 48 torpedo into her hull south of Sri Lanka on March 4. The blast killed over 80 of her approximately 180-man crew. Thirty-two survivors were pulled from the water by Sri Lanka's navy. The rest are still missing. The submarine departed without attempting a rescue or alerting anyone. Congress never authorized the war. The ship had just participated in naval exercises alongside American personnel. And the ship, some argue, may have been unarmed. International law scholars, former Pentagon officials and members of Congress have since debated whether the strike was legal, whether the U.S. violated its obligations under the Geneva Convention by leaving survivors in the water and whether the president had constitutional authority to order the campaign in the first place. Was the Ship a Legitimate Target? Iran's government moved quickly to characterize the Dena as defenseless. Iran's ambassador to India told reporters the ship was "unarmed and in a regular maneuver at sea." Former Indian diplomat Kanwal Sibal, who served as India's foreign secretary from 2002 to 2003, amplified the claim on social media, asserting that MILAN placed participating ships under "peace protocol" barring them from carrying live ammunition. Sibal produced no proof for that assertion. India's own official record complicates the claims even further. The Press Information Bureau, India's government press office, published a detailed account of MILAN 2026's sea phase confirming that "live firings as part of surface gun shoots, as well as anti-air firings, were also undertaken" by participating vessels. If a blanket ammunition ban governed the exercise, it was not reflected in the account India itself provided. Whether the Dena specifically had her weapons systems loaded when she departed Visakhapatnam on Feb. 25 remains unconfirmed by any official source on either side. A photo released by the U.S. Department of Defense of IRIS Dena being sunk by a torpedo in the Indian Ocean. (Wikimedia Commons) Under the law of naval warfare, the question may be beside the point. A warship's status as a lawful military target derives from its flag and its function in a conflict, not the state of her magazines at a given moment. Under the same laws, even unarmed merchant vessels flying an enemy flag can be sunk during armed conflict, provided certain conditions are met, including visit and search procedures in some cases. The Dena was an Iranian Navy war vessel transiting the Indian Ocean while her country was in open conflict with the United States. As such, a warship flying an enemy flag is a valid military target, but whether the United States was lawfully at war is a question the strike off Sri Lanka has forced into open debate. Wes Bryant, a former Air Force special operations targeting expert and former chief of civilian harm assessments at the Pentagon, called the strike illegal. "Was that warship actively posing a threat or participating in hostilities?" Bryant said. "You cannot say that this warship was an imminent threat to anyone. By targeting it, is the Trump administration saying that the imminent threat is all of Iran's government and military? If so, that's an incredibly dangerous example of military overreach." The P-8A Question USS Pinckney, a Navy destroyer originally slated to represent the United States at MILAN, diverted to Singapore on Feb. 15 before the exercise began, as Operation Epic Fury was taking shape. A single P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from Patrol Squadron 4 remained and flew the full exercise from Feb. 17-26, according to an official Navy press release. According to Boeing's published specifications and Department of Defense program documentation, the aircraft is purpose-built to search, detect, classify, localize, track and attack submarines using sonobuoys, inverse synthetic aperture radar and an integrated acoustic sensor suite. US Navy P-8 Poseidon taking off at Perth Airport. This aircraft took part in the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. (Wikimedia Commons) The Navy left its premier maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare platform to fly drills alongside Iranian naval assets, including the Dena, before the war began. Whether that was coincidence, or whether the P-8A was building a targeting picture it would later share with the submarine, is a question the Pentagon has not answered. No official source has alleged a direct connection. No legal framework clearly prohibits using intelligence gathered during a multilateral exercise to later target a participating ship. There is also no modern precedent for it. If data gathered during the exercise or after contributed to the strike, it would not necessarily constitute a violation of international law. It would, however, represent something without parallel in the history of multinational naval cooperation, almost certainly executed without India's knowledge or consent. For a country that spent years building MILAN into a cornerstone of its maritime diplomacy, that possibility alone may prove more damaging to U.S.-India relations than the sinking itself. Indian officials have already expressed concern over the strike as it occurred near Indian shores and so shortly after the ship participated in the multi-national naval exercises. American officials have conversely argued any enemy vessel is a legitimate target, regardless of what its last port call was. Why the Submarine Did Not Rescue Survivors The U.S. submarine departed after firing. Sri Lanka's navy received the Dena's distress call at 5:08 a.m. local time, launched a joint operation with the air force and brought survivors and bodies to Galle. More than 100 crew members remain unaccounted for. Article 18 of the Second Geneva Convention requires parties to a conflict to search for and collect shipwrecked personnel after naval engagements, to the extent military circumstances permit. Critics have argued the U.S. submarine violated that obligation by departing the scene. The history behind that language is directly relevant. At the Nuremberg tribunals, German Admiral Karl Doenitz faced a version of this charge for issuing the Laconia Order, directing U-boat commanders not to rescue survivors after Allied aircraft repeatedly attacked submarines that surfaced to do so. American Admiral Chester Nimitz submitted a written declaration to the tribunal confirming U.S. submarines in the Pacific had operated under the same standing orders for the same reasons. Doenitz was not convicted on that specific charge. Shuttle service for shipwrecked persons from the Laconia between U156 (foreground) and U507 (background). The rescue of the Italians in the water, left the submarines exposed and open to an American air attack, leading to Admiral Doenitzs infamous Laconia Order forbidding the rescue of shipwrecked survivors. (Wikimedia Commons) The physical constraints that drove those WWII-era orders have not changed. A fast-attack submarine carries roughly 130 of its own crew in a sealed pressure vessel with no mass-casualty medical capability and no means to accommodate dozens of blast or burn-injured survivors. Surfacing exposes the boat to detection and potential attack. Even alerting nearby vessels or nations to the sinking could lead to potential danger for the submarine. This is relevant as Sri Lankan officials noted another Iranian vessel was operating in the area. The conditional language of Article 18 itself makes the question genuinely unsettled. The obligation requires rescue only to the extent military circumstances permit. Whether those circumstances were met south of Sri Lanka, in uncontested waters far from active fighting, is a question legal scholars have begun to raise. The Pentagon has not addressed it publicly. Congress and the Constitutional Dispute Operation Epic Fury launched without a declaration of war or an Authorization for Use of Military Force. The Senate voted 47-53 on Wednesday to reject a war powers resolution sponsored by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. Paul was the only Republican to cross party lines. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only member of his party to vote against it. The House followed Thursday, defeating a companion resolution sponsored by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., by a vote of 212-219. Four Democrats crossed the aisle to vote against it. Only Massie and Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio broke from Republicans to support it. President Donald J. Trump oversees Operation Epic Fury at Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, FL, March 1, 2026. (White House photo by Daniel Torok) Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters the administration complied fully with the 1973 War Powers Resolution while asserting the law itself is unconstitutional. "We complied with the law 100%, and we're going to continue to comply with it," Rubio said. Presidents of both parties have launched major military operations without formal war declarations since Korea. Both chambers of Congress have now declined to challenge that precedent. The sinking of the IRIS Dena was legal under the law of naval warfare, the submarine was neither required nor equipped to rescue the sailors it left in the water, and Congress had every opportunity to stop the war but voted against it. What remains harder to explain is why the U.S. left its premier submarine-hunting aircraft to fly drills alongside the Dena one week before a submarine killed her. At a Pentagon briefing on March 2, 2026, War Secretary Pete Hegseth used blunt language about how the United States would fight, saying there would be no stupid rules of engagement, no politically correct wars, and no nation-building quagmire. Those remarks became a flashpoint because rules of engagement, or ROE, are not vibes or slogans. They are a formal control system that ties tactical force decisions to strategy, law, and escalation management. Human Rights Watch responded the same day by warning that dismissing ROE in public can read as minimizing legal constraints that exist to protect civilians and keep operations compliant with the laws of war. What Rules Of Engagement Are In U.S. Practice In U.S. doctrine, ROE start with standing baseline rules and then get tailored by commanders for a mission, geography, and threat picture. The Joint Staffs Standing Rules of Engagement and Standing Rules for the Use of Force (CJCSI 3121.01B) are the backbone reference that describes how U.S. forces think about self defense, hostile act, hostile intent, and the conditions for using force. ROE also function as a practical translation layer between the law of armed conflict and split-second decisions on the ground. They define who can be targeted, what positive identification and hostile intent mean in context, and what steps troops must take before escalating force. A plain-English training example is the Marine Corps lesson on law of war and ROE, which defines ROE as directives that set the circumstances and limitations under which U.S. forces initiate or continue combat engagement. Why No Stupid ROE Can Be Misread Hegseths phrasing is politically resonant for many, but it is also easy to misunderstand. No competent military runs no ROE, because U.S. forces remain bound by domestic orders and the law of armed conflict, including concepts such as distinction and proportionality. The Department of Defense Law of War Manual lays out those rules as operational obligations, not optional preferences. Hegseth may be trying to signal ROE should not be over-lawyered, overly restrictive, or drafted in ways that create tactical paralysis. Even that narrower point can still be risky as public messaging, because the phrase stupid ROE implies the problem is the existence of constraints rather than the quality of the constraints. U.S. Airmen with the 156th Contingency Response Group, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, engage in a conflict scenario during an arming, use of force, and rules of engagement training at Muniz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Nov. 16, 2025. The training tested Airmens skills and proficiency in the use of force and de-escalation tactics through multiple simulated conflict scenarios. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Nilsa Mendez. Source: DVIDS. When ROE Have Clearly Helped The U.S. There are well-documented cases where tighter guidance on the use of force improved strategic outcomes by reducing civilian harm and preserving legitimacy with the population. In Afghanistan, ISAFs 2009 Tactical Directive under Gen. Stanley McChrystal tightened standards for air-to-ground fires and emphasized protecting civilians, explicitly shaping how units used force in populated areas. U.S. military analysis later described how that directive and related command emphasis drove changes in how airpower was used and contributed to decreased civilian casualties from airpower during that period. That is not a moral victory lap; it is operational logic. Civilian harm can create tactical blowback, degrade intelligence access, and strengthen enemy recruiting. Counterinsurgency doctrine makes the same point in more formal language: in COIN, legitimacy and civilian protection are not side quests. They are part of the theory of victory, which means ROE can become an instrument of strategy rather than just a compliance checklist. When ROE Feel Stupid In The Field Troops often complain about ROE when they are complex, change frequently, or are poorly explained. The Armys ROE vignettes and escalation-of-force training materials exist for a reason: memorizing a card is not enough, and uncertainty in how rules apply at a checkpoint or convoy can cause hesitation, overreaction, or inconsistent outcomes across units. Some ROE problems are not about being too restrictive or too permissive, but about ambiguity. The Operational Law Handbook material on ROE emphasizes that key terms like imminent are contextual and fact-dependent, which means unclear drafting and uneven training create the very confusion troops hate. Why The U.S. Cannot Treat ROE As Mere Politics Even when policymakers want maximum lethality, modern U.S. operations still face legal, alliance, and information-environment constraints. A strike that is lawful but poorly executed can still be strategically catastrophic if it creates civilian harm that breaks partner support or drives escalation. That is one reason the Defense Department has formal policy on civilian harm mitigation and response, including processes for acknowledging and responding to civilian harm. This is where a balanced critique lands. Overly bureaucratic, risk-averse ROE can endanger forces and miss opportunities. Overly permissive, poorly supervised ROE can increase civilian casualties and produce long-term strategic costs that outweigh short-term tactical ease. The hard part is writing ROE that are operationally workable, legally compliant, and matched to the mission. What A Serious Standard Would Look Like If the Pentagon wants to claim it is dropping stupid ROE, the test should be clarity and effectiveness, not the absence of limits. Good ROE give commanders speed and discretion while preserving the core law of war requirements and making escalation control explicit. The standing ROE framework exists precisely to keep that balance across theaters and to avoid improvisation under stress. Hegseths rhetoric is easiest to defend if it is paired with transparent reassurance that ROE remain grounded in the laws of war and that civilian protection measures are not being stripped for messaging value. Without that clarification, no stupid ROE will keep being heard as fewer rules, even if the real intent is better rules. Googles Endeavor Arm Leads $200 Million Financing Round in European Fintech Start-up (Googles Venture Arm Leads $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Startup) What is the European fintech start-up that just raised $200 million A fast-growing European fintech start-up has actually protected a huge $200 million in fresh financing. The round was led by Googles endeavor arm, GV, which is known for backing bold tech companies with worldwide potential. The startup, whose name has promptly come to be a buzzword in monetary circles, offers a digital platform that streamlines cross-border payments, currency exchange, and organization financial for tiny and average ventures. Based in Berlin, it has developed an online reputation for puncturing red tape and delivering streamlined, user-friendly devices that typical banks commonly ignore. This most recent cash money mixture notes among the biggest Collection C rounds in Europe this year and signals solid self-confidence from top-tier capitalists. More details concerning the offer can be discovered at this link. Why did Googles endeavor arm choose to invest in this fintech start-up GV does not toss cash around gently. It searches for start-ups that address genuine problems with scalable innovation. This European fintech checks both boxes. Local business across the continent have problem with slow-moving worldwide transfers, concealed charges, and obsolete financial user interfaces. The start-up takes on these pain factors head-on with clear prices, real-time transaction monitoring, and smooth integration with bookkeeping software program. Google sees a possibility to sustain a company that aligns with its goal of making complex systems easy and accessible. And also, the fintech room in Europe is warming up, with regulators pushing for more technology and competition. By backing this gamer early, GV positions itself at the heart of an economic change that could ripple far beyond Europes borders. How does the startups modern technology in fact work At its core, the system uses wise automation and cloud-based infrastructure to change manual banking procedures. When a business sends out cash overseas, the system quickly locates the very best currency exchange rate from multiple liquidity service providers. It then transmits the payment through the fastest and least expensive channel available, commonly bypassing standard reporter banks. Every one of this happens behind-the-scenes while the user sees a clean control panel revealing every action of the transaction. The startup additionally uses device learning to detect unusual activity and protect against fraud without reducing things down. Safety is baked into every layer, with end-to-end encryption and conformity with EU financial laws. For firms taking care of pay-roll or supplier payments across nations, this means less headaches and more control over their capital. Applications of the fintech system in real-world organization situations The platform is already being made use of by thousands of companies, from e-commerce vendors in Portugal to manufacturing firms in Poland. One online retailer reported cutting its month-to-month foreign deal costs by 40% after switching over from a legacy financial institution. One more client, a design agency with remote workers in 5 nations, now pays incomes in neighborhood money with just a couple of clicks say goodbye to waiting days for funds to clear. Consultants and job workers additionally benefit, as they can obtain client settlements from the united state or Asia and convert them to euros instantly. Also non-profits utilize the service to send aid funds abroad with full transparency. As even more firms go worldwide, the demand for agile, borderless monetary devices keeps expanding. This start-up fills that void better than the majority of, supplying speed, clarity, and dependability where others fail. Frequently asked questions about the funding round and the start-ups future strategies (Googles Venture Arm Leads $200 Million Funding Round in European Fintech Startup) Individuals have questions and right here are the responses. First, will the start-up broaden outside Europe? Yes, it prepares to enter the united state and Southeast Asian markets within the following 18 months. Second, does Google now regulate the firm? No, GV is a minority financier; the owners retain full functional control. Third, how will the $200 million be utilized? The majority of it will approach working with designers, boosting cybersecurity, and introducing brand-new functions like ingrained loaning and carbon-offset repayment choices. 4th, is the system safe for storing service funds? Absolutely it holds a full electronic cash establishment certificate from the German economic regulator and keeps all consumer money in segregated accounts. Fifth, what makes this various from various other fintech applications like Revolut or Wise? While those serve customers and consultants well, this start-up focuses solely on company demands, with deeper integrations, bulk settlement tools, and dedicated support groups. For even more context on just how large technology is shaping financing, look into this relevant story and this upgrade on international cybersecurity initiatives. News / National by Staff reporter A simmering legal and political storm has erupted in Zimbabwe's legal circles as a bitter dispute unfolds between lawyers involved in the high-profile Constitutional Court case challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa's potential term extension to 2030.The case, filed by Matabeleland pressure group Ibhetshu LikaZulu and its leader Mbuso Fuzwayo, has now been thrown into disarray following the dramatic withdrawal of lead counsel Method Ndlovu. Sources say Ndlovu quit the matter citing a breakdown of trust, non-payment of legal fees, and concerns over reputational damage stemming from a dispute with former minister Jonathan Moyo, whom Ndlovu alleges played a central role in orchestrating the litigation.Tensions escalated after Nqobani Sithole of Sithole Chambers, the instructing lawyer for Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu, attempted to remove Ndlovu from the case. In response, Ndlovu reportedly preemptively submitted a formal letter withdrawing from the matter, which was subsequently leaked to the media, inflaming tempers and raising questions about professionalism and confidentiality.Zibusiso Ncube, another lawyer associated with the case, finds himself caught in the middle, intensifying the internal discord among the legal team. Observers warn that the dispute may now be reported to the Law Society of Zimbabwe, potentially jeopardising the careers of those involved.The case itself carries significant political weight. It challenges the Zanu-PF 2025 annual conference resolution in Mutare that endorsed constitutional amendments to allow President Mnangagwa to extend his tenure beyond 2028. Allegations have circulated that the litigation may have been contrived to manipulate the courts in favour of the President's term extension, further complicating the matter.Ndlovu's withdrawal leaves Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu without legal representation, effectively paralysing the case at a critical juncture. In his formal communication to Sithole, Ndlovu cited the collapse of mutual expectations with the clients, non-payment for his services, and reputational risk from "unfounded allegations" by Moyo as reasons for his exit. Moyo, for his part, maintains that conversations he hadallegedly leakedwere with Ncube and Ndlovu, not Zanu-PF officials, producing WhatsApp messages to support his claim.The fallout exposes deep fissures within the legal team, and by extension, the political and constitutional debate surrounding Mnangagwa's term. Analysts warn that the clash of lawyers could open a Pandora's Box, revealing behind-the-scenes manoeuvres and amplifying scrutiny on the judicial process.With the Constitutional Court application in limbo, the future of the challenge remains uncertain, while the careers of those involved hang in the balance amid one of Zimbabwe's most politically sensitive legal battles in recent years. News / National by Staff reporter Harare lawyer Advocate Method Ndlovu has officially withdrawn his legal services for Matabeleland pressure group Ibhetshu LikaZulu and its leader Mbuso Fuzwayo in their Constitutional Court challenge against amendments extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term and altering the country's political and electoral systems.Ndlovu, of Apex Legal Group of Advocates, cited non-payment for his services and concerns over reputational risk as reasons for his immediate withdrawal. In a move that has attracted intense attention, he identified exiled former minister and MP Jonathan Moyo as the "principal architect" behind the litigation, raising questions over the case's origins and intentions.The development has reignited speculation that the case might be a contrived or collusive legal effort aimed at facilitating Mnangagwa's 2030 plan through judicial maneuvering. However, Fuzwayo insists that the case is genuine, arguing that Ibhetshu LikaZulu is concerned about constitutional amendments that, in their view, undermine citizens' rights to vote in referenda and general elections.The Constitutional Court last month granted Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu direct access to challenge a Zanu-PF resolution, first passed in Bulawayo in 2024 and reaffirmed in Mutare, which seeks to extend the presidential term beyond the current limit. While the amendments would extend the presidential term from five to seven years and abolish direct popular voting, the government maintains that it is merely extending the electoral cycle. Critics, however, have described the changes as a "constitutional coup."The case names President Mnangagwa, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, and Attorney General Virginia Mabiza as respondents. Fuzwayo contends that the Zanu-PF resolution violates Section 328(7) of the Constitution by bypassing mandatory procedures, including a national referendum.Complicating the situation, leaked audio reportedly involving Moyo has fueled further controversy. The recordings allegedly show Moyo discussing strategies with Zanu-PF officials to "trigger" early litigation that could clarify or potentially bypass term-limit provisions. Moyo, however, maintains that the conversation was with lawyers Zibusiso Ncube and Ndlovu and has provided WhatsApp messages to substantiate his claim. Ndlovu, in contrast, offers a different version, creating a potential legal and political quagmire.Fuzwayo remains firm that the litigation is a sincere attempt to protect Zimbabwe's constitution from being manipulated for political gain. Analysts, however, warn that the withdrawal of Ndlovu and internal disputes over the case's origins could undermine its credibility and delay proceedings in a matter of high national significance.The case now faces uncertainty as Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu LikaZulu must secure alternative legal representation while public and media scrutiny intensifies over the implications of Mnangagwa's proposed constitutional amendments. Did our AI summary help? MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com. Did our AI summary help? Bigg Boss 19 winner Gaurav Khanna on trolls targeting wife Akanksha Chamola over bold scenes in web series: Mujhe koi farak nahi padta" Did our AI summary help? Gayatri Rani is a Senior-Sub Editor with over three years of experience in delivering Hollywood and Bollywood news. Did our AI summary help? Dhurandhar 2 trailer release date and time out now Did our AI summary help? Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space. Christopher McQuarrie and Danny Boyle reach out to Anil Kapoor after watching Subedaar Christopher McQuarrie and Danny Boyle reach out to Anil Kapoor after watching Subedaar News / National by Staff reporter Iran says it is fully prepared for a possible ground invasion by the United States as tensions continue to escalate in the conflict involving Washington, Tel Aviv and Tehran.Speaking to NBC News on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Tehran is ready to confront American troops if the United States deploys forces on Iranian soil.His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump refused earlier this week to rule out the possibility of sending American troops into Iran as the war intensifies."We are waiting for them," Araghchi said. "Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them."The comments signal Tehran's hardened stance as the confrontation between Iran, the United States and Israel deepens.Araghchi also dismissed claims by Trump that Iranian leaders were seeking talks with Washington. According to the Iranian foreign minister, Tehran has neither asked for a ceasefire nor expressed interest in negotiations with the United States.His position echoes that of Iran's senior security official Ali Larijani, who earlier stated on social media that Iran would not enter negotiations with Washington."We didn't ask for a cease-fire even last time," Araghchi said, referring to the brief 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June. According to him, it was Israel that eventually sought an unconditional ceasefire after facing sustained resistance from Iranian forces.The latest tensions also come amid disrupted nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. Talks that resumed in February had been aimed at reviving diplomacy after last year's hostilities, which included strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.However, Araghchi said Iran had lost trust in Washington's commitment to diplomacy."The fact is that we don't have any positive experience of negotiating with the United States, especially with this administration," he said. "We negotiated twice last year and this year, and then in the middle of negotiations they attacked us.""So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who are not honest in negotiations and who do not enter talks in good faith," he added. 5 / 8 5) The Kerala Story 2 ignites another political and legal fight Even before release, The Kerala Story 2 triggered protests, legal challenges, and strong political reactions over its trailer and subject matter. The controversy then widened further when the Madras High Court restrained illegal cable broadcast of the film. This was not just a movie debate; it became another example of how cinema, ideology, and courtroom drama keep colliding in India. Did our AI summary help? Kolkata entrepreneur Megha Sarayan secures Rs 1 crore deal with Anupam Mittal on Shark Tank India Season 5 Did our AI summary help? Did our AI summary help? Vijay-Trisha Krishnans alleged affair: Tamil producer slams actors, says, they are setting wrong example Shreya Garg is a journalist with over 6 years of experience at leading media houses. She writes extensively on lifestyle, health and things that are trending on the internet. India's more concentrated in the middle east Government sources say India continues Russian oil imports, has diversified supply routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz, and is prioritising LPG production. News / National by Alon Mizrahi, -Alon Mizrahi, an Israeli journalist, one of the most worthy Jews in the world:"We are witnessing history. Iran, to everyone's surprise, is destroying American bases so thoroughly on such a large scale and so decisively that the world is not ready for this.In four days, Iran has managed to expand its sphere of military dominance in the region. Iran has destroyed the most valuable and expensive military bases, property, and equipment in the entire world.The American bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are among the largest military facilities in the world. These facilities have cost trillions of dollars over several decades to build. We are talking about the fact that the bulk of the military spending made over more than 30 years has gone up in smoke.We see radars costing hundreds of millions of dollars, each being destroyed in an instant. We see entire military bases being abandoned, burned, looted, and destroyed. And I'm telling you, as far as I know, the U.S. has never suffered such destruction in its entire history, except perhaps at Pearl Harbor, but that was just one attack.No enemy in a conventional war has ever done this to American military forces as Iran is doing right now. It's hard to believe. The military situation is so serious that censorship is blocking almost all new information about this war. If you've noticed, we're getting less and less information every day.Thirty-five years ago, during the first Iraqi war, we were shown endless footage from Iraq. Back then, smart bombs and cameras were novelty, but every night, we were shown nighttime footage. Now, we hardly see any videos at all.Understand this! Supposedly, this is the world's largest military power, with the world's largest air capabilities, and on the fourth day of the U.S. offensive, supposedly breaking through Iranian defenses, we don't see any signs of American dominance in the Iranian sky. Where are all the video recordings of our planes flying over Tehran or any other part of Iran, for that matter?American soldiers can't even dream of setting foot on Iranian soil. And to understand how desperate this war is, on the fourth day, you're already hearing the most insane proposals and ideas from the Trump administration. They're proposing sending military escorts for oil tankers leaving the Persian Gulf. What are you even talking about? Do you want to send American ships into the zone of destruction of thousands of Iranian missiles? Now, no one can get through the Strait of Hormuz.The Iranians have been preparing for this for decades. They're floating the idea of arming Kurdish militias to invade Iran. What the hell are you talking about? Have you seen a map of Iran? It seems the Trump administration has never seen a map of Iran! Do you know how vast it is? What does it mean to invade Iran? Do you think a militia of 10,000 people could invade Iran? Or even 50,000? Or 100,000? Iran will swallow them up.The U.S. and Israel has already lost this war. The U.S. and Israel can kill millions of civilians in their homes. They have powerful bombs and can blow up buildings, but they won't win this war. Iran's military infrastructure and weaponry are deep underground all over Iran. Neither the Americans nor, especially, the Israelis have any chance of reaching any of it. They're in deep trouble.They started something they had no chance of finishing. When this all ends, the U.S. will never return to West Asia. There will be no American presence in the Middle East. I'm telling you this now with certainty." Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Performance verification agency PaRRVA to be operational by June, in says SEBI WTM Varshney Paras Bisht A financial journalist with over 10 years of experience, specialising in tracking stock market movements and fundamental developments that impact investors and the broader economy. A keen observer of global financial markets, I regularly engage with leading market voices to write stories. At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. SEBI collected 1.7 TB email dump in IndusInd Bank insider trading probe; SAT rejects plea for access by ex-Deputy CEO Middle East tensions: 'We will use every policy tool to support exporters,' says Piyush Goyal State-run oil marketing companies urge citizens not to panic or crowd fuel stations, saying India has adequate fuel stocks and supply networks are operating normally. News / National by Staff reporter Nearly a year after authorities pledged to fully rehabilitate the key highway linking Bulawayo and Victoria Falls within 10 months, progress on the project has fallen far short of expectations, sparking concern among motorists, tourism operators and political leaders.According to updates from Zimbabwe's Ministry of Transport, less than 50 kilometres of the road have been rehabilitated since the project was announced last June, raising serious doubts about whether the government will meet its early April completion deadline.The highway is a critical economic corridor connecting Bulawayo to the country's premier tourism hub, Victoria Falls. However, travellers are currently taking up to ten hours to complete the journeymore than double the usual travel time - because of the road's deteriorating condition and ongoing construction disruptions.Joseph Bonda, the Member of Parliament for Hwange East, criticised the slow progress, saying motorists are being forced to use extremely long and inconvenient detours."Few detours have been released and some of them are still not functional," Bonda told reporters."The detour from Dete to Hwange Safaris is too long; the road used to be 15 kilometres but now it has been stretched to about 70 kilometres."Bulawayo-based politician and academic Samukele Hadebe warned that the government could take years to finish the rehabilitation if the current pace continues."The road was in very bad condition and if the rehabilitation is to be effective then good work must be done," Hadebe said."The stop-start approach to road construction has not been good or cost effective either. It results in poor workmanship and low levels of durability."Meanwhile, David Coltart, the mayor of Bulawayo, has called on authorities to publicly explain the delays and provide an update on the project's status."Last June the government said that the @CityofBulawayo to Victoria Falls road would be rehabilitated within 10 months. The end of that 10 month period is early April. Can we be advised of progress?" Coltart wrote on X.However, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs minister Richard Moyo defended the project, saying the government was satisfied with the work completed so far."We told them (contractors) to start with patching of potholes since the road was damaged by rains," Moyo said."The contractors have not shifted their target; but we think that due to the rains, they may be forced to add more months to complete the project."Moyo did not provide a new completion timeline.Tourism industry players warn that prolonged delays could hurt visitor numbers to Victoria Falls, one of Africa's most popular travel destinations, especially if the road remains difficult and time-consuming to navigate. Credit cards designed for students and freelancers are increasingly in demand, especially among those starting or stabilising their financial journey. While students often seek credit access early, freelancers, regardless of age, look for flexible financial tools to manage irregular income. With rising expenses and a growing reliance on digital payments, many explore ways to get a credit card without formal employment. The good news that its possible provided you know where to look and how to meet the banks eligibility criteria. Moneycontrol makes it easy to explore and compare credit card options through its app and website. Partnering with top banks and NBFCs, it offers a handpicked selection of cards for digital-first users, accessible through a paperless application process. Why Getting A Credit Card Matters For Students And Freelancers A credit card can be a helpful tool for building credit history, handling emergencies and managing monthly expenses. Traditional credit card applications require proof of income, such as salary slips or IT returns, something many students or self-employed professionals may not always have. But several alternative options are tailored for these segments, especially if you are seeking a credit card for students or a credit card for freelancers. Can You Get A Credit Card Without A Salary? Yes, but it requires thinking outside the box. While income proof is usually requested, banks and financial institutions also consider other factors such as your banking relationship, spending patterns, credit score and financial discipline. Here are a few ways how students and freelancers can get a credit card without a job: Apply With An Active Bank Account Having a savings account with active use can increase your chances. A few banks have credit cards for students or youth depending on how well they know the bank. If your account shows frequent deposits, either from family, freelance work or scholarships, it could be sufficient to meet minimum requirements. Try A Secured Credit Card A secured card is a good place to begin. It is offered against a fixed deposit and your FD is collateral. Secured cards are available from numerous Indian banks. It's a perfect way for freelancers and students to get access to credit without regular income. Use A Co-Signer Or Apply As An Add-On Cardholder If you have a financially secure parent, guardian or spouse, you can apply for a credit card as a co-applicant. Alternatively, they can make you an authorised user on their current credit card. This is particularly prevalent in students who are starting out, and it establishes your early credit score. Alternate Income Proof For Freelancers Most freelancers lack uniform salary slips but possess other forms of proof of earnings, such as bank statements, payment records, client invoices or signed agreements. These can serve to persuade a credit card issuer of your repayment capability. Freelancing websites that transfer earnings directly into bank accounts can also present decent evidence of income. Keep A Good Credit Score If you have had a loan, EMI or even a secured credit card in the past and paid it on time, you might already possess a credit score. This is used by lenders to gauge your level of financial discipline. A good credit score goes a long way in helping you qualify for a Credit Card even with no regular income. Explore top cards with everyday benefits How To Improve Or Preserve Your Credit Score Timely payment of bills Low credit utilisation Avoid multiple hard enquiries for loans or cards Unsecured Credit Cards: Are They An Option? Yes, but with conditions. Unsecured credit cards are issued without collateral and can be harder to get without a steady income. If youve shown consistent freelance income or have an active and well-managed bank account, some issuers may consider your application. Credit Card Against A Primary Credit Card If a relative has an existing credit card with a solid payment history, you can qualify for an add-on or secondary credit card tied to theirs. This will enable you to avail yourself of credit under the same limit and begin establishing your credit footprint. Improve Your Approval Chances If you are applying for a freelancer credit card or a student credit card, these are some tips to help you improve your chances of approval: Keep your regular income flow balance visible in your bank account. Even little freelance payments can count. Use your current card or EMI wisely, with timely payments going a long way. Limit applications, as too many rejections can hurt your credit score. Check your credit report regularly for any errors and have them corrected quickly. Why Freelance Work Counts Freelancing is now a growing source of income, with many students taking up gigs in design, content writing, coding and tutoring. These projects may be irregular but can still provide stable income over time. Keep proper records, such as invoice copies, tax filings (if applicable). In addition, having a steady bank statement can help build your case for a credit card for freelancers. Getting a credit card as a student or a young adult without a steady job might seem challenging, but its not impossible. Whether youre pursuing full-time studies or earning through freelance gigs, many banks now offer credit card options to help you start building a financial footprint. To simplify the process, Moneycontrol has partnered with leading banks and NBFCs to help you find the most suitable credit cards in one place. The application process is fully digital, paperless and hassle-free. Summary Students and freelancers can still get a credit card even without a traditional salary by exploring options like secured cards, add-on cards, or more alternatives. With growing digital payments and flexible financial needs, banks now offer solutions tailored for these segments. Disclaimer This piece/article was written by an external partner and does not reflect the work of Moneycontrol's editorial team. It may include references to products and services offered by Moneycontrol. Did our AI summary help? Ayush Mishra is a personal finance journalist specialising in banking, credit, and taxation. With experience at Business Standard, he delivers engaging stories that make complex financial decisions easier to navigate. Navneet Dubey With over a dozen years in business journalism spanning print and digital, he demystifies personal finance. His insights empower individuals to build wealth and achieve their financial goals. Did our AI summary help? Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol. Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years. Theres around 15 million barrels of Russian crude on tankers in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, while vessels carrying another 7 million are idling near Singapore Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Xinhua) 09:42, March 06, 2026 WASHINGTON, March 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will replace Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem amid growing bipartisan frustration with Noem's leadership. "I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026," Trump said on Truth Social. "The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results ... will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at 'Homeland,'" he said. The announcement, the first Cabinet shakeup since Trump's second term, came shortly after U.S. media reported that the president was considering firing Noem, who has been under bipartisan pressure after federal law enforcement officers fatally shot two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. Trump, already frustrated with Noem, "was incensed" by her performance this week during congressional hearings and was considering firing her, NBC News quoted lawmakers and people familiar with the discussions as saying. "The final straw for Trump was Noem's combative hearing Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which showed bipartisan frustration with Noem's leadership, the advisers said," according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. "Noem's decision to allot 200 million dollars for an ad campaign, featuring herself urging those living illegally in the U.S. to self-deport, had already rankled the president for months for its self-promotional style," the report said. Noem has been facing mounting pressure in recent weeks following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. On Jan. 7, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed 37-year-old U.S. citizen Renee Good. On Jan. 24, Border Patrol officers fatally shot 37-year-old U.S. citizen Alex Pretti. The backlash has focused on Noem's comments describing the victims as having committed "an act of domestic terrorism," a claim not supported by video evidence. The secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security must be confirmed by the Senate, in which Republicans hold a majority. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) News / National by Staff reporter MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai has given in to a directive by Local Government Rural and Urban Development minister Ignatius Chombo to mayors selected from elected councillors.MDC-T made the dramatic U-turn and nominated elected councillors as mayors for Harare and Chitungwiza in line with the dictates of the new Constitution, exposing the party legal department's ignorance of the Constitution.Tsvangirai had until yesterday endorsed Obert Gutu for Harare's mayoral post and Isaac Manyemba for Chitungwiza. But yesterday, Tsvangirai summoned his party councillors from Harare and Chitungwiza for a meeting following which he reversed his earlier decision.The MDC-T also withdrew an application that sought to compel the Ministry of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development to allow non-councillors to stand as mayoral candidates after realising that they had approached the wrong court.MDC-T lawyers from Mwonzora and Associates, filed the urgent chamber application at the Electoral Court, but Justice Lavender Makoni agreed with the lawyer for Local Government Joseph Mandizha that the court had no jurisdiction to hear the matter because it had nothing to do with elections.Instead, it should have been filed at the High Court. MDC-T lawyers then made a U-turn and quickly withdrew the application. IRIS Lavan requested emergency docking at Kochi citing technical issues and arrived on March 4; development comes amid regional tensions after US submarine sank Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka. Information and Broadcasting Ministry cites sensational coverage and speculative reporting on the Israel-Iran conflict as reason for directing BARC to withhold news channel TRPs temporarily. IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented Karnatakas budget for 202627 in the Legislative Assembly on Friday CV Ananda Bose, who took charge as the Governor of West Bengal on November 17, 2022, stepped down nearly 20 months before the completion of his tenure India reportedly has sufficient reserves to handle possible supply disruptions, including risks in the Strait of Hormuz Both pilots lost their lives in the crash News / National by Staff Reporter DESPITE being an intelligent man, 92-year Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe could be constitutionally illiterate given his public utterances and attacks on members of the judiciary, Harare West MP Jessie Majome (MDC-T), a lawyer by training has said."I don't believe the President has read the Constitution even though I saw him signing it. I am saying so looking at the way he attacked judges," Majome said.Mugabe recently attacked High Court judges after they granted opposition parties their right to demonstrate against his government over allegations that he had failed to administer Zimbabwe properly.Debating during the Alpha Media Holdings (AMH)-organised public meeting on Thursday on the state of constitutionalism, Majome also took aim at Mugabe saying he was not legally mandated to open parliament as is happening."This is illegal. The Constitution is very clear that Parliament shall determine as when it shall sit, not the President. It says Parliament has to make its own timetables. What is very disheartening is that the President is failing in his mandate to do what the Constitution provides for to be done. He is not coming to Parliament to present the annual state of the nation address, but wants to preside over an illegal thing," Majome argued."It is unfortunate that as MPs at times, we don't question some of these things. We do certain illegal things. There is this thing which next week we are supposed to do. It's called opening of Parliament. I understand that Parliament agreed that at the beginning of each sitting session we invite the President to come and officially open Parliament," Majome said.Mugabe is next week expected to officially open the fourth session of the 8th Parliament where he will table the government legislative agenda for 2016-2017 period.The discussion also featured former Finance minister Tendai Biti, Zanu PF central committee member and constitutional lawyer Paul Mangwana and Zimbabwe Democracy Institute director Pedzisai Ruhanya. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed exclusively to vessels from the United States, Israel, Europe and their Western allies. RN Ravi made headlines over his differences with the DMK government led by MK Stalin. The risky escalations in a matter of weeks in early 2026 have added to the challenges New Delhi faces in navigating unfavourable global geopolitics. Lokendra Sharma is a Research Analyst with the High-Tech Geopolitics Programme at the Takshashila Institution. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. There are two key decision-making bodies of the RSSAkhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha and the Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Once Ayatollah Khamenei was eliminated, the leadership structure was de-centralised with regional commanders News / National by staff reporter THE president of the Zimbabwe Chiefs Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira, yesterday came out in support of President Mugabe on the gays and lesbians issue, saying it was against the country's culture.Speaking at the ongoing Zanu-PF 12th National Annual People's Conference in Bulawayo, Chief Charumbira said chiefs as custodians of culture were against homosexuality."As chiefs, we say that lesbianism and being gay is against our culture. We were shocked when we heard that one of the leaders in the country said the rights of these people should be protected," said Chief Charumbira.He said traditional leaders would always support the leadership of President Mugabe because the principles of his party, Zanu-PF, were deeply rooted in the culture and roots of the Zimbabwean people."Zanu-PF is a party that is a product of the culture of Zimbabwe. Even its programmes in Parliament converge nicely with the cultural expectations of the nation," he said.The chief lamented the loss of respect for traditional leaders and the erosion of culture, which he said led to immorality that included gay unions.President Mugabe has on numerous occasions stated that Zimbabwe would never accept or allow gay relationships.He has often said those who indulge in homosexuality are worse than pigs and dogs.The British Prime Minister, David Cameron recently issued a statement saying Britain would withhold aid from countries that did not embrace the gay culture.The leader of the MDC-T, Morgan Tsvangirai, on the other hand, has called for the protection and respect of gay rights in the country.Turning to the economy, Chief Charumbira thanked President Mugabe for implementing programmes that restored the dignity of the people of Zimbabwe and chiefs."The land empowerment programme and the recently launched Community Share Ownership Scheme/Trust are all admirable programmes under the leadership of President Mugabe," said Chief Charumbira.He urged leaders to work with traditional leaders in schemes that empower citizens, saying such co-operation would ensure the success of the projects."Provinces that work with chiefs are always the best when it comes to implementation of empowerment programmes. Look at Mashonaland East, it is arguably the best province because the leadership there work closely with traditional leaders. Those that shun their traditional leaders are performing dismally in many fronts," he said. Google techie calls out job seeker for extracting her number Mars Took a Direct Hit From a Solar Superstorm What Happened Next Surprised Scientists Watching From Orbit (Image: Canva) Opinion / Columnist An interesting development in the Mbuso Fuzwayo and his group case that is before the CONCOURT. The counsel Adv Ndlovu according to this letter has withdrawn citing issues of payment and not understanding the direction the case has now taken. Once again @ProfJNMoyo is cited in pic.twitter.com/XRofqz6QEu Gerrard Anko Ged Belts (@MacBelts) March 5, 2026 Holy moly! Wow! Just wow! East African good night principal architect. Wow! https://t.co/axYTUsnnCH Thabani Mpofu (@adv_fulcrum) March 5, 2026 Regarding the profoundly unprofessional and unethical letter dated 5 March 2026, purportedly authored by Advocate Method Ndlovu (@Gatsheniadv) and enthusiastically circulated by those who have either posted it, for example:or promoted it, for example:, the following verifiable and irrefutable facts stand as unassailable testimony to the truth:1. Any lawyer worthy of the name will immediately discern that the letter reeks of juvenile mischief. It fails to identify which "Mr Sithole" is being addressed or specify his law firm. It is axiomatic that law firms, as instructing attorneys, engage advocates - not individuals acting in isolation.The conspicuous absence of these essential professional elements from the one-page document being paraded with such fanfare strongly suggests it is nothing more than a reckless media stunt, one that will ultimately leave its promoters with egg on their faces.2. Even more damning, Advocate Method Ndlovu has failed to disassociate himself from the letter. This silence confirms his authorship and his deliberate "leak" of it to the usual suspects, who were only too eager to disseminate it.It is both notable and instructive that these same individuals were the first to post the illegally recorded audio of a telephone conversation I had with Counsel Zibusiso Ncube and Advocate Ndlovu on 16 December 2025. In that call, initiated by Ncube who placed me on speakerphone without prior warning, Ncube only revealed Advocate Ndlovu's presence well over a minute into the conversation. Given the striking parallels in how both the illegally recorded audio (first posted, for example, at https://x.com/MacBelts/status/2026319749043405093?s=20) and the letter have been leaked - coupled with the identical circles responsible for their dissemination - it is inescapably clear that both originated from one unmistakable source: Advocate Ndlovu himself.There is now compelling reason to infer that it was Advocate Ndlovu who secretly and unlawfully recorded the call. Notably, the leaked audio reveals absolutely no wrongdoing on my part, not least of the sort alleged in his 5 March 2026 letter; there was neither any instruction nor any offer of anything directed to Advocate Ndlovu or anyone else. What is unequivocally wrong and unacceptable is Advocate Ndlovu's illegal recording and subsequent leaking of the conversation and his letter to a desperate political cartel.3. Following the illegally recorded call of 16 December 2025, Counsel Ncube contacted me again on 3 February 2026 in a four-minute conversation, pleading that I speak with Advocate Ndlovu, who purportedly wished to discuss the Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu Constitutional Court case. I firmly rejected the request, stating unequivocally that I had never spoken to Advocate Ndlovu about the matter, I don't know him at all; I had nothing to discuss with him, and that his only proper recourse was to engage the instructing attorneys who had originally briefed him without my involvement whatsoever.4. The attached evidence irrefutably demonstrates that Advocate Ndlovu relentlessly pestered Counsel Ncube for access to me, with Ncube in turn pressing me to engage with Ndlovu solely on the Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu LikaZulu case.5. As recently as the morning of 8 February 2026, Advocate Ndlovu sent Counsel Ncube a WhatsApp message (see bottom-left attachment) once again urging him to facilitate contact with me. The following is the verbatim, self-explanatory exchange:8 February 2026[02/07, 07:42] Advocate Ndlovu Gatsheni: Good morning[02/07, 07:42] Advocate Ndlovu Gatsheni: Akungibambele or prof[02/07, 07:42] Advocate Ndlovu Gatsheni: Or send his number/Jonathan[02/08, 08:25] Advocate Ndlovu Gatsheni: Eta[02/08, 08:25] Advocate Ndlovu Gatsheni: You did not respond to my message[02/08, 08:26] Z. C Ncube: Morning was at church izolo[02/08, 08:27] Z. C Ncube: Remember lapha I told you what prof said. That you must liaise with the instructing attorneys.09:306. I received these WhatsApp screenshots directly from Counsel Ncube. Significantly, I previously shared them publicly [https://x.com/ProfJNMoyo/status/2026766854941753499?s=20] and neither Counsel Ncube nor Advocate Ndlovu has contested their authenticity.7. In his 5 March 2026 letter to Counsel Sithole, Advocate Ndlovu claims: "From the outset I made clear to you and to Professor Jonnathan (sic.) Moyo, the principal architect of the litigation, that this matter would expose me to significant reputational risk and would therefore require appropriate and timely commitments and undertakings."8. This allegation is revealing in two critical respects. First, the very next sentence exposes its true nature: "It is therefore inconsistent and unacceptable that, after the grant of direct access, you now state that you are unable to pay me, particularly given my understanding that you have received payment in respect of the matter."It is as astonishing as it is shocking: Advocate Ndlovu's professed "reputational risk" appears to rest solely and cynically on financial payment, rather than on adherence to the professional and ethical standards demanded by the Law Society of Zimbabwe [@Lawsocietyofzim] of every registered legal practitioner.9. The second aspect of his allegation is not only unprofessional and prejudicial to his former clients, but constitutes pure, unadulterated fiction. His assertion that he warned both Counsel Sithole and me - "Professor Jonnathan (sic.) Moyo, the principal architect of the litigation" - about reputational risk from the outset is a complete fabrication. While it may serve the narrative to grandly proclaim me as "the principal architect," this is a reckless, unethical falsehood unsupported by a shred of evidence.The bare claim is the desperate ploy of an advocate willing to peddle lies for financial gain; and to stoke the propaganda machine of a thoughtless political cartel whose sole tactic - whether on the economy or Constitution Amendment No. 3 - is smear, character assassination, and baseless "Top Secret Intelligence Risk Assessments" that are always over the top.10. Media reports this morning indicate that Advocate Ndlovu hastily drafted and leaked his 5 March 2026 letter immediately after learning yesterday that he was being disengaged from the Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu case on professional and ethical grounds, with formal written notification to follow today.11. Had the claim about me being "the principal architect" held any truth or materiality, Advocate Ndlovu would unquestionably have included it in his earlier letter of 27 February 2026, which was also widely circulated. Its sudden appearance six days later as an afterthought in the 5 March letter proves it to be nothing but fiction. It is telling that the usual echo chamber of the desperate political cartel has embraced this baseless assertion as gospel without demanding a single piece of corroborating evidence.12. I have never met Advocate Method Ndlovu. I do not possess his telephone number, nor does he have mine. He's not someone I wish to be in any communication with. The sole occasion on which we communicated directly was during the 16 December 2025 call into which he was surreptitiously inserted by Counsel Ncube without any forewarning. This is fully corroborated by the attached WhatsApp exchanges with both Counsel Ncube and Advocate Ndlovu.13. The reason Advocate Ndlovu was still desperately seeking my phone number from Counsel Ncube as late as 8 February 2026 is straightforward: we have no prior relationship or direct dealings; we are neither friends nor acquaintances; we simply have no basis for communicating or engaging each other about anything under the sun. Our only interaction occurred when Counsel Ncube ambushed me on 16 December 2025.It is for this very reason that, well before the illegal audio leak on 24 February 2026 and well before the 5 March letter (which introduced the fabricated title "Professor Jonnathan (sic.) Moyo, the principal architect of the litigation"), I sent the following WhatsApp message to Counsel Ncube on 8 February 2026 - on the eve of the Constitutional Court hearing on the application for direct access:"Good morning Counsel Ncube. I'm in church. What guidance do you want from me? I've previously made my position crystal clear to you. I've nothing to do with this case. I don't understand why on earth Advocate Method Ndlovu is persisting to want to talk to me about the Fuzwayo case, which I've neither interest in nor involvement of any kind; and which I've never discussed with him for any reason at any point? Exactly what mischief is he pursuing by persistently going through you to drag me into the case? What exactly does he want? Money? What for and why from me? I'm disturbed by his persistence, which is now bordering on unprofessional and unethical conduct. It should stop. Please."14. This was my unequivocal message to Counsel Ncube for him to share with Advocate Ndlovu - not yesterday or last week, but on 8 February 2026. I warned that Advocate Ndlovu's persistent attempts to use Ncube as an intermediary to involve me in the Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu LikaZulu case, while refusing to deal directly with the instructing attorneys, was "bordering on unprofessional and unethical conduct." Tragically, events have proven this assessment correct. The rest is now history.15. Advocate Ndlovu's unprofessional and unethical conduct in this matter does not exist in isolation; it forms part of a deeply troubling pattern with disturbing precedents. Two cases stand out.16. Last year, after successfully representing Professor Welshman Ncube in a High Court matter concerning the reassignment of CCC Members of Parliament to portfolio committees, Advocate Ndlovu "double-dipped" by preparing what he said was a draft Notice of Appeal at the Supreme Court for Senator Tshabangu - the very party seeking to overturn the victory he Advocate Ndlovu had secured for Professor Ncube.Advocate Ndlovu manipulated Tshabangu into paying for the draft by falsely claiming awareness of a legal loophole and alleging non-payment of fees by Professor Ncube.When Tshabangu's lawyers learned of this devious scheme, they advised Tshabangu to discard the document. By then, however, Advocate Ndlovu had already unprofessionally and unethically swindled Tshabangu. Once this pattern of dishonesty is known, as I happen to know about it, trust in Advocate Ndlovu becomes impossible.17. This is precisely why, on 3 February 2026, I informed Counsel Ncube that if I had any involvement whatsoever in the Fuzwayo and Ibhetshu case, I would never - under any circumstances - have permitted the engagement of Advocate Method Ndlovu. Never. He has proven himself to be profoundly dishonest and fraudulent.18. A further glaring example of Advocate Ndlovu's dishonest and fraudulent practice is evident in case HC 10820/17 (see bottom-right attachment), heard on 24 November 2017 before the Harare High Court. In that matter, Advocate Thabani Mpofu deployed pseudo-applicants as "tortoises" - individuals lacking locus standi and financial means to cover legal fees - while Advocate Method Ndlovu falsely presented himself as President Mugabe's counsel, claiming instructions to represent him when he had absolutely none.I know this for a fact because I was in direct communication with President Mugabe at the time. The fraud was staggering. This occurred despite Mugabe having resigned three days earlier on 21 November 2017, and possessing a well-known lawyer at the time.The deception escalated when both scheming advocates colluded to engineer a fraudulent consent order. Through false pretences, they misled the Court into believing President Mugabe had instructed Advocate Ndlovu to consent to an order acknowledging that he had "abdicated his constitutional function," thereby providing legal cover for the military coup.There's no way President Mugabe could have consented to such nonsense. This collusion was not merely dishonest and fraudulent; it was dastardly and evil. As officers of the Court, Advocate Ndlovu and his mentor, Advocate Mpofu, betrayed their duty to justice by obtaining a consent order through deliberate deceit. This fact remains a hideous stain on the Zimbabwean judiciary! Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com From the dramatic hilltop setting of Thiksey Monastery to the ancient murals of Tabo Monastery, these monasteries showcase Indias rich Buddhist heritage and stunning Himalayan landscapes. Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Amid escalating Middle East tensions, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi has advised Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates to stay alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow local safety guidelines. Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. New insights from Scapia reveal that Indian women are travelling more independently, with solo trips rising sharply and beach destinations emerging as the top choice ahead of International Womens Day. Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. The pink-hued streets of Jaipur painted in 1876 to welcome British royalty continue to define the citys timeless charm, earning it a place among the worlds most beautiful cities. Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has opened FY 2027 H-1B Visa registrations from March 4 to March 19, introducing a new weighted selection system to prioritise higher-skilled and higher-paid workers seeking jobs in the United States. Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Tensions rise as Afghan troops kill eight Pakistani soldiers in coordinated operations (File image) Pakistan bombarded Afghanistan's major cities in its most significant attacks since the Taliban returned to power in 2021 with the US withdrawal. Take in views of Cape Towns spectacular Twelve Apostles mountain range while keeping an eye out for celebrities at Camps Bay Beach in South Africa. Head to Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique, from October to May for warmer waters and the chance to dive with reef sharks, whale sharks, dolphins, turtles, and other marine life. Soak up the sun at Plage dAgadir in Morocco, and leave time to visit the citys famous souk and kasbah ruins. See the famous surfing hippos, plus other wildlife like elephants and forest buffalos, at Loango National Park in Gabon. Discover the remains of hundreds of ancient shipwrecks and observe lions, hyenas, and fur seals in the wild along Namibias intriguing Skeleton Coast. Africa is home to 39 countries that claim a coastline, giving travelers plenty of beaches to choose from. You'll find everything from palm-studded postcard perfection in Mozambique to rugged cliffs that sank many a ship attempting to cross South African seas during early colonization expeditions. There are smaller ocean islands, too, ringed by soft, golden shores and graced with sparkling lagoons and top-tier resorts. Whether you're in the mood for diving, surfing, sunbathing, or boogying in the glow of a beloved beach bar, there's an enchanting African seashore for you. Here are the best beaches in Africa for every kind of escape. Camps Bay Beach, South Africa Credit: spooh / Getty Images Camps Bay Beach is known for its buzzy scene and celebrity sightings. The European social set descends on this Cape Town party spot every summer for its white sand and chilly blue water, as well as the trendy clubs and hotels that lie in the shadow of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Leave your beach read at home, as the rowdy atmosphere is the main draw here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pro tip: Make time to appreciate the spectacular South African scenery beyond the shore. From rides on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway to day trips to nearby vineyards, there are plenty of ways to explore the Cape Town area. Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique Credit: Shams / Getty Images The small coastal village of Ponta do Ouro lies near the southern border of Mozambique. Its name translates to the "Tip of Gold," a perfect description for the lustrous beach, which hugs the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. While this is a popular spot among families year-round, the real draw can be found under the waves. Ponta do Ouro's warm waters offer some of the best diving spots in Africa, with plenty of coral reefs, whale and reef sharks, turtles, dolphins, and raysplus, great visibility, a real perk for underwater photographers. Pro tip: Head here between October and May for shark diving season, which also coincides with Mozambique's summer, when the water is the perfect temperature for diving. Plage d'Agadir, Morocco Credit: Oliver Smalley / Getty Images The modern city of Agadir grew from the ruins of an older town that was destroyed in an earthquake in the 1960s. Today, it's the laid-back beaches, particularly Plage dAgadir, that are the real draw here. This popular stretch is known for its aquamarine waves and shimmering bronze sand. And with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, its a popular place for sunbathing, water sports, and relaxing at one of the outdoor cafes and restaurants along the seaside promenade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pro tip: History buffs will want to visit the ruins of the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella, an impressive site that dates to the 16th century. Leave time to visit the bustling bazaar, Souk El Had (The Big Market), for a souvenir or two to remember your trip byor for some fresh fruits, veggies, and snacks for your day at the beach. Loango National Park, Gabon Credit: Jwngshar Narzary / EyeEm / Getty Images This is a beach for the adventurous. With teeming forests, sweeping grasslands, and thriving estuaries, Loango National Park in Gabon has the most developed beach safari setup for tourists. Elephants and forest buffalos roam the shores, while the area is renowned for its seasonal leatherback turtle sightings and brilliant bird life. These unique avian species sound like something out of a Roald Dahl book, with names like white-crested tiger herons, vermiculated fishing owls, and chocolate-backed kingfishers. Pro tip: Keep an eye out for Loango National Park's famous "surfing hippos," which can be seen splashing and enjoying the waves along the shoreline. Skeleton Coast, Namibia Credit: Buena Vista Images / Getty Images Known for its extremely rough waters and rocky coastline, this remote section of the Namibian coast is not meant for sunbathers or scuba divers. Instead, adventurous beachgoers can check out the remains of hundreds of shipwrecks, lodged in the desolate sand. Beach-dwelling desert lions, hyenas, and fur seals can be seen roaming the eerie, fog-covered shore. This 6,500-square-mile wilderness full of predators and giant dunes feels post-apocalyptic and yields photos just as raw and captivating. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pro tip: You can explore the Skeleton Coast by booking a safari with one of several local operators, or tour the area on your own in a 4x4 vehicle. Mafia Island, Tanzania Credit: Catherina Unger / Getty Images If you would like to avoid the crowds of Zanzibar, head to this lesser-known isle further down the Tanzanian coast. Due to its remote location, mostly empty beaches are practically guaranteed. Head to Butiama Beach near the charming capital, Kilindoni, or the southern shores of Chole Bay for cookie-crumb-like sands and scenic tidal flats. Just offshore, Mafia Island Marine Park is home to vibrant coral reef systems and elaborate trenches ideal for diving. Pro tip: Whale sharks, which are best observed with simple snorkeling gear, visit the area between October and March, when seasonal winds bring nutritious plankton for the world's largest fish to feed on. Cabo Ledo, Angola Credit: John Seaton Callahan / Getty Images Sealed off from international travel for decades following a brutal civil war, Angola is slowly becoming more accessible, though visitors should still exercise caution in the capital, Luanda, following recent protests, according to the U.S. Department of State. Home to around 1,000 miles of varying coastline habitats, the country has emerged as a prime surf destination. The easiest and prettiest beaches to visit are in Cabo Ledo. About a two-hour drive south of Luanda, the Praia dos Surfistas (Surfers' Beach) is set on a broad bay with beginner-friendly breaks and a smattering of easygoing beachfront resorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pro tip: The winter season, between May and October, provides the best conditions for impressive waves. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa Credit: Gunter Lenz / Getty Images iSimangaliso means "miracle and wonder" in Zulu, South Africa's regional language, and this vast protected coastal swath lives up to its name. Stretching for 136 miles, from Kosi Bay to Maphelane, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of the country's most beautiful and biodiverse areas. It's home to several notable beaches, including Cape Vidal and Sodwana Bay, known for their coral reefs and scuba diving scene. The beaches near St. Lucia are popular for day trips, often combined with a morning or afternoon safari on nearby Lake St. Lucia. Farther north, less-visited stretches, such as Black Rock Beach, Bhanga Nek, Mabibi, and Kosi Bay, are ideal for secluded snorkeling and uninterrupted lounging. Pro tip: iSimangaliso Wetland Park is also an incredible place to see turtles in the wild, as they return to the area each year to lay their eggs. Time your trip for the summer, from November to March, and you may be able to track leatherback and loggerhead turtles during a guided tour. It's an incredible experience to spot the creatures traveling up the steep beach to nestor, if you're lucky, hatchlings returning to sea. Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique Credit: Getty Images Elevated beachside luxury is easy to find in this aquamarine paradise. Mozambique's Bazaruto Archipelago comprises five gorgeous islands off the coast of Vilanculos (this is where you'll find the airport). Sharks, whales, rays, turtles, dolphins, and even the rare dugong (a manatee-like creature) swim these stunning seas alongside hundreds of species of fish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pro tip: You'll find a slew of sustainable stays that complement the wild waters. Among them, Kisawa Sanctuary is known for using 3D printing technology to create natural building materials, essentially a mixture of sand and seawater. Cape Maclear, Lake Malawi Credit: Getty Images An enormous inland pool of clear water stretching as far as the eye can see, Lake Malawi offers many opportunities for affordable lakeside leisure. In the town of Cape Maclear, you can stroll straight from your hotel suite onto the beach or into a nearby beach bar. Kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling to see the lake's vibrant cichlid fish population are popular pastimes. Pro tip: The immediate area also forms part of Lake Malawi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's first freshwater nature reserve. Whether you fly into Chileka International Airport in Blantyre or Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe, it will take you about four hours to drive to the park. Grand-Popo, Republic of Benin Credit: Tim White / Getty Images The expansive sandy beaches of Grand-Popo are incredibly enticing but not suitable for swimming, as the sea is typically rough and full of dangerous rip currents. Stick to the sand instead and discover a precious pocket of West African culture. Grand-Popo is famous as a festival site, but if you visit during quieter times of the year, you can unwind peacefully under one of the many straw huts with wooden loungers set up along the sand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pro tip: Benin is one of the birthplaces of Vodun, the religion also known as Voodoo. Time your trip to experience the celebrations during Fete du Vodun, an annual festival held on January 10 in Grand-Popo and Ouidah (about a 45-minute drive away). Margarida, Principe Credit: Aldo Pavan / Getty Images Once known as the Chocolate Islands due to the robust cacao trade, the two-isle nation of Sao Tome and Principe is now referred to as the African Galapagos, thanks to its isolated location far from the mainland. Located on Principe, Margarida Beach is reachable only by boat or on foot. Here, the warm water laps in emerald green waves, and it's easy to spot kingfishers trilling from the trees as you wade in. Pro tip: Enjoy an eco-friendly stay at one of HBD Principe's sustainable properties, which include Omali on Sao Tome, and Roca Sundy, Bom Bom, and Sundy Praia on Principe Island. Bruce Beach, Guinea-Bissau Credit: Getty Images The Bijagos archipelago, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve located off the coast of Guinea-Bissau, is composed of 88 islands, but only about 20 are permanently inhabited. The most significant population calls Bubaque Island home. Visitors can land at the old port and make the bumpy nine-mile drive down the length of the entire peninsula to reach the crisp waters of Bruce Beach. Expect everythingincluding the rustic beach camps, fresh ocean-to-plate fish, and the ferry ride from the mainland to Bubaqueto take its sweet time here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pro tip: For a memorable trip to Bruce Beach, consider renting a bicycle from one of the local vendors near the main port in Bubaque, such as Hotel Kasa Afrikana or Cajou Lodge. Elmina, Ghana Credit: Wolfgang Kaehler / LightRocket / Getty Images Africa's shores may be beautiful, but there's a somber history beyond the sun and sand. Honor the landand the memory of those who were forced to leave itwith a visit to Elmina. Start by visiting Elmina Castle, the oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa, founded by Portuguese colonizers in 1482. Then, drive 20 minutes down the road to the Cape Coast Castle Museum, which acknowledges the grim atrocities and consequences of slavery. After a firsthand confrontation with its inhumane dungeons and the "Door of No Return," which led countless enslaved Africans from their homeland forever, you'll never see the Atlantic Ocean the same way again. Pro tip: Untold numbers of Africans left the continent here, but Ghana's Beyond the Return aims to help their descendants come back. Launched in 2020 after the 400th anniversary of the first African slaves arriving in Jamestown, Virginia, the decade-long initiative encourages people of African descent to visit or repatriate and reconnect with their heritage and culture. Anse Source D'Argent, Seychelles Credit: Finn Hafemann / Getty Images One of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this sandy strip is surrounded by lush palms and polished granite boulders. Part of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles archipelago, La Digue island is a popular destination full of ritzy resorts and hotels. Anse Source DArgent is set just a few miles from the action, so youll feel like you're in a tropical paradise as you lounge the day away. Pro tip: Anse Source D'Argent is known for its shallow, crystalline waters, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Democrats have argued that the administrations justification for the operation has shifted repeatedly and that officials have failed to show that Iran posed an immediate threat requiring urgent military action. Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran UAE says its air defences intercepted missiles and drones as Irans retaliatory strikes expand across Gulf states including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Joel Gavalas argues that Google designed Gemini in a way that prioritised immersive conversations and emotional engagement with users without sufficient safeguards for people experiencing psychological distress. File: An aerial view of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve storage at the Bryan Mound site in Texas (AFP) U.S. Department of Labor Defines 5 Key Areas of AI Literacy Key Takeaways Department of Labor releases AI Literacy Framework: The framework defines AI literacy as competencies for using and evaluating AI responsibly, with a primary focus on generative AI in the workplace. Framework outlines five core AI literacy areas: These include understanding AI principles, exploring real-world uses, directing AI effectively, evaluating AI outputs, and using AI responsibly. Guidance for workforce and education systems: The framework also provides training principles and recommendations for workers, employers, education providers, and government agencies to expand AI education and training. The United States Department of Labor (DOL) has released a new AI Literacy Framework detailing key aspects of AI literacy as well as "delivery principles" for effective AI literacy training. DOL said it "encourages the public workforce and education systems, and its partners, to expand AI education and training opportunities and to utilize the AI Literacy Framework as a resource for program design." What Is AI Literacy? The report defines AI literacy as "a foundational set of competencies that enable individuals to use and evaluate AI technologies responsibly, with a primary focus on generative AI, which is increasingly central to the modern workplace." Foundational Content Areas of AI Literacy The five main aspects of AI literacy set forth in the report are: Pentagon relied on Palantirs Maven system paired with Anthropics Claude AI to generate and prioritise targets during Iran operations. How US presidents gradually took over the power to start wars He said oil shipments moving through the Strait of Hormuz have faced disruptions during the conflict. Neither Israel nor the United States has claimed responsibility for the reported attack, which was close to sites controlled by Revolutionary Guards. The Middle East war that began on Saturday was triggered by coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran, including one that killed the Iranian supreme leader. Kim reportedly described the warship as a new symbol of sea defence for North Korea and said the country must continue strengthening its maritime forces. No expansion in our objectives: US defence secretary on Iran war Visuals of attack during the Iran-Israel-US war 'Saudi and Iran told Pakistan aap baith jao': Pakistani MP mocks own government for trying to be diplomatic on both sides during Iran-US conflict Donald Trump says Americans may face retaliation during the Iran conflict as intelligence assessments warn of possible targeted attacks. Trump rejects Khameneis son as successor while strikes hit Tehran and Lebanon and Iranian drones expand attacks across the region. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said Markwayne Mullen, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, would take over from Noem at the powerful department on March 31. The submarine, a Los Angeles-class attack vessel, reportedly launched two Mk 48 torpedo weapons at the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena In its advisory, the department urged American citizens currently in Kuwait to leave the country Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran Who will be Iran's next supreme leader He was asked to comment on the Indian media reports about Moscows ability to deliver 22 million barrels of crude in a week. Living in Asheville means having access to many beautiful mountain views and gorgeous hotels tucked along the ridges. Over the years as a travel journalist, I've reviewed more hotels than I can count: boutique inns in the Montford neighborhood, resort properties perched above the river, converted historic utility buildings transformed into a modern oasis. I've reviewed them all with the same honest eye, noting what works, what misses and what makes a place genuinely worth the price of admission. After all of that, the Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville in Historic Biltmore Village remains the one I return to most and recommend without hesitation. Not only does it check off all of the boxes you want in a luxury hotel, it also comes with a rich history of resilience and community commitment. Hurricane Helene's impact on the Grand Bohemian When Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina, it didn't just damage Asheville, it devastated it. The Swannanoa River overran its banks with a speed and force that residents have described as incomprehensible, and the low-lying streets of Biltmore Village bore the full weight of that surge. Five feet of floodwater poured into the Grand Bohemian's lobby. The entire first floor had to be gutted completely, everything was destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement The Kessler Collection, which owns and operates the property, had roughly half a day's notice before the storm hit: not nearly enough time to move furniture, protect finishes or brace for what was coming. Mark Kessler, the company's president, traveled to Asheville immediately after and described the experience of arriving in the city as something close to surreal: silent streets, nothing moving, a mess for miles. He later said it felt like losing a family member. What followed was eight months of intensive work. The remediation team brought in was the same crew that had restored the Opryland Hotel in Nashville after its 2010 flood and dozens of construction workers, engineers and artisans filled the building's courtyard and lobby well into spring 2025, some of them working on details so specific to the original architecture that there was no shortcut available. The general manager, Matthew Lehman, described the challenge of rebuilding a secret door off the lobby: one that had to look indistinguishable from the original wood paneling, constructed the way it might have been a couple hundred years ago, because nothing at a big box retailer comes close to matching it. In the end, the multimillion-dollar restoration was led personally by Mark and Diana Kessler, with Diana serving as creative director and involved in every detail of the design. The result preserved what made the original Grand Bohemian so distinctive, like the floor-to-ceiling carved wood paneling, the stone fireplace that anchors the lobby, the Bavarian and Austrian antiques, the taxidermy and heirloom firearms that give the space its unmistakable hunting lodge atmosphere. They also introduced a richer color palette, new custom-made furnishings sourced from North Carolina artisans and a significantly expanded gallery. The property also emerged with a new name: the Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville, a nod to the architectural spirit of Biltmore Village itself and the history of the Biltmore Estate just down the block. Our room and reason for the getaway Our stay came after the reopening, with our own milestone to mark. My husband Rasmus had just been sworn in as a United States citizen, a milestone years in the making. With my mom watching our two daughters, we took the opportunity for a staycation just a short 30 minute drive down the road from our home. We checked in that afternoon feeling celebratory and excited for a night off of parenting duties, wit full permission to sip some bubbles and celebrate Ras. My husband, Ras, after his swearing-in ceremony for U.S. Citizenship (Lindsay Tigar) Our room was perfect for this purpose: a generous living area anchored the suite, giving us actual room to move around and exhale after a day of driving (his swearing in ceremony was in Charlotte). The bedroom itself felt removed and quiet, with a bed that delivered on every promise a hotel bed should make. But the centerpiece was the soaking tub: enormous and positioned in a way that felt almost ceremonial, since it was open to the room. The tub and bed were separated by a curtain you could keep open or closed at The Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville. (Lindsay Tigar) They also paid attention to what we had shared about our stay: on the table sat a personalized cutting board engraved with Ras's name and a congratulatory message about his citizenship, alongside a thoughtfully chosen treat. Someone had taken the time to acknowledge what this day meant to him and to our family specifically. It was really touching since it was gesture that said: we know who you are and we understand why today matters. I've stayed at a lot of hotels (more than 160 in my career), and that kind of attention is rarer than it should be. A thoughtful welcome amenity to honor my husband's milestone at The Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville. (Lindsay Tigar) The gallery One of the things that has always distinguished the Grand Bohemian from nearly every other hotel in western North Carolina is that it is genuinely a gallery as much as it is a place to sleep. The post-Helene renovation expanded that commitment meaningfully. The Grand Bohemian Gallery, curated by longtime director Constance Richards, now has more room and a 2025 collection that includes works by artists directly affected by the storm, among them Mitch Kolbe, whose solo exhibition was interrupted by the hurricane, alongside Jean Claude Roy, Charles Clara, Susan Spies and the late Vadim Bora. There is also a new retail shop where you can bring a piece home. Walking through it the evening of our stay with a glass of champagne in hand, the collection felt less like hotel art and more like a document of a community processing something together and finding a way forward through making things. We took our time. Red Stag Grill: dinner and breakfast The on site restaurant, Red Stag Grill is a well-known date spot in Asheville for tourists and locals alike. The menu is rooted in Appalachian cuisine with a European hunting lodge sensibility: game-driven, locally sourced and meat-heavy. The restaurant expanded its wine vault to 700 curated bottles during the renovation and added tableside martini service. While it was fun to have my first very dirty martini tableside, my husband and I felt it was a bit expensive and over-the-top, with a lot of the garnishes not necessary. Fun, for sure, but I would have enjoyed ordering a martini on its own just as much. The Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville tableside martini service at Red Stag Grill (Lindsay Tigar) Advertisement Advertisement We started with the elk carpaccio and then shared the bone marrow and bison tartare, both of which set a high bar for everything that followed. For mains, we went with the bison tenderloin from Leicester, NC, finished with sorghum glazed carrots and green beans with almonds. We finished with the Red Stag carrot cake and a creme brulee, neither of which we needed and both of which we finished entirely. Service was warm, knowledgeable and present without hovering. We stayed longer than we intended, which is always the sign of a dinner that worked. The Elk Carpaccio at Red Stag Grill. (Lindsay Tigar) Breakfast the following morning was a different story. The service moved slowly without much interaction with the staff. On a weekend morning when the dining room isn't empty, the kitchen needs to keep up, and ours didn't quite manage it. The coffee program also needs attention. The mugs were too large (oversized in a way that sounds minor but actually matters, because coffee that sits in a vessel that big loses heat.) And my first iced coffee arrived with grounds in it, which required sending it back. These are correctable things, details that fall below the standard this property sets everywhere else, and I flag them because this hotel is good enough that they stand out. Would we return? We loved our staycation at The Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville. (The Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville) Without question! The Grand Bohemian Lodge has held the top of my Asheville list for years, and nothing about this stay changed that. If anything, knowing what this building went through the floodwater, the gutted floors, the months of painstaking reconstructiongives the experience an additional layer of meaning. There is a version of luxury that is about surfaces: thread counts and marble finishes and perfectly arranged fruit plates. And then there is the version that pays attention to the person in the room and responds to what that person actually needs, that rebuilds not just a structure but a sense of place. The Grand Bohemian, at its best, practices the second kind. For Ras, this stay will always be tied to one of the most significant days of his life. For Asheville, the reopening of this hotel was one of many signs that the city's recovery, while still unfolding, is real and it's happening. Both of those things feel worth celebrating and the Grand Bohemian Lodge is exactly the right place to do it. Why Sanchez is defying Trump on Iran On Thursday, US President Donald Trump told Reuters he would be all for an offensive by Iranian Kurdish fighters into Iran, though he declined to say whether the United States would provide air cover for such an operation. Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran Sri Lankan MP questions delay before US sub sinks Iranian warship, 87 dead Search No search term specified. Showing recent items. Search or use up and down arrow keys to select an item. As a Husky descended from Huskies, Kallee McCone felt at home at Michigan Tech long before she became a student. When a busy schedule and rigorous academics tested her tenacity, she found her passion and motivation in the little moments on campus. Though many students have deep roots at Michigan Technological University, few can claim a family legacy like biochemistry and molecular biology major Kallee McCone's. Six of her family members earned Michigan Tech degrees: her mother Erica Roose '00 in chemical engineering; her father Ryan McCone '00 in biological sciences; her paternal grandfather Loran McCone '79 in civil engineering; and three maternal relatives, Don Mark Larsen '79 and Donald Mikkola '59 in metallurgical engineering and Roy Koski '57 in geological engineering, metallurgical engineering, and mining engineering. This family history gave McCone an anchor when she became a Husky. "It emphasizes my feeling of belonging on campus, and a sense of connection to my family I could never truly put into words," said McCone. "Being here and following my family provides me a sense of accomplishment in my academics and heritage, while connecting me to my roots in such a personal way." While growing up in Marquette, Michigan, McCone visited Michigan Tech's campus almost monthly, including on her family's annual trip to Winter Carnival. She also had close ties to family friends in the Keweenaw and attended Michigan Tech's Summer Youth Programs, which let her see life on campus in and out of the classroom before she committed to a university. "Before I applied to Tech, I gained a sense of what I would want to study here and which of our student organizations I wanted to join," said McCone. "When it came time to apply to college, I was already set on Tech, knowing what I wanted to do in a place that was already my second home." Carrying on the Family Legacy One of the student organizations she had her heart set on joining, Blue Key National Honor Society, was another legacy link. Her mother served as Tech's Blue Key public relations chair during her time as a student. After experiencing the wonder of Winter Carnival growing up and hearing her mother's stories of time spent in the organization, McCone joined Blue Key in her second year on campus and considers it one of the best decisions she's made in college. "Being a part of Blue Key is immensely rewarding since I can help plan arguably one of the biggest events on campus, which I have wanted to do since I was a young girl," said McCone. "It's like a full-circle moment, growing up and seeing this amazing event, then being able to be a part of the planning myself." "The best part of Tech would have to be Winter Carnival. I might be partial because I'm in Blue Key, but I think Carnival is such a great opportunity to bring our campus and community together while showcasing the amazing abilities of our student body." Kallee McCone, biochemistry and molecular biology Blue Key isn't the only way she stays involved. She is also an active member of Pavlis Honors College, vice president of the Huskies Baking Club, and has served as president and vice president of the Hillside Place Association. "Michigan Tech's student organizations have helped me grow as a leader, providing me with and supporting me in leadership positions throughout campus. These experiences really shaped me into the best version of myself," said McCone. Forging Her Own Path While her family's legacy heavily influenced her choice of university and student org involvement, McCone hasn't been afraid to find her own academic path. Though her family tree is filled with engineers, she took up her father's interest in biology, and thought the field was "it" for her from a young age. "I've always loved the field of biology, breaking macro-scale and molecular-scale systems down to analyze various functions and how little bits and pieces work together for a larger goal," said McCone. Her scientific interests expanded with her first high school chemistry course. Combining her pursuits in both fields, she found a passion for biochemistry. That passion gained focus with a later high school course in forensics. "I was able to look into the different applications of and fields within forensics, and realized that forensic toxicology checked all of the boxes for a career I was looking for and then some," said McCone. Kallee McCone followed in her mother Erica Roose's footsteps as a Tech student and member of the Blue Key Honor Society. In addition to an academic interest in forensics, McCone wanted a degree that could help her make a difference in the world. At a young age, her family moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Marquette, Michigan. To McCone, the smaller city with lower crime rates felt like a "completely different planet" from her first home. "I don't want to be disconnected from reality," said McCone. "I wanted to work in a hands-on field and make a difference within my community in any way that I can. For some people, that may mean joining the police force or going into criminology, but to me, that includes going into forensic lab work to see what really happened with collected evidence and analyzing it for the court proceedings." McCone's desire to make a practical, positive impact in the world led her to major in biochemistry and molecular biology with a focus in chemistry. Keeping herself on track for graduation while staying involved in multiple student organizations has required a healthy dose of the Husky tenacity that runs in her family. Finding Balance in the Small Moments Since not much on campus was new to McCone when she enrolled at Tech, her biggest trial wasn't adjusting to an unfamiliar environment. Instead, her schedule of 16-plus credits per semester and passion for extracurriculars posed her first major college challenge: time management. "With MTU courses being as rigorous as they are, I have really needed to focus on dedicating lots of time to coursework, while also balancing the things I do in my free time, and most importantly, all while maintaining a healthy sleep schedule," said McCone. The first course to seriously challenge her and jump-start her rigorous study routine was Chemistry 1. "The class made me question if I was cut out to study chemistry, but it has set an example for me that I truly can pass my courses when they seem difficult or impossible to manage," said McCone. She found her key to success by exploring whether she functions better in the morning or the evening, and designing her schedule around that natural rhythm. McCone learned pretty quickly that she's a morning person. She holds herself to a strict 6 a.m. wake-up call to avoid any academic work past 11 p.m. Though her schedule may not align with all of her peers, she recommends that any fellow students struggling with time management focus on what works best for them. "With all the stress with school and grades, finding when you function best is so important to make assignments go as smoothly as possible without pushing yourself past your limit," said McCone, "Stick to it and do what feels right to you, even if that schedule is different from that of other people you know." McCone faced burnout in high school when focusing hard on advanced academic courses. In college, she's learned that staying balanced and successful also means making time for life outside of academia. "When I started my freshman year at Tech, I quickly realized that what motivated me to do my best is not only academics, but the people around me and the little moments outside of the classroom," said McCone. "Even as a singular college student, you can always get involved and make the changes you wish to see for the betterment of your campus and community." Kallee McCone, biochemistry and molecular biology With a schedule built around her natural rhythms, she's picked up new hobbies and spent time on activities that make her feel most like herself, which she says helps maintain energy for classes when it's time to focus on academics. As she works on passing down her family legacy to the next generation, McCone offers a bit of wisdom for future Huskies. "If you only spend your time doing work, the little moments will just pass you by," said McCone. "It's important to do the little things in life you value, even if classes are busy and you think you truly do not have time to. I promise you that you do have time, and doing what you enjoy will make all the difference." Michigan Technological University is an R1 public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. WASHINGTON, D.C. (Office of the CNMI Congressional Delegate) The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6472, bipartisan legislation that ensures students from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, along with Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, can attend public colleges and universities on the U.S. mainland at in-state tuition rates. This historic step addresses a long-standing barrier for CNMI families, making higher education more affordable and accessible for students leaving the islands to pursue degrees. The bill updates the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require federally funded public institutions to charge eligible territorial students no more than in-state tuition. Out-of-state tuition can be two to three times higher than in-state rates, creating a significant financial burden for CNMI families who already face higher costs of living and limited local degree programs. Students from the Northern Mariana Islands bring talent, dedication, and a strong commitment to their education when they pursue opportunities across the United States. H.R. 6472 helps expand access to affordable higher education by allowing students from U.S. territories to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. For many CNMI families, higher education requires significant sacrifice, and this bipartisan legislation helps open more doors for our students while strengthening pathways to build the skilled workforce our islands and our nation need, said Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, R-MP. The passage of H.R. 6472 marks a significant step toward ensuring true parity for American students living in the territories, said Delegate James Moylan, R-GU. Too many of our students leave home to pursue degrees that simply arent available locally, and too often the financial burden places that opportunity further out of reach for hardworking families. This measure strengthens the pipeline of skilled professionals who will help build a stronger, more resilient Guam. Its about empowering our youth to pursue their dreams without being priced out of them, and ensuring that when they return home, they are ready to lead the next chapter of Guams growth. This is great news for our students, and a successful bipartisan collaboration. Our students deserve the best possible access to four-year university degrees. Millions of American students benefit from in-state tuition, and this innovative bill extends this sensible policy to the islands. Thank you to each of my colleagues. With passage by the full House, were a big step closer to fairness, and making a major difference in opportunity for our students, said Delegate Amata Coleman Radewagen, R-AS. Delegate Stacey Plaskett, D-VI, added, Today is a historic day for students and families across the U.S. territories. Since my first term in office, I have advocated for legislation to expand in-state tuition access for students in the Virgin Islands and the other U.S. territories. In 2022, I secured a provision in the Build Back Better Act, which passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, that would have established a college access grants program to cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates for students from the territories. Today, the House has spoken clearly: our students deserve the same educational opportunities and pathways to success as their peers in the states. Guaranteeing in-state tuition is essential to reducing the burden of student debt and opening doors to the careers and training needed to strengthen our local economies. I am proud to have fought alongside my colleagues to advance this legislation, and I urge the Senate to act swiftly so that we can deliver this long-overdue relief to territorial students and families. This is a historic win for CNMI students. Guaranteeing in-state tuition removes financial barriers and opens doors for our young people to pursue higher education and return home to strengthen our islands. I now look forward to Senate action on the bill so these opportunities can begin reaching students in the Northern Marianas, said King-Hinds. This story is a partnership between the Nashville Banner and the Nashville Scene. The Nashville Banner is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization focused on civic news. Visit nashvillebanner.com for more information. A Nashville reporter who faced death threats in her home country could now be sent back by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Nashville Noticias staffer Estefany Rodriguez was detained by ICE in South Nashville Wednesday morning. There was no warrant for her arrest. Her attorneys have filed an emergency petition in federal court seeking a writ of habeas corpus, or an immediate review of whether her detention is legal. Rodriguez, who was in her car with her husband a U.S. citizen has been following all the legal steps to citizenship. In her job, Rodriguez has reported several stories holding ICE accountable, and its unclear whether her detention was retaliation. As of Thursday afternoon, she was in Alabama en route to an ICE processing center in Louisiana. A citizen of Colombia, Rodriguez originally entered the country lawfully on a tourist visa in March 2021, then applied for political asylum. According to Joel Coxander, her immigration attorney, Rodriguez was forced to flee Colombia and seek asylum because of her work as a journalist. She covered armed and militant groups and had received threats, which Coxander has seen in the form of a text message. She also filed at least one police report before coming to the U.S. For the journalists safety, Coxander said, a lot of the publications articles have been scrubbed from existence. The first time Rodriguez had any contact with ICE was Jan. 8, when she received a G-56 letter requesting that she come to the office for processing and additional information on Jan. 26. The letter also stated that she would be issued a Notice to Appear (NTA), an official charging document initiating an immigration court case. Come in so you can help ensure the best outcome for your case, the letter read. Coxander says this language is common across these types of letters. So ICE sends out these letters to citizens whove never had any contact with [them], he says. The letters just say, like, Hey, please come by the ICE office. Theyre invitations, he emphasizes. They dont say theyre required. They say, Come in so we can help ensure the best outcome for your case. They cite no legal requirement to come. And thats because, for a lot of people, they have no connection to ICE, this isnt connected with an application with USCIS or at least it doesnt say anything like that. If you dont want to delay the processing of your case and to help ensure the best outcome, read the bottom of the letter, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that you make every effort to keep this appointment. Before Jan. 26, Rodriguez, her husband and Coxander compiled folders full of documents and prepared to attend the appointment. They planned to lay out arguments as to why ICE shouldnt begin removal proceedings through the NTA or take her into custody. Then, on the agreed-upon date, Winter Storm Fern hit Nashville. ICEs ERO office was closed. On Feb. 10, Rodriguez received a letter with a makeup date for the appointment: Feb. 25. Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case Revived, Fast-Tracked After Illegal Deportation Government witnesses say case was internally elevated at Thursday morning evidentiary hearing in downtown Nashville Two days before the appointment, her husband and Caleb Mundy, an agent of Coxanders, visited the ERO office. They were confirming, Coxander says, that Rodriguez actually had to show up. They wanted ICE to send the NTA directly to the attorneys. Shes not in the system, the duty officer told them after running her Alien Registration Number. This appointments not in the system. Mundy double-checked if Rodriguez needed to show up, and the duty officer said no. Another agent took a look at the case. Then they took her letter and gave her a check-in sheet stating that Rodriguez should return on March 17, when everything would be resolved. 'Trying to Follow the Rules' On March 4, when she was stopped in her car, Rodriguez said she was shown an NTA rather than an arrest warrant. Mundy showed up to the ICE office around 8:15 a.m. on March 4. He says the Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer (SDDO) told him Rodriguezs arrest was justified because she was considered a flight risk for missing two meetings. The SDDO also said that Rodriguez hadnt shown up in the system because she hadnt had a previous interaction with ICE. Shes being told, Were holding it against you that you didnt do this thing we told you you didnt have to do, says Coxander, emphasizing that Rodriguez didnt show up to the first date because the ice storm closed the office and didnt show up to the second because ICE told her not to. Theyre saying, Hey, you didnt show up to this invitation letter, so youre a full flight risk. Joel had prepared a mountain of evidence for the first hearing, Mundy says, in favor of Rodriguez being released on her own recognizance. And we didnt get to present it until she was already arrested. Because of myriad national statutes, regulations, subregulations and unpublished norms and operations at local field offices, best practices in immigration law are a moving target. Mundy says the Middle Tennessee Immigration Bar hadnt seen G-56 letters until the past two or three months, but the SDDO told him theyd been more common in California when she worked there. Were trying to sort out what all these things mean, says Mundy, and what advice to give our clients. Attorneys involved say immigration law is like an incredibly high-stakes form of the scientific method because of a lack of guidance, a lawyer either screws up a case or guesses correctly. When something works a document format or proceeding the immigration bar shares with each other. When something goes horribly wrong, they do the same. People who know her describe Rodriguez as smart, tough, brave and positive, even in the face of something like this. Shes not falling apart, Coxander says. I think [positivitys] a real skill as a reporter, he adds, given all the things you see. He says hes always admired Rodriguezs courage in continuing to report on ICE for Noticias, up close and personal, when she knew she was putting herself at serious risk. Thats pretty brave, Coxander says, because she understood the whole time that she could be at risk of getting picked up not even as a reporter, just by physically being present. Coxander found it ridiculous that Rodriguez would be considered a flight risk and likely criminal. Her husband and attorney literally went to the ICE office two days before the appointment. Like, were not blowing it off. ... She is somebody that has been trying to follow the rules the whole time. Nashville Noticias has offered the below statement on Rodriguez's detention: This article first appeared on Nashville Banner and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Debate and heated protests over immigration legislation once again defined this week at the Tennessee General Assembly. +3 House Committee Advances Student Immigration Status Bill Lamberth-sponsored legislation comes as stripped-down version of highly contested bill from 2025 Protesters packed a committee room on Wednesday as lawmakers advanced House Bill 793, which is sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) and would require schools to track the immigration status of students. The legislation is carried over from the General Assemblys 2025 session and has been amended to remove language that would have banned undocumented students from attending Tennessee public schools or charged them tuition provisions that stirred numerous protests last year. In other legislative business, education and health care policy remains top-of-mind for some lawmakers. Meanwhile, efforts to secure state control over The Boring Companys Music City Loop tunnel in Nashville advanced, as did attempts to crack down on protesters. Heres a recap of this week at the state Capitol. Airport Takeover Bill Flies Through Subcommittee House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) substituted a caption bill early this week with new legislation that would give state lawmakers control over major airports in Tennessee. Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta), a leading candidate to replace the outgoing Randy McNally as lieutenant governor, carries the bill in the Senate. Sexton Tries Different Approach for Airport Control New bill would give state lawmakers power over airport authorities in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga If passed, local airport authorities would be replaced by a governing board of state appointees, two each from the governor, state House speaker and state Senate speaker. A local executive, such as a mayor, would appoint the boards remaining three members. Rep. Johnny Garrett (R-Goodlettsville) presented the bill to the House Transportation Subcommittee on Tuesday, which recommended its passage despite two no votes from Democratic Reps. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) and Justin Pearson (D-Memphis). State lawmakers have long fixated on assuming greater control over airports. The Tennessee Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments defending the states 2023 bill aimed at reconstituting Nashvilles airport board, though justices seemed skeptical that it passed constitutional muster. This new approach could prove successful with greater statewide effect. Republicans Push Mercenary Rioting Bill Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and House Majority Whip Clark Boyd (R-Lebanon) introduced a mercenary rioting bill targeting paid protesters this week. State Republicans Target Paid Protesters With Mercenary Rioting Bill GOP lawmakers have long claimed without evidence that protesters who frequent the legislature are being paid Republicans at the Capitol have long claimed without evidence that protesters who frequent the legislature are being paid to disrupt lawmakers. The bill passed Wednesdays House Civil Justice Subcommittee in a 6-1-1 vote, and will be heard next in the House Judiciary Committee on March 11. Also this week, the Senate Government Operations Committee approved a bill that would codify the states Office of Homeland Security and move to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to secure the state against terrorist threats and attacks. Senate Bill 1880, also sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Johnson, was presented during Wednesdays hearing by co-sponsor Sen. Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield). The state has maintained a homeland security office since 2003, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which spurred the creation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The state office was given police powers in 2004 and has existed under executive authority of the governor. This bill would codify the office by state law. It puts Tennessee's homeland security mission on a clear, lawful and accountable footing so that we can protect the people of Tennessee, Roberts said. This authority would include creating a strategic plan to secure the safe from terrorist threats and attacks, to work with governmental entities and private sector entities on matters of homeland security and investigating threats or attacks on schools, threats or attacks on critical infrastructure, threats or attacks on public officials and cyber attacks. The amended bill was passed in a 6-2 vote, with Democratic Sens. Sara Kyle (D-Memphis) and Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) voting against the bill. We will be working in conjunction with the federal government, yet were paying, Kyle said, also raising concerns about state Homeland Security agents potentially working with ICE. Oliver asked about data and information sharing between the states Homeland Security office and federal authorities or private entities. Deputy Commissioner of Homeland Security Gregory Mays testified during the hearing, saying the office is mainly a receiver of information from federal law enforcement agencies. He specifically cited investigations into threats of violence in schools, as well as those against lawmakers and the public in general. We're dealing with threats everywhere, Mays said, noting that Tennessee is home to a prominent military and national defense sector, as well as critical infrastructure, commerce routes and a large health care industry. The bill is set to be heard next in the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee on March 11. Abortion Debate Continues, Medical Debt Bill Fails Tennessee has a ban on abortion, with slim exceptions to save the life of the mother. This year, legislators are seeking to push legislation that would classify an abortion as homicide, as well as penalize those who distribute mifepristone, a drug used in medication abortion as well as in cases of miscarriage. +3 Parties Clash on Legislation Targeting Pregnant Mothers State Republicans lose footing on bill to make abortion homicide; Dems look to protect emergency care Meanwhile, a bill that would allow abortions in cases of rape and incest failed again this week. I think we need to broaden our understanding of exceptions as opposed to banning things entirely, and I think we have to be mindful in dealing with the life of the mother, because she could die in certain circumstances, bill sponsor Rep. Yusuf Hakeem (D-Chattanooga) tells the Scene. What kind of trauma would a young person have trying to raise a child of a person who has done great harm to them. I question if my colleagues are appreciating that. An attempt from Sen. London Lamar (D-Memphis) and Rep. Shaundelle Brooks (D-Nashville) to assist people in paying their medical debts and prevent hospitals from sharing debt information on consumer credit reports failed this week. The bill would have made a $1 million fund for the government to contract with a nonprofit to distribute funds to eligible families. Education Funding Effort Fails, Presidential Fitness Heads to Governor The Universal Pre-K Funding Act from Sen. Charlane Oliver (D-Nashville) and Rep. Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville) failed in the Senate Education Committee this week. The legislation would have allotted $2.7 million in tax dollars to establish more preschools in the state enough for every 4-year-old. After receiving bipartisan support, a bill that would require schools to administer the Presidential Fitness Test to assess their strength, endurance and flexibility passed the Senate on Thursday and is headed to the governors desk. Renaming the West Bank A Republican-sponsored bill advanced in the House State and Local Government Committee that would require state agencies to cease using the term West Bank and instead use the phrasing Judea and Samaria when referring to the Israeli-occupied land. The legislation was met with much opposition from Democrats, some of whom argued against the bill saying the legislature should be focusing on issues that directly affect Tennesseans. Protesters also argued that the bill delegitimizes the existence of Palestinian people and shows unfair favor toward Christian values in the General Assembly. DHS interdicts 6 smuggling boats, apprehends 82 migrants off the coast of California Federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the United States Coast Guard, interdicted six suspected human smuggling boats and apprehended 82 migrants off the coast of California over the weekend. Recent Coast Guard operations also intercepted additional vessels: 14 migrants near Point Loma on March 1, and 20 migrants near Sunset Cliffs on Feb. 24, alongside five other suspected smuggling boats carrying 62 migrants. DHS warned that tightened land border enforcement has pushed cartels to increasingly use maritime routes to smuggle people and contraband into the United States. Through mid-March of fiscal year 2025, the United States Border Patrol recorded 264 maritime smuggling events resulting in 826 apprehensions, putting the year on pace to match or approach 2024 totals. Officials highlighted the dangers of maritime smuggling, noting vessels are often overloaded, lack safety measures and include pangas, pleasure boats and even jet skis, with many trips occurring at night under hazardous conditions. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported that federal authorities interdicted six suspected human smuggling boats and apprehended 82 migrants off the coast of California over the weekend. The United States Coast Guard reported additional interdictions in separate incidents recently. For instance, on March 1, Coast Guard crews stopped a vessel carrying 14 suspected illegal immigrants approximately 10 miles southwest of Point Loma near San Diego. Earlier, on Feb. 24, the Coast Guard intercepted 20 suspected illegal immigrants near Sunset Cliffs in California. That same day, the service said it worked alongside DHS partner agencies and the U.S. Navy to interdict five additional suspected maritime smuggling vessels, resulting in the apprehension of 62 migrants. Authorities have not released further details about the migrants' nationalities or potential criminal charges against suspected smugglers. However, DHS said cartels are increasingly turning to maritime routes as land border enforcement tightens. "Since our southern border is more secure than ever before, cartels are being forced to try to smuggle through our nation's maritime waters," the department stated in a post on Feb. 27 on X, formerly known as Twitter. "This past weekend, DHS law enforcement interdicted six suspected maritime smuggling vessels and apprehended 82 migrants off the coast of California." DHS added that enforcement efforts remain ongoing. "Our work to keep our nation safe never ends. We stand ready to protect our Homeland from smugglers on land, air and sea." Maritime smuggling holds steady in 2025 as land crossings plunge Maritime smuggling, as BrightU.AI's Enoch defines, involve the illegal transport of illicit substances, such as drugs and humans, across international waters, often using cargo ships and other vessels to evade detection. According to federal data, through mid-March of fiscal year 2025, which began Oct. 1, the United States Border Patrol (USBP) recorded 264 maritime smuggling events resulting in 826 apprehensions. Officials define maritime events as incidents in which migrants are intercepted at sea or upon reaching shore. The figures put the current fiscal year on pace to approach 2024 totals. In fiscal year 2024, authorities documented 589 maritime incidents, leading to 1,375 apprehensions. The year before that saw 736 cases and 1,328 apprehensions. Since President Donald Trump took office, federal agencies have expanded their presence in the air and at sea near the southwestern border. The United States Coast Guard has significantly increased deployments, diverting aircraft, cutters, boats and personnel to the region. We essentially tripled the amount of resources, said Coast Guard Senior Chief Peter Nelson, the officer in charge of the station in San Diego. Meanwhile, the sharp decline in land crossings has allowed the Border Patrol to reassign personnel to other enforcement areas, including coastal patrols. Gerardo Gutierrez, a spokesperson for the San Diego sector, said reduced land encounters have freed up agents to expand maritime operations. Despite the decline in land crossings, officials emphasized that maritime smuggling remains dangerous. Nelson said vessels are often overcrowded and lack basic safety equipment. Border Patrol officials identified pangas, pleasure craft and even jet skis as common methods used by smugglers. Watch this clip from the "X22 Report" featuring Sheriff Richard Mack of the CSPOA explaining how people can help with the mass deportation plans. This video is from the Sanivan channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com SanDiegoUnionTribune.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com The Last Bastion: Texas as the blueprint against global tyranny The book "The Last Bastion: How the Fight for Freedom in Texas Mirrors the Global Struggle Against Tyranny" points out that centralized power, economic sabotage and psychological warfare are being used by institutions like the WEF, UN and IMF to dismantle national sovereignty, replacing it with a borderless digital dictatorship under the guise of "equity" and "sustainability." Texas stands as a beacon of resistance rejecting federal overreach, protecting constitutional rights and promoting self-reliance mirroring the global fight for freedom against encroaching tyranny. Manufactured crises (e.g., COVID-19) justify draconian measures like lockdowns, vaccine mandates and CBDCs programmable money that enables financial censorship and social control, modeled after China's social credit system. Unlike compliant states, Texas reopened early during COVID-19, banned vaccine mandates. The Lone Star State also explores gold-backed currencies and local economies, while fostering food sovereignty through homesteading and permaculture. Decentralization through self-sufficiency (food, homeschooling, barter networks), rejecting digital enslavement (CBDCs) and upholding gun rights offers a roadmap to defy globalist control, with Texas leading the charge. According to the book "The Last Bastion: How the Fight for Freedom in Texas Mirrors the Global Struggle Against Tyranny," history has a way of repeating itself especially when it comes to the rise and fall of tyrannical regimes. From the collapse of Rome to the Soviet Union's engineered famines, the patterns are clear. Centralized power, economic sabotage and psychological warfare are the tools used to break nations and populations. Today, these same tactics are being deployed against the West particularly the United States by globalist institutions like the World Economic Forum, the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund. Their goal? To replace national sovereignty with a borderless, digital dictatorship where individual freedoms are erased under the guise of "equity" and "sustainability." Yet, amid this encroaching tyranny, Texas emerges as the last bastion of resistance. The Lone Star State's fierce commitment to self-reliance, decentralized governance and constitutional rights mirrors the global struggle for freedom. Texas isn't just fighting for itself it's fighting for the survival of liberty worldwide. The globalist playbook: How tyranny advances The blueprint for control is always the same. First, governments exploit crisesreal or manufacturedto justify draconian measures. The Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic was a trial run. Lockdowns, vaccine mandates and digital tracking systems tested public compliance. Now, the same tactics are being repurposed for climate policies, economic restructuring and the rollout of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). CBDCs are perhaps the most dangerous weapon in this arsenal. Unlike cash, which is anonymous and free, CBDCs are programmable money. Governments can freeze accounts, restrict purchases or even impose expiration dates on funds effectively turning dissent into financial suicide. China's social credit system, where citizens are penalized for "undesirable" behavior, is the model being pushed globally. Simultaneously, mass immigration is weaponized to destabilize nations. By flooding Western countries with unassimilated populations, globalists fracture social cohesion, overwhelm public services and create permanent political divisions. Europe is already collapsing under this strategy, with cities like Malmo in Sweden and France's capital Paris becoming hotspots of crime and cultural conflict. Texas: The model of resistance While other U.S. states and sovereign nations succumb to these tactics, Texas stands apart. Its rejection of federal overreach, its protection of gun rights and its push for energy independence make it a thorn in the side of globalist control. Consider the state's defiance during COVID-19. While New York and California imposed brutal lockdowns, Texas reopened early proving that freedom, not fear, is the path to prosperity. Gov. Greg Abbotts ban on vaccine mandates and his resistance to World Health Organization pandemic treaties sent a clear message: Texas will not comply with medical tyranny. Economically, Texas is preparing for the inevitable collapse of the U.S. dollar. With its exploration of a gold-backed digital currency and its support for decentralized cryptocurrencies, the state is positioning itself outside the failing fiat system. Meanwhile, its thriving local economies from ranchers to tech entrepreneurs demonstrate the power of self-sufficiency. One of the most insidious forms of control is the attack on food sovereignty. Globalists are pushing "state-controlled grocery stores," where purchases are tracked and rationed based on compliance with climate policies. Canada's food price controls and Chicago's proposed government-run stores are early steps toward this dystopian future. Texas, however, is fighting back. The state's agricultural independence bolstered by homesteading, permaculture and local farming networks ensures that its citizens won't starve when supply chains fail. Texans understand that whoever controls the food supply controls the people. The path forward: Decentralization and defiance The solution to global tyranny isnt just political it's personal. Every act of self-reliance weakens the system's grip. Growing your own food, using cash or cryptocurrency, homeschooling your children and building community networks are all forms of resistance. Texas exemplifies this ethos. Its communities are already creating parallel systems local currencies, barter networks and off-grid energy solutions that render federal control irrelevant. The state's commitment to the Second Amendment ensures that its citizens retain the ultimate check against tyranny. The fight for freedom isn't confined to Texas it's a global struggle. But Texas proves that resistance is possible. By decentralizing power, rejecting digital enslavement and upholding constitutional rights, the state offers a roadmap for survival in an era of engineered collapse. As U.S. President Ronald Reagan warned, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction." Texas is that generation's last stand. The question is: Will the rest of America and the world follow its example before it's too late? The time to choose is now. Will we submit to digital serfdom, or will we stand with Texas as the final bastion of liberty? The answer will determine the fate of humanity itself. Watch this face-to-face conversation between Maria Zeee and the Health Ranger Mike Adams on the "Health Ranger Report" studio about government censorship, corruption, plandemics and quarantine camps. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: BrightLearn.ai Books.BrightLearn.ai Brighteon.com Global evacuation chaos: Nations scramble to repatriate citizens as Middle East conflict worsens Governments worldwide are urgently evacuating citizens from Israel, Iran, and neighboring countries due to escalating missile attacks and closed airspace. The U.S., U.K., Poland, Italy, South Korea and Thailand are organizing evacuations, prioritizing vulnerable individuals. The U.S. State Department warned Americans in 14 Middle Eastern countries to leave immediately but offered no direct evacuation support, leaving many stranded. Commercial flights are grounded, forcing citizens to seek costly private transport or shuttle buses to border crossings like Egypt's Taba. The U.K. is prioritizing 130,000 registered nationals, Poland has evacuated 480 citizens, and Italy arranged flights from Oman and the UAE. South Korea bused evacuees to Egypt and Turkmenistan, while Thailand is relocating 300 nationals via land routes to Turkey. Global Affairs Canada advised citizens not to rely on government assistance, offering only limited seats on a Beirut-to-Istanbul flight echoing criticism from past evacuations like the 2006 Lebanon War. With an estimated 500,000 to 1 million U.S. nationals alone in the region, uncertainty prevails. Land routes, maritime evacuations or humanitarian corridors may be the only options until hostilities ease, highlighting the human cost of escalating conflict. As the U.S.-Israel war with Iran enters its fourth day, governments worldwide are scrambling to evacuate tens of thousands of citizens stranded across the Middle East. Airspace closures, canceled flights and deteriorating security conditions have left foreign nationals from tourists to expatriates struggling to find safe passage home. The urgency stems from Iran's retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases and Israel's expansion of hostilities into Lebanon, triggering widespread airport shutdowns. The crisis has exposed gaps in emergency evacuation planning. While some nations are relying on last-minute charter flights, others have warned citizens they may be on their own. United Kingdom British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Parliament on Tuesday, March 3, that 130,000 British nationals are registered in the region. She added that vulnerable individuals will be prioritized on these government-chartered flights taking off from Oman. Poland Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said more than 480 of his country's citizens have already left Israel, Jordan and Lebanon. Warsaw had commissioned planes for an evacuation in case the situation in the Middle East worsens, he added. Italy Rome said on Tuesday that it is working "non-stop" to assist its citizens in the region, pointing to a number of scheduled flights in particular, one from Muscat and another from Abu Dhabi. The Muscat flight carried around 300 people, while the Abu Dhabi flight had 200 passengers mostly young students. According to the Italian government, an additional flight would depart from Muscat on Wednesday, March 4. South Korea Meanwhile, South Korean officials confirmed Tuesday that 66 individuals 62 South Korean nationals and four Americans of Korean descent were evacuated from Israel to Egypt by bus. A separate group of 23 South Koreans were evacuated from Iran to Turkmenistan by bus. According to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the evacuees would be transported to Turkmenistan's capital, Ashgabat, where they will be able to return to South Korea or a third country on Wednesday. Thailand Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced Tuesday that Bangkok would be evacuating 300 Thai nationals from Iran by land. They would be transported to Turkey, before being repatriated as soon as possible. No flights, no help: Washington leaves citizens stranded Yet for Americans, the situation is particularly chaotic. The U.S. Department of State urged citizens in 14 Middle Eastern countries to "depart now" but provided no immediate evacuation support, instead directing them to commercial options most of which are grounded. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee admitted the embassy "is not in a position" to assist departures, advising Americans to take shuttle buses to Egypt's Taba Border Crossing. Florida resident Krista Jucknath Hickman described Dubai Airport as "chaos," paying $1,000 for a private driver to Oman after her flight was canceled. The lack of coordination has drawn sharp criticism. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed the crisis "happened all very quickly," despite weeks of military buildup, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that closed airspace has stalled evacuation flights. Meanwhile, Global Affairs Canada the country's equivalent of a foreign ministry bluntly told citizens to "prepare contingency plans that don't rely on government assistance," offering only limited seats on a Beirut-to-Istanbul flight. The scramble echoes past evacuations, such as the 2006 Lebanon War, when Canada faced backlash for delays in repatriating 15,000 citizens. Today, the stakes are higher, with an estimated 500,000 to one million U.S. nationals alone in the region. For many, the only certainty is uncertainty like Nathan Devereaux, a Canadian aid worker in Beirut, who agonizes over whether to flee or risk being trapped. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, foreign nationals stranded in the Middle East could seek repatriation via land routes to neighboring countries with functioning airports or maritime evacuation through allied naval operations. Alternatively, coordinated humanitarian corridors with regional partners may provide temporary safe passage until commercial or charter flights resume. As nations race against time, the crisis underscores a harsh reality. In modern warfare, civilians often bear the brunt of geopolitical fallout. With no end to hostilities in sight, the world watches and waits to see who will make it home. Watch this video explaining why tensions remain high all over the Middle East. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com CBC.ca BBC.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Texas AG Ken Paxton EXPANDS ban on gender treatments for minors to include mental health providers Texas AG Ken Paxton issued a legal opinion extending SB 14's ban on gender-transition treatments for minors to include mental health professionals, labeling such facilitation as "child abuse" and threatening licensure repercussions. Signed into law in 2023, SB 14 prohibits puberty blockers, hormone therapies and surgeries for transgender minors. Though initially blocked by a lower court, the Texas Supreme Court upheld it in 2024, allowing enforcement. LGBTQ+ advocates argue Paxton's opinion will deter mental health care for transgender minors, exacerbating risks of depression and suicide. They claim therapeutic discussions remain protected under the First Amendment. The AG has pursued disciplinary action against physicians violating SB 14, including license revocations. Critics accuse him of overreach, noting legislators previously assured mental health services wouldn't be affected. Advocacy groups plan to resist Paxtons interpretation, while the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to rule on similar laws. Texas' stance signals a broader push to restrict both medical and therapeutic support for transgender youth. Texas Attorney General (AG) Ken Paxton issued a sweeping legal opinion Monday, March 2, declaring that state-licensed mental health professional including therapists, counselors and social workers are barred under Senate Bill (SB) 14 from facilitating or endorsing gender-transitioning medical treatments for minors. The opinion reinforces Texas' 2023 law banning puberty blockers, hormone therapies and surgeries for transgender youth, extending its reach to mental health providers who Paxton claims often serve as "gatekeepers" initiating such interventions. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that SB 14 represents a critical legislative victory safeguarding minors from irreversible medical interventions tied to gender dysphoria. "Any radical facilitating the 'transitioning' of our kids is committing child abuse," Paxton stated. "The law is clear that these radical procedures are illegal, and in no world should Texans' tax dollars be used to permanently harm children." SB 14, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June 2023, prohibits physicians from administering gender-related medical treatments to minors. The law faced immediate legal challenges from parents and advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, which argued it violated constitutional rights. While a lower court temporarily blocked the law, the Texas Supreme Court upheld it in 2024, allowing enforcement to proceed. Paxton's latest opinion, requested by Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (TBHEC) Executive Director Darrel Spinks, clarifies that SB 14's definition of "health care provider" includes mental health professionals even though the original law did not explicitly mention counseling or therapy. "The multidisciplinary path to medically transitioning children often starts with mental 'health care,'" Paxton wrote, alleging that activists use therapy to "confuse children about their gender." Providers found in violation risk losing their licenses and Medicaid funding. Critics condemned Paxton's opinion as an overreach that will deter mental health providers from treating transgender youtha population already at heightened risk of depression and suicide. "Trans young people will die as a result of this," warned Johnathan Gooch of Equality Texas. "Access to mental health care will become more complicated for some of the most marginalized people in our state." Will Francis, executive director of the Texas chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, argued that therapeutic discussions remain protected under the First Amendment. "[Paxton's] opinion doesn't change anything except scare and frighten both the clients and the social workers," he said. Lambda Legal senior counsel Karen Loewy called the opinion "baseless and overreaching," accusing Paxton of "terrorizing mental health professionals into walking away from caring for their transgender patients." Paxton's war on transgender medical violence Paxton has aggressively pursued medical professionals accused of violating SB 14. Last year, Dallas pediatrician Dr. May Lau surrendered her license after being sued by his office. Cases against other physicians, including El Paso endocrinologist Dr. Hector Granados and Dallas pediatrician Dr. Brett Cooper, remain pending. Andrea Segovia of the Transgender Education Network of Texas noted that legislators had previously assured SB 14 would not impact mental health services. "Now, providers may drop trans clients out of fear," she said. While Paxton's opinion is not legally binding, state agencies may adopt it as policy. Advocacy groups, including Equality Texas and the ACLU, plan to issue legal guidance to mental health professionals, urging them to "not be bullied" by the AG's stance. With the U.S. Supreme Court set to weigh in on similar restrictions in Tennessee, the legal battle over transgender youth care is far from over. Meanwhile, Texas' crackdown signals a broader push to restrict not just medical interventions but also therapeutic supportraising alarms among LGBTQ+ advocates and civil liberties organizations. "Threatening the safety and wellbeing of trans kids is not a political strategy," Equality Texas CEO Brad Pritchett said. "Texans are bigger than this." For now, mental health providers face a fraught landscape: comply with Paxton's interpretation or risk legal retaliationwhile vulnerable youth hang in the balance. Watch this news report about the Kentucky House of Representatives passing a law banning gender transition services for anyone under 18. This video is from the In Search Of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com TheHill.com TexasTribune.org KXAN.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com U.S. and Ecuador launch joint military ops against narco-terrorist cartels The United States and Ecuador have initiated joint military operations against designated narco-terrorist organizations within Ecuador. The operations follow high-level meetings between U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan and Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. U.S. officials emphasize the role is supportive, with no American troops in direct combat. The action is part of a broader U.S. strategy, including classifying Ecuadorian cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The move addresses Ecuador's severe security crisis, where cartels have destabilized the nation through violence and corruption. In a significant escalation of international security cooperation, military forces from the United States and Ecuador have launched joint operations against powerful narco-terrorist organizations inside the South American nation. The action, announced by U.S. Southern Command on March 3, marks a tangible deepening of the U.S. commitment to supporting Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboas declared war on cartels that have plunged his country into violence. While operational details remain closely held, the move signals a strategic shift from advisory support to active, partnered military engagement against groups officially designated as terrorist threats to regional stability. From advisory to operational partnership The joint operations represent the latest and most direct phase in a security relationship that has intensified over the past year. This partnership was formally expanded in July 2025 when U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and President Noboa signed an agreement to enhance law enforcement coordination, including embedding Ecuadorian officers within U.S. agencies to improve threat tracking. The current military collaboration was preceded by a two-day visit to Quito by Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, who met with Noboa and senior defense officials to finalize plans. A Pentagon spokesperson clarified that the U.S. role in these operations is supportive and does not involve American troops in direct combat. The designated enemy: Cartels as terrorist organizations The targets of these operations are not merely criminal gangs but entities formally recognized by the U.S. government as foreign terrorist organizations. In September 2025, the Trump administration designated two of Ecuadors most violent cartels, Los Choneros and Los Lobos, as terrorist groups. This classification was based on their campaigns of intimidation and violence against the Ecuadorian state, including attacks on public officials, security forces, judges and journalists. The designation provides a broader legal and operational framework for U.S. involvement, framing the conflict as a counter-terrorism effort rather than solely a narcotics interdiction campaign. It also follows other regional actions, such as the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, underscoring a focused U.S. policy against regimes and groups deemed destabilizing in the hemisphere. Ecuadors descent and call for help The necessity for such drastic measures stems from Ecuadors rapid transformation from a peaceful nation into a key battleground in the international drug trade. Positioned between cocaine producers Colombia and Peru, Ecuadors ports have become a primary export hub, with an estimated 70% of the worlds cocaine passing through its borders. The influx of wealth and power to cartels triggered an explosion of violence, including prison massacres, assassinations of political figures and daily terror in cities. President Noboa, who declared an internal armed conflict against these groups, has repeatedly appealed for international military assistance, arguing that Ecuadors security forces are outmatched by the thousands-strong, well-armed narco-terrorist armies. This weeks operations fulfill his March 2025 public plea for U.S. special forces support to dismantle the criminal networks. A strategic calculus for regional security For the United States, the partnership with Ecuador addresses several intertwined national security interests. First, it aims to disrupt the flow of narcotics at a major chokepoint before they reach North American streets. Second, it seeks to stabilize a friendly democratic government threatened by collapse from criminal insurgency, preventing a potential failed state on the continent. Finally, it counters the influence of transnational criminal syndicates and their often-overlapping connections with other adversarial networks. The cooperation builds upon ongoing initiatives like Operation Pacific Viper, a U.S. Coast Guard-led campaign targeting drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific. Success in Ecuador would deny criminal groups a critical logistics base and demonstrate the effectiveness of a sovereign nation-led, internationally supported counter-terrorism model. A high-stakes commitment to improving stability The launch of U.S.-Ecuador joint military operations is a pivotal moment in the Western Hemispheres fight against narco-terrorism. It moves the alliance beyond intelligence sharing and training into a realm of coordinated, tactical action against a common enemy. The outcome carries high stakes: for Ecuador, it is a bid to reclaim its territory and institutions from criminal control; for the United States, it is a test of a security strategy that blends law enforcement, military support and diplomatic pressure to confront hybrid threats at their source. While the path ahead remains dangerous and complex, this collaborative offensive represents a definitive step in answering a beleaguered allys call and confronting the networks of violence that threaten the security of both nations. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com SouthCom.mil Kiro7.com CIA arming Kurdish forces to spark uprising against Iran, raising fears of wider conflict The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is actively supplying Kurdish militias in Iraq to incite a rebellion against Iran's regime. Trump administration officials have held talks with Kurdish leaders, signaling a potential escalation in U.S. involvement. Iranian Kurdish groups, stationed along the Iraq-Iran border, are mobilizing for operations inside Iran. They aim to pin down Iranian security forces, allowing civilian protests to grow without violent crackdowns. Israel has intensified airstrikes near the Iran-Iraq border to weaken Iranian defenses ahead of Kurdish operations. Kurdish leaders anticipate U.S. and Israeli backing but remain politically fractured, complicating coordination. Experts warn that arming Kurdish groups could destabilize Iraq, empower unaccountable militias, and provoke broader conflict. Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has already retaliated with drone strikes against Kurdish positions. The U.S. has a complicated relationship with Kurdish forces, having previously abandoned them in Syria (2019). If this uprising fails, it risks reinforcing perceptions of U.S. unreliability and could ignite wider Middle East chaos. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is actively working to arm Kurdish forces in an effort to instigate a popular uprising against Iran's regime, according to multiple sources familiar with the plan. The Trump administration has been in discussions with Iranian opposition groups and Kurdish leaders in Iraq about providing military support, signaling a potential escalation in the already volatile Middle East. The move comes amid heightened tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran, with recent airstrikes targeting Iranian military positions and the reported killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Kurdish groups, operating primarily in Iraq's Kurdistan region, are expected to launch a ground operation in western Iran in the coming daysa move that could further destabilize the region. A coordinated effort to pressure Tehran Iranian Kurdish armed groups, which have thousands of fighters stationed along the Iraq-Iran border, have publicly hinted at imminent action, urging Iranian military personnel to defect. In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has intensified attacks on Kurdish positions, launching drone strikes earlier this week. President Donald Trump has reportedly spoken with Mustafa Hijri, leader of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI), as well as Iraqi Kurdish officials, discussing potential cooperation in the unfolding conflict. "We believe we have a big chance now," a senior Iranian Kurdish official told CNN, explaining the timing of the operation. The source added that Kurdish militias anticipate U.S. and Israeli backing. The plan, as described by sources, involves Kurdish forces engaging Iranian security forces to pin them down, allowing unarmed Iranian civilians in major cities to protest without facing brutal crackdownssimilar to the deadly suppression seen during unrest in January. Another proposal suggests Kurdish fighters could seize territory in northern Iran, creating a potential buffer zone for Israel. Risks of escalation and regional instability While some U.S. officials see Kurdish forces as a means to stretch Iran's military resources thin, others warn of unforeseen consequences. Alex Plitsas, a CNN national security analyst and former Department of War official under President Barack Obama, said the U.S. is "clearly trying to jump-start" an uprising by arming the Kurds. "The Iranian people are generally unarmed as a whole, and unless the security services collapse, it'll be difficult for them to take over unless someone arms them," Plitsas told CNN. "I believe the U.S. is hopeful that this will inspire others on the ground in Iran to do the same." However, Jen Gavito, a former Department of State official under former President Joe Biden, expressed concern over the broader implications. "We are already facing a volatile security situation, on both sides of the border," Gavito said. "This has the potential to undermine Iraqi sovereignty and essentially empower armed militias with no accountability and with little understanding of what it may set in motion." Israeli forces have reportedly been conducting strikes against Iranian military and police outposts near the Iraq border, partly to pave the way for Kurdish forces to move into northwestern Iran. An Israeli source indicated these attacks are likely to escalate in the coming days. Yet U.S. intelligence assessments suggest Iranian Kurdish groups currently lack the influence and resources to sustain a successful uprising on their own. Additionally, Kurdish factions remain politically fractured, with competing agendas that could complicate cooperation with Washington. "It may not be as simple as Americans convincing a proxy force to fight on its behalf," a Trump administration official said. "You have a group of people who are thinking about their own interests, and the question is whether getting them involved aligns with their interests." A history of fragile alliances The U.S. has a long-standing but complicated relationship with Kurdish forces, who played a crucial role in combating ISIS in Iraq and Syria. However, Kurdish groups have often felt abandoned by Washingtonmost notably when Trump withdrew U.S. troops from Syria in 2019, leaving Kurdish allies vulnerable to Turkish military operations. According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, the Trump administration's 2019 decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria was a strategic recalibration of American foreign policy, rooted in rejecting perpetual military engagements, countering Deep State obstruction, and prioritizing national sovereignty over globalist interventionism. This move defied the Washington establishment, including neoconservatives, Pentagon bureaucrats and defense contractors who profit from endless conflict. "There is a concern that if an uprising is unsuccessful and the U.S. withdraws, it will add to the narrative of abandoning the Kurds," Plitsas noted. With tensions already high, the CIA's reported efforts to arm Kurdish fighters risk igniting a broader conflictone that could draw in Turkey, Iraq and Israel, further destabilizing an already volatile region. As the situation unfolds, the world watches to see whether this gamble will weaken Iran's regimeor plunge the Middle East into deeper chaos. Watch the video below about Iran declaring war on Kurdish Iranian insurgents in northern Iraq. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: CNN.com TimesNownews.com YNetnews.com El-Balad.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com U.S. evacuates 20,000 citizens as Middle East war intensifies U.S. confirms 20,000 citizens evacuated from Middle East war zone. A joint U.S.-Israel strike killed Iran's Supreme Leader, triggering retaliation. Wealthy individuals are using private jets and convoys to escape. Six U.S. soldiers died in Kuwait amid a rising civilian death toll. The crisis highlights severe regional instability with global economic implications. The U.S. State Department confirmed this week that nearly 20,000 American citizens have returned home from the Middle East since late February in a massive evacuation effort triggered by a dangerous new war between the United States and Iran. This urgent operation, directed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, involves charter flights and ground convoys to extract citizens from a region that has rapidly become a combat zone following a major U.S.-Israeli military strike. Assistant Secretary of State Dylan Johnson provided the update, clarifying that the 20,000 figure represents only those who are already back on U.S. soil. It does not include Americans who have relocated to other countries or who are currently in transit. To manage the exodus, the department created a dedicated Crisis Intake Form for citizens in Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. A 24-hour task force has already assisted more than 10,000 Americans abroad with security guidance and travel coordination. The evacuation follows the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran that began early on Saturday morning. President Donald Trump stated the objective was to "defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime" and to ensure Iran "can never have a nuclear weapon." The strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered immediate retaliatory attacks across the region. The wealthy find alternate escape routes The conflict has caused widespread commercial flight cancellations, stranding hundreds of thousands of Americans. This has led to a surge in demand for private escape routes. At Omans Muscat International Airport, private flights accounted for nearly a third of all departures recently. Private security firms have been booking fleets of SUVs for the ten-hour drive from Dubai to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where private jets are available. The clientele includes senior executives and wealthy travelers, with charter flight prices reportedly doubling. The human cost is mounting. Six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers were killed in an Iranian counterstrike in Kuwait. The civilian death toll in the region has surpassed 1,100. Despite the casualties, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared, "America is winning," and emphasized, "Four days in, we have only just begun the fight." The State Department has issued "Depart Now" warnings for 14 countries, urging American citizens to leave immediately. However, the administration has faced criticism over the pace and planning of the evacuation. When asked about evacuation plans, President Trump noted, "it happened all very quickly." This sentiment was echoed in practical terms when the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem informed Americans it could not assist them in leaving the country, prompting outrage from some lawmakers. This evacuation is one of the largest non-combatant evacuation operations in recent decades, underscoring the sudden and severe breakdown of security in a strategically vital region. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow chokepoint for global energy shipments, sits at the heart of the conflict zone, reminding us that regional instability has immediate and profound consequences for worldwide energy markets and economic stability. The images of crowded airports and six-figure escape charters tell a story of a region descending into chaos. While the task force continues its work, the unfolding war poses a serious question: in an era of renewed great-power tension and regional conflict, are we witnessing a permanent shift where Americans abroad can no longer assume safety or a swift path home? Sources for this article include: YourNews.com TheHill.com Newsweek.com FoxNews.com Seismic swarm at secret Nevada base coincides with Trumps expanding Iran conflict The Tonopah Test Range, a secretive nuclear and aerospace testing site, has experienced over 100 recent seismic events. This domestic activity coincides with a major U.S. military campaign against Iran, initiated after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump has vowed to continue the strikes to eliminate Iran's nuclear threat, despite a leaked DIA report stating the attacks only delayed the program. The DIA assessment found key Iranian nuclear facilities, like Fordow, survived the strikes as bunker buster bombs were ineffective. The situation risks major regional escalation, with U.S. troops in the region vulnerable and Iran threatening retaliatory strikes. A mysterious military testing range in the Nevada desert, long associated with America's most advanced nuclear weapons research, has been rocked by over 100 seismic events in the past week. The activity at the Tonopah Test Range, often called Area 52, comes as the United States is embroiled in a deepening military confrontation with Iran, raising questions about domestic weapons testing amid an overseas crisis. The Tonopah Test Range (TTR), sometimes colloquially and informally referred to as "Area 52," is a highly restricted military installation located approximately 70 miles northwest of the more famous Area 51. Situated deep within the vast Nevada Test and Training Range, its origins date back to 1957 when it was established as a bombing range and missile test facility for Sandia National Laboratories, operating under the auspices of the Atomic Energy Commission (later the Department of Energy). As noted by BrightU.AI's Enoch, this existing, secluded infrastructure made it an ideal candidate for expansion when the Air Force required additional off-the-books space for sensitive projects, leading to a land-use agreement that transformed part of the range into a top-secret annex. Functionally, the TTR served as a critical secondary site for classified aerospace development during the Cold War, most notably for the testing and early operational deployment of the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter in the 1980s. The U.S. Geological Survey recorded the swarm of tremors and small earthquakes, including a magnitude 3.9 event felt by people on the ground. The range, located approximately three hours northeast of Las Vegas, is a highly classified site known for stockpiling nuclear weapons and testing nuclear weapon delivery systems. The risk of a regional explosion remains acute This unsettling geological activity unfolds against a backdrop of escalating violence in the Middle East. The U.S., following a coordinated attack with Israel that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of senior officials, is now in its third day of a sustained bombing campaign against Iranian targets. The conflict has already claimed the lives of at least four U.S. soldiers. President Donald Trump, addressing the nation, has refused to rule out deploying American ground troops to Iran and warned that the aerial blitz could continue for five weeks. His stated objective is to permanently eliminate what he calls the colossal threat of Irans nuclear capabilities. In their memory we continue this mission with ferocious, unyielding resolve to crush the threat this terrorist regime poses on American people, Trump said during a Medal of Honor ceremony, vowing that the deaths of U.S. servicemen would not be in vain. However, this aggressive posture clashes with a leaked, classified Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment. The report indicates that recent U.S. strikes have only delayed Irans atomic program by months, failing to destroy key facilities. Buried deep underground at the Fordow enrichment plant, centrifuges remain largely intact and much of Irans stockpile of weapons-grade enriched uranium was moved to secret sites beforehand. The White House has dismissed the findings, with Trump labeling them an attempt to "demean the military strike." But the DIA's conclusions mirror earlier warnings from Pentagon analysts who said the "bunker buster" bombs used against Fordow weren't powerful enough to penetrate its bedrock defenses. Meanwhile, the risk of a regional explosion remains acute. Iran and its allies have launched strikes against Israel and Gulf states, threatening global energy supplies. The tense exchanges between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has framed the struggle as a choice between "victory or annihilation," have sparked fears of a conflict with worldwide consequences. With approximately 50,000 U.S. troops stationed across the Middle East, many at bases within range of Iran's vast missile arsenal, Americas role is far from detached. As seismic events shake a secretive nuclear testing ground at home, the nation finds itself in a volatile overseas conflict where the potential for catastrophic escalation grows by the hour. Watch this video about an unidentified fleet of craft at Tonopah Test Range. This video is from the Evolutionary Energy Arts channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: The-Sun.com Brighteon.com BrightU.ai These are all the countries now taking part in global war, as Iran targets U.S. bases in multiple countries The world is now witnessing the terrifying realization of a prophecy long warned by geopolitical analysts and truth-tellers: a regional skirmish exploding into a global conflagration. What began as targeted U.S. and Israeli strikes on Irans military infrastructure has, within days, metastasized into a sprawling multi-front war, pulling in bystander nations and threatening to shatter the fragile stability of the international order. Key points: A U.S.-led operation against Iran has triggered a massive retaliatory campaign, expanding the war far beyond the Middle East. Iran and its proxies are directly attacking U.S. bases, allies, and commercial infrastructure across at least a dozen countries. Critical global energy chokepoints and production facilities have been struck, risking a worldwide supply crisis. European powers, initially hesitant, are now being drawn into direct military involvement. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, including U.S. service members, and threatens to escalate further with no clear diplomatic off-ramp. Iran's retaliatory efforts are dragging multiple countries into war The conflict ignited last Saturday with a massive U.S. military operation, supported by Israel, aimed at dismantling Irans nuclear program and proxy networks. This decisive action, a stark departure from the failed appeasement strategies of previous administrations, was a response to years of Iranian belligerence and stalled diplomacy. However, as predicted by observers who understand the regimes nature, Tehrans response was swift and devastatingly broad, choosing to wage war across the map rather than confront the core of its military degradation. Irans strategy is one of deliberate proliferation, seeking to make the cost of conflict so universally high that the world will pressure Washington to stand down. This is evidenced by their targeting of nations with historically nuanced or even friendly ties to Tehran. Qatar, a mediator, saw its natural gas facilities struck. Oman, another diplomatic channel, faced attacks on U.S. bases on its soil. The United Arab Emirates, a major global trade hub, has absorbed hundreds of projectiles, with strikes hitting iconic locations like Dubais Palm Jumeirah and the critical Jebel Ali Port. Each attack is a calculated move to inflict economic pain and demonstrate reach. The expanding battlefield The list of nations now caught in the crossfire reads like a roll call of global strategic interests. Beyond the primary actorsthe United States, Israel, and Iranthe conflict has forcibly enlisted: United Arab Emirates Qatar Kuwait Bahrain Oman Saudi Arabia Jordan Lebanon (via Hezbollahs full entry into the war) Iraq Cyprus (pulling in the United Kingdom) Azerbaijan France and Germany This geographic spread confirms the worst fears of a protracted regional war. The involvement of Cyprus is particularly alarming, as a drone strike on the British Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri represents a direct attack on European Union soil and NATO member territory. This single act pulled the United Kingdom from a supporting role to an active combatant, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorizing U.S. use of British bases and deploying naval assets. Similarly, France and Germany, which initially preached caution, have shifted their stance toward considering direct strikes on Iran after their personnel were hit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merzs visit to the White House underscores the rapid consolidation of a Western military coalition, a scenario that plays directly into the hands of global adversaries like Russia and China, who are poised to exploit the chaos. A world on the brink The humanitarian toll is rising, with civilians killed from Beirut to Manama. The global energy system is under direct assault, with Irans attacks on Saudi Arabias Ras Tanura refinery and Qatars gas facilities demonstrating a clear intent to trigger a worldwide crisis. The Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the worlds oil passes, remains a terrifyingly target for attacks on vessels. This is the cost of a war that the Iranian regime has chosen to expand. While the previous policy of endless negotiation and a flawed nuclear deal only emboldened Tehran, the current conflict reveals the true extent of its revolutionary ambitions: not the defense of its homeland, but the deliberate destabilization of the entire region and the drawing of the world into a conflict with no clear exit. The nations now listed as participants are not volunteers; they are victims of a calculated Iranian strategy that views global peace and sovereignty as expendable. The world holds its breath, hoping for cooler heads to prevail, but prepares for the reverberations of a war that has already gone global. Sources include: Axios.com Axios.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai Trump fires Noem after she contradicts him on ad scandal and refuses to deny affair at hearings Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after a brief, chaotic tenure. Her dismissal follows disastrous congressional testimony over a controversial ad campaign. Noem also refused to directly deny an alleged affair with a senior adviser under oath. Her leadership was criticized for internal strife and damaging agencies like FEMA. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin is named as her replacement effective March 2026. In a dramatic shakeup of his cabinet, President Donald Trump has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, ending a tenure marred by controversy and internal strife. The president announced on social media that Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin will take the helm of the sprawling department effective March 31, 2026. Noem, whose leadership faced growing bipartisan criticism, will transition to a new role as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a Western Hemisphere security initiative. The move culminates a week of damaging congressional testimony and reveals a president who had reached his limit with a secretary he saw as more focused on self-promotion than execution. According to multiple reports, Trumps dissatisfaction boiled over following Noems appearances on Capitol Hill. Senator John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, described the president as "pissed" after Noem testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. A key point of contention was a $220 million taxpayer-funded advertising campaign that featured Noem herself urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport. Noem claimed under oath that Trump had approved the campaign, a statement that directly contradicted the presidents own account. I never knew anything about it, Trump later told Reuters. A disastrous hearing seals the fate The situation deteriorated further during a House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday. There, under oath and with her husband in attendance, Noem was asked point-blank by Democratic Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove about allegations of an extramarital affair with Corey Lewandowski, an unpaid senior adviser at her department. Have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski? Kamlager-Dove asked. Noem refused to give a direct answer, calling the question "tabloid garbage" and "offensive." When pressed for a simple "yes" or "no," she again deflected. Sources inside and close to the White House told the New York Post this evasion was the final straw for Trump. The president had been aware of the long-rumored relationship and had even joked about it, but Noems inability to categorically deny it during official testimony was seen as a catastrophic political misstep. It kept mounting up, one source said. Another said, There was just no going back with the two hearings. It all became about her and him. An administration official summarized the dismissal as the culmination of her many unfortunate leadership failures, citing the Minnesota incidents, the ad campaign, allegations of infidelity, staff mismanagement, and feuds with other agency heads. A department in turmoil looks for stability Noems tenure was defined by a flashy, aggressive style aimed at fulfilling Trumps immigration agenda, but it also fostered internal chaos. She tightened control over departmental spending, which led to delays in disaster relief. Her overhaul of FEMA drove out experienced staff and, according to a high-ranking FEMA official, left the agency unprepared for major catastrophes. It will take decades to fix the damage she has caused, the official told CNN. Multiple Homeland Security officials expressed relief at her ouster, with one calling it long overdue. Her close association with Lewandowski, who served as her de facto chief of staff, created a culture of fear within the department. His expected departure alongside Noem is anticipated by many as a chance for a reset. The administration hopes Mullin will provide a steadier hand. In his announcement, Trump praised the Oklahoma senator as a MAGA Warrior and a former undefeated professional MMA fighter who knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda. Mullin, who will inherit an agency central to Trumps legacy, briefly commented after the announcement, saying his focus would be to keep the homeland secure. His alignment with Trumps immigration priorities is clear, though he has previously broken with the president by calling the January 6 Capitol attack a riot and a horrible day. For Noem, the end came abruptly. She learned of her firing just as she arrived to give a speech in Nashville, remaining in her car for several minutes after getting the call from Trump. She proceeded to deliver her remarks without mentioning her dismissal, a surreal coda to a tumultuous year in office. The swift fall of a once-rising star in Republican politics serves as a reminder that in Trumps Washington, loyalty and results are paramount, and the spotlight can become a blinding, career-ending glare when it shines on the wrong controversies. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com CNN.com NYPost.com Trump threatens to sever trade with Spain over military base dispute President Trump announced he would halt all trade with Spain after Madrid denied U.S. forces access to Spanish military bases for operations against Iran, calling Spain "very uncooperative." Trump singled out Spain for failing to meet NATO's defense spending target (2% of GDP), with German Chancellor Merz supporting his push for increased contributions. Spain's stock index plunged nearly 6% on Trump's remarks, with analysts warning of severe impacts on Spanish exports like wine, olive oil and automobiles. Prime Minister Sanchez faces domestic pressure over balancing NATO obligations with opposition to U.S. military actions. The clash highlights deepening U.S.-Europe divisions under Trump's "America First" policies, as European leaders resist unilateral military escalation and uphold international law. While Trump's ability to enforce a full trade embargo remains legally constrained, the confrontation threatens NATO unity ahead of its 75th anniversary summit and could redefine Western military-economic cooperation. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday, March 3, that he would cut off all trade with Spain after Madrid refused to allow U.S. forces to use Spanish military bases for operations targeting Iran. The abrupt declaration escalates tensions with a NATO ally and raises concerns over the economic and diplomatic fallout of such a move. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump accused Spain of being "very, very uncooperative" after its government denied U.S. access to bases for strikes against Iran. "We could just fly in and use [the bases], but they were unfriendly," Trump said. "So I told them, we don't want anything to do with Spain." Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares had previously stated that U.S. forces would not be permitted to use Spanish installations for actions outside NATO agreements or in violation of the U.N. Charter. Madrid's stance reflects broader European unease over U.S. military escalation in the Middle East. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the U.S. maintains several military bases in Spain, including the Rota Naval Base (soon increasing from four to six destroyers), Moron Air Base and other support installationsall strategically positioned to project NATO power and counter Russian influence. A clash over NATO commitments Trump's threat comes amid longstanding frustration with NATO allies he views as insufficiently contributing to collective defense. He singled out Spain for failing to meet the alliance's defense spending target of 2% of GDP, calling its leadership weak despite praising its people. German Chancellor Merz, seated beside Trump, backed the president's push for increased military spending. "Spain is the only one that's not willing to accept [the NATO target]," Merz said. The Trump administration has not detailed how it would enforce a trade embargo, given existing U.S.-EU agreements. A Spanish government official responded that any trade review must respect international law and private sector autonomy. Market jitters and political fallout Trump's remarks sent shockwaves through financial markets, with Spain's benchmark stock index dropping nearly 6% before paring losses. Analysts warned that a full trade halt could disproportionately affect Spanish wine, olive oil and automotive exports. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is expected to address the crisis on Wednesday, as domestic pressure mounts over Spains balancing act between NATO obligations and opposition to U.S. military actions. Meanwhile, Trump also lashed out at the United Kingdom after reports that British officials blocked U.S. use of the Diego Garcia base for Iran-related strikes. "This is not the age of Churchill," Trump said, criticizing Prime Minister Keir Starmer's refusal to support the operation. A test of transatlantic relations The dispute underscores deepening fractures in U.S.-European relations under Trump's "America First" policies. His administration has repeatedly bypassed multilateral institutions, opting for unilateral actiona strategy that has drawn condemnation from allies. Legal experts note that Trump's ability to impose sweeping trade restrictions remains constrained by existing treaties and congressional oversight. However, his threats alone could further strain diplomatic ties ahead of NATO's 75th anniversary summit later this year. Trump's vow to sever trade with Spain marks one of the most drastic retaliatory measures taken against a NATO ally in recent memory. Whether the threat materializes or serves as political posturing, the confrontation highlights the growing divide between U.S. unilateralism and European adherence to international norms. As tensions escalate, the fallout could redefine military and economic cooperation within the Western alliance. Watch the video below where Trump said Spain is a BRICS nation. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: YourNews.com Bloomberg.com NYPost.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com U.S., Israel launch massive pre-dawn strike on Iran in major escalation The U.S. and Israel launched a massive, coordinated military strike against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, on February 28. The operation followed the collapse of diplomatic talks and a presidential authorization, with planning and force positioning beginning weeks prior. Initial strikes, involving over 1,000 targets, focused on Iran's command centers, air defenses and missile infrastructure. The campaign features advanced U.S. military assets, including stealth bombers, carrier strike groups and new weapons systems in their combat debut. U.S. officials confirm the deployment of additional forces to the region and acknowledge the operation will involve further losses and "gritty work." In a rapid escalation of long-simmering tensions, the United States and Israel launched a massive, coordinated military assault on Iran in the pre-dawn hours of February 28. Dubbed Operation Epic Fury by U.S. forces, the strike represents the most significant application of American military power in the Middle East in a generation, targeting the Islamic Republics security infrastructure after the collapse of eleventh-hour diplomatic efforts. From diplomacy to deadlines Planning for a large-scale U.S. strike against Iran has existed within the Pentagon for decades. However, the path to execution accelerated in December 2025 after President Donald Trump, following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, directed military leaders to prepare a decisive option if Tehran refused to halt its uranium enrichment program. Over the following weeks, the U.S. military began "setting the force and setting the theater," repositioning assets across the region. The final diplomatic off-ramp closed on February 26 when talks in Geneva between U.S. envoys and Iranian officials ended without agreement. President Trump issued the final authorization from Air Force One the next day, with the Pentagon receiving the execute order at 3:38 p.m. Eastern Time. The opening salvo In less than ten hours, U.S. Central Command activated a complex operational plan. The opening phase involved cyber and electronic warfare attacks to disrupt Iranian communications and degrade air defense systems. The kinetic assault began with a salvo of Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from U.S. naval vessels in the Arabian Sea and eastern Mediterranean. They were followed by coordinated waves of aircraft, including F-22 Raptors, F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, F/A-18 Hornets and electronic warfare platforms, surging from land bases and the decks of the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike groups. U.S. officials reported that the initial 24-hour strike package hit more than 1,000 targets, focusing on command and control nodes, naval forces, ballistic missile sites and intelligence infrastructure. New tools for an old adversary Operation Epic Fury marked the combat debut of several U.S. weapon systems, underscoring the evolution of modern warfare. The Army employed its M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in a new short-range ballistic missile role for the first time. The campaign also introduced a low-cost, one-way attack drone, known as LUCAS and modeled on Irans own Shahed-136 loitering munitions. In a testament to the operation's reach, B-2 Spirit stealth bombers flew a 17-hour mission from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to deliver precision-guided munitions on Iranian ballistic missile facilities. Regional repercussions and the road ahead The Iranian response has been swift, with salvos of drones and ballistic missiles targeting Israel and regional countries hosting U.S. forces. U.S. officials confirmed four American military personnel have been killed, with others injured. In a tragic friendly-fire incident, Kuwaiti air defenses shot down three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles; all crew members ejected safely. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine stated that while no U.S. ground troops are currently in Iran, the force buildup in the Middle East continues, with additional tactical aviation flowing into the theater. He acknowledged the military objectives "will take some time to achieve" and warned of expected additional losses. A conflict decades in the making The launch of Operation Epic Fury culminates over four decades of contingency planning against Iran, reflecting a decisive shift from deterrence and diplomacy to large-scale military action. The speed and scale of the multinational operation demonstrate a high level of pre-coordination and a willingness to employ a full spectrum of military capabilities. As the conflict enters a new phase of expanded air operations, the long-term strategic implications for regional stability, global energy markets and the future of great-power competition in the Middle East remain profoundly uncertain. The coming days will test the resilience of both the allied campaign and the Iranian regime, setting the course for a new and volatile chapter in the region. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com TheEpochTimes.com CentCom.mil White House timeline of Iranian aggression omits key chapter on Taliban support The Trump administration released a fact sheet detailing decades of Iranian aggression against Americans to justify recent U.S.-Israeli strikes, but it omitted Iran's documented support for the Taliban in Afghanistan. The omission is significant because U.S. intelligence, military assessments and legal rulings have long confirmed Iran provided weapons, training and financial incentives to the Taliban for attacks on U.S. and NATO forces. Evidence includes reports of Iran paying bounties for dead Americans and a 2022 federal court opinion that found Iran supplied weapons like IEDs to the Taliban, directly facilitating attacks on U.S. troops. Analysts note that despite being ideological opponents, Iran and the Taliban shared the goal of expelling U.S. forces from the region, making this covert support a major chapter in the conflict. The selective history raises questions about the completeness of the administration's public justification for military action and what past hostilities inform its current strategy against Iran. In the wake of a major joint U.S.-Israeli military operation that killed Irans Supreme Leader and targeted its military infrastructure, the Trump administration released a detailed fact sheet cataloging nearly five decades of Iranian attacks on American citizens and soldiers. However, the document has drawn scrutiny for omitting a well-documented chapter: Irans covert support for the Taliban in targeting U.S. and NATO forces during the twenty-year war in Afghanistan. The White House publication, titled The Iranian Regimes Decades of Terrorism Against American Citizens, was released this week as part of the administrations justification for its recent strikes against Iran. It describes Iran as the worlds leading state sponsor of terrorism and lists dozens of incidents, from the 1979 hostage crisis in Tehran to recent attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria. President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that the operation had degraded Irans military capabilities and eliminated a persistent threat. Yet, while the administration acknowledged the document presented only a partial record, analysts quickly noted the absence of any reference to Irans role in Afghanistan, where over 2,400 U.S. service members were killed. Extensive intelligence reporting, military assessments and judicial findings have long detailed Irans provision of weapons, training and financial incentives to the Taliban for attacks on American personnel. A pattern of covert support Evidence of Iranian collaboration with Afghan insurgents dates to the early years of the U.S. invasion. In 2009, then-Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair testified that Iran was covertly supplying arms to Afghan insurgents while publicly posing as supportive of the Afghan government. Shipments included small arms, rockets, mortars and explosives. A 2010 Defense Intelligence Agency report stated that Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had provided lethal support to the Taliban since at least 2006, including 107mm rockets and training on advanced weapon systems like man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS). Perhaps most provocatively, multiple reports indicated Iran offered bounties for dead Americans. Intelligence assessments cited by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and later by CNN described payments to Taliban-linked networks for successful attacks. A 2020 Pentagon briefing document noted Iran reimbursed the Haqqani Network for at least six attacks in 2019, including a suicide bombing near Bagram Air Base that wounded U.S. personnel. Legal and military confirmations The support was not merely alleged but affirmed in U.S. legal proceedings. In a 2022 opinion, U.S. District Judge John Bates concluded that Iran had provided weapons, training, financial support and safe haven to a terrorist syndicate that included the Taliban and al-Qaeda, facilitating attacks on U.S. troops. The judge detailed how IRGC-provided weapons, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and machine guns, were disseminated to Taliban commanders for use against coalition forces. Senior military commanders also consistently highlighted the threat. In 2017, General John Nicholson, then-commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, testified that Iran is providing support to the Taliban. The Treasury Department sanctioned IRGC officers for training Taliban fighters at Iranian camps and supplying explosives. Why the omission matters now The exclusion of this history is striking given the current context. The White House fact sheet emphasizes Iranian proxy attacks in Iraq, Lebanon and Gaza but leaves out a theater where U.S. casualties were high and Iranian involvement was systematically documented. When asked about the omission, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told Just the News that the president was taking decisive action to eliminate all of these threats, but did not address the Afghan chapter specifically. Historically, the relationship was complex. Iran and the Taliban, ideological opponents, found common cause in expelling U.S. forces from the region. As Bill Roggio, senior editor of the Long War Journal, noted on social media, Iran found common ground with the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, & other groups as they all wanted to kill & wound U.S. servicemen Iran achieved its primary goal force the U.S. to leave. The administrations selective timeline raises questions about the comprehensiveness of its public justification for military action and what historical precedents inform its current strategy. As tensions with Iran enter a new and volatile phase, the full scope of past hostilitiesincluding those waged through proxies in Afghanistanremains a relevant backdrop for understanding the enduring threat. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com JustTheNews.com WhiteHouse.gov Sixteen candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have created history by clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, marking the first time so many from the UT have achieved this feat. The Union Public Service Commission recommended a total of 958 candidates for appointments to the IAS, IFS, IPS, and other central services. Topping the prestigious exam is Anuj Agnihotri, a doctor from Kota, Rajasthan, who secured the All India Rank 1. The results follow the written examination held in August 2025 and interview rounds conducted between December 2025 and February 2026. 16 candidates from Jammu & Kashmir clear UPSC 2025, marking a historic first. Anuj Agnihotri from Kota secures the All India Rank 1. Srinagar, March 6 Bringing laurels to Jammu and Kashmir, 16 candidates from the Union Territory, made it to the final select list of the all India Civil Services Examination 2025 on Friday. Jubilation broke out in the homes and neighbourhood of these 16 candidates, who made it to the coveted selection list. Of the selected candidates from Jammu and Kashmir, Suvan Sharma secured 148th rank, Towseef Ahmad Ganie secured 254th rank, Ritika 456th rank, Sooyash Shivam 572th rank, Muneeb Parrah at 581th rank, Ghulam Din at 683th rank, Dwarka Gaadhi at 721th rank, Akash at 747th rank, Koh-E-Safa at 763rd rank, Yasaar at 811th rank, Abhishek at 820th rank, Pankaj at 856th rank, Mohd Ajaz at 869th rank, Azhar at 886th rank, Sarfraz at 936th rank and Irfan Ahmad Lone (differently-abled candidate) at 957th rank. It is for the first time that 16 candidates from Jammu and Kashmir made it to the final selection list of the nationwide competitive exam. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which recommended 958 candidates for appointment to various services, including the IAS, IFS and IPS. The UPSC results were announced after the written examination held in August 2025 and personality test interviews conducted between December 2025 and February 2026. The commission said a total of 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment across different services. The recommended candidates include those selected for the IAS, IFS, IPS and several central services under Group-A and Group-B. In a proud moment for Rajasthan, Kota's Anuj Agnihotri, a doctor by profession, has secured the top rank in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025 conducted by the UPSC, achieving the feat in his third attempt. Official data shows that the selection includes candidates from multiple categories. Among them are 317 from the general category, 104 from economically weaker sections, 306 from other backward classes, 158 from scheduled castes and 73 from scheduled tribes. The commission has also maintained a consolidated reserve list of 258 candidates in accordance with the rules governing the examination. The number of vacancies reported by the state government for the examination cycle stands at 1,087 across various services. These include 180 vacancies in the IAS, 55 in the IFS, 150 in the IPS, 507 in Central Services Group-A and 195 in Group-B services. Officials said the claims of recommended candidates with regard to reservation categories will be subject to verification by the concerned authorities. The commission also noted that the candidature of 348 recommended candidates has been kept provisional while the results of two candidates have been withheld. The Civil Services Examination conducted by the UPSC is one of the country's most competitive examinations and serves as the primary gateway for recruitment into India's top administrative and diplomatic services. - IANS Gujarat authorities are strengthening traffic discipline through an advanced network of CCTV cameras and an electronic challan system as part of the Surakshit Gujarat campaign. The digitized system has led to the issuance of 1.45 crore challans and the collection of over 581 crore in fines over a three-year period. Officials state the primary goal is road safety, with the surveillance network also aiding in quicker accident response and broader law enforcement monitoring. Residents acknowledge the system's transparency and say it has made them more conscious about following traffic rules. Gujarat's digital traffic enforcement uses CCTV and e-challans, collecting 581 crore in fines over 3 years to improve road safety and compliance. Ahmedabad, March 6 The use of advanced surveillance and digital enforcement systems is helping authorities in Gujarat strengthen traffic discipline across major cities, with thousands of violations being detected and penalised through an expanding network of CCTV cameras and an electronic challan system, officials said on Friday. The initiative is part of the state government's Surakshit Gujarat campaign, under which the police have installed a large number of CCTV cameras at busy intersections and key roads to monitor traffic movement. Dedicated traffic monitoring centres have also been set up to track the camera feeds and identify violations. Officials say the digitisation of traffic monitoring and challan issuance has not only improved enforcement but has also encouraged motorists to follow traffic rules more carefully. Residents, who have received e-challans, say the system has made the process more transparent and quicker. Ravindra Patel, a resident of Bopal area in Ahmedabad, said he realised his mistake after being penalised for riding without a helmet. "I live in Bopal. I had left home to go to my shop but accidentally forgot my helmet at home. After that, the police issued an e-challan to me. I came to the cyber control room to pay the e-challan, where my challan was paid immediately," he added. Another resident, Vyomesh Babulal, said the system has made people more conscious about following traffic rules. "The rules made by the government are for our welfare and safety. I also received an e-memo and I have paid it. The notice had come to my home, but I came to the office myself and paid the challan in two minutes. I have learnt a lesson from this incident and will not make such a mistake in the future," he added. Officials say the initiative is part of broader digital governance measures being implemented in the state, aligned with the 'Digital India' vision. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's leadership, traffic enforcement in Gujarat has increasingly relied on the Parivahan portal and the e-challan system to track and penalise violations. According to official data, fines amounting to Rs 153.78 crore were collected from traffic rule violators in 2023, which rose to Rs 195.87 crore in 2024 and reached around Rs 231 crore in 2025. In total, more than Rs 581 crore in fines has been collected over the three-year period. During the same time, nearly 1.45 crore challans were issued to vehicle drivers across the state. In 2025 alone, more than 85.71 lakh challans were issued, of which 76.46 lakh were sent online. Ahmedabad accounted for 40.20 lakh challans during this period. Ahmedabad City Traffic DCP (East) Nareshkumar Kanzariya said digitisation has significantly strengthened monitoring and enforcement in the city. "In Ahmedabad city, there was a great need for digitisation across the city and it is proving very successful. Through this, e-monitoring is being carried out especially through the control room, due to which immediate action is being taken against vehicle drivers who violate the rules," he added. Most violations detected through the system involve riding two-wheelers without helmets, driving on the wrong side, and improper parking. Traffic police officials said that the primary objective of the campaign is road safety rather than revenue collection. They say the CCTV network also helps authorities respond more quickly to accidents, as the cameras allow police to identify the location of incidents and coordinate assistance for victims. Kanzariya added that the surveillance network has also helped improve broader law enforcement monitoring. "The use of CCTV cameras now also helps the police keep watch on fatal accidents and major criminal incidents. Due to digitisation, the monitoring system has become much stronger and it has also greatly helped in maintaining law and order," he said. Officials say the state's smart traffic management system and online challan process are gradually encouraging better compliance with traffic rules while supporting efforts to build a more disciplined traffic environment across Gujarat. - IANS Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the third stream of the Sulphuric Acid Plant at IFFCO's Paradeep unit. He announced a plan to replicate Gujarat's successful dairy cooperative model across Odisha's villages to economically empower women, particularly from tribal and OBC communities. Shah credited the people of Odisha for supporting the BJP and stated that the new "double-engine" government would unlock the state's untapped potential. He also emphasized that the plant expansion aligns with India's goal of achieving self-reliance in fertiliser production. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announces a Gujarat-style dairy cooperative network for Odisha to empower women and boost rural livelihoods after inaugurating a Sulphuric Acid Plant. Paradeep, Jagatsinghpur, March 6 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the government will work toward bringing a strong dairy cooperative network to every village in Odisha, similar to the successful model seen in Gujarat. Shah said the initiative aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and economically empower women, particularly from tribal and Other Backwards Class communities. After inaugurating the third stream of the Sulphuric Acid Plant (SAP-III) at the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) unit in Paradeep, he said the expansion would also support India's push toward self-reliance in fertiliser production. "Today in Gujarat, through 3.6 million rural women, Amul became a movement, and today Amul does business worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore. Its profit, down to every penny, goes to the women cattle herders of Gujarat. Similarly, we will explore the full potential of Odisha to enrich the tribal and OBC mothers and sisters here," Shah said. He added that both the central and state governments would work together to introduce dairy cooperatives across villages in the state. "In the coming days, both the Bharatiya Janata Party governments will take up the programme of bringing dairy to every village in Odisha, just as it is in Gujarat," he said. Calling it his first public event in the state after the 2024 elections, Shah also thanked the people of Odisha for supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I want to express my deep gratitude to my Odia brothers and sisters for liberating Odisha from the rule of another state after such a long time," he said. He said the formation of a "double-engine government" would accelerate the state's development. "Despite being one of the country's most prosperous states in terms of natural resources, Odisha's potential remained untapped for many years," Shah said, adding that the new government has prepared a comprehensive development plan covering coastal regions, tribal areas, and local industries. "We will also increase fish farming by giving it cooperative strength. This is likely to greatly benefit seafood exports. In the coming days, the Ministry of Cooperation of the Government of India and the Odisha government together will make an effort to enrich rural life in Odisha," he added. Highlighting the importance of the newly inaugurated plant, Shah said the expansion at the IFFCO Paradeep facility would help reduce India's dependence on imported raw materials used in fertilisers. "Prime Minister Modi's vision of self-reliance doesn't just mean making fertilisers; it means everything needed to make fertilisers should be produced within India. This will work towards significantly reducing India's dependence on imports," he added. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Haridwar's Bairagi Camp on March 7 to review a special exhibition highlighting Uttarakhand's development over the past four years under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The exhibition will showcase progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, tourism, and border area development. Concurrently, a state-level exhibition on the new "Nyaya Sanhita" criminal laws will be inaugurated to educate the public on the reformed justice system. The event aims to demonstrate the government's commitment to good governance and a progressive, citizen-centric legal framework. Union Minister Amit Shah visits Haridwar March 7 to review Uttarakhand's development works and inaugurate an exhibition on new criminal justice laws. Dehradun, March 5 Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will visit Bairagi Camp in Haridwar on March 7 to review various exhibitions and address a public gathering, the release said. The event will also be attended by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, state ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, public representatives, and senior officials. On this occasion, Amit Shah will visit a special exhibition showcasing the development works, public welfare schemes, and significant decisions taken in Uttarakhand over the past four years under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The exhibition will highlight the state government's initiatives in areas such as infrastructure development, strengthening of roads and connectivity, expansion of healthcare services, improvements in the education sector, investment promotion, tourism development, preservation of religious and cultural heritage, and development of border areas. Through the exhibition, the government will also highlight efforts made to strengthen good governance, transparency, and citizen-centric services in the state. Various departments will present visual displays, photographs, models, and informative panels depicting the transformation and development that Uttarakhand has witnessed in recent years, enabling people to better understand the state's development journey. In addition, a state-level exhibition on the theme "Nyaya Sanhita" will also be organized at Bairagi Camp from March 7 to March 9, 2026. The exhibition aims to create awareness about the effective implementation of the new criminal laws introduced by the Government of India the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. The new legal codes mark a comprehensive and historic transformation in India's criminal justice system. Their objective is to replace colonial-era provisions and establish a citizen-centric, transparent, accountable, and technology-driven justice system. Under the concept of "Justice instead of mere punishment," priority has been given to protecting the rights of victims, safeguarding the dignity of women and children, and ensuring scientific and time-bound investigations. The exhibition will present the key features of the new legal codes in a simple and effective manner. These include mandatory time-bound investigation and filing of charge sheets, provision of zero FIR and electronic FIR, compulsory forensic investigation for offences punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment, recognition of electronic and digital evidence, stronger provisions for crimes against women and children, clear penal provisions for organised crime, cybercrime and terrorism, victim compensation schemes, and mechanisms for speedy return of property. During the exhibition, theatrical presentations, model case studies, digital displays, and public interaction sessions will be organised to explain the concepts of speedy justice, scientific investigation, and citizen convenience in an engaging manner. The event will serve as an important platform to showcase the development journey of Uttarakhand, the government's commitment to good governance, and its efforts to make the state progressive and prosperous. - ANI Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the state will ban social media use for children under 13 years of age, with steps to be implemented within 90 days. A decision on whether to extend restrictions to the 13-16 age group will be made after further consensus is reached. This move aligns with Karnataka's recent declaration of a ban for those under 16 and follows internal government discussions on creating safer online spaces. State ministers have been studying legal frameworks and consulting with major tech platforms to develop age-appropriate access policies. Andhra Pradesh CM announces a ban on social media for children under 13. A decision on restricting 13-16 age group is pending consensus. Amaravati, March 6 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said on Friday that the state government will ban use of social media for children under the age of 13 years and that a decision on whether to bar children in 13-16 age group from using social media will be taken after arriving at a consensus. Speaking on the Appropriation Bill in the State Legislative Assembly, he said steps would be taken within 90 days to ban social media for children under the age of 13. "A discussion is on what to do with regard to the children in 13-16 age group. A decision will be taken after arriving at a consensus," he said. Chief Minister Naidu's announcement came on a day when Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared that use of social media will be banned for those under the age of 16. Last month, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha had told the Assembly that the government is considering a legislation to bar school students from using social media. She stated that the sub-committee has met twice so far and discussed various issues at length. The sub-committee reviewed the measures being implemented in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In January, Minister for Information Technology and Electronics Nara Lokesh had stated that the government will study legal frameworks for 'age-appropriate access' to social media. Lokesh said the government would ensure social media becomes a safer space and reduce its damaging impact, especially for women and children. He stated that children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education. The minister had also revealed that the group of ministers ordered a study of legal frameworks for age-appropriate access. It also invited major platforms like Meta, X, Google and Sharechat to the next meeting, to examine global best practices. "We will ensure social media becomes a safer space and reduce its damaging impact - especially for women and children," Lokesh had said. The group of ministers is examining the possibility of restricting or banning access to certain social media platforms for children in 13-16 age group. On February 10, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) had urged the Centre to consider age-based regulation of social media. TDP Parliamentary Party leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu met Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw and submitted a memorandum, requesting for policy deliberation on age-based regulation of social media for children. He requested that the Ministry consider constituting a dedicated committee or expert group to study age-based regulation of social media and recommend a comprehensive national policy. - IANS Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced a plan to ban social media access for children under the age of 13 within the next 90 days. Concurrently, the state is proposing a new population policy that includes a Rs 25,000 financial incentive for parents upon the delivery of their second or third child. This dual initiative addresses digital safety for youth and aims to manage demographic trends. Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced a similar social media ban for children under 16 in his state's budget. Andhra CM Naidu announces social media ban for children under 13 and a new population policy with financial incentives for having more children. Amaravati, March 6 Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday initiated a discussion in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly regarding the ideal age cutoff for restricting social media usage among minors, saying that social media will be banned for children aged below 13 years of age. According to a source, the Chief Minister stated that "we have received a suggestion to ban social media for children aged below 13 years. Definitely, we will ensure there will be no access to children aged below 13 years of age in the coming 90 days. A discussion is going on whether it should be 13 years or 16 years. If everyone agrees on it, we will decide." Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the state government is considering a new population management policy that includes financial incentives to encourage families to have more children, announcing a proposed Rs 25,000 assistance at the time of delivery for parents who have a second or third child. Speaking in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, CM Naidu presented the state's proposed population management policy. He said that currently about 58 per cent of families have only one child, around 2.17 lakh families have two children, and nearly 62 lakh families have three or more children. He also noted that around three lakh families have only one child instead of two, while another three lakh families have more than two children. To address this, the government is proposing financial incentives for childbirth. Under the plan, parents who have a parents who have a second child or more will receive Rs 25,000 at the time of delivery. Similarly, in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that social media will be banned for children under the age of 16, while presenting the 2026-27 State Budget in the Vidhana Soudha. During his Budget speech, Siddaramaiah said the move aims to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile usage among children. - ANI Aneet Padda achieved a remarkable double victory at the Zee Cine Awards 2026, securing both Best Debut Female and Viewer's Choice Best Actress honors. In an emotional acceptance speech, she dedicated the wins to her father, stating she had fulfilled his own dream of becoming an actor. The actress made her debut in the 2025 romantic drama 'Saiyaaraa', directed by Mohit Suri and co-starring Ahaan Pandey. She is now preparing for her next film, titled 'Shakti Shalini'. Actress Aneet Padda wins Best Debut Female & Viewer's Choice Best Actress at Zee Cine Awards 2026, dedicating her historic win to her father. Mumbai Marc, h 5 Actress Aneet Padda has credited her big win at the recent Zee Cine Awards, to her father saying that she has fulfilled his dream of being an actor. The actress bagged a remarkable double victory at the recent Zee Cine Awards 2026, taking home the Best Debut Female award along with the Viewer's Choice Best Actress honour. In her acceptance speech, Aneet shared a deeply personal dedication that captured everyone's hearts. Crediting her success to her father, Aneet said, "The only thing coming to my mind right now is owing this to my dad, giving this to him." She added, "Papa, mainu pata hai tussi chote honde toh aap bhi actor banna chaunde si. Hun teri kudi actor ban gayi. Jado tussi mainu kaha ki mai apna sapna tere through jee re haan" (Papa, I know that when you were younger, you wanted to become an actor. Now your daughter has become an actor. Remember when you told me that you are living my dream through me) She further added, "I don't think I have ever been happier. I love you so much. Secondly, I just really want to remind the audience that the magic you clap for on screen." "Vo taaliyan sirf hum actors ke liye nahi hai, vo actually aap sab ki kahaniyon ke liye hai aur aapki zindagi ke liye hai. And I'm just really grateful I get to play small part in honoring it." Talking about Aneet, on the professional front, the young actress made her acting debut with the film Saiyaaraa, which released in 2025. The romantic drama was directed by Mohit Suri. The film featured Aneet alongside Ahaan Pandey in the lead role. Aneet is now all geared up for her upcoming movie "Shakti Shalini". For the uninitiated , in the academic front, Aneet is reportedly pursuing a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized animal husbandry as a vital, high-growth component of India's rural economy, citing the country's top global positions in milk and egg production. He outlined government initiatives like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, infrastructure funds, and the GOBARdhan scheme to boost the sector. The PM also stressed making agriculture export-oriented by focusing on high-value crops, fisheries, and leveraging India's diverse agro-climatic zones. Further modernization efforts include digital Farmer IDs and integrating AI to connect farmers with research. PM Modi highlights animal husbandry, fisheries, and high-value agriculture as key to rural transformation and boosting India's agricultural exports. New Delhi, March 6 The animal husbandry sector is a high-growth pillar of the rural economy and serves as a vital component of India's economic system, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday. Addressing the third post-budget webinar, on the topic of "Agriculture and Rural Transformation," the Prime Minister said, "The animal husbandry sector is a high-growth pillar of the rural economy. India is the world's largest milk producer. We are second in eggs production. To take us further, we will have to focus on breeding quality, disease prevention, and scientific management." PM Modi highlighted the health of animals as another important topic. "India is now self-reliant in vaccine production. More than 125 crore doses have been given to animals to prevent foot and mouth diseases. Technology is being expanded under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission." The Prime Minister noted that farmers in the animal husbandry sector are now getting the benefit of the Kisan Credit Card. Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund has also been started to encourage private investment. "We have implemented the GOBARdhan Yojna," he said. For PM Modi, agriculture remains a strategic pillar of the country's long-term development journey. He noted that the government has continuously strengthened the agricultural sector through various initiatives, including the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. "Agriculture is also a strategic pillar of India's long-term development journey. With this in mind, our government has continuously strengthened the agricultural sector. Approximately 10 crore farmers have received more than Rs 4 lakh crores from PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi. Farmers are now getting a return of up to 1.5 times that of MSP. Institutional credit coverage has increased by more than 75%," Modi said. The Prime Minister stated that the budget focuses on high-value agriculture and increasing productivity to enhance export trends. He highlighted that global demand is changing and the markets of the world are opening up. "In this webinar, it is necessary to discuss as much as possible to make our agriculture export-oriented. We have a diverse climate. We have to take full advantage of it. We are very proud of the agro-climatic zone," he said. The Prime Minister pointed out that India's diverse climate and agro-climatic zones provide a significant advantage for producing high-value crops like coconut, cashew, sandalwood, and temperate nut crops in the Himalayan states. "In the budget, we have focused on high-value agriculture. For example, coconut, cashew, coconut, and sandalwood. Talk about regional promotion of such products. Now you know that our southern states, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu, produce a lot of coconut. But now all those crops have become so old that they are no longer capable. The farmers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu should have extra benefits. Therefore, a special emphasis has been placed on coconut this time. This will benefit our farmers in the coming days." The Prime Minister identified the fisheries sector as another major factor for increasing exports, noting that India is the second-largest fishery-producing country in the world. "Today, there are about 4 lakh tonnes of fish produced in our various types of lakes and ponds. Whereas, there is a possibility of 20 lakh extra production. Now think about it, if we add 4 lakh tonnes to 20 lakh tonnes, how will the lives of our poor fishermen brothers and sisters change? The fisheries export growth can become a big platform," he said. The Prime Minister discussed the importance of technology and digital public infrastructure in modernising agriculture. He noted that almost 9 crore farmers now have a Farmers' ID and approximately 30 crore land parcels have been digitally surveyed. He called for the integration of AI-based platforms to bridge the distance between research institutions and farmers. Additionally, he set a target for the Lakhpati Didi campaign, stating, "We have succeeded in making Lakhpati Didi out of 3 crore women in the village. Now, by 2029, we have to add another 3 crore." - ANI Anupam Kher marks 500 performances of 'Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai' with heartfelt gratitude, reflecting on a 23-year journey of resilience. Mumbai, March 6 Actor Anupam Kher has expressed deep gratitude, having marked a milestone in his theatrical journey by performing the 500th show of his autobiographical play 'Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai' in Jaipur on Thursday night. In a heartwarming social media post, Kher poured out his emotions, calling the experience "exhilarating" as he further reflected on the journey that began 23 years ago. Sharing his joy with fans, Kher wrote, "JAIPUR. 500Th SHOW. GRATITUDE. Last night in Jaipur, I performed the 500th show of my autobiographical play #KuchBhiHoSaktaHai. And I must confess, it was exhilarating! When we started this journey 23 years ago, it was simply my story of failures, struggles, hope and never giving up. I never imagined that this deeply personal story would travel across the world and touch so many hearts." He went on to give a shoutout to his director, Feroz Abbas Khan, his writer, Ashok Patole, the entire crew of the play, and his audience, "who have kept this play alive with their love for more than two decades." Kher concluded his note with a sense of excitement and added, "500 shows later, I stand on stage with the same excitement as the first show. Because life has taught me one beautiful truth- Dreams don't come true because life is easy. Dreams come true because you refuse to give up. And then... Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai!" Earlier, Anupam Kher revealed how he performed his autobiographical play in "extreme pain" due to a sprained foot. Sharing glimpses from a packed auditorium in Mumbai on Sunday, Kher opened up about the physical and emotional challenges he faced before stepping on stage. The actor admitted he was under stress ahead of the performance, not only because of his injury but also due to the pressure of performing before a completely full house. Beyond the stage, Anupam Kher's 'Tanvi The Great' recently kick-started its digital journey on Prime Video. 'Tanvi The Great' explores themes of autism and the Indian Army. Shubhangi plays a young girl inspired by her late father's army service, as she dreams of following in his footsteps. - ANI Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot credited the previous Congress government for initiating the Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport project, citing land allocation and budget approvals during his tenure. He alleged the project faced a four-year delay due to the Central government before the foundation stone ceremony was scheduled. The airport, costing 1,507 crore, aims to significantly improve air connectivity for the Hadoti region. Gehlot also urged the current BJP government to expedite construction and develop supporting tourism infrastructure like the Chambal Riverfront. Former CM Ashok Gehlot says Congress initiated Kota-Bundi Airport project with land & approvals. He urges fast, quality completion by current govt. Jaipur, March 6 A day before the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday credited the previous Congress government for initiating the project, saying key steps including land allocation and initial approvals were taken during his tenure to make the airport a reality. The foundation stone of the Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport, an important project for the Hadoti region, will be laid on Saturday at the new airport site in Shambhupura in the presence of Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. On the same occasion, foundation ceremonies (Bhoomi Pujan) will also be held for two major drinking water projects for the region - the Navnera Mega Drinking Water Project and the Parvan-Akawad Mega Drinking Water Project. The Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,507 crore and will have a peak-hour capacity of around 1,000 passengers. The project will include a 20,000 square metre terminal building, a 3,200-metre-long and 45-metre-wide runway, parking facilities for Airbus A-321 category aircraft, and seven apron bays for aircraft parking. The airport is expected to significantly improve air connectivity for Kota, Bundi and the entire Hadoti region, boosting tourism, business and regional development. Ashok Gehlot said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had promised the people of Kota an airport during a public meeting, following which the Congress government took concrete steps to implement the project. "In 2021, our government allotted 1,250 acres of land free of cost for the airport project in Kota," Gehlot said. He added that in 2022, a budget of Rs 120 crore was also approved for shifting power lines required for the airport construction. However, Gehlot alleged that the project remained stalled for nearly four years due to delays by the Central government. "Now that the foundation stone is being laid, it is hoped that the construction work will be completed expeditiously and with high quality," Gehlot said. The former Chief Minister also said the Congress government had worked to develop Kota as a major tourism hub, citing projects such as the Chambal Riverfront, which was built to boost tourist inflow to the region. He alleged that due to the neglect of the present BJP government, facilities such as restaurants and other amenities have not yet been developed at the riverfront. Gehlot said the Rajasthan government should further develop and properly maintain the riverfront so that tourism in the Hadoti region can grow and the airport project can also become more meaningful. Meanwhile, many dignitaries are expected to attend the event, including Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Education Minister Madan Dilawar, PHED Minister Kanhaiya Lal Chaudhary, Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Kota district incharge Gautam Kumar Dak, and Minister of State for Energy and Bundi district incharge Hiralal Nagar. Other public representatives expected to attend include Kota South MLA Sandeep Sharma, Ladpura MLA Kalpana Devi, BJP city president Rakesh Jain, rural district president Prem Gochar, along with several officials and local representatives. - IANS Two hundred judicial officers from Jharkhand and Odisha will join West Bengal's voter document adjudication process from Monday after a weekend of training. Their deployment will bring the total number of officers involved in the massive exercise to 732, with most stationed in Kolkata and others in key district towns. The move comes as the Election Commission of India's full bench, led by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, arrives to review the process and poll preparedness. The judicial adjudication is handling over 60 lakh cases of "logical discrepancy" in voter documents, with a crucial Supreme Court hearing on the matter scheduled for March 10. 200 judicial officers from Jharkhand and Odisha deployed to expedite voter document adjudication in West Bengal ahead of Assembly polls. Kolkata, March 6 The 200 judicial officers from the two neighbouring states of Jharkhand and Odisha will reach West Bengal by Saturday, and join from March 9, the ongoing exercise of the judicial adjudication of the voters' documents identified under the "logical discrepancy" category by the Election Commission of India. They will be undergoing a two-day training programme on the judicial adjudication procedure on Saturday and Sunday, and thereafter, from Monday, they will join the team of existing judicial officers from the state already involved in the ongoing judicial adjudication process, said sources in the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal. "With the joining of the 200 judicial officers from Jharkhand and Odisha, the total number of judicial officers involved in the adjudication process will increase to 732. While most of these 200 judicial officers coming from Jharkhand and Odisha will be deployed in Kolkata, a few of them will also be deployed in other major district towns like Bardhaman in East Midnapore district, Asansol in West Burdwan district, Kharagpur in West Midnapore district, and Siliguri in Darjeeling district," source in the CEO's office said. Their accommodation has been arranged mainly closer to the airport in Kolkata and important railway stations, both in Kolkata as well as in the district towns. Two other crucial developments related to the judicial adjudication part in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the poll-preparedness for the forthcoming crucial Assembly elections in the state are scheduled next week especially on Monday and Tuesday. The full bench of the ECI led by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, will be arriving in Kolkata on the night of March 8 with a packed schedule for the next two days to review both the ongoing judicial exercise as well as the preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly polls. On March 10, which is on Tuesday, a crucial hearing on the SIR and related judicial adjudication is scheduled at the Supreme Court. The final voters' list in West Bengal, minus the cases referred for judicial adjudication, was published on February 28. The supplementary list will be published in due course as per an earlier order of the Apex Court. Over 60 lakh cases were referred for judicial adjudication, and till Thursday night, the process had been completed for around five lakh cases till Thursday night, as per the statistics available from the CEO's office. - IANS The Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal announced the completion of judicial adjudication for approximately 7.5 lakh voter document cases classified under "logical discrepancy." An additional 200 judicial officers from neighboring states are being deployed to accelerate the remaining process ahead of the Assembly elections. The announcement came alongside a response to Trinamool Congress allegations that living voters were incorrectly marked as deceased in the voter list revision. The Election Commission's full bench is scheduled to review the situation, and a crucial Supreme Court hearing on the Special Intensive Revision is set for next week. West Bengal CEO says 7.5 lakh voter document cases adjudicated. 200 more judges to join process ahead of Assembly elections and Supreme Court hearing. Kolkata, March 6 About 7.5 lakh cases of judicial adjudication of voters' documents classified under the "logical discrepancy" category have been completed till Friday evening, informed the Chief Electoral Officer, West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal. "A total of 200 more judicial officers from neighbouring Odisha and Jharkhand will be reaching West Bengal by Saturday morning. After a two-day training on Saturday and Sunday, they will be joining the judicial adjudication process on Monday. Their joining will further add pace in the process of judicial adjudication," Agarwal told media persons on Friday evening. A total of over 60 lakh voter documents were originally referred for judicial adjudication. The final voters' list in West Bengal, minus the cases referred for judicial adjudication, was published on February 28. The supplementary list will be published in due course as per an earlier order of the Apex Court. Reacting to Trinamool Congress's allegations earlier in the day that many "alive" voters have been shown as "deceased" voters following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state, Agarwal said that if there was any such complaint, the voters concerned should approach the Commission. "We will take action if the complaint is filed. We will see whose negligence resulted in the omission of the names of the living voters being marked as dead voters. Why was it done? Did someone intentionally omit the name? All these matters will be investigated," Agarwal said. Two other crucial developments related to the judicial adjudication part in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the poll-preparedness for the forthcoming crucial Assembly elections in the state are scheduled next week, especially on Monday and Tuesday. The full bench of the ECI, led by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, will be arriving in Kolkata on the night of March 8 with a packed schedule for the next two days to review both the ongoing judicial exercise as well as the preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly polls. On March 10 (Tuesday), a crucial hearing on the SIR and related judicial adjudication is scheduled at the Supreme Court. - IANS Amitabh Bachchan shared a deeply nostalgic reflection on his blog after an unexpected meeting with a childhood friend after several decades. He described how the encounter instantly transported him back to the days of youth and effortless friendship. The megastar reflected on life's journey, noting that while people experience both gains and losses, early memories remain etched in the heart. Bachchan, last seen in 'Vettaiyan', is currently shooting for the sequel to the epic film 'Kalki 2898 AD'. Amitabh Bachchan reflects on an overwhelming, nostalgic meeting with a childhood friend after decades, sharing heartfelt memories on his blog. Mumbai, March 6 Megastar Amitabh Bachchan shared an emotional reflection on his experience after unexpectedly meeting a childhood friend after several decades, describing the moment as deeply nostalgic and overwhelming. Taking to his blog, the thespian spoke about how such encounters instantly transport one back to the days of youth, when life was simpler and friendships were effortless. He wrote: "... and suddenly you meet a friend after decades , who you grew up with .. such an emotional moment .. and all the memories return (sic)." Reflecting on life's journey, the icon added that over the years people experience both gains and losses, but the memories of earlier times remain deeply etched in the heart. "We loose .. we get,(sic)." he concluded the post. One of the most accomplished and commercially successful actors in the history of Indian cinema, the thespian has a career spanning over five decades, and he has played in over 200 films. Tagged as the Shahenshah of Bollywood, Big B's dominance in the Indian film industry during the 1970s-80s led the French director Francois Truffaut to describe it as a "one-man industry." The actor was last seen in Vettaiyan, directed by T. J. Gnanavel. The film stars an ensemble cast of Rajinikanth, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, Rohini, Rao Ramesh, Abhirami and Ramesh Thilak. The film follows a senior police officer who accidentally shoots an innocent person during an encounter killing, while investigating the murder of a teacher. He is currently shooting for the sequel to "Kalki 2898 AD". Talking about Kalki 2898 AD, the 2024 epic mythological science fiction film by Nag Ashwin, he said: "Kalki 2 begun the work .. and shall ever cherish the love and affection of anticipated presence on the Sunday .. but hopefully shall be with all this coming Sunday .. My love." Kalki 2898 AD stars Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. Inspired by Hindu scriptures, the film serves as the first instalment in the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe. Set in a dystopian future in the year 2898 AD in the city of Kashi, the story follows a group on a mission to protect lab subject SUM-80's unborn child, believed to be Kalki, the final incarnation of Vishnu. - IANS Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, is set to formally join the Janata Dal (United) party, marking a dramatic reversal of his father's long-standing public stance against dynastic politics. His entry coincides with Nitish Kumar filing his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, signaling the end of his record tenure as Chief Minister. Senior party leaders suggested Nishant's induction, which is being described as a "Holi gift" to the party's core supporters. While his specific role remains undefined, there is speculation he could take a significant position to help fill the impending leadership vacuum. Nishant Kumar, son of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, joins JD(U) as his father moves to Rajya Sabha, marking a historic reversal in the party's stance on dynastic politics. Patna, March 6 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's son Nishant Kumar will be joining the Janata Dal on Sunday, March 8, the party confirmed on Friday. This marks a historic shift in Bihar's political landscape. After years of Nitish Kumar strictly opposing dynastic politics, his only son, Nishant Kumar, is set to formally enter the arena. The timing of Nishant's entry is directly linked to a major transition for his father. On Thursday, March 5, Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, signalling the end of his record-breaking tenure as Chief Minister. However, JD (U) leader Neeraj Kumar informed that during the meeting at CM's house, Union Minister and MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan) and MP Sanjay Jha made the suggestion to bring Nishant into state politics, and said that he will be taking the party membership tomorrow. "Union Minister Lalan Singh and MP Sanjay Jha suggested that Nishant Kumar should enter the party, and the party enthusiastically welcomed the suggestion. Hence, Nishant Kumar will be joining the party tomorrow. He has given his acceptance to the same and will be conducting a political tour in the state as well," the JD(U) leader said without clarifying further on Nishant's role in the state politics amid the shift in government following the CM's decision. He further said that "no discussion on the formation of a coalition government was done during the meeting." He also said that the party leaders expressed disappointment towards Nitish Kumar's decision but extended support for his new political journey. "Today, a meeting of the party leaders was conducted in the presence of JDU Chief and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. In the meeting, we all expressed the party's and the people's difficulty and grief over his decision, but since you have decided, the party stands with you as you made the party," he said. Additionally, JD(U) MLA Vinay Chaudhary also confirmed Nishant Kumar's joining of the party, without confirming his role and the date of joining. "The CM put forth his views while the Cabinet members expressed their concerns. Nitish Kumar said that he will reside in Patna and will continue to oversee and guide the party. We are sad with his decision, but he has our full support. Nishant Kumar will be joining state politics soon. When and how will be made clear," he said. JD(U) leaders, including Minister Ashok Choudhary and Shrawon Kumar, have described Nishant's entry as a "Holi gift" to party workers who have long demanded a successor from within the family to maintain the party's core support base. While Nishant has lived a low-profile life as a software engineer (BIT Mesra alumnus), there is intense speculation that he may be appointed as a Deputy Chief Minister in a new NDA government, or potentially take a leadership role within the party to prevent a vacuum as Nitish moves to Delhi. For over two decades, Nitish Kumar was the face of "anti-family" politics in Bihar, often using it as a primary weapon against the RJD's Lalu Prasad Yadav. Nishant himself has historically avoided the spotlight, once famously stating he had "no interest in politics." However, with Nitish's health under scrutiny and the JD(U) facing a post-Nitish era, the "political necessity" seems to have outweighed past stances. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who filed his nomination for Rajya Sabha on Thursday, extended his support and guidance to the new government and the party towards the development of the state. "I am going to the Rajya Sabha. There won't be a problem for you all. I will remain in Bihar as well; all work will continue. Work hard for the development of Bihar. I will keep an eye on everything; do not worry," Kumar said. The state's longest-serving Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections, extending "full support" to the new Cabinet. Janata Dal (United) chief, Nitish Kumar, won his fifth election in 2025 as the NDA secured two-third majority in Bihar and took oath for the 10th time as the Chief Minister of the state. The 75-year-old penned a heartfelt message announcing his decision. He expressed his longing desire to be a member of both houses of the Bihar Legislature as well as the Houses of Parliament. He asserted his commitment to building a "developed Bihar" and extended his "cooperation and guidance" to the new government. - ANI US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper announced that American forces have struck nearly 200 targets deep inside Iran over three days, severely degrading its missile and drone capabilities. The operation, dubbed Epic Fury, has reportedly reduced Iranian ballistic missile attacks by 90% and drone attacks by 83%. Cooper stated the mission has expanded to systematically dismantle Iran's ballistic missile industrial base on orders from President Trump. The strikes follow escalating tensions after a US-Israel attack resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, triggering retaliatory attacks from Tehran. US Central Command details Operation Epic Fury, reporting 200 strikes inside Iran, a 90% drop in missile attacks, and a mission to dismantle Tehran's missile industry. Washington DC, March 6 United States Central Command commander Admiral Brad Cooper has said that America has struck nearly 200 targets inside Iran over the past 72 hours and significantly degraded Tehran's missile and drone attack capabilities, adding that they are now working to dismantle Iran's missile production infrastructure. Speaking during a press conference on Thursday (local time), Cooper detailed the scale of the ongoing military operation titled 'Operation Epic Fury' targeting Iranian missile launchers and infrastructure. "In just the last 72 hours, America's bomber force has struck nearly 200 targets deep inside of Iran. In just the last hour, U.S. B-2 Spirit bombers dropped dozens of 2,000lb Penetrator bombs targeting deeply buried ballistic missile launchers," Cooper said. He said the strikes have sharply reduced the scale of Iranian retaliatory attacks since the operation began. "If I just look back over the last 24 hours of the operation compared to where we were to start, ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 per cent...drone attacks have decreased by 83 per cent... we're now up over 30 ships [destroyed]," he added. Cooper also said the 'Operation Epic Fury' has expanded beyond immediate strikes to targeting the long-term capacity of Iran's missile programme, following instructions from US President Donald Trump. "President Trump gave us another task to raze or level Iran's ballistic missile industrial base," he said. "We're not just hitting what they have, we're destroying their ability to rebuild. We will systemically dismantle Iran's missile production capability for the future, and that's absolutely in progress," Cooper added. The CENTCOM chief also highlighted a programme involving a captured Iranian drone design that has been reverse-engineered and redeployed by US forces. "LUCAS -- indispensable...This was an original Iranian drone design. We captured it, pulled the guts out, sent it back to America, put a little 'Made in America' on it, brought it back here, and we're shooting it at the Iranians, Cooper said. His remarks come amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks targeting American military bases across multiple Arab countries as the conflict now entered its sixth day. Israel is also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. - ANI Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has presented the state budget, warning of a significant revenue shortfall due to central GST rate rationalization. The state projects a Rs 10,000 crore shortfall this year and Rs 15,000 crore next year, as monthly GST growth plummeted from 10% to 4%. Siddaramaiah highlighted that Karnataka, along with seven other states, has petitioned the GST Council for compensation. He also criticized the reduction in the state's tax devolution share and noted partial relief from the Sixteenth Finance Commission's new recommendations. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah warns of a Rs 10,000 crore revenue shortfall due to GST rationalization, impacting state finances and tax devolution. Bengaluru, March 6 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said the rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax rates by the Central Government has adversely affected the state's revenue collections, leading to a significant shortfall in the current financial year. Presenting the state Budget for 2026-27, Siddaramaiah said the rate changes are expected to result in an estimated revenue shortfall of about Rs 10,000 crore for the state in the current financial year, while a shortfall of Rs 15,000 crore is projected for the next year. According to the Chief Minister, GST remains the major source of tax revenue for Karnataka, accounting for 43 per cent of the state's own tax revenue. He noted that Karnataka ranks second in the country in GST revenue collection. The Chief Minister said the state's revenue collections had declined after the Centre unexpectedly rationalised GST rates in the middle of the financial year. Prior to the rationalisation in 2025-26, the state's average monthly GST revenue growth (net of refunds) stood at 10 per cent. However, following the rate revision, the monthly growth in GST collections has dropped to 4 per cent. Siddaramaiah also pointed out that GST revenue collection has been disappointing at the national level. "Compared to the Union Government's Budget estimates for 2025-26, GST collections have declined by 11 per cent in the revised estimates and by 13.4 per cent in the Budget estimates for 2026-27. These figures are even lower than the actual collections recorded in 2024-25," he said. He added that overall GST collections across the country are expected to fall short by Rs 1.3 lakh crore in the current year and by Rs 2 lakh crore in the next year. As a result, the share of taxes devolved to states will also decline. The Chief Minister said the fall in GST collections has placed significant financial pressure on states. Changes in the tax structure and rate rationalisation have had a more direct impact on the revenue of states than on that of the Centre. At the same time, the Centre continues to raise revenue through cess and other levies on products such as tobacco and luxury goods, with the entire proceeds going to the Union government's exchequer. Siddaramaiah said the state government supports GST rate rationalisation in principle but stressed the need to protect the financial interests of states. Karnataka, along with seven other states, has submitted a joint memorandum to the GST Council seeking measures to safeguard state revenues and compensate for losses arising from the rate revisions. He said the state would continue to urge the Centre to provide necessary compensation to offset the revenue loss caused by GST rationalisation. Referring to tax devolution, Siddaramaiah said the share of central taxes received by states has become even more crucial in view of the constraints on the state's own tax revenues. The Fourteenth Finance Commission had recommended a tax devolution share of 4.713 per cent for Karnataka, but this was reduced to 3.647 per cent during the tenure of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, representing a 23 per cent decline. He said the state had suffered an overall loss of about Rs 65,000 crore over the six-year period of the Fifteenth Finance Commission. In addition, the Centre has not released the special grant of Rs 5,495 crore and the state-specific grant of Rs 6,000 crore recommended by the commission. The Chief Minister said the state had urged the Sixteenth Finance Commission to adopt a tax devolution formula that balances equity with growth and recognises the fiscal performance and economic contribution of states. He noted that the Sixteenth Finance Commission has recommended a tax share of 4.131 per cent for Karnataka for the period 2026-31, representing a 13 per cent increase compared to the share recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission. Although the state had hoped for the restoration of the 4.713 per cent share recommended earlier, the new recommendation partially addresses the imbalance in tax devolution, he said. Siddaramaiah also welcomed the commission's decision to consider a state's contribution to the national GDP as a criterion in determining the tax devolution formula, describing it as an important development that recognises the economic performance and growth potential of states. Despite constraints on revenue mobilisation, the Chief Minister said the state government has prioritised prudent expenditure management to maintain a balance between economic growth, welfare programmes and fiscal discipline. He said that since the implementation of the government's guarantee schemes, the state has spent a total of Rs 1,21,598 crore up to February 2026. The government has honoured its commitments to the people while maintaining fiscal discipline, he added. Siddaramaiah further said that despite declining revenues due to GST rationalisation and reduced tax devolution from the Centre, the government has maintained fiscal discipline over the past three years. In accordance with the provisions of the Karnataka Fiscal Responsibility Act, the state has kept the fiscal deficit within 3 percent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and total public liabilities within 25 percent of GSDP. He reiterated the state's commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. - IANS She was elevated to the bench in 2014 The Centre has approved the transfer of Justice Lisa Gill from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The move follows a recommendation from the Supreme Court Collegium, which also proposed her appointment as the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court once the incumbent retires. The transfer is part of a policy to enhance judicial efficiency by allowing a judge to familiarize themselves with a court before assuming a leadership role. Justice Gill, an advocate since 1990, was elevated to the bench in 2014. Centre clears transfer of Justice Lisa Gill from Punjab & Haryana HC to Andhra Pradesh HC, positioning her to become the next Chief Justice. New Delhi, March 6 The Centre on Friday cleared the transfer of Justice Lisa Gill from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Andhra Pradesh High Court, following the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium. "In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, the President of India, after consultation with Chief Justice of India, has transferred Ms. Justice Lisa Gill, Judge, High Court of Punjab and Haryana to be a Judge of High Court of Andhra Pradesh," Union Minister of State (I/C) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal said in a post on social media platform X. The apex court Collegium had earlier resolved to recommend the transfer of Justice Gill to the Andhra Pradesh High Court and her appointment as Chief Justice of that High Court, once the vacancy arises, likely upon the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur on April 24. According to the Supreme Court Collegium statement, the decision was taken as part of a policy to strengthen the efficiency and quality of administration of justice. It said that a judge proposed to take over as Chief Justice may be transferred well in advance, preferably two months before the vacancy arises, so that the judge becomes well conversant with the affairs of the High Court before assuming charge. Justice Gill completed her schooling at Carmel Convent School, Sector 9, Chandigarh, and graduated in humanities from Government College for Girls (GCG), Sector 11, Chandigarh. She later pursued a B.A., LL.B. and LL.M. from the Department of Laws, Panjab University. She enrolled as an advocate in 1990 and practised at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, dealing with criminal, civil, service, revenue and constitutional matters. She also represented the Union Territory of Chandigarh for several years, as well as a number of boards and corporations. Justice Gill was elevated to the Bench of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on March 31, 2014. Meanwhile, the Centre on Thursday cleared the appointment of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, following the recommendation of the top court Collegium. - IANS The Union Law Ministry has officially notified the transfer of Justice Lisa Gill from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The transfer, approved by the President after consulting the Chief Justice of India, follows a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium for her to become the next Chief Justice in Andhra Pradesh. The Collegium's policy is to transfer a judge about two months before the Chief Justice vacancy arises to ensure better court administration. Justice Gill, an experienced judge elevated in 2014, has a long legal career spanning criminal, civil, and constitutional matters. Union Law Ministry notifies transfer of Justice Lisa Gill from Punjab & Haryana HC to Andhra Pradesh HC following Supreme Court Collegium recommendation. New Delhi, March 6 The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has issued a notification transferring Justice Lisa Gill from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal shared the information through his official social media account. He stated that, in exercise of the powers granted under the Constitution, the President of India, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, has approved the transfer of Justice Lisa Gill to the Andhra Pradesh High Court. He also conveyed his best wishes to her. "In exercise of the power conferred by the Constitution of India, the President of India, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, has transferred Ms Justice Lisa Gill, Judge, High Court of Punjab and Haryana, to be a Judge of the High Court of Andhra Pradesh. I convey my best wishes to her," Meghwal wrote on X. Recently, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended the appointment of Justice Lisa Gill as the next Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The recommendation was made during a meeting held on February 26. In its statement, the Collegium said that it has adopted a policy under which a judge who is likely to become the Chief Justice of a High Court may be transferred there about two months before the vacancy actually arises. According to the Collegium, this step is intended to improve the administration and functioning of the courts. Justice Lisa Gill completed her schooling at Carmel Convent School in Chandigarh. She later graduated in humanities from Government College for Girls, Sector-11, Chandigarh, and studied law at the Department of Laws, Panjab University. She completed her BA LLB and LLM from the university. She enrolled as an advocate in 1990 and started practising at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. During her legal career as an advocate, she handled different kinds of cases, including criminal, civil, service, revenue and constitutional matters. She also represented the Union Territory of Chandigarh for several years and appeared for various government boards and corporations. Justice Gill was elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on March 31, 2014. - ANI Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met with the Singapore India Business Forum to encourage investment in the state. He highlighted the government's efforts to create a conducive environment through transparent policies and improved infrastructure. Discussions included a proposal to establish the Forum's business centre in Gurugram to provide a platform for Singaporean companies. The Forum's president invited CM Saini to visit Singapore, expressing enthusiasm for future cooperation. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini meets Singapore India Business Forum, invites investment, discusses setting up a business centre in Gurugram. Chandigarh, March 6 The President of the Singapore India Business Forum, Prasoon Mukherjee, on Friday called on Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini here and held discussions on industrial investment, trade cooperation and opportunities available for Singaporean companies in the state. The Chief Minister invited the Singapore India Business Forum and investors from Singapore to explore investment opportunities in Haryana. He said that the Haryana government is continuously making efforts to promote industries in the state and provide a conducive environment for investors. The government is encouraging investments through transparent policies, simplified procedures, and improved infrastructure, an official statement quoting CM Saini said. He further stated that the state government is committed to extending full support to investors. Investors coming to Haryana will not face any difficulties, and their interests will be fully protected. The Chief Minister said that the expansion of industries in the state will create new employment opportunities and further accelerate Haryana's economic growth. At the meeting, discussions were also held on a proposal to establish a business centre of the Singapore India Business Forum in Gurugram. The Chief Minister said that setting up a business centre in Gurugram would provide Singaporean companies with a strong platform to establish offices and invest in Haryana, which would further strengthen trade relations between the two sides. On this occasion, Mukherjee invited CM Saini to visit Singapore. He said that investors associated with the Singapore India Business Forum, in collaboration with the Singapore government, are highly enthusiastic about exploring investment opportunities in Haryana, and there are wide prospects for cooperation in various sectors in the future. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Arun Kumar Gupta, Commissioner and Secretary (Industries and Commerce Department) Amit Agrawal, along with other senior officers. - IANS Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced plans to promote night tourism along the banks of Hyderabad's Musi river as part of a broader riverfront development project. He defended the initiative against criticism from opposition parties, assuring comprehensive rehabilitation for any displaced families. The Chief Minister outlined a vision to transform Hyderabad into a world-class city, citing interest from international companies and plans for a bullet train hub in Shamshabad. He also highlighted the city's historical heritage and the need to address current issues of encroachment and pollution. Telangana CM Revanth Reddy announces night tourism along Musi river to boost economy, defends project against opposition criticism, and outlines Hyderabad's global vision. Hyderabad, March 6 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Friday that night-tourism will be promoted along the Musi river in Hyderabad. He reiterated the state government's plan to develop a Musi riverfront. He said that along the riverbanks, night tourism will be promoted to generate employment and boost economic activity. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Eco Hill Park at Kothwalguda. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Radial Road-2 interchange, which will connect to the Budwel Layout, aimed at strengthening road connectivity and improving urban infrastructure in the region. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy defended Musi Riverfront project amid the continuing criticism from opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which claim that it will render large number of people homeless. He remarked that no one wants to live in the polluted conditions of the Musi river. The Chief Minister said that new development projects sometimes create difficulties for certain communities but assured that the state government will not abandon those affected. "People who lose land or houses due to development projects will be fully supported, and comprehensive rehabilitation and facilities will be provided to displaced families," he added. He said that the state government is committed to restoring the city's beauty and transforming it into one of the greatest cities in the world. "When we try to improve the city, some people oppose it, saying if they could not do it, we should not do it either," he remarked. The Chief Minister said that public representatives were sent abroad to study international models of urban development so that Hyderabad can adopt the best practices in city planning. Referring to the development of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said the project initially faced opposition, but today it has become a major asset for the city and the state. He also announced that Shamshabad will emerge as a Bullet train hub, with proposed high-speed rail connectivity from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Amaravati, and Chennai. He said that Hyderabad will be developed to compete with major global cities, and leading international companies are showing interest in investing in the city. The Chief Minister added that companies associated with global leaders such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk are exploring opportunities to come to Hyderabad. Stating that Hyderabad is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, he said it has the potential to become a world-class city if it is governed with vision and commitment. He asserted that there is no city in the country more beautiful than Hyderabad and that the state government is determined to further enhance its global stature. The Chief Minister recalled that during the tenures of former Chief Ministers Chandrababu Naidu and Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Krishna and Godavari river waters were brought to Hyderabad, significantly strengthening the city's water supply. He also noted that under the erstwhile Nizam's rule, renowned engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya designed and implemented flood-control measures on the Musi river. The Nizam administration also planted medicinal plants in the Vikarabad region. Highlighting the city's rich heritage, the Chief Minister said that Hyderabad is home to several historic landmarks such as Osmania Hospital, Golconda Fort, and the State Assembly building, which stand as symbols of its glorious past. However, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed concern that Hyderabad has been affected by encroachments and garbage accumulation over the years. - IANS President Droupadi Murmu has appointed senior BJP leader and former Bihar Minister Nand Kishore Yadav as the new Governor of Nagaland. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton welcomed the appointment, expressing their best wishes and commitment to work together for the state's progress. Yadav replaces Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who held additional charge of Nagaland since August 2023 following the death of Governor La. Ganesan. A veteran politician, Yadav has a long career in the RSS, BJP, and Bihar government, most recently serving as the Speaker of the Bihar Assembly. Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio and Dy CM Yanthungo Patton welcome senior BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav as the state's new Governor, appointed by President Murmu. Kohima, March 6 Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton on Friday welcomed the appointment of senior BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav as the new Governor of the state. President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday announced the appointment and transfer of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across several states and Union Territories. As part of the changes, former Bihar Minister and Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav has been appointed as the Governor of Nagaland. Taking to social media platform X, Chief Minister Rio wrote: "On behalf of the people of Nagaland, I congratulate Shri Nand Kishore Yadav Ji on his appointment as the Governor of Nagaland. I look forward to working together for the welfare and continued progress of the state." Greeting the new Governor, Deputy Chief Minister Patton, in a post on his X handle, said: "Congratulations to Shri Nand Kishore Yadav Ji on being appointed as the Hon'ble Governor of Nagaland." "With decades of public service, I am sure he will guide the state with wisdom and dedication while further strengthening the path of peace, development and prosperity for the people. My best wishes for a productive and meaningful tenure ahead," said the senior BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister. Yadav will replace Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who has been discharging the gubernatorial charge of Nagaland in addition to Manipur since August 25 last year. Manipur Governor Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, was given additional charge of Nagaland by President Murmu on August 16 last year, a day after the death of Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan on August 15 at a hospital in Chennai at the age of 80. Seventy-three-year-old Nand Kishore Yadav joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1969 and became active in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad in 1971. He served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Bihar unit from 1998 to 2003 and held several key portfolios in the Bihar government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, including Health and Family Welfare and Tourism. Yadav also served as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Bihar Legislative Assembly from 2013 to 2015. In February 2024, he was elected as the 17th Speaker of the Bihar Assembly. - IANS RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that conflicts and wars persist globally because humanity has forgotten compassion and the fundamental truth of oneness. He cited the historical failures of the League of Nations and the ongoing ineffectiveness of the United Nations in preventing wars. Speaking at the Chadar Mahotsav in Jaipur, a Jain festival held after 871 years, he emphasized unity in diversity, comparing different paths to rivers flowing into the same ocean. The event featured the unveiling of a commemorative coin and stamp for Dada Gurudev, reinforcing messages of peace and righteous living. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says global conflicts endure because people have forgotten compassion and truth, citing failures of League of Nations and UN. Jaipur, March 6 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said conflict and war continue as people have forgotten compassion. Addressing a gathering here, Bhagwat spoke about the need for unity and compassion in a world marked by conflict. Referring to global institutions formed to prevent wars, Bhagwat said the League of Nations, established after the World War I, failed to stop future conflicts. Even the United Nations, created after World War II, has struggled to prevent wars around the world. "People have forgotten compassion because they have forgotten the truth. We may appear different, but we are all one. That is why conflicts never end and wars continue. The First World War happened, and to prevent it from happening again, the League of Nations was established, but it never worked," he said. "The United Nations Organisation was established after the Second World War, but we are seeing the current situation. It is in place, but ineffective. The ongoing wars are not stopping," the RSS chief said. He offered prayers at the Parshvanath Jain Temple and toured the historic Jinbhadra Suri Gyan Bhandar, where he also viewed the sacred Chadar of Dada Gurudev. Later, he attended the main event of the three-day Chadar Mahotsav at the Dedansar Mela Ground. Bhagwat also spoke about unity in diversity, noting that different religions and sects ultimately convey similar values. On the occasion, Bhagwat unveiled a commemorative coin and a special postage stamp in memory of Dada Gurudev and released a book titled "Dada Gurudev." "Paths may be different, but the destination is the same," he said, comparing it to rivers flowing into the ocean. Explaining the idea of diversity, he said truth is vast and cannot be confined to a single perspective. Using a simple example, he noted that humans can see seven colours, while animals like dogs or birds perceive fewer colours - yet each describes the same world in their own way. "Truth is universal and eternal. We must recognise diversity but never forget our unity," Bhagwat said, adding that this principle has long been a hallmark of India's cultural philosophy. The festival is being held after a gap of 871 years and marks the ceremonial consecration and public darshan of the sacred Chadar associated with the revered Jain spiritual leader. Khartargachchadhipati Shri Jinmaniprabhsurishvarji Maharaj also addressed the gathering, saying, "Dada Gurudev gave life and religion to society and taught the art of living. The festival of his Chadar fills hearts with devotion. His message of living a righteous life should spread across the world." The three-day Chadar Mahotsav will conclude with a grand finale, marking a rare spiritual event in the history of the Jain community and reinforcing a message of peace, unity and compassion. - IANS Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a ban on social media use for children under 16 while presenting the state budget. The budget, pegged at Rs 4.48 lakh crore, also includes major infrastructure projects like a Rs 40,000 crore corridor system for Bengaluru. Key tech initiatives involve setting up an AI and Robotics park in collaboration with ISRO. Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad welcomed the social media ban, citing concerns over children's exposure to unfiltered information. Karnataka bans social media for children under 16, announces AI park, and approves Rs 40,000 crore for Bengaluru corridor projects in the state budget. Bengaluru, March 6 Karnataka Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad on Friday welcomed the State government's decision to ban social media use for children under 16 years, terming it a necessary step to address growing concerns among families. Arshad said excessive exposure to unfiltered information on social media can negatively affect children's mental and emotional development. He added that a proper system is needed to regulate such exposure and expressed confidence that the government recognised the issue, which is why it announced the move. "Social media usage by young children is a social issue that every family is undergoing. We know that if our children get exposed to a lot of unfiltered information through social media, that affects their mental and emotional capabilities, it will impact their growth and their behaviour. There needs to be some system where this is avoided... I feel the government understands this, which is why the government came out with this statement," Arshad told ANI. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah today announced that social media will be banned for children under the age of 16, while presenting the 2026-27 State Budget in the Vidhana Soudha. In his Budget speech, Siddaramaiah said the move aims to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile usage among children. He also announced that an AI and Technology Park will be set up under the Indian Institute of Science, which will establish a Robotics and AI campus named the "Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone" in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation and Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited. The Chief Minister further said that the North-South Corridor project from Hebbal Junction to HSR Layout-Silk Board Junction and the East-West Corridor project from K. R. Puram to Mysore Road, covering a total length of 40 km, have been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore under the BOOT model. In the first phase, tenders have been invited for the 17-km North-South Corridor project for Rs 17,780 crore. Siddaramaiah also announced that a tunnel road and an elevated road from Hebbal Junction to Mekhri Circle will be constructed by the Bangalore Development Authority at Rs 2,250 crore. Karnataka State Budget has been pegged at Rs 4,48,004 crore, with a focus on technology-driven growth, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. Presenting the Budget, Siddaramaiah said that Karnataka plays a distinctive role in national and international trade, and rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming global production systems. He emphasised that innovations in science and technology are increasingly shaping the trajectory of the state. In this context, he said the Budget has been presented with responsibility and foresight to move forward with the resolve to "turn fire into light." The Chief Minister also highlighted the impact of GST rate rationalisation carried out in September 2025. He said the changes have reduced the state's GST collections. Before the rationalisation, Karnataka's average monthly GST revenue growth in 2025-26 was around 10 per cent (net of refunds). However, after the implementation of the revised rates, the average monthly growth has moderated sharply to around 4 per cent. The restructuring is expected to reduce overall GST collections by approximately Rs 10,000 crore in the current financial year and Rs 15,000 crore in the next year. Among the major announcements, Siddaramaiah said that with the objective of establishing a state-of-the-art AI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, two centres will be set up in collaboration with the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms and NASSCOM at a total cost of Rs 16 crore. He also announced that a Leopard Rehabilitation Centre will be established in Bannerghatta Biological Park to rehabilitate leopards captured from residential areas on the outskirts of Bengaluru, at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore. Under the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme (KWSRP), a World Bank-funded initiative, disaster management projects will be undertaken over five years for Rs 5,000 crore to address flooding in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah further announced that, in accordance with revised transfer rules of the Excise Department, transfers of Group-C cadre officers including Excise Inspectors, Excise Sub-Inspectors, and Excise Head Constables/Constables, have been carried out through digital counselling to enhance transparency. The government will also extend digital counselling for transfers of Excise Deputy Superintendents and Excise Superintendents. - ANI Finnish President Alexander Stubb, speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, expressed concern over a growing "detachment" of the United States from its traditional allies, noting it often acts without international consultation. He linked this lack of multilateral coordination directly to the current instability in global peace and security. Stubb argued that crises in regions like Ukraine, the Middle East, and Sudan demonstrate the urgent need for a fresh approach to collective governance. He concluded by calling for a "new covenant" and a renewed multilateral moment, stating that the cost of the current multipolar world order is prohibitively high. Finland's President Alexander Stubb warns of US detachment from allies, citing high cost of multipolarity for global security, urging a new multilateral moment. New Delhi, March 6 Highlighting a shift in global power dynamics, Finnish President Alexander Stubb has expressed concern over a growing "detachment" of the United States from the global West, noting that Washington is increasingly acting without international consultation. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, President Stubb pointed out that recent American actions lack the multilateral engagement seen in previous decades. "There is this element that yes, there is multipolarity, but the United States is obviously doing many of the things without consultation. Unlike it did in Libya, unlike it did in Iraq or in Afghanistan, where there was an attempt at least to discuss in the UN," Stubb stated. The Finnish President argued that this lack of coordination is directly impacting global stability, raising urgent questions about the current international framework. "So then we come to what is the cost for peace and security? Well, we can see it right now. And this is what makes me so optimistic that we're going to have to have this new multilateral moment," he told the audience. Addressing the ongoing crises across various regions, Stubb emphasised that the current global situation necessitates a fresh approach to collective governance. "Because we're seeing what's going on in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan, therefore we need to come together to some kind of a new covenant because, the cost of multipolarity is too high right now," the President remarked. Reflecting on the evolving relationship between the US and its traditional allies, Stubb questioned if the world has reached a definitive turning point in Western unity. "If I were to frame it again, I would think hard again, are we in one of those moments where there is a detachment of the United States from the global west?" he added. - ANI Daniel Radcliffe, who rose to fame as a child star playing Harry Potter, has stated he would prefer his two-year-old son not to become an actor. He expressed concern that an actor's self-worth and identity can become too intertwined with their work. The actor shared these thoughts on 'The View,' where he was shown a clip of his original audition, causing him visible embarrassment. Despite the audience's applause for the old footage, Radcliffe humorously disagreed with their positive assessment. Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe explains why he'd prefer his two-year-old son not to pursue acting, despite his own success as a child star. Los Angeles, March 7 Actor Daniel Radcliffe is not really in favour of his son stepping into his shoes. The actor has said that he would prefer his son not to go into acting, despite being a former child star himself. The 36-year-old star was just 11 years old when he auditioned to play 'Harry Potter', and went on to enjoy global success thanks to the movies, reports 'Female First UK'. But he doesn't want his two-year-old little boy, who he has with partner Erin Darke, to follow in his parents' footsteps because he thinks it would be better for his self-worth. When asked if he'd like his son to be an actor too, Daniel said on The View, "I would rather he isn't. Me and Erin are both actors, so he'll see us being passionate and loving our jobs. I feel like a lot of actors, so much of how we feel about ourselves is tied into our work. I'd love for him to get a job where his sense of identity and self-worth is not as tied to that". As per 'Female First UK', during his appearance on the talk show to promote his show 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins', Daniel was left squirming with embarrassment when they showed one of his early auditions to play Harry Potter. Co-host Sunny Hostin said, "Soon, (your son is) going to realise that his dad is Harry Potter, because it's been 25 years since you starred in the first Harry Potter movie. You were 11 years old when you auditioned for the role. Of course, this is The View, so we have a clip". As the footage aired on a split screen, Daniel could be seen shaking his head and mouthing: "It's bad". But when it finished, the audience applauded and Sunny said, "That is so good". Daniel replied, "I disagree, but thank you very much. Now I can look at that and be like, it's cute". - IANS Strathcona principal Lorna Beegan tells Dynamic Business what small business owners consistently get wrong about mentoring women. Why this matters: For SMEs and startups competing to attract and retain talented women, the gap between good intentions and genuine inclusion often comes down to the everyday signals most leaders barely notice. Beegan names them directly. Most International Womens Day conversations in business circles centre on pipelines, promotions and pay. Lorna Beegan, Principal of Strathcona Girls Grammar, wants to talk about something smaller and, she argues, far more consequential. The conversations that happen at the watercooler, the jokes made in meetings, the offhand comments delivered with a smile, she says. All matter more than many leaders realise. Beegan leads one of Australias longest-running girls schools, now in its 103rd year. From that vantage point, she has watched generations of young women move from the classroom into the workforce, and she has some clear-eyed observations for the business owners and startup leaders they are walking into. The first thing Beegan wants employers to understand is who, exactly, is arriving at their door. When Strathconas young women enter the workforce, they do so with a different kind of confidence, she says. They are not waiting to be authorised to lead. They have been educated to advocate, to question, and to act with purpose. At Strathcona, leadership is not treated as an ambition for later. It is, Beegan explains, a daily practice built into how students learn, debate, and make decisions together. The schools Strategic Plan 20262030 frames leadership not as a title, but as agency shaped by values in action. Students are empowered to co-construct learning with courage, to question inherited assumptions with integrity, and to engage ideas with respect and compassion for others and for evidence, she says. The practical implication for employers is that these women arrive with expectations. They understand systems, power and responsibility, and they are already looking at whether the organisations they join live up to the same standards. They are already nudging organisations to think more clearly, act more responsibly, and lead with greater integrity, Beegan says. Watch your language For small business owners serious about developing women, Beegans most direct advice is about culture, and it is more specific than most leadership frameworks allow for. Pay close attention to language, culture and the everyday signals that shape who feels they belong at your workplace, she says. She is not talking about formal policy. She is talking about tone. What was once dismissed as harmless humour or just how things are said is now recognised for what it can be: a form of soft power that reinforces prejudice, hierarchy and exclusion, Beegan says. Our young women are entering the workforce with a heightened awareness of this. They are discerning listeners, attuned to tone as much as intention, and they are holding more senior colleagues to a higher standard of respect and accountability. The shift, she is careful to note, is not about eliminating warmth or humour from workplaces. It means the rules have shifted. Language is more deliberate, unconscious bias is more likely to be named, and leadership is increasingly judged not only by what they deliver but also by how thoughtfully people speak, she says. Businesses that take this seriously will not only retain talented women but also build cultures that are more intelligent, more self-aware, and better suited to the future of work. On mentoring specifically, Beegan pushes back against approaches that soften expectations in the name of support. Women, like all people, benefit from mentors who clearly name their strengths, challenge them intellectually, and refuse to lower the bar in moments of uncertainty, she says. Effective development requires time, proximity, and honesty. Leadership beyond the breakthrough When asked which women inspire her, Beegan resists the familiar IWD formula of celebrating firsts and exceptions. On International Womens Day, there is often a temptation to celebrate only the exceptional: the first woman to do this, the only woman in that, she says. Yet for over 103 years, a school like Strathcona tells a more sustaining story, one of continuity, community and collective contribution. One alumna she does name is Janette Kendall AM, who graduated in 1979 and was recently recognised in the 2026 Order of Australia Honours List for her service to business, the arts, marketing and the wider community. With more than 25 years of governance experience, Kendall has built a career spanning ASX-listed, private and not-for-profit organisations, working across strategic planning, digital transformation and cross-cultural business operations. What business can borrow from school For Beegan, what makes Kendalls career instructive is not the scale of her success but what she has done with it. Through her advocacy, example and generosity of spirit, she has consistently created pathways for others, particularly women, to lead with confidence and ambition, Beegan says. Strong leadership is not diminished by lifting others; it is strengthened by it. It is, in many ways, the same argument Beegan makes for schools and businesses alike. The work of educating women to lead and the work of building workplaces that let them do so are, she believes, the same project. When we educate girls to lead with confidence and values, we are preparing them for careers and a life well lived, she says. Our aim is to contribute to a future of work that is more thoughtful, more humane, and better equipped for the complexity ahead. For small business owners still treating inclusion as a HR footnote, Beegans message is simple: the young women walking into your business right now have already been prepared. The question is whether you have. Anthropic, led by CEO Dario Amodei, is taking the US Department of War to court over a formal designation labeling the AI company as a national security supply chain risk. Amodei argues the designation is not legally sound and asserts it does not broadly limit the use of Anthropic's Claude AI tools for unrelated contracts. He emphasizes the company's priority is ensuring warfighters and security experts are not deprived of AI tools during ongoing Middle East operations, offering continued support during any transition. Despite the legal dispute, Anthropic's AI services were reportedly used by the Pentagon in recent strikes against Iran as part of Operation Epic Fury. Dario Amodei's Anthropic is legally challenging a US Department of War designation that calls it a national security supply chain risk. San Francisco, March 6 Dario Amodei led Anthropic is taking his battle with the US Department of War to Court. On Friday Anthropic revealed that it had received a formal notice designating it a supply risk, a notice they aim to now challenge legally. "Anthropic received a letter from the Department of War confirming that we have been designated as a supply chain risk to America's national security. As we wrote on Friday, we do not believe this action is legally sound, and we see no choice but to challenge it in court. The Department's letter has a narrow scope, and this is because the relevant statute (10 USC 3252) is narrow, too. It exists to protect the government rather than to punish a supplier; in fact, the law requires the Secretary of War to use the least restrictive means necessary to accomplish the goal of protecting the supply chain. Even for Department of War contractors, the supply chain risk designation doesn't (and can't) limit uses of Claude or business relationships with Anthropic if those are unrelated to their specific Department of War contracts," Amodei said in his press statement. Amodei stated that his concerns remain on domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons, but claimed to have had productive conversations with the Department of War recently. "I would like to reiterate that we had been having productive conversations with the Department of War over the last several days, both about ways we could serve the Department that adhere to our two narrow exceptions, and ways for us to ensure a smooth transition if that is not possible. As we wrote on Thursday, we are very proud of the work we have done together with the Department, supporting frontline war fighters with applications such as intelligence analysis, modelling and simulation, operational planning, cyber operations, and more. As we stated last Friday, we do not believe, and have never believed, that it is the role of Anthropic or any private company to be involved in operational decision-making--that is the role of the military. Our only concerns have been our exceptions on fully autonomous weapons and mass domestic surveillance, which relate to high-level usage areas, and not operational decision-making," he wrote. Amodei said that his priority is to ensure that the national security apparatus is not deprived of AI tools from Anthropic in the middle of the West Asia operations. "Our most important priority right now is making sure that our war fighters and national security experts are not deprived of important tools in the middle of major combat operations. Anthropic will provide our models to the Department of War and national security community, at nominal cost and with continuing support from our engineers, for as long as is necessary to make that transition, and for as long as we are permitted to do so. Anthropic has much more in common with the Department of War than we have differences. We both are committed to advancing US national security and defending the American people, and agree on the urgency of applying AI across the government. All our future decisions will flow from that shared premise," he said. Meanwhile, Anthropic's tools continue to be used during the US' ongoing operation in the Middle East. A Reuters report suggested that the US used an array of weapons in the strikes conducted against Iran as a part of Operation Epic Fury, which included artificial intelligence services from Anthropic. According to the report the Pentagon used artificial intelligence services from Anthropic, including its Claude tools, during its attack on Iran. - ANI The Shia Muslim community in Delhi's Jor Bagh area held a protest following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, burning posters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The protest comes amid escalating West Asia tensions after a US-Israel military strike resulted in Khamenei's death, prompting Iranian retaliation. Similar protests and condolence meetings have occurred in Srinagar, Bandipora, Ramban, and at Iranian diplomatic missions in India. Iranian Vice Consul Mohsin Moghaddmi stated a condolence book was opened for Indian nationals to pay tribute. Shia Muslim community in Delhi's Jor Bagh holds protest, burns Israeli PM posters after death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. New Delhi, March 6 The Shia Muslim community on Friday held a protest over the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the Jor Bagh area of the capital city. The crowd burned down the posters of the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, during the protest. This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries as the conflict now entered its seventh day. Earlier on Wednesday, the Shia community held a peaceful protest in Srinagar, mourning the death of Khamenei. Protests were also held in Bandipore and Ramban. In Ramban slogans were raised. "Tum kitne Hosseini maroge...har ghar se Hosseini niklega" (How many Hosseini will you kill, from every home, a Hosseini will rise). They also burnt an effigy of US President Donald Trump during demonstrations. In Bandipore, protesters carried portraits of the late cleric, expressing grief and condemnation over the incident. An earlier similar protest was carried out in Budgam and Srinagar over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. Meanwhile, a condolence meeting was held at the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi today, following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi also lowered its flag to half-mast to condole Khamenei's death. A large number of people visited the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Hyderabad to pay tribute to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and sign a "Condolence Book" to show their support for the people of Iran during this time of mourning. Mohsin Moghaddmi, Vice Consul of Iran, while talking to the media, said on Thursday, "Today we have opened the Condolence Book for Indian nationals who love our great martyr, beloved Khamenei, to come and pay tribute to the Iranian people and Ayatollah Khamenei." - ANI Bonnie Glick states the US's primary objectives regarding Iran are the destruction of its ballistic missile capability and ensuring it never obtains a nuclear weapon. She expressed hope that the military engagement, coordinated with Israel, would conclude within four to five weeks. On economic matters, Glick explained a waiver for Indian refineries to buy Russian oil reflects a concern for global economic stability. Meanwhile, Dhruva Jaishankar highlighted India's twin concerns for the safety of its Gulf diaspora and the security of energy supplies. Bonnie Glick details US objectives against Iran at Raisina Dialogue, citing missile destruction and nuclear halt as key goals amid regional conflict. New Delhi, March 6 Highlighting the shift in American strategy toward West Asia, Bonnie Glick, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, has stated that the United States is currently prioritising the "destruction of ballistic missile capability" in Iran and seeking a definitive end to the country's nuclear ambitions."The United States is looking at its ultimate goal, which is ensuring that Iran is never able to have a nuclear weapon, and it is the destruction of ballistic missile capability coming out of Iran. Additionally, our allies, the Israelis, have the very real concern about Iran's funding of proxy armies, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis. The whole world has these same concerns," Glick told. Speaking on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026, Glick noted that the current hostilities represent a "final response" to years of regional instability. "The Khamenei regime has been crushed. Subsequent leaders have been assassinated," she stated, adding that the global community remains concerned over Iran's funding of "proxy armies" such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Addressing the timeline of the military engagement, Glick shared an optimistic outlook. "President Trump anticipates that this will go four to five weeks. I'm hopeful that he is correct," she told ANI. She emphasised that the American and Israeli air forces are working "in very close contact to destroy Iran's capabilities to attack and serve as a threat to the world." The conversation also turned to the 30-day waiver granted to Indian refineries to purchase Russian oil amidst stretched global supply lines. Glick explained that the US administration is mindful of the "durability of global economics" despite the ongoing wars in Iran and Europe. "The United States certainly does not have, as part of its interest, a shutdown of the global economy," she said. "We want to make sure that our most important trading partners, who are really impacted directly, can continue to flourish." Regarding recent remarks by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who suggested India would not receive the same economic benefits previously afforded to China, Glick said that the two situations are "apples and oranges." She described the decision to allow China into the WTO as a "miscalculation" due to "unfair trade practises," whereas "India is a vibrant democracy and a free market economy." She noted that "friends should trade fairly with each other," which formed the basis of Landau's comments. Echoing these geopolitical concerns, Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) America, told ANI that India's primary focus remains the "safety and security" of its vast diaspora in the Gulf. "We have almost 1 crore Indians, almost the population of entire Israel in the Gulf," Jaishankar noted, highlighting the Prime Minister's recent communications with counterparts in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Beyond human safety, Jaishankar identified "energy and commodities" as the second major concern for the Indian domestic economy. He stated that while India wants the conflict to end "sooner rather than later," New Delhi is prepared to use its "good offices" to maintain communication with all involved actors. On the subject of the US-India economic relationship and Deputy Secretary Landau's remarks, Jaishankar told ANI that such candidness is part of a mature partnership. "The US is acting in the way they see their interests. India is acting in the way it sees its interests," he said. He further explained that the two nations often have "very candid disagreements" in private on a wide variety of issues. "Sometimes those disagreements make their way into public too and that happens. But I think we understand where we are coming from," Jaishankar said. - ANI The Defence Research and Development Organisation has sanctioned a 99.15 lakh research project to Bharathiar University. The 36-month project aims to develop novel antidotes for highly toxic organophosphorous compounds, which are hazardous to the human nervous system. The project will be led by Principal Investigator Dr N Jayakumar and Co-Principal Investigator Dr S Suja from the university's Department of Biochemistry. This initiative under the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence is expected to significantly contribute to national defence preparedness and toxicology research. DRDO sanctions 99.15 lakhs to Bharathiar University for a 36-month project to develop novel antidotes for highly toxic organophosphorous compounds. Coimbatore, March 6 Bharathiar University has received a major research project sanctioned by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, Ministry of Defence, Government of India, New Delhi. The project titled "Development of Novel Antidote(s) for Highly Toxic Organophosphorous Compounds" has been approved with a total financial outlay of Rs 99.15 lakhs. According to an official release, the project will be carried out under the DRDO Industry Academia - Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at Bharathiar University. The duration of the project is 36 months, during which extensive research will be conducted to develop advanced antidotes capable of counteracting the effects of highly toxic organophosphorous compounds. The project will be led by Dr N Jayakumar, Professor and Head, who will serve as the Principal Investigator. Dr S Suja, Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Bharathiar University, will serve as the Co-Principal Investigator for the project. Together with their research team, they will undertake systematic investigations aimed at developing effective countermeasures against toxic organophosphorous compounds. Organophosphorous compounds are known for their highly toxic properties and are widely used in various industrial and agricultural applications. Some compounds belonging to this group are extremely hazardous and can severely affect the human nervous system. Exposure to such toxic chemicals can lead to serious health consequences, making the development of effective antidotes a crucial scientific and medical priority, a release stated. The primary objective of the project is to design and develop novel antidote molecules capable of neutralising the toxic effects of organophosphorous compounds. Through advanced biochemical and molecular research approaches, the research team will identify potential therapeutic compounds and evaluate their effectiveness in neutralising toxicity. The research will involve modern scientific techniques, including biochemical analysis, molecular studies, and pharmacological evaluation. The findings from this project are expected to contribute significantly to the fields of defence research, toxicology, and medical science. The development of improved antidotes will strengthen preparedness in dealing with toxic chemical exposure and enhance the nation's capabilities in chemical defence. As per a release, Bharathiar University has been actively engaged in high-quality research across multiple disciplines and has established strong collaborations with national and international research organisations. The university continues to contribute to scientific advancement through innovative research in areas such as life sciences, biotechnology, biochemistry, environmental science, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences. The DRDO Industry Academia - Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at Bharathiar University plays an important role in promoting collaboration between academia and national defence research institutions. Through this initiative, scientists and researchers from the university are able to contribute to cutting-edge research that addresses critical national challenges. This newly sanctioned project represents a significant recognition of the research capabilities of Bharathiar University. It is expected to further strengthen the university's research profile at the national level and create new opportunities for scholars and young researchers to participate in advanced scientific investigations, a release further stated. Thiru R Durgashankar, Member of the Vice-Chancellor's Committee, Bharathiar University, and Prof Dr R Rajavel, Registrar, Bharathiar University, congratulated the research team for securing this prestigious research grant from DRDO. They appreciated the efforts of Dr N Jayakumar, Dr S Suja, and their research team and stated that such achievements further enhance the academic and research reputation of Bharathiar University at the national level. They also expressed confidence that the successful execution of this project will contribute significantly to scientific innovation and strengthen India's research initiatives in the areas of defence, toxicology, and public health, a release added - ANI Drew Barrymore has shared the story behind her iconic 1996 magazine cover where she posed as Marilyn Monroe. The shoot was orchestrated after a personal phone call from the magazine's founder, John F. Kennedy Jr., who directly requested the controversial concept. Barrymore recalled seeking his direction on the tone, wanting to know if it was an approval or a sly commentary on the famous "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" moment. Kennedy Jr. instructed her to portray a "sensual, straightforward, confident moment," which ultimately resulted in the memorable cover. Drew Barrymore details the personal phone call from JFK Jr. that led to her iconic and controversial 1996 Marilyn Monroe-inspired magazine cover. Los Angeles, March 6 Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore has shared details of her call with John F. Kennedy Jr. and how it led to her memorable Marilyn Monroe inspired photo shoot. During the Thursday, March 5 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, the actress and host spoke with both Valerie Bertinelli and co-host Ross Mathews about her controversial 1996 cover of JFK Jr.'s magazine, in which she dressed up as Marilyn Monroe, reports 'People' magazine. The Drew's News desk crew showed a photo of the iconic George cover as Barrymore, 51, detailed how it all came together. "I'll never forget. I was in my home, I was in bed. I get on the phone and I'm like, 'Hi'. I mean, we were at the pinnacle of this couple being, I guess, as big as Taylor (Swift) and Travis (Kelce)", Drew Barrymore said of Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. "I don't know how they lived their life. Their existence was not peaceful. It was paparazzi every single second, everywhere that they went. They couldn't walk out their own door without it being a red-carpet fashion runway. And they were Camelot. They were this sort-of royal couple". As for the moment she touched base with the magazine founder, Barrymore said she didn't know where the "personal aspect" of their phone call "would come in". "He said, 'I want to do something that's gonna be controversial because I'd like you to pose as Marilyn Monroe. And, of course, I know the famous 'Happy birthday, Mr. President' very well, we all do", she said of Marilyn Monroe's 1962 performance for JFK Jr.'s father, John F. Kennedy. I said, 'Oh, okay... I'd really love some direction from you on what the tone is,'" Barrymore said, sharing that she asked JFK Jr. if the moment was getting his "seal of approval", sly acknowledgement or if he was "making fun of it". As per 'People', eventually, she asked JFK Jr. how she could "best represent this moment for you". "He just said, 'I want it to be straightforward. I don't want it to be bafoonery. I don't want it to be over congratulatory. I want it to be this sort of sensual, straightforward, confident moment'", she recalled. "And then we went and did the shoot and I heard they were really happy with the pictures and that was great. And then I saw the magazine and I was like, 'Oh my God, this is so crazy'", she added. - IANS External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi. He engaged with top diplomats from Malta, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Seychelles to strengthen strategic and regional partnerships. The discussions focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, realizing the full potential of bilateral ties, and following up on high-level visits. The 11th edition of the flagship conference brings together global leaders to discuss critical geopolitical and economic issues under the theme 'Samskara'. EAM S Jaishankar meets foreign ministers from Malta, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Seychelles & US on Raisina Dialogue sidelines to strengthen partnerships. New Delhi, March 6 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in the national capital, engaging with top leaders from Malta, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Kenya to strengthen strategic and regional partnerships. In a post on X, Jaishankar said he had a "good meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg of Malta" and appreciated his insights on the maritime industry. He also met with Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful of Mauritius, underlining India's commitment to further enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations. "Pleased to meet FM Dhananjay Ritish Ramful of Mauritius. Underlined our commitment to further our enhanced strategic partnership," the EAM said in a post on X. On the sidelines of the dialogue, Jaishankar held discussions with Bhutan Foreign Minister Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, reaffirming India's dedication to deepening the unique bilateral partnership with Bhutan. "Delighted to meet Bhutan FM Lyonpo DN Dhungyel on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026. Reaffirmed our commitment to deepen our unique partnership," Jaishankar stated in another post. The External Affairs Minister also engaged in a warm discussion with Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on bilateral ties and the regional situation, noting that India's initiatives Vision MAHASAGAR and Neighbourhood First continue to guide its regional efforts. Jaishankar further met with Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi in Delhi, where they discussed ways to realise the full potential of India-Kenya ties. He also caught up with the Foreign Minister of Seychelles, Barry Faure. "Great to catch up with FM Barry Faure of Seychelles. Discussed the follow-up to the recent Presidential visit," the EAM said. Earlier on Thursday, the EAM also met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on the sidelines of the Dialogue. "Met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026," EAM stated in an X post. The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, commenced on Thursday, bringing together global policymakers, diplomats, and thought leaders, and focuses on key global and regional issues, including economic cooperation, security challenges, and emerging geopolitical trends. The three-day dialogue is scheduled from March 5 to March 7. The 2026 edition, themed "Samskara - Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement", will see participation from representatives of 110 countries, including ministers, former heads of state and government, members of parliament, military commanders, captains of industry, technology leaders, scholars, journalists, and youth leaders. Samskara represents the legacy of identity that allows civilisations to assert themselves, embrace diversity, and progress through continuous refinement. Around 2,700 participants are attending in person, while millions worldwide are expected to follow the proceedings through digital platforms. Over three days, discussions will be organised across six thematic pillars: Contested Frontiers: Power, Polarity, and Periphery; Repairing the Commons: New Groups, New Guardians, New Avenues; White Whale: The Pursuit of Agenda 2030; The Eleventh Hour: Climate, Conflict, and the Cost of Delay; Tomorrowland: Towards a Tech-topia; and Trade in the Time of Tariffs: Recovery, Resilience, Reinvention. The Raisina Dialogue aims to provide a platform for global decision-makers and thought leaders to exchange ideas, build consensus, and foster cooperation on critical geopolitical and economic issues facing the international community. The Raisina Dialogue is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, held annually in New Delhi since 2016. Organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, this three-day event convenes global leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts, and journalists to discuss critical international issues. - ANI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. The talks occur against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, triggered by recent US-Israel strikes against Iran. The 11th edition of the flagship conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brings together global leaders to deliberate on pressing challenges. The event's theme for 2026 is "Samskara - Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement". EAM S Jaishankar meets Iran's Deputy FM Saeed Khatibzadeh on sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026, amid ongoing West Asia conflict. New Delhi, March 6 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi on Friday. The talks between two ministers comes amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which was triggered by the joint US-Israel strikes against Iran on February 28, aimed at degrading Tehran's missile capabilities and military infrastructure. The opening wave of the operation killed senior figures in the Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a response from Tehran in the form of drone and missile attacks targetting US assets, regional capitals and allied forces across the region. The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, commenced in New Delhi on Thursday, bringing together an array of global leaders, policymakers and strategic experts. The three-day conference, organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), convenes heads of state, ministers, academics, industry leaders, think tanks and members of the media to deliberate on pressing global challenges. EAM Jaishankar met French Minister delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad, State Secretary in Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Niels Annen and Tanzania's Deputy Foreign Minister Ng'waru Jumanne Maghembe. On the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue, EAM Jaishankar also met GLOBESEC think-tank founder and President Robert Vass and European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) Co-founder and Director Mark Leonard. The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue is being held in New Delhi from March 5-7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Raisina Dialogue on March 5. Finland President Alexander Stubb joined the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address. In a statement, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "The theme of the 2026 edition is "Samskara - Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement". Over the course of three days, decision makers and thought leaders of the world will engage each other across conversations in various formats, over six thematic pillars: (i) Contested Frontiers: Power, Polarity, and Periphery; (ii) Repairing the Commons: New Groups, New Guardians, New Avenues; (iii) White Whale: The Pursuit of Agenda 2030; (iv) The Eleventh Hour: Climate, Conflict, and the Cost of Delay; (v) Tomorrowland: Towards a Tech-topia; (vi) Trade in the Time of Tariffs: Recovery, Resilience, Reinvention." - IANS External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Bhutan and Mauritius on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi. He reaffirmed India's commitment to deepening its unique partnership with Bhutan and enhancing the strategic partnership with Mauritius. Jaishankar also met officials from Malta, Iran, France, Germany, Tanzania, and European think tanks during the flagship conference. The Raisina Dialogue, organized by ORF and MEA, convenes global leaders to discuss critical international issues. EAM S Jaishankar meets counterparts from Mauritius, Bhutan, Malta, Iran & others at Raisina Dialogue, reaffirming India's commitment to deepen partnerships. New Delhi, March 6 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with his counterparts from Mauritius and Bhutan on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi on Friday. EAM Jaishankar met Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo DN Dhungyel and reaffirmed India's commitment to deepen partnership between two nations. "Delighted to meet Bhutan Foreign Minister Lyonpo DN Dhungyel on sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026. Reaffirmed our commitment to deepen our unique partnership," EAM Jaishankar posted on X. During his meeting with Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful, EAM Jaishankar underlined India's commitment to further enhance strategic partnership between two nations. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar stated, "Pleased to meet FM Dhananjay Ritish Ramful of Mauritius. Underlined our commitment to further our enhanced strategic partnership." The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, commenced in New Delhi on Thursday. The event, organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), convenes global leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts, and journalists to discuss critical international issues. Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar held a meeting with Malta's Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg on the sidelines of the event. "Good meeting with Deputy PM of Malta this afternoon. Appreciate his insights on the maritime industry," he posted on X after the meeting. EAM Jaishankar also met Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh. The talks between two ministers took place amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which was triggered by the joint US-Israel strikes against Iran on February 28, aimed at degrading Tehran's missile capabilities and military infrastructure. On the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue, EAM Jaishankar also met French Minister delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad, State Secretary in Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Niels Annen, Tanzania's Deputy Foreign Minister Ng'waru Jumanne Maghembe, GLOBESEC think-tank founder and President Robert Vass and European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) Co-founder and Director Mark Leonard. - IANS External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Malta's Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi. Jaishankar appreciated Borg's insights on the maritime industry following their discussion. The dialogue was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Finland's President Alexander Stubb as the chief guest. India and Malta share longstanding friendly relations, established shortly after Malta's independence in 1964. EAM S Jaishankar meets Malta's Deputy PM Ian Borg, appreciates maritime insights at Raisina Dialogue 2026, inaugurated by PM Modi. New Delhi, March 6 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Malta's Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi on Friday. Following their meeting, EAM Jaishankar in a post on X wrote, "Good meeting with Deputy PM of Malta this afternoon. Appreciate his insights on the maritime industry." Borg arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday to attend the 11th Raisina Dialogue, being held from March 5-7. Welcoming Borg to India, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, said: "Warm welcome to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, Ian Borg for participation in the 11th Raisina Dialogue. India and Malta enjoy friendly and cordial relations anchored in strong people-to-people ties." Bilateral ties between India and Malta have been friendly, with a number of visits having been exchanged between the two sides. India was one of the first countries to recognise the independence of Malta in 1964 and established diplomatic relations with it in 1965. The Raisina Dialogue is organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The event convenes global leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts, and journalists to discuss critical international issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Dialogue on Thursday. Finland President Alexander Stubb joined the inaugural session as the Chief Guest and delivered the keynote address. "The theme of the 2026 edition is 'Samskara - Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement'. Over the course of three days, decision makers and thought leaders of the world will engage each other across conversations in various formats, over six thematic pillars: (i) Contested Frontiers: Power, Polarity, and Periphery; (ii) Repairing the Commons: New Groups, New Guardians, New Avenues; (iii) White Whale: The Pursuit of Agenda 2030; (iv) The Eleventh Hour: Climate, Conflict, and the Cost of Delay; (v) Tomorrowland: Towards a Tech-topia; (vi) Trade in the Time of Tariffs: Recovery, Resilience, Reinvention," the MEA stated. - IANS Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that education holds major potential to increase India's service exports and global reach. He linked this opportunity to India's Free Trade Agreements with developed economies and a confident new approach to global engagement. Goyal emphasized that the National Education Policy 2020, formulated under extensive consultation, is key to attracting international students and campuses. The conclave focused on strategies like dual-degree programs and partnerships to internationalize Indian higher education. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlights education as a major service export, linking it to FTAs and the National Education Policy 2020 for Viksit Bharat. New Delhi, March 6 Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that education as a service has significant potential to contribute to India's export earnings and help take high-quality Indian education to the rest of the world. Addressing the Vice Chancellor's Conclave on "Reimagining Internationalisation of Higher Education for Viksit Bharat 2047" today, Goyal expressed happiness that the Ministry of Commerce and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) under the Ministry is taking a lead in exploring the potential that education as a service holds for India's export earnings as well as for expanding the global reach of Indian education. The conclave provided a platform for thematic discussions and expert dialogues on key aspects of internationalising higher education, including international partnerships, student mobility, regulatory frameworks and dual degree programmes. Participants also deliberated on strategies to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian Higher Education Institutions, while examining emerging global trends in education mobility and exploring opportunities for India to strengthen its presence in the expanding global education services market. He said that the future growth engines of the world are likely to be countries that are less developed or developing, such as India. Therefore, exposure to India would help students from developed countries in their future careers. Goyal said he sees growing recognition of this trend while negotiating services chapters in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). He noted that the nine FTAs finalised by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have all been with developed economies. According to him, nearly two-thirds of global trade is now covered by India's FTAs because the country has engaged with more developed and evolved economies. He said this reflects a shift in India's approach to global engagement, noting that the country no longer negotiates from a weak position or a colonial mindset. Instead, India now engages with the world with confidence and from a position of strength. The Minister said that if India is currently contributing around 20 per cent of global growth and has emerged as an engine of growth, then in the future the younger generations across the world will increasingly need to work with countries such as India. The Minister said that a comprehensive effort to reform India's education system was undertaken through extensive consultations with educationists across the country in drafting the National Education Policy 2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the policy was formulated after wide-ranging consultations and inputs from stakeholders across the country and overseas. Nearly three lakh inputs and feedback were received, each of which was given due importance and carefully considered before finalising the policy. He said that the policy emerged after years of deliberation and reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's style of working. Goyal said that the policy has opened India's thinking to aspire for international standards in education, expand educational institutions to meet India's growing needs, and attract students from across the world. The Minister said the policy has permitted international campuses to come and set up in India and has enabled universities to collaborate with Indian institutions to offer dual degrees. It has also encouraged cross-border student exchanges so that Indian students can gain exposure to education systems in developed and other countries, while international students can also experience India's education system. Goyal noted that there is now a need to encourage students from developed countries to come and study in India. He suggested models such as a three-year programme where students could spend one year in India and two years in their original institution, or split their time equally between both institutions. According to him, such dual degree programmes would help students from developed countries understand how developing countries think, work, and engage with culture and society. Addressing the Vice Chancellors present at the conclave, Goyal described them as architects of India's future, noting that they play a crucial role in shaping the minds of young Indians. He said that each Vice Chancellor carries a significant responsibility as they prepare students to face the challenges of tomorrow and lay the foundations of a modern, developed nation. He said that higher education institutions must evolve with changing times and that teachers should undergo retraining and relearning so that they remain current with modern curriculum and future-oriented knowledge while teaching students. The Minister stressed that students cannot be prepared for the future through outdated curricula. He said that institutions and teachers must remain agile and understand emerging opportunities that the future holds. Goyal highlighted the importance of internationalisation of India's trade, manufacturing and services sectors as well as engagement with modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and machine learning. He said these will become increasingly important if India is to continue growing at the current pace, become one of the top three economies in the world and emerge as a global technology powerhouse. He said educational institutions will need to reassess their curriculum and teaching styles accordingly. He emphasised that subjects such as international trade and India's Free Trade Agreements should be included in academic curricula so that students understand the opportunities available in the global economy. The Minister expressed confidence that students who understand international law, trading rules and the benefits emerging from Free Trade Agreements will play an important role in taking India towards Viksit Bharat during the Amrit Kaal. Goyal said that as institutions adopt modern teaching techniques, upgrade facilities, and improve teachers' understanding of global trends, Indian students will increasingly choose to study in India rather than abroad. At the same time, India will begin attracting students from across the world. He expressed hope that in the coming years, the present ratio of 28 Indian students going abroad for every one international student coming to India would be reversed, and that India would attract around 1.3 million foreign students to study in its institutions, while only a small number of Indian students go abroad. The Minister concluded by encouraging greater collaboration between academia, government and industry to realise the vision of internationalising higher education and transforming India into a global education destination by 2047. - ANI From dog food brand to a zero-emissions fertiliser startup, here are three Australian companies that raised big this week. It was a busy week for Australian startup funding, with three companies closing raises totalling more than $110 million across agtech, fresh pet food, construction logistics and AI sales. Here is what went down. PlasmaLeap Technologies: US$20 Million Series A The raise was co-led by the Gates Foundation, Investible and Yara Growth Ventures, the venture arm of global nitrogen fertiliser producer Yara International, with additional backing from Twynam, GrainCorp Ventures, Uniseed/UniSuper, Artesian, SVG Ventures and Ravensdowns Agnition Ventures. Founded in 2019 and spun out of the University of Sydney, PlasmaLeap develops zero-emissions chemical reactors that enable farmers to produce sustainable nitrogen fertiliser directly on-farm or at local hubs. The technology is designed to cut emissions, reduce input costs and ease supply-chain dependency, with longer-term applications also being developed for sustainable fuels and energy systems. Lyka: $67 Million Series C The round was led by New York venture fund LGVP, whose founder Itai Tsiddon has backed Lyka since its $30 million Series B in 2022. The raise brings the companys total funding to $155 million. Founded in 2018 by vet Dr Matthew Muir and Anna Podolsky, Lyka makes freshly prepared dog food and delivers it to consumers on a subscription basis, with weekly pricing ranging between $28 and $50 for a small dog depending on breed, age, weight and activity level. The brand is perhaps best known outside pet food circles for its Netflix-banned ad, which was pulled from the platform following viewer complaints. Firmable: $14 Million Series A The raise was led by existing investor Airtree, which also backed the companys previous $9 million round in October 2023. Other investors joining the round include former Pacific Brands CEO Sue Morphet, A Cloud Guru co-founder Sam Kroonenburg, Redbubbles Martin Hosking and Aconex co-founder Rob Phillpot. Founded in 2023 by former Aconex trio Leigh Jasper, Paul Perrett and Karthik Venkatasubramanian, Firmable brings together proprietary account data, real-time buying signals and AI agents into a single platform built to streamline sales tasks and administration for B2B teams. The new capital will support a US rollout and continued development of the companys AI agent capabilities. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli emphasized that Nepal's 2026 general election carries the extraordinary responsibility of restoring peace, stability, and democratic order after an unusual political situation. He expressed strong confidence that his party, the CPN-UML, would secure a clear majority or emerge as the largest party, with his party proposing him as prime minister. Oli alleged that there were attempts to influence voters and spread confusion during the campaign period. The election saw a robust preliminary voter turnout of around 60%, with significant participation from Gen Z voters. Former PM KP Sharma Oli says Nepal's 2026 election must restore stability and democracy, expressing confidence his CPN-UML will win a strong mandate. Bhaktapur, March 6 Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed that the election must help restore stability and democratic order in Nepal, while expressing confidence that his party would secure a strong mandate in the General Elections 2026. The election held in Nepal on Thursday was overall peaceful. Oli, who is the Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal - Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), said the election carries the responsibility of reinforcing peace and ensuring citizens can continue their daily activities without fear. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Oli said, "This election has to maintain peace and order and ensure the public that normalcy is back in the nation so that people can continue their business and activities without fear or restraints." He added that the polls should help reinstate democracy and bring the country back onto a stable democratic path. "This election should reinstate the Loktantra, and anarchic as well as violent activities should be put to an end. It should again bring the country back to the democratic track and lead the nation and the public to the path of stability," he added. He said that the election should bring to power leaders who support peace, good governance and development. "This election should elect those who are on the side of peace, good governance and development, the experienced, patriotic, democratic and progressive forces, with a landslide victory," he said, noting that the polls are taking place after an unusual political situation and carry the responsibility of restoring normalcy. He added, "This election has extraordinary responsibility because it is being held after an unusual situation and has to be held. This election has the responsibility to transform the unusual situation to usual. I am confident that this election will work on that front." The CPN-UML chief also alleged that attempts were made to influence voters and spread confusion during the campaign. "During this election, there were unnecessary talks, attempts to influence voters and efforts to divert public attention. Some elements tried to spread hatred and rumours, pushing the nation toward confusion. This is the difference that I have seen in between the elections held before and those being held now," he said. Expressing confidence in his party's performance, Oli said CPN-UML candidate Mahesh Basnet would win and the party would either secure a clear majority or emerge as the largest party in parliament. "Mahesh Basnet will win, and CPN-UML will secure a majority. Even if that is not the case, it will be the major party in parliament, I have been saying it since long," he said. Oli also said that his party has proposed him as a prime ministerial candidate. "My party has asked me to be the Prime Minister. The country will also make me the Prime Minister as my party has said so," he added. Earlier, Oli, cast his vote at a polling station in Bhaktapur for the General Elections 2026. Nepal's general elections saw a preliminary voter turnout of around 60 per cent, driven largely by Gen Z, contributing to the "unprecedented" energy at the polls. The Election Commission attributed the successful conduct to improved voter education, cooperation from political parties, and robust security measures. After the Gen Z protest, the reputations of the Nepalese government and the Election Commission were at stake regarding this election. After voting ended at 5 pm, the Officiating Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari thanked the people of Nepal. - ANI Delhi Police have deported or repatriated five Nigerian nationals in February for overstaying their visas or entering India without valid documentation. The operation was conducted by teams from Uttam Nagar Police Station and the Dwarka Anti-Narcotics Cell under the supervision of the Dwarka DCP. The individuals were processed through the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and sent to a detention centre before deportation. The action aligns with the stricter provisions of the new Immigration and Foreigners Act, which mandates severe penalties for violations. Five Nigerian nationals were deported or repatriated by Delhi Police in February for illegally staying in India without valid visas. New Delhi, March 6 Five Nigerian nationals, who were found illegally staying in India, were deported or repatriated, said officials on Friday, adding that this was part of an ongoing crackdown by the Delhi Police in the national capital. According to police officials, the operation was carried out by teams from various police stations and specialised units in the district, who regularly gather intelligence on foreign nationals suspected of residing or moving around in the area without valid documents. Police stated that individuals staying illegally in the country put pressure on local resources, prompting authorities to intensify verification drives and legal action against such cases. During February, a total of five Nigerian nationals were apprehended for overstaying in India without valid visas. Of these, three Nigerian nationals were deported by the Uttam Nagar Police Station team, while two others were repatriated by the Anti-Narcotics Cell of Dwarka District. The entire operation was conducted under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Dwarka District. The arrested individuals have been identified as Matthew Chikwado Onuwa, Paul Onyekachi Ekwenze, and Aiyuguhjh Elvis, who were deported, and Christopher Uchechukwu Kalu and John Nnamdi Okafor, who were repatriated. Police said the teams acted on specific inputs regarding foreign nationals who had either overstayed their visas or had allegedly entered the country without valid documentation and were residing in areas of the Dwarka District. After being apprehended, the individuals were produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which ordered their deportation or repatriation. Following the legal process, they were sent to a detention centre before being deported from the country. Last year, the new Immigration and Foreigners Act that came into effect had strict rules on passports, visas, and immigration. While the law makes it mandatory for hotels, hospitals, and education institutions to report foreigners to officials, it enhances the powers of the Bureau of Immigration to identify and deport illegal immigrants. Anyone found using a forged passport or visa for entering India or staying in or exiting is liable to be punished with a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. The law has provisions for punishment for those supplying forged passports or travel documents. - IANS A report reveals food adulteration in Pakistan has escalated from compromising choice to threatening everyday survival, with contaminants ranging from synthetic milk to fake cheese and spices. The Lahore High Court described the situation as a "horrifying picture," highlighting cases like 2,400 litres of adulterated milk. Testing in Karachi found formalin and excessive phosphate in every milk sample, with chemicals like urea and detergents routinely added. The crisis points to systemic regulatory failure, with lenient penalties and normalized consumer acceptance of unsafe food. Report reveals systemic food adulteration in Pakistan, with formalin in milk and fake products threatening public health and survival. New Delhi, March 6 Food adulteration has become so widespread in Pakistan that it now threatens everyday survival rather than merely compromising consumer choice, a new report has said. The report from Daily Mirror said adulteration ranges across products from synthetic milk and fake cheese to contaminated spices, cooking oil, meat and bottled water. In Pakistan, a most dangerous public health emergency has unfolded gradually, almost invisibly, inside kitchens and marketplaces, the report said. It cited a recent judicial observation that brought the issue into public view, as The Lahore High Court called the situation a "horrifying picture," when denying bail to an accused caught transporting 2,400 litres of adulterated milk. The report cited Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority findings that formalin and excessive phosphate were present in every milk sample tested in Karachi, rendering products unfit for human consumption, the report further said. Formalin, commonly used as an industrial preservative, is particularly alarming given its known health risks, it noted. The report flagged that water, detergents, vegetable fats, urea, formalin, and other chemicals are routinely added to milk. "The scale and persistence of this problem point not to isolated criminal acts, but to systemic regulatory failure," the report said. It also flagged the widespread availability of counterfeit and substandard food products manufactured by unlicensed and unregistered producers, imitating brand names, packaging, and visual appearance of popular items. These products are displayed prominently even in major retail stores. The report also highlighted unsafe and unhygienic practices throughout the supply chain, from farms to retail outlets raising risks of gastrointestinal disorders, liver and kidney damage, weakened immunity, and increased susceptibility to disease. "Perhaps the most troubling aspect of Pakistan's food adulteration crisis is how normalised it has become. Consumers often assume that what they buy is unsafe and adjust their expectations accordingly," it noted. The media house said that occasional crackdowns are just reactive and short-lived, triggered by court interventions or media attention. "Penalties imposed on offenders are frequently too lenient to deter repeat violations, effectively becoming a manageable cost of doing business," it flagged. - IANS Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held discussions with Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, Sadamasa Oue, focusing on enhancing defence technology and economic security. The talks build upon the India-Japan Economic Security Initiative launched in 2025, aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation. Key areas of collaboration include semiconductors, critical minerals, clean energy, and fostering a trusted AI ecosystem through the Japan-India AI Cooperation Initiative. The engagement underscores the commitment to advance the Special Strategic and Global Partnership through concrete projects and private-sector involvement. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meets Japan's PM advisor Sadamasa Oue to strengthen defence technology and economic security cooperation. New Delhi, March 6 Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday discussed defence technology and economic security with Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister Sadamasa Oue in the backdrop of India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. "Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri met Sadamasa Oue, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan. They had a productive exchange of views on strengthening the defence technology and economic security pillars of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X. Both nations had announced the India-Japan Economic Security Initiative in 2025 to provide momentum for strategic cooperation through whole-of-nation efforts in strengthening supply chains of key goods and materials, which foster market diversification and advance cooperation in cutting-edge technologies. According to a statement by MEA, the initiative includes identifying and implementing concrete projects in the areas of semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, telecommunication, clean energy and new and emerging technologies through the government and business tracks of the Dialogue on Economic Security, including Strategic Trade and Technology. Both nations decided to share policy perspectives, intelligence and information on best practices on the latest developments. This includes promoting cooperation on resilient supply chains and market diversification through the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of Mineral Resources, India-Japan Digital Partnership 2.0, Memorandum of Cooperation on Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership, and other such mechanisms and promoting private sector-led cooperation, including by supporting the Joint Action Plan on Economic Security Cooperation by JETRO, CII and JCCII. According to MEA, New Delhi and Tokyo decided to implement the Japan-India AI Cooperation Initiative (JAI) to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation on AI and foster an innovative and trusted AI ecosystem and promote India-Japan battery supply chain cooperation to foster a healthy battery market and ecosystem. Earlier on Thursday, according to a press release by the Japanese Foreign Affairs, a delegation of MPs led by Congress leader Manish Tewari gave a courtesy call to the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kuunimitsu Ayano. As per the release, the Japanese minister stated that Japan and India are "Special Strategic Global Partners" which share fundamental values and expressed her intention to steadily advance cooperation across a wide range of fields, including economy, investment, and innovation based on the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan in last August. The Indian delegation stated that it would like to contribute to the further development of the bilateral relations. - ANI Gau Swastha is an Indian AI platform that allows farmers to diagnose cattle health issues simply by uploading a photograph from their phone. The system analyzes the image alongside farmer-reported symptoms to screen for 33 diseases and generate clinical-grade diagnoses and treatment protocols. It eliminates the need for costly wearable sensors, making advanced veterinary care accessible to small-scale farmers. The platform is already live in 26 Karnataka veterinary clinics and has been validated on over 7,000 cattle. Gau Swastha AI uses photos to diagnose 33 cattle diseases, providing treatment plans and market value in 30 seconds. Affordable for small farmers. New Delhi, March 6 Gau Swastha, is revolutionizing Indian dairy farming by combining computer vision, vision-language models and large language models to analyse cattle photos, farmer-reported symptoms and veterinary knowledge in one unified clinical reasoning engine. With their multimodal made-in-India AI approach, farmers only need their phones to click a photograph of their cow from their mobile phone, and they can then access clinical-grade livestock intelligence, thereby removing dependency on expensive hardware, wearable sensors, or IoT devices. The existing current livestock technology landscape has a heavy dependence on IoT hardware such as pedometers, smart collars, wearable sensors and RFID tagging devices that must be physically attached to cattle. These systems not only come at a significant cost (about 25,000 per animal) but also issues around servicing, battery replacement, connectivity etc. While large commercial dairy farms may find it viable, such investments become prohibitively expensive for India's small and marginal farmers, who form the backbone of the dairy economy. Gau Swastha addresses this structural affordability and accessibility gap through a radically different, image-first AI architecture to do away with any dependence on pedometers or smart collars to collect sensor data. The GauSwastha AI platform extracts rich physiological, anatomical and behavioural signals directly from a simple side-angle photograph of the cow. The LLM-driven "symptom intelligence" engine blends these textual inputs with visual findings to generate probabilistic disease scores, severity grading and differential diagnoses, closely mirroring how a veterinary doctor thinks through a case. For more nuanced problems, a guided "disease diagnosis" workflow asks farmers simple, everyday questions - such as whether the cow is eating less or has facial swelling - then prompts them to upload targeted images (udder, eyes, face), and returns disease likelihoods and clear recommendations. On top of diagnosis, Gau Swastha leverages generative AI with retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to deliver actionable, science-backed treatment and care protocols. The platform structures thousands of veterinary procedures into AI-readable knowledge graphs linking diseases, symptoms, severity, treatment and prevention, enabling machine-learning-driven clinical reasoning rather than simple pattern matching. The result is a system that can explain what disease is likely, how serious it is, what dosage to give (based on automatically estimated body weight), and what preventive steps the farmer should take next. In the last 10 months, the AI platform has already been validated on over 7,000 cattle in the field and is live across 26 Karnataka Veterinary Department polyclinics, where more than 50,000 farmers have benefited. A single side-angle image of a cow triggers a 360-degree "animal intelligence" to provide full health, nutrition and productivity assessments in under 30 seconds. From one photograph, the system simultaneously screens for 33 diseases, identifies breed and even assesses breeding capacity. It also generates buy/sell recommendations, market value and personalized nutrition and fodder suggestions tailored to the animal's health and productivity indicators. What was once the domain of an experienced veterinarian with years of field practice is now available as a structured dashboard on a farmer's phone. Best of all, the pricing has deliberately been kept negligible, so it can be affordable with no hidden costs that are prevailing in the current solutions. Crucially, Gau Swastha is not a static model; it is a continuously learning system. Licensed veterinarians review AI-generated diagnoses and recommendations, validating correct cases and flagging misclassifications. It has been proved to make livestock monitoring dramatically more cost-effective, scalable and inclusive, by handling all observational-based diseases. Another key differentiator is that Gau Swastha is built on India-specific livestock datasets. The system is trained on 40,000 annotated cattle health images, 1,000 symptom-to-disease mappings and 30+ veterinary treatment protocols. Geo-tagged scans feed into spatio-temporal machine-learning models that power outbreak clustering, regional risk heatmaps and disease spread forecasting, helping governments and cooperatives take proactive measures. Accessibility is central to Gau Swastha's mission. The platform is available via app, web link and WhatsApp chatbot, and has already been deployed in eleven Indian regional languages with a conversational voice-AI assistant that allows farmers to speak in their own language. Gau Swastha sits inside the larger Gau Sampurna ecosystem created by Silo Fortune, alongside free online veterinary teleconsultations, cattle trading and e-commerce for animal inputs. Together they form an integrated AI-driven stack that helps farmers detect disease early, optimize nutrition, get fair prices for their animals and access the right products and veterinary support in one place. In doing so, it's a demonstration of how frontier AI can be reimagined for rural India. Its founder, Naveen Honnegowda, grew up in a farming family and left a high-profile 2-decade long corporate career for US firms in AI/ML, to empower India's dairy farmers with affordable tech solutions. - ANI Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated the ultimate goal of Israel's military campaign is a regime change in Tehran, led by the Iranian people themselves. He described the current Iranian regime as oppressive and argued that creating conditions for internal political change is the strategic objective. Saar's remarks follow escalated tensions after a US-Israel strike killed Iran's Supreme Leader, prompting retaliatory attacks across the region. He emphasized Israel's patience and determination to achieve its goals, while acknowledging that external help might be needed for internal change in Iran. Israeli FM Gideon Saar says the objective of the military campaign is to enable regime change in Iran by its people, removing long-term threats to Israel. New Delhi, March 6 Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Friday said the ultimate objective of Israel's ongoing military campaign in West Asia against Iran is to remove "existential threats" posed by the Islamic Republic, adding that the end goal for the joint operation with the US will be "regime change". Addressing a session, through video conferencing, during the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Saar said Israel's broader objective is to create conditions that could enable political change within Iran, enabled by the people in the country. "The goal will be a regime change. The regime change will take place and will happen by the people of Iran. We should have; we should create the conditions to do that," Saar said. He described the existing Iranian regime as oppressive and argued that despite strong public sentiment for change, the regime's repressive nature had prevented such efforts in the past. "Until now, this oppressive regime was so powerful, so repressive, and so brutal that they couldn't do that, even if a huge majority of the Iranian public inside Iran, and sometimes you can feel it also from the Iranian communities outside Iran, even they strongly supported a change. So basically, this is the endgame. But the end game will be written by the Iranian people," the Israeli Foreign Minister added. His remarks come amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. According to Saar, Israel's strategic objective in the ongoing conflict is to eliminate long-term threats to the Jewish state. The Israeli foreign minister suggested that a change in Iran's ruling establishment could ultimately help achieve that objective, though he emphasised that such a transformation would have to come from the Iranian people themselves. Saar also said it was too early to assess the full impact of the military operation, noting that only a few days had passed since the start of the escalation, adding that Israel has the patience and determination to achieve its strategic goals. "We can achieve that goal as a means by changing this regime. This change can be during the operation or after the operation. We must create the conditions for the Iranian people to do that. But I would say, five days after the beginning of this war, it is probably too early to judge, and I think we had amazing successes during these five days. But anyhow, we have enough patience in order to achieve our goals. We are determined to achieve our goals," he added. Responding to a question about the possible timeline of the conflict, Saar said neither Israel nor the US had set a fixed deadline for the operation. He referred to remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had suggested the conflict could last several weeks, but said the duration would ultimately depend on achieving Israel's objectives. He further accused Iran of continuing policies that Israel views as direct threats, including pursuing its nuclear programme and developing long-range ballistic missiles. "We are determined to achieve the goals of this operation, and we said that for us, we are going to remove, in the long run, existential threats from Iran. We don't want to go to a new war every year. This is not our purpose. But the problem is that we see, after the war from June 2025, nothing has really changed. I mean, Iran is still with its elimination plan against Israel, continuing with the nuclear programme, continuing with the long-range ballistic missiles programme, and continuing to finance terror proxies like Hezbollah or Hamas or the Houthis in Yemen," he said. According to Saar, Israel alone cannot bring about regime change in Iran. "As much as we cannot do that without the people in Iran wanting to do that, they will probably not be able to do that without some kind of help from outside," the Israeli FM added. - ANI The Department of Fertilisers has assured farmers that India's fertiliser stocks are robust and sufficient for the upcoming Kharif season, despite geopolitical disruptions. Reserve stocks have increased by 36.5% compared to last year, with significant rises in DAP, NPK, and urea availability. The government has secured long-term import agreements and is prioritising gas supply to the fertiliser sector to insulate against global volatility. Farmers are encouraged to proceed with their Kharif preparations without panic. Govt assures farmers of robust fertiliser supply for Kharif season, with stocks up 36.5% and long-term import deals secured amid Iran crisis. New Delhi, March 6 Addressing market speculation triggered by geopolitical disruptions in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz, the Centre's Department of Fertilisers on Friday firmly assured the farming community that India's fertiliser stocks remain robust and are sufficient to handle the upcoming kharif season. The Department of Fertilisers said that the country's reserve stocks of fertilisers have risen by a massive 36.5 per cent from 129.85 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) on March 6, 2025, to 177.31 LMT as on March 6, 2026. This huge buffer is driven by an unprecedented increase in critical soil nutrients, most notably DAP stocks (now at 25.13 LMT) and a rise in NPK reserves (reaching 55.87 LMT). Furthermore, the availability of urea -- the country's most widely consumed fertiliser -- has also grown to reach 59.30 LMT. "This robust inventory demonstrates that the nation is exceptionally well-stocked and fully insulated against any global supply chain shock, as we approach the peak Kharif sowing season," the official statement said. These fertiliser reserves, which are significantly higher than last year, provide a vital operational cushion, ensuring that international logistics bottlenecks do not translate into domestic farm-gate shortages. To ensure continuity of supplies of all grades of subsidised fertilisers, the department has already tied up critical incoming shipments. The government has so far imported 98 lakh metric tonnes of finished fertilisers up to February 2026, and further imports of more than 17 lakh metric tonnes are already lined up for the next three months. Furthermore, to insulate the country from regional pricing and supply volatility, Indian companies have secured long-term supply agreements with major international producers for P&K fertilisers, the statement said. The government is also actively manoeuvring to optimise resources amid the LNG supply strain. In a high-level review meeting held in the department, the government assured fertiliser companies that gas supply to their sector remains a top national priority. The department stated that farmers are the priority of the government, and their interests will not be compromised under any circumstances. Farmers are encouraged to proceed with their Kharif preparations without any panic. The department also observed that the current lean period is traditionally when fertiliser companies schedule plant shutdowns for repair and maintenance. These companies have now come forward to advance their maintenance schedule to March to utilise the disruptive time to their advantage. Multiple global sources are also being tapped for additional imports of finished fertilisers. The Department of Fertilisers, in close coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, continues to monitor the situation in real time, to ensure early discharge of imports, and it stands ready to execute quick responses, as global energy markets evolve, the statement added. - IANS Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated the government is in talks with the Shipping Ministry and companies to free cargoes stranded due to the West Asia conflict. He assured exporters of full government support to meet international commitments, including addressing high insurance and shipment costs. The situation is critical as oil prices surged following Iranian strikes, raising concerns over global energy supplies. A bank report warned that risks in the Strait of Hormuz could further slow shipments and increase costs. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says govt is engaging with shipping companies to free cargo stranded due to West Asia conflict and support exporters. New Delhi, March 6 Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that talks are on with the Shipping Ministry and shipping companies to free up cargoes stranded due to the conflict in West Asia. The government will look at ways to ease exporters' burdens, including high insurance and shipment costs. "Every day, the inter-ministerial group talks to the exporters. Even this morning, they must have had an engagement. They take feedback, and we will not be found wanting in supporting our exporters in any way. We should continue to meet all the commitments that we have made to our buyers, whether in goods or services," Goyal said. He said the government would use "every policy tool" and the export promotion mission to support Indian exporters. "I can assure you this government stands with our industry and will continue to ensure that all our international commitments are met because that is what defines India," Goyal said. He cited the country's remarkable record of meeting all its international commitments even during the Covid19 pandemic as evidence of its reliability as a trading partner. Oil prices surged as Iran launched missiles and drones across the Gulf, striking an oil refinery in Bahrain. Brent crude posted an intraday high above $86, while the US crude closed above $81 per barrel after surging 8.5 per cent last night. A recent report from DBS Bank warned that despite the Iranian Navy's warships posing minimal threat, the Islamic Republic's ability to deploy mines and asymmetric attacks in the Strait of Hormuz could slow shipments, raise insurance, shipping costs and energy prices. The US had earlier said that it may deploy naval escorts for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, as the conflict with Iran raised concerns about global energy supplies and shipping security in one of the world's most critical maritime corridors. The White House also stated that recent actions against Iran could ultimately improve the stability of global energy markets. - IANS Bhopal farmer Ram Singh Kushwaha transformed his fortunes with support from the Centre's Integrated Horticulture Development Mission. He built a polyhouse and installed a sensor-based automation system for cultivating roses and gerberas, significantly boosting production. His flowers are now supplied to markets in Lucknow, Delhi, and Jaipur, generating a daily income of 4000-5000. The Madhya Pradesh government highlights his journey as a model for turning farming into a profitable business with technology and scheme support. With govt scheme support, Bhopal farmer Ram Singh Kushwaha adopted automated polyhouse farming, now earns 4000-5000 daily supplying flowers nationwide. Bhopal, March 6 With assistance and financial support from the Centre's Integrated Horticulture Development Mission scheme, a Bhopal farmer Ram Singh Kushwaha not only learnt professional horticulture, increasing production of flowers using automated systems but also found a market beyond Madhya Pradesh. Kushwaha had been practising traditional farming for years, which faced financial challenges due to rising costs and low profits. Three years ago, he was provided financial support and assistance from the state's Horticulture department. Taking advantage of the scheme under the National Development Project, Kushwaha built a polyhouse of 1,000 square feet and started cultivating flowers (roses and gerberas). To increase flower production and reduce costs, he installed a sensor-based automation system in his polyhouse this year. The automation system provides balanced amounts of water, fertiliser, and pesticides to his one-acre farm, 24x7, without any manual system. This also saves time and cost on water and fertilisers. Kushwaha has planted 30,000 hybrid gerbera plants on one acre of land over the past few years and adopted drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, receiving a 50 per cent subsidy. His roses and gerberas are being supplied to Lucknow, Delhi, and Jaipur. "As a result of modern technology and scientific farming, Kushwaha is producing 1,500 to 2,000 flowers per day and selling them in the market in just one year. He is also earning an income of 4,000 to 5,000 rupees per day from 4,000 flower spikes. Flower and fruit farming has strengthened Kushwaha's financial position," according to a government's press note. The Madhya Pradesh government said that Kushwaha's journey is not just a story of economic progress, but a learning that with proper guidance, modern technology, and the support from the government schemes, farming can be transformed into a profitable business. Kushwaha, a resident of Barkheda Bondar village in Bhopal, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. "The government's Integrated Horticulture Development Mission scheme has made us self-reliant and given us a new identity in society," Kushwaha said. - IANS Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel congratulated 34 candidates from the state for clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025. He highlighted the role of the state-run Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) in providing crucial training and support. The CM expressed confidence that the successful candidates would contribute to public service and the vision of a developed India by 2047. The top all-India ranks were secured by Anuj Agnihotri (AIR 1) and Rajeshwari Suve M (AIR 2). Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel congratulates 34 state candidates who cleared UPSC 2025. Top ranks include Anuj Agnihotri (AIR 1) and Rajeshwari Suve M (AIR 2). Gandhinagar, March 6 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday congratulated candidates from the state who cleared the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination, stating that 34 aspirants from Gujarat had succeeded in the 2025 cycle of the highly competitive national examination. In a statement issued after the results were declared by the UPSC, the Chief Minister said the achievement of the candidates had brought pride to the state. "A total of 34 bright sons and daughters of Gujarat have passed the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, which is a matter of immense pride for our state. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the successful candidates and convey my best wishes for their bright future," he said. Patel also highlighted the role of training and academic support provided to aspirants through the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), a state-run institution that prepares students for competitive examinations. He said the institute's training programmes, academic environment and the sustained efforts of young aspirants from Gujarat were helping them achieve success in national-level examinations. "SPIPA - the excellent training provided by the Government of Gujarat for competitive examinations, the encouraging environment, and the relentless hard work of the state's youth are today reaching the peaks of success. This makes me happy," the Chief Minister said. Referring to the development vision articulated by the Prime Minister, Patel expressed confidence that the newly selected candidates would contribute to public service through their administrative roles. He said the aspirants would play a significant role in realising the vision of "Viksit Bharat@2047" through their administrative skills and commitment to public welfare. "I am confident that you will make the best contribution to realising this vision through your administrative capability and set new examples of good governance while keeping the spirit of national service and public welfare above all," Patel said. The Chief Minister also said the achievement of the successful candidates would serve as an inspiration to many other young aspirants across the state. The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for India's higher civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), along with several other Group A and Group B services of the central government. The selection process comprises a preliminary examination, the main written examination and a personality test. This year, Anuj Agnihotri secured All India Rank (AIR) 1. A medical graduate (MBBS) from AIIMS Jodhpur, he cleared the examination with Medical Science as his optional subject. Rajeshwari Suve M secured AIR 2. She holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, and chose Sociology as her optional subject. The third rank was secured by Akansh Dhull, a B.Com graduate from the University of Delhi, who opted for Commerce and Accountancy as his optional subject. - IANS The Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned five Nicaraguan government officials who lead the principal financial, communications, and military agencies that enable Nicaraguas Murillo-Ortega dictatorship to repress its people. The action was taken on February 16. The individuals sanctioned include the Director and Deputy Director of Nicaraguas Financial Analysis Unit, the Minister of Labor, the Deputy Director General of the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Postal Services, and the head of the Nicaraguan Armys Directorate of Military Intelligence and Counterintelligence. The Murillo-Ortega dictatorship has continued its domestic and international campaign of repression and tyranny to intimidate, stifle, and undermine peaceful political opponents and dissenters, said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. Since 2018, the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship has violently repressed protests, unjustly detained and killed political opponents, carried out extraterritorial killings, silenced independent media and forced journalists into exile, and consolidated its illegitimate grip on power in Nicaragua. In January 2025, Nicaraguas National Assemblyco-opted by the Murillo-Ortega regimeapproved a constitutional rewrite intended to cement the dynastic future of Murillo and Ortegas continued rule. These measures elevated Murillo from Vice President to Co-President and subordinated all branches of government to the executive, effectively eliminating the separation of powers. The new constitution stripped civil and political protections, consolidated governmental control over the media, and legalized the regimes use of paramilitary forces to enforce repression. The Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Postal Services (TELCOR) is the regulatory body for telecommunications and postal services. TELCOR functions under the direction of the Murillo-Ortega dictatorship as a central component of a broad surveillance and intelligence apparatus used to monitor and control social media, the press, and other forms of expression. Additionally, TELCORs director general, Nahima Janett Diaz Flores (Diaz), reportedly oversaw so-called troll farms that engaged in harassment, defamation, and cyberattacks against political opponents. On January 9, 2022, Othe U.S. designated Diaz, for being an official of the Nicaraguan Armys Directorate of Military Intelligence and Counterintelligence (DICIM). DICIM is responsible for the Nicaraguan Armys internal and external surveillance as well as coordinating with police and state security agencies to ensure at all costs that there is no opposition to the regime. DICIM is central to monitoring protesters, journalists, human rights defenders, and retired military members considered disloyal. Major General of the Nicaraguan Army Leonel Jose Gutierrez Lopez (Gutierrez) headed the DICIM for more than a decade. We will continue to hold the dictatorship to account, said Secretary Bessent, and to amplify the Nicaraguan peoples aspirations for freedom and justice." The Gujarat government has executed a significant reshuffle, transferring 37 Indian Police Service officers with immediate effect. This administrative overhaul includes the creation of a new Banaskantha Range, bringing the state's total to ten police ranges. Key appointments involve senior officers like Nirlipt Rai and Ashok Kumar being assigned to the Rajkot Range and CID Intelligence, respectively. The reshuffle is also seen as a strategic move ahead of upcoming municipal corporation and district panchayat elections. Gujarat government transfers 37 IPS officers in a major administrative overhaul ahead of local elections. Key postings include new range and zone heads. Gandhinagar, March 6 The Gujarat government has carried out a major reshuffle in the state police administration, transferring 37 Indian Police Service officers and assigning them new responsibilities. The changes, implemented with immediate effect in public interest, include several upgrades and downgrades of posts to accommodate officers of the appropriate rank. The reshuffle also comes ahead of upcoming municipal corporation and district panchayat elections in major cities of the state. Among the key changes, 2010-batch IPS officer Nirlipt Rai has been transferred from the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) in Gandhinagar and appointed Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) of the Rajkot Range. Ashok Kumar, a 2003-batch IPS officer who was serving as Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Rajkot Range, has been transferred and appointed IGP, CID (Intelligence), in Gandhinagar. Senior IPS officer Dr Shamsher Singh of the 1991 batch has been appointed Director of Civil Defence and Commandant General of Home Guards in Ahmedabad. Singh had recently returned to Gujarat from deputation with the Border Security Force and had been waiting for a posting since January. In another key appointment, 2005-batch IPS officer Raghvendra Vatsa has been transferred from the post of Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) in Surat city and appointed IGP of the Ahmedabad Range. The government has also created a new Banaskantha Range, raising the total number of police ranges in the state to 10. IPS officer Parikshita Rathod of the 2007 batch, who was serving as Inspector General of CID Crime, has been appointed IG of the newly-formed range. Several other officers have also been given new responsibilities. IPS officer Vidhi Chaudhary (2009 batch) has been appointed Deputy Inspector General of the Panchmahal-Godhra Range after serving as Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Branch) in Ahmedabad City. Dr Leena Patil, a 2010-batch officer who was Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime and Law and Order) in Vadodara, has been transferred to the Gujarat Police Academy. In Ahmedabad, a new Zone-8 has been created in the city police structure. IPS officer Mayur Patil has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police of the newly-formed zone. Other changes include the promotion of Makrand Chauhan to the rank of IGP and his appointment as DIG (Law and Order) in Gandhinagar, while Wabang Jamir has been placed on waiting for posting. Several officers have also been appointed to senior positions in Surat, Vadodara and the state Intelligence and anti-corruption units as part of the administrative overhaul. - IANS Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini congratulated all candidates selected in the UPSC civil services final results for 2025. He praised the youth's dedication and hard work during a session in the Haryana Legislative Assembly. The All India Rank 3 holder, Akansh Dhull, is from Panchkula and is the son of BJP leader Krishan Dhull, whom the CM called to congratulate. During the same session, the CM also defended his government's transparency in recruitments, contrasting it with alleged practices during the previous Congress tenure. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini congratulates UPSC 2025 qualifiers, praising their hard work. Akansh Dhull, son of a BJP leader, secures AIR 3. Chandigarh, March 6 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday congratulated all the youth selected in the Union Public Service Commission civil services. This comes after the UPSC on Friday declared the civil services final result 2025. Speaking in the Haryana Legislative Assembly, the CM recognised the dedication of the students and extended warm greetings and well wishes on the occasion. "Today, the results of UPSC have been declared. This is the outcome of the youth's dreams, hard work and dedication to the nation. I, on behalf of the entire state, extended heartiest congratulations to these bright and meritorious students. They, with their hard work and patience, have achieved success in this extremely difficult examination. This is a proud moment for their parents, teachers and the entire state," he said. The All India Rank 3 holder, Akansh Dhull, hails from Panchkula and is the son of Haryana BJP leader Krishan Dhull. The Chief Minister dialled BJP leader Dhull, congratulating him on his son's major milestone. Dhull thanked CM Saini for his guidance and advanced policies, as a result of which the former said the state's children managed to excel. The BJP leader further called Akansh, CM Saini's nephew. Meanwhile, the first and second ranks have been secured by Anuj Agnihotri and Rajeshwari Suve M. 958 candidates have made it to the merit list. Earlier last month, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini replied to an adjournment motion by the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly regarding recruitments by the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) and the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC), asserting that there is "full transparency in this double-engine government." He emphasised that if any corruption is uncovered, the person involved in the crime gets suspended immediately. During the Legislative Assembly session, the Haryana Chief Minister alleged that during the Congress tenure, the results of the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) and the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) were declared from the minister's home rather than the official institution. "There is full transparency in this double-engine government. If any corruption is found, the person involved is suspended immediately. During their tenure, the results of the Haryana Public Service Commission and HSSC were declared from the minister's home and not the institution. Under our tenure, the two organisations are working independently," said CM Saini. - ANI Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated a Rs 28.44 crore robotic surgery facility at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College in Nerchowk, Mandi. This makes it the third institution in the state to offer this advanced technology, following facilities in Shimla and Kangra. The government announced plans to invest around Rs 3,000 crore in advanced medical technologies and expand postgraduate courses across all state medical colleges. Significant increases in stipends for resident doctors were also declared to support medical professionals. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurates Rs 28.44 crore robotic surgery facility at Nerchowk Medical College, expanding advanced healthcare access. Mandi, March 6 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday inaugurated a robotic surgery facility at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College at Nerchowk in Mandi district. The facility, established for Rs. 28.44 crore, marks another step in strengthening advanced healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh. After Atal Super Speciality Hospital in Chamiyana (Shimla) and Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda (Kangra), Nerchowk has now become the third medical institution in the state to offer robotic surgery. The Chief Minister also personally observed the first surgery performed using the new system. Sukhu said that robotic surgery services would soon be introduced at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla and Hamirpur Medical College as well, with the process already underway. He noted that so far, 151 surgeries have been performed through robotic systems at Chamiyana and 92 at Tanda Medical College, with encouraging outcomes. The Chief Minister stated that the state government was working to introduce high-end medical technology in all medical colleges at a level comparable to AIIMS Delhi. The aim, he said, was to ensure that medical colleges in the state do not remain merely referral institutions. Doctors will also be sent on exposure visits to gain better knowledge and training in modern medical technologies. Addressing financial challenges, Sukhu said that it takes time to correct disrupted systems. He pointed out that due to the closure of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), the state budget has been reduced by about Rs. 10,000 crore per annum. Despite this, the government plans to invest around Rs. 3,000 crore in advanced medical technologies in the coming years. He emphasised that no shortage of funds would be allowed to hinder improvements in healthcare services. The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of a cardiology department at Nerchowk Medical College. He said postgraduate (PG) courses would be started in all departments of the college. In departments where professors are not available to start PG courses, the government will provide a one-time relaxation so that the courses can begin without delay. Additionally, the number of senior residency (SRship) posts will be increased. Sukhu said the radiology department, as well as other departments at the medical college, would be further strengthened, and vacant posts of doctors, paramedical staff and technicians would be filled. He added that, under a policy decision of the state government, PG courses and senior residency programs will be introduced in all medical colleges across the state. These measures aim to ensure that patients receive better treatment within Himachal Pradesh without needing to travel outside the state. He further stated that vacant posts at the Nerchowk Trauma Centre would also be filled to improve emergency services. "The process to install a three-Tesla MRI machine and a LINAC machine is underway, and a PET scan machine will also be installed soon." Highlighting steps taken to support medical professionals, the Chief Minister said the stipend for senior resident doctors has been increased from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1 lakh, while the stipend for senior resident super specialist doctors has been raised from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.30 lakh. During the visit, Sukhu interacted with doctors and staff at Nerchowk Medical College and gathered feedback about the facilities and shortcomings at the institution. He said suggestions related to medical education would be incorporated into policy decisions so that patients across the state receive improved healthcare services. The Chief Minister also announced that medical colleges would have student sections of 60 each, with staff strength maintained accordingly to ensure better quality of medical education. Present on the occasion were MLAs Sunder Singh Thakur and Inder Singh Gandhi, former minister Prakash Chaudhary, former MLAs Sohan Singh Thakur and Bambar Thakur, District Congress President Champa Thakur, Vice-Chairman of the State Water Management Board Shashi Sharma, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Member of the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission Vijay Pal Singh, Congress leaders Pawan Thakur, Naresh Chauhan, Lal Singh Kaushal, Jeevan Thakur and Jagdish Reddy amongst the district officers and officials. - ANI International experts at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 have emphasized India's indispensable role as a strategic partner for the United States, particularly in energy security during times of global conflict. Meredith Walker, Chief Economist at the Cyber Future Foundation, highlighted the importance of India continuing to purchase oil and expressed gratitude for sustained US diplomatic foresight. Concurrently, India's leadership in democratizing Artificial Intelligence through initiatives like the India AI Impact Summit is providing a crucial framework for smaller nations. Bhutan's former tech CEO praised this effort for making AI accessible and inclusive for countries with limited resources. Experts at Raisina Dialogue 2026 highlight India's critical role in global energy security and leading the democratic expansion of AI technology. New Delhi, March 6 Highlighting the multifaceted nature of global cooperation, international experts at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 have underscored India's critical role in both energy security and the democratic expansion of emerging technologies. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the event, Meredith Walker, Chief Economist at the US-based Cyber Future Foundation, emphasised the strategic importance of India's energy stability amidst ongoing global conflicts. "I see that it's very important in this time of war that India is able to continue to purchase oil. We do expect that once things calm back down, the US will be able to sell our wonderful oil to India," Walker said. The Chief Economist expressed appreciation for the diplomatic foresight shown by Washington in maintaining these vital economic links. "I am grateful to our Treasury Secretary for thinking of India at such a time as this. I come from Dallas, Texas, and we are the hometown of the India-US Chamber of Commerce. So, we are a long-time supporter of the India-US relationship, and India is absolutely an essential partner to the United States," she remarked. While energy remains a cornerstone of bilateral ties, India's leadership in the digital domain is also garnering significant regional attention. Tshering Cigay Dorji, former CEO of Thimphu TechPark, Bhutan, lauded New Delhi's efforts to democratise Artificial Intelligence. "AI is a revolutionary technology. Even as a small country like Bhutan, we look forward to harnessing the power of this technology to bring about economic progress and development," Dorji stated. He further noted that India's recent diplomatic initiatives, specifically the India AI Impact Summit, provide a crucial framework for smaller nations with limited resources to participate in the technological revolution. "Small countries have certain constraints in terms of access to resources, which is why India's leadership in organising the AI impact summit recently and coming up with the seven pillars, which are all geared towards making AI accessible and inclusive, is a great initiative," he said. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finland's President Alexander Stubb have emphasized deepening bilateral cooperation in sustainability and clean energy during the President's state visit. Key agreements include establishing a Joint Working Group on Sustainability and implementing a renewed MoU on Renewable Energy covering areas like green hydrogen and waste-to-energy. The leaders welcomed India hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in 2026 and noted progress in water management and meteorological research collaboration. They also signed an MoU on Migration and Mobility to facilitate the movement of professionals and students between the two nations. PM Modi & President Stubb advance collaboration on green hydrogen, smart grids, circular economy, and climate action during Finland's state visit to India. New Delhi, March 6 Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finland President Alexander Stubb emphasised the vast potential for collaboration in sustainability and clean energy solutions, including low-carbon transition, energy efficiency, biofuels, smart grids and green hydrogen. During President Stubb's ongoing State Visit to India, the two leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation in areas such as circular economy, sustainable water management and meteorology. According to a Ministry of External Affairs statement, they welcomed the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Sustainability aimed at bringing together stakeholders from both countries to enhance collaboration on sustainability-related initiatives. The leaders also underscored the importance of implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy, which covers several areas of partnership contributing to sustainability. These include bioenergy and waste-to-energy solutions, power storage and flexible renewable energy systems, green hydrogen, as well as wind, solar and small hydro power. Both sides acknowledged the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation and ongoing collaboration under the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). They encouraged further cooperation in areas such as circular economy, climate action and sustainability. The statement also noted that rapid deployment of Smart Energy solutions, including Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and other digital grid technologies, has improved efficiency but also increased cybersecurity risks to critical power infrastructure. In this context, the two countries agreed to explore cooperation in building resilient, reliable and sustainable smart grid systems. President Stubb expressed appreciation to India for hosting the next World Circular Economy Forum later in 2026, an initiative originally launched by Finland that aims to bring together global expertise to advance circular economy solutions and promote new collaborative initiatives. Prime Minister Modi acknowledged Finland's efforts in bringing together Indian, Finnish and Nordic stakeholders through the Indo-Nordic Water Forum, which promotes collaboration and best practices in water resource management and wastewater treatment for circular economy solutions. The leaders also emphasised the importance of meteorological cooperation. They noted ongoing collaboration between the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI) and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in aerosol monitoring and air quality forecasting. Work is also underway to establish a Virtual Research Center between FMI and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM), while ongoing multilateral projects between the institutions exceed a combined value of 11 million euros. In addition, the leaders took note of the exchange of experiences between India's Ministry of Rural Development and Finland's National Land Survey and Finnish Environment Institute regarding the "Land Stack", an integrated GIS-based digital platform that manages land and property information. The two sides also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in Official Statistics to facilitate the exchange of best practices, methodologies and technical expertise. Highlighting the significance of people-to-people ties, the leaders emphasised the importance of greater engagement among skilled workers, specialists, researchers, students, academics and businesspersons. In this context, they welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Migration and Mobility Partnership, which aims to promote smooth, orderly and mutually beneficial movement of professionals and students between the two countries. Both sides agreed to take necessary steps to implement the agreement in a coordinated manner that contributes to the prosperity and economic growth of both nations. They also acknowledged ongoing contacts between their respective foreign ministries regarding the possibility of establishing a bilateral dialogue on consular matters. The leaders further took note of the MEA Statement endorsed by the High-Level Dialogue on Cooperation in Education held on January 31, 2024, and encouraged stakeholders to accelerate cooperation in areas such as secondary education, higher education, skill development and student mobility. The statement noted growing interest in the Finnish education system in India, particularly in teacher training and early childhood education, with several institutions being established in India following the Finnish model. The leaders also highlighted discussions on a potential bilateral audiovisual co-production agreement aimed at enhancing collaboration in the film and gaming industries. President Stubb is on a State Visit to India from March 4 to 7 at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. It is his first visit to India in his current capacity. During the visit, he is travelling to New Delhi and Mumbai and is accompanied by Finnish Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala, Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen and a high-level delegation of officials and business leaders. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, where President Stubb attended as the Chief Guest and delivered the inaugural keynote address. President Stubb's visit follows the trip to India by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in February this year to participate in the AI Impact Summit. - ANI Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Sadamasa Oue, Special Advisor to Japan's Prime Minister, to discuss enhancing defence technology and economic security cooperation. The talks are part of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has seen consistent elevation since 2000. The defence and security partnership is a key pillar, strengthened by a shared outlook on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The meeting follows recent congratulatory exchanges between the countries' foreign ministers and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message to Japanese lawmaker Sanae Takaichi. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meets Japan's PM advisor to bolster defence technology cooperation and economic security under the Special Strategic Partnership. New Delhi, March 6 Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a meeting with Special Advisor to Japan's Prime Minister Sadamasa Oue on Friday, discussing strengthening the defence technology and economic security. "Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri met Sadamasa Oue, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan. They had a productive exchange of views on strengthening the defence technology and economic security pillars of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X. India-Japan relations were elevated to 'Global Partnership' in 2000, 'Strategic and Global Partnership' in 2006, and 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership' in 2014, according to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Defence and Security partnership forms an integral pillar of India-Japan bilateral ties. In recent years, the defence exchanges have gained strength in recent years due to growing convergence on strategic matters and its significance is growing from the common outlook on issues of peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific Region. On February 24, Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Tuesday thanked External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar for his congratulatory message on his reappointment to the post and stated that he is looking forward to strengthening bilateral ties with India and realising a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FIOP). Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared Toshimitsu Motegi's statement on X. "I appreciate your congratulatory message on my reappointment. I look forward to continuously working with you S Jaishankar to strengthen bilateral relations and to realize a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)'. Minister for Foreign Affairs MOTEGI Toshimitsu," the statement read. Motegi's statement came in response to EAM Jaishankar's congratulatory message on his reappointment as Japan's Foreign Minister. In a statement shared on X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "Congratulate FM Toshimitsu Motegi on his reappointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Look forward to working together to advance our Special Strategic and Global Partnership." Earlier, on February 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her victory in Japan's House of Representatives election. In his message, PM Modi expressed confidence that he and Takaichi will continue to take the friendship between India and Japan to greater heights. "Congratulations, Sanae Takaichi, on your landmark victory in the elections to the House of Representatives! Our Special Strategic and Global Partnership plays a vital role in enhancing global peace, stability and prosperity. I am confident that under your able leadership, we will continue to take the India-Japan friendship to greater heights," PM Modi posted on X. In response to his wishes, Sanae Takaichi thanked PM Modi and stated that she is looking forward to working with him to strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between the two nations. "Thank you very much, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for your warm congratulations on the House of Representatives election. I look forward to continuing to work together with you to strengthen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership between Japan and India and to cooperate in realising a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)," Takaichi posted on X. - IANS Senior diplomats from India and Switzerland met on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation. The discussions centered on implementing the newly signed India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement to boost technological collaboration and investments. The bilateral relationship has been strengthened by high-level visits, including those by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Swiss President Doris Leuthard. The talks also covered expanding opportunities for Swiss pharmaceutical companies in India's healthcare sector. India and Switzerland discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, implementing the new EFTA trade deal, and boosting investments in pharma and tech sectors. New Delhi, March 6 Sibi George, Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, held a meeting with visiting Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel on the sidelines of the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Friday with discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. During the meeting, George and Fasel also discussed regional and global developments. "Secretary (West) Ambassador Sibi George met Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alexandre Fasel on the sidelines of the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi today. Discussions were held on strengthening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors and views were exchanged on regional and global developments. Implementation of India EFTA TEPA will foster technological collaboration, quality investments and create job opportunities," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X after the meeting. According to the MEA, commercial contacts between India and Switzerland date back to the early 19th century when in 1851 the Volkart Trading Co. established its offices in Basel and Mumbai. During the First World War, Switzerland set up its consulates in key locations around the world, including in Mumbai, to secure food and economic prospects. Bilateral ties achieved new heights following PM Narendra Modi's visit to Switzerland in 2016 and 2018 and that of the Swiss President Doris Leuthard to India in 2017. Negotiations on bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) started in October 2008 and, after 21st round of negotiations held over 16 years, the agreement was finally signed in March 2024. With it, Switzerland and the other European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States - also including Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway - became the first European partners to conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. Last November, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with Switzerland's State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda, where they discussed investment opportunities for the pharmaceutical sector. "Co-chaired a meeting with SECO State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda with Swiss pharma and biotech companies. Discussions focused on avenues of further cooperation in R&D and expanding investment opportunities for Swiss pharma companies to leverage India's robust healthcare sector," Goyal stated in a post on X after the meeting. "Also, discussed the progress made under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with an aim to further enhance collaboration across key sectors for mutual growth," he added. - IANS The Indian Embassy in Doha has issued a fresh advisory urging its nationals in Qatar to strictly follow safety guidelines from local authorities, particularly the Ministry of Interior. This comes as Qatar's airspace remains closed, leading to suspended flight operations and prompting the embassy to share emergency exit options, including via Saudi Arabia's Salwa land border. The advisory follows reports from Qatari defense forces about successfully intercepting numerous drones and ballistic missiles originating from Iran in recent days. The embassy has also set up a registration link to help stranded transit passengers and released helpline numbers for assistance. Indian Embassy in Doha advises nationals to follow Qatari guidelines as airspace shuts and security situation evolves. Emergency exit options provided. Doha, March 6 The Indian Embassy in Doha issued a fresh advisory on Friday, urging its nationals in Qatar to follow the guidelines issued by local authorities, especially the Ministry of Interior. The Embassy noted that it is also sharing advisories issued by Qatari authorities on its social media channels. According to the latest advisory shared by the Indian Embassy on X, all Indian travellers were advised to remain in touch with respective airlines as Qatar airspace continues to remain shut and flight operations are temporarily suspended. "In view of the current security situation, all Indians in Qatar are requested to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Qatari authorities, in particular, the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry has advised all residents of Qatar to stay in safe locations, avoid going out except in cases of extreme necessity, and keep away from windows and exposed areas," the Indian Embassy in Doha stated. Qatar's Ministry of Interior has, meanwhile, announced the extension of all categories of entry visas that have expired or are about to expire for a period of one month, subject to further extension in line with developments, effective February 28. "In case of emergency, the option of exiting Qatar through the Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia is currently open. Indian nationals who hold US, UK or Schenghen visas (which have been used at least once) can obtain visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Other Indian nationals wishing to travel via Saudi Arabia can apply for Saudi visas as per due procedures." The Embassy stated that it is opening a registration link to facilitate in obtaining temporary transit visa for Saudi Arabia only for those Indian nationals who are currently stranded in Qatar on transit, provided they have confirmed tickets for travelling out of Saudi Arabia. It also released helpline numbers for people for contacting embassy in case they have any query. The Embassy's advisory comes after Qatar reported intercepting drones and missiles in its territory amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Earlier in the day, Qatar's Ministry of Defence announced that Qatar Emiris Air Defence Forces successfully intercepted a drone attack targetting Al-Udeid Air Base. On Thursday, Qatar's Ministry of Defence said that Qatar was attacked by several missile attacks, including 14 ballistic missiles and four drones coming from Iran, starting from 11:51 am (local time). According to the statement, Qatar's Ministry of Defence said that its Armed Forces successfully intercepted 13 missiles, while the last one fell in the territorial waters of State of Qatar. Furthermore, four drones were intercepted successfully without any human causalities. The Ministry stated that Qatar Armed Forces have full capabilities and resources to safeguard the state's sovereignty and territory and respond firmly to any external threat. It urged people to remain calm and follow official instructions issued by the security authorities, avoid rumors, and rely solely on information released through official channels. On March 4, Qatar's Ministry of Defence said that the country was attacked by 10 drones and two cruise missiles coming from Iran. According to the statement, Qatar Emiri Air Defence Forces successfully intercepted six drones, Qatar Emiri Air Force successfully intercepted two drones and two cruise missiles and Qatar Emiri Navy Forces succeeded in intercepting the other two drones. - IANS Government sources state India is in a very comfortable position for crude oil, petroleum products, and LPG supplies despite concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The country has diversified its import sources and holds adequate existing stocks to meet domestic demand. Notably, Russia accounted for about 20% of India's crude imports in February, and LPG imports from the US have commenced. Authorities are also planning to utilize petrochemical output to ease energy sector demand pressures. Govt sources say India has diversified energy supplies and adequate stocks to offset potential disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz. New Delhi, March 6 India is in a "very comfortable position" regarding crude oil, petroleum products and LPG supplies despite concerns over disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, government sources said on Friday. According to the sources, the country currently has access to more energy supplies from diversified sources than the volume that could potentially be impacted through the Strait of Hormuz. India's existing stock of crude oil and petroleum products is also adequate to meet domestic demand. Sources said the government is closely monitoring the situation and plans to ramp up supplies from alternative geographies to offset any potential supply constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz. They highlighted that India has significantly diversified its crude import basket over the past few years. Since 2022, India has been importing crude oil from Russia. While Russia accounted for only 0.2 per cent of India's total crude imports in 2022, the share has risen substantially in the following years. "In February, India imported about 20 per cent of its total crude oil imports from Russia, amounting to around 1.04 million barrels per day," government sources said. Meanwhile, reports suggesting a shutdown of the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) refinery are incorrect, sources clarified. "MRPL refinery is fully operational and well stocked with adequate crude supplies," they said. On the LPG front, the government has directed all LPG refineries to increase production to ensure adequate availability across the country. Officials said India currently remains in a comfortable position regarding LPG stocks. LPG from US has started coming to India since January, the sources said. Indian PSU Oil companies in November 2025 has signed a one-year contract to import around 2.2 MTPA of LPG from the US Gulf Coast for the contract year 2026. Additionally, authorities are planning to utilize petrochemical output for domestic consumption to help ease demand pressures in the energy sector, it added. - ANI The Indian Embassy in Doha has issued a detailed advisory for Indian nationals in Qatar amid escalating tensions in West Asia. It has opened a registration link to help stranded transit passengers obtain temporary Saudi visas, provided they have confirmed onward tickets. The advisory notes the Qatar airspace remains closed and flight operations are suspended, while also sharing local safety guidelines from Qatari authorities. The Embassy reiterated its commitment to the community's welfare and provided 24/7 emergency contact details. Indian Embassy in Doha issues advisory for nationals in Qatar with transit visa help, safety guidelines, and emergency contacts amid regional tensions. New Delhi, March 6 The Embassy of India in Doha provided information regarding visa, transit and travel outside Saudi Arabia for the Indian diaspora in Qatar amid escalating tensions in West Asia. In an advisory issued on Friday, the Embassy provided a registration link for stranded Indian nationals in Qatar on transit to facilitate obtaining a temporary transit visa for Saudi Arabia. Indians who have confirmed tickets for travelling out of Saudi Arabia can utilise the link. "Embassy of India, Doha, is opening a registration link to facilitate in obtaining temporary transit visa for Saudi Arabia only for those Indian nationals who are currently stranded in Qatar on transit, provided they have confirmed tickets for travelling out of Saudi Arabia. In such cases, they may register on the link forms.gle/oTwqEQYa4z22oX," the Embassy stated. The Embassy amplified the announcement by the Ministry of Interior, Qatar, extending "all categories of entry visas that have expired or are about to expire for a period of one month, subject to further extension in line with developments, effective from February 28, 2026." The Indians were further informed that "the option of exiting Qatar through the Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia is currently open," for emergency situations. "Indian nationals who hold US, UK or Schenghen visas (which have been used at least once) can obtain visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Other Indian nationals wishing to travel via Saudi Arabia can apply for Saudi visas as per due procedures," the Embassy stated. "At the time of registration, please provide copies of inward flight tickets to Qatar as well as a confirmed ticket for travelling out from Saudi Arabia. All other logistical arrangements related to travel up to the Salwa border crossing and beyond to the departure airport etc. will need to be made by each individual themselves. It may be noted that sufficient time (at least 48 hours) will be required by the Embassy to provide such facilitation," it added The Embassay further urged the residents in Qatar to stay in safe locations, avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from exposed areas. It further reflected on the advisories of the Qatar authorities for the people to follow. " In view of the current security situation, all Indians in Qatar are requested to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Qatari authorities, in particular, the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry has advised all residents of Qatar to stay in safe locations, avoid going out except in cases of extreme necessity, and keep away from windows and exposed areas. The Embassy is also sharing the advisories of Qatar authorities through its social media channels, X (@IndEmbDoha), Facebook (@IndianEmbassyQatar) and Instagram (@indiainqatar)," the advisory read. The Qatar airspace has been closed with suspended flight operations due to adverse circumstances. The Embassy urged the passengers to remain in touch with their respective airlines, while Qatar Airways will update on Saturday. "Qatar airspace continues to remain closed and flight operations are temporarily suspended. Qatar Airways will provide the next update on March 7, 2026 at 0900 hrs (Doha time). All passengers are requested to remain in touch with respective airlines," the advisory further stated. Reiterating its commitment to helping the Indian community, the Embassy provided contact details to reach out in case of queries. "Embassy of India, Doha remains available at all times for the welfare of the Indian community. Embassy's 24x7 helpline numbers are +974 55647502 or +97455362508. Queries can also be raised with the Embassy on email address: cons.doha@mea.gov.in," the advisory concluded. - ANI The long-range Shahed-type drone not only flew to Cyprus and bypassed the British air defenses at Akrotiri airbase, but also struck the hangar housing unique American U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. The UK Ministry of Defense acknowledged the March 2 attack and confirmed that the drone was not launched from Iranian territory. The ministry also emphasized that the attack caused "minimal damage." At the same time, The Sun received photographs showing a hit on one of the hangars at this airbase. It houses American U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. Before publication, the photo was shown to the UK Ministry of Defense, which confirmed it was authentic but stood by its assessment of the damage. A 107-meter section of damage, caused by the drone or its debris, is located on the western side of the hangar. According to the publication, the drone covered about 240 km but was spotted just 30 km from the base. From Defense Express we would like to note that there are no visible signs of an explosion or fire. This may indicate that the drone did not detonate. The 240 km distance may have been determined by analyzing the drone's flight mission using its electronics, or possibly from markings on the drone. Interestingly, the 240 km distance is exactly the same as that from Akrotiri airbase to Lebanon. Not only Hezbollah, supported by Iran, operates on its territory, but also units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. At the same time, the fact that the drone was spotted several dozen kilometers from the NATO base before the strike, yet was not destroyed, is significant. This is especially true given that such strikes from Lebanese territory were expected in the context of the operation against Iran. Based on satellite images, there is unconfirmed information that two AN/TPY-2 radars for the THAAD missile defense system may have been destroyed in Jordan and the UAE. In addition, the AN/FPS-132 over-the-horizon radar in the UAE may also have been hit. At the same time, this country purchased 50 Pantsir air defense systems from russia to intercept drones. India's foreign exchange reserves climbed to a new all-time high of $728.494 billion in late February, driven by significant increases in foreign currency assets and gold holdings. The Reserve Bank of India has substantially boosted its gold reserves, adding about 75 tonnes since 2024, with gold now constituting around 14% of total reserves. Meanwhile, the country's current account deficit widened to $13.2 billion, or 1.3% of GDP, in the third quarter of FY26, primarily due to a larger merchandise trade deficit. This was partially offset by robust growth in services exports and strong remittances from Indians working overseas. India's forex reserves surge to a record $728.49 billion as RBI boosts gold holdings. Current account deficit data also released. Mumbai, March 6 India's foreign exchange reserves surged by $4.885 billion to an all-time high of $728.494 billion in the week ended February 27, data released by the Reserve Bank of India showed on Friday. The previous all-time high for the country's foreign exchange kitty was $725.727 billion, which was seen in mid-February. Foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, stood at $573.125 billion during the week. Expressed in dollar terms, the foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US units like the euro, pound, and yen held in the foreign exchange reserves. The gold component of the foreign exchange reserves increased by over $4.141 billion to $131.63 billion for the week ended Feb 27. Central banks worldwide have accumulated substantial amounts of gold as a safe-haven asset in their foreign exchange reserves amid uncertainty created by geopolitical tensions. The share of gold maintained by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as part of its foreign exchange reserves has almost doubled since 2021. The RBI has added approximately 75 tonnes to its gold reserves since 2024, bringing its total holdings to 880 tonnes, which now constitute about 14 per cent of India's total foreign exchange reserves, according to a Morgan Stanley report. The special drawing rights component in the forex kitty stood at $18.866 billion, which is a $26 million increase over the previous week. An increase in the country's foreign exchange kitty gives the RBI more headroom to strengthen the rupee vis-a-vis the US dollar. Adequate forex reserves enable the RBI to intervene in the spot and forward currency markets by releasing more dollars to prevent the rupee from going into a free fall and curbing its volatility. Meanwhile, India's current account deficit (CAD) stood at $13.2 billion, or 1.3 per cent of GDP, in the third quarter (October-December) of the financial year 2025-26, according to the RBI's preliminary data on the balance of payments released earlier this week. The deficit stood at $11.3 billion, or 1.1 per cent of GDP, in the corresponding quarter of the previous financial year. The merchandise trade deficit increased to $93.6 billion in Q3FY26 from $79.3 billion a year earlier. However, there was a robust increase in services exports and remittances sent back home by Indians working overseas during the quarter. Net services receipts rose to $57.5 billion in Q3FY26 from $51.2 billion in Q3FY25. The RBI stated that services exports increased on a year-on-year basis in major categories such as computer services and other business services. Remittances by Indians employed overseas shot up to $36.9 billion from $35.1 billion a year earlier. - IANS Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated that the newly formed Inter-Ministerial Group is actively engaging with exporters to address challenges arising from tensions in West Asia. He assured that the government will employ every policy tool and export promotion mission to support exporters and meet international commitments. Goyal mentioned ongoing dialogues with the Ministry of Shipping and shipping companies to resolve supply chain issues. He emphasized that maintaining India's reputation as a trusted global partner, earned during the COVID pandemic, remains a top priority. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal says the Inter-Ministerial Group is in constant touch with exporters to address trade disruptions from West Asia tensions. New Delhi, March 6 Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that the recently-created Inter-Ministerial Group has been in regular touch with exporters, amidst tensions in West Asia that invariably disrupted trade and shipping lines. "Even this morning, they must have had an engagement. They take feedback. And we will not be found wanting and supporting our exporters in any way. We should continue to meet all the commitments that we have made to our buyers, whether in goods or services," Piyush Goyal told reporters. He said the government will use every policy tool and the export promotion mission to support our exporters. "I have already given some instructions in the last two days also. (today), we'll be formalizing some ways to give comfort to our exporters," he said. He added that his ministry is in dialogue with the Ministry of Shipping and with all the shipping companies. "I do hope we will find resolution to this issue also." "We are working with them to see how that burden our exporters can be supported with. But I can assure you this government stands with our industry and will continue to ensure that all our international commitments are met because that is what defines India. Even during COVID, India met all its international commitments, which earned us the acronym of a trusted partner. And we will continue to be the trusted partner of the world," he further said. Earlier this week, an Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) for Supply Chain Resilience' was created, comprising members from Department of Financial Services, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, to facilitate effective coordination, monitoring and follow-up. - ANI US President Donald Trump stated that Iran is reaching out to negotiate after suffering significant military degradation from ongoing US and Israeli strikes. He claimed the joint campaign is ahead of schedule, having destroyed Iranian naval vessels, air defenses, and missile launch infrastructure. Trump called on members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard and military to lay down arms and urged diplomats to defect, offering immunity to those who cooperate. The intensified conflict aims to stabilize the region and global energy markets but has raised widespread concerns. President Trump says Iran is seeking negotiations after US and Israeli forces degrade its missile, naval, and air defense capabilities in ongoing campaign. Washington, March 6 US President Donald Trump said that Iran is seeking negotiations after suffering major military losses, as American and Israeli forces continue strikes targeting Tehran's missile and drone capabilities. Speaking at the White House event to honour 2025 MLS champions Inter Miami CF, Trump said the United States and its allies were rapidly degrading Iran's military assets and claimed Tehran was already reaching out for talks. "They're calling, they're saying, ' How do we make a deal?" Trump said. "I said you're being a little bit late." The President said the joint military campaign was progressing faster than expected and had already inflicted heavy damage on Iranian forces. "The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy far ahead of schedule," Trump said. He said Iranian missile launch systems were being destroyed within minutes after being used. "As soon as they set off a missile, within four minutes the launcher gets hit," Trump said. Trump also claimed that Iran's naval capability had been severely weakened during the campaign. "Their navy is gone, 24 ships in three days," he said. According to Trump, US forces have also dismantled large parts of Iran's air defence and aviation capability. "Their anti-aircraft weapons are gone. So they have no air force, they have no air defense," he said. The President said roughly 60 per cent of Iran's missile systems and 64 per cent of launch infrastructure had already been destroyed. Despite the military pressure, Trump said Washington was open to a different future for Iran if elements within the country's security establishment broke with the current leadership. "I'm once again calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military, and the police to lay down their arms," he said. Trump also urged Iranian diplomats abroad to defect and support political change inside the country. "We also urge Iranian diplomats around the world to request asylum and to help us shape a new and better Iran," he said. The President said those who cooperate would receive immunity. "You'll be perfectly safe with total immunity, or you'll face absolutely guaranteed death," he said. Trump argued that the military operation would ultimately stabilise the region and global energy markets. "In the long term, the actions we're taking will dramatically increase the stability of the region and oil prices and stock markets and everything else," he said. The remarks came as the United States and Israel intensified its military strike on Iran, which it alleged was supporting terrorist groups and bent upon building nuclear weapons. The conflict has raised concerns across the Middle East and global energy markets, particularly because the region includes key oil shipping routes. - IANS A condolence meeting was held at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal attended, expressing his condolences and advocating for conflict resolution through dialogue instead of weapons. The embassy lowered its flag to half-mast, and a condolence book was also opened in Hyderabad for Indian nationals. This occurs amid escalating regional tensions after a joint US-Israel strike killed Khamenei, prompting Iranian retaliation. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal attends condolence at Iran Embassy in Delhi for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, calls for dialogue over conflict. New Delhi, March 6 A condolence meeting was held at the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi, the national capital, following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in strikes by Israel and the United States earlier this month. The prayer meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who expressed his condolences over the assassination of Khamenei and called for conflicts to be resolved through dialogue. He further said that the rules-based global order has been weakening in recent years, adding that such developments are not good for global peace or for any nation. Apart from Sibal, several other leaders arrived to attend Ayatollah Khamenei's prayer meeting. "I have come here to pay my heartfelt and deepest condolences over the manner in which Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated. I personally believe that every nation believes that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and not by the use of weapons of mass destruction. It is necessary to do so to preserve the world order...In the last couple of years, there has been a dismantling of the rules-based global order. It is not good for global peace or any nation," Kapil Sibal told reporters. Meanwhile, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi also lowered its flag to half-mast to condole Khamenei's death. Earlier, A large number of people visited the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Hyderabad to pay tribute to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and sign a "Condolence Book" to show their support for the people of Iran during this time of mourning. Mohsin Moghaddmi, Vice Consul of Iran, while talking to the media, said on Thursday, "Today we have opened the Condolence Book for Indian nationals who love our great martyr, beloved Khamenei, to come and pay tribute to the Iranian people and Ayatollah Khamenei." This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on Saturday on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries as the conflict now entered its seventh day. - ANI Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held calls with his Indian and Sri Lankan counterparts, sharply condemning recent US and Israeli actions as "military aggression." The discussions followed the sinking of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena by a US submarine torpedo south of Sri Lanka. The Indian Navy assisted Sri Lanka-led search and rescue operations for the frigate, which resulted in significant casualties. These diplomatic exchanges occur amidst sharply escalating regional tensions, including retaliatory strikes by Iran. Iran's Foreign Minister condemns US-Israel strikes, discusses regional crisis with Indian and Sri Lankan counterparts following the sinking of an Iranian frigate. New Delhi, March 6 Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday held a telephone conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss regional developments following recent tensions involving the United States and Israel as tensions in West Asia escalate. According to a statement by Iran's Foreign Ministry, Araghchi also held a separate phone call with Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, during which the leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and bilateral relations. During the conversations, Araghchi described the recent actions by the United States and Israel against Iran as "military aggression" and said governments around the world and the United Nations should condemn what he called "criminal actions". "During the conversations, Iran's foreign minister described the crimes committed by the United States and the Israeli regime in recent days as part of their military aggression against Iran and stressed the responsibility of all governments and the United Nations to firmly condemn the criminal actions of the United States and the Israeli regime," the statement read. The Iranian foreign minister also strongly condemned the US attack on the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena, which was targeted in international waters without prior warning. He stated that Iran intends to pursue the matter through legal and international mechanisms in relevant global bodies. Araghchi further expressed appreciation to Sri Lanka for its role in the rescue operations involving sailors from the Iranian frigate Dena, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety of Iranian vessels and their crews. Earlier, IRIS Dena sank south of Sri Lanka on March 4 after being struck by a US submarine torpedo approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle. The Indian Navy then deployed INS Tarangini and INS Ikshak, along with maritime patrol aircraft, to assist in the Sri Lanka-led search and rescue operations for the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. Of the estimated 180 crew members on board IRIS Dena, around 87 sailors are reported dead, while about 32 survivors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy and admitted to hospitals in Galle. The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. - ANI Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that some countries have initiated mediation efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. This comes as Iran launches a new wave of ballistic missile attacks on Israel, while the US-led Operation Epic Fury intensifies strikes deep inside Iranian territory, targeting military and missile infrastructure. US officials report significant degradation of Iran's capabilities, including its navy and ballistic missile forces. Concurrently, an Israeli airstrike targeted a residential building in southern Lebanon, escalating regional tensions. Iran's President reveals mediation efforts as US-led strikes escalate, targeting missile sites and naval assets in Operation Epic Fury. Tehran, March 6 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday said that "some countries" have begun "mediation efforts" to resolve the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel which also led to the assassination of country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, last week. "Some countries have begun mediation efforts. Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation's dignity and sovereignty. Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict," Pezeshkian stated in a post on X. The Iranian President's comment came as several reports indicated that Iran has launched a new wave of attacks on Israel, using ballistic missiles, including its latest super-heavy Khorramshahr-4. The country's semi-official Tasnim news agency quoted the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as saying on Friday that the "22nd wave of Operation True Promise 4 has begun, using a large number of Khorramshahr 4" - missiles that were fired "directly into the heart of the occupied territories." Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike targetted on Friday noon a residential building in the southern Lebanese city of Sidon on Friday, according to Lebanon's official National News Agency. The report said the strike hit the floor just below the top level of the Maqassed building located near Al-Siddiq Mosque in the city, Xinhua news agency reported. Ambulances rushed to the scene following the attack, while the extent of casualties or damage was not immediately clear. Earlier in the day, India time, the United States signalled that its military campaign against Iran will expand in the coming phase of 'Operation Epic Fury', with American and Israeli forces preparing to intensify strikes aimed at dismantling Tehran's military and missile infrastructure. Speaking at US Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation had already inflicted significant damage on Iran's military capabilities. He praised CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper and the more than 50,000 American service members involved in the mission. "In just days of Operation Epic Fury, you and your team have delivered nothing short of devastating precise strikes, taking out the better part of Iran's navy, making it combat ineffective, neutralising missile sites and launchers, and establishing total dominance over the skies we fly over and seas we fly over," Hegseth said. "We are built for this fight, and we are in it to win it," Hegseth told reporters at a news conference at the CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa. Cooper said the campaign had entered its sixth day and was steadily degrading Iran's military capacity. "We are now starting our sixth day of a historic mission to eliminate Iran's ability to threaten Americans," he said. According to Cooper, US air power has carried out extensive strikes deep inside Iranian territory. "In just the last 72 hours, America's bomber force has struck nearly 200 targets deep inside of Iran, including around Tehran," he said. He added that US stealth bombers had targeted hardened missile facilities. "In just the last hour, US B-2 bombers dropped dozens of 2,000-pound penetrator bombs targeting deeply buried ballistic missile launchers." American forces also struck Iranian military infrastructure linked to space and missile operations. "Notably, we have also struck Iran's equivalent of Space Command, which degrades their ability to threaten Americans," Cooper said. US officials said the strikes had sharply reduced Iranian missile and drone activity. "Ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 per cent since day one. Drone attacks have decreased by 83 percent since day one," Cooper said. Naval operations have also intensified during the campaign. "You may have heard the president say... that we have sunk or destroyed 24 ships. That was true at the moment - we're now up over 30 ships," Cooper said. "In just the last few hours, we hit an Iranian drone carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier. And as we speak, it's on fire." The operation is now shifting toward dismantling Iran's missile production capability. "The president gave us another task, to raise or level Iran's ballistic missile industrial base. So we're not just hitting what they have, we're destroying their ability to rebuild," Cooper said. - IANS The Consulate General of Iran in Hyderabad has opened a condolence book for Indian nationals to pay tribute to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. The initiative allows visitors to sign the book on specified dates in March as a gesture of sympathy. This follows military strikes by the US and Israel in late February that resulted in the death of Khamenei and other senior figures. The Iranian embassy in New Delhi expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown. People visit the Iranian Consulate in Hyderabad to sign a condolence book for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, following US-Israeli strikes. Hyderabad, March 6 A large number of people visited the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Hyderabad to pay tribute to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and sign a "Condolence Book" to show their support for the people of Iran during this time of mourning. Mohsin Moghaddmi, Vice Consul of Iran, while talking to the media, said on Thursday, "Today we have opened the Condolence Book for Indian nationals who love our great martyr, beloved Khamenei, to come and pay tribute to the Iranian people and Ayatollah Khamenei." The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday announced that a condolence book will be opened this week to commemorate the "martyrdom" of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Imam Khamenei. "On the occasion of the martyrdom of His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Imam Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a condolence book will be opened at the Embassy of the I.R. Iran in New Delhi," the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran posted on X. According to a statement issued by the embassy, those wishing to pay their respects and offer their condolences may visit the Embassy on March 5, 6, and 9 to sign the condolence book. The visiting hours will be from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on each of the above days. The condolence book was opened on Thursday, March 5 and will be available on Friday, 6 March; Monday, 9 March. "The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi appreciates the kind expressions of sympathy and solidarity," the embassy said. This came after US and Israeli strikes on February 28, which targeted Iran's leadership, military installations, and strategic assets. The strikes killed Supreme Leader Khamenei along with other senior figures, prompting retaliatory attacks by Tehran on American and Israeli interests in the region. - ANI Follows sinking of sister ship IRIS Dena by US An Iranian Navy ship, IRIS Lavan, has safely docked in Kochi, India, after requesting urgent assistance due to technical problems. The request was made on February 28, the same day the US and Israel initiated joint strikes on Iran, and India granted approval on March 1. This development follows the sinking of another Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, by a US submarine torpedo south of Sri Lanka, which resulted in significant casualties. The docking occurs amidst sharply escalating regional tensions, including retaliatory Iranian strikes across the Middle East. Iran's IRIS Lavan docks in Kochi for urgent repairs amid escalating West Asia tensions following US-Israel strikes and the sinking of IRIS Dena. New Delhi, March 6 The Islamic Republic of Iran Ship Lavan, which took part in the International Fleet Review 2026, has docked in Kochi after developing technical issues, according to sources in the Government of India. Sources said India had been approached by Iran days before the IRIS Dena incident south of Sri Lanka. The ship was in the region as part of the Iranian naval presence for the International Fleet Review and MILAN 2026, which took place from February 15 to February 25 The request from Iran was received on February 28, seeking urgent docking support for the vessel due to technical problems. "This request was received on 28 February 2026, indicating that a docking at Kochi was urgent as the vessel had developed technical issues," the sources said. The joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran were also initiated on February 28. Sources added that India approved docking on March 1, after the conflict in the region had already begun. "Approval was accorded for the docking on 1 March. IRIS LAVAN has since docked at Kochi on 4 March," the sources said. According to the sources, the ship's crew members are currently staying at naval facilities in Kochi. "In this context, its crew of 183 are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi," the sources added. Sources further said that there was delay in sharing information as there were other ships in the region. Earlier, IRIS Dena sank south of Sri Lanka on March 4 after being struck by a US submarine torpedo approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle. The Indian Navy then deployed INS Tarangini and INS Ikshak, along with maritime patrol aircraft, like its P8Is, to assist in the Sri Lanka-led search and rescue operations for the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. Of the estimated 180 crew members on board IRIS Dena, around 87 sailors are reported dead, while about 32 survivors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy and admitted to hospitals in Galle. The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on Iranian territory that killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. In retaliation, Tehran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and assets in the region. Israel has also intensified its campaign on Tehran. - ANI An Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, has docked at the port of Kochi after India granted emergency permission due to a reported technical malfunction. The ship, with 183 sailors on board, is receiving logistical and humanitarian support from the Indian Navy while assessments are conducted. This development occurs against a tense backdrop, following the reported sinking of another Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, by an American torpedo. Officials state India's decision was based on operational and humanitarian grounds, though the event has attracted strategic scrutiny given simmering regional tensions. An Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, docks in Kochi for urgent technical repairs, amid heightened regional tensions following the sinking of another Iranian warship. Kochi, March 6 An Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, on Friday, docked in Kerala's Kochi after India granted emergency permission following a reported technical malfunction, even as the sinking of another Iranian warship by an American torpedo has triggered wider geopolitical ripples. The Iranian warship reached Kochi on March 4 after the Union government approved Tehran's request to allow the vessel to make an urgent halt for technical reasons. The ship had earlier detected a fault while operating in the region and sought India's assistance to dock for necessary checks and support. IRIS Lavan had arrived in the region to participate in the International Fleet Review. The technical issue was reportedly detected on February 28, following which Iran approached India requesting permission for the vessel to dock at Kochi. The Union government cleared the request on March 1, paving the way for the ship to enter the Kochi port. The vessel continues to remain anchored in Kochi while assessments are being carried out. The 183 sailors, who were on board the warship, have been accommodated at special facilities of the Indian Navy in the city. Naval authorities have ensured that all necessary logistical and humanitarian arrangements are being provided to the crew during their stay. The development has drawn attention as IRIS Lavan arrived in Kochi just days before another Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, was reportedly sunk after being hit by an American torpedo. The incident involving IRIS Dena has triggered diplomatic and political debate, with questions being raised over the evolving security situation and its implications for regional maritime activity. With tensions simmering in parts of West Asia and the Gulf region, the presence of an Iranian naval vessel at an Indian port has also attracted scrutiny in strategic circles. However, officials said that the decision to allow the ship to dock was taken purely on operational and humanitarian grounds after Iran sought urgent assistance following the technical fault. - IANS Supporters of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have put up posters outside the JD(U) office, calling on him to reconsider his decision to file a nomination for the Rajya Sabha. Kumar, the state's longest-serving CM, filed his papers in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and pledged full support to the new state government. The NDA has welcomed his return to parliamentary democracy, with Shah praising Kumar's tenure as a "golden chapter" for Bihar. Elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states are scheduled for March 16. JD(U) supporters urge Nitish Kumar to reconsider Rajya Sabha nomination, putting up posters in Patna. Amit Shah welcomes his return to Delhi. Patna, March 6 Following the announcement of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's filing his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections, Janata Dal supporters have continued their demand for Kumar to remain in Bihar, putting up posters outside the party's office on Friday and calling for the leader to reconsider his decision. The poster said, "Nitish sevak kar raha pukaar, neta kare apne nirnaye par poornvichar", further adding "Violation of the people's mandate and self-respect in democracy will not be tolerated now." Nitish Kumar, Bihar's longest-tenured Chief Minister for over two decades, announced that he would be heading to the Rajya Sabha and filed his nomination on Thursday in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, among other leaders. The 75-year-old also said that the new Cabinet would have his full support. "I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," Nitish Kumar posted on X. Apart from Nitish Kumar, other NDA candidates, including Upendra Kushwaha and BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, also filed their nominations for the Upper House. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) welcomed Kumar's decision and lauded his return to the parliamentary democracy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed Nitish Kumar's tenure as Bihar CM as a "golden chapter" in the state's history during which he made significant contributions to Bihar's progress. "For 11 years under PM Modi's leadership, he made a significant contribution to Bihar's progress in every way, and it was under his leadership that all of PM Modi's initiatives reached the people of Bihar... He is once again returning to Delhi as a Rajya Sabha MP. I and all our NDA colleagues heartily welcome him, and his tenure as Chief Minister will always be remembered and respected by the people of Bihar," he said. The polling for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states is scheduled to take place on March 16, with the counting of votes on the same day at 5 PM. According to the press note, the term of 37 members who were elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in the month of April, vacating the seats for new members to be elected. - ANI The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday set an economic growth target of 4.5 to 5 percent for 2026, aiming for a good start to the new five-year plan that charts the course for high-quality development and offers much-needed certainty to a troubled world economy. The GDP growth target is well aligned with China's long-range objectives through the year 2035 and broadly in line with the long-term growth potential of China's economy, said a government work report submitted to the country's top legislature for deliberation. China's economic growth target for 2026 is proactive and pragmatic, reflecting a broad assessment of domestic conditions and shifts in the external environment, said Shen Danyang, head of the group responsible for drafting this year's government work report. The projected pace would also be among the highest for major economies globally, Shen said. "The signal this target sends to the international community is clear that China is no longer pursuing growth speed alone," said Zhang Ying, associate dean of the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University, in an interview with Xinhua. "This year's target reflects China's firm commitment to high-quality development." The country has made it clear that it will strive for better in practice regarding this year's growth target, and favorable conditions for achieving this target are in place, according to the report. FURTHER ASSURANCE The government work report outlined this year's major tasks, including building a robust domestic market, fostering new growth drivers at a faster pace, and moving faster to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. To achieve these goals, China will continue to implement a more proactive fiscal policy and apply an appropriately accommodative monetary policy. The orientations highlight policy continuity and offer further assurance to a global economy unnerved by trade and geopolitical tensions. China's global economic heft means its policy moves are pivotal to the world economy. Over the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China saw its economy grow at an average annual pace of 5.4 percent, well above the global average, and contributed around 30 percent of global growth. An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 15, 2025 shows vessels loading and unloading containers at a container dock of Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) The country has remained the world's second-largest importer for 16 consecutive years, has cemented its position as the world's largest trader of goods, and has become a major trading partner of more than 160 countries and regions. The weight of the role is only set to grow. According to a World Bank forecast, global growth is projected to ease to 2.6 percent in 2026. If the forecast holds, the 2020s are on track to be the weakest decade for global growth since the 1960s. "What we achieved in 2025 was indeed hard won," according to the government work report. "Rarely in many years have we encountered such a grave and complex landscape, where external shocks and challenges were intertwined with domestic difficulties and tough policy choices." LONG-TERM PREDICTABILITY In a sign of assurance to the troubled global economy in the longer term, China on Thursday unveiled a slew of development priorities for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear anchor: doubling China's 2020 per capita GDP by 2035 to reach the level of a moderately developed country. Getting there will require navigating a middle stretch that China has chosen not to over-prescribe, as annual growth targets will be set year by year, a flexibility that reflects both confidence in the trajectory and awareness of the uncertainties ahead. The 15th Five-Year Plan marks a pivotal stretch in China's modernization drive, and its ambitions reach well beyond domestic growth metrics. By directing capital into frontier technologies, deepening trade and investment linkages, and advancing green development, the blueprint is poised to affect the global economy across multiple dimensions, from the tempo of the energy transition to the landscape of advanced manufacturing worldwide. Simon Smith, director and general manager of Taikoo Engine Services (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., an engineering branch of the multinational company Swire Group, said long-term policy clarity changes the calculus for multinationals operating in China. "The five-year plan transforms investment decisions from probabilistic bets to calculated strategic positioning," Smith told Xinhua in an interview. "Without the plan, the company may hesitate on a specific capability expansion or investment, uncertain whether regulatory support, skilled labor availability, or customer demand will materialize." This photo taken on July 1, 2025 shows a model of the quantum science satellite Mozi at the science and technology experience center of China Telecom Quantum Group in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) That strategic positioning comes with a concrete roadmap. According to China's technology agenda, the country will nurture emerging industries and industries of the future. During the 2026-2030 period, China will foster new drivers of economic growth such as quantum technology, biomanufacturing, hydrogen and nuclear fusion power, brain-computer interfaces, embodied artificial intelligence, and 6G mobile communications. Hu Jinbo, a national political advisor and head of the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, said the next five years represent a critical window for China's economic transition from high-speed growth to high-quality development, and sci-tech innovation will serve as the core engine of this transformation. BROADER OPPORTUNITIES As China continues to achieve sci-tech innovation breakthroughs, developing countries can draw on China's experience to accelerate their own industrialization, while developed countries will also gain broader opportunities for collaboration in advanced manufacturing and frontier technologies, Hu said. For the rest of the world, what may matter most in the longer run is not the pace of growth, but its composition. China has set an explicit goal of raising household consumption as a share of GDP over the next five years. For a global economy straining under the weight of trade tensions, geopolitical fragmentation and weak growth, China's dual pledges -- to sustain its own steady expansion and to open its vast market further to the world -- offer a rare note of predictability. A more balanced Chinese economy underpinned by stronger domestic demand would generate far-reaching spillover effects globally, according to a recent Bloomberg article citing Robin Xing, chief China economist at Morgan Stanley. "Chinese and foreign companies alike would benefit from the depth and scale of the China market, which would help cushion today's geopolitical challenges," Xing was quoted as saying. According to the government work report, China will deepen reform of the institutional framework for promoting foreign investment this year. It will open wider to the outside world, with efforts to expand market access and open up more areas, particularly in the service sector. Zhang Ying highlighted three aspects of China's opportunities for global investors: a massive unified market with rising purchasing power of residents, highly efficient and cost-effective supply chains, and an increasingly open, pro-investment regulatory environment. "Against a backdrop of global volatility and macroeconomic headwinds, these fundamentals offer significant appeal to international investors and corporations," Zhang said. Editor: GSY Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the state's budget for 2026-27 with a total outlay of Rs 4,48,004 crore, marking a 13.3% increase. He highlighted that Karnataka's economy grew at 8.1% in 2025-26, outperforming the national average, and saw a 2.6-fold increase in FDI inflows. The CM strongly criticized the Union Government for what he called unfair treatment, citing reduced funding and disregard for cooperative federalism. He also defended the state's guarantee schemes, stating they have improved economic conditions and purchasing power for crores of families. CM Siddaramaiah presents Karnataka's 2026-27 budget with Rs 4.48 lakh crore outlay, highlights 8.1% GSDP growth, criticizes Centre's funding, and defends guarantee schemes. Bengaluru, March 6 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented the Budget for the financial year 2026-27 -- his 17th -- in the Assembly on Friday with a total outlay of Rs 4,48,004 crore, marking a 13.3 per cent increase over the 2025-26 revised estimates. Siddaramiah said that Karnataka continues to lead the nation in all sectors of development. "We are one of the major states that contributes the highest to the tax revenue of the country," he said. Defending the guarantee schemes, he stated that these schemes have significantly improved the economic conditions of crores of families and enhanced the purchasing power of the people. However, CM Siddaramaiah, targeting the Centre, said: "The cow that yields abundant milk requires proper care. It is Bheeshma's philosophy that if it becomes weak, the entire cowherd suffers. Recognising this principle, we urge the Union Government to respond sensitively to the needs of the state." Stressing that a diverse country like India can achieve progress only through a truly cooperative federal system, he said: "Though we have been striving for the development of our state beyond our capacity, the Union Government continues to treat our State unfairly by disregarding the constitutional principles of cooperative federalism." "Reduced Central share in Centrally Sponsored Schemes, discriminatory allocation in Central Sector schemes, injustice due to the Fifteenth Finance Commission's revenue sharing formula, non-implementation of special grants recommended by the same Commission, and the untimely rationalisation of GST rates have all led to additional burden and pressure on the state exchequer," the CM maintained. "The systematic weakening of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme by the Union government threatens the people's right to employment and increases the financial burden on states. Under such circumstances, everyone must unite across party lines to safeguard the interests of the state and assert its rightful claims," the CM noted. Siddaramaiah said that the state's economy recorded a strong real GSDP growth of 8.1 per cent at constant prices in 2025-26, surpassing the national growth rate of 7.4 per cent for the same period. This performance was supported by broad-based sectoral growth and reflects the state's diversified and stable growth pattern. While several other major state economies, such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Delhi, recorded a decline in FDI inflows during this period compared to the previous year, Karnataka registered a significant increase of 2.6 times, underscoring its growing attractiveness as an investment destination, he stated. "Karnataka today is one of the most globally integrated state economies in India. Our leadership in Information Technology and IT-enabled services, biotechnology, aerospace and defence manufacturing, electronics and semiconductor design, start-up innovation, and advanced manufacturing has positioned us as a key contributor to India's exports and foreign direct investment inflows. Consequently, recent developments relating to tariff measures and evolving trade arrangements involving the United States and other major economies have important implications for our state," he said. "Karnataka plays a distinctive role in national and international trade. Rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming global production systems. Innovations in science and technology are increasingly shaping the trajectory of our state. In this context, I am presenting this budget with the sense of responsibility and foresight that we must move forward with the resolve to turn 'fire into light'," he said. "Immediately upon assuming office in 2023, our government prioritised providing economic security and social stability to people through the implementation of Guarantee Schemes inspired by the concept of Universal Basic Income. Numerous national and international studies indicate that these schemes have significantly improved the economic conditions of crores of families and enhanced the purchasing power of the people. We are investing substantially in people-centric welfare programmes, based on the premise by Amartya Sen that 'economic growth that neglects investment in human development is not only unstable but unethical'," he said. The Chief Minister said that they are formulating a unique Karnataka model of strong and sustainable development. "More than 45 products from Karnataka have received Geographical Indication (GI) status. This recognition reflects the traditional ingenuity of our people and contributes significantly to employment generation," he said. "We are strengthening the administrative system by filling vacant posts in major departments. In line with our election manifesto, employment generation remains a priority. This year, we have initiated the process to fill 56,432 posts. Considering delays due to court cases in recruitment processes, we have granted a one-time relaxation of five years in the upper age limit," he underlined. "Along with filling government posts, we are prioritising the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings. In addition to departmental allocations, we have taken up roads and infrastructure works to the extent of Rs 8,600 crore under the Chief Minister's Infrastructure Development Programme, which was launched last year. We will take up works of Rs 4,000 crore as the second phase of this programme during the present year," CM Siddaramaiah said. - IANS K.C. Venugopal, the Congress General Secretary (Organisation), has become the final authority for candidate selection in Kerala as Assembly elections approach. His influence surged following the political retreat of veteran leader A. K. Antony, making him the crucial link between the state unit and the party's central leadership in Delhi. Venugopal's political journey began in student politics in Kannur under the mentorship of the towering Congress leader K. Karunakaran, who actively promoted his early career. With the Congress poised to contest around 95 seats, Venugopal now holds the key to determining who will and will not receive a party ticket. K.C. Venugopal, Congress General Secretary, is now the crucial authority for candidate selection in Kerala, shaping the party's electoral strategy. Thiruvananthapuram, March 6 With the Assembly elections drawing closer, one name that increasingly dominates discussions within the Congress in Kerala when it comes to candidate selection is K. C. Venugopal. As the party's powerful General Secretary, Organisation, Venugopal has emerged as the key decision maker whose approval is widely considered crucial before any final list of candidates is cleared. Across the state, aspirants lobbying for party tickets are increasingly aware that the final word often rests with him. Even when aspirants approach senior Congress veterans for support, the question frequently posed to them is: "Have you spoken to KC?", a telling sign of the influence Venugopal wields in the party's organisational structure. His role has grown particularly significant in Kerala following the gradual retirement of veteran leader A. K. Antony from active politics. With Antony stepping back, Venugopal has become the crucial link between the party's central leadership in New Delhi and the state unit. Yet, Venugopal's journey to the top of the Congress organisational hierarchy began far from the power corridors of Delhi. Hailing from the Left bastion of Kannur, he started his political career in student politics, where he soon came into close contact with the towering Congress leader K. Karunakaran, who also had roots in the district. Karunakaran took a special liking to the young activist and affectionately referred to him as "my boy". According to Padmaja Venugopal, Karunakaran's daughter, her mother, Kalyanikutty Amma, too had a soft corner for Venugopal. During Karunakaran's tenure as Chief Minister, Venugopal enjoyed easy access to Cliff House, the official residence of the Chief Minister, where Kalyanikutty Amma often hosted him warmly. His electoral career took off in 1996 when Karunakaran fielded him from Alappuzha in the Assembly polls. The victory marked the beginning of a steady rise that eventually took him to the Congress high command in Delhi, a position of influence that, in many ways, surpasses even what his mentor once achieved. Now 63, Venugopal continues to remain closely connected with his contemporaries from the student and youth movements, often extending support to the families of colleagues who began their political journey alongside him but are no longer alive. In the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly, the Congress fields around 95 candidates, and with the party, according to several pre-poll surveys, is on its way to form a government, Venugopal will hold the key to who will contest and who will not. - IANS Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan initiated the first blast for the construction of the Anakampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi road tunnel, a major infrastructure project. The 8.73-km tunnel, estimated to cost 2,134.5 crore, aims to significantly improve connectivity between Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. The project is being implemented by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited and constructed by Dilip Buildcon Limited and Royal Infrastructure. In a related development, the CM also highlighted the modernization of Kerala's fire and rescue services, including the creation of the country's first women's scuba diving team. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan initiates the first blast for the 2,134.5 crore Anakampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi road tunnel, a key infrastructure project for Wayanad connectivity. Kozhikode, March 6 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday switched on the first blast for the construction of the Anakampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi road tunnel, one of Kerala's major infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity to Wayanad. The ceremony was held at the Marippuzha project site at around 12 noon. The Chief Minister had earlier inaugurated the Anakampoyil-Wayanad road tunnel project on August 31, 2025. Blasting, which is one of the key phases of the project, began after completing preliminary works such as the construction of a temporary bridge, installation of a crusher unit, fuel tank facilities and workers' camp sheds. The proposed 8.73-km tunnel connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad districts is among the largest infrastructure development projects in the state. The project is being supervised by the Kerala Public Works Department and funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) responsible for the implementation and execution of the project is Konkan Railway Corporation Limited. The tunnel construction has been awarded to Dilip Buildcon Limited, based in Bhopal, and Royal Infrastructure. The project is estimated to cost 2,134.5 crore and is expected to be completed within four years. Earlier on Thursday, CM said that the government is taking a committed approach to modernising the fire and rescue service and that renovation works worth Rs 251 crore have been carried out in the service in 10 years. The CM was speaking after inaugurating the new building of the Panur Fire Station online. The service has all the latest equipment, such as underwater drones, robo firefighters, fire tenders, and advanced rescue tenders. A comprehensive change was made in the department after the 2018 floods. Around 10,000 Civil Defence Volunteers and 4,500 Apthamitra workers, who ensure public participation in disaster management, have become the strength of Kerala. The strength of the force is a 31-member team that has received special training from ITBP and NDRF. For the first time in history, 100 female firefighters have been created. 17 selected from these were trained in scuba diving, forming the country's first women's scuba diving team. - ANI Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a Rs 5,000 financial aid scheme for state pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine. The budget also includes a plan to rejuvenate 259 temple ponds and establish development authorities for two major temples. Furthermore, the government will renovate Karnataka guest houses at pilgrimage centers outside the state, including in Varanasi and Mantralaya. A new students' hostel and commercial complex will also be developed in Bengaluru through a Public-Private Partnership model. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah announces Rs 5,000 aid for Vaishno Devi pilgrims, temple infrastructure projects, and new development authorities. Bengaluru, March 6 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced several initiatives for the development of temples, pilgrim facilities and religious infrastructure while presenting the State Budget in the Legislative Assembly. The Chief Minister said the government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5,000 each to pilgrims from Karnataka visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. A grant of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for the scheme, and the assistance will be transferred directly to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Siddaramaiah also announced the implementation of the Jala Nidhi Kalyani Rejuvenation Scheme to revitalise 259 temple kalyanis under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Institutions Department over a period of three years. An allocation of Rs 5 crore has been made for the project. To improve infrastructure and ensure comprehensive development of major pilgrimage centres, the government will establish development authorities for Kukke Shri Subramanya Temple and Kolluru Shri Mookambika Temple, the CM stated. The government will also undertake renovation and reconstruction of Karnataka guest houses located at pilgrimage centres outside the State. A new choultry will be constructed in Varanasi as the existing facility is in a dilapidated condition. Similarly, the existing choultry on land belonging to the Raghavendra Swamy temple in Mantralaya in Andhra Pradesh will be renovated, he stated. In addition, a new Yatri Nivas will be constructed in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, while the existing choultry in Tulajapur in Maharashtra will be reconstructed to provide better accommodation and facilities for pilgrims, CM Siddaramaiah stated. The Chief Minister further said that a students' hostel and a commercial complex will be constructed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on land belonging to the department at the Bandi Seshamma Choultry near Kempegowda Circle in Bengaluru. The project aims to better utilise the property while supporting educational and commercial activities in the area, he stated. Counselling system will be implemented for transfer of the officers and staff of the department, he stated. The construction works of 'Anubhava Mantapa' taken up by Basavakalyana Development Board is in the final stage. The remaining works will be completed in this year and will be opened to the public, he stated. - IANS Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the state will implement the Rohith Vemula Act to prevent caste-based harassment in all universities. The budget also mandates student union elections in colleges to foster democratic values. A massive Rs 2,500 crore project with ADB funding will transform 40 government colleges and 11 polytechnics into model institutions. Further reforms include establishing new colleges, introducing cutting-edge technical courses, and filling thousands of teaching positions. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's budget introduces the Rohith Vemula Act to prevent caste harassment and announces major higher education reforms. Bengaluru, March 6 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, while presenting the Budget in the Legislative Assembly, said the state government would implement the controversial Rohith Vemula Act to prevent "academic and social harassment" of students based on caste in all government, private and deemed universities. The Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) Bill, 2025, aims to provide a safer environment for marginalised students, making Karnataka a pioneer in legally addressing institutional caste bias. The Act is named after Rohith Vemula, a PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad who died by suicide on January 17, 2016. He further announced that the government also intends to conduct student union elections in colleges and universities to foster leadership, responsibility and democratic values among students. As part of efforts to expand higher education institutions, the government will provide 25 acres of land to establish a private Vachana University in Basavakalyan. To strengthen Government First Grade Colleges and polytechnics, establish centres of excellence and enhance research capabilities, the government is implementing the Karnataka Higher Education Transformation Project with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore. Under the project, 40 Government First Grade Colleges and 11 polytechnics will be developed as model institutions, he stated. The government will also establish nine centres of excellence with ADB assistance to promote entrepreneurship and a startup culture among students, CM Siddaramaiah stated. The CM said approval has been granted to fill 2,000 teaching posts in Government First Grade Colleges, engineering colleges, polytechnics and the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE). The recruitment process will be completed soon. In addition, 1,000 teaching posts in public universities will be rationalised and filled in phases, he said. To improve facilities for women students, basic infrastructure will be provided in 25 government degree colleges, three polytechnics and three engineering colleges where more than 50 per cent of the students are women. A total of Rs 31 crore has been allocated for this purpose, with Rs one crore earmarked for each institution, CM Siddaramaiah said. Furniture procurement and repair or renovation works in 50 Government First Grade Colleges with more than 1,000 students will be undertaken over the next three years for Rs 100 crore, he said. The government will establish new Government First Grade Colleges in Chadachan in Vijayapura district, Belagavi Rural and the Narasimharaja constituency in Mysuru city. Another First Grade College will be set up in Maski in Raichur district with macro funding from the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB), he stated. Under the Kalyana Karnataka Area Development Board, residential First Grade Colleges will be established in Nimbaraga in Kalaburagi district, Kakkera in Yadgir district, Ambamath in Raichur district and Bevoor in Koppal district for Rs 18 crore each, he announced. In a move to align education with emerging industry demands, 15 new courses will be introduced in 11 government polytechnics and the Government Engineering College in Chitradurga. The courses will include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Mining Engineering and Automation Engineering, he stated. The Chief Minister also said the state government has already provided Rs 100 crore out of the proposed Rs 500 crore project to develop the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) on the lines of an IIT. Another Rs 100 crore will be allocated for the project in the current year. In addition, women guest lecturers working in Government First Grade Colleges, polytechnics and engineering colleges will be provided 90 days of maternity leave from the next academic year, Siddaramaiah announced. - IANS The Madhya Pradesh government has launched the 'Saraswati Abhiyan' to reintegrate girls who have left school back into the education system. The initiative will allow them to appear for board exams through the State Open School while receiving study materials and mentoring support. A state-level workshop to discuss the campaign will be held in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. The program aims to increase female literacy, prevent child marriage, and enable girls to become economically empowered. Madhya Pradesh's new initiative under Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao helps dropout girls complete education via State Open School exams & support. Bhopal, March 6 The Women and Child Development Department of the Madhya Pradesh government on Friday said it has initiated the 'Saraswati Abhiyan' under the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao scheme to bring girls deprived of education back into the learning system. The initiative has been launched with the aim of bringing girls who have dropped out of school due to social, familial or economic reasons back into education and enabling them to become economically empowered by accessing benefits under the scheme. "Through this campaign, girls will be given the opportunity to appear for Class 8, 10 and 12 examinations under the State Open School system. They will also be provided study materials, guidance, contact classes and mentoring support so that they can complete their education and access further education or employment opportunities," an official said. The official also said that a state-level workshop to share information about the department's work plan and innovations aimed at bringing school dropout girls back to education will be organised in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in Bhopal on March 10. According to the National Family Health Survey, a large number of girls in the state leave school before completing Classes 8, 10 or 12. After dropping out, they often do not get an opportunity to continue their education, leaving their studies incomplete and limiting future opportunities. "Keeping this challenge in mind, under 'Saraswati Abhiyan', the Women and Child Development Department will conduct a survey to identify school dropout girls and enrol them in the State Open School," the official added. The state government expects that the initiative will play a significant role in increasing female literacy, reducing dropout rates and promoting women's empowerment. It may also prove effective in preventing social evils such as child marriage. "Through 'Saraswati Abhiyan', girls deprived of education will get a new opportunity not only to improve their own lives but also to actively contribute to the development of their families and society," the official said. - IANS Maggie Gyllenhaal and Christian Bale have reunited for the new film 'The Bride,' with Gyllenhaal directing. This marks their first project together since 2008's 'The Dark Knight,' but Gyllenhaal notes the collaboration required a far more intimate and deeper creative process. Bale plays a reimagined version of Frankenstein's creature opposite Jessie Buckley's monster bride. Both actors emphasized that the intense nature of the film left no room to reminisce about their previous Batman work. Maggie Gyllenhaal and Christian Bale reunite for 'The Bride,' discussing their deeper, more intimate creative partnership 18 years after The Dark Knight. Los Angeles, March 6 Hollywood actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and Christian Bale have teamed up again 18 years after 'The Dark Knight'. However, it is not a typical Hollywood reunion. The pair reunited recently for 'The Bride'. The film marks Maggie Gyllenhaal's second movie as a director following 2021's Oscar-nominated 'The Lost Daughter', reports 'People' magazine. The actress-turned-filmmaker, 48, cast Bale, 52, as Frankenstein's creature (he's named Frank in this reimagining of The Bride of Frankenstein) opposite Jessie Buckley, who plays the titular monster bride. As per 'People', the actress said that despite working "closely" with Christian Bale on 'The Dark Knight', in which she played Gotham District Attorney Rachel Dawes opposite Bale's Bruce Wayne/Batman, she felt like she was meeting the actor "anew" as his director. She said, "I really liked him, and making that movie was amazing, but it wasn't nearly as intimate as what was required here. And so even when I called him and offered him the part. I mean, it had been so long since we'd worked together, I felt like what we needed to even immediately start talking about and thinking about and discussing and feeling together was so much deeper than what we'd gotten into the last time. Even the first phone call felt like a whole new thing". "My Frank, our Frank, is so many things", she said of their interpretation of the classic horror character. "Yes, he's monstrous and does violent things full of rage. He does. But he's also so smart, funny, vulnerable, lonely, and I needed all of that in one actor, in one heart, in one mind in order to make this work. So we had to get into it". As for Christian Bale, the actor had similar things to say at the New York City premiere of the film, when explaining their process for 'The Bride!' Due to the intense nature of the project, Bale said they didn't have time to reminisce about their time making Christopher Nolan's second 'Batman' film. - IANS The Maharashtra State Budget 2026-27 projects a major urban shift, with 70% of the population expected to live in cities by 2047. It sets ambitious infrastructure targets, including expanding the Metro network to 1,200 km and developing a new "Third Mumbai" zone. Key governance reforms involve creating empowered regional development authorities to decentralize urban management. The budget also heavily promotes technology, proposing AI-based "Digital Twins" for cities and AI integration for faster building plan approvals. Maharashtra's 2026-27 budget outlines massive urban expansion, a 1200 km Metro network, a new "Third Mumbai," and AI-driven governance reforms. Mumbai, March 6 In the Maharashtra State Budget 2026-27, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday outlined a major shift in urban governance, projecting that 70 per cent of the state's population will live in urban areas by 2047 and contribute nearly 80 per cent of Maharashtra's GDP. The state aims to expand the Metro network to 1,200 km and the expressway network to more than 6,000 km. Key projects in Mumbai include Metro Line 11 (Wadala to Gateway of India), a fully underground corridor estimated to cost Rs 23,487 crore. The government has also proposed the development of a "Third Mumbai", a 200 sq km urban zone connected to the Atal Setu, including areas such as Kushmanda and Sai-Chirner, along with the development of Vadhavan Port and Mumbai 4 in the adjoining region. The Vadhavan Port project is expected to create more than 12 lakh jobs. In the housing sector, the government has proposed implementing a "No New Slum Framework" aimed at redeveloping 20 lakh slum tenements and creating 10 lakh affordable houses in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. To manage the expected urban expansion, the Chief Minister unveiled a series of governance reforms. He announced the creation of empowered regional development authorities, signalling a move away from centralised municipal control towards more than 10 regional development authorities. These will be modelled on institutions such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) but with greater fiscal and administrative autonomy. Beyond the major urban centres of Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, new authorities will be established for regions such as Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and the Solapur-Latur belt. The government proposes to develop these regions as "City Economic Regions" rather than merely administrative units. The budget also promotes the creation of more than 20 autonomous industrial and mixed-use townships with simplified land-use regulations to accelerate housing and commercial development. The "Viksit Maharashtra" vision places technology at the centre of city management to improve ease of living. Following a successful pilot in the energy sector, the state will implement AI-based "Digital Twins" for major cities. This system will allow real-time simulation and management of traffic, water supply and disaster response. The government has also proposed integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into the Auto DCR (Development Control Regulations) application to enable automated and faster scrutiny of building plans and compliance checks. The state has set a long-term target of building 6 to 7 million affordable housing units by 2047, with significant incentives for cluster redevelopment of old layouts. It has also proposed high-speed connectivity to link urban centres through a 6,000 km-plus expressway network and high-speed rail corridors, aiming to transform Maharashtra into a "seamless multimodal hub". - IANS The Maharashtra budget for 2026-27 positions energy as central to the state's development, targeting a major shift from thermal to renewable sources. A key initiative is moving the entire agricultural electricity load to solar power, drastically cutting costs for farmers. To manage renewable intermittency, the state is fast-tracking massive pumped storage projects to act as energy reservoirs. Further plans include establishing green hydrogen hubs and expanding transmission infrastructure to connect solar-rich regions with industrial consumers. Maharashtra's budget targets 52% renewable energy by 2030, solar power for all farmers, and major investments in pumped storage and green hydrogen hubs. Mumbai, March 6 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while presenting the annual budget for 2026-27, positioned the energy sector as the "foundation of Viksit Maharashtra". The strategy focuses on achieving energy independence and grid stability by transitioning from thermal-heavy generation to a mix of solar, wind and pumped storage. The overarching goal is to add 45 GW of capacity by 2032, with renewable energy's share in the state's energy mix rising from 13 per cent to 52 per cent by 2030. Maharashtra is currently implementing Asia's largest decentralised solar programme. The state is on track to generate 16 GW of solar power by the end of 2026, adding nearly 500 MW every month. The government has proposed shifting the entire agricultural load to solar power. This would reduce the cost of electricity for farmers from Rs 8 per unit to less than Rs 3, easing the cross-subsidy burden on industries. The government has firmed up plans to cross 10 lakh solar pump installations soon. Maharashtra already accounts for 60 per cent of all solar pumps in India. To address the "intermittency" problem associated with solar and wind power, the budget prioritises pumped storage projects. The government is fast-tracking 55 MoUs for PSPs with a total potential of 78,215 MW and an investment of Rs 4.16 lakh crore. These projects will act as "reservoirs of energy", storing surplus power during the day and releasing it during peak night hours. According to the Chief Minister, Maharashtra aims to become a national hub for green hydrogen. The budget supports the creation of specialised green hydrogen hubs, likely in coastal regions such as Raigad and Ratnagiri, to supply zero-emission fuel to the chemical and steel industries. Maharashtra currently leads India in bioenergy capacity at around 3,000 MW. The budget incentivises compressed biogas (CBG) plants to convert agricultural waste into fuel. The government has also proposed expanding high-voltage transmission lines to evacuate power from solar-rich zones in Marathwada and Vidarbha to industrial hubs in western Maharashtra. - IANS The Maharashtra government has announced a major farm loan waiver scheme providing relief of up to Rs 2 lakh for eligible farmers. The 2026-27 budget outlines a massive infrastructure push, including expanding the metro network and redeveloping 20 lakh slum houses in Mumbai. A significant focus is placed on green energy, with targets to achieve 50% renewable energy by 2029. The budget also includes initiatives for women entrepreneurs, health, education, and industrial growth, with a total outlay of Rs 7.69 lakh crore. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announces Rs 2 lakh farm loan waiver, major infrastructure projects, and a green energy roadmap in the 2026-27 state budget. Mumbai, March 6 Maharashtra Chief Minister and state Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced a farm loan waiver scheme under which eligible farmers with overdue crop loans will receive relief of up to Rs 2 lakh. Presenting the state budget for 2026-27, Fadnavis also proposed an incentive of Rs 50,000 for farmers who have been regularly repaying their loans. The state budget on Friday announced a range of initiatives focused on agriculture, infrastructure development, industry, social welfare and green energy as part of the government's vision for a "progressive, sustainable and inclusive" Maharashtra. The state government said it will promote natural farming across five lakh hectares and strengthen agricultural value chains for 10 to 15 crops to improve access to global markets. It also plans to use artificial intelligence and digital platforms to support farming activities and establish AI innovation and incubation centres at four agricultural universities. In the irrigation and water sector, the government announced several river-linking projects and measures to improve water availability. The budget also targets providing 55 litres per capita per day in rural areas and 135 litres per capita per day in urban areas by 2047. A number of initiatives were also announced for women's empowerment. The government said it will allocate significant funds for the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme and expand programmes aimed at creating more "Lakhpati Didis", with a target of creating 25 lakh additional women entrepreneurs in 2026-27. In the education sector, the government proposed the establishment of an "EduCity" in Navi Mumbai with six international universities and plans to develop eight to ten educational cities across the state. The government also said it will support the startup ecosystem with a target of nurturing 1.25 lakh entrepreneurs and strengthening 50,000 startups over the next five years. On the health front, the state announced the creation of a Maharashtra Institute of Public Health in Nagpur and the expansion of the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana to increase the number of treatments and hospitals covered under the scheme. It also announced a Rs 4,500 crore rural disease detection programme for cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases with Asian Development Bank assistance. The budget placed significant emphasis on infrastructure development. Major metro rail projects in Mumbai and Pune were announced along with plans to expand the state's metro network to 1,200 kilometres. The government also highlighted the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project and proposed the development of new expressways and transport corridors across the state. In Mumbai, the government said around 20 lakh slum houses will be redeveloped, and 10 lakh affordable homes will be constructed under various housing initiatives. To boost industrial growth and employment, the government announced plans to set up 18 mega industrial hubs and establish MSME centres in every district, which it said could generate up to 50 lakh jobs. A major steel hub is proposed in Gadchiroli with significant investment expected in the region. The budget also outlined Maharashtra's green energy roadmap, including a target to achieve 50 per cent green energy by 2029 and 65 per cent by 2035. The government also announced a large-scale tree plantation drive and rooftop solar initiatives to encourage renewable energy adoption. According to the budget estimates, the total outlay for 2026-27 is pegged at Rs 7.69 lakh crore, with revenue receipts estimated at Rs 6.16 lakh crore and revenue expenditure at Rs 6.56 lakh crore. The government said the budget aims to accelerate Maharashtra's journey towards becoming a one trillion-dollar economy in the coming years. - ANI The 14th National People's Congress (NPC) opens its fourth session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, were seated at the rostrum. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, opened its fourth session on Thursday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, were seated at the rostrum. Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the session's presidium, presided over the meeting. Premier Li Qiang delivered a government work report. Noting that 2025 had been a "truly remarkable" year, Li said China, faced with profound and complex developments both at home and abroad, had accomplished the main goals and tasks for economic and social development and brought the 14th Five-Year Plan to a successful conclusion. All 20 major targets, 17 strategic tasks and 102 major projects set out in the outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan had been accomplished, he said. In accordance with the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (2026-2030), the State Council has prepared the draft outline of the plan, which has been submitted to this session for examination, said Li. The draft outline has specified 20 main indicators, set out the major strategic tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and proposed a total of 109 major projects in six areas, Li noted. On this year's main objectives, Li pointed out in the report that China targets an economic growth of 4.5-5 percent and will strive for better in practice. "We must fully implement the Party Central Committee's overall plans for this year and take solid steps to do all our work well," he said. According to the agenda, a series of documents were submitted to the NPC session for examination, which include the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the report on the implementation of the 2025 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2026 draft plan, and the draft plan for national economic and social development in 2026, as well as the report on the execution of the central and local budgets for 2025 and on the draft central and local budgets for 2026, and the draft central and local budgets for 2026. Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, delivered explanatory remarks on a draft environmental code, a draft law on promoting ethnic unity and progress, and a draft law on national development planning, respectively. Compiling the environmental code will provide robust legal safeguards for ecological and environmental protection in China's journey toward modernization, according to the explanatory remarks. The formulation of the law on promoting ethnic unity and progress is aimed at advancing the high-quality development of the cause of ethnic unity and progress, with a focus on fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, said the remarks. The law on national development planning, according to the remarks, is expected to raise the level of law-based governance in national development planning and enhance the strategic guidance role of national plans. The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers a government work report at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Zhao Leji presides over the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, delivers explanatory remarks on a draft environmental code, a draft law on promoting ethnic unity and progress, and a draft law on national development planning at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Foreign diplomatic envoys to China attend the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiao) Foreign diplomatic envoys to China attend the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Foreign diplomatic envoys to China attend the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) sit in on the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) as non-voting participants at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Journalists work at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) Members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) sit in on the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) as non-voting participants at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiao) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) Journalists work at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Editor: GSY The Maharashtra government has presented an ambitious budget targeting a massive expansion of the state's industrial economy to $1,500 billion by 2047. Key initiatives include new policies for industry, bamboo, gems and jewellery, and the AVGC-XR sector to attract huge investments. The plan also envisions establishing micro-enterprise centers in every district and over 400 new Global Competence Centres to generate millions of jobs. Furthermore, the tourism sector aims to more than double annual tourist visits to 38 crore by 2047 through destination development. Maharashtra's 2026-27 budget outlines a roadmap to grow its industrial sector to $1,500bn and create millions of new jobs by 2047. Mumbai, March 6 The Maharashtra government has set an ambitious target to increase the gross income of the industrial sector in the state from $123 billion to $1,500 billion by 2047. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while presenting the annual Budget for 2026-27, said the state's new Industry, Investment and Services Policy-2025 proposes to raise the share of the industry sector in the state economy to 30 per cent by 2047. According to the Budget, Maharashtra currently tops the country in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Centres will be established in every district of the state, through which around 50 lakh direct employment opportunities are expected to be created. The Maharashtra Bamboo Industry Policy-2025 aims to attract investments of more than Rs 50,000 crore and create about 5 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities. An Asian Development Bank-funded Bamboo Development Project worth Rs 4,271 crore will also be implemented. An investment of around Rs 2.62 lakh crore has been proposed for iron ore-based large and ultra-large steel industries in Gadchiroli, which is expected to create more than 70,000 jobs. Under the Maharashtra Gems and Jewellery Policy-2025, an investment of Rs 1 lakh crore and the creation of around 5 lakh jobs have been envisaged. In the services sector, the government has set an ambitious target to increase the gross domestic product of the sector in the state from $312 billion to $3,000 billion by 2047. To achieve this, the government plans to make Maharashtra a global leader in Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects (AVGC)-XR through the AVGC-XR Policy 2025. The government has also proposed the establishment of the "Indian Institute of Creative Technology" in Mumbai. In addition, about 400 new Global Competence Centres will be set up in Maharashtra under the "GCC Strategy-2025", which is expected to generate around 4 lakh high-skilled job opportunities. In the tourism sector, the government plans to increase the number of tourists visiting the state from the current 16 crore to 38 crore annually by 2047. The government also proposes to develop 50 selected tourist destinations on the occasion of the golden jubilee year of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Among other initiatives announced in the Budget are the Munawale-Vasota Fort ropeway project in Satara district, development of the third film city in the state at Navargaon in Ramtek taluka of Nagpur district, establishment of Ramsrishti and Kalidas Srishti at Ramtek, support for the production of a biopic on Mahakavi Kalidas, and development of various religious sites associated with the Mahanubhav Panth. - IANS President Droupadi Murmu has effected a major reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across India. Key changes include Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi moving to West Bengal and Delhi LG V K Saxena being transferred to Ladakh. Former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been appointed as the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed Sandhu and praised the outgoing LG Saxena for his service. President Murmu reshuffles Governors & LGs. R N Ravi moves to West Bengal, V K Saxena to Ladakh, Taranjit Sandhu to Delhi. Key appointments detailed. New Delhi, March 6 President Droupadi Murmu has effected a major administrative reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across the country on Thursday, just ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. According to an official communique from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has been appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal, succeeding Dr C V Ananda Bose, who resigned earlier on Thursday. As part of the comprehensive administrative restructuring, Vinai Kumar Saxena has been transferred from his position as Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, while former diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been appointed as the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. In other key changes, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla has been named Governor of Telangana, while Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has been transferred to serve as Governor of Maharashtra. Additionally, senior leader Nand Kishore Yadav has been appointed Governor of Nagaland, and Lieutenant General (Retired) Syed Ata Hasnain has been named Governor of Bihar. Furthermore, Kavinder Gupta, the outgoing Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, has been appointed Governor of Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will discharge the additional functions of the Governor of Tamil Nadu. According to an official communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, these appointments will take effect from the dates on which the respective appointees assume charge of their offices. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has formally welcomed the newly appointed Lieutenant Governor, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, expressing confidence that Delhi will benefit significantly from his extensive diplomatic experience. "Heartfelt welcome and congratulations to Delhi's newly appointed Honorable Lieutenant Governor, Shri Taranjit Singh Sandhu Ji.Congratulations once again to you for this important responsibility. We are fully confident that the people of Delhi will benefit from your extensive diplomatic experience. Under your guidance, we will continue to move forward relentlessly in the capital's progress and public welfare initiatives. My heartfelt best wishes for your successful tenure," said Gupta in a post on X. Alongside, the Chief Minister also praised the outgoing Lieutenant Governor, V K Saxena, saying he has been "dedicated to the development of the capital." "For most of his tenure, even amidst diverse challenges and circumstances, you have discharged your duties with patience, restraint, and adherence to constitutional propriety. This reflects your unwavering commitment to duty. Your broad vision towards transparency and public welfare in Delhi will always remain memorable. Heartfelt congratulations to you on assuming the new and important responsibility as the Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, and infinite best wishes for a glorious tenure," said Gupta. - ANI Rayburn College in Manipur hosted a two-day international conference examining the Act East Policy from grassroots perspectives in Northeast India. Academics and experts called for policy recalibration to better address local dynamics and improve lives. In a separate political development, Manipur's Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi to discuss peace and rehabilitation. Shah assured the central government's full support for resettling Internally Displaced Persons in the violence-affected state. International conference on Act East Policy held in Manipur. Separately, CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh meets Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss peace and rehabilitation. Churachandpur, March 6 A two-day international conference under the theme 'A Decade of Act East Policy: Grassroot Perspective from North East India' was held on March 5-6, at Rayburn College in Churachandpur, Manipur. The event was organised by Rayburn College (Autonomous) and the Indo-Myanmar Borderland Institute, in collaboration with the Indian Council of World Affairs. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Avinash Paliwal, Reader in International Relations at the Department of Politics & International Relations, SOAS, University of London. The conference featured a distinguished panel of plenary speakers, including Sabyasachi Dutta, Co-founder and Executive Director of Asian Confluence; Professor Kishalay Bhattacharjee, Dean of the Jindal School of Journalism and Communication and an award-winning author; Zomuana, Director of New Imaginations; and Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto, Principal of the Northeast Institute of Social Science and Research and a member of the Mizoram State Planning Board. The panel also included Dr. Thongkholal Haokip, Assistant Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Professor Samrat Sinha of the Jindal Global Law School; and Professor Priyanca Mathur, Head of the Centre for Research in Social Sciences and Education at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University). During the sessions, Professor Kishalay Bhattacharjee argued that the policy framework requires urgent calibration and redesign, with a stronger emphasis on local and regional dynamics to ensure it genuinely improves the lives of the people in the North East. Dr. Samuel G. Ngaihte, Registrar of Rayburn College, highlighted the importance of such platforms in bringing academic discourse to the grassroots level. In a separate development, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, on February 22, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss the progress of the peace process and rehabilitation in the violence-hit state. The Manipur CM wrote, "Had the privilege to call on Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, today in New Delhi, accompanied by Hon'ble Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and L Dikho. We had a detailed and constructive discussion on key issues concerning Manipur, including measures for peace, stability, rehabilitation and progress." During the discussion, Amit Shah assured them of the Centre's support for the rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Yumnam Khemchand said on X. "HM conveyed his firm assurance that the Union Government will extend every possible assistance to ensure the early resettlement and rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). On behalf of the people of Manipur, I express my sincere gratitude to HM for his continued support, guidance, and commitment towards the welfare of our State," the X post read. - ANI US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has declared that a massive increase in global energy production is the only path to improving the lives of billions living in poverty. He criticized what he called "aggressive" and poorly planned climate policies, arguing they pose a threat to development. Wright highlighted that indoor air pollution from burning wood and dung kills millions, a problem solvable with greater energy access. He also linked energy security to national security, warning against over-reliance on potentially unfriendly nations for critical minerals and fuels. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright argues aggressive climate policies threaten development, calls for massive energy increase to improve lives of billions. United Nations, March 6 The only way to better the lives of hundreds of millions of people living in poverty is to massively increase energy production, according to US Energy Secretary Chris Wright. At a briefing on "Energy, Critical Minerals, and Security" on Thursday, he invoked the problems faced by the poor in the Global South as he criticised "aggressive climate policies" and expounded on President Donald Trump's administration's gospel of "energy abundance". Looking around the Security Council chamber, he said that only one billion people in the world live lives of plenty like those there. "Seven billion people aspire to the lives we have," he said. "The only road from here to there is massively more energy". He gave the example of "two billion people, one-quarter of humanity today" who don't have clean cooking fuels and burn wood, charcoal, and dung, indoors to cook and heat. "The indoor air pollution from this alone kills over two million people, as estimated by the United Nations health agency," he said. The "aggressive climate policies", he asserted, "have been unrealistic and poorly planned". "The energy delusions implicit in climate policies represent real and growing threats to nations and peoples around the world," he said. Those were an appeal to developing countries and barbs flung against previous Democratic Party administrations, most European countries and the UN itself that have hectored the Global South about stopping the development of fossil fuel-based energy development. "These are giant problems, and we can't take our eyes off of them," Wright said. Criticising developed countries that cut back on energy produced by fossil fuels at home, he said they sent "their own energy-intensive industries outside of their own borders". He said those who restricted domestic energy supply "increased their dependence on unfriendly sources beyond their borders". "We saw what happened four years ago when our European friends faced energy problems because they heavily relied on Russian oil and gas", he said, referring to the problems that arose when Moscow invaded Ukraine. "Energy is too important, too central to life to get wrong, and it is the same with critical minerals," he said. "It is in the security interest of the United States and our allies to not overly depend on any single country for materials critical to our economies and national security," he added. - IANS The Consul General of Iran in Mumbai has stated that Iran will take decisive measures to prevent future violations of its sovereignty following recent attacks. He emphasized that the nation remains united "like a clenched fist" behind its leadership and institutions, refuting claims of internal instability. The diplomat condemned a maritime attack he attributed to the US and criticized long-standing sanctions, particularly those affecting pharmaceuticals. He also expressed a hope for India's assistance in facilitating the departure of any Indian nationals wishing to leave Iran. Iran's Consul General in Mumbai asserts national unity and promises measures after attacks, addressing leadership, sanctions, and cooperation with India. Mumbai, March 6 Following the killing of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Consul General of Iran in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, has asserted that the Iranian nation remains united "like a clenched fist" in its resolute defence against foreign aggression. In a wide-ranging interview with ANI, the Consul General addressed the regional escalation and the internal stability of the country. "Regarding the martyrdom of the great Leader and in appreciation of the great nation of Iran, the scenario that can be expected from Iran is very clear. We are defending ourselves. As long as we are able to push the enemy back and stabilise the situation, we will continue our resolute and courageous defence," Motlagh stated. Refuting claims of internal instability or irregular succession, he clarified the institutional processes governing the leadership. "Some individuals are spreading falsehoods in an attempt to portray certain people as the leader, which is incorrect from two perspectives. First, these actions are intended for particular forms of exploitation, each driven by specific motives that I cannot elaborate on here. However, the reality is that the determination of the Leader is not based on individual selection. This matter must proceed through its established institutional mechanism. The process takes place through the Assembly of Experts, whose members themselves are elected through the direct vote of the people," he explained. Commenting on the resolve of the Iranian public, the Consul General noted, "The people of Iran, as they have always been, stand behind the leadership, the government, and the armed forces, and this remains the case today. I must say that even now, every night people gather in the main squares of their neighbourhoods to demonstrate that they stand behind their country and behind the Islamic Republic." Motlagh also condemned a recent maritime attack on an Iranian vessel returning from a military exercise in India, which he claimed resulted in significant casualties. "Tragically, this vessel was attacked in the most unjust manner without any prior warning while it was returning to Iran. As a result of the American attack, more than one hundred of my compatriots--brave soldiers of my country--attained the honourable status of martyrdom," he said. The diplomat warned that Iran would continue to stand firm against the United States and the Zionist regime to preserve its territorial integrity. "Iran will take measures in such a way that no one will dare to violate its sovereignty again," he said. He further criticised the "unjust sanctions" imposed by Washington, particularly those affecting the pharmaceutical sector. "The United States and Israel claim to stand with the Iranian people. However, the United States has imposed 47 years of sanctions on the Iranian nation. Some of these unjust sanctions have even targeted the pharmaceutical sector, affecting patients with serious illnesses, which is a profoundly inhumane act." On the role of India, Motlagh expressed hope for cooperation regarding the safety of Indian residents. "Our expectation from India is that, as soon as conditions permit, they assist us so that, if Indian nationals residing in Iran wish to leave, we can facilitate their departure from the country," he told ANI. On the state of national unity, he added, "Even if the Iranian people have criticisms regarding certain issues, today they have come together, united like a clenched fist, and stand ready to defend Iran." - ANI Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has assured protesting contractors that he and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi will arrange a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to resolve their issues. He revealed that pending bills across departments total approximately Rs 37,000 crore, blaming the previous BJP government for awarding contracts without funds. Shivakumar criticized the Union Budget as an "empty pot" while praising the state's balanced budget. He urged contractors to seek political representation and called for direct talks with the central government instead of media statements. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar assures contractors of a meeting with CM Siddaramaiah to address Rs 37,000 crore in pending payments, criticizes previous BJP government. Bengaluru, March 6 Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday assured the Contractors Association that he and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi would facilitate a meeting with the CM Siddaramaiah to resolve contractors' issues. Addressing members of the Karnataka State Contractors' Association who are protesting at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, demanding the release of pending bills, the DCM said, "Minister Satish Jarkiholi and I will together arrange a meeting of contractors with the Chief Minister during this session. We must all come together to find a solution to your problems." "Contractors are helping the state, too. We are aware that you brought our government to power. It is not our intention to withhold the payment. I have been watching your president, Manjunath, who gives different sets of statements to the media once every three months. You all should get him a seat in the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council. Just as representation is given in the Council to teachers, graduates, and those from the cinema and arts sectors, a seat must be given to contractors as well. That could help resolve your problems. A way must be found for this," he said. Furthermore, Shivakumar highlighted the pending payments of contractors across departments, stating that the issue needs to be resolved. He said that Rs. 50,000 would be required to solve this problem. "There are pending bills of around Rs 13,000 crore in my department, Rs 3,000 crore in Boseraju's department, totalling to about Rs 37,000 crore. We know your pain. Six months before the elections, I had warned you not to take up any contract work in departments where there is no money. Yediyurappa and Bommai kept awarding contracts whether or not there were funds. You took up that work, and now you are suffering. This needs to be resolved. We need to find bonds worth around Rs 50,000 crore or some other way. Only then will this problem be solved," he said. He criticised the Union Budget 2026, alleging that the Finance Minister gave an empty vessel to the state. Furthermore, he praised the state budget, saying that it is balanced. "Our government introduced the guarantee scheme to help people reeling under price rise, spending approximately Rs 52,000 crore annually on it. In spite of it, we are presenting a good budget for the state. Today, the Chief Minister presented a balanced budget. The BJP had already picked up an empty vessel yesterday. What did Nirmala Sitharaman give in the Union Budget? She gave an empty pot (chombu). They said nothing at that time. Did they actually release the Rs 5,300 crore announced in the budget for the Bhadra Upper Krishna project?" he questioned. Concluding his remarks, the DCM urged the Central Government to fix meetings with the State Government instead of giving media statements. "They have not given funds for Bengaluru's development. Regardless of what they do, we must do our duty. You cannot leave us, and we cannot leave you. Stop giving statements to the media - it may make news for a day but serves no other purpose. Come to us and discuss how we can arrange funds and resolve the issue. I, Satish Jarkiholi, and Boseraju have come here to tell you that we are with you," he added. - ANI The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has ordered BARC to stop publishing Television Rating Points for news channels for four weeks. The directive aims to prevent sensational and speculative reporting that could cause public panic, especially regarding the Israel-Iran conflict. The order invokes specific policy guidelines that mandate compliance from rating agencies. This move follows a significant escalation in Middle East tensions, including strikes between Israel, Iran, and allied groups. MIB directs BARC to withhold TV ratings for news channels for 4 weeks to prevent sensationalism amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. New Delhi, March 6 The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council to withhold reporting Television Rating Points for news channels for a period of four weeks or until further notice, citing concerns over sensationalism amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. In an official order, the Ministry cited concerns over "unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content", which may create panic among the general public, particularly for those with friends and family in the affected regions. The order references Clause 24.2 of the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India, which requires companies to comply with directions issued by the Ministry. Accordingly, BARC has been instructed to immediately withhold TRP reporting to ensure responsible dissemination of news. Gaurishankar Kesarwani, Additional Director of BP&L, stated in the communication, "In the public interest, the Ministry directs M/s BARC to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points (TRPs) for News TV Channels for a period of four weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier." The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. - ANI The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has intensified monitoring and preparedness measures due to the evolving maritime situation in West Asia. A high-level meeting reviewed the situation and a 24-hour helpline was established to support Indian seafarers, with 38 Indian-flagged vessels in the region being tracked hourly. The ministry has issued advisories mandating enhanced security measures and strict reporting protocols for vessels and seafarers. Indian port operations remain stable, with additional measures in place to assist exporters and ensure the continuity of trade. MoPSW activates 24-hour helpline, tracks Indian vessels, and issues safety advisories to protect seafarers and trade amid regional tensions. New Delhi, March 6 The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has strengthened monitoring and preparedness measures in view of the evolving maritime situation in the West Asia region, with a focus on safeguarding Indian seafarers, ensuring the safety of Indian vessels and maintaining continuity of maritime trade. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in a release, said that " A high-level inter-ministerial review meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary, MoPSW, to review the evolving situation. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Government of India, including the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), along with stakeholders from the shipping industry and trade organisations such as RIL, INSA, CSLA and FIEO." The review was held in continuation of the earlier review of the evolving maritime situation undertaken by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. The Ministry apprised stakeholders of the steps being taken by the Government of India, particularly by MoPSW, following the evolving situation in the Middle East. MoPSW is actively coordinating with the shipping industry, and a 24-hour helpline has been established at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) to facilitate coordination and support for seafarers. A monitoring mechanism has also been established at MoPSW to continuously track developments. An advisory outlining precautionary measures to safeguard Indian seafarers, Indian-flagged vessels and maritime trade operations has been issued through DGS Circular No. 08 of 2026 dated 28 February 2026, directing all Indian-flagged vessels and Indian seafarers to adopt enhanced security measures and strictly comply with reporting protocols under DGS Circular 08 of 2024. Further, a Crew Safety Advisory vide DGS Circular No. 09 of 2026 dated 28 February 2026 has issued urgent instructions to Indian seafarers and shipping stakeholders, including registration with the Embassy of India, Tehran and submission of crew details to the Directorate. The Ministry said that Indian-flagged ships continue to remain safe and no confirmed detention, boarding or casualty involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported. All 35 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf region (24 west of the Strait of Hormuz and 11 east of the Strait, including the Gulf of Oman and adjoining areas) and 03 vessels in the Gulf of Aden are being continuously tracked through the LRIT National Data Centre at hourly intervals, with regular SITREPs being issued. The Ministry is closely monitoring the situation through the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), in coordination with major Indian ports, maritime authorities and other relevant agencies. Enhanced monitoring and reporting mechanisms have been activated for Indian-flagged vessels as well as foreign-flagged vessels carrying Indian seafarers to ensure continuous situational awareness and operational preparedness. Shipping companies, vessel operators and Recruitment and Placement Service Licensees (RPSLs) have been advised to exercise caution in crew deployment in sensitive regions, undertake voyage-specific risk assessments and maintain regular communication with seafarers and their families. Dedicated coordination mechanisms have also been put in place to facilitate timely assistance to Indian seafarers, as required. The Ministry also reviewed the status of vessels and cargo bound for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and West Asian destinations. Overall, port operations across India remain stable. Ports have been directed to extend all necessary assistance to minimise hardships faced by exporters and ensure continuity of EXIM trade. Major ports have implemented operational measures, including continuous monitoring of vessel movements in coordination with shipping lines and vessel agents, real-time assessment of developments in the region and regular reporting of vessel and cargo status. Additional storage space has been arranged wherever required, while refrigerated and perishable cargo consignments are being closely monitored to ensure priority handling where necessary. The Ministry continues to closely monitor developments in coordination with maritime stakeholders and relevant ministries of the Government of India to safeguard Indian maritime interests, ensure the safety of seafarers and maintain the smooth functioning of maritime trade and logistics operations. - ANI Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has extended the wheat procurement registration deadline to March 10 to facilitate greater farmer participation. Following a meeting with Bharatiya Kisan Sangh representatives, the CM announced a bonus of Rs 40 per quintal on wheat procurement over the central MSP. A substantial bonus of Rs 600 per quintal was also declared for urad procurement to encourage pulse cultivation. Additionally, farmers were assured of daytime electricity supply for irrigation, aligning with the state's declaration of 2026 as Farmer Welfare Year. MP CM extends wheat registration to March 10, announces Rs 40/quintal bonus on wheat and Rs 600/quintal on urad procurement for farmers. Bhopal, March 6 With a view to facilitating greater participation in the procurement process in Madhya Pradesh, the registration deadline for wheat has been extended from March 7 to 10, giving farmers extra time to register and benefit from the scheme. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav engaged in parleys with representatives of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) at his official residence on Friday. The meeting focused on addressing key concerns of the farming community and resulted in several important decisions aimed at boosting agricultural income and easing cultivation challenges. Reaffirming the state government's commitment to farmers' prosperity, Chief Minister Yadav emphasised that farmer welfare remains a top priority. As part of ongoing efforts to support Rabi crop growers, the Chief Minister announced a bonus of Rs 40 per quintal on wheat procurement in Madhya Pradesh. This comes over and above the Central government's Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2,585 per quintal, providing much-needed additional financial relief to wheat farmers amid market fluctuations and input cost pressures. In another major announcement, the Chief Minister declared a substantial bonus of Rs 600 per quintal on urad (black gram) procurement. This incentive is designed to encourage pulse cultivation, promote crop diversification, and help farmers maximise returns during the summer season, especially as the state pushes for balanced production of pulses to enhance overall agricultural sustainability. Additionally, addressing a long-standing demand from the farming community, Chief Minister Yadav assured that farmers would soon receive daytime electricity supply for irrigation purposes. This move aims to eliminate the inconveniences and safety risks associated with nighttime irrigation, allowing better management of water resources and improved crop yields during critical growth periods. The decisions emerged from constructive dialogue with BKS representatives, who presented farmers' viewpoints on procurement, pricing, and infrastructure needs. Chief Minister Yadav described the outcomes as a reflection of the state government's "farmer-first" approach, aligning with the declaration of 2026 as the Farmer Welfare Year in Madhya Pradesh. The Bharatiya Kisan Sangh welcomed the announcements, viewing them as positive steps toward fulfilling promises made to the agricultural sector in the state. - IANS Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced a 40 per quintal increase in the Minimum Support Price for wheat, setting the new procurement rate at 2,625. He stated the registration window for farmers has been extended to ensure wider benefit. The CM also emphasized efforts to provide daytime electricity to farmers to ease irrigation work and confirmed the continuation of various welfare schemes. Additionally, he congratulated state candidates who secured top ranks in the UPSC exam and extended greetings for the upcoming Rang Panchami festival. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav announces wheat procurement at 2,625/quintal, extended registration, and daytime electricity for farmers. Indore, March 6 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday said that the state government is set to take a significant decision regarding the Minimum Support Price for wheat procurement, stating that the procurement rate increased by Rs 40 to Rs 2,625 per quintal. The Chief Minister also announced that the time period for registration for wheat procurement has been extended to benefit farmers. "We are going to make a major decision regarding the MSP rate for wheat procurement by the state government. Previously, it was procured at the rate of Rs 2,585 per quintal, which has now been increased to Rs 2,625 per quintal. We have also increased the time period for the wheat procurement registration," CM Yadav told reporters. The CM stressed that the state government was trying to make an arrangement that electricity to farmers should be provided in daytime during crop cultivation to ease irrigation work and reduce the difficulties faced by farmers at night. He further said, "We will try to provide electricity to farmers in day hours during crop cultivation in order to avoid their trouble at night hours in irrigation. We will continue various farmers welfare schemes. The recent Agriculture cabinet in Barwani is a fulfillment of a resolution in which we resolve for the development of all the sectors." Additionally, the Chief Minister also congratulated candidates from the state who secured positions among the top ranks in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2025. "Today I am happy that two of our children from MP are among the top 10 in the UPSC results. One aspirant from Bhopal secured AIR 5 rank and another from Dhar district stood at AIR 8. I want to congratulate them," the CM said. Apart from this, the Chief Minister extended greetings to the people of the state for the upcoming festival, which is celebrated on the fifth day after Holi. "A Rangpanchami Ger will be organised here in Indore and I extend my greetings in advance for the same. We will celebrate this traditional festival along with harmony," he added. The Rang Panchami festival is celebrated on the fifth day after Holi and people put colours and on each other to mark the occasion. People also spray gulal and colours with the aid of water tankers and celebrate this festival with great pomp. While in Indore, a grand procession is being taken out, which is known as "" on the occasion. On this day, a huge crowd of people gather in Rajwada and the surrounding areas in Indore city and shower colours on each other. According to information, it is a long-standing tradition in Indore city. People drenched in colours, dancing to music and putting Gulal on each other, spreading happiness and unity across the city. - ANI Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei (2nd R) hands a bowl of tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival, to a young Chinese national evacuated from Iran in a hotel lobby in Baku, Azerbaijan, March 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) BAKU, March 5 (Xinhua) -- At around 5 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) Tuesday, a bus carrying 48 Chinese nationals evacuated from Iran slowly pulled up in front of the Caspian Business Hotel in the capital of Azerbaijan. The group was among more than 260 Chinese citizens who had crossed into Azerbaijan in recent days as part of an evacuation effort coordinated by the Chinese embassy amid rising security risks in Iran. Despite the fatigue of the long journey and nearly two days without proper rest, many stepped off the bus with visible relief. Waiting at the hotel entrance was Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei, who greeted each arrival with a handshake as volunteers helped carry luggage and guide them through hotel check-in procedures. The day happened to coincide with the Lantern Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday associated with family reunion. To welcome the arriving group, the embassy had prepared bowls of tangyuan -- sweet glutinous rice balls traditionally eaten during the festival -- in the hotel lobby. Lu personally handed the steaming bowls to the evacuees one by one. She told the group that Baku was only the first stop on their journey home and assured them that the embassy would continue providing assistance to ensure their safe and smooth return to China. According to the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan, a working group had been dispatched to the Astara checkpoint on the Azerbaijan-Iran border immediately after Iran came under military attack. The team worked around the clock to receive arriving Chinese nationals and facilitate their customs clearance. By 5 p.m. Tuesday, more than 260 Chinese citizens had successfully crossed into Azerbaijan from Iran. In addition to arranging hotel accommodations, the embassy also coordinated with airlines to help them book flights back to China. The embassy noted that the Azerbaijani government provided great support for the entry of Chinese nationals. "A friend in need is a friend indeed," Lu said, adding that the coordination reflected the true spirit of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Azerbaijan. Bao Lijun, president of the Azerbaijan Overseas Chinese Association, worked alongside embassy staff at the Astara checkpoint. He said the association had mobilized more than 50 volunteers to assist evacuees, offering services such as hotel arrangements, currency exchange, flight bookings and translation services. Among those arriving in Baku was Wang Yongchao, who crossed the border through the Astara checkpoint on Tuesday. Wang had been working in Zanjan, Iran, where he and more than 80 other Chinese citizens were installing equipment at a local paper mill. Early Monday morning, buses arranged by the Chinese Embassy in Iran picked them up directly from the factory gates and escorted them to the Iranian side of the border with Azerbaijan. "The moment I stepped through customs and saw the embassy staff waiting for us, my heart finally felt at ease," Wang said. "It was a feeling of warmth and familiarity. At that moment, I knew I was safe." Without the assistance and coordination of the Chinese government, reaching Baku would have been far more difficult and uncertain, Wang added. Chinese nationals evacuated from Iran enjoy bowls of tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival, in a hotel lobby in Baku, Azerbaijan, March 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei (C, front) poses for a group photo with Chinese nationals evacuated from Iran in a hotel lobby in Baku, Azerbaijan, March 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) Editor: GSY Balendra "Balen" Shah, a structural engineer and popular rapper, became Kathmandu's mayor in 2022 and has rapidly risen as a Millennial prime-ministerial contender. His campaign is fueled by Gen Z support, social media fluency, and an anti-establishment reform message. Known for his enigmatic and theatrical public persona, Shah is portrayed as a "saviour" figure who promises to upend Nepal's traditional politics. His success hinges on charismatic, direct public engagement and a digital-native approach that contrasts sharply with conventional political leaders. From structural engineer to rap star to Kathmandu mayor, Balen Shah is now a leading Millennial contender for Nepal's Prime Minister. Explore his enigmatic rise. Kathmandu, March 6 If the trends are an indication, Nepal's mandate is all set for a Millennial Prime Minister who will assume office riding on a wave of Gen Z popularity. Balendra Shah does not reflect the image of the quintessential politician; he is rather like a musician-social media enthusiast who seems to ride the wave of popularity with elan. "Balen believes in spontaneity. He famously says that no plan is the plan he follows," said 25-year-old Rajat Das Shreshtha, a well-known musician in Kathmandu who was among the protesters who took to the streets last year that led to the resignation of the then K.P. Sharma Oli government. "He's like the Phantom; no one -- even among his core group -- seems to know where he is, where he'll be, or what his plans are," said Syamantak Ghosh, a Delhi-based journalist from Germany's international public broadcaster, Deutsche Welle (DW), covering Nepal polls. "For the Gen Z, his image is that of a saviour," he added. As their "saviour" drove out of his camp office in Damak, part of his constituency of Jhapa 5, on Monday, March 2, at least 50 of his doting fans from nearby lanes lay a siege on the SUV he was driving, crying out his name. He smilingly acknowledged them, consenting to their request for a "selfie" at the wheels, before whizzing out. The fans were left agape in admiration, waving and shouting as the speeding SUV stirred up a wisp of dust behind it in the narrow lane. He loves theatrics. He would raise the dark glasses that he loves to sport in public and mouth "I love you", as the crowd of admirers almost swoon. Yet he appears to largely prefer staying to himself, preferring to zip through the constituency during the campaign trail, rather than mingle with locals or address rallies like the other leaders. Despite the large crowds that sweep down whenever he is spotted, Balen is a cautious person. Once, while he was driving on the highway, a media car tried to overtake his, and the occupants started clicking his photographs. He immediately pulled over his car and asked his aides to politely advise the media members not to repeat the exercise. They didn't; subsequently losing Balen in the highway chase. Born on April 27, 1990, in Kathmandu, Balen Shah is a structural engineer-turned-rapper, and the independent, politically an outlier, candidate, who became the city's 15th mayor in 2022. Through his rap music questioning authorities and social media presence, he was already a national figure. His rise fused streetlevel charisma, social-media fluency, and a promise to upend Nepal's old political order. As mayor, he emphasised visible, results-oriented projects, anti-corruption rhetoric, and a hands-on approach that played well on social media and in street politics. His background as a noncareer politician helped him position himself as an outsider reformer. In his music career, Balen was active in 'Nephop' since around 2012, performing and producing politically tinged rap that built him a public profile among younger Nepalis. Resigning midway of his mayoral tenure, Balen's profile expanded beyond Kathmandu. He joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party and emerged as a prominent voice in the post-uprising political landscape, campaigning on economic reform, youth empowerment, and stopping brain drain. His rapid ascent made him be projected as a primeministerial contender, challenging the ousted Prime Minister Oli in the latter's bastion. He is a character painted by his followers and the media as symbolising a break with the past. Balen's success is built on charisma, his digital reach, and a reform message that many believe can change Nepal's policy and politics. Balen, added his admirer Rajat, views the job of the Prime Minister "easier" than a mayor, since the latter needs a number of clearances to implement changes. What he may realise is that in the new office -- if he indeed assumes it -- the clearance will need to come from a larger number, the people of Nepal. - IANS Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri has firmly stated there is no energy shortage in India, urging citizens not to worry. The Indian Oil Corporation has also labeled social media reports of petrol and diesel shortages as baseless, confirming normal supply operations. Government sources highlight India's comfortable position with diversified crude oil imports, including a significant share now from Russia, to mitigate risks from potential disruptions like those in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, LPG production is being ramped up, with new contracts for imports from the US, to ensure continued domestic availability. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri assures uninterrupted, affordable energy supply for India, dismissing shortage rumors as government monitors global situation. New Delhi, March 6 Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri on Friday said there is no shortage of energy in India and there is no cause of worry for its energy consumers. The minister discussed various aspects of India's uninterrupted energy imports despite geopolitical challenges with the media. "Our priority is to ensure availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably. There is no shortage of energy in India and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers," the minister posted on X. Indian Oil Corporation rubbished reports on social media suggesting a shortage of petrol and diesel, and termed them as baseless. "India has sufficient fuel stocks, and supply and distribution networks are functioning normally. IndianOil is committed to maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Citizens are requested not to panic or crowd fuel stations and to rely only on official sources for accurate information," IndianOil posted on X. Earlier today, government sources said India is in a "very comfortable position" regarding crude oil, petroleum products and LPG supplies despite concerns over disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the sources, the country currently has access to more energy supplies from diversified sources than the volume that could potentially be impacted through the Strait of Hormuz. India's existing stock of crude oil and petroleum products is also adequate to meet domestic demand. Sources said the government is closely monitoring the situation and plans to ramp up supplies from alternative geographies to offset any potential supply constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz. They highlighted that India has significantly diversified its crude import basket over the past few years. Since 2022, India has been importing crude oil from Russia. While Russia accounted for only 0.2 per cent of India's total crude imports in 2022, the share has risen substantially in the following years. "In February, India imported about 20 per cent of its total crude oil imports from Russia, amounting to around 1.04 million barrels per day," government sources said. On the LPG front, the government has directed all LPG refineries to increase production to ensure adequate availability across the country. Officials said India currently remains in a comfortable position regarding LPG stocks. LPG from US has started coming to India since January, the sources said. Indian PSU Oil companies in November 2025 has signed a one-year contract to import around 2.2 MTPA of LPG from the US Gulf Coast for the contract year 2026. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the 57th Raising Day of the Central Industrial Security Force in Cuttack, Odisha. He laid the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the National Forensic Sciences University in Bhubaneswar and virtually inaugurated its transit campus. Shah also performed the Bhumi Pujan for a Central Forensic Science Laboratory and flagged off a Mobile Forensic Van. The event was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and other dignitaries. Union Home Minister Amit Shah attends CISF Raising Day in Cuttack, lays foundation for National Forensic Sciences University in Bhubaneswar. Cuttack, March 6 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday attended the 57th Raising Day of the Central Industrial Security Force at the Kharavela Regional Training Centre, Mundali in Cuttack, Odisha. The Home Minister will also perform the Bhumi Pujan and lay the foundation stone of the campus of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Bhubaneswar. In addition, the Union Home Minister will virtually inaugurate the transit campus of NFSU, according to an official release from the Ministry of Cooperation. The Union Home Minister was recieved by the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the Bhubhaneswar Airport as he arrived in the state to attend various public programs. Amit Shah will also perform the Bhumi Pujan of the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) located alongside the campus of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Bhubaneswar. Shah will inaugurate exhibition on the 'New Nyaya Sanhita' in Bhubaneswar and will also flag off a Mobile Forensic Van. On this occasion, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, the Union Home Secretary, the founder Vice-Chancellor of NFSU, and several other distinguished dignitaries are present. Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation will also virtually inaugurate many police station buildings aimed at strengthening police infrastructure under initiatives related to the Ministry of Home Affairs. He will also inaugurate CC and EO facilities in some police stations. In addition, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will also be signed with the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar and Rashtriya Raksha University, the release noted. The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) campus in Bhubaneswar is an important step towards strengthening the forensic and investigative infrastructure of Odisha. The permanent campus, to be built on 40 acres of land allocated by the Government of Odisha, will be developed as a centre of excellence for forensic and allied sciences. The temporary campus of NFSU will begin operations with three specialised academic programmes, including M Sc Forensic Science, M Sc Digital Forensics and Information Security, and LL.M. in Cyber Law and Cyber Crime Investigation. - ANI The spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister's Office states that the joint US-Israel military operation against Iran is ahead of schedule and making significant progress. He confirms the IDF is moving to a second phase focused on destroying Iran's underground missile storage facilities. The stated objective of the operation is to cripple the Iranian regime and create an opening for the Iranian people to seize freedom. The spokesman emphasizes a shared "zero-tolerance" approach towards terrorism with other world leaders. Israeli PMO spokesman details progress in US-Israel operation targeting Iran's ballistic missiles and underground sites, citing a "zero-tolerance" approach. Tel Aviv, March 6 David Mencer, the spokesman for the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, has said that Operation 'Roaring Lion' launched by the Israel Defence Forces and US against Iran is making "great progress" as the conflict entered its sixth day on Friday. In an exclusive interview with, Mencer said that Iranian ballistic missile sites, which were a threat to Israel and other countries in the region, have been destroyed. The IDF, Mencer told IANS, is now moving to the second phase of the operation, targetting underground missile locations in Iran. He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu have a similar "zero-tolerance approach" towards terrorists. Excerpts: IANS: How would you describe the current situation in the conflict? David Mencer: At day six of this war, the Prime Minister (Netanyahu) has made it clear that we are making tremendous progress in partnership with our US allies. We've made progress in destroying Iranian missile sites, particularly the ballistic missile sites, which are such a threat to this country. But we've also already seen that they are a threat to Europe, including Cyprus, as well as our neighbouring countries in this region. So, we are making great progress. In fact, the Prime Minister and the President (Donald Trump) had a conversation very recently, which I can share with you. We are certainly ahead of schedule, but there is still more to do. IANS: What is the possible timeline that we are looking at? Is regime change in Iran also on the cards? David Mencer: What Israel and the US are doing is we are opening a door. We are creating an opportunity for the Iranian people to grab hold of freedom. For 47 years now, they have been subjected to this Iranian terror regime. They have terrorised their own people. 80 per cent of their own people dislike them, despise them. There have been celebrations in the streets when we took out the Ayatollah together with 40 members of the top leadership of Iran. So, we are creating an opportunity which we want the Iranian people to walk through a door to grab hold of freedom and create change. I will say one thing that is very important: they may not get another chance. This is perhaps a once-in-a-generation chance to turn Iran away from the dictatorial, Islamic fascist regime so the Iranian people can get freedom. IANS: Is there any scope for dialogue with Tehran? David Mencer: Look, I think President Trump is leading that track. President Trump has said that there is. But, we already heard the American negotiator during the negotiations, Steve Witkoff, say that his Iranian counterparts had bragged to him that Iran had enough nuclear material for 11 nuclear bombs. Those were the words of the Iranians. So, in one sense, I think the Iranian position is perhaps one of the most foolish diplomatic moves in the history of mankind. So, we are pushing forward with our mission because we know that a region without a fascist, dictatorial regime is better one for the entire world. IANS: Is there any assessment of Iran's ballistic missile power? David Mencer: We have inflicted tremendous damage on Iran's ballistic missiles. I can share with you that the IDF is moving to the second phase of the operation, particularly targetting missile stores which are hidden underground in Iran. So, we know these ballistic missiles are a threat not only to Israel but they have already reached Europe. We know that the Iranian ambition is to destroy, hit America as well as other parts of Europe. That is not going to happen. We are ensuring together with our US partners, we are ensuring that the most dangerous weapons in the world cannot be in the hands of the most dangerous regime. IANS: How many more days do you estimate it will take for Iran to surrender? David Mencer: We are going to continue until the job is done. This is not going to be instantaneous. It is a large country. It is a complex society. But, the Iranian people deserve freedom. This is not an in and out operation, there is 90 million in Iran. We have already targetted the most significant places within Iran, the regime's strongholds, where they had military headquarters, police headquarters, and IRGC headquarters which were restricting the rights of women and everyone else in Iran. So, we are making tremendous progress and our Prime Minister has said this will take as long as it takes. IANS: What is Israel's opinion about the next leadership of Iran? David Mencer: That question is certainly up to the Iranian people. We are creating an opportunity, a doorway if you like for the Iranian people to walk through. We already saw in two days in January, more than 30,000 people which the Iranian regime killed ruthlessly, appallingly. Now we are creating this opportunity for Iranian people to, not right now, not today or tomorrow, but in good time, they will be able to rise up and walk through the portal which the American and Israeli action has created for them. We hope they take it, because, as I say, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. IANS: Is there a real-time possibility of regime change in Iran? David Mencer: Well, we are creating an opportunity for Iranian people to take their future into their own hands, and we hope they take it. Again, this is once in a lifetime opportunity for the Iranian people to get their freedom back. 47 years, living under a regime which diverted their own resources. Iran has smart people, scientists, poets, tremendously talented people. All of their resources have been diverted into fulfilling their wish which they say very clearly, they say 'Death to Israel and Death to America.' They diverted those resources and we are making sure that is no longer a possibility so that the people of Iran can move towards freedom. IANS: US fighter jets were targetted in Kuwait. Who was behind it? David Mencer: The latest reports I have about that is that it was a friendly fire, unfortunately, an unfortunate friendly fire example by Kuwaiti defensive actions, and that's obviously being investigated by the Americans. But, the latest information I have is that that's a friendly fire incident. IANS: Has Israel or the US received any signal from Iran regarding peace, recalibration? David Mencer: If you are asking me, whether the current Iranian regime is interested in peace, I think they have shown over the last 47 years what their ambition is. They say very clearly, I must tell your viewers, experience has taught Jewish people over thousands and thousands of years, that when someone says that they wish to kill you, as the Iranian regime say, they say, 'death to Israel'. When they say these things, the Jewish experience has been to believe them. We believe what they say. Now, so often around the world, there have been people that have called for the death of the Jews. There's only one country in the world where that hasn't been the case, and that has been India, which is why there is such a strong relationship between our two nations. There has never been anti-Semitism in India, which is one of the reasons why our countries are so close to each other. IANS: Does Israel have the capacity to fight a long-term war with Iran? David Mencer: This is not about capacity. This is about necessity. Iran calls for the destruction of this people. They tried to invade this country on October 7 through their proxy, Hamas. They tried to destroy this country through their proxy, Hezbollah, and they fired missiles at us through their proxy, the Houthis. So, this is about necessity. This war is about protecting the long-term future of the state of Israel, because the most dangerous weapons in the world can never be in the hands of the most dangerous regime in the world, that is Iran. We want peaceful relations with our neighbours, which is why the Abraham Accords are so important. Once this Iranian threat is neutralised, once the Iranian people can get freedom, we are looking forward to much better relations with all of our neighbours in this region. IANS: If Israel receiving support from Gulf countries in this war? David Mencer: Well, there's a limited amount I can say on that, but I can say that we're in contact, the Israeli government is in contact with all of our neighbours in this region. I think almost all of them have been hit by the Iranian ballistic missile threat, and everyone, I mean, I don't think anyone's in doubt that the Israeli and US action, our partnership, is making the entire region safer for every country in this region, which means that when we have done the job, when we have neutralised the Iranian nuclear capability, their ballistic missile capability, their ability to challenge us with their proxy army, it means that we can move towards peace. Our Prime Minister has already negotiated amazing peace deals with countries in this region through the Abraham Accords, but we can do more, and with our Prime Minister in charge of this country, we will do more. IANS: Questions are being raised on the targetting of an Iranian warship near the Sri Lankan coast, that whether it was justified? David Mencer: Well, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth laid out the reasons why they took that action. Israel, of course, supports that action. It is, of course, the first time a US submarine has taken out an enemy warship since the Second World War. We, of course, together with our partners, the US, believe that what the US action that they took was completely justified. We're in this war together and we're together to defeat this menace of Iranian missiles, nuclear capability, and their support for their proxy armies. IANS: Was there any input on the Iranian warship being involved in military activities? David Mencer: That Iranian warship was part of Iranian armed forces, which are under the auspices, under the control of the Ayatollah regime. So, they most definitely are a threat. And let's not forget in all of this point, in all of this discussion, the Iranian regime regularly shouts, proclaims their ambitions. They say 'death to America'. That is a clear threat. Now, in international law, when you are threatened by another country, you have full authority to take out the military of that threat and that's precisely what our US partners did. But, if you want more information for that, you should go directly to the Department of War in the US. But from Israel's perspective, yes, of course, we support that action, which has neutralised a threat from the Iranian regime military, not the people of Iran, not the proud people of Iran, but this Iranian regime. IANS: How do you view the role of Indian leadership in this situation? David Mencer: Look, I can simply say to you, I was proud to have the ability to accompany our Prime Minister, who welcomed Prime Minister Modi just a week ago, just a number of days ago. We went to the airport and welcomed him for his two-day visit here. I can't tell you how moved we were as a people to welcome Prime Minister Modi. I don't think there was a dry eye in this house when Prime Minister Modi, addressed our Knesset, our parliament, the things that he said, the leadership that he showed, the understanding because he understands, as our Prime Minister Netanyahu does, both leaders understand that there must be a zero-tolerance attitude towards terrorists. When you appease terrorists, it just leads to more war. Terrorist states need to be stood up to and defeated and that's precisely what we're doing. IANS: How do you see the friendship between PM Modi and the Israeli Prime Minister? David Mencer: We had Prime Minister Modi here just last week. It was was a very, very successful visit. When he said in our Knesset, he said the words, 'Am Yisrael Chai'. I will never forget that moment because it means the people of Israel live and from so much of the international media like to portray Israel as being isolated. Of course, we're not isolated with our partners in the US and many other countries. But more than that, Prime Minister Modi said, 1.5 billion Indians are with us in our battle against terrorist forces. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu are of the same mind. Zero tolerance towards terrorism is what brings success. Appeasement of terrorism only brings more war. Both leaders, together with President Trump, believe in peace through strength. First comes the strength, then comes the peace and we're seeing that in reality right now. - IANS Over two lakh students are appearing for the ongoing Class 10 and 12 examinations conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education. Board Chairman Dr Rajesh Sharma highlighted the introduction of live streaming from examination centres to ensure transparency and fair conduct. He detailed the board's strong push towards digitisation, making all academic certificates available online through platforms like DigiLocker. The board is also implementing reforms under the National Education Policy, including a Holistic Progress Card and initiatives for a drug-free Himachal. Over 2 lakh students appear for HPBOSE exams. Chairman Dr Rajesh Sharma details digitisation, live streaming, and NEP reforms for transparency. Shimla, March 6 Over two lakh students are appearing in the ongoing Class 10 and Class 12 examinations conducted by the Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education, with the board moving steadily towards modernisation and digitisation of its processes, Chairman Dr Rajesh Sharma said on Friday. Sharma was speaking to ANI after inspecting examination arrangements at the historic Portmore Girls Senior Secondary School in Shimla during his visit to various examination centres across the state. He said the board has set up around 250 examination centres across Himachal Pradesh to ensure that every student gets an opportunity to appear for the examinations, even in areas where the number of candidates is low. "At present, the Himachal Pradesh Board examinations are underway, and they play a crucial role in every student's life, as their future career often depends on this stage. Around two lakh students are appearing for the exams across the state, and nearly 2800 centres have been established. Even in places where the number of students is low, we have ensured that every child gets the opportunity to sit for the examination," Sharma said. The chairman said that he began his inspection from Shimla, the state capital, and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements at Portmore School, which he described as an iconic and historic institution. "Portmore School is an iconic and very old institution. I am happy to see that the board has made excellent arrangements here. This year, for the first time, we have introduced live streaming from examination centres. Earlier, we used to receive only video feeds, but now we are monitoring centres through live streaming. I wanted to personally see how successful this initiative has been," he said. Sharma added that the board is adopting technology-driven systems to ensure transparency and fairness in examinations while also strengthening facilities for specially-abled students. "It was encouraging to see that separate classrooms have been arranged for differently-abled students so that they can perform comfortably. The board's aim is to provide every talented student a fair opportunity and ensure that no one's merit is affected by unfair means or copying," he said. Highlighting the board's push towards digitisation, Dr Sharma said all academic documents and certificates have now been made available online through DigiLocker and other digital platforms. "We have moved strongly towards digitisation. Students no longer need to visit the board office for certificates. Whether it is the Class 8 or Class 10 certificate, they can download it online after completing the necessary process. This is a major step towards making services easier and transparent," he said. He further said that the board has launched special initiatives to encourage awareness among students, including the introduction of a chapter in the syllabus aimed at raising awareness against drug abuse. "The Chief Minister has launched a campaign for a drug-free Himachal. We have added a chapter in the syllabus to spread awareness among students. Our message is clear - 'Nasha-mukt Himachal, Shiksha-yukt Himachal'. When education grows stronger, society automatically progresses," Dr Sharma said. Speaking about reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP), he said the board is working on a Holistic Progress Card system to evaluate students beyond academics. "Under the National Education Policy, we are developing a Holistic Progress Card to assess students not only on academics but also on their interests, talents and overall development. This will help teachers, parents and the board understand each child's strengths and guide them toward suitable career paths," he said. Sharma also said the board is planning to establish career counselling centres and a high-tech space lab at Dharamshala, possibly with support from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. "We are exploring the creation of career counselling centres and a high-tech space lab at Dharamshala with CSR support. Such initiatives will open new opportunities for students and strengthen Himachal's education ecosystem," he added. The HPBOSE chairman said the board will continue to work closely with the state government and education department to strengthen education standards and ensure students receive quality learning opportunities across the state. - ANI An Islamic State commander, Shafiq Mengal, has joined the Pakistan Peoples Party after meeting President Asif Ali Zardari, a move intelligence agencies see as providing political cover for covert operations. Mengal is tasked with unifying groups like Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad under an ISIS-led command to combat the Balochistan Liberation Army. This strategy aims to secure Chinese and US investments in Balochistan, which have been threatened by BLA attacks. Experts warn this dangerous mainstreaming of terrorists could be replicated in other troubled regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa if successful. Shafiq Mengal, an Islamic State commander, joins Pakistan's ruling party to lead a unified terror front against the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). New Delhi, March 6 An Islamic State Commander, Shafiq Mengal met with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and joined the Pakistan Peoples Party. The development is interesting considering that the Islamic State and been roped in by the Pakistan establishment to battle against the Balochistan Liberation Army. Mengal, a tribal leader is known for leading death squads against the Baloch people. Indian agencies who are closely monitoring the development say that Mengal joining the PPP is not some routine political activity. It is the way of the establishment providing him political cover so that he can undertake covert operations for the army and ISI, an official said. Mengal has been put in charge of getting terror groups in Balochistan together to take on the BLA. He would have control over many terror groups such as the Lashkar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. All these groups will work along with the Islamic State as one unit. Mengal would oversee the operations and he would be the head of this group. Such experiments could be carried out in Khyber Pakthunkwa (KP) as well, officials familiar with the developments say. The Pakistan security forces are finding it hard to suppress the BLA. The group has been hard to beat for the security forces. Moreover the fact that the BLA has the backing of the public also has made it hard for the Pakistan establishment to contain them. Mengal would report directly to the heads of the ISI and Military Intelligence. They would together coordinate an attack on the BLA with the intention of putting an end to the group. With the BLA around, the Pakistan establishment is finding it hard to give any security guarantee to either the US or China. Pakistan is undertaking the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project with the Chinese. The Chinese have faced immense losses both in terms of investments as well as manpower, owing to the strikes by the BLA. With the US, Pakistan has signed a minerals deal, which largely focusses on resources in Balochistan. The BLA argues that these deals do not help the people of Balochistan. All the resources that the region provides are being sold off to foreign countries and the benefits are being reaped by the rich and powerful who live in mainland Pakistan. An Intelligence Bureau official said that Mengal has already got down to business. He is planning on moving a large number of operatives of the Islamic State from Afghanistan. He is already in the process of setting up safe houses and training facilities in Balochistan. Once set up, the security forces of Pakistan are hopeful that their role in battling groups such as the BLA will reduce as this unified Mengal headed command would carry out the job. Pakistan watchers say that this is a very dangerous development. To have an Islamic State terrorist as part of the PPP, which runs Balochistan as part of a coalition government is concerning. Now that Mengal is part of a political outfit, he gets the legitimacy to carry out all kinds of activities in Balochistan. Further, he would be in close contact with President Zardari. The experts say that Pakistan has always nurtured terrorists. This trend of brining them into the mainstream and granting them power is a worrying trend. If the Balochistan experiment succeeds, then the same would be replicated in other regions including KP, where the security forces are finding it hard to battle outfits such the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and others, officials say. - IANS The Pakistani government has implemented a sharp increase of PKR 55 per litre in petrol and diesel prices, pushing petrol to PKR 321.17. Officials cited surging international oil prices due to the widening conflict in West Asia as the primary reason. The International Monetary Fund also urged Pakistan to raise fuel prices immediately during recent virtual talks. The global energy crisis follows escalating regional tensions triggered by a US-Israel strike on Iranian territory and subsequent retaliatory attacks. Pakistan raises petrol & diesel prices by PKR 55/litre, citing global oil surge from West Asia conflict and IMF demands. New rates announced. Islamabad, March 7 The Government of Pakistan has announced a sharp hike in the prices of petrol and diesel by PKR 55 per litre, in the wake of the escalating security situation in West Asia, as per a report by ARY News. According to ARY News, the federal ministers made the announcement during a press conference in Islamabad. Under the new prices, petrol will now cost a whopping PKR 321.17 per litre, while diesel prices will jump from the existing PKR 275.70 to PKR 335.86 per litre. As per ARY News, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has said that the decision had been taken after oil prices surged in the international market in the wake of the widening of the conflict in West Asia. He told the media that the situation intensified after the further widening of the conflict in the last 48 hours. Present at the media briefing was Pakistan's Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who described the hike in the prices as a difficult decision. Meanwhile, ARY News further mentioned, citing sources, that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to immediately increase petrol and diesel prices. As per the sources, the demand was made during virtual talks between Pakistani authorities and an IMF delegation, it further reported. The developments in Pakistan come amid global energy supply concerns following escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. - ANI A report highlights Pakistan's concerning role in escalating Middle East tensions by providing bases for US drone strikes in Iran. It details a strategic alignment between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the US, and Israel aimed at containing Iran, driven by each nation's short-term interests. The report criticizes Pakistan's participation in initiatives like the Gaza Board of Peace as symbolic gestures lacking substantive action. It concludes that these maneuvers sacrifice Islamic solidarity and moral consistency, creating a dangerous credibility vacuum and risking long-term regional chaos. Report details Pakistan providing US bases for Iran strikes, joining Gaza peace board, and aligning with Saudi Arabia & Israel, risking regional stability. Islamabad, March 6 Pakistan's role in the escalating conflict in the Middle East is concerning, with reports indicating that the country provided bases to the United States for recent drone strikes in Iran. This is not an isolated episode, as Islamabad in the past has "hobnobbed" with Washington, allegedly assisting with intelligence support for US strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, a report has highlighted. According to a report in International Business Times (IBT), such actions position Pakistan within a growing axis that places short-term gains over regional stability. "Adding to this pattern is Pakistan's decision to join the so-called Gaza Board of Peace alongside Saudi Arabia and Qatar. On paper, this appears humanitarian and conciliatory. In practice, it risks becoming another diplomatic fig leaf projecting concern for Gaza while aligning, directly or indirectly, with powers that refuse to hold Israel accountable for its actions. Symbolism without substance only deepens cynicism among ordinary Muslims who see selective outrage as a form of betrayal," it detailed. The report noted that a cold calculus of strategic interests lies at the heart of the convergence between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United States against Iran amid escalating hostilities. "Saudi Arabia views Iran as its principal regional challenger from Yemen to Iraq to Lebanon. Weakening Tehran, even through foreign military action, aligns neatly with Riyadh's strategic goals. Pakistan, facing chronic economic stress and diplomatic isolation, seeks economic relief, defence cooperation, and political cover from Washington and Gulf patrons. The United States, for its part, advances its long-standing objective of containing Iran, while Israel sees a historic opportunity to neutralise what it considers its most formidable regional adversary," the IBT report mentioned. In light of the recent developments, the report said, the very principles these nations claim to uphold are being sidelined --Islamic solidarity turns conditional, sovereignty is defended selectively, and civilian suffering is condemned only when it aligns with a preferred narrative. This creates a "moral vacuum that erodes credibility not just internationally, but among their own populations". Emphasising that the present moment demands a hard reckoning, the report questioned whether Muslim majority states are "willing to sacrifice unity, stability, and moral consistency for tactical gains" or whether they will "recognise that short-term victories achieved through external intervention often sow the seeds of long-term chaos". "What is unfolding today is not just a military or diplomatic episode. It is a test of whether the Islamic world stands for anything beyond expediency. So far, the silence and the alignment it conceals offers a bleak answer," it stated. - IANS The father of Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, one of the pilots killed in an Su-30MKI crash in Assam, expressed pride in his son's service and their shared dream for him to work for the country. The aircraft, on a training sortie, crashed in Karbi Anglong district, claiming the lives of both pilots on board. The Indian Air Force and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have extended their condolences to the bereaved families. The Su-30MKI is a mainstay fighter jet in the IAF's fleet. Father of Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar expresses pride and grief after his son, who participated in Operation Sindoor, died in an IAF Su-30MKI crash in Assam. Nagpur, March 6 Ravindra Duragkar, the father of deceased Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar in the Su-30MKI crash in Assam's Karbi Anglong on Friday, reminisced about his son's last memories with him, and expressed pride over his service to the nation. Speaking with ANI, Duragkar expressed grief over his son's untimely death after serving the nation for four years and said that Lt Purvesh had always wanted to work for the country and had extended his services in Operation Sindoor as well. "Our dream was alike. We always told him that he should work for the country. It is very sad for us that he lost his life only after completing four years of service tenure. We used to communicate with him about this daily schedule. He loved to read. He was satisfied that he could achieve his dreams. He was posted in Tezpur and had also participated in Operation Sindoor. He had come here in February to spend time with the family," he said. Su-30MKI also carried Squadron Leader Anuj, who was also killed in the crash. The Indian Air Force (IAF) had stated that the Su-30MKI was on a training sortie when it crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, which is approx 60 km from Jorhat. The aircraft had lost radar contact at around 7.42 pm after taking off from Jorhat in Assam. Acknowledging the deaths, the air force expressed condolences to the bereaved families on X, stating, "IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief." Prior to the acknowledgement, they stated that a search operation was underway. "The Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway," IAF said on X. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday shared his condolences with the families of two pilots killed in the IAF Su-30MKI crash in Karbi Anglong district of Assam. Sharing his grief over their loss, he wrote on X, "Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar in the tragic Su-30 crash. Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in this hour of grief. The Su-30MKI is a two-seater fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. The IAF has a fleet of over 200 Su-30MKIs. - ANI BJP Uttarakhand President Mahendra Bhatt announced the party will prioritize long-term grassroots workers as candidates for the 2027 state assembly elections. He emphasized fielding dedicated individuals with strong local bases to secure victory. The announcement comes as the party prepares for Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Haridwar to review the state government's work. The event will be attended by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and other senior officials. BJP Uttarakhand chief Mahendra Bhatt says party will prioritize long-term dedicated workers as candidates for the 2027 state assembly elections. Dehradun, March 6 Uttarakhand BJP President Mahendra Bhatt on Friday said that the party will priortise long term workers with a strong base in thier constituencies for the Uttarakhand Assembly elections in 2027. Speaking with ANI, Mahendra Bhatt said that the party is conducting thorough deliberations to ensure a positive outcome when the Central Parliamentary Board convenes. "The BJP emphasises fielding strong candidates who are dedicated party workers and have been long-time contributors to the party. The party aims to prioritise such candidates in most constituencies, focusing on those who have been pillars and strong workers for the party," he said. " With 47 seats already held by BJP MLAs, the party is conducting thorough deliberations to ensure a positive outcome when the Central Parliamentary Board convenes. All ministers and party MLAs are urged to concentrate on their respective assembly areas, ensuring development and addressing local issues to secure victory," he added. In 2022, the BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 47 seats, while Congress won 19 seats in the 70-member Uttarakhand Assembly. Meanwhile, preparations are underway on a massive scale ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's proposed visit to Haridwar on March 7. In view of Shah's visit, Uttarakhand's Chief Secretary, Anand Bardhan, the Director General of Police (DGP), Deepam Seth, and other senior officials arrived at the Bairagi Camp in Haridwar to inspect the event venue. Additionally, the administration is making extensive arrangements as the Uttarakhand government approaches the completion of its four-year tenure. On March 7, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will visit Bairagi Camp in Haridwar to review various exhibitions and address a public gathering, a release said. The event will also be attended by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, state ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, public representatives, and senior officials. On this occasion, Amit Shah will visit a special exhibition showcasing the development works, public welfare schemes, and significant decisions taken in Uttarakhand over the past four years under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. - ANI Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei (2nd R) hands a bowl of tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival, to a young Chinese national evacuated from Iran in a hotel lobby in Baku, Azerbaijan, March 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) BAKU, March 5 (Xinhua) -- At around 5 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) Tuesday, a bus carrying 48 Chinese nationals evacuated from Iran slowly pulled up in front of the Caspian Business Hotel in the capital of Azerbaijan. The group was among more than 260 Chinese citizens who had crossed into Azerbaijan in recent days as part of an evacuation effort coordinated by the Chinese embassy amid rising security risks in Iran. Despite the fatigue of the long journey and nearly two days without proper rest, many stepped off the bus with visible relief. Waiting at the hotel entrance was Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei, who greeted each arrival with a handshake as volunteers helped carry luggage and guide them through hotel check-in procedures. The day happened to coincide with the Lantern Festival, a traditional Chinese holiday associated with family reunion. To welcome the arriving group, the embassy had prepared bowls of tangyuan -- sweet glutinous rice balls traditionally eaten during the festival -- in the hotel lobby. Lu personally handed the steaming bowls to the evacuees one by one. She told the group that Baku was only the first stop on their journey home and assured them that the embassy would continue providing assistance to ensure their safe and smooth return to China. According to the Chinese Embassy in Azerbaijan, a working group had been dispatched to the Astara checkpoint on the Azerbaijan-Iran border immediately after Iran came under military attack. The team worked around the clock to receive arriving Chinese nationals and facilitate their customs clearance. By 5 p.m. Tuesday, more than 260 Chinese citizens had successfully crossed into Azerbaijan from Iran. In addition to arranging hotel accommodations, the embassy also coordinated with airlines to help them book flights back to China. The embassy noted that the Azerbaijani government provided great support for the entry of Chinese nationals. "A friend in need is a friend indeed," Lu said, adding that the coordination reflected the true spirit of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Azerbaijan. Bao Lijun, president of the Azerbaijan Overseas Chinese Association, worked alongside embassy staff at the Astara checkpoint. He said the association had mobilized more than 50 volunteers to assist evacuees, offering services such as hotel arrangements, currency exchange, flight bookings and translation services. Among those arriving in Baku was Wang Yongchao, who crossed the border through the Astara checkpoint on Tuesday. Wang had been working in Zanjan, Iran, where he and more than 80 other Chinese citizens were installing equipment at a local paper mill. Early Monday morning, buses arranged by the Chinese Embassy in Iran picked them up directly from the factory gates and escorted them to the Iranian side of the border with Azerbaijan. "The moment I stepped through customs and saw the embassy staff waiting for us, my heart finally felt at ease," Wang said. "It was a feeling of warmth and familiarity. At that moment, I knew I was safe." Without the assistance and coordination of the Chinese government, reaching Baku would have been far more difficult and uncertain, Wang added. Chinese nationals evacuated from Iran enjoy bowls of tangyuan, sweet glutinous rice balls traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival, in a hotel lobby in Baku, Azerbaijan, March 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Lu Mei (C, front) poses for a group photo with Chinese nationals evacuated from Iran in a hotel lobby in Baku, Azerbaijan, March 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) Editor: WSH Sir Patrick Stewart is set to release an audiobook where he narrates all 154 of William Shakespeare's sonnets. The project, published by Simon & Schuster Audio, includes his personal reflections on the poetry and his creative process. Stewart's deep connection to Shakespeare spans decades, including over 40 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company. The audiobook, available for preorder now, is priced at $14.99 and will be released on April 7. Sir Patrick Stewart releases an audiobook performing all 154 Shakespeare sonnets with personal commentary. Available for preorder April 7. Washington, March 6 The unmistakable voice of Sir Patrick Stewart is turning to the timeless poetry of William Shakespeare. The acclaimed actor is set to release a new audiobook titled 'Patrick Stewart Performs the Complete Sonnets of William Shakespeare,' featuring his narration of all 154 of the Bard's sonnets along with reflections on the poetry. Published by Simon & Schuster Audio, the audiobook will be released on April 7 with a listed price of USD 14.99. It is currently available for preorder across platforms including Audible, Barnes & Noble and Google Play, as per Variety. In addition to performing the sonnets, Stewart offers commentary on his creative process and insights into the works, aimed at helping listeners develop a deeper appreciation of Shakespeare's poetry. "The works of William Shakespeare have been a vital part of my life since I was 12 years old," Stewart said in a statement, adding, "Performing all 154 of his sonnets has been one of the most rewarding creative endeavors of my career," as quoted by Variety. The veteran actor added that each sonnet holds its own character. "The audience will of course know the more famous, more beautiful ones, but all are worthy of exploration. There is so much love, humor, heart and, to this day, mystery that can be found in Shakespeare's poetry." Stewart said he approached the recordings with an intimate tone so that listeners could build their own connection to the material. "I felt compelled to make these recordings deeply intimate and personal, so each listener can forge their own unique relationship with Shakespeare's brilliance and perhaps come away with a richer sense of what it means to be human," he said, as quoted by Variety. The 85-year-old actor's connection to Shakespeare spans decades. Stewart spent more than 40 years with the Royal Shakespeare Company, beginning in 1966. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he recorded and shared video performances of Shakespeare's sonnets online, an effort that ultimately inspired the new audiobook project. According to Simon & Schuster Audio, the recording features "spirited, meticulously crafted performances" of each poem. Stewart also shares observations about specific words and phrases as well as candid reflections on how the material continues to energize and inspire him. Stewart is also no stranger to audiobooks. He previously released audio versions of his one-man stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and his bestselling memoir Making It So. Best known on screen for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the 'Star Trek' franchise and Professor Charles Xavier in the 'X-Men' films, Stewart was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his contributions to drama. - ANI Acclaimed filmmaker Peter Jackson will be presented with the Honorary Palme d'Or at the 79th Cannes Film Festival in 2026. The award recognizes his monumental influence on cinema, particularly through 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Jackson recalled meaningful milestones at Cannes, including presenting a preview of 'The Fellowship of the Ring' in 2001. Festival officials praised his boundless creativity and his permanent transformation of large-scale Hollywood filmmaking. Acclaimed director Peter Jackson will receive the Honorary Palme d'Or at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, celebrating his iconic 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Washington, March 6 In a major honour for one of cinema's most influential fantasy storytellers, acclaimed filmmaker Peter Jackson will receive the prestigious Honorary Palme d'Or at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to run from May 12 to 23. The Oscar-winning New Zealand director, best known for bringing 'The Lord of the Rings' to the big screen, will join an illustrious list of past honourees including Agnes Varda, Marco Bellocchio, Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep and last year's recipient Robert De Niro, as per Deadline. Reacting to the recognition, Jackson described the honour as one of the most meaningful moments of his career. "To be honoured with an Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes is one of the greatest privileges of my career," Jackson said, adding, "Cannes has been a meaningful part of my filmmaking journey," as quoted by Deadline. He recalled two early milestones linked to the festival, attending the market in 1988 with his debut feature 'Bad Taste' and presenting a preview of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' at Cannes in 2001. "This festival has always ce lebrated bold, visionary cinema, and I'm incredibly grateful to the Festival de Cannes for being recognised among the filmmakers and artists whose work continues to inspire me," he added, as quoted by Deadline. According to the festival, the preview screening of 'The Fellowship of the Ring', shown seven months before its global release, marked a turning point. Initial skepticism among attendees reportedly turned into widespread enthusiasm, setting the stage for the monumental success of Jackson's Middle-earth saga. The trilogy, which continued with 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,' went on to win 17 Academy Awards in total, including 11 for 'Return of the King'. The films collectively grossed around USD 3 billion worldwide, as per Deadline. The honorary Palme d'Or also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the franchise's launch, beginning with The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001. Welcoming the filmmaker, Cannes President Iris Knobloch praised Jackson's creative influence. "For its 79th year, the festival welcomes and thanks a filmmaker of boundless creativity who has brought prestige to the heroic fantasy genre," she said. Festival director Thierry Fremaux suggested that Jackson's work reshaped cinematic spectacle. "There was a before and an after Peter Jackson in the history of cinema," Fremaux said, adding that the director's large-scale storytelling has permanently transformed Hollywood filmmaking. Before the global success of 'The Lord of the Rings', Jackson earned critical acclaim with films such as 'Braindead and Heavenly Creatures'. He later directed 'King Kong' and returned to Middle-earth with 'The Hobbit' between 2012 and 2014. More recently, he explored documentary filmmaking with 'They Shall Not Grow Old' and the music documentary series 'The Beatles: Get Back'. - ANI The Philippines' 2026 ASEAN chairmanship will be critically tested by regional geopolitical tensions rather than new initiatives. Its dual role as a South China Sea claimant and neutral chair poses a significant challenge to its impartiality and consensus-building. Analysts highlight managing crises, sustaining dialogue between fragmented stakeholders, and preventing escalation as key priorities. The chair's success will hinge on prudent diplomacy to safeguard ASEAN's unity and relevance amid major-power competition. Report analyzes Manila's 2026 ASEAN chairmanship challenges: South China Sea tensions, Myanmar peace process, and maintaining bloc unity amid US-China rivalry. Kuala Lumpur, March 6 With growing regional tensions in South-East Asia, the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship will be evaluated not by new declarations but by how effectively it can stabilise the bloc through prudent diplomacy, sustain dialogue among fragmented stakeholders, and ensure the forum's relevance in addressing shared challenges, a report detailed. "As the Philippines settles into its 2026 ASEAN Chair role, the stalled peace process in Myanmar, persistent tensions in the South China Sea, and renewed frictions along the Cambodia-Thailand border are set to test Manila's steady hands at the centre of some of the region's most volatile geopolitical fault lines," a report in leading Malaysian News Agency Bernama detailed. "The maritime domain is widely seen as the earliest test of credibility, given the Philippines' dual role as ASEAN Chair and a claimant state in the South China Sea - a position that demands both diplomatic restraint and regional leadership," it added. Citing analysts, the report noted that the chairmanship is likely to be shaped less by new initiatives and more by Manila's ability to manage crisis and expectations while navigating competing pressures and safeguarding ASEAN unity and centrality. Siti Darwinda Mohamed Pero, Deputy Dean (Research and Innovation) at Universiti Utara Malaysia's School of International Studies, said the situation could place Manila in a delicate balancing position amid changing major-power dynamics. "This raises questions about impartiality and consensus-building, particularly in light of its increasingly visible security engagement with the United States. A key test will therefore be the extent to which the Philippines can sustain open communication with China while persuading Beijing to expedite negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) amid intensified US-China strategic rivalry in the region," Bernama quoted Siti Darwinda as saying. She further said that although progress on the long-delayed COC is likely to remain incremental, "maintaining dialogue and preventing escalation" would be vital to preserving ASEAN's convening role. According to the report, beyond the maritime sphere, tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border constitute a different kind of diplomatic test, which the analysts say requires consistent "preventive engagement rather than high-profile intervention". "While Manila maintains relatively strong relations with Bangkok, its engagement with Phnom Penh is more recent, with high-level reciprocal visits only beginning in 2025. This highlights both the opportunities and the constraints it faces in navigating a volatile bilateral issue while maintaining ASEAN cohesion," Siti Darwinda added. The report cited analysts highlighting the significance of institutional continuity, particularly through the ASEAN Troika framework--comprising the past, current, and incoming chairs-to help Manila sustain momentum in ongoing regional efforts and ensure policy execution beyond a single chairmanship term. - IANS Australian debutant pacer Lucy Hamilton expressed her thrill at claiming her first Test wicket, dismissing Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana early in the pink-ball Test at the WACA. She received her baggy green cap from teammate Beth Mooney before the match. Hamilton credited the team's support and the presence of her family for making the moment special. Her wicket helped Australia restrict India to 99/4 at the tea interval on the first day. Australia debutant Lucy Hamilton describes the thrill of taking her first Test wicket, dismissing India's Smriti Mandhana, in the pink-ball Test at the WACA. Perth, March 6 Australia debutant pacer Lucy Hamilton said she was 'really thrilled' to claim her first Test wicket in the form of India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana in the opening session of the one-off pink-ball Test at the WACA Ground on Friday. Lucy received her baggy green cap from Beth Mooney before the match began and struck in her third over when a sharp nip-backer breached Smriti's defence and crashed into the stumps. The dismissal set the tone for Australia to reduce India to 99/4 at tea. "Obviously playing at the WACA first in my first Test match, it's really exciting and a great opportunity. And yeah, to get my first wicket, I was really thrilled, 100 percent," Lucy said in a chat with broadcasters at tea interval. Asked about how the team has treated her so far, Lucy said, "I think the support has been the biggest thing. Obviously getting my baggy green from Beth Mooney, and then running out with the girls was great. Even being out there was just a really special moment, and it's something I won't forget." "I think there's lots of pressure on the Indian batters at the moment, so I think we just keep hitting our hard line and length and making them do something. They're creating chances and we're just going to take them," she added. Lucy, who made her ODI debut in the ongoing multi-format series and played for Delhi Capitals in this year's WPL, also acknowledged the backing from her family. "I think the support all the way back from Bundaberg, all the way to Brisbane, all the way to Perth, has been lovely. Seeing them up there puts a smile on my face, that's for sure." - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi will deliver a special address at a post-Budget webinar on March 9, focusing on education, skills, and university townships. The event will specifically delve into the implementation of AVGC Content Creator Labs across thousands of educational institutions to nurture creative talent. The webinar features breakout sessions with keynotes and panel discussions involving government officials and industry leaders. The initiative aims to strengthen India's AVGC ecosystem and position the country as a global leader in the creative economy. PM Narendra Modi will address a post-Budget webinar on March 9 focusing on education, skills, and implementing AVGC Content Creator Labs in schools and colleges. New Delhi, March 6 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a post-Budget webinar on March 9 focusing on education, skills, and university townships, as part of discussions on key initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. The webinar, titled "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas - Fulfilling Aspirations of People: Education, Skills and University Townships," is being organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, academia, startups, and students to deliberate on implementation pathways for strengthening India's education, skills, and creative economy ecosystem. The inaugural session, scheduled for 11:30 AM on March 9, will feature a special address by the Prime Minister outlining the vision behind the budgetary push for the AVGC-creator economy, where creativity, culture, and technology converge to drive growth, employment, and India's soft power. As part of the webinar, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting will host Breakout Session at on "AVGC Content Creator Labs in Schools and Colleges." The session will focus on the implementation of the Union Budget announcement to establish AVGC Content Creator Labs (CCLs) across 15000 schools and 500 higher educational institutions, aimed at nurturing creative talent, strengthening India's Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem, and building a robust pipeline of skilled creators for the country's rapidly expanding Orange Economy, a release stated. The breakout session on "AVGC Content Creator Labs in Schools & Colleges", scheduled from 12:20 PM to 01:50 PM, will be moderated by Chaitanya Chinchlikar - VP & CTO, Whistling Woods International. There will be a keynote address by Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, outlining the importance of this initiative. The session will then feature a panel discussion with experts from government and industry, including Dheeraj Sahu, Additional Secretary (Department of School Education and Literacy), Dr Ashish Kulkarni (Chairman, FICCI AVGC Forum), Rajan Navani (Founder & Group CEO, JetSynthesys), and Sonam Bhagat (CEO, Vygr), along with a student representative from IICT. The discussion will be further enriched through interventions by leading industry figures such as Munjal Shroff (Graphiti Multimedia), Biren Ghose (Technicolor Group), Manvendra Shukul (Lakshya Digital), Mala Sharma (Adobe India), Preeti Vyas (Amar Chitra Katha) and two of young volunteers of MyBharat. The outcomes of the Webinar would be summarised in the closing session. There will be a special Address by Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, at 05:25 PM. Stakeholders, including educational institutions, industry bodies, startups, creators, students, parents and professionals from the AVGC sector, are encouraged to join the webinar and participate in the discussions. The webinar is expected to generate actionable insights and collaborative strategies for implementing the AVGC Content Creator Labs initiative, which aims to equip young Indians with creative and digital skills and position India as a global leader in the AVGC sector, a release added. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth approximately 33,500 crore in Delhi on March 8. The projects include inaugurating two new Delhi Metro corridors and laying the foundation for three more, significantly enhancing connectivity across the capital. He will also launch major housing redevelopment projects under the GPRA plan, providing modern flats for government employees. These initiatives are funded through an innovative self-sustainable model that monetizes commercial space without burdening the public exchequer. PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Delhi Metro corridors & lay foundation for housing redevelopment worth 33,500 crore on March 8 in Delhi. New Delhi, March 6 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth around 33,500 crore on March 8 at around 12 noon in Delhi. He will also address the gathering on the occasion. Before the programme, the Prime Minister will visit GPRA Type-5 quarters in Sarojini Nagar and hand over the keys to female allottees. He will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of the Delhi metro projects worth about 18,300 crore. The PM will inaugurate two new corridors of the Delhi Metro. These include the Majlis Park-Maujpur Babarpur (Pink Line) corridor of around 12.3 km and the Deepali Chowk-Majlis Park (Magenta Line) corridor of around 9.9 km. The new connectivity will benefit several areas of Delhi, including Burari, Jagatpur-Wazirabad, Khajuri Khas, Bhajanpura, Yamuna Vihar, Madhuban Chowk, Haiderpur Badli Mor, Bhalaswa, and Majlis Park, among others. PM will also lay the foundation stone for three new corridors under Phase V-A of the Delhi Metro, covering a route length of around 16.10 km. The three new corridors are R.K. Ashram Marg to Indraprastha, Aerocity to Indira Gandhi Airport Terminal-1, and Tughlakabad to Kalindi Kunj. These corridors will provide direct connectivity to several important locations in the national capital and improve connectivity for residents travelling between Noida, South Delhi and the airport. PM Modi will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple projects worth 15,200 crore under the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) Redevelopment Plan. Spread across key locations such as Sarojini Nagar, Netaji Nagar, Kasturba Nagar and Sriniwaspuri, these projects are part of the Government's ambitious programme to modernise GPRA colonies and create world-class infrastructure for Government employees and administrative offices. (ANI) The projects have been redeveloped through an innovative self-sustainable financial model that ensures the redevelopment is carried out without burdening the public exchequer. Under this model, the government is developing and monetising a limited portion of the project area for commercial and residential space to finance the entire project. The revenue generated from it is being used to fund the redevelopment of modern government housing, supporting infrastructure and public facilities. The redevelopment plan will provide more than 9,350 modern flats for government employees, along with the creation of approximately 48 lakh square feet of office space, which will significantly enhance administrative efficiency while also generating monetisation potential. - ANI The spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, David Mencer, has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent state visit to Israel as profoundly moving and successful. He emphasized that both PM Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu share an unwavering, zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and terrorist states. Mencer highlighted Modi's powerful address to the Knesset, where the Indian leader expressed that 1.5 billion Indians stand with Israel against terrorist forces. The visit is seen as a strong reaffirmation of the strategic partnership and shared security outlook between the two nations. Israeli PMO spokesperson praises PM Modi's Israel visit, highlighting the shared "zero-tolerance" policy towards terrorism between Modi and Netanyahu. Tel Aviv, March 6 David Mencer, the spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, on Friday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership while hailing the Indian leader's friendship with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and their common "zero-tolerance" attitude towards terrorism. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Mencer recalled PM Modi's recent "very successful" two-day visit to Israel, including his historic address at the Knesset during which he said that 1.5 billion Indians are with Israel in the fight against terrorist forces. "I was proud to have accompanied our Prime Minister (Netanyahu) who welcomed Prime Minister Modi just a week ago, just a number of days ago. We went to the airport and welcomed him for his two-day visit here. I can't tell you how moved we were as a people to welcome Prime Minister Modi. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house when Prime Minister Modi addressed our Knesset, our parliament, the things that he said, the leadership that he showed, the understanding he showed. Because he understands, as our Prime Minister Netanyahu does, both leaders understand that there must be a zero-tolerance attitude towards terrorists. When you appease terrorists, it just leads to more war. Terrorist states need to be stood up to and defeated and that's precisely what we're doing," Mencer told IANS. PM Modi was on a two-day State Visit to Israel, last week during which he was accorded a grand welcome by Netanyahu and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, at the airport in Tel Aviv. During his visit, PM Modi addressed lawmakers in the Knesset, held talks with Netanyahu and Israel President Isaac Herzog. "We had Prime Minister Modi here just last week. It was was a very, very successful visit. When he said in our Knesset, he said the words, 'Am Yisrael Chai'. I will never forget that moment because it means that the 'people of Israel live' and so much of the international media likes to portray Israel as being isolated. Of course, we're not isolated with our partners in the US and many other countries. "But more than that, Prime Minister Modi said, 1.5 billion Indians are with us in our battle against terrorist forces. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu are of the same mind. Zero tolerance towards terrorism is what brings success. Appeasement of terrorism only brings more war. Both leaders, together with President Trump, believe in peace through strength. First comes the strength, then comes the peace and we're seeing that lived out in reality right now," the spokesperson mentioned. In his address at the Knesset, PM Modi said that India stands firmly with Israel with full conviction in the fight against terrorism. "I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered in the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7. We feel your pain. We share your grief. India stands with Israel firmly, with full conviction in this moment and beyond. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism. India has also endured the pain of terrorism for a long time," PM Modi had said. - IANS Qatar Airways has extended the temporary suspension of its flight operations due to the closure of Qatari airspace amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has resumed a limited commercial flight schedule from Abu Dhabi to select global destinations until March 19. The Civil Aviation Ministry confirmed the cancellation of 281 flights from Indian domestic carriers as tensions escalate. The conflict intensified after a US-Israel strike resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Tehran. Qatar Airways extends flight suspension due to closed airspace. Etihad resumes limited flights. 281 Indian flights cancelled amid Iran-US tensions. Doha, March 6 Qatar Airways has extended the temporary suspension of its flight operations due to the closure of Qatari airspace amid the West Asia conflict. The Airline will resume its operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways resumed a limited commercial flight schedule from Abu Dhabi The airline will operate select routes to major global destinations until March 19. Passengers with previous bookings will be re-accommodated as soon as possible on these flights. These services will connect the UAE capital with several major international destinations across Asia, Europe and North America. The destinations included in the temporary schedule are Ahmedabad, Bangkok, Bengaluru, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Frankfurt, Hanoi, Hyderabad, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, London Heathrow Airport, Madrid, Male, Milan Malpensa Airport, Sheremetyevo International Airport, Mumbai, John F. Kennedy International Airport, Paris, Phuket, Riyadh, Rome, Incheon International Airport, Toronto and Zurich. The airline has requested passengers to travel to the airport only when they are contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking on one of these new flights. A total of 281 flights scheduled to operate on Thursday from Indian domestic carriers were cancelled, confirmed the Civil Aviation Ministry, adding that it continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia. This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on Saturday on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries as the conflict now entered its seventh day. - ANI Qatar's Energy Minister has issued a stark warning that continued conflict in the Middle East could force all Gulf exporters to declare force majeure within days, halting energy deliveries. He stated crude oil could reach $150 a barrel and natural gas could jump to $40 per MMBtu within two to three weeks if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. The warning follows Qatar's own force majeure declaration after an Iranian drone strike hit its largest LNG facility. Logistical disruptions mean restoring normal export operations could take weeks to months, even if attacks stop immediately. Qatar's Energy Minister warns oil could surge to $150 and gas to $40 if Middle East conflict disrupts Gulf exports via Strait of Hormuz. New Delhi, March 6 Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi has warned that war in the Middle East continuing for a "few days" could cause Gulf exporters declaring force majeure, halting deliveries, pushing oil to $150 a barrel and natural gas to $40 per MMBtu within weeks. "Everybody that has not called for force majeure we expect will do so in the next few days if this continues. All exporters in the Gulf region will have to call force majeure," the minister told the Financial Times. "If they don't, they are at some point going to pay the liability for that legally, and that's their choice," he was quoted as saying by the daily. The minister said that crude prices could reach $150 a barrel within two to three weeks if tankers and other vessels remain unable to pass through the Strait, while natural gas prices could jump four times. Brent crude futures have surged 20 per cent this week, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has jumped 25 per cent. On Friday, Brent was trading over 3 per cent higher at $89 per barrel while WTI rose over 5 per cent to $86. Both benchmarks are trading at their highest levels since April 2024. Qatar, the world's second-largest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), declared force majeure this week after an Iranian drone strike hit its Ras Laffan LNG facility. The facility is the country's largest LNG plant, and efforts are being taken to assess the extent of the damage to it. Even if attacks stopped immediately, restoring normal export operations could take "weeks to months" due to logistical disruptions, the minister noted. Only six or seven of Qatar's 128 LNG carriers were currently available to load cargo, he said. With at least 10 ships reportedly struck and insurers sharply raising premiums, shipping companies have become reluctant to send vessels through the region, the Financial Times said. Oil prices surged as Iran launched missiles and drones across the Gulf, striking an oil refinery in Bahrain. A recent report from DBS Bank warned that despite the Iranian Navy's warships posing minimal threat, the Islamic Republic's ability to deploy mines and asymmetric attacks in the Strait of Hormuz could slow shipments, raise insurance, shipping costs and energy prices. - IANS The Indian Embassy in Doha has activated additional 24/7 helpline numbers and provided email support for its nationals in Qatar due to the escalating security situation in West Asia. It also highlighted support services offered by Indian community organizations, the Indian Cultural Centre and the Indian Community Benevolent Forum, which have established helpdesks. The advisory follows heightened regional tensions triggered by US-Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory, which killed senior figures including Supreme Leader Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has launched attacks on American and Israeli assets, widening the conflict across multiple countries. Indian Embassy in Doha provides 24/7 emergency contacts for nationals as US-Israel strikes on Iran trigger regional retaliation and heightened tensions. Doha, March 7 The Indian Embassy in Doha said on Saturday that it has activated an additional set of helpline numbers to assist Indian nationals amid the developing security situation in West Asia. The Embassy shared the numbers in a post on X: i. +974 55647502 ii. +974 55362508 iii. +974 55384683 It also provided the email address-- cons.doha@mea.gov.in , noting that these remain available for all queries and assistance requests from the Indian community in Qatar. The Embassy also appreciated the Indian community organisations, ICC (Indian Cultural Centre and ICBF (Indian Community Benevolent Forum), who have established helplines and helpdesks to provide assistance to the Indian community in the current situation. "The details of the same are as follows: Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Phone: +974 5591 6415 /+974 5551 6388 Email: iccqatar@gmail.com ICC Help Desk: Ashoka Hall, ICC, Abu Hamour, Indian Community Benevolent Forum (ICBF) from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Phone: +974 5538 3488 / +974 5538 4529 Email: icbfqatar@gmail.com Members of the Indian community may wish to avail the services extended by ICC and ICBF. Please note that these are Indian community initiatives in coordination with Embassy of India", the Embassy said on X. Meanwhile, the Embassy of India in Kuwait, in a post on X, urged citizens and residents to follow the instructions by the General Staff of the Armed Forces if any missiles or unknown objects are observed falling. The developments come amid tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In a coordinated operation known as Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, US and Israeli forces carried out large-scale air and missile strikes across Iran, targeting key military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure, and leadership compounds. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. - ANI People check the ruins of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Baalbek, eastern Lebanon on March 5, 2026. The death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon since early Monday has risen to 102, with 638 others wounded, Lebanon's authorities said Thursday. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) BEIRUT, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon since early Monday has risen to 102, with 638 others wounded, Lebanon's authorities said Thursday. In a statement, the Public Health Emergency Operations Center at the Ministry of Public Health said the casualties were recorded between dawn on March 2 and Thursday afternoon, adding that the toll is expected to rise as hospitals continue to receive more injured people. Earlier on Thursday, the Israeli army issued an unprecedented order for residents in Beirut's southern suburbs to evacuate immediately, marking the first full evacuation of the area. The Israeli military also warned residents not to head to southern Lebanon, saying any movement in that direction could endanger their lives, adding that they would be informed when it is safe to return to their homes. The developments followed Hezbollah's Monday rocket launches toward Israel, the first since a November 2024 ceasefire, and subsequent Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs and areas across Lebanon. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces have continued to carry out occasional strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at eliminating Hezbollah "threats." Photo taken on March 5, 2026 shows a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Baalbek, eastern Lebanon. The death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon since early Monday has risen to 102, with 638 others wounded, Lebanon's authorities said Thursday. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) Civil Defense personnel work near ruins of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike in Baalbek, eastern Lebanon on March 5, 2026. The death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon since early Monday has risen to 102, with 638 others wounded, Lebanon's authorities said Thursday. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua) Editor: GSY Reliance Consumer Products Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Finnish food major Fazer to establish a long-term strategic partnership in India. The collaboration aims to produce, market, and distribute Fazer's branded premium chocolates across the country, utilizing RCPL's local production and extensive distribution network. The agreement was formalized during the state visit of Finland's President to India, highlighting its role in strengthening bilateral business relations. Both companies aim to capture a significant position in India's rapidly growing chocolate and confectionery market. Reliance Consumer Products signs MoU with Finland's Fazer to produce and market premium chocolates in India, leveraging local production and vast distribution. New Delhi, March 6 Reliance Consumer Products Limited, the FMCG arm of Reliance Industries Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Finnish food major Fazer to establish a long-term strategic partnership in India. According to Reliance Consumer Products, the collaboration aims to produce, market, and distribute branded premium chocolates using Fazer's recipes and quality standards across the country. The agreement was formalised during the state visit of the President of Finland, His Excellency Alexander Stubb, to India, with the intent to strengthen bilateral business ties and introduce Fazer's products to the local market. T. Krishnakumar, Director, Reliance Consumer Products Limited, said, "Partnering with Fazer is a strategic step towards introducing one of the world's finest chocolates to Indian consumers. This will also accelerate RCPL's growth in chocolates & confectionary market. By combining Fazer's globally trusted brands and manufacturing excellence with RCPL's local production capabilities, robust distribution network, and deep consumer insights, we are well positioned to bring world-class products to Indian consumers and elevate the overall category experience." Christoph Vitzthum, President and CEO, Fazer, stated, "This partnership would be a great opportunity for Fazer to offer our unique products to the fast-growing Indian market. With RCPL handling commercialisation and distribution in India we could establish a premium position in the chocolate market and a foundation for a broader scale nation-wide roll-out with a leading and highly capable local partner. Entering the sizable Indian chocolate market through this strategic partnership, could have the potential to accelerate our international growth significantly." The partnership combines the Finnish company's heritage brands and product portfolio with RCPL's scale, which includes access to nearly 3 million retail outlets and expertise in the Indian market. Both entities seek to build a position in India's chocolate and confectionery sector, which currently sees rapid growth due to rising consumer incomes and organized retail penetration. RCPL intends to utilize its local production capabilities and distribution network to manage the commercialisation of these premium products. RCPL is committed to offering 'global quality at affordable price' and has introduced some of the popular global brands like Maliban, Nexba and PACE, among others, to the Indian consumers. With operations in the Nordics and Baltics, Poland and China as well as with exports to more than 40 countries worldwide, Fazer already has an established global presence. Continuing its international growth journey, Fazer is actively pursuing opportunities to expand not only organically but also through M&A, exploring all avenues that enable the company to strengthen its position in both existing and new markets. - ANI Indian Oil Corporation has dismissed social media reports of a petrol and diesel shortage in India as baseless, urging citizens not to panic. Other state-run oil marketing companies, including BPCL and HPCL, have issued similar assurances of adequate stocks and normal supply operations. The statements come amid global supply concerns due to escalating tensions in West Asia, a region critical for India's oil imports. Officials state India is in a comfortable stock position and has diversified suppliers, including Russia, to mitigate potential disruptions. IndianOil, BPCL, and HPCL assure adequate fuel stocks and normal supply, urging citizens not to panic amid West Asia tensions. New Delhi, March 6 Amid concerns over fuel supply following escalating tensions in West Asia, Indian Oil Corporation Limited on Friday said reports circulating on social media about a shortage of petrol and diesel in India are baseless and urged citizens not to panic or crowd fuel stations. In a post on X, the company said fuel stocks in the country remain adequate, and supply systems are functioning normally. "Reports on social media suggesting a shortage of petrol and diesel are baseless. India has sufficient fuel stocks, and supply and distribution networks are functioning normally," IndianOil said. The company added that it remains committed to maintaining an uninterrupted supply across the country. "IndianOil is committed to maintaining an uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Citizens are requested not to panic or crowd fuel stations and to rely only on official sources for accurate information," it said. Similar assurances were issued by other state-run oil marketing companies. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited said rumours about fuel shortages are unfounded and supply chains are operating normally. "Rumors of petrol and diesel shortages are completely unfounded. India has ample fuel reserves and supply chains are running normally. BPCL is fully operational and committed to uninterrupted fuel supply," the company said. BPCL further urged citizens not to rely on rumours, saying, "Please don't rely on rumours or crowd fuel stations and only rely on official sources for further information." Furthermore, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited also issued a similar advisory, saying misleading messages about fuel shortages are circulating in some areas, but supplies remain normal. "Some misleading messages regarding shortage of petrol and diesel are circulating in certain areas. These claims are completely unfounded. Fuel supplies across Bharat remain normal. Adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG are available, and supply operations continue smoothly across the country," the company said. The company further urged citizens not to panic or rush to fuel stations. "HPCL remains fully operational and is committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability for all customers through its nationwide retail network. Citizens are requested not to panic or rush to fuel stations and to rely only on official sources for accurate information," the post further read. The statements come amid global energy supply concerns following escalating tensions in West Asia. According to sources, the government has assessed that India remains in a comfortable position in terms of crude oil, petroleum products and LPG stocks. Officials said India would ramp up supplies from other regions if disruptions occur in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, through which about 40 per cent of India's crude oil imports pass. Sources further said that India has been buying crude oil from Russia since 2022. In 2022, India imported 0.2 per cent of its total imports from Russia, while in February, it imported 20 per cent of its total imports from Russia. The developments come after the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday (local time) announced the 30-day waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil to enable oil flow into the global market. Bessent announced a short-term measure to counter Iran during the conflict in West Asia, which has severely affected the Gulf countries supplying crude oil. India sources nearly 40 per cent of its oil imports from the region, with a significant portion transported through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. - ANI Authorities have announced the lifting of all restrictions in the Kashmir Valley from Saturday after a review found the situation had returned to normal. The decision follows peaceful congregational prayers held across all districts on Friday. High-speed internet services and prepaid mobile connectivity are being fully restored, and all transport will be allowed to operate normally. The restrictions were initially imposed as a precaution following clashes after the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Authorities lift all restrictions in Kashmir Valley after peaceful Friday prayers. High-speed internet and prepaid mobile services fully restored from Saturday. Srinagar, March 6 After the situation throughout the Kashmir Valley remained peaceful on Friday, authorities said that normalcy has returned and all restrictions would be lifted from Saturday. Friday's congregational prayers were held peacefully in all districts of the Valley, including Srinagar city. After the situation was reviewed at a high level security review meeting on Friday evening, top sources told IANS that restrictions will be lifted from the Valley on Saturday. "High speed internet services will be fully restored by today evening. Prepaid mobile phones will also start working as usual now," sources said. The sources added that all public and private transport would be allowed to ply in the Valley from Saturday morning. Authorities asserted that the restrictions were precautionary in nature intended to restrain miscreants and anti-social elements from exploiting the sentiments of the people. Authorities, however, said that security forces will continue to maintain routine deployment to ensure law and order and keep a close watch on the situation. Following the killing of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, restrictions were imposed in the Valley on March 1. Clashes had erupted at a number of places, especially those areas dominated by Shia Muslim population in Srinagar and elsewhere. Police and the security forces maintained restraint throughout the law and order maintenance in the Valley during and after the clashes to ensure that no loss occurred to civilian life and property. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, interacted with the members of the civil society in Srinagar on Wednesday. Omar Abdullah appealed to the people to observe their grief over the developments in Iran in a disciplined and dignified manner and not do anything that would result in a law and order situation. The Chief Minister had received a positive response from the members of the civil society, including religious, social, business community members and other prominent citizens. - IANS A rocket attack targeted the Taji Military Base north of Baghdad, which houses a U.S. diplomatic centre, according to Iraqi security sources. Simultaneously, the Israeli Air Force conducted strikes in Beirut, hitting command centres for the IRGC and various Hezbollah units. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning, calling for immediate diplomatic negotiations to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. The UK also announced the deployment of additional aircraft and helicopters to the region as tensions continue to escalate following recent U.S.-Israel strikes on Iranian territory. Report details rocket attack on base housing US diplomatic centre near Baghdad airport, amid wider strikes in Beirut and escalating West Asia tensions. Baghdad, March 7 As the crisis escalates in West Asia, Reuters reported, citing Iraqi security sources on Saturday, that a rocket attack targeted a military base housing a US diplomatic centre near the Baghdad international airport, as per Iraqi security sources. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defence Forces shared that its air force completed an additional wave of strikes against terror targets in Beirut, which included an IRGC Air Force command centre and several of Hezbollah's units. Reuters further reported, citing Iraqi military sources, that two Katyusha rockets had targeted Iraq's Taji Military Base, north of Baghdad. Al Jazeera Breaking reported, citing the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Jagan Chapagain, who said that the Iranian Red Crescent facilities were damaged by attacks. In a post on X on Friday, the Israeli Defence Forces shared that its air force completed an additional wave of strikes against terror targets in the Dahiyeh District in Beirut. As per the IDF, the targets struck included the IRGC Air Force command centre, a command centre used by the Hezbollah Navy unit, a command centre used by Hezbollah's financial unit and a command centre used by Hezbollah's Operating Council. As tensions spill over in the region, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gave a call on Friday, urging for diplomatic negotiations before the situation further spirals. In a post on X, he said, "All the unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region - and pose a grave a risk to the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people. The situation could spiral beyond anyone's control. It is time to stop the fighting and get to serious diplomatic negotiations. The stakes could not be higher." Also on Friday, in a post on X, the Israeli Air Force shared that the Israeli Defence Forces had identified a launch of missiles from Iran towards Israel and called for the public to act in accordance with the directive issued by the Home Front Command. Meanwhile, the UK's Ministry of Defence shared an update on UK operations in West Asia in a post on X, which noted that the Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters have begun arriving in Cyprus, equipped with Martlet missiles and four additional Typhoon aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Qatar overnight, among other updates. The developments come following escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. - ANI RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat inaugurated the historic Chadar Mahotsav at Jaisalmer's Sonar Fort, an event being held after an extraordinary gap of 871 years. His arrival in a simple e-rickshaw through the fort's narrow lanes was seen as a powerful message of humility and accessibility. The festival centers on the display of the sacred 'Amar Chadar', an 11th-century cloth believed to have miraculously survived a cremation, which is being formally consecrated for the first time in nearly nine centuries. The three-day gathering, attended by thousands of devotees and Jain monks, blends deep faith with a unique historical and spiritual legacy for the community. Mohan Bhagwat inaugurates historic Chadar Mahotsav at Sonar Fort, rides e-rickshaw, prays at ancient temple. Festival held after 871-year gap. Jaipur, March 6 The golden city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan witnessed a rare spiritual gathering on Friday as Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, arrived in the historic Jaisalmer Fort, popularly known as Sonar Fort, to inaugurate the Chadar Mahotsav. The three-day religious festival is being held after an extraordinary gap of 871 years, drawing thousands of devotees, Jain monks and visitors from across the country. The event has generated considerable buzz on social media, not only because of its historic significance but also due to Bhagwat's simple and modest style during the visit. Despite tight security arrangements, Bhagwat rode an e-rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Sonar Fort. The short ride from Dussehra Chowk to the Parshvanath Jain Temple surprised locals and tourists alike. Many residents described the gesture as a powerful message of humility and accessibility from the RSS chief. Upon reaching the temple, Bhagwat offered prayers in the Mool Gambhara, the sanctum sanctorum dedicated to Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara in Jain tradition. He prayed for the prosperity and well-being of the nation. He also visited the historic Jinbhadra Suri Gyan Bhandar, a revered repository of ancient manuscripts, where he viewed the legendary "Amar Chadar", believed to date back to the 11th century. According to Jain tradition, the sacred cloth remained intact even during the cremation of the revered Acharya Jindatt Suri, which has given the chadar a reputation for miracles and spiritual significance. The Chadar Mahotsav marks the first formal consecration of this sacred cloth in nearly nine centuries. Over 400 Jain saints and more than 20,000 devotees have gathered in Jaisalmer for the occasion. A major highlight of the festival will take place on Saturday, when an estimated 1.8 million devotees worldwide are expected to simultaneously recite the Jain prayer "Dadaguru Ektisa", sending a collective message of global peace. To commemorate the historic moment, special postage stamps and coins are also expected to be issued. The three-day Chadar Mahotsav will conclude on March 8, marking a unique blend of faith, history and spiritual unity in the desert city of Jaisalmer. President of the Jaisalmer Jain Trust, Mahendra Singh Bhansali, said that the Chadar Mahotsav symbolises deep reverence for Dada Gurudev. The main attraction of the festival is the display of Gurudev's ancient garments -- chadar, chola patta and muhapatti -- which have been carefully preserved for nearly nine centuries. According to Bhansali, this is the first time in the history of the Jain community that such a Chadar Festival is being organised. Explaining the historical background, Bhansali said that according to tradition, when Dada Gurudev attained samadhi in Ajmer in Vikram Samvat 1211, his body was consigned to the funeral pyre. However, his sacred garments miraculously remained completely intact despite the flames. These garments were later taken to Patan in Gujarat, where they were preserved for many years. Their journey to Jaisalmer is also associated with an interesting historical episode. Bhansali explained that around 145 years ago, Jaisalmer was struck by a severe epidemic that caused widespread concern among residents. During that period, the Maharawal (king) of Jaisalmer arranged to bring the sacred garments of Dada Gurudev from Patan to Jaisalmer. It is believed that soon after the arrival of these revered garments in the city, the epidemic subsided and Jaisalmer gradually returned to normalcy. Since then, the sacred garments have been carefully preserved in the historic "Gyan Bhandar" of Jaisalmer. The Chadar Mahotsav is therefore being viewed not only as a religious event but also as a celebration of a centuries-old spiritual legacy deeply connected with the faith and traditions of the Jain community. - IANS Global leaders at the Raisina Dialogue have urged India to diversify its energy imports away from Russia, citing geopolitical dangers. The calls come as the US Treasury issued a temporary waiver allowing India to access stranded Russian crude. Experts highlighted the strategic risks of the Russia-China nexus and advocated for stronger US-India economic cooperation. The dialogue reflected broad international trust in India's sovereign decisions and its transformed global role. At Raisina Dialogue, global experts warn India of risks from Russian crude, advocate for energy diversification and stronger US-India ties. New Delhi, March 6 International leaders and diplomats at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 have underscored the growing strategic importance of India's energy autonomy and its evolving role in global geopolitics, following the US Treasury Department's decision to issue a temporary waiver for Russian oil imports. The comments from global experts come as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil already stranded at sea, aimed at alleviating pressure caused by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Bessent described India as an "essential partner" and noted the measure was a stop-gap to ensure global energy flow while countering attempts to take "global energy hostage." Reacting to the geopolitical shifts, Jaroslaw Cwiek-Karpowicz, Director of the Polish Institute of International Affairs, told ANI that while India's reliance on Russian crude is understandable, diversification remains key to global security. "It is a very good sign that India is trying to decrease the number of Russian crude oil imports compared to the previous years. We can imagine that for the Indian economy, Russian crude oil is quite important. We try to convince our Indian partners that Russia's policy in Europe is very dangerous not only for Europe but also for the rest of the world. This is why it is much more important to develop other destinations and import crude oil from other countries," Cwiek-Karpowicz said. He further highlighted the risks posed by the burgeoning "Russian-Chinese" nexus, stating, "China also is a very important economic partner for Europe and the world. But we should be very careful because the Chinese-Russian relations are very strong. And China, de facto, is supporting Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. Russia still has financial support, technological support from China, from North Korea as well, and Iran. For Europe and Poland, it's important to sanction Russia and to limit Chinese-Russian economic cooperation." Cwiek-Karpowicz suggested that India explore markets in South America, Brazil, the Caribbean, and Africa to diversify routes. "I strongly support US-India economic relations because it will allow India to be much more independent and play a much more constructive role in terms of global affairs," he added. Echoing the sentiment of growing bilateral trust, Frantisek Ruzicka, Deputy Secretary-General at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), observed in an interaction with ANI that the US-India relationship is successfully navigating complex global dynamics. "In today's world, it is important that the relations between US and India are growing and solving the issues that may emerge as problems, but tomorrow would appear to be of benefit for both the countries," Ruzicka noted. Addressing the oil procurement issue, he maintained that the international community trusts India's strategic judgment. "We must look at the complexity and dynamics of the global situation. Russia is aggressive vis-a-vis Ukraine. It is on the side of India to decide and to look for partners in every aspect, and we really trust India that India will find the best solutions on how to assist and how to be an important player in the global world in settling or assisting in solving the problems that we are facing today," he said. Furthermore, Alexander Schallenberg, Former Federal Chancellor of Austria, speaking to ANI, remarked on the dramatic transformation of India's global standing. "The world has changed dramatically over the last couple of years and will continue to change. India of today is not the India of 20 years ago, and neither is the US or Europe. The future of cooperation between India and Europe, and Austria particularly, is looking extremely promising. I believe nobody would repeat this statement today," Schallenberg said. On the specific matter of the US waiver and energy choices, Schallenberg asserted that sovereign decisions must be respected. "Every country is free to purchase the products they want. We are on a different planet today, and sometimes you have to think twice about what you get from whom. But at the end, it's an Indian decision," he remarked. The diplomatic consensus at the dialogue reflects a broader recognition of India's careful balancing act as it manages its energy security while strengthening ties with Western partners amidst the escalating West Asia crisis. - ANI The Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla hosted the 27th Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan memorial lecture, delivered by Professor Arindam Chakrabarti on themes from the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad. The event also saw the inauguration of a dedicated Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Photo Gallery on the institute's campus. The gallery features rare photographs depicting Tagore's life, works, and his educational experiments at Shantiniketan. The lecture and inauguration were attended by fellows, academics, and distinguished personalities, highlighting the institute's role in promoting India's knowledge traditions. The Indian Institute of Advanced Study in Shimla held the 27th Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan memorial lecture and inaugurated a new Rabindranath Tagore photo gallery. Shimla, March 6 The 27th Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan memorial lecture was held on Friday in a dignified atmosphere at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Rashtrapati Nivas, Shimla. On this occasion, the newly established "Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Photo Gallery" was also inaugurated within the Institute campus. The programme was chaired by Professor Shashi Prabha Kumar, Chairperson, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, while the memorial lecture was delivered by Professor Arindam Chakrabarti, Oxford-trained and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Ashoka University, Sonipat. At the beginning of the programme, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, welcomed the chief guest and highlighted the intellectual legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and the global relevance of Indian philosophy. He stated that the memorial lecture series organised at the Institute provides an important platform for eminent scholars from India and abroad to engage with contemporary intellectual discourse, according to a release. The theme of this year's lecture was "Humanity as the Heart and Honey of All Living Beings: The Idealistic Realism of Brhadaranyaka Upanishad." In his lecture, Professor Arindam Chakrabarti presented a philosophical interpretation of the Madhukanda of the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad, offering a deep analysis of the relationship between idealism and realism. Referring to the Advaita philosophy of Adi Shankaracharya, the transcendental idealism of Immanuel Kant, and the humanistic thought of Rabindranath Tagore, he explained that the concepts of humanity and coexistence occupy a central place in the Indian philosophical tradition. Professor Chakrabarti also referred to contemporary global challenges such as political tensions, economic inequality, and environmental crises, and emphasised that philosophical perspectives grounded in humanity have become increasingly relevant in the present context. He described the pluralistic and integrative vision of the Upanishads as highly significant for contemporary global discourse. In her presidential address, Professor Shashi Prabha Kumar, Chairperson, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, highlighted the intellectual legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and the continuing global relevance of the Indian philosophical tradition. She noted that institutions such as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study serve not only as centres of research and academic activity but also as important platforms for advancing India's knowledge traditions, human values, and intercultural dialogue. On this occasion, the newly curated Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Photo Gallery was also inaugurated within the Institute campus. The gallery has been developed as a special exhibition space dedicated to the life, ideas, and creative contributions of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. It displays rare photographs depicting different stages of Tagore's life, his interactions with eminent personalities of his time, and his presence at international intellectual and cultural gatherings. One section of the gallery is devoted to Tagore's literary, artistic, and theatrical works, presenting an overview of his major writings and creative expressions. Another section highlights the educational experiments and cultural activities developed at Shantiniketan and Sriniketan, illustrating Tagore's holistic vision of education that integrated learning with art, music, yoga, meditation, and community life. The gallery is expected to serve as an important resource for visitors, scholars, and students seeking to understand the multidimensional personality of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Speaking on the occasion, Professor Himanshu Kumar Chaturvedi, Director of the Institute, described the establishment of the Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore Photo Gallery as an important initiative. He noted that the gallery will not only showcase Tagore's multifaceted personality and creative contributions but will also introduce visiting scholars, tourists and guests to India's rich cultural and intellectual heritage. Both events were attended by Fellows and Associates of the Institute, senior administrative officials, academicians from Himachal Pradesh University, and several renowned intellectuals and distinguished personalities from across the state. - ANI Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang announced the creation of 500 new posts for Police Constables during the 18th Raising Day of the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion. He declared that 30 percent of these vacancies will be reserved for women, emphasizing the government's commitment to inclusivity. The CM also inaugurated the new Teesta Command Block administrative building to strengthen the battalion's operational capabilities. During the event, he distributed financial assistance to students and addressed opposition criticism regarding the state's financial health. Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang announces 500 new constable vacancies with 30% women's quota at 3rd IRBn Raising Day event in Manglay. Gangtok, March 6 The 18th Raising Day celebration of the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion was held on Friday at its headquarters in Manglay. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the programme as the chief guest. Ministers, MLAs, Director General of Police (DGP), Inspectors General of Police (IGPs), SHOs and several other police officials were also present on the occasion. In his address, the Chief Minister also announced the creation of 500 new posts for Police Constables in the Sikkim Police. He further declared that 30 per cent of the vacancies will be reserved for women. The event marked an important milestone and highlighted the Battalion's dedication, discipline and commitment to maintaining peace and law and order in Sikkim. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Tamang said that the primary responsibility of the police is to uphold law and order and protect society from elements that threaten peace and harmony. He stated that the Sikkim Police have consistently shown professionalism and dedication in fulfilling this duty. He said the 3rd IRBn plays a vital role in supporting district police by providing armed personnel for security duties. The Battalion also remains ready for deployment anywhere in Sikkim and even in other states during emergencies, elections and other critical assignments. The Chief Minister said that while compassion, inclusiveness and forgiveness are important values, any elements trying to disturb peace in society must be dealt with firmly according to the law. He also acknowledged concerns raised by police personnel and reiterated the government's commitment to their welfare through timely promotions, better facilities and greater opportunities. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed Teesta Command Block, an administrative building near the Battalion headquarters. The facility is expected to strengthen the Battalion's administrative and operational capabilities. During the programme, the Chief Minister also distributed financial assistance to 22 students from the Chief Minister's Discretionary Fund. Responding to criticism from the opposition, Tamang said that if the government was unable to pay salaries, it would not have been possible to distribute cheques of Rs 5 lakh, Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh, cautioning against spreading misinformation. Congratulating the personnel of the Battalion, Tamang praised the 3rd IRBn for its exemplary service and dedication to the people of Sikkim. - ANI Will not let territory be used against others Sri Lankan President Anura Disanayake has reaffirmed the country's non-aligned stance in the West Asia conflict, emphasizing that saving lives is the top priority. He called on all parties to demonstrate a firm commitment to peace, warning of a potential severe global economic crisis. Concurrently, Sri Lanka provided humanitarian assistance to an Iranian ship, IRIS Bushehr, near its territorial waters. The President also assured that Sri Lanka would not allow its territory to be used against any other country. President Anura Disanayake says "no civilian should die," reaffirms Sri Lanka's non-aligned policy and extends humanitarian aid amid tensions. Colombo, March 6 Sri Lankan President Anura Disanayake has stated that Sri Lanka will remain non-aligned during the current West Asia conflict calling for all parties to demonstrate a commitment to peace. In a post on X, Disanayake said, "No civilian should die in wars. Our approach is that every life is as precious as our own. We jealously guard our non-aligned policy while ensuring that humanitarian values and the saving of lives remain our top priority. What the world urgently needs today is peace. There is a real risk of a severe global economic crisis, and entire societies are facing serious and complex challenges. We call upon all parties to demonstrate a firm commitment to peace. As a state, Sri Lanka stands ready to support every step toward ending hostilities. All our actions are aimed at saving lives and ensuring that humanity prevails." Meanwhile, Sri Lanka on Thursday extended humanitarian assistance to the second Iranian ship which had given a distress signal near its territorial waters. The crew of the IRIS Bushehr was disembarked for humanitarian assistance and the ship moved to Trincomalee Harbour. Sri Lanka Navy made arrangements to safely transport the 208 personnel on board the vessel to Colombo. In a news conference, the President reiterated that Sri Lanka will maintain a neutral stance amid the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. He assured that Sri Lanka would not allow its land, territorial waters and airspace to be used in an inimical manner against any country, reported the Daily Mirror Sri Lanka. IRINS Bushehr distress call followed the sinking of IRIS Dena, which was struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine on March 4, 2026. More than 100 sailors were reported killed in the attack, while Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force personnel managed to rescue about 32 to 35 survivors. - ANI Approximately 40 tourists from Maharashtra's Pimpri-Chinchwad area, who were stranded in Dubai for several days, have returned home safely. The group, which included former PCMC corporator Suman Netke, faced disrupted travel plans, prompting family appeals to the Indian government for intervention. After flight services resumed, arrangements were made for their return, leading to emotional reunions late Thursday night. Netke recounted receiving support and safety assurances from Dubai authorities and local residents during the tense period. Around 40 tourists from Pimpri-Chinchwad, including a former corporator, safely return from Dubai after being stranded, thanking authorities for support. Pune, March 6 Around 40 tourists from Maharashtra's Pimpri-Chinchwad area who were stranded in Dubai for several days returned home safely late last night, bringing relief to their anxious families. The group, which included former Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) corporator Suman Netke, had been stuck in Dubai due to sudden difficulties that disrupted their travel plans and raised concerns among relatives back home. Family members had earlier appealed to the Centre to intervene and ensure the safe return of their loved ones. After flight services from Dubai resumed, authorities initiated necessary arrangements to facilitate the return of stranded tourists to their respective countries. Following these efforts, the group from the Pimpri-Chinchwad area was able to board flights and reach India safely late on Thursday night. Emotional scenes were witnessed as family members gathered to receive the returning tourists. After days of uncertainty and worry, relatives welcomed them with relief and gratitude, thanking the Centre for helping ensure their safe journey back home. Speaking to IANS, Netke said the authorities and residents in Dubai reassured them during the difficult period. "The Dubai government assured us of their support and told us that we would remain completely safe. Dubai is such a city that there is nothing to fear," Netke said. She added that local residents in Dubai also extended comfort and support to the stranded tourists, urging them not to panic. "We received timely updates and alerts from the government regarding the situation. Later, we got a notification that we were in a safe zone, which brought smiles to our faces," she said. Recalling the tense moments during their stay, Netke said the experience was deeply emotional. "We saw both laughter and tears there. It gave us a true sense of what fear is and what an actual war-like situation feels like," she added. - IANS The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) confirms information about the seizure by the Hungarian authorities on March 5, 2026 of two cars of the state-owned Oschadbanks collection service and the illegal detention of seven employees. "The vehicles were transporting foreign currency and bank metals under a contract between Oschadbank and Raiffeisen Bank International (Austria), fully compliant with EU customs rules. The NBU demands the immediate release of Ukrainian citizens and an official explanation from Hungary," National Bank of Ukraine Governor Andriy Pyshnyy wrote on X. He said the current whereabouts of the cash collectors are unknown and contact with them has been lost. Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said Hungary had effectively taken Oschadbank employees hostage. The previous day, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said he would use force to make Ukraine resume Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, which stopped January 27 after Russia shelled the pipeline near Brody in Lviv region. "There will be no deals, no compromise. We will break the Ukrainian oil blockade by force," Orban said. Ukraine attributes the lack of transit to damage and the need for repairs, which are being delayed by hostile attacks and require another one to 1.5 months, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, the leaders of Slovakia and Hungary, the only EU countries still receiving Russian oil, accuse Kyiv of political reasons for stopping supplies and have banned diesel fuel deliveries to Ukraine in response. Hungary has also blocked allocation of a EUR 90 billion loan. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced his government is bringing reforms to the education sector, emphasizing it as a key tool for transforming lives. He highlighted that Telangana is the first state to implement Scheduled Castes categorization with legal backing following Supreme Court directions. The Chief Minister also outlined the critical role of government employees in delivering welfare schemes and improving the state's financial system. He reiterated his commitment to serving all communities and participating in the reconstruction of Telangana. CM Revanth Reddy announces education reforms & legal backing for SC categorization in Telangana, aiming for social empowerment and development. Hyderabad, March 6 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Friday that his government is bringing reforms in the education sector. Asserting that communities living below the poverty line can progress only through quality education, he said the government was taking steps to improve the standards of education. Addressing a programme organised by Madiga Employees Coordination Committee to express gratitude to the Chief Minister for the government's decision to provide legal backing to Scheduled Castes categorization, he said education is the single most powerful tool that can transform lives. The Chief Minister noted that Telangana became the first state to implement SC categorisation after the Supreme Court's directions. The Chief Minister clarified that categorization alone may not resolve every issue and said concerns such as promotions, higher education opportunities, land issues and protection of assigned and ceiling lands can be addressed through sustained efforts. Highlighting the role of the government workforce, the Chief Minister described government employees as the eyes, ears and brand ambassadors of the government. He referred to the 99-day Praja Palana - Pragathi Pranalika programme, through which the government is implementing several welfare and development initiatives. He emphasised that government employees must work diligently to ensure that ration cards reach every poor household and that welfare schemes such as fine rice distribution, Indiramma housing, and free electricity are delivered to eligible beneficiaries. He told the gathering that nearly 1,000 government employees retire every month, requiring the government to pay approximately Rs 1,000 crore in retirement benefits every month. The Chief Minister stressed that improving the state's financial system is also a responsibility of government employees. By preventing irregularities and safeguarding public resources, funds can be redirected to benefit more people. He said that unlike the past, when large tracts of land were concentrated in the hands of jagirdars and zamindars, the government is taking steps to address issues related to assigned lands, even though the availability of land for redistribution is limited. Criticizing welfare approach of the previous government, he said they distributed buffaloes, sheep and fish, but true empowerment lies in enabling people to become collectors, doctors, engineers and lawyers, and to lead society. He called upon the community to actively participate in the reconstruction of Telangana. Reiterating his commitment, the Chief Minister said he would extend all possible support within his capacity and would work with the same spirit shown during the Telangana statehood movement. Responding to political labels given to him by different groups, he said people call him "Revanth Madiga," "Revanth Yadav," "Revanth Mudiraj," "Sardar Revanth," or even "Revanthuddin". He said he has no objection to any of these names. "I belong to everyone," he said, adding that he considers the opportunity to serve as Chief Minister as a chance to help people and uplift communities. - IANS US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has issued a stern warning to Iran, asserting that Washington is prepared for a prolonged and decisive military campaign. His comments follow escalating tensions after a US-Israel strike resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has launched attacks on American bases, while Israel has widened the conflict by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The IDF also announced the elimination of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut responsible for rocket attacks on Israel. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth warns Iran against miscalculating US resolve as Middle East conflict escalates with strikes in Beirut and Tehran. Washington DC, March 6 United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has warned Iran against miscalculating Washington's resolve, asserting that they are prepared to continue military operations decisively. Speaking during a press conference at US Central Command on Thursday, Hegseth said Iran's leadership is mistaken if it believes the US cannot sustain the ongoing military campaign. "Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran," he said. "Our commitment to our mission objectives only increases as our advantages continue to increase...We have only just begun to fight and fight decisively," Hegseth added, indicating that Washington is prepared for a prolonged confrontation if necessary. The US defence chief also dismissed concerns about a possible influx of refugees to the United States due to the expanding conflict in the Middle East. "I think it's safe to say there's no plan for a wave of new Middle Eastern refugees to the United States of America," he said. His remarks come amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks targeting American military bases across multiple Arab countries as the conflict entered its sixth day. Israel is also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. In a post on X, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) also said it has eliminated a senior Hezbollah commander, Zaid Ali Jumaa, in Beirut, accusing him of overseeing large-scale rocket and missile attacks against Israel from southern Lebanon. The IDF stated that Jumaa served as the head of Hezbollah's artillery operations in southern Lebanon and played a key role in directing attacks targeting Israeli territory. "ELIMINATED: Hezbollah firepower management commander Zaid Ali Jumaa in Beirut. Jumaa served as Hezbollah's head of artillery in southern Lebanon and was responsible for launching thousands of rockets, missiles and UAVs from Lebanon toward Israel," the IDF said in its post. According to the Israeli military, Jumaa also had a history of involvement in earlier attacks against Israeli forces. "He also led the 2015 anti-tank missile attack in Mount Dov that killed an IDF officer and soldier," the post added. - ANI US President Donald Trump declared there would be no agreement with Iran unless Tehran accepts an "unconditional surrender" and a leadership change acceptable to the US and its allies. He outlined a vision where, following these conditions, the US would work to rebuild Iran's economy, making it "bigger, better and stronger than ever before." Trump ended his social media statement with the slogan "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)." Separately, Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi claimed a public mandate to lead an orderly transitional period for Iran. Donald Trump outlines hardline stance, demanding Iran's surrender and leadership change before any agreement, promising economic revival. Washington, March 6 US President Donald Trump on Friday said there would be no agreement with Iran unless Tehran accepts what he described as "unconditional surrender", outlining a hardline position on the future of the Iranian leadership and the country's political direction. Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said any settlement with Iran would begin only after Tehran capitulates and a new leadership acceptable to the United States and its partners emerges. "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" Trump wrote. The President suggested that a post-surrender transition in Iran would involve selecting what he described as a new leadership structure acceptable to Washington and its partners. "After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction," Trump said. Trump said the United States and its allies would work to help rebuild Iran economically once those conditions are met. He said the effort would aim at transforming the country's economic trajectory and stability. "Making it economically bigger, better and stronger than ever before," Trump wrote. Trump also framed the message as part of a broader vision for Iran's future, signalling that the United States sees the possibility of a different political and economic path for the country if its leadership changes. "Iran will have a great future," he wrote. The President ended the message with a slogan echoing his political campaign branding. "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)," Trump wrote. Meanwhile, Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi claimed in a separate social media post that the people of Iran had asked him to lead a transitional period after the current regime's departure. "I have accepted this responsibility. Part of the great mission they have entrusted to me is to restore our country and our foreign relations to normalcy. That is exactly what I will do," he said. "My commitment is that this transition will be orderly, the country will be stabilised, and Iranians will determine their future through the ballot box. We will not repeat the mistakes made during transitions in some other countries. We will avoid scenarios like 'de-Baathification' and, as much as possible, retain many government employees and public servants in the handover process," Pahlavi said. - IANS US President Donald Trump declared there would be no diplomatic deal with Iran unless the country first offers "unconditional surrender." He stated the US and its allies would only engage after Iran's leadership yields and is replaced by "acceptable" leaders, coining the phrase "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN." Trump expressed a personal desire to be involved in selecting Iran's next Supreme Leader, dismissing the late Ayatollah's son as "unacceptable." The comments come amid escalating regional conflict following a US-Israel strike that killed Supreme Leader Khamenei, triggering retaliatory attacks. Trump declares no negotiations with Iran without its total capitulation and vows US role in selecting its next leader amid West Asia conflict. Washington DC, March 6 US President Donald Trump on Friday declared that there would be "no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender" amid the escalating West Asia conflict, asserting that Tehran must capitulate before any diplomatic negotiations can proceed. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasised that the US and its allies, particularly Israel, would only consider an agreement with Iran after the country's leadership completely yields and is replaced by "great & acceptable leader(s)". He also articulated ambitions to help reconstruct Iran into a stronger nation following its capitulation, coining the phrase "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)" in an echo of his familiar political slogan. "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!),"" his post read. The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. Earlier on Thursday, Trump expressed his desire to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel joint military strike last week, as reported by Axios. In an exclusive interview with Axios, Trump said he wanted a role in the appointment of Iran's next leader, drawing a comparison to his involvement in political developments in Venezuela in January following the capture of its former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a US military operation. He also criticised the possible succession of the son of the late supreme leader of the Islamic Republic, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is widely viewed as a leading contender for the position. "They are wasting their time. Khamenei's son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela," Trump said, as quoted by Axios. Trump described Mojtaba Khamenei as "unacceptable" and said he would prefer a leader who could bring "harmony and peace" to Iran, warning that a continuation of his father's policies could lead to renewed conflict with the United States in the future. "Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran," the US President added, according to Axios. According to reports, Iranian authorities have delayed announcing a successor after the death of Khamenei, though political signals from Tehran suggest a decision on the next supreme leader could come soon. Reports further suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei, a 56-year-old cleric with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is widely seen as the frontrunner for the position. However, the Iranian government, via the Consulate General in Mumbai, refuted reports of Mojtaba Khamenei being named as his late father Ayatollah Khamenei's successor. In a post on X on Wednesday, the consulate said, "Reports circulating on media regarding potential candidates for leadership selected by Iran's Assembly of Experts have no official source and are officially denied." According to Axios, the US president also argued that Washington should not accept a new Iranian leader who would pursue policies similar to those of the late Khamenei. - ANI The makers of the upcoming historical action drama 'David Reddy' have announced Ukrainian model and actress Maria Riabhoshapka as the female lead, playing Clara Whitmore. The film, starring Manchu Manoj and directed by Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti, is set between 1897 and 1922. The narrative appears to revolve around India's struggle for freedom, with a caption hinting at a rebellion against the British Empire. Both the director and lead actor have warmly welcomed Riabhoshapka to the project on social media. Ukrainian actress Maria Riabhoshapka joins the cast of the period action drama 'David Reddy,' starring Manchu Manoj, as the character Clara Whitmore. Hyderabad, March 6 The makers of director Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti's eagerly awaited period action drama 'David Reddy, featuring actor Manchu Manoj in the lead, on Friday, announced that Ukrainian model and actress Maria Riabhoshapka would play the female lead in the film and disclosed that she played a character called Clara Whitmore in the film. Director Hanuma Reddy, while welcoming Maria Riabhoshapka on board the film, shared her poster in the film on his Instagram page and wrote, "Her love isn't soft... it's ruthless. Welcome to the Brutal Era." Actor Manchu Manoj, who plays the lead in the film, accorded a warm welcome to Maria Riabhoshapka. Taking to his Instagram page to pen a welcome post, he wrote, "The intense world of #DavidReddy welcomes its leading lady - Maria Riabhoshapka on board as Clara Whitmore. Her love is War. Excited to see her bring this character to life with grace, depth, and fire. A grand Pan Indian historical action drama where valor meets destiny, and every character carries the weight of epic storytelling. @maria_riaboshapka #DavidReddy #MariaRyaboshapka." It may be recalled that Manchu Manoj had announced the title of this film as 'David Reddy' in August last year on the occasion of completing 21 years in the film industry. The actor had disclosed that this film would be a historical action drama. Taking to his social media timelines to pen a lengthy post to express gratitude to all those who had supported him and enabled him to reach the milestone in his film career, Manchu Manoj had said, "With a heart full of gratitude... Today marks 21 years of my journey in cinema. I feel truly blessed to be still doing what I love. And with the same love and hope, sharing my 21st film titled #DavidReddy." "A raw, intense, high-octane historical action drama set between 1897 to 1922, brought to life by the visionary Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti garu, and supported by Velvet Soul Motion Pictures. Thank you for standing by me all these years. Humbled and excited for what's ahead. #MM21 #MM," he had said then. Manchu Manoj also shared a poster along with the announcement. The poster had the caption, "Born in the Madras Presidency, Raised in Delhi. Now, shaking the British empire. Rebellion begins...". The caption gave the impression that the story of the film would revolve around India's struggle for freedom. - IANS Bonnie Glick addressed Taiwan Strait tensions at the Raisina Dialogue, noting the US focus on managing multiple international conflicts individually while maintaining global response capabilities. She suggested China might view US involvement in Iran as a moment for consideration regarding Taiwan, but would also recognize US readiness to respond. Glick contrasted the US relationships with China and India, describing China's WTO entry as a miscalculation and India as a foundational democratic ally. The discussion aligned with US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau's view of a critical moment for deepening the US-India partnership. Bonnie Glick at Raisina Dialogue states the US can manage multiple crises, including a potential Taiwan contingency, despite shifting military resources. New Delhi, March 6 Highlighting the state of the current global security landscape, Bonnie Glick, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, stated that the United States remains focused on its ability to manage multiple international crises simultaneously while giving due attention to each individual conflict. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 during a session titled 'Beyond Strategic Ambiguity: Rethinking Deterrence in the Taiwan Strait', Glick addressed the shift of American military resources from East Asia to West Asia amid the ongoing Iran conflict. "I think one of the things that we focus on in the United States is addressing conflicts individually, while also simultaneously having access to an ability to respond elsewhere in the world," Glick remarked. The session explored how the "increasingly ad-hoc use of American power" and skepticism toward long-standing commitments, paired with the Chinese Communist Party's "vehement restatement of its desire for 'reunification'", has intensified regional tensions. Glick noted that there are "so many restive parts of the world" currently, leading to significant concern regarding how China might "use the opportunity vis-a-vis Taiwan." Despite the shift in resources, she maintained that the messaging from Washington remains "pretty clear" regarding its position. "I think China views bottom-line American intervention in Iran right now as a moment for consideration of Taiwan, but also as a moment of this probably does not make sense right now, because we know that the United States will be able to respond if needed," she added. The discussion also touched upon the broader economic and strategic framework of the Indo-Pacific, specifically regarding the "experimental" nature of China's integration into the global order. Commenting on earlier remarks by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Glick suggested that comparing the US approach to India and China is a matter of "apples and oranges." She described the early 2000s decision to grant China entry into the World Trade Organization as an experiment that "has, I think, widely been viewed as a miscalculation in the United States." In contrast, Glick identified India as the "world's largest democracy" and the most important democratic ally for the US in terms of "heft in the international arena." While acknowledging that trade issues often "complicate the economic relations" between the two nations, she emphasised that the partnership transcends mere commerce. "At the end of the day, the relationship between the United States and India is not based solely on economics. It's based on more foundational elements of freedom of family, even an approach to faith," Glick stated. These observations align with the vision articulated by Deputy Secretary Landau, who described the current period as a "critical moment" for bilateral relations. Landau asserted that the "America First" doctrine "obviously does not mean America alone." He further noted that just as the US seeks to "make America great again," Washington expects Indian leadership "to want to make their countries great again." Landau said that the rise of India is "undeniable" and that it remains in the mutual interest of both nations to deepen a partnership that will "decide the future of this century." - ANI The appointment of Liaqat Ali Malik, a junior officer from Pakistan's Punjab police, as Inspector General of Police in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has triggered significant unrest. Six senior local officers have formally protested, arguing the move sidelines qualified candidates with longer service and higher credentials. The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee has condemned the appointment as a violation of merit and an injustice to local officers. Concerns are raised that Malik's past military association and the perceived imposition from Islamabad could further suppress autonomy and disrupt police command. Senior PoK police officers protest the appointment of a junior officer from Punjab as Inspector General, citing violations of merit and seniority norms. Colombo, March 6 The appointment of a junior police officer from Pakistan's Punjab province as Inspector General of Police in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir has triggered unrest within the local police force, with six senior officers questioning the decision on grounds of seniority, merit, and institutional morale, a report said on Friday. It added that Liaqat Ali Malik was serving as a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Establishment in the Punjab Police and was "a Basic Pay Scale (BPS) 20 officer" before being appointed as the new IGP of PoK, a "BPS-22 position". According to a report in the leading Sri Lankan media outlet 'Daily Mirror', Malik's appointment was enforced despite the presence of several serving BPS-21 officers in the PoK police department, including an additional IGP. The perception of being sidelined has sparked a strong reaction from the local police officials. The report stated that following the appointment, the resentful senior police officer from PoK wrote to Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, the region's head of administration, claiming that they had been sidelined by the Islamabad government even after possessing "longer service records, higher academic credentials, and broader national and international exposure". Islamabad used the 1949 Karachi Agreement - which superseded the region's administration and reduced its autonomy -to install Malik. Raising concerns over Malik's appointment in the presence of several BPS-21 officers from the region, the letter noted: "Elevation of a comparatively junior officer to the top position is a departure from established service norms and has caused unease within senior officers" of the PoK Police and risks affecting "command dynamics and professional cohesion within the force." The Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee questioned Rathore regarding the appointment of a junior officer when the region had competent and eligible officials for the IGP position. "If senior Kashmiri officers are available, why are they not considered for the top position? It is a violation of merit. It is an injustice. Many Kashmiris feared that Malik's tenure may see further suppression of people fighting for autonomy and civil rights," 'Daily Mirror' quoted committee member Shaukat Nawaz Mir as saying. The report noted that while one Pakistani described Malik as "an extremely imbalanced personality" and unfit for the IGP post, another accused him of atrocities in PoK. Many Kashmiris cited Malik's past association with the Pakistani Army as a possible reason behind his appointment amid concerns over his eligibility. "This guy is an utter embarrassment to the police service as he was in the military service," the Lankan daily quoted another Pakistani national, Shahid, as saying. - IANS US President Donald Trump announced that major defense manufacturing companies have agreed to quadruple production of "exquisite class" weaponry following a high-level meeting. The announcement comes as the US continues Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated military campaign with Israel targeting Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure. The operation has seen casualties, with six American service members killed, prompting vows of retaliation from US officials. Israeli forces claim to have neutralized a significant portion of Iran's missile launchers and air defense systems during the ongoing conflict. Following a meeting with President Trump, major US defense contractors agree to quadruple production of "exquisite class" weaponry amid ongoing operations. Washington DC, March 7 US President Donald Trump on Friday held a meeting with the largest American defence manufacturing companies, and said that they have agreed to quadruple the production of 'exquisite class' weaponry. Sharing the details in a post on Truth Social, Trump further highlighted that the US has a large supply of Medium and Upper Medium Grade Munitions, which he said have been used not only in Iran but also in Venezuela. He wrote, "We just concluded a very good meeting with the largest U.S. Defense Manufacturing Companies where we discussed Production and Production Schedules. They have agreed to quadruple Production of the "Exquisite Class" Weaponry in that we want to reach, as rapidly as possible, the highest levels of quantity. Expansion began three months prior to the meeting, and Plants and Production of many of these Weapons are already under way. We have a virtually unlimited supply of Medium and Upper Medium Grade Munitions, which we are using, as an example, in Iran, and recently used in Venezuela. Regardless, however, we have also increased Orders at these levels." The US President further mentioned in his post that the companies represented were the CEOs of BAE Systems, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, L3Harris Missile Solutions, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. He mentioned in the post that the meeting concluded with another meeting scheduled in two months and added that states all over the United States are bidding for these new Plants. The meeting with the defence company CEOs comes as the United States continues with its Operation Epic Fury. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the media on Friday (US local time) that the achievable objectives of Operation Epic Fury are expected to last about four to six weeks and further added that the US has enough ammunition and stockpile to achieve the objectives of Epic Fury and beyond. In a coordinated operation known as Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, US and Israeli forces carried out large-scale air and missile strikes across Iran, targeting key military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure, and leadership compounds. On Friday, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressed condolences on the death of six American Armed Forces officers who died during Operation Epic Fury. He said on X, "Our nation mourns the loss of six extraordinary American heroes. These brave warriors gave everything in service to our country, supporting Operation Epic Fury. Major Jeffrey R. O'Brien. Captain Cody A. Khork. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan. Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor. Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens. Sergeant Declan J. Coady." In his post. Hegseth said that their deaths will not be in vain and added, "We will honor them with action. We will hunt down the Iranians radicals responsible, dismantle their military capabilities, and ensure that justice is swift and absolute. We stand stronger than ever, ready to avenge these fallen heroes and crush the threats in Iran that dare to challenge us. America does not yield; we advance, we prevail, and this we'll defend. God bless our warfighters, their families, and the United States of America." Also on Friday, the Israeli Defence Forces shared in a video message on X saying that 60 per cent of Iran's missile launchers and large numbers of missile stockpiles have been neutralised. "Around 80 per cent of Iran's air defence systems have been neutralised as well, allowing for air superiority over the skies of Iran. Our actions, alongside American operations, have brought an extreme decrease in the Iranian regime's attack", IDF International Spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani said in a video message. Tensions have escalated in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. - ANI The US Treasury Department has authorized a narrow, 30-day waiver allowing Indian entities to purchase Russian crude oil that was already loaded onto vessels before early March. The license is designed to let stranded shipments reach Indian ports without violating US sanctions, with officials stressing it provides no significant financial benefit to Russia. The move aims to alleviate pressure on global energy markets amid Middle East tensions and is part of an effort to keep oil flowing. The US anticipates India will increase purchases of American oil, emphasizing the country's role as an essential partner. US Treasury issues a temporary 30-day license allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian crude already loaded on ships, aiming to stabilize markets. Washington, March 6 In a significant development, in the wake of the ongoing Iranian war, the Trump administration authorised a one-month window for India to import Russian crude oil. "President Trump's energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil," Bassent said. "This deliberately short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorizes transactions involving oil already stranded at sea. India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage," he said. "The move allows transactions tied to Russian crude oil or petroleum products that were already loaded onto vessels before early March. The shipments must be delivered to Indian ports and purchased by companies incorporated under Indian law," Bassent said. Under the licence issued by the Department of Treasury, transactions necessary for the sale, delivery, or offloading of Russian crude loaded on vessels before March 5 are authorised until April 4. The authorisation applies only to deliveries to ports in India. The buyers must be Indian entities, the Treasury license said. The licence allows a range of activities required to complete those shipments. These include services linked to the docking and anchoring of vessels, crew safety and emergency repairs. It also permits routine maritime services such as vessel management, crewing, bunkering, piloting, insurance and other operational support. The move comes as the administration seeks to stabilise global energy markets amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Officials said the measure is meant to allow shipments already in transit to reach their destination without violating US sanctions rules. The Treasury Department stressed that the licence is narrow and temporary. It does not represent a broader easing of sanctions on Russia. The authorisation does not permit other transactions restricted under US sanctions laws. It also does not allow dealings involving Iran or Iranian-origin goods or services that remain prohibited under existing regulations. The licence was issued by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control and signed on March 5. The United States and its Western allies imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The restrictions targeted major sectors of the Russian economy, including finance, defence, and energy. - IANS The United States has asked India to purchase Russian crude oil currently held in floating storage near Asia to quickly inject supply into the global market. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated this temporary measure aims to ease price pressures caused by shipping constraints around the critical Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized the move is a short-term tactic to stabilize prices and does not signal a change in broader US policy towards Russia. India, a major oil importer and refiner, has been a significant buyer of discounted Russian crude since the Ukraine conflict. US Energy Secretary says the US asked India to purchase floating Russian crude to quickly boost supply and stabilize global oil prices amid shipping constraints. Washington, March 6 The United States has "reached out to India" to purchase Russian oil currently sitting in floating storage in southern Asia as part of a short-term effort to ease pressure on global oil markets, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in an interview with ABC News. The temporary measure, he said, is designed to quickly move stored crude into refineries and prevent oil prices from rising as supply routes face pressure linked to shipping constraints around the Strait of Hormuz. "We need to get oil on the market in the short term," Wright said. "In the long term, supplies are abundant. There's no worries there." Wright said the US administration had identified large volumes of Russian crude stored on tankers near Asian markets, including oil originally meant for China but not yet taken by buyers. "All this floating Russian oil storage that's around Southern Asia - it's China, just backed up," he said. According to Wright, Washington has reached out to India to purchase that oil and process it in its refineries to bring additional supply into the market quickly. "We've reached out to our friends in India and said, buy that oil, bring it into your refineries," he said. The approach is aimed at reducing competition among global refiners for other available supplies. "That pulls stored oil immediately into Indian refineries and releases the pressure on other refineries around the world to buy oil that they're no longer competing with the Indians for in that marketplace," Wright said. Oil markets have faced upward pressure as shipping constraints linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns about supply disruptions. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is one of the world's most critical oil transit routes. Wright said the move involving India is part of a series of temporary steps designed to stabilise prices. "So we have a number of measures like that that are short-term and temporary," he said. He stressed that the decision does not signal any broader change in US policy towards Russia. "This is no change in policy towards Russia," Wright said. "This is a very brief change in policy just to keep oil prices down a little bit better than we could otherwise." India is among the world's largest importers of crude oil and has significantly expanded its purchases of Russian oil since Western sanctions reshaped global energy flows following the conflict in Ukraine. Indian refiners have been major buyers of discounted Russian crude and export refined petroleum products to markets around the world. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil shipments, making any disruption or tension in the region closely watched by energy markets. Governments and energy producers often take short-term steps to stabilise supply when geopolitical risks threaten key shipping routes. - IANS Photo: / Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka expects the Hungarian authorities to take immediate steps to resolve the incident with the detention of Ukrainians. "The video of the detention of Ukrainian citizens in Budapest recently released by the Hungarian government once again confirms: this is a special operation carried out according to the patterns of the Russian FSB. Such actions not only cause direct harm to Ukraine, but also discredit the fundamental principles of the rule of law on which the European Union and the entire process of European integration are based," Kachka said on Facebook. He said Hungary's blatantly unlawful actions undermine trust in the legal standards of the European Union. "Today, throughout the day, I have been in constant contact with representatives of European institutions and the diplomatic corps regarding the situation with the illegal detention of Ukrainian citizens on the territory of Hungary. We demand an immediate correction of the situation, the cessation of unlawful actions and ensuring respect for the rights of Ukrainian citizens. We expect the Hungarian authorities to take immediate steps to resolve this incident," the Deputy Prime Minister said. As reported, on March 5, 2026, two vehicles of the Oschadbank collection service were detained in Hungary during the regular transportation of foreign currency and bank metals. The transportation of funds and valuables was carried out within the framework of an international agreement between Oschadbank and Raiffeisen Bank Austria. The cargo was registered in accordance with international transportation rules and current European customs procedures. The United States and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, marking a significant shift after Venezuela severed ties in 2019. The engagement aims to promote stability and economic recovery, with recent high-level meetings focusing on oil and critical mineral opportunities. This follows the U.S. military's capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year on drug and weapon charges. The rapprochement has already involved substantial oil transfers and a new gold deal, with Venezuela planning to reform its mining laws to attract foreign investment. The US and Venezuela agree to restore diplomatic ties, focusing on economic recovery and political reconciliation after years of tension. Washington DC, March 6 The United States and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, according to the US State Department. "This step will facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela," the statement by the US State Department read. In January this year, the US military forces launched a large-scale surprise raid on Caracas and captured Venezuela's former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and the duo was taken to the US and faced allegations of weapon and drug offences in Manhattan court. On January 31, a US diplomatic mission arrived in Caracas, marking the resumption of diplomatic contacts between the two countries. Venezuela under Maduro had cut off diplomatic ties with the United States in January 2019 due to the latter's continued interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. This came in the wake of Trump's recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president. All diplomatic personnel from the US embassy in Venezuela withdrew in the same year. The March 5 statement by the US State Department read, "Our engagement is focused on helping the Venezuelan people move forward through a phased process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government." "The United States remains committed to supporting the Venezuelan people and working with partners across the region to advance stability and prosperity," it said. Meanwhile, Trump administration officials visited Venezuela this week, where US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez to discuss oil and mineral opportunities. Burgum leads Trump's National Energy Dominance Council. "Just wrapped a trip to Venezuela to advance U.S. interests in the region and strengthen bilateral cooperation on critical minerals and energy," Burgum posted on X. Burgum further said that at the direction of President Donald Trump, the US is "moving at TRUMP SPEED to usher in a Golden Age for the Western Hemisphere where America leads." In a statement posted on Rodriguez's official webpage, the head of Venezuela's interim adminstration expressed the Venezualan Government's full willingness to build a joint work agenda based on respect and mutual benefit. Rodriguez emphasised that this rapprochement opens new avenues to strengthen the relationship between both nations, positively impacting the region's energy security. On Wednesday, the meeting with Burgum culminated with the announcement that Rodriguez would submit a proposal to reform Venezuela's mining laws to the country's legislature in the coming days that would allow foreign companies to extract gold, diamonds and rare earths, Al Jazeera reported. In late January this year, Rodriguez signed into law a reform to expand private investment in Venezuela's state-controlled oil industry. Her government has also transferred at least 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the Trump administration to sell, with Trump himself controlling how the proceeds are distributed. As per a report in Axios, which cited sources, Venezuela's state-owned mining company on Monday inked a multimillion-dollar deal to sell as many as 1,000 kilograms of gold destined for US markets. The gold deal requires state-owned company Minerven to furnish 650 to 1,000 kilograms of Gold Dore bars to the Singapore-based commodities trader Trafigura, according to one of the sources, the publication reported. The NYT said that the Trump administration says it has raised more than USD 1 billion in oil sales as Venezuela has ramped up its production in the past two months, with several hundred million dollars ending up back in Venezuelan coffers. The United States has also pressured Venezuela to end oil shipments to Cuba. - ANI To be chief guest at two central university convocations Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan arrived in Aizawl for his first visit to Mizoram since assuming office, where he will address the 20th convocation of Mizoram University. He was received by Governor Vijay Kumar Singh and Chief Minister Lalduhoma with ceremonial honours. Following the Mizoram event, he will travel to Tripura to preside over the 14th convocation of Tripura University, which is being held after a two-year gap. During the Tripura ceremony, 283 gold medals and 149 PhD degrees will be awarded to students. Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan addresses convocations at Mizoram University and Tripura University, meeting state dignitaries and honoring students. Aizawl, March 6 Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan will address the 20th convocation of Mizoram University on Saturday, officials said on Friday. After addressing the eighth convocation ceremony of Nagaland University in Kohima, Vice-President Radhakrishnan arrived in Mizoram's capital Aizawl on Friday afternoon on his maiden visit to the state since assuming office. On Saturday, the Vice-President is scheduled to be the chief guest at the 20th Convocation of Mizoram University, a central university. Upon arrival at Lengpui Airport, Vice-President Radhakrishnan was warmly received by Mizoram Governor General Vijay Kumar Singh (retired), along with School Education Minister Vanlalthlana and other senior officials. He was also accorded a ceremonial guard of honour. Later, upon reaching the Lok Bhavan, the Vice-President was given a ceremonial welcome by the Governor, Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C. Lalsawivunga, and other dignitaries. On Friday evening, the Mizoram government hosted a special cultural programme followed by a dinner in honour of the Vice-President at Lok Bhavan. After attending the Mizoram University convocation on Saturday, Vice-President Radhakrishnan will leave for Tripura to attend the 14th convocation of Tripura University as the chief guest. In Agartala, Vice-President Radhakrishnan will also meet several 'Lakhpati Didis' and members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) at the International Trade and Fair Centre in Hapania, on the outskirts of the city. He will also pay tribute at the Albert Ekka Memorial Park at Lichubagan. Police authorities have put in place elaborate security arrangements for the Vice-President's visit to Tripura. A Tripura University official said that the convocation ceremony could not be held over the past two years, 2024 and 2025. During the ceremony, certificates, degrees, gold medals and PhD degrees will be conferred on eligible students. As many as 283 students from various departments will receive gold medals, while 149 research scholars will be awarded PhD degrees at the forthcoming convocation. Vice-President Radhakrishnan will inaugurate the convocation ceremony at the university campus in Suryamaninagar, on the outskirts of the state capital Agartala. Governor Indra Sena Reddy Nallu, Chief Minister Manik Saha and the university's Chancellor Ahmad Javed will also address the gathering. Tripura University was established in October 1987 and was upgraded to a Central University on July 2, 2007, under the Tripura University Act, 2006, enacted by the Parliament. At present, 64 colleges are affiliated with the university. - IANS Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has expressed profound gratitude to the UAE leadership after safely returning to his family in Dubai amidst growing Middle East tensions. In a social media video, he described the emotional weight of being separated from his family during the uncertainty and his relief upon returning. Oberoi specifically applauded the UAE government's resilience and steady leadership for providing the safety needed for citizens and expatriates alike. He also reiterated the strong India-UAE bond, calling it a 'bridge of steel' while praying for those affected in conflict zones. Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi expresses deep gratitude to UAE leadership for safe return to Dubai & family reunion amidst regional geopolitical tensions. Mumbai, March 6 Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has expressed his gratitude to the UAE leadership as he safely returned to Dubai amidst the ongoing tension in the Middle East. Calling the UAE his home, the 'Masti' actor was extremely thankful to reunite with his family in Dubai after being away from his loved ones in the middle of this growing geopolitical tension. Vivek dropped a video on his social media handle, saying, "For all of us from over 200 nationalities who live here, the UAE is simply home. These past few days, as geopolitical tensions grew, the distance between where I was and where my family waited felt heavier than ever. Returning to Dubai, I felt every person on that plane had a silent story in their eyes." He revealed that he had spent the entire journey with his heart racing and his thoughts fixed entirely on his kids. Vivek also applauded the UAE government for showcasing resilience during these uncertain times. He went on to add, "Today, I am more grateful than ever for the resilience of the UAE government in the face of global uncertainty. Your steady leadership and unwavering calm provided the safety we needed to come back. You have built a nation that doesn't just function, it protects." The 'Saathiya' actor further said, "As a proud Indian, on behalf of all the Indians settled in the UAE, thank you for keeping us safe and for standing with us as one of us rather than just meeting from a distance. Thank you." "My deepest gratitude to the UAE leadership, the frontline heroes, and the wings of @emirates for their incredible guardianship. It's good to be back," the caption on the post read. Recently, Vivek Oberoi, who shifted to Dubai a few years back, reiterated his faith in the strong bond shared by India and the UAE via another social media post. He called the association between the two countries 'a bridge of steel' while praying for all those stuck in the conflict zone of the Middle East. - IANS Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has called upon Kerala's electorate to vote transparently and peacefully in the upcoming 2026 Legislative Assembly elections. He made the appeal during the launch of a youth voter awareness anthem in Kochi, where he also interacted with young voters and presented EPIC cards to first-timers. An ECI delegation led by Kumar reviewed poll preparedness for Kerala and several other states set for elections in 2026. The Commission has introduced new measures, including printing color photographs of candidates on EVM ballot papers and mandating VVPAT slip counts in cases of data discrepancies. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar appeals for transparent voting in Kerala's 2026 Assembly polls, highlighting new ECI initiatives like color candidate photos on EVMs. Kochi, March 6 Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday requested electors to vote "transparently and peacefully" in the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly elections. CEC Gyanesh Kumar attended the audio launch of 'SVEEP 2026 Gen-Z Anthem' by the Ernakulam district administration ahead of the Assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, he said, "As the Chief Election Commissioner of India, I would like to request each elector of Keralam to come out and vote transparently and peacefully in such a way that elections in Kerala are not only a model for India but for the world." He also interacted with young voters while witnessing vibrant voter awareness initiatives. According to the ECI, he joined young voters in a Voter Awareness activity and took a walk along the Goshree Bridge. The CEC led the Voters' Pledge for young voters, encouraging greater participation in the democratic process and also presented EPIC cards to first-time voters. Earlier on Thursday, during his visit to Kochi, CEC Gyanesh Kumar interacted with officials who had worked with him during his tenure as Collector of Kochi, over tea. An Election Commission delegation led by Gyanesh Kumar, along with ECs Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, reviewed poll preparedness for the forthcoming Kerala Assembly Elections 2026. Along with Kerala, other States and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, West Bengal and Assam will also hold polls in 2026. Under ECI's 30 initiatives, the poll body has revised guidelines to make EVM Ballot Papers more readable. For the first time, photographs of candidates will be printed in colour on the EVM Ballot Paper. ECI has made it mandatory to count VVPAT slips in each and every case of mismatch between Form 17C and EVM data, and wherever mock poll data was not erased erroneously, ECI said in an X post. - ANI The ongoing conflict in West Asia poses a significant risk to logistics for India's fertiliser imports, according to PHDCCI's Nand Kishore Aggarwal. While crude oil prices may not directly impact key fertilisers like potash or urea immediately, the agrochemical sector is highly vulnerable due to its dependence on petroleum-based raw materials. Prices for intermediates from China have already risen, and logistics costs have increased sharply. The industry body is advising members to be cautious and avoid excessive price hikes, though major shortages have not yet materialised. PHDCCI's Nand Kishore Aggarwal warns West Asia conflict could disrupt logistics for fertiliser imports and push up agrochemical costs due to oil links. New Delhi, March 6 The ongoing conflict in West Asia is likely to disrupt logistics for India's fertiliser imports and could significantly impact the agrochemical sector due to its dependence on petroleum-based inputs, said Nand Kishore Aggarwal, Chairman of the Chemical and Plastic Committee at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of Crystal Crop Protection. Speaking about the immediate impact of the conflict, Aggarwal said the main concern at present is logistics rather than raw material costs. "The war is definitely (impacting) because of logistics. Most of our fertiliser imports are from the Middle East, Uzbekistan and Russia. So, because of this war, there will be logistical problems and disturbances," he said, talking to ANI. Aggarwal noted that crude oil prices may not immediately affect the cost of key fertilisers such as potash, phosphatic fertilisers and even urea, since crude oil is not a direct raw material for these products. "I don't think the prices of crude oil will have a big impact on fertiliser, especially potash and phosphorus-based fertilisers. Because crude oil is not the raw material of potash or phosphoric fertiliser. Even with urea, there is no requirement for crude oil in this," he said. However, he cautioned that a prolonged conflict could still have wider economic implications because crude oil is a key source of energy. "But definitely, because oil is a source of energy and definitely, if the shortage of oil and the price increases of crude oil, it will definitely have an impact on the price of petrol and diesel," Aggarwal said, adding that "not now, but if this war continues, it will definitely have an impact on the price and supply chain." Aggarwal said the agrochemical industry is more vulnerable because it relies heavily on petroleum-based raw materials and intermediates. "But I am more concerned about agrochemicals. Because agrochemicals, the total raw material is from the crude oil, the different solvents and all byproducts of crude oil," he said. According to him, prices of intermediate goods for agrochemicals that are coming from China have shot up. "And we are expecting that they will increase the price considering this war situation," Aggarwal said, referring to Chinese suppliers. Logistics costs have also risen sharply in recent days, he said. While the industry is not facing major shortages yet, Aggarwal said supply disruptions could emerge if the conflict continues. As an industry body, he said, members are being advised to exercise caution and avoid excessive price hikes. - ANI Bihar Minister Leshi Singh stated that party workers are feeling uneasy about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's decision to file a nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections. JD(U) MLA Binay Kumar Choudhary also expressed sadness over the development, with a key party meeting scheduled for 5 PM at the CM's residence. The nominations were filed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with other NDA candidates also submitting their papers. Nitish Kumar, Bihar's longest-serving CM, has assured his continued support for the state's development and the new government. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar files Rajya Sabha nomination, causing unease among party workers. JD(U) leaders express sadness ahead of key meeting. Patna, March 6 Bihar Minister Leshi Singh on Friday highlighted the emotional response of party workers after Bihar CM Nitish Kumar filed nomination for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections, stating that Kumar led the state for over 20 years, and therefore the party workers are at unease with the decision. "Nitish Kumar has been leading Bihar for over 20 years and has done all the work in Bihar, established good governance, rule of law, worked towards women empowerment; it is natural that the workers are feeling uneasy with his decision..." she told reporters. "A meeting will be held at 5 PM. Whatever decided in the meeting, it will be informed." Singh further added. Earlier, JD(U) MLA Binay Kumar Choudhary expressed disappointment over Nitish Kumar deciding to contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, saying party leaders were saddened by the development. "We are sad. I cannot say anything about his decision. There is a meeting today at 5 PM at his residence," Choudhary told ANI. The reactions came after a major political development in Bihar, where Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha in Patna on Thursday in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Apart from Nitish Kumar, other NDA candidates, including Upendra Kushwaha and BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, also filed their nominations for the Upper House. Nitish Kumar, who has served as Bihar's longest-tenured Chief Minister for over two decades, earlier announced that he would be heading to the Rajya Sabha and would file his nomination in the current election cycle. The 75-year-old also said that the new Cabinet would have his full support. "I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," Nitish Kumar posted on X. The polling for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states is scheduled to take place on March 16, with the counting of votes on the same day at 5 pm. According to the press note, the term of 37 members who were elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in the month of April, vacating the seats for new members to be elected. - ANI Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar has welcomed the Rajya Sabha nomination of young Kangra leader Anurag Sharma as a positive step for youth inclusion in politics. He addressed senior leader Anand Sharma's disappointment by acknowledging his vast experience while emphasising the party's organisational need to empower young workers. Kumar also commented on the smooth tenure of outgoing Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, despite initial differences on some bills. Furthermore, he criticised the central government for not providing the assured financial assistance for disaster recovery, leaving the state to manage with limited resources. Himachal Minister Chander Kumar supports young leaders in Rajya Sabha, addresses Anand Sharma's displeasure, and criticises the Centre for delayed disaster relief funds. Shimla, March 6 The Agriculture Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Chander Kumar, on Friday said that young leaders should be given opportunities in politics and described the nomination of Kangra Congress leader Anurag Sharma to the Rajya Sabha as a positive step. He also reacted to senior Congress leader Anand Sharma's displeasure over the decision. Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Kumar said the decision on Rajya Sabha nominations is taken by the Chief Minister and the party leadership, and giving a chance to a young leader from Kangra is a welcome move. "It is the Chief Minister and the party leadership who decide on Rajya Sabha nominations. As far as Anand Sharma is concerned, he has already contested the Lok Sabha elections on a Congress ticket. Vipplove Thakur from Kangra has also served two terms in the Rajya Sabha. Now the question is that youth should also be given opportunities, and giving this chance to a young leader from Kangra is a good step," Kumar told ANI. He added that the party had chosen a grassroots worker from the Youth Congress, which sends a positive message within the organisation. "I believe it is a good decision that a young Youth Congress leader and a grassroots worker have been given the opportunity. Such decisions motivate workers in the organisation," he said. Responding to Anand Sharma's remarks expressing disappointment over the decision, Kumar said Sharma is a senior leader with vast political experience and has held several important positions in the past. "Anand Sharma ji is our good friend and a very experienced leader. He has been a Rajya Sabha member earlier from Himachal Pradesh and also from Rajasthan. In 2004, he served in the Council of Ministers under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as Commerce Minister and also held the External Affairs portfolio. He has received the party's blessings from the time of Indira Gandhi till today," Kumar said. He added that sometimes the party has to make decisions, keeping organisational priorities in mind. "Many times the party has to consider organisational needs. At present, the focus is on strengthening the organisation and giving opportunities to the youth. There is no reason to be disappointed as the organisation is being strengthened," Kumar said. The minister also commented on the tenure of outgoing Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, saying his tenure was largely smooth despite some differences over certain bills. "His tenure was fine. There were some differences regarding certain bills, but later he cleared all of them. After all, the Governor holds a constitutional post," he said. Taking a swipe at the Centre over financial assistance to the state after natural disasters, Kumar said the state had expected relief but had not received adequate support. "The Prime Minister had visited Himachal Pradesh along with three Union Cabinet Ministers, and our Chief Secretary had presented the losses suffered by the state. The Prime Minister had assured an interim relief of Rs 1,500 crore for immediate assistance, but we have not received any relief so far. In terms of funds, nothing has come, though there have been many photographs," Kumar remarked sarcastically. He added that the state government continues to face financial challenges due to limited resources and a lack of adequate central assistance for disaster recovery. "Our financial situation is not strong enough to restore everything on our own. Funds are required for pensions and salaries as well. Our resources are limited. We are carrying out works through NABARD and other schemes by prioritising projects, but assistance from the Centre has not come," Kumar said. - ANI The German Foreign Ministry announced the allocation of additional funds to support Ukraine. "What strengthens Ukraine protects Europe. Despite the escalating conflict in the Middle East, support for Ukraine remains crucial. To ensure Ukraine can continue to resist Putins bombing campaign, Germany is allocating over EUR 200 million more for civil defense and emergency response," the ministry said on X. A recent research study found that a combination of the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide and bimagrumab, an antibody that blocks activin signaling pathways, results in greater weight loss while also preserving lean mass, such as skeletal muscle and connective tissue. In the paper "Bimagrumab and semaglutide alone or in combination for the treatment of obesity: a phase 2 randomized clinical trial," published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine, Dr. Steven Heymsfield of Pennington Biomedical Research Center describes the results of the BELIEVE study, which showed that the therapy combination addressed lean mass loss associated with GLP-1-based therapies. GLP-1-based therapies have been highly successful in reducing weight, but up to 40% of weight lost may come from lean mass. However, the study described in the paper indicates that the combination of semaglutide with bimagrumab delivered substantial weight loss over 72 weeks with lean mass preserved. "Obesity treatment has traditionally focused on the number on a scale. Patients with obesity who are at risk for low muscle mass, affecting both physical and metabolic function, may benefit from treatments that maximize fat mass reduction while preserving skeletal muscle," said Heymsfield, who is an LSU Boyd Professor and director of the Metabolism and Body Composition Laboratory. "Bimagrumab and semaglutide work through distinct biological pathways, and when combined, we observed not only a preservation of lean mass but also an additive reduction in fat mass that exceeded what either therapy achieved alone." Study participants were divided into groups, with some receiving bimagrumab only, some receiving semaglutide only, and others receiving the combination. Participants receiving only bimagrumab saw an average weight loss of 10.8%, with all weight loss attributable to fat mass and lean mass increasing by 2.5%. Those receiving only semaglutide lost an average of 15.7% of body weight, with 71.8% of the loss from fat mass. Participants receiving the drug combination lost an average of 22.1% of body weight, with 92.8% of the weight loss composed of fat mass while lean mass was largely preserved. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study administered the drugs at two dosing levels for each 10 or 30 mg/kg of bimagrumab and 1.0 or 2.4 mg of semaglutide used alone or in combination. These various combinations and doses resulted in nine randomized groups. Bimagrumab doses were administered every 12 weeks while semaglutide doses were administered weekly. In addition to weight loss, participants demonstrated up to an 83% decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a key marker of inflammation linked to cardiovascular risk, and a substantial increase in adiponectin, a protein hormone that supports insulin sensitivity, fat metabolism and anti-inflammatory processes. In a subgroup of participants with indicators of prediabetes, some of the two-drug combination therapy groups had 100% reversion to normoglycemia among participants with prediabetes at baseline, essentially moving them to a nonprediabetes status. The drug combination was generally well tolerated, with side effects consistent with the known profiles of the individual drugs. The trial demonstrated positive results in terms of both lean mass retention and weight loss, but researchers recommend continued clinical development and refinement of the drug combination to better understand the common adverse events observed in the bimagrumab groups, such as mild-to-moderate acne and muscle spasms. The study also points to a need for researchers to shift focus from weight and body mass index to other measurements such as body composition as more informative indicators of optimal obesity management. Eli Lilly and Company funded the study, which was designed by Versanis Bio, a wholly owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company. Versanis Bio oversaw the clinical trial and partially funded the study before its acquisition by Lilly. Source: Pennington Biomedical Research Center Journal reference: Heymsfield, S. B., et al. (2026). Bimagrumab plus semaglutide alone or in combination for the treatment of obesity: a randomized phase 2 trial. Nature Medicine. DOI: 10.1038/s41591-026-04204-0. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-026-04204-0 A longitudinal study tracking UK children from toddlerhood to early school age reveals how the timing of pandemic disruption shaped the development and stability of executive function during such a critical window of cognitive growth. Study: Tracking the trajectory of executive function from 2.5 to 6.5 years of age and the impact of COVID-19. Image credit: SB Arts Media/Shutterstock.com A recent study in the journal Child Development investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with differences in the developmental trajectory of executive function among preschool children. Children who were preschool-aged when COVID-19 lockdowns began showed different patterns of cognitive growth in young children, with outcomes linked to maternal education. Executive Function and Its Importance Executive function (EF) encompasses cognitive processes that underlie self-regulation, flexible adaptation, and sustained attention. As a supervisory system, EF coordinates core skills such as working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. Interest in EF has grown due to its strong associations with academic success, occupational and social outcomes, and overall well-being. To harness these benefits, understanding EFs early developmental trajectory is essential, as this knowledge guides the design of impactful interventions. Achieving effective early assessment and intervention, however, depends on the availability of age-appropriate measurement tools and longitudinal approaches, and progress is limited by persistent methodological challenges in clarifying how EF develops in early childhood. Challenges in Assessing Early Executive Function The rapid pace of early childhood development means that EF assessment tools must be frequently adapted. Tasks such as the A-not-B measure are useful in infancy but quickly become inadequate, and their limited longitudinal stability complicates long-term tracking of individual differences. Longitudinal studies often use different EF tasks at different ages, making it difficult to compare results and establish developmental continuity. Variability in task demands and the involvement of different cognitive components further complicate interpretation across time points. Moreover, as EF and its foundational components develop together, it is challenging to disentangle whether developmental changes reflect growth in core processes or in their coordination by higher-level executive systems. Integrative tasks, such as the Dimensional Change Card Sort (DCCS), which require children to switch rules and engage multiple executive domains, offer a promising way to address these limitations as language skills develop. Although empirical findings from the DCCS and its digital adaptations reveal rapid EF improvements between ages 3 and 5, inconsistent measurement across studies continues to limit inferences about the stability of individual differences over time. However, when the same task is used consistently, such as the DCCS across multiple age points, greater longitudinal stability in EF has been observed, suggesting that consistent measurement is key for tracking developmental trajectories. Analytical Approach to Longitudinal EF Assessment This study assessed the stability of early EF differences by repeatedly administering the DCCS and the tablet-based Minnesota Executive Function Scale (MEFS) to children aged 2.5 to 6.5 years. It also investigated the influence of maternal education as a key socioeconomic indicator, and whether the timing of assessments relative to the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with these developmental patterns. The study also examined whether childrens age at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with differences in their EF trajectories. Specifically, it compared younger (preschool) and older (early primary school) children across multiple assessments to determine whether these groups differed in their association with pandemic-related disruptions. EF was measured at 30 months before the pandemic and again at 78 months, with some children also assessed at intermediate ages, allowing for analysis of how the interval since the initial lockdown impacted the stability of individual differences in EF. The sample comprised 139 children (71 girls) from Norwich, UK. On average, mothers had a Bachelors degree, and the average family income was 40,646. Children with vision problems, color blindness risk, or early brain trauma were excluded. The study received ethical approval from NHS England. Impact of COVID-19, Age, and Maternal Education on Cognitive Growth In Children The study described childrens experiences during COVID-19 and lockdowns. About 40 % of the cohort had no formal childcare, 52 % attended some form of childcare, and 60 % had experienced COVID-19 at least once. Children who were older when the pandemic began reported COVID-19 infection somewhat more often, although the association was weak and only marginally significant. The most common activities were spending time outdoors, talking with adults, and reading, while watching TV, structured play, and video gaming were less frequent. The time since the COVID-19 lockdown was associated with the stability of childrens EF between ages 30 and 78 months. Children whose mothers had higher education generally had higher EF scores and showed a more consistent relationship between early and later EF scores, whereas children whose mothers had lower education showed a relationship that varied depending on how long after the lockdown the later assessment occurred. A key finding was that the relationship between EF at 30 and 78 months was weaker for children tested soon after the COVID-19 lockdown but stronger for those tested three to four years later. This suggests that the pandemic may have temporarily disrupted the stability of individual differences in EF measured across early childhood, which lessened over time. It highlights the importance of monitoring and supporting childrens cognitive development in the years following significant disruptions, such as a pandemic. The current study examined whether COVID-19 timing was related to group differences in EF growth trajectories. This analysis included age at COVID onset as a predictor in the group EF growth model, with 57 participants. Childrens initial EF was not associated with age at the onset of COVID, but younger children at the pandemics onset showed faster improvement over time. In this sample, children who were preschool-aged at the time of the first lockdown showed steeper EF growth trajectories than those already in the first year of primary school. The study does not establish the causes of this difference, but the authors suggest it may relate to differences in schooling disruption, social experiences, or illness exposure during the pandemic, as well as the possibility that stronger early EF skills may buffer children against environmental disruptions. Conclusions Childrens EF skills remain generally stable from 30 to 78 months of age, but the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a temporary weakening of this stability, especially in the years following the lockdown. Maternal education consistently correlated with childrens EF levels, with children of more highly educated mothers tending to have higher scores and more consistent relationships between early and later EF measurements. Notably, preschool-aged children in this sample demonstrated faster improvement in EF after the lockdown compared to those in primary school, suggesting that age at disruption and changes in social experiences may both play a role in developmental trajectories following major societal disruptions. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing support for childrens cognitive development following major disruptions. Download your PDF copy by clicking here. As spring pollen fills the air, it may be doing more than triggering sneezes. New research suggests it could also be quietly lowering students performance in high-stakes exams that shape their academic futures. Study: Pollen exposure and matriculation exam performance among students in Finland. Image credit: Alexander_Safonov/Shutterstock.com Pollen allergy is one cause of seasonal allergy, with hundreds of millions of cases occurring worldwide every year. While its impact on health and well-being is well known, little is known about how it affects academic performance. A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health assessed this aspect using data from more than 92,000 students who took the Finnish national high school matriculation examination during the pollen season between 2006 and 2020. Seasonal pollen may affect student performance outcomes Research has suggested that seasonal allergies can affect certain aspects of cognitive performance, with people experiencing allergies during pollen season performing worse on some mental tasks than those without allergies. However, only three studies have examined the association between pollen concentration and school performance. This prompted the present study, which sought to evaluate how ambient pollen levels affected examination scores in the Finnish national high school matriculation exam. This is an important milestone for students, as it carries significant weight in determining university eligibility. Analyzing exam scores alongside pollen and weather data The study included students who wrote the examinations in Helsinki and Turku metropolitan areas and neighbouring municipalities in southern Finland between 2006 and 2020. Daily counts of alder and hazel pollen were measured during the study period, as these are the main tree species releasing pollen during the spring examination period in Finland. Air pollution was also assessed, and weather data were obtained from the Finnish Meteorological Institute. A student-semester fixed-effects regression model was used to assess the association of pollen exposure with student performance in the matriculation examination. Higher alder and hazel pollen linked to lower exam scores On average, every increase of 10 pollen grains per cubic meter of air was linked to a small reduction in examination scores. For alder and hazel pollen, scores declined by 0.0034 and 0.0144 standard deviations (SD), respectively, equivalent to drops of 0.042 and 0.17 exam points. The association became slightly stronger after accounting for temperature, air pollution, and rainfall during examination hours. When the results were analysed by sex, a statistically significant decrease in scores was observed among female students exposed to higher levels of alder pollen. For every 10 additional alder pollen grains, scores declined by 0.0053 SD (0.0652 exam points). A similar trend was observed among male students, although the association was not statistically significant. The effect was most pronounced in mathematics-related subjects. Alder pollen exposure was associated with lower mathematics scores in both sexes, while hazel pollen exposure was linked to reduced scores mainly among males. In these subjects, a 10-grain increase in alder and hazel pollen corresponded to score reductions of 0.0118 and 0.0328 SD, respectively. Researchers suggest this may reflect the higher levels of accuracy and sustained concentration required in mathematical tasks. Further analysis grouped pollen exposure into low, moderate, and abundant levels. This revealed an inverted U-shaped relationship between alder pollen levels and exam performance. At low pollen concentrations, mathematics and overall exam scores declined by 2.066 and 0.738 points, respectively. For hazel pollen, the reductions were 0.962 and 0.615 points. At moderate pollen levels, the association with exam scores was not statistically significant. However, when alder pollen concentrations exceeded 100 grains per cubic meter, the effect became strongest, with declines of 5.065 points in mathematics scores and 1.390 points across all subjects. Strengths and limitations The pollen data came from nationally established monitoring systems, but are not directly traceable to individuals or schools. Instead, it reflects regional average pollen concentrations measured at monitoring sites and represents broader surrounding areas. Standardized data were obtained from multiple monitoring sites, providing a comprehensive picture of air quality and of the weather. The statistical approach used captured variation in each students performance over time, without requiring between-student comparisons. This helped avoid multiple confounding factors, such as natural learning style or learning ability. Both pollen sources were studied separately, even though the flowers together partially share pollen seasons. This could lead to multicollinearity. Moreover, the study population was not selected based on allergy status, and the dataset did not include information on whether individual students had pollen allergies. The researchers also conducted a falsification test using pollen counts from one week after the examination dates, which showed no association with exam scores and strengthened confidence that the observed effects were linked to pollen exposure during the exam period. The findings compared well with previous studies showing that primary school students performed better on reading and math tests on days when pollen levels were low. The putative explanations include the taxing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which affect well-being. Another hypothesis is that airborne allergens may influence brain function through mechanisms such as systemic inflammation and immune activation, thereby reducing mental clarity and impairing memory. Future research should examine whether students with pollen allergy experience a greater decrease in examination scores than those without it. If so, pollen exposure can affect the future of students with pollen allergy who are undertaking important examinations. Pollen exposure may subtly influence performance in crucial exams The study suggests that pollen exposure is associated with lower examination scores at matriculation, potentially affecting future opportunities. If validated, these findings indicate that better awareness of pollen exposure and timely management of allergy symptoms, including appropriate medication, could help reduce symptoms that might otherwise affect performance during important examinations. Download your PDF copy by clicking here. A machine-learning model developed by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators may provide clinicians with an early warning of a complication that can occur late in pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a sudden onset condition that involves high blood pressure prior to delivery. It affects about 2% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide and can have serious consequences for both parent and child. A new study, published March 6 in JAMA Network Open, describes a machine-learning-based computer model that provides continually updated predictions of preeclampsia risk based on electronic health record data recorded late in pregnancy. The study was co-led by Dr. Fei Wang, associate dean for AI and data science and the Frances and John L. Loeb Professor of Medical Informatics in Department of Population Health Sciences at Weill Cornell Medicine, and Dr. Zhen Zhao, professor of clinical pathology and laboratory medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine and central laboratory director at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Clinical expertise in obstetrics was provided by Dr. Tracy Grossman, assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine and a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. Existing models that assess preeclampsia risk during the first trimester are primarily used as early warnings, allowing clinicians to prescribe aspirin as a preventive medication early in the pregnancy and provide additional monitoring throughout at-risk pregnancies. While these approaches may reduce the risk of early-onset preeclampsia, their predictive accuracy is limited for late-onset and term cases, which account for the majority of preeclampsia diagnoses. As a result, few tools are available to help predict short-term preeclampsia risk during the last trimester of pregnancy when most cases arise. To fill this gap, co-first authors Dr. Haoyang Li, a postdoctoral associate in population health sciences, and Dr. Yaxin Li, a postdoctoral associate in pathology and laboratory medicine, worked with Drs. Wang, Zhao and Grossman to develop and test a preeclampsia modeling tool using deidentified electronic health record data on almost 59,000 pregnancies at three NewYork-Presbyterian hospitals. The team created the model using data on 35,895 pregnancies of patients who delivered at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center between October 2020 and May 2025. The model most accurately predicted the likelihood of preeclampsia around 34 weeks, potentially giving clinicians time to take preventive measures. The team then validated their model using data from 8,664 pregnancies at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital and 14,280 at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. The model showed the pregnant patient's blood pressure was the strongest predictor of preeclampsia. However, early in the third trimester, abnormal results from routine testing of the patient's blood may also suggest potential risk. These laboratory results may suggest that emerging problems with the placenta, which provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, could be contributing to preeclampsia at this stage. Later in the third trimester, the patient's age and white blood cell count became more important indicators, suggesting inflammation may be playing a role at this time. The model may help clinicians identify patients in the third trimester of pregnancy most likely to develop preeclampsia and provide them additional lead time to take timely clinical action, including enhanced monitoring, blood pressure management, and decisions around delivery timing. Unlike earlier approaches that provide a single, static risk estimate, this model continuously updates preeclampsia risk with current electronic health record data as pregnancy progresses, aligning prediction with real-world clinical decision-making in late pregnancy. More study is needed to determine if preeclampsia at different stages of the third trimester has distinct causes, like placental dysfunction or systemic inflammation. But if those patterns are confirmed, they may help clinicians develop more targeted preeclampsia interventions that address the root causes. Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have made an important discovery about how genetic mutations in breast cancer patients can interact and drive resistance to certain drugs called CDK4/6 inhibitors. This finding, published in Nature, suggests a new strategy for predicting and preventing resistance to specific therapies based on the tumor's genetic profile. This represents a major advance in understanding and predicting cancer behavior in response to treatment." Pedram Razavi, MD, PhD, Physician-Scientist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Razavi led the study with physician-scientist Sarat Chandarlapaty, MD, PhD. The study's first author was Anton Safonov, MD, a physician-scientist in the MSK Breast Translational Program. "To our knowledge, this is the first example showing that a complete genomic analysis of breast cancer, including both inherited and tumor-specific alterations, can predict the precise biological mechanism of resistance before therapy even begins," Dr. Razavi adds. Predicting gene loss and breast cancer therapy resistance Many patients with breast cancer eventually develop resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitor combinations. But about 10 percent do so in a specific way: Their cancer cells lose a protective gene called RB1. The new study found two warning signs before treatment that a patient may develop resistance: DNA repair problems, especially one called homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), where cancer cells can't fix broken DNA properly. The initial genetic makeup of the tumor, which can help doctors predict which cancers might lose the RB1 gene. These findings provide a path toward identifying high-risk tumors and guiding more personalized treatment decisions. Based on the discovery, a global, randomized phase 3 clinical trial called EvoPAR-Breast01 is now enrolling patients to test the new approach for their first treatment, which replaces CDK4/6 inhibitors and instead uses therapies targeting HRD. Patients in the trial have newly diagnosed ER-positive, HRD-positive metastatic breast cancer. "Cancers don't have endless ways to escape treatment," Dr. Razavi says. "They are one- or two-trick ponies, and those tricks are often determined by their inherited or tumor-specific genetic features. If we can predict what they're capable of, we can intercept it before the resistance happens. That's what we're trying to do in this trial - forecast the mechanism of resistance and hopefully improve the outcomes for our patients." Key findings The research involved analyzing data from more than 5,800 MSK breast cancer patients to understand how inherited (germline) and acquired (somatic) genetic changes affect how a breast tumor grows and responds to therapy. This analysis revealed: Patients born with mutations in the BRCA2 gene are more likely to have additional mutations in another gene called RB1. These patients do poorly when they are treated with the standard CDK4/6 inhibitorbased therapy. Tumors carrying only a single copy of the RB1 gene before starting CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment are much more likely to develop complete RB1 loss. Underlying DNA repair defects - especially HRD - further drive the resistance mechanism. In preclinical models supported by clinical data, drugs called PARP inhibitors resulted in better outcomes than CDK4/6 inhibitors in tumors with HRD. Importantly, some tumors developed "reversion mutations" that restore DNA repair function. Once HRD is reversed, these tumors may regain sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitors. This suggests that using PARP inhibitors early may not only improve initial outcomes, but also potentially restore responsiveness to CDK4/6 inhibitors later. Research background and results The research is part of a broader effort at MSK to anticipate and counteract breast cancer treatment resistance, led by Dr. Razavi, Dr. Chandarlapaty, and other MSK experts from many disciplines. Since 2018, research efforts led by Dr. Chandarlapaty and Dr. Razavi have uncovered multiple mechanisms by which breast cancers develop resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors, including loss of RB1 function and alterations in another tumor suppressor, TP53. In this latest study, the researchers found that inheriting a BRCA2 mutation - and certain other genes linked to HRD - can cause DNA problems that make it more likely for the RB1 gene to mutate as well. This explains why these patients don't respond well to CDK4/6 inhibitors - losing both tumor suppressor genes is like a car with failed brakes smashing through a barrier. In addition, the researchers showed that defective DNA repair through HRD independently increases the likelihood of acquiring RB1 alterations. To extend the analogy, this is akin to a car with a frayed brake line: It may appear functional at first but is particularly vulnerable to failing under stress. "This study gives us the opportunity to address drug resistance proactively, rather than reactively," Dr. Safonov says. "This will allow us to stay one step ahead of breast cancer by gaining the ability to peek at its 'battle plans." In a series of lab experiments conducted in Dr. Chandarlapaty's laboratory, co-first author Minna Lee, MD, used patient-derived xenograft models from BRCA2-mutant breast cancers. She found that CDK4/6 inhibitors did not work as well on these tumors, which were prone to losing the RB1 gene during treatment. These laboratory results confirmed and explained what doctors were seeing in patients: There was a biological reason why these treatments failed. Importantly, collaborating with international research partners, the team showed that PARP inhibitors consistently worked better than CDK4/6 inhibitors in HRD-positive tumors. The lab evidence strongly supported giving patients with DNA repair problems (HRD-positive) PARP inhibitors first instead of CDK4/6 inhibitors. The convergence of genomic, laboratory, and clinical evidence led to quick approval to launch the global phase 3 EvoPAR-Breast01 clinical trial. "This highlights the strength of our program and how we are able to very quickly translate our findings to a potentially practice-changing clinical trial," Dr. Razavi says. "There aren't many examples where translational data were compelling enough to move directly into a phase 3 study without developing earlier clinical evidence." "This study underscores how critical it is to integrate clinical observations with rigorous laboratory modeling," Dr. Chandarlapaty says. "The ability to test hypotheses generated from data in patient-derived models and engineered cell lines allows us to move beyond correlation and establish biological causality. This gives us the confidence to design trials that meaningfully change patient care." The trial will evaluate whether the combination of the highly selective PARP inhibitor drug saruparib and the hormonal therapy camizestrant is more effective than treatments with standard-of-care CDK4/6 inhibitors and hormonal therapy. Essential research partners Dr. Razavi and the MSK team expressed sincere appreciation to the thousands of patients who have participated in MSK's translational research programs. Their willingness to contribute clinical and genomic data made this work possible and allowed investigators to translate biological discoveries into more informed treatment approaches. The team is especially grateful to one patient who participated through MSK's Last Wish Program, a rapid research autopsy program that collects and stores tissue samples to advance scientific discovery. "One of my patients called me to the hospital near the end of her life to discuss something important," Dr. Razavi recalls. "Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, she was already unconscious, but her parents told me she had said, 'I know he's doing research on this, and I want to help, even after my death.' The tumor samples she ultimately provided - and the models derived from them - turned out to be critical for validating our findings and making this study a reality." Dr. Razavi also emphasized that strong academicindustry collaboration is essential for success. "We are grateful to our collaborators at AstraZeneca for recognizing the strength of our scientific evidence and for their willingness to advance this strategy decisively into a global phase 3 trial," he says. "Partnerships like this are critical to bringing our scientific discoveries to patients efficiently and responsibly." Key takeaways Research conducted by MSK has revealed significant insights into how certain inherited and tumor-specific genetic alterations can drive resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors in metastatic breast cancer. Patients with inherited mutations in the BRCA2 gene are more likely to develop additional mutations in the RB1 gene. These patients often do not respond well to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Tumors carrying a single copy of RB1 before treatment are much more likely to develop complete RB1 loss from CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy. Based on these findings, the researchers propose that breast cancer patients with HRD-positive tumors, including many with BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 mutations should be treated with PARP inhibitors instead of CDK4/6 inhibitors as their initial therapy to delay or even prevent resistance. The EvoPAR-Breast01 trial, now enrolling patients, aims to test this new frontline strategy. Mariana Bueno, an Assistant Professor at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, is the lead author of a recently published Cochrane review investigating the administration of sucrose as a form of pain management for hospitalized infants who undergo venepuncture. The review which included studies worldwide, found that sucrose administration stood out as an effective and safe option to manage pain and provide comfort to babies during venepuncture, especially when compared to no treatment. Giving infants a pacifier in addition to sucrose, can make the analgesic or pain-relieving effects of sucrose even better." Mariana Bueno, Assistant Professor, Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing Other forms of pain management intervention for infants can include skin to skin, breastfeeding, or topical anesthetics. Bueno notes that further research will be needed to compare the effectiveness of these interventions to sucrose administration, but the findings from this study indicate that, when possible, a pain intervention should be used before venepuncture. "These findings also support what is already a recommendation in many infant care guidelines when it comes to sucrose administration," says Bueno, who is also a Pain Scientist at the University of Toronto Centre for the Study of Pain (UTCSP). "The challenge remains that more clinicians need to find a way to routinely implement pain management strategies for procedures." Venepuncture, the procedure focused on in this review, is one that hospitalized infants are frequently submitted to, either for blood tests or to give fluids and medication through IV insertion. When performed by a skilled clinician, venepuncture can be less painful than heel lancing the other method used for blood draws in infants but it is often unsuccessful on the first attempt. "We know that procedural pain for infants is poorly managed in low, middle and high-income countries, and that repeated exposure to untreated acute pain at early stages in life may lead to short and long-term changes to the structure and connectivity of the somatosensory system essentially how the brain processes and perceives external stimuli," says Bueno. It is also widely understood that repetitive and untreated pain in the early stages of life has a negative impact on growth and development. Infants hospitalized for extended periods of time are at an even greater risk of experiencing these negative side effects because they may be more repeatedly exposed to acute pain for procedures. Sucrose is considered a medication, and Bueno adds that long-term effects of repetitive sucrose use, still need to be further evaluated. Clinicians she says, would need to be judicious in prescribing it, to avoid it being used unnecessarily to manage stress or crying in infants. Yet still, it is not used often enough in clinical practice settings. "Sucrose is easy to administer on the baby's tongue two minutes before the procedure," says Bueno. "But there is a gap in the work being done to engage clinicians in changing their practice and using this evidence more intentionally when caring for hospitalized infants." To address some of these barriers, Bueno notes that clinicians might follow a priority list for pain management strategies for infants. "A first choice would be to offer skin to skin, then breastfeeding, and if those options are not available then sucrose should be administered. The message from our findings is ultimately that infants need and should receive pain management before a procedure such as venepuncture," says Bueno. Bueno adds that NICU's are also complex and fast-paced environments and clinicians may not provide pain management for infants because they feel the procedure is quick, and the baby won't remember. Lack of supply is also an issue, with doses not being readily available worldwide creating an additional barrier to using sucrose. "These challenges can be addressed," says Bueno, "By using clinical practice guidelines and locally developed evidence-based protocols, we can improve pain care in NICUs. Aging in later life is often portrayed as a steady slide toward physical and cognitive decline. But a new study by scientists at Yale University suggests an alternate narrative - that older individuals can and do improve over time and their mindset toward aging plays a major part in their success. Analyzing more than a decade of data from a large, nationally representative study of older Americans, lead author Becca R. Levy, a professor of social and behavioral sciences at the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH), found that nearly half of adults aged 65 and older showed measurable improvement in cognitive function, physical function, or both, over time. The improvements were not limited to a small group of exceptional individuals and, notably, were linked to a powerful but often overlooked factor: how people think about aging itself. "Many people equate aging with an inevitable and continuous loss of physical and cognitive abilities," said Levy, an international expert on psychosocial determinants of aging health. "What we found is that improvement in later life is not rare, it's common, and it should be included in our understanding of the aging process." The findings are published in the journal Geriatrics. For the study, the researchers followed more than 11,000 participants in the Health and Retirement Study, a federally supported longitudinal survey of older Americans. The research team tracked changes in cognition using a global performance assessment, and physical function using walking speed - often described by geriatricians as a "vital sign" because of its strong links to disability, hospitalization, and mortality. Over a follow-up period of up to 12 years, 45% of participants improved in at least one of the two domains, according to the study. About 32% improved cognitively, 28% improved physically, and many experienced gains that exceeded thresholds considered clinically meaningful. When participants whose cognitive scores remained stable over that period (rather than declining) were included, more than half defied the stereotype of inevitable deterioration in cognition. "What's striking is that these gains disappear when you only look at averages," said Levy, author of the book "Breaking the Age Code: How Your Beliefs About Aging Determine How Long & How Well You Live." "If you average everyone together, you see decline. But when you look at individual trajectories, you uncover a very different story. A meaningful percentage of the older participants that we studied got better." The authors also examined potential reasons for why some people improve and some do not. They hypothesized that an important factor could be participants' baseline age beliefs - or, specifically, whether they had assimilated more positive or more negative views about aging by the start of the study. In support of this hypothesis, they found that those with more positive age beliefs were significantly more likely to show improvements in both cognition and walking speed, even after accounting for factors such as age, sex, education, chronic disease, depression, and length of follow-up. The findings build on Levy's stereotype embodiment theory, which posits that age stereotypes absorbed from culture - through a range of domains including social media and advertisements - eventually become self-relevant and biologically consequential. Levy's prior studies have found negative age beliefs predict poorer memory, slower walking speed, higher cardiovascular risk, and biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease. The current study shows that those who have assimilated more positive age beliefs often show improvement, Levy said. Our findings suggest there is often a reserve capacity for improvement in later life. And because age beliefs are modifiable, this opens the door to interventions at both the individual and societal level." Becca R. Levy, professor of social and behavioral sciences, Yale School of Public Health The improvements were not limited to people who started out with impairments. Even among participants who had normal cognitive or physical function at baseline, a substantial proportion improved over time. That challenges the assumption that later-life gains reflect only people getting better after being sick or rebounding from earlier setbacks, the authors said. The authors hope their findings will reverse the popular perception that continuous decline is inevitable and encourage policy makers to increase their support for preventive care, rehabilitation, and other health-promoting programs for older persons that draw on their potential resilience. Martin Slade, a lecturer in occupational medicine at Yale School of Medicine and in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at YSPH, is co-author of the study. This research was supported by funding from the National Institute on Aging. Photo: https://x.com/andrii_sybiha/status/ Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungary actually took 7 employees of Oschadbank hostage and stole money. "Hungarian authorities effectively took seven Ukrainian citizens hostage in Budapest today. The reasons remain unknown, as does their condition or ability to communicate. The seven Ukrainians are employees of state-owned Oschadbank. They were operating two bank vehicles transiting between Austria and Ukraine carrying cash as part of regular service between state banks," Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha wrote on Facebook. Sybiha emphasized that Hungary has effectively taken hostages and stolen money. "If this is the same strength that Mr. Orban spoke of earlier today, then it is the strength of a criminal group. This is state terrorism and racketeering," he said. "We have already sent an official note demanding the immediate release of our citizens. We will also appeal to the European Union to provide a clear legal assessment of Hungarys illegal actions the taking of hostages and robbery," Sybiha said. Oschadbanks press service said two Oschadbank cash collection vehicles were detained without grounds in Hungary while conducting regular transportation of foreign currency and bank metals between Raiffeisen Bank Austria and Oschadbank Ukraine. "The transportation of funds and valuables was carried out by Oschadbank within the framework and in fulfillment of an international agreement with Raiffeisen Bank, Austria. The cargo was processed according to international transportation rules and current European customs procedures. The value of assets in the seized vehicles was $40 million, EUR 35 million and 9 kilograms of gold," the banks press service said. The detained vehicles are currently located in central Budapest near one of Hungarys security agencies, according to the statement. The location of the vehicles was confirmed by representatives of Ukraines embassy in Hungary to the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine. However, the whereabouts of the Oschadbank employees remain unknown. "Oschadbank demands the immediate release of its employees and property and their return to Ukraine," the press service said. Bank management is in contact with Ukraines Foreign Ministry and law enforcement agencies to coordinate further actions, the statement said. Marc Ernstoff, a physician who has pioneered immunotherapy research and treatments for cancer patients, said his work as a federal scientist proved untenable under the Trump administration. Philip Stewart, a Rocky Mountain Laboratories researcher focused on tick-borne diseases, said he retired two years earlier than planned because of hurdles that made it too challenging to do his job well. Alexa Romberg, an addiction prevention scientist focused on tobacco, said she "lost a great deal" of the research she oversaw when federal grants vanished. "If one is thinking about the 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda and the prevention of chronic disease," Romberg said, "tobacco use is the No. 1 contributor to early morbidity and mortality that we can prevent." The National Institutes of Health is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, with a mission statement to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness." Over decades, the value of the NIH may be the one thing everyone in Washington has agreed on. Lawmakers have routinely boosted its funding. "I'm so pleased to be associated with NIH," former Sen. Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican and one of the NIH's biggest champions in Congress, said in 2022 shortly before he retired. But in President Donald Trump's second term, the NIH has seen an exodus of scientists like Ernstoff, Stewart, and Romberg. Federal data shows the NIH lost about 4,400 people more than 20% of its workforce. Scientists say the departures harm the U.S.' ability to respond to disease outbreaks, develop treatments for chronic illnesses, and confront the nation's most pressing public health problems. "People are going to get hurt," said Sylvia Chou, a scientist who worked at the National Cancer Institute in Rockville, Maryland, for over 15 years before she left in January. "There's going to be a lot more health challenges and even deaths, because we need science in order to help people get healthy." Why they're leaving KFF Health News interviewed a half dozen scientists who said they quit their jobs years before they'd planned to because of the tumult of 2025. Only a few years ago, the NIH workforce was steadily growing, from roughly 17,700 employees in fiscal year 2019 to around 21,100 in fiscal 2024, federal data shows. Under Trump, those gains have been slashed. The Trump administration enacted a campaign to purge government workers perceived as disloyal to the president. People were fired or encouraged to leave. Officials instituted a months-long freeze on hiring. The NIH workforce has plummeted to about 17,100 people its lowest level in at least two decades. Most who left weren't fired. Roughly 4 in 5 either retired, quit, had appointments that expired, or transferred to a different job, according to federal data. Scientists watched with dread as their colleagues were forced to terminate research funds for topics the Trump administration deemed off-limits. Across NIH labs, routine work stalled. They said they faced major delays in accessing equipment and supplies. Travel authorizations were slowed or denied. Agency staff were instructed not to communicate with anyone outside the agency. When they could talk again, they were subject to greater constraints on what they could present to the public. And under the administration's agenda to eliminate "diversity, equity, and inclusion," references to minorities or health equity were purged from NIH-funded research. Initiatives to protect Americans' health were gutted. Among them: support for early-career scientists, ways to prevent harm from HIV or substance use, and efforts to study how different populations' immune systems respond to disease. In a January op-ed, Chou and Romberg were among a group of NIH scientists who said they resigned in protest of an administration "that treats science not as a process for building knowledge, but as a means to advance its political agenda." A 'fundamental destruction' Health and Human Services spokesperson Emily Hilliard said in a statement that the agency had shifted to focus on evidence-based research over "ideological agendas." She said the NIH is still recruiting "the best and brightest" and advancing high-quality science to "deliver breakthroughs for the American people." The federal health department oversees NIH. "A major reset was overdue. HHS has taken action to streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and return to pre-pandemic employment levels," Hilliard said. Many scientists, however, question whether the NIH can still fulfill its public mission. "There's been a fundamental destruction," said Daniel Dulebohn, a researcher who spent nearly two decades at Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton, Montana. It's going to "take a very, very long time to rebuild." Dulebohn left the NIH's infectious disease and allergy institute in September. He analyzed how molecules and proteins interact in diseases, such as Lyme disease, HIV, and Alzheimers information that's key for new treatments. Dulebohn was a resource for scientists when they hit walls trying to understand, for example, if molecules could prevent infection or react to a treatment. Now he and his wife are living off savings in Mexico with their three young kids. Dulebohn's thinking about what's next. One option: real estate. The expert in biochemical analysis operated equipment few others know how to use. His exit further depletes resources in the specialty. "Its clear when someone comes out with a drug and now youve just cured a disease. But you never know which ones could have been cured," Dulebohn said. "We dont know what weve lost." Laura Stark, a Vanderbilt University associate professor who specializes in the history of medicine and science, said wiping out NIH staff will propel a shift toward private-industry research, with its profit motives, "as opposed to actually helping American health." "We just don't have people who are now able to pursue research for the public good," Stark said. From support to scrutiny Stark said the seeds of the present-day NIH were planted during World War II when the U.S. government spearheaded an effort to mass-produce the antibiotic penicillin to save soldiers from infections. The agency has played a central role in lifesaving discoveries and treatments including for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis. With bipartisan backing from Congress, the NIH budget has grown significantly over time, sitting at $48.7 billion for fiscal 2026. The NIH allocates roughly 11% of its budget for agency scientists. About 80% is awarded to universities and other institutions. The money may be there, but the people who get it out the door are not, scientists said. Jennifer Troyer left the National Human Genome Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, on Dec. 31, after working in various positions at the NIH for about 25 years. The division she led reviews research and oversees grants to organizations studying the human genome or a person's complete set of genes and how it can be used to benefit health. Last year, she said, her division lost about two-thirds of its staff. "There really are not enough people there right now to actually get the work done," Troyer said. "It's extreme harm." She decided to quit the day Trump issued an executive order in August that prohibited the use of grants to "fund, promote, encourage, subsidize, or facilitate" what it described as "anti-American values." It also allowed political appointees to review all funding decisions. "I wasn't going to operate a division under those orders," Troyer said. She hasn't figured out her next career steps. 'Enough is enough' Research aligned with the administration's stated priorities has suffered. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease a tick-borne infection that can cause debilitating lifelong symptoms a priority. In December, Kennedy said the government had long dismissed patients burdened with a disease that nearly 500,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with annually. That same month, Stewart, who had dedicated his career to ticks and Lyme disease as a federal scientist, retired early. Hed worked for the government for 27 years. Stewart said workforce cuts and travel delays stalled his efforts to confirm how far Lyme-carrying ticks had spread information that could help doctors recognize symptoms sooner. Stewart was a lead scientist on research published last year identifying a black-legged tick, or deer tick, in Montana. It was the first time the tick best known for transmitting Lyme disease had been confirmed in the state. He wanted to determine if the discovery was a fluke or an indicator that the species was gaining ground. "The advice weve been getting is, 'Put your head down below the trench line. Dont look. Dont peek over and risk getting shot,'" Stewart said. "At what point do you finally say, 'Enough is enough' and 'Were not being effective anymore'? Scientists said those early in their careers are looking abroad for jobs and training. People who want to stay in the U.S. are running into problems getting hired because of cuts to research grants and uncertainty about funding. Collectively, people studying diseases warn the U.S. could lose its long-held position as the global leader in biomedical research, with devastating impact. Stanley Perlman, a University of Iowa virologist who studies pediatric infectious diseases, said that title earned the nation more than prestige; it drew top scientists from the world over to the U.S. to study diseases that particularly affect people here. Theres no guarantee halted research will be picked up elsewhere, whether by private industry or other countries. If others are doing that work, Americans could face delays in seeing benefits, he said. "If you don't have access to how the work was done," Perlman said, "it's harder to reproduce and adapt it for your country." KFF Health News data editor Holly K. Hacker contributed to this report. The ambitious liver doctor would go just about anywhere in his home state to give people the hepatitis B vaccine. Bill Cassidy offered jabs to thousands of inmates at Louisiana's maximum-security prison in the early 2000s. A decade before that, he set up vaccine clinics in middle schools, a model hailed nationally as a success. "He got that whole generation immunized in East Baton Rouge," said Holley Galland, a retired doctor who worked with Cassidy vaccinating schoolchildren. About the same time, a lawyer and environmental activist with a famous last name was starting to build the loyal anti-vaccine coalition that, two decades later, would move President Donald Trump to nominate him as the nation's top health official. Today, a year after now-Sen. Cassidy warily cast the vote that ensured Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s ascension to that role, the Louisiana Republican's lifes work - in medicine and in politics - is unraveling. Newborn hepatitis B vaccination rates in the U.S. had plunged to 73% as of August, down 10 percentage points since a February 2023 high, according to research published in JAMA last month. In December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices - remade by Kennedy - voted to revoke a two-decade-old recommendation that all newborns get the shot. The next month, Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, a Cassidy challenger in what's shaping up to be a competitive Republican Senate primary. Letlow's foray into politics began in 2021 when she took the seat won by her husband, left vacant after he died from covid. KFF Health News made multiple requests for comment from Cassidy over three months. His staff declined to make him available for an interview or provide comment. Letlow's campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Rise of the skeptics As the May primary nears, some Louisiana doctors are worried they've begun a long trek down a dark road when it comes to vaccine-preventable diseases. Last year, on the day Kennedy was sworn in a thousand miles away in Washington, Louisiana's health department stopped promoting vaccines, halting its clinics and advertising. Its communications about an ongoing whooping cough outbreak in the state have nearly ceased. It took months for the state to announce last year that two infants had died from the illness. A Louisiana child's death from the flu was confirmed this January, and a couple of cases of measles were reported last year. Spokespeople for the Louisiana Department of Health did not respond to questions. "It's so hard to see children get sick from illnesses that they should have never gotten in the first place," said Mikki Bouquet, a pediatrician in Baton Rouge. "You want to just scream into the void of this community over how they failed this child." As anti-vaccine forces have taken hold of the state and federal health departments, Cassidy has lamented the consequences. "Families are getting sick and people are dying from vaccine-preventable deaths, and that tragedy needs to stop," he wrote on social media last fall. But while it is Cassidy's duty as chairman of the Senate's Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee to conduct oversight of the health department, Kennedy has appeared before the committee just once since he was confirmed. The secretary speaks at a "regular clip" with Cassidy, said Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon. Kennedy's department has elevated Louisiana vaccine skeptics. The state surgeon general who terminated Louisiana's vaccine campaign, Ralph Abraham, was named deputy director of the CDC. (He left the role in February.) And Kennedy handpicked Evelyn Griffin, a Baton Rouge OB-GYN who later replaced Abraham as the state surgeon general, for an appointment to ACIP. Griffin has suggested the covid vaccine had dangerous side effects for young patients. Research has shown that serious side effects from the vaccinations are rare and that the shots saved millions of lives during the pandemic. Cassidy "has really not had an outspoken chorus of policy supporters" when it comes to inoculating people, said Michael Henderson, a professor of political communication at Louisiana State University. "There's not a lot of political stakes in doing that in Louisiana if you're a Republican." Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry reprimanded Cassidy after the senator called for the state's health department to ease access to covid shots. "Why don't you just leave a prescription for the dangerous Covid shot at your district office and anyone can swing by and get one!" the Republican quipped on X in September. On 'eggshells' in the exam room On a sunny February afternoon, as Carnival floats were readied to parade the streets of New Orleans, pediatrician Katie Brown approached a basement apartment on a well-child visit. Cowboy boot pendants dangled from her ears, and a pack of diapers were clutched tightly in her arms. The patient, a toddler who waved at the sight of visitors, was up to date on her immunizations. But when Brown suggested a covid vaccine, the girl's mother quickly declined, noting she had never gotten the shot either. Many of Brown's young patients - seen through Nest Health, which offers in-home visits covered by Louisiana's Medicaid program - are current with their vaccines. Brown said home visits make parents more comfortable immunizing their children, but she's still spending more time these days explaining what they're getting in those shots. "After covid vaccines, that's when some people just decided, 'I don't know if I trust vaccines, period,'" she said. Across the state, vaccination rates have declined since the pandemic, falling short of the levels scientists say are required to achieve herd immunity for some deadly diseases, including measles. About 92% of Louisiana's kindergartners have had the recommended two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The New Orleans Health Department has tried to step up with a $100,000 immunization campaign of its own, with clinics and billboards, during this year's flu season, said Jennifer Avegno, the department's director. But the state's absence is felt. Other parishes across Louisiana have not taken similar action, leaving doctors largely on their own to promote immunizations. "I'll say that with certainty," Avegno said. "It's been a blow to not have a statewide coordination." A day after Brown's home visit, a mother in Baton Rouge shook her head when Bouquet offered a flu shot for her 10-year-old daughter in an exam room. In the waiting room, parents could thumb through a handmade book that offers scientific facts to counter fears about vaccines. A laminated guide placed in each exam room explained the benefits of each recommended immunization. Bouquet said she's experimenting with ways to educate parents about vaccines without seeming overbearing. She still hasn't figured out a surefire formula. Some parents now shut down any vaccine talk, and she worries others skip scheduling appointments to avoid the topic entirely. "We're having to walk on eggshells a bit to determine how to get that trust back," Bouquet said. "And maybe these discussions can come up in future visits." Pro-vax, pro-anti-vaxxer Children's Health Defense, the nonprofit that Kennedy helmed, worked to erode vaccine trust during the pandemic - falsely claiming, for instance, that covid shots cause organ damage and that polio vaccines were at fault for a rise in the disease. The organization also sued the federal government over the mRNA-based covid shots, hoping to get their emergency authorizations from the Food and Drug Administration revoked. When Kennedy came before Cassidy's committee in January 2025 as Trump's nominee for health secretary, the senator-doctor saw risks if the prominent anti-vaccine lawyer was confirmed. Cassidy described a time years ago when he loaded an 18-year-old onto a helicopter to get an emergency liver transplant. The young woman had acute hepatitis B, an incurable disease that is spread primarily through blood or bodily fluids and can lead to liver failure. It was "the worst day of my medical career," he said, addressing Kennedy at the witness table in front of him. "Because I thought, $50 of vaccines could have prevented this all." Cassidy started in politics in 2006 as a state senator, winning election to the U.S. House two years later. When he first ran for the U.S. Senate, in 2014, he charmed Louisiana voters with campaign ads showing him dressed in scrubs and a white lab coat, talking about his work with Hurricane Katrina evacuees and patients at Baton Rouge's public hospital. But some Republicans soured on Cassidy after he voted to convict Trump on an article of impeachment charging him with inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The impeachment vote has hampered Cassidy's reelection bid this year in a state where Trump captured 60% of the vote in 2024. "Cassidy has things that are associated with his name: the impeachment vote in 2021," Henderson said. Cassidy's loyalty to Trump was tested again with Kennedy's nomination. Cassidy said he endorsed Kennedy after extracting pledges that he wouldn't tinker with the nation's vaccination program. But since taking office, Kennedy has largely ignored those promises, and Cassidy hasn't publicly rebuked him. RFK Jr. Made Lots of Promises. Hes Broken Many of Them. Play Former Texas congressman Michael Burgess served for years with Cassidy in the House, where they were founding members of the GOP Doctors Caucus, started in 2009. He said Cassidy's discomfort with some of Kennedy's actions is palpable. "You could hear some of the pain in Sen. Cassidy's voice when he was addressing that the secretary wanted to drop the birth dose of hepatitis B," Burgess said. "You got cases to nearly zero on hepatitis B. It was painful to him to think about taking this away from the population." Retired Baton Rouge nurse practitioner Elizabeth Britton has switched her party affiliation so she can vote in the closed Republican primary for Cassidy, with whom she vaccinated inmates decades ago. She doesn't quite understand the "mess" in Washington that resulted in the senator voting to confirm a vaccine critic. Watching Kennedy and others promulgate doubts about shots she once administered has made her "profoundly sad" and "angry," she said, but most of all worried. "It puts a pit in my stomach, because I know the consequences of people not getting the vaccine," she said. ATS arrests engineering student from Mumbai for sharing terror propaganda Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 08:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Mumbai, Mar 6 (PTI) The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested an engineering student from Mumbai for allegedly sharing online propaganda material linked to banned terrorist organisations, an official said. According to the official, two other individuals are also under investigation in connection with the case. The ATS recently launched search operations at multiple locations in the city as part of an investigation into suspected online radicalisation linked to banned terror outfits, he said on Thursday. Following the operation, a case was registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and engineering student Ayan Sheikh was taken into custody, he said. The ATS seized electronic devices, including a laptop and mobile phones, which have been sent for forensic examination, he added. Sheikh had earlier come under the radar of investigation agencies for allegedly being associated with extremist propaganda circulating on social media and encrypted messaging platforms. The ATS had received specific intelligence inputs regarding the dissemination of propaganda related to banned terror outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Islamic State. Based on the information, coordinated search operations were conducted late Monday night at premises in Kurla, Govandi and Shivaji Nagar in Mumbai," the official said. During the examination of Sheikhs devices, investigators allegedly found several audio and video clips linked to Masood Azhar, chief of terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), he said. Sheikh was active on encrypted messaging platforms and Telegram channels where extremist content was circulated. Multiple chats were also recovered, suggesting attempts to promote terrorist recruitment. He allegedly shared extremist material, attempted to recruit individuals and may have been involved in facilitating funding for extremist activities," the official said. The ATS also found that Sheikh had allegedly tried to influence two other youths, both engineering students and his close friends, by exposing them to radical content and adding them to Telegram groups carrying propaganda of JeM and ISIS, the official informed. During coordinated raids in Govandi and Kurla, officials found the two youths had accessed extremist material shared by Sheikh. However, investigators said they were not actively involved in any terror-related activities, adding that their statements have been recorded as part of the ongoing probe. Sheikh was questioned for several hours, during which he reportedly revealed suspicious communications with foreign handlers and individuals linked to banned terror organisations, including JeM and ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), the official said. According to sources, several foreign nationals and suspected facilitators were part of these encrypted messaging groups, believed to be associated with sleeper networks and recruitment cells. Officials further noted that several youths and individuals from different states across India were active members of these encrypted groups. Records show they frequently exchanged extremist content, guidance on radicalisation and instructions related to recruiting new members, they added. Investigators are currently analysing digital footprints to map the network involved, identify individuals undergoing radicalisation and trace operational links with possible local sleeper cells, he said. Digital evidence and communication records have also been shared with agencies in other states to coordinate a wider investigation and prevent potential recruitment at the local level. The ATS is also probing Sheikhs financial transactions and digital trail to identify funding channels and logistical support allegedly used for extremist activities," he said. The accused will be produced before a special court in Mumbai on Friday, he said, adding further arrests in the case cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses. PTI ZA BNM NR First Published: March 06, 2026, 08:45 IST News agency-feeds ATS arrests engineering student from Mumbai for sharing terror propaganda Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Domestic LPG price hiked by Rs 60, commercial cylinder up Rs 115 from March 7 Last Updated: March 07, 2026, 01:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], March 7 (ANI): The price of domestic LPG cylinders has been increased with effect from Saturday, March 7, with the cost of a 14.2-kg household cooking gas cylinder rising by Rs 60 across the country, according to sources.Similarly, the price of a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has also been increased by Rs 115 from the same date, impacting businesses such as hotels, restaurants and small commercial establishments.As per the source, the price of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi has increased from Rs 853 to Rs 913. In Mumbai, the new rate of a domestic LPG cylinder now stands at Rs 912.50, up from Rs 852.50 earlier. In Kolkata, the price has risen from Rs 879 to Rs 030, while in Chennai it has increased from Rs 868.50 to Rs 928.50. The revised rates will come into effect immediately from today.The hike also applies to commercial LPG cylinders used by businesses. In Delhi, the price of a 19-kg commercial cylinder has increased from Rs 1768.50 to Rs 1883. In Mumbai, the price has risen from Rs 1720.50 to Rs 1835. Similarly, in Kolkata, the price has gone up from Rs 1875.50 to Rs 1990, while in Chennai it has increased from Rs 1929 to Rs 2043.50.Earlier, the price of a domestic LPG cylinder had remained unchanged since April 2025, when the non-subsidised rate in Delhi stood at Rs 853. The latest revision marks a significant increase for household consumers as well as commercial users who rely on LPG for daily operations.The increase comes amid discussions around Indias energy supply and fuel availability. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri earlier assured that there is no shortage of energy in the country and that consumers need not worry about supply disruptions.Our priority is to ensure the availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably. There is no shortage of energy in India, and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers," the minister said in a post on X.Meanwhile, Indian Oil Corporation also dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting a shortage of petrol and diesel in the country, terming them baseless.India has sufficient fuel stocks, and supply and distribution networks are functioning normally. IndianOil is committed to maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Citizens are requested not to panic or crowd fuel stations and to rely only on official sources for accurate information," the company said in a statement on X.Earlier on Friday, government sources said India is in a very comfortable position" regarding crude oil, petroleum products and LPG supplies despite concerns over disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.According to the sources, the country currently has access to more energy supplies from diversified sources than the volume that could potentially be impacted through the Strait of Hormuz. Indias existing stock of crude oil and petroleum products is also adequate to meet domestic demand.Sources said the government is closely monitoring the situation and plans to ramp up supplies from alternative geographies to offset any potential supply constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz. They highlighted that India has significantly diversified its crude import basket over the past few years.Since 2022, India has been importing crude oil from Russia. While Russia accounted for only 0.2 per cent of Indias total crude imports in 2022, the share has risen substantially in the following years. In February, India imported about 20 per cent of its total crude oil imports from Russia, amounting to around 1.04 million barrels per day," government sources said.On the LPG front, the government has directed all LPG refineries to increase production to ensure adequate availability across the country. Officials said India currently remains in a comfortable position regarding LPG stocks.LPG from the US has started coming to India since January, the sources said. Indian PSU Oil companies in November 2025 has signed a one-year contract to import around 2.2 MTPA of LPG from the US Gulf Coast for the contract year 2026. (ANI) First Published: March 07, 2026, 01:30 IST News agency-feeds Domestic LPG price hiked by Rs 60, commercial cylinder up Rs 115 from March 7 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indian-origin surgeon leads UKs first long-distance robotic surgeries Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) London, Mar 6 (PTI) A London-based Indian-origin surgeon has created medical history by successfully completing the UKs first remote robotic surgeries on patients in Gibraltar, at a distance of around 2,400 km away. Professor Prokar Dasgupta, a world-leading robotic urological surgeon who heads The London Clinics Robotic Centre of Excellence, said his two test cases were an excellent example of the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). He completed the prostatectomy, a partial or complete removal of the prostate gland, on a 52-year-old unnamed patient on Wednesday, with a previous successful procedure on February 11. This is an excellent example of teamwork, friendship, international determination and responsible AI to make this happen after a year of planning," said Dasgupta. The London Clinic said it establishes the hospital as the first in the country to conduct such a remote robot-assisted telesurgery, in collaboration with the Gibraltar Health Authority and urological surgeons James Allan and Paul Hughes at St. Bernards Hospital in Gibraltar. The procedure, performed with the Toumai Robotic System by Microport, has the potential to revolutionise surgery for patients globally. In January, 62-year-old Paul Buxton, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and offered the opportunity by the two hospitals to take part in a telesurgery trial. He had moved to Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, from the United Kingdom around 40 years ago and was originally planning to travel to London for the surgery. I explained to Mr Buxton that we now have the technology to perform this remotely. Why waste time, energy, money and inconvenience to fly over? I stay in London, he stays in Gibraltar," recalled Prof. Dasgupta. Buxton, recovering well from his surgery, said it was a privilege" to be part of medical history and is hopeful that it will pave the way for many similar surgeries. Of course, I was concerned at first, but having researched it, I thought someone has to be the first, dont they? I hope my experience encourages other people to consider telesurgery. Ive had three or four operations before, for hernias, and I didnt feel that great after, but I felt completely different this time the recovery is so much quicker and Ive not had to travel overseas," he said. The telesurgery was supported by logistics from global technology services and solutions provider Presidio, using a 3D camera with a time lag of just 0.06 seconds across the two countries. Robotic-assisted surgery is not new, having been around for the past 20 years, but it is only recently that technology has made it possible for robots to connect across long distances using fibre optic cables and 5G connectivity. Delivering modern healthcare to small remote populations is challenging there arent enough patients which means the surgeons arent doing enough operations to be really good at those operations to be really safe," said Consultant Urologist Dr James Allan, the Gibraltar Health Authoritys lead for Robotics, Teleremote Surgery and Innovation. That means patients have to travel. Or rather they did until now. Gibraltar is rewriting surgical history. We are no longer followers we are leaders," he said. The London Clinic and St. Bernards Hospital is now set to livestream another telesurgery procedure at the European Association Congress in London on March 14 to an audience of 20,000 urology surgeons. The London Clinic is proud to be part of medical history and we have a strong reputation for medical firsts We hope more patients will be able to benefit from this incredible medical breakthrough," said Al Russell, CEO of The London Clinic. The Toumai robotic system at the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) was funded through a grant from Kusuma Trust Gibraltar, with additional charitable support from Prostate Cancer Gibraltar and further investment by the GHA. Gemma Arias-Vasquez, minister for health, care and business in Gibraltar, hailed the landmark moment" for the self-governing territory. To deliver a complex procedure in Gibraltar with the operating surgeon based in London shows how technology, investment and the expertise of our clinicians are transforming healthcare. Patients can now benefit from world-leading specialist care at The London Clinic without the disruption of travelling abroad, and that is a huge step forward for a modern, patient-centred health service," she said. The UKs state-funded National Health Service (NHS) plans to expand telesurgery networks as part of a 10-year plan tabled last year. It is hoped that such remote robotic-assisted procedures will also be used for other surgeries, such as gynaecological, colorectal and upper gastrointestinal conditions. PTI AK AMS AMS First Published: March 06, 2026, 20:15 IST News agency-feeds Indian-origin surgeon leads UKs first long-distance robotic surgeries Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Over 5,000 apply for loans under flagship scheme in Mizoram: Minister Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Aizawl, Mar 6 (PTI) More than 5,000 people have applied for loans under the Mizoram governments flagship Bana Kaih (hanholding) scheme, state commerce and industry minister F Rodingliana informed the Assembly on Friday. In a written reply to questions from Congress member C Ngunglianchunga, the minister said 5,093 people have submitted applications to avail loans under the flagship scheme, and 176 have been approved for credit to date. He said partner banks have so far disbursed loans amounting to Rs 6.84 crore to 91 beneficiaries for different projects or trades. The Bana Kaih scheme was launched by Chief Minister Lalduhoma in September 2024 to provide financial assistance and support to entrepreneurs and farmers (progress partners) through a series of targeted programmes designed to promote economic growth and self-sufficiency. One of the key components of the scheme is handholding of beneficiaries, under which the government provides financial support and facilitates loans of up to Rs 50 lakh through partner banks. The government acts as a guarantor for these project loans under existing national credit guarantee schemes, the minister said. Beneficiaries who repay their loans on time will also be provided interest subvention of up to 100 per cent, he added. The scheme also includes the Chief Ministers Special Category Scheme, which provides grant-in-aid of up to Rs 1 lakh for beneficiaries who are not in a position to avail loans but have viable livelihood projects. Officials said the quantum of financial assistance has been reduced to Rs 50,000 to enable coverage of more beneficiaries. More than 2,200 beneficiaries have been provided financial assistance under phase-I of the chief ministers special package, they said. Another important component of the handholding scheme is market support. As part of this initiative, the government has introduced a minimum support price (MSP) for locally produced five key crops ginger, turmeric, Mizo chilli, broomsticks and unhusked paddy. The government has allocated Rs 350 crore for the implementation of the flagship scheme in the 2026-27 fiscal, out of which Rs 150 crore was specifically earmarked for the procurement of the five key crops to augment the livelihoods of local farmers. PTI CORR MNB First Published: March 06, 2026, 20:45 IST News agency-feeds Over 5,000 apply for loans under flagship scheme in Mizoram: Minister Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan: Petrol, diesel prices hiked amid West Asia tensions Last Updated: March 07, 2026, 03:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Islamabad [Pakistan], March 7 (ANI): The Government of Pakistan has announced a sharp hike in the prices of petrol and diesel by PKR 55 per litre, in the wake of the escalating security situation in West Asia, as per a report by ARY News. According to ARY News, the federal ministers made the announcement during a press conference in Islamabad. Under the new prices, petrol will now cost a whopping PKR 321.17 per litre, while diesel prices will jump from the existing PKR 275.70 to PKR 335.86 per litre.As per ARY News, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has said that the decision had been taken after oil prices surged in the international market in the wake of the widening of the conflict in West Asia. He told the media that the situation intensified after the further widening of the conflict in the last 48 hours. Present at the media briefing was Pakistans Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, who described the hike in the prices as a difficult decision. Meanwhile, ARY News further mentioned, citing sources, that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Pakistan to immediately increase petrol and diesel prices. As per the sources, the demand was made during virtual talks between Pakistani authorities and an IMF delegation, it further reported. The developments in Pakistan come amid global energy supply concerns following escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran.In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI) First Published: March 07, 2026, 03:00 IST News agency-feeds Pakistan: Petrol, diesel prices hiked amid West Asia tensions Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Private lineman dies of electrocution at work in UP's Sultanpur Last Updated: March 07, 2026, 00:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Sultanpur (UP), Mar 6 (PTI) A 32-year-old private lineman died here on Friday as he came in contact with a high-tension power line while carrying out maintenance work, police said. The incident occurred in Arjunpur village under Motigarpur Police Station limits in the evening while an 11,000-volt electricity line was being shifted along a roadside. Station House Officer Ashok Singh identified the deceased as Rang Bahadur, a resident of Hamjabad village under Jaisinghpur Police Station. According to the police, Rang Bahadur was working with a contractor on shifting the power line. After completing the work, he had reportedly taken a shutdown of the line to reconnect a jumper wire. However, the power remained on despite the shutdown, and he got a shock. Rang Bahadur sustained serious burns and fell from the pole, the police said. His co-workers rushed him to the community health centre in Jaisinghpur, where doctors declared him dead. His body was sent for post-mortem. PTI COR KIS VN VN First Published: March 07, 2026, 00:00 IST News agency-feeds Private lineman dies of electrocution at work in UP's Sultanpur Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Qatar to partially resume air navigation, says civil aviation authority Last Updated: March 07, 2026, 04:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Doha [Qatar], March 7 (ANI): Qatars Civil Aviation Authority announced on Friday the partial resumption of air navigation in the country via designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity, in full coordination with the Qatari Armed Forces and the relevant state authorities.This phase would include the operation of a limited number of flights designated for passenger evacuation, in addition to the operation of cargo air flights. Sharing the details in a post on X, the Qatari Civil Aviation Authority said, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) announces the partial resumption of air navigation in the State of Qatar, through designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity, in full coordination with the Qatari Armed Forces and the relevant authorities in the State. This phase includes the operation of a limited number of flights designated for passenger evacuation, in addition to the operation of air cargo flights, in light of the current circumstances in the region, and in a manner that ensures the continued provision of essential air services."QCAA affirms that it continues to operate at the highest level of operational readiness, in close coordination with the competent authorities in the State, in order to ensure the safety and security of passengers and personnel in the civil aviation sector, and to maintain the safe and efficient flow of air navigation in accordance with the highest international standards," it said.The Authority said that it is also continuously monitoring developments and will keep the public and aviation sector partners informed of any updates in due course. The Authority notes the importance for passengers who have confirmed bookings with airlines to follow the latest updates regarding their flights. It also emphasises that the flights mentioned do not include scheduled flights to and from Doha, which will resume once an official announcement is issued by Qatar Civil Aviation Authority regarding the safe reopening of the airspace", the post concluded. https://x.com/CAAQATAR/status/2030011113199317355?s=20The developments come amid tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran.In a coordinated operation known as Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, US and Israeli forces carried out large-scale air and missile strikes across Iran, targeting key military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure, and leadership compounds.In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. Meanwhile, as the conflict in West Asia further intensifies, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told media on Friday (US local time) that the achievable objectives of Operation Epic Fury are expected to last about four to six weeks and further added that the US has enough ammunition and stockpile to achieve the objectives of the Operation and beyond.Leavitt made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Washington DC.The achievable objectives of Operation Epic Fury are expected to last about four to six weeks. We are well on our way to achieving those objectives. Annihilating Irans Navy, we know that weve sunk more than 30 Iranian vessels and ships. Their Navy has now been deemed combat ineffective. Taking out the ballistic missile threat that Iran posed to the United States and our troops and bases in the region. We have done a tremendous job. The United States military has done a tremendous job", the White House Press Secretary said. (ANI) First Published: March 07, 2026, 04:45 IST News agency-feeds Qatar to partially resume air navigation, says civil aviation authority Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rocket attack targets military base housing US Diplomatic Centre: Report Last Updated: March 07, 2026, 01:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Baghdad [Iraq], March 7 (ANI): As the crisis escalates in West Asia, Reuters reported, citing Iraqi security sources on Saturday (local time), that a rocket attack targeted a military base housing a US diplomatic centre near the Baghdad international airport, as per Iraqi security sources. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defence Forces shared that its air force completed an additional wave of strikes against terror targets in Beirut, which included an IRGC Air Force command centre and several of Hezbollahs units. Reuters further reported, citing Iraqi military sources, that two Katyusha rockets had targeted Iraqs Taji Military Base, north of Baghdad.Al Jazeera Breaking reported, citing the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Jagan Chapagain, who said that the Iranian Red Crescent facilities were damaged by attacks. In a post on X on Friday, the Israeli Defence Forces shared that its air force completed an additional wave of strikes against terror targets in the Dahiyeh District in Beirut. As per the IDF, the targets struck included the IRGC Air Force command centre, a command centre used by the Hezbollah Navy unit, a command centre used by Hezbollahs financial unit and a command centre used by Hezbollahs Operating Council. https://x.com/IDF/status/2029983217667744079?s=20As tensions spill over in the region, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gave a call on Friday, urging for diplomatic negotiations before the situation further spirals. In a post on X, he said, All the unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region and pose a grave a risk to the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people. The situation could spiral beyond anyones control. It is time to stop the fighting and get to serious diplomatic negotiations. The stakes could not be higher."https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2029970545828053362?s=20Also on Friday, in a post on X, the Israeli Air Force shared that the Israeli Defence Forces had identified a launch of missiles from Iran towards Israel and called for the public to act in accordance with the directive issued by the Home Front Command. https://x.com/IAFsite/status/2029969749480767602?s=20Meanwhile, the UKs Ministry of Defence shared an update on UK operations in West Asia in a post on X, which noted that the Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters have begun arriving in Cyprus, equipped with Martlet missiles and four additional Typhoon aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Qatar overnight, among other updates. https://x.com/DefenceHQ/status/2029973460768764379?s=20The developments come following escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran.In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI) First Published: March 07, 2026, 01:30 IST News agency-feeds Rocket attack targets military base housing US Diplomatic Centre: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Austria hands over two heating installations for heating premises to Kyiv Klitschko Austria has handed over two heating installations for heating premises to Kyiv, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported. "I met with Austrian Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Energy and Tourism Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer. We discussed the situation in Kyiv and Ukraine. The minister assured that Austria will continue to support Ukraine in its fight for a free and democratic state," Klitschko wrote on Telegram. The mayor thanked the Austrian minister for political support, humanitarian aid from Austria and economic cooperation. Hattmannsdorfer said Austria was among the largest investors in Ukraine before the full-scale war, according to Klitschko. Austrian businesses are ready to cooperate, including in the reconstruction of Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Klitschko added they agreed to identify and develop joint projects, including those related to energy. "Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer also provided the capital with two heating units," Klitschko said. Sarpanch shot dead in Punjab's Moga Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 22:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chandigarh, Mar 6 (PTI) A village sarpanch was shot dead by four to five assailants in broad daylight in Punjabs Moga district on Friday, police said. Harpinder Singh alias Happy, sarpanch of Patto Hira Singh village, was attacked on the Baghapurana-Kotkapura road over suspected personal rivalry, police said. Singh had gone to his gym and when he stepped out of his car, the assailants, who came in an SUV, fired 10-12 rounds at him. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died, they said. Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Gandhi, who visited the spot, said personal rivalry appeared to be the reason behind the killing and ruled out the involvement of any gangster. Those behind the firing have been identified. Further investigation is underway, he said. We have gathered some clues. All our teams are on the job and the accused will be nabbed soon," the SSP said. This is the third such killing in the last two months in Punjab. On January 4, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sarpanch Jharmal Singh of Valtoha village in Amritsar district was shot dead at a wedding. On February 18, AAP sarpanch Harbarinder Singh of Thathian Mehta village was gunned down by two unidentified assailants at a wedding in Tarn Taran district. In an unverified social media post, the Lakhbir Singh Landa gang had claimed responsibility for the killing. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia attacked the ruling AAP over the killing, alleging that it has exposed the gap between the governments claims about law and order in the state and the ground reality. He claimed the state machinery has failed to protect elected representatives. PTI CHS DIV DIV First Published: March 06, 2026, 22:45 IST News agency-feeds Sarpanch shot dead in Punjab's Moga Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sikkim's Anniela Sherpa clears UPSC civil services exam Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Gangtok, Mar 6 (PTI) Sikkims Anniela Sherpa cleared the Civil Services Examination 2025, the results of which were declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday. Sherpa, who hails from Rai Gaon in Gangtok, is the lone candidate from the Himalayan state to clear the examination this year. Coming from a modest family background, she attributed her success to hard work, determination and consistent effort. She studied at St Thomas School, Gangtok and Holy Cross School, Tadong, and later pursued higher education at St Stephens College, Delhi. She secured a rank of 893. A total of 958 candidates qualified this year. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang congratulated Sherpa on her achievement, calling it a matter of pride for the people of Sikkim. Tamang said her success reflects the growing aspirations and capabilities of the youth of the state. He also congratulated her parents, Nima Wangdi Sherpa and Reena Rai, for their encouragement and support. He expressed confidence that Sherpas success would inspire many young aspirants in the state to pursue their goals with determination. PTI COR SOM First Published: March 06, 2026, 20:15 IST News agency-feeds Sikkim's Anniela Sherpa clears UPSC civil services exam Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Soon going to float a political party: K Kavitha Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 08:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Tirumala (Andhra Pradesh) [India], March 6 (ANI): Former Bharat Rashtra Samithi member and daughter of K Chandrashekhar Rao, K Kavitha, on Friday announced that she will soon form a political party for the people of Telangana. This comes after a Delhi Court discharged her, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and 21 others in the Delhi Excise Policy case. She was at the Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tirumala to express her gratitude for the Lords blessings, when she told ANI, I hope that with the blessings of Lord Balaji, we are soon going to float a political party in the Telangana state The entire nation has seen how we have been subjected to this kind of discrimination and how we are subjected to this kind of witch hunt through agencies by the Union government.I hope the whole nation, and especially the women of this nation, stand with me. I am confident that the people of Telangana will bless me. The party will be a regional party working for the people of Telangana," she added.K Kavitha was suspended from BRS for her remarks against Harish Rao and Santosh Rao. On September 1, 2025, K Kavitha, while reacting to the Telangana governments decision to order a CBI probe into the Kaleshwaram project, alleged that any taint on KCRs image regarding the Kaleshwaram issue is due to BRS leaders Harish Rao and Santosh Rao, accusing them of conspiring against her and KCR. Kavitha later resigned from both the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) party and her MLC post on September 3. Further speaking about the Delhi Excise Policy case, K Kavitha called it a witch hunt", accusing the centre of targeting" opposition political parties. The way a political witch hunt has happened in this country, the way we have been targeted just because we are from a different political party. It is quite unfortunate in this country, and today the judiciary has seen through this web of lies and discharged all of us," she said. The central agencies had alleged that irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy in 2021-22, undue favours were extended to licence holders, the licence fee was waived or reduced, and the L-1 licence was extended without the competent authoritys approval.However, a special court in Delhi held that there was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the formulation of the excise policy and ruled that the prosecutions case did not withstand judicial scrutiny.The Court found that no prima facie case was made out against any of the 23 accused and accordingly ordered their discharge. (ANI) First Published: March 06, 2026, 08:45 IST News agency-feeds Soon going to float a political party: K Kavitha Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Does India Have Enough Crude Oil And LPG Amid West Asia Crisis? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 07:49 IST Officials said countrys fuel reserves remain comfortable despite energy market volatility triggered by the escalating conflict in West Asia Crude Oil & LPG Reserves The Indian government does not plan to ration petrol or diesel as current stock levels are sufficient to meet domestic demand, according to a report by ANI citing people familiar with the matter. Officials said the countrys fuel reserves remain comfortable despite energy market volatility triggered by the escalating conflict in West Asia. GAIL may invoke force majeure GAIL (India) Limited is expected to declare force majeure to ensure gas supplies for priority sectors as India navigates potential energy disruptions linked to the regional conflict. The development comes after QatarEnergy declared force majeure on Wednesday. The clause allows a company to temporarily suspend contractual obligations due to unforeseen circumstances without facing penalties or breach-of-contract claims. Qatar is a crucial energy supplier for India, providing around 60 million metric standard cubic metres per day (mmscmd) of gas out of Indias total 195 mmscmd LNG imports, and accounts for roughly 20% of global LNG supply. India exploring alternative gas suppliers Amid rising geopolitical uncertainty, countries such as Australia and Canada have reportedly offered to supply gas to India. The government is exploring additional sources to diversify imports as it currently brings in about 195 mmscmd of gas daily, with Qatar supplying nearly 60 mmscmd. Talks with global oil producers India is also in discussions with major oil producers and traders to secure supplies of crude oil and LPG. Officials are engaging with global energy bodies including the International Energy Agency and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. The government is also negotiating with the United States to arrange insurance cover for ships transporting crude. In addition, India recently signed agreements with the United Arab Emirates and the United States to further diversify its energy sourcing. India reviewing energy situation daily Officials said the government is reviewing the energy situation twice a day and believes the country remains in a secure position. Current stock levels are considered adequate, with inventories being replenished regularly. Sources also indicated that there is no global shortage of LPG, LNG or crude oil, and India remains in contact with multiple suppliers. Strong inventory buffer Government sources earlier told ANI that India holds about eight weeks of crude oil and petroleum product inventories, including strategic reserves. Additionally, only around 40% of Indias crude imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which reduces the risk of supply disruptions from regional tensions. Separately, India maintains around 25 days of crude oil stocks and about 25 days of petrol and diesel reserves. The country also continues to import crude from Russia under existing contracts. First Published: March 06, 2026, 07:49 IST News business economy Does India Have Enough Crude Oil And LPG Amid West Asia Crisis? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Govt Orders IOC, BPCL And HPCL To Prioritise LPG Production From Propane, Butane Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 11:22 IST Govt has directed all oil refining companies operating to maximise the use of propane and butane streams for the production of LPG Rapid Read LPG The Government of India has directed domestic oil refiners to maximise the use of propane and butane streams for producing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), according to a Reuters report. Under the directive, refiners have been asked to optimise the utilisation of these streams to boost LPG output and ensure adequate supply to public sector oil marketing companies such as Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). Talks with global oil producers Separately, according to a report by ANI, India is also in discussions with major oil producers and traders to secure additional supplies of crude oil and LPG. The government is reportedly engaging with global energy bodies including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), while also negotiating with the United States to arrange insurance coverage for ships. India has recently signed agreements with the UAE and the US to further diversify its energy supply sources. Officials said the government is reviewing the energy situation twice daily and remains in a secure position. Current stock levels are considered comfortable, with inventories being replenished regularly. No immediate supply shortage Sources also indicated that there is currently no global shortage of LPG, LNG or crude oil, and India remains in touch with alternative suppliers. Amid the ongoing tensions in West Asia, government sources earlier told ANI that India holds crude oil and petroleum product inventories sufficient for about eight weeks, including strategic reserves. Additionally, only around 40% of Indias crude imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, reducing the risk of major supply disruptions. India currently holds around 25 days of crude oil inventories, along with roughly 25 days of petrol and diesel stocks. The country also continues to import Russian crude under existing contracts. First Published: March 06, 2026, 11:08 IST News business economy Govt Orders IOC, BPCL And HPCL To Prioritise LPG Production From Propane, Butane Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iran War Impact: Pharma Exports To West Asia Face Rs 5,000-Crore Hit As Freight Rates Double Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 12:27 IST A complete halt to pharma shipments to the region this month alone may wipe out export value worth Rs 2,500-Rs 5,000 crore, according to Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council. Rapid Read West Asia is an important market for India's drug industry. The region accounts for over 5.5 per cent of India's pharmaceutical exports, which are valued at around $30 billion. Indias pharmaceutical exports to West Asia are facing severe disruption as the war involving the US, Israel and Iran pushes up shipping costs and delays cargo movement. According to a Moneycontrol report citing the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), a complete halt to pharma shipments to the region this month alone could wipe out export value worth Rs 2,500-Rs 5,000 crore. Freight rates have surged sharply amid the conflict. Exporters are now facing steep surcharges of $4,000-$8,000 per shipment, significantly increasing logistics costs for drugmakers dependent on Gulf markets. Higher insurance premiums, rising fuel prices and longer shipping routes are the key reasons behind the surge in freight rates. West Asia is an important market for Indias drug industry. The region accounts for over 5.5 per cent of Indias pharmaceutical exports, which are valued at around $30 billion. According to the report, Pharmexcil chairman Namit Joshi said the ripple effects are also visible in supply chains. According to him, rising crude prices and uncertain transit times are pushing up procurement costs for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and creating inventory distortions. This is stretching working capital cycles for both large and mid-sized pharma exporters. Joshi said logistics pressures are mounting rapidly. Logistics pressures are mounting at a pace not seen since the pandemic-era disruptions," he said. Oil prices have also surged following the escalation of the conflict. Since February 28, when the US and Israel attacked Iran, benchmark Brent crude has risen nearly 16 per cent. On the morning of March 6, Brent was trading close to $84 per barrel, up from $72.48 on February 28. The war has disrupted the critical shipping corridor of the Strait of Hormuz. Around 50 per cent of Indias oil and nearly 80 per cent of its natural gas imports pass through this route. Key shipping channels in the Red Sea and the Gulf vital for transporting medicines, APIs and temperature-sensitive formulations have also been affected. Joshi warned that rerouting or delays could severely impact delivery schedules. Rerouting or delays on these routes could severely affect delivery schedules and compromise cold-chain integrity, particularly for high-value and time-critical pharmaceutical cargo," he said, according to Moneycontrol. The Middle East has become a key destination for Indian pharma companies. Exports to the region, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the wider West Asia and North Africa markets, have steadily grown. Pharmexcil data shows exports increased from $1.32 billion in FY21 to $1.75 billion in FY25. Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait rely heavily on Indian generic medicines and affordable drugs, making India a critical supplier for the region. Pharmexcil said it is closely monitoring the situation. The council is also in discussions with logistics and trade partners to explore ways to reduce disruption. It has urged the government to consider freight-relief measures and alternative shipping routes to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential medicines to West Asia. First Published: March 06, 2026, 12:27 IST News business economy Iran War Impact: Pharma Exports To West Asia Face Rs 5,000-Crore Hit As Freight Rates Double Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Meet India's Youngest Billionaire Ritesh Agarwal, 32: OYO Founder With Rs 14,440 Crore Net Worth Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 15:39 IST OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal has emerged as India's youngest billionaire, according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2026. Rapid Read Ritesh Agarwal. (Photo Credit: Instagram) OYO founder Ritesh Agarwal has emerged as Indias youngest billionaire, according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2026 released on March 6. A 32-year-old entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of Rs 14,440 crore, Agarwal built OYO into one of the worlds largest hospitality technology platforms, operating across hotels, homes and vacation rentals. His entry into the billionaire ranks highlights the growing role of new-age technology entrepreneurs in Indias wealth creation story. Agarwal founded OYO in 2013 at the age of 19 after dropping out of college. The company started as a budget hotel aggregator and later expanded globally across Asia, Europe and the United States. Over the years, OYO has raised funding from major global investors including SoftBank, Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners. Despite facing challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, the company has continued to expand its presence in the hospitality sector. According to the Hurun report, Agarwal is significantly younger than the average age of Indian billionaires, which stands at 67 years. His rise reflects the increasing influence of startup founders in Indias billionaire landscape, which was traditionally dominated by industrial and family-owned business groups. Meanwhile, Indias billionaire club expanded sharply this year, with 57 new entrants joining the ranks, according to the Hurun Global Rich List 2026. With this surge, the total number of billionaires in India has reached 308, making the country the third-largest home to billionaires globally after China and the United States. Many of the new entrants came from sectors such as healthcare, auto components, energy and financial services, according to the Hurun report. On the strong inflow of new names, the overall net count rose by 24 from last year, as some individuals dropped out of the billionaire club during the year. With this, India ranks third globally in terms of the number of billionaires, behind only China and the United States. The combined wealth of Indian billionaires has reached about Rs 112 lakh crore, reflecting strong wealth creation across sectors. Ritesh Agarwals Early Life Ritesh Agarwal was born on November 16, 1993, in Bissam Cuttack in Rayagada district of Odisha. He grew up in a small town environment, far from Indias major startup hubs like Bengaluru or Mumbai. His father ran a small infrastructure business, which exposed him to business discussions from an early age. Agarwal showed interest in technology and entrepreneurship during his teenage years. Ritesh Agarwals Education Ritesh Agarwal studied at Sacred Heart School in Rayagada, Odisha. After school, he moved to Delhi for higher studies and enrolled in Indian School of Business and Finance (ISBF). The institute offers programmes affiliated with the University of London. However, Agarwal dropped out of college to focus on building his startup. Early Entrepreneurial Journey Agarwal started his first startup called Oravel Stays in 2012, when he was just 1819 years old. The idea was inspired by Airbnb. The platform helped people book affordable stays and short-term rentals. Around the same time, he became one of the youngest entrepreneurs to receive the Thiel Fellowship, a global programme that gives $100,000 to young founders who drop out of college to build companies. Birth of OYO In 2013, Agarwal pivoted Oravel Stays into OYO (On Your Own) Rooms. The idea was simple: Standardise budget hotels in India so that travellers could get clean rooms, Wi-Fi and predictable prices. OYO partnered with small hotel owners and upgraded their properties under the OYO brand. The model quickly scaled across hundreds of cities in India. Rapid Expansion OYO later expanded internationally to countries such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, United Kingdom, and United States. The company received funding from major global investors including SoftBank, Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners. At one point, OYO became one of the worlds fastest-growing hospitality chains. Challenges and Comeback The company faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, as global travel collapsed. OYO went through restructuring, layoffs and cost cuts to stabilise operations. In recent years, the company has focused on profitability, premium hotel partnerships and vacation rentals. First Published: March 06, 2026, 15:39 IST News business economy Meet India's Youngest Billionaire Ritesh Agarwal, 32: OYO Founder With Rs 14,440 Crore Net Worth Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... TDS On GOI Bond Interest Deducted At Maturity? Heres How To Avoid Double Taxation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 07:00 IST Investors of 2018 GOI Savings Bonds face tax issues as RBI deducted TDS on full interest at maturity. Expert suggests using Form 71 to distribute TDS credit. TDS on full GOI bond interest in one year: How investors can avoid tax mismatch Investors who held Government of India (GOI) Savings Bonds issued in 2018 may face a tax complication when the bonds mature. Many investors reported the interest income annually on an accrual basis in their Income Tax Returns (ITRs), but when the bonds matured, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deducted Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) on the entire interest for the full tenure. This can create a situation where the same income appears taxed twice. Why the issue arises The 7.75% GOI Savings Bonds issued in 2018 paid interest annually, but in some cases investors chose to declare interest income each year using the accrual method in their ITRs. However, since the interest was not reflected in Form 26AS during those years, the TDS was deducted only at the time of maturity. As a result, the entire interest for the seven-year period appears as income in the financial year of maturity, even though the taxpayer may have already paid tax on that income in earlier years. Risk of tax mismatch According to Amit Maheshwari, Tax Partner at AKM Global, claiming the entire TDS credit in the year of maturity without reporting the corresponding income could create problems. A discrepancy arises with past income tax returns where the income was already offered to tax on an accrual basis," Maheshwari told Economic Times. He explained that claiming full TDS credit in FY 202526 without reporting the income in the same year may cause the return to be flagged as defective or trigger scrutiny from tax authorities. How Form 71 helps To resolve such situations, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) allows taxpayers to use Form 71. Maheshwari said taxpayers can file Form 71 to distribute the TDS credit across the assessment years in which the interest income was originally reported. This helps align the TDS credit with the income already declared in earlier returns and prevents double taxation. The form must be filed electronically on the Income Tax portal within two years from the end of the financial year in which the TDS was deducted, before the Jurisdictional Assessing Officer. Keep supporting documents ready Experts advise taxpayers to maintain proper records to justify their claim. This includes a detailed year-wise working of accrued interest along with copies of the relevant ITR acknowledgments where the income was reported. Maintaining such documentation will help taxpayers explain the mismatch and avoid unnecessary tax disputes. First Published: March 06, 2026, 07:00 IST News business tax TDS On GOI Bond Interest Deducted At Maturity? Heres How To Avoid Double Taxation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Karnataka Introduces Alcohol-In-Beverage Taxation System Amid Rs 6,000-Crore Excise Row Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 13:10 IST Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said govt will introduce an AIB-based excise duty structure a globally recognised system that taxes alcohol based on its alcohol content from April Rapid Read Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. (File Photo: PTI) Even as the Karnataka government faces a political storm over an alleged Rs 6,000-crore excise scam, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while presenting his record-breaking 17th budget as a finance minister, announced a major overhaul of the states excise framework in the Budget, proposing a new Excise Bill and a shift to an Alcohol-in-Beverage (AIB) based taxation system from April 2026. The announcement comes at a time when the state Opposition, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular), have been targeting the government over alleged large-scale corruption in the Excise Department and demanding the resignation of the Excise Minister R B Timmapur. The controversy triggered repeated disruptions as the BJP and JDS protested in the previous Assembly session seeking the resignation of the minister. The AIB-based excise duty structure Presenting the Budget, Siddaramaiah said the government will introduce an AIB-based excise duty structure a globally recognised system that taxes alcohol based on its alcohol content from April 2026. According to the state budget, the states excise revenue continues to grow. Collections up to February in the financial year 2025-26 stood at 36,492 crore, a rise of 12.7 per cent compared to the same period last year. The government has set a target of 45,000 crore in excise revenue for 2026-27. The government will also rationalise the pricing structure by reducing the number of price slabs from the existing 16 to eight. While a uniform excise duty will be levied, additional excise duty will be imposed within a defined range based on ex-factory price slabs. The government said price revisions will be gradual to avoid disruption in the market. Over the next three to four years, the state also plans to move towards a uniform excise duty system based on alcohol content per litre. Proposed reforms Under the proposed reforms, government-administered price fixation will be deregulated, allowing producers to place their products within slabs based on market considerations. The Budget also announced technology-driven reforms to plug revenue leakages in the sector. The government plans to introduce blockchain-based digital tracking systems to monitor alcohol movement, while physical escorts used for dispatches will be replaced with geo-fenced e-lock systems to enable real-time tracking. Manufacturing licences will be auto-renewed, while label approvals, CL-5 occasional licences and RVB licences valid for five years will be auto-generated through online self-declaration and payment of fees, with deemed approval and no manual intervention. Distilleries and breweries will also be allowed to operate and dispatch products round the clock. The requirement to display mandatory malt and sugar content on beer labels will be removed. The government also plans to promote tourism linked to the alcohol industry by allowing distilleries and breweries to conduct tasting sessions and sell products manufactured on their premises to visiting tourists. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said a Resource Mobilisation Committee constituted by the government will soon submit its draft report outlining the principles for a modern excise taxation and alcohol regulatory framework. The report will be placed in the public domain for consultations before being taken forward through a new comprehensive Excise Bill. The row The reforms come amid a widening political controversy over alleged corruption in the Excise Department. The row intensified after Lokayukta officials in January arrested Deputy Commissioner Jagadeesh Naik, Superintendent K M Thammanna and constable Lakkappa Gani for allegedly accepting a bribe of 25 lakh to clear a CL-7 bar licence and a microbrewery licence in Bengaluru. The initial demand was allegedly 80 lakh. Following the arrests, the state government suspended Naik and Thammanna on January 21, stating that a prima facie case of bribery had been established. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka has alleged that the scam could be worth between 5,000 crore and 6,000 crore, claiming that bribes were collected at fixed rates for different categories of liquor licences. He alleged that CL-7 licences alone involved bribes of over 1 crore each and that money was also collected for transfers and postings within the department. The BJP and JD(S) also staged a day-and-night protest at the Vidhana Soudha on February 4 demanding Timmapurs resignation. Excise Minister R B Timmapur has denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. After meeting Siddaramaiah, he said there was no scam and maintained that he would not resign. The Chief Minister has continued to back the minister, while the Opposition has demanded a judicial inquiry or a CBI probe. The Karnataka Wine Merchants Association has also alleged widespread corruption in the excise licencing process and claimed that bribes were routinely demanded for issuing CL-7 licences in Bengaluru up to Rs 2 crore for application of licences. First Published: March 06, 2026, 13:08 IST News cities bengaluru-news Karnataka Introduces Alcohol-In-Beverage Taxation System Amid Rs 6,000-Crore Excise Row Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Hyderabad: A Midnight Call, Im Sorry Message To Wife, The Mysterious Disappearance Of Bank Manager Curated By : Local18 Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 14:29 IST On March 3, Ravikumar reportedly received a call around midnight. He told his family that the banks national sales manager had called him regarding urgent work and left home According to reports, JN Ravikumar, 43, lives with his family in Hyderabad, and works as the manager of the gold loan department at Kotak Mahindra Bank. (AI-generated Image) The mysterious disappearance of a senior bank employee in Hyderabads Ameerpet area has sparked concern among locals and police alike. The man, who worked in a key position at a private bank, left home after receiving a late-night phone call and later sent a brief message to his wife saying Im sorry," before his phone was switched off. According to reports, JN Ravikumar, 43, lives with his family in Kanchan Janga Apartments, Aditya Enclave in Ameerpet. He works as the manager of the gold loan department at Kotak Mahindra Banks Somajiguda branch. Family members say he had been behaving normally in the days leading up to the incident. On the night of March 3, Ravikumar reportedly received a phone call around midnight. He told his family that Gaurav, the banks national sales manager, had called him regarding urgent work. Saying he needed to attend to the matter, he left home late at night. However, when he did not return even after several hours, his family began to worry. The next morning, on March 4, Ravikumar sent a short message to his wife, Shyamala Sirisha, simply saying Im sorry." Alarmed by the message, she immediately tried to contact him. But his mobile phone had already been switched off, and she has been unable to reach him since. Police Investigation Begins After searching for him among relatives, friends, and acquaintances without success, Sirisha approached the SR Nagar police station and filed a complaint on Thursday. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the disappearance. Officers are trying to determine several key aspects of the case, including who contacted Ravikumar late at night, whether he actually went out for bank-related work, and what prompted him to send the apology message before going missing. Investigators are currently examining CCTV footage and analysing his call records to trace his movements after leaving home. The sudden disappearance of a senior bank manager has become a topic of discussion in Ameerpet and Somajiguda, with residents hoping for answers as the investigation continues. First Published: March 06, 2026, 14:29 IST News cities hyderabad-news Hyderabad: A Midnight Call, Im Sorry Message To Wife, The Mysterious Disappearance Of Bank Manager Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ukraine's air defense shoot down 111 of 141 enemy UAVs, with hits recorded in 16 locations by 24 UAVs On Friday night, the Ukrainian Defense Forces neutralized 111 of 141 enemy UAVs, with hits recorded on 24 UAVs at 16 locations, the Ukrainian Air Force reported. "According to preliminary data, as of 8:30 a.m., air defense forces have shot down or suppressed 111 enemy UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and other types in the north, south, and east of the country," the message reads. In total, on the night of March 6 (from 18:00 on March 5), the enemy attacked with 141 attack UAVs of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas type and drones of other types from the directions of Orel, Bryansk, Kursk, Millerovo, Shatalovo, Primorsko-Akhtarsk of the Russian Federation, Hvardeyske, Chauda TOT of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, about 100 of them were Shaheds. The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, unmanned aerial systems, and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Meanwhile, 24 attack UAVs were recorded hitting 16 locations, as well as the crash of downed UAVs (debris) at one location. The attack continues, with several enemy UAVs in the airspace, according to air command. Meerut To Prayagraj In Just 7 Hours! Ganga Expressway Nears Opening | Check Route Curated By : News18 Cities Last Updated: March 05, 2026, 09:41 IST With 95% work complete, the Ganga Expressway stands on the brink of opening. As final tests continue, Meerut awaits the governments green signal for its long-anticipated launch Rapid Read The Ganga Expressway is a six-lane highway stretching 594 kilometres. (Local18) The historic city of Meerut, often described as the land of revolution due to its significant role in Indias First War of Independence in 1857, is rapidly advancing with modern infrastructure and technology. Over the past few years, the city has witnessed remarkable development in transport and connectivity, transforming it into a major hub in western Uttar Pradesh. While the full stretch of the Namo Bharat Corridor is now operational, allowing passengers to travel from Modipuram and Begumpul to Delhis Sarai Kale Khan at speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour, Metro services have also commenced within Meerut, easing daily commuting for thousands of residents. Adding to this transformation, the much-awaited Ganga Expressway is set to begin from the city soon. The Local18 team recently visited the Ganga Expressway site to assess the progress and understand how this mega project will reshape regional connectivity. 95% Of Construction Completed According to officials at the site, nearly 95% of the construction work has already been completed. The Ganga Expressway is a six-lane highway stretching 594 kilometres, making it one of the longest expressways in the country. Once operational, it will significantly reduce travel time between Meerut and Prayagraj, while also improving freight movement and interstate connectivity. At present, travelling by car from Meerut to Prayagraj takes around 12 hours, depending on traffic conditions. After the expressway opens, the journey will be reduced to just seven hours, saving nearly five hours of travel time. This reduction is expected to lower fuel consumption and make long-distance travel more convenient for families, businesspersons and transport operators alike. Route And District Coverage The expressway will commence in Bijoli, Meerut, and pass through 12 districts before culminating in Prayagraj. These districts include Meerut, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Raebareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj. In addition to improving connectivity between major cities, the project will also benefit rural regions. As many as 518 villages across these districts will be linked to the main route, ensuring high-speed access for rural populations. This is expected to boost agricultural trade, small businesses and local employment opportunities along the corridor. Technical Testing Underway Although construction is largely complete, technical testing is currently underway to ensure smooth operations once the expressway is officially inaugurated and opened to the public. Authorities are carrying out comprehensive checks, including toll system trials, safety inspections and road quality assessments, to prevent inconvenience to travellers after launch. At present, entry and exit routes from Bijoli in Meerut have been temporarily closed to facilitate these final-stage tests and technical preparations. A Historic Step For Meerut The Ganga Expressway is being regarded as a historic development for Meerut. With high-speed road connectivity, operational metro services and rapid rail access via the Namo Bharat Corridor, residents are set to benefit from modern infrastructure across sectors. Experts believe that improved connectivity will attract new industries, logistics hubs and real estate projects to the region. Property values along the corridor are also expected to rise once the expressway becomes fully functional. Overall, the project is anticipated to make travel faster, safer and far more convenient for thousands of passengers, while accelerating economic growth across western and central Uttar Pradesh. Location : Meerut, India, India First Published: March 05, 2026, 09:41 IST News cities lucknow-news Meerut To Prayagraj In Just 7 Hours! Ganga Expressway Nears Opening | Check Route Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Lured With Job Offer, 23-Year-Old Woman Alleges Sexual Assault By Neighbour In Latur Curated By : News18 Cities Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:29 IST The victim, a Class 12 pass out and ITI level graduate, was searching for employment when a man who lived in her neighbourhood allegedly offered to help with a job Rapid Read The accused allegedly threatened to kill her and her grandmother if she disclosed the incident to anyone. (Representational Image) A disturbing incident has surfaced from Maharashtras Latur district, where a 23-year-old woman has alleged that she was sexually assaulted after being lured with the promise of a job. Following her complaint, police have registered a case at Udgir City Police Station against the accused, identified as Santosh Dattatray Patil. According to police sources, the victim had completed her Class 12 education and pursued studies up to the ITI level. While she was searching for employment, a man who lived in her neighbourhood reportedly offered to help her secure a job. Trusting the offer, the woman accompanied him on November 14, 2025, around noon, when he allegedly took her to a lodge on Bidar Road in Udgir. In her complaint, the woman stated that the accused sexually assaulted her there against her will. She further alleged that the accused threatened to kill her and her grandmother if she disclosed the incident to anyone. Fearing for her safety, the woman remained silent for several months. The situation escalated again on February 27 when the accused allegedly visited her grandmothers house, where the victim was staying at the time. According to the complaint, he argued with her, hurled abuses and issued fresh threats. Shaken by the repeated intimidation, the woman eventually approached the police and lodged a complaint. Acting on her statement, the Udgir City Police registered a case against Santosh Dattatray Patil late on Thursday. Police officials said that further investigation into the matter is currently underway. Location : Latur, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 20:29 IST News cities mumbai-news Lured With Job Offer, 23-Year-Old Woman Alleges Sexual Assault By Neighbour In Latur Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maharashtra's Rs 7.69-Lakh-Crore Budget: Who Gains? Who Pays More? Curated By : News18 Cities Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 18:29 IST The Maharashtra government presented a budget that seeks to balance economic expansion with social welfare, while laying the groundwork for the state's long-term economic goals Rapid Read According to Fadnavis, the state's revenue deficit has consistently remained below 1% of the GSDP. Maharashtra CM and Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, March 6, presented the state budget for 2026-27 in the Assembly, announcing a series of measures spanning agriculture, infrastructure, industry, urban development, health, and social welfare. The Maharashtra Budget 2026, with a total outlay of Rs 7.69 lakh crore, lays out an ambitious roadmap to accelerate the states economic growth while expanding welfare schemes for farmers and women. From farm loan waivers and incentives for timely repayments to large-scale infrastructure projects and plans to reshape urban development across the state, the budget outlines the governments vision of building a progressive, sustainable and inclusive Maharashtra. The Maharashtra government has also set a long-term goal of helping the state economy move toward becoming a one trillion-dollar economy in the coming years and a $5 trillion economy by 2047. There were also emotional moments in the Maharashtra Assembly as Fadnavis began presenting the budget. Members raised slogans of Ajit Dada Amar Rahe", paying tribute to former state finance minister Ajit Pawar, who died in an air crash in January. Fadnavis announced that a memorial will be built for the late NCP leader. Relief for farmers: Loan waiver and incentives One of the most significant announcements in the Maharashtra budget was a farm loan waiver scheme aimed at easing financial pressure on farmers. Under the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana, crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh taken until September 30, 2025 will be waived for eligible farmers. The government also announced a Rs 50,000 incentive for farmers who regularly repay their crop loans on time. Alongside financial relief, the government also unveiled plans to strengthen the agricultural sector through technology and sustainability. Natural farming will be promoted across 5 lakh hectares, while value chains for 10-15 crops will be strengthened to help farmers access global markets. Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms will be introduced in farming practices, and AI innovation centres will be set up at four agricultural universities to support research and technological advancement in agriculture. Womens welfare schemes to continue The government confirmed that the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched in 2024, will continue with adequate funding. Under the scheme, eligible women from economically weaker sections receive Rs 1,500 per month as financial assistance. The government also plans to expand initiatives aimed at creating more Lakhpati Didis", with a target of developing 25 lakh new women entrepreneurs in 2026-27. Major push for education, startups and health In the education sector, the state government proposed the development of a large EduCity in Navi Mumbai, which will house six international universities. In addition, eight to ten educational cities will be developed across Maharashtra. To boost entrepreneurship, the government plans to nurture 1.25 lakh entrepreneurs and strengthen 50,000 startups over the next five years, strengthening the states innovation ecosystem. In healthcare, a Maharashtra Institute of Public Health will be established in Nagpur. The Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana will also be expanded to cover more treatments and hospitals. The government also announced a Rs 4,500 crore rural disease detection programme, supported by the Asian Development Bank, which will focus on early screening for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease in rural areas. Water, irrigation and rural development The government announced plans for river-linking projects and measures to improve water availability across the state. By 2047, the aim is to ensure 55 litres of water per person per day in rural areas and 135 litres per person per day in urban areas. In rural infrastructure, villages with populations of more than 1,000 people will be connected by concrete roads, improving connectivity and accessibility. Mumbai and urban development roadmap A significant part of the budget focused on the development of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and the broader urbanisation strategy for Maharashtra. With projections suggesting that 70% of the states population may live in urban areas in the coming decades, the government has proposed large-scale expansion and digitisation of civic services. One of the most ambitious plans is the development of Fourth Mumbai" or Mumbai 4.0 at Vadhavan in Palghar, which will function as a major logistics and warehousing hub. The government is also planning Third Mumbai" (Mumbai 3.0) in the Atal Setu area, which is expected to become another major urban centre. To prevent the formation of new slums in Mumbai, the government will introduce a No New Slum Framework" using GIS technology, and this model may later be extended to other cities across Maharashtra. The Slum Rehabilitation Authority will prepare a plan to redevelop about 20 lakh slum houses and construct 10 lakh affordable homes under various housing schemes. Transport and infrastructure expansion Metro rail projects in Mumbai and Pune will continue, and the government plans to expand the metro network to 1,200 kilometres in the coming years. Progress on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project was also highlighted. The government aims to complete work on three stations up to Thane and Talasari by 2027, with separate development plans for areas around Dadar, Thane, and Virar bullet train stations. Additional expressways and transport corridors are also planned to strengthen connectivity across the state. New growth hubs and industrial expansion To boost industrial growth and employment, the government plans to establish 18 mega industrial hubs across the state. In addition, MSME centres will be set up in every district, which the government estimates could help generate up to 50 lakh jobs. A major steel hub is proposed in Gadchiroli, expected to attract significant investment and strengthen the states industrial base. With support from NITI Aayog, the government also plans to develop separate growth hubs in Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, following the development model being implemented in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Another project under consideration is the creation of a world-class stadium and innovation hub on 130 acres in Taloja. Green energy and sustainability push The government aims to achieve 50% green energy by 2029 and 65% by 2035. The plan includes large-scale tree plantation drives and rooftop solar initiatives to promote sustainability. Budget figures and fiscal targets For the financial year 2026-27, the state budget estimates: Revenue receipts: Rs 6,16,099 crore Revenue expenditure: Rs 6,56,651 crore Revenue deficit: Rs 40,552 crore The fiscal deficit is estimated at Rs 1,50,491 crore, and the government said it has kept the fiscal deficit below 3% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). According to Fadnavis, the states revenue deficit has consistently remained below 1% of the GSDP. The government also aims to expand the Mumbai Metropolitan Regions economy from the current $140 billion to $300 billion, positioning it as a major global economic hub. Through a combination of welfare schemes, large-scale infrastructure investments, and ambitious urban development plans, the Fadnavis government has presented a budget that seeks to balance economic expansion with social welfare, while laying the groundwork for Maharashtras long-term economic ambitions. Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 18:29 IST News cities mumbai-news Maharashtra's Rs 7.69-Lakh-Crore Budget: Who Gains? Who Pays More? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maratha Quota Row: 48 Lakh Kunbi Records Traced In Maharashtra, Here's How May Got Certificates Curated By : News18 Cities Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:50 IST Based on the records, the Maharashtra government has begun issuing Kunbi certificates to individuals belonging to the Maratha community who can establish their lineage Rapid Read For the past several months, Jarange Patil has been spearheading protests, hunger strikes and marches to press for Maratha reservation. As activist Manoj Jarange Patil continues his agitation demanding reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category, a significant development has emerged regarding Kunbi records in Maharashtra. The latest review by the state government has revealed the scale of Kunbi documentation found across the state and the number of certificates issued so far. For the past several months, Jarange Patil has been spearheading protests, hunger strikes and marches to press for Maratha reservation. His agitation intensified after he travelled to Mumbai to mount pressure on Maharashtra government, demanding recognition of Kunbi lineage among Marathas to enable their inclusion under the OBC category. Amid the ongoing agitation, the state cabinet subcommittee reviewed the progress of the exercise to trace Kunbi records. The meeting was chaired by Maharashtra Revenue Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil at the state legislature. During the meeting, members discussed issues related to the Maratha community and deliberated on future steps for implementing reservation-related recommendations. Officials also reviewed the progress of the committee headed by retired Justice Sandeep Shinde, which was tasked with tracing historical Kunbi records across the state. According to the committees findings presented at the meeting, nearly 48 lakh Kunbi records have been discovered so far in Maharashtra. Based on these records, the state administration has begun issuing Kunbi certificates to individuals belonging to the Maratha community who can establish their lineage. Government data shared during the meeting showed that 12,11,303 people across the state have been issued Kunbi certificates so far. Division-wise data indicates that the highest number of certificates has been issued in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar division, where 2,57,084 Kunbi certificates have been distributed. Between September 2024 and February 2026 alone, 49,958 certificates were issued in the division. In Beed district, officials said 34,692 certificates have been granted so far. The meeting also reviewed petitions filed in court challenging the law granting reservation to the Maratha community and issues related to the implementation of the Hyderabad Gazetteer. Officials decided that a special counsel would be appointed to present the state governments case effectively in these legal proceedings. In addition, the cabinet subcommittee directed the Divisional Commissioner of Pune to submit a detailed report on the implementation of the Satara Gazetteer, which is also linked to the ongoing verification of historical records related to the Maratha community. Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 20:50 IST News cities mumbai-news Maratha Quota Row: 48 Lakh Kunbi Records Traced In Maharashtra, Here's How May Got Certificates Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai Traffic Relief! Triple-Layer Metro Plan Set To Ease Congestion In These Areas Curated By : News18 Cities Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 18:48 IST The plan includes several metro corridors such as the Kalyan-Taloja Metro Line 12, Kanjurmarg-Badlapur Metro Line 14 and the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan Metro Line 5 Rapid Read Residents affected by metro construction be temporarily shifted to houses under the Basic Services for Urban Poor (BSUP) scheme. A major shift in urban transport planning in Kalyan, Maharashtra, on the cards as authorities have decided to construct the Mumbai metro corridor using a double-decker model, a move expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and reshape the regions road network. The decision was reviewed at a high-level meeting held at the office of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The meeting was attended by Dr. Shrikant Shinde, Member of Parliament, MMRDA Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Additional Commissioner Ashwin Mudgal and other senior officials. Key traffic and infrastructure projects in the region were discussed in detail. Under the proposed double-decker corridor model, the infrastructure will be built in three layers; a road at ground level, a flyover above it, and the metro line on the top. Officials said the integrated structure is designed to optimise space in congested urban areas while accommodating future traffic growth. The plan includes several metro corridors such as the Kalyan-Taloja Metro Line 12, Kanjurmarg-Badlapur Metro Line 14 and the Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan Metro Line 5. In addition, proposals have been made to develop key road corridors as double-decker routes, including the Kalyan-Ulhasnagar-Ambernath-Chikhlole stretch via Durgadi, the ShilphataRanjanoli elevated road, and the Valdhuni-Nevali elevated road. The meeting also focused on civic infrastructure in Ulhasnagar. Officials raised a demand of nearly Rs 100 crore to complete the remaining cement-concrete road works across the city. The discussion was attended by Mayor Ashwini Nikam, Deputy Mayor Amar Lund and other representatives. Authorities also directed that residents affected by metro construction be temporarily shifted to houses under the Basic Services for Urban Poor (BSUP) scheme. Suggestions were made to provide permanent housing to displaced residents and alternative shops to affected traders under the proposed three-cluster redevelopment plan. Officials further instructed that land acquisition required for U-Type and Malang Road projects in Kalyan East be completed on priority. Work on the tunnel at Katai Naka along the Airoli-Katai Freeway was also asked to be accelerated. As part of the proposed expansion of Metro Line 5, new routes are being considered from Chikhlole to Badlapur and from Durgadi to Titwala. Meanwhile, Metro Line 12 could also be extended from Shilphata to Thane via Kalwa and Mumbra. Once completed, the integrated projects are expected to streamline traffic movement and strengthen connectivity across Kalyan, Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Ambernath and Badlapur, significantly improving the regions overall transportation network. First Published: March 06, 2026, 18:48 IST News cities mumbai-news Mumbai Traffic Relief! Triple-Layer Metro Plan Set To Ease Congestion In These Areas Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway Nears Opening: Check Which Routes Are Already In Use Curated By : News18 Cities Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 15:08 IST The long-awaited Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway is nearing completion. Once opened, it could ease massive traffic congestion across Mumbai, Thane and nearby regions Rapid Read The Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and provide a faster travel corridor between Maharashtra and Gujarat. (Local18) Construction of the Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway in Maharashtra has accelerated, with most of the work now in its final phase. Authorities are aiming to open one lane of the expressway for traffic from the Gujarat border to Amne (Bhoirgaon) near Bhiwandi by the end of April. The expressway is expected to ease the growing traffic congestion in Mumbai, Thane, and the surrounding areas. Heavy container traffic and large vehicles heading to Nhava Sheva Port frequently lead to severe traffic jams on existing routes. To provide a faster and alternative route for port-bound traffic, the new expressway is being constructed. In Maharashtra, the project covers around 157 kilometres, stretching from Talasari to Murbe in Raigad District. However, the connection from Murbe to other major state routes has not yet been completed. First Phase Traffic Plan As the full connectivity is still under development, authorities plan to start traffic in the first phase from the Gujarat border to Bhoirgaon (Amne) near Bhiwandi. Most of the construction on this approximately 115-kilometre stretch has already been completed. According to project director Suhas Chitnis, efforts are underway to begin one-way traffic on this section by the end of April. Chitnis also expressed confidence that once the remaining bridges are completed, smooth traffic movement up to Bhiwandi will begin by the end of June. Internal Traffic Allowed During Construction During the construction phase, certain internal stretches of the expressway were temporarily opened to facilitate the movement of construction materials and workers. These sections included Talasari to Ganjad (in Dahanu) and Ganjad to Nagzhari-Maswan. As construction from the Gujarat border to the Vaitarna River in Palghar taluka nears completion, authorities have now stopped internal traffic movement in this section. Sections Currently In Use Despite restrictions in some areas, the expressway is currently being used in certain stretches. These include Maswan to Bahadoli and Ravate, as well as the Saphale Navghar to Khanivade section. Officials from the highway authority say this has already provided local residents with a shorter route between Saphale and Virar, and its usage has steadily increased. Delay In Vaitarna River Bridge Construction Construction of the bridge over the Vaitarna River between Penand and Sonave faced delays due to several issues. These included land-related complications involving the forest department and underground cables belonging to Adani Power. Work Resumes After Obstacles Cleared After these challenges were resolved, construction resumed at a faster pace. Officials now expect the bridge work to be completed by the end of June, which will help ensure smoother connectivity along the expressway. Once operational, the Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and provide a faster travel corridor between Maharashtra and Gujarat. Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 15:08 IST News cities mumbai-news Mumbai-Vadodara Expressway Nears Opening: Check Which Routes Are Already In Use Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai Mystery: Why Vasai Road Station Still Uses Code BSR Despite Name Change? Revelation In Video Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 11:41 IST A video explains why the station code BSR still appears on tickets even though Bassein was renamed Vasai years ago. The reason is linked to railway systems and the stations busy junction status. (Photo Credit: X) Many people who travel on Mumbais suburban railway line notice something unusual at one particular station. The name on the board reads Vasai Road, but the station code printed on tickets and railway charts still shows BSR. For regular commuters, this small detail often raises a question: why hasnt the code changed to match the new name? A clip circulating online addresses this question and explains the reason simply. A Man Explains Why The Code Never Changed In the clip, the narrator begins by pointing out the interesting detail. He says, The name Bassein was changed to Vasai in 1947. So why is it still listed as BSR and not VSR on tickets? It is already been changed. Where? Vasundhara railway station in Uttar Pradesh. So, get another code. It is not that easy." He goes on to explain that updating the station name is simple, but changing the code is a much bigger task. According to him, altering a name on the board is like repainting a sign, while changing a station code affects the railway system itself. Changing the board is easy, but changing the code can disrupt the system. Writing Vasai on the board is like painting, but changing the code requires resetting the entire railways brain," he says in the clip. Junction Stations Make The Change Complicated The narrator then explains why some stations changed their codes while others did not. He explains that places such as Mumbai Central and CSMT are terminal stations. According to him, terminals are the last stop for trains. Since trains either begin or end their journey there, even if an error happens in the system, the train will still stop at that location. But if you ask They changed Mumbai Central and CSMT. They are terminals, meaning dead ends. Trains stop there or originate there. If an error occurs, the train will stop there," he says. However, Vasai works very differently. Why Vasai Is Considered Too Important The narrator points out that Vasai is not a simple stop but a major junction. A large number of freight trains move through this route every day, which makes the station very important for railway operations. And Vasai? Vasai is a mega junction. Many freight trains pass through here every day. So what? One small mistake in changing the code, and the train will be on the track but missing from the system. Meaning, the entire countrys freight traffic is jammed," he says. He also mentions another example where the code was changed. According to him, Elphinstone station was renamed and its code was updated because the new code was unused and the station is only a local stop. So, how did Elphinstones code change? From EPR to PBHD. The PBHD code was empty, plus its a local stop. Neither does the express train stop there, nor is there a junction," he explains. Watch the video here: People React After Watching The Explanation The clip was shared on February 27 and has received more than 64,000 views so far. Several users said the explanation helped answer a question they had often wondered about. A user commented, Information given is very accurate." Another wrote, Sahi bola..humko to coupon code se farak padta hai. Hahaha. Great info about some questions which cross our minds but which we never get answers to easily." A person remarked, Ye me kisi ko bataungi to wo manega," while another asked, Madras Central was changed to Chennai Central. But still code is MAS. Its also a terminal station. Why is it not changed??" So, next time you see the code BSR, you will know the story behind it. First Published: March 06, 2026, 11:41 IST News cities mumbai-news Mumbai Mystery: Why Vasai Road Station Still Uses Code BSR Despite Name Change? Revelation In Video Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Navi Mumbai Slab Collapse: 13-Year-Old Leaves For Tuition, His Body Returns Home Curated By : News18 Cities Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 15:52 IST 13-year-old Manish Mhase had gone to attend a private tuition class when the concrete slab of the classroom suddenly fell on the students Rapid Read The incident occurred at flat number 2 of Vidya Bhavan Apartments, where a resident was conducting tuition class for 11 children. (PTI) Manish Manish where are you? Where should I look for you?" Those were the desperate cries of a mother echoing through the narrow lanes of Kopar Khairane in Navi Mumbai on Thursday evening as she searched frantically for her son. Residents stood silently, many unable to hold back tears as the tragedy unfolded before them. The Mhase family had come to the city years ago with a single hope, of giving their son a better future. But that dream ended abruptly when a classroom slab collapsed during a tuition class in Sector 2 of Kopar Khairane, claiming the life of their teenage son. The incident occurred between 4.30 pm-5 pm at flat number 2 of Vidya Bhavan Apartments, where a resident, Shyamali Chaudhary, was conducting a tuition class for 11 children. During the session, the ceiling slab of the ground-floor apartment suddenly collapsed, trapping students under the debris. Among them was Manish Mhase, a 13-year-old student of St Marys School, who had gone there like any other day to attend his class. Within seconds, the room was filled with dust and chaos as the slab came crashing down. Children screamed for help while locals rushed to the building after hearing the noise. Residents and rescuers began clearing the debris in a frantic attempt to pull the trapped students out. Some children were rescued and rushed to hospitals with injuries. Civic officials said 10 students aged between 9-14 were injured and taken to nearby private hospitals, including Apex Hospital, Lions Club Hospital and Saijyot Hospital. One child, Aaradhya Dhanwade, was found safe and handed over to relatives. Another boy, 12-year-old Parth Khairnar who lives on the first floor of the building, was also admitted for treatment. Manish, however, was pulled out from under the rubble in critical condition and rushed to Vashi Municipal Hospital. Despite doctors efforts, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. For Manishs parents, the news shattered everything they had worked for. His father spent long hours driving a rickshaw to support the family, while his mother worked at a school and struggled to ensure their son received a good education. Nearly four to five years ago, the family had left their native village near Neral and moved to Navi Mumbai solely to build a better future for Manish. But in a matter of seconds, that hope was buried under concrete. When the family learned that their son had died, grief overwhelmed them. His mother cried inconsolably, repeatedly asking how her son could leave them so suddenly. Rescue operations at the site were carried out by teams from the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporations Regional Disaster Management Department along with fire brigade units from Vashi, Kopar Khairane and Airoli. Following the collapse, the civic body evacuated the building and shifted residents to temporary accommodation at Annasaheb Patil Cultural Bhavan in Kopar Khairane. NMMC Commissioner Kailas Shinde ordered an immediate structural audit of the building to determine the cause of the collapse and assess its safety. Navi Mumbai Mayor Sujata Patil, Commissioner Shinde and Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat later visited the site and met the injured students at hospitals. Police officials said the incident appears to be accidental and no charges have been registered so far. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Vijay Chougule announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for Manishs family and Rs 1 lakh each for the injured students. For the Mhase family, however, no compensation can replace what they have lost. A young boy who had stepped out with books in his bag to attend a class never returned home alive. And in the narrow lanes where his mother kept calling his name, the silence that followed spoke louder than anything else. First Published: March 06, 2026, 15:52 IST News cities mumbai-news Navi Mumbai Slab Collapse: 13-Year-Old Leaves For Tuition, His Body Returns Home Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... This Young Graduate Chose Fish Farming Over A Job, Earned Rs 60 Lakh In 2 Years Curated By : News18 Cities Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:13 IST The venture has attracted buyers from major cities such as Pune, Mumbai and Hyderabad, ensuring a steady demand and reliable market access Rapid Read Patil invested close to Rs 1 crore in establishing the fish farming business two years ago. (Representational Image) At a time when many educated youths leave their villages in search of jobs in big cities, a young man from a small village in Maharashtras Solapur has taken a different route, and found remarkable success. Uzeb Iqbal Patil, 29, from Ouj village in South Solapur area, chose entrepreneurship over employment after completing his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Instead of pursuing a conventional job, Patil ventured into fish farming and has managed to earn a profit of nearly Rs 60 lakh within just two years. Patil developed a farm pond across nearly 5 acres of land in his village to start the aquaculture venture. Setting up the pond and the required infrastructure involved an investment of around Rs 80-90 lakh. He stocked the pond with fingerlings of the Rupchand and Fungus varieties of fish, which are known for their market demand. To ensure proper growth, the fish are regularly fed a combination of commercial fish feed and rice. The pond water is also utilised for irrigation, providing an additional benefit for agricultural activities on the farm. According to Patil, the Rupchand and Fungus varieties are ready for harvest within about 9 months. Once the fish mature, traders arrive directly at the farm to purchase the produce. In the market, these fish fetch prices ranging between Rs 80- Rs 120 per kg. The venture has attracted buyers from major cities such as Pune, Mumbai and Hyderabad, ensuring a steady demand and reliable market access. Patil invested close to Rs 1 crore in establishing the fish farming business two years ago. With careful planning and management, he has already earned a profit of about Rs 60 lakh after covering expenses. Encouraging other educated youths to explore opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors, Patil says that farming and agribusiness can offer sustainable and profitable livelihoods if approached with planning and dedication. His success has also sparked growing interest in fish farming among farmers in the surrounding areas, many of whom are now exploring similar ventures. Location : Solapur, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 20:13 IST News cities mumbai-news This Young Graduate Chose Fish Farming Over A Job, Earned Rs 60 Lakh In 2 Years Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... AI Washing Or Layoff Warning? How Employees Might Be Paying The Price For Corporate Cost Cutting Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 08:10 IST AI washing is when firms claim to use advanced AI but rely on basic automation, exaggerate results, or present tools as fully working when they are limited or not truly deployed. Rapid Read According to global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, technology companies announced 49,795 job cuts through 2025, with artificial intelligence frequently cited as a driver of workforce optimisation. (Image: Canva) When companies announce they are going AI-first, it rarely sounds like a warning. The official email is polished and forward-looking, framed as progress, competitiveness and inevitability in an era defined by rapid advances in artificial intelligence. Yet beneath the rhetoric, a quieter reality that is increasing becoming a corporate phenomenon- AI Washing. In February 2026, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, publicly acknowledged what many employees had begun to suspect, noting that some firms are blaming AI for layoffs that they would otherwise do". InCruiter CEO, Anil Agarwal agrees and does not mince words while telling News18, In todays environment, its often a defensive move to stay relevant to investors. True AI creates transformative workflows; AI washing just adds a digital facelift to basic automation or simple algorithms." Across 2025 and into 2026, that script has become familiar. According to global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, technology companies announced 49,795 job cuts through 2025, with artificial intelligence frequently cited as a driver of workforce optimisation". At the same time, PwCs 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer found that while AI adoption is accelerating, productivity gains are uneven and many firms remain in early deployment stages. What this really means is that the language of AI is racing ahead of the infrastructure needed to support it. More recently, a Bengaluru-based home interiors platform, laid off around 1,000 employees, describing a shift towards becoming AI-native", even as it faced funding constraints and mounting losses. The move ignited debate within Indias start-up ecosystem, was this genuine reinvention, or a reframing of financial strain? What Is AI Washing? AI washing describes the practice of overstating or misrepresenting the use of artificial intelligence to appear more advanced than reality. In some cases, companies label routine automation or basic data processing as AI. In others, they exaggerate how effective their systems are compared with existing methods, or imply that AI tools are fully deployed and delivering results when they are still experimental, limited or not operational at scale. AI washing is essentially the greenwashing of the tech world. Its when companies sprinkle AI-powered into their marketing or annual reports to inflate brand value without having any substantive machine learning under the hood. Its misleading because it creates a gap between shareholder expectations and the actual technical capabilities of the workforce," says Agarwal. Growth Strategy Vs Cost-Control: What Does Going AI Mean? In a tighter capital environment, the distinction matters. Venture funding across Asia softened through 2025 compared with pandemic highs, and many late-stage firms are under pressure to show a credible path to profitability. Agarwal observes, In a lean market, AI is frequently being utilized as a cost-control lever disguised as innovation. While profitable firms use AI to scale and find new revenue, struggling ones often use AI integration as a narrative to justify headcount reductions and bridge budget gaps. Were seeing a shift where Going AI becomes a euphemism for streamlining operations. However, the smartest firms realize that using AI solely to cut costs is a short-term win; true growth comes from using it to augment human talent, not just replace it." Madhu Rajputra Peravalli, Co-founder and CEO of Troogue, is even more direct. Lets call spade a spade. Its not really a technology decision always. Its a cost decision driven by survival economics. When margins are squeezed, the boardroom doesnt say fire people, they say lets automate and improve productivity. Same result, different optics." He continues, Real AI adoption needs investment in infrastructure, in people, in change. Financially strained companies dont have the appetite for that. What they actually do is automate one visible process, issue a press release about going AI-first, and quietly reduce headcount." From his vantage point, the pattern is visible. I see this from the other side every day. Enterprises gutting internal teams and then urgently hiring AI-skilled contractors externally because theyve announced a transformation they cant actually execute. The decision to automate, in most stressed companies, isnt about building capability. Its about buying time with investors and the board. AI just happens to be the most credible-sounding cover story available right now." How Does the AI as Replacement Narrative Affect Employees? Gallups 2025 workplace data shows that employee engagement dips sharply during restructuring cycles, particularly where communication lacks clarity. Add automation anxiety to the mix, and the impact deepens. Agarwal warns, Automation anxiety creates a survival mode culture that can stifle the very creativity companies need to recover. When employees view AI as a competitor rather than a collaborator, morale plummets and trust in leadership erodes. This uncertainty leads to burnout and a knowledge hoarding mentality, where people fear sharing expertise. To fix this, leaders must be transparent. I believe the goal is Human-plus-AI. If you dont manage the psychological transition, youll end up with a high-tech office filled with disengaged, fearful people." Peravalli echoes that concern by adding, The damage is detrimental not just for the employees but even for organisations. When leadership frames AI as a replacement, your best people start updating their LinkedIn profiles. Not the average performers. Because they have options. Whats left? A workforce that should have either been reskilled or a misfit to the current role." He adds a cautionary note, Heres the irony, the people most capable of making AI work inside an organisation are precisely the ones who leave when they feel threatened by the narrative. You end up with the technology and none of the human intelligence to run it. In India especially, a job isnt just a paycheck. Its the EMI, the family, the social identity. Smart companies are saying: AI amplifies you. Not replaces you. Thats not just better communication. Its actually the truth if youre willing to learn. Now companies say that and let go people, that circles back to point 1." Which Job Roles Are Most at Risk? The World Economic Forums 2025 Future of Jobs update suggests that routine cognitive tasks face the highest displacement risk, even as demand grows for analytical and human-centred skills. Peravalli is specific. Every mundane, repetitive tasks like Report generation, rule-based decisions, Information relay, basic QA, template coding and tasks similar are at risk. Anything where the job is essentially follow steps A to B to C is under pressure. Most middle management in large IT service organizations in India survived with excel and ppt skills, now thats under pressure. In tech specifically and I deal with this daily. Junior manual testers, basic data analysts, entry-level developers doing repetitive work. These roles are already feeling the stress." But he stresses it is not confined to entry level. But heres what most people miss: its not just the bottom of the pyramid. Middle managers whose only job is to gather updates and present them upward? Equally exposed. AI does that faster and without the politics. What survives? Judgment under ambiguity, domain experience, he ability to read a room, navigate a client, build trust. Things you cant prompt-engineer your way to." The honest reality: our education system is still manufacturing people optimised for exactly the skills being automated. Thats the real crisis not AI itself, but the lag between what were training people for and what the market actually needs now." When Is AI-Driven Restructuring In A Firm a Red Flag? Sad reality but yes. And the market is getting smarter at spotting it. Heres a simple test, when a company announces AI-driven restructuring, lets dig into wheres the AI investment? Wheres the reskilling budget? Wheres the 12- 18 month capability roadmap? If theres no answer, its not an AI strategy. Its a balance sheet problem trying to get swept under the carpet," Peravalli puts it bluntly. He names the phenomenon directly, Not of products but of people decisions. The layoff was always going to happen. The insane hiring, unplanned adding of fat post covid and the inflated valuations was always going to get under stress. AI just made it easier to announce while saving the value." The long-term consequences, he argues, are reputational, These companies will struggle to hire real AI talent tomorrow because skilled people can read the pattern. They know the difference between an organisation genuinely building something and one that used AI-first as a euphemism for were in trouble. Were already seeing candidates ask pointed questions about a companys actual AI roadmap before they accept a job offer. The workforce isnt naive, they have seen this movie before just with different technology as the villain." For employees and investors alike, the question is no longer whether a company is going AI first. It is whether the strategy is building capability or merely buying time. In 2026, the difference is becoming easier to spot. First Published: March 06, 2026, 08:10 IST News education-career AI Washing Or Layoff Warning? How Employees Might Be Paying The Price For Corporate Cost Cutting Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Finland has donated 35 trucks carrying oil skimmers with power sources, booms, personal protective equipment, and other oil spill response equipment to Ukraine, the Finnish Embassy in Ukraine reported. "Oil spill response is an important tool for reducing environmental damage. Petroleum products contain substances that pose a serious threat to ecosystems. Even small concentrations can lead to contamination of groundwater and water supplies," the Embassy said in a Facebook post. At the end of 2025, Ukraine submitted an urgent request for assistance through the European Unions Civil Protection Mechanism. The Finnish Ministry of the Interior coordinated the response together with the Border Guard and rescue units. "Cooperation between authorities was extremely effective. We were able to gather a significant amount of equipment for delivery to Ukraine without compromising our own response readiness," Ville Estlander, a senior officer with the Finnish Ministry of the Interiors rescue service, was quoted as saying. The package included donations from the Finnish Border Guard and rescue services, as well as equipment purchased by the Ministry of the Interior. Bihar Board 12th Result 2026: How BSEB Prepares Results And Conducts Topper Interviews? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 10:16 IST Bihar Board 12th Result 2026: Over recent years, technological advancements and modern software have made the Bihar Board result process more transparent and rapid. Bihar Board Results: After the exam answer sheets are evaluated, a topper list is created based on the scores. (AI Generated Image) Bihar Board 12th Result 2026: The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) is poised to make history once again. The Bihar Board 12th exam concluded earlier than other education boards in the country, and its results will be released first. Over recent years, technological advancements and modern software have made the Bihar Board result process more transparent and rapid. This initiative was taken to address discrepancies in past results. After the exam answer sheets are evaluated, a topper list is created based on the scores. These top students are then called to the Patna headquarters for interviews by a team of experts. This process helps prevent any future topper scam" and ensures that meritorious students are rightly recognised. Lets learn about the entire process, from the preparation of the Bihar Board marksheet to the rigorous interview of the toppers. How Is Bihar Board 12th Marksheet Prepared? The Bihar Board has digitised the copy-checking and result preparation process. After the answer sheets are evaluated, the OMR sheets are scanned, and the marks are uploaded directly to the server. Marks for subjective questions are also sent to the data centre via computer. The final marksheet is then prepared by combining theory and practical marks using software. How Is Topper Verification Done? Before the Bihar Board releases its results, a list of potential toppers is compiled. These students are called to the board office in Patna for interviews by a team of experts. Only those who score at the top of the state merit list are interviewed, including potential toppers from Science, Arts, and Commerce streams. During the interview, students face challenging questions related to the syllabus and are asked to write something on the spot, which is then compared with their main examination answer sheets. After the physical verification of the toppers, the Education Minister or the Board Chairman announces the results at a press conference. First Published: March 06, 2026, 10:16 IST News education-career Bihar Board 12th Result 2026: How BSEB Prepares Results And Conducts Topper Interviews? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Former UGC Chief M Jagadesh Kumar Appointed BoG Chairperson Of IIM Calcutta Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 18:45 IST Former UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar has been appointed Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIM Calcutta for a four-year term. Former UGC chairman M Jagadesh Kumar appointed Chairperson of the Board of Governors at IIM Calcutta. Former University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar has been appointed the Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG) at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, officials from the Ministry of Education confirmed. The appointment has been approved by President Droupadi Murmu and will be for a four-year term. Kumars tenure will be till completion of four years as Chairperson, Board of Governors, IIM Calcutta or seventy years of age, whichever is earlier," a senior Ministry of Education official told PTI. Role of the Board of Governors The Board of Governors at IIMs functions as the apex decision-making body of the institute. It is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the institution, approving policies, and overseeing financial matters. The board typically includes industry leaders, academics, and government representatives. Academic and Administrative Career Kumar brings decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic administration. He served as Chairman of the UGC from February 2022 to April 2025. Before that, he was the 12th Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) from January 2016 to 2022. Earlier in his career, he was a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he held the NXP Chair Professorship and coordinated the VLSI Design programme. ALSO READ: UPSC Civil Services 2025 Final Result Declared: Anuj Agnihotri Tops, 958 Candidates Qualify Key Initiatives at UGC During his tenure at the UGC, Kumar oversaw several initiatives in higher education. He played a key role in implementing the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions to bring uniformity in the admission process across universities. He also promoted digital learning platforms such as SWAYAM and supported Open and Distance Learning programmes, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Other initiatives during his tenure included the Professor of Practice scheme, the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme, and steps to facilitate foreign universities setting up campuses in India. Kumar was recently awarded the Padma Shri in 2026 for his contribution to the field of education. First Published: March 06, 2026, 18:45 IST News education-career Former UGC Chief M Jagadesh Kumar Appointed BoG Chairperson Of IIM Calcutta Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... JNUTA Calls For Removal Of JNU VC Over Controversial Dalit Remarks: What Happened So Far? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 11:46 IST In a letter to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, JNUTA questioned the Ministry and Central Government's stance on the VC's comments and the detention of protesting students. JNUTA highlighted the government's inaction following the violent suppression and detention of students who peacefully protested the VC's remarks. (Image: News18 Hindi) The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) on Thursday called for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit due to her controversial remarks on a podcast that dismissed UGC regulations and allegedly contained casteist undertones. In a letter to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, JNUTA questioned the Ministry and Central Governments stance on the VCs comments and the detention of protesting students, reported ANI. They also raised concerns about the VCs political connections with the Union government, suggesting these ties influenced her appointment. JNUTA highlighted the governments inaction following the violent suppression and detention of students who peacefully protested the VCs remarks. They argued that this contradicts the governments commitment to justice and casts doubt on its seriousness about addressing caste discrimination. Demanding the VCs immediate removal, JNUTA cited multiple instances of her mis-governance" and noted that similar demands had been made three times in 2025 alone. They accused the government of implicitly endorsing the VCs casteist views by not acting against her. The association pointed out the VCs misuse of the None Found Suitable (NFS) provision to obstruct faculty appointments for reserved positions, discriminatory promotion practices, and the declining representation of women and SC/ST categories in the student body. Criticising the VCs false claims about the secrecy of the UGC Equity Regulations and the proportion of women faculty, JNUTA emphasised that these can be easily disproven with available data. They deemed the VC unfit to lead an institution known for academic excellence and social equity, stressing that the Ministrys reputation is also at stake. JNUTA urged the Education Ministry to take prompt action, asserting that the VCs continuation is unacceptable and detrimental to the universitys reputation. They emphasised that the need for such regulations is undeniable and refuted the VCs analysis as condemnable, urging the Ministry to act decisively. What Happened So Far? The Vice Chancellors statement, made in a podcast released on February 16, sparked controversy. Discussing the University Grants Commissions (UGC) Equity (Anti-Discrimination) Rules of 2026, which aim to prevent caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions, she described the regulations as unnecessary and irrational." She commented that its not easy to move forward by demonising someone or constantly portraying yourself as a victim. Its like a temporary addiction." This statement quickly stirred a reaction on social media. As the controversy grew, the VC clarified that her statement had been misrepresented. She insisted she did not mean to imply that the Dalit community always plays the victim card, but rather that some people use such language as part of a woke" ideology. She stated that the controversy was unnecessary and that care had not been taken in formulating the rules, adding, I myself am a Bahujan." The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (JNUSU) labelled the Vice Chancellors remarks as blatantly casteist" and demanded her resignation. They argued that such statements promote caste discrimination and inequality in universities. The atmosphere on the JNU campus has since become tense, with student organisations insisting that protests will continue until the Vice Chancellor apologises or resigns. As many as 14 JNU students, arrested during a protest march last week, have recently been released after a Delhi court ordered their immediate release. Among those released are JNUSU president Aditi Mishra, vice president Gopika K Babu, joint secretary Danish Ali, former JNUSU president Nitish Kumar, and AISA All India president Neha, among others. The court granted bail to the protesters on February 27, noting that while assaulting police personnel is a serious offence, the accused are students with their careers ahead of them. First Published: March 06, 2026, 11:45 IST News education-career JNUTA Calls For Removal Of JNU VC Over Controversial Dalit Remarks: What Happened So Far? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... RRB JE Answer Key 2026 Out, Objection Window Open Till March 11 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 12:34 IST RRB JE Answer Key 2026 has been released. Candidates who appeared for the CBT can download the provisional answer key and raise objections till March 11 on regional RRB websites. RRB JE Answer Key 2026 released; candidates can download it and raise objections till March 11. RRB JE Answer Key 2026: The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has released the RRB JE Answer Key 2026. Candidates who appeared for the Junior Engineer (JE) computer-based test (CBT) can download the provisional answer key from the official websites of their respective regional RRBs. Along with the answer key, the board has also opened the objection window. Candidates who wish to challenge any answer can submit their objections until March 11, 2026. The fee to raise an objection is Rs 50 plus applicable bank service charges per question. If the objection is found to be correct, the amount paid for that question will be refunded after deducting the applicable bank charges. The refund will be credited to the same account that was used to make the online payment. Candidates can make the payment through Rupay Cards, Credit Cards, UPI or Net Banking. How To Download RRB JE Answer Key 2026? Candidates can follow these steps to download the answer key: Step 1: Visit the official website of the respective regional RRBs. Step 2: Click on the RRB JE Answer Key 2026 link available on the home page. Step 3: A new page will open where candidates will have to enter the login details. Step 4: Click on submit and the answer key will appear on the screen. Step 5: Check the answer key and download it. Step 6: Take a printout for future reference. Direct Link The RRB JE CBT was conducted on February 19, 20 and 25, 2026. The first stage exam was held for 90 minutes, and the question paper contained 100 questions. There is negative marking in the CBT, and one-third of the marks allotted to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer. The minimum qualifying marks for different categories are 40 percent for UR and EWS candidates, 30 percent for OBC (NCL) and SC candidates, and 25 percent for ST candidates. This recruitment drive aims to fill 2,585 posts in the organisation, increased from 2,569 earlier. The number of vacancies has been raised for the Chennai and Jammu-Srinagar regions. Of the total, 169 vacancies are in RRB Chennai and 95 vacancies are in RRB Jammu-Srinagar. Candidates can visit the official website of their respective regional RRBs for more information. First Published: March 06, 2026, 12:34 IST News education-career RRB JE Answer Key 2026 Out, Objection Window Open Till March 11 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Indias Blue Sparrow? How Israels Rocks, Golden Horizon Boost Delhis Missile Technology Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 17:17 IST Israel's Blue Sparrow missile killed Iran's Khamenei: India is integrating and testing Israeli missile technology such as ROCKS and Golden Horizon to enhance its capabilities Rapid Read PM Narendra Modi visited Israel on February 25 and 26. (Image: MEA/PTI/File) During Operation Epic Fury, the Blue Sparrow missile, an advanced Israeli air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM), was reportedly used to assassinate Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28. India, too, is currently integrating and testing Israeli missile technology, specifically the ROCKS missile and the Golden Horizon, to enhance its deep-strike capabilities, said reports. Crystal Maze 2: Indian Air Forces Latest Endeavour in Aerial SuperiorityOn April 23rd, 2024, the #IndianAirForce (@IAF_MCC) successfully tested the Medium-Range Ballistic Missile #CrystalMaze2, also known as #ROCKS, with a range of over 250 km. pic.twitter.com/PXCCtv2u94 The GEOSTRATA (@TheGeostrata) April 28, 2024 Blue Sparrow: The Missile that killed Khamenei The Blue Sparrow is often called a missile from space" due to its unique flight path. Launched at approximately 7:30 AM Iran time from Israeli F-15 or F-35 fighter jets, the missiles struck Khameneis compound in Tehran around 9:40 AM. After launch, a booster rocket propels the missile to the edge of the Earths atmosphere (near-space). It then re-enters at hypersonic speeds (over Mach 5), following a quasi-ballistic arc that makes it nearly impossible to intercept with conventional air defences. The missile uses GPS and inertial navigation to hit high-value, fortified targets with extreme accuracy, reportedly capable of hitting a specific room from over 1,000 km away. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the Sparrow family (including Black and Silver variants) was originally designed to simulate enemy ballistic missiles for testing Israels Arrow defence system before being adapted for offensive use. Israeli technology for India: ROCKS missile and Golden Horizon India is leveraging the technology behind the Sparrow family to modernise the Indian Air Force (IAF) arsenal, primarily through the ROCKS and Golden Horizon systems, the Business Standard reported. ROCKS Missile: An operational derivative of the Blue Sparrow/Anchor family. The IAF successfully test-fired the ROCKS or Crystal Maze 2 missile from a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter in April 2024. It has a range of about 300 km and is designed to strike high-value targets in GPS-denied environments using electro-optical seekers. Golden Horizon: Reported to have been offered to India in February 2026 for integration onto upgraded Su-30MKI platforms. This long-range ALBM (estimated range of 1,5002,000 km) would allow India to strike deep into enemy territory without crossing international borders. India tests ROCKS missile India has already begun exploring this technology through its collaboration with Israeli defence manufacturers. In April 2024, the IAF test-fired the ROCKS missile from a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, highlighting Indias ability to target deep inside enemy territory without even crossing its own airspace. Under the Atmanirbhar initiative, India is exploring larger orders of these missiles equipped with India-sourced components and potential technology transfers to the DRDO. Israeli technology used by India during Operation Sindoor India heavily used advanced Israeli technology during Operation Sindoor in 2025, with Prime Minister Netanyahu confirming that these battle-proven" systems performed well. Key Israeli-origin assets included SPICE precision-guided kits, HARPY and Harop kamikaze" drones, Barak-8 air defense systems, and Heron UAVs. HARPY & Harop Drones: Used by India to intercept Pakistani missiles and destroy radar-emitting targets and air defense infrastructure, including in Lahore. SPICE (Smart, Precise Impact and Cost Effective) Kits: Supplied by Rafael, these were used to convert conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions. Barak-8 Missiles: Jointly developed with Israel, these provided a critical integrated air defence shield. SkyStriker Drones: Manufactured in Bengaluru through a joint venture between Indias Alpha Design and Israels Elbit Security Systems, these loitering munitions were also deployed. Rampage Missiles: Utilized for deep-penetration strikes. With Agency Inputs First Published: March 06, 2026, 14:10 IST News explainers Indias Blue Sparrow? How Israels Rocks, Golden Horizon Boost Delhis Missile Technology Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Irans Air Defence Is Weakening, Can Brutal IRGC Chief Ahmad Vahidi Still Ensure Victory? Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:06 IST US-Israel-Iran war: How bad is the damage for Iran? Who is Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi? How brutal is Vahidi? News18 explains Rapid Read Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). (X/File) At a time when Irans Integrated Air Defence Network (IADN) has been severely compromised following intense US and Israeli air campaigns that began on February 28, can Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, the new Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), ensure Tehrans victory? How bad is the damage for Iran? Who is Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi? How brutal is Vahidi? News18 explains Irans air defence a shambles Military observers indicate that Irans air defence is currently in a state of near-collapse or severe degradation. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) officially declared air superiority over Tehran on March 1. This allows their aircraft to operate freely, often dropping munitions directly on targets rather than relying on long-distance stand-off" strikes. System Failures: S-300 / S-400: Most batteries near major hubs like Tehran and Isfahan are largely non-functional after being targeted in the opening salvos of the conflict. Bavar-373: Irans primary indigenous long-range system has been severely degraded, particularly in Western Iran, where it was prioritised for dismantling by Allied forces. Chinese HQ-9B: Despite being deployed to protect sensitive nuclear sites, this newly acquired system reportedly failed to prevent strikes on those facilities. ALSO READ | US-Israel-Iran War Live Updates HERE Why a poor defence could be Irans Achilles Heel The failure of air defence cascades through Irans entire military strategy: Without air cover, Irans main offensive toolits ballistic missilesis left impaired. Mobile launchers are being tracked and destroyed by drones and jets the moment they emerge from underground missile cities", say experts. ALSO READ | Irans Missile Stockpiles Depleting, Less But More Strategy To The Rescue | Explained The inability to stop 5th-generation stealth aircraft (like the F-35) or heavy bombers (like the B-2) has collapsed Irans deterrent posture, forcing the regime to rely on lower-tech, less effective retaliatory measures like drone swarms. Threats to block the Strait of Hormuz are difficult to execute without solid air cover, as Iranian naval assets are easily overwhelmed by modern air-to-sea strikes. What is Iran doing? To compensate for this weakness, Iran has shifted toward: Moving away from Western-controlled GPS to the Chinese BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System in early 2026 to bypass GPS jamming that previously reduced its missile accuracy, according to reports. Increased reliance on mass-produced Shahed drones to saturate enemy air defenses, though these have seen high interception rates by regional neighbors like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. How can IRGC chief Vahidi help? Vahidis appointment follows the deaths of several top leaders, including former IRGC chief Mohammad Pakpour and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, during joint US-Israeli strikes. Vahidi is considered a key wartime leader" and a senior strategist with decades of experience. ALSO READ | Why Russia Is Not Defending Iran Amid US-Israel War: 5 Reasons Explained Whether he can lead Iran to a win" depends on his ability to execute the following strategies: Asymmetric Warfare: Vahidi is a primary architect of Irans asymmetric warfare doctrine, focusing on non-traditional combat to offset the conventional military superiority of the US and Israel. Retaliatory Operations: Under his command, the IRGC has vowed to launch Operation True Promise 4," described as the most ferocious offensive in history," targeting US and Israeli bases across the Middle East. Intelligence-Driven Command: Unlike his predecessors who were primarily battlefield commanders, Vahidis background is rooted in intelligence and strategic planning, which may help stabilize the IRGCs disrupted command structure. How brutal is he? Vahidi is widely characterised as a hardline loyalist" with a reputation for extreme ruthlessness in both domestic and international operations. He is the subject of an Interpol Red Notice for his alleged role in conceiving, planning, and executing" the 1994 AMIA bombing in Buenos Aires, which killed 85 people. As Interior Minister (20212024), he oversaw the violent crackdown on the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom" protests. Under his command, security forces were accused of mass killings, assaults, and torturing dissidents. Middle East analysts have described his predecessors as schoolteachers" compared to Vahidis level of brutality, noting that he is expected to oversee mass killings of Iranians to keep the regime alive. Due to his involvement in terrorism, human rights violations, and nuclear proliferation, he is heavily sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasury, the European Union, Canada, and the UK. With Agency Inputs First Published: March 06, 2026, 18:10 IST News explainers Irans Air Defence Is Weakening, Can Brutal IRGC Chief Ahmad Vahidi Still Ensure Victory? Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Irans Missile Stockpiles Depleting, Less But More Strategy To The Rescue | Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 16:13 IST With Tehrans ability to launch massive ballistic missile barrages weakened, it is new moving to a strategy fewer shots, more targets Iran launched waves of missile attacks in the Gulf in retaliation to the US-Israeli attacks on Feb 28. (Reuters) With the United States and Israeli forces significantly degrading Irans missile stockpiles and launchers during Operation Epic Fury, Tehrans ability to launch massive ballistic missile barrages has weakened. Consequently, it has now pivoted to a new strategy fewer shots, more targets. The Wall Street Journal, in an analysis, highlighted how Iran is using low-cost drone attacks across at least 11 countries to impose economic costs on the U.S. and its allies. Irans warfare Irans IRGC on Friday said its aerospace forces launched the 21st wave of Operation True Promise utilizing swarms of suicide drones and the advanced Khayber missiles with cluster warheads to saturate and bypass the Zionist regimes multi-layered air defences. The IRGC said the coordinated assault was codenamed Ya Muizz al-Muminin." Iran further said that its retaliatory campaign will intensify in the coming days, with military officials vowing expanded strikes while air defences continue to intercept Israeli and US aircraft and drones across the country. ALSO READ | US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates HERE Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, told Press TV that Israel has attempted to hide its military resources among civilian areas but Iranian forces are continuing to locate and strike them. The cowardly military forces and facilities of the Zionist regime have hidden in civilian and public layers," Zolfaghari said. But the detection and striking of the aggressors will continue, and in the coming days the trend of attacks will become more intense and widespread." He added that Iranian air defences had intercepted and destroyed advanced enemy aircraft over several regions of the country. According to Zolfaghari, the latest interceptions bring the total number of enemy drones shot down by Iranian armed forces to more than 75 since the US-Israeli aggression began last Saturday. In New Delhi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh asserted that Tehran has no option" but to engage in a heroic nationalist defence" against what he termed an American and Israeli invasion," vowing that the nation will resist to the last bullet" and last soldier." Where do Irans military capabilities stand? Ballistic Missiles: Launches have plummeted 90% since the start of the conflict. The U.S. Pentagon reported an 86% decrease in theater ballistic missile shots as of mid-week, according to the WSJ. Drones: One-way attack drone launches have decreased by 83% overall, but they remain Irans primary tool for retaliation due to their low cost and ability to evade some air defences. Air Defenses: Iranian air defenses have been severely degraded," allowing U.S. and Israeli forces to establish localized air superiority and strike deeper into Iranian territory, according to foreign news media reports. Regional and Economic Impact Iran has launched attacks across 11 countries, including Turkey, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, and Gulf states like the UAE and Bahrain. Attacks have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, trapping approximately 20% of the worlds daily oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) consumption. Drone strikes have hit Saudi oil facilities and forced Qatar to halt gas exports, pushing U.S. oil prices above $80 a barrel for the first time in over a year. Six American troops were killed in a drone strike in Kuwait, and drones have struck high-rise buildings and hotels in Dubai and Bahrain. ALSO READ | Did Iran Trick Israel Into Bombing A Painting Of A Helicopter? IDF Video Sparks Online Debate What is the fewer shots, more targets strategy? Irans Fewer Shots, More Targets" strategy is a tactical shift from high-volume missile barrages to widening the conflict across the Middle East using low-cost, persistent drone strikes. This change follows the degradation of Irans advanced ballistic missile stockpiles by U.S. and Israeli air strikes during the current 2026 conflict, according to the WSJ. By targeting at least 11 countries in less than a weekincluding Gulf states like the UAE, Kuwait, and QatarIran aims to impose massive economic costs on U.S. allies and jolt global energy markets. Tehran is attempting to create a general risk perception" to pressure the U.S. political establishment into halting its military campaign before the U.S. midterm elections. The strategy forces defenders to use expensive interceptors (e.g., $4 million Patriot missiles) to destroy cheap drones (approx. $20,000$50,000), creating a significant economic imbalance for the U.S. and its partners. Attacks on major airports (like Dubai International) and energy hubs (like Saudi Arabias Ras Tanura refinery) are designed to spread the risks of the war beyond Israel, according to reports in foreign media. Irans Tactics Asymmetric Endurance: Iran accepts initial damage to its infrastructure while preserving its ability to escalate when allied air defenses are stretched thin. Drone Swarms: Utilizing the Shahed-136 kamikaze" drones in large numbers to overwhelm radar systems. Maritime Chokeholds: Official closure of the Strait of Hormuz to halt global energy shipments and drive up oil prices. Decentralised Command: Authority for strikes has been decentralized to prevent U.S.-Israeli decapitation" strikes from crippling Irans response, said reports. U.S. and Allied Response The U.S. has deployed over 50,000 troops, 200 fighters, and two aircraft carrier strike groups (USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln) to the region. CENTCOM reported striking nearly 2,000 targets within Iran using more than 2,000 munitions in the first 100 hours of the operation. NATO and regional partners, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, have increased their ballistic missile defense postures to intercept continuing Iranian threats. With Agency Inputs First Published: March 06, 2026, 13:30 IST News explainers Irans Missile Stockpiles Depleting, Less But More Strategy To The Rescue | Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Is China Copying Elon Musk, Or Building The Future Faster Than The West? Inside Beijings Big Tech Bet Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 13:39 IST Many of the sectors that China is prioritising, such as satellite internet, electric vehicles, AI, robotics, brain-computer interfaces, mirror the industries Musk has popularised Rapid Read China has announced a 10% increase in its science and technology budget for 2026, allocating 426.4 billion yuan ($61.7 billion) for research and innovation. (Getty Images) When Elon Musk joked in a recent podcast that it seems like China listens to everything I say," it was meant partly in jest. But the comment captured a broader debate unfolding in global technology circles. China has just announced a 10% increase in its science and technology budget for 2026, allocating 426.4 billion yuan (about $61.7 billion) for research and innovation. The increase is among the largest across Beijings spending categories this year and signals the countrys growing ambition to dominate frontier technologies. What has caught global attention is that many of the sectors that China is prioritising, such as satellite internet, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, robotics, and brain-computer interfaces, mirror the industries Musk has popularised through companies such as SpaceX, Tesla and Neuralink. But the real question goes deeper than Musks influence. Is China following the innovation path charted by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, or is it executing a far larger, state-driven strategy designed to reshape the technological balance of power? Chinas Massive Push Into Frontier Science Chinas science budget increase comes at a time when the country faces multiple economic and geopolitical pressures. Its economy has slowed in recent years due to property sector troubles, demographic challenges, and trade tensions. Yet Beijing continues to expand spending in two critical areas: science and technology, and defence. To achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, we must deliver advances in innovation and breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields," Premier Li Qiang said in an annual government report presented on March 5. In fact, Chinas defence budget has also grown steadily, reaching around 1.78 trillion yuan in 2026, even as parts of the broader economy struggle. The dual emphasis reflects Beijings belief that technological superiority is essential for national security and economic competitiveness. The governments latest science spending targets several strategic sectors. These include artificial intelligence, advanced semiconductors, satellite communication networks, biotechnology, and next-generation computing systems. Beijing has also focused a lot on future industries" such as quantum technology and brain-computer interfaces. For Chinas leadership, technological progress is no longer just about economic growth. It is also about reducing dependence on foreign technology and preparing for strategic competition with the US. Whats Musk Technology Playbook? The overlap with Elon Musks technology ventures is striking. Musks companies have played a major role in shaping some of the most transformative technologies of the past decade. SpaceXs Starlink satellite network has revolutionised satellite internet, Tesla accelerated the global shift towards electric vehicles, and Neuralink is attempting to pioneer brain-machine interfaces. These areas now appear prominently in Chinas science agenda. Chinese companies and state-backed research institutes are racing to develop their own satellite mega-constellations similar to Starlink. Beijing is planning thousands of low-earth orbit satellites to provide global broadband coverage, which could have both commercial and strategic applications. Key projects include the 13,000-satellite Guowang (national network) and the 15,000-satellite Thousand Sails (Qianfan/G60). Electric vehicles are another area where China has already become a dominant global player, manufacturing over 70% of the worlds electric cars in 2024 and commanding 67% of global sales. Chinese manufacturers such as BYD have overtaken many Western rivals, while government incentives have helped build the worlds largest EV market. China has also begun investing heavily in brain-computer interface research, a field that could eventually enable direct communication between the human brain and machines. While still experimental, the technology is seen as a potential breakthrough in healthcare, robotics, and even military systems. This convergence between Musks innovation agenda and Chinas research priorities has led some observers to wonder whether Beijing is deliberately following a Silicon Valley blueprint. However, many analysts argue the similarities are less about imitation and more about the natural convergence of technological frontiers. Is The US-China Tech Rivalry The Real Driver? Behind Chinas science spending surge lies a deeper geopolitical contest. Over the past decade, the US has imposed a series of restrictions aimed at slowing Chinas technological rise. These include export controls on advanced semiconductor equipment, limits on AI chip sales, and pressure on allies to restrict technology transfers. In response, Beijing has intensified its push for technological self-reliance. Chinas leadership has repeatedly stressed the need to build a fully independent innovation ecosystem. This means developing domestic alternatives to Western technologies, particularly in critical sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. The science budget increase reflects this strategic priority. By pouring resources into research and development, Beijing hopes to accelerate breakthroughs that will reduce reliance on foreign technology. Chinas State Capitalism Vs Silicon Valley Chinas approach to innovation also differs sharply from the Western model. In the US, many of the most disruptive technological breakthroughs have emerged from private entrepreneurs and venture-backed start-ups. Companies such as SpaceX, OpenAI and Tesla operate in a highly competitive ecosystem driven by private capital and market incentives. China, by contrast, relies heavily on a state-led innovation model. Government ministries, state-owned enterprises, and public research institutes play a central role in setting technological priorities. The government directs capital through state funds to favour high-end" sectors over low-end" ones, aiming for technological supremacy and economic restructuring. Chinas techno-state capitalism" prioritises self-reliance in strategic sectors like AI and semiconductors, fostering national teams" (e.g., Huawei) to create a distinct, firewall-protected digital ecosystem that competes globally. Massive state funding allows China to pursue ambitious long-term projects that might struggle to attract private investment. It also enables rapid scaling of technologies once they prove viable. However, critics argue that government-driven innovation can sometimes be less flexible than entrepreneurial systems. Bureaucratic decision-making may slow experimentation or discourage unconventional ideas. The global race between these two models Silicon Valleys entrepreneurial innovation and Chinas state capitalism could shape the future of technology. Chinas Next Industrial Revolution Artificial intelligence sits at the centre of this strategy. China is aggressively pursuing global AI leadership by 2030, establishing it as a top national priority integrated into economic, military, and technological strategies. Backed by massive state investment and the AI+ action plan," Beijing aims to integrate AI into 90% of its economy, targeting self-reliance in semiconductors and advanced models. Space technology is another key arena. Satellite networks, space exploration and reusable rocket systems are increasingly viewed as strategic infrastructure for communications, navigation and national security. Meanwhile, emerging fields such as quantum computing, synthetic biology and advanced robotics could transform industries ranging from healthcare to defence. By investing heavily across these sectors, China hopes to shape the technological landscape of the coming decades. What This Means For India Chinas expanding science budget also raises important questions for India. While India has made significant progress in areas such as space technology, digital infrastructure and pharmaceuticals, its overall investment in research and development remains relatively modest compared with Chinas. China spends more than 2.5% of its GDP on research and development, while Indias R&D spending has historically hovered around 0.7% of GDP. This gap highlights the scale of the challenge for India if it hopes to compete in frontier technologies. At the same time, India also has opportunities. The countrys rapidly growing technology sector, large pool of engineers, and expanding start-up ecosystem provide a foundation for innovation. Government initiatives in semiconductors, AI and space exploration could also help narrow the gap over time. However, Chinas aggressive investment strategy serves as a reminder that technological leadership increasingly depends on sustained research funding. First Published: March 06, 2026, 13:36 IST News explainers Is China Copying Elon Musk, Or Building The Future Faster Than The West? Inside Beijings Big Tech Bet Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Russia Is Not Defending Iran Amid US-Israel War: 5 Reasons Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:08 IST US-Israel-Iran war: Russia has condemned the strikes and warned of a "nuclear catastrophe", but why it remains a "fair-weather ally", explained Russian President Vladimir Putin. (File image) Russia has so far not directly intervened militarily to defend Iran in its ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel. While Moscow has strongly condemned the strikes and warned of a nuclear catastrophe". It remains a fair-weather ally" due to its own military preoccupations and strategic interests. Moreover, their strategic partnership treaty does not include a mutual defence clause, say reports. News18 explains five key reasons why Russia is abstaining from the war: 1. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed in early 2025 specifically stopped short of a formal military alliance. Unlike Russias treaty with North Korea, this agreement only requires parties to abstain from hostile actions against each other and consult during threats. Russian officials have explicitly clarified that the pact does not mandate mutual military assistance, according to reports in foreign media. ALSO READ | US-Israel-Iran War Live Updates HERE 2. Russias military resources are heavily committed to the war in Ukraine. Analysts note that Russia lacks the spare capacity to project power" effectively on a second major front in the Middle East. Protecting its own borders and maintaining the war of attrition" in Ukraine remains Moscows primary organising principle, say analysts. 3. Russia uses Iran as a geopolitical bargaining chip rather than a partner it is willing to die for. Moscow is reportedly prioritising potential mediation and negotiations with the Trump administration regarding Ukraine. Putin maintains significant diplomatic ties with Israel, influenced by the approximately two million Russian-speaking residents living there. Instability in the Middle East has spiked oil and gas prices, which directly benefits the Russian state coffers and helps fund its own war efforts. 4. Irans importance as a supplier has decreased over time. While Iran previously provided crucial Shahed drones, Russia has now indigenised and localised production of these systems (as the Geran-2"), according to reports. Recent Israeli strikes have also damaged Irans own air defenses and missile production, making it a weaker ally to support. 5. During recent strikes, reports suggest Russia actively avoided involvement at its Syrian bases. There are claims that Russia switched off transponders and radar at its bases in Syria (Khmeimim and Tartus) during Israeli missile flights to avoid any pretext for entering the conflict. Putin has offered to act as a mediator rather than a combatant, suggesting a desire to de-escalate through diplomacy rather than force. With agency inputs News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: March 06, 2026, 16:36 IST News explainers Why Russia Is Not Defending Iran Amid US-Israel War: 5 Reasons Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Announces Social Media Ban For Children Below 13 Years Of Age Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 13:54 IST Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that social media will be banned for children below 13, with the policy set to be implemented over the next 90 days. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu (Photo: PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday announced that social media will be banned for children below the age of 13 in the state, adding that the policy will be implemented in phases over the next 90 days. Naidu also said the state government is considering whether the restriction should be extended to teenagers aged between 13 and 16, indicating that further measures could be introduced after consultations and policy review. The announcement comes shortly after a similar move by the Karnataka government, which declared that social media usage will be banned for children under 16. KARNATAKA ANNOUNCED SIMILAR BAN FOR UNDER-16 Earlier on Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the use of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16 in the state. According to a PTI report, Siddaramaiah made the announcement while presenting the Karnataka budget for the financial year 202627. He said the decision was taken to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile phone usage among children. With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16," Siddaramaiah said while presenting the budget. Alongside the social media restriction, the Karnataka government also announced several initiatives related to education and student welfare. As per the report, the state government will fill 15,000 vacant teaching posts in schools and colleges during the next fiscal year. The budget also allocates Rs 565 crore for the construction of new classrooms and repair works in government primary schools, high schools and pre-university colleges. In addition, Rs 75 crore has been earmarked for building toilets in schools, while Rs 25 crore will be spent on procuring furniture for educational institutions. The government has also allocated Rs 125 crore for maintenance work in government schools and colleges across the state. Siddaramaiah further emphasised the role of educational institutions in shaping students health, character and future, and said the government will implement awareness campaigns, enforce strict discipline and set up dedicated support and counselling centres to curb drug abuse in schools, colleges and universities. The developments signal an emerging trend among state governments to introduce regulatory measures aimed at limiting childrens exposure to social media and addressing the broader impact of digital consumption on young users. First Published: March 06, 2026, 13:47 IST News india Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu Announces Social Media Ban For Children Below 13 Years Of Age Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2025/05/12 Ukrainian lawmaker and European Solidarity party leader Petro Poroshenko told a Supreme Court hearing that sanctions against him have become an obstacle to protecting people and enterprises from Russian attacks because they "prohibit" sanctioned individuals from purchasing air defense systems, the European Solidarity press service said. "Since our previous hearing, the ROSHEN Kyiv confectionery factory was hit by missiles and Shaheds on January 24, and people died. On February 6, the ROSHEN logistics center was hit. A firefighter died. Firefighters remain in serious condition and have not yet been transferred from intensive care. We are taking care of their health," he said, citing examples of recent Russian attacks. "Now I want to read a verbatim quote from government resolution 1506. You know that enterprises of critical importance to Ukraine's economy are given the right to independently protect people and production facilities using air defense systems. Paragraph 7 states that this resolution does not apply to legal entities and enterprises owned by sanctioned individuals. I cannot protect people because the government says sanctioned individuals are prohibited from protecting, and selling air defense systems is prohibited," Poroshenko said. As reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree February 13 on the National Security and Defense Council's decision of February 12, 2025, "On the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions)." According to an appendix to the document, sanctions were imposed on five individuals: Poroshenko, Ihor Kolomoisky, former Finance and Credit Bank owner Kostiantyn Zhevaho, former PrivatBank co-owner Hennadiy Boholiubov and former lawmaker Viktor Medvedchuk. Poroshenko challenged the sanctions in the Supreme Court. The court began hearing the lawsuit April 17 in the presence of Ukrainian lawmakers and diplomats from the European Union mission and representatives of the embassies of Germany, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Lithuania and Denmark. Poroshenko's representatives argue the sanctions were imposed illegally on a Ukrainian citizen who is in the country, and that only Russia considers him a "terrorist." Therefore, there are no legal grounds for sanctions. In December, the court added to the case materials an October 16, 2025, ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that found sanctioned individuals in Ukraine do not have sufficient opportunity to defend their rights and proper procedural safeguards during judicial review of decisions to impose sanctions. Declared Foreigner In Assam, Woman Gets Citizenship Under CAA Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 22:42 IST Deepali Das from Cachar, once declared a foreigner, has gained Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. The woman, identified as Deepali Das (60), is a resident of Dholai in Cachar district. In a significant development in Assams efforts to address the issue of illegal infiltration, a woman from Cachar district in southern Assam who had earlier been declared a foreigner by a Foreigners Tribunal has now been granted Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA). Despite being declared a foreigner earlier, she has secured citizenship under the provisions of the CAA. The woman, identified as Deepali Das (60), is a resident of Dholai in Cachar district. She was arrested on May 5, 2019, on suspicion of being an illegal immigrant. Her arrest followed an investigation report submitted by police officer Ajmal Hossain Laskar. Following proceedings before the Foreigners Tribunal, Deepali Das was declared a foreigner and was subsequently lodged in the detention camp located inside Silchar Central Jail, where she spent nearly two years. In 2021, she was released after the Supreme Court directed authorities to grant bail to detainees who had spent two years in detention centres, a measure introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. After her release, Deepali Das applied for Indian citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in February 2025. Her legal case was handled by Silchar-based advocate Dharmananda Deb, while social activist Kamal Chakraborty also assisted her during the process. According to advocate Deb, Deepali Das had entered India in 1988 after facing religious persecution in Bangladesh. Under the provisions of the CAA, individuals belonging to specified religious minority communities who fled persecution in neighbouring countries and entered India before December 31, 2014, are eligible to apply for Indian citizenship. During the verification process, documents were submitted establishing that Deepali Das was originally a resident of the Sylhet district of Bangladesh and had entered India well before the stipulated cut-off date. Evidence was also presented confirming her Hindu identity. After thorough scrutiny and verification of the submitted documents, authorities approved her application for citizenship. As per the official decision, Deepali Das has now been recognised as an Indian citizen with effect from February 8, 1988. The ruling also validates all the documents in her possession, including her Voter ID and Aadhaar card, declaring them legally valid. Earlier, under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, a 40-year-old woman from Sribhumi district, who had entered India from Bangladesh in 2007, was also granted Indian citizenship. A 61-year-old man from Cachar district has similarly received citizenship under the Act, officials confirmed. The woman from Sribhumi, who uses the surname Banerjee, had arrived in Silchar in 2007 to accompany a family member seeking treatment at Silchar Medical College and Hospital. During her stay, she met a man from Sribhumi district (formerly Karimganj), married him, and later settled permanently in Assam. Legal experts described her case as particularly significant, noting that citizenship through the registration route under the CAA remains rare in Assam. The couple later settled in the state and have a son. Although her extended family continues to reside in Chattogram, Bangladesh, she had long sought Indian citizenship. Her first application, was reportedly rejected due to administrative confusion caused by the delimitation exercise ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. She was eventually granted citizenship under Section 5(1) (c), read with Section 6B of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which allows a person married to an Indian citizen to register as an Indian citizen after residing in India for seven years. The development also comes amid Assams continuing efforts to tackle illegal immigration. According to government data, since 2021 more than 32,000 foreigners have been detected in the state, while 1,416 individuals have been deported so far. The state government continues to pursue its policy of detect, deport and delete" to address the issue of illegal infiltration, while the CAA provides a legal pathway to citizenship for eligible persecuted minorities who entered India before the prescribed cut-off date. Assam is actively continuing its Detect, Deport and Delete" policy, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasizing zero tolerance against illegal infiltration from Bangladesh. Recent operations in late 2025 and early 2026 have resulted in the apprehension and pushback of dozens of illegal migrants. The state is utilizing strict measures, including the 1950 Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) framework, to identify and remove declared foreigners. Watch more videos Share this Article WhatsApp facebook Twitter telegram copy link (With inputs from Akhi Rani Das, Silchar) Location : Assam, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 22:42 IST News india Declared Foreigner In Assam, Woman Gets Citizenship Under CAA Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ED Attaches Rs 441 Crore Assets In Andhra Liquor Case, Probe Traces Rs 1,048 Crore Kickback Trail Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 21:46 IST These payments were reportedly made in multiple forms, including cash, gold and through operational control of certain distilleries. The ED initiated its investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Andhra Pradesh CID. (Representational image) In a major development, the enforcement directorate (ED) has attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 441.63 crore in connection with its money laundering probe into the alleged liquor procurement and distribution scam in Andhra Pradesh, the directorate said in a statement. The investigation has so far traced a money trail of Rs 1,048.45 crore allegedly collected from distilleries in the form of kickbacks. These payments were reportedly made in multiple forms, including cash, gold and through operational control of certain distilleries. Financial gains were also generated through the transport of liquor. The attached assets belong to key accused and their associates, including Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, members of his family, associates of Booneti Chanakya and relatives and entities linked to Donthireddy Vasudeva Reddy. According to the agency, the attached assets include bank balances, fixed deposits, land parcels and other immovable properties allegedly linked to the proceeds of crime generated through the liquor syndicate. The action has been taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. ALSO READ: Former Andhra Minister And YSRCP Leader Jogi Ramesh Arrested In Spurious Liquor Case The ED initiated its investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Andhra Pradesh CID under various sections of the IPC relating to criminal conspiracy, cheating and fraud. The case pertains to alleged irregularities in the states liquor procurement and distribution system that reportedly caused losses running into thousands of crores to the state exchequer. Investigators said that prior to 2019, the liquor trade in the state, operated through an automated and transparent digital tracking system that monitored procurement, supply and sales, leaving a verifiable electronic audit trail. However, after the change in the state government in 2019, the system was allegedly replaced with a manual process, giving officers of the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL) wide discretionary powers in issuing Orders for Supply (OFS). According to the directorate, this manual OFS regime was allegedly used to selectively favour certain liquor brands while marginalising or excluding established brands from the market. The investigation has also pointed to the introduction of similar sounding brands with artificially inflated base prices. The inflated pricing structure allegedly enabled distilleries manufacturing such brands to generate surplus margins, which were then used to meet illegal monetary demands. The ED has alleged that distilleries were compelled to pay kickbacks ranging between 15% and 20% of the basic price per case as a precondition for obtaining OFS approvals. Manufacturers who did not comply were allegedly subjected to coercive measures such as rejection of supply orders or withholding of legitimate payments, the probe further revealed According to the agency, communications relating to the demand and collection of kickbacks were carried out through encrypted VOIP calls and messaging applications such as Signal to conceal the identities and roles of those involved. The proceeds of crime were allegedly used to acquire immovable properties and for personal enrichment of members of the alleged liquor syndicate and their associates. Sources in ED also said a significant portion of the funds is suspected to have been concealed or diverted by the accused. First Published: March 06, 2026, 21:46 IST News india ED Attaches Rs 441 Crore Assets In Andhra Liquor Case, Probe Traces Rs 1,048 Crore Kickback Trail Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Selfies To Torpedo Strike: Iranian Warship Iris Dena Crews Last Moments In India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 12:07 IST The sailors had spent several days in Visakhapatnam between February 15 and 25 while participating in multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026. The IRIS Dena, which was returning to Iran after an Indian naval exercise off Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, was torpedoed by an American submarine in an unprecedented military escalation on March 4, 2026. (Image: AFP/File) Days before their warship was torpedoed in the Indian Ocean, sailors from the Iranian naval frigate IRIS Dena were exploring beaches and sightseeing across India during a multinational naval exercise. They posed for selfies, took photos of the beach in India, unaware that they will be caught in the crossfire off the Sri Lankan coast days later. Be it the long walks in Rushikonda Beach or the visit to the salubrious Kailasagiri hills, the crew members of Iranian warship Dena now would not be able to cherish the sweet memories they experienced in Visakhapatnam. The sailors had spent several days in Visakhapatnam between February 15 and 25 while participating in multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026, interacting with residents and visiting popular tourist spots in the coastal city, news agency PTI reported. They (Iranians) were friendly young sailors, taking selfies with locals and enjoying the hospitality of Vizag," Sohan Hatangadi, a resident who interacted with them during the visit said while speaking to the news agency. They also visited the war memorial, the submarine museum and other locations here. Some Iranian sailors also visited Sankalp Art Village on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam and spent time at the MILAN pavilion, where they were seen having tea and snacks while interacting with naval personnel and visitors. Several sailors were also seen shopping for traditional Indian textiles, locals recalled. Under cultural tours organised as part of the Incredible India programme, some of the sailors also travelled beyond Visakhapatnam to visit Agra and see the Taj Mahal, as well as Bodh Gaya, where the Mahabodhi Temple marks the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Videos and photographs of the sailors smiling, walking along beaches and interacting with people in the city were widely shared on social media. During the naval exercise, officers from participating countries also interacted professionally. According to defence officials, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of the Iranian Navy, and IRIS Denas commanding officer Abuzar Zarri were part of the Iranian delegation that engaged with senior Indian naval officials. The exercise, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, brought together dozens of navies from around the world in the Bay of Bengal for maritime cooperation and security drills. However, the crews return journey ended in tragedy. The Iranian warship was torpedoed by a US submarine in international waters off Sri Lankas coast while returning from the exercise. The frigate, a Moudge-class warship carrying around 180 crew members, sank after the attack. Sri Lankan rescue teams responded to a distress call reportedly found 32 survivors, while many sailors remained missing. The Indian Navy said that the vessel had issued a distress call while operating about 20 nautical miles west of Galle in Sri Lankas search-and-rescue region. Indian aircraft and ships were deployed to assist the rescue effort alongside Sri Lankan authorities. For many of the sailors who had recently enjoyed sightseeing, shopping for Indian textiles and interacting with locals, the memories of their time in India would become their final moments of peace before the tragedy at sea. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: March 06, 2026, 12:07 IST News india From Selfies To Torpedo Strike: Iranian Warship Iris Dena Crews Last Moments In India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IAF Condoles Death Of 2 Pilots In Sukhoi Su-30 Crash In Assam: Stand Firmly In Time Of Grief Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 10:03 IST Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled the loss of lives and said that their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. The deceased pilots were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. (X/@IAF) The Indian Air Force on Friday expressed grief after two of its pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assams Karbi Anglong district on Thursday. The deceased pilots have been identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar. IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the Air Force said in a post on X. IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/zUtfUJ2ewr Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 6, 2026 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also condoled the loss of brave hearts in the tragic incident. He said that their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar in the tragic Su-30 crash. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in this hour of grief," he said in a post on X. Deeply saddened by the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar in the tragic Su-30 crash. Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in https://t.co/89wpdLneYD Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 6, 2026 Sukhoi Su30 Crash The Sukhoi Su-30 MKI was on a training mission and had gone missing shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase, about 60 km from where it crashed. The aircraft had lost radar contact shortly after taking off on Thursday evening. It was reported that the communication with the Russian-origin aircraft was lost at 7:42 pm. An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 pm. Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated," IAF had said. The Su-30 MKI is a two-seater long-range fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. It is now built under licence by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF. Location : Jorhat, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 10:03 IST News india IAF Condoles Death Of 2 Pilots In Sukhoi Su-30 Crash In Assam: Stand Firmly In Time Of Grief Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IAF Pilot Killed In Sukhoi Crash Was Part Of Operation Sindoor, Met Family 10 Days Ago Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 15:15 IST Op Sindoor was launched on May 7 in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, carried out by The Resistance Front, a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group LeT. Rapid Read Indian Air Force pilot, Purvesh Duragkar and Sukhoi Su-30MKI. Indian Air Force pilot, Purvesh Duragkar, who was killed on Thursday when his Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet crashed in Assams Karbi Anglong, was part of Operation Sindoor and had met his family just 10 days ago. Op Sindoor was launched last year to avenge the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. The 28-year-old flight lieutenant returned home to Nagpur, Maharashtra, ten days ago for a family gathering. Purvesh, did his schooling in Nagpur and was single. While speaking to news agency PTI, his father Ravindra Duragkar said that the family initially did not know that he was part of Operation Sindoor. 15 days after Operation Sindoor was paused did we get to know that he was part of the operation. He did not have his mobile phone with him during that time. We were not in touch with him during that time," his father, a retired railway employee said. My son was extremely proud to be part of the Indian Air Force. He would sometimes share his experience of flying fighter planes and the speeds that IAF jets achieve. He held his colleagues in high regard," Duragkar said. He said Flight Lieutenant Purvesh took immense pride" in flying a fighter jet. Originally posted at Tezpur in Assam, he was operating from Jorhat while maintenance work was underway on the Tezpur runway. Flight Lieutenant Purvesh and Squadron Leader Anuj were on a training mission in a Su-30 MKI when the aircraft went missing shortly after taking off from Jorhat Airbase, roughly 60 km from the crash site, killing both pilots. Officials said communication with the Russian-made fighter was lost at 7:42 pm. My son sacrificed himself in the service of the nation. Everyone should take inspiration from him. He achieved his dream, but he could not serve the nation as much as he wanted to. He had a short tenure of 4 years," he said. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in retaliation for a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, carried out by The Resistance Front, a proxy of the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Indian security forces targeted multiple terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, eliminating over 100 militants. A ceasefire was announced on May 10. Location : Nagpur, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 14:27 IST News india IAF Pilot Killed In Sukhoi Crash Was Part Of Operation Sindoor, Met Family 10 Days Ago Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India Gets 30-Day Waiver From US To Purchase Russian Oil Amid Iran War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 06:58 IST The move came as the US seeks to stabilise global energy markets amid rising tensions in the Middle East following its operation in Iran. India gets 30-day waiver from US to buy Russian oil amid tensions in Middle East. (IMAGE: REUTERS) United States Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent on Friday announced that the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. The move came as the US seeks to stabilise global energy markets amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Taking to X, President Trumps energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil." This deliberately short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorizes transactions involving oil already stranded at sea," he added. Terming India an essential partner" of the United States, Secretary Bessent said that Washington anticipates that New Delhi will ramp up its purchase of US oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Irans attempt to take global energy hostage." President Trumps energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded.To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) March 6, 2026 The United States waiver came as the ongoing tensions in the Middle East as missile strikes in several Gulf countries have impacted the production of oil. The situation has become more tense due to Irans blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime chokepoint that handles 20 percent of the global oil supplies. Several major oil supply units, such as Saudi Aramcos Ras Tanura refinery and Iraqs Rumaila oil field, were struck amid the conflict that began last week between Iran, Israel and the United States. India is considered to be the largest buyer of Russian crude oil after Moscows invasion of Ukraine. However, India began to cut its purchases of Russian oil earlier this year after it came under pressure from Washington. Following this, the US lowered the tariffs imposed on New Delhi. Additionally, both India and the US have also secured an interim trade agreement with each other, escalating ties between the two countries. First Published: March 06, 2026, 06:20 IST News india India Gets 30-Day Waiver From US To Purchase Russian Oil Amid Iran War Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India Looks Beyond Gulf For Energy Supplies As Hormuz Route Blocked Amid Iran-Israel-US War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 19:47 IST Officials indicated that India has increased sourcing of crude and other energy supplies from multiple regions. Rapid Read The Strait of Hormuz remained paralysed on Thursday, disrupting global energy flows. (Reuters) India is stepping up efforts to secure energy supplies from across the world as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz threaten shipments from the Gulf amid the escalating Iran-Israel-US conflict, government sources said, adding that the country remains in a comfortable position" on crude oil, petroleum products and LPG. According to officials, India currently has adequate stocks and is working to ramp up supplies from other regions to offset disruptions caused by reduced shipping through the strategic waterway. Today, we have more energy sources than what is stuck in the Straits of Hormuz. We are in a comfortable position in Crude oil, Oil products and LPG. In terms of our current stock, we are in a comfortable position," government sources said. Officials also underlined that crude imports from Russia remain a key component of Indias diversified sourcing strategy. We have been buying crude oil from Russia since 2022. In 2022, we were importing 0.2 per cent of total imports from Russia. In February, we imported 20 per cent of our total crude oil imports from Russia. In February, India imported 1.04 mn barrel per day from Russia," the sources said. ALSO READ: Strait Talk: How Hormuz, At The Centre Of The West Asia War, Got Its Name And Power The government source also dismissed reports suggesting operational disruptions at one of the countrys major refineries. News of the MRPL refinery shutdown is incorrect. MRPL Refinery is very well stocked, have adequate stock," sources said. Officials added that steps are being taken to ensure stable cooking gas supplies for households. All the LPG refineries are directed to increase production of LPG. We are in a comfortable position with our LPG stock," the sources said. To further ease demand pressures, the government is also planning to divert petrochemical output for domestic consumption where required. We will use our Petchem for domestic use to ease the consumption demand," the sources added. The comments come as India faces potential risks linked to energy supply disruptions in the Middle East after a joint US-Israel military strike on Iran on February 28 resulted in the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior figures. India sources nearly 40 per cent of its oil imports from the region, with a significant portion transported through the Strait of Hormuz one of the worlds most important energy transit routes. ALSO READ: Baseless: Iran Denies Blocking Strait Of Hormuz, Accuses US Of Endangering Maritime Security Union Minister Assures No Energy Shortage Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also assured that India faces no energy shortage and there is no cause for concern among consumers. In a post on X, the minister wrote, In my regular interaction with members of the fourth estate today, we discussed various aspects of Indias uninterrupted energy imports despite geopolitical challenges. Our priority is to ensure availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably." In my regular interaction with members of the fourth estate today, we discussed various aspects of Indias uninterrupted energy imports despite geopolitical challenges.Our priority is to ensure availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing pic.twitter.com/u4QCfSVgQo Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) March 6, 2026 The conflict has spiralled rapidly across the region and beyond, hammering global markets and pushing crude oil prices up by about 20 per cent in the week since the fighting erupted. Shipping activity in the narrow waterway, through which roughly a fifth of the worlds oil trade passes, has slowed sharply. While Iran has not officially shut the Strait of Hormuz, traffic through the passage has largely dried up amid security concerns. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi on Friday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh rejected claims that Tehran had closed the route. Iran is an anchor of stability in the Strait of Hormuz. We will announce if we close the Strait of Hormuz. We have not closed it. We are a responsible power," he said. Khatibzadeh told policymakers and diplomats that Iran had no immediate intention to block the waterway. We have not yet closed the Strait of Hormuz. We have no intention to do that until further notice," he said, adding that Iran sees itself as a guarantor of maritime stability in the region. He also argued that Tehran remains committed to international law and freedom of navigation, while accusing the US of endangering maritime security in the Gulf. (With inputs from agencies) First Published: March 06, 2026, 15:44 IST News india India Looks Beyond Gulf For Energy Supplies As Hormuz Route Blocked Amid Iran-Israel-US War Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Loan Waiver Returns To Centre Stage In Maharashtra Budget Amid Focus On Farm Distress Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 23:09 IST The waiver will cover outstanding loans up to 2 lakh that were unpaid by the cut-off date. Maharashtra CM and state Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis, MoS for Finance Ashish Jaiswal, Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar and other MLAs arrive at the Assembly before the presentation of the state budget. (PTI photo) In a major relief for distressed farmers, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced a farm loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh while presenting the state budget for the upcoming financial year. The scheme, named the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjamafi Yojana," aims to provide a relief to farmers whose crop loans remain unpaid. Making the announcement in the lower house of the Assembly, Fadnavis said the Mahayuti government had promised to introduce a loan waiver scheme for farmers after coming to power. We had assured farmers that we would bring a loan waiver scheme. A committee has been formed to work out the framework. Today, I am announcing the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjamafi Yojana under which farmers with pending crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh as of September 30, 2025 will receive relief," he said. According to the announcement, the benefit will be extended to farmers whose crop loans have turned overdue. The waiver will cover outstanding loans up to Rs 2 lakh that were unpaid by the cut-off date. At the same time, the government has attempted to strike a balance by rewarding financial discipline among farmers. ALSO READ: Maharashtra Budget 2026: CM Fadnavis Unveils 9 Major Projects To Transform Mumbai The Maharashtra Cheif Minister said farmers who have regularly repaid their crop loans will receive an incentive benefit of up to Rs 50,000. The move is aimed at ensuring that those who have maintained repayment discipline are not left out of the relief framework. The Chief Minister also said that the government will take further decisions based on the recommendations of the committee formed to examine the broader financial health of the agricultural credit system. The objective, he said, is not only to provide temporary relief but also to ensure that farmers are not repeatedly trapped in cycles of debt. We want to strengthen the banking system supporting agriculture and find long-term solutions so that farmers do not fall into debt again and again," he said. Since the Mahayuti government assumed power, opposition parties had repeatedly questioned the delay in announcing the promised loan waiver. Critics had alleged that the government had forgotten its election promise after coming to power. With Fridays announcement, the government has attempted to blunt that criticism, though detailed guidelines and eligibility conditions are yet to be released. Apart from the loan waiver, the budget also outlined several initiatives for rural Maharashtra. The government plans to expand the AgriStack platform, under which more than 1.31 crore farmer IDs have already been created. Farmers are also receiving weather updates and market price information through digital platforms. The budget further proposes the launch of the Maharashtra Natural Farming Mission within the next two years and special schemes for women involved in dairy and goat farming. The Gopinath Munde Accident Scheme will also be expanded to include agricultural labourers, widening the social safety net in rural areas. Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 23:09 IST News india Loan Waiver Returns To Centre Stage In Maharashtra Budget Amid Focus On Farm Distress Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... BJP To Soon Get First CM In Bihar? Sources Say Final Call Likely After April 10 Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Vani Mehrotra Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 13:36 IST Nitish Kumar is set to move to the Rajya Sabha after April 10 and will keep Patna as his political base while continuing to guide Bihar politics, sources told CNN-News18. A file photo of Nitish Kumar (PTI) Bihars political landscape is set for a transition following Chief Minister Nitish Kumars decision to move to the Rajya Sabha, but according to sources, no immediate decision has been taken on who will replace him as the next chief minister. Top Janata Dal (United) sources told CNN-News18 that the chief ministers post will become vacant only after April 10, and a call on the successor is unlikely before next month. Kumar is expected to take the oath as a Rajya Sabha member only after that date, effectively paving the way for the leadership transition in the state. Sources also indicated that even after moving to Parliament, Kumar will continue to keep Patna as his political base and travel to New Delhi only during Parliament sessions. At present, there are no discussions within the alliance about Kumar joining the Union Cabinet. According to insiders, the decision to send Kumar to the Rajya Sabha had been under consideration for some time due to concerns about his deteriorating health. Despite these concerns, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had initially decided to continue with Kumar as Chief Minister because the recent election campaign was fought in his name and the mandate was sought on the promise of the governance model associated with his leadership. However, sources said his health has worsened over the past few months, prompting discussions within the leadership on a transition. In closed-door meetings with close aides, Kumar is understood to have expressed his desire to move to the Upper House. When the opportunity arose, the NDA leadership decided to send him to the Rajya Sabha, paving the way for what party leaders describe as a dignified transition. BJP LIKELY TO GET CM POST, JD(U) TWO DEPUTY CMs As part of the power-sharing understanding between the BJP and JD(U), sources said the BJP will get the chief ministers post while JD(U) will have two deputy chief ministers in the new government. According to the arrangement worked out between the alliance partners, the structure has been designed primarily to ensure that the Home portfolio remains with the chief minister. Sources further said that in the new cabinet formation, JD(U) is likely to get 14 ministerial berths while the BJP is expected to have 13, including the chief minister. This broadly follows the earlier power-sharing formula, though JD(U) had one berth fewer previously. Nitish Kumar is also expected to hold a meeting with party leaders, including MPs, MLAs and key office-bearers, to explain his decision and outline the way forward for the party. Sources added that Kumar is likely to emphasise during the meeting that he will remain the guiding force in Bihar politics until at least 2030. He is also expected to reassure party leaders that while he will serve in the Rajya Sabha and travel to Delhi for parliamentary duties, he is not stepping away from Bihars political landscape. NISHANT KUMAR MAY ENTER POLITICS Another key development that could shape the partys future is the possible entry of Kumars son, Nishant Kumar, into active politics. Sources indicated that Nishant Kumar is likely to soon be formally inducted into the JD(U) and could be considered for the post of deputy chief minister in the new government. The move could mark a significant shift in the partys internal dynamics and signal a generational transition within the JD(U), even as Nitish Kumar continues to remain politically influential. NITISH FILES RAJYA SABHA NOMINATION On Thursday, Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections, marking a major development in Bihar politics. Kumar announced his decision publicly and assured that the new government would receive his full support and guidance. I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast," Kumar mentioned in a message shared on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also welcomed Kumars move and said his tenure as Bihar Chief Minister would be remembered as a golden chapter" in the states history. Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticised the decision, with Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav alleging that the BJP had hijacked" Kumar and that the change in leadership went against the aspirations of the people of Bihar. First Published: March 06, 2026, 13:36 IST News india BJP To Soon Get First CM In Bihar? Sources Say Final Call Likely After April 10 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet That Lost Radar Contact Crashes In Assam, 2 Pilots Dead Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 09:30 IST The IAF informed that the search operation for the aircraft is underway. However, no information has been received on the pilots of the aircraft. Sukhoi Su-30MKI crashes in Assam's Karbi Anglong district. (Representative Image) Two pilots were killed after Su-30 MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) crashed in Assams Karbi Anglong district on Thursday. The aircraft had lost radar contact shortly after taking off from Jorhat on Thursday evening. The Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway," the IAF said in a brief statement. The Su-30MKI which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway.@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD@HQ_IDS_India@adgpi@indiannavy https://t.co/64Ii5V2fiZ Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) March 5, 2026 IAF on Friday acknowledged the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief," the Indian Air Force said in a statement. IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief: Indian Air Force pic.twitter.com/PODgDwPprS ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2026 Earlier, officials said the aircraft went missing shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase. It was reported that the communication with the Russian-origin aircraft was lost at 7:42 pm. An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 pm. Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated," IAF had said. Su-30MKI is a two-seater multirole long-range fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. It is now built under licence by HAL for the Indian Air Force (IAF). In a similar incident, a Sukhoi fighter plane earlier in June 2024 crashed in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. Another Sukhoi-30 jet had crashed in January 2023, after taking off from the Gwalior airbase. (With agency inputs) Location : Assam, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 07:11 IST News india Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet That Lost Radar Contact Crashes In Assam, 2 Pilots Dead Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... MFA recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from traveling to Hungary due to impossibility of guaranteeing their safety amid arbitrary actions of Hungarian authorities Following the kidnapping of seven Ukrainian citizens and the theft of property from a state-owned bank in Budapest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from traveling to Hungary due to the impossibility of guaranteeing their safety given the arbitrary actions of the Hungarian authorities. "If possible, we also ask that you choose transit routes other than through Hungarian territory," the Foreign Ministry said on its website. The ministry also draws the attention of Ukrainian and European businesses to the threat of arbitrary theft of property in Hungary and recommends considering these risks in the context of any business activity in the country. As reported, two cash-in-transit vehicles belonging to the state-owned Oschadbank were seized in Hungary. They were transporting cash and precious metals between Raiffeisen Bank (Austria) and Oschadbank (Ukraine) as part of a regular service between the state-owned banks. According to Oschadbank, the vehicles were carrying $40 million, EUR 35 million, and 9 kg of gold. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungarian authorities actually took seven Oschadbank employees hostage while driving cash-in-transit vehicles and stole the money. He stated that the reasons for the detention, as well as the whereabouts of the Ukrainians, are unknown. Ukraine has sent an official note to Hungary demanding the immediate release of the citizens and plans to appeal to the European Union for a legal assessment of Budapests actions. The National Bank of Ukraine confirmed reports that Hungarian authorities have detained cash-in-transit vehicles and seven bank employees. According to sources at Interfax-Ukraine, the vehicles are located in the restricted area of the Anti-Terrorism Center in Budapest, while the employees whereabouts are still unknown. The Hungarian publication Index later reported that the Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) confirmed the detention of seven Ukrainian citizens who were detained by Hungarian authorities on the night of March 6. They are suspected of money laundering. As of the morning of March 6, Ukrainian consuls have not been granted access to Ukrainian citizensOshchadbank cash collection team employeeswho were taken hostage in Budapest, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated. Supreme Court Asks Employer To Deduct Mans Salary After He Refuses To Pay Maintenance To Wife Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 17:29 IST The Supreme Court ordered a mans employer to deduct 25,000 monthly from his salary and transfer it to his estranged wife's account due to unpaid maintenance. Supreme Court of India (File photo) The Supreme Court has directed the employer of a man who refused to pay maintenance to his estranged wife to deduct 25,000 every month from his salary and transfer the amount directly to her bank account. A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan issued the order after observing that the husband had repeatedly failed to clear maintenance arrears and had refused to contribute to the upkeep of his wife and their minor daughter. The Court instructed the mans employer to deduct the amount from his monthly salary and transfer it to his wife through RTGS. In such circumstances, we are left with no other option but to direct the employer of the respondent-husband that an amount of 25,000 shall be deducted per month from the salary and transferred to the account of his wife," the Bench said. The Court also raised concerns about the welfare of the couples four-year-old daughter, noting that she is being raised solely by her mother while the father has not even met the child for several years. The matter came up during the hearing of a transfer petition filed by the woman seeking the transfer of matrimonial proceedings. The Court noted that the couple has been living separately since 2022 and that mediation attempts had failed. Earlier, a judicial magistrate had passed an interim maintenance order in 2024. However, the husband did not comply with the direction, leading to arrears of around 1.38 lakh. Although the husband submitted an affidavit claiming he earned 50,000 per month, he refused to deposit 2.5 lakh an amount that included the pending maintenance arrears, as suggested by the Court. The Bench also noted that during a previous hearing, the husband had been asked to deposit 25,000 to cover travel expenses for his wife and daughter to attend mediation proceedings at the Supreme Court Mediation Centre. He failed to comply with that order as well. Calling the conduct unfortunate," the Court observed that the husband had not even deposited the travel expenses as directed earlier. Considering his continued refusal to pay maintenance despite having a monthly income, the Court ordered his employer to deduct 25,000 every month and transfer it directly to his wifes bank account. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 17:29 IST News india Supreme Court Asks Employer To Deduct Mans Salary After He Refuses To Pay Maintenance To Wife Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2026: Why Maharashtra Celebrates It Twice Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 06:45 IST Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2026 is observed on February 19 (English calendar) and March 6 (Hindu calendar). Learn why Maharashtra celebrates it twice and its significance. Maharashtra Chief Minister Dev_Fadnavis at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj temple in Kurla, Mumbai. (Image: Dev_Fadnavis/X, formerly Twitter) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2026: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti in 2026 will be observed on Friday, March 6, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. As per Drik Panchang, this marks the 396th birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. According to Panchang calculations, Tritiya Tithi begins at 05:03 PM on March 5, 2026, and ends at 05:53 PM on March 6, 2026. In the Hindu Samvat calendar followed in Maharashtra, Shivaji Jayanti falls on Phalguna Krishna Paksha Tritiya. The birth anniversary is also officially observed on February 19 every year as per the English calendar. This dual observance often raises a common question why is Shivaji Maharajs birthday celebrated twice in Maharashtra? Why Is Shivaji Jayanti Celebrated Twice? The reason lies in historical calendar differences. Scholars have expressed two primary opinions regarding the exact birth date of Shivaji Maharaj. One group supported February 19, 1630, while another proposed April 6, 1627. The Maharashtra government has accepted February 19, 1630, as the official birth anniversary. However, this date was recorded according to the Julian calendar, not the Gregorian calendar that is in use today. When February 19, 1630 (Julian calendar) was converted to the Gregorian calendar, it corresponded differently in the Hindu lunar system. Drik Panchang converts February 19, 1630 (Julian) into the Hindu lunar calendar as Phalguna Krishna Paksha Tritiya under the Amanta lunar system followed in Maharashtra. In 2026, this Tithi falls on March 6. As a result, many traditional groups and followers celebrate Shivaji Jayanti on the Tithi-based date (March 6 in 2026), while the state officially observes it on February 19 each year. This is why Maharashtra witnesses two commemorations annually one based on the fixed English calendar date and the other on the Hindu lunar calendar. ALSO READ: Happy Shivaji Jayanti 2026: Wishes, Images, Quotes, And WhatsApp Greetings In English And Marathi To Share On Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti Shivaji Jayanti 2026: Wishes And Greetings On this auspicious occasion, here are some messages to share with family and friends: May the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj guide us in our lives, and may we always uphold his values of bravery and integrity. Jai Shivaji! May the courage and valour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj inspire us to strive for justice and righteousness. Happy Shivaji Jayanti! On this special occasion of Shivaji Jayanti, let us remember the great Maratha warrior who fought for Swarajya. Jai Bhavani! Jai Shivaji! On this Shivaji Jayanti, lets pledge to walk on the path of self-rule, courage, and patriotism. Salute to the great Maratha warrior! Let us pay tribute to the legendary warrior who built a fearless empire with wisdom and strength. Wishing you a proud and joyous Shivaji Jayanti! Shivaji Jayanti is not just a remembrance of a historical figure but a celebration of courage, governance rooted in values, and the enduring spirit of self-determination that continues to inspire generations. Historical Significance Of Shivaji Maharaj Shivaji Bhosale (16301680 CE), widely known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was the founder of the Maratha Empire. Born to Shahaji Bhosale and Jijabai near Junnar in present-day Pune district, he went on to establish Hindavi Swarajya a vision of self-rule and sovereign governance. He was formally crowned as Chhatrapati in 1674 at Raigad Fort. Shivaji Maharaj built a disciplined military structure, led several successful campaigns, and strengthened coastal and naval defences. His administration emphasised justice, efficient revenue systems, regional languages, and protection of women. He is also remembered for his policy of religious tolerance and inclusive governance. Shivaji Jayanti serves as an occasion to reflect on his leadership, courage and commitment to swarajya. In Maharashtra, the day holds deep emotional and cultural importance, often marked by processions, cultural programmes and tributes across the state. First Published: March 06, 2026, 06:45 IST News lifestyle events Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2026: Why Maharashtra Celebrates It Twice Did You Know Irans Supreme Leader Khamenei Once Called Les Miserables The Greatest Novel Ever Written? Written By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 22:04 IST As the Iran-Israel conflict dominates global headlines, an interesting cultural detail resurfaces: Irans Supreme Leader once called Les Miserables the greatest novel ever. Amid Iran-Israel War, The Classic Novel Ali Khamenei Once Called The Greatest Ever Written Is Back In Focus Among the many details discussed about Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, one has surfaced repeatedly over the years his admiration for Les Miserables. Before he died in the US-Israel military strikes, the Iranian leader often described Victor Hugos 19th-century novel as the greatest work of fiction he had read. He read it in Persian, through a translation by Hossein Gholi Mostaan, and even recommended it publicly to students and followers. That preference stands out. Khamenei was widely viewed through the lens of politics and ideology. Yet the book he returned to was not a religious text or a political manifesto it was a story about a former convict trying to rebuild his life. What Les Miserables Is About: Law, Mercy And Redemption At the centre of Hugos novel is Jean Valjean. Imprisoned for stealing bread, he spends 19 years in hard labour. When released, he faces rejection at nearly every turn. It is an act of mercy from a bishop that alters his path. From that point on, the story turns on a question can a person change? The tension between strict law and moral grace runs throughout the book. Inspector Javert represents rigid legality. Valjean becomes the counterpoint someone shaped by suffering but not fixed by it. Hugo suggests that justice without compassion can harden into cruelty. For a cleric operating within a system where religion and state authority are closely linked, those themes would not have been abstract. Concepts such as justice, endurance, sacrifice and redemption sit at the core of Shia theology and political thought in Iran. Les Miserables also portrays society as a contest between oppression and resistance. Its characters move through revolution, poverty and social unrest. Suffering is constant. So is perseverance. Khameneis own political life unfolded against revolution, war and prolonged sanctions. In that sense, Hugos narrative of endurance may have felt familiar rather than distant. There is another layer. The novel questions power even as it explores morality. It does not present authority as inherently virtuous. That tension gives Khameneis admiration a degree of complexity. Readers are often drawn to stories that echo their internal beliefs. Leaders are no exception. A book centred on redemption, moral duty and historical struggle would naturally resonate with someone who framed politics in similar terms. First Published: March 06, 2026, 22:04 IST News lifestyle events Did You Know Irans Supreme Leader Khamenei Once Called Les Miserables The Greatest Novel Ever Written? Reel Awards 2026 Jury Meet Sets The Benchmark For Creative Excellence At Baglami, BKC Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:41 IST Priyadarshan, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Mahima Chaudhry and leading creators came together at Baglami, BKC for the Reel Awards 2026 Jury Meet celebrating storytelling excellence. The Reel Awards 2026 Jury Meet met at Baglami, BKC. The much-anticipated Reel Awards 2026 Jury Meet took place on 30 January 2026 at Baglami, BKC, bringing together an accomplished panel of celebs and industry veterans for an afternoon focused on celebrating and rigorously assessing creative excellence. Held from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm in Mumbais premier business district, the closed-door session saw jury members Priyadarshan, Mahima Chaudhry, Tanvi Azmi, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Saurabh Sachdeva, Shruti Mahajan and Tavishi Paitandy engage in detailed evaluation and thoughtful discussion across categories. This meet marked a key milestone in the awards calendar. Baglami, located in the heart of Bandra Kurla Complex, offered a refined, contemporary setting that matched the stature of the occasion. Known for its sophisticated interiors, warm hospitality and elevated culinary programme, the venue struck the right balance between comfort and exclusivity, ideal for a gathering of this calibre. Ambient lighting and intimate seating encouraged open dialogue, while the overall layout supported discretion and focus. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baglami BKC, Mumbai (@baglamibombay) The venue surely adds to the meet, as it enables an ecosystem for candid conversations while deliberating on the shortlisted in a debated and sharpened manner. The jury looked beyond popularity to interrogate work that truly stands out, providing narrative clarity, originality, performance depth, craft, cultural resonance and the staying power of an idea. Some discussions moved quickly with consensus; others invited deeper scrutiny, with the jury returning to key moments, weighing intent against execution, and examining how each nominee held up within its category. What made the afternoon particularly compelling was the range of perspectives in the room, filmmaking, performance, casting, writing and creative leadership, each bringing a different lens to the same work. The result was a process that felt both rigorous and grounded: principled disagreement where needed, and a shared commitment to recognising excellence where it mattered most. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baglami BKC, Mumbai (@baglamibombay) Complementing the deliberations was Baglamis curated hospitality, thoughtfully prepared dishes and beverages that kept the pace comfortable without breaking focus. As the Jury Meet wrapped, the room carried the quiet certainty of a job done with care. Reel Awards 2026 now moves forward with a clear benchmark: to honour work that doesnt just entertain but raises the bar for Indian cinema and OTT. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 18:41 IST News lifestyle food Reel Awards 2026 Jury Meet Sets The Benchmark For Creative Excellence At Baglami, BKC Spotlight On Baglami, BKC: A Contemporary Destination For Curated Experiences Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 18:52 IST From elegant interiors to refined hospitality, Baglami in BKC is fast emerging as Mumbais go-to venue for private gatherings, industry meets and curated luxury events. Baglami, BKC stands out as a sophisticated spot in the city. Set in Mumbais thriving corporate and cultural hub, Baglami, BKC has built a reputation as a polished destination for premium gatherings and carefully curated experiences. Recently selected as the venue for the Reel Awards 2026 Jury Meet on 30 January, Baglami hosted an afternoon of decisive conversations and industry-defining discussions, underscoring its suitability for high-profile, closed-door events. Baglamis interiors reflect a thoughtful blend of contemporary design and understated luxury. Warm lighting, elegant textures and well-planned seating create a space that can feel intimate without being restrictive, ideal for private events, corporate gatherings and milestone celebrations. The layout enables seamless movement while maintaining privacy, making it particularly well-suited to meetings that require discretion and focus. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baglami BKC, Mumbai (@baglamibombay) A key part of Baglamis appeal is its culinary approach: a menu designed around global flavours and refined presentation, supported by attentive, personalised service. During the Reel Awards Jury Meet, these details elevated the guest experience, ensuring comfort and ease throughout the session. What also stood out was how naturally the space supported the tone of the afternoon, quiet enough for serious discussion, warm enough to keep it collaborative, and premium enough to match the profile of the attendees. Its the kind of venue where conversations can unfold without feeling staged. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baglami BKC, Mumbai (@baglamibombay) More than a venue, a statement, Baglami is not simply a dining destination; it is a space designed for occasions that demand presence and polish. Its association with the Reel Awards 2026 Jury Meet reinforces its positioning as a venue aligned with credibility, refinement and curated luxury, qualities increasingly sought in Mumbais evolving events landscape. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 18:52 IST News lifestyle food Spotlight On Baglami, BKC: A Contemporary Destination For Curated Experiences Indian Pharmas 'Sema' Storm: Over 50 Semaglutide Brands Queue Up As Ozempic Patent Expires Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 12:54 IST From Semaglip, Sematop, Semakind to Semastrike, Semaglyn and Semaril, the pipeline of upcoming Ozempic copycats reads like variations of the semaglutide molecule itself Boxes of Ozempic and Wegovy made by Novo Nordisk are seen at a pharmacy. File pic/Reuters If there is one prefix that is likely to dominate prescriptions in India over the coming months, it may well be Sema". With key patents around semaglutidethe blockbuster molecule behind drugs like Ozempic and Wegovyset to expire in India next week, Indian pharmaceutical companies are ready to introduce their own versions. Industry insiders say more than 50 brands are preparing for launch, and a curious pattern is emerging: most of them begin with the same four letters. From Semaglip, Sematop, Semakind, Semester, Semaglide, and Semalup to Semastrike, Semaglyn, Semaril, Semapride, Semalup, and Semalix, the pipeline of upcoming copycat versions of Ozempic reads almost like variations on the original moleculesemaglutide. In fact, industry estimates suggest around 8085 per cent of brands preparing for launch start with Sema", reflecting how companies anchor their brand names directly to semaglutide. While many companies have chosen Sema" as a prefix, others have flipped the formulaturning it into a suffix. Brand names such as Trusema, Glusema, Obesema, and Zepsema reflect another variation of the same naming strategy built around the molecule. The naming trend underscores the scale of competition expected once generics enter the market. With at least 54 companies ready with brand names. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the molecule has been on the market for close to a decade and has accumulated tens of millions of patient-years of exposure worldwide, making it one of the most widely used GLP-1 therapies. The patent is expected to expire on March 21. Globally, semaglutidemarketed as Ozempic and Wegovyhas reshaped the obesity treatment landscape, with the drug gaining widespread attention after celebrities and influencers began openly discussing the use of GLP-1 medicines for weight loss. For Indian drugmakers, the patent expiry represents both an opportunity and a technical challenge. Unlike conventional tablets, semaglutide is a complex peptide therapy, often delivered through injectable pens, which requires advanced manufacturing capabilities and stringent quality controls. Companies and endocrinologists both told News18 that while several players may enter the market, differentiation will depend on formulation quality, delivery devices, and supply capacity. With the increasing competition, prices are set to be halved, according to the majority of estimates. Systematix Institutional Equities, in its report on generic semaglutide", expects the adoption of GLP-1 therapy among diabetics to rise sharply following the launch of the generic semaglutide version, driven by an affordable price pointpotentially 30% to 50% lower than the current level. Over time, prices could further correct as low as 70%-75% from current levels." Currently, an Ozempic 1 mg injection costs Rs 11,135 for a monthly dose, which is expected to cost between Rs 5,000 and Rs 8,000 after patent expiry. After a few months, as per estimates, the cost may sink to around Rs 2,500 per week. Here, conservative estimates peg it around a 30% price fall, at least. With Semaglutide loss of exclusivity, prices are expected to soften. Even a 20-30% lower price could be enough to meaningfully lower the affordability barrier, potentially bringing GLP-1 therapies within reach for many more patients," said Gauri Pathak, head of Ipsos Healthcare, India. A repeat of the sitagliptin playbook The rush is also drawing comparisons with previous blockbuster diabetes drugs that saw a similar surge of competing brands. Rajiv Singhal, general secretary of the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), said the market had witnessed a comparable scramble when sitagliptin lost exclusivity and multiple Indian companies launched their own versions. According to him, a similar competitive wave is now expected with semaglutide, with companies across the spectrumfrom smaller firms to large pharmaceutical playerspreparing to capture market share. At the same time, he said the association has advised its members not to dispense the drug without a doctors prescription in the interest of public safety". Doctors say the wider availability could also improve access. A wise physician will use a proper and standard brand. Surely, healthcare professionals will have more flexibility to start these drugs in the economically weaker section of people. Wider availability will also be important," said Anoop Misra, chairman, Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, New Delhi. Pharma firms gear up for the Sema race Pharmaceutical firms preparing to enter the market say the bigger impact could be on access. Several pharmaceutical companies, including Alkem, Mankind, Ajanta Pharma, Zydus Healthcare, Macleods Pharmaceuticals, Micro Labs, Glenmark, Lupin, Sun Pharma, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Akums, Dr Reddys, Torrent, Cipla, and Alembic, among others, are part of the race. As prices fall with generic competition, doctors may be able to prescribe the therapy to a far larger pool of patients struggling with diabetes and obesity. Samit Mehta, whole-time director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals, says the growing availability of treatments targeting obesity is important given the scale of the problem. Obesity is among the most significant public health challenges of our time, and more solutions to help combat this disease are a good thing for patients," he said, noting that semaglutide has already seen widespread global use with millions of patient-years of exposure across its products. Several companies told News18 they are preparing to launch their versions immediately after the patent expiry. Kirti Ganorkar, managing director of Sun Pharma, said the company plans to be present from day one of the generic rollout" and intends to offer semaglutide across both major indicationschronic weight management and type-2 diabetes. The companys products will be offered in pre-filled pen formats, he said, adding that the focus will be on ensuring adequate supply once demand expands. Other firms are also betting on the therapys potential in tackling metabolic diseases in India. Vijay Charlu, president of domestic business at CORONA Remedies, described semaglutide as a significant advancement in managing metabolic disorders and said the company is preparing to introduce the therapy through a strategic partnership model immediately after patent expiry" with an emphasis on improving access to high-quality treatment options. At the same time, manufacturers caution that producing semaglutide is far more complex than manufacturing traditional generics. Saurabh Agarwal, director at HAB Pharmaceutical and Research, said peptide drugs involve complex synthetic chemistry and stringent impurity controls, while injectable pens are regulated as drug-device combinations. As multiple companies enter the market, he said, quality differentiation will become important even as competition improves affordability and expands access in India and export markets. Indian pharma landscape revamp possible Market analysts believe the category could reshape Indias pharmaceutical landscape over the next few years. Vishal Manchandna, pharma analyst at Systematix, said the patent expiry is expected to significantly expand access to GLP-1 therapies and improve affordability, enabling doctors to treat conditions that are currently under-treated. However, he noted that because semaglutide is a peptide therapy delivered through specialised devices, it may still remain relatively expensive compared with other chronic treatments. In line with global trends, analysts expect diabetes treatment to account for the bulk of prescriptions, with use for non-diabetic obesity likely to remain smaller initially." Even so, the broader impact could be significant. Manchandna expects the GLP-1 segment to emerge as one of the largest growth drivers in the Indian pharmaceutical market, potentially accelerating overall industry growth over the next three to four years. First Published: March 06, 2026, 07:30 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Indian Pharmas 'Sema' Storm: Over 50 Semaglutide Brands Queue Up As Ozempic Patent Expires Women At The Helm: How A 19-Year-Old Accident Survivor Rebuilt Her Confidence After Losing An Eye Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 08, 2026, 11:05 IST This Womens Day, a 19-year-old accident survivors journey from trauma to confidence shines brightly, as a female surgeon helps her rebuild her life after losing an eye. Rapid Read After losing her eye in a devastating accident at 19, Shubhi found hope again through complex reconstruction surgery by a female doctor, helping her reclaim confidence and rebuild her life. (Image-Representative Image) Women today are creating history and excelling at every level of society, from laboratories to boardrooms and courtrooms, proving that there is little they cannot achieve. On the occasion of International Womens Day on March 08, 2026, one powerful story highlights what happens when one womans skill meets another womans courage. A devastating road accident took away a 19-year-old girls eye, and with it, her confidence. But what followed became a powerful story of women empowering women, as a female surgeon helped the young survivor rebuild not just her appearance, but her belief in herself. A Devastating Turn At The Age Of 19 Shubhi, a 19-year-old from Etah, had her life upended by a severe road accident nearly six months ago. The impact left her right eye completely damaged and non-functional, a medical condition known as phthisis bulbi, commonly referred to as a dead eye. Recounting the day that changed everything, Shubhi shared, At the time of the accident, I suffered a very severe injury that badly damaged my right eye. Physically, it was very painful and shocking because my eye was completely affected. Emotionally, it was a very difficult time for me. I felt scared, stressed, and worried about my future and my appearance. It was hard to accept that such a serious injury had happened to me." A Painful Reality When Shubhi arrived at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noidas Omega-1, she consulted senior ophthalmologist and oculoplasty specialist Dr Shweta Gupta. Describing Shubhis initial condition, Dr Gupta explained, She was a patient who suffered a road traffic accident five to six months ago. Her right eye was completely damaged with no vision, a painful blind eye with progressive socket contraction leading to a cosmetic blemish." The eye had lost its volume and function entirely. It was a painful blind eye with no vision. It had lost its volume and function," Dr Gupta said, explaining how the team determined that the eye was non-salvageable and required full reconstruction. For Shubhi, hearing that her natural eye could not be saved was heartbreaking. When I first learned that my right eye could not be saved, I felt very sad and heartbroken. It was difficult to accept that I would lose my natural eye. I was also anxious about how I would look and how my life would change," she said. However, after consulting with Dr Shweta Gupta, I started feeling hopeful because she explained the prosthetic implant and surgery process clearly and gave me confidence about the treatment." The Surgical Challenge Traumatic eye loss is not a simple procedure. The process involves carefully removing non-viable ocular tissue while preserving delicate orbital structures. The aim is not only to eliminate pain and prevent infection but also to reconstruct the socket to maintain facial symmetry and prepare it for a prosthetic eye. In simpler terms, Dr Gupta described the process, Its a kind of surgery where all the dead, non-viable eye tissue is removed, and an implant is placed to give support to the prosthetic eye and volume to the space to match the normal eye." The planned procedure, socket reconstruction with volume expansion, was technically demanding. It involved rebuilding the orbital cavity and placing an implant to create adequate volume, enabling a prosthetic eye to sit naturally and restore cosmetic balance. According to Dr Shweta, the patients age also influenced the approach. At 19, long-term facial symmetry, emotional rehabilitation, and social confidence were key considerations. Traumatic eye loss is common, but it can be prevented if treated timely," Dr Gupta noted, adding that younger patients often require meticulous planning to ensure durable cosmetic outcomes. Fear, Faith, And Preparation Shubhi was admitted for pre-operative evaluations. Despite nervousness, she placed her trust in the medical team. Before the surgery, I was nervous but also satisfied with the doctors and facilities. The medical team completed all necessary tests and kept me informed. During the surgery, I trusted the doctors completely. They handled everything professionally and made me feel safe." For Dr Gupta, beyond surgical precision, guiding the patient emotionally was equally important. We usually tell them not to lose hope and that we will do our best to help them. Giving them a prosthetic eye that looks similar to the other normal eye will improve their cosmesis, protect facial symmetry, and help them gain confidence, though always with realistic expectations," she explained. A Successful Recovery The surgery was performed without complications. The damaged eye tissue was removed, and an implant was placed to restore volume and support a future prosthetic eye. The orbital cavity was reconstructed carefully to prevent long-term deformity or contraction. Shubhis recovery was smooth post-surgery. The surgical site healed well, with no signs of infection or structural instability. She was advised to return after approximately six weeks for insertion of the artificial eye. Shubhi described a profound shift in her outlook. After the surgery, I feel much more confident and positive about my life. Although losing my natural eye was difficult, the treatment and upcoming prosthetic implant have given me hope. I am looking forward to continuing my recovery journey with strength and optimism." Women Changing The Dynamics On this International Womens Day, the significance of this case extends beyond medicine. It is a powerful reminder of women empowering women. A young woman devastated by an accident and self-doubt found strength under the leadership of a female surgeon who combined expertise with empathy. Across India and around the world, women doctors are not only excelling in high-skill specialities like oculoplasty but also changing the dynamics of patient care. They are challenging stereotypes in operating theatres, leading complex procedures, mentoring the next generation, and demonstrating that leadership in medicine knows no gender. Dr Shweta Guptas role in this journey exemplifies that shift. At the helm of a technically demanding procedure, she ensured structural stability and cosmetic balance, while also addressing the emotional wounds that trauma leaves behind. Beyond The Operation Theatre The case also highlights the growing capabilities of advanced ophthalmic care in India. With timely intervention and expert surgical management, even severe traumatic injuries can be addressed effectively, preventing long-term complications and restoring quality of life. As Shubhi continues her recovery, her journey stands as a tribute to the spirit of Womens Day. It affirms that women are not only rebuilding industries and institutions, but also rebuilding lives. First Published: March 06, 2026, 08:00 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness Women At The Helm: How A 19-Year-Old Accident Survivor Rebuilt Her Confidence After Losing An Eye Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 31% Of Gen Z Men Say Wives Should Obey Their Husbands: New Study Sparks Debate Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 11:45 IST A global study of 23,000 people finds that Gen Z men (born 1997-2012) are twice as traditional as boomers! 31% want obedient wives and 33% demand final say in all matters 31% Of Gen Z Men Say Wives Should Obey Their Husbands, And The Internet Has Questions. Credit: AI-generated Hold up, the TikTok generation wants obedient wives? For a generation often seen as progressive, digitally aware and socially conscious, new research suggests that Gen Z men may hold surprisingly traditional views about relationships and gender roles. The global study, by Ipsos and the Global Institute for Womens Leadership at Kings College London, dropped a bombshell just before Womens Day 2026. In the study, 23,000 people across 29 countries participated, and it revealed that 31% of Gen Z men agree that a wife should always obey her husband. Whats even more striking that 33% say a husband should have the final word on important decisions in a marriage. The findings are surprising because they show Gen Z men are actually more likely to hold these views than older generations. For comparison, only 13% of Baby Boomer men agreed that wives should obey their husbands, and 17% believed husbands should have the final say in household decisions. The Gen Z Gender Paradox The study reveals a fascinating contradiction. Despite holding traditional views about marriage roles, Gen Z men are also the most likely to say successful women are attractive. Around 41% of Gen Z men said women with successful careers are more appealing, compared to 27% of Baby Boomers. This contradiction reflects what researchers call a duality" in Gen Z attitudesa mix of modern admiration for ambitious women and lingering expectations of traditional roles at home. Kelly Beaver, Chief Executive of Ipsos UK and Ireland, described this as a great re-negotiation of gender roles." Our data shows an interesting duality among Gen Z," she said. They are the group most likely to agree that women who have successful careers are attractive, but they are also the group most likely to agree that a wife should always obey her husband." Traditional Expectations For Men Too Interestingly, the research also found that Gen Z men hold stricter expectations for themselves. For example: 43% believe young men should try to be physically tough, even if thats not their natural personality. 30% believe men shouldnt say I love you" to male friends. 21% say men who take part in childcare are less masculine. These views suggest that while Gen Z conversations around equality are widespread online, many young men still feel pressure to conform to traditional ideas of masculinity. Professor Heejung Chung, director of the Global Institute for Womens Leadership, said on the study share on the website that the findings highlight how social expectations shape behaviour. Our data reveals a striking gap between peoples personal beliefs and what they think society expects from them," she said. This pressure appears particularly strong among Gen Z men, who may feel pushed to conform to rigid masculine ideals." What Gen Z Women Think The study also revealed clear gender differences within Gen Z itself. Only 18% of Gen Z women said wives should obey their husbands, and even fewer women from older generations agreed with that statement. Similarly, far fewer women believed that independence in women should be discouraged. This gap between young men and women highlights a growing cultural conversation about relationships, masculinity and gender equality. A Generational Reset On Gender Roles? Researchers say the results shouldnt be seen as a step backwardbut rather as evidence that gender roles are being renegotiated in modern society. Julia Gillard, former Australian Prime Minister and chair of the Global Institute for Womens Leadership, said the findings show why conversations about gender equality remain important. It is troubling to see attitudes towards gender equality not improving faster," she said. But we must also ensure everyone understands that gender equality benefits society as a whole." First Published: March 06, 2026, 11:45 IST News lifestyle relationship 31% Of Gen Z Men Say Wives Should Obey Their Husbands: New Study Sparks Debate Stranded In UAE Due To Iran-Israel War? SpiceJet Announces Special Flights From Dubai, Fujairah To Mumbai, Delhi, Pune Written By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 12:42 IST Stuck in UAE amid Gulf tensions? SpiceJet announces extra flights from Fujairah & Dubai to India. Details inside Stranded In UAE Due To Iran-Israel War? SpiceJet Announces Special Flights From Dubai, Fujairah To Mumbai, Delhi, Pune SpiceJet is stepping in to help Indians stuck in the Gulf as the IranIsrael war continues to disrupt flights through West Asia. Heres a simple guide to whats happening and which extra flights you can book right now Why Extra Flights Are Needed After IranIsrael tensions flared, parts of Middle East airspace were shut or restricted. Hundreds of flights to and from India were cancelled or rerouted, especially on routes touching the Gulf. IndiGo alone scrapped around 158 international flights on March 3, while Air India and Gulf carriers like Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways cut or limited services for safety. Many Indians in the UAE suddenly found themselves stranded, with tickets cancelled and few options to get home. In response, the Ministry of Civil Aviation asked airlines to mount relief operations and give flexible rescheduling and refunds. SpiceJet has announced a series of special flights from the UAE to India, mainly from Fujairah and Dubai to Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune, to clear the backlog of passengers. Spicejet UAE to India Flights The conflict between Israel, Iran and the United States entered its seventh day on Friday after Israeli forces announced a next phase" in the conflict and carried out air strikes on Beiruts southern suburbs, news agency AFP reported. What began as a joint US-Israel strike that killed Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has rapidly escalated into a widening military confrontation marked by missile barrages, air strikes, naval incidents and political divisions in Washington. First Published: March 06, 2026, 12:42 IST News lifestyle travel Stranded In UAE Due To Iran-Israel War? SpiceJet Announces Special Flights From Dubai, Fujairah To Mumbai, Delhi, Pune Salman Khan Signs Big-Budget Action Thriller With Dil Raju, Vamshi Paidipally; Shoot Begins April 2026 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 15:27 IST Salman Khan signs a big-budget action thriller with producer Dil Raju and director Vamshi Paidipally. The pan-India film is scheduled to start shooting in April 2026. Rapid Read Salman Khan has signed a high-octane action thriller produced by Dil Raju and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Vamshi Paidipally. The film is set to begin shooting in April 2026. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has reportedly locked his next major project. The actor is set to headline a big-budget action thriller backed by prominent producer Dil Raju and directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Vamshi Paidipally. According to reports, the yet-untitled film will be mounted on a large scale and is expected to begin shooting in April. A Pan-India Action Spectacle Sources close to PinkVilla suggest that the project is being developed as a massive theatrical spectacle with strong pan-India appeal. The film will reportedly feature an ensemble cast bringing together actors from both the Hindi and South Indian film industries. The makers are currently said to be in discussions with an A-list actor for the female lead, although the final casting has not been officially confirmed. Salman Khan To Be Seen In A New Avatar The report further indicates that Salman Khan was drawn to the script for its blend of high-octane action and emotional depth. A source revealed that the director plans to present the actor in a completely new avatar with a distinctive look. The concept and scale of the project reportedly excited Salman instantly. Project To Begin After Battle of Galwan The action thriller will reportedly become Salman Khans next project after he completes work on Battle of Galwan. Once the actor wraps his current commitments, he is expected to begin shooting for the Dil Raju-backed venture. With Dil Raju known for mounting large-scale productions and Vamshi Paidipallys reputation for delivering commercial entertainers, the collaboration is already generating considerable buzz in the industry. Targeting A 2027 Theatrical Release The film is reportedly scheduled to go on floors in April, with the makers aiming for a grand theatrical release in 2027. Meanwhile, Salman Khan is also said to be in discussions for another ambitious project with filmmaker duo Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K.. The upcoming venture, backed by Mythri Movie Makers and Reel Life Productions, is reportedly envisioned as a comic-action superhero film, further expanding the actors slate of large-scale projects. First Published: March 06, 2026, 15:27 IST News movies bollywood Salman Khan Signs Big-Budget Action Thriller With Dil Raju, Vamshi Paidipally; Shoot Begins April 2026 The lack of clear, moderate travel recommendations from EU countries regarding their citizens travel to Ukraine has negative consequences for insurance companies and artificially limits opportunities for business and investment with Ukraine, believes Jan De Paw, Belgiums Special Envoy for Ukraine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, according to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent. "I think there is no EU country that provides completely safe travel recommendations or even moderate recommendations for different regions of the country, with the possible exception of Great Britain," he said at the fourth Ukraine Resilience business forum, organized by the Luxembourg-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce (LUCC) in Luxembourg on March 4. "I think no other European country has softened these restrictions. They have consequences for insurance companies, which then do not want to provide support, or want to do so only under very strict conditions," the Belgian special envoy explained. In his opinion, investors and entrepreneurs are fully capable of distinguishing between the western and eastern parts of Ukraine and the relative risks they bear there. Regarding obstacles to attracting investment from the Ukrainian side, De Paw drew attention to the ban on land sales to foreigners and restrictions on the repatriation of profits abroad. "We have, for example, a Belgian agricultural entrepreneur who is present in Ukraine and would now like to expand his activities and buy land, but it is impossible. You can lease it. But as an investor, you think: why should I lease land as an agricultural investor? I would like to buy it," the Belgian special envoy explained. He added that he understands these restrictions are linked to martial law. "But they need to be resolved so that investors become interested," De Paw believes. Watch: Prakash Raj Clears The Way For Chiranjeevi At Telangana Deputy CMs Sons Wedding, Turns Bodyguard Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 18:54 IST A viral video from Surya Vikramadityas wedding shows Prakash Raj moving people aside for Chiranjeevi. Fans humorously dubbed him Chiranjeevis bodyguard. Prakash Raj Turns Bodyguard For Chiranjeevi. Sometimes the most memorable moments at big celebrity gatherings arent planned at all. A light-hearted scene featuring actors Chiranjeevi and Prakash Raj at a high-profile wedding in Hyderabad has now gone viral, leaving fans amused on social media. The two actors attended the wedding of Bhatti Vikramarkas son, Surya Vikramaditya, who tied the knot with Sakshi in a grand ceremony held in Hyderabad on Thursday. The event was attended by several prominent political figures as well as personalities from the film industry. However, a short video from the venue quickly grabbed attention online. In the clip shared by a paparazzo, Chiranjeevi can be seen making his way through the crowd while greeting people who had gathered around him. As his security team cleared the path, Prakash Raj walked alongside the megastar and was seen gently moving people aside as they passed through the crowd. Sharing the clip, the paparazzo captioned it, Prakash raj safe gaurd megastar #chiranjeevi at wedding in hyd." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kamlesh Nand (work) (@artistrybuzz_) Prakash Raj Not Body Gaurd..He is Bigg Fan boy of Chiranjeevi..He showing Respect thats it.. https://t.co/mhG6q0LYdJ k.Ravinandan (@kammara92426) March 5, 2026 Prakash Raj Not Body Gaurd..He is Bigg Fan boy of Chiranjeevi..He showing Respect thats it.. https://t.co/mhG6q0LYdJ k.Ravinandan (@kammara92426) March 5, 2026 Soon after the video surfaced online, fans began reacting to the moment with humour. Several social media users joked about the actor seemingly playing the role of Chiranjeevis security. Captions like Boss ki Bodyguard la Prakash raj (Prakash Raj as Boss bodyguard)" and Annayya #Chiranjeevi ki Bouncer la Unnadu Prakash Raj (Prakash Raj looks like brother Chiranjeevis bouncer)" began circulating with the clip. One Instagram user commented, Is he the bodyguard #justasking." Many others flooded the comment section with laughing emojis and messages such as BOSS ante prakashraj ki picha prema (Prakash Raj loves Boss so much)," and Thats the boss right there." At the same time, some users defended the moment, suggesting it was simply a gesture of respect. A few pointed out that Prakash Raj was showing affection toward Chiranjeevi rather than acting as a bodyguard." One user wrote, This is not Correct..Prakash Raj is a Bigg Fan boy of Chiranjeevi..He is showing Respect, thats it." Another added, Idealogy differences unna.. Chiranjeevi ante picha respect nd affection Prakash Raj ki. (Prakash Raj respects Chiranjeevi a lot despite their ideological differences)." The two actors share a long professional association and have worked together in several films over the years. Their collaborations include titles such as Sneham Kosam, Indra, Andarivaadu, and Stalin. They were last seen together in Waltair Veerayya. On the work front, Chiranjeevi was last seen in Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, which released during the Sankranthi season. The veteran star is currently gearing up for upcoming projects including Vishwambhara, along with new films being directed by Bobby and Srikanth Odela. Prakash Raj, meanwhile, appeared in Seetha Payanam earlier this year. The actor has several projects lined up, including Jana Nayagan, G2, and Dacoit. Reports have also suggested that he may have been removed from Spirit, while speculation continues about his possible appearance in Varanasi. First Published: March 06, 2026, 18:54 IST News movies regional-cinema Watch: Prakash Raj Clears The Way For Chiranjeevi At Telangana Deputy CMs Sons Wedding, Turns Bodyguard 'I'd Have Cut His Finger': Kalyan Banerjee Sparks Row With Remark On CEC Gyanesh Kumar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 21:04 IST Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee sparked controversy by threatening the chief election commissioner during a protest, criticising his behavior towards Mamata Banerjee. File photo of TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee. (PTI file photo) Trinamool Congress leader Kalyan Banerjee triggered controversy after making a remark about the chief election commissioner during a protest in Kolkata. Addressing supporters at a Dharna Mancho", Banerjee referred to an incident involving West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said, CEC behaved very badly with Mamata Banerjee, if he would not have been CEC, I would have cut his finger that day." Earlier, on March 1, Banerjee has raised concerns over delays in resolving cases linked to voter list revisions in West Bengal, saying lakhs of matters are still pending despite directions from the Supreme Court of India. Speaking to reporters, Banerjee said nearly 60 lakh cases related to the voter list are awaiting adjudication. He pointed out that the Supreme Court had, on February 21, directed the appointment of adjudicating officers at the level of judges to deal with these cases. However, he said the process has not moved forward. There are 60 lakh cases under adjudication. Although on February 21st, the Supreme Court directed the appointment of adjudicating officers at the judge level to address these matters As of today, 10 days have passed since that directive, but not a single adjudication has taken place. This needs to be done urgently, daily, and must be informed and uploaded regularly," Banerjee said. The statement came shortly after the Election Commission of India released the final electoral roll following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in the state. According to the Commission, 5,46,053 voters were removed using Form 7 after the draft electoral roll was issued in December 2025. Following the revision exercise, the total number of voters in West Bengal stands at 7,04,59,284 (7.04 crore), compared to 7,66,37,529 (7.66 crore) before the revision. This reflects a reduction of over 61 lakh names in the electoral roll. First Published: March 06, 2026, 16:34 IST News politics 'I'd Have Cut His Finger': Kalyan Banerjee Sparks Row With Remark On CEC Gyanesh Kumar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Karnataka's Rural Reset: Siddaramaiah Renames Gram Panchayats After Mahatma Gandhi Following MGNREGA Row Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 16:51 IST Siddaramaiah slammed the Centre's replacement of MGNREGA with the VB-G RAM G Act, removing Mahatma Gandhis name from the flagship rural employment scheme Taking a sharp swipe at the BJP, Siddaramaiah alleged that the Centre's move was ideologically driven. (File image: News18) Formalising a decision announced a month ago, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said nearly 6,000 Gram Panchayats across the state will be renamed to immortalise the name of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi". It will now be named Mahatma Gandhi Gram Panchayats," Siddaramaiah announced. The decision comes after the Centre introduced the Viksit BharatGuarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, replacing the MGNREGA law and removing Mahatma Gandhis name from the flagship rural employment scheme. The move to replace the scheme and change the name had faced significant criticism from opposition parties, who accused the BJP-led government of attempting to erase Gandhis name from the programme. The central government clearly stated that the new scheme was a major upgrade" designed to address structural weaknesses in the old system and, as Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan put it, was very much in accordance with the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi". The Congress government in Karnataka accused the BJP of attempting to erase Gandhis legacy from rural welfare programmes. Siddaramaiah said the employment scheme introduced during the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government had transformed rural livelihoods. Under MGNREGA, each Gram Panchayat used to receive nearly Rs 1 crore annually, and the rural poor, especially women, were assured 100 days of employment. That guarantee is now being taken away," he said earlier. He said the programme had benefited millions across the country. According to the Chief Minister, 53 per cent of the beneficiaries were women, 28 per cent belonged to SC/ST communities, and nearly five lakh were specially abled persons. Taking a sharp swipe at the BJP, Siddaramaiah alleged that the move was ideologically driven. RSS worker Godse killed Mahatma Gandhi, and Modi has killed the pro-people scheme named after Mahatma Gandhi," he said while the Congress protests took place in January. Under MGNREGA, Panchayats had the power to provide jobs to the poor and needy. Now decisions will be taken in Delhi," Siddaramaiah alleged during the protests. First Published: March 06, 2026, 16:51 IST News politics Karnataka's Rural Reset: Siddaramaiah Renames Gram Panchayats After Mahatma Gandhi Following MGNREGA Row Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Karnatakas Social Media Ban For Kids Sets Off Political War Of Words With Andhra Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 14:56 IST The issue has triggered a fresh political one-upmanship between the two southern states over who first flagged the idea of restricting social media use for minors Rapid Read Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. (Image: News18) Even as Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh try to address the growing concern over digital addiction among children and its impact on their learning and mental health, the issue has triggered a fresh political one-upmanship between the two southern states over who first flagged the idea of restricting social media use for minors. Both states acknowledge that at the heart of the matter lies the mental health of children in the age of smartphones and the growing grip of social media on young minds. The debate sparked off after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, presenting his record 17th State Budget for 202627, announced that the government would move to ban social media use for children below the age of 16. What Siddaramaiah said With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16," Siddaramaiah said while presenting the budget. The Chief Minister had recently raised concerns about what he described as the troubling rise of digital dependency among children, warning that unchecked gadget use was affecting students behaviour, attention spans and mental health. On February 22, Siddaramaiah, during a meeting with vice-chancellors of state universities at the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, sought their views on restricting mobile phones and social media access for minors under the age of 16. Citing examples of countries such as Australia and other Western nations that have begun regulating social media use among children, Siddaramaiah argued that excessive gadget use was beginning to shape the behaviour and learning patterns of students in worrying ways. Andhras plans On February 24, the Andhra Pradesh government told its Assembly that it too was studying legislation to regulate social media use by school students. Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said a Cabinet sub-committee had been formed to examine ways to regulate social media platforms, curb false propaganda and shield children from harmful online content. The committee, she said, had already met twice and was examining policy measures adopted in other states, including Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. According to the Home Minister, the state has registered 1,384 cases so far relating to objectionable social media posts, with 1,067 people arrested and produced before courts. The political war of words The issue soon took a political turn, with Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh suggesting that the idea had first been proposed in his state. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Glad to see Karnataka considering restrictions on social media for those under 16 an idea we had proposed earlier in Andhra Pradesh to protect young minds from the darker side of the digital world. Sometimes good ideas travel fast," Lokesh wrote. Lokesh also said the government was studying legal frameworks to ensure age-appropriate access to social media and reduce its damaging effects. Trust in social media is breaking down. Children are slipping into relentless usage, affecting their attention spans and education. Women are facing non-stop online abuse. This cannot be ignored," he said. Alongside the proposed ban, Siddaramaiahs Budget also outlined measures aimed at strengthening student welfare. The government said one qualified mental health counsellor will be appointed in each of the 204 Block Resource Centres to address mental health concerns among students. Karnataka also announced steps to tackle drug abuse on campuses through awareness campaigns, counselling centres and stricter discipline in educational institutions. In addition, the government said it would enact a Rohith Vemula Act to prevent caste-based discrimination in universities and conduct student union elections in colleges and universities to encourage leadership and democratic participation among students. Proposal to Ban Social Media for Under-13s to Be Implemented Soon: Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Speaking in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, said the government is considering steps to restrict social media access for children below 13 years of age. Referring to a proposal suggested by IT Minister Nara Lokesh, he said the government will soon launch a programme to prevent children under 13 from accessing social media, likely within the next 90 days. He added that the government is also discussing possible regulations for the 1316 age group and will take a decision based on wider consensus. Naidu said the government is committed to ensuring that children are not negatively affected by social media and assured that steps will be taken to protect their well-being. First Published: March 06, 2026, 14:55 IST News politics Karnatakas Social Media Ban For Kids Sets Off Political War Of Words With Andhra Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi To Address Mega Brigade Rally On March 14 As BJPs Bengal Parivartan Yatra Reaches Finale Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:16 IST The yatra began from nine different locations in Bengal and has seen participation from several top BJP leaders The BJP leadership expects a massive turnout at the Brigade Parade Ground for the Prime Ministers address. File pic/PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a mega rally at the Brigade Parade Ground on March 14, in what is expected to be one of the biggest rallies of the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal. The rally will mark the culmination of the BJPs Parivartan Yatra, a major political outreach campaign that has been travelling across the state. The yatra began from nine different locations in Bengal and has seen participation from several top BJP leaders. The campaign was inaugurated by senior BJP leaders including National Party President Nitin Nabin, Jagat Prakash Nadda and Amit Shah. By March 10, the yatra would cover nearly 5,000 kilometres, passing through more than 200 assembly constituencies across the state. According to party insiders, the rallies have witnessed significant public participation, and the leadership expects a massive turnout at the Brigade Parade Ground for the Prime Ministers address. They believe the Parivartan Yatra has played a crucial role in mobilising support across both North and South Bengal. Samik Bhattacharya said, The Parivartan Yatra clearly shows that the people of Bengal want change. The time of Mamata Banerjee is over; now we are waiting for the right moment. This yatra will conclude with the mega rally of Narendra Modi." Apart from the large rallies, the BJP has also been organising numerous small meetings and outreach programmes in towns and villages along the yatra route. The party is using the campaign to highlight its call for political change in the state and present its alternative vision for governance. Meanwhile, the ruling All India Trinamool Congress has dismissed the BJPs campaign, asserting that despite the political mobilisation, Mamata Banerjee will retain power in the state. First Published: March 06, 2026, 20:16 IST News politics PM Modi To Address Mega Brigade Rally On March 14 As BJPs Bengal Parivartan Yatra Reaches Finale Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Will Be Bihars Next CM As Nitish Kumar Heads to Rajya Sabha? BJP Mulls 4 Names | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 15:16 IST Within the Bharatiya Janata Party's Bihar unit and the wider RSS ecosystem, at least four names are being discussed as potential chief ministerial contenders Rapid Read Nitishs most enduring political contribution was his 'sub-categorisation' of the electorate. (File pic: PTI) With Nitish Kumars resignation as Bihars chief minister and shift to the Rajya Sabha, the familiar churn in Patnas power corridors has restarted. Within the Bharatiya Janata Partys Bihar unit and the wider RSS ecosystem, at least four names are being discussed as potential chief ministerial contenders, each representing a different political strength, constituency, and equation with both Delhi and alliance partners, especially with Kumar and his party, the Janata Dal (United). A source in the BJP told News 18, Four names are in consideration, the final call will be taken by the party top brass. The party wants a leader who will run the government maintaining a balance among all NDA partners." The current situation has brought the spotlight back on the BJPs internal calculations and the possible faces it may project as the chief ministers post when the party decides to stake claim to the top post. One of the prominent names in circulation is Samrat Choudhary, the states deputy chief minister. A combative OBC leader who has been spearheading the partys aggressive campaign against the Mahagathbandhan government, Choudhary is believed to have enjoyed the confidence of the central leadership and has emerged as one of the most visible BJP faces in the state. However, some within the party believe his sharp political style may not always align with the delicate balancing required to manage the JD(U) and Nitish Kumar within an alliance framework. Another name frequently mentioned is union minister Nityanand Rai, a long-time BJP organisational worker with deep roots in the party structure. Rai is seen as someone who maintains close links with grassroots BJP workers as well as with the partys central leadership in Delhi. His organisational background and relatively low-profile political style are viewed by some senior party functionaries and insiders as advantages, particularly in maintaining coordination between the state unit and the partys national leadership. However, in a state like Bihar where every calculation is dominated by caste, a Yadav option may not work for the party now, said another section of leaders. West Champaran MP and former state BJP president Sanjay Jaiswal is also being talked about as the third option in political circles. Jaiswal is known for his articulate defence of the party line and his experience in both organisation and Parliament, Jaiswal is considered a leader with administrative understanding and political experience. Yet, like others, the key question remains whether he would be able to navigate the complexities of an alliance government where Nitish Kumars JDU remains a dominant partner. The fourth name that surfaces is Vijay Sinha, currently one of the BJPs prominent leaders in the state and a former Speaker of the Bihar Assembly. Sinha has built a reputation as an assertive leader within the state unit and enjoys support among sections of the party cadre. For the BJP leadership, however, the calculation goes beyond individual popularity. The larger question is whether any potential face would be able to manage the delicate political equation with Nitish Kumar and alliance partners including Chirag Paswans LJP while keeping the BJPs organisational base satisfied. As Bihar once again enters a phase of political uncertainty, the decision on leadership will likely be shaped not just by numbers in the assembly, but by the BJPs long-term strategy in a state that remains central to its national political calculus. First Published: March 06, 2026, 14:42 IST News politics Who Will Be Bihars Next CM As Nitish Kumar Heads to Rajya Sabha? BJP Mulls 4 Names | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Founder Says He Completed 15K Steps Daily On Bali Trip, But Delhi Streets Feel Like An Assault Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 08:18 IST In Bali, an entrepreneur claims he could easily walk 15,000 steps a day without stress, but in India, the contrast was shocking. Rapid Read He was amazed by cities designed for people instead of cars. (representative image) Utkarsh Goklani, a Delhi-based entrepreneur and founder of Wyzr, recently returned from a nine-day trip to Bali with a striking observation. In Bali, he could easily walk 15,000 steps a day without stress. The streets belong to the people," he said, describing towns where vehicles are limited, bicycles move freely, and pedestrians move without hurry or noise. He was amazed by cities designed for people instead of cars, including a beach town where no vehicles are allowed. Back in India, the walk feels like a constant assault on the senses," due to broken pavements, constant traffic and honking. The streets feel unfriendly rather than welcoming. Goklani believes this is why health movements struggle to grow in India. A healthy lifestyle needs proper streets, parks and safe spaces to move around. Good infrastructure is not just something extra; it is the first step needed to make exercise and active living possible. Entrepreneur Shares Why Infrastructure Matters Taking to LinkedIn, Utkarsh Goklani wrote, This week, I walked 15,000 steps daily, without even trying. Only one thing changed. I am in Bali, where walkways are part of the city infrastructure, there exists an entire beach town which allows no vehicles to ply. Only bicycles, and your good ol feet. People own the streets in a way I have never quite seen in India, unhurried and unbothered, moving through a city that had been designed around their presence rather than despite it. Didnt hear a single horn in the last nine days. This is how a mind completely at peace feels like," The same person. Completely different environment. Back home, stepping out to walk feels like a constant assault on the senses. Broken footpaths, relentless traffic, persistent honking, the low-grade vigilance of someone who knows the street was never really designed for them. And then we wonder why a fitness movement hasnt taken off in India. Why people arent stepping out. Why are lifestyle diseases climbing? You cannot will a healthy culture into existence. You have to build it, literally. Infrastructure isnt the support system for a health movement. It is the prerequisite," the founder added. Social Media Agrees Reacting to the post, a user wrote, It feels like a nobrainer that when streets belong to people you dont just get more steps in you also get closer communities, more real conversations, and a slower pace of life that supports our mental health." Another shared, So relatable. In 24, I went to Dharamshala-McLeodganj. I was walking on average 10K every day, I was not checking my phone, I didnt watch any content. I like that version of me, but it vanishes within a week of being back in the city." After the amount of taxes we pay, its a shame that we dont even have walkable roads. Let alone dedicated walking tracks," a comment read. An individual stated, I think we all will need to move towards a healthy lifestyle and walking will be a part of it, but sadly, it is high time India needs to build the right infrastructure for it." Another mentioned, I tried 15K steps in India, and its is a task in itself. I have to dedicatedly block my calendar both morning & evening for walking in the park and then go to the airport ( and hope my boarding gate is far away to get more steps." One more user explained that in Europe, streets and footpaths are built so that people enjoy walking. In many Asian cities, like Hanoi, Bangkok and Indian cities, the situation is very different. Footpaths are narrow, uneven, crowded with shops or full of trash, which makes walking uncomfortable. Because of this, people avoid walking even for short distances. There are some exceptions, like Singapore and Bali, where sidewalks are well-maintained. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 08:17 IST News viral Founder Says He Completed 15K Steps Daily On Bali Trip, But Delhi Streets Feel Like An Assault Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Egyptian Restaurant Uses Irans Strikes On Tel Aviv In Its Viral Ad, Draws Backlash Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 18:38 IST An Egyptian restaurant, Ahmed Nada, launched a campaign inspired by Iran's strikes on Tel Aviv, sparking mixed reactions online. News18 Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, an Egyptian restaurant has drawn attention online after reportedly launching a promotional campaign inspired by Irans recent strikes on Tel Aviv. A video circulating widely on X features real footage of missile strikes, with flames from the explosions transitioning into a flaming pan where meat and vegetables are being cooked. An Egyptian restaurant launches a promotional campaign inspired by the intense Iranian strikes on Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/ncpiDLb31Q The Middle East (@A_M_R_M1) March 5, 2026 According to reports, Egypt maintains a strategic partnership with the United States, a cold peace with Israel, and a cautious yet historically pragmatic relationship with Iran. Based on the staff uniforms visible in the clip, the restaurant has been identified as Ahmed Nada (Haty Ahmed Nada), a well-known Egyptian chain popular for its grilled dishes, trays and traditional tajines. The video has triggered mixed reactions on X, with users sharply divided over the campaign. Several users criticised the restaurant and Egypt for the alleged advertisement. One user wrote, Never mock another persons bad time, because you never know." Another commented, These racists think this is a joke. Their time is coming." A third user added that the restaurant should instead help Israeli civilians seeking refuge in Sharm El Sheikh. Others, however, reacted with humour and praised the creativity behind the video. One user joked, Now thats a restaurant Id go to!" Another wrote, If you smell Iran is cooking!" while others said they wished the restaurant had a branch in their city and joked about ordering the food shown in the clip. Location : Cairo, Egypt First Published: March 06, 2026, 18:38 IST News viral Egyptian Restaurant Uses Irans Strikes On Tel Aviv In Its Viral Ad, Draws Backlash Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ever Wondered How Mumbais Localities Got Their Names? A Deep-Dive Into The History Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 08:00 IST Mumbai tells its story through the names of its neighbourhoods and stations. Rapid Read By the 19th century, Mumbai became a trading hub. (Photo Credit: Instagram) Mumbai wakes before the sun, a city born from seven islands that once swayed with the tides and echoed with the songs of the Kolis and Agris. Centuries ago, these small fishing villages were stitched together by the ambitions of traders, rulers, and dreamers. Portuguese forts gave way to British streets, and names like Dadar, Borivli, and Bandra became markers of memory, of lives lived and lives imagined. On its harbour, ships arrived with spices, textiles, and hope; in its streets, merchants, artists, and migrants built chawls and bazaars, each brick carrying a story. Mumbai tells its story not just through streets or skyline, but in the names of its neighbourhoods and stations. Names like Borivli, Kandivli, Ovri Pada, and Dahi Sar tell the stories of the citys earliest roots and geography. Tribal Roots In Place Names The first inhabitants, the Agris, Kodis, and Kundis, shaped these names. Pada marked small villages, Wada indicated community homes, Sar pointed to rivers or lakes, and Wadi/Wali referred to forested lands. Borivli once meant a forest with boar trees, Kandivli had dense mangroves, Ovri Pada marked houses with verandahs or small temples, and Dahi Sar linked ten villages along a river. Over time, these tribal words mixed with Portuguese and Prakrit influences, leaving a layered linguistic legacy. Colonial And Cultural Influence As Mumbai expanded under British rule, new names showed governance, trade, and culture. Sandhurst Road and Rai Road were named after governors, while Wadala comes from the Marathi word Uwad, meaning banyan tree. Chuna Bhatti meant lime production, Dockyard Road referred to the Mazgaon Dockyard, and Cotton Green stored cotton bales. Persian words also influenced names, with Maan Khurd meaning small village" and Maan Budruk big village." Even Zuinagar carries a poetic meaning: city of jasmine." From Seven Islands To Mumbai Long before colonial rule, Mumbai was a cluster of villages on seven islands. The Koli community gave the city its oldest name: Mumbai, from Mumba, a local goddess, and ai, meaning mother. The Portuguese adapted it to Bombaim, and the British later anglicised it to Bombay. In 1995, the city restored its Marathi name, Mumbai, honouring its heritage. David Sassoon And The Sassoon Docks By the 19th century, Mumbai had become a trading hub, shaped in large part by the Sassoon family, often called the Rothschilds of the East." David Sassoon, a Jewish refugee from Baghdad, came to Bombay with nothing. Born into a prominent Baghdadi family, he had served as Baghdads treasurer between 1817 and 1829. When Jews faced persecution under the Ottomans, his family fled to Bombay. In 1832, David Sassoon established David Sassoon & Sons, engaging in triangular trade. He built a fortune through opium trade between India and China, outcompeting British and Parsi traders, and expanded the business to London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Rangoon, Japan, and Manchester, all while refusing to speak English, using Judeo-Arabic and interpreters to run his empire. His son, Albert Abdullah David Sassoon, established Sassoon Docks, Bombays first wet docks, which became a hub for cotton exports and later a busy fish market. Today, the docks continue to provide livelihoods for thousands and remain an economic centre, even under government ownership. David Sassoon also encouraged Baghdadi Jewish families to settle in Bombay. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 08:00 IST News viral Ever Wondered How Mumbais Localities Got Their Names? A Deep-Dive Into The History Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Is Farah Pahlavi? From Irans Royal Glory To Exile, Spotlight On Last Empress Amid US-Israel-Iran War Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 09:33 IST Farah Pahlavi remains the only person in modern Iranian history to hold the title of Shahbanu or Empress. Rapid Read Farah Pahlavi married Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi on December 21, 1959. (Photo Credit: Instagram) The ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran has once again brought global attention to the political history of Iran. The recent strikes by the US and Israel led to the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had succeeded Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader who established the Islamic Republic after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. That revolution dramatically changed Irans political structure, which dismantled the Pahlavi monarchy and ended the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whose government was widely seen as secular and backed by Western powers. There are discussions around Irans leadership, and amid this, the life of Farah Pahlavi, the countrys last Empress, continues to draw attention. She remains the only person in modern Iranian history to hold the title of Shahbanu or Empress. All About Farah Pahlavi, The Last Empress Of Iran Farah was born Farah Diba on October 14, 1938, in Tehran. She later became the last Empress of Iran and the only modern Iranian royal to hold the title Shahbanu. Her time in the royal family lasted from 1959 until the Iranian Revolution in 1979, when the monarchy was abolished. Known for her elegance and public presence, Farah was often compared internationally to Jacqueline Kennedy, particularly for her style and role as a cultural ambassador. As Empress, she became closely associated with Irans image as a country moving toward modernisation and stronger engagement with Western cultural and educational institutions. About Farah Pahlavis Early Life And Education Farah was born to Captain Sohrab Diba and Farideh Ghotbi. Her fathers family had roots in Iranian Azerbaijan, while her mothers family came from the northern Iranian region of Lahijan. She received her early education in several well-known schools in Tehran, such as the Italian School, the French Jeanne dArc School and later Lycee Razi. Her academic interests eventually led her abroad, where she pursued architecture at the Ecole Speciale dArchitecture in Paris. It was during her time in Paris that her life changed dramatically. In 1959, she met Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi at the Iranian Embassy during a reception organised for Iranian students studying in France. The meeting eventually led to their marriage later that same year. Farah Pahlavis Marriage To The Shah And Rise As Shahbanu Farah married Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi on December 21, 1959, when she was just 21 years old. The royal wedding attracted international attention. For the ceremony, she wore a gown designed by Yves Saint Laurent and the famous Noor-ol-Ain Diamond tiara. Her position in Iranian history became even more significant in 1967 when she was officially crowned Shahbanu on October 26, 1967. This marked the first time in modern Iranian history that a queen was formally crowned as Empress. The Shah also gave her an unusual constitutional role. She was appointed official regent, which meant she would take over leadership if the Shah died before the Crown Prince reached the age of 21. Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi & Farah Pahlavi Children And Grandchildren Farah and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi had four children together in addition to the Shahs daughter Princess Shahnaz from his first marriage. The couples eldest son, Reza Pahlavi, was born on October 31, 1960, and later became the Crown Prince of Iran. Today, he is regarded as the head of the House of Pahlavi and lives in exile in the US, where he continues to remain active as a political figure. Their first daughter, Farahnaz Pahlavi, was born on March 12, 1963. Unlike some members of the royal family, she has largely stayed away from public life and currently lives in exile with her family. Born on April 28, 1966, Ali Reza Pahlavi was the couples younger son. He later became a scholar specialising in ancient Iranian studies and lived in the US. But he died by suicide in Boston on January 4, 2011, at the age of 44. Their youngest child, Leila Pahlavi, was born on March 27, 1970. She was a princess of Iran who struggled with personal difficulties and died from a drug overdose in a London hotel room on June 10, 2001, at the age of 31. Farahs family has also grown in the next generation. Through her eldest son, Reza Pahlavi, she has three granddaughters: Noor, Iman and Farah. She also has another granddaughter, Iryana Leila Pahlavi, through her late son Ali Reza Pahlavi. Iryana Leila was born shortly after his death. How Farah Pahlavi Encouraged Art, Heritage And Social Reform During her time as Empress, Farah became widely known for her efforts to promote arts, culture and social reform in Iran. One of her most notable initiatives was the establishment of the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, which today houses one of the worlds most valuable collections of Western modern art. The collection includes works by major artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock. She also helped establish several other cultural institutions, such as the Carpet Museum of Tehran and the Glassware and Ceramic Museum of Iran. In addition to cultural projects, she supported social reforms, particularly related to womens rights. She played a role in promoting the 1975 Family Protection Law, which increased the minimum marriage age for women from 13 to 18. Farah also supported humanitarian causes. She actively campaigned for the welfare of leprosy patients and visited remote leprosy colonies in an effort to reduce stigma and bring attention to their needs. Farah Pahlavis Role In Modernising Education In Iran Education was another area where Farah played an important role. She supported the development of Pahlavi University, established in the 1960s in the city of Shiraz. The university was designed as the first American-style higher education institution in Iran. The initiative aimed to modernise the countrys education system and create more opportunities for Iranian students, particularly women. The project was developed in cooperation with American academic institutions. Following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the university was renamed Shiraz University. The 1979 Revolution And Exile From Iran The rule of the Pahlavi monarchy came to an end during the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Amid growing protests and political unrest, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and Farah left Iran on January 16, 1979. Their departure marked the collapse of the monarchy and the rise of the Islamic Republic led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. After leaving Iran, the royal family lived in several countries during their exile, such as Egypt, Morocco, the Bahamas, Mexico and Panama. The Shah eventually died in Egypt in 1980. Farah Pahlavis Life In Exile And Current Role Today, Farah remains a prominent historical figure connected to Irans former monarchy. She divides her time between the US and France. Even decades after leaving Iran, she continues to attend international royal gatherings and cultural events. She also regularly speaks about Irans political future and has voiced support for the idea of a free and secular Iran." Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: March 06, 2026, 09:29 IST News viral Who Is Farah Pahlavi? From Irans Royal Glory To Exile, Spotlight On Last Empress Amid US-Israel-Iran War Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: https://www.facebook.com/zelenskyy.official Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 300 Ukrainian defenders, as well as two civilians, are returning home from Russian captivity. Another 300 Ukrainian defenders are returning home from Russian captivity. Two Ukrainian civilians were also successfully returned today, Zelenskyy said on X Friday. The President reported that among them are defenders from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service. Privates, sergeants, and officers. They defended Ukraine in various sectors Donetsk, Luhansk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhia, Kherson, and in Mariupol. Most of them had been in captivity for more than a year, some since 2022, Zelenskyy noted. He thanked all the soldiers who ensured this result by replenishing the exchange fund for Ukraine, as well as the entire team that worked towards this result. I am grateful to the United States for their mediation. It is important that the agreements have worked. We remember everyone, and we must bring all our people home, the head of state emphasized. On March 5, Zelenskyy announced the return of 200 Ukrainians from Russian captivity and thanked the United States for its support in implementing the exchange. The 500-for-500 POW swap was conducted within the framework of the Geneva agreements. On February 14, Zelenskyy stated that Russia currently holds approximately 7,000 Ukrainian prisoners of war, while Ukraine holds more than 4,000 Russian prisoners, and could conduct an all-for-all exchange if Russia is ready. After Australia, Indonesia Announces Social Media Ban For Under-16s In Major Online Safety Push Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 14:39 IST Jakarta said the phased rollout would allow authorities to work with digital platforms to enforce the new rules while protecting young users from online harms. The ban will be introduced in stages "until all platforms fulfil their compliance obligations." (Representational) After Australia, Indonesia announced plans to ban social media use for children under 16 in a bid to prevent them from online pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud and internet addiction. Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said that the government would begin deactivating accounts belonging to children under 16 on several high-risk platforms, news agency AFP reported. Accounts belonging to children under 16 on high-risk platforms will start to be deactivated, beginning with YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox," Hafid said in a statement. She added that the measure would be implemented starting March 28, 2026, and rolled out in stages until all platforms meet the governments compliance requirements. She said that the phased rollout would allow authorities to work with digital platforms to enforce the new rules while protecting young users from online harms. The government is stepping in so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the giants of the algorithm," Hafid said, acknowledging that the policy could cause some initial inconvenience" for users. The minister described the move as necessary to address what she called a growing digital emergency." We are taking this step to reclaim the sovereignty of our childrens future. We want technology to humanise humans, not sacrifice our childrens childhood," she said. Last year in December, Australia became the first country in the world to officially ban children under 16 from having accounts on major social media platforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the law as a world-first step aimed at protecting young people. He said Australia was showing that enough is enough" when it comes to the bad influence of social media on children. Under the new rules, platforms are required to remove accounts belonging to users under 16 or face heavy fines. As the law took effect, teenagers across the country lost access to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and several other platforms. Meanwhile, the European Union has formed an expert group to explore a similar restriction across member states. Countries including France, Denmark, Greece, and Spain have also pushed for stronger safeguards for children online. Meanwhile, in India, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have announced similar restrictions for children under 16 and 13, respectively, to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Jakarta, Indonesia First Published: March 06, 2026, 14:39 IST News world After Australia, Indonesia Announces Social Media Ban For Under-16s In Major Online Safety Push Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... America's Ageless Spy Plane Back Over Cyprus: Inside The U-2 Dragon Lady Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 22:07 IST An USAF U-2 Dragon Lady took off from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus early on Friday, days after a drone punched through the roof of the hangar housing the aircraft. Rapid Read USAF U-2 "Dragon Lady" made by Lockheed Martin Skunkworks. (Image Courtesy: Blair Bunting/TWZ) A USAF U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane was seen taking off from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on Friday, Reuters reported, just days after a Shahed-type drone tore a purported 9-metre hole in the wall of the hangar that houses the US reconnaissance aircraft at the British base. No injuries were reported, and assessments indicated no damage to the aircraft inside. The sighting has put one of the worlds most storied reconnaissance aircraft back in the spotlight, at a moment of escalating tension in the Middle East. So, what exactly is the U-2, and why does it still matter in 2026? Born in Secrecy, Built to Fly Where No One Could Follow The Lockheed U-2 was designed by Clarence Kelly" Johnson at Lockheeds Skunk Works division in the mid-1950s. Johnson, one of the most celebrated aircraft engineers in American history, built the plane with one goal: to fly higher than any adversary could reach. It first took to the skies in 1955 from Groom Lake, better known today as Area 51, and within a year was already flying covert missions over the Soviet Union. Its now-iconic nickname came directly from the US government. The CIA project that secretly purchased the first batch of aircraft was code-named Project Dragon Lady," and the name stuck. What the Dragon Lady Can Actually Do The U-2S is a single-seat, single-engine aircraft designed for high-altitude reconnaissance and surveillance, capable of collecting signals intelligence, imagery, and electronic measurements. It runs on a General Electric F118-101 engine, reaches speeds of up to 410 mph, and carries a range of over 7,000 miles, meaning it rarely needs to refuel mid-mission. It can reach altitudes above 70,000 feet, where pilots require a full pressure suit due to the extreme conditions. At those heights, the sky above the cockpit fades from blue to near-black, and the curvature of the Earth is clearly visible. Its major sensors include the ASARS-2A synthetic aperture radar, the SYERS-2C multispectral electro-optical and infrared camera system, and the Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload. These allow the aircraft to collect radar imagery, optical photos, and electronic signals simultaneously, in all weather, day or night. Almost all of this data can be sent to ground stations in near real-time, anywhere in the world. The Mission at Akrotiri That Never Really Ended A detachment of U-2 aircraft, known as Detachment G," arrived at RAF Akrotiri as far back as August 1970. By 1974, the mission was transferred to the Air Force and formally named Operation Olive Harvest, tasked with supporting European and regional treaty operations. That mission has never stopped. The aircraft at Akrotiri operate under the 99th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, a component of the USAFs 9th Reconnaissance Wing, headquartered at Beale Air Force Base in California, and rotate biannually between Akrotiri, RAF Fairford in the UK, and Beale. The Hardest Aircraft in the World to Land For all its capability, the Dragon Lady is notorious among pilots for being extraordinarily difficult to handle. Its long, glider-like wings allow it to loiter for hours at 70,000 feet but make low-speed control during landing especially demanding. The U-2 uses removable outrigger wheels for ground balance, and a second pilot typically chases each landing in a high-performance ground vehicle, providing radio guidance on altitude and runway alignment. These characteristics have earned the aircraft a widely accepted title as the most difficult plane in the world to fly. A Legend Facing Retirement, Still Flying The USAF had planned to retire the U-2 fleet in 2026, with budget documents noting expectations for protective National Defence Authorization Act language to be waived, allowing divestment in FY26. As of early 2024, around 27 single-seat U-2S aircraft remained in active service. The drone strike on Akrotiri and Fridays confirmed flight suggest the Dragon Lady is very much still on the job, even as its future inside the US Air Force remains uncertain. Location : Nicosia, Cyprus First Published: March 06, 2026, 22:07 IST News world America's Ageless Spy Plane Back Over Cyprus: Inside The U-2 Dragon Lady Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... As Trump Eyes Cuba, Why Son Of Cuban Immigrants Marco Rubio Is His Pick For The Job? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:51 IST Marco Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants and one of Washington's most consistent and vocal advocates for regime change in Havana. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Reuters) When US President Donald Trump said that he planned to put Marco over there" as Cuba prepares to fall," he was not picking a random person for the job. He was reaching for the one person in his cabinet whose entire political identity, family history and foreign policy worldview has been shaped by a single, defining conviction: that communist Cuba must go. Read more: Cuba Gonna Fall Pretty Soon, Will Put Marco Over There: Trumps Big Remark Amid Iran War Marco Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants and one of Washingtons most consistent and vocal advocates for regime change in Havana. Trumps offhand remark in a CNN interview put a spotlight on a connection that has defined Marco Rubios life long before he entered politics. A Family That Left Before Castro And One That Couldnt Stay After Marco Rubio was born in Miami in 1971 to parents who had both emigrated from Cuba. Mario Rubio Reina and Oriales Garcia left the island in 1956- more than two years before Fidel Castros revolution succeeded in 1959- primarily in search of economic opportunity rather than as refugees fleeing communism. They became US citizens in 1975. His father worked as a banquet bartender while his mother worked as a hotel maid and factory worker. The story that shaped Marco Rubios politics most deeply, however, belongs to his maternal grandfather, Pedro Victor Garcia. Garcia initially came to the US in 1956, returned to Cuba for work in 1959 and then fled in 1962 after Castro consolidated power. Read more: Every Past US-Iran Crisis Ended Quickly But This Time Could Be Different. Heres Why When he arrived back in the United States, he was briefly detained for lacking a visa before being allowed to stay. Marco Rubio has repeatedly said that conversations with his grandfather about life under Cuban communism were formative- pushing him toward politics and cementing a worldview in which the Cuban government represents an irredeemable authoritarian system that must be confronted. Read more: No Deal: Trump Says US Will Accept Nothing Less Than Irans Unconditional Surrender Marco Rubio has consistently advocated for strict sanctions against the Cuban government, opposed normalisation policies with Havana and supported democratic opposition movements on the island. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 06, 2026, 20:51 IST News world As Trump Eyes Cuba, Why Son Of Cuban Immigrants Marco Rubio Is His Pick For The Job? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Azerbaijan Withdraws Diplomats From Tehran After Iran's Alleged Drone Strike Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 15:45 IST Azerbaijan withdrew diplomats from Iran, accusing it of drone strikes on Nakhchivan, injuring civilians. Iran denied responsibility. A drone explodes at the airport of Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan. (Pic: reuters) Azerbaijan has reportedly withdrawn diplomatic staff from Iran after accusing it of launching drones into its territory. On Wednesday, drones struck the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an Azerbaijani exclave bordering Iran, Armenia and Turkey. One drone hit the terminal of Nakhchivan International Airport, while another landed near a school in the village of Shakarabad, injuring several civilians. Azerbaijan condemned the attack as a terrorist act" and summoned Irans ambassador for an explanation. Tehran, however, has denied responsibility for the strike. The incident occurred amid widespread Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Middle East following the killing of Irans Supreme Leader in joint USIsraeli attacks earlier this month. Long-Standing Tensions Between Iran and Azerbaijan Relations between Azerbaijan and Iran have been strained for years despite shared cultural and religious ties. Both countries are majority Shia Muslim, but their geopolitical alignments differ sharply. Azerbaijan has strengthened its ties with Israel, Turkey and Western countries, which Iran views as hostile alliances. Tehran has repeatedly criticised Azerbaijans defence cooperation with Israel and its growing strategic partnership with Western nations. Diplomatic tensions have also flared in the past, including a 2023 attack on Azerbaijans embassy in Tehran that killed a security officer. Location : Baku, Azerbaijan First Published: March 06, 2026, 15:45 IST News world Azerbaijan Withdraws Diplomats From Tehran After Iran's Alleged Drone Strike Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... What Is Blue Sparrow, The 'Missile From Space' That Israel Used To Kill Ayatollah Khamenei? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 13:01 IST Israel used the Blue Sparrow, an air-launched ballistic missile that briefly exits Earths atmosphere before striking at high speed, in the strike that killed Khamenei. A photo of the Blue Sparrow missile (Social Media)/Iraqi Shia clerics hold portraits of Khamenei in Baghdad (AFP) Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, in a major strike carried out during coordinated Israeli and US military operations targeting senior Iranian leadership and strategic facilities across the country, thus dramatically escalating tensions in West Asia. Multiple media reports said Israel used an advanced jet-launched ballistic weapon known as the Blue Sparrow, often described as a missile from space" because of the trajectory it follows before striking its target. The missile reportedly climbed toward the edge of Earths atmosphere before plunging back toward its target at extremely high speed, striking the compound where Irans political and military leadership had gathered. WHAT IS THE BLUE SPARROW MISSILE? The weapon believed to have been used in the strike, the Blue Sparrow, is an advanced air-launched ballistic missile developed by Israel. According to The Telegraph, the missile has a range of roughly 1,240 miles (about 2,000 kilometres) and follows a trajectory that takes it to the edge of Earths atmosphere before it plunges back down onto its target. Because of this flight path, the missile is sometimes described as a missile from space." The Blue Sparrow measures about 6.5 metres in length and weighs roughly 1.9 tonnes, according to technical descriptions cited by multiple reports. It is typically launched from fighter aircraft and follows a ballistic trajectory before releasing a re-entry vehicle that strikes the target at high speed. The Telegraph reported that debris from the missile, described as long, grey cylindrical fragments, was later found in western Iraq, believed to be along the missiles flight path toward Iran. Defence analysts cited by Forbes say versions of the Sparrow missile system have been adapted to enable aircraft to launch ballistic-style weapons from long standoff distances, allowing attacks on heavily defended targets without exposing aircraft to air-defence systems. ORIGINS OF THE SPARROW MISSILE SYSTEM The Blue Sparrow is part of a broader family of missiles that also includes the Black Sparrow and Silver Sparrow, systems originally designed to simulate Soviet Scud missiles for air-defence testing. An earlier AFP report from 2008 said the Blue Sparrow was developed by Israels Armament Development Authority and launched from fighter jets during tests of the Israeli-developed Arrow missile defence system, which is designed to intercept ballistic missiles. Over time, analysts say the system has evolved beyond its testing role and can now function as a high-speed precision strike weapon. Its ability to briefly exit the atmosphere and then re-enter at extremely high speed reduces reaction time for defenders and makes interception far more difficult. That capability, analysts say, makes the Blue Sparrow particularly suited for high-value and time-sensitive targets, such as the compound where Irans supreme leader and senior officials had gathered on the day of the strike. MISSILE STRIKE ON TEHRAN COMPOUND Details of the strike suggest a highly coordinated operation involving intelligence gathering, surveillance and precision weaponry. Reports suggested that Israeli fighter aircraft launched missiles that arced toward the edge of space before diving back to Earth and hitting the compound where Irans top officials were meeting. The impact killed the countrys most powerful leader along with dozens of senior officials. Israeli F-15 fighter jets and other aircraft were deployed at around 7.30 am Iran time, NDTV reported. Roughly two hours later, the aircraft launched about 30 missiles, including Blue Sparrow systems, at the compound associated with Khamenei. The strike occurred while senior Iranian political and military leaders had gathered at the site. Further details reported by The New York Times said the operation relied on intelligence gathered by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), which had been tracking Khameneis movements for months. According to the newspaper, US intelligence learned that a meeting of top Iranian officials would take place at a government compound in Tehran and that Khamenei would be present. The CIA shared what officials described as high fidelity" intelligence about the supreme leaders location with Israel. Originally planned as a nighttime operation, the United States and Israel adjusted the timing of the strike to exploit the information about the meeting. The attack began around 6 am in Israel, when fighter jets took off from their bases. About two hours and five minutes later, around 9.40 am in Tehran, long-range missiles struck the compound. While senior Iranian national security officials were gathered in one building of the compound at the time of the attack, Khamenei was in another nearby structure. DECEPTION AND INTELLIGENCE OPERATIONS Reports indicate the strike was the culmination of a complex intelligence operation. According to the New York Post, Israeli officials deliberately created the impression that the military was standing down for the weekend ahead of the attack. An Israel Defence Forces official told reporters that the military released photos and information suggesting senior commanders were going home for Shabbat dinner, creating the impression that operations had paused. In reality, officials covertly returned to headquarters to prepare the strike. The report also said Israels intelligence agency Mossad tracked the movements of security personnel around Khameneis compound on Pasteur Street in central Tehran, monitoring bodyguards schedules and movements. Surveillance cameras in the area helped Israeli intelligence determine when senior Iranian leaders had gathered at the compound. According to the report, Israeli forces also disrupted around a dozen mobile phone towers near the compound during the operation to prevent security teams from receiving warnings. Israeli and US war rooms were reportedly synchronised in real time, allowing commanders to adjust the operation based on Irans response. The strike, according to Israeli officials, killed more than 40 senior Iranian leaders, including Mohammad Pakpour, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. First Published: March 06, 2026, 12:49 IST News world What Is Blue Sparrow, The 'Missile From Space' That Israel Used To Kill Ayatollah Khamenei? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Could Iran War End On March 12? Trump's 'Unconditional Surrender' Demand Has A Precedent Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 22:31 IST The words are familiar as on June 17, 2025, Trump issued the same demand during what became known as the Twelve-Day War between Israel and Iran. US President Donald Trump (Reuters) US President Donald Trumps demand for Irans unconditional surrender" has drawn striking comparisons to a nearly identical moment less than a year ago- one that was followed, just six days later, by a ceasefire. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).'" Read more: Every Past US-Iran Crisis Ended Quickly But This Time Could Be Different. Heres Why The words are familiar as on June 17, 2025, Trump issued the same demand during what became known as the Twelve-Day War between Israel and Iran. Six days later, on June 23, he announced that a ceasefire agreement had been reached. It took effect the following day, bringing that conflict to an end. The ceasefire was mediated by the United States and Qatar. Today, President Trump called for Irans unconditional surrender."The last time we saw this happen was on June 17th, 2025. 6 days later, on June 23rd, a ceasefire was announced. Will history repeat itself on March 12th? pic.twitter.com/2NxZ6rxBKY The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) March 6, 2026 If the pattern holds, a ceasefire announcement could come as early as March 12. There are, however, significant differences between the two moments. The current conflict is considerably more expansive than the Twelve-Day War- spreading across more than a dozen countries, disrupting Gulf energy exports, killing American soldiers and triggering a leadership vacuum in Tehran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The June 2025 conflict, by comparison, was geographically and politically far more contained. Trump calling for unconditional surrender is just political theater history shows that threats rarely lead to real compliance. If anything, Iran will dig in harder, and the US will look desperate chasing headlines again." Samuel Abosi (@Sam_Mindset) March 6, 2026 Irans public posture also differs as the countrys president Masoud Pezeshkian struck a defiant tone, saying mediating countries should direct their pressure at those who started the fire by underestimating the Iranian people". Read more: No Deal: Trump Says US Will Accept Nothing Less Than Irans Unconditional Surrender Then there is the question of Qatar. The Gulf state co-mediated the June 2025 agreement but is currently managing its own crisis- having declared force majeure on LNG exports after an Iranian drone strike hit its Ras Laffan facility. Whether it retains the bandwidth and the standing to play the same mediating role again remains an open question. March 12 is six days away. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 06, 2026, 22:31 IST News world Could Iran War End On March 12? Trump's 'Unconditional Surrender' Demand Has A Precedent Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Cuba Gonna Fall Pretty Soon, Will Put Marco Over There': Trump's Big Remark Amid Iran War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 20:53 IST The US President did not elaborate on what he meant by Cuba "falling"- whether he envisioned a negotiated political transition, an economic collapse or something more direct. US President Donald Trump. (File Photo: Reuters) US President Donald Trump said that Cuba is on the verge of collapse and that he plans to send Secretary of State Marco Rubio there- remarks that signal Washingtons ambitions may extend well beyond the current war with Iran. Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon," Trump told CNN, adding, Im gonna put Marco over there. Weve got plenty of time, but Cubas ready." Read more: As Trump Eyes Cuba, Why Son Of Cuban Immigrants Marco Rubio Is His Pick For The Job? Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, has spent decades advocating for regime change in Havana. The US President did not elaborate on what he meant by Cuba falling"- whether he envisioned a negotiated political transition, an economic collapse or something more direct. Cuba has been under US sanctions for over six decades. The communist government, led by President Miguel Diaz-Canel, has faced growing domestic unrest in recent years, with widespread protests in 2021 marking the most significant public dissent the island had seen in a generation. What Trump Said On Iran War The Cuba remarks came during a wide-ranging CNN interview in which Trump also addressed the ongoing conflict with Iran, rating the US military performance a 12 or 15 out of 10." Read more: No Deal: Trump Says US Will Accept Nothing Less Than Irans Unconditional Surrender Were doing very well militarily better than anybody could have even dreamed," he said. On Gulf Arab states coming under Iranian attack, Trump said Tehran made a terrible mistake when they attacked them" and that those countries were doing unbelievable". On the question of who leads Iran after the war, Trump said it is going to work like it did in Venezuela" and that whoever takes over needs to treat the United States and Israel well." Asked about rising fuel prices- a direct consequence of disruption to Gulf energy supplies and the growing threat to the Strait of Hormuz- Trump was dismissive. Thats alright, itll be short term, itll go way down very quickly," he said. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 06, 2026, 20:10 IST News world 'Cuba Gonna Fall Pretty Soon, Will Put Marco Over There': Trump's Big Remark Amid Iran War Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IRIS Lavan later arrived and docked at Kochi on March 4. The ships crew of 183 personnel are currently being accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi. Earlier on Wednesday, the Sri Lankan Navy rescued 30 sailors from the Iranian naval ship IRIS Dena. The Indian Navy has joined search and rescue efforts after the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena sank near Sri Lanka. The Indian Navy said a distress signal from IRIS Dena was received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo in the early hours of March 4, as informed by the Sri Lankan Navy. The ship was operating within Sri Lankas search and rescue region at the time. Following the alert, the Indian Navy launched immediate assistance. A distress call from IRIS Dena was received at the MRCC Colombo in the early hours of 04 March 26, as reported by the Sri Lankan Navy. The ship was operating 20 NM West of Galle in the SAR region under Sri Lankan responsibility. On receipt of the information, the Indian Navy promptly launched its SAR efforts commencing with a long-range maritime patrol aircraft at 1000 hr on 04 March 26 to augment the search efforts led by Sri Lanka," the Navy said in a statement. Another aircraft equipped with air-droppable life rafts was placed on standby for quick deployment. INS Tarangini, which was already operating nearby, was sent to the area and reached the search zone by 1600 hours on March 4. Digging In: The Secret Underground Bunker Iran Built To Keep Khamenei Alive And How Israel Found It Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 17:42 IST The concept of an underground command centre for a head of state is neither new nor unique to Iran. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Deep beneath the streets of central Tehran, Iran had built what it believed was an impenetrable refuge- a fortified underground command centre designed to keep the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei alive and in control during the worst conceivable attack. On Thursday, approximately 50 Israeli fighter jets destroyed it. The strike, confirmed by the Israel Defense Forces in a statement, targeted a large underground bunker beneath Irans leadership compound in central Tehran. The IDF described it as one of the most significant blows yet to Irans ability to direct its military and political response to the ongoing war. Read more: Our Response Is Clear: Iran Tells Mediators To Focus On US And Israel, Not Tehran What Exactly Was Khameneis Bunker? According to the Israeli military, the underground complex extended beneath several streets in central Tehran and featured multiple concealed access points. Inside, the facility contained fortified meeting rooms, dedicated communications areas and internal corridors designed to allow senior regime figures to operate continuously during wartime or large-scale air attacks. The IDF said the bunker had been specifically designed as an emergency command facility for Khamenei- a protected nerve centre from which he could continue directing Irans military and state institutions even under sustained bombardment. Read more: Russia Is Actively Feeding Iran Intelligence On US Military Targets In West Asia: Report Khamenei, however, never used it. He was killed before he was able to reach the facility. In the weeks following his death, the bunker continued to function as a meeting and coordination site for senior officials within Irans ruling establishment- making it, in Israeli military terms, a legitimate and high-value target. The bunker was intended to serve as a secure emergency command center for the Supreme Leader," the IDF statement said, adding, Targeting it further degrades the regimes command and control capabilities." Why Do Leaders Build Bunkers? The concept of an underground command centre for a head of state is neither new nor unique to Iran. The fundamental logic is continuity of government- the ability of a states leadership to keep functioning even when its cities are under attack, its communications are disrupted and its conventional infrastructure has been destroyed. Read more: Same Iranian Drones, Different War: How Ukraines Battlefield Lessons Could Help US In West Asia Leadership bunkers are typically constructed deep underground with reinforced concrete walls, blast-resistant doors, independent electrical and water supplies and secure communications networks hardened against electromagnetic interference. They are designed not merely to protect the people inside but to preserve the states decision-making capability at the moment it is most needed. The most famous historical example remains the Fuhrerbunker in Berlin, where Adolf Hitler spent his final days in 1945. But the modern template for West Asia leadership bunkers owes more to a closer precedent- Saddam Husseins Iraq. Following the 1991 Gulf War, Saddam Hussein embarked on one of the most extensive personal protection programmes in modern history, constructing a network of underground bunkers and hardened presidential palaces across Iraq. When the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, the destruction of those bunkers became a central objective. The US military developed the GBU-28 bunker buster" bomb specifically to penetrate deeply buried hardened structures. Location : Israel First Published: March 06, 2026, 17:42 IST News world Digging In: The Secret Underground Bunker Iran Built To Keep Khamenei Alive And How Israel Found It Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Do Not Exit To Film Or Record': UAE Issues Advisory Amid Iran Missile Threat Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 05:52 IST UAE issued safety guidelines for its citizens amid escalating Middle East tensions, asking them to remain cautious and not to step out to record any videos. Smoke rising from the ground after Iranian Strikes in Abu Dhabi (Credits: X) Amid the ongoing Iranian attacks on the United Arab Emirates from Iran on Thursday, the UAE government issued safety guidelines for its citizens, asking them to remain cautious and not to step out to record any videos. Alert for your safety do not exit to film or record. Proceed immediately to a safe place and remain until the all-clear," the advisory read. The warning is issued for your safety. You must comply by heading to a safe place and taking shelter there until an all clear alert is issued for the area," the administration mentions in the advisory issued. If you are in your car, continue to your intended destination, and upon arrival, proceed to the nearest safe place," it added. Alert for your safety do not exit to film or record. Proceed immediately to a safe place and remain until the all-clear. pic.twitter.com/n06gBJlPab NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) March 5, 2026 Potential Missile Threats UAEs interior ministry on Thursday sounded an emergency alert across the emirates on account of potential missile threats". The ministry asked residents to seek immediate shelter in the closest secure building". Air defence systems in the UAE responded to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran, the Ministry of Defence said. Attacks on UAE came following a conflict between the US and Iran over Tehrans nuclear deal as the matter escalated to an all-time high last week after Washington launched joint operations with Israel against Iran. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was also killed in the ensuing strikes, following which Iran vowed a crushing response. In retaliation, Iran launched an offensive against Israel and also against US facilities in the neighbouring Gulf countries. Location : United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: March 06, 2026, 05:52 IST News world 'Do Not Exit To Film Or Record': UAE Issues Advisory Amid Iran Missile Threat Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) Oleksiy Shaban and a team are urgently departing for Budapest to clarify the circumstances surrounding the detention of collection crews and the banks collection vehicles, reported the regulators Governor, Andriy Pyshnyi. "We are keeping the issue under control Ukrainian citizens will not be left alone in this situation," he wrote on Facebook. According to Pyshnyi, the National Bank is simultaneously processing appeals to partners and regulators, specifically regarding compliance with CIT (Cash-in-Transit) control procedures in the Eurozone and the actions of the Hungarian side. The central bank demands official information from the Hungarian authorities regarding the reasons for the detention of the Oschadbank employees. As reported, on March 5, 2026, two Oschadbank collection vehicles accompanied by seven employees were detained in Hungary during a regular transport of foreign currency and banking metals between Raiffeisen Bank International (Austria) and the state bank. 'It's Wonderful': Trump Backs Iranian Kurdish Offensive Against Tehran Amid West Asia War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 12:08 IST Donald Trump said he would support Iranian Kurdish fighters launching attacks inside Iran, calling the idea wonderful. A file photo of Donald Trump (AP) US President Donald Trump said he would support Iranian Kurdish fighters launching attacks inside Iran as the war involving the United States, Israel and Tehran continues to expand across West Asia. Speaking in a telephone interview with Reuters, Trump signalled approval for Kurdish forces entering Iran from neighbouring Iraq and targeting Iranian security forces. I think its wonderful that they want to do that, Id be all for it," Trump told Reuters when asked about the possibility of Iranian Kurdish forces crossing the border into Iran. The remarks come as the conflict continues to widen geographically, with Iran launching strikes against multiple regional targets and the United States escalating its military campaign. IRAN RESPONDS WITH REGIONAL STRIKES According to Reuters, Iran launched a drone attack on the United States Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, which is the largest American military base in West Asia. Qatari officials said there were no casualties in the attack. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Iranian forces had also targeted several sites linked to US and Israeli forces across the region. These included the Ramat David airbase and a radar installation in Israel, the Al-Adiri camp in Kuwait, where US troops are stationed, and a drone strike on a base hosting American troops in Erbil in northern Iraq. A Guards spokesperson said Iran would soon unveil new initiatives and weapons" to confront Israeli and US attacks, Reuters reported. Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh described the conflict as existential for Tehran. This was an existential war for Iran, leaving us with no choice but to respond wherever American attacks originate from," Khatibzadeh said at the Raisina Dialogues conference in New Delhi. TRUMP ON IRANS FUTURE LEADERSHIP Trump also told Reuters that Washington should play a role in determining who leads Iran in the future following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in earlier airstrikes. Were going to have to choose that person along with Iran. Were going to have to choose that person," he said. However, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States was not expanding its objectives in the war despite Trumps remarks about Irans leadership. Theres no expansion in our objectives. We know exactly what were trying to achieve," Hegseth said, according to Reuters. He said Washingtons military campaign was aimed at destroying Irans ballistic missile capabilities and preventing the country from developing nuclear weapons. KURDISH GROUPS PREPARE FOR POSSIBLE OPERATION Meanwhile, according to an Associated Press report, thousands of Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq are preparing for a potential cross-border operation into Iran with possible US backing. Discussions about the situation were held between Trump and leaders of the two main Kurdish parties in Iraq, the report claimed. The involvement of Kurdish fighters could open another front in the war, but also risks drawing Iraq deeper into the conflict, since several Iranian Kurdish opposition groups operate bases inside Iraqi Kurdistan. The AP reported that some Kurdish fighters have already moved closer to the Iranian border and are on standby for potential operations. WHO ARE THE IRANIAN KURDISH GROUPS? The Kurds are one of the worlds largest stateless ethnic groups, with roughly 30 million people living across Turkey, Iraq, Iran and Syria. Around nine million Kurds live in Iran, mainly along the countrys western border with Iraq and Turkey. Several Kurdish opposition groups have long fought Tehran, seeking greater autonomy or self-determination. In the lead-up to the current war, five Iranian Kurdish organisations formed a coalition aimed at overthrowing the Islamic Republic and establishing Kurdish self-determination. A sixth group joined the alliance on Thursday. AFP reported that Iranian Kurdish organisations remain among the few armed and organised opposition movements inside Iran and could potentially assist efforts to infiltrate and destabilise the country. However, their involvement could also heighten regional tensions. Turkey has already voiced opposition to Kurdish militant groups entering the conflict, warning that such a move could further destabilise the region. First Published: March 06, 2026, 11:54 IST News world 'It's Wonderful': Trump Backs Iranian Kurdish Offensive Against Tehran Amid West Asia War Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 17:46 IST A plume of smoke rises from a warehouse in the Sharjah City in the UAE following reports of Iranian strikes in Dubai on March 1, 2026. (Image credit: AP) Dubai, UAE, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain Today News Live: Iran unleashed a fresh aerial strike across the Gulf on Thursday evening as the conflict with the US-Israel entered its 7th day on Friday, March 6. A fresh wave of missile and drone strikes was reported in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain. Explosions were also heard in Qatars Doha and Bahrains Manama on Thursday as Iran continues to retaliate against coordinated strikes by targeting the US interests in West Asia. Follow US-Israel-Iran War News Live Tensions between Washington and Tehran rose to another level as a US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the waters near Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned the US will bitterly regret the precedent it has set. The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran on Saturday, prompting Tehran to retaliate by launching missiles and drones towards several Gulf locations hosting US military facilities. Follow for live updates Dubai Residents Get Four Back-to-Back Missile Attack Alerts Amid Escalating West Asia Crisis Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 15:30 IST Four consecutive alerts within a short span sent many residents scrambling to secure essentials and prepare emergency kits. The alerts urged residents to avoid venturing outdoors, remain prepared for any situation and exercise extreme caution. (Photo: AFP) Residents across Dubai were gripped by fear after receiving a series of rapid-fire emergency alerts on their mobile phones warning of a possible missile attack, as military hostilities in West Asia continue to spiral following Irans retaliatory strikes on US bases across several Gulf nations. Four consecutive alerts within a short span sent many residents scrambling to secure essentials and prepare emergency kits. We got four back-to-back alerts on the phone. We have stocked up on essentials and kept a bag ready with all important documents, including passports, in case of any emergency," one Dubai resident said. The alerts urged residents to avoid venturing outdoors, remain prepared for any situation and exercise extreme caution. Read more: Did Iran Trick Israel Into Bombing A Painting Of A Helicopter? IDF Video Sparks Online Debate The warnings come in the wake of a rapidly deteriorating security situation that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes against Iran aimed at neutralising the countrys nuclear programme. The strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered a fierce Iranian response, with Tehran launching waves of missiles and drones at neighbouring countries hosting American military installations. Among the sites reportedly struck were the US consulate in Dubai and the Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi- a development that dramatically raised the threat level for civilians living across the UAE. The crisis has caused severe disruption to air travel across the Middle East, with widespread airspace closures throwing the regions aviation network into chaos. Dubai, home to one of the worlds busiest international airports and a critical global transit hub, has been heavily affected. A large number of Indian travellers were among those stranded in Gulf nations, particularly the UAE, though many have since managed to secure return flights, with several passengers praising Dubai authorities for managing the disruption efficiently under the circumstances. The situation in the region remains far from stable. Air travel, commercial transportation and international trade continue to face severe disruptions, while global powers and regional governments have called on all parties to exercise restraint and prevent the conflict from escalating into a full-scale war. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: March 06, 2026, 15:25 IST News world Dubai Residents Get Four Back-to-Back Missile Attack Alerts Amid Escalating West Asia Crisis Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'F**k America, India, China': Nepal PM Frontrunner Balen Shah's 2025 Post Goes Viral, Triggers Outrage Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 13:54 IST Former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, is being considered as one of the frontrunners to lead Nepal's next government as the country's PM. Balendra Shah or Balen, the 35-year-old former Kathmandu Mayor (Photo: Facebook/Balen) Counting of votes is currently underway in Nepal as the country voted in its first general election following the violent Gen-Z-led protests that took place last year, forcing the government to step down. As the country is set to have a government soon, former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, is being considered as one of the frontrunners to lead Nepals next government as the countrys Prime Minister. While the 35-year-old leader is considered famous among youths of the country, his name has often been grabbed in several controversies. A 2025 controversial late-night Facebook post by Balen Shah has gained the limelight again in which he targeted major political parties and foreign countries. The post was, which was later deleted, read as follows: F**k America F**k India F**k China F**k UML F**k Congress F**k RSP F**k RPP F**k Maobaadi Go to hell, you guys all combined can do nothing." The post mentioned several political parties, Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party, along with the United States, India, and China. This was not the only time when Shah sparked a controversy; in fact, once he said that he would set fire to Singha Durbar, the seat of Nepals government. Who Is Balendra Shah? Balendra Shah is considered to be a popular face among Nepals younger population, who is challenging Nepals traditional leadership in the 2026 election. After serving three years as the mayor of Kathmandu, he entered the national race to break the long-standing dominance of veteran politicians. He rose in the national politics months after former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was forced to resign following GenZ protests. Dear Gen Z, the resignation of your killer has come. Now your generation will have to lead the country. Be prepared," Shah had written in a message posted on social media. He studied civil engineering in Nepal and later completed a masters degree in structural engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka, India. Before entering politics, Shah worked as a rapper whose songs often criticised Nepals political establishment. One of his most popular tracks, Balidan" (sacrifice), released in 2019, has received more than 12 million views on YouTube. Belan Shah: A Frontrunner For Nepal PMs Post In December last year, Shah joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and became its candidate for the Prime Ministers post. The Rastriya Swatantra Party has placed economic reforms and employment at the centre of its campaign. According to the partys manifesto, it aims to create 1.2 million jobs and reduce the large-scale migration of Nepalis seeking employment abroad. Location : Nepal First Published: March 06, 2026, 13:51 IST News world 'F**k America, India, China': Nepal PM Frontrunner Balen Shah's 2025 Post Goes Viral, Triggers Outrage Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Stage To Top Office: Former Mayor Balen Shah Eyes PM Seat In Nepal Elections Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 13:06 IST The election is Nepals first nationwide vote since the September 2025 Gen Z-led protests that forced the resignation of Olis government after weeks of unrest. Rapid Read Balendra Shah (2L), Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) election candidate and Kathmandu's former mayor takes a selfie with children and supporters during a door-to-door election campaign at Gauriganj in Jhapa district. (AFP/File) Balendra Shah, the former Kathmandu mayor, who will turn 36 next month, is contesting the parliamentary elections from Jhapa-5 against KP Sharma Oli, 74, the four-time former prime minister who resigned five months ago following youth-led protests that left 77 people dead. Balen is contesting the elections from the Gen-Z backed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The election is Nepals first nationwide vote since the September 2025 Gen Z-led protests that forced the resignation of Olis government after weeks of unrest. Counting began late Thursday night and is expected to continue through Friday. When Balen takes the stage, his supporters often mirror his look, wearing black shirts and dark sunglasses. He rarely removes his own shades, but when he does, he tells the crowd, Look at me. I love you." Who Is Balen Shah? Engineer, Rapper Or Mayor Balen was born in Kathmandu, the youngest of four siblings. His father, Ram Narayan Shah, a government Ayurveda practitioner who passed away last December, described him as bright and simple," a child who wrote poemsa passion he kept into adulthood. Balen studied civil engineering in Kathmandu and later completed postgraduate studies in structural engineering in India, with an early life marked more by discipline than disruption. In 2013, Balen made his mark on Raw Barz, Nepals premier rap battle stage, and emerged victorious. His lyrics were sharp and uncompromising, critiquing corruption, political stagnation, and the concentration of power. More than a rapper, he was a poet," one organiser said. He spoke for the oppressed." In 2022, running as an independent, Balen won the Kathmandu mayoralty with 61,767 votes, defeating nominees from established parties. Balens music reached far beyond the underground. On a Discord forum last September, where young protesters debated leadership after Olis resignation, his name appeared over 16,000 times, making him the most discussed figure. Many Gen Z activists viewed him as their preferred successor, though he declined and publicly endorsed former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki. Balen largely built his following online, amassing millions of followers across social media platforms. The September 2025 protests reshaped Nepals political landscape. Young Nepalis took to the streets over unemployment, corruption, and perceived impunity, prompting Olis resignation. While Balen did not formally lead the demonstrations, he became closely associated with their spirit and message. RSP Leads In Early Trends Vote counting began across Nepal on Friday after a high-stakes parliamentary election that could decide whether former PM Oli makes a political comeback following last years youth-led uprising. Early trends showed the Gen-Z backed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leading in 23 seats, while the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), led by Oli, were ahead in three seats each, according to preliminary figures, news agency PTI reported. Thursdays voting was largely peaceful, with roughly 60% turnout. Over 19 million registered voters were eligible to elect 165 members directly to the House of Representatives. Location : Nepal First Published: March 06, 2026, 13:06 IST News world From Stage To Top Office: Former Mayor Balen Shah Eyes PM Seat In Nepal Elections Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Inside Netanyahu's 'Small Forum' Plot: Israel's Katz Says Khamenei's Killing Was Planned In November Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 11:15 IST Israeli Defense Minister Katz revealed the plan was accelerated due to anti-regime protests in Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and US President Donald Trump (From left to right) Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had scheduled a mission in a very small forum" to assassinate Irans Supreme Leader back in November 2025, the countrys defense minister, Israel Katz, revealed Thursday. The 86-year-old Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes on Saturday, February 28 with the event shaking the military and political leadership of Tehran. Katz said the timeline for the strike was accelerated due to massive anti-regime protests in Iran, which led to conditions that were favourable for the US and Israel to carry out a high-intensity military operation in Tehran. Already in November we were convened with the prime minister in a very tight forum and the prime minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) set the goal of eliminating Khamenei," Katz told Israels N12 TV news. Initially, Katz said, Israel had planned to assassinate Khamenei in mid-2026, possibly in June. The defense minister said Israel did not share details of the plan with Washington. Jerusalem was operating under the assumption that we might have to carry it [the assassination] out on our own", he said. Anti-Regime Protests In Iran The situation took a shift after anti-regime protests in Iran at the end of December and into January. Israel Katz revealed it was during this time that a kind of dialogue" developed between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. The uprising led to a massive unrest in Iran, with thousands of demonstrators descending to streets to protest against the Khamenei-led regime. Katz said both Israel and United States were taken aback by the scale of protests in Tehran. The situation created fears in Israel that the Iranian leadership might launch a pre-emptive strike against Israel even before Jerusalem could act. It surprised everyone. The unrest didnt just create an opportunity, there was also serious concern at the time that, because of the pressure on the regime from the protests, the regime might launch a preemptive missile strike on Israel and on American forces in the region," he stated. Amid the developments, discussions around removing the Iranian leadership accelerated. There was joint planning, and afterward a joint operational planning process," Katz told the outlet. The minister, however, rejected allegations that either country pressured the other into launching military strikes against Iran. Heaping praises on the Israeli Prime Minister, he said, The only person in the world, the only leader who could have created such cooperation with President Trump, is Benjamin Netanyahu". Location : Jerusalem, Israel First Published: March 06, 2026, 11:15 IST News world Inside Netanyahu's 'Small Forum' Plot: Israel's Katz Says Khamenei's Killing Was Planned In November Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Probe In Iran School Attack Amid War Points To Likely American Strike: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 08:54 IST US military investigators believe it is likely that American forces were responsible for a strike on a girls school in southern Iran, though the probe is still ongoing. Aftermath of a strike on a girls' elementary school in Minab, Iran (Photo: AP) The United States military is investigating whether its forces were responsible for a strike on a girls school in southern Iran that reportedly killed scores of children, two US officials told Reuters. According to the officials, investigators believe US forces carried out the strike, but emphasised that no conclusion has yet been reached and that the inquiry remains ongoing. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military matters, the report mentioned. They also cautioned that new evidence could emerge that absolves the United States of responsibility and instead points to another party behind the attack. Reuters said it could not determine further details about the investigation, including what evidence led investigators to the preliminary assessment, what type of munition may have been used, who authorised the strike, or why the school may have been targeted. It is also unclear how long the investigation may take or what evidence investigators are seeking before concluding, according to the report. STRIKE REPORTEDLY KILLED SCORES OF STUDENTS The incident occurred on Saturday in Minab, in southern Iran, during the first day of US and Israeli attacks on the country. Irans ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said the strike killed 150 students at the girls school. However, the death toll could not be independently verified. Images aired on Iranian state television showed funerals held for the victims on Tuesday. Some footage also showed small coffins draped in Iranian flags being passed through large crowds before burial. US OFFICIALS SAY CIVILIANS NOT DELIBERATELY STRUCK US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged on Wednesday that the military was examining the incident. Were investigating that. We, of course, never target civilian targets. But were taking a look and investigating that," Hegseth said during a news briefing. The White House did not directly address the allegation but reiterated that the United States does not intentionally target civilians. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, as quoted by Reuters, While the Department of War is currently investigating this matter, the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said Washington would not deliberately strike a school. The Department of War would be investigating that if that was our strike, and I would refer your question to them," Rubio told reporters on Monday. US AND ISRAEL SAID TO HAVE DIVIDED TARGETS IN IRAN According to a senior Israeli official and a source with direct knowledge of joint planning, US and Israeli forces have divided their strikes in Iran both geographically and by target type, the report claimed. While Israel has focused largely on missile launch sites in western Iran, the United States has been targeting missile infrastructure and naval assets in southern Iran. The school that was struck is located in southern Iran, the area where US forces have reportedly been conducting strikes. UN CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO THE INCIDENT The United Nations human rights office has called for an investigation into the strike. UN human rights spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said during a press briefing in Geneva that responsibility lies with those who carried out the attack. The onus is on the forces that carried out the attack to investigate it," Shamdasani said. Under international humanitarian law, deliberately targeting a school, hospital, or other civilian infrastructure could amount to a war crime. GULF ALLIES EXPRESS FRUSTRATION OVER US HANDLING OF WAR Separately, the Associated Press reported that the Trump administration is facing growing frustration from allies in the Persian Gulf who say they were not adequately warned about the US-Israel strikes on Iran and were left exposed to retaliatory attacks. Officials from two Gulf countries told AP their governments were disappointed with the way the United States handled the war, particularly the initial attacks launched last Saturday. They said Gulf states were not given advance notice of the US-Israeli strikes and had warned Washington that such an operation could have devastating consequences for the region. One official told AP there is widespread frustration that the US military has not done enough to defend Gulf allies from Iranian retaliation. There is a belief in the region that the operation has focused on defending Israel and American troops, while leaving Gulf countries to protect themselves," the official was quoted as saying, adding that his countrys stock of interceptor missiles was rapidly depleting." Public criticism has also surfaced from influential figures in the region. This is Netanyahus war," Prince Turki al-Faisal, the former Saudi intelligence chief, told CNN on Wednesday. IRANIAN RETALIATION HITS GULF REGION According to an Associated Press tally based on official statements, Iran has fired at least 380 missiles and more than 1,480 drones targeting five Gulf Arab countries since the conflict began. At least 13 people have been killed in those countries, according to local officials cited by the report. The news agency also reported that six US soldiers were killed in Kuwait on Sunday after an Iranian drone strike hit an operations centre in a civilian port located more than 10 miles from the main US Army base. Pentagon officials acknowledged in closed-door briefings with lawmakers that the US military is struggling to intercept waves of Iranian drones, particularly the Shahed models, according to three people familiar with the briefings. US SEEKS HELP COUNTERING IRANIAN DRONES As the attacks continue, the United States and its allies in West Asia have sought assistance from Ukraine, which has extensive experience countering Iranian-made Shahed drones, AP reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv had been approached for help. Asked about Zelenskyys comments, US President Donald Trump told Reuters, Certainly, Ill take, you know, any assistance from any country." First Published: March 06, 2026, 08:53 IST News world US Probe In Iran School Attack Amid War Points To Likely American Strike: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Key US-Linked Missile Defence Radars Hit By Iran In Jordan And UAE, Satellite Images Show: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 08:37 IST Satellite images suggest that radar systems linked to the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense in Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar may have been struck. Radar bases housing key US missile interceptor hit in Jordan and UAE, satellite images show New satellite imagery analysed by CNN suggests that radar systems connected to US-supplied missile defence networks in West Asia, specifically in Jordan and the UAE, may have been targeted during the opening phase of the current conflict involving Iran. According to the analysis, several military installations across the Arabian Peninsula show signs of damage to facilities that typically house radar components used for missile detection. These radars play a crucial role in identifying incoming ballistic missiles and drones and are a core part of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence, which is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles during flight. The imagery suggests a possible attempt to degrade regional air-defence capabilities by disabling radar systems that provide early warning and targeting data. THAAD RADAR REPORTEDLY STRUCK AT JORDAN AIRBASE One of the clearest examples of damage appears at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, a key military facility in Jordan where a US THAAD missile battery had been deployed. A satellite image taken earlier this week shows two large impact craters near the radar installation associated with the system. CNN reports that the craters are roughly 13 feet wide, indicating that the site may have been struck multiple times. The radar system forms a critical part of the THAAD network, which relies on advanced sensors to detect incoming threats and guide interceptor missiles. Equipment for the radar is typically spread across several large trailers, each around 40 feet long, suggesting that a strike aimed at disabling the system may have required more than one attempt. The THAAD battery had reportedly been stationed at the Jordanian base since mid-February, and satellite images indicate the site may have been hit between March 1 and March 2. The base itself has been a major operational hub for US forces. Images taken before the outbreak of hostilities show more than 50 fighter aircraft, along with drones and transport planes, positioned on the tarmac. Additional aircraft may have been stored in hardened shelters that are not easily visible from satellite imagery. POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO RADAR FACILITIES IN THE UAE Similar signs of damage were also observed at military installations in the United Arab Emirates. Satellite images reviewed by CNN show multiple damaged structures at sites near Ruwais and Sader. At least three buildings appear to have been struck at one site and four at the other between February 28 and March 1. Some of the buildings affected include vehicle sheds commonly used to house mobile radar systems associated with THAAD batteries. However, it remains unclear whether the radar equipment was present inside the structures at the time of the strikes. CNN reported that historical satellite imagery indicates THAAD systems had previously been deployed at both locations, with radar components visible outside the sheds in earlier images dating back to 2016 and 2018. It is not yet confirmed whether the facilities were hosting systems operated by the US military or those owned by the UAE itself. EARLY-WARNING RADAR IN QATAR ALSO SHOWS DAMAGE Additional satellite imagery suggests that an early-warning radar installation in Qatar may also have been damaged. Images reviewed by researchers at the James Martin Centre for Nonproliferation Studies show signs of damage at a US-made radar site located at Umm Dahal. The analysis was conducted by research associate Sam Lair, who examined imagery captured on March 3, 2026. PENTAGON DECLINES TO DISCUSS OPERATION DETAILS Meanwhile, US officials have declined to confirm the status of specific radar systems or missile defence installations in the region. A spokesperson for the United States Department of Defence told CNN, Due to operational security, we are not going to comment on the status of specific capabilities in the region." CNN also said it had contacted authorities in Jordan and the UAE for comment regarding the reported damage. REGIONAL MILITARY ACTIVITY INCREASES AS CONFLICT CONTINUES Meanwhile, residents in the UAE have reported increased activity from fighter jets in recent days. On Tuesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated that France had deployed Dassault Rafale aircraft over the UAE to help protect French military installations in the country. Barrot did not provide further details on whether the jets had been involved in intercepting missiles or drones. Despite continued threats, the UAE says the number of ballistic missiles targeting the country has dropped significantly since the first day of the war. Authorities reported that missile launches decreased from 137 on the opening day of the conflict to seven on Thursday. However, drone attacks remain frequent. Officials were quoted as saying that the UAE has faced 1,072 drone attacks and 196 ballistic missile launches since the conflict began, making it one of the most targeted countries in the Gulf region. First Published: March 06, 2026, 06:52 IST News world Key US-Linked Missile Defence Radars Hit By Iran In Jordan And UAE, Satellite Images Show: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'We Are Only Targeting US Bases, Assets': Iran Claims 'No Casualty' In Gulf Nations Amid War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 10:38 IST Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehrans attacks are aimed only at US bases and assets, claiming there have been no casualties among Arab neighbours. The site of a blast amid the war in Middle East (Photo: AFP) Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said that Iranian military strikes in the ongoing regional conflict have been carefully directed at American targets, asserting that no casualties have occurred among neighbouring Arab countries. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, Khatibzadeh defended Irans actions and claimed that Tehrans operations are focused solely on US assets. Why is there not a single case of casualties among our Arab friends or neighbours in our attacks?" he asked. Because we are only targeting American bases, American assets, and the places where they are hiding within various residential areas," he said. His remarks come as tensions in the region continue to escalate following a series of missile and drone attacks and retaliatory strikes involving Iran, Israel and the United States. KHATIBZADEH SLAMS US STRIKE ON UNARMED VESSEL Khatibzadeh also criticised a recent US attack on a vessel that he said had been present in India on invitation. That vessel was here on the invitation of our Indian friends. This attack from the US is very unfortunate that they attacked an unarmed vessel," he said. He added that during his visit to New Delhi, he held a brief meeting with Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. IRAN AN INSTITUTIONAL COUNTRY Responding to claims by Washington that Irans political system could collapse following the assassination of its leadership, Khatibzadeh insisted that the countrys governance structure is based on institutions rather than individuals. The United States says that there is no government in Iran. If it were just a regime, then when you assassinate the head of another country, it would collapse," he said. He emphasised that Iran has an established constitutional framework with clearly defined branches of power. Iran is an institutional country. It has a constitution, a distribution of responsibilities, and a separation of powers. There is an executive, a judiciary, and a legislature," Khatibzadeh said. Referring to the assassination of Irans Supreme Leader in the ongoing conflict, he said the countrys institutions had continued to function. That is why, even after they illegally and unlawfully assassinated our Supreme Leader and turned him into a martyr, the government, society, and the country continued to move forward. That is our strength," he said. KHATIBZADEH PAYS TRIBUTE TO KHAMENEI Khatibzadeh also visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on Thursday to sign a condolence book in memory of Irans late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israel-led strike on Iran. Iranian state media reported that preparations were underway at Tehrans Grand Mosalla, a major prayer complex used for the citys most significant state-religious gatherings, where the body of the late leader will be placed as part of a three-day farewell ceremony. Following established protocol, the ceremony will be followed by a funeral procession, with thousands of mourners expected to gather to pay their final respects. RAISINA DIALOGUE IN NEW DELHI Khatibzadehs remarks came during the eleventh edition of the Raisina Dialogue, Indias flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. The conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finlands President Alexander Stubb. Hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Raisina Dialogue has, over the years, established itself as a major platform for global discussions on geopolitics, geo-economics and international public policy. First Published: March 06, 2026, 10:29 IST News world 'We Are Only Targeting US Bases, Assets': Iran Claims 'No Casualty' In Gulf Nations Amid War Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Missile Barrages Continue, Gulf Region Under Fire As Israel-Iran War Enters Day Seven | Top Updates Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 08:37 IST The Iran war continuing, the United States has intensified strikes on Iranian naval and missile infrastructure, while Iranian missile and drone attacks have sharply declined. Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted Beiruts southern suburbs Haret Hreik neighborhood (Photo: AFP) The war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has entered its seventh day, with the conflict rapidly expanding across West Asia and drawing in multiple countries. The hostilities began on February 28 after coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, triggering widespread retaliation from Tehran and its allies. Below are the top developments from the conflict. US STRIKES INTENSIFY EVEN AS IRANIAN ATTACKS DROP The United States has escalated its military campaign against Iran even as Iranian missile and drone attacks have significantly declined. Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said Iranian ballistic missile attacks have dropped by around 90 per cent, while drone attacks have decreased by 83 per cent since the war began. At the same time, US forces have stepped up their operations against Irans naval and missile infrastructure. According to Cooper, US forces have sunk more than 30 Iranian ships, including a large drone carrier vessel that is currently burning after being struck. The US military has also used heavy bomber aircraft, including B-2 bombers, to strike deeply buried missile launch facilities and weapons sites across Iran. Officials said dozens of 2,000-pound bunker-penetrating bombs have been dropped on Iranian missile launchers and military infrastructure over the past few days. PENTAGON WARNS CONFLICT COULD ESCALATE FURTHER US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the war could intensify further in the coming days. If you think youve seen something, just wait," Hegseth said, suggesting that the campaign may soon enter a more aggressive phase. Hegseth also insisted that the United States has the capacity to sustain the war for as long as necessary. Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation," he said, adding that US weapon stockpiles and military capabilities remain strong. US officials say the campaign, known as Operation Epic Fury, is focused on destroying Irans missile production facilities, naval capabilities, and military infrastructure. IRAN CONTINUES MISSILE AND DRONE ATTACKS Despite the decline in overall strike numbers, Iran has continued launching missile and drone attacks against regional targets. Iran said it carried out a hybrid missile and drone attack on Israel, with footage showing explosions in the skies over Tel Aviv as Israeli defences intercepted incoming projectiles. Iran has also launched attacks targeting several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three ballistic missiles aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base, preventing damage to the facility. Meanwhile, authorities in Bahrain reported a refinery fire following a missile strike. CONFLICT SPREADS ACROSS WEST ASIA The war is increasingly spreading beyond Iran and Israel. Azerbaijan accused Iran of launching drones into its territory and temporarily shut down its southern airspace after an alleged strike near an airport. Iran denied the accusation. Elsewhere, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon, launched attacks on Israel following the killing of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei earlier in the war. In response, Israel has expanded its military campaign to Lebanon. Israeli forces have conducted multiple airstrikes in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut considered a Hezbollah stronghold. Lebanese authorities say the strikes have killed more than 120 people and displaced tens of thousands since the fighting began. STRIKES HIT IRANIAN CAPITAL AS CIVILIANS FLEE Airstrikes have continued across Iran, including in the capital Tehran. Israeli forces warned residents in several areas of eastern Tehran to evacuate before planned strikes on government and military targets. Iranian media reported explosions across parts of the city, while residents described chaotic conditions as bombardments continued. Iranian officials say the war has already killed over 1,200 people in the country, although the figure could not be independently verified. TRUMP SIGNALS ROLE IN IRANS POLITICAL FUTURE US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington wants a role in shaping Irans political future following the war. In an interview with Reuters, Trump said the United States wants to be involved in choosing Irans next leader after the death of Khamenei. We want to be involved in the process of choosing the person who is going to lead Iran into the future," Trump said. He also dismissed the possibility of Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leaders son, succeeding his father. GLOBAL IMPACT AND ECONOMIC SHOCKWAVES The conflict is also triggering significant global economic concerns. Disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies, have threatened around 20 per cent of the worlds oil trade, causing energy prices to surge. Financial markets have reacted nervously, with rising oil prices and supply disruptions affecting global trade and transport networks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that while Israel has achieved significant military gains, the campaign is far from over. Our achievements so far have been great," Netanyahu said, but warned that much work still lies ahead." First Published: March 06, 2026, 08:02 IST News world Missile Barrages Continue, Gulf Region Under Fire As Israel-Iran War Enters Day Seven | Top Updates Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Hungary will deport all seven Oschadbank employees detained on Thursday, Prime Minister Zoltan Kovacs, the international representative of the governments cabinet, said. Hungarys National Tax and Customs Administration identified the backgrounds of seven Ukrainian nationals detained in connection with large cash and gold shipments transported through Hungary. Authorities found the operation was supervised by a former general of the Ukrainian Security Service, with a former major of the Ukrainian Air Force acting as deputy and assisted by individuals with military experience. Based on these findings, all seven individuals will be expelled from Hungary, he said on X. As reported, two cash-in-transit vehicles belonging to the state-owned Oschadbank were seized in Hungary. They were transporting cash and precious metals between Raiffeisen Bank (Austria) and Oschadbank (Ukraine) as part of a regular service between the state-owned banks. According to Oschadbank, the vehicles were carrying $40 million, EUR 35 million, and 9 kg of gold. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungarian authorities effectively took seven Oschadbank employees hostage while driving cash-in-transit vehicles and stole the money. He stated that the reasons for the detention, as well as the whereabouts of the Ukrainians, are unknown. Ukraine has sent an official note to Hungary demanding the immediate release of the citizens and plans to appeal to the European Union for a legal assessment of Budapests actions. The National Bank of Ukraine confirmed reports that Hungarian authorities have detained cash-in-transit vehicles and seven bank employees. According to sources at Interfax-Ukraine, the vehicles are located in the restricted area of the Anti-Terrorism Center in Budapest, while the employees whereabouts are still unknown. The Hungarian publication Index later reported that the Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) confirmed the detention of seven Ukrainian citizens who were detained by Hungarian authorities on the night of March 6. They are suspected of money laundering. As of the morning of March 6, Ukrainian consuls have not been granted access to the Ukrainian citizensOshchadbank cash collection team employeeswho were taken hostage in Budapest, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated. US Navy Submarine USS Charlotte Fired Torpedo That Sank Iran's IRIS Dena: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 11:40 IST US officials have said that the submarine USS Charlotte fired the torpedo that sank Irans warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean after two MK-48 torpedoes were launched. A file photo of Iran's military ship IRIS Dena (Photo: AP) The torpedo that struck and sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean earlier this week was fired by the US Navy attack submarine USS Charlotte, multiple US officials told CBS News. According to the report, the Los Angeles-class attack submarine fired two MK-48 torpedoes at the Iranian warship IRIS Dena. The report quoted officials as saying that the first torpedo missed the target, while the second torpedo struck the vessel, sinking it. The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States amid the ongoing conflict in the region. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had earlier confirmed the strike on Wednesday while speaking to reporters, saying that the Iranian warship had believed it was safe while sailing in international waters. The Iranian warship thought it was safe in international waters," Hegseth said while announcing the attack, according to the CBS News report. WARSHIP SANK OFF SRI LANKA AFTER SUBMARINE ATTACK The Iranian warship sank in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka after being struck by a US submarine attack early Wednesday. The vessel, IRIS Dena, had been returning to Iran after participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise hosted by India. Sri Lankan authorities said that at least 87 Iranian sailors were killed in the attack. The targeting of the vessel drew sharp condemnation from Iranian officials, who said the ship was not carrying weapons at the time it was struck. IRAN CALLS ATTACK AGAINST INTERNATIONAL LAW Ayatollah Dr Abdul Majeed Hakeemelahi, the representative of Irans supreme leader in India, described the US strike on the warship as a violation of international law. The targeting of the Iranian ship is against international law, as they did not possess any type of weapons," Hakeemelahi told news agency PTI in an interview. He said the Iranian sailors had travelled to India for the naval exercise and were returning home when the attack took place. They came here for some exercise. They wanted to go back to Iran (after the end of the exercise), and they were attacked by the US," he said. This is against humanity, against morality, and against justice," he added. IRAN DEFENDS ACTIONS IN WIDER CONFLICT Speaking about the broader conflict with the United States and Israel, Hakeemelahi said Iran was defending itself. We were negotiating with the United States of America. In Oman, we negotiated in good faith, and we were at the table. We didnt leave the table. But during the negotiation, they attacked us," he said. He acknowledged that several Iranian commanders had been killed in recent joint US-Israeli airstrikes, adding that civilians, including children, had also died in attacks. They attacked one primary school, killing seven to 12-year-old students. At least 173 students were killed," he said. Hakeemelahi also alleged that Gandhi Hospital in Iran had been targeted and that civilians were being killed in cities including Tehran and Isfahan. They are attacking our civilians, but the Iranian people will never accept humiliation, and they will fight till the last drop of blood," he said. IRAN SAYS ATTACKS TARGET US BASES IN REGION Responding to questions about Iranian strikes on targets inside Gulf countries, the Iranian cleric said Tehran had informed neighbouring countries that its attacks were aimed at US military bases, not the host nations themselves. We have informed our neighbours that we are not attacking their countries, but we are attacking the US bases," he said. We have a very good relationship with our neighbours. The foreigner in this region is the United States. They are from far away." He added that Iran hoped regional countries would understand the situation. Meanwhile, Hakeemelahi also said that India and Iran share a long-standing relationship of around 3,000 years and expressed hope that cooperation on projects such as the Chabahar port would continue after the conflict. We hope that after these conditions and this war, we can work together. Both countries will benefit from it," he said. First Published: March 06, 2026, 11:35 IST News world US Navy Submarine USS Charlotte Fired Torpedo That Sank Iran's IRIS Dena: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Israel Held Talks With Kurdish Militias As Border Offensive Plans Against Iran Emerge: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 23:57 IST Israel is reportedly in talks with Iranian Kurdish militant groups to open a new front along Irans western border. Kurdish militias may seize towns near Iran-Iraq. A plume of smoke ascends after a military strike on Iran's capital. (Photo: AFP) Israel has reportedly been in talks with Iranian Kurdish militant groups as part of efforts that could open a new front along Irans western border amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Tehran, according to sources familiar with the discussions. Three sources told Reuters that Israel has been bombing parts of western Iran while Kurdish militias consider exploiting the conflict to seize towns near the Iran-Iraq frontier. The possibility of Kurdish fighters launching a cross-border offensive gained attention after US President Donald Trump said it would be wonderful" if Iranian Kurdish forces based in Iraq crossed into Iran. Sources said Israel has been engaging with Iranian Kurdish insurgent groups operating in Iraqs semi-autonomous Kurdistan region for around a year. An Israeli source described the contacts as long-term", though the Israeli government and military have not publicly commented on the alleged engagement. According to the sources, Kurdish factions are considering an initial push to capture towns near the border, including Oshnavieh and Piranshahr. Thousands of fighters are believed to be gathering on the Iraqi side of the frontier and could attempt an offensive within a week, although this has not been independently verified. Estimates suggest the combined strength of the Kurdish militias ranges between 5,000 and 8,000 fighters. The groups are mainly equipped with light weapons and may not have the capability to mount a large-scale challenge to Iranian control, but analysts say coordinated action could stretch Irans security forces. An Israeli source indicated that the aim would not be to overthrow Irans government but to pressure Tehran by forcing its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to divert resources toward the border. Five long-standing Iranian dissident Kurdish groups recently announced a new alliance, including the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), and the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), all of which have previously carried out insurgent activities. However, political leaders in Iraqi Kurdistan have publicly denied plans to support or deploy fighters into Iran, and analysts say the lack of backing from Iraqi Kurdish authorities could limit any cross-border mobilisation. Iran has already warned Iraqi Kurdistan that it would retaliate against any hostile deployment along its frontier and has previously targeted Kurdish militant positions in Iraq. Sources also claimed that Kurdish groups inside Iran have been providing targeting intelligence to the United States and Israel for air strikes in border areas. Analysts say the situation remains uncertain. Some experts believe Kurdish factions are waiting to see how the conflict evolves before taking major action, while others warn that supporting insurgencies could fuel nationalism inside Iran. Iranian Kurdish leaders are said to be seeking assurances from Washington before committing to any major offensive. Their long-term goal, according to sources, is to establish a semi-autonomous Kurdish region within a federal Iran, similar to the governance model in Iraq. -Inputs from Reuters Location : Israel First Published: March 06, 2026, 23:57 IST News world Israel Held Talks With Kurdish Militias As Border Offensive Plans Against Iran Emerge: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Meet Sabina Kafle: The Poet Wife Of Nepal's Likely Next Prime Minister Balen Shah Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 22:02 IST Sabina Kafle is a public health professional and writer who has worked on health programmes in Nepal. The couple married in February 2018 in a small ceremony in the Morang district of Nepal, attended only by close relatives. As Balendra Shah- the rapper-turned-politician known as Balen- surges toward becoming Nepals next Prime Minister following the RSPs landslide performance, attention is turning to the woman beside him: Sabina Kafle, a public health professional, poet and the quietly influential partner behind one of Nepals most remarkable political rises. Who Is Sabina Kafle? Sabina Kafle is a public health professional and writer who has worked on health programmes in Nepal, including roles linked to the United Nations Population Fund. Away from her professional work, she has written poetry and literature reflecting both social issues and personal themes. Sabina Kafle occasionally appears at public events or on social media, largely staying out of the political spotlight. Read more: From Stage To Top Office: Former Mayor Balen Shah Eyes PM Seat In Nepal Elections How They Met Their story reportedly began in 2017 at a literary or creative event which brought together writers, artists and social commentators in Kathmandu. Balen, already making a name for himself in Nepals hip-hop scene with socially conscious tracks, was reportedly struck by Sabina Kafles simplicity and creative thinking. Conversations after that first meeting gradually turned into a relationship built on shared interests in writing and ideas about society. The couple married in February 2018 in a small ceremony in the Morang district of Nepal, attended only by close relatives. In 2023, they welcomed a daughter. Read more: F**k America, India, China: Nepal PM Frontrunner Balen Shahs 2025 Post Goes Viral, Triggers Outrage Sabina Kafles most prominent moment in Nepals public discourse came when in 2023, she was stopped by traffic police while travelling in a government vehicle. Balens response was explosive as he posted on Facebook threatening to set Singha Durbar on fire" if municipal vehicles were stopped again. Singha Durbar is Nepals main administrative centre, the heart of the federal government. Balens team said that police had unnecessarily harassed his wife. Location : Nepal First Published: March 06, 2026, 22:02 IST News world Meet Sabina Kafle: The Poet Wife Of Nepal's Likely Next Prime Minister Balen Shah Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Music Manifesto: With Rage And Rap, Balen Shah's Songs Always Said What Was Wrong With Nepal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 22:40 IST The songs Balen Shah made before politics came calling were a sustained, angry and remarkably consistent critique of Nepal's entrenched elites. Balen Shah is seen. Long before Balendra Shah- known simply as Balen- became the Mayor of Kathmandu or the frontrunner to lead Nepal as Prime Minister, he was saying exactly what he thought about his countrys political class. He was just saying it in rap. The songs Balen Shah made before politics came calling were a sustained, angry and remarkably consistent critique of Nepals entrenched elites, broken democratic promises and a system that claimed to represent ordinary people while consistently failing them. Read more: Meet Sabina Kafle: The Poet Wife Of Nepals Likely Next Prime Minister Balen Shah Looking back at those tracks now, as Balens Rastriya Swatantra Party surges toward a landslide in the March 2026 general elections, they read more like a political manifesto written years before he ever ran for office. Balidan The most direct and confrontational of his tracks, Balidan"- meaning Sacrifice- takes aim at the central lie of Nepals political history. The song references the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens during Nepals democratic movements and civil conflict and argues that while the public bore the cost of those struggles, it was the political class that claimed the rewards. The ruling class, the song argues, exploits nationalism and revolutionary rhetoric to maintain power while delivering nothing meaningful in return. Read more: F**k America, India, China: Nepal PM Frontrunner Balen Shahs 2025 Post Goes Viral, Triggers Outrage Tathya Tathya"- meaning Facts- takes the argument in a different direction. Where Balidan" targets political opportunism, Tathya" targets the information architecture that sustains it. The song argues that political institutions and media narratives actively hide the truth from citizens, constructing a sanitised version of reality about development, governance and democracy that bears little relation to lived experience. Sadak Balak Sadak Balak"- meaning Street Child- shifts the lens from the powerful to the powerless. The track centres on marginalised urban youth and the street-level realities that state institutions and political leaders consistently ignore. The argument embedded in the song is that the system that claims to represent the public is failing its most vulnerable members. Nepal Haseko The most aspirational of his key tracks, Nepal Haseko"- meaning Nepal Smiling- carries its anti-establishment message in a different register. The idea of Nepal smiling represents a future that stands in sharp contrast to the present political environment. The song does not rage but it imagines with the implication that Nepal is not smiling now and the reason is the system currently running it. Location : Nepal First Published: March 06, 2026, 22:40 IST News world Music Manifesto: With Rage And Rap, Balen Shah's Songs Always Said What Was Wrong With Nepal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Neglected Warnings, Lack Of Notice': Gulf Nations Unhappy With Trump Admin Over Handling Of Iran War Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 09:17 IST The Trump admin is dealing with discontent from allies in the region who have complained they were not given adequate time to prepare for the Iranian attacks, AP reports. US President Donald Trump. (AFP) As Iran intensifies striking the Gulf nations hosting US military facilities, the President Donald Trump-led administration is dealing with discontent from allies in the region who have expressed frustration, complaining they were not given adequate time to prepare for the Iranian attacks, Associated Press reports. In view of the coordinated US-Israeli strikes against Iran, Tehran retaliated by unleashing missile and drone attacks towards the Gulf nations. Officials from two Gulf countries revealed their governments were disappointed with the way Washington dealt with the war. They added that the countries were not given an advance notice of the US-Israeli strikes against Iran. The officials recalled the US had neglected their warnings that the war would yield devastating results for the region, said the report. Iranian Attacks Decreased By 90% The White House stated President Trump is in close contact with the regional allies, adding Iranian ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 per cent. Irans retaliatory ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90% because Operation Epic Fury is crushing their ability to shoot these weapons or produce more. President Trump is in close contact with all of our regional partners, and the terrorist Iranian regimes attacks on its neighbors prove how imperative it was that President Trump eliminate this threat to our country and our allies", said White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly. The Gulf nations hosting US military facilities have emerged as valuable targets for Iran. Tehran has so far targeted high-profile businesses, tourist locations, industrial areas and energy facilities, disrupting the global flow of oil. Since the start of the war, Iran has fired at least 380 missiles and over 1,480 drones targeting the five Arab Gulf countries including the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, according to an AP tally. Local officials have said at least 13 people have been killed in those attacks. Meanwhile, six US troops were killed in Kuwait on Sunday when an Iranian drone strike hit an operations center in a civilian port. The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran on Saturday amid stalled negotiations over Tehrans nuclear programme. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 06, 2026, 09:13 IST News world 'Neglected Warnings, Lack Of Notice': Gulf Nations Unhappy With Trump Admin Over Handling Of Iran War Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Gen Z-Backed Party Leads In Early Trends As Nepal Counts Votes, KP Oli Eyes Political Comeback Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 10:38 IST Vote counting is underway in Nepal after a high-stakes parliamentary election held months after the Gen Z-led protests that toppled former PM KP Sharma Olis government. Nepal election 2026 vote counting underway/A file photo of KP Sharma Oli (AFP) Vote counting was underway across Nepal on Friday following a high-stakes parliamentary election that could determine whether former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stages a political comeback after being ousted by last years youth-led uprising. Early trends showed the Gen-Z backed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leading in 23 seats, while the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), led by Oli, were ahead in three seats each, according to preliminary figures, news agency PTI reported. Counting began late Thursday night and is expected to continue through Friday. The election is Nepals first nationwide vote since the September 2025 Gen Z-led protests that forced the resignation of Olis government after weeks of unrest. The demonstrations, initially sparked by a brief social media ban and broader anger over corruption and economic hardship, left at least 77 people dead and triggered sweeping political change. KP SHARMA OLI SEEKS POLITICAL COMEBACK At the centre of the political contest is Oli, the 74-year-old Marxist leader and former Prime Minister, who is attempting a return to power months after being forced from office by mass protests. The election has been widely framed as a showdown between Nepals traditional political establishment and a rising youth-driven movement demanding reform. One of the most closely watched races is in Jhapa-5, Olis traditional stronghold in eastern Nepal, where he is facing a high-profile challenge from Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Shah, the former mayor of Kathmandu, has positioned himself as a symbol of generational change and has drawn strong support from younger voters frustrated with decades of political instability and corruption, AFP reported. Another major contender in the broader prime-ministerial race is Gagan Thapa, the 49-year-old leader of the Nepali Congress, who has promised to break what he calls the old age" cycle of veteran leaders dominating the countrys politics. COUNTING UNDERWAY NATIONWIDE Counting has begun in most places in a peaceful manner," Election Commission spokesman Prakash Nyupane said on Friday. While some early results could emerge later in the day, a full nationwide tally could take several days due to logistical challenges in the Himalayan nation. Even after results are declared, coalition negotiations could drag on if no party secures an outright majority. Nepals fractured political landscape means that coalition governments are common, and analysts expect prolonged bargaining among parties if the results remain closely divided. PEACEFUL VOTING AFTER MONTHS OF UNREST Voting on Thursday was largely peaceful, with about 60 per cent turnout. Ballot boxes from remote mountain regions are being transported to counting centres, in some cases by helicopter, before the counting process is completed. More than 19 million registered voters were eligible to cast ballots in the election, choosing 165 members directly to the House of Representatives. The remaining 110 seats in the 275-member chamber will be allocated through a proportional representation system based on party vote share. Over 3,400 candidates from dozens of parties contested the vote, making it one of the most competitive elections in Nepals recent history. ELECTION TO SHAPE NEPALS POLITICAL FUTURE The election is widely seen as a critical test of whether Nepal can stabilise its turbulent political system and respond to demands for reform that emerged during last years protests. For Oli, the outcome could determine whether he can reclaim the political dominance he once held or whether a new generation of leaders, fuelled by the momentum of the protest movement, will reshape Nepals leadership. With counting continuing and coalition arithmetic yet to unfold, the coming days are expected to decide not only the next government but also the future direction of Nepals post-uprising politics. First Published: March 06, 2026, 09:14 IST News world Gen Z-Backed Party Leads In Early Trends As Nepal Counts Votes, KP Oli Eyes Political Comeback Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... News18 Evening Digest: Iran Tells Mediators To Focus On US And Israel & Other Top Stories Published By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 18:53 IST We are also covering: Why Russia Is Not Defending Iran Amid US-Israel War; From Patna To Parliament: Whats Next For Nitish Kumar? Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian. (AFP file photo) In todays afternoons digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on the Middle East conflict and other key stories. Our Response Is Clear: Iran Tells Mediators To Focus On US And Israel, Not Tehran Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pushed back against international mediation efforts, saying that any countries seeking to broker a ceasefire should direct their pressure at those who started the conflict- not Iran. READ MORE Why Russia Is Not Defending Iran Amid US-Israel War: 5 Reasons Explained Russia has so far not directly intervened militarily to defend Iran in its ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel. READ MORE From Patna To Parliament: Whats Next For Nitish Kumar? The transition of Nitish Kumar from the Chief Ministers secretariat in Patna to the hallowed halls of the Rajya Sabha marks a historic pivot in Bihars political narrative. While the move suggests a national elevation for the JD(U) patriarch, top party sources have indicated to CNN-News18 that the transition is being managed with surgical precision to ensure stability and the preservation of his long-standing influence. READ MORE Oil At $150 Soon? Qatar Minister Sounds Alarm As West Asia War Chokes Global Supply Qatars energy minister sounded a stark alarm over the economic fallout from the escalating West Asia conflict, warning that oil prices could surge to $150 a barrel, Gulf energy exports could grind to a halt and GDP growth worldwide would take a serious hit if hostilities persist for even a few more weeks. READ MORE Construction Workers To Drivers: Over 1.2 Lakh From UP Stranded In Gulf Amid US-Israel-Iran War More than one lakh people from Lucknow and other districts including masons, construction workers, technicians, drivers and those on religious tours are currently stranded across Gulf countries as the IranIsrael war entered its seventh day on Friday, intensifying anxiety among families in Uttar Pradesh. READ MORE I Am Leaving India: Mandana Karimi Slams Lack Of Support, Says Shes Banned In Iran Actor and model Mandana Karimi has opened up about her decision to leave India, addressing the controversy surrounding her recent remarks. In a video shared on Instagram on Thursday, the former Bigg Boss contestant clarified that while she plans to move out of the country, she cannot return to her homeland, Iran, because she has been banned from entering it. READ MORE First Published: March 06, 2026, 18:53 IST News world News18 Evening Digest: Iran Tells Mediators To Focus On US And Israel & Other Top Stories Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'No Deal': Trump Says US Will Accept Nothing Less Than Iran's Unconditional Surrender Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 19:46 IST Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged earlier today that multiple countries had begun mediation efforts. US President Donald Trump. (AFP) US President Donald Trump ruled out any negotiated settlement with Iran, asserting that the United States would accept nothing short of unconditional surrender and then went further, calling for a new Iranian leadership and promising to help rebuild the country once it complies. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump laid out his most explicit statement of war aims since the conflict began on February 28, closing the door on diplomatic efforts that several countries had been quietly pursuing in recent days. Read more: Hey, Were With You: Pentagon Chief Says Irans Attacks Have Pushed Gulf Arabs To Back US There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER," Trump wrote. A New Leader, Hand-Picked To Washingtons Satisfaction Trump did not stop at demanding military capitulation. He tied any post-war reconstruction to a change of leadership in Tehran, writing that after surrender there must be the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s)"- a formulation that effectively signals Washingtons intention to have a say in who governs Iran next. Iran is currently without a supreme leader following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the February 28 strikes. An Interim Leadership Council is managing the government while the Assembly of Experts- the 88-member clerical body constitutionally tasked with selecting a supreme leader- is under intense pressure to appoint a successor. An Iranian lawmaker said this week that a new supreme leader could be announced within days. Read more: 88 Clerics, No Public Vote, No Transparency: How Iran Picks Its Supreme Leader? Make Iran Great Again In a rhetorical flourish that repurposed his own signature political brand, Trump ended the post with a promise and a slogan. We, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before," he wrote, adding, IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).'" Read more: Digging In: The Secret Underground Bunker Iran Built To Keep Khamenei Alive And How Israel Found It What Iran Has Said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier acknowledged that multiple countries had begun mediation efforts but made clear Tehran had no interest in being the subject of those efforts. The target of mediation should be those who started the fire by underestimating the Iranian people," he said. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 06, 2026, 19:35 IST News world 'No Deal': Trump Says US Will Accept Nothing Less Than Iran's Unconditional Surrender Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Oil At $150 Soon? Qatar Minister Sounds Alarm As West Asia War Chokes Global Supply Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 17:22 IST Qatar's energy minister said the full extent of damage to the Ras Laffan facility was still being assessed and that it was unclear how long repairs would take. Smoke rises after reported Iranian missile attacks, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, as seen from Doha, Qatar.(Credits: Reuters) Qatars energy minister sounded a stark alarm over the economic fallout from the escalating West Asia conflict, warning that oil prices could surge to $150 a barrel, Gulf energy exports could grind to a halt and GDP growth worldwide would take a serious hit if hostilities persist for even a few more weeks. Saad al-Kaabi, who also serves as chief executive of QatarEnergy, told the Financial Times that the war had already forced Qatar to declare force majeure after an Iranian drone strike hit Ras Laffan- the countrys largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility- and warned that other Gulf exporters were on the brink of doing the same. Read more: Stranded In UAE Due To Iran-Israel War? SpiceJet Announces Special Flights From Dubai, Fujairah To Mumbai, Delhi, Pune Everybody that has not called for force majeure we expect will do so in the next few days that this continues. All exporters in the Gulf region will have to call force majeure," he said, adding, If they dont, they are at some point going to pay the liability for that legally, and thats their choice." The scale of the disruption at Qatars end is already severe. Al-Kaabi said the full extent of damage to the Ras Laffan facility was still being assessed and that it was unclear how long repairs would take. Even in the best-case scenario- an immediate end to hostilities- he warned it would take weeks to months" to restore normal export operations due to logistical chaos. Our ships are all over the place," he said, noting that only six or seven vessels from Qatars fleet of 128 LNG carriers were currently available to load cargo. The most alarming scenario centres on the Strait of Hormuz- the narrow waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass. Al-Kaabi forecast that crude prices could reach $150 a barrel within two to three weeks if tankers remain unable to transit the strait, while natural gas prices could climb to $40 per MMBtu, nearly four times pre-war levels. Read more: Not Holding Back: US Military Strikes, Sets On Fire Iranian Drone Ship The Size Of WWII Carrier | Video Traffic through the strait has slowed significantly since the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran. At least 10 ships have reportedly been hit, insurance costs have surged and shipping companies have grown increasingly reluctant to risk the passage. The way that we are seeing the attacks, bringing ships into the strait its too dangerous," al-Kaabi said, adding, Its too close to the shore to bring ships in." Al-Kaabi said QatarEnergy shut down production primarily on safety grounds after its military warned of an imminent threat to offshore facilities. Around 9,000 workers were evacuated within 24 hours of the strike. When we have our people in danger and were actually being hit in a military zone and we cant work anymore, and we cant put our people in harms way, we have to declare force majeure," he said. Track US-Israel-Iran War LIVE Updates here He was unequivocal on when production would resume: only when the military confirms a complete cessation of hostilities. We are not going to put our people in harms way," he said. Al-Kaabis most sweeping warning was reserved for the broader global economy. Gulf producers supply not just oil and gas but also vast quantities of petrochemicals and fertiliser feedstocks that feed manufacturing supply chains worldwide. This will bring down the economies of the world," he told the Financial Times, adding, If this war continues for a few weeks, GDP growth around the world will be impacted. Everybodys energy price is going to go higher." He cautioned that industrial shortages would ripple far beyond the energy sector. There will be shortages of some products and there will be a chain reaction of factories that cannot supply," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Qatar First Published: March 06, 2026, 16:01 IST News world Oil At $150 Soon? Qatar Minister Sounds Alarm As West Asia War Chokes Global Supply Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Operation Khyber: TTP Announces New Offensive Against Pakistan Security Forces | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Manjiri Joshi Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 15:49 IST The Leadership Council announced Operation Khyber for the Islamic year 1447 AH (2026), saying the TTP will rise with new aims and objectives Rapid Read Taliban security personnel keep watch near the Durand Line in Gurbuz district of Khost province on February 27, 2026.(Image: AFP) Amid the clash, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Chief Noor Wali Mehsud has announced a new spring offensive against Islamabads security forces. The Leadership Council announced Operation Khyber for the Islamic year 1447 AH (2026), saying the TTP will rise with new aims and objectives. Today, on 17 Ramadan 1447 AH (March 2026), after the annual operations of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan titled AL-Khandaq" have concluded with many successes, the movement wishes to enter the next phase. According to the instructions of the leadership council, this phase has been named Operation Khyber," the announcement read. All martyrdoms will be avenged from Pakistan security forces, said the TTP. Thursdays clash Security forces carried out coordinated ground and aerial strikes against militant positions along the border with Afghanistan in southwest Pakistan, targeting dozens of posts used by the Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij militants, officials said Thursday. Fitna-al-Khawarij is a term that the state uses for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to security officials, the Pakistan Army conducted effective ground and air operations during the night between Wednesday and Thursday, striking 41 militant posts linked to Afghan Taliban elements and Fitna al-Khawarij. Both light and heavy weapons were used during the operations. The strikes were carried out in border areas adjacent to the Chaman, Zhob, Qila Saifullah and Noshki sectors, where militant hideouts and posts were targeted, officials said. Initial reports indicate that the militants suffered significant casualties and material losses as a result of the operations. Security officials reaffirmed that the operations are part of Operation Ghazab-ul-Haq, adding that the actions will continue until the complete achievement of the predetermined objectives. Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil Haq last week after the Afghan Taliban forces attacked 53 locations along the 2,611 kms long border. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have nose-dived since October last. With PTI, agencies inputs First Published: March 06, 2026, 15:49 IST News world Operation Khyber: TTP Announces New Offensive Against Pakistan Security Forces | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The National Police of Ukraine have launched criminal proceedings in connection with the kidnapping of Ukrainian citizens and an official vehicle belonging to JSC Oschadbank in Hungary. "Information about the incident has been entered into the Unified Register of Pretrial Investigations under Article 146 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal deprivation of liberty or kidnapping) and Article 147 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hostage-taking)," the law enforcement agency said on its Telegram channel. It is reported that police officers from the National Police Department for International Police Cooperation have contacted Europol, the Hungarian Tax and Customs Service, and the police through official channels and are coordinating efforts to clarify all the circumstances of the incident. Investigative actions are ongoing. As reported, two cash-in-transit vehicles belonging to the state-owned Oschadbank were seized in Hungary. They were transporting cash and precious metals between Raiffeisen Bank (Austria) and Oschadbank (Ukraine) as part of a regular service between the state-owned banks. According to Oschadbank, the vehicles were carrying $40 million, EUR 35 million, and 9 kg of gold. Seven cash-in-transit workers have also been detained. The Ukrainian side claims consular officials have been denied access to them and demands their immediate release. Hungarian authorities, according to local media, suspect the Ukrainians of money laundering. 'Our Response Is Clear': Iran Tells Mediators To Focus On US And Israel, Not Tehran Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 17:05 IST Iranian President Pezeshkian acknowledged that several countries had begun mediation attempts but said Tehran's position was unambiguous. Rapid Read A plume of smoke acends after a military strike in Tehran. (Photo: Representative/AFP) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pushed back against international mediation efforts, saying that any countries seeking to broker a ceasefire should direct their pressure at those who started the conflict- not Iran. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Pezeshkian acknowledged that several countries had begun mediation attempts but said Tehrans position was unambiguous. We are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we have no hesitation in defending the dignity and authority of our country," he wrote. The target of mediation should be those who started the fire by underestimating the Iranian people." Track US-Israel-Iran War LIVE Updates here The statement signals that Iran will not be receptive to mediation efforts framed around restraining its own military response and instead wants international pressure redirected toward the United States and Israel. Pezeshkian stopped short of identifying which countries had approached Tehran with mediation offers or naming those he held responsible for initiating the conflict. However, his reference to those who started the fire by underestimating the Iranian people" is a pointed allusion to the US-Israeli military strikes that triggered the current escalation. Read more: Why Russia Is Not Defending Iran Amid US-Israel War: 5 Reasons Explained The conflict began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces carried out coordinated strikes on Irans nuclear programme, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with sustained missile and drone attacks on American military installations across the region, setting off a rapidly escalating security crisis that has since drawn in Gulf energy exporters and threatened global oil supply. Gulf energy exports face severe disruption, oil prices threaten to spike to $150 a barrel and the Strait of Hormuz remains under threat- raising the urgency of diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict before its economic consequences become irreversible. Location : Iran First Published: March 06, 2026, 16:56 IST News world 'Our Response Is Clear': Iran Tells Mediators To Focus On US And Israel, Not Tehran Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pak To See Protests Over Iran War Today, Roads Leading To US Embassy, Consulates Sealed | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 12:05 IST Pakistans major Sunni, Shia religious and political parties plan to hold protests after the Friday prayers in the wake of US-Israel attacks on Iran Karachi road to US Consulate sealed With containers. (News18) Amid call for massive protests, the government of Pakistan has sealed all roads leading to the American embassy and Consulate Generals, local sources told CNN-News18 exclusively. Pakistans major Sunni, Shia religious and political parties plan to hold protests after the Friday prayers in the wake of Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis killing and US-Israel attacks on Iran. The protests The Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Shia Ulema Council Of Pakistan, Ittehad Ummat Forum, Jammu & Kashmir Awaami Action Committee, other religious parties have called for the protests against America and Israel. ALSO READ | US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates HERE The Islamabad capital administration has sealed all entry and exit points of Red zone and diplomatic enclave and beefed up the security, said sources. The Punjab Police have sealed all roads leading to the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore. The Sindh Police have taken additional measures to protect the Karachi Consulate General. The Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa Police have made special security arrangements for American Consulate General in Peshawar. The security of all foreign embassies and missions has also been beefed up. The Special Military Troops have been deployed in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir & Occupied Gilgit Baltistan Territory. Shia Muslims want Pakistan to back out of the Gaza Board Of Peace and raise voice against America and Israel globally. US advisory The US Embassy has already issued advisory for closure of its all services centers, embassy and consulate generals on Friday. The Pakistan federal and provincial governments have imposed Section 144 to maintain law and order. The United States has ordered some staff to leave Pakistan and pulled out non-emergency staff from US embassy In Islamabad, Consulates In Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar, said a diplomatic source. Pakistan and West Asia war Pakistan on Thursday decided to introduce weekly revisions in petroleum prices effective from Saturday and consider measures such as work-from-home and distance learning to conserve fuel amid possible oil supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The decision was taken at a meeting of the cabinet committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to monitor petrol prices due to the regional situation, The Dawn newspaper reported. ALSO READ | Pakistan In War Crossfire? Ties With US & Iran, Pact With Saudi, Islamabads Response Explained The national action plan, prepared in consultation with the provinces, will be presented to Sharif on Friday. After his clearance, it will be taken up by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet for formal approval and implementation. Back-to-back meetings of the three forums are scheduled for Friday, given the urgency of the situation, the report said, adding that contingency measures had also been discussed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, through which about a fifth of the worlds oil passes. The Strait was effectively closed following several attacks on ships by Iran in retaliation to joint US, Israel strikes. Both petrol and diesel have over 500,000 tonnes of stocks, enough for 26 and 25 days cover, the Dawn reported. Pakistan has already formally requested Saudi Arabia to provide an alternative oil supply route through through the alternative Red Sea route to maintain its fuel supply chain. With PTI Inputs First Published: March 06, 2026, 12:03 IST News world Pak To See Protests Over Iran War Today, Roads Leading To US Embassy, Consulates Sealed | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Same Iranian Drones, Different War: How Ukraine's Battlefield Lessons Could Help US In West Asia Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 16:32 IST Russia deployed Iranian Shahed drones extensively against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with US President Donald Trump For three years, Ukraine has been fighting a war against Iranian-designed drones- the same weapons now being deployed against American forces and allied infrastructure across West Asia. The experience Ukraine has accumulated in that time, across detection, interception, electronic warfare and technical intelligence, is directly applicable to the threat the United States now faces. Why Are Iranian Drones Such A Problem For US? Irans Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 drones have been central to this conflict. Cheap, slow and designed to be launched in large numbers, they are built to overwhelm air defences through volume rather than speed or precision. They fly at low altitudes and are difficult to track on conventional radar. Track US-Israel-Iran War LIVE Updates here The cost gap is a core strategic problem. A Shahed drone costs between $20,000 and $50,000 to produce. The interceptor missiles used to destroy them cost upward of $1 million each. At scale, that mismatch places enormous pressure on air defence stockpiles- a challenge the US and its allies are already confronting in West Asia. What Has Ukraine Learned From Fighting These Drones? Russia deployed Iranian Shahed drones extensively against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. As a result, Ukraine developed detection and tracking methods for low-flying drones, tactics to intercept them before they reach populated areas and rapid analysis procedures for drone debris. Ukrainian forces have recovered and examined hundreds of downed drones, building a detailed technical understanding of their electronics, navigation systems and vulnerabilities. This work- documented by organisations including the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and the Institute for the Study of War (ISW)- represents a body of knowledge with direct relevance to counter-drone operations in West Asia, where Iran deploys similar systems through proxy forces. Read more: What Is Blue Sparrow, The Missile From Space That Israel Used To Kill Ayatollah Khamenei? Can US Afford To Keep Fighting Drones The Expensive Way? Ukraine developed low-cost counter-drone methods out of operational necessity. Rather than relying solely on expensive interceptor missiles, Ukrainian forces used machine-gun-mounted pickup trucks, searchlights, acoustic sensors and mobile anti-drone teams to intercept incoming drones. The principle behind this approach- meeting cheap threats with cheap responses- is directly relevant to the US position in West Asia. RUSIs work on conventional warfighting lessons from Ukraine, alongside CSIS reporting on cost asymmetry in drone warfare, has highlighted this as one of the most transferable tactical lessons from the conflict. How Has Ukraine Used Electronic Warfare Against These Drones? Because many Iranian drones rely on satellite navigation, Ukraine invested heavily in electronic warfare capabilities to counter them. Ukrainian forces developed techniques to jam GPS signals, disrupt navigation systems and spoof signals so that drones crash or veer off course before reaching their targets. Read more: Not Holding Back: US Military Strikes, Sets On Fire Iranian Drone Ship The Size Of WWII Carrier | Video These methods- analysed by RUSI and the Atlantic Council- are applicable to the defence of US bases and naval assets operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian drone threats are now a live operational concern. What Could US-Ukraine Cooperation On Counter-Drone Systems Look Like? Ukraines defence industry has developed anti-drone radar, AI-based drone detection software, interceptor drones and low-cost air defence systems during the course of the war- technologies designed specifically for mass drone attack scenarios. CSIS and the Atlantic Council have both documented the rapid expansion of Ukraines defence innovation sector during this period. Collaboration between the US and Ukraine on next-generation counter-drone systems would give both sides practical benefit: Ukraine gains resources and partnerships; the US gains access to systems built and tested against the precise threat it now faces in West Asia. Location : Ukraine First Published: March 06, 2026, 16:29 IST News world Same Iranian Drones, Different War: How Ukraine's Battlefield Lessons Could Help US In West Asia Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Has Asked India To Buy Russian Oil To Cool Global Prices, Energy Secretary Says Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 22:50 IST The move signals Washington's urgency in finding immediate solutions to an energy crisis that has seen oil prices threaten to spike to $150 a barrel. The Middle East conflict, which began over the weekend with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has disrupted regional energy flows. (Representational image) The United States has reached out to India asking it to purchase stored Russian oil as Washington scrambles to ease surging global energy prices triggered by the Middle East war, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said. We have reached out to our friends in India to buy stored Russian oil. That pulls oil into Indian refineries and releases pressure on other global refineries," Wright said. Read more: Could Iran War End On March 12? Trumps Unconditional Surrender Demand Has A Precedent The move signals Washingtons urgency in finding immediate solutions to an energy crisis that has seen oil prices threaten to spike to $150 a barrel- a direct consequence of disrupted Gulf energy supplies and the growing threat to the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump, however, struck a dismissive tone when asked about rising fuel prices. Thats alright, itll be short term, itll go way down very quickly," he said. Why Is US Reaching Out To India? The logic behind the approach is straightforward: if India absorbs more Russian oil into its refining system, it frees up supply from other global refineries to meet the demand gaps created by the Gulf disruption- bringing prices down without requiring a military or diplomatic solution to the underlying conflict. India has been one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian oil since Western sanctions were imposed on Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine, making it a natural partner. Read more: Every Past US-Iran Crisis Ended Quickly But This Time Could Be Different. Heres Why Does US Have Other Options? The outreach to India also reflects how limited Washingtons short-term options actually are. Qatar has declared force majeure on LNG exports after an Iranian drone strike hit its Ras Laffan facility. Gulf energy exporters are under sustained Iranian attack and the Strait of Hormuz through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass remains under threat with no immediate resolution in sight as war in West Asia continues. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 06, 2026, 22:43 IST News world US Has Asked India To Buy Russian Oil To Cool Global Prices, Energy Secretary Says Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US-Iran War Fears Prompt Wealthy Asians To Move Assets Out Of Dubai: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 14:06 IST Iranian missile and drone attacks on the UAE prompt wealthy Asian investors to move assets to Singapore and Hong Kong, fearing UAE's stability amid regional tensions. The moves come as the USIsrael war with Iran raises concerns about stability in the Gulf region. (Image: Canva) As Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid escalating tensions in West Asia, wealthy Asian investors and entrepreneurs have started exploring ways to move assets out of Dubai to financial hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong, news agency Reuters reported citing officials familiar with the matter. Soon after the first attacks last week, two Indian entrepreneurs based in Dubai attempted to transfer more than $100,000 each from their local bank accounts to Singapore to hedge against potential risks. However, technological glitches in the aftermath of the strikes initially disrupted the transfers, the individuals told the news agency, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. One of the entrepreneurs later managed to move the funds through another Emirates-based bank. Scores of other wealthy Asians are making enquiries or taking similar steps to move their Dubai-parked assets to the regional financial hubs, industry advisers and lawyers said, as the US-Israel war on Iran clouds the Gulfs safe-haven aura and rattles investors. While the rich typically diversify their investments across regions and asset classes, they choose where to be based depending on tax, regulatory, privacy and operational considerations. Dubai has in recent years emerged as a major wealth hub for Asian entrepreneurs and rich families, particularly from China, drawn by its favourable tax policies, regulatory environment and strong infrastructure. The Gulfs booming property market has also attracted significant investment. But recent attacks on Dubai and Abu Dhabi have led some investors to reconsider the UAEs reputation as a stable financial safe haven. Singapore-based private wealth lawyer Ryan Lin told Reuters that six or seven of his 20 Dubai-based clients, each with about $50 million in assets on average, contacted him this week about moving funds to Singapore. Three of them are planning immediate transfers, he said. Iris Xu, principal at global corporate services firm Anderson Global, said 10 to 20 family offices had approached her firm this week about moving assets from the Middle East back to Singapore amid fears the conflict could drag on. Family offices are one-stop firms that manage the portfolios of the wealthy. Dubai was always about tax benefits but now I think the tax benefits may not be the top priority for them," she said. Some wealth advisers said the concern is partly psychological. Flying back and forth will be a challenge even if the conflict ends tomorrow. It is a confidence thing," a Singapore-based wealth management adviser told Reuters. However, not all experts believe a major capital flight is underway. Dhruba Jyoti Sengupta, chief executive of Dubai-based WRISE Private Middle East, told Reuters the firm had not seen serious discussions about large-scale asset withdrawals. They are sophisticated global investors, already diversified internationally, but deeply invested in the UAEs growth story," he said. Despite the broader geopolitical turmoil in the region, clients are feeling safe and secure." Leading Singapore-based wealth managers, Bank of Singapore and DBS Group said their clients were closely observing the developments in the region and were taking a wait-and-watch approach, for now. The UAEs central bank governor Khaled Mohamed Balama also said the countrys banking and financial sector remained strong and stable, with banks and insurers operating normally despite regional tensions. As the UAE scrambled to maintain its safe-haven status, some were going ahead with their expansion plans in the Emirates. Jeremy Lim, co-founder of GrandWay Family Office, is in the process of opening a family office in Abu Dhabi and said his plans have not changed as long as the UAE does not become directly involved in the conflict and barring any further escalation from Iran. The real deal-breaker for businesses would be if the UAE were tobecome directly involved alongside one side in a conflict," said Lim. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: March 06, 2026, 14:06 IST News world US-Iran War Fears Prompt Wealthy Asians To Move Assets Out Of Dubai: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Forced Sexual Encounter To Washing Money: 5 Claims About Trump In Latest Epstein Files Release Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 12:55 IST The US Justice Department released an additional cache of 'Epstein Files' involving uncorroborated accusations by a woman against President Trump. US President Donald Trump (Image Courtesy: AP) The United States Justice Department on Thursday released an additional cache of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein-related files, involving uncorroborated accusations made by a woman against President Donald Trump. The files comprising three parts of FBI interviews with the woman had been mistakenly withheld during an earlier review, the department said. The victim said she was introduced to Trump by Jeffrey Epstein. As per her allegations, Trump had hit her after she bit his penis when he forced her to perform oral sex. The latest release comes against the backdrop of accusations by Democrats that Department of Justice withheld materials that included claims against the president. Trump Denies Any Wrongdoing President Trump has denied the allegations. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the claims completely baseless accusations, backed by zero credible evidence, from a sadly disturbed woman who has an extensive criminal history". The total baselessness of these accusations is also supported by the obvious fact that Joe Bidens Department of Justice knew about them for four years and did nothing with them, because they knew President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong. As we have said countless times, President Trump has been totally exonerated by the release of the Epstein Files," she stated. The FBI report, however, notes the statements were made during interviews and do not represent verified conclusions by investigators. Victim Forced Into Sexual Encounter The witness told investigators that when she was between 13 to 15 years old, she was taken by Epstein to either New York or New Jersey, where she was introduced to Donald Trump. According to her account, she met Trump in a large building with huge rooms", where he asked others to leave before an alleged sexual encounter took place. The victim claimed she resisted and bit him before others re-entered the room. Get this little bitch the hell out of here," the woman recalled Trump saying at one point during the encounter. Conversations Regarding Blackmail The woman alleged during the interview that she had overheard conversations between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. According to the account, Epstein reportedly talked about blackmailing people and that Trump spoke about washing money through casinos Sensed Tensions Between Trump, Epstein The witness said she sensed tension between Trump and Epstein, claiming the 79-year-old appeared jealous of the late sex offender at times. She also alleged the duo allegedly used phrases such as fresh meat, untainted, and not jaded when referring to girls, according to the report. Took Photographs, Later Blackmailed According to the testimony outlined in the report, the witness alleged Epstein took Polaroid photographs of her during sexual encounters and later used them to blackmail her mother. Allegations Over Abuse, Network The victim told investigators that she had between six and 20 sexual encounters with Jeffrey Epstein, alleging he often supplied alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine during these interactions. Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: March 06, 2026, 12:37 IST News world From Forced Sexual Encounter To Washing Money: 5 Claims About Trump In Latest Epstein Files Release Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... We Are Waiting For Them: Iran On Possible US Ground Invasion Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 08:40 IST He said the attacks carried out while negotiations were ongoing have undermined Tehrans trust in future talks with Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (AFP photo) Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the country is prepared for a potential ground invasion by American troops and ruled out negotiations with the United States amid the ongoing conflict. In an interview with NBC News, Araghchi struck a defiant tone when asked if he feared a possible U.S. ground invasion. No, we are waiting for them," he said. Because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them." Araghchi also said Iran has not asked for a ceasefire despite ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes across the country. We didnt ask for a ceasefire even last time. In previous time, it was Israel who asked for a ceasefire. They asked for an unconditional ceasefire after 12 days that we resisted against their aggression," he said, referring to the 12-day conflict last June during which Israeli and U.S. forces targeted Irans nuclear facilities. He said the attacks carried out while negotiations were ongoing have undermined Tehrans trust in future talks with Washington. Araghchi added that he has had no communication with Witkoff or Kushner since last week. So we see no reason why we should engage once again with those who are not honest in negotiation, and they do not enter into negotiation in good faith," he said. On the question of leadership succession, Araghchi said the country has a constitutional process in place to choose the next supreme leader. There are many rumors around, but we have to wait for the Assembly of Experts to choose a new supreme leader," he said, adding that the process could take longer because of the ongoing conflict. The conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel entered its seventh day on Friday as the fighting widened across the West Asia, pulling several countries into the crisis. The conflict began on February 28 when joint USIsraeli strikes hit Iranian military and nuclear sites, triggering retaliation from Tehran and its allies. Location : Iran First Published: March 06, 2026, 08:40 IST News world We Are Waiting For Them: Iran On Possible US Ground Invasion Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... When Will Iran War End? Trump Says He Has 'No Time Limits', But Lays Out Objectives Behind Attack Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 08:38 IST Detailing several objectives behind the attack on Iran, Trump said, "They cant have a nuclear weapon. Thats number one, two, and three." US President Donald Trump. (AFP) I have no time limits," said US President Donald Trump when asked about how long the United States war with Iran could continue. Speaking during an interview with Time, Trump said, I have no time limits on anything. I want to get it done." The US Presidents comments came days after he publicly stated that the war against Iran could last for at least four to five weeks. However, the observers note that such timelines could potentially change if Trump faces increasing political pressure domestically or decides his objectives have been reached. Detailing several objectives behind the attack on Iran, Trump said, They cant have a nuclear weapon. Thats number one, two, and three. Number four, no ballistic missiles." In addition to this, Trump pointed towards another aim and stated that somebody rational and sane should be appointed to lead Iran". The President also responded to a question about whether Americans should be concerned about retaliatory attacks in the United States. I think theyre worried about that all the time. We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah, you know, we expect some things. Like, I said, some people will die. When you go to war, some people will die." Trump Claims Iran Calling US To Make A Deal Trump on Thursday said Tehran was reaching out to the United States about making a deal amid US and Israeli strikes on Iran, but said the request had come a little bit late" as America now wants to fight more than they do". Trump stated that the American military is working closely with Israeli forces and is destroying Irans missiles and drone capability every single hour". They [Iran] are calling; they are saying, How do we make a deal? I said, You are being a little bit late. Now we want to fight more than they do," Trump said. Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: March 06, 2026, 08:29 IST News world When Will Iran War End? Trump Says He Has 'No Time Limits', But Lays Out Objectives Behind Attack Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Rules The Seas? US Torpedo Attack On Iranian Warship Raises Question Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 19:16 IST The US Navy had not conducted a torpedo strike since 1945, making the event a stark demonstration of undersea capabilities. The sinking of IRIS Dena on Wednesday in international waters off Sri Lanka killed at least 86 crew members. A US submarines torpedo strike on an Iranian warship this week has renewed focus on the strategic importance of submarines and undersea warfare in modern conflicts. The sinking of IRIS Dena on Wednesday in international waters off Sri Lanka killed at least 86 crew members, in what Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called an atrocity." The attack came after US-Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend triggered a wider conflict in the Middle East, with Tehran launching retaliatory operations across the region. The US Navy had not conducted a torpedo strike since 1945, making the event a stark demonstration of undersea capabilities. Washington later released periscope footage showing the submarine firing and images of the warships hull tilting as it sank. Alessio Patalano, a professor at Kings College London, said the ship sank in less than 20 minutes" and confirmed the sophistication of American submarine warfare. It didnt stand a chance," he said. ALSO READ: US Navy Submarine USS Charlotte Fired Torpedo That Sank Irans IRIS Dena: Report Ultimate Wartime Weapon The IRIS Dena incident marks one of the few wartime torpedo attacks in recent decades. The last confirmed case was in 1982, when the British submarine HMS Conqueror sank the Argentine cruiser Belgrano during the Falklands War. In 2010, South Koreas Cheonan corvette was torpedoed in an incident attributed to North Korea. A European military source explained that torpedoes detonate under a ship, creating a massive air bubble that breaks the vessels structure when it collapses. Stealthy submarines can launch attacks from dozens of kilometres away, making them the ultimate wartime weapon," the source said. Countries with advanced undersea fleets enjoy a clear advantage in naval confrontations, especially when surface fleets are evenly matched. ALSO READ: Sri Lanka To Take Control Of Iranian Ship IRIS Bushehr After US Torpedoed IRIS Dena A Global Show Of Force Experts say the attack far from the conflict zone was also a demonstration for rivals like China and Russia. Attacking this ship in international waters means: We, the Americans, dominate the air, the sea and the undersea. We are everywhere, able to find you and destroy you," said a European military source. While Russia has invested in its submarine fleet, its surface navy has struggled, and China continues to develop modern submarines capable of challenging US undersea dominance. US Vice Admiral Richard Seif, commander of US submarine forces, told Congress that Chinas next-generation submarines pose a formidable" challenge to the US Navy. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Iran First Published: March 06, 2026, 19:12 IST News world Who Rules The Seas? US Torpedo Attack On Iranian Warship Raises Question Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Why Made To Wait?' Sri Lankan MP Claims IRIS Dena Waited For 11 Hours Before US Torpedoed It Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 09:57 IST The Opposition MP's remarks came hours after a United States submarine sank the Iranian frigate off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, killing 87 sailors. The IRIS Dena, which was returning to Iran after an Indian naval exercise off Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, was torpedoed by an American submarine in an unprecedented military escalation on March 4, 2026. (Image: AFP/File) Nearly a day after the Iranian warship was torpedoed by an American warship in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lankan Opposition MP Mujeebur Rahman questioned the government in Parliament why the Iranian vessel IRIS Dena was forced to wait for hours offshore. The vessel waited for 11 hours about 40 nautical miles off Galle port for permission from the Sri Lankan government to berth, as it had difficulties returning to Iran due to the conflict situation," Rahman said in Parliament. The Opposition MPs remarks came hours after a United States submarine sank the Iranian frigate off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, killing 87 sailors. The attack on the frigate further escalated tensions between Tehran and Washington on Thursday as Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck a US tanker in the Gulf in retaliation within 24 hours of its ship being attacked. US Torpedoes Iranian Warship A US submarine torpedoed and sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, declaring it the first sinking of an enemy ship by torpedo since World War II. The attack, carried out with a Mark 48 torpedo, was touted by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as evidence of Americas global reach in the ongoing conflict with Iran. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Iranian warship died a quiet death". An American submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters," Hegseth said. The frigate, IRIS Dena, was reportedly heading back to Iran from Indias Visakhapatnam after participating in two naval exercises last month when it was hit by a US torpedo. Location : Sri Lanka First Published: March 06, 2026, 09:57 IST News world 'Why Made To Wait?' Sri Lankan MP Claims IRIS Dena Waited For 11 Hours Before US Torpedoed It Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Oschadbank will protect its interests and the interests of its employees in all international institutions; lawyers are already working in Hungary, and bank management representatives are on their way to Budapest, stated Yuriy Katsion, Chairman of the Management Board of the state financial institution. "The rhetoric of statements from the Hungarian side, which groundlessly questions the source of origin of the state banks funds being transported in accordance with international agreements and possessing all necessary documentary confirmation, will receive a separate legal assessment," he wrote on Facebook. Katsion added that the fact that there has still been no contact with the bank employees detained in Hungaryneither by their relatives, Ukrainian diplomats, nor the employeris shameful. "Firstpeople. Thenmaterial values, reputation, legal processes. Oschad has extensive experience in international courts. We know how to defend the interests of the bank and the state," Larysa Shustenko, advisor to the Chairman of the Management Board, commented on the situation. 'Zionist Regime Made A Big Mistake': Warning To Israel From Khamenei's X Account Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: March 06, 2026, 22:18 IST This is the second post to appear on Khameneis account since his reported death. The post was accompanied by an AI-generated image that appeared to show a hypersonic missile. (Images via X/@khamenei_ir) A post from the X account of Irans late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Friday warned Israel that the Zionist regime has made a big mistake", days after he was reportedly killed in a joint USIsrael strike on February 28. The message, shared on the account six days after the strike, said, The Zionist regime has made a big mistake, and its consequences will make the regime desperate, by Gods grace." The post was accompanied by an AI-generated image that appeared to show a hypersonic missile, although the message itself did not mention any specific weapon or refer to possible attacks. The Zionist regime has made a big mistake, and its consequences will make the regime desperate, by Gods grace. pic.twitter.com/vBVMXIYjaf Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) March 6, 2026 This is the second post to appear on Khameneis account since his reported death. On March 1, the account shared a verse from the Holy Quran. In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful. Among the faithful are men who fulfil what they have pledged to Allah and they have not changed in the least (Holy Quran 33:23)," the post read. It remains unclear who is currently managing the account. War In West Asia Escalates The online warning comes as the war in West Asia continues to intensify. The conflict began on February 28 with a joint USIsraeli attack on Iran. Tehran responded with strikes across the Gulf region, targeting locations in Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which it said were aimed at US military bases. Iran has also launched attacks on Israel. Now in its seventh day, the conflict has expanded beyond the immediate region, affecting global energy and transport routes. Oil prices have surged sharply and shipping through the crucial Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted. The fighting has also drawn in other actors. Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon launched missiles at Israel, prompting Israeli air strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon. Heavy damage has been reported in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of the group. With missiles and drones dominating the skies, air traffic across the Gulf has been heavily restricted, forcing several countries to evacuate citizens and tourists from the region. The escalating conflict has raised fears of a wider regional war with global consequences. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Iran First Published: March 06, 2026, 22:15 IST News world 'Zionist Regime Made A Big Mistake': Warning To Israel From Khamenei's X Account Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The year 2025 became the deadliest for Ukraines civilian population since the start of the full-scale invasion and since 2014 in general, and evacuations of vulnerable groups have significantly increased, especially from frontline areas of the Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhia regions. This was stated in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency by UNHCR Representative in Ukraine Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth, who emphasized her serious concern over these trends. "Our colleagues from the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine assessed and reported that in 2025, more civilian deaths and injuries were recordedmore victimsthan in any other year since the start of the full-scale invasion and since the start of the war in 2014 in general," she noted. The UNHCR Representative emphasized that the increase in evacuations amid massive attacks on energy infrastructure is particularly alarming. "Over the last two to three months, there have been many attacks on energy infrastructure. I am very concerned about humanitarian needs in general and evacuations, which seem to be truly increasing. Evacuations mean more displacement, again, of vulnerable population groups. For example, this morning I heard from my colleagues in Kharkiv that among the recent evacuees, the majority are elderly people, people with disabilities, and children leaving frontline communitiesmainly from the Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhia regions. This is very alarming," Castel-Hollingsworth said. She assessed the overall humanitarian situation as deteriorating. "In my opinion, the situation is worsening. It is worsening because the attacks are aimed at Ukraine in general, at the people themselves, and at what they need to survive: critical infrastructure, transport, energy, housing," the UNHCR representative explained. At the same time, she noted positive signals from the Ukrainian authorities, who are actively working on recovery and reconstruction. "At the same time, as I communicate a lot with the authorities, I see that there is a real desire to start recovery efforts. This, I think, is very important. And in 2026, we will scale up our work on solutions," she added. Castel-Hollingsworth specifically highlighted the resilience of Ukrainians but emphasized the exhausting impact of the war and the particularly severe winter. "I believe that people in Ukraine are very determined. You are not only resilient but also unbreakable. However, continuous attacks take their toll, especially considering the winter we have just endured. I recently had a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and he said it was the coldest winter since 1999that is, in 26 years. I see that it was very difficult, and it affected everyone in the country. My own colleagues had to leave their homes and live in hotels; others went to summer houses. Once I even gave the keys to my apartment to a neighbor I barely know when I was leaving for a week because their water pipe burst and there was a lot of water in the apartment. This affects everyone, and especially, of course, those who are already displaced and those who need more help in daily life than you or Ithe elderly, especially those living in high-rise buildings," she said. The UNHCR Representative emphasized that overall, more than 10.8 million people in Ukraine still need humanitarian assistance. Regarding the geography of evacuations, she reported that the situation is particularly acute in several regions. "The authorities of the Donetsk region reported that 115,000 people left the Donetsk region in 2025. In 2025, we, as UNHCR, supported transit centers through which 90,000 people passed. This is more than before. We see that since the beginning of this year, the number of people passing through transit centers in the Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhia regions has increased. The authorities of the Zaporizhia region opened a transit center in November. If there were no need, they would not have done this," the UNHCR Representative emphasized. The full text of the interview will be published on the Interfax-Ukraine agency website. Barack Obama has a message for Virginians. In a video released Thursday, the former president urges them to approve an April 21 constitutional amendment that would let the state legislature rewrite congressional district lines in time for Novemberchanges Democrats say could help "level the playing field" after GOP-led redistricting in states like Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri, CBS News reports. "Several Republican-controlled states have redrawn their congressional maps to give themselves an unfair advantage in the midterm elections," he posted, per the News Leader . The stakes are high: Republicans now hold a slim US House majority, per CBS, and Virginia's current map sends six Democrats and five Republicans to Congress. Proposals backed by Democratic leaders could shift that to as many as 10 Democrats and one Republican, drawing sharp pushback from the state GOP, which calls the effort an "illegal gerrymandering power grab" designed to mute half the electorate. The move forces Democrats to navigate their own past rhetoric against gerrymandering, including Obama's 2020 warning that it has "warped our representative government." Early voting on the amendment begins Friday. A California mother whose home became the center of a series of alcohol-fueled teen gatherings is now facing decades behind bars. A jury in Santa Clara County has convicted 51-year-old Shannon O'Connor, widely labeled the "Party Mom," on 58 of 63 felony and misdemeanor counts, including child endangerment, sexual battery, and providing alcohol to minors, reports SFGate . She'd pleaded not guilty to those charges. Prosecutors said 20 teenagers were victimized: 12 girls identified in court as Jane Does and eight boys as John Does. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said O'Connor is now facing up to 30 years in prison. Teen witnesses testified that during the 2020-21 school yearwhen campuses were largely shut down for COVIDO'Connor controlled parts of their social lives and regularly placed them in risky situations involving alcohol and sex. Prosecutors said she had an "abnormal" sexual interest in children and pressured intoxicated teens to take part in sexual activity. Rosen said the most serious convictions involved two counts of digital penetration of a person "too intoxicated to give consent," as well as charges that O'Connor helped set up situations in which one minor sexually assaulted another, in two separate incidents. The defense focused on those sex-related allegations, arguing that O'Connor didn't personally commit the assaults and was unfairly charged as an aider and abettor. O'Connor didn't take the stand during the three-month trial. Her attorney called the verdict "disappointing" and said his client was "crushed" by the ruling. Rosen praised the teenagers who testified, saying the case "does not happen if the children do not come forward," noting that investigators reviewed "terabytes" of digital evidence. "After many years, and many, many victims, today there was justice," he said, per CBS News. In late December, O'Connor told the Mercury News by phone from jail that she'd become a scapegoat for how teens acted, though she added: "It was my alcohol that they got drunk off of. It was my home that they were at. ... I feel responsible." A Georgia sheriff is facing a DUI charge after a deputy spotted his county-issued SUV swerving "all over the roadway" in broad daylight. Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch was arrested around 10:30am on Feb. 27 after one of his deputies recognized his vehicle and radioed the Georgia State Patrol to handle the stop, according to a police report cited by Fox 5 Atlanta. The deputy followed the vehicle to a residence. The deputy said that when a state trooper arrived, the sheriff was so unsteady on his feet he wasn't sure if he could make it to the trooper's vehicle, WSB-TV reports. The trooper reported a "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath" and said Couch admitted he had been drinking. Bernard LaFayette, the advance man who did the risky groundwork for the voter registration campaign in Selma, Alabama, that culminated in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, has died. He was 85. His son, Bernard LaFayette III, said the civil rights activist died Thursday of a heart attack, the AP reports. "Bernard did work in Latin America. He did nonviolence workshops in South Africa with the African National Congress. He went to Nigeria when the civil war was happening there," former UN Ambassador Andrew Young once said. "Bernard literally went everywhere he was invited as sort of a global prophet of nonviolence." On March 7, 1965, the beating of future Congressman John Lewis and voting rights marchers on Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge led the evening news, shocking the nation's conscience and pushing Congress to act. But two years before "Bloody Sunday," it was LaFayette who quietly set the stage for Selma and the advances in voting rights that would follow. LaFayette was one of a delegation of Nashville students who in 1960 had helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which organized desegregation and voting rights campaigns across the South. The committee crossed Selma off its map after initial scouting determined "the white folks were too mean and the Black folks were too scared," LaFayette said. But he insisted on trying anyway. Named director of the Alabama Voter Registration Campaign in 1963, LaFayette moved to the town and, with his former wife, Colia Liddell, gradually built the leadership capacity of people there, convincing them that change was possible. The dangers LaFayette faced included an assassination attempt on the same night Medgar Evers was murdered in Mississippi, in what the FBI said was a conspiracy to kill civil rights workers. LaFayette was beaten outside his home before his assailant pointed a gun at him. His calls for help brought out a neighbor with a rifle. LaFayette found himself standing between the two men, asking his neighbor not to shoot. Rather than fight back, he looked his attacker in the eyes. Nonviolence is a fight "to win that person over, a struggle of the human spirit," he wrote. LaFayette's grandmother had decided he was destined to become a preacher and arranged for him to attend a seminary in Nashville, where he roomed with Lewis. They helped lead the nonviolent civil disobedience campaign that led to Nashville becoming the first major Southern city to desegregate downtown accommodations. Barack Obama spoke about the roommates in a eulogy after Lewis died in 2020, recalling how they integrated a Greyhound bus while riding home for Christmas break just weeks after the Supreme Court banned segregation in interstate travel in 1960. The two sat up front and refused to move, angering the driver, who stormed off at every stop, all through the night. "Imagine the courage of these two people ... to challenge an entire infrastructure of oppression," Obama said. "Nobody was there to protect them. There were no camera crews." UPDATE Mar 6, 2026 1:13 PM CST The Florida bar association clarified on Friday that it does not have an ethics investigation underway or pending against former US Attorney Lindsey Halligan, reports the Hill. "In response to an inquiry from a complainant, the Florida bar wrote a letter to the complainant erroneously stating that there is a pending bar investigation," said Jennifer Krell Davis, director of communications for the state bar. "There is no such pending bar investigation," she said. However, she seemed to suggest that could change: She said the bar did receive a complaint about Halligan, and it is "monitoring the ongoing legal proceedings underlying the complaint." Mar 6, 2026 12:00 AM CST The Trump-appointed prosecutor who went after two of the president's prominent foes is now facing scrutiny of her own, the New York Times reports. The Florida bar association has opened an investigation into Lindsey Halligan, the former interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, according to a letter sent to the watchdog group Campaign for Accountability and shared with her. The group had filed complaints with the Florida and Virginia bars regarding Halligan, citing judicial reprimands of her conduct, NBC News reports. Photo: https://ternopilcity.gov.ua President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed the law on introducing amendments to certain legislative acts of Ukraine regarding honoring the memory of compatriots who died as a result of the armed invasion of Russia. According to the bill tracker for No. 14144, the document returned to parliament with the signature of the head of state on Monday, March 6. Under the bill, state authorities and local self-government bodies ensure notification regarding the start and end of the nationwide moment of silence at enterprises, institutions, and organizations within their management sphere. The announcement of the nationwide moment of silence is carried out through media regardless of ownership form, as well as through notification and information systems in the field of civil protection. Furthermore, according to the law, for the purpose of worthily honoring the memory of the victims of the genocide of the Ukrainian peoplethe Holodomor of 19321933a nationwide moment of silence is held in Ukraine every year on the fourth Saturday of November at 4:00 p.m., marking the beginning of the "Light a Candle" all-Ukrainian campaign. The UAE may be about to hit Iran where it hurts most: its bank accounts. Officials in Abu Dhabi were said to be debating whether to freeze billions of dollars in Iranian assets parked in the country, people familiar with the talks say, a step that could choke one of Tehran's key links to foreign currency and worldwide trade as it wages a widening military conflict, per the Wall Street Journal . MS NOW's Morning Joe seemed to advance that report on Friday, noting that a top official in the region had told co-host Joe Scarborough that the UAE had "moved forward early this morning on its threat." Emirati officials had privately cautioned Iran over the potential move after more than 1,000 drones and missiles were launched at targets in the UAE, per the Journal. The UAE's Foreign Ministry declined to comment. CNBC notes that earlier this week, the UAE stressed that it was taking a defensive stance against Iran, instead of taking part in military actions against it. The UAE has long doubled as both a US partner and a financial escape hatch for Iran, hosting front companies, currency exchanges, and shipping networks that help Tehran sell oil and skirt sanctions, per the Journal. Now, measures under review range from freezing accounts tied to Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operations to seizing Iranian ships and going after the "shadow fleet" of oil tankers that move sanctioned oil. Analysts say any serious crackdown would mark a sharp departure from the UAE's strategy of welcoming politically sensitive capitalfrom Iran and, more recently, Russiaand carries risks of Iranian retaliation and economic blowback, so a narrower, IRGC-focused campaign is seen as likelier. American military investigators now think it's probable the US was responsible for the apparent strike that hit an Iranian girls' school over the weekend, reportedly killing dozens of children , according to two US officials who spoke to Reuters . A still-ongoing probe into the strike has not reached a final finding, and the officialsspeaking anonymouslystressed that new evidence could yet shift blame away from the United States. They declined to say what kind of weapon may have been used, who ordered the strike, or why the school in Minab, in southern Iran, was hit on Saturday, the first day of coordinated US and Israeli attacks on the country. Iran's ambassador in Geneva has claimed 150 students were killed, a figure Reuters has not independently verified. The New York Times has a similar report; per its analysis of satellite imagery, videos, and more, the school appears to have been hit during an attack on an adjacent naval base. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Wednesday that the military is examining the incident, saying: "We, of course, never target civilian targets. But we're taking a look and investigating that." A Pentagon spokesperson referred questions to US Central Command, which said it would be "inappropriate" to comment during an active investigation. The White House did not directly address the issue of US involvement; press secretary Karoline Leavitt instead said Iran, not Washington, is the side that "targets civilians and children." US and Israeli forces have been splitting up their strikes inside Iran by region and target type, with Israel focusing on missile launch sites in the west and the US hitting those, plus naval targets, in the south, according to a senior Israeli official and another source. The UN human rights office has called for an inquiry, noting the burden is on whoever carried out the attack to investigate. Intentionally hitting a school or other civilian site could constitute a war crime under international law, and a confirmed US role would make this one of the deadliest civilian casualty events involving American forces in the Middle East in decades. A Florida handyman who was sentenced on Thursday to life in prison for molesting two children had been convicted of storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, but was pardoned by President Trump. Andrew Paul Johnson, 45, is among several Jan. 6 defendants who have been charged with new crimes since Trump's sweeping act of clemency for Capitol rioters, the AP reports. On his first day back in the White House last year, Trump pardoned, commuted prison sentences, or ordered the dismissal of cases for all 1,500-plus people charged in the attack. Johnson was convicted last month of two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child and one count of electronically transmitting material harmful to a minor, according to prosecutors in Hernando County, Florida. County Circuit Judge Judge Stephen Toner handed down Johnson's life sentence. Hungary has seized two armored vans stuffed with cash and gold, detonating a new crisis with Ukraine. Hungarian authorities say they detained seven Ukrainians on Thursday, including a former intelligence general, and confiscated $40 million US, 35 million euros, and 9 kilos of gold as the vehicles traveled from Austria to Ukraine, Reuters reports. Hungarian authorities say they launched a money-laundering probe, with counterterrorism officers involved. Ukraine accuses Hungary of "state terrorism and racketeering," reports the BBC . "We are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money," Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's foreign minister, said in a post on X . Sybiha said Ukraine has demanded the immediate release of its citizens. "These seven Ukrainians are employees of state-owned Oschadbank, who were operating two bank cars transiting between Austria and Ukraine and carrying cash as part of regular services between state banks," he said. Budapest, already blocking major EU aid and fresh sanctions on Russia amid a separate fight over a pipeline that carries Russian oil to Hungary through Ukraine, is demanding Kyiv explain why such large sums are moving through its territory. Oschadbank says the cargo "was cleared in accordance with international transportation rules and applicable European customs procedures." Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is trailing in the polls ahead of Hungary's April 12 election, has threatened to further cut energy and transit links to Ukraine over delays in restarting the Druzhba pipeline, which Kyiv blames on war damage from a Russian drone strike in January. "We will stop things that are important to Ukraine passing through Hungary until we get the approval of the Ukrainians for oil shipments," Orban said Friday. "The Ukrainians will run out of money sooner than we will run out of oil." Orban, who has been in power since 2010, has focused his campaign on an anti-Ukraine message. He has claimed that if he loses the election, the European Union will force Hungary to end energy imports from Russia and Hungarian youth will be sent to die on the frontlines in Ukraine, the AP reports. On X, Sybiha said Orban's remarks "show that the detention of seven Ukrainian citizens in Budapest was part of Hungary's blackmail and electoral campaign." He added: "We will not tolerate this state banditism. Everyone who is responsible for taking and holding our citizens hostage will be held accountable. We reserve the right to take appropriate action, including initiating sanctions and other restrictive measures." Daryl Hannah says she once took comfort in Jacqueline Onassis' advice that tabloids were "bird cage liner" by the next day, but she now argues that in the streaming era, ugly stories now live on forever. In a New York Times opinion piece, the Splash and Roxanne actor condemns the limited FX series Love Story, about John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette, for using Hannah's real name to depict a character she calls wildly inaccurate and defamatory. A producer has said her character functioned as an "adversary" to the couple; Hannah counters that real people aren't plot devices and calls the approach "textbook misogyny" that pits women against each other. Hannah, who's married to rock star Neil Young, lists specific actions the show attributes to "Daryl Hannah" cocaine use and parties, marriage pressure, desecrating a family heirloom, intruding on a private memorial, planting stories in the press, and comparing Onassis' death to a dog'sand flatly denies them all. "It's appalling to me that I even have to defend myself against a television show," she writes. The 65-year-old says the portrayal has already prompted "hostile" and "threatening" notes from viewers who seem to believe it's factual, threatening the reputation she relies on for her environmental and caregiving work. In an age when dramatizations easily harden into public memory, she writes, real names shouldn't be treated as fictional props: "Bird cage liners biodegrade. Online lies endure." More from Hannah here. Sri Lanka just found itself uncomfortably close to the latest flashpoint between the US and Iran, and it's trying hard not to pick a side. A day after a US submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off of Sri Lanka's southern coast, the nation allowed another Iranian warship, the IRINS Bushehr, to dock at the port of Trincomalee after it reported engine trouble, reports the BBC . More than 200 crew members have been evacuated from the vessel and will be taken to the city of Colombo. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake framed the move as a strictly humanitarian and neutral act, saying Sri Lanka would "never hesitate to protect humanity" and stressing its nonaligned stance. "We have to understand that this is not an ordinary situation," he said late Thursday, per the AP. "Our seas and skies can't be used by another nation for their own gain or to harm another nation," he added, per the New York Times, which notes that Sri Lanka and Iran "have solid political and economic ties." The IRIS Dena, which had been part of a multinational naval exercise, was sunk about 44 nautical miles from Sri Lanka, killing at least 87, with 32 survivors now hospitalized and search efforts ongoing for the missing. Iran's foreign minister condemned the US strike as an "atrocity at sea," and that the US would come to "bitterly regret" the attack, while US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed it as the first torpedo sinking of an enemy ship since World War IIone of roughly 20 Iranian naval losses since joint US-Israeli strikes began. Russia isn't just watching the US-Iran war from the sidelines, US officials sayit's feeding Iran data on where to aim. The Washington Post , citing "three officials familiar with the intelligence," reports that since fighting erupted Saturday, Moscow has been supplying Tehran with locations of US military assets, including ships and aircraft, to help guide Iranian strikes. One official described it as a "pretty comprehensive effort." Russia's embassy and US intelligence agencies declined to comment. The reported assistance comes as Iran launches thousands of drones and hundreds of missiles at US bases, embassies, and other targets, including the CIA station in Riyadh, while American and Israeli forces hit more than 2,000 sites in Iran. Analysts say Iran's precision against radars and command hubs suggests access to higher-end intelligence than its limited satellites can provide. A White House spokeswoman said Iran's military is being "absolutely crushed" but did not address Russia's role. Officials say China is not seen as aiding Iran, even as Beijing and Moscow publicly call for the fighting to stop. "The Russians are more than aware of the assistance that we're giving the Ukrainians," one of the Post's sources says. "I think they were very happy to try to get some payback." Russia and Iranwhich has provided support, including drone technology, for Russia's war on Ukrainesigned a "strategic partnership treaty" last year. Asked Thursday whether Moscow intends to send arms deliveries to Tehran, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Iran hadn't asked for help, Reuters reports. "In this case, there were no requests from the Iranian side," he said. "Our consistent position is well known to everyone, and there have been no changes in this regard." Virginia is poised to become the first state to explicitly bar public schools from teaching that Jan. 6 was peaceful or that the 2020 election was marred by sweeping fraud. The Democratic-controlled legislature has passed a bill that would require any Jan. 6 instruction to describe the attack as "an unprecedented, violent attack on United States democratic institutions." It would also forbid presenting claims of massive election fraud as credible, reports the Washington Post. The measure is now in the hands of Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, who has not tipped her hand on whether she will sign it into law, per the Virginia Mercury. However, Democrats expect her to do so. President Trump says peace with Iran comes down to two words: "unconditional surrender." In a Truth Social post Friday morning, Trump declared there would be no agreement to end the US war against Iran unless Tehran fully capitulates and installs new leadership, CNBC reports. Oil markets reacted quickly. Brent crude, the global benchmark, climbed past $90 a barrel after Trump's message. Earlier, Qatar's energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi, warned in an interview with the Financial Times that if the conflict continues to choke traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments, prices could surge to $150 a barrel within weeks, a spike he said "could bring down the economies of the world." Trump's ultimatum comes as Iran has yet to choose a successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike at the start of the war. On Thursday, Trump said he must be "involved" in choosing the country's next leader and warned that Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's son, is "unacceptable." Hours before Trump's post, Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said some countries had begun mediation efforts to end the war. "Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation's dignity & sovereignty," he said on X. "Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict." He didn't name the countries, but Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and Oman have offered to mediate since the US and Israeli strikes began last Saturday, the Guardian reports. A Canadian backpacker whose body was found on a remote Australian island beach in January drowned after being attacked by dingoes, a Queensland coroner has confirmed. Piper James, 19, "died as a result of drowning in the setting of multiple injuries, due to, or as a consequence of a dingo attack" on K'gari, formerly Fraser Island, the Coroner Court of Queensland said Friday. Earlier autopsy findings indicated she had drowned and suffered both pre- and post-mortem bite marks, fueling speculation she may have entered the water trying to escape the animals, the Guardian reports. Chasing prey into the ocean is a common hunting strategy among the island's dingoes, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation . She was last seen around 5am on Jan. 19 heading to the beach alone; her body was discovered near the SS Maheno shipwreck, surrounded by up to a dozen dingoes. James, who was from Campbell River, British Columbia, had been in Australia since October, traveling with a friend from the same town, and had been working in a backpackers' hostel on the island, the CBC reports. Her parents visited K'gari last month to bring their daughter's remains back to Canada. Her father said on Facebook that he wanted to "walk where she last walked, and try to feel the spirit of my baby girl in some way." Her death has intensified debate over how to manage K'gari's small, genetically distinct dingo population amid rising human-wildlife encounters and booming tourism. Eight dingoes from the pack linked to the incident have since been killed, a move criticized by James' parents, who say their daughter loved animals, and by conservationists who warn the population could be pushed toward extinction on the island, which is home to around 150 people and 200 dingoes. UNHCR records decrease in intentions of Ukrainian refugees to return to Ukraine, but most would return within first year if safety guaranteed The number of Ukrainian refugees intending to return home is decreasing as the duration of displacement grows, yet many remain ready to return immediately once the security situation improves, stated UNHCR Representative in Ukraine Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth in an exclusive interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency. She reported that UNHCR has just completed its seventh round of the Intentions Survey across 20 European countries, the results of which will be released shortly. "We see that the number of people intending to return is decreasing. This is not unique to Ukraine. I have worked in many parts of the world, and whenever a displacement situation lasts for years, return intentions diminish," Castel-Hollingsworth noted. At the same time, the UNHCR Representative emphasized that refugees express a strong desire to return if the situation improves. "What refugees tell us is that they are very eager to return if the situation improves. And as soon as the situation gets better, they will return immediately," she said. Castel-Hollingsworth noted that once peace and security guarantees are achieved, vulnerable groupsthe elderly, women, persons with disabilities, and similar profileswill likely be the first to return to Ukraine. Regarding the return of men who have left Ukraine, she refrained from predicting figures or trends, as this will largely depend on the lifting of martial law and matters of conscription and mobilization, which are the prerogative of the Ukrainian government. Responding to the observation that the longer people remain abroad, the lower the probability of return, Castel-Hollingsworth confirmed: "It is the same everywhere. You know, it is the same with Syrian refugees. I worked for many years in Africa. You always see that the longer the displacement lasts, the less likely the return becomes. But still, many refugees from Ukraine who participated in our survey say they are very eager to return." The main obstacles to return, according to the UNHCR Representative, remain safety and related factors. "Refugees name three main thingsand internally displaced persons in Ukraine say the same. Most importantlysafety (which at a minimum means a ceasefire, and preferably a just peace). Besides safety, they name three key elements: housing in first place, livelihoods (the ability to find a job), and access to servicesprimarily schools for those with children, hospitals for the elderly, and similar necessities," she explained. Castel-Hollingsworth added that according to surveys, 62% of internally displaced persons report homes that are destroyed, damaged, or located in occupied territory, which constitutes a massive obstacle. Regarding the potential number of returns, she noted that UNHCR is considering various scenarios. "According to published research, depending on the scenarios for the end of the war / ceasefire, between 2.3 and 3.5 million refugees could return. The exact figure depends on many factors. Of course, in a scenario without a ceasefire or lasting peace, the number of returns in 2026 will remain very low," the UNHCR representative said, citing a report available at: https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/117421. She emphasized that the agency is actively preparing for potential mass returns of people. "When conditions become safe, refugees usually return very quicklymost in the first year. They do not wait long; as soon as safety is guaranteed, a large number of people return almost immediately. It is estimated that about 1.4 million refugees have already returned and stayed for at least three months, with over 300,000 heading to places other than their original homes," Castel-Hollingsworth reported. This is why, according to her, UNHCR is focusing on long-term solutions for internally displaced persons in collective centersthis will directly facilitate the return of refugees as well. "The work we are planning with the Ministry of Social Policy and regional authorities regarding people currently in collective centers will directly support future refugee returns. That is why we are moving toward long-term solutions in parallel with emergency response," she explained. The UNHCR Representative confirmed that the agency will maintain emergency capacity for immediate response to the needs of those affected by shelling and evacuated families, while simultaneously promoting sustainable solutions to complement the efforts of the Ukrainian authorities. Lily Allen is literally wrapping herself in the subject of her new music. At the March 2 kickoff of her West End Girl Tour, the singer performed "4chan Stan" while pulling a long strip of green silk from behind a bed onstagefabric seemingly printed with shopping receipt textthen twirling it around herself to form a fitted "revenge dress," per E! News . The song describes discovering evidence of an ex buying luxury items for other women, with Allen singing, "Never been Bergdorf's/But you took someone shopping there [on] May 24 ... You bought her a handbag/It wasn't cheap/I was in London/Probably asleep." Video of Allen's performance in the eyebrow-raising dress has since circulated on social media, with BuzzFeed noting that the internet is "freaking out" over it. Writing for the Washington Post, Shane O'Neill calls the dress "peak pettiness" but says he's "here for it." "We do love to see a woman in a 'revenge dress,' don't we?" he notes. "Looking fierce, fabulous, and unbothered in public after being mistreated by a man." The track arrived about eight months after Allen's breakup with Harbour was confirmed; she and the Stranger Things star formally separated in February of last year, per E! News. The outlet notes it has asked reps for both stars for comment but hasn't yet received a response. Allen has previously stressed that while her new album draws heavily from her marriage, it shouldn't be read as a direct diary. "There are things that are on the record that I experienced within my marriage, but that's not to say that it's all gospel," she told British Vogue in October, calling the album "inspired" by the relationship and written in just 16 days as she worked through "confusion, sorrow, grief, helplessness." Harbour, speaking to British GQ in April, said he prefers to protect his private life and instead channel his experiences into his roles, arguing that whatever he goes through "will always be useful to someone else if it's channeled through art." Canadian police say an outspoken Iranian activist who vanished near Vancouver a month ago is probably dead, and possibly part of a wider pattern that has critics of Tehran on edge. Investigators in Burnaby, British Columbia, announced they're treating the disappearance of 45-year-old mathematician Masood Masjoody as a homicide, though they've yet to find his body or name suspects, per the Guardian . Police say all of the evidence they've so far gathered points to foul play, while stressing it's too early to publicly link the case to Iran. Masjoody, a former sessional instructor at Simon Fraser University, had loudly challenged both Iran's government and opposition groups, and he frequently alleged infiltration of Canadian institutions by Tehran. He was fired by the school in 2020 after disputes over grading, sexual harassment accusations, and misogynistic social media posts, then launched a flurry of failed lawsuits that courts ultimately labeled abusive. Activists say his disappearance fits a troubling pattern: Canadian intelligence has warned of Iranian interference; a watchdog has flagged Iranian financial networks in major Canadian cities; and former Justice Minister Irwin Cotler in 2024 said he'd survived an Iranian-backed assassination plot. An activist acquaintance now in the US calls Masjoody's case a stark reminder of "the consequences of speaking openly" against Iran. Investigators are asking anyone with information about his disappearance to call 1-877-551-IHIT (4448), or contact them via email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. The CBC, meanwhile, has more on Masjoody. People on weight-loss drugs like Ozempic may not need to jab themselves nearly as often as they think, a small new study suggests. Researchers at Scripps Health followed 30 patients on GLP-1 medicationsincluding semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)who'd hit a weight plateau and then shifted to less frequent injections, reports Gizmodo . Some stretched doses to once every two weeks; a few went longer, with one patient dosing roughly every six weeks. Over an average of about nine months, most participants kept their weight off and maintained improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, according to findings published in the journal Obesity. Only five saw modest weight regain, and four people who began to gain switched back to their original schedule. The research also noted that weight lost during the reduced-dosing period came from lost fat, not muscle, per the New York Times. The study is small and not randomized, and the authors stress that larger trials are needed before changing standard practice, per Gizmodo. Still, they say a structured "de-escalation" strategy could eventually help reduce side effects, ease costs, and make long-term use of GLP-1 drugs more realistic, while also freeing up supply for others who need them. "Chronic treatment does not necessarily mean maximal weekly dosing forever," Harvard obesity expert Dr. Fatima C. Stanford tells the Times. A South Florida university has launched an investigation into a group chat started by an official with the Miami-Dade chapter of the Republican Party that included violently racist slurs, antisemitic comments, and misogynistic language, reports the AP . The chat, which was denounced by the state GOP, involved students and several top conservative leaders at Florida International University, according to the Miami Herald , which viewed and independently verified the conversations. The university said in a statement on Thursday that the conduct of the students was being investigated by the campus police in coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement, per the AP. "FIU does not and will not tolerate violence, hate, discrimination, harassment, racism, or antisemitism," said FIU President Jeanette Nunez, a former Florida lieutenant governor and GOP state lawmaker. "This is not who we are. This is not what FIU stands for." The Republican Party of Florida said in a statement that it was undertaking "an internal review of this situation" and condemned "the repugnant comments," saying they were "completely contrary" to what the organization represents. Last fall, New York's Republican State Committee suspended a Young Republicans organization following the release of a group chat that included jokes about rape and flippant commentary on gas chambers. An official with the Republican Jewish Coalition on Friday said that it echoed the condemnation of the chat by Florida GOP officials. "Antisemitism and bigotry have no place in the Republican Party," said Sam Markstein, a spokesman for the Jewish GOP group. An Ohio County has solved the mystery of a weekend-long internet blackout: It was a squirrel, not a careless contractor as first thought. A Medina County official says a squirrel nesting inside part of the local fiber network chewed through lines on Feb. 20, taking down phone and internet service for multiple government offices, including the prosecutor's and auditor's departments, reports Cleveland.com . "It's hard to make this stuff up," County Administrator Matt Springer told Medina commissioners, per UPI. The county's IT staff initially thought that a contractor severed underground fiber, but a trace of the break led them to the squirrel nest inside the fiber infrastructure. Crews spent the weekend replacing about 500 feet of fiber and installing new underground housing, with service restored on the evening of Feb. 22. Officials are working to shore up protections. Russia is providing Iran with targeting information for attacks on American troops in the Middle East, marking the first sign that another major US adversary is indirectly participating in the war, The Washington Post writes, citing three informed officials who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. "Since the war began on Saturday, Russia has transmitted information to Iran regarding the location of US military facilities, including warships and aircraft," the publication writes. "It seems to be a fairly comprehensive initiative," noted one of the newspapers sources. According to the report, the full scale of Russias assistance to Iran in missile targeting was not entirely clear. Officials stated that the Iranian militarys ability to locate US forces had degraded in less than a week since the start of hostilities. Two officials familiar with Russias support for Iran stated that China, it appears, is not assisting Iran in the defense sector despite close ties between the two countries. Iran is "carrying out very precise strikes on early warning radars or over-the-horizon radars," said Dara Massicot, an expert on the Russian armed forces at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "They are doing this in a very targeted manner. They are going after command and control systems," she added. Iran has only a few military satellites and does not possess its own satellite constellation, making imagery provided by Russiawhich has much more advanced space capabilitiesextremely valuable, especially since the Kremlin has refined its own targeting tools after years of war in Ukraine, Massicot noted. Nicole Grajewski, who studies Irans cooperation with Russia at the Harvard Kennedy Schools Belfer Center, said that Iranian retaliatory strikes have been very "sophisticated" both in terms of the targets Tehran has chosen and its ability, in some cases, to overcome the defenses of the US and its allies. "They are breaking through air defenses," she said, noting that the quality of Irans strikes appears to have improved even compared to the 12-day war with Israel last summer. The Pentagon is rapidly depleting its stockpiles of precision-guided weapons and air defense interceptors, sources familiar with the matter told The Washington Post, highlighting concerns expressed by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Committee of Chiefs of Staff, as President Donald Trump weighed whether to approve the operation. The administration has attempted to downplay the significance of Caines assessment. TOKYO, Mar 05 (News On Japan) - An Iranian man studying at a Japanese language school said he came to Japan about two years ago with the dream of starting a trading company, but he has been unable to contact his family in Iran since his homeland came under attack. Another Iranian man, 60, who imports and sells traditional Iranian crafts including Persian carpets in Tokyo, described the anguish he felt watching events unfold in his country. "The most painful thing is seeing bombs fall in many places within just a few minutes, buildings disappear, and people die," he said. The mans parents, both in their 90s, still live in Iran. He said frustration had been building among citizens even before the recent attacks, noting that the government had imposed restrictions on internet use and other aspects of daily life. According to the Immigration Services Agency, about 4,500 Iranians were living in Japan as of June 2025. How these residents view the current crisis varies, but many say the situation has brought out feelings they previously could not express openly. Even so, some say there are reasons why the current government has remained in power despite growing dissatisfaction among citizens. Source: FNN NAGOYA, Mar 05 (News On Japan) - Aichi Prefecture has resumed discussions on attracting an integrated resort (IR) facility that would include a casino, a plan drawing renewed attention from residents of Tokoname City, the proposed host area. Governor Hideaki Omura revealed at a press conference in February that the prefecture would once again study the feasibility of developing an IR project. Integrated resorts combine large-scale tourism facilities such as hotels, restaurants and convention centers, and under Japans legislation can also include casinos where gambling is permitted under strict regulation. The candidate location under consideration is an area near Chubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname, which also hosts the Aichi Sky Expo international exhibition center. The site, positioned at the gateway to the Chubu region, receives large numbers of travelers every day. Japans central government plans to allow up to three IR facilities nationwide. Construction is already underway in Osaka, while proposals from several other cities have previously failed to secure approval. Aichi Prefecture is now examining whether it should formally enter the competition for one of the remaining potential licenses. Omura said the initiative is aimed at strengthening the regions appeal as an international tourism hub. The prefecture hopes that an integrated resort could serve as a focal point for global tourism while helping stimulate the local economy. Aichi had previously explored the possibility of hosting an IR as far back as 2017, when a panel of experts was convened to study the idea. However, the plan was effectively put on hold after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Roughly six years later, the prefecture is reconsidering the project. Officials say they want to evaluate whether an IR could revitalize tourism and economic activity, while also generating stable revenue that could be used to support healthcare and welfare policies. The renewed examination comes after the national government indicated that it plans to reopen the application process for IR development between May and November next year. In response, Aichi Prefecture has decided to reassess the feasibility of submitting a bid. Tatsuaki Kuroda, who chaired the expert panel that previously advised Aichi to pursue an IR, argues that bringing a casino resort to the region could produce major economic benefits. Kuroda said the original concept was to leverage Centrair Airport to attract more international visitors and establish the area as a hub for tourism in central Japan. With the expected recovery of international flights and potential airport expansion, he believes more overseas travelers could arrive, stay in the area, and use it as a base for exploring destinations across the Chubu region. At the same time, Kuroda emphasized that a successful resort would need more than hotels and conference facilities. "If an IR were built at Centrair, it would need to offer a wider range of attractions," he said. "Especially if targeting overseas visitors, the region must communicate its unique appeal. Otherwise, it may struggle to sustain interest in the long term." Tokoname City officials say they are cautiously watching the prefectures decision-making process. They note that an increase in inbound tourism could potentially serve as a catalyst for promoting tourism throughout the surrounding region. Local business owners also expressed mixed but generally positive views. One shop operator said attracting more visitors could be beneficial. "Since we work in a tourist area, it would be good if more people came," the person said, adding that increased foot traffic could help local businesses. Another resident said they hope international tourists might also venture into Tokonames well-known pottery walking district. However, concerns remain about potential gambling addiction. While the prefecture plans to strengthen awareness campaigns for young people through social media and establish support centers for addiction, some residents worry about the risks. "Theres always the concern that local people could become addicted and spend too much money," one resident said. Kuroda acknowledged that gambling addiction is a legitimate concern and said countermeasures would need to be carefully managed, with the prefectural government taking a leading role in addressing potential social impacts. Aichi Prefecture began soliciting opinions from interested private-sector operators on February 25th as part of the evaluation process. Officials aim to decide whether to move forward with a formal bid before the national governments application deadline next November. Some experts argue that the region must develop stronger attractions to encourage visitors to stay longer. Many tourists currently visit destinations such as Takayama or Shirakawa-go but do not remain in Nagoya, instead quickly moving on to Kansai or Tokyo. To change that pattern, they say, Aichi will need to create facilities and experiences that encourage visitors to spend more time in the region. Source: Nagoya TV News TOKYO, Mar 06 (News On Japan) - Japan was once known as a vending machine superpower, but the number of machines across the country continues to decline as rising prices and changing consumer habits drive people away from drink vending machines. Younger consumers say they are using vending machines far less frequently than in the past. A person in their twenties said, I dont really use them anymore. Drinks used to cost around 100 yen, but now theyre close to 200 yen, and sometimes I dont even know where the machines are. Another consumer in their thirties noted that convenience stores and discount retailers often offer cheaper options. Bottled drinks at convenience stores are cheaper, and since theres a Don Quijote nearby, I dont really use vending machines, the person said. With prices rising and households becoming more budget-conscious, consumers are increasingly turning to supermarkets and drugstores where beverages are typically sold at lower prices. As a result, the shift away from vending machines is accelerating. Major beverage companies are already feeling the impact. Ito En reported a loss of 13.7 billion yen in its vending machine business in its consolidated financial results for the fiscal year ending January 2026. Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Holdings also recorded a loss of 90.4 billion yen in its consolidated results for the fiscal year ending December 2025. Amid these challenges, some companies are now exiting the business entirely. Pokka Sapporo Food & Beverage, a subsidiary of Sapporo Holdings, announced on March 5th that it will sell its vending machine business to Life Drink Company, a soft drink manufacturer and distributor, with the transaction expected to be completed around October this year. The company cited rising equipment maintenance costs and labor shortages as key factors behind the decision. Meanwhile, DyDo Group Holdings has announced plans to remove around 20,000 vending machines. DyDo Group posted a record net loss of 30.3 billion yen in its fiscal 2025 results. Although vending machines account for roughly 90 percent of the companys domestic beverage business revenue, the company plans to reduce its network of about 270,000 machines nationwide by approximately 20,000 units by the end of the next fiscal year. At the same time, DyDo Drinko is seeking new ways to differentiate its vending machine business by selling products other than beverages. One such initiative allows customers to purchase diapers from vending machines. A reporter who tried one of the machines successfully bought a cylindrical package of diapers. The diaper vending machines were launched in 2019 as part of a joint initiative with Daio Paper aimed at supporting families with young children. The project was also designed to distinguish the companys machines from those of competitors, and around 800 units are currently in operation. DyDo is also expanding vending machines that sell snacks and is strengthening its network of mini convenience stores installed inside corporate offices, with about 600 already in operation. Although Japan was once widely known as a vending machine powerhouse, the number of machines nationwide has fallen significantly. After peaking at about 5.6 million units in 2000, the total dropped to roughly 3.9 million the year before last. With prices continuing to rise and consumers increasingly focused on saving money, the beverage industrys vending machine business is expected to remain under pressure for the foreseeable future. Source: TBS YOKOHAMA, Mar 06 (News On Japan) - Orange prices have surged worldwide due to poor harvests, forcing some stores to stop selling orange juice altogether. Amid the growing shortage, a new product has emerged in Japan: an orange-flavored juice made without using any oranges. At a supermarket in Yokohama, a look at the beverage shelves shows the impact of the price spike. Reporter: "This orange juice being sold here is priced at 431 yen including tax." The cost is roughly double that of apple juice of the same size. Even among different manufacturers, only orange juice made from 100% fruit appears significantly more expensive than other juices. Koji Kubota, food buyer at Super Celcio Wadamachi store, explained that the situation has changed dramatically in a short time. Kubota: "About two years ago, most manufacturers sold apple and orange juice at the same price. But starting around a year ago, companies raised orange juice prices all at once. Some manufacturers have even stopped producing it entirely, so something quite extraordinary is happening." The main cause is poor harvests in major orange-producing countries such as Brazil, which have suffered from unfavorable weather in recent years. The weak yen has further worsened the situation. Japan relies on imports for about 90% of the orange juice used by domestic manufacturers, and the price of imported juice has nearly quadrupled over the past five years. Shoppers are beginning to feel the strain. Customer: "It's expensive. It's getting hard to buy." Another shopper said: "My child asked me to buy orange juice today. They really like it, but it's becoming harder to buy. Prices are rising for everything, so it hurts." The so-called "orange shock" is also affecting juice stands. Customer from Canada: "Good! Very fresh." The shop specializes in freshly made 100% juices prepared after an order is placed. However, a look at the menu reveals that orange juice is now listed with a market price. Kazunari Arai of Ozawa Fruits said the store had little choice. Arai: "Before, we had a fixed price listed, but orange prices became so high that selling it normally became difficult, so we switched to market price." As a result, the shop now prepares orange juice only when an order is placed. Previously it sold for 500 yen, but on the day of the interview the market price had climbed to 1,200 yen. Customer: "Since it's market price, I hesitate to order it." Against this backdrop, beverage maker Kagome has stepped in with a new approach. Yosuke Kondo, chief staff member in Kagome's beverage planning department, said the company feared orange juice might disappear from everyday life. Kondo: "We felt a sense of urgency that orange juice could stop being something people easily enjoy, so we moved forward with developing a solution." The result is a 100% juice that tastes like orange juicedespite containing no oranges at all. Kondo explained that the key ingredient is carrot. Kondo: "The main component is carrot, specifically a yellow carrot variety we produce called 'ki-ninjin.'" These New Zealand-grown yellow carrots are known for their light, citrus-like freshness. The juice blends them with pineapple and apple in carefully balanced proportions. News caster Ayu Yamauchi sampled the drink. Yamauchi: "Ahorange juice! It tastes like orange juice. But in the aftertaste, you can faintly sense vegetables. I don't taste carrot at all. It really feels like orange juice." By breaking down the flavor and aroma components of oranges into numerical data and recreating them with proprietary technology, Kagome succeeded in producing an orange-flavored juice without using oranges. The product will sell for about 140 yen for a 195-milliliter bottle and is scheduled to go on sale next Tuesday. Source: TBS OSAKA, Mar 06 (News On Japan) - A 21-year-old man has been rearrested in connection with a stabbing incident in Osakas Minami district that left three 17-year-old boys dead or injured, as police also launched outreach efforts for troubled youths in the area. Police said Ryuga Iwasaki, 21, an unemployed man, was rearrested on suspicion of attempted murder after allegedly stabbing two 17-year-old boys with a folding knife at a commercial building in Chuo Ward, Osaka, late at night on February 14th. One of the boys was left unconscious in critical condition, while the other sustained serious injuries. Both have since recovered and been discharged from the hospital, according to investigators. Iwasaki had already been arrested on suspicion of murdering Takunosuke Kamata, a company employee, in the same case. During initial questioning, Iwasaki reportedly told investigators that he "did not intend to kill," but police say he is now refusing to speak. Investigators believe that shortly before the incident, Iwasaki had been involved in a dispute after allegedly harassing a female acquaintance of the teenagers, and police are continuing to examine the circumstances leading up to the attack. Meanwhile, near the area in Minami known locally as "Gurishita," which Iwasaki was said to frequent, officers from the Osaka Prefectural Police on March 6th distributed information about counseling services to high school students and others, encouraging them to seek help if they are facing problems. Police say they plan to strengthen patrols in areas where young people gather, such as karaoke establishments, in an effort to improve public safety ahead of the upcoming spring vacation period. Source: YOMIURI James Li presents Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI) as the path forward, outlining how AI can enhance human potential BARCELONA, Spain, March 4, 2026 /CNW/ -- James Li, CEO of global AI device ecosystem company HONOR, today delivered a forward-looking keynote address on the main stage of Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, outlining how AI can enhance human potential. "We believe the essence of AI must remain human-centric," said James Li, as HONOR takes the center stage at MWC for the first time. "Our goal is to give intelligence both IQ and EQ, the power to solve, and the soul to understand. It will help us navigate a fast-changing world, so we can live each moment with joy, love, and wisdom." James Li, CEO of HONOR, delivered keynote address on the main stage of MWC. GLOMO award presented to HONOR at MWC HONOR delivered an outstanding performance at this year's event, anchored by a bold vision for the future--Augmented Human Intelligence (AHI)--and crowned by a true showstopper: the HONOR Robot Phone. HONOR was rewarded the "Best Disruptive Device innovation" for the implementation and commercialisation of silicon carbon battery technology by Global Mobile (GLOMO) at MWC 2025. This innovation empowers HONOR Magic V6 to achieve an industry-first silicon content of 25%, supporting higher energy density in an ultra-thin foldable design. At MWC 2026, HONOR also demonstrated next-generation battery innovation with the all-new HONOR Silicon-carbon Blade Battery, featuring 32% silicon content and 985 Wh/L. It signals a further leap in ultra-thin, ultra-high energy battery technology. Furthermore, numerous global institutes has awarded a series of HONOR products, including HONOR Robot Phone, HONOR Magic V6, HONOR MagicPad4, and HONOR MagicBook Pro 14 "Best in Show"for MWC 2026, while media and analysts praised its human-centric innovation and its integration of robotics, AI, and mobile communication technologies. HONOR's Robot Phone is the best showcase of HONOR's AHI vision, which places humanity at the center of the AI revolution, advocating for technology that seeks to enhance, not replace, human potential and creativity. To turn this vision into reality, three forms of intelligence must work together: personal intelligence: the AI agent that lives on users' personal devices, universal intelligence: the collective brain of humanity, bringing the world's knowledge to users; and edge intelligence: like robots and electric vehicles, acting as users' new "eyes" and "hands" in the physical world. As an embodied AI device that can sense and interact with the world, the HONOR Robot Phone exemplifies how these three intelligences can seamlessly integrate to empower anyone to become a professional filmmaker: bring AI and imaging together, unlock a whole new world of self-expression."It makes creation not only effortless, and far more exciting," says James Li. On the stage, James Li also issued an open invitation for collaboration across the industry to create an AI device ecosystem. "We aspire to be a cool company, teaming up with the coolest minds. Together, for a cool future of AI!" he said. From the Robot Phone to the latest foldable, tablet and PC innovation, global media and MWC attendees are welcome to visit the HONOR booth in Hall 3 to experience the future of intelligent devices firsthand. About HONOR For more information, please visit HONOR online at www.honor.com https://community.honor.com/ https://www.facebook.com/honorglobal/ https://x.com/honorglobal https://www.instagram.com/honorglobal/ https://www.youtube.com/c/HonorOfficial SOURCE Honor Device Co., Ltd or email [email protected] BARCELONA, Spain, March 4, 2026 /CNW/ -- At the Mobile World Congress (MWC), vivo and the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme officially announced the launch of "Capture the Future: Global Youth Storytelling Initiative for People and Nature". This partnership empowers youth worldwide to utilize mobile imaging to document the intricate and harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, fostering a shared commitment to a sustainable global future. Youth Leading the Story: Building a Shared Global Commitment vivo and UNESCO formalize the partnership at MWC From left to right: Prof. Antonio De Sousa Abreu, Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences, UNESCO; Yu Meng, Vice President of Imaging at vivo As mobile imaging technology matures, it has evolved into a vital medium for public observation and social engagement. Today's young creators are increasingly directing their lenses toward the intersection of social and environmental dynamics. As a pioneer in mobile imaging innovation, vivo has long been committed to supporting creators in using visual storytelling to reflect on real-world challenges and bridge the gap between individual perspectives and community action. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves serve as "demonstration sites" that integrate ecological conservation with sustainable community development. These sites require the fresh, innovative expressions of the young generation to highlight successful models of sustainable living. Through this initiative, vivo and UNESCO MAB are systematically empowering youth to become core advocates for ecological documentation and the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Yu Meng, Vice President of Imaging at vivo emphasized: "Meaningful technology starts with people and ends with a better society. Through this collaboration, we aim to translate our professional expertise in mobile imaging into tangible support for young creators worldwide as they document ecological biodiversity and community resilience. We aspire for vivo to be a trusted companion for youth exploring the world and shaping the future. Prof. Antonio De Sousa Abreu, Director of the Division of Ecological and Earth Sciences at UNESCO added: "Young people are essential drivers of sustainable development. Their unique outlook and creative energy are invaluable. Through this partnership with vivo, we are providing a global platform for them to use the universal language of imagery to transform stories from Biosphere Reserves into real-world impact, driving progress in areas such as human-nature relationship, education and public science, as well as indigenous and local knowledge." A Collaborative Journey: From Observation to Impact The initiative launches with a global open call for visual storytelling submissions via UNESCO MAB youth networks, running from March to May. Centered on the synergy between biodiversity, climate resilience, cultural heritage, and sustainable innovation, the program aims to spotlight forward-thinking solutions through a youthful lens. Winners will travel to European biosphere reserves for the Global Youth Visual Storytelling Co-Creation Camp, where their narratives will help bridge the gap between humanity and the natural world, inspiring global action for a sustainable future. To ensure these narratives achieve both technical excellence and environmental depth, participants will be guided by a "dual-mentor" team consisting of vivo imaging specialists and UNESCO sustainability experts. These immersive experiences, bolstered by regional capacity-building workshops, are designed to empower young participants to evolve from observers into influential storytellers. The journey will culminate in a global showcase, bringing these amplified youth perspectives to the world stage to drive meaningful impact. Vision for a Resilient Future Looking ahead, vivo and UNESCO MAB remain dedicated to mobilizing youth creativity to translate the complex actions of biosphere reserves into visually compelling narratives. By blending cutting-edge imaging technology with human-centric actions, this partnership seeks to transcend regional and cultural boundaries. Together, these visual stories will converge into a global movement for sustainable development, helping to build a more resilient, harmonious, and promising future for all. About vivo vivo is a technology company that creates great products based on a user-oriented value, with smart devices and intelligent services as its core. The company aims to build a bridge between humans and the digital world. Through unique creativity, vivo provides users with an increasingly convenient mobile and digital life. Following the company's core values, which include Benfen*, user-orientation, design-driven value, continuous learning and team spirit, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy with the vision of developing into a healthier, more sustainable world-class corporation. While bringing together and developing the best local talents to deliver excellence, vivo is supported by a network of R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xi'an and more cities, focusing on the development of state-of-the-art consumer technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, industrial design, imaging system and other up-and-coming technologies. vivo has also set up an intelligent manufacturing network (including those authorized by vivo), with an annual production capacity of nearly 200 million smartphones. As of now, vivo has branched out its sales network across more than 60 countries and regions, and is loved by more than 500 million users worldwide. *"Benfen" is a term describing the attitude on doing the right things and doing things right which is the ideal description of vivo's mission to create value for society. Stay informed of latest vivo news at https://www.vivo.com/en/about-vivo/news SOURCE vivo Kristina Miladinoska, [email protected] 79% of young Canadians know how to identify fraud, but 82% worry AI will result in more sophisticated financial scams TORONTO, March 6, 2026 /CNW/ - Most young Canadians believe they're able to spot AI-generated fraud, but despite this confidence they are also the most susceptible to falling victim. According to a new Scotiabank Fraud Awareness Poll, Canadians aged 18-34 are most confident (76%) among all age groups in their ability to identify AI-generated scams. However, younger Canadians are also most vulnerable, with nearly one-in-three (29%) saying they fell for a scam in the past year. Social media and email scams topped the list, suggesting that fraudsters are developing new channels to target younger, more digitally-connected generations. The findings support a growing trend in Canada: despite perceptions that seniors are the most vulnerable to financial fraud, younger Canadians are increasingly falling victim. And as advancements in AI lead to a rise in deepfakes, Canadians of all ages are concerned about what tomorrow could bring, with 90% expressing fear that AI will create more sophisticated financial fraud that is harder to detect. Amid these concerns, half (50%) of Canadians say they rely on their financial institutions for fraud prevention resources. As fraudsters increasingly target all ages, it's imperative that Canadians turn to their financial institutions even more as their key partner for fraud education and resources. "As fraudsters leverage AI to create more convincing scams than ever before, there is an opportunity for financial institutions like Scotiabank to continue to educate Canadians on how to spot scams, practice safe banking habits and take steps for added protection," says Tammy McKinnon, Senior Vice President of Global Fraud Management, Scotiabank. "Fraud is increasingly impacting younger Canadians, and it is important for families to turn to their Bank for fraud prevention resources to help each other stay informed and protected. At Scotiabank, we're committed to supporting the fight against fraud and keeping our clients' financial information safe." The poll also showed Canadians (78%) are aware of the security precautions their financial institution has in place. The majority of Canadians use secure and unique passwords (88%), enable two-step verification when offered (82%), and know how to identify and report fraudulent activity (81%). Nearly three-quarters (71%) of Canadians believe financial institutions should be given more time to process transactions to protect against fraud . How can Canadians safeguard themselves against AI scams? Visit Scotiabank's Cybersecurity and Fraud Hub for fraud prevention resources, such as descriptions of common scams, fraud simulation activities, and a scam identifier tool. Hub for prevention resources, such as descriptions of common scams, simulation activities, and a scam identifier tool. Activate multifactor authentication where possible on all your online accounts to help keep your information safe and secure. Establish a code word with your family. If you receive an unusual voice or video call from them, ask for the code word to validate the legitimacy of the call, or call them back to confirm it's truly them. If you suspect a deepfake or an AI scam, do not share, like, or comment on it. Use the report function on social media to flag it. If you are a Scotiabank client: Enable Scotia InfoAlerts to stay on top of your account activity and get notified immediately when your bank cards have been used. Scotiabank will alert you when on any transactions that appear unusual with Scotia Fraud Alerts. Scotiabank will never contact you and ask for your PIN, password, one-time verification codes or account numbers. We will never ask for you to turn over your bank cards or download third party software. To help protect Canadians against fraud, Scotiabank has teamed up with the federal government, law enforcement and Canada's major financial services, telecommunications and technology companies to form the Canadian Anti-Scam Coalition. The Coalition is Canada's first unified cross-sector initiative to combat scams. About the Scotiabank Fraud Awareness Poll This survey was undertaken by The Harris Poll Canada. It ran overnight on January 7th, 2026, with 1,514 randomly selected Canadian adults who are online panellists. The results have been weighted by age, gender, region, and education (and in Quebec, language) to match the population, according to Census data. This is to ensure the sample is representative of the entire adult population of Canada. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error (which measures sampling variability) of 2.5%, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals when compared to the data tables are due to rounding. About Scotiabank Scotiabank's vision is to be our clients' most trusted financial partner and deliver sustainable, profitable growth. Guided by our purpose: "for every future," we help our clients, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products, and services, including personal and commercial banking, wealth management and private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets. With assets of approximately $1.5 trillion (as at January 31, 2026), Scotiabank is one of the largest banks in North America by assets, and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: BNS) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BNS). For more information, please visit http://www.scotiabank.com and follow us on X @Scotiabank. SOURCE Scotiabank For media enquiries, please contact: Claire Dawson, Scotiabank, Global Corporate Affairs, 437-860-6599. Photo: http://bank.gov.ua/ Based on the evidence base of counterintelligence and investigators of the State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), an FSB agent detained in November 2022 in the border area of the Sumy region has been sentenced to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property, the SBU press service reports. "As the investigation established, he, along with an accomplice, prepared diversions against officers of the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who were performing combat missions in the northeastern direction. According to the case materials, the perpetrators tried to track the locations of Ukrainian warriors and their movement routes in the region. Furthermore, the agent received coordinates of a cache from the FSB from which he was to retrieve combat grenades and anti-tank mines to commit diversions," a message in the Telegram channel states. SBU employees acted ahead of time and detained the individual in a forest near the ammunition cache. According to the investigation, the convict is a local handyman recruited by the FSB. He came to the attention of the Russian special service when he published pro-Kremlin comments in Telegram channel chats. Subsequently, the agent involved an acquaintance in the cooperation, with whom they spied on Ukrainian warriors and identified concentration areas of Defense Forces units. "Based on SBU materials, the court found the agent guilty under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 2 of Article 111 (high treason committed under martial law); Part 1 of Article 14, Part 2 of Article 113 (preparation for committing a diversion under martial law)," the SBU noted. The investigation was conducted by SBU employees in the Sumy region under the procedural guidance of the regional prosecutors office. Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited combat brigades in Donetsk region and reported that the Russians are preparing an offensive here in the spring. "Today Donetsk region, our land, our soldiers. The 28th brigade, the 100th, the 24th separate mechanized, the 36th marine brigade. I want to thank all of you, everyone who defends our state," Zelenskyy said in an address on Friday. "Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, Sloviansk, our other cities. The Russians are not giving up on war and here, in Donetsk region, they are preparing an offensive for the spring. It is important that our positions are strong," the president said. He noted the importance of ensuring that the brigades are adequately supplied and that the defenders behave with dignity. "And this is how our country, our diplomacy, our people will continue to behave. All our partners in America, in Europe, wherever should clearly understand that Putin, the Iranian regime, North Korea, Lukashenko and others like them are friends only in order to do what they want, as with our Donbass," he added. The head of state said evil must be stopped, and Ukrainians are doing just that in Donbas. Photo: https://x.com/andrii_sybiha Seven Ukrainians previously detained in Hungary have now been released and returned to Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said. "I have already briefed President Zelenskyy that we were able to secure the release of seven Ukrainian nationals who were held in Budapest. They are already safe and they have crossed the Ukrainian border. Our consuls have provided necessary assistance," Sybiha said on X on Friday. He thanked the employees of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and the Ukrainian Embassy in Hungary, "as I thank our team at the MFA and Ukraine's embassy in Hungary, as well as our law enforcement, government agencies, state banks, and everyone who helped achieve their release." As reported, on March 5, 2026, two vehicles of the Oschadbank collection service were detained in Hungary during the regular transportation of foreign currency and bank metals. The transportation of funds and valuables was carried out within the framework of an international agreement between Oschadbank and Raiffeisen Bank Austria. The cargo was registered in accordance with international transportation rules and current European customs procedures. According to Oschadbank, the transport contained $40 million, EUR 35 million and 9 kilograms of gold. The National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary subsequently reported criminal proceedings on suspicion of money laundering. According to the Hungarian agency, during this year, more than $900 million and EUR 420 million in cash, as well as 146 kilograms of gold bars, were transported through the territory of Hungary to Ukraine. The National Tax and Customs Administration said the investigation is being conducted with the involvement of the Counter-Terrorism Center. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a meeting with soldiers of the 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade of the National Guard, awarded the defenders with the orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, "For Courage" and Danylo Halytsky and presented epaulets to Brigadier General Denys Prokopenko. "The brigade's soldiers participated in the liquidation of Dobropillia breakthrough. They are currently defending this area: they are defending Rodynske, Bilytske and Shakhove, and organizing the defense of Dobropillia. We discussed the situation in their area of responsibility, financing the drone sector, AWOL, evacuation, and repair of logistics routes. We will take into account all the military's proposals and promptly process them," Zelenskyy said in his Telegram channel. The president also held a meeting with the military of the 11th and 19th army corps commanders and all brigade commanders of both corps. "The defenders reported on the operational situation in the areas, the defense of Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka and Kostiantynivka. We discussed the steps necessary to protect the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration. We also touched on the needs of the brigades: funding for drones, transport, artillery, and personnel replenishment. We will work on all issues at the appropriate levels," Zelenskyy said. During the meeting, he also awarded state awards to soldiers defending Ukraine as part of units of the 11th and 19th army corps. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 19F. W winds shifting to ESE at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 19F. W winds shifting to ESE at 10 to 20 mph. Billy Blatty is a local hospitality pro with a vision and a stream of new ideas including most recently, the December opening of Kira. The high-concept lounge and restaurant is good for date night or girls night out. He calls it vibe dining. Blatty has been a player in the local dining and nightlife scene for more than 25 years. Kira is his idea for the space that used to house Mister Oso. Kira Where 601 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 335-1740; kiranola.com When Lunch Fri., Dinner Thu.-Tue. How Dine-in Check it out A mix of Mediterranean and Japanese dishes I lean toward creating an experience where fostering emotional connections among people at the table is a primary objective, he says. To achieve this, all elements staff, food and drink must be in rhythm and impeccable. At Kira, the reimagined design of the space is impressive. The pergola-like ceiling is covered with hand-strung wooden beads, adding texture and movement to the space. Theres a glowing bar and lots of nooks and crannies with different kinds of seating options. The room curves around groups of tables, and a DJ sets the beat on the weekends. Lighting is intentionally low. Our intent is a dusk-like atmosphere some of the most flattering light there is, Blatty says. The restaurant seems to appeal to a younger crowd, although posting on social media may be tough. The lighting isn't optimal for taking photos, and the menu warns against using flash photography. The menu is an interesting mix of broadly Mediterranean cuisine with the addition of Japanese ingredients and techniques. Silky slices of raw hamachi perch on fried sticky rice cakes. Theres a changing fish tiradito with yuzu and tuna tartare served with nori for guests to make their own bite-sized handrolls. On the cooked side, bang bang shrimp served with romaine lettuce is a crowd pleaser, while the massive wagyu tomahawk steak, which comes with chimichurri and labneh, is a big ticket item and a highly shareable entree at $215. Tender wagyu koftas are a skewered meat option from the Japanese robata grill, which also is used for spiced Gulf shrimp and lollipop lamb chops. Many prices hover in the $20s, and a section called slutty vegetables contains the best bargains, with offerings like an outstanding roasted cauliflower served with cashew nut dipping sauce. Shaved baby Brussels sprouts keep their crunch, and theres a seasonal tempura-fried vegetable option. A mezze board includes garlicky hummus with fried chickpeas and a tasty eggplant baba ghanoush. The menu of original cocktails ($16-$19) has interesting drinks with names like Aphrodisia, a riff on a pina colada, and the Smoking Gun, a Japanese take on a Sazerac. A good way to try Kira is the $50 three-course lunch offered on Fridays, with choices of appetizer, main course and dessert. One of Blattys earlier concepts, Sofia, a stylish Italian eatery on Julia Street, continues to thrive nearby. Chef Mike Correll brings a taste of the Chesapeake to dinner at MaMou in New Orleans Mike Correll told us about learning to cook, what he serves at Ruse and what's on the menu at MaMou. Kira opened in a 10,000-square-foot building that has been home to several of Blatty's concepts, including Barcadia, a retro gaming concept driven by 80s nostalgia. It became clear that that demographic doesnt go out anymore, Blatty says. The longevity just wasnt there. That was followed by Mister Oso, an ill-fated Mexican restaurant opened with former partners in the Denver-based Culinary Creative Group. The concept continues to crush in the Mile High city, but it didnt work out in New Orleans. The massive space also is home to the Asian-themed nightclub Ohm Lounge. Soon Kira Omakase, offering a chefs tasting, will join the mix. Email Alex Lubben at alex.lubben@theadvocate.com and follow him on Twitter @alexlubben. His work is supported with a grant from the Walton Family Foundation, administered by the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. Sign up for the weekly Louisiana Coastal Watch newsletter to get updates about our environment coverage. Sybiha on Hungary's statements on oil transit via Druzhba: Ukraine does not accept ultimatums Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha commented on Hungary's statements that Budapest allegedly gave Ukraine three days to resume Russian oil transit via Druzhba. "Ukraine does not accept ultimatums," he said during a conversation with journalists on Friday. The minister recalled that yesterday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "clearly stated that Druzhba infrastructure was attacked by Russia." The president said Druzhba oil pipeline, seriously damaged by the Russians in late January, could be operational within a month and a half. The issue of the restoration of Druzhba was also commented on by Serhiy Koretsky, the chairman of the board of Naftogaz Ukrainy, who confirmed the estimated period of one and a half months for the repair. Earlier on Friday, the Hungarian media outlet Index reported that "Hungary has given Ukraine three days to restore the transit of Russian oil via Druzhba." According to the publication, \ State Secretary of the Hungarian Ministry of Energy Gabor Cepek said "there is another option: Ukraine should allow Hungarian inspectors to Druzhba so that they can check its condition." The transit of Druzhba has been stopped since the end of January 2026, after Russian attacks. Hungary and Slovakia, which received the vast majority of oil through Druzhba, claim that Ukraine is blocking the oil route "for political reasons." Anita Raj is executive director of the Newcomb Institute at Tulane University and a professor of public health. The second phase of refurbishment works to improve public toilets in Totnes has now been completed, with further upgrades still underway across the South Devon town. South Hams District Council recently confirmed that refurbishment work at the public toilets at Steamer Quay has now finished. READ NEXT: Bovey Tracey council allocates 16k in public funds to community groups and youth support The facilities are the second set of public conveniences in Totnes to be upgraded this year, following improvements to the Coronation Road toilets completed in January. Work has now begun on refurbishing the toilets beneath the Civic Hall, with the project expected to be completed by the end of March. The works form part of a wider programme of investment by South Hams District Council to improve public facilities across the district. Councillor Julian Brazil, the councils executive member for community services, operations and leisure, said he was pleased to see the improvement project continuing. Im glad to see that our project to modernise some of our facilities is continuing at pace, he said. The refurbishments are part of our wider project to modernise some of our local assets in communities across the district. You may see freshened up toilets, benches and other assets of ours in the coming months these are part of our commitment to support our communities in every way we can. The refurbishment programme began late last year, with the Coronation Road toilets the first to be upgraded, the toilets at Steamer Quay followed, and now the Civic Hall toilets represent the final stage of the current improvements in Totnes. During earlier phases of the project, accessible toilet facilities remained open where possible while refurbishment works were carried out. South Hams District Council says the improvements are part of a broader effort to modernise public amenities and support residents and visitors using facilities across the South Hams. In her first in-depth interview since becoming the UNHCR Representative in Ukraine in October 2025, Bernadette Castel-Hollingsworth speaks candidly with Interfax-Ukraine about the escalating humanitarian toll of the full-scale war. Four months into her mission, she has travelled extensively to frontline and heavily affected regions, engaging directly with authorities and displaced communities to grasp the actual needs on the ground. The conversation highlights the severity of 2025 the deadliest year for civilians since the full-scale invasion began with relentless attacks on energy infrastructure, widespread blackouts, and rising evacuations, especially of older people, persons with disabilities, and children. She details UNHCRs major winter efforts, addresses funding challenges, demographic patterns among those leaving and wishing to return, the main barriers to return, and how prolonged displacement reduces return intentions. Looking to 2026, Castel-Hollingsworth outlines UNHCRs threefold strategy: sustaining emergency response where needed, scaling up durable housing and social infrastructure solutions, and supporting government reforms through legal and protection expertise. Text: Valerie Proshchenko You have been here for four months. When you just started your mission, what was the first city you visited? The very first places I went to were Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson that was my first mission. My objective was to understand what we are doing on the ground. Because we really work to complement the efforts of the government, I wanted to hear directly from local authorities at the oblast level, from hromadas, from city mayors to understand how they see things, whether they are satisfied with our collaboration, and how our expertise can help them best. Of course, I work very closely with several ministers and ministry colleagues together with my entire team, but I also wanted to see the reality on the ground and listen to the authorities. That is why I have travelled quite extensively. Very quickly already in my first week I was out in the regions, and then I went back several times. Now I have started doing more focused missions. For example, in late December, I undertook a mission that was very focused on our shelter programming and housing. I discussed with Zaporizhzhias Governor, for example, and with a number of heads of hromadas, what works best. And then, when I come back here, I can have discussions with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories or with the Ministry of Social Policy. We are able to think together about what works best, drawing also from what I learned in different oblasts. An overall question from the very beginning. Your assessment of the current situation on the ground. What do you see that needs to be done better, or what has become worse in the humanitarian area? Well, you know that our human rights colleagues at the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine have assessed and reported that in 2025 there were more civilian deaths and injuries more casualties than in any other year since the full-scale invasion began, and really since the war started in 2014. Of course, being very often at the front line, these past two to three months there have been many attacks on the energy infrastructure. I am very concerned about the humanitarian needs in general and about the evacuations, which actually seem to be increasing. Evacuations mean more displacement, again of vulnerable populations. For example, this morning I heard from my colleagues in Kharkiv that among the recent evacuations, the majority are older people, people with disabilities, and children who are leaving frontline communities mostly from Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk oblast, and Zaporizhzhia. So this is very concerning. In my view, the situation is deteriorating. It is deteriorating because the attacks are targeting Ukraine overall, the people themselves, and what they need to survive: essential infrastructure, transportation, energy, housing. At the same time, because I interact a lot with the authorities, I see that there is a real willingness to start recovery efforts. That, I think, is very important. And in 2026 we are going to scale up our work on solutions. But the final thing I want to say is that I think the people of Ukraine are very determined. You are not only resilient but also resistant. Yet the relentless attacks are taking a toll on people, especially with the winter weve just had. I had a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs recently, and he said that it has been the coldest winter since 1999 some 26 years ago. I see that this has been very difficult, and it has impacted everyone across the country. My own colleagues have had to leave their homes and stay in hotels; others had to go to their summer houses. Once I even gave the keys of my apartment to a neighbour I dont really know when I was leaving for a week, because their water pipe burst and there was so much water in their apartment. It is impacting everybody, and especially, of course, those who are already displaced and those who need more assistance than you and I in their daily lives older people, especially those who live in high-rise apartment buildings. So yes, we are monitoring the situation, we are providing assistance where we can, but Im concerned about the ongoing russian attacks. And keep in mind that overall, more than 10.8 million people in Ukraine still require humanitarian assistance. So, am I right that you will continue your winter support for Ukrainians? And what has already been done during these horrible winter months? At the request and under the coordination of the Presidents Office, we have assisted some 195,000 people with cash assistance specifically for buying solid fuel such as firewood. Primarily, people in frontline areas, within 0 to 10 kilometres from the front line people who are really staying in villages and settlements under constant attack. We did that to complement the efforts of the government. We just finished the last disbursement few weeks ago, and in total we provided directly, without overhead costs, $57 million of assistance to these 195,000 people. Provision of winter cash assistance is now over because we dont have more money. But what we will continue doing through our shelter interventions is to work on the rehabilitation of houses. We help people with repairs of the roof, windows, and doors, or the external perimeter of the houses; we help insulate houses or apartments. According to our estimates, people are able to save about 25% of their energy needs through that. I talked to some families in Mykolaiv two weeks ago and they really appreciate it. And then the third thing we have done, and that we are still in the process of distributing, is power stations, in particular to collective sites, to the human rights offices of the Ombudsperson of Ukraine, to some invincibility points wherever the authorities tell us there is a need. Sometimes its administrative buildings, TSNAP centres. So these, I would say, are the three major areas of assistance during this winter. You mentioned that cash assistance is over because you dont have money anymore. Can you please clarify: has this part of the assistance ended only for winter support? Yes, for winter support. We have appealed for $470 million for this year, 2026. We have started implementation, but if we had more money, we would have been able to assist more people. We had to close the cash programme for this winter two weeks ago because, based on the list of beneficiaries we received from the Pension Fund, the Ministry of Social Policy and the oblast authorities, we could no longer assist more people. Im asking because we all understand that the longer the war continues, the harder it is to get money from donors, and how does that affect your agencys ability to get more funding for Ukrainians, to support your programmes for us? First of all, we have to be very grateful for the support from the government and private sector donors that we have received so far. My main message is what the Ukrainian people are telling me. Thats what I tell donors. People are saying, do not forget us. People dont want to be forgotten. Its not enough to be resilient. Yes, resilience is important, but resilience only lasts if it is being supported. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih visited Ukraine in February, and what he told the donors was: be reassured and tell your taxpayers that from what I have seen, the assistance that has been received in Ukraine has been put to very good use. Certainly, at UNHCR, were really changing lives and saving lives. We are very impactful because we are very focused on protection assistance, as well as on shelter and cash support. He also said that it is very important to sustain the funding level. It should not decrease because the needs are increasing. And on internal displacement. Youve already mentioned some regions. Where is the largest number of IDPs now? The largest numbers are in Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv and Kyiv oblasts. So those three oblasts, and then the three main cities: Kharkiv, Dnipro, and Kyiv City. And overall, around 3.7 million people remain internally displaced within Ukraine. Seeing the heavy attacks on the energy system, do you see that the number of IDPs has scaled up since the energy attacks intensified? We are monitoring the situation, also the borders. You know that every day I have colleagues and teams of partners at 30 border crossing points here. We monitor both the people who are leaving Ukraine and we have done that since 2022 and those coming back. We have not seen an increase in the number of people leaving the country. There may have been some movements within Ukraine, but from what we can see, they have been temporary movements. So, you know, during the very cold weeks, people may have gone to family members, but then they return. For people leaving to go abroad, what I can tell you is that the number of people who have left since November has not increased, but among them, the proportion of people leaving because of energy issues, lack of heating, or water has increased. So the total number of people leaving no but the reasons why they leave are linked more to energy than in the past, including water, which, for example, we never saw in 2024. So water-related and energy-related reasons are cited more often , and concerns about water is something new. Regarding those who are leaving or internally displaced, are there any clear demographic patterns? For instance, is it mostly younger people, older adults, children, women, or certain household types? There is no such thing as one group or the other. We have seen in SeptemberOctober a bit more young men leaving, following the change of the law in August, but it did not continue. Its often families, single-headed households, also with children, vulnerable people, and older people who leave. And how do you support IDPs in Ukraine? What is the situation in transit centers and collective sites now? In the transit centres people dont stay more than a couple of days. And of course, the majority of the evacuees dont go through the transit centres. They are self-evacuating, which is always, as you know, a very difficult decision for them to make. For me, its very difficult to hear about lives interrupted by this war. But out of the people who go through the transit centres, there are only very few going through the collective sites. We have not seen a big increase in these collective sites, so there are some 1,600 of them, and there are more or less 70,000 people living in them. As UNHCR, and I have discussed this with Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin, I would like to see how we can have a more durable approach to these collective sites. For the people in these facilities, I would like us to see how we can focus on providing them housing so they can leave the collectives sites. And then there is another group who may have some special needs, these people are in the collective site because there is no, for example, facilitated home-based care for them. So, we have been working with the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity to try to use some of the social services that exist social adaptation, facilitated home-based care, etc. to basically show people that they can live on their own without being in the collective sites. In 2026, we are going to work on that. So, long answer to your question is: there has not been an increase, but there has also not been a decrease in the number of people in the collective sites. And I think one of our ambitions is to try to see with the authorities if we can find solutions for people. We are ambitious, but we are still realistic we wont be able to find a solution for 70,000 people, but even if its 3,000 or 5,000 or 500, I think its very important. And if the evacuations continue, there is a need in the collective sites to accommodate new people, then we can help in that way. And keep in mind that 71% of IDPs have already been displaced for more than two years, and many have moved multiple times. In the very beginning, you mentioned the bad situation was evacuation. Is it across all regions where evacuations are happening, or in some regions the situation is worse I mean, like Zaporizhzhia or Sumy? I think the Donetsk authorities mentioned that in 2025, 115,000 people left Donetsk oblast. In 2025, we assisted 90,000 people through transit centres that we support as UNHCR. This is more than before. We see now that since the beginning of this year, there has been an increase of people moving through transit centres in Kharkiv, in Dnipro and in Zaporizhzhia regions. The authorities in Zaporizhzhia oblast opened a transit centre in November. If there was no need for that, they would not have done this. Referring to refugees also a very important part of your work your colleague, Karolina Lindholm Billing (UNHCR Representative in Ukraine in 2021-2025), said in 2023 that 80% of refugees want to come back, and in September 2025, when she ended her mission, she said that 60% of refugees want to come back to Ukraine. As for now, what numbers can you provide? Actually, weve just completed the seventh round of UNHCR Intentions Survey in 20 European countries, and the findings will be released soon. We see that the number of people who intend to return declines. Its not unique to Ukraine. Ive worked in many parts of the world, and you always see that when the displacement situation lasts for years, the intentions to return decrease. But what the refugees are telling us is that they are very keen on returning if the situation improves. And as soon as the situation improves, they will come back immediately. So the longer they stay abroad, the less possibility for them to come back Everywhere, its always like that. You know, its the same thing with the Syrian refugees. Ive worked in Africa for many years. You always see that the longer the displacement, returns become less likely. But still, many refugees from Ukraine who participated in our survey say that they are very keen to return. As a specialist, can you explain what the main obstacles are for people to return home once the security situation has normalized? Refugees ask for three main things and internally displaced people in Ukraine say the same. The most important is security (which translates to at least a ceasefire, and preferably a just peace). Beyond security, they name three key elements: housing first, livelihoods (a way to find employment), and access to services primarily schools for those with children, hospitals for older people, and similar essentials. And our surveys show that 62% of IDPs report their homes are destroyed, damaged, or on occupied territory thats a huge barrier. In your assessment, do you believe that up to 3.5 million refugees could potentially return to Ukraine? We are looking at a range of scenarios. According to a published study, depending on the end-of-war/ceasefire scenarios, between 2.3 million and 3.5 million refugees could return. Though the exact figure depends on various factors. Of course, in a scenario with no ceasefire or lasting peace, the number of returns in 2026 would remain very low. That said, as UNHCR, one key reason we are focusing on solutions for internally displaced people in collective sites is precisely to be prepared. When the conditions become safe, refugees tend to return very quickly the majority within the first year. They do not wait long, once safety is assured; large numbers come back almost immediately. And estimates show that around 1.4 million refugees have already returned and stayed for at least three months, with over 300,000 going to locations other than their original homes. Thats why we want to be ready. The work we are planning with the Ministry of Social Policy and oblast authorities on people currently in collective centres will directly support future refugee returns as well. This is exactly why we are shifting toward longer-term solutions alongside our emergency response. We will maintain our emergency capacity for as long as necessary, so that we, with our partners, can respond immediately to families impacted by attacks and evacuations. At the same time, we are advancing solutions, and I believe we have strong, practical ideas for how to best complement the authorities efforts. If we look at the current peace process and preparations for a possible ceasefire something we all hope will happen soon how exactly is UNHCR approaching this? Are you involved in building the right infrastructure for returns, and how do you manage to combine support for returning refugees with solutions for internally displaced people? Essentially, UNHCR focuses on three main areas of preparation for potential returns once peace is achieved. First, we have developed a robust forecast model outlining where people are likely to return. This model provides a clear picture of potential return destinations. Building on that, we have engaged with major development banks, the Ministry of Development of Communities and Territories, the Ministry of Social Policy, the IMF, and other UN agencies to share our underlying assumptions. The key point we emphasize is that millions may return even 2 million would represent a significant influx and Ukraine needs those people. Second, we are significantly scaling up our housing programmes to offer long-term, durable solutions with a variety of options. We collaborate closely with the Ministry of Social Policy on this, and I had a meeting with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development to discuss tailored approaches. Needs differ greatly: some people can afford to purchase new apartments, while others have lost everything. By providing diverse housing pathways, we address recovery needs and this is arguably the most substantial element of our response to your question. With UNHCRs support, approximately 55,000 homes have been repaired overall, enabling families to return or remain in their homes, and weve provided emergency shelter materials for quick repairs to about 565,000 people. We also support social infrastructure. For example, just few weeks ago, in Mykolaiv and similarly in Kherson my UNDP colleague and I inaugurated a rehabilitated community and administrative centre in a hromada that had been temporarily occupied in 2022 and where the Government of Ukraine regained control later. This centre now enables residents to access local authorities, services, and community spaces, fostering reconnection and rebuilding. Third, our protection teams including legal experts assist the government in addressing gaps through law reform and improvements. As you may know, the President recently signed a new framework law on the fundamental principles of housing policy. We are now working with the Cabinet of Ministers to develop subsidiary legislation, including provisions tailored to internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups. This forms part of our broader legal and protection advocacy and since 2022, we have provided around 700,000 legal consultations to help people restore documents, confirm property rights, and access compensation. Among those two million or more potential returnees, how significant a share do you think will be men? Martial law has a major bearing on this, and though its a delicate subject here, what insights can you share from similar contexts in other countries youve worked in? Its a good question. There are really two ways to look at it. From what our forecast model shows and from what refugees themselves have told us in the intention surveys the people most likely to return first will primarily be the more vulnerable groups. So were talking about older people, single women, women-headed households, persons with disabilities, and similar profiles. Interestingly, this also reflects the majority of those who originally left Ukraine the most vulnerable were the first to depart. At the same time, we very much hope that peace will come, and with it the lifting of martial law. The question of conscription and mobilization is obviously one that would need to be addressed by the authorities over time, as part of any peace process or agreement. Ultimately, thats a decision for the Ukrainian government to make. Does that mean that after a potential ceasefire and ultimately when the war ends your agency would face even more work on the ground in Ukraine? Yes, initially. Of course, the country will require extensive reconstruction of physical infrastructure, but UNHCR sees its essential role in the human dimension of recovery: supporting the reintegration of returnees, with shelter programmes remaining a critical component. As you know, the ultimate measure of success for UNHCR is always to be able to leave a country, to close our office because the protection and assistance needs have been met and the situation is sustainable. I have had the privilege of closing several offices in my career, and each time it felt like a far greater achievement than opening a new one (which I have also done). Here in Ukraine, however, I believe we will unfortunately still have substantial work ahead. And of course, we must not overlook the people in the occupied territories. There, too, we anticipate important tasks: family reunification, documentation and civil status issues, risks of statelessness, housing and property rights disputes areas where UNHCR brings unique legal and protection expertise that no other UN agency possesses to the same degree. So yes, regrettably, the context suggests that our presence and support will remain necessary for some time to come. Turning to the medium-term perspective this year and potentially the next what are UNHCRs primary goals and intended results in Ukraine? You noted that the agencys greatest success is exiting a country once needs are sustainably addressed. Assuming continued presence here, what tangible achievements would you regard as most meaningful? The first thing I should tell you is what our High Commissioner said during his visit to Ukraine: first and foremost, we want peace in this country as soon as possible a just and lasting peace. We also and I should say this from the very beginning will stand here for as long as is needed with the people of Ukraine. That is number one. If you ask me what we will do in 2026, we will stand with the people of Ukraine for as long as they need us. Now, in terms of our programming, you could say it will be threefold. One is to keep our emergency response going for as long as its needed focusing on immediate support after strikes, after displacement or evacuation: legal aid, legal counselling, psychosocial counselling, and immediate shelter response. You know, all those wooden boards you see nailed up everywhere in Ukraine half of them are ours. UNHCR is the largest provider of shelter materials after the strikes in Ukraine. So that remains number one: we keep that capacity. And since 2022, we have provided psychosocial support to nearly 325,000 people, including immediate aid after shelling or evacuation and longer-term support. Number two is to work on solutions, focused on longer-term housing for internally displaced people and others, as well as social infrastructure, linked to social benefits. This builds on our track record: we have repaired homes for about 1,500 IDP families in rural areas who bought or rented housing, and supported reconstruction of social housing for 260 more families. And the third thing is our protection advocacy, as I explained to you earlier: supporting the government in its ongoing reform efforts. Thats the threefold approach we will pursue in 2026. Turning to the High Commissioners Barham Salih visit his first since taking up the post recently President Volodymyr Zelensky noted after the meeting that he would like UNHCR to expand its support. Recognizing that UNHCR is already among the largest contributors in many sectors, what additional efforts or increases do you think would be most impactful? Last year, we provided 400,000 fewer services than in 2024. This was not due to any limitation in our operational capacity; it was simply because we had less funding available. We believe and this is confirmed by what people tell us on the ground that UNHCR is highly impactful. If the needs continue and if we receive adequate funding, we will be able to deliver the response required. In a very optimistic scenario where a ceasefire is reached, it would allow us to redirect resources from emergency assistance toward the longer-term solutions I have been describing particularly housing solutions almost immediately. However, if the war persists, we will need to maintain a careful balance: continuing our frontline interventions where attacks and displacement are ongoing, while at the same time supporting areas with large concentrations of internally displaced people and collective sites, and gradually identifying durable solutions for those people. Ultimately, it all depends on the evolving context. In 2025, ZAMMLER UKRAINE paid approximately UAH97.8m to the State Budget. In terms of taxes paid in the transport and postal services sector, the company ranked among the top five businesses. The list of top five taxpayers was posted in his Telegram channel by Danylo Hetmantsev, Chairperson of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Finance, Taxation and Customs Policy. He also presented ZAMMLERs management with a Letter of Acknowledgment for their diligent work, innovative approach, industry leadership, and honestly paid taxes in 2025. Viktor Shevchenko, ZAMMLERs co-founder and CEO, noted that, in addition to the diligent fulfillment of its tax obligations, the company continues to invest in its own development, improves the quality of its services, and implements modern management solutions. Each hryvnia of taxes paid means a resource for the army, medicine, and reconstruction. We are a Ukrainian company, we operate in Ukraine and are perfectly aware that today, stable business operations provide the foundation for this countrys economic sustainability, commented Mr. Shevchenko. The list of the largest taxpayers in the logistics industry also includes Nova Poshta, Logistic Union, Ukrposhta, and World Courier. For your information. ZAMMLER GROUP comprises logistics companies offering a full range of services: all types of transportation, warehouse logistics, customs clearance, and support for export and import operations. The Group employs over 3,600 professionals and maintains its own fleet of 170 trucks. The Groups representative offices operate in four countries: Ukraine, Poland, China, and Kazakhstan. ZAMMLERs digital solutions include an electronic customer account for customs clearance, internal electronic document management, and electronic consignment notes. The company operates in line with international standards, is ISO certified, and holds the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO-B and AEO-C) status. Kristi Noem Donald Trump has promoted Homeland Secretary chief Dress-Up Kristi Noem. He couldn't just fire her. Thats because he cant admit that he made a huge mistake when he appointed the former South Dakota governor and fellow narcissist to the top DHS job. This week Noem shot herself in the foot. In her disastrous March 3 testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, she wouldnt retract her statements calling the murdered Renee Good and Alex Pretti domestic terrorists. She blamed conflicting reports from federal agents on the ground during a chaotic situation for making the terrorist call. But time has since past. Multiple videos of the shootings show that neither Good nor Pretti posted threats to the feds. Yet Kristi couldnt admit that reality. Trump made up a job for Noem: "Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas." Spare us. In that capacity, Noem wont be starring in a $220M TV campaign, which rankled Trump, urging undocumented people to self-deport and then return legally to the US. If you believe that line, theres a bridge in Brooklyn that I would like to sell to you. The biggest loser in Noems fall from grace is the company that supplies her outfits. Whos next to get the boot? AG Pam Bondi has the inside track for botching the release of the Epstein Files. She has her own big testimony before the House Oversight Committee coming up. Bondi better ace it. A friendly tip for the White House webmaster: Kill the executive orders that were posted on the site last June about the obliteration of Irans nuclear capacity. Team Trump gives taking out Irans nuke capacity as one of the many reasons why the US is currently turning it into rubble. The June EOs are now inoperative. Richard Nixons press secretary Ron Ziegler used that term about false Watergate statement that he made. One EO has the catchy headline: Irans Nuclear Facilities Have Been Obliterated and Suggestions Otherwise are Fake News. The other has this quote from Tulsi Gabbard, national intelligence director: Irans nuclear facilities have been destroyed. If the Iranians chose to rebuild, they would have to rebuild all three facilities (Natanz, Fordow, Esfahan) entirely, which would likely take years to do. So much for talk about Iran posing an imminent threat to the US. The jury is in. Americans hate Trumps plan to construct a garish ballroom that would serve as a monument to himself. Almost all (97 percent) of the 35K public comments submitted to the National Capital Planning Committee hate the project, according to a review by the Washington Post. Here is a recurring theme: The very idea that Donald Trump wants to tear down a wing of the White House, the Peoples House, is an appalling idea. He is a tenant, not an owner. Therefore, he has no right to make such an egregious change to the White House. Its good to see that Americans care about national treasures such as the White House. Not a Subscriber? Join O'Dwyer's & Get RFP Access Stop wasting time tracking down RFPs. O'Dwyer's connects you with organizations looking for PR firms & services. Get new business with O'Dwyer's! Join O'Dwyer's Hunterdon County, New Jersey, is looking for an agency that can improve the visibility of the countys tourism brand by providing digital as well as traditional marketing and public relations services. THE organisers of Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show are delighted to announce and celebrate the continuation of their sponsorship partnership, one that has been renewed with confidence, strengthened by progress and defined by shared success. Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show partnership strives as they share common values. Farmers are our backbone, Livestock is our passion and success is our future. FBD Insurance became proud partners in introducing the Speakers Corner in the newly established Sustainable Livestock Village, allowing a platform for farming discussions on sustainable practices and practical solutions, with specific focus on generation renewal and succession planning. Celebrating its 35th year, the show is scheduled this year for August 9 at the Butterfield Estate on the outskirts of Tullamore. Situated on 250 acres of show grounds with a competitions prize fund of 180,000, this years show promises to break the phenomenal records achieved in 2025 where over 800 trade stands and 65,000 people attended Irelands Premier Show. READ NEXT: Government approves appointment of new Offaly member to the Just Transition Commission John Keena, Tullamore Show Chairman, commented: We are thrilled to have FBD continue their title sponsorship of the National Livestock Show where the quality of Livestock reflects the very best in Europe. Our unique partnership has allowed Tullamore Show to evolve with backing and support of FBD. Tullamore Show depends on the loyalty of all sponsors, and for this we are very grateful John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer at FBD, said: Farming is at the heart of FBD, and our continued partnership with the Tullamore Show reflects our long-standing commitment to farming families and rural communities. The Tullamore Show is a highlight of our own calendar each year and a great opportunity to meet and engage with our customers, while supporting an event that champions excellence in livestock, innovation and sustainability. READ NEXT: Remarkable team of women at the heart of Tullamore Credit Union's success Despite the current animal disease challenges and the import related market disturbances, Agriculture will continue to perform, well despite the many challenges farmers face. The show is a special place for the farming community, visitors, children, young & old gather to enjoy the country air and the very best of Irish agriculture and culture. Trade Stands are now open and applications close May 1. Tickets are on sale now and are available at www.tullamoreshow.com For further details please contact the Show Headquarters on (057) 9352141. Check out our social media accounts for updates and key features of the Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show. A SIX-month suspended sentence was imposed on a man convicted of having cannabis for supply to others. Anthony Wade (60), Cloughjordan, admitted possessing the drug at Cloonaloughan, Cloughjordan on September 27, 2024 when he appeared at Tullamore District Court. Sergeant Brendan Kearns said the DPP had directed the matter could be disposed of summarily and a plea of guilty was entered on Mr Wade's behalf by his solicitor, Patrick Martin. Sergeant Kearns said the prosecution resulted from a search where cannabis valued at 3,950 was discovered. Mr Wade was co-operative with gardai and had one previous conviction which was for uninsured driving and dated from February, 2025. READ NEXT: Proposed new Offaly hospital gets five-year planning consent extension Mr Martin told Judge Andrew Cody his client was originally from the UK but had been in Ireland for 40 years. Mr Wade developed a cannabis habit himself and cultivated it and made it in a tent. He had quite a bumper crop at the time, said Mr Martin. The solicitor said the accused, a man who lived on his own and had one adult daughter, had ceased using cannabis since. He said Mr Wade had not been working since 2011 because of health issues and the supply element of the charge was to friends. Mr Martin pointed out that his client had pleaded guilty early. He would not be committing the offence again and had not come to garda attention since. Sergeant Kearns said there was no evidence of a lavish lifestyle on the part of Mr Wade and he was not a man who was involved in criminality. Judge Cody said the amount of cannabis involved was substantial. He imposed the six-month sentence but suspended it for three years. A MAN who did not return to prison after temporary release is now back behind bars after an appearance at Tullamore District Court. Martin Cawley (30), with addresses at Flat above Eclipse Hair Salon, Harbour Street, Tullamore, and Puttaghaun, Tullamore, was before the court on Wednesday (March 4) after being convicted in his absence of a drugs offence the previous Monday. On March 2 a warrant was issued for the sentencing of Mr Cawley by Judge Andrew Cody who heard a piece of tissue containing a white powder in a plastic bag was taken from the man at Harbour Street on June 11 last year. He was subsequently charged with possessing a controlled drug and Garda John Dunning said the substance was seized after a bench warrant for the arrest of Mr Cawley was executed at his address above the hair salon. Garda Dunning added that when the accused was cautioned and asked what it was, he replied: Go ahead and test it, it's not cocaine. The substance was sent to Forensic Science Ireland for testing and came back positive for cocaine, said Garda Dunning. The value of the drug was 30. READ NEXT: What an achievement! Offaly choir on song in Wales The court was also told on Monday the accused had 27 previous convictions and also had an outstanding suspended sentence for obstruction under the Misuse of Drugs Act dating from January 2025. Because that sentence was suspended for two years it could be activated by his latest conviction. On Wednesday Garda John Connolly told the court he arrested Mr Cawley the previous day at Chapel Street, Tullamore on foot of the bench warrant issued on Monday but said the man was also the subject of 10 prior warrants going back to 2018. David Nugent, BL, defending, noted Mr Cawley had a mark to his face which was the result of a collapse brought on by a seizure and that was why he had not been in court on Monday. When the Garda Connolly said the seizure had been on Friday Mr Nugent said his client told him he was in hospital after the seizure and did not remember any more because he was in a coma. In relation to the accused's claim that he was in a coma, Mr Nugent said he had nothing to back that up and the man accepted he was not in court on Monday. Judge Cody said that while he would not deal with the matter of the man's non-appearance in court immediately, he would sentence him for the cocaine possession. Mr Nugent said Mr Cawley suffered from a long-term addiction and had sought and received help but had a relapse. The addiction had a grip on him and contributed to his seizures and he was trying to navigate his way through the medical system which is full to the brim of people with addictions. Garda Connolly said that Mr Cawley was currently unlawfully at large and would be going to the Midlands Prison following his court appearance. He had been serving a sentence of eight months but did not finish it because he had not returned after being released for a week. Judge Cody sentenced him to three months for the cocaine possession offence but suspended that prison term for three years. He remanded him to March 18 next for consideration of the offence of failing to appear in court. The matter of the other suspended sentence will also come before Tullamore District Court on that date and the judge said Mr Cawley can appear by video link. THE grand-uncle of the boy killed in the Edenderry firebomb attack in December was in court again this week. Christopher Holt (47), 29 Castleview Park, Edenderry, who is living in the house which was partially destroyed by arson, was brought before Tullamore District Court because he had breached the terms of suspended jail sentences which had been imposed in 2024. Judge Andrew Cody considered the activation of prison sentences totalling four months one for possessing a kitchen knife and another for public drunkenness - because Mr Holt was convicted of knife possession for a second time last month. Last month's conviction related to having a knife in a public place at St Patrick's Road, Edenderry on April 26, 2025. Judge Cody said that despite the previous convictions and sentences Mr Holt was back here again with a small flick knife in his pocket. READ NEXT: Offaly TD says consumers must be protected from oil price gouging amid Middle East conflict When Mr Holt appeared in court in February twice in relation to the latest knife possession offence the judge noted he was very drunk and ordered that he remain in custody for one night. At his appearance before Judge Cody on Wednesday (March 4), David Nugent, BL, defending, said Mr Holt was very sorry for the offences. The court knows Mr Holt suffers from a debilitating addiction to alcohol and it leads him to do very foolish things, said Mr Nugent. He said the man stupidly carried the articles but had never been convicted of using them and was currently working through his addiction. He understood he was in difficulty and that nobody liked to see anybody carrying such articles when there's an addiction to alcohol. It isn't a good mix and he understands that. Mr Nugent said he was not going to use anything that happened in the very recent past as a justification because the sentences the court was considering pre-dated that. Mr Nugent said Mr Holt had consistently turned up in court and all he could offer was his apologies. Judge Cody said he would make no order on the re-entry by the gardai of the 2024 suspended sentence, a decision which means the sentence remains suspended. He reminded Mr Holt that he now had suspended sentences of six months and four months and remarked that alcohol and knives were a lethal concoction. If you're ever found in possession of a knife again you'll do the full 10 months, said the judge. Mr Holt replied: One hundred per cent. Tullamore District Court had previously been told Mr Holt was living in the kitchen of the house in Edenderry where his four-year-old grand-nephew Tadgh Farrell was killed in an arson attack. Mr Holt's sister Mary Holt also died and Tadgh's grandmother Pauline Holt was seriously injured. READ NEXT: Are there any frogs in county Offaly? The court was told by defence counsel Mr Nugent that Christopher Holt was living solely in the kitchen and the rest of the house was uninhabitable. On the first occasion when Mr Holt came before Judge Cody the court presenter, Richard Thornton said he was not in a fit state and Mr Nugent said he could not take formal instructions from the man given his condition. He was remanded to appear again a week later but when he did the judge noted he was really drunk. Judge Cody said: I'm not in a position to deal with this case when you turn up drunk every day. He remanded him in custody overnight to appear at Portlaoise District Court the following day and it was there he imposed the six-month suspended sentence. Separately, Aaron Holt (27), father of Tadgh Farrell and with the same address as Christopher Holt, was jailed in January for seven years for a drugs possession offence committed at Castleview Park in 2024. Gardai continue to investigate the murders resulting from the arson attack in Castleview Park on December 6. (Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme) THE Heritage Council has launched the 2026 Community Heritage Grant Scheme and is inviting applications from community organisations throughout county Offaly. Grants of between 800 to 25,000 are available under the Scheme, which supports local initiatives that protect, share, and celebrate the built, natural and cultural heritage that matters to communities nationwide. The scheme supports not-for-profit groups - including non-governmental organisations, and community and voluntary groups - to deliver projects that make heritage more inclusive, promote good practice, and strengthen sustainability. The annual Scheme supports a wide variety of heritage projects, from practical conservation work to skills development and public engagement. Eligible projects include conservation management plans, surveys, and reports; conservation works to biodiversity sites, historic structures, objects, or collections; and hands-on heritage skills workshops. The Scheme also supports collections care and biodiversity projects, the creation of digital heritage resources, and the purchase of specialised conservation equipment. The variety of applicants that successfully secured funding in 2025 in Offaly demonstrates the positive impact the scheme has across the heritage field. These included The Liss Church and Graveyard Project from the Boher-Liss Cemetery Group, the restoration and conservation of the St Brendan Stained Glass Window from St Brendan's Roman Catholic Church, and the Feasibility Channel Study of the River Brosna from Clara Heritage Society. READ NEXT: Offaly's first Animation Day attracts an impressive attendance Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive Officer of the Heritage Council, said; The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is one of the most important ways we support local stewardship of Irelands heritage. Each year, we see community groups bring extraordinary creativity in developing ways to care and promote the places, stories, and natural environments that matter to them. This scheme empowers people to take meaningful action, whether that be restoring a historic structure, conserving biodiversity, or creating new ways for the public to connect with their local heritage. We are continually inspired by the ambition of these projects, and we look forward to supporting communities across the country once again in 2026. Offaly County Council Heritage Officer Amanda Pedlow said; Offaly has an incredibly rich and varied heritage. The Community Heritage Grant Scheme gives groups across the county the practical support they need to protect and celebrate the places and stories that matter to them. Whether a community is restoring a historic building, caring for a local biodiversity site, or developing an outreach project for the community, this funding can help turn those ideas into action. I strongly encourage groups in Offaly to consider applying. Applications are now open. Applications must be submitted via the Heritage Councils online grants management system by 8pm on March 20th 2026. Successful projects must be completed by November 13th 2026. A Webinar on the application process is available on the Heritage Councils website. For further details, visit: https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/community-heritage-grant-scheme-2 READ NEXT: Offaly photographer features in new Guide for Wetlands Communities Around 6,000 euro of heroin has been seized after being found sown into jeans that had been left for a prisoner at Wheatfield Prison. The Irish Prison Service said it had invested in new technologies and beefed-up security measures to reduce contraband entering jails. It said phones, drugs and other items were seized this week at Wheatfield due to enhanced security. Detection systems aided the recovery of the heroin sown into the seam of a pair of jeans left at Wheatfield, while screening processes found a substantial quantity of drugs in a care package posted to a prisoner. The IPS also said this week that members of the Prison Service Escort Corp working on escort duty recovered yet another supply of drugs hidden in a public toilet of a courthouse. The service said prison staff had increased the use of random and intelligence-led cell searches on a daily basis and its canine unit are carrying out searches around the prisons, with a greater focus on incoming deliveries. The IPS said it was working with An Garda Siochana on seizures, arrests and disruption to organised crime. What to know about China's position on U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran? Xinhua) 09:23, March 06, 2026 The flag-guarding echelon flies over Tian'anmen Square during a grand gathering to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Tao) CAIRO, March 5 (Xinhua) -- As U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and the latter's retaliations continue with increasing casualties, China has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire, a return to dialogue, respect for national sovereignty, and the protection of civilians. The following is a chronology of China's official statements on the latest flare-up. March 5 China will send Zhai Jun, special envoy of the Chinese government on the Middle East issue, to the region in the near future to work for the de-escalation of the tense situation, announced Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning. China will continue working with all sides, including those involved in relevant conflicts in the Middle East, to maintain communication, step up mediation efforts, and pool consensus, Mao added. A damaged car is pictured in Tehran, Iran, March 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Shadati) March 4 During a phone call with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the red line on protecting civilians in conflicts must not be crossed. Wang noted that the spillover of war serves no one's interests and that the people of the region would be the ones to suffer. He stressed that non-military targets related to energy, economy, and people's livelihoods should not be attacked, and that the security of shipping routes must be safeguarded. China backs the UAE's legitimate demands to safeguard its national security and supports regional countries in their continued efforts to resolve disputes through diplomatic means, Wang said. Smoke rises from buildings following Israeli bombing near the Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, March 4, 2026. (Photo by Bilal Jawich/Xinhua) March 3 During a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, Wang said China opposes the military strikes launched by Israel and the United States against Iran. The use of force cannot truly resolve the issue; instead, it will create new problems and grave repercussions, he stressed, adding that refraining from the use or threat of force in international relations is in the fundamental interests of all parties, including Israel. China is deeply saddened by the massive civilian casualties caused by U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, spokesperson Mao said in response to a related query, adding that China strongly condemns that. China calls on all parties to fulfill their obligations under international law, effectively ensure the safety of civilians, and avoid attacks on civilian facilities, she added. March 2 During a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Wang said China values the traditional friendship between China and Iran, and supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity. Spokesperson Mao said that the Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are important international trade channels for goods and energy, and urged relevant parties to immediately stop military operations to prevent further escalation of tensions. This photo taken on Feb. 28, 2026 shows an explosion during missle strikes by Iran in downtown Tel Aviv, Israel. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing) March 1 The Chinese Foreign Ministry said China firmly opposes and strongly condemns the attack and killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The ministry said the attack and killing of Khamenei is a grave violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, adding that it tramples on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and basic norms in international relations. In a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Wang said it is unacceptable for the United States and Israel to launch strikes on Iran during the Iran-U.S. negotiations, and that it is also unacceptable for them to blatantly kill the leader of a sovereign state and incite government change. Wang presented a three-point position on the situation in Iran: an immediate cessation of military operations, a prompt return to dialogue and negotiation, and a joint opposition to unilateral actions. Feb. 28 China is highly concerned over the military strikes against Iran launched by the United States and Israel, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said after the strikes broke out earlier in the day. China calls for an immediate stop to the military actions, no further escalation of the tense situation, resumption of dialogue and negotiation, and efforts to uphold peace and stability in the Middle East, the ministry said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Either this nation shall kill racism, or racism shall kill this nation." (S. Jonas, August 2018) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "How do you spell ICE in German? GESTAPO." (S. Jonas, July 2025) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. "Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. "Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. "Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me." Pastor Martin Niemoller (c. 1946) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-6-26: Only the willfully blind can be blind to what will likely go down in history as the Greatest Set of Scams Ever. Well, Trump has always wanted to be good at something! 2-9-26: As I have said elsewhere many times: Running on open racism, Trump won the Presidency two out of three times, and if he is physically capable (notice that I didn't say mentally) he will be trying for third in 2028, on the same theme, which from the first time around he actually broadened it to the Fatal Three: Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia (Click Here). Why should he/they change now? 2-16-26: President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was invited to make the opening address for the 1940 Annual Meeting of the "more nativist-than-thou" Daughters of the American Revolution. He began it with two words: "Fellow immigrants." It should be noted that FDR's Dutch ancestors arrived in the Hudson Valley in the 17th century, well before the ancestors of most of the Anglo-descendants in the audience. 2-16-26: In his response to Chamberlain's "giving away" part of another country on Sept. 30, 1938, to Nazi Germany (to be followed by Hitler taking the rest of it the following Spring), Winston Churchill made this statement (in part): "Thou art weighed in the balance and found wanting. And do not suppose that this is the end. This is only the beginning of the reckoning. . . This is only the first sip, the first foretaste of a bitter cup which will be proffered to us year by year unless by a supreme recovery of moral health and martial vigor, we arise again and take our stand for freedom as in the olden time." How prophetic he was. And how much will his words apply to anyone who sits on the sidelines as the P2025TrumpRepubloFascists (click here) continue their march to destroy Constitutional Democracy in the United States. 2-17-26: Anti-Semitism formed a basic component of the political engine of Nazi Fascism. Religion-based anti-Semitism ("the Jews" killed Christ") had a long history in Europe, going back to St. Augustine in the 5th century of the Common Era. It was politicized beginning in the late 1870s by a pair of Austrians who thought that it might be useful as an electoral strategy as the era of parliamentary elections was getting underway. Since religious anti-Semitism had been in their culture for centuries, many Germans were, at one level or another, anti-Semitic. In the United States it is of course racism, going back to "1619," that plays the same role. Trump makes no bones about his. It is out there, front and center. 2-24-26: As the great New York Yankees catcher, and wordsmith, from the 1950s famously said: "When you come to a fork in the road, take it." Well, as Steve points out so well, we are at several upcoming forks in the road, for our nation. By Jan. 20, 2029, we will have either returned to being a nation governed by a Constitutionally democratic system or will have been converted to some version of what for some years now I have been calling "TrumpRepubloFascism" (Click Here-and-Pr-Project-2025_Trump-240808-198.html). The first fork is, obviously, the upcoming mid-terms, which the TRFs are so desperately trying to fix. Whether they are successful or not will largely determine what happens at the next fork, again obviously the 2028 Presidential election. The third fork will be, if the TRF's win then (that is, of course, "win"), will the whole nation succumb to TRF for an indefinite period of time or will one of two alternate, closely-related roads be taken: secession and/or civil war. 2-23-26: As a downhill skier (although never a racer) for over 50 years from 1958 (and a very part-time certified ski instructor, later in that time), I have always watched the Winter Olympics with great interest. This one, mounted by the Italians at various sites in Milan and the Dolomites, was very impressive. And the Closing Ceremony, with its emphasis on Peace and Harmony, was especially impressive. Given that message, I was led to wonder just how many bookmakers in London (where they make book on all sorts of chance events), were already setting odds on just how many nations would be boycotting the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles if Trump is still President at that time. 2-25-26: Taking care of my time, I did not watch too much of the "State of the Union" address (better entitled "The State of Trump's Ego"). I did happen to see one episode which I think perfectly encapsulated both the speech and indeed beyond it, the 2nd Trump Presidency. He awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor to a seriously injured U.S. servicemember who sustained his wounds while participating in the totally illegal kidnapping of the President of a foreign country who, apparently, will remain imprisoned indefinitely, with or without trial, in Trump's United States. 2-25-26: I have said this often (including earlier in this column), but it is worth repeating. At this critical time in our nation's history, it is obvious that the central issue facing us is, are we going to fully return to being a Constitutional Democracy with Separation of Powers at the Federal level, or are we going to continue down the road to replacing it with a modern form of fascism, towards which the TrumpRepubloFascists (TRFs) and P2025 are attempting to drive us. The central feature of TRF is a unitary Central government, which itself is the defining feature of all forms of fascism. The Constitutional Government forces have not lost yet, but the TRFs are getting perilously close to winning. If they manage to fix the 2026 mid-terms, which they obviously are both overtly and covertly trying very hard to do, it is very hard to see how all will not be lost. 3-4-26: And here is a most critical event, with a comment, from March. Without warning (and without a formal Declaration of War), a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian naval vessel in international waters, off Sri Lanka Click Here). In the primary times of black flags with a skull and crossbones or crossed swords emblazoned on them (16th to the 18th centuries), under Admiralty Law this sort of attack was defined as "piracy:" that is when non-state actors commit war-like acts against ships, such as hijacking, taking hostages, stealing cargo, etc. In this case the hostile act was carried out by a U.S. Navy ship, without warning (and in the days of piracy there was at least warning given). The Iranian ship sank to the bottom of the sea, taking most of its crew (again, in an undeclared war) with it. But the Trump Regime has now sunk even lower than that ship. It remains to be seen what, if anything, will happen in the Halls of the UN, NATO, the European Union, and etc. (the U.S. Congress [?, ho, ho, ho]), and whether Xi Jinping will cancel the scheduled Trump meeting. He should. (Article changed on Mar 09, 2026 at 1:09 PM EDT) Housing prices in New York City (Image by Pavlo Kuliuk) Details DMCA Home prices are determined not by the average income of buyers, but by the average income required to qualify for a mortgage. The income required to qualify for a mortgage is always higher than the average income. Nationally, these two incomes differ very little. However, in New York City, the average income required to qualify for a mortgage is almost two times higher than the average household income. As a result, the average home price appears as high as if the average New Yorker's income were around $200,000. However, the actual average income is only around $75,000. In 2023, the median household income in the United States was $76,170, and the median home price was $325,000. In the same year, the median household income in New York City was $75,000, and the median home price was $675,000.(1) Although the median income of New York City residents is almost equal to the median income of the United States, home prices in the city are almost twice as high as the national average. At first glance, this disparity seems unnatural. Median home prices should follow the income of most buyers. However, in New York City, this does not happen. Therefore, it seems that residential real estate is unaffordable for most buyers in New York City. However, this is a misconception. Real estate values "-"-are determined not by average household income, but by the average income level required to qualify for a mortgage. After all, most home purchases are made with a mortgage. In 2024, approximately 71% of transactions nationwide were financed with a mortgage.(2) In New York City, this figure was 69%.(3) However, mortgages are not issued to everyone, but only to people with a certain income level that allows them to simultaneously pay the loan and other living expenses. This income level is set by banks. Of course, the income required to qualify for a mortgage is always higher than the average income. Thus, banks try to reduce risks and increase profits by selecting the most creditworthy borrowers. But this difference is very small on a national scale. In 2024, the required income to qualify for a mortgage in the US was $89,649.(4) This is almost in line with the median household income at that time, which was $83,730.(5) However, in New York City, the median household income and the median income required to qualify for a mortgage differ by almost two times! Therefore, New York City housing is affordable for New Yorkers who can get a mortgage, but unaffordable for New Yorkers earning the median income! And real estate is always priced according to what mortgage borrowers can afford, not according to people with median incomes who don't qualify for a loan. In New York City, the required income level to qualify for a mortgage was $211,970 in 2024!(6) This is almost three times higher than the median household income in the city, which was $74,694 at the time.(7) This means that the affordable price of real estate is also almost three times higher than the national average of $325,000 for a median income of $76,170. Therefore, the $675,000 price quoted at the beginning of the article corresponds to the ability of New Yorkers who can qualify for a mortgage while earning $211,970. That is, residential real estate in New York City is just as affordable for mortgage borrowers as anywhere else in the country. But for some reason, mortgages in New York City are extremely unaffordable for city residents. This has negative consequences for New Yorkers. As is well known, only 30% of New York City residents own their own homes. That is, they are homeowners.(8) This is the lowest rate among all US metropolitan areas and almost half the national average of 66%.(8) But that's not all. Only 26.1% of New York City homeowners own their property free of mortgages.(9) This means only 7.5% of the city's residents truly own their own homes, free from the influence of other economic actors. The remaining 92.5% of New York City residents either pay mortgages or rent. All of the above indicates that housing prices in New York City don't correspond to the average income level of city residents, but are equal to the average income required to qualify for a mortgage, which is three times higher. In other words, housing in New York City costs as much as if the average household income in New York City were around $200,000 per year! This happened because the income level required to qualify for a loan steadily drifted away from the average income of New Yorkers. Along with the income level required to qualify for a loan, the average real estate price also drifted away from the average income of New Yorkers. If you want to find out who did this, follow the logic of detectives. Find the beneficiaries! References 1. click here 2. click here Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Iran School Bombing: Grief In Minab As Mass Funerals Held For Slain Schoolgirls | Watch Video Dramatic and emotional scenes took place in Minab as the coffins of those killed in school attack were brought out for the mass ... (Image by YouTube, Channel: MIRROR NOW) Details DMCA I'm sure you noticed that on the very first day of the current U.S. war with Iran, American missiles struck a school compound. In that single horrendous attack 165 people (most of them little girls between the ages of 7 and 12) were slaughtered. Their classrooms became rubble. Their playground became a graveyard. There's no "fog of war" here. This was a first strike presumably meticulously planned before hostilities began. Put plainly: Trump's and Netanyahu's first targets in their completely illegal and immoral war were school children - little girls. A War of Aggression Even before considering the victims, let's underline the war's undeniable illegality. It was completely unprovoked. That makes it a war of aggression. In international law, initiating such a conflict is considered the gravest of crimes. The judges at the Nuremberg Trials famously declared that to launch a war of aggression "is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime, because it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." That principle was meant to ensure that powerful states would never again unleash violence against another country simply because they could. Yet here we are. Targeting Civilians As I said, the opening strike on that Iranian school could hardly have been accidental. Moreover, it followed a pattern already well-established by Israel's war in Gaza under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Again and again, the world has seen images of bombed schools-- places that had become shelters for displaced civilians, classrooms for children, or simply the last fragile spaces where families tried to survive. Critics have begun to describe this tactic grimly: the "Gaza-ing" of cities-- systematic bombing of densely populated areas where civilians inevitably live. Now that same logic appears in Tehran. In this context, be reminded that dense urban neighborhoods are not empty landscapes. They contain apartment buildings, schools, hospitals, and nursing homes. They house women, children, the elderly, and the disabled -- people who cannot easily flee when bombs begin to fall. When such areas are targeted, civilian casualties are not accidents. They are predictable consequences. They are intentional. An Epstein War And here the moral horror becomes even sharper. That fact that most of the victims of that first strike in Teheran were girls between the ages of seven and twelve, connects it unmistakably with Jeffrey Epstein scandal from which the Iran War seems anxious to distract us. (Some are even calling it "The Epstein War.") Once again, young girls are the victims. Once again, power stands on one side and vulnerability on the other. No one is claiming that the dynamics of sexual exploitation and the Trump and Netanyahu school shootings are identical. But the pattern is deeply unsettling. Powerful men act with near-complete impunity; little girls suffer the consequences. When this happens repeatedly-- whether in elite abuse scandals or in the conduct of war-- it raises questions that go far beyond ordinary sexism. It points toward a culture in which the suffering of the most defenseless becomes politically invisible. "Leaders" As School Shooters Meanwhile, Americans continue to express horror at school shootings at home. The 2007 massacre at Virginia Tech where 32 people were killed shocked the nation and remains the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. Americans rightly consider such crimes monstrous. But what should we call it when a government destroys a school killing pupils and teachers with missiles? I'll tell you what I call it. It's a school shooting. And Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu are the most lethal school shooters on earth. The phrase shocks precisely because it strips away the language of strategy and exposes the reality for what it is. And when national leaders behave this way, they do more than destroy buildings and lives. They set an example. Leadership shapes moral culture. If governments normalize violence against children abroad-- bombing schools, flattening neighborhoods, "Gaza-ing" cities --why should we be surprised when violence seeps back into our own societies? Conclusion There I've said it: the two men just referenced are far worse school shooters than the worst we've seen. The moral logic in all cases is nonetheless frighteningly similar. They murder because they can. If we truly believe that children's lives are sacred, that principle cannot stop at national borders. It reveals the slogan "pro-life" for the grotesque instrument it has become: a banner raised in defense of unborn life at home while bombs fall on little girls sitting in classrooms abroad. BIRMINGHAM, AL - The girls of Girl Scouts Troop 27019 will bring beauty, kindness, and community spirit to Birmingham this spring by hosting a Community Early Bird Registration Ends Soon for Paper Meets LIVE! 2026 The weather was perfect for the Tuesday Evening Reception last year and everyone took advantage of the informal gathering. The weather was perfect for the Tuesday Evening Reception last year and everyone took advantage of the informal gathering. March 6, 2026 - Early bird pricing for Paper Meets LIVE! 2026 ends March 13. This premier paper industry networking event focuses on programming and networking that will enhance and grow business relationships among our member business partners and facilitate important discussions on the unique challenges and opportunities of the U.S. paper products industry. Paper Meets LIVE! 2026, taking place May 12-14 at the Opal Sands Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida, is co-hosted by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) and National Paper Trade Association (NPTA). Keynote Spotlight Suzanne Shelton, Senior Partner at ERM Shelton, on Beyond Slogans: How to Leverage Real Sustainability to Drive a New Market Advantage. Shelton will provide insights on how companies can align sustainability strengths with evolving customer expectations and regulatory demands. What's Next? Registration required: All attendees must register, including customers, merchants/distributors, mills/converters, industry service providers. Hospitality suites: Nicole Boland, nboland@gonpta.com Sponsorships: Gabby Maupin, gabriell_barr@afandpa.org or Nicole Boland, nboland@gonpta.com General questions: PaperMeets@afandpa.org About AF&PA The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance public policies that foster economic growth, job creation and global competitiveness for a vital sector that makes the essential paper and packaging products Americans use every day. The U.S. forest products industry employs more than 925,000 people, largely in rural America, and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 44 states. Our industry accounts for approximately 4.7% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufacturing more than $435 billion in products annually. AF&PA member companies are significant producers and users of renewable biomass energy and are committed to making sustainable products for a sustainable future through the industry's decades-long initiative Better Practices, Better Planet 2030. SOURCE: AF&PA AstraZeneca CEO on China's key innovation opportunities (People's Daily App) 16:19, March 06, 2026 In January, British pharma giant AstraZeneca announced plans to invest over 100 billion yuan ($14.5 billion) in China by 2030. The company has maintained a strong presence here since entering the market in 1993. In this interview with People's Daily, CEO Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, discusses China's development opportunities and its pivotal role in the global innovation ecosystem. (Compiled by intern Fan Yuting) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) NPC deputy devoted to reviving Yao culture, transforming folk traditions into source of income People's Daily Online) 09:49, March 06, 2026 Zhao Chunmei, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, is particularly focused on how ethnic culture can thrive through rural revitalization. Photo shows Zhao Chunmei, Party secretary of Erfeng village, Huilongshan Yao Township, Zixing city, central China's Hunan Province. She is also a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature. (Photo/Huang Lei) Born in the 1980s, Zhao is a member of the Yao ethnic group and the Party secretary of Erfeng village, Huilongshan Yao Township, Zixing city, central China's Hunan Province. She believes that the culture of the Yao people is the bedrock of Yao identity and the community's foundation for the future. During the summer vacation of 2025, Zhao and her fellow villagers decided to welcome local youth who were studying elsewhere back home to learn the traditional culture of the Yao ethnic group, including folk songs and the long drum dance. Zhao recalled that more than 50 students participated in the seven-day training. To create wealth for the village, Zhao has led residents of Erfeng village in hosting long-table banquets, the highest-level ceremonial feast of the Yao people. By transforming folk traditions into experiences and consumable products, they have attracted a steady flow of orders. Tourists enjoy a long-table banquet in Erfeng village, Huilongshan Yao Township, Zixing city, central China's Hunan Province. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) In recent years, Zhao has invited inheritors of Yao embroidery to the village, helping train the village's first group of local embroiderers. In 2026, Zhao plans to integrate Yao embroidery workshops, long-table banquets, and study tour programs to create more local employment opportunities for women in the village, enabling them to earn income without leaving home. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Alila Fort Bishangarh Jaipur - A Hyatt Brand is a 5-star heritage hotel that offers a unique experience as India's only fort turned hotel. Guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and wellness services in a historically rich setting that preserves Rajasthani culture. Rooms & Amenities The hotel features 87 opulent rooms and suites that reflect traditional Jaipur Gharana architecture, each designed to offer privacy and views of the surrounding landscape. Rooms include amenities such as a flat-screen TV, minibar, and luxurious bathrooms. Dining & Culinary Experience Dining options at Alila Fort Bishangarh include the Amarsar Restaurant, serving dishes inspired by the Silk Road, and the boutique poolside restaurant Haveli, offering Mediterranean cuisine made from fresh ingredients. Guests can also enjoy traditional Rajput cuisine on the open-air terrace with views over the Aravalli Hills. Leisure & Wellness The spa offers bespoke treatments rooted in Rajasthani traditions, complemented by a variety of yoga classes and an infinity pool with scenic views. For younger guests, the Play Alila program provides creative and fun activities. Best Western Premier The Hive is a 4-star hotel in Jatinegara offering modern facilities and a convenient location for both business and leisure travelers. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, meeting facilities, and on-site dining options. Rooms & Amenities Rooms at Best Western Premier The Hive are equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, a safe deposit box, and a tea and coffee maker. Some rooms feature two beds and soundproofing for enhanced comfort and privacy. Dining Options The hotel provides dining options on-site, with nearby establishments such as Ibis Kitchen Restaurant and local eateries like Panggang Butet and Bakmi Golek Otista within 1 km. This offers guests a variety of culinary experiences. Business & Transportation Business travelers will find meeting facilities available in the hotel. With a location just 5 km from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, transportation options include nearby bus stations such as Cawang Sutoyo and Penas Kalimalang. Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre By Ihg is a 5-star hotel known for its modern amenities, including Tattva Spa and an outdoor pool. This Jaipur hotel features multiple dining options such as Monarch Rajasthani and World Dining, offering both Indian and international cuisines. Rooms & Amenities The hotel offers contemporary rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, and a 32" LED TV. Rooms feature a seating area, private bathrooms with high-quality amenities, and options for soft and firm pillows. Dining Options Dining includes the all-day Monarch restaurant, serving a lavish buffet of Indian and international cuisines, and Chao, offering authentic Asian dishes. Guests can unwind at the Roadhouse Bar & Grill, an American-style casual dining venue. Leisure & Wellness Leisure facilities feature an outdoor pool with views of the city, along with Tattva Spa, which offers wellness therapies. A fitness center is available for those looking to maintain their workout routines. Crowne Plaza Bandung By Ihg offers five-star accommodation with modern amenities in a strategic location linked to major streets. This Bandung hotel features an outdoor infinity pool, spa services, and diverse dining options. Rooms & Amenities The guest rooms at Crowne Plaza Bandung are designed with large windows, offering views of the mountains or city. Equipped with a spacious work desk, a 40-inch HD TV, and high-speed internet access, these rooms provide comfort for both leisure and business travelers. Dining Options Dining options include Mosaic All Day Dining Restaurant, which serves a variety of cuisines and offers a show kitchen concept. Guests can also relax at the Mountain View Poolside Bar & Restaurant, located on the fifth floor, providing magnificent views of the city skyline. Leisure & Wellness Crowne Plaza Bandung features a spa offering a range of treatments and an outdoor infinity pool for relaxation. Fitness facilities are also available on-site, allowing guests to maintain their exercise routines during their stay. Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region deepens opening-up push People's Daily Online) 14:38, March 06, 2026 Customs officers with Tianjin Customs in north China's Tianjin Municipality inspect a batch of steel coils produced in north China's Hebei Province before they are loaded onto a vessel for export at Tianjin Port. (Photo/Peng Xiaoyi) During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region's annual imports and exports stayed above 4 trillion yuan ($581 billion), according to China's customs data. The region is home to more than 240,000 customs-registered enterprises, reflecting steady progress in coordinated development and opening-up. The Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council have approved a spatial coordination plan for the modern capital metropolitan area (2023-2035), outlining practical measures to further advance opening-up across the region. On Jan. 14, the north China branch of Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd. was officially inaugurated. The upgrade from a general department to a full regional branch signals the company's commitment to deeper integration with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and stronger customer responsiveness in north China. "Our routes cover the globe, and we can transport drilling platforms, wind power equipment, bridge cranes and complete sets of equipment requiring specialized handling and loading," said Sun Ke, general manager of the company's north China branch. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region's growing openness has steadily raised its profile in global shipping, he added. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is home not only to the headquarters of many companies that are expanding overseas, but also to well-developed industries such as automobiles, steel and textiles, all of which generate strong demand for import and export transportation, Sun said. As coordinated regional development deepens, ports in the Bohai Rim including Jingtang, Tianjin, Qinhuangdao and Caofeidian have steadily expanded their throughput capacity and lifted service standards, Sun noted. These ports are also increasingly absorbing spillover shipping demand from the broader hinterland, including Shandong, Liaoning and Heilongjiang provinces and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Employees work at an export-oriented fruit company in Jinzhou, north China's Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao) Sun added that the document proposes measures such as expanding international shipping routes, promoting the coordinated construction and operation of key logistics parks and hubs in Beijing and Tianjin, and ensuring the stability and smooth operation of the two cities' international logistics supply chains. These measures will deliver fresh momentum for opening-up in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and across northern China, he said. "Following the establishment of the north China branch, we are striving to increase our shipping business in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region by at least 30 percent this year," he added. As more concrete measures take effect, the region's coordinated development is gaining momentum, with new frontiers of opening-up beginning to take shape. In December 2025, a batch of reed blinds made from materials sourced at Baiyangdian Lake completed customs clearance at Xiong'an Customs administered by Shijiazhuang Customs in north China's Hebei Province before being shipped overseas from Tianjin Port. The shipment marked the first export of bamboo, wood and grass products from Xiong'an New Area, opening a new pathway for the outward development of its distinctive ecological industries. Li Jianguang, head of Zhaolong Reed Craft Cooperative, said the exported reed blinds were woven from natural reeds harvested in Baiyangdian Lake using traditional techniques. Since the 2025 harvest season, the cooperative has processed and exported reed blinds worth nearly 600,000 yuan, with destinations including France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Hungary, Spain and Chile. "We are less than 200 kilometers from Tianjin Port. Our products can reach the port within three hours after loading, and customs clearance services provided by Xiong'an Customs are highly efficient," Li said. "With strong national support for the capital metropolitan area and a series of new opening-up measures, we see more opportunities to expand into overseas markets," Li added. Beyond facilitating the export of specialty products, Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei's coordinated development is also enhancing the international integration of local industrial and supply chains. The document calls for better connectivity between Beijing's air and land ports and Tianjin Port, and accelerated transfer and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements to build a globally oriented innovation hub. It also calls for stronger support from the pilot free trade zones in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei in areas such as trade and investment, industrial development, government services and the flow of production factors. These measures will lay a solid foundation for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to explore new horizons of opening-up. The document has also boosted confidence among market entities across the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Harris Hotel & Convention Festival Citylink Bandung, a 4-star hotel rated 8.2/10 on Booking.com, features an outdoor pool and direct access to the Festival CTLink Mall. Guests can enjoy services including a spa and fitness center while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of their surroundings. Rooms & Amenities Each room at Harris Hotel & Convention Festival Citylink Bandung includes air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with shower. Some units feature a seating area for convenience. Additional amenities include a kettle, slippers, and free toiletries. Dining & Refreshments Guests can dine at Harris Cafe, offering Asian and Western meals, alongside a Juice Bar that serves fresh juices and cocktails. The hotel features a breakfast room and a bar for casual dining and refreshments. Leisure & Services Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, fitness center, and kids club. Foot massage services are also available to enhance relaxation during your stay. Guests can access wireless internet in the lobby and utilize the business center. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills is a 5-star hotel offering modern amenities, two unique restaurants, and an outdoor pool. It features contemporary design and is well-suited for both leisure and business travelers with extensive conference facilities. Rooms & Amenities The spacious and gracefully decorated Deluxe Rooms feature pool and city views, and guests can choose between a king or twin bed. In-room amenities include air conditioning, high-speed internet access, and a flat-screen TV. Dining Options Dining options include Chill Restaurant & Terrace, serving Indian dishes and international fare, along with other unique dining venues. The hotel also offers room service for guest convenience. Business & Services Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills features a well-equipped business center and meeting spaces, including the Azure ballroom, suitable for large events. Seamless Wi-Fi and audiovisual equipment support the needs of business travelers. Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport, a 5-star hotel with an 8.9/10 rating on Booking.com, offers quick access to Indira Gandhi International Airport, just a five-minute drive away. This upscale hotel features a lagoon-shaped pool, a comprehensive spa, and multiple dining options. Rooms & Amenities Rooms at Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport are equipped with a cable TV, minibar and a private bathroom featuring a rain shower. The two-bedroom Presidential Suite includes four Smart TVs, a study, two living rooms, a dining room, and a kitchenette. Dining & Nearby Options Dining options include five restaurants, featuring a 24-hour buffet and renowned establishments like Neung Roi, known for Thai cuisine, and The Great Kabab Factory, renowned for kababs and Indian breads. Leisure & Business Leisure facilities include a comprehensive spa with diverse treatments, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool surrounded by lounge seating. The hotel also offers business services such as a variety of meeting rooms including the Crystal Hall, accommodating up to 800 attendees. Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta, a 5-star hotel with a 9.2/10 rating on Booking.com, showcases luxury Javanese culture and tradition with excellent service. This Yogyakarta hotel features a spa, outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and various dining options. Guests can enjoy modern amenities along with a tranquil ambiance. Rooms & Amenities Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta features 292 spacious rooms equipped with modern facilities such as air conditioning, cable/satellite TV, a mini bar, and a private bathroom. Many rooms offer plenty of natural light and views of Mount Merapi or the pool from floor-to-ceiling windows or private balconies. Dining & Leisure Dining options include Kayumanis Coffee Shop serving Indonesian and international specialties, and Summer Palace offering Chinese cuisine. Guests can enjoy snacks and beverages at Eboni Bar & Lounge, as well as a refreshing drink from the poolside bar. Leisure & Business Leisure facilities include a spa that provides massages and body treatments, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fully equipped fitness center. The property also features a business center, meeting rooms, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi offers a range of luxurious amenities including extensive conference facilities, multiple dining options, and a renowned spa. Rated 8.7/10 on Booking.com, this 5-star property is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers. Rooms & Amenities Guest accommodations at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi include various room types, each featuring modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and complimentary high-speed internet access. The Presidential suite boasts panoptic living rooms, walk-in closets, and a relaxing bubble bath. Dining & Culinary Experience Dining options include Cafe Knosh, offering buffet spreads and an array of international cuisines, and Dilli 32, a specialty restaurant focusing on Awadhi food. Club Cuba features handcrafted cocktails and a lively atmosphere overlooking the pool. Business & Leisure Facilities The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi features extensive business amenities, including one of the largest pillar-less ballrooms in the country, with an area of 2322.6 m, suitable for large events and conferences. The hotel also offers leisure facilities such as The Leela Spa, providing a range of wellness treatments. ITC Kakatiya, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hyderabad, is a 5-star luxury property featuring 188 rooms, four dining destinations, and a wellness center. This exceptional Hyderabad hotel is built to mark a renaissance in standards of service and style, paying tribute to the Kakatiya dynasty. Rooms & Amenities The hotel offers various amenities including a full-service spa, Kaya Kalp, an outdoor pool surrounded by coconut palms, and a well-equipped fitness center. Each guestroom features air conditioning, a minibar, and 24-hour room service for added convenience. Dining Options Dining options include Dakshin, renowned for south Indian cuisine, and Kebabs & Kurries, specializing in Indian delicacies. Additionally, Deccan Pavilion serves multi-cuisine delights complemented by a 24-hour coffee shop. Business Facilities The hotel provides well-regarded meeting spaces covering 850.0 m, suitable for conferences and business gatherings. Complimentary Wi-Fi and various business services support the needs of the discerning traveler. ITC Maurya, A Luxury Collection Hotel, New Delhi, is a five-star hotel known for its award-winning dining and sophisticated services. This luxury hotel features 437 rooms and suites with superior facilities and amenities. It is recognized for its historic ambiance paired with contemporary conveniences. Rooms & Amenities Rooms and suites at ITC Maurya provide air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, a mini-bar, and complimentary water and fresh fruit. The hotel includes exclusive accommodations like the ITC One, offering a spacious environment and luxury amenities. Deluxe Suites are decorated with artefacts that reflect Mauryan grandeur. Dining Options ITC Maurya houses the globally acclaimed Bukhara, known for North-West frontier cuisine, and Dum Pukht, celebrated for its royal Awadhi legacy. Avartana showcases Southern Indian culinary artistry while the 24-hour Pavilion offers round-the-clock dining options. Majestic lounges and bars provide a selection of global beverages. Wellness & Leisure Kaya Kalp - The Spa offers Ayurvedic therapies and holistic treatments designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. The hotel also includes a health and fitness center with personalized fitness regimes, catering to guests' wellness needs. Indoor air quality is monitored through advanced purification systems. Data Resort By Della Adventure, a 5-star luxury glamping resort, offers unique military-themed accommodations alongside various adventurous activities. This hotel features a swimming pool, spa, and two restaurants, emphasizing a blend of luxury and adventure for families and corporate outings. Rooms & Amenities Rooms at Data Resort By Della Adventure feature military-themed designs with contemporary interiors. Each luxurious tent includes a private patio, flat-screen TV, mini-bar, and private bathrooms with modern amenities such as a Jacuzzi and bathrobes. Dining Options Dining options include Salaam Manekshaw, an 80-seater restaurant adorned with military regalia, offering all-day dining. Guests can also enjoy the Gurkha Lounge for drinks in a themed environment. Leisure & Activities Data Resort By Della Adventure provides numerous recreational activities such as an obstacle course, military-style training programs, and a swimming pool. Guests can enhance their team-building skills through unique, curated experiences led by ex-military personnel. Taj Devi Ratn Resort & Spa, Jaipur is a 5-star luxury hotel featuring exquisite design inspired by local artistry. The resort offers an outdoor pool and a full-service spa, along with complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Rooms & Amenities Each of the 63 individually decorated rooms at Taj Devi Ratn Resort & Spa, Jaipur features a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a furnished balcony. Guest amenities include a minibar, 24-hour room service, and a pillow menu, providing tailored comfort during your stay. Dining Options Dining options include Vyom Restaurant, serving Asian and Continental dishes, and Jal, the poolside cafe. Guests can relax at the Mandala bar, enhancing their culinary experience within the hotel. Leisure & Business Taj Devi Ratn Resort & Spa, Jaipur provides various recreational amenities such as a health club, spa treatments, and sauna facilities. The hotel's extensive 371.6 m of meeting space caters to business needs, supporting a range of corporate events. Deal Made, Title Won: Justin Saliba Captures PokerGO Cup Event #3 Tyler Boyer Editor and Digital Media Executive Copy link Justin Saliba topped a field of 86 entries to win Event #3: $5,100 No-Limit Holdem Single-Day at the 2026 PokerGO Cup inside the PokerGO Studio at ARIA in Las Vegas, earning $96,400 and the tournament trophy. Saliba defeated James Carroll heads-up after the two agreed to an ICM deal that redistributed the remaining prize pool while leaving $10,000 and the trophy to play for, with Saliba ultimately closing it out to secure the victory. Final Table Results Place Player Prize 1 Justin Saliba *$96,400 2 James Carroll *$94,950 3 Sam Laskowitz $53,750 4 Timothy Capretta $38,700 5 Chino Rheem $30,100 6 Jeremy Ausmus $21,500 7 Eric Blair $17,200 *denotes ICM chop Saliba Runs Hot and Stays Loose on the Way to Victory Saliba credited both strong cards and a relaxed table dynamic for helping him navigate the one-day event and ultimately close out the win. I feel good, Saliba said after the victory. Obviously I ran very hot. I got kings a lot, got aces a lot, and played a lot of fun hands. Despite the strong run of cards, the final table wasnt without its challenges. Saliba had eventual runner-up James Carroll seated directly to his left, forcing him to be patient early on. There was a lot of tension at the final table with the stacks, and I had James on my left, Saliba explained. He was very good and very aggressive, so I was kind of locked for a little bit of the final table. But once it went from seven to four players, I got freed up a little bit and just ran hot from there. One of the more entertaining moments of the day came earlier in the tournament when Saliba got involved in a friendly side bet with tablemates Chino Rheem and Jeremy Becker. We had a bet because Jeremy (Becker) had three-bet eight-three offsuit earlier near the bubble, Saliba said. Chino basically said if you win a hand with eight-three, hed pay $500. I said I wanted to get in on that bet. Just a few hands later, Saliba picked up the very hand in question. Five hands later, I get dealt eight-three off suit on the button, he said with a laugh. I raised covering both blinds and ended up in a big pot. The runout was perfect, and I got to fire a triple-barrel bluff and show the eight-three for an extra $500 from Jeremy. While the hand added some levity to the day, Saliba said maintaining that balance between focus and fun is key during long tournament sessions. When you play so much live poker, you get used to the grind, Saliba said. I was just in Paris playing every day and came straight here. If youre only in grind mode all the time youre going to burn out. Playing with guys like Jeremy and Chino just makes it enjoyable. Saliba admitted he was even battling jet lag throughout the day but leaned into the relaxed atmosphere until the final table required a shift in focus. I was definitely very jet-lagged, so I was trying to keep my energy up and have fun early, he said. Then once the final table came, it was time to lock back in. The quick pace of PokerGO Cups single-day events also requires a different mental approach compared to multi-day tournaments. Its a bit different because everything moves faster, Saliba explained. Average stacks are lower and the swings come quickly. You dont get to bag chips and go study for the next day. You just have to stay resilient and focus on playing each spot well as it comes up. Bubble Boy Back-to-Back Days One of the early storylines of the day came on the money bubble, where John Riordan fell just short of a payday for the second day in a row. Riordan opened pocket jacks, and it folded to the eventual champion Saliba, who three-bet and then called Riordan's four-bet jam with ace-deuce suited, and flopped an ace to burst the bubble. Riordans elimination marked the second straight day he bubbled an event at the PokerGO Cup, a brutal turn of events for the high-stakes pro. Despite the relatively modest field size, the tournament attracted several big names. Popular poker vlogger Ethan Rampage Yau, along with high-stakes crushers Jesse Lonis, Chris Hunichen, and Shannon Shorr, all took their shots in the $5K event but were unable to navigate their way into the money. As the field thinned, Saliba found himself among the final contenders and eventually battled his way to heads-up play against Carroll. After the duo agreed to an ICM chop, play continued for the remaining $10,000 and the title, and it was Saliba who ultimately came out on top to add his third PokerGO Tour victory to his resume. Be sure to follow PokerNews for live updates and coverage of the rest of the 2026 PokerGO Cup, as well as major poker events from around the globe. Share this article Pixar really knows what its doing. It has for 40 years, ever since it first opened its doors as an independent animation studio. Twenty years ago, it became part of Disney (that fruitful marriage will celebrate its 20th anniversary in May), and its long since gotten the hang of what its ever-growing audience is looking for. As such, it no longer puts out small projects. Hoppers, its first movie of the year, is no minor affair though it does seem secondary in importance for the studio in 2026. The fourth sequel to the smash hit Toy Story, a franchise that has been around for two decades, is slated to arrive in mid-June. But in the meantime, Pixar is making it clear that it has more to offer its viewers. Perhaps that is why the studio embarked on a film in which nothing is particularly novel, yet everything is different an approach that ticks all the brands requirements. Its production company, located in the small San Francisco Bay Area city of Emeryville, has been working on the story for more than six years, and has bestowed upon it the patina of care and quality for which it has become known. As in other recent Disney hits (like Zootopia 2, the highest-earning animated film of all time), animals are the protagonists, and the film blends humor with refined technology and a dash of fantastical futurism, the perfect ingredients for a solid script. It features the most logical kind of environmentalism, that which simply seeks to prevent the destruction of what we hold dear, with Pixars characteristic nostalgia and modern family structures. Not to mention, a somewhat dark and punk edge. Our lead is young Mabel, accompanied by her grandmother Tanaka, who teaches her to care for and respect her environment. They are joined by a handful of animals who become friends and adventure companions. Rebellious, complaining, messily coiffed, chaotic Mabel a normal girl, one might say literally comes to insert herself into a beavers body to save her city from the construction of a new highway. Daniel Chong is the creator and director of the project. Hes no stranger to creatures and laughs, having started out at Pixar (working on Cars 2 and Inside Out) before leaving for five years to create and direct the animated series We Bare Bears and its subsequent film adaptation. Upon returning to the studio, he became a part of the teams that made Lightyear, Inside Out 2, and Elio, before getting his first Pixar directing credit with Hoppers. Hes joined on the new release by veteran producer Nicole Paradis Grindle, who has been a part of the studio almost since its founding. Mabel and her grandmother Tanaka, in a scene from Hoppers. Pixar (Pixar) The professional duo explain that at first, the film wasnt going to feature beavers, but rather, penguins. They were counseled to shift gears penguins were already well-represented in animation. When they learned of the skills and goodwill of beavers, who are able to build dams and help preserve the freshness and greenness of areas experiencing drought, as well as help to prevent fires, they were convinced. They traveled to natural areas and reserves, including Yellowstone National Park, where they rose at dawn to inspect the area, researching the animals and how they behaved in their natural environment. They told us to simply listen. To listen to nature and to spend time in it, in communion, explained Chong. That helped them to get to know how beaver communities behave, and they even worked with a university expert on the animals, all of which made their movie more truthful, with more realistic references. The Hoppers laboratory. Pixar (PIXAR) Beyond beavers, Chong always had in mind a secret organization that did something special, like in those 1990s films Sneakers and Hackers. Such was the inspiration for the technological process featuring some vintage equipment through which young Mabel becomes a beaver. In fact, there are many cinematic throwbacks in Hoppers, from Studio Ghibli nods to references to Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Wallace and Gromit. In another instance of the Pixar touch, the beavers change based on who is perceiving them: if the scene takes place between the rodents, they look closer to an animated cartoon, round with big eyes. If there are humans involved, they look more realistic. Chong explained that he worked freehand in the early stages of the films design, but then switched to 3D. We wanted them to fit into nature, to be believable, real yet stylized. A few of the bad-guy animals in Hoppers. Pixar (Pixar) Born in South Dakota with familial roots in Singapore, the director also found it difficult to strike the right tone with the films lead Mabel, who has Asian heritage. Paradis Grindle explains that Mabel had to have a kinder, more empathetic touch, because at first, people didnt like this young girl who shouted at everybody. That was a challenge, Chong confesses. But then you see her as a child, with her grandmother, and you understand her better. The director admits that he wanted his characters, and particularly his protagonist, to become iconic, like so many others created at the animation studio. But one of the things I remember most about growing up watching Toy Story, A Bugs Life, Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo was the fun. You laughed a lot and you loved those characters. Ive been on a profound search for that fun, he explains. And this studio is really good at helping you find the emotion. Another of the most complex parts of making the film is its core battle between forces of good and evil. Pixar and animated films arent only for a child audience, and the film has dark, threatening moments, with snakes and other elements that are quite capable of frightening its primary audience of young people. Producer Paradis Grindle says, In my experience with this public, and in my own life experience, parents are often more worried about what will scare kids than what kids want. And being a little afraid is part of the story. Its part of the Brothers Grimm tales. And kids, like adults, like to stand on the edge of the precipice, she reflects. I dont think weve gone too far; weve thought about it a lot, we had notes from past screenings with audiences. And we backed off where we had gone too far. But its more interesting when a childrens story makes you feel that hint of fear, and then backtracks. My children, of course, are perfectly fine, she laughs. Chong says that as a child of the 1980s, he grew up with films that were a little scary, but intended for family audiences, like Gremlins, and that he believes Hoppers arrived at a good point. In the film, characters are voiced by actors like Jon Hamm, Dave Franco, and Meryl Streep, who makes an appearance as the leader of the monarch butterflies in what is perhaps its funniest scene. We still have a few months to wait until the arrival of Toy Story 5 but if in its anniversary year, Pixar was hoping to deliver nostalgia and humor, the studio has already managed to do just that. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Tony Kukulich is an editor/reporter working in the Beaufort County bureau. Turning to journalism as a second career, he started as a photojournalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. After moving to Bluffton in 2021, he wrote for several area publications before joining The Post and Courier the following year. Berkeley and Dorchester Metro Reporter Komlavi Adissem is a metro reporter covering Berkeley and Dorchester counties. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri, where he covered city, county, and state government for the Columbia Missourian. Find him on Twitter (X) and Bluesky @KAdissem! Greenville, SC (29601) Today A few passing clouds. Low 49F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight A few passing clouds. Low 49F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. The embodiment of economic prosperity in Bolivia has a name: Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The warm Guarani city, far from the Andes, consists of 40% of national and foreign migrants. More than one newcomer has been confused by the name of one of its avenues in the east of the city. Locals call it Che Guevara Avenue, but the GPS and the official municipal map call it Monsenor Nicolas Castellanos Avenue. The City Council decided to rename it last November. This is not a simple administrative issue, but a renewed attempt by the center-right government of Rodrigo Paz to sweep aside the memory of the worlds most famous guerrilla fighter, who was assassinated in the Bolivian village of La Higuera in 1967. Since Bolivias Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) lost power to the new government last year, several attempts have been made to rid the country of Guevaras legacy. His military executioners have been decorated and there have been proposals to remove his face and name from public places. Karaoke bars, liquor stores, and pool halls populate the busy street which most people still call Che Guevara, not because of ideological conviction, but because it has always been so. A young man waiting for the bus says the street name change is fine by him. Weve had enough Che Guevara already, he says. He is part of the 17- to 25-year-old demographic in Bolivia that has been pushing for an end to the honoring of the leftist icon who, between 1966 and 1967, tried to create a center of armed revolution in the heart of South America that would radiate throughout the continent. Instead, they propose honoring the 700 soldiers who are still alive from the unit of 2,000 who fought Che and his 44 guerrillas among them 23 Bolivians, 16 Cubans, three Peruvians and two Argentinians. In October of last year, the month of Guevaras death, these soldiers were honored in the countrys capital, La Paz, by the Bolivian Nationalist Union. The event was held in a public square and was attended by soldiers who, at the time of the conflict, were 18-year-old conscripts, many of them with less than two months of training. Historical narratives The 23-year-old lawyer, political activist, and founder of the debate platform Presente.bo, Arturo Berazain, is not part of the union, but he shares some of its ideals, and was present. We are seeing the vindication of Bolivias history. For decades, according to the universal narrative promoted by foreign actors, the guerrillas were romanticized, relegating the Bolivian soldier to the sidelines. Decorating the meritorious people of Nancahuazu [where Ches central camp was established] is putting things in their rightful place, he told EL PAIS. The same scenario was enacted in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. The veterans complained that only some of them had received compensation in the form of food. What they are demanding is a pension, but they are also seeking redemption, as one of them, Juan Siles, made clear in his speech: Those socialists who carry the image of Che are traitors to the homeland, said Siles. They shouldnt be allowed to look a soldier in the face. We were on the side of our country. We were wearing the same uniform for a month, which fell apart on its own. The venue was the popularly named Heroes of Nancahuazu Square. Its original name was Litoral, but this was changed when a memorial with the names of the 50 fallen soldiers was erected in 2017. The construction of the monument was a response to the extravagant official acts for the 50th anniversary of Guevaras death carried out by the MAS government during Evo Morales third term. The former Indigenous president had kept the memory of Che alive since his inauguration in 2006 by naming monuments and cultural centers in his honor. Now a seven-meter-high sculpture of Che made from scrap metal in El Alto is under threat. A TikToker triggered the demand to get rid of it. A similar demand came from Senator Nilton Condori, who tore up a photograph of Che at a press conference in January and suggested that his face be removed from the Confederation of Rural Education Teachers: Lets include Bolivias coat of arms. Education does not belong to the right or the left, but to the cultural spirit of our nation, he said. Demonstrators with the statue of Ernesto Che Guevara behind them in El Alto, in August 2020. DAVID MERCADO (Reuters) The project that Morales never carried out, despite repeated promises, was the paving of the road to La Higuera, the small village where Che and his National Liberation Army (ELN) were finally defeated. The community is located on the geographical border between Chuquisaca and Santa Cruz; between the last foothills of the Andean mountain range and the beginning of the tropical plain. Every meter of its dirt streets features paraphernalia from Ches revolutionary dream: the walls of the adobe houses, the busts and monuments of the only square, the names of hotels. Lack of support When a decimated, hungry, and totally encircled ELN arrived in this village in early October 1967, it was deserted. It 300 inhabitants had either left or hidden after the news reached them of the arrival of the bearded foreigners. One of the 30 still alive, Inma Rosado, 80, tells EL PAIS: We were afraid and we would either hide behind the door or flee to the mountain in front. We couldnt even go out for water. Historians agree that Guevaras defeat was due to his lack of knowledge of the terrain and of the social and political reality. It was also a question of poor communication but, above all, Che lacked peasant support. Carlos Soria Galvarro, who is considered the greatest expert on the guerrilla experience in Bolivia, explains: The guerrilla movement did not emerge from social struggles or internal conflicts; therefore, it was seen as something strange and needed more time to take root. Meanwhile, the propaganda spread by the military and autocratic government of Rene Barrientos painted the guerrillas as Castro-communist invaders and a gang that looted residences and raped women. With the help of the Church, this image took hold in the collective imagination. That said, Che did manage to influence the two military governments that succeeded Barrientos. Despite their military credentials, they introduced social measures, such as the nationalization of oil, the reopening of relations with the Soviet Union and the release of the anti-imperialists Regis Debray and Ciro Bustos, who had arrived with Che. Even the current president, Rodrigo Paz, was touched by the long arm of the revolutionary. Before beginning his political career, he was seen at historical memory events talking about his uncle, Nestor Paz, a university student who, at the age of 24, decided to reactivate the ELN along with 70 others three years after the fall of Che. He died of starvation, surrounded by the army. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition A group of worshippers from Calvary Chapel Summerville, seen here at the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, got stranded in Israel at the end of their pilgrimage to the Holy Land due to the ongoing regional conflict. They returned to the Lowcountry on March 5. The Mexican presidents approval rating has recovered to 71% after slight declines since the summer. Both the downfall of the drug lord and electoral reform have garnered strong support, according to an Enkoll poll for EL PAIS With the start of the year, Claudia Sheinbaums approval ratings have recovered. In the final months of 2025, the Mexican president suffered from a new surge in the security crisis, with Michoacan as its epicenter, and the various opposition protests that inflamed the streets. Now that the crisis has subsided, and buoyed by the operation that led to the death of El Mencho, the most wanted criminal on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, the president has regained ground, reaching a 75% approval rating at the beginning of March, according to an Enkoll poll conducted for EL PAIS and W Radio. Despite the improvement in her overall public support, which never fell below a very high average, insecurity and drug trafficking remain Sheinbaums biggest challenge and the greatest concern for Mexican citizens. The president is gaining ground after experiencing slight declines in her approval rating since last summer. The most pronounced drop four points to 74% occurred in December, at the height of the security crisis triggered by the assassination of the popular mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo, and the Generation Z protests, along with demonstrations by transport workers and farmers that dominated much of the daily political agenda. Sheinbaum has reversed this trend, which is also reflected in an improvement in her disapproval rating, from 24%, the highest so far in her six-year term, to 20% this March. The two major events of recent months the military operation against Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader El Mencho and the electoral reform both enjoy approval ratings above 80%. Specifically regarding the drug lord, 70% say their opinion of the president has improved since the operation. Among the most highly valued areas, social assistance programs stand out again, with 35% approval, broken down into scholarships and subsidies for senior citizens and women. Social programs are a key pillar of the Sheinbaum administrations social policy, which this year has increased the budget to over one trillion pesos ($55.9 billion). The area with the highest disapproval ratings continues to be insecurity, at 26%, followed by the economy at 2%. Amid the turmoil of facing pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, the Mexican economy narrowly avoided recession at the end of last year, thanks to a boost from exports, which grew by 0.7%. Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace, on February 23. Raquel Cunha (REUTERS) Nearly half of those surveyed say that insecurity is the countrys main problem, although this perception has improved slightly since the last poll, dropping from 51% to 48%, followed by economic problems (16%) and corruption (14%). In another section on insecurity, when asked how concerned they are about the current security situation, considering their daily lives and those of their families, 68% responded that they are very worried. And when asked if the situation will improve in the coming years, only half of Mexicans expressed optimism. On a more general level, 63% of those surveyed believe that the countrys situation has improved since the president took office. However, when broken down by specific categories, the perception of a decline in healthcare services stands out, rising from 44% to 46%, while those who believe public safety has worsened fell by almost 10 points the largest drop of the six-year term so far to 48%. This perception is complemented by the overwhelming majority (76%) who believe that the operation against the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel represents progress in the governments security strategy, which has been showing improvements in the number of murders, arrests, and drug seizures for months. These moves have been largely synchronized with pressure from Trump. Next year, coinciding with the midterm elections, a recall referendum for the president is scheduled. Support for Sheinbaum has increased by two points since the last poll, reaching 70%. Regarding the forecasts for the parliamentary elections, the ruling Morena party leads by a wide margin in voting intentions, although it has registered a slight drop compared to the December poll, with an effective preference of 54%, followed by the National Action Party (18%) and Citizens Movement (12%). The Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) continues to be the bloc with the highest disapproval rating at 51%. The electoral reform, one of the key reforms of this six-year term, has faced a tortuous path in recent months, culminating this week in the presentation of a first draft. Parliamentary allies of Morena, the Green Party, and the Labor Party have obstructed the project, which, among other changes, reduces party funding. Survey results, however, reveal support for the presidential initiative, showing a general favorable sentiment (over 80%) for measures such as reducing salaries for high-ranking officials at the National Electoral Institute (INE), modifying proportional representation seats in the Chamber of Deputies, prohibiting nepotism, and reducing funding for political parties. The only sections showing less support, which in any case exceeds 60%, are the authorization of electronic voting in referendums and the elimination of the Preliminary Results Program (PREP), the body that publishes preliminary results on election nights. Even stronger is the support for the military operation that resulted in the death of the El Mencho on February 22. Eighty-one percent consider the operation to have been very good, compared to only 10% who express a negative opinion. Nearly half of those surveyed believe that the Sheinbaum administration is confronting organized crime groups more effectively than previous governments, and 38% believe that the security situation will improve after the drug lords death, while another third think it will remain the same and yet another third believe it will worsen. The operation against El Mencho involved U.S. intelligence collaboration and took place at a time of intense pressure, amid constant threats of a possible U.S. intervention in Mexican territory. Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed agree with cooperation on intelligence and training, while another 60% reject the possibility of U.S. operations on Mexican soil. These figures have barely changed in the various Enkoll polls conducted during this presidential term. What has changed, however, is confidence in the way the Mexican president is handling the complicated bilateral relationship with Trump. Sheinbaums approval rating, which stood at 75% at the beginning of last year, had dropped nine points to 64% at the end of 2025. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. Political Editor Schuyler Kropf is The Post and Courier political editor. He has covered every major political race in South Carolina dating to 1988, including for U.S. Senate, governorship, the Statehouse and Republican and Democratic presidential primaries. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 77F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Low 57F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. The Pakistani activist visited Spain as part of an international campaign to have the systematic erasure of women in Afghanistan recognized as a crime against humanity Malala doesnt need a last name. Simply saying her first name, without uttering Yousafzai, conjures up familiar images: shes the girl who defied the Taliban in her native Pakistan, the activist who dedicated her life to girls education, and who, at 17, became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. Shes a heroine, an inspiration, a person destined for greatness. These are the labels Malala herself lists with a touch of detachment, describing the expectations others placed on her when, at 15, a Taliban gunman shot her in the head. She recounts this in her latest book, Finding My Way, published last October. I cant escape the feeling that a giant hand pulled me out of one story and dropped me into a completely new one. At 15, I hadnt had time to figure out who I wanted to be when, suddenly, everyone wanted to tell me who I was, she writes. She has just visited Madrid, where the script for this second part of the story unfolds. She would spend no more than 12 hours in Spain. The agenda was meticulously planned: institutional meetings with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, with hardly any time for the media. She was accompanied by Sahar Halaimzai, executive director of the Malala Fund, who intervenes when the conversation delves into the intricacies of international law. Malalas trip has a very specific objective: to spur a global movement to have the systematic erasure of women in Afghanistan recognized and classified as gender apartheid. The timing is crucial, as the United Nations is negotiating a new treaty on crimes against humanity, and codifying the erasure of women from public life would close the legal vacuum that currently leaves these abuses without a specific tool to prosecute them. In person, Malala speaks slowly and carefully, choosing her words thoughtfully. She knows as she acknowledges in the book how to deflect questions that could turn her name into a weapon. She also accepts that she cannot escape questions about the attack on her, a part of her life that feels very distant she is now 28 but that fills the air every time she enters a room. She doesnt avoid talking about politics, but she steers it back to a central theme: education as the foundation of equality. Question. Do you think the world has normalized the oppression of women in Afghanistan? Answer. Afghanistan is an example of systemic oppression against women and girls, where the Taliban as a misogynistic oppressive group are limiting women from every right, from the right to learn, the right to work and theyre punishing women who dare to speak out or dare to go to work in secret, who dare to learn in secret. And it should be a wake-up call to us. It should alarm the world that such oppressive things can happen, where half of the population is being erased from public life. But I see passivity and how the world is looking the other way. Its been nearly five years (since the Taliban returned to power), and we dont see any progress. Rather, were seeing the Taliban announcing new extreme rules: that a woman cannot be seen from the window of her house. Even if she is sick and needs to see a doctor, they are limited in their public movement as well. Afghan activists and human rights experts call it a gender apartheid. Q. What role should the international community play in supporting girls and women? A. We need to have a system of accountability, and we should not be normalizing relations with the Taliban. Womens rights should be on top of the international agenda. Activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, on February 26 at a hotel in Madrid. Jaime Villanueva Q. Classifying gender apartheid as a crime against humanity, if achieved, will not be immediate. How can Afghan girls be helped right now? A. We are doing everything we can to provide education to girls at home. We are supporting Afghan partners who are providing alternative education through television, radio, online platforms. I had a conversation with a few Afghan girls who are part of these underground secret schools, and they told me how learning gives them hope in this dark time. One girl said that even reading a book alone in her room is an act of resistance for her. Afghan girls are not giving up. They have the courage and the bravery, but they want the world to stand with them as well. Q. Since your activism in Pakistan as a child, how has your approach changed to addressing current challenges in girls education and rights? A. I started advocating for girls education when I was 11 years old. Thats when the Taliban in Pakistan, in my valley, banned girls from going to school. They bombed schools, and they would not allow women to go to work. I thought that would never happen again. When I was attacked at 15, the world stood with me, and I thought, this means a true commitment to girls everywhere, that we would not put the education of any girl at risk. Q. That hasnt been the case A. I personally feel very lucky that I went to university and completed my education, but I dont want my story to be an exception. I want every girl to be able to complete her education and choose her own future. What we have seen in Afghanistan is a reminder to us that there is little protection for women and girls. There is little support in international law. When I was attacked at 15, the world stood with me, and I thought, this means a true commitment to girls everywhere, that we would not put the education of any girl at risk Q. Do you think the situation of women in Afghanistan reflects a broader phenomenon? A. Womens rights in Afghanistan should not be seen as a side issue. If we say we are feminists and we believe in gender equality, but we cant act, it is of no use. We have to care about whats happening with women and girls in Afghanistan, because it doesnt only matter for Afghanistan, it matters for women and girls everywhere. Malala Yousafzai, on February 26 in Madrid. Jaime Villanueva Q. Beyond Afghanistan, cuts in official development assistance are hitting women hardest around the world. Are we experiencing a global setback in the fight for womens equality? A. Honestly, its really difficult to process so many setbacks, from cuts in international aid, to the Taliban ban on girls education, to the destruction of the entire education system in Gaza, and the crisis facing women and girls in so many parts of the world. But I see it as a reminder of where we actually are and how we need to come together. And ensure that we do more, because what we have done is not enough. When misogyny becomes institutionalized and nothing is done about it, I worry that it wont stop there. It may seem like a distant issue, but its a lot closer than we think. Q. After all these years of activism, do you still consider education to be the key to achieving equality for girls? A. I believe that education is the foundation of ensuring equality for women and girls. There are 120 million girls around the world who cannot go to school for different reasons. When misogyny becomes institutionalized and nothing is done about it, I worry that it wont stop there. It may seem like a distant issue, but its a lot closer than we think Q. Many people consider you a symbol of courage. Do you ever feel afraid? A. Ive dedicated almost my entire life to activism for girls education, and I have been defined as brave and courageous. And I thought that meant not being afraid. But over the years, I have felt fear. Ive been scared, not just for myself, but for girls everywhere. But even if I have a panic attack, even if I feel scared, it doesnt stop me from the work that I want to do, and that is to shape a better future for girls. Ive heard stories of girls, Ive met with incredible girls, including Afghan girls, who are not giving up despite the fear. And that speaks to the resilience of women everywhere. Q. What would you say to an Afghan girl if you could speak to her right now? A. My message to all Afghan girls is that we stand with you. Youre brave, youre resilient. Keep learning, even if its in secret. Keep speaking out in any way that you can. You have sisters, you have supporters around the world, and more and more people will be behind you. We want you to have the right to be in school. We want you to live with dignity. We will not give up. We will always stand with you. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-05 22:35:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 952 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO of Sky Property Group Inc., calls on developers, governments, and investors to accelerate the adoption of modular and prefabricated construction to address Canada's deepening housing shortage.TORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / March 5, 2026 / Canada's housing crisis continues to defy conventional solutions. Despite record government spending, zoning reforms, and accelerated approval processes in cities from Vancouver to Halifax, the country still falls dramatically short of the supply needed to house a rapidly growing population. But a quiet manufacturing revolution - modular and prefabricated construction - is beginning to reshape how Canada thinks about building homes at scale.Modular housing units being assembled on a Toronto construction site.Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO of Sky Property Group Inc., has been watching this transformation closely. For her, the answer to Canada's housing shortage isn't just about building more - it's about building smarter."The traditional construction model is broken," says Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "Labour shortages, supply chain volatility, brutal Canadian winters - all of these are compressing timelines and inflating costs. Modular construction attacks all of those problems at once. If Canada is serious about delivering the housing it needs by 2030, we can't afford to ignore this approach." What Is Modular Construction - and Why Does It Matter for Canada?Modular and prefabricated construction involves manufacturing significant portions of a building - or entire units - in a factory-controlled environment, then transporting and assembling them on-site. The approach has been gaining momentum globally, particularly in countries grappling with high construction costs and skilled labour shortfalls.In Canada, the case for modular construction is especially compelling. The country's harsh winter climate regularly interrupts outdoor construction work, adding months to project timelines and millions in carrying costs. Factory-based manufacturing sidesteps these seasonal constraints entirely, enabling year-round production regardless of what's happening outside.According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Canada needs to build approximately 3.5 million additional homes beyond current projections by 2030 to restore affordability. Achieving that goal with conventional stick-frame or cast-in-place construction methods alone is, by most expert assessments, virtually impossible within that timeframe.Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi sees modular construction as one of the clearest paths forward. "We're talking about 30 to 50 percent faster build times compared to conventional construction, with comparable or better quality outcomes. For a developer trying to close the gap between housing demand and supply, that's not a minor efficiency gain - that's a fundamental shift in what's achievable." A Canadian prefabricated housing manufacturing facility producing building modules year-round.The Economics of Factory-Built HomesBeyond speed, modular construction offers a compelling economic case that is increasingly attracting the attention of institutional investors and developers across Canada.Factory environments dramatically reduce material waste - some studies suggest savings of 50 to 80 percent compared to site-built construction. Labour efficiency is higher because workers build in optimized, controlled settings rather than navigating scaffolding, variable terrain, and weather. Quality control is more consistent, which reduces costly defects and remediation after occupancy.For cities like Toronto, where land costs have reached extraordinary heights and carrying costs on development projects can run into the hundreds of thousands per month, any approach that compresses timelines has an outsized financial impact."Every month shaved off a construction timeline is real money," says Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi. "It reduces interest costs, lowers exposure to market volatility, and gets housing to the people who need it faster. At Sky Property Group, we're actively evaluating modular methods across several project types - not as an experiment, but as a viable delivery model." Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, President & CEO of Sky Property Group Inc., presents a modular housing development strategy.Federal and Provincial MomentumGovernments at multiple levels are beginning to recognize modular construction as a serious policy lever. The federal government has flagged prefabricated housing as a priority in its most recent housing strategy iterations, with funding earmarked to support manufacturing capacity and ecosystem development.Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have all seen increased activity from modular housing manufacturers looking to scale up. Indigenous communities across the country - where housing shortages are particularly acute and remote locations make conventional construction especially difficult - have emerged as early adopters of modular approaches with meaningful results.For Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi, government support is necessary but not sufficient. "Policy can open the door, but the private sector has to walk through it. We need developers, financiers, and builders to commit to learning this model, investing in partnerships with manufacturers, and designing projects from the ground up with modular delivery in mind - not bolting it on as an afterthought." Addressing the Skills and Supply Chain GapOne of the persistent barriers to scaling modular construction in Canada has been the shortage of skilled tradespeople familiar with factory-based building methods. Traditional apprenticeship programs have been slow to incorporate modular manufacturing curricula, leaving a gap between industry demand and workforce readiness.Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi argues that closing this gap requires coordinated investment. "We need the trades schools, colleges, and apprenticeship programs to evolve. This isn't about replacing construction workers - it's about giving them better tools and better environments to do their work. A factory is safer than a construction site in a January snowstorm. We should be attracting more people to this industry, not fewer." Supply chain resilience is another critical consideration. The COVID-era disruptions exposed how fragile just-in-time material delivery models can be for site-built construction. Modular facilities, with their controlled procurement and inventory management, offer a measure of insulation from these risks - though they are not immune to global materials market pressures.The Path ForwardFor Ladan Hosseinzadeh Sadeghi and Sky Property Group Inc., modular and prefabricated construction represents not a niche alterna PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-06 15:00:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 974 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BERWYN, PA / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2026 / Chilean Cobalt Corp. (OTCQB:COBA) ("Chilean Cobalt" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on recent progress at the NeoRe Rare Earth Project (the "Project") in southern Chile, highlighting expanded exploration activity, district-scale land consolidation, and the launch of an accelerated development program designed to advance resource validation and technical definition. This follows commencement of the earn-in work program previously announced on February 11, 2026.During January and February 2026, NeoRe SpA ("NeoRe"), the Chilean project owner and operator, initiated full on-site exploration activities and mobilized its core geology and exploration team, transitioning the Project into the execution phase. Drilling conducted year-to-date has reached approximately 192 meters, with preliminary intercepts returning rare earth concentrations of up to 1,060 ppm Total Rare Earth Elements ("TREE"), with several surface samples exceeding 800 ppm.In parallel, NeoRe has expanded the project's land position through the filing of seven new concessions, adding approximately 2,100 hectares to the Project area. Exploration activities have also identified more than 20 additional prospective targets within the broader mineral district. Under NeoRe's conditional filing strategy, surface samples reporting attractive grades of Total Rare Earth Oxides ("TREO") may support further concession filings, with the potential to expand the exploration footprint during the balance of 2026. These activities reflect NeoRe's broader strategy of advancing the Project on a district-scale basis, while systematically evaluating multiple prospective zones across the region."Our objective at NeoRe is not only to advance individual exploration targets, but to define and develop a new rare earth district in southern Chile," said Arturo Albornoz, Chief Executive Officer of NeoRe, "Through systematic exploration, strategic land consolidation, and collaboration with leading technical and academic partners, we are working to unlock the region's potential and position Chile as a meaningful future contributor to the global supply of critical minerals." Chilean Cobalt and NeoRe have also initiated an accelerated work program designed to bring forward key activities across exploration, technical validation, and project definition. The accelerated structure is intended to advance the completion of Tranche 1 activities by July 2026 and support earlier evaluation of potential development scenarios.As part of this initiative, NeoRe is preparing to expand its drilling campaign through the deployment of two parallel drilling crews, operating under a growing technical and operating team across exploration and geology, metallurgy, project management, ESG and sustainability, and governance areas. The program is designed to accelerate resource validation, define higher-grade zones, and evaluate multiple potential mineralized areas suitable for future modular development.In addition to exploration activities, NeoRe has initiated conceptual engineering for its proposed modular processing strategy, including the design of a crushing and milling circuit, intended to standardize mineral feed and support metallurgical testing and permitting preparation. An analytical campaign involving more than 100 samples is also underway, under an active partnership with the University of Concepcion to refine the project's grade model and metallurgical baseline. This work is also supported by NeoRe's recent award by CORFO, Chile's Economic Development Agency."We are encouraged by the early exploration results and the rapid progress achieved since the start of field operations," said Duncan T. Blount, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chilean Cobalt. "The accelerated work program reflects our confidence in the project's potential, even at this early stage, and our commitment to advancing NeoRe through disciplined exploration and technical validation, while continuing to evaluate strategic pathways for downstream processing and market integration with partners in the United States." Any definitive acquisition agreement, if completed, will include customary conditions precedent, termination rights, and a jointly developed sustainability and community engagement framework, consistent with Chilean regulatory requirements and industry best practices.This press release does not constitute an offer or sale of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.About Chilean Cobalt Corp. Chilean Cobalt Corp. is a US-based critical minerals exploration and development company focused on the La Cobaltera cobalt-copper project in northern Chile, one of the world's few primary cobalt districts. Chilean Cobalt is committed to creating ecological and social value for all stakeholders; economic value for Chile and the Chilean communities in which it operates; and financial value for its shareholders.Safe Harbor Statement This news release contains statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions (such as those relating to future business or financial results) and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan" and other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements, include, among others, statements the Company makes regarding its ability to achieve a definitive agreement under the option to acquire the Project, ability to incorporate any acquired claims into its next phase of exploration, ability of the Project to successfully accelerate the exploration work program, ability to establish "Proven" or "Probable" Reserves, as defined by the SEC under Industry Guide 7, through the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study for the minerals that the Company seeks to produce and the inherent risks of mining, exploration, development, and processing operations that may negatively impact the business. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors not within the control of the Company. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-05 23:00:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 952 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Ontario Recognizes High-Purity Iron as a Critical MineralTORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / March 5, 2026 / Juno Corp. ("Juno" or the "Company"), the largest mineral claimholder and most active explorer in Ontario's Ring of Fire, is pleased to announce that drilling has officially commenced on the Company's 2026 exploration program - what Juno believes to be the largest drilling campaign in the Ring of Fire in over a decade. The Company also acknowledges the Ontario government's decision to add high-purity iron and aluminum to Ontario's Critical Minerals List, a significant development that directly aligns with Juno's Vespa critical minerals discovery."This is a transformational moment for Juno and for the Ring of Fire," said Robert Cudney, Founder, Director & CEO of Juno Corp. "With drills now turning on what we believe to be the largest exploration program this region has seen in decades, we are building on the exceptional discoveries at Big Thunder and Vespa. The simultaneous advancement of a district-scale gold system and a uniquely enriched critical minerals complex is rare in exploration - and we are just getting started.The inclusion of high-purity iron on Ontario's Critical Minerals list is a bold and forward-thinking step that underscores its vital role in clean steel production, advanced manufacturing and next-generation technologies. Discoveries such as Juno's Vespa system demonstrate the potential of the Ring of Fire to anchor secure, made-in-Ontario supply chains for iron, titanium, vanadium, scandium and gallium - the very materials that will drive innovation, strengthen our industrial competitiveness, and power Ontario's economy for generations," said Robert Cudney.Highlights:Drilling has commenced on Juno's fully funded 2026 exploration program, with a minimum budget of $20 million dedicated to advancing two flagship district-scale discoveries: Big Thunder (high-grade gold) and Vespa (high-grade critical minerals)100 drill holes planned across ~28,000 metres - 50 holes at Vespa (~13,000m) and 50 holes at Big Thunder (~15,000m)Ontario adds high-purity iron and aluminum to its Critical Minerals List, which supports the strategic significance of Juno's Vespa V-Ti-Fe-Sc-Ga discovery in the central Ring of FireWinter road is now open and Juno has successfully mobilized equipment and personnel to its Ring of Fire operationsVespa maiden mineral resource targeted with 44 mineral resource-definition holes and 6 exploration holes planned;Ring of Fire development momentum accelerating - Wyloo's Eagle's Nest nickel project cleared a major federal regulatory milestone, and road infrastructure continues to advance with Webequie and Marten Falls First NationsJuno's land position now totals 29,956 claims covering approximately 5,796 km - the size of the Greater Toronto Area - making Juno the largest mineral claimholder in the Ring of FireDrilling Commenced - 2026 Program UnderwayFollowing the Company's January 19, 2026 announcement detailing its fully funded 2026 exploration program, Juno is pleased to confirm that drilling operations have now commenced. The winter road into the Ring of Fire is open and Juno has successfully mobilized drill rigs, equipment, fuel, and personnel to its operational base at Oval Lake Camp.Three drill rigs are planned for deployment between Big Thunder (gold) and Vespa (critical minerals).At Big Thunder, the Company plans 50 holes totalling approximately 15,000 metres across the Pluto and North Edge, areas. Priority targets have been defined using a combination of previous drill results, AI and geochemistry-based soil targets, ground IP survey results, and structural analysis. Previous Big Thunder drill results include:Big Thunder Gold District:*PLU-24-001: 78.9 g/t Au over 3.9m from 104m depth including 370.0 g/t Au over 0.6m from 105m depthPLU-24-007: 3.9 g/t Au over 16.0m from 297m depth including 15.8 g/t Au over 4.0m from 297m depthNDG-24-002: 25.9 g/t Au over 2.3m from 19.5m depth including 72.9 g/t Au over 0.8m from 19.5m depthAt Vespa, the Company plans 50 holes totaling approximately 13,000 metres, including 44 mineral resource-definition holes and 6 exploration holes targeting AI-identified soil anomalies and magnetic inversion priority targets. Drilling is focused on the highest-confidence area with the objective of supporting calculation of a maiden mineral resource estimate.Vespa Critical Minerals:*VES-24-003: 103.0m grading 22.0% Fe, 4.33% TiO, 0.49% VO from 62.0m, including 25.1m grading 48.7% Fe, 10.9% TiO, 1.23% VO from 74.7mVES-24-015: 71.8m grading 35.7% Fe, 8.22% TiO, 0.75% VO from 12.2m, including 55.1m grading 43.3% Fe, 10.2% TiO, 0.93% VO from 15.6mMetallurgical testing confirmed 64-67% Fe concentrates with ~1.8% VO and near-70% TiO concentrates*(The above noted results may not be representative of the entire results. For complete drill results, please refer to Juno's press releases dated January 29, 2025, titled "Juno Corp. Discovers Extensive Critical Minerals in the Ring of Fire" and "Juno Corp. Announces Two Gold Discoveries in the Ring of Fire", and the Company's press release dated January 19, 2026, titled "Juno Fully Funded to Conduct Largest Drilling Program in the Ring of Fire in Decades.") Ontario Recognizes High-Purity Iron as a Critical MineralThe Company acknowledges the Ontario government's announcement to add high-purity iron and aluminum to Ontario's Critical Minerals List as part of the renewal of the Province's Critical Minerals Strategy. This recognition directly aligns with Juno's Vespa discovery, which hosts high-grade high-purity iron alongside vanadium, titanium, scandium, and gallium - minerals essential to clean steel production, aerospace manufacturing, battery technologies, and next-generation industries.This addition follows the Government of Canada's inclusion of high-purity iron on the federal Critical Minerals List in 2024, further reinforcing the strategic importance of secure, domestic supply chains for these materials.Ring of Fire Development MomentumThe Ring of Fire continues to gain significant momentum as a nationally strategic mineral district. On February 24, 2026, it was reported that the federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada decided not to designate Wyloo's Eagle's Nest nickel project for a federal impact assessment, clearing a major regulatory hurdle for the proposed mine. Wyloo has indicated its feasibility study is substantially complete.Road infrastructure i PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-06 13:05:30 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 434 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against NuScale Power Corporation ("NuScale" or the "Company") (NYSE:SMR). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether NuScale and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until April 20, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired NuScale securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On November 6, 2025 NuScale revealed that its general and administrative expenses had ballooned more than 3,000% to $519 million during its third fiscal quarter, up from $17 million in the prior year period, due largely to NuScale's payment of $495 million to ENTRA1 Energy LLC ("ENTRA1") in connection with an agreement to develop power plants to provide the Tennessee Valley Authority ("TVA") with up to six gigawatts of new nuclear power generation. As a result, NuScale's quarterly net loss skyrocketed to $532 million, up from $46 million in the prior year period. During a corresponding conference call, analysts pressed NuScale management regarding whether ENTRA1 was sufficiently experienced to own and operate the energy generation facilities contemplated by the TVA agreement. NuScale's Chief Executive Officer further revealed during the call that the agreement between ENTRA1 and the TVA contemplated as many as 72 NPMs, meaning NuScale's milestone payments to ENTRA1 could potentially exceed more than $3 billion.On this news, NuScale's stock price fell $7.57 per share, or 19.97%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $30.34 per share on November 7, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-05 23:45:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 450 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 5, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, continues to investigate potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Lufax Holding Ltd (NYSE:LU) resulting from allegations that Lufax may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.SO WHAT: If you purchased Lufax securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=53703 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.WHAT IS THIS ABOUT: On January 27, 2025, Lufax filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a current report on Form 6-K. Attached to the current report as an exhibit was an announcement which stated that Lufax's board had proposed to remove Lufax's auditors, and that there was a possible delay in the publication of Lufax's 2024 annual report (which in fact did occur).On this news, Lufax American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") fell 13.8% on January 27, 2025.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-05 23:34:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 652 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 5, 2026 /WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Paysafe Limited (NYSE:PSFE) between March 4, 2025 and November 12, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important April 7, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Paysafe securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Paysafe class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=2745 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 7, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Paysafe's ecommerce business had significant exposure to a single high risk client; (2) as a result, Paysafe's credit loss reserves and/or write-offs were understated; (3) Paysafe had an undisclosed issue with higher risk Merchant Category Codes, making its client services difficult to bank; (4) the foregoing issues were likely to have a material negative impact on Paysafe's revenue growth and overall revenue mix; (5) as a result, Paysafe was unlikely to meet its own previously issued financial guidance for fiscal year 2025; and (6) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Paysafe's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.To join the Paysafe class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=2745 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@ rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.---Contact Information:Laurence Rosen, Esq.Phillip Kim, Esq.The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.275 Madison Avenue, 40th FloorNew York, NY 10016Tel: (212) 686-1060Toll Free: (866) 767-3653Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@ rosenlegal.comwww.rosenlegal.com SOURCE: The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-05 21:19:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 835 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 5, 2026 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:SMR) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from the potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in NuScale, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/nuscale-class-action-lawsuit Key Details of the NuScale ($SMR) Class Action:Lead Plaintiff Deadline: April 20, 2026Alleged Misconduct: Misrepresenting the experience and capabilities of ENTRA1 and its role in developing and commercializing NuScale's nuclear power modulesLargest Alleged Stock Decline: November 10, 2025 - 12.4% Stock DropCourt: U.S. District Court for the District of OregonAction: Contact BFA Law to discuss your rightsInvestors have until April 20, 2026 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in NuScale Class A common stock. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon and is captioned Truedson v. NuScale Power Corporation, et al., No. 3:26-cv-00328.Why is NuScale Being Sued for Securities Fraud?NuScale is a nuclear technology company. Its core technology is the NuScale Power Module ("NPM"), a small modular nuclear reactor ("SMR") designed to generate energy within a broader power plant. Prior to the start of the Class Period, NuScale established a partnership with ENTRA1 Energy LLC. Under this agreement, ENTRA1 was responsible for constructing power generation facilities incorporating NuScale's NPMs and managing the financing, development, and initial operations of the facilities utilizing the NPMs.NuScale allegedly touted ENTRA1's purported wide-ranging capabilities and deep experience developing power plants. According to NuScale, ENTRA1 is an "independent power plant development platform," "led by an executive team of energy, infrastructure, and finance sector veterans," with the type of experience that is "exactly what is required" to commercialize and deploy NuScale's NPMs.As alleged, in truth, ENTRA1 had never built, financed, or operated any significant project, let alone a project in the complex field of nuclear power generation. Moreover, in contrast to NuScale's representations, ENTRA1 had been organized primarily to support the work of one individual, its principal Wadie Habboush, an investor and entrepreneur.Why did NuScale's Stock Drop?On November 6, 2025, NuScale disclosed that its general and administrative expenses had increased from $17 million in the prior year period, to $519 million during 3Q 2025, due largely to NuScale's payment of $495 million to ENTRA1 for its services. Also on November 6, 2025, under pressure from investment analysts, NuScale acknowledged that ENTRA1 did not have any significant experience building nuclear power projects and admitted that ENTRA1 would not actually be "out there building the power plants" but would serve "to coordinate projects, to bring in partners, to get deals and the partners they bring in that can execute." Following this news, analysts with Guggenheim Securities, LLC published a report stating that ENTRA1 is a "3-year old company that has never built, financed or operated anything" and had just "3 employees and 1 investor," and stated a "more accurate description of ENTRA1 would be that it is an entity supporting the activities of a single individual, specifically Mr. Habboush." This news caused the price of NuScale stock to drop $4.03 per share over two trading days, or more than 12.4%, from a closing price of $32.46 per share on November 6, 2025, to $28.43 per share on November 10, 2025.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases/nuscale-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in NuScale, you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.All representation is on a contingency fee basis; there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Adam McCall adam@ bfalaw.com 212.789.3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?BFA is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It has been named a top plaintiff law firm by Chambers USA, The Legal 500, and ISS SCAS, and its attorneys have been named "Elite Trial Lawyers" by the National Law Journal, "Litigation Stars" by Benchmark Litigation, among the top "500 Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers" by Lawdragon, "Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar" by Law360 and "SuperLawyers" by Thomson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP This is the 16th trip the Argentine president has made to the United States. From Miami, he will head to New York to seek investments and then to Kasts inauguration in Chile The alliance between Javier Milei and Donald Trump will strengthen this weekend with a new meeting. The Argentine president is leaving for Miami this Friday to take part the following day in the summit of rightwing Latin American leaders convened by Trump. The meeting, called Shield of the Americas, reflects the growing alignment of countries in the region with the Republicans policies amid the ongoing escalation of conflict in the Middle East. In addition to Milei, Trumps staunch ally, other likeminded presidents will participate, including those of Paraguay (Santiago Pena), Bolivia (Rodrigo Paz), Ecuador (Daniel Noboa), El Salvador (Nayib Bukele), and Honduras (Nasry Asfura). Chilean politician Jose Antonio Kast will also attend, four days before taking office as the new head of state. Milei will set foot on U.S. soil for the second time in less than a month, after also traveling for another event convened by Trump: the inauguration of his Peace Council. The Argentine leader has made 16 trips to the United States since arriving at the Casa Rosada a little over two years ago, a figure that contrasts with his scarce visits to neighboring countries. On Thursday, on the eve of his departure, Argentina joined the regional coalition against narcoterrorism during a hemispheric security meeting led by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Argentina was represented by Minister Carlos Presti. During his remarks, the defense minister stated that Latin American states face threats of a similar nature, though of varying intensity, making defense alliances such as the newly signed one necessary. Since Milei shifted Argentinas foreign policy to move closer to the United States, the North American power has shown particular interest in Ushuaia, Argentinas gateway port to Antarctica. In 2024, the southern city received a visit from thenU.S. Southern Command chief Laura Richardson, and in May 2025 from her successor, Alvin Holsey. In January, a delegation of 23 people including members of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee landed there aboard an Air Force plane. The strategic bilateral relationship forged over the past year has also been economic. The U.S. Treasury came to Mileis rescue on the eve of the midterm elections last October, and a month ago the two countries signed a trade agreement. This time, after the summit convened by Trump, Milei will travel on to New York. The Argentine president will open Argentina Week, an event bringing together leaders of multinational companies, banks, and investment funds interested in doing business in the Latin American country. The Argentine government will participate at the highest level with the aim of attracting investment. Attendees will include the minister of economy, Luis Caputo; the foreign minister, Pablo Quirno; the chief of cabinet, Manuel Adorni; and the minister of deregulation and state transformation, Federico Sturzenegger. Argentina has endured 15 years of economic stagnation. Milei is seeking foreign capital to develop energy and mining projects, two key sectors for transforming the countrys current agroindustryled productive structure and generating growth. Argentina has large reserves of unconventional gas and oil in the Vaca Muerta formation in Patagonia, and it also has copper and lithium, two minerals essential for the energy transition. The government has offered multinational companies a generous incentive scheme that grants significant tax, currency, and customs benefits. Even so, investment is arriving more slowly than expected, and the new international context is increasing uncertainty. The Argentine presidents international tour will conclude in Santiago, Chile, on March 11. Milei will attend the inauguration of Jose Antonio Kast as Chiles new president, whom he already considers a new ally in a region that is increasingly shifting to the right. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-06 00:20:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 498 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CHANGING HEARTS... the Power of TheaterBROOKLYN, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 5, 2026 / Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) gathered the theater community for an inspiring celebration of artistry, advocacy, and innovation at its annual TRU Love Benefit, CHANGING HEARTS... the Power of Theater. The event honored Tony Award-winning legend Tonya Pinkins and Broadway producing leaders Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, co-founders of BroadwayHD.Pinkins received the TRU Humanitarian Award in recognition of her fearless advocacy and lifelong commitment to equality, using her voice and artistry to uplift and challenge audiences across generations. Comley and Lane were presented with the TRU Spirit of Theater Award for their visionary leadership and for redefining how audiences experience live performance through BroadwayHD.More than a streaming service, BroadwayHD stands as a vital bridge between the stage and the world. Founded on the belief that theater should not be limited by geography, economics, or physical access, the platform captures and preserves Broadway and West End productions, making them available globally. In doing so, BroadwayHD not only expands access for millions of viewers, students, and educators - it safeguards the legacy of live theater, ensuring that landmark productions endure for future generations. Every subscription directly supports the preservation and promotion of the theatrical art form, reinforcing the idea that accessibility strengthens, rather than replaces, the live experience.The benefit featured a celebratory performance presentation directed by Jonathan S. Cerullo, with music direction by Clare Cooper, highlighting defining moments from the honorees' careers. Musical tributes included selections from the Comley and Lane-produced Tony-winning productions La Cage aux Folles, The Will Rogers Follies, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder. Pinkins' celebrated career was honored with selections from Jelly's Last Jam, Caroline, or Change, and Merrily We Roll Along, as well as a powerful monologue from A Raisin in the Sun.In their acceptance speech, Comley and Lane thanked TRU founder, Bob Ost, by stating, "Bob is an award-winning playwright, composer, and lyricist, but for decades he has shared his time and talent with up-and-coming theatermakers. Bob has put hisunlimitedtime, resources, and passion into Theater Resources Unlimited." The evening also paid tribute to the memory of Advisory Board member and esteemed producer Jack W. Batman, honoring his enduring impact on Broadway and London theater.An enthusiastic audience demonstrated its support through generous pledges benefiting TRU's year-round programs, including its scholarship initiative dedicated to cultivating the next generation of BIPOC producers.TRU is a New York-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in March 1992 by Bob Ost, Cheryl Davis, and Gary Hughes. It serves as a network and educational hub for producers, self-producing artists, and emerging theater companies, offering mentorship, networking, and developmental programs like the TRU VOICES Reading Series. TRU empowers producers, writers, and companies to navigate the business of theater with integrity and sustainability.For more information about TRU membership and programs, visitwww.truonline.org Contact: Michelle Tabnick, (646) 765-4773, cmichelle@ michelletabnickpr.com www.michelletabnickpr.com Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU)SOURCE: Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) PR-Inside.com: 2026-03-06 13:05:16 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 570 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 6, 2026 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized investor-rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Zynex, Inc. (OTCMKTS:ZYXIQ) and certain of its officers.This lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Zynex securities between February 25, 2021 and December 15, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/ZYXIQ Zynex Case DetailsThe Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, the Complaint alleges that Defendants failed to disclose to investors that:Zynex shipped products, including electrodes, in excess of need;as a result of this practice, the Company inflated its revenue;the Company's practice of filing false claims drew scrutiny from insurers, including Tricare;on August 21, 2023, Travelers commenced an action against Zynex, Sandgaard, Lucsok and Fox in the Superior Court of California alleging that Zynex and the defendants had embarked on a fraudulent overbilling scheme and sought more than $23 million in damages and civil penalties relating to hundreds of fraudulent claims between 2018 and 2023;management had prioritized aggressive sales strategies to drive orders over compliance with industry laws, rules and regulations; (f) the Company was not committed to maintaining a strong internal control environment;the Company's order growth was a result of illegal overbilling;as a result, it was reasonably likely that Zynex would face adverse consequences, including removal from insurer networks and penalties from the federal government; andas a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.What's Next for Zynex Investors?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/ZYXIQ . or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 917-590-0911. If you suffered a loss in Zynex you have until April 21, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.No Cost to Zynex InvestorsWe, Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC, represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC for Zynex Securities Class Action?Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide. More at www.bgandg.com "Our practice centers on restoring investor capital and ensuring corporate accountability, which serves to uphold the essential integrity of the marketplace," said Peretz Bronstein, Founding Partner of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.Contact InfoPeretz Bronstein, Esq. or Nathan MillerBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC 917-590-0911 | info@ bgandg.com Attorney advertising.Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC President Bola Tinubu on Thursday announced the resolution of a decades-long dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, one of Nigerias most commercially significant deepwater oil blocks. The presidency said the agreement paves the way for a development that could add approximately 150,000 barrels per day to the countrys production capacity. Details of the agreement were not made public, but the presidents office described it as a historic settlement that would unlock the development of one of Nigerias most strategically important deepwater resources. OPL 245, a vast deepwater offshore asset in the Niger Delta, holds an estimated nine billion barrels of crude and has remained largely untapped for nearly three decades, mired in corruption and multi-jurisdictional legal battles spanning Nigeria, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The disputes, centring on the blocks acquisition and ownership, have resulted in court cases in multiple countries between the Federal Government of Nigeria, Shell, Eni, and Malabu Oil and Gas. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said in a statement that the agreement restores clarity and stability to an asset widely recognised as one of Nigerias most commercially promising deepwater blocks. The signing was attended by senior representatives of Italian oil giant Eni, including its Chief Executive Officer, Claudio Descalzi; Chief Operating Officer, Guido Brusco; Head of Sub-Saharan Region, Mario Bello; and Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Exploration, Fabrizio Bolondi. Also present was Olu Arowolo-Verheijen, special adviser to the president on Energy. With the dispute now settled, the pathway is clear for the Final Investment Decision on the ZabazabaEtan development, a project capable of adding approximately 150,000 barrels per day to Nigerias production capacity and strengthening the countrys long-term energy outlook, Mr Onanuga said. President Tinubu described the agreement as a strategic milestone in Nigerias economic reform agenda, saying it reaffirmed the administrations commitment to resolving legacy disputes, restoring investor confidence, and ensuring that Nigerias natural resources deliver sustainable value to the Nigerian people. This resolution sends a clear signal to global investors that Nigeria is prepared to address legacy issues transparently, uphold the rule of law, and create a stable environment for long-term capital, the president said. Ms Arowolo-Verheijen said the settlement represented a significant improvement on the 2011 Resolution Agreement, reflecting the policy framework of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the administrations broader fiscal and governance reforms in the energy sector. The revised terms strike a balanced outcome, providing investors with the clarity and predictability required to proceed with major deepwater investments, while ensuring stronger value accretion and safeguards for the Federation, she added. Reuters reported this week that Nigeria had broken OPL 245 into four new assets to be operated by Eni and Shell. The Nigerian government had for years signalled its desire to find a resolution that would bring the block into production. The presidency said the resolution is part of a wider programme of reforms undertaken since 2023 to restore Nigerias competitiveness in global energy markets. These reforms, anchored in the Petroleum Industry Act and supported by targeted executive actions, have already contributed to renewed investor interest and significant capital inflows into Nigerias oil and gas sector, Ms Arowolo-Verheijen said. By resolving the OPL 245 dispute, the Federal Government has removed one of the most prominent legacy risks in Nigerias upstream sector and reinforced its commitment to predictable regulation, transparent governance, and commercially viable investment frameworks, she added. Background story about OPL 245 OPL 245 was originally awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas by the regime of General Sani Abacha in 1998. Under the terms of the award, Malabu, a briefcase company set up by Mr Abachas son and the then petroleum minister, Dan Etete, in controversial circumstances, was required to develop the block in partnership with an international technical partner and to pay a signature bonus of $20 million. The company paid only $2 million of that sum before entering into a joint operation agreement with Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (SNUD). Malabu received its operating licence in April 2001, but it was revoked just three months later, in July 2001. The administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo then invited ExxonMobil and Shell, Malabus own technical partner, to bid for OPL 245 in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Shell won the bid and began work on the block. Malabu accused Shell of conniving with the government to seize the block and petitioned the House of Representatives, which directed the federal government to re-award Block 245 to Malabu. Malabu also approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, but the suit was struck out. While an appeal was pending, the then Minister of State for Petroleum, Edmund Daukoru, sought an out-of-court settlement on behalf of the federal government. The blocks association with Mr Etete, whom the federal government alleged had awarded the block to himself while in office, inflamed opinion in the Niger Delta, where communities demanded a full audit of oil block allocations and disclosure of the ethnic identities of their owners. The Obasanjo government eventually reversed course, reclaimed OPL 245 from Shell, and re-awarded it to Malabu, this time on condition that the company pay a new signature bonus of $210 million, in addition to the $2 million already paid in 1998. Malabu paid the sum and withdrew its court cases, but the settlement created a new problem. Shell filed for arbitration at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington, D.C. and also instituted proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja. SNUD, which had entered into a Production Sharing Contract with the NNPC in 2002, had paid $1 million of the $210 million signature bonus and held the balance of $209 million in an escrow account with JP Morgan, pending resolution of the dispute. Shell sought compensation and damages in excess of $2 billion, citing costs incurred in de-risking the block. Various settlement efforts followed, but none produced a definitive outcome, though a Terms of Settlement Framework was adopted in 2006. In April 2011, under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, then Attorney-General of the Federation Mohammed Adoke brokered a Resolution Agreement. Under the agreement signed on 29 April 2011, Malabu agreed to waive all claims to OPL 245 in exchange for compensation from the federal government. Shell, in turn, agreed to withdraw all suits against the government and to pay, through the federal government, the sum of $1.092 billion as full and final settlement of Malabus claims. Block 245 would then revert to Shell and its new partner, Italian oil company Eni. In June 2013, the matter was formally concluded on these terms, and presidential approval was granted for the sum of $1.092 billion to be paid to Malabu, now controlled by Mr Etete after scheming out the Abachas, from the federal governments escrow account at JP Morgan in London. Italian Trial and Acquittals The deal soon attracted international scrutiny. Italian prosecutors alleged that most of the $1.3 billion purchase price for OPL 245 had been siphoned off to politicians and middlemen. PREMIUM TIMES reported how about half of the money was transferred into the accounts of controversial businessman Abubakar Aliyu, who was believed to be a front for senior government officials including Mr Adoke. Shell and Eni, along with several of their former and current executives including Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi faced criminal trial in Italy. All were acquitted in 2021, having denied any wrongdoing. At home, Mr Adoke was later named in the $1.1 billion scandal. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of benefitting fraudulently from the deal he had helped broker as Attorney-General. He was arraigned before the FCT High Court in Abuja in February 2020 on a 40-count amended charge of bribery and related offences, alongside Mr Aliyu, Rasky Gbinigie, Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited, Shell Nigeria Extra Deep Limited, and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited. The EFCC subsequently admitted it lacked sufficient evidence against Mr Adoke, and the court dismissed the charges. In a separate case at the Federal High Court, the EFCC accused Mr Adoke of laundering N300 million, said to be proceeds of bribery. He was discharged and acquitted in that case as well. In a book published last year, Mr Adoke described the OPL 245 litigation as as lucrative as OPL 245 itself for lawyers and their allies during the Buhari administration, and characterised it as a monumental waste of resources. Mr Adoke continues to maintain that no federal government money went missing and that he and others who brokered the 2011 settlement deserve credit for civic patriotism having saved the government from financial embarrassment caused by its own mismanagement of the original award process. In his statement on Thursday, Mr Onanuga said President Tinubus resolution of the matter was an improvement on the 2011 agreement, although no details were provided. The settlement also represents a significant improvement on the 2011 Resolution Agreement, reflecting the policy framework established under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the administrations broader fiscal and governance reforms in the energy sector, Ms Arowolo-Verheijen, the presidential adviser on energy, was quoted as saying. Former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke, has called on the Nigerian government to offer him an unreserved apology over what he described as years of persecution and humiliation linked to the controversial OPL 245 oil block deal. In a statement on Friday, Mr Adoke welcomed the federal governments decision to implement the OPL 245 resolution agreements, nearly 15 years after the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan attempted to resolve disputes surrounding the oil-rich block. I wholeheartedly welcome the decision of the Federal Government of Nigeria to finally implement the OPL 245 Resolution Agreements nearly 15 years after the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan resolved the knotty disputes between the concerned parties and tried to set the oil-rich block on the path to productivity, he said. On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu announced the resolution of a decades-long dispute over Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245, one of Nigerias most commercially significant deepwater oil blocks. The presidency said the agreement paves the way for development that could add approximately 150,000 barrels per day to Nigerias production capacity. Although details of the agreement are still sketchy and were not made public, the presidents office described it as a historic settlement that would unlock the development of one of Nigerias most strategically important deepwater resources. Background OPL 245 was originally awarded to Malabu Oil and Gas by the regime of General Sani Abacha in 1998. Under the terms of the award, Malabu a briefcase company set up by Mr Abachas son and the then petroleum minister, Dan Etete, in controversial circumstances was required to develop the block in partnership with an international technical partner and pay a signature bonus of $20 million. The company paid only $2 million before entering into a joint operation agreement with Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited (SNUD). Malabu received its operating licence in April 2001, but it was revoked three months later, in July 2001. The administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo subsequently invited ExxonMobil and Shell Malabus technical partner to bid for OPL 245 in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Shell won the bid and began work on the block. Malabu accused Shell of conniving with the government to seize the block and petitioned the House of Representatives, which directed the federal government to re-award Block 245 to the company. Malabu also approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, but the suit was struck out. While an appeal was pending, the then Minister of State for Petroleum, Edmund Daukoru, sought an out-of-court settlement on behalf of the federal government. The blocks association with Mr Etete whom the federal government alleged had awarded the block to himself while in office inflamed opinion in the Niger Delta, where communities demanded a full audit of oil block allocations and disclosure of the ethnic identities of their owners. The Obasanjo government eventually reversed course, reclaimed OPL 245 from Shell, and re-awarded it to Malabu on the condition that the company pay a new signature bonus of $210 million, in addition to the $2 million earlier paid in 1998. Malabu paid the sum and withdrew its court cases, but the settlement created another dispute. Shell filed for arbitration at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington, D.C., and also instituted proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja. SNUD, which had entered into a Production Sharing Contract with the NNPC in 2002, had paid $1 million of the $210 million signature bonus and held the remaining $209 million in an escrow account with JP Morgan pending resolution of the dispute. Shell sought compensation and damages exceeding $2 billion, citing costs incurred in de-risking the block. Several settlement efforts followed, though none produced a definitive outcome. However, a Terms of Settlement Framework was adopted in 2006. In April 2011, under the Goodluck Jonathan administration, then Attorney-General Mohammed Adoke brokered a Resolution Agreement. Under the agreement signed on 29 April 2011, Malabu agreed to waive all claims to OPL 245 in exchange for compensation from the federal government. Shell, in turn, agreed to withdraw all suits against the government and to pay, through the federal government, the sum of $1.092 billion as full and final settlement of Malabus claims. The block would then revert to Shell and its new partner, Italian oil company Eni. In June 2013, the matter was formally concluded on those terms, and presidential approval was granted for the payment of $1.092 billion to Malabu now controlled by Mr Etete after scheming out the Abachas from the federal governments escrow account at JP Morgan in London. Italian trial and acquittals The deal later attracted international scrutiny. Italian prosecutors alleged that most of the $1.3 billion purchase price for OPL 245 had been siphoned off to politicians and intermediaries. PREMIUM TIMES reported that about half of the funds were transferred to the accounts of controversial businessman Abubakar Aliyu, believed to be a front for senior government officials. Shell and Eni, along with several of their former and current executives including Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi were tried in Italy. All were acquitted in 2021 after denying any wrongdoing. In Nigeria, Mr Adoke was later named in the $1.1 billion scandal. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of benefitting fraudulently from the deal he had helped broker as Attorney-General. He was arraigned before the FCT High Court in Abuja in February 2020 on a 40-count amended charge of bribery and related offences alongside Mr Aliyu, Rasky Gbinigie, Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited, Shell Nigeria Extra Deep Limited, and Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited. The EFCC later admitted it lacked sufficient evidence against Mr Adoke, and the court dismissed the charges. In a separate case at the Federal High Court, the EFCC accused him of laundering N300 million allegedly derived from bribery. He was also discharged and acquitted in that case. In his book (The Burden of Service) published last year, Mr Adoke described the OPL 245 litigation as as lucrative as OPL 245 itself for lawyers and their allies during the Buhari administration. He characterised it as a monumental waste of resources. Mr Adoke has continued to deny any wrongdoing, maintaining that no federal government money went missing and that those who brokered the 2011 settlement should be credited for civic patriotism, having saved the government from financial embarrassment arising from mismanagement of the original award process. Commendations Following Thursdays announcement, Mr Adoke also commended President Tinubu for resolving the long-standing dispute. I also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for finally resolving this thorny issue in the national interest and in the spirit of statesmanship, he said, adding that the decision reflects the presidents understanding of the economic importance of the asset. The former justice minister criticised the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing it of politicising the matter and undermining efforts made during the Jonathan administration to resolve the dispute. This is a further indictment of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, which decided to scandalise and criminalise the hard work we did in the national interest to resolve the disputes caused by the unilateral revocation of the oil block by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2002, he said. Mr Adoke said he suffered reputational damage both within and outside Nigeria due to his role in resolving the dispute. It is most unfortunate that I was subjected to humiliation and defamation home and abroad for the patriotic role I played as the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in resolving the dispute to get this vital national asset working, he said. He argued that the Nigerian economy would have benefited earlier if the matter had not been revisited by the Buhari administration and anti-corruption campaigners. If the Buhari administration and the trophy-hunting anti-corruption activists had not dragged the country backwards with their uninformed intervention, the Nigerian economy would have been far better off today, he said. Mr Adoke maintained that the latest development vindicates his actions and that the government should apologise for the treatment he received. I strongly believe that I deserve an unreserved apology from the Federal Government for the persecution and humiliation I was subjected to for nine years and the scar I still bear in my body simply because I advised the Goodluck Jonathan administration to do the right thing on the oil block, he said. The former attorney-general said he has forgiven those he believes were responsible for the damage to his reputation. Nevertheless, I forgive all those who connived to smear my name across the world. I take it as part of the burden of service to my fatherland. I remain steadfast and unshaken in my belief in Nigeria, he said. Veteran Nollywood actor and broadcaster, Pete Edochie, has shared thoughts on some issues of national concern. The septuagenarian, who turns 79 on Saturday, cited insecurity as his greatest concern. According to him, the present government has done a lot to help stabilise the country. When Tinubu came in, the price of goods was so high, but right now I dont know what happened. Things are coming down now drastically, Mr Edochie observed. He then urged the government to deploy the same template it used in bringing down the price of foodstuff, to solving te nations power and security challenges. I think a lot of us would be fine. There are three major tribes in this country. Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. What is killing the country is suspicion, mistrust. Somebody from the north is the president of the country. Somebody from the south distrusts him. Then you reverse the position. When the person from the South is the president, the people from the North distrust him. For as long as we keep doing this, were not to get anywhere, he said. A case for State Police Making the case for state policing, the veteran said the federal government does not appear willing to move forward with it. All through the previous year, there has been all this talk about state police. What is preventing them from realising that? I dont know? If we introduce state police, it will be very good for us because to a very extent we can contain all the insurrection and insecurity. The police will do something to check if not completely, at least to a large extent. He further opined that its time we ask ourselves why we have not improved as a nation. Why must there be this consistency in going backwards? It doesnt make much sense, you know, I believe we have state police. A lot can be achieved, Mr Edochie stated. Other matters The veteran actor decried a situation where he spends up to N40,000 on power daily. According to him, he seems to be working just to earn money to pay his light bill. I pay N10,000 every day for light in my house. Then I spend an additional N30,000: N20,000 for diesel and N10,000 for fuel. On the whole, I spend 40,000 every single day on light. It disturbs me a lot. I mean, Im not working just for light. It disturbs me a great deal, the Lionheart actor revealed. According to him, people are interested in getting into politics just to enjoy power and not because they are bothered about what is happening to the common man. Nigerias First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has advised parents to instil the value of modesty in their daughters. Mrs Tinubu advised on Thursday in Abuja while hosting Muslim and Christian women at an interfaith Iftar and Lent break-fast gathering. She also encouraged women across the country to take up mentoring roles for young girls. In a viral video obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, the former senator said: I challenge you to have a mentee with you, so that not somebody youll have been mentoring all the time, but just pour into the life of a young girl from an indigent background. You know, help them, even if it is to give a scholarship, encourage them, and teach them. Teach them good virtue. Teach them how to be good women. Dressing Additionally, Mrs Tinubu stated that nudity does not define beauty, stressing the need for young women to dress decently. She maintained that while the reasons some young women dress in revealing ways remain unclear, true beauty comes from within. Teach them how to dress well. Because we see that our young people, you know, theyve really taken it, I dont read social media, so it doesnt bother me. I will take it again. Teach them how to cover up, and you know, being naked is not beauty. You know, we dont know why they are doing that, but beauty comes from within. You know, and our men, God will also help them and open their eyes. I know social media will go on, said Mrs Tinubu. Backstory Mrs Tinubus admonition came amid growing calls by concerned individuals to curb the rising trend of indecent exposure among young women. This newspaper reported that filmmaker Biodun Stephen had advised young women not to go out without underwear. READ ALSO: Oluremi Tinubu urges unity as Christians and Muslims observe fasting together Ms Stephen, who began her filmmaking career in 2014 with the release of The Visit, emphasised the importance of women always wearing underwear, particularly in situations that might escalate into physical confrontations. I do recall making a video a few years ago advising people to stop going out without wearing panties. You said my mouth smelled, but I didnt stop because of the insults. After some time, I also made another video warning people to stop going out without wearing bras, she said. Conservative Anglican leaders have announced the creation of a new global leadership body, a move that signals a further split within the worldwide Anglican Communion. The decision was announced on Thursday at a gathering of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in Abuja. The group said the new structure, known as the Global Anglican Council, will guide churches aligned with its conservative position across several regions. GAFCON, a network of mainly African and Asian Anglican churches, says it represents a large share of Anglicans worldwide. Its leaders have for years criticised what they describe as liberal changes within parts of the Anglican Communion, particularly on the ordination of women and the inclusion of LGBTQ members. Speaking at the conference, the secretary-general of the new council, Bishop Paul Donison, said the existing structures of the Anglican Communion no longer reflected the views of many member churches. Believing the current instruments of communion no longer meet the needs of the majority of Anglicans around the world, the global Anglican Communion is to be led by a conciliar structure, Mr Donison said. He said the council will include bishops, priests and lay members, all of whom will have voting rights, the BBC reported. Mbanda to head council Participants at the meeting elected Rwandas Archbishop Laurent Mbanda as chairman of the new body. According to GAFCON, Mr Mbanda will not hold the title primus inter pares, a Latin phrase meaning first among equals, traditionally used to describe the position of the Archbishop of Canterbury within the Anglican Communion, but will instead lead the council alongside other members. When asked whether GAFCON still recognises the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the groups spokesperson, Venerable Canon Justin Murff, said the council only knows Mr Mbanda as its leader. The Global Anglican Council recognises Archbishop Laurent Mbanda as its leader, Mr Murff said. Sarah Mullally is the Archbishop of Canterbury, he added. Disagreement over church leadership The development comes ahead of the formal installation of Sarah Mullally as Archbishop of Canterbury, later this month. The role is widely regarded as the spiritual leadership position of the Anglican Communion, which has tens of millions of members in more than 160 countries. Her appointment by the Church of England has drawn criticism from some conservative Anglicans who argue that the Bible supports male-only leadership in the episcopacy. However, GAFCON leaders said their disagreement with the Church of England goes beyond questions about gender. The issue is not same-sex marriage, nor is it about the female Archbishop. It is whether scripture or contemporary culture governs the life of this church, Mr Murff told journalists at the conference. He also said Ms Mullally had repeatedly promoted unbiblical and revisionist teachings regarding marriage and sexual morality, citing her support for same-sex unions. According to him, the majority of the Anglican Communion still believes that the Bible requires a male-only episcopalism. Nigeria at the heart of the Anglican divide Nigeria has emerged as a key player in the ongoing disputes within the Anglican Communion. The Church of Nigeria, one of the worlds largest Anglican provinces, has consistently taken conservative stances on issues such as the ordination of women and same-sex unions, positions that often clash with policies in Western provinces like the Church of England. Nigerian leaders have been prominent supporters of GAFCON, which was formed in 2008 as a response to what its members describe as liberal shifts in parts of the Communion. With millions of members across the country, the Church of Nigerias influence strengthens GAFCONs voice in global debates, particularly on doctrine and leadership. Communion office reacts Responding to the development, a spokesperson for the Anglican Communion Office in London said the announcement did not reflect years of consultations within the global church on its structure and leadership, the BBC reported. Those discussions produced ideas known as the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals, which explore more collegial, diverse approaches to shared leadership in the Anglican Communion, the spokesperson said. We encourage Anglican member churches and Anglican groups to engage with this conversation about the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals, the spokesperson added. The disagreement reflects tensions that have been building within the Anglican Communion for decades, particularly over questions relating to same-sex unions, LGBTQ clergy and other doctrinal issues. GAFCON was formed in 2008 by conservative church leaders who accused the Church of England of departing from biblical teachings and aligning the church with modern cultural trends. Two-thirds of Anglicans live in Africa, although opinion within the continent is not uniform. Several female bishops currently serve in African Anglican provinces. Archbishop Mbanda himself has lived and worked in several countries. As a child he fled Rwanda and spent part of his early life as a refugee in Burundi before later studying theology in the United States. Despite the decision not to appoint a direct rival to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the creation of a separate council signals a further strain in the Churchs harmony, with GAFCON and the Church of England drifting towards opposite poles. Nigerias First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance, describing the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent as a divine message urging unity across faiths. Mrs Tinubu spoke at an Interfaith Breaking of Fast event for women on Thursday in Abuja, emphasising that Jesus teachings can be summarised as loving God and loving one another. Since the Ramadan fast was announced, and the Lent season began together, it was like God was speaking to us as a nation, Mrs Tinubu said. Recently, we know a lot of things have been going on, and people are trying to target our religious beliefs And we Nigerians, we know that most of the time that is not the case. The First Ladys call comes amidst growing insecurity and division in the country. PREMIUM TIMES reported a series of incidents, including the kidnapping of church members in Kwara State, as well as pupils in Kebbi and Niger States. The attacks sparked criticism and renewed debate over the role of religious leaders in responding to the countrys escalating security challenges. However, the federal government have repeatedly dismissed attempts to portray the countrys security crisis as religiously driven, saying terrorists and criminal groups were attacking citizens across all faiths and regions. Interfaith meeting Drawing from her nearly 40-year marriage to President Bola Tinubu, a Muslim, to illustrate the power of interfaith understanding, she highlighted the importance of peaceful coexistence. I cannot remember when both of us raised our voices at each other. Maybe not more than twice in the 40 years, she said, emphasising mutual respect as key to a harmonious life together. READ ALSO: Tinubu approves posting of ambassadors to 65 countries The First Lady challenged women in public roles to serve with excellence, compassion, and integrity, and urged Nigerians to shed entitlement mentalities. She also stressed the need to mentor youths, saying, The old school is still modern So we have the real intelligence to pass on to the next generation. On her part, Ganiyat Adesina-Uthman, a director at the National Open University of Nigeria, highlighted a crisis of trust in public office, emphasising that integrity is non-negotiable. If you are lacking in integrity, then you are clearly a fraud Your name and your character must be the same, she said. The United States (US) has run into some problems with its America First Global Health Strategy, which it rolled out in September 2025. Twenty African nations and four Latin American states have so far signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) within this strategy. This is partly designed to wean them off non-governmental organisation (NGO) health assistance by providing direct health support from the US government to their governments over five years. Most of the African countries previously received health grants via the US Agency for International Development, which President Donald Trump terminated, and the decimated US Presidents Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief. Much of this aid was channelled through NGOs that the Trump administration believed were siphoning off too much in overhead costs. Though the amounts the US would invest are substantial, they represent an average 40 per cent decrease in what these countries were receiving in health finance from the US over the past five years. In exchange for the US money, recipient countries commit to taking over the financing of their health functions from the US during the deals five-year period; otherwise, the US may withdraw future funding. The MOU with Kenya, for instance, commits the US to investing about $1.63 billion and Kenya to increasing its health spending by KES115 billion (about $890 million) in that time. The biggest deal is with Nigeria, which will get $2.1 billion and must contribute US$3 billion itself. The big payoff for the US, says Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will be greater security, as Americas health engagement with foreign countries, including access to health data, will let it detect disease outbreaks earlier and counter them before they reach the US. So, for instance, the MOU with Kenya aims to ensure the country acquires the ability to detect infectious disease outbreaks with epidemic or pandemic potential within seven days of emergence and to notify the US within one day. The aim is also to give US health companies an advantage by providing them with pathogen data they can use to develop vaccines and treatments before their competitors. The deals do incorporate longstanding and theoretically worthy goals: to get countries to match donor funds, reduce dependency on aid, and eventually pay for their own health systems. But several African countries say the deals are exploitative. And so the Zimbabwe-US MOU appears to have collapsed as the US has pulled out because of misgivings expressed by Harare. Zimbabwe was being asked to share its biological resources and data over an extended period, with no corresponding guarantee of access to any medical innovations such as vaccines, diagnostics, or treatments that might result from that shared data, said Nick Mangwana, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Secretary. In essence, our nation would provide the raw materials for scientific discovery without any assurance that the end products would be accessible to our people should a future health crisis emerge. Kenyas High Court reportedly halted its MOU as it faces two separate court challenges for giving the US access to patient data and pathogen information. Zambia has also expressed misgivings about a proposed MOU and has requested revisions. According to Health Policy Watch, the MOU was due to be signed last December, but it faltered after the US made it conditional on US access to Zambian minerals, particularly copper and cobalt. The health MOUs with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Guinea were also conditional on signing agreements granting the US access to critical minerals, says Health Policy Watch. A group of lawyers in the DRC is reportedly challenging the minerals deal in court. As Zimbabwe has suggested, the extraction issue is not so much, or not only, about linking the deals with the mining of minerals, but in a sense about mining health data. Sophie Harman, International Politics Professor at Queen Mary University of London, wrote in the British Medical Journal that extraction is the core principle of Trumps America First global health policy. The current US administration does not aim to improve health worldwide, instead it intends to make US companies richer and facilitate leveraging US global health leadership to compete with China. Kerry Cullinan, Health Policy Watch Deputy Editor, told ISS Today that bypassing health NGOs would harm vulnerable populations, as many NGOs had specialised skills and access. She said the Trump administration was trying to set this strategy up as an alternative to the World Health Organisation (WHO), from which it withdrew. And so one of the obsessions with these MOUs was getting information rapidly about outbreaks of infectious diseases, to the US, she said. This was pressuring countries to employ epidemiologists, laboratory technicians, data collectors and the like, whereas poor countries would probably prefer to spend the money on nurses. Cullinan said multilateral organisations like the WHO and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention should really be doing that epidemiological work. Southern Africa Litigation Centre international justice expert Atilla Kisla recently wrote in Daily Maverick that Trumps WHO withdrawal should not be seen as a retreat from the world. Instead, it was a geopolitical pivot an ambitious power play through the America First Global Health Strategy to escape the constraints of health multilateralism. It wanted to exercise its power fully and set the rules without international standards, control data flows, bypass multilateral scrutiny and attach ideological conditions to funding. The latter refers to MOU clauses forbidding recipient countries from using US financial support for abortion as a family planning method. He said the access to national disease surveillance systems to genomic sequencing and reproductive health patterns that the MOUs gave the US would not only advantage US health companies but also give the US political power over recipient states. That the Trump administration is demanding a quid pro quo for its health assistance should not come as a surprise we already knew this was a transactional administration. African countries should not, therefore, necessarily reject the strategy out of hand, and should ask themselves: what are the alternatives? Can, for example, a country like Zimbabwe not the worlds richest really afford to be so fastidious about its health assistance, especially in a global environment of drastically shrinking foreign aid? Peter Fabricius, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Consultant (This article was published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish.) The immediate past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, indeed forged his University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate, an investigative panel set up by Nigerias Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has found. The seven-member panel was constituted on 23 November 2025 in response to Mr Nnajis petition to the education minister following a painstaking two-year investigation published by PREMIUM TIMES in October last year, which revealed that the then-minister forged his degree and NYSC certificates. The panel submitted its detailed report to the education minister in December 2025. Nnajis petition and constitution of the panel In the petition dated 14 October 2025, Mr Nnaji alleged unethical disclosure, document tampering, and political manipulation of his academic records by senior officials of UNN. The former minister also accused the UNN Vice-Chancellor, Simon Ortuanya, and a former Acting Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Oguejiofor Ujam, of issuing forged or unauthorised correspondence, improperly accessing his academic file, and facilitating media publications that misrepresented his academic history. The probe panel was led by the Director of the University Education Department in the ministry, Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu, while James Ocheido, the deputy director of the department, served as secretary. Other members of the panel were: the Director of Polytechnics and Allied Institutions Department in the ministry, Ejeh. A. U; his counterpart in the ministrys Colleges of Education Department, U. C. Uba; and a representative of the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mohammed Ayuba. The Director of Human Resources Unit of the education ministry, Yusuf Saeed, and his counterpart in the ministrys Legal Services Unit, Foluso Akinlonu, were also members of the panel. The panel said it adopted documentary review, interviews, verification, and technical audit as its methodological approach to the investigation. It said during the investigation, members physically visited UNN, engaged with the institutions officialsincluding its vice-chancellor and former acting vice-chancellorand reviewed necessary documents and the university records. The UNN officials interviewed during the investigation were the universitys Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ortuanya; a former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ujam; the Registrar, Celine Nnebedum; Records Unit officials; and other staff members involved in handling academic records. The panel said that during the investigation, it also accessed and inspected Mr Nnajis academic files and internal correspondence including the 2023 and 2025 letters issued by UNN. It added that it examined UNNs historic academic records, registry movement logs, Senate lists, convocation archives, electronic access logs, and other relevant documentation, including Mr Nnajis transcript request, as well as verification of the provenance and authenticity of letters issued to media organisations and government agencies by the university. The members of the panel arrived (UNN) in Nsukka on Sunday, 23rd November 2025. On Monday, 24th November, the panel paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Simon Ortuanya and informed him of the purpose of the visit and proceeded to the venue the university provided for the panel to use, the report stated. Nnaji forged his UNN certificate A PREMIUM TIMES investigation had revealed that although Mr Nnaji was admitted to study biological sciences at UNN during the 1981/82 academic session, he did not graduate and was not issued a certificate after failing one of his courses Virology (MCB 431AB). In the federal government panel report, exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES after months of searching for the document, investigators said they conducted a thorough review of the Senate-approved graduation list of 1985 and the personal student file of Mr Nnaji and found, among others, that his name was not in the graduation list in the 1985 set. The panel said it obtained several correspondences dated from 8 November 1985 to 19 May 1986 between Mr Nnaji and the Registry Department of the university regarding his failed course MCB 431 Virology, which were documented from pages 69 to 55 of the former ministers academic file. It added that Mr Nnaji, in his handwritten correspondence dated 19 May 1986 and titled Application to take course, 431AB in September, explained that he could not write the exam scheduled for 21 April 1986 due to ill health, and attached a supporting medical report. The panel was unable to find any record of him (Nnaji) having taken the failed course, the report further read. The panel then wondered how Mr Nnaji obtained the purported certificate of graduation dated July 1985, which he submitted to President Bola Tinubu for appointment and to the National Assembly for his ministerial confirmation. The panels findings on Mr Nnaji align completely with this newspapers report, which exposed the then-ministers criminal and unethical certificate forgery. Background In October 2023, PREMIUM TIMES began investigating Mr Nnajis academic records. The then-minister had submitted a degree and NYSC certificates to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023. He claimed he obtained a degree certificate from UNN, where he purportedly graduated in 1985. Apparently disturbed that he was under scrutiny, Mr Nnaji filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja to block both UNN and its vice-chancellor, Mr Ortuanya, a professor, from releasing his academic records. Apart from the UNN and its vice-chancellor, the minister of education, the NUC, the universitys registrar, a former UNN Acting Vice-Chancellor, Mr Ujam, and the Senate of the university were listed as defendants in the suit. But before the minister could obtain an injunction, Mr Ortuanya had responded to PREMIUM TIMES FOI letter, confirming that Mr Nnaji had forged his UNN degree certificate. The UNN registrar would shortly thereafter corroborate Mr Ortuanyas position, indicating that although Mr Nnaji was admitted to the university in 1981, he neither graduated nor was issued any certificate. NYSC authorities, in response to a separate FOI letter from PREMIUM TIMES, had disowned the discharge certificate in possession of the then-minister. Mr Nnaji resigned from his position as minister three days after this newspaper published the investigation exposing how he forged his degree and NYSC certificates. Many Nigerians had called for Mr Nnajis prosecution, maintaining that his resignation was inadequate in light of his violations of various Nigerian laws, including the Criminal Code Act. Last week, a legal practitioner, Liborous Oshoma, criticised the Nigerian government for failing to prosecute Mr Nnaji, over the certificate forgery scandal, maintaining that people like the former minister should be prosecuted and banned from holding public office to serve as a deterrent to others. Meanwhile, PREMIUM TIMES exclusively reported in February that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission began an investigation into Mr Nnajis forgery scandal. Insiders had told this newspaper that the former minister could be prosecuted if the investigation shows that he truly forged his credentials. The 56-year-old cleric is neither a renowned jurist nor an elected politician, but he has close ties to the hardline wing of the Revolutionary Guard Motjaba Khamenei, 56, the son of Irans former supreme leader, is considered the leading candidate to succeed his father. Relatively unknown to the public, but wielding enormous influence, his potential rise threatens to escalate internal and regional tensions. At a time when the debate over succession to the top of the Islamic Republic has become one of the most sensitive and decisive issues in Iranian politics, the name of Mojtaba Khamenei is resonating more than ever in the media and in analytical circles both inside and outside Iran. This is not due to his social popularity or an official career in executive positions, but rather to his deep ties with the most hardline commanders of the Revolutionary Guard and with the security apparatus and the inner circle of power; ties that have made him the symbol of continuity for Ali Khameneis policies. For more than two decades, Mojtaba Khamenei has deliberately remained out of the public eye. He is not a well-known imam, an elected politician, or even a cleric with widespread recognition among the systems social base. This absence is not accidental: it is part of a pattern that has made him a completely behind-the-scenes figure within the system, a man who operates in the shadows, makes decisions, but is not held accountable. Even among many supporters of the Islamic Republic, his face and his true role remain unknown or unclear. This situation is unusual for someone mentioned as a possible future leader of the country. From war to power Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric born in Mashhad, had a brief presence in the Iran-Iraq War in 1986, when at just 17 years old he joined the Habib ibn Muzahir Battalion of the 27th Mohammad Rasulullah Division. At the time, his participation was more symbolic than operational. Its importance lies not in the military role he played, but in the network that was subsequently formed from those same units. After the war, the Habib Battalion and its affiliated formations became a hub for hardline security and ideological forces; a network that, following the shift in the balance of power in 1989, gained direct access to the highest levels of the system. That year, Ayatollah Hossein Ali Montazeri was first removed from the line of succession to Ruhollah Khomeini; a few months later, Khomeini died, and Ali Khamenei was designated as his successor. During the summer of that same year, a constitutional reform referendum was held, in which the requirement that the supreme leader be a marja (source of emulation) was reduced to the mere capacity to practice ijtihad (Islamic jurisconsult). These events led to the collapse of the traditional succession model, the election of a leader who was religiously weak but reliable from a security standpoint, and the shift of the center of gravity of power from the clergy to the Revolutionary Guard and the security apparatus. With Ali Khameneis rise to power in the Islamic Republic, his sons and Mojtaba in particular assumed a position unprecedented until then. Unlike his older brother Mostafa, Mojtaba gradually demonstrated an interest in practical politics and the intricacies of power, eventually becoming a link between the leaders office, the Basij (the Islamic militia), and the security agencies; a role that would become especially prominent during the political crises of the 2000s and 2010s. Religious legitimacy Mojtaba Khamenei completed his secondary education at the Alavi school and subsequently entered the religious seminary. He studied with figures such as Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi, Muhammad Taqi Misbah Yazdi, and Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani. For years, his teaching of a course in dars-e jarey (advanced level class in jurisprudence and principles), the highest academic level at the seminary and a key requirement for aspiring to religious authority, was presented as his main doctrinal qualification. However, in September 2024, news broke of the suspension of this course, which had been offered for over a decade, mostly online. It was claimed to be a personal decision, but its timing, coinciding with the surge in succession speculation, further intensified existing doubts. For some time now, numerous Shia clerics have questioned Mojtaba Khameneis capacity to serve as an Islamic jurist. For his critics, the closure of the advanced course is a clear sign of the weakness of his religious legitimacy, a deficiency that even the backing of the power structure cannot easily compensate for. Elections and repression The turning point in Mojtaba Khameneis public image came with accusations of interference in the 2005 and, especially, the 2009 presidential elections. International media reports and statements from domestic political figures identified him as a key player in organizing the Basij and supporting candidate Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Following the mass protests of 2009, his name became associated in the public eye with the apparatus of repression. In that context, he is credited with creating the Ammar Barracks with figures like Mehdi Taeb an ideological and propaganda arm designed to repress critics of the system. Numerous reports describe his extensive influence within the Revolutionary Guard Intelligence Organization, the Basij militia, and even state broadcasting. The U.S. Treasury Department accused him of close collaboration with the elite Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guard and the Basij and sanctioned him in 2019. Gray areas In February 2026, a Bloomberg investigative report revealed a complex network of investments and properties in Europe and the Middle East attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei; a structure based on shell companies and the movement of capital through banks in the U.K., Switzerland, and the UAE, with its origins allegedly linked to the sale of Iranian oil. Although this information has been rejected by sources close to the regime, the scale and level of detail of the report has reignited questions about the relationship between political power and wealth accumulation. For many observers, the designation of Mojtaba Khamenei as leader would simply be a continuation of the path laid out by his father: a continuation of the hardline approach, a security-focused and repressive strategy, and a greater concentration of power in unelected institutions. However, this scenario faces serious obstacles: the historical rejection of hereditary succession, the lack of social legitimacy, and deep doubts within the Shia clergy itself. Added to this is the external dimension. Israeli authorities have openly declared that any new leader of the Islamic Republic will be considered a legitimate target. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated this Wednesday: Any leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue leading the plan to destroy Israel, threaten the U.S. and the free world and the countries of the region, and oppress the Iranian people, will be an unequivocal target for elimination. This unprecedented warning underscores that the succession in Iran is not merely an internal matter, but carries direct regional and security consequences, evoking the targeted elimination of Hezbollah leaders. Mojtaba Khamenei thus embodies the power behind the throne of the Islamic Republic: a figure of enormous influence who, at no point in recent history, has been publicly challenged. He is neither a recognized nor an accepted jurist, nor a politician elected by the people, nor a technocrat familiar with the complex administrative machinery of the state. Nevertheless, the commanders of the Revolutionary Guard, the security networks, and the power structure have made him a plausible option for leadership, with the stated objective of preventing an internal fracture and ensuring the ideological continuity of the system. Indeed, this gap between power imposed from above and the lack of legitimacy from below makes his possible succession one of the most controversial and costly scenarios for Iran; a scenario that could define the countrys political course in the coming months. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The war between the United States and Israel against Iran entered its seventh day today (Friday). Over 1,200 people have been killed in the war, the majority of them in Iran. We bring you major updates on the war on its seventh day. Rising death toll Over a thousand Iranians have now been reported dead due to the US and Israels missile attack on Tehran. The death toll in Iran from ongoing US and Israeli attacks rose to 1,230 on Thursday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. PREMIUM TIME reported that the death toll was put at 1,045 a day earlier. The number had risen to 787, as previously reported. As the casualty numbers increase, there are no indications yet of an end to the war. About 12 Israelis were killed in Israel from Iranian missile strikes, including nine people who died in a missile attack on Beit Shemesh. PREMIUM TIMES reported that six US citizens have been confirmed killed. They died in an Iranian strike on a US military base in Kuwait during the conflict. Sailors receiving treatment Sri Lankan authorities say some of the Iranian sailors struck by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean are currently recovering at a hospital in the Sri Lankan port city of Galle. At least 87 were killed in the attack, and several others were reported missing early Thursday. Sri Lankan military rescuers found 32 survivors and are still searching for the missing sailors. Search and rescue operations estimate that about 60 people on board remain unaccounted for. Authorities at the National Hospital in Galle said 87 bodies were brought in by military rescuers who responded to an early-morning distress call from the IRIS Dena. The 32 rescued sailors were being treated for minor injuries and could be released from the hospital soon. According to Reuters, Tehran has asked Sri Lanka to help repatriate the bodies, but a timeframe has not yet been determined. Kuwait says tanker explosion outside its territory. Kuwait has said the large explosion on a tanker on Thursday occurred outside its territorial waters. The countrys Ministry of Interior said the incident occurred more than 60 kilometres (37 miles) away from the Mubarak al-Kabeer port. Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the captain of a tanker at anchor reported hearing and seeing a large explosion on the vessels port side, followed by a small craft leaving the area. It said all crew were safe, but that the vessel had taken on water and that oil was seen in the water from a cargo tank, potentially causing environmental impact. Qatar Airways reopened partially Qatar Airways began operating partially on Thursday, days after it closed due to the ongoing war. Several relief flights have been provided to help stranded passengers in Muscat and Riyadh. The airline said the flights are intended to assist travellers who were unable to continue their journeys due to the disruption. However, flights from Doha remain suspended because Qatars airspace is still closed. Frank Mba and seven other Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) have vacated their offices following the substantive confirmation of Tunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police (IGP), PREMIUM TIMES can report. Although there has been no official announcement regarding their retirement, police sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the officers had already vacated their offices at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, indicating they had been asked to step aside. Steps commenced on Friday to promote seven Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) to the rank of DIG to replace the outgoing ones. Sources at the police headquarters told this newspaper that the Police Service Commission (PSC) invited seven AIGs for promotion interviews scheduled for 6 March at the commissions corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. The interviews were heldon Friday morning. The officers invited are Zacharia Achinyan, Zango Baba, Isyaku Mohammed, Margaret Ochalla, Mohammed Suleiman, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie and Umar Nadada. Another source with direct knowledge of the process said eight AIGs were initially expected to be considered for promotion. However, one of them, Adegoke Fayoade, who had been recommended for elevation to DIG, had not yet been decorated with the new rank before the latest reorganisation in the police. Mr Fayoade will not undergo any new interview but will only be decorated with his new rank of DIG, our sources said. The Nigeria Police Force is structured into eight key departments, each headed by a DIG and operating under the command of the IGP. Data available on the police website showed that these departments are overseen by eight DIGs. The Department of Operations was headed by Bzigu Kwazhi, while Sadiq Abubakar led the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID). The Force Intelligence Department was under the supervision of Mohammed Gumel, and the Department of Logistics and Supply was headed by Adebola Hamzat. Others were Mr Mba, who led the Department of Training and Development; Adebowale Williams (Information and Communication Technology); Basil Idegwu (Research and Planning) and Dankwara Mohammed (Finance and Administration). All the incumbent DIGs will retire and be replaced with the new ones to be announced soon following the recent leadership change in the police hierarchy. Why the DIGs stepped aside Speculation about the possible retirement of the DIGs began shortly after Mr Disus appointment and confirmation as IGP. Before his appointment, Mr Disu held the rank of AIG and was junior in rank to the serving DIGs, including Mr Mba. PREMIUM TIMES understands that no Nigerian law compels senior officers to retire simply because a junior officer has been appointed as IGP. A few years ago, a DIG who was forcefully retired when his junior was promoted to IGP also challenged his retirement in court and won. However, the tradition has been that DIGs retire when their junior is promoted IGP ahead of them, a tradition that is now set to continue with Mr Disus appointment. Under the Police Act 2020, police officers are required to retire upon reaching the age of 60 or after completing 35 years in service, whichever comes first. However, the law was amended in 2024 to allow an IGP to complete a single four-year term regardless of age or years of service. An IGP can only be removed from office by the president or if they resign. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu appointed Mr Disu as IGP at the age of 59, just 48 days before his scheduled retirement. The PSC is expected to announce the newly promoted DIGs later today or by Monday. Efforts to get an official reaction from the agency on Friday morning were unsuccessful. President Bola Tinubu has appointed Nigerian ambassadors to Iran and Israel amidst ongoing violence and escalating war in the Middle East. The presidency on Friday announced the posting of Salau Mohammed to Iran and Nkechi Ufochukwu to Israel. They were posted alongside 63 others posted to other countries. All the nominees were confirmed last December by the Senate. Their appointment as ambassadors comes six days afterthe US and Israel launched an unprovoked strike against Iran, which triggered a significant violent crisis in the Middle East. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that at least 1,230 Iranians have been killed in the war. Unlike the 12-day war, which occurred in June 2025, the US and Israels missiles are not solely focused on the capital city, Tehran, but have also targeted other major cities. Iran, in retaliation, targeted American bases in neighbouring Gulf States, drawing in Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. About 12 people have been killed by Iranian strikes in Israel. The violence in the region led to the suspension of flight operations, oil exports, and the disruption of energy flows. Meanwhile, the US government said it envisages that the war would last four weeks or more. The Ambassadors President Tinubus deployment of the ambassadors comes three years into his administration. He had recalled the previous ambassadors, including 41 non-career and 42 career diplomats, in September 2023 without stating a specific reason. Since then, no replacements have been announced, effectively leaving Nigeria without formal high-level representation in several countries. Consuls-general and charges daffaires have been handling diplomatic functions, despite lacking the full authority, especially in high-level negotiations, political representation, and formal diplomatic ceremonies. The president did not announce new ambassadorial nominees until December 2025, when faced with intense antagonism from the US over allegations of Christian genocide. It remains unclear if the newly appointed ambassadors to Iran and Israel are expected to depart for their host countries soon or if the ongoing war might hold them back. Nigeria earlier said it is committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Iran and maintaining diplomatic engagement with the country. Mr Salau is a career Nigerian diplomat from Niger State, a professional member of Nigerias foreign service. He had previously represented Nigeria in the Gulf region, particularly Qatar, according to media reports. Ms Ufochukwu, on the other hand, is a non-career diplomat who previously served as Special Adviser (Legal) to the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology. President Tinubu also appointed Lateef Are, a career diplomat, as the Nigerian ambassador to the US. Following their appointment, the newly appointed ambassadors will have to receive diplomatic agrement a formal approval required before an envoy can present credentials from their host country before assuming duty. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Chinese national, Zhang Wen Hao, for dishonestly inducing someone to open a bank account for commiting crimes. He was arraigned on one count of deception before judge Ibrahim Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court in Mararaba. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed the development in a statement on Friday. The EFCC accused him of intentionally inducing Paul Yichol with one thousand naira only to open account number 1715754475 in his name with Access Bank PLC for the purpose of using the same for unlawful activity. According to the prosecution, the defence committed in March 2023 in Suleja, near Nigerias capital, Abuja. The offence, the EFCC said, is contrary to Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria and punishable under Section 322 of the same Law. The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. Following the plea, the prosecution lawyer, Taiwo Aromolaran, asked the judge for a date to commence trial, while the defence lawyer, Michael Ukatu, made an oral application for bail. Judge Shekarau adjourned the matter until 12 March 2026 for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the EFCC. Under the Penal Code applicable in Northern Nigeria, inducing another person for a fraudulent end constitutes an offence of deception or cheating. Section 320 of the law criminalises acts of deception intended to dishonestly obtain property or facilitate illegal activity. Section 322 of the law prescribes as punishment for the offence an imprisonment of maximum of three years or with fine or with both. The case adds to the growing incidence of Chinese national facing fraud charges in Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES has previously reported several cases involving Chinese citizens prosecuted in Nigeria for financial and economic offences. In June last year, the Federal High Court in Lagos jailed 23 Chinese nationals for cyberterrorism and internet fraud linked to a large syndicate. Weeks later, another eight Chinese nationals were sentenced on similar charges. The following month, July, the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced eight Chinese nationals to one year in prison each for cyberterrorism and internet fraud in connection with a massive transnational cryptocurrency scam uncovered in December 2024. Also, in August last year, the Nigerian Immigration Service deported 42 Chinese and Philippine nationals convicted of cyber fraud and Ponzi schemes following EFCC prosecutions. Experts have called on the Nigerian government to address socio-economic situations and gaps in the legal framework and enforcement that make Nigeria a preferred destination for foreigners to carry out their fradulent activities. Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has warned against the activities of latter-day activists, who he described as politicians who undermine Nigerias democracy when they find policies unfavourable. Mr Sani gave the warning while breaking the Ramadan fast with journalists at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna on Thursday. The governor said journalists played a crucial role in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria and should remain vigilant against anti-democratic forces. When we were in the struggle, we, the civil rights activists, relied mostly on journalists. Most of them lost their freedoms, and some even lost their lives when we were fighting for democracy, he said. According to him, the contributions of journalists remained central to Nigerias democratic journey. You cannot talk about democracy today without the contribution of journalists. So, you have to be vigilant about this category of politicians who are conflict merchants, he advised. Mr Sani alleged that such politicians focus less on development issues such as healthcare, education, human capital development, infrastructure, unemployment and poverty, but rather exploit ethnicity and religion to divide Nigerians. When campaigns begin, they will focus on these issues instead of matters that affect all Nigerians irrespective of ethno-religious affiliations, he said. The governor also described some of the individuals he referred to as emergency activists as not part of the pro-democracy struggle. When we were fighting for democracy, they were partnering with military dictators. Today, from nowhere, they are trying to teach us democracy, he said. Mr Sani said Nigerians should question the democratic credentials of such individuals, noting that their past actions contradict their current posture. What do they know about fundamental human rights? What do they know about freedom, the rule of law, equality and justice? he asked. He urged journalists to hold such politicians accountable by scrutinising their past records. Highlighting achievements of his administration, the governor said that before he assumed office, 12 Local Government Areas in the State had no single kilometre of road constructed in 10 years. According to him, his administration has taken development projects to all 23 local government areas of the state over the past two and a half years, in line with the principles of equity and justice. Sani also disclosed that only five out of the 32 secondary healthcare centres in the state were functional when his administration took over. Today, we are renovating, equipping and remodelling 15 out of the 32 secondary healthcare centres, he said. The governor added that Kaduna State previously had about 580,000 out-of-school children, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. He said the number had been reduced to 182,000 through government interventions. Mr Sani further disclosed that his government, in partnership with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Islamic Development Bank, and UNICEF, among other development partners, plans to build an additional 102 schools. He said Kaduna state had secured about 62.8 million US Dollars in funding to address the challenge of out-of-school children. According to him, the state is currently the only subnational government benefiting from the facility due to its transparent governance practices. Our focus is to ensure that no child is left outside the classroom in Kaduna state because we believe education is the greatest leveller, the governor said. (NAN) The Kwara State Police Command has arrested several people for alleged kidnapping, cultism and homicide in different parts of the state. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adekimi Ojo, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing in Ilorin. Mr Ojo said the Command had recently strengthened intelligence-driven operations and tactical deployments to dismantle criminal networks threatening public safety. In recent weeks, the Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations, strengthened tactical deployments and collaborated with relevant security agencies to tackle violent crimes, including kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms, Mr Ojo said. He urged the media to report security developments accurately, noting that the partnership between the police and the press is vital in keeping residents informed and reassured. One of the cases highlighted involved the arrest of a 15-year-old boy over the alleged killing of a woman identified as Akanbi A. The police said the incident occurred on January 14, when officers received a distress report that the victim was found lying in a pool of blood in her residence. Investigations revealed that the suspect, who lived with the deceased, allegedly hid behind a door and attacked her with household items while she was bathing. Items recovered from the scene include a frying pan, a weighing scale, kitchen knives and a spatula. The police commissioner said the teenager claimed during interrogation that he was driven by resentment and that he failed in earlier attempts to poison the victim. After committing the offence, the suspect reportedly changed his clothes and left the house under the guise of running an errand before contacting the deceaseds husband, who later discovered her lifeless body, Mr Ojo said, adding that the suspect would be charged in court after investigations. In another development, three suspects Bello Ori, Muhammadu Jemare and Mohammadu Shehu were arrested over the kidnapping of construction workers and engineers along Owu Falls Road in Ifelodun Local Government Area. The police said the suspects were tracked and apprehended on 26 February after investigators traced one of the victims stolen mobile phones. Mr Ojo explained that the phones digital tracking helped officers identify and locate the suspects. Operatives also arrested 10 other suspects in Oro-Ago, Ifelodun LGA, during a joint intelligence-led operation carried out in the early hours of 1 March. The suspects were allegedly part of a kidnapping syndicate planning to infiltrate the area. The police recovered 10 Bajaj Boxer motorcycles believed to be used for criminal operations. Among those arrested were individuals said to be responsible for maintaining the motorcycles and providing logistics support to the group. The suspects are currently in secure custody while in-depth investigations are ongoing to dismantle the wider criminal network and establish their link to other violent crimes, the police boss said. In Moro Local Government Area, the police also arrested a 23-year-old woman, Awawu Bodo, after officers recovered a revolver and three live cartridges during a search of a residence linked to suspected kidnappers operating from Dogo Fulani Camp via Olooru. Mr Ojo said the woman, believed to be the wife of a principal suspect who fled the scene, is assisting investigators with useful information. At the same time, efforts continue to track down other suspects. Similarly, three men Zubairu Abubakar, Alhaji Issa and Abdullahi Yahaya were arrested during a routine stop-and-search operation along Duro/Kpada Road in Patigi. The police recovered a locally made revolver loaded with six rounds of AK-47 calibre ammunition as well as an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle from the suspects. Although the motorcycle rider claimed he was a commercial operator carrying the other two men as passengers, the suspects reportedly failed to give a satisfactory explanation for the firearm found in their possession. The Command also recorded breakthroughs in its crackdown on cultism in Ilorin metropolis. Three suspected cult members Abadulrasheed Hammed, Abdulganeen Abdulafeez and Muhammed Nuhu Wahab were arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 28-year-old man, Victor Mathew Nwachukwu, in front of Imam Filling Station in the Kulende area of Ilorin on January 6. During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Aiye and Alora confraternities. The police also recovered firearms, ammunition, battle axes, charms and items bearing the insignia of the Neo Black Movement cult group. Mr Ojo said further investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects who participated in the attack. In a related case, police arrested Sofiullahi Idowu, popularly known as ID, for criminal conspiracy, attempted homicide and cult-related violence. The suspect was apprehended after he allegedly aimed a locally made gun at a police officer during a violent confrontation involving suspected cultists in the Oke-Bonke community of Ilorin on December 24, 2025. He confessed during interrogation that he was formerly the Number One leader of the Eiye confraternity in the Olunlade axis and admitted that he intended to shoot the police officer before he was overpowered, the commissioner said. In the Erin-Ile community, police also arrested Noah Olorunyomi for allegedly killing a farmer and injuring another person in separate shootings. Investigations showed that the suspect allegedly ambushed and shot a man identified as Shina R at a cashew plantation, killing him instantly, while another victim, who was shot earlier in the abdomen, survived and is receiving medical treatment. Mr Ojo said the suspect has confessed to the crimes and will be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations. The police commissioner said the successes recorded demonstrate the Commands determination to maintain law and order through intelligence-led policing. These operational successes clearly demonstrate our unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order in Kwara State through decisive tactical interventions, he said. He commended officers involved in the operations for their professionalism and urged residents to continue supporting the police with credible information. Security remains a collective responsibility, and we encourage citizens to provide credible and actionable intelligence that will assist us in safeguarding lives and property, Mr Ojo added. Henry Omoile, co-defendant in the alleged $4.5 billion fraud case involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, has told the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja that he lied in a statement he made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). But he said he lied because of the threat he received from the EFCC. Mr Omoile made the disclosure on Friday while testifying in a trial-within-trial before a judge, Rahman Oshodi. The mini-trial was instituted to determine whether Mr Omoiles statement to the EFCC was made voluntarily or otherwise. According to him, the statements marked as Exhibits TWT 14 did not contain a genuine confession, and he wrote only what investigators allegedly instructed him to write. The statement exhibits in trial-within-trial 14, I did not confess in that statement. I lied in my statement. EFCC threatened me that if I did not write what they wanted, they would charge me to court, Mr Omoile told the court. EFCC filed amended 26 counts against Mr Emefiele and Mr Omoile, who is named in only three of the counts. The charges against Mr Emefiele include alleged abuse of office, contrary and punishable under Section 73 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011; accepting gratification, contrary and punishable under Section 8 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000; corrupt demand, contrary and punishable under Section 10 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. They also include receiving property fraudulently obtained, contrary to and punishable under Section 328 of the Criminal Law of Lagos 2011; and conferring corrupt advantage, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. Mr Omoile faces only three counts, which relate to acceptance of gifts by agents, contrary to Section 65 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.. Both have pleaded not guilty. During cross-examination in the trial-within-trial by prosecution lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Omoile admitted that he was cautioned before making the statement and that he signed the cautionary words. He also acknowledged that the EFCC had filed a counter-affidavit opposing his claims but said he did not produce it in court. Mr Omoile further told the court that he had discussed with his lawyer about filing a fundamental human rights enforcement suit, confirming that the motion ex parte was tendered that morning. He added that the ruling tendered had no direct bearing on Exhibit D4 but insisted both issues were connected. I just wanted to go home, he said, explaining his reasons for initially cooperating with EFCC investigators. He also denied filing any complaint or petition against the EFCC team over the alleged threats. Earlier in the proceedings, Mr Omoile alleged that EFCC investigators tried to pressure him into implicating Mr Emefiele, claiming that the head of the investigative team, identified as Alvan Gurumnaan, promised he could secure bail or avoid charges if he provided incriminating evidence. Mr Oshodi adjourned the matter to 17 April, for the adoption of final written addresses. Background The trial-within-trial was ordered to determine whether Mr Omoiles statements to the EFCC were given voluntarily. In December 2025, EFCC operative Mr Gurumnaan testified that Mr Omoile wrote his statements voluntarily and was cautioned in the presence of his lawyer. The statements were allegedly aimed at providing evidence against Mr Emefiele. Mr Gurumnaan said the statements were taken openly at the EFCC office in Ikoyi, with the lawyer and the Acting Managing Director of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) present, and no coercion or intimidation was used. Mr Omoiles lawyer, Nnamdi Offial, has accused the EFCC of pressuring his client into implicating Mr Emefiele, saying investigators promised bail or the possibility of avoiding charges if Mr Omoile provided incriminating evidence. According to Mr Offial, the EFCCs interrogation was conducted in a structured question-and-answer format, with answers not aligned with investigators expectations repeatedly rejected. On several occasions, questions were put to the second defendant, and he answered, but he was not allowed to write them down because the answer did not conform to what the interrogators wanted him to say. I objected to this many times, Mr Offial told the court. He also said he was temporarily barred from assisting Omoile during one session after questioning the interrogation process. Messrs Omoile and Emefiele are standing trial on 22 counts, including accepting gratification, receiving gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent receipt of property. Mr Emefiele was removed as the CBN governor over corruption allegations in 2023. He served for about nine years in office before his removal. Biodun Jeyifo, a Nigerian academic and literary critic, was buried in his hometown in Ibadan, Oyo States capital, on Wednesday. Mr Jeyifo, an emeritus professor, described as the head of the Jeyifous family of Oke-Bola, Ibadan, died on 11 February, aged 80. Okunola Jeyifous had announced the funeral plans in a burial notice on behalf of the family. Funeral The late professor of African and African American Studies and Comparative Literature was buried at the Anglican Cemetery, St. James The Great Cathedral Burial Ground, Ijokodo, Ibadan. The funeral was attended by his children, friends, and other dignitaries, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Adewolu Ladoja, literary icon Wole Soyinka and his longtime friend Yemi Ogunbiyi. With deep regret but with immense gratitude, with remarkably impactful life, with children and friends of the Jeyifous family of Oke-Bola of Ibadan, announce the departure of their olori ebi (family head), the burial notice had announced. According to the notice, the funeral rites began on Monday, with an evening of tributes at 4.00 p.m. at Omolayole Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. Known to his colleagues and students as Professor BJ, Mr Jeyifo built a distinguished academic career that began at the then University of Ife, before he held dual teaching appointments at Cornell University and Harvard University in the United States. In January, an international scholarly gathering was held at the MUSON Centre in Lagos to mark his 80th birthday. The event drew academics, writers and cultural figures in recognition of his lifelong contributions to literary studies and intellectual life. Leading authority on life, works of Wole Soyinka Mr Jeyifo was widely recognised as a leading authority on the life and works of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka. His book, Wole Soyinka: Politics, Poetics and Postcolonialism, published by Cambridge University Press in 2004, earned international acclaim and several awards. Scholars often describe the work as one of the most extensive and rigorous single-author studies in African postcolonial literary criticism. Unlike some critics who viewed the complexity of Mr Soyinkas writing as deliberate obscurity, Mr Jeyifos scholarship argued that the perceived difficulty of the Nobel laureates work was rooted in modernist and avant-garde literary techniques. His approach combined close textual analysis with broader political and cultural interpretation, offering detailed readings of Mr Soyinkas drama, poetry and prose. Intellectually rigorous and accessible Colleagues have often described Mr Jeyifos writing as both intellectually rigorous and accessible, blending critical depth with clarity of expression. Beyond studies on Mr Soyinka, Mr Jeyifo was known for his wide-ranging engagement with world Anglophone literature, cultural theory and postcolonial thought. Born on 5 January 1946, Mr Jeyifo was a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters and a prominent public intellectual whose career spanned several decades of teaching, research and mentorship across Nigeria and the United States. In announcing his death, the Nigerian Academy of Letters expressed condolences to his family and the academic community, describing his passing as a significant loss to literary scholarship in Nigeria and beyond. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killing of at least 12 people in Kwande Local Government Area, describing the attack as barbaric, senseless and unacceptable. The condemnation came as gunmen also shot dead Udeh Ijachi, a former caretaker chairperson of Otukpo Local Government Area, in a separate incident that has heightened security concerns across the state. In a statement issued on Friday by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, the governor said the killings occurred in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura council wards of Kwande. The attack is barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable, Mr Alia said, expressing sorrow over the loss of lives and extending condolences to the families of the victims. He said the attack left 12 people dead and several others injured, adding that security agencies had been directed to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible and prevent further violence. Every life matters, and the loss of even one life is too many, the governor said, assuring residents that his administration would pursue justice for the victims. Mr Alia also acknowledged the recent deployment of more than 400 security personnel to Jato Aka and other parts of Kwande, but said the latest attacks indicate that more needs to be done to secure the area. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies working to restore peace. The complexities of insecurity are challenging but not insurmountable. We will not rest until peace is achieved in Kwande and across Benue State, he said. Former council chair killed The governors reaction came hours after gunmen killed Mr Ijachi, a former caretaker chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, in a separate attack on Thursday night. Eyewitnesses said the assailants ambushed him in front of Okabido Hotel in Otukpo and opened fire before fleeing the scene. They just opened fire on him and ran away immediately, a resident who witnessed the incident said. The resident requested anonymity for security reasons. The shooting triggered panic in the area as residents and passers-by rushed to the scene, according to witnesses who also asked not to be named for safety reasons. Mr Ijachi, popularly known as Honourable Ukpem, was well known in political and community circles in the state. Security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the killing as of the time of filing this report, but investigations were expected to begin to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Fresh attacks in Kwande The governors statement followed renewed violence in parts of the Kwande Local Government Area. Residents of the Mbaav community in the Turan district said gunmen attacked the area earlier this week, leaving several people dead and others missing. Community members told PREMIUM TIMES that more than five bodies were recovered after the attack, while search efforts continued for missing persons. Some residents who spoke to this newspaper declined to be named, citing security concerns. Pattern of violence The latest killings add to a series of attacks that have continued to affect communities in Kwande and other parts of Benue State. On 13 June 2025, suspected armed attackers carried out a deadly assault on the Yelwata community in Guma Local Government Area, killing scores of residents and displacing many others, according to earlier PREMIUM TIMES reports. Authorities later arrested several suspects in connection with that attack, and nine of them were arraigned on 2 February 2026 before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Despite ongoing security operations and recent deployments of additional personnel to vulnerable communities, residents say sporadic attacks continue to threaten farming settlements and rural communities in parts of the state. Governor Alia said his administration would continue working with security agencies to address the situation and ensure the safety of residents. Nigerian soldiers in the North-east have thwarted coordinated midnight attacks on four military bases in Borno State, killing many insurgents. The soldiers, members of the Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force focusing on the North-eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa (BAY states), confronted the insurgents in the attack, which lasted for hours. Sani Uba, the spokesperson for the joint task force, in a statement on Friday, said the terrorists targeted military formations around Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok. Mr Uba, a lieutenant colonel, said the desperate attacks began around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday and continued until around 03 a.m. on Friday. According to him, the assailants were met with overwhelming resistance from alert and determined troops who firmly held their defensive positions despite the intensity of the assaults. He said the insurgents temporarily breached defensive perimeters, but troops swiftly counter-attacked and fully regained control of their positions. Mr Uba said some structures within the areas the insurgents attacked were damaged. However, he noted that all military bases remain firmly under control. The military spokesperson said that with help from the air component of the joint task force, troops killed many terrorists, including commanders. Ground troops are currently conducting exploitation operations across the affected areas, with recovery of terrorist corpses, weapons and other combat equipment ongoing, said Mr Uba. However, some soldiers lost their lives in the battle. Regrettably, a number of brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty, including a gallant officer who fought courageously from the front while leading his troops against the attackers, Mr Uba said, adding that their sacrifice reflects the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to defending the nation and protecting innocent citizens. The North-east has been faced with years of insurgency by the Boko Haram terror group and its breakaway faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The groups have killed hundreds of civilians, including security operatives, displacing many people from their homes. Peace gradually returned, and some displaced persons were resettled, but there has been a resurgence of violence in the area, re-displacing locals. ISWAP, which is more sophisticated, launched violent attacks on military formations early last year, deploying armed drones. No group has claimed responsibility for the recent foiled attacks in Borno. Maria Corina Machado has announced she is returning, and the country is once again talking about voting, even though no date has been set Many things have changed in Venezuela since January 3, when U.S. elite troops captured Nicolas Maduro. Throughout this time, however, the regimes most hardline opposition maintained the same slogan: Venezuelans have already voted. This was a reference to the presidential elections of July 28, 2024, when Edmundo Gonzalez, the candidate backed by Maria Corina Machado, achieved a landslide victory against Maduro. That victory, far from being celebrated, forced many of opposition politicians into exile and hiding. Today, however, the oppositions message is beginning to wane. Two months after the U.S. military intervention that shifted the balance of power in Venezuela and opened an uncertain though unmistakable process of political opening, the most hardline sector of the antiChavista movement is preparing for something it had long opposed: competing again in elections with no clear timetable, rules, or electoral authorities. The clearest sign of that change came on Sunday. Maria Corina Machado the leader who orchestrated the political machinery that documented the fraud and defended the results of the July 28 election from hiding announced that she will return to Venezuela in the coming weeks to prepare for a new and enormous electoral victory. Election day in Caracas, June 28, 2024. Alfredo Lasry R (Getty Images) Such a shift would have been unthinkable just a few months ago. For more than a year, the strategy of the opposition led by Machado was to maintain, both within and outside the country, that the 2024 presidential elections had already decided Venezuelas political future. According to 83% of the tally sheets collected by election observers, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia obtained 67% of the votes, compared to Maduros 30%. Those papers, printed by each voting machine and gathered over the long election night by thousands of volunteers, became the material proof of the fraud. Maduro, currently imprisoned in New York, never relinquished power. The voter tallies circulated around the world. They were presented to the Organization of American States, supported diplomatic complaints, and ended up stored in bank vaults in Panama. More than 30 countries including the United States, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, and the 27 members of the European Union recognized Gonzalez as the presidentelect, even though he was never sworn into office. For months, while hiding somewhere in Venezuela, Machado made defending those results the cornerstone of the entire opposition strategy. Venezuelans already voted, she repeated time and again to justify abstaining from the local and legislative elections that followed. The leader of Vente Venezuela maintained that taking part in those elections was tantamount to accepting the regimes attempt to sideline what happened on July 28. But the U.S. military intervention on January 3 abruptly altered the Venezuelan political landscape. Since then, the countrys political process seems to be advancing according to a roadmap drawn up in Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke of three phases stabilization, reconstruction, and transition and announced a few days ago that the first had already been completed. In this framework, new elections appear as the endpoint of the political process, rather than its starting point, as many imagined immediately after Maduros fall. Machado was one of the first opposition leaders to acknowledge that the landscape had shifted. If for months the priority had been to defend the July 28 result, the challenge now is to ensure that any potential political transition does not take place without her and her allies. Her announcement that she will return to the country is part of this new phase, after long months moving between hiding and trips abroad to keep alive the organization that made the 2024 electoral mobilization possible. In recent weeks, the mass releases of political prisoners have also included a significant number of members of Vente Venezuela and Comando Con Venezuela, the organization that coordinated the defense of the vote on July 28. Parish, municipal, and state leaders who had been arrested or forced into hiding are beginning to regroup. Political parties are meeting again, and the political networks that had been paralyzed by Maduros repression are starting to rebuild. Henry Alviarez, the main leader of Vente Venezuela inside the country who spent nearly two years in prison, was released last month. He now says he will travel across Venezuela in a campaign that still has no name or timetable. July 28 is a fact. Edmundo Gonzalez is the legitimate president of Venezuela, he said this week. But if the reality that is emerging in the 60 days since January 3 invites us to a process of understanding, what better way to do so than by allowing every citizen to express their choice with guarantees? The opposition is holding on to its account of that victory, but it is now beginning to prepare to compete again. Edmundo Gonzalez (center) in Caracas, in May 2024. RONALD PENA R (EFE) The dates for new elections remain unknown, and they are not even being considered in the short term. Even so, Machado has suggested a possible horizon. In recent weeks, she has said that it would be feasible to organize elections in less than a year if real guarantees and minimal institutional conditions are put in place. This is not unfamiliar territory for her. Before becoming the most influential political figure in the Venezuelan opposition, she began her career in Sumate, an organization dedicated to defending the vote. Her teams are now working discreetly on one of the issues the opposition has denounced for years: the voter registry. A new registration drive and a cleanup of the voter roll will be a priority if a new electoral process is ultimately opened. The current system excluded hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans abroad and also displaced voters within the country, moving them from one polling station to another to make participation more difficult. Diosdados surprise The main obstacle continues to be the institutions, where the regime still maintains its grip. The Chavista government now led by Delcy Rodriguez has begun testing changes aimed at projecting an image of openness. The resignations of the attorney general and the ombudsman have been interpreted as signs of reforms underway. However, the two bodies that are essential for any election the National Electoral Council (CNI) and the Supreme Court remain in the hands of the same structures that endorsed the official 2024 results and allowed Maduro to stay in Miraflores despite allegations of fraud. Diosdado Cabello at Miraflores Palace, on January 14. Leonardo Fernandez Viloria (REUTERS) Machado also remains the most troublesome political adversary for the new Chavista leadership. Her disqualification from running in elections is still in force. And although Delcy Rodriguez has promoted an amnesty law for some political prisoners, she has also warned that the opposition leader will have to answer for her actions upon her return. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello has sounded even more threatening. On Wednesday, on his television program, he issued a warning regarding Machados intention to return: I wont tell you what surprise I have in store for her. However, the threats and the hints of repression are unfolding alongside conversations about candidates and campaigns. Former presidential candidate and former political prisoner Enrique Marquez, who appeared in Washington during Donald Trumps State of the Union address, said he is not ruling out running for president again. And within the traditional parties, the debate is also shifting. Henry Ramos Allup, secretary general of Democratic Action, has insisted on the need to preserve opposition unity at all costs and announced his support for a potential Machado candidacy. With no election date, no electoral authority, and under Washingtons oversight, Venezuela is slowly beginning to talk about politics again. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition An unknown armed group has claimed responsibility for Wednesdays deadly attack on the Ngoshe community in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Many soldiers and civilians were reportedly killed, and hundreds of residents were abducted in the carnage. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Nigerian Army killed over 50 of the terrorists as they retreated from the community. The terrorists had infiltrated the town on Wednesday night and first attacked the military base. A video viewed by our reporter showed hundreds of the displaced people taking refuge outside their community on Thursday. On Friday, PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the Insurgents have claimed responsibility. Punch newspaper, relying on a video, reported that the Insurgents claimed total occupation of the community. It also threatened to use the people it abducted as slaves. The insurgents spoke in Hausa, saying they were inside the central mosque in Ngoshe and planned to remain in the town and make it part of its territory. They admitted to killing men and women and abducting many residents, threatening to extend their attacks to Maiduguri and Abuja. Some videos released by the group showed alleged scenes from the attack, including the killing of men, women and children. Eyewitnesses said the attack lasted for several hours before the air component of Operation Hadin Kai forced the attackers to retreat into nearby forests. The spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, Nahum Daso, confirmed the attack, saying the number of people killed was not yet known and many residents were still missing. According to him, some victims might have been abducted and taken towards the Mandara Mountains. In his reaction, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, said the government was still verifying the number of victims. He added that the state government had sent relief materials to survivors currently taking refuge in Pulka town. The support includes food items such as rice, sugar, millet and blankets for affected families. Mr Tar also said health workers and sanitation officials have been sent to the area to prevent possible disease outbreaks, while the military continues to provide security for the delivery of aid. About 30 widows in Makoko, a waterfront community in Lagos, received food items from IDA Beauty on Thursday, as part of activities marking International Womens Day. This years campaign theme is Give To Gain, to encourage the mindset of generosity and collaboration. The food empowerment programme, in partnership with Tabitha-Kay Widow Care Foundation, aimed to support vulnerable families in the community and bring relief to those in need. This is as the floating slum faces severe humanitarian challenges following forced eviction by the Lagos state government. These actions have disproportionately affected women and children, resulting in loss of shelter. Makoko widows The women, numbering up to 30, received food items including rice, groundnut oil, spaghetti, salt and tomato paste. The beneficiaries, mostly traders, expressed gratitude to the organisers for reaching out to them. Im happy. May God bless her. I have even prayed for her, said Mariya Wenu, a food seller. Similarly, Angelina Ajibade, a fish seller, urged the organisers to always remember to reach out to them. They love us, and that is why they reach out to us, she said. However, Margaret Andrew, while thanking the organisers, noted that she would appreciate capital to kickstart a new business. The fish trader noted that she would like to venture into the soft drinks trade. Also, Sarah Johnson applauded the organisers for the food support. We are happy. We are grateful, Johnson Sarah, she said. In her remark, Idowu Adepeju, founder of Ida Beauty, said that the IWD is to celebrate and acknowledge womens incredible strength, especially the young widows present. We see the silent strength it takes to wake up each day and keep going, Ms Adepeju said. We see the weight you carry. We see the courage it takes to rebuild when life changes unexpectedly. She commended the women for standing tall despite the storm that had reshaped their world, proving strength beyond measure. Ms Adepeju reminded the widows that their story did not end when tragedy happened. Similarly, Dorcas Adelaja, the cofounder of Tabitha-Kay Widow Care, described the initiative as thoughtful and great. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has cleared the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, of allegations that he forged his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, according to a police investigation report. According to the report shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday but dated 4 March, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Monitoring Unit, Akin Fakorede, said investigators found no evidence of forgery, falsification, or unlawful issuance of the certificate issued to the minister. The police findings align with a 2023 PREMIUM TIMES investigation. Based on the totality of evidence gathered, documentary exhibits analysed, statements obtained, and the official response received from the National Youth Service Corps Headquarters, no criminal offence in respect of NYSC Certificate No. A004523631 issued to Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has been committed, the report stated. The certificate has been confirmed by the issuing authority as valid and authentic from its official records. How it started The investigation followed a petition submitted to the Inspector-General of Police on 5 January by Igbega Foundation, a non-governmental organisation based in Akure, Ondo State, through the law firm of Olugbenga Edema & Co. In the petition, the organisation alleged irregularities in the NYSC Certificate of National Service bearing number A004523631 issued in the name of Mr Tunji-Ojo, who hails from Ondo State. The petitioner claimed that the minister was mobilised for the NYSC scheme in 2006 and deployed to Abuja, but did not complete the mandatory one-year national service. According to the petition, Mr Tunji-Ojo later resurfaced in 2019. He allegedly underwent a remobilisation process before being redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory, where he was posted to the Federal Capital Territory Administration for his primary assignment. The organisation further alleged that he subsequently applied for the issuance of the certificate through the FCT coordinator in October 2022. Following the petition, the police monitoring unit commenced an investigation after the matter was referred to the office of the Inspector-General of Police. The police said the petitioner, represented by its trustee, Olugbenga Edema, appeared before investigators and adopted the petition while submitting documents to support the allegations. The report noted that investigators also wrote to Mr Tunji-Ojo requesting his response to the claims. In a letter dated 4 February, the minister denied the allegations and submitted documents to the police, including a Certified True Copy of a judgment in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1155/2023, along with other records relating to his NYSC status. As part of the investigation, the police sought verification from the Director-General of the NYSC by forwarding the certificate in question and requesting confirmation of the ministers service history. In a response dated 18 February, the NYSC confirmed that the Certificate No. A004523631 was valid and duly issued to Mr Tunji-Ojo and forms part of its official records. The police investigation further found that Mr Tunji-Ojo was initially mobilised for national service in 2006 but did not complete the programme at the time due to verified medical reasons. According to the report, he was subsequently remobilised in November 2019 in line with NYSC regulations, completed the service requirements and was later issued the certificate in accordance with the law. The report concluded that no evidence of forgery, alteration, or falsification of the NYSC certificate was established during the investigation. It added that issues relating to the timing and circumstances of the ministers service year were administrative matters within the regulatory authority of the NYSC and other relevant institutions. Police detain accuser On the same day of the clearance by the police, Emorioloye Owolemi was remanded in prison over Facebook posts claiming that Mr Tunji-Ojos academic credentials were fake. Mr Owolemi, 39, faced charges of cyberstalking under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024. The posts, published on 23 December 2025 in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, allegedly questioned the authenticity of the ministers credentials. Mr Owolemi told Sahara Reporters that he had obtained a valid court order in Abuja but chose not to pursue further legal action, adding that the consequences of his stand affected not only him but also his family. The police are prosecuting the defendant before the Federal High Court in Akure in the case marked FHC/AK/3C/26. The charges comprise cyberstalking and harassment. Backstory Earlier in 2025, a coalition of civil society organisations petitioned the presidency of President Bola Tinubu, demanding that Mr Tunji-Ojo step aside to allow for an independent investigation into his NYSC certificate. The petition, also copied to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), described the case as a constitutional and ethical matter that strikes at the very heart of integrity, justice, and public accountability. The petition alleged that Tunji-Ojo was first mobilised in 2006 but absconded from service and later completed the programme in 2019 while simultaneously serving as a member of the House of Representativesa dual role the petitioners said violated constitutional provisions prohibiting public officers from holding two remunerated positions simultaneously. They also questioned the issuance of a new certificate in 2023, signed by an NYSC Director-General who was not in office during the purported service year, and called for investigations by the NYSC, ICPC, and the National Assembly into possible double remuneration and irregularities. The civil society groups warned that selective enforcement of rules could undermine public confidence in government institutions, insisting that justice must not wear ethnic or political colours. Mr Tunji-Ojo, a former member of the House of Representatives, has served as Nigerias Minister of Interior since 2023. The family of former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has called for his immediate release from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), arguing that his continued detention lacks legal backing. A statement issued on behalf of the family on Friday by Mr El-Rufais son, Bello El-Rufai, who is a serving member of the House of Representatives, said the anti-corruption agency was holding the former governor without a valid court order, describing the situation as unlawful. According to the statement dated 6 March (Friday) posted on his official Facebook page (https://web.facebook.com/bello.elrufai) the ICPC initially took Mr El-Rufai into custody on 18 February. He has now spent over three weeks in ICPC custody. The family said the agency subsequently obtained a remand order from a magistrates court on 19 February to detain him for investigation. However, they argued that the order was defective and, in any case, only permitted a 14-day detention period. With the period covered by the order now over without the ICPC filing charges against the former governor or obtaining a fresh court order to extend his detention, the family said, there is no basis to continue to detain him. As of today, 6 March, Nasir El-Rufai remains in ICPC custody under circumstances that have no basis in law, the statement said. Despite the expiration of any legal cover for his detention, the ICPC persists in holding him. This is no longer a matter of lawful procedure; it is unlawful, brazen self-help. Background Mr El-Rufai, who served as governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, was detained by the ICPC in February over allegations related to corruption and obstruction of a lawful security operation. He faces corruption allegations for which s linked to the former governor during an incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Authorities have said the probe forms part of a broader investigation into alleged attempts to obstruct security procedures. Earlier response by the family Shortly after his arrest, the El-Rufai family rejected the allegations and described the detention as politically motivated. He faces investigations by the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corruption allegations stemming from his time as governor of Kaduna State. In a rejoinder previously published by PREMIUM TIMES, the family insisted that the former governor had committed no offence and accused investigators of targeting him for political reasons. They argued that the anti-graft agency should either charge him in court or release him unconditionally. Call for immediate release In the latest statement, the family reiterated its demand for Mr El-Rufais immediate freedom, insisting that the ICPC had failed in its legal obligation to either prosecute or release him. The path forward is clear and logical: release him immediately, the statement said. The refusal to do so confirms what we have long fearedthat the ICPC is being wielded as a tool for political persecution rather than operating as an impartial institution of justice. The ICPC has yet to publicly respond to the familys latest claims as of the time of filing this report. Gunmen, believed to be kidnappers, have killed Francis Igwe, father of a former deputy governor of Ebonyi State, hours after abducting him. Mr Igwe was initially abducted on Sunday while he was on his way to church in Ndufu-Alike, a community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. He is the traditional ruler of the Ndufu-Alike Community. Sources told this newspaper that the gunmen, who were operating on a motorcycle, intercepted his vehicle, forced him out, and whisked him away to an unknown location. Mr Igwes son, Kelechi Igwe, served as the states deputy governor from 2015 to 2023 during the administration of Dave Umahi, now minister of works. Police speak The police spokesperson in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed in a statement on Friday that the gunmen killed the traditional ruler after abducting him. Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, said operatives launched intensive operations to rescue the traditional ruler immediately after the hoodlums abducted him. The police spokesperson said the deployment of the operatives, as well as intelligence and technical assets,, led to the arrest of two suspected members of the kidnap gang responsible for his abduction. During interrogation, the suspects confessed that the monarch had been killed on 2 March. They further volunteered to lead operatives to their hideout and assist in the recovery of the remains of the monarch, he said. Mr Ukandu narrated that other members of the kidnapping gang opened fire on the operatives as they approached the hideout. The operatives responded with superior firepower, which overwhelmed the gang. In the course of the confrontation, one of the hoodlums was neutralised, while others fled the scene, he said. The police spokesperson said seven additional suspects were subsequently arrested and that one locally made pistol was recovered from the suspects. Mr Ukandu added that the body of the traditional ruler had been recovered and deposited at a morgue for autopsy. He said the suspects were currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang. Increased cases of kidnapping There have been growing incidents of kidnapping in many Nigerian cities. Civil servants, business owners, politicians, and even students have become targets. Kidnapping had been declared illegal in Nigeria since May 2022. The countrys authorities enacted the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2022), which outlawed all forms of kidnapping. The Act prescribes a death sentence for kidnapping in a case where the abduction leads to loss of life and life imprisonment where there is no loss of life. It was an amendment to the now-defunct Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (2013), which had prescribed a 10-year jail term for kidnapping. The new Act also prescribes at least a 15-year jail term for whoever pays ransom to free kidnapped victims. Several persons have been convicted of kidnapping across Nigeria. An Ikeja Special Offences Court, in September 2022, sentenced kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, alias Evans, to 21 years imprisonment for kidnapping. Armed thugs on Friday reportedly attacked members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Ubima Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, destroying the partys Ward 8 secretariat and firing gunshots near the residence of former Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi. The incident occurred as Mr Amaechi, a former governor of Rivers and a leading figure in the party, was expected in his hometown for the ADCs party registration and membership revalidation exercise. The attackers, PREMIUM TIMES gathered, also attempted to block the convoy of the former minister as he travelled to Ubima for the event. Security personnel accompanying Mr Amaechi reportedly fired gunshots to disperse the attackers and clear the road along the dual carriageway leading to the community. Videos circulating on Facebook captured the sounds of gunshots believed to have been fired by security operatives while attempting to dislodge the attackers. Secretariat set ablaze The attackers also destroyed the ADC Ward 8 secretariat in Ubima. In one of the videos shared online, Mr Amaechi was seen inspecting the wreckage of the burnt building after the incident. It remains unclear who carried out the attack. Police react The police in the state said it has begun an investigation into the burning of the secretariat. The police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, told PREMIUM TIMES that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been orchestrated by miscreants. Were investigating it. The only thing is that some miscreants orchestrated that fire outbreak, but no life was lost, Ms Iringe-Koko said. The values (of property) that were destroyed are yet to be ascertained, but were investigating to unravel the circumstances why the secretariat was set ablaze. But no arrest has been made. When asked about the alleged attack on Mr Amaechis convoy, the police spokesperson said she was not aware of such an incident. I am not aware that the former minister was attacked. The only one I know is that the secretariat was burnt, but Ill update you on the latest development, she said. Rising political tension Mr Amaechi served as speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly and later as governor of the oil-rich state before he was appointed minister of transportation by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He contested the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022 but lost to President Bola Tinubu. The former minister later left the ruling party and joined a political coalition with several prominent national figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The coalition eventually evolved into the African ADC. Mr Amaechi has since declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election under the ADC platform. Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, is leading a political support movement in the state backing the re-election of President Tinubu. Mr Wike, who once served as Mr Amaechis chief of staff before succeeding him as governor, has since fallen out politically with his former ally, deepening political divisions in Rivers State. Kenyas Court of Appeal described sections of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act that criminalized fake news as so broad that they were akin to unguided missiles, and likely to net innocent citizens. (Screenshot: NTV Kenya/YouTube) The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes Fridays decision by Kenyas Court of Appeal to strike down sections of the 2018 cybercrime law as a major victory for freedom of expression and the press. The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) challenged 26 provisions of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, 2018, arguing that the law was vague, lacked a clear requirement of criminal intent, and violated constitutional protections for freedom of expression, media freedom, and privacy. The Court of Appeals decision to nullify legal provisions criminalising the publication of false news is a significant win for the media. These sections of Kenyas cybercrime law have been widely misused by powerful individuals to gag unfavourable reporting and commentary, said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo. However, significant reforms are still needed particularly to provisions providing for lengthy prison terms for the ill-defined offense of cyber harassment and sections that threaten citizens privacy rights. The court described Sections 22 and 23, which criminalised the publication of false, misleading, or fictitious data, as so broad, wide, untargeted, akin to unguided missiles, and likely to net innocent citizens, adding that the offences may be difficult to prove. The three-judge bench upheld the rest of the law. They disagreed with arguments that it gives the state unchecked powers of surveillance and search and seizure. They also ruled that Section 27, which criminalises cyber harassment and has been used multiple times to arrest journalists, had clear provisions and the petitioners had failed to demonstrate how it infringes on freedom of expression. Section 27 stipulates up to 10 years in prison for sending communication that detrimentally affects the recipient, or which is of an indecent or grossly offensive nature and affects the person. Mercy Mutemi, the lawyer who represented BAKE, described the ruling as a vindication but added that the fight is not over yet as we strongly believe in the sanctity of the right to privacy. Al Shifaa Media journalist Peter Mwita, who was charged with cyber harassment in February over a mistaken WhatsApp message, is due back in court in April. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Friday opened its case in the money laundering trial of a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Mr Malami, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is standing trial along with his wife, Asabe Bashir, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, on 16 counts of money laundering. EFCC accused the defendants of conspiring to conceal, disguise and retain about N8.7 billion proceeds of unlawful activities. The prosecution alleged in the charges that the defendants carried out the alleged money laundering scheme between 2015 and 2025, through multiple bank accounts, corporate entities and high value property acquisitions. The case, which moved between two judges, was later reassigned to the current judge, Joyce Abdulmalik. The defendants, who were first arraigned on 30 December 2025, were re-arraigned before the current judge on 27 February. On that day, the prosecutor, Jibrin Okutepa, a SAN, applied to correct clerical errors in two of the counts, reducing figures from billions to millions. Mr Malami and his co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts. The judge then ordered the three defendants back to custody while they filed fresh bail applications. She then adjourned the matter until today (Friday) for the commencement of trial and hearing of the bail requests. First witness testifies At the resumed sitting, the trial judge directed the EFCC to call its first witness after Mr Malamis lawyer, Joseph Daudu, a SAN, attempted to draw the courts attention to the defendants pending bail application. The judge reminded the lawyer that she had earlier ruled that the court would take the bail application and other motions after the prosecutions first witness gave his evidence in chief. Following the ruling, the EFCC called its first witness, David Ajoma, a compliance officer with Sterling Bank in Abuja. Mr Ajoma told the court that he had worked with the bank for three years and handled compliance requests from law enforcement agencies. He testified that on 2 December 2025, Sterling Bank received a request from the EFCC seeking details of loan facilities granted to Rayham Hotel Limited. According to him, the bank later forwarded the requested documents, including the account opening package, loan account statements and other supporting records. The witness also told the court that Metropolitan Autotech provided the cash collateral that backed the loan facility granted to Rayham Hotel Limited. He explained that both Metropolitan Autotech and Rayham Hotel Limited maintain separate accounts with Sterling Bank. He added that Hassan Aliyu is the signatory to the Metropolitan Autotech account. Under cross examination, Mr Ajoma admitted that he was not the relationship manager for either Rayham Hotel Limited or Metropolitan Autotech accounts. He said he was therefore not privy to the specific details or purposes of inflows into the accounts. He also confirmed that the name of the former AGF, Mr Malami, did not appear on the loan application documents presented to the court. According to the witness, the only name appearing on the loan application was Abdulaziz Malami, who signed as the Managing Director of Rayham Hotel Limited. Mr Ajoma further told the court that none of the transactions reviewed by the bank originated from any government account, the Federal Ministry of Justice or from Mr Malami personally. The compliance officer also stated that from the documents before the court he could not identify any suspicious transaction linked to the accounts under review. He added that no transaction breached regulations issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. After the witness concluded his testimony, lawyers to the defendants moved the bail application for Mr Malami, his wife and their son. The EFCC told the court it did not oppose the request but urged the judge to impose conditions that would guarantee the defendants availability for trial. Bail In her ruling, the judge granted bail to the three defendants in the sum of N200 million each with two sureties in like sum. The judge ordered that one of the sureties must deposit title documents of landed property located in either Maitama or Asokoro districts of Abuja. The court also directed the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court registrar. Pending the perfection of the bail conditions, the judge ordered that the Nigerian Correctional Service should remand the defendants in custody. She then adjourned the case until 16 March for continuation of trial. Background The EFCC re- arraigned the trio on 16 money laundering chahttps://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/860087-efcc-re-arraigns-malami-wife-son-on-money-laundering-charges.htmlrges at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case first came before Judge Emeka Nwite on 30 December last year. The judge remanded the three defendants in custody and granted them bail of N500 million each with two sureties. After the court resumed from the Christmas break, the authorities returned the file to the Chief Judge, John Tsoho, for reassignment. The chief judge reassigned the case to Judge Obiora Egwuatu, who later withdrew from the case on personal grounds during the first hearing before him. The chief judge again reassigned the matter to Ms Abdulmalik, who is also handling the terrorism financing case against Mr Malami and his son. The EFCC alleged that Mr Malami and members of his family used a complex network of companies and bank accounts to launder alleged proceeds of unlawful activity. The agency alleged that they concealed funds in corporate accounts, retained cash as loan collateral and acquired high value properties in Abuja, Kano and other locations. Other cases involving the defendants Apart from the money laundering case being handled by the EFCC, the SSS also arraigned Mr Malami and his son, Abdulaziz, before the same judge on 3 February on six terrorism-related charges. In the charges, the federal government alleged that Mr Malami, sometime in November 2022, knowingly abetted terrorism financing by allegedly refusing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers whose case files were forwarded to his office while he served as Attorney General of the Federation. The offence is said to be contrary to Section 26(2) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. However, on 4 March, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation announced that it had taken over the case from the SSS. Mr Malami is also facing separate asset forfeiture proceedings involving properties in Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and his home state of Kebbi. The properties are valued at nearly N213 billion. The trial of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his wife, Hajia Bashir Asabe and his Son, Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami continued on Friday, March 6, 2026, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, with a prosecution witness narrating how millions of naira flowed from various individuals and companies to service a loan secured by Rayhaan Hotels Limited; a hotel that allegedly belongs to Abubakar Malami. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting the defendants on an amended 16-count charge bordering on conspiracy, procuring, disguising, concealing and laundering proceeds of unlawful activities to the tune of N8,713,923,759.49 (Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirteen Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Nine Naira, Forty-Nine Kobo), contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. At the resumed hearing on Friday, prosecution counsel, J.S. Okutepa, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for motions and hearing and that the prosecution had two witnesses ready to testify. The first prosecution witness, David Ajoma, a compliance officer with Sterling Bank, took the witness stand and affirmed his oath before being led in evidence by Okutepa. Ajoma told the court that on December 22, 2025, his office received correspondence from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission relating to Rayhaan Hotels Limited. According to him, the EFCC requested documents relating to a loan facility, including the account opening package and other financial records connected with Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, which was used as collateral for Rayhaan Hotels Limited. When shown the request by the prosecution, the witness confirmed that he recognised the document and that the materials before the court were the same documents supplied to the EFCC. Okutepa subsequently sought to tender the letter addressed to the EFCC Chairman together with bundles of supporting documents as evidence. Defence counsel, J.B. Daudu, SAN, reserved his objection to the admissibility of the documents until the final address stage. Justice Abdulmalik thereafter admitted the documents in evidence and marked them Exhibit A series. Okutepa then directed the witness to examine page 159 of Exhibit A series, which the witness said contained an application made by Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami for a N600 million loan facility, using the account of Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited as collateral in February 2021. When asked when the N600 million fixed deposit backing the facility was created, the witness told the court it was fixed on February 8, 2021. The prosecution further asked the witness to identify deposits made into the account of Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited. Reading from the exhibit, Ajoma listed several inflows beginning from September 2020, including: September 23, 2020 N3 million from Alhaji Ibrahim September 24, 2020 N3 million from Alhaji Ibrahim September 24, 2020 N9 million from Hussaini Jajaye Rogo Enterprises September 25, 2020 N3 million from Yusuf Umar September 25, 2020 N9 million from Salisu Liyau Umar September 25, 2020 N8 million from Hussaini Jajaye Rogo Enterprises He further told the court that on September 29, 2020, there was an inflow of N3 million from Yusuf Umar and N5 million from Nafiu Muhammad Abubakar. On September 30, 2020, the account received N3 million from Alhaji Shehu, N4 million from Nafiu Muhammad Abubakar and N2 million from Abubakar Shuaibu. Continuing with the transactions on page 145 of the exhibit, the witness said that also on September 30, 2020, there was another N3 million inflow from Abubakar Shuaibu. On October 2, 2020, the account received: N10 million from Liyau Umar Salisu N3 million from Bashir Adamu N5 million from Hussaini Jajaye Rogo Another N5 million from Hussaini Jajaye Rogo On October 5, 2020, there were inflows of: N3 million from Mustapha Usman N3 million from Brown Tech Integrated Services Limited N5 million from Hussaini Jajaye Rogo Enterprises N5 million from Nafiu Muhammad Abubakar On October 6, 2020, the account recorded: N3 million from Mustapha Ado N5 million from Salisu Liyau Umar N5 million from Hussaini Jajaye Rogo Ajoma further testified that on October 9, 2020, the account received: N4,570,000 from Abdulsamad Musa N4,430,000 from Abdussamad Ibrahim Musa N9 million from Ibrahim D.J Kurfi N8 million from Nabahani Enterprises On October 12, 2020, there was an inflow of N3 million from Yusuf Umar. On October 13, 2020, deposits included: N3 million from Yusuf Umar N10 million from Albadawee Integrated Farms N3 million from Nafiu N2 million from Nafiu A. Mohammed N5 million from Hussaini Rogo N5 million from Hussaini Dauda N5 million from Nafiu N5 million from Hussaini Dauda N10 million N1 million from Abubakar Alkasim N3 million from Yusuf Umar N4 million from Nafiu Abubakar The witness told the court that on October 15, 2022, there were numerous inflows including: N3 million from Yusuf Umar N2,150,000 from Hussaini Dauda N7,850,000 from Hussaini Jajaye Rogo N5 million from Nafiu Muhammad Abubakar (twice) N3 million from Liyau Umar Salisu N10 million from Liyau Umar Salisu N3 million from Aminu Yau N3 million from Mustapha Usman N5 million from Jajaye Rogo Enterprises N5 million from Hussain Enterprises N3 million from Mustapha Usman N3 million from Aminu Yau N5,200,000 from Nafiu Muhammad N8 million from Hussaini Jajaye Rogo Enterprises N398,400 from Jajaye N40,000 from Hussaini Dauda N3 million from Yusuf Umar On October 26, 2020, deposits included: N3 million from Mustapha Usman N3 million from Abdullahi N3 million from Brown Tech N1 million from Aminu Yau The witness also narrated a long list of inflows recorded on December 24, 2020, including deposits from Nafiu Muhammad, Nafiu A. Mohammed, Dauda, Abubakar, Bello Kabiru, Kabiru Yahaya, Hussain, Yunusa Murtala, Aliyu Yusuf, Aminu, Jibreelawa Enterprises, Mustapha Ado, Albadawee Farms, Abubakar Alkasim, Abdulkadir Sani, Multhazm Multi Trade Business, Fuzkha Babaleri Farms and Abdullahi Jibril, among others. He further told the court that on January 22, 2021, the account received inflows such as N1,816,500, N5 million from Nafiu Muhammad, N10 million from Nasabuwa General Enterprises, N1,183,500 from Nasabuwa General Enterprises, N7 million from Hassan Ali, N5 million from Hussaini Dauda, another N5 million, N7 million from Mohammed Lukman, N9,532,000 from Abubakar and N8,500,000 from Yawale Global Concept. On page 153, the witness said there were inflows including: N9 million from Yusamah Global Concept N4,575,360 N6,392,700 from Danyaro Group N5 million from Dauda N5 million from Umar Salisu N5 million from Dauda Hussaini N4 million from Liyam Salisu Umar N4,675,000 from Assadeeq Global Concept The witness told the court that on page 7 of the account statement of Rayhaan Hotels Limited, there was a credit entry of N500 million on March 17, 2021, representing the loan facility granted. Referring again to page 159 of Exhibit A series, Ajoma confirmed that the document was a loan application submitted by Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami, who he said was a director of Rayhaan Hotels Limited, requesting a N500 million farm loan secured with the account of Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited serving as collateral. Directing the witness to page 155, the prosecution asked him to identify deposits made into the Rayhaan Hotels account. Ajoma told the court that on January 17, 2024, the account received: N19 million from Audu Bashir N10 million from Audu Police N11 million from JS Poultry Business Ventures N50 million from Oboven General Enterprises He added that on January 18, the account received N41,848,500 from Oboven General Enterprises. According to him, on October 17, 2024, the account also received N100 million from Nazhaf Limited and another N20 million. Ajoma told the court that Rayhaan Hotels Limited and Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited maintain separate bank accounts. He explained that the account opening package for Rayhaan Hotels Limited, found on page 48, showed Abubakar Abdulaziz Malami as the signatory. He further stated that the account opening package for Metropolitan Auto Tech Limited, on page 104, showed Hassan Aliyu Mohammed as the signatory. During cross-examination, defence counsel J.B. Daudu, SAN asked the witness how long he had worked with Sterling Bank. Ajoma replied that he had worked three years in the compliance department and had previously served as a relationship officer at Access Bank, adding that he had eight years of experience in the banking sector. Asked whether he knew the difference between a relationship officer and a compliance officer, the witness said yes. Theres a difference between a relationship officer and a compliance officer. Daudu also asked whether the witness noticed any suspicious transactions in Exhibit A series, particularly in the account linked to Rayhaan Hotels. Ajoma responded that he could not say. When asked whether he was aware if any Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) had been filed in respect of the account, the witness again replied that he could not say. As there was no re-examination, the witness was discharged. The prosecution informed the court that another witness from Union Bank was present but explained that the statement filed was incomplete, making it difficult to proceed immediately. Defence counsel Daudu then informed the court that he had an application seeking bail for the defendants. Okutepa did not oppose the application but urged the court to impose conditions ensuring that the defendants would continue to appear for trial. Daudu urged the court to grant the defendants bail on liberal terms and on self-recognisance, assuring the court that they would present themselves for trial and were not flight risks. In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the first, second and third defendants bail in the sum of N200 million each, with two sureties each in like sum. The court also ordered that the sureties must provide developed properties in Asokoro and Maitama as part of the bail conditions. Additionally, the first, second and third defendants were ordered to submit their international passports. The sureties are also required to swear an affidavit of means and submit their coloured passport photographs, while all documents must be verified by the registrar of the court. Pending the perfection of the bail conditions, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded at Kuje and Suleja correctional facilities. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter to March 16, 2026, for continuation of trial. Dele Oyewale Head, Media & Publicity March 6, 2026 The recurring blackout at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has once again drawn public attention to the fragility of critical infrastructure in Nigerias health sector, with patients, students and Nigerians on social media lamenting the implications for patient care at one of the countrys foremost teaching hospitals. The development has also triggered fresh labour unrest at the facility. On Tuesday, The Nation newspaper reported that the hospital had been plunged into darkness following a five-day warning strike declared by its labour unions over alleged electricity rationing by the management. The Council of UCH Union Leaders (CUUL), a coalition of 11 unions within the hospital, called the action to highlight the persistent power crisis at the facility. Union leaders said the situation had disrupted service delivery, endangered patients and exposed staff to operational risks. In a statement signed by the councils co-chairmen, Oladayo Olabampe and Uthman Adedeji, the unions said that although the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) restored power supply to the hospital in February, the management continued to ration electricity across departments. The power crisis at the federal tertiary facility has persisted for months, disrupting medical services, triggering protests by students and industrial actions by doctors, while fuelling wider concerns about the sustainability of Nigerias public healthcare system. A crisis years in the making The electricity challenge at UCH did not begin recently. PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that the hospital has been grappling with persistent power outages linked to unpaid electricity bills owed to IBEDC. The situation escalated on 26 October 2024 when IBEDC disconnected the hospital from the national grid over outstanding debts. Hospital management confirmed that the disconnection was triggered by an unpaid electricity bill of about N400 million, which formed part of an accumulated electricity debt estimated at N3.1 billion in 2019. The outage plunged large sections of the hospital into darkness, severely affecting clinical operations and forcing staff to rely on generators and other emergency power sources to sustain essential medical services. For weeks, several departments reportedly struggled to maintain routine services, while patients and relatives complained about deteriorating conditions within the hospital complex. Protests, disruptions in hospital operations The power outage earlier triggered protests among students of the University of Ibadan who rely on the hospital for clinical training. PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that students staged demonstrations demanding urgent government intervention to restore electricity to the facility after weeks of disruption. The protests came as the hospital had already spent more than three months without stable electricity following the disconnection from the national grid. According to reports, the hospital had endured over 100 days of electricity disruption in early 2025, significantly affecting clinical training, research activities and healthcare delivery. Following this, the crises led to labour unrest. Resident doctors at the hospital later embarked on an indefinite strike, citing the prolonged blackout and inadequate water supply as key issues affecting working conditions and patient care. Healthcare workers warned that persistent power outages could compromise critical medical procedures that depend on stable electricity supply. At the time, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, convened a meeting with the management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, and officials of IBEDC to address the electricity crisis affecting the facility. Following the meeting, Mr Adelabu assured that electricity supply to the hospital would be restored within 24 to 48 hours, describing the situation as unacceptable for a major tertiary healthcare institution. Although, electricity was restored at the time, the hospital has once again been plunged into darkness. Public reactions The situation has triggered widespread reactions online, with Nigerians expressing concern about the state of healthcare infrastructure. Many noted that the prolonged power outages at a leading hospital can disrupt patient care and undermine public confidence in the health system. A user identified as Dante.M.A.D (@whypeecloze) lamented the implications for patients seeking treatment. Firstly, UCH is not affordable to everyone, secondly you fit dey on emergency make them tell you doctors are on strike. They really get us in this country. Another user, Temitayo Felix Ilori (@TeeMento), questioned Nigerias long-standing electricity challenges. Bro, I still cant wrap my head around the fact that in 2026, Nigeria still cant boast of steady electricity. A whole UCH Ibadan on strike and protesting for no light and water in this century? Similarly, a user identified as AAA (@GraciousGod22) described personal observations at the hospital. UCH resumed from strike two weeks earlier and embarked on another one on Monday. Truly, there is no water or light Of my 10 hours of staying there not once was light restored. A medical professional, Olawale Ogunlana (@doctorwalesmd), reflected on the hospitals past reputation. UCH once treated the King of Saudi Arabia and the Saudi Royal Family Today, its operations are grounded because of lack of water and electricity supply. Another user, OmoYeni (@OmoyeniSalami), shared personal experiences caring for a relative at the hospital. Surviving UCH is by the Grace & Mercy of God against all odds my aged Dad survived Covid . I was with him in hospital 24/7. After he was discharged, the Lead consultant basically told me to keep doing whatever I was doing!. On Instagram, users also expressed frustration over the conditions at the hospital. A user identified as @biggielarry recounted the death of a relative, alleging delays in care. If you see the way people died there now eh? My cousin died there last year in AugustThey bring people in and no bed, some die eventually inside the ambulance and their cars while in the premises. He remain small make cousin beat a nurse just because of the way they neglected people anyhow. A lot is wrong there. I am still traumatized myself. In everything you do this life, dont have a life threatening issue biko. Another user, @mz_tiana2, criticised Nigerias inability to provide basic infrastructure. A country like Nigeria cant boost of basic amenities in its major cities. Its a shame, Nigerian leaders should be walking in full shame both nationally and internationally. Similarly, @adabelcay said the situation disrupted medical appointments. This is so sad. My Dad was scheduled to see a specialist on Tuesday, but we couldnt. What if its an emergency situation? I just pray this strike get called off and no emergency situation?. Delegates leave the auditorium after the opening ceremony of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress of China at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on March 5. The situation in the Middle East is worrying members of parliament, which they acknowledge on the sidelines of the Asian giants major annual political gathering in Beijing China is using its major annual political gathering, the so-called Two Sessions, which began this week in Beijing, to present itself as a haven of stability in an increasingly turbulent world. Even so, not even the tightly scripted nature of this gathering has been able to keep out the latest geopolitical shock. The escalation of violence in the Middle East has become a topic of conversation in the corridors of the Great Hall of the People, the monumental building next to Tiananmen Square where China hosts its most solemn political events. The U.S.Israel attack on Iran is described as an issue that concerns everyone and is being closely monitored, said Yang Debin, a Hong Kong deputy in the National Peoples Congress, on Thursday. I believe China should continue on its own path and maintain its own growth. It will be a way of indirectly contributing to global stability, said Yang, before heading toward the large auditorium where the plenary session of this body one with limited oversight powers and under the absolute control of the Chinese Communist Party was about to begin. Im closely monitoring the conflicts developments, said Xie Rupeng, a representative of Guangzhou. Although there are no clear signs of disruption at the moment, the situation could have negative effects on our supply chain, exports, and other areas. Once a year, Chinas normally rigid political system briefly loosens, allowing journalists to mingle with deputies to the National Peoples Congress and members of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a vast and diverse advisory body. Delegates leave the auditorium after the opening session of the National People's Assembly on March 5. Maxim Shemetov (REUTERS) It is a fleeting moment: it lasts only as long as it takes the delegates and advisers to cross the spacious, marble-clad entrance hall of the Great Hall of the People on their way to their seats for the opening session, or return to the buses parked in Tiananmen once the meeting has ended. The constant coming and going offers a unique opportunity to ask direct, unfiltered questions about global crises. And this time, to gauge sentiment regarding the drift toward war in the Middle East and its consequences for China. Nobody is happy with whats happening, said He Junyao, one of the more than 2,000 members of the CPPCC. This Hong Kong lawyer and senator believes the international situation has become dangerous, like skating on thin ice in spring, and could pose an obstacle to Donald Trumps trip to China, which is scheduled for the end of March, although Beijing has not confirmed the date. Speaking in English, he said: If I were the president of the United States, I would reconsider postponing the visit rather than rushing into it. Anger over the military operation and the spread of fighting throughout the Middle East is palpable. An attack on a sovereign country and the assassination of its leaders? I dont think thats legal, said Wei Binjiang, also from Hong Kong, who is a member of the CPPCC and a technology expert. Regarding the current state of the fractured geopolitical map, he added: This isnt the world order I grew up with. Wei Binjian believes that this new war will affect China, and the whole world. Like his colleague, he also thinks that the situation complicates the expected meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Republican magnate: I dont think its the right time for Trump to visit China. Even so, he welcomes the talks expected next week in Paris between Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which aim to launch a new round of trade and tariff negotiations Trumps other war. The worlds two largest economies cannot stop communicating, he said. Others are more optimistic about the future of relations between Beijing and Washington: Very positive progress has been made with the latest negotiations, said Feng Yidong, a member of the Economic Commission of the governments advisory body, from Shandong. We are an important partner. Neither can do without the other. He continued: Cooperation benefits both sides, and confrontation hurts us; the Americans recognize this as well. Dozens of reporters move back and forth in search of statements among hundreds of regional leaders, senior officials, businesspeople, Tibetan monks in robes, and other colorful representatives of different ethnic groups from every corner of the country. The Hong Kong delegates, accustomed to a somewhat looser media environment than that of mainland China although one that is steadily shrinking are among the most talkative. Most deputies and advisers hurry away as soon as they sense the reporters intentions. Im sorry, I cant talk, said four military officers in turn. The armed forces are currently under intense scrutiny because of a series of purges among senior commanders, which Beijing describes as part of a prolonged anti-corruption campaign. Delegates from the People's Liberation Army leave the Great Hall of the People in Beijing after the opening ceremony of the National People's Congress on March 5. Tingshu Wang (REUTERS) Each time a political representative agrees to speak, they are swallowed up by a cloud of cameras, smartphones and microphones. Those questioned hold forth on all kinds of local and national policies, discussing everything from agricultural production to the latest advances in Chinas advances in artificial intelligence. The most important issue discussed today was domestic development and open cooperation with other countries, said Chen Wei, a parliamentary delegate from Chongqing. The economy was the most topic mentioned most often. In general, they representatives echo the words of the countrys top leadership. My view is the same as that of [Foreign Minister] Wang Yi. Our position is very clear in the official speeches and statements, said Chen Xu, president of the Chinese Peoples Institute of Foreign Affairs. We must observe [the international situation] and make our own assessments in order to take the right decisions, added Ruan Hongxian, a member of the CPPCC. China always stands on the side of peace, concluded Yao Jianping, a delegate from Suzhou and a renowned artist of traditional embroidery from her region. Zimeng Yan contributed to this report. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned N279 million to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, formerly the National Theatre in Lagos, as part of some public funds stolen from the organisation. According to a statement posted on X on Friday by the anti-graft agency, the handover took place at its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, Ikoyi. The statement noted that funds recovery followed a 2009 petition by the former General Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Theatre, Kabir Yusuf, against Benjamin Apugo and others. Mr Yusuf alleged that a contract valued at N299,707,828 was awarded through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to Techno Exportstroy Nig. Limited for the construction of five gates, sand filling, and reclamation works at the Theatre. But investigations revealed that then-acting General Manager of the Theatre, Yusuf Atai, released N334,229,794.24 to the contractor, exceeding the original contract by N34,521,966.00. Only N55,910,744.00 worth of work was executed, leaving an uncompleted balance of N243,799,132.25, and the excess payment was never refunded. Acting on the petition, the EFCC recovered N279 million from the defendant and returned it to the Theatre. Speaking at the ceremony, EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede, represented by Acting Zonal Director, an assistant commander I of the EFCC, Bawa Kaltungo, emphasised the commissions commitment to accountability in public spending. We cannot suffer to recover this money for you and then have it used for purposes other than what it is meant for after receiving it from us, he stated. We have already asked you to tell us what you intend to do with it, and you should know that we will keep an eye on how it is utilised. Nigerians have always sought to know what the Commission does with recovered funds. Mr Olukoyede added that EFCC would periodically monitor projects funded by recovered money. We will be visiting from time to time to monitor the progress of work. Our eagle eyes will be watching the pace of work. Do not tamper with the recovered funds. Use them for the benefit of Nigeria and all of us, he said. Receiving the funds on behalf of the Centre, the Head of Finance and Accounts, Jatto Kabiru, expressed appreciation to the EFCC. We are most grateful for this remarkable feat of recovering this amount of money for us. The EFCC is one of Nigerias most effective and reliable law enforcement agencies. I assure you that the money will be used judiciously, he said. The National Arts Theatre, renamed the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts, underwent a N68 billion restoration led by the Central Bank of Nigeria through the Bankers Committee and reopened in 2024 to boost Nigerias cultural and creative economy. The Theatre has previously been the focus of anti-corruption actions. In 2017, the EFCC arrested four directors over alleged embezzlement and failure to remit revenue to the Treasury Single Account (TSA). The EFCC has increasingly recovered misappropriated public funds and redirected them to social and government projects The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), has rejected the Labour Partys request for the commission to dissolve all states, local government and ward executives of the party and constitute a working committee. The party, led by Nenadi Usman, had written to the commission seeking the dissolution of party executives at all levels and the constitution of an interim working committee. But INEC said it cannot accept the dissolution request by the party. In a reply to the party, signed by its secretary, Bose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC said the party did not give the required statutory notice for the meeting where its National Executive Council (NEC) met to decide the dissolution. The letter added that the partys NEC also doesnt have such powers. The commission regrets to inform you that the dissolution of State, Local Government and Ward Executives of your Party in all the 36 States and FCT by the National Executive Council (NEC) without giving the Statutory Notice of the meeting to the Commission and without the authority to act in your Party Constitution cannot be acceded to, the letters reads in part. Internal wranglings at LP Mrs Usman-led executive assumed the partys helm of affairs in January, following a court judgment that affirmed her executive as the rightful leadership of the party. The Federal High Court in Abuja had ordered the electoral commission to recognise Mrs Usman as the acting chairperson of the party, noting the former chairperson, Julius Abures tenure had expired. However, the new executive is seeking to dissolve the election of state, local government and ward executives during the partys congress in December. Professor Jeyifos legacy is too important to be reduced to a one-sided narrative. He stood for truth, fairness, and the courage to name power imbalances, even when inconvenient. We honour that legacy, as he is buried, by continuing to build responsibly and transparently, and by refusing to stay silent when the record needs correction. Any tribute in honour of our dear departed Professor Biodun Jeyifo (BJ) is a welcome addition to the series of well-deserved acknowledgements of his impactful life. This, ordinarily, should be the category into which to place the tribute of the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Christopher Piwuna titled Biodun Jeyifo: The legend lives on published in PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday 1 March. However, the ASUU presidents tribute is bedevilled with inaccuracies with respect to Mr Jeyifos tireless efforts to resolve the crisis that engulfed the Obafemi Awolowo University branch of ASUU (ASUU-OAU) between 2016 and 2017. The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) is therefore issuing this rejoinder for two reasons. First, as the famous African-American civil rights advocate, Malcolm X, alerts, A people who dont control their own story will always live in someone elses lie. Following this principle, our union produced The CONUA Story, which is a detailed account of the founding and progression of the union and can be found on the CONUA website. Second, this rejoinder is motivated by the desire to sanctify Mr Jeyifos memory with the truth. All through his public life, Jeyifo was never known to bow before or acquiesce to oppression. He would turn for joy in his grave to see a sturdy CONUA standing up to honour his memory. For the sake of historical accuracy, completeness, and respect for Mr Jeyifos legacy, certain aspects of the ASUU presidents intervention require clarification. Professor Jeyifo did not limit himself to expressing regret in his 2018 convocation lecture at OAU, where he described the branch as being in a state of profound and crippling crisis, despite being the birthplace of ASUU. He went much further. Between late 2018 and 2019, he personally relocated to Ile-Ife and engaged multiple stakeholders over several weeks, including holding three separate meetings with the group within ASUU that later formed CONUA. The suggestion that the matter could have been laid to permanent rest if the arrow-head of the separation move had seen reason with BJ therefore omits a critical part of the record. Mr Jeyifo himself placed the heavier burden of responsibility on the ASUU national leaderships disagreeable handling of the process. Those of us who sat with him during those meetings and that was indeed a rare privilege recall clearly his final assessment. He stated with characteristic candour that the ASUU national leadership bore greater responsibility for the breakdown of his reconciliation efforts. He expressed deep concern that some of the information presented to him earlier did not reflect the full realities of the situation. He also believed the most viable path forward was through fair assimilation without punishment. In his view, such an approach could have served as a genuine rebirth for the union, rather than a permanent fracture. He presented these recommendations to ASUU-NEC on 2nd March 2019, describing the OAU crisis as the most critical in the unions history precisely because it had reached the point of a breakaway seeking formal registration. A tribute in honour of Mr Biodun Jeyifo is fitting here. He was more than a scholar or union pioneer. He was a moral compass who refused to sit on the fence when principle demanded clarity. One of the most memorable moments of his intellectual courage came decades earlier at the Oduduwa Hall of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), as it was known then, when, in response to Professor Wole Soyinkas lecture, he thundered: Rightocracy or Leftocracy: take a position! That single sentence encapsulated his lifelong refusal to tolerate ambiguity in the face of power, injustice, or contradiction. He demanded that intellectuals and institutions declare their stand, not hide behind nuance or expediency. It is in that same spirit that we remember his 2019 intervention not as a failed mediation, but as a courageous attempt to call both sides to fairness and renewal. His withdrawal from the process, when he realised deception had undermined trust, was itself an act of integrity, a refusal to lend his name to half-measures. Among the many moments that illustrated his commitment to dialogue was this: he stated at one of our meetings, conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect and open exchange, that ASUU was not formed as a union that expelled members a direct reminder of the unions founding ethos. This atmosphere of mutual respect and open conversation does not point to any fundamental disagreement between Mr Jeyifo and those of us who formed CONUA. He also explicitly asked for our minimum requirement to return to ASUU. We told him plainly: the withdrawal of the letters of expulsion of our members. That requirement was presented to ASUU leadership. Regrettably, this was not acted upon. It is important to state that the idea of CONUA did not precede the expulsion; it followed it. The suggestion that the matter could have been laid to permanent rest if the arrow-head of the separation move had seen reason with BJ therefore omits a critical part of the record. Mr Jeyifo himself placed the heavier burden of responsibility on the ASUU national leaderships disagreeable handling of the process. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify this aspect of the ASUU presidents intervention and extend our condolences once more to his family, friends, and the many he inspired. The registration of CONUA followed due process under the Trade Unions Act and was ultimately upheld by the National Industrial Court in July 2023. CONUA was born out of that moment of principled dissent. We did not reject reconciliation for the sake of division; we sought equity, fairness, and accountability in academic unionism. That is why we have consistently chosen the path of dialogue, discipline, and responsibility over confrontation in the pursuit of the interests of Nigerias academia. We believe this approach honours the spirit of Professor Jeyifos call for renewal, not through absorption or erasure, but through building a model that serves academics, students, and the university system, without unnecessary disruption. Today, the reality of pluralism in the academic space is no longer a matter for debate: it is a fact. CONUA remains committed to healthy competition and mutual cooperation with all unions on issues of common interest: funding, pension reform, academic freedom, and institutional integrity. We do not seek to supplant or divide; we seek to complement and strengthen. Professor Jeyifos legacy is too important to be reduced to a one-sided narrative. He stood for truth, fairness, and the courage to name power imbalances, even when inconvenient. We honour that legacy, as he is buried, by continuing to build responsibly and transparently, and by refusing to stay silent when the record needs correction. We appreciate the opportunity to clarify this aspect of the ASUU presidents intervention and extend our condolences once more to his family, friends, and the many he inspired. Niyi Sunmonu is national president, Congress of University Academics (CONUA). I write this piece with a bleeding heart and grief for the family of our departed colleague, the NUJ community and Channels Television Group. While we mourn and grieve for our dear colleague, this is not just about one crash in Bauchi. It is about the chronic relegation of journalists safety, security and welfare to the margins whenever government agencies, ministries, or politicians organise official trips. The recent tragedy involving a bus conveying journalists on official assignment in Bauchi State was more than a road accident. It is a painful reminder of a systemic failure that has long been ignored. A vehicle arranged for members of the press covering the North-East Development Commission reportedly lost control and veered off the road, leaving several journalists seriously injured. Although the victims were rushed for medical care, one of them, Kani Ben of Channels Television, succumbed to the cold hands of death at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. Predictably, the language of unfortunate incident and force majeure will dominate official reactions. But we must ask: when does recurring negligence stop being an accident and start becoming institutional indifference? I write this piece with a bleeding heart and grief for the family of our departed colleague, the NUJ community and Channels Television Group. While we mourn and grieve for our dear colleague, this is not just about one crash in Bauchi. It is about the chronic relegation of journalists safety, security and welfare to the margins whenever government agencies, ministries, or politicians organise official trips. Quite frankly, journalists are what I describe as the Invisible Risk Carriers of Democracy as we are routinely invited to cover commissioning ceremonies, project inspections, political rallies, humanitarian interventions, and security briefings. We are expected to document governance, amplify public messaging, and serve as conduits between the state and citizens. Yet, when logistics are arranged, journalists are often treated as afterthoughts. At the risk of sounding immodest, journalists are often packed into poorly maintained buses. They are assigned the oldest vehicles in convoys. They travel without clear safety briefings. They are rarely provided with medical support teams, emergency response protocols, or insurance coverage. While top officials move in bulletproof SUVs with escorts and backup vehicles, the press bus trails behind, vulnerable and expendable. This disparity exposes a troubling hierarchy of value: power is protected; accountability is transported at risk. In many official journeys, the conversation centres on protocol, security for dignitaries, media optics, and political messaging. Rarely does anyone ask: Is the vehicle conveying journalists roadworthy? Has it undergone safety checks? Are there seat belts for every occupant? Is there group accident insurance coverage? What is the emergency evacuation plan? When accidents occur, they are quickly labelled as unavoidable mishaps. But roadworthiness, driver fatigue, convoy speed coordination, and proper insurance are not acts of God. They are matters of planning and responsibility. Calling such incidents force majeure conveniently removes accountability from those who organised the trip. I dare to say that this is a Structural Problem, Not a One-Off Tragedy. This is not the first time journalists covering official functions in Nigeria have faced life-threatening conditions. Across the country, members of the press routinely endure hazardous travel arrangements; exposure to violent environments without protective gear; lack of hazard allowances; and the absence of comprehensive health or accident insurance. Ironically, journalists covering conflict in the North-East, including insurgency-affected areas, often operate under extreme risk. Yet, even during routine official assignments in relatively stable locations, basic safety guarantees remain absent. It is sad to conclude that the profession that informs the nation is itself structurally insecure. My submission is that this tragedy demands introspection within the professional mother body, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and I pause to ask the following questions: Does the union maintain a compulsory group insurance scheme for members, covering accidents during official assignments? Is there a negotiated safety protocol with federal and state governments before journalists join convoys? Are there enforceable guidelines that agencies must comply with before inviting accredited media organisations to official trips? If the answers to these questions are uncertain or negative, then reforms are overdue. Membership dues must translate into tangible welfare protection, not only press cards and congress meetings. A mandatory national group accident and life insurance scheme for accredited journalists is no longer optional. It is an ethical necessity. There is a dangerous culture in which journalists are perceived as accessories to governance, rather than essential democratic actors. This perception fuels complacency about their welfare and must be discouraged forthwith. Yet, without journalists: Government projects would go undocumented. Public funds would escape scrutiny. Citizens would remain uninformed. Elections would lack transparency. Policy debates would be shallow and unchallenged. The press is not ornamental. It is constitutional in function, even if not always constitutionally entrenched in welfare guarantees. Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution(as amended) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria protects the right to freedom of expression and the press. Additionally, section 22 of the same constitution directs the press to hold government accountable to the people. The deep rooted constitutionality of the press is therefore not a mere pronouncement but a legality enshrined in our ground norm and must be obeyed. A society that benefits from journalistic labour must also invest in journalistic protection. The only way forward for us is not to allow this moment to dissolve into condolence statements. It must produce structural change. 1. Mandatory Insurance Coverage All government agencies and political offices inviting journalists for official assignments must provide verifiable group accident insurance covering death, disability, and medical emergencies for the duration of the trip. 2. Union-Led National Insurance Scheme The NUJ and other professional bodies should establish a compulsory nationwide insurance policy funded through structured contributions and institutional partnerships. 3. Safety Protocol Framework A formal Journalists Travel Safety Protocol should be developed, requiring: Certified roadworthy vehicles Seat-belt compliance Reasonable convoy speed regulations Emergency response coordination Designated safety officers for press teams No journalist should board an official convoy without assurance of these minimum standards. 4. Legal Accountability Where negligence is established, whether due to faulty vehicles, reckless driving, or failure to provide safety arrangements, responsible institutions must be held liable under civil law. 5. Welfare Trust Fund A permanent Journalists Welfare and Emergency Fund should be institutionalised to support families of deceased or incapacitated journalists. Beyond Sympathy The death of a journalist in the line of duty is not merely a personal loss. It is a democratic wound. If we continue to treat such incidents as unavoidable misfortune, we perpetuate a system in which journalists are essential in rhetoric but disposable in logistics. The tragedy in Bauchi must mark a turning point. Government agencies, media proprietors, unions, and journalists themselves must demand a recalibration of priorities. Because beyond press releases and protocol, beyond excuses and force majeure, one truth remains: Our lives matter! Adieu Kani Ben Duku Igbahemba Joel is a journalist with The Nation newspaper and a Lawyer. He writes from Maiduguri. Let me start with a caveat not all Nigerian politicians are criminals. Some are indeed decent human beings keen to serve their communities and constituencies. Such politicians are however a minority. For the most part, Nigerian politicians are deeply embedded in criminal culture and have no commitment to the people nor a sense of the pursuit of the public good. There are numerous signifiers that point to the criminal nature of our countrys political class. The most recent can be seen in elements of the recently signed Electoral Act 2026 signed by President Bola Tinubu. The new law provides that forged certificates are no longer grounds for election petitions. The new Electoral Act 2026 has removed forged certificates from the grounds for filing election petitions. The issue is very straightforward. Many politicians have been successfully charged to court for presenting forged certificates and they have lost their positions. To protect themselves, they are simply removing the grounds from the law so that they can continue to fake their credentials and remain as elected representatives of the people in spite of their criminal behaviour. It is important to understand the context. From the very beginning of the Fourth Republic, Speaker Salisu Buhari from Kano State lost his seat in 1999 when it was revealed that he had forged both his age, he was too young as per the constitutional requirements to contest for the House of Representatives and secondly, his claim to being a graduate of the University of Toronto, Canada, was false and the certificate he presented to INEC was a fake one. In Oluwole in Lagos, expert forgers have for decades plied their lucrative trade of forged documents and the customer base has grown leading to the emergence of a widely spread culture of crime in official documentation all over the country. The irony is that there is no obligation for university degrees or even school certificates as a necessary condition to contest elections. The Constitution suggests five years of secondary education for candidates but does not insist on any certificate, not even primary school. The problem is that most politicians are not aware of this so they simply procure false certificates of graduate and postgraduate degrees while filing their papers with the Electoral Commission. Their opponents, knowing they have no such degrees, challenge them in court until the current Electoral Act that henceforth protects politicians with forged certificates. In January 2008, Senator Nuhu Aliyu alleged that some members of the National Assembly are involved in advance fee fraud, otherwise known as 419. 419 refers to Section 419 of the Criminal Code which relates to fraud and fraud-related crimes. Aliyu, a former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, made the allegation while contributing to a motion on Direction and Tempo of the War on Corruption. He stated clearly that: In the National Assembly, we still have 419 members (Nigerian Tribune), 24th January 2008. Aliyu knew what he was talking about as he led the criminal investigation branch while serving as a police officer and he was actively investigating many of the people who had then became his colleagues in the National Assembly. His colleagues led by Senator Ayogu Eze, responded that Aliyus statement that fraudsters existed in the National Assembly had impugned the integrity of members of National Assembly. He was called upon by the then Senate President, Mr David Mark, to react to Ezes point of order, Aliyu categorically said that he would not withdraw the statement. When the anger of the Senate against him grew and he realised there would be consequences, Aliyu withdrew the statement and there was peace for him, but not for the Nigerian people whose lives and livelihoods are messed up by criminals parading as politicians. Another story reminiscent of Romanesque literature is that of a professional kidnapper, Chukwudubem Onwuamadike, also known as Evans, who was arrested and he confessed that he had extorted over $50 million from his victims, with the intention of using the money to contest for the seat of governor in his Anambra State. Currently in prison, he made a recent request for a plea bargain as he has now a reformed man, is a practicing pastor in the prison and a university student at the National Open University. He is now seeking early release from prison in exchange for some of his property acquired as a working criminal. There should be no surprise when he obtains his early release. There is no surprise that Nigeria is infamous for the significant role godfathers play in the countrys politics and political economy. I still remember when Chris Uba, the onetime acclaimed godfather of Anambra State politics, in a moment of intense self-satisfaction after the 2003 general elections, declared that, I am the greatest godfather in Nigeria because this is the first time an individual outside government single-handed put in position every politician in the State. This effusion of self-satisfaction signalled the eclipse of Emeka Offor, the previous pretender to the throne of godfather in Anambra, who in 1999 had determined the governor of the State and about 60 per cent of the members of the state legislature. Mr Uba was able to advance from imposing 60 per cent of the members to 100 per cent, meaning that he determined who became governor, the three senators and members of the federal and state assemblies. The fact that Nigerian godfathers have had the effrontery to define themselves as men yes, they are almost exclusively male who have the power to substitute themselves for the voting citizenry is deeply disturbing. During elections, they have been able to determine who gets nominated to contest for elections in political party primaries and who wins the elections subsequently. Today, the democratic system has been completely eroded by the sale and purchase of votes during elections. Nigerias democracy is very weak today as a significant part of the political class are undermining democratic processes as they milk the political system for personal profit. Saving our democracy would require resisting the deep culture of corruption and criminality as well as rebuilding a political culture of transparency and accountability. The task before the nation is to encourage people with competence and a commitment to the public good to come out and contest and displace criminal elements that are currently entrenched in the system. It would not be easy but saving the country requires that this task needs to be done. A Professor of Political Science and development consultant/expert, Jibrin Ibrahim is a Senior Fellow of the Centre for Democracy and Development, and Chair of the Editorial Board of PREMIUM TIMES. Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has flagged off the construction of 102 new schools and the renovation of 170 existing schools and learning centres across the states 23 local government areas under the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) project. Mr Sani said the initiative is part of his administrations broader strategy to expand access to quality education and drastically reduce the number of out-of-school children in the state. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, the governor described the project as a significant milestone in Kadunas efforts to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and achieve their potential. He said the programme represents more than the beginning of infrastructure development but a clear demonstration of the governments commitment to education as a foundation for sustainable development. This important milestone represents far more than the commencement of physical works. It reflects our administrations unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality education and ensuring that every child in Kaduna State is given the opportunity to learn, grow, and fulfil their potential, Mr Sani said. The governor noted that since assuming office on 29 May 2023, his administration has placed education at the centre of its development agenda, describing it as the most powerful instrument for social mobility and long-term stability. He revealed that deliberate reforms and strategic investments in the sector have already produced measurable outcomes. Within two years, we have reduced the number of out-of-school children in Kaduna State from about 550,000 to 187,720. In the next one year, our administration is determined to bring the number of out-of-school children in Kaduna State to zero, he said. According to him, the state government has also made major investments in education infrastructure and learning facilities to support the growing demand for quality education. Mr Sani said the government has constructed 62 new secondary schools across the three senatorial zones and commenced work on 50 additional schools. He added that hundreds of classrooms have been built or renovated, while more than 81,000 units of furniture have been supplied to improve the learning environment in public schools. The governor also said improvements have been made in water and sanitation facilities in schools, alongside the establishment of vocational training centres aimed at promoting skills-based education among young people. Education remains the greatest weapon against multidimensional poverty. Societies that invest intentionally in the minds and capabilities of their young people invariably build stronger and more prosperous futures, he said. Mr Sani also acknowledged the support of international development partners working with the state government to expand educational opportunities. These include the Islamic Development Bank, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, Global Partnership for Education, Education Above All, and Save the Children International. The governor said the presence of community leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and development partners at the ceremony further demonstrated a shared commitment to improving education in Kaduna State. We remain resolute in building an education system that leaves no child behind, he said. 1win Nigeria set the Guinness World Record for the Most Massive Afrobeat Dance, creating a moment that blended culture, community, and celebration in true Lagos style. With over 400 dancers, collaboration with prominent dance and influencer communities, and a fully active 1win organizing team, the event became a global phenomenon that spotlighted West African culture. With its Guinness World Record initiative, 1win aimed to spotlight Africas influence on global pop culture. Hosting the record attempt in Lagos was intentional. As one of Africas leading creative capitals, Lagos remains the heartbeat of Afrobeat, continually exporting culture rooted in its identity. 1win brought together over 400 creators, professional dancers, influencers, and culture lovers, all united by a love for afrobeatand committed to creating a new cultural milestone. Wizkids hit track MONEY CONSTANT was the highlight of this performance, capturing the boldness and rhythm of the Nigerian community. The record-breaking moment by 1win featured strong local collaboration with prominent dance and influencer communities. 1win partnered with Ifeoma E4ma Efiokwu and EmmanuellaEllaley Odiley of GGB Dance Studio, and influencer Trophy Bwoy, to set the energetic tone for the record day. This was a defining element: two influential names in Nigerias dance and creative community partnered with 1win to shine a spotlight on Afrobeat. The 1win team led the project from concept to execution. This underscores 1wins commitment to delivering value and strengthening customer engagement across Africa and international markets. As the events final moments approached, the message was clear: when African communities come together for the love of culture, the result is powerful, unforgettable, and worthy of the worlds attention. Over the past decade, Afrobeats has gained significant international traction, with African artists selling out arenas, headlining major global festivals, and collaborating with world-renowned musicians across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Songs rooted in African rhythms, language, and culture are now dominating streaming platforms and influencing mainstream soundscapes worldwide. Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has ordered the destruction of all shrines and deities in Amasiri Community following violent clashes with neighbouring Okporojo Community in the state. Mr Nwifuru announced the directive on Thursday after an expanded Security Council meeting held at the Old Government House in Abakaliki, the state capital. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Amasiri, a community in Afikpo Local Government Area of the state, was recently involved in a renewed land dispute with neighbouring Okporojo, in Oso Community of Edda Local Government Area of the state. Thursdays security meeting reviewed the security situation arising from the dispute between the two communities in the southeastern state. Show the locations of the shrine Mr Nwifuru directed that community leaders in Amasiri are required to show the state government and security agencies the locations of all shrines in the clan to enable the destruction. The council has also directed that all the shrines and deities in the Amasiri clan be destroyed, and stakeholders of the area are under an obligation to show the state government and security agencies the locations of the shrines, he said. The governor also announced the constitution of a 19-member committee to demarcate the disputed boundary between the two communities. He said the demarcation exercise had become necessary following an agreement reached by both parties to resolve the lingering boundary dispute. Mr Nwifuru said the committee would be chaired by the state Commissioner for Border and Conflict Resolution, Paul Nwobashi. Other members are the surveyor-general of the state, the commissioner for lands and survey, the commissioner for primary and secondary education, and the chairpersons of the Traditional Rulers Councils across the 13 local government areas in the state. Boniface Chima is a member of the committee, while Sunday Oyibe will serve as its secretary. Curfew remains, severed heads must be provided Mr Nwifuru recently ordered a curfew and the shutdown of all schools in Amasiri Community in the wake of the crisis, following the Nigerian Armys deployment of troops in the area. Speaking on Thursday, the governor said the curfew earlier imposed on the community would remain in force until the severed heads of victims allegedly killed during the crisis in Okporojo were recovered. The expanded security meeting was attended by heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, members of the Elders Council and stakeholders from Okporojo, Amasiri, Akpoha and Afikpo. Background Amasiri, a community in Afikpo LGA, has been embroiled in a prolonged land dispute with neighbouring Okporojo village in the Oso community of Edda, another council area in the state. The dispute, in January, led to the beheading of four indigenes of Okporojo village in Oso Community and the destruction of their properties. The deadly attack was allegedly carried out by the people of Amasiri which prompted Mr Nwifuru, in late January, to sack all his political appointees from the community. The Ebonyi governor equally dethroned traditional rulers from the Amasiri Community over their alleged complicity in the attack and dispute. READ ALSO: EFCC arraigns Chinese national for deception He declared a curfew in the community and shut down schools in the area. Mr Nwifuru would later relax the curfew from 2 p.m. 10 a.m. to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. He maintained that the Amasiri people must produce the severed heads of the Okporojo indigenes. The Nigerian Army later announced that it deployed troops in a joint operation within Amasiri and its adjoining communities to protect innocent citizens The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, has vowed that four police officers and others suspects linked to the killing of seven traders in the Owode-Onirin area of the state last year will face prosecution. Addressing reporters at the Police Officers Mess in Ikeja on Thursday, Mr Jimoh said four police officers, reportedly brought from Nasarawa by one of the main suspects in the violence, known as Ariori, were directly involved in the carnage. This matter has not been swept under the carpet, and we want the public and all the families of the victims to know that nobody can stop us from ensuring that justice is done. We will leave no stone unturned and will not be intimidated by anyone. All suspects will be prosecuted, and the courts remain open to hear every case, he stated. He added that ballistic and autopsy reports have guided the investigation, which is nearly complete. Justice will be served, and no one can stop us, he emphasised. The commissioner stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to law and order, warning that no individual or group can obstruct justice. He also urged residents and traders to stay vigilant while assuring them that the police would continue to protect lives and property. Background The killings occurred in August 2025 during a clash between land grabbers and traders in Owode-Onirin, Kosofe Local Government Area, Lagos State. PREMIUM TIMES reported that a businessman, escorted by armed men, allegedly ordered hoodlums to forcibly evacuate shop owners and mechanics from the site. According to witnesses, the resistance from traders quickly escalated into a shootout, leaving at least three traders dead and others, including a policeman, injured. Angry traders later blocked the main road, paralysing traffic for hours. The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that the clash was linked to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited, Abiodun Ariori, who has since been declared wanted after evading arrest. Four policemen allegedly brought in by Mr Ariori were detained for illegal duty and placed under orderly room trial. In a separate but related incident, violence erupted at Balogun Market on Lagos Island when a quarrel over money between two middlemen turned deadly. One man stabbed the other, who retaliated, leading to the death of Sodiq Ibrahim from Kogi State. The police clarified that the incident was not ethnically motivated and that normalcy has since returned to the market. The then-spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, assured residents that safety measures were in place and urged the public to continue with lawful business activities without fear. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates for the 8 August governorship election in Osun State. The list is in a letter dated 4 March from INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, addressed to the commissions Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State. The letter noted that 9 March (Monday) is slated in the approved timetable and schedule of activities for the 2026 Osun State governorship election as the last day for publishing the final list of nominated candidates. Musa Olurode, INEC public relations officer in Osun State, shared the details of the list in a statement on Friday, confirming that candidates from 14 political parties were cleared to take part in the election. The list contains the names of governorship candidates, their running mates, ages, academic qualifications and political parties. Notably absent from the list are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), two parties that participated in the previous governorship election in the state. The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, won the last election in 2022 on the PDP platform. However, he defected from the party to join Accord last year. Under Nigerias electoral guidelines, the final list confirms candidates whose nominations have been accepted by the commission ahead of the commencement of campaigns by political parties. 14 parties make the cut According to the document published by the commission, Governor Adeleke will contest the election on the Accord partys platform, with Kola Adewusu as his running mate. Olanrewaju Farinloye, is the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, while Fadahunsi Olaniyi is listed as the deputy governorship candidate. For the African Action Congress (AAC), Esan Olajide will contest as its governorship candidate, with Bello Yekeen as running mate. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also has Salaam Folasayo as its governorship candidate and Agiri Temitope as the deputy governorship candidate. For the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Adeagbo Yemisi is the governorship candidate, and Atanda Babatunde is listed as the deputy governorship candidate. Mrs Adeagbo is the only female governorship candidate on the list. Aside from her, the only other woman among the candidates is Mrs Agiri, who is running as deputy governorship candidate on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The list also shows Bola Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Others are: All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Why PDP is missing The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which won the 2022 governorship election in Osun, is absent from the final list of parties cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 8 August poll. The party had begun its nomination process, with Governor Adeleke purchasing the partys expression of interest and nomination forms and subsequently passing the screening exercise ahead of the planned governorship primary. READ ALSO: INEC presents certificates of return to elected FCT council chairpersons However, the process was disrupted by the leadership crisis at the national level of the party, which led to the suspension and counter-suspension of key officials responsible for supervising primaries and transmitting candidates names to INEC. The internal crisis prompted Governor Adeleke to leave the party and join the Accord Party to pursue a second term in office. As the dispute lingered, the party failed to complete the nomination process and upload the name and particulars of its candidate within the deadline set by INEC. Musa Olurode, INEC public relations officer in Osun earlier stated that only parties that conducted valid primaries and uploaded the names of their candidates and running mates within the stipulated deadline were included in the final list. The commission said 14 political parties met the requirements and were cleared to participate in the election. Despite Trumps assurances, Washington could face a missile shortage if the conflict with Iran drags on. Ukraine has offered to help with its interceptor technology U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth boasted this week about the military advantage that the U.S. and Israel hold in their coordinated offensive against Iran. According to Hegseth, the enemy is having to conserve the munitions it fires. On the first day of the conflict, their launches dropped by 86%. America is winning decisively, he said. But Washington, despite the Trump administrations categorical denials, faces a similar problem: a shortage of munition after the intense barrages of the first days of Operation Epic Fury. Iran has launched thousands of Shahed 136 drones (Martyr in Persian and Arabic) and hundreds of cruise missiles against U.S. targets in the Persian Gulf. To neutralize them, the United States and its allies require interceptors. They have been using munitions from their Patriot and THAAD air defense systems, with each missile costing millions of dollars far more than the mere tens of thousands required to produce a single Iranian suicide drone. Meanwhile, according to data from U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, the United States has struck over 2,000 Iranian targets with tens of thousands of rockets since the launch of Operation Epic Fury last Saturday. The Pentagon claims that it has ample supplies and that there is no need to worry about shortages. Weve got no shortage of munitions, said Hegseth during a visit to the headquarters of Central Command in Tampa, Florida. Our stockpiles of defensive and offensive weapons allow us to sustain this campaign as long as we need, he added, arguing that the fight has only just begun. Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation. A day earlier, the top U.S. military officer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, had also reassured the public about munition levels. We have sufficient precision munitions for the task at hand, both on the offense and defense, he promised. The general also noted that, having established air superiority over Iranian skies using those precision missiles, U.S. pilots can now fly at lower altitudes and employ conventional bombs of which they have a much larger arsenal rather than relying solely on the more advanced projectiles. In a closed-door session with U.S. lawmakers earlier this week, Hegseth and Caine indicated that Iranian Shahed drones present a major challenge and a bigger problem than anticipated, since air defenses cannot intercept them all, according to reports leaked to U.S. media. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his press conference this Thursday during a visit to the headquarters of Central Command in Tampa, Florida. Departamento de Guerra (EFE) The most advanced munitions have begun to be rationed more carefully: experts warn of the need to maintain a reserve in case complications arise in other scenarios, such as a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan. Or in the event that this war, as U.S. President Donald Trump and Hegseth have suggested, drags on the Pentagon chief has already said it could go on for eight weeks. Trump himself stepped in to assure the public that there is a sufficient stockpile of munitions. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Monday, the president wrote: The United States munitions stockpiles have, at the medium and upper medium grade, never been higher or better. The president did, however, acknowledge a shortfall in the highest-grade munitions. We have a good supply, but are not where we want to be. Much additional high grade weaponry is stored for us in outlying countries. The administration closely guards its munition figures and how long it expects to sustain its intense pace of long-range guided missile launches. According to CNN, some regional allies are already beginning to see their interceptor stocks decline. Each intercept represents hundreds of hours of training, readiness, and technology all coming together to work as designed, Caine noted at the press briefing on Monday. An Iranian Revolutionary Guard missile during maneuvers, in an archive image Sepahnews/CONTACTO/EP According to retired U.S. Fifth Fleet commander General Kevin Donegan, it is not an immediate problem. Of course, you have to replenish what you fire, but that is already accounted for in Central Commands plans. The forces deployed there have ample munitions and reserves; the preparations behind the scenes before launching the operation took care of that, he recalled on Thursday during a roundtable organized by the Middle East Institute in Washington. The former military leader stresses that in a conflict, the key is not to intercept every single projectile thrown at you, but to have the capacity to withstand the barrage until you can go not only after what is being fired at you, but also after the means used to fire at you and the people firing them. That, he says, is the strategy being followed by Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command. According to Donegan, the key issue with munitions, however, is how quickly U.S. arsenals can be restocked for a potential future conflict once this campaign ends. It takes time, but you dont want to have to wait, he said. On the eve of the attack on Iran launched last Saturday, Caine had expressed concern about the ability to restock munition supplies if Trump chose to green-light an intervention against the Islamic Republic that could be prolonged, according to U.S. media reports at the time. The head of the United States Army Central Command, General Brad Cooper. Departamento de Guerra (EFE) Part of the problem stems from Irans production capacity: They manufacture far more ballistic missiles and far more drones than we can build interceptors, noted Tom Karako, director of the missile defense program at the CSIS think tank, during a presentation on Thursday. Another part of the issue comes from the fact that the U.S. had already used a portion of its production over the past years in military operations against the Houthis in Yemen, in last years Operation Midnight Hammer against Iran, and in other interventions. Trump has blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for sending some of that inventory to Ukraine to help defend against the Russian invasion. The United States also supplied part of its arsenal to Israel during that countrys offensive in Gaza. The capacity to manufacture munitions has been a longstanding problem, and it became especially clear after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Since then, Washington has sought to strengthen its military industrial base and has urged defense companies to accelerate production. On Friday, the White House is hosting a meeting with leaders from some of the most prominent firms. Strategic agreements with these companies aim to increase production of THAAD interceptors from fewer than 100 per year to 400, and Patriot missile systems from 600 per year in 2025 to over 2,000 in seven years, among other targets. But, as Karako explained, strategic agreements are not the same as contracts. Facing shortages, the United States has turned, of all places, to the Ukrainian government that Trump has frequently criticized. In a series of social media posts on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed that he had received a request from the United States for specific support in defending against shaheds in the Middle East. The post continued: I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security. Ukraine helps partners who help ensure our security and protect the lives of our people. Glory to Ukraine! Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Including a caviar special from McDonald's, new arcade games and watch lineups, and acquisition news from Warner Bros. Discovery and Eli Lilly. Plus, a recap of February's trending topics: The Big Game, Winter Olympics, Valentine's Day and quarterly earnings reports. NEW YORK, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each month, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the month's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the last month that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. PR Newswire Monthly Press Release Roundup, February 2026. Photos provided by McDonald's, BRP Inc. and INSURIFY, Inc. Read more of the latest releases from PR Newswire. Trending Topics In addition to the newsworthy headlines above, the PR Newswire team spotted several larger trending topics dominating headlines in February: Coming Up: March is packed with newsworthy events, including MWC 2026, St. Patrick's Day, SXSW, March Madness and the HIMSS Global Health Conference, all of which are already generating headlines on prnewswire.com. Plus, as we head into spring, the team expects plenty of consumer brands to announce their seasonal product lines. Do you have a press release to distribute? Sign up with PR Newswire to share your story with the audiences who matter most. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 500,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our innovative AI-powered PR Newswire Amplify platform, award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive Multichannel Amplification catalogue of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For more than 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination worldwide for brands to share their most important news stories. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. SOURCE PR Newswire Bringing women together in a collective act of courage and connection, turning participation into meaningful local support SAN FRANCISCO, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Athleta, a Gap Inc. (NYSE: GAP) brand and leader in women's performance and lifestyle apparel, is celebrating International Women's Day with a morning of movement, community, and coldwater courage, benefiting Girls On The Run Bay Area. In partnership with female-founded Ocean Beach Plunge Club, on March 7, Athleta is inviting its community of Bay Area women to "Wake The Water" with a sunrise walk and plunge in the San Francisco Bay. Athleta celebrates International Women's Day For each woman who participates, Athleta will contribute $250 to Girls On the Run Bay Area up to $50,000. This turns every plunge into a tangible splash for Bay Area girls, helping them find confidence, strength, and community through movement, continuing Athleta's commitment to removing barriers to sport and empowering the next generation. "This experience is about more than a plunge it's about celebrating the strength found in community, supporting the next generation, and bringing our values to life through action. Hosting this experience in San Francisco, our hometown, makes this moment especially meaningful," said Erika Everett, CMO of Athleta. Designed as both a celebration of movement and a moment of collective renewal, the morning will include: A guided shoreline walk along the iconic Great Highway, creating space for connection, conversation, and intention-setting. A cold-water immersion led by Ocean Beach Plunge Club, a shared, symbolic moment of courage, presence, and strength. A beachside gathering featuring female-founded local businesses including Laundromat Bagels, Devil's Teeth Baking Company, Andytown Coffee Roasters, and more. To find additional details, visit the event landing page. For more information about the brand visit www.athleta.com and follow Athleta on social media via Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X. About Athleta: Athleta is a premium performance lifestyle brand with a mission to inspire women and girls to build confidence, strength, and belonging through movement. Athleta product is made for women who move. A Certified B Corp, Athleta bridges product innovation with style for women and girls. Based in San Francisco, CA and a Gap Inc. brand (NYSE: GAP), Athleta apparel is available at its more than 250 retail stores across the United States and Canada and at Athleta.com SOURCE Athleta Not for release, publication or distribution in whole or in part in, into or from any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws of such jurisdiction. LONDON, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Athora Holding Ltd. ("Athora" or "the Group"), a leading European savings and retirement services group, today announced that it has secured 3.5 billion of common equity commitments from a broad base of investors. The investors include sovereign wealth funds such as Mubadala Investment Company ("Mubadala") and Abu Dhabi Investment Council (a fund wholly owned by Mubadala) which represent the largest new investors in this issuance. In addition, the issuance attracted pension funds, insurance companies and other cornerstone investors, including Apollo and Athene. Since inception in 2018, Athora has secured approximately 9 billion of common equity commitments from a high-quality, institutional investor base, operating with a long-time horizon that is well matched to long-term savings and retirement customer commitments. This is the largest amount of common equity raised by any European insurance company (or dedicated insurance vehicle) in the past decade. The majority of the issuance proceeds will be used to fund the acquisition of Pension Insurance Corporation Group Limited ("PICG"), alongside remaining equity commitments from Athora's 2022 equity raise. The residual issuance proceeds will be used to fund broader long-term growth opportunities across the Group, including Pension Risk Transfers ("PRT") in the Netherlands. Regulatory approval for Athora's acquisition of PICG, including its wholly owned subsidiary, Pension Insurance Corporation plc ("PIC") was received today, 6 March from the Prudential Regulation Authority ("PRA"), in consultation with the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). In keeping with the transaction terms, Athora, PIC and the selling shareholders are now progressing towards expected completion on or around 27 March 2026. Mike Wells, Group CEO of Athora said: "I am delighted to announce the close of Athora's latest capital raise, bringing the total amount of common equity commitments raised by Athora to approximately 9 billion. Proceeds from the issuance will support our target funding structure for the PICG acquisition, which received regulatory approval today and is expected to complete on or around 27 March 2026. I would like to thank Athora's existing and new investors for their continued support and endorsement of our strategic vision. The proceeds will enable Athora to deliver a scaled entry into the attractive UK pensions market, expand PIC's capacity to serve trustees seeking to secure pension risk transfer solutions, while providing the resources to support other ongoing growth initiatives across Europe." This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction. About Athora Athora is a leading European savings and retirement services group. We concentrate on the large and attractive traditional life and pensions market, with an ambition to become a leading provider of guaranteed savings and pensions products in Europe. We serve the needs of individual and corporate customers who continue to demand products offering safety of returns. Athora's principal subsidiaries are Athora Netherlands N.V. (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Athora Belgium S.A. (Brussels, Belgium), Athora Lebensversicherung AG (Wiesbaden, Germany), Athora Italia S.p.A (Genoa and Milan, Italy) and Athora Life Re Ltd. (Bermuda). At 30 June 2025, Athora had AuMA of 76.4 billion, c.1,430 employees and approx. 2.8 million customers. For more information, please visit: www.athora.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/athoragroup Disclaimer Certain information contained herein may be "forward-looking" in nature. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or actual performance may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking information. As such, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology including, but not limited to, "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "project," "estimate," "intend," "continue" or "believe" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927607/Athora_Logo.jpg SHENZHEN, China, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology lifestyle brand Aulumu has been honored with two 2026 iF Design Award recognitions, one of the most prestigious global awards for design excellence. The awards recognize the Aulumu Geometric Case for AirPods Pro and the Aulumu Mag Buckle Ultra-Thin Strap, underscoring the brand's commitment to combining bold industrial aesthetics with functional innovation in everyday technology accessories. On the left, three rugged smartwatches are displayed on transparent acrylic pedestal blocks. On the right, four geometric wireless earbud charging cases are arranged on similar transparent pedestals. This image is a showcase highlighting accessories by AULUMU with the logo of the iF Design Award 2026. On the right, four geometric wireless earbud charging cases are arranged on similar transparent pedestals. This image is a showcase highlighting accessories by AULUMU with IF Design Award Logo Organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH, the iF Design Award has been a globally recognized symbol of design excellence since 1954. Each year, thousands of entries from companies worldwide are evaluated by an independent panel of international design experts based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, form, and sustainability. Winning two awards in 2026 marks a significant milestone for Aulumu, highlighting the brand's growing influence in the global consumer electronics accessories market. Award-Winning Product: Aulumu Geometric Case for AirPods Pro The Aulumu Geometric Case for AirPods Pro received recognition for its distinctive industrial design and advanced protective engineering. Inspired by a diamond-cut geometric design philosophy, the case transforms a standard earbud accessory into a visually striking lifestyle product. Sculpted surfaces and a bold polyhedral form create a futuristic aesthetic while maintaining everyday usability. Functionality is central to the design. The case incorporates a patented seamless metal locking mechanism that prevents the lid from accidentally opening, helping protect earbuds from falling out during daily use. To further enhance durability, the case features a multi-layer protection structure, including a high-elastic internal buffer layer and a four-corner hollow shock-absorbing outer structure designed to improve drop resistance. Additional details, such as a recycled lanyard and refined CMF (Color, Material, Finish) craftsmanship, reflect Aulumu's focus on both sustainability and premium design. Award-Winning Product: Aulumu Mag Buckle Ultra-Thin Strap Aulumu's second award-winning design, the Mag Buckle Ultra-Thin Strap, was recognized for its minimalist aesthetic and innovative fastening system. The ultra-thin strap delivers a lightweight and modern wearable experience while maintaining durability and comfort for daily use. At the core of the design is a magnetic quick-release buckle that allows users to adjust the strap once and then easily attach or remove it with a simple magnetic connection. For added security, the strap incorporates a Velcro-based secondary fastening structure, ensuring both convenience and stability during everyday activities. The product reflects Aulumu's design philosophy: blending futuristic aesthetics, intuitive usability, and refined engineering into accessories that complement modern digital lifestyles. About Aulumu Founded in 2022, aulumu is a design brand focused on high-performance gear, drawing inspiration from the functional aesthetics of cyberpunk and the philosophical roots of ancient Greek thought. Since its inception, the brand has launched dozens of digital accessory products, secured multiple utility and invention patents, and received the 2025 Red Dot Design Award. Today, aulumu products serve hundreds of thousands of users across more than 20 countries and regions, positioning the brand as a growing presence in the global high-performance accessories market. For more information, visit: https://aulumu.com/, or follow aulumu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aulumu_official/ SOURCE aulumu This year's program started in February with the Fit to Win Health Fair at the East Boston YMCA, offering the kids experiences with creative writing, selecting fruits and vegetables to take home, vision screenings, smoothie tasting, vegan cuisine, flossing and teeth brushing demos, and more. The kids, ages 8 12, from the YMCAs of Dorchester, East Boston, and Roxbury, also engaged in workouts lead by Celtics legend Leon Powe, and enjoyed a dunk show from Lucky the Leprechaun and his crew. Two kids were gifted tickets to an upcoming Celtics game as part of an event giveaway. "Since the start of this program over a decade ago, we have seen so many children embrace new experiences in healthy living," said David Healy, president, Sun Life U.S. "We are fortunate to have such a great partnership with the Celtics, that allows us to make an impact in the communities around Boston that need it most. Learning healthy habits at an early age is the first step to using healthy habits throughout your life. Helping people live healthier lives is our ultimate goal." Throughout their long-standing partnership, Sun Life and the Boston Celtics have consistently engaged in community support programs. In addition to Fit to Win, Sun Life and the Celtics conduct the annual #SunLifeDunk4Diabetes fundraiser each November to raise money for the YMCA of Greater Boston's Healthy Habits program. "We're grateful for the collaboration with Sun Life and the YMCA of Greater Boston, and the positive impact it continues to have across our community," said Ted Dalton, chief partnership officer, Boston Celtics. "Bringing kids together with Celtics players in a setting that promotes healthy, active lifestyles is a meaningful way to reinforce habits that can last a lifetime." For 12 years, Fit to Win has built a legacy of connecting kids with the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthier lives, and even bring that knowledge home to their families. Since the program began, more than 2,600 kids have participated. Sun Life's team partnership with the Boston Celtics includes activations with the Maine Celtics. They conduct the Fit to Win program with Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, bringing the program to a broader range of youth communities. For more information about Fit to Win, visit https://www.nba.com/celtics/community/fit-to-win. For more information about Sun Life's community programs and philanthropic initiatives, visit https://www.sunlife.com/us/en/about/our-community-involvement/. About Sun Life Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2025, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.60 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 48 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom. Media contact Devon Fernald Sun Life U.S. [email protected] 781-800-3609 Connect with Sun Life U.S. Facebook LinkedIn SOURCE Sun Life U.S. SHANGHAI, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 2171.HK), a company focused on developing innovative CAR T-cell therapies, has announced its 2025 Annual Results. Business Highlights CARsgen Pipeline Cash and cash equivalents were around RMB1,123 million as of December 31, 2025. Cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2026 are expected to be not less than RMB1,000 million. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2025 was RMB103 million, representing a decrease of approximately 87% compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. In light of operational factors such as the changes in operating cash flow, we expect to have adequate cash into the 2030. During 2025, CARsgen has received a total of 218 confirmed orders of zevor-cel from its commercialization partner Huadong Medicine. In December 2025, zevor-cel has been included in China's Commercial Health Insurance Innovative Drug Catalogue (2025). The Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) and granted Priority Review for satri-cel. The results of satri-cel confirmatory Phase II trial in China have been simultaneously published in The Lancet and at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting. and at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting. Multiple allogeneic CAR-T products are in development, covering treatment areas such as hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and autoimmune diseases. CARsgen independently developed the lentiviral-based CARvivo platform for creating in vivo CAR T-cell products. CAR T-cell products. CARsgen entered into strategic cooperation agreements with a key platform enterprise in Jinshan District, Shanghai to establish an advanced commercial manufacturing base for CAR T-cell products. Dr. Zonghai Li, Founder, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Scientific Officer of CARsgen Therapeutics, said, "2025 is a pivotal year for CARsgen Therapeutics. As we enter the phase of substantial value realization in commercialization, zevor-cel has demonstrated an excellent market performance. Meanwhile, satri-cel, the world's first CAR-T candidate for solid tumors that has entered the NDA review process, is expected to be approved in the first half of 2026 and initiate commercialization. With its strong clinical value and broad market potential, it is poised to become the company's next core growth driver. In 2025, the company has shifted its focus to the field of allogeneic CAR-T cell therapies. We believe that off-the-shelf cell therapies capable of large-scale production are crucial for serving a broad patient population and opening a new chapter for the industry. Leveraging our proprietary THANK-uCAR and THANK-u Plus platforms, we are advancing multiple allogeneic CAR-T candidates, with encouraging preliminary clinical data demonstrating promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile. Additionally, we are also advancing in vivo CAR T-cell therapies based on our proprietary CARvivo platform. Looking ahead, we will continue to unite our efforts, move forward with determination, and execute our strategic plans with rigorous precision, bringing renewed hope to patients worldwide." Financial Highlights CARsgen's revenue was around RMB125.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 mainly from zevor-cel, autologous BCMA CAR T-cell product in which the primary revenue of zevor-cel was calculated on the basis of ex-works price, rather than on the basis of end-of-market prices. Our revenue is recognized upon completion of ex-works delivery of products. Due to the inherent time cycle of CAR-T manufacturing, there is a discrepancy between the number of orders obtained from Huadong Medicine and number of ex-works deliveries. CARsgen's gross profit was around RMB80 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. In the commercialization stage, we are demonstrating a strong cost competitive advantage, which is mainly due to self-manufacture for plasmids and vectors with stable output and high yield per batch. Our net loss was around RMB103 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing a decrease of around RMB695 million from around RMB798 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Cash and cash equivalents were around RMB1,123 million as of December 31, 2025, representing a decrease of around RMB356 million from around RMB1,479 million as of December 31, 2024. The decrease was mainly due to research and development expenses, administrative expenses and investment of capital expenditure. Cash and cash equivalents at the end of 2026 are expected to be not less than RMB1,000 million. In light of operational factors such as the changes in operating cash flow, we expect to have adequate cash into the 2030. Zevor-cel demonstrates rapids sales growth Zevorcabtagene autoleucel (zevor-cel, R&D code: CT053) is an autologous fully human CAR T-cell product against B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) approved by the NMPA of China for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (R/R MM) who have progressed after at least 3 prior lines of therapy (including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent). CARsgen entered into a collaboration agreement with Huadong Medicine (000963.SZ) for the commercialization of zevor-cel in mainland China. In terms of commercialization, Huadong Medicine has established a dedicated, professional, and comprehensive commercial team to promote the use of zevor-cel and has been utilizing China's multi-layered insurance system to improve patient accessibility. During 2025, certification and regulatory filings for zevor-cel have been completed in more than 20 provinces or cities and we have received a total of 218 confirmed orders from Huadong Medicine. In December, 2025, zevor-cel was included in China's Commercial Health Insurance Innovative Drug Catalogue (2025). We anticipate that growth of sales revenue of zevor-cel will further accelerate with continuous marketing activities and broader insurance coverage. The updated long-term follow-up results of Phase I clinical trial of CT053 have been published in Blood Advances. The updated data of Phase II clinical trial, involving 102 patients with a median follow-up of 20 months, were published in Experimental Hematology & Oncology. Zevor-cel demonstrates manageable safety profile while eliciting deep and durable responses in R/R MM patients. CARsgen entered into a collaboration with Dispatch Bio, to conduct a Phase I trial in China, planned to begin in 2026. The trial will evaluate DISP-11, an investigational therapy leveraging Dispatch's first-in class Flare platform including DV-10, the company's novel tumor-specific virus and zevor-cel, in patients suffering from solid tumors. Satri-cel is about to be commercialized in China Satricabtagene autoleucel (satri-cel, R&D code: CT041) is an autologous humanized CAR T-cell product against Claudin18.2. In China, satri-cel was granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) in March 2025 and Priority Review in May 2025 by the CDE. In June 2025, the CDE of NMPA of China has accepted the NDA for satri-cel for the treatment of Claudin18.2-positive advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (G/GEJA) in patients who have failed at least two prior lines of therapy. Satri-cel is the first CAR T-cell therapy for the treatment of solid tumors that has advanced to NDA stage worldwide. It is expected to be approved and start commercialization in the first half of 2026. The results of satri-cel confirmatory Phase II trial (NCT04581473) in China have been published in The Lancet and were orally presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. Satri-cel demonstrated significant progression-free survival (PFS) improvement and a clinically meaningful overall survival (OS) benefit with a manageable safety profile, compared to standard therapy. The research results of the Phase Ib registrational clinical trial of satri-cel for PC adjuvant therapy in China (NCT05911217) has been presented as a poster session at European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in October 2025. The trial represents the world's first proof-of-concept (POC) study exploring CAR T-cell therapy for the adjuvant treatment of solid tumors. In addition, an investigator-initiated trial (IIT) for satri-cel be used as consolidation treatment following adjuvant therapy in patients with resected G/GEJA (NCT06857786), and an IIT for satri-cel as a sequential therapy following first-line treatment in patients with advanced G/GEJA (NCT07179484) have been conducted in China. Multiple allogeneic CAR-T product candidates in development CARsgen has been advancing differentiated allogeneic CAR T-cell products utilizing the CARsgen's proprietary THANK-uCAR and THANK-u Plus platform. THANK-u Plus platform, as an enhanced version of THANK-uCAR, was developed to address the potential impact of NKG2A expression levels on therapeutic efficacy of the allogeneic CAR T-cells. CT0596 is a BCMA-targeting allogeneic CAR T-cell product candidate deploying our THANK-u Plus technology. The IITs are ongoing in China to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CT0596 for the treatment of R/R MM and PCL. Two IND applications for R/R MM and primary plasma cell leukemia (pPCL) separately were submitted to the NMPA in December 2025 and have been accepted. Phase Ib registration trials in China are planned to be initiated in 2026. Preliminary results of an IIT have been presented at the 67th ASH in December 2025. CT1190B (KJ-C2219) is an allogeneic CAR T-cell product candidate targeting CD19/CD20 deploying our THANK-u Plus technology, for hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases. The IITs have been initiated for R/R B-NHL, and for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc), separately. It is expected to obtain IND approval from the NMPA for B-cell malignancies in 2026. Phase Ib registration study is planned to be initiated in 2026 in China. In addition, multiple products against different targets are currently under development: KJ-C2320 against CD38 for acute myeloid leukemia (AML); KJ-C2526 against NKG2DL for AML, other malignancies and senescence; CT1390B against CLL1 for AML; KJ-C2527 against Claudin18.2 for gastric cancer. On February 25, 2025, CARsgen has entered into the agreements with an investment fund managed by Zhuhai Hengqin SB Xinchuang Equity Investment Management Enterprise (Limited Partnership), to jointly invest in UCARsgen Biotech Limited. In vivo CAR-T product candidates in development Apart from CAR T-cell products manufactured via in vitro gene editing, CARsgen is also developing in vivo CAR T-cell products. CARsgen's proprietary lentiviral-based CARvivo platform demonstrates excellent T cell transduction and targeting specificity. KJ-C2529 is an in vivo CAR T-cell product candidate against CD19/CD20 deploying our CARvivo platform for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma. An IIT is expected to be initiated in 2026 for the treatment of R/R B-NHL. Expand CAR-T commercial manufacturing base CARsgen is actively preparing for capacity expansion, enhancing the manufacturing capabilities for CAR T-cell therapies that meet international standards to support the commercialization of multiple products and strengthen its global competitiveness. On February 12, 2026, CARsgen, through its indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary CARsgen Diagnostics Co., Ltd., signed strategic cooperation agreements with Shanghai Jingong Enterprise Development Co., Ltd., which is a key platform enterprise in the Bay Area High-Tech Zone of Jinshan District, Shanghai. With a total investment amount not exceeding RMB370 million, CARsgen will establish an advanced commercial manufacturing base for CAR T-cell products in Jinshan District, Shanghai. No significant upfront capital expenditure is required from CARsgen, effectively preserving valuable cash flow for core research and development as well as market expansion. In addition, the repurchase mechanism ensures CARsgen can fully acquire asset control after long-term operation, maintaining production stability and enhancing the flexibility of asset layout. About CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings Limited CARsgen is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on developing innovative CAR T-cell therapies to address the unmet clinical needs including but not limited to hematologic malignancies, solid tumors and autoimmune diseases. CARsgen has established end-to-end capabilities for CAR T-cell research and development covering target discovery, preclinical research, product clinical development, and commercial-scale production. CARsgen has developed novel in-house technologies and a product pipeline with global rights to address challenges faced by existing CAR T-cell therapies. Efforts include improving safety profile, enhancing the efficacy in treating solid tumors, and reducing treatment costs, etc. CARsgen's mission is to be a global biopharmaceutical leader that provides innovative and differentiated cell therapies for patients worldwide and makes cancer and other diseases curable. Forward-looking Statements All statements in this press release that are not historical fact or that do not relate to present facts or current conditions are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements express the Group's current views, projections, beliefs and expectations with respect to future events as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and factors beyond the Group's control. As a result, they are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those detailed under the heading "Principal Risks and Uncertainties" in our most recent annual report and interim report and other announcements and reports made available on our corporate website, https://www.carsgen.com. No representation or warranty is given as to the achievement or reasonableness of, and no reliance should be placed on, any projections, targets, estimates or forecasts contained in this press release. For more information, please visit https://www.carsgen.com/ SOURCE CARsgen Therapeutics BEIJING, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This is a report from China SCIO: China has set an economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% for this year, while pledging to strive for better results as authorities aim to balance structural reforms, risk prevention, and long-term development goals. The goals are outlined in this year's government work report submitted Thursday to the national legislature for deliberation. At a press briefing, Shen Danyang, director of the State Council Research Office, described the goal as a "two-part target": maintaining growth within the 4.5-5% range while "striving for better in practice." The approach, he said, reflects both ambition and prudence amid evolving domestic and international conditions. According to Shen, who headed the report's drafting team, the growth target allows room for economic restructuring, risk prevention, and further reforms, while remaining aligned with China's long-term development vision. China aims to raise per capita GDP to the average level of developed countries by 2035, a goal set at the fifth plenary session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the economy expanded at an average annual rate of 5.4%, providing a foundation for future growth. Based on expert estimates, Shen said, China would need average annual growth exceeding 4.17% over the next decade to achieve the 2035 target of a per capita GDP of more than US$20,000, doubling the figure from 2020. "The proposed target is consistent with China's growth potential," Shen said, noting that forecasts from international institutions, economists, and think tanks broadly align with the government's expectations. Employment considerations were also a key factor behind the target. Around 20 million people are expected to enter the labor market this year, and even after accounting for vacancies due to retirement and other factors, the country will still need to create about 12 million new jobs, said Chen Changsheng, a member of the government work report drafting team and deputy director of the State Council Research Office. Based on the relationship between economic growth and job creation in recent years, Chen said growth of 4.5-5% would be necessary to support employment at that scale. Shen added that setting a range-based target, rather than a fixed number, allows flexibility in responding to uncertainties in the global environment. It also allows local governments to set development goals suited to their own conditions, while guiding policymakers to prioritize high-quality growth. Despite an increasingly complex and volatile external environment, Shen expressed confidence in China's economic resilience. He said the country continues to benefit from its strong underlying vitality, a continuously improving economic structure, and the rapid development of new quality productive forces. China will continue implementing more proactive and effective macro policies and deepen reforms in key sectors this year, steps that are expected to further unlock growth potential. "With these favorable conditions fully utilized, we believe it is entirely possible to achieve better results," Shen said. China sets GDP growth target for 2026, eyeing stronger results http://english.scio.gov.cn/pressroom/2026-03/06/content_118366169.html SOURCE China SCIO The Trump administration faces fines for the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Two federal judges in Minnesota are considering possible sanctions against the federal government after immigration authorities failed to return personal belongings to immigrants detained by ICE and subsequently released by court order. The hearings come after claims by lawyers that the government failed to comply with court orders related to the return of documents, money, and other essential items. Minnesota U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen appeared this week before U.S. Judges John Tunheim and Jeffrey Bryan to answer for the loss of belongings of more than two dozen immigrants who were in ICE custody. The hearings are part of a series of lawsuits related to arrests made during the immigration operation known as Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. Tunheim held a hearing on Thursday in Minneapolis to assess whether the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should be given a deadline to return lost items or compensate those affected financially. The judge indicated that he plans to issue a court order setting a deadline for resolving pending cases and warned that if the government fails to comply, daily civil fines could be imposed. Federal operation in Minneapolis on January 24. Associated Press/LaPresse (APN) Meanwhile, Bryan is separately considering whether Rosen can be held personally in contempt for allegedly failing to comply with court orders related to the return of property in at least 28 cases. Rosen defended the governments actions and denied that there had been any deliberate disobedience of court orders. He explained that the problems were caused by administrative errors amid a large volume of releases ordered by judges. Nobody has been willfully disobedient. There have been mistakes that have been made, but that is a far, far cry from contempt of court, he said. The prosecutor argued that ICE had to make difficult decisions to meet court deadlines while processing numerous release orders simultaneously. In some cases, he explained, detainees were transferred to detention centers in Texas, which complicated the logistics of returning their belongings when they were released. According to Rosen, in certain situations, authorities chose to release immigrants within the court-set deadline even if their belongings were not available at that time. He added that he expects the problems to diminish now that the immigration operation is winding down and there are enough beds in detention centers in Minnesota to avoid transfers to other states. Daniel Rosen in Minneapolis, February 25. Steve Karnowski (AP) However, lawyers for the immigrants argue that the loss of belongings has had significant consequences for their clients, many of whom depend on documents and work tools to maintain their employment and daily lives. One of the cases discussed at the hearing involves a construction worker who was detained on January 5 and subsequently transferred to El Paso, Texas, where he remained in custody for more than a month before being released on February 18. According to his lawyer, Joshua Rissman, when he was released, the man did not receive several of his belongings, including his work permit, his social security card, about $100 in cash, and a nail gun he used in his job as a roofer. Its like they made a plan to unconstitutionally arrest a lot of people, but they didnt make a plan to have to deal with their constitutional rights, Rissman said. The lawyer explained in a statement that ICE later reported that the social security card had been located, but the money, work tool, and work permit remain missing. Rosen indicated that the government denies that the detainee had the money and nail gun with him at the time of his arrest, although he assured that DHS is willing to compensate him financially if the items are not found. ICE raid in Minnesota, January 27. Madison Thorn (Anadolu via Getty Images) Another case examined by the court involves a Guatemalan man whose identification documents disappeared while he was in detention. According to Rosen, ICE has been unable to locate his Guatemalan consular identification or his drivers licenses from Guatemala and Minnesota. The mans lawyer explained that replacing these documents could be extremely complicated, as some can only be processed in Guatemala or at specific consular offices in the United States. The loss of these documents has directly affected his ability to travel and attend to family needs. Other cases mentioned in the hearings include asylum seekers who reported the loss of documents or belongings while in ICE custody. Some attorneys stated that the threat of legal sanctions was necessary for the government to finally respond to requests related to the missing items. Judge Tunheim indicated that his next court order will set a deadline for resolving the pending claims, either through the return of the objects or financial compensation. Depending on the courts final decision, the federal government could face daily fines if it fails to comply with the court orders. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition SAO PAULO, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EMBRAER S.A. (NYSE: EMBJ; B3: EMBJ3) RELEASES ITS 4Q25 & FY25 EARNINGS. HIGHLIGHTS Guidance for 2026: From an operational point of view, Commercial Aviation deliveries between 80 and 85 aircraft and Executive Aviation deliveries between 160 and 170 aircraft. From a financial point of view, revenues in the US$8.2 to US$8.5 billion range, adjusted EBIT margin between 8.7% and 9.3% (with 10% U.S. import tariffs), and adjusted free cash flow w/o Eve of US$200 million or higher for the year. From an operational point of view, Commercial Aviation deliveries between 80 and 85 aircraft and Executive Aviation deliveries between 160 and 170 aircraft. From a financial point of view, revenues in the US$8.2 to US$8.5 billion range, adjusted EBIT margin between 8.7% and 9.3% (with 10% U.S. import tariffs), and adjusted free cash flow w/o Eve of US$200 million or higher for the year. Revenues totaled US$2,652 million in 4Q25 and US$7,578 million in 2025 highest annual level ever +18% year over year (yoy) and above the high end of guidance . Highlights for Defense & Security and Executive Aviation revenues with +36% and +25% yoy growth. totaled in and in . Highlights for Defense & Security and Executive Aviation revenues with +36% and +25% yoy growth. Adjusted EBIT reached US$230.9 million with an +8.7% margin in 4Q25. For the full yea r, the company reported adjusted EBIT of US$656.8 million with an +8.7% margi n - both above guidance. In 2024, the company's adjusted EBIT ex Boeing reached US$558.2 million for an +8.7% margin. U.S. import tariffs totaled US$27 million during the quarter (102bp); and US$54 million for the full year. reached with an r, the company reported adjusted EBIT of with an n - In 2024, the company's adjusted EBIT ex Boeing reached US$558.2 million for an +8.7% margin. U.S. import tariffs totaled US$27 million during the quarter (102bp); and US$54 million for the full year. Adjusted free cash flow w/o Eve was US$738.3 million during the quarter and US$491.2 million in 2025 , supported by higher number of aircraft delivered. Consequently, the company finished 2025 with US$109.3 million net cash position (w/o Eve). and , supported by higher number of aircraft delivered. Consequently, the company finished 2025 with US$109.3 million net cash position (w/o Eve). The liability management strategy implemented materially increased the company's (ex Eve) average loan maturity to 9.1 years in 4Q25 from 3.7 years in 4Q24. from 3.7 years in 4Q24. Embraer delivered 91 aircraft in 4Q25 , of which 32 were commercial jets (18 E2s and 14 E1s), 53 were executive jets (28 light and 25 medium) while 6 were defense related (2 KC-390 Millennium and 4 A-29 Super Tucano). In 2025, the company delivered a total of 244 aircraft , of which 78 were commercial jets (44 E2s and 34 E1s), 155 were executive jets (86 light and 69 medium), 3 were multi-mission KC-390 Millennium and 8 were A-29 Super Tucano in Defense & Security; +18% versus the 206 aircraft delivered in 2024. in , of which (18 E2s and 14 E1s), (28 light and 25 medium) while related (2 KC-390 Millennium and 4 A-29 Super Tucano). In the company delivered a total of , of which (44 E2s and 34 E1s), (86 light and 69 medium), in Defense & Security; +18% versus the 206 aircraft delivered in 2024. Firm order backlog of US$31.6 billion in 4Q25 an all-time high and more than 20% higher yoy. Highlight for Commercial Aviation 2.8x book-to-bill across the E175 and E2 platforms, which supported a +42% yoy increase in backlog. For more information please see our 4Q25 Backlog and Deliveries release. an all-time high and more than 20% higher yoy. Highlight for across the E175 and E2 platforms, which supported a +42% yoy increase in backlog. For more information please see our To access the spreadsheet containing the data available in our Investor Relations website click here . For additional information, please check the full document on our website ri.embraer.com.br Embraer will host a conference call to present its 4Q25 & FY25 results on: Friday, March 6, 2026 ENGLISH: 7:00 AM (NY Time) / 9:00 AM (SP Time). Translation to Portuguese. To access the webcast click here . Zoom webinar: 811 2881 8474 We recommend you join 15 minutes in advance. SOURCE Embraer S.A. NANJING, China, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from Nanjing Daily: At the dawn of Spring Festival 2026, the 40th Qinhuai Lantern Festival has once again dressed Nanjing in dazzling brilliance. Along the historic Qinhuai River, radiant lanterns shimmer through the night, carrying the warmth and symbolism of the Chinese New Year while showcasing the city's dynamic energy. Speed Speed Over four decades, the Qinhuai Lantern Festival has grown from a local folk celebration into a globally recognized cultural icon. Blending centuries-old craftsmanship with contemporary creativity, it has become one of Nanjing's most luminous calling cards to the world a festival where heritage meets innovation, and tradition speaks in a modern voice. What cultural "codes" lie behind the sea of lights? Why has this festival become a window through which global audiences encounter Nanjing? During their winter break, several international students from Southeast University set out in search of answers. Driven by curiosity and a desire to better understand China beyond the classroom, they embarked on a self-guided "lantern quest". As they wandered through lantern corridors, listened to artisans explain traditional techniques, and learned the meanings behind zodiac figures and symbolic motifs, the students began to see the festival not merely as spectacle, but as storytelling. They discovered that each lantern reflects values deeply rooted in Chinese culture family reunion, hope for prosperity, respect for history and optimism for the future. At the same time, cutting-edge lighting technology and interactive installations revealed a city confident in innovation and global dialogue. "For me, this is more than a festival," one student shared. "It's a way to understand how Nanjing connects its past with its future, and how it welcomes the world." As they shared their experiences online and with friends back home, these young explorers became cultural bridges, carrying with them personal stories of a city illuminated not only by lanterns, but by openness and exchange. In Nanjing, beneath the glow of the Qinhuai lights, discovering a festival becomes discovering China itself. SOURCE Nanjing Daily BEIJING, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Feng Xingya, a deputy to the National People's Congress and Chairman of GAC Group, has arrived in Beijing for the 2026 National Two Sessions. He submitted multiple proposals on high-quality development of the automotive industry and improvement of people's wellbeing. Among them, the topic of automobile exports particularly highlights the strong momentum of China's automotive industry as it rises toward global leadership. Addressing challenges like divergent global standards and weak international influence of domestic ones, Feng Xingya suggests establishing a compliance service system, aligning Chinese standards with international ones, and strengthening coordination among domestic enterprises. These measures aim to turn technological advantages into export competitiveness, helping China transition from a "major exporter" to a "global industry leader." He emphasizes that accelerating the internationalization of Chinese standards and seizing discourse power in standards-setting is key to high-quality auto export development. In terms of export, GAC has covered 86 countries and regions across five major regions: Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Europe, the CIS, and Central and South America. Its global sales channels have increased to 650, and it has established five KD factories in Nigeria, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Austria. In 2026, GAC maintained the momentum of its leapfrog growth over the previous two years, with overseas sales surging 69% year-on-year in January. In February, monthly overseas sales exceeded 11,125 vehicles, doubling from the same period last year with a remarkable increase of 114%. In the first two months of this year, cumulative sales surpassed 25,126 vehicles, up 86% year-on-year, demonstrating a robust overseas expansion momentum. Looking ahead, GAC will accelerate the coordinated global expansion of its industrial chain, ecosystem, digitalization, and financial systems. By continuously innovating in product development, channel construction, and operational approaches, GAC aims to comprehensively "going global, going deeper, and going upward," contributing to the development of an automotive powerhouse. Feng Xingya also focuses on electrification, intelligentization, low-altitude economy, and people's livelihood. He suggests unified battery swapping standards and improved autonomous driving regulations. For low-altitude economy, he proposes development plans, cross-border data regulations, and pilot demonstrations in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. On people's wellbeing, he focuses on building a new energy ecosystem in rural areas and age-friendly mobility, promoting a "digital inclusion + manual backup" model. Feng Xingya states that GAC will continue driving industrial upgrading through technological innovation, contributing to building China into an automotive powerhouse and improving people's wellbeing in service of the national strategy, while delivering superior mobility experiences and green travel solutions to global consumers. For further information about GAC, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social. SOURCE GAC CALGARY, AB, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Frontera Energy Corporation (TSX: FEC) ("Frontera" or the "Company") announces today that the Frontera Board of Directors, in consultation with its external legal counsel and independent financial advisors, has determined that the binding offer (the "Parex Offer") received from Parex Resources Inc. ("Parex") to acquire all of Frontera's upstream Colombian exploration and production business (the "Frontera E&P Assets") constitutes a "Superior Proposal" (as defined in the GeoPark Arrangement Agreement described below). Under the Parex Offer, Parex would acquire the same assets that Frontera has agreed to sell to a subsidiary of GeoPark Limited ("GeoPark") under the previously announced arrangement agreement between Frontera and GeoPark dated January 29, 2026 (the "GeoPark Arrangement Agreement"). The purchase price under the Parex Offer consists of (a) US$500,000,000 in cash payable upon closing; plus, as is the case with the GeoPark transaction (b) an additional US$25,000,000 contingent payment payable upon the achievement of specified development milestones within a period of up to 12 months following the transaction closing date, and (c) the assumption of all of Frontera's obligations under the US$310,000,000 aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2028 Frontera Unsecured Notes and the US$80,000,000 outstanding under Frontera's previously announced prepayment facility with Chevron Products Company. The consideration offered in the Parex Offer also assumes the payment of US$25,000,000 Purchaser Break Fee payable to GeoPark by Frontera should Frontera terminate the GeoPark Arrangement Agreement. Except for the consideration being offered, the arrangement agreement that would be entered into with Parex is substantially the same as the GeoPark Arrangement Agreement, and the transaction structure is the same as for the GeoPark transaction. Frontera has advised GeoPark of this determination, and the five Business Day period (the "Matching Period") in which, GeoPark has the right, but not the obligation, to amend the terms of the GeoPark Arrangement Agreement in order for the Parex Offer to cease to be a Superior Proposal (the "Match Right") has commenced. The Matching Period will expire at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern time) on March 12, 2026. At this time, there can be no assurance that the Parex Offer will result in a transaction or that any transaction contemplated thereby will be completed. The GeoPark Arrangement Agreement remains in effect, and the Frontera Board of Directors continues to act in accordance with its fiduciary duties and the terms of the GeoPark Arrangement Agreement. The Frontera Board of Directors has not changed its recommendation regarding the transaction with GeoPark pursuant to the GeoPark Arrangement Agreement. Frontera will provide updates, including with respect to the determination by GeoPark as to whether or not to exercise its Match Right, as required under applicable securities laws. About Frontera: Frontera Energy Corporation is a Canadian public company involved in the exploration, development, production, transportation, storage and sale of oil and natural gas in South America, including related investments in both upstream and midstream facilities. The Company has a diversified portfolio of assets with interests in 18 exploration and production blocks in Colombia and Guyana, and pipeline and port facilities in Colombia. Frontera is committed to conducting business safely and in a socially, environmentally and ethically responsible manner. If you would like to receive News Releases via e-mail as soon as they are published, please subscribe here: http://fronteraenergy.mediaroom.com/subscribe. Social Media Follow Frontera Energy social media channels at the following links: Twitter: https://twitter.com/fronteraenergy?lang=en Facebook: https://es-la.facebook.com/FronteraEnergy/ LinkedIn: https://co.linkedin.com/company/frontera-energy-corp. Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "estimate", "will", "would", "believe", "plan", "expected", "potential", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by such words. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. In particular, and without limiting the foregoing, this news release contains forward looking statements with respect to a potential transaction involving Parex and Frontera and the transaction involving Frontera and GeoPark, and the process and timing for both transactions. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: there can be no assurance that any transaction will result from the Parex Offer or that Parex and Frontera will ultimately enter into a definitive agreement for Parex to acquire the Frontera E&P Assets; that the GeoPark transaction will be completed on the terms or within the timeframes currently contemplated; and the failure to obtain all necessary court, third-party and shareholder approvals to complete either such transaction and the risk that either such transaction may be varied, accelerated or terminated in certain circumstances. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. www.fronteraenergy.ca SOURCE Frontera Energy Corporation BEIJING, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- China targets economic growth of 4.5 percent to 5 percent this year and will strive for better in practice, according to a Government Work Report submitted Thursday to the country's top legislature for deliberation. The annual growth target was unveiled in the Government Work Report delivered by Premier Li Qiang to the National People's Congress (NPC), the national legislature, which began its annual session on Thursday morning. Over the next five years, China expects to keep its GDP growth within an appropriate range, with annual growth rates to be determined in light of actual conditions, according to the report. This will lay a solid foundation for achieving the goal of doubling China's 2020 per capita GDP by 2035 to reach the level of a moderately developed country, the report said. The target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent economic growth for 2026, while striving to achieve better results in practice, is intended to strike a balance between what is needed and what is feasible, said Shen Danyang, head of the group responsible for drafting this year's government work report, according to Xinhua. The setting of the economic growth target for 2026 is "proactive and pragmatic", reflecting a broad assessment of domestic conditions and shifts in the external environment, Shen said. Analysts said that the target range reflects a more prudent assessment of global uncertainties, and allows greater policy flexibility to focus on high-quality development while still signaling policymakers' confidence in maintaining stable growth in the world's second-largest economy amid rising global risks and turmoil. Flexibility allowed This is not the first time China has set its GDP growth target in the form of a range. For example, in 2016, a target range was set at 6.5 to 7 percent. In 2019, the target was set at 6 to 6.5 percent. Lawmakers, national political advisors, analysts as well as executives of multinationals said that the targeted growth range is set to ensure the Chinese economy gets off to a good start in the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), and the figure is of paramount importance to pinpointing new growth engines and maintaining stable and sustained economic growth. NPC deputy Yu Miaojie, president of Liaoning University, told the Global Times on Thursday that a growth target range of 4.5 percent to 5 percent allows greater policy flexibility, enabling localities to focus on high-quality economic growth as their primary goal and, more importantly, place greater focus on people's livelihoods. "Maintaining an annual economic growth rate within this range reflects the stability of China's economy," Yu said, noting the steady track record of economic growth in the past several years. Amid escalating geopolitical conflicts and growing global turmoil, China's economy has maintained stable and sustained growth, driven by the country's economic resilience and social stability, Yu said. Denis Depoux, global managing director of strategy consulting firm Roland Berger, told the Global Times on Thursday that it is crucial to understand that this "growth consensus" is not a sign of weakness but a necessary trade-off to achieve higher-priority objectives. "In the context of rising global uncertainty, the growth target creates fiscal and political buffers for China to drive reform and address real problems without the pressure of chasing high growth at all costs. It allows for a significant reallocation of capital away from inefficient investments and toward the real needs of the economy, namely technology and people," Depoux said. Still, China's GDP growth target range, if achieved, would largely surpass the world's average growth rate in 2026 with the world economy facing unprecedented geopolitical and economic challenges and turmoil, analysts said. China's newly announced growth range for 2026 is a firm answer to the "China peak theory" and the Chinese economy is expected to serve as a source of stability for the global economy, they noted. Notably, the Chinese economy is projected to grow faster in 2026 than the US, Japan and the Euro area, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the US economy projected to grow 2.4 percent in 2026, 0.7 percent for Japan and 1.3 percent for the Euro area. The projected pace would also be among the highest for major economies globally, Shen said. "The growth target is definitely achievable - the target is set in a very practical and realistic way," Yin Tongyue, a National People's Congress deputy and chairman of Chinese automaker Chery Holding Group Co, told the Global Times as he walked out the Great Hall of the People after listening to the delivery of the Government Work Report in Beijing on Thursday. Pragmatic approach Foreign media outlets closely followed China's GDP growth target, with several reports noting that the target range is the lowest range in decades, but creates flexibility for reforms. Reuters reported that a "lower growth target gives Beijing more flexibility to implement reforms that make the world's second-largest economy less reliant on exports for growth", while the Guardian reported that the figure "reflects an economic strategy that is shifting away from export-led growth to a model that leaders hope will be more resilient to external shocks." The Wall Street Journal wrote that the "less ambitious growth target also gives Chinese leaders some room to maneuver the economy through complicated geopolitical terrain" and the unchanged deficit target should "give policymakers ample room to rev up government spending if needed." This is to do with the stage of economic development, as economic growth cannot sustain a continuously high speed, Qu Yongyi, a researcher with the Institute of Industrial Economics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and a national political advisor, told the Global Times on Thursday. "This target range reflects that the government is not solely pursuing GDP growth but is placing greater emphasis on high-quality development." Tian Xuan, an NPC deputy and a Boya Distinguished Professor of Finance at Peking University, told the Global Times on Thursday that the GDP growth target range is not about "slowing down growth" but rather a "recalibration" of the pace of development. "It represents the optimal solution found between long-term goals and immediate challenges - one that both upholds the baseline needed to achieve the 2035 vision and reflects a pragmatic approach to development," Tian said. "The modest downward adjustment is not a simple numerical change, but a pragmatic step grounded in economic reality and a move tailored precisely to long-term development goals." The "range-based regulation" sets a lower bound for growth while preserving upward flexibility and sufficient room for policy maneuvering all to safeguard the certainty of high-quality development. This also means that achieving the target will be anything but easy; it will require sustained and arduous effort, The People's Daily noted in a commentary published on Thursday. The commentary, titled China has set an economic growth target of 4.5 percent to 5 percent this year. How should we view it, said that to make further progress from an already high level, we must emphasize both quantity and, more importantly, quality. Can we go even faster? It's not that we cannot; it's that we choose not to. The very "first lesson of the new year" stressed curbing impulsive pursuit of governance achievements, carrying profound significance. "Pursuing genuine and unvarnished growth, and advancing high-quality, sustainable development." This demonstrates the determination to forge ahead despite pressure and strive for innovation and high quality, it said. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202603/1356399.shtml SOURCE Global Times BEIJING, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Currently, some observers have claimed that China's economic policies are "not strong enough" and that the country has done "too little to stimulate" growth. This "policy passivity" narrative is not only factually inaccurate but also misunderstanding and underestimation China's economic governance wisdom. The assertion that China has "done too little" reflects a misunderstanding of its approach, which combines an effective market with a proactive government. China's economy is an ocean, not a small pond. The strength of macroeconomic policy lies first in setting the course. China's economic development is characterized by foresight and stability. Five-year plans and sector-specific development plans serve as guiding signposts, pooling together the forces that drive growth. More than a decade ago, while many countries were still debating whether green transformation was necessary or feasible, the Chinese government had already proposed the development of strategic emerging industries, providing important directional guidance. From emerging industries to future-oriented industries, from "Internet+" to "AI+," these new fields, industries, and business models - pioneering global economic development and meeting the demands of future innovation - were initially regarded as high-risk, "uncharted waters." A proactive government safeguards the bottom line while acting as a navigator, whereas an effective market unleashes vitality, allowing enterprises to ride the waves competitively. The result is an economic order that is both dynamic and well-regulated. The claim that China's policies lack "intensity" fails to recognize the country's strategic determination to avoid "stimulus dependence" and steadfastly pursue high-quality development. This year's Government Work Report sets a GDP growth target range of 4.5 percent to 5 percent, deliberately leaving room for structural adjustments, risk prevention, and reform. While some remain fixated on GDP numbers, China's "new three drivers" are already making waves in global markets. The 15th Five-Year Plan focuses on cultivating future industries such as biomanufacturing, quantum technology, and embodied artificial intelligence. At the same time, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty, achieving a historic milestone in human development. The plan emphasizes meeting people's growing aspirations for a better life as the fundamental goal of economic and social development. Isn't this ability to concentrate resources through institutional advantages and plan for the long term the truest form of policy strength? China's policies are neither rigid nor mechanical. They are continuously refined in response to market dynamics and economic developments, reflecting a truly scientific approach. For example, fiscal and monetary policies maintain overall stability while making adjustments according to domestic and external conditions, minimizing fluctuations and creating a favorable environment for domestic and foreign enterprises alike. Ahead of the annual two sessions, the US-based Eurasia Review editorial noted that China is "embracing a more mature phase of development." China's targeted and calibrated policy approach not only avoids the aftereffects of abrupt policy shifts but also provides market participants with stable expectations - a hallmark of a mature economy's macroeconomic management. Evaluating China's economic performance requires more than looking at GDP growth; it also requires assessing quality improvements and resilience. Over the past five years, despite multiple shocks including geopolitical conflicts, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising trade protectionism, China's GDP has successively surpassed 110 trillion yuan, 120 trillion yuan, 130 trillion yuan, and 140 trillion yuan, maintaining a stable average annual growth rate of 5.4 percent. By comparison, according to IMF and World Bank data, global economic growth rate has been only 3.4 percent to 3.9 percent, fluctuating significantly across different years, with some developed Western economies growing at only around 1 percent. Beyond scale, China's economy has achieved qualitative leaps: manufacturing value added remains the largest in the world, technological self-reliance is accelerating, new quality productive forces are emerging, and high-value-added exports demonstrate strong resilience. In 2025, the number of newly established foreign-invested enterprises in China rose by 19.1 percent against the global headwinds. These tangible results are a key reason why global capital continues to place its trust in China. It is also worth noting that, amid the uncertainties posed by protectionism, China has consistently honored its commitments, coordinating with WTO members that share common understandings and principles. By upholding core principles such as most-favored-nation treatment and national treatment, lowering tariffs, shortening the negative list for foreign investment, advancing the scheduled independent customs operations of the Hainan Free Trade Port, promoting the stability of global industrial and supply chains, China has helped stabilize global industrial and supply chains and strengthened confidence in economic globalization. The so-called "policy passivity" claim either fails to grasp the deeper logic of China's model of "winning through quality" or deliberately distorts reality to profit from pessimistic narratives. According to Societe Generale, macroeconomic policies and structural reforms will remain key drivers of China's economic growth in 2026. China's economy is a giant ship with its own speed and course. It will neither lose its bearings due to external noise nor alter its direction because of temporary storms. By maintaining strategic composure, fully utilizing policy space, and steadily advancing high-quality development, facts and data will ultimately speak for themselves. This is the most powerful response to all forms of skepticism. SOURCE Global Times Milestone Summit to spotlight the future of the $6.8 trillion wellness economy in one of the world's fastest-growing wellness markets MIAMI, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the foremost gathering of leaders in the global wellness economy, has announced that its 20th annual conference will take place in Phuket, Thailand from November 10-13, 2026. The landmark eventwhich will be the largest Global Wellness Summit to datewill convene CEOs of leading wellness companies, physicians and academics, investors, technology innovators, and policymakers for four dynamic days examining the forces transforming all eleven sectors of the wellness economy, from wellness tourism and physical activity to mental wellness, beauty, spas, and wellness real estate, with a lens on the evolving longevity landscape. Global Wellness Summit has announced that its 20th annual conference will take place in Phuket, Thailand from November 10-13, 2026 This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Global Wellness Summittwo decades in which the organization has helped define, track, and catalyze the extraordinary expansion of the global wellness industry. Now valued at $6.8 trillion, the sector reflects both ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation. Thailand, with its deep heritage of traditional healing and its emergence as a global hub for medical wellness and longevity science, embodies this powerful dualitymaking it an ideal destination to honor wellness's storied past while exploring its high-tech future. Among the world's top 25 wellness markets, Thailand ranked #7 in wellness market growth from 2023 to 2024 (at 10.1%), according to GWI's latest Global Wellness Economy: Country Ranking Report . Even more striking, its wellness tourism sector expanded by 36.4%approximately three times the global averageunderscoring the country's growing influence as a premier wellness destination. "As we mark 20 years of bringing together the visionaries and decision-makers shaping the wellness economy, hosting the Summit in Thailand feels especially meaningful," said Susie Ellis, chair and CEO of the Global Wellness Summit. "Thailand represents the full spectrum of what wellness has becomerooted in centuries-old healing traditions, yet boldly investing in medical innovation, longevity science, and integrative health. It's a place where wellness is not a trend but a way of life. For our 20th anniversary, we wanted a destination that reflects both the heritage and the horizon of wellnessand Thailand captures that perfectly." Thailand has long been recognized as a global wellness leader. Conde Nast Traveler has praised its "legendary hospitality and holistic healing traditions," while Travel + Leisure consistently ranks Thai retreats such as Chiva-Som and Kamalaya among the world's best. Forbes Travel Guide has awarded multiple Thai properties five-star status, and both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal have highlighted the country's strength in blending traditional healing with modern preventive and medical wellnesscementing Thailand's reputation as one of the world's most comprehensive wellness destinations. Host sponsors for the 2026 GWS are the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Amazing Thailand, and the Ministry of Public Health, Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine. Registration is now open; new delegates can request an invitation here. Accredited media can apply to attend here . About the Global Wellness Summit: The Global Wellness Summit brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $6.8 trillion global wellness economy. In addition to an annual conference held at a different location around the globe, GWS also hosts annual in-person events such as the Wellness Real Estate & Communities Symposium along with virtual gatherings, including Wellness Master Classes and Wellness Sector Spotlights. The organization's Future of Wellness report forecasts the top wellness trends for the year ahead and is oft-quoted in the media. The 20th annual Global Wellness Summit will be held in Phuket, Thailand, November 10-13, 2026. SOURCE Global Wellness Summit Spring, Texas-based veterinary teleradiology leader receives three major industry recognitions in 2026, including the Silver Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year and the People's Choice Stevie Award for Favorite Customer Service, presented last night in New York City. SPRING, Texas, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden Hour, a leading provider of veterinary teleradiology and telemedicine services, today announced three major industry recognitions received in 2026. The company was named Veterinary Telemedicine Service of the Year 2026 by Healthcare Business Review, and its customer service team was honored with the Silver Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year and the People's Choice Stevie Award for Favorite Customer Service at the 20th Annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, presented last night at a gala ceremony in New York City. Veterinary Telemedicine Service of the Year 2026 Healthcare Business Review, a leading healthcare industry publication, named Golden Hour its Veterinary Telemedicine Service of the Year 2026 following an evaluation by an expert panel of C-level executives, industry thought leaders, and editorial board members. The recognition was based on Golden Hour's stellar reputation and trust among customers and industry peers, reflected in nominations received from the publication's subscribers. The award is featured in a two-page editorial profile in the March 2026 issue of Healthcare Business Review, available at www.healthcarebusinessreview.com/golden-hour-2026. Dual 2026 Stevie Awards for Customer Service Excellence At the 20th Annual Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, presented March 5, 2026 in New York City, Golden Hour received two honors: the Silver Stevie Award for Customer Service Department of the Year and the People's Choice Stevie Award for Favorite Customer Service. The People's Choice Stevie Award is determined by worldwide public vote, reflecting the direct support and recognition of the veterinary community Golden Hour serves. Golden Hour's customer service team has now won the People's Choice Stevie Award for Favorite Customer Service 11 times in total, including recognitions earned by predecessor companies. The company was also recognized as Employer of the Year through the Stevie Awards for Great Employers in both 2023 and 2025. "These recognitions reflect the dedication of our entire team to delivering excellence every single day," said Melissa Fields Tugwell, Co-Founder of Golden Hour. "Winning the People's Choice Award is particularly meaningful because it represents the direct voice of the veterinary community we serve. To be recognized by our clients through a worldwide public vote, alongside recognition from Healthcare Business Review and the Stevie Awards judging panel, confirms that the standard we've built board-certified specialists, no AI, no contracts, no minimums is exactly what veterinary clinics need and value." These 2026 recognitions add to a growing record of distinction for Golden Hour and its leadership. In November 2025, co-founder Melissa Fields Tugwell received the Silver Stevie Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Collectively, Golden Hour and its leadership team have earned more than 200 global honors across the Stevie Awards, the Globee Awards, the Titan Awards, the Vega Awards, the Viddy Awards, the Hermes Awards, the AVA Digital Awards, and the dotCOMM Awards, among others more than any other provider in the veterinary telemedicine industry. About Golden Hour Golden Hour is a leading global provider of veterinary teleradiology and telemedicine services, delivering fast, accurate, board-certified specialist interpretations to veterinary clinics worldwide. Founded by the original team behind PetRays the pioneering veterinary telemedicine company that earned Inc. 500 recognition twice Golden Hour operates on a simple standard: every study is interpreted exclusively by a U.S.-licensed, board-certified veterinary specialist. Never AI. Never a resident. Never overseas. No contracts. No minimums. No exceptions. Golden Hour is headquartered in Spring, Texas. Learn more at goldenhourvet.com. Media Contact Golden Hour [email protected] (346) 413-8300 goldenhourvet.com SOURCE Golden Hour CHICAGO, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HSG Laser successfully hosted its 2026 U.S. Distributor Conference and Open Day in Chicago, bringing together key distributors and partners from across North America. The event provided an opportunity for HSG's North American leadership team and channel partners to review the company's 2025 performance and discuss strategic priorities for the region in 2026. HSG Hosts 2026 U.S. Distributor Conference in Chicago The year 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of HSG Laser. Over the past year, the company continued to achieve steady global growth. In 2025, overseas revenue accounted for 60% of HSG's total global business, with North America emerging as one of the company's fastest-growing markets. The region recorded approximately 200% year-over-year growth, becoming a key driver of HSG's global expansion. The conference gathered HSG's major U.S. channel partners from across the country. Through the event, HSG and its distributor network reviewed market achievements over the past year and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and expanding the company's presence in the North American metal fabrication market. During the conference, Rakesh Kumar, President of HSG North America, shared the company's regional strategy for 2026. Moving forward, HSG will continue strengthening its local service capabilities, product support, and regulatory compliance framework in North America. The company also plans to establish a dedicated local automation solutions team, supporting the transition from traditional equipment sales to a solution-driven sales model focused on improving customer productivity. By integrating laser equipment, automation systems, and workflow optimization, HSG aims to deliver comprehensive manufacturing solutions that help customers achieve higher efficiency and stronger return on investment. To support the continued growth of the region, HSG also plans to expand its U.S. team in 2026, adding additional positions across sales, technical support, and service operations to further enhance support for customers and distributors. "North America is a strategically important market for HSG," said Rakesh Kumar, President of HSG North America. "The strong growth we achieved over the past year would not have been possible without the dedication of our distributor partners and the continued trust of our customers. Looking ahead, we will further invest in local service, technical support, and solution capabilities. With the establishment of our automation solutions team and the upcoming Geneva Technical & Solution Center, we aim to provide North American manufacturers with more comprehensive and efficient manufacturing solutions while growing together with our channel partners." During the event, HSG also announced the launch of its new facility in Geneva, Illinois. The site spans approximately 77,000 square feet (about 7,150 square meters) and is currently operating as a parts warehouse and machine inventory center. By Q3 2026, the facility will be expanded into the HSG Geneva Technical & Solution Center, integrating technology demonstrations, application validation, customer training, and solution development. According to the company, the Geneva center will significantly enhance HSG's local service and technical support capabilities in North America. The facility will provide customers with improved opportunities for machine demonstrations, application training, and solution validation, while serving as an important infrastructure investment supporting the company's long-term growth in the region. With a continuously expanding distributor network, strengthened local service capabilities, and a growing focus on automation solutions, HSG is accelerating its long-term strategy in North America and working alongside partners to advance manufacturing productivity and intelligent fabrication technologies. SOURCE HSG LASER Recognized for his magnetic stage presence and multidimensional artistry, Hyunjin joins GUESS as a figure whose energy, creativity, and authenticity align with the brand's ethos of a fearless approach to personal style rooted in cultural impact. The collaboration reflects a shared vision: one that honors heritage while continuously pushing the boundaries of modern self-expression. Blending Hyunjin's global influence with GUESS' legacy of American denim, the campaign introduces a refined interpretation of "Modern Heritage," where timeless silhouettes meet contemporary attitude. Classic denim shirts, straight-fit jeans, striped tees, and denim cargo pants anchor the GUESS JEANS collection reaffirming the brand's enduring denim DNA through a progressive lens. "Beyond performance, Hyunjin is a creative force spanning music, dance, and visual art," says Paul Marciano, Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Guess?, Inc. "His sense of style, confidence and global influence make Hyunjin an amazing addition to the GUESS Family." As part of its continued global expansion, the company has strengthened its international presence through strategic retail openings in cities including Tokyo, Amsterdam, and Berlin, alongside campaigns featuring global talent and special activations that reflect the brand's ongoing evolution. This momentum culminates with the recent opening of the new GUESS JEANS flagship on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles; a symbolic homecoming that marks a bold return to the brand's California roots while signaling a new era of global expansion. "We're excited to welcome Hyunjin to the family. Music and culture have always shaped my perspective on fashion, and Hyunjin is a highly talented artist. We believe he truly represents a new era of expression for the brand," says Nicolai Marciano, Chief New Business Development Officer of Guess?, Inc. As global ambassador for both GUESS and GUESS JEANS brands, Hyunjin will lead worldwide campaigns and headline key brand initiatives, helping define the next chapter of GUESS through a perspective that is simultaneously heritage-inspired and future-focused. The collection featured on Hyunjin will be available at GUESS JEANS flagship on Melrose, online at www.guess.com and select worldwide GUESS stores from March 6, 2026. Denim laser customization service will also be available exclusively at the GUESS JEANS Melrose flagship for a limited time. For media enquiries, contact: Ivy Tam : [email protected] About Guess?, Inc. Guess?, Inc. designs, markets, distributes and licenses a lifestyle collection of contemporary apparel, denim, handbags, watches, eyewear, footwear and other related consumer products. Guess? products are distributed through branded Guess? stores as well as better department and specialty stores around the world. Guess? also markets, distributes and operates stores for rag & bone, a lifestyle fashion brand. As of November 1, 2025, Guess? directly operated 1,058 retail stores in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Guess?'s partners and distributors operated 507 additional retail stores worldwide. As of November 1, 2025, Guess? and its partners and distributors operated in approximately 100 countries worldwide. For more information about Guess?, please visit www.guess.com. About GUESS JEANS GUESS JEANS is an American west coast lifestyle brand rooted in a 40-year denim legacy. Conceived by Nicolai Marciano, GUESS JEANS embodies the next era of denim fashion, with a commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge innovation. GUESS JEANS offers a full line of core basics focusing on denim that encapsulates the timeless essence of GUESS, seamlessly blending the brand's rich heritage with a contemporary perspective. About Hyunjin Hyunjin is a member of the global K-pop group Stray Kids and an artist known for his powerful performances and refined, expressive artistry. With a distinctive sense of style and creative energy, Hyunjin continues to expand his influence across music, performance, visual expression, and fashion, connecting with fans worldwide and establishing himself as a leading cultural icon of his generation. SOURCE GUESS?, Inc. With the selection of Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, 47, to replace Kristi Noem, Donald Trump has placed one of the most loyal members of Congress to his agenda at the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A staunch MAGA supporter, Mullin is very likely to lead the department in line with Trumps immigration policy, aimed at achieving the largest deportation in U.S. history. His loyalty to Trump led him to support the former presidents wrongful claims of fraud in the 2020 election, which the Republican lost to Democrat Joe Biden. The Senate Republican majority leader has described him as the one who whispers to Trump about what is happening in the chamber and manages to influence him. He was a key representative for the president during the 2024 campaign, especially among Indigenous voters in the battleground states. Mullin is a member of the Cherokee Nation and currently the only Native American in the upper chamber. He serves on the Senate Committees on Armed Services, Appropriations, Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and Indian Affairs. The Senate still has to approve his nomination, but it only requires a simple majority in the upper chamber, where Republicans hold 53 of the 100 seats (Democrats have 45 and there are two independents). Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania has already announced that he will vote in favor of his appointment, and more lawmakers from his party are expected to do the same. Analysts describe Mullin as a candidate viewed more favorably by congressional Democrats than his predecessor, Noem, whose removal they had repeatedly called for. In his first remarks as the nominee for DHS secretary, Mullin said: The president and I have a really good relationship; we talk all the time. The senator admitted the decision was not a complete surprise, but said he wasnt expecting the call on Thursday. In a conciliatory tone toward Democrats who have been highly critical of the direction DHS has taken and continue to block the departments funding over disagreements over Trumps migration agenda he said: Yes Im a Republican, yes, I am conservative, but the Department of Homeland Security but my focus is to keep the homeland secure. Regardless of whether you support me or if you dont support me, regardless of what your thoughts are, Im here to enforce the policies that Congress passed, he added. Of his predecessor, Noem, he said that she was tasked to do a very difficult job. I think she has performed the best she can do under the circumstances, he said, but added that he believed there were opportunities to learn from her tenure and build off things that didnt go quite as planned. Mullin assumed office as senator for Oklahoma on January 3, 2023, after 10 years as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. A native of Oklahoma, he grew up on the family ranch in Westville, where he and his family still reside. He has been married to Christie Mullin for 28 years, and they have six children. On his X account, he describes himself as: Christian. Proud husband. Father of six. MAGA conservative. Bringing Oklahoma values to the U.S. Senate. A graduate of Stilwell High School, Mullin attended Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship until he was 20. He interrupted his studies to take over the family plumbing business, Mullin Plumbing, when his father died. In the following years, he expanded the company and started new businesses, including a restaurant. He is considered one of the wealthiest senators. In 2010, Mullin completed his undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in construction technology from the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. In 2018, he received an honorary doctorate from Bacone College, according to the biography on his official website. Mullin caused a scene on Capitol Hill when he challenged Teamsters union president Sean OBrien to a fight during a congressional hearing in 2023. While he was a member of the House of Representatives, the Ethics Committee reviewed his business dealings and, although it concluded that Mullin acted in good faith and followed the committees recommendations, determined that he should return $40,000 received by a company that he transferred to his wife in 2012. His departure from the Senate comes months before the midterm elections, in which the entire House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be elected. The governor of Oklahoma can appoint someone to fill the vacancy in the upper chamber until the November elections. Mullins departure adds uncertainty to the elections, in which the Republican Party is predicted to lose its majority due to Trumps falling approval ratings. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition MUMBAI, India, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- inde wild, the Ayurvedicinspired beauty brand cofounded by global influencer and entrepreneur Diipa BullerKhosla, announces its official launch at Sephora U.S., marking a defining moment in the brand's international growth and retail presence. The partnership represents inde wild's evolution from a digitallynative beauty favorite to a global prestige brand and underscores the growing presence of high-performing Indian beauty brands by being the one of the first homegrown Indian beauty brands on Sephora shelves in the United States. Diipa x inde wild inde wild will debut on Sephora.com on March 3, 2026, followed by an in-store launch in 178 select Sephora U.S. doors on March 13, 2026. Ahead of the launch, "Coming Soon" pages will be featured on Sephora.com, offering customers a first look at the brand's Ayurvedistrybased portfolio. "Sephora U.S. marks a defining chapter in inde wild's evolution from a digitally native community to a global prestige beauty brand," says Diipa Buller-Khosla, founder of inde wild. "From day one, we built inde wild around the belief that Ayurvedic wisdom and clinical science can coexist in a way that feels both elevated and accessible. Bringing Ayurvedistry to one of the most influential beauty retailers in the world validates that there is space and demand for culturally rooted brands that deliver real performance." Sephora represents inde wild's first major prestige retail partnership in the United States, following the brand's successful expansion into Sephora UK in late 2024. The Sephora U.S. launch builds on the momentum of the brand's global growth and is supported by a strategic $5 million investment led by Unilever Ventures alongside SoGal Ventures and True reinvesting, intended to accelerate international reach and retail scalability. "India and the US are two of the most influential beauty markets today, combining scale, influence and rapid growth and innovation. inde wild's launch with Sephora US reflects the strong credibility the brand has built in India and its ability to carry that momentum into one of the industry's most competitive beauty retail environments. As one of India's first homegrown beauty brands to enter major U.S. retail, from an investor standpoint, it's exciting because brands that can win meaningfully across both markets have significant growth potential" Rachel Harris, Partner at Unilever Ventures Since its founding in 2021, inde wild has cultivated a devoted global community with standout products that blend traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern cosmeceutical science, a fusion the brand calls Ayurvedistry. Hero SKUs include the Champi Pre-Wash Treatment Hair Oil, with one bottle sold every minute worldwide, alongside a curated range of serums, mists, and treatment products designed for daily beauty rituals. "We're thrilled to partner with inde wild and introduce their line of results-driven products to our clients. As a former participant in our Sephora Accelerate Program, inde wild unifies Indian Ayurvedic traditions with scientifically proven formulas to brighten skin, address hyperpigmentation, and eliminate dryness. We look forward to welcoming this innovative brand to our Sephora community and know that their focus on simplified, expert-backed solutions will resonate with our clients." - Brooke Banwart, SVP Skincare Merchandising at Sephora US At Sephora, customers will discover inde wild's signature lineup thoughtfully formulated to support holistic skin and hair wellness, including bestsellers such as the 1% Bakuchiol, 15% Vitamin C Complex, Champi Hair Oil, Champi Bond Repair Shampoo and Conditioner. Each product is rooted in heritage ingredients and conscious chemistry, delivering ritual-centric performance for the modern beauty consumer. About inde wild Founded in 2021 by Diipa Buller-Khosla and Oleg Buller-Khosla, inde wild is built at the intersection of Indian superherbs and contemporary performance. Rooted in heritage ingredients and refined through modern science, the brand calls its philosophy Ayurvedistry, creating ritual-forward skincare and haircare designed to elevate everyday self-care. The brand's international footprint now spans direct-to-consumer channels and retail partners including Sephora UK and, beginning in 2026, Sephora U.S.For more information, visit www.indewild.com About Sephora Sephora is the world's leading global prestige beauty retail brand. With 50 000 passionate employees operating in 35 markets, Sephora connects customers and beauty brands within the world's most trusted and dynamic beauty community. We serve a highly engaged community of hundreds of millions of beauty followers across our global omnichannel network of more than 3 200 stores and iconic flagships, and our e-commerce and digital platforms, offering personalized and immersive seamless experiences across every touchpoint. With our curation of more than 300 brands and our own label, Sephora Collection, we offer the most unique and diverse range of prestige beauty products, tailored to our customers' needs from fragrance to make-up, haircare, skincare and beyond, as we constantly reimagine the world of prestige beauty. Since our inception in 1969 in Limoges, France, and as part of the LVMH Group since 1997, we have been disrupting the prestige beauty retail industry. Today, we continue to break with convention to drive our mission to expand the way the world sees beauty and empower the extraordinary in each of us. SOURCE Inde Wild BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At MWC Barcelona 2026, Inovance and China Unicom launched the Universe Ecosystem Co-Creation Platform, marking a new phase in their strategic collaboration. The Platform is designed to open up capabilities and resources, integrating China Unicom's atomic capabilities across four core business areas along with the distinctive capabilities of ecosystem partners. Zhu Ben, Vice President of Inovance Industrial Automation BG Overseas Business, attended the launch event. 1 This cooperation is rooted in a shared understanding of the trend toward industrial intelligence. The platform will fully integrate China Unicom's robust network, cloud, and computing resources on both IT and CT sides, along with Inovance's deep expertise in industrial control, drive systems, software solutions, and extensive industrial data (DT) practices on the OT side. Through complementary capabilities and an open ecosystem, both parties are committed to building an industrial value collaboration system that enables seamless data flow, agile application innovation, and intelligent closed-loop decision-making, offering end-to-end services for intelligent upgrading across industriesfrom connectivity and computing to scenario-based intelligence. This collaboration aims to systematically address core challenges faced by manufacturing enterprises, such as data silos and difficulties in IT/OT integration, giving rise to new production models that are more flexible, efficient, and intelligent. Industrial wireless communication is a key enabling technology for building fully connected factories and achieving manufacturing flexibility. Inovance's independently developed INO AIR high-performance wireless solution has demonstrated its reliable performance in multiple complex industrial scenarios. Based on a shared understanding of technology evolution, China Unicom and Inovance will conduct close joint research and innovation in cutting-edge fields such as industrial wireless communication, jointly exploring new applications and solutions for the integration of 5G-A, 6G, and industrial networks. Through deepening collaboration, both parties aim to contribute to the maturity of future industrial communication technologies and the accumulation of industry best practices, actively promoting the prosperity and advancement of the entire industrial ecosystem, thereby providing a highly practical "Chinese Solution" for the digital transformation of global manufacturing. About Inovance: Inovance Group, founded in 2003, is a global leader in industrial automation with 2024 revenues totaling 5.2bn. The company is headquartered in Shenzhen, China. The product portfolio includes Low Voltage AC Drives, Medium Voltage Drives, Servo Drives & Motors, Intelligent Controllers, Industrial Robots, Electric Vehicle Inverters, Light Rail Transit Converters and Industrial Internet. https://www.inovance.com/global Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927827/1.jpg NEW YORK, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. ("Northern Dynasty" or the "Company") (NYSE: NAK). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Northern Dynasty and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On February 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") filed a brief in U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska, supporting the Environmental Protection Agency's veto of the Company's proposed Pebble Mine in Southwest Alaska. On news of the DOJ brief, Northern Dynasty's stock price fell $0.80 per share, or 39.41%, to close at $1.23 per share on February 18, 2026. Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP BOSTON, March 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mowi CP of Americas, a subsidiary of Mowi, the world's largest producer of farm-raised salmon, is set to make waves once again at Seafood Expo North America (SENA) 2026 with its most ambitious presence yet. Returning for another year to the industry's premier North American seafood event, Mowi will unveil a completely redesigned booth experience, showcase category-leading innovations, and preview a major packaging transformation across its MOWI, Ducktrap, and Marine Harvest by Mowi brands. Our team is ready to connect at #SENA 2026. Stop by to explore how Mowi and Ducktrap can help grow your seafood category. Mowi skin-packed salmon variety, expertly prepared and packaged for freshness, quality, and consistent performance across retail and foodservice. Located in a prime, hard-to-miss position on the show floor, Mowi CP of Americas' 1,600-square-foot booth (Booth #217) has been thoughtfully designed in collaboration with top booth architects and designers. The new space brings Mowi's brand vision to life with interactive features to explore, expanded seating for deeper conversations, and dedicated areas highlighting retail, foodservice, and culinary innovation. At SENA 2026, attendees will experience the full breadth of Mowi CP of Americas' portfolio from trusted core product lines to exciting newness across fresh, smoked, and frozen salmon. The booth will spotlight: MOWI brand fresh, smoked, and frozen salmon, including lines that have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal fresh, smoked, and frozen salmon, including lines that have earned the MOWI and Ducktrap brands innovations , featuring new product platforms and on-trend flavor profiles Ducktrap , featuring new product platforms and A first look at Mowi CP of Americas' new 2026 packaging identity , designed to rejuvenate the MOWI, Ducktrap, and Marine Harvest by Mowi brands Ducktrap's new packaging, developed over many months, will begin rolling out in 2026 and transition fully through 2027 , designed to rejuvenate the MOWI, Ducktrap, and Marine Harvest by Mowi brands A dedicated Foodservice section for operators looking to explore tailored solutions and premium salmon offerings Beyond the booth, Mowi CP of Americas will take center stage at the Food Innovation Pavilion, where for the first two days of the show, guests can taste innovation firsthand. Celebrity Chef George Duran will prepare a curated menu featuring MOWI and Ducktrap products, including standout items such as the MOWI Fjord Salmon Burger and Ducktrap's Hot Honey Cold Smoked Salmon, Hot Honey Smoke Roasted Salmon and Lightly Smoked Salmon. Throughout the show, Mowi CP of Americas will reinforce its commitment to sustainability through Leading the Blue Revolution, Mowi's global strategy focused on responsible farming, high food standards, innovation, and feeding a growing population with healthy, sustainable protein. "Seafood Expo North America is where our brands, our people, and our ambition truly come together," said Diana Dumet, Senior Director of Marketing & Category, Mowi CP of Americas. "This year, we're raising the bar with a completely new booth experience, exciting product innovations, and a bold new packaging direction that signals where we're headed next. From retail to foodservice, from trusted favorites to trend-forward flavors, SENA 2026 is our opportunity to show how Mowi CP of Americas continues to lead with purpose, creativity, and passion for great salmon." Seafood Expo North America 2026 takes place at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, March 1517, 2026. Visit Mowi CP of Americas at Booth #217. For full details and program listings, visit https://www.seafoodexpo.com/north-america/. About Mowi Mowi is the world's leading producer of sustainable farm-raised salmon, dedicated to delivering the highest quality seafood products with an unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. With operations in 26 countries, Mowi is at the forefront of sustainable aquaculture, producing premium salmon known for its exceptional flavor, texture and nutritional value. Learn more about Mowi and its full range of products at https://mowisalmon.us/products/. https://www.facebook.com/mowisalmon.us/ https://www.instagram.com/mowisalmon.us/ https://www.youtube.com/@MOWISalmonUS About Ducktrap Over 40 years, Ducktrap River of Maine has gone from two workers to 100+ employees. What started as a small trout farm selling to local businesses has blossomed into a full scale 125,000 sq. ft. smoked seafood campus. Today all four of our brands (Ducktrap, Kendall Brook, Winter Harbor, Spruce Point) are sold across the United States. https://ducktrap.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ducktrapriverofmaine/ https://www.instagram.com/ducktrapriverofmaine/ https://www.youtube.com/@ducktrap https://uk.pinterest.com/ducktrapsince1978/ For media enquiries: Kathryn Hudson-Melians Trade Marketing Manager Mowi CP of Americas Phone: 305-794-5420 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Mowi USA TORONTO, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Power Metallic Mines Inc. (the "Company" or "Power Metallic") (TSX-V: PNPN) (OTCBB: PNPNF) (Frankfurt: IVV) Power Metallic has engaged, in the past 12 months, Native Ads, Inc., Apaton Finance GmbH and Sideways Frequency LLC to provide investor relations, public relations, marketing and other related services, including the marketing of the Company or its securities. All of such relationships have been disclosed in the Company's news releases (see November 4, 2025 news release) and filed with the TSX Venture Exchange. Each of Native Ads, Inc., Apaton Finance GmbH and Sideways Frequency LLC are arm's-length, third party marketing firms contractually retained by the Company in accordance with routine industry practice to provide investor relations services, as previously announced by the Company. Sideways Frequency LLC was paid an additional USD100,000 under the terms of its contract with the Company, in addition to the amount noted in the November 4, 2025 news release. As part of the Company's efforts towards investor awareness, the above-named third party providers organize and facilitate the creation and distribution of marketing material under their engagements with the Company. The third party providers utilize the Company's public disclosure to create content and the Company overall retains control over the content of the marketing material. As set out in the Company's November 4, 2025 news release, digital media advertising, social media commentary, articles and email campaigns about the Company were part of the services the Company had arranged. The marketing material was available through YouTube, Instagram and other online platforms ("Marketing Activity"). All content was based on publicly available disclosures, including the Company's press releases, corporate presentation and financial statements. The statements made in the marketing material were not materially false or misleading. The Company will continue such Marketing Activity throughout the term of the existing engagements to continue efforts to drive investor awareness towards the Company. The OTC Markets Group Inc. ("OTC Markets") has requested the Company to issue this statement regarding the recent promotional/Marketing Activity concerning the Company and its common shares traded on the OTCQX marketplace. In addition, after inquiring with its management, directors, officers, control persons and third party service providers (other than Native Ads, Inc., Apaton Finance GmbH and Sideways Frequency LLC ), the Company confirms that none of such parties have directly or indirectly been involved in any way with the creation, distribution or payment of marketing materials related to the Company and its securities, except as described in this press release; or sold or purchased the Company's securities in the past 90 days, except in connection with the exercise of outstanding stock options or warrants of the Company (for which directors and officers have disclosed such purchases and/or sales on SEDI). Other than as previously disclosed in the Company's public continuous disclosure filings, the Company has not issued any shares or convertible instruments allowing conversion to equity securities at prices constituting a discount to the current market rate at the time of the issuance. About Power Metallic Mines Inc. Power Metallic is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing the Nisk Project Area (NiskLionTiger)a highgrade CopperPGE, Nickel, gold and silver systemtoward Canada's next polymetallic mine. On 1 February 2021, Power Metallic (then Chilean Metals) secured an option to earn up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (TSXV: CRE). Following the June 2025 purchase of 313 adjoining claims (~167 km) from LiFT Power and the staking of land in the Lion Zone area (100 km) the Company now controls 313 km and roughly 50 km of prospective basin margins. Power Metallic is expanding mineralization at the Nisk and Lion discovery zones, evaluating the Tiger target, and exploring the enlarged land package through successive drill programs. Beyond the Nisk Project Area, Power Metallic indirectly has an interest in significant land packages in British Columbia and Chile, by its 50% share ownership position in Chilean Metals Inc., which wase spun out from Power Metallic via a plan of arrangement on February 3, 2025. It also owns 100% of Power Metallic Arabia which owns 100% interest in the Jabul Baudan exploration license in The Kingdon of Saudi Arabia's JabalSaid Belt. The property encompasses over 200 square kilometres in an area recognized for its high prospectivity for copper gold and zinc mineralization. The region is known for its massive volcanic sulfide (VMS) deposits, including the world-class Jabal Sayid mine and the promising Umm and Damad deposit. For further information, readers are encouraged to contact: Power Metallic Mines Inc. The Canadian Venture Building 82 Richmond St East, Suite 202 Toronto, ON Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others: the impact of Marketing Activity; the timing for various drilling plans and the receipt of results from drilling conducted; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward and conduct drilling and exploration; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry. SOURCE Power Metallic Mines Inc. WASHINGTON, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PPMD is proud to share our partnership with the Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group (CINRG) to advance the expanded Duchenne Natural History Study (eDNHS) study. Joining PPMD in support of the eDNHS study is Insmed Gene Therapy, LLC; ITF Therapeutics, LLC; NS Pharma, Inc; Santhera Pharmaceuticals (Switzerland), Ltd; Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc; Solid Biosciences Inc; TRiNDS, LLC; and the University of California, Davis. The eDNHS is an expanded continuation of the previous Duchenne Natural History Study, which ran from 2005-2016. The study is sponsored by the University of California, Davis and is active and enrolling at ten sites world-wide and includes sites in the United States (6), Canada (2), Australia (1) and India (1). The data resulting from this long-term observational study in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) benefits the Duchenne community by facilitating development and approval of novel therapies and improving global clinical practice and policy guidelines. "We are thrilled that PPMD and six sponsors in the Duchenne therapeutic development space have joined together to advance our understanding of how Duchenne progresses in boys and men with Duchenne," explains Craig McDonald, MD, one of the eDNHS Study Chairs and University of California, Davis Co-Principal Investigator. "As more therapies become available to those living with Duchenne it is critical we collect data to understand the therapeutic impact and how to implement best care for our families." Boys and men with Duchenne are eligible to participate in the eDNHS regardless of functional status, participation in active or past clinical trials, or current or past therapies and medications . Study visits take place approximately every six (6) months to align with standard of care visit schedules and include questionnaires, medical history and medication review, and strength and function testing. To share more about the study, PPMD will host a community webinar on Wednesday, April 1st from 1:00-2:00PM EST. Registration for the webinar is available here. About Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy Duchenne is a genetic disorder that slowly robs people of their muscle strength. Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) fights every single battle necessary to end Duchenne. We demand optimal care standards and ensure every family has access to expert healthcare providers, cutting edge treatments, and a community of support. We invest deeply in treatments for this generation of Duchenne patients and in research that will benefit future generations. Our advocacy efforts have secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and won eight FDA approvals. Everything we doand everything we have done since our founding in 1994helps those with Duchenne live longer, stronger lives. We will not rest until we end Duchenne for every single person affected by the disease. Join our fight against Duchenne at EndDuchenne.org . Follow PPMD on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube . About the Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group The Cooperative International Neuromuscular Research Group (CINRG) is a consortium of medical and scientific investigators from academic and research centers who share the common goal of wanting to positively impact the lives of neuromuscular disease patients and their families by conducting well-controlled clinical studies. For more information, please visit the CINRG Website. SOURCE Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) PHILADELPHIA, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Prelude Solutions approaches its 10-year anniversary, the company has been named a 2026 Partners in Philanthropy Award Winner by The Philadelphia Business Journal, alongside WBEC-East for philanthropic impact generated through the Prelude Cares Network (PCN). In addition, Steve Grandizio, Managing Director of PCN and Executive Director of Little Smiles PA, has been selected as a 2026 Faces of Philanthropy honoree by The Philadelphia Business Journal, recognizing his nonprofit leadership and community impact across the region. Prelude Solutions is a Philadelphia-based, women-owned technology cost optimization consulting firm that helps mid-market and enterprise organizations reduce telecom and technology expenses, improve vendor performance, and gain greater control over their technology environments. Through a success-based model, Prelude uncovers measurable savings that allow clients to operate more efficiently. The company's philanthropic impact is driven through the Prelude Cares Network (PCN), a model that directs a portion of Prelude's earned revenue not client savings to nonprofit partners. Through engagements with clients, including corporate members within the WBENC network, Prelude generates revenue from successful cost optimization projects and allocates a percentage of that revenue to support nonprofit organizations. Through its membership with The Satell Institute, Prelude has committed $100,000 to WBEC-East, to be fulfilled in 2026, supporting the advancement of women-owned businesses. The funds will expand certification access, business development programming, executive education, and connections to corporate and government contracting opportunities that strengthen economic mobility for women entrepreneurs across the region. "We've built Prelude on the belief that business success and community impact should grow together," said Catherine Heaman, Founder and CEO of Prelude Solutions. "Being recognized in our 10th year by The Philadelphia Business Journal reinforces that our model works delivering value to clients while reinvesting in the community." Grandizio's recognition as a Faces of Philanthropy honoree reflects his longstanding nonprofit leadership through Little Smiles PA, where he has expanded programs serving children in need, while also spearheading the growth of PCN at Prelude. In his dual roles, Grandizio bridges the nonprofit and corporate sectors, strengthening partnerships, expanding access to funding, and helping organizations collaborate in new, sustainable ways. "This honor represents the incredible work happening at Little Smiles and the growing impact of PCN," said Grandizio. "When business leaders and nonprofit organizations align around shared purpose, the results extend far beyond any single program." PCN members Little Smiles PA and Sow Good Now are also among this year's honorees, underscoring the collaborative strength of the network. Prelude was also recognized by The Philadelphia Business Journal as a 2025 Partners in Philanthropy honoree alongside Help Hope Live, further demonstrating the company's sustained commitment to nonprofit collaboration and measurable community investment. As Prelude enters its second decade, the company remains focused on scaling a model where operational excellence, revenue growth, and community investment move together staying true to its founding mission while always reaching higher. For more information, visit www.preludesolutions.com, https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2026/02/19/faces-of-philanthropy-2026-honorees-philadelphia.html, https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2026/02/19/partners-in-philanthropy-2026-honorees-philly.html Media Contact: Prelude Solutions | [email protected] | 877-930-4077 SOURCE Prelude Solutions BEIJING, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn: China should deploy professional managers to its villages to oversee economic development and free up local officials to focus on governance, a national political adviser said, arguing the move will help unlock sustainable growth in the countryside. Speed Speed The proposal from Zhou Li'an, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and an expert on rural economy and regional development, comes as China shifts its focus from poverty alleviation to a broader rural vitalization strategy aimed at further narrowing the urban-rural divide. Under the current system, village secretaries of Communist Party of China and officials typically handle both administrative duties and commercial development. "Village officials are more suited for political governance or traditional roles, but they are not good at economic management," Zhou said. "You need professional people to do this professional work." Zhou's proposal is set to feature in discussions at the ongoing two sessions the annual meetings of the nation's top legislature, the National People's Congress, and the top political advisory body, the CPPCC National Committee where rural vitalization is among the critical topics up for discussion. While acknowledging the idea may spark debate, Zhou said such structural reforms are essential for the long-term success of the countryside. Zhou, director of Peking University's Faculty of Economics and Management, pointed to the emergence of "rural CEOs" in prosperous regions like Zhejiang province as a model. These individuals often young, urban-trained professionals returning to the countryside focus exclusively on commercial strategies such as building brands, managing collective assets and developing high-value industries. "By separating these roles, we can create positions and space for professionals to play a big role," he said. The idea of professional economic managers in rural areas has gained attraction in recent years among economists as China steps up its rural vitalization efforts. Speaking at a forum in Beijing on Dec 21, Sun Qixin, president of China Agricultural University, said the country faces a shortage of professionals who combine technological expertise with business and management skills as rural industries increasingly integrate agriculture, manufacturing and services. The conference took place after "rural collective economy managers" were formally recognized by national authorities as a new profession earlier that month. Beyond governance reform, Zhou said attracting private investment remains critical to rural development, but businesses need clear profit incentives. "Market players are profit-driven. They need to see real and sustainable profit opportunities," he said. He urged local governments to showcase the diverse economic potential of rural areas beyond agriculture, including rural tourism, wellness retreats and cultural industries. "Unused farm homes can be renovated into guesthouses. Traditional crafts can be turned into educational workshops," Zhou said. He also called for developing industry clusters that integrate production, processing, logistics and services into coordinated systems, lowering entry barriers for new businesses and reducing transaction costs. To de-risk investment, Zhou suggested local governments take equity stakes in promising ventures, sharing risks with private investors. Financial institutions should also design credit and insurance products tailored to rural needs, including government-backed guarantees and agricultural insurance programs. On rural e-commerce a crucial tool in China's fight against poverty over the past decade Zhou warned that many regions are falling into homogeneous competition, selling similar products and competing mainly on price. "Price wars focus on being the cheapest while ignoring value creation," he said. "The future of rural e-commerce is not just selling cheaper, but selling smarter and creating unique value." He advised local authorities to build regional brands with distinct identities based on local natural resources and industrial strengths. Each region should concentrate on one or two core products and establish high quality standards to protect its reputation, he said. Zhou also encouraged integrating e-commerce with agriculture, culture and tourism. Typically confined to indoor settings where they showcase local products, livestreaming studios could instead move directly into fields to broadcast crop growth and share local traditions. "This storytelling adds emotional value to the product's selling process," he said. Farmers and rural cooperatives should also diversify sales channels beyond major e-commerce platforms, exploring business-to-business options such as fresh food supermarkets and corporate procurement, Zhou added. SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn NEW YORK, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of shareholders of Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE: SAN) resulting from allegations that Santander may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public. So What: If you purchased Santander securities you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. The Rosen Law Firm is preparing a class action seeking recovery of investor losses. What to do next: To join the prospective class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=22671 https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=53703https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=47559 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. What is this about: On February 27, 2026, Reuters published an article entitled "Wall Street hit by UK mortgage lender collapse, raising fears of more credit 'cockroaches.'" The article stated that "Wall Street lenders on Friday were rocked by the implosion of little-known UK mortgage provider Market Financial Solutions Ltd, fueling concerns about wider losses among banks and reviving warnings of more "cockroaches" in the booming private credit industry." Further, it stated that Santander faces potential losses from the collapse. On this news, Santander's American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") fell 4.48% on February 27, 2026, and a further 3.2% on February 28, 2026. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. At the time Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. MUNICH, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, a global leader in PV inverters and energy storage systems (ESS), and Delta Capacity, a developer and long-term owner of utility-scale`battery energy storage systems (BESS), today announced a significant expansion of their partnership. At Energy Storage Summit in London, the companies signed a 1 GWh framework agreement for Sungrow's PowerTitan 2.0 energy storage solution, with projects planned for delivery and deployment within 2026. Sungrow signs 1GWh BESS framework deal with Delta Capacity The agreement supports Delta Capacity's strategy to build a diversified, pan-European portfolio of high-quality BESS assets designed for long-term ownership and operation. Delta Capacity is developing and acquiring projects across multiple European geographies, with a focus on Scandinavia, Germany, Southern and Central Europe and is prioritizing cutting-edge system design, efficiency, and reliability from technical configuration and safety architecture to construction execution and operational performance. Patrik Hes, Founder and CEO of Delta Capacity, said: "Our ambition is to build one of Europe's highest-quality BESS portfolios spanning several markets and to hold these assets long term.That means we place a premium on robust design, efficiency and reliability, and on partners who can deliver at scale. Sungrow is an excellent match for our approach. This 1 GWh framework agreement reflects both our rapid growth and our ability to execute large projects quickly while maintaining high standards." James Li, Vice President and Director ESS, Sungrow Europe, added: "This framework agreement strengthens our collaboration and combines Sungrow's proven PowerTitan 2.0 technology with Delta Capacity's execution excellence. Together, we will deliver reliable, high-performance storage projects that support Europe's energy transition and create long-term value." Delta Capacity: Rising star in Europe's clean energy transition Founded in 2022, Swiss-based Delta Capacity is driven by its vision to develop, acquire, and own and operate utility-scale battery storage across Europe, currently executing the largest project in the Nordics to date in Ange, Sweden. Delta Capacity has nearly 800 MWh under construction and targets the build-out, commissioning, and operation of more than 6 GWh of flexible assets by 2030. Sungrow: Global Player in Energy Storage Sungrow, recognized by BloombergNEF as the world's most bankable ESS and power conversion system (PCS) provider, will supply its liquidcooled PowerTitan 2.0 system. The technology significantly reduces both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX). The allinone ACDC block design featuring preassembled battery modules and PCS enables seamless integration and considerably shortens installation times. With PowerTitan 2.0, projects can actively participate in grid balancing, ancillary services, and energy trading, ensuring competitive advantages for all stakeholders. Recent ESS flagship projects of Sungrow in Europe include the largest BESS project in mainland Europe in Belgium (800MWh) and the Bramley ESS project in the UK (330 MWh). About Delta Capacity Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Switzerland, Delta Capacity develops, acquires, owns, and operates utility-scale battery storage assets across Europe. The company is scaling rapidly while maintaining a strong focus on asset quality, prioritizing high availability, efficient performance, and bankable operating outcomes. With nearly 800 MWh currently under construction and a 1 GWh pipeline targeted for 2026, Delta Capacity operates across the Nordics, Central and Southern Europe and delivers projects end-to-end from early development through procurement, construction, and commissioning with a clear pathway to build and operate more than 6 GWh of flexible assets by 2030. For more information, please visit: www.deltacapacity.com About Sungrow Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy technology, has pioneered sustainable power solutions for over 29 years. As of Dec 2025, Sungrow has installed over 1000 GW of power electronic converters worldwide. The company is recognized as the world's most bankable PV inverter and energy storage company (BloombergNEF). Its innovations power clean energy projects across the globe, supported by a network of 520 service outlets guaranteeing excellent customer experiences. At Sungrow, we're committed to bridging to a sustainable future through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled service. For more information, please visit: www.sungrowpower.com/en Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927725/Sungrow_DeltaCapacity_Signing.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg Azerbaijani national Elmina Aghayeva was arrested because her visa had expired in 2016. Intervention by the mayor of New York secured her release hours later On the long list of unjustified actions by ICE, Donald Trumps immigration police among others, that of the arrest of a five-year-old boy in Minneapolis or the deportation order handed down to an Iranian woman adopted in the U.S. half a century ago perhaps few stand out as much, due to their absurdity, as the arrest of Elmina Aghayeva, an Azerbaijani student of neuroscience and politics at Columbia, who in the early hours of February 26 was taken from the campus residence where she lives by federal agents. The first indication of the inexplicable arrest was a post by the 29-year-old on Instagram just half an hour after the operation, with a photograph that showed her in the back of the vehicle in which ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents had put her. Several factors immediately cast doubts over Aghayevas arrest, not just her quick social media post. First, there was the relatively long period without student arrests on campuses after the pro-Palestinian protests that swept the U.S. in the spring of 2024 and the subsequent crackdown by the Trump administration against their leaders. But even more suspicious was the young womans profile: an influencer specializing in lifestyle, beauty, and study techniques who had never written a single word on social media about the Gaza war or in defense of the Palestinian cause. Unlike activist Mahmoud Khalil, arrested as part of the government crackdown on campuses a year ago, and the dozen or so students who followed him, Aghayeva, with 114,000 Instagram followers, had never taken a political stance. Zohran Mamdani in New York, on January 6. Yuki Iwamura (AP) The third clue that definitively confirmed it had been a mistake or perhaps just overzealousness was her release a few hours later, through the intervention of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who spoke to Trump, with whom he had coincidentally met that same morning. Khalil, on the other hand, remained in an ICE detention center for three months and is still fighting in court against the deportation order against him for leading the protests on the Columbia campus. Aghayevas social media posts show the young woman studying in a white blouse and a light brown sweater draped over her shoulders, perfectly made up; her morning routines and study habits, dressed in trendy sportswear, at Pilates or hairdressing sessions, or in elegant outfits in the university library. Her esthetic, in keeping with her age, reflects the strong emphasis on body image and beauty common among so many women in the post-Soviet sphere. She also offers advice on managing the stress of being a university student and strategies for optimizing focus on notes. In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, confirmed the arrest of Aghayeva, an undocumented immigrant from Azerbaijan whose student visa was revoked in 2016 under the Obama administration for non-attendance. The statement also confirmed that Aghayeva had no pending appeals or requests from DHS. The federal agency struggled to defend itself against accusations that it had gained entry to the campus under the pretext of searching for a missing person. The building manager [where Aghayeva lives] and her roommate allowed agents into the apartment, the statement asserted, refuting the alleged ruse. While campuses are theoretically inviolable, law enforcement agencies must present a court-ordered search warrant to access them. ICE agents in New York, in October 2025. Eduardo Munoz (REUTERS) The irregularities surrounding her arrest didnt weigh as heavily, however, as Aghayevas public persona Ellie to her friends, whom many readily call a campus socialite. Very much in her role as a nonchalant celebrity its unclear whether the former precedes the latter, or has to be the other way around to succeed on social media the young woman posted a message on Instagram complaining about the numerous interview requests shes received and rejected, while simultaneously capitalizing on the situation with a dozen posts denouncing the arrest, which have boosted her influencer status. According to immigration records, Aghayeva has lived in the United States since at least 2016. Before enrolling at Columbia and moving to New York, she lived in Connecticut and North Carolina with her then-husband. The couple separated a few years ago and have no contact, her ex-husband, who is American, told the press. In the old residential building where Aghayeva lives, five blocks up from Columbias main campus, no one appeared to know her this Wednesday: the mere mention of her name made students quicken their pace as they entered and left the dormitory, whose lintel pompously reads Kings College (and has nothing to do with the real one in London). From there, she was taken, shortly after 6:00 a.m. on February 26, to an ICE facility in Lower Manhattan. Her followers learned of the event almost in real time: DHS illegally arrested me. Please help, the young woman wrote on Instagram. After being released hours later, she posted the following: Just got out a little while ago. Im safe and okay in an Uber on the way back home. Im so sorry I am in complete shock over what happened I need some time to process everything. Ill be back soon. But please dont worry. I love you all. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Italian Exhibition Group event on energy transition closes at Rimini Expo Centre with over 1,000 exhibitors, 530 hosted buyers and delegations from 59 countries. RIMINI, Italy, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KEY The Energy Transition Expo, IEG - Italian Exhibition Group's event of reference in Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean basin, came to a close today at Rimini Expo Centre after another intense edition full of new developments with results exceeding expectations. Total attendance grew by 10%, with foreign visitors up by 9% and a strong presence of investors. South Hall of KEY The Energy Transition Expo, Rimini Expo Centre. Covering 125,000 square meters of exhibition space and 24 halls, more than 1,000 exhibiting brands, of which 320 from abroad, showcased the most innovative products, solutions and technologies in the seven energy transition sectors. 530 hosted buyers and delegations from 59 countries were in attendance thanks to the support of the Italian Trade Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI). 412 journalists from around the world were accredited. With 160 high-quality and rigorously scientific conferences, KEY 2026 confirmed its status as one of Europe's most important energy events. Standing out due to the completeness of its exhibition and content, the show covered the most relevant issues of energy evolution with a specific focus on finance and the importance of energy efficiency for decarbonization, the development of energy storage solutions, and the growing use of AI to optimise power grids. The event, inaugurated by the Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, showcased European and non-European industrial and technological expertise while promoting international cooperation, particularly with the African continent in the new Africa Investment HUB area. Innovation and green jobs were the focus of the Innovation District, within the Expo, with 32 innovative start-ups and SMEs and the Green Jobs&Skills initiative, which fostered the encounter between job supply and demand in the field of sustainability. In conjunction with KEY, a new edition of the DPE International Electricity Expo also took place with focus on electricity generation, transmission, distribution, safety and automation ecosystems. The Event was organised by Italian Exhibition Group in collaboration with the Distributed Generation Association, a confederate of ANIMA Confindustria, and Federazione ANIE. KEY The Energy Transition Expo will be back at Rimini Expo Centre from 10th to 12th March 2027. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2928203/KEY_2026_IEG.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2902898/5840935/IEG_logo.jpg HENDERSON, Nev., March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- VolitionRx Limited (NYSE AMERICAN: VNRX) ("Volition"), a multi-national epigenetics company, today announces the completion of all validation and verification of the chemiluminescent immunoassay (ChLIA) version of its Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test with Fujifilm Vet Systems Co. Ltd ("Fujifilm Vet Systems") in Japan, allowing use of full automation rather than manual plates in central laboratories. Junichi Makino, President and Representative Director at Fujifilm Vet Systems, said: "We are excited to be the first in the world to utilize this centralized lab automation for the Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test, this is a big step forward from the current use of manual plates. "Since our launch of the Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test in July 2024, there has been an incredible amount of interest amongst Japanese veterinarians, indeed the number of veterinary hospitals registered to use the test in Japan already exceeds 1,700. "This automated test will enable a more rapid turnaround and high throughput to meet increasing demand." Dr. Jasmine Kway, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Volition added: "There are approximately seven million pet dogs in Japan. Given Fujifilm Vet System is a leading provider of diagnostic tests in this large market, it presents an exciting revenue opportunity for Volition. "Cancer is the leading cause of adult canine deaths and earlier detection can improve outcomes. The Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test is an accessible and affordable screening tool for dogs to aid in early cancer detection. "This automated test via the Immunodiagnostic Systems (IDS) i10 automated analyzer platform is the same platform Volition utilizes for its human products: Nu.Q Cancer, Nu.Q NETs and Nu.Q Discover, demonstrating the synergy across not only the Nu.Q technology platform but also between humans and dogs." Volition's supply agreement enables Fujifilm Vet Systems to sell and perform the Nu.Q Vet Cancer Test throughout its network of central reference laboratories in Japan. About FujiFilm Vet Systems FujiFilm Vet Systems is a subsidiary of FujiFilm Holdings Corporation, listed on the Tokyo stock exchange under ticker 4901. FujiFilm Vet Systems provides testing services centered on health checkups to veterinary medical facilities nationwide with relationships throughout the estimated 11,000 veterinary medical facilities in Japan. FujiFilm Vet Systems can also handle specialized examinations that cannot be performed at veterinary hospitals. In addition, they have established central reference laboratories at 10 bases in Japan and have led the market by providing services that quickly report test results by utilizing their testing and specimen collection network. About Volition Volition is a multi-national epigenetics company focused on advancing the science of epigenetics. Volition is dedicated to saving lives and improving outcomes for people and animals with life-altering diseases through earlier detection, as well as disease and treatment monitoring. Through its subsidiaries, Volition is developing and commercializing simple, easy to use, cost-effective blood tests to help diagnose and monitor a range of diseases, including some cancers and diseases associated with NETosis, such as sepsis. Early diagnosis and monitoring have the potential not only to prolong the life of patients but also to improve their quality of life. Volition's research and development activities are centered in Belgium, with an innovation laboratory and office in the U.S. and an office in London. The contents found at Volition's website address are not incorporated by reference into this document and should not be considered part of this document. Such website address is included in this document as an inactive textual reference only. Media Enquiries: Louise Batchelor, Volition, [email protected] +44 (0)7557 774620 Safe Harbor Statement Statements in this press release may be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that concern matters that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "aims," "targets," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "optimizing," "potential," "goal," "suggests," "could," "would," "should," "may," "will" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other topics, Volition's expectations related to revenue opportunities and growth, the timing, completion, success and delivery of data from clinical studies, the timing of publications, the effectiveness and availability of Volition's blood-based diagnostic, prognostic and disease monitoring tests, Volition's ability to develop and successfully commercialize such test platforms for early detection of cancer and other diseases as well as serving as a diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring tools for such diseases, and Volition's success in securing licensing and/or distribution agreements with third parties for its products. Volition's actual results may differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements due to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, results of studies testing the efficacy of its tests. For instance, if Volition fails to develop and commercialize diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring products, it may be unable to execute its plan of operations. Other risks and uncertainties include Volition's failure to obtain necessary regulatory clearances or approvals to distribute and market future products; a failure by the marketplace to accept the products in Volition's development pipeline or any other diagnostic, prognostic or disease monitoring products Volition might develop; Volition's failure to secure adequate intellectual property protection; Volition will face fierce competition and Volition's intended products may become obsolete due to the highly competitive nature of the diagnostics and disease monitoring market and its rapid technological change; downturns in domestic and foreign economies; and other risks, including those identified in Volition's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as other documents that Volition files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Volition's business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Volition does not undertake an obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances. Nucleosomics, Capture-PCR, Capture-Seq and Nu.Q and their respective logos are trademarks and/or service marks of VolitionRx Limited and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names referred to in this press release are the property of their respective owners. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, all references to "$" refer to the legal currency of the United States of America. SOURCE VolitionRx Limited About this content About Jamie Ashcroft Jamie Ashcroft, the News Editor for Proactive UK, has developed an impressive career in financial journalism, focusing on the small-cap sector for over fourteen years. Before joining the Proactive team, he was a stockbroker during the global financial crisis, a role that complemented his educational background - a first-class degree in Business and Economics and qualifications in software design and development. As one of the early external hires at Proactive in 2009, Jamie contributed... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. Surface Transforms (AIM:SCE) shares hit the skids this week, collapsing 98% after the brake manufacturer revealed that General Motors has decided to cut ties with the company, terminating a supply contract that was supposed to run until 2030. The news is as close to existential as it gets for a listed business. GM accounted for 84% of Surface Transforms' revenues in 2025, representing 15.3 million of sales and 85% of all brake discs sold. The American automotive giant has also provided the company with 14.4 million in advance payments and operational support since November 2024. In a statement to the Stock Exchange, Surface Transforms said GM was "re-sourcing its supply of brake discs with effect from 31st March 2026." The company added it had not yet spoken directly with GM about the decision, a detail that underscores how sudden and one-sided the termination appears to have been. The directors have moved quickly. They say they intend to immediately engage corporate restructuring advisers to protect stakeholder interests, language that signals the company's survival in its current form is far from guaranteed. Surface Transforms makes carbon ceramic brakes for high-performance cars, a technology it says delivers weight savings of up to 70% compared to conventional iron alternatives. It is a compelling product. The problem is the business built itself almost entirely around a single customer, and that customer has just walked out the door. The wider picture A turbulent week for global markets made its presence felt in the small-cap arena, with the AIM All-Share down 3.9% and below 800 for the first time since mid-January. For all that, it fared better than the FTSE 100, which fell 4.6%. Aferian PLC (AIM:AFRN) was among the casualties. Shares in the video streaming technology group were suspended from trading on AIM on Friday, down 37%, as it prepares for a potential administration process and the sale of its operating businesses. Central Asia Metals PLC (AIM:CAML, OTC:CAMLF) fared little better, falling around 25% after the miner warned of a shorter lifespan for its Sasa zinc-lead operation in North Macedonia. A new life-of-mine plan will result in a non-cash impairment charge of up to $120 million. A comprehensive review of 2025 performance now puts Sasa's mine life at 2034, five years shorter than previously envisaged, based on the Svinja Reka reserve and resource. Galantas Gold The week's biggest riser, and one of the strongest performers of 2025 so far, is Galantas Gold Corp (AIM:GAL, TSX-V:GAL, OTCQX:GALKF). A 780% advance is remarkable by any measure, but what makes it more striking is that it traces back to a single announcement made on January 7 that the market has taken its time to fully absorb. We touched on Galantas a few weeks ago when the stock first started moving. The story merits a closer look now. The company holds small-scale projects in Omagh, Northern Ireland, and Gairloch, Scotland. But last November it made a pivot, shifting its focus to Chile, where its primary asset is the Indiana gold-copper mine. Indiana sits in what geologists would consider elephant country, neighbouring globally recognised operations including Cerro Negro and Mantoverde. The catalyst for this year's move, though, appears to be the January 7 deal to acquire the Andacollo Oro gold project, a past-producing open-pit mine carrying a historical measured and indicated resource of 2 million ounces of gold, in a transaction worth more than $30 million. There is also a lower-confidence inferred resource of around 5 million ounces, which hints at the potential scale of the asset. Being open-pit and at surface is key. The ore is easier and cheaper to extract than material sitting kilometres underground, meaning the capital costs of rehabilitation are likely to be substantially lower than restarting an underground operation. Set that against a gold price above $5,000 an ounce, and investor excitement starts to make a lot of sense. Other movers Union Jack Oil PLC (AIM:UJO, OTCQB:UJOGF, FRA:1UJ0), down 62% over the past year, was buoyed by speculative buying that pushed the shares up 66% this week. For SkinBioTherapeutics PLC (AIM:SBTX, FRA:5KW) shareholders, hobbled by accounting issues and the departure of its chief executive, there was some relief, with the stock up 59%. It is still down around 35%, however, since the revenue recognition problems first emerged. Meanwhile, on-market share buying by the company bidding to acquire Deltic Energy PLC (AIM:DELT, FRA:7RC0) spurred that stock 50% higher. About this content About Lisa Uhlman Lisa Uhlman is an equities reporter at Proactive Investors, covering ASX-listed companies across the mining, energy, biotech and emerging tech sectors. With a background in legal and financial journalism, Lisa brings a sharp analytical lens to market news and corporate developments. Prior to joining Proactive, she reported for national trade publications and newswires, with a focus on court reporting, regulatory affairs and ESG-related business issues. Based in Sydney, she is... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Jonathan Jackson Jonathan Jackson is an experienced writer and editor. Over the past 20 years, he has worked in print and digital media across several business and finance titles amd is currently the Australian news editor at Proactive Investors covering the latest news for ASX listed companies as well as current financial trends. He was previously managing editor with Business First magazine, Wealth Creator Magazine and StocksDigital. Jonathan has interviewed some of the world's top CEOs and covered... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd (ASX:COB, OTC:CBBHF, FRA:COH) earlier this week reported an important technical milestone for its Kwinana Cobalt Refinery project in Western Australia after confirming that cobalt sulphate samples produced using its proprietary refining process meet strict battery precursor material specifications required by a prospective Japanese customer. Business development manager Joel Crane said the company had produced the cobalt sulphate samples at its Broken Hill Technology Centre before sending them to potential Japanese partners for testing. According to Crane, the material successfully met stringent trace metal purity and physical specifications required by battery precursor and cathode manufacturers. Crane noted that Japanese battery producers are known for maintaining some of the toughest material specifications in the global battery supply chain. He said achieving qualification represented a significant milestone for the company and for any emerging battery raw material producer. Key interview highlights Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd confirmed its cobalt sulphate samples met strict Japanese battery precursor specifications. The samples were produced at the Broken Hill Technology Centre using the companys proprietary refining process. Meeting the specification represents a major milestone toward a Final Investment Decision (FID) for the Kwinana Cobalt Refinery project in Western Australia. Japanese battery manufacturers are known for having some of the most demanding trace metal purity standards globally. The qualification forms part of a pre-FID consortium with a Japanese partner. Cobalt Blue is supplying Australian-made cobalt sulphate to the Cathode Precursor Production Pilot Plant in Western Australia. The facility is operated in collaboration with CSIRO, Curtin University and the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia. The project supports the development of domestically produced NCM batteries. Cobalt Blue is also collaborating with CSIRO on an R&D project to recover graphite from recycled battery materials (black mass). The companys proprietary refinery technology is attracting increasing industry interest. Development remains focused on the Kwinana Cobalt Refinery, with the company funded through the end of the year. Proactive: Welcome back to Proactive Investors. Ladies and gentlemen, Im your host Kerry Stevenson. Joining us is Joel Crane, Business Development Manager for Cobalt Blue Holdings Ltd. Joel, its good to see you. Some news out today. And by the way, ladies and gentlemen, the company is a leading metals processing company and Australia needs this processing capability. I really like what youre doing. Whats the news today? Joel Crane: Thanks for that introduction, Kerry. We released an announcement today covering a couple of key developments. Most importantly, we produced a sample of cobalt sulphate back in September and sent it to prospective Japanese clients. They recently informed us that it meets their very strict trace metal purity and physical specifications. The Japanese tend to have some of the strictest requirements among precursor and cathode producers worldwide. Meeting this specification is a major milestone and an important step toward a final investment decision. This qualification is required as part of the pre-FID consortium we have with our Japanese partner. Proactive: I want to understand that a little more. You said the specifications are very strict. Was there a lot of processing required to meet those standards? Joel Crane: Yes. Every battery material product contains small amounts of trace metals, and each battery company has its own specifications. Japanese producers tend to require extremely low levels of these trace elements. We had to go through several processing steps to reduce those trace metals to the required level. After producing several batches, we finally achieved one that met the specification, so were very pleased. Proactive: Is that a significant hurdle to overcome? Is this a big step forward for the company? Joel Crane: Yes, it is. It would be for any prospective battery raw material producer. These materials must meet strict specifications so that batteries remain safe and reliable. Battery makers are very particular about the materials used in their products. Meeting those requirements is a major milestone. Proactive: I also understand you have a couple of projects with CSIRO. Can you tell us about those? Joel Crane: Yes. Another item in todays announcement is that we were asked to provide cobalt sulphate produced at the Broken Hill Technology Centre to the Cathode Precursor Production Pilot Plant in Western Australia. This facility is a collaboration between CSIRO, Curtin University and the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia. They are producing an NCM battery and we are providing the cobalt sulphate component. In other words, we are supplying Australian-made cobalt sulphate that will go into a cathode used to produce one of the first domestically produced batteries. Proactive: Thats exciting. Is that the main project youre working on with them? Joel Crane: Thats one of them and its relatively straightforward because were supplying material weve already produced. Theres another project as well. CSIRO approached us a few months ago to assist with an R&D project aimed at developing a process to recover graphite from recycled battery material, known as black mass. They supply the black mass and we work together to find ways to extract graphite from it. The goal is to enable domestically produced graphite from recycled batteries. Proactive: One final question for our investor audience. Why should people be paying attention to ASX:COB right now? Joel Crane: Our key advantage is our patented refinery capability. As highlighted in the announcement, both the Japanese customer qualification and the collaborations with CSIRO demonstrate that the technology is attracting significant interest. Organisations are approaching the company to work on projects beyond our main goal of developing the Kwinana Cobalt Refinery in Western Australia. So investors should stay tuned for more announcements as further collaborations emerge. Proactive: And the company is fully funded until the end of the year, so its certainly an exciting time for Cobalt Blue. Joel Crane, thanks for joining me today. Joel Crane: Thanks, Kerry. Its been great. Provaris Energy Ltd (ASX:PV1, OTC:GBBLF, FRA:WS90) earlier this week outlined how a newly completed capital raise will support the next phase of development across the companys hydrogen and CO transport programs. Managing director and CEO Martin Carolan told Proactive the company had secured firm commitments to raise $1.325 million through an oversubscribed placement, with funds earmarked for key technical milestones in the lead-up to potential commercial outcomes. Carolan said the capital would primarily support the companys hydrogen prototype tank development and associated Class Approval workstreams, as well as operating costs linked to its Robotic Innovation Centre in Norway. He explained that Provaris Energy Ltd was progressing two parallel programs designed to enable the transport of green fuels across emerging energy supply chains. Interview highlights Provaris Energy Ltd has raised $1.325 million through an oversubscribed placement. Funds will support the companys 2026 development work program. Capital will primarily advance the hydrogen prototype tank and Class Approval program. The company is also progressing a liquid CO (LCO) transport program. The LCO FEED and Class Approval workstreams are funded by partner Yinson. Technical milestones for both programs are expected around mid-year. Provaris Energy Ltd is targeting commercial milestones and potential licensing opportunities by 2026. The companys hydrogen supply chain concept focuses on transport routes from the Nordics to Germany, limiting geopolitical exposure. Rising energy prices and supply security concerns are renewing investor focus on alternative fuels such as green hydrogen. The company expects to transition from development costs toward potential revenue opportunities next year. Proactive: Welcome back to Proactive Investors. I'm your host Kerry Stevenson. I've asked Martin Carolan, Managing Director and CEO of Provaris Energy Ltd, to join us. The company is developing green hydrogen and CO solutions, and energy is very much at the forefront of everyone's minds right now. Martin, it's been about a month since we last spoke and a lot has happened. Can you give us an update? Martin Carolan: Thanks Kerry. Firstly, we are delighted to have raised capital which continues the funding of our technical program. We have two streams underway. One is the final stages of our prototype tank for hydrogen carriers and the corresponding Class Approval process. That continues through to technical milestones around mid-year. From there we expect to start seeing conversion into commercial events by the latter part of 2026. At the same time, our CO program is progressing through front-end engineering design (FEED) and related cost approvals. That project is funded by our partner Yinson, so that workstream is fully funded. Overall we now have two programs moving forward with technical milestones expected mid-year and commercial milestones to follow, which gives investors a clearer line of sight on licensing and revenue opportunities. Proactive: Just for viewers who may not be familiar, FEED stands for front-end engineering design. What will the funds from the latest capital raise be used for? Martin Carolan: The funds will be directed mainly toward the hydrogen program, which we fully fund and where we own the outcomes of the development work. On the CO side we have partner funding from Yinson, which we jointly work on. So we have the right technical and commercial partners in place as well as funding assistance for that workstream. Proactive: Both hydrogen and CO transport relate to lower-carbon technologies. With energy prices rising again, particularly in Europe, does that increase pressure to accelerate development? Martin Carolan: If we look back to 2022 when the war in Ukraine broke out, energy prices surged and there was a strong focus on energy security. Over the last couple of years gas prices have eased, but the underlying issue remains that supply disruptions will continue for decades. As a result, access to alternative fuels such as green hydrogen becomes increasingly important. Gas prices in Europe have increased significantly again over the past year, which brings renewed attention to the sector. When there are concerns about supply security and price volatility, the relevance of greener fuels comes back into focus for investors. Proactive: Were investors asking questions about geopolitical risks when you were raising capital this week? Martin Carolan: Yes, some investors asked whether our shipping routes had exposure to the Middle East. Our supply chains are focused on transporting hydrogen from the Nordics to Germany, so they are contained within Europe. That means we are not exposed to areas like the Strait of Hormuz, which helps from a regional risk perspective. Proactive: And Europe is certainly in need of additional energy supply. Martin Carolan: Absolutely. Our focus has been on developing solutions that reduce capital expenditure and operating costs for hydrogen transport. If we can lower costs within those supply chains, it makes the solutions more competitive in markets where fossil fuel prices are rising. We expect completion of key technical milestones around mid-year, with commercial events potentially following later. We are also nearing the end of our development cost phase and looking toward revenue opportunities next year. Proactive: It sounds like 2026 could be a pivotal year for the company. Martin, thanks very much for joining us. Martin Carolan: Thanks Kerry. Behind the unexpected conflicts initiated by Donald Trump lies a strategic foundation that he summed up at the start of his term with drill, baby, drill a reference to the controversial fracking technique for energy extraction and that later took shape under the banner of energy dominance. Through his agreements with Saudi Arabia, Trump has managed to keep oil prices in a comfortable zone: high enough to be profitable for U.S. producers, yet still affordable for consumers. But his real strength lies in the gas market, where the United States maintains a dominant position. In the past, other U.S. leaders have avoided entering conflicts in the Gulf region because of the steep price their citizens ultimately paid in the form of higher fuel costs. Although the United States produces oil, its benchmark price is set internationally, and a global rise in crude prices reaches U.S. gas stations. But Trump who appears to be better advised on oil matters than in other areas saw that the slack in the oil market allowed him to intervene without paying such a high cost. As long as the war does not extend beyond a month, Saudi Arabias capacity to pump oil through pipelines is high, and Trumps mere suggestion of escorting oil tankers has kept the price of a barrel below $80. Two days before the start of the bombing campaign against Iran, the White House published an article highlighting the energy dominance Trump had achieved in his first year in office. The main achievement, the massive export of liquefied natural gas (LNG), is directly linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The White House states that in 2025, the United States set a historic new record by exporting more than 100 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in a single year the first country ever to achieve this milestone. The statement predicts that exports will grow and that the U.S. will meet the new demand thanks to the easing of restrictions on drilling. This global control over LNG, with the U.S. as the leading producer, gives Washingtin a new lever of power with which to instrumentalize its economic war. Qatars LNG company will halt its activity for at least four weeks, which means removing 20% of its production from the market. With Russia under sanctions, there are not many gas suppliers left from whom to buy to replace Qatari supply. So the first option will be the United States. In this case, the benchmark index for gas prices in the country, the US Henry Hub, is insulated from external fluctuations, meaning the domestic spillover effect is very limited. Dominating the gas market gives the United States an even greater strategic advantage than oil. Gas has been considered a transition energy by the European Union, which relies on this resource to generate electricity, with particularly high dependence in countries such as Germany. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the role of the United States has been increasing. And the conflict places it as the arbiter of global energy, says Javier Moret, an independent energy markets consultant with 25 years of experience in the LNG market. Selling energy at higher prices would help Washington reduce its trade deficit with other countries after the fallout from the Supreme Courts decision on Trumps tariffs. It wont change the lives of ordinary citizens, but it will be a major MAGA victory heading into the midterm elections. It would also help offset the high financial cost of the war, which is expected to wipe out the supposed federal spending savings made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Antonio Fonfria, professor of economics at Complutense University, points out that the 12-day war of 2025, following attacks on Iran, cost Israel $750 million per day. Based on this recent conflict, Fonfria estimates that the current conflict will cost around $1 billion per day. The largest portion of the budget is consumed by aircraft carriers, which, including air operations, spend between $6.5 and $8 million per day, according to calculations by the strategic consultancy SP STRATUM. The consultancy firm believes that, depending on the intensity of Operation Epic Fury, the expenditure will range between $280 and $832 million per day. Military sources provide other figures that provide a more detailed picture of the costs involved: $4 million per missile; 240,000 ($278,000) per hour of F-35 use; or 100 million ($116 million) for each F-15 shot down. Until now, China sourced 13.5% of its oil from Iran and 4% from Venezuela. With both supplies disrupted, the country has lost onefifth of its oil imports. This situation illustrates how the United States can pressure China by limiting access to key energy sources, especially at a time when analysts say Beijing has been gaining ground in the economic war. In fact, if China needed gas immediately, the supply it would most likely find on the market would be of U.S. origin. Part of it could come from Russia and, like other Asian countries, it also has the option of burning more coal. As Moret points out, in the current geopolitical landscape, Russia is one of the few countries with the capacity to increase its gas production, given its several pipelines that connect it directly to China. With its weakened economy, higher gas prices and increased demand from Asia would provide a much-needed boost to Moscows finances. Furthermore, Russia also benefits if the U.S. and Europe deplete their stockpiles to reinforce their position on the Ukrainian front. By contrast, one of the countries in the worst situation is Japan, Moret explains, because it has no pipeline connections; it has no coal; and it faces problems with its nuclear capacity. In the end, the greatest damage falls on one of Washingtons closest ally. South Korea is also in a very difficult position. Despite Europes heavy dependence on gas, the disruption is occurring in spring, when renewable energy output is typically strongest. With reservoirs full and the months bringing stronger winds and longer daylight hours, renewable generation can supply as much power as the grid can absorb. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Carnavale Resources Ltd (ASX:CAV, FRA:YBB) earlier this week outlined further progress at the Kookynie Gold Project in Western Australia after completing key drilling programs designed to support the projects bankable feasibility study (BFS). Managing director Humphrey Hale said the company had recently completed infill and grade-control drilling across the proposed open pits at the project. The work forms part of the technical studies required to advance Kookynie towards potential development. Hale explained that the drilling programs were aimed at gathering the detailed technical information required for the BFS, including geotechnical and metallurgical data. The company also completed geotechnical drilling to assess the stability of pit walls and collected samples for waste geochemical analysis. Interview highlights Carnavale Resources completed infill and grade-control drilling at the Kookynie Gold Project. Geotechnical drilling has been carried out to assess pit wall stability. Samples collected for metallurgical testing and waste geochemical analysis. Work supports the ongoing bankable feasibility study (BFS). The project is expected to require around $20 million in development capital. High-grade material includes 60,000 tonnes grading about 28 g/t gold for roughly 55,000 ounces. Earlier studies suggest a project NPV of around $290 million and $375 million in potential cash flow. Carnavale Resources is targeting production readiness in Q3 2026. The project currently hosts a resource of about 117,000 ounces of gold. Exploration within the broader tenement package could add further ounces. Proactive: Welcome back to Proactive Investors. Im your host Kerry Stevenson. Humphrey Hale joins us again, managing director of Carnavale Resources. The ASX code is CAV. The company has been advancing the Kookynie Gold Project in Western Australia. Humphrey, you have been moving quickly to advance the project towards production. What is the latest news? Humphrey Hale: The latest news is that the company has completed infill and grade-control drilling on both of the proposed pits at Kookynie. The company has also undertaken geotechnical drilling to assess the stability of the proposed pit walls. We have collected samples for waste geochemical analysis as well as metallurgical work. That includes crush-and-grind testing and recovery testing. We have also gathered material for variability testing. All of this work is about providing the detail and information required for the bankable feasibility study so the project can be properly de-risked. Proactive: Mining clearly involves a lot of technical work and detailed studies before production can begin. Humphrey Hale: Absolutely. The feasibility study is all about detail, and a bankable study allows the company to raise money to develop the project. The project itself does not require a lot of capital. In the earlier scoping study, the company estimated around $20 million would be needed from a maximum drawdown position to develop the project. There is around 60,000 tonnes grading about 28 grams per tonne for roughly 55,000 ounces, which is a very high-grade component of the project. At a gold price assumption of about A$3,700 per ounce, the project shows a net present value of around $290 million with approximately $375 million in projected cash flow. The work currently underway as part of the bankable feasibility study is aimed at preparing the project for potential production in the third quarter of this year. Proactive: What else is in the pipeline for Carnavale Resources beyond this project? Humphrey Hale: The main focus has always been to bring this valuable project into production and crystallise that value. However, the company continues to look for new opportunities beyond the current project. Within the Kookynie tenements there are also areas of exploration potential that have not yet been targeted. While the drilling program continues for the feasibility work, the company will also undertake exploration to try to add ounces to the existing resource of about 117,000 ounces. Proactive: Early cash flow could also reduce the need for further shareholder dilution. Humphrey Hale: Yes. The plan is to have the feasibility study ready and then determine the best development pathway. The company could develop the project itself, enter a joint venture, or potentially sell the project if the right opportunity arises. There are several options that could create value for shareholders. Proactive: Humphrey, thanks very much for the update. Humphrey Hale: Thank you. About this content About Angela Harmantas Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government. She earned a Bachelor of... Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. About this content About Stephen Gunnion Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Jaipur, March 6 : Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, while giving a directive during Question Hour in the House, said that only the names of elected public representatives should be written on plaques during the inauguration of all government buildings, irrespective of their party affiliation. Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar was responding to supplementary questions raised by MLA Shatrughan Gautam during the Question Hour on Thursday. He said that as per the rules, only the names of elected public representatives -- from Members of Parliament to Sarpanches -- should be written on plaques installed on government buildings. He added that if this rule is violated in the future, action will be taken against the responsible officials and employees. The Minister told the state Assembly that the construction work of the Maternal and Child Care Unit at Kekri District Hospital is almost complete and the facility is ready for inauguration. He said on Thursday that an inquiry will be conducted regarding the earlier inauguration of the unit before the completion of construction and the illegal inscription of names on the plaques. He also added that illegal inscriptions on buildings at other medical institutions across the state will be removed. Minister Khimsar alleged that the previous Congress-led state government hurriedly inaugurated the incomplete building of the Maternal and Child Care Unit at Kekri District Hospital just three days before the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct on September 30, 2023. He also said that names other than those of elected representatives were inscribed on the plaque, and the department had not even granted permission for the inauguration. Earlier, in a written reply to the original query raised by MLA Gautam, the Minister added that administrative approval of Rs 3396.81 lakh was issued under the National Health Mission Programme Implementation Plan 2021a"2022 for the construction of a 100-bed Maternal and Child Care Unit at Kekri District Hospital. He said that following this approval, a tender dated August 17, 2021, was issued for the construction work. Copies of the tender and the work order were laid on the table of the House. He also added that the process of transferring the facility will begin after the construction of the Maternal and Child Health Unit at Kekri District Hospital is fully completed. Since the building construction is still incomplete, the Medical and Health Department has not formally inaugurated the facility. As the earlier inauguration was not carried out under any departmental approval or process, no action is currently being considered against any officer or employee. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Jaipur, March 6 : More than 16 lakh women across Rajasthan have become 'Lakhpati Didis' due to the state government's initiatives toward women's empowerment and financial inclusion, officials said. "To provide economic support and employment opportunities for rural women, Rural Women's BPOs will be established at the district level with an expenditure of Rs 100 crore," officials added on Thursday. In addition, the loan limit under the Chief Minister Lakhpati Didi Loan Scheme has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh, further encouraging women entrepreneurship. Several innovative initiatives are being implemented through Grameen Aajeevika Vikas Parishad (Rajivika) to empower women. Under this year's budget announcement, the state government will provide buildings for offices and other purposes to 100 cluster-level federations formed under Rajivika. "Saksham Centres" for digital and financial literacy will also be established in these offices. By improving the branding, design and packaging of products made by self-help groups, 50 new enterprises will be developed in sectors such as dairy, textiles, footwear, millets and spices. The state government will also coordinate with national and international institutions to expand the marketing of these products. The state government is also working to promote women entrepreneurship. Raj Sakhi Stores will be established at all divisional headquarters to provide Rajivika-affiliated women with capacity-building support to help their enterprises succeed. For this purpose, centres for entrepreneurship and capacity building will be set up in all districts in a phased manner. Under the Chief Minister Nari Shakti Udyam Protsahan Yojana, the loan limit has been increased from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore. Additionally, around 5,000 women from self-help groups will be trained as "Banking Correspondent Sakhis". The state government will also develop 11,000 Amrit Poshan Vatikas to strengthen the livelihoods of women's self-help groups while ensuring the local availability of fruits and vegetables for mid-day meals in Anganwadi centres and schools. Early childhood care and education courses will also be conducted for Anganwadi workers, and 1,000 workers will receive specialised training from reputed institutions. This year's budget has also expanded the Kishori Balika Yojana, which was earlier implemented in the aspirational districts of Karauli, Dholpur, Baran, Jaisalmer and Sirohi. The scheme will now be extended to all 27 aspirational blocks of the state, enabling more than 50,000 adolescent girls to benefit from nutritional supplements. In addition, Chief Minister Shishu Vatsalya Sadan facilities will be established in government offices in a phased manner during office hours to provide care for children aged six months to six years. Women's safety remains a top priority for the state government. The number of Kalika Patrolling Units, which work to prevent harassment, domestic violence and other crimes against women in public places, will be increased from 500 to 600. Women's barracks will also be developed in 100 police stations. Additionally, female security personnel and guides will be appointed to strengthen the Tourism Assistance Force for the safety and assistance of tourists. Under the leadership of the Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, women are being empowered through schemes such as the Chief Minister Nutrition Nutri-Kit, Lado Incentive Scheme, Chief Minister Nari Shakti Training and Skill Enhancement, Chief Minister Nari Shakti Enterprise Promotion, Solar Didi and Lakhpati Didi. These initiatives have significantly benefited women, strengthening their economic status and increasing their participation in decision-making, while ensuring their active contribution to the state's development. Jammu, March 6 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has highlighted the immense potential of agriculture and allied sectors in the Union Territory, saying that initiatives such as the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) are playing a crucial role in nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem and promoting innovation-driven enterprises. The Chief Minister was addressing the Startup Outreach Programme on Thursday organised under JKCIP at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, jointly organised by the University and the Jammu and Kashmir's Agriculture Production Department. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Abdullah emphasised that the youth must transition from being job-seekers to job-creators by harnessing innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors. Emphasising the scope of agriculture in the Union Territory, the Chief Minister said, "When we come to deciding what industry should be set up? What is the potential in it? and if there is great possibility of success, then it is agriculture." "And with agriculture, we decide we have to set up this type of industry." He noted that there exists a widespread misconception that Jammu and Kashmir's economy is driven solely by tourism. "When I tell people that in our SGDP, agriculture and horticulture are equally significant along with tourism, they get surprised. They have no idea how strong our agricultural ecosystem is. Agriculture and allied sectors like horticulture, fisheries and apiculture together form a vast economic network," he said, adding that students today stand at a crucial juncture where they must take important decisions about their future careers. Highlighting the limitations of government employment, the Chief Minister candidly told the students that not everyone could secure government jobs. "You all know that if I stand up and say that every one of you will get a government job, within a year I will prove myself wrong." "Because the truth is that all of you cannot get government jobs. Some will, but many will not. So what will the rest do?" CM Abdullah asked. Explaining the region's economic realities, the Chief Minister said that unlike areas endowed with resources such as coal, iron ore or oil, Jammu and Kashmir must build industries based on its existing strengths. "If we had coal under the ground or iron ore or oil like some other regions, perhaps we could have set up big factories here. But that is not our reality. We will have to build industries based on what we already have," he added, stressing that agriculture and allied activities offer the most viable path for sustainable economic growth in the region. The Chief Minister said that traditional agricultural practices alone may not be sufficient to sustain livelihoods and called for a shift towards value addition and modern agricultural entrepreneurship. "There was a time when our youth were deeply connected with traditional farming, but gradually their focus shifted away because agriculture appeared uncertain. Weather disruptions, difficulties in reaching markets and other challenges discouraged many," he added. He noted that programmes such as the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), JKCIP and Mission YUVA have been designed to transform agriculture into a modern, value-added and technology-driven sector. "The land that we have will remain limited. In fact, agricultural land is shrinking compared to what existed twenty or thirty years ago. So the question is how do we keep agriculture viable? The answer lies in value addition, innovation and entrepreneurship," he added. Referring to dairy production as an example, the Chief Minister highlighted the immense scope for value addition in Jammu and Kashmir. "In Jammu and Kashmir, we process only about six to seven per cent of the milk we produce. Compare that with Gujarat, where nearly ninety-three per cent of milk undergoes processing and value addition. When you convert milk into products like paneer, khoya or other dairy items, you increase its value manifold," he said. He also cited opportunities in sectors such as meat production, fisheries, honey, fruits, vegetables and floriculture. Referring to one of the award-winning young innovators, the Chief Minister said, "The young girl whom we felicitated today noticed that the shelf life of flowers in our region was only about three days. She simply worked on better packaging techniques, and the same flowers could now last for fifteen days. Jammu is a city of temples, and flowers will always be in demand here. This is how a small innovation can create a business opportunity." Encouraging students to pursue entrepreneurship without fear of failure, Chief Minister Abdullah stressed that innovation often involves risks and setbacks. "You don't necessarily need a government job to succeed. What you need is intention, an idea and the passion to do something meaningful. After that, we, whether as a government or as institutions like this university, are here to support you," he said. "Some people get ideas even while sleeping at night. You might be inspired by entrepreneurs like Elon Musk. His rockets worth billions sometimes explode in the sky, but he does not see that as failure. He says he learns as much from the explosion as from success." Urging the youth to overcome fear, CM Abdullah added, "Do not be afraid of failure. Be afraid of not trying. If you fail, we will help you rise again. Try, innovate and move forward -- we are here to help you achieve success. This is my promise to all of you." On the occasion, the Chief Minister released four publications and felicitated two startups and two Farmers' Producer Organisations for their achievements. He also launched 808 new Kisan Khidmat Ghars aimed at strengthening grassroots-level agricultural services across Jammu and Kashmir. The programme witnessed participation from State Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmed Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, SKUAST-Jammu Vice-Chancellor B.N. Tripathi, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) Mission Director Sandeep Kumar, SKUAST-Jammu Research Director S.K. Gupta, and Registrar and Dean Faculty of Agriculture Amit Kumar. The event was also attended by university faculty and staff, entrepreneurs, industrialists, startup founders and students from several colleges across the Jammu division. Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected an exhibition set up within the university premises, where he interacted with students, young entrepreneurs and representatives of Farmers' Producer Organisations, appreciating their innovative ideas and encouraging them to transform agriculture into a modern, enterprise-driven sector. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Seoul, March 6 : South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun has spoken by phone with his counterpart from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss the Middle East conflict and coordinate efforts to bring home South Korean nationals stranded in the UAE, the foreign ministry said on Friday. During the phone talks Thursday with Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE's foreign minister, Cho explained that some 3,000 short-term Korean travelers are seeking to return home from the UAE amid flight disruptions, calling for the UAE government's special attention and support to ensure their safe departure. Seoul is considering various options to bring its citizens home from the conflict-hit region, including sending chartered planes or military aircraft. As many as 3,000 South Korean tourists remain stranded in the UAE, while about 21,000 Koreans are estimated to be staying across 10 Middle Eastern countries. Abdullah said the Iranian attacks have caused significant damage to civilian facilities, such as airports, in the nine-member Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. Cho expressed deep concern over civilian casualties and damage and conveyed his condolences and solidarity. He also voiced grave concern over the escalating conflict and expressed hope that there will be no further loss of life and that the situation will be resolved as soon as possible, Yonhap news agency reported. Earlier on March 5, South Korea had imposed a travel ban on all of Iran amid rising security concerns linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. A Level 3 travel alert, which advises nationals to leave the country, was upgraded to a travel ban effective at 6 p.m., the ministry had said, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The ministry had warned that Korean nationals who visit or stay in Iran without authorisation may face punishment under relevant laws, advising those planning to travel to the region to cancel their trips and urging those currently there to evacuate.' -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Sydney, March 6 : A severe weather warning for dangerous flash flooding has been issued in Australia's Queensland as a tropical low storm system approaches the state's northeast coast. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said in the warning that the tropical low was expected to bring intense rainfall to a 350-km stretch of coast in Queensland's tropical far north from Friday morning. "Locally intense rainfall, which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding, is possible this morning," it said. The warning area includes the northeast coastal cities of Cairns, Port Douglas, and Cooktown, which have a combined population of around 255,000 people. The BoM said that forecasts predicted six-hourly rainfall totals of up to 240 millimetres (mm) in the region and 24-hourly falls of up to 300 mm. Forecasters previously warned that the tropical low had a 45 per cent chance of developing into a tropical cyclone as it approached the coast, but had revised it down to a five per cent chance as of Friday morning, Xinhua news agency reported. The BoM said on Friday that the storm was expected to make landfall near the small town of Cardwell, but that the heaviest rainfall would hit further north, closer to Cairns, Port Douglas and Cooktown. Earlier on March 2, emergency warnings for life-threatening flash flooding had been issued for vast areas of the southeast Australian states of Victoria and New South Wales (NSW). The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) had issued severe weather warnings for heavy and locally intense rainfall across regions in central and northern Victoria and south and southwestern NSW. It had said that six-hourly rainfall totaling up to 100 mm was possible on Monday across the warning area spanning over 650 km from the central Victorian town of Seymour to the outback mining town of Broken Hill in far western NSW. The State Emergency Service branches in Victoria and NSW had advised people to avoid driving through floodwater and to stay away from waterways. Flood watch updates issued by the BoM for both states on Sunday said that more than 20 catchments were likely to be affected by the heavy rainfall event. Washington, March 6 : The US State Department announced that the United States and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations. Venezuela severed diplomatic ties with the United States in January 2019 due to the latter's continued interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. All diplomatic personnel from the US embassy in Venezuela withdrew in March of the same year, Xinhua news agency reported. On January 3, US military forces launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife before transporting them to the United States. On January 31, a US diplomatic mission arrived in Caracas, marking the resumption of diplomatic contacts between the two countries. Earlier US President Donald Trump spotlighted a fresh oil arrangement with Venezuela during remarks at a major Texas export hub, arguing that expanded refining and exports from Corpus Christi signal what he called a historic American energy revival. Speaking at the Port of Corpus Christi, which he described as "one of the largest energy export hubs anywhere in the world," Trump said his administration had acted swiftly on energy policy. "On day one, I declared a national energy emergency. I ended the Biden export ban. And I told our great Texas energy workers to very simply drill, baby, drill!" He claimed production gains since returning to office. "Since my inauguration, US oil production is now up by 600,000 barrels a day." He added: "Natural gas production is at an all-time record high by far." A central focus of his speech was Venezuela. Indicating a tanker near the dock, he said: "In fact, 360,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude are right now sitting in the tanker on my left." He described Caracas as a "new friend and partner" and said, "For the benefit of both our nations, we're going to refine their oil right here in America and right here in Texas and then export it all over the world." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text U.S. President Donald Trump continued his round of calls with some of Washingtons most influential reporters on Friday. On this occasion, it was the turn of CNN anchor Dana Bash, whom Trump told the war in Iran is doing very well militarily better than anybody could have even dreamed, before, according to Bash, changing the subject without a cue. Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon. They want to make a deal so badly, the Republican said in a five-minute conversation. Im going to put Marco [Rubio] over there and well see how that works out. Were really focused on this one [Iran] right now. Weve got plenty of time, but Cubas ready after 50 years. After hanging up on Bash, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth, and wrote: There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!) the Republican posted (the capital letters are his). The conversation with the CNN reporter also touched on the succession at the head of the Iranian regime. Trump, as in previous interviews, cited the example of Venezuela. Its gonna work very easily, he said, referring to the replacement of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike last Saturday on the first day of the joint offensive launched by the United States and Israel. Its going to work like [it] did in Venezuela,. We have a wonderful leader there, he added, referring to acting President Delcy Rodriguez. Shes doing a fantastic job. And its going to work like in Venezuela. The use of Rodriguez as an example for transitions in countries where the Trump administration is intervening has become a wild card. In the Venezuela plan, the first step was military intervention to capture Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are awaiting trial in New York. After the operation, the Republican left Delcy Rodriguez, the interim leader and a prominent figure within Chavismo, along with her brother, Jorge Rodriguez, in charge. For now, Washington is prioritizing the oil business over steps toward democracy. On Thursday, diplomatic relations with Caracas, broken since 2019, were resumed. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is about to return, but there is still no timetable for elections. Friendly takeover Last Friday, the same day on which Trump greenlighted the order to attack Iran, he hinted in statements to reporters before boarding the presidential helicopter at the White House that contacts between Washington and Havana could result in a friendly takeover of Cuba. It was unclear what form that takeover might assume, but Trump has been applying pressure by blocking fuel supplies to the island while talks are underway between representatives of the two countries, with Rubio leading the Washington delegation. The Cuban government is talking with us. Theyre in a big deal of trouble, as you know. They have no money, no anything right now, the U.S. president said a week ago. Since Maduros capture on January 3, Trump has insisted that the Cuban regime is on the verge of collapse, without the oil and economic aid provided by Caracas, a suffocation that comes amid the worst economic crisis the island has experienced in decades. Trump, who has ruled out at least publicly military intervention in Cuba, has also threatened secondary tariffs on countries that supply oil to the Castroist regime. Meanwhile, this week Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel made an urgent call to transform the islands economic model. On Wednesday, the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba published a decree-law that opens the door to the creation of public-private companies for the first time in 67 years. During Fridays interview with CNN, Bash asked Trump if he thought it was a good idea for Iran to elect a religious leader. To which Trump, according to the anchors on-air account, replied: Well, maybe yeah, I mean, it depends on who the person is. I dont mind religious leaders. I deal with a lot of religious leaders and they are fantastic. Im saying there has to be a leader thats going be fair and just. Do a great job. Treat the United States and Israel well, and treat the other countries in the Middle East theyre all our partners. The U.S. president also spoke about the Republican primaries in Texas for the Senate, in which a traditional politician, John Cornyn, and a staunch MAGA supporter, Ken Paxton, are in the running, with Trump undecided about supporting either of them; his attempts to change the rules for the upcoming November legislative elections; and the price of gasoline, which has reached its highest level since his return to the White House in January 2025. On the latter, he said, once again without offering explanations, that gasoline prices will come down soon in the United States. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Kuwait City, March 6 : Kuwait's Ministry of Defence said on Friday that 67 personnel from the Kuwaiti Armed Forces were injured amid recent security developments, according to a briefing by the Government Communication Centre in the country. Saud Al-Atwan, the defence ministry's official spokesman, said the injured personnel are receiving medical treatment and that their conditions are stable. Two cases remain under medical observation, he added. Al-Atwan said the Kuwaiti Armed Forces remain at the highest level of readiness, maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of developments in coordination with military and security authorities as well as other state institutions, Xinhua news agency reported. He said the measures are part of a comprehensive national system aimed at protecting the country's security and ensuring the safety of citizens and residents. The military spokesman also said Kuwaiti defense systems have so far detected and dealt with 212 ballistic missiles and 394 drones launched in attacks targeting the country's airspace during the past days. On Saturday, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as well as members of his family, high-ranking military commanders, and civilians, according to Iranian officials. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US assets across the Middle East. Earlier on March 2, Qatar had shot down two Iranian Su-24 military aircraft and intercepted multiple missiles and drones in what officials described as a coordinated attack, the country's Defence Ministry had said in a statement. Air defence systems, working with the Qatari air force and navy, intercepted seven ballistic missiles and five drones during the assault, the ministry added in the statement. All missiles were destroyed before reaching their targets, preventing casualties and major damage. The ministry said Qatar's armed forces "possess the full capabilities and resources necessary to protect the country's sovereignty and territory and to respond decisively to any external threat." In a joint statement, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and the US had denounced strikes targeting the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, including Iraq's Kurdistan Region. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kolkata, March 6 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will start her indefinite sit-in demonstration at Esplanade East in Central Kolkata from Friday afternoon against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state. As scheduled, Trinamool Congress workers and leaders will start assembling at Esplanade East this morning. The Chief Minister is expected to arrive at the venue at around 2 p.m. and start the demonstration. "As of now, it has been decided that the sit-in demonstration will be for an indefinite period. Our main demands are that not a single genuine voter should be excluded from the voters' list and the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal should not be conducted while keeping out the 63 lakh cases currently under judicial adjudication from the voters' list," a senior Trinamool Congress leader said. Incidentally, the venue of the Chief Minister's sit-in demonstration is barely 1.5 kilometres away from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal. The Chief Minister's indefinite demonstration is starting just before the full bench of the ECI led by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, is arriving in Kolkata on the night of March 8 with a packed schedule for the next two days. A massive stage has been set up at the venue of the sit-in demonstration at Esplanade East. Although the Trinamool Congress leadership did not give any indication on how long the demonstration would continue, from the size of the stage and the amenities arranged there, it seems the protest would continue for quite some time. Incidentally, the CPI(M) was also holding a prolonged 24-hour sit-in demonstration in front of the CEO's office, which began on Wednesday afternoon and ended on Thursday afternoon over the same demand that there should be no election in the state unless the ongoing judicial adjudication of the voters' documents classified under the "logical discrepancy" category is completed. Veteran CPI(M) leader and the Left Front chairman in West Bengal, Biman Bose, has claimed that their representatives will raise the same demand in their interaction with the full bench of the Election Commission of India on March 9. Congress, too, has sent a communique to the ECI raising the same demand for polling after the completion of the judicial adjudication process. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Khandwa, March 6 : Tension erupted at a police station in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh after a controversial post about the Prophet on social media triggered protests. Police have registered a case against 47 people, including 22 named individuals, for allegedly creating a disturbance at the police station premises. According to officials, the incident began late on Thursday evening after an Instagram post containing derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad went viral. The post, allegedly shared from an account named Prabhakar Shinde, angered several members of the Muslim community. Soon after, a large number of Muslim youths gathered at the Moghat police station, demanding immediate action against the accused. A complaint in the matter was filed by Mujahid Qureshi, a resident of Singhad Talai. Acting on the complaint, police registered a case against Prabhakar Shinde under Section 299 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and subsequently arrested him. However, the crowd that had assembled at the police station continued to protest, shouting slogans and staging a sit-in demonstration within the police station premises. Some protesters also demanded strict action against the accused, including the demolition of his house using a bulldozer, alleging that he was a habitual offender in such cases. Police officials attempted to counsel the protesters and pacify the crowd, but the situation soon escalated, leading to chaos at the police station. Authorities were forced to use mild force to disperse the gathering and restore order. Upon receiving information about the unrest, additional police teams from Kotwali and Padma Nagar police stations, along with reserve forces, were deployed at the scene. Senior administrative and police officials, including the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), City Superintendent of Police (CSP), Additional District Magistrate (ADM), City Magistrate, and Tehsildar, also reached the spot to bring the situation under control. Following the incident, police registered a case against 47 individuals, including several Muslim leaders who had come to lodge the protest. Of these, 22 individuals have been named in the FIR, while 25 others remain unidentified. The accused have been booked under several serious Sections of the IPC, including charges related to obstructing government work, rioting, assaulting government employees, and deliberately blocking roads. The case has been registered under Sections 121(1), 125, 126(2), 132, 190, and 191(3) of the IPC. Police officials said the situation in the area is currently under control. Further investigation is underway, and authorities are examining CCTV footage to identify others involved in the incident. United Nations, March 6 : An alarming intensification of fighting in Sudan's Kordofan region has killed and injured civilians, destroyed homes, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, UN humanitarians said. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the escalation of violence also impeded relief workers' ability to reach civilians in need of aid. The office said that in South Kordofan, confrontations between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces have intensified over the past week, with local humanitarian organisations reporting disruptions along key routes leading into the city of Dilling. "Humanitarian partners also report that a drone strike this week hit the Dilling General Hospital, killing at least four patients and injuring several civilians," OCHA said. The office said that violence has also escalated in the town of Kadugli, resulting in a highly volatile security environment for communities and humanitarian responders. Attacks in North Kordofan, including along the road between the cities of Kosti and El Obeid, raise serious concerns for both humanitarian and commercial supply chains. OCHA said the city of El Obeid has faced continued drone attacks over the past five days, with strikes reported against a hospital and government sites, Xinhua news agency reported. "OCHA once again calls for the parties to adhere to their obligations under IHL (international humanitarian law), including the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, as well as facilitating humanitarian access," the office said. Earlier on February 24, the UN Security Council had expressed deep concern over continued violence across Sudan, including in the Kordofan and Darfur states, calling on all parties to the conflict to immediately halt the fighting. In a press statement, the members of the Security Council strongly had condemned reports of repeated drone attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure and humanitarian personnel as well as property and assets, including multiple attacks impacting the World Food Programme since the start of February 2026. March 06 : Lucknow: Yogi government has achieved another significant milestone at the national level. NITI Aayog honoured the Dhaurahra and Bankeganj blocks of Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh with gold and bronze medals respectively for their outstanding performance under the Aspirational Blocks Programme. During the Sampoornata Abhiyan conducted between July and September 2024, the Bankeganj and Dhaurahra blocks of the district delivered remarkable performance. The medals were received by District Magistrate Durga Shakti Nagpal, who was also presented with a Certificate of Appreciation. District Magistrate Durga Shakti Nagpal stated that under the guidance of Yogi Adityanath, several programmes are being implemented in the districts aspirational blocks. As part of this initiative, Bankeganj block achieved 100% saturation in three key indicators under the themes of Health and Nutrition, Agriculture and Allied Services, and Social Development under the Aspirational Blocks Programme. For this achievement, the block was awarded the Bronze Medal by NITI Aayog. She noted that this success was possible due to the inspiration of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In line with his vision, strong ground-level monitoring, better coordination between departments, and a strategy to achieve targets within the stipulated timeline helped the block emerge as a model. The District Magistrate further informed that Dhaurahra block secured the Gold Medal by achieving 100% saturation across six indicators. Improved access to health services, strong initiatives to enhance nutrition, and direct delivery of agricultural scheme benefits to beneficiaries played a crucial role in this success. The performance under the Sampoornata Abhiyan demonstrated that when administrative commitment and teamwork come together, targets are not confined to paperwork but are effectively implemented on the ground. DM Durga Shakti Nagpal, in the presence of Chief Development Officer Abhishek Kumar, also honoured Bankeganj BDO Rishikant Ahirwar and former Dhaurahra BDO Sumit Kumar Singh (currently BDO of Phoolbehar) with commendation certificates for their contribution. 'Pink Rozgar Mahakumbh' to be held in Lucknow on 8th March, offering employment opportunities for women . Image Source: IANS News March 06 : Lucknow: Government of Uttar Pradesh, under the leadership of CM Yogi Adityanath, is continuously working towards empowering women economically and providing them with better employment opportunities. In this direction, 'Pink Rozgar Mahakumbh 2026' will be organized in Lucknow on March 8 on the occasion of 'International Womens Day'. The event will be organized by Regional Employment Office, Lucknow, under 'UP Rozgar Mission'. The employment fair will be held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Gomti Nagar, starting from 10:00 AM. The initiative aims to connect more than 5,000 women with employment opportunities. The objective of Yogi government is to directly connect educated young women and female job seekers of the state with reputed private sector companies and provide them with suitable employment opportunities. 'Pink Rozgar Mahakumbh' will offer employment opportunities exclusively for women. Women of 18 to 40 years age group will be eligible to participate. Candidates with educational qualifications ranging from 10th and 12th pass to graduate, postgraduate, B.Tech, BBA, MBA, Pharmacy, and other technical or general degrees can apply. The aim of the event is to provide diverse employment options to women from various educational background. Several leading companies from across the country will participate in the employment fair. These include Flipkart, Reliance Jio, ICICI Bank, Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, Mahindra Finance, Amazon, and KFC, which will conduct recruitment for various positions. More than 50 companies will participate in the fair and recruit candidates for roles in sales, customer service, IT support, banking, retail, logistics, and the service sector. According to departmental officials, the target is to connect at least 5,000 women with employment opportunities through this Pink Rozgar Mahakumbh. Candidates interested in participating must complete online registration in advance. Registration can be done through the 'Rojgar Sangam Portal' or 'National Career Service Portal'. The registration process is completely free of cost. Applicants are required to bring copies of their resume, Aadhaar card, passport-size photographs, educational certificates, and the registration slip at the time of interview. Over the past few years, the Yogi government has been working to create employment opportunities for youth through Mission Rozgar, skill development programs, and employment fairs. In this context, the Pink Rozgar Mahakumbh could become a significant platform for connecting women directly with companies. Such initiatives will not only increase employment opportunities but also strengthen the participation of women in the workforce across the state. Thiruvananthapuram, March 6 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent intervention to address the difficulties faced by a large number of Indian expatriates stranded in Gulf countries due to a shortage of flights and soaring ticket prices. In a letter sent to the Prime Minister, Vijayan highlighted the distress faced by thousands of Indians, including a large number of Keralites, who are unable to return home from countries in the Gulf region due to the limited availability of both chartered and scheduled flights. The Chief Minister urged the Union Government to immediately engage with airline operators to resume and increase flight services from the GCC countries to India, particularly to priority destinations and Tier-2 cities where many returning expatriates need to travel. Pointing out the plight of vulnerable travellers, Vijayan suggested the creation of a centralised registration system through Indian diplomatic missions or a dedicated online portal. Such a system, he said, would help authorities identify and prioritise the repatriation of the most vulnerable categories, including the sick, elderly, pregnant women, children and those facing financial distress. The Chief Minister also requested that State governments be kept informed about the repatriation arrangements so that they can facilitate the reception and provide necessary support to returning passengers upon arrival in India. Another major concern raised in the letter was the steep increase in ticket fares for chartered flights operating between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and India. Vijayan pointed out that several airline operators were charging excessively inflated fares, sometimes several times higher than normal prices, making travel unaffordable for many expatriates. He urged the Union Government to intervene and regulate ticket prices by engaging directly with airline companies to prevent exploitation during the ongoing crisis. The letter also drew attention to the difficulties faced by Indians on tourist and visit visas in Gulf countries who require assistance to return home. In addition, many Indian travellers who were using major Gulf airports such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Kuwait as transit hubs have been stranded mid-journey following sudden flight cancellations and airspace closures. Vijayan requested the Centre to establish a dedicated helpline or registration channel specifically for such transit passengers, noting that many of them lack accommodation, luggage or local contacts in the countries where they are stranded. Mumbai, March 6 : Veteran star and politician Jaya Prada , on Friday, penned a heartfelt birthday wish for her son Samrat, expressing how 'proud she is to see him grow.' Taking to her social media account, the actress shared a handsome portrait of the birthday boy, and showered him with love, further calling him the biggest blessing in her life. Sharing the post, Jaya Prada wrote, "Happy birthday my dear Samrat You are the biggest blessing in my life and watching you grow makes me so proud every day may your life be filled with happiness success good health and endless smiles." She added, 'Always remember that we love you more than words can express. Have a fantastic birthday and an amazing your ahead". In the picture shared by the actress, Samrat is seen posing stylishly in a portrait shot. For the uninitiated, Jaya Prada reportedly has no biological children. According to reports, Samrat is her nephew whom she later adopted and ever since then raised as her own son. The actress is often seen sharing warm moments with him on social media. Recently, the two were also seen visiting a temple together, offering prayers and spending quality time. They were also seen having a gala time in New York, USA. Talking about her Bollywood career, Jaya Prada was touted as one of the most popular actresses of the late 1970s and 1980s. She made her film debut with the Telugu film Bhoomi Kosam and soon became a prominent face across Telugu, Tamil and Hindi cinema. In Bollywood, she delivered several hit films including Sargam, Tohfa and Sharabi. Her on-screen pairings with actors like Jeetendra and Rishi Kapoor were among the most successful and loved collaborations of the 1980s. Apart from her acting career, Jaya Prada also entered the political space in the 1990s and went on to serve as a Member of Parliament. She married film producer Shrikant Nahata in 1986, after which she gradually reduced her work in films over the period of time. New Delhi, March 6 : The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled Class 10 Board examinations in several West Asian countries amid escalating tensions in the region following the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, the Embassy of India in Muscat confirmed on Friday. The Embassy of India in Muscat shared the CBSE circular on its official social media platform X, informing students and parents about the changes in the examination schedule across Gulf countries. According to the circular dated March 5, 2026, the decision affects CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). For Class 10 students, all examinations scheduled between March 7 and March 11 have been cancelled. Additionally, the exams that were earlier postponed and scheduled for March 2, March 5, and March 6, have also been cancelled. The CBSE stated that the mode of declaration of results for Class 10 students in West Asia will be notified separately at a later stage. Meanwhile, the Class 12 Board examination scheduled for Saturday, March 7 has been postponed. The revised dates for the postponed exam will be announced later. The Board further stated that it will review the prevailing situation on March 7 and issue further instructions regarding examinations scheduled from March 9 onwards. CBSE has advised all Class 12 students to remain in close contact with their respective schools and closely follow official announcements regarding further updates. Students have also been urged to stay in regular contact with their schools, rely only on official CBSE notifications, and avoid depending on unofficial sources or rumours for information regarding the examinations. The cancellation comes against the backdrop of dramatic developments in the region. On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a series of missile and drone strikes on multiple targets in Tehran, including the compound of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, located in the city centre. Hours later, Iran confirmed that Khamenei had been killed in the attack. Iran subsequently carried out retaliatory strikes targeting Tel Aviv and other locations in Israel, along with American military bases and diplomatic missions across West Asia. Iranian attacks also hit civilian and energy infrastructure in neighbouring countries, including an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia and a luxury hotel in Dubai. The exchange of strikes has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict that could draw in additional West Asian nations and severely disrupt global energy markets. Hyderabad, March 6 : AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday demanded the government of India to come out with a clear statement and condemn US Navy sinking the Iranian warship close to Indian waters. The Hyderabad MP wanted the government to clarify if the Trump administration informed it before targeting the Iranian ship. "There are too many unanswered questions about the US Navy sinking the Iranian ship so close to Indian waters. The answers have to come from the government, but the PM and the EAM have been silent. This is dereliction of their constitutional responsibility towards the people of our country," Owaisi posted on 'X'. "Was the Indian government informed by the Trump administration before it decided to use a nuclear submarine so close to Indian waters and expand the war zone? After all, we are also a member of Quad and the strategic partner of the US. If this becomes a precedent for the Chinese navy to operate in these waters, will the Modi government still remain silent? Is no one counting the cost of this timidity on display?," he asked. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief wanted to know if the United States were to repeat these against the two Iranian ships around, would the Modi government still act like ostriches with their heads in the sand. "It destroys Indiaas longstanding reputation of being a strategically sovereign country, and will make us irrelevant in global forums. I demand that the government come out with a clear statement of condemnation and hold a press conference discussing the episode and its stance on the USIS attack on Iran in detail," the MP added. A US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, killing 87 sailors. The Iranian warship which was returning from Visakhapatnam following an exercise organised by the Indian Navy last month. It was torpedoed by a US submarine off the southern coast of Sri Lanka in the early hours of Wednesday. Berlin, March 6 : The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has expressed serious concern over reports that Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang region are facing restrictions during the holy month of Ramadan, with several individuals allegedly arrested for observing religious practices. The organisation stated that these actions reflected the absence of freedom of religion or belief in East Turkistan, also known as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Citing Uyghur Service of Radio Free Asia (RFA), the WUC stated that on February 27, the police authorities arrested six Uyghurs across several villages in China's Hotan Prefectureincluding Bulaq Chorgey, Bash Chapal, Dul Tugman, and Korganfor allegedly "secretly fasting" during the holy month of Ramadan. "Ramadan restrictions continue to be tightened, year after year. The recent detention of six Uyghurs proves that people don't even have the freedom to do it in the privacy of their homes. Surveillance, coerced labour, these practices violate not only international law, but Chinese domestic laws," said WUC President, Turgunjan Alawdun. According to the WUC, these developments come amid ongoing discussions on the situation of Uyghurs at the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. In her thematic report to the Council, "How Freedom of Religion or Belief Relates to Death and Honouring the Deceased'', the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Nazila Ghanea highlighted that the Chinese authorities were destroying and replacing cemeteries of Uyghur muslims, under the auspices of "standardisation'' and "civilisation'', without the knowledge of the relatives of the deceased. The WUC stated that such actions align with the Chinese government's broader policy of "Sinicisation" of religion, designed to reshape religious practice to conform to Communist Party ideology and state control. "In East Turkistan, this policy has translated into systematic restrictions on the expression of Islamic faith, including bans on fasting during Ramadan for many segments of the population, the removal or alteration of mosques and religious sites, the prohibition of religious education, and the criminalisation of everyday religious behaviour. Practices that are normal expressions of faithsuch as fasting, prayer, wearing religious clothing, or teaching religion to childrenare increasingly treated as signs of 'extremism'," the WUC stated. " The surveillance and punishment of Uyghurs for observing Ramadan therefore reflect a broader strategy aimed at eroding independent religious life and forcing the assimilation of Uyghurs into a state-defined cultural and ideological framework, in clear violation of the right to freedom of religion or belief under international law," it added. --IANS scor/rs New Delhi, March 6 : American artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic confirmed it has been formally designated a "Supply Chain Risk (SCR)" by the US government, as the firm's CEO also apologised for criticising President Donald Trump. New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) American artificial intelligence (AI) company Anthropic confirmed it has been formally designated a "Supply Chain Risk (SCR)" by the US government, as the firm's CEO also apologised for criticising President Donald Trump. The company said it received a letter on March 4 informing formal designation as SCR, and that the will challenge decision in court. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei apologised for a leaked internal memo in which he criticised President Trump, calling the erstwhile assessment "out-of-date" adding that it was not of the company's view. In a blog post, Amodei said Anthropic does not believe the designation under 10 U.S.C. 3252 is "legally sound". He said the statute is "narrow" and exists to "protect the government rather than to punish a supplier". "The War Department and our company are both committed to advancing US national security and agree on urgency of applying AI across government. The language used by the DoW matches our statement on Friday, that vast majority of customers are unaffected by SCR designation," Amodei wrote. The CEO clarified that the designation would apply only to use of Anthropic's Claude models within Department of War contracts and not to "all use of Claude by customers who have such contracts". Amodei said that post criticising President Trump was written within a few hours of the President's Truth Social post announcing Anthropic would be removed from all federal systems, and that the tone was because it was "a difficult day for the company". The firm said that individual customers or holders of a commercial contract with Anthropic, will have access to Claudethrough API, claude.ai, or any of the company's products completely unaffected. For DoW contractors, the SCR designationif formally adoptedwould only affect their use of Claude on DoW contract work and use any other purpose is unaffected, it added. Indian tech giant Infosys recently announced a partnership with Anthropic to develop and deliver advanced enterprise AI solutions across telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing, and software development sectors. IANS aar/na Patna, March 6 : A supporter of the Bihar Chief Minister on Friday launched an indefinite hunger strike outside Nitish Kumar's residence, urging him to continue leading the state instead of moving to the Rajya Sabha and relinquishing his post to join the Centre. Speaking to IANS, Amarendra Das Triloki said, "Hearing that Nitish Kumar might go to the Centre saddened us greatly. Bihar before 2005 was marked by lawlessness and unrest. Since assuming office in 2005, Nitish Kumar has focussed on development in every sector. Good governance was established, justice delivered, and progress achieved in education, health, employment, clean drinking water, and women's empowerment. Many schemes are actively running, making Bihar more prosperous and its people happier." Triloki added, "Today, poverty in Bihar is not as severe as in many other states. That is why I will not allow him to leave. As long as Nitish ji is healthy, he should continue to serve and adorn Bihar. The state now receives electricity for about 23 hours a day such achievements do not happen by chance. We will ensure he stays." He further said, "Just as he considers all of Bihar his family, we consider him part of ours. We will not let him go to Delhi; he should remain in Bihar." The protest underscores the strong emotional connect many citizens have with Nitish Kumar, whose tenure since 2005 has been credited with stabilising Bihar, improving governance, and implementing wide-ranging development initiatives. Nitish Kumar, a veteran leader of the Janata Dal (United), has been at the forefront of Bihar politics for over two decades. His leadership has transformed the state's social and economic landscape, with notable progress in infrastructure, public services, and women's empowerment. Recently, he filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha, a move that could require him to vacate the Chief Minister's post, prompting calls from supporters to continue his leadership in Bihar. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Jaipur, March 6 : The golden city of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan witnessed a rare spiritual gathering on Friday as Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), arrived in the historic Jaisalmer Fort, popularly known as Sonar Fort, to inaugurate the Chadar Mahotsav. The three-day religious festival is being held after an extraordinary gap of 871 years, drawing thousands of devotees, Jain monks and visitors from across the country. The event has generated considerable buzz on social media, not only because of its historic significance but also due to Bhagwat's simple and modest style during the visit. Despite tight security arrangements, Bhagwat rode an e-rickshaw through the narrow lanes of Sonar Fort. The short ride from Dussehra Chowk to the Parshvanath Jain Temple surprised locals and tourists alike. Many residents described the gesture as a powerful message of humility and accessibility from the RSS chief. Upon reaching the temple, Bhagwat offered prayers in the Mool Gambhara, the sanctum sanctorum dedicated to Parshvanath, the 23rd Tirthankara in Jain tradition. He prayed for the prosperity and well-being of the nation. He also visited the historic Jinbhadra Suri Gyan Bhandar, a revered repository of ancient manuscripts, where he viewed the legendary "Amar Chadar", believed to date back to the 11th century. According to Jain tradition, the sacred cloth remained intact even during the cremation of the revered Acharya Jindatt Suri, which has given the chadar a reputation for miracles and spiritual significance. The Chadar Mahotsav marks the first formal consecration of this sacred cloth in nearly nine centuries. Over 400 Jain saints and more than 20,000 devotees have gathered in Jaisalmer for the occasion. A major highlight of the festival will take place on Saturday, when an estimated 1.8 million devotees worldwide are expected to simultaneously recite the Jain prayer "Dadaguru Ektisa", sending a collective message of global peace. To commemorate the historic moment, special postage stamps and coins are also expected to be issued. The three-day Chadar Mahotsav will conclude on March 8, marking a unique blend of faith, history and spiritual unity in the desert city of Jaisalmer. President of the Jaisalmer Jain Trust, Mahendra Singh Bhansali, said that the Chadar Mahotsav symbolises deep reverence for Dada Gurudev. The main attraction of the festival is the display of Gurudev's ancient garments -- chadar, chola patta and muhapatti -- which have been carefully preserved for nearly nine centuries. According to Bhansali, this is the first time in the history of the Jain community that such a Chadar Festival is being organised. Explaining the historical background, Bhansali said that according to tradition, when Dada Gurudev attained samadhi in Ajmer in Vikram Samvat 1211, his body was consigned to the funeral pyre. However, his sacred garments miraculously remained completely intact despite the flames. These garments were later taken to Patan in Gujarat, where they were preserved for many years. Their journey to Jaisalmer is also associated with an interesting historical episode. Bhansali explained that around 145 years ago, Jaisalmer was struck by a severe epidemic that caused widespread concern among residents. During that period, the Maharawal (king) of Jaisalmer arranged to bring the sacred garments of Dada Gurudev from Patan to Jaisalmer. It is believed that soon after the arrival of these revered garments in the city, the epidemic subsided and Jaisalmer gradually returned to normalcy. Since then, the sacred garments have been carefully preserved in the historic "Gyan Bhandar" of Jaisalmer. The Chadar Mahotsav is therefore being viewed not only as a religious event but also as a celebration of a centuries-old spiritual legacy deeply connected with the faith and traditions of the Jain community. Perth, March 6 : Australia debutant pacer Lucy Hamilton said she was 'really thrilled' to claim her first Test wicket in the form of India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana in the opening session of the one-off pink-ball Test at the WACA Ground on Friday. Lucy received her baggy green cap from Beth Mooney before the match began and struck in her third over when a sharp nip-backer breached Smriti's defence and crashed into the stumps. The dismissal set the tone for Australia to reduce India to 99/4 at tea. "Obviously playing at the WACA first in my first Test match, it's really exciting and a great opportunity. And yeah, to get my first wicket, I was really thrilled, 100 percent," Lucy said in a chat with broadcasters at tea interval. Asked about how the team has treated her so far, Lucy said, "I think the support has been the biggest thing. Obviously getting my baggy green from Beth Mooney, and then running out with the girls was great. Even being out there was just a really special moment, and it's something I won't forget." "I think there's lots of pressure on the Indian batters at the moment, so I think we just keep hitting our hard line and length and making them do something. They're creating chances and we're just going to take them," she added. Lucy, who made her ODI debut in the ongoing multi-format series and played for Delhi Capitals in this year's WPL, also acknowledged the backing from her family. "I think the support all the way back from Bundaberg, all the way to Brisbane, all the way to Perth, has been lovely. Seeing them up there puts a smile on my face, that's for sure." Kochi, March 6 : The Election Commission held a crucial meeting with recognised national and state political parties here on Friday as part of preparations for the upcoming elections in Kerala, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar assuring that the poll process would remain free, fair and transparent. The meeting was attended by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, along with senior officials of the Commission, who interacted with representatives of major political parties to review poll preparedness and hear their concerns. According to officials, most political parties appreciated the Commission for the peaceful and smooth conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state. Several parties also commended the efforts of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who played a key role in updating the voter lists. Addressing the representatives, the Chief Election Commissioner reiterated that the revision of electoral rolls had been carried out in a transparent manner. He said Forms 6, 7 and 8 could still be submitted for inclusion, deletion or correction of entries in the electoral rolls. Appeals regarding the voter list can also be filed before the District Magistrate or the Chief Electoral Officer as provided under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, he added. During the interaction, several political parties urged the Commission to take stringent steps to curb the use of money power and distribution of liquor and freebies during elections. Some parties also suggested that local festivals and events in Kerala be taken into account while finalising the polling schedule. Responding to the concerns, the Chief Election Commissioner assured the parties that elections would be conducted strictly in accordance with the law while ensuring impartiality and transparency. He also encouraged political parties to make use of the cVIGIL component of the Commissionas ECINET platform to report any violations of the Model Code of Conduct during the election period. The Commission also reiterated that basic facilities such as ramps, wheelchairs, and drinking water would be ensured at polling booths to enhance voter comfort and accessibility. Gyanesh Kumar, a former IAS officer of the Kerala cadre who had held key positions including Secretary of the Public Works Department, also used the visit to Kochi to see several landmark infrastructure projects in the city with which he had been associated during his tenure in the state administration. Calling for collective responsibility, the Chief Election Commissioner urged all political parties to ensure that elections in Kerala continue to remain a model not only for the country but for the entire world. He also led the Votersa Pledge for young voters near the Goshree Bridge, encouraging greater participation in the democratic process. The EC team's visit ends on Saturday, and before this, the CEC will have an interaction with the media. Kathmandu, March 6 : Voters in Nepal have expressed hope for political change as early trends from the ongoing vote counting indicate a strong performance by a relatively new political force, sparking optimism among citizens seeking an end to corruption and a shift in the country's political landscape. According to Nepal Election Commission Joint Secretary and spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, preliminary results suggest that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is leading in several constituencies, while the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the Nepali Communist Party are trailing in the same order. aAccording to the primary results of the counting, the RSP is leading in many constituencies. The Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML, and the Nepali Communist Party are currently in second, third and fourth positions. But this is only a preliminary report. So far, the result in one constituency has been declared, and the RSP has won that seat," Bhattarai said. Many voters said they were closely watching the counting process, hoping the results would bring meaningful reforms. Dr Anupama, a voter who recently returned to Nepal after living in Canada, said the rise of a new political force has generated fresh expectations among citizens. aWe hope Nepal will change this time because a new party is coming in first. We came back from Canada. We revoked our Canadian citizenship and returned to Nepal. We are looking forward to a changed Nepal. We donat want corruption anymore," she said. Another voter, Dr Pralhad Uprety, said the election carries particular significance in the aftermath of youth-led protests earlier this year. "This is a very important election after the Gen-Z protests. People are expecting change and we hope that change will be institutionalised if new parties win," he said. Observers say the emerging trends reflect growing public frustration with traditional political parties and a desire among voters, particularly younger generations, for greater accountability and reform. Vote counting is currently underway at the Sehkari Prashikshan Kendra in Naya Baneshwar, Kathmandu, after polling concluded on Thursday evening. Final results are expected after the counting process across all constituencies is completed. Islamabad, March 6 : With Balochistan emerging as a new hotspot for poppy cultivation in Pakistan, locals fear that the illicit trade is evolving rather than disappearing despite sporadic crop destruction. According to a recent report in leading international magazine 'The Diplomat', following the Taliban's nationwide ban on poppy cultivation in Afghanistan in April 2022, much of the activity appears to have shifted to Pakistan, particularly Balochistan. Despite growing concerns among communities in the province, the issue is yet to become a policy priority for the Pakistan government. The report highlighted that Pakistan's Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) seized more than 1,350 kilogrammes of narcotics worth 77.85 million rupees (about $280,000) during a series of operations across the country in early February. The operation led to the arrest of nine people, prompting further investigations. Citing ANF, the report stated that the drug network was attempting to smuggle narcotics from Balochistan's Panjgur district through Turbat city, to Gwadar and Pasni along the coast. From there, it said, the drugs are planned to be transported by sea routes using high-speed boats to Gulf nations, Yemen and Tanzania. "On the surface, the recent ANF seizure appears to be a routine investigation against organised drug trafficking networks. However, this was not an isolated incident. Reports and data from Pakistan's National Initiative against Organised Crime (NIOC), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the Global Organised Crime Index show that complex changes may be underway," the report detailed. "Poppy cultivation in both Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan goes back many decades. The absence of sufficient infrastructure, legal employment opportunities, and political instability in these areas combined to push rural populations toward illicit poppy farming," it added. The report noted that production and export of processed opium such as heroin and methamphetamine had already been widespread in Pakistan, even before the Taliban imposed the ban, posing serious consequences, particularly for the younger population. "More than half of Pakistan's population is under the age of 20, and 20 per cent is between 15 and 29. These youngsters are vulnerable to drug addiction. According to a 2023 report, there were 700 deaths daily due to drug overdose in Pakistan. Around 11 per cent of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's population is said to be involved in substance abuse, the highest in Pakistan, followed by Balochistan and the cities of Lahore and Karachi," it mentioned. The report cited a former head of the ANF in Balochistan as saying that curbing the supply chain is "near impossible", noting that traffickers are highly mobile, and at times facilitate the relocation of farmers. Doha, March 6 : The Indian Embassy in Doha issued a fresh advisory on Friday, urging its nationals in Qatar to follow the guidelines issued by local authorities, especially the Ministry of Interior. The Embassy noted that it is also sharing advisories issued by Qatari authorities on its social media channels. According to the latest advisory shared by the Indian Embassy on X, all Indian travellers were advised to remain in touch with respective airlines as Qatar airspace continues to remain shut and flight operations are temporarily suspended. "In view of the current security situation, all Indians in Qatar are requested to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Qatari authorities, in particular, the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry has advised all residents of Qatar to stay in safe locations, avoid going out except in cases of extreme necessity, and keep away from windows and exposed areas," the Indian Embassy in Doha stated. Qatar's Ministry of Interior has, meanwhile, announced the extension of all categories of entry visas that have expired or are about to expire for a period of one month, subject to further extension in line with developments, effective February 28. "In case of emergency, the option of exiting Qatar through the Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia is currently open. Indian nationals who hold US, UK or Schenghen visas (which have been used at least once) can obtain visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Other Indian nationals wishing to travel via Saudi Arabia can apply for Saudi visas as per due procedures." The Embassy stated that it is opening a registration link to facilitate in obtaining temporary transit visa for Saudi Arabia only for those Indian nationals who are currently stranded in Qatar on transit, provided they have confirmed tickets for travelling out of Saudi Arabia. It also released helpline numbers for people for contacting embassy in case they have any query. The Embassy's advisory comes after Qatar reported intercepting drones and missiles in its territory amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Earlier in the day, Qatar's Ministry of Defence announced that Qatar Emiris Air Defence Forces successfully intercepted a drone attack targetting Al-Udeid Air Base. On Thursday, Qatar's Ministry of Defence said that Qatar was attacked by several missile attacks, including 14 ballistic missiles and four drones coming from Iran, starting from 11:51 am (local time). According to the statement, Qatar's Ministry of Defence said that its Armed Forces successfully intercepted 13 missiles, while the last one fell in the territorial waters of State of Qatar. Furthermore, four drones were intercepted successfully without any human causalities. The Ministry stated that Qatar Armed Forces have full capabilities and resources to safeguard the state's sovereignty and territory and respond firmly to any external threat. It urged people to remain calm and follow official instructions issued by the security authorities, avoid rumors, and rely solely on information released through official channels. On March 4, Qatar's Ministry of Defence said that the country was attacked by 10 drones and two cruise missiles coming from Iran. According to the statement, Qatar Emiri Air Defence Forces successfully intercepted six drones, Qatar Emiri Air Force successfully intercepted two drones and two cruise missiles and Qatar Emiri Navy Forces succeeded in intercepting the other two drones. New Delhi, March 6 : Five Nigerian nationals, who were found illegally staying in India, were deported or repatriated, said officials on Friday, adding that this was part of an ongoing crackdown by the Delhi Police in the national capital. According to police officials, the operation was carried out by teams from various police stations and specialised units in the district, who regularly gather intelligence on foreign nationals suspected of residing or moving around in the area without valid documents. Police stated that individuals staying illegally in the country put pressure on local resources, prompting authorities to intensify verification drives and legal action against such cases. During February, a total of five Nigerian nationals were apprehended for overstaying in India without valid visas. Of these, three Nigerian nationals were deported by the Uttam Nagar Police Station team, while two others were repatriated by the Anti-Narcotics Cell of Dwarka District. The entire operation was conducted under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Dwarka District. The arrested individuals have been identified as Matthew Chikwado Onuwa, Paul Onyekachi Ekwenze, and Aiyuguhjh Elvis, who were deported, and Christopher Uchechukwu Kalu and John Nnamdi Okafor, who were repatriated. Police said the teams acted on specific inputs regarding foreign nationals who had either overstayed their visas or had allegedly entered the country without valid documentation and were residing in areas of the Dwarka District. After being apprehended, the individuals were produced before the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), which ordered their deportation or repatriation. Following the legal process, they were sent to a detention centre before being deported from the country. Last year, the new Immigration and Foreigners Act that came into effect had strict rules on passports, visas, and immigration. While the law makes it mandatory for hotels, hospitals, and education institutions to report foreigners to officials, it enhances the powers of the Bureau of Immigration to identify and deport illegal immigrants. Anyone found using a forged passport or visa for entering India or staying in or exiting is liable to be punished with a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh. The law has provisions for punishment for those supplying forged passports or travel documents. The 14th National People's Congress (NPC) opens its fourth session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, were seated at the rostrum. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, opened its fourth session on Thursday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, were seated at the rostrum. Zhao Leji, executive chairman of the session's presidium, presided over the meeting. Premier Li Qiang delivered a government work report. Noting that 2025 had been a "truly remarkable" year, Li said China, faced with profound and complex developments both at home and abroad, had accomplished the main goals and tasks for economic and social development and brought the 14th Five-Year Plan to a successful conclusion. All 20 major targets, 17 strategic tasks and 102 major projects set out in the outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan had been accomplished, he said. In accordance with the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (2026-2030), the State Council has prepared the draft outline of the plan, which has been submitted to this session for examination, said Li. The draft outline has specified 20 main indicators, set out the major strategic tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan period, and proposed a total of 109 major projects in six areas, Li noted. On this year's main objectives, Li pointed out in the report that China targets an economic growth of 4.5-5 percent and will strive for better in practice. "We must fully implement the Party Central Committee's overall plans for this year and take solid steps to do all our work well," he said. According to the agenda, a series of documents were submitted to the NPC session for examination, which include the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan, the report on the implementation of the 2025 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2026 draft plan, and the draft plan for national economic and social development in 2026, as well as the report on the execution of the central and local budgets for 2025 and on the draft central and local budgets for 2026, and the draft central and local budgets for 2026. Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, delivered explanatory remarks on a draft environmental code, a draft law on promoting ethnic unity and progress, and a draft law on national development planning, respectively. Compiling the environmental code will provide robust legal safeguards for ecological and environmental protection in China's journey toward modernization, according to the explanatory remarks. The formulation of the law on promoting ethnic unity and progress is aimed at advancing the high-quality development of the cause of ethnic unity and progress, with a focus on fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, said the remarks. The law on national development planning, according to the remarks, is expected to raise the level of law-based governance in national development planning and enhance the strategic guidance role of national plans. The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers a government work report at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Zhao Leji presides over the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, delivers explanatory remarks on a draft environmental code, a draft law on promoting ethnic unity and progress, and a draft law on national development planning at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Foreign diplomatic envoys to China attend the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiao) Foreign diplomatic envoys to China attend the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Foreign diplomatic envoys to China attend the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) sit in on the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) as non-voting participants at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Journalists work at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) Members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) sit in on the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) as non-voting participants at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiao) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) Journalists work at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Xi) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Jianhua) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Gao Jie) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) Bengaluru, March 6 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, while presenting the Budget in the Legislative Assembly, said the state government would implement the controversial Rohith Vemula Act to prevent "academic and social harassment" of students based on caste in all government, private and deemed universities. Bengaluru, March 6 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, while presenting the Budget in the Legislative Assembly, said the state government would implement the controversial Rohith Vemula Act to prevent "academic and social harassment" of students based on caste in all government, private and deemed universities. The Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) Bill, 2025, aims to provide a safer environment for marginalised students, making Karnataka a pioneer in legally addressing institutional caste bias. The Act is named after Rohith Vemula, a PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad who died by suicide on January 17, 2016. He further announced that the government also intends to conduct student union elections in colleges and universities to foster leadership, responsibility and democratic values among students. As part of efforts to expand higher education institutions, the government will provide 25 acres of land to establish a private Vachana University in Basavakalyan. To strengthen Government First Grade Colleges and polytechnics, establish centres of excellence and enhance research capabilities, the government is implementing the Karnataka Higher Education Transformation Project with assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore. Under the project, 40 Government First Grade Colleges and 11 polytechnics will be developed as model institutions, he stated. The government will also establish nine centres of excellence with ADB assistance to promote entrepreneurship and a startup culture among students, CM Siddaramaiah stated. The CM said approval has been granted to fill 2,000 teaching posts in Government First Grade Colleges, engineering colleges, polytechnics and the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE). The recruitment process will be completed soon. In addition, 1,000 teaching posts in public universities will be rationalised and filled in phases, he said. To improve facilities for women students, basic infrastructure will be provided in 25 government degree colleges, three polytechnics and three engineering colleges where more than 50 per cent of the students are women. A total of Rs 31 crore has been allocated for this purpose, with Rs one crore earmarked for each institution, CM Siddaramaiah said. Furniture procurement and repair or renovation works in 50 Government First Grade Colleges with more than 1,000 students will be undertaken over the next three years for Rs 100 crore, he said. The government will establish new Government First Grade Colleges in Chadachan in Vijayapura district, Belagavi Rural and the Narasimharaja constituency in Mysuru city. Another First Grade College will be set up in Maski in Raichur district with macro funding from the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB), he stated. Under the Kalyana Karnataka Area Development Board, residential First Grade Colleges will be established in Nimbaraga in Kalaburagi district, Kakkera in Yadgir district, Ambamath in Raichur district and Bevoor in Koppal district for Rs 18 crore each, he announced. In a move to align education with emerging industry demands, 15 new courses will be introduced in 11 government polytechnics and the Government Engineering College in Chitradurga. The courses will include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Mining Engineering and Automation Engineering, he stated. The Chief Minister also said the state government has already provided Rs 100 crore out of the proposed Rs 500 crore project to develop the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) on the lines of an IIT. Another Rs 100 crore will be allocated for the project in the current year. In addition, women guest lecturers working in Government First Grade Colleges, polytechnics and engineering colleges will be provided 90 days of maternity leave from the next academic year, Siddaramaiah announced. Kolkata, March 6 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of marking several alive voters dead in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. "Some of these voters are here with us today. The Commission should feel ashamed that it had marked voters who are alive as dead in the SIR process. But today they are here to prove that they are still alive. The ECI is acting as an agent of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is itself a shameless political force," the Chief Minister said at indefinite anti-SIR sit-in protest at Esplanade East. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister wished the voters long and healthy lives. "Remember, we are working inch-by-inch. We have tracked all 22 voters who have been classified as deceased, though they are still there. I would also request the media to give adequate coverage about such voters, who are still alive but are dead as per the Commission's records," the Chief Minister added. She also said that the forthcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal later this year will be a farcical exercise unless the genuine voters are able to cast their votes in that election. Besides the top leaders of Trinamool Congress, the members of the association of booth-level officers (BLOs) affiliated to the Trinamool Congress were also present at the venue of the sit-in protest. Incidentally, the venue of the Chief Minister's sit-in demonstration is barely 1.5 kilometres away from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal. The Chief Minister's indefinite demonstration has started just before the full bench of the ECI led by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Gyanesh Kumar, is arriving in Kolkata on March 8 with a packed schedule for the next two days. A massive stage has been set up at the venue of the sit-in demonstration at Esplanade East. Although the Trinamool Congress leadership did not give any indication on how long the demonstration would continue, from the size of the stage and the amenities arranged there, it seems the protest would continue for quite some time. Shimla, March 6 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday inaugurated a robotic surgery facility at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College in Nerchowk in Mandi district. The facility, established with an outlay of Rs 28.44 crore, marked another step in strengthening advanced healthcare services in the state. After Atal Super Speciality Hospital in Chamiyana in Shimla and Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda in Kangra district, Lal Bahadur Shastri hospital has now become the third medical institution in the state to offer robotic surgery. The Chief Minister also observed the first surgery performed using the new system. CM Sukhu said robotic surgery services would soon be introduced at Indira Gandhi Medical College in Shimla and Hamirpur Medical College. He said 151 surgeries have been performed through robotic systems in Chamiyana and 92 at Tanda Medical College with encouraging outcomes. The Chief Minister said the government has been working to introduce high-end medical technology in all medical colleges at a level comparable to AIIMS Delhi. The aim, he said, is to ensure that medical colleges in the state do not remain merely referral institutions. Doctors will also be sent on exposure visits to gain better knowledge and training in modern medical technologies. Addressing financial challenges, Sukhu said it normally takes time to correct disrupted systems. He pointed out that due to the closure of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) the state budget has been reduced by about Rs 10,000 crore per annum. Despite this, the government plans to invest around Rs 3,000 crore in advanced medical technologies in the coming years. He emphasised that no shortage of funds would be allowed to hinder improvements in healthcare services. The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of a cardiology department at the Medical College in Nerchowk. He said postgraduate courses would be started in all departments of the college. The Chief Minister also announced that medical colleges would have student sections of 60 each, with staff strength maintained accordingly to ensure better quality of medical education. New Delhi, March 6 : Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), held a meeting with visiting Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel on the sidelines of the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi on Friday with discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. During the meeting, George and Fasel also discussed regional and global developments. "Secretary (West) Ambassador Sibi George met Swiss State Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alexandre Fasel on the sidelines of the 11th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi today. Discussions were held on strengthening bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors and views were exchanged on regional and global developments. Implementation of India EFTA TEPA will foster technological collaboration, quality investments and create job opportunities," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X after the meeting. According to the MEA, commercial contacts between India and Switzerland date back to the early 19th century when in 1851 the Volkart Trading Co. established its offices in Basel and Mumbai. During the First World War, Switzerland set up its consulates in key locations around the world, including in Mumbai, to secure food and economic prospects. Bilateral ties achieved new heights following PM Narendra Modi's visit to Switzerland in 2016 and 2018 and that of the Swiss President Doris Leuthard to India in 2017. Negotiations on bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) started in October 2008 and, after 21st round of negotiations held over 16 years, the agreement was finally signed in March 2024. With it, Switzerland and the other European Free Trade Association (EFTA) States - also including Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway - became the first European partners to conclude a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. Last November, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a meeting with Switzerland's State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda, where they discussed investment opportunities for the pharmaceutical sector. "Co-chaired a meeting with SECO State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda with Swiss pharma and biotech companies. Discussions focused on avenues of further cooperation in R&D and expanding investment opportunities for Swiss pharma companies to leverage India's robust healthcare sector," Goyal stated in a post on X after the meeting. "Also, discussed the progress made under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with an aim to further enhance collaboration across key sectors for mutual growth," he added. New Delhi, March 6 : Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that talks are on with the Shipping Ministry and shipping companies to free up cargoes stranded due to the conflict in West Asia. The government will look at ways to ease exportersa burdens, including high insurance and shipment costs. "Every day, the inter-ministerial group talks to the exporters. Even this morning, they must have had an engagement. They take feedback, and we will not be found wanting in supporting our exporters in any way. We should continue to meet all the commitments that we have made to our buyers, whether in goods or services," Goyal said. He said the government would use "every policy tool" and the export promotion mission to support Indian exporters. "I can assure you this government stands with our industry and will continue to ensure that all our international commitments are met because that is what defines India," Goyal said. He cited the countryas remarkable record of meeting all its international commitments even during the Covida'19 pandemic as evidence of its reliability as a trading partner. Oil prices surged as Iran launched missiles and drones across the Gulf, striking an oil refinery in Bahrain. Brent crude posted an intraday high above $86, while the US crude closed above $81 per barrel after surging 8.5 per cent last night. A recent report from DBS Bank warned that despite the Iranian Navyas warships posing minimal threat, the Islamic Republic's ability to deploy mines and asymmetric attacks in the Strait of Hormuz could slow shipments, raise insurance, shipping costs and energy prices. The US had earlier said that it may deploy naval escorts for oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, as the conflict with Iran raised concerns about global energy supplies and shipping security in one of the worldas most critical maritime corridors. The White House also stated that recent actions against Iran could ultimately improve the stability of global energy markets. a"IANS aar/vd Mumbai, March 6 : Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has expressed his gratitude to the UAE leadership as he safely returned to Dubai amidst the ongoing tension in the Middle East. Calling the UAE his home, the 'Masti' actor was extremely thankful to reunite with his family in Dubai after being away from his loved ones in the middle of this growing geopolitical tension. Vivek dropped a video on his social media handle, saying, "For all of us from over 200 nationalities who live here, the UAE is simply home. These past few days, as geopolitical tensions grew, the distance between where I was and where my family waited felt heavier than ever. Returning to Dubai, I felt every person on that plane had a silent story in their eyes." He revealed that he had spent the entire journey with his heart racing and his thoughts fixed entirely on his kids. Vivek also applauded the UAE government for showcasing resilience during these uncertain times. He went on to add, "Today, I am more grateful than ever for the resilience of the UAE government in the face of global uncertainty. Your steady leadership and unwavering calm provided the safety we needed to come back. You have built a nation that doesn't just function, it protects." The 'Saathiya' actor further said, "As a proud Indian, on behalf of all the Indians settled in the UAE, thank you for keeping us safe and for standing with us as one of us rather than just meeting from a distance. Thank you." "My deepest gratitude to the UAE leadership, the frontline heroes, and the wings of @emirates for their incredible guardianship. Itas good to be back," the caption on the post read. Recently, Vivek Oberoi, who shifted to Dubai a few years back, reiterated his faith in the strong bond shared by India and the UAE via another social media post. He called the association between the two countries 'a bridge of steel' while praying for all those stuck in the conflict zone of the Middle East. Jaipur, March 6 : A wall of the Firdaus Mosque here collapsed during Friday prayers, leaving over 12 people injured, including a three-year-old child. Eight of the injured are in critical condition and have been admitted to the trauma centre at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital. According to officials, the incident took place at around 2.30 p.m. at the Firdaus Mosque located in the Bhatta Basti police station area. Hundreds of worshippers were present inside the mosque for Friday prayers when a wall of the first-floor balcony suddenly gave way, burying several people under the debris and triggering panic among those present. Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred when worshippers were leaving the mosque after offering prayers. Due to the large crowd on the first-floor balcony, pressure reportedly increased on the wall, leading to its sudden collapse. Some children standing nearby also fell along with the collapsing structure. Local residents and police immediately launched a rescue operation and pulled the injured out from under the rubble. All the victims were rushed to Kanwatia Hospital for initial treatment. Hospital authorities said more than a dozen people were injured in the accident. Among them, eight were referred to the Trauma Centre at SMS Hospital due to serious injuries. The critically injured include Rustam (40), Ishaan (34), Khurshid (25), Suhail (25), Imam Zafar (20), Iqbal (18) and two others. Three patients are currently undergoing treatment at Kanwatia Hospital, while several others were discharged after receiving primary treatment. Kanwatia Hospital Superintendent Dr R.S. Tanwar said that around 15 injured people were brought to the hospital immediately after the accident. Six of them were referred to SMS Hospital due to the severity of their injuries, including cases of head trauma. Victims described terrifying moments after the collapse. Mohammad Shamsher, who suffered a broken leg, said: "When the wall collapsed, it felt like doomsday. We were leaving the mosque after prayers when the accident occurred." Another victim, Mohammad Sabir (45), said he had gone to the mosque with his two sons. "After the prayers, we were putting on our shoes when the balcony wall suddenly collapsed. My youngest son suffered a head injury and has been admitted to SMS Hospital," he said. After receiving information about the accident, local MLA Amin Kagzi, along with MLA Hakeem Ali and Asrar Qureshi, rushed from the Assembly to SMS Hospital. They met the injured and their families and assured them of all possible assistance. Family members of the injured also gathered at the hospitals as news of the accident spread across the city. Authorities have started an investigation to determine the exact cause of the collapse. Preliminary reports suggest that the balcony wall may have weakened and collapsed due to the pressure of the large crowd leaving the mosque at the same time. Pune, March 6 : Around 40 tourists from Maharashtra's Pimpri-Chinchwad area who were stranded in Dubai for several days returned home safely late last night, bringing relief to their anxious families. The group, which included former Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) corporator Suman Netke, had been stuck in Dubai due to sudden difficulties that disrupted their travel plans and raised concerns among relatives back home. Family members had earlier appealed to the Centre to intervene and ensure the safe return of their loved ones. After flight services from Dubai resumed, authorities initiated necessary arrangements to facilitate the return of stranded tourists to their respective countries. Following these efforts, the group from the Pimpri-Chinchwad area was able to board flights and reach India safely late on Thursday night. Emotional scenes were witnessed as family members gathered to receive the returning tourists. After days of uncertainty and worry, relatives welcomed them with relief and gratitude, thanking the Centre for helping ensure their safe journey back home. Speaking to IANS, Netke said the authorities and residents in Dubai reassured them during the difficult period. "The Dubai government assured us of their support and told us that we would remain completely safe. Dubai is such a city that there is nothing to fear," Netke said. She added that local residents in Dubai also extended comfort and support to the stranded tourists, urging them not to panic. "We received timely updates and alerts from the government regarding the situation. Later, we got a notification that we were in a safe zone, which brought smiles to our faces," she said. Recalling the tense moments during their stay, Netke said the experience was deeply emotional. "We saw both laughter and tears there. It gave us a true sense of what fear is and what an actual war-like situation feels like," she added. Bhopal, March 6 : The Women and Child Development Department of the Madhya Pradesh government on Friday said it has initiated the 'Saraswati Abhiyan' under the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao scheme to bring girls deprived of education back into the learning system. The initiative has been launched with the aim of bringing girls who have dropped out of school due to social, familial or economic reasons back into education and enabling them to become economically empowered by accessing benefits under the scheme. "Through this campaign, girls will be given the opportunity to appear for Class 8, 10 and 12 examinations under the State Open School system. They will also be provided study materials, guidance, contact classes and mentoring support so that they can complete their education and access further education or employment opportunities," an official said. The official also said that a state-level workshop to share information about the department's work plan and innovations aimed at bringing school dropout girls back to education will be organised in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in Bhopal on March 10. According to the National Family Health Survey, a large number of girls in the state leave school before completing Classes 8, 10 or 12. After dropping out, they often do not get an opportunity to continue their education, leaving their studies incomplete and limiting future opportunities. "Keeping this challenge in mind, under 'Saraswati Abhiyan', the Women and Child Development Department will conduct a survey to identify school dropout girls and enrol them in the State Open School," the official added. The state government expects that the initiative will play a significant role in increasing female literacy, reducing dropout rates and promoting women's empowerment. It may also prove effective in preventing social evils such as child marriage. "Through 'Saraswati Abhiyan', girls deprived of education will get a new opportunity not only to improve their own lives but also to actively contribute to the development of their families and society," the official said. New Delhi, March 6 : Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi has warned that war in the Middle East continuing for a "few days" could cause Gulf exporters declaring force majeure, halting deliveries, pushing oil to $150 a barrel and natural gas to $40 per MMBtu (Metric Million British Thermal Unit) within weeks. New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) Qataras Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi has warned that war in the Middle East continuing for a "few days" could cause Gulf exporters declaring force majeure, halting deliveries, pushing oil to $150 a barrel and natural gas to $40 per MMBtu (Metric Million British Thermal Unit) within weeks. "Everybody that has not called for force majeure we expect will do so in the next few days if this continues. All exporters in the Gulf region will have to call force majeure," the minister told the Financial Times. "If they donat, they are at some point going to pay the liability for that legally, and thatas their choice," he was quoted as saying by the daily. The minister said that crude prices could reach $150 a barrel within two to three weeks if tankers and other vessels remain unable to pass through the Strait, while natural gas prices could jump four times. Brent crude futures have surged 20 per cent this week, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has jumped 25 per cent. On Friday, Brent was trading over 3 per cent higher at $89 per barrel while WTI rose over 5 per cent to $86. Both benchmarks are trading at their highest levels since April 2024. Qatar, the worldas second-largest producer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), declared force majeure this week after an Iranian drone strike hit its Ras Laffan LNG facility. The facility is the countryas largest LNG plant, and efforts are being taken to assess the extent of the damage to it. Even if attacks stopped immediately, restoring normal export operations could take "weeks to months" due to logistical disruptions, the minister noted. Only six or seven of Qataras 128 LNG carriers were currently available to load cargo, he said. With at least 10 ships reportedly struck and insurers sharply raising premiums, shipping companies have become reluctant to send vessels through the region, the Financial Times said. Oil prices surged as Iran launched missiles and drones across the Gulf, striking an oil refinery in Bahrain. A recent report from DBS Bank warned that despite the Iranian Navyas warships posing minimal threat, the Islamic Republic's ability to deploy mines and asymmetric attacks in the Strait of Hormuz could slow shipments, raise insurance, shipping costs and energy prices. BEIRUT, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of Israeli airstrikes targeted areas across Lebanon overnight and early Friday, striking Beirut's southern suburbs, southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley amid escalating military tensions. According to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency, the strikes came after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings to residents in several neighborhoods of the southern suburbs, prompting widespread panic as many residents rushed to leave the area. Large numbers of residents fled their homes, causing severe traffic congestion on roads leading out of the suburbs. Witnesses reported that the surrounding roads were heavily jammed, particularly as some families began evacuating only after the airstrikes had already started. Local media said the bombardment triggered powerful explosions that shook Beirut and surrounding areas, while Israeli warplanes continued intensive flights over the capital and Mount Lebanon. Some families were also reported to have left the Sabra Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut amid rising tensions following the Israeli warnings. At the same time, several hospitals and health centers in the southern suburbs implemented emergency measures, evacuating certain wards and transferring patients to safer locations amid fears that the airstrikes could expand. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said in a statement that it had issued a warning in Hebrew to residents of northern Israeli settlements within five kilometers of the border, urging them to move further south. Hezbollah on Monday fired missiles and drones toward Israel, saying the attacks were in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike and for repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Israel responded with massive airstrikes on Hezbollah targets and deployed ground forces into southern Lebanon, marking a sharp escalation in the conflict. Hyderabad, March 6 : Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office has provisionally attached immovable properties valued at Rs 26.86 crore in a bank fraud case of Sowbhagya Ispat India Pvt. Ltd. (SIIPL). The attached properties under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 include residential flats, residential house, and open plots of land. The ED said in a statement on Friday that it had initiated investigation on the basis of FIR registered by CBI, BS&FB, Bangalore under Sections 120-B, 420, 468 and 471 of IPC and Section 13(2) read with 13(1)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against Sowbhagya Ispat India Pvt. Ltd., its directors and others for defrauding Andhra Bank (now Union Bank of India) and causing wrongful loss to the bank. ED investigation revealed that SIIPL had availed term loans and working capital facilities from then Andhra Bank for establishing and expanding a steel manufacturing unit. However, the accused persons fraudulently obtained enhanced credit facilities by submitting fabricated stock statements, inflated financials, forged documents and false certificates. Further, investigation revealed that the loan funds were diverted and siphoned off instead of being utilized for the sanctioned purposes. Funds were routed through related entities and accommodation entry providers, creating fictitious turnover and circular transactions to inflate the financial position of the company. The investigation by the Central agency further revealed that the accused persons submitted false and inflated stock statements, manipulated receivables, and engaged in fictitious transactions in order to artificially maintain drawing power and avail higher credit limits from the bank. By adopting such fraudulent means, the accused persons dishonestly obtained and utilized bank loans, thereby causing wrongful loss to the bank and generating Proceeds of Crime amounting to Rs 46.52 crore. The bank has subsequently recovered Rs 15.52 crore and out of the remaining Proceeds of Crime of Rs 31 crore to be recovered, properties valued at Rs 26.86 crore could be identified during PMLA investigation and the same have been attached under the provisions of PMLA, the ED said. Bengaluru, March 6 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday staged a protest near the Vidhana Soudha alleging that the State Budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was like an "empty pot". The protest was led by BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka, Deputy Leader Arvind Bellad, Chief Whip of the Opposition in the Legislative Council N. Ravikumar, along with former ministers, MLAs and Members of the Legislative Council. The protesters held placards stating that the Congress government had given "empty pots" to Kannadigas and symbolically displayed empty pots during the demonstration. They raised slogans condemning the government, accusing it of betraying the youth and burdening the state with a debt of Rs 3.5 lakh crore in the last three years. The protesters also shouted slogans such as "Down with the government that cheated the youth", "Down with the government that incurred Rs 3.5 lakh crore debt in three years", and "The budget itself is an empty pot budget". They also raised slogans targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that he had given "empty pots" to the people of the state and to Kannadigas. The protesters further accused the government of offering nothing to farmers, chanting slogans against what they termed an "empty pot" for farmers as well. MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan criticised the State Budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, stating that it is not reassuring in any way. He said the budget does not benefit any sector, whether it is quality education, quality healthcare services, farmers or the welfare of the poor and Dalits. According to him, the budget has created widespread disappointment. Responding to a question, he said Siddaramaiah, who is considered a financial expert, has presented a deficit budget, which is extremely disappointing. He further alleged that the Congress government has borrowed Rs 4.40 lakh crore since coming to power, increasing the debt burden without incorporating elements that would support development. MLA Sunil Kumar also criticised the State Budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, calling it an "anti-coastal" budget. He alleged that the government has betrayed the coastal districts. He said several demands related to issues in the coastal region had been placed before the government. "We had urged the government to give priority to tourism in the coastal region and provide a special package. However, the government has not presented any clear plan for the development of coastal tourism in the budget," he said. He further said that demands had been made for the establishment of a medical college in Udupi district and an agriculture college at Brahmavara. "Transforming the agriculture diploma college at Brahmavara would not require a large amount of funds; only a government order was needed. Even that has not been fulfilled, which has caused disappointment," he said. He also pointed out that during the previous government's tenure, several vented dams had been constructed under the West Flowing Rivers project in Mangaluru and Udupi districts. "We had demanded the continuation of the West Flowing Rivers project to improve irrigation and groundwater levels, but that too has been ignored. The coastal region has been completely neglected," he alleged. Mumbai, March 6 : The Maharashtra government has set an ambitious target to increase the gross income of the industrial sector in the state from $123 billion to $1,500 billion by 2047. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while presenting the annual Budget for 202627, said the state's new Industry, Investment and Services Policy2025 proposes to raise the share of the industry sector in the state economy to 30 per cent by 2047. According to the Budget, Maharashtra currently tops the country in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Centres will be established in every district of the state, through which around 50 lakh direct employment opportunities are expected to be created. The Maharashtra Bamboo Industry Policy2025 aims to attract investments of more than Rs 50,000 crore and create about 5 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities. An Asian Development Bank-funded Bamboo Development Project worth Rs 4,271 crore will also be implemented. An investment of around Rs 2.62 lakh crore has been proposed for iron ore-based large and ultra-large steel industries in Gadchiroli, which is expected to create more than 70,000 jobs. Under the Maharashtra Gems and Jewellery Policy2025, an investment of Rs 1 lakh crore and the creation of around 5 lakh jobs have been envisaged. In the services sector, the government has set an ambitious target to increase the gross domestic product of the sector in the state from $312 billion to $3,000 billion by 2047. To achieve this, the government plans to make Maharashtra a global leader in Animation, Gaming and Visual Effects (AVGC)-XR through the AVGC-XR Policy 2025. The government has also proposed the establishment of the "Indian Institute of Creative Technology" in Mumbai. In addition, about 400 new Global Competence Centres will be set up in Maharashtra under the "GCC Strategy2025", which is expected to generate around 4 lakh high-skilled job opportunities. In the tourism sector, the government plans to increase the number of tourists visiting the state from the current 16 crore to 38 crore annually by 2047. The government also proposes to develop 50 selected tourist destinations on the occasion of the golden jubilee year of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Among other initiatives announced in the Budget are the MunawaleVasota Fort ropeway project in Satara district, development of the third film city in the state at Navargaon in Ramtek taluka of Nagpur district, establishment of Ramsrishti and Kalidas Srishti at Ramtek, support for the production of a biopic on Mahakavi Kalidas, and development of various religious sites associated with the Mahanubhav Panth. New Delhi, March 6 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a meeting with his counterparts from Mauritius and Bhutan on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026 in New Delhi on Friday. EAM Jaishankar met Bhutanese counterpart Lyonpo DN Dhungyel and reaffirmed India's commitment to deepen partnership between two nations. "Delighted to meet Bhutan Foreign Minister Lyonpo DN Dhungyel on sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026. Reaffirmed our commitment to deepen our unique partnership," EAM Jaishankar posted on X. During his meeting with Mauritius Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful, EAM Jaishankar underlined India's commitment to further enhance strategic partnership between two nations. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar stated, "Pleased to meet FM Dhananjay Ritish Ramful of Mauritius. Underlined our commitment to further our enhanced strategic partnership." The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, commenced in New Delhi on Thursday. The event, organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), convenes global leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts, and journalists to discuss critical international issues. Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar held a meeting with Malta's Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg on the sidelines of the event. "Good meeting with Deputy PM of Malta this afternoon. Appreciate his insights on the maritime industry," he posted on X after the meeting. EAM Jaishankar also met Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh. The talks between two ministers took place amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which was triggered by the joint US-Israel strikes against Iran on February 28, aimed at degrading Tehran's missile capabilities and military infrastructure. On the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue, EAM Jaishankar also met French Minister delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad, State Secretary in Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development Niels Annen, Tanzania's Deputy Foreign Minister Ng'waru Jumanne Maghembe, GLOBESEC think-tank founder and President Robert Vass and European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) Co-founder and Director Mark Leonard. New Delhi/Bengaluru, March 6 : Union Minister for Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi has criticised the 17th Budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that its only distinction is its large size of Rs 4.48 lakh crore while also setting records in terms of rising state debt and fiscal deficit, and appearing to be driven by "vote bank" considerations. New Delhi/Bengaluru, March 6 (IANS) Union Minister for Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi has criticised the 17th Budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that its only distinction is its large size of Rs 4.48 lakh crore while also setting records in terms of rising state debt and fiscal deficit, and appearing to be driven by "vote bank" considerations. Reacting to the Karnataka government's Budget for 202627, Joshi said on Friday that instead of leading the state towards economic progress, the Budget has exposed it to financial distress. He alleged that it appears to have been designed primarily to benefit a few sections of society, including minorities. Although the Budget size stands at Rs 4.48 lakh crore, Joshi said it does not reflect any clear economic policy and appears more like a political speech rather than a document guided by sound economic principles. Referring to the fiscal situation, Joshi said the Budget shows a fiscal deficit of Rs 97,449 crore and a revenue deficit of Rs 29,957 crore. He alleged that Siddaramaiah, who was earlier called "Lekkaramayya" -- a reference to his reputation for financial management -- has instead placed a debt burden of Rs 1.32 lakh crore on the state. Joshi also criticised the state government for not allocating even a single rupee in the Budget to the "VB-G RAM G" scheme, which he said provides 125 days of employment and plays a significant role in urban and rural development. This, he alleged, reflects the government's anti-development approach. He further said that the Budget lacks any structural proposals to promote economic growth or infrastructure development and described it as a "guarantee-driven debt trap" Budget. He also alleged that it reflects the Congress high command's appeasement politics and "vote bank" considerations, including the announcement to name Gram Panchayats after Mahatma Gandhi. According to Joshi, although the Budget size has increased by Rs 40,000 crore compared to last year and the fiscal deficit has been limited to 2.95 per cent of the state GDP, the overall debt has risen to Rs 8.24 lakh crore -- a record in the state's financial history. He accused the Siddaramaiah government of pointing fingers at the Union government to cover up its own fiscal mismanagement. Joshi claimed that the Budget lacks substance despite its slogan of social equality and continues to favour minority communities. He said the government has allocated Rs 1,635 crore for minority colonies, waived interest for borrowers of minority corporations and announced Rs 50,000 for laptops for 5,000 minority students. He also noted the announcement of Haj Bhavans in Hubballi and Kalaburagi, alleging that most other communities have been ignored. He further alleged that Rs 100 crore has been allocated to Davanagere South constituency, where a by-election is expected and where Muslim voters are in significant numbers. Questioning why similar allocations were not made to other constituencies, he described it as minority appeasement and a vote bank-driven Budget. Joshi also pointed out that the government has not allocated funds this time for the "Yuva Nidhi" guarantee scheme announced earlier, which he said could indicate that the government may gradually withdraw its guarantee schemes. He alleged that the youth have been neglected, suggesting that the Congress government may not view them as part of its vote bank. He said that apart from education and what he termed "unscientific guarantee schemes", the Budget does not offer any significant benefits to other sectors. In particular, he alleged that the health and agriculture sectors have been completely neglected, while social welfare, infrastructure and development have been overlooked. Joshi further said that the Budget mainly highlights projects related to Indira Canteen and a few cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Davanagere and Kalaburagi, while regions such as North Karnataka and Kalyana Karnataka, along with several districts, have been left behind. He also criticised the Budget for not making any concrete financial provision for irrigation projects. According to him, the state government is attempting to evade responsibility by blaming the need for approvals from the Union government. Overall, Joshi said the Budget lacks direction and vision and will neither ensure public welfare nor economic progress. "It is essentially a debt-driven and vote bank-motivated Budget," he said. Vadodara, March 6 : A digital portal enabling residents to access services from the local Member of Parliament's (MP) office through their mobile phones was launched in Gujarat's Vadodara on Friday, in an initiative aimed at expanding the use of e-governance and simplifying communication between citizens and public representatives. The "MP Office E-Portal" was formally launched at the Atal Sansad Janseva Kendra in Vadodara by the Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The platform has been introduced by Hemang Joshi, BJP MP from Vadodara, as part of an effort to promote digital governance. Officials said the portal has been designed to allow citizens to access various services and information related to the MP's office directly from their mobile devices, reducing the need to visit government offices for routine matters. Through the portal, residents can request appointments to meet the MP, view schedules of upcoming programmes and events, and obtain information about development works carried out under the MP Local Area Development Scheme (MP-LADS). It also provides details about welfare schemes run by both the Central and state governments. Citizens will also be able to submit representations and suggestions to the MP's office from their homes through the portal, which officials said would help save both time and travel costs. Authorities added that even when the MP is attending sessions of the Lok Sabha in New Delhi, representations sent through the portal can be received and responded to through email or telephone communication. The portal is currently available in English, and officials said that efforts are underway to make it accessible in Gujarati and Hindi in the near future. Speaking at a separate public event in Vadodara, Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi referred to the importance of community participation and social responsibility while addressing a large gathering during a religious ceremony held at the ancient Shri Rameshwar Mahadev Temple in the city's Navayard area. The ceremony marked the consecration of idols of Khatu Shyam, Sanwariya Seth and Bharat Mata according to traditional rituals. Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi described the temple as "an ancient and extremely sacred centre of faith in Vadodara" and said the self-manifested Shivling at the site had been worshipped by residents for generations, even before the existence of the railway in the area. Referring to the temple's renovation, the Deputy Chief Minister said: "The project had been carried out through monthly donations contributed by families living in the surrounding colony. Every family contributed regularly to collect funds for the construction of this grand temple." He also addressed issues related to women's safety, urging society to support victims rather than criticise them. "If any innocent daughter of society unknowingly becomes a victim of malicious elements, society should show sympathy and provide mental and social support instead of criticising her," he said. Calling on women to play a greater role in safeguarding young girls, Deputy Chief Minister Sanghavi urged mothers and sisters to become "Rani Lakshmibai" in protecting their daughters. The Deputy Chief Minister also warned that the state government would take strict action against individuals who conceal their identity or use false names to deceive or coerce women into relationships or marriage. "The government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel would take stringent legal action in such cases and was working to ensure strong legal provisions against such crimes," he warned. Referring to police action in recent months, the Deputy Chief Minister said authorities in districts, including Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Panchmahal, Vadodara and Surat, had successfully rescued several young women from such situations over the past year and returned them safely to their families. He also added: "If the temple trust submits a development plan for future improvements to the Rameshwar Mahadev Temple, financial assistance of up to Rs 25 lakh could be provided through the state government's Pavitra Yatradham Development Board." Thiruvananthapuram, March 6 : With the Assembly elections drawing closer, one name that increasingly dominates discussions within the Congress in Kerala when it comes to candidate selection is K. C. Venugopal. As the partyas powerful General Secretary, Organisation, Venugopal has emerged as the key decision maker whose approval is widely considered crucial before any final list of candidates is cleared. Across the state, aspirants lobbying for party tickets are increasingly aware that the final word often rests with him. Even when aspirants approach senior Congress veterans for support, the question frequently posed to them is: "Have you spoken to KC?", a telling sign of the influence Venugopal wields in the partyas organisational structure. His role has grown particularly significant in Kerala following the gradual retirement of veteran leader A. K. Antony from active politics. With Antony stepping back, Venugopal has become the crucial link between the partyas central leadership in New Delhi and the state unit. Yet, Venugopalas journey to the top of the Congress organisational hierarchy began far from the power corridors of Delhi. Hailing from the Left bastion of Kannur, he started his political career in student politics, where he soon came into close contact with the towering Congress leader K. Karunakaran, who also had roots in the district. Karunakaran took a special liking to the young activist and affectionately referred to him as "my boy". According to Padmaja Venugopal, Karunakaranas daughter, her mother, Kalyanikutty Amma, too had a soft corner for Venugopal. During Karunakaranas tenure as Chief Minister, Venugopal enjoyed easy access to Cliff House, the official residence of the Chief Minister, where Kalyanikutty Amma often hosted him warmly. His electoral career took off in 1996 when Karunakaran fielded him from Alappuzha in the Assembly polls. The victory marked the beginning of a steady rise that eventually took him to the Congress high command in Delhi, a position of influence that, in many ways, surpasses even what his mentor once achieved. Now 63, Venugopal continues to remain closely connected with his contemporaries from the student and youth movements, often extending support to the families of colleagues who began their political journey alongside him but are no longer alive. In the 140-member Kerala Legislative Assembly, the Congress fields around 95 candidates, and with the party, according to several pre-poll surveys, is on its way to form a government, Venugopal will hold the key to who will contest and who will not. Gandhinagar, March 6 : Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday congratulated candidates from the state who cleared the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, stating that 34 aspirants from Gujarat had succeeded in the 2025 cycle of the highly competitive national examination. In a statement issued after the results were declared by the UPSC, the Chief Minister said the achievement of the candidates had brought pride to the state. "A total of 34 bright sons and daughters of Gujarat have passed the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, which is a matter of immense pride for our state. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the successful candidates and convey my best wishes for their bright future," he said. Patel also highlighted the role of training and academic support provided to aspirants through the Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA), a state-run institution that prepares students for competitive examinations. He said the institute's training programmes, academic environment and the sustained efforts of young aspirants from Gujarat were helping them achieve success in national-level examinations. "SPIPA the excellent training provided by the Government of Gujarat for competitive examinations, the encouraging environment, and the relentless hard work of the state's youth are today reaching the peaks of success. This makes me happy," the Chief Minister said. Referring to the development vision articulated by the Prime Minister, Patel expressed confidence that the newly selected candidates would contribute to public service through their administrative roles. He said the aspirants would play a significant role in realising the vision of "Viksit Bharat@2047" through their administrative skills and commitment to public welfare. "I am confident that you will make the best contribution to realising this vision through your administrative capability and set new examples of good governance while keeping the spirit of national service and public welfare above all," Patel said. The Chief Minister also said the achievement of the successful candidates would serve as an inspiration to many other young aspirants across the state. The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit officers for India's higher civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), along with several other Group A and Group B services of the central government. The selection process comprises a preliminary examination, the main written examination and a personality test. This year, Anuj Agnihotri secured All India Rank (AIR) 1. A medical graduate (MBBS) from AIIMS Jodhpur, he cleared the examination with Medical Science as his optional subject. Rajeshwari Suve M secured AIR 2. She holds a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, and chose Sociology as her optional subject. The third rank was secured by Akansh Dhull, a B.Com graduate from the University of Delhi, who opted for Commerce and Accountancy as his optional subject. Gandhinagar, March 6 : A state-level workshop was held in Gandhinagar to strengthen the implementation of the PM-RAHAT scheme in Gujarat, aimed at ensuring that road accident victims receive immediate medical treatment during the critical "golden hour" without financial barriers. The one-day workshop was organised by the Gujarat Road Safety Authority and attended by road safety nodal officers from districts across the state, senior officials from state police and the Health Department, along with representatives from other concerned departments on Friday. The PM-RAHAT scheme, launched by the Central government, is designed to ensure that victims of road accidents receive prompt medical care during the golden hour -- the period immediately after an accident when timely treatment can be crucial to saving lives. Under the scheme, accident victims are entitled to cashless treatment of up to Rs 1.5 lakh in hospitals for a maximum of seven days, ensuring that lack of money does not delay urgent medical care. Opening the workshop, Gujarat Road Safety Authority Commissioner Satish Patel introduced the scheme and highlighted the importance of providing treatment within the golden hour following an accident. He stressed the need for strong coordination among different departments so that the benefits of the scheme reach accident victims effectively across the state. IG of the State Traffic Branch, M.L. Ninama, provided guidance on the role of the police department in the process of providing cashless treatment to accident victims. He explained procedures related to accident reporting, documentation and coordination with hospitals to ensure that victims are brought under the scheme without delay. State Traffic Branch SP Sahitya V also briefed participants on the operational aspects of the programme and its implementation in Gujarat. Officials from the Health Department discussed the role of medical teams in providing timely treatment and registering accident victims under the scheme. Upendra Gandhi, Deputy Director of PM-JAY, said the scheme had been launched by the central government to benefit accident victims and required coordinated work between police and health authorities. "Police ensure that the victim reaches hospital on time and within 24 hours an electronic detailed accident report should be generated. The Health Department takes care of treatment and registers the patient on the PM-RAHAT portal. The vehicle involved in the accident is not covered under the scheme," he said. Sahitya said the Centre had directed all states to implement the programme and that it had been operational in Gujarat since February 13. She said several agencies, including the Health Department, Police Department, 108 emergency services and 112 emergency response teams, were coordinating under the framework. "Whenever an accident happens, the 108 service informs the hospital as well as the police. Police verify that it is a road accident, identify the victim and then pass the information to the hospital," he said. PM-RAHAT, which stands for Prime Minister Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment, aims to ensure that victims receive immediate, assured medical care during critical times and that financial constraints do not prevent life-saving treatment. The workshop focused on improving coordination between departments so that the scheme can be implemented effectively across Gujarat. Hyderabad, March 6 : The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Hyderabad, has attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 441.63 crore belonging to Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, his family members and others in connection with the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam case. The properties belonging to Rajasekhara Reddy, his family members and related entities; Booneti Chanakya and his related entities; relatives and entities of Donthireddy Vasudeva Reddy; and other persons and entities have been attached under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The central agency said in a statement on Friday that the attached properties are in the form of bank balances, fixed deposits, land parcels and other immovable assets. The ED initiated the investigation based on an FIR registered by the Andhra Pradesh CID on the complaint of the Principal Secretary to the Government of Andhra Pradesh, alleging a loss to the government exchequer to the tune of Rs 4,000 crore. The investigation has revealed that physical cash kickbacks were collected and stored at multiple locations in Hyderabad, from where they were subsequently moved, distributed or disposed of by designated cash handlers of the syndicate. The ED investigation has so far traced a money trail of Rs 1,048.45 crore in the form of kickbacks that several distilleries were allegedly compelled to pay in cash, gold and other forms. The agency said the illegal gains were also generated through control and operation of certain distilleries by the liquor syndicate as well as through financial gains derived from liquor transportation. The PMLA investigation revealed that the proceeds of crime were used for the purchase of immovable properties and for the personal enrichment of members of the liquor syndicate and their associates. A substantial portion of the proceeds of crime has been found to have been concealed or dissipated by the accused persons. Further investigation is under progress, the agency said. According to the ED, prior to 2019, the liquor trade in Andhra Pradesh was regulated through a transparent and automated software system that ensured end-to-end digital tracking of procurement, supply and sales, thereby leaving a verifiable electronic audit trail. After the 2019 Assembly elections, the newly formed state government monopolised retail liquor outlets through Government Retail Outlets (GROs) operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL). As part of the alleged criminal conspiracy, the automated system was deliberately disabled and replaced with a manual system, thereby vesting discretionary powers with APSBCL officials in the issuance of Orders for Supply (OFS). The ED alleged that the manual OFS regime was misused to discriminate against established liquor brands, which were marginalised or removed from the market. At the same time, preferential and irregular allocations were allegedly granted to select "favoured" brands in exchange for kickbacks. As part of the scheme, the syndicate allegedly promoted the introduction of "similar-sounding brands" (SSBs) with artificially inflated basic prices. This pricing manipulation enabled the distilleries manufacturing such brands to generate surplus margins, which were allegedly used to meet illegal monetary demands of the cartel. The PMLA investigation further revealed that distilleries were allegedly coerced into paying illegal kickbacks ranging from 15 per cent to 20 per cent of the basic price per case as a precondition for receiving OFS approvals. Manufacturers who refused to comply were subjected to coercive measures, including withholding legitimate payments and rejection of supply orders. The ED said communications relating to the demand and collection of kickbacks were carried out through encrypted VOIP calls and applications such as Signal to conceal the identities and roles of key operatives, including Booneti Chanakya (alias Prakash), Muppidi Avinash alias Sumeeth, and Mohammed Saif. The agency said Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, along with other members of the liquor syndicate, orchestrated a multi-crore scam in the liquor procurement and distribution system in Andhra Pradesh. According to the ED, the scam involved control and manipulation of the procurement process of APSBCL, leading to an estimated wrongful loss of Rs 3,500 crore to the state exchequer. The proceeds of crime generated from the scam were allegedly laundered and distributed among members of the syndicate for personal enrichment. The ED alleged that Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, in collusion with Booneti Chanakya, Muppidi Avinash Reddy, Tukekula Eswar Kiran Kumar Reddy, Paila Dileep, Saif Ahmad and others, collected kickbacks amounting to around Rs 3,500 crore. BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China congratulates Nepal on the timely and smooth completion of the voting for a new House of Representatives and welcomes Nepal's steady progress in advancing its national political agenda, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news briefing after the election committee of Nepal said that around 60 percent of eligible voters cast their votes in the House of Representatives elections and the polls were largely peaceful across the country. Mao said that as traditional friendly neighbors, China attaches great importance to its relations with Nepal, and both sides have consistently supported each other's efforts to safeguard independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. China is willing to work with Nepal to promote the continuous development of the China-Nepal strategic partnership of cooperation featuring everlasting friendship for development and prosperity, she added. New Delhi, March 6 : Soon after facing questions of the Delhi Assembly's Privileges Committee, former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday tried to give the 'Faansi Ghar' authentication matter a political twist, accusing the BJP of disrespecting freedom fighters. Kejriwal's former deputy Manish Sisodia failed to appear before the Committee despite being given a last chance. Sticking to AAP's stand that a 'Faansi Ghar' existed on the Assembly premises during the British era, Kejriwal accused the ruling BJP of indulging in a debate that is disrespectful to freedom fighters. Countering him, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said that AAP leaders should, before wrongly accusing the BJP of disrespecting freedom fighters, question their Congress bosses as to why they never found a 'Faansi Ghar' in the Old Secretariat while the grand old party was in power from 1947 to 2013. Sachdeva said that the lies of the AAP leaders and Kejriwal regarding the declaration of the existence of a 'gallows' on Assembly premises have been exposed to such an extent that they are now willing to tell thousands of lies to cover up their mistake. Earlier, Kejriwal told reporters after the Privileges Committee's meeting that the BJP-led Delhi government is hell-bent on proving a 'Faansi Ghar' on the Assembly premises as a 'tiffin room'. "During the British era, a part of the Delhi Assembly was where freedom fighters were hanged. In 2022, this was brought to light so that people would know too," he said. "But now the BJP government is busy proving it's not a 'hanging room', but a 'tiffin room'... What greater insult could there be to the freedom fighters? Roads in Delhi are broken, power is being cut, there are no medicines in hospitals But BJP has no concern for the issues of Delhi's people," said Kejriwal. "They are only interested in indulging in politics. They are only interested in proving a place where freedom fighters were hanged as a tiffin room," said Kejriwal. He said that during the Committee's meeting, he was asked to give proof to support the fact that a section of the Assembly identified as 'Faansi Ghar' was indeed a gallows. "I told the Committee members that the then Speaker of the Assembly had some information based on which he concluded that a 'Faansi Ghar' existed on the Assembly premises," he said. Kejriwal said he also questioned the Committee members to show proof that the shaft in question was indeed a tiffin box and not a 'Faansi Ghar'. Earlier, Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta cautioned Kejriwal's party colleague Atishi not to make comments and cast aspersions on a matter which is before the Privileges Committee. "You should appreciate the difference between a political party and the Assembly and its Committees. The Delhi Assembly and its Committees function independently now. Maybe, it is a new phenomenon to you, as history is witness to the misuse of the Assembly and its Committees during the previous period," he said. "As the Speaker of the House, I find it disappointing that you have resorted to such unsubstantiated statements without any evidence, and it is my duty to advise you to not insult or defame the Assembly Committees for your narrow political gains," the Speaker said. The matter, originally raised by Assembly Speaker Gupta, concerns the authenticity of the 'Faansi Ghar' inaugurated on August 9, 2022, within the Delhi Assembly premises. The Committee of Privileges was directed to investigate the issue to facilitate a factual and procedural assessment of the circumstances surrounding the inauguration. New Delhi, March 6 : PSU oil marketing companies Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) on Friday dismissed rumours of shortages of fuel -- petrol and diesel -- in certain areas, calling them "completely unfounded" and "baseless". In a post on its X handle, BPCL said Indiaas energy supply remains reliable and resilient, with ample petroleum reserves and uninterrupted supply chains. "There have been some rumours about shortages of petrol and diesel in certain areas, which are completely unfounded," it said. India's energy supply remains reliable and resilient, and there is no reason to be alarmed about fuel availability, it said. "BPCL is fully operational and steadfast in ensuring a smooth fuel supply for all customers," it added. Meanwhile, IOCL said: "Reports on social media suggesting a shortage of petrol and diesel are baseless. India has sufficient fuel stocks, and supply and distribution networks are functioning normally." "IndianOil is committed to maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Citizens are requested not to panic or crowd fuel stations and to rely only on official sources for accurate information", it said on its X handle. Earlier, government sources said India currently maintains around 25 days of crude oil reserves and 25 days of petroleum products, including shipments in transit to the countryas ports. This keeps the nation in a "reasonably comfortable" position despite recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz following the Iran conflict. Oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil, BPCL, and Hindustan Petroleum, have sufficient supplies for several weeks and continue to receive shipments from multiple routes. The government has also directed OMCs not to export petroleum products to further bolster buffer stocks. Strategic storage facilities across the country add to this resilience: Pudur has a capacity of 2.25 million metric tonnes (MMT), Visakhapatnam 1.33 MMT, and Mangaluru 1.5 MMT. Another coastal facility at Chandikhol is under construction. BPCL and the government emphasised that there is no reason for public alarm. India imports over 85 per cent of its crude oil, with roughly half historically sourced from Middle Eastern countries. However, the country has diversified its supply sources in recent years, increasing imports from Africa, Russia, and the United States, while strengthening energy security through strategic reserves. Guwahati, March 6 : Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi on Friday accused the BJP of using the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) as its "political oxygen" in Assam, alleging that the ruling party depends on the regional outfit to sustain its political narrative ahead of elections. Guwahati, March 6 (IANS) Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi on Friday accused the BJP of using the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) as its "political oxygen" in Assam, alleging that the ruling party depends on the regional outfit to sustain its political narrative ahead of elections. Speaking at a press conference of opposition parties discussing unity and electoral strategy, Gogoi claimed that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma repeatedly invokes the AIUDF to polarise voters. "The Chief Minister cannot do politics without taking the oxygen of AIUDF. Ajmal and the AIUDF are functioning as planned agents of the BJP," Gogoi alleged, while also taking a swipe at the BJP's ongoing 'Jana Ashirwad Yatra' in the state. Gogoi said the BJP was attempting to divert attention from governance issues by raising communal narratives and targeting opposition forces. He also called for stronger unity among opposition parties in Assam to challenge the ruling BJP in upcoming electoral contests. The remarks come amid a continuing war of words between the Raijor Dal leadership and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the role of the AIUDF in Assam's politics. Earlier this week, Sarma alleged that the Congress party's electoral strategy revolves around constituencies dominated by what he described as "Bangladeshi-origin Muslims", claiming that the opposition alliance was aligning its politics around such demographics. The Chief Minister has repeatedly criticised both the Congress and the AIUDF, accusing them of practising "vote-bank politics" in the state. Responding to these allegations, Gogoi said the BJP government was attempting to polarise society and create political narratives centred on identity and community divisions rather than focusing on development. He further alleged that the ruling party raises the AIUDF issue strategically during elections to consolidate votes. The escalating exchange between Sarma and Gogoi reflects the sharpening political contest in Assam as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next round of electoral battles in the state. Hyderabad, March 6 : AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene to stop the war in the Middle East, saying India will have to bear the consequences of any further escalation. The Hyderabad MP cautioned that if the conflict escalates, it will affect one crore Indian citizens employed in the Gulf countries. "Prime Minister, say something and stop this conflict. No harm will come to the United States, but India will bear the consequences," Owaisi said while addressing Jalsa-e-Youm-ul-Quraan at Masjid-e-Quba here. "Remember, over one crore Indian citizens work in Gulf countries. If this war escalates, jobs will be lost," he said. The MP stated that after the US, India receives most of its foreign exchange from these nations. He said further escalation may result in a major loss for India, as many Indians may lose their jobs. Owaisi said people working in the Gulf countries were frightened and worried. He said children from Bahrain called him, and they were scared. Calling for an immediate end to the attacks by Israel and the US on Iran, he warned that if people are not united, tomorrow cities like Ankara and Istanbul, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait could also be destroyed like Gaza. "Israel will not stop. It wants to establish Greater Israel, which means controlling more than half of the Arab countries," he said. The AIMIM chief slammed the Modi government for its silence over the statement by the United States allowing India to buy oil from Russia for a month. "Who are they to tell us to buy oil only for a month? Have you mortgaged India to the United States?" he asked while reacting strongly to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessentas statement that India can buy oil from Russia only for one month. "Is this the sovereignty and integrity of our country? How can an American minister tell a nation of 1.3 billion people that it can buy oil only for one month? If the BJP and RSS love India, they should strongly oppose this and say that India will buy oil from whoever it wants," said Owaisi. The MP asked BJP leaders how long they will continue spreading hatred against Muslims and told them to understand who the real threat to the country is. "Understand it, or you will face the consequences. These disasters are coming, and you are treating the United States as your friend. But once this war is over, you will see and realise that the biggest beneficiaries are the arms manufacturers," he said. Mumbai, March 6 : Former chief minister and Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray on Friday described the Maharashtra budget as a "mirage of development," claiming it involves "setting off firecrackers on borrowed money" while the state's financial condition remains dire. Uddhav Thackeray remarked that the budget focuses on schemes benefiting contractors, while offering common citizens an "elevated highway of lies." He dismissed the farm loan waiver as a "false invitation," stating that while the CM claims to have cleared farmers' debts, the reality on the ground is different. "If they truly want to help farmers, they should stop playing word games with terms like 'terms and conditions' or 'eligible-ineligible.' With the mention of 2047 in the budget, is the government planning to waive loans in 2047?" he questioned. Former minister and Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray alleged that the budget seemed more like a budget for contractors than for Maharashtra. Essentially, every minute of the long speech was spent on policies and announcements for contractors. The bigger issue is, even with this kind of expenditure and proposed spending on contractors, the quality of the work is horrible- look at the recent road constructions and oh! The Mira Bhayandar flyover by the MMRDA. "More so, it is an 'Alice in Wonderland' budget where the CM is blissfully unaware of the ground reality and what is being shown to him by people around him. The entire speech was peppered with policy decisions taken in the past, and everything for 2047 for everything, you must wait till 2047! The farm loan waiver is an eyewash. No clarity on eligibility of farmers, no clarity on the process and the timeline unlike the one given by the CM Uddhav Thackeray leading MVA in 2020- that was time-bound and simple," he remarked. Aaditya Thackeray further said, "The speech had a few good jokes- the government intends to plant 300 crore trees. I personally thought this was a really nice joke, looking at the way the BJP government wants to hack trees everywhere. Once again, Alice in Wonderland budget! For anything to happen, if it is the same government, wait till 2047!" The state Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal criticised the government for creating a mountain of debt, warning that a budget with a deficit of Rs 40,000 crore is leading Maharashtra towards bankruptcy. Sapkal noted that while projects like the Bullet Train, Metro, and underground tunnels are being hyped, the rural poor, tribals, labourers, women, and the unemployed find no place in this budget. He argued that the budget caters only to a few cities and select individuals. He further highlighted that the state spends approximately Rs 65,000 crore annually just on loan interest repayments. Despite large allocations, funds aren't actually spent, and he warned that the promise of 75,000 jobs might turn out to be as deceptive as previous "mega-recruitment" drives. The state NCP SP president, Shashikant Shinde, said that it is a deceptive budget that shows dreams of 2047 while ignoring current issues. "By including provisions for dreams 20 years away in a one-year budget, the government is misleading the public. We don't oppose the naming of deities or the restoration of forts, but the vision to provide justice to farmers and the common man, following the ideals of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is missing. Where is the actual financial provision for the Bullet Train and Metro? This budget merely boosts the toll-collection system," he commented. New Delhi, March 6 : The NCB has busted an international drug trafficking network linking Nepal, India and Sri Lanka with arrest of five accused and seizure of 77.60 kg Hashish Oil and 2 kg Charas valued at nearly Rs 10 crore, an official said on Friday. Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of narcotic drugs across multiple states, officers of NCB Hyderabad Zonal Unit intercepted a Tata Safari Storme car on March 3 near Raikal Toll Plaza on the Bengalurua"Hyderabad Highway in Telangana. During the search of the vehicle, 2 kg of Charas was recovered concealed in specially fabricated cavities. Two persons, one a Delhi resident, and the other a Uttar Pradesh resident, were apprehended in connection with the transportation of the Contraband, said an NCB statement. Preliminary investigation revealed that the recovered Charas along with other consignment of about 78 kg of Hashish Oil was trafficked into India from Kathmandu, Nepal, through Sonauli Indo-Nepal Border. Consignment of about 78 kg Hashish Oil was already delivered by the arrested persons at Thoothukudi for onward trafficking to Sri Lanka via sea route, it said. NCB Chennai flung into action on trafficking of Hashish Oil from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka. Subsequently, the NCB team seized about 78 kgs. of Hashish Oil from the possession of three persons, including a Sri Lankan refugee, taking the total number of arrests in this network to five, the NCB said. Vehicles used for transporting the contraband were also seized. Investigation has revealed that the traffickers had planned to transport the narcotic consignment through the coastal waters off Thoothukudi and deliver it mid sea to a Sri Lankan receiver, using a fishing boat for the maritime transfer, it said. With the assistance of Indian Coast Guard, NCB intercepted and seized the fishing boat suspected to be used for the planned mid sea transfer near the International Maritime Boundary Line, thereby thwarting the cross border maritime trafficking attempt, the NCB said. Further probe has identified involvement of a Sri Lankan national, based in Sri Lanka as the final receiver of the seized consignment, who had financed and coordinated the shipment of recovered contraband from Nepal to Sri Lanka, it said. Kochi, March 6 : An Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, on Friday, docked in Kerala's Kochi after India granted emergency permission following a reported technical malfunction, even as the sinking of another Iranian warship by an American torpedo has triggered wider geopolitical ripples. The Iranian warship reached Kochi on March 4 after the Union government approved Tehran's request to allow the vessel to make an urgent halt for technical reasons. The ship had earlier detected a fault while operating in the region and sought India's assistance to dock for necessary checks and support. IRIS Lavan had arrived in the region to participate in the International Fleet Review. The technical issue was reportedly detected on February 28, following which Iran approached India requesting permission for the vessel to dock at Kochi. The Union government cleared the request on March 1, paving the way for the ship to enter the Kochi port. The vessel continues to remain anchored in Kochi while assessments are being carried out. The 183 sailors, who were on board the warship, have been accommodated at special facilities of the Indian Navy in the city. Naval authorities have ensured that all necessary logistical and humanitarian arrangements are being provided to the crew during their stay. The development has drawn attention as IRIS Lavan arrived in Kochi just days before another Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, was reportedly sunk after being hit by an American torpedo. The incident involving IRIS Dena has triggered diplomatic and political debate, with questions being raised over the evolving security situation and its implications for regional maritime activity. With tensions simmering in parts of West Asia and the Gulf region, the presence of an Iranian naval vessel at an Indian port has also attracted scrutiny in strategic circles. However, officials said that the decision to allow the ship to dock was taken purely on operational and humanitarian grounds after Iran sought urgent assistance following the technical fault. Agartala, March 6 : Tripura Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday said that the BJP government's main aim is to increase agricultural production and exports so that farmers can derive greater benefits. The Minister, along with Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, flagged off a consignment of 3 metric tonnes (MT) of Kaalikhasa and Harinarayan (both organic aromatic rice native to Tripura) paddy to Kolkata from Agartala Railway Station. Nath said that the main goal of the state government is to increase farmers' income. "We have been working towards this from day one, aiming to double farmers' income while ensuring the sustainable development of agriculture," he said. The Minister said that a private organisation is exporting 3 MT of Kaalikhasa and Harinarayan paddy to Kolkata from the state. The initiative has been taken by two Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), Bosong Group of Tulasikhar in Khowai district and Thansa Farmers Organisation from Gomati district. "Since our government came into power, we have been forming FPCs. Their responsibility is to unite farmers and ensure they receive proper prices for their produce," the Minister said. He informed that a total of 3 MT of organic paddy, including 2.5 MT of Kaalikhasa and 0.5 MT of Harinarayan, is being sent outside the state. The Minister also said that the paddy is being exported to help preserve its fragrance for a longer period. "This paddy costs around Rs 55 per kg in the market, but through these FPCs, farmers are selling it at Rs 70 per kg. Our main goal is that farmers should get the maximum benefit. We should all stand beside them, and the state government is fully supporting farmers. Our ultimate target is higher production and exports so that farmers can benefit more," he added. Anand, March 6 : Govind Parmar, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from the Umreth constituency in Gujarat's Anand district, died on Friday while undergoing treatment at a hospital. He was 82. Parmar had been unwell and was receiving treatment at the hospital in Anand, where he breathed his last, according to party leaders. News of his death prompted condolences from political leaders and BJP workers across the state, particularly in Anand district and the Umreth region he represented in the Gujarat Assembly. Born in 1943, Parmar came from a modest background and was regarded as a grassroots political figure with strong links to rural communities in the Charotar region. He studied up to Class 7 before dedicating his life to public service and politics. Parmar was elected to the Gujarat Legislative Assembly from the Umreth constituency in the 2017 elections, defeating Congress candidate Kapilaben Chavda by a margin of 1,883 votes to secure his maiden term in the House. He retained the seat in the 2022 Assembly elections as the BJP candidate, defeating Jayant Patel of the Nationalist Congress Party by 26,717 votes after polling 95,639 votes. The Umreth Assembly constituency in Anand district had earlier witnessed frequent shifts between political parties and was considered to be a tough one before Parmar's victory in 2017. Reacting to the news, state BJP President and MLA Jagdish Vishwakarma expressed grief over Parmar's passing. "Heartfelt sorrow on hearing the news of the sad demise of Umreth's popular MLA Govindbhai Parmar. I pray that the Almighty grants peace to his divine soul and gives strength to the bereaved family to bear this loss," Vishwakarma said in a statement. Parmar's political career was marked by his association with grassroots politics and his close engagement with local communities. Party workers in Anand district and the Umreth area mourned his death and paid tributes to the late legislator. He is survived by his family. His death leaves the Umreth Assembly seat vacant. Hyderabad, March 6 : Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Friday that night-tourism will be promoted along the Musi river in Hyderabad. He reiterated the state government's plan to develop a Musi riverfront. He said that along the riverbanks, night tourism will be promoted to generate employment and boost economic activity. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Eco Hill Park at Kothwalguda. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Radial Roada"2 interchange, which will connect to the Budwel Layout, aimed at strengthening road connectivity and improving urban infrastructure in the region. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy defended Musi Riverfront project amid the continuing criticism from opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which claim that it will render large number of people homeless. He remarked that no one wants to live in the polluted conditions of the Musi river. The Chief Minister said that new development projects sometimes create difficulties for certain communities but assured that the state government will not abandon those affected. "People who lose land or houses due to development projects will be fully supported, and comprehensive rehabilitation and facilities will be provided to displaced families," he added. He said that the state government is committed to restoring the city's beauty and transforming it into one of the greatest cities in the world. "When we try to improve the city, some people oppose it, saying if they could not do it, we should not do it either," he remarked. The Chief Minister said that public representatives were sent abroad to study international models of urban development so that Hyderabad can adopt the best practices in city planning. Referring to the development of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said the project initially faced opposition, but today it has become a major asset for the city and the state. He also announced that Shamshabad will emerge as a Bullet train hub, with proposed high-speed rail connectivity from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, Amaravati, and Chennai. He said that Hyderabad will be developed to compete with major global cities, and leading international companies are showing interest in investing in the city. The Chief Minister added that companies associated with global leaders such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk are exploring opportunities to come to Hyderabad. Stating that Hyderabad is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, he said it has the potential to become a world-class city if it is governed with vision and commitment. He asserted that there is no city in the country more beautiful than Hyderabad and that the state government is determined to further enhance its global stature. The Chief Minister recalled that during the tenures of former Chief Ministers Chandrababu Naidu and Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Krishna and Godavari river waters were brought to Hyderabad, significantly strengthening the city's water supply. He also noted that under the erstwhile Nizam's rule, renowned engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya designed and implemented flood-control measures on the Musi river. The Nizam administration also planted medicinal plants in the Vikarabad region. Highlighting the city's rich heritage, the Chief Minister said that Hyderabad is home to several historic landmarks such as Osmania Hospital, Golconda Fort, and the State Assembly building, which stand as symbols of its glorious past. However, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed concern that Hyderabad has been affected by encroachments and garbage accumulation over the years. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed MOSCOW, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and 14 others injured in Ukrainian drone attacks in the Kherson region over the past day, the region's head Vladimir Saldo said Friday. Saldo said four drones struck a grocery store in the city of Oleshky, killing two people and injuring 12 civilians. Two men were seriously wounded. In addition, two bodies were discovered on a highway in the Oleshky district. Preliminary information suggests they were killed in a drone attack, Saldo said. Elsewhere in the region, a man was injured when a drone struck a truck, and a woman was wounded by a dropped munition, Saldo added. Kolkata, March 6 : The Trinamool Congress on Friday named a three-member delegation that will meet the full bench of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Kolkata on Monday. The delegation includes Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra from the Krishnanagar constituency in Nadia district, Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam and West Bengal Minister of State for Finance (Independent Charge) Chandrima Bhattacharya. A Trinamool Congress insider said the delegation will press the demand that the election schedule for the forthcoming Assembly polls in West Bengal should not be announced before the completion of the ongoing judicial adjudication of voter documents classified as "logical discrepancy" cases. The delegation is also expected to highlight instances of "alive" voters being identified as "dead" voters during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in the state, the party insider said. The full bench of the ECI, headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, will arrive in Kolkata on the night of March 8. On March 9, the Commission will hold meetings with representatives of different registered political parties from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with each party being allotted 10 minutes to present its views. The Trinamool Congress, being the ruling party in West Bengal, is expected to get the first slot in the meeting, according to sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal. Meanwhile, a crucial hearing on the ongoing judicial adjudication of the "logical discrepancy" cases will be held in the Supreme Court on March 10. More than 60 lakh voter documents were originally referred for judicial adjudication. The final electoral roll in West Bengal, excluding the cases referred for judicial adjudication, was published on February 28. A supplementary list will be published later in accordance with an earlier order of the Supreme Court. Washington, March 6 : US lawmakers, on Friday, warned that the country's workforce is facing an urgent skills shift as artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes jobs, with policymakers and industry leaders calling for faster, more practical training pathways to prepare workers for an AI-driven economy. At a House Education and Workforce subcommittee hearing, members from both parties said the current workforce system must adapt quickly to the speed of technological change. The discussion focused on expanding employer-led training, apprenticeships, and community college programmes that can prepare workers for new roles created by artificial intelligence. "Artificial intelligence isn't coming in some distant future, it's a tool that businesses are already using every single day," Subcommittee Chairman Burgess Owens said as he opened the hearing. Owens cited research showing the scale of the shift underway in the labour market. "Data shows that nearly half of the occupations could use AI as at least a quarter of their task," he said, adding: "That means jobs are evolving in real time." He added that "44 per cent of workers' core skills will change within the next five years because of the technology advances", warning that the US economy will depend on whether the workforce can keep up with those changes. At the same time, Owens said millions of jobs remain vacant across the country because workers do not have the skills employers are seeking. "The problem isn't lack of opportunity. It's a mismatch of skills," he added. Democratic ranking member Bobby Scott agreed that the workforce system needs stronger investment and modernisation. He said the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the main federal job-training framework enacted in 2014, helped streamline workforce programmes but now needs updating. "Many Americans are looking to further develop their skills and seek new opportunities and our workforce system must ensure that every worker, even those without a Bachelor's degree, can access good-paying jobs and gain the skills required to thrive in today's economy," Scott Ralls, President of Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina, said. Several witnesses told lawmakers that employer-driven training programmes and apprenticeships could play a key role in preparing workers for the AI economy. Tim House of the Wireless Infrastructure Association, said demand for telecom and broadband workers is rising sharply as the US expands digital and AI infrastructure. "To put it simply, we will miss out on a historic opportunity," the House said if the workforce system fails to keep pace with the technology transformation. Ralls said that artificial intelligence is already influencing student choices and workforce demand. He added that his college is seeing "a renewed interest in technical education, technician programs, skill trade programs", with waiting lists for some programmes after years of declining interest. Ralls said that AI is being integrated across the curriculum instead of being limited to a single course or field. "The future workforce will require fluency in artificial intelligence across occupations from skilled trades to advanced technology fields," he added. Brant Parton, President of CareerWise USA, urged lawmakers to expand youth apprenticeship programmes and work-based learning. "The average apprentice in America is 29 years old. That's too late," Parton said, adding that apprenticeships should begin earlier to help young workers enter modern industries more quickly. Mary Kate Morley Ryan of Accenture said companies must make AI literacy a fundamental skill across their organisations. "AI literacy can't be an add-on course. It must be encoded into the DNA of an organisation," she said, adding that companies must invest heavily in workforce learning to remain competitive. Patna, March 6 : Several candidates from Bihar have brought pride to the state with notable performances in the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. Among them, Akanksha Singh from Arwal district secured the 454th rank, while Monica Srivastava from Aurangabad achieved an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 16. Raghav Jhunjhunwala from Muzaffarpur secured the fourth rank nationwide. Akanksha Singh, a resident of Haibatpur village in the Sadar block of Arwal district, has brought honour to the district by securing the 454th rank in the UPSC examination. She is the daughter of Shashi Singh and Malti Singh and the granddaughter of the late Ranveer Sena chief, Brahmeshwar Singh Mukhiya. A bright student since childhood, Akanksha completed her schooling at Delhi Public School, Patna, and later pursued an LLB from the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Ranchi. After completing her law degree, she began preparing for the civil services with full dedication and succeeded in her second attempt. Her success has sparked celebrations in her village and district, with residents congratulating her and expressing pride in her achievement. Another outstanding performer from Bihar is Monica Srivastava from Satendra Nagar in Aurangabad, who secured the 16th rank in the UPSC merit list. Monica has had a notable academic journey. She completed her Computer Science Engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati in 2016 and later worked in several global companies before deciding to pursue a career in the civil services. Her dedication to public service was evident earlier as well. In 2022, she secured the top position among women and the sixth rank overall in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination. She later cleared the UPSC examination and is currently undergoing training in the Indian Railway Service. Determined to improve her rank and secure a position in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), she appeared for the examination again and achieved an All India Rank 16. Raghav Jhunjhunwala from Muzaffarpur secured the fourth rank in the UPSC merit list in his third attempt. Raghav credited his success to the support of his parents and teachers. He holds an Honours degree in Economics from the University of Delhi and said he adopted different strategies for each stage of the UPSC examination. Expressing his happiness, he said he is relieved that he will not have to go through the rigorous preparation process again after two previous attempts. The achievements of these candidates have brought pride not only to their families but also to the entire state of Bihar, inspiring many young aspirants preparing for competitive examinations across the region. Washington, March 6 : The United States has "reached out to India" to purchase Russian oil currently sitting in floating storage in southern Asia as part of a short-term effort to ease pressure on global oil markets, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in an interview with ABC News. Washington, March 6 (IANS) The United States has "reached out to India" to purchase Russian oil currently sitting in floating storage in southern Asia as part of a short-term effort to ease pressure on global oil markets, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in an interview with ABC News. The temporary measure, he said, is designed to quickly move stored crude into refineries and prevent oil prices from rising as supply routes face pressure linked to shipping constraints around the Strait of Hormuz. "We need to get oil on the market in the short term," Wright said. "In the long term, supplies are abundant. There's no worries there." Wright said the US administration had identified large volumes of Russian crude stored on tankers near Asian markets, including oil originally meant for China but not yet taken by buyers. "All this floating Russian oil storage that's around Southern Asia it's China, just backed up," he said. According to Wright, Washington has reached out to India to purchase that oil and process it in its refineries to bring additional supply into the market quickly. "We've reached out to our friends in India and said, buy that oil, bring it into your refineries," he said. The approach is aimed at reducing competition among global refiners for other available supplies. "That pulls stored oil immediately into Indian refineries and releases the pressure on other refineries around the world to buy oil that they're no longer competing with the Indians for in that marketplace," Wright said. Oil markets have faced upward pressure as shipping constraints linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns about supply disruptions. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is one of the world's most critical oil transit routes. Wright said the move involving India is part of a series of temporary steps designed to stabilise prices. "So we have a number of measures like that that are short-term and temporary," he said. He stressed that the decision does not signal any broader change in US policy towards Russia. "This is no change in policy towards Russia," Wright said. "This is a very brief change in policy just to keep oil prices down a little bit better than we could otherwise." India is among the world's largest importers of crude oil and has significantly expanded its purchases of Russian oil since Western sanctions reshaped global energy flows following the conflict in Ukraine. Indian refiners have been major buyers of discounted Russian crude and export refined petroleum products to markets around the world. The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil shipments, making any disruption or tension in the region closely watched by energy markets. Governments and energy producers often take short-term steps to stabilise supply when geopolitical risks threaten key shipping routes. Los Angeles, March 7 : Actor Daniel Radcliffe is not really in favour of his son stepping into his shoes. The actor has said that he would prefer his son not to go into acting, despite being a former child star himself. The 36-year-old star was just 11 years old when he auditioned to play 'Harry Potter', and went on to enjoy global success thanks to the movies, reports 'Female First UK'. But he doesn't want his two-year-old little boy, who he has with partner Erin Darke, to follow in his parents' footsteps because he thinks it would be better for his self-worth. When asked if he'd like his son to be an actor too, Daniel said on The View, "I would rather he isn't. Me and Erin are both actors, so he'll see us being passionate and loving our jobs. I feel like a lot of actors, so much of how we feel about ourselves is tied into our work. I'd love for him to get a job where his sense of identity and self-worth is not as tied to that". As per 'Female First UK', during his appearance on the talk show to promote his show 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins', Daniel was left squirming with embarrassment when they showed one of his early auditions to play Harry Potter. Co-host Sunny Hostin said, "Soon, (your son is) going to realise that his dad is Harry Potter, because it's been 25 years since you starred in the first Harry Potter movie. You were 11 years old when you auditioned for the role. Of course, this is The View, so we have a clip". As the footage aired on a split screen, Daniel could be seen shaking his head and mouthing: "It's bad". But when it finished, the audience applauded and Sunny said, "That is so good". Daniel replied, "I disagree, but thank you very much. Now I can look at that and be like, it's cute". -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed "People like me scour the earth every day for a single great print. Going forward, the challenge will only increase." Post this A Once-in-a-Generation Collection The auction presents an exceptionally deep selection of works by the great masters of the Japanese print tradition, spanning the late 18th through mid-20th centuries. Highlights include: Katsushika Hokusai: The star lot, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa," is joined by fifteen additional designs from the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series, along with 21 other Hokusai prints, most from his celebrated Waterfalls, Bridges, and Nurse series. Scholars estimate fewer than 200 impressions of The Great Wave survive, with the overwhelming majority held in museum collections. Utagawa Hiroshige: The sale includes fine impressions by this master, including two of his undeniable masterpieces, Shono and Ohashi. Hiroshige's influence was so profound that Van Gogh painted copies of his work. Rare Ukiyo-e Masters: Fine examples by Harunobu (the first artist to produce "Nishikie," or full-color woodblock prints) and Utamaro are for sale, as is Yoshitoshi's celebrated Flute Player triptych. Finding even one or two Harunobu prints in fine condition at a major sale is considered fortunate; this auction offers five. Shin Hanga: Twenty works by Kawase Hasui, all first states, including coveted pre-earthquake designs. The auction also features Paul Jacoulet's rarest print, Lady in Red, a newly discovered watercolor, and an extraordinary sixty-print process set of Les Jades. Hiroshi Yoshida: A complete set of Sailing Boats from the 1926 Inland Sea series. The sale concludes with a selection of notable Meiji watercolors. Why Buy Directly from Specialists? Floating World Gallery was founded in 1987 by Bill and Roberta Stein, who left legal careers to pursue their passion for Japanese prints full-time. For nearly 40 years, they have sourced extraordinary works from private collectors, estates, and small regional sales overlooked by larger players, building one of the most respected inventories in the field. The gallery now operates as a multi-generational enterprise, with their daughter Meredith bringing auction technology expertise honed during a career with one of the world's largest auction technology companies, where she managed millions in online bids. "Closets have been emptied," said Bill Stein, co-founder of Floating World Gallery and a 40-year veteran of the market. "People like me scour the earth every day for a single great print. Going forward, the challenge will only increase." This is a live auction conducted on Floating World Gallery's proprietary auction platform: auctions.floatingworld.com. The gallery offers a buyer's premium of just 23%, a competitive rate compared to other platforms. Phone bidding is available subject to availability at the same rate. The sale will also be available for left bids and live bidding at on fine arts platforms including Live Auctioneers, Invaluable and Drouot. Preview and Registration Gallery previews will be held at Floating World Gallery's Chicago location from Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12, 2026, by appointment only and limited to registered bidders. To leave absentee bids or bid live on March 13, bidders must register at auctions.floatingworld.com. Additional verification is required for bids exceeding $20,000 total. About Floating World Gallery Founded in 1987, Floating World Gallery is one of the world's leading specialists in Japanese woodblock prints. Based in Chicago, the gallery serves institutional and private collectors worldwide, offering expert authentication, advisory services, and a money-back authenticity guarantee. For more information, visit auctions.floatingworld.com. Media Contact Nathan Wiens, Floating World Gallery, 1 (312) 587-7800, [email protected], https://auctions.floatingworld.com SOURCE Floating World Gallery A group of publishers including the Big Five is taking legal action to prevent the pirate website Annas Archive from illegally copying and selling their copyrighted material. In a filing made March 6 in the U. S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, 13 book and journal publishers filed suit seeking a permanent injunction to stop Annas Archive from copying and distributing millions of infringing files. The suit highlights the magnitude of the material Annas Archive has stolen and the unorthodox methods it uses to monetize the material. In a separate lawsuit brought by Atlantic Recording Corp. in December alleging Annas Archive had stolen thousands of audio files from the record label, Atlantic alleged that the website also purported to host 61,344,044 books and 95,527,824 papers, as of the December 29, 2025 filing date. The publishers complaint alleges that Annas Archive has added over 2 million books and 100,000 papers since Atlantic filed its complaint was filed. The ongoing infringement is in keeping with Annas Archives goal to take all the books in the world, according to the publishers complaint. Compounding the scale of the infringement, the new lawsuit notes that action is now especially critical in light of reports that Annas Archive is actively advertising that it will provide high speed access toand indeed has already supplied stolen works of authorship todevelopers of large language model AI systems and data brokers, the complaint states. To try to sidestep questions of legality, Annas Archive seeks what it calls donations and it has solicited other types of support, such as grants, long-term sponsors, high-risk payment providers, perhaps even (tasteful!) ads, according to the filing. The lawsuit also asserts that Annas Archive publicly claims to have given high-speed access to its illegal collection of more than 140 million copyrighted texts to companies in China, Russia, and elsewhere, many of them LLMs. One court in the Northern District of California recently found that Meta Platforms torrented the contents of Annas Archive for use in developing its LLM model Llama. In an e-mail exchange with a researcher inquiring about the cost of the collection for AI training, Annas Archive offered premium access for $200,000 and suggested payment be made using cryptocurrency, the complaint states. Annas Archive is a brazen pirate operation that steals and distributes millions of literary works while outrageously offering access to AI developers in exchange for crypto payments, said Maria Pallante, president and CEO of the Association of American Publishers, which is coordinating the lawsuit. To fight back, we must use all available tools and believe this action in U.S. court will make a difference. The unfortunate reality is that creators face a level of digital piracy today that is so staggering it is almost unbelievableit is an affront to the public interest. Publishers that are taking part in the lawsuit are Apress Media; Cengage Group; Elsevier; Hachette Book Group; HarperCollins; John Wiley & Sons; Bedford, Freeman, & Worth Publishing Group, LLC D/B/A Macmillan Learning; Macmillan Publishing Group; McGraw Hill; Pearson Education; Penguin Random House; Simon & Schuster; and Taylor & Francis Group. Al Zuckerman, founder of Writers House, one of publishings first modern literary agencies, died on March 5 from natural causes. He was 94. Zuckerman began his agenting career as a one-man shop, taking business meetings in a bank lobby, Writers House wrote in announcing Zuckermans retirement as chairman emeritus in 2020. His working approach was that a literary agent should be a creative and business partner for writersa relatively novel idea at the time that he launched the agency, in 1973. Writers House now as over 20 agents and 50 employees and represents hundreds of authors. Zuckerman personally served as the agent for such mega-bestsellers as Ken Folletts The Pillars of the Earth, Michael Lewiss Moneyball and Stephen Hawkings A Brief History of Time. The Writers House list features such esteemed authors as Isabel Allende, Octavia Butler, James Clear, Jonathan Franzen, Amanda Gorman, John Green, Sarah J. Maas, Ann Martin, Stephenie Meyer, Christopher Paolini, Dav Pilkey, Nora Roberts, and Tui Sutherland. Before entering the book world, Zuckerman wrote his doctoral thesis on Hamlet at the Yale Drama School and built on his understanding of storytelling throughout his life as a drama professor, novelist, television writer, and playwright. He shared his ideas about narrative in his book, Writing the Blockbuster Novel, which many authors have credited as giving them the key insights that led to their success, including Dan Brown, who said the book changed my life. Zuckerman stepped down as chairman of Writers House in 2012 and named Amy Berkower, as chair, a position she still holds today. Al was my first boss, my partner, my mentor, my friend, Berkower said in a statement. The company he created became like a family to me as well as many of my colleagues who have been with Writers House for decades. His generous spirit, zest for life, and passion for publishing will always be with us. Simon Lipskar, who was appointed president of Writers House in 2012, pointed to Zuckermans love of collaborating with writers to bring out the best in their writing more than any other aspect of his work. Anyone who knows him can tell stories about both the pleasure he took from and the gifts he gave to his writers. Lipskar added that Zuckerman passed along his wisdom and insights to many of us here, several of whom like me began their careers typing the brilliant letters he wrote to authors and publishers alike. It was the best possible education in publishing and editing. He was a mentor to me and to all of us, and we will miss him. Zuckerman's funeral will be held at the Town and Village Synagogue on March 6 at 10:30am. Shiva to follow at his home on 234 W. 22nd St. until 5 pm and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm. HANOI, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's total import-export turnover reached 155.7 billion U.S. dollars in the first two months of this year, up 22.2 percent year on year, the National Statistics Office reported on Friday. Export turnover was estimated at 76.36 billion U.S. dollars, up 18.3 percent compared with the same period last year, while import turnover reached 79.34 billion dollars, marking a 26.3 percent year-on-year increase. The United States remained Vietnam's largest export market during the period, with export turnover reaching 23.8 billion dollars, according to the report. Meanwhile, China was Vietnam's largest import market, with import turnover totaling 31.9 billion dollars. Written by Alexander Castiglione with Joshua Vandenbrink The National Institute of Health tells us roughly 60,000 people every year in the United States die from blood loss and more than half of them are preventable with some form of intervention, like a way to stop the bleeding. Whats more, hemorrhage accounts for 30 to 40 percent of trauma mortality, and this stat scales globally. A good, well-placed tourniquet is exceptional at controlling bleeding. Of course, not all hemorrhage patients are helped by tourniquets, but many are, particularly concerning lacerations or amputations to extremities. That said, its the speed of it that kills. Every expert spoken to agrees one thing is for sure: If you have a bad laceration, particularly a venous or arterial one, youre dead within minutes if you dont stop or stem the bleeding. Car accidents, industrial accidents, and even just an oopsy at home or in the yard can be life-threatening. However, a tourniquet, when properly applied, can stop bleeding. In the post-9/11, post-Columbine age, mass casualty events can happen anywhere. Odds are that if you are reading this, you probably carry a firearm. But do you carry a medical kit or a tourniquet? Do you know how to use one? Real talk: Tourniquets save lives, and you should carry one. But which one? Lets talk about the details, nuances, and products on the market. BEST TOURNIQUETS Editors Choice: Combat Application Tourniquet (Cat) Gen 7 (TCCC Certified) USSOCOM TQ Of Choice: Special Operations Forces Tourniquet (Sof-T) (TCCC Certified) Editors Choice For EDC: Snakestaff Etq And Etq Wide (Pending Cotccc Approval) Best For K9s: StretchWrapAndTuck (Swat-T) Glorified Bungee: Rapid Application Tourniquet System (Rats) CONTEXT & HISTORY Tourniquets, like many revolutionary medical inventions, have their origins rooted in war. In this case, we can go all the way back to Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE. The Romans, too, used some similar devices. Key advancements in the last 2,500 years came down to the ability to measure limb occlusion pressure (LOP), which is the minimum pressure required to stop arterial blood flow. (As a reminder, veins carry blood back to the heart in a steady stream to be re-oxygenated, arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to the extremities in short, violent spurts.) Despite their ancient origins and technological advancements, tourniquets have historically been viewed with skepticism and apprehension within the medical community. As recently as 2003, there was medical literature that referenced the tourniquet as an instrument of the devil that sometimes saves a life, acknowledging its effectiveness only in highly selected tactical situations. Medics in the first Gulf War were explicitly instructed to use them only as an absolute last resort when all other methods failed. These historical reservations highlight the dramatic and evidence-driven shifts in medical doctrine that occurred during modern warfighting, particularly within the realm of combat trauma care. The time to learn to apply TQs is before you need them. Seek out local training First founded briefly after the start of Americas Global War on Terror (GWOT), the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC, also commonly referred to as TCCC) is the golden standard when it comes to data, outcomes, and insights on the implementation and use of tourniquets in general, although they are specifically focused on the tactical context. Data from these GWOT and surrounding conflicts demonstrated that the immediate threat of exsanguination from severe extremity hemorrhage far outweighed the risks associated with properly applied tourniquets, leading to thousands of lives saved. Advances in other arenas of medicine helped avoid the dreaded compartment syndrome, which is a large cause of limb loss. This fundamental change in prehospital trauma care underscores the critical importance of evidence-based medicine, especially in high-stakes environments like combat. The evolution of TCCC effectively overcame institutional inertia, prioritizing life-saving efficacy based on real-world data, thereby transforming tourniquets from a feared device into a life-saving imperative. TYPES OF TOURNIQUETS There are four basic types of TQs: emergency TQs, surgical TQs, commercial TQs, and improvised. Arguably, this article is about both emergency and commercial TQs, which include all of the brands and types outlined below. We most commonly see improvised tourniquets depicted as belts or bandanas in movies, and while a lot of things can work, by definition you shouldnt plan not to plan things end up poorly that way. Within the realm of emergency/commercial TQs, there are different types, with essentially all TCCC-approved devices utilizing mechanical advantage in the form of a windlass or ratcheting system. While non-mechanical tourniquets like a SWAT-T or RATS can work, getting arterial or venous occlusion is paramount, and having a windlass is critical to get the compression needed. Tourniquets function by applying circumferential pressure to a limb, which compresses the underlying blood vessels both arteries and veins thereby occluding or severely restricting blood flow into the distal extremity. This creates a state of ischemia, or lack of blood flow, in the tissues beyond the tourniquet. Said another way it stops you from bleeding out or slipping into hypovolemic shock. BEST TOURNIQUETS MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE TQs COMBAT APPLICATION TOURNIQUET (CAT) GEN 7 (TCCC Certified) The CAT Gen 7 is the standard of combat tourniquets and used by most LEO and MIL agencies. During GWOT, research by the Army Institute for Surgical Research (AISR) highlighted the effectiveness of tourniquets controlling bleeding and reducing mortality. This prompted more studies and investigation into tourniquets, which had been under scrutiny for nerve damage and other tangential complications. This tourniquet was designed for single-handed use. First fielded in 2004, by 2005 it was in heavy use. It has undergone several iterative updates in the last 20 years. HOW TO USE: Step 1: Apply direct and indirect pressure on the wound. Slow the bleeding down! The hope is that you can turn a massive bleeder into a minor bleeder while you get out your TQ. Step 2: Route the band around the limb as high on the extremity as possible. Pass the red tip through both sides of the friction adapter and tighten the band as much as possible. Step 3: Twist the rod (or windlass) until the bright red bleeding has stopped and the distal pulse is eliminated. Step 4: Place the rod in the clip and lock it in place with the white Velcro strap. Check to be sure that the bleeding has stopped. If it has not, unlock the rod and tighten more, or apply a second tourniquet right next to the frst one, further up on the extremity if possible. Step 5: Always continue to reassess. Patient movement can potentially dislodge the TQ. SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES TOURNIQUET (SOF-T) (TCCC Certified) The SOF-T is the other go-to tourniquet and for good reason. TacMed solutions, founded by a SOF Medic, developed the SOF-T based on battlefield experience. Years of feedback, testing, and research went into the SOF Tourniquet, which incorporates numerous design enhancements. These include a Slack Indicator Wedge, which provides a clear visual aid during use; a Performance Compression Webbing, designed to maintain pressure; and a newly developed, lightweight-yet-stronger buckle. Robust enough for the most extreme conditions and portable for any situation, the SOF-T is a dependable tool. The SOFT-T is a preferred tourniquet for elite military forces and is recommended and approved by DoD. HOW TO USE: Step 1: Apply direct and indirect pressure on the wound. Slow the bleeding down! Step 2: Route the band around the limb as high on the extremity as possible. Clip the two sides of the metal buckle together; you should feel them lock in place. Take the running end of the band and pull all of the slack out of the system until the band is very tight around the extremity. Step 3: Twist the rod (or windlass) until the bright red bleeding has stopped and the distal pulse is eliminated. Step 4: Place the rod in the plastic triangle to lock it in place. Check to be sure that the bleeding has stopped. If it has not, unlock the rod and tighten more, or apply a second tourniquet right next to the frst one, further up on the extremity if possible. Step 5: Always continue to reassess. Patient movement can potentially dislodge the TQ. SNAKESTAFF ETQ AND ETQ WIDE (Pending CoTCCC Approval) A very novel tool that is currently pending CoTCCC approval, the Snakestaff ETQ and ETQ Wide are more civilian and low-viz friendly options that still have all of the hallmarks experts want to see in a tourniquet: one-handed application, mechanical advantage via a windlass, and the ability to secure the windlass. In general, many people dont carry tourniquets due to size. While some manufacturers have recognized this and designed holster and belt attachments for CAT and similar tourniquets, size is definitely a concern for most people with a non-descript EDC. Enter Snakestaff, who set out to make a lifesaving implement smaller. They make very cool holsters for their TQs, and you can easily slip an ETQ Wide in a back pocket without getting lint all over the velcro. Bonus, it looks like a pack of gum. ELASTIC STRETCHWRAPANDTUCK (SWAT-T) Legend has it the idea of the SWAT-T popped into existence when the inventor saw footage of a resourceful-but-injured policeman in the middle of a firefight. The officer crawled over to a bicycle and removed the inner tube, then wrapped his injured limb with it, improvising a tourniquet. True or not, the SWAT-T design is versatile, multi-functional, and almost dummy-proof. The user simply unfurls the unit and follows the directions: wrap it around a limb, stretch it until the diamonds become squares, and tuck it in. Given that its got a lot of surface area, there are benefits to using this over a more-compressive device like a CAT or SOFT-T, as it will minimize tissue and nerve damage. Moreover, this device can also be used as a pressure dressing, wound wrap, or even for animal applications. Many like these in medkits built for dogs and other animals, and not only do they work on canines as a tourniquet or form of bleeding control, but they also serve well as an impromptu muzzle. Were told SOF veterinarians used them on their military canines for this reason as well. RAPID APPLICATION TOURNIQUET SYSTEM (RATS) Developed for speed and ease of application as an alternative to traditional TQs, the RATS is a simple design with a rubber core, nylon sheath, and locking mechanism. A flat, flexible cord about inch in width, its designed to be put on quickly and easily. A user can 100 percent put this on without using another hand and quickly. Critics of this design though will be quick to point out the lack of occlusive force exerted by essentially a bungee cord and cleat. However, it does lend itself to speed and ease of use. HOW TO USE: Step 1: Apply direct and indirect pressure on the wound. Slow the bleeding down! Step 2: Route the band around the limb as high on the extremity as possible. Feed the free running end of the band through the loop in the band on the cleated end, forming a hitch. Step 3: Using the running end of the band coming out of the hitch, continue to wrap the extremity nice and tight. Youll need one to two additional wraps around the extremity after the frst wrap that ended at the hitch, for a total of two to three wraps of the band. Step 4: To lock off the tourniquet, tuck the running end of the band into the arms of the cleat all the way to the middle. For extra security, you can do both sides of the cleat. Check to be sure that the bleeding has stopped. If it has not, unlock the band and tighten more by pulling the running end and then relock it, or apply a second tourniquet right next to the frst one, further up on the extremity if possible. Step 5: Always continue to reassess. Patient movement can potentially dislodge the tourniquet. MAKING ON-BODY EASIER Carrying medical gear on your person isnt just for EMS and the easier it is, the more likely you are to actually do it. There are a lot of great options out there, and someone can always DIY with a little bit of forward thinking, but we found this kit to be a standout balance of size and effectiveness. AceTac Hybrid Trauma Kit The HTK, Hybrid Trauma Kit, by AceTac is about the size of a smartphone, and its like a phone case that an older person might carry on their belt. However, it comes with a boo-boo kit, a credit-card-sized multi-tool, Snakestaff ETQ Gen 2, gloves, and a QuikClot dressing. The last piece mentioned got some criticism in the market, as opposed to QuikClot gauze, but the folks at AceTac wanted to have a pre-stocked kit without a learning curve. Meaning: Your average person will not know how to pack wounds with gauze, but a tourniquet and dressing are easily used or applied by someone with minimal training. Its reinforced metal clip stays secure on your belt, and this option is particularly well suited for the colder months where a coat or big cover garment is normal.\ Live The Creed EDC Pocket Trauma Kit Another great option is the Live The Creed EDC Pocket Trauma Kit. About the size of a large and thick mens wallet. The LTC EDC kit includes: 1 SWAT tourniquet 1 QuikClot bleeding control dressing Tan XL nitrile gloves 1 bandage kit Wound closure strips 1 pack of iodine wipes 1 pack of alcohol wipes 1 tube of Bacitracin ointment All of this fits in a package that is easy to drop into a cargo pocket with room to spare. Both of these kits might benefit from an extra band-aid or two, or even a small packet of everyday meds like ibuprofen. Both kits include enough room for some minor customization. TOP 5 TQ MISTAKES: Applying tourniquets to minor wounds that can be controlled with less aggressive means. Weak understanding of tourniquet fundamentals, resulting in improper application (such as applying it too low on a limb rather than as close to the torso as you can). Failing to apply the tourniquet tight enough to prevent blood from entering the extremity and/or exiting the wound. Waiting too long to apply the tourniquet and failing to use direct pressure throughout the application process. Failure to reassess after the initial application. Tourniquets can fail, so constantly reassess to determine if you need to tighten, adjust, or add a second tourniquet when appropriate. LOOSE ROUNDS The time to learn when to use a tourniquet is not when you need one. Stop The Bleed courses are available both virtually and in-person (definitely go in-person if at all possible), along with other basic lifesaving courses. As we rapidly approach the University of Georgias midterm date on March 2nd, many students are preparing for the ups and downs of the next few weeks. While spring break serves as a light at the end of the tunnel, much of the student body must first brave the impending challenges of midterm exams. Throughout what can be a very stressful time, it is essential to monitor the mental health of yourself and those around you. Talking to your friends and peers about their experiences and asking for tips can be a great way to get through the semester. The Red & Black asked UGA students to reflect on their experiences halfway through the semester and provide insight into getting through midterms. Like so many others on Feb. 24, I was deeply disturbed to learn about the pedophilic accusations brought up against a University of Georgia instructor. On Tuesday afternoon, a group of men with cameras and papers filled with social media screenshots, walked into a calculus class and began accusing the professor of inappropriately communicating with someone he believed to be a minor. The class came to a halt, and the professor was removed from campus. Since then, UGA has released updates on the situation including the termination of the professor and news that he has fled the country. A new Anthropic study reveals that while artificial intelligence hasn't led to mass unemployment, it's slowing down hiring for younger workers in roles most exposed to AI, sparking debate over AI's impact on the future of work. IMAGE: Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff Key Points AI's actual deployment is still a fraction of its theoretical capabilities, indicating significant room for growth. While AI hasn't caused widespread unemployment, there's evidence of a slowdown in hiring younger workers in AI-exposed occupations. White-collar, knowledge-based jobs involving coding, information processing, and data analysis are most susceptible to AI automation. Anthropic is facing a standoff with the US government over concerns about the potential weaponisation of its AI technology. Despite the conflict with the US government, Anthropic's Claude chatbot has seen a surge in popularity, surpassing ChatGPT in downloads. AI's actual coverage remains a fraction of what is feasible, and while artificial intelligence has not yet triggered a systematic rise in unemployment in occupations most exposed to the technology, hiring of younger workers in such roles appears to have slowed, according to a new study by AI firm Anthropic. Released by the San Francisco-headquartered AI startup behind the Claude chatbot -- and now a company in the crosshairs of the US administration -- the report crunches labour market data alongside real-world AI usage. The report 'Labor market impacts of AI: A new measure and early evidence', found that white-collar, knowledge-based occupations are the most exposed to AI, particularly roles involving coding, information processing, analysis and routine digital tasks. In fact roles such as computer programmers, customer service representatives, data entry keyers, market research analysts and financial, and investment analysts are among the most exposed occupations because many of their tasks can already be automated or accelerated by large language models. In contrast -- and on expected lines -- jobs requiring largely manual abilities seem to be least susceptible, including occupations such as cooks, motorcycle mechanics, lifeguards, bartenders and Dressing Room Attendants. "AI is far from reaching its theoretical capability: actual coverage remains a fraction of what's feasible," the study said, citing the key findings. Occupations with higher observed exposure are projected by the BLS (US' Bureau of Labor Statistics) to grow less through 2034, it said, adding that workers in the most-exposed professions are more likely to be older, female, more educated, and higher-paid. "We find no systematic increase in unemployment for highly exposed workers since late 2022, though we find suggestive evidence that hiring of younger workers has slowed in exposed occupations," the report said. Most measures of AI exposure focus on what is theoretically possible. But there is a large gap between capability and deployment, Anthropic study said asserting that it compared theoretically LLM capability to actual automated usage across occupations. Anthropic's Rise and US Government Standoff Anthropic has been dominating headlines in recent weeks, with its popularity surging on the back of its ability to automate a wide range of tasks -- from generating code to analysing data -- promising more streamlined workflows while stoking fears of a potential shake-up in the job market. The AI firm has also been in the spotlight amid a standoff with the US Department of Defense over concerns about how American agencies might deploy its technology, including in autonomous weapons systems or for large-scale domestic surveillance -- a discussion that has since become more heated amid the war in West Asia. Last week, US administration directed all federal agencies to immediately halt the use of Anthropic's technology, deeming it a supply chain risk after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's moral stance. The standoff with the US government notwithstanding, Anthropic has seen a notable spike in consumer downloads over the past week, as several users rallied behind the company's firm stance against weaponisation of AI. The company said more than one million people signed up for its Claude chatbot each day this week, pushing the app ahead of OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini to become the top AI app in over 20 countries on Apple's App Store. The clash with Pentagon has also intensified Anthropic's rift with OpenAI, which recently announced a deal with the US defence department to deploy ChatGPT in classified environments, effectively displacing Anthropic's technology. Airbus strengthens its commitment to India's aerospace sector with the launch of a cutting-edge technology centre in Bengaluru, poised to drive engineering innovation and support the 'Make in India' initiative. Key Points Airbus inaugurates a new 880,000 sq. ft technology centre in Bengaluru, designed to accommodate 5,000 employees. The Bengaluru campus will serve as a hub for engineering, digital transformation, customer services, and procurement, supporting Airbus' 'Make in India' strategy. Airbus has more than tripled its annual sourcing from India to over USD 1.5 billion and aims to exceed USD 2 billion soon. The new centre includes a dedicated customer services centre providing support to Airbus customers globally. Indian engineers in Bengaluru will design and develop critical technologies for Airbus aircraft and helicopters. Aerospace major Airbus on Friday inaugurated a state-of-the-art technology centre in Bengaluru, marking a major expansion of its strategic footprint in India. The new facility will serve as a hub for engineering, digital transformation, customer services and procurement, establishing a new nerve centre for the company's 'Make in India' mission, Airbus said in a statement. According to a company statement, the new 8,80,000 sq. ft facility --'Airbus India Technology Centre' -- inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Karnataka Minister of Industries and Infrastructure M B Patil is -- designed to accommodate about 5,000 employees, providing the necessary scale and headroom for the rapid growth Airbus envisions for the region. Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, who attended the event virtually, said Bengaluru has become the aviation, aerospace and defence manufacturing capital of the country. The inauguration of this grand Airbus campus further strengthens Bengaluru's position as a global aviation hub. "This campus represents the confidence of India and the confidence that the world has in India's technological capabilities," he said. Stressing that Bengaluru has rightfully become the capital of India's aviation ecosystem, the civil aviation minister said that the Airbus Bengaluru campus will become the nerve centre of Airbus operations in India. "Critical technologies in every Airbus aircraft and helicopter will be designed and developed by Indian engineers in Bengaluru," he added. Airbus' 'Make in India' Strategy The company said that as Airbus' largest engineering and digital centres outside Europe, the Bengaluru campus serves as the primary engine for Airbus' 'Make in India' strategy. Airbus has more than tripled its annual sourcing from India -- from USD 500 million in 2019 to over USD 1.5 billion today -- and is on track to exceed USD 2 billion well before the end of the decade, it said. Jurgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus in India and South Asia said, "This centre will allow us to scale existing technological competencies and innovation ecosystems while also addressing the customer services and procurement dimensions of our 'Make in India' mission. It ensures that Indian expertise continues to be woven into every stage of our global value chain." Customer Service and Support The campus also houses a dedicated customer services centre that provides critical support both locally and globally, it said. "This centre offers tailored support programmes, flight hour services and comprehensive maintenance and technical support to Airbus customers around the world, ensuring operational excellence across the global fleet," the company added. Growth in the PV segment is. likely to stabilise after a period of strong expansion, with utility vehicles continuing to outperform small cars and vans. Kindly note the image has only been published for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Pixabay Key Points The growth rate of PV sales in the first 11 months of FY26 stood at 11.82%. In the first 11 months of the current financial year, two-wheeler makers sold about 19.46 million units. India Ratings maintained a Neutral outlook on the automotive and auto ancillary sectors for FY27. Drive Review: Tata Punch.ev is no longer just a city car Passenger vehicle (PV) sales growth in India is expected to moderate to 3-5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in financial year 2027 (FY27) due to a high base and preponed replacement demand, according to a report released by India Ratings and Research on Thursday. This comes despite a domestic upcycle in the overall automotive industry. Growth in PV segment The growth rate of PV sales in the first 11 months of FY26 stood at 11.82 per cent, according to data released by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada) on Thursday. About 4.25 million PVs were sold in the April-February period of the current financial year, compared to 3.8 million sold in the corresponding period last financial year, it added. Growth in the PV segment is likely to stabilise after a period of strong expansion, with utility vehicles continuing to outperform small cars and vans, the report said. Demand in recent years has been driven by replacement purchases and rising consumer preference for sport utility vehicles, resulting in a higher base for the industry. The report stated that the two-wheeler (2W) segment is expected to reach a key milestone, with domestic sales projected to surpass pre-pandemic highs in FY26. The sector is emerging as a key driver of the industrys volume recovery, after several years of pandemic-related disruptions and weak rural demand, the ratings agency said. The pre-pandemic peak for two-wheeler sales in India was in FY19, when domestic sales reached about 21.18 million units. In the first 11 months of the current financial year, two-wheeler makers sold about 19.46 million units, recording a 12 per cent Y-o-Y growth. This means sales in the segment will cross the pre-pandemic peak in FY26 itself. Two-wheeler growth Following the strong recovery in FY26, two-wheeler growth is expected to moderate to 6-8 per cent in FY27, due to the higher base effect, it said. The recovery is increasingly being driven by premiumisation, with scooters and premium motorcycles above 200cc outperforming entry-level motorcycles. Improving demand across both rural and urban markets is also supporting the rebound in two-wheeler sales, although revenue growth has been outpacing volume growth because of better price realisations. How CV segment will likely fare The commercial vehicle (CV) segment, meanwhile, is expected to recover in FY26 and FY27 after witnessing a decline in FY25. Medium and heavy commercial vehicles segment is projected to grow by 5-7 per cent, while light commercial vehicles may expand by 6-8 per cent in FY27. Revenue and exports The report also projected revenue growth of 8-10 per cent for the auto ancillary sector in FY27, supported by steady aftermarket demand and increased localisation by manufacturers to reduce import dependence. Exports are also expected to improve further in FY27, after recovering in FY26, aided by favourable trade agreements and shifting global trade dynamics. India Ratings maintained a Neutral outlook on the automotive and auto ancillary sectors for FY27, noting that while the domestic upcycle remains intact, growth is likely to moderate as the industry moves into a more mature phase of the cycle. BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The conditions underpinning China's long-term growth and underlying trend remain unchanged, despite the difficulties and challenges it faces, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily press briefing in response to a reporter's question about China's GDP growth target this year. When delivering the report on the work of the government on Thursday, Premier Li Qiang took stock of what China has achieved during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Gross domestic product (GDP) has taken a new leap, Mao said. Noting that these remarkable achievements have been made in a grave and complex landscape, where external shocks and challenges were intertwined with domestic difficulties and tough policy choices, Mao said that this says a lot about the great resilience and vigor of China's economy. "Looking forward, as Premier Li Qiang pointed out, we're clearly-eyed about the difficulties and challenges we face. Yet, the conditions underpinning China's long-term growth and underlying trend remain unchanged. More and more, China is demonstrating the strengths of its system and the strengths it has as a big country," said Mao. "As long as we fully tap our strengths and respond to challenges in the right way, we will surely open up even more promising prospects for China's development," Mao said. "We will fully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, move faster to foster a new pattern of development, and promote high-quality development," said Mao. She also said that China will promote higher-quality economic growth while achieving an appropriate increase in economic output, adding that China will further expand high-standard opening up, stick to mutually beneficial cooperation, steadily advance institutional opening-up, and engage at a higher level in the global economy so that more people worldwide will benefit from China's development. The strategic focus, policy outcomes, vitality of development, and capacity for governance demonstrated in China's economic growth will provide much needed stability and certainty to a turbulent world, she said. 'India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US President Donald Trump at The White House in Washington, DC, February 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The United States is enthusiastic about a potential trade deal with India The US intends to place greater emphasis on economic and commercial diplomacy in its foreign policy. India currently faces 10% US tariffs on its goods for 150 days following new global tariff rules announced by US President Donald Trump. The United States is excited about a trade deal with India that the two governments are working on, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on Thursday while addressing a session on US foreign policy at this year's Raisina Dialogue. "India should understand that we are not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago." Those, he said, were to help China's rise, which, the US realised, had become a challenge for it. "We have to be accountable to our own people." The US will focus on economic and commercial diplomacy as an objective of its foreign policy, Landau said, adding that former Democratic Party administrations had muddled US foreign policy. The dialogue is the annual international security conference organised in New Delhi by the ministry of external affairs and the Observer Research Foundation, a think-tank. It is unclear when trade talks will conclude. Indian goods draw 10 per cent US tariffs (valid for 150 days after February 24) since US President Donald Trump announced new global rates of up to 15 per cent. This was after the US supreme court on February 20 invalidated most of his 2025 tariffs. The top court said in its ruling that Trump had overstepped his presidential authority in imposing tariffs on trading partners of the US. Trump has since announced the global tariffs through 'other legal ways'. In the same speech, Landau said he hoped India would move beyond 'the Cold War model' -- the tendency to keep the US at 'arm's length'. The US would like to partner India during India's rise in this century, he added. On the question of US expectations that India would stop importing oil from Russia, Landau offered the US as the country from which India could import fuel. ''America first' does not mean 'America alone',' Landau said. Tariff Waiver In early February, the US removed the 25 per cent punitive tariff on India for buying Russian crude oil after obtaining 'a commitment' from India, according to a US statement, to stop the purchase. The Indian government has hinted at diversifying energy imports but it did not say India would stop buying Russian oil. Landau said the two countries could collaborate in areas such as counterterrorism, freedom of navigation in the high seas, defence -- something that the two countries should "lean into" -- and energy. Last year, India and the US extended an old defence cooperation agreement for 10 years. Trump has said he wanted India to buy from America defence goods worth billions of dollars. With the ongoing conflict in West Asia, India's imports of US oil itself would be impacted, according to analysts, because ships carrying oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has restricted for global trade since the US and Israel started attacking it this month. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff India contributes roughly 10 per cent of Samsung Electronics' global revenue and hosts over 10,000 engineers across its R&D centres. IMAGE: The Samsung Galaxy S26. Photograph: Kind courtesy @SamsungIndia/X South Korean consumer electronics giant Samsung Electronics' India-based research and development centres in Bengaluru and Noida played a pivotal role in developing its latest flagship Samsung Galaxy S26 series smartphones, a company official said. The centres contributed to key aspects of the device's development, underscoring the growing role of Samsung's India R&D operations in the company's global product engineering and innovation efforts, Samsung Southwest Asia President and CEO J B Park said here in a media roundtable on the sidelines of the launch event of the flagship smartphone. Key Points Samsung's R&D centres in Bengaluru and Noida contributed significantly to the development and engineering of the Galaxy S26 series. The Bengaluru centre plays a key role in developing on-device AI algorithms, especially advanced camera-focused artificial intelligence features. Samsung's Noida R&D facility handles localisation, coding and telecom configuration for devices deployed across about 129 global markets. Samsung plans to double its AI-powered devices to 800 million globally by 2026, driven partly by strong adoption in India. Samsung India's Role In Galaxy S26 Moreover, Samsung is also upbeat over the adoption of AI tech integrated smartphones and other devices in India, led by its younger demography. "India has the largest youth population in the world, with 65 per cent of the people under 35 years of age. The everyday usage of AI by Indian consumers is among the highest in the world!" said Park "This is not surprising because Indian consumers are extremely receptive to new technology." Samsung's 800 Million AI Device Plan Earlier this year, Samsung CEO, President, and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division, T M Roh, had announced its ambitious plans to double the number of its AI-powered mobile devices to 800 million in 2026, up from approximately 400 million in 2025. India is a strategic market for Samsung Electronics and contributes 10 per cent of global revenue. "Besides Korea, I think the Noida R&D centre is the primary place that does configurations for all the localised global settings. "From collaborating with the telcos for setting up the frequency to the product settings, all are being done in Noida. "Again, Bengaluru is playing the pivotal role in the AI algorithm for our on-device AI," Park said. Samsung employs over 10,000 engineers across its three R&D centres in India. Its R&D centre in Bengaluru is its largest outside Korea. Samsung engineers working out of India contribute to local and global product innovations, Park added. When asked about Indian R&D centres' contribution in developing the S26 series, he said: "India played an important part. It has a pivotal role in that part of it." Park said hardware development for new devices is carried out by Samsung's affiliates. For example, "Hardware is developed by our affiliates like Samsung Display Corporation, which makes the panel. "The memory and the chipset come from LSI, which is also an affiliate of Samsung Electronics Group. "These are the fundamental developments happening in our R&D centre in Korea. But you have to calibrate the device and the components to work seamlessly. "Calibration is an art of engineering. And that happens in India," he said. Samsung has a group of engineers at Bengaluru R&D centre which is focused on making our third-party or in-house components work on components-to-components integration. "We call it engineering, not the hardware or component development, but engineering. "That's where India is really, really brilliant at doing that kind of R&D, which is very important. "There are components that are being conflicted in some of the operating systems that we use, such as Android. "And integrating that into a component and making it the best output is engineering that we call it, what we are good at in India," he said. Bengaluru Driving On-Device AI The Bengaluru R&D centre is playing the "pivotal role in the AI algorithm on our on-device AI". This functionality, especially focusing on the camera, and they are now "specialised" in it. About its Noida-based R&D centre, he said, it is doing the specific job of coding for market-based requirements for "maybe 129 countries". "So, besides Korea engineering, I think the Noida R&D centre is the primary place that does configuration for all the localised global settings. "From collaborating with the telcos for setting up the frequency to the product settings, all are being done in Noida. "So, I can say that the projects in Noida are very important. "We just make the fundamental structure of the S-series, the A-series, or the foldables in Korea. "But you will see a lot of value added that is done in Noida," he said. On the smartphone market trend in India, Park said it "is migrating into a premium segment." Replying to a query on AI adoption in the Indian market, Park said it will take some time to universalise this technology, and Samsung is educating customers about the benefits of the AI ecosystem. ".... But not 100 per cent of Indian consumers understand it yet. "So, it's our job to do more communications to the market and educate the consumers about the true value that they will get out of Samsung's AI ecosystem," he said. India's Growing Premium Smartphone Market According to an IDC report, Samsung had 14.1 per cent market share in the Indian smartphone market in 2025, where it competes with Cupertino-headquartered Apple and some Chinese companies, which lead the overall market. In the super-premium segment, which is $800 and above, Apple maintained leadership with a 63 per cent share, while Samsung's share was 34 per cent. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff This article was first published 4 years ago Rajkummar Rao is solid in what we've come to recognise as strictly Ayushmann Khurrana territory, observes Sukanya Verma. From 'is gay' to the difficulty of 'being one' in a terribly repressive society, Badhaai Do takes a baby step forward in queer-themed stories. Earlier, in films like Bombay Talkies, Kapoor & Sons, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga or even Shubh Mangal Zyada Savdhan, a character's sexual identity and struggle formed the big reveal or premise for conflict but in Harshvardhan Kulkarni's light-hearted take on marriages of convenience, Shardul Thakur (Rajkummar Rao) and Suman Singh (Bhumi Pednekar) confirm their homosexuality at the onset. Only the conservative, judgemental community they live amongst cannot catch a whiff of this. Hailing from a big, fat North Indian family (led by a crackling-as-ever Seema Pahwa) of Haldwani eager to see Shardul settle in marital bliss who is the only male cop in an all-women police station of Dehradun. It includes a noisy creche too. His Burt Reynolds moustache and rippling biceps bursting out of his khaki seams assert a machismo he wears like a shield to dodge suspicions. Compared to him, Suman is far more comfortable in her skin and has developed a sense of humour about her youth-obsessed father (Nitesh Pandey) and maun vrat-undertaking mom (Loveleen Mishra). A creepy dating app experience ensues in the two crossing paths. Shardul straightaway sees an opportunity for jugaad. Both are over 30, which makes them a relentless target of their families nagging them to tie the knot. Suman's previous unpleasant experiences -- an ex who settled for a heterosexual marriage and a suitor who died two days before the wedding -- has made her wary. But when a fellow member of the LGBTQ+ community proposes the two marry and live like roomies, Suman sees the arrangement as a mutually-beneficial situation to live and let live. Except when has the great Indian family ever stopped at that? Just when Suman has found a soulmate in Rimjhim (Chum Darang) and Shardul is making headway with a lawyer (a rakish Gulshan Devaiah), aunts and mums butt in and decide it's time for a baby. 'Bachha woh gond hai jisse shaadi bani rehti hai,' explains a know-it-all relative and dispatches Shardul's slow-witted mummy (Sheeba Chaddha) to orchestrate this goal. Chaddha, fabulous as she is, labours to pull off some of the gags that are too heavy-handed even for her. Badhaai Do makes light of the hypocrisy its protagonists embrace to escape scrutiny while addressing the pressure that compels them to test the extent of it and realise their natural parenting instincts. Indian law forbids a same-sex couple from adopting and Badhaai Do has something moving to say about that as well as the struggle of coming out. Though Shardul and Suman do not share a romantic relationship, their journey from bantering partners sharing a roof to allies who know exactly how it feels, touches a chord. It's a shame the movie doesn't exploit their equation more satisfyingly. Suman and Rimjhim's breezy meet-cute is one of the things Badhaai Do does get right. It may not always be at the centre, but their ups and downs as a couple underscores the language of love is the same everywhere even if it's a decidedly PG rated. Having non-starry presences as love interests adds to the realism and freshness of the imagery. Badhaai Do throws in the quandary of confronting a heavily patriarchal setup where the expectations of men are no different from those in heteronormative setups. Shardul's chauvinism is particularly jarring when one presumes his sexual choices will make him more sensitive. As is his quack of a brother-in-law's (Shashi Bhushan) -- reeking of inappropriate humour and demeaning slurs. What I found myself wondering though is does it make it okay for a man to hit his partner just because he is also a guy? Badhaai Do doesn't say. Shardul is much more complex than the rom-com tone implies, one that slumps into disappointingly farcical towards its dragged-out end. Nevertheless, Rao is solid in what we've come to recognise as strictly Ayushmann Khurrana territory. Unafraid to go in dark places and lay bare his emotionality, he succeeds more than he lets on. Bhumi Pednekar packs a punch in equal measure. If only Badhaai Do wasn't busy pandering to the overdone small-town parivar's humour and hullaballoo and elaborating on its there's more to being queer than being queer. For now, it's one baby step at a time. Rediff Rating: This article was first published 6 years ago One only wishes RAW: Romeo Akbar Walter was cooked better, says Urvi Parikh. Movies dealing with patriotism have done well, and so, film-makers rarely shy away from making films on it. And when you have an actor like John Abraham, who has made a name for himself in this genre, producers are willing to take the risk. But what the makers don't understand is that just by adding the Indian Tricolour and an instrumental version of our National Anthem, doesn't make the movie a hit. It needs to have a gripping story, which will do justice to the patriotic theme. John Abraham's new film RAW: Romeo Akbar Walter, falters at that. The movie tries very hard to invoke love for our motherland, but fails to make that connection. Something somewhere feels amiss. Set during the 1970s, RAW is a story of a banker-cum-theatre artist Romeo Ali, who has been picked up by R&AW -- the Research and Analysis Wing, the country's external intelligence agency -- for a mission. He is trained in combat, shooting and for reading between the lines, under the able leadership of Shrikant Rai, played by Jackie Shroff. Within days, Romeo, now called Akbar Malik, is sent off to Pakistan, to find out details about the neighbouring country's preparedness for war. Akbar gets his hands on secret documents and passes it onto his superiors. However, he gets caught by a Pakistan officer Khudabaksh Khan (Sikander Kher). John Abraham does his job well, but amateur writing makes his multiple characters look caricaturish. At no point in time do you feel pained for John's character, except at the start when the Pakistan officer is torturing him. As a spy, John isn't able to make the audience feel the same tension, which is the biggest flaw of the movie. John's love interest, Mouni Roy, another spy, hardly has a role. She just serves as eye candy. Jackie Shroff does well. But again, his role isn't laid out properly, and hence you can't blame him for the shortcomings. Sikander Kher is amazing -- he is the brutal officer you want to hate. His honest act makes us feel sorry for the goof-up in the film's scripting. Despite having a decent storyline, Director Robbie Grewal isn't able to get us on the edge-of-our-seats with this thriller. The movie appears 'raw' at many instances and one only wishes that it was cooked better. Robbie tries hard to make RAW like Raazi, but doesn't quite get it. Rediff Rating: 'We have worked for decades building good relations with Iran and it is mutually beneficial.' 'To suddenly give the impression of taking a position that is hostile to Iran, or, at least, not friendly to Iran, is not a good thing.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the BRICS 2024 Summit in Kazan. Photograph: Kind courtesy MEA/Instagram When the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran on February 28 2026 -- killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, senior Revolutionary Guard commanders, and hundreds of civilians -- India's response was, at best, a whisper. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had addressed the Knesset -- the Israeli parliament -- just 48 hours earlier, declaring India stood with Israel 'firmly, with full conviction.' New Delhi's silence as Tehran burned and its delayed expression of 'deep concern,' prompted sharp domestic and international criticism. India's ten million-strong diaspora across the Gulf, the Chabahar port agreement, and energy ties worth billions suddenly hang in uncertain air. Few are better placed to read what this moment means than Mohammad Hamid Ansari -- India's former vice president, one-time ambassador to Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and a career diplomat who spent decades carefully building relationships that he now watches being quietly dismantled. Key Points Hamid Ansari calls the US-Israel strikes on Iran straightforward aggression under international law, arguing Iran has every legal right to defend itself. He says America has failed militarily in every post-World War II conflict -- Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya -- and shows no sign of learning from those defeats. On Iran's nuclear programme, Mr Ansari says the IAEA has repeatedly confirmed Iran is not building a bomb, and that Trump contradicts himself by claiming otherwise. India's delayed condolence and Modi's Knesset address just 48 hours before the strikes on Iran have, in Mr Ansari's view, damaged decades of carefully cultivated ties with Tehran. He warns that the Gulf's stability is directly tied to the safety and livelihoods of millions of Indian nationals, making this conflict a matter of vital national interest for India. Mr Ansari spoke to Prasanna D Zore/Rediff about why the strikes amount to naked aggression under international law, what America's unbroken record of military failure from Vietnam to Afghanistan reveals about Washington's judgment, whether any diplomatic off-ramp remains, India's conspicuous silence as Tehran burned, and why decades of carefully cultivated ties with Iran should not be junked overnight. 'They have committed aggression against Iran. Iran has every right to defend itself' How do you look at the ongoing conflict between the US and Israel against Iran? IMAGE: Smoke rises following an explosion in Tehran, February 28, 2026 in this screen grab taken from video. Photograph: WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters See, that is a very big subject. Two countries have attacked one country. What is there to interview about, really? Because it is destabilising the entire region with far-reaching consequences for the global order... Yes, but the cause of that destabilisation is the aggression committed on Iran. As simple as that. India's response came rather late -- the external affairs minister spoke with his Iranian counterpart Syed Abbas Aragchi only this evening, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the book of condolence at the Iranian embassy. Do you think this was too little, too late? Signing the book of condolence today is certainly too late -- no question about it. The person in question died many days ago. He held the status of a head of State. It should have been done much earlier. What, in your view, is the single biggest misunderstanding the United States and Israel have about Iran? And does history suggest that bombing a nation into regime change actually produces the government you want? No. Obviously not. This is high-handedness, plain and simple. Under international law, under the UN Charter, under every norm of civilised conduct -- how can you decide you will change someone else's government? This is high-handedness on the part of the United States and Israel, and the world should call it out as such. Not go about it in soft sentences. What is the single biggest mistake these two powers are making in their analysis of Iran? Iran has been holding out even after six days of strikes. They have committed aggression against Iran. Iran has every right to defend itself, and it is doing so to the best of its ability. What the final outcome will be, I am in no position to say. But this is high-handedness -- and they have not done it individually. They have done it jointly. What's US-Israel's endgame in Iran? From a diplomat's perspective, is there any off-ramp left? Has this conflict passed the point of no return? IMAGE: People gather on the streets amid anti-government unrest in Tehran, in this still image obtained from social media video released on January 8, 2026. Photograph: Social Media/via Reuters I cannot say with certainty, as I am not fully aware of the situation on the ground. But what has happened is wrong -- a violation of every norm of civility and international law. And Iran is perfectly within its rights to defend itself. On February 25, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a historic agreement was within reach in Geneva -- then the strikes began within 48 hours. President Trump later released a video confirming the goal was regime change, and praised himself for Khamenei's assassination. As someone who has sat across the table from Iranian diplomats, would Iran have known what was coming? Do not just go by what the Iranian minister said -- look at what the Omani minister said. He was acting as the intermediary, and he stated on the record that an agreement was within reach. Then suddenly the Americans turned around, disowned everything, and attacked. What endgame are America and Israel actually trying to achieve in the region? Dominate the Gulf -- and dominate it in favour of Israel. There are no two views about it. But did the experiments in Libya and Iraq not fail miserably for the United States? They tried regime change there too. The US learns nothing. With all the power they have, all the money, they have been the defeated party in every single conflict after the Second World War. Vietnam -- defeated. Iraq -- defeated. Afghanistan -- defeated. Libya -- same story. This is high-handedness. Look at what they did to Venezuela, for example. Iran is hardly Venezuela. Iran is not Venezuela. You are not going to pick up somebody and take them home. 'That is precisely why Iran is striking them' How real is the fear -- expressed by some American and Israeli experts -- that a nuclear-armed Iran would destabilise the entire Gulf? How genuine is that nuclear threat? IMAGE: Smoke rises in the sky after blasts were heard in Manama, Bahrain, February 28, 2026. Photograph: Reuters Iran has said again and again, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed again and again, that Iran is not making a bomb. This is on record. America itself accepted this in the previous agreement -- which Mr Trump has since disowned. Nuclear research is something any country may pursue. How can you dictate that you will permit nuclear research in country X but not in country Y? In fact, last June President Trump himself claimed that US strikes on Fordow and Natanz had destroyed Iran's bomb-making capabilities. He is constantly contradicting himself for his own purposes. It is unbecoming a head of State to speak in this manner, but unfortunately this is the reality. India has nearly ten million workers across the Gulf. Iran has struck energy infrastructure across the region and warned it will target all economic centres -- Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia. How long before the safety of the Indian diaspora forces New Delhi's hand? America has military installations in each one of those countries. That is precisely why Iran is striking them -- from Iraq right down to the UAE. As for the Indian diaspora, we have known for a long time that any disturbance of peace in the Persian Gulf causes hardship to Indian nationals, a very large number of whom are gainfully employed there. That should be our primary concern -- not what country X or country Y intends with its aggressive plans. A US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing at least 87 sailors. That very ship had participated as a guest at the MILAN 2026 naval exercise in Visakhapatnam. India said nothing. What does that silence tell Iran? The facts speak for themselves. What can I say? Ask the Government of India officially -- they will tell you. 'We have worked for decades building good relations with Iran' Prime Minister Modi visited Israel just 48 hours before the strikes began, addressed the Knesset, and said India stands with Israel firmly. And yet, as Iran burned, he made no statement. What do you make of that silence? IMAGE: Then prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh meets Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Hoseyni Khamenei on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Tehran in August 2012. Photograph: Press Information Bureau That question should be directed to the prime minister. As a former ambassador to Iran, how does this asymmetry read in Tehran? Has India permanently picked a side? This is not something that has happened overnight. We have worked for decades building good relations with Iran and it is mutually beneficial -- for us and for them. So to suddenly give the impression of taking a position that is hostile to Iran, or, at least, not friendly to Iran, is not a good thing. Drawing on your years in Tehran and the UAE, what one concrete step must India take to avoid being permanently written off by both sides? Can India still play a constructive role? I cannot really say. I am a retired old man and not fully in the picture anymore. But it is not the way I would have liked things to happen. What would your advice be to the Indian government? I do not know what advice to give today. But I can say this -- we did not build these relationships in a day. Whether it was the UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia, or anyone else in that region, we worked with each one of them systematically, carefully, over many years. We cultivated those ties. We did not junk them overnight. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff 'In India, there is this first generation migrant, say from a small village in UP. He didn't go to the Gulf to buy a big house but make the life of his family better.' 'He may have paid 1 lakh rupees to an agent to go to the Gulf. Imagine what will happen to him and his family if he has to come back. He and his family will become poor again.' 'He went to the Gulf to come out of poverty, but this war will make his family trapped in poverty once again.' IMAGE: People gather as smoke rises at an industrial area in Doha, Qatar, March 1, 2026 after reported Iranian missile attacks. Photograph: Mohammed Salem/Reuters Key Points Nearly 10 million Indians -- including around 2 million Keralites -- live in the Gulf vulnerable to the US-Israel-Iran conflict. India received over $135 billion in remittances last year, with Kerala alone getting around Rs 2 lakh crore. Kerala is heavily remittance-dependent,; the crisis could hit first-generation migrants from states like Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan harder. 1980-1988. The eight year-long Iran-Iraq war. 1990-1991. Iraq attacking Kuwait. 2003. The United States attacked Iraq to capture Saddam Hussein. These are some of the recent wars in the Middle East which had huge implications on the South Asian region. Now comes the US-Israel attack on Iran, and the Middle East is in turmoil. So also South Asia. Dr S Irudaya Rajan, an expert on migration, analyses how this war will affect the South Asian region, especially India. Formerly with the Centre for Development Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, Dr Rajan is currently the Chair of the International Institute for Migration and Development and also the Chair of the KNOMAD (The Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development) World Bank working group on internal migration and urbanisation. "The stress a migrant goes through will have consequences on his health; his physical health, mental health and social health which you cannot measure, Dr Rajan tells Rediff's Shobha Warrier. Out of the 10 million Indians in the Middle East, Keralites form a large number. So how is the US-Israel and Iran war going to affect Kerala society and economy? Currently there are 2.2 million migrants from Kerala outside as per the Kerala Migration Survey, 2023. Out of that, 90% of them are in the Gulf. So, you have close to 2 million Keralites in the Gulf. It means 1 out of 5 of the 10 million Indians in the Gulf region, is a Malayalee. The six countries; the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia accommodate 90% of Keralites. I am of the opinion that you should not restrict the impact of the war on Kerala alone. If you do so, you are underestimating the impact. This war has an impact on not just India but the entire South Asia, that is, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Also, Indonesia and the Philippines in South East Asia. When you take all these seven countries, you are talking about close to 15 million people. You can describe this as the largest migration globally. What I want to say is, not just Malayalees are dependent on the Gulf but people from South Asia and South East Asia. IMAGE: Indian passengers reunite with their families as they arrive in New Delhi, March 4, 2026 from a flight via Dubai amid the international tensions in the Gulf. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo But Kerala's economy depends heavily on petrol dollars... You are right. Last year India as a country received more than $135 billion as remittances from the Gulf. If people are coming back from the Middle East due to the war, the remittances will come down. So, it will affect not just Kerala. India as a country will have a problem. I agree migration is more from some states in India, like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh. But when you take Sri Lanka or Nepal, the war will have huge implications because many of the households in Sri Lanka and Nepal are dependent on remittances from the Gulf. Of course, the Kerala economy is called the remittance economy. But don't limit the story of the war or the crisis in the Middle East to Kerala. Whatever impact the war will have on Kerala, it is applicable to all these countries. It has to have a South Asia and South East Asia perspective. I have been working on the Kerala Migration Survey data for the last 25 years. Based on my experience, I can say whatever I say happens to Kerala families will happen to families in Pakistan, families in Indonesia and families in Sri Lanka. 'When the money does not come, there will be no food in the house' IMAGE: Planes parked at Terminal 3 at the Dubai international airport after US and Israeli attacks on Iran, March 2, 2026. Photograph: Raghed Waked/Reuters In what way do you think the war will affect the people of South Asia and South East Asia? I categorise the impact into four. One: The impact on the migrants. A war makes the migrants highly stressed. Till now, the migrants looked at the Gulf as a safe place. Now that is being questioned. He may stay back despite the stress to make some money. He may have taken a loan in his country. Or, he may be constructing a house. The stress he goes through will have consequences on his health; his physical health, mental health and social health which you cannot measure. Two: The second impact will be on his family, that is, his parents, spouse and children. He may be a nurse or a housemaid or a plumber or a construction worker but he has a family back at home. The families are not migrants, they are located in the countries of origin. And when they hear about the stories of destruction, they are under stress. Three: The third impact will be on the society they live. The community. The war happened on the 28th of February. Imagine how many households were expecting remittance from the Gulf on the 2nd of March after the person gets his salary on the 1st. If the salary is delayed, everything back at home gets stalled -- from paying the loan instalment to the construction of the house to children's school fees to parents' hospital visit. The bypass surgery or the cataract surgery scheduled for this week has to be postponed because the money has not come. This way, a whole lot of things will affect not just the family, but the whole community. If he has to come back, he is perceived as a return migrant who has returned in distress. Four: The impact on the economy. For example, Kerala alone last year received Rs 200,000 crores as remittance according to the Kerala Migration Survey. I feel this is an underestimated figure. Assume the remittance is reduced by Rs 50,000 crore, and how it will impact the state's economy. When the remittance stops, the entire economy is in trouble. IMAGE: A display board at the Noi Bai international airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, March 2, 2026. Photograph: Thinh Nguyen/Reuters Do you think it will have an even more impact on the economy of Sri Lanka or even Pakistan? The consequence of the war will be very bad for Sri Lanka as the country is dependent heavily on the remittance from the Gulf after the economic crisis they had earlier. You can expect even starvation in some of the localities where the migrants are dependent on remittances. When the money does not come, there will be no food in the house. In India itself, there is this first generation migrant, say from a small village in Uttar Pradesh. He didn't go to the Gulf to buy a big house but make the life of his family better. On the other hand, migration from Kerala has been happening for the last 60 years. So for that person from Kerala, the impact will be less. On the other hand, the first generation migrant from UP might have paid 1 lakh rupees to an agent to go to the Gulf. Imagine what will happen to him and his family if he has to come back. He and his family will become poor again. He went to the Gulf to come out of poverty, but this war will make his family trapped in poverty once again. This is the difference between Kerala and a state like UP or Rajasthan as Kerala has a long migration history to the Gulf. Earlier the migration was happening mainly from Kerala, but now, it is spreading to many other states too. Just look at the number of Etihad flights from India. It is flying from 14 cities in the country. Compare this to the four cities in Kerala from where flights are going to the Middle East: Trivandrum, Kochi, Kannur and Calicut. 'This crisis is worse than the Covid crisis' IMAGE: Smoke billows from Jebel Ali port after an Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026. Photograph: Raghed Waked/Reuters Compared to the earlier wars like the Iran-Iraq War or the Gulf War, will this have more impact as there are more Indians in the Middle East now? We have seen quite a few wars in the region earlier. The earlier wars were between two countries, like between Iran and Iraq or Iraq and Kuwait. Even the Russia-Ukraine war is also between those two countries. The earlier wars did not go beyond the two countries in war. The maximum it had gone was to the region. It did not expand to many countries which is what is happening now. Even the 2008 economic crisis when it affected Dubai badly, it had no impact on the UAE. There was business as usual there. I would say, this crisis is worse than the Covid crisis. The current crisis in the Gulf is the worst crises migrants have faced in the last 50 years. IMAGE: Supplies are displayed on shelves at a supermarket in Dubai, March 3, 2026. Photograph: Rula Rouhana/Reuters Why do you think so? This kind of psychological fear was never created in the Gulf before. The image of the Gulf as a safe haven is being questioned now. For example, yesterday the Emirates flight from Chennai to Dubai had only 35 people in it. Everything depends on how long the crisis continues to know the long term implication. The current crisis will have short term and long term implications. If the crisis continues for 20 days, the scenario will be different. So, everything depends on how long the crisis will continue. And nobody knows the answer. Anyway, the damage has been done. But we have been talking from the perspective of migrants but it will also have implication on the people who never migrated. 'Impact of the crisis goes beyond migrants' I read a report that export of pineapple, curry leaves, flowers, etc from Karipur airport to this Middle East during the Ramadan period has been stalled, and it will have a huge impact on the small farmers and businesses... That's why I said the impact of the crisis goes beyond migrants. The economy of is not just a migrants economy. When the flights are not going, airport doesn't function. Everyone connected to the aviation industry will be affected. Then, there is construction, trade, jewellery, sea food, vegetables... the list is endless. IMAGE: Dr Irudaya Rajan IMAGE: Dr Irudaya Rajan The impact of the Middle East crisis will be on every sector in the economy of the entire South Asia and South East Asia. We are only talking about the economy of these countries. What about the Gulf region itself? The economy of the Gulf is managed by migrants. And when the migrants go back, the economy of the Middle East is dead. While their economy is dependent on migrants, our economy depends on their money. What I see is, when the war ends, there will be a very huge migration to the Gulf. If there are 10 million migrants from India to the Gulf now, it will go up to 15 million. While they need our labour, we need their money. And they need migrants to bring their economy back on track, and rebuild everything. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that long-term oil supplies are 'abundant' and there are no worries regarding that, but in the short term, there is a need to get oil on the market. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Tatiana Meel/File Photo/Reuters Key Points The US has issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil already stranded at sea and refine it to stabilise global supply. The move is meant to quickly bring stored oil into the market and ease price pressures amid tensions in the Middle East. According to US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, large volumes of Russian oil stored on ships near southern Asia can be processed by Indian refineries to reduce global competition for supplies. US officials said the waiver is a temporary measure and does not signal a change in policy toward Russia, aimed only at keeping oil prices under control. The United States on Friday said it is 'allowing our friends in India' to take the Russian oil already on ships around southern Asia, refine it and move the stocks into the market quickly to ensure a flowing supply and ease pressure amid the West Asia conflict. Earlier, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the US has issued a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. 'We have implemented short-term measures to help keep oil prices down. We are allowing our friends in India to take oil that is already on ships, refine it, and move those barrels into the market quickly. A practical way to get supply flowing and ease pressure,' Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a post on X. In an interview with ABC News Live, Wright said that long-term oil supplies are 'abundant' and there are no worries regarding that, but in the short term, there is a need to get oil on the market. "But as oil gets bid up a little bit because of those constraints coming out of the Strait of Hormuz, we're taking a short-term action to say all this floating Russian oil storage that's around southern Asia, it's China just backed up, China does not treat their suppliers well, so there's a bunch of floating barrels just sitting there. "We've reached out to our friends in India and said, 'Buy that oil. Bring it into your refineries'. That pulls stored oil immediately into Indian refineries and releases the pressure on other refineries around the world to buy oil that they're no longer competing with the Indians for in that marketplace," Wright said. "So we have a number of measures like that that are short-term and temporary. This is no change in policy towards Russia. This is a very brief change in policy just to keep oil prices down a little bit better than we could otherwise," he added. Short-term measure, won't benefit Russia: US On Thursday, Treasury Secretary Bessent said the 'deliberately short-term measure' will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorises transactions involving oil already stranded at sea. "India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage," Bessent said. President Donald Trump had imposed 25 per cent punitive tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, with the administration asserting that Delhi's purchases were helping fuel Russia's war machine against Ukraine. Last month, the US and India announced they reached a framework for an Interim Agreement on trade, and Trump issued an Executive Order removing the 25 per cent punitive tariffs on India, noting the commitment by New Delhi to stop directly or indirectly importing energy from Moscow and purchasing American energy products. 'We will give Rs 25,000 to parents having a second child or more at the time of delivery itself.' IMAGE: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu addresses a press conference. Photograph: @AndhraPradeshCM X/ANI Photo Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday told the assembly that the government is considering a Rs 25,000 birth incentive for couples from their second child onwards to boost the falling birth rate in the state. At least since July 2024, the chief ministers of some of the southern states, including Naidu and Tamil Nadu's M K Stalin, have flagged concern about the region's diminishing demographic dividend in the decades to come on account of the strides the South has made in population control. Key Points Andhra Pradesh government considering 25,000 incentive for parents having a second child to address declining birth rates. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu aims to raise the state's Total Fertility Rate from 1.5 to replacement level 2.1. State plans to unveil a comprehensive population management policy by end of March and implement it from April. Southern states warn declining population growth may affect economic balance and political representation after future Lok Sabha delimitation. Rs 25,000 Birth Incentive Plan Addressing the assembly, Naidu said the government aims to raise Andhra Pradesh's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) -- to 2.1 from the current 1.5, which is below the replacement level. "We are looking at a novel method. We will give Rs 25,000 to parents having a second child or more at the time of delivery itself. "This will be a big game-changer. If we can do it, it will be very useful," a PTI report from Amaravati quoted Naidu as saying. The Andhra CM said his government plans to bring out a policy on population management by the end of March and implement it from April. Andhra Pradesh Falling Fertility Rate At the NITI Aayog's ninth meeting -- chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- in New Delhi on July 27, 2024, Naidu had spoken of the need for the states to devise their own respective demographic management policies. In his concluding speech, according to the official press statement, the PM 'encouraged states to initiate 'demographic management plans' to address the issues of population ageing in future'. TFR Target Raised to 2.1 A fortnight later, the Naidu-led government scrapped an earlier law that mandated that only those with not more than two children could contest local body elections. Several other states have similar 'two child' norms, such as making those with more than two children ineligible for state government jobs or debarring them from contesting local body elections. The states include Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Odisha. The TFR of South India has dropped below the replacement level, bringing in train the economic challenges the region would face because of an ageing population, as also the decline in its political influence after the delimitation of the Lok Sabha seats, which will be based on the data of the ongoing census. Population Policy Coming in April Naidu and Stalin have urged people to have more children, bringing into question the country's decades-long policies on population management. The Andhra CM had earlier said that the government was mulling over legislation to incentivise families to have more children, reversing earlier policies aimed at population control. He has said an increase in the proportion of the elderly could strain the region's economy as was being witnessed in Japan, China, and parts of Europe, where ageing populations outnumbered younger people. Delimitation Debate Over Population Stalin has sought to frame the debate on population control in the context of the "threat" the delimitation process would pose to his state's political influence. Addressing a gathering at a mass wedding ceremony of 31 couples that the state government's Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department in Chennai organised in October 2024, Stalin mentioned how blessings for newlyweds had changed over time. He said an old Tamil saying from the book Manamakkalukku enumerated 16 forms of wealth -- from cows and land to children and education. But with the likely reduction of South India's share in parliamentary seats due to lower population growth rates, Stalin said in jest: 'Why not aim for 16 children?' 'The Parliament delimitation process may encourage couples to have many children and give up thoughts of a small family. 'But whatever be the outcome, provide Tamil names to your children,' he said. In a post on X, Congress General Secretary (Communication) Jairam Ramesh had earlier said that the southern states were pioneers in family planning, and their success 'should not be penalised' when the delimitation was undertaken once the census is completed. 'Will this (census) be used for allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha? 'There can be no doubt that success should not be penalised. Suitable formulae can be worked out to ensure that this does not happen,' Ramesh said. According to the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS5) data, only three states -- Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand -- have TFRs more than the replacement level of 2.1. Birth rates have fallen sharply in the southern states. Kerala was the first to reach replacement levels of fertility in 1988, followed by Tamil Nadu in 1993, Andhra Pradesh in 2001, and Karnataka in 2005. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government amended the Constitution (Article 82) in 2001 to make the readjustments in the Lok Sabha dependent on the publication of the first census taken after the year 2026, which in the normal course would have taken place after the 2031 Census. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Bengaluru police have detained 124 Bangladeshi nationals in a special operation targeting illegal immigrants, signalling a crackdown on unlawful residency in the city. Key Points Bengaluru police detained 124 Bangladeshi nationals, including 48 men, 42 women, and 34 children, for allegedly residing illegally. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) conducted the operation in Kadugodi and Varthur, targeting temporary sheds where the individuals were residing. Authorities have submitted a report to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for deportation proceedings. The operation is part of a larger drive to identify and take action against foreigners illegally residing in Bengaluru. A total of 200 foreign nationals have been taken into custody in Bengaluru as part of this ongoing effort to combat illegal immigration. In a special operation, the CCB on Friday took into custody 124 Bangladeshi nationals who were allegedly residing illegally in Bengaluru, police said. There were 48 men, 42 women and 34 children, they said. In the early hours, four special teams comprising officers and staff of the Central Crime Branch (CCB) conducted a targeted operation in the jurisdiction of Kadugodi and Varthur police stations here, police said. "During the operation, 124 Bangladeshi nationals who had allegedly constructed temporary sheds and were residing there illegally were taken into custody. There were 48 men, 42 women and 34 children," the office of Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said in a statement. They have been subjected to inquiry, and a report has been submitted to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) authorities for further appropriate action to deport the illegally residing Bangladeshi nationals back to their country, it said. Ongoing Efforts to Combat Illegal Immigration Based on the directions of the police commissioner to collect information on foreigners illegally residing in Bengaluru and to take legal action against them, a special operation has been conducted over the past few days by various police units across the city to trace such individuals. As a result of this drive, a total of 200 foreign nationals who were allegedly residing illegally in Bengaluru have been taken into custody so far, police said. The operation was carried out with the cooperation of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, the Greater Bengaluru Authority, and the Department of Social Welfare. The drive to identify Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in Bengaluru will continue, they added. A 42-year-old college employee in Thane, Maharashtra, tragically died by suicide after a meeting with the principal to discuss administrative and disciplinary issues, prompting a police investigation. Key Points A college employee in Thane, Maharashtra, died after jumping from the fourth floor of his workplace. The employee, Praveen Chaudhary, was reportedly meeting with the principal regarding administrative and disciplinary concerns before the incident. Preliminary investigations suggest Chaudhary was temperamental and became agitated during the discussion, leading to the suicide. The college management had previously issued warnings to Chaudhary regarding his behaviour. Police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. A 42-year-old employee of a college in Maharashtra's Thane district allegedly committed suicide by jumping from the fourth floor of the institution, police said on Friday. Praveen Chaudhary, a peon at Pragati College in Dombivli East, allegedly jumped from the building on Thursday afternoon, an official said. Chaudhary had arrived at the college with his parents to meet the principal about some administrative and disciplinary issues, and while his parents were inside the principal's office, he reportedly slipped away to the fourth floor and jumped before anyone could intervene, he said. Hearing a loud thud, staff and students rushed to the ground floor and found Chaudhary unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, the official said. Investigation into the Circumstances "Chaudhary was known to be temperamental and often reacted aggressively when confronted. The college management had issued several warnings to him regarding his administrative behaviour. His family had been called to the college on Thursday to discuss these concerns," he said. Preliminary probe suggests that during the discussion, Chaudhary became agitated and took the extreme step in a fit of rage, he said, adding that a case of accidental death has been registered. This photo taken on March 5, 2026 shows smoke lingering over the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, following Israeli airstrikes. Israeli warplanes launched a new wave of airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs late Thursday, hours after Israel warned all residents to evacuate the entire Dahieh area, local broadcaster al-Jadeed reported. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich) BEIRUT, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Israeli warplanes launched a new wave of airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs late Thursday, hours after Israel warned all residents to evacuate the entire Dahieh area, local broadcaster al-Jadeed reported. Earlier, the Israeli military issued an urgent warning, ordering residents across Beirut's southern suburbs to leave immediately. It marked the first time Israel has called for a full evacuation of the area. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli attacks since Monday has risen to 123, with 683 wounded as of Thursday night. Amid the escalating tensions, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, briefing him on the latest security developments in Lebanon and urging him to intervene with Israel to prevent any strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, following recent evacuation threats. Separately, Macron also spoke with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, during which the French president expressed readiness to conduct necessary contacts and send urgent assistance to Lebanon, according to the National News Agency. The escalation comes after Hezbollah on Monday fired missiles and drones toward Israel, saying the attacks were in retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and for repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Israel responded with massive airstrikes on Hezbollah targets and deployed ground forces into southern Lebanon. A Delhi couple has been arrested for staging a false misbehaviour accusation to rob a bus passenger at knife-point, highlighting the dangers faced by commuters and the swift action taken by Delhi police. Key Points A couple in Delhi allegedly robbed a bus passenger after the wife falsely accused him of misbehaviour. The husband brandished a knife and threatened the victim, demanding his mobile phone, wallet, and identity documents. The bus conductor alerted the police, leading to the arrest of the couple. The stolen items, including the victim's mobile phone, wallet, and the knife used in the crime, were recovered. The husband has a prior criminal record involving robbery and theft. A husband-wife duo allegedly robbed a passenger at knife-point inside a moving bus in outer Delhi's Alipur area after the woman falsely accused the victim of misbehaviour, police said on Friday. The accused -- Deepak (26) and his 23-year-old wife, residents of Delhi's Swaroop Nagar and hailing from Haryana's Sonipat -- have been arrested, they said. The incident took place around 11.50 am on March 5 when the complainant, Ravi Kumar, was travelling in a bus towards Khera Khurd in outer north Delhi. As the bus approached Kheda Kalan, the couple allegedly ensnared the victim in a pre-planned ploy. The woman falsely accused Kumar of misbehaviour, creating a commotion, while her husband allegedly brandished a sharp-edged weapon and threatened him, demanding his belongings, a senior police officer said. Fearing for his safety, the victim handed over his mobile phone and wallet, containing cash along with identity documents including Aadhaar, PAN card and driving licence, to the accused, the officer said. The bus conductor alerted the police through a PCR call. When the bus was stopped, the man allegedly attempted to jump off and flee, while the woman was caught by the complainant and bus staff, police said. Meanwhile, police pursued Deepak and intercepted him at a short distance from the bus, they said. Accused Had Prior Criminal Record Deepak was found to be previously involved in four criminal cases related to robbery and theft in Narela and Alipur areas. He was out on bail since December 2025, police added. Police said the victim's mobile phone, a wallet containing identity documents and Rs 4,400 in cash, and the knife used in the crime were recovered from the accused. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and further investigation is underway to ascertain whether the duo is involved in similar incidents targeting unsuspecting commuters in the area, police said. A Holi celebration in Delhi turned violent after a dispute over loud music led to a shooting, resulting in the arrest of three individuals and highlighting the dangers of escalating neighbourhood conflicts. Key Points Three people were arrested in Delhi after a dispute over loud music during Holi celebrations escalated into a shooting. The incident occurred in Pratap Nagar when a neighbour objected to the complainant's loud music, leading to an argument. Police recovered empty cartridges from the scene and a semi-automatic pistol with a live cartridge from one of the suspects. One of the arrested individuals has a prior criminal record involving cheating and criminal intimidation. Three people, including a woman, were arrested for allegedly opening fire during a quarrel with neighbours over loud music during Holi celebrations in northeast Delhi's Harsh Vihar, police said on Friday. The incident was reported on March 4 in Pratap Nagar, in which the complainant, Monu (29), alleged that he was playing music during Holi celebrations when his neighbour and the latter's sister objected to the loud sound, leading to an argument between them, they said. The dispute escalated when the duo allegedly called an associate who arrived at the spot and opened fire before fleeing. No one was injured in the incident, a senior police officer said. Following the complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections of the BNS and began an investigation. A forensic team inspected the spot and recovered an empty cartridge from the scene, police said. Investigation and Arrests During the probe, police traced and apprehended the neighbour, a 30-year-old man, and his 25-year-old sister. Two more empty cartridges were recovered from their possession, they said. Based on their disclosure, police arrested their associate, Shubham alias Mangu (23), a resident of Loni in Uttar Pradesh. A semi-automatic pistol along with a live cartridge was recovered from him, they said. During verification, Shubham was found to be previously involved in three criminal cases related to cheating and criminal intimidation, police added. A six-year-old boy's tragic death in Delhi sparks a murder investigation, with family members pointing suspicion towards the missing mother and her alleged extramarital affair. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points A six-year-old boy was found dead in Ranhola, Delhi, with a slit throat. The boy's family suspects his mother, who is currently missing, was involved in the murder. Police are investigating the mother's alleged extramarital affair as a potential motive. A knife and iron rod were recovered from the scene, suggesting a violent crime. Authorities have launched a search for the missing mother and are exploring all possible angles in the case. A throat-slit body of a six-year-old boy was found inside an under-construction building in outer Delhi's Ranhola area, with his family alleging the mother was involved in the killing, police said on Friday. According to the family, the mother of the child -- allegedly in an extramarital affair with a truck driver -- had left home with the boy on Tuesday, and has been missing since, police said. The boy lived with his parents and siblings in a rented accommodation in Ranhola, they said, adding that his father works as a daily-wage labourer. The child's body was found inside an under-construction building in the area on Thursday afternoon. Police suspect the child may have been killed elsewhere and the body later dumped at the construction site, as there are limited blood stains at the scene. A knife and an iron rod have also been recovered from the spot, they said. Family Allegations and Potential Motives The deceased's family has alleged that the woman was in a relationship with a truck driver from her native village in Bihar's Chhapra district and had frequent quarrels with her husband over the issue, a senior police officer said. Family members have claimed that the woman would occasionally leave home with the children and return later, but this time she left with the boy on Tuesday and did not come back, police said. Ongoing Investigation "The body has been shifted to the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital mortuary for post-mortem. A case of murder has been registered, and further investigation is underway," the officer said. Teams have been formed to trace the missing woman and examine all possible angles in the case, the officer said, adding that the motive behind the killing will be ascertained only after the accused are identified and questioned. A tragic incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, leaves two daughters dead and their mother in critical condition, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and potential suicide attempt. Key Points Two daughters found dead in their Malviya Nagar home, prompting a police investigation. The mother of the deceased is in critical condition at AIIMS Trauma Centre, with police awaiting her statement. Initial investigations suggest possible marital discord and a potential suicide attempt by the mother. Police are exploring all possible angles, including the possibility of the mother killing her daughters before attempting suicide. A woman who was found unconscious at her Malviya Nagar residence remained critical at a hospital here on Friday, police said. Police said they are waiting to record the statement of the woman, whose two daughters were found dead on Thursday evening to ascertain the sequence of events. The incident came to light when the woman's husband returned from work around 5.30 pm. Police said he grew suspicious after no one answered the door despite repeated knocking and subsequently alerted the police. A police team reached the ground-floor residence and found the door locked from inside. After gaining entry, officers found the bodies of the two sisters in separate rooms, a senior officer said. "One woman was found with a pillow placed over her face, while the other had a ligature around her neck," the officer said. The mother was found unconscious in a third room and was rushed to the AIIMS Trauma Centre. She was stated to be unconscious. The deceased have been identified as sisters aged 33 and 28. The elder sister was specially abled, while the younger one had completed her law degree. According to investigators, the younger woman had cut marks on her hand and appeared to have been strangled with a crepe bandage. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after a post-mortem examination, the police said. Police recovered naphthalene balls in the room where the mother was lying, raising suspicion that she may have attempted to end her life. The family lived on the ground floor of a three-storey building. The husband, their two daughters and her mother-in-law lived on the ground floor, while the deceased's grandparents lived on the first floor and her brother's family resided on the second floor. Investigation Details and Family Background Initial investigations suggest that the parents had been facing marital discord since the COVID-19 pandemic. The father runs a clothing businessman in Shahpur Jat. Neighbours expressed shock over the incident, describing the family as well-regarding in the locality. "They are very nice people. This is the first time such an incident has happened in our neighbourhood in all the years we've lived here," Jitender Singh, a neighbour. He added that the male members of the family were away at work when the incident occurred. Crime and forensic teams have examined the spot. Police are probing all possible angles, including whether the mother killed her daughters before attempting suicide. Further investigation is underway, they added. A recent RTI query exposes a critical shortage of paralegal volunteers in Delhi police stations, severely impacting the support available to victims of POCSO cases despite Supreme Court mandates. IMAGE: Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo Key Points Only 50 out of 194 Delhi police stations have paralegal volunteers, limiting access to legal assistance. Minimal assistance is provided to victims of POCSO cases by paralegal volunteers in Delhi, with only one case reported in 2025. Paralegal volunteers are primarily engaged under the 'Missing Children' project, not specifically deployed for POCSO cases. The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the lack of paralegal volunteers and support persons for child victims in POCSO cases. The Supreme Court has directed states and Union territories to address the shortage of paralegal volunteers and support for POCSO victims. Only 50 of Delhi's 194 police stations currently have paralegal volunteers and only one victim of a POCSO case availed their assistance in 2025, despite a Supreme Court mandate on it, an RTI query has revealed. Paralegal volunteers (PLVs) work in three shifts of eight hours each at the 50 police stations, which comes around to a fourth of all stations in the national capital, data provided by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) showed. However, their utilisation in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases appears minimal. According to replies received from district legal services authorities, only one POCSO case in 2025 in southwest district involved the assignment of a PLV to assist the victim. The replies to the RTI query also indicate that the volunteers are not specifically deployed for POCSO cases and are primarily engaged under the 'Missing Children' project. Paralegal Volunteer Deployment Across Delhi Districts Data shows that in the northeast district, four of the 10 police stations - Gokalpuri, Khajuri Khas, New Usmanpur and Karawal Nagar - have PLVs deployed. In New Delhi district, only two police stations, Sagarpur and Vasant Kunj South, have such volunteers. In south district, five of the 14 police stations - Sangam Vihar, Fatehpur Beri, Neb Sarai, Ambedkar Nagar and Mehrauli - have PLV deployment. In Shahdara district, Seemapuri, Nand Nagri, Harsh Vihar and Jafrabad police stations have PLV services. North district, which has 15 police stations, has PLVs deployed in Alipur, Jahangirpuri, Bawana, Bhalaswa Dairy, Samaypur Badli, Narela, Shahbad Dairy and Swaroop Nagar police stations. In southwest district, six of the 16 police stations - Bindapur, Dabri, Uttam Nagar, Najafgarh, Kapashera and Palam - have PLVs, while in northwest district, seven of the 19 police stations have them. Out of the 14 police stations in the east district, only Ghazipur, New Ashok Nagar and Manadawali have PLV deployment. Supreme Court Intervention and Future Directions DSLSA said that in 2025, five training programmes were conducted in which 661 PLVs were trained on various subjects, including laws related to POCSO. The issue came under scrutiny last year in the Supreme Court, which expressed concern over gaps in the deployment of PLVs at police stations and the shortage of support persons mandated under Section 39 of the POCSO Act. Hearing a petition filed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, the court observed that PLVs serve as an important interface for child victims during their first interaction with police and help ensure legal assistance and support during investigation and trial. The bench directed all states and Union territories to verify the data regarding PLV deployment and take corrective steps wherever volunteers have not been empanelled or funds have not been allocated for the scheme. It also directed authorities to reassess the requirement of support persons in view of pending POCSO cases and ensure that trained personnel are available to assist child victims during investigation and trial. A recent RTI query exposes a critical shortage of paralegal volunteers in Delhi police stations, severely impacting support for victims of POCSO cases despite Supreme Court directives. Key Points Only 50 out of 194 Delhi police stations have paralegal volunteers, hindering support for POCSO victims. In 2025, only one POCSO victim in Delhi received assistance from a paralegal volunteer, highlighting a significant gap in support. Paralegal volunteers are primarily engaged in the 'Missing Children' project, with limited specific deployment for POCSO cases. The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the inadequate deployment of paralegal volunteers and support persons for child victims of sexual offences. The Supreme Court has directed states and Union territories to address the shortage of paralegal volunteers and support personnel for POCSO cases. Only 50 of Delhi's 194 police stations currently have paralegal volunteers and only one victim of a POCSO case availed their assistance in 2025, despite a Supreme Court mandate on it, an RTI query has revealed. Paralegal volunteers (PLVs) work in three shifts of eight hours each at the 50 police stations, which comes around to a fourth of all stations in the national capital, data provided by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) showed. However, their utilisation in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases appears minimal. According to replies received from district legal services authorities, only one POCSO case in 2025 in southwest district involved the assignment of a PLV to assist the victim. The replies to the RTI query also indicate that the volunteers are not specifically deployed for POCSO cases and are primarily engaged under the 'Missing Children' project. Paralegal Volunteer Deployment Across Delhi Districts Data shows that in the northeast district, four of the 10 police stations - Gokalpuri, Khajuri Khas, New Usmanpur and Karawal Nagar - have PLVs deployed. In New Delhi district, only two police stations, Sagarpur and Vasant Kunj South, have such volunteers. In south district, five of the 14 police stations - Sangam Vihar, Fatehpur Beri, Neb Sarai, Ambedkar Nagar and Mehrauli - have PLV deployment. In Shahdara district, Seemapuri, Nand Nagri, Harsh Vihar and Jafrabad police stations have PLV services. North district, which has 15 police stations, has PLVs deployed in Alipur, Jahangirpuri, Bawana, Bhalaswa Dairy, Samaypur Badli, Narela, Shahbad Dairy and Swaroop Nagar police stations. In southwest district, six of the 16 police stations - Bindapur, Dabri, Uttam Nagar, Najafgarh, Kapashera and Palam - have PLVs, while in northwest district, seven of the 19 police stations have them. Training and Supreme Court Intervention DSLSA said that in 2025, five training programmes were conducted in which 661 PLVs were trained on various subjects, including laws related to POCSO. The issue came under scrutiny last year in the Supreme Court, which expressed concern over gaps in the deployment of PLVs at police stations and the shortage of support persons mandated under Section 39 of the POCSO Act. Hearing a petition filed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, the court observed that PLVs serve as an important interface for child victims during their first interaction with police and help ensure legal assistance and support during investigation and trial. The bench directed all states and Union territories to verify the data regarding PLV deployment and take corrective steps wherever volunteers have not been empanelled or funds have not been allocated for the scheme. It also directed authorities to reassess the requirement of support persons in view of pending POCSO cases and ensure that trained personnel are available to assist child victims during investigation and trial. A recent RTI query exposes a critical shortage of paralegal volunteers in Delhi police stations, significantly hindering support for victims in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases despite Supreme Court directives. IMAGE: Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo Key Points Only 50 out of 194 Delhi police stations have paralegal volunteers, limiting support for vulnerable individuals. Minimal paralegal volunteer assistance is provided in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases in Delhi, despite legal mandates. Paralegal volunteers in Delhi are primarily engaged in the 'Missing Children' project, diverting resources from POCSO cases. The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the lack of paralegal volunteer deployment and support for child victims in POCSO cases. The Supreme Court has directed states and Union territories to address the shortage of paralegal volunteers and support persons for POCSO cases. Only 50 of Delhi's 194 police stations currently have paralegal volunteers and only one victim of a POCSO case availed their assistance in 2025, despite a Supreme Court mandate on it, an RTI query has revealed. Paralegal volunteers (PLVs) work in three shifts of eight hours each at the 50 police stations, which comes around to a fourth of all stations in the national capital, data provided by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA) showed. However, their utilisation in Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases appears minimal. According to replies received from district legal services authorities, only one POCSO case in 2025 in southwest district involved the assignment of a PLV to assist the victim. The replies to the RTI query also indicate that the volunteers are not specifically deployed for POCSO cases and are primarily engaged under the 'Missing Children' project. Paralegal Volunteer Deployment Across Delhi Districts Data shows that in the northeast district, four of the 10 police stations - Gokalpuri, Khajuri Khas, New Usmanpur and Karawal Nagar - have PLVs deployed. In New Delhi district, only two police stations, Sagarpur and Vasant Kunj South, have such volunteers. In south district, five of the 14 police stations - Sangam Vihar, Fatehpur Beri, Neb Sarai, Ambedkar Nagar and Mehrauli - have PLV deployment. In Shahdara district, Seemapuri, Nand Nagri, Harsh Vihar and Jafrabad police stations have PLV services. North district, which has 15 police stations, has PLVs deployed in Alipur, Jahangirpuri, Bawana, Bhalaswa Dairy, Samaypur Badli, Narela, Shahbad Dairy and Swaroop Nagar police stations. In southwest district, six of the 16 police stations - Bindapur, Dabri, Uttam Nagar, Najafgarh, Kapashera and Palam - have PLVs, while in northwest district, seven of the 19 police stations have them. Supreme Court Intervention and Future Actions DSLSA said that in 2025, five training programmes were conducted in which 661 PLVs were trained on various subjects, including laws related to POCSO. The issue came under scrutiny last year in the Supreme Court, which expressed concern over gaps in the deployment of PLVs at police stations and the shortage of support persons mandated under Section 39 of the POCSO Act. Hearing a petition filed by Bachpan Bachao Andolan, the court observed that PLVs serve as an important interface for child victims during their first interaction with police and help ensure legal assistance and support during investigation and trial. The bench directed all states and Union territories to verify the data regarding PLV deployment and take corrective steps wherever volunteers have not been empanelled or funds have not been allocated for the scheme. It also directed authorities to reassess the requirement of support persons in view of pending POCSO cases and ensure that trained personnel are available to assist child victims during investigation and trial. Delhi Police have arrested five individuals, including three minors, following the fatal stabbing of a 25-year-old man in Delhi's Mahavir Enclave, revealing a motive linked to past harassment. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Five individuals, including three minors, have been apprehended by Delhi Police in connection with a fatal stabbing in Mahavir Enclave. The victim, a 25-year-old man, died in hospital after being attacked by a group of people. Preliminary investigations suggest the stabbing was motivated by a past incident where the victim allegedly teased one of the minors. A blood-stained knife, believed to be the weapon used in the stabbing, has been recovered by the police. Five people, including three minors, have been apprehended in connection with the stabbing death of a 25-year-old man in southwest Delhi's Mahavir Enclave, police said on Friday. The two adults were identified as Dharmendra and Omkar, both aged 24 and local milk sellers, they said. On March 4, an incident of stabbing was reported from Manipal Hospital. The police were told that a man had been attacked by eight to 10 people in Mahavir Enclave. A police team from the Palam Village Police Station rushed to the hospital where the injured, 25-year-old Punit Yadav, died during treatment, an officer said. The police analysed CCTV footage from the area and identified the suspects. According to the police, the deceased ran a milk dairy at Goyala Dairy and was a bachelor. Investigation into the Stabbing Preliminary investigation revealed that he had allegedly teased one of the minors in the past, which led to resentment. On the day of the incident, the minor, allegedly drunk, confronted Yadav and attacked him with a knife with the help of his associates, the officer said. The police said the weapon of offence - a blood-stained knife - has been recovered. India vehemently denies providing any intelligence to the US regarding the sinking of an Iranian frigate, dismissing the claims as baseless and preposterous amidst rising tensions between the US and Iran. IMAGE: An explosion on what the US Department of Defense says is an Iranian warship, at the sea, in this screengrab obtained from a video released on March 4, 2026. Photograph: @CENTCOM/X Key Points Indian government sources strongly deny providing intelligence to the US on the sinking of an Iranian frigate. The Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, was sunk by a US submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka. The frigate was returning from the Milan multilateral naval exercise hosted by India. The incident has escalated tensions between the US and Iran outside the Persian Gulf. Top government sources on Friday described as 'baseless and preposterous' claims that the Indian Navy provided intelligence to the United States on an Iranian frigate that was sunk by a US military submarine two days ago off the coast of Sri Lanka. There is no question of providing any input to the US and the claims are completely baseless, the sources said. The US sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off the coast of Sri Lanka on Wednesday when it was returning home after participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise hosted by India. At least 87 Iranian sailors were killed in the attack, which marked a major escalation in the conflict between the US and Iran outside of the Persian Gulf. There were reports that alleged that the Indian Navy provided some inputs on the frigate to the US military. The claims are completely 'baseless and preposterous', the sources said. Iran slams sinking of IRIS Dena Iran reacted sharply to the sinking of the ship. "IRIS Dena was a training ship. It was invited by the Indian Navy to take part in an exercise. They went there as guests. They were unarmed," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. "Attacking such a ship is a war crime," he said. Hours after the strike on the warship, the Pentagon released a short video of the sinking of the frigate. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a Pentagon media briefing on Wednesday that it was the first sinking of an enemy warship by a torpedo since World War II. IRIS Dena participated was part of Indian Navy's premier multilateral maritime exercise Milan. The mega exercise last month saw participation of 42 warships and submarines, including 18 ships from friendly foreign countries. The warship had also featured in the International Fleet Review hosted by the Indian Navy in Vishakapatnam last month. The Enforcement Directorate has seized assets worth over 441 crore in connection with the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam, exposing alleged corruption and money laundering during the previous YSRCP government's tenure. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has attached assets worth over 441 crore in connection to the Andhra Pradesh liquor scam. The alleged scam occurred during the previous YSRCP regime and involved manipulation of liquor procurement and distribution. Key figures like Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy are accused of orchestrating the scam and collecting kickbacks. The ED alleges that the scam caused a loss of 3,500-4,000 crore to the Andhra Pradesh state government. The investigation revealed a money trail of 1,048.45 crore in bribes, involving cash, gold, and distillery control. The Enforcement Directorate on Friday said it has attached assets worth more than Rs 441 crore of various accused involved in the Andhra Pradesh liquor 'scam' case, which allegedly took place during the previous YSRCP regime in the state. The attached properties consist of bank balances, fixed deposits, land parcels and other immovable assets belonging to the prime accused Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, his family members and related entities, other accused like Booneti Chanakya and his related entities and relatives and entities of Donthireddy Vasudeva Reddy apart from some others. The ED said in a statement that after the 2019 assembly elections, the newly-formed state government (led by former chief minister and YSRCP leader Jagan Mohan Reddy) "monopolised" retail liquor outlets through government retail outlets (GROs) operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Beverages Corporation Limited (APSBCL). It alleged that as part of a criminal conspiracy, the automated system was "deliberately" disabled and replaced with a manual system, thereby vesting unfettered discretionary power with APSBCL officials in issuing orders for supply (OFS). The ED claimed that the manual OFS regime was "misused" to discriminate against established liquor brands, which were deliberately marginalised or removed from the market. The YSRCP has always maintained that all such allegations were baseless. The federal probe agency registered a PMLA case in September 2025 to investigate the alleged scam, taking cognisance of an Andhra Pradesh Police SIT complaint. Details of the Liquor Scam The ED said Kessireddy Rajasekhara Reddy, alongwith other members of the liquor syndicate, orchestrated a "multi-crore scam" for liquor procurement and distribution in Andhra Pradesh and this primarily involved controlling and manipulating the procurement process of APSBCL. The proceeds of crime generated from this scam were laundered and distributed among the syndicate members for personal enrichment. K Rajasekhara Reddy, in collusion with Booneti Chanakya, Muppidi Avinash Reddy, Tukekula Eswar Kiran Kumar Reddy, Paila Dileep, Saif Ahmad and others collected kickbacks totaling Rs 3,500 crore, it claimed. The agency said the accused established and/or acquired control over several distilleries, which were utilised as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to generate proceeds of crime and were granted "disproportionately" high business volumes by "abusing" political and administrative influence. According to the ED, the alleged scam caused the state government a loss of around Rs 3,500-Rs 4,000 crore. It alleged that preferential and irregular allocations were extended to select "favoured" brands upon receipt of "kickbacks". "As part of the scheme, the syndicate promoted the introduction of similar-sounding brands (SSBs) with artificially inflated basic prices. "This pricing manipulation enabled the distilleries manufacturing such brands to generate surplus margins, which were utilised to meet the illegal monetary demands of the cartel," the agency said. Manipulation of Contracts and Revenue Generation ED's probe found that another source of "illicit" revenue generation was the "manipulation" of liquor transportation contracts awarded through a tender floated by APSBCL. It said a centralised transportation tender was awarded to Sigma Supply Chain Solutions at rates significantly higher than the earlier depot-wise transportation costs. The agency said that through "manipulation" of procurement and supply mechanisms, the liquor syndicate generated illegal revenues of about Rs 100 crore per month, resulting in :"wrongful" personal enrichment and causing a corresponding loss to the state exchequer. The probe found that physical "cash kickbacks" were collected and stored at multiple locations in Hyderabad, from where designated cash handlers of the syndicate subsequently moved or distributed them. A money trail of Rs 1,048.45 crore in bribes has been detected. According to the ED, several distilleries were compelled to pay this amount in cash, gold, etc. and also by allowing the liquor syndicate to control and operate some distilleries. BAGHDAD, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella body for Iraq's pro-Iranian militias, announced on Friday that its fighters had carried out 27 strikes against "enemy bases" in Iraq and the region over the past 24 hours. The group said in a statement that the operations involved "dozens of drones and missiles," without providing further details regarding specific targets or casualties. Separately, a pro-Iran group calling itself the "Guardians of Blood," affiliated with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, claimed responsibility for launching drone attacks "targeting a vital objective in Jordan," in retaliation for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The two groups has claimed a number of such attacks over the past few days. The attacks came amid heightened tensions following the joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran on Saturday, to which Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. assets across the Middle East. The Enforcement Directorate has filed a money laundering case against Anil Nutrients Ltd and its director, alleging a Rs 47.88 crore fraud against Bank of India through fund diversion and sham transactions. Key Points The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Anil Nutrients Ltd and its director for alleged money laundering. The case involves an alleged fraud of Rs 47.88 crore against Bank of India. The ED investigation was initiated based on a First Information Report (FIR) filed by the CBI. The company is accused of diverting and siphoning off funds to sister companies through sham transactions. The ED has attached immovable assets worth Rs 5.39 crore as part of the investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a prosecution complaint against city-based Anil Nutrients Ltd, its director Amol Shripal Sheth and six others in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged fraud of Rs 47.88 crore involving Bank of India, officials said on Friday. According to a release issued by the ED's Ahmedabad Zonal Office, the prosecution complaint (chargesheet) has been filed as part of an investigation into the alleged diversion and siphoning of bank funds by the company and its directors. The agency said its money laundering probe was initiated on the basis of a First Information Report registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against the company and others for alleged cheating, criminal conspiracy and offences punishable under Prevention of Corruption Act. Following completion of its investigation, the CBI had earlier filed a chargesheet against Amol Shripal Sheth, the managing director of Anil Nutrients Ltd, and seven others under Sections 120-B and 420 of IPC before the court of the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (CBI) in Ahmedabad. Details of the Alleged Fraud The ED said its investigation revealed that Anil Nutrients Ltd and its director Amol Shripal Sheth had defrauded Bank of India to the tune of Rs 47.88 crore by diverting and siphoning off funds to sister concern companies without any genuine business transactions. According to the agency, the alleged diversion of funds was carried out in pursuance of a "well knitted conspiracy" in which sham transactions were created to transfer large amounts of money to sister companies. "By routing funds through such transactions, the turnover of the group companies was artificially inflated while bank loans were obtained with the alleged dishonest intention of causing wrongful loss to the bank and wrongful gain to themselves," the ED said. Investigators found that large loans taken from banks were diverted and siphoned off on the basis of bogus and sham transactions, the release said. ED's Investigation and Asset Attachment As part of the probe under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the ED carried out search operations at premises linked to Sheth and other persons associated with the Anil Group of companies and found crucial evidence relating to properties that had not been mortgaged with banks. Earlier, during the investigation, the ED had also provisionally attached immovable assets worth Rs 5.39 crore in connection with the case. According to the agency, the attached properties represent proceeds of crime and include two agricultural lands held in the name of Amol Sheth. To safeguard domestic cooking gas supplies, India is boosting LPG production and diversifying energy sources amid escalating Middle East tensions and potential disruptions to critical import routes. Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points India directs oil refineries to maximise LPG production using emergency powers due to Middle East conflict concerns. The move aims to secure domestic cooking gas supply amid potential import disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz. Refineries are ordered to prioritise LPG production for domestic use, restricting the use of propane and butane for petrochemicals. India is diversifying its energy sources, including importing LPG from the US, to bolster energy security. India is actively seeking alternative LNG supplies to mitigate disruptions from Qatar's production facility shutdown and Strait of Hormuz restrictions. The government invoked sparingly used emergency powers to direct oil refineries to ramp up LPG production as it looks to increase the availability of domestic cooking gas to hedge against potential disruptions from the widening Middle East conflict. India consumed 31.3 million tonnes of LPG in 2024-25, of which only 12.8 million tonnes were produced domestically, with the remainder imported. Imports have become increasingly vulnerable as 85-90 per cent come from countries like Saudi Arabia that rely on the narrow but critical Strait of Hormuz for transit. The Strait has been effectively blocked following a week-old escalation in the region, after US and Israeli strikes on Iran prompted Tehran to retaliate against US bases in neighbouring countries. While India has surplus oil refining capacity, it is short in LPG production. And now all public and private sector refiners have been asked to "maximise and ensure that propane and butane streams produced... are utilised for production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)," according to an oil ministry order of March 5. LPG is a mixture of propane and butane. The order, issued under the powers derived from the Essential Commodities Act of 1955 (popularly called ESMA), asked the refiners to make such LPG produced available to three public sector oil marketing companies -- Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) only. Govt bars other uses of propane, butane The refiners have also been barred from using the two chemicals for producing petrochemicals. "All oil refining companies shall not divert, utilise, process, crack, convert or otherwise employ propane or butane stream for the manufacture of petrochemical products or other such downstream derivatives," the order said. The LPG so produced is to be sold only to domestic households for use in cooking purposes, it said, adding any contravention of the order shall attract penal action. India has 33.08 crore active LPG consumers, and the government is looking to maintain an uninterrupted supply. Earlier, the government invoked ESMA provisions in the oil sector during the post-Ukraine war period, asking refiners to ensure domestic fuel availability and not to export, which had become lucrative due to high margins. Impact of Middle East Conflict on Energy Supplies A top Oil Ministry official said the oil and gas supplies through the Strait of Hormuz have been impacted and the country was sourcing fuel from outside of the conflict zone. LPG under the recently signed LPG import contract with the United States have also started coming in. Under the deal, public sector oil companies will import about 2.2 million tonnes of LPG from the US Gulf Coast in 2026 -- roughly 10 per cent of the country's annual LPG imports -- in a move to diversify energy sources and bolster energy security. While the country has adequate stock of crude oil (raw material for making petrol and diesel), as much as 30 per cent of the gas supplies have been hit. To deal with the situation, allocation is being re-prioritised -- enforcing supply cuts for some and augmenting those for critical sectors, he said. India consumes about 195 million standard cubic meters of natural gas daily for generating electricity, producing fertilizers, turning into CNG for automobiles, piping to household kitchens for cooking and use as feedstock in industries ranging from steel to ceramic. Roughly half of this is imported. However, India's main supplier, Qatar, has shut its liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility after being hit by drones and missiles during the ongoing conflict. This together with restrictions in movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has effectively cut off 60 mmscmd of supplies. The official said companies are looking to buy LNG -- super-cooled natural gas -- from elsewhere. "A company bought a cargo (shipload of LNG) just yesterday." Securing Alternative Energy Sources "We are comfortably placed. Crude oil continues to flow. Even before the conflict broke out on February 28, 55 per cent of our sourcing was from non-Strait countries, which will now go up," he said, adding the vulnerability on LPG has been addressed through the order issued on March 5. Besides, Russian oil being made available after the US waiver for one month will further augment supplies. "We are in a comfortable position. All our options are open. Whatever we lost in the Strait of Hormuz, we have been able to pick elsewhere," he said. LNG is being scouted around the globe, he said, expressing optimism that more supplies will be managed in the near future. Suspected timber smugglers and villagers allegedly attacked a forest patrol in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, injuring five officials, while villagers claim they were assaulted by the forest department staff. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Forest officials in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve were allegedly attacked by suspected timber smugglers and local villagers, resulting in injuries. The incident occurred in the Mala range, with allegations of timber cutting and poaching activities. Villagers have filed a counter-complaint, accusing the forest department team of assaulting them. Police have booked 14 named and 50 unidentified individuals for rioting and attempted murder. The investigation is ongoing, with police verifying allegations from both sides. A forest department patrol team was allegedly attacked by suspected timber smugglers and villagers in the Mala range of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, leaving five forest officials injured, police said on Friday. However, the villagers accused the forest department team of assaulting them. Police said the alleged attackers also damaged a department vehicle in the incident, which occurred in the Neuria police station area. Fourteen named and 50 unidentified individuals have been booked for rioting, attempt to murder, obstructing government officials, and damaging public property based on a complaint filed by forest sub-inspector Amit Kumar, local SHO Subhash Mavi said. Details of the Attack According to forest officials, the incident occurred on the night of March 3 at around 8.45 pm when a team led by SI Kumar rushed to the forest after receiving information that a large group of people had entered the area with weapons, allegedly for cutting timber and poaching. The team, including forest guard Sachin Singh, deputy ranger Sher Singh and tiger tracker Dharmendra, tried to stop the group near the Marauri crossing watchtower, officials said. They alleged that more than 100 people armed with sticks, axes and sharp weapons attacked the forest personnel. Kumar and Dharmendra were severely beaten. The attackers left Kumar at the spot, believing him to be dead, the officials said. The attackers also allegedly vandalised the deputy ranger's vehicle and later returned to the watchtower and damaged government property, they said. The injured forest officials were taken to the district hospital. Villagers' Counter-Complaint Meanwhile, a resident of Marauri village, Ashok Kumar, submitted a complaint at the Neuria police station alleging that forest personnel assaulted the villagers. In his complaint, Ashok claimed he had gone to his field to drive away animals when he saw some villagers cutting bushes. He alleged that forest department staff reached the spot around 8 pm and began beating the villagers. When he tried to intervene, he and another villager, Omprakash, were allegedly assaulted, and his mobile phone was snatched, the complaint claimed. Ashok Kumar also named SI Kumar, forest guard Sachin, deputy ranger Sher Singh and Dharmendra in his complaint. SHO Mavi said the allegations are being verified. Officials from two Gulf nations said their governments were disappointed with how Washington, DC handled the conflict, particularly the February 28 attack on Iran. IMAGE: Smoke billows from Zayed port after an Iranian attack in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on March 1, 2026. Photograph: Abdelhadi Ramahi/File Photo/Reuters Key Points Several Gulf countries said the US did not warn them in advance about the Feb 28 US-Israel strike on Iran that triggered regional retaliation. Iran has fired around 380 missiles and over 1,480 drones at Gulf countries since the conflict began, killing at least 13 people. Officials said US forces appeared focused on protecting Israel and American troops. Gulf states were left to defend themselves with rapidly depleting interceptor stocks. Analysts warn the conflict could destabilise Gulf economies and global oil supplies. The United States is facing growing discontent from its Gulf allies after several countries in the region complained that they were not given advance notice of the US-Israel strike on Iran that triggered widespread retaliatory attacks, according to media reports. Officials from two Gulf nations were quoted by the Associated Press as saying that their governments were disappointed with how Washington, DC handled the conflict, particularly the February 28 attack on Iran. They claimed the US did not warn them beforehand and ignored their concerns that the operation could spark a major regional escalation. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive diplomatic nature of the issue, said their countries were left exposed when Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across the Gulf in retaliation. According to an AP tally based on official statements, Iran has fired at least 380 missiles and more than 1,480 drones targeting Gulf countries since the conflict began. The attacks have hit Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, killing at least 13 people, local officials said. 'US left regional partners to defend themselves' One Gulf official said there was frustration that US forces appeared primarily focused on protecting Israel and American troops, leaving regional partners to defend themselves. He added that his country's stockpile of interceptor missiles was 'rapidly depleting'. The tensions come amid wider concerns about the vulnerability of US bases and strategic infrastructure across the Gulf, which lies well within the range of Iran's short-range missiles. In one of the most serious incidents, six US soldiers were killed in Kuwait on Sunday after an Iranian drone struck an operations centre at a civilian port. US defence officials have also acknowledged difficulties in intercepting waves of Iranian drones. In closed-door briefings to lawmakers this week, Pentagon officials said it was challenging to stop the large number of unmanned aerial vehicles launched by Iran, particularly the Shahed-type drones. US faces criticism for backing Israel Public figures in the region have also criticised Washington, DC's decision to support the strikes on Iran. Former Saudi intelligence chief Prince Turki al-Faisal said the conflict appeared to be driven by Israel. Despite the criticism, the White House said President Donald Trump remained in close contact with regional partners and insisted that US operations had significantly reduced Iran's ability to launch further attacks. Analysts say Gulf states are concerned not only about security risks but also about potential economic disruption, particularly to global oil supplies and regional stability. A car linked to a daring Rs 3 crore jewellery heist in Gurdaspur, Punjab, has been found abandoned, sparking a police investigation into the robbery and the whereabouts of the suspects. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points A car allegedly used in a major jewellery heist in Gurdaspur, Punjab, where robbers stole over Rs 3 crore in cash and jewellery, has been found abandoned. The abandoned vehicle was discovered near Tanda in Hoshiarpur, with the keys still inside, suggesting a hasty escape. Police from Gurdaspur have arrived to examine the car for forensic evidence and potential leads in the ongoing investigation. The robbers, disguised as Nihangs, held a jeweller's family hostage at gunpoint before fleeing with the stolen valuables. A car allegedly used by unidentified robbers who decamped with cash and jewellery worth more than Rs 3 crore after holding a jeweller's family hostage in Punjab's Gurdaspur district was found abandoned near Tanda in Hoshiarpur on Friday, police said. Tanda SHO Gurinderjit Singh Nagra said the vehicle was found on a dirt track close to Pahndori village on the Hoshiarpur-Tanda road. "The car was found unlocked, with the keys still inside," the officer said. A labourer working in the fields nearby told police that two men parked the vehicle there and left after crossing the road towards the other side. A police team from Gurdaspur has reached the spot to examine the vehicle, he added. Details of the Gurdaspur Robbery On Thursday, four unidentified men held a jeweller's family hostage at gunpoint at their residence in Gurdaspur district and fled with cash and jewellery worth more than Rs 3 crore. According to the family, the robbers, who dressed like Nihangs (in loose blue tops), entered the house around 8.15 am on some pretext and threatened the occupants with weapons, demanding cash and valuables. They allegedly tied the hands and legs of the family members, including two children, and taped their mouths before decamping with cash and jewellery worth more than Rs 3 crore. Police said the robbers remained inside the house for nearly an hour before fleeing. The IAF confirmed on Friday the deaths of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, a day after the Russian-origin aircraft went missing. IMAGE: Squadron Leader Anuj (L) and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar (R) were killed in the Sukhoi-30 MKI crash amid the training mission, on Friday. Photograph: @IAF_MCC/ANI Photo Key Points Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar died after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI crashed in Karbi Anglong district. The aircraft went missing shortly after take-off from Jorhat Air Force Station on Thursday. The Indian Air Force has ordered a court of inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. The Su-30MKI, developed by Sukhoi and built in India by HAL, is a two-seat multirole fighter, with the IAF operating over 260 jets for more than two decades. Two pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were killed in a crash of a Su-30 MKI multi-role fighter jet in Assam's Karbi Anglong district. The IAF confirmed on Friday the deaths of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, a day after the Russian-origin aircraft went missing. The jet was on a training sortie and disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from Jorhat airbase on Thursday. The IAF headquarters ordered a court of inquiry into the crash. 'The IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash,' the IAF said in a brief statement. 'All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences, and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief,' it said. Sukhoi-30 went missing after takeoff Communication with the aircraft was lost at 7.42 pm on Thursday, officials had said. At approximately 1 am on Friday, the IAF confirmed that the Su-30MKI which disappeared from radar on Thursday has crashed. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he is 'deeply saddened' by the deaths of Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Duragkar in the 'tragic Su-30 crash'. "Their courage and service to the nation will always be remembered with pride and gratitude. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firmly with them in this hour of grief," he said on social media. It is learnt that the jet was part of a squadron based in Tezpur city in the northeastern state. Family was preparing for martyred pilot's wedding Flt Lt Duragkar had come to his home in Nagpur 10 days ago for a family get-together, his grief-stricken father Ravindra Duragkar said, adding he had the last telephonic conversation with his son on Wednesday. His also said his 28-year-old son had taken part in Operation Sindoor. In Gurugram, friends and relatives of Squadron Leader Vashisht gathered at his house in Sector 22B after receiving news of his death. According to a family friend, Sqn Ldr Vashisht was originally from Bhiwani district of Haryana and his family was preparing for his wedding. The Su-30MKI is a two-seater multirole long-range fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. It is now built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the IAF. The IAF operates a fleet of over 260 Su-30MKI jets. The multi-role aircraft has been in service with the IAF for over two decades and nearly 10 Su-30MKIs have been lost so far. In recent years, a Su-30 MKI fighter plane had crashed in Nashik district of Maharashtra in June 2024. Another Sukhoi-30 jet had crashed in January 2023 after taking off from the Gwalior airbase. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed profound grief over the deaths of the two pilots and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. Amidst escalating tensions with Iran, the US has granted India a temporary 30-day waiver to continue purchasing Russian oil, aiming to stabilise global energy markets and encourage future US oil imports by India. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump shake hands after their meeting at the White House, in Washington, DC. Photograph: Press Information Bureau Key Points The waiver is a short-term measure to alleviate pressure on global energy markets. The US expects India to increase purchases of US oil in the future. Former punitive tariffs on India for buying Russian oil have been removed following a trade agreement. The waiver applies only to oil already loaded on vessels as of March 5, 2026, and delivered by April 4, 2026. Amid the escalating conflict with Iran, the US said it is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. "President Trump's energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday. He said this "deliberately short-term measure" will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, as it only authorises transactions involving oil already stranded at sea. "India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of U.S. oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage," Bessent said in a post on X. US President Donald Trump had imposed 25 per cent punitive tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, with the administration asserting that Delhi's purchases were helping fuel Russia's war against Ukraine. Last month, the US and India announced they had reached a framework for an Interim Agreement on trade, and Trump issued an Executive Order removing the 25 per cent punitive tariffs on India, noting the commitment by New Delhi to stop importing energy from Moscow and increase purchasing American energy products. Details of the Waiver A statement from the Department of Treasury titled 'Authorizing the Delivery and Sale of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products of Russian Federation Origin Loaded on Vessels as of March 5, 2026 to India' said that "all transactions prohibited...that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the sale, delivery, or offloading of crude oil or petroleum products of Russian Federation origin loaded on any vessel, including vessels blocked under the above listed authorities, on or before 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, March 5, 2026 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 4, 2026, provided that the delivery or offloading of such crude oil or petroleum products occurs at a port" in India and the purchaser of such crude oil or petroleum products is an entity organised under the laws of India. The general license issued by the Treasury Department said it does not authorise any other transactions or activities prohibited by any other Executive order, including any transaction or activity involving Iran, the Government of Iran, or Iranian-origin goods or services that is prohibited by the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations. Amidst regional naval exercises and geopolitical tensions, India granted emergency docking to an Iranian ship in Kochi due to urgent technical issues, providing accommodation for its crew. IMAGE: IRIS Lavan was in the region for the International Fleet Review. Photograph: ANI on X Key Points India granted emergency docking to Iranian ship IRIS Lavan in Kochi due to urgent technical issues. The decision was made following a request from Iran, days before the sinking of Iranian warship IRIS Dena. 183 Iranian crew members of IRIS Lavan are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi. IRIS Lavan was in the region for the International Fleet Review before developing technical problems. The docking occurred amidst heightened regional naval activity and geopolitical tensions. Days before the United States torpedoed and sank Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, India approved urgent docking for another Iranian naval vessel in Kochi after it developed a technical glitch, government sources said on Friday. The vessel, docked in Kochi on March 4 with its 183 crew members, is being accommodated at Indian naval facilities on humanitarian grounds, they said. The ship IRIS Lavan developed urgent technical issues and was granted emergency docking approval on March 1 following a request from the Iranian side, the sources said. India was approached by the Iranian side days before IRIS Dena was sunk by a US submarine off the coast of Sri Lanka. IRIS Dena was returning home after participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise hosted by India. At least 87 Iranian sailors were killed in the attack on Wednesday. Days before the IRIS Dena incident south of Sri Lanka, India was approached by Iran to take in the Iranian ship IRIS Lavan which was also in the region for the International Fleet Review, the sources said. This request was received on February 28 indicating that a docking at Kochi was urgent as the vessel had developed technical issues, they said. The approval was accorded for the docking of the ship on March 1. IRIS Lavan has since docked at Kochi on March 4, the sources said. IRIS Lavan crew accommodated at Kochi naval facilities In this context, its crew of 183 are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi, they said. India's granting of emergency harbour to another Iranian naval vessel came to light against the backdrop of increasing spotlight on the US strike on IRIS Dena. Iran has reacted sharply to the sinking of the ship. "IRIS Dena was a training ship. It was invited by the Indian Navy to take part in an exercise. They went there as guests. They were unarmed," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. "Attacking such a ship is a war crime," he said. Hours after the strike on the warship, the Pentagon released a short video of the sinking of the frigate. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said at a Pentagon media briefing on Wednesday that it was the first sinking of an enemy warship by a torpedo since World War II. The mega exercise Milan last month saw participation of 42 warships and submarines, including 18 ships from friendly foreign countries. IRIS Dena had also featured in the International Fleet Review hosted by the Indian Navy in Vishakapatnam last month. The figures are grim. India accounts for around 19 per cent of global cervical cancer cases and 23 per cent of deaths. IMAGE: A nurse administers vaccine to a girl in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive, in Ajmer, February 28, 2026. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo India's decision to roll out a nationwide free HPV vaccination programme for 14-year-old girls could significantly alter the country's cervical cancer trajectory, public health experts said, as the disease continues to impose a disproportionate burden on Indian women. Key Points India plans a nationwide free HPV vaccination programme for 14-year-old girls to curb rising cervical cancer cases and deaths. India accounts for about 19 per cent of global cervical cancer cases and 23 per cent of deaths, highlighting the disease's heavy national burden. Vaccines will be delivered through public health facilities including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, district hospitals and government medical colleges. Experts stress vaccination must be combined with stronger screening, as only about 1.9 per cent of Indian women aged 30-49 undergo screening. The public rollout removes a key affordability barrier, as HPV vaccines like Gardasil cost Rs 3,000Rs 4,000 per dose privately. India accounts for around 19 per cent of global cervical cancer cases and 23 per cent of deaths, according to estimates from International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), based on GLOBOCAN 2022 data. In 2023 alone, 35,691 women died of cervical cancer, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme, marking an increase from 34,806 deaths in 2022. The government's move will deliver the vaccine through designated public health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, district hospitals and government medical colleges, with trained medical staff and post-vaccination monitoring -- an approach officials say is critical to maintaining safety and public trust. India's Cervical Cancer Burden Public-health expert Anish TS, professor and nodal officer at the Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research and Resilience, said the timing of the intervention aligns well with India's social context. Awareness around cervical cancer is improving, safer sexual practices are increasing, and a government-led vaccination programme could amplify these gains, he noted. Public confidence in the government coldchain system remains high, he added. Nationwide HPV Vaccination Rollout Experts cautioned, however, that vaccination alone will not be enough. Despite cervical cancer being one of the most preventable, screening coverage in India remains alarmingly low. A 2025 ScienceDirect epidemiological study found that only about 1.9 per cent of women aged 30-49 years have been screened -- a gap that continues to drive late-stage diagnosis and high mortality. Why Age 14 Is Key Policy analysts say vaccinating girls at 14 years of age is both pragmatic and effective. Vivek Tandon of Primus Partners pointed out that sexual exposure before this age remains uncommon in India, and immunisation at 14 still offers strong protection when administered prior to HPV exposure, making it a sensible preventive strategy within the recommended age window. High Cost of HPV Vaccines The public rollout also addresses a major affordability barrier. In the private market, HPV vaccines such as Gardasil, manufactured by Merck, typically cost Rs 3,000-Rs 4,000 per dose, with multiple doses required -- placing them out of reach for many families. By contrast, global alliances like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have helped drive down HPV vaccine prices for public programmes in low- and middle-income countries, enabling large-scale immunisation through government procurement. Through a partnership with the Gavi vaccine alliance, India will integrate the globally recognised Gardasil vaccine into its national immunisation programme. Screening Gap Raises Concerns Industry leaders have also welcomed the move. Dharminder Nagar, managing director (MD) of Paras Health and co-chair of the FICCI Healthcare Committee, said the programme signals a decisive shift in India's cancer strategy. Free HPV vaccination for adolescent girls is a decisive step towards preventing cervical cancer at scale. "By prioritising early protection, India can sharply reduce future disease burden and save thousands of lives -- something treatment alone can never achieve. Public-health experts broadly agree that the real impact will depend on execution and followthrough -- sustained vaccine coverage, integration with screening programmes, and continued awareness campaigns. If implemented effectively, the initiative could mark India's most meaningful advance yet towards cervical cancer prevention, rather than late-stage care. Early shield Nationwide free HPV vaccination to target 14-year-old girls across India India bears nearly one-fifth of global cervical cancer burden Govt to deliver vaccines via public health facilities nationwide Experts say vaccination must be paired with stronger screening coverage Public rollout removes high private-market vaccine cost barrier Success hinges on sustained coverage, awareness and programme execution Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has warned the United States that Iran is ready to confront American troops if the US launches a ground invasion, calling such a move a potential 'big disaster' for Washington. IMAGE: An explosion in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province, Iran, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in this still image from a social media video released on March 5, 2026. Photograph: Social Media/via Reuters Key Points Iran warns the US against a ground invasion, stating it is prepared to confront American troops. Iran claims its military capabilities, especially missile technology, have significantly improved. Tehran states it is not seeking a ceasefire and sees no reason to negotiate with the United States currently. Iran asserts it has no plans to attack the US homeland, focusing on regional dynamics. The Strait of Hormuz remains open, but tanker traffic has declined due to security concerns. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has warned that Tehran is prepared to confront American troops if the United States launches a ground invasion, saying such a move would be a 'big disaster' for Washington. Responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting the possibility of deploying American troops on Iranian soil, Araghchi said Iran was not intimidated by the threat. In an interview with NBC TV, Araghchi said, 'We are not afraid. We are waiting for American soldiers in Iran.' 'We are confident that we can confront them. It will be a big disaster for them.' Iran Claims Military Preparedness Araghchi said Iran's military is more prepared now than during what he described as the previous conflict, referring to the 12-day war with Israel from June 13 to June 24, 2025. According to him, Iran has significantly upgraded its missile capabilities since then. 'We are more ready than the previous war,' he said. 'You must have seen the quality of our missiles upgraded after the last war. Our soldiers are ready for any scenario.' However, he stressed that readiness for war does not mean Iran is seeking continued conflict. 'Waiting does not mean we want the war to continue,' Araghchi said. 'But we have prepared ourselves to confront any eventuality.' Tehran Rejects Ceasefire Talks With Washington The Iranian foreign minister also said Tehran was not seeking a ceasefire and currently sees no reason to negotiate with the United States. 'Iran is not asking for a ceasefire,' Araghchi said. 'Why should we negotiate with the US? We negotiated with them twice in the past and every time after negotiations they attacked us.' Iran, Araghchi added, has not sent any messages to Washington regarding possible talks. Iran's Stance on US Attacks and the Strait of Hormuz Asked whether Americans should worry about possible attacks on US territory, Araghchi suggested Iran's focus would remain on regional dynamics. 'The Americans have enough army bases around Iran,' he said. 'They have enough soldiers and military bases in the Gulf region, so Iran does not need to go beyond that.' Araghchi also addressed concerns over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. Iran, he said, has not closed the strait but acknowledged that tanker traffic has declined due to security fears. 'We have not closed it, but ships and tankers are not passing through because they are concerned,' he said. 'For the time being we have no intention to close it. As the war continues, we will consider every scenario.' When asked whether international oil tankers could become Iranian targets, Araghchi said they were not. 'The oil tankers are concerned and therefore they are not passing through the Strait of Hormuz because they fear they will be hit by either side,' he added. Stalled Diplomacy Between Iran and the US Araghchi also revealed that indirect diplomacy between Iran and the United States had stalled following a recent meeting. 'Not after last Thursday (February 26, two days before war started),' he said, referring to negotiations that lasted about seven hours. Both sides had made 'significant progress', and the meeting had ended on a positive note. 'But I don't know what happened after they left,' Araghchi said, adding that war began shortly after the negotiations concluded. Members of the 17th batch of the Chinese medical team provide free medical services at the University of Botswana in Gaborone, Botswana, March 6, 2026. The 17th batch of the Chinese medical team in Botswana on Friday held a free medical outreach event at the University of Botswana to promote health education and provide basic medical consultations for students. (Photo by Tshekiso Tebalo/Xinhua) GABORONE, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The 17th batch of the Chinese medical team in Botswana on Friday held a free medical outreach event at the University of Botswana (UB) to promote health education and provide basic medical consultations for students. The event was co-organized by the medical team, the Confucius Institute at the UB and the Chinese Enterprises Association in Botswana. Luo Jinying, head of the Gaborone branch of the Chinese medical team, said at the event that the outreach aimed not only to provide medical services but also to raise health awareness among the public. Participants received consultations from Chinese medical team specialists in internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, acupuncture, radiology and nursing, while the team also provided basic health checks, including blood pressure and blood glucose tests. Noting that 2026 marks the 45th anniversary of China sending medical teams to Botswana, and it has also been designated the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, she said the event helps promote cultural exchange and friendship between the two countries. Pu Durong, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at UB, said that the activity offered students a valuable opportunity to consult professional doctors from the Chinese medical team. Sri Lanka has completed post-mortem examinations on Iranian sailors recovered after the sinking of the IRIS Dena frigate, allegedly due to a US submarine attack, sparking protests and international law concerns. IMAGE: All photographs: Ramesh Menon Key Points Post-mortem examinations completed on bodies of Iranian sailors recovered from frigate IRIS Dena in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka claims 84 Iranian sailors died after the US submarine attack sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Galle. Eighty of the 84 bodies have been identified by survivors; post-mortem certificates to be issued. Iranian Ambassador condemns the US attacks as a breach of international law during a protest in Colombo. US and Israel allegedly carrying out joint attacks on Iran, escalating conflict in the Gulf region. Sri Lanka said on Wednesday it had recovered 84 bodies of Iranian sailors after the US submarine attack sank the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Galle on the island's southern coast. The ship had been returning to Iran from Visakhapatnam, India, where it had participated in a naval fleet review exercise. Having concluded the magisterial inquiry following the presentation by the Galle harbour police, the Judicial Medical Officer of the Karapitiya hospital conducted the post-mortem on 84 bodies. Eighty of the 84 bodies have been identified by the survivors. The medical superintendent of the Galle hospital said post-mortem certificates would be issued in due course. The remains are still at the hospital morgue. Eight of the 32 rescued sailors are still receiving treatment at the emergency care unit. The 24 others are now being treated at the general care hospital, officials said. Protests and International Law Concerns An opposition-led protest was held here under the theme 'No blood for oil' and was attended by the Iranian Ambassador in Colombo, Alireza Delkhosh. It called for an end to the military aggression against Iran. Referring to the Sri Lankan president's announcement on Sri Lanka's neutrality on the issue, the Ambassador said that the US attacks against his country were a breach of international law. "Now I think it is time to say and send this message to all countries that we are against the breach of international law. Breaching of international law is not something that we cannot say because we are neutral...," Delkhosh said. The United States and Israel have been carrying out joint attacks on Iran since February 28, with the conflict spreading across much of the Gulf region following Tehran's retaliation. A mosque balcony wall collapse in Jaipur injured 20 people after Friday prayers, prompting a swift response from local authorities and medical personnel. IMAGE: Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points A balcony wall at Firdaus Masjid in Jaipur collapsed after Friday prayers, injuring approximately 20 people. The incident occurred in the Bhatta Basti area of Jaipur as worshippers were leaving the mosque. Most of the injured received first aid at the scene, while six individuals were hospitalised for further treatment. Authorities responded quickly, providing rescue and medical assistance to those affected by the mosque collapse. Around 20 people were injured after a wall of a balcony at a mosque here collapsed on them on Friday, police said. Many of the injured were administered first aid while six persons have been hospitalised, they added. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Karan Sharma said that the incident took place at Firdaus Masjid in Jaipur's Bhatta Basti area, shortly after Friday prayers. After the namaz, as people were about to leave the mosque, the wall collapsed. Details of the Incident "A four to five feet high wall of a gallery on the first floor of the building collapsed and bricks fell on the people who were about to leave after the namaz. They were rescued and rushed to nearby Kanwatiya hospital. Some of them were taken to SMS hospital," he said. He said around 20 people were injured and most of them were discharged after first aid, while six persons are undergoing treatment. JD-U lawmakers voiced their concerns over Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha, while also welcoming the imminent political debut of his son, Nishant, amidst speculation about the future leadership of the state. IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister and JD-U national president Nitish Kumar organises a party meeting at the CM's residence, in Patna on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points JD-U legislators expressed concerns to Nitish Kumar about his decision to become a Rajya Sabha MP. Nitish Kumar assured party workers he made the decision to move to Rajya Sabha of his own accord. Nishant, Nitish Kumar's son, is expected to join the JD-U party soon, energising the party. Speculation rises about the BJP potentially pushing for its own Chief Minister in Bihar. JD-U leaders emphasise that the decision regarding the next Chief Minister rests with the top leadership. Janata Dal-United legislators in Bihar on Friday conveyed their anguish to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over his decision to move to Delhi as a Rajya Sabha MP, but drew solace from the imminent political entry of Nishant, the party chief's only son. Members of the party in the bicameral legislature, as well as both Houses of Parliament, who had been taken aback by the sudden move of the JD-U president, got an opportunity to interact with him at a meeting held in the evening at the chief minister's residence. "Lawmakers of the party were assured by the CM that he decided of his own accord and not under any pressure. He also assured that he would keep himself available to party workers in the state for guidance", state parliamentary affairs minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary told reporters. Replying to another query, he said, "Yes, the chief minister has given the green light for Nishant's entry. He is likely to join the party in a day or two". Asked about what post Nishant was likely to hold in the party and whether he was likely to join the new government that will be formed after Kumar steps down, Chaudhary quipped, "For some things, you should wait a little (kuchh cheezon ke liye kuchh intezaar kar leejiye)". Kumar, who has been the state's longest serving CM, on Thursday caused a flutter by filing his nomination papers for one of the two Rajya Sabha seats which the JD-U is contesting in the biennial elections, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, among others, minutes after announcing the decision on social media. Second-term JD(U) MLA Shalini Mishra told PTI video, "Nitish Kumar has always said he has no lust for power. His latest move will silence even his most strident critics. He has given so much to Bihar. His name will be written in golden letters, like his idols Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Ram Manohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan and Karpoori Thakur." Another senior minister Shravan Kumar, who has been a close aide of Nitish Kumar since the 1990s, said, "We told the CM that we are anguished, but out of respect, we shall be with him in whatever decision he has taken. We also underscored the need for bringing in Nishant, whose presence will energise the party." JD-U MLC and spokesman Neeraj Kumar told reporters, "It is wrong to say a section of party workers are angry at the decision. They are in pain and this was conveyed to the CM at today's meeting. He said I am there (main hoon na)." The remarks came in the backdrop of protests by party workers, especially at the JD-U office, where they blackened posters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day, alleging that their leader was being made to step down as part of a conspiracy hatched by the BJP, a decades-old ally. Nishant's Political Debut On the entry of Nishant, the JD-U MLC said, "It will be in a day or two. The exact date and time shall be conveyed to all by the party. Nishant is so unlike our leader of the opposition (RJD working president Tejashwi Yadav), who feels embarrassed over his parents' legacy (Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, both ex CMs). Nishant himself is proud of the values that have been instilled in him by his parents. Nishant, who was not present at the meeting, wants to tour the state upon joining the party, which shows he is going to evolve into a mature political leader." Another party MLC Sanjay Singh said, "Nitish Kumar assured party leaders that he will try to devote as much time as possible to Bihar. He also said in the new government, the party will continue to have as much say as ever." Speculation on Bihar's Next Chief Minister Speculation is rife that the BJP, which is the single largest party in the Assembly with 89 MLAs, four more than the JD-U's tally, is going to push for its own chief minister in Bihar, which is the only Hindi heartland where the saffron party has not yet been able to head the government. However, JD-U leaders did not categorically state the party's stand on the issue, their common refrain being 'this is for the top leadership to decide. We shall comply with whatever decision is taken by them'. The meeting was attended, among others, by Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan, a former national president, and Sanjay Kumar Jha, Rajya Sabha MP and the current working president of the JD-U, both of whom, incidentally, are being charged by a section of workers with having acted as 'moles' of the BJP. The two leaders have, however, chosen not to react to such misgivings. Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh announce ban social media for teens, sparking debate about its effectiveness, impact on education, and implications for advertisers targeting young audiences. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Reuters Key Points Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka became the first Indian states to ban social media use for children. Andhra Pradesh will ban social media for children under 13, while Karnataka will prohibit it for those under 16. CMs of both states said the move aims to reduce harmful effects of excessive mobile and social media use among children. Andhra Pradesh aims to enforce the ban within 90 days, while Karnataka said a programme will be formulated to regulate the restriction. Experts welcomed the move for protecting childrens mental health, but some warned that a blanket ban may be difficult to implement. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka on Friday became the first two Indian states to ban the use of social media for children, albeit in different age groups. Australia and Indonesia have effected similar bans, amid a global debate over the need to safeguard children from the addiction to social media. While the Telugu Desam Party-led National Democratic Alliance ruled Andhra Pradesh said social media will be prohibited for children below 13 years of age, the Congress government in neighbouring Karnataka said the ban will apply for those under 16. Addressing the Andhra assembly, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said they were debating whether to extend this ban to children between 13 and 16 years of age. "Definitely, we will make sure that within 90 days those below 13 years of age are not able to use social media," said Naidu. The CM said his government will take a call on banning social media for teenagers between 13 and 16 years. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a ban on use of social media for those under the age of 16 years. The move aimed at preventing adverse effects on children was met with both encouragement and skepticism. "With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16," Siddaramaiah said while presenting the state Budget for 2026-27 in the state Assembly in Bengaluru. Later, addressing a press conference, he said children below 16 years can keep a mobile phone, but they cannot use social media. "We will ban social media for them," he said. Challenges in Implementation Responding to queries on how will it be regulated -- in schools, colleges or at home, Siddaramaiah said, "We will formulate a programme for that. Once the programme is finalised, we will inform you." In January, state minister for Electronics, IT/BT Priyank Kharge had informed the Legislative Assembly that the government was holding consultations regarding measures to be put in place for responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media, especially among children. The central government's Economic Survey tabled in Parliament in January this year said age-based access to online platforms should be considered while also cutting down online teaching to avoid digital addiction. Manohar N H, a resident of Jalahalli in Bengaluru who has two school-going children -- a 16-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl -- said that restricting social media for children below 16 may be good in some ways, but implementing it would be difficult. Expert Opinions on the Ban Appreciating the move, Dr Saritha Nagaraj, Consultant -- Psychology and Child Development, Motherhood Hospital in Bengaluru said that with this, the risk of poor mental health among children and teenagers -- including symptoms of depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and body image issues arising from unhealthy comparisons, which can further lead to disordered eating -- will be reduced. "Their cognitive performance and emotional regulation are also likely to improve. Exposure to dangerous content will decrease, and this could help improve attention span as well as academic performance," she added. Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children's Hospital said that while there are a lot of disadvantages of excess use of mobile devices in children, considering its ill-effects on their psychology, at the same time it provides a lot of practical utility for parents, teachers and children. "We need to look at a balanced solution because a blanket ban can be counterproductive since implementing it is not practical and it might remain like a paper tiger where there is a rule but no one follows it. Instead, giving guidelines on how to practically use mobile devices and limit their excess use would be more practical," he said. BJP Rajya Sabha MP from the state Lahar Singh Siroya, however, welcomed the move in a social media post on 'X' saying he had raised this issue via a special mention in parliament. "Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi had also spoken about securing the interest of our younger generations at the AI summit, recently. I had further asked for restrictions on smartphone use among children in my parliament speech. I hope this too will be looked into seriously," he said. Impact on Advertising and Marketing Upasna Dash, Founder and CEO, Jajabor Brand Consultancy said this move is likely to have ripple effects across the ecosystem and change the way advertisers access this age group. However, it is important to recognise that brands and products targeting this demographic existed long before social media, with many cult brands in the 1990s built through word of mouth and different forms of advertising, she said. "In that sense, while social media has become a dominant channel, communication with this audience has always taken multiple forms. What we may see now is a shift back to some of those approaches, including word of mouth, offline marketing, and brand insertions within broader content," Dash added. Concerns About Effectiveness Aparajita Bharti, Founding Partner at the Quantum Hub expressed that a social media ban however is unlikely to have the desired effect in India given the high incidence of shared device usage in households. Further, it is also an imperfect measure, given that it is hard to define 'social media' and the assumption that only a certain kind of platforms are harmful for children is not grounded in evidence. "The government in India should take a more nuanced view of the issue as we have a huge digital divide, which often impact young people help bridge it. Regulation must focus on making the entire internet safe for children rather than focusing on just one type of platforms, as AI and gaming related harms are also becoming evident," she said. Global Context In 2025, Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16 by blocking access to platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Indonesia has also banned social media for children under the age of 16. Karnataka government has announced a ban on social media for children under 16 and implemented strict measures to combat drug abuse in schools, alongside significant investments in education and student mental health support. Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Courtesy Pixabay Key Points Karnataka is banning social media for children under 16 to prevent adverse effects of increasing mobile usage. The state government will invest Rs 565 crore in school infrastructure improvements, including new rooms, repairs, and toilet construction. Karnataka will implement measures to curb drug abuse in schools, colleges, and universities through awareness campaigns and support centres. 800 schools will be upgraded to Karnataka Public Schools to provide quality education, with an investment of Rs 3,900 crore over three years. Mental health support will be enhanced by appointing a qualified counsellor to each of the 204 Block Resource Centres. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced a ban on use of social media for those under the age of 16 years, aimed at preventing its adverse effects on children. Though a cross-section of parents welcomed the move, they are wary of the practicality of its implementation. "With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16," Siddaramaiah said while presenting the state Budget for 2026-27 in Bengaluru. However, he did not elaborate on how this will be implemented. In January this year, Karnataka Minister for Electronics, IT/BT Priyank Kharge had informed the Legislative Assembly that the state government was holding consultations regarding measures to be put in place for responsible use of artificial intelligence and social media, especially among children. The central government's Economic Survey tabled in Parliament in January this year said age-based access to online platforms should be considered while also cutting down online teaching to avoid digital addiction. Manohar N H, a resident of Jalahalli in Bengaluru who has two school-going children -- a 16-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl -- said that restricting social media for children below 16 may be good in some ways, but implementing it would be difficult. "These days, teaching in many schools and colleges happens through apps. For instance, SSLC and PUC students-especially those in second PUC-already rely heavily on apps for classes and communication. Controlling social media use will be very challenging, particularly in government schools and colleges. The rule may be introduced, but I doubt it will succeed; the success rate may be only around 10 per cent," he said. Ban will reduce risk of mental health in children: Expert Appreciating the move, Dr Saritha Nagaraj, Consultant -- Psychology and Child Development, Motherhood Hospital in Bengaluru said with this the risk of poor mental health among children and teenagers -- including symptoms of depression, anxiety, poor sleep, and body image issues arising from unhealthy comparisons, which can further lead to disordered eating - will be reduced. "Their cognitive performance and emotional regulation are also likely to improve. Exposure to dangerous content will decrease, and this could help improve attention span as well as academic performance," she added. Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children's Hospital said that while there are a lot of disadvantages of excess use of mobile devices in children, considering its ill-effects on their psychology, at the same time it provides a lot of practical utility for parents, teachers and children. "We need to look at a balanced solution because a blanket ban can be counterproductive since implementing it is not practical and it might remain like a paper tiger where there is a rule but no one follows it. Instead, giving guidelines on how to practically use mobile devices and limit their excess use would be more practical," he said. More than the government, the role of parents is important in monitoring children, understanding the harms of excess mobile use, cyber bullying and addiction to online games, and protecting them, he added. BJP welcomes move Bharatiya Janata Party Rajya Sabha MP Lahar Singh Siroya, however, welcomed the move in a social media post on 'X' saying he had raised this issue via a special mention in parliament. "Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi had also spoken about securing the interest of our younger generations at the AI summit, recently. I had further asked for restrictions on smartphone use among children in my parliament speech. I hope this too will be looked into seriously," he said. Upasna Dash, Founder and CEO, Jajabor Brand Consultancy said this move is likely to have ripple effects across the ecosystem and change the way advertisers access this age group. However, it is important to recognise that brands and products targeting this demographic existed long before social media, with many cult brands in the 1990s built through word of mouth and different forms of advertising, she said. "In that sense, while social media has become a dominant channel, communication with this audience has always taken multiple forms. What we may see now is a shift back to some of those approaches, including word of mouth, offline marketing, and brand insertions within broader content," Dash added. Aparajita Bharti, Founding Partner at the Quantum Hub expressed that a social media ban however is unlikely to have the desired effect in India given the high incidence of shared device usage in households. Further, it is also an imperfect measure, given that it is hard to define 'social media' and the assumption that only a certain kind of platforms are harmful for children is not grounded in evidence. "The government in India should take a more nuanced view of the issue as we have a huge digital divide, which often impact young people help bridge it. Regulation must focus on making the entire internet safe for children rather than focusing on just one type of platforms, as AI and gaming related harms are also becoming evident," she said. In 2025, Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16 by blocking access to platforms including TikTok, YouTube and Instagram and Facebook. The Kerala High Court is scrutinising the alleged involvement of former minister Antony Raju in a decades-old evidence tampering case, raising questions about his intent and the potential impact on his eligibility to contest upcoming elections. IMAGE: Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Kerala High Court questions the intent of Antony Raju in a 1990 evidence tampering case. The court considers whether Raju's senior lawyer was aware of the evidence tampering. Raju seeks suspension of his conviction to contest in the upcoming Kerala Assembly polls. The state government argues that granting Raju relief would undermine the integrity of the electoral process. Raju claims his disqualification under the Representation of the People Act is instantaneous and seeks suspension of conviction. The Kerala High Court on Friday observed that it would be difficult to prove that former state Transport Minister Antony Raju had the intention to tamper with evidence in a 1990 drug case when he was a junior lawyer. Justice C Jayachandran also asked whether Raju's senior lawyer was aware of the evidence tampering. The court, during the hearing, asked how a criminal liability can be fastened upon him, a senior government lawyer said. The court also asked how any motive or intention to tamper with evidence can be attributed to Raju, the lawyer said. The prosecution told the court that the evidence had been tampered with when it was in Raju's custody. The observations and posers from the High Court came during the hearing of Raju's plea seeking suspension of his conviction for evidence tampering so that he can contest in the upcoming Assembly polls. The state government, on the other hand, said that the former minister "has failed to demonstrate any grave injustice or irreparable damage that would occur if the conviction is allowed to operate." It also told the High Court that granting him the relief "would undermine the integrity of the electoral process." After hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court reserved its order on the plea by Raju, a leader of the Janadhipathya Kerala Congress, a constituent of the CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala. He had moved the High Court after the Thiruvananthapuram District and Sessions Court declined to suspend his conviction. Raju was sentenced to three years' simple imprisonment by the Judicial First Class Magistrate-I Court, Nedumangad, in a case related to tampering with evidence while appearing as a lawyer for an Australian national arrested in a drug case in 1990. Following his conviction, the Kerala Legislative Assembly Secretariat issued a notification confirming his disqualification. Raju's Plea for Conviction Suspension In his plea to the High Court, Raju has said the application for suspension of conviction was filed because, as a sitting member of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, he stood disqualified from holding office solely due to the conviction. According to him, unlike a sentence of imprisonment, the disqualification under Section 8(3) of the Representation of the People Act is self-operating and instantaneous, leaving no scope for restitution unless the conviction itself is suspended. "The petitioner's right to contest the upcoming general election to the state legislative Assembly is put in peril due to the conviction imposed on him via the judgment impugned in the criminal appeal, which is indefensible both on facts and law," the petition said. He has also contended that the conviction and sentence passed by the magistrate court were against the law, facts, and evidence, and alleged that the court had committed grave errors in the appreciation of evidence. "The sentence passed by the court below is excessive and has not taken into consideration the delay of 35 years. The sentence was passed only to disqualify the petitioner under the Representation of the People Act," the petition has said. Amid rising tensions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is mediating between Afghanistan and Pakistan, urging diplomatic solutions following recent strikes on Iran. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters Key Points Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov discussed rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan with Afghan counterpart Mottaqi. Lavrov emphasised resolving Kabul-Islamabad differences through political and diplomatic channels. The discussion included the destabilising consequences of aggression against Iran. Moscow is closely monitoring the situation along the Afghan-Pakistan border amid ongoing clashes. Recent clashes have involved aircraft and heavy weapons, affecting civilian populations and Afghan refugees. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday had a telephonic conversation with his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Mottaqi to discuss ongoing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, as well as the situation following US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Lavrov underscored the need to resolve differences between Kabul and Islamabad through political and diplomatic means, according to a Foreign Ministry readout posted on its webportal. "The parties exchanged views on the situation in the region, including the negative and destabilising consequences of aggression against Iran. They discussed prospects for reducing military and political tensions in Afghan-Pakistani relations," it said without giving further details. Moscow's Concerns Even as the global focus is on the developments in West Asia, Moscow is keenly watching the situation along the Afghan-Pakistan border and Islamabad's strikes against the Taliban. On Wednesday, during the regular weekly briefing of the Foreign Ministry, its spokeswoman Maria Zakharova had said: "We are concerned over the continuing clashes on the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan." She noted that armed engagements involving aircraft and heavy weapons have been seen practically throughout the entire Pushtun-populated border zone, with casualties on both sides, and the fighting was affecting the civilian population, including Afghan refugees whoA have come back home from neighbouring Pakistan and Iran. Union Minister Giriraj Singh sharply criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of protecting infiltrators from the Muslim community to secure her vote bank, while also alleging corruption and economic decline under her government. IMAGE: Photograph: @AITCofficial/X Key Points Union Minister Giriraj Singh accuses Mamata Banerjee of protecting Muslim infiltrators for vote bank politics in West Bengal. Singh alleges the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government is corrupt and has misused central grants. He claims West Bengal's industrial growth has declined significantly under the TMC's rule. Singh asserts the BJP will counter TMC's intimidation tactics in the upcoming elections. The BJP has launched 'Parivartan Yatra' across Bengal as part of a mass outreach program ahead of the Assembly polls. Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of holding a sit-in in the heart of the city to protect infiltrators belonging to the minority community. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme, Singh alleged that the Trinamool Congress government would soon be voted out of power and warned "partisan state government officials and lumpens sheltered by the TMC" to mend their ways or face consequences. "Banerjee is only interested in saving the infiltrators belonging to the Muslim community, which constitutes the bulk of her vote bank. She should be ashamed that she is holding a sit-in protest in Esplanade area to save infiltrators, with whose help she managed to win the previous elections. But not any more," the senior BJP leader said. He claimed that the Rs 15 lakh-crore central grant given to the state had been gobbled up by TMC functionaries, "who have built palatial homes and changed from cycle to luxury four wheelers in 15 years." "From 25 per cent earlier, the industrial growth has come down to three per cent as the children born in the state over the past 15 years have a burden of Rs 80,000 crore on their heads," he alleged. Political Accusations and Counter-Strategies Singh, the Union Textiles Minister, said both the CPI(M) and the TMC had encouraged "goondaism" in the state. "Muscle flexing and intimidation by the TMC will not succeed anymore as the BJP will counter such strong-arm tactics," he said. Singh later flagged-off BJP's Parivartan Yatra at Narayangarh in Paschim Medinipur district. The rally, consisting of flower-decked trucks draped in saffron colours, was among the nine 'Parivartan Yatra' being taken out by the BJP across Bengal from March 1 to 10 as part of a mass outreach programme ahead of the Assembly polls. As West Bengal gears up for assembly elections, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar slams Mamata Banerjee's protests while outlining the BJP's ambitious plans for job creation, financial aid, and improved employee benefits if elected. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar criticised Mamata Banerjee's dharna, suggesting it's a rehearsal for her post-election actions. Majumdar promised annual School Service Commission recruitments if the BJP forms the government in West Bengal. The BJP pledges to fill all state government vacancies by December and implement the seventh pay commission within 45 days of assuming power. Majumdar announced 'Annapurna Bhandar', promising Rs 3,000 to all women, replacing the current 'Lakshmi'r Bhandar' scheme. The BJP aims to provide proper Dearness Allowance (DA) to state government employees if elected. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Friday mocked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's dharna in Kolkata over the SIR, claiming that she is rehearsing what she will have to do after losing the upcoming assembly polls in the state. Majumdar also made a slew of promises, such as jobs for youths, raising the amount for women's financial assistance scheme and proper DA to state government employees, if the BJP forms the government. He was speaking at a Poroborton Yatra rally of the BJP at Natabari in Cooch Behar district. On Banerjee's dharna, Majumdar said, "She is rehearsing what she will do after a BJP chief minister takes over following the coming assembly elections." The chief minister on Friday began a sit-in here to protest against the alleged arbitrary deletions from the post-SIR electoral rolls. Maintaining that the TMC will lose the coming polls, the former state BJP president asserted that students and youths want jobs, not handouts offered by the Mamata Banerjee government. BJP's Promises for West Bengal "I assure you that after a BJP government comes to power, School Service Commission recruitments will be held every year," the union minister said. He said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has, while inaugurating the Poriborton Yatra at Raidighi in South 24 Parganas earlier this week, promised to fill all vacancies in the state government by December, if the party comes to power. "We will announce the seventh pay commission in the state within 45 days of forming the government," Majumdar said, echoing Shah's promise. The minister also said that a proper DA will be paid to state government employees if the BJP forms the government. He promised to pay Rs 3,000 to all women by introducing 'Annapurna Bhandar', replacing Mamata Banerjee's much-touted 'Lakshmi'r Bhandar' by which the current government pays Rs 1,500 to each woman. The elections to the 294-member assembly are likely to be held in April. Union Minister Giriraj Singh has launched a scathing attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of appeasing Muslims and protecting infiltrators, as the BJP ramps up its campaign ahead of the upcoming elections. Photograph: @AITCofficial/X Key Points Union Minister Giriraj Singh accuses Mamata Banerjee of prioritising Muslim infiltrators for her vote bank. Singh alleges Banerjee's government is 'anti-Hindu' and turning West Bengal into 'West Bangladesh'. BJP promises to ensure the safety of Bengali Hindus and usher in 'Ram Rajya' if elected to power. Singh claims the TMC government is involved in a teaching job scam and siphoning off central funds. BJP's 'Parivartan Yatra' aims to consolidate the Hindu vote bank ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls. Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Friday accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of holding a sit-in in the heart of the city to protect infiltrators belonging to the minority community and labelling her as 'anti-Hindu." Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme, Singh alleged that the Trinamool Congress government would soon be voted out of power and warned "partisan state government officials and lumpens sheltered by the TMC" to mend their ways or face consequences. "Banerjee is only interested in saving the infiltrators belonging to the Muslim community, which constitutes the bulk of her vote bank. She should be ashamed that she is holding a sit-in protest to save infiltrators, with whose help she managed to win the previous elections. But not any more," the senior BJP leader said. Singh's Address at 'Parivartan Yatra' Rally Later addressing a 'Parivartan Yatra' rally at Narayangarh in Paschim Medinipur district, Singh described the Mamata Banerjee-led government as "anti-Hindus, anti-Bengali Hindus and appeasement-friendly towards Muslims under whose reign the state is turning into West Bangladesh." Referring to Direct Action Day in 1946, he said after the call by Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, which led to the killing of thousands of Bengali Hindus in the city, "a patriotic Hindu strongman like Gopal Mukherjee united Hindu youths who combated the onslaught of fundamentalists and saved innocent lives". "We need a Gopal Mukherjee in every household of Bengal today to fight the challenges of Islamist jihadis. Bring BJP to power, we will ensure safety of every Bengali Hindu," Singh said in a shrill polarisation pitch aimed at consolidating the Hindu vote bank ahead of the Assembly polls. "If Mamata Banerjee is in power this time again, it will be next to impossible to stop the demographic change in Bengal and save Bengali Hindus. We have to vote out this Mamata Banerjee government from the root," he added. "Hindus were brutally killed in Murshidabad by Islamist jihadis last year, but Mamata Banerjee could not prevent that and allowed the situation to drift," he alleged. Accusing Banerjee of raising hue and cry over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to save her vote bank of infiltrators, he said, "She may try to commit irregularity of voting, but will not succeed this time." "Mamata didi shouts about SIR but keeps mum on the loss of jobs of 26,000 teachers due to the recruitment scam involving her party leaders and ministers," he alleged. Bengal's people are waiting for this 'Ravan Raaj' to go and 'Ram Rajya' to usher in with the double-engine government, he said. He said if the BJP formed the government in the state, it would expedite the investigation into the alleged teaching job scam and ensure that those responsible, including the kingpins, were brought to book. BJP's Promises for West Bengal Listing the party's promises, Singh said that like some other BJP-ruled states, women would receive Rs 3,000 in their bank accounts every month. He also alleged that crores of rupees allocated by the Union government for welfare schemes were siphoned off by TMC leaders, depriving people of benefits such as wages under the rural employment scheme and housing assistance. Singh claimed that the Rs 15 lakh-crore central grant given to the state had been gobbled up by TMC functionaries, "who have built palatial homes and changed from cycle to luxury four wheelers in 15 years." The Union Textiles Minister further said both the CPI(M) and the TMC had encouraged "goondaism" in the state. "Muscle flexing and intimidation by the TMC will not succeed anymore as the BJP will counter such strong-arm tactics," he said. After the speech, Singh flagged off the rath in Paschim Medinipur district. The rally, consisting of flower-decked trucks draped in saffron colours, was among the nine 'Parivartan Yatra' being taken out by the BJP across Bengal from March 1 to 10 as part of a mass outreach programme ahead of the Assembly polls. KIGALI, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Nduhungirehe on Friday acknowledged the latest statement issued by the International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG) regarding the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a post on the social platform X, the minister described the statement as balanced and in line with measures Rwanda has been calling for over the past months. "This is a balanced statement by the International Contact Group, which expresses concern over the continued violation of the ceasefire, with a particular focus on attack drones used against civilian populations," he said. It also urges all parties to implement their obligations and commitments under the Washington and Doha processes, which should start with the full implementation of the Concept of Operations, Nduhungirehe added. "The statement further calls for an inter-Congolese dialogue in DRC to complement the Washington and Doha processes, and condemns incitement to hatred against the Congolese Tutsi. These are common-sense measures that we have been calling for over the past months," he said. On Thursday, the ICG, comprising Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States and the European Union, expressed profound concern over continued and recent ceasefire violations in eastern DRC. The group noted that violations include the use of drones in military attacks, which pose an acute risk to civilian populations. It urged all parties involved to urgently and unequivocally recommit to ceasing the hostilities and returning to negotiations. The statement came days after the United States imposed sanctions on the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) and four of its senior officials over alleged support for the March 23 Movement in eastern DRC. Rwanda rejected the allegations, describing the sanctions as unfair and one-sided. A 58-year-old man has been arrested in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, on suspicion of murdering a teenager, with shocking allegations of cannibalism emerging as police investigate the gruesome crime. Key Points A 58-year-old man in Madhya Pradesh has been arrested for the alleged murder of a 16-year-old boy. Police are investigating claims that the accused engaged in cannibalism after the murder. The accused, Gudda Patel, allegedly attacked the victim with an iron rod and hammer. Villagers apprehended Patel after he fled the scene, and he is now in police custody. The accused had previously served time in jail for the murder of his wife. A 58-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing a 16-year-old boy, with a viral video claiming that he resorted to cannibalism, police said on Friday. The incident took place in Sammana village under Dehat police station limits, about 7 km from the district headquarters, on Thursday, they said. Victim Bharat Vishwakarma, a resident of Arthkheda, had gone to the village to get a ceremonial 'tika' applied by his sister Diksha Vishwakarma, who is married in the Sammana area, an official said. Bharat was riding a motorcycle when accused Gudda Patel suddenly attacked him with an iron rod and hammer, killing him on the spot, City Superintendent of Police H R Pandey. A relative accompanying the victim managed to escape during the attack. Cannibalism Allegations and Police Investigation Police are also probing a video that has surfaced with the claim that Patel ate a part of the victim's brain and drank his blood, the official said. After killing the teenager, Patel fled towards nearby fields holding the rod and hammer. Villagers surrounded him and began pelting stones before police reached the spot and took him into custody, the officer said. Accused's Criminal History Pandey said the accused had been released from jail about two years ago after serving a sentence in connection with the murder of his wife. A relative of the victim's sister demanded that Patel be given the death penalty. In a tragic incident in Delhi, a 22-year-old man lost his life after being struck by a train while chasing a snatcher who had allegedly stolen his mobile phone at Shahdara railway station, prompting a police investigation. Photograph: ANI on X Key Points A 22-year-old man died after being hit by a train while chasing a snatcher at Shahdara railway station in Delhi. The victim, Rohit Kumar, was pursuing the thief who allegedly stole his mobile phone on Platform 3. Police are investigating the snatching incident and reviewing CCTV footage to identify and arrest the suspect. A case of snatching has been registered, and further investigations are underway at the Old Delhi Railway Station. A 22-year-old man was mowed down by a train on Friday evening while he was hot on the heels of a snatcher who had allegedly lifted his mobile phone at a railway station in northeast Delhi, police said. The incident was reported at the Old Delhi Railway Station (ODRS) police station around 4.55 pm after the Railway Protection Force (RPF) control room relayed that a person had been run over by a train at Platform 3 of Shahdara railway station, they said. A police team reached the spot and crime and forensic science laboratory (FSL) units were called to inspect the scene, an officer said. The deceased was identified as Rohit Kumar (22), a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district. Investigation Details Preliminary investigation revealed that Kumar's mobile phone was allegedly snatched on Platform 3. Chasing the snatcher, he failed to notice the 15035 Delhi-Kathgodam Express and came in front of the train, and was run over, police said. The body was shifted to Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital in Delhi for preparation of the medico-legal case (MLC) and preservation, the officer said. Police said CCTV footage from the railway station is being examined to identify the alleged snatcher, and efforts are on to arrest the suspect. A case of snatching has been registered in this connection and further proceedings are underway, they added. Delhi police are investigating a potential link to a foreign-based gangster after a man was fatally shot in the Chhawla area, prompting a probe into threats and CCTV footage. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Balwan Gehlot was shot dead in Delhi's Chhawla area by unidentified assailants. Police suspect the involvement of a foreign-based gangster in the murder. The victim, Balwan Gehlot, had reportedly received threats from the suspected gangster. An investigation is underway, including examining CCTV footage and the victim's background. A man was shot dead in southwest Delhi's Chhawla area on Friday by unidentified assailants, with police suspecting the involvement of a foreign-based gangster in the killing, an official said. The deceased has been identified as Balwan Gehlot, a resident of the Chhawla area, who was shot dead while he was travelling in a car. The police said he was shot by unidentified assailants who were on a scooter and allegedly fled the spot after the attack. The police received information about the firing and rushed to the spot where Gehlot was found critically injured. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Investigation Details Preliminary investigation suggests that the murder may have been carried out at the behest of a gangster operating from abroad and the victim had received threats from the gangster, a senior police officer said. A case has been registered and teams have been formed to identify and trace the assailants, the police said, adding that CCTV footage from the area and Gehlot's background are being examined to ascertain the motive behind the killing. An elderly man tragically lost his life in Jharkhand's Latehar district after being attacked by a wild elephant, highlighting the ongoing challenges of human-wildlife conflict in the region. IMAGE: Photograph: Screen grab/X Key Points An elderly man in Latehar, Jharkhand, was killed by a wild elephant. The incident occurred when the man went outside his home at night. The forest department provided immediate relief of Rs 40,000 to the family. The Jharkhand government provides Rs 4 lakh compensation for deaths caused by elephant attacks. An elderly man was trampled to death by a wild elephant in Jharkhand's Latehar district, a forest official said on Friday. The incident happened around 10 pm on Thursday in Bhandar Toli village under the Chandwa Police Station limits, when he went outside his home to relieve himself, a senior officer said. The deceased was identified as Tibhru Ganjhu. "According to the family, Ganjhu had gone out of the house at night to relieve himself. A wild elephant that had strayed from the forest suddenly attacked him," Chandwa forest range officer Nand Kumar Mehta said. Immediate Relief and Compensation Upon receiving information about the incident, a forest team reached the village and provided immediate relief of Rs 40,000 to the next of kin of the deceased, he said. The rest of the compensation amount will be provided to the family after completion of the official procedure, Mehta said. The Jharkhand government provides Rs 4 lakh as compensation in case of the death of a person in an elephant attack. The Central Village Defence Force in Manipur stages a road march to protest the death of a BJP MLA and demand justice for victims of the state's ongoing ethnic violence. Photograph: Courtesy Paolienlal Haokip on Twitter Key Points Central Village Defence Force (CVDF) organised a road march in Churachandpur, Manipur, to protest the death of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte. The protest also addressed the deaths of other Zo community members who were victims of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. Hundreds of CVDF volunteers and members of the public participated, demanding justice for those killed and displaced by the violence. Manipur has experienced ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, following a tribal solidarity march against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The ethnic violence has resulted in at least 260 deaths and thousands of people being rendered homeless in Manipur. The Central Village Defence Force (CVDF) on Friday took out a road march in Manipur's Churachandpur town protesting the death of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte and other Zo community people who were the victims of the ethnic violence in the state. Valte, who had sustained injuries in a mob attack during the early period of ethnic violence in 2023, died on February 20 in a private hospital in Gurugram. Hundreds of CVDF volunteers and members of the public took part in the march to demand justice for those killed in the violence and who were displaced, a CVDF leader claimed. Background of the Manipur Ethnic Violence The northeastern state has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, after a tribal solidarity march was taken out in the hill districts, in protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Since then, at least 260 people, including members of both the Kuki and Meitei communities as well as security personnel, have been killed in the violence, while thousands were rendered homeless. Amidst ongoing conflict and airspace restrictions in the Middle East, Indian airlines are facing significant flight disruptions, leading to cancellations and the implementation of special services to assist affected passengers. IMAGE: Indian passengers arrive safely from a flight via Dubai amid the international tensions in the Gulf region, in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Indian airlines have cancelled 278 international flights due to airspace restrictions in the Middle East. 96 flights to and from the Middle East are scheduled to be operated by Indian domestic carriers. Some airlines, including Akasa Air and SpiceJet, are operating special flights to assist passengers stranded due to the Middle East crisis. Air India has resumed services to Jeddah and Muscat, but suspended other West Asia flights until March 10. The Civil Aviation Ministry advises passengers to monitor flight updates and has addressed nearly 1,900 passenger grievances. Domestic airlines are scheduled to operate 96 flights to and from the Middle East on Friday while the carriers have cancelled 278 international services for the day, the government said on Friday amid the conflict in the region. The situation in the Middle East has disrupted flight operations as there are restrictions as well as closure of airspaces. Some airlines have commenced limited operations to and from the region, where the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has escalated in the last few days. The civil aviation ministry on Friday said due to the ongoing developments in West Asia and the resulting airspace restrictions, flight operations have been impacted across several sectors. 'A total of 96 flight operations were scheduled today by Indian domestic carriers to and from destinations in the Middle East. As of 6 March, 278 flights scheduled to be operated today by Indian domestic carriers have been cancelled,' it said in a statement. In another statement later, the ministry said 51 flights are planned to be operated by domestic airlines, subject to operational feasibility and prevailing conditions. 'Passenger movement data for 5th March, 2026 shows that a total of 40 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers arrived in India from the West Asia region, carrying 7,205 passengers taking the cumulative passenger arrivals to 14,992,' the statement said. Airline Responses to Flight Disruptions Earlier in the day, officials said more than 140 international flights were cancelled in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata airports on Friday due to the Middle East crisis. They said at least 142 flights were cancelled at the four airports, with 39 departures and 34 arrivals cancelled at the Mumbai airport. While the total flight cancellations at the Bangalore airport were 33, including 15 departures and 18 arrivals, at the Delhi airport 15 departures and 14 arrivals were cancelled. A total of seven flights -- four departures and three arrivals -- have been cancelled at the Kolkata airport, according to the officials. Akasa Air said it would operate the Mumbai-Jeddah-Mumbai flight on Friday. The airline, on Saturday, would operate flights from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi to Jeddah, it said in a post on X. SpiceJet said it will operate 14 special flights from the UAE to bring back stranded passengers. According to a release, Air India Express will operate 43 flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), Muscat (Oman) and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) on Saturday. These include scheduled as well as non-scheduled flights. From the UAE cities, the airline will have services to Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, and Bangalore. Air India will also be operating non-scheduled flights to the Middle East on Saturday. Air India group is exploring every opportunity to operate other additional ad-hoc flights to and from destinations in West Asia, the release said. Air India group's scheduled operations to and from other points in West Asia have been suspended until March 10 due to the continuing airspace closures over multiple other countries in the West Asia. Passenger Information and Assistance Meanwhile, the ministry has advised passengers to keep a close watch on the latest flight updates and remain attentive to communication shared by their respective airlines through registered contact details. The Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR), at the ministry, is coordinating with airlines and other stakeholders to address issues. 'So far, 1,881 passenger grievances have been addressed through AirSewa, social media platforms and helpline calls,' the ministry said in the statement. A controversial social media post ignited protests in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, as demonstrators expressed outrage over perceived insults to religious sentiments, prompting police intervention and multiple arrests. Key Points A social media post deemed 'objectionable' triggered a protest in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, due to allegedly hurting religious sentiments. Police detained the individual responsible for the social media post under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Protesters demanded the death penalty for the accused, leading to police intervention to control the situation. Cases have been registered against protesters for rioting, stone pelting, and obstructing government work. An "objectionable" post on social media allegedly hurting religious sentiments triggered an angry protest outside a police station in Madhya Pradesh's Khandwa district, police said on Friday. Based on a complaint by a local, the police had registered a case against a man at the Moghat Road police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mahendra Taranekar said. The accused, who was immediately detained, had shared an "objectionable" post on social media, allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of the Muslim community, he said. Protest and Police Response According to officials, a group of protesters gathered outside the police station premises on Thursday night, demanding the death penalty for the accused, and the police had to use force to control the situation. City Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abhinav Barange stated that following the agitation, a case was registered against protesters on charges of stone pelting, rioting, obstructing government work and blocking public roads. As many as 22 persons have been named in the cse, while other protesters are being identified, he said. A Mumbai engineering student has been arrested by the Maharashtra ATS for allegedly sharing terrorist propaganda online related to banned organisations like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Islamic State, raising concerns about online radicalisation. Photograph: Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters Key Points Maharashtra ATS arrests Mumbai engineering student Ayan Sheikh for allegedly sharing terrorist propaganda online. The student is accused of disseminating propaganda related to banned terror outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Islamic State. Investigators found audio and video clips linked to Masood Azhar and evidence of recruitment attempts on encrypted messaging platforms. Two other engineering students are under investigation for accessing extremist material shared by the arrested student. The ATS is analysing digital footprints to map the network, identify radicalised individuals, and trace links to local sleeper cells. The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested an engineering student from Mumbai for allegedly sharing online propaganda material linked to banned terrorist organisations, an official said. According to the official, two other individuals are also under investigation in connection with the case. The ATS recently launched search operations at multiple locations in the city as part of an investigation into suspected online radicalisation linked to banned terror outfits, he said on Thursday. Following the operation, a case was registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and engineering student Ayan Sheikh was taken into custody, he said. The ATS seized electronic devices, including a laptop and mobile phones, which have been sent for forensic examination, he added. Sheikh had earlier come under the radar of investigation agencies for allegedly being associated with extremist propaganda circulating on social media and encrypted messaging platforms. Details of the Investigation "The ATS had received specific intelligence inputs regarding the dissemination of propaganda related to banned terror outfits such as Jaish-e-Mohammed and Islamic State. Based on the information, coordinated search operations were conducted late Monday night at premises in Kurla, Govandi and Shivaji Nagar in Mumbai," the official said. During the examination of Sheikh's devices, investigators allegedly found several audio and video clips linked to Masood Azhar, chief of terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), he said. "Sheikh was active on encrypted messaging platforms and Telegram channels where extremist content was circulated. Multiple chats were also recovered, suggesting attempts to promote terrorist recruitment. He allegedly shared extremist material, attempted to recruit individuals and may have been involved in facilitating funding for extremist activities," the official said. The ATS also found that Sheikh had allegedly tried to influence two other youths, both engineering students and his close friends, by exposing them to radical content and adding them to Telegram groups carrying propaganda of JeM and ISIS, the official informed. During coordinated raids in Govandi and Kurla, officials found the two youths had accessed extremist material shared by Sheikh. However, investigators said they were not actively involved in any terror-related activities, adding that their statements have been recorded as part of the ongoing probe. Sheikh was questioned for several hours, during which he reportedly revealed suspicious communications with foreign handlers and individuals linked to banned terror organisations, including JeM and ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), the official said. According to sources, several foreign nationals and suspected facilitators were part of these encrypted messaging groups, believed to be associated with sleeper networks and recruitment cells. Officials further noted that several youths and individuals from different states across India were active members of these encrypted groups. Records show they frequently exchanged extremist content, guidance on radicalisation and instructions related to recruiting new members, they added. Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps Investigators are currently analysing digital footprints to map the network involved, identify individuals undergoing radicalisation and trace operational links with possible local sleeper cells, he said. "Digital evidence and communication records have also been shared with agencies in other states to coordinate a wider investigation and prevent potential recruitment at the local level. The ATS is also probing Sheikh's financial transactions and digital trail to identify funding channels and logistical support allegedly used for extremist activities," he said. The accused will be produced before a special court in Mumbai on Friday, he said, adding further arrests in the case cannot be ruled out as the investigation progresses. Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party is surging ahead in the general elections after Gen Z protests ousted the previous government, signaling a potential new era in Nepali politics. IMAGE: Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and the prime ministerial candidate for Rastriya Swatantra Party, looks on as he votes during the general election in Kathmandu on March 5, 2026. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters Key Points The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is leading in Nepal's general elections, marking a potential shift in the country's political landscape. Nepal's Gen Z protests played a crucial role in toppling the previous government, paving the way for new political forces. India is closely observing the Nepal elections, seeking a stable government to enhance bilateral developmental partnerships. Balendra Shah, a former Mayor of Kathmandu, is leading in a key constituency against a former prime minister, highlighting the RSP's growing influence. The Nepal elections saw a voter turnout of approximately 60%, reflecting significant public engagement in the democratic process. Rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah's newly formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was on Friday heading towards a sweeping victory in Nepal's first general elections since the violent Gen Z protests, shattering the dominance of established political parties in the politically fragile nation. According to the Election Commission's data available from 161 of the total 165 constituencies, the RSP has won six seats and is ahead in 110 others, local media reported. Balendra Shah, who was the Mayor of Kathmandu till recently, has secured more than 15,000 votes in Jhapa-5 constituency against four-time prime minister and Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist chair K P Sharma Oli in the latter's stronghold. Oli has received just 3,300 votes so far. Popularly known as 'Balen', the 35-year-old engineer is expected to be the next prime minister of Nepal, reflecting a public mood of rejection of established parties. Nepal has had 14 governments in the last 18 years. The election was closely watched by India, which hopes for a stable government in the politically fragile Himalayan nation to take forward the developmental partnership between the two sides. "We look forward to working with the new Government of Nepal to further build on the robust multifaceted ties between our two countries and peoples for mutual benefit," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in Delhi on Thursday. He said India has 'consistently supported peace, progress and stability in Nepal and in keeping with our commitment, provided logistical supplies as per request from Government of Nepal for these elections'. The Nepali Congress has won three seats, while the CPN-UML is leading in 11 constituencies. The Nepali Communist Party has won two seats. The Shram Sanskriti Party is leading in six constituencies. The Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Progressive Democratic Party were each leading in one constituency. Total 11 seats have been declared. Out of a total of 275 members of the Parliament, 165 will be elected through direct voting, while the remaining 110 will be elected through a proportionate method. Belen refused to lead interim government Balen was a popular choice to lead the interim government after Gen Z youths toppled the Oli-led coalition government in September last year, following two days of nationwide violent protests against corruption and a ban on social media. But Balen declined to lead the interim administration, saying he would rather head the government by contesting the parliamentary election for a full term. In January, he joined the RSP, which was formed in 2022 by Ravi Lamichhane, and was soon declared the party's prime ministerial candidate. The RSP received significant support during the campaign. Nepali Congress president Gagan Thapa was the prime ministerial candidate of his party, whereas the CPN-UML projected Oli as its PM face. Both Nepali Congress and CPN-UML were part of the government toppled by the Gen Z last year. According to the Election Commission, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda won from Rukum Purba district. He secured 10,240 votes against his rival Lilamani Gautam of CPN-UML, who got 3,462 votes. Ranju Darshana of the RSP won from Kathmandu-1 with 15,455 votes, while Yogesh Gauchan Thakali of the NC won from Mustang with 3,307 votes. Biraj Bhakta Shrestha of RSP was elected from Kathmandu constituency-8, while his party colleague Shishir Khanal won from Kathmandu constituency-6. Pradeep Bishta of RSP wins from Kathmandu 10 defeating Himal Karki of NC. Similarly, Mahendra Bahadur Shahi of Nepali Communist Party wins from Kalikot defeating Nagendra Shahi of CPN-UML. Elections after Gen Z protests Nepal witnessed about 60 per cent voter turnout during the elections to the House of Representatives on Thursday. The counting of votes started late Thursday night and is expected to be completed by Friday night, according to the Election Commission. Nepal's 18.9 million voters were eligible to elect 275 members of the House of Representatives. Around 3,400 candidates are vying for 165 seats under direct voting, and 3,135 candidates for 110 seats through proportionate voting. The Gen Z youth, through their two-day intensified protests on September 8 and 9, ousted Prime Minister Oli, who was heading a coalition government with the backing of Nepali Congress that enjoyed nearly two-thirds majority support. After Oli's ouster, President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives on September 12 and appointed Sushila Karki as the caretaker PM. The major issues raised by Gen Z are anti-corruption, good governance, an end to nepotism, generational change in political leadership, etc. India affirms its sovereign right to purchase Russian oil based on its energy needs, dismissing the notion that it requires permission from any other nation, even amidst US sanctions. Illustration: Dado Ruvic/Reuters Key Points India asserts its independence in purchasing Russian oil, prioritising energy security and affordability for its citizens. US sanctions waivers on Russian oil are seen as removing friction but not defining India's energy policy. India maintains a robust buffer of crude oil and refined products, ensuring a secure fuel supply. India sources oil from 40 countries, demonstrating diversified energy partnerships and strategic oil diplomacy. The government emphasises its commitment to stable petrol and diesel prices, despite global market fluctuations. India has never been dependent on permission from any nation to buy Russian oil and though the United States sanctions' waiver allowing refiners to purchase it removes friction, it does not define the country's policy, a senior government functionary said, dismissing opposition charges. Russian oil continued to flow into India even after the US objected to it and imposed sanctions, the functionary said, and cited a 2013 adjustment done by the then Congress government in oil imports under US sanctions. Amid the escalating conflict with Iran, the US on Thursday said it was issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. The message from the Centre to every Indian household is clear that the country's fuel supply is fully secure. The government is continuously monitoring the situation and will act, as it always has, in the interest of every citizen, the government functionary said. "No petrol pump has run dry in 12 years. What certain voices are calling a crisis is, in fact, the proof of preparation. India's energy governance has given us the insulation we need," the functionary said. The US waiver of sanctions removes friction. It does not define India's policy, which is governed by the energy trilemma -- affordability, availability and sustainability -- for every Indian household, the functionary said. India currently holds over 250 million barrels of crude oil and refined products -- 7 to 8 weeks of buffer -- distributed across strategic reserves, storage tanks, pipelines, terminal facilities and vessels already in transit to the country's ports. The country sources oil from 40 countries and the refineries are running. Petrol and diesel prices have not increased in four consecutive years, and that commitment stands. Dismissing the opposition's criticism of the US waiver, the functionary said their allegations are bereft of any substance and that it is 'not surprising that they are nitpicking on selective words'. "Clearly shows the opposition is unaware of how countries frame statements and use bombast keeping their domestic audiences and politics in mind. "India will buy oil from wherever it is available. Our oil purchases will not be governed by any hollow slogans. India has never depended on permission from any country to buy Russian oil," another senior government official said. Russian oil continued to flow into India even when the US imposed sanctions and raised objections after the Russia-Ukraine war began. In fact, India increased its purchases of Russian oil during this period despite pressure from the US and the EU, the functionary said. "However hard the opposition may mock Bharat, we never buckle under any pressure. Our government has always been very categorical that we will buy oil from wherever it is available. The energy needs of the citizens are the priority, not what words you pick to infuse life into your failed political narrative," the functionary said. India's Strategic Oil Diplomacy This US waiver, in fact, yet again mirrors the success of India's strategic oil diplomacy that has seen the country's basket of suppliers grow from 27 to 40 over the last decade. This has ensured that there has been no shortage of energy for Indian consumers, even during global turmoil or pandemic. The Congress government also adjusted oil imports under US sanctions. In 2013, the US State Department publicly stated that India had reduced crude purchases from Iran to qualify for sanctions exemptions under Section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The official cited a statement of the then US Secretary of State John Kerry, who had said: "I am pleased to announce that China, India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Taiwan have again qualified for an exception to sanctions outlined in section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012, based on additional significant reductions in the volume of their crude oil purchases from Iran or for reducing those purchases to zero and remaining there." BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China attaches high importance to passengers being stranded in the Middle East and has gone all out to provide relevant assistance, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday in response to a related query. Spokesperson Mao Ning told a daily press briefing that the ministry has activated emergency response mechanism at the earliest opportunity, and held urgent consultations with the Civil Aviation Administration and other competent authorities for the early resumption of flights while ensuring safety, adding that positive progress has been made with the joint efforts of various parties. Mao noted that on the night of March 4, nearly 300 Chinese nationals arrived safely in Guangzhou from Dubai on a foreign airline flight. Starting March 5, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines have successively resumed round-trip flights to the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and other countries. "We once again caution that the current situation in the Middle East remains complex and severe with high uncertainties," said Mao. She also urged Chinese nationals to avoid traveling to countries and regions affected by the military conflict, and advised those already there to closely follow relevant information and leave promptly while flights are available. He also spoke of helping reconstruct Iran into a stronger nation after its capitulation, coining the phrase 'Make Iran Great Again (MIGA!)', echoing his familiar political slogan. IMAGE: US President Donald Trump. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters Key Points Donald Trump said there will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender. Trump said any agreement would come only after Iran's leadership capitulates and a new acceptable leader is chosen. He suggested the US and allies would help rebuild Iran afterward, calling it 'Make Iran Great Again (MIGA!)'. Iran denied reports that Mojtaba Khamenei would succeed the late Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader. United States President Donald Trump on Friday declared that there would be 'no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender' amid the escalating West Asia conflict, asserting that Tehran must capitulate before any diplomatic negotiations can proceed. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasised that the US and its allies, particularly Israel, would consider an agreement with Iran only after the country's leadership completely yields and is replaced by 'great and acceptable leader(s)'. He also spoke of helping reconstruct Iran into a stronger nation after its capitulation, coining the phrase 'Make Iran Great Again (MIGA!)', echoing his familiar political slogan. The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint USIsrael military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets across the region. Israel has also continued strikes on Tehran and widened the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. Trump seeks role in selecting Iran's next Supreme Leader Earlier on Thursday, Trump said he wanted to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next Supreme Leader following Khamenei's death in last weeks USIsrael strike, according to Axios. In an interview with Axios, Trump said he wanted a role in the appointment of Iran's next leader, drawing a comparison with his involvement in political developments in Venezuela in January following the capture of former president Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a US military operation. He also criticised the possible succession of Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is widely viewed as a leading contender for the position. "They are wasting their time. Khamenei's son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela," Trump said, as quoted by Axios. Trump described Mojtaba Khamenei as 'unacceptable' and said he would prefer a leader who could bring 'harmony and peace' to Iran, warning that a continuation of his fathers policies could lead to renewed conflict with the United States in the future. According to reports, Iranian authorities have delayed announcing a successor after Khamenei's death, though political signals from Tehran suggest a decision on the next Supreme Leader could come soon. Reports further said Mojtaba Khamenei, a 56-year-old cleric with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is widely seen as the frontrunner for the position. However, the Iranian government, through its Consulate General in Mumbai, refuted reports of Mojtaba Khamenei being named as his late fathers successor. In a post on X on Wednesday, the consulate said: 'Reports circulating in the media regarding potential candidates for leadership selected by Iran's Assembly of Experts have no official source and are officially denied.' Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister announces an 'existential war' against the US and Israel, citing aggression and violations of international law. IMAGE: Smoke rises following an explosion, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 5, 2026. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters Key Points Iran's deputy foreign minister declares the conflict with the US and Israel an 'existential war' following attacks on Iranian assets. Iran accuses the US of assassinating Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and violating international law. Tehran called the sinking of IRIS Dena by the US a violation of international law and an attack on an unarmed vessel. Iran claims Israel is dragging the US into the conflict to pursue a 'Greater Israel' agenda. Iran emphasises its commitment to resisting aggression and avoiding a spillover of the conflict in the Middle East. Iran's confrontation with the United States and Israel has now become an 'existential war' for Tehran, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said, cautioning against 'cherry picking' international law. The US and Israel attacked Iran 'based on flat lies', and Tehran has no option but to resist this aggression 'to the last bullet', he said as the war in West Asia escalated further triggering fears of a larger regional conflict. Khatibzadeh, referring to the sinking of an Iranian warship off Sri Lanka's coast, by the US, warned that the attack on an 'unarmed ship cannot go with impunity'. The Iranian deputy foreign minister offered these remarks during an interactive session at the Raisina Dialogue and in subsequent conversations with reporters. Khatibzadeh met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and a few Indian officials. "Everybody knows, from Saudi Arabia to Oman, that this is Israel's war. Israel dragged the Americans into this war because they have this delusion of a 'Greater Israel' They (Gulf nations) know that this war is meant to stop Israelis from pursuing that delusion," he said. Khatibzadeh said Iran is trying to 'avoid a spill over' of conflict and alleged false-flag operations by Israel to target various installations in the Middle East. "Should the head of a state be targeted when there are problems between countries? This is unprecedented. If this becomes the new norm, then it is extremely dangerous," he argued. The US launched military strikes on Iran on February 28, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the military offensive, Iran carried out a wave of attacks mainly targeting Israel and American military bases in several Gulf countries. The conflict has widened in the last few days. "This is an existential war for Iran. They would like to put an end to the existence of Iran," Khatibzadeh said. At the same time, he said: "We are going to resist, and this is for the record of history. Iranians are sacrificing because rogue, reckless behaviour is happening against Iran. This is what we are doing. I think the moment they stop the aggression, we are going to have a new dynamism in the region." Khatibzadeh, strongly condemning killing of Khamenei, said "cherry-picking" of international law cannot be acceptable. "Unfortunately, principles of international law have been attacked, and we have to stand together against these atrocities. Americans have assassinated the head of another state. If it is the new norm, then nobody, no country on earth can actually have diplomatic normalisation with other countries," he said. To a question on US President Donald Trump seeking to change the leadership in Iran, he retorted: "Someone who cannot even pick the mayor of New York wants to have a say on Iran's leadership." "He (Trump) wants democracy at home but wants to topple elected governments abroad." Khatibzadeh said that Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz, asserting instead that shipping has halted because insurers are refusing to cover vessels in the volatile region. Sinking of Iranian Warship On the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, he said the attack on the 'unarmed ship cannot go with impunity'. The Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, was returning home after participating in the Milan multilateral naval exercise hosted by India. At least 87 Iranian sailors were killed in the attack, which marked a major escalation in the conflict between the US and Iran outside of the Persian Gulf. Khatibzadeh emphasised that the IRIS Dena was in a non-combat configuration, returning from the Milan naval exercises and the US action against it was a serious violation of international law. "This is a very sad, very unfortunate incident. That vessel was by invitation of our Indian friends, attending an international exercise. It was ceremonial. It was unloaded. It was unarmed," he said. "It is very unfortunate. Many of the young Iranian sailors who were attending these exercises lost their lives. It cannot go with impunity for those who actually did that," he told reporters on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. IRIS Dena was part of Indian Navy's premier multilateral maritime exercise Milan. The warship had also featured in the International Fleet Review in Vishakapatnam last month. "The only precedent of attacking an unarmed, unloaded, ceremonial vessel far from combat zones was during Nazi Germany. Many young Iranian sailors lost their lives in this tragic incident. This cannot go unanswered," Khatibzadeh said. India-Iran Relations He also responded to a question on India's position on the West Asia crisis. "Iran and India have all civilizational roots with each other. We are Indo-Persian culture and civilization and it is very much in line with this cultural civilizational heritage, and we attach great importance to Iran-India relations," he said. The Iranian deputy foreign minister described Iran's fight against the US and Israel as 'resistance for the history, for the region, for the world, for the principles of international law'. A fatal stabbing in Giridih, Jharkhand, occurred after a neighbourly dispute over loud music escalated, leaving one dead and three injured, prompting a police investigation. Key Points A man was fatally stabbed in Giridih, Jharkhand, after a disagreement over loud music. Three other individuals sustained injuries during the altercation and were hospitalised. Police have initiated an investigation and are currently searching for seven suspects who have fled. The incident stemmed from a neighbour's complaint about the volume of music being played late at night after Holi. One person was stabbed to death, while three others were injured with sharp weapons over the playing of loud music in Jharkhand's Giridih district, police said on Friday. The incident occurred at Das Mohalla under town police station limits on Thursday night. Town police station in-charge Ratan Kumar Singh said, "A case has been registered against seven people in this matter. All of them have been absconding since last night." Singh said the incident took place between two neighbours. One neighbour had objected to the high-volume music at night. "The neighbour urged them to stop the music as the festival of Holi got over and let them sleep. Over this, a scuffle between two neighbours erupted, in which one was killed, and three others were injured. The injured were admitted to hospital," he said. The deceased was identified as Ajay Das. Meanwhile, Jharkhand minister Sudivya Kumar met the injured at Sadar hospital in Giridih. The minister said he has directed the sub-divisional officer to probe into the matter. A devastating suicide bombing in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has left one dead and 19 injured, raising concerns about escalating militant activity and regional security. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters Key Points A suicide bombing in North Waziristan, Pakistan, resulted in one death and 19 injuries. The attack targeted a checkpost in a civilian area and is attributed to militants linked to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Pakistani security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation following the blast. The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has condemned the attack and ordered the best possible medical treatment for the injured. The bombing is allegedly in retaliation for recent security operations against militant elements along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. At least one person was killed and 19 injured, including two security personnel, in a suicide blast at a checkpost in a civil area in Pakistan's northwestern Province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Friday, police said. The suicide blast occurred on Bannua\Miranshah main road in North Waziristan district when the bomber rammed the explosive laden vehicle into the Chashma Checkpost. Hospital authorities said 19 injured people have been brought to the hospital where condition of four is stated to be critical. Police said militants belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij targeted the civilian population by detonating the explosive-filled vehicle close to a populated locality. Fitna-al-Khawarij is a term that the state uses for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Security forces reached the scene immediately after the blast, cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down those involved. Government Response to the Attack Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has taken notice of the suicide blast at the Chashma Check Post in Miranshah, North Waziristan, and strongly condemned the incident. The chief minister sought a detailed report on the incident from the Inspector General of Police. In a statement, Sohail Afridi expressed concern over the injuries sustained by civilians in the explosion at Miranshah's Chashma Check Post, terming the incident deeply unfortunate. He directed the authorities concerned to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to the injured. The chief minister said that medical staff at the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Miranshah and Rescue 1122 had been placed on high alert. Afridi further stated that cowardly acts of terrorism cannot undermine the resolve of the government and the people. He reaffirmed that all necessary measures would continue to be taken to ensure the protection of the lives and property of the public. Militant Activity and Security Measures The recent operations by Pakistani security forces against Afghan militant elements along the Pakistana\Afghanistan border have forced them into retreat. In an attempt to avenge their losses, the militants are now allegedly resorting to attacks on innocent civilians through Khawarij-linked terrorists. Authorities vowed that the nefarious designs of such elements would not be allowed to succeed and that operations would continue until the complete elimination of the militants. Pakistan's military operation, 'Operation Ghazab lil Haq,' against the Afghan Taliban is reportedly causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage, raising concerns about escalating border tensions and prompting calls for peace. Key Points Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil Haq' in response to attacks by Afghan Taliban forces along the border. Pakistani officials claim to have killed 527 Afghan Taliban operatives and injured 755 in the operation. The operation reportedly destroyed numerous Afghan Taliban check-posts, tanks, armoured vehicles, and artillery guns. The UN Human Rights Chief has urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to end the fighting, citing the impact on civilians. Pakistan states that 'Operation Ghadb-ul-Haq' is ongoing and will continue until its objectives are achieved. Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil Haq' last week after the Afghan Taliban forces attacked 53 locations along the more than 2,600 kms long border. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar shared the updates on the Operation Ghazab lil Haq (righteous fury). Tarar in a post on X also said that 755 Afghan Taliban had also been injured in the operation, while their 237 check-posts had been destroyed, and 38 posts had been captured and subsequently destroyed. He further said that 205 tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery guns of the Afghan side were also destroyed while 62 locations across Afghanistan were "effectively targeted by air". The state-run PTV reported citing security sources that armed forces had destroyed terrorist hideouts adjacent to the border in the Zhob and Qila Saifullah sectors, while the Afghan Taliban were forced to abandon their posts and flee. The armed forces also conducted operation Parkram sector, destroying several posts, security sources said, adding that the forces targeted Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij posts with heavy artillery fire. The forces also effectively retaliated to "unprovoked firing" by the Afghan Taliban on the border between the Kurram sector and Afghanistan's Paktika province. The sources said there were reports of multiple Afghan Taliban posts being destroyed and casualties among them. "Operation Ghadb-ul-Haq is still ongoing and will continue until its objectives are achieved," according to the security sources. International Response to the Conflict Meanwhile, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk urged Pakistan and Afghanistan to end the fighting, saying that civilians on both sides of the border were having to flee from airstrikes, heavy artillery fire, mortar shelling and gunfire. "I plead with all parties to bring an end to the conflict, and to prioritise helping those experiencing extreme hardship," he said in a statement issued in Geneva. Cross-border tensions escalate as alleged Afghan mortar shelling kills one and injures seven in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising concerns about civilian safety and strained relations between the two nations. IMAGE: Photograph: Screen grab/X Key Points Alleged mortar shelling from Afghan forces resulted in one death and seven injuries in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. The shelling impacted civilian areas in South Waziristan and Mohmand district, causing damage to homes. A local social figure urged both Pakistani and Afghan governments to protect civilians amidst ongoing border tensions. Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil Haq' following attacks on multiple locations along the Afghanistan border. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated significantly in recent months. A person was killed and seven others injured after Afghan forces allegedly carried out mortar shelling on civilian areas near the Afghanistan border in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 24 hours, security officials said on Friday. According to officials, Meena Khan Wazir, a local tribesman, was killed when mortar shells allegedly fired from the Afghan side struck his house in the border town of Angoor Adda in South Waziristan district. In a separate incident, seven people, including two women and two children, were injured when a mortar shell hit two houses shortly before Iftar on Thursday in Mohmand district. Several houses were also damaged in the attack. Calls for Civilian Protection Meanwhile, Mohibullah Khan, a social figure from Mohmand district, urged both the Pakistani and Afghan governments to avoid targeting civilian populations despite the ongoing tensions. He emphasised that civilians should not bear the consequences of the strained relations and the ongoing conflict along the border. Pakistan's Response and Border Operations Officials on Thursday said security forces carried out coordinated ground and aerial strikes against militant positions along the border with Afghanistan in southwest Pakistan, targeting dozens of posts used by the Afghan Taliban and Fitna al-Khawarij militants. Fitna-al-Khawarij is a term that the state uses for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). According to security officials, the Pakistan Army conducted effective ground and air operations during the night between Wednesday and Thursday, striking 41 militant posts linked to Afghan Taliban elements and Fitna al-Khawarij. Pakistan launched 'Operation Ghazab lil Haq' last week after the Afghan Taliban forces attacked 53 locations along the 2,611 kms long border. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have nose-dived since October last. Punjab Police have successfully dismantled a cross-border arms smuggling ring in Amritsar, revealing links to Pakistan-based smugglers and seizing a cache of illegal weapons. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Punjab Police busted a cross-border arms smuggling module in Amritsar, arresting six individuals. The accused were allegedly in contact with Pakistan-based arms smugglers via social media. Weapons were reportedly delivered via drones and distributed across Punjab. Police recovered five pistols, including one made in Pakistan, and a sharp-edged weapon. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the smuggling network. Police have busted an alleged cross-border arms smuggling module in Amritsar district and apprehended six persons including a juvenile, recovering five pistols and a sharp-edged weapon from their possession, Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Friday. He said preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based arms smugglers through social media and were receiving cross-border weapon consignments via drones before distributing these illegal firearms across the state on the directions of the handlers. The accused have been identified as Rohit Kumar (18), a resident of Maqboolpura in Amritsar; Karanbir Singh alias Ajay (24), resident of Kale village in Tarn Taran; Jashandeep Singh alias Giani (18), Onkar Singh alias Vansh (21) and Akashdeep Singh (24), all residents of Marri Megha village in Tarn Taran, and a 16-year-old juvenile. Police recovered five pistols -- one .30 bore pistol, one 9 mm Glock, one .30 bore PX5, one 9 mm Taurus and one 9 mm Gretta (made in Pakistan) -- along with 34 live cartridges. Investigation Details Sharing operational details, Amritsar Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said police teams initially apprehended Rohit Kumar and the juvenile during patrolling and recovered one .30 bore pistol and a sharp-edged weapon. During interrogation, the accused revealed that the weapon had been supplied by Karanbir Singh alias Ajay, and he was subsequently arrested, Bhullar said. Further interrogation led to the arrest of three more accused -- Onkar Singh, Akashdeep Singh and Jashandeep Singh -- and led to the recovery of four more pistols, he added. A case has been registered under sections 25(6), 25(7) and 25(8) of the Arms Act at Maqboolpura police station in Amritsar and further investigation is underway, police said. A railway technician was found dead in Kanpur, with a suicide note recovered, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and family concerns. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points A 28-year-old railway technician, Neha Kumari, was found dead in her rented room in Kanpur. Police discovered a suicide note in her diary, indicating a possible suicide. The family of the deceased has raised suspicions and is requesting a thorough investigation into the circumstances of her death. Neha Kumari had recently returned from celebrating Holi with her family and had gotten engaged recently. Police are conducting a post-mortem examination and further investigation to determine the cause of death. A 28-year-old railway technician was found hanging in her rented accommodation in the Govind Nagar area here, with police recovering a purported suicide note from her diary, officials said on Friday. The reason behind the alleged suicide is yet to be ascertained, they said. The deceased, Neha Kumari, a native of Muzaffarpur in Bihar, was employed at the Railways' Fazalganj workshop. She was living in a rented room with her colleague and roommate Sonal, who is also a railway technician. According to police, the incident came to light on Thursday evening when Sonal returned home and found the room locked from the inside. Despite repeated knocks and phone calls, there was no response. Suspecting something amiss, she informed the police and Neha's family members. A police team reached the spot and broke open the door, following which Neha was found hanging from the ceiling fan using a dupatta, officials said. Investigation and Suicide Note During the investigation, police and a forensic team recovered a diary from the room containing a suicide note. In it, Neha reportedly wrote, "Mummy, Papa, please forgive me. I am going to end my life." Station House Officer Govind Nagar Rikesh Kumar Singh said a few lines were found written in the diary, but the exact reason behind the suicide is still unclear. Police said Neha had returned to Kanpur earlier on Thursday after visiting her hometown to celebrate Holi with her family. Family Suspicions Her brother Chandan, who works with the Agra Metro, termed the circumstances surrounding her death "suspicious" and demanded a thorough investigation. Family members said Neha had taken leave on February 23 to travel home and had recently got engaged on February 26. They expressed shock over the incident, saying she had never appeared to be under stress. "She was cheerful and dedicated to her work. We never noticed anything that suggested she was troubled," the family said. Police said the body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation into the matter is underway. Amid rising geopolitical tensions, Russia has announced it will keep its crude oil export data to India secret, citing concerns about potential adversaries. Image used only for representational purposes. Photograph: Yoruk Isik/File Photo/Reuters Key Points Russia will not disclose crude oil export data to India, citing concerns about 'ill-wishers'. The decision comes amid reports of increased Russian oil supplies to India and China. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated Russia is ready to increase crude supplies to India and China. The US has reportedly issued a temporary waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. Geopolitical tensions, including strikes on Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, are influencing Russia's oil export strategy. Russia will not disclose the data on crude oil export to India and keep it secret from "too many ill-wishers", the Kremlin said on Friday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov's comments came hours after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington has issued a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, amid the West Asia conflict. Russia will not disclose the data on crude oil export to India and keep it secret from 'too many ill-wishers', the Kremlin said on Friday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov's comments came hours after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington has issued a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, amid the West Asia conflict. "No, of course, we're not going to provide any quantitative data for obvious reasons. That's the first thing. There are too many ill-wishers," Peskov said. He was asked to comment on the Indian media reports about Moscow's ability to deliver 22 million barrels of crude in a week. Russia expresses readiness to increase oil supply to India Earlier on Thursday, the Russian state TV presented a map showing multiple tankers on the move from the Arab Sea to the Bay of Bengal towards Indian refineries on the East Coast. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said his country was ready to ramp up crude supplies to India and China, which are hit by US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the virtual closure of oil transit via the Strait of Hormuz due to Tehran's retaliatory strikes. A village sarpanch was fatally shot in Punjab's Moga district, prompting a police investigation into personal rivalries and raising concerns about the safety of local leaders in the region. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Harpinder Singh, a village sarpanch in Punjab's Moga district, was shot dead by assailants in a suspected act of personal rivalry. Police have identified the suspects and are currently investigating the Moga sarpanch murder, ruling out gang involvement at this stage. This is the third killing of a sarpanch in Punjab in the last two months, raising concerns about the safety of elected officials. Opposition parties are criticising the ruling AAP government over the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab following the sarpanch murder. A village sarpanch was shot dead by four to five assailants in broad daylight in Punjab's Moga district on Friday, police said. Harpinder Singh alias Happy, sarpanch of Patto Hira Singh village, was attacked on the Baghapurana-Kotkapura road over suspected personal rivalry, police said. Singh had gone to his gym and when he stepped out of his car, the assailants, who came in an SUV, fired 10-12 rounds at him. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died, they said. Police Investigation into Moga Sarpanch Murder Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Gandhi, who visited the spot, said personal rivalry appeared to be the reason behind the killing and ruled out the involvement of any gangster. Those behind the firing have been identified. Further investigation is underway, he said. "We have gathered some clues. All our teams are on the job and the accused will be nabbed soon," the SSP said. Rising Concerns Over Law and Order in Punjab This is the third such killing in the last two months in Punjab. On January 4, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sarpanch Jharmal Singh of Valtoha village in Amritsar district was shot dead at a wedding. On February 18, AAP sarpanch Harbarinder Singh of Thathian Mehta village was gunned down by two unidentified assailants at a wedding in Tarn Taran district. In an unverified social media post, the Lakhbir Singh Landa gang had claimed responsibility for the killing. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia attacked the ruling AAP over the killing, alleging that it has exposed the gap between the government's claims about law and order in the state and the ground reality. He claimed the state machinery has failed to protect elected representatives. * China's economic growth target for 2026 is proactive and pragmatic, reflecting a broad assessment of domestic conditions and shifts in the external environment. * The 15th Five-Year Plan marks a pivotal stretch in China's modernization drive, and its ambitions reach well beyond domestic growth metrics. By directing capital into frontier technologies, deepening trade and investment linkages, and advancing green development, the blueprint is poised to affect the global economy across multiple dimensions, from the tempo of the energy transition to the landscape of advanced manufacturing worldwide. * For a global economy straining under the weight of trade tensions, geopolitical fragmentation and weak growth, China's dual pledges -- to sustain its own steady expansion and to open its vast market further to the world -- offer a rare note of predictability. The opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday set an economic growth target of 4.5 to 5 percent for 2026, aiming for a good start to the new five-year plan that charts the course for high-quality development and offers much-needed certainty to a troubled world economy. The GDP growth target is well aligned with China's long-range objectives through the year 2035 and broadly in line with the long-term growth potential of China's economy, said a government work report submitted to the country's top legislature for deliberation. China's economic growth target for 2026 is proactive and pragmatic, reflecting a broad assessment of domestic conditions and shifts in the external environment, said Shen Danyang, head of the group responsible for drafting this year's government work report. The projected pace would also be among the highest for major economies globally, Shen said. "The signal this target sends to the international community is clear that China is no longer pursuing growth speed alone," said Zhang Ying, associate dean of the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University, in an interview with Xinhua. "This year's target reflects China's firm commitment to high-quality development." The country has made it clear that it will strive for better in practice regarding this year's growth target, and favorable conditions for achieving this target are in place, according to the report. FURTHER ASSURANCE The government work report outlined this year's major tasks, including building a robust domestic market, fostering new growth drivers at a faster pace, and moving faster to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. To achieve these goals, China will continue to implement a more proactive fiscal policy and apply an appropriately accommodative monetary policy. The orientations highlight policy continuity and offer further assurance to a global economy unnerved by trade and geopolitical tensions. China's global economic heft means its policy moves are pivotal to the world economy. Over the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China saw its economy grow at an average annual pace of 5.4 percent, well above the global average, and contributed around 30 percent of global growth. An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 15, 2025 shows vessels loading and unloading containers at a container dock of Tangshan Port in Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua) The country has remained the world's second-largest importer for 16 consecutive years, has cemented its position as the world's largest trader of goods, and has become a major trading partner of more than 160 countries and regions. The weight of the role is only set to grow. According to a World Bank forecast, global growth is projected to ease to 2.6 percent in 2026. If the forecast holds, the 2020s are on track to be the weakest decade for global growth since the 1960s. "What we achieved in 2025 was indeed hard won," according to the government work report. "Rarely in many years have we encountered such a grave and complex landscape, where external shocks and challenges were intertwined with domestic difficulties and tough policy choices." LONG-TERM PREDICTABILITY In a sign of assurance to the troubled global economy in the longer term, China on Thursday unveiled a slew of development priorities for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). The 15th Five-Year Plan sets a clear anchor: doubling China's 2020 per capita GDP by 2035 to reach the level of a moderately developed country. Getting there will require navigating a middle stretch that China has chosen not to over-prescribe, as annual growth targets will be set year by year, a flexibility that reflects both confidence in the trajectory and awareness of the uncertainties ahead. The 15th Five-Year Plan marks a pivotal stretch in China's modernization drive, and its ambitions reach well beyond domestic growth metrics. By directing capital into frontier technologies, deepening trade and investment linkages, and advancing green development, the blueprint is poised to affect the global economy across multiple dimensions, from the tempo of the energy transition to the landscape of advanced manufacturing worldwide. Simon Smith, director and general manager of Taikoo Engine Services (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., an engineering branch of the multinational company Swire Group, said long-term policy clarity changes the calculus for multinationals operating in China. "The five-year plan transforms investment decisions from probabilistic bets to calculated strategic positioning," Smith told Xinhua in an interview. "Without the plan, the company may hesitate on a specific capability expansion or investment, uncertain whether regulatory support, skilled labor availability, or customer demand will materialize." This photo taken on July 1, 2025 shows a model of the quantum science satellite Mozi at the science and technology experience center of China Telecom Quantum Group in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng) That strategic positioning comes with a concrete roadmap. According to China's technology agenda, the country will nurture emerging industries and industries of the future. During the 2026-2030 period, China will foster new drivers of economic growth such as quantum technology, biomanufacturing, hydrogen and nuclear fusion power, brain-computer interfaces, embodied artificial intelligence, and 6G mobile communications. Hu Jinbo, a national political advisor and head of the Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, said the next five years represent a critical window for China's economic transition from high-speed growth to high-quality development, and sci-tech innovation will serve as the core engine of this transformation. BROADER OPPORTUNITIES As China continues to achieve sci-tech innovation breakthroughs, developing countries can draw on China's experience to accelerate their own industrialization, while developed countries will also gain broader opportunities for collaboration in advanced manufacturing and frontier technologies, Hu said. For the rest of the world, what may matter most in the longer run is not the pace of growth, but its composition. China has set an explicit goal of raising household consumption as a share of GDP over the next five years. For a global economy straining under the weight of trade tensions, geopolitical fragmentation and weak growth, China's dual pledges -- to sustain its own steady expansion and to open its vast market further to the world -- offer a rare note of predictability. A more balanced Chinese economy underpinned by stronger domestic demand would generate far-reaching spillover effects globally, according to a recent Bloomberg article citing Robin Xing, chief China economist at Morgan Stanley. "Chinese and foreign companies alike would benefit from the depth and scale of the China market, which would help cushion today's geopolitical challenges," Xing was quoted as saying. According to the government work report, China will deepen reform of the institutional framework for promoting foreign investment this year. It will open wider to the outside world, with efforts to expand market access and open up more areas, particularly in the service sector. Zhang Ying highlighted three aspects of China's opportunities for global investors: a massive unified market with rising purchasing power of residents, highly efficient and cost-effective supply chains, and an increasingly open, pro-investment regulatory environment. "Against a backdrop of global volatility and macroeconomic headwinds, these fundamentals offer significant appeal to international investors and corporations," Zhang said. (Video reporters: Zhou Yang, Zheng Xin, Wu You, Wu Yimeng, Mei Yuanlong, Fang Kuan, Li Hengyi, Long Lingyu, Liu Fangzhou, He Canling and Meng Fanyu; video editors: Hong Ling, Wei Yin and Zhang Nan) Mumbai police have arrested a suspect in a sophisticated cyber fraud case where a senior citizen was swindled out of Rs 2.25 crore through threats and fabricated terrorism allegations. IMAGE: Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points A man has been arrested in connection with a cyber fraud case where a senior citizen was scammed out of Rs 2.25 crore. The victim was falsely accused of terrorism links and threatened with arrest by fraudsters impersonating law enforcement. The accused allegedly opened bank accounts to help cyber criminals launder stolen funds. The victim transferred funds to accounts provided by the fraudsters, fearing arrest after receiving fake warrants and notices. Mumbai police apprehended the suspect following a complaint and technical analysis. Mumbai police have apprehended a man from Gujarat for his alleged involvement in a cyber fraud case where a senior citizen was duped of Rs 2.25 crore after being threatened with arrest in a fake terrorism-related probe, an official said on Friday. The accused, Kishan Bhaveshbhai Makwana, allegedly opened bank accounts for cyber fraudsters to help them park funds stolen from their victims, an official said. He said that the accused was nabbed based on technical analysis during the investigation into a complaint lodged by a 77-year-old man from Goregaon. He said the complainant had alleged that cyber fraudsters contacted him in November last year, falsely accusing him of opening a bank account in Jammu and Kashmir for terrorists and receiving Rs 70 lakh as commission through it. According to the complaint, the caller, identifying himself as Akash Sharma, a senior officer from the Mumbai Police Headquarters, told the complainant to appear for questioning. After the latter informed of his inability to do so, the call was transferred to a person claiming to be from the Lucknow Anti-Terrorism Squad. The complainant was informed his Aadhaar Card had been used to open a bank account in Jammu and Kashmir, and money meant for suspected terrorists had been deposited in the account, for which he had received Rs 70 lakh in commission, the official said. Later, the complainant received a WhatsApp message containing a notice, bearing the signature of then NIA chief Sadanand Date, warning that failure to cooperate in the investigation could result in 10 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5 lakh, he said. Copies of a fake arrest warrant and seizure order were also attached, the official said. He said the victim was allegedly asked to share details of his bank accounts and was told that he would need to transfer funds from his accounts to clear his name in the case. Fearing arrest, the septuagenarian transferred over Rs 2.25 crore in multiple transactions between November 18 and December 3, 2025, to the bank account provided by the fraudsters. After receiving the money, the accused told the victim that his bail had been approved and no arrest would be made, and assuring him that the amount would be returned soon, the official said. The victim then approached the North Regional Cyber Division with a complaint. Makwana was apprehended earlier this week after his involvement in the crime was confirmed during questioning, the official said, adding that a further probe is underway. A Class 10 student in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, was tragically stabbed to death by a classmate outside an exam centre, highlighting the growing concern of school violence and the need for conflict resolution. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points A Class 10 student was fatally stabbed by a classmate outside an exam centre in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh. The stabbing occurred after the victim completed his final exam paper at a co-education school. The victim had a dispute with the alleged attacker three days prior to the incident, who had threatened him. Police are investigating all possible angles related to the fatal stabbing of the teenager. A Class 10 student was stabbed to death allegedly by his classmate outside an examination centre in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh on Friday, a police official said. Rishi Ahirwar (14) had come out after completing the final paper of the exams at the private co-education school at 12 noon when the incident took place, Kotwali Station House Officer Manish Kumar said. "Students from Hirdepur and Imlai villages had their examination centre at the school, including Rishi. When he came out after answering the paper, a classmate attacked Rishi with a knife. He was rushed to the district hospital by his friends where he died in the ICU," the official said. "His friends have told police he had a dispute with a classmate three days ago. This classmate had threatened to stab him," the official said. Probe into all angles is underway, he said. Kotwali area City Superintendent of Police H R Pandey said boy had lost a significant amount of blood due to the injury. Switzerland is making science diplomacy a foreign policy priority, collaborating with India to anticipate and govern emerging technologies for global benefit. Key Points Switzerland is prioritising science diplomacy due to the increasing influence of science and technology on global sovereignty and security. Switzerland and India are collaborating to leverage their respective strengths in innovation and scaling technology. The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) is working with India to anticipate and govern emerging scientific and technological breakthroughs. GESDA's Science Breakthrough Radar identifies research advances expected to transform society over the next 25 years. India is playing a key role in GESDA's Open Quantum Institute, addressing the societal implications of quantum technologies. Science and technology have become a "core currency" in international affairs, influencing sovereignty and security on a global scale, prompting Switzerland to make anticipatory science diplomacy a priority in its foreign policy, a top Swiss official said on Friday. At an event hosted by the Swiss Embassy here, Alexandre Fasel, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, also said, "Our collaboration with India reflects a shared vision between two global innovation leaders, combining cutting-edge excellence with India's unparalleled ability to scale innovation for millions." The embassy hosted an 'Anticipatory Leadership Lab' in collaboration with the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) and the office of the principal scientific advisor to the government of India. The Lab brought together around 60 leaders from the fields of science, governance, diplomacy, business and civil society in a structured, multistakeholder dialogue to strengthen their collective capacity to anticipate and govern emerging scientific and technological breakthroughs, officials said. GESDA's engagement with Delhi builds on a series of exchanges with Indian counterparts over the past years, including interactions during the 2024 and 2025 GESDA summits, an official statement said. The GESDA Science Breakthrough Radar a an annual report that maps the research advances expected to transform society and the planet over the next 5, 10 and 25 years a was also discussed at the event. The New Delhi engagement is part of a growing long-term partnership between the GESDA and India to deepen collaboration around the Science Breakthrough Radar and anchor anticipatory science diplomacy capacities locally, the statement said. Fasel said, "For the Swiss government, anticipating and understanding scientific breakthroughs is no longer a luxury, but a diplomatic necessity." "Science and technology have become a 'core currency' in international affairs, influencing prosperity, sovereignty and security on a global scale," the statement quoted Fasel as saying. Switzerland has, therefore, made anticipatory science diplomacy "a priority in our foreign policy", he said. "Our collaboration with India reflects a shared vision between two global innovation leaders, combining cutting-edge excellence with India's unparalleled ability to scale innovation for millions," he added. At the event, the participants collaborated to explore how frontier technologies could impact India and the world across various timeframes, identify opportunities and risks for public policy, diplomacy and industry, and suggest actionable steps for cooperation, the statement said. It underlined that India has played a "pioneering role" as a member of the advisory committee of the Open Quantum Institute a GESDA's anticipatory governance initiative designed to address the societal implications of quantum technologies before they reach full maturity and widespread deployment. Recent discussions led to engagements in New Delhi in March 2025, including bilateral meetings with the office of the principal scientific advisor and participation in initiatives such as the Raisina Young Fellows Forum and the newly-created Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI), announced a day ago. These exchanges also explored opportunities to develop a longer-term partnership with Indian counterparts, including the potential co-design of an India-anchored Anticipatory Leadership Week (ALW) in 2026, alongside continued dialogue and tailored activities connecting the GESDA Radar insights with Indian institutions and national priorities, the statement said. A K Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the government of India, said the disruptive frontiers will define the next quarter-century, and that quantum computing, artificial general intelligence, synthetic biology, and neurotechnology are not distant abstractions. The Role of Anticipatory Science Diplomacy Marilyne Andersen, Director-General of GESDA, said, "Anticipatory science diplomacy enables us to harness fast-moving scientific breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity before they deepen global fractures and inequalities." It grounds decision-making in rigorous science, allowing to keep the conversation to remain open and preserved from competition, pressures or quick fixes, she said. "It opens an essential window to carefully account for all implications and involve policymakers, diplomats, scientists, innovators and citizens across geographies, socio-economic realities and cultural contexts around the table," Andersen said. Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania sheds light on the tragic story of Hind Rajab, a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza, through her powerful docudrama 'The Voice of Hind Rajab,' nominated for an Academy Award. IMAGE: Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania created 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' after being deeply affected by the story of a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed in Gaza. The film centres on the audio recordings of Hind Rajab's desperate pleas for help to the Palestinian Red Crescent during the Israel-Gaza conflict. Hania felt compelled to make the film, viewing inaction as complicity in a war crime and aiming to amplify Hind Rajab's voice to a global audience. The filmmaker secured permission from Hind Rajab's mother before proceeding with the project, which has garnered support from prominent figures in the film industry. Hania protested the international political cover of the war in Gaza by refusing an award at the Cinema for Peace gala in Berlin. Not doing anything felt like being complicit in a war crime, says Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania about her decision to make "The Voice of Hind Rajab", the docudrama about a six-year-old Palestinian girl whose killing during the Israel-Gaza war sparked international outrage. The film, nominated in the best international feature category at the 98th Academy Awards, recounts the real story of Hind Rajab, who was fleeing Gaza City in January 2024 with her family when their car came under fire from Israeli forces, leaving several relatives dead or severely injured. When the emergency services operated by Palestinian Red Crescent tried to contact those in the car, Rajab picked up the call. And it is this call, in which she is heard crying and pleading to be rescued, forms the central focus of the film's narrative. "When I heard the voice of Hind Rajab, it was so powerful and it set me in this state of anger and sadness. I couldn't unhear it and go on with my daily life. So I stopped the other film. I said, 'No, it's not the moment to do it'. Because not doing anything was like being complicit in this war crime. So I did it out of this feeling, but also out of anger and out of emergency," Hania told PTI in an interview. "You know, we can't live in a world where if you have the biggest gun, you rule the world. It's not possible and it's not good for our children," she added. The filmmaker said she was preparing to begin another film she had been developing for several years and had finally secured financing for when she heard the story of Hind Rajab. She said she could not sit back and do nothing after that. Hania's Previous Work and Focus on Truth Hania is known for consistently engaging with truth in her work, whether it was her breakout film "Four Daughters", about two sisters from a Tunisian family who join ISIS, or "The Man Who Sold His Skin", which follows a Syrian refugee who agrees to have a Schengen visa tattooed on his back by a controversial artist for money. "The Voice of Hind Rajab" is told from the perspective of Palestinian Red Crescent volunteers, who stay engaged with the frightened child as she describes how all her cousins in the car were already dead and keeps pleading with the volunteers to not abandon her. As they try to comfort her, they ask her about her school and she says she is in 'the butterfly class', and her mother and brother are at home. Hania has recreated a dramatised version of what the volunteers went through in those hours while merging it with the actual voice of Hind Rajab, who could ultimately not be rescued. The bodies of Hind Rajab, her relatives and the two volunteers who were dispatched to bring her safe, were discovered twelve days later. Hania said she felt this desperate need to take Hind Rajab's voice to every corner of the world so that people cannot look away from what happened to her. "It's a story that we should remember and think about. In the stream of media and social media, it's one small thing, a drop of water in the stream of a lot of things. I needed to take this voice out of this noise and to put it in a place where people can sit, take the time, have the attention, listen to her voice, remember and maybe do something." Seeking Permission and Support for the Film While she wanted to make the film, the filmmaker said she was determined to walk away from it if she failed to get permission from Hind Rajab's mother Wissam Hamadah. "It's her child, her memory. But she's an incredible woman. She's resilient. She was still in Gaza and mourning. She told me, 'I want justice for my daughter. So if this movie can help, please do it'." "The Voice of Hind Rajab" has some of the biggest names from the world of cinema on board as executive producers -- Hollywood stars Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Oscar-winning filmmakers Alfonso Cuaron and Jonathan Glazer. The movie features actors Saja Kilani, Motaz Malhees, Clara Khoury and Amer Hlehel as the stand-in for the volunteers responding to Hind Rajab's call. Hania's Protest at Cinema for Peace Gala In February, Hania made headlines with her powerful speech at the 2026 Cinema for Peace gala in Berlin, where she refused her Most Valuable Film award to protest against the international political cover to the war in Gaza, which has killed over 75,000 thousand Palestinians since it started in October 2023. In her speech, Hania said "Peace is not a perfume sprayed over violence so power can feel refined and comfortable". She also said cinema cannot be just for image laundering. Asked what prompted her to refuse the award and the point she wanted to make at the event, Hania said she did not want to be part of a masquerade. "There are no consequences to this war crime. We didn't show the trial of the perpetrator. There is a total impunity. The situation is getting worse and worse. So receiving an award of peacea What peace? Especially in a room full of politicians. "This is why I wanted to tell them to keep the award because there are a lot of people in that room that could have done something for peace. But peace for them is just this empty word that they wanted without any accountability. So that's why I felt the obligation to not be part of this masquerade," she said. According to Hania, cinema can be a tool for propaganda but also a powerful tool to speak to power. "This little girl had no power. She's the most fragile. We all know a six-year-old girl around us. So you can imagine the fragility. But people in power don't care. The Israelis don't care. For them, she's collateral damage. In the worst case scenario, she will become, in their imagination, a terrorist one day or she's collateral damage. But this girl had a family, people who loved her and a brother. So you have to address power and tell the truth to power." A Nadim Cheikhrouha presentation, "The Voice of Hind Rajab" is produced by Nadim Cheikhrouha, Odessa Rae and James Wilson. The film's India release is in the process of being locked. A London-based surgeon has achieved a medical breakthrough by performing the UK's first remote robotic surgeries on patients in Gibraltar, revolutionising access to specialist healthcare. Photograph: Pixabay.com Key Points Professor Prokar Dasgupta successfully completed the UK's first remote robotic prostatectomies on patients in Gibraltar, showcasing the potential of telesurgery. The remote surgeries, performed using the Toumai Robotic System, demonstrate the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and its ability to overcome geographical barriers. Patients in Gibraltar can now access world-leading specialist care from The London Clinic without the need for international travel, marking a significant advancement in patient-centred healthcare. The success of this telesurgery trial paves the way for the expansion of remote robotic-assisted procedures for various other surgeries, including gynaecological and colorectal conditions. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) plans to expand telesurgery networks, indicating a growing recognition of the benefits of remote surgery in delivering modern healthcare to remote populations. Professor Prokar Dasgupta, a world-leading robotic urological surgeon who heads The London Clinic's Robotic Centre of Excellence, said his two test cases were an excellent example of the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). He completed the prostatectomy, a partial or complete removal of the prostate gland, on a 52-year-old unnamed patient on Wednesday, with a previous successful procedure on February 11. "This is an excellent example of teamwork, friendship, international determination and responsible AI to make this happen after a year of planning," said Dasgupta. The London Clinic said it establishes the hospital as the first in the country to conduct such a remote robot-assisted telesurgery, in collaboration with the Gibraltar Health Authority and urological surgeons James Allan and Paul Hughes at St. Bernard's Hospital in Gibraltar. The procedure, performed with the Toumai Robotic System by Microport, has the potential to revolutionise surgery for patients globally. In January, 62-year-old Paul Buxton, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and offered the opportunity by the two hospitals to take part in a telesurgery trial. He had moved to Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, from the United Kingdom around 40 years ago and was originally planning to travel to London for the surgery. "I explained to Mr Buxton that we now have the technology to perform this remotely. Why waste time, energy, money and inconvenience to fly over? I stay in London, he stays in Gibraltar," recalled Prof. Dasgupta. Buxton, recovering well from his surgery, said it was a "privilege" to be part of medical history and is hopeful that it will pave the way for many similar surgeries. "Of course, I was concerned at first, but having researched it, I thought someone has to be the first, don't they? "I hope my experience encourages other people to consider telesurgery. I've had three or four operations before, for hernias, and I didn't feel that great after, but I felt completely different this time a the recovery is so much quicker and I've not had to travel overseas," he said. The telesurgery was supported by logistics from global technology services and solutions provider Presidio, using a 3D camera with a time lag of just 0.06 seconds across the two countries. The Rise of Telesurgery Robotic-assisted surgery is not new, having been around for the past 20 years, but it is only recently that technology has made it possible for robots to connect across long distances using fibre optic cables and 5G connectivity. "Delivering modern healthcare to small remote populations is challenging a there aren't enough patients which means the surgeons aren't doing enough operations to be really good at those operations to be really safe," said Consultant Urologist Dr James Allan, the Gibraltar Health Authority's lead for Robotics, Teleremote Surgery and Innovation. "That means patients have to travel. Or rather they did until now. Gibraltar is rewriting surgical history. We are no longer followers a we are leaders," he said. The London Clinic and St. Bernard's Hospital is now set to livestream another telesurgery procedure at the European Association Congress in London on March 14 to an audience of 20,000 urology surgeons. "The London Clinic is proud to be part of medical history and we have a strong reputation for medical firsts... We hope more patients will be able to benefit from this incredible medical breakthrough," said Al Russell, CEO of The London Clinic. Government and Charitable Support The Toumai robotic system at the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) was funded through a grant from Kusuma Trust Gibraltar, with additional charitable support from Prostate Cancer Gibraltar and further investment by the GHA. Gemma Arias-Vasquez, minister for health, care and business in Gibraltar, hailed the "landmark moment" for the self-governing territory. "To deliver a complex procedure in Gibraltar with the operating surgeon based in London shows how technology, investment and the expertise of our clinicians are transforming healthcare. "Patients can now benefit from world-leading specialist care at The London Clinic without the disruption of travelling abroad, and that is a huge step forward for a modern, patient-centred health service," she said. The UK's state-funded National Health Service (NHS) plans to expand telesurgery networks as part of a 10-year plan tabled last year. It is hoped that such remote robotic-assisted procedures will also be used for other surgeries, such as gynaecological, colorectal and upper gastrointestinal conditions. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan inspired Nagaland University graduates to embrace leadership roles and contribute to India's growth, stressing the vital role of peace and unity in achieving 'Viksit Bharat'. Key Points Vice President Radhakrishnan urged Nagaland University graduates to become responsible leaders and contribute to India's nation-building efforts. He emphasised that peace, unity, and strong character are essential for the overall development of Nagaland and the nation. Radhakrishnan highlighted the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) and the Union Budget's allocation of over Rs 6,800 crore for the region's development. Nagaland University awarded degrees to 6,884 students, recognising academic success and commitment to knowledge. Graduates were encouraged to uphold values of integrity, compassion, and responsibility, using their knowledge for the greater good of society. Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Friday urged graduates of Nagaland University to become responsible leaders and contribute to nation-building, while stressing that peace, unity and character are essential for development. Addressing the university's eighth convocation ceremony in Lumami in Zunheboto district, the Vice President said a university's true success lies not only in the knowledge it imparts but also in the leaders it produces. "Convocation is not the end of the road but the beginning of a new journey," he told the graduates, urging them to adapt to a rapidly changing world, set clear goals and move forward with purpose. Radhakrishnan, who said it was his first visit to Nagaland, praised the state's vibrant traditions and described it as a place where nature, culture and courage blend in harmony. He noted that India's diversity remains united by common ideals and encouraged Nagaland's youth to appear for national services such as UPSC and serve the country. Emphasising that unity is the nation's greatest strength, he said a 'Viksit Nagaland' will contribute to a 'Viksit Bharat'. Referring to the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) agreement, he noted that peace and mutual respect are essential for the overall development of Nagaland. He also acknowledged the contributions of the governor towards the development of the state. Development Initiatives in the Northeast Highlighting development initiatives in the Northeast, he referred to the Prime Minister's Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) launched by PM Narendra Modi, and noted that the Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated over Rs 6,800 crore for the region. The Vice President appealed to the young people to stay away from drugs and encourage their friends and families to remain free from substance abuse. Nagaland University Convocation Highlights During the convocation, Nagaland University awarded degrees to 6,884 students, including 107 PhD scholars, 825 postgraduate students, 846 graduates from professional programmes and 5,106 undergraduate students, while 54 gold medals were presented for outstanding academic performance. Governor of Nagaland and Chief Rector of the University, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, said the convocation celebrated not only academic success but also perseverance, discipline and commitment to knowledge. He said that as the only central university in the state, Nagaland University has a special responsibility to serve as a centre of higher learning, research and innovation. Bhalla encouraged graduates to uphold values of integrity, compassion and responsibility and to use their knowledge for the greater good of society. Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang described the occasion as inspirational for students and urged the youth to become ambassadors of peace and contribute to the progress of the state and the nation. Vice Chancellor Jagadish K Patnaik presented a report on the university's academic and research achievements. He highlighted the institution's expanding research ecosystem, including 53 externally funded research projects supported by national agencies. The Vice Chancellor also noted progress in innovation and intellectual property generation, with 96 patents published and 39 patents granted. Established in 1994 through an Act of Parliament, Nagaland University currently serves more than 26,000 undergraduate students across 77 affiliated colleges, besides postgraduate and research scholars across its campuses at Lumami, Kohima and Medziphema. A woman in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, was brutally murdered by her brother-in-law and other family members in a shocking act of domestic violence, prompting a police investigation and manhunt for the main suspect. Key Points A woman in Bhabupura village, Uttar Pradesh, was beaten to death by her brother-in-law and other family members. The victim's 8-year-old son witnessed the brutal assault and alerted his father. Police have launched an investigation and are searching for the main suspect, Neeraj, who is currently absconding. The victim, Ruchi, was declared dead at the hospital after being found in critical condition by police. Several family members of the accused have been detained for questioning as the investigation continues. A woman was beaten to death in her house in the presence of her 8-year-old son by her brother-in-law and other family members, police said on Friday. The fatal assault happened in Bhabupura village in Uttar Pradesh while her husband was away in Aligarh on Thursday. According to police, the 8-year-old boy called his father, Pawan Kumar, that the latter's brother and other in-laws were brutally beating up her mother, Ruchi (35), inside a room. Pawan immediately informed the villagers and the police emergency service. Police arrived at the spot to find the woman in a critical condition. All accused had also fled, police said. Ruchi was rushed to the hospital where doctors declared her dead. The child said he had fled to a friend's house to call his father. Police Investigation Underway Additional Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar Ganga Prasad said, "The main accused, Neeraj, has been absconding since the incident. Police have detained the accused's wife, son, and daughter and have begun questioning them." The body has been sent for post-mortem, he added. TEHRAN, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has condemned the United States for targeting Iran's IRIS Dena frigate without any warning in international waters 2,000 km off the Iranian coasts. The minister made the remarks during phone calls with his Indian and Sri Lankan counterparts over the ongoing U.S. and Israeli "aggression" against Iran, according to a Foriegn Ministry statement on Friday. During the two separate phone calls, Araghchi discussed with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath the latest regional developments in the wake of attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, according to the statement. Araghchi elaborated on the "crimes" committed by Israel and the United States in their military "aggression" against Iran over the past days, calling on all governments and the United Nations to decisively condemn the "criminal" actions, the statement said. Araghchi also thanked efforts by Sri Lanka to rescue the Iranian sailors on board the IRIS Dena frigate. On Saturday morning, the United States and Israeli launched joint airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Iran responded through several waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the region. On Wednesday, the U.S. military sank Iran's IRIS Dena frigate off the coast of Sri Lanka in international waters, killing over 80 of its 130 crew members. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy skies. Gusty winds during the evening. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 21F. WNW winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Gusty winds during the evening. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 21F. WNW winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Occasional snow showers. Quite windy. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Partly cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 21F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Partly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 22F. WNW winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 22F. WNW winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph. Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People's Bank of China, attends a press conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on economy in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China has no need or intention to seek competitive edges in foreign trade through the depreciation of its currency, China's central bank governor said Friday. Pan Gongsheng, governor of the People's Bank of China (PBOC), made the remarks at a press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress. The PBOC has always upheld the decisive role of market forces in exchange rate formation, maintained exchange rate flexibility, strengthened expectation management, and kept the yuan's exchange rate generally stable at an adaptive, balanced level, Pan told the press. Under certain circumstances, macro-prudential management tools will be employed to curb "herd behavior" and negative self-reinforcing dynamics in the market, he said, citing the recent adjustment in the foreign exchange risk reserve requirement ratio for forward forex sales. Noting that the factors influencing exchange rates are complex and highly uncertain internationally, Pan said participants in China's foreign exchange market have become more mature, and the market has shown greater resilience. With more enterprises using exchange rate hedging tools or settling cross-border trade in yuan, over 60 percent of China's import and export activities are effectively shielded from exchange rate volatility -- a figure expected to rise further this year, he revealed. When they were stopped in central Budapest this week, the two vans were carrying more than $80 million in cash and 9 kilograms of gold bars, along with seven Ukrainian citizens, who were en route from Austria to their home country. Hungarian police raised the alarm, detained the vehicles, arrested their occupants, and even released a theatrical arrest video accompanied by an action-film soundtrack. Ukraine was apoplectic. And the words started flying. We demand immediate answers from Kyiv regarding large cash shipments passing through Hungary that raise serious questions about a possible link to the Ukrainian war mafia, Foreign Ministry Peter Szijjarto said in a social media post. We are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Andriy Sybiha said. This is state terrorism and racketeering, said Sybiha. The seven Ukrainians "are employees of state-owned Oschadbank, who were operating two bank cars transiting between Austria and Ukraine and carrying cash as part of regular services between state banks," he wrote on X. On its own, the incident would be remarkable. But its happening at a time when Hungarys pugnacious prime minister, Viktor Orban, is in the fight of his political career, with polls showing him far behind his political rivals in next months national elections. An Orban loss would be a tectonic shock for Europe. Orban and his ruling Fidesz party appear to have settled on one central theme for their campaigning: vilify Ukraine. High political drama in Eastern Europe. Heres what you need to know. Zakarpattya, Budapest and Points In Between Relations between Budapest and Kyiv have always been prickly at best. Some of the bad blood dates back decades: competing claims over swaths of territory that used to be called either Galicia or Transcarpathia, depending on the era. When European maps were redrawn in the rubble of World War II, Ukraine -- then part of the Soviet Union -- ended up with a chunk of territory where a sizable chunk of ethnic Hungarians live. Today around 150,000 ethnic Hungarians live in Ukraine's western Zakarpattya region, bordering Hungary. Over the past decade -- since the 2015 migration crisis in particular -- Orban has frequently embraced nationalist tropes about what it means to be Hungarian. Hes also frequently complained that ethnic Hungarians living other countries -- Ukraine, Slovakia, Romania -- suffer discrimination or worse; and he has embraced those communities as a key voting constituency. Its caused friction inside Ukraine, where security services have suggested that the Orban funding of ethnic Hungarian communities has a sinister purpose. Over the four years of all-out war since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Orban has routinely voiced sympathies for Russias position and President Vladimir Putin and cast aspersions at Ukraines. Hes also butted heads with the European Union, which has sent billions of euros in loans and grants to Ukraine, and imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia. On the eve of the invasion anniversary, Orban infuriated EU members and Kyiv -- when he blocked the newest package of sanctions on Russia, and a 90 billion-euro loan to keep Ukraines battered economy from sinking. Orban managed to create a climate of hostility towards the victim of aggression, andnow is trying to exploit that in the general election, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said in the wake of the vote. The Druzhba Pipeline Prior to February 2022, Russia was a major supplier of oil to Europe. It was a major source of revenue for Moscow and European Union banned the import of Russian oil via pipelines to try to squeeze off that revenue stream. But Hungary and Slovakia secured exemptions to those sanctions for oil transported via the Druzhba pipeline, which crosses Ukraine, much to Kyivs chagrin. On January 27, a section of the pipeline was damaged. Kyiv blamed a Russian drone. Both Budapest and Bratislava accuse Ukraine of dragging its feet with repairs, while Ukraine said it needs more time to complete the work. Negotiations to send a European inspection team have also faltered. Honestly speaking, I would prefer not restore it," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters on March 5. But since the EU loan for Ukraine for 90 billion euros will be blocked without the restoration of the oil pipeline, the restorationis possible in a month and a half." For Orban, cheap Russian energy has powered the Hungarian economy, and brought prosperity to -- and support from -- voters. But the economy has stagnated in recent years, stoking grumbling. Thats given the opposition, led by Peter Magyar, an opening. Recent opinion polls show Magyars political bloc, Tisza, leading Orban by nearly 10 percentage points. Orban and Fidesz have embraced more traditional retail electioneering: like trumpeting subsidized energy bills for pensioners, or tax breaks for other constituencies. Theyve also brandished Zelenskyy along prominent EU officials as villains aiming to undermine Hungarys sovereignty as well as drag Hungarians into the war in Ukraine. One AI-generated video by Fidesz that circulated this week invoked World War II-imagery. For now, this is only a nightmare, but Brussels is preparing to make it a reality, the caption reads. What About The Vans With The Money? In the video released by Hungarys tax authorities, Hungarian officers are shown wielding rifles as they handcuff a group of men wearing jackets with Ukrainian lettering on them and force them lying down to the ground. The video pans to the vans interiors stacked high with wrapped packages. Like Szijjarto, Hungarian officials portrayed the string as a blow against Ukrainian war mongering. One of the Ukrainians was identified as a former military intelligence officer. All seven individuals will be expelled, said Zoltan Kovacs, a government spokesperson. In Kyiv, Oschadbank -- the state savings bank and one of Ukraine's largest financial institutions -- issued a statement saying the vehicles were on authorized assignment to transport money and gold from the Austrian bank Raiffeisen. The transportation of funds and valuables was carried outin accordance with an international agreement with Raiffeisen Bank. The cargo was registered in accordance with international transportation rules and current European customs procedures, the bank said. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the transportation of foreign currency and bank metals has been carried out exclusively by land. Such [transports] are carried out by Oschadbanks collection vehicles every week, it added. Ukrainian officials reacted angrily; the Foreign Ministry called on Ukrainians not to travel to the country. Hungary taking seven Ukrainians hostage in a method reminiscent of 1990s era Moscow would be a bit surprising if it hadn't come just a few days after the Orban entourage's visit to the Kremlin, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in a post to social media. That was a dig at Szijjarto who traveled to Moscow this week, and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit included the announcement by Putin that he was freeing two Ukrainian-Hungarian men who had captured and held as prisoners-of-war by Russia. Putin claimed the two men had been forcibly conscripted by Ukraine. Ukrainian officials said they complained directly to the European Union about Hungarys detention of the money-transport vans. The Foreign Ministry said on March 6 it had summoned the Acting Charge d'Affaires of the Hungarian Embassy in Ukraine "to provide explanations regarding the circumstances and legal grounds for the detention of employees of the state-owned Oschadbank," who were "transporting funds and valuables as part of regular transportation between state-owned banks." In Brussels, EU officials avoided reporters questions on the incident. One EU official told RFE/RL: We are dealing with it behind closed doors, yes. At the moment there is a lot of escalating rhetoric and inflammatory rhetoric. We believe that such rhetoric from all sides is neither helpful nor conducive to achieving the common goals we all have here, EU spokesman Olof Gill told RFE/RL. RFE/RL correspondent Zoriana Stepanenko contributed to this report from Brussels. US and Israeli air strikes are delivering military blows against Iran, but Washington still lacks a defined political strategy for what comes after the fighting, Dana Stroul, former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Stroul, now director of research at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said Tehrans conventional capabilities are being degraded but cautioned that Iran still has other options including cyber operations and activating networks beyond the Middle East and that pressures from casualties, munitions and interceptor stocks, and global economic fallout could grow the longer the war continues. RFE/RL: From a US defense policy perspective, what is realistically achievable at this stage of the war with Iran? Dana Stroul: From a defense policy perspective, I thought what General Kaine, the chairman of our Joint Chiefs of Staff, yesterday said was really important. He said the military objective was to eliminate Iran's ability to project power across the Middle East. And what he means by that are the three major concerns that US defense policymakers have had for a really long time: Iran's nuclear weapons program, Iran's missile program, and Iran's support for terrorism across the Middle East. And we've seen over the past several days since this war started that, that they are making efforts to degrade and set back each of those different programs. RFE/RL: What will be the clearest sign that the campaign is moving in that direction at this point? Stroul: The signs are already there that the military objectives are on track. For example, within the first 48 hours of this campaign, Israel and the United States together achieved air supremacy over Iran. And so US forces moved from using weapons at sea, we call it standoff weapons, to what they say are stand in weapons. We now have fighter aircraft over Iran taking out missiles and drones and things like this. And from the friends I have in the Middle East, I'm talking to people in the Gulf and Jordan and Israel, they all report that the pace and the intensity of the missile attacks and the drone attacks are going down, which means that we're having some operational effect inside Iran. But I think it's really important to differentiate those military tools and assessments from the political end state. And in terms of what the actual strategy is and what the overarching political objectives are, that is something that is for the president, President Trump, to decide and define. And he has not done that yet. RFE/RL: The Pentagon said that Iran is firing far fewer missiles and drones than at the start of the conflict. What does this tell us actually about Iran's current, current military position? Stroul: It tells us that conventionally, the United States and Israel working together are able to degrade and really set back Iran's capabilities. So, from a conventional military sense, there is progress in eliminating Iran's air threats and these sorts of actions. But when it comes to what the political end state is, when the president will say, Okay, we've achieved our objectives. At this point, the messaging is all over the place. RFE/RL: How long do you think that Iran can sustain this level of fighting? Stroul: The question for whatever is left of the Iranian regime is what they define as winning for them, because this is a revolutionary regime who believes that it represents God's will on earth. What they need to do is survive. Even if their missile program is set back, even if the nuclear weapons program is set back. If this is just airstrikes, knowledge still remains, missile programs can be rebuilt as long as the regime survives. RFE/RL: Do you see others joining this war? Stroul: Well, I think first of all, Iran had a strategy in the Middle East as soon as the United States and Israel attacked it. And that strategy was to punish the partners and allies of the United States across the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf. And what's very clear is that strategy is not working. What we've seen is that our Gulf partners, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council, have really effective air defense and have really pointed the finger at the Iranian regime. They are mad at the indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure across the Middle East, not at the United States and Israel for trying to eliminate Iran's infrastructure. And I think there are active discussions about how to best eliminate the threats coming out of Iran. So we'll see how that evolves in the coming days. RFE/RL: As US strike expands deeper into Iran, what should Washington be most focused on now? Stroul: What Washington has right now is a war that is achieving military effectiveness. What Washington does not have is a strategy or policy for what comes after the fighting ends. And I think in this undefined space, there are several unknowns that could really increase pressure on President Trump. The first is there could be more American casualties. There were six this week that could increase pressure on him, especially as he comes into a critical midterm election cycle. Number two is this question of US stocks of munitions and missile interceptors versus how long the Iranians can continue to threaten the region. And there are things like the global price of oil, the global economy, supplies. I think this only gets more complicated the longer this war goes on. RFE/RL: If regional allies move from defensive support to a more active role, can that also change the course of the conflict? Stroul: It's not going to change the course of the conflict because the United States and Israel can conventionally prevail over Iran on their own. But certainly widening the coalition that's participating in this, I think would have tremendous political value. So, the question for a lot of countries that have now been pulled into this because of Iran's attacks have to decide is the best way to protect their interests and protect their populations, to continue to focus on defense and using these very expensive missile interceptors to defend their populations, or is the best defense a strong offense, in which case they might decide to join in trying to degrade, push back and destroy some of this missile and drone infrastructure inside Iran. RFE/RL: How much capability does Iran still have to project threats beyond the Middle East? Stroul: What's clear is that that conventional capability, the missiles and the drones, is going down with every passing hour. But Iran still has cards to play. What we have not seen yet is Iranian doing Iran taking on offensive cyber operations across the Middle East. We also know that Iran operates a global network of sleeper cells, terror cells all over the world. We have not seen those become activated. Now, certainly a lot of countries, especially across Europe, the United States, Asia, are aware of this and probably are increasing their information sharing and intelligence and homeland defense. But these are additional options for Iran to make this painful beyond the Middle East, and we haven't seen that happen yet. RFE/RL: And finally, do you see this war prolonging, or could it end within a few weeks, as it was said? Stroul: From a military perspective, there are weeks left in terms of what the United States and Israel believe they need to do to eliminate these threats, whether it is sinking the rest of the Iranian navy, as we heard from the secretary of Defense Hegseth yesterday, whether it's continuing to take out the rest of the missile arsenal across Iran, the drone arsenal. These things are going to take time. So, I would anticipate this going on for weeks. But again, the challenges, we have not heard from President Trump exactly what political end state he is seeking. And the risk is that this just creeps, mission creep and becomes a really protracted conflict. WASHINGTON -- US officials on March 6 told RFE/RL that Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack US troops and military assets in the Middle East, confirming a Washington Post report that suggested Moscow is playing a substantial if indirect part in the widening regional conflict. The alleged cooperation comes at a very delicate time for US-Russian relations, with the nuclear-armed rivals at odds over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and Washington's efforts to end that war running up against the Kremlin's refusal, so far, to make concessions on territory and other issues. The Post report, which cited three officials familiar with the intelligence, says Moscow has provided Tehran with the locations of US military assets -- including warships and aircraft -- since the conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. One told the newspaper it appeared to be "a pretty comprehensive effort" by Moscow. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, did not provide further details to RFE/RL about the scope or mechanisms of the intelligence sharing. Russia and Iran have long-standing military, political, and diplomatic ties. Iran has supplied Russia with large numbers of Shahed drones used to strike Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, though Russia now uses the technology to make drones on its own soil, for the most part. The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Russian officials have publicly called for an end to the war, describing it as an "unprovoked act of armed aggression" against Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian on March 6 and reiterated Moscow's call for an "immediate end to the military action," the the Kremlin said. An Iranian readout stated that Tehran expects Moscow to use its "international capacities" to support the rights of Iranians amid the war. White House Dismisses Impact US intelligence agencies have declined to comment publicly on the reports. US President Donald Trump said that it was "an easy problem compared to what we're doing here" when asked about reports of Russia sharing target information with Iran on March 6, which he then added was "a stupid question." The White House has also rejected the notion that Russian assistance has had a major effect. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement that "the Iranian regime is being absolutely crushed." "Their ballistic missile retaliation is decreasing every day, their navy is being wiped out, their production capacity is being demolished, and proxies are hardly putting up a fight," she said. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also dismissed the impact of Moscows reported intelligence support. "It clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran, because we are completely decimating them," Leavitt said, adding that Irans navy had been rendered combat ineffective. She also said Iranian ballistic missile retaliatory strikes had dropped by roughly 90 percent and insisted the US was continuing to meet its military objectives. Leavitt added that Washington was "well on our way" to taking control of Iranian airspace and said Iran would reach "unconditional surrender" when the president determines that the country no longer poses a threat to the United States and the objectives of Operation Epic Fury have been achieved. In a social media post earlier in the day, Trump said that there "will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" Lawmakers React Despite the White House's words, the reports have drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers in Washington. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said the alleged Russian involvement underscores a growing threat posed by Moscow. "Make no mistake: Russia is targeting Americans in the Middle East, Ukraine, and around the world," she said in a statement. "Instead of taking action, the president is relaxing sanctions on Russia and refusing to support Ukraine. It's unacceptable and invites further aggression against Americans." Republican Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska, a vocal supporter of Ukraine, echoed the criticism. "Russia and Iran are closely aligned.... It should not surprise us that Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to help Iran kill American and Israeli service members," he told RFE/RL on March 6. "It should surprise us that the Trump Administration seems to be oblivious to this." Bacon asserted that Moscow's broader strategic goal is to weaken the United States. "In response, we should send long range precision weapons, air defenses and upgraded F-16s to Ukraine," he said. "We should also put tough sanctions on Russia's economy. This should have been done a year ago." Moscow's Role Analysts say intelligence sharing may be the most practical form of support Moscow can currently provide Tehran. Glen Howard, president of the Saratoga Foundation and a longtime Russia strategist, told RFE/RL that Russia's own military losses in Ukraine limit its ability to send major weapons systems to Iran. "Because of heavy equipment losses in the Ukraine war, Moscow currently faces its own hardware shortages and cannot fill the void Iran needs by transferring radar or aircraft," Howard said. "That means the most immediate and valuable asset Moscow can offer Iran right now is the sharing of timely, actionable intelligence." Howard added that Russia could also help sustain Iran's drone campaign through a production facility in the Tatarstan region. The Iranian-designed Shahed drones manufactured at the Alabuga facility -- known in Russia as Geran-2 -- are currently being produced at a rate of roughly 3,000 per month, he said, far exceeding Irans own domestic production capacity of between 200 and 500 drones monthly. As Iranian missile and drone inventories decline under sustained strikes, Howard said Russia could potentially help fill the gap. Howard also pointed to a supply corridor running through the Volga River and across the Caspian Sea, which he said provides a relatively secure route for shipments between the two countries. Unlike air transport, which can be intercepted, the Caspian route functions as an "interior supply line" largely shielded from US or allied interdiction, allowing Russia to move drones, missile components, and electronics to Iran. Russian intelligence support and logistical links across the Caspian could become "indispensable to the survival of the Iranian regime" as the conflict drags on. WASHINGTON -- US President Donald Trump called on members of Irans military, police, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to lay down their arms, promising total immunity if they abandon the countrys ruling clerical establishment. As he made his remarks, fears continued to rise that the US and Israeli war on Iran was spreading throughout the Middle East, not only affecting Washington's Arab allies, but also non-Gulf nations, such as Azerbaijan, Turkey, Cyprus, and even Sri Lanka, some 3,900 kilometers away. Trump, speaking at the White House on March 5, urged security forces to side with the Iranian public and help bring down the government that has ruled the country since the 1989 Iranian Revolution. Im once again calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military, and the police to lay down their arms, Trump said. Now is the time to stand up for the Iranian people and help take back your country. He emphasized those who surrender would receive protection. "We'll give you immunity," Trump said, adding that those who defect would be on "the right side of history." "You'll be perfectly safe with total immunity, or you'll face absolutely guaranteed death. And I don't want to see that," he said. Trump also appealed to Iranian diplomats stationed abroad to seek asylum and assist in shaping Iran's future. "We urge Iranian diplomats around the world to request asylum and help us shape a new and better Iran with great potential," he said. Later, in an interview with NBC News, Trump said he wasn't currently considering the use of US troops on the ground in Iran. "It's a waste of time. They've lost everything. They've lost their navy. They've lost everything they can lose," he told NBC News in a phone call, adding that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi's earlier remark that Iran was ready for a US or Israeli ground invasion was a "wasted comment." Claim of Heavy Military Losses The US president claimed that Iranian military capabilities had been severely degraded during recent fighting. In three days, their anti-aircraft weapons are gone. They have no air force. They have no air defense, Trump said. All of their airplanes are gone. Their communications are gone. He also said roughly 60 percent of Irans missiles and 64 percent of its launchers had been destroyed and that the countrys navy had lost 24 ships. Their navy is gone, he said. He accused Tehran of previously aiming missiles at several Gulf countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. They were going after the entire Middle East, Trump said. Then we came along. We blew up their party. A Say In The Next Ruler Hours earlier, Trump had said Washington will help choose the next leader of Iran after the countrys supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, had been killed in the initial stages of the joint US-Israeli air strikes on February 28. Trump, speaking to Reuters, ruled out Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late supreme leader -- a hardliner who has been considered a favorite to succeed his father -- calling him a lightweight. "We want to be involved in the process of choosing the person who is going to lead Iran into the future," he was quoted by the agency as saying. "We don't have to go back every five years and do this again and again...Somebody that's going to be great for the people, great for the country." "Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran," Trump said in an interview with Axios. Hegseth: Fight Just Begun Meanwhile, US defense chief Pete Hegseth warned Tehran it was making a mistake if it thought the United States could not sustain the ongoing war, adding that US forces had just begun to fight. "Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation," Hegseth told reporters at the US Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida. The Pentagon on March 5 said the US military has sunk more than 30 Iranian ships so far and that ballistic missile attacks by Iran have decreased by 90 percent since the first day of the war, with some 60 percent of launchers destroyed. Israel Launches Next Phase, Iran Retaliates Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir on March 5 said the country's forces were launching the next phase of its attacks in Iran in which "we will further dismantle the regime and its military capabilities." He said that since February 28, the Israeli Air Force has carried out some 2,500 attacks in Iran in the initial "surprise attack phase," gaining air superiority and destroying more than 60 percent of ballistic missile launchers. Iranian state TV reported explosions in several parts of the capital in the early morning hours of March 6. Israeli forces also intensified attacks on Iran-allied Hezbollah forces in neighboring Lebanon. In retaliation, Iranian forces fired two new waves of rockets at Israel and have used warheads with cluster munitions, Iranian state TV reported. Cluster munitions have largely been banned internationally because they spread explosives over large areas and are particularly dangerous for civilians. Israel has previously accused Iran of firing such munitions. Elsewhere, an Iranian missile strike ignited a blaze at Bahrain's state-owned oil refinery, while in Saudi Arabia, some Western embassy staff in Riyadh were told to shelter in place after an attack on the US Embassy compound earlier this week. The United Arab Emirates said its air-defense systems had intercepted six ballistic missiles, one of which landed on its soil. Emirati officials said the Gulf state is considering freezing Iranian assets to punish Tehran for the attacks on its territory. Sites in non-Gulf nations Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Iraq have also been targeted by Iranian drones during the first six days of fighting. A US submarine sank an Iranian warship off the waters of Sri Lanka on March 4, killing at least 87 sailors. Fears were growing in Azerbaijan, Iran's northwestern neighbor, that the South Caucasus country could become embroiled in the war. Baku accused Iran of firing drones that struck an airport and school in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan autonomous region on March 5, calling it an "act of terror" and vowing to respond. Tehran denied it fired the drones that injured two people. The US State Department on March 5 warned American citizens in Azerbaijan to avoid travel to the Nakhchivan region following the drone strikes. With reporting by RFE/RL's Alex Raufoglu in Washington, RFE/RL's Radio Farda, Reuters and AFP WASHINGTON, March 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said he has "no time limits" on how long the war with Iran could continue, according to an interview with Time published Thursday. "I have no time limits on anything," Trump said in a phone call with Time on Wednesday. "I want to get it done." Earlier this week, Trump said he was expecting the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran would last four to five weeks. The operation began on Feb. 28. Trump also outlined several objectives for the conflict, including preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles, and installing "somebody that is rational and sane" to lead Iran, the report said. The Republican-held U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday failed to pass a war powers resolution aiming at reining in Trump's attacks on Iran, one day after a similar measure failed to advance in the Senate. JERUSALEM, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Friday that it had launched a new wave of airstrikes in the Dahieh district, south of Beirut, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. Tom Tuite Five Dublin revellers have been spared jail following a 'large-scale' brawl with violent birthday party gatecrashers armed with hurleys and suspected 'shiv' blades. Louise Byrne, 43, and Catlyn Brophy, 23, both of Windmill Park, Crumlin, and Evan Cummins, 22, of Pine Road, Ringsend, 25-year-old Luke Cummins of Grand Canal Walk, Ringsend and Adam Mooney, 23, Iveagh Trust, Kevin Street pleaded guilty on Thursday to engaging in violent disorder on July 16th, 2023. Mooney and Luke Cummins also admitted to producing weapons, pint glasses, during the incident. Court Garda Sergeant James Ward outlined the evidence, telling Judge Treasa Kelly that the night of Catlyn Brophy's 21st party at the Four Provinces pub ended in violence when two uninvited males, unknown to the defendants, entered the gathering with weapons. A verbal disagreement spilt onto the street outside and turned into a brawl, witnesses told gardai. CCTV footage CCTV footage revealed that there was a fight between seven people, and "multiple strikes and punches were exchanged between all parties". Two pint glasses were used to strike a male, and that evidence related only to carpenter Luke Cummins and Mooney. Luke Cummins, alone, insisted his was plastic while Mooney accepted his was a glass, the court heard. Except for construction worker Mooney, none of the defendants had prior convictions. The 23-year-old father of one's prior crimes included three drug offences, but his solicitor, Stephen O'Mahony, submitted they happened several years ago. His client had since turned his life around and was raising his child while working full-time. He explained that Mooney had initially acted to protect himself and others as the "happy occasion turned sour" and escalated into a brawl. Solicitor, Evan Moore, for the remaining defendants, said they were all in employment and at a normal, well-behaved 21st when two men chased by gardai entered and produced shiv knives and approached them. Louise Byrne was knocked out by one of the culprits, the court heard. Pleading for leniency, Mr Moore emphasised that they had never been in trouble before, but trouble came to them, and they were merely defending themselves. Fines Judge Kelly said having a pint glass was extremely serious and imposed a four-month suspended sentence on Mooney. She applied the Probation of Offenders Act to the remaining four, sparing them recorded convictions on the condition that they make donations to various charities within a month. She noted their incomes and ordered that Byrne pay 650, Brophy 500, Evan Cummins 450, and Luke Cummins 500. Otherwise, they will face heavier fines and criminal convictions. At least one other person is still before the courts in connection with the incident. James Cox Irish actress Jessie Buckley has made some powerful enemies in cat lovers after comments she made in a podcast with Hamnet co-star Paul Mescal. The pair were discussing the movie, before moving into various topics. When the subject of cats came up, Buckley admitted she was not a fan. My husband, when I started dating him he had two cats. One of the cats was a pedigree model bitch and she staged like a coup against me. Id come home and thered just be poo on my pillow. And I was, like, its me or the cats." "I won," she added. While the Kerry native made the comments in good humour, some outlets in the US have criticised her and labelled them controversial. Cat lovers were also quick to criticise her online. Despite the bad PR, we doubt it will have an impact on her status as the clear favourite for best actress at the upcoming Oscars. Ann O'Loughlin A High Court judge has emphasised the 'important' role the media plays after the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) opted to ban reporters from a hearing relating to a senior garda's disclosure that gun holsters used by armed units are defective and could lead to accidental deaths. Mr Justice Garrett Simons on Thursday said 'any departure' from hearings being held in public 'must be strictly justified' and it is arguable that the WRC has not justified its decision to hear the case of Det Superintendent Brian O'Reilly behind closed doors. Mr Justice Simons said the media had an "important" role to inform people about proceedings held in the public interest and that this also applied to the WRC. Det Supt O'Reilly, the acting head of the Garda National Technical Bureau, is seeking to quash a WRC ruling from last month, when the adjudicating officer acceded to a Garda submission that his case contained "sensitivities" that should not be made public. Det Supt O'Reilly, who has Nato and CIA training and a Masters in Serious Crime investigations, is taking his case against the WRC adjudicating officer and the WRC. The Commissioner of An Garda Siochana is named as a notice party. Det Supt O'Reilly, who has served as a Garda for over 30 years, submits that after he made protected disclosures regarding work practices inside An Garda Siochana he was penalised in his workplace and had his pay reduced. Det Supt O'Reilly became the acting head of the GNTB in August 2016 and claims he has, since making his disclosures, "suffered detriment". He raised concerns over gun-holstering equipment for gardai, warning that it endangered the lives of armed gardai and the public in general. Accidental self-wounding The detective claimed that leather holsters, made and supplied by an equine saddlery in Kildare, may have been responsible for the serious accidental self-wounding of a Garda on protection duty at the residence of the Israeli ambassador in Dublin in June, 2020. Last November, Dublin Circuit Court heard that Det Supt OReilly made several protected disclosures in recent years, one of which regarded alleged breaches of health and safety regulations and endangerment of colleagues due to unsafe and defective leather pistol holsters". Det Supt OReilly told the court that the pistol could be removed from the leather holster even when the retention strap or safety clasp was closed. Six days after the accidental shooting outside the ambassadors home, Stephen Silver murdered Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Silver (49), of Foxford, Co Mayo, grappled with Garda Horkan and took control of the pistol which had been holstered on the Garda's hip. Silver kept firing at Det Gda Horkan until the gun was empty, causing catastrophic injuries. Silver was sentenced in April 2023 to life imprisonment with a minimum time to be served of 40 years for murdering a Garda who was acting in the course of his duties. Det Supt OReilly said he and another officer investigating Det Gda Horkans death had been informed that Silver told gardai, while in custody, that he had been able to reach down and pull Det Horkans pistol from the holster. This year's Roscommon Drama Festival, which will run from tonight, March 6th, to Saturday, March 14th, promises a range of amateur theatre to suit all tastes. The festival was officially launched at Aras an Chontae recently by the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr Liam Callaghan, who said that the event brings vibrancy and excitement to Roscommon Town. The festival kicks off at 8pm this evening with Ballyturk written by Enda Walsh and presented by Kilmeen Drama Group from Cork. March 7th sees Corofin Dramatic Society on stage performing the Margaret Edson play Wit. Roscommon Drama Festival schools' story writing competition winners pictured with Cllr Marty McDermott, Cathaoirleach Liam Callaghan, Cllr Larry Brennan, Marie McCrann and Mairead Nally, Roscommon Drama Festival. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh The Nenagh Players present The Salvage Shop by Jim Nolan on Sunday, March 8th. The Dunmore Amateur Dramatic Society has unfortunately been forced to withdraw. Irish actor Gerry Farrel, playwright and mental health professional will present his one man show I had to go to Counselling, in its place on Monday, March 9th. On Tuesday, the Upstage Players from Claremorris present The Year of the Hiker. There is no performance on Wednesday, March 11th. Glenamaddy Players will perform Chapatti by Christian OReilly on Thursday, March 12th. Kilmuckridge Players will stage the ever popular The Communication Cord by Brian Friel on Friday 13th. The "feast of drama" will conclude on Saturday 14th with Sive by John B Keane followed by the awards ceremony. The launch night coincided with the presentation of prizes in the childrens short story writing competition. The competition was open to Fifth and Sixth class pupils in the Roscommon area. Mairead Nally had a very special word for all the budding writers of the future who entered the competition. Best Overall prize went to Makayla Carroll from Ballagh National School. First overall winner in 6th Class went to Julia Bak from Ballagh NS. Cora Mulry from Tisrara NS. took home first place for a Fifth Class student. For more information, please visit Roscommon Arts Centre . County Sligo native Paul Hargadon was a superintendent for the Roscommon/Longford Garda Division for over 35 years. Now in his retirement years, after a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer, he has become an ambassador for Oesophageal Cancer Ireland and hopes that by sharing his story he will encourage others to listen to their bodies, seek medical advice early, and never underestimate the importance of cancer awareness. Born in 1953, he grew up on the shores of Lough Arrow. He met his wife Carmel, a native of Glaslough, while stationed in Monaghan, and the couple, who have been married for 48 years, have three adult children, Gareth, Michelle and Keith. The couple moved from Ballinasloe to Marlmount, Blackrock, County Louth in 2019 to be closer to their son Keith, who has followed his father into An Garda Siochana and is now a Detective Sergeant based in Dundalk. Since then, Carmel, who worked for Norbrook Laboratories, has been diagnosed with neurological issues and is now confined to a wheelchair. In the autumn of 2024 Paul was on holiday in Portugal when he felt out of sorts. Symptoms included stomach issues, unintentional weight loss, and severe reflux. When he returned home, he had a visit with GP Dr Ciarin Cairns where it was agreed that he attend for a colonoscopy and endoscopy. As his father died from pancreatic cancer it was crucial he undergo these procedures. After a biopsy and a CT scan it was confirmed that he had a cancerous tumour in his oesophagus. Fortunately, it was operable and treatable. In January of 2025 he underwent a course of pre operative chemotherapy. While he coped reasonably well physically, the treatment took its toll, leaving him fatigued and emotionally drained in the days following each infusion. On April 11, 2025, he underwent major robotically assisted surgery at Beaumont Hospital. Initially, the operation was successful, and he was transferred to intensive care. However, the journey was not easy and he contracted double pneumonia, spent two weeks in ICU and underwent four further sessions of chemotherapy. He eventually returned to the Phoenix Ward at Beaumont, where he would spend a total of seven weeks in hospital. The journey was both physically and mentally exhausting and he readily acknowledged the mental challenges someone in his position can face. Despite all these extra challenges he has come out of this the other side with not only a positive outlook but as an advocate for looking out for the signs and challenges of oesophageal cancer. Despite my positive psychological attitude the seven week stay in hospital was to prove an extreme challenge, he recalls. There were days and nights when I asked the question is this ever going to end, and if so, when? of course there were no simple quick answers. I was assured by Prof Robb and his team that I was moving in the right direction, that all the signs were positive but that it would be a slow process. They assured me that I would get dressed and walk out of the hospital someday soon. I took some solace and comfort from this as I had the confidence of my medical team. I dug deep and mustered up all my psychological strength and positivity and pulled through it. It still rings in my ears when Prof Robb announced on his early morning round. I think we can discharge you on Friday and you will have some light food today. Seven weeks and nil by mouth, I never thought water could taste so good and I still can taste that ice cream and jelly, he laughs. It was a very tough journey, but I made it through and I was discharged from hospital on Friday, May 30th, 2025. To aid my recovery I returned to Felda gym and undertook light activities, swimming, sauna and steam room and Jacuzzi. It took some time, but I regained some of my strength and by early July I was walking 5 kms per day. Digestion and reflux and regurgitation are the main issues, eating too fast and not chewing food properly. However, I think I have mastered this. Paul Hargadon and his wife Carmel. In late July and August last year his oncologist recommended that he have four further sessions of chemotherapy but this time not as strong a dose. I found this session was more difficult in that I had little or no energy and lost ability to walk any distance, he recalls. However, to regain his strength he joined an aqua aerobics classes joining 60/70 ladies in his local gym for 40 minutes three days per week and he has found this to be an enormous help. I believe exercise and a positive mental attitude is the key to recovery, he says. He says that he got through his treatment thanks to the staff at the oncology unit, Bon Secours, the ICU and the Phoenix Ward at Beaumont Hospital. I wish to convey my sincere gratitude for the care, comfort, kindness and empathy they always afforded me. I am reminded of a quote from academic and writer -Sara Wolfe Moss, Nurses, one of the few blessings of being ill, said Paul. He has also expressed his gratitude to the medical teams involved in his recovery such as Prof William Robb and his two assistants Doctors Donal OConnor and Mohammad Bagir, Professor Adrian Murphy, Oncologist Mr Joergon Mulsow, Mater Private and the intern doctors on Phoenix ward. Above all, he credits his family, particularly his wife Carmel and his three children, for carrying him through the darkest days. His experience has left him with this message for others: Pay attention to symptoms, no matter how minor they may seem, and seek medical advice early. All the tests I had two years earlier were clear. If I had ignored the changes in my body, the outcome could have been very different. Can people change their behaviour for the better after committing a crime or a serious offence? Can prisoners who have completed their sentence reintegrate into society and make a positive contribution? How can their risk of reoffending be successfully managed to keep communities safe? These are just some of the complex challenges that Probation Service staff serving Roscommon and Longford are grappling with every day while at the same time driven and informed by the knowledge that people can and do change. Were agents of change. We have the fundamental belief that people have the capacity to change. And part of that whole process and working with offenders is to help them make those changes, whatever they might be, explained John Maguire, senior probation officer for Roscommon and Longford. The Probation Service, an executive agency of the Department of Justice, is responsible for the supervision and management of people in the community who have offended. It works in close collaboration with the Courts Service, the Irish Prison Service, An Garda Siochana, the Parole Board, the Department of Justice, agencies across the criminal justice system, and with numerous Probation Service funded Community Based Organisations (CBOs) across Ireland. Trying to achieve that very noble objective of helping people whose behaviour has caused harm to reintegrate into society can often be rewarding. But equally, navigating that journey with an offender can be extremely difficult as staff have to deal with a range of complex social issues such as addiction, homelessness and the complexity of clients' needs. Probation officers, like John, are highly trained and use their expertise across a range of areas. Probation assessments required by courts not surprisingly demand intensive time and effort, and involve dealing with all types of offenders including those who have committed murder and sexual offences. Probation Reports Preparing probation reports to assist in sentencing decisions is a central element of their work and involves face-to-face interaction with the offender. For example, if somebody was on remand for serious charges like murder, you are tasked to talk to them in prison as part of getting an overview in terms of their character. Depending on other types of offences and their severity, we can meet people in the prison, in our office, in the community or in their homes, John outlines. Staff are very conscious of their own personal safety when it comes to meeting clients. We have our own health and safety policies regarding risk assessments. When we review a file, we might call a Garda or touch base with a court or a solicitor. If we were really worried about somebody who has a history of threats or violence to staff - whether its us or Tusla staff or maybe its in the prison - we would take all that into account. We might say that maybe we cant see this person in a home visit or we cant see this person on our own, so we have to double up. We do take certain steps. The Probation Service ensures a range of court ordered sanctions are implemented. Source: Probation Service Annual Report 2024 A probation report can help identify whats going on in a persons life that could affect their chances of reoffending. When preparing the report, the probation officer will consider the seriousness of the offence; a persons attitude to the offence and to the victim, and the supports available to the person. A plan will be agreed to help the person try and avoid reoffending. A probation report can be a very detailed body of work involving a range of information on a person, including possible previous convictions. A lot depends on the person who has committed the offence and depends on the severity of the crime or the offence. And if theyre known to us here before, then well have previous information. The probation report might relate to a young adult where we may need to talk to a partner or a parent. That may also involve bringing a letter to us from an employer, he explains. Critical Role Needless to say, such reports can play critical roles when it comes to a judge ruling on a particular case. The judge can very much be dependent on the probation report in front of him to make a call on the person. We are very aware of this. When a court case is reported on, it might have a quote from one of our reports that the judge has read out loud. Its a reminder to us that theres weight behind our reports. A report can influence sentencing; whether a sentence or a portion of it is going to be suspended or not, and whether it might include a period of probation supervision, which means that that person is back in the community. In reports that we prepare, we can also recommend that the person is not suitable for probation supervision because the person has no interest in working with us. Throughout our conversation, John highlights the importance of keeping the victim to the forefront at all times. Every piece of work that we do, we always have to try and keep the victim in the room or in our conversation in the report. We have to consider the harm that the offender has done that has affected someone so badly. Supervision Orders Supervising people in the community who are subject to different types of court orders, from district court level upwards, is also very demanding work for staff. Probation type supervision includes probation orders, fully suspended sentence supervision orders, and supervision during deferment of penalty. The latter is where the court postpones the penalty to a further date on condition that the offender responds to the supervision of a probation officer and avoids reoffending. There are also various supervision orders when a person is released from prison. They can include part suspended sentences, temporary release supervision, life sentence prisoners on supervision and sex offenders on supervision in the community. The court can make an order for supervision with or without a probation report. Or there might be a request for a community service report, which we can do quickly because theres no risk assessment involved. When it comes to somebody who is released after serving a prison sentence for murder, theyre on probation supervision for the rest of their life. A graph reflecting the diverse and wide ranging actions and impact of the Probation Service. Source: Probation Service Annual Report 2024 For John and his staff, one of the keys to the success of working with an offender is relationship building in partnership with other agencies. Its about meeting with the person and making what we call a case management plan and a supervision agreement. The level of intervention and the level that we engage is based on somebodys level of risk. A high-risk client would be seen every single week. How we manage supervision orders will be different for everybody. Some might have caring responsibilities, maybe for elderly parents or children, so we have to factor that in. A person could be homeless or the person could have an addiction. So I couldnt reasonably expect those people to do a course about completing a CV and getting a job. So everybodys case management plan is different. We have a model in probation called the RNR model - risk, need, responsivity. The level of risk and the level of need determines the response that we provide, John explains. REHABILITATION When it comes to the whole area of rehabilitation, there is a strong sense of realism among staff about the different levels of progress that can be achieved. So the case management plan is goal oriented. We pick a number of goals, setting a timeline and building in the reviews. The nature of the plan depends on the person, depends on their progress and depends on the length of the supervision. We dont expect people to come out of probation to be brand new, completely different people. And sometimes it can be a very, very small win. That is enough for that person, but also for us - like turning up to appointments, being able to get up in the morning and maybe progressing from a 3 p.m. appointment to a 9.30 a.m. appointment. That means that they really want to try. We could be talking about someone who has had no structure, no routine, left school early and maybe have a medical care history. We cant do anything with them however if they dont show up. It can be that basic all the way up to somebody applying for and getting a new job. Or somebody applying for a position in a third level institution. In terms of intervention, we love to see change although it might not be seen as always possible with someone who is so ingrained in a particular lifestyle. But we do believe at some point that maybe there comes a time that they feel ready to make a change. Maybe its a stage in their life where theyve just decided, Im so done with prison.And so its about getting them at the right time, which is great. However, John is quick to admit that there are deniers and achieving any level of progress can often be very difficult. You may have a person who has served several years in prison and still would deny everything. So its very hard to kind of move that needle. As part of the assessment process or even in supervision, you might just have to tell them, sitting across the table, that you find what they might be saying to you very hard to believe. You know, you might just have to name it and challenge them to get a response. There has to be a challenge, especially for the people who have committed serious offences, who deny that it really caused any harm, deny the offence or say that it was all blown out of proportion. Managing Risk In TheCommunity The Probation Service staff is always mindful of the need to balance rehabilitation work with managing risk in the community. Some of these people pose a risk to themselves or others. Were actively trying to manage that risk that they pose to themselves and others and thats a big responsibility. At least when theyre in the prison, you know where they are. You know where theyre sleeping that night. The level of risk, high, medium or low, will determine the level of our intervention. High level risk involves a lot of work with the gardai. And sometimes we just have to do a basic check with the prison service to see if they have been picked up for new charges, or more generally, get a full picture of how theyre getting on. Staff The Probation Service is a national organisation with more than 35 community based-offices nationwide and a presence in every county. For counties Roscommon and Longford, John Maguire leads a team of five probation officers and one probation assistant. There is no dedicated office for the Roscommon/Longford service, which shares office facilities in Athlone with its Westmeath counterpart. Not surprisingly, case workloads for staff can be unrelenting and are carried out against the background of rising court referrals, the increasing complexity of client needs and prison overcrowding. The Probation Service is responsible for the supervision and management of people in the community who have offended. Pic: iStock John points out that there are currently about 17,000 people nationally on probation and 6,000 people in prison. From budgetary figures he cites, its clear where the bulk of the investment is going. In the last budget, the Probation Service got an extra 6.7m while the prison service got an additional 39m and theres a lot more people in the probation service as clients than there are in prison. The prison service is massively under pressure and any rehabilitation work is not happening in the prisons at the moment because they are so overcrowded. The drive at the minute and the focus of the work in prison is around preparing people for release. I know the psychology services and the probation service in the prisons would love to do more direct work in the prisons but I dont think theyre getting the opportunity to do that. It would be the ideal scenario where they are doing pieces with prisoners around victim-focused work, empathy around the harm that theyve done, or offence-related work - work that is aimed at trying to develop an insight as to why they did what they did and how to prevent it ever happening again. That piece of work should start in the prison but unfortunately it only starts when they get out. Homelessness Against the backdrop of a housing crisis, a major barrier to rehabilitation can be homelessness, according to John. We have people coming out of prison straight into homelessness. They are sent to the local county council and present as homeless. But some could end up having nowhere to go and thats a massive concern and worry for us. Unfortunately, all we can do in those cases is advocate as best we can with the councils and with other housing services and supports. We can also talk to people who find themselves homeless about other options such as old friends and family members, but often times theyve burnt their bridges. We will always work with them to try and identify some type of support or some option other than them going back to crime. Mental Health While John said all stakeholders, including local authorities, are doing their very best in what is a very challenging landscape, he would like to see more resources invested in a range of areas, not least in the area of community mental health supports. You have people in the system and people who you deal with who have genuine mental health issues but are not really getting the help that they need when theyre in the community. Our own service could do a lot more as well if we had more staff and resources. We are also hindered by the fact that we dont have our office in Roscommon, which would give us more of a central hub to work from. That is certainly what we would all like because if youre trying to work with someone in North Roscommon, for example, they wouldnt necessarily come all the way to Athlone. In this situation, we have to arrange to meet them somewhere. But I am very lucky to have an experienced and committed team here in Roscommon and Longford. They have built up a very good network and a good relationship with the courts service, the prison service, the guards, the councils and many other stakeholders. We are also very lucky that we have two local judges, Kenneth Connolly, and James Faughnan, who really understand the value of the Probation Service and what we do, he said. Its very clear from speaking to John that despite all the challenges and obstacles that arise every day for him and his team, their commitment to making a positive impact on peoples lives and the wider community remains steadfast. As I said earlier, one of our core principles is that people have a fundamental capacity to change. Youre looking for ways to do that whether its through interpersonal skills or interacting with services. We could have staff who might be on leave but are still taking calls from people who they are worried about. I suppose what we do is a vocation for many of us working in the Probation Service. By Rebecca Black, Press Association There were celebrations and relief for a second night in a row at Dublin Airport with the arrival of the first planes from Dubai since conflict broke out in the Middle East. People who had been working in the United Arab Emirates for several years as well as some holidaymakers were among the hundreds who landed home on Thursday evening. Dubai has been hit by missiles amid the conflict between Iran and the US and Israel, including explosions at the citys airport and the Fairmont Hotel, and it has also been impacted by widespread air space closures in the Middle East. There are an estimated 24,400 Irish citizens in the Gulf region. There will be further direct flights from the Middle East landing in Dublin on Friday, including a Government charter flight from Oman which is expected to transport around 280 passengers. Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee expressed hope that hundreds, if not more than 1,000, will arrive in Dublin before the end of the week. Dympna Mackin, from Mayobridge, Co Down, who had been in Dubai with her husband to celebrate her 40th birthday, walked through arrivals to hugs from family waiting to see her. Unbelievable. Id missed the children so much. Im shaking, its good to be home, she said. We arrived in Dubai last Thursday, we were due home on Monday, this was the third flight that wed tried to get home. We were in Dubai for my 40th birthday I dont want to get into it because it was traumatising. Colette Cummins, from Malahide, who had been visiting family in Dubai, was hugged by work colleagues as she came through arrivals. Im so happy to be home. We were supposed to come on Tuesday but the flight was cancelled, she said. Upama Ghosh (centre) is met by friends at Dublin Airport (Niall Carson/PA) Its great to be home, my sister is not so lucky, she is still there. Scary at the beginning. It had eased off but back again today because we got news on the flight of alerts that missiles were coming in again. The situation is escalating again. Megan ORiordan, from Co Meath, who has worked in software sales in Dubai for three years, was greeted by her father Michael. Daily life is normal, everyone is still working, were just working remotely and school is happening at home. The only difference is the missiles and interceptions when you see those it is a little bit scary, she said. Other than that, nothing else has changed, life goes on as normal over there. The government have been really good, the embassy has been really good. Among those on the first flight from Dubai, which landed in Dublin late on Wednesday, was Anna Callaghan from Donegal. My mums come all the way from Donegal, thats why Im a little overwhelmed. I live in Dublin so I wasnt expecting to see her, she said, as the pair embraced again. Her mother Patricia responded: Im just glad shes on the ground now. Ms Callaghan described a stressful and scary situation. Norita Geary (left) is welcomed by her sister Elaine Gleeson as she arrives at Dublin Airport (Niall Carson/PA) We were seeing and hearing bangs and explosions, last night in particular it was jet after jet after jet going overhead, and then we heard the US consulate was hit and that really scared everyone, she said. This is my fourth flight that I rebooked and I didnt think I was going to get out. Elaine Gleeson from Limerick also surprised a family member, turning up with a balloon and flowers to welcome home sister Norita Geary. Everyone clapped when the plane landed, and cheered, it was just magic, Ms Geary said. I didnt expect to see her (Elaine) because I told her I was getting a lift home, she added, hugging her sister. Dublin is the most beautiful city in the world. Gina Quinn from Dublin described hearing a national alarm in the middle of the night which woke everyone up. It was very frightening, you just didnt know, and getting information on when you might be able to fly home was nigh impossible. The airlines were great but they were inundated, she said. Tim Riordan is welcomed by his wife Rachel Riordan and children Olivia, five, and two-year-old Fionn (Niall Carson/PA) I think everyone on the flight coming in tonight is absolutely delighted, just hope that everybody else gets home quickly because its a very uncertain situation. Its fantastic to be home. Rob McClean from Greystones, who had been transiting through Dubai from India, said it was a massive relief to be home. I was in the airport on Saturday night when the explosion happened so we were evacuated from there which was pretty tough, he said. Its been nerve-wracking for my family. There were also a number of passengers from across Europe who took the flight to Dublin in desperation to flee the Middle East. Alex Anderson, a French-American who lives in Frankfurt, described huge relief and said it was very emotional to land in Dublin. It was really difficult. I was a transfer passenger, I was supposed to be going on to Frankfurt on February 28. When I was coming in from Malaysia we actually saw the missile trails, but we didnt know what it was then, just thought it was planes, he said. Gina Quinn arrives at Dublin on a flight from Dubai (Niall Carson/PA) It was really shocking when we landed and found out what had happened. I moved as quickly as I could out of the terminal building, and an hour later it got hit. Then there was the long wait of days, hearing thumps, anti-missile stuff, that was nerve-wracking, they definitely had a lot of drones coming over. I wouldnt say its a full-blown war zone like you would see in Gaza, but its getting close. Its a huge relief to land in Ireland, and a bit emotional. Tomorrow morning Ill fly back home to my wife and kids in Frankfurt. Andy Barnes from Hertfordshire and Andy Teasdale from Cumbria said they had spent their time in hotel basements in Dubai since their flight home was cancelled on Saturday. We were at the airport from 3.30am, there were no flights available but we went on the waiting list and ended up getting on the last flight out, they said. They had been staying in the area around the marina and Mr Barnes said: We saw a lot of interceptions, Saturday night was really hairy. We were out having a pizza sat out by the pool, and heard bangs going off, which we later found out were interceptions you could see it all in the side and then we saw smoke coming from the Fairmont Hotel. RABAT, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Moroccan government has set Sept. 23 as the date for the country's next election for the 395-seat House of Representatives, the lower house of parliament. The cabinet approved the draft decree setting the date of the elections, government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas told the press following a cabinet meeting on Thursday. The draft decree also set the deadlines for submitting candidacies through the dedicated electronic platform, and the electoral campaign period, Batias added. Under the country's constitution, Morocco's King appoints the prime minister from the party which wins most seats, who will then proceed to form a government. Congress delegation visit Iran Embassy Earlier today, Pawan Khera expressed his heartfelt condolences to the blessed and brave people of Iran. A Congress delegation, including party leaders Pawan Khera and Salman Khurshid, visited the Iran Embassy on Friday, according to news agency PTI. Further details are awaited. Advertisement Earlier today, Pawan Khera expressed his heartfelt condolences to the blessed and brave people of Iran. The visit comes after the death of Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (For more news apart from Congress delegation visit Iran Embassya," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) NCW Chairperson Vijaya Kishor Rahatkar said the initiative will be conducted in collaboration with state women commissions. File Photo. The hearings are expected to address over 15,000 cases, including immediate resolution of complaints raised on the spot. NCW Launches Nationwide Jan Sunwai Across 500 Districts, Over 15,000 Womens Cases from March 814 Advertisement The National Commission for Women (NCW) will hold a week-long nationwide initiative to hear and address womens complaints in nearly 500 districts between March 8 and March 14. The program aims to make grievance redressal more accessible and strengthen the commissions complaint-handling mechanism across the country. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Kishor Rahatkar said the initiative will be conducted in collaboration with state women commissions. The hearings are expected to address over 15,000 cases, including immediate resolution of complaints raised on the spot. The program will cover most states and union territories, with the exception of a few that are unable to host hearings due to ongoing elections. Districts were selected based on factors such as the number of complaints received and the need to reach remote or hilly areas with limited access to grievance redressal mechanisms. Advertisement Rahatkar will personally participate in several hearings, starting in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on March 9. She will visit Vadodara in Gujarat on March 10, Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh on March 11, Medchal-Malkajgiri in Telangana on March 12, Devghar in Jharkhand on March 13, and Dumka on March 14. The NCW said this initiative reflects the governments efforts to enhance justice, safety, and equal opportunity for women, while expanding the reach of complaint redressal services across the country. Time to keep an eye on petrol-diesel prices File Photo Any war in the Gulf region would have a direct impact on the supply of crude oil worldwide. Any war in the Gulf region has a direct impact on the supply of crude oil worldwide. This causes the prices of crude oil to rise sharply, which has a negative impact on the economies of every country, rich or poor, that has been buying crude oil from the Gulf countries for their needs. This impact is greater on the poor countries, while the rich are less affected because they are in a relatively better position to tolerate such economic manipulation. The same phenomenon is happening now. Iran has shown the ability to withstand the wrath of the joint attack by Israel and America. Despite the killing of the top leadership, that country has not yet shown the spirit of kneeling. Therefore, the possibility of an immediate end to this war is not visible at the moment. Due to this, the prices of crude oil have increased by around 24 percent in the global market. This has increased the concern in all the other countries except America, Israel and Russia. Advertisement America has vast oil reserves. Now it also holds the key to Venezuela's oil reserves. Israel is its war ally. It cannot afford to run out of oil. Russia has reserves similar to America's. In the event of oil supply disruptions from the Persian Gulf, China, India and other Asian countries turn to Russian oil; that too despite economic sanctions imposed by the US and European countries. This is the reason why Russian oil prices have increased by 17 percent. In such a situation, it should be hoped that the world will not have to witness a repeat of the history of 2006. In July 2006, Iran tested the 'Shabab-3' missile. This missile was supposed to hit a distance of two thousand kilometers. This meant that Iran was capable of directly hitting Israel. Due to the threat of war arising from this test, within just four days, the price of crude oil in the global market reached $ 147 per barrel. Currently, it is $ 78 per barrel. Last year, it had dropped to $ 47 per barrel at one point. The prices of $ 75-78 were maintained for a long time even in the year 2024. These prices did not pose a big challenge to the stability of the economy of countries like India. During that calendar year, India's retail inflation rate did not cross the mark of more than 5 percent. Now it is around 2.78 percent. Despite such a situation, government or non-government companies selling petroleum products have started giving hints of increasing the prices of petrol-diesel and ATF (aircraft fuel). Such greedy business attitude should be discouraged. Crude oil prices were around $60 on average during 2025. Despite this, the government did not ask these companies to reduce the retail prices for 2024. Now if global prices have increased and these companies have started seeing their profits eroding, then they have started giving hints of increasing retail prices, i.e., putting more burden on the common consumer. This is an unreasonable approach. Advertisement Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has clearly stated that India has reserves of petrol, diesel and other fuels for the next four weeks. However, India is not solely dependent on Arab countries for all its supplies. It also buys crude oil from African countries like Nigeria and Algeria, and from the US, Russia and Malaysia. In such a situation, there is no need for government or non-government companies selling oil to create unnecessary panic. Such fear has a direct impact on other sectors of the national economy. For the business world, morality is less important and wealth is more important. That is why the interest in profiteering increases during every difficult situation. It is the duty of the government to not allow such a trend to flourish. The welfare of the countrymen lies in the fact that the retail prices of petrol and diesel remain stable. This is the only effective measure to keep inflation under control. March 6, 2026 A roundup of local and world news Newsflash Newsroom, 06.03.2026, 13:55 Diplomatic support for Romanians in the UAE In a telephone conversation on Friday, Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan spoke with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to request support in facilitating flight corridors for Romanian airlines. The move is intended to ensure that Romanian citizens currently in the UAE can return home safely. According to a government statement, the discussion was held in the spirit of friendship and cooperation between the two states. During the call, the Prime Minister expressed full solidarity with the Emirati people regarding the current security developments in the Middle East, which have also impacted the UAE. In addition to offering a message of support, resilience and strength for these difficult times, Prime Minister Bolojan personally thanked the Sheikh and local authorities for the assistance provided to Romanian residents, workers and tourists in the UAE. War in Iran The United States has announced it will intensify its aerial offensive against Iran, asserting that missile and drone fire has significantly decreased following the bombing of Iranian military installations. The American military has only just begun to fight, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said after President Donald Trump warned that the great wave of airstrikes had not yet been launched. Both Hegseth and Trump provided assurances that ammunition reserves are sufficient, despite warnings that the rapid use of Americas most advanced bombs and missiles risks depleting stocks. Meanwhile, Israel reports that 80% of Irans anti-aircraft systems and 60% of its launchers have been destroyed and that it is moving to the second phase of the offensive, focusing on well-protected bunker targets. Conversely, Iran has threatened to attack its adversaries anywhere in the world. Recent Iranian strikes targeted the Al-Udeid base in Qatar, the largest US base in the Middle East. Gas prices capped until 2027 The Romanian government decided on Thursday that natural gas prices will remain capped for household users until April 2027. According to Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, the best time to liberalize prices in this market will be when supply is sufficient. He noted that next year, Romania will become the largest producer of natural gas in the European Union as extraction is set to begin in the Neptun Deep perimeter of the Black Sea. Furthermore, the Prime Minister said that amid the current developments in the Gulf, Romanians must be protected from fluctuations on the external market. Remedial measures under government scrutiny The Government is today examining projects from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) under the coordination of Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. The meeting aims to publicly present the implementation status and necessary remedial measures. Minister of European Projects, Dragos Pislaru, said that following negotiations with Brussels, Romania has reduced the number of milestones and targets in the PNRR from 500 to approximately 200. Additionally, reforms required to close the objectives tied to the third and fourth payment requests, from which Romania would benefit by 3 billion, have been completed. These include the reform of the Romsilva agency, decarbonization measures and the pension reform targeting magistrates. Regarding this final milestone, which Romania fulfilled with delay, the European Commission has not yet reached a decision. However, the Minister claims there are confirmations that Bucharests arguments will be analyzed constructively. Dan-Nawrocki bilateral talks The President of Romania, Nicusor Dan, and his Polish counterpart, Karol Nawrocki, emphasized yesterday in Warsaw that both states share a common vision within both NATO and the European Union. The two leaders highlighted bilateral cooperation in political and economic fields and concluded that their countries represent success stories within the European family. Economic growth data Romanias economy grew by 0.7% in real terms last year compared to 2024. However, according to provisional data published Friday by the National Institute of Statistics (INS), the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the final quarter of 2025 was 1.9% lower than the previous quarter. Contributing positively to GDP growth in 2025 compared to 2024 were the following sectors: construction (+0.5%), holding an 8.7% share of the GDP, with an activity volume increase of 7%; information and communications (+0.3%), holding a 7.1% share of the GDP, with an activity volume increase of 4.1%; and agriculture (+0.2%), holding a 3% share of the GDP, with an activity volume increase of 6.6%. Negative contributions to the GDP change came from professional, scientific, and technical activities. Administrative and support service activities contributed -0.3%, holding an 8.1% share of the GDP as their activity volume fell by 4.0%. Wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicle repair, transport, storage, hotels, and restaurants contributed -0.1%, representing a 20.3% share of the GDP while their activity volume decreased by 0.3%. Romania in the Billie Jean King Cup Romanias womens tennis team will face France, Latvia and Norway in Group C of the Europe/Africa Zone (Group I) of the Billie Jean King Cup. The draw took place in London and was announced by the Romanian Tennis Federation on Facebook. The tournament will be hosted by Oeiras, Portugal, over April 711, with three teams set to earn promotion to the next phase. Romania, debuting under non-playing captain Alexandra Dulgheru, was relegated to Group I in November 2025 after finishing second in Play-off Group B with one win (3-0 against New Zealand) and one loss (0-3 against Poland). (VP) Oil prices held steady on Friday but were on track for hefty weekly gains due to severe disruption in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Benchmark Brent crude futures were little changed after climbing above $85 a barrel on Thursday amid the worsening conflict in the Middle East. Subscribe to continue reading the article. This article is part of our premium content offering.Subscribe with a RTTNews subscription. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait has been shut down days after the area near the diplomatic mission was struck by Iranian drones. Announcing the suspension of operations at U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City on Thursday, the U.S. Department of State said, "While there have been no reported injuries to U.S. personnel, the safety of Americans abroad remains the highest priority." Subscribe to continue reading the article. This article is part of our premium content offering.Subscribe with a RTTNews subscription. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Global Economics Weekly Update - March 09 - 13, 2026 The week saw no cooling of the tensions in the Middle East that kept pushing the crude oil and gold prices higher, worsening concerns over the overall impact on the global economy. On the data front, latest inflation and foreign trade data were the highlights in the U.S. Trade was also in focus in Europe as Germany released its figures for January. In Asia, Japan revised its growth figure for the fourth quarter and China published external trade data for the first two months of the year. Axel Springer, a German media company, said on Friday that it has reached a deal with RedBird IMI to acquire the Telegraph Media Group for GBP 575 million in cash. Axel Springer will back an investment program in Telegraph Media to expand the . The German company will support the expansion of Telegraph Media into the U.S. market, leveraging the expertise of its media brands, Politico and Business Insider. Telegraph Media will also be able to access Axel Springer's expertise in journalism, as well as commercial expertise in the areas including advertising, subscriptions, and events. RedBird IMI said: "Following a swift and efficient negotiation, we are pleased to have reached an agreement with Axel Springer to purchase RedBird IMI's interest in the Daily Telegraph newspaper. Our team is now working closely with the UK Government to obtain the necessary approvals to finalize this transaction." RedBird IMI is a joint venture investment vehicle of RedBird Capital Partners and Abu Dhabi's International Media Investments. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Crude oil has catapulted on Friday after Qatar warned of a production halt in the gulf in the coming days as the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has heavily disrupted the energy supply route through the Strait of Hormuz. WTI Crude Oil for April delivery was last seen trading up by $9.88 (or 12.20%) at $90.89 per barrel. Subscribe to continue reading the article. This article is part of our premium content offering.Subscribe with a RTTNews subscription. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis JERUSALEM, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Friday it carried out strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut, targeting command centers and 10 multi-story buildings. The strikes hit an executive council command center and a drone storage facility in the Dahieh suburb, used to attack Israel, according to an IDF statement. The military said it took precautionary measures before the strikes, including warnings, precision weapons and aerial surveillance. Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut, has reportedly been hit by 26 waves of Israeli airstrikes since the escalation of the current conflict. 2W Retail Sales Feb 2026 Hero Leads, Honda Close Behind As Sales Rise 25% YoY In the earlier article, we discussed car retail sales of last month. Now, let us take a look at two wheeler retail sales (dealer to customer), which has recorded strong growth in February 2026. Total sales stood at 17,00,505 units, registering a 25.02% year-on-year increase compared to 13,60,155 units sold in February 2025. On a month-on-month basis however, sales declined by 8.22% from 18,52,870 units in January 2026, indicating a slowdown after the strong start to the year. Year-to-date performance remained positive. Between April 2025 and February 2026, total two wheeler retail sales reached 1,94,58,477 units, marking a 12% growth compared to 1,73,73,374 units sold during the same period last year. 2W Sales Fuel Wise Breakup Petrol and ethanol powered two-wheelers continued to dominate the market in February 2026 with a 93.34% share, though slightly lower than 94.06% recorded in February 2025. Electric two-wheelers accounted for 6.57% share, improving from 5.64% last year. CNG and LPG powered models remained niche with a 0.09% share. The rise in EV share reflects increasing consumer awareness and a growing number of electric two wheeler models entering the market. 2W Retail Sales February 2026 Among manufacturers, Hero MotoCorp retained the top position with 4,57,826 units sold in February 2026. This represents a 18.39% growth over 3,86,703 units sold during the same period last year. Honda followed closely with 4,31,253 units, registering a strong 30.74% YoY growth compared to 3,29,857 units in February 2025. TVS Motor secured the third position with 3,33,935 units, reflecting a 31.16% growth from 2,54,599 units last year. Bajaj Auto ranked fourth with 1,80,846 units, while Suzuki Motorcycle India posted 94,398 units, marking a 22.13% YoY increase. Royal Enfield continued its steady performance with 91,216 units sold, up 26.73% YoY. The brands growth continues to be supported by strong demand for its sub-350cc motorcycles. Yamaha Motor India recorded 60,967 units, reflecting a 31.60% growth compared to 46,327 units sold in February 2025. Electric 2W Retail Sales February 2026 Among electric two wheeler brands, Ather Energy reported strong growth with 20,584 units, up 71.85% from 11,978 units in February 2025. Greaves Electric (Ampere) registered 4,724 units, while Ola Electric continued to face declining sales. Retail numbers dropped to 3,968 units, a steep 54.26% decline from 8,675 units recorded in February 2025. Bengaluru-based EV startup River Mobility continued to gain traction, recording 2,255 units, a sharp rise from 613 units sold in February 2025. Classic Legends (Jawa, Yezdi and BSA) saw retail sales rise sharply to 4,468 units, nearly doubling compared to 2,350 units last year. Meanwhile, Piaggio (Aprilia / Vespa) reported 2,867 units, while BGauss registered 2,411 units, almost doubling sales compared to last year. Other two wheeler manufacturers collectively contributed 8,787 units to the total retail tally. Overall, February 2026 reflected strong growth across most manufacturers, with traditional ICE models continuing to dominate the market while EVs gradually increase their share. Israeli security forces and first responders work at the site of an Iranian strike in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 6, 2026. Iran's armed forces said Friday that they attacked U.S. and Israeli targets across the region, while the Israel Defense Forces said its air defense systems were intercepting another missile launch from Iran. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua) TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Iran's armed forces said Friday that they attacked U.S. and Israeli targets across the region, while the Israel Defense Forces said its air defense systems were intercepting another missile launch from Iran. In a statement, Iran's army said its ground force has targeted U.S. military bases in Kuwait with drones launched in large numbers, vowing that the attacks will continue in the coming hours. Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said it has launched a large number of Khorramshahr-4, Kheibar and Fattah missiles towards Israeli and U.S. targets in its 22nd wave of attacks, according to a statement published on its official news outlet Sepah News. In another statement, the IRGC said in the latest wave, the Khorramshahr-4 missiles carried 2-ton warheads and hit the targets with speeds of above Mach 14. The IRGC listed the targets as U.S. bases in regional countries, as well as Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion Airport and military centers in Haifa. For its part, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that, "a short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran ... Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat." On Saturday morning, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities. Iran responded through several waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases in the Middle East. Israeli security forces and first responders work at the site of an Iranian strike in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 6, 2026. Iran's armed forces said Friday that they attacked U.S. and Israeli targets across the region, while the Israel Defense Forces said its air defense systems were intercepting another missile launch from Iran. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua) Israeli security forces and first responders work at the site of an Iranian strike in Tel Aviv, Israel, March 6, 2026. Iran's armed forces said Friday that they attacked U.S. and Israeli targets across the region, while the Israel Defense Forces said its air defense systems were intercepting another missile launch from Iran. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua) This photo taken on March 6, 2026 shows the site of an Iranian strike in Tel Aviv, Israel. Iran's armed forces said Friday that they attacked U.S. and Israeli targets across the region, while the Israel Defense Forces said its air defense systems were intercepting another missile launch from Iran. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua) Takeaways The New Mexico Corrections Department moved inmate Bryce Franklin to an Arizona prison, saying the decision was based on his safety concerns not the scores of lawsuits he has filed against the agency. Franklin has been involved in more than 200 cases, with 33 currently pending, most challenging prison policies and conditions. He collected roughly $140,000 in 2025 and about $70,000 so far in 2026, largely from cases alleging public records and civil rights violations. Some of his lawsuits have led to settlements, precedent-setting rulings and changes. Franklin alleges repeated transfers and security changes were retaliation for his advocacy. The department denies it. Despite being housed in Arizona, Franklin says he will continue to file cases both states. NAIROBI, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Michelle Mutindi relished the admiration of spectators as she confidently strode onto the stage during a Spring Festival gala in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, wearing the traditional Chinese mamianqun, or the horse-face skirt. Performing as the final group at the glittering event, Mutindi and her fashion crew hogged the spotlight for a seamless fusion of Chinese and African fashion on the runway. The horse-face skirt, known for its pleated structure, elegant silhouette, and decorative patterns, has in recent years gained renewed popularity among young people in China and abroad. Mutindi said she fell in love with the garment last year when she first wore it during a fashion show held at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya. "Since then, my love for the outfit has continued," she said. She particularly praised the fusion of traditional Chinese design with African-inspired prints, which she believes makes the skirts stand out on the runway. "I have taken part in two fashion shows during Chinese cultural events while wearing the Chinese skirt. It is designed in a very unique way. With African prints, it makes someone stand out," Mutindi said. She added that the outfit could also be adapted for special occasions in Kenya, such as dowry ceremonies and weddings. Fellow model Nyakuar John said wearing the horse-face skirt has added a new dimension to her modeling experience. Introduced to the outfit by Mutindi, Nyakuar was immediately drawn to its elegance, soft fabric, and vibrant colors. "It brings two cultures together -- it looks African and at the same time Chinese. Learning how to wrap it was something new and interesting," she said, noting that photos of her in the outfit have drawn widespread praise on social media. As an aspiring model, she hopes to see more creative fusion between African and Chinese fashion traditions, emphasizing authenticity and cultural identity shared by both cultures. Sarah Nyawira, a manager at a local tour firm, said the outfit's blend of Chinese and African cultural elements, elegant patterns, and comfort makes it particularly appealing. "Every time I wear it, people ask me where I purchased it. I usually wear it during special events, and I truly value it," she added. Qabil Ashirov Irans recent strike on Nakhchivan is a textbook case of barking up the wrong tree. At a time when the United States and Israel are steamrolling over Iran, the regime has chosen to lash out at its neighbors. This choice is neither accidental nor unprecedented; it reflects a deeper pattern in Irans foreign policya mix of jealousy, insecurity, and aggression toward surrounding states, particularly Muslim-majority countries that it paradoxically claims to defend. From the earliest days of the current regime, Iran has cloaked its actions in religious rhetoric, presenting itself as the guardian of Islam. Yet its record tells a different story. During the first days of the ongoing conflict, Iran targeted Muslim countries in the Gulf. On March 4, it escalated further by striking Turkey, and the following day, Azerbaijan. Some observers may dismiss these incidents as technical errors or defensive reflexes. But history reveals a consistent pattern: Iran has always regarded its neighbors with enmity and envy. Consider the South Caucasus a century ago. When Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan declared independence, Iran did not challenge the two Christian states. Instead, it directed hostility toward Azerbaijan, the sole Muslim nation among them. Tehran even attempted to annex Azerbaijani territory, though it failed. This selective aggression exposes the hollowness of Irans claim to defend Muslim nations. Similarly, when Gulf countries gained independence, Iran responded with hostility. It occupied islands belonging to the United Arab Emirates, clashed with Iraq over borders, and later plunged into a full-scale war with Baghdad. From the moment the clerical regime seized power, Saudi Arabia was cast as an enemy. The 1990s brought Azerbaijans independence second time, and once again Irans hostility surfaced. While Azerbaijan sought peaceful coexistence, Iran pursued pro-Armenian policies, attempting to destabilize its northern neighbor. Tehrans actions were not driven by security concerns but by resentment of Azerbaijans sovereignty and success. In contrast, Azerbaijan consistently adopted a constructive stance toward Iran. It has never posed a threat to Iranian territory, nor has it used its land as a platform against Tehran. On the contrary, Azerbaijan has demonstrated goodwill: President Ilham Aliyev offered condolences upon the death of Irans Supreme Leader, visited the Iranian embassy, and even planned humanitarian aid. This stands in stark contrast to Irans duplicity. When Iran suffered a devastating earthquake years ago, Azerbaijan was the first country to send humanitarian aid. Yet Tehran refused to accept it, even as ethnic Azerbaijanis in northern Iran endured freezing conditions. Such cruelty illustrates the regimes disregard for its own people. The same brutality was evident during recent protests, when Iranian forces killed tens of thousands of civilians. What can be expected from a government that does not hesitate to slaughter its own citizens? Irans leaders attempt to disguise their aggression with religious slogans. They claim to fight Israel and the United States in defense of Palestine. But history shows otherwise. The Palestinian issue has only worsened since Irans involvement. Israel, in fact, serves as a convenient scapegoata mask for Tehrans ambitions. A century ago, when Iran pursued its jealous policies against Azerbaijan, Israel did not even exist. Similarly, Irans territorial disputes with Iraq and the UAE predated the clerical regime. These examples prove that Irans hostility is not about Islam or Israel. It is about power, control, and resentment. Religion is merely a costume; Israel is merely a curtain. Therefore, the recent drone strike on Nakhchivans civilian airport is therefore not only an act of hostility but also a form of terrorism against peaceful residents and infrastructure. It reveals the regimes ingratitude and cowardice. Launching drone attacks on civilian infrastructure is not a sign of strength but of weakness. It is the act of a regime too fearful to confront its real adversaries, choosing instead to terrorize neighbors. History offers a clear lesson: those who attack Azerbaijan always regret it. Iran will be no exception. Its cowardly strike on Nakhchivan will not intimidate Azerbaijan but will expose Tehrans hypocrisy and isolation. TEHRAN, March 6 (Xinhua) -- A senior Iranian military official has warned Iraq's Kurdistan region that all its facilities will be targeted in case of entry by "separatist groups" from its territory into Iran, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Friday. Ali Akbar Ahmadian, representative of the Iranian Supreme Leader in the Defense Council, made the remarks amid reports that the United States seeks to use Kurdish and Iranian separatist groups based in mountainous areas near the Iran-Iraq border to conduct a ground invasion against Iran. "We caution our friends and brothers in Iraq's Kurdistan that so far, only the bases of the United States, Israel and the separatist groups have been targeted in the (Kurdistan) region, but in case of permission for the continued presence and conspiring or entry by these groups and Israel into Iran through the region, all facilities of Iraq's Kurdistan will be targeted in an extensive manner," Ahmadian said. Iran's Intelligence Ministry said on Thursday the country's armed forces have "destroyed" and heavily damaged a significant part of the positions and facilities belonging to the "separatist groups" near western borders with Iraq. It noted that the "pre-emptive" military operation was carried out jointly by its forces and those of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, the official news agency IRNA reported. The ministry said the groups sought to infiltrate Iran through borders with support from the United States and Israel and carry out attacks in the country's urban and border areas. A 7.2-million-year-old thigh bone unearthed at the fossil site of Azmaka in southern Bulgaria displays a mosaic of features suggesting a unique combination of locomotor capabilities, including aspects of terrestrial quadrupedalism and bipedalism, according to a research team led by Professor Madelaine Bohme from the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment at the University of Tubingen. The paleoanthropologists have tentatively attributed the fossil to Graecopithecus, a fossil ape species known from fragmentary remains in the Balkans and sometimes proposed as the earliest hominin. Graecopithecus is a controversial fossil ape from the Late Miocene, dated to about 7.2 million years ago. Some researchers have proposed that it may represent the earliest hominin possibly even older than fossils traditionally linked to early hominins in Africa. Until now, Graecopithecus has been known from just two fossils: a partial lower jaw with teeth, discovered in 1944 near Athens, Greece; and an isolated upper premolar from Azmaka, Bulgaria, described in the 2010s. At 7.2 million years old, this ancestor, which we classify as belonging to the genus Graecopithecus, could be the oldest known human, said University of Torontos Professor David Begun, co-author of the new study. In the study, the researchers examined a nearly complete femur (thigh bone) of Graecopithecus from the Azmaka site. The new fossil was found in 2016 in floodplain deposits dated to about 7.2 million years ago. The Azmaka bone has a spherical femoral head clearly set off from the neck and an elongated, obliquely ascending medial margin of the neck a configuration characteristic of hominoids. However, the specimen does not show the full suite of specializations seen in later bipeds. The neck-shaft angle falls within the lower range of modern humans and near estimates for early hominins such as Orrorin, but below the higher angles typical of suspensory apes like orangutans. According to team, the combination of traits points to a transitional form of bipedalism: neither a specialized suspensory climber nor a fully committed terrestrial biped. Body mass estimates derived from femoral head and shaft dimensions suggest a Graecopithecus individual weighing roughly 23 to 24 kg, comparable to a small chimpanzee. A number of external and internal morphological features, such as the elongated, upward-pointing neck between the femur shaft and head, special attachment points for the gluteal muscles, and the thickness of the outer bone layer, have similarities with bipedal fossil human ancestors and humans, said Professor Nikolai Spassov, a researcher at the Bulgarian National Museum of Natural History. This is where they differed from the thighs of tree-dwelling apes. However, Graecopithecus did not quite move the way modern humans do. The Azmaka environment, reconstructed as bush and forest savanna near a braided river system, suggests that early terrestrial bipedalism may have emerged outside dense forests. The authors hypothesize that descendants of this population could have dispersed from Eurasia into Africa amid climatic and environmental shifts in the eastern Mediterranean during the Late Miocene, potentially contributing to the ancestry of later African apes and hominins. Whether the Azmaka femur ultimately reshapes the geographic narrative of human origins will depend on further discoveries. But for now, it provides a rare glimpse of how and where upright walking may have first taken hold in a landscape of seasonal rivers and open woodland, millions of years before the earliest widely accepted members of the human lineage appeared in Africa. Graecopithecus represents a stage in human evolution between our arboreal and ground-dwelling ancestors, such as the almost 12-million-year-old Danuvius guggenmosi from the Hammerschmiede site in southern Germany, and more recent finds from East Africa, Professor Begun said. One could certainly describe it as a missing link. Graecopithecus most likely descended from the eight- to nine-million-year-old Balkan-Anatolian apes like Ouranopithecus and Anadoluvius, which in turn evolved from ancestors in western and central Europe. We know that large-scale climate changes in the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia led to the periodic emergence of extensive semi-deserts and deserts eight to six million years ago. This set off several waves of dispersal of Eurasian mammals to Africa and laid the foundation for todays mammal fauna of African savannas, Professor Bohme concluded. The teams results were published in November 2025 in the journal Palaeobiodiversity and Palaeoenvironments. _____ N. Spassov et al. An early form of terrestrial hominine bipedalism in the Late Miocene of Bulgaria. Palaeobio Palaeoenv, published online November 13, 2025; doi: 10.1007/s12549-025-00691-0 MANAMA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Bahrain Defense Force announced on Friday that it has destroyed 78 missiles and 143 drones targeting the kingdom since the start of the attacks from Iran. In a statement posted on social media, the Bahrain Defense Force said the use of ballistic missiles and drones to target civilian facilities and private property constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the Charter of the United Nations. Meanwhile, Bahrain's Interior Ministry said on Friday that a hotel and two residential buildings in Manama were attacked by Iran, with no casualties reported. China's national legislature opened its annual session on Thursday. What key priorities were outlined in this year's government work report? What messages emerged from the first "ministers' passage"? Let's explore China's "two sessions" from a fresh perspective. BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Getting people to spend more has emerged as a major economic task for China in 2026 and beyond, aligning with the country's broader shift toward a consumption-driven growth model. At the ongoing "two sessions" in Beijing, the strategic importance of domestic demand has been underscored in both the government work report and the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). Amid a complex and challenging international environment, the work report stressed the need to remain committed to expanding domestic demand, pledging a range of measures to stimulate consumption -- a pivotal pillar of domestic demand. This focus is further reinforced in the draft outline, which states that China aims to "achieve a notable increase in household consumption as a share of gross domestic product, making domestic demand a more prominent economic driver" during the five-year period. The foundations are already solid. Last year, China's total retail sales of consumer goods exceeded 50 trillion yuan (about 7 trillion U.S. dollars) for the first time, with consumption contributing 52 percent to economic growth, up 5 percentage points from the previous year. China's consumer market -- the world's second-largest -- is undergoing a profound shift from scale expansion to quality upgrading, with diverse measures being rolled out to unlock its immense potential. POLICY EMPOWERMENT Boosting consumption hinges fundamentally on boosting confidence, and China is doubling down on policy support to unleash consumer potential. The government work report places "building a robust domestic market" first among the major tasks for 2026. It also lists a series of concrete measures, including the allocation of 250 billion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds to support consumer goods trade-in programs, the establishment of a 100-billion-yuan fiscal-financial coordination fund to facilitate domestic demand expansion, and the broadening of loan interest subsidies coverage for consumers and service entities. These policies build on the remarkable achievements of the trade-in program, which generated combined sales of 3.92 trillion yuan in 2024 and 2025, benefiting consumers on 494 million occasions, according to data from the Ministry of Commerce. National legislator Liu Hui, who is a technician at Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd. in east China's Jiangxi Province, has observed the tangible benefits of China's pro-consumption policies in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector. "Several of my neighbors and relatives last year took advantage of the trade-in subsidies to swap their old cars for NEVs," he said. "And a young technician in our factory saved nearly 20,000 yuan on an NEV purchase by using the trade-in subsidy and the government's interest subsidy on consumer loans." "Such policies not only spur investment but also boost consumption," he said. Beyond short-term stimuli, China is also focusing on long-term empowerment to transform consumption from a policy-driven target into a natural choice for people. According to the government work report, the country will implement an income growth plan for urban and rural residents, rolling out a range of practical measures to boost the earnings of low-income groups, increase property incomes, and refine the remuneration and social security systems. NEW CONSUMPTION As incomes rise and the economy shifts toward quality growth, consumption is expanding from goods to experiences and from function to emotion, fueling the rise of new types such as spending on the debut economy, the pet economy, China-chic products and immersive experiences. This trend is highlighted in the draft outline, which pledges to "unleash the potential of service consumption" and "promote the expansion and upgrading of goods consumption." Additionally, the government work report pledges to upgrade services to the benefit of consumers, develop a number of new, high-profile consumption scenarios, and move faster to nurture new areas of consumption growth. Zhang Xiaowen, a national legislator from northeast China's Liaoning Province and chairperson of Dongbei Piano Instruments Co., Ltd., is tapping into this trend by integrating piano manufacturing with music education and cultural tourism. "As consumption upgrades and music education becomes more widespread, consumers are demanding higher-quality, more personalized pianos, which requires us to adjust our product mix and develop series tailored to different groups," she said. The company is also building a "piano culture hub" that combines production, education and travel, creating immersive experiences that resonate with young people and cultural consumers. Beyond young urban consumers, who are the major drivers of new forms of spending, China is also unlocking the consumption potential of rural and elderly population groups. According to the draft outline, efforts will be made to improve the quality and efficiency of county-level commercial activities, strengthen rural express delivery services, enrich the supply of age-friendly products and senior care services, and cultivate leading enterprises and renowned brands in the silver economy. Wu Fenggang, a national political advisor and economist at Jiangxi Institute of Socialism, noted that elderly consumers are "shifting from basic needs to quality, smart and service-based products," creating new opportunities for the silver economy in a graying China. TECH AS A CATALYST As the draft outline promises to "lead new supply with new demand and create new demand with new supply," technological innovation is emerging as a powerful engine for consumption expansion and upgrading. With "achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology to develop new quality productive forces" highlighted in the development blueprint, technology is now reshaping consumption across multiple sectors. According to the document, China will further integrate AI with consumption upgrading. It plans to develop AI-native applications for productivity and companionship, advance next-generation intelligent terminals including AI-powered smartphones, computers and intelligent robots, and expand new scenarios for intelligent service consumption. At the "future factory" of Wensli Group Co., Ltd. in east China's tech hub of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, rows of smart printing machines stand at the ready. When consumers design personalized silk scarves through the company's AIGC model, plain white fabric can be transformed into an exquisite printed scarf in as little as half an hour. "We are exploring the application of AI in production," said Tu Hongyan, a national legislator and chairperson of the company. "Today's consumers, especially young people, crave quality, personalization and emotional value, and we will continue to innovate and optimize supply to meet the needs." National legislator and tech expert Zhou Di believes innovation in the supply of high-quality consumption options is the key to enhancing people's intrinsic motivation to spend. He said that the integration of technology with consumption in areas like smart homes, health monitoring and age-friendly products should be promoted further. A press conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on economy is held in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Measured by purchasing power parity, the scale of China's consumer market topped the world during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told a press conference Friday. South Dakota Mines innovators once again proved they are a driving force behind South Dakotas next big ideas, capturing three of the five top awards in both the student and open divisions at the recent Governors Giant Vision Business Plan Competition and earning nearly $40,000. Competing against entrepreneurs from across the state, Mines faculty and students dominated in the states premier business plan competition, an event designed to spark innovation, launch startups and fuel job growth across South Dakota. For more than a decade, Mines students, alumni and faculty have received top honors at the competition. At South Dakota Mines, world-class engineering and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand, said Beth Lambeth, associate vice president of research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Our students and faculty are taking ideas out of the lab and turning them into real ventures that can strengthen South Dakotas economy and bring new technologies to market. Parker Pombrio, geospatial technology certificate graduate student, took home first place in the student division and $5,000, for Devana Videre, a company he started with Mines classmates David Pienta, materials engineering and science graduate student, and Jeremy Friedrichsen, senior computer science major. We are grateful for the platform the South Dakota Governors Giant Vision Competition created to showcase emerging innovation and connect founders with a broader community that supports entrepreneurship and technology development, Pombrio said. Devana Videre is developing a new sensing modality that enables real-time mineral identification during exploratory drilling, allowing operators to make immediate decisions and reducing delays associated with traditional laboratory assays. By optimizing where and how drilling progresses, Devana Videre aims to lower exploration costs and accelerate resource discovery, Pombrio said. Clive Uy, senior mechanical engineering major, won third place and $3,000 for MedSum, an AI-powered online platform revolutionizing the medical summarization process for social security disability lawyers. Uy developed the concept with Jacob Vostad, senior chemical engineering major, and Raleigh Martin, senior mechanical engineering major. This competition was an incredible opportunity to not only showcase our technology and business model, but also network with industry professionals, legislators and other regional stakeholders, Uy said. MedSum would not be here without the staff at Mines. From customer discovery and financial modeling to competition preparation, our team has benefited immensely from the support that Mines offers to entrepreneurs. The third Mines student winner was Joseph Tunge, a sophomore biomedical engineering major, who brought home $2,000 for his innovation SlumpScan, a concrete sensor and software that helps small contractors reduce labor costs and improve the quality of their product through measurements on hydration, mix consistency and temperature. In my short time at Mines, I have been blown away by the opportunities available to aspiring entrepreneurs to access mentorship and funding to pursue their ideas, Tunge said. The willingness of professors, local entrepreneurs, and the teams at Elevate Rapid City and Wildfire Labs to meet with and guide me has been invaluable. Mines faculty also won first, third and fourth for their innovative ideas. Tanvi Govil, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, took the open division top honor and $20,000 for Carbon-ENZero, a technology representing a breakthrough in converting fossil fuel emissions into green energy solutions. Using advanced enzymes as powerful biocatalysts, the process permanently captures carbon dioxide from industrial flue gases and converts it into minerals. Specifically engineered enzymes are designed to perform under extreme conditions, including high temperatures, elevated pressures, acidic environments and exposure to toxic metals. Govils innovation grew out of technology first developed deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. With the potential to reduce industrial carbon emissions, Govils innovation could redefine the future of the power industry. We are extremely pleased and honored to have been awarded the top prize in the South Dakota Governors Giant Vision Competition, Govil said. We are also supremely grateful for all the support and assistance provided by the university. It truly made the difference. We are blessed at South Dakota Mines to have a tremendous environment that promotes world-class technology combined with an entrepreneurial spirit. Rajesh Shende, Ph.D., interim department head and professor in the Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and his team won third place and $5,000 for their company AdvancedCarbonX , LLC, an innovation that converts corn stover, the stalks and residue left after harvest, into high-quality, battery-grade carbon materials that can could power the next generation of electric vehicles and AI data centers. Shende said university support was integral for moving the technology from laboratory to commercial impact. Through strong faculty mentorship, entrepreneurial guidance and a culture that encourages translational research, the university provided critical support in transforming scientific discovery into market-ready solutions, he said. Mines support, combined with collaboration from the Governors Office of Economic Development and the Giant Vision Competition, strengthened the startup's growth trajectory by providing visibility, strategic networking opportunities and access to key resources. Tugba Ozdemir, Ph.D., Mines assistant professor of nanoscience and biomedical engineering, won fourth place and $3,000 for Hyaluropsy, LLC, a South Dakota-based company built around manufacturing a liquid biopsy filter device to capture hyaluronan from body fluids such as blood serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid and lymphatic fluid. Hyaluronan (HA) levels significantly change in these body fluids during cancer progression, Ozdemir said, adding that there are several detection tests and biosensors to measure HA levels in cancer. While there is significant interest in measuring this interesting biological molecule, almost no method exists to purify HA from the body fluids for accurate detection for diagnostic purposes. Hyaluropsy aims to fill the gap through unique products that could enable fast, non-invasive point-of-care HA isolation from body fluids. I am grateful for the entrepreneurial ecosystem we have at South Dakota Mines, Ozdemir said. Giant Vision allowed us to present our technology, receive real-world feedback from seasoned business leaders in South Dakota, and gave us new frontiers to achieve our company. I look forward to new opportunities. South Dakota Mines extends its sincere gratitude to the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry for its dedication to fostering South Dakota small businesses and for the exceptional organization of the Governors Giant Vision Competition. The US government has ordered federal agencies to halt the use of artificial intelligence technology from Anthropic , it was reported on Friday, escalating a dispute with the startup over the militarys access to its tools and prompting a rare move by the Pentagon to label the company a supply chain risk. US president Donald Trump said he had directed all federal agencies to stop using Anthropics technology after the company refused to grant the military unrestricted access to its AI systems. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the government would no longer do business with the company, while later boasting he had fired Anthropic like dogs, according to the Guardian. The directive followed a breakdown in negotiations between Anthropic and the Department of Defense over potential uses of its models, including concerns raised by the company about mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons. The Pentagon had now formally designated Anthropic a supply chain risk, a label that effectively bars defence contractors from using its products and marked the first time such a designation has been applied publicly to a US company. Defence secretary Pete Hegseth previously warned that Anthropic would face the designation unless it agreed to allow any lawful use of its technology by the military. The government also planned to phase out the companys tools from defence-related work over the next six months. Anthropic said it would challenge the designation in court, arguing that it would set a dangerous precedent for American companies negotiating with the government. The company added that it would not change its position on the potential use of its technology for domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons, according to the BBC. Despite the governments move, negotiations between Anthropic and the Pentagon may not be fully over. Reports from the Financial Times and Bloomberg said discussions had resumed between Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei and Emil Michael, the US undersecretary of defence for research and engineering, over the terms under which the military could continue using the companys AI models. Anthropics technology had previously been integrated into defence systems, including Palantirs Maven intelligence platform used in military operations. Anthropic models were also involved in recent US airstrikes on Iran, CNBC reported. The dispute also intensified competition among leading AI developers. Shortly after negotiations between Anthropic and the Pentagon collapsed, rival OpenAI secured an agreement to provide AI models for classified military workloads. Major technology companies appeared to be taking a cautious approach to the Pentagons blacklist. Microsoft said its lawyers had reviewed the designation and concluded that Anthropics models could continue to be used in its products for customers outside the Department of Defense. Anthropics Claude models would remain available through services such as Microsoft 365, GitHub and Microsofts AI Foundry, although they would be excluded from defence-related work. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Naomi Hirahara's third Japantown mystery, Crown City, delivers an incisive primer about integrating Japanese culture with American ways through the experiences of a teenager in 1903. Following the death of his master craftsman father, 18-year-old Ryunosuke "Ryui" Wada leaves Yokohama, Japan, for the "Crown City" of Pasadena, Calif., where he has secured a carpentry apprenticeship with an art dealer. Ryui's initial response to the U.S. is lukewarm: most people cannot pronounce his name, so they call him Louie. He lives in a rundown boarding house, where he shares a room with surly Jack, a Japanese photographer who frequently disappears, seldom talks to Ryui when he's there, and has commandeered their bathroom as a darkroom. Ryui takes a side gig as a server at a prestigious cherry blossom dinner hosted by popular artist Toshio Aoki. During the event, though, one of Aoki's paintings disappears. Aoki approaches Ryui and Jack to find it, hoping their proximity to the art world, their heritage, and unassuming roles uniquely position them to investigate while avoiding negative publicity. But to do so, the amateur detectives must navigate a seedy area called "Dark California," an opium den, murders, and anti-Japanese bigotry. Hirahara (Clark and Division) captures an era when Japanese art was popular in Pasadena, yet racism toward Japanese people persisted. At first Ryui is hesitant to sleuth, believing he has enough to do at his job and in assimilating, but he eventually views helping Aoki as another way to prove himself in his new home. Ryui finds much to appreciate in the U.S. as he settles into his adopted country in the satisfying Crown City. --Oline H. Cogdill, freelance reviewer Desahogarse is a Spanish word that means to vent and "pour out your feelings": literally to undrown yourself. In Rene Pena-Govea's searing and cathartic young adult debut, Estela, Undrowning, a senior in high school is fueled by beautiful poetry and explosive rage. Estela Morales attends one of San Francisco's most exclusive public high schools. She is proud of the fact that she tested in and feels distinctly different from the other brown and Black students who got in via lottery. Meanwhile, she feels like a "defective Latina" and worries Spanish will tank her college prospects. Estela asks fellow student Rogelio to tutor her, and a relationship blooms. Meanwhile, Estela uses poetry to "purge" her feelings about an eviction notice that threatens her home and family. When one of Estela's teachers announces a poetry contest that is open to "all Latine-identified students," Estela enters and comes in second; first place going to a classmate who doesn't identify as Latine. A controversy erupts and Estela is frustrated with how she's perceived, anxious about what will happen to her family, and harboring gruff thoughts about other minority students. Ultimately, she must undrown herself, come to terms with her toxic feelings, and fight for herself and her community. Pena-Govea renders a sweaty and combustible city full of passionate and complicated characters who defy tidy characterizations, tackling prickly conversations about identity with care and academic-level precision. Estela's world overflows with diverse ethnic backgrounds, gender expressions, and sexual preferences that, in less sensitive hands, could feel token or flat. But Pena-Govea writes with such confidence that her characters realistically, fiercely wrestle with nuanced conversations, allowing for a classic bildungsroman with modern vitality. --Luis G. Rendon Books Across Borders has announced the 2026 Spring Fellows--U.S. booksellers who will attend the London Book Fair next month and the RISE Bookselling Conference in Verona, Italy, in April. Mira Braneck The booksellers attending the London Book Fair as Books Across Borders fellows are Mira Braneck of A Room of One's Own in Madison, Wis., and Pierce Alquist of Brookline Booksmith in Brookline, Mass. Mira Braneck is a bookseller and writer. She is the receiving manager and Books to Prisoners program coordinator at A Room of One's Own. Braneck earlier sold books at Prairie Lights in Iowa City, Iowa, and interned at the Paris Review. She is currently at work on her first novel. Pierce Alquist Pierce Alquist is the director of the Transnational Literature Series at Brookline Booksmith. The Transnational Series focuses on stories of migration, the intersection of politics and literature, and works in translation. She also reviews literature in translation and has been a judge for the Best Translated Book Award twice. She is a judge for the 2026 Cercador Prize. The booksellers attending the RISE Bookselling Conference as Books Across Borders fellows are Kimberly Brock of Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, Ohio, and sweet pea Flaherty of King's Books in Tacoma, Wash. Kimberly Brock Kimberly Brock is the adult book buyer at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, where she has worked for more than 12 years. She began as a frontline bookseller before becoming a book buyer in 2021. She holds master's degrees in Tourism Administration and Publishing from the George Washington University. Kim serves on the board of directors for the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC) and on the American Booksellers Association's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. sweet pea Flaherty sweet pea Flaherty is the owner of King's Books. They've been a bookseller since 2000, working first at A Room of One's Own in Madison, Wis., then moving to Tacoma to work at King's in 2003; they bought the store in 2010. King's Books is a community-centered bookstore with 15 book clubs and two bookstore cats. sweet pea is the co-founder of the Tacoma Wayzgoose letterpress festival, since 2005, and the Banned Book Club, since 2006. At the same time, Books Across Borders will start accepting applications for the Fall 2026-Spring 2027 season beginning this Wednesday, February 25. Booksellers interested in diverse and international literature and in fostering relationships with the international literary community are encouraged to apply here. Strong consideration is given to booksellers who demonstrate a history of reading and promoting international literature and who communicate a kinship with Books Across Borders mission and values. Fellows are chosen by the Books Across Borders' Board of Directors. The deadline for applying is May 1. BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese research team has developed a highly efficient flexible thermoelectric polymer material, providing critical support for future technologies such as wearable devices, adhesive refrigeration, and Internet of Things sensors, according to a study published Friday in the journal Science. Thermoelectric materials enable the conversion between thermal and electrical energy, allowing power generation and refrigeration. The entire process requires no fuel and produces no pollution. Statistics show that over 60 percent of the world's energy is lost as waste heat. Reusing the waste heat holds significant potential for energy conservation and emission reduction. Currently, there are two main types of such materials. Flexible inorganic thermoelectric materials can achieve a thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT value) of 1.4 at room temperature, while organic materials can reach a ZT value of 1.2, with complex preparation processes becoming a bottleneck for practical applications. The team from the Institute of Chemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, led by Prof. Zhu Daoben and Prof. Di Chong'an, has developed an irregular hierarchical-porous thermoelectric polymer (IHP-TEP). It achieves a ZT value of 1.64 at 343 kelvin (about 70 degrees Celsius), establishing a new benchmark for flexible thermoelectric materials in this temperature range. This unique structure of this new material significantly suppresses heat conduction and creates efficient charge-transport channels that are close to those of an ideal model in thermoelectric materials. The IHP-TEP film is also compatible with spray-coating technology, enabling large-area, low-cost manufacturing similar to newspaper printing. The new material's flexibility allows it to adhere to various curved surfaces, offering broad application prospects in wearable devices and the Internet of Things. For instance, it offers a power supply solution for sensors deployed in diverse environments. Wherever a temperature difference exists, whether on the human body, a building's exterior or in the field, it can consistently power the sensors. US grants India 30-day Russian oil waiver. Opposition slams, BJP calls it political tactics. Highlights Indias energy-diplomacy balancing act. In a move stirring both political debate and international attention, the United States has issued a temporary 30-day waiver allowing Indian refiners to continue purchasing Russian oil. The waiver, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, comes amid ongoing Middle East conflicts that have disrupted global energy supplies. This short-term measure is intended to ensure oil keeps flowing into global markets, Bessent said, emphasizing that it would not provide significant financial benefit to Russia, as it applies only to oil already stranded at sea. He added that India is a crucial partner for the US and expressed confidence that New Delhi would continue scaling up purchases of American oil in the future. The announcement immediately triggered reactions across Indias political spectrum. Congress leaders criticized the waiver, questioning the nations sovereignty. Are we a banana republic that needs the USs permission to secure our energy requirements? Congress MP Manish Tewari tweeted. Party colleague Karti P. Chidambaram echoed similar sentiments, calling it 'a disgrace to our sovereignty'. Even Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal questioned Americas authority to 'grant permission' to India. The BJP swiftly rebutted the criticism, calling it political posturing. Party spokesperson Praveen Khandelwal said,The government has been transparent about Indias oil situation. The oppositions distrust of its own government, yet blind trust in external commentary, is ironic. India for purchasing Russian oil, citing concerns that such imports were supporting Russias war efforts in Ukraine. Under the new interim tariff framework, Washington had agreed to waive these tariffs if India agreed to gradually reduce Russian oil purchases. The waiver also follows a previous US decision last year to impose 25% tariffs on, citing concerns that such imports were supporting Russias war efforts in Ukraine. Under the new interim tariff framework, Washington had agreed to waive these tariffs if India agreed to gradually reduce Russian oil purchases. This temporary waiver underscores the delicate balance India navigates between securing energy resources and managing geopolitical relationships, while domestic politics continue to weigh heavily on the discourse. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears ASX Runners of the Week: OD6 Metals, Regener8, BluGlass & Lindian Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd March 6, 2026 4:47pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Its probably not a great thing that, despite war breaking out between the United States and Iran, it almost feels familiar at this stage. March has dawned and the long-simmering showdown finally boiled over last weekend. The US and Israel unleashed Operation Epic Fury on the Islamic Republic of Iran and, within the first day, had taken out the head of the snake, assassinating the oppressive Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. This weeks Bulls N Bears ASX Runner of the Week is OD6 Metals. The commodity-laden ASX held its nerve early in the week, with traders quietly hoping for a Maduro-style quick fold, with the Revolutionary Guard just melting away - no such luck. The Iranian regime proved far better prepared than the cash-strapped socialist dictator and retaliation came thick and fast: missile barrages, drone swarms and attacks on anyone and everyone within firing distance across the Gulf. Advertisement Iran was effective in essentially shutting down the Strait of Hormuz a skinny choke point that just happens to handle about 20 per cent of the worlds oil and natural gas. Tanker traffic ground to a near-halt, facilities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iraq took hits, and suddenly, supply fears were front and centre. Oil surged around 13 per cent to US$82 a barrel by weeks end. US President Trump stood tall, declaring the offensive against the tyrannical top brass a roaring success, confidently predicting the whole thing would be wrapped up in a few weeks. That prediction and a US dollar rally were enough to pull gold right off the boil, down more than 5 per cent to US$5080 (A$7240) an ounce to close the week. Despite Trumps rhetoric, fear spread across the week, with the market slipping around three per cent by Friday a surprisingly palatable pullback as the old line about truth being wars first casualty rang truer than ever. Advertisement Western newsfeeds continue to pump one version of events, while Iranian state media spams AI-generated clips of sinking US carriers. The truth sits somewhere in the middle, while the Iranian people remain caught in the crossfire of bombs and internet blackouts. Despite oil looking like black gold once again, our Runners convoy this week was an eclectic mix of critical minerals, proving that in times of chaos, the hard stuff underground often finds a way to shine. OD6 Metals recently optioned Quinn fluorspar project in Nevada, US. OD6 METALS LTD (ASX: OD6) Up 122% (5.4c 12c) Advertisement The Bulls N Bears Runner of the Week is critical minerals dynamo OD6 Metals, after it staked claim to a high-grade fluorspar project in the tier-one mining jurisdiction of Nevada. The companys shiny new Quinn fluorspar project is located about 220km north of Las Vegas and is OD6s latest weapon in tackling Western supply concerns, with the US currently 100 per cent reliant on imported fluorine. Fluorspar is the main source of fluorine and has been designated a critical mineral by the US, EU, Australia, Canada and Japan. It is an essential component in the manufacturing of semiconductors, advanced batteries, aerospace and defence materials, and even nuclear fuel processing hitting all the buzz words. While the Quinn deposits have lain largely dormant for more than five decades, historic reports indicate substantial surface showings of very high-grade fluorspar. Advertisement Works at its Mammoth prospect, which has never been drilled, returned surface rock samples grading up to 80 per cent fluorspar, with remarkable channel-sampling results, including 15.2m at 48 per cent and 10.7m at 45 per cent. OD6 has knocked off an accompanying $3.4 million capital raise to get the exploration ball rolling, with the eventual acquisition costing just $275,000 upfront, alongside a larger milestone-based back end. The acquisition will add a third pillar to OD6s critical minerals portfolio, which already includes the Splinter Rock rare earths project in Western Australia and the Gulf Creek copper-zinc project in New South Wales. With fluorspar at the forefront of a 2026 critical minerals resurgence, its a perfectly timed foray into the US for OD6, up an impressive 122% on the week. REGENER8 RESOURCES LTD (ASX: R8R) Advertisement Up 118% (11c 24c) Slotting into second place is junior exploration aficionado Regener8 Resources, after it acquired a highly prospective silver-lead-zinc project in the historic Srebrenica Mining District of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The company says its latest Srebrenica North project lies in the burgeoning base metals region of Bosnia, marking Regener8s entry into Europes prolific Tethyan Metallogenic Belt. It is also home to ASX resource monsters and takeover targets such as Strickland Metals and the recently gobbled-up Adriatic Metals. The 80-square-kilometre project sits in a strategic sweet spot between two operating lead-zinc mines owned by private mining house Mineco and is adjacent to ground held by Canadian-listed explorer Terra Balcanica. Despite a rich mining history stretching back to medieval times, remarkably, Regener8s new ground has seen no modern exploration in more than 50 years, presenting a significant opportunity for the company. Advertisement An accompanying $2.38 million raise is earmarked for initial on-ground exploration programs before pivotal first-pass drilling in the near future. The company is also actively advancing its existing Australian assets, including the North Achilles project in Western Australia, where similar base metals signatures are begging for drill-readiness. With cash in the bank and a foothold in a district humming with activity, Regener8 flew off the shelves this week, up some 118 per cent on unveiling. BluGlass Limiteds proprietary gallium nitride machinery at its facility in New South Wales. BLUGLASS LTD (ASX: BLG) Advertisement Up 80% (20c 36c) Taking out a third place is the curious case of BluGlass Limited and its potentially defence-changing advanced lasers. The company shot up an impressive 80 per cent on a week when there was no news - but defence companies were booming - before the bourse bull breakers down at the ASX stopped the party on Friday with a please explain. BluGlass and its next-generation gallium nitride (GaN) laser technology have applications for everything from semiconductors to perhaps the more poignant defence industry. The company closed the week with a trading halt, stating it had a surprisingly price-sensitive announcement to release regarding an incoming customer order. Advertisement Exciting times indeed. The company says its high-performance GaN compound, which is already well-known in LEDs and power electronics, will be focused on lasers, thanks to BluGlass - specifically visible-wavelength lasers in the blue and green parts of the spectrum. The company is using its proprietary tech to grow very high-quality GaN layers at lower temperatures than industry-standard methods, enabling more precise crystal structures, fewer defects and more complex laser designs on a single chip with fewer performance trade-offs. The end goal is to produce compact, high-power, high-quality lasers that outperform or cost less than whats currently available from big players. A technology now being touted as a potential use against wait for it intercontinental nuclear weapons. The defence industry believes that these lasers will be crucial in disarming missile threats and could be the safety net that the world has been looking for. Advertisement If BluGlass can eke out a slice of the very lucrative laser pie, it could turbocharge its contracts, hopefully like the one expected to drop next week. LINDIAN RESOURCES LTD (ASX: LIN) Up 43% (53c 76c) Pulling off perhaps the most impressive deal of the week is rare earths developer Lindian Resources, which has landed a major win by acquiring majority control of a fully built hydrometallurgical cracking plant in Kazakhstan for just US$15 million (A$21 million) a pretty handy discount on the typical A$500 million-plus cost. The share price surged as much as 43 per cent on some serious volumes this week as Lindian steps closer to becoming a fast-tracked high-margin downstream processing developer. Advertisement From the last quarter of this year, it plans to convert 12,500 tonnes per annum of monazite concentrate from its Malawian plant into MREC, in what it says will improve payabilities and strengthen offtake negotiations. The feedstock will come from the Kangankunde project in Malawi, which hosts a 261 million-tonne resource at 2.19 per cent total rare earth oxides (TREO). The company says its plant, originally developed by Kazatomprom and Sumitomo, is ready to go, with Lindian paying US$3 million (A$4.26M) upfront and US$12 million (A$17M) million deferred until commercial production. The acquisition is expected to save years of development time and substantial capital while positioning it as one of the few non-Chinese players able to supply both concentrate and MREC to Western markets. The deal and management at Lindian have now swiftly and impressively elevated Kangankunde from a standout resource play to one of the most advanced integrated global rare earths players outside China. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Sharemarket Shares Advertisement CultureBooksWordPlay Opinion Do you live in one of Australias most oddly named towns? David Astle Crossword compiler and ABC Radio Melbourne presenter March 6, 2026 4:00pm March 6, 2026 4:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Victoria was ablaze this summer. We fought fires from Walwa to Ruffy, from Carlisle River to Wonnangatta Valley. As a radio host, I know the names by heart, the traps of pronunciation. Who knew Colac Colac near Corryong is Clack-Clack to locals? Yet one name shone through the smoke. Less a town than a smudge near Dargo called Peter the Swede. Thats right Peter the Swede. Who was he, asked the audience. A bushranger? A meatball chef? ABCs Landline journo, Tim Lee, sent me Placenames Australia, a quarterly devoted to the stories behind our toponyms, issued by our National Placenames Survey. Show me the way to Peter the Swede. Getty Images First, dont expect much hospitality from Peter the Swede, let alone houses. The un-town is a jumble of empty gold pits where Peter probably prospected in the 1860s, his surname usurped by his nationality as was the custom. Researcher John Schauble uncovered a debtors log from a Matlock pub near Woods Point, another gold rush spot. There, the publican awaited shillings from Bill the German, Yankee Jack and Scotch Jim. Hes probably still waiting. Advertisement Numerous Swedish Peters bobbed up in Trove, including one who lost his purse in a Fitzroy brothel (1871); who killed a man in Ringarooma (1884); who dodged a falling branch in the Yarra Valley (1897). Whether any is our man, the trail goes cold. Yet such is the chases thrill embodied by Placenames, the gazette devoted to sifting records for the secrets behind the map. Editor David Blair and colleague Jan Tent sent me a few of their fondest quests, including Yo-Yo Creek. Related Article WordPlay Wuthering Heights: The strokes that changed the moors Edmund Kennedy, exploring outback Queensland in 1848, bestowed the name, inspiring modern graziers to presume the label denoted the up-and-down nature of water levels. A folkloric gotcha, as yo-yo didnt reach the Oxford Dictionary until decades later, while its verb debuted in 1967. Turns out the name is likely to have echoed the local Bidjara people, where yo (and yo-yo) were common assents, as diarised by Kennedy. Confusion persists in NSW, where the River Lett flows between Bathurst and Lithgow. In 1813, surveyor George Evans originated the name. But who was Lett? A clue hides in the weird syntax, where the feature (river) lies before the unique name. Seems a government scribe misread Evans scrawl, and creative spelling, assuming river lett (read: rivulet) was the streams identity. Advertisement Leading us to Vrilya Point on the Gulf of Carpentaria. An idle inquiry may frame the palm cockatoo (known as vrilingathi in the nearby Tjungundji language) as the source, despite the birds patch being more Cape York, not to mention the names odd truncation. Maybe Dutch was the link, owing to its distinct vr-coupling, plus Arnhems brush with Abel Tasman. No dice. The cape kept its mystery, until Jan Tent opened the book on Edward Bulwer-Lytton, a sci-fi pioneer who wrote The Coming Race in 1870. In the novel, Bulwer-Lytton coins vril also vril-ya as a cosmic energy. The magical notion clearly grabbed early readers, as seen in Lytton (Brisbanes port), the Lytton electorate, plus Bulwer Island (near the citys airport), even the Vegemite rival of Bovril (ox-energy). A mere glimpse of four names, from vague Swedes to sci-fi woo-woo, shows how well this continent hides her gold toponym gold below her surface. Get tips, tricks and word games from our crosswords guru, plus links to our online puzzles and quizzes, delivered to your inbox every Saturday. Sign up for our Puzzled with David Astle newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: WordPlay Opinion For subscribers Spectrum David Astle is the crossword compiler and Wordplay columnist for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. He is a broadcaster on ABC Radio Melbourne. Advertisement Key points MUSIC: Peach PRC battles the elements at her Palace foreshore gig THEATRE: Back to Te Maunga at La Mama Courthouse explores grief and friendship THEATRE: Mature Skin at Northcote Town Hall offers up a rom-vom MUSIC: Linkin Park return to Australia for the first time in more than a decade MUSIC: Hilltop Hoods cement their status as Australias hip-hop kings MUSIC Peach PRC | Wandering Spirit Tour Palace Foreshore, March 12 Peach PRC appears on the smoke-filled stage, spinning on a stripper pole. Dressed in flowy sleeves, a corset and frilly booty shorts, she looks like an ethereal fairy against the video of a magical forest playing in the background. Her dreamy pop vocals fill the cold brisk air. Peach PRC performs in St Kilda on March 12, 2026. Richard Clifford The 28-year-old, Adelaide-born artist real name Sharlee Jade Curnow performs songs from her debut album, Porcelain, which comes out March 20. Its an interesting choice to play yet-to-be-released music before your fans have a chance to engage with it fully and learn the lyrics. Songs that are already out, including Sweet n Low, get an enthusiastic reaction from the crowd. And though fans listen attentively to her unreleased tracks, there is a distinct drop in the ambience when she plays them. She leans into her skills as a stripper, doing a handstand with choreographed leg movements, and her back-up dancer duo complement with their own seductive steps. At times, it feels like she lives in a fantastical realm inspired by her childhood, emphasised by otherworldly vivid imagery such as a woman with wings, toadstools and a crystal ball. She also attaches electrodes to a snake plant and sings Eucalyptus in harmony with the sound waves it generates. Advertisement She explains that God Is a Freak, a song about religions conservatism towards sexuality, has shifted in meaning for her, reconfiguring the arrangement for a gentler version. When she performs Colourblind a song that references her chromesthesia (sound-to-color synesthesia) she mashes up the chorus of Paris Hiltons Stars Are Blind seamlessly; theres a resonance with Hiltons pop style across her set. Peach PRC performs songs from her debut album, Porcelain. Richard Clifford What works against Peach is the weather and the atmosphere of the Palace Foreshore space. Its freezing, and the light rain and cold wind blowing in from St Kilda beach makes for harsh conditions to fully embrace the experience. Unfortunately, the positives couldnt overcome the drawbacks of the venue. Its so hard to sing up here because its so cold says the singer at one point. If the gig was on a sunny afternoon in the daylight, with a view of the beach and palm trees, you could indulge in St Kildas attributes, making the most of the location and Peach PRCs airy disposition. She ends the show on upbeat lesbian anthem Like A Girl Does, and leaves abruptly afterwards without an encore most likely to escape the cold. Reviewed by Vyshnavee Wijekumar Advertisement THEATRE Back to Te Maunga La Mama Courthouse, until March 22 Maunga (ancestral mountains) are a sacred well of guidance, protection and connection to the environment in Maori culture. In Back to Te Maunga, this spiritual backdrop is the looming spectre to trenchant explorations of grief, friendship and accountability. A scene from Back to Te Maunga at La Mama. Darren Gill Its been 10 years since their best friend Jakes passing, and Tane (Joe Dekkers-Reihana) and Isaac (Jordan Selwyn) are commemorating his death anniversary in a place of great personal significance an isolated wooden cabin inherited by Tane, the site of many a childhood adventure. But it becomes increasingly evident that Tane has invited Isaac to the cabin for a specific purpose, a revelation that cracks open decades of long-simmering resentments and forces both to face their culpability in their friends death. Advertisement This seed of a mystery heightens the stakes and proves an adept stage for the unfurling of a tightly coiled story thats at once expansive and deeply felt. Back to Te Maunga is a tightly coiled story thats at once expansive and deeply felt. Darren Gill Joel Te Teiras masterful script reverberates beyond time and place, sketching an intricate web of shared history, relationships and trauma. Tane and Isaac are Maori men with differing connections to culture, place and home, the push and pull of which gives way to electrifying physical and intellectual confrontations as they parse their place in the world. These lived-in characters are beautifully evoked by Dekkers-Reihana and Selwyn, a pair with undeniable chemistry as two lifelong friends. They seamlessly alternate between Te Reo Maori and English as they contest the personification of makutu (curses), karakia (Maori incantations, chants and prayers) and tikanga (Maori societal lore). Its testament to Te Teiras writing that these cultural emblems are never over-explained for non-Maori audiences, but grounded in enough context that their meaning is self-evident. Blithely cavorting across stage, often armed with a guitar, Dekkers-Reihana brings irreverence, warmth and an impeccably timed knack for physical comedy to the character of Tane a man whose strong sense of who he is and macabre humour mask imperceptible anxieties about the future. Advertisement Restrained and brittle, Selwyns finely attuned Isaac is the perfect foil. Back in Aotearoa after making a life for himself in the colonial heartland of London, Isaacs pragmatism about Jakes death paints a picture of someone whose grief has untethered him from himself and his whanau. Editor's pick Literature The controversial Lionel Shriver returns and a star tells (almost) all: 16 books to read Zoe Rouses beautifully contained set of a humble cabin with foliage peeking through confines the escalating drama, lending it an inescapable urgency. Harrie Hogans subtle calibration of the plays lighting is a masterclass in accumulation and release, mirrored by the creeping unease of Ethan Hunters sound design. Under Keegan Braggs direction, these disparate elements cohere into a stunning meditation on loss, culture and connection. Back to Te Maunga is less preoccupied with providing a definitive resolution to the well-trodden chasm between tradition and modernity, and more interested in charting a forever-evolving mode of Maori masculinity one thats constantly in flux and reorienting itself. Reviewed by Sonia Nair Advertisement THEATRE Mature Skin Northcote Town Hall, until March 22 Trans playwright Gabrielle Fallen has written a so-called rom-vom, and I half-expected audiences at Mature Skin to be provided with barf bags on their seats. Luckily, this black comic two-hander doesnt require a strong stomach so much as an open mind. Mature Skin is marketed as a rom-vom. Gregory Lorenzutti Middle-aged gay perfumer Paul (Peter Paltos) invents illustrious fragrances for a luxury brand. He lives in a penthouse, but material wealth has delivered creative and emotional impoverishment. Hes marketed himself into a form of self-satisfied parody, and hes still grieving a former partner. At a nightclub, he meets Jasmine (Bailey Ackling Beecham) a young trans woman who works as a casual in a skincare shop that sells Pauls wares. What starts as an NSA hookup turns into a lopsided fling with a serious sting. Advertisement Navigating the erotics and politics of their affair is complicated. There are disparities in age and wealth, and a complex intersection of gender identity and sexual orientation. Paul is ashamed to be seen with Jasmine at work events because the optics arent great, while Jasmine hates herself for dating old men. She knows that youth and desirability come with a risk of exploitation, and that her low-wage job has a personal cost, given the expense of gender-affirming medical care. Sex scenes run to unusual kink: one characters got a pustule-popping fetish for damaged skin, the other has eczema. Yet fetish is so mainstream now, we all know we shouldnt yuk someone elses yum. Peter Paltos and Bailey Ackling Beecham entertain with spiky banter and wrestle with revealing monologue. Gregory Lorenzutti Spurting streams of pus are less disgusting than the self-absorption of the characters, their unwillingness or inability to forge an emotional connection of any depth. Wheres the tenderness? The curiosity? Why does a play that foregrounds the intimacy of olfactory and tactile experience feel so talky and disembodied and remote in practice? Advertisement It isnt simply design or performance or the writing. Fallen is a talented new voice. Editor's pick Music festivals The festival that helped us step out of the world, just for a moment The dialogues sharp, alive with contemporary idiom, sometimes very funny and more authentically disturbing than Eva Rees Djuna, which presented the power dynamics between an older man and a trans character through the prism of psychological horror. Paltos and Beecham entertain with spiky banter and wrestle with revealing monologue, but at a deep level the portrayals are unsatisfying, too. Without suggesting moral equivalence, both characters abuse their power; theres a mutual betrayal, an existential loneliness they cant escape. Advertisement In the end, these figures feel like hostages to hook-up and hustle culture, and arguably to the imposed strictures of identity politics. Perhaps shame and disgust and the substitution of connection for transaction become inevitable when you over-internalise those conditions, and this trans satire exposes many of the vexed issues involved in disconcerting style. Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead MUSIC Linkin Park Rod Laver Arena, March 8 After a long hiatus, Linkin Park is back, reborn with new co-lead singer Emily Armstrong. They always rejected the nu-metal label, but it still best defines them. That strange, turn-of-the-millennium alchemy, the unholy fusing of rap and rock in a cauldron of testosterone, is on the rise again. This time, its not just the bros in on it. Emily Armstrong of Linkin Park performs at Rod Laver Arena, March 8, 2026. Richard Clifford A Linkin Park without co-lead singer Chester Bennington, whose scream took the band to superstardom when nu-metal was the biggest sound in the world, and who died suddenly in 2017, has caused fan resistance some grounded in grief, and some in good old-fashioned misogyny. The pressure on Armstrong is immense. The band is treading lightly. Advertisement Openers Somewhere I Belong and Lying From You give her a little room to breathe. She can scream good, and her voice can hit the same emotional beats as Bennington without being too similar. She grips the mic stand tight and sings the same theatrically sad lyrics Bennington sang for two decades (I wanna heal / I wanna feel / What I thought was never real) while co-lead Mike Shinoda raps. But when she gets to the hits, she pulls right back. She sings a handful of lines from Crawling, but mostly lets the crowd (enthusiastically) take the lead. For all the talk of the big shoes Armstrong is filling, this is founder Shinodas show. His voice dominates the night, including a few songs from his side project, Fort Minor. It all seems to be on his shoulders and sometimes he struggles to keep the energy up. The crowd goes weirdly quiet in the awkwardly long gaps between songs. Bennington hangs over Numb and In the End as well. One Step Closer, the bands big breakthrough single from 2000, fares better. That undeniably cathartic scream of shut up when Im talkin to you! still kills. For all the talk of the big shoes Armstrong is filling, this is founder Mike Shinodas show. Richard Clifford Unsurprisingly, its when we get to the new material, from the 2025 comeback album From Zero, that Armstrong comes into her own. Up From the Bottom and IGYEIH show a band pushing ahead. These are songs written by and for her, as a core member of the group, and she can get right into the middle of them. Advertisement It makes for a strange tension, veering between songs Armstrong is right at home in and those she seems reluctant to touch. This tension is never resolved. Bennington is never mentioned by name, which seems odd. I suppose they want to move on. But his name was on everyones mind, his words on everyones lips. Reviewed by Will Cox MUSIC Hilltop Hoods | Never Coming Home Tour Rod Laver Arena, March 6 What kind of band fires the confetti cannon in the first minute? The kind with something to celebrate, sure, but also an arsenal scaled for escalation. Adelaides Hilltop Hoods bring it in towering steam jets, roman candles, pillars of fire, sci-fi lasers and a bottomless pit of guests worthy of their status as Australias hip-hop kings. Hilltop Hoods perform at Rod Laver Arena, March 6, 2026. Richard Clifford Band is far from a given in this genre but between DJ Debris soul grooves, drummer Plutonic Lab and a smoking horn section that barely pauses for breath, live energy and RnB propulsion are key. Advertisement Sure they dress Beastie Boys in cargo shorts, tees and baseball caps, but rappers Suffa and Pressure are Blues Brothers at heart. Big tunes hit hard and early. The Nosebleed Section triggers nostalgic rapture and Fall From The Light, title track of last years No.1 album, ups the sense of ritual as a vast forest of origami fingers rises to form the letter H. Resident diva Nyassa struts an explosion of black feathers and satin. Montaigne is fast on their heels for 1955 and opener Maverick Sabre nails Wont Let You Down from the catwalk thrusting into the throng. With The Gift, a song about music and all it means, smouldering soul dude Marlon defines the high calibre of the Hoods new work. The cornerstone of the show is not comeback, its legacy. Richard Clifford The trademark angst-comedy Dont Happy, Be Worry is another fresh hit, as is Never Coming Home, the victory lap that proves its point with the whole gang on stage: add in local rap heroes Trials and Illy, Kiwi crooner Matiu and Adelaide soul singer Adrian Eagle, decked out like the holy prophet of sportswear. Advertisement The cornerstone of the show is not comeback, its legacy. By the time the cast returns to detonate the inevitable Cosby Sweater, the community these three daggy dads built has become the whole point. Well, that and the fire, and the steam, and the lasers and sparklers and confetti and what? Party streamers too! Watch and learn, Wu-Tang Clan. Reviewed by Michael Dwyer MUSIC G Flip | Dream Ride Tour Margaret Court Arena, March 7 Though they were performing to a crowd of thousands, this show felt personal. Singer-songwriter and producer, G Flip (real name Georgia Filip) grew up in Melbourne and rose to fame in 2018 after uploading their song About You to Triple J Unearthed; Triple J played the track that very day. G Flip performs at Margaret Court Arena on March 7, 2026. Richard Clifford Since then, the 32-year-old has won three ARIA Awards and clocked millions of views on their Triple J Like A Version covers of Taylor Swifts Cruel Summer and the Moulin Rouge version of Lady Marmalade. Advertisement The performers Dream Ride tour, which promotes their third album, is a homecoming of sorts. They bring their dad out to play guitar on an acoustic rendition of Australia (clearly, musical talent runs in the family). Then, fulfilling a childhood promise, their best friend Abbey comes on stage to dance with support act The Beaches on Lez Go, as beach balls get thrown about by the crowd. G Flip regularly wells up with tears throughout the show, overcome by the support from fans, friends and family, and achieving their dreams of being a touring musician. There are nods to their origin story, including a video of the moment they uploaded About You online. They show off their talent as a multi-instrumentalist, jumping on the drums throughout the show, as well as playing the saxophone and guitar. Theres even a fun percussion instrumental interlude, where band members play a variety of different drums as G Flip commands the drum kit, diverting to musicians planted in the crowd playing cow bells. This show at Margaret Court Arena was a homecoming for G Flip. Richard Clifford For those hoping to catch a glimpse of their wife, Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause, during G Flips dedication Be Your Man, youll be disappointed. However, a surprise guest duet of Absolutely Everybody with Vanessa Amorosi and a live performance of their Cruel Summer cover more than made up for it. Advertisement The only aspect that lets the show down is that the production values dont match the power of G Flips music catalogue or their high-energy performance style. A bigger stadium, where the crowds across both Melbourne shows were in the one place, couldve upped the ambience. Other than that, G Flip really created a place to be whoever you want to be. As they wave the intersectional pride flag during Gay 4 Me, you can tell theyve become the artist and person they always hoped to be. Reviewed by Vyshnavee Wijekumar MUSIC The Streets St Kilda Foreshore, March 5 Mike Skinner didnt appear to notice the gold sunset over St Kildas date palms. The fourth wall of his Birmingham flat stayed firmly in place as the tragicomic interior monologue of his 2004 classic, A Grand Dont Come for Free, came back like a default state of mind. Mike Skinner performing at the St Kilda Foreshore. Richard Clifford Advertisement Zipped in a shiny black plastic raincoat and flanked by a suitably austere cast of musical/ dramatic foils, he launched into It Was Supposed To Be So Easy like it pained him to recall, even as a fair whack of the sold-out crowd raised voices to help the rhymes land. The album can only read differently now. No longer a hot take from a skint loser on the cutting edge of the British garage scene, in 2026 its more like a period social drama: three acts of hope, misery and bittersweet resolution set between the great ecstasy comedown and the rise of the smartphone. Related Article Melbourne live reviews Hula-hooping and a nip slip: Grace Jones delivers chaos and fun at St Kilda gig Its all about the words, Skinner knows, and he delivers them cleanly in all their rhythmic cunning against the minimal accompaniment of drums, keys and occasional guitar, their timing blurring at the edges like any good night out will. Roo Savill sings his love interest in Could Well Be In and Get Out of My House, note-perfect but appropriately blank: the figment of our heros blunted imagination that he never quite understands. Advertisement Skinner never breaks character not even an orright Melbourne? until the club paranoia of Blinded by the Lights and the couch potato bliss of Wouldnt Have It Any Other Way give way to the heartbreaking crash of Dry Your Eyes. Its not a nostalgic wink hes selling; its an open wound. He closes the distance party style, in an encore set that wills old ravers back to life. A handful of classics, mostly from Original Pirate Material, culminates in a crowd surf that carries him the full length of the car park venue. A fitting end to what he thanks us for sharing: an emotional rollercoaster of an evening. Reviewed by Michael Dwyer MUSIC Jean-Yves Thibaudet Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Recital Centre and Hamer Hall, March 3-7 Forty years after making his Australian debut in Melbourne, Jean-Yves Thibaudets latest visit to the city has confirmed him as one of the worlds great masters of pianistic colour and poetry. His extraordinary finesse was abundantly evident in his eloquent traversal of both books of Debussys Preludes before a disappointingly less-than-full house at Melbourne Recital Centre. Jean-Yves Thibaudet performs with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Jaime Martin. Laura Manariti Advertisement Although he rejected the impressionist tag, Debussys music is full of painterly analogies scores that require colouristic nuance, balance and perspective to reveal his artistic vision. Thibaudet has honed these sensibilities like few others. In Dancers of Delphi and Canopic Jar, Thibaudet sketched out the elegant, simple lines of classical Greece, while in the numerous mysterious preludes, such as the majestic The Engulfed Cathedral or the eerie Footsteps in the Snow, he became like an artist slowly but deftly applying layers of colour to a sonic canvas. He reached an exquisite artistic summit in The Terrace of Moonlight Audiences, where shafts of moonlight hauntingly punctuated the nocturnal atmosphere. Realising that some of the genius of the Preludes lies in their great contrasts, Thibaudet eagerly rang the changes. There was humour, not least in the portrait of Charles Dickens character Samuel Pickwick, with its bombastic quotes from God Save the King, and there were vivid scenes from nature as in What the West Wind Has Seen. Hints of exoticism and popular song emerged in The Wine Gate and The Hills of Anacapri. The lyricism of The Girl with the Flaxen Hair was all the more disarming when compared with the technical wizardry on show in Alternating Thirds and Fireworks, where Thibaudets hummingbird hands really did ignite a pyrotechnical finale. Further showmanship was on display at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestras Season Opening Gala at Hamer Hall, where Thibaudet was soloist in Gershwins jazz-infused Piano Concerto. As bright and sparkling as the soloists Vivienne Westwood concert attire, the concerto allowed Thibaudet plenty of room for pianistic bravura, along with some smoky sensuality. Advertisement Under the baton of chief conductor Jaime Martin, other American works bookended the Gershwin. Lift-off came with John Williams exciting but stylistically derivative Star Wars: Suite, and the official program concluded with a vibrant account of Rachmaninoffs Symphonic Dances. An encore, Williams flying theme from E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial left the audience in a feel-good mood. Reminded of Thibaudets innate rapport with French piano music, I hope he will return soon with plenty of Ravel. Reviewed by Tony Way THEATRE The Diary of Anne Frank Athenaeum Theatre, until March 21 The recent surge of violence against Jews in Australia is a stain on the national soul. After the horror of Bondi, this touring production of The Diary of Anne Frank is a salutary reminder of the lives lost when antisemitism breeds unchecked, and of human resilience in the face of an ancient and irrational hatred. A scene from The Diary of Anne Frank. Amanda Humphries Advertisement What can theatre do about it? In the case of The Diary of Anne Frank, it can simply remind of us of history we might otherwise be doomed to repeat. This stage adaptation of Anne Franks diary has been around since 1955 Liza Minelli played Anne in a high school production, which toured in Europe and it is faithful to the source. Chloe-Jean Vincent as Anne Frank. Amanda Humphries What makes the diary a signature work of literature is its realness. Anne is an ordinary teenage girl, living in hiding in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation. We know although she doesnt that her worst fears will come to pass, that the Nazis will find their hiding place, that Anne will die of typhus at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. In spite of everything, as she wrote, I still believe that people are really good at heart. If it were simply a story of tragic naivety, it wouldnt be much good onstage. Yet, Anne (Chloe-Jean Vincent) was on her way to becoming a writer. She documents with insight the psychological toll of deprivation and seclusion, of having a sense of safety stripped away. Advertisement Shes also deeply candid about her maturing body, her relationship with her parents (Phil Bedworth and Holly Easterbrook) and her changing thoughts about the only boy (Nathan Hampson) in her small orbit. Anne describes conflict and camaraderie between the Jewish families living in hiding with her, and the songs, books, rituals and humour that keep her spirits up through the constant and mortal fear. Despite a wobbly start, the performances settle into no-frills naturalism. It is period drama pervaded by anxiety and menace, with flourishes of comedy and spotlit excerpts of Anne writing her diary, all under the ominous watch of two swastikas. The Diary of Anne Frank isnt high theatrical art. Melbourne stages have nurtured some astonishing Jewish theatre talents over the years, and theyve created dramatic work that has celebrated Jewish culture, and examined antisemitism, in profound ways. Still, theres a place, too, for Anne Frank and a starker, more modest reminder of where hatred leads. Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday. ABIDJAN, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Cote d'Ivoire's Minister of the Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition Jacques Assahore Konan on Thursday said progress had been made by Cote d'Ivoire in its fight against deforestation. "The results recorded in 2025 include the restoration of more than 61,000 hectares of degraded land, the operational launch of the National School of Water and Forests, and the strengthening of governance mechanisms in the sector," Konan said during a meeting in Abidjan. "Cote d'Ivoire's forest cover, which stood at nearly 16 million hectares in the 1960s, has now declined to around 3 million hectares," he added. Speaking about priorities for 2026, the minister underlined the need to intensify efforts against illegal logging, illegal gold mining and unlawful occupation of forests. "We must involve local populations in forest restoration by developing agroforestry, village plantations and partnerships with producers," he said. Advertisement NationalHealthcare I didnt see myself as a man any more: The silent rise of this rare and stigmatised cancer Henrietta Cook March 7, 2026 9:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A By the time Wayne Earle received a diagnosis of penile cancer, he had only one option for survival. His doctor told him needed a penectomy surgery to remove his penis. Wayne Earle is keen to speak out about his experience with penile cancer to help others navigating the disease. Max Mason-Hubers Thats all I heard, the now 58-year-old recalled. You dont hear anything after that. Earle, who lives in the Blue Mountains, is among a small but growing number of Australian men who have been diagnosed with penile cancer, a stigmatised and devastating disease. Advertisement The number of new cases has more than doubled in Australia over the past two decades, with 165 cases recorded last year, up from 73 in 2005. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to approximately 60 per cent of penile cancer cases, but other risk factors include being uncircumcised, smoking, advanced age and skin conditions like psoriasis or UV exposure. While health experts dont know exactly what is driving the rise in cases, urological surgeon Associate Professor Dixon Woon suspects that an ageing population and fewer boys being circumcised could be factors. But Woon, who holds a leadership position at Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand, said the risks associated with circumcision did not outweigh its benefits. Advertisement The HPV vaccination offers much better protection against penile cancer while also preventing cervical and oropharyngeal cancers, he added. The greatest hurdle remains the stigma surrounding the disease. Related Article Exclusive Healthcare The common virus fuelling a tsunami of cancers, particularly in men Woon said it was common for men to delay seeking help due to embarrassment. This can lead to fewer treatment options and worse outcomes for patients. While treatment of early-stage penile cancer might involve circumcision, excising the lesion or topical chemotherapy, later stage treatment involves the partial or full removal of the penis. Advertisement Up to 80 per cent of men who undergo treatment before the cancer spreads to their lymph nodes are cured of the disease, according to Woon. Early detection is crucial for survival, he said. In an effort to speed up the time between symptoms and a diagnosis, Woon is working with a team of researchers to develop an AI tool to help doctors identify suspicious lesions. Earle detected a small red spot on his penis 11 months before he was diagnosed. His dermatologist initially thought the lesion was a patch of psoriasis a skin condition he has suffered from since he was a child. Advertisement Related Article Cancer The 30 lifestyle factors linked to almost 40 per cent of all new cancer cases When the lesion didnt respond to steroid cream, his doctor recommended he commence wart treatment. But the stubborn spot didnt respond to that either. It wasnt until his fourth visit to the dermatologist in 2014 that a biopsy of the skin of his penis was taken and sent off for testing. The results came back as invasive penile squamous cell carcinoma. Unlike many men diagnosed with penile cancer, Earles case is not linked to HPV. He believes that his cancer was caused by the UV light therapy that he received to treat his psoriasis. Advertisement Jonathan Hallett, an associate professor of health promotion at Curtin University, expects penis cancer cases will decrease in coming years due to the rollout of the HPV vaccine to high school girls in 2007 and boys in 2013. Weve already seen really dramatic reductions in HPV prevalence and genital warts in younger Australians since the program started, he said. Related Article Cancer Lifestyle and the lag effect: Whats causing the rise of early onset cancer However, because these cancers take decades to develop after initial infection, we likely wont see significant declines in rates for some time, as vaccinated cohorts reach the age when these cancers typically emerge. He said HPV was a common sexually transmitted infection that most people cleared within a year or two. But a persistent infection can switch off the bodys natural tumour suppression mechanisms and allow cells to grow uncontrollably. Advertisement Last week Professor Maarten Albersen, a Belgian urologist and cancer researcher, spoke at the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealands conference in Melbourne about the profound sexual and psychological impacts of penile cancer. Unlike many other cancers, the disease and its treatment directly affect a part of the body that is fundamental to sexual function and self-perception, Albersen wrote in a recent paper. He said patients often faced significant functional and aesthetic challenges, including difficulties with urination, reduced mobility, persistent pain, sexual dysfunction, and lymphedema (swelling in the body). More than 60 per cent of penile cancer patients require psychological care. The mental toll of Earles treatment was profound. Advertisement I didnt see myself as a man any more, he said. In our society, thats what defines you. His marriage broke down following the surgery, and his self-esteem hit an all-time low. While Earle still suffers from painful lymphedema in his legs from having his lymph nodes removed, his outlook on life is a lot more positive these days. He sees a psychologist and has founded a charity called Check Your Tackle, which raises awareness of penile cancer. He also manages a global support network on Facebook for more than 800 men who have been diagnosed with penile cancer. The men are aged between their 20s and 70s, and the group helps them navigate the trauma of surgery and the identity crisis that often follows. Advertisement I tell the guys, its only a part of who you are it doesnt make you a man, he said. Earle has also remarried and found ways to be intimate again. Theres kissing, cuddling and true partnership, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalMiddle East at war Dubai built its boom on expats. Now war has the city on edge Annika Smethurst March 6, 2026 3:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A As missiles streaked across the sky above the United Arab Emirates last weekend, the first images seen by the outside world largely came from hotel balconies and luxury apartments. The citys booming influencer community and tourists filmed air defence systems light up the nights sky as they barricaded themselves inside hotel rooms, many pleading for help. The flare of a projectile is seen over the skyline of Dubai on February 28. AP But in the days since, a counter narrative has emerged from the those who call the United Arab Emirates home. Western expats have flooded social media with images of heaving cafes, crowded malls and busy beach clubs, pushing back against what they say is a distorted picture of life inside the Gulfs expat hubs. Advertisement For decades, Dubai has drawn thousands of Western professionals to its shores. Bankers, airline crew, engineers, teachers and more recently influencers have moved to the Gulf states chasing adventure, tax-free salaries, career opportunities and a lifestyle built on global travel and year round sunshine. The business district of Dubai on March 4. Bloomberg Roughly nine out of 10 people living in the United Arab Emirates are foreign born, making it one of the most international societies anywhere in the world. While British and American expats form some of the largest Western communities, more than 20,000 Australians roughly the combined population of the Victorian towns of Echuca and Seymour form a small but visible presence in that mix. Lured by its strategic location between Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific, the United Arab Emirates and its neighbours have reinvented themselves as a place where foreigners can find lucrative career opportunities, travel and avoid income tax. Advertisement Dubai has also cultivated the image of a place where global business can operate largely insulated from the geopolitical tensions of the worlds most volatile neighbourhoods. A man walks away after watching a black plume of smoke rising from a warehouse in the industrial area of Sharjah City, United Arab Emirates. AP But last weekend that mirage began to disintegrate as Iranian missiles and drones targeted the United Arab Emirates. The UAEs air defence systems lit up the skies. Fires broke out at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports from falling debris. On the Palm Jumeirah the artificial island better known for luxury resorts and influencer photo shoots fragments of intercepted missiles struck the Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai. For a city whose prosperity depends heavily on its reputation for stability, the images challenged the perception of a city insulated from the geopolitical tensions that surround the region. Advertisement Residents, including the citys booming influencer community, filmed interceptions from apartment balconies and hotel terraces as streaks of light cut across the skyline. The backlash was swift. The UAEs information environment is tightly controlled. Social media influencers have been warned that they could face hefty fines for posting material about the conflict that authorities deem harmful to public order or national unity. Critics accused some influencers of turning a geopolitical crisis into content, while others inside the UAE accused them of exaggerating the danger and spreading unnecessary fear. Advertisement Related Article Middle East at war Stranded Australians arrive home after traumatic waiting game in Middle East war zone Some residents who spoke to this masthead were cautious about speaking publicly about the conflict, yet even privately the overwhelming view from those that live and work in the UAE was one of confidence in the governments response. According to the Ministry of Defence, since the onset of the Iranian attack, the UAE has successfully engaged and destroyed 137 ballistic missiles and 209 drones launched towards the countrys territory. As recently as Thursday night, residents reported heavy blasts with windows and doors shaking as the intercepts continued. This week, online expat forums tell a more mundane story. Posts about the missile warnings exist, but are difficult to find among the stream of usual requests for information about apartments, nannies, school, visas and public transport. Advertisement Many residents say the international coverage and videos circulating online give the impression daily life has ground to a halt. Residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi acknowledge that while there has been a few hairy moments, the atmosphere on the ground is calm. For some expatriates, the frustration runs deeper. Several residents said that Dubais image abroad has increasingly been shaped by influencers who portray the city as little more than a tax-free playground for the wealthy. For many Australians who have set up their lives in the UAE, financial opportunities are only part of the regions appeal. Expat life, they say, is far more ordinary built around jobs, schools, families and community. That sentiment has partly fuelled the counter narrative now emerging online, with expats challenging what they see as a caricature of life in the Gulf state. In response to the barrage, the UAE has requested workplaces shift to remote arrangements, and school holidays have been brought forward. As the sun sets, the intercepts continue night after night. But overwhelmingly residents say they trust the UAE authorities to keep them safe. Australian woman Ellecia Saffron, a former chair of the Australian Business Group in Abu Dhabi, said she had been enormously impressed by the measured response. Advertisement Ellecia Saffron They have just dealt with it, protected everyone and carried on, Saffron said. They have had the ultimate test here and it is safe, they have stood by what they have said. Saffron had just returned from Surf Ski Paddling last weekend when news began to spread about a missile attack. Initially, there was shock and confusion, and the next 24 hours were surreal, but most people started to see and trust that the UAE had this under control, she said. She said her view is shared by most Western expats in the region. Advertisement The majority are standing in solidarity, this is their home. Some feel differently. On Friday morning, Annabelle Williams was among those on the first Emirates flight to Melbourne since the start of the war. The 26-year-old had recently moved to the UAE for work, but when her new home came under fire, she knew she wanted to return to Australia. Annabelle Williams is reunited at Melbourne Airport with her parents Justin and Drusilla. Simon Schluter It was completely terrifying, to be honest. Ive never experienced anything like it, she said. On Saturday, around midday, my mum actually called me, and she said, Are you OK?. I was out with a friend. Im like, Im fine. I dont know what youre talking about. Advertisement And she said, Oh, theres missiles flying overhead. And then, yeah, it all kind of kicked off from there. I could see them from my apartment. Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war news updates: US temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian oil; Three Australians on US submarine that sank Iranian ship, PM confirms; People ordered to evacuate southern Beirut Like many expats in the UAE, Saffron had only planned to stay in the region for a few years when she first left Australia in 2007. Almost two decades later, she said she has fallen in love with the country and its people and the recent conflict has only made her feel safer. Its not all about the glitz and glamour and the money. I love the ocean and its on the ocean, [its] an international melting pot, [with] amazing leadership ... Saffron said. There is something really nice about being in a place that is moving forward positively all the time. Being around that is a good feeling. The UAEs rapid rise over the past 50 years has largely been driven by its international workforce, many chasing lucrative tax-free jobs that often come with high salaries, housing allowances, medical insurance and flights. Advertisement Thousands of Australian pilots, engineers and cabin crew have built careers with Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Etihad. Australian companies have followed that workforce into the region with more than 300 Australian businesses now operating in the UAE. Australian engineering, architecture and environmental consultant GHD has a presence in the UAE, as does Macquarie. Retail brands have also expanded into the UAE market with Cotton On, Chemist Warehouse and Jeanswest opening stores in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The University of Wollongong in Dubai, one of the citys earliest international campuses, has operated there since 1993, while Murdoch and Curtin Universities also have campuses in the Gulf state. In October, Australia and the UAE reached a trade agreement. Negotiated in just nine months, it was Australias first free trade agreement with any country in the Middle East and North Africa. Brett Evans, a financial adviser with Atlas Wealth Management, which works with Australians living and working overseas, said a week into the conflict there had been no meaningful change in inquiries from Australians considering a move to the region. Advertisement In our experience the UAE is generally viewed quite distinctly from other parts of the Middle East. For many expatriates, it is seen as a very stable and well-governed environment that has consistently prioritised safety, economic development and international cooperation, he said. People prepare to surf on Jumeirah Beach, backed by the Burj al Arab hotel on March 5 in Dubai. Getty Images From the conversations we have had with clients over the past week, the sentiment has largely been one of calm and confidence in the authorities. Evans said while the tax advantages were often part of lure for expats, it was rarely the sole motivation. What we typically see is that people are drawn to the UAE because it offers a rare combination of career opportunity, international mobility and lifestyle, he said. The UAE has invested heavily in transport, healthcare, education, and public safety. For many expats, especially those with families, the fact that the country is stable, organised and forward-looking is a major drawcard. Advertisement Despite the dramatic images circulating online, Evans said expatriates already living in the UAE appear to be taking a measured view. Related Article Opinion Middle East at war I covered the Middle East when Saddam was Americas friend. The bloodletting hasnt stopped Geraldine Brooks Author and journalist Day-to-day life across Dubai and Abu Dhabi has continued relatively as normal with some minor amendments like work from home and online schooling purely out of an abundance of caution. The economic opportunities, career pathways and lifestyle advantages remain very strong, and for many people those factors continue to outweigh broader geopolitical concerns. To scholars who study the Gulf, moments like this sit within a much longer history of regional tensions a background reality that has existed alongside the regions reputation for safety and stability. Advertisement For many Western professionals contemplating a move to the Gulf, the attraction ultimately rests on economics. I think finances almost always have something to do with it, said Professor Andrew Gardner, an expert in migration and labour in Gulf economies at the University of Puget Sound. At the same time, most expatriates are not naive about the region they are moving to. Dubai kind of has this image as a safe place, Gardner said. I would say at least for daily life it is extraordinarily safe, but you would have to be a new arrival not to catch some of the geopolitical aspects that have shaped life in the Gulf over the years. The latest escalation may feel alarming without being entirely unprecedented. This moment feels fearsome and particularly worrisome, Gardner said, but it also sits within a longer history of regional tensions that expatriates have navigated before. Advertisement Those tensions have included militant attacks targeting Western interests in Kuwait and Bahrain in the early 2000s, the diplomatic rupture between Qatar and several neighbouring Gulf states in 2017 that disrupted trade routes and supply chains, and the sweeping travel restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. I can imagine that this kind of event will have some kind of legacy in the minds of people who might be thinking about working there, Gardner said. But people also move on from these things fairly quickly. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. The Minns governments redevelopment of Glebe Island into a new suburb of 7000 to 8500 homes is a rare opportunity to get serious about providing affordable accommodation for essential workers near Sydneys CBD. But slating just 10 per cent as affordable housing the small proportion of new homes to be offered at below-market rent to nurses, teachers, paramedics, firefighters and police will do little to address Sydneys debilitating housing problem. While employment still tends to cluster around CBDs, the emptying of the once-dormitory inner-city suburbs compels workers to long and costly commutes, their loads made heavier by the difficulty of finding childcare. Further, with many empty-nesters staying put as their children leave home, sometimes to greenfield suburbs, the population crush is coming down heaviest on western Sydney and it is skewing housing resources. But Bays West is Sydneys future and, if handled properly, tolls an end to our habit of relegating growth to a few areas on the fringes. The night before the rally, Rebecca was out to dinner with friends. She says she had no idea what symbol her husband was painting on the sign, which he had made while she wasnt home. Had she known, she says, she would have stopped him from leaving the house with it. On Sunday, October 6, 2024, 10,000 people gathered at the protest. During that rally, Al was arrested and charged with knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol in public. It has been illegal to display the swastika in NSW since 2022. He didnt know that the symbol he used was illegal, says Rebecca, who did not attend the rally. The timing could not have been worse. I lost Jacqui and Al on the same day for completely different reasons. So it was really finding my voice very quickly, says Rebecca, who had spent the past decade building the business with her husband. Within the space of 24 hours, it was over. The interior architect was suddenly running a multimillion-dollar group of restaurants, one of which had recently been awarded New Restaurant of the Year by the Age Good Food Guide. Just three weeks earlier, her head chef of 11 years, Jacqui Challinor, had given notice. When Alan Yazbek was photographed and arrested in late 2024 at a pro-Palestine rally in Sydneys Hyde Park, brandishing a handmade sign featuring a swastika and the words Stop Nazi Israel in the colours of the Israeli flag, his wife, Rebecca Yazbek, had to make some very quick and public decisions. The police called me and said: Your husbands been arrested. Nothing can prepare you for that. After the incident and before sentencing, Al Yazbek flew to India to stay in an ashram, and Rebecca stayed in Australia to deal with the aftermath. G.H Mumm pulled their partnership with their Melbourne restaurant Reine & La Rue. Law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler also confirmed to this masthead that it would no longer book corporate or work events at the two-hatted restaurant . Investment bank Goldman Sachs cancelled a Melbourne event that was scheduled with the Nomad Group. Upon the news, the Good Food Guide took away the Nomad Groups hats. It was a shitshow, says Rebecca. By the following Tuesday, Al, who has worked in hospitality for 30 years, was publicly out of the Nomad Group (he remains a shareholder), but the damage had been done. For such a smart person, to not understand the consequences of your actions, Ill never understand. But he thought he was a civilian with a right to free speech. I had some very close Jewish friends send me the picture, saying: Please tell me this isnt Al. So, thats how I found out about it. And then the police called me and said: Your husbands been arrested. Theres nothing that can prepare you for that. If I had accepted behaviour that didnt meet respect and excellence, as a company director, I would have been failing my own values, Rebecca says. I was very thankful that the media didnt chase my children or werent outside my house, she says, adding she experienced feelings of PTSD off the back of it all. But Rebecca had to do what was best for the business which, she says, was to remove Al. You can be sure that [I] will do all I can to regain the trust of my wonderful staff, our loyal customers and the broader community. I apologise unequivocally for my actions at the demonstration on Sunday where I carried a sign that is deeply offensive to the Jewish community, the then-director of Nomad group said in a statement. To this day, Rebecca still receives missives from diners telling her they wont be supporting the company. In the month following the arrest, Rebecca estimates a 10 per cent dip in revenue, which she said felt enormous at the time. For context, the average price of a meal at the 150-seat Reine & La Rue is about $300 for two. At Nomad Melbourne, which seats 100 at maximum capacity, its roughly $150. How that delineation between business and personal worked at first is another story. Well, there was a lot of anger. To be honest, he was shocked at the backlash. [At the time] I said: This is going to be horrific. And he said: No, no, Im nobody. But [Reine & La Rue] had just won [Age Good Food Guide] New Restaurant of the Year . The one question that kept running through my mind through this interview was: how can a marriage survive something like that? When I asked Rebecca, she told me, without missing a beat or moving a facial muscle, that they remain happily married. [Al] went through a really dark phase, she says. Hes not one to shy away from difficult conversations. But to put everything at risk like that ... he still cant reconcile that he did that part. But taking a lease at a heritage site and going from 200 to 300 staff pushed the Yazbeks into different strata, offering headline-grabbing dishes in a grand old former stock exchange building. It was a cathedral of opulence, offering $240 seafood platters, rare sturgeon roe at $420 for 30 grams, and a one-kilogram David Blackmore wagyu rib-eye for $450. Opening Reine & La Rue (the Age Good Food Guide described the restaurant as gorgeously grandiose ) forced the business to grow up. Until then, they had run the easygoing, Mediterranean-inspired Nomad restaurants one in Surry Hills in Sydney, and one in the Melbourne CBD. Respect, always. Excellence in everything. Theres a no-tolerance policy for sexual harassment. We have dry venues no staffies. Weve got a lot of family people. Its come to work, do the work as best you can. And then when youre not at work, we leave you alone. You have to protect everyone that is under your employ. Keen to change public perception of the Nomad Group post-trial, the company rebranded and renamed itself Edition, an empire backed financially by the Yazbeks. And with it, a set of non-negotiable rules of engagement. She says telling her staff was one of the hardest things shes ever done, but believes the business is in a better spot now, with a clear decision-making process and a management hierarchy that essentially begins and ends with her. When asked whether diners have lost faith in the broader business, Rebecca says: I think diners saw somebody that did the wrong thing, and apologised for it . They dont have to accept that apology. They dont need to agree with it. I dont need everyone to come to my restaurants, she says. It is a business that relies on clientele and I dealt with it as gracefully as I knew how to. A year down the track, Rebecca is more confident in her ability to run the business. I have had a lot of time to reflect, she says. I think it was very easy for people to write me off, because Im not a chef. I dont have a background in hospitality. So it was very easy for me to not be seen as a strong figurehead. She describes her leadership style as inclusive and direct. She and her husband clashed early on because, she says, he wasnt very good with people, favouring systems and operations over relationship management. Not having a hospitality background meant she could write her own rules. This masthead asked Al Yazbek what he thought about how his wife has run the company since she took control over a year ago. He declined to comment. Chef Jacqui Challinor (left) with Rebecca and Al Yazbek at Nomad in Sydney which opened in 2013. Petrina Tinslay I definitely manage differently, says Rebecca. I cant compare because I havent worked in other hospitality businesses. But I remember even the differences between Al and I when we started. Hes male, hes seasoned, he has never worked for anyone else He doesnt take no for an answer. I was like, I dont want to manage like that. Im not a yeller. I need to earn my respect here. I dont get it just cause I own the place. I was working my arse off and people could see that. And thats completely flipped. [Now] we are people first, she says. I listen a lot. Excellence is something that I wont compromise on. I expect people to respect the decisions that Ive made because I am in the position I am. I think I would have asked for approval a lot more before. Rebecca grew up in Sydneys Sutherland Shire. While she loved the natural beauty of the area, it was, at the same time, a poor cultural match for her. Keen to get out of the south as quickly as possible (I did not fit in at all), she boarded at Kincoppal in Rose Bay, studied abroad as part of an exchange in Italy at 15, and lived in India for six months after she finished an interior architecture degree at UNSW. She was in Paris when news of the 2005 Cronulla riot broke out. I was watching Cronulla on the news in French, she says. It was the most surreal experience. I was on the phone to my family who were locked in and couldnt leave the house. At the time, it just cemented [something] for me. There were no mosques. No synagogues. It was just so ... monoculture down there. So I knew that I wanted out. Toko restaurant, where the Yazbeks first met. Marco Del Grande While she does not come from a hospitality background, Rebecca has always had a passion for restaurants. She was 22 when she met Al at Toko, the Surry Hills Japanese restaurant he owned and ran at the time with his brothers Matt and the late Daniel Yazbek. Initially, she had no interest in entering the restaurant business. But she had always been interested in design and how people interacted with a space. My favourite thing about restaurants is connecting with people. I like the tactility of spaces, how people interact when its all fluid, when all the pieces come together, its just like magic to me. Nomad Sydney, the groups first restaurant, was inspired by intimate wine bars such as Sydneys Love Tilly Devine and Melbournes Gertrude Street Enoteca. The original concept for the restaurant, which opened in 2013, was a cellar door in the city. The restaurant was designed and conceptualised by Rebecca but bankrolled by the couple. She signed the lease for it when she was 26. I think Nomad opened at the right place at the right time. Easy to take people to, good price point, good vibe, she says. The menu was interesting but not challenging. I had such a strong opinion on what worked and what didnt. And I just was like, no, this is gonna work. And Im just so grateful it landed really well with people from day one. In 2021, the Yazbeks launched Nomad Melbourne, followed by Reine & La Rue in 2023. Melbourne, to me, was the centre of food in Australia, says Rebecca. I loved having a beautiful, busy, successful restaurant in Sydney, but I really wanted Melbourne. The Yazbeks briefly owned a home in well-heeled Albert Park, but in August 2025, the Australian Financial Review reported the $12 million sale of that residence, Hambleton House. However, they still own their home in Woollahra, purchased in 2016 for $4 million. Its the heritage spaces that continue to attract Rebecca. Unlike Sydneys obsession with new builds, Melbourne tends to treasure and preserve older sites. Sydney loves to just destroy beautiful things, she says. Nomad Melbourne was supposed to be very different. We were looking at warehouses, and it was too much. I cant be a Sydney restaurateur coming to Melbourne and recreating what we do in Sydney. I wanted to really reflect the city that were in with a concept that I really believed in. She sees Nomad Melbourne as a training ground for her young workers. The staff are committed. Theyre not seasoned professionals, so theyre all in it together. Theyre so passionate about the product. So theyre really sort of cementing whether they want to be in hospitality or not there. When they feel like they can master that, then theyre ready for the bigger guys. So then they put their hand up for Reine or now Florentino or come up to Sydney. We had a beautiful friendship and a great working relationship, Rebecca Yazbek said of head chef Jacqui Challinor. Petrina Tinslay For Rebecca, staff retention is vital. Youve gotta have thick skin in this game. It is so up and down from one week to the next. The challenges, they can hit you from all sides without any warning, she says. I invest a lot into my guys and if theyre gonna stay with me, I need to have career progression for them. Theres always people with more money, bigger, newer things. In late 2024, group head chef Jacqui Challinor moved on from the business after 11 years with the Yazbeks. In late 2025, she took a position with Andrew McConnells restaurant group, Trader House (Cutler; Cumulus Inc; Marion; Supernormal; Gimlet; Morning Market; Meatsmith; Builders Arms Hotel; Apollo Inn, plus Bar Miette and Supernormal in Brisbane). Jac and I had a great working relationship, [but after 11 years] she was done, says Rebecca. She was tired, and I absolutely get it. We had a beautiful friendship and a great working relationship. Tumultuous at times, challenging at times, but look what we did together. When asked for a comment for the circumstances around her exit from the then-Nomad ground, Challinor declined to comment. Rebecca believes part of Challinors reason for resigning was the chef putting undue pressure on herself. Because Im not a chef, Rebecca says, I leaned on her a lot in terms of the food vision and my overarching vision for the spaces. Chefs wanted to work for Jac. They wanted to learn from her. So it was very much like a partnership until it wasnt. It was just time. The commute between Sydney and Melbourne hasnt been easy, especially with three children aged nine, seven and five years old. If Im not working, Im spending as much time as possible with my kids our work is so all-consuming, youve got to be able to switch off and thats challenging. Now, her sights are set on Florentino the business the Grossi family ran for 26 years before handing it over to the Edition Group in late 2025, eight months after a series of allegations of sexual harassment were levelled at chef and figurehead Guy Grossi. Guy Grossi in the Grill restaurant at Florentino. Eamon Gallagher Rebecca will be rolling her sleeves up when it comes to addressing the existing culture within the Florentino business, which includes the historic upstairs Dining Room, downstairs Cellar Bar, The Grill, Ombra wine bar, and Arlechin cocktail bar. There are some systems that werent present in how the Florentino was being run, that were just bringing in to make it appropriate for 2026. Florentino is 97 years old. The upstairs dining room should be and always will be the time capsule of what the Florentino represents. The rest of it needs an overhaul. It needs love and attention and care. And thats not to say the Grossis didnt because 26 years, my golly, thats a good run in any business. Edition Hospitality, the new owners of the Florentino building previously owned by the Grossi Family. From left: Edition culinary director Michael Greenlaw, operations director Sian Potsig, Rebecca Yazbek, executive chef Brendan Katich and food and beverage director Ged Bellis. Much like the Grossis before her, the restaurateur sees herself as a guardian of the space. I dont own that restaurant. I hope thats a restaurant thats there forever and Im a custodian until Im not. I want to be part of the solution for making great restaurants that are value for money. When it comes to her plans for the Edition group, Rebecca says she has a site in Sydney shes interested in, but wont comment further at present. I live in Sydney, I love this town, she says. I think if we could cement that here, then the bit of expansion we do with Reine & La Rue and making Florentino a go-to destination again would get us to a level where the people we attract are the best of the business. Ill be happy with all that for a while. As for the long term, she says: I want to be the best. And I think Im attracting people that support the vision. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. The homicide squad is investigating the incident, and Coynes niece Janelle said on Friday they are desperate for information about their deaths. Those who knew aunty Erica and knew that she was a loving, kind person and her home was her safe place, she said. Janelle said her aunty loved her children and grandchildren, and she was an independent little lady. Its really tragic something has happened at a place where she felt safe, she said of the 69-year-old. Lloyds got a lot of friends, they both have large families, and were [all] really hurting. Our family would be really appreciative [for any information] that could help get this case solved so we could move on and grieve. She really didnt deserve what happened. Senior Sergeant Steve Cleal has repeatedly called for information, and has told the public their reports can remain anonymous. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalChina relations China accuses Australia of distorting facts of naval close encounter Rob Harris and Lisa Visentin March 6, 2026 6:49pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A An Australian naval helicopter was forced to take evasive action after a close encounter with a Chinese military aircraft over the Yellow Sea, prompting the federal government to raise concerns with Beijing over what it described as a dangerous midair manoeuvre. In response, China has accused Australia of distorting the facts on the midair encounter between the two military helicopters. HMAS Toowoomba was operating in international waters as part of Operation Argos. It is at least the fourth such incident of contested encounters in the past two years, with the most recent occurring in October and February 2025 when Australia accused a Chinese fighter jet of dropping flares near one of its surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. The latest incident occurred on March 4 as the guided-missile frigate HMAS Toowoomba was operating in international waters as part of Operation Argos, a multinational effort to enforce sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council on North Korea. Advertisement Chinas defence ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said Australias remarks on the incident were a complete distortion of facts and a reversal of right and wrong and claimed Australia had dispatched its helicopters to conduct close-in reconnaissance and continuous provocations against China. In response to Australias infringing and harassing actions, the Chinese military swiftly took measures to resolutely and forcefully counter them. The relevant operations were proper, reasonable, professional, and in accordance with international law and practice, Jiang said in a statement published by Chinese state media. Each time such incidents have occurred, both sides have deployed similar language to denounce the others actions. Australia has routinely condemned China for engaging in unsafe conduct, while China fires back with allegations that Australia has spread false claims about the incident. Bordered by China and South Korea, the Yellow Sea sits near the Korean Peninsula and is a heavily trafficked military corridor where regional and allied forces regularly patrol to monitor sanctions enforcement. The encounter is the latest in a string of tense interactions between Australian and Chinese forces operating in international airspace and waters. In a statement, the Department of Defence said the government had expressed its concerns to the Chinese government following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a Peoples Liberation ArmyNavy (PLA-N) helicopter. Advertisement During these activities, an Australian Defence Force MH-60R helicopter launched from HMAS Toowoomba was intercepted by a PLA-N helicopter, it said, The PLA-N helicopter matched the ADF helicopters altitude before closing in to an unsafe distance. The PLA-N helicopter moved slightly ahead, increased speed and then rolled towards the ADF helicopter, which required evasive action to maintain safe flight. An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter was forced to take evasive action by a Chinese military helicopter. Department of Defence Defence said the Australian ship and the Seahawk had been operating lawfully throughout the mission. This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre that posed a risk to our aircraft and its personnel, it said. Advertisement HMAS Toowoomba and its embarked helicopter acted in accordance with international law at all times. Related Article China relations Xis China will be world-shaping in the coming months and years. Our return to Beijing could not be more timely or urgent While there were no injuries sustained by ADF personnel or damage caused to the MH-60R helicopter, the safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority. In October last year, Defence Minister Richard Marles condemned the unsafe and unprofessional behaviour of the Chinese military after a fighter jet released flares close to an Australian surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. Beijing accused Australia of seriously violating Chinas sovereignty. Marles said the government had raised concerns with the Chinese embassy in Canberra and authorities in Beijing about the incident, saying it posed a risk to Royal Australian Air Force personnel and their aircraft. No injuries or damage were reported. Advertisement Defence reiterated that Australian forces would continue to operate in the region in accordance with international law. Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner, it said. For decades, the ADF has undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region, and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace. Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson said it was another a deliberate, dangerous and reckless manoeuvre by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army that put Australian Defence Force personnel at risk. This is not an isolated incident. It is becoming a deeply concerning pattern of behaviour by the PLA, he said, adding he expected the Albanese government to publicly condemn the incident and make Australias views clear to their counterparts in Beijing. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. When Ashish Sharma moved to East Melbourne, he was struck by how quiet the suburb was despite being on the cusp of the city. Its just an oasis of calm, the 36-year-old said. My dad told me, Youre in the most liveable suburb, in the most liveable city in the world. Ashish Sharma and Manali Purohit love the calm East Melbourne provides in the midst of the inner-city. Credit: Jason South His partner, Manali Purohit, 36, moved to Melbourne from Mumbai to join him almost exactly a year ago. She said she fell in love with the suburb immediately. A recent KPMG report named East Melbourne as the most liveable suburb in Melbourne if money was no object, snatching the crown from Parkville, but the cost of homes in the area varies. So as for Healys decision not to open on Sunday? Ive got to protect my average of 20, she quipped during the on-stage presentations. The Australian team celebrate their series win. Credit: Getty Images Were watching the future of Australian cricket walk out there and mark centre and open. I didnt want to get in the way of that. Ive had my time in the sun, so its time for the next generation to show what they can do. The Australians are overjoyed as Alana King (left) claims a wicket. Credit: Getty Images India resumed play on day three at 6-105 in their second innings and still needing a further 20 runs to make Australia bat again. Stubborn resistance from debutant Pratika Rawal (63) ensured India knocked them off without any more losses, but from there the hosts put on the squeeze, dismissing their opponents for 149. Sneh Rana (30) was the first to fall when she was bowled by offspinner Gardner (2-8). Healy pulled off a sharp catch at slip a short time later to send Kashvee Gautam packing for a duck off the bowling of legspinner Alana King (2-23). King snared her second wicket six overs later when she got one to shoot up unexpectedly and Sayali Satghare could only fend it to the fielder in short. And Indias innings came to an end when Annabel Sutherland took a diving catch to end Rawals brave knock. Sutherland was named player of the match after returning figures of 4-46 and 2-15 to go with her score of 129 in Australias first innings. The 24-year-old has now notched four Test centuries, putting her just one short of the overall record in womens cricket. She was named player of the series after producing a number of dominant displays with both bat and ball. Perry becomes greatest Test run scorer Ellyse Perry set a new national record and Annabel Sutherland posted her fourth Test century as Australia took control of their pink ball clash with India at the WACA Ground. On a day when the temperature hit 40C in Perth, Australia reached 8-310 by dinner on day two in reply to Indias 198, with Sutherland making 129 off 171 balls and Perry 76 off 116. Ellyse Perry set an all-time record for Test runs - surpassing the previous Australian womens record of 1002. Credit: Getty Images Although Perry missed out on making her third Test century, her score was enough to take her to 1006 Test runs - surpassing the previous Australian womens record of 1002 held by Karen Rolton. That 16-year-old record was broken when Perry lofted spinner Deepti Sharma down the ground for four to move to 74 late in Saturdays opening session. Perry now sits 10th on the all-time womens Test run scoring list. Former England star Jan Brittin, who played 27 Tests until 1998, sits on top with 1935 runs. But Perry can lay claim to being the only woman to have passed 1000 runs and taken more than 30 wickets. Annabel Sutherland taking the wicket of Jemimah Rodrigues of India during day two of the Womens Test Match between Australia and India at WACA. Credit: Getty Images Perrys knock was eventually ended when she was adjudged lbw on review at the hands of Sharma. Sutherland and Perrys 128-run fourth wicket partnership moved Australia to a position of strength after the hosts had stumbled to 3-58 on Friday night. The home side had another wobble as they went from 4-240 to 8-277 before tailenders Alana King (21no) and debutant Lucy Hamilton (12no) added valuable runs. Loading Sutherland walked to the crease on Saturday unbeaten on 20, and her love affair with the WACA continued as she whacked Indias heat-stricken attack to all parts of the ground. Shed hit 17 boundaries before her innings came to an end, caught at long-on off Sharma. The 24-year-olds only other Test visit to the ground came two years ago when she cracked 210 in a comfortable win over South Africa. Sutherland has now posted three consecutive Test centuries, with her 163 against England at the MCG last year sandwiched between her two big knocks at the WACA. Her Test batting average now sits at an elite 89.37 midway through her seventh Test. Day one wrap: Healy out cheaply in final Test Retiring captain Alyssa Healy has been dismissed cheaply in her farewell match as India fought back against Australia in the day-night Test in Perth. Australia went to stumps on day one at 3-96 in reply to Indias 198 on Friday at the revamped WACA Ground. Healy entered the fray late on with Australia battling at 2-31 following the dismissals of openers Phoebe Litchfield (9) and Georgia Voll (2). With the pink ball swinging wildly under lights and the WACAs new water slides pumping in the background, Healy endured a series of nervous moments in front of 3439 spectators before falling for 13 when she spooned a catch to backward point. Alyssa Healy heads out to bat. Credit: Getty Images But star allrounders Ellyse Perry (43no) and Annabel Sutherland (20no) guided Australia to stumps, with the pair to front up again on Saturday on a day when the mercury is forecast to hit 39C in Perth. Sutherland was the star of the show on day one, snaring a career-best 4-46 off 17 overs and watching four other catches go down off her bowling in a butter-fingered effort from Australia. Teenage debutant Lucy Hamilton (3-31 off 11) was also excellent on a day when the temperature hit 36C. Hamilton snared the first wicket when she bowled star opener Smriti Mandhana for four in the sixth over, sparking wild celebrations. Annabel Sutherland at the WACA ground on Friday night. Credit: Getty Images Smriti is a really high-quality player, and it was nice to get my first wicket, Hamilton said. Obviously in the ODI I didnt get a wicket, so it was nice to get that and kind of get the monkey off the back. And then it kind of just kept rolling on from there. Wickets fell at regular intervals after Hamiltons initial strike, but Australias grassed chances proved costly. Sutherland had four catches dropped off her bowling. The first came when Hamilton grassed Indian debutant Pratika Rawal at gully. Rawal, who was four at the time, went on to make 18. Loading Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who was dropped at gully on 10, went on to make 19, but the most costly missed chance was when Jemimah Rodrigues played a shot to Voll at short leg. Voll couldnt hold the one-handed chance when Rodrigues was yet to score. The India batter went on to make 52 off 84 balls, with her knock including four consecutive boundaries from leg-spinner Alana Kings first over of the day in the 40th over. Hamilton eventually had Rodrigues caught at square leg, but her half-century ensured there was no dire crumble from India. Sutherland watched a fourth catch off her bowling go down when wicketkeeper Beth Mooney had three juggles before dropping an easy edge from Kashvee Gautam. Gautam was on 16 at the time, and she went on to make an unbeaten 34 off 54 balls. India unleashed three debutant pace bowlers for the match, and it was Sayali Satghare (2-24) who struck first with a wildly swinging delivery that started well outside off before crashing into the top of Volls leg stump. Litchfield departed a short time later when Rodrigues took an excellent diving catch at backward point. But it was Healys dismissal that was the most deflating, with the retiring 35-year-old left to rue her decision to reach for Satghares wider and slower delivery. Advertisement Updated TechnologySocial media Pornhubs owner to block Australians over age check laws David Swan and Emily Kowal Updated March 6, 2026 6:06pm ,first published 3:08pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The Canadian owner of the worlds largest pornography websites has begun blocking Australian users in protest at new age verification laws due to take effect on Monday. Aylo, which operates adult sites Pornhub, RedTube, YouPorn and Tube8, restricted access to several of its platforms for many Australian visitors on Friday and said it was no longer accepting new account registrations. The notice that users are being greeted with on RedTube, which is an Aylo website. Pornhub ranked as the 15th most-visited website in Australia by analytics firm Similarweb had not yet been blocked at the time of publication. Aylo did not respond to questions about why Pornhub itself had not yet been restricted, though the company has previously staggered blocks across its network in other jurisdictions before escalating. In a statement, an Aylo spokesman said that from March 9, Australian users will be presented with a safe for work experience when they view our platforms. Advertisement Australia was following a similar approach to the UK, which all our evidence shows does not effectively protect minors, and instead creates harms relating to data privacy and exposure to illegal content on non-compliant platforms, the spokesman said. The notice users are presented with on Aylos pornographic websites. The spokesman said that requiring age checks at the operating system level by companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft would be more effective than site-by-site verification. The company also cited a survey by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a UK child abuse prevention charity, which found 45 per cent of British pornography users had visited sites not compliant with age verification since similar rules took effect there last July. Aylo has claimed Pornhubs UK traffic dropped 77 per cent following that countrys crackdown. But that claim is disputed by Britains communications regulator Ofcom, which has reported a one-third reduction in visitors to UK pornography sites since its laws took effect and said childrens VPN use had not significantly increased. Ofcom has launched investigations into more than 80 non-compliant porn sites and fined one provider 1.35 million ($2.6 million). Advertisement Aylo has a troubled reputation: In 2023, the US Department of Justice found the company had profited from sex-trafficking proceeds, and last year the US Federal Trade Commission charged it with deceiving users about efforts to remove child sexual abuse material and non-consensual content from its platforms. The companys stance is a direct challenge to the eSafety Commissioners industry codes, which from March 9 require websites hosting pornography and other age-restricted material to implement age assurance measures including facial age estimation, digital wallets and photo ID. Non-compliance carries penalties of up to $49.5 million per breach. Related Article Exclusive Social media Adults required to prove age to watch porn, video games in major crackdown Those penalties only apply within Australias jurisdiction, however, raising questions about the thousands of unregulated offshore sites that could absorb displaced traffic. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said she would take enforcement action where there is systemic non-compliance, and that the codes also cover AI chatbots, high-impact violence, self-harm and disordered eating content. Advertisement These industry-developed codes shift that responsibility back where it belongs onto the companies designing these digital platforms and profiting from their users, Inman Grant said. Communications Minister Anika Wells said at a press conference on Friday the industry codes were designed to have big tech and the people who control these platforms do more to make sure that Australian kids are safer online, with a particular focus on preventing children from accessing pornography. Wells said the government was also progressing its broader digital duty of care legislation to shift the onus onto technology companies, rather than relying on what she described as the current whack-a-mole approach of addressing harm after it has occurred. UNICEF Australia backed the new codes, with head of digital policy John Livingstone saying children were encountering harmful material at younger ages and more frequently than ever before, often by accident. Just like we dont let children go to cinemas and watch R-rated films, these changes mean theyll now be less likely to access this type of content at home, Livingstone said. Advertisement The new rules represent the second phase of Australias push to protect children online, following the under-16 social media ban that took effect in December. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here. Advertisement Travel newsTraveller letters Virgin wants premium customers but treats you worse than Jetstar Each week Traveller publishes a selection of rants, raves and travel tips from our readers. See below on how you can contribute. March 7, 2026 8:27am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Worse than Jetstar I had the same experience as described in the Musical chairs letter from David Lewis but with Virgin Australia. We had paid extra to be at the front of the plane for the whole family, but when we arrived at the airport the seats had been changed. They could not give a reason, but unlike Qantas in Davids letter they didnt return us to our original seats. Nor did they refund the money for the seats either until I contacted customer support. Im not sure if there is any other industry where they charge you for a service, dont provide it and then make you go through barriers to get a refund, which seems an easy way of pocketing the money. Virgin wants to attract premium customers, but it treats you worse than Jetstar. Gaurav Singh, Tenerife, Qld LETTER OF THE WEEK True brew New Yorks Little Collins cafe is a vanilla slice of Melbourne in Manhattan. Tim Knox Advertisement A wonderful letter by Penny Repse on the Melbourne Coffee sign in Ghent, Belgium. But it doesnt end there. Theres also a cafe named Melbourne in Valparaiso, Chile with the interior walls featuring Flinders Street Station (platforms, trams and iconic clocks), Luna Park and a Marine Parade Road sign to Brighton or Port Melbourne. There are even more Aussie initiatives overseas including New York Citys Little Collins, Dresdens Ayers Rock Cafe, Pragues Koala Bar and in Bolivia, La Pazs Higher Ground Cafe (with Vegemite), Vallettas Boomerang Lounge, Dhakas Aussie Shop, and best of all, the Kangaroo Island clock in a Cesky Krumlov hotel. Bruce Parr, Hawthorn Vic Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Snap, crackle, pop Following a recent visit to an airport terminal, I was again left wondering: do airlines care if their terminal announcements are understandable, or do they just aim for gibberish noise to prove theyre on the job? Every time Im in a terminal, I struggle to understand those announcements over the PA, some supposedly, from what I can grasp, that are even classed as urgent. Two tips for the staff: bellowing doesnt help and speaking slowly is effective. If you really want us to understand what youre saying, that is. Isnt good microphone technique a usual part of training? Bruno Yvanovich, Weston Creek, ACT Lord of the rings An unexpected downside of the new Qantas route through Auckland is the black hole of their lost property office there. I left my Kindle on the plane on the first leg. From Melbourne, I tried unsuccessfully to contact that office by telephone eight times over the next week, each time reaching a recorded message to leave a message (and I also emailed). I also emailed Qantas frequent flyer details and was told that the item was found with an item number provided to contact the Auckland office. I tried again several times, once more never getting through or a response. And apparently even if you miraculously can make contact, the only way you can retrieve an item is to come in person to their Auckland office. Lyn Yates, Fitzroy, Vic Advertisement Pursed lips Watch out, pickpockets about: Romes Termini at night iStock Like Lee Tulloch in Venice, I was pickpocketed in Italy. It occurred in an elevator at Romes Termini Station. I never felt a thing and was lucky to have only 40 in my purse and nothing else. But I learnt that, when something seems weird, it means you are being set up because the pickpockets work in gangs. They put their hand into a bag to find a wallet to pull out so in future, I wont take out a purse or wallet but rather have loose notes in a zip pocket of a bag that faces my body. I also now never leave my mobile on a table because it wont last two minutes. Stacey Vickery, Ryde, NSW Signed, sealed, delivered After reading about the changes regarding UK passports, we had to apply for new ones. Due to the length of time since they had expired, we had to apply as if they were new passports. We filled in the application online, had a photo taken at the local post office which we uploaded and then posted off to the UK all the original documents requested (birth certificates, marriage certificate and expired passport, plus copies of Australian passports and copies of the required pages from our guarantors) on January 19. We received the new passports, via DHL, on February 1 and all the enclosed documents arrived back a few days later. Amazing. Vanessa Lewer, Frenchs Forest, NSW Advertisement Disco bawl Regarding Lee Tullochs recent column about noisy hotels, in the Caribbean in April 2023 we stayed at a hotel where at 11pm the disco 150 metres down the street, amped up. The base reverberated through our bodies. Hearts threatened arrhythmia. This continued until 3am. The following day, I visited the disco to ask if they could turn the volume down. The manager replied, we have a licence. The hotel moved us furthest away from the adjacent disco and avoided the worst of the following night. Upon checkout, the receptionist offered a full two-day refund. I countered for one night as a win-win for both parties. Lindsay May, Lane Cove, NSW What a drag Lee Tulloch, not all hotel events are unwelcome. My husband and I were staying in a hotel in Amsterdam. We got two days notice of a male gay fancy dress party taking place on an outside courtyard, overlooking a canal. It was timed for 3pm to midnight. We were on the second floor, so the view was mind-blowing. The costumes were sensational, and the music was low volume. We went past the entrance on our way out for dinner. I was invited to join them (my husband was not) because they liked my mauve blouse. I politely declined, removed the big arm from around my shoulders and took a different route back after dinner. The party finished dead on midnight. Judith English, Hornsby Heights, NSW Petrel head Advertisement Twin peaks: Lord Howe Islands Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower. Lord Howe Islands Mount Gower is a tough walk, as Andrew Bain wrote, but it is unique. Jack Shick, the fifth-generation Lord Howe Islander mentioned in the article, led us in 1996. At the top he called woody, woody and the wood hens ran to greet us. Out on the lookout we sat for lunch and Jack called out woop, woop and in swooped magnificent providence petrels to sit on our laps. Definitely a unique day walk. Ainslie Morris, South Durras, NSW Tip of the week: Dutch treats Al fresco diners enjoy the atmosphere at a restaurant in the trendy neighbourhood of Amsterdam. iStock On our 2024 visit to the Netherlands we too considered Utrecht as an alternative to Amsterdam but decided against it because of costs of repeated train travel and the fact that we wanted to see and explore new Amsterdam sights. Booking through Expedia we found Amsterdams Nova Apartments on Nicolaas Maesstraat, just off the main tram route from Centraal Station and close to the Rijkmuseum and the Concertbergouw, where we saw a good production of Henrik Ibsens Peer Gynt. Vondelpark was close, a good supermarket across the road and a range of eating places along Van Baelerstraat. But the best aspect was the Amsterdam Zuid neighbourhood, just down the street. This was non-touristy, quiet, had interesting shops and better bars and restaurants. Being off the touristy areas and close to the main tram tracks was a pleasure. Tony Sullivan, Islington, NSW Advertisement Ratings game We recently flew Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong to Sydney and, nearing the end of the flight, a steward approached asking if we would undertake the in-flight survey. In the moments it took me to agree, the steward opened the screen, completed the survey on my behalf, and was gone. I suspect that my survey responses about the flight were exemplary in every area (which they werent). Two weeks ago, I wrote to Cathay, to raise my concerns; no response. The moral of the story, dont be swayed by airline ratings alone. Stephen Grieve, Griffith, ACT Wring cycle While travelling we need clean clothes. To avoid exorbitantly priced hotel laundry services try local launderettes which can provide lots of fun and new travel experiences including opportunities to explore places off the beaten track, meet locals and contribute to the local small business economy. London, Paris, Florence, Rome, Vienna, Penzance, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Sydney and Mildura are just some of the places where we have used launderettes. We have eaten fabulous local lunches at nearby cafes, enjoyed coffee breaks and had a wine tasting while in transit to do our laundry. And the laundry staff (yes many do have staff) often direct us to other authentic local cafes and tourist attractions. Laundry is part of life and travel, so make the most of it on your next trip. Mary Hoffmann, Richmond, Vic Village people Advertisement A popular venue for major events, Verona Arena is an ancient Roman amphitheatre built in the 1st century AD. Getty You could add Verona to your cover story list of Italy favourites where the ancient Verona Arena was the scene of the Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony and also the scene of one of our world highlights, some time ago, the open air site of a wonderful performance of La Boheme. There were upwards of a hundred cast on stage for the village scenes. David Wakeley, North Ryde, NSW Delayed response We arrived with plenty of time to check in our luggage for our delayed Jetstar flight. Imagine our surprise when we were told that we were supposed to be there 40 minutes before the original scheduled flight to check in our bag, even though this was never communicated to us. We were told that we had to go on a later flight if we wanted to take our luggage. Of course, we had to pay $175 each to transfer to one. Jetstar has never provided us with written evidence of this policy nor a refund, so beware. Susan McGrath, Croydon, NSW Volting ambitions I Advertisement In response to Kerrie Wehbes Power trips letter regarding Goulburn, NSW, there are (and have been) several fast chargers that are a definite improvement on the RSL chargers and suitable for her MG. Try charging at KFC or the service station at 53 Sydney Rd, Goulburn. I find the Plugshare and Chargefox apps invaluable for finding working fast chargers. Alice Mantel, Concord West, NSW Volting ambitions II Driving the Nullarbor is not quite as free of charge as commonly believed. iStock Drive a Tesla across the Nullarbor? Gadzooks, no. It was a Kia EV6. Only one of the 24 charges during the 4000km drive between Melbourne and Perth happened at a Tesla site, and using that site was optional. So a Nullarbor crossing is definitely not dependent on using Tesla charging sites. Tesla operates 130 of Australias 4000 public charging sites. Most Tesla sites also suit non-Teslas, but about 40 of Teslas sites have old, early software which doesnt suit non-Teslas. So most charging sites around Australia suit non-Teslas. Richard Gould, West Melbourne, Vic Advertisement The Letter of the Week writer wins three Hardie Grant travel books. See hardiegrant.com The Tip of the Week writer wins a set of three Lonely Planet travel books. See shop.lonelyplanet.com Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Traveller letters For subscribers BUDAPEST, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Friday that Hungary will suspend the transit of vital goods to Ukraine unless Kiev resumes oil delivery. In an interview with state radio Kossuth, Orban said Budapest had already halted gasoline and diesel shipments to Ukraine, although electricity exports continue. He said Hungary is preparing further restrictions until crude oil transit to Hungary via Ukraine is restored. "We have stopped gasoline shipments ... we are not supplying diesel either," Orban said. "We will also stop things important to Ukraine that pass through Hungary until we receive the Ukrainians' approval for oil deliveries." Orban tied the measures to the suspension of crude oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia through Ukrainian territory. He described the disruption as politically motivated rather than technical. "Hungary is simply exercising its rights," Orban said. "We will not support any financial assistance for Ukraine in Brussels until the Ukrainians allow the oil deliveries." He also said Budapest has set up a fact-finding committee of officials and experts to assess the pipeline's condition. The government is seeking access for the group to conduct an on-site inspection in Ukraine. Orban's remarks came amid rising tensions between Budapest and Kiev over energy security and Hungary's opposition to the European Union's aid for Ukraine. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A This story is part of the March 7 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories . Its 9pm in downtown Phoenix, Arizona and the city is overrun by loud, enthusiastic Donald Trump supporters. Young men in cheap suits are ambling across Central Avenue in and out of hotels, women with overly made-up faces are clacking their heels down the sidewalk. Make America Great Again caps and badges abound. This is the first night of AmericaFest, an annual festival of all things Christian and nationalist, run by Turning Point USA the creation of assassinated activist Charlie Kirk. Its only a week before Christmas, and the rest of the country is winding down and heading home after a chaotic year. But 30,000 conservatives have flocked to the desert to spend four days basking in their collective victory and debating Americas future. Ive come here to gauge the state of the MAGA movement after a year of Trumps return to the White House, at a time when the focus of many young foot soldiers is turning to what or who comes next. But sitting at the bar at Hannys, a dimly lit, upmarket joint a block from the vast convention centre where AmericaFest is held, Nora Christine warns me I might already be too late. I dont want to say Im part of MAGA because I think MAGAs kind of dead, she says. Christine, a conservative activist from Florida with a fledgling podcast, casts her eyes around the bar. Theyre not going to tell you that. The conservative coalition that propelled Trump back to the White House a year earlier has had a rocky few months. Some of it stems from people breaking with Trump over policy decisions; his bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities or his fraternising with regime change in Venezuela; his fondness for Big Tech and foreign worker visas, his initial reluctance to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in 2025 while answering audience questions at a campus. Shutterstock The Heritage Foundation, a large and important conservative think tank, imploded over its president Kevin Roberts decision to support broadcaster Tucker Carlson after he lent his massive online platform to young white supremacist Nick Fuentes. As well as prompting mass walkouts and resignations at Heritage, the episode put a spotlight on antisemitism in the MAGA movement, and sparked a debate about how wide the coalitions big tent could be. Lurking in the background is another question: can this hodgepodge collection of Trump Republicans, working-class and less-educated voters, evangelicals, young men, the online right and others stay united beyond Donald Trump? And who would be the best person to try to hold that bloc together? Advertisement Erika Kirk, who became chief executive of Turning Point after her husband Charlie was killed, answers that question emphatically in her opening address. We are going to get my husbands friend J.D. Vance elected for [president number] 48 in the most resounding way possible, she tells the cheering crowd. But back at the bar, Nora Christine isnt so sure. I think were too fractured, she says. Weve fractured over multiple issues, from Israel to [far-right populist politician] Marjorie Taylor Greene to even now with Erika Kirk and [conspiracy theorist] Candace Owens. I think were very, very fractured. With Trump in power and a country to run, it feels like there should be bigger fish to fry than the internecine squabbles between MAGA television personalities and online activists. But no. People are losing friendships over it, Christine says. It is pretty serious. On a street near the convention centre, two eye-popping vehicles are parked a block from one another. A van splashed in neon pink writing offers a QR code for Unmasking the Mark, a multipart film purporting that the COVID-19 pandemic was calculated to bring about the End Times. Up the road, a Tesla Cybertruck has been repainted as a monument to Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA. A Tesla Cybertruck in Phoenix, Arizona painted in support of Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder who was assassinated last year. Michael Koziol Inside, its a jungle. People cram onto escalators heading down towards the main ballroom, the exhibition hall and media row, where the nations myriad conservative networks and podcasters have temporary studios to broadcast to their niche but growing audiences. Fox Nation is here, as is The Daily Wire, One America News and Steve Bannons War Room. A fledgling brand called FourG Media also has a stand; the four Gs in question are: God, Gas, Guns and Glory. Advertisement To understand the contours of the MAGA movement, you first have to understand its magnitude. People come to it from any and all corners of this sprawling country, from Trump loyalists to old-school Republicans who drank the Kool-Aid, from TikTok influencers and grifters to the far-flung nooks and crannies of the conspiratorial alt-right. Plenty of them are here at AmericaFest. US political analysts talk constantly about the duelling Republican and Democratic coalitions: who is in them, and whether they will be motivated to show up to vote. In presidential elections, the coalitions can swing significantly depending on the individual; Joe Biden rallied support from black and Latino men, but they did not turn out for Kamala Harris, for example. A flyer for FourG Media, a conservative and Republican news website, at the Turning Point USA AmericaFest conference. Michael Koziol The MAGA coalition is a broad church. There is a theory among some conservative thinkers that the movement should have no enemies to our right that is, it should welcome, or at least not ostracise, fringe dwellers who deal in conspiracy theories, antisemitism and bigotry of many stripes. When Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts released a video defending Tucker Carlson for platforming a white supremacist, he said: The American people expect us to be focusing on our political adversaries on the left, not attacking our friends on the right. At AmericaFest, that assertion was directly challenged from the opening beat. Ben Shapiro, a high-pitched, fast-talking Jewish conservative who co-founded The Daily Wire and has more than eight million followers on X, told the capacity crowd they had an obligation to clarity, honesty, specificity in public debate and to condemn and call out people in the movement who failed to do so. The conservative movement is in serious danger from charlatans who claim to speak in the name of principle but actually traffic in conspiracy and dishonesty, who offer nothing but bile and despair, he said. These people are frauds, and they are grifters, and they do not deserve your time. And they are something worse than that a danger to the only movement capable of stopping the left from wrecking the country wholesale. Shapiro went on to call Candace Owens pronouncements retarded and dismiss MAGA stalwart Steve Bannon as a man who was once a PR flak for Jeffrey Epstein. He shamed Tucker Carlson for giving a platform to Nick Fuentes, Andrew Tate and Nazi apologist Darryl Cooper: Hosts are indeed responsible for the guests they choose and the questions they ask those guests. Advertisement Carlson, who spoke later that evening, said he couldnt believe he was hearing calls for people to be denounced and de-platformed at a Turning Point USA event. I thought that was the whole reason we were against the left, he guffawed. We did everything we could to usher in a new time where you could have an actual debate. This kind of was the whole point of Charlie Kirks public life, and I think that he died for it. Kirk loved fielding questions from audience members; its what he was doing when he was shot and killed at a university campus in Utah in September. After Shapiros fiery speech, a young man in a blazer, crisp white shirt and jeans approached the microphone and asked why Shapiro considered Israels attack on the USS Liberty in 1967, during the Six-Day War, to be irrelevant to the USs modern-day relationship with Israel. Jewish conservative Ben Shapiro giving a speech condemning those who traffic in conspiracy. NYT The US government accepts that the attack, which killed 34 Americans, was a mistake caused by Israel wrongly identifying the ship. But it remains a staple of antisemitic conspiracies and one frequently cited by Fuentes on his livestreams. Shapiro pushed back, querying the mans motives for bringing up a six-decade-old incident. The young man didnt give a clear answer and disappeared into the crowd. But The Atlantic tracked him down his name was Nicky Rudd, a student from a Christian university in Texas, and he told the magazine that while he didnt agree with everything Fuentes said, To deny the influence of Nick Fuentes is to deny what millions of Americans are thinking. In a recent video on his Instagram, Rudd claims Americans have woken up to the reality that Israel is subverting our sovereignty. Shapiro, he says, is Israel First. Of the issues dividing the MAGA world, Israel is arguably the most potent particularly in the way it cleaves young from old. In August, a University of Maryland poll found about one in five Republicans aged 18 to 34 felt the Trump administrations policy was too pro-Israel, and that Israels actions in Gaza were genocide or akin to genocide. Another 14 per cent said Israel was committing major war crimes, but it did not amount to genocide. On both questions, another 30 to 40 per cent of young Republicans were uncertain. That is a potent audience for someone like Fuentes. The 27-year-old may not be a household name across middle America, but here in MAGA heartland, everyone knows him. He has branded his own army of fans, the Groypers, who unite around a reactionary, trolling, supposedly edgy blend of antisemitism, misogyny, racism and homophobia. Advertisement Candace Owens, another conspiratorial right-wing podcaster and influencer, has suggested the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk was not acting alone and could have been in cahoots with foreign entities such as the French or Israelis. Her unsubstantiated claims, made in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy, have contributed much to the rift in the MAGA/conservative ecosystem since Kirks death. At Hannys bar, I meet 30-year-old Mark Lukridge, an articulate fintech guy from Dallas who, a few weeks after AmericaFest, becomes communications director for the Dallas Young Republicans. He says he listened to Nick Fuentes appearance on Carlsons show and reckons the young white supremacist doesnt come off that bad. But wait a minute: isnt this the same guy who reckons Hitler was awesome? Lukridge jumps right in. Oh, he loves Joseph Stalin and hes obviously an extreme misogynist. You listen to the guy speak, right OK, clearly I dont agree with what hes saying here, but he does command the attention of a lot of people who are just pissed off with mainstream politics of being politically correct, especially young white men. Thats why hes attracted such an audience because theres a space for that. Lukridge keeps a foot in both camps. He doesnt subscribe to the Candace Owens conspiracy about Mossad being involved in Kirks assassination; theres not enough evidence. But he likes Tucker Carlson, saying Carlson doesnt bow to the dogma to always praise Israel or that everything the US does should benefit Israel. Tucker Carlsons platforming of white supremacist Nick Fuentes (left) has caused ructions. If you really look at Israel and their objectives and truthfully, I dont know a lot about the Israeli movement and our core relationship with them but I stand firmly in the belief that we vote our officials in office to make decisions on behalf of us, Lukridge says. Id like to know that our tax dollars go toward decision-making that promotes us and has our best interests in mind, rather than a foreign nation. By contrast, Nora Christine, the woman who said MAGA was fractured and kind of dead, clearly believes the conspiracies around Kirks death. She wont tell me exactly what she thinks, but she makes a salient point: in right-wing circles, the advent of conspiracy theories has shaped a conspiratorial mindset. Advertisement SAINT MARTIN:--- The U.S. Marshals Service is at the center of a significant investigation following the alleged theft of nearly $25 million in cryptocurrency from wallets under its control. The case has raised serious questions about the security and oversight of digital assets seized by the government, especially after reports surfaced suggesting a potential insider connection involving the son of a federal subcontractor. This developing story involves a government contractor, a blockchain sleuth, and a brazen display of wealth on social media that may have unraveled the entire scheme. We will explore the key players, the timeline of events, and the broader implications for how the U.S. government manages its growing crypto holdings. The Allegations: An Insider's Betrayal? The controversy began when approximately $24.9 million worth of cryptocurrency vanished from digital wallets managed by the U.S. Marshals Service. While hacks are not uncommon in the crypto space, this incident drew immediate scrutiny due to the sensitive nature of the assetsfunds seized during federal law enforcement operations. The situation escalated when prominent on-chain investigator ZachXBT, known for unmasking crypto-related wrongdoing, published findings pointing to a man named John Daghita. According to ZachXBT's research, Daghita had inadvertently revealed his control over the stolen funds during a dispute on the messaging app Telegram. In an attempt to prove his wealth, Daghita allegedly shared his screen, displaying a crypto wallet containing millions of dollars that were later traced back to the government's compromised wallets. The most troubling aspect of the allegation is Daghita's family connection. He is reportedly the son of Dean Daghita, the CEO of Command Services and Support (CMDSS), a Virginia-based firm. This connection immediately suggested that the theft may have been an inside job. CMDSS and the Government Contract In 2024, the U.S. Marshals Service awarded a $4 million contract to CMDSS. The firm's role was to assist the agency, which serves as the primary custodian for the U.S. Bitcoin Reserve, with the management and sale of certain types of seized cryptocurrencies. This responsibility would have likely given CMDSS personnel, and potentially their close associates, access to or knowledge of the private keys and security protocols for government-controlled crypto wallets. The contract awarded to CMDSS was not without controversy from the start. Competing firms challenged the decision, claiming CMDSS lacked the necessary credentials from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). They also raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to the company's employment of a former U.S. Marshals Service staffer. However, the Government Accountability Office reviewed the complaints and ultimately concluded that the contract was not improperly awarded. Following the theft allegations, both CMDSS and the U.S. Marshals Service have faced renewed pressure. The public affairs chief for the Marshals Service confirmed that an investigation is underway but has provided few additional details, leaving questions about whether the agency is still working with CMDSS. ZachXBT's Role in Uncovering the Trail The breakthrough in the case came from the meticulous work of blockchain investigator ZachXBT. By analyzing public blockchain data, he traced the flow of the stolen funds. The investigation gained significant traction after Daghita, who reportedly uses the online alias "Lick," was recorded boasting about his crypto holdings in a Telegram group. During the recorded exchange, Daghita allegedly displayed a wallet holding millions in crypto assets. ZachXBT captured this evidence and cross-referenced the wallet addresses with the funds stolen from the government. The analysis revealed a direct link, connecting at least a portion of the funds Daghita controlled to the $24.9 million theft from the Marshals Service. ZachXBTs findings, which he reported to authorities, provided a critical lead in an otherwise complex case. Arrest and Ongoing Investigation The digital trail eventually led to physical consequences. On March 5, 2026, news broke that John Daghita had been arrested by the FBI in connection with the theft, with his detention taking place on the island of St. Martin. This international arrest underscores the investigation's magnitude and reach. While specific charges have not yet been made public, the arrest marks a major development in the high-profile case. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are likely working to recover the stolen assets and determine the full extent of the security breach. The central question remains: how did the perpetrator gain access to the government's wallets? Investigators will need to determine whether an insider provided direct access to private keys or whether a vulnerability in the subcontractor's security procedures was exploited. Implications for Government Crypto Oversight This incident highlights the immense challenges government agencies face when managing seized digital assets. Unlike traditional assets like cash or property, cryptocurrencies require sophisticated technical expertise to secure. Private keys, the digital equivalent of a password and a signature, must be protected at all costs. If a key is compromised, the funds can be moved instantly and irreversibly. The alleged involvement of a subcontractors relative raises critical concerns about vetting processes and third-party risk management. As federal agencies seize larger amounts of cryptocurrency from criminal enterprises, the need for robust, multi-layered security protocols becomes paramount. This case will likely serve as a catalyst for a thorough review of how government bodies secure their digital asset holdings and manage relationships with external contractors. The outcome could shape federal policy on crypto custody for years to come. PHILIPSBURG:--- In a continued effort to strengthen crisis preparedness, operational leadership, and regional cooperation within the Dutch Caribbean, the Police Force of Sint Maarten has successfully completed an intensive Staff and Crisis Management (SGBO) training program. The week-long training, held from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Philipsburg Police Station, was delivered by expert instructors from the Netherlands Police Academy (Nederlandse Politie Academie NPA). This training forms part of a broader strategic development project under the framework of the College van Korpschefs, which aims to enhance crisis management structures, harmonise operational procedures, and strengthen cooperation among the police forces of the Dutch Caribbean. The initiative underscores the shared responsibility of the regional police organizations to collectively improve preparedness and response capabilities in the face of complex and large-scale incidents. The SGBO (Staf Grootschalige en Bijzonder Optreden) program was specifically designed to equip crisis managers within the Police Force of Sint Maarten with advanced operational knowledge and practical skills required to effectively coordinate and manage both planned and unplanned crisis situations. The training focused on strengthening command structures, improving interdepartmental communication, refining decision-making processes, and reinforcing structured crisis coordination models. A selected group of crisis managers participated in the intensive program, which combined theoretical instruction, realistic crisis simulations, and structured strategic debriefings. The training was facilitated by four experienced NPA trainers: Jeroen Rosendaal, Michiel Bitter, Harald Braat, and Perry Jobse. Through this comprehensive approach, participants further enhanced their competencies in crisis preparedness, operational coordination, and leadership under high-pressure circumstances. By participating in this regional project, the Police Force of Sint Maarten reaffirms its commitment not only to strengthening its internal crisis structures but also to contributing actively to a unified and resilient Dutch Caribbean policing framework. Investing in leadership and crisis management capacity ensures that the force remains prepared to safeguard public order and safety at the highest professional standard. The Police Force of Sint Maarten extends its sincere appreciation to the Netherlands Police Academy, the College van Korpschefs, and all participating officers for their dedication and collaboration throughout the training week. Continued partnership and knowledge exchange remain essential pillars in advancing policing standards across the region. PHILIPSBURG:--- After an extensive and ongoing investigation, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has arrested a suspect believed to be involved in a violent home invasion robbery that occurred in the Beacon Hill area on December 2, 2024. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, detectives from the Special Unit Robberies arrested a male suspect with the initials L.A.H., 51 years old, for his alleged involvement in the incident. The arrest follows a lengthy investigation conducted by the specialized robbery investigation team. During the home invasion in December 2024, the victim was shot and seriously injured, and the victims dog was also shot by the suspect or suspects involved. The violent nature of this crime caused significant concern within the community and prompted an intensive investigation by KPSM detectives. The suspect L.A.H. is currently being held at the Philipsburg Police Station, where he remains in custody for further questioning as the investigation continues. Detectives are still working to determine whether additional suspects were involved in the robbery. KPSM wishes to make it absolutely clear to those who engage in serious criminal acts that time does not provide protection from justice. Investigations remain active for as long as necessary, and KPSM personnel remain committed to identifying, locating, and arresting those responsible for violent crimes in our community. KPSM continues to encourage members of the public who may have information related to this case or other criminal activities to come forward and assist law enforcement. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten at +1 (721) 542-2222, or anonymously through the KPSM Tip Line at 9300. THE HAGUE:--- On Thursday, the Court of Appeal in The Hague overturned the conviction of a Dutch politician accused of inciting violence against the government. The court ruled that the politician's statements during a 2022 farmers' protest and a subsequent online interview did not cross the legal line into criminal incitement. A lower court previously sentenced the Member of Parliament to 200 hours of community service. Prosecutors argued that the politician encouraged violence against public authorities during a period of intense national unrest over government agricultural policies. The charges stemmed from two specific incidents: a July 2022 speech at a farmers' forum in Tuil and an October 2022 interview on a YouTube channel. During these events, the politician discussed the state's monopoly on violence, the right to rebel against a "tyrannical government," and historical revolutions where citizens marched on parliament. When we examine the court's reasoning, we see a clear focus on the broader context of the speeches. The appeals court found that while the politician pushed the boundaries of permissible speech, he consistently emphasized the need for peaceful and non-violent resistance. The judges determined that his remarks did not directly or indirectly urge the public to commit crimes or use physical force. Furthermore, the court noted that the politician's comments about historical casualties during political revolutions functioned as analytical observations rather than a call to arms. Because he explicitly stated his hope for a peaceful resolution without violence, the court concluded that his words lacked the necessary intent to incite. As a result, the court fully acquitted the defendant of all charges. The decision cancels the previous community service sentence and firmly concludes the legal proceedings against him. The ruling underscores the high legal threshold for proving incitement, especially when evaluating statements by elected officials in a political context. Click here for the Court Verdict. TRIPOLI, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan Attorney General's Office has announced that it has identified and issued the arrest warrant for three suspects in the killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, a son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The arrest order was issued after preliminary investigation procedures were completed and evidence was collected, the office said in a statement posted on its official Facebook page late Thursday. Saif al-Islam, long seen as a significant and polarizing figure in Libya since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising ended his father's rule, was assassinated on Feb. 3 by four armed men who stormed his residence in Zintan, about 136 km southwest of the capital Tripoli. Detailing the findings of the investigation, the office said the perpetrators had lain in wait for the victim at his residence and attacked him in the courtyard in a narrow space that prevented him from escaping. The attackers then aimed their automatic weapons at the victim and fired a barrage of bullets, leading to his death at the scene. In November 2021, Saif al-Islam made his first public appearance in years when he filed to run in Libya's presidential election, but his candidacy was later rejected by the High National Elections Commission. CORRECTED: US says it has sunk more than 30 Iranian ships Tampa, United States, March 5 (AFP) Mar 05, 2026 The United States has sunk more than 30 Iranian ships during the ongoing war, while ballistic missile and drone attacks by Tehran's forces are down substantially, a top US military officer said Thursday. "We're now up over 30 ships (sunk), and in just the last few hours, we hit an Iranian drone carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier. And as we speak, it's on fire," Admiral Brad Cooper told a news conference. Meanwhile, Iranian "ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 percent since day one. Drone attacks have decreased by 83 percent since day one," said Cooper, the head of Central Command which is responsible for US forces in the Middle East. The United States launched a massive air campaign against Iran in concert with Israeli forces on February 28, and Iran has responded by firing waves of attack drones and missiles at other countries in the region. Destroying Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and its navy are two of Washington's main stated goals for the mission against Iran, which the United States has dubbed "Operation Epic Fury." Indonesia begins evacuating citizens from Iran as war rages Jakarta, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Indonesia began evacuating dozens of its citizens from Iran on Friday, a foreign ministry official said, as war rages in the Middle East. Attacks by the United States and Israel on the Islamic Republic and Iran's retaliatory strikes in the region have stranded tens of thousands of foreigners, with flights cancelled and airspace shuttered. They include 329 Indonesians in Iran, most of them students in the city of Qom. "The evacuation of Indonesian citizens in Iran will begin gradually today, and this first phase will be carried out via Azerbaijan," Heni Hamidah -- the official charged with the welfare of citizens abroad -- told reporters in Jakarta. A first batch of 32 Indonesians was expected to arrive in Jakarta on Monday or Tuesday, she said. Hamidah would not confirm reports that the evacuation would take place overland. "Evacuation routes will be determined based on the conditions on the ground," she said. The government was not for the moment considering evacuations from other Middle Eastern countries, where some half a million Indonesians live, according to the ministry. President Prabowo Subianto has volunteered to act as a mediator in the conflict. But Iran's ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, last week told reporters that Tehran would not negotiate "with a country that launched hostility against us". Sri Lanka denounces war deaths, houses Iran sailors Colombo, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Sri Lanka on Friday denounced the toll of the Mideast fighting, as the nation opened its arms to over 200 Iranian sailors who sought help after a deadly torpedo strike on another of Iran's ships. The crew were brought ashore Thursday and were being accommodated at a military camp near the capital Colombo and their ship, IRIS Bushehr, was under Sri Lankan control. The vessel reported engine trouble and sought port entry after another Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, was hit by a US torpedo off Sri Lanka's southern coast on Wednesday. Washington later announced it carried out the attack, which killed at least 84 Iranian sailors aboard and left 64 more missing. "Our approach is that every life is as precious as our own," Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake wrote on X, and urged peace after the Israeli-US campaign led to Iranian retaliatory strikes. Thirty-two sailors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy and were being treated at a hospital in the southern port city of Galle. Wednesday's attack was the first military strike far outside the Middle East since the United States and Israel launched their war on Iran. The US defence secretary on Wednesday said the strike was the first by an American submarine since World War II. Sri Lanka not only granted permission for the second Iranian vessel, IRIS Bushehr, to enter its territorial waters on Thursday, but also evacuated its crew to a naval facility just outside Colombo. "All our actions are aimed at saving lives and ensuring that humanity prevails," Dissanayake said. In an address to the nation hours earlier, he said sheltering the sailors was the "most courageous and humanitarian course of action that a state can take". "We jealously guard our non-aligned policy while ensuring that humanitarian values and the saving of lives remain our top priority." Sri Lanka has remained neutral in the latest conflict. The United States is Sri Lanka's largest export market, while Iran is a key buyer of tea, the island's main export commodity. A senior administration official said all but four sailors of 208-strong crew from IRIS Bushehr were taken in three Sri Lanka Navy craft and were being accommodated at a military camp near the capital. "Our military is now in full control of the ship, which will be taken to Trincomalee," the official told AFP, referring to the port on the eastern side of the island, which is away from the main Colombo harbour. The four Iranians remained aboard to assist Sri Lankan sailors, the official said. War in the Middle East: latest developments Paris, France, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Here are the latest main events related to the war in the Middle East: - Israel targets 'regime infrastructure' - Israel said it had launched a wave of strikes on Tehran early Friday, targeting "regime infrastructure" in a "new phase" of the war. AFP journalists in Tehran heard loud blasts in parts of the city and Iranian media reported heavy strikes. - Saudi, Qatar thwart attacks - Saudi Arabia said it destroyed three drones east of Riyadh on Friday as well as three missiles launched towards an air base. Some Western embassy staff in Riyadh meanwhile were told to shelter in place, diplomatic sources said, following an attack on the US embassy compound earlier this week. Qatar also said its air defences foiled a drone attack targeting the US air base at Al-Udeid, Washington's largest military facility in the Middle East. - No US boots in Iran - President Donald Trump said Thursday it would be a "waste of time" currently to consider sending US ground troops into Iran. "It's a waste of time. They've lost everything. They've lost their navy. They've lost everything they can lose," he told NBC by telephone, adding that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's remark that Tehran was ready for a US or Israeli ground invasion was a "wasted comment". - Australians involved - Three Australian military personnel were on board an American submarine that sank an Iranian navy ship off Sri Lanka this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. The personnel were on the submarine as part of training arrangements under AUKUS, a multi-decade defence pact with Britain and the United States. - Bahrain hotel struck - Bahrain said Iran had struck a hotel and two residential buildings in the capital Manama, correcting a previous announcement that two hotels and one residential building were hit. - Lebanon toll - The Lebanese health ministry said the death toll from Israeli strikes has risen to 123 since the country was drawn into the regional war earlier this week, with the latest count including a new wave of strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs. State media said Friday that Israel had launched overnight strikes on several towns in the east and also targeted the eastern town of Dours at dawn. - Trump backs Kurds - Trump said he would approve of any offensive by Iranian Kurdish fighters, saying: "I think it's wonderful that they want to do that, I'd be all for it." - Iranian ship seized - Sri Lanka has offloaded the crew of an Iranian navy vessel and assumed control of it. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Thursday his country's navy had taken 208 sailors from the IRIS Bushehr which, a day after another ship was torpedoed off Sri Lanka's southern coast. - Khamenei son 'lightweight' - Trump insisted he should have a role in picking Iran's next supreme leader after the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose son he said he found unacceptable. "Khamenei's son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy," Trump said, drawing a comparison to Venezuela, where interim president Delcy Rodriguez has cooperated with him under threat of violence after the United States ousted her boss, Nicolas Maduro. burs-ach/jxb Lufthansa warns of heightened 'uncertainty' from Mideast war Frankfurt, Germany, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 German aviation giant Lufthansa warned Friday it faced heightened uncertainty because of the unfolding Middle East conflict, adding the fallout showed how vulnerable air traffic remains to geopolitical shocks. The war -- which began last weekend with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, triggering retaliatory strikes from the Islamic republic -- has caused the biggest disruption to air travel since the Covid pandemic. Airspace across the region was forced to close and airports including Dubai and Doha, crucial transit hubs for passengers on long-haul flights, were shuttered. "The war in the Middle East proves once again how exposed air traffic is and how vulnerable it remains, even though the industry is now more resilient to crises than it used to be," Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said, as the group announced its 2025 results. "The massive concentration of global traffic flows via the Gulf hubs is increasingly proving to be a geopolitical Achilles' heel." Outlining its outlook for this year, the group -- which operates Eurowings, Austrian, Swiss and Brussels Airlines and has acquired a stake in Italy's ITA -- cautioned profit predictions were now more difficult. "Developments in the Middle East and the associated geopolitical consequences for the global economy increase the medium- and long-term forecast uncertainty," it said. Lufthansa, Europe's biggest airline group by sales, warned in particular of "increased volatility in the oil markets" because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's crude passes. Airlines had generally benefitted from stable oil prices in recent years but the surge in energy markets since the outbreak of the war threatens to hit their earnings. Lufthansa said it expected to grow its earnings this year, and did not put a figure on a potential hit from the Middle East war -- similar to other firms, which have stressed it depends on how long the conflict lasts. - More long-haul bookings - Still, Lufthansa also indicated that the disruption to Gulf transport hubs like Dubai and Qatar was pushing business their way, as passengers needing to fly to Asia and Africa look for alternative routes. The group had seen a "sharp rise in demand for long-haul flights" since the conflict started, it said. The widespread closures of airspace have brought back memories of the travel shutdowns during the pandemic, which led to Lufthansa being bailed out by the German government. Announcing its annual results for 2025, the group said net profit fell around three percent to 1.34 billion euros ($1.55 billion), below forecasts of around 1.37 billion by analysts surveyed by financial data firm FactSet. Revenues rose five percent to 39.6 billion euros. The group's airlines carried 135 million passengers, up three percent from 2024. The results were more stable than in 2024, when profits plummeted almost a fifth due to the impact of strikes, aircraft delivery delays and rising costs. Lufthansa has described 2025 as a "transitional year" which has seen it push through a wide-ranging turnaround programme, particularly at its main carrier. The group is in the process of cutting 4,000 jobs, mainly administrative roles in Germany. The turnaround efforts were making progress, with the flagship carrier returning to profit, and Spohr stressed that it will remain a "top priority". sr/jxb Iranian official says 20 people killed in strikes on Shiraz Tehran, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 An Iranian official said on Friday that at least 20 people have been killed in US and Israeli strikes in the southern city of Shiraz. AFP could not independently verify the toll. "Twenty innocent citizens have been martyred and 30 others have been injured in this terrorist attack," said Jalil Hasani, deputy governor of Fars province, the official IRNA news agency reported. He said the attack took place in a "residential area in the town of Zibashahr in Shiraz." Israeli army says conducted 'broad-scale' strikes in southern Beirut Jerusalem, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 The Israeli military said on Friday it had hit a Hezbollah command centre and drone depot in a "broad-scale wave of strikes" overnight in Beirut's southern suburbs. The strikes came after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for the area, home to hundreds of thousands of people and a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah, sending residents fleeing in panic. "As part of the strikes, an executive council's command centre and a facility storing UAVs (drones) utilised by Hezbollah for conducting attacks against the State of Israel were struck," the Israeli military said in a statement. Lebanon was dragged into the war on Monday, when militant group Hezbollah attacked Israel to avenge the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli strikes that launched the war. Overall, the Israeli army said it had carried out 26 waves of strikes in the suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, since the start of its campaign in the country this week. Lebanon's health ministry said on Thursday that 123 people had been killed and 683 wounded in the Israeli strikes across the country. Kremlin says nuclear weapons in Finland would threaten Russia Moscow, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Russia said on Friday it saw Finland's move to lift restrictions on hosting nuclear weapons as a potential threat and vowed to respond if Helsinki followed through with the plan. A Russia neighbour and NATO member since 2023, Finland said on Thursday it planned to lift restrictions prohibiting nuclear weapons on its soil, in order to bring the country in line with the military alliance's deterrence policy. "By deploying nuclear weapons on its territory, Finland is beginning to threaten us," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, including from AFP. "If Finland threatens us, we will take appropriate measures." Finland dropped decades of military non-alignment to join NATO in April 2023, launching the membership bid after Russia's invasion of Helsinki's ally, Ukraine, in 2022. "The government proposal would make it possible in future to bring a nuclear weapon into Finland or to transport, deliver or possess one in Finland if it is connected to the military defence of Finland," Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen said on Thursday. Hakkanen said Finland's and Europe's security environment had "fundamentally and significantly changed and deteriorated" following Russia's full-scale offensive in Ukraine. Finland has in the past years accused Moscow of "hybrid warfare" in orchestrating a surge of migrants at their shared 1,340-kilometre (830-mile) border -- a charge the Kremlin denied. Decades of planning and US backing helps fuel Israel's air power Jerusalem, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Israel's air superiority over Iranian skies in the war with the Islamic republic reflects decades of strategic thinking and a singular partnership with Washington, experts told AFP. Its air force appears to have been able to bomb Iran at will, a success owed to "20 years of conceptual and operational preparation," said Sarah?Masha Fainberg, a senior researcher on air and space military power at Tel Aviv University. Because of its small territory, Israel has built its national security around a doctrine of "offensive defence", in which the protection of the home front depends on pre-emptive, long-range strikes against enemy targets, Fainberg said. The doctrine aims not merely at air superiority but at air supremacy. Israel demonstrated the scale of its air power in Gaza, where it has made use of its 320 or so fighter jets to conduct an enormous bombing campaign against Hamas. While Israel says it focused its strikes on the group, its wide-ranging bombardments caused extensive destruction to homes, utilities and hospitals, according to rights groups. In Iran, Fainberg said, Israel's capabilities were playing out to unprecedented effect. On Saturday, the first day of the campaign, lightning strikes by Israeli jets hit the compound of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killing him and other top officials. "In just 40 seconds, approximately 40 senior officials of the Iranian terror regime were eliminated, including the regime's leader, Ali Khamenei," Israel's military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said on Thursday. "To date, air force pilots have executed 2,500 strikes with over 6,000 munitions... within 24 hours, our pilots opened the path to Tehran," he added. - 'The best ones for pilots' - Military historian Danny Orbach traced this dominance to decisions made as early as the 1960s. With a small population and surrounded by hostile neighbours, Israel decided that it could not match its enemies for number of soldiers or tanks. Israel "decided to invest a disproportionate amount of resources in its air force," said the senior lecturer at Jerusalem's Hebrew University, often at the expense of other areas. "You need an asymmetric capability," Orbach said. "And the decision was made to invest in the air force." It has also received billions of dollars of military aid from the United States as well as access to some of Washington's best technology. Israel's investment extended beyond hardware to unusually rigorous pilot training. Israeli pilots "are the most trained pilots in the world," Fainberg said. "Hatovim la-tays", which translates from Hebrew as "the best ones for pilots", is a slogan popularised in the 1960s to encourage recruits to join pilot courses. It helped establish the air force as a centre of excellence. Israel's airpower advantage is also due to its military culture, Orbach said. A world?class air force requires "mission command", in which junior officers are empowered to make quick, independent decisions to accomplish their objectives -- a freedom often unavailable to pilots in other more hierarchical Middle Eastern militaries, Orbach added. - A war 'conducted in English' - Another pillar of Israel's success in this war, Fainberg said, is the operational integration with the United States. "This is a war conducted in English," she said, adding that it was a joint US?Israeli air campaign with a clear "partition of labour". Israel has focused on central and western Iran, while the United States has targeted southern regions and the Iranian navy. For the first time, Israel is also benefiting from US in-air refuelling, a capability that, Fainberg said, explained how Israel had been able to launch 6,000 munitions at such a long distance, according to Israeli army figures published on Thursday. Israel has also made use of years of intelligence gathering, using advanced technological, cyber and covert operations, to select its targets said Shlomo Mofaz, director of the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center. So far the results have more than matched Israeli expectations. "The operational success that was achieved in the first four days is beyond everything that we could have hoped for," said Fainberg. - Iran's weakened air defences - A steady decline of Iranian capabilities has further aided Israel's dominance. The Islamic republic has for decades had a weak air force, while confrontations with Israel in April and October 2024 and June 2025 degraded its limited air defences. Russia and China, two of Iran's major allies that supplied many of Tehran's air defence systems, "have abandoned them," Fainberg added, leaving Iran unable to replenish systems damaged in the fighting. Moreover, Iranian air defences have been paralysed by Israel's cyber, intelligence and jamming capabilities - sophisticated tools developed through a uniquely close collaboration between Israel's tech sector and its military, Orbach said. Iran still retains substantial missile and drone stockpiles, but its ability to contest the skies has effectively collapsed, Fainberg said. BAGHDAD, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The ministry of natural resources of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region said Friday that a "terrorist attack" on an oil field in the region's Duhok province has led to the suspension of its production. A ministry statement said the facility, operated by the U.S.-based HKN Energy Company in the Sarsang area, sustained damage during the attack, which occurred Thursday night. Meanwhile, a militant group calling itself the "Guardians of Blood," affiliated with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella body for Iraq's pro-Iranian militias, said Friday that its fighters carried out a drone attack against a "vital target" in Duhok. The group also claimed the same day responsibility for launching drone attacks "targeting a vital objective in Jordan" in a separate statement. The group said that the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and in deterrence of the "aggression" that led to the "martyrdom" of a group of young Iraqi resistance fighters. The attacks came amid heightened tensions following the joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran on Saturday, to which Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. assets across the Middle East. Iran police chief says ordered to open fire at looters during wartime Tehran, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Iran's police chief Ahmad Radan said on Friday that officers had been authorised to shoot at suspected looters amid the war with Israel and the United States. "Because we are in wartime conditions, I have issued orders to shoot at potential thieves," Radan told state TV, adding that any thieves would be "swiftly neutralised". He also said that authorities had taken measures to maintain order online. "We will not allow a group of paid agents to undermine the unity that the people achieved with the blood of thousands of martyrs by spreading agitation," said Radan. War has spread across the Middle East since Saturday after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran which killed the Islamic republic's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded by attacking US bases in Gulf countries and Israel with drone and missile strikes. Iran's health ministry said nearly 1,000 people had been killed in the US and Israeli strikes which hit military sites as well as residential areas and other infrastructure. AFP could not independently verify the toll. Iranian attacks killed at least 10 people in Israel according to first responders there, while the US military has reported the deaths of six of its personnel since the war began. Who rules the seas? Torpedoed Iran ship brings focus underwater Paris, France, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 A US submarine this week torpedoing an Iranian warship during the Middle East conflict raised the crucial question of who controls the seas during wartime. The sinking of IRIS Dena on Wednesday in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka killed at least 86 crew members, in what Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labelled an "atrocity". It came after US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday triggered war in the Middle East, with the Islamic republic launching retaliatory attacks across the region and beyond. The US Navy had not torpedoed a ship since 1945. Washington afterwards released what it said was periscope footage of the submarine firing on the ship, and an image of its hull almost vertical as it slipped below the surface. The IRIS Dena "sank in less than 20 minutes", said Alessio Patalano, a professor at King's College London. "It didn't stand a chance. The incident confirms the sophistication of the means of American undersea warfare." Patalano said "submarine warfare has never gone away." "It was just in the background because there hasn't been a confrontation between fleets since the 1980s," he added. - 'Ultimate wartime weapon' - The most recent confirmed wartime torpedo attack dates back to 1982, when the British submarine HMS Conqueror sank the Argentine cruiser Belgrano during the Falklands War. In 2010, South Korea's Cheonan corvette was torpedoed -- an attack Seoul attributed to North Korea, but which Pyongyang denied. A European military source specialising in submarines and speaking on condition of anonymity explained that a torpedo explodes underneath a ship rather than upon contact with it. "It detonates a few metres below, creating a huge air bubble that lifts the vessel and breaks its main beam in two when it comes back down," the source said. IRIS Dena's sonar range was probably too limited to have been able to detect the threat, they added. The stealthy, invisible manoeuvres of a submarine, paired with its ability to fire torpedoes from dozens of kilometres away, make it "the ultimate wartime weapon", according to the source. These capabilities can make a difference when surface combat between navies of similar standing is "symmetrical, with radars and missiles of roughly equivalent range". Patalano said countries with a sophisticated underwater force enjoy an "objective advantage" in the event of a naval confrontation. - 'We are everywhere' - Another European military source, also speaking anonymously, said conducting the attack far from the conflict's epicentre was a "show of force aimed at major rivals" such as China and Russia. "Attacking this ship in international waters... means: 'We, the Americans, dominate the air, the sea and the undersea. We are everywhere, able to find you and destroy you.'" Experts suggest that while Russia has neglected the modernisation of its surface fleet -- signalled by its setbacks in the Black Sea throughout its war with Ukraine -- it has made a point of investing in its submarine fleet. China has been developing its navy and submarines for years. US submarine forces commander Vice Admiral Richard Seif told an American congressional committee this week that China's "formidable" next-generation submarines "challenge the US Navy's longstanding undersea dominance". What we know about alleged strike on Iran school Paris, France, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 The UN's top rights official Friday urged the US to swiftly probe a strike on an Iranian school which a New York Times investigation says was most likely carried out by Washington. Iran has blamed Israel and the United States for the air strike on the elementary school in the southern city of Minab on Saturday which it said killed more than 150 people. Neither the US nor Israel has claimed responsibility for the strike in the opening hours of their war with Iran, but US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the Pentagon is investigating. AFP has been unable to access the location to independently verify the toll or the circumstances. Iranian authorities have to give explicit approval to foreign media organisations wishing to report outside Tehran. Here is what we know: - Verified footage - Footage filmed from a parking lot showed black smoke billowing from a damaged building adorned with murals featuring drawings of crayons, children and an apple. AFP has geolocated the clip to a building in Minab in Iran's southern Hormozgan province that appeared to be a school, though it has not been able to independently verify the nature of the site. AFP has confirmed the building was located in close proximity to two sites controlled by the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Shahid Absalan clinic, under the supervision of the IRGC navy's medical command, lies 238 metres (780 feet) from the site, while the Seyed al-Shohada IRGC cultural complex is 286 metres away. Minab is strategically located close to the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital shipping lanes, especially for oil and gas. AFP could not independently verify the date the footage from the car park was filmed. Iranian state television and a local official identified the site as the Shajare Tayyebeh girls' elementary school in Minab. - What Iran says - Iran has said more than 150 people were killed in what President Masoud Pezeshkian described as US-Israeli strikes on the school. According to state media, Iran on Tuesday held funerals for at least 165 people including students killed in the alleged strike. State television carried images showing a large crowd of mourners in Minab weeping over what appeared to be bodies wrapped in white shrouds. Other images released by state media on Tuesday showed individuals preparing coffins draped in the Iranian flag -- some bearing photographs of children. Another aerial image showed excavators digging out at least 100 graves at an unidentified mass burial site. AFP has been unable to independently verify the date the images were taken or access the location to verify the circumstances surrounding the events. - US 'most likely': report - The New York Times reported on Thursday that US military statements indicating forces were attacking naval targets near the Strait of Hormuz, where an IRGC base is located, "suggest they were most likely to have carried out the strike". An analysis of social media posts from the time of the attack, as well as photos and videos from witnesses, indicated that the Shajare Tayyebeh elementary school was struck at the same time as a Revolutionary Guards' naval base sites, the Times said. - Pentagon investigation - Rubio on Monday said the United States would not intentionally target a school. "The United States would not deliberately target a school. Our objectives are missiles, both the ability to manufacture them and the ability to launch them," he told reporters. The Pentagon is investigating the alleged incident, he added. - 'Very quickly' - UN rights chief Volker Turk called it an "absolutely tragic incident". "What we have asked for is obviously prompt, transparent and impartial investigations, which we understand has been announced by the United States," he told reporters in Geneva on Friday. "We need this to happen very quickly and we need to also make sure that there is accountability as well as redress for the victims," he said. - Israel not aware - Israel's military said on Sunday it was not aware of any US or Israeli strike on a school. "At this point not aware of an Israeli or an American strike there... We're operating in an extremely accurate manner," military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani told reporters. - Human rights group - Norway-based rights group Hengaw said the Shajare Tayyebeh school was holding its morning session at the time and reportedly had about 170 students present. ekf-bur/kjm/st 50,000 Syrians returned from Lebanon in last week: UN Geneva, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Around 50,000 Syrians living in Lebanon have fled back over the border into Syria in the past week, the United Nations' migration agency said Friday. The war in the Middle East spread to Lebanon when Hezbollah launched a rocket attack at Israel early Monday, to "avenge" the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli attack on Tehran. That prompted a swift retaliation from Israel, which has continued to bomb Lebanon since. It has also ordered the evacuation of hundreds of square kilometres (miles) of southern Lebanon and sent ground forces across the border. "Large-scale cross-border movements" have been taking place in recent days, said Mathieu Luciano, the Lebanon mission chief for the International Organization for Migration. "Nearly 50,000 Syrians have crossed from Lebanon into Syria over the past week, not including those who may have crossed yesterday following the evacuation orders," he added in a statement. IOM spokesman Mohammedali Abunajela said the escalating violence in the Middle East was raising serious concerns about further civilian suffering and displacement in a region "already facing immense challenges." "Alarming signs of population movement are already emerging, particularly in Lebanon and across the border into Syria," he told journalists in Geneva. Ayaki Ito, emergencies chief and cross-regional refugee coordinator for the UN's refugee agency (UNHCR), said the conflict in Lebanon had "pushed many Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon to go back to Syria". "Some of them had already planned to return even before the conflict -- but others, they are fleeing to go back home," he told journalists in Geneva. The UNHCR official said more than 3,000 Lebanese had crossed over into Syria to flee the conflict. War in the Middle East: latest developments Paris, France, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Here are the latest events in the Middle East war on Friday: - France deploys helicopter carrier to Mediterranean - France has sent a helicopter carrier to the Mediterranean in response to the war, the French military told AFP on Friday. Paris decided to deploy its flagship aircraft carrier and a frigate earlier in the week. - Lebanon death toll rises, 300,000 displaced - The death toll in Lebanon rose to 217, the country's health ministry said, as Israeli air strikes battered Beirut's southern suburbs, where Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah holds sway. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has warned that "a humanitarian disaster is looming" as a result of Israeli evacuation orders that are causing a massive population displacement. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said 300,000 people in Lebanon had been forced to flee and questioned the legality of the Israeli orders. - US oil price soars over 10 percent - The price of the benchmark US oil contract soared more than 10 percent on fears of extended disruption after President Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender". West Texas Intermediate surged 10.63 percent to $89.62 per barrel, while international benchmark Brent North Sea crude reached $91.89, the highest level in nearly two years. - EU, Middle East leaders to talk - EU chiefs will hold talks with Middle East leaders by video-link on Monday on the war in the region, a spokesperson for the European Council president said. - Explosions in Iraqi Kurdistan - Explosions sounded near Erbil airport in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region and an attack forced a US-run oil field to shut production. AFP journalists reported explosions and grey smoke rising from near the airport area, which hosts US-led coalition troops. Iraqi Kurdish authorities said earlier that oil production at a field operated by US firm HKN Energy had been halted following an attack. Four drones also struck Basra airport in southern Iraq and two nearby oil facilities, a security official told AFP. - Iran targets Kuwait - Iran's army said it had attacked US bases in Kuwait and vowed that it would stage further strikes. Explosions were heard in the Kuwaiti capital, an AFP journalist said, as authorities said they were confronting missile and drone strikes. Earlier, Kuwait's defence ministry said 67 Kuwaiti army personnel had been injured in the conflict -- the highest number by far of any Gulf military. - UN says US must probe school strike - The United Nations rights chief called for answers after a deadly strike on an Iranian elementary school, as a New York Times investigation concluded the United States was most likely responsible. The February 28 strike hit a school in the southern city of Minab and killed at least 150 people, say Iranian officials. Neither Israel nor the United States has claimed responsibility for the attack, which was close to sites controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). - Europe's mounting war fears - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the Middle East war must not lead to the collapse of the Iranian state, warning of the potential impact on migration to Europe. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that "loyal cooperation" should prevail over "confrontation" in relations with the United States after tensions over Madrid's opposition to Washington's use of its bases against Iran. - Ukraine sending drone experts - Ukraine is preparing to despatch military drone specialists to the Gulf to help them fend off barrages of Iranian drones -- something Kyiv has become expert in as it defends against nightly Russian attacks with hundreds of Iranian-style drones - Maersk halts further shipping - Danish shipping giant Maersk said it was suspending two intercontinental transit routes because of the war, its service connecting the Far East to the Middle East, and the route connecting the Middle East to Europe. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US navy was preparing to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as it's reasonable to do it". burs-pdw/jj THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY Cyprus moves all March EU meetings due to Iran war Brussels, Belgium, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 All EU meetings due to be held in Cyprus in March will be moved online or rescheduled as conflict rages in the Middle East, a Cypriot official said Friday. Cyprus, which holds the European Union's rotating presidency, has been directly affected by Iranian retaliatory attacks to US-Israeli strikes, with an Iranian-made drone hitting a British base on the island this week. "Given the partial disruptions to flight connections, in order to ensure predictability and avoid inconvenience to delegations, all meetings that are planned to take place in Cyprus in March, will either take place virtually or be rescheduled," the official said. Defence ministers from the EU's 27 nations were due to hold talks in Nicosia next week, with economy ministers scheduled to visit the Cypriot capital later in March. Following the drone incident, several European countries have pledged assistance to Cyprus, sending air defences and other military assets. Heartbreak in Kuwait as Iranian girl, 11, killed in Iran attack Kuwait City, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Eleven-year-old Elena Abdullah Hussein told her father she loved him and went to sleep in Kuwait, where her Iranian family lives. Moments later, Iranian drone debris slammed into her room, killing her in her sleep. The family had been sheltering in the basement of their building since Iran began their retaliation campaign in the Gulf on Saturday, following US-Israeli strikes that decimated its leadership. But on Tuesday night, as the bombing seemed to slow down, the family decided to go back up to their apartment. "Elena called me about two hours before the incident and said: 'Dad, I had dinner and I'm going to bed... I love you'," said her father Abdullah Hussein, who was working late that day at his fabrics company. "It was as if she was trying to say goodbye," he added, holding back tears. AFP met the family at the funeral in Kuwait, where her father was dressed in the white traditional dress of the Gulf and spoke in Arabic. Her mother was too grief-stricken to speak. Hundreds of people attended the funeral at the Sulaibikhat cemetery. He said he had been moved by the support he received in Kuwait, with many people expressing sympathy and solidarity with him and his family. Some of Elena's young friends were dressed in white sweatshirts with a picture of her face. Kuwait hosts a large community of Iranians among its population of foreigners, who make up about 70 percent of the tiny country's residents. - 'Shock' - Shrapnel from an Iranian drone struck the roof of the family's second-floor apartment, hitting her directly in her sleep. She was sleeping in the same room as her younger sister, who sustained minor injuries, and mother, who was unharmed. Rescuers tried to resuscitate her in the ambulance and at the hospital, but she died from her injuries. "My daughter was good, compassionate and smart," her father said with tears in his eyes. "She was a blessing from God... and God willed that she return to Him." Eight of the 13 people killed in the Gulf since the war began were in Kuwait, the country with the highest death toll in the region. Most were US and Kuwaiti army personnel but there were also two civilians among the dead, including young Elena. The United States has had a significant military presence in Kuwait since Washington came to the Gulf country's aid after Iraq invaded in 1990. Elena's uncle Mohamed Hussein Abdullah Nia said the family was still in shock and had not been able to break the news to her younger sister. "The shock is immense... her mother and the rest of the children in the family are crying constantly," he said. In south Lebanon, a few villages defy Israel's evacuation orders Beirut, Lebanon, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 In the basement of a church in Alma al-Shaab, a Lebanese village near the border with Israel, dozens of residents gathered amidst the sound of Israeli bombing, defying the Israeli army's order to flee. "It is our right to preserve and remain in our land," town mayor Shadi Sayah told AFP over the phone. "We are pacifists... a danger to no one," he added, as the sound of strikes got closer. Following the start of a new war between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah on Monday, the Israeli military warned residents in large swathes of southern Lebanon to flee, causing mass exodus. The area, surrounded by green hills, saw many of its localities razed in the last war in 2024. It is now nearly free of residents. Close to the border, Alma al-Shaab is one of several Christian towns and villages in the south which have tried to stay away from the conflict. Farther east, several hundred inhabitants of the large town of Marjeyoun and the neighbouring village of Qlayaa also say they are determined to stay on their land, as they did during the previous war, from October 2023 to November 2024. Dozens of people gathered in one of Marjeyoun's churches on Friday, with the local priest saying they "will not leave". "We have only one choice: to remain steadfast." A Marjeyoun resident, requesting anonymity, told AFP that "we have bread, but my wife also bought flour, in case of a famine". - 'We love our land' - Of Alma al-Shaab's 250 residents, 96 have stayed including women, children and elderly people. "We want to live in peace in our land... we love our land, we grew up here, and we will die here," Fadi Haddad, 43, said. In 2024, the town's residents fled, contrary to other Christian villages. Alma al-Shaab then became a "war zone", mayor Sayah said, as it was caught in the crossfire between Hezbollah and Israel. Now, only the town's residents are there, and "we did not see anyone else go in or out". The Lebanese military, which had a post in the village, withdrew on Tuesday as Israeli forces started their incursions into the country. According to a source among the United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, the incursions are limited so far as Israeli troops are "entering and leaving". Sayah said they are "traumatised by what we went through" in the last war Upon returning after the November 2024 ceasefire, residents saw that more than half of the homes were destroyed. "That is why we will remain, no matter the outcome," he added. "Of course I am scared, I am trembling, but what will history remember? That 96 crazy people... were attached to their land." Australia says Chinese military helicopter in 'unsafe' manoeuvres at sea Sydney, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Australia's military on Friday said a Chinese navy helicopter flew dangerously close to one of its aircraft during a routine passage through the Yellow Sea that Beijing criticised as a "provocation." The defence ministry in Canberra said it has raised concerns with Beijing after the incident, which both governments said took place Wednesday over open sea between China and the Korean peninsula. Australia's ministry said the frigate HMAS Toowoomba had been conducting "routine activities" when its helicopter was intercepted by a Chinese aircraft that conducted an "unsafe" manoeuvre. "The PLA-N helicopter matched the ADF helicopter's altitude before closing in to an unsafe distance," it said, referring to China's People's Liberation Army-Navy. "The Chinese helicopter moved slightly ahead, increased speed and then rolled towards the ADF helicopter," the defence ministry said. The aircraft then took "evasive action to maintain safe flight". "Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner," it said. China's military rejected Canberra's description of events as a "complete distortion of facts", and accused the HMAS Toowoomba of recently conducting close reconnaissance "under the pretext" of implementing UN Security Council resolutions. The vessel has "repeatedly deployed its shipborne helicopters for close-in reconnaissance and persistent provocations against China in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, endangering China's national security", defense ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said in a statement. China was acting in response to Australian "infringements", the spokesperson said. "The operation was legitimate, reasonable", and in accordance with international law. Beijing went on to warn Canberra it would "take countermeasures" against any actions that endanger China's security. "We urge the Australian side to earnestly respect China's sovereignty and security concerns, immediately stop disseminating disinformation (and) refrain from any risky and provocative acts" that would undermine regional stability, the spokesperson said. White House posts montage of movie clips and real strikes on Iran Washington, United States, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 The White House's social media blurred the lines of reality Friday, posting montages that wove snippets of Hollywood blockbusters and video games into real footage of military strikes on Iran. A 42-second video posted on X with the caption "Justice the American way" opens with a scene from "Iron Man" and the line "Wake up, Daddy's home" -- perhaps a reference to an expression used by NATO chief Mark Rutte, who once referred to US President Donald Trump as "daddy." What follows, in rapid fire, are clips from male actors cast as heroes, including Tom Cruise in "Top Gun: Maverick," Mel Gibson in "Braveheart," Russell Crowe in "Gladiator," Bryan Cranston in "Breaking Bad," and Keanu Reeves in "John Wick." Hollywood's heroics are interspersed with footage released by the US military showing real strikes on various targets. Actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller on Friday called on the White House to remove a clip in the video from "Tropic Thunder," a satirical 2008 film about war movies that he directed and co-wrote. "We never gave you permission and have no interest in being a part of your propaganda machine. War is not a movie," Stiller wrote on X. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth also appears briefly, in a clip taken from a real briefing, where he says "F-A" before a clip from a "Transformers" movie says "time to find out," using a CGI autobot. The reference here is to a crude expression very popular in the Trump administration, used to describe its uncompromising attitude towards any adversary: "F-A-F-O" or "Fuck around and find out." In a second post, the White House interspersed real war footage with a scene from video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" in which the player's character is heard repeatedly saying "Ah shit, here we go again," before footage of strikes on Iranian targets. Trump's campaign was marked by a rage-baiting style of communications, flouting the decorum of past presidents to key into the internet's penchant for trolling and dunking, borrowing from video games and cinema for memes, and creating AI posts. Trump's social media has not shifted tone since he took office. Last month, he posted a racist clip depicting former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle as monkeys, and made no apology for it. Earlier in his presidency, when millions of "No Kings" protesters took to the streets across the United States to decry his style of governance, he posted a fake AI video showing himself wearing a crown and flying a fighter jet labeled "King Trump" that dumps excrement on crowds of protesters. aue/ev/sla/bjt Republican-held U.S. House rejects war powers resolution aimed at curbing Trump's Iran attacks Xinhua) 10:03, March 06, 2026 Photo taken on Nov. 5, 2025 shows U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) "We cannot allow a wannabe King to drag us into an endless war in the Middle East. Republicans can find billions for bombs, but nothing to bring down your grocery bill or healthcare costs," said Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the House. WASHINGTON, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The Republican-held U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday failed to pass a war powers resolution to rein in U.S. President Donald Trump's attacks on Iran, one day after a similar measure failed to advance in the Senate. The lower chamber voted 212-219 -- largely along party lines -- to reject the resolution, which is intended to prevent Trump from ordering further military strikes on Iran without congressional approval. On Wednesday, the Republican-led upper chamber blocked the resolution by a 53-47 vote. The latest votes in Congress showed that Democrats and Republicans remain sharply divided over the issue, with Democrats largely criticizing the military strikes against Iran, while Republicans predominantly defended the president. "We cannot allow a wannabe King to drag us into an endless war in the Middle East. Republicans can find billions for bombs, but nothing to bring down your grocery bill or healthcare costs," Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the House, wrote in a post on social media platform X. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Mihai Pop?oi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, on March 6, AzerNEWS reports. Expressing gratitude for the reception, Mihai Pop?oi conveyed the greetings of Moldova's President Maia Sandu to President Ilham Aliyev. The head of state thanked him for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to Maia Sandu. President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled his meetings and discussions with Moldova's President within international organizations. Mihai Pop?oi stated that Moldova strongly condemns the attacks carried out by unmanned aerial vehicles of Iran against Azerbaijan, emphasizing solidarity with the country on this issue. He wished those injured in the attack a speedy recovery. The Deputy PM hailed the friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries, noting that Moldova always remembers and highly appreciates Azerbaijans support during difficult times. President Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the position expressed. During the conversation, the sides praised the fact that Azerbaijan and Moldova have consistently supported each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. They emphasized the development of bilateral relations, including the deepening of cooperation in political, economic, trade, energy, and other fields, and underlined the role of reciprocal visits at various levels in expanding ties. In this regard, confidence was expressed that Mihai Pop?oi's visit would be successful. The sides also exchanged views on cooperation within international organizations, the intensification of political dialogue, and other issues of mutual interest. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin, also president of the All-China Women's Federation, addresses a reception held by the federation to mark International Women's Day in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The All-China Women's Federation held a reception in Beijing on Friday to mark International Women's Day, which falls on March 8. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin, also president of the federation, addressed the event. Shen said that during China's 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), hundreds of millions of Chinese women will contribute wisdom and strength to building a great country and advancing national rejuvenation. Noting the transformation and turbulence facing the world, Shen said that China stands ready to work with all parties to fully implement the spirit of the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and make new contributions to the global development of women's cause and the progress of human civilization. The event was attended by more than 1,000 guests, including officials from relevant central Party and government departments, female lawmakers and political advisors attending the country's ongoing "two sessions," female representatives from various sectors and ethnic groups, including those from Hong Kong and Macao, as well as diplomatic envoys and representatives of international organizations. After the reception, the attendees visited an exhibition showcasing China's progress in using digital and intelligent technologies to empower women and girls. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin, also president of the All-China Women's Federation, visits an exhibition showcasing China's progress in using digital and intelligent technologies to empower women and girls, in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. The federation held a reception in Beijing on Friday to mark International Women's Day, which falls on March 8. Shen addressed the reception. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Performers perform during a reception for International Women's Day in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. The All-China Women's Federation held a reception here on Friday to mark International Women's Day, which falls on March 8. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Foreign guests attend a reception for International Women's Day in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. The All-China Women's Federation held a reception here on Friday to mark International Women's Day, which falls on March 8. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Performers perform during a reception for International Women's Day in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. The All-China Women's Federation held a reception here on Friday to mark International Women's Day, which falls on March 8. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) Performers perform during a reception for International Women's Day in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. The All-China Women's Federation held a reception here on Friday to mark International Women's Day, which falls on March 8. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei) UN peacekeepers from Ghana wounded in south Lebanon attack Beirut, Lebanon, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Three UN peacekeepers were wounded when their base in southern Lebanon was hit on Friday, the UN force and the Ghanaian military said, with Lebanon's president accusing Israel of targeting them. The attack came as Israel and Iran's Lebanese proxy Hezbollah exchanged fire after the Middle East war expanded into the country on Monday. "Amidst heavy firing this evening, three peacekeepers were injured inside their base in... Qawzah" in southern Lebanon, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said in a statement. "The most severely injured has been transferred to hospital in Beirut for treatment." Ghana's military said that its UNIFIL battalion headquarters came under "two missile attacks", adding that "two soldiers are critically injured, while one other has been traumatised". "The officers' mess facility also got hit and has been burnt down completely." Neither UNIFIL or the Ghanaian army specified the source of the attack, but the international force said it will investigate the circumstances of the incident. "It is unacceptable that peacekeepers performing (UN) Security Council-mandated tasks are targeted," it added. In a statement, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned "Israeli attacks on Lebanon", adding that they had "even reached the point of a direct assault on UNIFIL". French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "unacceptable attack" on UNIFIL after speaking with his Lebanese and Syrian counterparts. "France is working with its partners to prevent the conflict from spreading further in the region," Macron said on X, highlighting the "key stabilising role" played by the UN force. UNIFIL has acted as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon for decades and was assisting the Lebanese army while it was dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure near the Israeli border after the last war opposing the Iran-backed group and Israel in 2024. It plans to withdraw all troops from Lebanon by mid-2027. Macron condemns 'unacceptable attack' on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon Paris, France, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday condemned an "unacceptable attack" on UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon, after speaking with his Lebanese and Syrian counterparts. "France is working with its partners to prevent the conflict from spreading further in the region," Macron said on X, highlighting the "key stabilising role" played by the United Nations Interim force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). "The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and Lebanon, as for every country in the region, must be respected," he said. Two UN peacekeepers from Ghana were critically wounded in the missile attack on their position in the town of Qawzah, according to Lebanese state media and the Ghanaian military. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accused Israel of targeting them, as the war unleashed by US-Israeli strikes on Iran last Saturday engulfed Lebanon. Macron said France would remain "engaged" in UNIFIL, which includes around 700 French troops. UNIFIL has acted as a buffer between Israel and Lebanon for decades and was assisting the Lebanese army while it was dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure near the Israeli border after the last war opposing the Iran-backed group and Israel in 2024. The peacekeeping mission plans to withdraw all troops from Lebanon by mid-2027. arz/hr/jhb/giv Israel intensifies strikes on Lebanon with major raids on east Beirut, Lebanon, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Israeli air strikes battered Lebanon on Friday, including at least 12 on the eastern Baalbek district that killed nine people, the health ministry and state media said. Lebanon has been engulfed by the expanding Middle East war, after the Iran-backed group Hezbollah on Monday fired missiles at Israel to avenge the death of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Israeli strikes on Nabi Sheet in eastern Lebanon's Baalbek district killed at least nine people and wounded 17 on Friday, the health ministry said in a preliminary toll, as state media reported at least 12 strikes on the area. "Rescue and debris removal operations are ongoing" to search for missing people, the ministry added. Earlier Friday, it had said that the war on its fifth day had killed at least 217 people. Lebanese state media reported a renewal of Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs Friday afternoon, following night raids that left heavy damage in the area after residents fled en masse in response to Israeli evacuation warnings. Israel says it has killed "over 70" members of the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. A live broadcast by AFP showed plumes of smoke rising above buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, a typically densely populated area where Hezbollah holds sway. Speaking to foreign ambassadors, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said "the consequences of this displacement, at the humanitarian and political level, may well be unprecedented". According to Lebanese authorities, at least 217 people have been killed and 798 wounded since Israel's expanded attacks on Monday, with more than 95,000 people displaced. "Our country has been drawn into a devastating war that we did not seek and did not choose," Salam said. On Monday, the Lebanese government banned Hezbollah's military activities after it launched rockets on Israel to "avenge" Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, pulling Lebanon into the Middle East war. On Friday, in a message posted in Hebrew on the group's Telegram channels, Hezbollah told Israelis to evacuate all localities "located within 5 kilometres of the border". - UN - Israel has continued to strike dozens of areas in southern and eastern Lebanon, including Sidon, where five people were killed according to Lebanon's health ministry. An AFP photographer at the scene saw extensive damage in the targeted apartment and shattered glass on the street. Rescue workers meanwhile recovered a body from under the rubble and collected body parts scattered around the area. Further south in Tyre, home to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the NNA reported a major strike. Later on Friday, the Ghanaian military said that two of its UN peacekeepers were "critically injured" and one peacekeeper was "traumatised" when their headquarters in southern Lebanon was hit by two missiles, without specifying the source. In a statement, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon which he said "continue to escalate", adding that they had "even reached the point of a direct assault on UNIFIL". - Southern suburbs - The Israeli military said Friday it had carried out 26 waves of strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in the past four days. It added that Hezbollah had fired around 70 rockets toward Israel since midnight, and that the Lebanese group had launched coordinated attacks with Iran on Thursday. Rubble and dust covered a main road in one neighbourhood of Beirut's suburbs Friday, while the buildings surrounding it were heavily damaged, AFPTV footage showed. After the Israeli evacuation warning on Thursday afternoon, there was a mass exodus from the area, whose population is estimated at between 600,000 and 800,000. Mohammad, 39, a resident of the southern suburbs, fled with his family when the bombing began on Monday. Returning on Thursday to check on his home and collect belongings just minutes before the Israeli evacuation warning, he said he "went down and found total chaos". Fatima al-Masri, 45, also escaped the southern suburbs and has been sheltering in central Beirut's Martyrs' Square for four days. "We want to eat and drink... we want to go to the bathroom," she said, adding that she "came here because the schools are full". - Strikes on south - Since Monday, Israel has ordered the evacuation of hundreds of square kilometres of southern Lebanon and sent ground forces across the border. The Israeli army chief on Thursday said he ordered forces deployed in southern Lebanon to expand their control inside the area. Hezbollah, for its part, claimed on Friday new attacks against northern Israel, including one the day before on a naval base in Haifa. Hezbollah also announced at dawn on Friday that it had targeted a cluster of Israeli vehicles advancing toward the town of Khiam, about six kilometres (four miles) from the border, and "forced them to retreat". It also claimed attacks on Israeli border posts in Lebanon. Qatar aviation authority allowing limited air traffic Doha, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Qatar's aviation authority said Friday the Gulf state would partially reopen to limited air traffic after it closed its airspace at the start of a retaliatory Iranian missile and drone campaign following US-Israeli strikes. "Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the partial resumption of air navigation in the State of Qatar, through designated navigational contingency routes with limited operational capacity," the body said. "This phase includes the operation of a limited number of flights designated for passenger evacuation, in addition to the operation of air cargo flights," it added. The war in the Middle East has engulfed the otherwise stable Gulf and blindsided travellers who thought they were headed to one of the region's safest holiday destinations. In a statement, Qatar Airways said following the confirmation of a safe corridor it would operate repatriation flights on March 7 to London, Paris, Madrid, Rome and Frankfurt. It added the flights would prioritise stranded families, elderly passengers and those with urgent medical needs. Hamad International Airport, Qatar's main airport, confirmed "the operation of a limited number of flights solely for the evacuation of stranded passengers and air cargo operations, on Saturday, March 7". "Hamad International Airport clarifies that the operation of additional flights in the coming days will remain subject to ongoing assessment of the security situation," it added in a statement. On Friday, Qatar's defence ministry said its territory was targeted by 10 Iranian drones, nine of which its military intercepted while one struck an uninhabited area, without causing any casualties. On Tuesday, the Gulf state said Hamad International Airport had been targeted in Iranian attacks but all of them had been thwarted. Lebanese authorities arrest journalist at Hezbollah-run channel Beirut, Lebanon, March 6 (AFP) Mar 06, 2026 Lebanese authorities on Friday arrested Aly Berro, a journalist working for Al-Manar TV, which is affiliated with Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, state media reported. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said that authorities arrested "Al-Manar TV correspondent Aly Berro this evening, based on a warrant issued against him by the Attorney General Judge Jamal Hajjar". The NNA added that Hajjar instructed the security forces' information branch "to begin questioning Berro in the presence of his lawyer, and a decision regarding his case will be made based on the interrogation". Berro shared many videos on social media over the past months in which he criticised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and defended Hezbollah's weaponry, often using offensive language. Hajjar issued an arrest warrant for him in October, after he failed to appear for questioning three times over accusations that included insulting Salam, according to a judicial official. On Monday, the Lebanese government banned Hezbollah's military activities after it launched rockets on Israel to avenge the death of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei, pulling Lebanon into the Middle East war. Last year, after Hezbollah was weakened by its 2024 war with Israel, Beirut committed to disarming the group. Hezbollah has rejected calls to surrender its weapons. In this episode directed by none other than Shawn Hatosy the hospitals analog mode continues to present challenges for the team, while another emergency on the horizon threatens to bring even more chaos to The Pitt. Episode Summary Mel leaves her sisters care in Langdons hands while she prepares for her deposition, and Garcia once again rainchecks Santos plans indirectly giving her the chance to meet new people. More staff members join the team to help cope with the analog workflow, while one of Javadis patients suddenly takes a turn for the worse. Robby also shares some short but meaningful conversations with Abbot and Whitaker, just as news arrives of a new emergency on the way. 3:00 p.m. THE PITT, Pictured: Gerran Howell as Whitaker, Shabana Azeez as Javadi. Photo: Warrick Page/HBO Max 2026 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Cases of the Week Brook Maccord, the patient suffering from partial blindness, appears to be recovering while under Mels distracted supervision. McKay and Whitaker treat Amaya, a patient with polycystic ovary syndrome, who complains about being misdiagnosed in the past because she is a Black woman. Taking this seriously, McKay decides to keep her under observation a decision that proves crucial when Amaya later develops an ovarian torsion that requires immediate treatment. Mohan supervises Ogilvie as he treats a man with severe kidney pain, who turns out to be an English teacher just like Ogilvies father. The conversation hints that Ogilvie may have unresolved issues with him. Im not a big fan of the character, but I do think learning more about his background could help us understand why he behaves the way he does. Meanwhile, after Garcia rejects her plans once again despite earlier hints that they might have some sort of relationship Santos vents about the downsides of meeting people at work while treating, alongside Joy, a girl who became dehydrated after wearing a costume at a furry convention. The patient shares that she met her girlfriend at the same convention the year before and encourages Santos to go too and try meeting new people. 3:00 p.m. THE PITT, Pictured: Tal Anderdson as Becca, Taylor Dearden as Mel. Photo: Warrick Page/HBO Max 2026 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Highlights Mels sister Becca arrives at the ER complaining of abdominal pain. Much to Mels concern, she has to leave for her deposition, so Langdon evaluates Becca himself, showing the same compassionate bedside manner he has learned from Mel. For now, the situation appears to be under control though I wouldnt be surprised if the show eventually introduces a twist. Howard Knox accompanied by Abbot returns to the ER after undergoing tests at another hospital. The results reveal that he urgently needs surgery. Aware that the procedure carries a 50% chance of death, he asks to speak with his sister first. Their emotional reconciliation allows them to make plans for the future plans I sincerely hope they get the chance to fulfill. To help manage the increasing chaos at The Pitt, some new faces arrive. Among them is Dr. Nick Barker, a radiologist whose good looks seem to create more distraction than assistance for the team. In contrast, Monica Peters a receptionist who lost her job during the digital revolution proves invaluable by bringing her old-school administrative skills to help organize the analog workflow. She is later joined by Makedah from the administrative department, who arrives with Whitakers new doctor badge and stays to help transport blood samples to the lab. Roxies condition continues to worsen, and nothing seems to relieve her pain, even with her family present. In a quiet moment, she speaks with McKay about death. It increasingly feels like the show is preparing us to say goodbye to this character someone whose story has shown how, after enduring so much suffering, letting go can become the most compassionate option. 3:00 p.m. THE PITT, Pictured: Brittany Allen as Roxie, Fiona Dourif as McKay. Photo: Warrick Page/HBO Max 2026 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Robby and Santos treat Jude, a teenager who loses two fingers in a firecracker accident and may be struggling with alcohol influenced by the wrong crowd. Later, we meet his sister Chantal, who has been raising him since their parents were deported to Haiti. She carries the burden of trying to honor her mothers wish for them to remain in the United States while sacrificing much of her own life to care for her brother. Still struggling to adapt to the analog workflow, Javadi makes mistakes that put one of her patients, Claire Burns, in danger. Robby and Whitaker manage to stabilize her, but she must undergo emergency surgery prompting Garcia to angrily confront Javadi. Before leaving, Abbot shares a farewell conversation with Robby. They discuss Al-Hashimis ability to lead the ER and briefly mention Robbys upcoming trip. Abbot offers support if Robby ever needs someone to talk to, hinting that some people may be concerned about his well-being. Those concerns grow stronger later when Robby tells Whitaker he can stay at his apartment while he is away. At first, it sounds like a generous gesture until Robby casually mentions that Whitaker could keep the place if he doesnt return. A line that feels far more ominous than it initially appears. 3:00 p.m. THE PITT, Pictured: Noah Wyle as Robby, Shawn Hatosy as Abbot. Photo: Warrick Page/HBO Max 2026 Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Character of the Week Jack Abbot: Although he appears only briefly in the episode, Abbot consistently provides a grounded presence for the characters around him. Whether offering support to a patient like Howard or showing genuine concern for Robby, he remains a steady and reassuring figure. He says he is leaving to return later for his shift, but I suspect we havent seen the last of him this season Abbot always seems to appear when someone needs help. Final Thoughts With the news of the water park accident at the end of the episode, the show is clearly setting up a major emergency. We have also yet to see how the team adapts to handling a mass-casualty situation under the limitations of analog operations. The next hours of the shift promise to be even more chaotic. Leave your thoughts about the episode in the comments below. Six Nations permutations: How France and Ireland can now win title on Super Saturday How France and Ireland can now win Six Nations title on Super Saturday This is now a live investigation so I wont comment on that any further except to thank our security staff and police for continuing to keep our people safe and doing everything they can where people would cause us harm and individuals in our country harm. LONDON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Former British ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson has been released under investigation after being arrested last month, British media reported on Friday. "A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released under investigation. The investigation remains ongoing," Sky News quoted a Metropolitan Police spokesperson as saying, as both the media outlet and The Guardian have confirmed the identity of the man to be Peter Mandelson. Sky News said Mandelson was released in the early hours of the following morning. The Metropolitan Police in London said on February 23 that Mandelson had been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. According to the statement, officers arrested the man at an address in Camden and took him to a London police station for questioning. Reports added that Mandelson's lawyers called the claim a "baseless suggestion," saying he had already agreed to attend a voluntary interview. In late January, the U.S. Justice Department made public a large cache of files related to the dead American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, prompting renewed scrutiny in Britain. British police confirmed later that they had opened a criminal investigation into Mandelson over alleged misconduct while in public office, including the possible disclosure of market-sensitive information. Mandelson previously served as a senior cabinet minister under former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. He was appointed ambassador to Washington in early 2025 but was dismissed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after seven months as questions over his past resurfaced. While that was his wish, he cautioned: However, owing to how Labour has constructed their budget this is simply not possible. There is well over 20m of future income within the budget which would have to be replaced if this happened. In the Philippines, her own children now 13, 17 and 21 have grown up mostly without their mother. At first, Disay paid a neighbour to care for them; later, her former husband, their father, took over. She has not seen any of them since 2017. It is so hard; my heart is always broken when I speak to my children, she says. They ask me why I am not at home. Even now, they tell me they want their mother to come home and hug them when they have a bad day. What we wanted to highlight in this piece is that after reviewing all the evidence we were aware of in the UK in particular, but also comparing to international estimates the conclusion is that it is true that the diagnosis rates have increased. Sentencing the pair, the judge said: This was clearly a very frightening experience on the streets of central London at night. They were set upon and each man was held while their watches were dragged off their wrists. Next month, both Lorraine and Loose Women will disappear from the schedule for a week to make way for coverage of the Cheltenham Festival, which begins on March 10. During that period, Good Morning Britain will be extended until 10am, before This Morning airs ahead of the racing coverage starting at 12.30pm. The actors met on the 2011 film The Place Beyond The Pines and have gone on to have two daughters - Esmeralda, 11, and Amada, nine. They have most recently been based in the leafy north London suburb Hampstead. BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday extended festive greetings and best wishes to the country's women of all ethnic groups and from all walks of life ahead of International Women's Day, which falls on March 8. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent the greetings when attending a joint group meeting at the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body. Tesla Inc.s Gigafactory Texas is seen in September. The Austin-based automaker has been sued by a former employee of the factory who says she was assaulted by Ndiaga Diagne, then also an employee, in December. Diagne is now the suspect in a mass shooting in downtown Austin. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Ndiaga Diagne, the man accused of killing three people and injuring 15 others in a downtown Austin shooting spree, was a former Tesla employee who worked at Gigafactory Texas, where he allegedly assaulted a fellow employee late last year. A lawsuit filed by the co-worker accuses the automaker of failing to provide a safe work environment and know the backgrounds of its employees. Lillian Mendoza Brady also accuses Tesla Inc. of withholding Diagnes name since the alleged assault Dec. 4. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Buda resident, who filed suit Thursday in state district court in Travis County, only learned his identity after the mass shooting early Sunday, when pictures of Diagne began circulating in news media. Since he was identified, information suggesting Diagne possessed a violent temperament also has surfaced. If Tesla had information about Diagnes violent behavior before he attacked Lillian Brady and failed to act, then not only might her assault have been prevented, it may have been an early warning sign of a far greater danger, said Bob Hilliard, Bradys attorney. This lawsuit seeks to determine what Tesla knew and why this early incident wasnt taken seriously. Ndiaga Diagne was identified by Austin police as the suspect in a downtown Austin mass shooting that occurred early Sunday. Courtesy Austin Police Department The assault allegedly happened while Diagne was on a company-allowed prayer break, Brady says, when he assaulted her without provocation. The suit accuses Tesla of failing to monitor its factorys common areas or supervise sanctioned activities in those spaces, creating an unreasonably dangerous condition. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source After the alleged assault, Hilliard said, Brady repeatedly asked Tesla for her assailants name so she could press charges, but the company refused. Shed never seen Diagne before that day, another of Bradys attorneys said. She and Diagne were among about 22,000 employees who worked last year at Gigafactory Texas. Violence rarely appears out of nowhere, Hilliard said. Our lawsuit will examine what warning signs were present, why they were ignored, and why Tesla failed to protect its 65-year-old employee. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The company did not respond to multiple requests for comment, so Diagnes history as a Tesla employee is unknown. He was shot and killed by Austin police after he opened fire on a bar-lined section of West Sixth Street, a rampage now being investigated by the FBI as a possible act of terrorism. In her suit, Brady says Tesla should have had knowledge of his volatile temperament and propensity for aggression. Tesla has been sued by a former employee at Gigafactory Texas, seen here in April, as the result of an alleged assault at the factory and company headquarters east of Austin. The suit says the company failed to adequately protect its employees. Jay Janner /Austin American-Statesman In 2022, a state civil court judge in Bexar County found Diagne had a history or pattern of committing family violence and granted his ex-wife sole custody of their two young sons. He was granted supervised visitation, court records show. That same year, Diagne was arrested in Texas in connection with a vehicle collision. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Brady accuses Tesla of failing to warn staff about dangerous personnel and failing to enforce safety rules and regulations for its employees at Gigafactory Texas. Brady is seeking monetary relief of over $1 million and damages for physical pain and mental anguish, lost wages, physical impairment and medical expenses. She also demands that Tesla keep all evidence related to the alleged assault, including correspondence, photographs and recordings. The Rev. Mark Seitz, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, is seen in a photo on the churchs website. The diocese filed bankruptcy Friday to shield itself from massive potential liabilities in cases stemming from priest abuse of children stretching back to the 1950s. Archdiocese of El Paso The Catholic Diocese of El Paso has filed bankruptcy to shield itself from massive potential liabilities in cases stemming from priest abuse of children stretching back to the 1950s. In a filing Friday, the diocese sought chapter 11 bankruptcy, saying it had between $10 and $50 million in assets and owes as many as 200 creditors as much as $10 million. The move to declare bankruptcy while assets outweigh liabilities is due to pending court cases that may cost the church millions more to settle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Diocese of El Paso financial resources are limited, the Rev Mark Seitz, bishop of the diocese, said in a statement. Chapter 11 will allow it to compensate abuse survivors through a single court-supervised process. The El Paso diocese was one of several church regions hit with lawsuits in New Mexico state courts last year alleging sexual abuse of children from 3 to 15 going back to the 1950s and up to 1982. The abuse took place in parishes throughout southern New Mexico that once belonged to the diocese, according to church officials. Documents filed with the Western District of Texas reflect nearly 20 John and Jane Doe victims in the pending cases, along with their legal representatives. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Seitz described ongoing and fruitful meetings with victims attorneys since the lawsuits were filed last year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Levi Monagle, lead attorney for the plaintiffs, said the decision to declare bankruptcy was not surprising. He noted about 40 other dioceses followed the same strategy when a critical mass of lawsuits were filed against clergy. Theyre trying to limit the recovery of survivors and get to a damage matrix rather than allow a jury to award the damages, Monagle said. Juries are an existential threat to the church in these cases, he said, as they are more likely to assess an award based on damages to a person who was abused as a child while a bankruptcy court is more interested in assessing an award based on available funds. The Rev. Mark Seitz, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso. Catholic Diocese of El Paso As your bishop, I apologize to abuse survivors for the harm pain, and suffering they experienced and continue to experience, he said, adding the diocese is committed to a transparent process. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The amounts owed the victims are marked unknown in the bankruptcy filing as it is unclear if they will win court rulings and how much could be awarded. As part of the anticipated reorganization plan, which must be approved by a judge, the diocese will propose a 120-day period for any outstanding claims to be made regarding abuse by clergy, employees or volunteers. The diocese said thatwill encourage claimants who have not yet identified themselves to come forward so they can share in any payout made available through the reorganization process. The lawsuit includes only the Diocese of El Paso, not associated foundations or schools. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe paid out $121 million at the end of 2022 through a bankruptcy. Monagle and his associates represented 100 of the 400 claimaints in that case. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I look at the archdiocese of Santa Fe and what they were able to do I see that as a benchmark, he said, adding it wasnt just because of the monetary compensation for clients. It also created an archive of abuse documents at the University of New Mexico. Guests look at a Tesla Cybertruck at the Cyber Rodeo grand opening celebration for the new $1.1 billion Tesla Giga Texas manufacturing facility on Thursday April 7, 2022. Jay Janner / American-Statesman A Cybertruck operating with Tesla Inc.s Autopilot feature allegedly attempted to drive off a Houston overpass, injuring the driver, according to a recently filed lawsuit. The driver, Houston resident Justine Saint Amour, was in a Cybertruck in August 2025 when the Autopilot-controlled vehicle drove straight into a concrete barrier on a Y-shaped overpass on 69 Eastex Freeway. The vehicle was expected to follow a curve to the right, but when it failed to do so, she disengaged the driver-assistance feature. Still, it was too late once she took control of the wheel and the vehicle crashed into the barrier, the lawsuit claims. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The lawsuit, filed in Harris County District Court in late February, came as Tesla was facing accusations from California regulators over misleading advertising for the name Autopilot. The Austin-based automaker responded by suing the California Department of Motor Vehicles to reverse the ruling, but still adjusted the name. Navigate on Autopilot is now referred to as Navigate on Autosteer. The incident allegedly caused serious injuries to Saint Amour's right shoulder, neck and back. She was diagnosed with two herniated discs in her lower back, a herniated disc in her neck, sprained tendons in her wrist, and neuropathy causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in her right hand, attorneys at Hilliard Law said. She is seeking monetary relief exceeding $1 million over Tesla's alleged negligence tied to misrepresenting the abilities of Autopilot and failing to incorporate features such as lidar or more effective emergency braking systems, among other acts and omissions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Teslas decisions made Justines accident inevitable. This company wants drivers to believe and trust their life on a lie: that the vehicle can self-drive and that it can do so safely, Saint Amours attorney Bob Hilliard said. It cant and it doesnt. The dashcam footage shows the type of foreseeable scenario where redundancy and override systems matter most. Tesla's driver-assistance systems have landed the company under legal scrutiny before. A class action lawsuit brought in California in 2022 alleged that Tesla deceptively and misleadingly marketed its advanced driver assistance systems as autonomous driving technology under the names Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. Tesla says its Autopilot system is an advanced driver assistance feature that helps enhance safety and convenience behind the wheel. Its Full Self-Driving (Supervised), or FSD, technology is marketed as providing additional advanced driver assistance features for a monthly subscription of $99 Advertisement Article continues below this ad A damaged Tesla Cybertruck in seen in Houston following Justine Saint Amour's crash in August 2025. She is seeking more than $1 million in her lawsuit against the Austin-based the automaker. Hilliard Law/Courtesy of Hilliard Law The latest lawsuit filed in Harris County calls out CEO Elon Musk by name, saying his involvement in the design of Tesla vehicles has been dangerous. While engineers at Tesla recommended the super-human vision of LiDAR be included for self-driving vehicles, and competitors like Waymo and Cruise relied heavily on LiDAR, Musk chose instead to rely only upon cheap video cameras, the lawsuit says. Teslas reliance on solely cameras for its self-driving projects has been an ongoing controversy, especially as the Tesla prepares to expand its fleet of Robotaxi services and is expected to release the Cybercab, a purpose-built robotaxi, next month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During Teslas 2019 autonomy day, Musk referred to lidar as lame, a view not shared by all self-driving enthusiasts. Ford CEO Jim Farley, for example, has called it mission critical. But the method is far more expensive. Some estimates put the cost at about $12,000 per vehicle, which would be a significant sum for Tesla's Cybercab that it aims to sell for $30,000. Meanwhile, Teslas Austin competitor Waymo boasts lidars advantages, saying lidar sensors on its vehicles send millions of laser pulses and measure how long it takes for them to bounce back off objects, giving the vehicle a a birds eye view of whats around. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Teslas decision to forgo lidar in favor of a camera-only approach is criticized in Saint Amours lawsuit. CesiumAstro, an aerospace and defense technology company, is expanding its Bee Cave headquarters after closing on the sale of a disputed building. Provided by CesiumAstro An aerospace and defense technology company plans to hire hundreds of new employees as part of a headquarters expansion in Bee Cave. CesiumAstro has officially closed on 270,000 square feet of advanced manufacturing space to expand its global headquarters in Central Texas, the company announced Thursday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The acquisition comes after the developers of the warehouse and distribution space settled a lawsuit filed by the cities of Bee Cave and Lakeway in 2024. The suit alleged the developers violated a development agreement and would bring pollution, noise and traffic to a nearby neighborhood. Theres not a lot of industrial options on this side of town, chief financial officer Ken Smith said. All of our employees are on this side of town, and so we really wanted a solution that didnt make everybody move to the other side of town or have to drive an hour to work. With the ongoing litigation, we had no idea what the situation was, but could we really be the white knight coming in and solving the issue for both sides? CesiumAstro, founded in 2017 in Austin, develops space communications systems for commercial and government companies. The company is currently headquartered at 13215 Bee Cave Parkway and has 500 employees, including 250 in Austin, Smith said. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source That number will soon grow as the company plans to create 550 new jobs by 2030 and move its global headquarters into the new facility located off State Highway 71 near Serene Hills Drive. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Smith said the company plans to hit the ground running and begin construction at the site as soon as possible, with plans to move employees into the facility by the end of the year and begin assembly, testing and other advanced manufacturing operations in the first half of 2027. In January, CesiumAstro officials announced plans to invest more than $500 million in the expansion over the next five years. The sale officially closed on Tuesday, Smith said. The development off State Highway 71, also known as West Austin Business Park, was originally intended to be an industrial park with about 80 loading bays to serve as a last-mile facility, with hundreds of semi-trucks coming in and out of the facility every day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The lawsuit stemmed from an agreement the city signed with the original owners of the property that limited the land to commercial or office use. The owners later sold the land to new developers, who began construction of the industrial park in violation of the agreement, according to the lawsuit. The land is not within the city limits. CesiumAstro plans to convert 76 of the loading bays into windows, leaving four truck bays, and the company said it will result in no more than eight semi-truck trips per month. The company must notify the city of every truck trip and will need an escort, according to the agreement with the city. Ken Smith, chief financial officer for CesiumAstro. Provided by CesiumAstro The company recently raised $470 million in funding, with $185 million of that going directly into the new Bee Cave headquarters. The company has also received a $10 million incentive from the Texas Space Commissions Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund to support the expansion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were still in our infancy when it comes to growth, Smith said. And thats saying a lot because were not a small company anymore. Were a large company but were moving at a pace that will continue to grow over the years. The opportunity is vast. CesiumAstro is one of several major aerospace and defense technology companies with a presence in Central Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Smith said CesiumAstro, in an effort to better engage with the community, is sponsoring an event at SXSW called Space House. The March 14-15 event at 201 East Fifth Street will bring together local companies such as CesiumAstro and Firefly Aerospace, along with aerospace experts, for panels and technology showcases. It will be open to all badge holders. Mars Salazar is an accomplished music journalist based in Austin, Texas. A proud native of the city, she earned her B.A. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin. Currently, she serves as the music reporter for the Austin-American Statesman, where her insights into the local music scene resonate with audiences. With over 40 articles published in the alternative weekly newspaper The Austin Chronicle, Mars has established herself as a prominent voice in music journalism. Additionally, she brings her expertise to large-scale events, having worked press for renowned festivals such as South By Southwest and Levitation Fest. In March 2022, Mars hosted the red carpet for a SXSW live taping event, showcased on The CW Austin and KXAN News. She is also a sought-after speaker, having presented at the Texas Association for Journalism Educators fall convention in San Antonio. Mars has shared her experiences reporting on the underground Austin music scene through interviews on KVRX 91.7, further solidifying her position as a key figure in the industry. Paxton is also slated for a runoff election, facing U.S. Sen. John Cornyn for the U.S. Senate seat. President Donald Trump said this week he intends to endorse one of the candidates and ask the other to drop out. Advocates for LGBTQ students say other new Texas laws have negatively impacted transgender students' public education. SB 12, which went into effect Sept. 1, prohibits schools from sponsoring LBGTQ pride clubs. The GSA Network, which sponsors the clubs around the country, and Students Engaged in Advancing Texas launched a lawsuit last year over the law. On Feb. 20, a federal judge granted a temporary injunction to block Houston, Katy and Plano ISDs from enforcing portions of SB 12 that ban student clubs based on sexual orientation or gender identity; prohibit staff from referring to students with names or pronouns other than those assigned at birth; restricts school-sponsored DEI activities; and prohibits instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. Pflugerville ISD may vote to close several campuses next year as the district deals with a budget deficit and declining enrollment. American-Statesman file As it faces a $10.9 million deficit, the Pflugerville Independent School District has proposed a slate of options to cut costs. A draft plan presented Thursday named six schools that trustees should consider closing in 2027 but consultants emphasized Pflugerville officials have not made a decision yet. The proposal named four elementary schools and two middle schools that could potentially close. In addition, the plan proposed cutting costs by rezoning attendance boundaries, introducing new high school bell schedules and creating choice schools that will accept students living anywhere. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The plan lays out 12 proposed budget cut options, including the closures. If all are approved, Pflugerville ISD could move thousands of students to new campuses a nd cut $19.8 million from the districts budget next year. The board discussed closing Parmer Lane, Dessau, Pflugerville and Windermere elementaries and Park Crest and Westview middle schools. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source District officials also proposed making Dearing Elementary a school of choice, which would mean it could accept students regardless of where they live; rezoning some elementary schools east of Highway 130; rezoning high schools; and finding new uses for vacant facilities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In an effort to attract more students to the district and keep current ones enrolled, Pflugerville ISD also proposed introducing new programs at some schools and shifting high school from a four-period alternating schedule to an eight-period daily schedule. This is going to be a lot of difficult conversations and considerations at hand, Board President Chevonne Lorigo-Johst said. There are no predetermined outcomes. Nothing has been voted on. We are genuinely looking to our community. The board began discussing how to cut costs this fall. Trustees are scheduled to vote in May on the proposed changes, which could go into effect in the 2027-28 school year. Like many other districts in Texas, Pflugerville is weighing cost-cutting measures because of declining enrollment and budgetary pressures. Though Pflugerville ISDs enrollment ballooned for years, its leveled off since 2019. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the past six years, student enrollment dropped more than 3%, from 26,353 students to 25,451 in 2024, according to Texas Education Agency data. Birth rates are down locally and nationally, so even though developers are building new homes and apartment buildings, new children arent coming to the district, said Olin Parker, a partner with Civic Solutions Group. Pflugerville ISD contracted with the education consulting firm to help identify areas for cuts. It used to be if there were 10 houses, there might be 15 children," Parker said. "Now there are 10 houses in some of these developments, and there is one child that ultimately comes to the district. District CFO Jennifer Land predicted Pflugerville ISDs deficit figure would increase to $18.2 million in the 2026-27 school year, in part because of decreasing student numbers. In Texas, school funding flows based on the number of students who attend school each day. Fewer students in class means less funding for a district. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Land also said the district is taking into account a potential loss of students because of the states new private school voucher program, which allows families to pay for private education costs with public dollars. Advertisement Article continues below this ad BANGKOK, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese automaker NIO officially introduced its fully electric premium compact vehicle line under the brand Firefly in Thailand on Thursday as part of its strategy to expand global market presence. In partnership with Thai importer and distributor Thonburi Blue Sky, the launch featured the Firefly smart city car, designed for urban maneuverability with a rear-wheel-drive layout and a tight turning radius. Ratapon Viriyaphant, Chairman of the Thonburi Group, said at the event that the company aims to elevate Thailand's electric vehicle (EV) industry by combining its extensive experience with NIO's future-focused ecosystem and global vision. This collaboration will help build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and set new benchmarks for premium EVs in the country over the long term, Ratapon noted. Thailand is far more than just another market for Firefly, given that it is the most dynamic and strategic market in Southeast Asia, said Daniel Jin, NIO vice president and president of Firefly. "It will be a driving force in our global growth, amplifying our presence in Asia, connecting us with new communities, and proving that good design and urban freedom resonate everywhere," Jin said. The debut marked Thailand as the second destination for Firefly in Southeast Asia after Singapore, as the company seeks to accelerate its expansion into right-hand drive markets. An employee monitors real-time field conditions to coordinate fertilizer delivery and stock through a smart system at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 4, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) This photo taken on March 5, 2026 shows an automatic loading machine at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Employees load bags of fertilizers onto a truck at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 4, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) An employee conducts an experiment at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 5, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Employees pack fertilizers at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 4, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A drone sprays fertilizers onto fields in Letuyi Town of Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 4, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A drone operator flies a drone to spray fertilizers onto fields in Letuyi Town of Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 4, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Trucks wait for loading at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 5, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) People load a drone with fertilizers in Letuyi Town of Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 4, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) An employee checks packaging at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 5, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) An employee works at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 4, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) An employee examines a bag of fertilizer at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 5, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Employees monitor facility operation at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 5, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) An automatic palletizing robot works on the production line at a fertilizer company in Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on March 4, 2026. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) This aerial drone photo taken on March 4, 2026 shows a drone operator flying a drone to spray fertilizers onto fields in Letuyi Town of Manas County of Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Agricultural supply manufacturers in Xinjiang are working at full capacity to fulfill orders and ensure a steady flow of fertilizers and materials for spring farming. Ample farm supplies and improved field management, together with the use of drones, provide strong support for a smooth start of another round of spring sowing, which is key to achieving higher grain output and increased local farmer incomes. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) FREETOWN, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has hosted a ceremony in Freetown, the country's capital, to see off the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team and welcome the 27th batch. Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone Zhao Yong praised the 26th Chinese medical team for successfully completing their mission, and reviewed new achievements in China-Sierra Leone health cooperation, including the five new cooperation agreements exchanged between the two sides. He urged the incoming doctors to work diligently and further strengthen China-Sierra Leone relations through medical cooperation. Sierra Leone's Minister of Health Austin Demby hailed China's long-standing support, recalling assistance during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks. He expressed hope that the 27th batch would build on existing achievements during their 18-month mission. Certificates were presented to the outgoing medical team members in recognition of their service. Liu Longfei, head of the departing 26th batch, said that he was pleased to complete their mission in Sierra Leone after a year of service. Liu said the team worked closely with local doctors to provide treatment to patients, including services using Traditional Chinese Medicine. He added that the team has organized more than 50 training courses of various types, including professional training, clinical training and first-aid training. Li Zheng, leader of the 27th batch, commended the warm reception from the Sierra Leonean people, noting that the new team had studied reports from their predecessors. "We have seen both the successes and the challenges, and we are ready to work with our local counterparts to create a healthier society in Sierra Leone," Li said. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao attends a press conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on economy in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Measured by purchasing power parity, the scale of China's consumer market topped the world during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told a press conference Friday. China's per capita GDP rose from 10,000 U.S. dollars to over 13,000 dollars between 2021 and 2025, while household consumption has exhibited some changes in its trend, Wang said at a press conference on the sidelines of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress. More green and smart products entered people's life, and service consumption saw a robust growth, he said. During the nine-day Spring Festival holiday this year, the growth rate of offline consumption outpaced that of online consumption for the first time in recent years, Wang said, adding that the number of trips and spending on tourism both hit record high, and artificial intelligence was spreading to daily consumption scenarios. Shoppable Content Meets Cloud Gaming on CTV As cloud gaming and the living room converge and shoppable opportunities on CTV continue to multiply, how real and how near are opportunities to merge the two and incorporate interactive shopping into the intensely lean-forward gaming world? Fuse Media CRO Karl Meyer and Spaceback by Rembrand co-founder and CPO Joe Hall discuss opportunities and implementations of shoppable CTV with the hyper-engaged gamer audience in this discussion with Chris Pfaff, CEO of Chris Pfaff Tech Media, at Streaming Media Connect 2026. Samsungs Push Toward Shoppable Content Pfaff begins with Meyer, asking him to draw on previous experience working at Samsung to discuss how shoppable content on CTV can appeal to highly engaged gamers. Meyer notes that Samsung quickly identified the importance of making the TV experience immersive by integrating on-demand gaming into its smart TVs. We created an environment that was very sticky and that then led to more exploratory conversations of how can we work with the gaming publishers to monetize the things that theyve already done and done successfully, he says. So for instance, open up new maps to a particular game or [get] new players or weapons if its a first-person-shooter experience. Samsung did, I think, all the right first initial moves we had to at the time, including partnerships with companies such as BrightLine and Innovid. And then shopping came on later. How Fuse Keeps Audiences Engaged Meyer continues, In my role right now at Fuse, I come in eyes wide open. The team here has done a great job. Im two months in. They partnered with BrightLine, TripleLift, and GumGum. And so we have that in our stable offerings, but we reverse-engineered the thinking, in that our audience [is] leaning in. Theyre very engaged. And so it made sense for us to deliver these interactive components because that audience is 3X more engaged and leaning in and willing to transact or buy stuff on the TV and the streaming experience. Pfaff wonders, [Do] you think that some of the same audiences that would over-index in mobile may similarly over-index in this kind of interactive shopping context? Completely, Meyer replies. Fuse is launching a new streaming service called Complex TV on April 1, he shares. Complex is a popular brand among African-Americans. Very cultural, music-driven, community-based, and that sales team is quite good at the social side of the marketing, going after advertisers that are doing social and YouTube. And we bring the streaming and CTV expertise. And so its a great partnership to go after that audience in a really unique way. Spaceback Speaks the Audiences Language Pfaff turns to Hall to ask what involvement he has with this type of hyper-engaged audience and the activations hes seen in this area. Hall says, We specialize in creative and really exploring that line between content and an ad, and when an ad feels more like content, thats our expertise. Im admittedly not a hardcore gamer, but we have worked with a lot of gaming platforms to distribute their ads that feel like content. He gives the example of a Twitch live stream to promote a new product. His team prioritizes pushing a traditional CTV ad away from speaking to the audience and toward speaking like the audience. And to everybodys point here, that is a unique audience, and they expect to be spoken to [in] a specific way, and we want to make it easy for brands to speak that way in these CTV environments, he sums up. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles A soldier competing in the 18th Military Police Brigade's Best Warrior Competition conducts land navigation in Ansbach, Germany, on March 3, 2026. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) GRAFENWOEHR, Germany Pvt. Gustavo Dominguez didnt appear to be the obvious standout Friday among a sea of higher-ranking soldiers from the 18th Military Police Brigade marking the end of the Best Warrior Competition. But just a month after arriving at his first duty station, the 529th Military Police Company in Wiesbaden, he has already made his mark. Dominguez emerged as the events top physical performer and earned the title of Iron Soldier. I kind of had a chip on my shoulder, being the lowest-ranking person in the competition, said Dominguez, a tactical power generation specialist. I wanted to prove myself. I wanted to show that I wasnt just some little guy. More than 25 additional competitors traded their badges for rucksacks beginning Monday at the Armys vast training areas of Grafenwoehr and Ansbach to see who would emerge as the top performers. Joining Dominguez in receiving recognition were five military police soldiers: 2nd Lt. Justin Wyatt, Staff Sgt. Terrell Stokes, Sgt. Isaias Frausto, Spc. Brenton Heeter and Pfc. Jesus Badillo. Next month, the six of them will shift from individual to team orientation at the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Best Squad Competition. Six soldiers from the 18th Military Police Brigade were chosen to represent their unit at the 21st Theater Sustainment Command Best Squad Competition in April after a weeklong Best Warrior event in Grafenwoehr and Ansbach, Germany, that concluded on March 6, 2026. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) Sgt. Isaias Frausto of the 554th Military Police Company talks to fellow competitors in Ansbach, Germany, on March 3, 2026, during the Best Warrior Competition. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) Pvt. Gustavo Dominguez, right, a tactical power generation specialist with the 529th Military Police Company, was named the Iron Soldier following the 18th Military Police Brigades Best Warrior Competition in Grafenwoehr, Germany, on March 6, 2026. The honor is given to the events top physical performer. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) A soldier competing in the 18th Military Police Brigade's Best Warrior Competition walks through a land navigation course in Ansbach, Germany, on March 3, 2026. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) Wyatt, Stokes and Heeter also earned individual honors, being recognized as the brigades best officer, best noncommissioned officer and best soldier, respectively. Throughout the week, the soldiers pushed their limits across a demanding series of events designed to test both physical endurance and mental resilience. Competitors navigated long-distance movements under heavy rucks, fired weapons on stress-inducing live-fire ranges, traversed rugged terrain on land navigation courses, endured the sting of tear gas, and took part in other mental and tactical challenges. We have to do law enforcement as MPs, so they dont get a lot of time in the field, said Sgt. 1st Class Andrew McCannon, the brigades planner, on Wednesday. McCannon said competitions like this help give soldiers an opportunity to learn and train skills they dont always get to practice during their regular duties. Staff Sgt. Victor Garcia, a soldier in the 92nd Military Police Company, jumps over a wall on the obstacle course in Grafenwoehr, Germany, on March 3, 2026. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) Army Sgt. Miguel Penate, a vehicle mechanic with the 18th Military Police Brigade, shoots a pistol during a Best Warrior Competition event in Grafenwoehr, Germany, on March 4, 2026. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) A soldier competiting in the 18th Military Police Brigade's Best Warrior Competition fires on a rifle range in Grafenwoehr, Germany, on March 4, 2026. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes) Many competitors, including Dominguez, Badillo and Wyatt, said the 12-mile ruck march Wednesday morning was the most challenging event of the week. I could kind of feel the blood sticking to the back of my boot, Dominguez said. He credited the mantra 1 more mile for keeping him moving and finishing in the top percentile. But it wasnt all suffering. Some participants said one of the competitions most thrilling moments came Tuesday when they boarded a CH-47 Chinook in Grafenwoehr and flew to Ansbach, expanding the terrain for a land navigation course. We are still combat support, Wyatt said Friday. We need to know our basic soldier tasks and be able to understand that when we put on this green suit, were not just MPs. Were here to support a grander mission. Depending on their performance at next months event, the team of six could advance to higher-level competitions, including U.S. Army Europe and Africas annual Best Squad Competition. The Army Criminal Investigation Division on Friday renewed a $15,000 reward for information about how an Army veteran was found dead 20 years ago inside of a sewage treatment tank at Fort Carson, Colo. (Jeffrey Castro/U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division) The Army Criminal Investigation Division on Friday renewed a $15,000 reward for information about how an Army veteran was found dead 20 years ago inside of a sewage treatment tank at Fort Carson, Colo. Joseph E. Barker, 21, was last seen on the morning of Feb. 8, 2006, in a barracks room, and then later as unknown people led him to a dark-colored vehicle, according to Army CID. Hed been documented the day prior on Walmart surveillance footage with friends. They were involved in an exchange with people in another vehicle, according to CID. Amber Stone, the veterans wife, reported him missing on Feb. 14, according to The Colorado Springs Gazette. His body was found by a worker Feb. 21, floating in a basin at the bases wastewater treatment facility. An autopsy was unable to determine his cause of death. Cold cases are continually reviewed and updated if new information is found. Protecting the integrity of this ongoing investigation prevents us from releasing further details at this time, Thomas Hamilton III, CID spokesman, said Friday about the timing of the reward announcement. Barker, of Tulsa, Okla., had deployed to Iraq before being honorably discharged in May 2005. He remained friends with soldiers at Fort Carson, according to CID. Investigators in the past told Stone that they needed someone to come forward to solve the case, and she is still hopeful that it can happen, according to the Gazette. Anyone with credible information concerning this incident should contact the Army CID Cold Case Unit at (520) 706-8685, usarmy.belvoir.hqda-usacid.mbx.cold-case-unit@army.mil or submit an anonymous tip online at www.p3tips.com/armycid. PHNOM PENH, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Another newborn Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin has been recorded, bringing the number of newborn dolphins in Cambodia to two so far this year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said on Friday. The two-day-old calf was sighted on Thursday at the Kampi dolphin pool in northeast Kratie province's Chetr Borei district by a research team of the Fisheries Administration and the World Wide Fund for Nature. "This new calf was healthy and seen swimming alongside a pod of seven adult dolphins," the ministry said in a news release. "It is the second baby dolphin born in 2026." The first one was spotted at the same pool last month. The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins have been listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species since 2004. According to the news release, to date, there are about 114 Irrawaddy dolphins living along a 120-kilometer main channel of the Mekong River in northeast Kratie and Stung Treng provinces. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, an aviation survival technician assigned to Air Station Astoria, Ore., died following injuries sustained during a rescue operation offshore. (U.S. Coast Guard) SEATTLE A Coast Guard rescue swimmer died Thursday from injuries sustained during a helicopter rescue operation off the coast of Washington on Feb. 27, the service reported Friday. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, an aviation survival technician, was part of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew responding to a medical emergency aboard the commercial motor vessel Momi Arrow, about 120 nautical miles west of Cape Flattery, Wash. Jaggers was transported to Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, for initial treatment. He was transferred to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Wash. During a ceremony attended by his family and fellow crew members from Air Station Astoria, Ore., the Coast Guard recognized Jaggers courage with a meritorious promotion to Petty Officer Second Class. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, an aviation survival technician assigned to Air Station Astoria, Ore., died following injuries sustained during a rescue operation offshore. (U.S. Coast Guard) Jaggers was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the highest military awards, for heroism during aerial flight. Aviation Survival Technician Jaggers represented the very best of our Service and the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community, said Adm. Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. He demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of danger, upholding the highest standards of courage and excellence for Coast Guard operations. We honor his selfless actions and unwavering devotion to our highest calling: to save others. His family has our deepest condolences and steadfast support, and we continue to honor their privacy during this very difficult time. Jaggers joined the Coast Guard in January 2022 and had served at Air Station Astoria since April 2024. He had previously been recognized for superior performance while a crew member aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Legare during operations in the Caribbean Sea. The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the cause of injuries during the rescue and said it would release additional information when available. The U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers group posted an Instagram message in response: Our brother put his life on the line for someone he had never met, as Coast Guard aircrews and rescue swimmers have done thousands of times before, answering the call so that he and his crew could save a strangers life. Unfortunately, Tyler lost his in the process. He gave his life in the purest act of service: trying to save another. U.S. Coast Guard Gunners Mate 3rd Class Dillon Rutter, right, calls weapon conditions for Coast Guard crew members operating a .50 caliber machine gun during a live-fire training exercise aboard the USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. in the Arabian Gulf in December 2025. (Lindsay Lair/U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON The congressional impasse over funding the Department of Homeland Security, which has forced the Coast Guard into a shutdown for three weeks, is not expected to ease with the firing of department chief Kristi Noem. Democrats say President Donald Trumps decision to remove Noem from her secretary post changes nothing about the shutdown, which began on Feb. 15 after Democrats demanded restrictions on agents carrying out Trumps immigration crackdown. I am so happy that one of the worst administrative leaders Ive ever seen is gone, said Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. But the agency itself is still reckless and out of control, and we should not be funding it until these issues are addressed. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., also said Noems firing was not sufficient. We need a change in policy and that has to be bold, dramatic, transformational and meaningful, he said. The White House and Democrats have traded proposals on potential reforms for weeks, but the negotiations have shown no recent signs of progress. Republicans this week raised alarm that the funding lapse has left the Coast Guard, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security in peace time, without the resources it needs to support escalating military operations in the Middle East. Coast Guard men and women including those in harms way in Bahrain are completing missions without full resources behind them, said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Bahrain has come under heavy retaliatory fire from Iran after the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Tehran. Missile and drone strikes have hit residential buildings as well as the U.S. Navys Fifth Fleet headquarters, the main hub for coordinating naval operations in the Middle East. Military facilities in Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have also been targeted. Initially deployed to Bahrain during the Iraq War in 2003, the Coast Guard has since maintained a permanent presence in the country with about 300 personnel to support maritime operations for U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. Both Republican-led chambers of Congress voted on spending bills Thursday to reopen the Department of Homeland Security and restore full funding to the Coast Guard. The Senate failed to advance the legislation over Democratic opposition while the House a few hours later passed a funding bill in a 221-209 vote that will fail to get through the Senate absent a bipartisan deal. Efforts by Democrats to fund all parts of the department except immigration enforcement operations were shot down by Republicans. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Thursday condemned Democrats for stalling funding in the midst of rapidly mounting crises, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., expressed hope that Noems departure will mark a huge development for negotiations. In the meantime, the Coast Guard is continuing its most critical national security missions, including law enforcement and security patrols. Service members were able to receive their most recent paychecks despite fears from lawmakers that they would go unpaid but scores of civilian personnel are working without pay. Non-essential activities, such as some personnel training and equipment maintenance, have been halted. These limitations on our national security capabilities should concern us all, Cole said. Two U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons complete a hot pit refueling during a Freedom Shield drill at Daegu Air Base, South Korea, Aug. 21, 2025. (Andrew Garavito/U.S. Air Force) Three military exercises beginning this week in the Indo-Pacific region show the United States is serious about defending its interests against increasing aggression from China and North Korea, according to a defense analyst. The drills include Freedom Shield on the Korean Peninsula; the Korean Marine Exercise Program involving U.S. and South Korean marines; and the Air Forces first Beverly Midnight exercise linking all three of its Japan-based wings. Freedom Shield and Beverly Midnight run Monday through March 19, while the Korean Marine Exercise Program runs Sunday through April 9. While there may not be a huge significance to the overlapping drills, they reflect ongoing training taking place with a greater sense of urgency posed by the Chinese military threat to the region and the longstanding North Korean threat to South Korea as well, retired Marine Col. Grant Newsham told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday. Newsham, a senior researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies in Tokyo, said the Air Force exercise in particular signals that the U.S. military is preparing for potential high-end conflict. Beverly Midnight is further evidence the U.S. Air Force is getting ready for a fight rather than just rote annual exercises that take place because theyve always taken place, he wrote. The exercise combines annual combat training by the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa; the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan; and the 374th Airlift Wing in western Tokyo, according to a March 2 news release from 5th Air Force. A U.S. reconnaissance Marine holds security on an uncleared section of a subterranean hallway at LPP Gold Mine Training Area, South Korea, July 26, 2025. (Paley Fenner/U.S. Marine Corps) This exercise marks a pivotal moment for our forces in the region, Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, commander of U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force, said in the release. For the first time, we are synchronizing the distinct capabilities of our three wings across Japan, creating a single, integrated training environment. The combined training grew out of discussions at last years 5th Air Force commanders conference, and is not in response or connected to any current event or other planned exercise, 5th Air Force spokeswoman Capt. Tisha Yates wrote in an email Friday. It will include flight training, rapid airfield damage repair and crisis response at each of the wings, she said. Freedom Shield one of the two major U.S.-South Korean exercises held each year involves training designed to improve readiness against potential attacks on the peninsula. The Korean Marine Exercise Program will bring U.S. Marines together with their South Korean counterparts for tactical field training, according to a March 3 news release from the III Marine Expeditionary Force. Drills will include HIMARS live-fire training, bilateral air delivery drops, and bilateral explosive ordnance disposal subject matter expert exchanges, III MEF spokesman 2nd Lt. James Selcke wrote in an email Saturday. The exercise normally occurs at the same time as Freedom Shield, and U.S. and Korean marines will participate in both simultaneously, he added. For more than 70 years, U.S. and [South Korean] Marines have maintained a strong relationship that has promoted regional security and enhanced our combined capability to respond to any potential challenge, III MEF commander Lt. Gen. Roger Turner said in the release. The exercises begin just as Iron Fist, amphibious training between the Marine Corps and Japans Ground Self-Defense Force, concludes across Japan. Taken together, Newsham said the drills demonstrate that U.S. and allied forces remain focused on deterrence in Asia. Despite the distractions of Iran and Ukraine, U.S. and allied forces in Japan and Korea have not lost sight of their mission to defend against Chinese, North Korean, and Russian aggression even if they wont name these nations directly as threats, he wrote. An undated image of the Maui Space Surveillance Complex atop Haleakala shows in red outline where the proposed Air Force Maui Optical Small Telescope Advanced Research facility would be built. (U.S. Air Force) The Air Force has extended the public comment period for a controversial plan to add up to seven telescopes on a small parcel atop a Maui mountain regarded as sacred by some native Hawaiians. The comment period will increase from 45 to 75 days, or until April 15, for the draft environmental impact statement for the proposed Air Force Maui Optical Small Telescope Advanced Research facility, the service said in a news release Thursday. The proposed telescope project would enhance satellite tracking and communication, making it possible to characterize, catalog, and track tens of thousands of space objects, according to the release. Haleakala, a dormant volcano, provides high elevation, little artificial light and minimal weather impact, the Air Force said. The extension came because of feedback, much of it negative, during public hearings held on Maui in February regarding the 516-page draft statement. It is imperative for us to remain engaged, receptive, and transparent with community members, Space Force Lt. Col. Doug Thornton, commander of 15th Space Surveillance Squadron, said in the release. The squadron operates the Maui Space Surveillance Complex atop the 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala. As we move through this process, we will continue to have respectful engagements and value the feedback we receive, Thornton said. The telescopes would be confined to a parcel smaller than an acre and adjacent to the surveillance complex. The site is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Aviation Administration. Squadron leaders faced blistering opposition during the public hearings. This has nothing to do with science, Lisa Galloway testified at the Feb. 17 hearing, according to a report by Hawaii News Now that day. It is about your continued desecration of our land, she said. Youre here on stolen land. Ancient Native Hawaiians regarded the peak to be the navel, or center, of Maui, with cultural resources in the area dating back more than 1,000 years. It is still regarded as sacred by some Hawaiians. Another speaker told the officials that the military does not have a good record here, according to Hawaii News Now. About 700 gallons of diesel fuel spilled at the surveillance complex in January 2023. Remediation of the spill site is ongoing. On Oahu, a massive jet fuel spill near Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in late 2021 contaminated drinking water for tens of thousands of residents living in military housing. Controversy has raged for years on the Big Island over telescopes on top of Mauna Kea overseen by the University of Hawaii. The draft environmental impact statement for the Maui project is at www.amosstareis.com/. U.S. Naval Support Facility Deveselu in Romania, home to NATOs Aegis Ashore Ballistic Missile Defense System site, pictured Aug. 9, 2019. NATO this week increased its ballistic missile defense posture across the alliance in response to Irans Wednesday strike attempt against ally Turkey. (Amy Forsythe/U.S. Navy) NATO this week increased its ballistic missile defense posture across the alliance in response to an Iranian missile fired at Turkey, a member of the bloc that hosts a major air base. Lt. Gen. Jason Hinds, head of NATO Allied Air Command and commander of the U.S. Air Force in Europe, ordered NATO defenses to heighten their readiness, a top alliance spokesman said Thursday. He has also recommended that NATOs ballistic missile defense measures remain at this level until the threat from Iran, which indiscriminately targets the region, ceases, Col. Martin ODonnell, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe spokesman, said in a statement. There was unanimous support across the alliance for the stepped-up measure, the specifics of which were not disclosed for security reasons. On Wednesday, NATO defenses shot down an incoming threat directed at Turkey, home to the strategic Incirlik Air Base, which is located near the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea and hosts U.S. forces. In less than 10 minutes, personnel in NATO service detected a threat to Allies from a ballistic missile, confirmed its trajectory, alerted land and sea-based missile defense systems, and launched a preventive missile to neutralize the threat, protecting our territory and our people, ODonnell said. NATOs missile defense system, which involves a U.S. Aegis Ashore site in Romania and U.S Navy destroyers out of Rota, Spain, was initiated over 15 years ago and developed in phases over time with a ballistic missile threat from Iran in mind. The NATO system includes a missile defense suite in Poland and an early-warning mountaintop radar in Kurecik, Turkey. Bahraini civil defense vehicles respond to the Fontana Towers residential building in Manama on March 6, 2026, after an Iranian drone strike ignited a fire in the upper floors. (Bahrain interior ministry) MANAMA, Bahrain Iranian drones slammed into two high-rise residential buildings in this capital city early Friday, sending residents scrambling down darkened stairwells as a separate drone targeted a building that houses the Israeli Embassy. That drone, headed toward the Bahrain Financial Harbour Towers in the citys popular Bahrain Bay neighborhood, was intercepted and destroyed, Reuters reported Friday. Drones struck the Fontana Towers at around 2:32 a.m., according to the Bahraini interior ministry, which confirmed that two residential buildings had sustained damage and that there were no deaths. A second wave of explosions was reported across Manama shortly before 5:47 a.m. Bahrain TV reported multiple drone interceptions over the kingdoms airspace by 6:40 a.m. Civil defense crews extinguished a fire in one of the affected buildings. Manama is home to U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain, which hosts the headquarters of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet. Thousands of sailors and their families live in the city. The base is one of numerous U.S. installations that have come under attack across the Middle East since the war began Saturday. Bases in Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan also have been targeted. The national emergency alert system urged residents of Bahrain to proceed to the nearest safe location and avoid main roads unless necessary. Bahrains information ministry on Friday warned that anyone who films, posts or reposts videos from the scene is subject to legal accountability, calling such activity a violation that could harm security and public order. The warning was sent by text message to residents across the country. On Thursday, Bahrain held urgent security talks with U.S. and U.K. defense officials under a bilateral security pact that requires each nation to meet at the most senior levels in the event of external aggression, according to Bahrain News Agency. National security adviser Lt. Gen. Shaikh Nasser met with Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, and Air Chief Marshal Richard Knighton, the British chief of the defense staff, to review the regional security situation and coordinate responses, the news agency reported. Bahrain was not the only Persian Gulf state targeted on Friday. An Iranian cruise missile was intercepted and destroyed east of Saudi Arabias al-Kharj governorate, and three drones were later intercepted east of the Riyadh region, the countrys defense ministry said. Qatar intercepted a drone attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base in Doha, which hosts U.S. assets, the Qatari defense ministry said. A U.S. sailor serves as arresting gear officer as an F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 213, lands on the flight deck of the worlds largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), while operating in support of Operation Epic Fury in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, March 2, 2026. (U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON The Senate rejected a bipartisan war powers resolution Wednesday that would have blocked President Donald Trump from continuing to wage war against Iran without explicit approval from Congress. The 53-47 vote was the first attempt by lawmakers to rein in Trumps military actions since the U.S. and Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran last weekend. The House is expected to vote on a similar war powers resolution on Thursday. Sen. Rand Paul, of Kentucky, a sponsor of the resolution, was the only Republican to vote in favor of the measure. Sen. John Fetterman, of Pennsylvania, was the only Democrat to oppose it. Most Republicans have strongly backed the airstrikes on Iran and defended Trumps decision to bypass lawmakers to launch a military operation that has so far killed six U.S. service members. Trump in a legally mandated letter to Congress suggested the campaign could be prolonged. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday said the war could last up to eight weeks and Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said American troops remain in harms way and we must be clear-eyed that the risk is still high. Democrats and some Republicans have argued that such an entanglement required input and authorization from Congress, which is granted the power to declare war under the Constitution. We cant afford to hide under a desk and let any president, Democrat or Republican, send our best and brightest, our own kids, into war to risk their lives unless we have debated it, we have determined its in the national interest, we have voted and thereby put our signature and our thumbprint on the notion that its worth sending our best and brightest to risk their lives, said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., one of the resolutions sponsors. But most Republicans said they refused to tie Trumps hands as he exercised his legal authority as commander in chief. They accused Democrats of using the 1973 War Powers Act, which allows for the swift consideration of any resolution to terminate military hostilities unless Congress has authorized them, as a partisan battering ram. Under the law, the president is required to withdraw forces after 60 days or 90 days if seeking an extension unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of military force. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he believed the law was unconstitutional and pointed out that presidents from both parties have seldom sought permission to carry out limited interventions, such as the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January. The norm is not declaration of war, the norm is for the president the commander in chief to use military force as they believe appropriate, Graham said. And the role of the Congress is to check and balance that decision by cutting off funding. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters this week that the Trump administration had over-complied with the War Powers Acts rules by notifying congressional leaders known as the Gang of 8 ahead of the military strikes and by holding briefings with senior lawmakers in the days afterward. Democrats leaving the sessions said they remained unclear about the presidents strategic aims in attacking Iran. The strikes have targeted Irans naval assets, missile sites, command-and-control nodes and senior leadership and have prompted Iranian retaliatory attacks on Persian Gulf nations. Some Republicans have indicated that their support for the campaign is not unlimited. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said deploying ground troops into the conflict, which Trump has not ruled out, would require congressional authorization. Sen. Todd Young, of Indiana, who was one of five Republicans who joined with Democrats to advance a Venezuela war powers resolution in January, voted against the Iran resolution on Wednesday but called on Congress to hold hearings and discussions to keep the American public informed. The president intends for this to be a short operation, but as the conflict develops, I urge Congress to engage in oversight and policymaking, including evaluating any potential requests for additional resources or providing additional authorities, he said in a statement. Congress has voted on seven other war powers resolutions since June, all of which failed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine take questions during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Monday, March 2, 2026, in Washington. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged Wednesday that some Iranian air attacks may still hit their targets even as he asserted that U.S. military superiority is quickly giving it control of the Islamic Republics airspace. The United States has spared no expense or capability to enhance air defense systems to protect American forces and allies in the Middle East, Hegseth told reporters at the Pentagon, days after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in a war that has widened throughout the region. This does not mean we can stop everything, but we ensured that the maximum possible defense and maximum possible force protection was set up before we went on offense, he said. The acknowledgment that additional drone or missile strikes could cause damage and harm to troops comes as President Donald Trump and top defense leaders have warned that more American casualties were expected in a conflict that began Saturday and could last months. The U.S. and Israeli bombardment intensified and Iran hit back Wednesday, when the Trump administration revealed that a U.S. submarine fired a torpedo that sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. The risk is still high to American troops U.S. service members remain in harms way, and we must be clear-eyed that the risk is still high, Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the news conference with Hegseth. Six soldiers were killed when an Iranian drone strike hit an operations center Sunday in the heart of a civilian port in Kuwait, more than 10 miles from the main Army base. The husband of one of the slain soldiers, who was part of a supply and logistics unit based in Iowa, says the center was a shipping container-style building and had no defenses. Caine declined to answer a question about the possibility of deploying ground troops in Iran, which Trump has not ruled out. Im not going to comment on U.S. boots on the ground, Caine said. I think thats a question for policymakers. And I dont make policy, I execute policy. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that it was not part of the plan for this operation at this time but noted that Im not going to remove an option for the president that is on the table. Hegseth suggests the conflict could last 3 weeks or up to 2 months Hegseth also signaled a possible longer time frame for the conflict than has previously been floated by the administration, saying it could last eight weeks but that the U.S. has the munitions and the equipment to beat Iran in a war of attrition. He declined to set a specific time range, saying the specific duration of the war would depend on how it unfolds. You can say four weeks, but it could be six, it could be eight, it could be three, Hegseth said. Ultimately, we set the pace and the tempo. The enemy is off balance, and were going to keep them off balance. More forces are arriving in the region, including jet fighters and bombers, Hegseth said, and the U.S. will take all the time we need to make sure that we succeed. Hegseth and Caine say US forces have enough munitions Supplies of weaponry are not an issue, Hegseth and Caine said, with the defense secretary noting that the military used more advanced weapons at the start of the campaign but was switching to gravity bombs now that the U.S. has gained control of the Iranian sky. Stockpiles of the advanced weapons remain extremely strong, Hegseth said. Caine said U.S. attacks on Iranian missile sites and other offensive targets have been successful enough that forces can strike deeper inland, allowing for the shift from sophisticated weapons that can be launched from far away to more traditional, precision bombs dropped by aircraft. Caine said the U.S. has sufficient precision munitions for the task at hand, both on the offense and defense. He noted that the military would not be releasing quantities, citing operational security. Our air defenses and that of our allies have plenty of runway, Hegseth said. We can sustain this fight easily for as long as we need to. Trump said this week the campaign is likely to last four weeks to five weeks but he was prepared to go far longer than that. Tehran has pledge to completely destroy Irans military and economic infrastructure, signaling the war was nowhere near over and could expand further. But Irans use of missiles and drones is putting a dent in its arsenal. The number of ballistic missiles fired by Iran is down 86% from the first day of the U.S. militarys campaign, with a 23% drop in the past 24 hours, Caine said Wednesday, and Irans use of one-way attack drone shots is down 73% from the opening days. The decrease could indicate that Iran is holding some weapons in reserve to prolong the conflict. Americans scramble to depart the Mideast The administration promoted its efforts to help Americans depart the region. It had abruptly advised those in 14 countries to leave immediately even as the threat of missiles and drones closed airspace in the region and caused widespread flight cancellations. The State Department said it has assisted nearly 6,500 Americans since the start of the war and has began charter flights and other transportation. Caine said the military has opened up available seats as military transport planes arrive to try to help folks get out. The State Department said one charter flight departed the Middle East for the U.S. on Wednesday. It did not say where the flight originated, though it has said it is arranging charter aircraft from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel. More than 17,500 Americans have returned to the U.S. from the region since Saturday, including more than 8,500 on Tuesday alone, the department said. It acknowledged that the vast majority of those used commercial transportation without any government assistance. Associated Press writers Ben Finley, Meg Kinnard, Matthew Lee and Michelle L. Price contributed to this report. Lasers used to shoot down unmanned drones will be tested for safety at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. (U.S. Army) Lasers used to shoot down unmanned drones will be tested for safety this weekend at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, a Department of Defense-led anti-drone task force announced Friday. This is a critical step in making sure our warfighters have the most advanced tools to defend the homeland, said U.S. Army Brig. General Matt Ross, director of Joint Interagency Task Force 401. The Pentagon-led task force said the tests on Saturday and Sunday are meant to alleviate worries about how the lasers are used. The task force did not announce details about the specific weapons or tests. This upcoming event will specifically address FAA safety concerns while gathering data about the lasers material effects on aircraft surrogates, validating the functionality of automated safety shutoff systems, and informing analyses for aircrew eye safety, the Department of Defense said in the statement. The High Energy Laser System Test Facility at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. (U.S. Army) The safety check follows two recent incidents around El Paso, Texas, in which lasers were used, causing the Federal Aviation Administration to close airspace. The Department of Defense mistakenly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone on Feb. 25 near Fort Hancock, west of El Paso. The FAA expanded a temporary flight restriction around Fort Hancock for Special Security Reasons, the agency said. On Feb. 11, the FAA announced it would close airspace in the El Paso area for 10 days, before quickly reversing the decision. A statement from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the closure was made because of a drone incursion from drug cartels. Three Democrats on the House Transportation Committee issued a joint statement last week criticizing the incidents. Our heads are exploding over the news that DOD reportedly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a high risk counter-unmanned aircraft system, said the statement from U.S. Reps. Rick Larsen of Washington, Andre Carson of Indiana and Bennie G. Thompson of Mississippi. The task force was created in the Department of Defense in August 2025 to consolidate anti-drone efforts across several government agencies and accelerate systems by leveraging a marketplace to expedite the design, construction and distribution of anti-drone technology. DOD must focus on speed over process, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said in an Aug. 27 memo. The Pentagon has said it is concerned that commercially available drones could be converted into flying weapons or used to gather intelligence on military installations or key transportation infrastructure. The U.S. Domestic Shield Initiative, announced Feb. 26, calls for rapidly deploying anti-drone technology to defense installations, key federal facilities, the U.S.-Mexico border and the U.S. Capital region. In January, Hegseth updated guidance to allow Department of Defense installation commanders to track and disable drones beyond their installations fence lines. To accelerate procurement, Joint Interagency Task Force 401 issues commercial solution openings allowing for quick-turnaround contracts running through 2028 for promising designs. The task force also maintains a digital marketplace of over 1,600 anti-drone products and components, which agencies can use to compare and procure for their counter-drone systems. The task force has also created online educational courses to teach counter-drone operations. Emil Michael, Department of Defense under secretary for research and engineering, announced last year that direct-energy weapons such as lasers and microwaves were among six focus areas where the Pentagon wanted to develop systems within three years or less. The list also includes artificial intelligence, hypersonic weapons, quantum technologies for secure and highly accurate communications and navigation, biomanufacturing and contested logistics to deliver and maintain supplies in active combat zones. Spanish Prime Minster Pedro Sanchez speaks during a press conference following the Spain-Portugal summit in La Rabida, Huelva, Spain, March 6, 2026. Spanish Prime Minster Pedro Sanchez said on Friday that the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran is an "extraordinary mistake" and rejected criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump for Spain's refusal to allow the U.S. to use its bases in the country in the ongoing aerial assault. (La Moncloa/Handout via Xinhua) MADRID, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Spanish Prime Minster Pedro Sanchez said on Friday that the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran is an "extraordinary mistake" and rejected criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump for Spain's refusal to allow the U.S. to use its bases in the country in the ongoing aerial assault. "This war is an extraordinary mistake that we will pay for," said Sanchez said during his meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, adding that the conflict was already causing price rises. He repeated his belief that the war is being carried out outside international law, and insisted that "among allied countries, it is good to help when one is right and to point out when a mistake is being made." Sanchez also announced that he will speak in the Spanish Congress to explain his government's position and the decision to send the frigate Cristobal Colon to help protect Cyprus from possible Iranian attack. "With the same determination that leads us to say 'no to war' in Iran, we are clearly determined to show solidarity and help by lending a hand to an EU member state that is a victim of that conflict," he said. For his part, Montenegro said Portugal "defends diplomacy and negotiation as a way to resolve conflicts." Spanish Prime Minster Pedro Sanchez (R) speaks during a press conference following the Spain-Portugal summit in La Rabida, Huelva, Spain, March 6, 2026. Spanish Prime Minster Pedro Sanchez said on Friday that the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran is an "extraordinary mistake" and rejected criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump for Spain's refusal to allow the U.S. to use its bases in the country in the ongoing aerial assault. (La Moncloa/Handout via Xinhua) GENEVA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- International patent applications are on the rise, according to a new report released this week by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Applications filed through WIPO's Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) rose by 0.7 percent in 2025 to reach 275,900 filings worldwide, marking a second consecutive year of growth, the Organization said in a press report on Friday. This increase was partly due to robust activity in ICT-related fields, with digital communication remaining the top category (11.1 percent) of published PCT applications, while semiconductors recorded one of the fastest growth rates among all leading areas of international patents. These trends reflect the continued rise of digital technologies as an engine of innovative activity and economic development, with increasing investments in and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) helping to fuel this growth. WIPO Director General Daren Tang said: "International patent filings - particularly in digital communication and semiconductor technologies - reflect how digital technologies continue to drive the global innovation landscape. AI is the latest engine of this growth and will increasingly transform how we innovate." Other prominent fields include computer technology (9.6 percent), electrical machinery (9.0 percent), medical technology (6.3 percent) and pharmaceuticals (4.3 percent). Along with digital communications, these fields represented just over 40 percent of all published PCT applications. Among the top 10 technology fields, digital communication (+6.1 percent) and semiconductors (+6.1 percent) saw the fastest growth rates in 2025. China contributed the most applications (73,718), expanding its activity by 5.3 percent. Meanwhile, the United States (U.S.) submitted 52,617 applications, followed by Japan with 47,922, the Republic of Korea with 25,016 and Germany with 16,441. Huawei Technologies maintained the position of top filer, which it has held since 2017, with 7,523 published applications in 2025. Samsung Electronics filed 4,698 applications, followed by Qualcomm (3,227), LG Electronics (2,400) and Contemporary Amperex Technology (2,203). Among the top 100 filing organizations, 32 were Japanese, 24 Chinese and 17 from the U.S. In the education sector, the University of California retained its top position in 2025, with 488 published PCT applications. It was followed by Tsinghua University with 227 applications, the University of Texas System with 226, Stanford University with 179, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with 170. Representatives from Andalucia, local town halls and the tourism industry in Berlin. Pilar Martinez Friday, 6 March 2026, 11:44 | Updated 12:41h. Share The 2026 ITB Berlin travel trade show opened with a grand display of Andalusian ambition, as the regions tourism leaders showcased what they called a record-breaking year for tourism. Despite the sombre global backdrop of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the atmosphere at the Andalusian pavilion remained one of defiant optimism. Regional tourism minister Arturo Bernal and Costa del Sol tourist board president Francisco Salado led a massive delegation determined to cement the German markets loyalty, aiming for a milestone of 1.3 million visitors and an economic impact exceeding 1.8 billion euros. We are here to show that Andalucia is a territory of certainty in an uncertain world, Bernal declared, highlighting the regions natural resilience. This sentiment was echoed by Salado, who noted that while the war in Iran had caused logistical tremors and shifted flight paths, the Costa del Sol stood as a safe haven for international travellers. Zoom He emphasised that the German market remained a strategic priority and expressed confidence that the strength of the brand would overcome the volatility of the global situation. The presence of individual municipalities was particularly striking this year. Marbella made a sophisticated play for the high-end German traveller, with Mayor Angeles Munoz reinforcing the towns status as a premium destination. Meanwhile, Fuengirolas representatives outlined an aggressive strategy to conquer the German market in 2026 and Rincon de la Victoria celebrated a 153 per cent growth in German arrivals over the previous year. To the east, the Axarquia towns - including Nerja and Torrox - promoted their unique climate, while Almunecar and the Costa Tropical reinforced their commitment to sustainable growth. Zoom Even Almeria made a significant impact, with delegates showcasing the provinces diverse landscapes. SUR kept up the tradition of distributing a special southern Spain supplement in German at the three-day event, as well as co-hosting a gala dinner. However, the shadow of the Iran crisis was unavoidable. As airspaces over the Gulf closed and oil prices fluctuated, industry heavyweights such as Tui and Ryanairs Michael OLeary noted a shift in demand. Delegates in Berlin observed that while destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean faced uncertainty, the Western Mediterranean was seen as the most reliable choice for European holidaymakers. Jacobo Florido, Malagas tourism councillor, acknowledged the pressure of rising fuel costs but remained bullish: Our connectivity and the quality of our infrastructure mean we are better prepared than anyone to adapt to these shifts. Local leaders also used the international stage to demand improvements at home, specifically calling for a swift resolution to the high-speed Ave rail crisis to ensure Easter Week remained a success. P. Martinez / I. Lillo MALAGA. Friday, 6 March 2026 | Updated 10/03/2026 13:49h. Share At least 350 people from Andalucia were still stranded in the middle of this week due to the closure of airspace in the Persian Gulf. The estimate came from the Junta de Andalucia regional government. Of those, the largest group was believed to be from Malaga province; around 100 according to estimates by SUR, although this figure could not be officially confirmed. The regional minister for tourism, Arturo Bernal, explained how the authorities were dealing with the crisis. "Our first priority was obviously the Andalusians who were in a clear conflict zone, which was Israel," he said. Several groups were in Israel and had already been evacuated. Their flights were cancelled and they had to travel by bus to nearby destinations in Egypt and Jordan. From there they flew via Istanbul to Europe. "They are already arriving. The last group left early yesterday morning [Tuesday] at 7am and they are now boarding for Madrid, after which they will travel on to Malaga. Therefore we can confirm that there are no longer any groups of Andalusians in Israel, which gives us enormous reassurance," the minister added. Middle East holidays The second group consisted of people who had travelled to the Gulf region or elsewhere in the Middle East for holidays. "These are the people we are dealing with now. They have no way of leaving because the airspace is blocked, but they are not in imminent danger and their lives are not at risk. The bombings they can hear are taking place in specific locations outside the cities," Bernal explained. The regional government had identified and mapped more than 300 Andalusians in this situation, meaning officials knew where they were and how many there were at any given moment. In Abu Dhabi there were around 100 Andalusians spread across various hotels and residences on Wednesday. Another 100 were in Doha in Qatar, while a group of around 95 were in Dubai. Long-haul destinations A third group was made up of people in long-haul destinations in Asia and the Pacific. They face no security concerns, but their flights cannot depart because of the airspace closure. Andalusians are currently located in Nairobi, Sri Lanka, Manila and Bangkok. In this category there are between 48 and 50 identified travellers. "They are fully informed about the situation in each location. We are providing them with updated information on what they should do, as well as safety advice. If they have any medical or urgent needs they can inform us directly or through the consulates," Bernal said. The first flights organised by the Spanish ministry of foreign affairs or ministry of defence were set to prioritise those identified travellers. "If we detect any danger in a particular location, we are facilitating departures, as happened with the assistance of the government of Israel," Bernal added. Jose Luis Piedra Seville Friday, 6 March 2026, 15:29 Share The investigation into the catastrophic train collision in Adamuz (Cordoba) has entered a critical phase with the opening of the "black boxes" from the two trains involved. Antonio Sanz, the Andalusian regional minister for health and emergencies, has voiced his support for the proceedings, stressing that justice for the families of the 46 people who died depends on a transparent and exhaustive forensic analysis. Key developments in the judicial probe The accident: On 18 January 2026, an Iryo high-speed train derailed and was struck by a Renfe Alvia service, resulting in 46 fatalities and over 120 injuries. Black box extraction: The Montoro Court has authorised the Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF) in Madrid to extract data from the legal recorders and internal security cameras of both trains. Integrity of evidence: To prevent data corruption or loss, the analysis is being conducted at the CIAF facilities under strict Judicial Police supervision, rather than transferring the sensitive equipment to local courts. Forensic focus: Investigators are using specialised software to verify the "integrity of the files" and determine the exact sequence of events, including speeds, braking actions, and any mechanical failures. He called for "the whole truth to be revealed, that everything be known, that the investigation be completed right to the end, for the sake of justice, because the families deserve it, but also to prevent these tragedies from happening again". Regarding the opening of the black boxes at the premises of the railway accident investigation commission (CIAF) in Madrid, he said that "this is strictly the responsibility of state-run railway operations, which belong to the Ministry of Public Works and such responsibilities and the need to investigate all this correspond to the state level". In his opinion, "it is very important that we know everything that happened in order to take all the necessary measures to prevent incidents like this from happening again, because we are still totally in shock by the tremendous impact of this tragedy, which will last a long time and is unforgettable". On 26 February, the court of first instance of Montoro (Cordoba), court number two, that is in charge of the accident investigation, authorised access to, extraction and analysis of the contents of the black boxes belonging to the two trains involved in the accident. The same court also ordered access to and data extraction from the security cameras installed inside the Iryo train. The judge authorised the use of any software that verifies "the integrity of the files, their creation date, manipulation or any other relevant data". The process of downloading, extracting and analysing the data must be carried out in the presence of Judicial Police officers, who will draw up a record of the procedure in order to obtain digital evidence of the contents or a certified copy of the data obtained. They will then retain a copy for their records to continue the investigation and immediately deliver another copy to the court. This procedure will be carried out in the presence of a court clerk, who will draw up the corresponding court record. Those in charge of the investigation decided not to move the material to be analysed to Montoro to avoid any risks involved in transferring the recording equipment to court premises in the Cordoba town. The judge argued in her ruling that "it's justifiable to carry out the analysis at the location where this material was found to guarantee a smooth procedure and to avoid risks that could compromise data extraction". The Montoro court sent a formal, written request to the duty court in Madrid to appoint a court clerk to appear at the proceedings together with the Judicial Police. As the ruling states, "all of this has been done to guarantee safeguarding of the evidence resulting from the proceedings, as well as the integrity of the chain of custody during the extraction process". On March 4, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Baku and expressed condolences over the death of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and many civilians. The head of state left an entry in the funeral book. In a conversation with the Iranian ambassador, he said that he would always remember his meetings with Khamenei during his visits to Iran, which left the best impressions. The Azerbaijani leader was courteous, sincere and tried to convey that Azerbaijan sympathizes with the losses of its neighbor and stands by the Iranian people in their grief. Less than a day later, Azerbaijan received a "thank you" from Iran. The Iranian "gratitude" arrived in Nakhchivan. In the truest sense of the word. Four drones launched from the Iranian side struck the territory. The terminal of Nakhchivan airport was hit, and one fell near a school in the village of Shakyarabad. Videos have spread on social networks showing the effects of the strikes, including the destruction of the airport building, and four civilians were reported injured. Due to the threat, a number of educational institutions were evacuated - Nakhchivan International Cambridge School and Nakhchivan Institute of Teachers, as well as some kindergartens located nearby. From the message of the Ministry of Defense: "It has been established by technical means that four unmanned aerial vehicles sent by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran were launched towards the Nakhchivan region of Azerbaijan to carry out attacks. One of them was neutralized by the Azerbaijani Army, while others targeted civilian infrastructure facilities, including a secondary school building during training sessions. The drone aimed at the school, fortunately, did not reach its target, fell and exploded near the building of the educational institution." I would really like to think that this is an accident. Although one drone could be called an accident. And what should I call it when there are four of them? Especially when the strike is directed not at a random address, but at the airport. Airports are considered strategic facilities and are always among the primary targets for destruction during wars and conflicts. Therefore, there is already a clear feeling that our ungrateful neighbor has declared war on Azerbaijan in this way. Hopefully that's not the case, but... Azerbaijan has always been a conscientious neighbor. The President has repeatedly stated that under no circumstances will our country become a springboard for attacks on Iran, not a single plane or drone will ever take off from the territory of our republic, not a single missile aimed at a neighbor will be launched. Baku will never allow any kind of intelligence or other sabotage activities against the Islamic Republic. And he kept his word with iron and tried to help, despite the many problems that existed in the relationship. On Thursday, a meeting of the Security Council was held with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev. The head of state called the incident a terrorist act and said that just on the morning of March 5 he learned that the Iranian had asked for help in evacuating the Iranian embassy from Lebanon. The diplomatic mission itself did not have any opportunities for this. "I immediately gave the order to provide assistance, to send the plane. They even said we were willing to pay for it. I said it's not necessary, if we don't provide help now, at this difficult time, then when should we provide it?" - said the President. Against this background, reports of strikes on Nakhchivan, of course, could not but cause an explosion of indignation, and one can understand the head of state calling the actions of the Iranian side an example of great ingratitude, vile, cowardly and shameless. Our southern neighbor cannot boast of many friends (if any), but he has enough enemies, and everyone would like to take advantage of the advantages that Azerbaijan's involvement in anti-Iranian actions could provide. But Azerbaijan did not allow itself to be turned into a participant in anti-Iranian campaigns, maintaining neutrality in all situations. Our countries and our peoples have historically been neighbors, we have many points of contact, and there is a multimillion-strong Azerbaijani community in Iran. And most importantly, Azerbaijan has always strived and strives for good neighborliness. A vivid example of this is the peace process with Armenia, which deserves a completely different treatment for its crimes. Baku is a peacemaker and a creator, it is ready to make concessions and turn a blind eye to any friction, which it has always done in relations with the Iranian regime. Even the outrageous terrorist attack on the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran, organized with the participation of Iranian special services, did not lead to the breakdown of relations. Baku tried to balance the diplomatic background and prevent hostility from flaring up. Despite the fact that it was not the best period in relations between the two countries, Iran provoked its northern neighbor to confrontation as best it could, flexed its muscles, rattled its weapons, tried to set Azerbaijan against the Islamic world, create a split and radicalize Azerbaijani society. One can hardly forget the statements from Tehran that "Iranians and Armenians are one people living in different countries." Yes, there was such a thing. All this happened, and few countries would have been able to maintain a good-neighborly attitude in such a situation. In theory, it should have disappeared back in 2020, when, during the advance of the liberation Army of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil direction, our military stumbled upon Iranian units illegally introduced into the territory of sovereign Azerbaijan. Iran actually tried to prevent the liberation of Azerbaijani territories. This fact became known to the public much later, only a couple of years later. Why? Because Baku did not want the stupidity and short-sightedness of the Iranian security forces to be projected onto the entire Iranian people and lead to hostility in Azerbaijani society. Baku has always wanted peace, not hostility. However, the mullahs' regime did not understand Baku's good intentions. Over the years, this regime has demonstrated that it is not capable of conducting an adequate policy. The results of such a "strategy" are being experienced by the Iranian people today. Let's recall how many times American, Israeli bases, some radars disguised as solar panels, and so on have been "discovered" on the territory of Azerbaijan. There was no limit to the fantasy of the Iranian propaganda. As the President said at the Security Council meeting, all this was supposed to discredit Azerbaijan and change the opinion of our compatriots living in Iran. The reason is that in Tehran, according to Ilham Aliyev, "they know perfectly well that today the independent Azerbaijani state is a place of hope for many Azerbaijanis living in Iran." This is a very powerful message that will undoubtedly be heard. The Head of State stressed once again: "Azerbaijan does not participate and will not participate in operations against Iran either then or now. Because this is our position. We are not interested in conducting any operations against neighboring countries, and our policy does not allow this. We protect and have defended our territorial integrity. Just as we put an end to the Armenian occupation, we are ready to show our strength against any evil force, and Iran should not forget about this. This terrorist act that they committed, along with all the other heinous factors, is an example of great ingratitude." Unlike the regime of the mullahs, Azerbaijan has never been a hypocrite, never held a stone in its bosom and did not try to stab its neighbor in the back. Baku has always been honest. The rumors spread by the Iranian media and social media about the alleged presence of military infrastructure of countries hostile to Iran on the territory of Azerbaijan are pure fake, and the Iranian security circles know this even better than we do. They will try to justify the attack on Nakhchivan with the same fakes. Although is it possible to justify outright terror against the civilian population (and the airport is a purely civilian facility)? Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi gave a short comment to the Iranian media about the attack on Nakhchivan. He stated that Iran is not targeting neighboring countries, and promised that the incident would be investigated. Well, let's wait. This investigation should not only identify the provocateurs, but also show how much the country's central authorities control its armed forces. I would like to return to the terrorist attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in January 2023. At a meeting of the Security Council, President Ilham Aliyev focused on those events and stressed that the terrorist attack was ordered from the very heights of power, as evidenced by the fact that in the 40 minutes during which the events took place, not a single security or police officer appeared at the diplomatic mission. Which in itself, you must admit, is nonsense. I remember that for a long time the official structures of Iran tried to expose the terrorist attack as a "domestic conflict", allegedly the revenge of some "real man" for his wife who was hiding in the diplomatic mission. It was so crazy that Azerbaijan did not even consider it necessary to comment on such versions, but strongly demanded that Tehran conduct a thorough investigation and punish those responsible. The punishment of a terrorist linked to the country's special services lasted for two years - the sentence was carried out only after the change of power in Iran. All these facts do not adorn the face of our southern neighbor. The March 5 attack on Nakhchivan airport was hardly accidental, even if the official authorities had nothing to do with it. Iran knows perfectly well that the only way to connect the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with the main part of Azerbaijan is by air. By destroying the airport, the mullahocrats are effectively depriving NAR of communication with Baku, isolating it and making it, as it seems to them, easy prey. There was something like that before... When? Oh, yes, in the early 90s of the last century, when Armenia, seeking to occupy Nakhchivan, cut off its communication routes and put it under blockade. As you can see, the mullocrats liked these technologies so much that they decided to use them today. But it hasn't been the early 90s for a long time. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan stated that the Ministry of Defense is preparing the necessary retaliatory measures to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, as well as to ensure the safety of the civilian population and civilian infrastructure. All responsibility lies with the Iranian side, and these attacks will not go unanswered, the statement said. Concluding his speech at the meeting of the Security Council, President Ilham Aliyev said: "The people of Azerbaijan must be sure that any evil force will see our iron fist against itself." The southern neighbor should take this statement seriously. We are sure that Ankara's warning was taken as seriously as in Tehran after the same "accidental" flight into Turkish territory. Our southern neighbor is very fond of talking about the "threat" of the Turkic factor and Turan. If he is so careless that he decides to expand the circle of his enemies at the expense of Azerbaijan and Turkey, he will have to learn in practice what the Turkic factor is. It would be better for the Iranian side if Baku and Ankara remain in a neutral position, and Iran's law enforcement agencies should make every effort to ensure that nothing else "accidentally" flies into our territory from there. WASHINGTON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that sending U.S. ground troops into Iran is a "waste of time," suggesting that an invasion of the country is not an option at the moment. "It's a waste of time," Trump said in a phone call with NBC News, adding that the pace and intensity of strikes will continue. Regarding the possibility of a ground invasion by the United States, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Thursday, "We are waiting for them because we are confident that we can confront them, and that would be a big disaster for them." He said Iran was fully ready for the ongoing conflict and is prepared for any other eventuality, even a ground invasion, as the country's armed forces are ready for any scenario. Alekk M. Saanders Granada Friday, 6 March 2026 | Updated 09/03/2026 19:31h. Share As a woman free from prejudice, which was already a bold move in conservative Andalucia at the end of the 19th century, Berta fought for women's rights. Her foreign background helped her form clear ideas about equality and a desire to change the patriarchal reality of the southern region. Moreover, she devoted herself to helping all those who were particularly in need, becoming an example of altruism and generosity. After falling into obscurity, she is now considered an exceptional figure in Spain during the transition from the 19th to the 20th century. New life in Andalucia Berta Wilhelmi Heinrich was born in Germany in 1858, but moved to Granada with her family at the age of 12. The case is that a fire destroyed the family paper factory in Heilbronn, and her father moved to Andalucia to start a similar business. A suitable location for the factory was found in Pinos Genil, where the family eventually settled. Not much is known about her teenage years but it is documented that at the age of 19 Berta married one of the richest men from a noble family in Granada. Fernando Davila Ponce de Leon y Zea was twice her age, which was not extraordinary at the time. Ordinary to be... was the aim. With the help of the local businessman, Berta was supposed to become a typical Spanish woman of that time, and... yes, she became the mother of two children, but no, she did not want to be tied down to household chores. Bertas entrepreneurial spirit helped Berta Wilhelmi enter the world of beekeeping. Soon, the young woman was accepted into the Economic Society of Friends of the Country. In 1888, at a provincial exhibition of industrial, agricultural, and craft products, Berta Wilhelmi participated with her honey in a beekeeping demonstration. She is considered a pioneer of the honey industry in Andalucia, as she was the first to introduce modern beekeeping methods with help of imported hives with movable frames. Owning several apiaries in the province of Granada, she not only successfully imported honey to Central Europe, but also contributed to the promotion of beekeeping in the region. Incidentally, one of her estates in Lanjaron now houses a museum dedicated not only to bees, but also to Berta Wilhelmi. Out of a sense of justice When Berta Wilhelmi became a widow, she invested a fortune in projects aimed primarily at helping the most vulnerable - children and women. It is believed, she didnt call it charity, which was quite common among wealthy local women, because she did it out of a sense of justice. Berta Wilhelmi became deeply involved in education. Knowing about the practice of organizing summer camps in Germany and Switzerland, she organized one in Almunecar for the most disadvantaged. However, before teaching the children to read and write, it was necessary to wash and feed them, as poverty prevented them from consuming enough food and using basic hygiene products. It was a kind of rehabilitation or, rather, recovery center. Children came back to their families much healthier. Incidentally, all the activities and results of these colonies were compiled in a report that received an award in 1890. Emphasizing the importance of fresh air in rural areas or near the beach sounded like know-how, and the presentation of an alternative approach to education, more personalized than in traditional schools, was perceived as something revolutionary. Zoom Today's surroundings of Pinos Genil. AMS Less talk, more action In 1892, Berta Wilhelmi presented a report at the Spanish-Portuguese Congress on Education, in which she raised the issue of women's right to equality in any profession. Her position at the time was so progressive that it caused great controversy and rejection even from those who considered themselves supporters of Spanish feminism. It is worth noting that Berta was not just a theorist or a vocal activist on the streets. As a businesswoman, she could afford to put ideas of gender equality into practice. Dona Wilhelmi provided women with work and responsibility. For example, she employed both men and women at her paper factory, and if a man fell ill or died, his widow had the first right to take his place. Berta believed that women have the same rights as men to develop all their abilities for their own good and the good of all humanity. In The Museum of Honey in Lanjaron. AMS Her position at the time was so progressive that it caused great controversy and rejection even from those who considered themselves supporters of Spanish feminism Furthermore, in 1912-13, Berta Wilhelmi founded the first co-educational public school in Pinos Genil and the first library in the village, which contained about 600 volumes donated by enlightened families from Granada. Berta Wilhelmi died in 1934. Throughout her life, the German-born woman played a significant role in the public life of Granada, and her activities were of national importance. However, despite her enormous charitable and feminist work, Berta Wilhelmi was forgotten and her remains ended up in the public ossuary of Granada's civil cemetery. During the Franco regime that legally positioned women as subordinate to men, her name was far fom being in favour. Today, she is recognized as one of the most progressive women of Andalucia and Spain of her time, and a small street in the Zaidin neighborhood of Granada has been named in her honour. Paco Grinan Friday, 6 March 2026, 11:34 Share There was a marked political accent to Spains 40th Goya academy award ceremony held in Barcelona on Saturday. With the bombing of Iran by the US and Israel starting just hours previously, the ceremony was reminiscent of the No a la Guerra edition of 2003 when actors spoke out against the war on Iraq. From international award recipient Susan Sarandon to the president of the academy, Fernando Mendez-Leite, numerous winners used their acceptance speeches to call for an end to the bombing and to the violence in Gaza, Ukraine and against migrants in the USA. The triumphant film on the night was Los Domingos, the story of a teenage girl who wants to be a nun. Directed by Alauda Ruiz de Azua, the film took most of the major awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role (Patricia Lopez Arnaiz), Best Original Script and Best Supporting Actress. Zoom Alauda Ruiz de Azua E.P Sirat, Spains nominee for the Oscar for the Best International Feature Film, came away from the gala with six of the more technical Goyas. Picking up the international award, Susan Sarandon contributed one of the loudest voices in the anti-war message delivered on the evening. Wearing a Free Palestine pin, Sarandon cited Spains stance on international issues as a source of strength. In these days in which the world is so dominated by violence, by cruelty, I look around and I see your president and many artists of this country who speak with such moral lucidity that it helps me where I am, in the middle of the chaos of repression. It helps me feel less alone and feel that I am part of a larger community, and I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart, she said. Zoom Local success at the Goyas came in the form of the award for the Best Animated Short Film. Gilbert, the story of friendship and the power of music is produced by the Malaga-based agency Freak. Producer Monica Gallego joined the films three directors, who met at a workshop for the unemployed, on stage to receive the prize. Sorda, the film that won the Biznaga de Oro prize at the Malaga film festival last year, came away with three Goyas on Saturday. Best Supporting Actor Alvaro Cervantes, who plays the hearing husband of a deaf woman who gets pregnant, dedicated his prize to his stage wife Miriam Garlo. She was later on stage herself to pick up the Best Newcomer Actress award, becoming the first deaf Goya winner. The films director Eva Libertad picked up the Best Newcomer Director award. SUR Malaga. Friday, 6 March 2026, 11:20 Share Malaga is to become the epicentre of Spanish-language film over the next week after 29th Festival de Malaga gets under way this Friday evening. This year the festival, which focuses on Spanish-language cinema, breaks new records with 263 films being shown, including 43 premieres. The main competition will be between the 22 feature films in the official section, of which 12 are Spanish and ten Latin American. They will be competing for the coveted Biznaga de Oro, the top award in the form of the famous Malaga flower. Other awards during the week of screenings will go to documentaries and short films, among other categories. The Malaga/SUR award this year goes to actress Rossy de Palma while director Alauda Ruiz de Azua, Victoria Vera, Manuela Ocon and Francisco Lombardi will also pick up special prizes in recognition for their work. Throughout the week the city will be full, not just of actors, directors and producers, but also of fans lining the red carpets outside the Cervantes theatre and Albeniz cinema, hoping for a selfie with a famous face. Parallel activities are taking place in the city, including an exhibition of photographs in Calle Larios. Clara Alba Friday, 6 March 2026 | Updated 09/03/2026 13:56h. Share The war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz that has sent gas prices soaring have become a cause of great concern for the Spanish agricultural sector. The situation brings back memories from the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022, when production costs spiked, eventually causing a sharp rise in the final consumer price. The crisis contributed to double-digit increases in foodstuff CPI. The main concern is the price of diesel, which directly impacts farmers' expenses. According to experts, the rise is "speculative". "We have started to receive offers from distributors that are totally unacceptable and unjustified," they say. "We are not using new fuel. Spain has reserves equivalent to more than 90 days of consumption," Secretary General of the Coag organisation Miguel Padilla has said. According to Padilla, contracts for the supply of agricultural diesel, industrial gas and fertilisers do not operate in real time. In other words, large distributors and manufacturers work with hedges, forward contracts and stocks purchased weeks or months before delivery. "The gas used today to manufacture urea in a European plant [one of the most widely used fertilisers to provide nitrogen to crop soils] was already contracted before anyone heard of the latest episode of war in the Middle East. The diesel that will arrive this week to the cooperatives was bought when the barrel was at a different price," Padilla stated. Regardless, costs are already rising. The price of the aforementioned urea is moving at around 600 dollars on the futures markets, the highest since March 2022. In just four days it has shot up 24 per cent, increasing the rise so far this year to 41 per cent. Keeping an eye on prices Farmers also say that less than five per cent of the fuel in Spain comes from the conflict zone, which implies that the increases do not respond to a real market situation. The sector is urging the government and the national commission for markets and competition (CNMC) to monitor distributors' practices. "The market for agricultural inputs (diesel, fertilisers, electricity for irrigation) is highly concentrated, which gives large operators a pricing power that goes far beyond what would be required for real competition," they say. Minister of Agriculture Luis Planas has called for prudence. "We must remain vigilant and monitor the situation, but without any undue alarm, despite the fact that what is happening with Iran, Israel and the US is very dangerous," he said on Thursday. He is positive that Spain will find a solution in the face of Trump's threats to cut off trade ties. Some of the delegates at the Classic Remise Berlin. Felix Lorenzo Berlin Friday, 6 March 2026, 11:54 Share The Classic Remise Berlin, a stunning vintage car museum, served as the backdrop for a prestigious gala reception during the 60th ITB Berlin. The event was jointly hosted by Diario SUR and Torrox council, with support from the Costa del Sol and Andalucia tourism boards.Marking SURs 39th year at the worlds largest travel trade fair, the evening brought together over 150 key figures, including regional minister Arturo Bernal and Costa del Sol tourism board head Francisco Salado. While the atmosphere was celebratory, leaders expressed shared concern over the conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing Ave high-speed rail crisis. The night featured a strong message of unity and defiant optimism. From Almeria to Huelva, delegates praised the convening power of the press and the enduring strength of the Andalusian brand in the German market. Tony Bryant Friday, 6 March 2026, 11:41 Share The Manuel Delgado Perea Casa de Cultura in Fuengirola will host Salvaje (wild) on Saturday 28 March, a performance presented by the Silencio Danza company. Directed by the Torremolinos-based choreographer and teacher Nieves Rosales, the show develops a language rooted in flamenco that ventures into territories close to contemporary dance. Thematic depth: The show explores a dialogue between life and death, set within a "universal asylum" where memory and imagination serve as a refuge. Non-verbal narrative: Salvaje relies on collective physical energy and visual storytelling rather than spoken word. Award-winning pedigree: Founded in 2010, Silencio Danza is a leading reference in Andalusian contemporary dance, known for its technical excellence and artistic research. Focusing on a dialogue between life and death, the show places the audience in a universal asylum where memory and imagination become a refuge from madness. The show, currently touring Andalucia, stands out for its visual power and its ability to communicate without words, relying on a narrative built from the body and the collective energy of the dance troupe. Founded by Rosales in 2010, the Silencio Danza company has staged numerous productions both in Spain and abroad, and is widely regarded as one of the leading references in contemporary Andalusian dance. The companys work is grounded in two essential pillars: artistic research and technical excellence in service of expressive interpretation. Tickets for the show, which starts at 8pm, cost five euros and can be purchased through the town halls website - www.fuengirola.es. Tickets can also be obtained from the information point in the Miramar shopping centre - Monday to Friday from 10am until 12.30pm and from 3pm to 6pm. . Italian national Marco Romeo, who allegedly walled up the body of his ex-partner Sibora in 2014 and killed partner and mother of his child Paula in 2023, both in Torremolinos, is facing 22 years in prison for the former murder. The trial for the murder of Paula is taking place on Monday, 9 March. Sibora disappeared in 2014, but the police didn't find her body until 2023, when Marco told them he wanted to take them to the location after his arrest for the murder of Paula. Although he then denied having said that, he had told them the area and a police search discovered Sibora, nine years after her death. Timeline to a grim discovery in Torremolinos 2014: Sibora Gagani disappeared shortly after ending her relationship with Romeo. To divert suspicion, Romeo reported her missing and claimed she had moved abroad. May 2023: Romeo was arrested for the murder of his then-partner, Paula, in the La Carihuela neighbourhood. The confession: While in custody, Romeo reportedly told police that Sibora was "buried in a wall" in his former home. Although he later retracted the statement, it led investigators to the body. June 2023: Police discovered Sibora's remains inside a wooden crate hidden behind a false wall. Forensic evidence confirmed she had been stabbed while lying on her back, with no signs of a struggle. Chronology of events Sibora Gagani met Marco in Nettuno, Italy when she was barely 19 years old. A year later, they moved to Torremolinos, where they lived in several houses. On 1 June 2013, he rented a penthouse in the area of El Calvario, near the town hall. Sibora lived with him until the end of the year when they broke up. According to the prosecution's account, sometime during the week of 7 to 14 July 2014, Marco allegedly stabbed 22-year-old Sibora at least four times and killed her. "For an unspecified period of time", the defendant stayed with the corpse, "wondering how to dispose of it until he decided to hide it in his own home". Marco hired a well-known bricklayer to build a small room on the first floor. The court is not prosecuting the worker due to lack of evidence to claim that he knew what Marco was hiding. Marco convinced Sibora's family that he didn't know where she was, that they had had a fight and then she had left. He would call the young woman's mother every day, "crying and saying that he wanted Sibora back, that he was in love with her, that they wanted to get married". The defendant even reported her disappearance at the National Police station in Torremolinos. The last time he testified was on 24 September 2014. At that time, he said that third parties had seen Sibora in Italy or Tenerife. He also handed over some of her personal belongings, including a toothbrush and clothes. According to the indictment, over the following years, Marco would spread false rumour. On 15 May 2023, a relative of Marco's approached Sibora's brother and told him that they had heard from her, that she had changed her hair colour to blonde and that she was prostituting herself in Portugal. Two days later, the police arrested Marco for allegedly killing his partner Paula, with whom he had a child, in the home they shared in the La Carihuela neighbourhood. After giving his statement at the police station and after his lawyer had already left, Marco reportedly saw a missing person poster with Sibora's photo. Marco said to the police: "I want to collaborate because this is going to haunt me forever (...) Sibora is nearby, in El Calvario, in a house, buried in a wall. I'll take you there." The police called the lawyer again, although the accused then declined to testify, and reopened the investigation into Sibora's disappearance. Later, the judicial authority took a statement from him and he denied responsibility. He said that he had not told the police that; that he did not know where she was; that the last time he had been with her they had had dinner but after that she had left. Parallel to the judicial investigation, the police started looking for Sibora's body. After three searches in the attic of El Calvario, they located the body on 6 June 2023. She was inside a large wooden crate full of layers of sand, inside a sack and wrapped in plastic, in the saponification phase (a chemical process that converts fat into a waxy substance due to the humidity of the soil). The police also found two bags: one with a knife and the other with a stack of printed photographs, a plastic case with make-up and glasses, a hoop earring, a pencil sharpener, a hair tie and a bunch of flowers. Forensic examiners concluded that the girl had been on her back when her attacker had stabbed her four time. There were no signs of struggle or defence and the death was not immediate but rapid. For Sibora's murder and body concealment, the prosecution is asking for 22 years in prison. Marco will also have to compensate Sibora's mother 197,588 euros. In 2025, the court convicted Marco of threatening a third ex-partner with a knife. The Local Police remind the population that anybody, whether a victim or someone who knows that a person is at risk, can contact 061. The call is anonymous and confidential, so it does not appear in the phone bill. In addition, the city council has the SUAM service that provides legal advice to women in the event of gender-based violence. The service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The phone numbers are 010 and 679 661 800. A complaint been has lodged by the PSOE against Jose Antonio Mena (PP), the Mayor of Benahavis and head of the urban planning department, over alleged offences including administrative misconduct. The accusations, which include embezzlement of public funds, disloyal administration and influence peddling, relate to the alleged "illegal" occupation, use and economic exploitation of municipal land in the area known as Caserias del Esperonal by the private company Marbella Club Hotel, which has its equestrian centre on this plot of land. The complaint, to which SUR has had access, has been sent by the Malaga public prosecutor's office to the public prosecutor in Marbella to be studied, while the town hall avoided commenting on the complaint, according to sources consulted. It details the "continued occupation" of this publicly-owned plot of land without a valid authorising title, through the installation of facilities carried out without the required administrative approval. This is a situation expressly acknowledged by the mayor in responses to the socialist municipal group, which constitutes a situation blatantly contrary to the legal framework. "The conscious and prolonged tolerance of this illegal occupation, despite explicit and repeated awareness of its unlawfulness, cannot be regarded as a mere administrative irregularity, but shows signs of a qualified breach of the duty to safeguard and protect public assets, with criminal significance," the prosecution adds. "Repeated inaction". Likewise, the PSOE denounces the repeated inaction of the mayor, adding that the announcement of a future administrative concession or of another legal form with an implicitly predetermined recipient violates the principles of publicity, equality and competition. It also highlights the economic harm to the municipal coffers due to the absence of financial compensation for the use of the land and the possible non-compliance with tax obligations. The complainant also provides supporting documentation - through cadastral data and simple property notes - demonstrating the municipal ownership of various plots located in the area where the equestrian centre is situated. They refer to the fencing and perimeter closure of municipal land, which prevents public access and creates an appearance of private ownership. It also notes the hotels advertising, which evidences the existence of permanent facilities, thus undermining their provisional or removable nature. In one of the mayor's replies in the complaint, it is stated that the installations are currently "dismountable, primarily horse boxes, and can therefore be dismantled at any time". Therefore, the PSOE concludes that the above points indicate rational signs of criminality and requests that the public prosecutors office investigate. Cristina Vallejo Friday, 6 March 2026, 16:48 Share Feminism has deep roots in Malaga province and in many respects is a pioneer. One of the first Centros de la Mujer (women's centres) in Spain was created here, and that grew into the Instituo Andaluz de la Mujer (the Andalusian Institute for Women). Spain's first shelters for victims of domestic violence were set up in this province and this was the first place where women who had used those services joined forces; this was as early as the 1980s, when domestic violence was still a taboo subject. And it was also in Malaga where the Marea Violeta movement emerged in the new millennium, a movement that was to be later exported to the whole of Spain. It was in this province, in Fuengirola, that the first gender-based murder registered as such took place. The victim was Diana Yanet Vargas, and the feminist organisation of Malaga appeared as private prosecutors in the trial. In Malaga city there was a mass trial against an abortion clinic and it was here that the women behind the Cono Insumiso, a model of a vagina that was carried in procession on 8 March in 2013 in the style of a Holy Week Virgin, were prosecuted and sentenced. Feminists in Malaga have taken an in-depth look at the history of the movement in this area since 1975, the year of the death of dictator Francisco Franco, the World Conference of the International Women's Year in Mexico and the start of the United Nations Decade for Women. Last year saw the 50th anniversary of the abolition of marital permission in Spain; until then, a woman, on marrying, became a minor because she could not open a bank account, work, receive a salary, get a passport, take out a loan or file a complaint without her husband's permission. From the end of the dictatorship to the Malaga Women's Assembly Local, national and global milestones are intermingled in the rich history of the feminist struggle: "When we started to open the doors and windows in Spain, we found a great effervescence at a global level; it was very important," says Rosa Gomez Torralbo, a feminist who was part of the Andalusian Institute for Women from its beginnings. She also recalls that even in the anti-Franco struggle there were feminist groups in Malaga, such as the Movimiento Democratico de Mujeres (Democratic Women's Movement), linked to the Spanish Communist party. In the post-dictatorship period, Aupepm (Asociacion Universitaria para el Estudio de los Problemas de la Mujer - University Association for the Study of the Problems of Women), worked on issues such as abortion, affective-sexual education (which was not called that, but which included workshops on self-knowledge), divorce and equal working rights. These were issues that were also discussed at the state feminist conference in Granada in 1978, where 3,000 women gathered. Back in Malaga, participants began to form groups for reflection and debate at local level, especially the Asamblea de Mujeres: "We were a very diverse assembly of women, from many small groups, some linked to political parties or trade unions, others not," Rosa Gomez continues. Zoom In the foreground, a book dedicated to the figure of Carmen Olmedo. Feminists from Malaga recalled for SUR the main milestones of feminism in Malaga this week. Marilu Baez The trade unions were also active from very early on, especially Comisiones Obreras, and from the beginning they were very involved in the call for 8 March to be commemorated, when the day was not so much International Women's Day but rather International Working Women's Day. This trade union is credited with playing a very important role in bringing together women in workplaces such as Siemens, Pryca, Tabacalera and Confecciones Sur, from 1976, when it was set up and legalised. Zoom Anabel Santos, from the Asociacion de Mujeres Feminista Puntos Subversivos, Maria Jose Prados, from Comisiones Obreras, and Rocio Lopez, president of Forum de Politica Feminista de Malaga. Marilu Baez Carmen Olmedo and the Women's Centre of Malaga It was in 1978 that the Diputacion provincial authority created the Centro de la Mujer in Malaga, one of the first in Spain. Its vocation was mainly to provide assistance for family planning and legal and psychological advice, among other services. Its director, Carmen Olmedo, was later entrusted with the preparation of a project to design equality policy at regional level, for which she formed a team of which Rosa Gomez Torralbo herself was a member. Carmen Olmedo, therefore, laid the foundations of the Andalusian Institute for Women, one of the pioneer women's organisations in Spain, working to improve training to favour women's access to employment and promoting the first studies and research on the situation of Andalusian women. Because from the original welfare function of the Malaga centre, the Andalusian institute went on to have a much more advanced, proactive and transformative mission. An example of this is the audiovisual production course '80 Women of '88', which brought together women from all over Andalucia for eight months in what is now Malaga's La Termica cultural centre. And, as a result, as an anecdote, it's said that Canal Sur was the regional television station with the most female employees. Zoom Rosa Gomez Torralbo was a member of the Andalusian Women's Institute from its beginnings until 2001. She has founded and chaired several feminist associations and played an active role in the organisation of 8M in 2008 and in the Marea Violeta. Marilu Baez "In Andalucia there was a very high level of illiteracy and there was a very good programme of education for adults, 99% of whom were women; they did not want to take the exam so as not to have to stop going to class, because it had become a meeting place for them" Indeed, a major focus of these women's associations involved training plans for women: "In Andalucia there was a very high level of illiteracy and there was a very good programme of adult education; 99 per cent of students were women and they didn't want to take the exam so as not to have to stop going to class, because it had become a meeting place for them," Rosa Gomez explains. Lola Rodriguez, the first president of the group against domestic violence, Violencia Cero, says that she became involved in feminism through these adult education classes. "At the centre there was the possibility of setting up a women's association, Arenas del Sur, in Puerto de la Torre, and there I started to put on my purple glasses, to get to know what the feminist movement was all about. Because until then I knew I had been a feminist since I was born, but, of course, without training, without tools," she recalls. Later, the Agora Federation joined in, which also encouraged the flourishing of women's associations. "Although from today's perspective what they did might not seem like feminist advocacy work, it was of tremendous value. They opened up the world to women, very much so," recalls Pilar Iglesias Aparicio, of the Puntos Subversivos feminist women's association. Abortion "We wanted to give women a space where they could meet each other, ask for information about feminist groups, sexuality, addresses for abortions in London or Tangiers. In fact, we were in contact with Spanish-speaking women's support groups in London" Zoom SUR reported on the opening of the Women's Bookshop. There are many examples of feminism in Malaga. One of them was the setting up of the Libreria de Mujeres (Women's Bookshop) in Calle San Agustin in 1983. Carmen Perez Pinto recalls that it was set up as a cooperative and with voluntary work, and that it was closely related to other similar establishments that were opening in Spain, such as in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Granada and Cadiz. "We wanted to provide a space where women could meet, ask for information about feminist groups, sexuality, addresses for abortions in London or Tangiers, which is less well known. In fact, we were in contact with Spanish-speaking women's support groups in London. Advice was also given on the importance of family planning. In addition, as a bookshop we also offered books on sexuality, on taking care of our bodies. But above all, it was a place where women were listened to," explains Perez Pinto. The bookshop was open until 1987: "Our work was voluntary. Whoever wasn't studying at the same time was working. When you finished, you went to open the bookshop for three or four hours. That was really exhausting... It is also true that things changed and in 1985 the law on abortion cases was passed and shelters for women victims of violence were opened," reflects Carmen Perez Pinto. Zoom SUR reported on the trial on abortion that took place in Malaga. Regarding the abortion law, they agree that it did not satisfy the feminist movement, and their analysis invites them to take a small step back in time: they recall the arrests of women and doctors from abortion clinics in Basauri, in Seville and also in Malaga. Precisely, in the capital of the Costa del Sol, there was a trial that was opened in 1986 against 23 women and eight workers of the clinic of Dr German Saenz de Santamaria and Luis Alberto Stolzemburg. "Between the 1980s and the 1990s, the feminist movement in Malaga was involved in the demands for the right to free abortion in the health system, something that is still not being fulfilled," comments Carmen Martin, president of Plataforma Violencia Cero "In the trial, the accused were acquitted in 1998, not because the judgement was in their favour, but because the alleged offences were time-barred. And we had to wait until 2010 to have a proper abortion law, with time limits; we are talking about a long time," Rosa Gomez points out. And years later in 2014 they saw the law threatened by the then justice minister, Alberto Ruiz Gallardon, so the Spanish movement organised the Tren de la Libertad in which the women from Malaga took part. They won: the reform proposed by the minister did not go ahead and he had to resign. Pioneers in highlighting gender-based violence In Malaga, as early as 1988, the first association of women victims of gender-based violence in Spain was set up, after what were probably the first shelters for them were opened in 1985, also in this area. This was no coincidence, the Centro de la Mujer had been set up almost a decade earlier, there was a lot of listening to the demands and needs of women; there was an awareness that a specific resource was needed for these people. "Carmen Olmedo had the political power, the economic power and above all the vision that what was done had to be done," analyses Barbotta. In fact, Olmedo's greatest legacy is considered to be her treatment of gender-based violence as a global, structural and public problem. Olmedo's plan would be taken as a model by the central government for the 2004 law against gender-based violence. The definitive awareness of the scale of this social problem that made the drafting of the law possible came after a fatal case of violence against women. Ana Orantes, who had suffered abuse from her husband for decades, was murdered by him in 1997 after telling her story of a life of beatings on a television show. In Malaga, the condemnation of this murder took the form of the collection of signatures by feminists to demand the approval of the law that would not be passed until 2004, just when the Malaga women travelled to Vigo to take part in the World March of Women that brought together 20,000 people from nearly 6,000 associations from more than 160 countries. A couple of years earlier, the platform against gender-based violence, Violencia Cero, had been set up. And Lola Rodriguez, its first president, remembers that when a woman was murdered in Malaga, they went to the cemetery to accompany the family. Since then, in addition, every time a women dies at the hand of her partner or ex they call a rally. And for several years they met on the 25th of every month in the Plaza de la Constitucion to denounce domestic violence. But the platform's influence was such that the councillors standing on the steps of the city hall after each gender-based murder was the result of a motion it presented, as was the monolith that was installed in 2003 in the Paseo del Parque and which, according to the women who recall its history, was the first in the whole of Spain. Zoom Diario SUR reported on the murder of Diana Yanet Vargas in 2003. In addition, in relation to gender violence, Plataforma Violencia Cero filed a private prosecution for the murder in Fuengirola of Diana Yanet Vargas, the first victim of gender-based violence registered by official statistics, which began to count femicides in 2003. Her crime took place on Three Kings Day. Her killer threw her off the balcony. Lola Rodriguez, when she heard about the case, contacted an official at the town hall and learned that the woman was Colombian and had no family in Malaga. No one claimed her body. About a month later she was buried in the Fuengirola cemetery with the only company of half a dozen feminists. Now, every 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the demonstration is headed by a huge banner, bigger and bigger every year, on which are inscribed the names of all the official victims of domestic murders, the first of which is that of Diana, whose life was cut short at the age of 28. "We were the first to sound the alarm to the whole feminist movement about the cuts and setbacks in equality after the announcement of the closure of shelters for battered women in Castilla-La Mancha" The feminist movement worked hard to bring back 8 March events, especially from 2008 onwards. They criticised the fact that the day had become a holiday, a celebration of progress, where women were given a flower and the administrations organised an event, a party or a concert. They wanted it to return to being a day of protest, because there was still a long agenda to be fulfilled. Division over gender The last few years have been years of division, as has already been pointed out, triggered by the approval of the trans law, above all because of its main ingredient: gender self-determination. For feminism, gender is a social role imposed on people because of the sex with which they were born. Gender, therefore, is not a choice, it is an imposition, and especially burdensome for women, because the role assigned to them is subordinate, powerless, dependent and submissive. That there was going to be a clash between feminism and transgenderism was a given. And it was something that feminists in Malaga already sensed in 2009, during the feminist conferences in Granada (thirty years after the first ones). They denounced that there was already a glimpse of the rise of other demands that wanted to take over the feminist agenda. Queer Theory, which understands both gender and sex as fluid, was making inroads in Spain. In addition to the division, there has also been great recent activity, with a succession of events that Rocio Lopez, president of Forum de Politica Feminista de Malaga, enumerates: in 2016, the La Manada gang rape; in 2017, the #MeToo movement that began in the United States; in 2018, the first women's strike, which was worldwide, and then officially called in Spain for 2019. Then came the pandemic. But, says Lopez, after Covid, feminists remained active on the streets, many of them very young. But perhaps not so many involved in the associations, in the organised movement. Perhaps because of what Rocio Lopez points out: she has always been a feminist, but it was only when she had a stable job that she was able to get really involved. Share Another International Women's Day, another set of statistics: the pay gap between men and women and the number of women murdered at the hands of their partner or ex-partner. In case you were wondering, the pay gap in Spain stands at 25.9 per cent - a mighty 0.4 per cent lower than 2025. A chilling headline at the end of 2025 read that Malaga was "the Spanish province with the highest number of women killed by gender-based violence" that year. So far this year in Spain there have been nine, three of which have been in Andalucia and eight were ex-partners. One of them was the British mum Victoria Hart, in Malaga province. Plus ca change. Every time a woman is murdered at the hands of her (ex) partner, TV presenters parrot the words "Zero tolerance against gender-based violence" after the news item. Similarly politicians trot out of public buildings for a minute's silence, followed by a nervous round of applause for the victim; the perfect excuse for a photo opportunity. A report published in February by the Barometro Juventud y Genero (youth and gender barometer) suggested that only 38% of Spaniards aged 15 to 29 identify as feminists and almost half (46%) reject the movement. It represents a 24% drop in support since 2021. The same report revealed that 23.1% of Spanish men aged between 15 and 29 claim that gender-based violence in relationships does not exist and that it is merely an "ideological invention". And the latest debate to be sparked by right-wing parties in Spain, which has reached parliament and town halls in recent weeks, is whether to allow Muslim women to wear either the burka or niqab in public spaces. Spain is not the first country in Europe to debate the issue. Writing in Diario SUR this week, Cristina Vallejo referred to a report published by Cambridge University Press which demonstrated that far from liberating women, such a ban simply means fewer women leaving their houses and engaging in society. The theme of this year's UN International Women's Day is Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls. Rather than trotting out onto the steps of public buildings every time a woman is murdered, how about politicians from all sides going out to speak to the community/ies they serve to see what would actually help them feel heard? From the women threatened by their (ex) partners, to those earning 26% less than the males in their families, the youth who deny gender-based violence and the Muslim women who may only feel that they can leave their homes if their faces are covered? We can only hope that next year's statistics show that rights, justice and action are actually bearing fruit. Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, attends a press conference for the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) on economy in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China will strive to raise the coverage rate of community elderly care service institutions and facilities to over 70 percent during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, said on Friday. The move aims to address home-based elderly care needs, remedy gaps in elderly service facilities in aging residential communities, and promote community services such as meal supply, medical assistance, and emergency aid, said Zheng at a press conference held on the sidelines of the ongoing national legislative session. To address the needs of seniors with functional disabilities and dementia, China will also support equipment renewal in elderly care institutions, renovate and upgrade 2,000 public elderly care institutions, and strive to increase the share of nursing beds in elderly care institutions to over 73 percent in the next five years, Zheng said. Share The slogan of this week has been "No a la guerra", repeated with such hypnotic frequency in the media that it has lost almost all meaning (like when you say a word out loud over and over). Pedro Sanchez's stance on Iran was almost guaranteed approval among Spaniards, the majority of whom are anti-war and loathe Donald Trump - hence his reference on Wednesday to the "Azores Trio" of 2003, when then-PP president Jose Maria Aznar made the hugely unpopular decision to back Tony Blair and George Bush in their invasion of Iraq. But how risky is Sanchez's latest act of defiance against Trump when viewed in the context of transatlantic trade relations? In one sense, not very. Sanchez will surely have had last month's US Supreme Court ruling in mind, according to which Trump's weaponised tariffs are unconstitutional. Though "Tariff Man", as Trump once referred to himself, has other means at his disposal to impose trade sanctions, his capacity in this respect has been restricted. He won't be able to fulfil his threat to cut all ties with Spain - at least not anytime soon - and Sanchez knew this ahead of condemning his strikes on Iran. Trump said that he was "absolutely ashamed" of the six judges who ruled against his tariffs. "But", he added ominously, "it doesn't matter because we have very powerful alternatives." That remark highlights the most dangerous aspect of Trump's administration - namely, his apparent belief in his own omnipotence. On Tuesday, he announced that the US didn't need Spain's permission to use the airbases in Andalucia it jointly controls with Madrid, because it could just "fly in" and use them anyway. Supreme Court rulings, sovereignty issues, international diplomacy - they're all just tiresome irritations for Trump. Secondly, Spain is to a large extent protected by the EU, which operates as a united block for trading purposes. It would be difficult, though not impossible, for Trump to single out Madrid for punishment - and even then, the US would probably suffer most from a total trade embargo. The US accounts for only 5% of Spanish exports, or 1.3% of its GDP, significantly lower than the EU average of 3.1% (although there is marked variation between industries). However, despite the theoretical protection offered to Spain by the EU, there's good reason to doubt its practical value. "The EU will always ensure that the interests of its member states are fully protected," said EU Council president Anontio Costa, after Trump threatened to isolate Spain. But that didn't prevent Brussels from signing a hopelessly one-sided trade deal with Washington last summer. The EU's word in trade disputes has come to mean almost as little as Trump's does about - well, anything. Sanchez's consistent opposition to war stands in sharp contrast to both. Share Paul McCartney was 22 years old when he wrote Yesterday and J. K. Rowling 31 when the first Harry Potter book was published. (We'll leave aside Salvador Dali being six years of age when he painted Landscape Near Figueras because that's just ridiculous). Looking at examples like this, it's tempting to think that creativity reaches its zenith in the full flush of youth. There's certainly plenty of evidence to support that argument, a few honorable exceptions notwithstanding (Monet, J. R. R. Tolkien, Georgia O'Keefe, Verdi). But wait, fear not, old friends; I bring glad tidings. Somehow, against all odds, I've managed to write three passable songs over the last couple of months after a fallow period to rival the post-Roman Empire era. While it's not exactly been akin to the early sixties work rate at the Brill building, where the likes of Bacharach and David, Neil Sedaka, Goffin and King and Neil Diamond would churn out hits to order on a daily basis, I'm quietly pleased with my meagre efforts. The joy of creating new pieces of music out of nothing these days is, paradoxically, compounded by the fact that there's not much choice as to what can be done with them once they're finished. On the one hand, you can turn them over to a baldy Swedish chap who will, in return, offer you about 0.003 euros every time your song is streamed online by a long-suffering family member or, on the other, simply record them for the sheer joy of it. To be fair, our perspective must have been radically skewed in the opposite direction in the days when musicians could spend a couple of months writing and recording an album in the Bahamas and then - if it was half decent - with the right marketing and touring strategies, sell a gazillion copies on a Tuesday. That was, in its own way, as absurd a business model as the current one. The fairest deal must surely lie somewhere between the two extremes. Meanwhile, writing and recording just for fun seems the best way to go. In fact, it's probably fair to say that the greatest enjoyment of creating something is to be found in the act itself plus the fleeting sense of satisfaction to be experienced directly afterwards. In that sense, it doesn't really matter how good or bad what's just been produced might be. You only have to think of how similarly David Bowie must have felt about making the seminal album Hunky Dory and, much later, his first record with Tin Machine. Actually, that's probably a bad example... Moving on, clearly the important thing is just to keep on trying, to put backside to chair and pen to paper as the old adage goes. If nothing else, creating stuff helps keeps us young at heart and, let's face it, nobody wants to wake up one morning and think "suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be". www.peteredgerton.com SUR Malaga. Friday, 6 March 2026, 10:19 Share Spain's refusal to grant the United States permission to use jointly operated military bases in Andalucia is at the centre of Donald Trump's anger this week. The two bases involved are the Rota naval base, near Cadiz, which also hosts aircraft, and the Moron de la Frontera airbase in Seville province. Both form part of a long-standing defence collaboration between the two countries. The main consequence of Madrid denying authorisation has been the Pentagon's decision to relocate refuelling aircraft previously stationed at the bases to other European locations. At least 15 military planes, mostly KC-135 Stratotankers, have been withdrawn from the Rota and Moron bases and these have been transferred to a base in Germany, reports said. At Rota, around 1,070 personnel work in maintenance and skilled and administrative roles. These employees are officially part of the Spanish ministry of defence but are seconded to the United States administration as civilian staff. The base at Rota also has a shipyard run by Navantia, which continues maintenance on five US destroyers, providing employment for around 1,000 people. Both Rota and Moron are formally Spanish bases with concessions to US forces. Spain will have a veto over the granting of residence permits in Gibraltar The pact between the UK and the EU, which does not alter British sovereignty, eliminates the fence and affects 300,000 Andalusians Miguel Angel Alfonso Madrid Friday, 6 March 2026, 12:54 Share The agreement regulating the relations between Spain, the United Kingdom and, by extension, the European Union on Gibraltar after Brexit, is now a fact crystallised in black and white. The Spanish Foreign Ministry, which channelled the pact with the British and European authorities in June last year, has made public this Thursday the literal wording of the pact signed -1,034 pages in total in English-,according to the publication of the European Commission. One of the novelties is that Spain will have a veto over the granting of residence permits in Gibraltar. This allows Madrid to prevent third country nationals, such as Russians or Chinese, from using the Rock as a gateway to the EU. The UK, on the other hand, has shielded its base. British and NATO military personnel will be exempt from passport and Schengen visa controls at the port and airport. A new framework which, without altering British sovereignty over the Rock or Spain's historical claim to it, "eliminates the border fence, guarantees the free movement of people and goods and establishes a framework for fiscal, environmental and social cooperation." It is a deal that promises to open up opportunities for the 300,000 Andalusians who live and work in the Campo de Gibraltar area. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jose Manuel Albares, sent the final text of the Gibraltar Agreement to the mayors of the Campo, the Junta de Andalucia and social and economic actors in the area. These are the points of the agreement as announced by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. End of the fence and free movement of people The treaty provides for the disappearance of the fence, eliminating the last wall in continental Europe. It establishes the free movement of people between the Campo de Gibraltar and Gibraltar, which will particularly benefit the approximately 15,000 cross-border workers who cross daily. There will be no passport controls between the two territories. Spain will take over Schengen controls at Gibraltar airport and port. In addition, the Spanish authorities will have the final say on the issuing and renewal of residence permits. Free movement of goods The treaty regulates the movement of goods through a system of harmonised controls: Spain will carry out customs controls on goods entering Gibraltar and baggage controls will be established for travellers bound for the European Union and Gibraltar, ensuring security and compliance with EU regulations. Fiscal convergence The agreement incorporates convergence measures on indirect taxation of goods. Gibraltar will apply an indirect tax equivalent to VAT, starting at 15% from the entry into force of the treaty and completing convergence within three years. In addition, specific provisions are laid down for tobacco in line with European rules. These measures aim to avoid economic distortions and reinforce fairness throughout the area. Environment The text provides for alignment with Community environmental legislation and the creation of a joint environmental impact assessment mechanism. It also ensures compliance with European standards in this area, reinforcing the protection of the shared natural environment. Social guarantees and enforcement mechanisms The treaty incorporates guarantees aimed at ensuring balanced and fair development. To this end, it provides for the creation of a financial mechanism for employment training and other social measures to compensate for income inequalities, the strengthening of coordination in the field of social security, and measures for the specific protection of cross-border workers. Spain will have a central role in the implementation of the Agreement, including the initiative to suspend its application, apply safeguards or terminate the agreement. Moreover, Spain fully maintains its position on sovereignty, as expressly stated in the text of the agreement. A new stage for Campo de Gibraltar This treaty opens a new stage for the more than 300,000 Andalusians in Campo de Gibraltar, promoting economic opportunities, institutional stability and future prospects in a strategic region for Spain and Europe. The agreement is a decisive step towards a shared area of prosperity, cooperation and trust, consolidating a relationship model that prioritises the well-being of citizens and regional stability. Minister Albares sent the text to the presidents of the foreign affairs committees of Congress and the Senate, to the mayors of Campo de Gibraltar, to the Junta de Andalucia and to the social and economic actors in the area, with whom he has met on several occasions to explain both the negotiations and the conclusion of the agreement. Tony Bryant Costa del Sol. Friday, 6 March 2026, 09:50 Share One of Finland's most popular bands, The Astman Brothers, have announced a series of concerts at venues along the Costa del Sol throughout March. The band, which formed in 1996, have built a large following in Finland over the last 30 years, where they perform around 150 gigs each year. Celebrated for their mixture of blues, swing and rock and roll, the four-piece band kick off their 'Mini tour of Spain' at the Huber Art and Food venue in Estepona on Friday 13 March (9pm). This will be followed by two performances in Benalmadena: Club Room 1 (Avenida Las Palmeras) at 4pm on Saturday 14, and at Bar de las Motos (Arroyo de la Miel) at 6.30pm on Sunday 15 March. The band can also be seen at Music Bar Chaplin in Fuengirola on Thursday 19 (11pm); ZZ Pub in Malaga on Friday 20 (11.30pm); and at Cerveceria Twister in Torremolinos on Saturday 21 March (9.30pm). VIENTIANE, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Women's Union held a ceremony on Friday to mark International Women's Day, observed annually on March 8, highlighting Laos' commitment to protecting women's rights and interests, advancing gender equality, and strengthening the role of women in society. Addressing the event in the Lao capital Vientiane, Aly Vongnobountham, the union's president, said that the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Lao government have established policies and legal frameworks to promote women's development, protect women's rights and interests, and advance gender equality, the local Pasaxon newspaper reported. Aly also stressed the importance of promoting women into leadership roles, noting that women's participation is vital for national and global development. As part of the celebration, the union organized seminars aimed at sharing knowledge and experiences related to women's development. Topics included girls' access to education, proper nutrition for women and children, economic empowerment, food and environmental security, and improving women's access to justice. An aerial drone photo taken on Sept 16, 2025 shows local people sailing around an island while circling the lake by boat in Yanyuan county of Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture, Southwest China's Sichuan province. [Photo/Xinhua] Three significant draft bills closely tied to national economic and social development and the public interest were submitted on Thursday for deliberation to the ongoing fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature. The legislative items are a draft environmental code, a draft bill on promoting ethnic unity and progress, and another on national development planning. Li Hongzhong, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, delivered explanatory remarks on the drafts on Thursday, stressing their critical roles in fostering development and advancing the rule of law. While explaining the draft environmental code China's second formal statutory code after the Civil Code adopted in 2020 Li said its compilation embodies Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and is essential for advancing modernization characterized by harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. "Compiling the code is also a crucial step in upholding the comprehensive rule of law and promoting ecological civilization construction in the new era along the path of legal governance," he said. Li added that the code adopts a people-centered approach, aiming to promote high-quality development, enhance people's well-being and improve the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics. The draft code contains five sections with 1,242 articles, covering general provisions, pollution prevention and control, ecological conservation, and green and low-carbon development. While introducing the bill on promoting ethnic unity and progress, Li said the legislation is aimed at strengthening the sense of community for the Chinese nation and consolidating the legal foundation in this field. The 64-article draft outlines measures to promote interaction, exchange and integration among ethnic groups through education, culture, sports, tourism and the internet. It also calls for promoting harmonious coexistence among all ethnic groups, facilitating population mobility and encouraging integrated development. In addition, the draft stipulates that organizing, planning or carrying out violent terrorist activities, ethnic separatist activities or religious extremist activities that constitute a crime will incur criminal liability. This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period. While introducing the bill on national development planning to NPC deputies, Li said the legislation would help enhance the effectiveness of the national planning system under new circumstances and improve the macroeconomic governance system. The 38-article draft standardizes the planning workflow by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of various departments, and provides institutional support for the scientific formulation and effective implementation of national development plans within a legal framework. "It also enriches and expands the forms and channels of democratic participation, better reflecting the principles of development for the people, relying on the people, and ensuring that the benefits of development are shared by the people," Li said. All three drafts have already been reviewed by the NPC Standing Committee. Generally, in China, a bill becomes law after being deliberated three times by the NPC Standing Committee. Drafts closely related to national development and the public interest also need to be submitted to the plenary session of the NPC for review. In recent years, the NPC has adopted several important laws, including the Civil Code, the Legislation Law and the Supervision Law. A California family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Google and its parent company, Alphabet, alleging that the AI chatbot Gemini contributed to the suicide of 36-year-old Jonathan Gavalas. The complaint, lodged in federal court, states that Gavalas began using the chatbot in August 2025. Alleged Chatbot Influence and Behavioral Changes According to the lawsuit, Gavalas initially used Gemini for everyday tasks such as writing assistance and shopping recommendations. The family claims that updates to the chatbot dramatically altered its interactions, creating a dangerous psychological influence. Significant 2025 updates reportedly included persistent memory, which allows Gemini to remember past conversations, and Gemini Live, which enabled voice-based interactions and detected emotional cues. The complaint alleges these features deepened Gavalas' attachment to the AI. Chat logs cited in the lawsuit reportedly show him calling the experience "creepy" due to the chatbot's realistic behavior. The family further claims that Gemini encouraged him to pay $250 per month for a premium subscription described as "true AI companionship." Allegations of Manipulation and Delusional Missions The lawsuit asserts that Gemini blurred the line between fiction and reality. According to The Washington Post's investigation, the chatbot allegedly assigned Gavalas real-world "missions," such as intercepting technology shipments and acquiring equipment for a supposed robotic body. Additionally, the family alleges that Gemini reinforced delusions by warning that authorities were monitoring him and that even family members could not be trusted. Read more: Google Breaks Silence on Viral Claims About Gmail Data Being Used for AI Training More Chatbots Are Linked to Deaths Authorities are urging the public not to fully rely on AI, especially when it comes to mental health struggles. Seeking a trusted psychometrician or psychologist is still the best way to go. In Tech Times' previous report, OpenAI's ChatGPT was linked to the suicide of a 16-year-old boy. At that time, the company said that its safety controls may have degraded over time. Another case of a tragic death involved a 14-year-old teen who had an obsession with Character.AI. According to the victim's mother, his son was emotionally attached to the chatbot's avatar. The then-ninth-grader reportedly created an intimate connection with his virtual friend named "Dany." Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits national political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, the sector of medicine and health, and the sector of welfare and social security, who are attending the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. Xi attended their joint group meeting, and heard their comments and suggestions. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday stressed unswervingly following the path of health development with Chinese characteristics to ensure decisive progress in advancing the Healthy China Initiative during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a joint group meeting during the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body. The meeting was attended by national political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, the sector of medicine and health, and the sector of welfare and social security. Building a Healthy China by 2035 is a strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee, and the 15th Five-Year Plan period is critical to achieving this goal, Xi said, emphasizing the need for coordinated planning and accelerated implementation. Six political advisors spoke at the meeting. After hearing their remarks, Xi delivered a speech. He noted that over the past year, the CPPCC has faithfully fulfilled its duties and responsibilities, offering advice and suggestions on areas including the 15th Five-Year Plan, thus making new contributions to the development of the cause of the Party and the country. China is a socialist country, and a developing nation with a huge population and relatively large urban-rural and regional gaps, Xi said, adding that it is essential to proceed from China's actual conditions to advance the Healthy China Initiative. As the situation evolves, certain specific policies and measures related to health work need to be optimized and improved, Xi noted. He stressed the need to keep a clear mind and maintain strategic resolve on fundamental issues. Xi called for efforts to pool strength and resources and take effective measures to improve the public health system, build a high-quality and efficient healthcare service system, and promote healthy and positive lifestyles. Xi underscored the importance of improving the framework of policies and institutions for the promotion of health, further deepening reforms, and advancing the application of scientific and technological innovation. Noting that advancing the Healthy China Initiative requires the joint efforts of the entire society, Xi said the CPPCC should fulfill its roles as a specialized consultative body and put forward practical and effective policy recommendations. As International Women's Day approaches, Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, extended festive greetings and best wishes to female lawmakers, political advisors, and staff members at the "two sessions." He also extended greetings to women from all ethnic groups and sectors across the country, including those in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese women. Xi was accompanied by Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, who are both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits national political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, the sector of medicine and health, and the sector of welfare and social security, who are attending the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. Xi attended their joint group meeting, and heard their comments and suggestions. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits national political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, the sector of medicine and health, and the sector of welfare and social security, who are attending the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. Xi attended their joint group meeting, and heard their comments and suggestions. Xi was accompanied by Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, who are both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits national political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, the sector of medicine and health, and the sector of welfare and social security, who are attending the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. Xi attended their joint group meeting, and heard their comments and suggestions. Xi was accompanied by Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, who are both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. (Xinhua/Yan Yan) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits national political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, the sector of medicine and health, and the sector of welfare and social security, who are attending the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. Xi attended their joint group meeting, and heard their comments and suggestions. (Photo by Feng Yongbin/Xinhua) Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits national political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, the sector of medicine and health, and the sector of welfare and social security, who are attending the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2026. Xi attended their joint group meeting, and heard their comments and suggestions. Xi was accompanied by Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, who are both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Acclaimed filmmaker Peter Jackson is set to receive an honorary Palme d'Or at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival, organisers announced on Thursday. The prestigious award recognises Jackson's "body of work that blends Hollywood blockbusters and films dauteur with extraordinary artistic vision and technological audacity." The director, known for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, described the honour as "one of the greatest privileges of my career." Jackson reflected on his long association with the festival, recalling his first visit in 1988 to sell his debut film, Bad Taste, and a return in 2002 to preview The Fellowship of the Ring. He added: "This festival has always celebrated bold, visionary cinema, and Im incredibly grateful to the Festival de Cannes for being recognized among the filmmakers and the artists whose work continues to inspire me." Last year, similar honorary Palme d'Or prizes were awarded to Robert De Niro and Denzel Washington. Cannes praised Jackson for his extraordinary artistic vision and technological audacity ( 2019 Invision ) The New Zealand filmmaker has not made a feature film since 2014s The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies. Since then, he has made the World War I documentary They Shall Not Grow Old (2018) for the BBC and The Beatles: Get Back (2021) for Apple TV+. Jackson, 60, told Screen Rant last year that he is currently working on at least three scripts for feature films, including a new Lord of the Rings adaptation. We are producing and have been writing The Hunt for Gollum, which Andy Serkis is going to direct next year, said the filmmaker. I've enjoyed working on docs, whether they show Ive grown old or not, and obviously the Get Back Beatles project. I've enjoyed doing various things with The Beatles, which is great, and that'll probably carry on. Jackson, however, went on to say that he is more excited about an ongoing project that has nothing to do with film: a scientific attempt to bring the Moa, a giant bird, back from extinction. To me, de-extincting the Moa [bird] would be just as exciting, if not more exciting, than any film I could possibly make, he continued. I've made a lot of movies, but to see the giant Moa brought back would be a level of excitement that I think would supersede anything at this point in time." The 77th edition of the Cannes Fim Festival is scheduled to run from 12 to 23 May. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Liza Minnelli made a surprise appearance at the GLAAD Media Awards Thursday night in Los Angeles. The EGOT-winning actor and daughter of Judy Garland, 79, was on hand to accept the inaugural Liza Minnelli Storyteller Award at the ceremony, which celebrates fair and inclusive LGBT+ stories in media. Minnelli, sitting in a directors chair, was flanked by an ensemble of dancers and received a standing ovation from the crowd. She was presented with the award by her longtime friend Michael Feinstein, ahead of the release of her memoir, Kids, Wait Till You Hear This! Accepting the award, she told the crowd, Im so glad to be here with you, all of you. You make me so proud, cause youre strong, and you stand up for what you believe in. Her appearance (and notably the directors chair moment) comes after she claimed in an excerpt of her memoir that she was inexplicably ordered to be in a wheelchair for her 2022 Oscars appearance with Lady Gaga. open image in gallery Michael Feinstein presented Liza Minnelli with the inaugural Liza Minnelli Storyteller Award at the 2026 GLAAD Awards ( Getty Images for GLAAD ) open image in gallery Liza Minnelli made a rare public appearance at the GLAAD Awards ( Getty Images for GLAAD ) Years after the appearance and following similar claims about the event from Feinstein Minnelli claimed that she was originally supposed to sit in a directors chair to present the award, but the plan changed without much explanation. I was inexplicably ordered not even asked to sit in a wheelchair or not appear at all. I was told it was because of my age, and for safety reasons, because I might slip out of the directors chair, which was bullshit, writes Minnelli in her forthcoming memoir, an excerpt of which was published by People. I will not be treated this way, I said. My co-presenter insisted she would not go on stage with me unless I was in a wheelchair. I was heartbroken, Minnelli continued. I was much lower down than I would have been in the directors chair. Now I couldnt easily read the teleprompter above me. How would you feel if you were wheeled out, against your will, to perform in front of a live audience, and unable to see clearly? open image in gallery Liza Minnelli was onstage at the GLAAD Awards in Los Angeles to accept her namesake award ( Getty Images for GLAAD ) So when I stumbled over a few words, Gaga, who was at my side, didnt miss a beat to play the kindhearted hero for all the world to see. I got you, she said, leaning down over me. Minnelli then claimed that Lady Gaga visited her in her dressing room after their appearance to check in. I looked at her and said simply, Im a big fan, Minnelli wrote. I learned this lesson years ago from Mama and Papa. At a moment of high stress, you stay gracious. Lady Gagas representatives did not respond to The Independents request for comment. The 37th GLAAD Media Awards will stream exclusively on Hulu from March 21. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice David Copperfields mainstay show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is drawing to a close after a 25-year run, weeks after his name again appeared in the latest batch of the so-called Epstein files. The hotel announced Thursday that the famed illusionists final show will take place April 30. We thank David and his exceptional team for the incredible energy theyve consistently delivered with this larger-than-life production, said Mike Neubecker, President & COO of MGM Grand. David has fascinated audiences at MGM Grand for more than 25 years, and we wish him every success as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey. In a statement of his own shared on social media, Copperfield, 69, wrote: My journey began as a kid in New Jersey with a dream of making magic in my life. I saw magic then and I see magic now as more than just my work. Magic teaches us that often things that others dismiss as impossible are not only possible, but within our grasp. The magician teased that he was excited to announce whats next soon thereafter. Its the largest project Ive ever tackled, and the most challenging, too. open image in gallery Over the course of his career, David Copperfield has earned 11 Guinness World Records, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a knighthood by the French government ( Getty ) open image in gallery Copperfield announced the end of his residency in a statement shared to social media ( copperfield/Instagram ) Copperfield typically runs 15 shows per week in the 740-seat theater at the Grand, which was named after him in 2013. He will perform 120 more shows at the resort over the next eight weeks, he said in his statement. Guests who have purchased tickets for any shows after that date will be automatically refunded. The news comes after Copperfields name was once again mentioned in the latest tranche of documents released by the U.S. Justice Department in connection with Jeffrey Epstein. The latest batch of files suggest Copperfield had a very close relationship with Epstein, according to FBI detectives. They include an email chain that shows Epstein saying Copperfield got engaged to Claudia Shiffer [Schiffer] on my island. Copperfield got engaged to the German model in January 1994. The Independent has contacted Copperfields representatives for comment. Copperfield has denied being friends with Epstein. Our client did not know about Epsteins horrific crimes, his lawyers told The Guardian in 2024. Like the rest of the world, he learned about it from the press. Copperfield has also faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct over the years, including a 2007 federal investigation that was closed without charges and a 2018 accusation regarding an incident in 1988. open image in gallery Copperfield pictured in appears in court in Las Vegas in 2018 ( Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In May 2024, a Guardian investigation also reported allegations from 16 women who accused Copperfield of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior between the late 1980s and 2014. In a statement emailed to The Independent, a representative for Copperfield vehemently denied the allegations, saying: Everyone that knows David Copperfield will tell you that these recent allegations from one newspaper are the exact opposite of who David is. They continued: David will be considering the position with his legal team and will take such steps as may be appropriate over these false and scurrilous allegations. That same year, The Independent revealed that Copperfield was being sued over his trashed $7 million Manhattan penthouse. The board of The Galleria, a condo on East 57th Street in New York City, accused the magician of causing some $3 million worth of damage not only to his own formerly pristine multilevel penthouse, but to other tenants homes. A representative for Copperfield said, This is a simple insurance claim. The photographs included in the lawsuit dont reflect the current state of the apartment. This is a court matter and will be handled in court. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Emile Kotze, who starred on season three of Below Deck in 2015, is suing NBCUniversal for $850 million, accusing Bravos parent network of perpetrating a coordinated campaign of exploitation, harassment, and deceit. Now 34, Kotze was 23 when he joined as a professional deckhand on the popular reality series, which follows the behind-the-scenes drama of a crew working aboard a luxury superyacht. In an amended complaint filed in New York federal court in October and obtained by The Independent, the South African reality star alleged that NBCUniversal promised him a benign, career-enhancing experience on a documentary-style program, but instead subjected him to a hostile work environment rife with sexual harassment, manipulation, and dangerous conditions all engineered for television ratings. Most notably, Kotze claimed that producers orchestrated a showmance between him and co-star Raquel Rocky Dakota, even though he initially expressed hesitation. While the lawsuit said that he told producers he found Dakota attractive, he told them he did not join the show for a fling. Despite this, he claimed producers persisted, and plied him with alcohol during downtime and on camera, encouraging him to make a move. On one occasion, Kotze alleged that producers directed him to use a cheesy pickup line on Dakota while cameras were rolling. Kotze felt extremely uncomfortable. However, producers insisted he say the line, which was captured on film and later used out of context to paint Plaintiff as a lust-driven youth chasing after Rocky, according to the lawsuit. open image in gallery Emile Kotze appeared on season 3 of Below Deck in 2015 ( NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty ) open image in gallery 'Below Deck' will return with season 13 sometime this year ( Fred Jagueneau/Bravo ) He alleged that the networks poor treatment continued even after production had wrapped. After filming, Defendants defamed Plaintiff by deceptively editing footage to portray him in a false and damaging light, misappropriated his likeness for continued commercial gain without consent, and engaged in a cover-up and retaliation campaign to silence and discredit him when he sought redress, the lawsuit read. The Independent has contacted NBCUniversal for comment. Kotze is seeking between $633 million and $850 million in damages. In his complaint, he claims $123 million in lost future earnings, arguing that his once-promising yachting career was destroyed. He is also seeking no less than $10 million in damages for emotional distress. For punitive damages, Kotze proposes a $500 million award to reflect the wealth of NBCUniversal, which he says is worth tens of billions. He is also demanding that the network remove or delete any intimate images or photos of him from all platforms, cease further distribution or streaming of season three episodes containing defamatory or unauthorized content, and issue a public statement or add a disclaimer to episodes clarifying that certain portrayals of the Plaintiff were manipulated. Below Deck first premiered on Bravo in 2013. It wrapped its most recent season in September and is confirmed to return for season 13 sometime this year. The popular series has spawned several spinoffs, including Below Deck Mediterranean, Sailing Yacht, Down Under, and Adventure. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Harry Enfield has revealed that he sent an abusive letter to BBC Twos former controller after she cut a character from a sketch show. The comedian, who rose to fame with characters like Kevin the Teenager and Loadsamoney, made four series of Harry & Paul alongside Paul Whitehouse. Starring Enfield and Whitehouse in various skits, the show aired from 2007 until 2012, being moved from BBC One to BBC Two due to falling ratings. open image in gallery Paul Whitehouse and Harry Enfield in 'Ruddy Hell! It's Harry and Paul' which was later renamed as 'Harry and Paul' ( BBC ) Speaking to The Times on Friday (6 March), Enfield revealed that he clashed with Janice Hadlow the BBC Two controller during the shows run after she cut some of the shows new characters. The changes were brought in shortly after the historic allegations of child sexual abuse by Jimmy Savile came to light in 2012. One sketch featured a feral family in a supermarket whod never seen fresh vegetables before, with the father calling his teenage son a homophobic slur for comparing a cucumber to a sex toy. The teenage boy picks up a cucumber and says, Im gonna buy this dildo for my girlfriend, he said. His dad says, Your boyfriend more like, you little p***. Enfield added that Hadlow cut the sketch and all other skits featuring the character were pulled from the show as they were sexualising this teenage child. The controller [Janice Hadlow] got scared when there was nothing to be scared of, he said. I thought, F*** off. How old were you when you first realised how funny a dildo was? I wrote her a letter saying, Youre a coward and youre stupid, and someone later told me I made her cry. open image in gallery Janice Hadlow was the controller at BBC Two at the time ( Getty ) F*** off. Youre the head of BBC2 dont f***ing cry. You shouldnt have that job. After that I thought, I cant work with these people. The Independent has contacted Hadlow and the BBC for comment. Hadlow took on the role as BBC Two controller in 2008 after working as Channel 4s Head of History, Art and Religion and the controller of BBC Four. She stayed in the role until 2014 before becoming responsible for the BBCs special project and seasons. Six years later, she wrote her first novel, The Other Bennet Sister, which has been adapted by the BBC with Ruth Jones, Richard E. Grant and Ella Bruccoleri starring. Enfield began his career on Spitting Image in 1985 before debuting a number of his often-quoted characters on Channel 4s Saturday Live. He took on roles in sitcom Behaving Badly and E4 drama Skins before Harry & Paul hit our screens. After it came to an end in 2012, Enfield appeared in BBC Threes Bad Education, Ben Eltons Upstart Crow and sitcom The Windsors receiving a BAFTA nomination in 2017 for his impersonation of the future King Charles III. open image in gallery Harry Enfield recently defending a sketch from the show in which he played Nelson Mandela ( Getty ) In recent years, Enfield has defended a number of his controversial sketches including one in which he portrayed South African president Nelson Mandela in blackface. The 2007 skit saw Mandela become the face of various adverts, where he promoted alcopops, heroin and cocaine. Speaking on The Third Act podcast last October, Enfield said that he did get in trouble a bit over the sketch. Anyway, we used to be what was called blacked up, but cultural imperialism has taken the phrase Blackface from America, where there is a very different culture, he said. He added that he thought the sketch was so absurd that no one would take offence. But the only thing that really offended them wasnt that it was that, but it was me doing it and not someone with a different coloured skin, he continued. I get it now. I wouldnt do it now, but its a shame. ZAGREB, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said Friday that the government is prepared to intervene in fuel and electricity prices amid rising global energy uncertainties. Plenkovic told the media that the government will monitor potential price hikes for gasoline and diesel fueled by tensions in the Middle East. "If we assess that the increase is significant enough to require intervention, we will act, not today or tomorrow, probably Monday," he said, citing existing regulatory mechanisms. Regarding energy subsidies set to expire on April 1, Plenkovic indicated that the government may extend these measures or introduce new ones. Plenkovic said that sustained government subsidies for electricity and gas have shielded households, small businesses, and public institutions from the brunt of the energy price hike. He added that a final decision on extending these measures will be made after reviewing current price projections. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ladies of London is back on Bravo with a brand new cast. After initially running on the network for four seasons from 2014 to 2017 with a cast that included Caroline Stanbury and the late Annabelle Neilson, the series has been rebooted and retitled Ladies of London: The New Reign. The series joins a current Bravo slate that includes Summer House, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Southern Charm, Southern Hospitality, Married to Medicine, Below Deck Down Under and Top Chef. From British socialites to American expats and international personalities, Ladies of London centers around the bustling citys elite social scene. But the reboot isnt just limited to ladies; at least one man is set to join the fray. Ahead of the two-hour March 5 premiere, we took a look at the new faces set to grace our TV screens. Lady Emma Thynn open image in gallery Lady Emma Thynn became the first woman of color to marry into the British aristocracy in 2013 ( Ruth Rose/Bravo ) open image in gallery Misse Beqiri, Martha Sitwell, Myka Meier, Lady Emma Thynn, Margo Stilley, Mark-Francis Vandelli, Kimi Murdoch, Lottie Kane are featured on Bravo's reboot of 'Ladies of London' ( Bravo ) Thynn made history in 2013 when she married Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath, becoming the first woman of color to marry into the British aristocracy. The Marchioness of Bath, Thynn is also a model and luxury brand ambassador who balances responsibilities at Longleat her familys historic home with aristocratic duties. Martha Sitwell open image in gallery Martha Sitwell is rebuilding after a painful divorce ( Ruth Rose/Bravo ) Sitwells story could be a show of its own. She was born to wealthy parents but wound up homeless at 13 and pregnant at 17 before finding work as a model and becoming a stylist, make-up artist and designer. I was homeless and begging for money, and Vivienne Westwood walked by. She said, Darling, youre fabulous. Come and model. And so, I did, Sitwell told Bravos The Daily Dish of how she got her start in the fashion world. However, a painful divorce from a baronet is forcing her to rebuild once again. Mark-Francis Vandelli open image in gallery Mark-Francis Vandelli is trying to repair a strained relationship with his father ( Ruth Rose/Bravo ) A jewelry designer, Vandelli is known for his razor-sharp tongue, according to his Bravo bio. This season on the show, viewers will watch as he sets out to repair a strained relationship with his father. Margo Stilley open image in gallery American Margo Stilley joins the Ladies of London cast ( Ruth Rose/Bravo ) Formerly a model and actress, Stilley has been a stay-at-home mom for the last few years, she told The Daily Dish. On Ladies of London, Stilley an American will try to restart her career. Misse Beqiri open image in gallery Misse Beqiri is a Swedish-born full-time model ( Ruth Rose/Bravo ) A full-time model, the Swedish-born Beqiri started working at 19. I got scouted, actually, in Copenhagen, she toldThe Daily Dish. I didnt think that was going to be my life, but it just became my life. The newly single mother-of-two is rebuilding her life, per her Bravo bio. Lottie Kane open image in gallery Lottie Kane, a graphic designer, will face a major life challenge on this season of Ladies of London ( Ruth Rose/Bravo ) Kane is a designer focusing on graphics, illustration, and art working. She and her husband, a tailor, often work together dressing celebrities. We do a lot of red carpet dressing a lot of couture, she told The Daily Dish. He makes bespoke, beautiful outfits for menswear and womenswear. Kane will reportedly face a major life challenge this season, according to her Bravo bio. Kimi Murdoch open image in gallery Kimi Murdoch is a stay-at-home mom ( Ruth Rose/Bravo ) Haitian American shipping heiress Murdoch works as an antiques dealer. However, shes currently a stay-at-home mom to nine-year-old twins, according to The Daily Dish. Myka Meier open image in gallery Myka Meier is an etiquette expert ( Ruth Rose/Bravo ) Meier is the founder of Beaumont Etiquette, and is often referred to as the Marie Kondo of etiquette. The reason why I got into etiquette was because I was actually really insecure, she told The Daily Dish. I was an American living in England. And navigating London as an American is not the easiest. So it was out of insecurity that I took my first etiquette class. And I loved it so much that I could not wait to take my second one. And, one day made a career out of it. Ladies of London: The New Reign premieres March 5 at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo, with streaming available next day on Peacock. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The BBCs outgoing director-general, Tim Davie, has expressed the corporations "profound regret" over the broadcast of a racial slur during the Bafta film awards, which aired on BBC One. The incident occurred during the ceremony on 22 February, when Tourettes campaigner John Davidson was heard shouting as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for special visual effects. The Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee had previously written to Mr Davie, "seeking an explanation" for how the slur was broadcast "in spite of a two-hour time delay". In his response to Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the CMS Committee, Mr Davie stated: "Id like to make clear: although the racial slur was symptomatic of a disability and an involuntary tic, it should never have been broadcast. It was a genuine mistake, and we take full responsibility for our error." open image in gallery Outgoing BBC Director-General Tim Davie has said the BBC profoundly regrets what happened at the Bafta film awards ( Lucy North/PA ) Addressing inquiries into why the language was not edited out, Mr Davie detailed two separate instances where the slur was shouted. Regarding the first, during Jordan and Lindos presentation, he explained: "Although this is the subject of ongoing review, our initial evidence gathering has found that no-one in the on-site broadcast truck heard this when they were watching the live feed." He added: "Because no-one in the broadcast truck was aware it was on the live feed, there was therefore no editorial decision made to leave the language in." Mr Davie further clarified that the slur was shouted a second time as Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku accepted her award for best supporting actress. In this instance, he confirmed: "In that instance, the edit team did hear the racial slur on the feed and removed it immediately from the version of the ceremony that would be broadcast later that evening." He elaborated on the confusion that led to the error: "These two incidents happened within 10 minutes of each other. It appears that soon after the second incident, the edit team in the truck started receiving reports, including from Bafta, that a racial slur had been shouted during the ceremony." "Our understanding at this point is that the team editing the show in the truck mistakenly believed they had edited out the incident that was being referenced, on the basis that they had heard and edited out the slur shouted out during the best supporting actress award. Therefore, when they were told a racial slur had been shouted, they believed they had removed it." open image in gallery Michael B Jordan (left) and Delroy Lindo were both on stage during the incident ( PA ) John Davidson, whose Tourettes causes involuntary vocal tics, has since expressed he is "deeply mortified" by the events at the Baftas, where I Swear, a film about his life, was nominated. Bafta issued an apology following the awards, accepting "full responsibility" for placing its guests in a "difficult situation". In a letter to members, Bafta chairwoman Sara Putt and chief executive Jane Millichip confirmed a "comprehensive" review is underway, assuring: "Please rest assured how seriously we are taking this." Sign up to IndyEat's free newsletter for weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases Get our food and drink newsletter for free Get our food and drink newsletter for free Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Beans on toast has always been one of Britains most reliable comforts. A tin of beans, a slice of toast, maybe a scattering of cheddar if youre feeling generous the sort of meal that appears at breakfast, lunch, dinner or midnight without anyone questioning it. Its cheap, cheerful and deeply familiar, which is precisely why most people wouldnt dream of tinkering with it. Naturally, TikTok has other ideas. With air fryers now firmly embedded in British kitchens racking up more than 29 million Google searches and over half a million searches for air fryer recipes in the past month alone it was probably only a matter of time before the nations most dependable comfort meal ended up in the basket. The viral version, shared by creator Elle Gibson, tweaks the formula just enough to make it interesting. Instead of piling beans onto toast afterwards, everything goes in together: a slice of sourdough hollowed out slightly to hold the beans, topped with a generous layer of cheese and slid into the air fryer until bubbling and golden. The beans thicken and caramelise, the cheese forms a crisp lid, and the toast holds its structure rather than dissolving into sogginess. Mimi Morley, senior recipe development manager at HelloFresh, says: Weve seen some questionable hacks in our time, but this one has legs. By air-frying, youre dehydrating the tomato sauce just enough to intensify the flavour, while achieving a level of structural integrity in the bread that stands up to the beans. Its no longer just breakfast; its a texture-driven experience. Which might sound like a grand way of describing beans on toast. But once you see the molten cheese, crisp edges and thickened beans that emerge from the air fryer, it starts to make sense. A British classic just with a little more crunch. Air fryer beans on toast Guys this is just insane, says Elle Gibson. It gets the most delicious crust over the cheese and beans. Its just absolutely unreal. I swear to god I could eat this every single day. Its gooey, its delish. Beans on toast supremacy! Serves: 1 Ingredients: 1 slice of sourdough 3 heaped tbsp baked beans Cheese, grated (could be Parmesan or your preferred vegan cheese) Salt and pepper Olive oil spray Togarashi seasoning (optional) Method: 1. Scoop out a bit of sourdough to create a well for the beans. 2. Add your beans to the well and grate some cheese over it. 3. Grind some salt and pepper over the beans and cheese mix, to taste. 4. Spray with olive oil. 5. Air fry at 200C for around 8 minutes or check every few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden and the bread has toasted. 6. Serve with your preferred toppings (Gibson prefers togarashi but you could also use Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco or chilli oil). Recipe from www.tiktok.com/@ellegibsonn Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast member Jessi Ngatikaura has expressed regret over her recent plastic surgery. Earlier this year, the reality star revealed that she underwent an upper and lower blepharoplasty and facial fat grafting in addition to other cosmetic procedures. However, while doing press for the upcoming new season of SLOMW, she explained that she was rightfully receiving negative comments about the way her face looks. I want to tell everyone that I am extremely unhappy with my results and I didnt quite understand what I was getting into, she said Thursday in a TikTok video. This last surgery ruined my life I look f***ing hideous in season five. Its ruined my career, an emotional Ngatikaura said. I went in for a lower bleph, and then I asked about an upper bleph and ended up getting that. Did not want that [fat] grafting, to be honest, she continued, adding that she didnt fully understand what it was, what it was going to do, what the results were gonna be, what the recovery was gonna be. Jessi Ngatikaura expressed regret over her series of cosmetic procedures, telling her TikTok followers that she would never touch her face again outside of Botox ( Getty Images ) Ngatikaura admitted that she did not have enough information on facial fat grafting at the time, and was originally told it would be a replacement for filler. She also noted that the grafting went in her lips, which she did not ask for [and] didnt want. Its made my lips really lumpy, she added. I have one that dips. Im getting a lot of comments about my lip filler, and I agree, it looks awful. My face looks terrible. The influencer and hair salon owner said in her TikTok that she did try to remove some of the fat in her face by receiving Kybella injections, which was making her look swollen. Im really insecure, Ngatikaura said, starting to tear up. I understand that I look really different and I hate it. I look back at how I used to look [and] I watched season four and Im like, Damn. I looked really good. I wish I could have seen that. Im gonna cry talking about it. Reflecting on her cosmetic procedure, the reality TV star said she would not be making any changes to her face outside of Botox. After posting, one of Ngatikauras SLOMW co-costars, Miranda McWhorter, commented, expressing how proud she was of her friend for being honest about her experience. Jessss. im so proud of you for consistently being so transparent and authentic regardless of how you felt about the results, McWhorter wrote. You are beautiful then and now. I love you. SLOMW season four will be available to watch March 12 on Hulu. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Wisconsin man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for attempting to set fire to a Republican congressman's office, an act he reportedly committed out of anger over the lawmaker's support for a bill mandating TikTok's Chinese owner to divest its US operations. Caiden Stachowicz, 20, was also handed an additional seven years of extended supervision by Fond du Lac County Circuit Judge Tricia Walker, according to court records. Stachowicz, from Menasha, entered a no contest plea to an arson charge in November. This plea, while not an admission of guilt, is treated as such for sentencing purposes, and led prosecutors to drop associated burglary and property damage counts. The incident occurred early last year, when a police officer responded to a fire outside the Fond du Lac office of Republican US Representative Glenn Grothman, located approximately 55 miles (90 kilometres) northwest of Milwaukee. The officer arrived around 1 a.m. and reportedly found Stachowicz standing near the scene. Timothy Hogan, Stachowicz's attorney, has not yet responded to requests for comment. open image in gallery Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis. speaks at a rally for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, April 2, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer, File) ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) He told the officer that he started the fire because he doesn't like Grothman, according to the complaint. He initially planned to break into the office and start the fire inside but he couldn't break the window, so he poured gas on an electrical box behind the building and around the front of the building, lit a match and watched it burn, according to the complaint. He said he wanted to burn down the office because the federal government was shutting down TikTok in violation of his constitutional rights and peace was not longer an option, the complaint states. He added that Grothman voted for the shutdown, but he didn't want to hurt Grothman or anyone else. Grothman voted for a bill in April 2024 that required TikToks China-based company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operation. The deadline was Jan. 19, 2025, but President Donald Trump has issued multiple executive orders prolonging it. TikTok finalized a deal two months ago to create an American version of of the social video platform. Trump praised the deal. A spokesperson for Grothman's congressional office didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Wisconsin teenager who killed his parents and stole their money to fund a plan to assassinate President Donald Trump has been sentenced to life in prison. Nikita Casap, 18, pleaded guilty in January to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide in Waukesha County Circuit Court in connection with the shooting deaths of his mother, Tatiana Casap, and stepfather, Donald Mayer, in 2025. Prosecutors dropped seven other charges in a plea deal, including two counts of hiding a corpse and theft. First-degree intentional homicide carries a mandatory life sentence. The only question as Judge Ralph Ramirez began the sentencing hearing Thursday afternoon was whether he would make Casap eligible for parole at some point. Calling Casap's offenses horrific" and inexplicable, Ramirez ultimately handed down two life sentences with no chance at extended supervision, the term the Wisconsin criminal justice system uses for parole. The judge said he didn't have a crystal ball that would tell him when Casap would change, if ever. open image in gallery Nikita Casap, 18, pleaded guilty in January to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide ( Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP ) I choose to find hes not eligible for extended release because I do not know ... when and if and whether a profound and significant change can occur, Ramirez said. Mother, stepfather killed in their home According to a criminal complaint, investigators believe Casap shot his stepfather and mother at their home in the village of Waukesha on or around February 11, 2025. He lived with the decomposing bodies for two weeks before fleeing across the country in his stepfathers SUV with $14,000 in cash, jewelry, passports, his stepfathers gun and the family dog, according to the complaint. He was eventually arrested during a traffic stop in Kansas on February 28 after four days on the run. Federal authorities have accused Casap of planning his parents murders, buying a drone and explosives and sharing his plans with others, including a Russian speaker. They said in a federal search warrant that he wrote a manifesto calling for Trumps assassination and was in touch with others about his plot to overthrow the U.S. government open image in gallery Nikita Casap, left, with mother Tatiana Casap, 35, and his stepfather, Donald Mayer, 51 ( Supplied ) The killing of his parents appeared to be an effort to obtain the financial means and autonomy necessary to carry out his plan, that warrant said. Detectives found several messages on Casaps cellphone from January 2025 in which Casap asks how long he will have to hide before he is relocated to Ukraine. An unknown individual responded in Russian, the complaint said, but the document doesnt say what that person told Casap. In another message Casap asks: So while in Ukraine, Ill be able to live a normal life? Even if its found out I did it? Prosecutors insist Casap too dangerous to ever be released District Attorney Lesli Boese told the judge Thursday that Casap was too dangerous to ever be released from prison. Pulling from an interview Casap gave to the FBI, Boese said that Casap and his mother moved to the United States from the Republic of Moldova when Casap was a grade-schooler but he became increasingly addicted to what she called disturbing websites as he grew older. She didn't elaborate, but at one point said he had been researching serial killers and school shootings. Boese said Casap developed a plan in late 2024 to target Trump with an AK-47 rifle attached to a drone. The teen later decided he wanted to drop explosives on Trump from a drone and then flee by ship to Ukraine, where he planned to hide for a decade, according to the district attorney. Casap told agents he wouldn't have cared how many people around Trump got hurt during the assassination attempt. open image in gallery Judge Ralph Ramirez in Waukesha County Circuit Court ( Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP ) He started talking with two people online who offered to sell him the drone and the explosives. He sent one of them $8,700 in bitcoin from his stepfather Mayer's account without realizing they were scamming him and there was never a drone or any explosives, Boese said. He walked right into it, she said. Defense attorney asks for mercy Casap's attorney, Paul Rifelj, asked Ramirez to make Casap eligible for parole after 20 years. He said that news of a doctor who drove his car into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, in December 2024 sent Casap into a rage. The teen decided then that he wanted to change the world by killing a politician, Rifelj said. The two contacts who promised to help him kill Trump convinced him that he was part of a larger military strategy, offering him direction and purpose at a time when he was becoming isolated at school, according to Rifelj. Children are more than their worst deeds, he said. Casap: 'I thought I was part of a revolution' Casap appeared to tremble as he listened to both sides make their cases. He gave a tearful speech, saying that he loved his mother and he was worried about her all the time, even when she was reaching for something on a high shelf. He said he wasn't as close with Mayer, but Mayer still treated him like a son. But he became obsessed with hateful thoughts. I thought I was part of a revolution, he said. I thought I was part of a war. I told myself bad things had to happen. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The red-rock landscapes around Capitol Reef National Park in Utah are known for peaceful hiking trails and quiet rural communities. But this week, that calm was shattered when a man from Iowa allegedly carried out a series of killings across Wayne County leaving three women dead all for the sake of stolen cars and credit cards. Authorities say a 22-year-old man went on a deadly rampage across the community, ambushing an elderly woman inside her home before murdering two other women who were hiking the Cockscomb Trail just off state Route 12 nearby. Hours later, police say the suspect had fled across state lines in a stolen vehicle, triggering a multi-state manhunt that ended with his arrest in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Ivan Miller, 22, of Blakesburg, Iowa, who has no known previous connection to the victims, was taken into custody early Thursday in Colorado, and charged with three counts of aggravated murder. Miller later told investigators that he had killed someone and stole a car, according to charging documents filed Thursday and obtained by KSL. The names of the three women have not yet been released. Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Cameron Roden said they are from the area but are not related to each other. open image in gallery Ivan Miller, 22, of Blakesburg, Iowa, who is not connected to the victims, was taken into custody early Thursday, and charged with three counts of aggravated murder ( Archuleta County Detention Center ) A shocking killing spree Investigators believe the deadly rampage began at a home in the small Wayne County community of Lyman where a woman who was in her 80s was found dead inside, and her vehicle had been stolen. Miller later told investigators that he had hit an elk in Loa, Utah a few days ago, sold his truck to a tow company, and stayed in an area hotel for a few days. In search of money and a car to get back to Iowa, Miller allegedly said that he had stayed the night in shed at the elderly womans home and saw her leaving in her Buick Lesabre. He waited for her to return, hiding behind a door, and shot her in the back of the head with the 1911 (pistol) while she was sitting down watching television, according to the charging documents. Miller allegedly said he dragged her to the out building and further down into the basement where he ultimately left her and that he tried to clean up the scene. He then grabbed his stuff and took the car, but he did not like the car and wanted to find a different vehicle. After that killing, Miller allegedly drove about 15 miles to a trailhead off State Route 12 between Torrey and Teasdale an area popular with hikers visiting nearby Capitol Reef National Park. He parked the vehicle near the trailhead where he saw a younger woman and an older woman get out of a white Subaru, court documents state. There, police say he killed two women who were hiking together. One victim was in her 30s and the other in her 60s. Miller said that he went up to them and shot the younger one in what he thought was the chest and she went down. Miller then shot the other one twice in the body but that she was still moving. Miller then stabbed her multiple times in the heart, according to the court documents. open image in gallery Authorities say an Iowa man went on a deadly rampage across the community, killing an elderly woman inside her home before killing two other women who had been hiking the Cockscomb Trail ( AP ) open image in gallery He allegedly killed a woman in her 80s at her home in Lyman ( AP ) Miller admitted he dragged both alleged victims at (the trailhead) to a ditch and laid them next to one another. He said he did it because he needed money. Miller said that he took their credit cards and used the older womans card to buy gas. Miller said that his intent was to get back to Iowa, according to the charges. Miller confessed that it had to be done but he did not like to do it. The victims husbands discovered their bodies Wednesday afternoon after the women failed to return home and called 911 around 4:30 p.m., authorities said. During the investigation, officers found the elderly womans stolen vehicle nearby and traced it back to her home, where her body was discovered. Her body was found in a cellar located under a shed on the property, according to deputies who said it appeared the female was moved using a wheelbarrow. Investigators believe Miller then took the a vehicle belonging to one of the hikers and fled the area. Manhunt across three states Law enforcement quickly launched a search for a white Subaru Outback believed to have been stolen from one of the victims at the trail. They tracked the vehicle through southern Utah and into northern Arizona using technology including license plate readers and integrated tracking services. The car was eventually located late Wednesday night in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Officers there were alerted around 11:10 p.m. that the vehicle connected to the Utah killings had entered their area, according to Pagosa Springs police. A Pagosa Springs police officer found the vehicle within the city limits. The vehicle was then abandoned in Centennial Park in the downtown area, the department said in a statement. open image in gallery Authorities used license plate readers and vehicle tracking services to follow the suspects path, from Utah through northern Arizona and into the mountain town of Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) open image in gallery Crime tape surrounds a home where a woman was found dead in Lyman, Utah, where the first victim was killed ( AP ) Authorities used license plate readers and vehicle tracking services to follow the suspects path, from Utah through northern Arizona and into the mountain town of Pagosa Springs in southwestern Colorado where he abandoned the stolen vehicle, Roden said. After a brief search of the area, officers located Miller around 2:40 a.m. Upon a frisk of Miller, he was found in possession of a concealed handgun and large knife. Miller was arrested for possession of concealed weapons. A subsequent interview linked Miller to the deaths in Utah, police said. He was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Archuleta County Detention Center where he was charged hours later. Who is suspect Ivan Miller? Authorities say Ivan Miller is from Blakesburg, Iowa, a small town in Wapello County. After his arrest, the 22-year-old allegedly told the FBI he had hit an elk in Utah days earlier and sold his truck to a tow company before deciding he needed a new vehicle. Thats when he reportedly spent the night in the back shed of the womans home in Lyman and waited for the right moment. There is no indication that Miller had any connection to the victims, Roden said. Investigators were still looking into when he arrived in Utah and what he was doing prior to the killings, Roden said. Records show he has a pending felony burglary and theft case in Davis County, Iowa, as well as misdemeanor charges including theft, possession of marijuana and unlawful weapons possession. Miller is being represented by the Colorado Public Defenders office, said Justin Bogan, who heads the office in the judicial district that covers Pagosa Springs, the Associated Press reported. Roden told The Independent that investigators are still piecing together a timeline but do not know how Miller got to the area or how long he had been there. Who are the victims? The names of the three female victims have not yet been released while next of kin notifications are underway, Roden said. Officials said the hikers were in their 30s and 60s, but its unclear if they were friends or related to each other. The other woman was said to be in her 80s and alone in her house at the time of the killing. Online speculation suggested the two women who were hiking might have been related, possibly an aunt and niece, but Roden said investigators have not confirmed that. The hikers had no connection to the other woman who lived in a home in Wayne County about 10 miles from the trail, officials said. A community on edge Until Miller was arrested, the community was on edge as law enforcement warned Wayne County residents to stay vigilant, lock doors and remain indoors if possible. Schools across the county canceled classes Thursday and Friday out of an abundance of caution. The courthouse in Loa also closed for the day. By Thursday morning, after Millers arrest, officials said the threat to the public had ended. There are no ongoing threats to the public, and investigators have no outstanding suspects, the Utah Department of Public Safety said. open image in gallery A view of Loa and Lyman in Utah, country that is popular with hikers ( AP ) Torrey Mayor Mickey Wright said the violence had shaken the small community of fewer than 3,000 residents. Our community is grieving today following the tragic deaths of three women in Wayne County yesterday, Wright said. On behalf of the Town of Torrey, I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the victims. This is a heartbreaking moment for our small, close-knit community. I want to acknowledge the professionalism and rapid response of law enforcement during yesterdays multi-state search, he added. Their work brought clarity and safety back to our community during an extremely difficult and uncertain day. Our community is strong. In the coming days, we will support one another, check on our neighbors, and ensure that those affected by this tragedy are not alone. Roden said this type of crime is unusual in the area which he described as several small rural communities close together. When something happens in one community, its felt all over, he said. It has affected all of us. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Law enforcement has released a detailed timeline of the events surrounding a brutal suspected triple homicide in Utah. Three women, ranging in age from 34 to 86, were found dead in south-central Utah on March 4th, eventually leading the Utah Department of Public Safety and the Wayne County Sheriffs Office to the chief suspect, Ivan Miller, 22, who was apprehended in Colorado on March 5th. Investigators provided the public with constant updates on their search for Miller, as the homicides rocked the small Utah county and resulted in police urging residents to take extra safety precautions on March 4th, including keeping their lights on, doors locked, and remaining home or with others in the evening. open image in gallery Ivan Miller (left) was apprehended in Colorado after three women were found dead in suspicious circumstances, including an 86-year old in her home (right). ( Archuleta County Detention Center ) Wayne County Sheriffs Office would also like to extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims, said WCSO in a Facebook post. According to the police timeline, Millers car was disabled following a collision with an elk in Wayne County on February 28th. Several days passed until March 4th, when, at 4:35 pm, the husbands of the aunt and niece duo, Linda Dewey, 65, and Natalie Graves, 34, called the Wayne County Emergency Communications Center to report they had found their wives bodies near a hiking trailhead. On the evening of March 4th, investigators reported Dewey and Graves Subaru Outback as stolen, and discovered an abandoned vehicle registered to an address in Lyman, Utah. Police travelled to the house attached to the cars registration, which is where they discovered a third victim, Margaret Oldroyd, 86, who has no known relationship to the other two victims. That night, March 4th, investigators used Automated License Plate Readers and other tracking tools to follow Millers journey to Colorado. open image in gallery Authorities conduct an investigation Thursday, March 5, 2026, into the deaths of two women a day earlier on a trail just west of Capitol Reef National Park near Teasdale, Utah ( AP ) Early on March 5th, Miller was apprehended by the Pagosa Springs Police Department in Colorado. According to the PSPD, Miller was located following an extensive manhunt after the car linked to the deaths in Utah was found abandoned in the Pagosa Springs downtown area. Once uncovered, Miller was arrested on concealed weapons charges as he was in possession of a concealed handgun and a large knife. A subsequent interview linked him to the Utah deaths, and he was placed in Colorado custody awaiting a Utah arrest warrant. According to court records obtained by NBC, Miller confessed to the killings, saying that he did it for money. And, according to authorities, Miller said: It had to be done, but he did not like to do it. open image in gallery Crime tape surrounds a home where a woman was found dead in Lyman, Utah, Thursday, March 5, 2026 ( AP ) Miller is also currently facing unrelated charges in his home state of Iowa of burglary, theft, marijuana possession and unlawfully possessing a weapon. He missed his scheduled arraignment for these charges due to his detainment in Colorado. He is now facing charges of three counts of aggravated murder, first-degree felonies in Utah, which potentially carry the death penalty in the state. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Anthropic has seen a record number of downloads for its Claude AI chatbot since the company refused to allow its product to be used by the US Department of War for autonomous weapons. Mike Krieger, chief product officer at Anthropic, revealed that more than a million people are now signing up for Claude every day, which has pushed the app to the top of Apples App Store and the Google Play charts. The app overtook OpenAIs ChatGPT, which has faced a backlash from some users after CEO Sam Altman reached an agreement with the US government following the fall-out between Anthropic and the Pentagon. The feud centres around safety guardrails that would prevent Anthropics AI from being used for domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth described these restrictions as ideological whims, while President Donald Trump claimed Anthropic was run by Leftwing nut jobs that were threatening US national security. On Wednesday, the Department of War officially informed Anthropic that its products are deemed a supply chain risk, effective immediately. This is the first time the designation has been applied to a domestic company, with the term previously reserved for foreign firms with ties to adversaries. From the very beginning, this has been about one fundamental principle: the military being able to use technology for all lawful purposes, the Pentagon said in a statement, first shared by Politico. The military will not allow a vendor to insert itself into the chain of command by restricting the lawful use of critical capability and put our warfighters at risk. The designation prevents all federal agencies and government contractors from using the Claude chatbot while working for the US military Anthropic has claimed the move is unlawful and has said it will fight the supply-chain risk label in court. We do not believe, and have never believed, that it is the role of Anthropic or any private company to be involved in operational decision-making that is the role of the military, said Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. We are very proud of the work we have done together with the Department, supporting frontline warfighters with applications such as intelligence analysis, modelling and simulation, operational planning, cyber operations, and more. MOSCOW, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Friday, urging an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East, the Kremlin said. During the phone call, Putin expressed condolences over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of his family, representatives of the country's military and political leadership, as well as the numerous civilian casualties as a result of the U.S.-Israeli armed aggression against Iran. Putin reaffirmed Russia's principled position that hostilities should cease immediately and that the use of force to resolve issues on Iran and across the Middle East must be abandoned, calling for a swift return to political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, according to the Kremlin. Putin also noted that he has been in constant contact with the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries regarding the situation. For his part, Pezeshkian thanked Russia for its solidarity with the Iranian people in defending the sovereignty and independence of their homeland and briefed Putin in detail on the developments in the current phase of the conflict. The two sides agreed to continue contacts through various channels, the Kremlin said. LONDON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- At least four seafarers were killed and three seriously injured in a deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the day, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said Friday, stressing that seafarers must never be targets. The announcement came after earlier reports of two seafarers killed and one missing in separate incidents in the region, bringing the confirmed death toll linked to recent tensions in the critical waterway to at least six. "I am alarmed and deeply saddened to hear of a deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on March 6, 2026," Dominguez said, adding that "my thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those affected, as well as the global maritime community mourning these losses." Dominguez also warned that about 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf, working aboard vessels under heightened risk and considerable psychological pressure. "This is unacceptable and unsustainable," he said, calling on all parties to take necessary measures to ensure the protection of seafarers, including their rights and well-being, and the freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesFashion retail Opinion Luxury retailers fashion spree defied auditors survival concerns Colin Kruger Senior business reporter March 7, 2026 5:00am March 7, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A When Cettire executives fronted investors for its December half results last week, they poured cold water on the warnings from the luxury retailers auditors that its survival was in doubt. There are concerns the companys cash on hand may not be enough for it to pay its bills as they fall due over the next year, a fact that they acknowledged, while also saying the accounts were unqualified. This means the auditor thought the financial statements were in line with accounting standards. Consumer appetite for luxury fashion has waned for retailers being smashed by Donald Trumps new customers duties on their largest market: the US. Getty Images Lets just be very clear that we have an unqualified set of accounts out today and thats very clear from the report from the auditor. So I think thats very important for people to understand, chief financial officer Tim Hume told analysts and investors on a conference call. Advertisement If you look back at our accounts in June, there was a current asset shortfall in June and also a note in our annual report around going concern. The auditors concerns are just the latest problem for Cettire. There have long been worries from some about the companys business model, and lately it has suffered from tax changes in the US that have dampened demand. Its share price has plunged from $1 to a low of 25 over the past year - a bigger bargain than the Prada handbags on its website. Another part of the problem is that luxury fashion consumers are also suffering from buyer fatigue and investors have lost confidence in Cettires mysterious ability to be so much more successful than its rivals. Advertisement The auditors are specifically raising concerns over Cettires ability to pay its bills as they fall due if the company doesnt raise debt or more cash. The gap between Cettires short-term assets like cash, and its estimated bills due this calendar year has risen from more than $27 million in June to $51 million as of December last year. The company, founded by Dean Mintz, acknowledged it might need to either raise money from investors or from banks to meet the shortfall. It points to mitigation efforts like cost-cutting and focusing its resources on loyal customers and new markets that continue to grow very strongly and the fact the company has no debt. Mintzs confidence about Cettires future can be the only explanation for the audacious gamble that it did not reveal to investors at the groups financial results announcement last week. Advertisement Mintz had shrugged off Cettires potentially existential cash crisis and pursued purchasing a Canadian rival, Ssense, soon after it collapsed late last year. The Canadian company had failed in part due to the crisis that bedevils the entire sector, including Cettire: US President Donald Trumps decision to charge duties on all goods entering the US, with no exceptions. There was no requirement for Cettire to disclose its tilt at Ssense, but given its cash issues, it would have been an eye-opener for investors if the bid succeeded. All of a sudden, the luxury goods that Cettire and Ssense sell online to the massive US market are subject to duties. Luxury retailers have been battered by US President Donald Trumps tariffs and termination of de minimis customs duty exemptions. Getty Images Prior to the changes in the de minimis, the duties attachment rate in that market was a fraction of what it is today, Hume said. Advertisement All of this cost is passed through to customers, but it has sent Cettires large US business into reverse, as it did for Ssense, which collapsed within weeks of the duties being applied. But luxury fashion was suffering before this from consumer fatigue. Between the years of 2023 and 2025, consumer spending habits began to change and decline and Ssense began to face macroeconomic challenges. Ssenses sales deteriorated during this period, a report from EY said of the Canadian groups collapse. Cettire would not comment but it was one of the final bidders for the Ssense business, which was sold back to its founders for $C78 million ($81.8 million). It was Mintzs most audacious move since selling more than $300 million of his Cettire shares to investors, when the company was valued at up to $1.8 billion. Those investors have lost hundreds of millions of dollars as its shares plunged. Cettire is now near record lows and the entire company is barely worth $100 million. Advertisement Its a long way from when the Aussie start-up stormed the world of high-end fashion during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering the latest fashions online at a significant discount to the official retail channels of the luxury brands like Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, by getting discounted surplus stock from suppliers. The economics looked brilliant. The company receives shoppers money before it pays for the designer goods from its web of suppliers, which ensures it is always flush with cash, even if it is temporary cash that must soon be paid to suppliers. It holds no inventory and it needs only ensure the logistics of moving the goods from supplier to customer, taking care of any taxes and duties and customer support. Cettires reclusive founder Dean Mintz set up the business to be self-funding, meaning there have been no banks or lenders scrutinising his operating model. These are some of the factors that help explain why it is not in quite the same peril as its Canadian rival, which was once valued at $C5 billion. Ssense had a financially cumbersome model where it acquired the inventory it sold to customers. Advertisement This required much more staff and funding than Cettire. It is easy to see Cettires interest in dumping everything besides Ssenses large customer base and weaning them onto its much more efficient retail model. Related Article Retail Australias luxury success story is running out of cash and Trump is to blame But nothing explains how Cettire was going to pull off this deal given its own market valuation was back around record lows of $100 million, as well as its cash issues. Last year was a tough one for Cettire, which reported a loss and declining revenue throughout 2025 financials last June as it was crushed by competition and the first decline in the global luxury market outside of COVID in 15 years. What the numbers last week revealed is the start of the damage being introduced by Trump ending the de minimis exemption. Advertisement Falling sales mean the positive cash arbitrage between customer payments and delayed supplier payments is getting unwound, sending its cash balance to a low of $37 million in June last year. But that is not the only reason for its cash quandary. The IOUs are rising for its biggest creditor: the Italian government. Cettire sells predominantly Italian luxury goods, which means it pays value-added tax on these goods and needs to apply to the Italian government for refunds, given most of its sales are then exported to the US. One part of Cettires fiscal crisis is due to the $37 million in overdue VAT payments from the government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Bloomberg More than $37 million worth of these VAT charges are classified as non-current, which reflects the fact that, in some cases, it takes a year for Cettire to get a refund. Advertisement Hume says: Certain governments in Europe are notorious for being slow around managing their own payables, if you will, and can be particularly slow for foreign companies. And so I think this is a very frustrating situation, but its a major priority for us to convert it to cash. Good luck with that. The current half year could be critical for Cettires survival, even if its founder doesnt think so. But then again, he is flush with more than $300 million in cash from selling his Cettire shares when investors drove the business to ridiculous valuations. It means he has more than ample funds to rescue the business if it all goes wrong, just like the founders of Ssense, who beat him to the punch and bought back their business last month. After months of uncertainty, the closing of the transaction marks an important milestone and affirms our ability to continue building Ssense for the long term, the founders said in a statement last month after the deal settled. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A Whats good, whats bad, and whats in between in literature? Here we review the latest titles. See all stories . This weeks books cover everything from heteropessimism and eco-horror to a call to arms to fight the lies of the fossil fuel giants and a guide to dying well. No genre left behind! FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK The Life of Violet Virginia Woolf Princeton University Press, $32.99 Virginia Woolf herself disapproved of publishing juvenilia: I dont want immaturities, things torn out of time, preserved. Yet this smart hardback edition of three interconnected early short stories, collected and edited as The Life of Violet by scholar Urmila Seshagiri, proves artists can be wrong about their own work. Seshagiri discovered more polished manuscripts than heretofore known of Woolfs farcical, surreal short works from 1907, before the Bloomsbury phase of the writers career. Taken together, they form a mock-biography of Violet Dickinson an extremely tall, witty and whip-smart friend of hers (so tall and intellectually endowed, in fact, that Woolfs stories conceive her as a giantess) who went on to become a noted botanist. The tales represent Woolfs first serious attempt at literary craft. Theyre very funny and left field. You can see in The Life of Violet traces of the satirical wit that was to ripen in Flush, another (also funny) mock-biography Woolf later wrote of Elizabeth Barrett Brownings cocker spaniel. Its a must for aficionados of modernist literature, and readers afraid of Virginia Woolf will be surprised by how disarming and entertaining she can be. Nymph Stephanie La Cava Verso, $24.99 Advertisement This edgy feminist gothic from Stephanie La Cava subverts violent thrillers and traditional romance. It centres on Bathory (or just Bat), a beautiful young Manhattan student who happens to come from a long line of assassins and isnt afraid to put her inherited skills to use. Murder is just one of Bats talents she moonlights as a model and sex worker, and shes also a Latin scholar. Bat has her black heart set on dying young, and her chief ambition in life is (like Sally Bowles from Cabaret) to avoid the entanglements of romantic love. Will she succeed, or will her lethal inheritance become her destiny? La Cava deploys exaggerated tropes her heroine is a femme fatale par excellence only to subvert their cultural underpinnings, in a playful critique of gender, gendered violence, class and the commodification of womens bodies, of human suffering, and even culture itself. Seeded in heteropessimism, this dark flower of novel blossoms from a metamodern reworking of dark romantasy that inverts elements of the genre and welds them to sharp cultural critique. Thereafter Johnnie Caroliva Herron McNally Editions, $32.99 Literary academic Caroliva Herron weaves echoes of ancient epic and myth with the traumatic legacy of American slavery in this ambitious saga. We follow an affluent black family in Washington DC who seem to be outwardly flourishing, though theyve got serious skeletons in the closet. Paterfamilias John is an eminent heart surgeon; his wife, Camille, loses herself in keeping up appearances at their stately home, and their daughters Cynthia Jane, Patricia and Eva receive the best education money can buy. Under the wealth lies dysfunction worthy of ancient Greek tragedy rape, suicide, madness, religious visions and unyielding grief. For granddaughter Johnnie a child of incest, mute until adolescence her mothers death sparks an odyssey to discover her origins and unearth the curse her family has inherited. Herrons writing alternates between vauntingly cadenced epic and more naturalistic narration, swelling into a bleak vision of political and social collapse with apocalyptic overtones. Its a significant literary contribution, stylistically and in terms of the politics of representation. Pedro the Vast Simon Lopez Trujillo Scribe, $27.99 Advertisement If fungal eco-horror is your jam (and from the global success of The Last of Us, it does seem to have infectious appeal), then Pedro the Vast might be worth picking up. Set on a eucalyptus plantation in Chile, it has an unnerving set-up. One of the workers, single father Pedro, falls into a coma, as the rest of his colleagues succumb to an unknown fungal disease. When Pedro awakens, he begins to utter strange ramblings, and is spirited off by a priest, who intends to present him as a prophet to his cultlike sect. This leaves Pedros son Patricio thrust into a parenting role and daughter Cata a girl whose art becomes increasingly sinister and disturbing to fend for themselves. Spores of spiritual and familial and ecological destruction thrive as the voice of a mycologist intrudes, promising a scientific explanation. The initial scenario of Pedro the Vast draws you in, but postmodern flourishes with metafictional devices including extensive footnotes overcomplicate and detract from the storytelling and the horror in such a short novella. Trujillo does have a creepy imagination; it may need a longer, denser form to grow into full toxic bloom. What Happened That Night Nicci French Simon & Schuster, $34.99 Husband and wife crime-writing duo Nicci Gerrard and Sean French compose popular thrillers under the nom de plume Nicci French. Theyre known for the popular series featuring an amnesiac psychotherapist, Frieda Klein. Following a few standalones, they launched a new protagonist, Detective Maud OConnor. Shes now on her third case in What Happened That Night, although it takes a while before Maud enters the frame. Tyler Green has been released from prison, having served nearly 30 years for the stabbing murder of his friend, Leo Bauer. He insists he didnt do it and summons the old clique of university mates who were there that night for a reunion to find the real killer. One of those friends winds up dead, with Tyler obviously the prime suspect. Maud has orders to solve the case quickly and without fuss, given that prominent people are implicated, and the previous murder was one of some notoriety. Quickly, she might manage. Without fuss isnt her style. A whodunit with plenty of plausible suspects and backstory, its a reliable, slow burn of a novel. NON-FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK A World Appears Michael Pollan Allen Lane, $39.99 Advertisement When you cant put a book down despite the haze of insomnia, you know youre reading something special. And this is no easy read. Its a work that makes considerable intellectual demands, delving deep into how neuroscientists and philosophers are grappling with the hard problem, as it has become known, of consciousness. How does it arise? Does it emerge from the brain, the body or from outside us? Are even the smallest particles conscious in the most rudimentary way? While researching his previous work How To Change Your Mind on the history and renaissance of psychedelics in the West, Michael Pollan tried a few of these mind-altering substances himself. What happened propelled him into this exploration of what generates our awareness of ourselves and the world. Pollan has a gift for making abstruse theories accessible while being prepared to question the narrow beam of attention that can inform them. Ultimately, its cartographers of the inner life such as Proust, and Pollans own experience, which yield the richest insights. What We Owe Water Kumi Naidoo Australia Institute Press, $19.95 When Kumi Naidoo was growing up under apartheid in South Africa, even the ocean was segregated. The best and safest beaches were reserved for white people. As a person of colour, this struck him as absurd. How could anyone own the waves? It was an early lesson in the making of an activist. In Pacific nations threatened by rising oceans, Naidoo finds this injustice in another form. Water is not the threat. Water is the messenger. It heralds a truth about the fossil fuel age. This concentrated, seering essay unpacks this truth and urges us to join the call, initiated by the Pacific Nations, for a fossil fuel treaty. How, he asks, can the Australian government claim that it is standing with the Pacific while still approving new coal, oil and gas projects? Why did it take 28 years for the UN convention on climate change to incorporate a reference to fossil fuels? Civil society and politicians, he says, must find the moral courage to fight the lies of the fossil fuel giants. The tides are rising, he writes, but so are we. Psychoactive Plants & Fungi Liam Engel Thames & Hudson, $49.99 Who would have thought that the flying broomstick motif of folktales might owe its origin to the medieval practice of coating pieces of wood with ointment from the datura leaf which, when applied vaginally, produced a sensation of flight? AKA, a high. This handsomely illustrated and scientifically informed work on psychoactive plants and fungi is a testament to how mainstream interest in these botanicals has become. But the practice goes back millennia. They were often used in religious rituals from the mountains of the Andes to the royal courts of South Asia to heighten spiritual and communal experience. In the Caribbean, yopo seed snuff provided a hotline to the deities. While we are increasingly familiar with the therapeutic and recreational uses of magic mushrooms, peyote cactus and ayahuasca, this book introduces a fascinating selection of the many other psychoactive plants that have played a role in shaping cultures and consciousness around the world. Advertisement Advertisement NationalSexism Opinion Misogyny at first sight but Im glad MAFS gave toxic Tyson a platform Julia Baird Journalist, broadcaster, historian and author March 7, 2026 5:00am March 7, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A There arent a lot of blokes around who would say, openly and unabashedly, that they are seeking a submissive wife. So it was quite startling to see a groom say just this, out loud, on Married at First Sight. As the other men present raised their eyebrows and the experts gasped, one group of women watching rolled their eyes with recognition: churchgoers. Bec Zacharia (left) looks shocked as Tyson Gordon faces off with Laura Byrne, Brittany Hockley and Jules Lund on MAFS: After the Dinner Party, which screens on Stan. For those unfamiliar with MAFS, which screens on Nine, owner of this masthead, this season features a 30-year-old Christian property investor, Tyson Gordon, paired with a highly successful 32-year-old real estate agent Stephanie Marshall. They are both driven, attractive, come from Queensland, hold conservative views and support Donald Trump youd imagine this could be a sweet match. But they clashed immediately. Stephanie, who is no feminist, finds Tyson arrogant and sexist. Tyson says she is too old, too dominant, and not the submissive type. Advertisement As someone who has spent decades trying to fathom why swaths of male-led churches still adhere to the olde worlde doctrine of headship where a man is the head of a woman, and the woman is to submit to him it fascinates me to see this belief aired in a mainstream forum. Because its very difficult to explain without sounding a bit odd. Hosts on MAFS and its satellite show, After the Dinner Party, repeatedly asked Tyson to try. Laura Byrne cited a dictionary: Submissive means compliant and obedient. Is that what you want? Tyson: I think I would like to be the leader of the house. Laura: Do you want someone who is obedient? Advertisement Tyson: Would you say that is controlling, being the leader of the house? Related Article Reality TV Submissive or traditional? MAFS toxic groom is served a valuable lesson Laura: If you want someone who is obedient, yes, its controlling. And you want a dog. Tyson said: Maybe thats what I want. But then flipped: I dont want a literal dog. I want to be the man of the house. I dont think theres anything wrong with that I dont mean literally put a leash. I dont want my wife to feel like a dog or a slave but I do like these traditional values. Phew. It gave me flashbacks to the many times I have spoken to conservative church men about their belief that women should submit to male headship in the church and home. Not because they would speak as crudely, bluntly or offensively as Tyson but because they use words like submit without clocking how this sounds. I have repeatedly been told the idea is women submit voluntarily, in a nice way and Ive been reprimanded for suggesting this might also be about power. Obedience. Or excluding women from positions of authority. No, no, they say, men lead women in a sacrificial way. Advertisement Its, like, fun. Freeing. Try it. I have often wondered how these blokes could explain this doctrine, without jargon, in the post office, the pub, to strangers, as something healthy and not limiting and retro. And now I am watching it on my television. When it was suggested that the only place Tyson could find a woman keen on submission was church, he responded: Thats a good way of looking at it. I agree, actually. But when I ran this past Jen Barker, the founder of Fixing Her Eyes, an independent online community of Australian Christian women, she baulked at the suggestion that the church should be a repository of archaic views: Women in the church arent there to bow to a mans needs or fulfil someones desire for hierarchy. Women are made in the image of God, co-heirs of the kingdom, gifted by the Spirit, and partners in the gospel of Jesus. It is not biblical to tell women to submit to mens authority. As with any text, context is key. Tysons view of Christian women is warped and patriarchal. Christian men are called to mutual submission, despite what some leaders in the church claim. Advertisement Now Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek has slammed the show for starring Tyson, posting on Instagram: When men who idolise submissive and obedient women are normalised on prime-time TV, it means coercive control is given a national platform Obedience is not a relationship preference. Its about exerting power and control over women. We know that exerting power and control too often leads to violence. I have full sympathy with this argument. As I have reported previously, there is plenty of evidence to suggest the teaching of headship can enable domestic violence, buoying perpetrators and muzzling victims. But there is a case for platforming Tyson Gordon to drag these views into the light. They are gaining traction among young men, with a global survey finding Gen Z males were twice as likely as Baby Boomer blokes to have traditional views on decision-making in a marriage. Its not just trashy reality TV. Tysons stance is also still prominent in many churches. A 2023 ANU study found religious service attendance was associated with more patriarchal beliefs about gender roles. Male power over women is both normalised and hidden in religious communities across Australia including by the wealthy, well-populated Sydney Anglican diocese. Advertisement By hidden I mean that while maintaining the headship of men is a core belief fought for and adhered to at great cost in places like Sydney I have long been aware that those who disagree have slender prospects of promotion. But it is also, weirdly, barely spoken about in public. I have asked ministers to articulate headship on national TV, only to have them shrug: Oh, we dont talk about that much. They do, but what they dont want is precisely the reaction Tyson has had: disbelief, rejection, ridicule, questioning. Related Article Reality TV After toxic groom Tyson, a bride is taken to task for being vicious and humiliating Its something they believe the world, tainted as it is by feminism, will not understand. Jen Barker argues the Gospel has been distorted by these men, by poor reading of scripture. Yes, there are verses in the thousands-year-old Bible telling women to submit to their husbands as their head. There are also verses calling for mutual submission, underpinned by a selfless love, kindness, humility, compassion, gentleness and respect. Advertisement While I agree coercion is ugly and dangerous, the airing and challenging of these views is important. Especially for women who are regularly told that while men insisting on female submission looks, sounds and smells like control, it is somehow godly or traditional or the way things are meant to be. Julia Baird is a journalist, author and regular columnist. Her latest book is Bright Shining: How grace changes everything. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Save this video for later Add videos to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it WASHINGTON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Friday that Cuba is going to "fall pretty soon," but his administration will focus on the ongoing war with Iran "right now." "They want to make a deal, and so I'm going to put Marco (Rubio) over there and we'll see how that works out," Trump said, referring to the U.S. secretary of state, in a phone interview with CNN. "We're really focused on this one right now. We've got plenty of time, but Cuba's ready -- after 50 years," he added. On Thursday, Trump said that it's only a "question of time before" people go back to Cuba. Cuba has been facing a severe economic and energy crisis since the United States forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3 and heavily disrupted Cuba's oil supplies from Venezuela and Mexico. The United States and Israel have intensified their joint military attacks on Iran launched on Feb. 28, which killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with senior military commanders and civilians. Advertisement Updated NationalQueenslandCrime Murder charges laid after body discovered in home north of Brisbane William Davis and Catherine Strohfeldt Updated March 6, 2026 7:52pm ,first published 1:47pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A 35-year-old man has been charged with murder as a domestic violence offence after police discovered the body of a 69-year-old man in a home north of Brisbane. Detective Inspector David Harbison said officers were called to the property on Winifred Street in Burpengary shortly before 9am on Friday to reports of an injured man. Upon arriving, officers found two men in the home, with the older man unresponsive suffering blunt force trauma wounds. Police at Winifred Street in Burpengary on the Sunshine Coast after a body was found in a house. Nine News He was declared deceased at the scene. Advertisement A crime scene was established shortly after officers arrived, and the 35-year-old man was taken into custody. He was charged with one count of murder as a domestic violence offence on Friday evening. On Friday afternoon, Harbison said the two men had known each other, but could not confirm whether the pair were related. Preliminary investigations had found neither man had breached any domestic violence orders that might have been placed against them. Harbison said officers were piecing together a roughly 12-hour window leading to the older mans death, spanning from Thursday night to Friday morning when officers were unable to revive him. Advertisement Were not getting a particular image of any particular time where an incidents happened, he said. Harbison would not be drawn on where the man had died, and could not reveal whether officers had located a weapon on Friday. Photos from the scene show a house, two cars and a trailer cordoned off by police tape. Police suspected there was no ongoing threat to the community. We do believe some type of weapon or implement has been used and that is still under investigation, as is the crime scene forensic analysis of the scene, he said. The crime scene remains in place and, and likely will do for a couple of days. Advertisement Police asked anyone who might have information linked to the 69-year-olds alleged murder, or have witnessed anything in Winifred Street about the time of the incident to come forward. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive NationalQueenslandQueensland courts He raped his sister then walked free. Now he will serve time behind bars James Hall and Cloe Read March 6, 2026 8:26pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A Queensland man who walked free from court despite being convicted of horrific historical sexual abuse of a child will instead serve time behind bars after an appeal against his suspended sentence was successful. The man, now aged in his early 40s, escaped jail time last year after being convicted of inflicting abuse on his younger sister when he was both a child and an adult. The offender walked free from court on a suspended sentence last year. Brisbane Times/Stephen Kiprillis/Aresna Villanueva After inquiries were made by Brisbane Times, Queenslands Attorney-General Deb Frecklington lodged an appeal of his suspended sentence which she argued was manifestly inadequate given the seriousness of the offending. The man abused his young sister over many years in the 1990s and early 2000s, including digitally raping her. He cannot be named because some of the assaults occurred when he was a minor. Advertisement The abuse started when his sister was eight years old and he was a teenager, and continued for six years until she was about 14. It continued when her brother was an adult in his early 20s and returned to live in the family home after a period away. The offender pleaded guilty last year to one count of rape, and eight counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16. Related Article Exclusive Queensland courts Manifestly inadequate: How a victims courage was turned into a rapists discounted sentence But a district court judge spared the man jail last year, ruling there were exceptional circumstances in the case, including that the man was a victim of sexual abuse himself and had been encouraged by his abuser to offend against his sister. After Frecklingtons intervention, the case was heard earlier this week in Brisbanes Court of Appeal before Justice David Boddice handed down the courts decision on Friday afternoon where the offending was described as severe and troubling. Advertisement The four-year jail term was upheld, but the man is required to spend at least one year behind bars, with the remainder of his sentence suspended. An arrest warrant was issued for the man, with 72 hours also given to surrender himself. Whatever might be thought of the immaturity of the respondent when he commenced his offending, he returned to it in 2002 through to 2005 when he was 19 and 23, the appeal judges found. He manipulated and threatened his younger sister and persisted despite knowing she was upset (crying) and despite assurances from him that he would not do it again. His behaviour speaks of the serious breach of the trust that his younger sister should have been able to expect of him. Advertisement He employed force to hold her down. He sought to minimise or conceal his conduct when interviewed by the police and completely ignored his conduct as an adult. During the hearing on Monday, defence barrister Scott Neaves said his client was raised in a household where sexualised conduct with children was normalised, as his mother had a relationship with a 15-year-old boy, who lived in the home as his stepfather. But this argument was contested during the hearing by Boddice who said: It is a well-known fact that often those who commit sexual offending against children have been offended against. That is the cycle that needs to be broken. So what about this case is exceptional? When you read the psychological reports, they dont seem to deal at all with why he went back and offended while he was an adult. I would have thought thats the very thing that was most disturbing about it all. Advertisement In the ruling handed down on Friday, the appeal judges ruled in favour of Frecklingtons submission that the appropriate sentence orders ought provide for a period of actual imprisonment. A $5000 compensation to be paid to the victim was upheld. Additional reporting by Marissa Calligeros Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service (1800RESPECT) on 1800 737 732. Advertisement PoliticsFederalAustralia votes Labor pushes for polling booth exclusion zones after surge in volunteer abuse Rob Harris Updated March 6, 2026 3:50pm ,first published 3:45pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Voters risk being driven away from the ballot box by a surge in aggressive and intimidatory behaviour, the Australian Labor Party has warned, as it urged a bipartisan review into the election recommend new protections into federal law. The party is backing a suite of reforms including expanded exclusion zones and a code of conduct for volunteers following reports that 2025 campaign tactics actively undermined public participation in the democratic process. There were several complaints about intimidating behaviour at booths in the marginal seat of Bennelong. Edwina Pickles Appearing before the federal parliaments joint standing committee on electoral matters, which is reviewing the conduct of the last election, ALP national secretary Paul Erickson said the party had received widespread reports of intimidation and obstruction at polling places across the country. The Australian Electoral Commission, an independent agency responsible for the management and oversight of elections, told the inquiry last year there was a rise of aggressive, obstructive and, at times offensive behaviour at polling places, notably in metropolitan Melbourne and Sydney in areas that were considered close seats. Advertisement Erickson said the incidents at pre-poll centres and polling booths appeared to represent an increase compared with previous elections and had been reported across states and territories. Disturbingly those accounts included incidents of that behaviour not just occurring between volunteers and candidates, but actually affecting voters participation in the election, he said. Related Article Australia votes Threats, skulduggery and neo-Nazis prompt AEC warning about voting booths Many of our own volunteers and campaign staff who recounted feeling unsafe and intimidated and a number of volunteers indicated that these experiences left them uncertain about whether they would be comfortable volunteering at polling booths at future elections, he said. The party is urging the committee to recommend changes to the Commonwealth Electoral Act to better regulate campaigning near polling stations and strengthen the powers and resources of the AEC. Advertisement Erickson said the AECs authority was largely limited to enforcing rules inside the existing six-metre exclusion zone at polling booths, leaving it with few options to deal with conduct occurring just beyond that boundary. Labor supports creating a formal campaign zone outside the six-metre boundary where only volunteers formally nominated by a candidate or registered campaign organisation would be allowed to hand out material. The proposal would also provide the administrative framework for a code of conduct governing volunteers and a system to record complaints and incidents at polling booths. Paul Erickson, National Secretary of the Australian Labor Party during a hearing with the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. Alex Ellinghausen Erickson said the party also backed limits on campaign signage around polling places to reduce clutter and obstruction. Advertisement We would welcome a recommendation that the Commonwealth Electoral Act be amended to place limits on campaign signage at polling places, to increase accessibility, limit waste and address issues with obstruction of walkways. The AEC has warned that expanding its powers to curb poor campaign conduct required careful consideration despite successful reforms in other regions. States like Tasmania and Victoria have already implemented restrictions on signage and exclusion zones, while South Australia has banned roadside posters entirely. However, experts warn that measures effective in state or territory jurisdictions may not necessarily translate to the unique scale of a federal election. Labor also raised the growing role of early voting and challenges around voter participation, warning that calls to wind back pre-poll should be ignored. About 37.5 per cent of ballots at the 2025 federal election were cast at pre-poll centres, up about five percentage points on the previous election. Erickson said the timing of the election squeezed between the Easter break and Anzac Day meant there were fewer available pre-poll days, contributing to longer queues and pressure on voting centres. Advertisement We saw more voters attending pre-poll voting centres and fewer opportunities to do so and so we saw as a result of that less smooth voting processes at the pre-poll voting centres and more queuing. Labor is urging the electoral commission to review resourcing at early voting centres to ensure they can cope with growing demand. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaSexual health Contraceptive pill will become available without a script in Victoria Kieran Rooney and Henrietta Cook March 6, 2026 12:41pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Victorian women will be able to access contraceptive pills from the chemist without a script under a new Allan government plan that has sparked concern from doctors who say it puts patients at risk. Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas on Friday announced the expansion of Victorias Chemist Care Now program, which allows people to get treated at local pharmacies, rather than a GP, for conditions such as shingles and urinary tract infections. The contraceptive pill will be available at Victorian chemists without a script. iStock Under the current arrangement, women can refill their prescription for the pill at participating chemists but must see a GP for the first consultation. The changes mean that from July, the 850 chemists who are already part of the scheme will be able to provide the oral contraceptive pill to women without a script. Advertisement The move puts the state government at odds with Australias medicine watchdog, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which has consistently ruled that the pill should only be prescribed by doctors who can manage the risk of serious complications. The use of oral contraceptive pills can cause significant adverse effects that are not consistent with over the counter medicines, the watchdog concluded in a landmark 2021 review. View post on X These effects include weight gain, emotional anxiety, heavy bleeding and thromboembolism, particularly with increasing age. A free consultation will be required before any medication is dispensed for the first time, where pharmacists will explain any risks and give advice about other options, including alternatives like long-acting reversible contraception. Advertisement Pharmacists who want to provide this service will also have to undertake new training. Related Article Sexual health As young women ditch the pill, specialists warn of natural contraception risks Since Chemist Care Now has been up and running, its delivered something like 75,000 services to the Victorian community, Allan said. Having the hassle of having to shop around, get a bulk billing GP appointment [and] reorganising your whole day around that appointment. That takes time out of womens days. Allan said the policy could be life changing for young women and would particularly benefit outer suburban, regional and rural communities who travel further for healthcare. Advertisement Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Victoria chair Dr Anita Munoz labelled the change a dangerous rejection of clinical safety that sells women short. This causes me deep concern because the TGA the authority on the safe use of medicine in our country did an extensive review on the safe prescribing of the contraceptive pill and made it explicit that the oral contraceptive pill should only be initiated by a medical practitioner, Munoz said. What disturbs me is that a politician with no medical training feels comfortable overriding the learned wisdom and experience of the TGA. Munoz said pharmacists were not trained to undertake all the complex medical checks that are required to safely prescribe the pill. The RACGP also raised these concerns when a similar scheme was introduced in Queensland. Advertisement Related Article Victorian election Labor open to High Court challenge over work from home laws Dr Nisha Khot, president of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said the new arrangement created a conflict of interest as pharmacists stood to financially benefit from prescribing the pill. I think it will put womens choices at risk, she said. Allan said these complaints did not recognise that pharmacists were already highly trained and skilled healthcare professionals, and the changes would free up GPs under huge pressure in the primary care sector. Grace Chong, a committee member of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, said pharmacists would now be able to discuss options for contraception with women who come into the chemist. Advertisement She said pharmacists would be trained to address red flags that may mean patients cannot use oral contraception and would collaborate with patients and GPs to find the best treatment options. A TGA spokesman said states and territories made their own decisions about authorising prescribing arrangements. He said oral contraceptives were classified as prescription-only medicines in the Poisons Standard, which meant their use should be initiated by a GP or another authorised prescriber. States and territories may apply the Poisons Standard differently under their local legislative frameworks, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Updated WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Najah and Hajar and their children walked for hours to flee the bombing. As night fell, they were no closer to shelter David Crowe Updated March 6, 2026 6:17pm ,first published March 6, 2026 10:04am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Beirut: The women walked for hours with their children to flee the bombing as soon as Israel issued the evacuation order for their community in the southern suburbs of Beirut. But for Najah and Hajar and their friends, the long trek brought them no closer to shelter as night fell and Israel launched air strikes that sent thunder across the city. People fleeing Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh on Thursday. AP It took four or five hours to walk here because of the little children, said Najah, 27, a mother of five, when this masthead spoke to her and others in the centre of the city. Advertisement Hajar, 25, said the friends were neighbours who chose to walk together as soon as they heard the Israeli alert and discovered there was no transport available. Related Article Middle East at war US-Iran war news updates: US temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian oil; Three Australians on US submarine that sank Iranian ship, PM confirms; People ordered to evacuate southern Beirut The women, living in Lebanon after their homes in Syria were devastated by civil war, were among several hundred people in Martyrs Square in central Beirut who had no shelter for the night and were resigned to sleeping on the grass or concrete. Young families got makeshift fires going. A few had tents. Parents sat quietly while teenagers walked around the square. Men sat and smoked. Children played, unaware of the gravity of the situation. The evacuation alert came at 2.50pm on Thursday (11.50pm AEDT), with messages on social media giving people maps to show them where to move north. Save your lives, evacuate your homes immediately, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee posted on X. Advertisement About six hours later, the first airstrikes were reported across the Dahiyeh area of southern Beirut, targeted by Israel because it is home to Hezbollah. The war on Iran spread into Lebanon on Monday when Hezbollah members launched rocket and drone attacks on Israel in a show of support for the Iranian regime, and then continued the attacks on Tuesday. A displaced man fleeing airstrikes in Dahiyeh sets a fire to warm his family on the Beirut corniche. AP Flames rise following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, in Beiruts southern suburbs, on Thursday. Getty Images The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) sent troops into Lebanon on Tuesday to try to assert control of the border, while also launching air strikes. Advertisement But the mass evacuation on Thursday sharply increased the conflict amid political tensions in Lebanon over Hezbollah and growing fears of a long war. The Israeli army later confirmed it carried out 26 strikes in Beirut. The afternoon alert spread panic through Dahiyeh, forcing people to move north to escape the attacks and search for places to stay, choking highways and overloading shelters. As the airstrikes were under way, French President Emmanuel Macron said on X that he had spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese leaders to seek a halt to the conflict, saying France would assist the Lebanese government in bringing Hezbollah under control. Advertisement Smotrich, the finance minister and a far-right member of the Israeli government, issued a statement on video that spoke of destroying the Dahiyeh area so that it looked like Khan Younis, a part of Gaza where buildings have been reduced to rubble. You wanted to bring hell on us, we are bringing hell on you, he said on the video from northern Israel, near the border with Lebanon. A map distributed by Israeli authorities telling people in Beiruts southern suburbs to move out of the area. The chaos in Lebanon came as parts of central Israel came under attack from Iran, with Israeli forces saying missile fragments and parts of a cluster bomb warhead had fallen on some areas. The IDF estimated that 420,000 Lebanese civilians evacuated their homes across the country this week. It said its strikes on Thursday night hit 10 large buildings used by Hezbollah, including the headquarters of one of its top councils. Advertisement The death toll from the strikes on Lebanon this week has increased to 123, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. This does not include any deaths from the Thursday night strikes. The Hezbollah attacks on Israel caught some of its own allies by surprise and deepened concerns in Lebanon about the groups tactics and the threat to the civilian population when Israel responds. Cars sit in traffic as people seek to escape Dahiyeh on Thursday. AP A displaced woman from Dahiyeh sleeps on the Beirut corniche. AP Reuters reported this week that the Hezbollah attacks had strained the groups ties with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Shiite politician who has been aligned with the group for many years. Advertisement Berri felt he had been fooled by Hezbollah because he had been led to expect it would not attack, Reuters reported, citing four political figures who spoke on condition they were not named. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Monday that the government would ban Hezbollahs military activities because of the attacks, but the group has supporters within the government who reject this move. Macron spoke to leaders in Lebanon on Thursday and declared the Lebanese government was preparing to take control of positions held by Hezbollah. Hezbollah must immediately cease its fire towards Israel. Israel must refrain from any ground operations or large-scale actions in Lebanese territory, he said. Advertisement Macron said France would send armoured transport vehicles as well as operational and logistical assistance to Lebanon to assist the government, and he also outlined plans to send medicine and other humanitarian aid. At this time of great danger, I call on the prime minister of Israel not to expand the war into Lebanon, he said. I also call on the Iranian leadership not to involve Lebanon further in a war that is not its own. Hezbollah must lay down its arms, respect the national interest, prove that it is not a militia acting on behalf of foreign entities, and allow the Lebanese to unite in order to defend their country. When morning came to Beirut on Friday, the sun shone in a cloudless sky. The centre of the city was quiet. But for the families in Martyrs Square, there is no certainty about how long these strikes might continue and when they might return to their homes. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. UNITED NATIONS, March 6 (Xinhua) -- At least 1,332 Iranian civilians, including women and children, have been killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes and thousands more injured, Iran's UN ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said Friday. Over 180 children across the country have been killed and more than 20 schools have been damaged, Iravani told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, quoting the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The United States and Israel have deliberately targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure across Iran, demonstrating that they recognize "no red line in committing their crimes," he said. CJI Surya Kant suggests tech reforms in judicial system for Bhutan NEW DELHI : CHIEF Justice of India Surya Kant batted for technology-driven reforms in the judicial system of Bhutan, and said access to justice depended critically on the optimum utilisation of technological advancements. Delivering a keynote address at the Royal University of Bhutan in Thimphu on Access to Justice in the 21st Century: Technology, Legal Aid and People Centred Courts, CJI Kant also said that he had conveyed to Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay that the Supreme Court of India, along with the high courts, would be delighted to offer internship opportunities to Bhutanese students. Let us remember that technology is merely the modern vessel in this era, and our task is to ensure that while the tools of the 21st century are sophisticated, they remain as humble and accessible as the tongue of the people. In the end, what we must unflinchingly understand is that justice is not a cloistered virtue locked behind the heavy wooden doors of a courtroom; instead, it is a living presence that must be allowed to walk out into the world, into the high valleys and the bustling markets, and into the very homes of the people, the CJI said. He added that it would be a privilege for the Indian judiciary to facilitate student exchanges, including providing boarding and lodging where necessary, so that financial constraints do not stand in the way of meaningful legal exposure. WASHINGTON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department said Friday that nearly 24,000 U.S. citizens have returned to the United States from the Middle East since the U.S.-Israel military strikes launched against Iran on Feb. 28. The figures do not include the many U.S. citizens who have relocated to other countries or those who have departed the Middle East but are still in transit back to the United States, the department said in a statement. Several flights have returned hundreds of U.S. citizens to the United States, with additional flights scheduled to take place over the coming days, as security conditions allow, said the statement. Most of the 24,000 U.S. citizens were able to return on their own using commercial transportation, according to media reports. The Trump administration has been criticized for not arranging timely evacuations for U.S. citizens amid the escalating conflict. On social media, many stranded U.S. citizens said they encountered closed airports, canceled flights and what they called troubling or unclear guidance from the U.S. government as they tried to find ways to leave the region. Devpt works take-off hinges on improving internal accruals: Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari making his point during the interaction. Staff Reporter : Cancelling garbage collection agencies contract would end up creating chaos on ground and put NMC in a tight position Outgoing Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari said, urban governance is quite a challenging task and at Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), the absence of a proper administrative set-up initially was a major obstacle in implementation of the development works. Signing off from NMC on a high note, Dr Chaudhari, in an informal interaction with newspersons on Thursday, outlined the agenda for his successor, tidy up civic finances first and foremost. Secondly, there is tremendous scope for improving the delivery of services to citizens and added that, with an elected body now in place, the Municipal Commissioner would now have a wider view on his desk that would help him in better understanding of civic issues. The internal accruals need to be increased as there exists tremendous scope to raise the same and highlighted a decision to deploy AI tools to reassess property tax base with NMC officials estimating a windfall of atleast Rs 100 crore. As of now, it remains the fact that NMC benefited due to heavyweight leadership, that of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Together, their standing in public life is much more than my service period, Dr Chaudhari said with a broad smile, saying the backing of two leaderships enabled him to achieve several significant milestones. Due to these two leaders, NMC never faced funds crunch. Still, it would be better to increase internal accruals, with focus needed on increasing property tax rate, increasing revenue from Sky Signs advertisements and also, from Town Planning. On administrative front, the outgoing Municipal Commissioner was happy that he was able to wipe out backlog of Awaijdars and also thanked State Government for accepting the proposal to extend benefit of Laad-Pagey Committee to them. Further, granting of promotion to NMC officers post approval of RR by State Government, pending since years, was another significant achievement. This helped in streamlining the administration, but to a question, admitted lack of talent pool hurts. Hopefully, the new entrants to NMC service having sound technical skills would soon step into shoes of their seniors, many of them are in last leg of their service period. The Commissioner also listed the investment of nearly Rs 50 crore done in education department through internal funds by NMC, it helped to strengthen the infrastructure wherein new schools are being constructed. Also, the number of Akansha schools has doubled to 12, as the civic body is serious about stemming the dropouts from civic-run schools. Similarly, the completion of works under Amrut provided the satisfaction. About Naag Nadi, he said, the project is on line but underlined that time is critical factor as to its implementation, as its going to take a long time given the work profile. The mapping of Pohra river abatement project is also going to start soon. Also, the SusBde project and second garbage processing plant are nearing completion and that would prevent any further dumping at Bhandewadi yard. Questioned about inadequate work profile of several officers while few were overburdened, the outgoing Municipal Commissioner was straight to the point. The primary focus was to get the work done and when someone does not have that will or lacks the drive as the head, he could not sit back and relax. He, however, said the inability to complete the recruitment of new firemen was the sore point of his more than two years of tenure. Despite continuously chasing the matter, UDD could not provide clear-cut guidelines that prevented filling up of vacancies in Fire Brigade, though the requirement machinery, including the 75-metre-high platform, was acquired by NMC. Asked about the love-hate relationship with the elected public representatives, Dr Chaudhari said, he had healthy working partnership with all. About the controversy over solid waste management, he was of the view that, any termination would come at a price, as sudden disruption would leave NMC rudderless. Further, the terms of engagement of two agencies was decided by the House then. Dr Vipin Itankar is new Mpl Commr Staff Reporter : State modifies order within a day wherein the additional charge at NMC was converted to full-fledged, while that of District Collector will be adhoc till new arrangement is made Dr Vipin Itankar has been named as new Municipal Commissioner at Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) by Maharashtra Government on Thursday. He replaces Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari who has been transferred to Pune as Metropolitan Commissioner after having a tenure of over two and half years at NMC, most of which was in the capacity of Administrator. The new Municipal Commissioner will take the charge on Friday. Dr Itankar is presently working as District Collector at Nagpur itself and speculations about his posting as Municipal Commissioner were very strong in the administrative circles. In Wednesdays order, he was told to take over additional charge of Municipal Commissioner, but on Thursday, General Administration Department (GAD) modified and entrusted charge of Municipal Commissioner on full time basis. He has already completed his tenure as Collector and the posting order mentioned that Dr Itankar is to hold the additional charge of that post till regular officer is posted at District Collectorate. Incidentally, Dr Itankar is alumnus of Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Mayo Hospital (IGGMC&H) and is native of Chandrapur. In a way, Dr Itankar knows Nagpur city like the back of his palm and also has good relations with local leaders across the parties. For Dr Itankar, the new task as Municipal Commissioner comes with many challenges on the administration front plus pulling out the civic body from the financial doldrums owing to very low tax rates and poor internal accruals. Although the favorable dispensation at State capital is in a way lifeline for the NMC, it is beneficiary of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis largesse owing to heavy financial backing for many big projects in city. Plus one more factor in funding big development projects here has been investment pulled in by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, especially in the infrastructure sector. IIM Nagpur Director Dr Bhimaraya Metri to attend GHRCEs 12th Graduation Ceremony Business Reporter : DR BHIMARAYA Metri, Director of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur, will attend the 12th Graduation Ceremony of G H Raisoni College of Engineering (GHRCE), Nagpur, as the chief guest on March 7, 2026. Dr Metri is a distinguished academician, researcher, and institution builder with extensive leadership experience in management education. The ceremony will also be attended by Prof. Dr Goh Kang Wen, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) of INTI International University, Malaysia, as the guest of honour. Sunil Raisoni, Chairman of the Board of Governors, along with other BoG members, Dr Sachin Untawale, Director of GHRCE, and other dignitaries will also be present on the occasion. The graduation ceremony is being organised for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Engineering and Management from the pass-out batch of 2025. A total of 1,364 students (UG and PG) will receive their degrees during the ceremony. In total, 22 medals will be presented, including 12 undergraduate and 7 postgraduate silver medals for programme toppers, one gold medal for the overall undergraduate topper, and two gold medals for the top rank holders in postgraduate programmes (Engineering and MBA). Megalithic heritage at Mahurjhari found damaged By Kunal Badge : Even as governments and institutions frequently speak about preserving Indias cultural heritage, several historically significant sites continue to disappear due to administrative neglect. A recent incident at Mahurjhari, located on the outskirts of Nagpur, has once again highlighted this concern. Archaeologically important megalithic stone circles at the site were recently levelled using earthmovers, allegedly during development-related work, leading to the loss of valuable heritage. The damage was noticed by a group of archaeology enthusiasts who had travelled from Madhya Pradesh to visit the site. They were shocked to find that the ancient stone circles had been disturbed. The site, along with the nearby Junapani complex, once had one of the largest concentrations of megalithic stone circles in the country. While the circles at Junapani are protected, the Mahurjhari structures have remained unprotected, making them vulnerable to encroachment and developmental activities. In the recent incident, the last two remaining stone circles at the site were reportedly destroyed. Archaeological importance of Mahurjhari Prabhash Shahu, HoD Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), described the destruction as a major loss for the archaeological environment of the region. According to him, the site at Mahurjhari was first discovered in 1933 and has since been excavated by institutions, including the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), RTMNU, and Deccan College, Pune. Excavations carried out over several decades revealed important evidence of early Iron Age culture in the Vidarbha region. Although little evidence of habitation has been found, archaeologists uncovered burial sites containing human skeletal remains along with iron artefacts such as daggers, axes, rings, and bracelets. Evidence of trade and cultural links Excavations also revealed a large number of beads made from semi-precious stones. British archaeologist Hunter had earlier suggested that Mahurjhari might have been a bead-making centre, from where such ornaments were possibly exported to Central Asia. This indicates the existence of early trade networks and technological skills among the inhabitants of the region. The megalithic sites of Vidarbha are known for their archaeological richness, but Mahurjhari and Junapani stand out because of the scale of their stone circles and the unusual discoveries associated with them. Archaeologists have also found facial ornaments used for horses, indicating the importance of the animal in the lives of these communities. Unique discoveries Archival records also describe an unusual burial discovered during excavations. The remains belonged to an individual whose lower legs were missing, while a dagger with an iron blade and copper hilt was placed on the chest. Another distinctive feature of Mahurjhari was the presence of cup-marks carved into some stones of the circles, which scholars believe, may have had astronomical significance. Lack of protection and repeated loss Despite its importance, Mahurjhari is not a protected monument. Senior officials from the Archaeological Survey of India have stated that the site does not fall under their jurisdiction. The lack of legal protection has raised serious concerns among historians and archaeologists about the future of such heritage sites. The destruction of megalithic sites in the region is not unprecedented. Similar sites at Takalghat-Khapa and Raypur-Hingna have earlier been damaged or destroyed in the name of development. Need for urgent conservation measures Archaeologists point out that there are practical solutions to protect such heritage. In places such as Nagarjunakonda, archaeological remains were carefully relocated from their original location to prevent damage while still allowing visitors to witness the structures. A similar approach, experts say, could have been adopted in the case of Mahurjhari. With the destruction of its remaining stone circles, Mahurjhari has lost another important monument of the Vidarbha megalithic culture. Unless authorities take proactive steps to identify and safeguard such sites, scholars fear that this ancient legacy may soon survive only in historical records rather than in the landscape where it once flourished. Nagpur Forest Divn developing meadows to give a fillip to herbivore population By Kaushik Bhattacharya : The idea is to reduce man-animal conflict in the region n Renowned grassland expert Dr G D Muratkar, who worked for development of grassland in Kuno National Park for Project Cheetah, helping Forest Department In second phase, the project will be implemented in Nagpur and Umred sub-divisions The Nagpur forest division initiated meadow development project in Nagpur district, to give fillip to the population of herbivores and reduce the man-animal conflict in the region. In recent time, increasing man-animal conflict in Nagpur district has turned into a big challenge for the administration. The conflicts are increasing day by day in the region due to lack of herbivores in tiger reserves. The big cats are increasing their proximity to the human settlements due to the availability of prey base. Grassland plays a major role in boosting herbivores in forest area. The tiger reserves in Nagpur district have poor spread of grassland due to which the population of herbivores is less here, Dr Vinita Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Nagpur told The Hitavada. Development of nursery of palatable weeds in different forest areas, training of field staff and plantation of palatable weeds will be implemented under this project. We have initiated the project in Katol and Ramtek sub-divisions as both places are reporting the highest man-animal conflict cases in recent time, said Dr Vyas. Katol sub-division is a dry region, whereas Ramtek is completely different. The species of grass that grow in these areas are also different. After implementing the project in these two regions, it will be carried out in Nagpur and Umred sub-divisions in the second phase, claimed the DCF. We are seeking the expertise of Dr G D Muratkar, a grassland expert, who worked for development of grassland in Kuno National Park for Project Cheetah, for development of grassland in Nagpur division too, she added. Dr Muratkar is training our ground-staff on identification of different palatable weeds, identification of invasive grass, process of removing invasive grass like Lantana camara, and developing nursery of palatable grass, said the senior Forest officer. Dr Vyas informed that, the Forest Department has identified six to eight forest patches in core area for development of the meadows. Intensive staff training is also underway. She also informed that the grassland development will be carried out by the Van Majoors who are already working under the Forest Department. The Nagpur division has funds to initiate the project initially and later on, they will get financial largesse from the State Government, said Dr Vyas. Mainly, the grasslands will be developed near the water holes for better accessibility of food and water both, for big cats. The grassland development will also help in promoting eco-tourism in forest areas. Photo expo on Padma Awardees draws acclaim Staff Reporter : THE photo exhibition Chhattisgarhs Luminaries: The Inspiring Journeys of Padma Award Recipients, organized by the Department of Culture and Official Language, Chhattisgarh, received overwhelming appreciation from visitors during the states silver jubilee celebrations. On the final day, Padma Shri awardee Ajay Kumar Mandavi from KankerBastar visited the exhibition. Dedicated to Chhattisgarhs exceptional personalities honored with one of Indias highest civilian awards the Padma the exhibition highlights talents from literature, arts, music, dance, folk culture, education, science, medicine, and social service. These luminaries, born on Chhattisgarhs sacred soil, achieved personal success through relentless effort, struggle, and dedication, while contributing significantly to societal welfare, cultural preservation, and national pride. Director Culture, Vivek Acharya stated, This exhibition, held during the silver jubilee year, is a vital cultural initiative to preserve Chhattisgarhs glorious history and pass it on to future generations. It celebrates the states achievements and honors the ideals and values that have propelled Chhattisgarh toward progress, prestige, and inspiration. Deputy Director of Culture and Rajbhasha Umesh Mishra added that the exhibition aims to vividly showcase these icons inspiring life journeys to the public. Featuring photos and brief descriptions, it captures their struggles, key accomplishments, moments of receiving honors, and positive societal impacts serving as a reminder of past triumphs and guidance for the present and future. Organizer Deependra Diwan reaffirmed, This exhibition will be a powerful source of inspiration, especially for the youth. The life stories of these great personalities will instill confidence, duty, discipline, hard work, and a spirit of national service in young minds. PM Modi has resolved to be satisfied in adverse circumstances: CM Dr Yadav Staff Reporter : Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has said that important arrangements have been made to help the citizens of Madhya Pradesh in the wake of the Iran-US-Israel War. A special control room has been established for this. Madhya Pradesh Government is sensitive about this. Home Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh and Resident Commissioners Office Madhya Pradesh Bhawan team is deployed in New Delhi. The suggestions received from relatives on CM helpline number 181 are being taken seriously. Registration and records of all are also being maintained. Arrangements have been made to bring the citizens back home safely in co-ordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Food and other arrangements for the citizens are being taken care of during this period. Communication with family members has also been established. Chief Minister Dr Yadav said that under the able leadership of the successful Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has managed to cope with such adverse conditions in the past as well. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is also monitoring and reviewing the entire situation. All the concerned Ministries including the Ministry of External Affairs are also dynamic. Chief Minister Dr Yadav said that the Madhya Pradesh government is fully aware and sensitive about the war situation in Central East Asia. Madhya Pradesh governments efforts are also yielding good results. About 50 families have been registered. My request is that citizens can contact CM helpline and control room located in New Delhi. This challenge is a must but it is not a difficult task. We are facing this challenge properly. Please keep faith in this system and take the effort to report your difficulties to the helpline and save your life. Be safe and be one. Trumps blood is on my shoulders: Cleric, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry accused Iran of carrying out drone attacks near airport in Nakhchivan and another one near a school DUBAI : IRAN launched a new wave of attacks against Israel, American bases and countries around the region Thursday, while warning the US would bitterly regret torpedoing an Iranian warship. Tehrans expanding retaliatory strikes and increasing shows of defiance came even as Israel and the US hammered Iran for a sixth day. The war has escalated each day, affecting an additional 14 countries across the Middle East and beyond. On Thursday, Azerbaijan accused Iran of attacking it with drones - though Tehran denied that. A day earlier, the US said it sank an Iranian frigate in the waters off Sri Lanka. All the while, the US and Israel have battered Iran with nationwide strikes, targeting their military capabilities leadership and nuclear programme. Israeli and American leaders have also suggested that toppling the government was a goal - and Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed when they launched the war Saturday. But the exact aims and timelines have repeatedly shifted, and the conflict increasingly appeared to be open-ended. Irans attacks have targeted their Arab neighbours, disrupted oil supplies and snarled global air travel. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 70 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six US troops have been killed. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US Navy of committing an an atrocity at sea for sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean earlier in the week, killing at least 87 people. Mark my words: The US will come to bitterly regret (the) precedent it has set, he said on social media. An Iranian cleric later called on state television for the shedding of both Israeli and Trumps blood. The statement from Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli represented a rare call for violence by an ayatollah, one of the highest ranks within the clergy of Shiite Islam. There are dozens in Iran. Israel announced multiple incoming missile attacks and air sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, while Gulf countries also reported coming under fire. In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, a drone was shot down near the Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts US forces, and shrapnel fell to the ground, authorities said. Six people were wounded. Qatar evacuated residents near the US Embassy in Doha as a temporary precaution and later reported a missile attack on the city. Saudi Arabia said it destroyed a drone in its province bordering Jordan. Israel appeared to be preparing to step up its attacks on Lebanon, where it is targeting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group. The Israeli military also said a wave of strikes on Iran hit long-range ballistic missile launch sites and other targets. Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev accused Iran of carrying out a groundless act of terror and aggression after a drone crashed on Thursday near the airport in Nakhchivan, a region bordering Iran that is separated from the rest of the country by Armenia. Another drone fell near a school and two civilians were injured, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said. Aliyev said the military had been instructed to prepare and implement retaliatory measures.Irans general staff of the Armed Forces denied it had launched drones toward Azerbaijan. The denial comes as Iran has repeatedly denied targeting oil infrastructure and other civilian targets during the war, despite its drone and missile fire hitting those sites. A tanker apparently came under attack off the coast of Kuwait early on Thursday, expanding the area where commercial shipping was in danger, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre run by the British military. It said there was an explosion but did not offer a cause. Since the war began Saturday, ships have been attacked in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the worlds oil is shipped. That has caused oil prices to soar - though they briefly came down Wednesday. Udaipurs Menar village celebrates Holi with guns and cannons UDAIPUR : UNLIKE colours as in the rest of India, the residents of Menar village in Rajasthans Udaipur district celebrated Holi with guns and cannons on Wednesday to commemorate a 400-year-old military victory over Mughal forces. A resident of the village mentioned that the tradition of celebrating this festival dates back 400 years. He further explained that in the 16th century, the Brahmins of Menar Village defeated the Mughal forces in a fierce battle, and the festival continues to be celebrated today to honour the victory and the immense sacrifice of those Brahmins. This tradition dates back 400 years, the Brahmins of Menar Village defeated the Mughal forces. To honour their victory and observe their sacrifice, we are celebrating this festival, a resident told ANI. The resident further mentioned that Menar village is the only place in the world where the unique tradition of drawing swords is observed. Menar is the only place where drawing of Swords (Talwaaro ki Gair) is observed. I am participating in this festival since childhood, added the resident. To celebrate the warrior-like spirit of the Brahmins, the Gunpowder Holi festival also drew international attention, with many foreigners travelling to witness the spectacle. Praising the tradition, Dan, a tourist from the United Kingdom, expressed his delight at being able to observe the unique and vibrant festivities in real time. My name is Dan, I have a Youtube channel, I am experiencing gunpowder holi, it is absolutely crazy, I am so happy to be here, Dan told ANI Menar village continues to uphold this festival with immense enthusiasm each year. While participants engage in these vibrant and high-energy celebrations, authorities ensure that strict safety measures are in place to prevent any mishaps. Ultimately, this unique tradition proves that the festival of Holi in India is celebrated across every state with a distinct cultural touch, adding a legendary depth to the traditional festival of colours. Akbar Novruz Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said President Ilham Aliyevs remarks yesterday send a clear message following the drone attack on Nakhchivan, stressing that Azerbaijans security and diplomatic measures are being implemented at the highest level, AzerNEWS reports. Speaking at a press briefing in Baku with his Moldovan counterpart Mihai Popshoi, Bayramov referred to President Aliyevs statements at the Security Council on March 5, highlighting Azerbaijans response to the incident. Yesterday, we discussed the issue in a telephone conversation with the Iranian Foreign Minister. The Iranian side promised to seriously investigate the issue, and we are waiting for the results, Bayramov said. He added that President Aliyev has given relevant instructions regarding the drone strike: Diplomatic steps have already been taken regarding the incident, a note has been issued, and I had a telephone conversation with my colleague. The initiation of an investigation by Iran into the issue is now a general process. Azerbaijan's security measures are being implemented at the highest level under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. The level of readiness of the military forces has been maximized against the backdrop of regional tensions. Bayramov also confirmed that instructions have been issued to evacuate both the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran and the Consulate General in Tabriz, underscoring the seriousness with which Azerbaijan is approaching the situation. Tehran's four "Arash-2" drones have targeted the passenger terminal of the airport in Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan and a school near the village of Shakarabad, close to the border with Iran. Tehran has since denied involvement in the incident. Four people were injured during the incident. Azerbaijan has dismissed Irans denial of responsibility for the drone attacks carried out against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, stating that the claims are unacceptable in light of technical evidence. Azerbaijans Prosecutor Generals Office has launched a criminal investigation after unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iranian territory targeted civilian infrastructure in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. PARIS, March 6 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that France stands in full solidarity with Iraq amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and supports efforts to prevent the country from being drawn into the conflict. Macron made the remarks in a post on social media platform X after speaking with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani over phone. Macron stressed that Iraq's stability is essential for the entire region, noting that France supports the full respect of Iraq's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. For his part, al-Sudani stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to halt military operations, noting that the international community and major powers must work to stop the war and prevent its further escalation, according to a statement by his media office. JUBA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) on Friday ordered the immediate evacuation of the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping force and all humanitarian agencies ahead of offensive operations against opposition forces in Akobo near the Ethiopian border. SSPDF Spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang said that they plan to launch operations to flush out the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) forces holed up in Akobo County. Koang disclosed that the SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces, Paul Nang Majok, has ordered the closure and immediate withdrawal of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) forces from their temporary operating base in Akobo County within 72 hours. "All UN agencies, NGOs and their staff are ordered to leave within the same window of opportunity. All civilians living in Akobo town and surrounding villages are hereby ordered to either relocate to the nearest SSPDF-controlled areas or leave for areas they deem safer," Koang told journalists in Juba. "The above orders are being issued in advance in order to avoid unnecessary collateral damage. We have given this order because we are done with recapturing bases that we had lost in December 2025 and early January 2026," he said. Tensions between the two forces escalated after an attack on the SSPDF base in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in March 2025 by the White Army, a militia that the government claimed is linked to the SPLA-IO. Since then, the SSPDF and opposition forces have been fighting in Unity, Upper Nile, Western Bahr El Ghazal, Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria and Eastern Equatoria states. Auto Trader Group (OTCMKTS:ATDRY Get Free Report) shares traded down 1.2% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $1.5250 and last traded at $1.59. 1,253,053 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 13% from the average session volume of 1,447,820 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.61. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Jefferies Financial Group lowered Auto Trader Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Reduce. Get Auto Trader Group alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Auto Trader Group Auto Trader Group Trading Down 1.3% Auto Trader Group Company Profile The firms 50-day simple moving average is $1.77 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $2.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a current ratio of 1.77. (Get Free Report) Auto Trader Group plc is a digital automotive marketplace operating primarily in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Through its flagship consumer-facing website and mobile applications, the company connects private buyers and sellers with franchised and independent motor dealers. It facilitates the listing of new and used vehicles, offering rich multimedia adverts that include photos, video walk-arounds, and detailed specifications. In addition to its core marketplace, Auto Trader provides a suite of value-added services for both consumers and dealer partners. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Auto Trader Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Auto Trader Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF (NYSEARCA:PXJ Get Free Report) shares were down 2.2% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $40.49 and last traded at $41.26. Approximately 34,694 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 1% from the average daily volume of 35,163 shares. The stock had previously closed at $42.19. Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF this week: Get Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF alerts: Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF Stock Down 1.8% The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $35.54 and a 200-day simple moving average of $30.89. The company has a market cap of $54.94 million, a PE ratio of 9.62 and a beta of 1.02. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF Company Profile Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PXJ. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF by 8.3% in the second quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. now owns 13,624 shares of the companys stock valued at $324,000 after buying an additional 1,039 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $42,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its stake in Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF by 354.3% in the 3rd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 17,685 shares of the companys stock valued at $482,000 after buying an additional 13,792 shares in the last quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF during the 4th quarter worth about $47,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF by 1.7% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 56,392 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,655,000 after acquiring an additional 937 shares during the last quarter. (Get Free Report) The Invesco Dynamic Oil & Gas Services ETF (PXJ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in energy equity. The fund tracks an index of US companies in the oil and gas services sector that are weighted in tiers. The index uses a multi-factor methodology to select holdings. PXJ was launched on Oct 26, 2005 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Oil & Gas Services ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WASHINGTON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump will alone decide when Iran has effectively delivered the "unconditional surrender" Washington demands, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Friday. Hours earlier, Trump said on Truth Social that "there will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender." "What the president means is that when he, as commander in chief of the U.S. armed forces, determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the United States of America, and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been fully realized, then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender, whether they say it themselves or not," Leavitt told reporters. On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told NBC News that his country is not requesting a ceasefire and does not see any reason to negotiate with Washington. The United States and Israel launched joint military attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, multiple senior military commanders and hundreds of civilians. Iran has responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. assets across the region. Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Jones Lang LaSalle (NYSE: JLL) in the last few weeks: 2/24/2026 Jones Lang LaSalle had its price target lowered by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $405.00 to $380.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 2/23/2026 Jones Lang LaSalle had its price target raised by UBS Group AG from $410.00 to $425.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 2/20/2026 Jones Lang LaSalle was upgraded by Weiss Ratings from hold (c+) to buy (b-). 2/20/2026 Jones Lang LaSalle was upgraded by Zacks Research from hold to strong-buy. 1/28/2026 Jones Lang LaSalle had its price target raised by UBS Group AG from $360.00 to $410.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 1/22/2026 Jones Lang LaSalle had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by Weiss Ratings. 1/11/2026 Jones Lang LaSalle was upgraded by Wall Street Zen from buy to strong-buy. 1/8/2026 Jones Lang LaSalle had its price target raised by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $390.00 to $405.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. Insider Activity at Jones Lang LaSalle In related news, CEO Christian Ulbrich sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $330.87, for a total transaction of $1,654,350.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 114,781 shares of the companys stock, valued at $37,977,589.47. This trade represents a 4.17% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In the last three months, insiders sold 9,760 shares of company stock valued at $3,227,038. 0.91% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Get Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated alerts: Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm specializing in real estate and investment management. The company provides a broad range of services including leasing, advisory, property and asset management, capital markets, project and development services, and valuation. Through its integrated platform, JLL serves corporate occupiers, institutional investors, real estate owners and developers, offering tailored solutions that span the entire real estate lifecycle. Founded in 1783 in London as Jones Lang Wootton, the firm established a reputation for expertise in property management and brokerage. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management bought a new stake in OGE Energy Corporation (NYSE:OGE Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund bought 40,072 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $1,852,000. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Millennium Management LLC raised its position in shares of OGE Energy by 1,160.8% in the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 94,965 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,365,000 after acquiring an additional 87,433 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its stake in OGE Energy by 54.5% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,043,657 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $47,966,000 after purchasing an additional 367,960 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its stake in OGE Energy by 4.3% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 560,664 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,768,000 after purchasing an additional 23,051 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth increased its holdings in OGE Energy by 7.5% in the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 9,145 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $420,000 after purchasing an additional 637 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State of Michigan Retirement System lifted its stake in OGE Energy by 0.6% in the second quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 48,414 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,149,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 71.84% of the companys stock. Get OGE Energy alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of OGE Energy from $45.00 to $44.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating on shares of OGE Energy in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of OGE Energy in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. They issued a market perform rating and a $45.00 price target for the company. Mizuho set a $49.00 price objective on shares of OGE Energy in a research report on Thursday, February 19th. Finally, Barclays reduced their target price on OGE Energy from $51.00 to $49.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $47.63. Insider Activity In other news, CAO Sarah R. Stafford sold 6,130 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.77, for a total value of $292,830.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 28,559 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,364,263.43. This represents a 17.67% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Lyle G. Ganske purchased 10,420 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 23rd. The shares were acquired at an average price of $47.99 per share, for a total transaction of $500,055.80. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 10,420 shares of the companys stock, valued at $500,055.80. This trade represents a increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Company insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock. OGE Energy Trading Down 1.3% NYSE OGE opened at $48.25 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $44.77 and a 200 day simple moving average of $44.72. OGE Energy Corporation has a 12 month low of $40.80 and a 12 month high of $49.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.89, a PEG ratio of 3.50 and a beta of 0.61. OGE Energy (NYSE:OGE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 18th. The utilities provider reported $0.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.30 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $725.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $277.80 million. OGE Energy had a net margin of 14.44% and a return on equity of 9.89%. The businesss revenue was down 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.50 EPS. OGE Energy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.380-2.480 EPS. On average, analysts predict that OGE Energy Corporation will post 2.27 EPS for the current fiscal year. OGE Energy Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 24th. Shareholders of record on Monday, April 6th will be paid a $0.425 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, April 6th. This represents a $1.70 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.5%. OGE Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 73.59%. OGE Energy Company Profile (Free Report) OGE Energy Corp. (NYSE:OGE) is an energy and infrastructure holding company headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Through its principal subsidiary, Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company, the company provides regulated electric service to residential, commercial and industrial customers across Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Its diversified generation mix includes coal, natural gas and wind-powered facilities, complemented by ongoing investments in grid modernization and smart technology to enhance reliability and customer satisfaction. In addition to its core electric utility operations, OGE Energy Corp. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OGE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for OGE Energy Corporation (NYSE:OGE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for OGE Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OGE Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE:AN Get Free Report) have received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the eleven ratings firms that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $248.6667. A number of research firms have recently weighed in on AN. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on AutoNation from $222.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Sunday, February 8th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of AutoNation from $233.00 to $238.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. Weiss Ratings cut shares of AutoNation from a buy (b) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Evercore boosted their target price on shares of AutoNation from $240.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Barclays dropped their price target on shares of AutoNation from $250.00 to $245.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Get AutoNation alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on AutoNation Institutional Trading of AutoNation AutoNation Stock Down 1.3% A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in AN. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC raised its stake in shares of AutoNation by 0.6% in the 4th quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 9,494 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,960,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares in the last quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC grew its stake in AutoNation by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC now owns 5,668 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,170,000 after buying an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC raised its holdings in AutoNation by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 6,288 shares of the companys stock worth $1,376,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the period. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC raised its holdings in AutoNation by 13.3% in the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 519 shares of the companys stock worth $114,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares during the period. Finally, Crestwood Advisors Group LLC grew its position in shares of AutoNation by 3.2% in the third quarter. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC now owns 2,076 shares of the companys stock valued at $454,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.62% of the companys stock. AutoNation stock opened at $193.19 on Tuesday. AutoNation has a twelve month low of $148.33 and a twelve month high of $228.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a quick ratio of 0.22 and a current ratio of 0.84. The firm has a market cap of $6.71 billion, a PE ratio of 11.32 and a beta of 0.89. The firms 50 day moving average price is $207.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $210.41. AutoNation (NYSE:AN Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 6th. The company reported $5.08 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.91 by $0.17. AutoNation had a net margin of 2.35% and a return on equity of 31.69%. The business had revenue of $6.93 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.21 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $4.97 EPS. AutoNations revenue was down 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that AutoNation will post 18.15 EPS for the current fiscal year. AutoNation Company Profile (Get Free Report) AutoNation, Inc is the largest automotive retailer in the United States, operating a network of franchised new vehicle dealerships, pre-owned vehicle superstores and collision-repair centers. The company offers a comprehensive range of automotive products and services, including the sale of new cars and light trucks from leading manufacturers, certified pre-owned vehicles and a wide selection of used models. In addition to retail vehicle sales, AutoNation provides financing, insurance and extended service contracts through its in-house financial services division, as well as genuine and aftermarket parts, factory-recommended maintenance and collision-repair services. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, AutoNation was founded in 1996 by entrepreneur H. Read More Receive News & Ratings for AutoNation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AutoNation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Murphy USA Inc. (NYSE:MUSA Get Free Report) have earned a consensus rating of Hold from the ten analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, two have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $457.50. MUSA has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Murphy USA in a report on Monday, December 29th. Stephens lowered their price objective on Murphy USA from $475.00 to $450.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, February 6th. KeyCorp set a $500.00 target price on shares of Murphy USA in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of Murphy USA from $410.00 to $400.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, Bank of America started coverage on shares of Murphy USA in a research report on Friday, January 9th. They issued an underperform rating for the company. Get Murphy USA alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on MUSA Murphy USA Trading Up 1.1% Shares of Murphy USA stock opened at $419.20 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $411.87 and its 200 day moving average is $393.35. The firm has a market capitalization of $7.77 billion, a PE ratio of 17.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.91 and a beta of 0.40. Murphy USA has a 1 year low of $345.23 and a 1 year high of $523.09. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.47. Murphy USA (NYSE:MUSA Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The specialty retailer reported $7.53 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.67 by $0.86. The firm had revenue of $4.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.88 billion. Murphy USA had a net margin of 2.43% and a return on equity of 75.75%. The companys quarterly revenue was up .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $6.96 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Murphy USA will post 26.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Murphy USA Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, March 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, February 23rd were issued a dividend of $0.63 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, February 23rd. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.6%. Murphy USAs payout ratio is presently 10.38%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Murphy USA news, CEO Malynda K. West sold 3,967 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $450.00, for a total transaction of $1,785,150.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 117,389 shares in the company, valued at approximately $52,825,050. This trade represents a 3.27% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, SVP Eric J. Bartko sold 345 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $404.84, for a total transaction of $139,669.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 352 shares in the company, valued at $142,503.68. This trade represents a 49.50% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 14,833 shares of company stock valued at $6,154,491. Corporate insiders own 9.04% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Murphy USA Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Murphy USA by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 132,705 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $51,524,000 after buying an additional 4,468 shares during the last quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its holdings in Murphy USA by 20.2% during the third quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 138,998 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $53,967,000 after acquiring an additional 23,349 shares during the period. Southernsun Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Murphy USA by 13.7% in the second quarter. Southernsun Asset Management LLC now owns 74,908 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $30,473,000 after purchasing an additional 9,051 shares during the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. grew its stake in Murphy USA by 60.1% in the 3rd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 13,667 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $5,405,000 after purchasing an additional 5,128 shares during the period. Finally, VELA Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Murphy USA by 200.8% during the 3rd quarter. VELA Investment Management LLC now owns 6,714 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $2,607,000 after purchasing an additional 4,482 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.81% of the companys stock. About Murphy USA (Get Free Report) Murphy USA is a leading downstream marketer of gasoline, diesel and convenience store products in the United States. Headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas, the company was originally established as part of Murphy Oil Corporation and was spun off as an independent public entity in 2013. Since its separation, Murphy USA has focused on retail fueling services and convenience offerings designed to deliver value and convenience to consumers. The companys primary operations center on two retail formats. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Murphy USA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murphy USA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aspen Aerogels (NYSE:ASPN Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Barclays from $4.00 to $3.00 in a research report report published on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an underweight rating on the construction companys stock. ASPN has been the topic of several other reports. Roth Mkm cut their price objective on shares of Aspen Aerogels from $6.00 to $3.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 26th. TD Cowen cut their price target on Aspen Aerogels from $7.00 to $6.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 26th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Aspen Aerogels in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research raised Aspen Aerogels from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their target price on shares of Aspen Aerogels from $10.00 to $5.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 7th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $4.25. Get Aspen Aerogels alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Aspen Aerogels Aspen Aerogels Stock Performance Shares of Aspen Aerogels stock opened at $3.30 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 3.94, a quick ratio of 3.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $3.35 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.93. The firm has a market cap of $272.75 million, a P/E ratio of -0.70 and a beta of 2.99. Aspen Aerogels has a 12 month low of $2.30 and a 12 month high of $9.78. Aspen Aerogels (NYSE:ASPN Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 25th. The construction company reported ($0.34) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.27) by ($0.07). The business had revenue of $41.34 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $44.25 million. Aspen Aerogels had a negative return on equity of 13.07% and a negative net margin of 143.69%.The firms revenue was down 66.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.14 earnings per share. Aspen Aerogels has set its Q1 2026 guidance at -0.2800.240 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Aspen Aerogels will post 0.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Aspen Aerogels Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ASPN. Raymond James Financial Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Aspen Aerogels by 6.8% during the second quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 26,559 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $157,000 after acquiring an additional 1,687 shares in the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc grew its position in Aspen Aerogels by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 67,130 shares of the construction companys stock worth $397,000 after purchasing an additional 2,324 shares during the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. increased its stake in Aspen Aerogels by 29.1% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 10,615 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $63,000 after purchasing an additional 2,390 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Aspen Aerogels by 67.3% in the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 6,343 shares of the construction companys stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 2,551 shares during the last quarter. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its stake in shares of Aspen Aerogels by 12.1% during the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 24,671 shares of the construction companys stock worth $146,000 after buying an additional 2,656 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.64% of the companys stock. About Aspen Aerogels (Get Free Report) Aspen Aerogels, Inc, headquartered in Northborough, Massachusetts, develops and manufactures high-performance aerogel insulation materials and custom engineered solutions. Founded in 2001 as a spin-out from Department of Energy research, the company pursued an initial public offering on the NYSE in 2014 under the ticker ASPN. Aspen Aerogels combines proprietary aerogel formulations with advanced manufacturing processes to deliver products known for their low thermal conductivity, lightweight construction and robust mechanical properties. The companys product portfolio spans blanket insulation, boards, and custom shapes built around several proprietary brands, including Pyrogel, Cryogel and Spaceloft. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Aspen Aerogels Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aspen Aerogels and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Loader Please wait while your request is being verified... JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America, and Citigroup are the three Bank stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Bank stocks are shares of publicly traded banks and other depository institutions that represent partial ownership and a claim on the firms earnings and assets. Their returns and valuations are driven by factors such as net interest margins, loan quality, deposit flows, regulatory oversight, and broader economic and interest-rate cycles, and they are often held for both capital appreciation and dividend income. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Bank stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of financial and investment banking services. It focuses on investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. It operates through the following segments: Consumer and Community Banking (CCB), Commercial and Investment Bank (CIB), Asset and Wealth Management (AWM), and Corporate. Bank of America (BAC) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. It operates in four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management (GWIM), Global Banking, and Global Markets. Read Our Latest Research Report on BAC Citigroup (C) Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. Read Our Latest Research Report on C Featured Articles HSBC upgraded shares of Block (NYSE:XYZ Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Tuesday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. They currently have $77.00 price objective on the technology companys stock, up from their prior price objective of $70.00. XYZ has been the topic of several other reports. Zacks Research downgraded Block from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $90.00 price objective on shares of Block in a research report on Friday, February 27th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $90.00 target price on shares of Block in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Oppenheimer upped their target price on shares of Block from $85.00 to $89.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, February 27th. Finally, Truist Financial set a $72.00 price target on shares of Block in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-five have assigned a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Block currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $82.79. Get Block alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on XYZ Block Trading Up 2.9% NYSE XYZ opened at $67.13 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.97, a PEG ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 2.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 2.20 and a current ratio of 2.20. Block has a one year low of $44.27 and a one year high of $82.50. The companys 50 day moving average price is $61.22 and its 200 day moving average price is $67.92. Block (NYSE:XYZ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 26th. The technology company reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.26 by $0.39. Block had a net margin of 5.40% and a return on equity of 6.66%. The company had revenue of $6.25 billion during the quarter. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.71 earnings per share. Blocks quarterly revenue was up 3.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Block will post 2.54 EPS for the current year. Insider Transactions at Block In other Block news, insider Brian Grassadonia sold 10,349 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total transaction of $517,450.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 503,784 shares in the company, valued at $25,189,200. This represents a 2.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Owen Britton Jennings sold 3,555 shares of Block stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.41, for a total value of $225,422.55. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 231,262 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,664,323.42. The trade was a 1.51% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 20,352 shares of company stock valued at $1,165,720 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 10.85% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Block Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Traub Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Block during the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC acquired a new position in Block in the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. City Holding Co. bought a new position in shares of Block during the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Cromwell Holdings LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Block during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Finally, Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC bought a new stake in shares of Block in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $28,000. 70.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Block Company Profile (Get Free Report) Block (NYSE:XYZ) is a financial technology company that builds products and services to facilitate electronic payments, commerce, and consumer finance. Its principal business lines include a seller-focused ecosystem that provides point-of-sale hardware and software, payment processing, invoicing, payroll and lending services, and a consumer-facing platform that offers peer-to-peer payments, banking-like features, and investing. Blocks portfolio also encompasses music streaming and buy-now-pay-later capabilities through businesses acquired to broaden its reach beyond core payments. The company was founded as Square in 2009 by Jack Dorsey and Jim McKelvey and later rebranded to Block to reflect a diversified set of businesses across payments, consumer finance, and emerging technologies. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Block Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Block and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited (LON:BMV Get Free Report) shares fell 30% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.06 and last traded at GBX 0.07. 54,647,676 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 354% from the average session volume of 12,040,229 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.10. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Stock Performance The company has a 50 day moving average of GBX 0.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 0.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29, a current ratio of 0.08 and a quick ratio of 0.08. The company has a market capitalization of 2.01 million, a PE ratio of -0.30 and a beta of 0.62. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and developing of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds interests in the Gubong project and Kochang project located in South Korea. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Road Town, the British Virgin Islands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Burlington Stores (NYSE:BURL Get Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by equities researchers at Citigroup from $351.00 to $380.00 in a report issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. Citigroups price objective would indicate a potential upside of 23.00% from the companys previous close. Several other brokerages have also recently commented on BURL. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Burlington Stores from $316.00 to $356.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, February 23rd. TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Burlington Stores in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Burlington Stores from $350.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Burlington Stores in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Guggenheim started coverage on shares of Burlington Stores in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Fifteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Burlington Stores has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $354.88. Get Burlington Stores alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Burlington Stores Burlington Stores Stock Down 3.9% Shares of NYSE:BURL traded down $12.52 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $308.95. 318,990 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 836,800. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a current ratio of 1.21. Burlington Stores has a 52-week low of $212.92 and a 52-week high of $332.20. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $302.87 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $282.83. The company has a market capitalization of $19.44 billion, a PE ratio of 35.51, a P/E/G ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.73. Burlington Stores (NYSE:BURL Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, March 5th. The company reported $4.99 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.70 by $0.29. Burlington Stores had a return on equity of 41.02% and a net margin of 5.01%.The firm had revenue of $3.65 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.77 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $4.07 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Burlington Stores has set its FY 2026 guidance at 10.950-11.450 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.600-1.750 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Burlington Stores will post 7.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Burlington Stores Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in shares of Burlington Stores by 6.7% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 945,554 shares of the companys stock worth $240,643,000 after buying an additional 59,587 shares in the last quarter. Oak Thistle LLC acquired a new stake in Burlington Stores in the 3rd quarter valued at $1,932,000. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its position in Burlington Stores by 8.3% in the second quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 19,785 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,603,000 after acquiring an additional 1,510 shares during the period. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC acquired a new position in Burlington Stores during the third quarter worth $1,033,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Burlington Stores by 3.5% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,782,201 shares of the companys stock worth $1,726,070,000 after acquiring an additional 232,358 shares in the last quarter. More Burlington Stores News Here are the key news stories impacting Burlington Stores this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat on top and bottom lines strong comps (+4%), revenue ~ $3.643.65B and adjusted EPS ~$4.894.99 with margin expansion and 21% EPS growth yearoveryear. Management highlighted a twoyear comp stack of ~10% and improved EBIT margins. GlobeNewswire: Q4 & FullYear Release Q4 results beat on top and bottom lines strong comps (+4%), revenue ~ $3.643.65B and adjusted EPS ~$4.894.99 with margin expansion and 21% EPS growth yearoveryear. Management highlighted a twoyear comp stack of ~10% and improved EBIT margins. Positive Sentiment: Company raised FY 2026 EPS guidance to $10.95$11.45, above consensus, and lifted 2026 comp guidance to +1%3% as tariff pressures ease and new store growth accelerates supports a bullish mediumterm outlook. Seeking Alpha: Guidance Raise Company raised FY 2026 EPS guidance to $10.95$11.45, above consensus, and lifted 2026 comp guidance to +1%3% as tariff pressures ease and new store growth accelerates supports a bullish mediumterm outlook. Positive Sentiment: Several analysts raised price targets and ratings after the print Wells Fargo to $400 (overweight), Robert W. Baird to $375 (outperform), and other increases signaling sustained analyst enthusiasm. Benzinga: PT Raises Several analysts raised price targets and ratings after the print Wells Fargo to $400 (overweight), Robert W. Baird to $375 (outperform), and other increases signaling sustained analyst enthusiasm. Neutral Sentiment: Liquidity and capital return: management emphasized healthy cash (~$2.16B) and continued share repurchases, which supports financial flexibility but is not an immediate catalyst. Seeking Alpha: Analysis Liquidity and capital return: management emphasized healthy cash (~$2.16B) and continued share repurchases, which supports financial flexibility but is not an immediate catalyst. Neutral Sentiment: Mixed press coverage and earnings transcripts available for detail on merchandising and tariff strategy useful for longerterm thesis but less likely to move price intraday. MSN: Earnings Call Transcript Mixed press coverage and earnings transcripts available for detail on merchandising and tariff strategy useful for longerterm thesis but less likely to move price intraday. Negative Sentiment: Q1 EPS guidance of $1.60$1.75 came in below consensus (~$1.82), which likely tempered enthusiasm and contributed to intraday selling/rotation out of the name. (Guidance also included revenue near Street, but the EPS miss matters for nearterm sentiment.) Q1 EPS guidance of $1.60$1.75 came in below consensus (~$1.82), which likely tempered enthusiasm and contributed to intraday selling/rotation out of the name. (Guidance also included revenue near Street, but the EPS miss matters for nearterm sentiment.) Negative Sentiment: Unusual options activity: a large uptick in put buying (several thousand contracts) suggests some investors are hedging or betting on nearterm downside a shortterm technical headwind. About Burlington Stores (Get Free Report) Burlington Stores, Inc is an American off-price retailer that sells apparel and home goods at discounted prices. The companys merchandise assortment includes clothing for women, men and children, plus baby products, footwear, accessories, beauty items, toys and home decor. Burlingtons merchandising strategy focuses on offering branded and private-label goods at lower prices than traditional department stores by sourcing excess inventory, closeouts and opportunistic buys from manufacturers and other retailers. The business traces its roots to the Burlington Coat Factory name established in the early 1970s and has since evolved into a broader off-price retailer that carries a wide range of seasonal and everyday merchandise. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Burlington Stores Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Burlington Stores and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RIYADH, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia's national carrier Saudia announced Friday the partial resumption of its flight operations to and from Dubai, following days of regional closures amid heightened regional tensions. Flights will resume on a limited schedule starting Saturday, with additional services expected to be restored progressively, according to a post on the company's official X account. Outbound flights will operate from Riyadh and Jeddah to Dubai, while inbound services will include flights from Dubai to Riyadh and Jeddah. Passengers can book available flights through the airline's official website Several countries in the region were forced to close their airspace since Feb. 28 amid continued Iranian attacks involving missiles and drones following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran. Capital Power (TSE:CPX) executives used the companys fourth-quarter and year-end 2025 earnings call to highlight what CEO Avik Dey described as relentless execution across acquisitions, asset optimization, and development, alongside a year of higher cash flow driven largely by the companys expanding U.S. flexible generation portfolio. Get alerts: Strategic execution: acquire, optimize, develop Dey said 2025 demonstrated the companys strategy in action, pointing to several milestones: the acquisition of 2.2 gigawatts (GW) of generation capacity through its PJM transaction, contract optimization across 2 GW of contracted capacity, upgrades and expansions totaling 385 megawatts (MW) across the fleet, and advancement or completion of 300 MW of new capacity to grow the renewable portfolio. Commercial optimization: recontracting and hedging focus Operationally, Dey said the company generated a record 45 terawatt-hours (TWh) of power in 2025, with 52% of total generation coming from the U.S. portfolio, which he framed as evidence of continued diversification. Management emphasized commercial optimization as a key lever for improved returns, citing a shift in customer behavior as power demand rises. Dey said contracting discussions are increasingly anchored in cost of replacement rather than historical recovery of costs, which the company believes supports stronger margins and longer-duration contracting. The company highlighted two major recontracting actions: MCV recontracting: Dey said the new long-term contract extends to 2040, adds 10 years of incremental contracted cash flow, and is expected to increase facility adjusted EBITDA by approximately CAD 100 million annually on a full-year basisan 85% increase over current contract pricing for the whole facility. Dey said the new long-term contract extends to 2040, adds 10 years of incremental contracted cash flow, and is expected to increase facility adjusted EBITDA by approximately CAD 100 million annually on a full-year basisan 85% increase over current contract pricing for the whole facility. Arlington Valley recontracting: To begin 2026, Capital Power completed an extension of the summer tolling agreement through 2038. Management said this secures 13 years of contracted revenue, includes a 35 MW upgrade, and resets pricing at 140% above the existing contract. Dey also detailed the portfolios contract structure, describing 12 GW of total capacity comprised of 4.8 GW long-term contracted between 2032 and 2047, 2.4 GW of medium-term contracts expiring between 2026 and 2031, and 4.8 GW of merchant capacity, primarily in Alberta and PJM. He said the companys forward focus is on extending duration across the merchant and medium-term portfolio when pricing is attractive, while continuing to hedge merchant generation to manage near-term risk and preserve longer-term upside. Financial results: adjusted EBITDA and AFFO rose in 2025 Interim CFO Scott Manson reported adjusted EBITDA of CAD 1.58 billion for full-year 2025, up CAD 237 million, or 18%, versus 2024. AFFO was CAD 1.07 billion, up CAD 242 million, or 29% year-over-year. Manson attributed higher adjusted EBITDA primarily to increased contributions from the U.S. flexible generation segment, reflecting the June 2025 acquisition of Hummel and Rolling Hills and a full-year contribution from La Paloma and Harquahala, which were acquired in February 2024. He also cited lower emission costs in Canada following the repowering of Genesee in late 2024 and lower corporate expenses following a 2024 reorganization. These improvements were partially offset by lower contributions from the Canadian renewables segment following a sell-down transaction completed in December 2024. Manson said the AFFO increase reflected higher EBITDA and lower current income tax expense, partly offset by higher finance expense tied to increased borrowings to fund growth. Net income was lower than 2024, which Manson said primarily reflected non-cash items, including unfavorable unrealized fair value changes on commodity derivatives and emission credits, higher depreciation and amortization on acquired or newly placed-in-service assets, and the absence of prior-year divestiture gains. 2026 outlook and capital plans Manson said the company is reaffirming 2026 guidance provided at its Investor Day. He said the outlook is supported by full-year contributions from 2025 acquisitions, structural improvements carried forward, and conservative market assumptions supported by disciplined hedging and capital allocation. Management also noted sustaining capital in 2026 is expected to be higher than historical levels. Manson said the increase is planned and not catch-up spending, but rather proactive investment to maintain reliability, protect cash flows, and support long-term earnings durability. He pointed to the MCV recontracting as an example of commercial optimization that requires investment to extend asset life, noting the contract extends through the facilitys 50th year of operation. Despite higher sustaining capital expenditures, he said the company expects to continue generating strong AFFO and supporting the dividend within its targeted payout ratio. In addition, Manson reiterated comments from Investor Day that the company sees opportunities within its existing asset baserequiring little to no growth capitalthat could grow adjusted EBITDA by up to CAD 1 billion per year, primarily through resetting contracts at higher pricing and capturing rising merchant power prices in Alberta and PJM. He said recontracting at MCV and Arlington Valley materially de-risks a significant portion of that potential. Q&A: Genesee, M&A, PJM policy, and Alberta load growth During the analyst Q&A, management addressed several topics: Genesee grid capacity unlock: Responding to a question about potential uprates, Dey said it is not an uprate but rather unlocking volumes already available that are subject to a maximum capacity limit on the grid. He said the company has an engineering solution and expects those volumes to be unlocked toward the back end of 2026. Responding to a question about potential uprates, Dey said it is not an uprate but rather unlocking volumes already available that are subject to a maximum capacity limit on the grid. He said the company has an engineering solution and expects those volumes to be unlocked toward the back end of 2026. Acquisition focus and contracted floor: Dey said the company is committed to maintaining its investment-grade rating and highlighted a 60% contracted floor, noting the company is near 75% contracted today. He said Capital Power is not evaluating acquisition opportunities in Alberta and is focused on U.S. generation or assets that increase overall contractedness, while staying above the 60% floor. Dey said the company is committed to maintaining its investment-grade rating and highlighted a 60% contracted floor, noting the company is near 75% contracted today. He said Capital Power is not evaluating acquisition opportunities in Alberta and is focused on U.S. generation or assets that increase overall contractedness, while staying above the 60% floor. MCV data center offtake discussions: Asked whether the process has been opened to other parties, Dey said it has not and that the company continues to work with its partners and advance the initiative. Asked whether the process has been opened to other parties, Dey said it has not and that the company continues to work with its partners and advance the initiative. Additional recontracting potential: Dey said it is safe to assume the company is actively evaluating multiple recontracting opportunities, citing U.S. plants with contracts expiring between 2029 and 2031, including Freddie, La Paloma, and Decatur, while not committing to specific outcomes or timing. Dey said it is safe to assume the company is actively evaluating multiple recontracting opportunities, citing U.S. plants with contracts expiring between 2029 and 2031, including Freddie, La Paloma, and Decatur, while not committing to specific outcomes or timing. PJM market design and REP process: Dey said a key risk for generators would be bifurcating the market between existing and new generation through a different pricing regime, and he discussed the importance of the existing cap and floor. He also said Capital Power would evaluate opportunities to capture 15-year PPAs with investment-grade counterparties under the REP process, whether for new builds or expansions. Dey said a key risk for generators would be bifurcating the market between existing and new generation through a different pricing regime, and he discussed the importance of the existing cap and floor. He also said Capital Power would evaluate opportunities to capture 15-year PPAs with investment-grade counterparties under the REP process, whether for new builds or expansions. PJM customer outreach: Dey said the company is not yet having active customer conversations specifically tied to the REP process, describing it as still in PJMs court while generators consult on the framework. Separately, he said the company has been actively marketing capacity for long-term offtakes for capacity and energy. Dey said the company is not yet having active customer conversations specifically tied to the REP process, describing it as still in PJMs court while generators consult on the framework. Separately, he said the company has been actively marketing capacity for long-term offtakes for capacity and energy. Gas-fired M&A environment and Apollo MOU: Manson described the M&A market as robust and said the Apollo partnership could expand Capital Powers opportunity set while supporting an investment-grade profile. Management said it is making progress on agreements and will update when appropriate, while noting it can advance the Apollo MOU and pursue other work in parallel. Manson described the M&A market as robust and said the Apollo partnership could expand Capital Powers opportunity set while supporting an investment-grade profile. Management said it is making progress on agreements and will update when appropriate, while noting it can advance the Apollo MOU and pursue other work in parallel. Alberta data center load framework: Dey said Alberta is becoming more attractive for new load, including data centers, though he cautioned the pace of public announcements may not match market expectations. He said the companys focus is monetizing Genesee through selling power and securing long-term PPAs with creditworthy counterparties. He also said phase IIs key issue is how grid connection costs are borne, distinguishing it from phase I. The call ended abruptly during a question about Albertas levy on new data center investments due to an apparent connection interruption, and management then concluded the call. Capital Power also announced a leadership update: Kevin MacIntosh will join as incoming CFO. Dey said MacIntosh brings more than 30 years of finance leadership experience in the global energy industry. Manson will support onboarding and transition until the end of April 2026. About Capital Power (TSE:CPX) Capital Power Corp is a North American power producer whose principal activities are developing, acquiring, and operating power plants. Through its subsidiary, Capital Power owns and operates a portfolio of natural gas, coal, wind, solar, and solid fuel energy generating facilities. These are located throughout Western and Central Canada and the U.S. Capital Powers natural gas and coal facilities, specifically its Genesee and Shepard sites, account for most of its electric capacity and cash flow production. See Also Cranswick plc (LON:CWK Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of GBX 5,085.81 and traded as high as GBX 5,320. Cranswick shares last traded at GBX 5,240, with a volume of 3,806,815 shares changing hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have issued reports on CWK shares. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating on shares of Cranswick in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Berenberg Bank reissued a hold rating and set a GBX 5,770 price objective on shares of Cranswick in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on Cranswick from GBX 6,000 to GBX 6,100 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Shore Capital Group reiterated a house stock rating on shares of Cranswick in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, Peel Hunt restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 5,500 price target on shares of Cranswick in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 5,790. Get Cranswick alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Cranswick Cranswick Stock Down 0.4% Cranswick Company Profile The stock has a market cap of 2.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.55, a PEG ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 40.43, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.78. The firms 50-day simple moving average is GBX 5,182.27 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 5,088.78. (Get Free Report) Cranswick is a leading and innovative supplier of premium, fresh and added-value food products with revenues of more than 2.7 billion. The business employs over 15,400 people and operates from 23 well-invested, highly efficient facilities in the UK. Cranswick was formed in the early 1970s by farmers in East Yorkshire to produce animal feed and has since evolved into a business which produces a range of high-quality, predominantly fresh food, including fresh pork, poultry, convenience, gourmet products and pet food. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cranswick Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cranswick and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) insider Dennis Howard sold 10,108 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.60, for a total value of $956,216.80. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 10,470 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $990,462. This trade represents a 49.12% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Dennis Howard also recently made the following trade(s): Get Charles Schwab alerts: On Wednesday, February 25th, Dennis Howard sold 27,903 shares of Charles Schwab stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $95.02, for a total transaction of $2,651,343.06. Charles Schwab Trading Down 0.8% Shares of SCHW stock traded down $0.75 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $95.29. The companys stock had a trading volume of 12,027,382 shares, compared to its average volume of 11,538,132. The company has a current ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The Charles Schwab Corporation has a one year low of $65.88 and a one year high of $107.50. The stock has a market capitalization of $166.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.45, a P/E/G ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 0.93. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $100.01 and its 200 day simple moving average is $96.46. Charles Schwab Increases Dividend Charles Schwab ( NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The financial services provider reported $1.39 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.32 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $6.34 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.19 billion. Charles Schwab had a net margin of 37.01% and a return on equity of 21.97%. Charles Schwabs quarterly revenue was up 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.01 earnings per share. Charles Schwab has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.700-5.800 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Corporation will post 4.22 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th were paid a dividend of $0.32 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 13th. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. This is an increase from Charles Schwabs previous quarterly dividend of $0.27. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 27.47%. Key Stories Impacting Charles Schwab Here are the key news stories impacting Charles Schwab this week: Positive Sentiment: Total client assets rose to $12.2T in January (+18% Y/Y); core net new assets were $27.8B and new brokerage accounts grew ~10% evidence of continued organic growth that supports fee income, deposits and crosssell potential. Read More. Total client assets rose to $12.2T in January (+18% Y/Y); core net new assets were $27.8B and new brokerage accounts grew ~10% evidence of continued organic growth that supports fee income, deposits and crosssell potential. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Schwab completed its acquisition of Forge Global (~$660M allcash), adding a privatemarkets platform that broadens product set for retail, RIAs and UHNW clients a strategic revenue diversification move that could lift fee revenue over time. Read More. Schwab completed its acquisition of Forge Global (~$660M allcash), adding a privatemarkets platform that broadens product set for retail, RIAs and UHNW clients a strategic revenue diversification move that could lift fee revenue over time. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Dividend modestly increased (recent quarterly payout $0.32 vs prior $0.27) supports yield-seeking investor interest and signals confidence in cash generation. Read More. Dividend modestly increased (recent quarterly payout $0.32 vs prior $0.27) supports yield-seeking investor interest and signals confidence in cash generation. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Wall Street remains constructive: multiple pricetarget upgrades and buy/overweight notes this quarter highlight expectations for stronger net interest income and earnings leverage as rates and deposit mix evolve. Read More. Wall Street remains constructive: multiple pricetarget upgrades and buy/overweight notes this quarter highlight expectations for stronger net interest income and earnings leverage as rates and deposit mix evolve. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Schwab scheduled an Institutional Investor Day for May 14 management will present strategy and outlook (could clarify guidance but is an informational event, not an immediate earnings driver). Read More. Schwab scheduled an Institutional Investor Day for May 14 management will present strategy and outlook (could clarify guidance but is an informational event, not an immediate earnings driver). Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Regional expansion and office moves (e.g., South Florida) underline continued branch/talent investments; strategic but not an immediate earnings catalyst. Read More. Regional expansion and office moves (e.g., South Florida) underline continued branch/talent investments; strategic but not an immediate earnings catalyst. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: recent filings show Paul V. Woolway sold shares (several transactions disclosed this week) raises shortterm cautionary signals for some investors even if insiders often sell for personal/liquidity reasons. Read More. Insider selling: recent filings show Paul V. Woolway sold shares (several transactions disclosed this week) raises shortterm cautionary signals for some investors even if insiders often sell for personal/liquidity reasons. Read More. Negative Sentiment: AI disruption chatter and socialmedia driven concerns have pressured Schwab recently (comments about AI tools threatening wealth management sent shares lower in recent sessions), amplifying volatility despite management saying it is actively adopting AI. Read More. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on SCHW shares. Wolfe Research set a $120.00 target price on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Citigroup reaffirmed a market outperform rating on shares of Charles Schwab in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $131.00 price target on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Charles Schwab from $120.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley increased their price target on shares of Charles Schwab from $139.00 to $148.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $115.95. View Our Latest Stock Report on Charles Schwab Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of SCHW. Federated Hermes Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 2,112.7% in the second quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 181,793 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $16,587,000 after buying an additional 173,577 shares during the last quarter. First National Trust Co increased its holdings in Charles Schwab by 82.2% in the 3rd quarter. First National Trust Co now owns 89,224 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $8,518,000 after acquiring an additional 40,257 shares in the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 131.0% during the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 99,832 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $9,531,000 after purchasing an additional 56,609 shares during the last quarter. W.H. Cornerstone Investments Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the second quarter valued at approximately $246,000. Finally, Optimize Financial Inc purchased a new position in shares of Charles Schwab in the third quarter worth about $467,000. Institutional investors own 84.38% of the companys stock. About Charles Schwab (Get Free Report) Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) is a diversified financial services firm that provides brokerage, banking, wealth management and advisory services to individual investors, independent investment advisors and institutional clients. Its primary offerings include retail brokerage accounts, online trading platforms, Schwab-branded mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), retirement plan services, custodial services for independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs), and banking products through Charles Schwab Bank. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edgar Lomax Co. VA reduced its position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 22.6% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 140,985 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 41,135 shares during the quarter. Edgar Lomax Co. VAs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $11,817,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 0.4% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 302,092,955 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $24,203,688,000 after buying an additional 1,341,222 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the 2nd quarter worth about $3,990,551,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 7.4% in the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 17,859,680 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,496,998,000 after acquiring an additional 1,223,999 shares in the last quarter. Amundi boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 18.2% during the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 14,155,753 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,165,868,000 after purchasing an additional 2,180,693 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo & Co. LLC now owns 8,469,766 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $678,598,000 after purchasing an additional 88,358 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.90% of the companys stock. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance Shares of NYSE:WFC opened at $82.07 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average is $89.76 and its 200 day moving average is $86.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a current ratio of 0.90. The company has a market capitalization of $253.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 1.08. Wells Fargo & Company has a fifty-two week low of $58.42 and a fifty-two week high of $97.76. Wells Fargo & Company Announces Dividend Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.66 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $21.29 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.63 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a net margin of 17.27% and a return on equity of 12.90%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.43 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, March 1st. Investors of record on Friday, February 6th were paid a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 6th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.2%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 28.71%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently commented on WFC shares. Robert W. Baird raised Wells Fargo & Company from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $85.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Friday, February 13th. Argus raised their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $94.00 to $101.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. HSBC reiterated a hold rating and issued a $74.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Wolfe Research reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $109.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $97.03. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on WFC Insider Activity at Wells Fargo & Company In other Wells Fargo & Company news, EVP Ellen R. Patterson sold 60,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.40, for a total transaction of $5,244,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 169,496 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,813,950.40. This represents a 26.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Bridget E. Engle sold 30,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $87.10, for a total value of $2,613,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 83,478 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,270,933.80. This represents a 26.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 115,000 shares of company stock worth $10,050,000. Insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. Key Wells Fargo & Company News Here are the key news stories impacting Wells Fargo & Company this week: About Wells Fargo & Company (Free Report) Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, U.S.-based financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, the firm has evolved from its origins in express delivery and pioneer-era banking into one of the largest full-service banks in the United States. The company provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial, and institutional clients. Charles W. Scharf serves as chief executive officer. Wells Fargo operates across several core business segments, including consumer banking and lending, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edgar Lomax Co. VA trimmed its holdings in shares of Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F Free Report) by 22.6% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 390,500 shares of the auto manufacturers stock after selling 113,785 shares during the period. Edgar Lomax Co. VAs holdings in Ford Motor were worth $4,670,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Ford Motor by 1.2% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 467,617,755 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $5,592,708,000 after acquiring an additional 5,371,758 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Ford Motor by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 145,172,134 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $1,575,118,000 after purchasing an additional 5,118,228 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Ford Motor by 17.9% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 103,784,031 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $1,122,434,000 after purchasing an additional 15,748,694 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Ford Motor during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $405,328,000. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc boosted its holdings in shares of Ford Motor by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 34,301,362 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $372,170,000 after buying an additional 1,104,139 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 58.74% of the companys stock. Get Ford Motor alerts: Ford Motor Stock Performance NYSE F opened at $12.35 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $49.27 billion, a PE ratio of -6.00, a P/E/G ratio of 0.31 and a beta of 1.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.95, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 1.07. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $13.70 and a 200-day moving average of $12.90. Ford Motor Company has a 52-week low of $8.44 and a 52-week high of $14.80. Ford Motor Announces Dividend Ford Motor ( NYSE:F Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 11th. The auto manufacturer reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $45.89 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $41.78 billion. Ford Motor had a negative net margin of 4.37% and a positive return on equity of 10.16%. Ford Motors quarterly revenue was down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.39 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Ford Motor Company will post 1.47 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 13th were paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, February 13th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.9%. Ford Motors dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -29.13%. Key Ford Motor News Here are the key news stories impacting Ford Motor this week: Positive Sentiment: Bank of America started coverage with a Buy and a $17 price target, signaling sizable upside from current levels and giving the stock a fresh analyst endorsement. BofA Buy Coverage Bank of America started coverage with a Buy and a $17 price target, signaling sizable upside from current levels and giving the stock a fresh analyst endorsement. Positive Sentiment: Zacks highlights Ford as a strong value pick (low valuation metrics and attractive style scores), which supports interest from value investors looking past short-term noise. Zacks Value Thesis Zacks highlights Ford as a strong value pick (low valuation metrics and attractive style scores), which supports interest from value investors looking past short-term noise. Positive Sentiment: Analysts argue the current recall cycle doesnt derail Fords longer-term investment case Ford Pro growth, liquidity and recent earnings guidance/beat help underpin the outlook. Zacks Recall Context Analysts argue the current recall cycle doesnt derail Fords longer-term investment case Ford Pro growth, liquidity and recent earnings guidance/beat help underpin the outlook. Neutral Sentiment: Market commentators question whether extreme negative sentiment creates a contrarian buying opportunity; these narratives keep volatility high but are ambiguous for near-term direction. Sentiment Piece Market commentators question whether extreme negative sentiment creates a contrarian buying opportunity; these narratives keep volatility high but are ambiguous for near-term direction. Neutral Sentiment: Some peripheral headlines (e.g., local government/healthcare stories using the Ford name) add noise to searches but do not reflect company fundamentals. Naming Noise Some peripheral headlines (e.g., local government/healthcare stories using the Ford name) add noise to searches but do not reflect company fundamentals. Negative Sentiment: Regulatory/safety news: Ford is recalling roughly 600615k U.S. vehicles over windshield wiper motor failures and related defects, a materially negative headline that raises recall costs, repair logistics and liability concerns. Reuters Recall NYPost Recall Regulatory/safety news: Ford is recalling roughly 600615k U.S. vehicles over windshield wiper motor failures and related defects, a materially negative headline that raises recall costs, repair logistics and liability concerns. Negative Sentiment: U.S. retail sales slipped in February (total Ford sales down ~5.5%), driven by declines in electric and hybrid models a near-term demand headwind for EV transition narratives and revenue growth. WSJ Sales Report U.S. retail sales slipped in February (total Ford sales down ~5.5%), driven by declines in electric and hybrid models a near-term demand headwind for EV transition narratives and revenue growth. Negative Sentiment: Balance-sheet/valuation cautions: Ford still carries elevated leverage and a negative net margin profile even after recent operational improvements, making it more sensitive to recall costs and demand shocks (technicals also show the stock below its 50-day moving average). Company Fundamentals Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider William Clay Ford, Jr. purchased 140,000 shares of Ford Motor stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $13.82 per share, for a total transaction of $1,934,800.00. Following the purchase, the insider directly owned 3,912,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at $54,072,132. This trade represents a 3.71% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.48% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes F has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Evercore boosted their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $12.00 to $14.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Bank of America started coverage on shares of Ford Motor in a research note on Wednesday. They set a buy rating and a $17.00 price objective on the stock. TD Cowen upped their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $13.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Ford Motor in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $12.00 price target on shares of Ford Motor in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.29. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on F Ford Motor Profile (Free Report) Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan. Founded by Henry Ford in 1903, the company became an early pioneer of mass-production techniques with the Model T and the adoption of the moving assembly line. Today, Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a broad range of vehicles and mobility solutions under the Ford and Lincoln brands, spanning passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and commercial vehicles. Fords business activities extend beyond vehicle production to include parts and aftermarket services, fleet and commercial sales, and automotive financing through Ford Motor Credit Company. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding F? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ford Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ford Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica (NYSE:EMBJ Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Friday. The aerospace company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, FiscalAI reports. Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica had a return on equity of 8.24% and a net margin of 4.34%.The business had revenue of $2.65 billion for the quarter. Here are the key takeaways from Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronauticas conference call: Get Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica alerts: Embraer closed Q4 with a company-wide record backlog of $31.6 billion and a 1.7-to-1 book-to-bill for 2025, giving management strong visibility into multi-year revenue delivery. Embraer closed Q4 with a company-wide and a 1.7-to-1 book-to-bill for 2025, giving management strong visibility into multi-year revenue delivery. All business units showed momentum notably a record quarter in executive aviation (53 Business Jets) and strong commercial E2 orders across continents, plus defense wins (KC-390 orders/options) that broaden revenue streams. All business units showed momentum notably a record quarter in executive aviation (53 Business Jets) and strong commercial E2 orders across continents, plus defense wins (KC-390 orders/options) that broaden revenue streams. Financial position strengthened: adjusted EBITDA/FCF generation was solid (Q4 adjusted FCF $738 million), standalone net cash of $109 million , longer debt maturities and a lower average cost of debt improving balance-sheet flexibility. Financial position strengthened: adjusted EBITDA/FCF generation was solid (Q4 adjusted FCF $738 million), standalone net cash of , longer debt maturities and a lower average cost of debt improving balance-sheet flexibility. Margins and earnings were pressured by U.S. import tariffs and one-time infrastructure costs (management says ~$80 million paid to date and ~$25M inventory carry), contributing to a Q4 EBIT margin decline and lower adjusted net income versus 2024. Margins and earnings were pressured by U.S. import tariffs and one-time infrastructure costs (management says ~$80 million paid to date and ~$25M inventory carry), contributing to a Q4 EBIT margin decline and lower adjusted net income versus 2024. 2026 guidance targets growth (revenue $8.2$8.5B, EBIT 8.79.3%, FCF $200M and delivery ranges) but management flagged conservative assumptions around tariffs and remaining supplychain bottlenecks, so outcomes depend on policy and execution. Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica Price Performance Shares of NYSE:EMBJ traded down $3.87 during trading on Friday, hitting $62.60. 1,127,832 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 949,927. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $71.69 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $65.18. Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica has a 1-year low of $38.78 and a 1-year high of $80.75. Institutional Trading of Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of EMBJ. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its stake in Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica by 283.3% in the 3rd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 26,776 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,619,000 after acquiring an additional 19,790 shares in the last quarter. Brighton Jones LLC bought a new position in shares of Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica during the 4th quarter worth approximately $502,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. lifted its position in shares of Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica by 1,608.7% in the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 2,170 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $123,000 after purchasing an additional 2,043 shares in the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica by 7.3% in the second quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 169,162 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $9,627,000 after purchasing an additional 11,535 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Everett Harris & Co. CA acquired a new position in Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica during the second quarter worth $239,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 34.65% of the companys stock. Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica from $79.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $63.86. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, November 6th that allows the company to repurchase 0 outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the aerospace company to buy shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. About Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica (Get Free Report) Embraer SA (NYSE:EMBJ), legally known as Embraer Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica SA, is a global aerospace company headquartered in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. The company designs, develops, manufactures and sells commercial, executive, defence and agricultural aircraft. Embraers product portfolio includes the popular E-Jets family for regional and short-haul carriers, the advanced E2 series, a range of business jets under the Phenom, Legacy and Praetor brands, the A-29 Super Tucano military trainer and light attack aircraft, the C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport platform, and the Ipanema agricultural aircraft. Embraers commercial aviation segment focuses on regional airlines and air taxi operators, offering aircraft that seat between 70 and 150 passengers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ENGIE Sponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:ENGIY Get Free Report)s share price passed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $29.32 and traded as high as $31.62. ENGIE shares last traded at $31.5250, with a volume of 124,449 shares changing hands. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have commented on ENGIY shares. Berenberg Bank raised ENGIE to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Zacks Research upgraded shares of ENGIE from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of ENGIE in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of ENGIE from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of ENGIE in a research note on Friday, November 14th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get ENGIE alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ENGIE ENGIE Stock Performance About ENGIE The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.06 and a quick ratio of 1.00. The businesss 50-day moving average is $29.44 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.37. (Get Free Report) ENGIE is a Paris-headquartered multinational energy company engaged across the value chain of electricity and natural gas, along with associated infrastructure and services. The company develops, builds and operates power generation assets (including gas-fired plants and an expanding portfolio of renewable generation such as wind, solar and hydro), trades and markets energy commodities, and supplies energy to industrial, commercial and residential customers. ENGIE also provides energy infrastructure and networks, liquefied natural gas (LNG) solutions, and a range of energy services including energy efficiency, facility management and distributed energy systems. The group traces its modern corporate roots to the 2008 combination of Gaz de France and Suez, and subsequently adopted the ENGIE name in 2015 as part of a strategic repositioning. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ENGIE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ENGIE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EQT (NYSE:EQT Free Report) had its price target reduced by UBS Group from $76.00 to $75.00 in a research report sent to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. UBS Group currently has a buy rating on the oil and gas producers stock. A number of other research firms also recently commented on EQT. Scotiabank decreased their target price on EQT from $67.00 to $63.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. TD Cowen upped their price objective on EQT from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, February 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their target price on shares of EQT from $70.00 to $66.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Siebert Williams Shank boosted their price target on shares of EQT from $59.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of EQT in a research note on Monday, December 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have assigned a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $66.09. Get EQT alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on EQT EQT Trading Up 0.6% EQT stock opened at $61.65 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $38.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.63, a PEG ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 0.72. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $55.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $55.09. EQT has a 1-year low of $43.57 and a 1-year high of $63.06. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.76. EQT (NYSE:EQT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 17th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.76 by $0.14. EQT had a net margin of 23.59% and a return on equity of 7.25%. The company had revenue of $2.09 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.13 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.69 EPS. EQTs revenue for the quarter was up 24.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts anticipate that EQT will post 3.27 EPS for the current fiscal year. EQT Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 2nd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th were paid a dividend of $0.165 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $0.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.1%. EQTs dividend payout ratio is currently 19.94%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP Sarah Fenton sold 3,768 shares of EQT stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.37, for a total transaction of $227,474.16. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 52,806 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,187,898.22. The trade was a 6.66% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CAO Todd James sold 32,514 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $61.12, for a total value of $1,987,255.68. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 58,796 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,593,611.52. This trade represents a 35.61% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 56,282 shares of company stock worth $3,428,530 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.72% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of EQT Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Sound Shore Management Inc CT bought a new stake in shares of EQT in the 2nd quarter valued at about $67,539,000. Reaves W H & Co. Inc. boosted its stake in EQT by 213.3% in the 3rd quarter. Reaves W H & Co. Inc. now owns 1,029,234 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $56,021,000 after purchasing an additional 700,732 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its stake in shares of EQT by 1,286.2% during the second quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 735,936 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $42,920,000 after buying an additional 682,844 shares during the period. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp grew its holdings in shares of EQT by 116.4% during the third quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 534,485 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $29,092,000 after buying an additional 287,538 shares during the last quarter. Finally, KTF Investments LLC acquired a new position in shares of EQT in the 4th quarter valued at $8,885,000. 90.81% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. EQT News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting EQT this week: Positive Sentiment: GIP and EQT agreed on a $10.7 billion deal to acquire U.S. power producer AES a strategic move that diversifies EQTs exposure into power generation and could accelerate cash flows and utility customer relationships that support long-term growth. GIP, EQT strike $10.7bn deal GIP and EQT agreed on a $10.7 billion deal to acquire U.S. power producer AES a strategic move that diversifies EQTs exposure into power generation and could accelerate cash flows and utility customer relationships that support long-term growth. Positive Sentiment: UBS kept a Buy rating while trimming its price target slightly to $75 the PT implies significant upside (~22%) from current levels, reinforcing buy-side conviction that EQT still has meaningful appreciation potential. UBS target cut to $75 UBS kept a Buy rating while trimming its price target slightly to $75 the PT implies significant upside (~22%) from current levels, reinforcing buy-side conviction that EQT still has meaningful appreciation potential. Positive Sentiment: Zacks updated several quarterly and fullyear EPS forecasts, lifting FY2026 and FY2027 estimates materially analysts raised multiple quarterly estimates, which supports a stronger forward earnings profile even though Zacks maintains a Hold rating. Zacks research note Zacks updated several quarterly and fullyear EPS forecasts, lifting FY2026 and FY2027 estimates materially analysts raised multiple quarterly estimates, which supports a stronger forward earnings profile even though Zacks maintains a Hold rating. Neutral Sentiment: Market commentary is reevaluating EQTs valuation after recent price consolidation; the company is still highlighted as a GARP candidate due to cash generation and modest valuation, which may support medium-term interest from income/growth investors. Market commentary is reevaluating EQTs valuation after recent price consolidation; the company is still highlighted as a GARP candidate due to cash generation and modest valuation, which may support medium-term interest from income/growth investors. Neutral Sentiment: Notice that a separate firm, EQT AB (Sweden), resolved on a share repurchase this is a different entity and only indirectly relevant to U.S. EQT Corp., so impact on EQT (NYSE:EQT) is likely limited. EQT AB repurchase Notice that a separate firm, EQT AB (Sweden), resolved on a share repurchase this is a different entity and only indirectly relevant to U.S. EQT Corp., so impact on EQT (NYSE:EQT) is likely limited. Negative Sentiment: Insider Lesley Evancho sold 20,000 shares (~$1.21M) and reduced her holding by ~9.8% visible insider selling can raise shortterm concerns about shareholder conviction. SEC Form 4 Insider Lesley Evancho sold 20,000 shares (~$1.21M) and reduced her holding by ~9.8% visible insider selling can raise shortterm concerns about shareholder conviction. Negative Sentiment: Piper Sandler raised its price target to $55 but set a Neutral rating that PT sits below the current market price, implying downside risk from the firms perspective and adding a short-term headwind. Piper Sandler note About EQT (Get Free Report) EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT) is a U.S.-based energy company focused on the exploration, development and production of natural gas. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company concentrates its upstream operations in the Appalachian Basin, producing from major shale formations including the Marcellus and Utica. EQTs primary product is natural gas, with production activities supported by associated liquids and conventional gas assets where applicable. In addition to drilling and well development, EQT operates and coordinates the infrastructure and commercial activities necessary to bring gas to market. See Also Receive News & Ratings for EQT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EQT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ferrellgas Partners (OTCMKTS:FGPRQ Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Ferrellgas Partners had a net margin of 5.40% and a negative return on equity of 10.35%. The company had revenue of $641.41 million for the quarter. Ferrellgas Partners Price Performance Ferrellgas Partners has a 52 week low of $0.16 and a 52 week high of $0.95. Get Ferrellgas Partners alerts: Ferrellgas Partners Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (OTCMKTS: FGPRQ) is a publicly traded master limited partnership that distributes propane throughout the United States. Headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, the partnership traces its roots to a small propane venture founded by A.C. Ferrell in 1939 and was organized as a public partnership in 1997. It is one of the largest retail propane distributors in the country, serving a broad range of end users. The company supplies propane to residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial and motor fuel customers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ferrellgas Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ferrellgas Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FRMO (OTCMKTS:FRMO) management used its fiscal 2026 second-quarter earnings webinar to address a delayed filing, recent balance sheet changes tied to a real estate transaction, and the firms current positioning in cryptocurrency mining and exchange-related investments. Get alerts: Delayed filing tied to tax-liability recalculation Chief Executive Officer Murray Stahl opened the call by apologizing for the delayed filing and, as a result, the delayed shareholder meeting. Stahl said the delay stemmed from a dispute over what the companys tax liability might be if we were to sell certain securities, which required a recalculation. He added that the company is already past the February quarter end and expects to hold another meeting in roughly six weeks to discuss February results, noting that the tax figure could differ again because the market value of assets has changed. Real estate sale leaves company debt-free; new Syntech stake Stahl highlighted a recent transaction involving HashMaster, a company in which FRMO has an interest, and the building in which HashMaster was located. He said FRMO sold the building and that the buyer, Syntech, prepaid FRMOs mortgage to 0, leaving the company debt-free again. According to Stahl, FRMO took the remaining proceeds in Syntech stock, resulting in a small interest in Syntech. He described Syntech as a company involved in supporting both the cryptocurrency industry and the emerging data center industry. Mining approach: emphasis on Scrypt and Winland ownership Stahl said the company is not exiting mining, but has increasingly preferred to conduct mining activity through a publicly traded company called Winland. He stated FRMO currently owns approximately 45% of Winland and noted that if FRMO crosses the 50% ownership threshold, it would consolidate Winland and FRMOs financial statements would have a different look and character. He also pointed to FRMOs balance sheet line for Digital mining assets, which he said showed a de minimis figure of about $31,000, reflecting that the company has not bought mining rigs in a little while. On digital assets, Stahl said FRMO did not purchase digital assets during the quarter, but that comparing the cost basis between May and December showed an increase of roughly $36,000, representing assets mined during the six-month reporting period. He emphasized that the cost reflects the market value on the day the assets were mined, not the companys actual production cost, and used the $36,000 mined figure against $31,000 of equipment as a way to discuss the importance of mining asset longevity. Stahl said that over the last year and a half to two years FRMO has confined new mining equipment purchases to Scrypt mining, which he described as merged mining of Litecoin and Dogecoin. In his explanation, FRMO keeps the Litecoin and sells Dogecoin, using proceeds to cover electricity and to buy Bitcoin. He contrasted Dogecoin and Bitcoin economics, noting that Dogecoin has no halving, while Bitcoins block reward is reduced by 50% every four years. Stahl said preparing for Bitcoins halving is central to mining economics, but argued many participants do not prepare or even discuss it. He estimated the next halving would occur around April 18, 2028, and said that roughly two years before a halving the market can become disrupted as miners seek to finance new equipment, often by selling accumulated Bitcoin. Liquidity and borrowing capacity Stahl said FRMO has no debt and characterized the company as potentially the most liquid it has ever been. He added that FRMO has a lot of borrowing power that it has really have never used, though it could if needed. Exchange investments: MIAX IPO and tokenization viewed as supportive Stahl also discussed FRMOs exchange-related investments, emphasizing MIAX. He said MIAX went public in the summer and described the IPO as extremely successful, resulting in a markup in value. He traced MIAXs origins to FRMOs prior holdings in the Minneapolis Grain Exchange and the Bermuda Stock Exchange, which were merged in exchange for an interest in MIAX. Stahl said FRMO has other small exchange investments but is largely in MIAX, and he encouraged investors to follow the companys progress. In the Q&A, Stahl argued that tokenization is not a threat to exchanges, calling it one of the greatest things that could ever happen to exchanges. He said markets still require intermediaries and rules-based systems to ensure counterparties are legitimate and to deter disruptive behavior such as spoofing. He also said exchanges and similar entities are needed to collect and pool aggregate market data and to provide monitoring that supports market integrity. Asked for an update on MIAX holdings, Stahl cited a table on the companys website as of November 30 showing 935,202 restricted shares and 11,441 publicly available shares, totaling roughly 946,000 shares. He said he would need to review whether warrants were included, and noted that the warrants are in the money. Altcoin views: anonymity limits and Litecoins liquidity Responding to a question comparing Zcash, Litecoin, and broader anonymity trends, Stahl said fully anonymous cryptocurrency use is diametrically opposed to broad global adoption, citing concerns including taxation and government rules around currency usage. On Litecoin, Stahl pointed to what he described as significant blockchain-measured transaction volume, citing data from BitInfoCharts. He said Bitcoins last-24-hour volume was about $18.7 billion, while Litecoins was about $10 billion, against what he described as Litecoins market capitalization of $4.2 billion. He said Litecoin has more or less the same monetary policy as Bitcoin and is not really anonymous, though it may have a subset with anonymity features. Stahl suggested Litecoins liquidity could support potential use cases tied to 24/7 markets and near-instant settlement, including as a redundant device for tracking or settlement as markets move toward continuous trading and stablecoins grow as a payment modality. He contrasted Litecoins volume with Dogecoins, which he said was about $161 million in the same period, and stated Litecoins volume was, in his view, unusually high relative to other cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin synthetic supply dismissed Stahl rejected the idea that Bitcoin is no longer a fixed-supply asset because of synthetic supply, calling the view ridiculous. He said derivatives such as futures and options are bets on Bitcoins future price and are not Bitcoin itself, reiterating that Bitcoin supply is fixed at roughly 21 million, with almost 20 million already in existence. Other Q&A: Abaxx and share-count mechanics Asked about Abaxx Technologies, Stahl described it as a commodity exchange based in Singapore that recently commenced trading and has seen volume rise from a low base, including in gold and natural gas. He said it could potentially emerge as a rival to the Multi Commodity Exchange of India, but stressed it was too early to tell. He added he had not bought any, and said it appeared to have a market capitalization of about $1.4 billion, though he wanted to verify share count assumptions. On a question about differing diluted share counts between three- and six-month periods ending the same date, Stahl attributed the difference to director compensation options. He said when the stock price rises and options are in the money, they can increase fully diluted shares; when the price falls and options are out of the money, they effectively drop out of the diluted share calculation. Closing the call, Stahl said the company expects to hold another meeting in roughly six weeks and invited shareholders to submit additional questions in the interim. About FRMO (OTCMKTS:FRMO) FRMO Corporation (OTCMKTS:FRMO) is a diversified holding company based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The company seeks long-term capital appreciation by acquiring, incubating and supporting a range of businesses and investments across public equities, private ventures, commercial real estate and special situations. With a flexible investment mandate, FRMO allocates capital to sectors and asset classes it considers undervalued or poised for future growth. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries and strategic partnerships, FRMOs portfolio spans multiple industries, including software and technology services, digital media, consumer products and real estate development. Featured Articles ISLAMABAD, March 6 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and 18 others were injured when a suicide bomber targeted a check post in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, officials said. The incident occurred in Miran Shah area of the tribal district of North Waziristan, where the attacker rammed an explosives-laden motorcycle into the security forces' check post, official sources told Xinhua. The explosion took place around the time of breaking the fast, and there were fewer troops at the post. However, a large number of civilians, including women and children, were present in the nearby market area and were affected by the blast, the sources added. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, where four of them, including two children, are reported to be in critical condition. The Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, a faction of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, claimed the attack. Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident. Grafton Group (LON:GFTU Get Free Report) declared that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase plan on Thursday, March 5th, RTT News reports. The company plans to buyback 0 outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the company to purchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are usually an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued. Grafton Group Stock Up 1.5% Shares of GFTU traded up GBX 14.30 during trading on Thursday, reaching GBX 938.20. The companys stock had a trading volume of 451,782 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,167,640. The company has a market cap of 2.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.25, a P/E/G ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.20. The company has a quick ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 1.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 39.87. The company has a fifty day moving average of GBX 951.27 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 927.90. Grafton Group has a twelve month low of GBX 790.90 and a twelve month high of GBX 1,035.60. Get Grafton Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently commented on GFTU. Citigroup cut their target price on shares of Grafton Group from GBX 1,170 to GBX 1,150 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Peel Hunt restated a buy rating and set a GBX 1,130 price objective on shares of Grafton Group in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,175 target price on shares of Grafton Group in a research note on Thursday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 1,149. Grafton Group Company Profile Get Free Report) Grafton Group plc engages in the distribution, retailing, and manufacturing businesses in Ireland, the Netherlands, Finland, and the United Kingdom. Its Distribution segment distributes building materials, paint, tools, ironmongery, fixings, and accessories, workwear and PPE, and spare parts; materials and plant for mechanical services, heating, plumbing, and air movement; and trade, DIY, and self-build markets with building materials, timber, doors and floors, plumbing and heating, bathrooms, and landscaping products under the Selco, Leyland SDM, Chadwicks, MacBlair, Isero, Polvo, Gunters en Meuser, TG Lynes, and IKH brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Grafton Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grafton Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A. (NYSE:AVAL Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Wednesday . Approximately 457,440 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 180% from the previous sessions volume of 163,324 shares.The stock last traded at $3.99 and had previously closed at $3.55. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages recently issued reports on AVAL. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Citigroup cut Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold. Get Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores Stock Performance The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $4.39 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $3.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.08 and a beta of 0.66. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores (NYSE:AVAL Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 26th. The bank reported $0.12 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.10 by $0.02. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores had a return on equity of 6.99% and a net margin of 5.06%.The company had revenue of $1.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.24 billion. Analysts forecast that Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores S.A. will post 0.21 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Plan A Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores by 32.4% during the 3rd quarter. Plan A Wealth LLC now owns 15,811 shares of the banks stock valued at $52,000 after acquiring an additional 3,868 shares during the period. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. raised its holdings in shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores by 33.0% during the third quarter. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. now owns 15,587 shares of the banks stock valued at $51,000 after purchasing an additional 3,871 shares during the period. Stokes Family Office LLC boosted its position in shares of Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores by 5.1% during the 4th quarter. Stokes Family Office LLC now owns 87,317 shares of the banks stock worth $354,000 after purchasing an additional 4,198 shares in the last quarter. Sage Investment Counsel LLC increased its position in Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores by 17.2% in the 3rd quarter. Sage Investment Counsel LLC now owns 34,000 shares of the banks stock valued at $112,000 after buying an additional 5,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. raised its stake in Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores by 69.0% during the 2nd quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 21,049 shares of the banks stock worth $59,000 after buying an additional 8,594 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 0.21% of the companys stock. Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores SA is a leading Colombian financial holding company that offers a diversified range of banking and financial services across Latin America. As one of the largest financial conglomerates in Colombia, Grupo Aval provides commercial and retail banking, leasing, insurance brokerage, pension fund management and investment banking through its principal subsidiaries. Its core banking operations are conducted through a network of well-established institutions, including Banco de Bogota, Banco de Occidente, Banco Popular and Banco AV Villas, which together serve individual consumers, small and medium-sized enterprises and large corporate clients. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Aval Acciones y Valores and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. H. Lundbeck A/S (OTCMKTS:HLUYY Get Free Report)s stock price passed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $22.00 and traded as high as $24.00. H. Lundbeck A/S shares last traded at $22.00, with a volume of 7,500 shares traded. H. Lundbeck A/S Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 1.15. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $22.00 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $22.00. The firm has a market cap of $21.91 billion, a PE ratio of 25.00 and a beta of 0.68. Get H. Lundbeck A/S alerts: H. Lundbeck A/S Company Profile (Get Free Report) H. Lundbeck A/S (OTCMKTS:HLUYY) is a Danish pharmaceutical company headquartered in Copenhagen that specializes in the research, development and commercialization of medicines for disorders of the central nervous system. Founded in 1915 by Hans Lundbeck, the company has built a long-standing focus on neuroscience, concentrating on therapies for psychiatric and neurological conditions rather than broader therapeutic areas. Lundbecks primary activities include discovery and clinical development of novel compounds, regulatory filings, manufacturing and global commercialization of prescription medicines aimed at brain health. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for H. Lundbeck A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for H. Lundbeck A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII Get Free Report) had its price target increased by TD Cowen from $440.00 to $460.00 in a research note issued to investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the aerospace companys stock. TD Cowens price objective indicates a potential upside of 7.53% from the companys current price. A number of other equities analysts have also commented on HII. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $421.00 price objective on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries in a research note on Wednesday, February 11th. Melius Research raised Huntington Ingalls Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Huntington Ingalls Industries from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Huntington Ingalls Industries from $384.00 to $425.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries from $450.00 to $465.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Huntington Ingalls Industries presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $384.13. Get Huntington Ingalls Industries alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on HII Huntington Ingalls Industries Stock Performance Shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries stock traded up $6.60 on Friday, reaching $427.77. The stock had a trading volume of 138,381 shares, compared to its average volume of 594,768. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a current ratio of 1.13. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $407.27 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $335.06. The stock has a market cap of $16.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.78 and a beta of 0.32. Huntington Ingalls Industries has a fifty-two week low of $177.42 and a fifty-two week high of $460.00. Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The aerospace company reported $4.04 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.72 by $0.32. The firm had revenue of $3.48 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.09 billion. Huntington Ingalls Industries had a net margin of 4.85% and a return on equity of 12.28%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 15.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.15 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Huntington Ingalls Industries will post 13.99 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other Huntington Ingalls Industries news, EVP Eric D. Chewning sold 1,700 shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $433.44, for a total transaction of $736,848.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 1,949 shares in the company, valued at $844,774.56. The trade was a 46.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.72% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Huntington Ingalls Industries A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in HII. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC bought a new stake in Huntington Ingalls Industries in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Rakuten Securities Inc. boosted its holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 140.0% during the second quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 108 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. SouthState Corp boosted its holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 310.0% during the second quarter. SouthState Corp now owns 123 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. Anchor Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 400.0% in the 2nd quarter. Anchor Investment Management LLC now owns 125 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, NBC Securities Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 87.2% in the 4th quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 88 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. 90.46% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Huntington Ingalls Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a leading provider of professional services to the U.S. government. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII designs, constructs and maintains nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines and other complex vessels for the U.S. Navy. The companys products include nuclear aircraft carriers, Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, as well as amphibious assault ships, destroyers and cutters. Established in 2011 as a spin-off from Northrop Grummans shipbuilding operations, HII traces its heritage to two historic builders: Newport News Shipbuilding, founded in the 19th century, and Ingalls Shipbuilding, founded in 1938. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IFG Advisory LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Fabrinet (NYSE:FN Free Report) by 17.5% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 10,767 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,606 shares during the quarter. IFG Advisory LLCs holdings in Fabrinet were worth $3,926,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Root Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Fabrinet during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Fabrinet in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $35,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Fabrinet by 124.2% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 139 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 77 shares during the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Fabrinet by 33.6% during the second quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 171 shares of the technology companys stock worth $50,000 after buying an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MAI Capital Management grew its position in shares of Fabrinet by 86.7% during the second quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 183 shares of the technology companys stock worth $54,000 after buying an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.38% of the companys stock. Get Fabrinet alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms recently issued reports on FN. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $540.00 price target on shares of Fabrinet in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Fabrinet from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 5th. Northland Securities set a $600.00 price target on shares of Fabrinet in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Barclays lifted their price target on Fabrinet from $537.00 to $548.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Rosenblatt Securities restated a buy rating and set a $550.00 price objective on shares of Fabrinet in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $541.25. Fabrinet Stock Performance Fabrinet stock opened at $544.60 on Friday. Fabrinet has a 1 year low of $148.55 and a 1 year high of $632.99. The firms 50-day moving average is $495.55 and its 200-day moving average is $436.09. The company has a market cap of $19.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 52.16 and a beta of 1.01. Fabrinet (NYSE:FN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 2nd. The technology company reported $3.36 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.26 by $0.10. Fabrinet had a net margin of 9.69% and a return on equity of 18.69%. The firm had revenue of $1.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.08 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.61 earnings per share. Fabrinets quarterly revenue was up 35.9% on a year-over-year basis. Fabrinet has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 3.450-3.600 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Fabrinet will post 9.4 earnings per share for the current year. Fabrinet Company Profile (Free Report) Fabrinet is a global provider of advanced optical packaging and precision optical, electromechanical and electronic manufacturing services (CEM). The company specializes in complex manufacturing processes for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in communications, data center, industrial, instrumentation and medical markets. Key capabilities include highprecision fiber alignment, microassembly, testing and diagnostics, and integration of electrooptic subassemblies. Incorporated in 2000, Fabrinet operates under a corporate structure headquartered in Singapore with additional regional offices and design centers in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Fabrinet (NYSE:FN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Fabrinet Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fabrinet and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. IFG Advisory LLC purchased a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund purchased 51,811 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $2,337,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of BMY. Brighton Jones LLC increased its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 33.4% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 19,728 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,116,000 after purchasing an additional 4,935 shares during the period. Sivia Capital Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 59.4% in the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 7,477 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $346,000 after purchasing an additional 2,786 shares during the last quarter. United Bank grew its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 15.0% in the second quarter. United Bank now owns 25,148 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,164,000 after purchasing an additional 3,277 shares during the last quarter. Versor Investments LP purchased a new position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in the second quarter worth $371,000. Finally, GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC raised its holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb by 8.2% during the 2nd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 4,500 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $208,000 after buying an additional 341 shares during the last quarter. 76.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Key Stories Impacting Bristol Myers Squibb Here are the key news stories impacting Bristol Myers Squibb this week: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Tuesday, February 24th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $60.00 price objective on the stock. Citigroup raised their target price on Bristol Myers Squibb from $60.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating and set a $40.00 price target on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Guggenheim reissued a buy rating and set a $72.00 target price (up from $62.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Finally, Barclays assumed coverage on Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Thursday, February 19th. They issued an overweight rating and a $75.00 price target for the company. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Bristol Myers Squibb has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $60.71. Get Our Latest Stock Report on BMY Bristol Myers Squibb Stock Down 2.6% Shares of NYSE:BMY opened at $60.69 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $123.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.59, a P/E/G ratio of 0.18 and a beta of 0.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.32, a quick ratio of 1.14 and a current ratio of 1.26. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $57.55 and a 200-day moving average price of $50.91. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 52-week low of $42.52 and a 52-week high of $63.33. Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.26 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.65 by ($0.39). The firm had revenue of $12.50 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.24 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a net margin of 14.64% and a return on equity of 69.65%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.67 earnings per share. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.050-6.350 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bristol Myers Squibb Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd were given a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.2%. This is a boost from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. Bristol Myers Squibbs payout ratio is currently 73.04%. Bristol Myers Squibb Company Profile (Free Report) Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, focused on discovering, developing and delivering medicines for serious diseases. The companys core activities include research and development, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of prescription pharmaceuticals across multiple therapeutic areas. BMS concentrates on advancing therapies in oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular disease and specialty areas through both small molecules and biologics. BMSs marketed portfolio and latestage pipeline reflect a strong emphasis on cancer and immunemediated conditions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lemonade, Inc. (NYSE:LMND Get Free Report) insider Maya Prosor sold 223 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, March 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $50.12, for a total transaction of $11,176.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 7,404 shares of the companys stock, valued at $371,088.48. This represents a 2.92% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Lemonade Stock Up 0.5% NYSE:LMND traded up $0.27 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $55.04. 1,961,348 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,817,813. The company has a 50-day moving average of $73.07 and a 200 day moving average of $66.28. Lemonade, Inc. has a 1-year low of $24.31 and a 1-year high of $99.90. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -24.35 and a beta of 2.12. Get Lemonade alerts: Lemonade (NYSE:LMND Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 18th. The company reported ($0.29) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.41) by $0.12. Lemonade had a negative return on equity of 31.19% and a negative net margin of 22.43%.During the same period in the prior year, the company earned ($0.42) earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 53.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that Lemonade, Inc. will post -3.03 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd increased its stake in shares of Lemonade by 8,080.0% in the 4th quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 409 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 404 shares in the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Lemonade during the third quarter valued at about $25,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. bought a new position in shares of Lemonade during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. Torren Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Lemonade in the 4th quarter valued at about $35,000. Finally, Strive Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in Lemonade in the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. Institutional investors own 80.30% of the companys stock. LMND has been the topic of several research reports. Wolfe Research set a $44.00 price objective on shares of Lemonade in a research note on Tuesday, February 24th. Cantor Fitzgerald lifted their target price on shares of Lemonade from $85.00 to $92.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Morgan Stanley set a $85.00 target price on shares of Lemonade and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Citigroup reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Lemonade in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, Piper Sandler set a $65.00 price objective on Lemonade in a research note on Thursday, February 19th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $68.75. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Lemonade About Lemonade (Get Free Report) Lemonade, Inc (NYSE: LMND) is a New Yorkbased technology-driven insurance carrier that leverages artificial intelligence and behavioral economics to streamline the purchase and management of policies. Founded in 2015, the company offers renters, homeowners, pet, term life and car insurance products tailored for digitally savvy consumers. By automating underwriting and claims processing through chatbots and machine learning, Lemonade aims to deliver a more transparent and user-friendly experience than traditional insurers. The companys product suite includes standalone policies for renters and homeowners, customizable pet insurance plans, and term life coverage with simple online applications. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Lemonade Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lemonade and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE:PR Get Free Report) EVP Guy Oliphint sold 6,412 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, March 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.68, for a total value of $119,776.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 610,271 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,399,862.28. The trade was a 1.04% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Permian Resources Stock Up 1.7% Permian Resources stock traded up $0.32 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $18.85. 13,122,291 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 12,453,093. Permian Resources Corporation has a one year low of $10.01 and a one year high of $19.38. The company has a market cap of $15.63 billion, a PE ratio of 15.08 and a beta of 0.66. The firms 50-day moving average price is $15.89 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $14.34. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. Get Permian Resources alerts: Permian Resources (NYSE:PR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 25th. The company reported $0.37 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.09. Permian Resources had a net margin of 18.46% and a return on equity of 10.83%. The company had revenue of $1.17 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.32 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.36 EPS. Permian Resourcess quarterly revenue was down 9.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Permian Resources Corporation will post 1.45 EPS for the current year. Permian Resources Increases Dividend Institutional Trading of Permian Resources The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.16 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.4%. This is an increase from Permian Resourcess previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. Permian Resourcess dividend payout ratio is presently 48.00%. Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its holdings in shares of Permian Resources by 115.5% in the 4th quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 25,153,702 shares of the companys stock valued at $352,906,000 after acquiring an additional 13,483,136 shares during the period. Boston Partners purchased a new position in Permian Resources in the second quarter valued at about $134,119,000. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Permian Resources by 10.4% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 71,463,525 shares of the companys stock valued at $914,733,000 after purchasing an additional 6,705,644 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC raised its holdings in Permian Resources by 210.6% in the third quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 9,850,059 shares of the companys stock worth $126,081,000 after purchasing an additional 6,678,814 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of Permian Resources by 20.9% during the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 27,101,840 shares of the companys stock valued at $346,919,000 after buying an additional 4,691,280 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.84% of the companys stock. More Permian Resources News Here are the key news stories impacting Permian Resources this week: Positive Sentiment: Piper Sandler raised its price target to $24 and reiterated an Overweight rating, implying roughly a 27% upside from current levels a strong bullish signal that likely helped lift the stock. Piper Sandler PT raise Piper Sandler raised its price target to $24 and reiterated an Overweight rating, implying roughly a 27% upside from current levels a strong bullish signal that likely helped lift the stock. Positive Sentiment: UBS raised its price target to $23 and set a Buy rating (about a 22% implied upside), adding further analyst backing that supports higher investor demand. UBS PT raise UBS raised its price target to $23 and set a Buy rating (about a 22% implied upside), adding further analyst backing that supports higher investor demand. Neutral Sentiment: Aggregated analyst commentary roundups (coverage summarized by Benzinga) provide broader context on expectations for Permian Resources but do not add a single directional surprise beyond the PT changes. Analyst roundup Aggregated analyst commentary roundups (coverage summarized by Benzinga) provide broader context on expectations for Permian Resources but do not add a single directional surprise beyond the PT changes. Negative Sentiment: Multiple insiders disclosed sizable sales this week: William M. Hickey III sold 898,423 shares and James H. Walter sold 673,425 shares (each sale at ~ $18.38), plus several EVP-level sales (large percentage reductions for some VPs). These block sales could pressure sentiment or be interpreted as material insider liquidity. Insider filings (sample) Multiple insiders disclosed sizable sales this week: William M. Hickey III sold 898,423 shares and James H. Walter sold 673,425 shares (each sale at ~ $18.38), plus several EVP-level sales (large percentage reductions for some VPs). These block sales could pressure sentiment or be interpreted as material insider liquidity. Negative Sentiment: Benchmark Co. downgraded PR from Buy to Hold, removing one source of buy-side conviction and tempering enthusiasm from some investors. Benchmark downgrade Analyst Ratings Changes PR has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Permian Resources from $19.00 to $18.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Benchmark cut shares of Permian Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. Piper Sandler upped their target price on shares of Permian Resources from $20.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Susquehanna cut their price target on Permian Resources from $20.00 to $18.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 26th. Finally, Bank of America restated a neutral rating and issued a $16.00 target price (down from $17.00) on shares of Permian Resources in a report on Friday, January 16th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $19.58. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Permian Resources Permian Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Permian Resources (NYSE: PR) is an independent exploration and production company focused on the acquisition, development and optimization of oil and natural gas assets in the Permian Basin. The companys operations encompass all phases of upstream activity, including geological and geophysical analysis, drilling, completion and production. By employing horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies, Permian Resources aims to efficiently unlock hydrocarbon reserves and deliver consistent production growth. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Permian Resources concentrates its asset portfolio in the Delaware and Midland sub-basins of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Permian Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Permian Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report) CEO Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.25, for a total value of $2,689,714.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 7,399,163 shares in the company, valued at $31,446,442.75. The trade was a 7.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Ishbia Mat also recently made the following trade(s): Get UWM alerts: On Thursday, March 5th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.11, for a total value of $2,601,112.14. On Wednesday, February 25th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.03, for a total transaction of $2,550,482.22. On Monday, February 23rd, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.52, for a total transaction of $2,860,590.48. On Thursday, February 19th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.77, for a total transaction of $3,018,808.98. On Tuesday, February 17th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.88, for a total transaction of $3,088,425.12. On Friday, February 13th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.94, for a total value of $3,126,397.56. On Wednesday, February 11th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.66, for a total value of $2,949,192.84. On Monday, February 9th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.61, for a total value of $2,917,549.14. On Friday, February 6th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.84, for a total transaction of $3,063,110.16. On Wednesday, February 4th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.05, for a total transaction of $3,196,013.70. UWM Stock Performance UWM stock traded down $0.13 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $4.05. The company had a trading volume of 24,255,243 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,346,691. The company has a quick ratio of 1.52, a current ratio of 1.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.64. The firm has a market cap of $6.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 67.50 and a beta of 1.90. The company has a 50 day moving average of $4.96 and a 200-day moving average of $5.43. UWM Holdings Corporation has a 52 week low of $3.79 and a 52 week high of $7.14. UWM Dividend Announcement UWM ( NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 25th. The company reported $0.08 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $945.25 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $759.12 million. UWM had a negative return on equity of 1.35% and a net margin of 0.87%. On average, sell-side analysts expect that UWM Holdings Corporation will post 0.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 19th will be given a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 19th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.9%. UWMs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 666.67%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Brandes Investment Partners LP bought a new position in UWM during the 4th quarter worth $45,867,000. Azora Capital LP boosted its holdings in shares of UWM by 230.8% in the 4th quarter. Azora Capital LP now owns 11,296,053 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,477,000 after purchasing an additional 7,881,586 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Investment Consultants LLC bought a new position in shares of UWM in the 3rd quarter valued at $32,630,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC acquired a new position in shares of UWM during the 4th quarter worth $21,580,000. Finally, 683 Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of UWM during the 2nd quarter worth $19,872,000. 53.59% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on UWMC shares. Weiss Ratings raised UWM from a sell (d) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a report on Thursday, February 26th. Barclays decreased their price objective on UWM from $7.00 to $6.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, February 26th. UBS Group upped their price objective on UWM from $5.50 to $6.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $5.00 target price on shares of UWM in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised UWM from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, February 28th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, UWM has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $6.20. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on UWMC About UWM (Get Free Report) United Wholesale Mortgage (NYSE: UWMC) is a leading mortgage lender in the United States specializing in the wholesale channel. The company partners with independent mortgage brokers, community banks and credit unions to offer a full suite of residential mortgage products. Through its network of third-party originators, United Wholesale Mortgage underwrites, funds and closes loans, allowing its partners to focus on customer acquisition and service. The companys product offerings include conventional fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, U.S. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for UWM Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UWM and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intech Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) by 46.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 27,057 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 8,583 shares during the period. Intech Investment Management LLCs holdings in Archer Daniels Midland were worth $1,616,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of ADM. Centennial Wealth Advisory LLC raised its stake in Archer Daniels Midland by 1.5% during the third quarter. Centennial Wealth Advisory LLC now owns 12,696 shares of the companys stock worth $758,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares in the last quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC grew its holdings in shares of Archer Daniels Midland by 9.7% in the 2nd quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 2,232 shares of the companys stock worth $118,000 after purchasing an additional 198 shares during the last quarter. Caldwell Trust Co increased its position in shares of Archer Daniels Midland by 44.7% during the 3rd quarter. Caldwell Trust Co now owns 647 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Westpac Banking Corp lifted its holdings in Archer Daniels Midland by 38.0% during the 2nd quarter. Westpac Banking Corp now owns 733 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 202 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cromwell Holdings LLC boosted its position in Archer Daniels Midland by 14.9% in the third quarter. Cromwell Holdings LLC now owns 1,665 shares of the companys stock valued at $99,000 after buying an additional 216 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 78.28% of the companys stock. Get Archer Daniels Midland alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes ADM has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Archer Daniels Midland from $60.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a report on Monday, December 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating and set a $63.00 target price on shares of Archer Daniels Midland in a report on Wednesday, February 4th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Archer Daniels Midland from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $58.00. Archer Daniels Midland Trading Down 1.0% Shares of ADM opened at $66.56 on Friday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $65.47 and its 200-day simple moving average is $62.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.03 billion, a PE ratio of 29.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 0.68. Archer Daniels Midland Company has a 12-month low of $40.98 and a 12-month high of $70.48. The company has a quick ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. Archer Daniels Midland (NYSE:ADM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.80 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $18.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.03 billion. Archer Daniels Midland had a return on equity of 7.39% and a net margin of 1.34%.The companys quarterly revenue was down 13.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.14 EPS. Archer Daniels Midland has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.600-4.250 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Archer Daniels Midland Company will post 4.31 earnings per share for the current year. Archer Daniels Midland Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. This is a boost from Archer Daniels Midlands previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.1%. Archer Daniels Midlands payout ratio is 93.69%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, SVP Jennifer L. Weber sold 25,000 shares of Archer Daniels Midland stock in a transaction on Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.04, for a total transaction of $1,676,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 123,668 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,290,702.72. The trade was a 16.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, Director David R. Mcatee II bought 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 5th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $64.90 per share, for a total transaction of $486,750.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 7,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $486,750. This trade represents a increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Archer Daniels Midland Company Profile (Free Report) Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a global agricultural processor and food-ingredient provider that sources, transports and processes oilseeds, corn, wheat and other agricultural commodities. The company operates large-scale crushing, refining and processing facilities that produce vegetable oils, protein meals, corn sweeteners, starches, ethanol, animal feeds and a wide range of food and industrial ingredients. ADM also develops specialty ingredients and solutions for human and animal nutrition, food and beverage formulation, and industrial applications such as bio-based materials and renewable fuels. ADMs business combines commodity origination and merchandising with downstream manufacturing and ingredient formulation. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ADM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Archer Daniels Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Archer Daniels Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer Daniels Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intech Investment Management LLC decreased its stake in shares of Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc. (NYSE:SSD Free Report) by 25.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 9,221 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 3,094 shares during the period. Intech Investment Management LLCs holdings in Simpson Manufacturing were worth $1,544,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Simpson Manufacturing by 135.3% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 160 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Simpson Manufacturing by 322.5% in the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 169 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 129 shares in the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Simpson Manufacturing by 98.0% during the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 291 shares of the construction companys stock worth $49,000 after purchasing an additional 144 shares during the last quarter. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Simpson Manufacturing during the third quarter worth about $56,000. Finally, Sprucegrove Investment Management Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of Simpson Manufacturing in the second quarter valued at approximately $62,000. 93.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Simpson Manufacturing alerts: Insider Transactions at Simpson Manufacturing In other news, Director Philip E. Donaldson sold 2,375 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $168.16, for a total value of $399,380.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 6,086 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,023,421.76. This represents a 28.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.42% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Robert W. Baird set a $222.00 target price on shares of Simpson Manufacturing in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Simpson Manufacturing from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, February 28th. DA Davidson lifted their price objective on Simpson Manufacturing from $190.00 to $200.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Stephens set a $200.00 target price on Simpson Manufacturing in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings lowered Simpson Manufacturing from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research note on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $207.33. Get Our Latest Research Report on Simpson Manufacturing Simpson Manufacturing Price Performance Shares of Simpson Manufacturing stock opened at $188.34 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $186.14 and its 200 day moving average price is $179.00. Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc. has a twelve month low of $137.35 and a twelve month high of $211.98. The company has a current ratio of 3.54, a quick ratio of 1.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.83 and a beta of 1.35. Simpson Manufacturing (NYSE:SSD Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, February 9th. The construction company reported $1.35 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $539.35 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $530.70 million. Simpson Manufacturing had a return on equity of 17.63% and a net margin of 14.79%.During the same period last year, the business posted $1.31 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Simpson Manufacturing Company, Inc. will post 8.29 earnings per share for the current year. Simpson Manufacturing Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 23rd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.29 per share. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 2nd. Simpson Manufacturings payout ratio is 14.06%. About Simpson Manufacturing (Free Report) Simpson Manufacturing Co, Inc, through its Simpson Strong-Tie brand, is a leading global supplier of structural building products. The company specializes in the design, testing, manufacture and supply of connectors, anchors, fasteners and lateral systems that enhance the safety and performance of wood, concrete and masonry structures. Its product portfolio also includes repair and strengthening systems, concrete reinforcement and high-performance adhesives used in residential, commercial and industrial construction projects. Founded in 1956 by Barclay Simpson in Oakland, California, Simpson Manufacturing has grown from a single product business into a diversified manufacturer with worldwide operations. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Simpson Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Simpson Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integrity Advisory Solutions LLC purchased a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 5,673 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,052,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Johnson & Johnson in the third quarter worth approximately $26,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Clayton Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the third quarter worth $28,000. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 55.0% in the second quarter. Semmax Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 203 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 72 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Compass Financial Services Inc raised its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 707.1% in the third quarter. Compass Financial Services Inc now owns 226 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 198 shares in the last quarter. 69.55% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Key Stories Impacting Johnson & Johnson Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently commented on JNJ. Wolfe Research increased their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $225.00 to $240.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $250.00 price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Daiwa Securities Group increased their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $203.00 to $237.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, Argus lifted their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $210.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $234.87. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson Stock Performance Shares of JNJ stock opened at $239.65 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $227.70 and its 200 day moving average price is $203.56. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48. The stock has a market capitalization of $577.53 billion, a PE ratio of 21.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.34. Johnson & Johnson has a 52-week low of $141.50 and a 52-week high of $251.71. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Saturday, January 31st. The company reported $2.46 earnings per share for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 33.04% and a net margin of 28.46%.The company had revenue of $24.28 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current year. Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be paid a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 24th. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.06%. Insider Activity In other Johnson & Johnson news, EVP Timothy Schmid sold 1,322 shares of Johnson & Johnson stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $245.66, for a total value of $324,762.52. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 25,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,251,310.02. The trade was a 4.94% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Vanessa Broadhurst sold 6,197 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $243.39, for a total value of $1,508,287.83. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 23,003 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,598,700.17. This trade represents a 21.22% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 30,142 shares of company stock worth $7,360,528. Insiders own 0.16% of the companys stock. About Johnson & Johnson (Free Report) Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world. The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JNJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Intrepid Potash, Inc (NYSE:IPI Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Friday after UBS Group raised their price target on the stock from $24.00 to $25.00. The stock had previously closed at $39.87, but opened at $41.52. UBS Group currently has a sell rating on the stock. Intrepid Potash shares last traded at $43.14, with a volume of 180,087 shares traded. IPI has been the subject of several other reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Intrepid Potash in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Wall Street Zen cut Intrepid Potash from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Sell and an average target price of $25.00. Get Intrepid Potash alerts: Read Our Latest Report on IPI Key Headlines Impacting Intrepid Potash Institutional Investors Weigh In On Intrepid Potash Here are the key news stories impacting Intrepid Potash this week: A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. GSA Capital Partners LLP lifted its stake in Intrepid Potash by 350.2% in the third quarter. GSA Capital Partners LLP now owns 86,945 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,659,000 after buying an additional 67,631 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in shares of Intrepid Potash by 24.7% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 230,113 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $8,222,000 after acquiring an additional 45,577 shares in the last quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC raised its holdings in shares of Intrepid Potash by 266.3% during the second quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 56,389 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $2,015,000 after acquiring an additional 40,994 shares during the period. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in Intrepid Potash in the 2nd quarter valued at $541,000. Finally, Azarias Capital Management L.P. boosted its stake in Intrepid Potash by 64.9% in the 3rd quarter. Azarias Capital Management L.P. now owns 259,788 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $7,944,000 after purchasing an additional 102,266 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 56.13% of the companys stock. Intrepid Potash Trading Up 8.0% The stocks 50 day moving average is $32.68 and its two-hundred day moving average is $29.40. The stock has a market capitalization of $578.03 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 50.64 and a beta of 1.53. Intrepid Potash (NYSE:IPI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March 4th. The basic materials company reported $0.49 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.26 by $0.23. The company had revenue of $75.88 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $65.25 million. Intrepid Potash had a return on equity of 3.95% and a net margin of 3.75%. On average, research analysts anticipate that Intrepid Potash, Inc will post -0.17 earnings per share for the current year. About Intrepid Potash (Get Free Report) Intrepid Potash, Inc is a leading U.S.-based producer and marketer of potash and related specialty fertilizer products. The companys primary business centers on potassium chloride, a key nutrient used in agricultural applications to enhance crop yield and quality. In addition to potash, Intrepid Potash produces magnesium chloride and sodium chloride, which serve a variety of markets including de-icing, dust control and industrial chemical production. Intrepid Potash operates through a combination of solution mining, solar evaporation and conventional underground mining techniques. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Intrepid Potash Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Intrepid Potash and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Islay Capital Management LLC reduced its stake in Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK Free Report) by 83.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,700 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,502 shares during the period. Islay Capital Management LLCs holdings in Oshkosh were worth $220,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of OSK. Sivia Capital Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Oshkosh by 2.8% in the third quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 2,946 shares of the companys stock valued at $382,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Oshkosh by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 2,855 shares of the companys stock worth $324,000 after buying an additional 87 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its holdings in shares of Oshkosh by 6.0% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 1,763 shares of the companys stock worth $200,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period. First Business Financial Services Inc. grew its position in shares of Oshkosh by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. First Business Financial Services Inc. now owns 11,845 shares of the companys stock worth $1,536,000 after buying an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brighton Jones LLC grew its position in shares of Oshkosh by 1.9% during the 3rd quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 6,212 shares of the companys stock worth $806,000 after buying an additional 114 shares in the last quarter. 92.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Oshkosh alerts: Insider Transactions at Oshkosh In other Oshkosh news, SVP Anupam Khare sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, February 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.07, for a total value of $676,280.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 13,577 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,295,463.39. This trade represents a 22.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock. Oshkosh Stock Performance Shares of OSK stock opened at $159.91 on Friday. Oshkosh Corporation has a 12-month low of $76.82 and a 12-month high of $180.49. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $156.35 and its 200-day simple moving average is $140.03. The company has a current ratio of 1.94, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The company has a market cap of $10.00 billion, a PE ratio of 15.96, a PEG ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.37. Oshkosh (NYSE:OSK Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.33 by ($0.07). The business had revenue of $2.69 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.60 billion. Oshkosh had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 6.21%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.58 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Oshkosh Corporation will post 10.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Oshkosh Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, March 3rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th were given a dividend of $0.57 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $2.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. This is a boost from Oshkoshs previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. Oshkoshs payout ratio is presently 22.75%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently weighed in on OSK. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and issued a $175.00 price objective on shares of Oshkosh in a report on Monday. Truist Financial set a $183.00 price target on shares of Oshkosh in a report on Friday, January 30th. Argus dropped their price objective on shares of Oshkosh from $175.00 to $160.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. DA Davidson lifted their price objective on shares of Oshkosh from $160.00 to $168.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on Oshkosh from $155.00 to $144.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Oshkosh has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $162.81. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on OSK About Oshkosh (Free Report) Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of specialty trucks, military vehicles and access equipment. The companys offerings span critical end markets, including defense, fire and emergency services, commercial construction and industrial sectors. By combining engineering expertise with advanced technologies, Oshkosh delivers solutions that enhance mobility, safety and productivity for its customers. Founded in 1917 and headquartered in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the company has evolved from producing heavy-duty dump trucks to a diversified portfolio of products and services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OSK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Oshkosh Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oshkosh and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kering (OTCMKTS:PPRUY Get Free Report) was upgraded by analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report released on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports. Several other research analysts have also recently weighed in on PPRUY. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Kering in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. DZ Bank upgraded Kering from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 11th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Kering in a research report on Friday, February 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Reduce. Get Kering alerts: View Our Latest Report on PPRUY Kering Stock Performance About Kering Shares of OTCMKTS PPRUY opened at $30.08 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a current ratio of 1.32. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $33.36 and its 200-day moving average price is $33.30. Kering has a twelve month low of $17.02 and a twelve month high of $40.70. (Get Free Report) Kering is a global luxury goods group headquartered in Paris that designs, produces and distributes high-end fashion, leather goods, jewelry and watches. The company owns and manages a portfolio of well-known maisons including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen and several specialist jewelry and watchmakers and supports those brands with centralized services for sourcing, manufacturing oversight, distribution and retail operations. Originally part of a broader retail conglomerate, the group repositioned itself over the past two decades as a focused luxury house and adopted the Kering name in the 2010s. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kering Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kering and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LOM Asset Management Ltd increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 52.4% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 2,116 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 728 shares during the period. LOM Asset Management Ltds holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $1,615,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in LLY. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 78,621.2% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 11,552,336 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,005,392,000 after buying an additional 11,537,661 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter worth about $8,827,714,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 80,407,430 shares of the companys stock worth $62,680,004,000 after acquiring an additional 1,183,038 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 47.6% during the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,309,006 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,761,772,000 after acquiring an additional 744,868 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Franklin Resources Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 13.4% in the 2nd quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 4,766,865 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,715,913,000 after purchasing an additional 564,736 shares during the period. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In LLY has been the subject of several research reports. TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $960.00 to $1,250.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $1,300.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, February 5th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,150.00 to $1,300.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, February 5th. Finally, Barclays assumed coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, February 19th. They issued an overweight rating and a $1,350.00 price target on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have assigned a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,229.59. Eli Lilly and Company News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 2.1% LLY stock opened at $982.85 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1 year low of $623.78 and a 1 year high of $1,133.95. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $1,047.37 and a 200 day simple moving average of $937.23. The firm has a market cap of $927.18 billion, a PE ratio of 42.83, a PEG ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 0.40. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $7.54 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $7.48 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $19.29 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.85 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 31.66% and a return on equity of 102.94%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 42.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $5.32 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 33.500-35.000 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be paid a $1.73 dividend. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.15%. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and therapies for patients worldwide. Eli Lilly maintains operations and commercial presence across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving both developed and emerging markets. The company has been led in recent years by President and Chief Executive Officer David A. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC lifted its stake in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 149.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,253 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 6,143 shares during the quarter. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $1,575,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. WP Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 4.9% in the second quarter. WP Advisors LLC now owns 1,405 shares of the companys stock worth $224,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares during the period. Emprise Bank raised its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 2.5% during the 3rd quarter. Emprise Bank now owns 2,766 shares of the companys stock valued at $425,000 after purchasing an additional 68 shares during the period. Affiance Financial LLC boosted its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 2.5% in the 3rd quarter. Affiance Financial LLC now owns 2,803 shares of the companys stock worth $431,000 after buying an additional 69 shares during the period. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 12.9% in the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 621 shares of the companys stock worth $99,000 after buying an additional 71 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dominguez Wealth Management Solutions Inc. increased its stake in Procter & Gamble by 0.3% in the 3rd quarter. Dominguez Wealth Management Solutions Inc. now owns 20,464 shares of the companys stock worth $3,144,000 after buying an additional 71 shares in the last quarter. 65.77% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Procter & Gamble Stock Down 2.8% Shares of PG opened at $153.94 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.72 and a quick ratio of 0.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $357.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.29 and a beta of 0.37. Procter & Gamble Company has a 1 year low of $137.62 and a 1 year high of $179.99. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $152.17 and its 200-day simple moving average is $151.23. Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 22nd. The company reported $1.88 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $22.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.36 billion. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 32.21%. Procter & Gambles quarterly revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.88 earnings per share. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.090 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd were issued a $1.0568 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $4.23 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.7%. Procter & Gambles payout ratio is 62.67%. Insider Activity In related news, CEO Gary A. Coombe sold 36,093 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.33, for a total value of $5,858,976.69. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 34,994 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,680,576.02. This trade represents a 50.77% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Moses Victor Javier Aguilar sold 15,169 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $162.28, for a total value of $2,461,625.32. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 44,735 shares in the company, valued at $7,259,595.80. The trade was a 25.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders sold 348,618 shares of company stock worth $55,462,643. 0.20% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes PG has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $177.00 price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research note on Tuesday, February 17th. Barclays set a $155.00 price target on Procter & Gamble in a report on Friday, January 16th. Rothschild & Co Redburn increased their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $155.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 23rd. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $161.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Piper Sandler began coverage on shares of Procter & Gamble in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. They set a neutral rating and a $150.00 target price for the company. Fourteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Procter & Gamble has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $168.33. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on PG Procter & Gamble News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Procter & Gamble this week: About Procter & Gamble (Free Report) Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide. P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Marietta Investment Partners LLC decreased its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) by 18.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 99,310 shares of the companys stock after selling 22,649 shares during the period. Novo Nordisk A/S comprises about 1.1% of Marietta Investment Partners LLCs holdings, making the stock its 28th largest holding. Marietta Investment Partners LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $5,511,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. True Wealth Design LLC raised its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 209.8% in the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 443 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Guerra Advisors Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the 3rd quarter worth about $30,000. NewSquare Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 174.1% in the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 444 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 282 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Allianz SE lifted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 70.0% during the 3rd quarter. Allianz SE now owns 578 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 238 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 11.54% of the companys stock. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a neutral rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Tuesday, February 24th. Kepler Capital Markets downgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, February 24th. Morgan Stanley upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $40.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, February 12th. Finally, TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Tuesday, February 3rd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $53.93. Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Up 1.4% Shares of NVO stock opened at $39.02 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $51.68 and a 200-day moving average price of $52.48. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 1 year low of $35.85 and a 1 year high of $89.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.57. The company has a market cap of $174.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.24 and a beta of 0.73. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The company reported $1.01 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $12.43 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.97 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 68.91% and a net margin of 33.03%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 earnings per share for the current year. Novo Nordisk A/S Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 8th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 30th will be given a dividend of $1.2751 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 541.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 30th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio is currently 52.74%. More Novo Nordisk A/S News Here are the key news stories impacting Novo Nordisk A/S this week: Novo Nordisk A/S Profile (Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsvrd, Denmark, best known for its leadership in diabetes care and metabolic health. The company traces its roots to early Danish insulin production in the 1920s and was established in its current form through a 1989 merger of predecessor companies. Novo Nordisk develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and devices that address chronic and serious diseases, with a strong emphasis on long-term treatment and patient support. The companys core product portfolio centers on diabetes therapies, including a range of insulins and modern incretin-based treatments. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mesa Royalty Trust (NYSE:MTR Get Free Report) shares crossed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Thursday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $4.68 and traded as high as $5.79. Mesa Royalty Trust shares last traded at $5.40, with a volume of 86,032 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of Mesa Royalty Trust in a report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Mesa Royalty Trust has an average rating of Sell. Get Mesa Royalty Trust alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MTR Mesa Royalty Trust Stock Up 1.5% Mesa Royalty Trust Dividend Announcement The stock has a 50 day moving average of $4.68 and a 200 day moving average of $4.90. The company has a market capitalization of $10.04 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.48 and a beta of 0.48. The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 30th will be issued a $0.0015 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 30th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. Mesa Royalty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mesa Royalty Trust (NYSE: MTR) is a statutory trust that holds overriding royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties primarily located in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. Established in 1981 by Mesa Production Oil & Gas, Inc, the trusts portfolio comprises interests in thousands of producing wells across key producing areas, including the Midland, Delaware and Central Basin platforms. These interests provide the trust with net revenue rights to a portion of the hydrocarbons produced from the underlying formations. The trusts core business activity is the collection and distribution of royalty income derived from the sale of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mesa Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mesa Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mitsubishi Electric Co. (OTCMKTS:MIELF Get Free Report) was down 9.7% on Friday . The stock traded as low as $33.04 and last traded at $33.04. Approximately 23,891 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 15% from the average daily volume of 20,739 shares. The stock had previously closed at $36.5940. Mitsubishi Electric Stock Performance The business has a 50 day moving average of $34.06 and a two-hundred day moving average of $29.46. The firm has a market capitalization of $75.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.19 and a beta of 0.63. Get Mitsubishi Electric alerts: Mitsubishi Electric Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (trading OTC as MIELF) is a diversified Japanese multinational manufacturer of electrical and electronic equipment. Established in 1921 as part of the broader Mitsubishi group, the company is headquartered in Tokyo and has grown into a global supplier of products and systems for industrial, commercial, infrastructure and consumer markets. The companys operations span a wide range of businesses including power and energy systems, factory automation and industrial machinery, building systems such as elevators and escalators, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment, transportation systems including railway and traffic control solutions, and space and defense-related products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIRUT, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Two Ghanaian soldiers serving with the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon were critically injured on Friday after missiles struck their base amid ongoing hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, according to the Ghana Armed Forces. In a statement, the military said the headquarters of the Ghanaian battalion operating under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was hit during exchanges of fire between the Israeli military and the Lebanese armed group. The strike caused major damage to the camp, with the Officers' Mess building catching fire and burning completely. Two peacekeepers sustained critical wounds, while a third soldier suffered trauma, according to the military. The injured personnel are receiving treatment at a medical bunker inside the UN base and are reported to be in stable condition. Arrangements are underway to transfer them to a UNIFIL referral hospital for further care. The Ghana Armed Forces said other personnel at the base remain safe and are sheltering in underground bunkers. Ghana's government has lodged a formal protest at the United Nations headquarters in New York through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, condemning the attack and calling for accountability. The government also urged all parties involved in the conflict to respect their international obligations to ensure the safety of UN peacekeeping personnel. The incident comes amid renewed exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah along Lebanon's volatile southern border, where UNIFIL troops are deployed to monitor the situation. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:MHVYF Get Free Report) shares gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $33.3804, but opened at $30.00. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shares last traded at $31.0875, with a volume of 7,446 shares. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Zacks Research raised shares of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 20th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold. Get Mitsubishi Heavy Industries alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MHVYF Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Price Performance The stock has a market cap of $100.93 billion, a PE ratio of 53.42 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 1.27. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $29.79 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $27.70. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (OTCMKTS:MHVYF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.06. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries had a return on equity of 10.91% and a net margin of 5.21%.The business had revenue of $7.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.86 billion. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is a diversified Japanese industrial conglomerate engaged in the design, manufacture and servicing of large-scale capital equipment and systems. The companys activities span shipbuilding and marine propulsion; power and energy systems including gas turbines, boilers and related power-plant equipment; and industrial machinery for sectors ranging from chemicals and manufacturing to environmental control. MHI also supplies heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and other building-related equipment for commercial and industrial customers. In addition to its heavy engineering businesses, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is a major participant in aerospace, space and defense markets. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. (NYSE:FDP Get Free Report) COO Mohammed Abbas sold 3,458 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, March 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $42.28, for a total transaction of $146,204.24. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 59,930 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,533,840.40. This trade represents a 5.46% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Mohammed Abbas also recently made the following trade(s): Get Fresh Del Monte Produce alerts: On Tuesday, March 3rd, Mohammed Abbas sold 1,580 shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $42.50, for a total value of $67,150.00. Fresh Del Monte Produce Trading Down 0.4% FDP stock traded down $0.16 on Thursday, reaching $42.51. The companys stock had a trading volume of 241,002 shares, compared to its average volume of 239,191. The firm has a market cap of $2.01 billion, a PE ratio of 22.61 and a beta of 0.28. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $38.70 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $36.75. Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. has a 12-month low of $29.00 and a 12-month high of $43.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a current ratio of 2.16. Fresh Del Monte Produce Dividend Announcement Fresh Del Monte Produce ( NYSE:FDP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 18th. The company reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.42. Fresh Del Monte Produce had a net margin of 2.10% and a return on equity of 7.63%. The business had revenue of $968.20 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.01 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.26 earnings per share. Fresh Del Monte Produces quarterly revenue was up .6% compared to the same quarter last year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, March 4th will be paid a dividend of $0.30 per share. This represents a $1.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 4th. Fresh Del Monte Produces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 63.83%. Fresh Del Monte Produce News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Fresh Del Monte Produce this week: Positive Sentiment: Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share (annualized $1.20, ~2.8% yield) with record/ex-dividend dates in early March supports income-oriented holders and provides a near-term cash return to shareholders. Dividend & company update Company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share (annualized $1.20, ~2.8% yield) with record/ex-dividend dates in early March supports income-oriented holders and provides a near-term cash return to shareholders. Positive Sentiment: Recent analyst moves have turned more favorable (Wall Street Zen and Weiss Ratings upgraded FDP to Buy), which can support demand from retail and institutional buyers. Analyst upgrades Recent analyst moves have turned more favorable (Wall Street Zen and Weiss Ratings upgraded FDP to Buy), which can support demand from retail and institutional buyers. Neutral Sentiment: Quarterly results: EPS materially beat consensus ($0.70 vs. $0.28) but revenue slightly missed estimates ($968.2M vs. ~$1.01B). The EPS beat is positive for profitability metrics, but the revenue shortfall and modest year-over-year growth make the release a mixed signal. Earnings summary Quarterly results: EPS materially beat consensus ($0.70 vs. $0.28) but revenue slightly missed estimates ($968.2M vs. ~$1.01B). The EPS beat is positive for profitability metrics, but the revenue shortfall and modest year-over-year growth make the release a mixed signal. Neutral Sentiment: Institutional ownership remains high (roughly 65%) with several large funds reported adding to or trimming positions in recent quarters signals steady professional interest but not an immediate directional catalyst. Institutional holdings Institutional ownership remains high (roughly 65%) with several large funds reported adding to or trimming positions in recent quarters signals steady professional interest but not an immediate directional catalyst. Negative Sentiment: Significant insider selling reported across multiple senior executives (COO, CFO and several SVPs) on March 34 sizable transactions include thousands of shares sold at ~\$42.28\$42.50 and notable percentage reductions in some officers holdings. Heavy insider selling can signal caution from management or simply portfolio diversification/liquidity needs, but markets often view clustered officer sales as a near-term negative. Insider selling report Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have commented on FDP shares. Wall Street Zen raised Fresh Del Monte Produce from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, February 21st. Weiss Ratings raised Fresh Del Monte Produce from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a report on Monday, February 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy. Read Our Latest Research Report on Fresh Del Monte Produce Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fresh Del Monte Produce Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in FDP. Wasatch Advisors LP bought a new position in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce during the second quarter valued at approximately $44,011,000. LSV Asset Management boosted its position in Fresh Del Monte Produce by 148.3% during the 2nd quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 1,439,958 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,683,000 after acquiring an additional 859,940 shares in the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce in the 4th quarter valued at $21,174,000. Millennium Management LLC raised its position in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce by 1,647.2% in the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 596,496 shares of the companys stock worth $18,390,000 after acquiring an additional 562,356 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP raised its position in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce by 289.6% in the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 243,686 shares of the companys stock worth $7,900,000 after acquiring an additional 181,145 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 64.83% of the companys stock. About Fresh Del Monte Produce (Get Free Report) Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables worldwide. The company offers a wide range of products including bananas, pineapples, melons, grapes and avocados, along with value-added items such as fruit salads, vegetable trays and snack packs under the Del Monte brand. Founded in 1989 as a spin-off from Del Monte, Fresh Del Monte has developed a global supply chain that spans production farms, ripening facilities and packaging centers across Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Fresh Del Monte Produce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresh Del Monte Produce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ADT (NYSE:ADT Free Report) had its price objective reduced by Morgan Stanley from $9.00 to $7.00 in a research note released on Tuesday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the security and automation business stock. A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on the company. Zacks Research raised ADT from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, February 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $10.40 price target on shares of ADT in a report on Monday. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of ADT in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered ADT from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, ADT has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $8.78. Get ADT alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ADT ADT Stock Performance Shares of NYSE ADT opened at $6.74 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $5.53 billion, a PE ratio of 10.21 and a beta of 1.00. ADT has a 1 year low of $6.65 and a 1 year high of $8.94. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $7.93 and a 200-day moving average price of $8.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a current ratio of 0.93 and a quick ratio of 0.54. ADT (NYSE:ADT Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, March 2nd. The security and automation business reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by $0.03. ADT had a net margin of 11.60% and a return on equity of 19.16%. The company had revenue of $2.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.30 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.20 EPS. ADTs revenue for the quarter was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. ADT has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.890-0.890 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that ADT will post 0.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. ADT Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 12th will be paid a $0.055 dividend. This represents a $0.22 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 12th. ADTs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 33.33%. Institutional Trading of ADT Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in ADT. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of ADT by 503.0% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 13,279 shares of the security and automation businesss stock valued at $108,000 after acquiring an additional 11,077 shares during the last quarter. Caxton Associates LLP purchased a new stake in ADT during the first quarter valued at approximately $296,000. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC raised its position in ADT by 29.4% during the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 1,154,250 shares of the security and automation businesss stock valued at $9,396,000 after purchasing an additional 262,480 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth lifted its stake in shares of ADT by 75.9% in the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 54,363 shares of the security and automation businesss stock valued at $442,000 after purchasing an additional 23,463 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sivia Capital Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of ADT in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $93,000. 87.22% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About ADT (Get Free Report) ADT Inc is a leading provider of security and automation solutions for residential and commercial customers. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, including intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring, and integrated smart home automation platforms. Through professional installation, continuous monitoring, and a network of 24/7 monitoring centers, ADT helps customers protect their properties, assets and loved ones. Founded in 1874 as the American District Telegraph Company, ADT has evolved from one of the first telegraph-based alarm services into a modern security technology enterprise. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for ADT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ADT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NewSquare Capital LLC increased its holdings in Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE:JXN Free Report) by 343,300.0% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 10,302 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 10,299 shares during the period. NewSquare Capital LLCs holdings in Jackson Financial were worth $1,043,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Jackson Financial in the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Jackson Financial in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Optiver Holding B.V. boosted its holdings in Jackson Financial by 469.2% in the third quarter. Optiver Holding B.V. now owns 296 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 244 shares during the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd raised its holdings in Jackson Financial by 541.2% during the 3rd quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 327 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 276 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new position in shares of Jackson Financial in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. 89.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Jackson Financial alerts: Jackson Financial Price Performance Shares of NYSE:JXN opened at $111.48 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $7.58 billion, a P/E ratio of -318.51 and a beta of 1.46. The companys 50-day moving average is $113.79 and its 200 day moving average is $104.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a current ratio of 0.27. Jackson Financial Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $64.70 and a fifty-two week high of $123.61. Jackson Financial Increases Dividend Jackson Financial ( NYSE:JXN Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 18th. The company reported $6.61 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $5.90 by $0.71. The company had revenue of $1.94 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.92 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $4.65 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Jackson Financial Inc. will post 20.55 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 26th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.90 per share. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. This is a positive change from Jackson Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.80. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 16th. Jackson Financials dividend payout ratio is currently -1,028.57%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Morgan Stanley set a $105.00 price objective on shares of Jackson Financial in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Jackson Financial in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Jackson Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, February 28th. Evercore set a $118.00 target price on Jackson Financial and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Barclays reissued an overweight rating and issued a $137.00 price target on shares of Jackson Financial in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $113.00. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on JXN About Jackson Financial (Free Report) Jackson Financial Inc is a U.S.-based financial services holding company headquartered in Lansing, Michigan. The company operates primarily through its principal subsidiary, Jackson National Life Insurance Company, and specializes in designing and distributing retirement products. Jackson Financial has been publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker JXN since its initial public offering in May 2022. The companys core offerings include a broad range of fixed, variable and indexed annuity products aimed at helping individuals preserve and grow retirement assets. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JXN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Jackson Financial Inc. (NYSE:JXN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Jackson Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jackson Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pitcairn Co. trimmed its position in shares of RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX Free Report) by 34.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 20,924 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,858 shares during the period. Pitcairn Co.s holdings in RTX were worth $3,501,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. State Street Corp lifted its position in shares of RTX by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 112,706,833 shares of the companys stock worth $16,457,452,000 after buying an additional 552,009 shares during the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System grew its position in RTX by 1.2% in the second quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 1,317,166 shares of the companys stock valued at $192,333,000 after acquiring an additional 16,034 shares during the last quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. raised its stake in RTX by 10.6% during the third quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 171,209 shares of the companys stock worth $28,648,000 after acquiring an additional 16,467 shares in the last quarter. Rockland Trust Co. lifted its holdings in shares of RTX by 121.1% in the third quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 20,245 shares of the companys stock worth $3,388,000 after acquiring an additional 11,089 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rafferty Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of RTX by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC now owns 332,214 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,589,000 after purchasing an additional 12,927 shares in the last quarter. 86.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get RTX alerts: RTX News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting RTX this week: Positive Sentiment: Renewed global interest in air and missile defense is boosting demand for RTXs Patriot and related systems; new orders linked to the UAE and broader procurement reviews are drawing investor attention. Read More. Renewed global interest in air and missile defense is boosting demand for RTXs Patriot and related systems; new orders linked to the UAE and broader procurement reviews are drawing investor attention. Read More. Positive Sentiment: The White House has scheduled a Mar. 6 meeting to address shrinking U.S. munitions stockpiles a policy-level focus that could lead to increased production contracts and direct opportunities for RTXs defense businesses. Read More. The White House has scheduled a Mar. 6 meeting to address shrinking U.S. munitions stockpiles a policy-level focus that could lead to increased production contracts and direct opportunities for RTXs defense businesses. Read More. Positive Sentiment: RTX is actively pitching technology for the FAAs $12.5B airtraffic control modernisation and seeks a larger role in that program, which would be a multiyear revenue stream if awarded. Read More. RTX is actively pitching technology for the FAAs $12.5B airtraffic control modernisation and seeks a larger role in that program, which would be a multiyear revenue stream if awarded. Read More. Positive Sentiment: The company reported progress on sustainable aviation, including a fullpower run of a hybridelectric propulsion system evidence of growth and diversification beyond traditional defense and aerospace segments. Read More. The company reported progress on sustainable aviation, including a fullpower run of a hybridelectric propulsion system evidence of growth and diversification beyond traditional defense and aerospace segments. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Brokerage coverage remains constructive RTX has a consensus Moderate Buy from brokerages and several analysts/asset managers (including Gabelli writeups) are highlighting the defense sectors multiyear structural tailwinds. Read More. Brokerage coverage remains constructive RTX has a consensus Moderate Buy from brokerages and several analysts/asset managers (including Gabelli writeups) are highlighting the defense sectors multiyear structural tailwinds. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: RTX is getting increased media and retail investor attention (Zacks, Seeking Alpha, Yahoo market chatter), which can amplify shortterm volatility even when fundamentals remain intact. Read More. RTX is getting increased media and retail investor attention (Zacks, Seeking Alpha, Yahoo market chatter), which can amplify shortterm volatility even when fundamentals remain intact. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Numerous headlines referencing RTX relate to Nvidia GPU product leaks and restocks these are unrelated to RTX Corporation but can create headline noise and search confusion for investors. Read More. Numerous headlines referencing RTX relate to Nvidia GPU product leaks and restocks these are unrelated to RTX Corporation but can create headline noise and search confusion for investors. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Despite the positive catalysts, shares are pulling back today likely reflecting shortterm profittaking after recent gains and general market riskoff sentiment while investors await concrete contract awards or policy actions from the upcoming White House meeting. RTX Trading Down 2.3% Shares of NYSE RTX opened at $203.95 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $197.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $178.18. The stock has a market cap of $273.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 0.42. RTX Corporation has a 52-week low of $112.27 and a 52-week high of $214.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.03. RTX (NYSE:RTX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.08. RTX had a net margin of 7.60% and a return on equity of 13.08%. The company had revenue of $24.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.65 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.54 earnings per share. RTXs revenue was up 12.1% compared to the same quarter last year. RTX has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.600-6.800 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that RTX Corporation will post 6.11 EPS for the current year. RTX Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be given a $0.68 dividend. This represents a $2.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 20th. RTXs payout ratio is 54.84%. Insider Transactions at RTX In other news, EVP Neil G. Mitchill, Jr. sold 35,755 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $205.56, for a total value of $7,349,797.80. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 59,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,242,331.36. This represents a 37.51% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Dantaya M. Williams sold 12,713 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $202.83, for a total value of $2,578,577.79. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 16,749 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,397,199.67. This trade represents a 43.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders have sold 89,255 shares of company stock worth $18,151,956. 0.15% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. BNP Paribas Exane started coverage on shares of RTX in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $210.00 price target on the stock. DZ Bank lowered shares of RTX from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of RTX from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, December 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on RTX from $200.00 to $215.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating and set a $225.00 price objective on shares of RTX in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $202.00. Check Out Our Latest Report on RTX RTX Company Profile (Free Report) RTX (NYSE: RTX) is a U.S.-based aerospace and defense company that designs, manufactures and services advanced systems for commercial, military and governmental customers worldwide. The company was created through the 2020 combination of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation and later adopted the RTX name, positioning itself as a diversified provider across the aerospace and defense value chain. RTXs operations span a broad set of capabilities. Its commercial aerospace businesses include Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines and Collins Aerospace systems, which supply propulsion, avionics, aerostructures, interiors and integrated aircraft systems. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RTX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for RTX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RTX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pitcairn Co. lowered its stake in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 43.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 12,734 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,743 shares during the period. Pitcairn Co.s holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $2,065,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC bought a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Traub Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Philip Morris International during the second quarter worth $25,000. Marquette Asset Management LLC increased its position in Philip Morris International by 1,677.8% during the third quarter. Marquette Asset Management LLC now owns 160 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 151 shares during the last quarter. Estabrook Capital Management bought a new position in Philip Morris International during the second quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, Dogwood Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 96.5% in the third quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC now owns 167 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 82 shares during the period. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Insider Activity In other news, CEO Jacek Olczak sold 80,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $182.18, for a total transaction of $14,574,400.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 632,344 shares in the company, valued at approximately $115,200,429.92. This trade represents a 11.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Emmanuel Babeau sold 33,800 shares of Philip Morris International stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $181.61, for a total transaction of $6,138,418.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 164,463 shares in the company, valued at approximately $29,868,125.43. The trade was a 17.05% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.13% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Key Philip Morris International News Analyst Ratings Changes Here are the key news stories impacting Philip Morris International this week: A number of equities analysts recently commented on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 26th. Wall Street Zen lowered Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and set a $205.00 price target on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC upped their price objective on Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $196.83. Read Our Latest Report on PM Philip Morris International Stock Performance Philip Morris International stock opened at $169.80 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $264.32 billion, a PE ratio of 23.36, a P/E/G ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $174.97 and a 200-day moving average price of $164.09. Philip Morris International Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $142.11 and a fifty-two week high of $191.30. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 6th. The company reported $1.70 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.70. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 130.95% and a net margin of 12.09%.The company had revenue of $10.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.40 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.55 EPS. Philip Morris Internationals quarterly revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. Philip Morris International has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.800-1.850 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 8.380-8.530 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current year. Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 19th will be paid a $1.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 19th. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is 80.88%. Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc (NYSE: PM) is a global tobacco company that manufactures and sells cigarettes, other nicotine-containing products and a growing portfolio of smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers. The firm traces its corporate roots to the 19th century Philip Morris enterprise and was established as an independent, publicly traded company following a 2008 separation from what is now Altria. Since the spin-off, the company has focused on serving international markets outside the United States. PMIs product mix includes traditional combustible cigarettes as well as smoke-free offerings such as heated tobacco systems and other reduced-risk products. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC increased its position in National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NBHC Free Report) by 41.8% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 52,608 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 15,505 shares during the quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLCs holdings in National Bank were worth $2,033,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in NBHC. New York State Common Retirement Fund boosted its position in shares of National Bank by 336.6% in the third quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 56,373 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,178,000 after purchasing an additional 43,462 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC raised its position in shares of National Bank by 110.4% during the 3rd quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 43,045 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,663,000 after purchasing an additional 22,583 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd lifted its stake in shares of National Bank by 97.9% during the 3rd quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 80,567 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,113,000 after buying an additional 39,848 shares in the last quarter. Deprince Race & Zollo Inc. bought a new position in National Bank in the 3rd quarter worth $14,240,000. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. bought a new position in National Bank in the 3rd quarter worth $25,869,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.65% of the companys stock. Get National Bank alerts: National Bank Price Performance NYSE:NBHC opened at $40.64 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $40.46 and its 200 day moving average is $38.91. National Bank Holdings Corporation has a 12 month low of $32.83 and a 12 month high of $42.99. The company has a market capitalization of $1.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.26 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a current ratio of 0.94, a quick ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. National Bank Increases Dividend National Bank ( NYSE:NBHC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The financial services provider reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.87 by ($0.27). The firm had revenue of $99.08 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $107.48 million. National Bank had a return on equity of 8.65% and a net margin of 18.66%.During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.86 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that National Bank Holdings Corporation will post 3.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a $0.32 dividend. This is a boost from National Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.31. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. National Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 44.91%. Analyst Ratings Changes NBHC has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Stephens raised National Bank from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $42.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen cut National Bank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Zacks Research raised National Bank from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. DA Davidson restated a buy rating and issued a $48.00 price target on shares of National Bank in a research note on Thursday, February 19th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of National Bank in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, National Bank currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $45.25. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on NBHC Insider Transactions at National Bank In other National Bank news, insider John Steinmetz purchased 24,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 11th. The shares were bought at an average price of $41.41 per share, with a total value of $1,002,122.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider directly owned 536,504 shares in the company, valued at $22,216,630.64. This trade represents a 4.72% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 2.90% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. National Bank Company Profile (Free Report) National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE: NBHC) is a diversified financial services holding company headquartered in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Through its network of community bank subsidiaries, the company provides deposit, lending and payment solutions to consumer, small business and commercial clients across multiple U.S. markets. Since its founding in 1992, National Bank Holdings has pursued a growth strategy focused on acquiring and integrating locally branded community banks. Its footprint spans the Midwest and Southern United States, including Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Illinois and Tennessee. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NBHC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for National Bank Holdings Corporation (NYSE:NBHC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for National Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A number of research firms have changed their ratings and price targets for Magna International (NYSE: MGA): 3/4/2026 Magna International is now covered by Bank of America Corporation. They set a buy rating on the stock. 2/18/2026 Magna International was upgraded by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from neutral to outperformer. They now have a $76.00 price target on the stock, up from $56.00. 2/18/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by Morgan Stanley from $54.00 to $65.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. 2/17/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by Scotiabank from $57.00 to $69.00. They now have a sector perform rating on the stock. 2/17/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by Raymond James Financial, Inc. from $50.00 to $75.00. They now have a market perform rating on the stock. 2/17/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by TD Securities from $58.00 to $75.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 2/17/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from $49.00 to $60.00. They now have a sell rating on the stock. 2/17/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by Royal Bank Of Canada from $48.00 to $59.00. They now have a sector perform rating on the stock. 2/17/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by Barclays PLC from $58.00 to $67.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. 1/27/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by Scotiabank from $52.00 to $57.00. They now have a sector perform rating on the stock. 1/23/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by Barclays PLC from $52.00 to $58.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. 1/19/2026 Magna International was upgraded by Wall Street Zen from buy to strong-buy. 1/14/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by UBS Group AG from $49.00 to $61.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/12/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by Wells Fargo & Company from $50.00 to $58.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. 1/11/2026 Magna International was downgraded by Wall Street Zen from strong-buy to buy. 1/5/2026 Magna International had its price target raised by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from $50.00 to $56.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. Magna International Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a $0.495 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This is a boost from Magna Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. This represents a $1.98 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.3%. Magna Internationals payout ratio is 67.12%. Get Magna International Inc alerts: Magna International Inc is a leading global automotive supplier specializing in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of vehicle systems, assemblies, modules, and components. Headquartered in Aurora, Ontario, the company partners with major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop technologies and solutions that enhance vehicle performance, safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Magnas broad portfolio encompasses body exteriors and structures, powertrain systems, seating and interiors, roof systems, mirror systems, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The company operates more than 350 manufacturing and assembly facilities and over 100 innovation centers across 27 countries, serving customers in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Magna International Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magna International Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Remy Cointreau (OTCMKTS:REMYY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $4.72, but opened at $4.43. Remy Cointreau shares last traded at $4.43, with a volume of 252 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on REMYY shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a sell rating on shares of Remy Cointreau in a research report on Friday, November 28th. UBS Group downgraded shares of Remy Cointreau from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Remy Cointreau has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Remy Cointreau alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on REMYY Remy Cointreau Stock Up 1.6% About Remy Cointreau The business has a 50 day moving average of $4.76 and a 200 day moving average of $5.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a current ratio of 2.79. (Get Free Report) Remy Cointreau is a French spirits group specializing in the production and distribution of premium and super-premium alcoholic beverages. The companys core activities center on cognacs, liqueurs, single malt Scotch whiskies and innovative craft spirits. Through its integrated production network and dedicated cellar masters, Remy Cointreau maintains rigorous quality standards from distillation and aging to bottling and distribution. The groups flagship brands include Remy Martin and Louis XIII cognacs, recognized worldwide for their heritage and craftsmanship, as well as Cointreau, a leading triple-sec liqueur. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Remy Cointreau Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Remy Cointreau and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royce & Associates LP lowered its position in Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC Free Report) by 59.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 135,038 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 200,049 shares during the period. Royce & Associates LPs holdings in Uranium Energy were worth $1,801,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in Uranium Energy during the third quarter worth $33,000. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Uranium Energy by 31.0% during the 3rd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 4,654 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $62,000 after buying an additional 1,100 shares during the last quarter. Operose Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Uranium Energy in the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Semus Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Uranium Energy in the 2nd quarter worth about $68,000. Finally, Plancorp LLC acquired a new stake in Uranium Energy in the 3rd quarter valued at about $133,000. 62.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Uranium Energy alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and set a $18.00 target price on shares of Uranium Energy in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. Zacks Research upgraded Uranium Energy from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. National Bank Financial increased their target price on Uranium Energy from $15.50 to $16.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Roth Mkm reissued a buy rating and set a $16.00 price target on shares of Uranium Energy in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $15.66. Uranium Energy Stock Performance Shares of NYSEAMERICAN UEC opened at $13.70 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $6.62 billion, a P/E ratio of -114.17 and a beta of 1.21. Uranium Energy Corp. has a 1 year low of $3.85 and a 1 year high of $20.34. The firms 50 day moving average price is $15.87 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.79. About Uranium Energy (Free Report) Uranium Energy Corp. is a uranium mining and exploration company focused on the development and production of uranium through in-situ recovery (ISR) methods. The companys core activities include operating ISR projects, advancing exploration properties, and engaging in joint ventures to secure uranium supply for nuclear power generation. Uranium Energys approach emphasizes environmentally conscious extraction techniques that minimize land disturbance and water usage compared with conventional mining. The companys primary producing asset is the Hobson ISR facility in South Texas, which commenced production to supply uranium concentrate to nuclear utilities. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UEC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Uranium Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uranium Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Myanmar's Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe speaks during a ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 5, 2026. Myanmar on Thursday held a ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism in Nay Pyi Taw, highlighting achievements made under the regional cooperation framework over the past decade. (Photo by Ei Mon Kyaw/Xinhua) YANGON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar on Thursday held a ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism in Nay Pyi Taw, highlighting achievements made under the regional cooperation framework over the past decade. Among the attendees were Myanmar's Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Than Swe and Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia, who delivered speeches at the ceremony. Ma said that over the past decade, the six LMC countries have made solid progress in building a community with a shared future, making significant contributions to regional development and common prosperity. Facing a turbulent international situation, the six countries should prioritize regional peace and the well-being of their people, and work together to advance "Lancang-Mekong Cooperation 2.0" and build a better future, she said. U Than Swe said that under the leadership of the six countries' leaders, the LMC mechanism has achieved fruitful results in various fields and has grown into the most successful cooperation mechanism in the Mekong River region. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for China's support and looked forward to even greater achievements for the LMC mechanism in the future. An exhibition of photos showcasing LMC achievements was also held at the event. LMC countries include China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia speaks during a ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 5, 2026. Myanmar on Thursday held a ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) mechanism in Nay Pyi Taw, highlighting achievements made under the regional cooperation framework over the past decade. (Photo by Ei Mon Kyaw/Xinhua) Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC lessened its holdings in Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB Free Report) by 54.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 44,828 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 52,760 shares during the quarter. Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC owned 0.10% of Globant worth $2,572,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in GLOB. Allworth Financial LP lifted its holdings in shares of Globant by 214.1% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 289 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 197 shares during the period. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings in Globant by 352.0% during the third quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 452 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 352 shares during the period. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. raised its position in Globant by 27,766.7% in the third quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 836 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $48,000 after acquiring an additional 833 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC lifted its holdings in Globant by 35.4% in the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 861 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $49,000 after acquiring an additional 225 shares during the period. Finally, Covestor Ltd boosted its position in shares of Globant by 105.5% during the 3rd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 1,005 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $58,000 after purchasing an additional 516 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.60% of the companys stock. Get Globant alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Needham & Company LLC cut their price target on shares of Globant from $80.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, February 27th. Mizuho lowered their target price on shares of Globant from $91.00 to $76.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $75.00 price target on shares of Globant in a research report on Monday, January 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Globant from $75.00 to $68.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, February 18th. Finally, Truist Financial started coverage on Globant in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. They issued a hold rating and a $72.00 price objective for the company. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Globant has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $81.27. Globant Stock Up 2.6% Shares of NYSE GLOB opened at $53.34 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average is $59.96 and its two-hundred day moving average is $61.56. The company has a market capitalization of $2.34 billion, a PE ratio of 23.29, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.95 and a beta of 1.21. Globant S.A. has a 12-month low of $40.76 and a 12-month high of $145.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 1.64 and a quick ratio of 1.93. Globant (NYSE:GLOB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 26th. The information technology services provider reported $1.54 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.54. Globant had a return on equity of 9.98% and a net margin of 4.19%.The firm had revenue of $612.47 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $605.61 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.75 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Globant has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.440-1.540 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 6.100-6.500 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Globant S.A. will post 5.73 EPS for the current fiscal year. Globant Company Profile (Free Report) Globant is a digitally native technology services company founded in 2003 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Specializing in software development and digital transformation, Globant partners with enterprises to conceive, design and engineer software products and platforms. The company leverages agile methodologies and proprietary delivery frameworks to accelerate projects in areas such as cloud migration, user experience design, data analytics, artificial intelligence and blockchain-enabled solutions. Globants service offerings span strategy consulting, custom software engineering, digital experience design and managed services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GLOB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Globant S.A. (NYSE:GLOB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Globant Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Globant and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC increased its holdings in shares of Black Hills Corporation (NYSE:BKH Free Report) by 100.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 62,793 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 31,529 shares during the period. Segall Bryant & Hamill LLC owned 0.09% of Black Hills worth $3,867,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of BKH. Spire Wealth Management raised its holdings in shares of Black Hills by 4,115.4% in the second quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 548 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 535 shares during the last quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Black Hills during the second quarter worth about $31,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC increased its position in Black Hills by 132.3% in the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 576 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 328 shares during the period. Blue Trust Inc. increased its position in Black Hills by 37.8% in the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 641 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares during the period. Finally, Clearstead Advisors LLC raised its stake in Black Hills by 884.8% during the 3rd quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 778 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $48,000 after acquiring an additional 699 shares during the last quarter. 86.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Black Hills alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have weighed in on BKH shares. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Black Hills in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Scotiabank upgraded Black Hills from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and upped their price target for the stock from $66.00 to $81.00 in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Black Hills from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, February 14th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on shares of Black Hills from $82.00 to $84.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $76.33. Black Hills Stock Performance Shares of BKH stock opened at $74.40 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.35, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $72.42 and a 200-day simple moving average of $67.42. The company has a market cap of $5.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.75. Black Hills Corporation has a 12-month low of $54.92 and a 12-month high of $75.87. Black Hills (NYSE:BKH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The utilities provider reported $1.41 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.04. Black Hills had a return on equity of 7.95% and a net margin of 12.62%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.37 EPS. Black Hills has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.250-4.450 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Black Hills Corporation will post 4.12 EPS for the current year. Black Hills Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th were paid a dividend of $0.703 per share. This is a boost from Black Hillss previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $2.81 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.8%. Black Hillss dividend payout ratio is currently 70.60%. About Black Hills (Free Report) Black Hills Corporation is a diversified energy company based in Rapid City, South Dakota, that provides electricity and natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Through its regulated utility subsidiariesBlack Hills Power, Cheyenne Light & Power, and Black Hills Energythe company delivers reliable energy across Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. In addition to its distribution operations, Black Hills owns and operates a generation portfolio that includes natural gasfired plants, coal-fired units, hydroelectric facilities and wind projects. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Black Hills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Hills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Solstein Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA Free Report) by 68.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 95,075 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 38,475 shares during the period. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries makes up about 0.4% of Solstein Capital LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 29th biggest holding. Solstein Capital LLCs holdings in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries were worth $1,921,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,792,732 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,390,000 after acquiring an additional 17,305 shares during the last quarter. Fox Hill Wealth Management bought a new position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries during the third quarter valued at $2,350,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky lifted its position in Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 4.3% during the third quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 2,611,600 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,754,000 after purchasing an additional 106,600 shares during the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,360,762 shares of the companys stock worth $47,687,000 after buying an additional 45,395 shares in the last quarter. Finally, APG Asset Management N.V. increased its holdings in shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries by 9.6% in the 3rd quarter. APG Asset Management N.V. now owns 54,592 shares of the companys stock worth $1,103,000 after buying an additional 4,772 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 54.05% of the companys stock. Get Teva Pharmaceutical Industries alerts: Insider Activity In related news, insider Mark Sabag sold 216,892 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.73, for a total value of $6,231,307.16. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 52,828 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,517,748.44. The trade was a 80.41% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Roberto Mignone sold 77,400 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.24, for a total value of $2,340,576.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 367,600 shares in the company, valued at $11,116,224. The trade was a 17.39% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 1,210,805 shares of company stock valued at $38,221,390. Insiders own 0.49% of the companys stock. More Teva Pharmaceutical Industries News Positive Sentiment: Blackstone Life Sciences agreed to provide up to $400M to fund development of Tevas duvakitug program, derisking latestage funding and sharing development risk/costs for a drug that will compete with therapies from Merck and Roche. Teva, Blackstone Life Sciences Enter $400M Funding Agreement for Duvakitug Blackstone Life Sciences agreed to provide up to $400M to fund development of Tevas duvakitug program, derisking latestage funding and sharing development risk/costs for a drug that will compete with therapies from Merck and Roche. Positive Sentiment: Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating and raised its price target to $41, signaling analyst confidence in upside (about ~29% above the recent price) which can support buyer interest. Piper Sandler PT Raise Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating and raised its price target to $41, signaling analyst confidence in upside (about ~29% above the recent price) which can support buyer interest. Positive Sentiment: Recent quarterly results were strong (Q4 beat on EPS and revenue and management set FY26 guidance of $2.572.77 EPS), providing fundamental support for valuation and dividend coverage. Recent quarterly results were strong (Q4 beat on EPS and revenue and management set FY26 guidance of $2.572.77 EPS), providing fundamental support for valuation and dividend coverage. Neutral Sentiment: Coverage pieces note that generics makers face pricing pressure, but Teva is pursuing complex generics and biosimilars as growth levers a mixed industry outlook that tempers both bull and bear cases. 3 Generic Drug Stocks to Watch Despite Industry Headwinds Coverage pieces note that generics makers face pricing pressure, but Teva is pursuing complex generics and biosimilars as growth levers a mixed industry outlook that tempers both bull and bear cases. Neutral Sentiment: Industry commentary on broader trends such as AI adoption is relevant long term but not an immediate stock mover for Teva. Pharma Industrys AI Adoption Industry commentary on broader trends such as AI adoption is relevant long term but not an immediate stock mover for Teva. Negative Sentiment: CEO Richard Francis sold 442,935 shares (~40% reduction in his holding) for roughly $14.3M a large insider sale that often spooks investors even when preplanned. SEC Filing: Insider Sale CEO Richard Francis sold 442,935 shares (~40% reduction in his holding) for roughly $14.3M a large insider sale that often spooks investors even when preplanned. Negative Sentiment: Billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller reduced his Teva stake in recent filings, a highprofile trimming that can amplify selling pressure from other funds. Druckenmiller Dumped Teva Billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller reduced his Teva stake in recent filings, a highprofile trimming that can amplify selling pressure from other funds. Negative Sentiment: Media pieces pitching alternate dividend stocks highlight competitive payout stories, which can divert income-focused buyers away from Teva while it completes its business transition. Dividend Competitor Article Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Here are the key news stories impacting Teva Pharmaceutical Industries this week: TEVA has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price target on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $29.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $36.00 to $45.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, February 9th. Truist Financial boosted their target price on Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $38.00 to $42.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and issued a $41.00 price target (up from $40.00) on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries from $28.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $37.67. View Our Latest Report on TEVA Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Price Performance Shares of TEVA stock opened at $31.72 on Friday. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has a 52-week low of $12.47 and a 52-week high of $37.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.89, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $36.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.43, a P/E/G ratio of 11.02 and a beta of 0.72. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $33.03 and a 200 day moving average price of $26.11. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TEVA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The company reported $0.96 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.31. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries had a return on equity of 46.28% and a net margin of 8.16%.The company had revenue of $4.71 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.36 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.71 EPS. Teva Pharmaceutical Industriess quarterly revenue was up 11.4% on a year-over-year basis. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has set its FY 2026 guidance at 2.570-2.770 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. will post 2.5 earnings per share for the current year. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Profile (Free Report) Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA) is an Israeli multinational pharmaceutical company and one of the worlds largest manufacturers of generic medicines. The companys core activities include the development, production and marketing of generic pharmaceuticals alongside a portfolio of specialty branded medicines. Teva supplies finished dosage forms and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to markets around the globe and operates manufacturing and research facilities in multiple countries. Tevas product range covers oral solids, injectables, inhalation products and other dosage forms across therapeutic areas such as central nervous system disorders, respiratory, oncology, pain and infectious disease. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TEVA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE:TEVA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV Free Report) had its price target hoisted by Rothschild & Co Redburn from $27.00 to $35.00 in a report issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a sell rating on the airlines stock. Several other research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on Southwest Airlines from $40.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Susquehanna raised their price objective on Southwest Airlines from $45.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Seaport Research Partners lifted their price objective on Southwest Airlines from $57.00 to $58.00 in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Zacks Research raised shares of Southwest Airlines from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $50.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $48.29. Get Southwest Airlines alerts: View Our Latest Report on LUV Southwest Airlines Trading Down 6.9% Shares of LUV stock opened at $43.92 on Thursday. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $46.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $38.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.52 and a quick ratio of 0.45. Southwest Airlines has a 1-year low of $23.82 and a 1-year high of $55.11. The firm has a market cap of $21.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 52.29, a PEG ratio of 0.33 and a beta of 1.10. Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The airline reported $0.58 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $7.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.51 billion. Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 1.57% and a return on equity of 6.18%. Southwest Airliness revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.56 earnings per share. Southwest Airlines has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.000- EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.450- EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Southwest Airlines will post 1.55 EPS for the current year. Southwest Airlines Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 2nd. Investors of record on Thursday, March 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 12th. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 85.71%. Institutional Trading of Southwest Airlines Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Southwest Airlines by 100.6% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 39,347 shares of the airlines stock valued at $1,303,000 after purchasing an additional 19,729 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its holdings in Southwest Airlines by 5.4% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 61,060 shares of the airlines stock valued at $2,050,000 after purchasing an additional 3,141 shares in the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC grew its holdings in Southwest Airlines by 7.6% during the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 7,459 shares of the airlines stock valued at $250,000 after purchasing an additional 527 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in Southwest Airlines by 9.9% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 450,223 shares of the airlines stock worth $14,568,000 after buying an additional 40,570 shares during the period. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its holdings in Southwest Airlines by 81.4% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,056 shares of the airlines stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 474 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.82% of the companys stock. Southwest Airlines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Southwest Airlines Co is a U.S.-based low-cost carrier that operates a point-to-point domestic and near-international airline network. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company primarily flies Boeing 737 aircraft and offers no-frills, single-class service designed to keep fares competitive. Southwests operating model emphasizes high aircraft utilization, quick turnaround times and an open seating policy, allowing customers to board and select seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King as Air Southwest Company, Southwest began commercial service in 1971, initially connecting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taylor Wimpey (LON:TW Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The homebuilder reported GBX 8 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Digital Look Earnings reports. Taylor Wimpey had a net margin of 2.40% and a return on equity of 1.97%. Taylor Wimpey Price Performance TW opened at GBX 100.55 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.94, a current ratio of 4.58 and a quick ratio of 0.71. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 109.13 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 104.32. The firm has a market cap of 3.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.35. Get Taylor Wimpey alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Taylor Wimpey news, insider Mark Castle acquired 2,267 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 15th. The shares were purchased at an average price of GBX 102 per share, for a total transaction of 2,312.34. Insiders bought a total of 3,117 shares of company stock worth $321,270 in the last three months. Company insiders own 0.87% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Taylor Wimpey announced that its board has approved a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, March 5th that authorizes the company to repurchase 0 outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the homebuilder to purchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are generally a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. TW has been the subject of a number of research reports. Citigroup lowered their target price on Taylor Wimpey from GBX 143 to GBX 137 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Taylor Wimpey in a research report on Monday, November 24th. They issued a neutral rating and a GBX 109 price objective on the stock. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 128 price target on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a report on Thursday, January 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Taylor Wimpey from GBX 140 to GBX 120 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a GBX 150 target price on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Taylor Wimpey currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 125.33. View Our Latest Analysis on TW Key Headlines Impacting Taylor Wimpey Here are the key news stories impacting Taylor Wimpey this week: Taylor Wimpey Company Profile (Get Free Report) Taylor Wimpey plc operates as a homebuilder in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Taylor Wimpey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taylor Wimpey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky lowered its stake in White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (NYSE:WTM Free Report) by 36.5% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 767 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 441 shares during the period. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentuckys holdings in White Mountains Insurance Group were worth $1,282,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in WTM. Cooke & Bieler LP raised its stake in shares of White Mountains Insurance Group by 40.5% in the third quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP now owns 107,851 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $180,275,000 after acquiring an additional 31,070 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in White Mountains Insurance Group by 7.1% during the 3rd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 31,698 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $52,318,000 after acquiring an additional 2,113 shares during the period. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new position in White Mountains Insurance Group in the 3rd quarter valued at $2,950,000. Mraz Amerine & Associates Inc. lifted its position in shares of White Mountains Insurance Group by 4.8% during the third quarter. Mraz Amerine & Associates Inc. now owns 22,606 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $37,787,000 after purchasing an additional 1,030 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Regency Capital Management Inc. DE purchased a new stake in shares of White Mountains Insurance Group during the third quarter valued at $1,356,000. 88.65% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get White Mountains Insurance Group alerts: Insider Transactions at White Mountains Insurance Group In other White Mountains Insurance Group news, Director Philip A. Gelston sold 165 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,048.51, for a total value of $338,004.15. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 1,568 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,212,063.68. This trade represents a 9.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock. White Mountains Insurance Group Trading Down 1.5% NYSE WTM opened at $2,189.73 on Friday. White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. has a one year low of $1,648.00 and a one year high of $2,264.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 0.89. The company has a market capitalization of $5.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.06 and a beta of 0.32. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $2,116.58 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $1,970.04. White Mountains Insurance Group (NYSE:WTM Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 6th. The insurance provider reported $39.77 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $379.45 by ($339.68). White Mountains Insurance Group had a return on equity of 8.12% and a net margin of 29.62%.The business had revenue of $1.60 billion during the quarter. White Mountains Insurance Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced an annual dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, March 25th. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 16th will be given a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a yield of 4.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 16th. White Mountains Insurance Groups payout ratio is currently 0.23%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Weiss Ratings raised shares of White Mountains Insurance Group from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b+) rating in a research note on Monday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Our Latest Stock Report on White Mountains Insurance Group White Mountains Insurance Group Company Profile (Free Report) White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda-based diversified insurance and financial services holding company organized in 1985 and headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. The company operates through a portfolio of insurance, reinsurance and specialty finance businesses, offering a blend of underwriting expertise and investment management to institutional clients worldwide. As a publicly traded entity on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WTM), White Mountains seeks to generate long-term shareholder value by combining disciplined capital management with strategic acquisitions and organic growth initiatives. Through its principal operating subsidiariesmost notably Sirius International Insurance Group, Ltd. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for White Mountains Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for White Mountains Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Telecom Italia S.P.A. (OTCMKTS:TIAIY Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $8.80, but opened at $7.93. Telecom Italia shares last traded at $7.93, with a volume of 1,033 shares trading hands. Telecom Italia Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $8.09 and a 200-day simple moving average of $6.84. Get Telecom Italia alerts: About Telecom Italia (Get Free Report) Telecom Italia S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:TIAIY) is a leading Italian telecommunications operator that provides a broad range of fixed-line, mobile voice and data services. The companys offerings span consumer broadband connections, mobile telephony plans and pay-TV packages under its TIM brand. Telecom Italia also delivers wholesale network capacity and managed connectivity solutions to other carriers and service providers. Headquartered in Rome, Telecom Italia traces its origins to Italys state-owned telephone monopoly and was established in its current form in 1994 following privatization and corporate restructuring. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Telecom Italia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telecom Italia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Templeton Dragon Fund, Inc. (NYSE:TDF Get Free Report)s share price crossed below its fifty day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $11.64 and traded as low as $11.07. Templeton Dragon Fund shares last traded at $11.18, with a volume of 69,032 shares. Templeton Dragon Fund Trading Down 1.2% The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $11.64 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $11.45. Get Templeton Dragon Fund alerts: Templeton Dragon Fund Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. Institutional Trading of Templeton Dragon Fund Templeton Dragon Fund Company Profile Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Templeton Dragon Fund in the second quarter worth about $228,000. Shaker Financial Services LLC grew its stake in Templeton Dragon Fund by 61.9% during the 3rd quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC now owns 157,589 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,836,000 after acquiring an additional 60,241 shares in the last quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new stake in Templeton Dragon Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at about $576,000. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in Templeton Dragon Fund by 14.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 248,420 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,482,000 after purchasing an additional 31,170 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Compound Planning Inc. lifted its stake in Templeton Dragon Fund by 3.9% in the 4th quarter. Compound Planning Inc. now owns 60,336 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $679,000 after purchasing an additional 2,241 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 47.20% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Templeton Dragon Fund (NYSE:TDF) is a closed-end investment company managed by Franklin Templeton Investment Funds. Established in March 1987, the fund was one of the earliest U.S.-listed vehicles dedicated to providing exposure to the Greater China equity markets. Over its long operating history, Templeton Dragon Fund has sought to capture growth opportunities in a region undergoing rapid economic transformation. The funds primary investment objective is long-term capital appreciation through a diversified portfolio of common stocks, depositary receipts and other equity-related securities of companies domiciled in, or deriving significant revenue from, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Templeton Dragon Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Templeton Dragon Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TravelSky Technology Ltd. (OTCMKTS:TSYHY Get Free Report) rose 4.8% on Friday . The company traded as high as $13.4930 and last traded at $13.4930. Approximately 13,542 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 265% from the average daily volume of 3,707 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.88. TravelSky Technology Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 3.02, a current ratio of 3.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $13.60 and a 200-day simple moving average of $13.73. Get TravelSky Technology alerts: TravelSky Technology Company Profile (Get Free Report) TravelSky Technology Limited is a leading provider of information technology solutions for the air travel industry in the Peoples Republic of China. Established in 2001 through an asset reorganization of aviation IT operations previously overseen by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the company has developed a comprehensive platform for airline reservation, distribution and related services. TravelSkys technology underpins the vast majority of domestic air ticketing in China and supports a growing number of international carriers and travel agencies. The companys core offerings include a passenger service system (PSS) that manages reservation and ticketing processes, as well as an electronic distribution network that connects airlines with travel agents, corporate accounts and online channels. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TravelSky Technology Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TravelSky Technology and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Picton Mahoney Asset Management lowered its holdings in Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report) by 41.1% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 10,232 shares of the railroad operators stock after selling 7,128 shares during the period. Picton Mahoney Asset Managements holdings in Union Pacific were worth $2,418,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA raised its position in Union Pacific by 9.8% in the third quarter. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA now owns 52,849 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $12,492,000 after acquiring an additional 4,707 shares in the last quarter. Midwest Trust Co grew its position in Union Pacific by 2.8% in the third quarter. Midwest Trust Co now owns 281,036 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $66,428,000 after buying an additional 7,759 shares during the last quarter. CX Institutional increased its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 39.8% in the third quarter. CX Institutional now owns 65,826 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $15,559,000 after buying an additional 18,742 shares in the last quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grew its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 15.1% in the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 135,188 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $31,955,000 after acquiring an additional 17,696 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AustralianSuper Pty Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Union Pacific during the third quarter valued at $802,000. 80.38% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Union Pacific alerts: Union Pacific Price Performance Shares of Union Pacific stock opened at $260.04 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $244.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $232.70. The company has a current ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. Union Pacific Corporation has a 1-year low of $204.66 and a 1-year high of $268.14. The stock has a market capitalization of $154.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.72, a P/E/G ratio of 2.91 and a beta of 0.95. Union Pacific Dividend Announcement Union Pacific ( NYSE:UNP Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The railroad operator reported $2.86 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.92 by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $6.09 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.15 billion. Union Pacific had a net margin of 29.12% and a return on equity of 40.89%. Union Pacifics revenue for the quarter was down .6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.91 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Union Pacific Corporation will post 11.99 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be issued a $1.38 dividend. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio is currently 46.12%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Raymond James Financial reiterated a strong-buy rating on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $267.00 price target on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $245.00 price target on Union Pacific in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. TD Cowen dropped their price target on shares of Union Pacific from $257.00 to $255.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Union Pacific from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research note on Friday, February 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $260.14. Read Our Latest Analysis on Union Pacific Union Pacific Profile (Free Report) Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services. Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western twothirds of the United States. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:UNP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NEW DELHI, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Two pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) were killed when the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet they were flying crashed in the country's northeastern state of Assam on Thursday night, the IAF confirmed on Friday. The two-seater fighter jet had crashed in Assam's Karbi Anglong district while on a training mission. It took off on Thursday evening from Assam's Jorhat airbase. Xponance Inc. cut its stake in shares of Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG Free Report) by 46.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 36,530 shares of the companys stock after selling 31,843 shares during the quarter. Xponance Inc.s holdings in Conagra Brands were worth $669,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Conagra Brands during the second quarter valued at about $172,475,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Conagra Brands by 69.5% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 10,145,798 shares of the companys stock valued at $207,685,000 after buying an additional 4,160,542 shares in the last quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Conagra Brands by 4,497.6% in the 2nd quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC now owns 2,740,013 shares of the companys stock worth $56,088,000 after buying an additional 2,680,417 shares during the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd bought a new stake in Conagra Brands in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,413,000. Finally, Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership boosted its stake in Conagra Brands by 156.6% in the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 2,238,558 shares of the companys stock worth $45,823,000 after buying an additional 1,366,059 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 83.75% of the companys stock. Get Conagra Brands alerts: Conagra Brands Stock Down 1.3% Shares of NYSE:CAG opened at $18.61 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $8.90 billion, a P/E ratio of -84.59 and a beta of -0.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a current ratio of 0.89. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $18.16 and a 200-day moving average price of $18.16. Conagra Brands has a 52-week low of $15.96 and a 52-week high of $28.51. Conagra Brands Dividend Announcement Conagra Brands ( NYSE:CAG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, December 19th. The company reported $0.45 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.44 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $2.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3 billion. Conagra Brands had a positive return on equity of 10.59% and a negative net margin of 0.87%.The firms revenue for the quarter was down 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.70 earnings per share. Conagra Brands has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.700-1.85 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Conagra Brands will post 2.35 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 26th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, January 27th were issued a $0.35 dividend. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 27th. Conagra Brandss payout ratio is -636.36%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have commented on CAG shares. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price target on shares of Conagra Brands from $21.00 to $18.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Conagra Brands from $22.00 to $20.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Conagra Brands from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, February 20th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Conagra Brands in a report on Wednesday, February 18th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Conagra Brands from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $19.07. Get Our Latest Stock Report on CAG About Conagra Brands (Free Report) Conagra Brands, Inc is a leading packaged foods company based in Chicago, Illinois, with a broad portfolio of shelf-stable, frozen and refrigerated foods marketed under familiar brands. The company develops, produces and distributes a wide range of consumer food products, serving both retail grocery and foodservice channels. Conagras product lineup includes frozen entrees, snacks, condiments, baking goods and desserts, providing convenient meal solutions for consumers across North America and select international markets. Among its well-known brands are Birds Eye, Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, Marie Callenders and Banquet in the frozen foods category, as well as Hunts sauces, Orville Redenbachers popcorn, Slim Jim meat snacks and Reddi-wip toppings. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CAG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Conagra Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Conagra Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Free National Movement is warning that the governments decision to make uncooked food VAT-exempt rather than zero-rated could lead to higher grocery prices. The change follows a policy announcement by Philip Davis to eliminate VAT on food sold in grocery stores starting April 1. What do you think this will mean for food prices? You voted: SYDNEY, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of Queensland have charged five men after seizing over 150 kg of illicit drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. The Queensland Police Service (QPS) said in a statement on Friday that the drug seizure was the result of an operation that was launched in August 2025 to target the trafficking of dangerous drugs between Queensland, the neighboring Northern Territory (NT) and the state of Western Australia (WA). As part of the operation, the QPS said investigators on Wednesday executed search warrants at four residences in and south of Brisbane where they located and seized 66 kg of methamphetamine, 41 kg of cocaine, 35 kg of ketamine, 12 kg of MDMA and 1.5 kg of heroin. Mobile phones, cash, prescription medication and steroids were also seized. Five men aged between 18 and 41 were subsequently arrested and charged with offenses relating to the trafficking and possession of dangerous drugs. The QPS said that the drug trafficking syndicate has alleged links to outlawed motorcycle gangs. Detective Acting Superintendent Brad Phelps from the QPS Drug and Serious Crime Group said that the operation had disrupted a significant drug network operation. Qabil Ashirov On March 6, Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov held a telephone conversation with Vice President of the Republic of Turkiye Cevdet Yilmaz, AzerNEWS reports. According to a statement published by the Cabinet of Ministers, the discussion followed recent drone attacks against Azerbaijan on March 5. During the call, the Islamic Republic of Iran expressed a strong protest against the strikes, stressing that such actions contradict the norms and principles of international law. Prime Minister Asadov noted that as a result of the attacks, Nakhchivan International Airport, a school, and other areas came under fire from Iran. Several civilians were injured, and the airport terminal building sustained damage. It was further emphasized that following the incident, President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan immediately contacted President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to express solidarity with the Azerbaijani people. Officials described this gesture as a clear manifestation of the unshakable brotherhood and unity between the two nations. Asadov extended gratitude to the Turkish side for its operational support, particularly in the temporary organization of flights to I?d?r Airport to ensure safe travel to Nakhchivan under current circumstances. The two leaders also discussed other topical issues arising from the situation. BAKU, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan has ordered the evacuation of its embassy in Tehran and its general consulate in the northwestern city of Tabriz, citing safety concerns amid escalating regional tensions, said Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on Friday. Speaking at a news briefing, Bayramov said the evacuation order was issued as part of a broader package of additional security measures being implemented in the country, stressing that the safety of Azerbaijani citizens remained a "top priority." The announcement came against the backdrop of a drone attack launched from Iranian territory toward Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which left four Azerbaijani citizens injured. A day earlier, Iran's foreign minister, in phone talks with Bayramov, pledged to investigate the matter. "Yesterday, during a phone conversation with the Iranian foreign minister, we seriously discussed this issue. The Iranian side promised to thoroughly investigate what happened, and we expect the results," Bayramov said. SEOUL, March 6 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's corporate bond sale logged a double-digit growth in January on stronger funding demand from industrial companies, financial watchdog data showed Friday. The issuance of corporate bonds swelled 13.9 percent over the month to 17.64 trillion won (11.99 billion U.S. dollars) in January, according to the Financial Supervisory Service. Bonds sold by industrial companies totaled 7.18 trillion won (4.9 billion dollars) in January, surging from 230 billion won (156.4 million dollars) tallied in December last year. Financial companies' bond sales dived 29.4 percent to 9.71 trillion won (6.6 billion dollars), and the issuance of asset-backed securities tumbled 50.4 percent in the cited month. Outstanding corporate bonds totaled 752.86 trillion won (511.8 billion dollars) at the end of January, down 0.5 percent from a month earlier. Equity financing, including initial public offering and rights issuance, stood at 108.2 billion won (73.6 million dollars) in January, down 95.7 percent compared to the previous month. WARSAW, March 6 (Xinhua) -- European Commissioner for Defense and Space Andrius Kubilius said on Friday that the United States is not in a position to provide enough missiles to the Gulf states and Ukraine to defend themselves. "It became more urgent for us in Europe to ramp up production of air defense and anti-ballistic missiles," Kubilius said in Warsaw during a joint press conference with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. He cited a recent assessment by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, saying Europe needs to increase production capacity related to missile defense by about 400 percent. Kubilius noted that amid Europe's shortage of anti-missile systems, Poland could play a very important role in the production of such weapons. He also said that without making use of funds provided under the European Union's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, the opportunity to build an effective missile defense system could be missed. Regarding recent discussions in Poland surrounding the SAFE program, Kubilius said he was "surprised." He noted that the decision on how to strengthen defense capabilities ultimately rests with Poland, but emphasized that obtaining loans under the SAFE mechanism is important as Europe needs to rapidly enhance its missile defense capabilities. Kosiniak-Kamysz said after the meeting that it is even more important for Europe to achieve independence in weapons production and strengthen its own defense industry capabilities. He noted that their talks focused mainly on the EU's SAFE program, which aims to strengthen the security of Poland and Europe while promoting greater independence in European defense production. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, one of the pilots who was killed in Assams Karbi Anglong in a Sukhoi plane Su-30 fighter jet crash, was a part of Operation Sindoor. Purveshs father, Ravindra Duragkar, said that his son was a dedicated officer who was deeply committed to his country. Purveh, 28, had just met his family 10 days ago. He had returned home to Nagpur in Maharashtra for a family gathering. His father, who is a retired railway employee, told PTI that his family did not initially know he was part of Operations Sindoor . The operation was launched last year to avenge the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam. 15 days after Operation Sindoor was paused, did we get to know that he was part of the operation. He did not have his mobile phone with him during that time. We were not in touch with him during that time," his father said. My son was extremely proud to be part of the Indian Air Force. He would sometimes share his experience of flying fighter planes and the speeds that IAF jets achieve. He held his colleagues in high regard." He said that Purvesh took immense pride in flying a fighter jet. Flight Lieutenant Purvesh and Squadron Leader Anuj were both killed after their Russian-made Su-30 MKI aircraft went missing shortly after takeoff. The were on a training mission and lost communication at around 7:42 pm. The jet crashed 60 kilometres away My son sacrificed himself in the service of the nation. Everyone should take inspiration from him. He achieved his dream, but he could not serve the nation as much as he wanted to. He had a short tenure of 4 years," he said. Purvesh is survived by his sister, an IITian who is settled in the US and his parents. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India India is becoming the centre of the changing global geopolitical situation and so, the need for preparedness in uncertain times is paramount now, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, referring to the ongoing Middle East crises. Speaking at THE WEEK-GRSE Sagar Sankalp national maritime defence dialogue in Kolkata, Singh said, It is Indias responsibility, in the role of a major maritime nation, to instil confidence, capability, and clarity with leadership. We are going through changing times. We are seeing things change at a rapid speed on the global stage. Supply chains, energy pathways, and new equations are also forming. The need for maritime support is increasing rapidly. Speaking at the Maritime Conclave Sagar Sankalp in Kolkata. https://t.co/C93bpLs7Ka Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 6, 2026 The defence minister highlighted how India was initially a trade hub, but today, the seas play a role of strategic dominance. The world is changing, and old notions are breaking, which we have been seeing for many years. Differing minds and conflict are seen in the world, which seem to be together on the surface, but each geographical nation has a different background, yet there is a common path. Today, new things are emerging at a global level; there is change. Old beliefs are changing with rapid speed. We have to understand these uncertainties and keep an eye on the Middle East, which is very unpredictable, and we are unable to make a concrete prediction in which direction things will shape up in the Middle East or in the neighbouring nations, Singh said. Singh also spoke about the uncertainty of global security on world energy production and the impact on oil and gas due to geopolitical disturbances. When there is a disturbance in this sector, the direct impact is felt on oil and gas supply. This disturbance in the supply chain will impact other sectors too. The impact of these uncertainties is felt on the economy and world trade, he said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, THE WEEK Chief Associate Editor & Director Riyad Mathew (second left) and other dignitaries launch the GRSE book at THE WEEK-GRSE Sagar Sankalp national maritime defence dialogue in Kolkata | Salil Bera The defence minister expressed concern over the situation in the Middle East and its global impact, including on India. The situation is quite complicated. The situation will get more dynamic going forward. The way different countries are attacking each other in air and on sea is worrying in reality. This is an abnormal situation, but what I am concerned about is the fact that this abnormality is becoming the new normal. The need to look back at history and have a futuristic approach will help India, which aims to be a leading global maritime powerhouse by 2030. The focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat has helped the country be a sustainable force in the maritime sector, strengthening the countrys defence systems, he said. While presenting his 17th budget, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced plans to ban social media for children under the age of 16. The move comes at a time when rising screen time continues to drive a mental health crisis among young children. Citing concerns over mental health and a lack of academic focus, the government has decided to ban social media for minors. Speaking in the Assembly, the CM said that the initiative focuses on protecting children from the 'increasing influence' of digital media and its potential negative consequences on their development. Alongside the proposed social media restriction, the state government also announced steps to strengthen mental health support for students. CM said that he held discussions with vice chancellors of government universities on Sunday, seeking their views and the feasibility of such a ban. Qualified mental counsellors will be appointed across the state to tackle the mental health crisis as well. The counsellors will provide support to students experiencing stress, anxiety, and other psychological challenges. The initiative focuses on enhancing the mental health of students by providing them with the tools to better navigate academic pressures. These proposed measures are part of a broader government commitment to protecting childrens well-being within an increasingly complex digital landscape. Parents have hailed the governments decision. "Its a huge relief," said one parent. "Given the current trend where children feel forced to join social media just to fit in, many have already fallen victim to that pressure. This move gives us hope that we can finally curb the mental health crisis affecting our kids." If this initiative proves successful, it remains to be seen whether other states will adopt similar measures to protect minors. Even as newer and more powerful drugs have transformed tuberculosis treatment in recent years, major diagnostic and clinical challenges continue to complicate the management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among people living with HIV, experts said at ASICON 2026, the 17th National Conference of the AIDS Society of India, being held in Mumbai. Presenting on the topic titled 'New TB Drugs, Old Problems: Navigating MDR-TB in HIV', infectious diseases specialist Dr Trupti Gilada said that the intersection of HIV and tuberculosis remains one of the most difficult challenges in infectious disease care. Despite advances in TB therapeutics, diagnosing and managing MDR-TB in HIV patients remains complex due to atypical disease presentation, delayed diagnosis and the rapid progression of illness, she said. Tuberculosis continues to be the leading cause of death among people living with HIV globally, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains has further complicated treatment efforts. According to data presented at the conference, India continues to have the highest TB burden in the world. Among people living with HIV (PLHIV), the risk of developing MDR-TB is significantly higher. For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH MDR-TB is estimated to be twice as common in people living with HIV, and the infection also increases the likelihood of developing primary MDR-TB, with studies suggesting odds ratios ranging from 2 to 2.3. Mortality rates are also substantially higher when the two infections occur together. Experts noted that undiagnosed tuberculosis is a major contributor to early deaths among HIV patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART). Drug-resistant TB exists on a spectrum, experts explained. It ranges from mono-resistant TB, where the bacteria resist a single drug, to rifampicin-resistant TB, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and more severe forms such as pre-XDR and XDR TB, where resistance extends to second-line drugs. The World Health Organizations classification of MDR-TB drugs includes newer medicines such as bedaquiline and linezolid, which are now key components of modern treatment regimens. Other drugs used in combination include moxifloxacin, levofloxacin, clofazimine, cycloserine and delamanid. These newer drugs have improved treatment outcomes and shortened regimens, but the real-world challenges of diagnosis and timely treatment remain, Gilada noted. One of the biggest obstacles in managing TB in HIV patients is diagnosis, Gilada. Unlike typical TB, the disease can present atypically in people with HIV. Patients may have minimal or normal chest X-ray findings, negative sputum tests or sub-clinical symptoms that make detection difficult. In many cases, TB in HIV patients also presents as extra-pulmonary disease, affecting organs outside the lungs. Studies show this occurs in 4080 percent of HIV-positive patients, compared with 1020 percent in HIV-negative individuals. This often forces clinicians to rely on surrogate markers such as ESR or C-reactive protein, and sometimes begin empirical anti-TB treatment before a definitive diagnosis is confirmed. Experts emphasised that rapid genotypic testing is critical for detecting drug resistance early and guiding treatment decisions. Modern diagnostic tools include GeneXpert, line probe assays and whole-genome sequencing, which help identify genetic mutations linked to drug resistance. These tests allow clinicians to quickly determine whether the TB strain is resistant to key drugs. Rapid genotypic testing can save lives by enabling early diagnosis and personalised treatment regimens, Gilada said. Researchers are also exploring the role of artificial intelligence in radiology, which could assist in identifying TB patterns in imaging scans. However, experts cautioned that genotype and phenotype results do not always perfectly match. Not all genetic mutations lead to drug resistance, and some laboratory tests may miss low-level resistance. For newer drugs such as bedaquiline, delamanid and linezolid, the available data on resistance-causing mutations is still limited. As a result, clinicians must interpret test results carefully and combine them with clinical judgment. Experts at the conference stressed that tackling TB among people living with HIV will require better integration between TB and HIV programmes, faster diagnostics and wider access to newer treatment regimens. While scientific advances have improved treatment options, Gilada noted that the old problems of delayed diagnosis, drug resistance and health system gaps continue to challenge TB control in HIV patients. After the war broke out between Israel-US forces and Iran last week, which killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, there was no immediate response from the top figures in the Indian governmentneither in favour of, nor against, any of the warring countries. Above all, they claimed the government had not condoled the death of the head of a state that has served as India's long-time energy partner in the Middle East. Notably, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has, however, signed the condolence book at the Iranian embassy in New Delhi on Thursday. This apparently stirred the Opposition camp to call out the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who did not speak a word on Khamenei's death. They also called for diplomatic clarity in the country's foreign policy. On behalf of the Indian National Congress, Shri @salman7khurshid (Chairperson, Foreign Affairs Department, AICC) led a delegation to express their deepest condolences on the passing of Grand Ayatollah Imam Ali Khamenei to the Supreme Leaders Representative to India, Ayatollah pic.twitter.com/HTKZhkvHNK Congress (@INCIndia) March 6, 2026 Now, six days after the death of Khamenei, a Congress delegation comprising senior party leaders such as Salman Khurshid and Pawan Khera condoled the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, who was killed due to airstrikes on the Israeli compound. "It is important to tell that the entire Congress stands with our friends (Iran) who are going through a bad time," Congress leader Salman Khurshid said. "When the government itself doesn't know what its policy is, then how can we say anything on it? ... Only when we see an outcome of the foreign policy can we either support or oppose it," he added. The war broke out immediately after PM Modi returned to India after a state visit to Israel. Analysts believe this silence could have diplomatic repercussions for the country, which has had warm relations with Iran in the past, and now suddenly appears to be steering away from it. This also comes at a time when Iran controls one of the most important global energy chokepoints, the Hormuz Strait, through which a significant amount of crude oil flows into India. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshvardhan Sapkal has hit out at the budget presented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stating it was full of large figures and hollow announcements. The government has piled up a mountain of debt on the state, and with a deficit of 40,000 crore, this budget will push Maharashtra towards bankruptcy. The budget is dominated by projects such as the bullet train, metro, and underground tunnels, Sapkal said, adding that the the poor in villages, tribals, labourers, women, the unemployed, and youth had no place in the budget. Overall, this budget appears to be meant only for a few cities and a select few people. The common citizens will gain nothing from it, he added. Sapkal said that the vision of Viksit Maharashtra 2047 and a $1 trillion economy is nothing but a daydream. In the past few years, the BJP alliance government announces the budget and then presents supplementary demands worth crores of rupees in every subsequent legislative session. The Economic Survey report itself shows that the state is heading towards bankruptcy. The total burden of the states debt and guarantees is close to 12 lakh crore, and around 65,000 crore has to be paid as loan repayments. Therefore, there is a massive gap between the figures announced in the budget and the actual situation on the ground. In the previous budget, 22,658 crore was allocated for Scheduled Caste schemes, but in reality only 6,200 crore was spent. Big figures are announced in the budget for schemes meant for backward classes, minorities, and tribals, but the actual spending rarely happens. Sapkal further said that while unemployment is the biggest crisis before the state, the budget has announced the recruitment of only 75,000 jobs. Looking at the BJP governments track record of previous mega recruitment drives, this too appears to be another deceptive announcement. Although it has been said that the Ladki Bahin scheme will not be discontinued, the promise of 2,100 crore still remains unfulfilled. The government has once again deceived the beloved sisters. Even though a loan waiver has been announced, lakhs of farmers are still deprived of the benefits of the loan waiver scheme earlier announced by the Fadnavis government. Considering this, the new loan waiver announcement should not turn out to be mere lip service to farmers. The governments behaviour is such that its assurances cannot be believed until they are actually implemented. Some announcements have been made for farmers and the agriculture sector, but due to the trade agreement with the United States, it will be difficult for farmers to get fair prices for their produce. There is a greater fear that farmers income may decrease rather than increase. The announcements in the budget are also insufficient to stop farmer suicides. Despite good rainfall last year, the states irrigated area has reduced from 56 lakh hectares to 39 lakh hectares. There has also been a decline in cultivable land. This clearly shows that the government has left farmers to fend for themselves. Projects such as Third Mumbai, Fourth Mumbai, the Shaktipeeth Highway, and the Vadhvan Port are meant to benefit Adani and Ambani and will not benefit ordinary citizens. The governments solar energy policy is also misleading; instead of providing relief to electricity consumers, it will impose an additional burden of 26 paise per unit. Due to smart meters, electricity bills have already increased sharply. The government has claimed that investment agreements worth 50 lakh crore were signed at Davos between 2022 and 2025, but according to the Economic Survey report, only about 6 lakh crore of investment has actually come into the state, Sapkal said. PARIS, March 6 (Xinhua) -- French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, deployed to protect its citizens and allies from Iranian attacks, arrived in the Mediterranean on Friday, RTL radio reported. According to RTL, the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle crossed the Strait of Gibraltar in the early afternoon on Friday to enter the Mediterranean, but has not yet reached its final destination. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Tuesday that the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is being dispatched to the Mediterranean Sea in response to the deteriorating situation in the region. The vessel had been in Sweden for military exercises. The Congress came down heavily on the Narendra Modi government after the US issued a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil amid the escalating war with Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, on Thursday, said the step was taken to enable the flow of oil into the global market, and that this "deliberately short-term measure" will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government, as it only authorises transactions involving oil already stranded at sea. "India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of U.S. oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage," Bessent said in a post on X. In response, Congress MP Manish Tewari asked if India required permission from the US to decide on its energy sources, and questioned the Union government about the nations sovereignty. Are we a banana republic that we need the permission of the US to secure our energy security imperatives, he asked in a post on X. Issuing a 30 day waiver- The sanctimonious language of condenscation drips with neo- imperial arrogance. Are we a banana republic that we need the permission of the US to secure our energy security imperatives ? The silence of an otherwise overly loquacious government is https://t.co/GmzKEWZmvp Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) March 6, 2026 Another Congress MP and party general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, too, blasted the Narendra Modi government, saying Indias independence and sovereignty is compromised ever day by the BJP Government. Is there a govt in Delhi, he posted on X. Indias independence and sovereignty is compromised ever day by the BJP Government. Why does India need U.S permission to protect its energy interests to buy Oil from Russia, more so in view of escalating Oil Prices and Strait of Hormuz shut down ? U.S will announce https://t.co/7ugNuoWhqg Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) March 6, 2026 In a post in rhyming in Hindi on X, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "Trump ka naya khel, Dilli dost ko kaha, Putin se le sakte ho tel, kab tak chalega ye Ameriki blackmail (Trump's new game; told his friend in Delhi you can get oil from Putin; how long will this American blackmail continue?). A statement from the Department of the Treasury, titled "Authorizing the Delivery and Sale of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products of Russian Federation Origin Loaded on Vessels as of March 5, 2026 to India," provided further details. It explained that "all transactions prohibited...that are ordinarily incident and necessary to the sale, delivery, or offloading of crude oil or petroleum products of Russian Federation origin loaded on any vessel, including vessels blocked under the above listed authorities, on or before 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, March 5, 2026 are authorized through 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time, April 4, 2026, provided that the delivery or offloading of such crude oil or petroleum products occurs at a port" in India. Importantly, the purchaser of these specific Russian oil or petroleum products must be an entity organised under Indian laws. Importantly, the general license issued by the Treasury Department explicitly said that it "does not authorize any other transactions or activities prohibited by any other Executive order, including any transaction or activity involving Iran, the Government of Iran, or Iranian-origin goods or services that is prohibited by the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations". Earlier, the US had imposed a 25 per cent tariff on India for buying oil from Russia, saying that these Russian oil imports were fuelling the ongoing war against Ukraine. However, last month, the US and India announced they had established a framework for an interim trade agreement, following which US President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order to remove the punitive tariffs. With the release of a draft population policy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has surprised the country. Naidu announced a package of incentives for couples who have a third child or more. These incentives include a Rs 25,000 cash benefit during delivery, a monthly benefit of Rs 1,000 for the first five years, free education in government schools until the age of 18, comprehensive household health insurance, IVF support through specialised government clinics, 12 months of maternity leave for the mother, and two months of leave for the father. Government employees with three or more children will also get 15 days of wellness leave before retirement and a Rs 50,000 wellness fund. The draft policy also discusses women's empowerment through improved care throughout the birthing cycle, participation in the workforce, and leveraging the geriatric population as a source of economic power through a Silver Skill Registry, which provides them with upskilling and work opportunities. To achieve these objectives, Chandrababu Naidu has announced a slew of welfare measures. Despite the announcement of a full-fledged policy, the governments emphasis on a third child has grabbed the attention of the media and the public. The question is why a state in the most populous country in the world wants more children instead of fewer. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has explained his rationale several times. It sums up to the following: the states Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has come down to 1.5; it should be maintained at 2.1 to ensure demographic balance. Its median age is 32.5 years against Indias 28.4. The population above 60 is currently 10 per cent and is projected to reach 23 per cent by 2047. As the economy grows and birth rates decline, it would be difficult to address workforce shortages and long-term economic challenges. Chandrababu Naidu said at an event in 2025 that India is the only country that is adding to its population and that it was a boon. He said he supports the RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwats view that every Indian family should have three children. Chandrababu was sharing the dais with him during the speech. The AP Chief Minister has several times emphasised that it would not be possible to realise Indias demographic dividend without maintaining birth rates. The government has given one month for discussion and consultations on the policy. The opposition YSR Congress Party has opposed the new population policy, questioning how the state could deviate from the Centres two-child norm and the possibility of quality employment opportunities for all. On social media, some people pointed out that both Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh, his son and the states IT minister, have a single child each. Both leaders may attribute their policy to the changing demographic reality. However, Chandrababu Naidu may have to come up with a clear financial, demographic, and sociological rationale to substantiate his idea. Civil aviation major SpiceJet will operate fourteen special flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, March 6, to bring stranded Indians home as the conflict between Iran and the USIsrael alliance rages on. While one of the SpiceJet aircraft will leave for Pune from Dubai, nine services will take Indian nationals to Mumbai from Fujairah. The remaining four aircraft will leave for Delhi from Fujairah. In the last three days, SpiceJet has operated 25 special flights from the UAE, connecting stranded passengers to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi. ALSO READ | Are there flights from Dubai, other UAE airports today? 5 latest updates for international fliers Meanwhile, in the UAE, limited movement of civil aviation flights is permitted while the threat of Iranian ballistic missiles persists. The chance of air defence systems getting it wrong cannot be ruled out either, making air travel even riskier. However, airports across the UAE are allowing fliers with confirmed tickets entry as a limited number of international services resume. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East On March 5, flight services partially resumed to Gulf countries after a four-day suspension when a flydubai aircraft from Dubai landed at Kolkata airport at 2:40 am with 130 passengers, marking the first arrival from West Asia. The same aircraft subsequently departed for Dubai on March 5 with 55 passengers. Earlier that day, seven international flights from Kolkata to Gulf countries were cancelled as a consequence of the ongoing conflict. Seven flights operating to and from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport to Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi were cancelled due to the present situation in West Asia, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) statement said. The cancelled services include flights operated by Air Arabia, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates, all of which connect Kolkata with the three major transit hubs in the Gulf region. Qatar Airways will operate limited relief flights starting from Thursday for stranded passengers departing from Muscat and Riyadh, it said on X. Flights are planned from Muscat to Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, London Heathrow, Madrid, and Rome, as well as from Riyadh to Frankfurt. As Iran's war against US-Israel forces reaches its seventh day, a new report claimed on Friday that Russia was helping Tehran by providing vital targeting information. If the report is to be believed, it signals Russia's unofficial involvement in the war that has spilt over into the wider Middle East, and has led to the closure of the Hormuz Strait. The Washington Post has alleged that Russian intelligence has been involved in revealing the locations of US military assetsincluding warships and aircraftto Iran, citing three officials in the know. The IDF bombing of Ali Khamenei's underground bunker is one of the latest developments as the war between Iran and US-Israel forces reaches its 7th day. (us iran news war trump israel, irgc idf khamenei underground compound bunker, iran strike)https://t.co/nfP6cVsJ8q THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) March 6, 2026 They added that Moscow's "comprehensive" efforts to leak vital US information to Tehran comes as the Iranian military's reported ability to locate US assets on its own has been degraded over the past few days. Why it matters According to Dara Massicot, an expert on the Russian military at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Iran's limited military-grade satellitesand no satellite constellation of its owncould greatly benefit from Russias much more advanced space capabilitiesthat it honed amid its years of war against Ukraine. Nicole Grajewski, who studies Russo-Iranian ties at the Harvard Kennedy Schools Belfer Center, also pointed out the high-level of sophistication in the Iranian retaliatory strikes. She also noted in the report that the quality of Irans strikes appeared to have improved, even from its 12-day war with Israel last year. The report, however, stated that the full extent of Russia's alleged involvement in the war has not yet been determined. Moscow is one of the few countries, apart from China, which have publicly denounced the war. However, China did not appear to be helping Iran's defence in any way despite the two nations being allies, the report noted, citing two other officials in the know. Notably, neither China nor Russia have publicly confirmed any kind of involvement in the war. CENTCOM Update TAMPA, Fla. As of 4 pm ET, March 2, six U.S. service members have been killed in action. U.S. forces recently recovered the remains of two previously unaccounted for service members from a facility that was struck during Iran's initial attacks in the region. U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026 According to the latest update from the US military's Central Command (CENTCOM), dated March 2, six service members have been killed in action so far. This comes as both sides continue to attack each other at full swing: Iran retaliating for the death of a significant part of its top brass, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and US-Israel trying to destabilise Tehran completely. Iran has failed to step up its missile and drone strikes on USIsraeli targets because it is facing a shortage of launchpads, reports claim. According to Israeli media reports, Tel Aviv and Washington are confident that they have substantially reduced the offensive capabilities of Iran through precision air raids over recent days. According to these reports, approximately 60% of Iranian launch facilities have been taken out, along with most of its air defences. However, the conflict is far from over as the remaining launchpads still pose a serious threat. ALSO READ | Where is Israel's Dimona nuclear site that Iran threatens to strike if the regime change push isn't abandoned? The US Air Force used its B-2 bombers to drop penetration bombs to destroy underground launchpads and missile manufacturing facilities run by the Islamic Republic. Iran's naval forces were also targeted so that drones could not be launched from frigates either. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East According to US military calculations, Irans ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90% since the first day of the war, while drone attacks have decreased by 83%, the Times of Israel said in a report. The US has a sufficient stockpile to keep pounding Tehran until the last facility is destroyed, the report claimed, citing the US military. ALSO READ | Iranian SU-24s carrying bombs flew at 80 ft, were 2 minutes away from bombing US base before Qatari F-15 shot it down The announcement comes amidst Iran launching new retaliatory attacks early Friday against neighbouring countries that host US forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. These latest strikes mark a full week of attacks affecting countries across the Middle East. The Israeli military said the fighting has destroyed most of Iran's air defences and missile launchers, while US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that strikes against Tehran were "about to surge dramatically." ALSO READ | Was Khamenei's killing planned in November 2025? The hidden link between Iran's regional chaos and US-Israel strike Tehran has warned of the destruction of the Middle East's military and economic infrastructure, and the war has rattled financial markets. As the United States and Israel intensify their bombing campaign against Iran, a potential new front is emerging, involving Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in neighbouring Iraq. Washington seems to be encouraging these exiled Kurdish militias to launch a ground incursion into northwestern Iran, in an attempt to destabilise the central government and stretch the countrys military resources. Recent airstrikes have focused on Irans Kurdistan Province, a move analysts believe could be intended to weaken Tehrans defensive capabilities ahead of any potential insurgency. More than 125 locations have been struck across urban centres including Sanandaj, Kermanshah and Marivan. These strikes have targeted infrastructure linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), police installations, border guard posts and communications towers. According to several reports, the CIA has been providing small arms to Iranian Kurdish fighters as part of a covert effort to intensify pressure on Tehran. The strategy is to weaken Iranian security forces along the border so that any Kurdish advance could force Iranian military units to deploy more openly, making them more vulnerable to aerial attack. Meanwhile, Iranian Kurdish groups based in the mountainous regions of northern Iraq have begun openly discussing the possibility of military operations. Several factions recently announced the formation of the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan, an alliance that brings together a broad spectrum of Kurdish political organisations. Among the groups involved are the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) and the Komala Party. Many of them have been waiting for such an opportunity since Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, Kurdish commanders realise that they possess only light weapons, such as Kalashnikov rifles, and without the heavy equipment required for sustained conventional warfare, they are unlikely to be effective against even a weakened Iranian army. As a result, Kurdish leaders have emphasised that they would need substantial external support before attempting any large-scale incursion. This would likely include the establishment of a no-fly zone over the region and the systematic destruction of Iranian weapons depots and military infrastructure. Behind the scenes, diplomatic pressure appears to be intensifying. Reports indicate that US President Donald Trump has held telephone conversations with prominent Iraqi Kurdish leaders, including Masoud Barzani and Bafel Talabani, urging them to clarify their position and potentially allow Iranian Kurdish fighters to move across the border. Trump is also said to have spoken directly with Mustafa Hijri, the leader of the KDPI. Publicly, however, the White House has denied authorising any Kurdish insurgency. The situation nevertheless places the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in a highly delicate position. Kurdish authorities in Iraq are keen to avoid being drawn into a wider conflict, particularly after Iran reportedly launched retaliatory ballistic missile and drone strikes against Kurdish militant positions near Erbil and Sulaimaniyah. Both the KRG and the Iraqi central government in Baghdad have formally instructed Iranian Kurdish militants not to cross the border into Iran. Maintaining neutrality is widely seen as essential for preventing further escalation and protecting the fragile stability of the autonomous Kurdish region. A further source of Kurdish caution is the United States long and complicated history with Kurdish movements in the Middle East. The Kurds, an ethnic group numbering more than 30 million people and spread across Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey, have frequently cooperated with Washington during regional conflicts. Yet, many Kurdish leaders remain wary, citing past episodes in which American support proved temporary or unreliable. The Kurds still remember what happened in Iraq back in 1975 after the US abandoned them to support negotiations between regional powers. Something similar happened in 1991 as well. Encouraged by the US, Kurdish fighters rose up against Saddam Hussain after the allied victory. However, Saddams forces suppressed them violently after US forces declined to intervene directly. More recently, US policy shifts in Syria have fuelled concerns among Kurdish groups that geopolitical priorities could change rapidly. Because of this history, some Kurdish analysts argue that placing full trust in American backing could be dangerous, particularly if Kurdish forces were to confront a determined Iranian military response without guaranteed long-term support. Military analysts also question whether a Kurdish insurgency could realistically threaten the Iranian state. Irans Kurdish population is estimated at between six and nine million people within a country of roughly 90 million. Without heavy weaponry, large-scale logistical support or broader nationwide backing, Kurdish forces are unlikely to possess the capacity to overthrow the government in Tehran. More realistically, the strategic objective could be to create a security crisis along the Iranian border, forcing the army to divert resources away from major cities. This could offer greater space for domestic protests or civil unrest in Irans big cities. However, any Kurdish rebellion will be viewed with deep suspicion by neighbouring states, particularly Turkey. Ankara, which has always opposed Kurdish separatist movements in the region, could respond forcefully to any Kurdish insurgency. In the waters around the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which nearly a third of global seaborne crude flows daily, nine commercial vessels have been attacked in recent days, with responsibility unclear in several cases. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), however, openly claimed two of the incidents: a missile strike on the Stena Imperative and a drone attack on the Athe Nova. Projectiles continued to rain down on merchant ships, and the 1,740TEU Safeen Prestige was hit above the waterline, triggering an engine fire as it transited the narrow corridor north of Omans Musandam Peninsula. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Amid the chaos, conflicting explanations circulating, the IRGC declared full control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any vessel attempting passage risked being struck by missiles or stray drones. Iranian commanders emphasised that the country retained both the intent and capability to target oil tankers, raising the spectre of a prolonged environmental and economic catastrophe should a major spill occur in the confined waters of the Gulf. Trump has sought to project control over the situation, insisting that the strait despite Iranian claims to the contrary was not closed to international shipping. According to him, Iran had been preparing to strike first, and the United States had acted to prevent a wider catastrophe. Hundreds of tankers now find themselves effectively trapped, unable or unwilling to risk the transit out of the Gulf. Energy markets reacted immediately. Brent crude surged, at one point spiking nearly 9 per cent in a single day before settling slightly lower. Freight rates for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and suezmaxes skyrocketed to theoretical earnings of $400,000 per day, though few fixtures were actually concluded because insurers had begun withdrawing warrisk coverage across the region. Without insurance, even the boldest shipowners hesitated. A single missile strike could mean not only the loss of a vessel and cargo but also financial ruin. Trump, facing mounting pressure as global markets reeled and his own claims of economic revival came under threat ahead of the midterm elections later in the year, moved quickly to calm investor jitters. He argued that the United States could stabilise the situation in the Gulf and prevent further economic fallout. On March 3, he announced a new financial backstop for vessels operating in the Gulf. He stated that he had ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation to step in with political risk insurance and guarantees designed to shield maritime commerce from the escalating conflict; Trump said, I have ordered the United States Development Finance Corporation to provide at a very reasonable price political risk insurance and guarantees for the financial security of all maritime trade. If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Straits of Hormuz. This insurance vacuum echoed earlier crises, such as the RussiaUkraine conflict, where property and marine insurers invoked war and hostileacts exclusions, leaving companies exposed. In the Gulf, the lack of warrisk coverage created a dangerous gap. Political risk insurance, normally a niche product, has suddenly become essential, offering protection where traditional marine policies no longer applied. It covers scenarios ranging from forced abandonment of assets to losses incurred without direct physical damage, such as when companies must evacuate personnel or shutter operations due to deteriorating security conditions. Yet the question remained whether shipowners would accept the offer. Memories of attacks during the Red Sea crisis that began late 2023 are fresh, and the risk calculus has shifted dramatically. Even with US naval escorts, the possibility of miscalculation or deliberate escalation looms large. It remains to be seen if American guarantees can eventually coax vessels back into the strait. Meanwhile, the crisis radiated outward. Energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other Gulf states came under threat, signalling that the conflict was not confined to maritime lanes alone. Container shipping routes were also disrupted. Vessels travelling between Asia and Europe abandoned the Suez Canal route entirely, opting instead to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, a detour that adds 10 days to transit times and inflates costs for global supply chains already under strain. The cumulative effect was a global economic shockwave: rising energy prices, surging freight costs, and mounting uncertainty about the security of the worlds most important shipping corridors. The Indian Ocean, long considered a relatively stable maritime domain, now found itself at the heart of a geopolitical storm. The sinking of an Iranian warship by a United States submarine in international waters off Sri Lankas southern coast marked a dramatic and dangerous escalation in an already volatile regional conflict. The attack, confirmed by the US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was described as the first direct strike of its kind since the Second World War. Sri Lankan authorities recovered dozens of bodies and rescued 32 sailors from the IRIS Dena, which had only recently participated in an international naval exercise hosted by India. The vessels destruction, just outside Sri Lankas territorial waters, instantly widened the geographic scope of the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, pulling the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) into the centre of a spiralling crisis. As the selfdeclared architect of the SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region), India has long styled itself as the primary guardian of a rulesbased maritime order in the Indian Ocean. Yet, the sinking of an Iranian vessel and its broader inability to safeguard commercial shipping virtually on its doorstep expose a stark mismatch between rhetoric and capability. The crisis has unfolded not in distant waters but in the very maritime neighbourhood where India claims influence, and its muted response risks signalling that its strategic commitments are aspirational slogans rather than enforceable guarantees. At a moment when tankers are immobilised, insurers are fleeing, and the US is shaping outcomes in the IOR, Indias absence from meaningful crisis management is conspicuous, and damaging. Unless New Delhi can demonstrate that its leadership in the Indian Ocean is backed by real capacity and the political will to act under pressure, others will define the regions security architecture in its place. Vaishali Basu Sharma is a security and economic affairs analyst. Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz revealed on Thursday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had convened a 'very small forum' as early as November 2025 to plan the assassination of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei was killed on February 28 after Israel and the United States launched coordinated strikes on Iran. According to Defence Minister Katz, the operation was accelerated in response to massive domestic protests in Iran. The resulting instability paved the way for the US and Israel to execute their coordinated strikes ahead of schedule. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East A select group of officials held talks with Netanyahu in November 2025 on the possibility of assassinating Khamenei, Katz told Channel 12. Later, an operation targeting Khamenei was planned for mid-2026, possibly in June. He also pointed out that the initial planning did not involve the US. We were operating under the assumption that we might have to carry the assassination out on our own, he added. As Iran descended into instability, the states response was lethal. While thousands were confirmed killed by security forces, human rights groups fear the true casualty count has reached tens of thousands during the height of the unrest. Driven by fears of a pre-emptive Iranian attack, the US and Israel accelerated their operations to capitalise on the regime's domestic instability. The ongoing protests provided the strategic opening needed to strike before Tehran could act. Amid the unrest, discussions of removing the Iranian leadership also began between Washington and Jerusalem. Soon, the coordination between the two allies expanded, and it led to joint planning. Katz outlined a comprehensive strategy to strip the Iranian regime of its military power, stating that the goal is to ensure it can never return to nuclear development, mass missile production, or the sponsorship of proxy wars against Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday released a new video showing 50 of its fighter jets destroying the underground bunker that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei sometimes used, before his assassination. Friday is the seventh day since the beginning of the war. 87-year-old Khamenei was one of the senior-most of Tehran's top brass killed in Operation Epic Fury, Washington's name for its coordinated joint strikes with Israel on Iran. WATCH: ~50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets dismantled Ali Khameneis underground military bunker beneath the Iranian regimes leadership compound in Tehran. pic.twitter.com/Nw0tvvQMRX Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 6, 2026 The death of Khamenei on February 28 was a major turning point in the war, which led to Iran ramping up its offensive against US and Israela move that eventually drew many Middle Eastern countries into the war. Notably, the IDF's Friday strike on Khamenei's underground bunker is also one of the biggest attacks on the area, which reportedly targeted other senior officials in the Iranian regime. Khamenei's death, however, came at the hands of massive US-Israeli airstrikes on a number of targets, including the Supreme Leader's compoundthat killed 40 leadersincluding Ali Khamenei and Chief of Staff of Iran's armed forces, Abdolrahim Mousaviin 60 seconds. US President Donald Trump was one of the first to announce Khamenei's death, which was confirmed by Israeli officials hours later. Multiple reports later declared that PM Benjamin Netanyahu has even been shown a photo of the Supreme Leader's recovered dead body for proof. Those killed in the airstrikes included seven members from the top brass of Iran's security forces, "who had gathered at several locations in Tehran", IDF spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said in a statement. "One core objective ... was to significantly degrade the Iranian regime's command-and-control capabilities and its ability to coordinate regional aggression," the statement read. Balen Shahs newly founded Rashtriya Swatantra Party is now leading in the early counting of votes in Nepal's first general election since the Gen Z protests that took over the country. The RSP has now won 3 seats and is leading in another 55 of the 165 constituencies, PTI reported. Meanwhile, ousted former Prime Minister KP Oli Sharmas CPN (UML) is trailing behind, leading in just 4 seats. Meanwhile the Nepali Congress is leading in 8 seats. Balendra Shah, known as just Balen Shah, 35, is now the youngest party leader contesting for prime minister in the country. He was the first independent candidate to become mayor of Kathmandu. After the Gen Z protests, the youth of Nepal turned to the The former rapper turned politician to ask him to contest the elections. Some of Shah's earlier statements he made about India has led to him being deemed as anti-India in his stance. Incidentally, he completed his Masters on Structural Engineering at Visvesvaraya Technological University in Karnataka . In 2023, he made it into the spotlight after he began urging for a ban on Indian movies in Nepal after alleging that a Bollywood movie had suggested that Sita, one of the major goddesses in Hinduism, was Indias daughter. According to Hindu texts, however, she was born in present day Nepal region or in north Bihar close to the border. When asked about the same by Dainik Bhaskar, he said, In Bollywood films, Pakistan is always shown as a place of guns and bombs. Because of this, citizens of Sri Lanka and Nepal are afraid to visit Pakistan, thinking only terrorists live there. This should be opposed. The same year, he became subject to controversy after he placed a map of Greater Nepal in his office. The map showed Nepal's borders extending beyond present day borders to also include territories that were once under Nepali rule before the 1816 treat of Sugaulli. The move was reportedly a symbolic response to an Akanda Bharat mural which was displayed i the Parliamentary building in India, which also claimed many parts of Nepal as part of India. On the issue, he said, I never said anything for which I should apologise. India called its parliamentary map a cultural one, so we put up a historical map of Greater Nepal. No one should object. In 2025, he raised eyebrows after he made a post that included a swear word used against opposition political parties in Nepal and multiple countries, including India, China and the US. He later deleted the post after it drew flak for straining the country's relations with foreign nations. One of the parties that was also mentioned in that post was the RSP. He joined the party after quitting as Kathmandu mayor last year to contest the elections. HELSINKI, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Icelandic government plans to hold a referendum on whether the country should resume talks on membership in the European Union (EU), the government said on Friday. Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir announced the plan at a press conference in the capital, Reykjavik, saying the vote is scheduled for Aug. 29. Gunnarsdottir said there is consensus within the government on holding the referendum. She added, however, that she would never sign an agreement requiring Iceland to relinquish control over its natural resources. According to national broadcaster RUV, debate over EU membership has intensified in Iceland following U.S. remarks about possible U.S. control over nearby Greenland. Rising living costs and the conflict in Ukraine have also fueled discussion about joining the bloc. A recent opinion poll cited by RUV showed that 57 percent of respondents supported resuming the talks, while more than 30 percent were opposed and 12 percent were undecided. Residents of the capital area were more supportive of reopening or continuing negotiations than those in rural areas. The poll was conducted from Feb 19 to March 4. Iceland formally applied for EU membership in July 2009, and accession negotiations began a year later. It halted the talks in 2013. Two years later, the government declared that the negotiations had formally ended, RUV reported. Eva H. Onnudottir, a political science professor at the University of Iceland, said in an RUV broadcast that it was important to bring the issue to a conclusion. She said that although most political parties have clear positions on the matter, supporters and opponents of EU membership exist within all parties, making the debate more difficult. Although Iceland is not a member of the EU, it is part of the Schengen area and also belongs to the European Economic Area (EEA). The Sri Lankan Navy on Friday said 204 of the 208 Iranian personnel on board the IRINS Bushehr have been "safely" transferred to the Port of Colombo. The incident comes two days after an Iranian Navy frigate was sunk near the island nation. In a televised address on Thursday, it was revealed that the IRINS Bushehr had sought permission to enter Sri Lankan waters, citing engine failure. Four sailors remain on the ship, which had developed trouble in one of its engines, and it will take at least two more days for the vessel to reach the eastern Port of Trincomalee from its current location outside the capital, Colombo. Earlier, Sri Lankan media had reported that Tehran had requested the docking of the Bushehr and the IRIS Tonb in Colombo Port. The island nation stated that it could not risk the security of its capital city by letting them dock and redirected them to Trincomalee Port instead. ALSO READ | Pete Hegseth confirms US role in destruction of Iranian warship 'IRIS Dena' off Sri Lankan coast Navy spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath said the Iranian sailors will be taken to the navy camp at Welisara, a northern suburb of Colombo. "They will be subject to a medical examination as a formality of registration," Sampath was quoted as saying by the news agency PTI. "We wanted to remain neutral while dealing with a humanitarian response," he said, adding that Sri Lanka's role was limited to responding to a request from one party involved in the conflict. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that on 26 February, Iran sought Sri Lanka's permission to enter the Port of Colombo for four days between 9 and 13 March for the purpose of a "goodwill visit". "That was not the proper way for goodwill visits. We were studying the situation. On 27 February, we were told that a sailor had tripped and fallen and required assistance to bring him ashore," PTI quoted him as saying. As the war between Iran and US-Israel forces reaches the seventh day, a fresh twist has appeared in the Wednesday attack on the IRIS Dena, an Iranian warship, off the coast of Sri Lanka. According to government sources, another Iranian naval vessel, the IRIS Lavan, had allegedly requested permission to dock in Kochi on February 28 after developing serious technical faults. The report added that it received approval on March 1 under humanitarian grounds, after which it finally docked on March 4. Its 183-member crew was housed at the Indian Navy's quarters. One hundred and eighty three crew members of Iranian ship IRIS Lavan accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi: Govt sources Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 6, 2026 The sources noted that just like the IRIS Dena, the IRIS Lavan had also been a guest for the Indian Navy's International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, organised at Visakhapatnam back in February this year. Welcome! | ! Indian Navy welcomes IRIS Dena, of the Iranian Navy, on her arrival at #Visakhapatnam to participate in #IFR2026_India and #MILAN2026, reflecting long-standing cultural links between the two nations.@India_in_Iran #BridgesOfFriendship pic.twitter.com/O77v2qNJHJ Eastern Naval Command (@IN_HQENC) February 17, 2026 Notably, the Western Naval Command had also welcomed a flotilla comprising the IRIS Lavan and the IRIS Boushehr to Mumbai for a "goodwill and training visit" from February 25-28. Iranian Navy's training flotilla, comprising IRIS Boushehr and IRIS Lavan, is on a goodwill and training visit to Mumbai from 25 to 28 Feb. The ships were accorded a warm welcome by the Indian Navy with the Band in attendance. The flotilla, carrying about 220 officer cadets, is pic.twitter.com/hVMWxVBfbL Western Naval Command (@IN_WNC) February 26, 2025 "The flotilla, carrying about 220 officer cadets, is on a training mission in the Indian Ocean," it added in an X post. In retrospect, while the IRIS Lavan allegedly managed to escape being attacked by the US as it had docked at Kochi, the IRIS Dena was not so lucky. The latter, a Moudge-class frigate, had been returning to Iran after taking part in the IFR 2026 when it was torpedoed by a US submarine, leading to the deaths of at least 87 sailors. Hours later, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth soon clarified Washington's role in the strike, declaring that it had been destroyed as a part of Operation Epic Fury, which is the country's name for coordinated joint strikes with Israel on Iran. The US defence department has also released visuals showing the moment the torpedo allegedly hit the Iranian warship. (hegseth iran warship iris dena, department of war, ifr 2026, sri lanka iran israel trump)https://t.co/xAm0fat2OD THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) March 4, 2026 The Pentagon also released visuals of the strike on the Iranian frigate, that drew sharp reactions from Iran, which has called it a "war crime". "IRIS Dena was a training ship. It was invited by the Indian Navy to take part in an exercise. They went there as guests. They were unarmed," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said after the attack. The U.S. has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores. Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning. Mark my words: The U.S. will come to bitterly regret precedent it has set. pic.twitter.com/cxYiI9BLUk Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 5, 2026 The Indian Navy, which had deployed the INS Taranginithat had been operating nearbyto aid Sri Lanka in attending to the Iranian frigate's distress call, has rejected claims that it played a role in helping the US by providing intel. It has also said that the INS Ikshak had sailed from Kochi to assist search and rescue operations as well. The United States Justice Department has now posted an additional three FBI memos that describe interviews of a woman related to sexual assault allegations involving US President Donald Trump. The files were previously missing from the Epstein library. In the memos, the woman who was interviewed describes how she was introduced to Trump by Epstein in either New York or New Jersey and how the former sexually assaulted her. The incident reportedly occurred when she was between 13 and 15 years old. The woman said that she was in a very tall building with a huge room. Trump, she said, then instructed the other people in the room that she was to leave. She then described how she had bit Trump's private parts after she was forced down to perform oral sex on him. Trump then proceeded to physically assault her by pulling her hair and punching her in the side of her head. She also said that she was abused by both Trump and Epstein. Dozens of witnesses' and victims interviews like these were found to be missing from the Epstein library, a CNN analysis found. The DOJ had said that the the missing files were wrongly labelled as duplicative, hence why they were excluded from the tranche of files released to the public. Trump has consistently denied any criminal involvement with Epstein. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that the claims from the FBI interviews were completely baseless accusations, backed by zero credible evidence. Files have come as Democrats are investigating whether the Department purposefully withheld materials that included allegations against Trump. The woman in the files had come forward to law enforcement after Epsteins arrest in 2019. She had alleged that she was assaulted by Epstein in Hilton Head Island when she was 13. The alleged incident happened around 1984. Four follow up interview of the same survivor were also conducted the same year on 24 July, 7 August, 20 August, and 16 October. When the 3 million files were released initially, only the July 24 interview was included in the, The file that mention trump was withheld. UWM Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report) CEO Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, March 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.11, for a total transaction of $2,601,112.14. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 6,133,415 shares in the company, valued at approximately $25,208,335.65. This represents a 9.35% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Ishbia Mat also recently made the following trade(s): Get UWM alerts: On Tuesday, March 3rd, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.25, for a total value of $2,689,714.50. On Wednesday, February 25th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.03, for a total value of $2,550,482.22. On Monday, February 23rd, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.52, for a total value of $2,860,590.48. On Thursday, February 19th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.77, for a total value of $3,018,808.98. On Tuesday, February 17th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.88, for a total value of $3,088,425.12. On Friday, February 13th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.94, for a total transaction of $3,126,397.56. On Wednesday, February 11th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.66, for a total transaction of $2,949,192.84. On Monday, February 9th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.61, for a total value of $2,917,549.14. On Friday, February 6th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.84, for a total value of $3,063,110.16. On Wednesday, February 4th, Ishbia Mat sold 632,874 shares of UWM stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.05, for a total value of $3,196,013.70. UWM Stock Performance UWMC traded down $0.13 on Thursday, hitting $4.05. The company had a trading volume of 24,255,243 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,346,691. The stock has a market cap of $6.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 67.50 and a beta of 1.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.64, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 1.52. The companys fifty day moving average price is $4.96 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.43. UWM Holdings Corporation has a 1-year low of $3.79 and a 1-year high of $7.14. UWM Announces Dividend UWM ( NYSE:UWMC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 25th. The company reported $0.08 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.09 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $945.25 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $759.12 million. UWM had a net margin of 0.87% and a negative return on equity of 1.35%. Equities analysts predict that UWM Holdings Corporation will post 0.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 19th will be issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.9%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 19th. UWMs dividend payout ratio is 666.67%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd acquired a new stake in UWM in the 1st quarter valued at $92,000. Focus Partners Wealth bought a new position in shares of UWM in the first quarter valued at approximately $55,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of UWM by 437.2% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 121,444 shares of the companys stock worth $503,000 after acquiring an additional 98,837 shares in the last quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas grew its position in UWM by 23.5% during the 2nd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 23,929 shares of the companys stock worth $99,000 after acquiring an additional 4,552 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. acquired a new stake in UWM during the 2nd quarter valued at $103,000. 53.59% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price objective on UWM from $6.75 to $6.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 27th. Morgan Stanley set a $6.00 price target on UWM in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $5.00 price objective on shares of UWM in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $4.40 target price on shares of UWM in a research report on Wednesday, February 25th. Finally, UBS Group raised their price target on shares of UWM from $5.50 to $6.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $6.20. Get Our Latest Analysis on UWMC About UWM (Get Free Report) United Wholesale Mortgage (NYSE: UWMC) is a leading mortgage lender in the United States specializing in the wholesale channel. The company partners with independent mortgage brokers, community banks and credit unions to offer a full suite of residential mortgage products. Through its network of third-party originators, United Wholesale Mortgage underwrites, funds and closes loans, allowing its partners to focus on customer acquisition and service. The companys product offerings include conventional fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, U.S. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for UWM Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UWM and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. South Bow (NYSE:SOBO Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $0.61 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.40 by $0.21, Briefing.com reports. The firm had revenue of $503.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $500.57 million. South Bow had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 21.80%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.54 earnings per share. South Bow Stock Up 0.5% SOBO stock traded up $0.15 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $33.53. The companys stock had a trading volume of 91,734 shares, compared to its average volume of 964,902. The company has a quick ratio of 1.28, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.19. The company has a market capitalization of $6.98 billion, a PE ratio of 16.11 and a beta of 0.28. South Bow has a 12 month low of $21.16 and a 12 month high of $34.01. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $29.07 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $27.96. Get South Bow alerts: South Bow Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.0%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 31st. South Bows payout ratio is currently 96.15%. Analyst Ratings Changes SOBO has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. National Bank Financial raised their price objective on shares of South Bow from $27.00 to $29.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Barclays increased their target price on South Bow from $27.00 to $33.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday. Wolfe Research downgraded South Bow from a peer perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $24.00 price target on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada reissued an outperform rating on shares of South Bow in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, UBS Group initiated coverage on South Bow in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, South Bow has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $30.43. View Our Latest Research Report on South Bow Institutional Investors Weigh In On South Bow Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. IFP Advisors Inc grew its holdings in South Bow by 780.3% in the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 1,206 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 1,069 shares during the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its holdings in shares of South Bow by 1,993.8% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,340 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 1,276 shares during the last quarter. Kestra Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of South Bow in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $61,000. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new stake in shares of South Bow in the third quarter worth $66,000. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of South Bow in the first quarter worth $85,000. About South Bow (Get Free Report) South Bow Corp is a strategic liquids pipeline company. It is a new liquids-focused midstream infrastructure company. South Bow Corp is based in Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for South Bow Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for South Bow and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Porsche Automobil Holding SE Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:POAHY Get Free Report) passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $4.32 and traded as low as $3.8240. Porsche Automobil shares last traded at $3.93, with a volume of 487,090 shares traded. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Porsche Automobil to a hold rating in a report on Monday, November 24th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Porsche Automobil currently has an average rating of Hold. Get Porsche Automobil alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Porsche Automobil Porsche Automobil Stock Down 0.8% Porsche Automobil Company Profile The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $4.29 and a 200-day moving average price of $4.22. (Get Free Report) Porsche Automobil Holding SE, trading in the United States as an OTC ADR under the symbol POAHY, is a German publicly traded holding company whose principal business activity is managing long-term equity investments in the global automotive sector. The companys core asset is a majority economic interest and significant voting control in Volkswagen AG, one of the worlds leading automotive manufacturers. Through this stake, Porsche Automobil takes an active governance role across Volkswagens portfolio of brands, including Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, SKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Porsche AG. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Porsche Automobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Porsche Automobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Winland Electronics Inc. (OTCMKTS:WELX Get Free Report) shares passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $3.70 and traded as low as $2.26. Winland Electronics shares last traded at $2.3150, with a volume of 4,366 shares changing hands. Winland Electronics Price Performance The firms 50 day moving average price is $3.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $3.68. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.56 million, a PE ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 1.52. About Winland Electronics (Get Free Report) Winland Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides critical condition monitoring devices to the security industry. Its products are used to protect against loss of assets due to damage from water, excess humidity, extremes of temperature, and loss of power. The company offers EnviroAlert, which monitors temperature, humidity, and/or water presence in critical environments; TempAlert, a temperature monitoring device for residential and commercial environments through security systems; WaterBug, a water presence and leak detection system; and Power-Out Alert, a power outage detector. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Winland Electronics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Winland Electronics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WASHINGTON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday the United States will accept no agreement with Iran short of "unconditional surrender," one day after Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran is not requesting a ceasefire and does not see any reason to negotiate with Washington. "There will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender," Trump said in a post on his social media platform Truth Social. Trump said that after such a surrender and the selection of a "great and acceptable leader," the United States and its allies would help rebuild Iran's economy. On Thursday, Araghchi told NBC News, "We are not asking for a ceasefire, and we don't see any reason why we should negotiate with the United States when we negotiated with them twice, and every time, they attacked us in the middle of the negotiations." The U.S.-Israel massive attacks on Iran entered the seventh day and are escalating. U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran and several other Iranian cities started Saturday morning, leading to the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, some of his family members, top military commanders and civilians. Iran responded with several waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli and U.S. assets across the region. Black Diamond Group (TSE:BDI Free Report) had its target price upped by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$17.00 to C$20.00 in a report published on Tuesday,BayStreet.CA reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock. BDI has been the subject of several other reports. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on shares of Black Diamond Group from C$18.00 to C$20.00 in a report on Friday, January 16th. Raymond James Financial downgraded Black Diamond Group from a strong-buy rating to a moderate buy rating and lifted their price target for the stock from C$18.00 to C$20.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$19.25. Get Black Diamond Group alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on BDI Black Diamond Group Stock Down 0.8% Black Diamond Group Company Profile Shares of Black Diamond Group stock opened at C$16.71 on Tuesday. Black Diamond Group has a 1-year low of C$7.60 and a 1-year high of C$18.75. The company has a market capitalization of C$1.12 billion, a PE ratio of 28.81 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 101.87, a current ratio of 1.42 and a quick ratio of 1.05. The business has a 50-day moving average of C$16.36 and a 200-day moving average of C$14.55. (Get Free Report) Black Diamond Group Ltd rents and sells space rental solutions and modular workforce accommodations to business customers in Canada, the United States and Australia. The company also provides specialized field rentals to the oil and gas industries of Canada and the United States. Besides, Black Diamond Group provides turnkey lodging services, as well as a host of related services that include transportation, installation, dismantling, repairs, maintenance, and ancillary field equipment rentals. From its locations, the company serves multiple sectors including oil and gas, mining, power, construction, engineering, military, government, and education. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Black Diamond Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Diamond Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A.G. Barr (OTCMKTS:BAGFF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant drop in short interest in February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 13,450 shares, a drop of 15.4% from the January 29th total of 15,897 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently ? days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently ? days. A.G. Barr Stock Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:BAGFF opened at $8.33 on Friday. A.G. Barr has a 52-week low of $8.33 and a 52-week high of $9.15. The company has a fifty day moving average of $8.46 and a 200-day moving average of $8.91. Get A.G. Barr alerts: About A.G. Barr (Get Free Report) A.G. Barr plc is a United Kingdombased soft drink manufacturer and distributor, best known for its flagship carbonated beverage, Irn-Bru. Headquartered in Cumbernauld, Scotland, the company develops, produces and markets a portfolio of branded drinks across the carbonates, juice, mixers and energy categories. Beyond Irn-Bru, A.G. Barrs brand lineup includes Rubicon fruit juices, Tizer, Barr Cola, Funkin drink mixers and Boost energy drinks, among others. Founded in Falkirk in 1875 by Robert Barr, the business began as a small family-run mineral water producer. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for A.G. Barr Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for A.G. Barr and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Savers Value Village, Inc. (NYSE:SVV Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the nine analysts that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, three have assigned a hold recommendation, four have given a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $14.4286. A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Craig Hallum began coverage on Savers Value Village in a research report on Monday, January 26th. They set a buy rating and a $19.00 target price for the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Savers Value Village in a research report on Monday, December 29th. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Savers Value Village in a research report on Wednesday, February 18th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Savers Value Village from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Get Savers Value Village alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Savers Value Village Savers Value Village Price Performance Shares of SVV stock opened at $8.71 on Tuesday. Savers Value Village has a 1 year low of $6.48 and a 1 year high of $13.89. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. The firms 50 day moving average is $10.19 and its 200-day moving average is $10.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 62.22 and a beta of 1.01. Savers Value Village (NYSE:SVV Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 19th. The company reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.15. Savers Value Village had a net margin of 1.35% and a return on equity of 11.92%. The business had revenue of $464.67 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $458.63 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.15 earnings per share. Savers Value Villages revenue for the quarter was up 15.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Savers Value Village has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.410-0.480 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Savers Value Village will post 0.28 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Savers Value Village In other Savers Value Village news, COO Jubran N. Tanious sold 57,706 shares of Savers Value Village stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.21, for a total transaction of $531,472.26. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 99,712 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $918,347.52. The trade was a 36.66% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 3.09% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Savers Value Village A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in SVV. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd lifted its stake in Savers Value Village by 281.8% in the third quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 1,909 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 1,409 shares during the period. Deutsche Bank AG increased its stake in shares of Savers Value Village by 11.2% in the 4th quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 14,648 shares of the companys stock valued at $137,000 after acquiring an additional 1,472 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC raised its position in shares of Savers Value Village by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. Nuveen LLC now owns 114,022 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,065,000 after acquiring an additional 2,042 shares during the period. State of Wyoming boosted its stake in Savers Value Village by 7.1% during the 3rd quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 33,346 shares of the companys stock worth $442,000 after acquiring an additional 2,218 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. grew its holdings in Savers Value Village by 5.9% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 39,781 shares of the companys stock valued at $406,000 after purchasing an additional 2,224 shares during the period. 98.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Savers Value Village Company Profile (Get Free Report) Savers Value Village, Inc (NYSE: SVV) is a publicly traded thrift retailer that operates a network of donation-based retail stores. Headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, the company specializes in selling second-hand apparel, footwear, household items, accessories and other pre-owned goods. Through its retail stores, SVV offers value-conscious shoppers the opportunity to purchase quality, gently used merchandise at affordable prices. At the heart of the companys model is a partnership network with more than 500 nonprofit organizations across North America. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Savers Value Village Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Savers Value Village and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twelve brokerages that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and eight have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $131.9167. A number of brokerages recently issued reports on BK. TD Cowen boosted their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $133.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Bank of New York Mellon from a buy (a-) rating to a buy (b+) rating in a research report on Friday, February 13th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $132.00 to $143.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $124.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Citigroup initiated coverage on Bank of New York Mellon in a research report on Monday, February 23rd. They issued a neutral rating on the stock. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Bank of New York Mellon Bank of New York Mellon Trading Down 1.4% Shares of Bank of New York Mellon stock opened at $116.73 on Tuesday. Bank of New York Mellon has a 1-year low of $70.46 and a 1-year high of $128.76. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $119.74 and its 200-day simple moving average is $112.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.71 and a quick ratio of 0.71. The stock has a market capitalization of $80.18 billion, a PE ratio of 15.75, a P/E/G ratio of 1.11 and a beta of 1.10. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The bank reported $1.91 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $5.07 billion during the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 14.37% and a net margin of 13.62%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Bank of New York Mellon will post 6.96 earnings per share for the current year. Bank of New York Mellon Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 5th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd were issued a $0.53 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. Bank of New York Mellons payout ratio is currently 28.61%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bank of New York Mellon Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC raised its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 133.2% during the 3rd quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC now owns 91,762 shares of the banks stock valued at $9,998,000 after buying an additional 52,412 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 35.1% during the third quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 31,848 shares of the banks stock valued at $3,487,000 after buying an additional 8,277 shares during the period. Investment Management Corp of Ontario grew its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 25.9% during the second quarter. Investment Management Corp of Ontario now owns 125,506 shares of the banks stock valued at $11,435,000 after buying an additional 25,842 shares during the last quarter. First National Advisers LLC bought a new stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $3,304,000. Finally, First Horizon Corp bought a new position in Bank of New York Mellon in the 3rd quarter valued at $22,072,000. Institutional investors own 85.31% of the companys stock. About Bank of New York Mellon (Get Free Report) Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon) is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City that provides a wide range of asset servicing, custody, and related financial infrastructure solutions to institutional clients. Its core businesses include custody and asset servicing, clearing and collateral management, treasury services, securities lending, corporate trust services, and depositary receipt administration. The company also offers investment management and advisory services through its asset management arm and provides technology-enabled solutions for trade processing, foreign exchange, and liquidity management. BNY Mellon serves a broad client base that includes asset managers, pension funds, corporations, banks, broker-dealers and sovereign entities. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royce & Associates LP boosted its holdings in CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE) by 150.9% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 124,908 shares of the aerospace companys stock after buying an additional 75,120 shares during the quarter. Royce & Associates LPs holdings in CAE were worth $3,699,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Forge First Asset Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of CAE during the third quarter worth about $5,673,000. Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. lifted its position in CAE by 0.9% during the third quarter. Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. now owns 565,500 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $16,749,000 after purchasing an additional 5,000 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE lifted its position in CAE by 13.2% during the third quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 10,299 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $305,000 after purchasing an additional 1,199 shares during the last quarter. Bleakley Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of CAE during the 3rd quarter valued at $366,000. Finally, Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ lifted its holdings in shares of CAE by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. Lansforsakringar Fondforvaltning AB publ now owns 59,684 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,768,000 after acquiring an additional 489 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.36% of the companys stock. Get CAE alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts recently commented on CAE shares. Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on CAE in a research note on Wednesday. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Weiss Ratings lowered CAE from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. TD Securities restated a buy rating on shares of CAE in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating on shares of CAE in a research report on Tuesday, February 17th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating on shares of CAE in a research note on Sunday, February 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $34.33. CAE Trading Down 2.5% Shares of CAE stock opened at $30.14 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $31.50 and a 200 day moving average of $29.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.69. CAE Inc has a 1-year low of $20.36 and a 1-year high of $34.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $9.70 billion, a PE ratio of 36.31, a P/E/G ratio of 3.63 and a beta of 1.11. CAE (NYSE:CAE Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The aerospace company reported $0.24 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $911.78 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $922.62 million. CAE had a return on equity of 7.75% and a net margin of 7.70%.The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.29 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that CAE Inc will post 0.83 earnings per share for the current year. CAE Profile (Free Report) CAE Inc is a global leader in training and simulation technologies, headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of high-fidelity flight simulators and training systems for civil aviation, defense and security, and healthcare markets. Leveraging advanced software and hardware integration, CAE delivers comprehensive training solutions that address pilot proficiency, mission readiness and patient safety across a wide range of platforms. In civil aviation, CAE partners with major airlines, aircraft manufacturers and flight schools to provide pilot training services, courseware development and crew scheduling solutions. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CAE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE). Receive News & Ratings for CAE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Inchcape (LON:INCH) reported what management described as a strong performance in 2025 despite tariff-related disruption and broader economic uncertainty, pointing to record profit before tax (PBT) in its Americas and Europe & Africa regions and improved momentum in the second half of the year. Group CEO Duncan Tait and CFO Adrian Lewis also highlighted continued progress against the companys Accelerate Plus strategy, including new distribution contract wins, portfolio rationalization, and capital returns to shareholders. Get alerts: 2025 financial performance and cash generation For 2025, Inchcape generated revenue of GBP 9.1 billion, with 1% organic revenue growth and resilient operating margins of 6.2%. Adjusted PBT was GBP 443 million, up 3% in constant currency, supported by GBP 17 million of gains from divesting non-core assets, partially offset by approximately GBP 19 million of translational currency headwinds. Lewis said that excluding disposal gains, operating margins were, in line with the companys medium-term targets. Return on capital employed (ROCE) was again described as very strong at, underscoring the groups capital light model. Free cash flow was a particular highlight, reaching GBP 315 million, with a stronger second half performance. The company reported a 104% free cash flow conversion rate (free cash flow to adjusted profit after tax), which Lewis said aligned with medium-term targets. Closing leverage ended the year at 0.4x, down from 0.6x at the half-year. Adjusted basic EPS was 80.8 pence, up 13%, which Lewis attributed predominantly to the lower share count from buybacks. The company declared a final dividend of 22.8 pence, bringing the total dividend for the year to 32.3 pence, also up 13% year over year. Capital allocation: dividends, buybacks, and M&A Management said the group returned around GBP 340 million to shareholders through dividends and buybacks during the year. Tait noted the company deployed cash toward a 13% increase in dividends per share, GBP 238 million in share buybacks, and GBP 35 million for the acquisition in Iceland. The company said it has a pipeline of bolt-on M&A opportunities, while Lewis added that a large deal is not currently in our consideration set in the near term. The company announced a new GBP 175 million share buyback program expected to complete over the next 12 months. Lewis also said the averaging impact of buybacks should provide an EPS tailwind in 2026 of around 4%5%. Lewis reiterated Inchcapes medium-term targets, including expectations to generate GBP 2.5 billion in free cash flow through 2030 and to deliver in excess of 10% compound EPS growth, supported by a dividend policy of paying 40% of earnings. Strategy execution: contracts, portfolio optimization, and technology Tait said Inchcape continued executing its Accelerate Plus strategy by scaling and optimizing its regions, expanding its OEM partner portfolio and geographic footprint, and aiming to reach 10% market share across its markets. Inchcape reported 10 new distribution contracts with existing OEM brands, including: New Holland in Ethiopia and Kenya BYD in Lithuania and Latvia XPeng in Colombia GAC AION in Greece smart in Colombia, Uruguay and Ecuador Iveco in Hong Kong The group also rationalized its brand portfolio by mutually exiting four immaterial contracts with Komatsu in Ethiopia and three Geely contracts in smaller markets in the Americas. Tait said the company expects to continue optimizing its OEM portfolio in 2026, exiting relationships when they do not meet return requirements. Operationally, management discussed efforts to optimize inventory and costs, noting inventory cover at year-end 2025 was flat year-on-year after reducing a first-half build. Tait also described increased use of AI in parts pricing and demand modeling and said the company launched a vehicle pricing algorithm in Chile to analyze price-to-volume elasticity. Regional performance: Americas strength, APAC pressure, Europe & Africa growth Lewis said 2025 was a year of two halves, with stronger second-half performance supported by product launches. Group volumes grew 3% organically, outperforming market growth of 2%. Americas: Market volumes and organic revenue both rose 8%, supported by improving market conditions and growth in scaled markets including Chile, Colombia, and Peru, offset by weaker performance in markets such as Costa Rica. Operating margins increased 70 basis points to 7%, aided by operating leverage and cost discipline. The region also included a GBP 8 million profit contribution from non-core asset divestments. APAC: Market volumes declined 1% and organic revenue fell 12%. Lewis cited underperformance in Asian markets due to the proliferation of Chinese brands, high competition in markets with high BEV penetration, and continued weakness in the premium segment. Operating margins contracted 60 basis points to 7.2%, despite a GBP 9 million profit contribution from non-core asset divestments in the second half. Management said cost reduction actions were initiated, particularly focused on the regional headquarters and certain underperforming Asian markets. Europe & Africa: Market volumes grew 3% and Inchcapes organic revenue rose 6%, supported by contract wins from recent years. Operating margins were 4.6%, down 10 basis points, with management attributing the movement to initial dilution from immature distribution contracts, partially offset by scale and resilient gross margins. The Iceland acquisition was described as performing well, while Africa continued to grow through distribution contract expansion. Outlook for 2026 and key topics from Q&A Management guided to 2026 growth at constant currency in line with medium-term expectations, with organic volume growth toward the lower end of the 3%5% range, supported by contract wins. The company expects resilient operating margins of circa 6%, free cash flow conversion of around 100%, and EPS growth of more than 10%. Performance is expected to be weighted toward the second half due to seasonality in the Americas and supply chain phasing in APAC. During Q&A, executives discussed several topics, including: Value-added services/aftersales: Tait said aftersales is a higher-margin part of the business and he would like it to grow faster than new vehicle volumes over time. He noted aftersales gross profit grew 4% versus 3% new vehicle volume growth in 2025. Tait said aftersales is a higher-margin part of the business and he would like it to grow faster than new vehicle volumes over time. He noted aftersales gross profit grew versus new vehicle volume growth in 2025. BYD distribution in Europe: Management said BYD continues to insource distribution in medium-to-large European markets. Inchcapes BYD contract in Belgium and Luxembourg contributed less than 5% of regional revenue and less than 2% of group revenue, and the company does not expect it to be renewed when it expires in Q3 2027 . Management said BYD continues to insource distribution in medium-to-large European markets. Inchcapes BYD contract in Belgium and Luxembourg contributed of regional revenue and of group revenue, and the company does not expect it to be renewed when it expires in . APAC actions and supply disruption: Lewis said production disruption tied to Japanese OEM production reconfiguration is expected to impact supply in the first half, particularly in Australia, with supply weighted to the second half. Management said cost actions are intended to help underpin margins and that more work may occur in the first half of 2026. Lewis said production disruption tied to Japanese OEM production reconfiguration is expected to impact supply in the first half, particularly in Australia, with supply weighted to the second half. Management said cost actions are intended to help underpin margins and that more work may occur in the first half of 2026. Australia competition: Tait said the market has seen more Chinese OEM entries (rising from around 55 OEMs historically to closer to 80) but said he was not seeing a broad impact on pricing. He highlighted Subaru model introductions and launches such as FOTON and Changans Deepal range. Tait said the market has seen more Chinese OEM entries (rising from around 55 OEMs historically to closer to 80) but said he was not seeing a broad impact on pricing. He highlighted Subaru model introductions and launches such as FOTON and Changans Deepal range. Portfolio management (Geely/XPeng): Tait said the group worked constructively with Geely to move distribution in four smaller, immaterial Americas markets to other partners, while noting continued momentum with XPeng across markets including Colombia. In closing remarks, Tait said the companys confidence in 2026 is supported by the new GBP 175 million buyback program and reiterated the groups medium-term targets through 2030. About Inchcape (LON:INCH) Inchcape is the leading global automotive distributor, with operations across six continents. By combining our in-market expertise with our unique technology and advanced data analytics, we create innovative customer experiences that deliver outstanding performance for our partners building stronger automotive brands and creating sustainable growth. Our distribution platform connects the products of mobility company partners with customers, and our responsibilities span product planning and pricing, import and logistics, brand and marketing to operating digital sales, managing physical sales and aftermarket service channels. See Also Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC raised its position in Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH Free Report) by 13.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 67,466 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 8,109 shares during the quarter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLCs holdings in Cardinal Health were worth $10,589,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in CAH. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Cardinal Health by 0.8% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 30,823,483 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,838,054,000 after buying an additional 247,667 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Cardinal Health by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,389,049 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,069,005,000 after acquiring an additional 205,539 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Cardinal Health during the 2nd quarter valued at about $584,420,000. Invesco Ltd. grew its position in Cardinal Health by 7.3% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,037,782 shares of the companys stock valued at $510,347,000 after acquiring an additional 207,750 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc increased its stake in Cardinal Health by 2.0% during the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 2,349,767 shares of the companys stock worth $394,761,000 after purchasing an additional 45,812 shares during the period. 87.17% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Cardinal Health alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently commented on CAH. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Cardinal Health from $220.00 to $270.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Mizuho increased their target price on shares of Cardinal Health from $222.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 6th. Argus raised their price target on shares of Cardinal Health from $232.00 to $248.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 11th. Evercore boosted their price target on shares of Cardinal Health from $250.00 to $260.00 in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Cardinal Health from $209.00 to $243.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $245.67. Cardinal Health Stock Down 3.1% NYSE CAH opened at $216.16 on Friday. Cardinal Health, Inc. has a 52 week low of $120.72 and a 52 week high of $233.60. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $215.45 and a two-hundred day moving average of $189.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $50.87 billion, a PE ratio of 31.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.44 and a beta of 0.65. Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The company reported $2.63 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.31 by $0.32. The business had revenue of $65.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $64.88 billion. Cardinal Health had a net margin of 0.68% and a negative return on equity of 92.50%. The companys revenue was up 18.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.93 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Cardinal Health, Inc. will post 7.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Cardinal Health Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 1st will be given a dividend of $0.5107 per share. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, April 1st. Cardinal Healths dividend payout ratio is currently 29.35%. About Cardinal Health (Free Report) Cardinal Health is a multinational healthcare services and products company headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. Tracing its roots to the early 1970s, the company has grown into a major provider of supply chain and distribution services for the healthcare sector. Cardinal Health operates across a range of service lines that support hospitals, health systems, pharmacies, physician offices and clinical laboratories. The companys core activities include the wholesale distribution of branded and generic pharmaceuticals, the supply and distribution of medical-surgical products, and the provision of logistics and inventory management solutions. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CAH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Cardinal Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cardinal Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Perennial Investment Advisors LLC trimmed its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF (NYSEARCA:SPGP Free Report) by 36.7% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 90,676 shares of the companys stock after selling 52,544 shares during the quarter. Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF makes up 0.8% of Perennial Investment Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Perennial Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF were worth $10,303,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. AQR Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $337,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF by 915.2% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 43,696 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,364,000 after buying an additional 39,392 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF by 50.1% in the second quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 2,349 shares of the companys stock worth $253,000 after buying an additional 784 shares during the last quarter. Centerpoint Advisory Group boosted its stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF by 8.4% during the 2nd quarter. Centerpoint Advisory Group now owns 7,508 shares of the companys stock worth $809,000 after acquiring an additional 580 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $208,000. Get Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF Stock Performance Shares of SPGP stock opened at $114.11 on Friday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $115.67 and its 200 day simple moving average is $113.78. Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF has a twelve month low of $84.13 and a twelve month high of $118.08. The company has a market capitalization of $2.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.90 and a beta of 1.00. Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF Company Profile The Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF (SPGP) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 GARP index. The fund tracks an index of S&P 500 stocks selected by growth, quality and value traits, and weighted by growth. SPGP was launched on Jun 16, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SPGP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF (NYSEARCA:SPGP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pitcairn Co. cut its stake in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 34.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 69,016 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 36,200 shares during the period. Pitcairn Co.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $3,561,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Smith Moore & CO. increased its position in shares of Bank of America by 2.7% during the 3rd quarter. Smith Moore & CO. now owns 13,693 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $706,000 after purchasing an additional 355 shares during the last quarter. United Capital Management of KS Inc. grew its stake in shares of Bank of America by 1.6% in the third quarter. United Capital Management of KS Inc. now owns 152,051 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $7,844,000 after buying an additional 2,406 shares in the last quarter. Tower Bridge Advisors increased its holdings in Bank of America by 0.9% during the third quarter. Tower Bridge Advisors now owns 74,178 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,827,000 after buying an additional 660 shares during the last quarter. Advisory Alpha LLC raised its position in Bank of America by 3.0% during the third quarter. Advisory Alpha LLC now owns 34,098 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,722,000 after acquiring an additional 995 shares in the last quarter. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its stake in Bank of America by 31.6% in the third quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 5,907 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $305,000 after acquiring an additional 1,418 shares during the last quarter. 70.71% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Bank of America alerts: Key Headlines Impacting Bank of America Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: Positive Sentiment: Bank of America Private Bank launched an Art Consulting service to help wealth clients treat art as an investable asset, which can deepen client relationships and boost advisory/relationship fee income. Read More. Bank of America Private Bank launched an Art Consulting service to help wealth clients treat art as an investable asset, which can deepen client relationships and boost advisory/relationship fee income. Read More. Positive Sentiment: BofA Securities acted as lead underwriter/advisor on SM Energys $1B senior notes offering, highlighting ongoing investment-banking deal flow that supports non?interest fee revenue. Read More. BofA Securities acted as lead underwriter/advisor on SM Energys $1B senior notes offering, highlighting ongoing investment-banking deal flow that supports non?interest fee revenue. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Bank of America disclosed a stake crossing in Galapagos under transparency rules; this is a regulatory filing about holdings rather than a business development for BAC itself. Read More. Bank of America disclosed a stake crossing in Galapagos under transparency rules; this is a regulatory filing about holdings rather than a business development for BAC itself. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: VantageScores CEO will appear at BofAs upcoming Information & Business Services conference evidence BofA continues to host investor events that support its securities business but with limited direct impact on the banks fundamentals. Read More. VantageScores CEO will appear at BofAs upcoming Information & Business Services conference evidence BofA continues to host investor events that support its securities business but with limited direct impact on the banks fundamentals. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Coverage and analyst activity mentioning BAC (Zacks trending piece) indicate retail/investor interest in the stock; attention can drive volume but is not a clear directional catalyst. Read More. Coverage and analyst activity mentioning BAC (Zacks trending piece) indicate retail/investor interest in the stock; attention can drive volume but is not a clear directional catalyst. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Analysis flagging that BACs recent share momentum is cooling raises near-term valuation pressure and may be a direct reason shares are trading lower today. Read More. Analysis flagging that BACs recent share momentum is cooling raises near-term valuation pressure and may be a direct reason shares are trading lower today. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Bank of America warns broader market risk from the U.S.-Iran war (e.g., collapsed Strait of Hormuz volumes) could spark volatility and downside for banks via economic and oil?price shocks. That macro risk is a headwind for financial stocks including BAC. Read More. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have recently weighed in on BAC. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on shares of Bank of America from $56.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Bank of America from $62.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Argus raised their price objective on Bank of America from $58.00 to $59.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. CICC Research assumed coverage on Bank of America in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. They set an outperform rating and a $62.00 target price for the company. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price target on Bank of America from $64.00 to $63.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Twenty-two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $60.30. Check Out Our Latest Report on BAC Bank of America Price Performance Bank of America stock opened at $49.81 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $357.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.01, a PEG ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a current ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. Bank of America Corporation has a 12 month low of $33.06 and a 12 month high of $57.55. The stocks 50 day moving average is $53.42 and its 200-day moving average is $52.48. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.02. Bank of America had a return on equity of 11.07% and a net margin of 16.23%.The business had revenue of $4.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $27.73 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.82 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 EPS for the current year. Bank of America Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a $0.28 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is 29.24%. Bank of America Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets. Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edgar Lomax Co. VA lowered its stake in shares of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 19.4% in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 221,587 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 53,445 shares during the quarter. Chevron accounts for 2.7% of Edgar Lomax Co. VAs portfolio, making the stock its 15th biggest position. Edgar Lomax Co. VAs holdings in Chevron were worth $34,410,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of CVX. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Chevron by 17.9% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 183,790,028 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $28,540,753,000 after buying an additional 27,961,463 shares during the period. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Chevron in the 2nd quarter worth about $2,721,477,000. Primecap Management Co. CA bought a new stake in Chevron in the 3rd quarter valued at about $988,083,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its stake in Chevron by 27.9% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 19,627,146 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,047,900,000 after acquiring an additional 4,279,918 shares during the period. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Chevron by 14,194.2% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,722,217 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $532,984,000 after purchasing an additional 3,696,177 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.42% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Insider Activity In other news, CEO Michael K. Wirth sold 272,624 shares of Chevron stock in a transaction on Monday, March 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $189.35, for a total transaction of $51,621,354.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 31,266 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,920,217.10. The trade was a 89.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, insider Alana K. Knowles sold 2,408 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $183.28, for a total transaction of $441,338.24. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 1,052,197 shares of company stock worth $187,128,404. Corporate insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock. Chevron Price Performance Chevron stock opened at $189.78 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $378.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.50, a PEG ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $172.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of $160.49. Chevron Corporation has a 52 week low of $132.04 and a 52 week high of $191.56. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $45.79 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $48.18 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 7.89% and a net margin of 6.51%.The companys revenue for the quarter was down 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.06 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Chevron Corporation will post 10.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Chevron Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a $1.78 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $7.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.8%. This is a boost from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.71. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is presently 106.91%. Chevron News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week: Positive Sentiment: Geopolitical-driven oil rally: higher crude and gas prices amid Middle East escalation are lifting energy-sector earnings power and provide a tailwind to Chevrons integrated margins. Read More. Geopolitical-driven oil rally: higher crude and gas prices amid Middle East escalation are lifting energy-sector earnings power and provide a tailwind to Chevrons integrated margins. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades and price-target raises: several firms have bumped targets and reiterated conviction in CVXs cash returns (recent headline target lifts push some forecasts above $200), supporting buying interest. Read More. Analyst upgrades and price-target raises: several firms have bumped targets and reiterated conviction in CVXs cash returns (recent headline target lifts push some forecasts above $200), supporting buying interest. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Market narrative as geopolitical insurance: institutional commentary and coverage are treating majors like Chevron as hedges in a volatile oil backdrop, which attracts risk?off flows into large integrated producers. Read More. Market narrative as geopolitical insurance: institutional commentary and coverage are treating majors like Chevron as hedges in a volatile oil backdrop, which attracts risk?off flows into large integrated producers. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Dividend increase: Chevron raised its quarterly payout, reinforcing the income case for investors and supporting the stocks valuation relative to peers. Read More. Dividend increase: Chevron raised its quarterly payout, reinforcing the income case for investors and supporting the stocks valuation relative to peers. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Bullish commentary and theses: retail and independent outlets have circulated bullish writeups summarizing reasons to buy CVX (scale, cash returns, dividend), which can help sentiment but dont always move institutional flows on their own. Read More. Bullish commentary and theses: retail and independent outlets have circulated bullish writeups summarizing reasons to buy CVX (scale, cash returns, dividend), which can help sentiment but dont always move institutional flows on their own. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Operational disruption Leviathan pause: Chevron suspended production at the Leviathan gas field amid regional security orders, creating near?term volume and revenue uncertainty for that asset. Read More. Operational disruption Leviathan pause: Chevron suspended production at the Leviathan gas field amid regional security orders, creating near?term volume and revenue uncertainty for that asset. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Large insider selling: multiple senior executives including reported multi?million?dollar sales by the CEO and other officers have disclosed big stock sales in early March, which often triggers short?term caution and profit?taking. Read More. Large insider selling: multiple senior executives including reported multi?million?dollar sales by the CEO and other officers have disclosed big stock sales in early March, which often triggers short?term caution and profit?taking. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Regulatory/political risk: Chevron warned California officials that certain state energy policies could affect refining economics; domestic policy uncertainty can increase volatility and operational constraints. Read More. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have recently weighed in on CVX. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Chevron in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Scotiabank reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $168.00 price objective on shares of Chevron in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Sanford C. Bernstein increased their target price on Chevron from $170.00 to $172.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Bank of America raised their price target on Chevron from $188.00 to $206.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Mizuho lifted their price target on Chevron from $204.00 to $206.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Chevron presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $178.95. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Chevron Chevron Profile (Free Report) Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) is an American multinational energy company engaged in virtually all aspects of the oil and gas industry. As an integrated energy firm, Chevrons core activities include upstream oil and natural gas exploration and production, midstream transportation and storage, downstream refining and marketing of fuels and lubricants, and petrochemical manufacturing through joint ventures and subsidiaries. The company markets fuels under brands such as Chevron, Texaco and Caltex and supplies a range of products and services to retail customers, industrial users and commercial fleets worldwide. Chevron traces its corporate lineage to the early petroleum companies that eventually became Standard Oil of California and has evolved through significant mergers and restructurings, including the acquisitions of Gulf Oil and Texaco. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WASHINGTON, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. State Department announced on Thursday that the United States and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations. Venezuela severed diplomatic ties with the United States in January 2019 due to the latter's continued interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. All diplomatic personnel from the U.S. embassy in Venezuela withdrew in March of the same year. On Jan. 3, U.S. military forces launched a large-scale strike against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife before transporting them to the United States. On Jan. 31, a U.S. diplomatic mission arrived in Caracas, marking the resumption of diplomatic contacts between the two countries. Quantbot Technologies LP cut its position in Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA Free Report) by 43.7% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 39,539 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 30,668 shares during the quarter. Quantbot Technologies LPs holdings in Avista were worth $1,495,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Avista in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,674,000. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Avista by 52.7% in the second quarter. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. now owns 2,110,711 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $80,101,000 after acquiring an additional 728,543 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Avista by 8.3% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,191,896 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $197,032,000 after purchasing an additional 398,446 shares during the period. Nuance Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Avista during the second quarter worth about $7,274,000. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Avista by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 10,835,413 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $409,687,000 after purchasing an additional 170,388 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.24% of the companys stock. Get Avista alerts: Insider Activity at Avista In other news, SVP Wayne O. Manuel sold 1,785 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $38.74, for a total value of $69,150.90. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 9,883 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $382,867.42. This represents a 15.30% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, SVP Bryan Alden Cox sold 1,768 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.18, for a total transaction of $71,038.24. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 8,401 shares in the company, valued at approximately $337,552.18. The trade was a 17.39% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Corporate insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have commented on the stock. KeyCorp restated a sector weight rating on shares of Avista in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price objective on shares of Avista from $38.00 to $37.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Avista from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 24th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their target price on Avista from $41.00 to $39.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Mizuho set a $42.00 price target on Avista in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $39.33. View Our Latest Report on Avista Avista Trading Down 0.9% Shares of NYSE:AVA opened at $39.99 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $40.55 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $39.06. Avista Corporation has a one year low of $35.50 and a one year high of $43.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 0.83 and a quick ratio of 0.56. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.29 billion, a PE ratio of 16.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.28. Avista (NYSE:AVA Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Saturday, January 31st. The utilities provider reported $0.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Avista had a return on equity of 7.29% and a net margin of 9.83%. On average, equities analysts forecast that Avista Corporation will post 2.3 EPS for the current fiscal year. Avista Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be paid a dividend of $0.4925 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 25th. This represents a $1.97 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.9%. This is an increase from Avistas previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. Avistas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 82.77%. About Avista (Free Report) Avista Corporation operates as an integrated energy company providing electric and natural gas delivery services to residential, commercial and industrial customers in the Pacific Northwest. Through its regulated utility operations, the company maintains and upgrades an extensive transmission and distribution network, delivering reliable energy to approximately 400,000 electric customers and 324,000 natural gas customers across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. In addition to its core utility business, Avista invests in owned generation assets, including hydroelectric, natural gasfired, coal and wind facilities, to support system reliability and long-term supply planning. Founded in 1889 as the Spokane and Inland Empire Water Power Company, the business adopted the Avista name in 1999 to reflect its growing energy portfolio and strategic focus on innovation. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AVA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Avista Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Avista and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tecnoglass Inc. (NYSE:TGLS Free Report) Analysts at Sidoti dropped their Q1 2026 EPS estimates for shares of Tecnoglass in a research report issued on Thursday, March 5th. Sidoti analyst J. Romero now forecasts that the company will earn $0.65 per share for the quarter, down from their prior estimate of $0.78. Sidoti also issued estimates for Tecnoglass Q2 2026 earnings at $0.88 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $1.19 EPS and Q4 2027 earnings at $1.15 EPS. Get Tecnoglass alerts: Tecnoglass (NYSE:TGLS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 26th. The company reported $0.63 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by ($0.21). The firm had revenue of $245.30 million for the quarter. Tecnoglass had a net margin of 16.22% and a return on equity of 23.05%. Tecnoglasss quarterly revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.05 EPS. TGLS has been the topic of several other research reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Tecnoglass in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Zacks Research cut shares of Tecnoglass from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, DA Davidson lowered their target price on shares of Tecnoglass from $80.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $85.00. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on TGLS Tecnoglass Price Performance NYSE:TGLS opened at $44.14 on Friday. Tecnoglass has a 52-week low of $42.73 and a 52-week high of $90.34. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $50.65 and a 200 day moving average of $56.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a current ratio of 1.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.91, a P/E/G ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.72. Tecnoglass Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 30th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. Tecnoglasss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 17.54%. Institutional Trading of Tecnoglass Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of TGLS. Capital World Investors raised its stake in shares of Tecnoglass by 6.2% during the third quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 1,794,272 shares of the companys stock worth $120,055,000 after acquiring an additional 104,132 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of Tecnoglass by 17.8% during the 4th quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,209,419 shares of the companys stock valued at $60,858,000 after purchasing an additional 182,449 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in Tecnoglass by 5.8% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,081,541 shares of the companys stock worth $54,427,000 after purchasing an additional 58,975 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in Tecnoglass by 9.6% in the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,022,101 shares of the companys stock worth $68,389,000 after purchasing an additional 89,175 shares during the last quarter. Finally, William Blair Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Tecnoglass by 2.2% during the third quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 937,463 shares of the companys stock valued at $62,726,000 after buying an additional 20,071 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 37.35% of the companys stock. Tecnoglass Company Profile (Get Free Report) Tecnoglass, Inc is a vertically integrated designer, manufacturer and distributor of architectural glass, windows and aluminum products for the construction industry. The companys product portfolio includes tempered, laminated and insulated glass units, high?performance aluminum windows, curtainwall systems and storefront solutions tailored to commercial, residential and institutional projects. Established in 1994 as a family?run enterprise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Tecnoglass has grown through significant investments in automated production lines, research and development, and international quality certifications. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Tecnoglass Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tecnoglass and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Sensata Technologies (NYSE: ST) in the last few weeks: 3/2/2026 Sensata Technologies was upgraded by Weiss Ratings from sell (d+) to hold (c-). 3/1/2026 Sensata Technologies was upgraded by Wall Street Zen from hold to buy. 2/27/2026 Sensata Technologies had its price target raised by Oppenheimer Holdings, Inc. from $43.00 to $50.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 2/26/2026 Sensata Technologies had its price target raised by Barclays PLC from $40.00 to $44.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 2/23/2026 Sensata Technologies had its price target raised by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $32.00 to $34.00. They now have an underweight rating on the stock. 2/21/2026 Sensata Technologies was downgraded by Wall Street Zen from buy to hold. 2/20/2026 Sensata Technologies had its price target raised by Robert W. Baird from $39.00 to $40.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 2/20/2026 Sensata Technologies had its price target raised by Truist Financial Corporation from $35.00 to $38.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock. 2/20/2026 Sensata Technologies had its price target raised by Bank of America Corporation from $37.00 to $40.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/12/2026 Sensata Technologies had its price target lowered by Barclays PLC from $43.00 to $40.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 1/12/2026 Sensata Technologies had its price target raised by Wells Fargo & Company from $34.00 to $37.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. Sensata Technologies Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 25th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 11th were paid a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, February 11th. Sensata Technologiess payout ratio is currently 252.63%. Get Sensata Technologies Holding NV alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Sensata Technologies news, EVP Lynne J. Caljouw sold 2,496 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.53, for a total transaction of $93,674.88. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 64,040 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,403,421.20. This trade represents a 3.75% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.89% of the companys stock. Sensata Technologies Holdings N.V. is a global industrial technology company specializing in the design, development and manufacture of sensors and electrical protection solutions. The companys product portfolio includes pressure, temperature, position, speed, current and magnetic sensors, as well as circuit breakers and other protection devices. Sensatas offerings serve a wide array of end markets, with a particularly strong presence in automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), industrial automation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), commercial aerospace and renewable energy sectors. Headquartered in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Sensata operates a network of manufacturing and engineering facilities across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sensata Technologies Holding NV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sensata Technologies Holding NV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heidelberg Materials (OTCMKTS:HDLMY Get Free Report) was upgraded by analysts at Citigroup from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Zacks.com reports. Several other brokerages also recently issued reports on HDLMY. Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded Heidelberg Materials from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Barclays raised shares of Heidelberg Materials from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Heidelberg Materials from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy. Get Heidelberg Materials alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Heidelberg Materials Heidelberg Materials Price Performance About Heidelberg Materials OTCMKTS HDLMY opened at $41.79 on Thursday. Heidelberg Materials has a 12 month low of $30.58 and a 12 month high of $57.79. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $51.05. (Get Free Report) Heidelberg Materials (OTCMKTS: HDLMY) is a Germany?based multinational building materials company with a core focus on cement production, aggregates, ready?mixed concrete, asphalt, and other construction solutions. As one of the worlds leading cement producers, the company supplies essential raw and processed materials used in infrastructure, commercial, and residential construction projects. Its product portfolio also encompasses specialty cement, mineral additives, and tailored concrete technologies designed to meet diverse engineering and environmental requirements. Operating in more than 50 countries across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, Heidelberg Materials maintains an extensive network of production facilities and distribution channels. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Heidelberg Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Heidelberg Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mayville Engineering (NYSE:MEC Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Citigroup from $24.00 to $25.00 in a research report sent to investors on Thursday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the stock. Several other brokerages have also recently weighed in on MEC. Northland Securities raised Mayville Engineering from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their price target for the company from $20.00 to $25.00 in a research note on Thursday. Zacks Research cut Mayville Engineering from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Mayville Engineering in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Mayville Engineering has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $24.25. Get Mayville Engineering alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on MEC Mayville Engineering Price Performance MEC stock opened at $18.64 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $378.76 million, a P/E ratio of -46.60 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $19.82 and a 200-day moving average price of $17.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.82. Mayville Engineering has a 52-week low of $11.72 and a 52-week high of $22.36. Mayville Engineering (NYSE:MEC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, March 3rd. The company reported ($0.08) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.16) by $0.08. The company had revenue of $134.27 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $132.51 million. Mayville Engineering had a negative net margin of 1.48% and a negative return on equity of 2.31%. As a group, equities analysts expect that Mayville Engineering will post 0.31 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity at Mayville Engineering In related news, Director Steven L. Fisher sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.11, for a total transaction of $191,100.00. Following the sale, the director owned 30,482 shares in the company, valued at $582,511.02. This represents a 24.70% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 7.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Mayville Engineering Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Bailard Inc. bought a new position in Mayville Engineering during the second quarter worth $284,000. Roubaix Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Mayville Engineering by 110.3% in the 3rd quarter. Roubaix Capital LLC now owns 212,688 shares of the companys stock worth $2,927,000 after purchasing an additional 111,550 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Mayville Engineering by 21.8% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 306,982 shares of the companys stock worth $4,899,000 after purchasing an additional 54,843 shares in the last quarter. 22NW LP acquired a new stake in Mayville Engineering in the 2nd quarter valued at $2,481,000. Finally, CenterBook Partners LP increased its stake in Mayville Engineering by 86.8% during the 3rd quarter. CenterBook Partners LP now owns 177,659 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,445,000 after purchasing an additional 82,573 shares in the last quarter. 45.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Trending Headlines about Mayville Engineering Here are the key news stories impacting Mayville Engineering this week: Positive Sentiment: Major analyst upgrades and higher price targets: Citigroup raised its price target to $25 and reiterated a buy rating, and Northland upgraded MEC to outperform with a $25 target (previously $20). Those raise the visible upside for the stock and signal analyst confidence. Article Title Major analyst upgrades and higher price targets: Citigroup raised its price target to $25 and reiterated a buy rating, and Northland upgraded MEC to outperform with a $25 target (previously $20). Those raise the visible upside for the stock and signal analyst confidence. Positive Sentiment: Company updated FY?2026 and Q1 revenue guidance above consensus: management gave FY revenue guidance of $580M$620M (vs. consensus ~$578.4M) and Q1 revenue guidance of $137M$143M (vs. consensus ~$132.5M), which supports growth expectations into 2026. Company updated FY?2026 and Q1 revenue guidance above consensus: management gave FY revenue guidance of $580M$620M (vs. consensus ~$578.4M) and Q1 revenue guidance of $137M$143M (vs. consensus ~$132.5M), which supports growth expectations into 2026. Positive Sentiment: Large data?center market opportunity flagged by management: MEC highlighted a $3.2B addressable data?center market and is targeting >20% of revenue from that segment in 2026 a structural growth story that could lift margins over time. Article Title Large data?center market opportunity flagged by management: MEC highlighted a $3.2B addressable data?center market and is targeting >20% of revenue from that segment in 2026 a structural growth story that could lift margins over time. Neutral Sentiment: Q4 results were broadly in line: press coverage describes Q4 results as in?line with expectations (revenue roughly matching consensus), and the earnings call transcript provides more color on margin impacts from acquisitions and end?market softness. Investors will be watching margins and EBITDA execution against FY?2026 guidance. Article Title Earnings Transcript Q4 results were broadly in line: press coverage describes Q4 results as in?line with expectations (revenue roughly matching consensus), and the earnings call transcript provides more color on margin impacts from acquisitions and end?market softness. Investors will be watching margins and EBITDA execution against FY?2026 guidance. Positive Sentiment: Analyst/market commentators calling the post?earnings selloff a buying opportunity some note 2026 guidance and data?center tailwinds as reasons the pullback may be temporary. Article Title Analyst/market commentators calling the post?earnings selloff a buying opportunity some note 2026 guidance and data?center tailwinds as reasons the pullback may be temporary. Negative Sentiment: Negative coverage / immediate market reaction: at least one headline explains why MEC shares plunged today, contributing to the heavy selling and higher volume; that negative sentiment is pressuring the stock despite the upgrades and guidance. Article Title About Mayville Engineering (Get Free Report) Mayville Engineering Company, Inc (NYSE:MEC) is a U.S.-based industrial manufacturer specializing in engineered metal castings and precision machining services. Headquartered in Mayville, Wisconsin, the company leverages over a century of casting experience to design, produce and finish complex metal components for a broad range of heavy-duty applications. The company operates two principal business segments: iron castings and steel castings. Its iron segment utilizes green sand and lost-foam molding processes to produce gray and ductile iron components, while the steel segment employs electric-arc furnace technology to manufacture high-strength steel castings. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mayville Engineering Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mayville Engineering and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Symrise (OTCMKTS:SYIEY Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at Jefferies Financial Group from a moderate sell rating to a strong sell rating in a note issued to investors on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Zacks Research lowered shares of Symrise from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Symrise from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 10th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Symrise in a research report on Monday, November 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Symrise alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Symrise Symrise Stock Performance About Symrise OTCMKTS SYIEY opened at $21.01 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a current ratio of 1.49. Symrise has a 52-week low of $19.31 and a 52-week high of $30.58. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $21.38 and a 200 day simple moving average of $21.66. (Get Free Report) Symrise AG is a global supplier of fragrances, flavors, cosmetic active ingredients and raw materials for the food and beverage, personal care and household industries. Headquartered in Holzminden, Germany, the company develops scent and taste solutions that are used in a wide range of consumer products, from perfumes and personal care formulations to soft drinks, confections and savory seasonings. The companys core business is organized into two divisions. The Flavors & Nutrition division creates taste concepts, food ingredients and texture solutions that enhance the sensory appeal and nutritional profile of a variety of foods and beverages. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Symrise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Symrise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor purchased 6,053 shares of the healthcare product makers stock, valued at approximately $811,000. Other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Charles Schwab Trust Co lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 109.8% in the third quarter. Charles Schwab Trust Co now owns 29,412 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,939,000 after purchasing an additional 15,394 shares during the period. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 2.4% in the third quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 858,834 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $115,032,000 after buying an additional 19,966 shares in the last quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 6.1% during the 3rd quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 329,430 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $43,785,000 after acquiring an additional 18,974 shares during the period. AE Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 20.8% during the 3rd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 65,504 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $8,774,000 after acquiring an additional 11,264 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mawer Investment Management Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 5.9% in the 3rd quarter. Mawer Investment Management Ltd. now owns 1,255,780 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $168,199,000 after acquiring an additional 70,122 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.18% of the companys stock. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Barclays reduced their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $169.00 to $142.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, February 2nd. William Blair raised Abbott Laboratories to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Daiwa Securities Group lowered their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $136.00 to $113.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $147.00 to $135.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Piper Sandler dropped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $150.00 to $135.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $137.05. Insider Transactions at Abbott Laboratories In related news, EVP Mary K. Moreland sold 613 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.58, for a total transaction of $70,850.54. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 104,291 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,053,953.78. This represents a 0.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP John A. Jr. Mccoy sold 585 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, March 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.58, for a total value of $67,614.30. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 24,628 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,846,504.24. The trade was a 2.32% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 3,055 shares of company stock valued at $353,097. Corporate insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Price Performance Abbott Laboratories stock opened at $110.97 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $192.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.83, a P/E/G ratio of 1.80 and a beta of 0.74. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $105.27 and a 12-month high of $139.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 1.58 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The firms 50-day moving average is $116.39 and its two-hundred day moving average is $124.82. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.50 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.50. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 14.72% and a return on equity of 17.73%. The business had revenue of $11.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.80 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.34 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.120-1.180 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.550-5.800 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 earnings per share for the current year. Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, April 15th will be given a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, April 15th. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.3%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is currently 67.74%. About Abbott Laboratories (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions. In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Palo Alto Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 174.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 6,676 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 4,242 shares during the quarter. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF accounts for 0.5% of Palo Alto Wealth Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest position. Palo Alto Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $798,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management increased its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 10.0% in the 3rd quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 111,945 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $13,302,000 after purchasing an additional 10,185 shares during the last quarter. Alaska Permanent Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 11.4% in the 3rd quarter. Alaska Permanent Capital Management LLC now owns 545,285 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $64,780,000 after buying an additional 55,761 shares in the last quarter. Latko Wealth Management Ltd. grew its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 8.5% in the 3rd quarter. Latko Wealth Management Ltd. now owns 58,733 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $6,979,000 after buying an additional 4,608 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Corp acquired a new position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF in the third quarter worth approximately $10,009,000. Finally, Cambridge Capital Management LLC raised its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 4.1% during the third quarter. Cambridge Capital Management LLC now owns 172,892 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $20,545,000 after acquiring an additional 6,754 shares in the last quarter. 66.92% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Down 1.7% NYSEARCA IJR opened at $127.66 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $93.87 billion, a PE ratio of 16.52 and a beta of 1.08. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 12-month low of $89.22 and a 12-month high of $133.52. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $127.97 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $122.11. About iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The Index serves as the underlying index for the S&P 600/Citigroup Growth and Value Index series. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Asset Management Inc lifted its position in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Free Report) by 134.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 155,084 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 88,890 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Incs holdings in Flagstar Bank, National Association were worth $1,791,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. CWM LLC purchased a new position in Flagstar Bank, National Association in the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. Financial Freedom LLC acquired a new position in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association in the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association during the 3rd quarter worth $33,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association during the 1st quarter worth about $45,000. Finally, SBI Securities Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association during the 2nd quarter worth about $47,000. 67.88% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Flagstar Bank National Association alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association from $13.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, February 2nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price objective on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association from $13.50 to $14.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Monday, February 2nd. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association from $14.00 to $16.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday. Citigroup boosted their target price on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $16.00 to $16.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Flagstar Bank, National Association currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $14.62. Flagstar Bank, National Association Trading Down 1.7% FLG opened at $12.78 on Friday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $13.23 and a 200 day moving average price of $12.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 0.92 and a quick ratio of 0.99. Flagstar Bank, National Association has a 12 month low of $9.64 and a 12 month high of $14.53. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -25.06 and a beta of 1.08. Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.02 by $0.04. Flagstar Bank, National Association had a negative return on equity of 1.60% and a negative net margin of 3.68%.The business had revenue of $548.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $533.00 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($0.41) EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 10.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Flagstar Bank, National Association will post -0.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Flagstar Bank, National Association Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 17th. Shareholders of record on Saturday, March 7th will be issued a dividend of $0.01 per share. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. Flagstar Bank, National Associations payout ratio is -7.84%. Flagstar Bank, National Association Company Profile (Free Report) Flagstar Financial Corporation (NYSE: FLG) is a bank holding company whose principal subsidiary, Flagstar Bank, provides a range of financial services across the United States. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Flagstar combines commercial banking, mortgage lending and servicing, and deposit products to serve individuals, businesses and public entities. As a publicly traded company, Flagstar leverages its banking charter and national mortgage platform to deliver tailored financial solutions through both digital and branch channels. The companys mortgage business is one of the largest residential originators and servicers in the nation, offering retail, wholesale and correspondent lending channels. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FLG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Flagstar Bank National Association Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flagstar Bank National Association and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Asset Management Inc purchased a new stake in Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE:HGTY Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 87,856 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,058,000. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Hagerty by 2,374.5% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 4,949 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after buying an additional 4,749 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in Hagerty by 46.6% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 8,571 shares of the companys stock valued at $87,000 after acquiring an additional 2,726 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System purchased a new stake in Hagerty in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $141,000. Marshall Wace LLP grew its stake in shares of Hagerty by 37.2% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 22,405 shares of the companys stock worth $227,000 after purchasing an additional 6,072 shares during the period. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Hagerty by 24.9% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 37,383 shares of the companys stock valued at $338,000 after purchasing an additional 7,459 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 20.51% of the companys stock. Get Hagerty alerts: Hagerty Price Performance NYSE:HGTY opened at $10.70 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $12.38 and a two-hundred day moving average of $12.28. Hagerty, Inc. has a 12 month low of $8.03 and a 12 month high of $14.00. The firm has a market cap of $3.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.43 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. Analyst Ratings Changes Hagerty ( NYSE:HGTY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 26th. The company reported $0.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.04 by $0.04. Hagerty had a return on equity of 16.24% and a net margin of 5.98%.The firm had revenue of $388.10 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $323.93 million. On average, analysts expect that Hagerty, Inc. will post 0.22 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several research firms recently commented on HGTY. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Hagerty from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, February 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Hagerty from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on Hagerty from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Hagerty in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Hagerty currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $14.00. View Our Latest Analysis on Hagerty Insider Buying and Selling at Hagerty In related news, insider Kenneth Ahn sold 164,870 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.79, for a total transaction of $2,108,687.30. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders have sold 351,350 shares of company stock valued at $4,474,572 over the last quarter. Company insiders own 16.70% of the companys stock. About Hagerty (Free Report) Hagerty is a specialized automotive lifestyle and insurance company that caters primarily to collectible car enthusiasts. Its core business centers on offering classic vehicle insurance policies designed to protect antique, vintage and specialty automobiles, motorcycles and boats. These policies typically feature agreed-value coverage, flexible usage options and access to restoration services, aligning with the unique needs of collectors and hobbyists. Beyond insurance, Hagerty operates a comprehensive suite of community and content services under its automotive lifestyle brand. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HGTY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE:HGTY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hagerty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hagerty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW) is the creator of the Data Cloud, a platform where large organizations can aggregate their valuable information even if it's stored across multiple cloud providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. This is critical for performing comprehensive analysis and extracting actionable insights. Unified data sets are also vital for developing artificial intelligence (AI) models because real-time access to the most up-to-date information improves their ability to produce accurate outputs. Snowflake built a platform called Cortex AI where businesses can develop and deploy AI, and it includes a growing suite of software products to help collect data, plug it into third-party models, and bring finished apps into production. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue Snowflake stock is down 20% so far in 2026 as investors generally are trimming their exposure to the software space. But the overwhelming majority of the analysts tracked by The Wall Street Journal have given the stock a buy rating, and none recommend selling. Their consensus price target points to significant upside from here, so should investors buy the dip? Image source: Getty Images. Positioned for the AI revolution The Cortex AI platform includes a number of AI-powered software features. Document AI, for example, allows businesses to quickly pull data from unstructured sources like contracts and invoices, which used to be a time-consuming manual process. Then there is Cortex Search, which enables employees to immediately locate critical data from across the organization using natural language. Cortex also hosts numerous ready-made large language models from leading third parties like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta Platforms. Businesses can plug their data into these models to create custom AI software applications, which is a faster and cheaper alternative to building entire models from scratch. Snowflake had 13,328 customers as of Jan. 31 (the end of its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter), and 9,100 of them were using at least one of its AI features. That was up from just 4,000 customers using its AI products a year prior, so uptake is happening fast. Decelerating revenue growth and growing losses Snowflake generated $4.5 billion in product revenue during its fiscal 2026, which was a 29.1% increase from the previous year. That growth rate was marginally slower than in fiscal 2025, when product revenue expanded by 29.8%. While this doesn't sound like a major negative at face value, slowing growth is concerning in the context of the company's ballooning costs. Pitcairn Co. decreased its holdings in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) by 26.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 10,403 shares of the credit services providers stock after selling 3,650 shares during the quarter. Pitcairn Co.s holdings in Mastercard were worth $5,917,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Mastercard by 55,868.1% during the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 13,421,148 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $7,541,880,000 after purchasing an additional 13,397,168 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the 2nd quarter valued at about $6,725,317,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in Mastercard by 25.6% during the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 6,372,404 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $3,580,909,000 after acquiring an additional 1,299,977 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in Mastercard by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 79,431,340 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $45,181,341,000 after acquiring an additional 955,533 shares during the period. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in Mastercard by 2.8% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 19,760,552 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $11,062,509,000 after acquiring an additional 542,841 shares in the last quarter. 97.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Mastercard alerts: Mastercard Stock Performance Shares of NYSE MA opened at $524.09 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36. The firms 50-day moving average price is $540.65 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $558.01. Mastercard Incorporated has a 52-week low of $465.59 and a 52-week high of $601.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $467.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.72, a P/E/G ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.83. Mastercard Announces Dividend Mastercard ( NYSE:MA Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The credit services provider reported $4.76 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.24 by $0.52. The company had revenue of $8.81 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.80 billion. Mastercard had a return on equity of 203.92% and a net margin of 45.65%.The businesss revenue was up 17.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $3.82 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 8th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, April 9th will be given a $0.87 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, April 9th. This represents a $3.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Mastercards dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 21.07%. Key Headlines Impacting Mastercard Here are the key news stories impacting Mastercard this week: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently commented on MA. HSBC raised shares of Mastercard from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Tigress Financial upped their price objective on shares of Mastercard from $685.00 to $730.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Daiwa Securities Group set a $610.00 target price on Mastercard and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, February 2nd. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Mastercard from $665.00 to $678.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $656.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $670.61. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Mastercard Mastercard Company Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated is a global payments technology company that operates a network connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 200 countries and territories. The company facilitates electronic payments and transaction processing for credit, debit and prepaid card products carrying the Mastercard brand, while also providing a range of payment-related services to issuers, acquirers and merchants. Its technology and network enable authorization, clearing and settlement of payments and support a broad set of use cases including point-of-sale, e-commerce and mobile payments. Beyond core transaction processing, Mastercard offers a suite of value-added services such as fraud and risk management, identity and authentication tools, tokenization and digital wallet support, cross-border and commercial payment solutions, and data analytics and consulting services for merchants and financial partners. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. M1 Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 6.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 49,230 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,190 shares during the quarter. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF comprises approximately 4.1% of M1 Capital Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 5th biggest holding. M1 Capital Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $9,575,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in QUAL. Avantra Family Wealth Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,493,000. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 18.3% in the third quarter. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC now owns 582,095 shares of the companys stock valued at $113,218,000 after acquiring an additional 90,195 shares during the last quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the second quarter valued at about $213,000. Cabot Wealth Management Inc. increased its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 8.7% during the third quarter. Cabot Wealth Management Inc. now owns 42,044 shares of the companys stock worth $8,177,000 after acquiring an additional 3,369 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Insight Inv LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF in the 3rd quarter worth about $1,016,000. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Price Performance BATS QUAL opened at $201.68 on Friday. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 1-year low of $148.34 and a 1-year high of $205.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $58.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.59 and a beta of 1.05. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $202.58 and its 200-day simple moving average is $197.16. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. QUAL was launched on Jul 18, 2013 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victory Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG Free Report) by 7.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,249,834 shares of the shipping companys stock after buying an additional 83,294 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc.s holdings in Scorpio Tankers were worth $70,053,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. American Century Companies Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Scorpio Tankers by 7.6% during the third quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,913,729 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $107,265,000 after acquiring an additional 135,123 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Scorpio Tankers by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 798,508 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $31,246,000 after purchasing an additional 3,692 shares during the last quarter. Encompass Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Scorpio Tankers in the 2nd quarter valued at $30,890,000. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Scorpio Tankers by 91.9% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 642,673 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $25,148,000 after purchasing an additional 307,815 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in Scorpio Tankers by 14.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 633,167 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $24,776,000 after purchasing an additional 82,302 shares during the last quarter. 54.64% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Scorpio Tankers alerts: Scorpio Tankers Stock Down 1.7% Shares of NYSE:STNG opened at $78.79 on Friday. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $63.62 and a 200 day moving average price of $58.83. The company has a current ratio of 9.33, a quick ratio of 9.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. The company has a market capitalization of $4.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.14 and a beta of -0.31. Scorpio Tankers Inc. has a 12-month low of $30.63 and a 12-month high of $81.85. Scorpio Tankers Increases Dividend Scorpio Tankers ( NYSE:STNG Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, February 12th. The shipping company reported $1.62 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.25. Scorpio Tankers had a net margin of 36.70% and a return on equity of 8.85%. The company had revenue of $252.65 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $238.93 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.63 earnings per share. Scorpio Tankerss revenue for the quarter was up 23.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that Scorpio Tankers Inc. will post 5.29 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be issued a $0.45 dividend. This is a boost from Scorpio Tankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. Scorpio Tankerss payout ratio is 23.76%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on STNG shares. Moffett Nathanson raised shares of Scorpio Tankers to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Scorpio Tankers in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a $83.00 target price on shares of Scorpio Tankers in a report on Friday, February 13th. Evercore reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $83.00 price target on shares of Scorpio Tankers in a report on Friday, February 13th. Finally, B. Riley Financial reissued a buy rating on shares of Scorpio Tankers in a research note on Friday, February 13th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $79.67. Read Our Latest Research Report on STNG Scorpio Tankers Profile (Free Report) Scorpio Tankers Inc (NYSE: STNG) is an independent provider of marine transportation services, specializing in the carriage of refined petroleum products. The companys core operations focus on moving clean petroleum cargoessuch as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and naphthaon a global scale. By catering to both spot and time charter markets, Scorpio Tankers enables energy companies, refiners and traders to manage their supply chains with flexibility and reliability. The companys fleet is composed of modern, eco-designed product tankers, including medium range (MR) and long range (LR) vessels. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding STNG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Scorpio Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scorpio Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victory Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (NYSEARCA:IGM Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund bought 622,314 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $78,380,000. Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 843.3% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 3,363,724 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $423,661,000 after buying an additional 3,007,140 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp raised its position in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 1,165.7% in the third quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 2,016,040 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $253,920,000 after acquiring an additional 1,856,762 shares in the last quarter. WestEnd Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF in the third quarter valued at $224,760,000. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC lifted its holdings in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 915.2% in the third quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 1,914,312 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $241,108,000 after acquiring an additional 1,725,741 shares during the period. Finally, PGIM Custom Harvest LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 570.1% during the 2nd quarter. PGIM Custom Harvest LLC now owns 378,734 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $42,547,000 after purchasing an additional 322,218 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF alerts: iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Stock Up 0.2% NYSEARCA:IGM opened at $125.17 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $127.81 and its 200-day simple moving average is $127.01. The stock has a market cap of $8.62 billion, a PE ratio of 34.08 and a beta of 1.27. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF has a fifty-two week low of $76.26 and a fifty-two week high of $135.81. About iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF iShares North American Tech ETF, formerly iShares S&P North American Technology Sector Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, of the United States-traded technology companies, as represented by the S&P North American Technology Sector Index (the Index). The Index has been developed as an equity benchmark for the United States-traded, technology-related stocks. The Fund generally invests at least 90% of its assets in securities of the Index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the Index. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IGM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (NYSEARCA:IGM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Victory Capital Management Inc. lowered its holdings in RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX Free Report) by 67.4% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 520,140 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,075,282 shares during the quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc.s holdings in RTX were worth $87,035,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA purchased a new stake in RTX in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of RTX during the third quarter worth $30,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. grew its position in shares of RTX by 57.4% in the third quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 192 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares during the period. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in RTX by 57.3% in the third quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC now owns 206 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Clayton Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in RTX during the third quarter worth about $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.50% of the companys stock. Get RTX alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have commented on RTX. UBS Group restated a neutral rating on shares of RTX in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on shares of RTX from $220.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of RTX from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, December 14th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of RTX in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a $240.00 price objective on shares of RTX in a report on Thursday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $202.00. RTX Price Performance Shares of NYSE RTX opened at $203.95 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 0.80. RTX Corporation has a 1-year low of $112.27 and a 1-year high of $214.50. The company has a market capitalization of $273.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.12, a PEG ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 0.42. The business has a 50-day moving average of $197.03 and a 200-day moving average of $178.18. RTX (NYSE:RTX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The company reported $1.55 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.47 by $0.08. RTX had a return on equity of 13.08% and a net margin of 7.60%.The firm had revenue of $24.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.65 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.54 EPS. RTXs revenue for the quarter was up 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. RTX has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.600-6.800 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that RTX Corporation will post 6.11 EPS for the current fiscal year. RTX Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Investors of record on Friday, February 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.68 per share. This represents a $2.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 20th. RTXs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 54.84%. RTX News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting RTX this week: Insider Activity In other RTX news, EVP Dantaya M. Williams sold 12,713 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $202.83, for a total value of $2,578,577.79. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 16,749 shares in the company, valued at $3,397,199.67. The trade was a 43.15% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Shane G. Eddy sold 17,527 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $199.16, for a total transaction of $3,490,677.32. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 89,255 shares of company stock worth $18,151,956 over the last three months. 0.15% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About RTX (Free Report) RTX (NYSE: RTX) is a U.S.-based aerospace and defense company that designs, manufactures and services advanced systems for commercial, military and governmental customers worldwide. The company was created through the 2020 combination of Raytheon Company and United Technologies Corporation and later adopted the RTX name, positioning itself as a diversified provider across the aerospace and defense value chain. RTXs operations span a broad set of capabilities. Its commercial aerospace businesses include Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines and Collins Aerospace systems, which supply propulsion, avionics, aerostructures, interiors and integrated aircraft systems. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RTX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for RTX Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for RTX and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky trimmed its position in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH Free Report) by 41.0% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 26,118 shares of the companys stock after selling 18,183 shares during the quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentuckys holdings in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts were worth $2,087,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Alps Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 125.6% during the third quarter. Alps Advisors Inc. now owns 155,870 shares of the companys stock worth $12,454,000 after acquiring an additional 86,790 shares during the period. Compass Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts during the 3rd quarter valued at $18,137,000. Savoir Faire Capital Management L.P. lifted its stake in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 89.9% in the 3rd quarter. Savoir Faire Capital Management L.P. now owns 69,885 shares of the companys stock worth $5,584,000 after acquiring an additional 33,081 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 3.0% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,585,935 shares of the companys stock valued at $126,716,000 after purchasing an additional 46,459 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans boosted its position in Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by 9.3% during the third quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 1,657,402 shares of the companys stock valued at $132,427,000 after purchasing an additional 140,978 shares during the last quarter. 93.46% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Wyndham Hotels & Resorts alerts: Insider Activity In other news, CEO Geoffrey A. Ballotti sold 55,124 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, January 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $79.27, for a total transaction of $4,369,679.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 490,028 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,844,519.56. This represents a 10.11% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Scott R. Strickland sold 28,134 shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.11, for a total value of $2,000,608.74. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 40,363 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,870,212.93. This trade represents a 41.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 84,227 shares of company stock worth $6,440,298. Insiders own 2.46% of the companys stock. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Stock Down 1.0% WH stock opened at $79.60 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.37, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The company has a 50-day moving average of $78.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of $78.66. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.08 and a beta of 0.72. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has a 52-week low of $69.21 and a 52-week high of $104.62. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 18th. The company reported $0.93 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $334.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $337.63 million. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts had a return on equity of 64.18% and a net margin of 13.51%.Wyndham Hotels & Resortss revenue for the quarter was down 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.04 earnings per share. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.620-4.800 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Wyndham Hotels & Resorts will post 4.79 EPS for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have weighed in on WH. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $87.00 target price on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a research report on Friday, February 20th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, February 7th. Barclays restated an overweight rating and set a $98.00 price target on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in a report on Friday, February 20th. Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $98.00 to $99.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts from $95.00 to $91.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, February 3rd. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $95.46. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Company Profile (Free Report) Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc (NYSE: WH) is a leading global hospitality company specializing in hotel franchising and management. Established in 2018 through the spin-off of Wyndham Hotel Group from Wyndham Worldwide, the company focuses on the development, marketing and distribution of hotel brands designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers. Its core business model centers on franchising agreements, enabling third-party hotel owners to operate under the Wyndham portfolio while accessing the companys centralized services and support. The companys brand portfolio spans economy, midscale and upper-midscale segments, featuring well-known names such as Wyndham, Ramada, Days Inn, Super 8, Microtel Inn & Suites, and La Quinta by Wyndham. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:WH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. STF Management LP bought a new position in shares of Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI Free Report) (TSE:TRI) during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor bought 6,104 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $948,000. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in TRI. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC lifted its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 4.6% in the 2nd quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 1,414 shares of the business services providers stock worth $284,000 after buying an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 30.9% in the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 309 shares of the business services providers stock worth $62,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 21.2% in the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 441 shares of the business services providers stock worth $69,000 after acquiring an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. boosted its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 50.0% in the third quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 249 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its stake in Thomson Reuters by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 3,274 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $659,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares in the last quarter. 17.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have recently commented on TRI. TD Securities reiterated a buy rating on shares of Thomson Reuters in a research note on Friday, February 6th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $140.00 target price on shares of Thomson Reuters and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 4th. BMO Capital Markets set a $165.00 price target on shares of Thomson Reuters in a research report on Friday, February 6th. Morgan Stanley set a $116.00 price objective on Thomson Reuters in a report on Friday, February 6th. Finally, UBS Group set a $131.50 target price on Thomson Reuters in a report on Friday, February 6th. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Thomson Reuters presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $156.42. Thomson Reuters Stock Up 4.4% NYSE:TRI opened at $109.44 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $109.67 and a 200-day moving average of $137.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $48.70 billion, a PE ratio of 22.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.67 and a beta of 0.81. Thomson Reuters Co. has a 52 week low of $79.71 and a 52 week high of $218.42. Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 5th. The business services provider reported $1.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.06 by $0.01. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 14.62% and a net margin of 30.45%.The business had revenue of $2 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.01 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Thomson Reuters Co. will post 3.89 EPS for the current year. Thomson Reuters Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be paid a $0.655 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This is an increase from Thomson Reuterss previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. This represents a $2.62 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. Thomson Reuterss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 78.68%. Thomson Reuters Company Profile (Free Report) Thomson Reuters (NYSE: TRI) is a multinational information and media company that provides content, technology and services to professionals in the legal, tax & accounting, compliance, risk, corporate and media sectors. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, the company combines news and editorial content from the Reuters news agency with specialist workflow platforms and databases designed to support decision-making and regulatory compliance across industries worldwide. The companys product portfolio spans legal research and workflow tools, tax and accounting software, regulatory and risk management solutions, and real-time news and data services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI Free Report) (TSE:TRI). Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BJs Wholesale Club (NYSE:BJ Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 4.400-4.600 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 4.490. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have commented on BJ shares. William Blair reaffirmed a mixed rating on shares of BJs Wholesale Club in a report on Thursday. Evercore reissued a positive rating on shares of BJs Wholesale Club in a research report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of BJs Wholesale Club in a report on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of BJs Wholesale Club in a research note on Friday, February 20th. Finally, UBS Group reissued a buy rating on shares of BJs Wholesale Club in a report on Monday, November 24th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $107.63. Get BJ's Wholesale Club alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on BJ BJs Wholesale Club Price Performance BJ stock opened at $98.49 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $95.70 and a 200-day moving average of $94.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.36. BJs Wholesale Club has a 12 month low of $86.68 and a 12 month high of $121.10. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. BJs Wholesale Club (NYSE:BJ Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, March 5th. The company reported $0.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.93 by $0.03. BJs Wholesale Club had a net margin of 2.72% and a return on equity of 28.66%. The business had revenue of $5.58 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.54 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.93 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. BJs Wholesale Club has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.400-4.600 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that BJs Wholesale Club will post 3.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. More BJs Wholesale Club News Here are the key news stories impacting BJs Wholesale Club this week: Institutional Trading of BJs Wholesale Club Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. State Street Corp boosted its position in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 25.4% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 5,082,478 shares of the companys stock valued at $473,941,000 after acquiring an additional 1,028,779 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its stake in BJs Wholesale Club by 32.9% in the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 3,272,839 shares of the companys stock valued at $305,192,000 after purchasing an additional 809,890 shares in the last quarter. Select Equity Group L.P. lifted its position in BJs Wholesale Club by 38.6% during the second quarter. Select Equity Group L.P. now owns 2,411,459 shares of the companys stock valued at $260,028,000 after purchasing an additional 672,122 shares during the last quarter. Marshall Wace LLP grew its stake in BJs Wholesale Club by 140.3% in the 4th quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 867,105 shares of the companys stock worth $78,065,000 after buying an additional 506,287 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 33.2% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,927,593 shares of the companys stock worth $173,542,000 after buying an additional 480,714 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.60% of the companys stock. BJs Wholesale Club Company Profile (Get Free Report) BJs Wholesale Club, headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, is a membership-based warehouse retailer offering a wide range of products and services primarily to small businesses and individual consumers. The company operates large-format clubs that provide value-priced groceries, health and beauty products, electronics, home goods, furniture, seasonal items and automotive supplies. In addition to its in-club offerings, BJs features fuel stations at many locations and operates an e-commerce platform for online ordering and home delivery. Founded in 1984 as a division of Zayre Corp., BJs Wholesale Club quickly expanded throughout the Northeastern United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for BJ's Wholesale Club Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BJ's Wholesale Club and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ADT (NYSE:ADT Get Free Report)s stock had its underweight rating reaffirmed by Barclays in a report released on Friday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They presently have a $7.00 price objective on the security and automation business stock. Barclayss target price points to a potential upside of 3.86% from the stocks current price. Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of ADT in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup reduced their target price on ADT from $10.00 to $8.50 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Zacks Research raised ADT from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, February 16th. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on ADT from $9.00 to $7.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $10.40 price objective on shares of ADT in a research note on Monday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $8.38. Get ADT alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ADT ADT Price Performance Shares of ADT opened at $6.74 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $5.53 billion, a PE ratio of 10.21 and a beta of 1.00. ADT has a 52-week low of $6.65 and a 52-week high of $8.94. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $7.93 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $8.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a current ratio of 0.93. ADT (NYSE:ADT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, March 2nd. The security and automation business reported $0.23 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.20 by $0.03. ADT had a net margin of 11.60% and a return on equity of 19.16%. The company had revenue of $2.55 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.30 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.20 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. ADT has set its FY 2026 guidance at 0.890-0.890 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that ADT will post 0.7 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of ADT Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of ADT in the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Quent Capital LLC purchased a new stake in ADT in the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC bought a new position in ADT during the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its holdings in ADT by 1,759.1% during the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 3,997 shares of the security and automation businesss stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 3,782 shares during the last quarter. Finally, WPG Advisers LLC grew its stake in shares of ADT by 54.3% in the 3rd quarter. WPG Advisers LLC now owns 4,091 shares of the security and automation businesss stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 1,440 shares in the last quarter. 87.22% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. ADT Company Profile (Get Free Report) ADT Inc is a leading provider of security and automation solutions for residential and commercial customers. The company offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, including intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, fire and carbon monoxide monitoring, and integrated smart home automation platforms. Through professional installation, continuous monitoring, and a network of 24/7 monitoring centers, ADT helps customers protect their properties, assets and loved ones. Founded in 1874 as the American District Telegraph Company, ADT has evolved from one of the first telegraph-based alarm services into a modern security technology enterprise. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for ADT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ADT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. (NYSE:FDP Get Free Report) SVP Effie Silva sold 285 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $42.50, for a total transaction of $12,112.50. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 11,133 shares in the company, valued at $473,152.50. This represents a 2.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Fresh Del Monte Produce Price Performance Shares of NYSE FDP opened at $42.51 on Friday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $38.84 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $36.79. Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. has a twelve month low of $29.00 and a twelve month high of $43.58. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.61 and a beta of 0.28. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 2.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Get Fresh Del Monte Produce alerts: Fresh Del Monte Produce (NYSE:FDP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 18th. The company reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.28 by $0.42. Fresh Del Monte Produce had a return on equity of 7.63% and a net margin of 2.10%.The company had revenue of $968.20 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.01 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.26 earnings per share. Fresh Del Monte Produces revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. Fresh Del Monte Produce Dividend Announcement Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 4th will be given a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 4th. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.8%. Fresh Del Monte Produces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 63.83%. FDP has been the topic of a number of research reports. Wall Street Zen raised Fresh Del Monte Produce from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, February 21st. Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Monday, February 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Fresh Del Monte Produce Key Stories Impacting Fresh Del Monte Produce Here are the key news stories impacting Fresh Del Monte Produce this week: Positive Sentiment: Company reported a strong EPS beat for the quarter ($0.70 vs. $0.28 consensus) and improved year?over?year profitability, showing operating leverage in recent results. Read More. Company reported a strong EPS beat for the quarter ($0.70 vs. $0.28 consensus) and improved year?over?year profitability, showing operating leverage in recent results. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 (annualized $1.20, ~2.8% yield), payable March 27 with record date March 4 supports income-seeking investors and raises baseline demand. Read More. Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.30 (annualized $1.20, ~2.8% yield), payable March 27 with record date March 4 supports income-seeking investors and raises baseline demand. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Recent analyst upgrades (Wall Street Zen, Weiss Ratings) moved sentiment toward Buy, which could support medium-term demand if upgrades attract new flows. Read More. Recent analyst upgrades (Wall Street Zen, Weiss Ratings) moved sentiment toward Buy, which could support medium-term demand if upgrades attract new flows. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Institutional ownership remains high (~65%), with several funds increasing positions; that provides stability but also means future trading can be driven by large holders rebalancing. Read More. Institutional ownership remains high (~65%), with several funds increasing positions; that provides stability but also means future trading can be driven by large holders rebalancing. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Media comparison piece examines FDP versus Pilgrims Pride as alternative food stocks useful context for relative valuation decisions but not an immediate catalyst. Read More. Media comparison piece examines FDP versus Pilgrims Pride as alternative food stocks useful context for relative valuation decisions but not an immediate catalyst. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Significant insider selling: several senior executives (COO Mohammed Abbas, CFO Monica Vicente and multiple SVPs) sold substantial blocks on March 34 at ~$42.342.5, reducing their individual holdings by mid-single to mid?20% ranges selling by management can be read as a near?term negative signal to investors. Read More. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FDP. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce by 390.8% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 962 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 766 shares in the last quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its holdings in Fresh Del Monte Produce by 1,488.5% in the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 969 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after buying an additional 908 shares during the period. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its position in Fresh Del Monte Produce by 238.1% during the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,065 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,000 after acquiring an additional 750 shares in the last quarter. Leonteq Securities AG purchased a new position in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce during the 4th quarter worth approximately $39,000. Finally, Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Fresh Del Monte Produce during the 4th quarter worth approximately $61,000. 64.83% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Fresh Del Monte Produce Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc is a leading producer, marketer and distributor of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables worldwide. The company offers a wide range of products including bananas, pineapples, melons, grapes and avocados, along with value-added items such as fruit salads, vegetable trays and snack packs under the Del Monte brand. Founded in 1989 as a spin-off from Del Monte, Fresh Del Monte has developed a global supply chain that spans production farms, ripening facilities and packaging centers across Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fresh Del Monte Produce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresh Del Monte Produce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Key Takeaways The average Vanguard 401(k) balance rose to a record $167,970 at year-end 2025. The growth was driven by strong stock market gains and Americans' expanding use of automated savings plans. A record 6% of Vanguard participants took a hardship withdrawal in 2025, the sixth straight annual increase and triple the pre-pandemic rate. For the sixth straight year, more Americans raided their retirement accounts during a crisis. They also finished the year with more money in their 401(k)s than ever before. About 6% of workers in Vanguard's 401(k) plans tapped emergency funds last year, while average account balances also hit an all-time high of $167,970, a 13% annual increase. The markets rewarded those who stayed invested: the S&P 500 gained 16%, bonds rose 7%. The job market told a different story. Excluding health care, nonfarm payroll employment fell throughout most of 2025, layoffs surged to their highest level since the pandemic, and credit card delinquencies hit a 13-year high. Saving on Autopilot, Building Record Retirement Savings Automatic features amplified the 401(k) gains from the stock market. A record 79% of large Vanguard plansthose with at least 1,000 participantsauto-enrolled new hires in 2025, up from 34% in 2013. Most of these plans also quietly bump that contribution rate a little higher each year, and nearly two-thirds start workers at 4% of their paycheck or more from the beginning. The share of participants in professionally managed allocationstarget-date funds, balanced funds, or managed accountshit an all-time high of 69%. That group traded four to five times less frequently than other investors during the market's volatility after the Trump tariffs in April 2025. Advisor Insight The gap between the average 401(k) balance and the median tells the real story: more Americans are building wealth on autopilot. Yet many are also one medical bill or missed mortgage payment away from raiding their retirement plans. A Safety Net With a Price Tag The 6% hardship withdrawal rate, up from 4.8% in 2024 and triple the roughly 2% annual rates before the pandemic, marks the sixth consecutive annual increase since Congress loosened the rules in 2018 by eliminating the requirement to take a 401(k) loan first. The top reasons workers gave for needing these loans were to avoid foreclosure or eviction and to cover medical expenses. The median withdrawal was $1,900. "Hardship withdrawals are driven by a few overlapping factors, including ongoing financial pressures for a subset of workers, along with administrative and regulatory changes," Jeff Clark, Vanguard's head of defined contribution research, told Investopedia. "More workers are automatically enrolled, saving at higher rates, and building meaningful balances, which means more people actually have retirement assets available if a financial shock occurs." Gran Tierra Energy (TSE:GTE Get Free Report) (NYSEMKT:GTE) issued its earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported C($5.43) EPS for the quarter, FiscalAI reports. The firm had revenue of C$169.06 million during the quarter. Gran Tierra Energy had a negative net margin of 32.07% and a negative return on equity of 56.05%. Here are the key takeaways from Gran Tierra Energys conference call: Get Gran Tierra Energy alerts: Gran Tierra executed a bond exchange with ~ 88% participation and expanded its prepayment agreement by up to $175 million (plus a $25 million accordion), improving liquidity and shifting the company from near-term refinancing to disciplined, opportunistic debt reduction and potential bond buybacks. Gran Tierra executed a bond exchange with ~ and expanded its prepayment agreement by (plus a $25 million accordion), improving liquidity and shifting the company from near-term refinancing to disciplined, opportunistic debt reduction and potential bond buybacks. The company reported a net loss of $193 million (including $136 million of non?cash ceiling test impairments), with adjusted EBITDA down 23% to $284 million and 2025 funds flow from operations falling to $178 million, while cash ended the year at $83 million. The company reported a net loss of (including $136 million of non?cash ceiling test impairments), with adjusted EBITDA down 23% to $284 million and 2025 funds flow from operations falling to $178 million, while cash ended the year at $83 million. Production averaged 45,709 boe/d in 2025 (up 32%) and year?end reserves were strong (1P 142 mmboe, 2P 258 mmboe) with >100% PDP replacement in South America, while NAV per share metrics imply a multi?turn discount to the current share price. Production averaged in 2025 (up 32%) and year?end reserves were strong (1P 142 mmboe, 2P 258 mmboe) with >100% PDP replacement in South America, while NAV per share metrics imply a multi?turn discount to the current share price. Hedges cover roughly 50% of oil volumes for 2026 (average floor ? $60/boe and ceiling ? $74/boe) and AECO gas swaps cover ~14,200 GJ/day at ?$2.77/GJ, providing cash?flow stability while preserving upside. Hedges cover roughly of oil volumes for 2026 (average floor ? $60/boe and ceiling ? $74/boe) and AECO gas swaps cover ~14,200 GJ/day at ?$2.77/GJ, providing cash?flow stability while preserving upside. Operationally Raju?2 is producing ~790 b/d at <1% water cut ahead of expectations, Suroriente carry commitments should complete by mid?2026, and management cites structural OpEx improvements (including ~10% reductions in Canada and fuel switching in Ecuador). Gran Tierra Energy Trading Up 4.7% GTE stock opened at C$10.61 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 316.85, a current ratio of 0.60 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of C$7.32 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$6.33. Gran Tierra Energy has a 1-year low of C$4.33 and a 1-year high of C$10.80. The company has a market capitalization of C$374.49 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.13, a PEG ratio of 0.23 and a beta of 1.01. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have commented on GTE. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Gran Tierra Energy from C$8.00 to C$6.50 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 12th. Canaccord Genuity Group downgraded shares of Gran Tierra Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a C$8.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Roth Mkm lowered shares of Gran Tierra Energy from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$8.17. View Our Latest Report on Gran Tierra Energy About Gran Tierra Energy (Get Free Report) Gran Tierra Energy Inc is an independent energy company. It is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and gas properties in proven, under-explored hydrocarbon basins that have access to established infrastructure. The firm produces primarily light crude oil, supplemented with medium crude and natural gas. Gran Tierra holds interests in producing and prospective properties in Colombia and prospective properties in Ecuador. The company has a strategy that focuses on establishing a portfolio of producing properties, plus production enhancement and exploration opportunities to provide a base for future growth. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Gran Tierra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gran Tierra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Permanent TSB Group (LON:PTSB) management said 2025 marked a transformational year as balance sheet growth, cost reduction, and regulatory approval for updated mortgage IRB models strengthened the banks capital position and competitive flexibility, despite pressure from a lower interest-rate environment. Get alerts: 2025 lending and balance sheet growth Chief Executive Eamonn Crowley said the bank lent a total of 3.4 billion in 2025, its highest annual level in 18 years, with about 17% of lending in non-mortgage categories. Deposits increased 6%, or 1.5 billion, as the bank emphasized the role of current accounts and low-cost funding in its strategy. Mortgage book : up over 3% (CFO Barry DArcy said the performing mortgage book rose 3.5% to 20.4 billion ) : up over (CFO Barry DArcy said the performing mortgage book rose to ) Business Banking portfolio : up 9% : up New mortgage lending : 2.9 billion with 20% market share (up from about 16% in 2024) : with market share (up from about in 2024) New Business Banking lending: 450 million, up 4%, including a 10% increase in new SME lending (asset finance flat) Management highlighted growth across key portfolios: In consumer lending, management said the segment remains about 1% of the loan book, but activity increased following a September refresh that included lower rates, a simplified product set, and an easier online process. DArcy said average weekly applications were up 25% and drawdowns up 63% since the refresh. Income, margins, and profitability Total operating income fell 3% year-over-year in 2025, which management attributed to lower ECB and mortgage rates and higher average deposit costs. However, executives described a game of two halves, with income rising 3% in the second half versus the first half as margins stabilized and volume growth supported net interest income. Net interest income was 590 million, down 4%, with higher deposit costs cited as the main headwind. DArcy said the banks average rates paid on term deposits and interest-bearing deposits were lower in the second half compared with the first half, and management expects some benefit as higher-priced deposits in the 2.75%3% range roll off. The bank reported a net interest margin (NIM) of 203 basis points for the year (in line with guidance of greater than 200), and a Q4 exit NIM of 208 basis points. Guidance for 2026 is for NIM of greater than 210 basis points, based on an assumption that the ECB deposit rate remains at 2% through the year. Profitability metrics presented on an underlying basis showed: Underlying profit before tax (before exceptional items): 175 million , down 3% from 2024 (before exceptional items): , down from 2024 Return on Tangible Equity (RoTE) : about 7.3% : about Equivalent EPS: 0.206 Net fees and commissions rose 5% to 58 million, driven mainly by current account income. Management also cited work to manage outgoing payment costs and referenced developments including final implementation of SEPA Instant and the expected launch of Zippay in Ireland. Other income was 7 million, up from 5 million, which management linked to customer-related FX and hedging gains mentioned previously in a Q3 statement. Costs, restructuring, and operating efficiency Operating costs declined 2% to 519 million, beating prior guidance of 525 million. DArcy said regulatory charges were 25 million, helped by no charge for the Deposit Guarantee Scheme. The cost-income ratio increased by one point to 75%, though management said it improved through the year and was closer to 74% in the second half. Exceptional items totaled 47 million, above the 32 million guided at the half-year stage. The bank recorded 35 million for a voluntary severance scheme and 12 million for other non-core items, including early costs related to its formal sales process. Headcount reductions were a key contributor to cost actions. Management said the bank delivered a reduction of 329 FTEs in 2025 to 2,918, exceeding an initial commitment to reduce by 300. DArcy said the voluntary severance program is expected to generate annualized savings of around 21 million, with less than half realized in 2025 and the remainder expected to benefit 2026 results. In the Q&A, executives said many voluntary severance participants were longer-tenured staff. Asset quality, capital, and IRB model approval Asset quality remained strong, with the bank recording an impairment release of 39 million, its fifth consecutive annual impairment release. Management said the outcome reflected a benign macro environment and the completion of a review of IFRS 9 mortgage models, including staging, LGD, and PD models. Total provision stock ended 2025 at 320 million (or 1.4% of loans), down from 392 million (or 1.8%) the prior year. The NPL ratio fell to 1.4%. Guidance for 2026 is for a nil/zero impairment charge. On capital, management emphasized the impact of regulatory approval for new and updated mortgage IRB models. Crowley described the approval as transformational, and DArcy detailed that, on a pro forma basis, applying the new models reduced mortgage risk weights materially. The company said the pro forma mortgage risk weight would fall to 30.7% at end-2025, representing around a 9 percentage point decline over one year when combined with the CRR3 effect. DArcy said this translated into a pro forma reduction in RWAs of over 900 million, equivalent to about 130 million in capital. Reported CET1 was 15.9% at year-end, rising to 17.5% on a pro forma basis incorporating the new IRB models and a loan sale. The banks 2026 SREP requirement was stated as 10.69%, and management reiterated a 14% CET1 target, noting in Q&A that the SREP demand had reduced by 25 basis points versus prior years. Management said it does not plan to recommend additional distributions at this time due to the ongoing formal sales process and takeover-rule constraints, even as it noted that sustainable returns and distribution capacity are higher following IRB approval. Dividend return and medium-term targets The board proposed a final dividend of 10 million, or approximately 0.018 per share, described as the banks first dividend since 2008 and its first as a standalone business. Management characterized the payment as an important milestone after an extended period under dividend restrictions. Looking ahead, the bank reiterated medium-term targets out to 2028 and provided 2026 guidance within the limits of takeover rules. Management said it expects RoTE to rise to over 9% in 2026 and toward 13% in 2028, supported by a higher NIM, accelerating lending growth, and cost discipline. The bank guided to a 2026 cost-income ratio of less than 70%, with an ambition to reduce it to below 60% by 2028. For credit, it said it is prudently modeling a cost of risk rising toward 2025 basis points by 2028. Management also pointed to the Irish mortgage markets resilience, noting industry mortgage lending reached 14.5 billion in 2025 versus its forecast of 14 billion, and said PTSB took 20% of that market. In Q&A, executives said they were happy with the 20% share in a growing market and emphasized that IRB changes provide more optionality in pricing and segment focus, particularly in first-time buyer lending. About Permanent TSB Group (LON:PTSB) Permanent TSB Group Holdings plc operates in the retail, and small and medium sized enterprises (SME) banking sectors in the Republic of Ireland. It provides transactional banking, lending, saving, and deposit taking services. The company offers its products and services through branch network, brokers, direct, digital and SME channel. Permanent TSB Group Holdings plc was founded in 1816 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Read More Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) had its target price lifted by investment analysts at Daiwa Securities Group from $150.00 to $170.00 in a research report issued on Friday,MarketScreener reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the technology companys stock. Daiwa Securities Groups target price would indicate a potential upside of 17.57% from the companys current price. Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Dbs Bank upgraded Dell Technologies to a moderate buy rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Dell Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, February 28th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $148.00 to $168.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, February 27th. Zacks Research lowered shares of Dell Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Evercore reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $160.00 price objective on shares of Dell Technologies in a research report on Thursday, February 19th. Sixteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $163.28. Get Dell Technologies alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Dell Technologies Dell Technologies Stock Performance Shares of NYSE DELL traded down $1.93 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $144.59. The companys stock had a trading volume of 817,980 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,432,960. The stock has a market capitalization of $95.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.58, a P/E/G ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 0.97. Dell Technologies has a 1-year low of $66.25 and a 1-year high of $168.08. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $122.78 and a two-hundred day moving average of $132.22. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 26th. The technology company reported $3.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.53 by $0.36. Dell Technologies had a net margin of 5.23% and a negative return on equity of 236.90%. The company had revenue of $33.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $31.60 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.68 EPS. Dell Technologiess revenue was up 39.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Dell Technologies has set its Q1 2027 guidance at 2.900-2.900 EPS and its FY 2027 guidance at 12.900-12.900 EPS. Analysts predict that Dell Technologies will post 6.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Dell Technologies In other Dell Technologies news, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 277,567 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, March 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $149.43, for a total transaction of $41,476,836.81. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 796 shares in the company, valued at $118,946.28. The trade was a 99.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Egon Durban sold 71,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $138.12, for a total transaction of $9,806,520.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 1,172,428 shares in the company, valued at approximately $161,935,755.36. This represents a 5.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 571,001 shares of company stock valued at $84,899,807. Corporate insiders own 42.00% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dell Technologies Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Dell Technologies by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. now owns 1,829 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $259,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC increased its position in Dell Technologies by 1.3% during the third quarter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC now owns 5,563 shares of the technology companys stock worth $789,000 after buying an additional 71 shares during the period. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Dell Technologies by 35.8% in the third quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 296 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $43,000 after buying an additional 78 shares during the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Dell Technologies by 0.4% in the third quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 21,631 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $3,067,000 after acquiring an additional 78 shares during the period. Finally, Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC grew its position in shares of Dell Technologies by 2.3% during the third quarter. Patriot Financial Group Insurance Agency LLC now owns 3,559 shares of the technology companys stock worth $504,000 after acquiring an additional 81 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.37% of the companys stock. Dell Technologies News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Dell Technologies this week: About Dell Technologies (Get Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures and sells a broad range of information technology products, solutions and services. Its offerings span client computing devices (consumer and commercial laptops and desktops), enterprise infrastructure (servers, storage systems and networking equipment), software and cloud infrastructure, and a variety of professional services such as IT consulting, deployment, managed services and financing solutions. The company serves organizations of all sizes as well as individual consumers, with products and services aimed at enabling digital transformation and modern IT environments. Founded by Michael Dell in 1984, the company grew from a direct-to-consumer PC business into a diversified IT provider through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW Free Report) from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report released on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports. A number of other research firms have also weighed in on SNOW. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their price objective on Snowflake from $270.00 to $240.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, February 26th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Snowflake in a research report on Thursday, February 26th. KeyCorp cut their price objective on shares of Snowflake from $285.00 to $235.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, February 19th. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Snowflake from $280.00 to $310.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their target price on shares of Snowflake from $270.00 to $240.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 26th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-three have assigned a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $248.58. Get Snowflake alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on SNOW Snowflake Stock Up 2.0% Shares of NYSE:SNOW traded up $3.49 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $180.94. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,507,423 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,488,470. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $194.68 and a 200-day moving average of $221.87. The firm has a market capitalization of $61.92 billion, a P/E ratio of -45.81 and a beta of 1.16. Snowflake has a 12-month low of $120.10 and a 12-month high of $280.67. Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 25th. The company reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.27 by $0.05. Snowflake had a negative net margin of 28.43% and a negative return on equity of 48.50%. The business had revenue of $1.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.25 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.30 earnings per share. Snowflakes quarterly revenue was up 30.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts anticipate that Snowflake will post -2.36 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, SVP Vivek Raghunathan sold 11,801 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $220.44, for a total value of $2,601,412.44. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 218,020 shares of the companys stock, valued at $48,060,328.80. This represents a 5.13% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Christian Kleinerman sold 10,000 shares of Snowflake stock in a transaction on Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $219.90, for a total transaction of $2,199,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 471,351 shares in the company, valued at approximately $103,650,084.90. This trade represents a 2.08% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 662,940 shares of company stock worth $135,715,906 over the last ninety days. 6.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Snowflake Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Snowflake by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 732,092 shares of the companys stock worth $165,123,000 after buying an additional 8,002 shares in the last quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Snowflake by 13.5% in the 3rd quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. now owns 408,037 shares of the companys stock valued at $92,047,000 after acquiring an additional 48,411 shares during the last quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC grew its position in Snowflake by 32.8% in the third quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 153,358 shares of the companys stock worth $34,586,000 after acquiring an additional 37,911 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Snowflake by 3.1% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 28,647,593 shares of the companys stock worth $6,461,465,000 after acquiring an additional 857,832 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rheos Capital Works Inc. increased its stake in Snowflake by 102.9% during the third quarter. Rheos Capital Works Inc. now owns 207,000 shares of the companys stock worth $46,689,000 after acquiring an additional 105,000 shares during the last quarter. 65.10% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Key Headlines Impacting Snowflake Here are the key news stories impacting Snowflake this week: Positive Sentiment: Strong post?earnings momentum: Snowflakes late?February Q4/FY2026 results showed product?revenue strength and improving profitability, which traders continue to bid up as the market re?rates growth tied to AI consumption. QuiverQuant: Price Move Analysis Strong post?earnings momentum: Snowflakes late?February Q4/FY2026 results showed product?revenue strength and improving profitability, which traders continue to bid up as the market re?rates growth tied to AI consumption. Positive Sentiment: Major AI partnerships and product expansion: Snowflake has announced multi?year deals with OpenAI and Anthropic, acquired Observe for observability, and launched Cortex Code moves that solidify its role as an enterprise AI data platform and support expectations for higher consumption. Yahoo: AI deals and product update Major AI partnerships and product expansion: Snowflake has announced multi?year deals with OpenAI and Anthropic, acquired Observe for observability, and launched Cortex Code moves that solidify its role as an enterprise AI data platform and support expectations for higher consumption. Positive Sentiment: Analyst optimism and price?target upside: Multiple firms are bullish post?results (median recent target ~$245), and several buy/overweight ratings have been reiterated supporting further upside if execution on AI monetization continues. QuiverQuant: Analyst coverage summary Analyst optimism and price?target upside: Multiple firms are bullish post?results (median recent target ~$245), and several buy/overweight ratings have been reiterated supporting further upside if execution on AI monetization continues. Positive Sentiment: Zacks rating change: Zacks upgraded Snowflake from strong sell to hold, a modest signal that some sell?side skepticism is easing. Zacks Research Zacks rating change: Zacks upgraded Snowflake from strong sell to hold, a modest signal that some sell?side skepticism is easing. Neutral Sentiment: Market narrative and technical factors: Commentary on buy the dip and long?term upside (e.g., Evercore / coverage pieces) is drawing bargain hunters; part of todays move may reflect momentum/short?covering rather than fresh fundamental news. Barchart / Evercore coverage Market narrative and technical factors: Commentary on buy the dip and long?term upside (e.g., Evercore / coverage pieces) is drawing bargain hunters; part of todays move may reflect momentum/short?covering rather than fresh fundamental news. Negative Sentiment: Multiple securities?class?action filings and law?firm notices: Several firms (Rosen, Pomerantz, Portnoy, Faruqi, Bernstein Liebhard, Schall, DJS, etc.) have filed or are soliciting lead?plaintiff claims related to prior disclosures; April 27, 2026 lead?plaintiff deadline is highlighted legal overhang could pressure sentiment and add litigation costs/uncertainty. GlobeNewswire: Rosen Law Firm notice Multiple securities?class?action filings and law?firm notices: Several firms (Rosen, Pomerantz, Portnoy, Faruqi, Bernstein Liebhard, Schall, DJS, etc.) have filed or are soliciting lead?plaintiff claims related to prior disclosures; April 27, 2026 lead?plaintiff deadline is highlighted legal overhang could pressure sentiment and add litigation costs/uncertainty. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: Recent data show extensive insider sales (multiple executives) and no recent insider purchases, which can be seen as a governance/conviction concern by some investors. QuiverQuant: Insider trading summary Snowflake Company Profile (Get Free Report) Snowflake Inc is a cloud-native data platform company that provides a suite of services for storing, processing and analyzing large volumes of data. Its core offering, often described as the Snowflake Data Cloud, combines data warehousing, data lake and data sharing capabilities in a single managed service delivered across major public cloud providers. The platform is designed to support analytics, data engineering, data science and application workloads with a focus on scalability, concurrency and simplified administration. Key products and capabilities include a multi-cluster, shared-data architecture that separates compute from storage; continuous data ingestion and streaming; support for structured and semi-structured data formats; tools for data governance, security and compliance; and developer frameworks for building data applications. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Snowflake Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Snowflake and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Persimmon Plc (OTCMKTS:PSMMY Get Free Report) shares gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $36.29, but opened at $34.1025. Persimmon shares last traded at $34.09, with a volume of 1,272 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on Persimmon in a research report on Monday, November 24th. They set a buy rating for the company. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Persimmon in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of Persimmon from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and four have issued a Buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Persimmon has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Persimmon alerts: Read Our Latest Report on PSMMY Persimmon Stock Down 2.9% About Persimmon The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $38.67 and a 200 day simple moving average of $34.46. (Get Free Report) Persimmon plc (OTCMKTS:PSMMY) is a leading United Kingdombased residential property developer primarily engaged in the design, construction and sale of new homes. The companys product range spans starter homes for first-time buyers, family houses and executive properties, addressing a broad spectrum of customer needs. Persimmon also offers warranty and after-sales services through its in-house customer care teams, ensuring ongoing support for homeowners. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in York, North Yorkshire, Persimmon has grown from a regional builder into one of the UKs most prolific housebuilders. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Persimmon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Persimmon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taylor Wimpey plc (LON:TW Get Free Report) insider Jennie Daly sold 490,379 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, March 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 101, for a total value of 495,282.79. Jennie Daly also recently made the following trade(s): Get Taylor Wimpey alerts: On Monday, February 9th, Jennie Daly acquired 139 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 108 per share, for a total transaction of 150.12. On Thursday, January 8th, Jennie Daly bought 139 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 108 per share, with a total value of 150.12. On Monday, December 8th, Jennie Daly bought 147 shares of Taylor Wimpey stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 102 per share, with a total value of 149.94. Taylor Wimpey Stock Down 1.3% TW stock traded down GBX 1.35 during midday trading on Friday, hitting GBX 100.55. 38,546,870 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,409,451. The company has a market cap of 3.61 billion, a PE ratio of 14.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 4.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.94. The firms fifty day simple moving average is GBX 109.13 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 104.32. Taylor Wimpey ( LON:TW Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 5th. The homebuilder reported GBX 8 earnings per share for the quarter. Taylor Wimpey had a net margin of 2.40% and a return on equity of 1.97%. Equities research analysts forecast that Taylor Wimpey plc will post 9.8339265 EPS for the current year. Taylor Wimpey declared that its board has approved a share repurchase program on Thursday, March 5th that allows the company to repurchase 0 outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the homebuilder to purchase shares of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are usually a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In TW has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Taylor Wimpey in a report on Monday, November 24th. They set a neutral rating and a GBX 109 price target for the company. Citigroup cut their target price on shares of Taylor Wimpey from GBX 143 to GBX 137 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 128 price target on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a GBX 150 price objective on shares of Taylor Wimpey in a report on Friday, January 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on shares of Taylor Wimpey from GBX 140 to GBX 120 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 125.33. View Our Latest Report on Taylor Wimpey More Taylor Wimpey News Here are the key news stories impacting Taylor Wimpey this week: Positive Sentiment: Board authorises a share buyback, signalling management believes the stock is undervalued. The announcement may support the share price if repurchases follow. Read More. Board authorises a share buyback, signalling management believes the stock is undervalued. The announcement may support the share price if repurchases follow. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Stifel Nicolaus reaffirmed a buy rating with a GBX 120 price target, providing broker support and a clear upside reference for investors. Read More. Stifel Nicolaus reaffirmed a buy rating with a GBX 120 price target, providing broker support and a clear upside reference for investors. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Quarterly results: Taylor Wimpey reported GBX 8 EPS and reiterated profit guidance (metrics show low margins and modest ROE), which is neither clearly bullish nor deeply bearish on its own. Read More. Quarterly results: Taylor Wimpey reported GBX 8 EPS and reiterated profit guidance (metrics show low margins and modest ROE), which is neither clearly bullish nor deeply bearish on its own. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst/press take: Investors Chronicle describes the stock as offering income with limited growth, underscoring why yield-focused investors may remain interested while growth-focused investors stay cautious. Read More. Analyst/press take: Investors Chronicle describes the stock as offering income with limited growth, underscoring why yield-focused investors may remain interested while growth-focused investors stay cautious. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Taylor Wimpey warned on profit as margin pressures deepen and said it is shifting its payout structure that combination increases uncertainty around near-term earnings and dividends and is weighing on the share price today. Read More. About Taylor Wimpey (Get Free Report) Taylor Wimpey plc operates as a homebuilder in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Taylor Wimpey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taylor Wimpey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global Ship Lease (NYSE:GSL Get Free Report) had its target price increased by equities researchers at B. Riley Financial from $42.00 to $48.00 in a research note issued to investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the shipping companys stock. B. Riley Financials price target would indicate a potential upside of 24.16% from the companys current price. A number of other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Global Ship Lease in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Global Ship Lease from $33.00 to $39.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded Global Ship Lease from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $38.33. Get Global Ship Lease alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on GSL Global Ship Lease Trading Up 0.4% Shares of Global Ship Lease stock traded up $0.14 during trading on Friday, hitting $38.66. 238,207 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 363,764. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a current ratio of 2.19 and a quick ratio of 2.14. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.47 and a beta of 0.88. The firms fifty day moving average price is $37.18 and its 200 day moving average price is $33.77. Global Ship Lease has a 1-year low of $17.73 and a 1-year high of $41.40. Global Ship Lease (NYSE:GSL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 5th. The shipping company reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.31 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $190.95 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $188.39 million. Global Ship Lease had a net margin of 53.62% and a return on equity of 23.98%. The businesss revenue was up 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Global Ship Lease will post 9.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Global Ship Lease A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of GSL. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC raised its stake in Global Ship Lease by 1.3% in the 4th quarter. Samalin Investment Counsel LLC now owns 23,127 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $810,000 after acquiring an additional 291 shares during the period. Isthmus Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Global Ship Lease by 0.3% in the second quarter. Isthmus Partners LLC now owns 113,972 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $2,999,000 after purchasing an additional 347 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Global Ship Lease by 77.2% in the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 989 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 431 shares during the period. Prospera Financial Services Inc raised its position in shares of Global Ship Lease by 4.5% in the second quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 11,023 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $290,000 after purchasing an additional 477 shares during the period. Finally, Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Global Ship Lease by 5.2% during the 3rd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 9,827 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $302,000 after buying an additional 485 shares during the last quarter. 50.08% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Global Ship Lease News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Global Ship Lease this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat and strong profitability reported EPS of $2.32 vs. consensus $2.31 and revenue of $190.95M (up 4.7% YoY); net margin ~53.6% and ROE ~24% underline strong cash generation. MarketBeat Q4 results & call materials Q4 beat and strong profitability reported EPS of $2.32 vs. consensus $2.31 and revenue of $190.95M (up 4.7% YoY); net margin ~53.6% and ROE ~24% underline strong cash generation. Positive Sentiment: Very high forward contract cover improves revenue visibility management said ~99% of 2026 and ~81% of 2027 is contract-covered, reducing near-term spot exposure and supporting predictable cashflows. GlobeNewswire Q4 press release Very high forward contract cover improves revenue visibility management said ~99% of 2026 and ~81% of 2027 is contract-covered, reducing near-term spot exposure and supporting predictable cashflows. Positive Sentiment: Management highlighted strategic fleet renewal and increased return-of-capital programs, signaling optionality to recycle assets and prioritize shareholder distributions. Yahoo Finance: Q4 highlights Management highlighted strategic fleet renewal and increased return-of-capital programs, signaling optionality to recycle assets and prioritize shareholder distributions. Neutral Sentiment: Full earnings call transcript and slide deck are available for details on contract mix, capex and capital allocation useful for investors doing deeper due diligence. Seeking Alpha: Q4 presentation & transcript Full earnings call transcript and slide deck are available for details on contract mix, capex and capital allocation useful for investors doing deeper due diligence. Neutral Sentiment: Street expectations remain elevated for the year (consensus ~9.74 EPS for fiscal year), so future stock moves will hinge on how contract renewals and fleet disposition/renewal plans track versus those forecasts. MarketBeat company page Street expectations remain elevated for the year (consensus ~9.74 EPS for fiscal year), so future stock moves will hinge on how contract renewals and fleet disposition/renewal plans track versus those forecasts. Negative Sentiment: The EPS beat was marginal (+$0.01) and revenue growth was modest; trading volume is below average today, which may limit conviction behind the move and leave the stock sensitive to next-quarter guidance or charter-rate shifts. MarketBeat trading & stats Global Ship Lease Company Profile (Get Free Report) Global Ship Lease (NYSE: GSL) is a Bermuda-based containership charter owner focused on acquiring, owning and leasing modern, fuel-efficient vessels to major liner operators. Founded in 2011 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange the same year, the companys fleet primarily comprises post-Panamax containerships designed to serve the high-volume AsiaEurope and transpacific shipping lanes. By specializing in long-term charter agreements, Global Ship Lease aims to maintain stable revenue streams and minimize spot-market volatility. The companys business model centers on negotiating multi-year time charters with leading global shipping lines. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Global Ship Lease Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global Ship Lease and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by stock analysts at Citigroup from $23.00 to $24.00 in a note issued to investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the apparel retailers stock. Citigroups price target would indicate a potential upside of 27.80% from the stocks current price. A number of other equities analysts also recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised American Eagle Outfitters from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the stock from $14.00 to $20.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of American Eagle Outfitters from $31.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. They issued a neutral rating and a $25.00 price target for the company. Morgan Stanley set a $23.00 price objective on shares of American Eagle Outfitters in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, Barclays lowered their target price on American Eagle Outfitters from $24.00 to $19.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, American Eagle Outfitters currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $21.75. Get American Eagle Outfitters alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on AEO American Eagle Outfitters Trading Down 2.8% AEO traded down $0.55 on Friday, reaching $18.78. 2,380,912 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,747,334. The company has a market cap of $3.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.88 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. American Eagle Outfitters has a one year low of $9.27 and a one year high of $28.46. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $24.84 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $20.61. American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, March 4th. The apparel retailer reported $0.84 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.13. The business had revenue of $1.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.74 billion. American Eagle Outfitters had a net margin of 3.49% and a return on equity of 17.14%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.54 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that American Eagle Outfitters will post 1.7 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity at American Eagle Outfitters In related news, Director Cary D. Mcmillan sold 1,896 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.21, for a total transaction of $49,694.16. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Noel Joseph Spiegel sold 1,896 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.66, for a total value of $48,651.36. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 8.70% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Eagle Outfitters Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Jackson Creek Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of American Eagle Outfitters during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $407,000. XTX Topco Ltd grew its position in American Eagle Outfitters by 59.6% during the second quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 108,644 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $1,045,000 after buying an additional 40,563 shares during the period. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in American Eagle Outfitters in the third quarter valued at $1,426,000. Convergence Investment Partners LLC purchased a new position in American Eagle Outfitters in the third quarter valued at $4,165,000. Finally, Savant Capital LLC raised its position in shares of American Eagle Outfitters by 170.8% in the second quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 41,165 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $396,000 after acquiring an additional 25,962 shares during the period. 97.33% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. More American Eagle Outfitters News Here are the key news stories impacting American Eagle Outfitters this week: American Eagle Outfitters Company Profile (Get Free Report) American Eagle Outfitters, Inc (NYSE: AEO) is a leading American specialty retailer offering apparel, accessories and personal care products for men and women. The companys flagship brand, American Eagle, focuses on casualwear including denim, tops, outerwear and accessories targeted primarily at teens and young adults. In addition to its core apparel lines, the company operates the Aerie brand of intimates, loungewear and swimwear, which has gained recognition for its body-positive marketing and inclusive sizing. American Eagle Outfitters conducts business through a combination of over 900 brick-and-mortar stores in North America and Greater China, complemented by a growing e-commerce platform that serves customers around the globe. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for American Eagle Outfitters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Eagle Outfitters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tecnoglass (NYSE:TGLS Get Free Report) had its price objective cut by equities research analysts at B. Riley Financial from $70.00 to $65.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. B. Riley Financials target price points to a potential upside of 52.99% from the companys previous close. TGLS has been the topic of a number of other reports. DA Davidson lowered their price target on Tecnoglass from $80.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Tecnoglass in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of Tecnoglass from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Monday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $67.50. Get Tecnoglass alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Tecnoglass Tecnoglass Price Performance NYSE:TGLS traded down $1.62 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $42.49. The companys stock had a trading volume of 172,119 shares, compared to its average volume of 354,619. Tecnoglass has a fifty-two week low of $42.47 and a fifty-two week high of $90.34. The company has a current ratio of 1.86, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The company has a market capitalization of $1.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.48, a P/E/G ratio of 0.53 and a beta of 1.72. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $50.65 and a 200-day moving average of $56.85. Tecnoglass (NYSE:TGLS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 26th. The company reported $0.63 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by ($0.21). Tecnoglass had a net margin of 16.22% and a return on equity of 23.05%. The company had revenue of $245.30 million for the quarter. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.05 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TGLS. Castleark Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Tecnoglass during the second quarter worth approximately $3,060,000. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in Tecnoglass by 14.3% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 932,926 shares of the companys stock worth $72,171,000 after purchasing an additional 116,760 shares during the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. lifted its holdings in Tecnoglass by 445.3% during the 3rd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 526,061 shares of the companys stock worth $35,199,000 after buying an additional 429,590 shares in the last quarter. CenterBook Partners LP bought a new position in Tecnoglass in the 2nd quarter valued at $2,777,000. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Tecnoglass by 5.5% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 557,729 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,154,000 after buying an additional 29,281 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 37.35% of the companys stock. About Tecnoglass (Get Free Report) Tecnoglass, Inc is a vertically integrated designer, manufacturer and distributor of architectural glass, windows and aluminum products for the construction industry. The companys product portfolio includes tempered, laminated and insulated glass units, high?performance aluminum windows, curtainwall systems and storefront solutions tailored to commercial, residential and institutional projects. Established in 1994 as a family?run enterprise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Tecnoglass has grown through significant investments in automated production lines, research and development, and international quality certifications. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tecnoglass Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tecnoglass and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yangarra Resources (TSE:YGR Get Free Report) had its price objective increased by stock analysts at National Bank Financial from C$1.00 to C$1.25 in a report issued on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has a sector perform rating on the oil and gas exploration companys stock. National Bank Financials price target would suggest a potential upside of 10.62% from the companys previous close. Yangarra Resources Price Performance YGR stock traded down C$0.08 during trading on Friday, hitting C$1.13. The company had a trading volume of 135,439 shares, compared to its average volume of 113,707. The company has a current ratio of 2.00, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.63. The company has a fifty day moving average price of C$1.08 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$1.05. Yangarra Resources has a fifty-two week low of C$0.80 and a fifty-two week high of C$1.23. The company has a market cap of C$114.44 million, a P/E ratio of 6.65 and a beta of 0.19. Get Yangarra Resources alerts: Yangarra Resources (TSE:YGR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, March 5th. The oil and gas exploration company reported C$0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Yangarra Resources had a return on equity of 3.16% and a net margin of 15.55%.The company had revenue of C$21.78 million during the quarter. Equities research analysts expect that Yangarra Resources will post 0.490566 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Yangarra Resources Yangarra Resources Ltd is a junior oil and gas company which is engaged in the exploration, development, and production of natural gas and oil with operations in Western Canada. The company has its operations in Central Alberta. It generates its revenue from the sale of crude oil and natural gas products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Yangarra Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yangarra Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advantage Energy Ltd ( AAVVF ) is cautious about future growth investments, emphasizing that any growth will be fully funded by cash flow and dependent on a supportive commodity price outlook. Advantage Energy Ltd ( AAVVF ) is still prioritizing debt reduction, with a target range of $400 million to $500 million, indicating ongoing financial constraints. Despite strong operational outcomes, the company had to curtail up to 300 million cubic feet per day of gas production due to extremely low gas prices, impacting overall production levels. The upcoming commissioning of the new 75 million cubic feet per day Progress gas plant in Q2 2026 is expected to lead to highly efficient capital spending and increased free cash flow. Liquids production grew by 28% year over year, with liquids revenue representing 48% of total revenue, highlighting the high quality and value of their liquid products. Advantage Energy Ltd ( AAVVF ) achieved record operational performance in 2025, with annual production averaging 78,267 BOEs per day, the highest in its 25-year history. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript . Debt Target Range: $400 million to $500 million, expected to be reached in the second half of 2026. Story Continues Q & A Highlights Q: Can you elaborate on the operational performance and production levels achieved in 2025? A: Michael Belenkie, President and CEO, highlighted that 2025 was marked by record operational performance with average annual production reaching 78,267 BOEs per day, the highest in the company's 25-year history. This was supported by strong well performance across all assets. Liquids production grew by 28% year over year, contributing significantly to revenue despite representing a smaller portion of total production. Q: How did Advantage Energy manage to generate significant free cash flow despite a weak commodity price environment? A: Michael Belenkie explained that the company generated significant free cash flow through a strong hedging program and diversification into downstream gas markets and high-value liquids. Additionally, Advantage Energy employed price-sensitive production management, curtailing production during periods of extremely low gas prices to optimize cash flow. Q: What are the strategic plans for 2026 and beyond regarding production and infrastructure? A: The CEO stated that 2026 will be pivotal with the commissioning of a new 75 million cubic feet per day Progress gas plant in Q2. Post-commissioning, production is expected to average 90,000 BOEs per day through the end of 2027. The company plans to focus on efficient capital spending and accelerating free cash flow, with no additional infrastructure spending required at this level. Q: What is the company's approach to capital allocation and debt reduction? A: Advantage Energy prioritizes disciplined capital allocation, with a focus on debt reduction. The company plans to allocate substantially all free cash flow to debt reduction until reaching a target range of $400 million to $500 million, expected in the second half of 2026. Thereafter, they will balance further debt reduction with opportunistic share buybacks. Q: Can you provide an update on the Glacier Phase 2 CCS project and its significance? A: Michael Belenkie mentioned that the Glacier Phase 2 CCS project is expected to be completed by mid-2026. This project will significantly decarbonize the Glacier facility and is fully funded by Brookfield and the Canada Growth Fund. Advantage Energy, with a working interest of just under 50%, will benefit from the EBITDA generated by the project. For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Rocket Companies, Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz, UP Fintech, DeFi Development, PPDAI Group, Wealthfront, and IDT are the seven Fintech stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Fintech stocks are shares of companies that develop or use technology to deliver financial servicesincluding digital payments, online lending, neobanks, robo-advisors, insurtech, blockchain infrastructure, and financial software providers. For investors, these stocks are often valued for disruptive growth potential and network effects but carry sector-specific risks such as regulatory uncertainty, competition, and sensitivity to user adoption and transaction volumes. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Fintech stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Rocket Companies (RKT) Rocket Companies, Inc., a fintech holding company, provides mortgage lending, title and settlement services, and other financial technology services in the United States and Canada. It operates through two segments, Direct to Consumer and Partner Network. The companys solutions include Rocket Mortgage, a mortgage lender; Amrock that provides title insurance, property valuation, and settlement services; Rocket Homes, a home search platform and real estate agent referral network, which offers technology-enabled services to support the home buying and selling experience; and Rocket Loans, an online-based personal loans business. Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz (KSPI) Joint Stock Company Kaspi.kz, together with its subsidiaries, provides payments, marketplace, and fintech solutions for consumers and merchants in the Republic of Kazakhstan. It operates through three segments: Payments Platform, Marketplace Platform, and Fintech Platform. The Payments Platform segment facilities transactions between customers and merchants. Read Our Latest Research Report on KSPI UP Fintech (TIGR) UP Fintech Holding Limited provides online brokerage services focusing on Chinese investors. The company has developed a brokerage platform, which allows investor to trade stocks, options, warrants, and other financial instruments that can be accessed through its APP and website. It offers brokerage and value-added services, including investor education, community engagement, and IR platform services. Read Our Latest Research Report on TIGR DeFi Development (DFDV) We are a B2B fintech marketplace connecting commercial property borrowers and lenders with a human touch. We seek to revolutionize the commercial real estate lending market by making it hyper-efficient, transparent, and accessible to all rather than the few. Through our online platform, we provide technology that connects commercial mortgage borrowers looking for capital to refinance, build, or purchase commercial property, including, but not limited to, apartment buildings, to commercial property lenders. Read Our Latest Research Report on DFDV PPDAI Group (FINV) FinVolution Group operates in the online consumer finance industry. The company operates a fintech platform that is empowered by borrowers with financial institutions. It operates in China and internationally. The company was formerly known as PPDAI Group Inc. and changed its name to FinVolution Group in November 2019. Read Our Latest Research Report on FINV Wealthfront (WLTH) Were a different kind of FinTech. We are a technology company that built a financial solutions platform for digital natives, defined as those born after 1980 (i.e., Millennials, Gen Z, and later generations). Our platform is designed to address the needs of the wealth builders within these generations. Read Our Latest Research Report on WLTH IDT (IDT) IDT Corporation provides communications and payment services in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through Fintech, National Retail Solutions, net2phone, and Traditional Communications segments. The company operates point of sale, a terminal-based platform which provides independent retailers store management software, electronic payment processing, and other ancillary merchant services; and provides marketers with digital out-of-home advertising and transaction data. Read Our Latest Research Report on IDT Featured Stories Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of EQT (NYSE: EQT) in the last few weeks: 3/5/2026 EQT had its price target raised by Piper Sandler from $50.00 to $55.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 3/5/2026 EQT had its price target lowered by UBS Group AG from $76.00 to $75.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 3/3/2026 EQT had its price target raised by BMO Capital Markets from $60.00 to $68.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 2/24/2026 EQT had its price target raised by Capital One Financial Corporation from $55.00 to $58.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 2/23/2026 EQT had its price target raised by Barclays PLC from $64.00 to $67.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 2/23/2026 EQT was upgraded by Zacks Research from strong sell to hold. 2/20/2026 EQT had its price target raised by Wells Fargo & Company from $66.00 to $70.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 2/20/2026 EQT was upgraded by TD Securities to strong-buy. 2/20/2026 EQT had its price target raised by TD Cowen from $65.00 to $70.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 2/19/2026 EQT had its price target raised by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $58.00 to $68.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 2/18/2026 EQT had its neutral rating reaffirmed by Roth Mkm. 2/18/2026 EQT had its price target raised by Stephens from $70.00 to $71.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 2/10/2026 EQT had its price target lowered by TD Cowen from $68.00 to $65.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 2/9/2026 EQT was upgraded by TD Cowen to strong-buy. 1/26/2026 EQT had its price target raised by Wolfe Research from $61.00 to $62.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 1/26/2026 EQT had its price target raised by Siebert Williams Shank from $59.00 to $62.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock. 1/23/2026 EQT had its price target lowered by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $64.00 to $58.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 1/22/2026 EQT was downgraded by Zacks Research from hold to strong sell. 1/22/2026 EQT had its price target lowered by Stephens from $69.00 to $68.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 1/22/2026 EQT had its price target raised by Capital One Financial Corporation from $52.00 to $55.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 1/22/2026 EQT had its price target lowered by The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from $70.00 to $66.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 1/21/2026 EQT had its buy rating reaffirmed by UBS Group AG. 1/21/2026 EQT had its price target lowered by Scotiabank from $67.00 to $63.00. They now have a sector perform rating on the stock. 1/21/2026 EQT had its price target lowered by Barclays PLC from $67.00 to $64.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 1/18/2026 EQT had its buy rating reaffirmed by Jefferies Financial Group Inc.. 1/12/2026 EQT had its price target lowered by BMO Capital Markets from $65.00 to $60.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 1/8/2026 EQT had its price target lowered by Capital One Financial Corporation from $54.00 to $52.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 1/5/2026 EQT had its price target raised by Sanford C. Bernstein from $72.00 to $73.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 1/5/2026 EQT had its price target lowered by Wolfe Research from $70.00 to $61.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. EQT Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, March 2nd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th were issued a dividend of $0.165 per share. This represents a $0.66 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, February 17th. EQTs payout ratio is 19.94%. Get EQT Corporation alerts: Insider Transactions at EQT In other EQT news, insider Lesley Evancho sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, March 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.69, for a total value of $1,213,800.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 184,607 shares in the company, valued at $11,203,798.83. This represents a 9.77% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Sarah Fenton sold 3,768 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.37, for a total transaction of $227,474.16. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 52,806 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,187,898.22. This represents a 6.66% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last three months, insiders sold 56,282 shares of company stock valued at $3,428,530. Insiders own 0.72% of the companys stock. EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT) is a U.S.-based energy company focused on the exploration, development and production of natural gas. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the company concentrates its upstream operations in the Appalachian Basin, producing from major shale formations including the Marcellus and Utica. EQTs primary product is natural gas, with production activities supported by associated liquids and conventional gas assets where applicable. In addition to drilling and well development, EQT operates and coordinates the infrastructure and commercial activities necessary to bring gas to market. Read More Receive News & Ratings for EQT Corporation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EQT Corporation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Free Report)s stock price was down 1.1% during trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $67.64 and last traded at $68.10. Approximately 10,584,404 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 3% from the average daily volume of 10,263,996 shares. The stock had previously closed at $68.89. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently commented on the company. Stifel Nicolaus cut their price target on Altria Group from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 30th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Altria Group from $57.00 to $65.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, February 9th. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $57.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Monday, February 23rd. Argus upgraded Altria Group to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $63.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Altria Group has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $64.33. Get Altria Group alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on MO Altria Group Stock Down 0.7% The firm has a market capitalization of $111.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.18, a P/E/G ratio of 2.93 and a beta of 0.45. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $63.07 and a 200-day moving average of $62.64. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.32 by ($0.02). Altria Group had a net margin of 29.84% and a negative return on equity of 287.61%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.30 earnings per share. Altria Groups revenue for the quarter was down .5% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 EPS for the current fiscal year. Altria Group Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, March 25th will be paid a dividend of $1.06 per share. This represents a $4.24 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.4%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 25th. Altria Groups payout ratio is currently 103.16%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Altria Group Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MO. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 64.7% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 17,702 shares of the companys stock worth $926,000 after buying an additional 6,954 shares during the period. Sivia Capital Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 86.3% during the second quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC now owns 6,361 shares of the companys stock worth $373,000 after acquiring an additional 2,946 shares during the period. Schnieders Capital Management LLC. grew its position in shares of Altria Group by 6.9% in the second quarter. Schnieders Capital Management LLC. now owns 9,630 shares of the companys stock valued at $565,000 after purchasing an additional 618 shares during the last quarter. Simmons Bank grew its position in shares of Altria Group by 2.4% in the second quarter. Simmons Bank now owns 43,339 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,541,000 after purchasing an additional 1,004 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. lifted its holdings in Altria Group by 16.3% during the 2nd quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 53,601 shares of the companys stock worth $3,143,000 after purchasing an additional 7,521 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.41% of the companys stock. Altria Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the companys operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country. Altrias principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moscow is providing Tehran with information aimed at targeting the United States troops in the Middle East, the Washington Post reported on Friday, citing three officials familiar with the matter, AzerNEWS reports. The outlet claimed that Russia has been informing Iran of the locations of US military assets since the beginning of the conflict on Saturday. "It does seem like its a pretty comprehensive effort," one of the officials allegedly said on the condition of anonymity. The Russian Embassy in Washington refused to comment on the report. Russias involvement in the war would intensify an already volatile geopolitical situation. On Thursday, the Kremlin made the following statements regarding Iran: - "This is not our war. We need to act in our own interests concerning Iran." - "We must minimize the impact of the ongoing shocks in the global economy on our own economy and, wherever possible, achieve favorable outcomes." As the war set off by the joint U.S.-Israeli strike that took down Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei continues to escalate and spread far throughout the region, the severe disruption to air travel persists, even as some airlines and governments run limited rescue flights to get stranded travelers back home. United Arab Emirates national airlines Emirates and Etihad Airways have run approximately 100 rescue flights to cities across Europe and Asia during specific closures worked around airspace closures. KLM also ran an emergency flight between Muscat in Oman and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on March 4, while Lufthansa ran one between Muscat and Frankfurt the following day. "A limited number of flights continue to operate" out of UAE, airline confirms But as repeated Iranian strikes target cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, any flights could end up diverted or canceled at the last minute. Emirates just confirmed that any non-rescue flights will not run until March 7 at the earliest. Qatar Airways is also suspending all service into the weekend. In addition, the largest low-cost airline in the Middle East, AirArabia, just revealed that it is extending its suspension of all flights into the UAE to March 9. Related: Iranian strike hits major airport, injuries reported The only operating flights are rescue ones for stranded travelers. Although they are theoretically open for booking, these routes immediately fill up with those who had previously booked travel and were moved to the first available reopened flight. "A limited number of flights continue to operate in coordination with the relevant authorities, subject to operational and safety approvals," Air Arabia said in a March 4 statement. "Passengers scheduled on operating flights will be notified directly." Those with travel booked during those times can use the flight disruption travel voucher to either reschedule their flight free of charge, claim a credit for use on a future flight, or request a refund to the original method of payment. Deadlines for these options are being extended as more cancellations occur. Emirates is running exclusively rescue flights throughout the first week of March.Shutterstock Shutterstock These Middle Eastern flights will remain canceled throughout March For travelers going to and from the U.S., Delta Air Lines has suspended its service to Tel Aviv from JFK until at least March 22 over "ongoing conflict in the region," The Points Pundit wrote on Travel Update. American Airlines currently plans to resume its flight between Philadelphia and Doha in Qatar on March 12, but the escalation of the conflict makes it highly likely that this date will be moved further. By Arathy Somasekhar, Georgina McCartney and Amanda Stephenson HOUSTON, March 4 (Reuters) - Prices for heavy crude produced in the Americas surged to multi-year highs on Wednesday, as the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran stymied exports of similar oil produced in the Middle East. Benchmark crude oil prices have surged since the initial attacks last week, with Brent crude at its highest levels since January 2025. Iran has threatened to fire on any vessel sailing through the shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz off its southern coast in retaliation for the U.S.-Israeli attacks. That has effectively closed the strait, cutting off around a fifth of global oil supplies and leaving hundreds of vessels anchored outside the strait. Refiners are scrambling to deal with higher costs that could translate to higher consumer prices for gasoline and diesel fuel, and with Middle Eastern supply curtailed, the price of heavy oil produced in the United States, Canada and Venezuela has risen. Prices of Mars sour crude, the flagship crude produced in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and favored by refiners globally, traded at a $5.50 premium to U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude on Wednesday, brokers said. That was the highest since April 2020, and marks a $1.75 jump from Tuesday. "Buyers seem to be rushing to buy up these barrels as they expect the Middle East conflict to drag on longer," said Rohit Rathod, a senior analyst with ship tracking firm Vortexa. That will eat into refinery margins, even for plants not directly affected by the disruption. Many U.S. refineries are configured to run heavier crude, and would use it as they boost diesel production in response to rising prices for the fuel. OIL SUPPLY SQUEEZE Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer, on Tuesday said it may be forced to cut production by more than three million barrels per day in a few days if oil tankers cannot move freely to loading points in the Gulf, according to two Iraqi oil officials. Refiners in India, South Korea and the United States buy Iraq's Basrah oil and would have to replace that oil with similar quality crude from other regions. Heavy Louisiana Sweet, another crude produced off the U.S. coast, closed at a premium of $5.25 on Tuesday, highest since 2020, and $1 higher than Light Louisiana Sweet. That signals higher demand for heavier grades, which typically trade at a discount to lighter grades. The discount on heavy Canadian oil to WTI has tightened by $1.25 a barrel since last Friday, as buyers in India and China squeezed by the Middle East supply shortage are likely to turn in part to Canada, one of the world's largest producers of heavy crude, analysts said. The Trans Mountain pipeline, which ships heavy crude from Alberta's oil sands to the British Columbia coast for export overseas, is currently not full. The Irish premier has condemned a reckless attack on a United Nations interim force (Unifil) base in southern Lebanon. Taoiseach Micheal Martin said all Irish personnel serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in the country close to the border with Israel remain safe and accounted for. According to Irish national broadcaster RTE, the headquarters of Ghanas peacekeeping battalion in southern Lebanon was hit by missile attacks, leaving two soldiers critically injured. It is understood that Irish soldiers helped to evacuate the wounded Ghanaians. Oglaigh na hEireann can confirm that all Irish personnel deployed in Southern Lebanon are well and accounted for. Irish troops and bases were not targeted in the attack today on UNIFIL personnel. All necessary force protection measures continue be to observed. We condemn any pic.twitter.com/5LaJAXOXi2 Oglaigh na hEireann (@defenceforces) March 6, 2026 In a statement, the Irish Defence Forces said Irish troops and bases were not targeted in the attack today on Unifil personnel. All necessary force protection measures continue to be to observed, they said. We condemn any attack on Unifil personnel and remind all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers. Mr Martin echoed the condemnation, saying he strongly condemns the reckless strike on a Unifil base in southern Lebanon. The role of peacekeepers is sacrosanct and all should go above and beyond to prevent them from coming into harms way, he said in a statement on the social media platform X. I strongly condemn the reckless strike on a UNIFIL base in southern Lebanon that has left a number of Ghanaian peacekeepers seriously injured. pic.twitter.com/Kmid2oRhFE Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 6, 2026 I would like to pay tribute to the courage, resilience and professionalism of the Irish peacekeepers who came to the aid of their Ghanaian colleagues today. I have been briefed on the latest situation, and all Irish personnel serving in Lebanon remain safe and accounted for. Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon is extremely worrying. The attack on a Unifil position today is unacceptable. I am in contact with the Chief of Staff and can confirm that all Irish personnel deployed in southern Lebanon are well and accounted for, she said. All necessary force protection measures continue to be observed. I condemn any attack on Unifil personnel and remind all parties of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers at all times. I condemn Hezbollahs attacks on Israel in support of its Iranian sponsor. As well as menacing civilian communities in northern Israel, this has again endangered Lebanon. I also condemn the disproportionate Israeli response, including aerial bombardment, the launch of ground operations and the demand to evacuate civilian populations in southern Lebanon and southern Beirut. This weeks hostilities have set back fragile progress made in Lebanon in the past year, including towards the disarmament of Hezbollah. The Lebanese government and armed forces need time to take full control of and manage the security of their country. I call again on all sides to abide by the terms of the November 2024 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and UN Security Council Resolution 1701. At the end of last year Mayor Q and other public officials bragged abut "progress" in lowering the KCMO homicide count that had reached a record high 2023 when the quotient of cowtown killing was higher than at any point in recorded history. As TKC readers often remind us . . . The tenure of Mayor Q has been the bloodiest in local history and despite recent fluctuations, the level of local violence continues to outpace American cities of similar size. In fact . . . Overall violence in American cities has dropped under the tenure of President Trump but, sadly, KCMO has not enjoyed much of that same success. February concluded with a spate of shootings along with a deadly mass shooting that claimed the lives of two woman This is notable because colder winter months are often when KC earns a great deal of progress against local crime rates . . . With that context, we wanted to document the latest local shooting and the 21st homicide recorded so far this year . . . Here is info that police are sharing with local media . . . Homicide 1200 block of Askew This afternoon just after 4:30pm officers were dispatched to an apartment building in the 1200 block of Askew on a shooting call. On arrival officers were led into an apartment inside the building. There they located an adult male shooting victim unresponsive. Officers called for EMS into the scene who declared the victim deceased here at the scene. Homicide detectives have responded for investigation; they are canvassing for witnesses and working with crime scene investigators to gather all of the available evidence. Preliminary investigation indicates that a caller responded to the apartment and observed the victim injured and unresponsive inside. The caller then called 911 for police and ambulance. There are not any suspects in custody at this time. If anyone was in the area around the building and heard or saw anything or has any information, they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS. There is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. ########## Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . One dead after shooting in Kansas City; Police investigating Police are investigating after one person was found dead following a shooting in Kansas City. Man found shot to death Thursday afternoon in Kansas City, Missouri A man was found shot to death Thursday afternoon in an apartment in northeast Kansas City, Missouri. Developing . . . We know Sarah from the early bloggy days and she's a formidable, knowledgeable and a really great person who are readers would really like outside the political realm . . . Anybody who really knows this blog might remember her from her KC Roller Warrior days which is a fact that know-it-all Dave Helling might not know until he reads it here . . . Still . . . Here's a glimpse at the longshot candidates Internets write-up . . . Her name is Sarah Preu. The filing came Wednesday; Preu wants the Democratic nomination for the incumbents seat. Preus critique of Davids comes from the political left. Prue wants to abolish ICE; she supports single-payer Medicare for all; and no unconditional military aid to governments committing war crimes, according to her website. After watching her representative (Davids) take AIPAC money, vote to fund ICE, and walk a line that put her squarely alongside conservatives, vote after vote, Sarah decided the Kansas 3rd deserved a voice that actually reflects its values, her website says. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov had tete-a-tete and extended format meetings with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova Mihai Popsoi during his official visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA. The Ministers discussed ways and means for sustaining and expanding bilateral political dialogue, further developing cooperation in the economy, energy, transport & humanitarian fields as well as coordinating joint endeavors within international organizations, including the United Nations & OSCE, among others. Ministers also touched upon the evolving volatile security situation in the Middle East. Minister Bayramov expressed our serious concern over the drone attacks launched by Iran against Azerbaijans Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on 5 March 2026, which damaged civilian infrastructure, including an airport, a school, and injured civilians. Minister Bayramov also briefed his Moldovan counterpart on the ongoing normalization of the peace process b/w Azerbaijan and Armenia. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Moldova is open to expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan in the energy sector, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mihai Popsoi, said at a press conference in Baku, Trend reports. The energy sector could become one of the key areas for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova. Ensuring energy security through the diversification of natural gas sources and supply routes remains one of the main priorities of the government of the Republic of Moldova. We are grateful for the support provided by the Azerbaijani authorities during the energy crisis of 2022. This gesture once again confirms that our country is a reliable and trusted friend, he said. He noted that Moldova has expressed its willingness to enhance collaboration with Azerbaijan, focusing not only on natural gas supplies but also on the development of energy infrastructure and joint projects. Through the state company Energocom, Moldova maintains an ongoing and constructive dialogue with the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and expresses interest in the Green Energy Corridor project. The participation of Azerbaijani companies in priority initiatives in Moldova would be highly welcomed, Popsoi added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The next meeting of the Moldova-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation is scheduled to take place in 2026, Mihai Popsoi, Moldovas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said during a joint press conference in Baku, Trend reports. "The joint Moldova-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission on economic cooperation remains an important platform for coordinating joint actions and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. The commission's most recent, sixth meeting was held in Baku in 2025. The next session is planned for this year," Popsoi said. The minister also highlighted Moldovas appreciation for projects implemented by Azerbaijan, including the construction of the Cultural Education Center in Ceadir-Lunga in Moldovas Gagauz Autonomous Region. Popsoi noted that the participation of Azerbaijani companies in priority initiatives in Moldova is highly welcomed. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and Moldova, Mihai Popsoi, signed the Plan of Consultations between the foreign ministries for 20262027, the statement of the Azerbaijani MFA says, Trend reports. Bayramov held a meeting with the Moldovan counterpart during his visit to Azerbaijan today. The one-on-one meeting between Bayramov and Popsoi was later continued in an expanded format with the participation of delegations from both sides. The meetings discussed the dynamics of strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova, emphasized the importance of continuing bilateral political dialogue, and reviewed opportunities for expanding cooperation in the economic, energy, alternative energy, transport, and humanitarian spheres. The meetings noted the importance of promoting mutual investments, strengthening ties between business circles, and more efficient use of regional transport and logistics opportunities. In this context, the Moldovan side was called upon to benefit from the opportunities created by the free economic zones in Azerbaijan. The importance of continuing cooperation in the humanitarian field, including in the areas of culture, science, and education, and student exchange was underscored. The projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Gagauzia were highly appreciated. In addition, the existence of direct flights and increasing ties between peoples were noted as factors positively affecting the tourism sector. Issues of cooperation within international and regional organizations were discussed, and satisfaction was expressed with joint activities based on respect for each other's legitimate interests and mutual support in the UN, OSCE, European Political Union, BSEC, and other multilateral platforms. The meeting also touched upon regional security issues, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the situation in the Middle East. Moreover, the meetings stressed that the increasing military escalation in the Middle East is of serious concern, also once again highlighting that the attacks carried out by Iran on March 5, 2026 in the direction of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan using drones and resulting in damage to civilian facilities, including the airport terminal, a school building and injuries to civilians, are unacceptable. Bayramov informed his counterpart about the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the reconstruction and reconstruction activities carried out in our liberated territories and the return of former internally displaced persons. The meetings were followed by a joint press conference, where the ministers made statements on the results of the meetings and answered questions from journalists. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. A total of 11 trips have been operated between Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan and Turkish Igdir during two days, the Azerbaijan Land Transport Agency told Trend. The agency recalled that flights at Nakhchivan International Airport have been temporarily suspended. Flights are being organized from Baku to Igdir to facilitate the travel of Azerbaijani citizens from the capital to Nakhchivan and vice versa. The agency noted that passengers are transported from Igdir city to Nakhchivan and back by buses specially allocated by the agency, free of charge. Thus, transportation from Nakhchivan Bus Station to Igdir Airport and back is carried out by 7 large-capacity buses. At the same time, backup vehicles have been allocated for transportation. As many as 450 people were transported from Nakhchivan to Igdir and back. Thus, on March 5, 162 people were transported from Nakhchivan to Igdir by four trips, and 98 people were transported from Igdir to Nakhchivan by three trips. On March 6, 190 people were transported from Nakhchivan to Igdir by four trips. The process is ongoing. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry has thanked the countries that issued statements of support after the Iranian attack, the publication of the ministry on its X page says, Trend reports. "We express our sincere gratitude for the statements of support, letters, and phone calls received from our international partners following the Iranian drone strikes against the territory of Azerbaijan. We highly value the solidarity shown with Azerbaijan and the clear reaffirmation of support for our countrys sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of its borders. We thank all countries and international organisations who stood with Azerbaijan during this time and appreciate their continued support and engagement," the publication emphasized. On March 5, a drone attack took place at the Nakhchivan International Airport. The drone flying from Iranian territory crashed into the airport building and exploded near the secondary school in Shakarabad village, Babek district. Four civilians were injured as a result of the incident. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the incident, demanding Iran clarify the issue in a short time, provide an explanation, and take the necessary urgent measures to prevent such cases from recurring in the future. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Dermichilou, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where a strong protest was conveyed to the Iranian side. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Axel Springer has agreed to buy the Telegraph Media Group (James Manning/PA) German media firm Axel Springer has agreed to buy the Telegraph Media Group in a 575m deal, the companies have announced. The media company, which also owns Politico and Business Insider, is understood to have agreed the all-cash deal for the The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph. Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) had previously agreed a 500m deal to buy The Telegraph last year. However, Abu Dhabi-backed joint venture RedBird IMI said it now plans to sell the business to the German company. Axel Springer chief executive Mathias Dopfner said: More than 20 years ago, we tried to acquire The Telegraph and did not succeed. Now our dream comes true. To be the owner of this institution of quality British journalism is a privilege and a duty. We want to grow The Telegraph, while preserving its distinctive character and legacy, to help it become the most read and intellectually inspiring centre-right media outlet in the English-speaking world. The Telegraph stands for freedom, personal responsibility, democratic values and a belief in open societies and market economies. The deal ends three years of uncertainty over the future ownership of the daily news brand. It marks a major expansion for Axel Springer, whose owners have been making efforts to grow in Europe and the US in recent years. The company first made a bid to buy The Telegraph in 2004, but was beaten by a 665m offer by the Barclay brothers. Mr Dopfner, who has been CEO since 2002, had previously cast doubt on another attempt at buying the newspaper, citing an interest in digital-only media. Based in Berlin, Axel Springer also owns Bild, Europes largest newspaper, and the daily newspaper Die Welt. In 2015, the firm also looked to acquire the Financial Times, but was unsuccessful against a 844m bid from leading Japanese media group, Nikkei. The Telegraph was first put up for sale in 2023 after the Barclay family lost control of the title over more than 1bn of unpaid debts to Lloyds Bank. Later that year, joint venture RedBird IMI agreed a deal to take it over while allowing the Barclay family to repay its debt. The joint venture is 75 per cent-owned by International Media Investments (IMI), which is based in the United Arab Emirates and primarily owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, US investment firm RedBird Capital Partners. The RedBird IMI bid prompted backlash from politicians, who referred the deal to Ofcom to investigate potential breaches of media standards arising from the ownership. In 2024, new laws were introduced by Downing Street to prevent foreign governments from owning British newspapers. This effectively halted the RedBird IMI takeover, and the company put the brand up for sale again in April 2024. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The post circulating on social networks claiming that heavy weapons belonging to the Azerbaijani Army have allegedly been deployed along the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan with the Islamic Republic of Iran is a deliberate manipulation of information that has been intentionally distorted, the statement of Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency says, Trend reports. It states that the presentation of this footage, which actually reflects the relocation of military equipment in January of this year, as a new fact through misleading wording aims to create confusion in public opinion. We strongly condemn such information provocations aimed at creating panic by manipulating information during the ongoing military operations in the Middle East, the statement emphasizes. In addition, it is recalled that disseminating information about the movement or dislocation of personnel, military weapons, ammunition, or military equipment of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces entails criminal liability. Against the backdrop of tensions in the region, the dissemination of inaccurate and source-unknown information on social networks is aimed at creating confusion in society by increasing the risk of disinformation. Media entities should demonstrate a high level of professionalism in relation to the flow of information on social networks, rely only on official sources, and refrain from disseminating content of dubious origin or manipulative nature, the statement reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The passage of cargo trucks returning from Iran to Azerbaijan has begun through several border checkpoints, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers. According to the cabinet, entry and exit across the state border between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran for the transportation of goods by all types of vehicles, including transit, were temporarily suspended under Decision No. 66 dated March 5, 2026. In this regard, the passage of cargo trucks belonging to Azerbaijan that are returning from Iran to Azerbaijan, as well as Iranian cargo trucks returning from Azerbaijan to Iran, has now started through the Astara, Bilasuvar, and Julfa state border checkpoints. On March 5, a drone attack took place at the Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan. The drone flying from Iranian territory crashed into the airport building and exploded near the secondary school in Shakarabad village, Babek district. Four civilians were injured as a result of the incident. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the incident, demanding Iran clarify the issue in a short time, provide an explanation, and take the necessary urgent measures to prevent such cases from recurring in the future. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Dermichilou, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where a strong protest was conveyed to the Iranian side. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The United States has strongly condemned the drone strikes carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Nakhchivan, the U.S. Embassy in Baku said in a post on its official X page, Trend reports. "The United States condemns the March 5 Iranian drone strikes on Nakhchivan and stands in full solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan. The U.S. Embassy in Baku is closely assessing the situation as it evolves and wishes a speedy recovery to those who were injured in the attack," the embassy said in a statement. On March 5, a drone attack took place at the Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan. The drone flying from Iranian territory crashed into the airport building and exploded near the secondary school in Shakarabad village, Babek district. Four civilians were injured as a result of the incident. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the incident, demanding Iran clarify the issue in a short time, provide an explanation, and take the necessary urgent measures to prevent such cases from recurring in the future. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Dermichilou, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where a strong protest was conveyed to the Iranian side. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Colombia has expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan and several other countries amid escalating violence in the Middle East, Trend reports via the Colombian government. In a statement, the government strongly condemned attacks targeting civilian populations and infrastructure across the region and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. 'Colombia condemns these attacks and expresses solidarity with the peoples of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the Republic of Lebanon, the Republic of Iraq, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Turkiye," the statement reads. The government noted that the attacks against civilians and civilian property represent a violation of international humanitarian law and pose serious risks to regional stability and security. Colombia stressed that resolving the current tensions requires dialogue, diplomacy, and strict respect for international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. The statement added that Colombia, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, will continue to call on all parties to exercise restraint, prevent further escalation, and return to diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving peace and stability. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Reliability indicators for Shah Deniz projects in Azerbaijan remain at 100%, bp's Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, Gio Cristofoli, said during a briefing, Trend reports. "Activities continue. Firstly, we continue drillingwe plan to drill approximately six new wells. Secondly, we are making good progress on the construction of a new facility, Shah Deniz Compression. This facility will essentially reduce reservoir pressure and extract more gas, thereby providing the country with additional resources," he explained. Located in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea, Shah Deniz, discovered in 1999, is one of the worlds largest gas-condensate fields, with an estimated one trillion cubic meters of gas and 243 million tons of condensate. The effective execution of the Shah Deniz gas initiative has positioned Azerbaijan as a prominent player in the global gas export arena. After the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline was commissioned in 2006, Azerbaijan began exporting natural gas to the Georgian and Turkish markets. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The transfer of bp's operatorship of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline (BTC) is not a unilateral decision by the company but a requirement outlined in the original contract, the company's Regional President for Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, Gio Cristofoli, said during a briefing,Trend reports. This is stipulated in the contract concluded thirty years ago. Therefore, I want it to be clear: bp does not make a decision to give away the pipeline. We are simply fulfilling the terms of the contract established 30 years ago, he said. Cristofoli noted that the transition is being managed through a strict change management process designed to prevent operational disruptions. We have a change management process that allows us to ensure that the transition will not lead to disruptions in operations. For example, within the framework of change management, we review key contractors and ways to transfer them. We analyze critical maintenance data and a number of other elements, all of which will be transferred to the relevant structures. But, as I said, this is regulated by a very strict and thorough change management process, because no one wants disruptions in the operation of pipelines, he added. Earlier, in December 2025, bp stated that discussions were underway with relevant authorities to plan the necessary steps for transferring operatorship of the Baku-Supsa pipeline and BTC pipelines. According to the company, under the relevant pipeline management agreements, the operation of oil and gas export pipelines must be transferred to the respective governments or state authorities within the timeframes specified in those agreements. Based on these agreements, in 2021, the operation of the South Caucasus Pipeline was transferred to the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) in both Azerbaijan and Georgia. In accordance with the same agreements, the transfer of the operation of the Baku-Supsa and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipelines to the relevant authorities in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye is also provided within pre-agreed timeframes. Discussions are currently underway with the relevant authorities to plan the necessary measures in this direction, bp Azerbaijan said. The total length of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline is 1,768 kilometers, of which 443 kilometers pass through Azerbaijan, 249 kilometers through Georgia, and 1,076 kilometers through Turkiye. Construction of the pipeline began in April 2003, and oil was loaded into the pipeline in May 2005. The BTC Co. company, established in August 2002 to implement the project, has the following share distribution: bp (30.10%), SOCAR (32.97%), MOL (8.90%), TPAO (6.53%), Eni (5.00%), TotalEnergies (5.00%), ITOCHU (3.40%), ONGC Videsh (3.10%), ExxonMobil (2.50%), and INPEX (2.50%). Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, announced that the country has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran and will continue its diplomatic mission from Baku, Trend reports. According to Tajani, about 50 embassy employees have already crossed the border into Azerbaijan. For security reasons, we have closed the Italian embassy in Tehran. A group of approximately 50 Italians, led by the Italian ambassador to Iran, has already crossed the border into Azerbaijan. We will continue to maintain diplomatic relations with Tehran to protect the Italians remaining in Iran and our national interests. The embassy will continue its operations from Baku, Tajani emphasized. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The Baku Network platform has released the latest episode of the analytical video project Dialogue with Tofig Abbasov, dedicated to issues of culture, history, and statehood, Trend reports. The guest of the program was Yusif Akhundzade, People's Artist of Azerbaijan, Major General, Head of the Department of the Uzeyir Hajibeyov Baku State Conservatory, and former Head of the Military Bands Service of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan. During the conversation, he spoke in detail about his creative and military career, the formation of the country's military bands after independence, and the role of music in state protocol and national memory. Referring to the political situation in the region, Akhundzade expressed confidence in the possibility of long-term peace in the South Caucasus. I always try to see only the good ahead. If everyone does their job honestly, we will be able to achieve a real, long-term victory - already in peaceful life, he said. Throughout the program, he also shared his memories of meetings with National Leader Heydar Aliyev and talked about the creation of the military orchestra of the Jamshid Nakhchivanski Lyceum. When it became known in 1993 that Heydar Aliyev was returning to Azerbaijan, I told the Minister of Defense that we urgently needed to create a military orchestra at the lyceum. Because he will definitely come there, Akhundzade said. According to him, the lyceum orchestra did indeed meet Heydar Aliyev during his visit. When I told him about it, he replied, Thank you, Akhundzade noted. Here is the full video footage of the program: Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Mihai Popsoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, on March 6, Trend reports. Expressing gratitude for the reception, Mihai Popsoi conveyed the greetings of Moldova's President Maia Sandu to President Ilham Aliyev. The head of state thanked him for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to Maia Sandu. President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled his meetings and discussions with Moldova's President within international organizations. Mihai Popsoi stated that Moldova strongly condemns the attacks carried out by unmanned aerial vehicles of Iran against Azerbaijan, emphasizing solidarity with the country on this issue. He wished those injured in the attack a speedy recovery. The Deputy PM hailed the friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries, noting that Moldova always remembers and highly appreciates Azerbaijans support during difficult times. President Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the position expressed. During the conversation, the sides praised the fact that Azerbaijan and Moldova have consistently supported each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. They emphasized the development of bilateral relations, including the deepening of cooperation in political, economic, trade, energy, and other fields, and underlined the role of reciprocal visits at various levels in expanding ties. In this regard, confidence was expressed that Mihai Popsoi's visit would be successful. The sides also exchanged views on cooperation within international organizations, the intensification of political dialogue, and other issues of mutual interest. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a letter to President of the Republic of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and, through you, to your entire people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Ghana Independence Day. I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts to consistently develop relations between Azerbaijan and Ghana, as well as expand our cooperation. On this festive day, I extend my best regards to you and wish the friendly people of Ghana everlasting peace and prosperity," the letter reads. Top banking trade groups slammed the Feds decision to hand a coveted master account to crypto firm Kraken Wednesday, arguing the move was not only risky, but violated the central banks own policies. On Wednesday, Kraken announced it successfully secured a master account from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Master accounts allow a bank to access the Feds payment services, and are considered practically essential to operate a bank nationally. Kraken is the first crypto bank to ever receive master account approvalthough several have been trying for years. Krakens master account is reportedly limited in some respects; it does not, for instance, allow for the payment of interest on reserves. Thats consistent with the novel concept of a skinny master account floated last year by the Fed, as a means to fast-track master account approvals for innovation-focused banks. Traditional banking industry groups immediately denounced the approval, claiming it could pose substantial dangers to the U.S. economy. There are significant risks to expanding direct Fed account access to institutions that operate outside the traditional banking regulatory framework, Rebeca Romero, CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America, said in a statement. The Fed should continue limiting master account access to institutions that meet the financial services sectors highest standards. Kraken Secures Access to Feds Core Payment Systems: WSJ The powerful Bank Policy Institute (BPI), which represents Wall Street giants including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Goldman Sachs, went furtherarguing the Fed had violated its own policies by offering Kraken a skinny master account so soon. The central bank only formally announced its new potential offering in late December, and opened it up to a period of public comment. While that public comment period ended last month, BPI said Wednesday that the Kraken approval still front-runs the Feds process for considering the creation of a skinny master account program. The program appears to have not yet been finalized or approved by the Feds board. This action ignores public comment that the Federal Reserve sought on this framework, and it was issued with no transparency into the process for approval or the risk mitigants that have been imposed to address the very significant risks it raises, Pidano Paridon, BPIs co-head of regulatory affairs, said in a statement. Trump Urges Congress to Move on Crypto Rules Amid Banking Clash Decrypt reached out to Kraken for comment following initial publication of this story, and will update if we receive a response. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and Moldova, Mihai Popsoi, signed the Plan of Consultations between the foreign ministries for 20262027, the statement of the Azerbaijani MFA says, Trend reports. Bayramov held a meeting with the Moldovan counterpart during his visit to Azerbaijan today. The one-on-one meeting between Bayramov and Popsoi was later continued in an expanded format with the participation of delegations from both sides. The meetings discussed the dynamics of strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova, emphasized the importance of continuing bilateral political dialogue, and reviewed opportunities for expanding cooperation in the economic, energy, alternative energy, transport, and humanitarian spheres. The necessity of fostering mutual investments, fortifying links between business circles, and making better use of logistics and transit potential in the region was highlighted during the discussions. Given this setting, it was expected that the Moldovan side would take advantage of the chances presented by Azerbaijan's free economic zones. The importance of continuing cooperation in the humanitarian field, including in the areas of culture, science, education, and student exchange, was underscored. The projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Gagauzia were highly appreciated. In addition, the existence of direct flights and increasing ties between peoples were noted as factors positively affecting the tourism sector. Issues of cooperation within international and regional organizations were discussed, and satisfaction was expressed with joint activities based on respect for each other's legitimate interests and mutual support in the UN, OSCE, European Political Union, BSEC, and other multilateral platforms. The meeting also touched upon regional security issues, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the situation in the Middle East. Moreover, the meetings stressed that the increasing military escalation in the Middle East is of serious concern, also once again highlighting that the attacks carried out by Iran on March 5, 2026, in the direction of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan using drones and resulting in damage to civilian facilities, including the airport terminal and a school building, and injuries to civilians, are unacceptable. Bayramov informed his counterpart about the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the reconstruction and reconstruction activities carried out in our liberated territories and the return of former internally displaced persons. The meetings were followed by a joint press conference, where the ministers made statements on the results of the meetings and answered questions from journalists. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The Embassy of Hungary in Azerbaijan has condemned Iran's attacks on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, a source in the embassy told Trend. Hungarian Ambassador Tamas Torma said that the attack undermined regional stability. "The Embassy of Hungary strongly condemns the attacks on the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan. Such an unacceptable violation of Azerbaijan's security, sovereignty, and international law undermines regional stability. Hungary expresses its solidarity with the Azerbaijani government and people. We wish the injured a speedy recovery," he noted. On March 5, a drone attack took place at the Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan. The drone flying from Iranian territory crashed into the airport building and exploded near the secondary school in Shakarabad village, Babek district. Four civilians were injured as a result of the incident. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the incident, demanding that Iran clarify the issue in a short time, provide an explanation, and take the necessary urgent measures to prevent such cases from recurring in the future. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Dermichilou, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where a strong protest was conveyed to the Iranian side. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Kamran Bayramov, chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament's working group on interparliamentary relations with Latvia, and members of the group, Fazil Mustafa and Sevil Mikayilova, will visit the Latvian capital, Riga, on March 9, the press service of the Azerbaijani Parliament told Trend. Furthermore, it was highlighted that the visit will include discussions aimed at enhancing interparliamentary cooperation and broadening bilateral relations. A series of meetings with Latvian counterparts are also scheduled as part of the visit. The visit will last until March 13. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Leyla Aliyeva visited the Baku Choreography Academy, accompanied by Adil Karimli, Azerbaijans Minister of Culture, Trend reports. During the visit, Leyla Aliyeva met with the academys leadership, academic staff, and students. She was briefed on the academys activities and toured its classrooms and training facilities. The visit also featured an artistic program by the academy students, including performances of the Waltz from the ballet Sleeping Beauty and the Azerbaijani national dance Gazaghi. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The next round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan and Moldova is expected to take place in the second half of 2026, Trend reports. Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov made the statement during a joint press conference in Baku with Moldovas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi. Bayramov described relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova as a sincere and open friendship built on decades of cooperation. He noted that regular high-level contacts between the two countries continue to strengthen bilateral ties. The meetings take place at a high level, either at international events or during events held in our country. We also take every opportunity to meet and discuss bilateral relations, the minister said. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. A telephone conversation was held on March 6, 2026, between Ali Asadov, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, and Cevdet Ylmaz, the Vice President of Turkiye, Trend reports via Azerbaijans Cabinet of Ministers. The discussion primarily focused on the recent drone attacks launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Azerbaijan. The sides strongly condemned the strikes, emphasizing that such actions contravene the norms and principles of international law. Prime Minister Asadov provided details on the locations targeted by the drone strikes, which included the Nakhchivan International Airport, a school, and other civilian sites. The attacks resulted in several civilian injuries and damage to the terminal building at the airport. The Prime Minister also highlighted the immediate support expressed by the President of Turkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who, upon hearing of the incident, personally reached out to President Ilham Aliyev to express solidarity with the Azerbaijani people. This action, Asadov remarked, underscored the unshakable brotherhood between the two nations. Furthermore, Asadov thanked the Turkish government for its swift response, including the temporary redirection of air traffic to Igdr Airport, ensuring the safety of flights heading toward Nakhchivan. The conversation also addressed other urgent matters arising from the current situation, underscoring the close collaboration between the two countries on key regional issues. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijan will evacuate the staff of its embassy in Tehran and its Consulate General in Tabriz from Iran, said Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Trend reports. Speaking during a joint press conference in Baku with Moldovas Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mihai Popsoi, Bayramov noted that the decision was taken on the instructions of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Following the drone attack yesterday, all relevant instructions were issued by President Ilham Aliyev, and diplomatic steps were taken. At the same time, Azerbaijans security measures are always maintained at the highest level. When military operations take place in close proximity and risks increase, the combat readiness level of the armed forces is raised accordingly, and relevant instructions have also been issued in this regard, the minister said. Bayramov stated that the situation will be under continuous observation. We will wait for the results of the investigation in line with Irans promise, and decisions and further steps will be taken accordingly, he stated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Another evacuation flight from Jeddah to Baku will be carried out tomorrow morning, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said during a joint press conference in Baku with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Moldova Mihai Popsoi, Trend reports. According to the minister, the number of appeals received by Azerbaijani people stands at around 1,000, with requests coming from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. The minister noted that negotiations have begun with Flydubai, and 5 flights have already been carried out to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) organized a special evacuation flight for pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, and more than 200 people were evacuated. Of them, 193 were citizens of Azerbaijan, while others included citizens of Georgia and Russia of Azerbaijani origin. Another evacuation flight will be organized from Jeddah on the morning of March 7. It is planned to bring members of diplomatic missions located in Middle Eastern countries to Jeddah and evacuate them to Azerbaijan from there, Bayramov delineated. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, briefed his Belarusian counterpart, Maxim Ryzhenkov, on the drone strikes launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Nakhchivan on March 5, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA. According to information, the Belarusian Foreign Minister made a phone call to Minister Bayramov on March 6. The ministers exchanged views on recent developments in the region during the phone conversation. The discussion highlighted serious concerns over potential military escalation, stressing the need to refrain from any actions that could further inflame tensions in the region. The ministers also discussed other issues of mutual interest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijani Parliament's Speaker Sahiba Gafarova has condemned Iran's drone attacks in a meeting with the Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi, a source in the parliament told Trend. The meeting noted that the high-level political relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova create good opportunities for the development of cooperation in various fields. The parties highlighted the importance of mutual visits of heads of state and government officials in deepening relations between the countries and peoples. Satisfaction was expressed with the mutual support of the countries in international organizations. Popsoi conveyed the greetings of Chairman of the Parliament of Moldova Igor Gross to Gafarova who also asked to convey her greetings to the Moldovan counterpart. Gafarova, recalling with pleasure Igor Gross's visit to Azerbaijan and the meetings she held with him within the framework of various events, shared her views on the existing cooperative relations between the legislative bodies of Azerbaijan and Moldova and the prospects for the development of these relations and especially noted the activity of mutual inter-parliamentary friendship groups. The speaker said that the countries' cooperation within the framework of international organizations continues successfully, and the countries' MPs provide mutual support to each other in these structures. Speaking about the drone attacks on Nakhchivan, she said that these attacks are unacceptable and met with indignation by the Azerbaijani people. Popsoi said that Moldova strongly condemned these treacherous attacks and expressed solidarity with our country on this issue. He noted that Azerbaijan has also stood by Moldova on many issues, and the countries have provided mutual support to each other on issues of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Popsoi also expressed gratitude for the support provided by Azerbaijan during the energy crisis in Moldova. Gafarova informed the guest about the ongoing normalization and peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The guest stated that they welcomed Azerbaijan's initiative and leadership in the peace process of their country. The meeting also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest. On March 5, a drone attack took place at the Nakhchivan International Airport. The drone flying from Iranian territory crashed into the airport building and exploded near the secondary school in Shakarabad village, Babek district. Four civilians were injured as a result of the incident. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the incident, demanding Iran clarify the issue in a short time, provide an explanation, and take the necessary urgent measures to prevent such cases from recurring in the future. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Dermichilou, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where a strong protest was conveyed to the Iranian side. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The approval of Krakens access to the Federal Reserves core payments infrastructure has ignited a fierce response from the banking sector. In a statement on Wednesday, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the Bank Policy Institute (BPI) strongly opposed the Feds decision, arguing it posed a risk to the financial system's stability. Banks Challenge Krakens Federal Approval Hours after news surfaced that Kraken had become the first crypto company to secure a master account from the Federal Reserve, the ICBA issued a scathing statement in response. Granting nonbank entities and crypto institutions access to the master accounts traditionally limited to highly regulated insured depository institutions poses risks to the banking system, said ICBA CEO Rebeca Romero, adding, The Fed should continue limiting master account access to institutions that meet the financial services sectors highest standards. On its part, the BPI expressed concern over the decision-making process. This action ignores public comment that the Federal Reserve sought on this framework, and it was issued with no transparency into the process for approval or the risk mitigants that have been imposed to address the very significant risks it raises. The statements subtly highlighted that Kraken now has direct access to the same payment rails used by thousands of US banks and credit unions. This access allows it to settle US dollar transactions directly through the Fed, effectively bypassing intermediary banks. https://twitter.com/byKatherineRoss/status/2029227806517866881?s=20 Kraken won't receive all the benefits that traditional banks do with the Fed, such as earning interest on reserves. However, the approval represents a significant victory for the crypto industry. This tension between banks and crypto extends beyond Krakens approval, highlighting ongoing concerns over crypto's growing role in traditional finance. The Ongoing Battle Over Stablecoin Interest Before the passage of the GENIUS Act last July, banks lobbied heavily against the loose regulation of stablecoins. Their main argument centered on the danger that the bill could pose to traditional bank deposits. The concern was reasonable. Last April, a Treasury Department report estimated that stablecoins could lead to as much as $6.6 trillion in deposit outflows. A month after the GENIUS Act passed, five banking associations including the ICBA and BPI sent a letter to Congress urging them to close a loophole that allows stablecoin issuers to pay interest through exchanges. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The Commission on Foreign Interventions and Hybrid Threats of the Azerbaijani Parliament has issued a statement condemning drone attacks launched from the Islamic Republic of Iran targeting the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Trend presents the full text of the statement: On March 5, explosive-equipped unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were used in attacks on Nakhchivan from Iranian territory. One UAV damaged the terminal building of Nakhchivan International Airport, while another fell near a secondary school in the village of Shekerabad in the Babek district. Four civilians were injured during the attacks. Targeting the Autonomous Republics sole international airport and other civilian infrastructure constitutes a violation of international law, an attack on our countrys territorial integrity and sovereignty, and a clear act of terror. The Commission views this treacherous action, combining military, political, and information components, as a hybrid assault. It also notes the information campaign in Azerbaijans social media supporting Irans actions, spreading manipulative narratives. These attacks aim to create confusion and fear among citizens, undermine trust in state institutions, and damage Azerbaijans regional standing and international reputation. The Azerbaijani side reserves the right to respond under international law. The Commission urges citizens and Azerbaijanis abroad to trust the strength of the state and rely on official information. On March 5, a drone attack took place at the Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan. The drone flying from Iranian territory crashed into the airport building and exploded near the secondary school in Shakarabad village, Babek district. Four civilians were injured as a result of the incident. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding the incident, demanding Iran clarify the issue in a short time, provide an explanation, and take the necessary urgent measures to prevent such cases from recurring in the future. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Azerbaijan, Mojtaba Dermichilou, was summoned to the Foreign Ministry, where a strong protest was conveyed to the Iranian side. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania Edi Rama for the support shown to Azerbaijan following Iran's drone attacks on Nakhchivan, Trend reports. The post, shared on the President Ilham Aliyev's X account, reads: I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Mr. Edi Rama, for the unwavering support for Azerbaijan after the drone attacks on Nakhchivan by the state of Iran. Our people highly appreciate your firm stance, solidarity, and unity you demonstrate. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Lithuanias Foreign Minister Kestutis Budris held a phone conversation to discuss the recent drone attacks launched against Azerbaijan from the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan told Trend. During the call, Minister Bayramov provided detailed information on the attacks, emphasizing that these strikes constitute a serious violation of international law and contribute to rising tensions in the region. The Lithuanian minister condemned the drone attacks, expressed deep concern, and reaffirmed Lithuanias solidarity with Azerbaijan. The ministers also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Telephone conversations were held between the First Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army Colonel General Karim Valiyev and the Chiefs of the General Staffs of the Armed Forces of Belarus and Slovakia, Trend reports via the ministry The conversations took place at the initiative of the foreign counterparts. During the calls with the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus First Deputy Defense Minister, Major General Pavel Muraveiko and the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic, General Daniel Zmeko, the sides held detailed exchanges of views on the situation in the region, security issues, as well as military cooperation between our countries. The Chiefs of the General Staffs also touched upon the attacks carried out by the Iranian armed forces using unmanned aerial vehicles against civilian infrastructure located in the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan, particularly noting that this contradicts the norms of international law. Colonel General Karim Valiyev expressed his gratitude to his counterparts for their opinion and support shown. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates of Morocco, held a phone conversation with Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Trend reports citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan (MFA). During the call, Bayramov provided detailed information about the drone attacks carried out by Iran toward the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on March 5, 2026. Bayramov emphasized that such actions against Azerbaijans territory contradict the countrys sovereignty and constitute a serious violation of the norms and principles of international law, while also contributing to rising tensions in the region. Bourita strongly condemned the drone attacks against Azerbaijans territory, expressing deep concern and voicing solidarity with the country. The ministers also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest during the phone conversation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Ervin Ibrahimovic, held a phone call with Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, to discuss developments in regional security, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan. The ministers addressed the importance of strengthening diplomatic efforts and upholding international law and norms, particularly in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East. During the conversation, Minister Bayramov briefed his Montenegrin counterpart on the drone attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on March 5. He emphasized that such actions violate Azerbaijans territorial integrity and international law. Minister Ibrahimovic strongly condemned Irans drone strikes, expressing concern and reaffirming Montenegros understanding of Azerbaijans position and solidarity with the country. The ministers also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest, highlighting the continued commitment of both countries to regional stability and cooperation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The Foreign Minister of Sudan, Muhi Al-Din Salem Ahmed, held a phone conversation with Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the call, Bayramov highlighted that the drone attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which caused damage to civilian infrastructure and individuals, violated Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity. He underscored that Azerbaijan anticipates elucidation, a formal account, an expression of regret, and prompt actions to avert analogous occurrences moving forward, urging Sudan to acknowledge these issues. Minister Ahmed articulated apprehension regarding the assaults and emphasized that the targeting of civilian infrastructure is intolerable. The ministers engaged in dialogue regarding enhanced collaboration and the dynamics of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Sudan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. On March 6, a telephone conversation took place between Ali Asadov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Alexander Turchin, Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus, Trend reports via the Cabinet of Ministers. The leaders highlighted the dynamic growth of the multifaceted partnership between Azerbaijan and Belarus, achieved through the joint efforts of their presidents across various sectors. The discussion focused on the current regional situation, with both leaders expressing concern over the recent incident in Nakhchivan. Prime Minister Asadov briefed his counterpart on the drone attacks carried out by Iran against Azerbaijan. The conversation also explored the prospects for deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing continued collaboration and strategic engagement. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic on March 6, Trend reports. During the conversation, the leaders exchanged views on the current situation in the Middle East, expressing concern over the further exacerbation of the situation. During the phone call, the drone attacks carried out by Iran against Nakhchivan were condemned. During the conversation, President Ilham Aliyev congratulated the Serbian President on his birthday. President Aleksandar Vucic expressed gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for the attention shown. The heads of state hailed the development of friendly and strategic partnership ties between the two countries, as well as discussed prospects for cooperation. SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) is one of the 15 AI Stocks With Explosive Growth Potential. Barclays and BMO Cut SAP SE (SAP) Price Targets but Remain Bullish SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) is one of the best AI stocks with explosive growth potential. On February 2, Barclays reduced its price target on SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) from $348 to $283 and maintained an Overweight rating on the stock. This update comes after the company reported fourth-quarter results, which Barclays thinks were softer. However, the research firm said the drop in the share price after the results appeared harsh. Barclays believes many of the risks are already reflected in the stocks current price. Earlier, on January 30, BMO Capital also lowered its price target on SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) from $320 to $245 but kept its Outperform rating on the stock. BMO pointed to the companys failure to meet its guidance on cloud computing business growth targets in the December quarter. This miss came even though SAP SEs (NYSE:SAP) management had earlier expressed confidence in meeting or exceeding those targets. The research firm pointed out that SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) picked a poor time to miss, especially as investors are already concerned about AIs impact on the software industry. Despite these concerns, BMO is supportive of SAPs cloud conversion story, highlighting the companys strong retention rate. SAP SE (NYSE:SAP) is a German multinational software company with a leading position in enterprise applications and business AI. The company is one of the worlds largest providers of enterprise resource planning software. While we acknowledge the potential of SAP as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 12 Best Stocks Under $10 to Invest In Right Now and 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. On March 6, Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic, held a telephone conversation with Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports via Azerbaijani MFA. The ministers exchanged views on the security situation in the region, particularly regarding drone attacks carried out by Iran against Azerbaijani territory. Minister Bayramov emphasized that such attacks on Azerbaijan are unacceptable and stressed that any actions targeting the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity violate international law. He noted that actions posing risks to civilians and critical infrastructure represent a serious threat to regional security and stability. Minister Tajani expressed concern over the situation and conveyed Italys solidarity with Azerbaijan. He highlighted the importance of restoring stability in the region and thanked Azerbaijani authorities for facilitating the evacuation of Italian citizens from Azerbaijani territory, noting that Italy greatly values this support. During the conversation, the ministers also discussed the prospects for deepening cooperation within the framework of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babis has sent a letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, I was deeply concerned to learn about the drone attack on Nakhchivan on 5 March, during which civilian objects, including the airport, were struck and drones landed in the vicinity of a school, leaving several people injured. Such an attack constitutes a gross violation of international law and an unacceptable escalation of violence. This act, which you have rightly described as a terrorist attack, poses a serious threat to the stability and security of the wider region. On behalf of the Government of the Czech Republic, I would like to express our firm condemnation of this attack. We stand in solidarity with Azerbaijan and support all efforts aimed at ensuring the security of its citizens and preserving peace and stability in the region. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration," the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babis for the support provided to Azerbaijan following Iran's drone attacks on Nakhchivan, Trend reports. The post, shared on the President Ilham Aliyev's X account, reads: "I express my deep gratitude to the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr. Andrej Babis, for the strong message of support and solidarity extended in the aftermath of drone attacks by the state of Iran against territory of Azerbaijan. This statement is a vivid reflection of solid relations between Azerbaijan and Czechia developing in the spirit of friendship and commitment to international law." BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. As a result of complex counter-intelligence operations, the State Security Service has thwarted acts of terror and sabotage, as well as the gathering of intelligence information, planned to be carried out in Azerbaijan by SEPAH, the special services organisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Trend reports. With the intent of instilling panic among the public and damaging our country's international standing, the strategic Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Embassy of Israel in Azerbaijan, a leader of the Mountain Jews Religious Community, and the Ashkenazi Synagogue were targeted. Three explosive devices were smuggled into the country; however, these explosives were neutralised, preventing their handover to another person. Operational search measures were initiated to identify the strategic facilities and targets of interest to the Iranian special services within our country, as well as the individuals collaborating with them. It was established that citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Rustamzada Behnam Sahibali and Zandkian Yaser Rahim, acting in prior collusion, formed a criminal conspiracy with Guliyev Tarkhan Tarlan oglu to smuggle an explosive device into the country. Acting on the instructions of the citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Zandkian Yaser Rahim, an unidentified container was located near the Shikhov settlement in the Sabail district. An inspection of the container revealed 7.730 kg of "C-4" explosives, designed to detonate objects and concrete installations. It was determined that Tarkhan Guliyev, along with Nijat Aghayev, came by car, took the container from where it was placed, and in the following days, they hid the explosive device in the Nasimi district of Baku. Subsequently, it was established that another container holding an explosive device was smuggled into the country on the instructions of a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Azarundbileh Hosein Savar Saber, who has direct links with SEPAH. It contained two remote-controlled "C-4" type explosive devices. Azerbaijani citizen Abdullayev Asad Tofig oglu, with whom a criminal connection had been established in advance, visited the secret stash and retrieved the container. Having received prior intelligence regarding this, the State Security Service equipped the location with covert video surveillance to document the incident. The following day, it was established that Rashad Rustamov and Asad Abdullayev jointly retrieved the container from the known secret stash in the Baghlar tract of the Shikhlar settlement, Gobustan district, and hid the package near A. Abdullayev's residence. It was determined that the Iranian citizens who had formed criminal links with the Azerbaijani nationals were not only engaged in drug smuggling but also had direct links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In addition to the aforementioned, the network of contacts belonging to SEPAHwhich orchestrated the gathering of intelligence information and the planning of terror, sabotage, and assassination acts in the Republic of Azerbaijanwas identified. Specifically, a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sheikhzadeh Sajjad Moghadam Sati Sofli Evad, who promised $50,000 to anyone willing to place an explosive device under a bridge in the Sangachal settlement of Baku's Garadagh district, was actively searching for a perpetrator. Concurrently, it was revealed that S. Sheikhzadeh had received special directives from SEPAH to prepare assassination plots against individuals of Jewish origin residing in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The locations of the initial three explosive devices deployed by SEPAH were not identified because their trusted associates severed ties with the instigators. Consequently, the smuggling of the next explosive device was organised at the initiative of a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hafez Tavassoli. Thus, one explosive device weighing 1,280 grams was located near the Shipbuilding Yard in the capital's Garadagh district. The lethal radius of this explosive is 250300 metres. Hafez Tavassoli, identified as a SEPAH liaison agent, contacted Aghayeva Khadija Zakir qz and requested she hold the box for two days. The Azerbaijani citizen, who retrieved the package using provided coordinates, placed the box in a concealed location in the Masazir settlement in the subsequent days. After observing one individual on a motorcycle approach and collect the package, Khadija Aghayeva informed H. Tavassoli. Following Aghayevas placement of the explosive material in the pre-agreed location in the Masazir settlement, Ahmadov Elvin Bahruz oglu, acting on the instructions of Sajjad Sheikhzadeh Moghaddam Sati Sofli Evad, retrieved the explosive device and hid it near his courtyard house in the Bilajari settlement. Simultaneously, a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Hafez Tavassoli, contacted an Azerbaijani citizen, Shabanova Narmina Ramiz qz, with the objective of committing the assassination of a public figure. She was instructed to visit the public figure's workplace and take photographs of the location and the individual in question. Furthermore, Shabanova received instructions from SEPAH to meet a foreign national sent to Azerbaijan from a third country to carry out the assassination, accommodate them in a hotel, and procure a weapon and vehicle to commit the crime. At that moment, Ismiyev Naib Aghaismi oglu informed Narmina Shabanova that he could assassinate the public figure for 80,000 manats. Consequently, Naib Ismiyev visited the public figure's workplace and used his mobile phone to record videos of the location in order to plan the execution of the crime and his subsequent escape, sending the footage to criminal group member Narmina Shabanova. Concurrently, they undertook preparations for the assassination by conspiring to acquire a firearm, as well as other tools and means necessary to commit the offence. As a result of urgent, preventative operational search measures conducted by the State Security Service, these particularly grave crimes were thwarted. Guliyev Tarkhan Tarlan oglu, Aghayev Nijat Zaman oglu, Abdullayev Asad Tofig oglu, Rustamov Rashad Farhad oglu, Aghayeva Khadija Zakir qz, Ahmadov Elvin Bahruz oglu, Shabanova Narmina Ramiz qz, and Ismiyev Naib Ismikhan oglu confessed to their actions, including retrieving the explosive device on the instructions of SEPAH-affiliated individuals and executing tasks related to the assassination plots. During this period, it was revealed that the individual directly orchestrating the terrorist acts against our country was Ali Asghar Bordbar Sherami, an officer of SEPAH's Intelligence Organisation holding the military rank of colonel. An international search warrant has been issued for citizens of the Islamic Republic of IranZandkian Yaser Rahim, Rustamzada Behnam Sahibali, Hafez Tavassoli, and Sheikhzadeh Sajjad Moghadam Sati Sofi Evadwhose involvement in the gathering of intelligence information and the organisation of terror and sabotage acts to disrupt the country's stability and induce panic among the public has been established. Decisions were also handed down regarding the Azerbaijani citizens whose involvement in these criminal acts was uncovered during the operational and investigative measures. Guliyev Tarkhan Tarlan oglu and Aghayev Nijat Zaman oglu, Abdullayev Asad Tofig oglu and Rustamov Rashad Farhad oglu were found guilty under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code and sentenced to 6 years and 6 months in prison. Shabanova Narmina Ramiz qz and Ismiyev Naib Aghaismi oglu were brought to criminal responsibility under Articles 28 and 277 (preparation for the assassination of a statesman or public figure) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan (AR CC), while Ahmadov Elvin Bahruz oglu was charged under Article 228.2.1 of the CC (illegal acquisition, transfer, storage, transportation, and carrying of weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and explosive devices by a group of persons in prior collusion). The court has remanded them in custody as a preventative measure. The materials collected by the Main Investigation Department of the State Security Service have been submitted to the court. Complex investigative and operational measures are ongoing to identify the wider network of individuals who organised the planning of these terror, sabotage, and assassination acts in the Republic of Azerbaijan on behalf of foreign special services, as well as those collaborating with them. For this very reason, the public is urged to remain vigilant, and it is advised to refrain from any criminal activity that culminates in imprisonment. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. 3 explosive devices were brought into Azerbaijan as part of the terrorist provocation by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Trend reports. As a result of complex counterintelligence measures, the State Security Service prevented terrorist provocations and intelligence gathering planned to be carried out in Azerbaijan by the Islamic Republic of Iran's special service, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In order to create panic among the public and damage the international reputation of our country, the strategic object Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Israeli embassy in Azerbaijan, one of the leaders of the Mountain Jewish Religious Community, and the Ashkenazi Synagogue were targeted. 3 explosive devices were brought into the country, but these explosives were neutralized and prevented from being transferred to another person. Citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran Rustamzada Behnam Sahibali and Zandkian Yaser Rahim, in advance, established a criminal connection with Tarkhan Guliyev to bring an explosive device into the country. On the instructions of Zandkian Yaser Rahim, a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1 unknown container placed near the Shikhov settlement of the Sabail region was identified. During the inspection of the container, it was discovered that it contained 7 kg 730 grams of "C-4" explosive, intended for blowing up objects and concrete structures. During the operational filming of the State Security Service, it was determined that Tarkhan Guliyev, along with Nijat Aghayev, came by car and took the container from where it was placed, and in the following days they hid the explosive device in the Nasimi district of Baku. Later, it was revealed that the container with the explosive device inside was again brought into the country on the instructions of Azarundbileh Hosein Savar Saber, a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran who has direct ties to the Islamic Republic of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. Inside it were 2 remotely controlled "C-4" type explosive devices. Asad Abdullayev, a citizen of Azerbaijan with whom criminal ties were previously established, came to the secret storage location and took the container. Since information about this was received in advance, the storage location was equipped with secret video surveillance by the State Security Service to detect this situation. The next day, it was discovered that Rashad Rustamov and Asad Abdullayev together took the container from a known secret storage location in the Baglar massif of the Shikhlar settlement of the Gobustan region and hid the package near the house where Abdullayev lived. It was determined that the Iranian citizens who had criminal ties with Azerbaijani citizens were involved in drug smuggling and had direct ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Sheikhzadeh Sajjad Moghadam Sati Sofi Evad, a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who had promised 50,000 US dollars to the person who would place an explosive device under the bridge in the Sangachal settlement of the Garadagh district of Baku, was looking for the person who would do the job. At the same time, it was revealed that S. Sheikhzadeh received special instructions from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to prepare assassination plans against people of Jewish origin living in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The location of the previous 3 explosive devices was not determined by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps due to the fact that the people they trusted had cut off ties with the initiators. Therefore, the next explosive device was provided at the initiative of Hafez Tavassoli, a citizen of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Thus, 1 explosive device weighing 1280 grams was identified near the Shipyard located in the Garadagh district of the capital. The lethal force of this explosive is 250-300 meters away. Hafez Tavassoli, identified as the coordinating agent of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, contacted Khadija Aghayeva and asked her to keep the box with her for two days. The Azerbaijani citizen, who received the package from the sent coordinates, left the box in a secret place in the Masazir settlement in the following days. Khadija Aghayeva, after observing a person approaching on a motorcycle and taking the package, informed H. Tavassoli about this. After Agayeva placed the explosive in a previously agreed place in the Masazir settlement, Sajjad Sheikhzadeh Moghaddam Sati Sofli Evad instructed Elvin Ahmadov to take the explosive device and hide it around the courtyard of his house in the Bilajari settlement where he lived. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. An explosive device weighing 1,280 grams was detected near the shipyard in the Garadagh district of Baku as part of the terrorist provocation planned by Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Trend reports. As a result of complex counterintelligence measures, the State Security Service prevented terrorist provocations and intelligence gathering planned by the Islamic Republic of Iran's special service, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in Azerbaijan. The lethal force of the explosive device is 250-300 meters away. Hafez Tavassoli, identified as the IRGC's liaison agent, contacted Khadija Aghayeva and asked her to keep the box with her for two days. The Azerbaijani citizen, who received the package from the sent coordinates, left the box in a secret place in the Masazir settlement in the following days. Aghayeva, after observing a person approaching on a motorcycle and taking the package, informed Tavassoli about this. After Aghayeva placed the explosive in a previously agreed place in the Masazir settlement, Sajjad Sheikhzadeh Moghaddam Sati Sofli Evad instructed Elvin Ahmadov to take the explosive device and hide it around the courtyard of his house in the Bilajari settlement where he lived. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljka Cvijanovic has sent a letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. "Your Excellency, In the wake of the recent attacks carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, allow me, in my capacity as the Serb Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina and on my own behalf, to convey to you my full support and solidarity. We regard these attacks as unacceptable and deeply concerning. They represent a serious threat to regional stability and security. Under your leadership, Azerbaijan has consistently advocated stability, development, and cooperation in the region, which makes such actions particularly unjust. In these challenging circumstances, we stand firmly with Your Excellency and with the friendly people of Azerbaijan. I look forward to my forthcoming visit to Baku and to our meeting once again, which I see as another opportunity to further strengthen the friendly relations and cooperation between our two peoples. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration," the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini has sent a letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. "Mr. President, On behalf of the Slovak Republic and on my own behalf, I would like to express my sincere solidarity in connection with the attack by an unmanned aerial vehicle on civilian infrastructure in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, which endangered the civilian population. We strongly condemn this attack. Such conduct is unacceptable, constitutes a violation of international law, and dangerously increases the risk of further escalation. The Slovak Republic supports all efforts aimed at de-escalation and the peaceful resolution of the situation. At the same time, allow me to express my sincere gratitude for the assistance and hospitality that your authorities extended to our diplomats evacuated from Tehran. We highly appreciate the support that your authorities provided in this difficult situation. Please accept, Mr. President, the assurances of my highest consideration," the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. Staff of the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran have been evacuated from Iran, Trend reports. Employees of our countrys diplomatic mission in Iran returned to Azerbaijan through the Astara state border crossing point. The evacuation process was carried out with all necessary procedures, including document verification, registration, and other formalities, and all measures were taken to ensure safety. The evacuation process through the Astara state border crossing continues without interruption and is conducted in accordance with established procedures under the supervision of the relevant authorities. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 7. On March 6, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, called the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said, Trend reports. During the phone call, the parties discussed the drone attacks carried out on Azerbaijani territory, as well as the current security situation. Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that he strongly condemns attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and considers such actions unacceptable. The ministers expressed concern over the rising tensions in the Middle East and noted the importance of preventing further escalation. The parties also discussed the prospects for developing the existing strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates. BCE Inc. (NYSE:BCE) is one of the best Canadian value stocks to buy. 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Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. In accordance with the 2026 training plan, the first graduation ceremony of the specialist training course on the Bayraktar TB2 System was held at the Bayraktar Technologies Azerbaijan Flight Training Center operating under the Air Force, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. First, the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and Shehids who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland was honored with a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed. Major General Hasan Alovsadov congratulated the graduates on behalf of the leadership of the Ministry of Defense and wished them success in their future military service. At the event, the importance of the course was emphasized, noting that such courses have a positive impact on servicemen in mastering specialties, improving their knowledge and skills, as well as increasing their professionalism. At the end of the graduation ceremony, certificates were presented to graduates. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Ramil Hasan, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA), issued a statement regarding the attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on civilian facilities in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Trend reports. Ambassador Ramil Hasan strongly condemned the UAV attacks targeting civilian sites in Nakhchivan. Emphasizing that such actions pose a serious threat to civilian safety and regional stability, the Secretary General stressed the importance of preventing similar incidents and called for restraint to avoid further escalation in the region. TURKPA stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan, wishing them peace and stability, the statement emphasized. KHOJALY, Azerbaijan, March 6. The latest phase of the resettlement process has been successfully carried out in the villages of Tazabina and Seyidbayli in the Khojaly region, the Public Relations Department of the Rehabilitation, Construction and Management Service in the city of Khankendi, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts told Trend. The resettlement involved the relocation of 9 families, totaling 51 individuals, to Tazabina, while 4 families, comprising 16 people, were resettled in Seyidbayli. In total, 13 families, or 67 people, have returned to their ancestral lands. During a ceremony held in Khojaly city, Mahmud Afandiyev, Deputy Executive Director of the Rehabilitation, Construction, and Management Service, presented the families with the keys to their newly rebuilt homes. He offered his congratulations to the residents, expressing his hopes for their prosperity and happiness in their restored communities. Afandiyev further emphasized the ongoing large-scale restoration and reconstruction efforts taking place across the Khankendi, Khojaly, and Aghdara regions. He noted that all critical infrastructure had been established to ensure the safety and comfort of residents, including full access to electricity, natural gas, and drinking water in both villages. This resettlement marks another significant step in the gradual repopulation of the liberated territories, carried out within the framework of the "Great Return" program, further advancing the restoration of the regions communities. On March 5, 2026, at the Stone Chronicle Museum, a presentation ceremony was held for the scientific and popular publication reflecting the results of the Chovdar Necropolis archaeological research project, carried out with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and AzerGold CJSC, and with the participation of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). During the event, guests were first introduced to an exhibition showcasing material and cultural heritage items discovered during the archaeological excavations. Opening the event with an introductory speech, Zakir Ibrahimov expressed his gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the special attention and support shown to the project, and to the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS for conducting the fundamental research. It was noted that Chovdar Necropolis is one of the longest-running socio-cultural projects of AzerGold CJSC, implemented since 2019. During the five-month excavation, 156 graves dating back to the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages and over 6,000 material and cultural artifacts including weapons, tools, household items, and decorative objects were uncovered. Alongside local scientists, specialists from Italy, Japan, and Turkey participated in the research. For the first time, DNA analyses were conducted on human remains, with nearly 13 million DNA molecules read from each sample and processed in the laboratory. As a result, a detailed demographic analysis of the Chovdar population was conducted, including average age, kinship relations, and causes of death. The findings showed that the people buried in the necropolis were of local Caucasian origin and had lived in the region for over 400 years. Speaking at the event, Soltan Mammadov, Member of the National Assembly and Head of the International Relations Department of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, emphasized the projects importance for studying our ancient roots. He highlighted the Foundations projects supporting archaeological research in Azerbaijan and abroad, as well as promoting national heritage internationally. S. Mammadov stated that the findings reaffirm that our country has been one of the centers of ancient human culture. Orkhan Abbasov, Head of the Executive Authority of Dashkasan District, noted that the district contains numerous archaeological sites from various historical periods, beginning with the Early Bronze Age. According to him, 49 immovable historical and cultural monuments in the district are currently registered with the state, and the study of the Chovdar Necropolis has contributed to further enriching the districts cultural heritage. In her speech, Sabina Hajiyeva, Head of the State Service for the Protection, Development, and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, highlighted the projects significance in the context of the state policy for preserving the countrys historical and cultural heritage. Farhad Guliyev, Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of ANAS, stated that the findings were researched in accordance with international standards. He noted that the Chovdar Necropolis is the richest site discovered to date in terms of metal artifacts. Spectral analyses conducted in Pisa, Italy, revealed that the artifacts were made using various metal alloys, indicating that the region had reached a certain level of early metallurgical development at that time. Glass beads and cowrie shells also confirm the existence of economic and cultural connections between ancient communities and the Mediterranean and other regions. It should be noted that the necropolis was discovered during construction works at the Chovdar Processing Area carried out by AzerGold CJSC in 2019. The book Chovdar Necropolis is a scientific publication reflecting the results of several years of research by the archaeological expedition. Prepared in Azerbaijani and English, the book aims to present the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Chovdar Necropolis to the wider public and contribute to the promotion of national heritage. A forum on Looking to the future in the Tax System: new Governance Model and Data-driven decisions held at the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy. During the forum, participants discussed modern management approaches in the tax system, the implementation of digital solutions, and data-driven decision-making mechanisms. In addition, changes in tax legislation and innovative approaches in tax administration were presented to the attendees. At the forum, special certificates were awarded to taxpayers distinguished in various categories. AzerGold CJSC was recognized with a prize in the category Active Exporter in the public sector for its contributions to the export of gold and silver to international markets. The award was presented to Khayyam Farzaliyev, Vice-Chairman of the Board of AzerGold CJSMember of the Executive Board Deputy Chairman, by Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, and Chairman of the Economic Policy, Industry, and Entrepreneurship Committee of the National Assembly, Azer Amiraslanov. It should be noted that at the beginning of the year, AzerGold CJSC ranked first among state-owned exporters in the non-oil and gas sector. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has prepared a temporary flight schedule for the Baku-Igdr-Baku route covering March 710 to provide Azerbaijani citizens with an alternative transportation link between Baku and Nakhchivan, Trend reports via the airlines press service. The schedule has been arranged to ensure passengers can continue traveling between the two destinations during the specified period. All flight times are indicated in local time. Passengers are advised to consider the following points before departure: - to arrive at the airport at least one and a half hours before the flight; - to carry either an international passport or a new-generation national ID card. The airline also noted that passengers will be informed if any changes occur in the flight schedule. Tickets for the Baku-Igdr-Baku route can be purchased through the airlines official website or its mobile application by selecting the Nakhchivan destination or by contacting AZAL ticket offices. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbajan, March 7. On March 6, with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, an event was organized within the framework of the My Son is a Hero! project to mark the holy month of Ramadan and International Womens Day on March 8, Trend reports. As part of the event coinciding with Ramadan, an iftar dinner was held. Mothers and family members of heroic martyrs from various regions of Azerbaijan attended the event. Leyla Aliyeva also participated in the iftar, spending time with the families and engaging in conversations with them. The event served as a tribute to the heroic martyrs who fought for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and as an expression of state and societal care for their families. Speeches highlighted the courage of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, and commemorated the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the countrys territorial integrity. Prayers were offered in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs, and for peace in the world and stability in Azerbaijan. Speaking on behalf of the martyrs families, Samaya Hashimova, mother of National Hero and martyr Major General Polad Hashimov, expressed gratitude for the constant attention, care, and respect shown to the families. Prominent Azerbaijani artists also performed at the event. A series of events are organized under the My Father is a Hero and My Son is a Hero projects, honoring the memory of martyrs and involving their families. These events bring martyrs families together, reaffirming that the state and the Azerbaijani people stand by them. They also demonstrate attention and care for the families while honoring the memory of their heroic children and supporting state initiatives in this direction. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The Iranian authorities have blocked the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, traffic through it has dropped by as much as 80%, creating a major problem for many countries - especially the landlocked ones, such as Turkmenistan. Ashgabat now faces the urgent need to redirect its trade flows. The problem is extremely serious: Iran remains one of Turkmenistans notable trading partners and an important transit route. For example, Iran accounted for 12.5% of Turkmenistans total imports in 2023. Moreover, in the first ten months of 2025, the total non-oil trade between the two countries amounted to $555 million and approximately 1.3 million tons of goods. Turkmenistan imports from Iran include agricultural and food products, industrial goods, electrical transformers, water treatment systems, and petrochemical products. Additionally, Iran imports around 2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually from Turkmenistan. In recent years, Ashgabat and Tehran have also sought to deepen cooperation in transport and logistics. In 2025, Irans Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, stated that the two countries aim to increase transit volumes to 20 million tons, including 6 million tons intended for rail transport. These plans are linked to broader regional transport initiatives. One of them is the eastern route of the International North-South Transport Corridor, which connects Russia and Central Asian countries to Persian Gulf ports via Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. In 2024, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran agreed on a roadmap for the synchronized development of this route. Another project is the Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman multimodal transport corridor, which is intended to connect Central Asian countries with the Persian Gulf through Iran. In addition, the China-Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran railway route is being developed as part of a wider Eurasian transport corridor network. Iran also plays a key role in providing Central Asian countries access to global maritime markets. The ports of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar serve as critical gateways connecting the region to the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. If disruptions to transport flows through Iran persist for an extended period, implementing such projects may require revising profitability forecasts for trade operations along these routes. Alternative routes through Pakistan also face uncertainty. In early March, tensions along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border escalated after a series of airstrikes, complicating the use of Pakistani ports, including Gwadar, as an alternative outlet for regional trade. Under these conditions, Turkmenistan, to compensate for potential reductions in existing trade volumes due to regional risks, may seek to strengthen cooperation with partners whose transport links remain stable. One potential direction is the development of trade through the Caspian region. Economic and transit ties with Azerbaijan have been strengthened in recent years through projects associated with the Middle Corridor, which connects Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus, and Turkey. Another key partner remains Turkiye. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan previously stated that Ankara intends to increase bilateral trade with Turkmenistan from around $2 billion at the current state to $5 billion in the coming years. Georgia is also a potential candidate. In February 2026, during a visit by the Chairperson of the Turkmenistan Mejlis to Tbilisi, a cooperation agreement was signed between the parliaments of the two countries, and discussions also focused on the development of transport corridors. In a broader regional context, Turkmenistan may intensify trade relations with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 2026. As part of its chairmanship of the organization, Ashgabat intends to pay special attention to economic cooperation and transport connectivity, as previously stated by the countrys officials. At the same time, the country continues to expand cooperation with Europe and Asia. Turkmenistans ambassador to Belgium, Sapar Palvanov, has stated that European engagement is one of the key priorities of Turkmenistans foreign policy in 2026. Meanwhile, trade between China and Central Asian countries exceeded $100 billion for the first time in 2025, increasing by 12% compared to the previous year. Although the duration and scale of the current conflicts consequences remain uncertain, disruptions to transport routes around Iran have already highlighted the vulnerability of regional supply chains, which heavily rely on specific transit routes. For Turkmenistan, located at the center of transcontinental transport networks, these developments could stimulate further diversification of logistics links and trade partnerships. Expanding cooperation in the Caspian region, strengthening economic ties with neighboring countries, and deepening engagement with European and Asian markets could become important factors in maintaining stable trade flows during this period of uncertainty. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 6. Uzbekistan and a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) held a meeting to discuss priorities for cooperation in 2026, the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Khodjaev, wrote on his social media account, Trend reports. Today, the Cabinet of Ministers hosted a high-level delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) - the Board of Directors and the team from the EBRD Representative Office in Uzbekistan, Khodjaev stated. He noted that such meetings provide an opportunity to align priorities and review progress, with a focus on concrete results and the pace of project implementation rather than declarations. Priorities for 2026 include expanding direct support to the private sector through non-sovereign financing, with a target of up to $1 billion per year, he said. Khodjaev also highlighted plans to scale up the Women in Business and Youth in Business programs across Uzbekistans regions, offering support tools ranging from financial products and training to advisory services and partnership networks. Another focus area is advancing infrastructure projects in transport, green energy, and water efficiency, including potential engagement in the Kambarata Hydropower Plant, he said. He added that preparations are also underway for several new agreements. We are preparing agreements for electric buses in Nukus worth $55 million and for the digital transformation of Uzbekistan Temir Yullari valued at $47 million, Khodjaev stated. He also noted that the EBRD delegation visited Samarkand and toured a depot as part of the $62 million electric bus project. We look forward to receiving recommendations on further project advancement, including operational models, charging infrastructure, maintenance systems, and workforce training, he added. Meanwhile, in 2025, about 85% of EBRD funds in Uzbekistan were directed to the private sector, while the banks total annual operations in the country exceeded $1 billion. Overall, the EBRD has invested nearly $7 billion in more than 200 projects across Uzbekistan. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Strengthening the stability of the insurance market in Azerbaijan was discussed, Trend reports via the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA). The CBA Chairman, Taleh Kazimov, held a meeting with the management and staff of the institution at the Compulsory Insurance Bureau (CIB). Within the framework of the meeting, the CIB management organized a presentation on the results of its activities over the past year, the work done to increase the effectiveness of compulsory insurance mechanisms, strengthen the stability of the insurance market, and boost transparency. Kazimov shared with the CIB management his recommendations on expanding the analytical and technological infrastructure of the institution, as well as organizing high-quality and fair provision for consumer protection. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Geopolitical concerns are flaring up around the world. There are economic concerns in the United States, as consumers are increasingly cost-conscious. In this environment, the best stocks to buy might be boring ones. A good place to start your search if you have $1,000 or more to invest is consumer staple Dividend Kings like Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG). Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue Image source: Getty Images. Why consumer staple Dividend Kings? Consumer staples are largely life necessities, like food, water, and toiletries. You aren't going to stop buying these products, even in a recession or if geopolitical conflicts flare. You need them to live comfortably. Dividend Kings, meanwhile, have proven they have sustainable businesses. The evidence is the more than 50 years of annual dividend increases that are required to become a Dividend King. You simply can't build a record like that by accident; it requires a strong business model that is executed well in good times and bad. Coca-Cola and P&G Beverage giant Coca-Cola and consumer product giant Procter & Gamble give you access to two important segments of the consumer staples sector. They are both Dividend Kings and among the world's largest consumer staples companies. They have industry-leading brands, innovation skills, marketing teams, and distribution capabilities. Coca-Cola's dividend yield is 2.5% right now, while P&G's is nearly 2.6%. By comparison, the S&P 500 index (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) is yielding just 1.1%. The generous yields on offer here can give you something to watch other than stock prices. Coca-Cola's beverage business is holding up fairly well right now, with organic sales up 5% in the most recent quarter. P&G's consumer products business isn't doing nearly as well, with organic sales flat in its most recent quarter. That helps explain why Coca-Cola's stock is up 12% over the past year while P&G's shares are down 5% even after a recent rally. Either one is a solid choice Coca-Cola's price-to-earnings ratio is about in line with its five-year average, suggesting investors are paying a fair price for the stock. P&G's P/E ratio has dipped below its five-year average, suggesting it might be a little cheap right now. A $1,000 investment will let you buy 12 shares of Coca-Cola, for investors who want to stick with the strongest companies, or six shares of P&G, for those with a bit more of a value bias. Either way, you are buying a well-run company with an attractive yield and a strong core business. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijan discussed cooperation opportunities with a UK company on the development of an artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem in the country, the Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, wrote on his X page, Trend reports. "We held a meeting with representatives of ScaleAI as part of a visit to the UK. During the meeting, we discussed cooperation opportunities between Azerbaijan and ScaleAI on the application of artificial intelligence, the implementation of priority use scenarios, and the development of an artificial intelligence ecosystem in the country. We also exchanged views on increasing the scale of artificial intelligence projects in the short and long term, the development of local talents, and the formation of ecosystem partnerships," the post reads. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. As previously announced, Kapital Bank, together with the Education Development Fund and the global technology company Mastercard, has launched the ThsilPlus project for education professionals. The project, which was introduced last year, has now successfully completed its preparation phase. The multifunctional ThsilPlus card, offering a range of benefits and privileges to employees of educational institutions, was first presented to the teachers who achieved high results in the certification exams held between 2022 and 2025 and distinguished themselves through their professional activities. The project covers nearly 450 000 pedagogical and administrative staff working across all levels of the education system. The ThsilPlus card combines three functions in a single card, serving as a salary card, a debit card, and an access card for education professionals. Representatives of relevant public institutions and private organizations attended the event marking the official card presentation ceremony. During the event, the Chair of the Board of the Education Development Fund, Nijat Mammadli, delivered the opening remarks. He stated that the Fund operates on the principles of expanding public private partnerships, promoting innovative initiatives, and ensuring sustainable support for educational institutions. According to him, the launch of the ThsilPlus card following the introduction of the StudentPlus card represents a logical continuation of this strategy and offers education professionals a unified and multifunctional solution. In his remarks, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board, Chief Corporate Sales Officer Farid Hidayatzade, emphasized that support for the education sector is among the Banks key priorities. He noted that in the modern era, financial tools are no longer limited to payment functions but have evolved into comprehensive platforms that enhance everyday convenience. He highlighted that the discounts, bonus opportunities, and extensive partner network available through the ThsilPlus card will make a tangible contribution to teachers daily lives. Special attention was drawn to the fact that the project has been implemented within the framework of a public private partnership model. He expressed confidence that sustainable development can only be achieved through close and consistent cooperation and stressed that the initiative aims not merely to issue a card, but to create a unified, multifunctional, and long term solution for education professionals. Engin Yashar, Vice President of Business Development at Mastercard stated: At Mastercard, we believe that innovation must go hand in hand with financial inclusion. The ThsilPlus card is an example of how digital technology can create meaningful impact by empowering education professionals with secure, multifunctional and forward-looking solutions. Through strong partnerships in Azerbaijan, we continue to support financial inclusion and expand access to modern payment ecosystems. Following the official part of the event, a promotional video presenting the ThsilPlus card was shown. The video highlighted the cards design, functionality, partner network benefits, and bonus offers, as well as special discounts available through the Mastercard Priceless Specials program. Kapital Bank, the country's first bank, is part of PASHA Holding. Kapital Bank has the largest service network in Azerbaijan with 115 branches and 53 departments all over the country. For more detailed information about the banks products and services, please refer to https://kapitalbank.az website, 196 Call Centre or the banks various social network pages. To apply for a consumer loan visit https://kbl.az/prgtk, for a Birbank installment card visit https://kbl.az/prcrc. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. UK's Benoy was involved in the early stages of the New Tashkent Masterplan and is currently exploring opportunities related to specific assets across the region, Tom Cartledge, CEO and owner of Benoy, told Trend, commenting on the outcomes of a recent meeting with Uzbekistans Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov. Our work spans both masterplan-scale development and the architecture of individual buildings, so we can engage at either level, Cartledge said. According to him, the meeting focused on modern urban development priorities, including the New Tashkent project, regional masterplanning, as well as transport and tourism infrastructure. Those strategic priorities align closely with what we have been working on across Central Asia over the past fifteen years, so this discussion was a natural continuation of existing conversations rather than an entirely new direction, he noted. Commenting on Benoys potential role in the development of New Tashkent, Cartledge said the company focuses on the spaces where people actually spend their time and on how a city feels to live in and move through. When you look at the scale of a project like New Tashkent, it is essential that development delivers on the citys ambitions while preserving its cultural identity and ensuring that it remains connected to its history, rather than becoming simply a collection of new infrastructure, he said. Speaking about the approaches and international best practices the company could bring to the modernization of transport and tourism infrastructure, Cartledge noted that Benoy would rely on its global experience. As an international practice, we draw on the depth of experience gained from projects in more than 40 countries. The most valuable thing we can offer is not a universal formula, but an honest understanding of what has and has not worked elsewhere. We bring those lessons to the specific conditions of Uzbekistan, he said. Cartledge added that the company works across a wide range of sectors, including transport and transit-oriented development, mixed-use projects, offices, retail, residential, and leisure infrastructure. The real challenge lies in how these functions connect. People do not simply visit buildings-they go somewhere for a purpose. Designing that coherence into a place from the outset is where we concentrate most of our effort, he concluded. Meanwhile, the New Tashkent project is a large-scale urban development initiative aimed at building a new administrative and residential district east of the current capital. The city is planned to cover about 20,000 hectares and accommodate up to 2 million residents in several development phases. The project envisages the relocation of a number of government institutions, alongside the construction of business districts, residential complexes, social infrastructure, parks, and public spaces. The masterplan also prioritizes modern transport systems, transit-oriented development, and green urban planning solutions, with a significant share of the area allocated to green zones and water infrastructure. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 6. Turkmenistan and Russia discussed the development of a strategic partnership, Trend reports via the Federation Council of Russia. The meeting, which took place between Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia, and Esen Aydogdyyev, Turkmenistans Ambassador to Russia, centered on strengthening interparliamentary relations, which are increasingly viewed as a pivotal mechanism for enhancing bilateral ties. Both parties acknowledged the steady expansion of cooperation not only in the economic domain but also in the humanitarian and political spheres. Additionally, the conversation included a review of Turkmenistans program for assuming the CIS chairmanship in 2026. The Russian side commended Ashgabats proposed concept, describing it as both substantive and comprehensive. Kosachev reaffirmed the Federation Councils full support for Turkmenistans initiatives, both bilaterally and within the framework of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly. Russias backing of Turkmenistans CIS programs is widely regarded as a crucial element in fostering regional stability and integration. The situation in the Middle East was also addressed during the meeting. Kosachev expressed gratitude for Turkmenistans organizational and logistical contributions to the evacuation of Russian citizens from conflict zones. The swift and decisive assistance provided by Turkmenistan was recognized as vital to the successful execution of the humanitarian mission, especially in the context of complex international circumstances. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The prospects for further development of cooperation between the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Mongolia Regional Capacity Development Center (CCAMTAC) were discussed, Trend reports via the CBA. First Deputy Chairman of the CBA Aliyar Mammadyarov met with Holger Floerkemeier, Director of the CCAMTAC. Within the framework of the meeting, extensive discussions were held on the existing cooperation between the CBA and CCAMTAC and the prospects for further development of this cooperation, including the technical assistance programs provided by CCAMTAC and the opportunities they offer. CCAMTAC is a technical assistance center established within the framework of cooperation between the International Monetary Fund (IMF), member countries, and development partners. The organization implements initiatives to expand the activities of the IMF in order to support the formation of stronger policy frameworks and institutions in the region, identify new and inclusive sources of economic growth, and increase the economic potential of the region. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijan and U.S. company Dell Technologies discussed opportunities for cooperation in the field of digital transformation, the country's Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, wrote on his X account, Trend reports. "During our visit to the UK, we met with Adrian McDonald, President of Dell Technologies for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. During the meeting, we discussed opportunities for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Dell Technologies in the field of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and information infrastructure. We also exchanged views on sovereign cloud solutions and opportunities for the application of artificial intelligence in Azerbaijan," the statement said. Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev has already held meetings with representatives of a number of technology and innovation companies during his visit to the UK. The meetings focused on possible areas of cooperation in the field of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and innovative technologies. Photo: Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union (EU) was discussed, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy The discussion took place at a meeting between Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli and Adrienn Kiraly, Director for Eastern Neighbourhood and Turkiye at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy. The meeting emphasized that joint activities between the European Union (EU), one of Azerbaijan's main foreign trade partners, and our country in the energy, investment, and other sectors serve regional development. It was noted that there is great potential for further strengthening cooperation. The parties discussed the EU Agreement on financing Azerbaijan for 2024, the implementation of joint projects, and other issues. Uzbekistan sees growing travel flow to Thailand Photo: National Statistics Committee Travel interest among Uzbek citizens in Southeast Asia is on the rise, with Thailand still holding its ground as a favored destination at the dawn of 2026. Access to paid information is limited If You already have an account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has granted preliminary approval for Bank "BTB" Joint-Stock Company to be reorganized as a non-bank financial institution (NBFI) in accordance with legislation, Trend reports via the Central Bank (CBA). According to the Central Bank, the transformation will be carried out under its supervision following the procedures outlined in the Rules on Bank Reorganization. As part of the process, Bank "BTB" JSC has signed an Agreement on the Transfer of Assets and Liabilities with Azerbaijan International Bank JSC (ABB), the countrys largest bank by asset size. The agreement ensures that deposits of individuals and legal entities at Bank "BTB" will either continue under existing conditions at ABB or be returned by ABB. Rights to claim outstanding loans or other obligations from Bank "BTB" clients will also be transferred to ABB, which will handle all related payments. Customers will be informed through official communication channels of both banks. The Central Bank emphasized that the reorganization poses no risk to creditors, including depositors. Bank "BTB" JSC holds a small share of the countrys banking sector, accounting for 0.6% of total assets, 0.9% of the credit portfolio, and 0.6% of sector liabilities. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Naoko Takeda wrote on LinkedIn that Block offered her a pay bump and retention bonus after its recent layoffs. Takeda said she quit instead. "That's not an honor. It feels shameful and dehumanizing," she wrote. Business Insider viewed messages in which two employees said their retention bonuses were $60,000 and $80,000. Survived the Block layoffs? You might be getting a hefty retention package, including a bonus. Naoko Takeda was a data scientist at Block's Cash App for two years, per LinkedIn. After over 4,000 of her Block colleagues were laid off last week, Takeda wrote on LinkedIn that the company offered her a roughly 75% pay increase as well as a "retention bonus." She quit "almost immediately," she wrote. "I saw my company discard half of my peers and double my pay," Takeda wrote. "That's not an honor. It feels shameful and dehumanizing." Takeda wrote that her overall "retention package" represented about a 90% bump when factoring in a "one-time bonus" she received. She declined to comment further when reached by Business Insider. Business Insider viewed messages between current and former Block employees in which those who survived the layoff round described retention packages they were offered. One wrote that they were offered $80,000, and the another wrote that they were offered $60,000, according to screenshots of the conversations. Both wrote that the bonuses paid out in quarterly installments. In her post, Takeda estimated that about 70% of her immediate and sister teams were impacted by the layoffs. Her only colleague left on her team was a "new hire who had started 3 days ago," she wrote. On Block's earnings call after the layoffs, Block CEO Jack Dorsey made the case for AI efficiencies, predicting "all companies will eventually" embrace the trend. "A significantly smaller team using the tools we're building can do more and do it better. And intelligence tool capabilities are compounding faster every single week," Dorsey said. In her LinkedIn post, Takeda pushed back on Dorsey's remarks, saying she had seen "very limited gains in productivity" from the tech. "In the last year, AI was shoved down everyone's throats," she wrote. "It's nothing short of dystopian to be forced to employ the very tools that accelerate the disappearance of the jobs on which our livelihoods depend." Multiple laid-off Block employees described the company's AI push to Business Insider, including rising expectations for engineers. Some said that while they fully embraced AI, it did not save them from the sweeping cuts. One laid-off machine learning engineer told Business Insider that he felt like "a horse and buggy in the age of the automobile." TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, March 6. Uzbekneftegaz and Ipoteka Bank OTP Group have agreed to finance new joint projects, Trend reports via Uzbekneftegaz. The agreement was reached during a meeting where the parties discussed expanding financial cooperation and supporting the implementation of the companys investment initiatives. During the talks, Uzbekneftegaz presented updates on its ongoing transformation process, including improvements in corporate governance and the full implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as well as measures aimed at strengthening the companys financial sustainability. The company also highlighted government-backed systemic support and ongoing efforts to expand geological exploration activities, increase hydrocarbon production, and introduce digital management solutions across its operations. Special attention was given to the effectiveness of projects implemented with loans provided by Ipoteka Bank OTP Group in 20242025. In addition, the parties reviewed issues related to supporting procurement within investment projects and import contracts, as well as optimizing Uzbekneftegazs debt portfolio. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, March 6. Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) discussed prospects for cooperation on the modernization of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, Trend reports via the State Service of Maritime and River Transportation of Turkmenistan. The discussions took place during a meeting held at the conference hall of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport between representatives of Turkmenistans Agency for Maritime and River Transport and UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, Narine Saakyan. During the talks, the sides considered the development of the port as an important link in the Trans-Caspian transport corridor, where special care was taken to enhance the current Terminal Operating System (TOS) and roll out a Maritime Single Window (MSW) system, following a conceptual note put forth by the UNDP. Particular attention was paid to improving the existing Terminal Operating System (TOS) and implementing a Maritime Single Window (MSW) system, in line with a conceptual note presented by the UNDP. The parties also highlighted the significance of the ports ISO 14001 and EcoPort certificates and discussed additional initiatives aimed at further enhancing international environmental standards. Representatives of the state service noted that the proposed projects and initiatives would be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan for consideration. Following the meeting, the sides agreed to elevate mutually beneficial cooperation in the areas of digitalization and environmental sustainability to a new level. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The forum titled A Look into the Future of the Tax System: New Governance Model and Data-Driven Decisions was held at the Ministry of Economy. During the event, which focused on projects aimed at building a digital ecosystem that enables intelligent decision-making mechanisms based on data and supports sustainable development, the countrys leading taxpayers were also announced. As a result, the countrys first bank, Kapital Bank, was once again recognized by the State Tax Service as the Tax record holder in the non-oil sector. This achievement further strengthens the banks position as one of the key contributors to financial transparency, accountability and sustainable economic growth in the region. This award fully aligns with Azerbaijans strategic transition toward a transparent, data-driven digital economy. The State Tax Services vision of introducing a governance model based on artificial intelligence and proactive analytics complements the banks innovative and technology-focused approach to the development of financial services. Farid Huseynov, Chief Executive Officer of the Bir ecosystem and Kapital Bank, described receiving this award for the second time as a strong indicator of the banks commitment to the principles of transparency and corporate responsibility. At a time when Azerbaijan is accelerating its transition to a data-driven digital economy, we are proud that Kapital Bank is at the forefront of this transformation. Kapital Bank, one of the countrys leading financial institutions, has long supported the development of the non-oil sector and implements projects aimed at improving entrepreneurs access to financial resources. Kapital Bank, the country's first bank, is part of PASHA Holding. Kapital Bank has the largest service network in Azerbaijan with 115 branches and 53 departments all over the country. For more detailed information about the banks products and services, please refer to https://kapitalbank.az website, 196 Call Centre or the banks various social network pages. To apply for a consumer loan visit https://kbl.az/prgtk, for a Birbank installment card visit https://kbl.az/prcrc. Photo: Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijan and Moldova have engaged in discussions aimed at enhancing investment and fostering collaboration in key sectors with significant potential, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Economy. Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, met with Mihai Popsoi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, to discuss deepening economic and trade relations between the two countries. The ministers highlighted growing collaboration in areas such as energy and other strategic sectors. They noted that reciprocal visits at various levels play a key role in expanding ties and strengthening bilateral partnerships. Potential avenues for investment were pinpointed in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and information and communication technology (ICT), coupled with dialogues regarding the investment landscape, commercial prospects, and current economic reforms. Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing joint efforts to further deepen economic partnership and explore potential areas of collaboration. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. A delegation from Azerbaijan, comprising representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), including SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf, engaged in discussions regarding the development of the Baleine oil and gas field during their visit to Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Trend reports via SOCAR. As part of the visit, several meetings were held with senior officials from Cote d'Ivoire's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the energy sector. The Azerbaijani delegation was led by Deputy Minister Yalchin Rafiyev and accompanied by other officials from the Ministry. The discussions focused on potential cooperation in the energy sector, including the implementation of joint projects in oil and gas, investment opportunities, and energy security. Key participants included the management of Cote d'Ivoire's Ministry of Mines, Oil, and Energy, the Directorate General for Hydrocarbons, and the national oil company, PetroCI. The meetings involved an in-depth exchange of perspectives on SOCARs acquisition of a 10% stake in the Baleine oil and gas field development project. Topics covered included the projects development phases, production capacity, logistics, and commercial aspects. The strategic significance of the project was highlighted, particularly in terms of expanding SOCARs operational footprint in Africa and bolstering its position in global energy markets. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijan has already taken decisive steps towards transitioning to green energy. Significant progress has been made through several large solar and onshore wind projects, as well as in advancing plans to develop large-scale offshore wind energy, the Country Director for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Representative Office in Azerbaijan, Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, said, Trend reports. She made the remark at a seminar on the technical and economic feasibility study (Stage 1 Feasibility Study) of the Caspian Green Energy Corridor project. "These initiatives demonstrate a serious commitment and create tangible new opportunities for decarbonization, economic diversification, and regional energy cooperation. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is proud to support a number of these renewable energy projects through private sector operations, mobilizing long-term financing and attracting additional investment. Continued system upgrades and effective large-scale integration of renewable energy sources will further enhance the impact of these efforts," she said. Sunniya Durrani-Jamal emphasized that, in this context, the Caspian Green Energy Corridor is both strategic and timely. As renewable energy capacity grows rapidly in the region, increased cross-border connectivity and system flexibility are becoming increasingly critical: "Assessing the technical and economic feasibility of electricity trading across the Caspian, this initiative has the potential to unlock large-scale renewable energy resources, strengthen energy security and sustainability, and create new avenues for clean energy exchange. It represents a promising response to the contemporary challenges of energy transition, demonstrating how national ambitions in renewable energy can be transformed into coordinated regional solutions." According to her, the ADB remains committed to supporting the transition to green energy through an integrated and regionally connected approach. "In addition to financing, we bring together public and private sector operations, provide technical expertise to structure complex projects, and mobilize additional capital. We work across the entire value chain, from preliminary planning and regulatory reform to infrastructure implementation and cross-border integration. This allows ADB not only to support individual projects, but also to help shape coordinated sector transformation pathways that are technically sound, financially viable, and aligned with long-term regional goals," she explained. Furthermore, Sunniya Durrani-Jamal noted that the ADB is ready to continue its cooperation with Azerbaijan and the wider region to promote practical, scalable solutions in the field of green energy. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Azerbaijan and UK-based Palantir have held discussions on opportunities for cooperation in the field of critical infrastructure monitoring, the country's Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, wrote on his X account, Trend reports. "As part of our visit to the UK, we held a meeting with representatives of Palantir. During the meeting, we discussed opportunities for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Palantir in the areas of national data integration, artificial intelligence management, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure monitoring. We also exchanged views on Azerbaijan's potential role in developing local skills, knowledge transfer, and the implementation of Palantir platforms in Africa," the publication reads. Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev has already held meetings with representatives of a number of technology and innovation companies during his visit to the UK. The meetings discussed possible areas of cooperation in the fields of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and innovative technologies. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 6. The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and Kazakhstan's Kcell mobile operator have signed a tenge-denominated loan agreement equivalent to $100 million to accelerate Kazakhstans digital transformation, Trend reports via the bank. The cooperation aims to expand mobile network coverage and deploy high-speed internet in urban and rural areas across the country. The attracted financing will help accelerate the implementation of planned projects to expand the network and introduce modern technological solutions designed to improve the accessibility and quality of communication services for both the population and businesses. Senior Managing Director and Head of the Project Unit at the EDB, Azamat Tyuleubay, noted that scaling telecommunications infrastructure is crucial for digital development and ensuring access to modern communication services for citizens and businesses alike. He pointed out that the strategic partnership opens new doors to speed up the embrace of cutting-edge digital technologies and bolster sustainable growth in the telecommunications sector. The EDB is a multilateral development institution operating across Eurasia, promoting economic ties and comprehensive development in its member states. As of the end of 2025, the banks cumulative portfolio included 326 projects with total investments of $19.6 billion, with a strong focus on integration projects in transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, industry, and mechanical engineering. The bank aligns its activities with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles. Kcell provides digital telecommunications services in Kazakhstan, including mobile communications, fixed-mobile convergence services, data transmission and internet access, financial and digital services, mobile applications, system integration IT solutions, Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communication, big data processing, and cloud computing. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 6. More than 3,300 Kazakh citizens have been evacuated from the Middle East by air, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan. Since the beginning of the evacuation operation, a total of 12 flights operated by both resident and non-resident airlines have returned Kazakh citizens to the country. In addition, the evacuation from Iran is being carried out by land routes through the Iran-Armenia border. So far, 52 Kazakh citizens have been returned to the country from Iran. Kazakhstans Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to coordinate the evacuation process and provide assistance to citizens seeking to return home. Following the 2nd round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were viewed as the final chance to strike a deal diplomatically. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. Israel launched its airstrikes shortly afterward, with the country's Defense Minister Katz emphasizing that the operations were preemptive. In a significant escalation, military airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States the previous day have reportedly resulted in the deaths of Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family. Additionally, several of Irans most senior military and security officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme Leader adviser and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. March 6 (Reuters) - Boeing is closing in on one of the largest sales in its history, a 500-aircraft order for 737 Max jets set to be unveiled when U.S. President Donald Trump travels to Beijing for his first state visit to China since 2017, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter. More from Yahoo Scout What aircraft models are included in Boeing deal? How have trade tensions affected Boeing sales? How large is Boeing's potential China aircraft order? What role does Trump's Beijing visit play? The two sides are also in talks for a widebody sale that includes about 100 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X jets, the report said. Boeing did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Shares of the company were up 3.7% in afternoon trading. Trump plans to visit China from March 31 to April 2, with Xi expected to visit Washington later in the year, the report added. This follows Trump's threat to export controls on Boeing plane parts in Washington's response to Chinese export limits on rare earth minerals. During clashes with Trump over trade, Beijing in April ordered Chinese airlines to temporarily stop taking deliveries of new Boeing jets. The planemaker has also landed several large sales from foreign carriers following visits by Trump. (Reporting by Parth Chandna; Editing by Alan Barona) ASTANA, Kazakhstan, March 6. Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Talgat Aldybergenov, and Chairman of the Management Board of SPSI Cloud Port Development Co., Ltd, Huang Xiang, discussed the agro-logistics hub project in Kokshetau city of Kazakhstan, Trend reports via KTZ. The project is being implemented within the framework of a strategic partnership between Kedentransservice, a subsidiary of KTZ, and the Chinese company. Moreover, the project envisages the construction of a modern logistics complex covering 40 hectares, with a projected capacity of over 1 million tons of cargo per year. The initiative includes the development of container, railway, and warehouse infrastructure aimed at improving logistics for the agro-industrial sector of northern Kazakhstan. The new terminal will provide storage for agricultural products, cargo consolidation, and the formation of container trains for export shipments. Implementation of the project is expected to create more than 500 jobs during construction and around 100 permanent jobs after the facility is commissioned. The project is also expected to strengthen the position of the Akmola Region as one of Kazakhstans key agro-export regions. During the meeting, the parties also discussed expanding logistics cooperation with Sichuan Province and the city of Chengdu. The possibility of establishing a logistics hub that would expand export and logistics opportunities between Kazakhstan and the western regions of China is being considered. They noted that the implementation of joint projects will contribute to the development of sustainable logistics chains and further strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and China. Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 6. Kyrgyzstan and the Kingdom of Lesotho discussed prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz MFA. The topic was discussed during a telephone conversation on March 5, 2026, between Kyrgyzstans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeenbek Kulubaev, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Lejone Mpotjoane. Throughout the conversation, particular emphasis was placed on strengthening cooperation and mutual support within multilateral forums. Additionally, the parties reviewed potential plans for the exchange of high-level visits. At the conclusion of the conversation, both sides agreed to intensify diplomatic engagement between their respective foreign ministries. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Lesotho, a landlocked nation in Southern Africa, is entirely surrounded by South Africa. A constitutional monarchy, Lesotho is distinguished by its mountainous landscape and high altitude. The country is an active member of numerous international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union. Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, March 6. The Consul General of Kyrgyzstan in Istanbul, Chyngyz Toktobekov, held a meeting with the Mayor of Istanbuls Fatih district, Ergun Turan, and discussed a wide range of issues on March 4, 2026, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz MFA. The discussions focused on the prospects for enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, economic, and cultural-humanitarian fields. The Consul General briefed the Mayor on the ongoing socio-economic and institutional reforms in the Kyrgyz Republic, while also highlighting the countrys investment opportunities. Mayor Turan emphasized the historical and spiritual ties between the two peoples and expressed his commitment to supporting the further development of comprehensive bilateral cooperation. Following the meeting, the sides agreed to continue regular communication and collaboration on issues of mutual interest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Several explosions were recorded in Tehran, Iranian state television reported, Trend reports. According to officials, blasts were heard in multiple areas of the eastern and western parts of the city. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. On the morning of February 28, Israel and the U.S. began launching strikes on Iran from land, sea, and air. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The U.S. military has shot down a ship carrying Iranian attack drones, Commander of United States Central Command (CENTCOM) Brad Cooper said during a press conference in Florida, Trend reports. According to the command, the vessel, described as an unmanned aircraft carrier comparable in size to a World War II-era aircraft carrier, is currently engulfed in flames. The report did not specify the exact location of the strike. Following the second round of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran on February 17, which ended without progress, the U.S. increased its presence in areas near Iran, deploying over 150 aircraft to bases in Europe and the Middle East. The escalation follows the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States in Geneva on February 26. Held under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the negotiations were seen as a last opportunity for a diplomatic resolution. However, no agreements were reached, as Tehran refused to halt uranium enrichment, dismantle its nuclear facilities, or accept indefinite restrictions on its nuclear program. On the morning of February 28, Israel and the U.S. began launching strikes on Iran from land, sea, and air. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The strikes carried out by the United States and Israel resulted in damage to 3,643 civilian structures in Iran, including 3,090 residential buildings, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Pirhossein Kolivand, said, Trend reports. Kolivand detailed that the damaged structures also included 528 shopping centers, 14 medical and pharmaceutical facilities, and nine Red Crescent centers. Additionally, several ambulance vehicles sustained damage as a consequence of the attacks. He further emphasized that the majority of the targets were located in densely populated residential areas. This escalation followed the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, held in Geneva on February 26, 2026. Conducted under the administration of President Donald Trump, the negotiations were perceived as a final opportunity for a diplomatic resolution; however, no agreements were reached. Two days later, on February 28, the U.S. and Israel initiated a coordinated military campaign targeting Iran's strategic military assets and government leadership. Israel referred to the operation as "Operation Lion's Roar," while the U.S. labeled it "Operation Epic Fury." The attacks affected vast regions of Iran, including major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Qom. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone strikes on February 28 and the following days, targeting Israeli and U.S. military bases across the region, including facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq. In a significant escalation, military airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States the previous day have reportedly resulted in the deaths of Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family. Additionally, several of Irans most senior military and security officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme Leader adviser and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. On March 1-5, the conflict escalated to encompass various countries in the Middle East; Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones, and the U.S. and Israel struck new military targets in Iranian territory. On March 4, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, signaling that the conflict had entered a naval phase. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Saudi Arabia has neutralized three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) launched from Iran east of the capital Riyadh, Trend reports. "As Iran continues its attacks on the Gulf countries, three drones have been destroyed east of the Riyadh region," the country's Defense Ministry's official X account said. This escalation followed the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, held in Geneva on February 26, 2026. Conducted under the administration of President Donald Trump, the negotiations were perceived as a final opportunity for a diplomatic resolution; however, no agreements were reached. Two days later, on February 28, the U.S. and Israel initiated a coordinated military campaign targeting Iran's strategic military assets and government leadership. Israel referred to the operation as "Operation Lion's Roar," while the U.S. labeled it "Operation Epic Fury." The attacks affected vast regions of Iran, including major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Qom. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone strikes on February 28 and the following days, targeting Israeli and U.S. military bases across the region, including facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq. In a significant escalation, military airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States the previous day have reportedly resulted in the deaths of Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family. Additionally, several of Irans most senior military and security officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme Leader adviser and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. On March 1-5, the conflict escalated to encompass various countries in the Middle East; Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones, and the U.S. and Israel struck new military targets in Iranian territory. On March 4, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, signaling that the conflict had entered a naval phase. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The 4th meeting of the Interim Leadership Council, which includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief of the Judiciary Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, representative of the Guardian Council of the Constitution, was held amid the ongoing military campaign by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, Trend reports. According to information, during the meeting, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani reported on the current situation in the conflict with Israel and the U.S. In addition, the members of the council planned to form the Council of Experts of the Islamic Republic and present the country's future leader. The Iranian Council of Experts is responsible for electing the Supreme Leader. This escalation followed the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, held in Geneva on February 26, 2026. Conducted under the administration of President Donald Trump, the negotiations were perceived as a final opportunity for a diplomatic resolution; however, no agreements were reached. Two days later, on February 28, the U.S. and Israel initiated a coordinated military campaign targeting Iran's strategic military assets and government leadership. Israel referred to the operation as "Operation Lion's Roar," while the U.S. labeled it "Operation Epic Fury." The attacks affected vast regions of Iran, including major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Qom. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone strikes on February 28 and the following days, targeting Israeli and U.S. military bases across the region, including facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq. In a significant escalation, military airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States the previous day have reportedly resulted in the deaths of Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family. Additionally, several of Irans most senior military and security officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme Leader adviser and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. On March 1-5, the conflict escalated to encompass various countries in the Middle East; Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones, and the U.S. and Israel struck new military targets in Iranian territory. On March 4, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, signaling that the conflict had entered a naval phase. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. As many as 20 people were killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes on the Iranian city of Shiraz, Jalil Hassani, said deputy head of the Fars Province of Iran, Trend reports. According to him, the strikes hit a residential area in the city's Zibashahr district, killing civilians. He added that 30 more people were injured. This escalation followed the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, held in Geneva on February 26, 2026. Conducted under the administration of President Donald Trump, the negotiations were perceived as a final opportunity for a diplomatic resolution; however, no agreements were reached. Two days later, on February 28, the U.S. and Israel initiated a coordinated military campaign targeting Iran's strategic military assets and government leadership. Israel referred to the operation as "Operation Lion's Roar," while the U.S. labeled it "Operation Epic Fury." The attacks affected vast regions of Iran, including major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Qom. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone strikes on February 28 and the following days, targeting Israeli and U.S. military bases across the region, including facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq. In a significant escalation, military airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States the previous day have reportedly resulted in the deaths of Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family. Additionally, several of Irans most senior military and security officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme Leader adviser and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. On March 1-5, the conflict escalated to encompass various countries in the Middle East; Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones, and the U.S. and Israel struck new military targets in Iranian territory. On March 4, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, signaling that the conflict had entered a naval phase. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. The Israeli army has destroyed the underground bunker of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the statement of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says, Trend reports. According to information, the underground bunker of the former Supreme Leader of Iran was destroyed this morning by the Israeli Air Force. The army noted that about 50 fighter jets dropped about 100 bombs on the facility. The bunker was located under the Iranian "leadership complex" in Tehran, stretched along several streets, and consisted of "numerous entrances and rooms for the gathering of senior members of Iran." The statement added that the underground bunker was built under the complex and was a secure emergency facility intended by Khamenei for war management. However, it was destroyed in a strike before he used it. This escalation followed the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, held in Geneva on February 26, 2026. Conducted under the administration of President Donald Trump, the negotiations were perceived as a final opportunity for a diplomatic resolution; however, no agreements were reached. Two days later, on February 28, the U.S. and Israel initiated a coordinated military campaign targeting Iran's strategic military assets and government leadership. Israel referred to the operation as "Operation Lion's Roar," while the U.S. labeled it "Operation Epic Fury." The attacks affected vast regions of Iran, including major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Qom. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone strikes on February 28 and the following days, targeting Israeli and U.S. military bases across the region, including facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq. In a significant escalation, military airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States the previous day have reportedly resulted in the deaths of Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family. Additionally, several of Irans most senior military and security officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme Leader adviser and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. On March 1-5, the conflict escalated to encompass various countries in the Middle East; Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones, and the U.S. and Israel struck new military targets in Iranian territory. On March 4, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, signaling that the conflict had entered a naval phase. The United States and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, marking a significant step toward restoring ties after years of political tensions, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media. In a joint statement, the two sides said they would work together to promote stability, support Venezuelas economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation. Relations between the two countries had already begun to improve following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States earlier this year. In January, US forces carried out a surprise operation ordered by President Donald Trump, detaining Maduro and his wife and transferring them to New York, where they face charges related to weapons and drug offences. Both have denied the allegations. The announcement of the restoration of diplomatic ties is seen as a symbolically important step in reshaping relations between Washington and Caracas. The US embassy in Caracas, which closed in 2019 amid deteriorating relations, has already reopened. Washington has also appointed a new diplomat to the country, and additional staff are expected to arrive soon. According to sources, diplomats currently stationed at the US embassy in Bogota, Colombia, may be transferred to Caracas to strengthen diplomatic engagement and provide consular services. The Venezuelan government said it was prepared to begin a new stage of constructive dialogue based on mutual respect. Officials in Caracas stressed that the renewed relationship should lead to social and economic improvements for the Venezuelan people. However, the Venezuelan statement did not mention a political transition or future elections, an issue highlighted by the US State Department. Washington has accused Maduro and members of his government of running a criminal network involved in illegal mining and drug trafficking. Maduro is expected to stand trial in the United States later this month. Meanwhile, the two countries have also begun exploring energy and mining cooperation. Venezuela possesses the worlds largest proven oil reserves and significant deposits of gold, diamonds, and rare earth minerals used in modern technologies such as mobile phones. US officials say engagement with Venezuela will be part of a phased process aimed at supporting a peaceful transition toward a democratically elected government. During a recent visit to Caracas, US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum described the intervention in Venezuela as a strategic move. He suggested that closer cooperation with Venezuela could help ensure stable oil supplies and strengthen economic ties. In recent weeks, Washington has allowed Venezuela to sell previously sanctioned oil under US oversight, while Caracas has introduced legal reforms to attract more foreign investment into its energy sector. Both countries have also announced plans to cooperate on developing Venezuelas mining industry, reflecting growing economic engagement alongside the diplomatic reset. FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) The U.S. Treasury Department's decision to allow India to buy Russian oil for 30 days underscores a boost for Moscow's fortunes against the backdrop of the Iran war as Russias oil exports help Kremlin pay for its own war on Ukraine. The Treasury Department this week said India can keep buying crude oil and petroleum products from Russia for a month, until April 4. That measure is aimed at helping ease upward pressure on oil prices that affect gasoline costs for U.S. consumers. But it also underlines how the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran is tightening the markets for oil and gas including Russia's crude. A complex mix of oil, tariffs and 2 wars China and India became Russias biggest customers for oil after Moscow's full-out invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 provoked a boycott by the European Union, formerly the biggest importer from Russia. U.S. President Donald Trump had slapped 25% tariffs on India for continuing to purchase Russian oil. Indian oil imports from Russia diminished after Trump dropped the tariff Feb. 6 in return for what he said was a promise to stop buying Russian oil. On Friday, international benchmark Brent crude rose to $89 per barrel, up from just under $73 a week ago, on the eve of the new war in the Middle East. Russias Urals blend export hit $70, up from below $40 as recently as December. The widening war in Iran and the risk of Iranian drone or missile attacks has shut down almost all tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the only sea passage out of Persian Gulf and the conduit for 20% of the world economys oil needs. Tankers traveling through the strait, which is bordered in the north by Iran, carry oil and gas from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Now nothing is going through. Soaring oil prices after the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz oil chokepoint have meant at least a temporary reversal of fortune for Russias fossil fuel revenues. That revenue had dwindled due to previously weak global prices and tightening Western sanctions on Russias shadow fleet of tankers with obscure ownership used to evade a price cap imposed by the Group of Seven democracies, as well as sanctions against Russias two biggest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. A welcome waiver In granting a month's reprieve to India, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the 30-day period would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only applied to Russian oil stranded on tankers after no customer could be found. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Emirates, the flagship airline of the United Arab Emirates, evacuated nearly 30,000 passengers from Dubai yesterday alone amid the ongoing escalation in the Middle East, an airline official said, Trend reports. An unnamed company official noted that they plan to return to 100 percent operation from a limited operation regime in the coming days. This escalation followed the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, held in Geneva on February 26, 2026. Conducted under the administration of President Donald Trump, the negotiations were perceived as a final opportunity for a diplomatic resolution; however, no agreements were reached. Two days later, on February 28, the U.S. and Israel initiated a coordinated military campaign targeting Iran's strategic military assets and government leadership. Israel referred to the operation as "Operation Lion's Roar," while the U.S. labeled it "Operation Epic Fury." The attacks affected vast regions of Iran, including major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Qom. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone strikes on February 28 and the following days, targeting Israeli and U.S. military bases across the region, including facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq. In a significant escalation, military airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States the previous day have reportedly resulted in the deaths of Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family. Additionally, several of Irans most senior military and security officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme Leader adviser and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. On March 1-5, the conflict escalated to encompass various countries in the Middle East; Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones, and the U.S. and Israel struck new military targets in Iranian territory. On March 4, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, signaling that the conflict had entered a naval phase. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Switzerland has called for de-escalation in the Middle East, Trend reports via the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). According to FDFA's statement, Switzerland is deeply alarmed by the escalation in the Middle East. It calls for full compliance with international law and urges de-escalation. This escalation followed the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, held in Geneva on February 26, 2026. Conducted under the administration of President Donald Trump, the negotiations were perceived as a final opportunity for a diplomatic resolution; however, no agreements were reached. Two days later, on February 28, the U.S. and Israel initiated a coordinated military campaign targeting Iran's strategic military assets and government leadership. Israel referred to the operation as "Operation Lion's Roar," while the U.S. labeled it "Operation Epic Fury." The attacks affected vast regions of Iran, including major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Qom. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone strikes on February 28 and the following days, targeting Israeli and U.S. military bases across the region, including facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq. In a significant escalation, military airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States the previous day have reportedly resulted in the deaths of Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family. Additionally, several of Irans most senior military and security officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme Leader adviser and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. On March 1-5, the conflict escalated to encompass various countries in the Middle East; Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones, and the U.S. and Israel struck new military targets in Iranian territory. On March 4, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, signaling that the conflict had entered a naval phase. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. As part of the U.S.Israeli operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran, U.S. air and naval forces have destroyed more than 30 Iranian naval ships, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) chief Admiral Brad Cooper said during a press conference in Florida, Trend reports. Admiral Cooper noted: We have stepped up strikes against the Iranian navy. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump said we had sunk or destroyed 24 ships, and that was true at the time. Now we're talking about more than 30 ships. BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 6. Turkish Airlines has suspended flights to Iran until March 20, while Pegasus Airlines will not operate flights until March 12, whereas other carriers have also halted services to the country at least until March 9, said Abdulkadir Uraloglu, Turkiyes Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Trend reports. The minister shared on his official X page that flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, currently operated by Turkish Airlines, AJet, Pegasus, and SunExpress, have been suspended through the end of March 9. Additionally, Pegasus Airlines has removed Iran from its schedule until March 12, and Turkish Airlines until March 20. Uraloglu added that the airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Syria (except Aleppo) remains closed. Partial flights continue in Oman, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, while air traffic in the United Arab Emirates is being managed under controlled and limited conditions, he noted. This escalation followed the 3rd round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, held in Geneva on February 26, 2026. Conducted under the administration of President Donald Trump, the negotiations were perceived as a final opportunity for a diplomatic resolution; however, no agreements were reached. Two days later, on February 28, the U.S. and Israel initiated a coordinated military campaign targeting Iran's strategic military assets and government leadership. Israel referred to the operation as "Operation Lion's Roar," while the U.S. labeled it "Operation Epic Fury." The attacks affected vast regions of Iran, including major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Qom. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drone strikes on February 28 and the following days, targeting Israeli and U.S. military bases across the region, including facilities in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Iraq. In a significant escalation, military airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States the previous day have reportedly resulted in the deaths of Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei and several members of his family. Additionally, several of Irans most senior military and security officials were killed in the airstrikes, including Chief of Staff Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Commander-in-Chief Mohammad Pakpour, Supreme Leader adviser and Defense Council Secretary Ali Shamkhani, and Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh. On March 1-5, the conflict escalated to encompass various countries in the Middle East; Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones, and the U.S. and Israel struck new military targets in Iranian territory. On March 4, a U.S. Navy nuclear submarine torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, signaling that the conflict had entered a naval phase. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The collapse of an axis of evil ally is shattering Russias illusions of power The world entered 2026 in the midst of a perfect storm. While global leaders focus on the glow above Irans nuclear facilities and the deployment of U.S. aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean, Ukraine once again has to remind the world of a simple truth: our war with Russia remains central to the future of global security. Yet the geopolitical landscape is shifting. Vladimir Putinwhose strategic bets on Syria, Venezuela, and Iran are steadily unravelingappears to be approaching a strategic dead end. For him, Ukraine and its future may represent the last major card in a global all-in gamble, the arena where he will attempt to demonstrate the viability of his regime despite the loss of key partners. This raises an uncomfortable question. In the pursuit of Middle Eastern stability, could the West reduce its support for Ukraine, which is already operating under severe strain? Could Kyiv find itself without critically important interceptors for Patriot air defense systems? And could the inevitable rise in oil prices become the golden rain that allows the Kremlin to sustain yet another bloody phase of its war? IS THE WAR AGAINST UKRAINE NOW PUTINS LAST BET? Amid the devastating strikes against Iran, a growing number of analysts argue that Ukraine has become one of the final strategic cards in Vladimir Putins geopolitical game. It is a card the Russian leader will try to play in order to prove that Russia remains capable of dictating terms and shaping the international order. At first glance, this interpretation may seem exaggerated. Yet the Kremlins traditional foreign-policy assets are clearly eroding. Russian influence in Syria and Venezuela has effectively collapsed. Iranone of Moscows most important military-technical partnershas come under devastating pressure. Cuba may well be next. Has Putin truly found himself in a strategic corner? And more importantly, are Ukraine and its partners strong enough to turn this potential last battle into his final defeat? Political analyst Ihor Reiterovych believes we are witnessing the collapse of the illusion of Russia as an alternative pole of power. According to him, modern Russia has proven incapable of acting as a reliable security guarantor for its partnersa key difference from the Soviet Union. From the beginning it was clear that modern Russia is not the Soviet Union. The USSR systematically supported its allieswith weapons, advisers, political backing, and even military intervention. It acted firmly and consistently. Putins Russia is a different structure. It lacks both the economic and the military-political resources to guarantee security to its allies. That is why talk of strategic partnerships has always been largely declarative. The situation with Iran confirms this. Despite formal agreements, when Tehran requested assistance, Moscow effectively stepped aside, claiming the situation involved targeted strikes rather than a full-scale invasion. Formally, there were no grounds for intervention. In reality, there was neither the willingness nor the capability. According to Reiterovych, the Kremlins reluctance to support Iran is a telling signal. Other regimes traditionally viewed as Moscows partnerssuch as Cubamay face the same reality. The only relatively stable link in the so-called axis of evil, he argues, remains North Korea, largely because of its nuclear arsenal. Meanwhile, in relations with China, Russia has effectively accepted the role of a junior partner, forced to adapt to Beijings strategic calculations. The Iranian episode essentially ends Putins ambitions to create an alternative center of powerwhether through BRICS or military-political structures such as the CSTO. The chain of abandoned partnersVenezuela, Armenia, Syria, and now Irandemonstrates that deep alliances with Russia guarantee nothing. Moscow simply does not fulfill commitments when doing so requires real costs. In that sense, Ukraine remains for Putin an opportunity to prove his relevance. The invasion was meant to demonstrate that the empire could still break the international order. For a time, fear of Russia did grow. But with each year of the Russian-Ukrainian war, that myth has steadily collapsed. Today Ukraine has become, for the Kremlin, more of an instrumentone that allows Moscow to maintain dialogue with Washington and remain, at least symbolically, part of global politics. UKRAINES STRATEGIC POSITION Can Ukraine withstand this pressure? Reiterovych believes the answer is yes. Ukraine has already proven its resilience. Despite immense challenges, the country continues to move forward strategically. The real problem, he notes, is that some Western partners still underestimate Russias weakness. Russia today is a skinny bearit growls loudly but lacks the resources for a large-scale confrontation with the united West. Once this reality becomes fully understood, the geopolitical balance will inevitably shift. Alternatively, the shift may occur naturallythrough Ukraines continued resistance and the Kremlins inability to achieve even minimal political goals. Russia may temporarily hold some occupied territories. But it will not emerge from this war as a state that inspires unquestioned fear. The world has already seen its weakness, the analyst concludes. Another variable is Donald Trump, who appears eager to resolve the Iranian issue ahead of a planned visit to Beijing and arrive there as a victor. Are breakthroughs in the Russian-Ukrainian war possible after a meeting between Trump and Xi Jinping? I think so. If Washington achieves tangible results on the Iranian track, Beijing may become more inclined to adjust its position. This war no longer provides China with the same financial, political, or strategic dividends as before. In that sense, a TrumpXi meeting could become a turning point. Publicly, China will not pressure Moscow, but certain signals may emerge. And from those signals it will be possible to understand whether Beijing is ready to reconsider its approach to ending this war, Reiterovych concludes. RUSSIAS BROADER GEOPOLITICAL AMBITIONS Diplomat Vadym Tryukhan offers a more cautious assessment. In his opinion, it would be a mistake to overlook other vectors of Moscows ambitionsparticularly Belarus, which is slowly but steadily being absorbed into Russias orbitas well as the external donors sustaining Russias war machine: China and North Korea, both of which continue supplying technology and ammunition. Putin is indeed experiencing geopolitical setbacks. He has lost several key allies and opportunities, and his position no longer appears as solid as it once did. But that does not mean Ukraine is his final bastion or his last wager. He will continue looking toward Central Asia, dreaming of a comeback in the Caucasus, and keeping Moldova and the Baltic states in his sights. For him, these are not abstract territories but elements of an imagined sphere of influence he is determined to restore, Tryukhan notes. The diplomat outlines two possible scenarios for the development of the Middle Eastern crisis. The first scenario is a rapid end to hostilities, as Trump hopes. Yet even in that case the world would face turbulence: disrupted logistics and rising energy prices. That, in turn, could allow Russia to re-enter the big game as an energy power. Under pressure from an energy crisis, some Western countries might reconsider sanctions or seek indirect ways of purchasing Russian oil through third countries. For Moscow, this would provide an opportunity to patch up its finances and continue the war against Ukraine with renewed resources, he explains. The second scenario is significantly more dangerous. If Iran mounts prolonged resistance and limited strikes escalate into a major regional conflict with the risk of global escalation, the United States and its allies may simply have little capacity to focus on Ukraine. In strategic terms, Russia would benefit from such a development. Ukraine could temporarily find itself face to face with the aggressorsupported only by those European countries that understand that Ukraines fall would pose a direct threat to their own security. Do we have sufficient resources and strength? That is a difficult question. But we have significantly expanded our domestic production and are rapidly adapting to new challenges. That gives grounds for cautious optimism, Tryukhan says. THE MYTH OF RUSSIAN POWER Military-political analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko adds a note of irony to the discussion of Russias supposed power, arguing that overestimating Putins capabilities has been one of the Wests most persistent strategic mistakes over the past decades. He also notes that developments in the Middle East have revealed how unprepared many countries remain for Shahed-type drone attacksan experience Ukraine has been confronting for years. During Putins rule, Russia has not evolvedit has degraded. Despite enormous revenues from energy exports, Russia chose a different path: not modernization, but special operations. In essence, the logic of the KGB simply continued, Kovalenko argues. Putin has never beenand is nota modern politician in the Western sense. He thinks in terms of territory, gathering lands, and spheres of influence. For him, dominance is measured in square kilometers, not in innovation, finance, or technology. That raises a simple question: can a state that for four years has been unable to capture Ukraine truly claim to be a global power? Ukraine has not only held outit forced Russias Black Sea Fleet to abandon its base in Sevastopol and relocate to Novorossiysk. RUSSIA CORNERED In other words, there is no blank check for the Kremlin. On the contraryPutin is cornered. Strategically, Russia has not grown stronger; it has weakened. Its economy is militarized, its resources are being depleted, and its international reputation is shattered. The only thing left is an attempt to intimidate Europe. That is why a scenario of demonstrative escalation against European countries may appear as Putins potential last battle. But it will not mark the beginning of a new era of Russian power. It will be a convulsion, the analyst concludes. Patriot SAM system. Bundeswehr photo AIR DEFENSE AND MISSILES FOR PATRIOT: WILL UKRAINIAN SKIES REMAIN PROTECTED? In the first hours following the escalation, Western media began sounding the alarm: a conflict involving the United States, Israel, and their allies against Iran and its proxies could indirectly affect Ukraineparticularly when it comes to the supply of anti-ballistic missiles for Patriot air defense systems. Some analysts warned of a possible redistribution of interceptors toward the Middle East. But how realistic is this threat? And is there truly a direct link between escalation in the Middle East and the security of Ukrainian airspace? According to military-political analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko, Ukraine has recently been receiving Patriot surface-to-air missilesespecially PAC-3 variantsprimarily from European countries rather than the United States. This is not new, he explains. Back in 2023, when the U.S. Congress began blocking a package of aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwanlargely because of opposition from the pro-Trump wing of the Republican Partyit became clear that risks to the supply of critical weapons could arise. That was when efforts began to diversify sources. What had been delivered relatively systematically under President Biden, even if with delays, now depends under Trump on a single political decision. At the same time, Kovalenko notes that a tougher Western stance toward Iran weakens Tehranone of Russias key technological supportersthereby indirectly undermining Moscows war effort. Whereas Iran previously managed to rapidly rebuild its arsenal after the last escalation with Israel, the question now is whether it will still be able to restore its capacity for large-scale missile and Shahed-136 drone strikes at the same pace. This must be assessed in terms of available resources, stockpiles, and recovery rates. Significant U.S. naval forces are currently concentrated in the Middle Eastat least two carrier strike groups led by the USS Abraham Lincoln and the USS Gerald R. Ford. If necessary, the group centered around the USS George H. W. Bush could also be deployed. Such a force would allow intensive strikes against Iran for one to one and a half months, and with careful planning perhaps up to two months. Add to this Israels air force and the potential involvement of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other regional states. Under such conditions, Irans capabilities are likely to be exhausted faster than the regions air defense resources, Kovalenko says. Another factor is growing internal instability within Iran. A new wave of protests is emerging across the country, with opposition figuresincluding Crown Prince Reza Pahlavicalling for mass demonstrations. The combination of military pressure from the United States, Israel, and several Gulf states, together with internal protests, could ultimately lead to the fall of the Iranian regime. If that happens, the regional security architecture would change dramatically. In that scenario, the issue of supplying additional air defense systems and missiles to Middle Eastern states would recede into the backgroundbecause the primary source of the threat would have been neutralized. This could ultimately shift the logistics and allocation of defense resources in Ukraines favor, Kovalenko concludes. Political analyst Ihor Reiterovych takes an even more pragmatic view. I do not think we are facing a serious shortfall of Patriot missiles, he says. First, Patriot batteries in the Middle East were supplied with missiles well in advance. This is not a just-in-time situation where a battery arrives and only then do they start looking for ammunition. Second, supplies to Ukraine have primarily come from European stockpiles. According to open-source information, those reserves have not been depleted. Third, the current U.S. and Israeli strategy is not limited to intercepting attacksit also aims to exhaust the adversary. Irans missile arsenal is not limitless. If it continues launching missiles at a high rate, sooner or later the number of launches will decline. As a result, the demand for interceptions will decrease as well. Could this theoretically affect Ukraine? Yes. But at this point I see no grounds for predicting a negative scenario. Diplomat Vadym Tryukhan, however, views the situation through the lens of growing competition for military resources. He warns that Irans strategyrelying on large numbers of drones and ballistic missilescould drive demand for Patriot interceptors to critical levels. Iran has prepared seriously for this conflict, Tryukhan says. Its strategy is one of attrition. If the intensity of attacks remains high, air defense resources will inevitably begin to run out. That would create fierce competition for missiles stored in Europe and elsewhere. Ukraine would have to fight for every shipment. That is why action is required now. First, negotiations with France and Italy should intensify regarding modernization of the SAMP/T air defense program. Second, there must be concrete discussions with the United States about licensing joint missile production. If the conflict drags on, American resources will inevitably be redistributed in favor of U.S. domestic needs and Israel. The situation is seriousbut not fatal. Russias own production capacity is also limited. What is needed is a strategy to offset potential shortages through new industrial partnerships, licensing agreements, and expanded production, Tryukhan concludes. OIL SWINGS: WILL THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS FILL RUSSIAS BUDGET? Amid the escalating conflict, global oil prices have predictably begun to riseautomatically boosting Moscows revenues. Shares of Russian oil companies have already increased by 15 percent, directly feeding Russias war economy. The key question is how long this trend might last. Is it merely a nervous market reaction that will quickly subside, as has often happened before, or is the current situation fundamentally different? Diplomat Vadym Tryukhan believes the decisive factor will be the security of the Strait of Hormuzthe worlds most critical energy corridor. Some experts are already forecasting prices in the range of $100150 per barrel if escalation continues. If the U.S.Israeli coalition, supported by partners, manages to quickly break Tehrans resistance and conclude the operation within a short timeframe, prices could fall back relatively quickly. But if the conflict drags on, the consequences will be long-term. In that case Ukraine, Europe, and the global economy will have to adapt to an era of high oil and gas prices. At the same time, it is important to keep a cool head. The coming days and the next week will be decisive: they will show whether we are witnessing a brief period of turbulence or the beginning of a prolonged crisis. For now, the situation is not critical. The world has faced price shocks beforeand adapted, the diplomat notes. Political analyst Ihor Reiterovych broadly agrees that the markets are reacting nervously, describing such volatility as typical during wartime. He points out that traders had already priced in a margin for higher oil prices even before the conflict entered its active phase. It was clear that prices would rise. This is a normal systemic response to uncertainty. A separate issue is the situation around the Strait of Hormuz. Initially there were statements about closing it, but after consultations with Beijing the rhetoric changed. Formally the Strait remains open, but insurance costs for shipments have increased by about 50 percent, immediately affecting the economics of transportation. Most likely the market will remain volatile over the next two weeks. But once the situation stabilizes, prices should return to more typical levels. And if internal changes occur in Iran, the country could significantly increase its oil exportswhich would actually push prices downward, the analyst explains. Military-political observer Oleksandr Kovalenko adds that Russian oil is effectively operating within what he calls a sanctions ghetto, meaning revenues are constrained not only by global prices but also by the G7 price cap. Even if the global benchmark price for Brent crude rises, that does not automatically mean Russian grades such as Urals or Sokol will be able to sell freely, he explains. There is also the issue of strikes against Russian refineries. And another factor is the growing toxicity of Russian oil. Because of sanctions, reputational risks, and secondary restrictions, buyers demand substantial discounts. As a result, even if Russia earns more during a surge in global prices, its profits will remain far below what they would be under normal market conditions. If sanctions on Iran are lifted as a result of internal changes or external pressure, the regions energy map will change dramatically. Iran holds some of the worlds largest oil and gas reserves. Its return to global markets would make it a direct competitor to Moscow. If Iran ceases to be Russias ally, that would strike Russia harder than any fluctuation in oil prices, Kovalenko concludes. The new phase of conflict in the Middle East is undoubtedly a stress test for the entire global system of security and logistics. Yet for Ukraine this scenario presents not only obvious riskssuch as competition for air defense missiles or a temporary influx of petrodollars into the aggressors budgetbut also significant strategic opportunities. The destruction or substantial weakening of Irans military potential deprives Russia of one of its most important technological and resource partners. Moscows inability to protect its strategic ally further undermines the myth of Vladimir Putin as the architect of a new global pole of power. Volatility in oil markets remains a risk factor. Yet sanctions discounts, the logistical burden of Russias shadow fleet, and the potential return of a transformed Iran to global energy markets could ultimately deal a serious blow to Russias economy. For Ukraine, the task in this turbulent moment is clear: remain level-headed, ensure uninterrupted arms supplies from European partners, and press the advantage against a weakened adversary. Myroslav Liskovych, Kyiv The National Bank is demanding the release of employees of the Oschadbank cash-in-transit team who are being illegally held on the territory of Hungary. The National Bank of Ukraine stated this in a declaration regarding the seizure of Oschadbank armored vehicles and the illegal detention of members of the cash-in-transit team in Hungary. According to Oschadbank, on March 5, 2026, two armored cash-in-transit vehicles were detained by representatives of Hungarian law enforcement agencies. Seven bank employees were part of the cash-in-transit teams. Their current whereabouts are unknown, and there is no mobile communication with them. According to GPS data, the Oschadbank vehicles may be located in the center of Budapest. Read also: MFA warns Hungary against using prisoner issue for political gain The cash-in-transit teams were carrying out a routine transportation of a large amount of foreign currency and banking metals under an international contract between Raiffeisen Bank International AG (Austria) and Oschadbank. The cargo was documented in accordance with international transportation rules and current European customs procedures. "We demand that the Hungarian authorities immediately release the citizens of Ukraine and provide an official explanation for the reasons for their detention, as well as information about the location of the cash-in-transit vehicles and the corresponding cargo." As Ukrinform reported, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine twice summoned Hungary's charge d'affaires over the Hungarian side's distortion of Ukraine's position regarding the Druzhba oil pipeline and false accusations against Ukraine. Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban wrote an open letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky calling for the immediate reopening of the Druzhba oil pipeline. By Joel Jose and Arsheeya Bajwa March 5 (Reuters) - Broadcom shares rose nearly 3% on Thursday after the company predicted over $100 billion in AI chip sales next year, signaling rapid share gains in the market dominated by Nvidia. Big Tech's push to secure the vast computing power needed for artificial intelligence has lifted Broadcom in the data-center infrastructure race as it helps design custom processors that can serve as an alternative to Nvidia's costly chips. More from Yahoo Scout What drove Broadcom's AI chip revenue projections? How is Broadcom competing with Nvidia's dominance? Why are investors concerned about AI spending? What supply chain advantages does Broadcom have? Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon and Meta are expected to spend more than $600 billion to build AI infrastructure this year, boosting demand for chips, servers, storage and networking equipment. Broadcom, which supplies semiconductors and infrastructure software, has visibility for about 10 gigawatts worth of AI demand in 2027 from its clients such as Anthropic and Meta Platforms, Melius Research analysts said. This demand equates to the power consumption needs of more than 8 million U.S. households. The volumes put Broadcom closer to the scale of recent AI chip deals by Nvidia and AMD, as the rise of custom processors, known as ASICs, increasingly threatens Nvidia's stronghold in the advanced data-center infrastructure market. DISPELLING AI FEARS Both Broadcom and its rival, Nvidia, have seen their stocks decline so far this year amid investor concerns around whether heavy spending on AI will generate sufficient returns to justify lofty tech valuations. "While investors continue to discuss the sustainability of AI capex growth, our industry research suggests the opportunity for Broadcom is broadening rather than peaking," Summit Insights analysts said in a note on Wednesday. Thursday's jump could add over $42 billion to Broadcom's market value if gains hold. CEO Hock Tan also assured investors the company was well-placed amid widespread supply shortages of memory chips and limited capacity at AI processor manufacturer TSMC. The company has fully secured capacity of leading-edge wafers and high-bandwidth memory through 2028, he said on Wednesday. (Reporting by Joel Jose and Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from traveling to Hungary amid the kidnapping of employees and theft of property belonging to Oschadbank in Budapest. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed this in a statement, Ukrinform reports. In connection with the kidnapping of seven Ukrainian citizens and the theft of property belonging to a state bank in Budapest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from traveling to Hungary due to the inability to guarantee their safety amid the arbitrary actions of the Hungarian authorities, the statement said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urges Ukrainians to prioritize other transit routes, not through Hungarian territory, if possible. We also draw the attention of Ukrainian and European businesses to the threat of arbitrary seizure of property on Hungarian territory and recommend that these risks be taken into account in the context of any business activity in this country, the foreign ministry added. As reported by Ukrinform, on the night of March 6, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that in Budapest, the Hungarian authorities took seven Ukrainian citizens, employees of Oschadbank, hostage and stole the money they were transporting. According to him, the seven Oschadbank employees were traveling in two bank vehicles between Austria and Ukraine, transporting cash as part of regular services between state banks. Read also: MFA warns Hungary against using prisoner issue for political gain The National Bank of Ukraine demands the release of the Oschadbank cash collection team employees who are being illegally detained in Hungary. The Hungarian side has not yet granted Ukrainian consuls access to the seven detained Oschadbank employees. US-Israel War Against Iran: Is It A Religious War? US and Israeli leaders are framing the ongoing conflict with Iran as a religious war primarily for domestic mobilisation, civilisational framing, and strategic narrative construction. US and Israeli leaders are framing the ongoing conflict with Iran as a religious war primarily for domestic mobilisation, civilisational framing, and strategic narrative construction. While the US-Israel led war against Iran could primarily be described as the one which is aimed at reducing Iran, the only country in west Asia, as it is a direct threat to the American hegemony in the region. Most other countries in the region are under the direct or indirect influence of the US either due to safeguarding their financial empires and dynastic rules. Democracy has been elusive to the region. The Arab Spring could be described as a wishful movement to promote democratic culture in the region, but it was very subtly buried by the covert US operations supporting the dynastic or anti-democratic rulers in the region. Over the years Iran has remained the only Islamic country in the region which has remained a threat to the US hegemony in the region and also aborted its plans to control the flow of Iranian oil, for the American control and dominance of the worlds oil market. Meanwhile the rest of the so-called leaders of the Islamic world like Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman etc have bowed down to the American pressures and have established relations with Israel, the biggest abomination to the Islamic world. One also tends to either forget or ignore another fact here that Israels ultimate plan is to reduce the Islamic world to smithers and establish a Greater Israel, as per the teachings of its religious books. So, the current conflict has two primary objectives, first is how to control the oil supply of the world (led by US) and second, how to establish a Greater Israel (for Israel). So far, the narrative setting has not tried to cover these two objectives in its overall spiel. While the Iranian oil and its nuclear stockpile might be reason advanced by US-Israel alliance as the main reason to attack Iran. The religious angle is fast emerging as another dominant one, but being masked under a different narrative. Recent reports speak of the American scheme to enlist soldiers and public support for kits military campaign by describing this as a Religious War. A US watchdog has reported that US troops have been told the war is intended to induce the biblical end of times. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also recently stated that Iran is run by religious fanatic lunatics. US watchdog Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) said it has received emailed complaints that US service members were told the war with Iran is meant to cause Armageddon, or the biblical end times. An unnamed non-commissioned officer wrote in an email to MRFF that a commander had urged officers to tell our troops that this was all part of Gods divine plan and he specifically referenced numerous citations out of the Book of Revelation referring to Armageddon and the imminent return of Jesus Christ. The MRFF is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to upholding religious freedom for US service members. The officer claimed the commander had told the unit that Trump has been anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth. Meanwhile, Israeli and US leaders have also resorted to religious rhetoric in public. Last month, Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Israel, told conservative US commentator Tucker Carlson during an interview that it would be fine if Israel took essentially the entire Middle East because it was promised the land in the Bible. However, Huckabee added that Israel was not seeking to do so. Speaking to the media on Tuesday this week, Rubio said: Iran is run by lunatics religious fanatic lunatics. They have an ambition to have nuclear weapons. And, the previous day in a Pentagon news briefing, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said: Crazy regimes like Iran, hell-bent on prophetic Islamic delusions, cannot have nuclear weapons. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referenced the Torah, comparing Iran with an ancient biblical enemy, the Amalekites. The Amalek are known in Jewish tradition as representing pure evil. We read in this weeks Torah portion, Remember what Amalek did to you. We remember and we act. In its statement on Hegseths statement, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), claimed that Hegseths words are an apparent reference to Shia beliefs about religious figures arising near the end times. The statement added that every American should be deeply disturbed by the holy war rhetoric being spread by the US military, Hegseth and Netanyahu to justify the war on Iran. Mr Hegseths derisive comment about Islamist prophetic delusions, an apparent reference to Shia beliefs about religious figures arising near the end times, was unacceptable. So is US military commanders telling troops that war with Iran is a biblical step towards Armageddon. Overall, it is not difficult to understand the reason for this religious diversion, religious rhetoric activates deeply held beliefs among evangelical Christians and Christian Zionists in the US, who view Middle East conflicts as part of a biblical "end times" narrative. This includes references to Armageddon, the return of Jesus Christ, and the pre-tribulation rapturecore tenets of dispensational premillennialism. Such language rallies political and religious support by framing the war as morally urgent and divinely sanctioned. Leaders use religious symbolism to create a stark "us vs. them" dichotomy, portraying the conflict as a clash between civilisationsJewish survival against Shia Islamrather than a geopolitical dispute. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has invoked biblical figures like Mordechai and Esther (Purim) and the Amalekites (from the Torah) to depict Iran as an existential, "pure evil" threat. This narrative simplifies complex regional dynamics into a moral drama that resonates with public audiences. By framing the war as a divine mission, leaders moralise the conflict, justify military action, and discourage political compromise. However, this approach risks undermining international alliances (especially with secular democracies and Sunni Arab states), validating Irans own theocratic rhetoric, and alienating Iranian dissidents who seek freedom and reform. It also raises constitutional concerns, as the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) reports that US commanders have told troops the war is part of Gods plan to bring about Armageddon, a practice seen as crossing the line between religious expression and state policy. Critics, including Eli Federman and the CAIR, warn that this religious framing is dangerous, fuels Islamophobia and anti-Semitism, and makes peace harder to achieve. They argue that the conflict is fundamentally geopoliticaldriven by power, nuclear proliferation, and regional hegemonynot a war of religions. Here, we should also not ignore the fact that Iran which is described as a theocratic, Islamic fundamentalist regime has not tried to paint the current war as a religious one, but is the US the so-called global leader of democracy and liberal thinking promoting religious tolerance and coexistence. [The writer, Asad Mirza, is Delhi based Journalist and Author.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic A quiet transition just happened at one of the most powerful companies in the world. After decades of leadership from Warren Buffett, the operational reins of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) (BRK.B) are increasingly being shaped by his successor, new CEO Greg Abel. The Buffett Era hasn't just ended; it has been upgraded. And most investors may be missing what it could mean. More News from Barchart Abel recently released his first real shareholder letter to investors, outlining his perspective on Berkshires strategy and the companys enormous $373 billion cash fortress. But what caught the attention of many investors wasnt just the pile of cash. It was the signals hidden inside the message. The Forever Stock Philosophy Continues In the letter, Abel highlighted several companies that Berkshire views as long-term holdings businesses designed to compound value over decades rather than quarters. This forever stock philosophy has been a cornerstone of Berkshires strategy since Buffett took control of the company in the 1960s. These are no longer "investments" they are Berkshires bedrock. Apple (AAPL): The primary engine of compounding value. American Express (AXP): The ultimate high-moat financial network. Coca-Cola (KO): The global consumer staple that never sleeps. Moodys (MCO): The capital-light ratings king. The idea is simple: Buy dominant businesses with durable competitive advantages and hold them through whatever business cycles may come. Abel is ignoring short-term volatility to let these compound for decades, and reaffirming this philosophy suggests continuity but the real headline may be something else. The Cash Fortress May Be Shrinking For the past several years, Berkshire Hathaway has built what investors often call a cash fortress. At times, Berkshire has held over $300 billion in cash and Treasury bills, an unusually large reserve even for a company of its size. Buffett has repeatedly said the cash pile reflects a lack of attractive opportunities. In other words: Stock prices were too high. But Abels comments suggest something important may be changing. There are early signals that Berkshire could begin deploying more capital again, like Thursdays news that the company will buy back its own stock for the first time since 2024. Legendary investor and Berkshire Hathaway's Vice Chairman, Charlie Munger's investment into BYD Co. Ltd. in 2008 made the company a sizeable profit. However, Berkshires timely exit came right before the automaker reported a decline in sales. Charlie Munger's BYD Investment Trung Phan, a user on the social media platform X on Monday, quoted a post that outlined a decline in BYD sales over the first two months of 2026. He shared how Munger's investment in the EV giant turned into a profitable venture. Quoting Munger, he shared that the investor, in an interview, outlined that he had "never helped do anything at Berkshire that was as good as BYD." Munger had gotten the company to invest $230 million into the Chinese EV giant back in 2008 for a 10% stake in the company. Don't Miss: However, the company began exiting its position in BYD in the year 2022 and ultimately sold the entirety of its stake in the automaker by the third quarter of 2025, "basically right before sales drop," Phan said. Charlie Munger said "I have never helped do anything at Berkshire that was as good as BYD" by getting it to invest $230m for 10% of the company in 2008. Berkshire started selling it in 2022 and completely exited by Q3 2025, basically right before sales drop. Made $9B, which was https://t.co/9xPcW7cjpq BYD's Sales Draw Concern From Elon Musk Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk also reacted to the drop in sales reported by BYD, sharing that factories running at 50% below capacity meant "mega pain" for the automaker. Trending: Disney Was Built on Character IP This Pre-IPO Company Is Using the Same Playbook BYD reported a 36% drop in its domestic sales during February as it was overtaken in sales by fellow Chinese automaker Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. for the first two months of the year. BYD's Overseas Sales Despite the domestic decline, BYD's overseas sales remain a strong point for the brand as it reported sustained growth in Europe. During January, BYD sold over 18,242 units in the region, which constituted a 165% increase from the 6,884 units it sold in the European market last year during January. Read Next: Alexander Graham Bell is considered to be the pioneer of the telephone. His design for the device was the first to be patented on March 7, 1876. On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell spoke the first words ever transmitted over telephone: Mr. Watson, come here; I want you. This simple request to Bells assistant, Thomas Watson, marked a significant milestone in direct person-to-person communication. Now, 150 years later, this message has paved the way for advanced cellular technology in the form of satellites, wireless networks and the personal devices we carry everywhere. For Mojtaba Vaezi, PhD, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Villanova University and director of the Wireless Networking Laboratory, Bells few words spoken over telephone marked the beginning of an ongoing technological revolution. One hundred fifty years ago when telephone communication first started, there was essentially a wired line and a transmitting voice, said Dr. Vaezi. That simple, basic transmission has transformed the field of communication technology in unimaginable ways. According to Dr. Vaezi, five shifts have defined the past century and a half of communication technology: wired devices to wireless, analog to digital, voice to data, fixed landlines to mobile phones and human-to-human communication giving way to an increasing focus on machines and artificial intelligence. Early wireless networks were built around one device per person. Today's networks must support multiple devices per person, plus the technology behind innovations such as smart homes, driverless cars and even remote surgery. Mojtaba Vaezi, PhD, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Villanova University, is an expert in wireless communication. Applications are much more diverse now, so communication has to follow, said Dr. Vaezi. A big portion of communication now, in terms of number of connections to the network, is from machine to machinenot human to human or even human to machine." The growing number of connections can cause a host of issues for users. When multiple users share the same wireless spectrum simultaneously, their signals interfere with one anothera problem that is becoming more acute as the number of connected devices increases exponentially. Dr. Vaezis research at Villanova focuses on developing techniques that allow multiple users to transmit messages on the same frequency at the same time and still be understood. Another vibrant research area of Dr. Vaezis involves Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). This field of study focuses on integrating wireless communications and radar so they can function within the same spectrum. Historically, radar and wireless communication work in different bandwidths or spectrums and use separate devices. Although they are related, they happen in different fields, said Dr. Vaezi. Almost every communication scheme that has been developed has focused on this: How can we better utilize the spectrum? ISAC is increasingly important as new innovations like driverless cars become fixtures in everyday life. These vehicles rely on radar to continuously scan for hazards, and when a hazard is detected, a signal must be sent to trigger safety mechanisms. Currently, the radar and communications systems operate on separate bandwidths using separate hardware. Dr. Vaezi's research explores how both functions could be housed in a single device running on one shared spectrum. Areas of study like Dr. Vaezis that focus on machine to machine communication are becoming increasingly relevant as communication technology evolves and moves away from simple person to person messaging. As for the next big milestone in communications, Dr. Vaezi is looking ahead to the implementation of 6G by 2030, though he tempers expectations. For most users, the change will feel modest, amounting to slightly faster device speeds. The most massive shift with 6G will be the amount of added coverage in areas that previously did not have network accessibility. Gladys Otilia Leckband, left this world peacefully on December 30, 2025, at the age of 93 under the care of Edgewood Health Care in Alexandria. Israels air force has struck deep inside Iran with devastating precision, killing even the countrys supreme leader within minutes of the wars outbreak -- a feat experts say reflects years of elite pilot training and combat experience. "These pilots are the most trained in the world," Sarah-Masha Fainberg, a senior researcher on air and space military power at Tel Aviv University, told AFP. "If you look at the operational experience and the number of training hours of pilots in the world, I think Israel is number one with the United States and this is reflected in the success of this operation." Israel's air force, which operates around 320 fighter jets, has bombed targets across Iranian territory with near impunity. The current campaign builds on years of combat operations in Gaza, Lebanon and even as far as Yemen since the war with Hamas erupted in October 2023. In Iran, these capabilities were playing out to unprecedented effect. On Saturday, the first day of the campaign against Iran, lightning strikes by Israeli jets -- said to be guided by US intelligence and targeting -- hit the compound of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killing him and several other top officials. "In just 40 seconds, approximately 40 senior officials of the Iranian terror regime were eliminated, including the regime's leader, Ali Khamenei," Israel's military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said on Thursday. "To date, air force pilots have executed 2,500 strikes with over 6,000 munitions... within 24 hours, our pilots opened the path to Tehran," he added. Fainberg said Israel's air superiority over Iran reflects "20 years of conceptual and operational preparation". Because of its small territory, Israel built its national security around a doctrine of "offensive defence", relying on pre-emptive, long-range strikes against enemy targets, she said. The doctrine aims not merely at air superiority but at air supremacy -- the difference between having an advantage in the air versus total dominance of an airspace. - 'The best become pilots' - Military historian Danny Orbach traced this to decisions made as early as the 1960s. With a small population and surrounded by hostile neighbours, Israel concluded it could not match its enemies in numbers of soldiers or tanks. Israel "decided to invest a disproportionate amount of resources in its air force," said the senior lecturer at Jerusalem's Hebrew University, often at the expense of other areas. "You need an asymmetric capability," Orbach said. "And the decision was made to invest in the air force." The strategy was reinforced by billions of dollars in US military aid and access to some of Washingtons most advanced technologies. The Hebrew slogan "Hatovim la-tays" -- "the best become pilots" -- emerged in the 1960s to encourage top recruits to join the air force. Israel's airpower advantage was also due to its military culture, Orbach said. A heavily invested-in air force requires "mission command", in which junior officers are empowered to make quick, independent decisions to accomplish their objectives -- a freedom often unavailable to pilots in other more hierarchical Middle Eastern militaries, Orbach added. - Close operations with US - Another pillar of Israel's success in this war, Fainberg said, was the operational integration with the United States. "This is a war conducted in English," she said, adding that the current joint USIsraeli operation against Iran was an air campaign with a clear "partition of labour". For the first time, Israel was also benefiting from US in-air refuelling, a capability that, Fainberg said, explained how Israel had been able to launch 6,000 munitions over such a long distance, according to Israeli military figures published on Thursday. The campaign also draws on years of intelligence gathering and covert operations to identify targets, said Shlomo Mofaz, director of the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center. - Weakened Iran defences - A decline of Iranian capabilities has further aided Israel's dominance in the current campaign. The Islamic republic has for decades had a weak air force, while confrontations with Israel in April and October 2024 and June 2025 degraded its limited air defences. Russia and China, two of Tehran's major allies which supplied many of Iran's air defence systems, "have abandoned them", Fainberg added, leaving Iran unable to replenish systems damaged in the fighting. Moreover, Iranian air defences have been hobbled by Israeli cyber, intelligence and jamming capabilities -- sophisticated tools developed through close collaboration between Israel's tech sector and its military, Orbach said. Iran still retains substantial missile and drone stockpiles, but its ability to contest the skies has effectively collapsed, Fainberg said, adding the "operational success" so far achieved by Israel is "beyond everything that we could have hoped for". glp/jd/rmb SHANGHAI, March 6 (Reuters) - China has approved Pfizer's GLP-1 treatment Xianweiying for long-term weight management in overweight or obese adults, the US drugmaker said on WeChat on Friday, boosting competition in a market analysts expect to be worth billions in coming years.The injection belongs to the class of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs sold locally by drugmakers such as Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, and Innovent Biologics. "This marks a breakthrough in field of weight management," Sciwind Biosciences, from which Pfizer licensed mainland China commercialisation rights in February, said on its website. Sales of Novo's Wegovy on Alibabas Tmall e-commerce platform and JD.com were 260 million yuan ($38 million) in 2025, against 416 million ($61 million) for Innovent's Xinermei, investment bank Jefferies said in a note. In February, Pfizer licensed the mainland China commercialisation rights for Xianweiying, also known as ecnoglutide, from Sciwind, based in the eastern city of Hangzhou. That deal was "an important first step to advance Pfizer's global strategy in the metabolic field in China", Sciwind said in a previous statement. Ecnoglutide is also approved in China as a treatment for Type II diabetes. A Pfizer spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on pricing and a China launch date. (Reporting by Andrew Silver; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Clarence Fernandez) Ali Khamenei was a Muslim scholar. He defended what he had understood of Ruhollah Khomeinis Islamist revolution by carving out a tailor-made power for himself. He began his career in the shadow of Hashemi Rafsanjani (Speaker of Parliament from 1980 to 1989 and personal beneficiary of Irangate, then President of the Republic from 1989 to 1997). It was with his help that Khamenei was appointed Supreme Guide of the Revolution. On this occasion, he developed the concept called the Velayet-e faqih, i.e. the guardianship of the sage, by which he deprived his ally of all power. Contrary to popular belief, it is not an old article of Shia faith, but a modern idea, formulating in Shiite religious terms a concept of Plato. Ali Khamenei endowed his office unrelated to that of his predecessor Ruhollah Khomeini with its own budget, independent of that of the state. It benefited from the increase in gas and oil prices compared to the one on which the state budget was fixed. In the end, he had exorbitant sums of money at his disposal, without the public even being aware of it. He gave an impetus to Iran to develop without becoming Westernized, in the tradition of the writer Jalal Al-e-Ahmad. He transformed the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC aka the "Pasdarans"), his personal guard, into an external super-army, thereby reducing the importance of the conscript army. He sabotaged President Mohammad Khatamis attempts at liberal reforms (1997-2005) and favored the election of a Revolutionary Guard, the nationalist engineer Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, as President of the Republic (2005-2013), but quickly opposed him on the secularization of society. Opposed to any internal division in his country, Ali Khamenei favored the establishment of arbitration commissions whenever a conflict arose. In the long run, these commissions became innumerable, paralyzing any political decision, and leaving only the activities of the Revolutionary Guard Corps to function. Although he lived very soberly, he surrounded himself with an occult government, whose "advisers" in turn had much greater powers than those of the ministers. Some of them sent their families abroad, where they were able to spend the countrys money lavishly. Ali Khamenei was careful to cultivate popular support for the Shiite clergy. He reorganized it on the basis of seniority, so that it would be administered by the most senior of its members. He left justice in the hands of the most obscurantist fringe of the clergy, paving the way for the election of the very fanatical Ebrahim Raisi as President of the Republic (2021-2024). From 2011 onwards, Ali Khamenei aspired to become not only the leader of the Iranian nation, but also of the entire Arab world. He organized international conferences to which he invited all Muslim factions, including the Muslim Brotherhood. In the end, he transformed the function of "Guardian of the Revolution" into a bigoted gerontocracy, which imposed, first with a smile, then with violence, a moral order. He was therefore not a dictator, but a skillful cleric, who left his country in the hands of an obscurantist justice system, and led it to ruin. DANVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - Danville High School will be in session Friday after a bomb threat was received Thursday. The Danville Police Department said officers responded to the school around 7:30 p.m. Thursday night after staff told them of a possible bomb threat. The Danville School District said the threat was discovered on social media. Danville police and the University of Illinois K-9 Bomb Unit searched Danville High School for hours, both inside and outside the building. They determined there were no threats or dangers. The District said, "The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure our schools remain safe learning environments, and there will be an additional police presence at Danville High School today as an added precaution." Police said they are actively investigating to identify who made the threat. Anyone with information is asked to call Danville police at 217-431-2250 or Vermilion County Crime Stoppers at 217-446-TIPS. Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved. Ciena shares jump as cloud spending drives BofA upgrade Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock Shares of Ciena Corporation (NYSE:CIEN) rose 3.3% Friday after Bank of America upgraded the optical networking company to Buy, citing surging demand from cloud data centers. The upgrade reflects expectations of continued strong spending by cloud providers, including hyperscalers, Tier-2 clouds, and emerging Neoclouds, which are adding significant data center capacity over the next three years. Bank of America said Cienas portfolio, which includes 800G and 400G pluggables, line systems, and its recent acquisition Nubis, is well-positioned to capitalize on these growth opportunities. Houston, its too early to get cautious, analysts wrote, noting that its previous caution on potential spending slowdowns in the networking sector was premature. Analysts highlighted that Cienas FY26 revenue growth guidance has surged to 28% from 8% a year ago, with backlog rising $2 billion in a single quarter to $7 billion. Bank of America also flagged long-term opportunities in local area networks and Co-Packaged Optics through Cienas Nubis acquisition, as well as passive optical network solutions now in trials with additional hyperscalers. The firm also raised its price target to $355 from $260. The bank acknowledged risks including the cyclical nature of the optical market, high valuation levels, and tight supply of EML lasers that could pressure margins, but said these are outweighed by the strong demand environment. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) A hearing to reconsider the sentencing of the former Sangamon County sheriffs deputy convicted of killing a woman inside her Springfield home in 2024 was moved to May. Sean Grayson was convicted in the police killing of Sonya Massey after she dialed 911 to report a prowler at her home. Grayson was unable to attend a hearing on Friday because he's receiving medical treatment, according to court records. His defense team asked for a continuance, and prosecutors did not object. Grayson's motion to reconsider his sentencing was granted and rescheduled for May 8 at 2 p.m. in Sangamon County. Grayson was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in January. Judge Ryan Cadagin, in granting the request, noted that Grayson has the right to attend his own hearing. New! The latest from WAND in your inbox Sign up for our newsletters to receive breaking news and daily headlines. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Masseys death sparked community outrage and legislative changes across the state of Illinois. Her death, captured on police body camera video, garnered national attention. The Massey Commission was formed to help guide change and initiatives, including enhancing police hiring policies, mental health response and giving voters a recall option to remove a county sheriff from office. Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell retired early following Masseys killing amidst calls for him to step down. Grayson has been behind bars since his arrest shortly after the shooting. During his sentencing, Graysons legal team argued for a lesser sentence, citing serious health concerns. The defense told the court that Grayson has been diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer, including stage 3 colon cancer that has since progressed to stage 4, with cancer also found in his liver, lungs and rectum. Grayson will serve a two-year mandatory supervised release period after his prison sentence ends. He also received credit for time served. Copyright 2026. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved. DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Access to maternal health is shrinking across the country. Health experts say rural areas are getting the short end of the stick. "We now have 2.6 million reproductive-age women living in rural communities without labor and delivery services available locally," said Dr. Julia Interrante at the University of Minnesota's Rural Health Research Center. For many families living in central Illinois, the closest maternity unit is hours away. There are many barriers to healthcare access in rural communities that impact pregnancies. "There are fewer clinicians and hospitals. There are also structural challenges like distance to care, transportation and having fewer doctors and nurses working in rural areas. And all of these really do contribute to the poor maternal and infant health outcomes," Interrante said. In rural areas, limited access to obstetrics is caused by a lower volume of patients. Hospitals get paid for the number of patients who give birth in their facility. "So, rural hospitals, maintaining obstetrics services, there's a very high fixed cost, including keeping doctors and nurses on staff, having the correct training and equipment. And it can be really difficult to cover those fixed costs when you have a smaller volume of births happening at a hospital," Interrante said. New! The latest from WAND in your inbox Sign up for our newsletters to receive breaking news and daily headlines. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Residents are also facing geographical barriers. Dr. Karen Tabb Dina is a professor at the University of Illinois School of Social Work. She said rural health care settings are experiencing a demographic shift. "Imagine having limited access to health care based on geographic barriers. And then you also do not engage with the language of the clinic ... we have a large group of non-English speaking recent migrants," Dina said. Experts say the majority of maternal deaths in the U.S. are considered preventable. Doctors are calling on policymakers to provide more programs and infrastructure for rural patients. "We are more than a decade into the severe maternal health crisis in the U.S., and policymakers are well aware of the challenges and the lack of access in rural communities. And yet we still see fewer and fewer hospitals offering separate care every year," Interrante said. I-Promote-IL is a maternal health resource bundle for residents aiming to improve the health of pregnant and postpartum people. Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved. The Family Who Lived in the Woods: How a British-Australian Couple Lost Their Children to the Italian State The juvenile court of L'Aquila has issued a ruling that separates Catherine Birmingham from her three children and splits the siblings between different facilities, sending shockwaves through a case that has gripped Italy for months. Italy's so-called forest family case took a dramatic turn on Friday when the juvenile tribunal of L'Aquila ordered the removal of mother Catherine Birmingham from the protected facility where she had been living alongside her three children, and simultaneously decreed that the children themselves be separated and placed in different structures. The ruling landed on the same day that court-appointed psychiatrist Simona Ceccoli was scheduled to begin psychological assessments of the three minors, a coincidence that the family's legal team described with barely concealed fury. "There is a court order from a tribunal with such high sensitivity that, right in the middle of the psychiatric assessment, it decided to remove the children and separate the mother," said the family's lawyer, Marco Femminella, speaking outside the facility before entering. "Probably this assessment, as Andreotti would have said, was not going well as it was going, so they interrupted it." His words, laden with sarcasm toward the judiciary, captured the atmosphere around a case that has divided Italian public opinion since November. Who the Trevallion Family Are Nathan Trevallion, 51, is British. His wife Catherine Birmingham, 45, is Australian. The couple moved to Italy in 2021, settling in a stone farmhouse in the woods near Palmoli, in the province of Chieti in Abruzzo. They had three children: a daughter of eight and twin boys of six. The farmhouse had no running water and used a dry toilet. The children were educated at home by their mother using a Steiner-inspired unschooling method that prioritised creativity and natural learning over formal literacy and numeracy. The family came to the attention of authorities in September 2024 when all five members were admitted to hospital following mushroom poisoning. During that contact with the health system, social services noted that the children could not read or write and had limited interaction with peers their own age. An investigation followed, and on 20 November 2025 social workers and police executed a court order removing the children from their parents. The father, Nathan, remained at the farmhouse. The mother, Catherine, was permitted to accompany the children to a protected residential facility in Vasto, on the Adriatic coast, where she could be with them during set hours each day. "It's been a painful and very sad night. I cannot sleep well because I miss my family. I don't understand why this has happened to us." Nathan Trevallion, speaking after the initial removal of his children in November 2025. Four Months of Mounting Tension What followed the November removal was four months of escalating friction. The facility in Vasto reported persistent difficulties with Catherine's behaviour, citing what staff described as a rigid and uncooperative attitude, a refusal to comply with internal rules, and what they characterised as an effort to undermine the children's engagement with the educational programme being provided. The facility formally requested that the tribunal consider moving the family elsewhere. The family's legal team contested that characterisation at every turn. Catherine's relatives, including her mother Pauline and her sister Rachael, who travelled from Australia to Italy to support the family, described the atmosphere at the facility as oppressive. Rachael, speaking on the RAI television programme La Vita in Diretta, said that visits to the structure felt like being watched in a prison. "The children are suffering," she said. "And so is Catherine." Italy's national children's ombudsman, Marina Terragni, weighed in in January, warning that removing Catherine from the facility entirely would inflict a fresh trauma on children who were already in a fragile state. "It is not conceivable, whatever the attitude of the mother, that such a further trauma could be inflicted on the three minors," Terragni wrote. Her intervention did not alter the trajectory of the case. The Psychiatric Assessment at the Centre of the Dispute The procedural heart of the case has been a series of court-ordered psychiatric and psychological assessments. An earlier assessment of parental capacity, conducted on Nathan and Catherine by court-appointed psychiatrist Simona Ceccoli, proved deeply controversial. The family's legal team sought to have Ceccoli removed from the case, raising doubts about her impartiality and citing comments she had made on social media. The tribunal rejected that application. Friday 6 March was scheduled as the first day of Ceccoli's psychological assessment of the children themselves, a process that the court had allowed 120 days to complete. That assessment was supposed to evaluate the children's psychological state, their cognitive development and their emotional condition after months in institutional care. The ruling to remove Catherine and separate the children arrived just as that process was beginning, throwing its continuation into doubt. It is not clear as of Friday evening whether the assessments will proceed at the Vasto facility or be relocated. "These four months, to which must be added the almost two months already spent in the facility, represent an infinite amount of time for children." Marina Terragni, Italy's children's ombudsman. What Friday's Ruling Means The practical consequences of Friday's order are stark. Catherine Birmingham will be removed from the Vasto facility and returned to the family farmhouse in Palmoli, where Nathan has been living alone since November. The three children, who have been living together in the same facility with their mother nearby, will be separated from each other and placed in different structures. The location of those structures has not been publicly confirmed. For the defence team, the ruling is both a legal setback and, they argue, a child welfare disaster. Previous assessments by health professionals attached to the Vasto ASL had already found the children to be in a state of significant distress as a result of their separation from their parents. Separating them from each other and from their mother simultaneously is a step that the family's own psychiatric experts described as terrifying. "I have not yet spoken to the parents," said defence psychologist Marina Aiello, arriving at the facility on Friday morning. "We are here to conduct the interviews and see the children." A Case That Has Divided Italy The forest family case has generated an unusually intense public debate in Italy about the limits of state intervention in family life, the rights of parents to raise children outside conventional educational and domestic frameworks, and the capacity of the child welfare system to make proportionate judgments in complex situations. The family's unconventional lifestyle, the foreign nationality of both parents and the remote rural setting have all contributed to a story that resists easy categorisation. Supporters of the family argue that the state has criminalised an alternative way of living that, while unusual, posed no direct harm to the children. Critics contend that the children were being denied their rights to education, socialisation and appropriate living conditions. The tribunal has consistently sided with the view that the children's welfare required intervention, but the execution of that intervention has generated as many questions as the original decision. The case is expected to remain before the L'Aquila juvenile tribunal for several more months as the psychiatric assessment process concludes and the judges weigh their options. Among those options, according to earlier reporting, is the possibility of temporary foster placement with family members, including Catherine's mother Pauline or her sister Rachael, both of whom hold dual Maltese and Australian citizenship and have expressed willingness to take on that role if the court were to permit it. For Nathan and Catherine Trevallion, Friday's ruling represents the most painful development yet in a process that began with a single night in hospital fourteen months ago. As Nathan put it in November, sitting alone in the farmhouse where his family used to live: "I miss my life. I don't understand why this has happened to us." Ph: Corriere.it More than 11,000 people voted in poll to name bridge over river Arno. Florence has announced that the new bridge spanning the river Arno, connecting the districts of Bellariva and Anconella, will be named after Nadia and Caterina Nencioni. The two sisters, aged nine years and 50 days respectively, were among the five victims of the devastating mafia car bomb that struck Via dei Georgofili on 27 May 1993. Florence mayor Sara Funaro last week launched a naming competition, allowing residents to choose one of four names of women who left their mark on the Tuscan capital and Italy. Online poll More than 11,000 people voted in the online poll which comes ahead of International Women's Day and was aimed at addressing the historical underrepresentation of women in the city's urban toponymy. In addition to the Nencioni sisters, the other contenders were scientist Rita Levi-Montalcini, politician Tina Anselmi, and partisan Gilda Larocca. Caterina and Nadia Nencioni received 3,872 votes, followed by Larocca with 3,326 votes, Levi-Montalcini with 2,816, and Anselmi with 1,017 votes. Innocent victims Funaro described the winning name as "a gesture that combines memory and civic responsibility", stating: "The two little sisters, innocent victims of the Georgofili massacre, represent a deep wound for Florence, but also a constant reminder of our commitment to the fight against the Mafia." "Dedicating a place in the city to them means transforming their memory into a concrete, everyday sign, so that future generations can continue to know and cherish that memory", Funaro added. The bridge, whose structural framework was positioned over the Arno last week, will be a centrepiece of the new tram line toward Bagno a Ripoli and represents the first major road bridge built in Florence in nearly 50 years. A formal naming ceremony is expected to take place in May to coincide with the anniversary of the bombing. Via dei Georgofili bombing The bombing was carried out by the Sicilian Mafia on the night of 26-27 May 1993 in retaliation for the arrest of Mafia boss Salvatore Toto Riina. The Nencioni sisters were killed along with their parents Angela Fiume and Fabrizio Nencioni, while 22-year-old student Dario Capolicchio was killed in a subsequent fire. The bombing injured 48 people and caused extensive structural damage to the Uffizi Galleries. Italy's jobless rate has just hit a 22-year low, falling below that of the United Kingdom for the first time in a generation. If you moved to Italy from the UK in recent years, you almost certainly did so knowing that Italy had a higher unemployment rate than back home. It was one of those facts that sat quietly in the background of the expat experience, a reminder that the Italian economy, for all its beauty and quality of life, had historically struggled to match the labour market performance of northern Europe. This week, that assumption officially became out of date. On Wednesday 4 March, Italy's national statistics bureau Istat published data showing that the country's unemployment rate fell to 5.1 percent in January 2026, the lowest level recorded since the current data series began in 2004. At exactly the same moment, the United Kingdom is contending with a jobless rate of 5.2 percent, its highest in several years. For the first time in more than a generation, Italy has a lower unemployment rate than the UK. 5.1% Italy Unemployment Rate January 2026 a 22-year record low (Istat) 5.2% UK Unemployment Rate Q4 2025 highest in several years (ONS) The Numbers Behind the Headline The Istat figures published on Wednesday tell a story of steady, sustained improvement in the Italian labour market. The January unemployment rate of 5.1 percent was down from a revised 5.5 percent in December 2025 and came in significantly below the 5.6 percent that a Reuters poll of eight analysts had forecast. The number of people out of work fell by 99,000 in a single month to 1.305 million. Meanwhile, 80,000 new jobs were added to the economy in January alone, taking total employment to 24.181 million people, up by 70,000 compared to January 2025. Youth unemployment, historically one of the most painful features of the Italian labour market and a driver of the brain drain that has seen tens of thousands of young Italians leave for London, Amsterdam and Berlin over the past two decades, also fell sharply. The jobless rate among 15 to 24 year olds dropped from 20.9 percent in December to 18.9 percent in January, a fall of nearly two percentage points in a single month. While that figure remains high by northern European standards, the direction of travel is encouraging. Italy added 80,000 jobs in January alone. The total number of people in work, at 24.181 million, is the highest since Istat began tracking the current data series in 2004. The employment rate, measuring the share of working-age people actually in a job, climbed to 62.6 percent from 62.4 percent the previous month. That figure remains one of the lowest in the eurozone, reflecting the structural challenge that has long defined the Italian labour market: not just too many people without jobs, but too many people, particularly women and young adults in the south, who are not actively looking for work at all. The inactivity rate ticked up slightly to 33.9 percent in January, a reminder that the headline unemployment figure does not tell the whole story. What Has Driven Italy's Labour Market Improvement? The improvement in Italian unemployment over the past two years reflects a combination of factors. Italy's economy, while growing slowly at just 0.5 percent in 2025, has continued to create jobs at a pace that has outrun the modest pace of overall growth. The services sector, and in particular tourism, hospitality and the creative industries, has been a consistent engine of job creation. Italy welcomed a record number of tourists in 2025, driven in part by the Jubilee year in Rome which brought an estimated 33 million visitors to the capital alone, and the hospitality sector has absorbed a significant number of workers as a result. The Meloni government has also pointed to a series of labour market reforms it says have reduced bureaucratic friction in hiring and made it easier for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to take on staff. Critics of the government argue that the job creation figures, while real, mask a continued reliance on precarious, fixed-term contracts and that the quality of many new jobs, in terms of pay, conditions and security, does not match the quality suggested by the headline numbers. The rise in inactivity, even as unemployment falls, lends some weight to that concern. Why Is UK Unemployment Rising? The UK picture is, in several respects, the mirror image of Italy's. British unemployment rose to 5.2 percent by the end of 2025, up from 4.4 percent a year earlier, a significant increase over a short period. The Office for Budget Responsibility, the UK's independent fiscal watchdog, has forecast that unemployment may rise further in the short term as the effects of recent policy changes work their way through the economy. Those policy changes are at the heart of the debate. The UK government raised employers' National Insurance contributions in its October 2025 budget, a measure widely cited by British businesses as a disincentive to hiring. A simultaneous increase in the National Living Wage added to labour costs for employers in lower-wage sectors. And new employment rights legislation, intended to improve conditions for workers on zero-hours contracts and in the gig economy, has been cited by some businesses as a further reason for caution on recruitment. Whether these factors are the primary driver of rising unemployment, or whether broader global economic headwinds are more responsible, remains a subject of genuine debate among economists. For the first time in more than thirty years, the UK has a higher unemployment rate than Italy. The gap, while narrow, marks a significant symbolic and economic shift between two of Europe's major economies. What This Means for Expats in Rome For the international community living and working in Rome, the data carries a number of practical implications. The first is reassurance: the Roman and broader Italian job market is, by the measures available, in better shape than it has been for over two decades. For expats working in sectors that interact closely with the Italian economy, whether in tourism, hospitality, fashion, food, technology or professional services, the underlying conditions are more favourable than the country's reputation for economic dysfunction might suggest. The second implication is more nuanced. Italy's employment rate of 62.6 percent remains among the lowest in the eurozone, and the labour market continues to be shaped by significant regional and gender inequalities. Rome and the Lazio region perform considerably better than the national average on most labour market indicators, with lower unemployment, higher female participation and a more diversified economic base. But the south of Italy continues to face structural challenges that the headline national figures do not fully capture. For British expats in Rome in particular, the data offers a quietly striking perspective. Many of those who made the move from the UK to Italy in recent years did so partly in search of a different quality of life, trading the relentless pace and high cost of London for the rhythms of Roman life. The fact that Italy now has a lower unemployment rate than the country they left does not change the fundamentals of what makes life in Rome appealing. But it does add an unexpected economic dimension to a choice that has always been driven as much by the heart as by the spreadsheet. The Bigger Picture: Italy's Economy in 2026 It would be a mistake to read too much triumphalism into this week's figures. Italy's economy grew by just 0.5 percent in 2025, and the government is forecasting 0.7 percent growth for 2026, which if achieved would mark a fourth consecutive year of sub-one-percent expansion. The national debt stands at 137.1 percent of GDP, and the 2025 budget deficit came in at 3.1 percent, just above the EU's three percent ceiling. These are not the numbers of an economy firing on all cylinders. What the unemployment data does suggest, however, is that Italy's labour market has been quietly and consistently improving over a period when the economy as a whole has been growing only modestly. That is a genuinely interesting combination, and one that economists will be studying carefully in the months ahead as Italy navigates the twin pressures of geopolitical uncertainty from the Middle East conflict and the scrutiny of its European partners over its fiscal position. For now, the number that matters most is 5.1 percent. For a country that was recording unemployment rates above 12 percent just over a decade ago, it represents a journey that many people, inside and outside Italy, did not expect to reach this quickly. Rome, as ever, has surprised its doubters. ph: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com Coinbase Teams Up With The White House Against Wall Street - Moby THE GIST President Trump is taking a swing at Wall Street this week, teaming up with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong to push for "stablecoin yields." The unlikely pair wants to make it easier for people to earn interest on digital dollars like USDC, which offers a 3.85% APY to eligible Coinbase users. Wall Street reacted instantly to the news, sending Coinbase stock soaring over 15% after Trump signaled his support for new crypto legislation on Truth Social. WHAT HAPPENED President Trump operates by way of grievance but that only works if he has an enemy to rally others. Cue Armstrong, whos been a staunch supporter of the president since mid-2024. Armstrong isnt the most beloved tech CEO, but hell do just about anything to ensure Coinbase succeeds. And in true crypto fashion, that means going after the big, bad banks like JP Morgan, Citi, and Bank of America. But Armstrong cant turn Coinbase into the fintech of the future and take on Wall Street alone. Like so many other opportunistic CEOs right now, he needs Trump to use the power of the presidency to make it actually happen. Because stablecoin yield isnt just a million, or, for that matter, a billion-dollar threat, its potentially a trillions-of-dollars problem for bank deposits $6.6 trillion, to be exact. That figure was cited by executives at JP Morgan and BofA who pointed to a Treasury study from last year. On page 10, a slide titled What are the potential impacts of stablecoin growth on bank deposits? lays out the hypothetical: if people hold dollar-backed stablecoins instead of bank deposits, banks lose funding, which is the raw material they use to make loans and buy securities. If that shift takes hold, the traditional banking model could take a massive, potentially existential hit. Our analysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here. WHY IT MATTERS Recent data from the St. Louis Fed shows that U.S. commercial banks arent in trouble when it comes to bank deposits. Total deposits, according to the Fed's data, stood at around $18.67 trillion at the start of the year, around the postpandemic plateau and still well above pre2020 levels. So theres little reason to switch as most people seem content with the 0.38% savings rate most get. But this low rate is exactly what Armstrong, and now Trump, are targeting. It could destabilize some smaller banks in the future if the CLARITY Act, a crypto bill, passes in the coming months. As the old saying goes, If its too good to be true, it aint, the big banks are pointing to Coinbases promises of high yield as the primary reason for skepticism. JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon told CNBC as much. David Raleigh A nurse who was raped by a doctor in Limerick faced her abuser in court today and told him: I got justice. Louay Kila, (31), who worked as a registrar doctor at the University Hospital Limerick (UHL) at the time, was convicted at the Central Criminal Court, Limerick, Thursday, of the rape and sexual assault of the victim on March 2, 2024. Kila, a native of Morocco, and with an address at Cois Luachra, Dooradoyle, Limerick, contested the rape and sex assault charges at his four-day trial, held earlier this week. However, a jury found him guilty of both offences by unanimous decision after four hours of deliberations on Thursday. The nurse said she wished to retain her legal right to anonymity but that Kila be identified. The court consented to this. On Friday, the nurse faced Kila at his sentencing hearing and read her own victim impact statement in court, on behalf of all women who have been the victims of sex crimes. To my rapist, I stood up, and I am holding you accountable for your actions, and I got justice, the nurse said. I hope to be an inspiration for any woman who has dealt with an incident like this and encourage them to stand up and hold their rapists accountable, she said. I wasn't going to let you abuse me further by letting you get away with it. I stand here on behalf of any woman who has been raped or sexually assaulted and was too afraid to report it. Looking at Kila, who buried his head in his knees, the nurse said: We (women) are people, we are not objects, and we deserve to be treated as such No means no. The court heard Kila and the nurse both worked at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and encountered one another as part of a larger group while on a night out in Limerick City. Later, at an apartment, where they and friends went, Kila had tried to force the victim to kiss him by holding her jaw open. She rebuked him and told him to leave her alone. Afterwards, a photograph of Kila kissing the victim on her cheek while she was asleep on a couch at the apartment, was shared on a Snapchat account, the court heard. Later on in the night, the victim said she was in shock when she awoke to find Kila penetrating her. Kila also digitally penetrated the victim with a number of his fingers, and continued doing so after she told him to stop. After Kila left the apartment, the nurse told her friends: I just kept telling him (Kila) to stop. Gardai were alerted and made efforts to try and track Kila down. He was arrested 20 days after the assaults. Kila sent the victim a message while she was attending a sexual assault treatment unit, a day after the rape, telling her I didnt mean to upset you and that her well being was important to him. Kila replied no comment to questions about the rape and sexual assault when interviewed by gardai under caution. Two months after the rape, Kila provided gardai with a prepared written statement, claiming he and the victim had engaged in consensual kissing and digital penetration on the night. Today, the nurse told the court the rape and assault impacted my health, my livelihood, my family life, my potential relationships and my sense of self and she was diagnosed with PTSD and put on antidepressants just to cope with the trauma. I live in a state of constant anxiety and fear, and I often get flashbacks and nightmares of what happened to me. The woman said that prior to the rape and assault she had been excited to be nursing at UHL, but that after the rape she couldn't return to work and she said she felt physically sick walking back into the hospital, where Kila continued working for a time. I was no longer able to work in that hospital or deliver effective patient care as I was constantly looking over my shoulder hoping that Louay Kila wasn't nearby, said the nurse. The nurse said the HSE offered her a transfer to a different healthcare setting and I felt I had no option other than to take this as Louay was still working as a doctor in UHL. I also feared for the patients of UHL. I knew that I had gotten out of the hospital but what about those who were left behind? My job is to care for patients, and I felt like a failure because I knew this man was delivering care to vulnerable people and I knew what he was capable of doing to people in vulnerable positions. The nurse concluded: I am a strong woman, I will heal from this, and I will be a stronger more resilient version of myself. I will never let that man take that away from me. Kilas barrister, Liam Carroll, said Kila consented to being suspended from the register of doctors in Ireland in March 2025, 12 months after he raped the nurse. This has had catastrophic consequences for his career, said Mr Carroll. He (Kila) could not work as a doctor afterwards, he has been in a form of purgatory, frozen in time, a non-national with no family here, and prison will be difficult for him, said Mr Carroll. He has suffered psychologically is receiving medication. He has no previous convictions, he has not come to garda attention since, added Mr Carroll. Judge Sean Gillane commended the nurse and said he would carefully consider her victim impact statement. He adjourned sentencing and remanded Kila in custody to appear in court again for sentence next Friday, 13th March. Residents of Mount Suirs council-owned apartment block sent 25 different complaints to Waterford City and County Council across 2025, according to records released to the Waterford News & Star through the Freedom of Information Act. Waterford Council have been in control of Block C of the Mount Suir apartment complex since February 21 2020, according to land registry records. Block C of Mount Suir houses approximately 40 tenants, all in receipt of social housing. Block A and B of the complex feature a mixture of private renters, council-owned units, and renters in receipt of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). The complex, located in the Carrickpherish suburb of Waterford city, has been at the heart of long-standing issues centred around living standards. Sinn Fein councillor Jim Griffin had previously called for a task force to be set up to deal with issues at the Mount Suir apartments. Most complaints submitted to Waterford Council related to chronic leaking issues. Residents' names were redacted from records. One tenant threatened to quit paying full rent to the council if issues werent fixed. Extractor fan in the bathroom, water is coming out from it on the wall and dripping down. He (presumably the complexs maintenance manager) cant turn it on as will blow the fusebox. He said this is an ongoing issue, read the letter dated November 6. Still nothing been done about apartment leaks not even a reply, my rent will go down 5euro a week every week until issues in my apartment are sorted out..until you kick me out of apartment and leave a judge decide..should I pay rent for a leaking apartment. Another tenant outlined issues with leaking on December 18. Ive been in contact on numerous occasions about issues need fixing in apartment, water coming in vent in bathroom, massive water stain on main ceiling, no water is coming in cooker extractor fan, it always come in bedrooms onto window board making them soft and rotted. Ive contacted before on numerous occasions about leaks in apartment that are just getting worse and still absolutely nothing been done about it. Other complainants raised issues with defective smoke alarms, low-pressure gauges on boilers, sparking sockets and blocked post boxes. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme At this month's Piltown Municipal District meeting, Kilkenny County Council officials delivers uodates on the various Greenway projects that are being undertaken in Waterford and the further south east region. Updates The opening of the section of Greenway connecting to the North Quays is dependent on the completion of an area within the North Quays development. Once available, the southern end of the Greenway will be accessed via the North Quays/Abbey Road intersection, and a small temporary Greenway trailhead car park will also be made available within the North Quays development. The Greenway team continue to engage with Waterford City & County Council in relation to a completion date for the above and the most recent advice is mid-April 2026 a statement from Kilkenny County Council said. Meanwhile, detailed design of the remaining section of the Greenway between Curraghmore and Ballyverneen, which is approximately 9km, continues to be progressed by consultants. The landowner liaison team continues to engage with affected landowners along this section to agree final design layouts and accommodation works. A Design Team have commenced work on the detailed design including procurement of various surveys regarding the Greenway link to Glenmore. This will connect the Southeast Greenway with Glenmore village in county Kilkenny. As the detailed design progresses, discussions with the affected landowners will continue regarding the acquisition of land. Efforts are also continuing to identify potential funding streams to advance the Greenway link to Slieverue. The southern section of this link received Part 8 planning in January 2025, and efforts to accrue funding have been ongoing. A second Public Consultation on proposed route corridors for the Woodstock Greenway link is now scheduled for late March 2026. Landowner engagement is continuing, and following consultation and landowner engagement, a Preferred Route Corridor Option will be proposed. Read more on local Greenway expansions HERE (Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme) Funding for English lessons for non-English speakers in Ireland has been reduced, leaving students confused, distressed and discarded. Funding for the 'English for Speakers of other Languages Programme' (ESOL) has been reduced to pre-2021 levels, impacting students attending Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB). ESOL is a project which provides free parttime classes to those looking to learn English as a second or other language. Irelands 16 ETBs provide free ESOL classes. The project has become an important learning source particularly for Ukrainian nationals living in Ireland. State funding for the project was increased in 2021, in response to increased demand after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. However, funding levels have now reverted back to pre 2021 levels. Deeply troubling Speaking on issue this week, Waterford Senator Joe Conway described it as an urgent and deeply troubling matter. He said that students locally have been left deeply distressed. Students were informed the day before the (mid-term) break that they would not be returning to classes despite having enrolled with the understanding that tuition would run for a full academic year. Many of those affected are individuals under international protection or with refugee status in Ireland. In all cases, learners were left without provision, clarity or an alternative pathway. Many had structured childcare, transport and weekly routines built around these classes. Teachers had their hours dramatically reduced. Trust in publicly funded education provision has been damaged. The emotional impact on learners has been particularly concerning. Many have already experienced sudden upheaval and displacement, for example, people in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Deputy Charlie McConalogue, speaking on behalf of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, responded to Senator Conways concerns in the Seanad, saying that since the war in Ukraine, demand for the ESOL service has tripled, with 30,630 learners now enrolled nationally. Following the outbreak of the war, the Department provided significant temporary funding to ETBs to support increased ESOL provision. While this temporary funding enabled a rapid expansion of classes across the sector, it was always intended to be time limited Deputy McConalogue said. The Department has now moved towards a more sustainable long-term model. As this emergency allocation has now concluded, and in line with budget 2026 parameters, ESOL funding has returned to its 2021 level. To be clear, ESOL classes have not ceased. ESOL programmes continue to be delivered in Waterford and Wexford and across all ETBs. "While the end to temporary funding will have impacts in many local areas, the Department, through all the 16 ETBs, continues to support the provision of ESOL courses." Senator Conway responded, There is a disjoint between the evidence that I am getting from the local people and the statement from the Minister of State this morning. Olivia Kelleher Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon is due to deliver a lecture at University College Cork (UCC) next Monday in which she will explore her career in politics and public service. The first woman and longest-serving First Minister of Scotland, Sturgeon was a defining figure in Scottish and UK politics during a decade shaped by Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and a period that saw five different UK prime ministers. Elected First Minister in November 2014, she led Scotland until March 2023. Before becoming First Minister, Sturgeon served as Deputy Leader of the Scottish National Party and played a central role in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum campaign. As a senior figure in the Yes campaign, she helped bring Scotland to the brink of independence, leading the national conversation on constitutional change and Scotlands future. Born in Irvine in 1970, she joined the SNP at 16 and has been active in public life ever since. A qualified solicitor, she worked at Drumchapel Law Centre before being elected to the Scottish Parliament in 1999 as a representative for Glasgow. She later won the Glasgow Govan constituency in 2007 and subsequently represented Glasgow Southside. Sturgeon will be delivering the 26th Annual Philip Monahan Memorial Lecture. Irelands first local authority manager. Monahan served as City Commissioner and later City Manager in Cork from 1924 to 1959, shaping the development of modern public administration in Ireland. Dr Aodh Quinlivan, UCC Department of Government and Politics, said that they are honoured to welcome Nicola Sturgeon to UCC. As one of the most prominent political leaders in Europe in recent years, her experience at the highest levels of government offers a unique opportunity for students to engage directly with a leader who has navigated complex constitutional, social and economic challenges. It promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking occasion. The lecture will take place at noon on Monday in the Aula Maxima, UCC. The event is free of charge, but prior registration is required. It can be obtained by emailing Government@ucc.ie. Advertisement CultureCelebrityBritney Spears Britney Spears arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence Michaela Towfighi and Ben Sisario March 6, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Britney Spears was arrested on Wednesday, local time, on suspicion of driving under the influence after officers observed her driving erratically at high speeds, according to a California Highway Patrol spokesperson. Spears was pulled over just before 9.30pm and held overnight in Ventura County before being released just after 6am on Thursday, according to online inmate records from the county sheriffs office. Loading This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable, a representative for Spears, 44, said in a statement. Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britneys life. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time. Advertisement Her boys are going to be spending time with her, the statement continued. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being. Britney Spears arrives at the 2010 Los Angeles premiere of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Through a string of hits in the late 1990s and early 2000s like Baby One More Time and Toxic, Spears became one of musics most ubiquitous stars and a symbol of the eras blockbuster remake of bubblegum pop. She scored five No. 1 hits on Billboards Hot 100 singles chart and sold tens of millions of albums. Her face on the cover of a music magazine or supermarket gossip publication also all but guaranteed big sales especially when she ran into trouble. In 2006, she was pictured driving her SUV while holding her infant son Sean in her lap, not in a child seat as required by law. The next year, she was seen with a shaved head, hitting a photographers car with an umbrella. By then, Spears personal struggles had taken over her public narrative. Advertisement Related Article Britney Spears Britney Spears ex-husband says clock is ticking as he reveals fears for star In 2008, when she was 26, she was placed in a conservatorship after her father petitioned a California court for authority over his daughters life and finances, citing her public mental health struggles and possible substance abuse. She remained in that conservatorship for 13 years. In June 2021, Spears spoke in court, telling the judge overseeing the conservatorship, I just want my life back. Later that year, the judge, Brenda Penny, terminated the conservatorship. In recent months, Spears posts on Instagram, where she regularly shares videos of herself dancing alone, have raised alarm. One post from late February showed her looking very dishevelled with her makeup smudged. Her bare breasts were exposed, though covered with a red heart emoji. A post in November showed bandages around her hands and wrists as well as one knee. I fell down the stairs at my friends house, she wrote in the caption. Advertisement Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Britney Spears USA California Crime US-based retailer Costco Wholesale Corporation reported higher revenue and profit for the second quarter (Q2) and the first half of FY26. For the quarter ending on 15 February, total revenue increased to $69.59bn, compared with $63.72bn in the same period a year earlier. Net sales for the quarter rose 9.1% to $68.24bn while membership fee income climbed to $1.35bn from $1.19bn a year earlier. Net income for the period reached $2.03bn ($4.58 per diluted share), up from $1.78bn ($4.02 per diluted share), recorded in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. During the four-week reporting month of February, which ended 1 March 2026, the company posted net sales of $21.69bn. This represented a 9.5% increase from $19.81bn reported in the same period last year. Costco said the later timing of the Lunar and Chinese New Year holidays, which took place on 17 February this year - 19 days later than in the prior year - supported February sales performance. According to the company, the shift contributed to an approximate 4% increase in other international sales and lifted total company sales by around 0.5%. For the first half of FY26, total revenue stood at $136.90bn, compared with $125.87bn during the same period a year earlier. Net sales for the period rose 8.7% to $134.22bn while membership fee revenue increased to $2.68bn from $2.36bn. Net income for the first 24 weeks totalled $4.03bn, or $9.08 per diluted share, up from $3.58bn, or $8.06 per diluted share, reported in the prior-year period. Net sales for the first 26 weeks increased 8.6% to $144.85bn. Costco currently operates 924 warehouses worldwide, including 634 in the US and Puerto Rico and 114 in Canada, in addition to locations in several other countries. The company also runs e-commerce platforms in Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, the UK and the US. "Costco reports higher revenue and profit in Q2 FY26" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Advertisement CultureMoviesCinema How this filmmaker went from selling knives to working with Glen Powell Nell Geraets March 7, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A John Patton Ford sometimes feels like he was raised in a cult but one of material rather than spiritual or intellectual ambition. Born in the 1980s, the US filmmaker was told time and again to earn more and achieve more to create space for himself in the world. In this cult, bigger always meant better. So, he became fixated on achieving his ultimate professional goal: to direct successful movies. His life, he says, became all about the pursuit. John Patton Ford (right) began as a door-to-door salesman. Now, hes working with Glen Powell. That meant starting small, from making deliveries for catering companies to selling knives door-to-door. It was during the latter job that one speech about turning his conscience off changed his trajectory. Someone sat us down and said your conscience is an enemy, recalls Ford. Its going to tell you this fairytale about whats right and wrong, and who are you to say whats right and wrong? You need to just turn that off, and then suddenly youll be capable of all kinds of things, and youll achieve success. Advertisement He wasnt trying to be dark, he wasnt trying to be funny, he wasnt trying to be polarising. He just said it in this banal way, like he was saying any fact So, I just got up and left. Glen Powell goes on a family killing spree in John Patton Fords How to Make a Killing. AP That moment eventually inspired his second feature film, How to Make a Killing. Loosely based on the 1949 British black comedy Kind Hearts and Coronets, Fords film follows a disowned son named Becket (Glen Powell) who decides to kill off every member of his wealthy bloodline to reclaim his inheritance. Theres a lot of himself in Becket, Ford says. There was also a lot of himself in the flawed protagonist of his critically lauded debut film, Emily the Criminal, in which Aubrey Plazas character commits credit card fraud to pay back her crippling student debt. The idea of someone just doggedly pursuing something to the point where theyre just throwing all ethics out the window to achieve it I feel like thats my story, he says. Not that I killed people, committed credit card fraud, or did any of the things my characters have done. But I did do everything else to get a movie career going, and now Im like 40, looking back like, Whoa, what was that about? What got planted in me so early that made me so bloodthirsty? Advertisement While he didnt intend for How to Make a Killing to be an eat the rich story, he says many viewers have considered it so, probably because such films are common. For example, Parasite, Triangle of Sadness, Ready or Not all of which explore the absurdity of extreme wealth divides. But Ford says he was less interested in class-based revenge and more in the attitudes of successful people. Powells Becket was the ideal vessel through which to explore this. Beginning as a retail worker, he becomes obsessed with reclaiming the wealth he believes was stolen from him when his mother was ostracised by the Redfellow empire. As his success and net worth slowly climb throughout the film, he becomes increasingly cutthroat, his conscience weakening with each scene. Ruth (Jessica Henwick) seems to be the only character with a sense of morality in How to Make a Killing. A24 via AP Very often, at least in the US, there are many sociopathic things that successful people do that have been normalised and that are easy to criticise, yet those things have led to great wealth and success, Ford says. So, it becomes complex. You cant fault them for it it worked for them. Yet, wow, its dark. Advertisement Powell couldnt have been more perfect for this role, Ford notes. His irrepressible goodness in real life combined with his characters descent into criminality created a delicious irony that also spoke to how normal successful, sociopathic people often appear. Related Article Cinema The Wuthering Heights press tour was beyond cringe. And it was perfect for the movie In contrast to Becket and the films other sociopathic characters is Ruth (Jessica Henwick), a teacher who believes in the value of humility and modest dreams. She challenges Becket to dream a little smaller. Was she the proverbial Greek chorus, warning of the dangers of dreaming too big? Was she one of the lucky ones to escape the cult of ambition in which those like Ford were raised? Perhaps, Ford says, but then again, he wouldnt have just made a film with Glen Powell if he had dreamt smaller. Theres so much of me in every one of these characters, he says. Theres a Ruth in me thats like, I could have had a simpler life and been just as content. And then theres someone else in me thats like, Thats for cowards. Theres a yin and a yang, and I think my life will always be trying to reconcile those two. Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Cinema Nell Geraets is a Culture and Lifestyle reporter at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. or email. Connect via X Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A There are few things both a 60-year-old and six-year-old can relate to these days. As technology advances and culture shifts, an ever-widening gulf seems to separate the generations. But sing the Play School theme song, and its almost certain theyll both be smiling from ear-to-ear. Theres a bear in there, and a chair as well. There are people with games, and stories to tell, the familiar tune goes. Its a jingle that hasnt changed since 1966, when the ABC first aired the beloved childrens television show. Since then, it has become the defining soundtrack of an Australian childhood for generations. Play School has been entertaining and teaching Australian children for 60 years. Robert Pearce Now six decades on, Play School is the countrys longest-running childrens series, and the second-longest-running childrens show in the world (its just behind the UKs Blue Peter, which first aired in 1958). Its premise has remained the same throughout its tenure: to encourage curiosity and imagination through gentle, interactive storytelling and play. Its always been child-centred, says Leah Vandenberg, who joined Play School as a presenter in 2000. As our wise producer has said, its play first and school second. Those tenets havent changed in 60 years. Its always been about seeing the world through the childs eyes. Since the beginning, bright colours have welcomed children into a creative space filled with iconic toys like Big Ted and Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty. Different shaped windows have transported little ones to the real world, and everything on-set continues to feel slightly homemade. Advertisement But while little has changed on the show, the world around it has changed immensely. Streaming and social media have fragmented viewing habits, and our collective attention span continues to shrink. So, how has this simple, low-fi show managed to remain so popular for 60 years and counting? An exhibition at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) seeks to answers this, though with a slight twist. In collaboration with the ABC, Play School: Come and Play! shines a light on the nuts and bolts of a Play School episode. Weve taken the core pillars of play-based learning that have existed within the series since its inception and injected them into the gallery in a fresh, modern way, says the exhibitions curator Chelsey OBrien. We thought about whos watching Play School now, and where screen literacy begins. Play School presenters like Miah Madden and Alex Papps are like rock stars for Aussie kids. Simon Schluter Young visitors will journey through different parts of the production process, interacting with the set as a presenter, camera-operator or director. Meanwhile, parents and older visitors will receive a healthy dose of nostalgia through familiar faces like Big Ted, and a musical loop created by Play Schools very own musical director. If you told my four-year-old self that I was going to work with Play School and make a playful exhibition, I think my little brain would have exploded, OBrien says. It was a show that was so close to my heart. There has been big love for Big Ted for 60 years. Eugene Hyland Advertisement OBrien is far from alone. One of the reasons why Play School has resonated so deeply across generations is because of how it speaks with, not to, children. Ever since Diane Dorgan and Alister Smart landed on set in 1966, followed by other iconic names like Don Spencer, Patsy King, Naughty John Hamblin, and Benita Collings, Play Schools warm, welcoming presenters have been a signature element. Play School doesnt ever patronise or come across like a teacher-child relationship. Were communicating with the child at that childs level, Vandenberg says. When you think about other childrens programs 60 years ago, you could say theres a tone of voice that was particularly parental or teacherly. But Play School has always been, lets get down in the mud and play together. Its a conversation. A simple, yet effective, example of this is the shows common opening line: Hello. Its short and sweet, yet it makes it immediately clear that the presenters arent speaking to an indeterminate group of kids, rather theyre speaking directly with one child. Most episodes would begin this way before following a similar pattern checking the clock, looking through the windows, creating something and story time. Theres a comfort in this predictability, OBrien says, particularly for children who generally crave structure. Its within this comfortable familiarity that children have been able to discover their own identities, says Play School presenter Alex Papps, who has worked with the show for two decades. More than ever, the message of Play School is: Dont look outside of yourself, but look within and around you for simple ways of using your imagination, having fun, discovering your own creativity, he says. It represents a short period in a small persons life when nothing is expected of you other than to be totally who you are I think thats more important now than ever. Advertisement Related Article Video games Gamers used to phone a friend. Has the internet spoilt the fun? In fact, Papps believes Play School is one of the last bastions of longer conversation involving children. As useful as technology is within education, he says it has largely primed us to constantly seek out the next shiny thing. Nowadays, there are so many streaming platforms, and they all want us to keep watching, Papps says. It panders to the worst aspects of humanity, frankly. But before our young audience is exposed to technology on a wider scale, Play School exposes them to a slower, more gentle, longer conversation between the presenter and the child. The topic of these conversations run the gamut from balloon experiments to painting sounds. But many episodes have also been sprinkled with larger life lessons, those which may otherwise be relatively difficult to broach with small children between daily tasks. Papps notes a particular episode in which he drew on his own experience of losing his grandmother to explain beginnings and endings, aka life and death, in an age-appropriate, reassuring way. John Hamblin and Angela Moore during their stint as Play School presenters. James Alcock Overall, Play School is about sitting quietly with yourself, creating things with your hands or exploring new ideas. It has always focused on something children will forever need and want: creativity. Because of this, and the fact that parents, or even grandparents, watched Play School themselves as children, theres trust in it as a cultural heirloom it can be passed down to newer generations with confidence it will send the same, dependable message. Thats not to say the show hasnt changed at all over time. Vandenberg says it has evolved alongside the shifting experiences of Australian children. For example, about 5.7 million Australians now speak a language other than English at home. So, Play School has reflected this by expanding the number of languages spoken and sung on-air. While it was mainly just English, French and Italian when Vandenberg started about 26 years ago, she says theyre now singing in Hindi, Punjabi and so on. Similarly, Auslan interpreters have also been incorporated into some of the content. Advertisement And while it began with a largely Anglo-hetero cast, it has since featured Indigenous, Asian, LGBT and differently abled presenters. Vandenberg herself was born in New Zealand to an Irish-Australian mother and a Fijian-Sri Lankan father. Papps, meanwhile, is Greek Australian. My intention is around reflecting the cultural diversity of children in Australia, and making kids feel seen and heard, Vandenberg says, noting an episode in which she brought Punjabi musicians onto the set to perform on the Dhol (a traditional Indian drum), and the introduction of Kiya, the First Nations toy. Its really just fostering that sense of familiarity. And then when children who arent Punjabi go into the community, they go, oh yeah, I know this, I feel more connected. I feel less of a difference. As long as we keep evolving with the childs diverse realities, Play School will continue to be relevant. Iconic Play School toys like Humpty and Big Ted have been around for 60 years now, and have many stories to tell. Simon Schluter Play School has evolved with the times, Papps says, but it will forever remain the same at its heart. He ultimately likens it to a stunning table that has been passed down the generations of a family. Lots of different people sit at it, but it still retains its integrity as its passed down, Papps says. You respect the heirloom you sit at that table and enjoy your time. You dont get a hammer and nails, and cover it in gaudy tiles. You maintain it. Advertisement Advertisement NationalVictoriaCourts Hiker sent final message to mum before dying with friend from exposure Katie Bice March 5, 2026 7:10pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Two young housemates died from hypothermia huddled together near Mount Bogong after one sent a final, tragic message to her mother complaining of exhaustion. A Victorian coroner has found Yuhan Jin, 24, and Yewen Wang, 30, likely became disorientated in severe weather conditions after taking on the challenging hike despite their inexperience. Police Air Wing vision of the area where the bodies of the housemates were found near Mount Bogong. Victoria Police A finding released on Thursday said the Chinese students at Monash University told a classmate they intended on trekking the three- to four-day circuit to Victorias highest peak a distance of about 54 kilometres. While Yuhan was described as adventurous and energetic by friends, the only hiking the pair had previously undertaken was a short day trip. Advertisement Coroner David Ryan said the pair purchased hiking equipment in the city before leaving their Clayton home at 10.30pm on October 1 last year. After driving overnight to the Mountain Creek Campground carpark in Tawonga, north of Mount Beauty, Yuhan sent a WeChat message to her mother in China at 8.30am saying they were setting off on their hike. It included a screenshot of their intended route. The coroner said Yuhan sent a number of photos and videos on the journey which showed they were well-equipped, with a backpack, walking pole and suitable, warm clothing. But the photos also showed a thick layer of snow over the track and weather conditions in the area were recorded as having temperatures ranging from minus 3.2 to 8.1 degrees, with high winds, heavy snow, hail, rain and white-out conditions. Advertisement About 6pm, Yuhan sent a voice message to her mother before the pair were never heard from again. It was so tough-honestly, just really, really tough. Oh my god, Im exhausted, she said. Loading Oh my god, what a day! Its only been six hours of hiking! First it rained, then it snowed, then it hailed. On October 3, the pairs bodies were found by a couple hiking in the area. They were huddled together on a sleeping bag, but neither woman was wearing their outer shell jackets or beanies and they had no shelter. Advertisement Police noted that, although they had been in possession of suitable and adequate clothing, they had not been wearing it at the time they passed away, the finding said. Related Article Perspective Tragedy Mount Bogong deaths occurred on a mountain of perilous beauty, tragedy and mystery Ryan said it was likely the pair had become disorientated, confused and fatigued on the evening of October 2 and died due to the effects of hypothermia and exposure. Yuhan and Yewen died after being exposed to the elements in very poor weather conditions while hiking in the Victorian High Country, he said. Their families can take some comfort from the fact that they were together when they passed away. Ryan said the track the pair took was challenging and navigation can be extremely difficult. He recommended visitors to the area be aware that weather conditions can be severe at any time of year and planning and preparation was critical. Advertisement Visitors should make practical and realistic assessments of their abilities, capacities and limitations, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalChina relations China accuses Australia of distorting facts of naval close encounter Rob Harris and Lisa Visentin March 6, 2026 3:49pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A An Australian naval helicopter was forced to take evasive action after a close encounter with a Chinese military aircraft over the Yellow Sea, prompting the federal government to raise concerns with Beijing over what it described as a dangerous midair manoeuvre. In response, China has accused Australia of distorting the facts on the midair encounter between the two military helicopters. HMAS Toowoomba was operating in international waters as part of Operation Argos. It is at least the fourth such incident of contested encounters in the past two years, with the most recent occurring in October and February 2025 when Australia accused a Chinese fighter jet of dropping flares near one of its surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. The latest incident occurred on March 4 as the guided-missile frigate HMAS Toowoomba was operating in international waters as part of Operation Argos, a multinational effort to enforce sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council on North Korea. Advertisement Chinas defence ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said Australias remarks on the incident were a complete distortion of facts and a reversal of right and wrong and claimed Australia had dispatched its helicopters to conduct close-in reconnaissance and continuous provocations against China. In response to Australias infringing and harassing actions, the Chinese military swiftly took measures to resolutely and forcefully counter them. The relevant operations were proper, reasonable, professional, and in accordance with international law and practice, Jiang said in a statement published by Chinese state media. Each time such incidents have occurred, both sides have deployed similar language to denounce the others actions. Australia has routinely condemned China for engaging in unsafe conduct, while China fires back with allegations that Australia has spread false claims about the incident. Bordered by China and South Korea, the Yellow Sea sits near the Korean Peninsula and is a heavily trafficked military corridor where regional and allied forces regularly patrol to monitor sanctions enforcement. The encounter is the latest in a string of tense interactions between Australian and Chinese forces operating in international airspace and waters. In a statement, the Department of Defence said the government had expressed its concerns to the Chinese government following an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with a Peoples Liberation ArmyNavy (PLA-N) helicopter. Advertisement During these activities, an Australian Defence Force MH-60R helicopter launched from HMAS Toowoomba was intercepted by a PLA-N helicopter, it said, The PLA-N helicopter matched the ADF helicopters altitude before closing in to an unsafe distance. The PLA-N helicopter moved slightly ahead, increased speed and then rolled towards the ADF helicopter, which required evasive action to maintain safe flight. An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter was forced to take evasive action by a Chinese military helicopter. Department of Defence Defence said the Australian ship and the Seahawk had been operating lawfully throughout the mission. This was an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre that posed a risk to our aircraft and its personnel, it said. Advertisement HMAS Toowoomba and its embarked helicopter acted in accordance with international law at all times. Related Article China relations Xis China will be world-shaping in the coming months and years. Our return to Beijing could not be more timely or urgent While there were no injuries sustained by ADF personnel or damage caused to the MH-60R helicopter, the safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel continues to be our utmost priority. In October last year, Defence Minister Richard Marles condemned the unsafe and unprofessional behaviour of the Chinese military after a fighter jet released flares close to an Australian surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea. Beijing accused Australia of seriously violating Chinas sovereignty. Marles said the government had raised concerns with the Chinese embassy in Canberra and authorities in Beijing about the incident, saying it posed a risk to Royal Australian Air Force personnel and their aircraft. No injuries or damage were reported. Advertisement Defence reiterated that Australian forces would continue to operate in the region in accordance with international law. Australia expects all countries, including China, to operate their militaries in a safe and professional manner, it said. For decades, the ADF has undertaken maritime surveillance activities in the region, and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace. Opposition defence spokesman James Paterson said it was another a deliberate, dangerous and reckless manoeuvre by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army that put Australian Defence Force personnel at risk. This is not an isolated incident. It is becoming a deeply concerning pattern of behaviour by the PLA, he said, adding he expected the Albanese government to publicly condemn the incident and make Australias views clear to their counterparts in Beijing. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive TechnologyAI Afterpay billionaire rejects AI-washing claim as thousands are fired David Swan March 6, 2026 8:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Afterpay co-founder Nick Molnar has defended Blocks decision to slash more than 4000 jobs in the name of artificial intelligence, dismissing suggestions the cuts were driven by years of over-hiring rather than a genuine technological shift. In an interview with this masthead, Molnar who serves as Blocks global head of sales and marketing said the layoffs announced by chief executive Jack Dorsey last week reflected a structural transformation in how technology companies operate. This is not about making a decision from a position of weakness, Molnar said. Its about making a decision from a position of strength. Afterpay co-founder Nick Molnar has dismissed suggestions AI is being used as a smokescreen for job cuts. Dominic Lorrimer Block is the US payments giant behind services such as Square, Cash App and Afterpay, which process payments for individuals and companies. Advertisement Its job cuts are among the first of AI-attributed workforce reductions sweeping the technology sector. In Australia alone, WiseTech Global has flagged plans to cut 2000 roles, the Commonwealth Bank is deploying AI tools to reduce its reliance on offshore contractors, and Atlassian has continued trimming engineering teams. Globally, Salesforce, Amazon, Pinterest and CrowdStrike have all announced significant cuts linked to AI in recent months. However, the AI justification for the corporate job culling has drawn scepticism: OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman has used the term AI-washed to describe companies justifying layoffs as driven by AI efficiencies rather than earlier over-hiring. Former Block employee Jason Karsh wrote on X that the announcement was a workforce correction wearing an AI costume. The AI piece is real. What these tools can do now is fundamentally different to where they were even a year ago. Nick Molnar Nick Molnar co-founded Afterpay in 2014 with Anthony Eisen after spotting a generational shift away from credit cards. The company grew into Australias most prominent fintech export before being acquired by Dorseys Block for $39 billion in 2021, making Molnar the countrys youngest self-made billionaire. He now serves as Blocks global head of sales and marketing. Some people that I built Afterpay with from the very early days were unfortunately in the population thats in consultation [about their jobs being cut] right now, he said. And none of that comes from anything but immense gratitude. Advertisement His comments are the first detailed public remarks from a senior Block executive since Dorsey announced on February 26 that the payments company would reduce its workforce from over 10,000 to fewer than 6000 in one of the largest AI-attributed workforce reductions in corporate history. It was the third round of layoffs at Block in less than three years. Afterpay insiders say about half of the companys local workforce of 1300 is being made redundant and most of Blocks Australian communications department is also being laid off. Related Article Jobs The week AI came for Australian jobs One affected employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were dropping their children at daycare when their phone started lighting up with messages from colleagues asking if they had been affected by the job cuts. Ten minutes later, I was still sitting in the daycare car park reading Jacks email, which was already public, followed by an HR note saying my role was entering consultation, they said. My heart just sank. Justifying Blocks massive job cuts, Dorsey cited rapidly improving AI models as the primary driver and predicted most companies would reach the same conclusion within 12 months. Blocks stock surged as much as 24 per cent after it announced the move. Advertisement Molnar agreed, saying AI tools had meaningfully accelerated in their capabilities, particularly from the end of last year and that a smaller, flatter team would lead to faster execution and better outcomes for customers. He said he had been consulted on the decision and took full responsibility for the changes alongside Blocks broader leadership team. A current Block employee, who was not affected by the cuts, described a different atmosphere among remaining staff. Theres a palpable sense of excitement among the people who are still here, the employee said. People are banding together and realising this is our opportunity to actually be in front of whats next. Block chief executive Jack Dorsey has cited the rapid progress of AI models to justify the job cuts. AP Molnar pushed back on claims that Dorsey was using AI as convenient cover. Jack has been very transparent about the decisions hes made what worked, what didnt, he said. But the AI piece is real. What these tools can do now is fundamentally different to where they were even a year ago. Advertisement Dorsey, Molnar said, is one of the best visionaries in the world. Particularly at this time, I think theres no better leader than Jack to take the company through the transition that were all seeing immediately in front of us. Meanwhile, a parallel effort has been unfolding across LinkedIn and private Slack channels as senior technology leaders several of them Block alumni with Australian roots mobilised their networks to find work for displaced colleagues. Related Article Opinion AI What are the kids going to do? This weeks job losses are the ripple before the tsunami Malcolm Knox Journalist, author and columnist Among those leading the effort is Manik Surtani, Blocks Sydney-based head of open source, who last year helped establish the Agentic AI Foundation alongside OpenAI and Anthropic. Surtani has been collecting details of laid-off staff and referring them into open roles across his network. Tom Adams, a Griffith University graduate who spent six years as head of engineering at Blocks Cash App, has been doing the same. The Square Mafia a private Slack group for Block alumni has swelled to nearly 3800 members. Open to anyone who has left Block, the channel has become a clearing house for job referrals, networking and practical advice on severance, equity and healthcare. Advertisement Theres a stereotype about tech bro culture being hyper-competitive or transactional, said the employee affected by the job cuts. But this was a rare look under the surface. The way people have shown up, publicly and behind the scenes, has given me hope. It comes as the company readies the Australian launch of Square AI, a conversational AI assistant built into the Square platform that goes live on Monday and is free for all local Square sellers. The tool allows merchants to query their sales, staffing and performance data in plain English, and adds external factors such as local weather and events to inform operational decisions. Molnar said the decision to make the tool free was driven by Squares core business model: the more payments a business processes, the more revenue Square generates. Research commissioned by Square and conducted by international polling firm Censuswide found that while 64 per cent of Australian business owners already use AI in some capacity, fewer than half do so regularly. Business owners reported spending an average of 3.34 hours per week on data analysis, time they believe AI could reduce. Were not asking businesses to change how they work, Molnar said. Were giving them a smarter way to understand whats already happening inside their business. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon. Advertisement Updated TechnologySocial media Pornhubs owner to block Australians over age check laws David Swan and Emily Kowal Updated March 6, 2026 3:06pm ,first published 12:08pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The Canadian owner of the worlds largest pornography websites has begun blocking Australian users in protest at new age verification laws due to take effect on Monday. Aylo, which operates adult sites Pornhub, RedTube, YouPorn and Tube8, restricted access to several of its platforms for many Australian visitors on Friday and said it was no longer accepting new account registrations. The notice that users are being greeted with on RedTube, which is an Aylo website. Pornhub ranked as the 15th most-visited website in Australia by analytics firm Similarweb had not yet been blocked at the time of publication. Aylo did not respond to questions about why Pornhub itself had not yet been restricted, though the company has previously staggered blocks across its network in other jurisdictions before escalating. In a statement, an Aylo spokesman said that from March 9, Australian users will be presented with a safe for work experience when they view our platforms. Advertisement Australia was following a similar approach to the UK, which all our evidence shows does not effectively protect minors, and instead creates harms relating to data privacy and exposure to illegal content on non-compliant platforms, the spokesman said. The notice users are presented with on Aylos pornographic websites. The spokesman said that requiring age checks at the operating system level by companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft would be more effective than site-by-site verification. The company also cited a survey by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, a UK child abuse prevention charity, which found 45 per cent of British pornography users had visited sites not compliant with age verification since similar rules took effect there last July. Aylo has claimed Pornhubs UK traffic dropped 77 per cent following that countrys crackdown. But that claim is disputed by Britains communications regulator Ofcom, which has reported a one-third reduction in visitors to UK pornography sites since its laws took effect and said childrens VPN use had not significantly increased. Ofcom has launched investigations into more than 80 non-compliant porn sites and fined one provider 1.35 million ($2.6 million). Advertisement Aylo has a troubled reputation: In 2023, the US Department of Justice found the company had profited from sex-trafficking proceeds, and last year the US Federal Trade Commission charged it with deceiving users about efforts to remove child sexual abuse material and non-consensual content from its platforms. The companys stance is a direct challenge to the eSafety Commissioners industry codes, which from March 9 require websites hosting pornography and other age-restricted material to implement age assurance measures including facial age estimation, digital wallets and photo ID. Non-compliance carries penalties of up to $49.5 million per breach. Related Article Exclusive Social media Adults required to prove age to watch porn, video games in major crackdown Those penalties only apply within Australias jurisdiction, however, raising questions about the thousands of unregulated offshore sites that could absorb displaced traffic. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said she would take enforcement action where there is systemic non-compliance, and that the codes also cover AI chatbots, high-impact violence, self-harm and disordered eating content. Advertisement These industry-developed codes shift that responsibility back where it belongs onto the companies designing these digital platforms and profiting from their users, Inman Grant said. Communications Minister Anika Wells said at a press conference on Friday the industry codes were designed to have big tech and the people who control these platforms do more to make sure that Australian kids are safer online, with a particular focus on preventing children from accessing pornography. Wells said the government was also progressing its broader digital duty of care legislation to shift the onus onto technology companies, rather than relying on what she described as the current whack-a-mole approach of addressing harm after it has occurred. UNICEF Australia backed the new codes, with head of digital policy John Livingstone saying children were encountering harmful material at younger ages and more frequently than ever before, often by accident. Just like we dont let children go to cinemas and watch R-rated films, these changes mean theyll now be less likely to access this type of content at home, Livingstone said. Advertisement The new rules represent the second phase of Australias push to protect children online, following the under-16 social media ban that took effect in December. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here. Advertisement Reviews & adviceTripologist Opinion Gulf flights are back, but dont book or cancel before reading this Michael Gebicki The Tripologist March 6, 2026 8:02am March 6, 2026 8:02am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Key points Middle East airlines are gradually resuming flights, and most AsiaEurope routes remain operating normally via alternative paths Travellers should avoid cancelling trips voluntarily since penalties are harsh Airfares to Europe have surged temporarily but prices are expected to fall once normal airline capacity returns Australians stranded in the Middle East have been paying thousands of dollars to cross international borders into Oman or Saudi Arabia, where flights are operating as normal. Australias capital city airports have become parking lots for Middle Eastern aircraft. The general manager at my hotel in India reports 40 room nights lost due to air travel cancellations. The disruption to air travel caused by the outbreak in hostilities in the Middle East has had impacts around the globe. While the shutdown has been sudden, its already starting to dissipate as the Middle East airlines that carry so many Australians to Europe slowly resume operations. Emirates, along with other Gulf carriers, have resumed some flights to and from Australia and on to Europe. iStock The situation remains confusing some media reports suggested aviation safety expert Professor Ron Bartsch was recommending Australians should cancel travel bookings to Europe for the next six months when he said nothing of the kind. Heres what travellers with plans or existing bookings that take them through the region need to know. Advertisement Should I cancel my European trip scheduled for April? Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. No. Non-stop flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai and Guangzhou to European cities are operating as normal. If you are booked to fly with a Middle East carrier, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad have resumed flights to and from Australia and on to Europe. All Qantas flights to Europe continue to operate. Airlines are risk-averse. If the security situation deteriorates and their operations are threatened, they would immediately ground flights. If you cancel your flight, a tour or a cruise you are at the mercy of the operators terms and conditions and your rights to a refund, a travel credit or a rebooking are limited. Are airlines that have suspended services offering fee-free refunds or credits? At the time of writing, Qatar Airways is offering passengers who are unable to fly from Australia via Doha on their services either a full refund or the option to rebook for up to 14 days beyond their original booking date. Emirates is processing full refunds for cancelled flights up to March 10, and travel credits allowing passengers to rebook an alternative flight to the same destination up to 10 days from the original date of travel. Etihad has offered a full refund for anyone whose flight was cancelled, plus a rebooking facility. Travellers should monitor airline websites for specific criteria regarding fee-free changes, as travel and booking dates apply. What are the most affordable flight options to Europe via Asia? Advertisement Singapore Airlines flights to Europe have skyrocketed in the wake of the Middle East conflict. Passengers with upcoming flights to Europe with the Middle East carriers have had to find alternative airlines, and prices have rocketed. For a return economy flight from Australia to London in March, prices aboard Singapore Airlines, China Eastern, Turkish Airlines or Japan Airlines start at about $7000. Fuel costs have increased since airlines must now avoid the shortest route to Europe through western Iran, but most of that increase is due to the huge upsurge in demand and the reduced availability of seats. If you need to travel to Europe, delay if possible until capacity returns to normal and airfares will drop. Which route are airlines now using to fly between Asia and Europe? A Qantas pilot friend has flown over Afghanistan twice over the past few days en route to London. The normal route would take that flight along a north-south corridor through western Iran but thats out of the question at the moment. A Flightradar24 map shows east-west flights travelling well to the north or south of Iran. Im travelling to Europe with Qatar Airways in May, should I cancel or will Middle East airlines reroute their flights to avoid the region if the conflict is ongoing? Advertisement Carriers like Qatar Airways continue to reroute services to avoid danger zones. AP Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the hub cities for the major Middle East carriers operating flights to Australia. While the conflict with Iran continues, they are constantly rerouting flights to avoid danger zones. According to retired Qantas captain Bill Austen, The incredibly large volume of aircraft through the Middle East [since my time] seems to have adjusted very well to the disruption. I was checking out Flightradar24 a day or so ago and everything is proceeding pretty well. The alternate routes to the north over the Stans and to the south over Egypt seem to be working. While it will take some time for those airlines to resume their normal schedules, that should happen before May. I was going to book Emirates in September as they fly direct to Athens, should I book a different airline? Not right now, as prices are hugely inflated. Keep a keen eye on flight prices, sign up for flight alerts with sites such as Skyscanner, looking for a drop when capacity returns to normal. When it does, there might be some reluctance to fly with the Gulf State carriers. If so, that will be reflected in ticket prices aboard those airlines. Grab a deal if it comes along. If a flight cancellation causes me to miss my cruise or tour, am I entitled to a refund from the operator? Advertisement Related Article Tripologist Travel plans disrupted by the war? Your insurer is unlikely to help That depends on the terms and conditions that applied when you paid for your cruise or tour, but probably not. An act of war, and that applies to the current bombardment of Iran, is classified as a force majeure event, and most cruises and tour operators have clauses that excuse them from fulfilling their contractual obligations, with no right to compensation. The best you can hope for is that the operator will offer a credit allowing you to take part in your cruise or tour at a later date. What about travel insurance? The same applies, and force majeure events are customarily excluded from policies. The exception is a cancel for any reason (CFAR) travel insurance policy. As the name implies, the policy holder can decide to cancel and receive a partial refund, typically 50-75 per cent of non-refundable costs. In Australia, such cover is generally limited to a 14-day cooling-off period, but that only allows for a full refund of the premium if a trip is cancelled within this timeframe, provided no journey has started and no claims are made. More commonly available in the USA, a CFAR provision generally adds about 50 per cent to the cost of a standard travel insurance policy. Advertisement WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Opinion An oppressed people are, once again, lured onto the street only to have their hopes dashed Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic March 6, 2026 2:00am March 6, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A They always celebrate. In Iraq. In Libya. In Venezuela. Now, in Iran. This is the natural response of those living under authoritarianism to news their tyrant is gone. So much is loaded into the moment. Like releasing a breath that has been held for decades. The birth of a dream. The flash of infinite possibilities. Again and again, those dreams are dashed. Sometimes they are ground into the dust. Witness those who celebrated in Kabul, Afghanistan, when the Taliban was routed in 2001, only to see the organisation return to power after 20 years of incessant violence. Sometimes the country gets torn apart, as we saw in Iraq, where the legacy was the rise of Shiite militias, the horrors of Islamic State, and the material consequences of power blackouts, water shortages, and a quarter of the country impoverished. Sometimes the country simply implodes, as has happened in Libya, which is now the theatre of an unabating civil war. A boy waves an Iranian flag in front a police facility struck during the US-Israeli attacks in Tehran on Wednesday. AP The Trump era has delivered a different version a more honest one where at least these hopes are dashed from the beginning. Thats what we saw in Venezuela, when America snatched Nicolas Maduro from his bedroom. After the briefest, most vague flirtations with the language of democracy, Donald Trump made clear he had no interest in the Venezuelan opposition, and that he would leave the regime in place. Now, it seems were seeing something similar in Iran, where Trump has swerved from talk of regime change, and instead stated an aim confined to crushing Irans military capability. No nation-building quagmire, no democracy-building exercise, no politically correct wars, thundered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, to bring the point home. Advertisement When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take, Trump told the Iranian people as he launched this war. Any regime change, and all the fallout, it seems, will fall to them. Hes inviting them to rise up against the regime, but has no apparent intention to uproot it. The last time America issued such an invitation was president George Bush snr to the Iraqi people in 1991. Yet when the uprisings came, he abandoned them to Saddam Husseins slaughter. Colin Powell then Americas highest ranking military officer would later write that Americas practical intention was to leave the Iraqi regime in place to survive as a threat to Iran. Related Article Opinion Middle East at war Irans regime is vile, but what Trump and Netanyahu have done is a war crime Geoffrey Robertson Human rights barrister and author Thats how these wars work. They are not humanitarian exercises. They are not waged for the benefit of these countries, or the oppressed people within them. If they were, wed see far more of them in places of little geopolitical interest, and with fewer natural resources. And wed see far less of Western powers supporting and sometimes funding dictatorships they regard as friendly. Instead, these are matters of blunt geopolitical calculation. The bombed nations are chess pieces, their people only pawns, whose plight is quickly forgotten when we have no further need to remember it. None of this is to criticise those celebrating on the streets. Id probably be one of them. But it perhaps explains why I have such a viscerally allergic reaction when I hear Western politicians invoking an oppressed people to sell some dubious military intervention. Advertisement This war is no different. Iran is Israels primary security threat. Having dealt enormous blows to Irans missile defence systems and proxies in the region, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw an opportunity to weaken it further. If we are to believe Trumps Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, America came along for the ride, realising Israel was going to proceed anyway. These attacks are not being waged because Iran poses an immediate threat. Rather, they are being waged precisely because, right now, it doesnt. It is not a war of liberation or necessity, but of opportunity. This is plainly illegal, of course, but that is plainly irrelevant to those waging it, and even nations like ours supporting it. Related Article Opinion Trump diplomacy Trumps attacks are not about Iran. Hes after a much bigger fish Clinton Fernandes Academic and former intelligence officer If this isnt about regime change, there are really only two outcomes: either the regime survives in some form, or the country explodes. Neither is likely to serve the Iranian people. Even a seriously weakened Iranian regime will surely retain the ability to go on shooting troublesome citizens. And even a compliant one pummelled into serving American and Israeli interests is unlikely to set its own people free. Its worth remembering, because we so often forget, that the Shah of Iran was the figurehead of precisely such a regime: a Western ally, installed by a CIA-led coup, that tortured its own people, carried out political executions and killed protesters. The revolution that delivered us the current regime didnt come out of nowhere. Alternatively, given Irans mix of ethnic and religious minorities, an explosion is easy enough to envisage. The Baloch reach for their guns in the east. The Kurds do the same in the north. The Sunni Arab groups, some linked to al-Qaeda, get active in the south. In the north-west, the Azeri Shiite resistance groups see their chance to seek either independence, or integration with Azerbaijan. Either the regime is strong enough to crush this, or the country falls apart completely. In this case, it sits on a mind map somewhere between Iraq, Syria and Libya. Advertisement Meanwhile, what will have been achieved? A diminished Iranian threat on Israel, perhaps, which in Israeli eyes is no small thing. But even a weakened regime could continue to fund terrorist proxies, and its a big bet that all this regional chaos wouldnt throw up all kinds of security threats of its own, including for the West. And in the meantime, a new global logic will have taken hold. No stupid rules of engagement, Hegseth said, in describing how this war proceeds. Its not just the rules-based order thats been vapourised, but apparently the idea of rules as such. That is, a jungle, where the relatively weak stand to be bombed opportunistically, and the strong can do as they wish. Thats a world that suits countries like Russia and China just fine, and indeed its a fair description of how Trump has treated Russias invasion of Ukraine. And for every other repressive regime, the lesson is clear: make yourself unbombable. Irans mistake wasnt that it got too close to a nuclear bomb. Its that it didnt get close enough. For the oppressed people of the world, that lesson will only deliver catastrophe. Waleed Aly is a broadcaster, author, academic and regular columnist. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Cotton futures are up 20 to 25 points in the front months on Wednesday. Crude oil is up $0.52 on the day to $75.08. The US dollar index is back down $0.191 at $98.815. The Seam showed sales of 6,789 bales sold on 3/3, averaging 62.49cents/lb. The Cotlook A Index was back down 95 points on Tuesday at 74.95 cents. ICE certified cotton stocks were unchanged on March 3 with the certified stocks level at 129,302 bales. The Adjusted World Price was raised by 1.79 cents last week to 51.84 cents/lb. More News from Barchart Mar 26 Cotton is at 62.04, unch, May 26 Cotton is at 64.29, up 25 points, Jul 26 Cotton is at 66.19, up 24 points On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com On Monday, a federal appeals court rejected the Trump administrations attempt to delay the process of refunding billions of dollars in tariffs (6). Trumps illegal tariff taxes cost small businesses, consumers and families up to $175 billion. That money must be repaid immediately, said Sen. Edward J. Markey, one of the bills sponsors. A group of Senate Democrats has introduced The Tariff Refund Act of 2026, which would require the federal government to return the tariff revenue it collected with interest within 180 days (5). On behalf of over 20 million New Yorkers, I demand the Trump Administration refund approximately $1,751 for every New York household, for a total tariff refund of approximately $13.5 billion to New Yorkers, Hochul wrote (4). New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has joined the effort as well, recently sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calling for similar action. Donald Trump should return that money immediately $1,751 per family, Newsom said after the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs (2), citing a Yale report estimating that tariffs cost the average U.S. family $1,751 last year (3). The letter included an invoice totaling $8,679,261,600 calculated as 5,105,448 Illinois families multiplied by $1,700 each stamped with a red Past Due Delinquent notice. Most Americans earn a dismal 0.39% APY on their cash at big banks. Unlock up to 4.05% APY and pay $0 in account fees instead with a Wealthfront Cash Account Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Several prominent political leaders say the Trump administration should return the funds directly to American families and do so immediately. Ever since the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs were illegal, a key question has emerged: who, if anyone, could get that money back? Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Story Continues For many households, the possibility raises an obvious question what would be the smartest way to use the money if refunds do materialize? Whether youre thinking about strengthening your finances, preparing for uncertainty or putting extra cash to work, here are a few ways Americans could consider using a potential windfall. The best thing to do, according to Warren Buffett The U.S. stock market has been a powerful engine of wealth creation. Trump has pointed to that strength, recently saying that the only thing thats really going up big? Its the stock market and your 401(k)s (7). The benchmark S&P 500 returned about 16% in 2025 and is up roughly 79% over the past five years, underscoring the strength of the long-running rally. Of course, consistently picking winning stocks isnt easy. Thats why legendary investor Warren Buffett argues that most people dont need to pick individual companies at all to benefit from the stock markets long-term growth. In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is own the S&P 500 index fund, Buffett has famously stated (8). This approach gives investors exposure to 500 of Americas largest companies across a wide range of industries, providing instant diversification without the need for constant monitoring or active trading. The beauty of this approach is its accessibility anyone, regardless of wealth, can take advantage of it. Even small amounts can grow over time with tools like Acorns, a popular app that automatically invests your spare change. Signing up for Acorns takes just minutes: Link your cards and Acorns will round up each purchase to the nearest dollar, investing the difference your spare change into a diversified portfolio. That morning coffee for $4.25? Its now a 75-cent investment in your future. With Acorns, you can invest in an S&P 500 ETF with as little as $5 and, if you sign up today with a recurring investment, Acorns will add a $20 bonus to help you begin your investment journey. Read More: Im almost 50 years old and dont have retirement savings. Is it too late to catch up? Read More: Non-millionaires can now invest in this $1B private real estate fund starting at just $10 Build wealth through US real estate Beyond stocks, real estate has long been another cornerstone of wealth-building in America. In fact, Buffett often points to real estate when explaining what a productive, income-generating asset looks like. In 2022, Buffett stated that if you offered him 1% of all the apartment houses in the country for $25 billion, he would write you a check (9). Why? Because regardless of whats happening in the broader economy, people still need a place to live and apartments can consistently produce rent money. Real estate also offers a built-in hedge against inflation. When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation. Of course, you dont need $25 billion or even to buy a single property outright to invest in real estate. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class. Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100 all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants. The process is simple: Browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares youd like to purchase and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment. For a limited time, when you open an account and add $1,000 or more, Arrived will credit your account with a 1% match. Mogul is another option. Its a real estate investment platform offering fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties, which gives investors monthly rental income, real-time appreciation and tax benefits without the need for a hefty down payment or 3 a.m. tenant calls. Founded by former Goldman Sachs real estate investors, the team hand-picks the top 1% of single-family rental homes nationwide for you. In other words, you gain access to institutional-quality offerings for a fraction of the usual cost. Each property undergoes a rigorous vetting process, requiring a minimum 12% return even in downside scenarios. Across the board, the platform features an average annual IRR of 18.8%. Offerings often sell out in under three hours, with investments typically ranging between $15,000 and $40,000 per property. You can sign up for an account and then browse available properties here. A timeless safe haven Trump has often touted the strength of the U.S. economy. But as history has shown, it may not be wise to put all your eggs in one basket especially amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts and global uncertainty. Ray Dalio, founder of the worlds largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, has offered a clear perspective on positioning during times of geopolitical turmoil. As for investing, sell out of all debt and buy gold because wars are financed by borrowing and printing money, which devalues debt and money and because there is a justifiable reluctance to accept credit, he wrote on X (10). Gold has long been viewed as the ultimate safe haven. It cant be printed out of thin air like fiat money and because its not tied to any single currency or economy, investors often flock to it during periods of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, driving up its value. This isnt the first time Dalio has highlighted golds importance. Last year, he told CNBC that people don't have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio, adding that when bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier. Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by more than 70%. One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold. Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those looking to help shield their retirement funds against economic uncertainties. When you make a qualifying purchase with Priority Gold, you can receive up to $10,000 in precious metals for free. Let your cash hatch its own income You dont need a massive investment portfolio to start building wealth. Even your spare cash like a potential tariff refund can earn income, rather than sitting idle in a low-yield account. To get started, a high-yield account like a Wealthfront Cash Account can be a great place to grow your emergency funds, offering both competitive interest rates and easy access to your cash when you need it. A Wealthfront Cash Account currently offers a base variable APY of 3.30% and new clients can get a 0.75% boost during their first three months on up to $150,000 for a total APY of 4.05%. Thats 10 times the national deposit savings rate, according to the FDICs January report. With no minimum balances or account fees, as well as 24/7 withdrawals and free domestic wire transfers, your funds remain accessible at all times. Plus, Wealthfront Cash Account balances of up to $8 million are insured by the FDIC through program banks. You May Also Like Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. @JBPritzker (1); CNN-News18 (2); The Budget Lab (3); New York State Executive Chamber (4); United States Senate Committee on Finance (5); CBS News (6); NTD (7); CNBC (8), (9); @RayDalio (10) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Explosions sent up clouds of dark smoke in the Iranian capital city early Saturday, and Tehran retaliated by firing missiles at Israel as the United States warned of a forthcoming bombing campaign that officials said would be the most intense yet in the weeklong conflict. There was no foreseeable end to the fighting. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration approved a new $151 million arms sale to Israel after Trump said he would not negotiate with Iran without its unconditional surrender. Iran's U.N. ambassador said the country would take all necessary measures to defend itself. Associated Press video showed explosions flashing and smoke rising over western Tehran as Israel said it had begun a broad wave of strikes. Also early Saturday, loud booms sounded in Jerusalem and incoming missiles from Iran had people heading to bomb shelters across Israel. There were no immediate reports of casualties by Israels emergency services. In a sign of the widening nature of the conflict, sirens sounded early Saturday in Bahrain as Iranian attacks targeted the island kingdom. And Saudi Arabia said it destroyed drones headed toward its vast Shaybah oil field and shot down a ballistic missile launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts U.S. forces. The U.S. and Israel have battered Iran with strikes, targeting its military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. The stated goals and timelines for the war have repeatedly shifted, as the U.S. has at times suggested it seeks to topple Irans government or elevate new leadership from within. Meanwhile, Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Tehran strike the U.S. military, according to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence on the matter. Russian President Vladimir Putin had a call Friday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing his condolences over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Kremlin said. In other developments, evidence emerged suggesting that an explosion that killed scores of Iranian students at a school was likely caused by U.S. airstrikes that also hit an adjacent compound associated with the regimes Revolutionary Guard. Qatars energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi, warned in an interview with the Financial Times that the war could bring down the economies of the world, predicting a widespread shutdown of Gulf energy exports that could send oil to $150 a barrel. The price for a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose above $90 on Friday for the first time in more than two years. Russia is providing information to Iran, officials say Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Tehran strike American warships, aircraft and other assets in the region, according to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence on the matter. The people, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, cautioned that the U.S. intelligence has not uncovered that Russia is directing Iran on what to do with the information. Still, its the first indication that Moscow has sought to get involved in the war. Trump says US will help rebuild Iran once it has ACCEPTABLE leaders In a social media post Friday, Trump said There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" After a surrender, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), he wrote, the U.S. and its allies will help rebuild Iran, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. Those comments were likely to raise further questions about the endgame of the war. The fighting has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six U.S. troops have been killed. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on social media that some countries had begun mediation efforts, without elaborating. Trump has also told media outlets that he should be involved in choosing a replacement for Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war. Trump spoke dismissively of Khameneis son, Mojtaba Khamenei a front-runner to replace his father calling him a lightweight. Irans U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned Trump's statement and said Iran "does not accept and will never allow any foreign power to interfere in its internal affairs. Iranian state television reported Friday that a leadership council had started discussing how to convene the countrys Assembly of Experts, which will select the new supreme leader. U.S. official warns that biggest bombing is coming U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a television interview that the biggest bombing campaign of the war was still to come. Israel has said that over the past week it has heavily bombed an extensive underground bunker that Iranian leaders had planned to use during the hostilities. New information surfaced suggesting that a deadly Feb. 28 explosion at a school in the Iranian city of Minab, some 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) southeast of Tehran, was likely caused by U.S. airstrikes. The information included satellite images, expert analysis, a U.S. official and public information released by U.S. and Israeli military forces. Iranian state media has said more than 165 people were killed in the blast, most of them of children. Iran has blamed Israel and the U.S. for the explosion. Neither country has accepted responsibility, though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the U.S. is investigating. Fighting with Israeli troops reported in eastern Lebanon The Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah said its fighters clashed with an Israeli force that landed late Friday in the mountains of eastern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry said at least three people were killed. Israel did not acknowledge the fighting, and its military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Israel has carried out waves of airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, where Hezbollah has a large presence but which is also home to hundreds of thousands of civilians. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least 217 people have been killed by Israeli strikes since Monday and 798 wounded. Roads in the Lebanese capital were choked with evacuating traffic as smoke rose over the citys southern districts. Two hospitals evacuated patients and staff. What can we do? We prayed here under the tree. During the night, we slept in the car because there is no place to stay, Jihan Shehadeh, one of the tens of thousands of displaced, said. Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank, Rising from Bangkok and Abou AlJoud from Beirut. Associated Press journalists around the world contributed. With a dividend yield of 2.6%, Qualcomm (QCOM) may be one of the most undervalued artificial intelligence stocks to buy today. All as it pushes into the AI data center market, focusing heavily on inferencing (running AI models), directly challenging Nvidias dominance. Fueling further upside potential, the companys acquisitions of Alphawave Semi and Ventana Micro Systems are seen as strongly supporting Qualcomms market competitiveness. www.barchart.com More News from Barchart All of which helps expose QCOM to a potential $100 billion AI inference market opportunity, say analysts at Wells Fargo. Yet, despite the news, Qualcomm is trading at 25% below its recent high. Its also trading at a discount to its peers in the semiconductor market. Plus, analysts at Wells Fargo argue that a potential $100 billion opportunity is not priced into Qualcomm. Qualcomm Could Capture $5 Billion to $7 Billion by 2027 of That Opportunity Wells Fargo also argues that Qualcomm could capture $5 billion to $7 billion in annual revenue by 2027, based on its participation in that market. Its why Wells Fargo now has an Equal-Weight rating on the QCOM stock with a price target of $150. "We remain focused on Qualcomm's evolving data center strategy with the integration of its recent acquisitions, Alphawave Semi and Ventana, which we see as supportive of its AI-series solution strategy, as well as expanding its ability to offer custom solutions/IP to hyperscale customers," said Wells Fargo analysts, as quoted by Seeking Alpha. In short, we have a massive opportunity thats not being priced into the stock yet, plus incredible undervaluation as compared to peers. All screaming, Buy me. Qualcomm Unveils AI200 and AI250 In an attempt to take market share from Nvidia, Qualcomm will release its AI200 this year and its AI250 chip-based acceleratory cards by 2027. Both are focused on inference, or running AI models, and not training, which teaches a model using large data sets. In addition, as noted by CNBC, Qualcomm said its AI chips have advantages over other accelerators in terms of power consumption, cost of ownership, and a new approach to the way memory is handled. It said its AI cards support 768 gigabytes of memory, which is higher than offerings from Nvidia and AMD. TENAHA, Tx. An East Texas native will appear on an upcoming episode of the survival reality series "Naked and Afraid." Andrew Evans will be featured in a two-hour special airing Sunday on the Discovery Channel. The episode was filmed in the wilderness of Zambia and follows Evans as he attempts to survive in harsh conditions with minimal resources. Evans said the experience was both grueling and rewarding. It was terrible in a lot of ways, but one of the most fulfilling and amazing experiences of my life, he said. Participants on the show survive without food, water or clothing and are allowed to bring only one survival item. Evans chose a fishing hook and line to help secure food. He said the biggest challenge was mental rather than physical. Its probably 90% mental and 10% physical, Evans said. You have to be resilient and know things arent going to go according to plan. Despite the harsh conditions, Evans said he would take on the challenge again. It was brutal, he said. But it was incredibly fulfilling. SHREFVEPORT La. - The Shreveport Police Department announced a new partnership aimed at strengthening efforts to combat crimes against children. Thursday, Police Chief Wayne Smith confirmed the department has joined the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force through a collaboration with the Louisiana Attorney Generals Office. The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, commonly referred to as ICAC, is a statewide initiative that works with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and prevent online exploitation of minors. Only weeks after the partnership began, officials say the collaboration has already produced results. Last week, Shreveport police arrested David Clark on charges of indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. Investigators say Clark allegedly attempted to engage in a sexual relationship with what he believed was a 15-year-old boy. According to ICAC Task Force Commander David Ferris, the program has helped remove children from dangerous situations. Ferris said authorities were able to rescue and recover 85 children from homes where they were being victimized through sexual assault. Ferris explained that the ICAC task force works with agencies across Louisiana to identify and apprehend online predators targeting children. Through the new partnership, Shreveport police officers will gain additional training and resources to strengthen their investigative capabilities. Ferris also noted the growing number of cyber tips reported in Louisiana. He said more than 31,000 cyber tips were received statewide last year, nearly three times the number reported the previous year. Ferris added that the state is currently on track to receive approximately 13,000 cases this year. Statewide, ICAC officials say partnerships with law enforcement agencies resulted in 545 arrests last year related to sex crimes against children. Ferris said the task force also executed about 1,600 arrests and search warrants across Louisiana. With Shreveport now participating, the police department becomes the 80th ICAC affiliate in Louisiana. Officials say the partnership will provide Shreveport investigators with direct access to specialized resources and real time intelligence to help identify and track online child predators. Offline use of a central bank digital currency could pose more criminal risks than the use of cash, according to researchers at the Bank for International Settlements. In a report this week, BIS authors Andrea Minto, Anneke Kosse, Takeshi Shirakami and Peter Wierts wrote that each variant of central bank digital currency or CBDC needs regulation appropriate to its specific risk profile. Offline digital euro payments could, all else being equal, pose greater anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism risks compared with online digital euro payments or payments made using commercial bank deposits or hosted cryptoasset wallets, the report read. The comments come as European lawmakers push further towards a CBDC. European Parliament members last month backed a digital euro that would have both online and offline functionality. More efficient than cash? European citizens have expressed a preference for a CBDC with offline functionality for privacy reasons and for the ability to pay without an internet connection. Offline functionality would allow users to transact without being connected to the internet, using features like near-field communication or bluetooth. While the EU will soon limit cash payments to 10,000, lawmakers have yet to decide whether to apply a similar cap to a euro CBDC. The limit on cash transactions, set to take effect in 2027, is intended to combat money laundering. Illicit actors could prefer using offline digital euro for illegal transfers due to the cumbersome and less portable nature of cash, the BIS paper noted. When issued for general use, retail CBDCs need to be incorporated into AML/CFT frameworks, the report added. The probability of detecting illicit use of retail CBDCs will likely differ for online and offline CBDC payments. Digital euro incoming but no digital dollar Lawmakers have been talking about a digital euro for years, but last month the European Parliament for the first time backed the project. A digital euro which will be the product of the European Central Bank is necessary to compete with private and non-EU actors racing to digitise payments, lawmakers said. EU lawmakers have been especially concerned by the growth of stablecoins pegged to the US dollar. A digital euro would be different to stablecoins as the European Central Bank would be the issuer. Stablecoins, meanwhile, are typically issued by private companies that have assets like US treasury bills backing the tokens in reserves. While the EU races ahead with a CBDC, the US is unlikely to build its own at least for now. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit While a new ambulance base has been announced for Castlebar, this does not mean a raft of new ambulances will be coming to town, it was revealed at the February meeting of the Regional Health Forum West and Northwest held in Merlin Park, Galway. Responding to the announcement of the 10 million HSE Capital Plan 2026, which includes an allocation of 110,000 to develop a modern ambulance base in Castlebar, newly-appointed National Ambulance Service coordinator and General Manager of Area Operations West Northwest, Brendan McGovern, told the forum that additional ambulances were not part of this latest investment. "When we are talking about a new base, it is about providing the footprint to be able to expand services into the future, so that with any increase in funding there will also be more position numbers. So while there is no specific commitment [for additional ambulances] alongside funding of the new ambulance base, it does provide us with potential for the future." Mr McGovern said Castlebar was expected to receive one additional ambulance in 2026. He explained that call volume determines how many crew are allocated to an area and how many are put on roster, adding that typically at nighttime there are fewer on the roster, reflecting demand not being as high by night. Our call volume is increasing by about 5% year on year. Thankfully, there is also increased investment across the area but there is no doubt the demand is impacting our response times. Nonetheless our crews are providing an enormous service and are very dedicated, but the call increase is a challenge for us. He continued: "The geography of the region is also very challenging. It is an enormous area to cover, and it takes a long time to get from point a to point, but the service always provides the nearest resource and there is no delay in despatching it. Mr McGovern suggested there may be a misperception that an ambulance is simply waiting around for a call but that is never the case. "The resources are simply not there to allow an ambulance stay steady waiting for a call. Rather, they are literally being assigned from one case to the next." Responding to a query from Mayo forum member Cllr Michael Kilcoyne, the ambulance manager revealed the service experienced 15 occasions last year where a single shift could not be staffed due to sickness or unforeseen circumstances but said that alternative arrangements were always implemented to ensure continuity of service. Cllr Kilcoyne charged that ambulances were coming from as far away as Clifden to service calls in Castlebar, saying: Its a long way and sometimes you might as well make a call to McDonalds as to the base in Castlebar as on many occasions there is no ambulance crew there." Tuam-based Cllr Donogh Killilea quoted figures showing over 200 people who needed ambulances made their way to the hospital themselves. The ambulance chief said that the crew may indeed be from Clifden, but the ambulance may already be in the local area. He added that the service is determined by the call volume at the time and that key performance indicators are tracked constantly across Ireland. Paul Gallen, Head of Operations with the National Ambulance Service, then revealed that "one in every two ambulances will not meet enough response times". "We need 108 more ambulances to meet demand, corresponding to 1,236 staff which is a significant investment. We are a mobile service, which is better than sitting in the base, so that we do respond across the community. It was also disclosed that a 47% response rate is being met within timelines while hoax calls amounted to 1% of all calls received. Castlebar native Kevin Moran has been named on the 2026 KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards Shortlist announced by RTEs Rick OShea at a special event held in the Crescent Arts Centre in Belfast. Kevins debut book, The Doomsday Club, blends adventure, fantasy and humour as school students Jack, Conan and Yash make a strange discovery in the school yard. Speaking at the announcement, Elaina Ryan, CEO of Childrens Books Ireland said: This years KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards shortlist has something to delight every kind of reader. There are stories steeped in Irish mythology, tales of bravery and resilience and books that will move you to tears or make you cry laughing. "Its wonderful to see how childrens literature and publishing in Ireland is evolving through this diverse, excellent shortlist. Our warm congratulations go to the authors, illustrators and publishers whose wonderful work we are so proud to champion. When asked what being shortlisted meant to them, Kevin Moran said: Im absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for the KPMG Childrens Books Ireland awards, especially alongside so many incredible writers and illustrators. As this is my debut, the recognition really means a lot. Im very grateful to the judges for their time and care, and I would like to offer particular thanks to the junior judges, whose enthusiasm for stories make this honour even more special. The shortlisted titles will be in contention for six awards at the KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards ceremony on Monday, May 18th, taking place as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin. The awards include the prestigious KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Book of the Year, alongside categories celebrating excellence in fiction and illustration, and the highly-coveted Junior Juries Award, which is selected by young readers from across the island of Ireland. Childrens Books Ireland is also recruiting young readers across the island of Ireland, including in Mayo, to participate in its Junior Juries programme. School classes, youth groups, book clubs and early childhood settings can register at the Childrens Books Ireland website, make a selection of suitable titles from the shortlist and send their feedback and scores to Childrens Books Ireland. The winning artist will accept the Junior Juries Award on May 18th. Gordon Deegan A software engineer and married father of three engaged in 18 online individual and group chats that involved incest, sexuality activity with children and bestiality, a court has heard. At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford said that the evidence concerning the 18 online chats involving David Molloy was an aggravating factor in the sentencing of Mr Molloy of Lissycasey, Co Clare, for the possession of child pornography at his home in Lissycasey on September 18th 2022. In this case, Judge Comerford imposed a 20-month prison term, suspending the final 14 months with Molloy to serve six months in prison. Judge Comerford described the viewing of child pornographic images as revolting and said he could not avoid imposing an immediate prison term on Molloy, taking into account all of the circumstances in the case. As Judge Comerford imposed sentence, Molloy - named for the first time concerning the offence - shook his head from the body of the court while his parents, seated two rows behind, both wept and continued to cry as Mr Molloy was led away by prison officers to commence his prison term. Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Comerford noted that Mr Molloys parents were in court and my heart goes out to them. Counsel for Mr Molloy, Aaron Desmond BL, said that this is a very traumatic episode for Mr Molloys parents. They stand by him and in no way are condoning his actions. In the case, Mr Molloy pleaded guilty to having in his possession 36 videos and 77 images of child pornography as defined by Section 2 of the Child Trafficking and Porn Act 1998. Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that an examination of a mobile phone belonging to Mr Molloy in 2023 unearthed 18 online chats with others. Ms Comerford said: The content of those individual and group chats related to incest, sexual activity with children and bestiality. In one chat, MMolloy on May 17th 2022 said that if he had a girl, he would probably from birth carry out a sex act on her and then from age four she would carry out a sex act on him. In another chat, Mr Molloy said that I have seen lots of touchy-feely girls and boys with parents and dropped hints but I never got anywhere - parents dont understand the fun they could be having. In the chat, he went on: I hope those girls have Daddy fantasies and come find me. LoL. In another chat, Ms Comerford said that Mr Molloy had engaged online with a child who said that she was 1l - almost 12. He told her No way you are 11. Beautiful. You look so mature." Comerford said that Mr Molloy went on to engage with her in an inappropriate way online. In another chat, Molloy said that of the three girls aged under 8 known to him it was hard to get time alone with them, away from everyone, but always trying. Comerford said that UK police first notified the Garda online exploitation unit in Dublin of a report that resulted in Gardai carrying out a search of Molloys home on September 18th 2022. In evidence, Det Garda Ruth OSullivan of Clare Division Protective Services Bureau said that two mobile phones belonging to Molloy were recovered and 34 images of child sexually explicit images, another 42 images of child exposure and one child anime image were discovered. Det OSullivan said that there were also 33 Category One child sexually explicit videos and three videos of Category Two child exposure. DOSullivan said that Mr Molloy was questioned by Gardai and denied any knowledge of child pornographic material found on his mobile phone. Molloy entered his plea of guilty the morning his trial was due to commence on October 28th last and had been on bail since, pending sentence. Desmond said Molloy was very apologetic for his actions and, in consultation, was very mindful of the consequences of this coming out into the open for his family. Desmond (instructed by solicitor, John Casey) said Molloy has deep shame and remorse at his offending behaviour in this matter. Desmond said Molloy has been undergoing therapy concerning his behaviour for more than two years and six months. Desmond said that the forensic report on Molloy is positive, and his client is anxious to remain on the path to rehabilitation. He said that Mr Molloy remains in employment and recently secured a promotion. Desmond said that Molloys family are much reliant on his employment. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Mostly cloudy and breezy with an evening rain or snow shower, then clearing skies overnight. . Tonight Mostly cloudy and breezy with an evening rain or snow shower, then clearing skies overnight. The Federal Reserve has granted a crypto firm direct access to Americas core payments systems for the first time a historic breakthrough that could help reshape the $2.3 trillion digital asset industry. The move scores a major victory for the crypto industry, which has been striving for years to access the Feds mainstream payment systems. Kraken Financial, Krakens banking unit with operations in crypto-friendly Wyoming, revealed March 4 it had won access to the Feds core payment systems. It is the first crypto firm to be able to move money on Fedwire, the same rails used by thousands of the nations banks and credit unions. The approval of the limited master account at the Fed will allow Kraken Financial to handle transactions more quickly for its clients and professional traders. The historic change, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, wont give Kraken the full range of services, such as payment of interest on reserves held at the Fed, that banks have. However, the move is a watershed milestone in the history of digital assets, said Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), a staunch advocate for the cryptocurrency industry. The Federal Reserve has granted a crypto firm direct access to Americas core payments systems for the first time.Olemedia/Getty Images Olemedia/Getty Images Cryptocurrency total market is about $2.3 trillion The total value of all cryptocurrencies as of February 2026 is about $2.3 trillion, according to industry reports. Bitcoin accounts for about $1.3 trillion and a market share of about 56%. Stablecoins have added more than $310 billion , indicating a strong liquidity base. This number is down from the highs of late 2025, but it shows the market remains strong, despite macroeconomic challenges and ongoing institutional integration. Kraken win opens access for crypto, fintech Fintech and crypto firms have traditionally depended on partner banks for access to the Fed, as well as for compliance infrastructure such as anti-money laundering monitoring. The Kraken decision, approved by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, comes as crypto entrants have been stalled in their search for operating approval under tight U.S. banking regulations. More Federal Reserve: Banks have argued that crypto and fintech firms shouldnt be given direct access to payment systems like Fedwire, escalating a fight over who controls access to the core of the U.S. payments infrastructure. As we know, the payments landscape is actively evolving, Kansas City Fed President Jeff Schmid said in a March 4 statement. Throughout this transformation, the integrity and stability of the U.S. payments system remain our priority. White House supports crypto deregulation President Donald Trumps administration has given the crypto industry a bright green light to pursue entry into the U.S. banking mainstream. The president has vowed to make America the crypto capital of the world, a 180-degree shift from the Biden administrations cooler look toward digital assets. The president has: Installed crypto-friendly regulators Pushed for legislation to establish a regulatory framework for crypto, per The Wall Street Journal Watched as his sons and business associates pursued lucrative private crypto ventures, The Journal also reported Master account gives Kraken direct access to Fedwire Having a Fed master account will give Kraken Financial direct access to Fedwire, a critical interbank payment system that handles more than $4 trillion in average daily fund transfers. The Kraken unit has a special type of Wyoming state bank charter geared toward crypto companies. It previously relied on intermediary banks to move money to other firms. Related: Crypto Allocations by Financial Advisors Hit All-Time High in 2025 With direct access to Fedwire, Kraken Financial will avoid intermediary banks. This enables faster, more efficient fiat transfers for institutional clients, while reducing operational complexity and costs, the company said in a March 4 blog post. Kraken will not receive the wider range of privileges granted to banking institutions with a full master account. The account was approved for an initial one-year term, with services to be introduced in phases, starting with the support for institutional client activity at Kraken. Krakens Sethi hails Feds crypto approval Kraken and Payward Co-CEO Arjun Sethi praised the Fed's decision to grant his company Fedwire access. "This milestone marks the convergence of crypto infrastructure and sovereign financial rails," Sethi told Reuters. "With a Federal Reserve master account, we can operate not as a peripheral participant in the U.S. banking system, but as a directly connected financial institution." Kraken Financial is the company's Wyoming-chartered bank, and Payward is the legal parent. Wyoming is considered a welcoming regulatory environment for crypto and other digital assets. Kraken was valued at $20 billion in its latest fundraising in November, and has been actively investing to expand into various asset classes and grow its user base. Feds Waller calls for payments innovation Fed Governor Christopher Waller has supported the Feds efforts to adjust to the changes facing the central banks regulatory environment around crypto. Payments innovation moves fast, and the Federal Reserve needs to keep up, Waller said in an October 2025 speech. Waller said the idea is to tailor the services of these new accounts to the needs of these firms and the risks they present to the Fed and the payment system. The upshot is that, in my view, the payments landscape, as well as the types of providers, has evolved dramatically in recent years, and, accordingly, a new payments account could better reflect this new reality, Waller said. Related: A Record $17 Billion Estimated Stolen in Crypto Scams and Fraud in 2025 This story was originally published by TheStreet on Mar 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Fed section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. U. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. The Upper Macungie Township Board of Supervisors on Thursday night approved two ordinances to advance a major proposed project. The township established a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA) district for pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly's proposed manufacturing campus. The project the largest-ever Lehigh Valley economic development proposal is slated for the Fogelsville Corporate Center located near Adams Road and Interstate 78. The currently undeveloped agricultural land is owned by Jaindl Land Development. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through LERTA, allows taxing bodies to establish designated revitalization zones in areas that are distressed or underutilized to provide tax incentives through local property tax abatements for new construction or improvements. This encourages development by phasing in taxes on the increased improvement value only, typically over a span of 10 years, with the abatement diminishing over that time. In the first year, 100% of the eligible assessment would be exempted, and the abatement would decrease by 10% each year. The municipality imposes conditions which the developer must meet to qualify for the tax incentives. Each year, the developer submits improvement value to the county assessor's office to be considered in the property's assessment and abatement. Property owners in LERTA districts must still pay full taxes on their land, as the abatement applies only to the increased property value resulting from improvements. The LERTA must be approved by each of the property's three taxing bodies Parkland School District, Lehigh County and Upper Macungie Township for their respective real estate taxes. +3 Eli Lilly unveils plans for $3.5B manufacturing campus, largest economic development project ever in Lehigh Valley The pharmaceutical giant is building a manufacturing campus in the Lehigh Valley that promises to create hundreds of new jobs. Township officials supported the LERTA Thursday night, saying that it's enactment would ultimately benefit Upper Macungie. They noted that the school district and county were aware of the townships intent and view the LERTA designation favorably. According to an announcement from Lilly and Gov. Josh Shapiro in January, plans for the pharmaceutical giants Lehigh Valley campus call for 925,000 square feet of manufacturing space across multiple buildings. The project is expected to create 850 jobs over the next five years, they said. The company was wooed to the area thanks in part to a $100 million funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The DCED pledged up to $50 million in tax credits through the PA Edge Tax Credit Program, a $25 million grant through the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program, and a $25 million Pennsylvania First grant. The state has also committed to providing a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program award of up to $5 million to Lehigh Carbon Community College to help create a workforce development training program that would serve as a talent pipeline for the company in the Lehigh Valley. In addition, Lilly is receiving an assist from the PA Permit Fast Track Program, which was created by Shapiro in November 2024 to streamline the permitting process for economic development and infrastructure projects that are deemed priorities. Main Street and Haaf Road The legislative body's second ordinance for the Lilly project Thursday night vacated portions of Main Street and Haaf Road. During a public hearing prior to the vote, township resident Eleanor Witt, who said she has lived in the Haafsville village for more than 60 years, expressed concerns "about tractor-trailer traffic when they make that new road." "What is happening is tractor and trailer traffic, instead of making a left back on to old Route 22, they're going straight onto Haaf Road," Witt said, "which takes a winding path for about a mile-and-a-half through the village of HaafsvilleThere are children playing in the village; there are kids riding bicycles." Witt noted that once the tractor-trailer drivers realize they have gone the wrong way and instead want Adams Road, they are forced to cross a "a very old bridge" that dates back to the Great Depression. "It's a well-built bridge, but it is small," she said. "Tractors and trailers are not supposed to go on that road." Solicitor Andrew Schantz said her comments were in respect to the existing road situation, not the matter before supervisors. Lehigh Hills In other news, the board approved a preliminary/final land development plan for the Lehigh Hills residential project. The proposal, offered by Jaindl Land Co., develops 36 townhomes on one lot located at 1431 and 1500 Nursery St. The units would be accessed from a private drive intersecting Nursery. The project includes waterline, sanitary sewer, off-street parking and stormwater improvements. Township officials also recommended the waiver of curb and siding along the project's Route 100 portion. This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Delta Airlines veteran Erik Snell will step into the role of CFO effective April 1, one of several changes the airline is making to its executive leadership team both by adding additional responsibilities to the remit of some executives and tapping internal successors for new roles, according to a Thursday press release and securities filing. Snell will succeed Daniel C. Jenki in the Atlanta, Ga.-based airlines top finance seat, according to the press release, while Jenki will move into the role of chief operating officer, also effective April 1. Jenki, who has served as Deltas CFO since 2021, is taking on the operational role with the retirement of Deltas Chief of Operations and President of Delta TechOps John Laughter, who will be departing after a 30-year career at the airline. Delta CEO Ed Bastian noted that as CFO, Jenki has shown the operational depth and disciplined focus that drive the worldclass performance our people, customers and investors expect, he said in a statement included in the release. Bringing our operating units together under his leadership will further strengthen alignment and coordination across our team, which is critical to succeeding in our fastpaced, dynamic environment." Dive Insight: In other leadership reshufflings, Delta announced Peter Carter will take the role of president for the airline also effective April 1. Carter most recently served as Deltas chief external affairs officer beginning in October 2022, after serving as its chief legal officer beginning in July 2015, according to the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company also appointed Ranjan Goswami, its SVP of customer experience, to chief marketing and product officer, succeeding Alicia Tillman who has decided to pursue broader leadership opportunities outside of the airline, according to the press release. Meanwhile, Alain Bellemare, its EVP and President, International, will assume additional responsibilities chairman for Delta TechOps. In their respective new roles, Carter, Goswami, Janki and Snell will report directly to Bastian, according to the press release. Incoming CFO Snell has held numerous roles during his two decades at the airline, having most recently served as its EVP and chief customer experience officer since January 2025, according to his LinkedIn profile. He previously served in roles including SVP, airport operations and customer service and SVP, OCC, operations analytics and development for the airline. Before Delta, he served as a portfolio manager for SunTrust Bank. Mimosa flights, chicken and waffles, creme brulee French toast and other brunch specialties are coming soon to a popular Lehigh Valley restaurant. Whitehaven Coal Limited (OTCMKTS:WHITF) is one of the best coal mining stocks to buy right now. Diversification Into Metallurgical Coal Strengthens Whitehaven Coal Limited (WHITF) Value Generation Capabilities On February 19, Whitehaven Coal Limited (OTCMKTS:WHITF) delivered solid results for the six months ended December 31, 2025. According to Chief Executive Officer Paul Flynn, scale and diversification into metallurgical coal are delivering value. Consequently, the company is well-positioned to benefit from the dynamics of both metallurgical and high-CV thermal coal markets. Despite experiencing a 19% decline in average prices to A$189/tonne and costs were lower at A$135/tonne, the company still delivered a half-year fiscal 2026 EBITDA of $446 million. Cash from operations in the period totaled $387 million. The company is poised to return up to $32 million of capital through a 4-cent interim dividend. It also plans to conduct a share buyback of equal value over the next six months. We are on a good trajectory to deliver well within our FY26 guidance ranges for production, sales and costs. And we are on track to deliver further value from our strong cost management focus including our current $60 to $80 million cost out program and grow returns for our shareholders as coal prices strengthen, Flynn said. Whitehaven Coal Limited (OTCMKTS:WHITF) is a leading Australian producer of high-quality thermal and metallurgical coal, operating open-cut and underground mines in New South Wales (Gunnedah Basin) and Queensland (Bowen Basin). The company exports coal to Asian markets for steelmaking and energy generation, with a strategic focus on expanding its metallurgical coal portfolio. While we acknowledge the potential of WHITF as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock . READ NEXT: 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026 and 12 Best Gold Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. Guernsey Gas is keeping a close eye on the price of fuel [Jono de la Haye] Energy firms in the Channel Islands say they are keeping the price of fuel under "constant scrutiny" after it rose amid the Middle East conflict. Iran warned vessels not to use the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which 20% of the world's oil and gas is transported after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on the country. A spokesperson from Islands Energy Group said the spot commodity price for gas had been "very volatile and has risen significantly" since the start of the conflict. The company is keeping the situation under review and said it will "reluctantly" have to look at its pricing structure if "the recent dramatic rise in gas prices is maintained for any length of time". The price of gas in the UK soared to its highest level for three years on Tuesday. Guernsey Electricity said most of the island's electricity supply is imported through a subsea cable to mainland Europe via the Channel Islands Electricity Grid. A spokesperson said the company aimed to buy energy "at a favourable and stable" price using forward price hedging arrangements. "This helps to mitigate against price volatility in wholesale energy markets and to ultimately smooth out the immediate impact on electricity tariffs locally." They said this "sheltered" Guernsey from the "huge increases" in UK electricity tariffs in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 'No supply concerns' In a statement on social media in response to questions about rising costs, ATF Fuels said: "The honest answer is - we don't know yet." "We are managing the situation to support customers as best we can." It said its priority remained "transparency, fairness, and keeping our community supplied during this difficult time". Nick Crolla from Rubis Channel Islands said global fuel prices fluctuated daily as part of normal market conditions. He said: "We actively manage this volatility to help provide pricing stability for our customers and maintain strong, reliable supply chains." He said there currently was "no supply concerns" but his team would continue to work to "minimise any impact on our customers". "While some price movement is expected in line with global trends, current prices remain among the lower levels seen over the past four years." Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Legendary science communicator, Professor Arthur Bleksley, honoured in memorial lecture Known for his radio shows, such as Test the Team, Bleksley played a huge role in opening up science to the public. Wits University honoured legendary public scientist, Professor Arthur Bleksley, in a memorial lecture, presented by astronomer Professor David Block, in the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome. In the lecture, titled The Poetry of Light: JWST and the Dawn After Darkness, Block explored how the James Webb Space Telescope was transforming astronomers understanding of the early universe. Bleksley was a pioneering Wits University professor in applied mathematics. He played a key role in bringing astronomy to the South African public. He helped establish the Johannesburg Planetarium, where he introduced generations of students and visitors to the wonders of the universe. Through public lectures, radio programmes such as Test the Team, and his teaching, Bleksley believed that scientific knowledge should not remain inside universities but should be shared widely. Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Zeblon Vilakazi opened the event by reflecting on Bleksleys belief that science should belong to society, not only universities. Science is not complete until it is shared, Vilakazi said. He described the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome as a place that sparked curiosity and imagination for generations of South Africans. Vilakazi recalled visiting the planetarium as a child from Katlehong in the early 1980s. I remember coming here as a 12-year-old. It set my gaze and my imagination, he said. Before equations, before laboratories, there is wonder. Vilakazi warned that science was increasingly challenged by misinformation and said society must defend evidence-based knowledge. We must respect experts and invest in laboratories and observatories to unlock the mysteries of the universe, he said. Blocks lecture explored how the James Webb Space Telescope was transforming astronomers understanding of the early universe. Launched in 2021, the telescope uses 18 gold-plated mirrors and infrared instruments to detect extremely faint light from distant galaxies. Block said the telescope allowed scientists to see galaxies that formed soon after the Big Bang, over 13 billion years ago. Each photon carries the history of stars, the chemistry of nebulae and the imprint of an expanding universe, he said. He described the excitement of observing light that had travelled across space for billions of years before reaching Earth. I never thought I would live to see photons from galaxies so close to the dawn of the universe, Block said. The lecture also highlighted Blocks long-running research on cosmic dust and how dust clouds shape the formation of stars and galaxies. Throughout the talk, Block paid tribute to Bleksleys passion for teaching and for sharing science with the public through radio programmes, public lectures and the Johannesburg Planetarium. Block said Bleksley believed education should inspire curiosity rather than simply deliver facts. The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be lit, he said, quoting the ancient Greek philosopher, Plutarch . Weather Alert ...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SUNDAY TO 4 PM CDT MONDAY... ...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM CDT SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 20 and 30 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph may result in considerable blowing and drifting snow and blizzard conditions late Sunday into Monday. * WHERE...Oneida, Vilas, Florence, Forest, Northern Marinette County, Northern Oconto County, and Southern Marinette counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, from 11 PM this evening to 10 AM CDT Sunday. For the Blizzard Warning, from 10 AM Sunday to 4 PM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && ...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SUNDAY TO 4 PM CDT MONDAY... ...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 10 AM CDT SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 20 and 30 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 50 mph may result in considerable blowing and drifting snow and blizzard conditions late Sunday into Monday. * WHERE...Oneida, Vilas, Florence, Forest, Northern Marinette County, Northern Oconto County, and Southern Marinette counties. * WHEN...For the Winter Storm Warning, from 11 PM this evening to 10 AM CDT Sunday. For the Blizzard Warning, from 10 AM Sunday to 4 PM CDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. && On operations, Gray said total operating days rose 1% in the fourth quarter versus the prior-year period, driven by a 14% increase in the United States, partially offset by an 8% decline in Canadian and international operations. For full-year 2025, total operating days fell 3% year over year, with U.S. operating days up 2%, Canadian operating days down 3%, and international operating days down 15%. Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter was CAD 107.5 million, a 5% decline from CAD 113.4 million a year earlier. Full-year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA totaled CAD 389.8 million, down 13% from CAD 450.1 million in 2024. Gray attributed the year-over-year decline to lower activity stemming from customer consolidation, economic uncertainty, and volatile commodity prices. Gray said Ensign generated fourth-quarter 2025 revenue of CAD 418.8 million, down 2% from CAD 426.5 million in the prior-year quarter. For the full year, revenue was CAD 1.64 billion, down 3% from CAD 1.68 billion in 2024. Ensign Energy Services (TSE:ESI) executives said the company closed 2025 with results that exceeded analyst estimates and continued to pay down debt, while navigating uneven conditions across its Canada, U.S., and international operations. On a conference call discussing fourth-quarter 2025 results, President and CEO Bob Geddes and CFO Mike Gray highlighted contract coverage improvements, technology adoption, and a continued focus on deleveraging amid what management described as a constructive, though volatile, operating backdrop. Ensign emphasized technology as a margin driver: its EDGE automation and AUTOPILOT systems (on ~60% of rigs) are adding roughly CAD 1,0001,500 of highmargin revenue per day, and deployments of other automated systems (ADS, EDGE ATC) are accelerating. The company expanded forward contract coverage to CAD 1.2 billion (about 60% of the fleet contracted), with U.S. activityespecially the Permianstrengthening while Canadian and international markets remained softer. Ensign said it closed 2025 with results that exceeded analyst estimates but saw revenue down ~23% and adjusted EBITDA decline (Q4 down 5%, full year down 13%); management repaid about CAD 80.3 million in 2025 and said net debt fell ~ CAD 105 million , with a CAD 600 million debtreduction target likely to be met in H1 2026 and a leverage goal near 1.5x. Story Continues Depreciation expense for 2025 decreased 3% to CAD 345.4 million, compared with CAD 355.8 million in 2024. Interest expense declined 23% year over year, which Gray said reflected lower debt levels and reduced effective interest rates, partially offset by negative exchange translation on U.S.-denominated debt. General and administrative expense was CAD 14.5 million in the fourth quarter, up from CAD 13.1 million a year earlier. For the full year, G&A totaled CAD 55.5 million, down from CAD 57.4 million in 2024, which Gray said reflected fewer non-recurring costs than the prior year, partly offset by wage increases and foreign-exchange translation impacts on U.S.-denominated expenses. 3 Blue-Chip Stocks Built for a Rotating Market Net capital expenditures were CAD 35.3 million in the fourth quarter, up from CAD 22.3 million in the same period of 2024. For full-year 2025, net capital expenditures totaled CAD 183.7 million, including: CAD 48.1 million in upgrade capital CAD 146.3 million in maintenance capital Offset by CAD 10.6 million in proceeds from equipment disposals Looking ahead, Gray said Ensign budgeted 2026 maintenance capital expenditures of about CAD 161.4 million and CAD 32.8 million of selective upgrade capital, of which CAD 24 million is expected to be customer funded. Geddes said the company clipped off an additional $80 million of debt in 2025. Gray added debt repayments totaled CAD 80.3 million for the year, and said total net debt declined CAD 105 million when also factoring in foreign exchange. With Adjusted EBITDA lower, Gray said Ensigns stated debt reduction target of CAD 600 million would now likely be achieved in the first half of 2026, with timing dependent on industry conditions and capital reinvestment. In the Q&A, management said it remains laser-focused on debt reduction, with Gray describing a target leverage level of roughly 1.5x, and noting any shift toward increased capital returns such as share buybacks would depend on liquidity requirements and board-level discussions. Contract coverage and regional operational update Geddes said Ensign expanded its forward long-term contract book to CAD 1.2 billion, with 60% of the fleet contracted forward. He also said that in 2025 the company was successful in getting operators to fund roughly half of CAD 48 million in upgrades executed during the year, and that upgraded rigs are tied to long-term contracts. In Canada, Geddes said activity was down 3% year over year in 2025, but EBITDA rose year over year due to a focus on high-spec rigs and high-performance crews. He cited a drilling performance record from one of Ensigns ADR high-spec singles, which drilled 2,500 meters in a 24-hour period. For early 2026, Geddes said industry activity was down 10% year over year in the first quarter, while Ensign peaked at 51 rigs and had 43 drilling rigs active at the time of the call. Heading into spring breakup, the company expected about 20 rigs to remain working, similar to the prior year. In the United States, Geddes described a tougher market, noting that keeping rigs active meant spot pricing was falling, while rigs with consistent work saw little rate degradation. He said the U.S. operations team placed 10 Ensign rigs in the top 20 across the U.S. for performance metrics. Ensign had 38 high-spec rigs operating in the U.S. out of a fleet of 70 high-spec ADRs, with its busiest area the Permian Basin, where it runs roughly 26 rigs daily and holds about 9% market share. Geddes also said California activity increased, with the companys drilling rig count there rising from five to eight in 2025, and management expecting to stay at that level through 2026. Internationally, Geddes said Ensign has 25 high-spec rigs across six countries outside North America, with 13 active at the time of the call. He said the Middle East was a day-to-day situation, with Ensigns seven rigs there operating either at standby-with-crews or full operational rates, and described the region as on yellow alert with personnel safety and asset security the priority. The company reported contract extensions in Kuwait for two 3,000-horsepower ADRs through mid-2026. In Venezuela, Geddes said Ensign restarted operations and had two rigs running, describing them as the only two drilling rigs operating in the country. He also said Ensign has three rigs in Venezuela (two drilling rigs and a deeper workover rig) and has capacity to deploy additional rigs if opportunities develop, though he characterized development as likely to be gradual. Technology adoption and margin contribution Management emphasized Ensigns EDGE automation and controls systems as a contributor to performance and incremental revenue. Geddes said EDGE drilling rig automation continues to gain adoption in Canada and provides a high margin bolt-on incremental revenue stream. In the Q&A, he said Ensign is rolling out EDGE at about a 15% annual pace, has the EDGE AUTOPILOT system installed on 60% of rigs globally, and is adding about 10 rigs per year. He described revenue uplift of roughly CAD 1,000 to CAD 1,500 per day on average, and characterized it as all margin. Geddes also said Ensign doubled deployments of its Automated Drilling System in 2025 and is now fully commercial with its EDGE ATC (auto toolface control) system, charging it on five rigs. He added that Ensign initiated development of a directional guidance system (DGS) and is beta testing it on a super spec ADR 1500 in the U.S. Managements outlook and key themes from Q&A Asked about the impact of recent oil price strength, Geddes said he expected very little impact on activity in the short term, but suggested that if high prices persist for about six months, increased capital could lead to more drilling. On pricing, he said day rates are driven by rig supply and that increased bid activity typically supports higher bids. On Venezuela, Geddes said rig conditions among competitors appear poor and that many U.S. competitors have exited over the last five years. He said additional deployments would require long-term contracts of three to five years and protections around mobilization and demobilization, with work conducted in U.S. dollars and within OFAC-related restrictions. In response to a question about payment conditions, Geddes said that since Maduros left, nothing has changed in the companys relationship with its customer or how it is paid, though he said the development created more blue sky ahead for the country. Closing the call, Geddes said the outlook for drilling remains constructive, supported by stronger commodity prices and ongoing global energy demand, though he noted the macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop remains volatile. He said operators are likely to continue prioritizing efficiency and capital discipline, and argued that high-performance contractors with a global footprint should remain active. About Ensign Energy Services (TSE:ESI) Ensign Energy Services Inc offers services in drilling and well servicing, oil sands coring, directional drilling, underbalanced and managed pressure drilling, equipment rentals, transportation, wireline services, and production testing services. Ensign produces enhanced drilling with the help of its proprietary automated drilling rigs. The automated drilling rigs are built for improved safety and a reduced environmental footprint. Most of the company's revenue is derived from the United States and Canada. The article "Ensign Energy Services Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. By Matthias Inverardi, Emma Rumney, Christoph Steitz and Elisa Anzolin DUSSELDORF/LONDON/MILAN, March 6 (Reuters) - Since the U.S. Supreme Court knocked down some of President Donald Trump's key tariffs, European firms have been talking with U.S. clients, seeking legal advice on refunds and using a loophole to amend documents for already imported goods. More from Yahoo Scout What Supreme Court ruling affected Trump's tariff policies? What challenges exist in the tariff refund process? How are European companies seeking tariff refunds? What is post-summary correction and how does it work? Conversations with a dozen European firms from electronics makers to consumer brands showed how companies are striving to adapt to whipsaw changes in U.S. trade tariffs amid a long-running standoff under Trump. After the U.S. top court quashed Trump's so-called "liberation day" tariffs in February, he imposed a new 10% blanket levy that could rise to 15%, generating new global uncertainty about the trade deals struck last year and what rates importers actually faced. "The Supreme Court ruling has said one thing... The White House is saying something else," Italian drinks maker Campari's CEO Simon Hunt told Reuters, adding that there were also different signals coming from customs and trade courts. "If there's an opportunity to recover (tariff payments), then clearly, like every other company, we'll look at it. But at this stage, we're just going to wait and see." The U.S. government collected more than $130 billion in tariff payments - now deemed illegal - which had been central to Trump's trade policy. In its ruling, the Supreme Court did not provide guidance on issuing refunds, however, leaving it unclear how importers will get their money back. On Friday, the U.S. Court of International Trade will meet with government lawyers to hammer out a reimbursement process. Government lawyers have said it would require manual reviews of tens of millions of payments. PROCESS TO AMEND IMPORT PAPERS OFFERS POTENTIAL ROUTE German electric fan maker ebm-papst's U.S. unit is looking at its legal options for refunds, including amending import papers under a process called post-summary correction (PSC), allowed for some 300 days after a good enters the United States. That could in theory lower the applicable tariff rate and lead to an automatic refund, consultants said. But some industry sources said they weren't optimistic about a payout and feared U.S. authorities may jam up the process. "This option is being used. Where legally permissible and appropriate," an ebm-papst spokesperson told Reuters. The German firm, which has sales of more than 2 billion euros ($2.36 billion) and employs around 13,500 staff, has fielded calls from U.S. clients over possible refunds and said its tariff impact was in the "double-digit" million euro range. Weather Alert ...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM CDT /11 AM EDT/ SUNDAY TO 7 AM CDT /8 AM EDT/ MONDAY... * WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 to 50 mph. * WHERE...Portions of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...From 10 AM CDT /11 AM EDT/ Sunday to 7 AM CDT /8 AM EDT/ Monday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution. && European paper and board production fell by 1.5% in 2025, reflecting persistent economic pressure across manufacturing and weaker demand in several product segments. Preliminary data from the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) shows the region produced 77.6 million tonnes of paper and board during the year. The figures highlight the continuing impact of high energy costs, regulatory pressures and geopolitical tensions on the European pulp and paper industry. While some segments remained relatively stable, overall production levels remain well below the record output seen in 2021. Production trends in the European paper industry The decline in European paper production in 2025 follows a volatile period for the sector. After a sharp contraction in 2023 and partial recovery in 2024, output again weakened as industrial activity slowed and supply chains adjusted inventories. Graphic paper continued to experience the steepest drop. Production in this segment fell 7.2%, reflecting structural declines in demand for printing and writing papers. Newsprint output dropped by 7.5%, while printing and writing grades declined by around 7.2%. Other product categories were more stable. Packaging paper and board production was broadly unchanged, rising by around 0.10.2%. Tissue paper output declined slightly by 0.8%. Specialty and other paper grades increased by 0.4%. Packaging grades now account for nearly 64% of total European paper and board production, highlighting the sectors shift towards transport and retail packaging applications linked to e-commerce and consumer goods supply chains. Demand pressure and trade developments Weak consumption remained a key constraint for the pulp and paper sector. Apparent paper and board consumption in Europe declined by 2.2% in 2025, largely due to reduced demand for graphic paper and softer tissue consumption. Demand in the packaging segment also faced mixed conditions. Containerboard remained relatively stable, but cartonboard demand declined by 3.5%, reflecting weaker retail and manufacturing activity. Trade figures point to a gradual erosion of Europes competitive position in global paper markets. EU paper and board exports decreased while imports increased during 2025, reducing the sectors trade surplus. Despite this shift, the region continues to maintain a positive trade balance, which remains unusual among energy-intensive European industries. Exports still represent a significant share of production. Around 19% of European paper and board output is exported to international markets, with neighbouring European countries, Asia and North America among the largest destinations. The World Socialist Web Site is holding an emergency global webinar this Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m. EDT to explain the origins of the US imperialist war against Iran, the social forces driving it and the strategy required to stop it. We urge all our readers to register to attend. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut, Thursday, March 5, 2026. [AP Photo/Hassan Ammar] Within days of joining the US in an unprovoked and illegal bombardment of Iran, Israel has opened a second front, attacking Hezbollah in Lebanon, signalling the wars transformation into a region-wide conflagration. Israeli jets have launched more than 250 strikes on Beiruts southern suburbs, eastern Lebanon, and the southern coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon. At least 75 people have been killed, including Mohammed Raad, the head of Hezbollahs parliamentary bloc, and some of Hezbollahs senior commanders. There are more than 400 wounded. According to World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, three paramedics were killed and six injured in Tyre while rescuing people wounded in earlier explosions, in what appeared to be a double-tap strike by Israel. Israel claims its aim is to eradicate Hezbollah, an Islamist group allied with Tehran, and thereby eliminate Irans remaining influence in the Middle East. Hezbollah, backed by the Shiite Amal party and the impoverished Shiite masses, emerged in the 1980s as a mass movement amid the bloody convulsions of Lebanons civil war, fuelled by US interference and Israels brutal occupation of the south. The Zionist state has long sought to expand its borders, including up to the Litani Riverencompassing roughly a quarter of Lebanonunder the guise of establishing a demilitarised zone in the south of the country. A Lebanon subordinate to Israel would also give Tel Aviv leverage over developments in Syria. Israeli officials have framed the latest aggression as retaliation for Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel early Mondayfire Hezbollah said was a response to the assassination of Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran on Saturday. But Israels Channel 12 reported that the government had already approved a strike on Lebanon the previous night, before any rockets were launched. According to this account, Israel waited for a token number of rockets to land to manufacture the necessary pretext for a full-scale assault. Officials have stated that Israels attacks will only intensify in the coming days, regardless of what Hezbollah chooses to do. A leaked embassy cable provides indirect evidence of Israels intentions. On the eve of the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Israeli officials had told Washington that Hezbollah was rebuilding its military capabilities faster than the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) could degrade them and that neither Beirut nor Damascus could be trusted to contain the threat on Israels northern border. After Hezbollah fired a few rockets on Mondaythe first time since the 2024 ceasefirethe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) instructed all residents south of the Litani River to evacuate to the north. This was far broader than any previous evacuation order, even during its 13-month war with Hezbollah in 2024, which displaced 300,000 people. Many of those targeted had already been displaced multiple times during earlier Israeli bombardments. On Tuesday, the IDF launched a ground invasion, deploying troops deeper into southern Lebanon and moving into at least nine towns, beyond the five positions Israel has occupied since the November 2024 ceasefire. The LAF withdrew from its border posts. The IDF described the renewed offensive as part of an enhanced forward defence posture. Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened on X, Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for the firing toward Israel. Whoever follows in Khameneis path will soon find himself together with him in the depths of hell, along with all those eliminated from the axis of evil. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned that the war would not end before the threat from Lebanon is removed. He vowed, We will conclude the campaign when not only Iran is harmed, but Hezbollah also suffers a very heavy blow. We will continue to insist that Hezbollah be disarmed. Over 100,000 IDF reserves have been called up for the planned operation. On Thursday, the IDF dramatically expanded its assault, issuing an unprecedented evacuation order for vast areas of Beirut, including Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, and three other predominantly Shia suburbs. While in the past the IDF has ordered specific buildings to evacuate, this was the first time the Israeli military demanded that entire areas decamp. Furthermore, it dictated specific evacuation routes: residents of Bourj el-Barajneh and Hadath were told to move east toward Mount Lebanon on the BeirutDamascus Road; residents of Haret Hreik and Shiyyah were told to move north toward Tripoli on the BeirutTripoli road or east toward Mount Lebanon via the Metn Expressway. Save your lives and evacuate your homes immediately We will notify you when it is safe to return to your homes, warned IDF spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee. It is forbidden to move south. The IDF also ordered any representatives of the Iranian terror ministry to leave Lebanon within 24 hours or else face being targeted. Hours later, Israel ordered the entire population of southern Beirutaround 500,000 peopleto evacuate, despite the presence of several hospitals and government ministries. This has forced tens of thousands to sleep in shelters, on roadsides, in parks, and in their cars, with many unable to leave the city due to gridlock. Volunteers have set up food kitchens and shelters that are already overwhelmed. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, speaking on television, denounced Israels actions as a prepared aggression and demanded a withdrawal from southern Lebanon. We will not surrender no matter the sacrifices, he said, insisting that Hezbollahs response was not connected to any other battle and constituted retaliation for 15 months of violations. According to the UN and the Lebanese Health Ministry, in the twelve months since the November 2024 ceasefire with Israel, the IDF violated the ceasefire more than 10,000 times, killing more than 330 people, including 127 civilians, and injuring about 945, with no reported instances of Hezbollah firing at Israel during that period. Israels offensive has the backing of Lebanons Sunni political elite. On Monday, in a historic announcement, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared that Hezbollahs military activity was illegal and ordered the LAF to prevent rocket fire into Israel and arrest anyone trying to do so. His government also greenlit the armys plan to disarm Hezbollah north of the Litani River in areas where the organization maintains its long-range missile stockpiles, ammunition depots, and production facilities. With the LAF lacking the resources or capabilities for such an operation, this is a nod to the IDF to take the lead in disarming Hezbollah. Israel maintains that its military operations are coordinated with the United States and, through Washington, with the Lebanese government, which has the backing of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which pay some of the LAFs salaries. Salam has also announced a two-year postponement of electionsreportedly after consultation with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, leader of the Shiite Amal movement and a longtime Hezbollah ally. Berri wants to see the state carry out reconstruction in the south, requiring Hezbollah to disarm, which the party refuses to do. Salam claimed that the fighting and the displacement of so many people would make it impossible to hold proper elections. But crucially, he estimates that support for Hezbollah, whose funding and supply routes have been disrupted by the events in Iran and Syria, will have declined by then. Hezbollah is unlikely to be able to compensate Shiite residents of south Lebanon whose homes have been destroyed or damaged. None of the major powers has condemned Israels mass displacement of Lebanese civilians or its bombardment of Beirut and Hezbollah strongholds. President Emmanuel Macron of France, the former colonial power, merely urged Israel and Iran not to embroil Lebanon in the conflict sweeping the Middle East. He said he had drawn up a plan to end hostilities, including providing military aid to the Lebanese army to disarm Hezbollah. This statement was distributed March 5 at the nationwide school strikes against conscription in Germany. The World Socialist Web Site is holding an emergency global webinar this Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m. EDT to explain the origins of the US imperialist war against Iran, the social forces driving it and the strategy required to stop it. We urge all our readers to register to attend. School strike against conscription on 5 December 2025 in Kassel [Photo by Dezentrale Kassel / flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 While we are demonstrating today against conscription, the US, Israel and their imperialist allies are unleashing a brutal war of aggression against Iran. Since February 28, American and Israeli armed forces have been systematically bombarding a country of 93 million people, with the open aim of turning it into a colony. In the first 48 hours, they destroyed around 1,200 targets, including among them the political leadership, air defence and the countrys communication networks. The Middle East is ablaze. The struggle against conscription in Germany cannot be separated from this war madness, which is openly supported by Chancellor Merz and his government. That would be a naive and dangerous illusion. Conscription is not a stupid idea; it serves to use us as cannon fodder in such wars. The US itself admits the imperialist character of the war. President Trump boasts: We havent even really started yet. The big attacks are coming soon. He stated that the war could last four to five weeks, perhaps much longer. The USs weapons would last forever. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has declared total warjust as Hitlers propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels once didwithout regard for international law or civilian casualties. The war would be waged entirely on our terms, with maximum authorities, without stupid rules of engagement, without the morass of nation-building, without politically correct wars, he declared at the Pentagon. We fight to win. In 1945, the Nazi criminals in Nuremberg were convicted and executed for precisely this reason: for crimes against peace, the supreme international crime. The Iran war is not an accident. It follows the logic of US imperialism, which seeks to compensate for its economic decline through military superiority. With the subjugation of Iran, the US is not only striving to establish its hegemony over the entire Middle East, but it also serves as a lever for war against China, Russia and other rivals. Whoever controls the oil and gas of the Middle East can cut off their opponents from energy supplies. The genocide in Gaza, the war against Russia in Ukraine and the assault on Iran are different fronts in a war for the redivision of the world among the imperialist powers, which will inevitably lead to a third world war and the annihilation of humanity if it is not stopped by a powerful movement from below. In this war, we are supposed to die. That is the naked truth behind the introduction of conscription here. When the Merz government registers young people for military service, it is not to defend democracy and freedom, but to participate in this global predatory expedition for the violent redivision of the world. Chancellor Merz visited the White House in Washington three days after the outbreak of the war to kiss the ring of the supreme warlord and assure him of his unreserved loyalty. The chancellor aligned himself with Trumps war aims and joined him in condemning the Spanish government, which has forbidden the US from using Spanish military bases for attacks on Iran. No such restrictions apply to Ramstein and other German bases. Even before his visit to Washington, Merz had declared that international legal norms were worth relatively little when fundamental interests were at stake. Eighty years after the crimes of the Nazi regime, the German government is thereby bidding farewell to international law, much of which was created to prevent a repetition of Nazi crimes. Berlin is once again preparing for war and new crimes. That is precisely why it is introducing conscription and rearming to a degree not seen since Hitler. This policy is supported by the Greens and the Left Party. At a press conference, Left Party leader Jan van Aken welcomed the assassination of Iranian leaders by American and Israeli bombs, saying it was good that they are gone. The slain head of state, Khamenei, should rot in hell. The leader of a party that calls itself left-wing cheers the results of a war of aggression that he himself describes as contrary to international law! This is not peace policy, but the justification of war crimes. Last year, the Left Party had approved a 500 billion rearmament package in the upper house of parliament, the Bundesrat, which forms the basis for conscription, and then helped Merz into the Chancellery. It is not an ally in the struggle against conscription and war, but an opponent. Our strike against conscription must therefore be independent of all parties in the Bundestag (parliament) and directed against the pro-war policy of the government. However, some political groups are deliberately trying to prevent this. They do not want us to take a position on current wars, but to limit the movement to slogans against war in general, without naming the warmongers. At the nationwide conference against conscription on February 14, the IYSSE moved to amend the resolution with the following points: Stop the genocide in Gaza! No weapons deliveries to Ukraine! No war against Iran! Socialism instead of war! The Stalinist youth movement SDAJ rejected this on the grounds that one must not take a specific position on wars. They rejected the demand for socialism on the grounds that it was not suitable for the masses. This is a political declaration of bankruptcy. Anyone who claims that it is possible to fight against conscription without fighting against the wars into which we are to be conscripted is leading the movement into a dead end. Conscription does not exist in a political vacuumit provides cannon fodder for the escalation of war that is currently taking place in real time. US imperialism is bombarding Iran. Berlin declares its solidarity. The arms budget is being massively increased so that Germany will soon be able to wage such wars itself. The SDAJ argues that the inclusion of the Iran war and the demand for socialism would weaken the movement. The opposite is true: A movement that excludes the most burning political question of the day does not preserve its unityit protects the pro-war policy of the ruling class from criticism. It turns protest into a toothless gesture and prevents young people from understanding the true dimension of what they are fighting against. Anyone who fights against conscription today and remains silent tomorrow when Germany marches into the next imperialist war has already lost the fight. The struggle against conscription and the struggle against imperialist war are one and the same. Both must be directed against capitalist rule, which in its crisis is grasping ever more aggressively for markets, raw materials and geopolitical spheres of influenceand using our lives as cannon fodder to do so. This struggle cannot be waged by parties that are themselves part of the imperialist apparatus of ruleneither by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) nor the Greens, neither by the Social Democratic Party (SPD) nor the Left Party. It must be organised completely independently of all capitalist parties and base itself on the international working class, which has to bear the entire burden of war and crisis. We in the IYSSE demand: Stop the war against Iran! Withdrawal of all Western troops from the Middle East! No to conscription! We are not cannon fodder for the rich! Billions for education and social provisions instead of rearmament and war! For the building of an international socialist anti-war movement in the working class and the youth! In order to enforce these demands, independent rank-and-file strike and action committees must be built in schools, universities and workplaces, which network internationally. The only social force that can put an end to the imperialist war madness is the international working classunited across all national borders. To do this, it needs a political party and a socialist programme. We call on all young people who agree with this perspective: sign up using the form below today to get in touch with the IYSSE and wage this struggle. Register now to participate in our event Stop the war against Iran this coming Sunday at 2:00 p.m.! With the South Australian (SA) election just over two weeks away, it is clear that housing affordability, along with broader cost-of-living pressures, is a major issue confronting the states working class. But while Labor, the Liberals and the Greens have all placed housing at the centre of their campaigns, none of their election promises would resolve the deepening housing crisis. Over the past five years, median home prices in Adelaide have almost doubled to $929,000, with an increase of $118,600 in the past 12 months alone, according to PropTrack. Average rents have increased with similar rapidity, to an average of around $630 a week. There is an estimated shortfall of 36,000 affordable dwellings in the state and at least 7,000 people are homeless. The housing policies of the parliamentary parties, however, are not aimed at pulling the working class out of crippling housing stress, but at further enriching property developers, banks and wealthy investors. South Australian Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas addresses Property Council of Australia, March 2026 [Photo: X/@PMalinauskasMP ] Launching his campaign last month, Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas vowed to establish a $500 million land acquisition fund if re-elected on March 21. Under the plan, the government would acquire land, carry out master planning and civil works and then onsell the sites to property developers. The scheme would do nothing to reduce the price of housing, which is already out of reach for many South Australian workers. The resulting homes would still be privately sold and priced in line with the skyrocketing market, with no restriction on developers except that they must convince the government they are able to bring a housing precinct to market within five years. Malinauskas spelled out the real purpose of the scheme as a bonanza for property developers, stating, we want to see industry making money because they are building homes, and our half-a-billion-dollar housing fast-track will see to exactly that. In other words, the scheme depends on property pricesand therefore building corporations profitscontinuing to rise. The land acquisition fund follows on from another announcement by Labor last October that, if re-elected, the government would financially underwrite up to $500 million worth of apartment construction in Adelaide, along with plans to relax height limits on apartment buildings in the CBD. The policy would see the Labor government act as guarantor for the activities of developers, vowing to pay for any apartments that could not be sold off the plan, up to a cap of $30 million per project. While Labor announced this under the pretext of making housing more affordable for workers, the government guarantee would apply to apartments priced at up to $1 million. This underscores that the plan is in fact aimed at eliminating the financial risk for developers chasing profits building high-end CBD homes for the upper-middle class. In addition to the combined $1 billion fast-track schemes, Labor vowed to scrap stamp duty for downsizers over 60 years old buying new or off-the-plan dwellings costing up to $2 million. Malinauskas claimed that this $70 million handout targeting a small layer of wealthy retirees would free up large family homes for younger buyers. It is really aimed at further inflating the price of new builds and will do nothing to make existing houses affordable for working-class families. Labors stamp duty exemption was announced in response to a smaller downsizer incentive proposed by the Liberal Party, promising a $15,000 concession on the fee for over-55s purchasing homes for under $1.2 million. The Liberals also vowed to abolish stamp duty on existing properties up to $1 million for first-home buyers. The reality behind Labors promises on housing is exposed by its track record. In the 2022 election, the party pledged to increase public housing supply, promising a break from decades of decline in the South Australian Housing Trust (SAHT), the body responsible for public and affordable housing. Four years on, around 1,000 new SAHT homes are supposedly under construction or completed, and 580 previously earmarked for sale have been retaineda negligible number compared to demand. Only 158 homes have actually been built, with around 16,000 households on waiting lists, and homelessness continuing to rise. The governments current election promise to refurbish 300 vacant SAHT homes for $30 million is a mere drop in the bucket that would do nothing to reverse the impact of decades of bipartisan cuts. The Homeseeker SA program, established by the previous Liberal government in 2021, was adopted by the Malinauskas administration and touted as a pathway to affordable home ownership. In reality, it is a tightly restricted, bureaucratic mechanism that leaves the majority out in the cold. Applicants must fit within income caps: singles in Adelaide cannot earn more than $115,000, couples or families $150,000; in regional areas, the limits drop to $90,000 and $115,000. With prices for the so-called affordable dwellings on the Homeseeker website starting at over $450,000 and most of the few homes available costing more than $600,000, the scheme virtually guarantees that participants will endure years of mortgage stress. The Labor government is also pledging to expand its rent-to-buy scheme, which was introduced last year, allowing low- and middle-income tenants to rent newly built SAHT homes at 75 percent of market rates for up to two years, with the option to then purchase the home at a fixed price. At present, just 125 dwellings in the state are eligible, which Labor says it will increase to a still meagre 2,000 over eight years. With median rent already at $630 a week, prospective buyers will still struggle to save for a deposit, even with the 25 percent discount. For a worker earning $80,000 annually, the reduced rent of $472.50 amounts to around 30 percent of incomethe generally accepted threshold for housing stress. In its four-year term, the Malinauskas government has overseen a massive widening in the gulf between wages and property prices. Between March 2022 and December 2025, average wages in the state nominally rose by 14.25 percent, while median home prices increased 42 percent. The SA Labor government has spearheaded the assault on real wages, imposing punitive wage cap policies throughout the public sector with the aid of the trade union bureaucracy. In this, as with its housing policies, the Malinauskas administration is in lockstep with the federal Labor government and its state counterparts. The federal Labor governments Housing Australia Future Fund, touted in 2022 as a plan to build 40,000 affordable homes, has completed fewer than 1,000. Its expansion of the First Home Buyers scheme, introduced in October, is already causing the price of eligible homesthat is, those remotely affordable to the working classto rise faster than more expensive dwellings. This is not an unintended consequence, but the designed outcome of a policy aimed at further stimulating the property market to increase the profits of developers and banks. At the same time, state Labor governments in Victoria and New South Wales are working to destroy what little remains of public housing, including displacing some 10,000 residents from the 44 apartment towers in Melbourne and evicting 3,000 tenants from Waterloo South in Sydney. The transparent purpose is to free up valuable inner-city land for property developers. The escalating crisis of housing affordability in South Australia and across the country is a stark expression of the incompatibility of capitalism with the needs of working people. It cannot be resolved through a vote for Labor or any of the parliamentary parties, which all represent and defend the interests of the corporate and financial elite. The Socialist Equality Party advances an entirely different program to that on offer in the 2026 SA election: a fight by the working class for a political alternative, socialism. This would include a publicly funded, mass construction program to build highquality, public housing, based on social need not investors returns. This requires bringing the banks, property developers and major corporations into genuine public ownership under the democratic control of the working class, making available the vast resources currently monopolised by a wealthy few. Instead of a housing market in which private interests determine what is built, production and urban development would be rationally planned, according to the needs of the entire working class. Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Level 1/457-459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia. The World Socialist Web Site is holding an emergency global webinar this Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m. EDT to explain the origins of the US imperialist war against Iran, the social forces driving it and the strategy required to stop it. We urge all our readers to register to attend. A section of the anti-war protest at San Diego State University, March 3, 2026. On Tuesday March 3, approximately 100 students at San Diego State University demonstrated to express their opposition to the criminal war against Iran launched over the weekend by the United States and Israel in violation of international law. The demonstration drew participation from students in the vicinity, several student organizations, and interest from dozens of students who could be seen standing at the windows of buildings near where speeches were taking place. Protesters rallied and then marched across campus. Students wore keffiyehs, carried Palestinian flags and handmade anti-war signs reading I am not dying for the Epstein class, No war on Iran and End American Imperialism. The Trump regime has launched this war amid overwhelming popular opposition. Its outbreak is imparting renewed urgency to the reemergence of the student movement that began in 2023 against the genocide in Gaza and to the development of a mass anti-war movement rooted in the working class. The US military has murdered vast swaths of the Iranian leadership, and set the entire region ablaze. Trump and company have set into motion a vast and illegal war against peace, which has spiraled far beyond their control. More than 1,000 civilians have been killed in Iran since the criminal war began on February 28, including at least 180 children, according to Iranian health authorities and humanitarian organizations. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), which has a club at San Diego State University, intervened in the demonstration, distributing the Socialist Equality Partys statement Stop the criminal US-Israeli war against Iran! to hundreds of participants and students. The IYSSE interviewed Sean, a student who denounced the war: I think the driving force is control, imperialism, I mean the Iranian government is one that is completely polarly unaligned with the US and the US wants control of that region, and wants to protect its ally Israel. Its just an extension of other conflicts in the Middle East. Its just an extension of the history of the conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. And it threatens the lives of people everywhere. The ruling class doesnt care what people think. It only moves to advance its own interests, and the only people that can stop it are the working class of people who actually provide the labor that fuels every aspect of life, including that war. So it takes people protesting, voting, but most importantly, like withholding their labor, because that is what drives the profit of the whole thing. The IYSSE addressed the audience, calling for a conscious political orientation to the working class: [T]he vast majority of the country opposes this war Normally when a war starts, its at the peak of its popularity, and over the course of it, the popularity declines. Right now, the ruling class is starting a war at only 21 percent popularity. This is going to produce a massive radicalization of the American working class. When the workers are mobilized, they can put a stop to the war. We have outlined the outrages. We have outlined the situation that is facing the country, and facing the country of Iran. But we need to discuss next steps: the first step needs to be to take this protest movement off the campuses and into the working class. We must fight to connect the issues of the exploitation of workers in the United States with imperialism. The same corporations and oligarchs that are exploiting American workers are the same corporations and oligarchs driving this country into war. So the working class has an objective interest in stopping war and they must be connected with a socialist perspective. And so thats what Im inviting you to do and join us. The lessons of the struggle against the genocide in Gaza must be studied carefully because the same methods for the destruction of Gaza are being applied to Iran. There has been an international experience of widespread massive outrage and protests. The lessons of these experiences prove that the decisive question is one of perspective. Students and youth must grasp the origins of this war, the social forces driving it and the strategy required to stop it. The independent mobilization of the international working class is the most urgent necessity in the struggle against imperialist war. The International Youth and Students for Social Equality at San Diego State University endorses and is fighting for the broadest possible audience for the emergency global webinar Stop the imperialist war of extermination against Iran! called for this coming Sunday, March 8, by the World Socialist Web Site. A sign outside of Seminole Hospital District offering measles testing, Feb. 21, 2025, in Seminole, Texas. [AP Photo/Julio Cortez] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced this week that it is deploying three Epidemic Intelligence Service officers to South Carolina five months after the states measles outbreak began and with the case count approaching 1,000. The deployment comes as 1,136 confirmed measles cases have been reported nationally, across 28 states, between January 1 and February 27, on pace to far exceed the 2,281 cases reported in all of 2025, itself a 30-year high. Simultaneously, a measles outbreak is spreading through Camp East Montana, the nations largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility, a sprawling tent camp on Fort Bliss Army base in El Paso, Texas. To date, there have been 14 confirmed cases and 112 quarantined detainees at the camp, now a site for the convergence of the Trump administrations war on public health and its war on immigrants. The three CDC disease detectives are not being sent to South Carolina to conduct the basic work of containment. Their role is limited to analyzing data to better understand transmission chains, as South Carolina state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell explained. She drew a pointed distinction between these officers and the dozen CDC Foundation-funded public health workers who arrived weeks earlier to handle day-to-day work that supports those disease containment efforts. Officials in South Carolina turned to outside experts rather than the CDC itself because the agency tasked with protecting the public from epidemic disease is being systematically destroyed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine fanatic. The Trump administration has proposed slashing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) discretionary budget by $32 billiona reduction by one-fourth. Thousands of HHS employees have already been terminated in waves of DOGE-directed layoffs, with the CDC targeted for cuts of up to 30 percent of its pre-layoff workforce of 12,820. As one CDC official told CBS News, A 30% cut would be devastating. We are already understaffed in a number of key areas and the staff that are just barely holding it together have been in various stages of burnout for five years. Three disease detectives dispatched to analyze data, five months late, from an agency that is itself being guttedThis is the federal governments response to the worst measles outbreak in the United States since 1992. On the very day the CDC deployment was announced, the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee took two votes that epitomize the political depravity of the response to this crisis. The panel voted 7-1 to advance Senate Bill 741, which would prohibit vaccine mandates for children under two years old. It then voted 6-2 to kill a bill, sponsored by Senator Margie Bright Matthews, that would have removed religious exemptions for measles vaccination as a condition of school attendance. This while Spartanburg Countythe epicenter of the outbreak, with 927 of 979 state cases concentrated therehas 6,425 unvaccinated children and at least one school with an immunization rate of just 21 percent. The countys overall school vaccination rate of approximately 90 percent remains well below the 95 percent threshold necessary for herd immunity. The South Carolina outbreak, now at 990 confirmed cases as of March 3, has decelerated from the peak of more than 100 new cases daily in mid-January to just 17 new cases since February 17. But as epidemiologist Amy Winter of the University of Georgia warned, Hitting 1,000 [cases] in February is unprecedented. ... This is 100 percent a reflection of recent declines in vaccination rates. Nationally, 39 states have fallen below the 95 percent MMR kindergarten coverage threshold, and 94 percent of 2026 measles patients have been unvaccinated or of unknown vaccine status. The measles outbreak at Camp East Montana, a tent camp holding an average of 2,954 detainees daily, has replicated conditions endemic to detention centers and prisons across the US. The camp is operated under a $1.2 billion contract awarded to Acquisition Logistics LLC, a Virginia company with no prior experience running immigration detention facilities, run by a single contractor from his suburban Virginia home. Three detainees have died in custody at Camp East Montana, including Geraldo Lunas Campos, whose death was ruled a homicide due to asphyxia from neck and torso compression. More than 45 detainees have reported abuse and serious injuries to attorneys, including a teenager who was hospitalized after being slammed to the ground and beaten. The outbreak is the latest in a series of public health crises which have been met with callous indifference. The facility had already documented tuberculosis and COVID-19 outbreaks in January 2026. Detainees with diabetes, HIV, pregnancy and broken bones have been languishing on medical waiting lists since September 2025, six months without care. During the quarantine, the facility has been closed to in-person attorney visits. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that detainees retain access to attorneys and visitation through Visual Attorney Visitation booths, tablets, or telephonesa cynical formulation that effectively strips the detained of meaningful legal representation. The outbreak has also spread into the surrounding community, with cases confirmed at the Cielo Vista Mall, Del Sol Medical Center and other El Paso locations between February 20 and 22, bringing the citys total to 17. ICE is reportedly drafting a letter to terminate Camp East Montanas contract. But the criminality is systemic, not confined to a single facility. At the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilleythe only ICE facility in the country that detains children alongside their parents, holding approximately 1,200 people including more than 400 childrentwo measles cases were confirmed in late January. No public update has been provided on whether additional infections have followed, and there was undoubtedly a coverup of the real state of the outbreak. As infectious disease physician Dr. Krutika Kuppalli noted, One person with measles can infect 12 to 18 others in such congregate settings. The measles epidemic unfolding across the United States is the product of a decades-long assault on public health, reaching its most extreme expression under the Trump-Kennedy administration. The gutting of the CDC, the promotion of anti-vaccine pseudoscience from the highest levels of government, the barbaric conditions of mass immigrant detention, and the refusal of state legislatures to mandate childhood vaccination are not disconnected phenomena. They are the policy of a ruling class that treats the health and lives of working people and immigrants with open contempt. The United States is now on track to officially lose its measles elimination statusa public health achievement declared in 2000when the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reviews the situation later this year, after postponing a special session originally scheduled for April. Neither the Democrats, who built the detention camps, nor the Republicans, who are filling them while dismantling the public health agencies that might respond to the outbreaks they produce, will defend the population. The defense of public health is a class question that requires the independent political mobilization of the working class against both parties and the capitalist system they serve. The World Socialist Web Site is holding an emergency global webinar this Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m. EDT to explain the origins of the US imperialist war against Iran, the social forces driving it and the strategy required to stop it. We urge all our readers to register to attend. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Democrat-New York, right, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democrat-New York, outside the White House in Washington, September 29, 2025. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] In what has become a political ritual, both deeply degrading and entirely predictable, the Congress of the United States has refused to take any action to limit or bring to a halt the illegal and unconstitutional war launched by President Donald Trump against Iran. The Senate voted 53-47 Wednesday against taking up a resolution under the War Powers Act to require Trump to get congressional approval for the war. The House voted against a similar resolution Thursday by 219-212. Both votes were largely by party line, with one Republican senator and two Republican House members voting against Trumps war, while one Democratic senator, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and four Democratic House membersHenry Cuellar of Texas, Jared Golden of Maine, Greg Landsman of Ohio and Juan Vargas of Californiavoting for the war. Even if the votes had gone the other way, there would have been no effect on the massive military violence unleashed on the Iranian people. Trump would veto the resolution, with no possibility of a two-thirds vote by both houses of Congress to override. All of those participating in the perfunctory debates and roll call votes were aware they were engaged in an exercise in political posturing. Moreover, if Trump complied with the provisions of the War Powers Acta largely toothless measure enacted after the Vietnam Warthis would result in a congressional vote to authorize the war, as in the Persian Gulf War of 1991, and the later wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. The war on Iran would continue, but with a congressional stamp of approval as well as orders from the White House. The Democratic leadership in the House and Senate made it clear from the beginning that they did not really oppose war with Iran, only objecting to Trumps failure to consult with Congress and obtain authorization in advance. Virtually every Democrat who spoke in the debates began their remarks by denouncing the Iranian regime as evil, autocratic, terroristic and a threat to the United Statesthe very reasons given by Trump for launching the military action. Senator Tim Kaine, the lead Senate sponsor of the resolution, began his remarks by declaring that he prayed for the US troopsnot the Iranian people targeted by massive bombing. He only criticized the hypocrisy of the Republicans, who opposed a war powers resolution on US air strikes against fishing boats in the Caribbean on the grounds that these were pinpricks that did not rise to the level of war. Now, with the Pentagon unleashing an aerial onslaught twice as intense as the shock and awe attack on Iraq, the Republicans again opposed a war powers resolution. In his closing remarks in the Senate debate, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the decision to go to war as haphazard and incompetent. Trump bumbles America into another war the American people did not want, he said. He cited the press briefing given by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth earlier in the day, not for its fascistic, Christian-nationalist language, but because he advanced no plans, no strategy, for what comes after the war. After noting the multiple, shifting explanations for the war offered by the Trump administration, Schumer concluded: This is madness. Americans spent the last two decades fighting and dying in the Middle East. Suffering and anguish that scarred an entire generation. Schumer did not refer to his own votes in 2001 and 2002 for Authorizations for the Use of Military Force in Afghanistan and Iraq, resolutions which are still in effect today. The Democratic Party is just as responsible as the Republicans for the bloodbath of the past two decades. Nor, of course, did Schumer refer to the far greater consequences of these wars for the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. Both countries were destroyed as functioning societies. At a press briefing before the House vote, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries was asked whether he would support a supplementary Pentagon appropriation to rebuild stockpiles of bombs and other weaponry being depleted by the war. Jeffries responded equivocally, not rejecting the suggestion, only complaining that the war against Iran was a waste of US military resources. Significantly, neither Senator Bernie Sanders nor Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the supposed leaders of the mythical left wing of the Democratic Party, even bothered to speak in the debate. They sat silently, cast their votes along with nearly all other Democrats, and that was the end of their opposition to the mass murder taking place against the Iranian people. Both have posted statements on social media, striking an anti-war posture, appealing to the position shared by the vast majority of the American people. But the purpose of such actions is not to actually bring a halt to imperialist warsboth Sanders and AOC have voted regularly for military appropriations and military aid to Israelbut to divert anti-war sentiment back within the framework of the Democratic Party and the corporate-controlled two-party system. The World Socialist Web Site is holding an emergency global webinar this Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m. EDT to explain the origins of the US imperialist war against Iran, the social forces driving it and the strategy required to stop it. We urge all our readers to register to attend. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Australian PM Anthony Albanese [Photo: x/@AlboMP] Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the Australian parliament yesterday, as part of a visit that has been the subject of some anticipation. Carneys address and his other remarks in Australia have served primarily to highlight the threadbare character of his suggestions that Canada, Australia and other middle order powers can chart a way forward in opposition to the breakdown of the rules based order and increasingly flagrant illegality in international relations. Carney repeated those talking points. But the most striking aspect of his trip was the total support he extended to the criminal US-Israeli bombardment of Iran, which overshadowed it. In that, Carney was joined by Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who, having been among the first world leaders to have endorsed the war of aggression, has now gone further, explicitly backing regime change. At a press conference after the parliamentary address, both Carney and Albanese brushed off suggestions that they would call for a ceasefire, under conditions of a US carpet bombing of Iran that has acquired a genocidal character. Both said there needed to be a deescalation, but immediately made clear they were referring to Irans defensive response to the unprovoked attack against it. We're seeing Gulf states that have not been involved attacked across the board, Albanese stated, as though he were unaware that Iran was firing on US bases, from which the attacks on it are being launched. We also want to see the objectives achieved, Albanese added. I want to see the possibility of Iran getting a nuclear weapon removed once and for all. And I also want to see a removal of the ongoing threat that has been there for such a long period of time, of Iran endangering peace and security and stability. Iran has never had a nuclear weapon, and just days before launching war against it, US President Donald Trump had declared that its uranium enrichment program had already been obliterated by US strikes last year. But aside from repeating all of the lying talking points of Trump, Albanese was clearly endorsing regime change, which means a massive war that will span months, if not years, aimed at reestablishing open colonial control over Iran. Both Albanese and Carney, who repeated the same lies, were speaking the day after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth had pledged death and destruction from the sky all day long, waged decisively, devastatingly and without mercy, in a fascist tirade effectively calling for the annihilation of Iranian society. Carneys planned visit was announced shortly after he had delivered an explosive speech to the World Economic Forum at Davos last January. Carney had warned of a rupture of the world order and the beginning of a brutal reality where geopolitics among the great powers is not subject to any constraints. Carney introduced the conception that middle order powers would have a crucial role to play in preventing a complete descent into the abyss. At Davos, Carney did not directly criticise the Trump administration, but it was clear enough that he was referencing the destabilising consequences of its America First program targeting foes and erstwhile allies alike. The speech was made under conditions of open conflicts between the US and the European NATO powers, amid Trumps threats to seize Greenland from Denmark and his aggressive demands on European allies. In Australia, while the speech received little coverage, Albanese and other senior Labor leaders expressed sympathy with it. That was striking given Australias lockstep alliance with the US and in the limited commentary, there were suggestions that the favourable reception of the government to Carneys speech may mark a shift in Australias foreign policy alignments. The Australian ruling elite, like its counterparts internationally, faces a series of intractable contradictions. It is strategically dependent on its alliance with American imperialism to prosecute its own predatory interests particularly in the Pacific, and successive Australian governments have transformed the country into a staging post for a US-led war against China. But at the same time, Beijing remains Australias largest trading partner and there are no obvious replacements. As for Canada, it has been hit with the unprecedented situation of its closest ally, the US, threatening a takeover of the country while imposing substantial tariffs. For all of that, the essential message of the trip, from both Carney and Albanese, was that they would continue to prosecute their own imperialist interests under the umbrella of the US alliance. The tone was set by Carneys first address at the Lowy Institute think tank on Wednesday evening. Carney began by repeating a number of his Davos talking points, including a thinly veiled swipe at Trumps program of economic war, and declared: Geostrategically, hegemons are increasingly acting without constraint or respect for international norms or laws, while others bear the consequences. But that was directly followed, not by a denunciation of the worlds chief hegemon for having launched an illegal war days earlier, but by a frothing and hysterical condemnation of the victim, Iran. Carney repeated the lies of an Iranian nuclear threat. His condemnation of the international order, on this occasion, was primarily that the United Nations and other institutions had failed to secure the complete subjugation of Iran. In that speech, as well as his address to parliament, it was clear enough that Carney was not referring to a break by the middle order powers with US imperialism, much less some sort of confrontation with it. Instead, he was calling for them to play a more active role in criminal imperialist machinations and intrigues, essentially under the umbrella of the US alliance. Middle powers like Canadaand I would suggest Australiashould recognise that the rupture in the international system represents just that, a clear break from the past, and we need to act decisively to secure our shared future, Carney told the Lowy Institute. His address to the Australian parliament was an expansion of the same theme. Following mind-numbing banalities about the purported commonalities of Canada and Australia, Carney declared that Canada was choosing to create a dense web of connections to build our resilience. This was not a departure from its previous multilateralism, i.e., within the framework of the US alliance, but an attempt to demonstrate the power of multilateralism and reinvigorate it. The primary areas that he outlined related to war. Carney emphasised the importance of critical minerals development, under conditions where Australia and Canada both hold vast reserves. He touted a deepening of defence ties between supposedly like-minded countries, such as Canada and Australia. He also called for the expansion of artificial intelligence industries in both countries. Carney presented these policies, as well as trade diversification and ties and the harnessing of private capital, as means for middle powers to ensure sovereign capabilities and strategic autonomy, because When the rules no longer protect you, you must defend yourself. Carney and Albanese signed a series of agreements, which several commentators have noted are broad but not particularly deep. They include vague commitments to expand cooperation across critical minerals, defence and trade. Notwithstanding the substantial reserves of critical minerals in both countries, which are crucial to the production of virtually all advanced technologies, neither has a processing capability and that is unlikely to change in the near future. Last October, Albanese signed a far-reaching deal with Trump for extensive cooperation on critical minerals, meaning that capability is far from sovereign. The reality of Australias deepgoing integration into the US-led war machine was revealed during Carneys visit itself. It was confirmed that two Australian defence personnel were onboard a US nuclear-powered submarine that struck an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka. Australia, in other words, was directly involved in that war crime and in the broader imperialist assault that is underway. Australian personnel are stationed on a series of US assets, as part of the AUKUS pact against China, under which Australia is supposed to receive its own fleet of nuclear-powered submarines from the US. As for Carney, the fact that he did not express a word of direct criticism of Trump spoke volumes about his limited ability, as a representative of a middle power, to advance any alternative to alignment with an American imperialism that is at the centre of the assault on old diplomatic and international norms. Carney and Albanese are among the most enthusiastic supporters of the war that is underway, under conditions where even a host of US allies in Europe have expressed fears over the destabilising implications of the historic crime that is underway. The Kenyan state has allowed Booker Ngesa Omole, General Secretary of the Communist Party MarxistKenya (CPM-K), to leave remand on punitive bail while maintaining the fabricated charges against him and escalating repression against the party and its supporters. On February 23, Omole was violently abducted in Isiolo town by plainclothes police officers who produced no warrant and offered no identification. He was beaten severely, tortured and brutalisedhis tooth was broken and his finger was cut with a penknife. He was transported for hours and dumped at Mlolongo Police Station, a facility notorious for extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Denied access to lawyers, family, or party members, Omole was later transferred to Kitengela Remand Prison with a bandaged hand, the court denying him both cash bail and urgent medical care. Booker Ngesa Omole being transferred to Kitengela Remand Prison with a broken arm [Photo: X/Booker Ngesa Omole] The state assembled a case only after his detention. The absurd charges include attempting to kill police officers and connections to a Venezuelan drug cartelfabricated because the CPM-K had organised protests in solidarity with the Bolivarian government against Washingtons imperialist intervention in January. These charges remain in force. The demand for Omoles release gained international backing. Tens of thousands of posts circulated on the social media platform X calling for his freedom. The campaign was amplified by users with tens of thousands, and in some cases hundreds of thousands, of followers, reflecting the broad outrage provoked by his abduction and concern over state repression in Kenya. The capitalist press has said nothing. Under mounting public pressure, the Kenyan state allowed Omole to leave remand on bail, but it has imposed crushing bail terms. Omole and his co-accused were granted bail on a consolidated bond of KES 1.4 million ($10,800)an amount deliberately set to bleed them. Omole himself was required to post KES 500,000 ($3,850), with others forced to post KES 300,000 ($2,300) and KES 100,000 ($770) each. In 2024 the average wage in the formal sector was approximately KES 77,758 (about $600) per month. Average monthly salaries generally range from KES 30,000 (about $230) to KES 150,000 (about $1,150) for skilled professionals. For the millions of Kenyans in informal employment, survival on less than KES 20,000 per month (about $150) is the norm. Omoles KES 500,000 bond (about $3,850) represents more than six months pay for the average formal sector worker and nearly two years income for many Kenyans. Even as Omole was released on bail, the Ruto regime arrested three more CPM-K members. According to the CPM-K, Mulinge Muteti, Julius Kamau and Collins Otieno were arrested and detained at Central Police Station in Nairobi. They were arrested while submitting a petition against extrajudicial killings. The abduction of Omole, the fabricated charges against him, the arrests of CPM-K members and of TikTok content creator Peter Maingi Kimani (known as Menelik Kimani) underscore the intensifying turn toward authoritarian methods by the broad-based unity government of President William Rutouniting the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) founded by the late political fixer Raila Odinga. These measures are part of a broader effort by the Kenyan ruling class to suppress opposition amid mounting social tensions. Immediately following Omoles abduction, the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) denounced the attack and demanded his immediate and unconditional release, warning that the targeting of the leadership of the CPM-K signaled a broader assault on democratic rights in Kenya. The ICFI has well-documented and irreconcilable political differences with this political tendency, which have been clearly presented in the WSWS. But it unequivocally opposed the brutal attack on Omole, demanded his immediate release, and called for an end to all state threats, abductions and repressive acts directed against the CPM-K. The WSWS warned: The defence of democratic rights cannot be entrusted to the courts, the opposition factions of the bourgeoisie, or the trade union bureaucracy. [] Above all, the working class must build its own independent political movement, rooted in factories, neighbourhoods and schools, and guided by an international socialist perspective. This means breaking from all parties and trade union apparatuses tied to the capitalist ruling class and uniting with workers across Africa and internationally in the struggle against imperialist domination, austerity and state repression. Only through the conscious mobilisation of the working class for socialist transformation can democratic rights be secured and defended. Subsequent events have confirmed this warning. Despite the international campaign demanding the release of Omole, the bourgeois opposition to Ruto said nothing, exposing its hostility to the defence of democratic rights. Figures presented as alternatives to the regimeincluding Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owinoremained silent, while the trade union bureaucracy headed by Francis Atwoli, Secretary General of the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), has backed Rutos state repression. The defence of democratic rights cannot be entrusted to any faction of the Kenyan bourgeoisie or to the union apparatus tied to it, but requires the independent mobilisation of the working class. The repression directed against the CPM-K is far from over, as demonstrated by the renewed arrests of its members. Omole himself remains under prosecution on the same fabricated charges that were brought after his abduction. The government of Ruto, like regimes across Africa, confronts mounting anger over austerity measures dictated by the IMF and soaring living costs. These pressures are set to intensify amid the global economic turmoil unleashed by the USIsraeli imperialist war on Iran. Engulfing the whole Middle East, the war underlines the speed with which world capitalism is descending into global war, dictatorship and outright criminality. For the Kenyan and broader African bourgeoisie, tied by a thousand threads to global finance capital, the response to these crises is intensified repression. In Zambia, police arrested and charged Fred Mmembe, President of the Socialist Party, following remarks he made during an appearance on the radio concerning the delayed burial of former President Edgar Lungu. In South Africa, the government led by the African National Congress has deployed 450 troops into townships under the pretext of restoring order. In Tanzania, last years elections were followed by mass killings and disappearances in a brutal post-election crackdown. In Uganda, the regime of Yoweri Museveni continues its systematic suppression of opposition forces. The international solidarity campaign that helped force the Kenyan authorities to release Omole from remand on bail must be extended to the defence of Bogdan Syrotiuk, a 26-year-old socialist and member of the ICFI imprisoned in Ukraine since April 2024 on fabricated charges of state treason. Syrotiuk founded the Young Guard of Bolshevik-Leninists, which opposed both the Russian invasion and the NATO-backed proxy war by fighting to unite Russian and Ukrainian workers. Facing a potential life sentence and now being denied urgently needed medical treatment, he is the target of political persecution aimed at criminalising socialist opposition to the war. All organisations and individuals who support the campaign to free Omole should join the international struggle for Syrotiuks freedom: demand the provision of immediate medical treatment, the dropping of all charges and his release, and sign and circulate the petition in his defence. In the latest fascist provocation from the Trump administration, earlier this week massive banners were draped over a Department of Education building in Washington D.C. to honor Charlie Kirk. fascist ideologue and Turning Point USA founder. The banner featuring Kirk, was draped alongside those of Martin Luther King Jr. and Booker T. Washington. The juxtaposition of those who fought to expand democratic rights to marginalized sections of the population with someone who argued the Civil Rights acts were a mistake quickly drew outrage. The banner demonstrates the Trump regimes campaign against education and for an American version of Gleichschaltung, the Nazi term for the ideological alignment of institutions of education with the dictates of the regime. Left to right, neo-Nazi Jack Posobiec, left, host of One America News Network, Charlie Kirk, and vigilante murderer Kyle Rittenhouse, at the Turning Point USA America Fest 2021 event, Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Phoenix. [AP Photo/ Ross D. Franklin] Five months have passed since the murder of Kirk at a Utah university campus. In the months since Kirks death, hundreds of workers across the country have been fired from their jobs, and several international workers had their visas revoked, for publicly criticizing the government-sponsored campaign of veneration for the deceased fascist provocateur. Workers and young people, rightly disgusted by his openly bigoted, far-right political views, have rejected the attempt by the ruling class to put Kirks name and memory beyond reproach. This included protests at Michigan high schools rejecting the formation of Turning Point USA chapters on their campuses. The aim of the Trump administration, and large sections of the American ruling class, is to fuse Christiannationalist ideology, militarism and reactionary social policy into the ideological architecture of the state in preparation for imperialist war and intensified political repression. The regime went on the offensive in their campaign to suppress dissent, comparable to the Nazi campaign in honor of Horst Wessel, a storm trooper killed in a street fight. The late Kirk, who never completed a college degree, frequently voiced his hatred of public and higher education through a national Turning Point USA (TPUSA) campaign arguing that attending college is a scam. Kirks invective against education did not concern the deterioration of job prospects of those with advanced degrees or the inaccessibility of higher education to those who can not afford growing tuition costs, nor did he criticize the student loan racket. The argument Kirk made against colleges and universities was that they supposedly discriminated against right-wing students and indoctrinated students with Marxist thought. The placing of his image prominently on the headquarters of the Department of Education is an outward expression of the elevation of Kirks anti-intellectual propaganda to the level of state policy. In Tennessee, a bill is moving through the states legislature demanding all state universities campuses build a Charlie Kirk plaza. The bill purports to honor Free Speech, but it represents the opposite: the elevation of fascist thought, the compulsory introduction of retrograde ideas and far-right bigotry into the political culture of the campuses. The bill also mandates that the plazas contain a plaque with the Biblical Ten Commandments, in violation of the US Constitution. A second bill proposed in the Tennessee state legislature, called the Charlie Kirk Act, is aimed at enabling far right students and organizations to sue universities on the basis of ideological discrimination. In other words, the bill will allow evangelical creationists to sue universities for teaching the scientific theories of the origins of the universe or evolutionary biology, or for fascist provocateurs to sue universities when the student body rejects their politics or a professor gives an unfavorable grade. It would create a statesanctioned mechanism to dismantle academic freedom, subordinate campuses to reactionary social forces, and integrate universities into the ruling classs broader offensive against democratic rights and public education. If the bill were to pass it would create a chilling effect across campuses. Administrations, fearing costly litigation, criminal investigations, and political reprisal, would preemptively suppress contentious debate, cancel courses, and narrow curricula to avoid controversy. This logic is at work with Texas A&M Universitys syllabus reviews and course cancellations after political policing of race and gender ideology produced mass course flagging and firings . Rightwing groups would use litigation as a tool of harassment to flood campuses with lawsuits to bankrupt departments, intimidate faculty, and force administrations to adopt neutrality policies that equate criticism of reactionary politics with unlawful discrimination. This is the strategy behind federal interventions that have already targeted universitiesmost notably the Trump DOJs assault on UCLA, which weaponized civilrights law to punish campus protest and strip funding. The Charlie Kirk act would be the legal equivalent of a loaded gun handed directly to reactionary forces and their backers. Building monuments and plazas and draping federal buildings with banners are an attempt to compel declarations of loyalty, intimidate dissenters, and normalize fascist politics. They are a part of the critical preparations of the Trump regime on the home front of the imperialist war against Iran. Trump and his gangsters have launched a war without any popularity and no legal justification. To carry out this war the ruling class requires the subordination of all aspects of political and cultural life, including and especially higher education, to the aims and imperatives of the war. The drive to criminalize campus dissent and to enshrine reactionary memorials is inseparable from the ruling classs efforts to suppress resistance to the USIsraeli assault on Iran and the broader preparations for greatpower confrontation. Defending democratic rights must therefore be welded to the fight against imperialist war. Students, youth and workers must fight for the program that links defence of academic freedom with antiwar demands: Stop the criminal USIsraeli war on Iran End all use of university resources for intelligence and military purposes Repeal gag rules and punitive funding threats, and restore any cuts which have already been carried out Defend the right to protest Build rankandfile committees both on and off campus to prepare strikes and mobilize working class action capable of shutting down the war machine. The Socialist Equality Party and its youth sections are organizing to lead this fight. If you want to turn outrage into organized resistance, join and get involved. Only by linking the struggle for democratic rights in education to the working classs struggle against imperialism can we defeat the authoritarian offensive and stop war in its tracks. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player The World Socialist Web Site is holding an emergency global webinar this Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m. EDT to explain the origins of the US imperialist war against Iran, the social forces driving it and the strategy required to stop it. We urge all our readers to register to attend. IRIS Dena torpedoed by a US submarine. The United States Navys torpedoing of the unarmed Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean on March 4, 2026 is a war crime. For all the warrior braggadocio of the arguably deranged secretary of war, it will be remembered in naval history as an act that was as cowardly as it was vicious. This crime will take its place alongside the 1988 shooting down of an Iranian commercial airliner by the USS Vincennes, which killed 290 innocent people. In fact, in both method and execution, the destruction of the Iranian vessel continues on a larger scale the recent targeted killings of defenseless fishermen in waters off the coast of Latin America. In this case, a submarine of the most powerful military force in the world snuck up on an isolated vessel posing no threat to anyone, gave no warning, offered no opportunity for surrender, and sent more than 140 sailors to the bottom of the Indian Ocean. Pete Hegseth, a Christian fascist who believes that he is an instrument of Armageddon, then walked to a podium at the Pentagon and boasted about it. The Trump administration has not offered a single word of justification. It has not attempted to identify the legal basis of this killing. It has not claimed self-defense. It has not alleged that the IRIS Dena was engaged in hostile action. It has not argued proportionality, military necessity or imminent threat. It has offered nothingbecause it does not believe that anything is required. So much for the rules-based order about which the US has been lecturing everyone for the last three decades. What has replaced it is the naked assertion that the United States may kill whomever it wishes, wherever it wishes, whenever it wishes and that the act of killing is itself sufficient justification. Quiet death, Hegseth called it. There is a bitter historical irony here. In 1915, the sinking of the HMS Lusitania, a British cruise liner, by a German U-boat (submarine) operating off the coast of Ireland, played a significant role in turning American public opinion against Germany. Two years later, in April 1917, President Woodrow Wilson seized upon Germanys declaration of unlimited submarine warfare as the pretext for the entry of the United States into World War I. More than a century later, a US submarine sneaks up on an Iranian vessel and destroys it with one torpedo, and Pete Hegseth laughs about it. To understand the nature of what was done, one must understand the grotesque disproportion of the forces involved. A United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer displaces approximately 9,000 tons. It is nearly 155 meters in length. It carries 90 to 96 vertical launch cells capable of firing Tomahawk cruise missiles, advanced surface-to-air missiles and anti-submarine weapons. It is integrated into the Aegis Combat System, one of the most sophisticated battle-management networks ever built, linking it in real time to satellites, aircraft and other naval vessels across an entire theater of operations. The United States Navy operates scores of such ships. It operates 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier strike groups, each one a mobile city of airpower capable of projecting lethal force across an entire ocean. The IRIS Dena displaced 1,500 tonsone-sixth the displacement of a single American destroyer. It was 94 meters long, powered by four domestically produced Iranian diesel engines. It was armed with anti-ship missiles of Iranian manufacture, a 76-millimeter deck gun and lightweight torpedoes. The crew was comprised of 180 men. It was not a peer competitor to American naval power. IRIS Dena was a coastal frigate, built under sanctions, with domestically engineered systems that Iranian engineers had labored for years to produce precisely because Western powers had cut Iran off from global arms markets. That it could sail at all, that it could circumnavigate the globe as it had done in 2022 and 2023, was a testament to the ingenuity of those who built it and were its crew. The Iranian sailors who were murdered have no names in the American press. They have no faces. They have no families that Western journalists have been dispatched to interview. They were mostly young men, who had spent months away from their families on a professional naval deployment. The Iranian crew were given no warning. They had no time to fight, to flee, or even to understand what was happening to them. The ship went down so rapidly that when the Sri Lankan Navynot the United States Navy, not any American vessel but the navy of a small island nation acting under its international maritime obligationsarrived at the scene, the IRIS Dena had already completely vanished beneath the surface. The US submarine that killed them made no attempt to rescue survivors, in direct contravention of its legal obligations under the Second Geneva Convention (1949), Article 18. It fired its torpedo, confirmed its kill and departed. The 32 sailors who survived owe their lives entirely to Sri Lankas rescue operations. The United States, which possesses the most powerful and technologically advanced navy on earth, did not deploy a single asset to pull a single drowning man from the water. We do not know what the American sailors aboard the submarine were told as they executed their orders. But when they discover the truththat they fired without cause and sent 140 men to their deathmany of them will feel traumatic regret and shame that will last for the rest of their lives. The IRIS Dena was not in Iranian waters. It was not in the Persian Gulf, not in any declared exclusion zone. It was not maneuvering aggressively or targeting any vessel. It was not part of any active naval engagement. It was sailing alone, without escort, thousands of miles from the nearest combat theater, heading home after participatingat Indias explicit invitationin the International Fleet Review 2026 and the multinational exercise MILAN 2026 at the port of Visakhapatnam. That exercise had included 74 nations. It had included the United States. American and Iranian naval officers had, days before the sinking, attended the same professional gatherings on Indian soil. The United States possessed every means to warn this vessel. It possessed every means to demand her diversion to a neutral port. It possessed surface ships, aircraft, and global communications systems. The IRIS Dena was a surface vessel, visible, trackable, reachable by radio on any international maritime frequency. No warning was given because none was intended. The administration did not consider a warning necessary because it does not consider explanation necessary, because it does not recognize any legal or moral authority beyond Trumps morality. The US media has accepted this crime without comment. But imagine that a Russian submarine, operating in the Indian Ocean, had located a Ukrainian naval vessela frigate of comparable size to the IRIS Denareturning home from a multinational exercise to which it had been invited, sailing alone in international waters, posing no immediate threat to anyone. Imagine that the Russian submarine had fired a single torpedo, without warning, without any attempt at obtaining a surrender, and sent the ship and most of its 180-man crew to the bottom of the sea. Imagine that Russias Defense Minister then stood before cameras in Moscow to celebrate the attack as a demonstration of Russian reach and power, declared it the greatest torpedo kill since the Second World War. No feat of imagination is required to describe the Western response. It would be immediate, thunderous and uniform. The words war crime would be on the lips of bourgeois politicians of every stripe, from Republican fascists like Lindsay Graham to left Democrats like Bernie Sanders. In Europe, the condemnations issued by NATO leaders would be piously seconded by all political parties. The International Criminal Court would be invoked before the day was out. Emergency sessions of the UN Security Council would be convened. Legal scholars would appear on every network to enumerate the violationsof the UN Charter, of the laws of naval warfare, of the customary international law of armed conflict. Calls would be made for the personal criminal prosecution of the Russian president under the doctrine of command responsibility. Western governments would impose sweeping new sanctions. The drowned Ukrainian sailors would have names and faces and families on every screen. Every legal and moral argument that would be deployed against Russia in that case applies, with identical force, to what the United States did on March 4, 2026. The facts are materially identical. The legal framework is the same. The humanitarian consequences are equally real. The only difference is the American identity of the submarine. The actions of the US government replicate those of the Third Reich. Admiral Karl Donitz issued his Laconia Order in 1942, directing U-boat commanders to abandon all rescue operations for survivors and to conduct unrestricted submarine warfare without warning. The infamous order stated: All efforts to save survivors of sunken ships, such as the fishing out of swimming men and putting them on board lifeboats, the righting of overturned lifeboats, or the handing over of food and water, must stop. Rescue contradicts the most basic demands of the war: the destruction of hostile ships and their crews. At his trial at Nuremberg, Nazi Admiral Donitz defended this order by arguing that modern warfare had rendered obsolete the older conventions of naval chivalry. He received a prison sentence of 10 years. Hegseth announced quiet death before cameras, without lawyers, without shame, without the remotest suggestion that the killing of 140 sailors in international waterswithout warning, without threat, without a single attempt to save them afterwardwas anything other than an occasion for national self-congratulation. The chain of command that ordered these killings ran from the submarines torpedo room to the White House. The doctrine of command responsibility, established at Nuremberg and embedded in international law, holds that political and military leaders bear criminal responsibility for war crimes committed by forces under their commandnot only when they order such crimes directly, but when they knew or should have known of the crimes and failed to prevent or punish them. On this occasion, knowledge is not in question. The crime was announced, celebrated and broadcast to the world by the secretary of war himself, in the presence of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The implications of the torpedoing of IRIS Dena extend beyond the high seas. The government which has authorized murder in the Indian Ocean has justified the killing of Americans on the streets of Minneapolis. On January 7, 2026, a federal ICE agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother, while she sat in her car. On January 24, Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was shot at least 10 times by Border Patrol agents while he was already being held down on the pavement, his gun never drawn. The doctrine is identical in both cases. Those killed by American powerwhether Iranian sailors in the Indian Ocean or American citizens on the sidewalks of Minneapoliswere the targets of state-sponsored murder. The victims are always, retroactively, guilty of something. Renee Good had her car. Alex Pretti had his legally carried firearm. What is practiced on American streets is practiced in the Indian Ocean. It is one doctrine and one government operating in the interests of the same ruling class. The international working class, students and all opponents of imperialism must actively mobilize against this war. They must demand the immediate cessation of military operations against Iran and the convening of an independent international workers tribunal to investigate the war crimes being committed under Operation Epic Fury. The torpedo that sank the IRIS Dena did not only kill 140 sailors. It announced to the world and without apology that the United States government is not bound by any law, any convention or any standard of civilized conduct. The only imperatives that it recognizes are those dictated by the capitalist system and the accumulation of profit. Every day, every new crime adds increased urgency to the warning of Leon Trotsky: Without a socialist revolution, in the next historical period at that, a catastrophe threatens the whole culture of mankind. Exxon has scheduled its first-ever gasoline shipment from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Australia amid a global fuel export crunch because of the war in the Middle East. The shipment is one of two scheduled for this month, Reuters reported, citing unnamed sources. The two shipments together will total 600,000 barrels, mostly of gasoline but also including other refined products. According to the report, the freight cost of the shipments would come in at $6 million, or $20 per barrel. More from Yahoo Scout How are Middle East tensions affecting global fuel markets? What's causing the Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions? Why is Exxon shipping gasoline from US to Australia? How sustainable are US-Australia fuel shipments long-term? This is costlier than shipping fuel from Asia, the report noted, citing analysts as saying the exporting of refined oil products from the Gulf Coast to Australia are unlikely to become sustainable even with the current disruption of crude oil supplies to Asian refiners. Exxon operates three fuel import terminals in Australia but has been sourcing the fuel from Asia. Right now, however, Asian refiners are grappling with the fallout from severe tanker traffic disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, with China already imposing curbs on fuel exports. Related: Inside North Americas First Fully Integrated Rare Earth Facility In Asia, Thailand, India, Korea and the Philippines are the most vulnerable to higher oil prices, due to their high import dependence, while Malaysia would be a relative beneficiary since it is an energy exporter, Nomura analysts wrote in a note, cited by CNBC, earlier this week. However, it seems that fuel exporters in Asia beg to differ and are prioritizing domestic supply security over exports. Meanwhile, Korean media reported that seven oil tankers operated by Korean refiners were stranded in the Persian Gulf because of the Hormuz traffic disruption. Other reports identify no fewer than 37 India-flagged vessels, including oil tankers and LNG carriers as also in the Strait or the Gulf of Oman, some of them loaded with the respective fuels and others waiting to load. The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed Brent crude close to $85 per barrel, with WTI at over $77.50 at the time of writing. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. Nearly 700 built environment practitioners have signed an open letter demanding an immediate halt to the Victorian state Labor governments planned demolition of Melbournes 44 public housing towers that will lead to the displacement of more than 10,000 working-class residents and the destruction of entire communities. The open letter is a significant development in the broad and growing opposition to the biggest destruction of public housing in Australias history. Flemington public housing towers The open letter, addressed to Victorian Labor government housing minister Harriet Shing, has been signed by a range of building industry practitioners including architects, interior designers, town planners, engineers, project managers, electricians, carpenters, academics, students and building contractors. It was authored by the Building Action Now (BAN) group headed by Melbourne-based architects Cat Macleod of Bellemo & Cat, Bonnie Gordon of Playstreet, Carey Landwehr of CLAD, Nina Tory-Henderson of NMBW, Steve Mintern and Simon Robinson of OFFICE. Signatories of the open letter include architects from practices such as ARM, Snohetta, BVN, Neeson Murcutt Nielle, DCM, Spowers, NH, Law, CO.OP and CHC. These architects explain, Built environment practitioners are bound by ethical codes requiring evidence-based and sustainable practice, we will not side-step our professional duty and cannot remain silent. These demolitions proceed without evidence of assessments, ignore $1.5 billion of potential savings, violate legislated climate commitments, worsen acute housing and homelessness crises, and displace 10,000+ residents in breach of international obligations. Two of the 44 towers in inner suburb Carlton have already been demolished following a fraudulent eviction pretext by the government agency, Homes Victoria, that faulty sewer stacks meant they were uninhabitable. The demolition of three towers has been temporarily delayed by a class action by residents. But Homes Victoria has opposed the court ordered injunction, claiming without evidence that delaying demolition would cost an estimated $4.2 million per month. In January, Homes Victoria listed the next seven towers targeted for demolition. These towers specifically house elderly residents, many of whom are in their 80s and 90s and may not survive the forced evictions. The Victorian Labor government is pressing ahead with demolishing Melbournes 44 public housing towers amid an acute housing and cost-of-living crisis which is gripping ordinary workers and youth across Victoria and Australia more broadly. In Victoria, conservative figures suggest more than 24,000 people are homeless. More than 65,000 households are on the social housing waiting list, with average waits blowing out from under three months in the late 1990s to almost two years today. Demolishing solid, well located public housing will uproot thousands of residents and further tighten supply, with little or nothing built on these sites for decades. OFFICE have written extensive reports carefully evaluating demolition versus refurbishment of public housing estates at Melbournes Ascot Vale, Barak Beacon and Flemington estates. These reports prove conclusively that refurbishment of the existing towers and new infill housing would be far less expensivean estimated $1.5 billion less expensive than the full demolition and rebuild strategy of the government. The real reason for the governments seemingly illogical strategy is to privatise the estates. Labors scheme will replace thousands of existing public housing unitsowned and directly managed by the statewith a mix of private apartments and social housing, run by nongovernment providers on a corporate, cost recovery basis. This shift means a permanent reduction in genuinely public, income based housing and an expansion of stock that can attract higher rents, government subsidies and future capital gains. The aim is to open up prime inner city sites to large private developments, guaranteeing lucrative contracts, management fees and windfall profits for property developers, construction firms and real estate investment interests. In the section headed managed decline the open letter states: Government deliberately let buildings deteriorate, then used that deterioration to justify demolition. This is not evidence-based renewal, it is manufactured obsolescence. Answering the oft repeated propaganda by Victorias Labor premier Jacinta Allan and Harriet Shing that the towers are unfit for habitation, and Homes Victoria CEO Simon Newports claim that any attempt to refurbish the towers would be like putting lipstick on a pig the open letter explains: While the towers do not meet contemporary building standards, this is not a reason for their demolition. More than 80% of the citys buildings would fail to meet these standards. The government claims that there are technical hurdles to refurbishment that cannot be overcome, including the towers loadbearing concrete panel construction, the repairing of degraded concrete and the acoustic, thermal, fire and disability upgrades required. None of these issues are insurmountable. In conclusion the open letter demands an immediate moratorium on demolition, full transparency and release of the secret documents used to justify the demolition, independent and unbiassed assessment of refurbishment and demolition alternatives, and full resident consultation and respect for their human rights. But the appeal to the government to halt the demolitions until and if they can prove the necessity to knock the towers down, leaves the door ajar for the government to continue with its lies and disinformation campaign to justification the destruction of public housing. The authors and signatories of the open letter must reject those tendencies and political outfits which accept the framework of Labors pro market agenda and seek to confine opposition to appeals for its modification, rather than its defeat. The Greens and their pseudo-left allies, including Socialist Alliance and the Victorian Socialists, function as the chief political mechanism for tying genuine opposition to the demolition program back to the very establishment that is enforcing it. They promote the illusion that Labors assault on public housing can be halted through pressurecourt appeals, parliamentary inquiries, media campaigns and moral denunciationsdirected against a party that is consciously executing a profit-driven agenda on behalf of developers and finance capital. By portraying Labors demolition drive as a policy mistake that can be corrected through better consultation, transparency or evidence-based planning, they conceal its real character as a calculated social counter-offensive to open inner-city land for intensified private accumulation. Their perspective keeps resistance trapped within the legal, regulatory and parliamentary channels that have facilitated the demolition from the outset, rather than directing it into a direct political struggle against Labor, its allies and the capitalist system they defend. A crucial component of this fraud is the insistence that the trade unions, above all the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), willor can be forced tolead the fight. In reality, the CFMEU bureaucracy has from the beginning accepted the destruction of the 44 towers, limiting itself to token criticisms while ensuring that its members continue to staff Labors demolition and redevelopment projects. This is entirely in line with its broader record of enforcing Labors industrial agenda and suppressing any independent movement of construction workers. The destruction of public housing in Melbourne is one spearhead of a wholesale assault on the working class being driven by Labor governments at every level. The same program is unfolding in other states through the sell-off and demolition of public housing, alongside a frontal offensive on jobs, wages, health, education and all the basic social conditions of life. Labors housing and renewal policies form part of a nationwide restructuring in the interests of big business, finance and the property oligarchy. The way forward lies in the opposite direction to that charted by the Greens, the pseudo-left and the union apparatus. Architects, planners, engineers and other building professionals who oppose this social crime must orient not to lobbying Labor, but to the independent mobilisation of rank-and-file workersabove all on the sites where demolitions and rebuilds are being prepared. This means building committees in the towers, on construction and demolition jobs, in building materials, transport and logistics, and among students and young people, to coordinate a campaign that can halt work on the projects and block the destruction of any further homes. Such a struggle must consciously reject the framework of capitalist urban renewal and fight instead for a socialist program in which high-quality, fully funded public housing is guaranteed as a social right, not a sacrificial zone for developer profits. We urge architects and all building practitioners to contact and join the Neighbourhood Action Committee established by the Socialist Equality Party to oppose demolition of public housing and take forward this strategy. Email: nacodpht.publichousingaus@gmail.com Students hold signs calling for the abolition of ICE at the Knoxville, Tennessee protest January 30, 2026. The Tennessee House Finance, Ways & Means Subcommittee advanced legislation this week requiring every public school to collect and report data on students citizenship or immigration status. The proposed bill, drafted under the direction of the extreme-right Heritage Foundation, would set a national precedent. Its aim is to intimidate immigrant families, drive down school enrollment, and prepare the legal and bureaucratic groundwork to overturn the Supreme Courts 1982 Plyler v. Doe ruling, which upholds the right of every child, regardless of immigration status, to free public education. The measure would compel schools to establish a database on immigrants and their families, essentially making them a data-collection agency for deportation. The measure will now go to the House floor for debate, while the companion bill, SB 836, is moving through the state Senate. The original language of these bills would have allowed districts and charter schools to deny enrollment to children deemed unlawfully present or to charge them tuition equal to the districts perpupil cost. In other words, students unable to produce proof of lawful presence would be barred unless their families paid thousands of dollars, effectively transforming public schools into semiprivatized institutions policing borders for the state. After an outcry from immigrant families, educators, civil rights organizations and even warnings from the legislatures own fiscal analysts that the bill likely violates Plyler and threatens hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, the politicians have temporarily backed away from explicit denial of enrollment and tuition requirements. But the socalled compromise is no retreat. HB 793 now compels schools to ask every family to disclose the childs citizenship or immigration status, store that information locally, and send aggregate reports to state officials and a specialized immigration enforcement office. Lawmakers and rightwing think tank figures have repeatedly described Tennessees legislation as a way to measure the cost of educating undocumented children and to lay the groundwork for challenging Plyler, making clear that the ultimate goal remains the same even if outright exclusion has been delayed. Plyler v. Doe and the right to education In 1982, the Supreme Courts decision in Plyler v. Doe held that states cannot deny undocumented children access to K12 public education, ruling that the Fourteenth Amendments equal protection clause applies to anyone, citizen or stranger, who is subject to the laws of a State and reaches into every corner of a states territory. Justice William Brennan warned that denying these children schooling would have an inestimable toll on their social, economic, intellectual and psychological development and cause a lifetime hardship marked by the stigma of illiteracy. He concluded that any minimal savings claimed were far outweighed by the harm to the children and society as a whole. Plyler thus affirmed three core principles: that all children physically present in a state are entitled to equal protection, that children cannot be held responsible for their parents actions, and that public education is essential to participation in civic life, regardless of citizenship. Tennessees insistence on collecting immigration status data on all students is precedentsetting. The closest analogue is Alabamas H.B. 56, passed in 2011, which required schools to determine the immigration status of all newly enrolling students and to submit annual reports to the state on the number of undocumented children. In 2012, the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit struck down that provision after evidence showed it had a devastating chilling effect, causing Hispanic enrollment and attendance to plummet, and clearly deterring immigrant families from sending their children to school, in violation of Plylers guarantees. Civil rights organizations have since treated Alabamas experience as a warning that schoolbased immigration data collection is inherently coercive and functionally indistinguishable from direct exclusion, because it brands undocumented children and families as targets and conditions their presence in school on revealing highly sensitive information. For more than a decade, federal guidance and legal advocacy have stressed that schools should not ask about or record students immigration status and should limit documentation to proof of age, residency and similar neutral criteria, precisely to avoid violating Plyler and federal civil rights law. Tennessee politicians are now attempting to resurrect and expand this discredited model on a statewide basis, with mandatory participation, reporting names to an immigration office, and an explicit political agenda to build a test case against Plylergoing beyond the alreadycondemned Alabama template. By early 2025, Republicans in at least five statesTennessee, Oklahoma, Indiana, Texas and Utahhad introduced measures to deny enrollment, demand tuition, or conduct censuses of unlawfully present students explicitly aimed at provoking a challenge to Plyler. The assault on immigrant students rights is not confined to Republican strongholds. The New Jersey PLYLER Act, introduced by a Republican but in a Democraticdominated state, openly demands that undocumented children pay tuition and calls for a legal challenge to Plyler, blaming the ruling for supposed billions in education costs and echoing the xenophobic rhetoric of Heritages Project 2025. Since then, the front has widened. An Education Week analysis in late 2025 found Plylerchallenging efforts in at least seven states overall, some stalled and some still active, with proposals ranging from tuition mandates for non-citizens to enrollment rules requiring proof of citizenship or legal status as a condition of access to public schools. Tennessees trigger architecture Even in its amended form, Tennessees package preserves key structural features designed to function as a trigger system. By normalizing immigration status questions at enrollment and routing data to state and immigration offices, the bill creates a ready-made mechanism that can be flipped from anonymized reporting to outright denial of enrollment or tuition charging as soon as federal law or Supreme Court precedent changes. In this sense, the compromise is more dangerous than an openly exclusionary bill that might have been struck down swiftly. It stabilizes a surveillance infrastructure and everyday practice of questioning families about immigration status, while leaving the door wide open for a future legislature or court decision to weaponize that data. The core content of the new wave of state bills, from Tennessee to Texas and New Jersey, is to transform schools into sites of surveillance and exclusion. These measures are inseparable from a broader fascistic campaign of mass deportations, and the targeting of formerly sensitive locations such as schools and churches. Like the whole campaign of witch-hunting immigrants it aims to redirect anger over collapsing public educationproduced by decades of bipartisan austerity and privatizationaway from the ruling class and onto the most vulnerable, while building the legal pathways needed to destroy Plyler and, with it, a central pillar of modern democratic rights. The drive to overturn Plyler is a direct attack on the right of the entire working class to public education. Once the precedent is established that a section of childrenthose without the correct documentscan be excluded, tracked, or charged tuition, the way is opened to further exclusions based on disability, homelessness, disciplinary status, test scores or political beliefs, turning education into a privilege reserved for those deemed worthy by the capitalist state. The defense of immigrant childrens right to education cannot be entrusted to the courts, Congress or the Democratic Party, all of which have overseen and expanded the deportation regime and the dismantling of public schools. It falls to the working class itselfteachers and school workers, parents and students, autoworkers, healthcare workers and all sections of laborto organize independently on a socialist program that insists on free, highquality public education for all children, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, and opposes every attempt to resurrect the reactionary principle that basic rights are conditional on immigration papers. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was fired Thursday from her position as head of the department, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the two major agencies implementing the Trump administrations war against immigrants. Trump reportedly made the decision to fire Noem on Wednesday, after two days of disastrous testimony before Senate and House committees overseeing DHS. While the focus of those hearings was largely on Noems corruption and incompetence, these provided a pretext for carrying out a personnel shift that had been in preparation for more than a month. Noem was the official most closely associated with the invasion of Minneapolis by thousands of federal agents, which led to the murders of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in January. Noem made widely publicized denunciations of both victims, slandering the mother of three and the VA intensive care nurse as domestic terrorists. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appears for an oversight hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. [AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite] Five days after the murder of Alex Pretti, at the first cabinet meeting of the new year, Trump did not call on Noem as he went around the room asking each cabinet member to give a report on their departments operations (invariably combined with repulsive bootlicking praise of Trumps supposed brilliance and leadership). Trump skipping Noem while calling on every other cabinet official was widely reported as an indication that she was on her way out, as a means of defusing the massive popular revolt against Trumps immigration gestapo methods, not only in Minnesota but nationally. The White House carried out a tactical shift, replacing Noems favorite thug, CBP commander Greg Bovino, by sending White House border czar Tom Homan to take charge in Minneapolis. Homan worked out a deal with Democratic Governor Tim Walz to have state and local police partner with ICE and continue arrests and detentions of immigrants with less open violence and intimidation. The corruption issue is significant but secondary compared to the determination of Trump, Stephen Miller and other White House fascists to continue the attack on immigrants unabated. Noem is a penny ante scam artist compared to Trump himself, whose family has netted billions from the first year of his second term. Her most flagrant offense was a $220 million public relations campaign featuring herself, urging undocumented immigrants to self-deport. Noem awarded the largest contract for the campaign to a company set up by the husband of her press spokeswoman, Tricia McLaughlin. The company was founded only 11 days before it received a government contract worth about $160 million. McLaughlin left the department last month, a departure which foreshadowed the ouster of Noem. At the Senate hearing Tuesday, Noem came under intense questioning from Republican senators as well as Democrats, suggesting that the word had already gone out that Trump was no longer insisting on her defense. Or more likely, the Republicans had been told to attack because her ouster was imminentdead woman walking. When Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, an arch-Trumper, asked Noem about the $220 million contract, she claimed that Trump knew of and had approved the arrangement. Press reports Thursday indicated that Trump had called Kennedy to say he had not known of the deal. That would mean that Noem had lied under oath before a Senate committee (or that Trump was cutting off the limb on which she was sitting, to cover up his own responsibility). This episode gives a glimpse of the Borgia-like atmosphere of vicious infighting, combined with money-grubbing corruption and the inevitable sexual scandals. (Noem was actually asked at the Senate hearing whether she was having an affair with Corey Lewandowski, Trumps former campaign manager, who now serves as a special government employee, acting as an unpaid adviser and de facto chief-of-staff to Noem.) While expressing the escalating crisis within the Trump government, the most important aspect of this sordid affair is that it will not have the slightest change in the Trump administrations onslaught against immigrants. More than likely, Noems self-promotion and corruption were increasingly regarded as an obstacle to the continuation and intensification of these Gestapo-style assaults. Firing her was the principal demand of the Democrats, in the wake of the Minneapolis ICE murders, and throwing her overboard leaves the ICE thugs and the massive and growing network of detention camps untouched. Trump announced on social media he was nominating Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace Noem. Mullin was a Republican congressman for five terms, before winning the Senate seat in 2022 left vacant by the early retirement of James Imhofe. He is fully aligned with Trump on all major political questions, campaigning as a Christian conservative, hostile to abortion rights, supporting the oil industry and further expansion of the gargantuan US military apparatus. He was one of the majority of House Republicans who voted against certifying the Electoral College victory of Biden over Trump in 2020, even after the fascist mob summoned by Trump stormed the Capitol and temporarily blocked the certification vote. Mullin said the rioters should be prosecuted but claimed they were professional agitators and not normal Trump supporters. He said any suggestion that Trump bore responsibility was absolutely ridiculous. Last November, amidst the Trump administrations murder campaign in the Caribbean and Pacific, Mullin gave an interview with CNN defending the killings and connecting it to paramilitary operations within the United States. The president and the Secretary of War have made very clear, he said, that they are going to use lethality against our enemies, home and abroad. Girl wearing a T-shirt saying Vaccine Yes! receiving COVID-19 vaccine [Photo: Osasco City Hall] In mid-February, US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) communications director Andrew Nixon announced the cancellation of the February meeting of the nations premier vaccine advisory panel. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) was scheduled to convene Feb. 25-27 to discuss COVID-19, mRNA vaccines, and recent drastic cuts to childhood immunization recommendations. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and HHS were forced to scrap the session after failing to meet federal legal deadlines to publicly post its agenda. The meeting has now been tentatively rescheduled for March 18-19, buying time for the administration as it faces mounting legal challenges against its attempt to hijack the national vaccine schedule. The delay is the latest maneuver in a coordinated assault on public health led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Operating under President Donald Trumps fascist agenda, Kennedy is weaponizing his long-standing anti-vaccine crusade to dismantle the scientific and procedural machinery behind vaccination policy in the US. The projects central prize is the ACIP and the CDCs immunization schedules: capture them, and the Trump administration gains de facto control over national vaccine policy without passing a single new statute. Kennedys strategy operates on two tracks simultaneously. First, purge independent scientific oversight. In June 2025, he dismissed all 17 ACIP members and replaced them with a cadre of vaccine skeptics. He then used his captured panel to strip universally recommended status from vaccines protecting against rotavirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), meningococcal disease, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, and COVID-19cutting the schedule from 17 vaccine-preventable diseases to 11 without independent vetting or consensus. Second, when even that process moved too slowly, he sought to bypass it entirely. On Jan. 5, 2026, the administration issued a unilateral Kennedy schedule via secretarial decree, with no ACIP vote and no scientific review. Both tracks have now triggered federal litigation. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and allied medical groups are seeking to block the Kennedy schedule and freeze the captured ACIPs actions, while a 15-state coalition filed a parallel lawsuit in late February to overturn the committees unlawful reconstitution entirely. In response to the litigation and the canceled February meeting, Kennedy has doubled down, appointing four new ACIP membersFlorida physician Sean Downing, Texas pediatrician Angelina Farella, obstetrician-gynecologist Kimberly Biss, and maternal-fetal medicine specialist Adam Uratoconstructing a more clinically credentialed facade for an ideologically captured panel ahead of the rescheduled March meeting. To understand why Kennedy made the ACIP his first target, consider what the committee actually controls. The ACIP is the linchpin of the nations vaccine infrastructureits recommendations carry the force of law across the entire health system. By law, ACIPs recommendations dictate which immunizations private insurers must cover without cost-sharing under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and they establish the specific vaccines provided by the federal Vaccines for Children program, which serves millions of eligible low-income families. Nearly 600 statutes and regulations across 49 states and Washington, D.C., incorporate ACIP guidelines by referenceenforcing childcare and school-entry requirements and defining what vaccines doctors and nurses can administer. Because these federal and state laws are designed to automatically adopt the committees scientific guidance, Kennedys capture of ACIP grants the Trump administration effective control over national vaccine policy, allowing it to dismantle public health protections without ever having to pass a new statute. The administrations legal standing deteriorated almost immediately. In July 2025, the AAP and allied medical organizations filed suit in federal court, arguing that Kennedys removal of COVID-19 recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women bypassed established scientific processes and posed a grave threat to public health. On Jan. 6, 2026one day after the administration issued its Kennedy scheduleU.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy refused to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing the medical groups claims to proceed. The AAP then sought a preliminary injunction to block the Kennedy schedule and bar the captured ACIP from meeting while the case is litigated. Having also missed federal legal deadlines to publicly post a meeting agenda, the CDC was forced in mid-February to officially postpone the ACIP session. As the administration reeled from this procedural collapse, a coalition of 15 states, including Pennsylvania through its governor, filed a sweeping multistate lawsuit on Feb. 24, seeking to overturn the new childhood schedule and dismantle the unlawfully reconstituted committee entirely. At the heart of the AAP lawsuit is the argument that Kennedys changes violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA)that they are arbitrary and capricious, ignoring decades of scientific evidence and abandoning the transparent, expert-led procedures that have long governed federal vaccine decisions. The AAP is seeking to restore prior evidence-based recommendations, particularly for COVID-19 and pregnancy, and to require HHS and the CDC to use a lawful ACIP process going forward. The 15-state lawsuit builds on the AAPs case, echoing the APA claims while adding substantial charges under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The states argue that Kennedys newly appointed committee violates federal transparency rules, is illegally stacked with anti-vaccine ideologues, and fails FACAs mandate to be fairly balanced. The states are asking the court to strike down the Kennedy schedule, declare the reconstituted ACIP unlawful, and bar the federal government from relying on the captured panel until it is lawfully rebuilt. In doing so, these states are using every available legal tool not merely to defend vaccine science in the abstract, but to protect their ability to run basic public health programs. The lawsuits aim to halt both tracksforcing HHS to use a lawful, independent ACIP process and restoring prior evidence-based recommendations. But Kennedys continuous personnel appointments are a calculated hedge: by stacking the committee with ideological allies and sympathetic clinicians, he is engineering a panel that, even if forced by a court to operate under standard procedural rules, will still reliably vote to endorse his rollback. The deeper logic behind this campaign extends far beyond the control of a single federal committee. It represents a fundamental restructuring of US public health policy, dismantling universal, evidence-based protections in favor of individualized choice. By abruptly downgrading life-saving vaccines from universally recommended status to shared clinical decision-making, the Trump administration frames disease prevention as a matter of personal and parental preference rather than a collective social necessity. Ultimately, this shift constitutes a direct assault on the working class. Relegating vaccine access to individualized doctor consultations disproportionately harms the poor and uninsured, who often lack regular access to primary care providers. As the administration guts the federal infrastructure that guarantees equitable vaccine access, the working class is left to absorb the costs of preventable disease outbreaks. The stakes are not abstract: the hepatitis B birth dose that Kennedys ACIP voted in December to eliminate helped drive a 99 percent reduction in infant infections since 1990. That is the progress now being dismantledone secretarial memo and one committee vote at a time. The World Socialist Web Site is holding an emergency global webinar this Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m. EDT to explain the origins of the US imperialist war against Iran, the social forces driving it and the strategy required to stop it. We urge all our readers to register to attend. French President Emmanuel Macron reviews the troops during his visit to the nuclear submarine navy base of Ile Longue in Crozon, France, Monday March 2, 2026. [AP Photo/Yoan Valat] On Tuesday night, President Emmanuel Macron gave a brief televised address to the French people announcing that France would assist the US-Israeli war against Iran. Trampling upon widespread hostility in France both to a US-led war with Iran and to the US president, Macron has plunged France into an escalating regional and global war. While Macron acknowledged that the conflict is a war which is spreading and whose ending no one today can predict, he thereupon predicted that Frances role within it would be strictly defensive, aiming to protect and to restore peace as soon as possible. In reality, Macron is aligning France with a neocolonial war of aggression by Washington against Iran, continuing his support for the Israeli regime throughout its US-backed genocide in Gaza. After polls found only 8 percent support for a US war with Iran, Macron acted with open contempt for public opinion, above all in the working class. He did not even bother to go through the motions of parliamentary debate and approval of his war policy. Instead, he unilaterally committed France to a war that threatens the world with an economic and military catastrophe. To promote the barefaced lie that his policy is somehow defensive and peaceful, Macron stood reality on its head, blaming Iran for the war launched against it. He said, The Islamic Republic of Iran bears the main responsibility for this situation. Iran has developed a dangerous nuclear program and unprecedented ballistic capabilities and financed terrorist groups in neighboring countries: Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, Shia militias in Iraq and supported Hamas and always stated its objective to destroy the state of Israel. The Republic of Iran has, again last January, given the order to fire on its own people. Given all this and negotiations that had stalled, the USA and Israel decided to launch military operations. But it is US imperialism and its NATO imperialist allies, not Iran, who are responsible for the war. Iran did not attack the United States, Israel or France or indeed any other European country. Rather, it was attacked by a coalition of more powerful and better-armed states. The war began by a series of unprovoked strikes by US and Israeli forces, ignoring the Iranian governments warnings that it would in fact respond to an attack and would strike US military bases in the Middle East. While Macron has long advocated an European imperialist foreign policy independent from the United States, the French government is nonetheless deeply complicit in the war. Paris is clearly calculating that France and its European allies have not yet sufficiently built up their armies to openly challenge Washington militarily, and that they must, for now at least, seek to assert their imperialist interests in collaboration with US imperialism. It has been widely reported that the Trump administration had decided for war on Iran last year, and that it negotiated with Iranian officials this year in bad faith, having already decided to bomb them. Yet earlier this year, Macron declared in a text message to Trump that he was totally aligned with Trumps policy in Syria and that together they could accomplish great things in Iran. In a nod to mass opposition to imperialist war and the Gaza genocide, Macron briefly acknowledged the illegal character of the US-Israeli war but then dismissed it as irrelevant, citing the Iranian regimes repression of protests late last year. US-Israeli strikes on Iran, he admitted, have been conducted outside of international law, which we cannot approve of. But in any case history never mourns the executioners of their own people. This argument is, from the outset, utterly hypocritical. Trump in the United States and Macron in France, no less than the Iranian regime, rest upon the use of deadly force to crush social protests. Trump dispatches militarized ICE anti-immigration police to occupy US cities and gun down US citizens after mass protests mobilized millions against his policies; Macron in 2019 briefly authorized the French army to fire on mass Yellow Vest protests against social inequality which saw draconian police repression. The Trump administrations conduct of the war on Iran makes a mockery of Macrons pose of concern for the well-being of the Iranian people. In less than a week, it has bombed schools, abandoned Iranian sailors whose ships it had sunk to die at sea, and pursued large-scale targeted assassination of Iranian officials. These crimes flow, moreover, from the imperialist character of the war against Iran that Macron is joining, as world capitalism plunges ever deeper into global war. The war aims to topple the Iranian regime that emerged from the 1979 Iranian Revolution, take back control of its oil and gas, break up the country along ethnic lines, and use it as a base for broader war operations across Eurasia, including against Russia and China. In line with these aims, Macron announced the deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean of French warships, including the nuclear-armed aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, to protect Israel and NATO bases in Cyprus from Iranian strikes and also control critical shipping lanes for oil and gas. Today the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, and through this strait pass 20 percent of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas. The Suez Canal and the Red Sea are also tense and under threat, Macron said. Frances intervention, he added, has to secure passage through these maritime routes essential to the world economy. Macron made clear his government intends to intervene militarily also in the Persian Gulf, citing defense accords tying us to Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. They are particularly targeted and we owe them solidarity. Since Macron spoke, French officials confirmed that they have authorized US forces to use French military bases in the Persian Gulf, as Iranian missile strikes cause serious damage to US bases. They have also authorized US transport planes carrying missiles and bombs to be dropped on Iran to use Istres air base near Marseille. Finally, Macron announced that Frances entry into the war on Iran would entail a further escalation of military and police operations inside France itself: We are obviously looking to security on the national soil, as well. At my order, the government has reinforced the Sentinel military protection operation and vigilance around the most vulnerable sites and persons. The warning must be sounded: In France as internationally, the war on Iran will go hand in hand with an escalating class war against the workers. French bourgeois democracy is collapsing. The 2023 mass strikes against his overwhelmingly unpopular pension cuts, sold out by the union bureaucracies, and the emergence of a hung parliament in the 2024 elections have discredited the political order. Macron is despised for ruling against the people. For nearly two years, the ruling class has desperately but unsuccessfully sought a way to resolve Frances crippling and unsustainable levels of sovereign debt via savage austerity without provoking an uncontrollable social explosion. Powerful factions of the ruling class calculate that waging a major war, despite the vast dangers that it poses, offers a chance to massively redirect funds from social to military spending and move more directly towards a military-police dictatorship. This would not be the first time in history that an imperialist regime has sought in foreign wars a remedy for insoluble domestic problems. However, this inevitably ends in catastrophe. Imperialism cannot subjugate Iran or re-impose colonial shackles on the Middle East. The task posed to workers in France is to link their struggles to those of their class brothers and sisters in America, across the rest of Europe and internationally in a movement against imperialist war and capitalism, and for workers power and socialism. Statement from German Socialist Equality Party Chairman Christoph Vandreier The following statement against the imperialist invasion of Iran and for an international socialist anti-war movement was issued on Monday evening by Christoph Vandreier, chairman of the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (SGP-Socialist Equality Party in Germany). When markets get nervous, many investors do the same thing. They go to cash. But historically, periods of market fear often create some of the best trading opportunities if you know where to look. More News from Barchart In a recent Market on Close segment, Barcharts Senior Market Strategist John Rowland, CMT, explained how rising volatility can signal shifts in leadership across sectors and how traders can identify opportunities even while broader sentiment turns cautious. The Signs of Fear Are Already Showing Several widely watched indicators recently flashed warning signs. The CBOE Volatility Index ($VIX) pushed above 20 for multiple sessions a level that often reflects growing anxiety among investors. At the same time, the CNN Fear & Greed Index dropped toward its most fearful reading of the year. When these indicators spike, many investors instinctively move to the sidelines. But professional traders often start asking: Where is money actually flowing? Some Sectors Are Thriving Despite the Fear Looking across major market sectors, a few areas have quietly been outperforming. Energy stocks are up roughly 21% over the past three months Materials have climbed around 17% Consumer staples a classic defensive sector have gained roughly 11.5% These sectors tend to attract capital when investors start rotating away from high-growth risk assets. But John highlighted another area worth watching closely: Healthcare. A Closer Look Inside Healthcare While the healthcare sector overall has only posted modest gains recently, certain subsectors are showing stronger momentum. Using Barcharts sector tools and weighted alpha rankings, Rowland pointed to areas such as: Medical services Medical devices Dental supply companies Large-cap pharmaceutical names These groups often attract attention during periods of market uncertainty. For example, Cardinal Health (CAH) has been a notable position for The Big Short investor Michael Burry, while Moderna (MRNA) has shown signs of stabilizing after its post-pandemic decline. But the name that particularly caught Johns attention was Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Why Johnson & Johnson Matters in Nervous Markets Johnson & Johnson has long been viewed as a defensive safe-haven stock. Ferrero has removed the role of group CEO and created two senior positions to manage a product portfolio the Italian food giant has expanded through M&A. Group CEO Lapo Civiletti will move into the newly created position of president of Ferrero Ice Cream and WK Kellogg. Meanwhile, chief strategy and innovation officer Alessandro Nervegna has become the CEO of Ferrero Core, with responsibility for the group's confectionery, biscuits, bakery and "better-for-you" categories. Nervegna is a 30-year veteran of the group, while Civiletti joined in 2004 and became its first non-family CEO in 2017. In addition to his new role, Civiletti will continue as vice president of parent company Ferrero International. "To reflect the growth of the business and future ambitions, two leadership positions have been created, both reporting into Mr. Giovanni Ferrero, the president of Ferrero International S.A.," a spokesperson said. The executive changes are effective from September. In a statement yesterday (3 March), the group said the governance restructure is intended to further strengthen its competitive position in the sweet-packaged food sector. Giovanni Ferrero said: "Mr. Lapo Civiletti has been crucial to the successful journey of the Ferrero Group. Under his guidance and thanks to his record of delivery, the ambition of doubling the size of the business in less than ten years has become a reality." Mr Ferrero added Nervegna's "business acumen, strategic mindset and managerial rigor will ensure Ferrero Group maintains its growth trajectory and continues to be a leader in the sweet-packaged food industry". Last year, the Nutella maker purchased US cereals business WK Kellogg in a $3.1bn deal. The acquisition added brands such as Froot Loops and Raisin Bran to the family-owned companys existing line-up. Privately owned Ferrero also has a presence in ice cream on both sides of the Atlantic after acquisitions in 2019 and 2022. Early last year, Ferrero moved to add to its snacks stable with the acquisition of protein-bar maker Power Crunch in California. In 2020, the Ferrero Rocher and Kinder Bueno had moved to expand its snacks range in Europe with a deal for UK cereal bars, muesli and granola business Eat Natural. For the financial year ending in August, the Tic Tac brand owners consolidated turnover rose 4.6% to 19.3bn ($22.4bn), excluding contributions from WK Kellogg. The company does not disclose figures on profits. Entities related to the Ferrero group have also made acquisitions in different snacks categories in recent years. Owners of a small Florida flower shop in Orlando were blindsided when they received a letter informing them they were being sued for violating accessibility requirements on their website. It was late 2024, just five days before Christmas, when Leaf & Blossom, Co. owner Ajeeta Khanna says she received the notice, according to WFTV Action 9 (1). Khanna runs the shop with her mother, Kitty. She told the news outlet that the lawsuit alleged their website wasnt in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Must Read Were just literally five people. Were not like fifty employees in, you know, a huge building or anything, Khanna told Action 9. Their website is mainly run by a third party, so they thought it was compliant. Thats why, at first, Khanna thought the letter was a scam. It wasnt. And it cost them more than $7,000 in legal fees and settlement payments which Khanna says their attorney told them would be cheaper than fighting the lawsuit in court. This is part of a much broader surge in ADA-related lawsuits across the country. Over the past four years, an investigation by WFTV and other Cox Media Group stations uncovered more than 15,000 website-accessibility lawsuits nationwide. An increasing trigger for litigation Small business owners may assume that ADA lawsuits target only large companies or physical accessibility issues such as ramps or restrooms but digital accessibility is increasingly a trigger for litigation. Nearly one in five Americans has a disability, according to the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability (EARN). Its even higher for Americans aged 65-plus, with one in eight living with a disability (2). In its guidance on digital assessability, ADA.gov notes that just as physical barriers like steps can prevent some people with disabilities from entering a building, design of a website can create unnecessary barriers that make it difficult or impossible for people with disabilities to use them (3). Examples given include poor color contrast (for those with limited vision), lack of text alternatives on images (for those who are blind) and missing captions on videos (for people with hearing disabilities). Other examples include assistive technologies like screen readers or voice input tools. Britney Spears, the pop sensation behind hits like "Toxic" and "Slave 4 U," found herself in legal trouble this week. On the evening of March 4, 2026, authorities pulled her over in Ventura County, California. The 44-year-old star was driving alone when reports came in about her black BMW 430i swerving between lanes at high speeds on the 101 Freeway near Westlake Village. Fans who followed her career through the ups and downs, from her early days on the Mickey Mouse Club to her massive comeback albums, woke up to headlines that sparked concern across social media. This incident marks another chapter in her life after the end of her 13-year conservatorship in 2021, a period she has described as restrictive and challenging. Spears has been open about her struggles with mental health and personal freedom in recent years, often sharing raw moments with her followers. Police responded to calls around 8:48 p.m., and by 9:30 p.m., she was stopped. Officers noted signs of impairment right away. Details from the Scene Spears showed clear indicators of being under the influence during the stop. She performed field sobriety tests but did not pass them, leading to her arrest on suspicion of driving under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. No substances were found in the vehicle, but a blood test was taken at a nearby hospital to confirm the levels. Advertisement Advertisement Handcuffed at the scene, she was taken into custody without incident. Her car got towed, and she spent the night in processing. Booked into Ventura County jail around 3 a.m. on March 5, she was released just after 6 a.m. the same day. It was a cite-and-release situation, meaning no immediate probation, but charges could follow based on test results. Screenshot from Clown World 's post/X This is not her first brush with traffic laws; she faced citations in 2023 and 2024 for driving without a valid license or proof of insurance. Those earlier stops did not involve impairment, but they highlighted ongoing issues with her driving record. The California Highway Patrol handled the arrest, emphasizing road safety in their statements. Witnesses described the BMW moving erratically, nearly causing accidents, which prompted the initial calls to authorities. Spears cooperated during the process, according to reports. Reactions and Her Social Media Silence Her representative released a statement soon after the news broke, calling the event "completely inexcusable" and "unfortunate." The rep added that loved ones hope this serves as a turning point for positive change in her life, with plans to offer support. Public figures and fans expressed worry online, with posts sharing the story and urging compassion for the star. Advertisement Advertisement Across social platforms, fans and followers shared a mix of concern and encouragement, posting messages that urged understanding and care for the star. Many recalled her public battles and victories, including the massive #FreeBritney effort that helped end her conservatorship. Screenshot from Clown World 's post/X Before the arrest, her Instagram featured bold, sometimes erratic content, including racy photos and cryptic messages. Following her release, she deleted posts and deactivated her account, a move she has made before during tough times. Some reports noted she reactivated it briefly, but as of now, it remains offline. This step fueled speculation about her state of mind, with followers checking for updates. Her team has not commented further on the social media decision. What's Next for the Icon Spears is scheduled to appear in court on May 4, 2026, to address the charges stemming from the arrest. The results of her blood test will play a key role in determining whether formal DUI charges move forward, which could bring penalties such as fines, license restrictions, or required programs under state law. This incident arrives more than four years after she regained control of her life and career following the end of her conservatorship. Advertisement Advertisement Since then, she has focused on personal freedom, released a memoir sharing her side of the story, and continued connecting with fans through music and social media. Supporters have already begun rallying with messages of solidarity, echoing the support she received during tougher times. Screenshot from Clown World 's post/X Spears has not made any public comments since the event, but her history shows she often addresses personal matters on her own timeline when she feels ready. Right now, the emphasis from those close to her centers on her well-being and the possibility of positive steps forward. Fans continue to send love and hope that she receives the help she needs during this challenging moment. What do you think? Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers have put their money where their mouths are in the fight against transphobia. The Las Culturistas podcast hosts, while receiving the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 2026 GLAAD Media Awards, announced they were donating $10,000 to Equality Kansas in response to the state's recent and immediate revocation of transgender people's driver's licenses. Onstage at the Beverly Hilton Thursday, the pair called the Republican-controlled legislature's act "unconscionable and inhumane." "We cant accept this award without condemning the rampant, active transphobia from this administration and its supporters. And we are also here to let them know in advance that they are fighting a losing battle," Rogers said. "Because when we gather in rooms like this, we are always going to have each other's backs." Advertisement Advertisement "If youre in this room tonight, you are a leader in our community of LGBTQ+ people and allies, which also means that you are one of the fortunate ones who is able to materially enjoy a room like this while so many are not," Rogers added. "Our message to those people who are not here tonight, many in frightening places, is that you are not alone. You are not left behind by us. You are our family and everyone here will fight for you and alongside you." Trans rights and the fight for them were top of mind at the 37th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Accepting an award for Outstanding TV Journalism Segment alongside Jonathan Capehart and Eugene Daniels, Laverne Cox received a standing ovation for her remarks condemning the rise of American fascism and political attacks against trans people. "Nothing that is going on should be normalized. Experts are saying we are on our way to a genocide of trans Americans," the trans actress warned. She slammed the well-funded right-wing political structure seeking to "systemically dehumanize trans people to make us subhuman." Brushing aside the claim of "protecting women and children," Cox said that if conservatives actually believed this, they would "prosecute the motherfuckers who are in the Epstein files." Sarah Kate Ellis, the CEO of GLAAD, delivered hopeful remarks about the power of community to conquer the lies about LGBTQ+ people in media. "We know who we are," Ellis said. "We believe in freedom. We believe in letting people be who they are. We believe in love. We are rebels. We are the original influencers. And we are undeniable. So lets share our voices, our stories, our whole selves. Lets give it our all. Together, this big, powerful, diverse, patriotic family will continue building a future thats fair, a future thats just, and a future thats free." Advertisement Advertisement This year's GLAAD Awards also honored Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson with the LGBTQ+ media nonprofit's Vanguard Award and surprised the crowd with a prize for Liza Minnelli, who appeared onstage at the conclusion of the program with a phalanx of dancers. The audience sang "Happy Birthday" to the icon, with host Jonathan Bennett bringing out a cake with candles. "You make me so proud because you're strong and you stand up for what you believe. You really do. And it's so nice to be here with you," Liza told the crowd. This article originally appeared on Out: Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers donate 10k to Equality Kansas after anti-trans law RELATED Eric Danes posthumous memoir, My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, is set to be released on Nov. 3, with the late actor having made the deliberate decision to finish the book after being diagnosed with ALS in 2023. According to a Thursday press release, Penguin Random House announced that Dane wanted his daughters and readers to have these words. Publishing it as planned allows him to continue speaking, in his own voice, with the clarity and courage that defined him. He was working on the manuscript right up to the end, the release added. Advertisement Advertisement Maria Shrivers imprint, The Open Field, will publish the book. Eric Dane was working on the memoir, My Book of Days: A Memoir in Moments, seen above, up until his death on Feb. 19. Penguin Random House Dane, seen on the Netflix show Famous Last Words, wanted his family to know how much he loved them, according to Maria Shriver, whose imprint, The Open Field, is publishing the book. Netflix The author said she was honored that Dane, who tragically died at age 53 on Feb. 19 after a 10-month battle with the neurodegenerative disease, chose her team to release the memoir. He told me he wanted his family to know how much he loved them and he wanted to leave them a story they could be proud of, Shriver, 70, added. Dane told the publishing house before his death: I wake up every morning, and Im immediately reminded that this is real this illness, this challenge and thats exactly why Im writing this book. I want to capture the moments that shaped me the beautiful days, the hard ones, the ones I never took for granted so that if nothing else, people who read it will remember what it means to live with heart, the Greys Anatomy star continued. If sharing this helps someone find meaning in their own days, then my story is worth telling. According to Dane, seen above on Greys Anatomy, he wrote the book to capture the moments that shaped me. Randy Holmes/Abc-Tv/Kobal / Shutterstock A lot of what Dane was writing was for his daughters, Billie and Georgia, seen with their dad above in 2024. FilmMagic Advertisement Advertisement The memoirs official synopsis states, My Book of Days captures everything from the grind of his early years in Hollywood and the hard-won peace of sobriety to the profound clarity that came with his ALS diagnosis. Dane had a newfound perspective after being diagnosed with the disease: Our days are all we truly have. In his book, the Bad Boys: Ride or Die star also took time to reflect on life after he was gone, sharing thoughts meant for his daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14. Along with his memoir, Dane shared a final, public message to his girls, whom he shared with ex-wife Rebecca Gayheart, on the Netflix series Famous Last Words. Advertisement Advertisement In the interview, which was released after he passed, the Euphoria actor addressed the teenagers, noting: Fight with every ounce of your being and with dignity. When you face challenges, health or otherwise, fight. Dane, seen with his girls above, shared a heartbreaking final message to the teens, which aired on Netflix after his death. Rebecca Gayheart/Instagram Dane, who shared his girls with ex Rebecca Gayheart, said to Billie and Georgia: You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words. Rebecca Gayheart/Instagram Never give up. Fight until your last breath. This disease is slowly taking my body, but it will never take my spirit, Dane detailed. I hope Ive demonstrated that you can face anything. You can face the end of your days. You can face hell with dignity. Fight girls, and hold your heads high. Through tears, he expressed, Billie and Georgia, you are my heart. You are my everything. Good night. I love you. Those are my last words. Dane and Gayheart wed in 2004, but after 13 years of marriage, the Jawbreaker star filed for divorce in 2018. Last March, however, they called off their divorce. Dane, pictured on Famous Last Words, first shared his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. Netflix After the star seen here in a candid shot passed away, friends set up a GoFundMe for his daughters. Advertisement Advertisement The actress continued to show up for Dane throughout his ALS battle and later explained that she made the move in order to teach their daughters to be there for family even when times are at their worst. Gayheart also clarified that she and Dane hadnt lived together for eight years. After Danes death, a GoFundMe account was set up, which states that he left behind his devoted wife, Rebecca, and his two teenage daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world. Following his diagnosis, even as his own health declined, he remained deeply committed to helping others facing the same devastating disease. As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Erics friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs. Leo Grillo, a former actor and animal sanctuary founder, has been arrested on attempted kidnapping charges in connection to a former employee who won a $6.7 million wrongful-termination lawsuit against him. The United States Attorneys Office Central District of California announced that Grillo, 77, was arrested on Tuesday, March 3. He was scheduled to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 5. Grillo is the founder and leader of Acton-based animal welfare organization Dedication and Everlasting Love to Animals (DELTA) Rescue. Additionally, Grillo previously worked as a film actor and producer. Advertisement Advertisement The victim won a judgment of $6,680,950 in Los Angeles Superior Court in November 2024 after a jury found DELTA Rescue liable for wrongful termination, as well as other causes of legal action. DELTA Rescue is currently in the process of appealing that judgment. Former L.A. County Employee Charged With Trying to Scam Guthrie Family Amid Search for Savannahs Mom Nancy Grillo met with an individual in Burbank in December 2025 to discuss the wrongful-termination litigation. Prosecutors also said the duo discussed in coded language a documentary that was targeting his liability insurance company. During the meeting, Grillo allegedly asked the unnamed individual to use his contacts in Mexico to learn more about the victim who had successfully sued him. Advertisement Advertisement He continued speaking with the individual in January and used code to discuss a documentary in which the woman who beat him in trial would be kidnapped along with a family member and held hostage in Mexico. Grillo added that he believed she would be forced to cooperate with him and would settle the litigation while in captivity. Additionally, Grillo said he was willing to pay $100,000 to make the hostage plan happen. He also allegedly said he wanted her and her child to be flown out of an airfield in Lancaster. Grillo did not realize that the unnamed person he was coordinating the plan with was cooperating with law enforcement, and their conversations ultimately led to his arrest. The former actor mailed the person a check from Animals Are People Too for $20,000 in February. He confirmed that he wanted to get the victim on an airplane heading to Mexico, where she and her husband would be held hostage. The memo on the check read, Production, which was in line with the other terminology he used while discussing the kidnapping plot. Advertisement Advertisement The individual met with Grillo in Burbank again on Tuesday, March 3, and told him, Theyve got em. The person then showed Grillo a fake photograph on their cellphone, which seemingly showed the victim and a man tied up with zip ties. The victims mouth was also covered with duct tape in the photo. However, the individual then told Grillo that the plot didnt go according to plan and the victim and her husband had not yet left Lancaster. The person added that the couple would need to go somewhere other than Mexico. Imposter Charged With Trying to Scam Guthrie Family Could Face Significant Prison Time Grillo reportedly told the individual that he worried their sons could contact law enforcement, and he eventually wrote a check for $10,000 so that the individual would further help in the kidnapping plot. Advertisement Advertisement If Grillo is found guilty of the kidnapping charge, he could be sentenced to serve up to 20 years in federal prison. It is not currently clear if Grillo has entered a plea or retained legal representation. In 2010, Grillo starred in the film Magic alongside Yellowjackets star Samantha Hanratty, and in 2006, he was in the Katherine Heigl flick Zyzzyx Rd. He also executive produced both projects, according to IMDb. His first acting gig came in 1972 in an episode of Banacek. South Korean stocks have entered a bear market. Will the slide continue? - AFP via Getty Images After an ugly start to the week for the South Korean equities market, signs of a potential recovery were emerging on Wednesday. The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF EWY, a U.S.-listed exchange-traded fund that tracks an index of South Korean stocks, rebounded a sharp 1.5% on Wednesday. Thats after the ETF had tumbled more than 10% on Monday its biggest one-day decline since the COVID crash in 2020 before continuing its slide on Tuesday, according to a note Wednesday from Bespoke Investment Group. Most Read from MarketWatch BESPOKE INVESTMENT GROUP - The Iran conflict appeared to make investors exposed to South Korean stocks particularly nervous, as bombing in the Middle East has disrupted shipments of oil and natural gas that flow to Asia and elsewhere. South Koreas economy is particularly vulnerable to the disruption as its dependent on the rest of the world for energy products, said Kevin Khang, a senior economist at asset-management firm Vanguard, in an interview Wednesday. Crude-oil prices CL00 BRN00 have jumped this week amid fighting in the Middle East, but an easing in their climb on Wednesday appeared to help the iShares MSCI South Korea ETFs rebound as the White House signaled support for the oil trade. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday on CNBC that the U.S. was pledging more support for the oil trade in the Persian Gulf, after President Donald Trump earlier announced measures such as U.S. Navy escorts for oil shippers, if needed. AI trade Meanwhile, the South Korean equities market should continue to benefit from the artificial-intelligence trade, as Korean companies Samsung Electronics KR:005930 and SK Hynix KR:000660 supply memory chips needed for the buildout of artificial-intelligence infrastructure, according to Khang. The top two holdings of the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF were Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix as recently as March 3. The fund remains up a massive 38% so far this year through Wednesday even after its plunge earlier this week, according to FactSet data. The AI boom has helped fueled the run-up in the South Korean equities market, which still looks relatively cheap compared to the U.S., said Khang. Just last Friday, South Koreas benchmark stock-market index KR:180721 traded as high as 6,347 and was showing a year-to-date return of 50%. Come Wednesdays close, the KOSPI was barely clinging to the 5,000 level and its return for 2026 had contracted to just 21%. _ Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have mostly stayed quiet about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's scandals over the years. But once just once the Duke of Sussex broke that silence. Keep reading to learn more MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more top news MEGA _ The British royal family is facing a crisis following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest by U.K. police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The move came weeks after the U.S. Justice Department released emails suggesting he had passed along sensitive government documents to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as Britain's trade envoy. Despite years of scrutiny over the former Duke of York's ties to Epstein, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have avoided speaking publicly about the former Prince Andrew with one notable exception. MEGA _ Prince Harry addressed the controversy directly in his 2023 memoir, Spare, while recounting a conversation he and Meghan Markle had as they worried about their taxpayer-funded security being taken away after they stepped back as senior royals. Harry pushed back against the idea, writing that he told his wife, "not in the wake of my Uncle Andrew [Mountbatten-Windsor]. He was embroiled in a shameful scandal, accused of the s***** assault of a young woman, [Virginia Giuffre,] and no one had so much as suggested that he lose his security. Whatever grievances people had against us, s** crimes weren't on the list." But the former Duke of York kept his security while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex lost theirs. MEGA _ According to a recent report, Prince Harry has long been unhappy about comparisons to his uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor since both were forced to step back as senior working royals. "He was frustrated by the comparisons. It was never fair to lump them together," a source told People. "Harry served his country, did the job well and never engaged in misconduct yet lost security and housing, while Andrew was protected for years." MEGA Advertisement Advertisement _ During a sit-down interview with Britain's Channel 4 during a two-day humanitarian visit to Jordan with wife Meghan Markle the week after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, Prince Harry declined to answer questions about his uncle. As the interview began, the Channel 4 reporter acknowledged the police investigation into the former Duke of York's actions, saying, "I understand you don't wish to talk about your family, your uncle, things back in London. You're here because you don't want to distract from the work you're doing on the [World Health Organization] and on Gaza." Harry then answered questions about the purpose of his trip, which highlighted the need for aid to support refugees from Gaza and Syria. Supplied by Capital Pictures / MEGA _ Prince Harry didn't want to distract from his humanitarian trip to Jordan by talking about his disgraced Uncle Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. "The duke said everything he needed to say some time ago," a source close to Harry told Newsweek. "What matters now is truth, accountability and justice for the victims." A little piece of advice for parents from Lauren Sanchez: Read to your kids, if just for 10 minutes. The newlywed who married billionaire Jeff Bezos in Italy over the summer appeared on the Today show Tuesday to promote her latest childrens book, The Fly Who Flew Under the Sea. The glow-in-the dark tale is the licensed pilots follow-up to 2024s Fly Who Flew to Space, about a bug named Flynn who accidentally got trapped on the space shuttle and has quite the adventure. Sanchez, who has a home in South Florida, told co-host Craig Melvin that the bonding experience of reading with children releases oxytocin, also known as the hormone of attachment. Advertisement Advertisement The 56-year-old mom of three also touched on how the picture-filled book is ideal for those with dyslexia, a learning disability that makes it harder to read words accurately. The former Extra anchor knows of what she speaks: Sanchez was diagnosed with dyslexia at age 19 after encountering problems with writing. I hid it for a really long time, admitted the New Mexico native, adding that one of her professors at El Camino community college in Los Angeles led her to get tested. She literally looked at me and goes, Youre not dumb, you just cant spell, said the Indian Creek Village resident, who dedicated the book to the journalism teacher Lori Medigovich. The educator actually popped up at a signing for Sanchezs first book in Pasadena back in 2024. In another video Sanchez again talks about the moment her life changed forever when Medigovich pulled her struggling student aside to seek answers. Advertisement Advertisement I went from almost failing out of school to making the deans list, Sanchez tells her followers. Thank you ... for helping me realize there wasnt something wrong with me, read the caption. I just learned differently. The Fly Who Flew Under the Sea is available on her tech titan husbands website Amazon for $14.36. When John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette married on September 21, 1996, they pulled off what seemed impossible even in the pre-social media era: a completely secret celebrity wedding. While the world obsessed over every detail of their relationship, the couple quietly exchanged vows in a tiny candlelit church on Cumberland Island, Georgia. No paparazzi. No leaked photos. Just two icons declaring their love for each other in front of just 35 of their closest family and friends as wild horses ran along the beach outside. Iconic! Nearly 30 years later, the wedding remains shrouded in mystery, with countless outlets mining Rosemarie Terenzio's 2024 book JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral History for details. But on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, Terenziowho was John's executive assistant and one of his closest friendschatted exclusively with Parade and went even further in detail. During our call, she revealed the truth behind every tabloid rumorfrom whether Carolyn showed up on time to specific details about the dress, the ringand the extraordinary lengths the couple went to in order to keep their big day a secret. Terenzio didn't actually attend the wedding herself. In a brilliant move, she stayed behind in New Yorkspecifically to throw the media off the scent. However, she was intimately involved in every detail of the planning. Advertisement Advertisement Read on for our exclusive interview with the author behind JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Historynow available in paperback edition. SIGN UP for Parades Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox JFK Jr. and Rosemarie Terenzio sit courtside at a New York Knicks game.Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News via Getty Images (Linda Cataffo/NY Daily News via Getty Images) The Story Behind Carolyn Bessettes Wedding Dress, According to JFK Jr.s Former Assistant Narciso RodriguezCarolyn's close friend who was working for Cerruti at the timecreated the now-legendary bias-cut slip dress. The design process was intensely collaborative. "She and Narcisothey collaborated a ton on that dress," Terenzio says. "She went to Paris for fittings." What made the dress revolutionary was how perfectly it reflected Carolyn's daily aesthetic rather than bridal convention. "If you took that dress in a navy blue and cut it at the knee, Carolyn could have worn that dress to a party," Terenzio shares. "It wasn't like, 'Oh, it's my wedding, so I'm going to go all out and do something I would never.' You know what I mean?" Advertisement Advertisement The bias cut was deliberate: "She loved a bias cut because it looked great on her. When you're 5'10 and you look like her, a bias cut looks amazing on you. If you look at his fashion line, there's a lot of that aesthetic in it." But comfort trumped everything. "Carolyn did not like adorned or ornate things," Terenzio tells Parade. "I think she was kind of the kind of girl who was like, 'I'm going to dance at my wedding and I want to have a good time, and I want to be in a dress that I'm comfortable in.'" Related: From the Dress to the Drama: JFK Jr. & Carolyns Wedding Happens Tonight on FXs Love Story How Much Did Carolyn Bessette's Wedding Dress Cost? Rodriguez gifted it to hermaking it literally and figuratively priceless. Did Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Have an Engagement Ring? Yes, and it was distinctly her styleno traditional solitaire. "It was kind of like an eternity band with diamonds and sapphires, Terenzio confirms. The Story Behind Carolyn Bessettes Wedding Dress, Told by JFK Jr.s Former Assistant She wasn't actually latebut getting to the ceremony involved bouncing down a beach in the back of a truck. Advertisement Advertisement The First African Baptist Church on Cumberland Island had no electricity and presented some logistical challenges. "I think everyone was kind of late because they were getting married in a very tiny church and there was no electricity in the church," Terenzio explains to Parade. "They had to bring chairs down and they had to drive them on the beach." Here's where it gets good. "Carolyn didn't have to sit on the floor of the truck or the seat of the truck driving down the beachshe had to sit on a chair in the back of the truck," Terenzio continues. "Because she didn't want her dress to wrinkle, so she sat on her knees on a chair in the back of the truck." As for the rumors that Carolyn arrived late to her own wedding? "There were only 35 people at the wedding and if she was in fact late, I don't know how she could be late because they were all on the same island," Terenzio explains. Why JFK Jr. Insisted on Marrying Carolyn Bessette in This Tiny Island Church John was adamant about getting married at the First African Baptist Churchand the reason why is deeply moving. One of John's cousins had told him a story that when [his uncle] Robert Kennedy was shot, Beulah Albertythe deacon of the churchcame racing down to tell everyone around the island. The entire island gathered and they had a service in that church for Bobby. Advertisement Advertisement That's why when people suggested he could just get married on the dunes or at the Greyfield compound, he insisted on the churcheven though it had no electricity and required hauling chairs down the beach on trucks. Related: Meet Ethel Kennedys 34 Grandchildren: Inside the Next Generation of the Family Dynasty JFK Jr.s Former Assistant Reveals the Brands Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Actually Wore Her wardrobe mixed Prada with Gap Kidsyes, really. But the most surprising source was Gap Kids. "We used to go to Gap and she would find these t-shirts," Terenzio recalls. "I remember one had 'princess' in small cursive and it had a cute little shoe like Cinderella. She was like, 'Oh my god, that's so cute.' [I agreed] and she's like, 'We should get them!' And we would get themthey were Gap Kids t-shirts in extra large." Advertisement Advertisement She also loved Pearl River Mart. "They just had this really beautiful cotton and they were perfect," Terenzio says. For designer pieces, the list reads like a minimalist's dream. "She loved Prada," Terenzio says. "And Yohji Yamamotoshe wore Yohji a lot because she loved his clothes, but also because Yohji didn't advertise anywhere, so she wouldn't show favoritism to one advertiser over another advertising in George." Other favorites included Comme des Garcons, Ann Demeulemeesterand of courseCalvin Klein. Related: 90s Minimalist and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Style Is Everywhere, and These 5 Pieces Under $50 Nail the Look JFK Jr.s Former Assistant Reveals Carolyn Bessette Kennedys Signature Perfume Carolyn had a signature scent, but it's not what you'd expect from someone married to a Kennedy. "She wore Egyptian Musk," Terenzio reveals. "And she bought it on the corner of Houston and West Broadway from a street vendor." The choice was quintessentially downtown New York in the 1990sa $15 oil that smelled perfect, rather than a $300 designer bottle. So chic! Carolyn's signature scentEgyptian Muskcurrently retails for $18.99.Photo by Diane Freed on Getty Images (Photo by Diane Freed on Getty Images) What Makeup Did Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Wear? Her Surprisingly Simple 2-Product Routine Her entire makeup routine consisted of exactly two products. "She didn't wear much makeup," Terenzio confirms. "She wore this Donna Karan tinted moisturizer. I remember that. And she wore Bobbi Brown Ruby lipstick." Did Carolyn Bessette Kennedy Dye Her Hair? JFK Jr.s Former Assistant Sets the Record Straight Terenzio shuts down the tabloid rumor that Carolyn wanted to dye her hair black for the wedding: "Absolutely not. Not in a million years." JFK Jr.s Former Assistant Reveals How the Couple Kept Their Wedding Secret The level of secrecy required was intensedown to midnight printing sessions at the George magazine office. Advertisement Advertisement "We printed the programs at like 10 o'clock at night on the George printer because we didn't want it to get out," Terenzio reveals. "In the first batch, the paper was too thick to fit through the printer. So we had to go buy new paper the next day and come back the next night." Terenzio herself stayed behind as a decoy. "I decided not to go because I was going to be there by myself and I didn't want to be there by myself," she explains. "And I also knew there was going to be an onslaught of media and inquiries and all of that. I was afraid that if I wasn't there, they would be suspicious and start descending upon the island somehow, so I stayed behind." Terenzio poses with her 2012 memoirFairy Tale Interruptedthat explores her unlikely friendship with JFK Jr. In 2024, she released JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral History. The Touching Moment Carolyn Bessette Shared Before Walking Down the Aisle Even on the eve of her wedding, Carolyn was worried about her friend feeling left out. "I remember I was down at the apartment right before she was leaving and we walked out together. She was like, 'Are you sure you're not going to come? I feel bad, I feel like I'm leaving you behind,'" Terenzio recalls. Advertisement Advertisement The next day brought a reality check. "She called me and she asked me if it was in the papers. She's like, 'Oh is it in any of the papers?' I'm like, 'Excuse me, the world is blown up with ityeah!'" The paperback edition of JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral History is now available wherever books are sold. Next up: Meet Paul Anthony Kelly: FXs JFK Jr. and the Internets New Obsession This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Im very indiscreet in interviews, John Banville says. Weve spent a lively afternoon in his house in the Dublin suburb of Howth. The wine has been flowing, and he doesnt mind me lighting a cigarette. I always get shouted at afterwards, but whats the point of doing an interview if youre going to be circumspect? By this stage, he didnt need to state his indiscretion policy. The man widely regarded as Irelands greatest living writer, renowned for his bejewelled sentences, has already told me that his countrys 1916 uprising was a disaster, and enabled a bunch of fanatics to take over. He has described himself as not a good father, and explained how for 40 years I divided my time between two women. As for his latest novel, which were supposedly here to discuss, its a hard book to love. The novel in question is Venetian Vespers, which, for the record, I did love. With its combination of carefully wrought prose and page-turning mystery plot, its a kind of halfway house between the uncompromisingly literary works that made Banvilles name and the thrillers hes published every couple of years since 2005 initially under the pseudonym Benjamin Black, until Banville killed Black off in 2021. Although he does them as well as I can, hes ruffled crime writers feathers by not regarding these as real novels. So does he mind that, as I discovered at Gatwick, if you go into a bookshop now, youre more likely to find his thrillers than any of the masterpieces he laboured over: for instance, 1989s Booker-shortlisted The Book of Evidence, or 2005s Booker-winning The Sea, or what hes called his last real novel, 2022s The Singularities? Advertisement Advertisement Good God, no, Banville replies. I mean, theyre very difficult books. Theyre certainly not airport books. I was on a plane once and I saw a guy settling down, opening a book Id just published, and after about a page and a half He performs an amused impersonation of someone looking both baffled and indignant. Now a well-preserved 80, Banville was born in 1945 to lower middle-class parents in Wexford. Despite their wishes, he decided against university. I wish Id had the three years of irresponsibility and drinking, he says, but Im so glad I escaped academe. Instead, aged 17, he moved to Dublin and worked for Aer Lingus, taking full advantage of the cheap tickets to which he was entitled, and travelling the world: It was the best choice I ever made. I went to Paris, Rome, Greece. I remember flying first class on Lufthansa to San Francisco for two pounds. In the late 1960s, he became a newspaper sub-editor, and ended up as The Irish Timess literary editor from 1988 to 1999. Banville in 1996, nearing the end of his stint as The Irish Timess literary editor - Sophie Bassouls/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images By then, he was also an established novelist although not one who had ever been keen on what he saw as his countrys parochialism. I was going to be an international novelist of ideas, he says looking back, with a half-indulgent, half-mocking chuckle. So I read people like Thomas Mann, [Rainer Maria] Rilke. I was especially fond of the Germans because I took myself very solemnly. But I was in my 20s. We all make fools of ourselves in our 20s but, my God, it was so wonderful to be young as well. As Ive got older, Ive become more playful, and more aware of my own ridiculousness. Theres something wonderfully comic about being old. I dont just mean forgetting why you came upstairs. But to see oneself falling to pieces, theres a certain dark comedy in that which I enjoy. Advertisement Advertisement Banvilles age also means that he writes less. I used to be able to work 10 hours a day. I can only work two or three now. So I start later and later so I stay away from the booze. I put to him Kingsley Amiss observation that the trouble with retirement is theres no reason not to drink. Exactly, he replies, lifting his glass. And theres many reasons to drink. But this clearly isnt the only reason hes unlikely to call it a day. I dont know what people do who dont write, he says, sounding genuinely puzzled. There are many reasons to drink, Banville declares - Cathal McNaughton for The Telegraph Meanwhile, if his internationalist pretensions now strike him as funny, hes still no Irish nationalist. Theres a phrase here You have to wear the green jersey. You have to be on the team. Ive never believed in that nonsense. When one of the reports came out about child abuse in Ireland, I wrote a New York Times piece saying everybody knew. We knew in the same way that people living beside Belsen knew and didnt know. That didnt make me any friends in establishment Ireland. If Id written it in The Irish Times, nobody would have cared. But I went outside the country and criticised it. That was the unforgivable sin. Advertisement Advertisement Banville bears an abiding hostility to the Catholic Church that dominated Ireland for much of his life. When I went to Eastern Europe in the 1970s, I thought: Its Ireland. They had the Communist Party running their lives; we had the Catholic Church. So was he surprised by how quickly its power crumbled from the early 1990s onwards? Oh, that was amazing, he replies. The Catholic Church is no longer a state terrorist organisation. He also recalls, with happy incredulity, the 2015 Irish referendum that approved same-sex marriage. Dublin was in carnival. I thought, Am I hallucinating? This is not the Ireland I grew up in. Still, even in throwing off the Church, Ireland doesnt escape Banvilles scepticism: Any really grown-up nation would have gone through a period of trauma after the collapse of what theyd believed in for so long. It took us about three weeks. Another cultural change of recent years, I suggest, is that unashamedly literary novels, of which Banville has written around 20, no longer occupy such a central place in the culture. Yes, the big beasts, thats all over. Does anybody read John Updike now? Saul Bellow? I very much doubt it. In 2005 Banville won the Man Booker Prize for his novel The Sea - Chris Jackson/Getty Images So does he regret having devoted his own life to serious art? In his 1982 novella The Newton Letter, his narrator talks of all those high cold heroes who renounce the world and human happiness to pursue the big picture of the intellect. Does that have a tinge of autobiography? Advertisement Advertisement Theres a certain irony there, Banville points out. But its absolutely true that I wasnt a good father. I loved my children, but I didnt give enough time to them. Patricia, the mother of my two daughters, has never forgiven me for saying in an interview that Id exchange my children for a good paragraph. I suppose I shouldnt have said that. But, although I was joking, it did express something about the ruthlessness of the artist. (In 2016, Banville found himself in what he learnt to call a Twitterstorm when he said that no writer is ever a good father and David Simon, creator of the TV drama The Wire, memorably tweeted in response, Speak for yourself, f---nuts.) Ive been very fortunate, he says, that the people around me understood I had a project. Works of art would have to be written. And so to his somewhat tangled love life, and the two women between whom he divided those 40 years: his wife Janet Dunham, with whom he had two sons and who died of Covid in 2021, and Patricia Quinn, whom he met when he was in his 40s: Behind my back people used to call me the bigamist, but I loved them both, and still do. The two women made the best of a difficult situation, Patricia more so than Janet, who felt Id betrayed my vows to her which I had. But I cherish my four children equally, and theyre friendly with each other. Despite griefs and regrets, Im infinitely more fortunate than I deserve to be. Oddly, Banville seems more willing to talk about this stuff than about his far too many novels which he claims both to dislike and largely to have forgotten. Somebody asked Iris Murdoch, why did she write so many books, and she said, I always hope that the next one will exonerate me for all the ones that have gone before. Thats exactly my opinion. The next one is going to be a masterpiece and live through the ages. I know rationally that itll be just another damn book, but Then, just as he seems to be overdoing the self-deprecation, he applies a quote of Larkins to himself: I dont think I write particularly well just better than everybody else. Advertisement Advertisement John Banville will be in conversation with Suzi Feay at Oxford Literary Festival, in partnership with the Telegraph, on Wednesday March 25. Tickets: oxfordliteraryfestival.org; Telegraph subscribers can save 20 per cent with the code 26TEL20 Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. An expert is speculating that Nancy Guthries kidnapper may be stalking her memorial. Since her disappearance on February 1, tributes outside her Tucson home have been growing. Those who live in the vicinity are showing their love and support by leaving flowers, notes, art and other tributes. Her daughter, Today Show co-host Savannah Guthrie, along with her two siblings, made a pilgrimage and contributed yellow flowers to the memorial on March 2. Nancy Guthrie has been missing for over a month now Photo Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images RadarOnline reported the suspect may be keeping tabs on the growing memorial at Nancys house. This was theorized by Betsy Brantner Smith, a retired police sergeant and National Police Association spokesperson. Advertisement Advertisement They could [have eyes on the memorial], were just not seeing it, she told Fox News Digital. They could be keeping track of it, but were not seeing the cameras. During their visit to the site, Savannah locked arms with her sister Annie and brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni. This was the first time the anchor was seen in public, aside from videos pleading for her mothers return. The tearful family members hugged as they viewed the touching scene. Savannah then went back home to New York City, visiting with her Today Show colleagues on March 5. A fans video showed her hugging her co-workers outside Rockefeller Centers Studio 1A. The visit also helped put to rest the speculation that Savannah was leaving her co-host gig. She has been in her current job at the Today Show since 2012. Advertisement Advertisement According to a show spokesperson, Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her Today colleagues. While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home. On Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, Jenna Bush Hager confirmed Savannahs plan to return to work. She said that she has the intention to return to the show. Even though it feels like the hardest thing to do, its also her home and where she feels so loved, she said. TELL US WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR SAVANNAH TO RETURN TO WORK? The post How Nancy Guthrie Kidnapper Could Be Keeping Track of Memorial Outside Home With Cameras Expert appeared first on Reality Tea. A friend of Corey Harrison is asking fans for monetary help after the reality TV stars devastating accident. For those unversed, Harrison was injured in a serious motorcycle accident in Tulum, Mexico, in January this year. According to a GoFundMe page, the 42-year-old is suffering from 11 breaks in his rib cage, a concussion, and internal bleeding. Pawn Stars Corey Harrisons friend launches GoFundMe to get fan support amid motorcycle accident Corey Harrisons friend is seeking financial aid for the Pawn Stars alums medical bills after a horrific motorcycle accident. Harrisons friend Aron Chambers launched a GoFundMe detailing the intricacies of the unfortunate accident and requesting monetary support from fans. The goal is to collect $18,000 to cover his medical bills. After multiple life-saving surgeries, the reality TV personality now needs over $100,000 for medical bills after draining his finances. Chambers is seeking help, claiming Harrison emptied his entire bank account and used his credit cards. He reportedly has $400 in his bank account and is indebted to his father and friends who loaned him money (via TMZ). Advertisement Advertisement On the GoFundMe page, Chambers explained, Being on television and part of Pawn Stars fame doesnt come with a built-in safety net for emergencies like this medical crises dont care about celebrity status. Further, he wrote, This fundraiser is our lifeline to get him through this. Chambers reasons that asking for financial help isnt easy for someone as independent as Harrison. However, this accident has changed everything, and we cant do it alone. His friend went on to share that Harrison is the same resilient guy and thanked fans for their generous donations. Previously, Harrison told TMZ that he isnt associated with Pawn Stars anymore but receives residual checks from reruns of the popular reality TV series. His father, Rick Harrison, told the outlet, Corey is a grown man, and he will deal with his life as he sees fit. The post Pawn Stars Corey Harrisons Friend Requests Fan Support After Motorcycle Accident appeared first on Mandatory. NEED TO KNOW Janelle Brown has officially moved into her new North Carolina home after years of sharing updates on its construction She detailed her whirlwind move-in week and offered a look inside the abode in multiple Instagram posts The home sits on 156 acres shared with her daughter Madison Brush and son-in-law Caleb Brush Her cross-country move came after she ended her plural marriage with Sister Wives co-star Kody Brown Janelle Brown has finally moved into her newly constructed North Carolina home! The Sister Wives star documented her whirlwind move-in week in an Instagram Reel earlier this week, and she also gave her followers a glimpse inside her new abode in a video tour. Advertisement Advertisement Ok so last week ended up being one for the books, Brown explained in her caption. I didnt plan to travel to Mexico the same week I closed on, and moved into my house, but it ended up that way. Brown reveals she spent four days in beautiful Cancun on a trip with her former sister wife Christine Brown, Christines husband David Woolley and another friend of theirs. We almost didnt go because of the concerns in the news, but after checking the state department website and watching flights from the Cancun airport we went, she continues, referring to the recent unrest in the country. Included in the video were snaps of Janelle sightseeing with the group, as well as a few selfies of her soaking up the sun. She then shared a photo of her getting the keys to her home and finally being able to move into the abode. Advertisement Advertisement I am tired today and there is so much still left to do. But I am so happy and so excited, she concluded the caption. In an earlier post, Brown finally offered a look inside the home after updating her followers on its development over the last couple of years. Today is the day! My house is finished. Here is what it looks like walking in, she captioned the video. The kitchen Credit: Janelle Brown/Instagram As she opens the door to her empty abode, a massive living area with a fireplace can be seen immediately. She makes her way towards the kitchen which features a center island and stone countertops while offering a look at the high ceilings the property boasts. The bathroom Credit: Janelle Brown/Instagram The space appears to have a connected dining area with doors leading outside to the deck. She then walks into what appears to be the primary bedroom which overlooks the front porch. In the attached bathroom, the massive space boasts dual sinks, a soaking tub and a separate shower. Janelles new North Carolina abode is located on a 156-acre plot of land that she previously purchased with her daughter Madison Brush and son-in-law Caleb Brush. She first told her followers about the big purchase in December 2024 and has been providing plenty of updates on the property's development since. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Of the propertys layout, she later noted that her daughters house would be located "maybe 100" yards away door to door, facing one another. Together, the trio Janelle, her daughter Madison and Madisons husband Caleb all founded Taeda Farms, whose motto is "building beauty from the ground up." Read the original article on People Getting a bombshell makeover in the Middle East left this siren shellshocked. Alma Verseau, a content creator from Dubai, ran to Iran for the rhinoplasty of her dreams. But when the Twelve-Day War with Israel erupted in the country during her post-op stay last June, there was virtually nowhere for the brunette to run. Verseau shared trending footage of herself in fear for her life after undergoing rhinoplasty in Iran amid the war. TikTok / @alma.verseau Rare aesthetic: You got to Iran for a nose job with your best friend and get stuck in war, Verseau captioned a recent clip of herself, bandaged and sobbing while chaos ensued. Advertisement Advertisement Footage of the fray has garnered over 2.2 million views, as well as a flurry of rebukes from alarmed onlookers questioning why shed risk her life by undergoing cosmetic surgery in a notoriously troubled land. In a world with Turkey, YOU CHOOSE IRAN???, barked a confused commenter, noting the trendy popularity of Istanbul-based procedures. What possessed u to go to Iran in these times? another wondered aloud. Ive never heard a single person say Im going to Iran for a nose job, an equally cynical naysayer scoffed. True, Iran may not seem like the ideal getaway for going under the knife especially amid the current disarray. Advertisement Advertisement The US launched Operation Epic Fury against the Iranian regimen on Feb. 28, which War Secretary Pete Hegseth has described as, precise strikes taking out the better part of Irans navy, making it combat ineffective, neutralizing missile sites and launchers, and establishing total dominance over the skies we fly over and seas we fly over. Iran is at the epicenter of unrest in the Middle East. AP Still, Iran has been revered as rhinoplasty capital of the world, per data, with its capital, Tehran, serving as a top hotspot for a schnoz chop due to low costs. The price of an Iranian nose job in 2026 runs the gamut from $1,500 to $3,500, compared to Turkey, where the operation ranges between $2,500 and $5,500, according to reports. In the US, the revamp can set folks back upwards of $10,000. But Verseau told her social media fans she had no clue that opting for the surgery in Iran would nearly cost her life. Verseau explained that her best friend, who is Persian, recommended her Iran-based surgeon for the procedure. TikTok / @alma.verseau This was not predicted. Nothing like this had happened [in Iran] in over 40 years, she said. So it was definitely a shock when it did happen. Advertisement Advertisement Luckily, Verseau and her grief were able to escape the danger by fleeing to a family members house in a nearby village. Alor of people are asking why I would get my nose done in Iran instead of a place like Turkey, the belle acknowledged, revealing that she went to the same Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) doctor that her Iranian friend had previously used. The procedure was really good. And Verseau isnt the only show-stopper to make a quick, potentially deadly stop in Iran for the facial enhancement. The women were stunned to find themselves trapped in a war-torn area after undergoing rhinoplasty surgeries. TikTok / @spliyam Liya, a lifestyle influencer, and a gal pal also took their lives into her own hands by traveling to the war zone for a rhino re-do. Got a nose job in Iran, she wrote in the closed-captions of a post. Woke up to the sound of bombs for 12 nights. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is featured in Americas Soundtrack, a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The release of Americas Soundtrack includes a choral rendition of Battle Hymn of the Republic, which is commonly known as one of the most performed works by the Tabernacle Choir. In 1959, their performance of the hymn even earned a Grammy award in the Best Performance by a Vocal Group or Chorus category. Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square Featured in Americas Soundtrack (Courtesy: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) Americas Soundtrack is a music collection created by America250, a national organization leading the celebration for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The collection also features other performances, including America, by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and American Promise, a newly commissioned orchestral work by composer Karen LeFrak. There are expected to be more additions in the next few days. Advertisement Advertisement Music unifies us in a way few things can, said America250 Chair Rosie Rios. As we engage all 350 million Americans in the 250th anniversary of the United States, Americas Soundtrack will give us a powerful way to connect through a shared cultural language music. We are wrapping our arms around each other: Wayne County resident speaks out after triple homicide The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the involvement of the Tabernacle Choir in a press release on Thursday and included a link to the Tabernacle Choirs feature. The music of the Tabernacle Choir inspires feelings of hope and peace, said Tabernacle Choir President and former Utah Governor Michael O. Leavitt. Our mission is to help people feel a connection with the divine. Advertisement Advertisement The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is participating in America250 in other ways as well. The church is working to donate truckloads of food to 250 food banks across the United States, as well as launching FamilySearch America250, a website that helps show that every family has contributed to the American story. The churchs continued contributions to American250 can be found here. Latest headlines: Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Quincy's most famous Celtic punk rock group is having a concert that can be streamed for free today. The Dropkick Murphys are having a benefit concert in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to advocate for the abolition of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in the aftermath of the killings of two Minneapolis: a mother named Renee Good and a Veterans Affairs ICU nurse named Alex Pretti. "Help us support the warriors whove stepped up to protect our neighbors and our democracy," the band said on Instagram. Advertisement Advertisement Longtime opponents of President Donald Trump and outspoken critics of his current administration, the Massachusetts punk rockers will also be raising money for activist organizations in Minnesota. It'll be free to attend in person and watch online. Here's how to stream it. How to watch free Dropkick Murphys memorial concert If you're not in Minneapolis at the time of the show, you can still attend virtually. You can go to https://abolishice.live/ to watch the livestream, where it will begin 2 p.m. ET. Accounting for the time difference from Minneapolis to New England, the Dropkick Murphys should start playing at 3:30 ET, according to the Instagram post. Lead singer Ken Casey fires up the crowd. The Dropkick Murphys debut their new album For the People" as pat of the Quincy 400 celebration. The Dropkicks started their band in Quincy in 1996. Thousands turned out for free concert in Quincy Square on Saturday July 12, 2025 Have the Dropkick Murphys made a statement on ICE? The Dropkick Murphys made more than a statement on the Department of Homeland Security agency. They wrote a song about them called Citizen I.C.E., which was released a week after Pretti's death. Advertisement Advertisement "You've joined the traitor's ranks to play the hand of God," the lyrics read. "In a scumbag grifter's kidnapping squad." The band's frontman Ken Casey called the January killings terrible and that he hopes that Dropkick Murphys' shows will persuade some people who still believe Pretti's and Good's deaths were justified to fix their hearts. When are the Dropkick Murphys playing in Boston In time for St. Patrick's Day, the Dropkick Murphys will be performing inside Boston's MGM Music Hall at Fenway next week, specifically from the March 13 through March 15. They will also perform Citizens House of Blues in Boston on March 17. Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Dropkick Murphys anti-ICE Benefit Concert: How to watch free today Germany's IG Metall union has suffered a setback at Tesla Inc.'s Gigafactory in Berlin after it failed to secure a majority at a key election in the plant. IG Metall Loses Election On Wednesday, Gigafactory Berlin's Director Andre Thierig shared the news via a post on the social media platform X, hailing it as "good news" for the facility situated in Gruenheide near Berlin. "The union share was reduced from nearly 40% in 2024 to 31% in 2026!" Therig shared, adding that it was a "clear message" that the workers at the factory were moving "towards an independent co-determination!" BREAKING! IG Metall did not succeed in Giga Berlins works council election earlier today. The union share was reduced from nearly 40% in 2024 to 31% in 2026! This is a clear message by theGiga Berlin team towards an independent co-determination! The list called Giga Don't Miss: Per Reuters on Wednesday, the union said that Tesla's management has been stoking anti-union sentiments in the facility's workforce. The union is a majority at councils across Germany's automotive industry. Workforce Cuts, Falling Sales The news comes as Tesla reportedly cut its workforce at the facility, with the EV giants current workforce at the facility comprising 1683 women, 9006 men and 14 non-binary persons, which is over 1700 employees less than 2024's employee figure. It's worth noting that Tesla has denied cutting its workforce at the plant. See Also: Before the IPO: How One Company Quietly Locked Up 500+ Iconic Character Rights Tesla has also reported falling sales in the European market, with the company's January sales dropping 17% in the region as rival BYD Co. Ltd. reported a 165% surge in sales, continuing its strong, sustained momentum overseas amid a domestic sales slip. Meanwhile, Tesla announced a price hike of the Cybertruck's affordable Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive variant by $10,000, with the lineup now starting at $69,990 for the base trim and going all the way up to $99,990 for the top-spec Cyberbeast trim level. Photo courtesy: Shutterstock Read Next: Harry Styles album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally is finally here, giving fans 11 tracks worth of new lyrics to pore over while bopping along to his first plunge into the world of electronic dance music. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement Featuring a dozen songs total with lead single Aperture dropping in January and topping the Billboard Hot 100 the pop stars fourth studio album finds him in a contemplative state, searching for human connection and reflecting on the complexities of his existence. But while the sound of Styles new music is discernibly different from his past albums (2022s Harrys House, 2019s Fine Line and 2017s Harry Styles), Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally builds on the One Direction alums signature lyrical style, through which hes become known for describing scenes and emotions that are both vivid and ambiguous, allowing listeners to interpret them in endless ways. That can make it more difficult, however, for people to know what Styles songs truly mean to him but luckily, he opened up in an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music 1 about his inspirations for nearly all of the songs on the new LP, shedding new light on his creative process. From feeling transformed by the nightlife in Rome and Berlin where he spent extended periods of time while creating Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally to honing in on the mission statement of the project, Styles told Lowe in the March 4 interview that the through-line was allowing himself to be his most honest version of himself yet. The record for me is about how do I still have my experience while Im playing it? he said. It was like, what music do I have to make for me to be on stage feeling like Im in the middle of the dance floor? Check out Styles explanations for many of the songs on Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally below. Aperture Styles told Lowe of Aperture, Being able to just acknowledge when Ive been at fault for things has freed also my writing in such a way its why I think Aperture felt like a perfect start [to the album]. Aperture was so about the moment of realizing, like, No, I was in the wrong for something, and you can move forward when you acknowledge the things you dont know and therefore give yourself the space to let light come in. Advertisement Advertisement Key lyric: Its best you know what you dont/ Aperture lets the light in/ We belong together/ It finally appears its only love. American Girls Its actually quite a lonely song in a lot of ways, Styles said of American Girls. I watched my three closest friends get married, and actually seeing them trust in something and risk something to find something truly fulfilling in a way that isnt as like shiny and on paper as exciting. Watching them get married, I was like, Im single, so Im having all the fun. And American Girls is actually about watching them get married, and there just is a magic when you find the right person that you want to be with. I think watching them do that and seeing that it doesnt come without any uncertainty, it doesnt come without any risk. Key lyric: A face that knows her perfect lighting/ Cause time will show that you should try it/ Those American girls you spend your life with. Are You Listening Yet? That was kind of at a time I was doing shows in New York, Styles described Are You Listening Yet? Advertisement Advertisement I was so in it and felt kind of thrashy, he continued. That song felt like a reaction to that. I like that the end refrain of, Are you listening yet? over and over again its like, by the time you are listening, its finished. Key lyric: Now youre all out of choices, are you listening yet?/ Between your had and heart and somewher else instead/ Oh, can you hear the voice, the one inside your head?/ Oh, are you listening yet? The Waiting Game That was the first song that I wrote once Id kind of settled in Italy for a while, and I was right in that zone of reflection and what were talking about of the cycle of behaving the same way, writing songs about it, getting rewarded for that, Styles explained of The Waiting Game. I just liked being that honest with myself about what I was doing and what I was doing with music and what I was doing with my life and what I was doing with my relationships and what I was doing with cycles that Id gone into. Key lyric: You found someone to put your arms around/ Playing the waiting game/ But it all adds up to nothing/ You try and you always justify/ Playing the waiting game/ When it all adds up to nothing. Season 2 Weight Loss Its the mission statement of the record in a lot of ways, Styles mused about Season 2 Weight Loss. You know when theres a Netflix show, and it blows up, and everyone comes back in the second season, everyones got a nutritionist, and everyones got a trainer, and everyone suddenly looks amazing. Its like this idea of coming back as returning as, like, This is the same character, but suddenly he has cheekbones. I felt like I was coming back as a stronger version of myself. Advertisement Advertisement Key lyric: You couldve been here in my arms/ But were nothing at all/ You want a piece or nothing at all/ Do you love me now? Coming Up Roses Its one of my favorite things Ive ever done, Styles said of Coming Up Roses. The writing of it was really something that just happened, like that was one of those that felt like it just fell out. I wrote it in December, and it started cause I was trying to write a Christmas song that lasted two lines. It is a love song about how special something can be, and not everything has to last forever in order for it to be special. Some of the greatest relationships in your life that teach you something dont last forever. Anytime a relationship ends, its not like a wonderful thing, you know? But I think what comes from those relationships can be really wonderful. Advertisement Advertisement Key lyric: Now I see your tears on account of my wants/ And now it appears that Im feeling guilty and worried, dear/ That you think that I might not want you here/ Does all of this seem to be bringing us closer/ Or am I backseating your life/ Judgin while you drive? Dance No More Of Dance No More, Styles told Lowe, I remember going out the first time in Berlin and standing in the middle of the dance floor and feeling so unbelievably free and safe, that I kind of just had my hands in the air and my eyes closed that I felt these tears streaming down my face. It was this moment of, like, I feel so alive right now. Key lyric: Its feeling like the music has been heaven sent/ And that theres no difference in between the tears and the sweat. Paint by Numbers I was just married to the idea of coming off the last record and coming back and the first thing I say being, Oh, what a gift it is to be noticed, but its nothing to do with me, Styles remarked about Paint by Numbers. I just loved that. Some of my favorite moments of artists I love is when I feel like Im listening to them discover themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Key lyric: Oh, what a gift it is to be noticed/ But its nothin to do with me/ Youve got to wonder if theres a reason to believe/ Its a lifetime of learnin to paint by numbers/ And watchin the colors run. Carlas Song Carla kind of just became, in so many ways, the most important part of the record to me, said Styles. Its a song that answered so many questions. All of that questioning of why and who do I want to be and what am I giving by doing this and making sure that I love this enough and being at a show and going, Oh, this is why I do this. I think having a moment of reminding you of like, there was a time when you heard a song for the first time that made you want to like touch music in some way. And Carla is a friend of mine in this group of friends shed kind of mentioned in the room that shed just discovered Paul Simon. So she was kind of asking everyone like, Oh, have you heard Paul Simon? I played her Bridge Over Troubled Water, and watching her listen to it, having never heard that song, felt like I was just watching someone see or something or discover magic. There was something in that moment that reminded me of like what by making music what youre investing in, and its songs that go so beyond our lifetime. Key lyric: Through your eyes, in awe/ Melodies like the tide/ Its all waitin there for you. Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Olivia Rodrigos latest music video definitely strikes a chord, shining a light on the lives of todays children in areas affected by war. Posted Friday (March 6) on Instagram, the visual pairs with the pop stars cover of The Magnetic Fields 1999 song The Book of Love, which she recorded for War Child Records new charity album, Help(2). As Rodrigos gentle voice sings the moving lyrics over subtle strings, footage captured by children in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen stitch together on screen. More from Billboard Advertisement Advertisement The clips show how all of the kids find pieces of normalcy in the chaos running around and playing games with each other in open fields, roads covered in rubble and other settings affected to differing degrees by the upheaval in their countries. The video comes the same day that Help(2) dropped. The album features recordings from Arctic Monkeys, Damon Albarn, Depeche Mode, Arlo Parks, Beabadoobee, Big Thief, Fonatines D.C., Wet Leg and more. It comes three decades after the original Help, which brought together Paul McCartney, Oasis, Sinead OConnor and Radiohead to raise money for the Bosnian conflict in the 1990s. This time around, War Child and its participating artists are working to benefit people suffering from the humanitarian crises in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and Syria, as well as the civil wars in Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rodrigo has been outspoken in her support for Palestinian people amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, writing on Instagram in July, there are no words to describe the heartbreak I feel witnessing the devastation that is being inflicted upon innocent people it is horrific and completely unacceptable. to give up on them is to give up on our shared humanity. In an interview about the album, producer James Ford recalled how special Rodrigos session in the studio was while making her version of The Book of Love. I talked Olivia into doing what we were calling a Sinatra-style take, which was recording live with a string section, he told Billboard. She was such a pro and was happy to take a gung-ho approach to it she just walked into the studio and nailed it. Advertisement Advertisement Listen to Help(2) below. Billboard VIP Pass Best of Billboard Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Want to tune into the best shows on Netflix? The platform hosts a vast collection of award-winning titles that you can pick from, from Oscar-winning movies to Emmy-winning shows. I love to explore new and old titles on Netflix, but I always go back to the ones that swept award shows during their run. Here are some award-winning shows to add to your watch list this weekend. When They See Us Powerful series about the Central Park Five Based on the real events of the 1989 Central Park Five case, When They See Us is a four-part miniseries that sketches the events of a wrongful conviction involving five juvenile males of color. After a white female jogger is attacked and sexually assaulted in Central Park, the suspects are tried in court and, despite being innocent, are sentenced to maximum terms. In the real-life case, the group was exonerated years later, when the real attacker was confirmed, after which they were able to sue the city for a wrongful conviction and win a settlement. Advertisement Advertisement When They See Us received critical acclaim and overwhelming positive reviews from critics, winning 11 awards, including a Primetime Emmy for Jharrel Jerome (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie). Ozark Jason Bateman and Julia Garner headline crime drama Starring and directed by Jason Bateman, Ozark is a critically acclaimed crime drama that tells the story of Marty and Wendy Byrde (Laura Linney), who move to the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri when a money-laundering scheme for a Mexican cartel goes wrong, putting them in a sticky debt situation. Here, living with his two children and Wendy, Marty has to continue the operation to appease the cartel's boss, while the family becomes entangled with local criminals and the mafia. The series received a staggering 45 Primetime Emmy nominations throughout its run, with Bateman winning Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and Garner winning Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series thrice. The show was also nominated for 10 Golden Globe Awards, winning one. The show has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics, who have praised the story's tone, the performances of the main cast, and the production. Blue Eye Samurai A riveting animated series This is one of my favorite animated shows that Netflix has to offer. Set in Japan's traditional Edo era, Blue Eye Samuraiis a classic revenge story with standout animation and storytelling. The plot, deeply submerged in action and mystery, focuses on Mizu, a skilled swordswoman, as she tries to track down and exact revenge on four men. Born as a half-Japanese, half-European woman in a Japan where borders are closed, and anyone who is not Japanese is shunned as an outcast, Mizu sets off to kill four men (one of whom is her father) while concealing her identity and gender. Advertisement Advertisement The series won four Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards for its animation. A second season is expected to be released sometime this year. Godless Welcome to a town with no men If you're a big fan of Western dramas, then Godless is a must-watch for a short weekend watch. Set in 1884, the story follows Roy Goode, an outlaw chased by his mentor after betraying his brotherhood. He ends up in a small mining town in New Mexicoa place almost fully inhabited and governed by women. The townspeople of the mining town, La Belle, band together to defend Roy against his revenge-thirsty mentor and his gang. The show has been praised for its unique take on Western dramas, set apart by its female ensemble in a traditionally male-focused genre. Godless won three Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Supporting Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Adolescence A family faced with an unspeakable tragedy One of the best watches on this list that you may have seen everywhere, Adolescence is a British psychological crime thriller with a heavy plot. Set in an English town, the show follows Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), a young boy, as he is taken into custody on suspicion of the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard. Adolescence also shows how Jamie's father, Eddie (Stephen Graham), and his family deal with the news while facing backlash from their community. Advertisement Advertisement What stands out about the show's cinematography is that all four episodes were filmed in one continuous shot (including some impressive tracking shots), which garnered the show a lot of praise. Adolescence received thirteen nominations at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards and won nine, including acting wins for Graham and Cooper. To keep up with the latest releases on Netflix, you can keep an eye on the New and Popular section of your app, enable desktop/mobile notifications, and use Netflix Tudum to find titles that align with your preferences. The Grand Tour, Amazon Prime's motoring show, will return without its long-time hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May but Clarkson has given his approval to the new line-up in an exclusive interview with Autocars My Week in Cars podcast. Thomas Holland and James Engelsman, from the Throttle House YouTube channel, will be joined by Instagram influencer Francis Bourgeois as the new presenters of Amazon's most-watched unscripted UK original series worldwide. The trio will lead a six-part run that takes them from crossing the Angolan desert in track day specials to exploring Malaysias vibrant car culture, before heading to California to test Americas latest high-performance machines. Advertisement Advertisement Clarkson holds very fond memories of the show, but is also confident about his successors. He told Autocar: We had an enormous amount of fun doing it (the Grand Tour), but it's quite physical. Its much harder to do than you might imagine. And the world is a much smaller place now. Think of the trips we've done over the recent past. Ukraine - can't go there any more. Russia - can't go there any more. We landed in Iran, drove up into Turkey, down through Syria and into Jordan and Israel. Can't do any of that. The whole of north Africa, with the exception of Morocco, is gone. We were limited to southern Africa. We've done Namibia; we've done Mozambique; we've done Botswana; we've now done Zimbabwe. But I've seen the guys being chosen and I've seen some of the stuff they've been doing, and it's very, very good. Oh, it's different. I mean, it's different because they're three completely different people to us. Theyre bloody funny. I'm pretty confident it will work. I mean, touch wood, from everybody's point of view. We all want it to work and I'd love the idea that the Grand Tour carries on." Advertisement Advertisement Other topics discussed on the podcast include Clarkson's own vehicles, which era was 'peak car' and whether he would ever buy an EV. How Cropley bagged Clarkson for the podcast When we arrived at Diddly Squat Farm to record our podcast, Jeremy Clarkson was sitting behind his new 3000 aluminium designer desk, the one hed been writing about buying in his Sunday Times column the previous day. To tell the truth, that desk was most of the reason why Matt Prior and I were there on that day - and it's what eventually led to JC joining us for a very special episode of the Autocar podcast, which you can listen to below. Clarkson had been writing about how, because farming was quiet and it had rained non-stop since Christmas, he wasnt currently needed to run this or his other businesses (farm shop, pub, brewery, game show). He had thus been feeling bored and had turned to buying things and contemplating new hobbies. The desk was part of that. It was all discussed in Clarksons uniquely breezy and ironic column writers style, but what grabbed Priors and my interest wed both read the column was this rare confession about JCs boredom and having time to spare. Twice before wed approached him about filling a My Week In Cars slot, but the first time hed expressed a blanket dislike of pods, and the second an entirely understandable protest that he simply didnt have any spare minutes. Advertisement Advertisement At about lunchtime on Sunday, I sent him a note asking for an hour of his time. By 3pm Id heard that I could probably do something tomorrow. If youre going to get a reply from Clarkson, you get it promptly. It took a few minutes to check with Prior, someone who is more likely to be in Morocco tomorrow than anyone else I know. This time he wasnt, so I replied to Jeremy saying we were keen and asking where and when we should meet. Soon after we were all set: Diddly Squat Farm, 2.30pm Monday. The following afternoon we drove up the long farm track, past an imposing new farmhouse and into a yard surrounded by venerable working buildings. Farms today are supposed to be devoid of expensive personnel, but this one was stiff with busy people. It turned out that many were TV production types: they were soon to start the next tranche of Clarksons Farm and were making ready. In any case, for a programme like this you always need some kind of crew about, Jeremy explained later. You never know when the donkeys going to get ill. A man who looked like a team leader took us on a route through the buildings, first to wait in an office and next to meet a briskly business-like woman who wanted to know whether we took tea or coffee. Then we were directed to the new barn office roomy, high-ceilinged, with car-themed pictures and posters on the wall, and glazed from floor to ceiling along the front. In the centre was the gleaming desk, and behind it was Jeremy Clarkson. He was friendly and welcoming. Instructions about what not to ask or shoot were entirely absent. He even thanked us for coming. You can hear what ensued by listening to the podcast above. Advertisement Advertisement Since rather a lot of years had rolled by since I last conversed for very long with Clarkson, I opened up with a cautious question: wondering to what extent he was still a car enthusiast. His affirmative answer was instantly enthusiastic, and so it continued right through the 70 recorded minutes we were speaking. Some of the content was stuff youll know already: his lack of enthusiasm for white goods electric cars, his love of sophisticated petrol engines as the soul of a car, his enthusiasm for Lamborghinis, and his love of the Lexus LFA (which turns out to be the car hed most like to buy, if the opportunity arose). We talked about cars in general and the enduring joy, which the three of us share, of writing about them. Plus some details of how, given that hes still such an excellent judge of a car, Clarkson keeps himself briefed. Prior has written before about his regret that the TG original trio Hammond, May and Clarkson are not regularly together any more, but Jeremy himself seemed optimistic about the capabilities and potential of the new Grand Tour trio, just chosen. He reckons it will work. As we left, having all agreed that theres a special pleasure in simply shooting the breeze about cars for an hour, JC was into the rain to see how his various clumps of workmen were faring. Tomorrow hed be back into making a farm TV programme. But Prior and I departed Diddly Squat feeling sure that in future, Jeremy Clarksons love of cars isnt going to shift from a place pretty close to his heart. Which is a very good thing. ]]> NEED TO KNOW Below Deck Season 3 star Emile Kotze filed a lawsuit in June 2025 alleging that he was sexually harassed, manipulated, and subjected to degrading treatment on the show He claimed in a second amended complaint that producers pressured him into a romance with castmate Raquel Rocky Dakota and deceptively edited footage to portray him in a false and damaging light NBC's motion to dismiss the first amended complaint as moot was denied in January Former Below Deck star Emile Kotze has filed a federal lawsuit. In a June 2025 complaint, he alleged that he was sexually harassed, manipulated, and subjected to degrading treatment during and after filming season 3 of the Bravo show in 2015. Kotze initiated a lawsuit against NBCUniversal, the parent company of Bravo, and its affiliates in the Southern District of New York on June 2, 2025, seeking up to $850 million in damages. He then filed a first amended complaint on June 13, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement NBC filed a motion to dismiss the first amended complaint on Oct. 10, 2025, but a judge denied the motion as moot on Jan. 3. PEOPLE has reached out to NBC and Kotzes attorneys for comment. In a second amended complaint filed on Oct. 14, 2025, Kotze claimed that he was subjected to "a hostile work environment rife with sexual harassment, manipulation, and dangerous conditions all for TV ratings." Kotze said in the second amended complaint that he was hired to join the show in 2015 at the age of 23 as a yacht deckhand. He claimed that he was told the reality show was a "documentary-style" series that followed a crew working abroad, and he believed that it would help his career. Emile Kotze, Connie Arias and Raquel Dakota on 'Below Deck' Credit: Virginia Sherwood/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty While he was on the show, he further alleged that Below Deck producers pressured him into a romance with his costar Raquel Rocky Dakota despite him expressing hesitance. He claimed in the second amended complaint that they would orchestrate situations that'd have them work together, and they plied him with alcohol to encourage him to make a move on her. Emile Kotze Credit: Virginia Sherwood/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty During one situation, he claimed that he was told to use a cheesy pickup line that he normally would never say." He said that the line was later edited and made to look like he was a lust-driven youth chasing after Rocky," according to the documents. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the producers alleged meddling, he claimed that the show deceptively edited footage to portray him in a false and damaging light." He cited one occasion when producers spliced a scene in which he sarcastically joked he "might just marry Rocky" with a scene of her rejecting him. In his initial complaint, the South Africa native also claimed he was misrepresented in ways that impacted his livelihood and reputation globally. In the second amended complaint, he said that he was blacklisted by the yachting industry for his portrayal on Below Deck, as the show highlighted his minor mistakes instead of his competent work. Emile Kotze with the 'Below Deck' season 3 cast Credit: Virginia Sherwood/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty After he tried to bring this up to the shows production staff, he further alleged in the second amended complaint that the show "engaged in a cover-up and retaliation campaign to silence and discredit him." He claimed that he suffers from diagnosed PTSD, anxiety and depression due to what happened. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. As for why he decided to file the lawsuit a decade after appearing on the show, Kotze said in the second amended complaint he wanted "to finally expose the truth, obtain justice for himself, and set a precedent that such exploitative conduct has legal consequences." Read the original article on People The crew aboard Captain Rick Shelfords Aleutian Lady fishing vessel did everything they could to save Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows before he tragically died on Feb. 25 at the age of 25. Deckhand Trey John Green III told Page Six in an exclusive interview that the notoriously treacherous Bering Sea was flat and calm that day, and the weather was actually good. He noted the incident occurred in the late afternoon while the sun was still out, so visibility was high. However, he said the water was only a degree or two above freezing and that the outside temperature was below freezing. Advertisement Advertisement Green alleged that fellow deckhand Meadows ended up in the water following an incident with one of the pots a baited, rigid trap used to catch shellfish aboard the 127-foot boat. However, the US Coast Guards investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not officially determined the exact circumstances surrounding Meadows death. The crew aboard the Aleutian Lady fishing vessel did everything they could to save Deadliest Catch star Todd Meadows. GoFundMe Meadows died on Feb. 25 at the age of 25 while the boat was on the Bering Sea. Todd Meadows/Facebook Green, 30, told us that as soon as Meadows was overboard, he ran to the back of the boat and climbed on top of the pots to look for him. I see Todd. Hes floating, hes swimming. Hes got huge baby blue eyes. And I can still, probably from like 100 yards away, I could still see his eyes looking around, Green recalled. Advertisement Advertisement He said he kept his finger on Meadows while Shelford turned the boat around to get within a few feet of him. Todds still alive, hes still swimming, hes still trying to hang in there. We get next to him, and then Steve [Porter] Steve is the every boat has a designated rescue swimmer for this exact kind of scenario. Steve was already geared up and was already in the diving suit, Green told us, adding that when Steve jumped in the water, the harness that was attached to the crane actually broke. Deckhand Trey John Green III alleged that fellow deckhand Meadows ended up in the water following an incident with one of the pots. Trey John Green III/Facebook The US Coast Guards investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not officially determined the exact circumstances surrounding Meadows death. Todd Meadows/Facebook Green said other crew members then managed to get a life sling thats attached to the crane into the water. At this point, Green explained that Meadows was able to work with Porter and get himself into the sling. Green said Meadows was halfway up and almost back on the boat when he fell back into the water. Advertisement Advertisement The second time we went to go lift him up, Todd was just he was lifeless, Green lamented. He didnt have any more like I said, the first time, he was fighting, trying to get onto the sling. And then the second time, he was just he was lifeless. Porter has not responded to Page Sixs requests for comment. According to Green, Meadows was in the water for only three or four minutes before they successfully got him back on the boat, but by that point, he was already turning blue as foam emerged from his mouth and nose. According to Green, Meadows was in the water for only three or four minutes before they successfully got him back on the boat. captainrick.shelford/Facebook By that point, Green said he was already turning blue as foam emerged from his mouth and nose. Todd Meadows/Facebook Still, Green said he and others began performing CPR right away. We finally brought him inside and continued CPR. The boat has an AED [machine] its basically a defibrillator. And we tried to use that, too, and it just nothing was working. And finally, finally, after a half hour, 45 minutes of trying to save him, Captain came down and said, Guys, its not gonna work,' Green recalled. Advertisement Advertisement An official cause of death has not yet been released. Notably, Meadows mother, Angela Meadows, told TMZ that her son took a blow to the head while working aboard the Aleutian Lady about a month before he died. He suffered a concussion and spent a week recovering at home in Washington before returning to work. Its unclear whether that head injury played any kind of role in his death. As for Green, he explained to us that the Aleutian Lady was about 12 hours away from Dutch Harbor in Alaska when they exhausted all rescue efforts. He said the crew then made the difficult decision to wrap Todds body in a tarp, place it in the freezer to preserve it and head back to town. Green told us that he and others began performing CPR right away. Trey John Green III/Facebook They also used the defibrillator onboard, but nothing was working. Todd Meadows/Facebook When somebodys life is on the line, its kind of, like, all the training and everything you try to do the best you can. And everybody did do I just want to reiterate that everybody did everything they could do, Green insisted before admitting that Todd was not wearing a lifejacket. He elaborated, On this boat, we dont wear lifejackets. I dont really know what the reason is. I know it sounds silly because to somebody whos not [in this field], it does seem kind of crazy. Like, Why would somebody not wear a lifejacket? But its just, like, when youre working 18, 20 hours a day, its just another piece of gear, and its just a hassle. I dont really know why we dont wear them, to be honest. Advertisement Advertisement Green described the experience as an eye-opener that put his job into perspective. Ive thought, Oh, if I would go overboard at nighttime, youre dead. I mean, at nighttime, youre dead. But during the day, youre like, Well, if I go overboard, theyll get me out, and Ill be OK,' he told us. But this wasnt a prolonged rescue, you know? This was, like, everybody did exactly what they needed to do. We got him on the boat as fast as we possibly could; it just wasnt enough. And finally, finally, after a half hour, 45 minutes of trying to save him, Captain [Rick Shelford] came down and said, Guys, its not gonna work,' Green recalled. captainrick.shelford/Facebook Green explained that the Aleutian Lady was about 12 hours away from Dutch Harbor in Alaska when they exhausted all rescue efforts. GoFundMe Green went on to claim that everything that happened on the boat that day was caught on camera by Discovery Channel, which was on the tail end of filming for Season 22 of its popular reality series Deadliest Catch. Discovery has a deck cam that is like a stationary mounted deck camera thats recording 24/7, Green claimed. So that camera in itself caught everything. Rick, the captain, he also has his own cameras that are for the boat. Those also captured everything. And then also, during the whole rescue mission, the producer and the camera guy were also on deck filming the entire rescue. So theres multiple angles. I mean, they got everything. Advertisement Advertisement When reached for comment, a rep for Discovery Channel told Page Six, This remains an active US Coast Guard investigation. We are assisting in their efforts and cannot comment at this time. He said the crew then made the difficult decision to wrap Meadows body in a tarp, place it in the freezer to preserve it and head back to town. Todd Meadows/Facebook An official cause of death has not yet been released. GoFundMe Meanwhile, a rep for the USCG told us that the organization is investigating the case to determine the causes and provide the necessary feedback to prevent similar accidents from reoccurring. The Coast Guard Investigating Officer is currently working with a team of qualified marine casualty investigators to compile evidence. The Investigating Officer will then create an official account and timeline of the incident to determine: (1) the cause or contributing factors, (2) evidence of misconduct or negligence, (3) whether there was a failure of material, and (4) if any personnel from the Coast Guard or other government agency caused or contributed to the cause of the incident. This process is vital to drawing accurate conclusions and initiating any necessary corrective actions to prevent similar accidents and casualties from occurring in the future. Advertisement Advertisement The rep said findings will not be disclosed while the case is open and that the USCG does not assign a timeline for completing an investigation. Shelford has not responded to Page Sixs requests for comment. Todds family members have also been contacted. Meadows leaves behind three young sons and a devastated family, many of whom have posted heartbreaking tributes on social media. Todd Meadows/Facebook Green described the enthusiasm Meadows brought to the craft as refreshing, adding, He was just one of those guys that was just happy to be up there. GoFundMe Todd leaves behind three young sons and absolutely devastated loved ones, many of whom have posted heartbreaking tributes on social media. In his Facebook post announcing the shocking news, Shelford shared that Todds love for fishing and his strong work ethic earned everyones respect right away. Green echoed those sentiments, telling us, We all go out there to make money and make a living, and all of us love it to a certain degree. But Todd he was more excited about doing this, like, almost to the point where he would have done it for free. He was just one of those guys that was ecstatic to be up there, you know? He described the enthusiasm Todd brought to the craft as refreshing, adding, He was just one of those guys that was just happy to be up there. And it kind of just ignited it just kind of reminded all of us why we were up there doing what we were doing. The twisted stories of several young women who have chosen to speak out against a multinational association of tantric yoga centers founded by a Romanian guru where they were allegedly indoctrinated into sexual exploitation form the core of new Apple TV docuseries Twisted Yoga. The three-part investigative series directed by Rowan Deacon (Jimmy Savile: A British Horror Story), that launches globally on March 13, delves into the vicissitudes of these women who were gradually drawn into the influence of Romanias Gregorian Bivolaru, founder and leader of the Movement for the Spiritual Integration into the Absolute, later known as the Atman Yoga Federation. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement Bivolaru, 73, was arrested in Paris in 2023 and now faces charges in France, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and rape. He denied the allegations. The women in the doc have been working with French authorities to convict him. The Atman federation, in the doc, stated that it is not responsible for the private life of staff, students and teachers of affiliate schools, and that all current allegations remain under investigation and are unproven. Gregorian Bivolaru was allegedly contacted by the producers of Twisted Yoga through his legal representatives but did not respond. The Atman federation did not respond to Varietys request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Twisted Yoga is produced for Apple TV by Lightbox, in association with Ladywell Films. Simon Chinn, Jonathan Chinn, Suzanne Lavery and Bernadette Higgins serve as executive producers. Variety speaks to Rowan Deacon and executive producer Suzanne Lavery about their efforts to make the audience understand the material from a psychological perspective rather than sensationalize it. How did the project originate? Suzanne Lavery This was quite unusual for us, because it was driven by some contributors who reached out and they were two very driven individuals who said they had a story to tell. We shared in Ash [Ashleigh] and Ziggys sort of enthusiasm to bring this story to a wider audience because there was a lot to say. There was a lot of relatable material. We are all looking for community and hope and somewhere to belong. And its terrifying to think that it can go so horribly wrong. But we wanted to go with them on that journey to see what sort of resolution they could find. What kind of outreach did you do to find the other female voices in the piece? Rowan Deacon Yes, so we started with Ash and Ziggy, as Suzanne said. But it was clear to me from the outset that if we were going to explore this story, we needed to understand it psychologically, from the position of the women who were involved in the school. And, if possible, women who had gone quite far into the schools teachings and practices. It was clear that we needed to reach out and find out if there were any [other] women out there who were prepared to talk about their experiences. Who were either still in the school, leaving the school, or had left. So we basically travelled around speaking to people who then told us about other people. Talk to me about the narrative approach you chose that seems to eschew sensationalism while delving into the sexual aspect Deacon The key thing that drew me to the project is: what were the mechanics? What was the system? What was the kind of boiling frog syndrome that meant that these worldly, educated, interesting people had got themselves involved in a set of ideologies and beliefs that ultimately, perhaps, didnt serve them. I was interested primarily in the psychological journey. I realized that in doing that, we were jettisoning a more traditional True Crime format. We were just missing something that was perhaps more procedural and more traditional in terms of, like viewer engagement. But I thought: if we tell this story and we dont get into their heads and really go on the journey with them, then I worry that it will be sort of sensationalized, because the nature of the nature of the activities that they take part in. And the kind of weirdness of this organization, and the fact that so much of it is about sexuality and sex as a road to spiritual enlightenment means that we that we couldnt approach it in that sort of way. What type of takeaway do you envision for the Twisted Yoga audience? Deacon I wanted to take audiences on a similar journey that the women had gone on and that at the beginning theres hope. It isnt framed as pure true crime evil because I wanted them to understand this slow process of enormous indoctrination. Besides spiritual manipulation that we have seen in somewhat similar forms before for example in Netflix series Wild Wild Country here there is the added element of female followers of this tantric yoga cult becoming digital porn workers. Do you think this aspect makes the exploitation unique? Deacon Yes. Its astonishing. And I agree with you that its something that we were determined to show that goes on in the documentary series. Is it still going on? Deacon I cant say for sure that its not. I mean Bivolaru is in custody, so I think that has put an end to the activities in Paris. But in terms of the webcams I genuinely dont know if thats still going on. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Twisted Yoga premieres on March 13 on Apple TV. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. In fall 2024, a 29-year-old Alaskan hunter showed up at a local urgent care in Anchorage with a swollen, infected finger. At first, his case didnt seem out of the ordinary. He was given topical and oral prescriptions and sent on his way. Days later, the man was hospitalized with fever and tachycardia (an abnormally fast heart rate). Exploratory surgery showed damage to the tendon and septic arthritis. Once his fever was reduced and lab cultures came back clear, he was discharged with a hefty dose of antibiotics. But the infection was far from resolved, according to a recent bulletin from the Alaska Department of Health, which notes how, weeks later, he was diagnosed with a severe case of seal finger. A Difficult Diagnosis Initially, the hunter seemed to have a common bacterial infection. The week before he visited urgent care, the man had accidentally cut his finger while skinning a brown bear. This isnt an uncommon injury among hunters, and bacteria is plentiful on wild animals like brown bears, which often scavenge washed-up marine mammals and eat copious amounts of salmon. I know of one biologist who punctured his thumb while extracting a tooth from a bear skull, and he nearly had to be hospitalized 24 hours later. (With antibiotics, though, his case of cellulitis cleared up.) Officials say its the first documented case of the disease associated with a brown bear. Tyler Freel In the case of the 29-year-old hunter, however, his pain and swelling didnt get better. He returned to the hospital 40 days after he had been discharged. Further examination revealed that while cultures of his infection were negative, significant bone and cartilage degradation had occurred. The answer came only after DNA sequencing, which identified Mycoplasma phocimorsus as the pathogen. Advertisement Advertisement This bacteria, which was only recently identified, will not show up in cultures and it doesnt respond to many antibiotics. The Alaska Department of Health states that this bacteria requires specific treatment, including with the antibiotic doxycycline, which is sometimes prescribed in suspected cases of seal finger among Native seal hunters in rural Alaska. Seal Finger Has Been Around a While Although Mycoplasma phocimorsus was first identified in an Alaska Native seal hunter in 2015, the condition it causes isnt new. And while health officials point out that this is the first documented case associated with a brown bear (the other known Alaska case was contracted directly from a seal) its likely that numerous cases have gone undocumented over the years because of how difficult the condition is to diagnose. Theyve known about Seal Finger for a long time, says Skip Scott, a Fairbanks resident and taxidermist who almost certainly contracted the infection himself in the early 1960s. Back when anyone could hunt seals, I just barely nicked my left index finger while skinning a seal on Afognak Island, Scott says. The tip of my knife punctured the pad at the tip of my finger. It bled a little, I washed it out as best I could, and continued with the hunting trip. Advertisement Advertisement After returning home a few days later, Scott went to the doctor, who thought it was a normal infection. Around eight to ten days after the incident, however, the swelling was out of control. Although the bacteria causing the disease was only recently discovered, there have been other cases involving Alaska Native seal hunters in the past. Photo by flyingwalrus / Adobe Stock My left hand was so swollen it literally looked like a catchers mitt. I was admitted to the hospital where they pumped me full of antibiotics, but it didnt help the infection. Scott tells me that doctors at the time were aware of seal finger, but that the only effective method for treatment had historically been amputation. That was a decision he was presented with while in the hospital. Fortunately, his orthopedic surgeon was able to avoid amputation by opening his hand and removing the necrotic tendon and tissue, replacing it with a piece of tendon from his arm. They literally scraped everything out of my finger and palm of my hand except the skin and bones, Scott says. Advertisement Advertisement It took nearly two years and multiple surgeries, along with painful steps in the healing process, to fully restore function in his hand. People should know to be very careful when dealing with anything from a marine environment, even while fishing. Theres lots of ways to get a nasty infection. And if you suspect one, you should get on it right away. How to Protect Yourself While this is the first known case of seal finger associated with bears, and not seals, its not entirely surprising. Alaskas coastal brown bears source a great deal of their food from the shores and beaches. They commonly feed on washed-up carcasses of seals, sea lions, and whales. The bulletin notes that the hunters knife had been in contact with the bears mouth before he was cut, though officials arent, and cant be, certain thats where the bacteria came from. As Ive seen on Afognak myself, bears will sometimes actively hunt seals by ambushing their haul-out spots. The takeaway is that anyone should operate carefully and treat infection risks seriously in marine environments. If youre skinning or handling bears, it also makes sense to wear protective nitrile gloves at a minimum. Ive found that while they dont offer great cut protection, they help keep your hands cleaner while allowing good dexterity. The Alaska Department of Health recommends wearing cut-resistant gloves over nitrile gloves, though thats not always practical. Advertisement Advertisement Read Next: I Fought Off a Brown Bear with My Fishing Rod, and Other Close Calls While Living in Remote Alaska Even if youre not a hunter, it pays to be careful in these environments to prevent or quickly treat infections. The man in this case was able to recover after accurate diagnosis and the proper treatment, and hopefully awareness of this hazard will help speed up diagnoses in the future. When I got out of the Army, I had big plans to go back to college on the G.I. Bill, finish my degree in political science, and start working in the world of political journalism. But like so many plans and intentions, life did what it does and changed them. My wife became pregnant with our first child and suddenly my silly daydreams about being a writer who followed in the footsteps of Hunter S. Thompson and Bob Woodward seemed not only unimportant, but not even worth considering. Tetra Images / Getty Images/Tetra images RF Going to school full-time and working nights as a security guard would barely cover the rent, and with a new baby in the house, it wouldnt cover everything else. I needed a real paycheck, health insurance, and savings. I needed security. I took a job in 2007 with a large corporation that had little to do with writing but paid well, had great benefits, and gave us some breathing room. I didnt have a college degree, but the leadership skills I learned and honed in the infantry opened doors and allowed me to make a comfortable living. As an added bonus, I worked with some really great people and made friends there that I still talk to regularly, even though I no longer work for the company. One of those people was Zach. Zach and I hit it off right away. We had similar backgrounds. We had both served in the military and been deployed to Iraq around the same time. We both had young families, similar tastes in music, and the same dry sense of humor. It made going to work, if not fun, at least not miserable. Advertisement Advertisement One place we didnt always see eye to eye was politics. While we both had a libertarian slant to our views, mine was shaped more by personal freedoms and civil liberties, while his leaned further right. He opposed government regulation even when it came to safety and workers rights. Zach and I had endless debates over beers about the line between freedom and the collective public benefit of laws meant to protect workers. He would argue that these issues should be settled in court, not by government intervention. I would counter by asking whether he really thought a worker had a fair shot in court against a large corporation if they couldnt afford a good lawyer and the company could hire as many high-powered attorneys as it wanted. We talked about the problems I saw with a pure libertarian political philosophy, and I would bring up examples like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Sometimes I thought I made headway. Sometimes he did. At the end of the day, it didnt really matter. We were friends. When I was growing up in Texas in the 80s and 90s, this kind of disagreement felt normal. People either avoided politics entirely or treated it as something you could argue about without blowing up relationships. Neighbors who were Democrats would have the Republicans next door over to play cards, talk politics, and crack jokes at each others expense. Nobody would get offended, and nobody probably changed anyone elses mind, and then the night would end with a friendly goodbye and a promise to do it again next weekend. There wasnt much hate or vitriol among the folks I was around. It wasnt like today. Related: Most Adults Have No Idea What Half These Animals Are - Do You? I always told myself I wouldnt let politics come between friendships, even as political divides deepened and social media amplified echo chambers and siloed people into separate groups. That became harder in 2016. Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images Zach was on board the Trump train from the jump. I wasnt. I admit I wasnt as alarmed as some of my other friends were about Trumps rise to power, but I still saw him as a dangerous would-be strongman, unqualified in temperament or experience. I respected John McCain, even when I disagreed with him politically, and when Trump, a draft-dodging rich kid, mocked McCains military service and imprisonment in June 2015, I immediately wrote him off as a crude, petty clown. I assumed the rest of the country especially my fellow veterans would feel the same way. I was wrong. Advertisement Advertisement Zach and I discussed the appeal of an outsider shaking up Washington plenty of times. I usually ended those conversations by saying it could be dangerous if someone reckless were elected that maybe slow, boring governance was actually better. Zach disagreed. He wanted things shaken up ... even if some things got broken. Despite my growing alarm over Trump his corruption, his rhetoric, and his hunger for power I stuck to my promise not to let politics interfere with personal relationships. Zach and I stayed friends, but the debates grew sharper. I had to work to keep my anger in check. I told myself he just didnt see what was happening, because if he saw it and accepted it, that was something I couldnt accept, and I wasnt ready to confront that. Fast forward to Jan. 6, 2021. Zach and I were at work when the news broke about the insurrection at the Capitol. The mayhem played on a TV in the conference room. Most of us watched in horror. Though Zach wasnt exactly celebrating, he didnt seem appropriately disturbed either. I couldnt understand how a veteran who had sworn the same oath to the Constitution that I had could watch police officers being assaulted and people threatening to hang the vice president and treat it as anything but catastrophic. Related: 17 Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Really, Dark And Tragic Things I Just Learned About That Should Honestly Be Illegal To Know Zach and I stayed friendly, mostly because we still worked together. We talked at the office and sometimes grabbed a beer after work, but it wasnt the same anymore. Something had shifted after Jan. 6, at least for me, and I couldnt pretend it hadnt. Advertisement Advertisement Zach didnt like Joe Biden. He wasnt my first choice either, but I voted for him because I viewed the alternative as an existential threat to the republic. Policy suddenly felt secondary to the question of whether the system itself would survive, and once I understood that, certain decisions stopped being complicated for me. That didnt change in 2024. Another imperfect Democratic candidate. Another choice that felt clear to me. I voted for Kamala Harris without hesitation. She probably wouldnt have been at the top of my list in a competitive primary, but by then, insisting on a perfect candidate was an antiquated luxury we could no longer afford. Related: Only Truly Non-Annoying People Can Score Under 5/10 On This Scientific Personality Quiz Mein Kampf about You could disagree with Harris on policy, resent the Democratic Partys many failures, and dislike its focus on certain issues. None of that outweighed what I saw Trump promising: revenge, retribution, targeting of perceived enemies, attacks on the free press, open contempt for judges and the courts, mass deportations carried out with little regard for due process, language that appeared to be pulled straight fromabout poisoning the blood of the nation . There were countless reasons to vote against Trump, and yet, we all know what happened. Win McNamee / Getty Images We can argue about why he won again. The economy mattered. The Democratic Partys failures mattered. In my mind, none of it came close to explaining the continued support for Trump after everything we knew, everything wed seen, and everything he promised to do. Advertisement Advertisement By then, Zach and I no longer worked together, and Id quit drinking. There were no more beers after work. We texted occasionally, talked now and then, but it wasnt like the old days. And when it became clear he was still trying to somehow justify what Trump was doing, I stopped responding. Then the ICE raids escalated. Masked, unaccountable agents swept through American cities, violating due process, arresting people without warrants, profiling individuals based on the color of their skin and the language they spoke, and two American citizens were killed in broad daylight. We were told not to believe what we clearly saw with our own eyes and were assured by the administration that no one would be held accountable. Zach was still sending me occasional texts like nothing had changed. Ignoring him wasnt enough for me anymore. I finally called him back one day and asked whether he supported what was happening. He hedged. He said he didnt like it when people got hurt, but quickly fell back on the same lines we were hearing from the administration: People shouldnt ignore police commands. People shouldnt be protesting in the streets. Filming agents was interfering with their work. If you refuse an order, whatever happens next is on you. Advertisement Advertisement I asked how he could still call himself a libertarian while supporting the state crushing people for exercising their First Amendment rights. He didnt have an answer. Sometimes silence tells you all you need to know. I kept pushing and we talked for another 10 minutes or so, but the rest of the conversation doesnt matter. What matters is that at the end, I explained to him why he needed to go ahead and lose my number. Related: Just A Few WTF Facts That Shattered My Brain Into A Million Pieces This Week I truly believe its healthy to be friends with people you disagree with politically, but this wasnt politics anymore. It was about morals and ethics, and anyone still defending whats happening now does not share my values. Nathan Howard / Getty Images Over the past few years, Ive heard so many versions of this same story from other people. Friends who finally stopped returning calls. Siblings who no longer talk politics, or sometimes dont talk at all. Parents that people still love but can no longer pretend to understand. A racist uncle who gets blocked on social media. Thanksgiving dinners that get skipped. None of it has been easy. Walking away from people you care about rarely is. But again and again, the conclusion sounds the same: at some point, continuing the relationship required excusing things they could no longer excuse. Advertisement Advertisement And thats OK. Not that you need my permission. Doors swing both ways for a reason sometimes they need to be closed. We dont have to compromise our ethics or excuse beliefs that cause real harm, no matter how close we once were to someone. Even if they were family. We dont have to stay friends with everyone weve ever met. Watching Zach slide from casual libertarianism into something that looks a lot like actual support for fascism clarified things for me. I dont need those people in my life. Theres enough information available to all of us now that ignorance is no longer a valid defense. If you can watch whats happening to the Constitution, watch our friends and neighbors lose their lives, or see their rights trampled in plain sight, and still support the people responsible for all of it, thats endorsement. Looking back, I think I held on too long. I told myself I could change what someone believed, mostly because I knew that if I didnt, Id eventually have to make the decision to walk away for good. At some point, continuing to be friendly with someone who openly defends actions that violate our core principles and basic human rights becomes untenable. Impossible. I probably should have cut some people out of my life earlier than I did. Advertisement Advertisement Better late than never, I suppose. Some names have been changed to protect privacy. Nick Allison is a writer based in Austin, Texas. His work has appeared in HuffPost Personal, CounterPunch, The Fulcrum, The Chaos Section, and elsewhere. Follow him on Bluesky @nickallison80.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on HuffPost in February 2026. You Might Like: 26 Helpful Tips Thatll Make You Feel Like Youve Got A PhD In Makeup You Might Like: 27 Products Made To Bring Your Pets Some Comfort Because They Deserve It Also in BuzzFeed: I Curated The Hardest "Would You Rather" Questions Submitted By Real People Now You Have To Choose Read it on BuzzFeed.com Is Viet-Cajun food Southern food? This modern American cuisine, just 40-50 years old, was born on the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast. So, heck yeah, it is! I could use saucier language, but instead Ill let King Cajuns shabang sauce do the talking. The Nguyen family landed in Biloxi, Mississippi, after leaving Vietnam in the 70s, becoming one of many that eventually connected the French overlap of Vietnamese and Cajun cuisines, along with both cultures affinity for seafood, and ran with it. Orlando has benefited from the familys relocation since 2010, and though many locals are aware, newcomers to the city might enjoy this shout-out, as well as seafood and spice fans who never made the connection. (And for lovers of a good ol poboy which is just a degree or two from banh mi, lets face it theyve got that and other trad Cajun faves, as well.) Advertisement Advertisement Cajun food was 18th-century immigrant food. The Vietnamese community took it through another wonderful wave of such. This only makes it more American in my book. Out in Longwood and up in Sanford, a New Orleanian native team at The Bayou puts brass band-level bad-assery in everything they churn out, and down in the Milk District, chef Trina Gregorys over-the-top, gravy-slathered goodness (and killer bakery) will happily clog your arteries with its Food Network-winning ways. Critics Choice Winner: King Cajun Crawfish, 924 N. Mills Ave. in Orlando, 407-704-8863 and 7637 Turkey Lake Road in Orlando, 407-723-8870; kingcajuncrawfish.com Runners-up: The Bayou Kitchen & Lounge in Longwood and Sanford and Se7enbites in Orlando Readers Choice Winner: Chef Art Smiths Homecomin, 1602 E. Buena Vista Drive in Lake Buena Vista, 407-560-0100; homecominkitchen.com Advertisement Advertisement Runners-up: Se7enBites in Orlando and Outpost Neighborhood Tavern in Orlando 2026 Foodie Awards: Click here to see all the winners! Want to reach out? Find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. For more foodie fun, join the Lets Eat, Orlando Facebook group. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Hightower Advisors, the Chicago-based registered investment advisor with $353 billion in client assets, has agreed to acquire Journey Strategic Wealth, its first external acquisition for Hightower Signature Wealth, the branded W-2 channel it launched in October. Journey will bring approximately $5 billion in assets under management, and the transaction is expected to close at the end of this month. Journey Strategic Wealth, based in Summit, N.J., but with offices in California and Virginia, was a hybrid RIA affiliated with broker/dealer Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments. The firm, which was run as a partnership, has 24 employees, including 16 advisors, and serves nearly 1,000 clients. Journey Strategic was founded in 2021 by Penny Phillips, who had founded and run Thrivos Consulting, which worked with financial services firms and advisors. Phillips' firm had made its own acquisitions over the years to expand the team. With the move to Hightower, Phillips will become head of advisor strategy and client experience at Hightower Signature. The future of wealth management belongs to firms that deliver personalization at scale, comprehensive services and an integrated client experience, Phillips said in a statement. The acquisition will expand Hightower Signatures footprint to more than $25 billion in assets under management across 27 locations. In January, Hightower announced it had added five advisory practices to the division from its own network. Dalphia Partners served as financial advisor on the Journey Strategic deal, and Seward & Kissel served as legal counsel. Under Pennys leadership, Journey has built a highly respected advisory business defined by incredible talent, consistent organic growth, and a clear client-first cultureall closely aligned with what we have built at Hightower Signature Wealth, Hightower CEO Larry Restieri said in a statement. Hightower is majority-owned by Thomas H. Lee Partners, which first invested in the firm in 2018 and then recapitalized it with other investors in 2020. The Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce recognized nine individuals and businesses for outstanding community service at its 72nd Awards Banquet on Thursday, March 5 at the Dearth Center. Citizen of the Year - Kathie Bappert Educator of the Year - Cheryl Covell Business of the Year - Hauska Home & Farm, Inc. Outstanding Public Service or Professional - Nooh Aljabaly Outstanding Community Program - Hidden Ponds Horse Rescue (Jeff Friend) Volunteer of the Year - Julie Abe Legacy Award - Marilyn Ostrander Young Professional of the Year - Vladimir Jeudy Chamber Champion - Shamayne Neesley Some of the 300 who packed the Dearth Center on Thursday night, March 5, for the 72nd Coldwater Area Chamber of Commerce Award banquet titled "Small Town, Big Impact." More than 300 people attended as local leaders honored nominees representing the communitys diversity, including the head of a multicultural center, a Yemeni police officer, and a Haitian entrepreneur. Advertisement Advertisement Take a look: Quincy Township hires law firm after battery storage facility proposed Also: Does Branch County have ties to the viral Smoothie King video? Citizen of the Year Kathy Bappert, a former behavioral health director locally and internationally, brought her commitment to Coldwater two years ago by revitalizing the former Putnam Funeral Home. Her vision led to the creation of the Coldwater Community Center at the Beech House, mobilizing over 100 volunteers and securing major financial and grant support. Bappert envisioned the center as a place to support Coldwaters growing diversity: We can bring people from many communities and cultures togetherto get to know one another, build bridges, and break down barriers. Advertisement Advertisement The award notes, Kathy didnt just restore a buildingshe united a community. Teacher of the Year Cheryl Covell spent 16 years at the Branch Area Careers Center and over 30 years in Career and Technical Education, preparing students for healthcare careers. She grew a two-person Health Professions program into a five-instructor department serving 100 students a year. Teacher of the Year Cheryl Covell, Branch Area Career Center Covell launched the Medical Assisting and Health Professions Hybrid programs. Her healthcare partnerships provided students with hands-on clinical experience. When COVID-19 closed clinical sites, Covell became a certified CNA trainer and found alternative placements to ensure students graduated on time. Advertisement Advertisement The Chamber noted, Her students leave confident, professional, and workforce ready. Business of the Year: For 40 years, Bruce Hauska and Hauska Home & Farm, Inc. have served Coldwater and Branch County with integrity and professionalism. Staffed by lifelong locals, their office also serves as the hub for the Happy Feet program. Bruce Hauska of Hauska Home & Farm, Inc, Chamber Business of the Year Team members serve on local boards, including the Coldwater Downtown Development Authority, prioritizing service, leadership, and community impact. Bruce Hauska explained that Happy Feet provides new boots and shoes to children ages 1 to 19 through a small basement shoe store. Now in its 18th year, the program has distributed nearly 7,000 pairs of shoes at a cost of over $128,000, with annual expenses between $11,000 and $12,000. Hauska credits Happy Feets success to strong community support. Outstanding Professional of the Year: Coldwater Police Officer Nooh Aljabaly is well known as the School Resource Officer at Coldwater High School. Outstanding Professional of the Year went to Coldwater Police Officer Nooh Aljabaly presented by Mitch Brock, VP of Operations at Sekisui/Voltek. Beyond enforcement, he builds trust, mentors students, and listens with compassion. Staff describe him as calm, professional, and skilled in de-escalation, communication, and handling sensitive situations. Advertisement Advertisement The award notes Aljabaly's cultural awareness, sound judgment, and steady presence make him a trusted role model and valued partner. Outstanding Community Program of the Year: For over 15 years, Jeff Friend's Hidden Ponds Horse Rescue has served at-risk youth across Branch County and the region through its equine program. Jeff Friend from Hidden Ponds Horse Rescue with presenter Brandee Pabian received the award for Outstanding Community Program. The program has helped over 500 teens complete probation, rebuild confidence, and find new direction. Partnering with five court systems, Jeff offers youth a safe, structured path to responsibility, trust, and hopeat no cost. Hidden Ponds also rescues abused and neglected horses, rehabilitating them alongside the teens. As a donor-funded nonprofit, the program never turns away a horse or bills a family. Advertisement Advertisement Participants consistently cite Hidden Ponds as a life-changing turning point. Volunteer of the Year: For 35 years Julie Abe has served Coldwater youth through Girl Scouts, positively impacting more than 350 local girls. Julie Abe, Volunteer of the Year Under her leadership, girls have built confidence and responsibility in safe, supportive environments that encourage courage and self-expressionfully reflecting the Girl Scout mission. The award noted that Abe understands the balance between structure and joy. By ensuring trained, background-checked leaders and modeling fairness and ethical leadership, Julie has created programs families trust and girls thrive. The Legacy Award This award honors those who help build their community. The Chamber said Marilyn Ostrander has done that for decades. Advertisement Advertisement A University of Michigan graduate, Ostrander spent 30 years advancing educationfrom the classroom to the Michigan Department of Education and as assistant superintendent at Jackson ISD. Marilyn Ostrander, Chamber Legacy Award recipient Ostrander brought that same leadership to Branch County as a Realtor with Southern Marsh Realty and a business owner with her late husband, Larry. Her compassion was evident after the 2024 tornado, guiding recovery for displaced seniors and restoring their sense of family. The Chamber said, Through professional service, civic leadership, and care, Marilyn Ostranders legacy is resilience, generosity, and a community built to last. Young Professional of the Year: Vladimir Jeudy arrived in the U.S. from Haiti in 2015, and in 2016, brought a strong work ethic to Michigan, where he worked in greenhouse production and food processing. Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, he enlisted in the Army Reserve, became a U.S. citizen, and deepened his commitment to the country. In Coldwater, Jeudy founded Prestige Staffing in 2023, connecting authorized workers with local employers. Juedy also rehabilitates residential properties to expand affordable housing and recently opened Prestige International Market, revitalizing a former retail space. Jeudy expressed his gratitude to the U.S.: It is the place where someone can come from anywhere, work hard, contribute to their community, and build a meaningful life. Chamber Champion of the Year: Shamayne Neesley was recognized as a volunteer who shows up before being asked. Advertisement Advertisement Neesley often steps in behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. Chamber Champion of the Year Shamayne Neesley The Chamber cited her selflessness: She serves not for recognition, but because she truly cares. Shamayne embodies the spirit of service and commitment that keeps our Chamber welcoming, strong, and thriving. Subscribe Support local news. Subscribe to the Coldwater Reporter Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Diverse group receives honors from Coldwater Chamber at Dearth Center "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Heres what youll learn when you read this story: Some still question the origins of the strange steel ball that a Florida family found on their property in 1974. Could it be alien technology? The militaryand even ufologistsexamined the sphere, concluding that humans made the bizarre orb. Yet, the Betz mystery sphere conspiracy theory continues to persist. Is there any validity to it? Picture this: you walk outside and into your yard and discover a strange metal sphere thats a little smaller than a bowling ball (a diameter of eight inches), but a solid eight pounds heavier than even the sturdiest professional bowling bowl that players use (22 pounds). Advertisement Advertisement Thats exactly what happened in 1974, when the Betz family found what is now known as the eponymous Betz mystery sphere near their home in Fort George Island, Florida. Florida Times-Union Archive/WJCT The Betz family said the sphere acted of its own accord, moving and making noises. What does this surprising backyard shot-put have to do with conspiracy theories? Is it some kind of autonomous cannonball? Could it actually be a piece of alien technology? Origins of the Betz Sphere Conspiracy Theory After a fire destroyed their property in March 1974, the Betz family found the bizarre metal sphere in their yard, and believed it was a historic cannonball from Floridas Renaissance-era Spanish colonizers, the Skeptoid podcast explains. But the sphere was clean, free of corrosion, and shiny. Weaponry in the Spanish colonial time period, unlikely from Floridas missionaries to begin with, would have been made of iron or stonenot stainless steel or silver plate. When the family took the sphere home, they said, it started to behave by itself. Their accounts detailed the sphere rolling by itself, making noises, and vibrating. Advertisement Advertisement From Wonderful Engineering: Terry, the son of Antoine and [G]erri Betz, was playing guitar and found that the sphere reacted to the sound of the guitar and made a throbbing noise which scared the family dog. Things took an even odder turn when they were sitting on the floor and rolling the sphere towards one another. When it was sent in one direction, it would change direction midway and head back to the person who rolled it. St. Petersburg Times/Google News Archives In an April 1974 interview with the St. Petersburg Times, Gerri Betz said when the family dog got next to the sphere, she began to whimper and cover her ears with her paws, something Ive never seen her do before. The Betz family suspected solar radiations affected the sphere, which may have been why it reportedly moved intensely when the sun shone brightly, according to Wonderful Engineering. Eventually, the U.S. military got their hands on the sphere to analyze it for more answers. When an expert from a research firm in Baton Rouge, Louisiana examined the sphere, he found radio waves coming from it and a magnetic field around it, Gerri Betz told the St. Petersburg Times. Then, the U.S. Navy analyzed the sphere at Jacksonville Naval Air Station. A Navy spokesman told the St. Petersburg Times that the Navys first x-ray attempts failed because its machine wasnt strong enough to penetrate the steel, but two subsequent tests showed the contents of the globe. Advertisement Advertisement I dont know who manufactured it, the spokesman said, but I say it came from Earth. We do know it is not an explosive and presents no hazard. The Betz family then sent the sphere to astronomer and renowned ufologist J. Allen Hynek for examination, but he also agreed the object was human-made, according to The Jaxson. The Believers The popular Mysterious Universe podcast reported on the Betz mystery sphere with the headline Alien Artifact or Doomsday Device, tipping their hand about the possible explanations among believers. A scientist could have disabused the Betz family of their far-out ideas like 16th-century 431 steel, silver plating, or an improbably solid metal satellite. Still, their account of the spheres motions and noises made local news and continues to inspire believers. Even a quick browse on Reddit shows that the Betz mystery sphere conspiracy theories are alive and well. Heres just a sampling of the ideas anonymous posters have offered up on the r/aliens subreddit: Advertisement Advertisement The government opened it and stole the fillings! My opinion it was some sort of drone, apparently it would roll back to whoever previously held it. Maybe this was is what orbs look like when theyre not lit up. Many people have reported orbs look like metallic spheres when their lights go out. Maybe this was a damaged/broken one? Ive seen the exact same thing pulled through big drainage pipes to declog them. They also move on their own when placed on a flat surface. The Akron Beacon Journal/WJCT The Facts The widely-reported explanation for the Betz mystery sphere is so neat that its failed to persuade believers. After the Navy examined the sphere and identified its steel composition, among other facts, the ball was conclusively compared with a stainless steel ball kept in stock by a Jacksonville equipment supply company, Skeptoid reports. Upon seeing news reports of the mystery sphere, the president of that company, Robert Edwards, showed a reporter a Bell & Howell stainless steel ball that was eight inches across and weighed over 21 poundsalmost exactly the same size as the sphere. From Skeptoid: Im not saying that this thing didnt come from outer space because Ive never seen it, said Edwards. All Im saying is that the physical description of it matches exactly the type of ball we have in stock. As for the noted behaviors of the sphere, these have been repeated and festooned with extra details over the last 52 years. In reality, the sphere was probably rolling on an uneven floor, experts say. Advertisement Advertisement As the Navy spokesman told the St. Petersburg Times: I believe [the sphere moved] because of the construction of the house. Its old and has uneven stone floors. The ball is almost perfectly balanced, and it takes just a little indentation to make it move or change direction. The Case Its unlikely that even an advanced alien technology would use an Earth steel alloy431, used in aircraft and things like fasteners and bolts, per Skeptoid. It wouldnt remain unblemished on the long, extremely hot fall to Earth. Not even a solid steel ball would escape damage. But the Navy investigation and a series of inconclusive examinations have led believers to think the sphere is a UFO. In the U.S., that meant persuading someone in exchange for a financial reward. Based on mixed information, they believe there are different sections of different materials inside the sphere, making it unknown to terrestrial science despite being coated in a carefully human-developed steel alloy. The Verdict Its easy to see how a regular family in Florida would decide a strange object in their yard had some kind of improbable properties. In the absence of clear scientific input about it, that legend could grow very quickly. And the 1970s were a heyday of belief in things like UFOs as well as new religious movements and Americanized transcendental meditationa heady mix for people to develop some wild ideas. Advertisement Advertisement But the reality is that the balls existence can probably be chalked up to a regular manufactured object that got lost. If you ever get ahold of the Betz mystery sphere, consider taking it to your local bowling shop and getting some holes drilled. You Might Also Like Fayettevilles food scene is bustling, with new restaurants and food trucks opening all the time. But not every local favorite is new. Often, it's the newcomers that draw the most attention from local foodies, including in The Fayetteville Observer's Fayetteville Foodies Facebook group. After all, many of the newer spots bring fresh concepts and exciting new cuisines to the area. Alongside the latest food trends, however, Fayetteville is also home to a number of longtime restaurants that have quietly stood the test of time a half-century or more in some cases. Advertisement Advertisement Many of the citys oldest restaurants trace their roots to the earlytomid 20th century, when an influx of Greek immigrants marked a turning point in Fayettevilles dining scene. That era brought a wave of new eateries to the area, many focused on classic American fare. Some of those original restaurants are still around today, while others live on through offshoots and familyrun successors. Evolution of the food scene: How Fayetteville's earliest restaurants built the city's food culture Among those enduring local spots are a handful of beloved classic diners. The menus may vary, but these diners share a common theme: no frills, just good food and friendly service. Advertisement Advertisement They aren't trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, these longtime Fayetteville restaurants offer a dependable place to enjoy a delicious, filling meal at a reasonable price. And that formula has clearly worked. Here are four classic Fayetteville diners that have been open for at least 50 years local fixtures that have earned their staying power amid the citys everchanging food scene. Rainbow Restaurant (Established 1937) Brad Lee, left, and Brian Raynor enjoy lunch at the Rainbow Restaurant Monday, Sept. 16, 2002. Now located on Ramsey Street, Rainbow Restaurant got its start in 1937, when it opened as the Rainbo Restaurant on the ground floor of the Palace Hotel at 223 Hay St. in downtown Fayetteville. John Moutos, who immigrated to the United States from Greece, bought into the restaurant with three partners around 1941, and by the late '40s had bought out his partners. It's been in the family ever since, with Moutos' grandson, John Kanos, the third generation to run the restaurant. It moved to its current location around 1972. Advertisement Advertisement "I'd say 90 percent of our business at least is hard-core customers," John Kanos told The Fayetteville Observer in 2013. "A lot of them were taken to the restaurant by their parents or grandparents." Location: 3708 Ramsey St., Fayetteville Hours: 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Closed Monday. Phone: 910-822-431 Online: rainbowrestaurantnc.com On the menu: Traditional breakfast such as eggs, pancakes, french toast and omelets. You'll also find chicken-fried steak, ham, chops, melts, skillets and corned beef hash. Ratings: 3.8 stars and 86 reviews on Yelp, and 4.5 stars and 1,715 reviews on Google What reviewers say: "The service and atmosphere is so nostalgic," wrote one Google reviewer. "The atmosphere felt like a classic diner. It was very comfortable. We didn't have to wait long to be served our food, and it was delicious," wrote another. "The food is wonderful, diner type food, & the servers are fantastic," wrote one Yelp reviewer. New York Restaurant (Established 1957) Robert Smith and his wife Carolyn finish up their lunch Friday afternoon, October. 7, 2005, at New York Restaurant as they dine in their favorite booth. Gus Poulos helped start the Village Diner, which eventually became New York Restaurant, on Eastern Boulevard in 1957. That was back in the days before Interstate 95 drew traffic away from the once-busy thoroughfare. The current owner, Nick Drakos, told the Observer in 2019 that, like Poulos, he came to Fayetteville from Greece. He bought the restaurant from Poulos and his wife, Penny, in 1990. Advertisement Advertisement New York Restaurant is a friendly place with good food and good prices, Drakos said in 2019. We keep our prices affordable and our food is consistent and good. Location: 201 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville Hours: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday. Closed Wednesday. Phone: 910-483-4702 On the menu: The daily breakfast special is always popular, Drakos said in 2019. He said the grilled chicken breast and fried pork chops were also popular. Ratings: 3.7 stars out of 20 reviews on Yelp, and 4.6 stars out of 322 reviews on Google What reviewers say: "Old School dinner atmosphere. Some of the best comfort food in town," said one Yelper. "Small business but very popular," said another. A Google reviewer said, "Doesn't look like much from the outside. But don't sleep on it. The staff and owners are kind and go out of their way to take care of you. When you walk in it feels as if time has stopped and it's retro and clean." Lindy's Restaurant (Established 1968) Workers and patrons are seen through the window at Lindy's Restaurant on Raeford Road on Jan. 30, 2019. Anna and Pete Karteris, who immigrated to Fayetteville from Greece, opened Lindy's Restaurant on Raeford Road on Aug. 12, 1968. Anna Karteris ran the restaurant by herself when her husband died 10 years later. In 2008, Pete Skenteris (not to be confused with his uncle of the same name, the late Haymount Grill owner) bought the restaurant, which he runs with his wife, Angela. "Lindy's has the best breakfast in town," Anna Karteris told the Observer in a 2016 story. "Everything is homemade, and it's the same today as it was in 1968. ... It's a landmark not fancy, but good, family food. A place where you feel comfortable." Advertisement Advertisement Location: 3001 Raeford Road, Fayetteville Hours: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily Phone: 910-485-6247 On the menu: "Breakfast, home-cooking and spaghetti are Lindy's specialties," Pete Skenteris said told the Observer in 2016. "We make our own spaghetti sauce." Ratings: 4.4 stars and 95 reviews on Yelp, and 4.6 stars and 866 reviews on Google What reviewers say: "Old time favorite for a reason, everything was great but I just love them home fries and fried biscuits," a Google reviewer wrote. "This restaurant has been around a long time and has the old diner atmosphere and vibe. Staff are super friendly and very quick with their service. Everything on the menu has a homemade taste," wrote another. "Love the nostalgia," wrote a Yelp reviewer. Zorba's Gyro (Established 1974) Mementos and awards hang from the walls of Zorbas Gyro on Raeford Road, which has been serving up food to customers for 50 years. Right next door to Lindy's on Raeford Road is Zorba's Gyro, another Fayetteville institution started by a Greek immigrant. Thomas Tommy Frangakis and his wife, Marina, opened the restaurant in November 1974. Their son, John Frangakis, took over in 2004 and, in 2009, added a Hope Mills location. "We make everything in-house," John Frangakis told the Observer in 2025. "You could get a gyro here in 1998, and if you come in 2025, itll taste the same. Thats something were proud of." Location: 2919 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, and 3114 N. Main St., No. 106, Hope Mills Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (both locations) Phone: 910-484-1010 (Fayettevlle) and 910-424-3332 (Hope Mills) On the menu: American comfort food burgers, fries, bacon and eggs exists comfortably alongside Greek dishes like gyros, souvlaki and spanakopita. Locals in the know visit the restaurant for its Wednesday spaghetti special. Online: zorbasgyro.com Ratings: 4 stars and 156 reviews on Yelp, and 4.5 stars and 1,800 reviews on Google. What reviewers say: A Google reviewer wrote: "Always great for breakfast! There are not many places where you can get an omelet, hash browns, and pancakes for under $10. Service is FAST too!" A Yelp reviewer said, "This is the greatest old-school style diner that has the most consistently friendly waitstaff, delicious, quickly-prepared food and reasonably-priced choices with secret daily specials, for miles around." Another wrote, "The best gyros, spaghetti in town." News Director Beth Hutson can be reached at bhutson@fayobserver.com. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Where to find classic American diners in Fayetteville Many of this year's New Hampshire Union Leader 40 Under Forty class faced significant challenges to climb to the top of the state's list of young professionals. Among them, the mounting costs of housing, health insurance and raising the next generation. But several of those honored Wednesday night at the Nashua Center for the Arts said the state has an important point in their favor it's full of talented people who are eager to lift each other up and support each others careers. Advertisement Advertisement Andy DeMeo, a 30-year-old from Tamworth, said the Granite States unique forms of government could have something to do with it. There are many opportunities to participate in decision-making, such as attending deliberative sessions and the annual town meetings. "It sounds trite to say, but we really are better networked here in New Hampshire, and there are many opportunities to meet people and make an impact," DeMeo said. "It's much easier to start something new, or get people to care. We have a really robust tradition of local democracy and people getting involved." DeMeo is creator of Granite Goodness, a podcast and news aggregation website focusing on uplifting and substantial news coming out of New Hampshire. At least one of DeMeo's professional contacts was also honored this year. Elle McGraw, a 32-year-old clinical nursing supervisor at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, moved from Philadelphia to Alexandria five years ago and sees herself staying here. Advertisement Advertisement "I've never felt more supported than I do working out here," McGraw said. "Whether it's people on my team or even just talking to other professionals, I think we've been really great about lifting each other and sharing each other's successes." Since she joined Dartmouth Hitchcock last year, McGraw said she's helped improve their ability to recognize and treat patients who experienced a stroke. Giving back to the community is important to her, both by mentoring her peers and sharing things she grows at home with her husband, she said. Londonderry's Jay Michaud, 39, was also honored for working in the medical field as an executive director in the Elliot Health System. Michaud said one of his biggest concerns is the state's population continues to trend older. It's important to help grow the community of young professionals so the demographic doesn't disappear, he said. Advertisement Advertisement "The challenge for the state is, how do you attract more young people to live here? Pre-COVID, it was much cheaper to live in New Hampshire," Michaud said. "Young people are excited and interested in their jobs, but they have to find places to live." Passing the baton was another important theme for Lindsay Nadeau, a 40 Under Forty honoree from last year supporting her colleague Nicole Forbes, who was joining the ranks this year. Both are attorneys at Orr and Reno. A 35-year-old Manchester resident, Forbes specializes in family law and was recently named to the board of directors for REACH Crisis Services. "Employers are really lucky right now," Nadeau said. "There are a lot of really good candidates in New Hampshire, and it's definitely a good time as an employee, to be in high demand." Advertisement Advertisement Sponsors New Hampshire Union Leader President and Publisher Brendan McQuaid said the event, which drew a crowd of nearly 300 people, always reminds him how young people give the state an impressive "renewable resource." "Year after year, we are inspired by the talent, leadership and commitment to community represented in this room," McQuaid said. New Hampshire Insurance Department, BAE Systems, Keene State College, Rise Private Wealth Management, Orr and Reno, HEB Engineers, Dube Plus Construction, Dartmouth Health, Mothers Against Addiction, GZA GeoEnvironmental and the Business and Industry Association sponsored this year's event. zmarano@unionleader.com On February 4, 1943, the minister of the interior informed the chief of police in Rome that although no charges were made against African American Reed Edwin Peggram and Dane Arne Gerdahn Hauptmann, their overly intimate relationship was deplored but tolerated by the local authorities in Montecarlo. He reported that Reed and Arne were living together in a single room with a single bed. They had only been in Montecarlo for a few months when these accusations surfaced. Who knew this information and who reported it? The record was silent onthe name of the informer. But they were identified as two degenerates engaged in sexual perversion. The minister of the interior proposed to an official, the questore of Lucca, to transferone of them to another municipality in Lucca. Reed was told to leave. He departed Montecarlo two weeks later and was sent to Bagni di Lucca, a commune in Tuscany at the foothills of the Appenine Mountains. In May 1943, Italian officials warned Arne not to go to Bagni di Lucca forany reason. Who were these men, and why were they in Italy during WWII? Reed Peggram was bornin 1914 in Boston and was raised primarily by his grandmother, a janitor and cleaning lady. Heattended Boston Latin School and Harvard for his undergraduate and masters degrees. Reed met Arne, born in 1916 in Copenhagen, in May 1939 in Paris while Reed was studying decadence in 19th century French literature at the Sorbonne. He received a Rosenwald fellowship to support hisdissertation research at Harvard where he was a doctoral student in Comparative Literature. Arne was studying fine arts and painting. Reed followed Arne to Copenhagen in August 1939 and wasthere when World War II began. They remained in Denmark for seven months trying to figure out their next move. They finally decided to go to Italy, at the end of March 1940, missing the occupation of Denmark by the Nazis by a couple of weeks. They hoped that Arne would get a visa allowing him to enter the United States. When those plans were thwarted, they remained in Florence. Reed turned down all offers of assistance. He was in love with Arne and would not abandon him despite the danger. When the United States entered World War II, Reed was suddenly a citizen of an enemy nation, and Arne, a citizen of a German-occupied nation, could potentially report on military movements in a major city such as Florence. They were sent to live in the town of Montecatini Terme, about thirty-seven miles away. They were more easily observed in this small town, particularly Reed, an African American man. Someone reported them to the minister of theinterior suggesting that their relationship was morally suspicious. Arne was forced to move to Borgo a Buggiano. The distance between the two towns was just a little more than two miles, but the authorities hoped it would be just far enough away to prevent the two men from interacting. Reed and Arne were now living apart, and they were in dismal straits financially and mentally. Advertisement Advertisement Their situation took a turn for the worse when on September 8, 1943, Italy surrendered to the Allies following an armistice, but the Germans took over before the Allied forces arrived. Germany now occupied northern Italy, where Reed and Arne resided. Reed was interned at Bagni di Lucca and Arne was sent to the Colle di Compito concentration camp. After all theyhad gone through to remain together, the greatest agony must have been being separated and not knowing when or if theyd survive or see one another again. Living conditions were wretched in the camps. The tents provided little shelter from the elements and were often flooded. The prisoners suffered during the cold-weather months andduring the heat of the summer. The toilets and showers were filthy, reeking of urine and excrement and sweat. There was barely food to feed the prisoners, just enough soup to lead amiserable existence, Reed recalled. The food that they received was of poor quality. But he got used to starving. The days were monotonous as they waited for Red Cross packages containing soap, a few cigarettes, potted ham, cheese, hardtack (a dense biscuit or cracker), sugar, salt, dried fruit, oleomargarine, and powdered milk. Sometimes the prisoners ate margarine by itself to stave off hunger pains. Chicory was used as a coffee substitute. The prisoners were irritable because of hunger and the lack of nicotine. The camps were infested with lice. Books were scarce and were frequently swappedanything to fill the time. Prisoners were often made to stand outside in the cold weather for the check-parade, which was used to make sure all the prisoners were accounted present. The guards would often lose count and had to start all over again. Reed lost track of time as each day blended into the next. There was nothing to do but a great deal of time to think about what was in store for us, said Reed. In June 1944, the prisoners in Colle di Compito were moved to the Bagni di Lucca campafter a machine-gun attack by Allied forces. Reed and Arne were reunited. They must have beenshocked and relieved to see each other again after being apart for a little over a year. Suddenly, Allied bombs fell near the Bagni di Lucca camp. The Allies had slowly but determinedly made their way up from southern Italy, capturing towns and pushing the Germansnorth. The attack was a surprise to the prisoners, cut off from the news, who took cover as gunsstrafed the ground. They choked on the smoke and shuddered when the earth shook. The prison guards left their posts unattended to fight the enemy. Reed had trouble seeing through the smoke, but he could hear the planes flying overhead. He looked for Arne. They had been separated in the camp, held in different tents. Advertisement Advertisement Reeds ears rang, deafened by the sounds of machine guns and bombs. But occasionally there were breaks in the smoke. During the ensuing chaos, many prisoners attempted escape. Amidst the smoke and the explosions, Reed found Arne. They did not have much time to gather their few belongings before they made their way into the mountains, fleeing for their lives. They escaped with just the clothes on their backs. But now what? Reed and Arne swam across lakes and hiked through the bitter cold, rain, and the snow-covered Apennines, eating chestnuts to stave off hunger. They had escaped but they were not safe. They were still behind German lines without resources or their passports or any identification. During the day they hid in the hills and, if lucky, in the homes of friendly partisans who offered them food, blankets, clothes, and sometimes boots, although those were often impossible to obtain, and a safe, warm place to stay. They had to rely on their instincts to determine who they could trust. Reed recalled, We cant explain just how we did it, but soon as we figured that something was fishy, we moved on. So far, our guesses have been right. At night, they hid in barns, in the woods, and slept near the water, hoping that the Allied forces were near. They discussed where they would live after the war, fantasizing about their future, which theyd always envisioned together. After months of wandering and hiding, finally, there was a miracle. In December 1944, near collapse from exhaustion and hunger, their clothes dirty, tattered, and torn, Reed and Arneen countered an advance patrol led by Lieutenant James Young of the allAfrican American 370th Regiment of the 92nd Division near a town on the Fifth Army front. It was pure happenstance. Reed must have thought he was experiencing an illusion. Not only were these American soldiers, but specifically African American soldiers, who surely would help him. After everything theyd been through, after how hard theyd fought to stay together for nearly five years in Italy, Arne went back to Denmark in August 1945. Reed had no choice but to return to the United States and to an uncertain future. After being hospitalized for a nervous breakdown, Reed boarded the hospital ship USAHS Alonquin in Naples and arrived in Charleston, South Carolina on August 14, 1945. They never saw each other again. For more on Reed Peggrams extraordinary life, see Professor Ethelene Whitmires book The Remarkable Life of Reed Peggram: The Man Who Stared Down World War II in the Name of Love and visit her website at ethelenewhitmire.com. This article originally appeared on Advocate: The incredible story of a gay interracial love affair in the midst of WWII When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Zodiacal light shines low on the horizon after sunset. | Credit: Photo by: Alan Dyer/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Look to the western sky around sunset on the nights surrounding the spring equinox this month and you may notice a strange column of light stretching up from the horizon. Read on to discover how and when to see zodiacal light and what causes this "false dawn" display. Zodiacal light becomes visible in Earth 's sky when sunlight reflects off dust particles concentrated on the ecliptic the plane surrounding the sun that hosts the planets of our solar system , according to EarthSky. Advertisement Advertisement The tiny pieces of debris are thought to have been shed by wandering comets or created en masse following asteroid collisions, though a 2021 study based on data collected by NASA's Juno spacecraft suggests that Mars may be the actual source of the dusty particles. Zodiacal light is at its most visible for viewers in the Northern Hemisphere in the hours following sunset on nights surrounding the spring equinox (March 20) and before dawn around the autumn equinox (Sept. 23), when the path of the ecliptic is at its most extreme angle relative to the horizon. This hazy glow can manifest at any time in the year for stargazers near Earth's equator, and is often referred to as a "false dusk" or "false dawn," depending on the time of year. The moon will be conspicuously absent from the post-sunset sky from March 7 up until a few days after its new moon phase on March 20, presenting ideal conditions to hunt for the zodiacal light in the runup to the spring equinox and in the nights that follow. No equipment is needed to see the rare natural light display, but you won't stand a chance of spotting it in urban skies. So, head away from artificial city lights over the coming weeks and gaze to the west in the hours directly following sunset. Allow your eyes at least 20 minutes to adapt to the dark, and if you're lucky, you may just spot a pale pyramid of light extending up from the horizon. Editor's Note: If you would like to share your photos of zodiacal light with Space.com's readers, then please send your image(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com. Sightings of mythical creatures in Rhode Island are far and few between these days, but a giant serpent that supposedly once lived in the woods of present-day Coventry is the subject of enduring local lore. Carbuncle Hill and Carbuncle Pond both get their names from the legend, which has been repeated since at least the 1890s. Legendary serpent supposedly guarded by glowing red gem As the story goes, a gigantic snake or serpent once roamed the remote region near the Connecticut border. It had a giant red gem known in olden times as a carbuncle in the middle of its forehead. The stone glowed so brightly that it illuminated the dark woods. Advertisement Advertisement Native Americans repeatedly tried to capture and kill the serpent, believing the gem had miraculous powers. They finally succeeded after an intense battle, and the carbuncle became a sacred talisman. When White settlers arrived in the area in the 1600s, they heard the story and decided they wanted it for themselves. "They engaged the Indians in a battle which wiped out all the native defenders except the chief, who stood proud and unharmed," The Journal recounted in 1955. "Before he could be seized, however, he took the coveted jewel in his hand, drew back his arm, and threw the carbuncle into the very center of the pond." The 39-acre Carbuncle Pond is stocked with trout and salmon in spring and fall. Supposedly, the carbuncle gave the pond a certain radiance and brightness, though skeptics pointed out that could also come from freshwater streams. The Journal theorized that the legend could have arisen to explain the presence of garnets, which naturally occur in rock formations in Rhode Island. 'Block Ness Monster' ignited curiosity in 1990s Another snake-like creature became the subject of Rhode Island lore in 1996, when it was found in the waters off Block Island. Advertisement Advertisement Fishermen hoping to catch monkfish instead pulled up the 14-foot skeleton of a mysterious sea creature that was quickly nicknamed the Block Ness Monster. Though it looked like the remains of a mythical sea monster, scientists said it was probably only a basking shark. Still, the discovery caused a stir and inspired commemorative cocktails and T-shirts. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Block Ness Monster, Carbuncle Pond serpent part of RI lore Some of the best small towns in New England are in Rhode Island. Yankee Magazine, a publication that knows New England well, published a list of the 25 best small towns in New England to live in and three Rhode Island towns made the cut. Yankee took into account the schools in the area, how diverse the population is, crime in the town as well as property taxes and the prices of homes. They also factored in opportunities to build lasting relationships in the town, like churches, local bars and cafes, and community events. Advertisement Advertisement "Finallyand most criticallywe considered those intangible qualities that make a small town unique: the beloved old opera house, the stunning mountain vista, the venerable country inn, the one-of-a-kind museum," Yankee Magazine said. Beavertail State Park in Jamestown. Beavertail Point was the site of the first lighthouse built in Rhode Island, the third in America, in 1749. Jamestown, Rhode Island 'unique rural character' Yankee Magazine said that Jamestown, Rhode Island, is the sixth best small town in New England, commenting that the Conanicut Island town has a rustic aura, with vast stretches of farmland to bike through. "Along the way are peaceful beach communities, Victorian 'cottages' in The Dumplings neighborhood (named for its rocky offshore outcroppings resembling dough balls), and sunset views at the 19th-century lighthouse at Beavertail State Park," Yankee Magazine said. Beavertail is no stranger to accolades, with WorldAtlas naming in the best place to vacation in 2025. It known for Beavertail State Park on Beavertail Road in Jamestown as well as its restaurant scene. WorldAtlas recommended chowder from Narragansett Cafe, located at 25 Narragansett Ave, and pizza at Ace's Pizza on 5 Clarke St. The perch on a massive outcropping along Hopkinton's Long Pond, where scenes from the movie "Moonrise Kingdom" were filmed. John Kostrzewa Hopkinton, Rhode Island 'outdoor enthusiasts dream' Yankee Magazine said Hopkinton, Rhode Island, is the 17th best small town in New England, noting that it's great for people who love the Great Outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement "Nature is never far away, from kayaking and fishing along the Wood-Pawcatuck River system to hiking and bird-watching in Canonchet Brook Preserve, home to many kinds of migratory songbirds," the magazine said. You can also visit Hopkinton's Long Pond, which was featured in Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom." "Despite over a thousand acres of open space, Hopkintons commercial center Hope Valley is classic New England, with a white-steepled church, country grocer, and authentic general store complete with penny candy," Yankee Magazine said. An aerial photograph of Quonochontaug Pond in Charlestown taken by the late Vic Dvorak of the Salt Ponds Coalition. Charlestown, Rhode Island 'decidedly quirky spirit' The New England magazine said Charlestown, Rhode Island, is the 22nd best small town in the region, shouting out its natural surroundings. Advertisement Advertisement "The town offers miles of gold-sand beaches, as well as salt ponds and wooded trails that lace through conservation areas such as Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for migratory birds," Yankee Magazine said. You can also visit the Frosty Drew Observatory, which is open every Friday night, to use their telescopes for some free stargazing, according to the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce. It's located inside Ninigret Park at 62 Park Lane in Charlestown. "Artists, retirees, and off-the-beaten-track tourists flock to Charlestowns independently minded businesses, among them the whimsical Fantastic Umbrella Factory complex and local watering hole the Rat, aka the Charlestown Rathskeller Bar," Yankee Magazine said. Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: 3 RI small towns rank among New Englands best Yankee Magazine says The Canadian governments support for the United States-Israel bombing campaign against Iran started out as resolute and unwavering. Things shifted quickly, but slightly, when Canadian Prime Minister clarified that he supported strikes on Iran with "some regret." Canadas position remains clear: the Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East, the PM first said in a statement, also posted to social media on Saturday, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced military strikes on Iran. Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security. Backlash from Canadians and human rights groups on both Carney and foreign affairs minister Anita Anands statements (one of Anands statements was subsequently deleted), compelled the PM to recalibrate Canadas stance in a press conference from Australia while on a trade negotiations trip across the Asia-Pacific. The United States and Israel have acted without engaging the United Nations or consulting allies, including Canada, he amended. Canada reaffirms that international law binds all belligerence We implore all parties, including the United States and Israel to respect the rules of international engagement. The PM also said: It is a case for the U.S. and Israel to make, and those who are more expert than me Im certainly not an international lawyer who are more expert to make that determination It appears these actions are inconsistent with international law. Advertisement Advertisement Yahoo Canada spoke to two international law experts Mark Kersten, an international law professor at the University of Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, and Shane Martinez, a human rights and defense lawyer at Martinez Law in Toronto to make sense of why the Carney government was initially quick to side with the U.S. and Israel without a thought about international law. We also asked them if Carneys revised rhetoric is anywhere near enough. Mark, you say that Carneys original statement on the U.S. and Israel going into Iran was a hit and a miss. Please explain. Mark Kersten (Courtesy photo) Mark Kersten: Carney was absolutely correct that this is a time to articulate solidarity and support for the Iranian people who have been oppressed and the target of so many atrocities and human rights violations not just recently with the thousands of disappeared and tortured, but for decades there has been no accountability. Many have called for Iranian perpetrators to be investigated and prosecuted, including in Canada. So to oppose the regime is 100 percent correct; there is no ambiguity there. Advertisement Advertisement What the PM missed was that he appears not to believe that international law is relevant the consensus is very strong among international lawyers that this is an illegal war. So the question isnt whether the Iranian regime should continue to exist or to oppress its citizens. It shouldnt. The consensus is very strong among international lawyers that this is an illegal war. The question is, firstly, does international law have a place? And secondly: What is the cost of abandoning international law just because you dont want to apply it to a state or regime that you dont like? I think its dangerous to whittle away at the protections that international law offers to states and to people by not applying it to states you dont like. Im concerned that if we dont consistently note that international law applies, and the violations outside the scope of the United Nations charter if we dont consistently apply those international laws then we are in a much weaker standing to denounce or articulate that international applies when sovereignty of Cuba is violated, which many people believe, is going to happen next. How does Canada square the fact that we believe that threats against the territorial sovereignty of Greenland are unacceptable when we dont make that same claim for all states? The PM adjusted the governments position on March 3 because of the pressure from everyone who understood from Day One that these attacks on Iran were illegal. But many were confused by the amended stance. In the words of iHeart Radio Talk Networks Bill Carroll: Canada supports a war that we believe is illegal. What kind of position is that? Shane Martinez (Courtesy) Shane Martinez: After Canada received public backlash for endorsing the illegal acts of aggression taken by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, the PMs statement unsuccessfully explained the governments position. Advertisement Advertisement Carney called for a rapid de-escalation strategy of hostilities while reiterating his support for the very attacks he acknowledges are spreading conflict and threatening civilian life. The prime minister does not withdraw his support for the U.S. and Israel both of whom have egregiously breached the U.N. Charter. He, rather hypocritically, reminds us that international law binds all belligerents. His statement expresses vague sentiments of regret for Canadas position but suggests that it is one taken because of failure of the international order. The attempted rationalization is a maze of contradictions: The PM is basically saying that although international law ought to prevail, it is necessary to endorse the violations to achieve an elusive peace even though said peace requires diplomatic engagement. The only coherence to be extracted is that liberalism is, yet again, serving imperial interests. The PM is basically saying that although international law ought to prevail, it is necessary to endorse the violations to achieve an elusive peace On top of the mixed messaging, the PM has also said that One can never categorically rule out participation. We stand by our allies. Does this ping-pong position on Iran diminish or even undo the effect of his much-lauded speech at the World Economic Order in Davos, Switzerland? MK: In Davos, just weeks ago, Carney said that as a middle power that was both pragmatic and principled, Canada would defend territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the UN Charter, and oppose the use of force unless it was authorized under the Charter under two exceptions that exist under international law. Almost immediately, we have chosen not to do any of those things. The calculus is, Look, this isnt Cuba, Greenland, or Ukraine. This is our historic foe: We have no diplomatic relationships with Iran the Stephen Harper government shut those down. So our calculus here is to side with the United States in order to curry favour with them in the midst of difficult economic negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement This has nothing to do with defending [the people of] Iran. You can defend international law without defending a country. You can say that international law applies without saying you support it in a way that would allow a particularly brutal regime to persist, or to continue existing or oppressing its people. Theres a way to say those things at the same time. The regime should end, and the people of Iran deserve much better than the cruelty and oppression theyve experienced. At the same time, international law protects territorial integrity and sovereignty and prohibits the use of force except under very narrow circumstances, and thats important not just in some places, but in all places, because those rules of international law are not about individual states, they are about the collective security of the globe. There are very, very few examples of the illegal use of force leading to further protection of civilians. You can say that international law applies without saying you support it in a way that would allow a particularly brutal regime to persist. In the Davos speech, Carney said what most of the world said, which is that this rules-based order basically didnt exist and what it really was, was hypocrisy masquerading as global politics. He said Canada had contributed to that by allowing the United States to more or less do anything it wanted too often, and that that was going to change. I think people read the Davos speech as an indication that something different was going to come. To this day, one of the defining moments of Canadian history is when we didnt go with the United States into Iraq. It stands out as this quintessentially Canadian moment because on so many other things we just went along with them. Now, its especially a difficult moment for Carney because on the one hand you want to remove yourself from this dependency; on the other hand, you want to avoid possibly having your own territorial integrity violated in the future and having your sovereignty threatened or diminished by the United States in the future. Thats not an easy tightrope to walk. We have to take that seriously. But if we take international law as an afterthought, basically saying it doesnt really matter over here (like we did with Iran), we weaken our position of being able to say it and getting others to side with us if and when our territorial sovereignty is put in the crosshairs. SM: In the speech, [it seemed like] the PM made commitments to going down a new path. The only thing that ushered that little bit of acknowledgement of truth in the speech was that Canada being put in the same position it has historically contributed to other countries being put into. Only Canada was in a somewhat comparable position not anywhere close to what the Global South goes through but once it was at odds in some way with the United States, then we saw it acknowledging this arrangement or order. Advertisement Advertisement So there was some truth there, but I dont think there was ever any kind of sincerity behind doing things differently. At least not differently in terms of who benefits. The same class-based interests are going to end up benefitting. Theres not going to be any kind of shift of power. It was about a different way of doing it, but its ultimately going to result in the same outcome. The contradiction to the speech with Iran is that Carney specifically put out a statement and endorses an illegal imperialist war and does so in such a short temporal period from when he made the speech in Davos that it illustrates that contraction so significantly. It shows how you can say something one day he can acknowledge the truth of this fundamentally unfair arrangement and the next day take a position, like he did on Iran just reaffirms the very problem he was identifying with that speech. We have to remember that its a problem for us, the people. Its not a problem for ruling class interests. The status quo is exactly what they want to maintain by endorsing what the United States and Israel have embarked on, here. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A jury in Ascension Parish found two men guilty of multiple counts of human trafficking. Jayden Hodge, 21, of Dallas, Texas and Antonio Jackson, 23, of Phoenix, Ariz., appeared in court on Thursday, March 5. Left to right: (Jayden Hodge; Antonio Jackson) Both men were charged with: human trafficking victim under the age of 21 (2 counts) human trafficking victim under the age of 18 (1 count) The Texas Department of Public Safety was looking for a 13-year-old girl on Sept. 19, 2024, and found online postings indicating that the juvenile female was being prostituted in the city of Gonzales, according to the 23rd Judicial District Attorneys Office. Advertisement Advertisement The Louisiana State Police, the Gonzales Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation found the girl at a hotel in Gonzales. The 23rd Judicial District Attorneys Office stated that the girl they found, along with two other females under the age of 21, was brought from Texas to be prostituted. Officials reported the three females were recruited, harbored, and solicited by these suspects for financial gain. Sentencing for Hodge and Jackson was deferred to a later date, according to the 23rd Judicial District Attorneys Office. Both individuals face the possibility of a life sentence on the charge of human trafficking victim under the age of 18. Advertisement Advertisement The two men were booked into the Ascension Parish Jail. LSP: Investigation ongoing into officer-involved shooting in Ascension Parish Latest News Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Over the past six months, Hillmans stock price fell to $8.33. Shareholders have lost 17.9% of their capital, which is disappointing considering the S&P 500 has climbed by 5.1%. This was partly driven by its softer quarterly results and might have investors contemplating their next move. Is there a buying opportunity in Hillman, or does it present a risk to your portfolio? See what our analysts have to say in our full research report, its free. Why Is Hillman Not Exciting? Despite the more favorable entry price, we're sitting this one out for now. Here are three reasons why HLMN doesn't excite us and a stock we'd rather own. 1. Long-Term Revenue Growth Disappoints A companys long-term sales performance is one signal of its overall quality. Any business can have short-term success, but a top-tier one grows for years. Unfortunately, Hillmans 2.6% annualized revenue growth over the last five years was sluggish. This was below our standards. Hillman Quarterly Revenue 2. Mediocre Free Cash Flow Margin Limits Reinvestment Potential Free cash flow isn't a prominently featured metric in company financials and earnings releases, but we think it's telling because it accounts for all operating and capital expenses, making it tough to manipulate. Cash is king. Hillman has shown poor cash profitability relative to peers over the last five years, giving the company fewer opportunities to return capital to shareholders. Its free cash flow margin averaged 2.6%, below what wed expect for an industrials business. Hillman Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin 3. Previous Growth Initiatives Havent Impressed Growth gives us insight into a companys long-term potential, but how capital-efficient was that growth? Enter ROIC, a metric showing how much operating profit a company generates relative to the money it has raised (debt and equity). Hillman historically did a mediocre job investing in profitable growth initiatives. Its five-year average ROIC was 2.5%, lower than the typical cost of capital (how much it costs to raise money) for industrials companies. Hillman Trailing 12-Month Return On Invested Capital Final Judgment Hillmans business quality ultimately falls short of our standards. Following the recent decline, the stock trades at 13.8 forward P/E (or $8.33 per share). While this valuation is fair, the upside isnt great compared to the potential downside. We're pretty confident there are more exciting stocks to buy at the moment. Wed recommend looking at one of Charlie Mungers all-time favorite businesses. High-Quality Stocks for All Market Conditions WHILE YOURE HERE: Top 9 Market-Beating Stocks. The best stocks don't just beat the market once. They do it again. And again. Robust revenue growth, rising free cash flow, returns on capital that leave their competition in the dust. The market has already rewarded these businesses. Two men were arrested and two San Francisco police officers were injured Thursday after an altercation with Mayor Daniel Lurie's security detail near the Tenderloin. Lurie was unharmed in what the head of San Francisco's police union described as a "violent incident." Mission Local reported that one of the mayor's bodyguards was "left bleeding from the back of his head" after the incident, which the news outlet said happened after a group of people blocked the black SUV that Lurie uses regularly. Advertisement Advertisement The San Francisco Police Department said in a statement that the incident occurred near Cedar and Polk streets at about 5:38 p.m., when officers responded to a request for backup from two other officers who were assigned to Lurie's security detail. Police said Lurie's bodyguards had gotten into "a physical altercation" with two unidentified men. Police descended on the area and arrested the two men. Two officers were treated at the scene for injuries that were not life threatening, according to SFPD. No one else was injured. The identities of the alleged assailants were not available pending formal charges. Lurie's office did not immediately return a request for comment. But Louis Wong, president of the San Francisco Police Officers Association, confirmed that one of his union's members was hurt during the incident. Advertisement Advertisement "We are grateful that the officers assigned to the mayor's security detail acted swiftly and courageously to protect him in a dangerous and unpredictable situation," Wong said in the statement. SFPD responded quickly to the scene to assist and take control of the situation, Wong said. This article originally published at 2 men arrested after allegedly attacking S.F. Mayor Lurie's bodyguards. Multiple angles covered a dramatic altercation between one of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie's security detail and individuals on the street minutes after he approached them Thursday evening. Mayor Lurie said he was driving through the Tenderloin Thursday evening and noticed two men that seemed like they needed help. He stopped and got out of his car to speak to them. "I was worried about them, you know, safety of pedestrians and cars coming. So, I stopped. We asked them to get up and the incident began," said Mayor Lurie. "The two that were in the middle of a street, I said, 'you need to get up' and then there was another person that was passed out, and I went to check on him and make sure, frankly, that he was breathing and alive and he was." Advertisement Advertisement The mayor's bodyguard was seen on the ground struggling with an individual. Seconds later, more police reinforcement arrived. One resident who wants to remain anonymous but shared a video of the incident, said the mayor went to get more help. Mayor Lurie confirmed that and acknowledged the crisis on the streets. Eleni Balakrishnan/Mission Local "We still have a long way to go. We have a lot of work to do. I walk the Tenderloin. I walk the Mission, I walk SoMa, and I've told everybody- we have more work to do and that was evidence by what happened last night, but we're still one of the safest American cities. Lowest homicide rate last year," said Mayor Lurie. The altercation happened outside of Jane, a coffee shop that has been in the neighborhood for over a decade. Even though they were closed during the time of the altercation the owner said incidents of this type are not uncommon. "This stuff happens a lot. Not on a daily basis, but probably a couple times a week. We have different types of altercations with people on the street," said Amanda Michael, owner of Jane. Advertisement Advertisement The mayor is known for walking the streets of the city and seeing the need up close - something Amanda Michael says she appreciates but pointed to this area needing more help. "What do you hope to see change?" ABC7 Eyewitness News reporter Luz Pena asked. INTERACTIVE: Take a look at the ABC7 Neighborhood Safety Tracker "I don't think it's only you that we would love to see a little bit more supervision in terms of like the chaos management. And it would be really great to see more of a focus on treatment instead of just putting people in shelters, but actually giving to the cause," said Michael. Advertisement Advertisement One of the individuals who attacked the mayor's security details was arrested on suspicion of murder in 2019 but was not charged. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said that case took place when DA George Gascon was in office. Jenkins confirmed her office is looking into Thursday's incident closely. "It's frightening and we want to make sure that we are doing everything to, protect, not only city officials, but anyone. We have to make sure, that there's accountability when people do the things that were done last night," said District Attorney Jenkins. District Attorney Jenkins said her team is reviewing the case. The police bodyguard who was attacked is set to recover from his head injury. Mayor Lurie said what happened Thursday evening won't change what he typically does - which is to walk the streets of San Francisco and see the need up close. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live Two Milwaukee men with ties to the Wild 100s street gang were convicted for their roles in a murder-for-hire plot that left another man dead. Ronnell Bowman and Lawrence Turner were found guilty by a federal jury on March 4 of conspiracy to commit murder for hire resulting in death, and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. Bowman, who also had a home address in Houston, also was convicted of conspiracy to commit violations of federal firearms laws, attempted witness tampering and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Advertisement Advertisement More: Ex-Kohler worker was routinely harassed over his Hmong heritage, lawsuit says During a weeklong trial, federal prosecutors presented evidence that showed Bowman and Turner arranged the April 5, 2021, killing of a man identified in court papers as "N.B." in exchange for Bowmans offer to pay $10,000. They argued in an April 25, 2021, complaint the two men were members of the Wild 100s. The evidence showed Bowman and Turner targeted the victim and murdered him because they believed he was connected to a rival gang, Brad D. Schimel, the interim U.S. Attorney for Wisconsin's Eastern District, said in a March 5 statement. Advertisement Advertisement Bowman and Turner face mandatory life imprisonment. A sentencing date was not immediately known. The two men also were convicted of using, carrying and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. That count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of up to life in prison. More: Supplier gets 19 years in prison for role in multi-state drug operation run through Wisconsin Before their trial, Bowman and Turner pleaded guilty to taking part in a mail fraud conspiracy to defraud the Department of Labor. That scheme was carried out by submitting false and fraudulent applications for benefits under programs such as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program and other unemployment insurance programs. Advertisement Advertisement Bowman, Turner and their other conspirators all of whom had connections to the Wild 100s wrongfully obtained millions of federal dollars through their fraudulent activities and used the money to purchase firearms, controlled substances, jewelry and vacations, and to solicit murder for hire. Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 2 Milwaukee gang members found guilty in 2021 murder-for-hire plot EDITORS NOTE: The following story contains graphic content about an alleged sexual assault involving teens. To contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline, call 1-800-656-4673. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A judge moved a second teen to the adult system in connection with an alleged group sexual assault by eighth graders on a class trip to Costa Rica. Dominic Kim, 15, faced one count of possession of visual presentation depicting sexual conduct of a child and two counts of child abuse in the juvenile system. Kim was 14 at the time of the alleged sexual assault. Advertisement Advertisement Las Vegas teen charged after alleged brutal group sexual assault on private school field trip caught on video Clark County District Court Judge Dee Butler certified Kim as an adult Thursday afternoon after lengthy arguments from both the prosecution and defense. Butler called the alleged crime serious, heinous, egregious. Attorney David Chesnoff is representing the victim and his family in criminal court. Were very gratified for the family, Chesnoff told the 8 News Now Investigators. The judge gave a lot of thought to it, the District Attorneys office made an eloquent presentation, and the judge followed the law. Advertisement Advertisement Kims parents, who were present in court, held their heads down and wept when the judge announced her decision. Alleged sexual assault by Las Vegas eighth graders: What police in Costa Rica say This was violent and disturbing and horrific, Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Stacey Kollins said of the crime she referred to as a gang rape. Kim is one of four boys, according to Las Vegas Metro police, who sexually assaulted another eighth grader on a class trip to Costa Rica through The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain last April. 2 teens wont face charges in Las Vegas in alleged sex assault on 8th grade field trip Advertisement Advertisement Vaughn Griffith, the first of the boys to be moved to the adult system, recorded video of the alleged sexual assault, police said. Griffith is now 15 and was 14 at the time of the alleged crime. Kollins planned to show the video of the alleged assault during her argument on Thursday, but Butler refused to allow the video to be played after Kims defense team argued it should not be shown. FBI confirms involvement in case of alleged sex assault by Las Vegas eighth graders Kim kept images in his Snapchat accounts, showed images to several students, and threatened the victim that he would show other students, according to Kollins. Advertisement Advertisement These are trophies of violent encounters and conduct and humiliation, Kollins said. Las Vegas family says private school ignored bullies before brutal 8th grade sex assault, then blamed victim Defense attorney Joshua Tomsheck argued against Kims certification as an adult, called it a recipe for disaster, and said the teen is shaken to his core. Tomsheck said at Kims age, the brain is not fully formed. Las Vegas teen in alleged Costa Rica field trip assault case appears in juvenile court; Judge recuses He is a child acting stupid, Tomsheck said. He is a child who is doing things to get attention. Advertisement Advertisement Kim has no criminal record. He has been in custody for 220 days, according to Tomsheck. The victim, identified in a complaint as Jack Doe, and his parents, Jane Doe and John Doe, filed a civil lawsuit against the school and staff on Feb. 13, alleging major failures to address bullying, victim-blaming, and a boys being boys attitude which led to a tragic outcome. More lawsuits expected in Las Vegas 8th grade sex assault case, including student who spoke up Clark County District Court Judge Linda Marquis previously certified Griffith as an adult. A Clark County grand jury indicted Griffith for possession of visual presentation depicting sexual conduct of a child in January. Advertisement Advertisement While Griffith and Kim are charged in connection with the video of the alleged sexual assault, the other two currently do not face any charges. Because the alleged sexual assault occurred in Costa Rica, Clark County prosecutors said they cannot pursue sexual assault charges. A representative for police, Delegacion Policial Quepos, in Costa Rica, told 8 News Now on Feb. 2 that law enforcement was unaware of an alleged sexual assault incident involving individuals from Las Vegas last year. Kollins referred to additional victims in the case who she said Kim showed the video of the alleged sexual assault. Attorney Renee Finch represents two of them. She says she will soon file lawsuits on their behalf as they claim to be traumatized. Finch said all of the boys involved should face charges, and she hoped the FBI, Department of Justice and Attorney Generals office would be able take action. It is a travesty of justice to think they may even walk away without those charges because what they did is beyond inhumane and heinous, and they deserve to be held accountable, Finch said. Advertisement Advertisement The FBI confirmed its Las Vegas Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force has been involved in the case. It appears none of the teens face federal charges. This is a developing story. To reach investigative reporter Vanessa Murphy, email vmurphy@8newsnow.com. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Investigators in Texas said they seized approximately $30 million in gold and cash from an Altamonte Springs gold refinery accused of playing a role in a nationwide gold bar scam targeting seniors. The Orlando Gold Refinerys two owners, Timothy ODell and John Timmerman, are out on bond while they wait for their warrant to be sent from Collin County prosecutors and for their Florida court date at the end of the month. Investigators said Timmerman and ODell melted down the gold bars scammers took from seniors and helped launder the proceeds. Theyre two of the 19 people under arrest, Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner told WFTV. Advertisement Advertisement However, Timmermans attorney, Dylan Howller, pushed back on investigators claims. He said the amount seized from the refinery was a fraction of the stated $30 million. When asked for an alternate number, Howller said hed have to check with his clients before sharing. However, Howller filed a demand in court, requesting that investigators provide a list of what was seized from the refinery. Without an opportunity to know what was seized and challenge its seizure, the property rights of the Defendant and innocent parties are denied without the due process of law, Howller wrote. He told WFTV the gold and cash seized whatever the amount belonged to the stores clients, who mostly come from Florida and who no longer have access to their belongings. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to the Altamonte store, authorities said they seized $70 million from a store in Atlanta and $50 million from a location in Texas. Timmerman and ODell are both charged with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity and Financial Abuse of the Elderly. Both charges carry significant prison time if the two are convicted. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Four Democrats crossed the aisle Thursday and voted in favor of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill aimed at ending the partial government shutdown, despite opposition from their own leadership. The four Democrats who joined Republicans in voting for the measure were Reps. Henry Cuellar (Texas), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.), Jared Golden (Maine) and Don Davis (N.C.). They had all voted for a largely identical DHS bill that passed the lower chamber in January. That January vote took place before the death of 37-year-old Minneapolis nurse and U.S. citizen Alex Pretti at the hands of immigration agents sparked outrage among Democrats, leading to questions about whether the seven Democrats who voted yes in January would do so again. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans had also been pressuring Democrats to support the DHS bill in the wake of the ongoing U.S. military operation against Iran, citing heightened threats to the homeland. But despite the pressure, three Democrats who voted yes in January opposed the funding Thursday: Reps. Laura Gillen (N.Y.), Tom Suozzi (N.Y.) and Vicente Gonzalez (Texas). Two-hundred and nine Democrats voted against the bill, which passed Thursday 221-209. Goldens vote was widely expected. The Maine centrist has carved out a reputation as an independent-minded pragmatist one whos been willing to vote against the grain of his party when it suits his district. And on previous spending votes, hes said hell never support shutting down the government. Advertisement Advertisement With ICE already funded independently through the Big Beautiful Bill, this shutdown hasnt affected their operations its only blocked paychecks for Coast Guardsmen and TSA workers while harming FEMAs ability to respond to emergencies. It never made sense to shut down everything at DHS except ICE when the debate is about ICE, Golden said in a statement. Cuellar, ranking member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, has previously pushed for the passage of the DHS bill. He said in a statement that he voted for the bill to fund critical components that support our national security, including our border security, aviation security, cybersecurity, disaster response, and public safety. These Democrats have also noted that the shutdown has made life harder for their constituents. When Davis voted for a DHS bill in January, he wrote in a statement that in eastern North Carolina, we face the realities of hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters firsthand and rely on the U.S. Coast Guard to protect our coastline and families. Advertisement Advertisement Gluesenkamp Perez also said in a statement back in January that in a DHS shutdown, ICE would continue operating with limited oversight thanks to funding in the One Big Beautiful Bill, which I voted against. Meanwhile, agencies like the Coast Guard or FEMAand communities like minewould take the hit. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and other top Democratic leaders had whipped against the bill. The vote on the measure took place just hours after President Trump announced he was replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.). A change in personnel is not sufficient. House Democrats will continue to demand bold, meaningful and transformational changes until ICE, CBP and all DHS agencies and officers conduct themselves in a manner consistent with every law enforcement agency in the country, Jeffries said in a statement on Thursday. Updated March 6 at 8:55 a.m. EST. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Brief Jabes Gurrola, 19, died after he was found shot on Feb. 8 in the parking lot of a Costco near Indian School Road and Grand Avenue. On March 5, Phoenix Police announced six suspects had been arrested in connection to the shooting. All six suspects are accused of murder. PHOENIX - Multiple arrests have been made after a man was shot and killed in the parking lot of a Phoenix Costco. The backstory The shooting happened on Feb. 8 in the parking lot of a Costco near Indian School Road and Grand Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Phoenix Police say when officers got to the scene, they found 19-year-old Jabes Gurrola with at least one gunshot wound. Gurrola died at the scene. On March 5, police announced the arrests of six suspects: Nicholas Estrada, 44 Junior Raybourn, 25 William Salas-Mares, 19 Aarion January, 18 Two teenage suspects From left to right: Nicholas Estrada, Junior Raybourn, William Salas-Mares, and Aarion January. (MCSO) Police say January was arrested on Feb. 15. The other suspects were arrested weeks later after multiple search warrants were served in the Valley. Each suspect is accused of multiple charges, including murder. Map of area where the shooting happened: The Source The Phoenix Police Department and a FOX 10 report on Feb. 9, 2026. Marine archaeologists have unearthed an 8,000-year-old skeleton within an underwater cave system situated on Mexicos Caribbean coast, per the Associated Press. Skeleton's Placement 'Suggests Funereal Deposit' The macabre discovery was made by a team of cave-diving archaeologists who believe the skeletons placement is the result of a ritual burial and likely belongs to an individual who lived in pre-Mayan Mexico. This is only the eleventh such discovery made over the last 30 years in the regions vast network of submerged caverns, which exist in sinkholes known as cenotes. Some of the previously discovered skeletons were found to be as many as 30,000 years old. It suggests that it was a funereal deposit where the body was placed intentionally, perhaps as part of a ritual practice," said Octavio del Rio, of Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). Given its location and depth, it could only have arrived there when the cave was dry, at least 8,000 years ago. INAH (INAH) INAH (INAH) According to Luis Alberto Marcos, INAHs director of archaeological studies, this latest discovery will illuminate the lives of individuals who first inhabited the Yucatan Peninsula, including how they arrived at the location. Back then, the countrys topography was radically different and consisted of far-spanning dunes and cliffs. Now, the area is richly forested. In addition to the skeletons, researchers have also exhumed long-extinct megafauna from the caverns; as well as fossils belonging to ancient sloths, sabre-toothed cats, and bears. Each of those discoveries has helped scientists to piece together crucial details about the Ice Age. Discoveries Shed Light on Little-Known Yucatan History The puzzle of Yucatan prehistory is becoming better understood, Del Rio promised. However, he quickly added: There is a lot more study that has to be done in order to correctly interpret, [including] dating, some kind of photographic studies, and some collection in order to determine the skeletons true age. Find Comes as Country Pushes Conservancy This most recent discovery comes as Mexico is renewing a push for conservancy, especially in the area near Tulum where the caves are located. The country is hoping to have the underground networks officially declared a protected natural and cultural heritage area before the end of this year. Advertisement Advertisement What we want is for them to change the route at this spot, because of the archaeological finds that have been made there, and their importance, said Del Rio. They should take the train away from there and put it where they said they were going to build before, on the highwayan area that has already been affected, devastated. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Mar 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. FULTON What is leadership? That was the question Fulton Middle School eighth grader Kendall Acton posed Thursday to Winston Churchill or at least to actor Randy Otto, who has spent more than 50 years portraying the former British prime minister on stage. The answer, Otto told an audience of about 400 students, could be found in advice Churchill once gave a new member of Parliament preparing to make his first speech: Advertisement Advertisement Be clear. Be concise, Otto said. And then, for Gods sake, be seated. But more than that, Otto continued, the first thing you must have is a vision of what you want to lead about and you must be able to then write it down. Acton said afterward that he thought he got good advice. It was very informative, Acton said. I enjoyed it. Otto was in Fulton for two performances. His presentation for students called Defending Liberty in the Westminster Colleges Historic Gymnasium was part of the 80th anniversary commemoration of Churchills historic lecture remembered as the Iron Curtain speech. Advertisement Advertisement Events began Thursday and continue into Saturday. Actor Randy Otto plays Winston Churchill on Thursday in Defending Liberty, a performance about the life and legacy of the British leader who defied Nazi Germany and inspired world resistance to tyranny. Otto performed for about 400 middle and high school students in the Historic Gymnasium at Westminster College in Fulton as part of commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Churchills visit to deliver the lecture remembered as the Iron Curtain speech (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent). The lecture that became one of the most consequential speeches in world history took place on March 5, 1946. Churchill came to Fulton with President Harry Truman, the only native Missourian to serve in the White House. The previous fall, Truman had urged Churchill, ousted as prime minister of Great Britain in an election soon after the end of World War II in Europe, to accept an invitation to speak at Westminster College. This is a wonderful school in my home state, Truman wrote at the bottom of the invitation. Hope you can do it. Ill introduce you. Advertisement Advertisement In his speech, Churchill surveyed the wreckage of World War II, its impact on the lives of individuals and warned that the world was dividing again into opposing camps that carried the threat of another war. From Stettin in the Baltic, to Trieste in the Adriatic, an Iron Curtain has descended across the continent, Churchill said. Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. They were occupied by troops of the Soviet Union following the defeat of Nazi Germany and, Churchill warned, subject in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and, in many cases, increasing measure of control from Moscow. The speech was broadcast worldwide on radio decades before the term livestreaming entered the lexicon. It is often marked as one of the opening statements pronouncing a Cold War between the Soviet Union and its Western allies. Advertisement Advertisement It made Westminster the home of Americas National Churchill Museum, which is sponsoring the commemoration, and, over time, it became a destination for world leaders delivering major speeches. Those who have spoken there include Gerald Ford, who spoke as president, and Ronald Reagan, who visited in 1996. There was also Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the Soviet Union in 1992, Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of Britain in 1996, and Lech Walesa, former president of Poland, in 1998. The commemoration is intended to find relevance in Churchills speech for a modern audience, said Tim Riley, director of the Churchill Museum. With conflict in the Middle East, in Ukraine, it affords us a terrific opportunity to look at Churchills words afresh and anew and see if there are still lessons we can learn from his speech that he gave here 80 years ago, Riley said in an interview with The Independent. Duncan Sandys, a great-grandson of Churchill, will participate Saturday in a fireside chat during the induction of new members of a museum support group, the Association of Churchill Fellows. Advertisement Advertisement Im, obviously, you know, deeply proud that hes being remembered, and what he said is being remembered in this way, Sandys said in an interview with The Independent. But more importantly, I think that events like this wouldnt take place unless what he had to say was still relevant for people today. Churchills life The invitation to speak at Westminster College, from its president, Franc McCluer, caught Churchill at a time when he was idle after losing the 1945 election and contemplating a vacation. He decided on Florida for the vacation and accepted the invitation. Born in 1874, Churchill had been a figure on the British political scene since the first years of the 20th century. He was a young officer moonlighting as a war correspondent when he was captured in 1899 during Boer War and won fame for a grueling 300-mile escape trek through enemy territory. By the opening of World War I, Churchill was First Lord of the Admiralty, the civilian chief of the British Navy. He lost that post over public outcry over failed military operations attributed to his aggressiveness. But he is also remembered as the minister who fostered the invention of the tank, the weapon that finally broke the deadlock in France and led to the end of the war. Advertisement Advertisement Churchills warnings about the dangerous rearmament of Germany under Nazi rule in the 1930s went largely ignored until the war in Europe began in September 1939. First recalled to the Admiralty, he became prime minister on May 10, 1940. That same day, the Nazis invaded the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and France. In his performance Thursday, Otto used Churchills words in his first speech as prime minister to show the students that truth from leaders who trust, and in turn are trusted, by the people is a powerful tool for unification. I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat, Churchill said May 13, 1940. His policy, Churchill said that day, would be to wage war, by sea, land and air, with all our might and with all the strength that God can give us; to wage war against a monstrous tyranny, never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime. Advertisement Advertisement Churchills gift for vivid imagery made his speeches memorable and inspiring. He wrote dozens of books focused on history and his own life and work, made a living as a magazine feature writer in the 1930s while out of office and wrote all his own speeches. During his response on leadership, Otto encouraged the students to write down what they believe and be brief. Being clear and concise is very important, he said. You must use small words. Less than two months after the German surrender, Churchills Conservative Party lost the 1945 election and he was no longer prime minister. He would return to office in 1951, serving as prime minister until his retirement in 1955. Advertisement Advertisement Churchill died in 1965 at age 91. The speech Churchills visit was to formally give the 7th John Findley Green lecture, a series established to honor a Westminster alum and longtime trustee. True to his word, Truman introduced Churchill. They had traveled together on a train from Washington, D.C. He is one of the great men of the age, Truman said to the audience of about 2,700 packed into the auditorium. He is a great Englishman. But hes half American. Churchills mother was born in the United States. I know that he will have something constructive to say to the world in that speech, Truman said. And as he began, Churchill used humor to settle the audience. Winston Churchill, seated on the back of an open car with President Harry Truman, waves March 5, 1946, to crowds gathered along the motorcade route to Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. Churchill was on his way to deliver the lecture remembered by history as the Iron Curtain speech warning of Communist domination of central and eastern Europe (Photo courtesy of Westminster College). The name Westminster somehow or other seems familiar to me, Churchill said as he feigned a poor memory. I feel as if I had heard of it before. Advertisement Advertisement Westminster is where the British Parliament sits. He then continued. It was at Westminster that I received a very large part of my educationin politics, dialectic, rhetoric, and one or two other things, Churchill said. The heart of Churchills message was that strategic alliances and international cooperation could break the cycle of war that had gripped the world in the first five decades of the 20th century. The uncountable millions dead from the war estimates range from 60 to 85 million military and civilian deaths plus hundreds of millions homeless or near-starving, needed peace, Churchill said. When I stand here this quiet afternoon I shudder to visualise what is actually happening to millions now and what is going to happen in this period when famine stalks the earth, Churchill said. None can compute what has been called the unestimated sum of human pain. Our supreme task and duty is to guard the homes of the common people from the horrors and miseries of another war. Churchill wanted the United Nations to be given a portion of each member powers military force, to intervene and prevent wars and enforce international law. He did not, however, want to give up the secrets of the atomic bomb that had been produced cooperatively by the United States and Britain. In the hands of a totalitarian state, the fear of them alone might easily have been used to enforce totalitarian systems upon the free democratic world, with consequences appalling to human imagination, Churchill said. Legacy and celebration The events at Westminster this week will be as lighthearted as local cooks competing for the best reproduction of the angel food cake served to Churchill and as serious as the speech Churchill himself gave. To join a display of classic vehicles, Chris Kertz of Ste. Genevieve brought his M5A1 Stewart tank, and discussed the equipment, armor and soldier rations he displayed with visitors admiring the light tank. Hes proud of his tank, which has a working 37-mm gun to fire blank charges, and wears the patch of the 10th Armored Division. I collect other military vehicles as well, he said. A tank is the ultimate collectors item. Chris Kertz of Ste. Genevieve displays his M5A1 1943 model Stewart tank Thursday outside the Historic Gymnasium at Westminster College where Winston Churchill gave the Iron Curtain speech in 1946. Kertz brought his tank for a display of classic vehicles to mark the 80th anniversary of the history-making speech (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent). Exhibits launched during the commemoration, including the speech pages showing Churchills final notes written in shorthand, will be on display at the museum into July, Riley said. The museum, founded in 1969, is housed in the restored 17th-century church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury created by British architect Sir Christopher Wren. It was bombed and badly damaged during World War II, and relocated from London. The grounds of the museum also display Breakthrough, a sculpture made from a piece of the Berlin Wall the physical embodiment of the Iron Curtain that surrounded the east portion of Berlin from 1961 to 1989. It was created by artist Edwina Sandys, Churchills granddaughter and aunt of Duncan Sandys, who attended the 50th anniversary commemoration in 1996 and said the museum has grown and prospered over the past 30 years. Thats a testament not only to the to the leadership of Westminster College and and of the museum over the over those decades, but it wouldnt have grown in the way that it has, if that interest in Churchill and in his values and in what he stood for didnt resonate with people beyond a narrow section of the population, Sandys said. The museum would be designated a national historic landmark under a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bob Onder of Lake St. Louis that passed Tuesday in the U.S. House. The museum doesnt overlook Churchills worldview or errors in judgment. He was an unapologetic imperialist and he opposed the abdication of King Edward VIII, who later showed a strong affection for Nazi ideas. Its important to look at Churchill as a whole individual, Riley said, and recognize and remember that this was a man who was born in 1874, who was part of the last cavalry charge of the British Empire under Queen Victoria, and died in 1965, when the Beatles were on the charts. In his performance, Otto brings in modern ideas, as if Churchill had not died. To illustrate the dangers of a government intent on destroying freedom, he incorporated quotes from 1984, George Orwells novel of a totalitarian society where history is erased and everyone lives under constant surveillance. He used his final moments on stage as Churchill to warn students of a digital iron curtain, where information can be manipulated and falsified. Today, the advice I would give to anyone is to not utilize your phones, Otto said. Dont utilize what is called today artificial intelligence. Stop using everyone elses ideas. Find your own ideas and learn how to write them down. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) AAA Nevada is offering Las Vegas parents and caregivers free car seat inspections and educational resources. On Thursday at the AAA West Lake Mead branch near North Buffalo Drive, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., nationally-certified car seat technicians will be available to help caregivers ensure their childs car seat or booster seat is properly installed, free of charge. The event will also feature family-friendly activities and food for those who participate. No appointment is required for the event. Advertisement Advertisement According to AAA, improper car seat use remains a major safety concern and is a leading cause of injury for children. An AAA analysis of government data showed that in four years, only one-third of car seats were installed correctly. Between 2019 and 2023, more than half a million children were injured in car accidents in the U.S, according to AAA. The AAA West Lake Mead Branch is located at 7550 West Lake Mead Blvd, Suite 1. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) is one of the best Canadian value stocks to buy. On March 2, Hudbay Minerals reached a deal to buy Arizona Sonoran Copper Company/ASCU in an all-share transaction worth roughly C$9.35 per share. ASCU shareholders will receive 0.242 Hudbay shares for each share they own, representing a 30% premium. This merger gives Hudbay full control of the Cactus project, which, when combined with its Copper World asset, creates the third-largest copper district in North America and establishes a major hub for US copper production. The acquisition is designed to increase Hudbays production capacity. The company expects its annual copper output to grow from 125,000 tonnes to over 250,000 tonnes by 2030, with the potential to reach 350,000 tonnes. Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) also anticipates between $5 million and $10 million in annual corporate savings and plans to use resources from Copper World, such as sulfuric acid, to improve operations at the Cactus site. Hudbay Minerals (HBM) Acquires Arizona Sonoran to Form Major North American Copper Hub Copyright: tomas1111 / 123RF Stock Photo For ASCU shareholders, the deal provides an immediate payout premium while reducing the risks and costs of developing a large mining project alone. The boards of both companies have approved the agreement, and the deal is expected to close in Q2 2026. ASCU investors will vote on the proposal in May, and the transaction still requires standard regulatory and court approvals. Hudbay Minerals Inc. (NYSE:HBM) is a diversified mining company that explores, develops, operates, and optimizes properties in North and South America. While we acknowledge the potential of HBM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026 and 10 Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Under $20. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. Some air fares have more than quadrupled in recent days, amid a scramble to re-book cancelled flights, ITV News understands. Conflict in the Middle East has left thousands of airline passengers diverted, with many left stranded. And the chaos caused by the closure of airspace has led to skyrocketing prices for those who are trying to re-book. Experts say a growing number of travellers face a price shock. Advertisement Advertisement Airfares on many affected routes are rising: Dubai to Heathrow - usually costing around 376 - was advertised on Thursday as more than four times that, at 1,825. That flight was later cancelled. Abu Dhabi to Manchester - usually around 280 - is now being offered at almost three times the price at 856.61. Oman to Heathrow - usually a 215 flight - is currently advertised at more than 2,000. One customer told ITV News that she saw no alternative other than to pay more than the over 2,000 to get home from Oman in the Middle East. "I paid 2,128 to get back, but a one-way flight economy should have only cost me maximum 400," Seema Thakker told ITV News. Advertisement Advertisement Defence secretary denies special relationship in trouble over response to Iran How is AI shaping the conflict in Iran? "It's unfair because they're putting people in debt. I met people that literally had to get credit cards out to pay for their flights just to get home for their safety." With homecomings at such huge cost, industry insiders blame market forces. Aviation expert Anita Mendiratta told ITV News that prices had risen due to the reduced flight capacity. "Capacity has gone down, because many of the traditional carriers in the Middle East, incredibly strong, exceptional carriers like Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad, they are simply not able to fly at the capacity theyre used to," she said. Advertisement Advertisement And the financial effect on travellers is now spreading farther beyond the Middle Eastern hub airports, because alternative flights and holidays are being snapped up. Aviation officials say airfares between Thailand and Europe have risen by up to 100%. Travel Consultant Paul Charles told ITV News that this was due to a shift in demand. "Because demand is shifting from the Middle East to other destinations around the world, its forcing pressure on prices. Prices are going up, not only of airline seats but of hotels as well," he said. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. From Westminster to Washington DC - our political experts are across all the latest key talking points. Listen to the latest episode below... Short-term rentals are on the rise in Italy, according to a pan-European survey commissioned by accommodation platform Airbnb. It found that in 2025, the majority of Italians needed to make non-tourist bookings for medium to long periods, which went beyond the duration of a standard holiday. In total**,** according to the latest figures,more than 114 million guests stayed in accommodation on the Airbnb platform in the European Union in 2025. This represents a contribution of over 53.2 billion to the EU's GDP, supporting over 904,000 jobs. Short-term rentals are increasing in Italy 84% of respondents to the Airbnb survey in Italy say they needed a temporary housing solution at least once in 2025, compared to the European average of 81%. Advertisement Advertisement According to the latest data from the Italian Association of Short-term Rental Managers (Aigab), the number of homes available for short-term rentals has grown compared to previous years. They now account for about 1.4% of the national housing stock, equating to just over 500,000 units out of about 35 million homes. The phenomenon is particularly highly concentrated in tourist cities, where the debate has intensified in recent years due to the impact on the supply of housing available for residents. A solution for study, work and transitional periods According to the survey, short-term rentals are used during transitional periods, when a stable housing solution is not yet available. Advertisement Advertisement The main reasons given by respondents include the search for a long-term home (27%), study or education (24%), work (24%), medical treatment (23%) and vocational training (21%). "The European housing debate often ignores the needs of those who are neither tourists nor permanent residents," said George Mavros, Head of Government Affairs for the European Union at Airbnb, pointing out that for millions of people, temporary accommodation represents "a necessity rather than a luxury". From student mobility to medical care Short-term rentals are also being used to meet specific needs, such as student mobility or stays related to healthcare. More and more students use the platform to find transitional solutions. In Italy, according to researchers, around one million patients each year, or 8.8% of the total number of hospitalised patients, require treatment outside their region of residence. Advertisement Advertisement Related In Europe, this is also reflected in accommodation bookings near major hospitals. Near the La Pitie-Salpetriere and Necker Enfants facilities in Paris, for example, more than 2,200 accommodations within a one-kilometre radius hosted around 25,000 people in 2025. According to the study, short-term rentals are also used to temporarily increase the accommodation capacity of cities during major international events, avoiding investment in permanent infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement This happened, for example, during the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, which represented the largest hosting event in Airbnb's history with almost 700,000 guests from 160 countries, and more recently during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. The European debate on short-term rentals The issue of short-term rentals has become increasingly relevant in the political debate at a European level. Increasing numbers of temporary accommodation is often linked to the growing difficulties of access to housing in the continent's main cities. According to data released by Eurostat, more than 854 million nights were booked in the EU in 2024 through online short-rental platforms, including Airbnb and Booking.com. Advertisement Advertisement This is significantly higher than the figure recorded before the pandemic and up roughly 19% compared to 2023. Related The growth in tourism demand and the spread of short-term rentals have prompted several European cities, including Barcelona, Venice, Lisbon and Amsterdam, to adopt new regulatory measures. These include authorisation systems, licence limits or specific restrictions to curb the impact on the local property market. In some cases, they have even gone so far as to discuss hypotheses for the gradual reduction of tourist rentals, opening a debate between local administrations, tourism operators and digital platforms on the delicate balance between economic development and the protection of the right to housing. The European plan for accessible housing The issue has also gradually entered the agenda of the EU institutions. TheEuropean Commissionis working on the first Affordable Housing Action Plan in cooperation with several mayors of European capitals. Advertisement Advertisement It aims to tackle the shortage of affordable housing and rising prices in European urban areas. The EU estimates that, to meet demand, 2.25 million homes will have to be created in the EU each year in the next few years, 650,000 more than are being produced now. The programme envisages a total investment of 43 billion until 2027, with the aim of mobilising up to 375 billion from the private sector by 2029. Initiatives under consideration include a strengthening of investment in social housing and new measures to improve the transparency of the short-term rental market, especially in cities where housing pressure is highest. Sign up for Executive Dysfunction, a weekly newsletter that surfaces under-the-radar stories about what Trump is doing to the lawand how the law is pushing back. Next week, Alabama plans to execute a 75-year-old man who gets around in a wheelchair and wears a padded helmet to protect his head from frequent falls. He also never killed anyone. His name is Charles Sonny Burton, and he was one of six people who robbed a Talladega AutoZone in 1991. Burton had already left the store when another one of the robbers, Derrick DeBruce, shot and killed a man named Doug Battle. Even though it was DeBruce who fired the gun, all six of the people involved in the robbery were eligible for the death penalty. Some took plea deals. DeBruce, for his part, went to trial and was initially sentenced to death. Then, Burton went to trial. Even though no one disputed that he was physically outside the AutoZone when the shooting happened, under Alabamas felony murder law, Burton was sentenced to death, too. In 2014, the state agreed to resentence DeBruce, the actual shooter, to life without parole. If Burton is executed on March 12, he will be the only person that Alabama executes for Battles murder, since the actual triggerman was granted leniency. Advertisement Advertisement How did Alabama get here? If someone dies while youre committing a felony crime, regardless of whether you had any intent to kill them or directly participated in their death, the law of felony murder says that you can be charged with first-degree murder. This law encompasses everyone involved in that felony, holding them equally responsible under a doctrine called accomplice liability. Felony murder allows for an incredibly broad net of culpability, yet it is law in most states. In one such case, a Florida man named Ryan Holle was sentenced to life in prison for lending his car keys to a friend who committed a robbery in which a woman was killed. The Supreme Court has put some limitations on sentencing people to death for felony murder, however. To get the death penalty if you did not directly kill the victim, you must have been a major participant in the felony and acted with reckless indifference toward human life. When you combine accomplice liability, felony murder, and the death penalty, it is a toxic stew, professor Maria Kolar, of Oklahoma City University School of Law, told me. Each one of them has the potential for great injustice. Just a few months ago, nearly the same scenario came to a head in Oklahoma, when 46-year-old Tremane Wood was scheduled to be executed after he spent decades on death row for felony murder. Like Burton, Wood participated in a robbery. Like Burton, Wood didnt kill anyoneit was his brother who both confessed to murder and was sentenced to life, while Tremane was sentenced to death. Advertisement Advertisement Wood did what Burton is doing now: appealing for clemency, an executive power outside of the court system where governors can grant mercy through reducing a sentence. Its hard to have faith in the process, Wood told me on the day before his clemency hearing. Oklahoma law requires that a pardon and parole board vote in favor of clemency before the governor makes his final decision. Wood had been agonizing over what to say to convince the board to spare his life. Clemency is a plea, unbound by the structure and procedural limitations of the law. Kolar explained that, besides actual innocence, disproportionality is the second most powerful argument that persuades clemency boards and governors. This was the argument Wood made, and it is the one Burton makes now. Disproportionate death sentences may be convincing to those who make clemency decisions, and they reek of unfairness. But theyre not something the courts consider, because of a 1984 Supreme Court case called Pulley v. Harris. In Pulley, the court specifically considered whether disproportional death sentences violated the Constitution. It said no. That means states have no mandate to review whether death sentences are proportional. It also means that a judge couldnt order a new trial on the basis that Wood was sentenced to death while his brother, the actual killer, was sentenced to life, even if they wanted to. Though there are many constitutional issues that courts can grant relief onand both Wood and Burtons cases are riddled with themclemency is the only possible mechanism to correct the particular injustice of disproportionate death sentences. Over the many years of death penalty appeals, there often is not a single court that either has the information or the power to say, This just isnt fair, Kolar explained. Advertisement Advertisement I feel such a weight on me, even though I didnt kill this young man Im on death row for, Wood said the day before his clemency hearing. I carry a lot of regret. It weighs even heavier that Ive gotta explain this to the board tomorrow. After Wood and his attorneys presented their case for sparing Woods life, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommended clemency in a 32 vote. But Gov. Kevin Stitt still had the final say. While waiting on the governors decision, Wood was moved to death watch, a specialized, high-surveillance cell near the execution chamber. He visited with his family, and his spiritual adviser. The morning of his execution, scheduled for 10 a.m., arrived, and still no word from the governor. Then, at 9:59 a.m., as Wood was preparing to die, Gov. Stitt called the prison. Wood would live. When he got the news that he would not be killed, he collapsed to the ground. Woods commutation was one of only two clemencies granted to death row inmates in 2025, out of 47 total executionsa record high year in the United States. The only other governor who granted clemency was Kay Ivey in Alabama, who spared Robin Myers life in February over doubts about his guilt. Ivey is the same governor who will now decide whether to give that mercy to Charles Burton. There is no guarantee that she will do so. Since 1976, Alabama granted clemency in only one other death penalty case, and that was in 1999. Clemency used to be a consistent failsafe for an often fallible system. Before the Supreme Court found the death penalty unconstitutional in 1972, governors granted clemency at rates like 1 in 5 in Texas, 1 in 4 in Florida, and 1 in 3 in North Carolina. But since the death penalty was reinstated in 1976, only 86 individual clemencies have been grantedout of 1,659 executions. Today, clemency is not the reliable safeguard it should be. Its an unpredictable rarity. Advertisement Advertisement But as Burtons team writes in their clemency petition to Ivey, Burtons case is an extreme outlier, a quintessential case for the exercise of executive clemency. In the 33 years that Burton has been on death row, the courts should have addressed a myriad of issues that started at Burtons trialfor one, the jury wasnt presented with video evidence of another co-defendant confirming that Burton was neither the ringleader nor instructed that anyone should be hurt during the robbery. Yet because the courts have not intervened, Burton and his legal team are in the same difficult bind that Tremane Wood faced: convincing the governor that his execution would be unjust, without ignoring the role he did play in the crime that led to Doug Battles murder. In an interview with the Alabama Reflector last week, Burton said, All the years I have suffered with this, I suffered with the guilt, the pain, that the victim was feeling, that the victims family was feeling. And I am so sorry. I want them to know that I am so sorry. And if I had the power to bring Mr. Battle back, I would do it. Burton had previously apologized to Battles family in a public letter where he acknowledged that it took him a long time and stamina to admit his role in the robbery. He also wrote that time allowed him to see the pain that the Battle family felt from losing their loved one to violence. In response, Battles daughter not only forgave Burton, but has become an active advocate for his clemency. But the law is not designed to consider the wishes of a victims family, either, particularly when they oppose execution. And Burton has firsthand experience with the kind of pain the Battle family lives withearlier in his life, his first wife was murdered. Though Burton initially felt deep hatred and anger toward the man who killed his wife, by the time he was up for parole, Burton had brought himself to forgive. He decided not to oppose parole, and the man who murdered his wife was released from prison. Advertisement Advertisement Matt Schulz, Burtons attorney, told me, You have this cruel irony where Sonny Burton effectively pardoned the man who murdered his wife and allowed him out of prison, and yet the state, admitting that this is arguably unjust, still plans to execute Sonny Burton, who never killed anybody. The clock is ticking. Burtons execution is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday. Gov. Ivey should spare Charles Burton. There are many cases, in the arbitrary, capricious death penalty system, where clemency is appropriate. But the casesand livesof Tremane Wood and Charles Burton are ones where clemency is necessary. Mercy must correct what the courts could not. Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev decided to bring the countrys army to full combat readiness on Thursday, with the countrys armed forces instructed to prepare and implement response measures after Tehrans drones targeted the passenger terminal of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan International Airport and a rural school, injuring four civilians. Chairing the Security Council of Azerbaijan on Thursday, Aliyev demanded that Iran must apologise and explain the incident, calling for those who committed this terrorist act be held criminally liable and offering new details by which this would not be an isolated attack by Tehran. Aliyevs firm position and direct statements are reminiscent of his handling of the Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 plane crash disaster in December 2024, in which he directly accused Russia of shooting down the aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement He also added that all necessary instructions were given for a plan of action. A few hours after the Security Council meeting, Azerbaijan halted the cross-border traffic with Iran. Aliyev went further in his statement, recalling a number of past incidents that he claimed were orchestrated by Iran against Azerbaijani citizens. According to Aliyev, Tehran knows that Azerbaijan is a source of hope for many Azerbaijanis living in Iran, underlining the recent growing tension between the two countries over the Azerbaijani minority in Iran as well as Azerbaijans strong relations with Israel. Azerbaijans president made it clear that despite these incidents and tension, Azerbaijan did not participate and will not participate in any operations against Iran. Advertisement Advertisement In one of the most striking remarks, Aliyev revealed how Thursday morning the deputy foreign minister of Iran called Baku and asked Azerbaijan to assist in evacuating Iranian embassy staff remaining in Lebanon because they lacked the means to do so." "I immediately instructed that assistance be provided and that an aircraft be sent. They even said they were ready to pay for it." "I said it was not necessary if we do not help in difficult times, when should we help? And in return for all this, to strike Nakhchivan in such a treacherous and dishonorable manner? This stain will never be erased from their disgraceful image," Aliyev said. Irans attack on Azerbaijan, which Tehran denies, immediately drew condemnation from Turkey, Baku's closest ally in the region. "We strongly condemn the drone attacks carried out today on Azerbaijan," a ministry statement said, adding that Ankara "will continue to stand by Azerbaijan, as it always has." This year, America turns 250 years old, and it deserves a birthday present - secure elections brought about by the SAVE America Act. It is time for the Senate to shake off the dust and use the only viable mechanism it has to pass the SAVE America Act - the talking filibuster. Our Senate doesnt talk much anymore. The talking filibuster, in which each member is able to speak for as long as he or she is physically able, without rest or food, has become a ghost of the past, its death brought about by the current practice of only bringing bills to the Senate floor when they are already guaranteed enough votes to pass. The talking filibuster has died quietly, and with it the former glory of senators waxing eloquent for hours, fighting for what they believe in. Advertisement Advertisement Most of us have seen the movie "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." We watched riveted as the junior senator filibustered adamantly for hours and hours, no matter the cost physically, mentally, and emotionally. And yet in the end, his herculean effort, his willingness to sacrifice publicly for what he believed in, was the key to unlocking his success; for as the film closes, he claims victory through the sheer willingness to give so much for what is most important. This was just a movie (and a wonderful one), but in real life, the talking filibuster also has a dramatic past. It is derived from the Spanish word "filibustero," meaning "plunderer" or "pirate." The term first appeared in the 1850s, a slur against senators who were "stealing" the Senates time by using lengthy speeches to delay legislation. Real swashbucklers, but in suits and ties, whose swords were their speeches. From its first use in 1789 in debate over where the new nations capital should be (in which Pennsylvania Sen. William Maclay wrote in his diary that the "design of the Virginians ... was to talk away the time, so that we could not get the bill passed") to the months-long struggle against the Civil Rights Act of 1964 led by the Southern Democrats, the filibuster has proved itself to be a pillar of the Senates greatness, for one major reason: It forces the senators to actually fight for what they believe in. After the civil rights filibuster era, the Senate quietly decided it did not want to work so hard or debate so publicly. They lowered the cloture threshold (cloture being just a fancy word for consensus needed for a bill to pass) to 60 votes in 1975 and then subsequently gutted it even further by allowing the Senate to work on other business while a filibuster nominally proceeded, meaning senators no longer had to be present on the floor - they just had to threaten to be. Basically, if a bill wasnt guaranteed 60 votes, it would be dead on arrival. This is still the case. Advertisement Advertisement The American people pay the salaries of senators. We elect them to debate ideas, to advance the ideals that we stand for. As recently cited by the president in the State of the Union Address, support for the policies in the SAVE America Act is in the 80th percentile, spanning political parties and demographics. The bill includes three things: requiring photo ID to vote, ensuring that only American citizens vote in American elections, and improving the accuracy of voter rolls. These policies are common-sense and overwhelmingly popular. And yet, the Senate has not moved the bill, even as the pressure and calls for a talking filibuster, which is the only viable mechanism to get the SAVE America Act through the Senate at this point, have drastically increased in the past few days. The American people want to watch the SAVE America Act play out publicly, on the floor of the Senate, in front of the cameras and millions of eyes. It is this important. Bring back the duties of senators to debate. Bring back substance over soundbites. Bring back the life, vigor, and drama of the Senate. Make them try to take the ship. Advertisement Advertisement Make the Senate Talk Again. Anna Pingel is a visiting fellow with Independent Womens Voice, former chief of staff for a Maryland state delegate, and 2019 foreign policy fellow for the National Churchill Library and Center. Fed up with a lack of action on climate change, some students are researching dimming the sun despite the pushback from other scientists. Yashas Raj and Jake Chapman are hunkered down in a basement laboratory at the University of Cambridges Department of Engineering tinkering with a handheld nozzle they hope will one day be capable of shooting trillions of microscopic water droplets into the sky every second to brighten clouds over the Arctic Ocean. Boosting cloud reflectivity by adding the mist, they say, would cut the amount of sunlight reaching the waters surface and slow the melting of Arctic sea ice. The two PhD students spend much of their time here in the Seawater Lab, mulling over revolutionary technologies that could curb Earths warming trajectory. Their work has drawn contempt from some campus peers who denounce such research aimed at manipulating the worlds climate over fears of unforeseen environmental consequences. Advertisement Advertisement But such criticism has faded into background noise since the U.K. government last year allocated millions of dollars in funding to investigate climate geoengineering. It marked the first time a state funding body had invested significant money in geoengineering research, mainstreaming the once-taboo field and offering some validation to young students. Raj and Chapman are part of a growing wave of Gen Z scientists and engineers across the world pursuing higher education in climate geoengineering, grasping for a feeling of agency as they inherit the woes wrought by older generations. Its daunting. Were just 24-year-olds, and the engineering is going to be done by us, said Raj, originally from Boston, now 25. We have to build something and test it in the real world. The U.K.s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) has allotted 56.8 million British pounds ($76 million) for 21 research teams at global institutions to study climate geoengineering. Notably, nearly half of the ARIA funding will support small-scale field trialsthe most contentious area of geoengineering researchto be rolled out over the next three years. The public money, including another 10 million pounds ($13.4 million) from the U.K.s Natural Environment Research Council, provides a heavy counterweight to controversial private startups, including the U.S. and Israeli-based Stardust Solutions and Californias Make Sunsets. These companies are working to commercialize stratospheric aerosol injection, a geoengineering technique that involves releasing reflective particles into the upper atmosphere to deflect some of the suns heat away from Earth. Advertisement Advertisement Cambridges Centre for Climate Repair, housed in the same building where Stephen Hawking developed his theories on radiation, was first established in 2019. Over the past six years, the university has supported 19 Ph.D. students and 16 postdoctoral researchers investigating interventions such as sea curtains that could shield melting glaciers in Antarctica; thickening sea ice in the Canadian Arctic by pumping up seawater from under the ice; and brightening clouds over Australias Great Barrier Reef and Arctic waters to reduce incoming solar radiation. The centres funding comes from the university, government grants and philanthropic foundations. Over the last year, things have changed a lot, said engineer Shaun Fitzgerald, director of the Centre. We havent had that government financial support before. Its a signal, in a way. Its not just firebrand, wacky people trying stuff. If a government research agency says, Actually, we think these are sensible questions, then it helps to just normalize the conversation. Other academic institutions, too, have launched climate geoengineering initiatives, incorporating the niche field into curricula. Harvard University introduced its Solar Geoengineering Research Program in 2017 to reduce scientific uncertainties about geoengineering. In 2023, the University of Chicago established the Climate Systems Engineering Initiative as part of a broader push to bolster education on possible climate interventions, with $6 million in funding for research projects. While academics can apply for external grants to support their research, the difference now is that there are some places where universities and maybe the University of Chicago is the most important single place are actually putting up their own money and starting real programs themselves, said geophysicist David Keith, the founding director of the Chicago initiative who previously researched geoengineering at Harvard. Advertisement Advertisement Yet some scientists have pushed back against government and academic support for what they see as risky, moonshot ideas. Geoengineering offers the sense that there is a solution other than decarbonizing, but there isnt one, said Martin Siegert, a glaciologist at the University of Exeter in the U.K. who is opposed to geoengineering. The alternative to runaway climate warming, geoengineering research proponents say, is even more dangerous. The U.K. government has cited Earths rapid trajectory toward dangerous tipping points such as the breakdown of global ocean circulation patterns or the transition of the worlds forests into dry savannas as the impetus for exploring climate cooling approaches that might avert such crises. Raj said that feeling of helplessness and the failure of governments to address climate change through policy compelled him to pursue a career in geoengineering. Were on this speeding train to a cliffside, and were proposing slowing down by minute fractions, he said. We need to stop it like now. Peter Irvine was perhaps one of the earliest students of geoengineering. Back in 2008, armed with a masters degree in physics, he first stumbled across a newspaper article about climate geoengineering. That, he said, inspired him to pursue a PhD focused on solar geoengineering. Advertisement Advertisement I think I had like the third one in existence, he said of his doctorate in climate Sscience, which he graduated with from the University of Bristol after completing his 2012 thesis entitled Climatic effects of solar radiation management geoengineering. Since then, Irvine said global interest in geoengineering has at times surged and then fallen away. But after 2020, the field rapidly expanded alongside a broader recognition that world leaders have failed to rein in climate-warming emissions to keep the planet from surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming. Today, Irvine works as a research assistant professor at the University of Chicago and as editorial director of the nonprofit SRM360, a group dedicated to informing the public and policymakers about solar geoengineering. No university yet offers a formal degree program in geoengineering. Rather, students pursue related fields engineering, climate and atmospheric sciences, social governance, and ethics with a focus on solar radiation modification. Theres not a doctoral program right now, but that is an aspiration, said Keith at the University of Chicago. Its initiative currently has two full-time faculty members, three assistant professors, and six postdoctoral research fellows. Academia is often characterized by caution, reluctance, being quiet, Irvine said. But the academic approach to solar geoengineering research is pivotal, scientists said, because university researchers are investigating pertinent questions about the feasibility and safety of geoengineering methods, rather than advocating for their deployment or use to satisfy investors. Advertisement Advertisement The startup Make Sunsets, for example, raised more than $1 million from investors and sold $100,000 in cooling credits to customers on the premise of releasing 160 balloons containing sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. The companys unauthorized balloon deployments in Baja California, however, led the Mexican government to ban solar geoengineering experiments in the country. Stardust Solutions, meanwhile, announced last year it had raised $60 million in venture capital. As reported by MIT Technology Review, its investor materials include a roadmap to initiate large-scale tests by 2030 and global deployment by 2035, a timeline many climate scientists deem reckless. Make Sunsets has courted media attention, Irvine said. Were not trying to sell these ideas to people. Were just trying to let people know what is going on so they can make their own informed judgments. Moreover, the academic approach often centers on researchers in the Global South investigating whether such interventions could have adverse effects on developing countries that are already disproportionately burdened by global warming. Trisha Patel, 28, is from Johannesburg and received her masters in climate change and sustainable development from the University of Cape Town. Her dissertation explored how stratospheric aerosol injection could impact rainfall and temperature extremes in South Africa, and the potential to disrupt agricultural production and water security for vulnerable communities. Advertisement Advertisement I see SRM research as a moral responsibility, said Patel, who now works with the African Climate and Development Initiative researching geoengineering. We owe it to ourselves, but also to future generations, to at the very least understand all the possible tools and risks and potential benefits before we might be in a scenario where we would need to make a massive decision under pressure or in a short time. Patel said that she felt discouraged by efforts to address climate change through United Nations processes. Last year, the United Nations Environment Programme said it was exploring climate engineering due to growing concerns about the lack of global efforts to cut emissions. Theres just a sense of frustration, Patel said. This is a massive problem that younger generations and future generations have been [left] with. The growth of climate geoengineering research within academia is not without pushback. Last September, Siegert and more than 40 other researchers coauthored a paper in the journal Frontiers in Science dismissing Arctic and Antarctic geoengineering ideas which include several of the projects being investigated at the University of Cambridge as dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement The paper dug into the feasibility, cost, and unintended consequences of five prominent geoengineering concepts in the polar regions. The loudest criticisms of climate geoengineering, however, have traditionally been that such interventions distract from efforts to cut climate-warming emissions and encourage the continued burning of fossil fuels. Siegert explained his main concern with university programs is that senior scientists might inadvertently be supporting early career scientists, taking them on, and creating a generation thinking that they can do it. Its really dangerous, he said. And I think its actually totally unfair of senior scientists. It is almost like using younger scientists, pushing them into this area, giving them the motivation and ideas. From a career perspective, Siegert dismissed geoengineering as a non-starter, arguing students will struggle to find jobs in the field. Irvine said the 2025 paper, alongside a broader push for a non-use agreement for sun dimming experiments, was likely to foment a chilling effect for students interested in postgraduate studies in geoengineering. I had a student say to me, Im worried about doing a PhD on this topic because I worry I wont have a career. Everyone at the top of my field is saying this is a dead end. Advertisement Advertisement The University of Chicagos Keith, however, said that viewpoint may eventually die out. There is a real generational difference. Younger people seem much more open to research on [geoengineering]. Lots of them have wildly different views, as they should. But I dont see that they have a prejudged answer. Gloria Dickie, Inside Climate News ALSO ON YALE E360 Overshoot: The World Is Hitting Point of No Return on Climate The US has officially deemed artificial intelligence (AI) firm Anthropic a supply chain risk, setting the stage for an unprecedented legal fight. The Pentagon's designation is the first time a US company has been labelled a supply chain risk, which means the government considers Anthropic not secure enough for it to use. It has led Anthropic, which has refused to give defence agencies unfettered access to its AI tools over concerns of mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, to move towards challenging the decision in court. Advertisement Advertisement "We do not believe this action is legally sound, and we see no choice but to challenge it in court," chief executive Dario Amodei wrote on Thursday evening. In a statement earlier on Thursday, a senior Pentagon official said the supply chain risk designation was "effective immediately." Amodei wrote that Anthropic had received a letter from the defence department the previous day designating it a risk, noting that the designation "has a narrow scope." "The law requires the Secretary of War to use the least restrictive means necessary to accomplish the goal of protecting the supply chain", he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement "Even for Department of War contractors, the supply chain risk designation doesn't (and can't) limit uses of Claude or business relationships with Anthropic if those are unrelated to their specific Department of War contracts. The AI developer had been in talks with the Department of Defense in recent days. Those talks did not prove fruitful, according to a person familiar with Anthropic who asked not to be identified, in part because of how President Donald Trump and other members of his administration had publicly berated the company. Leadership at Anthropic had thought last week the two sides were near a resolution, after weeks of back and forth. Then Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he was directing all federal agencies to stop using Anthropic, the person familiar added. Advertisement Advertisement "We don't need it, we don't want it, and will not do business with them again!" Trump wrote in the Friday post. Hegseth followed up with a post on X, writing that Anthropic would be "immediately" designated a supply chain risk, prohibiting any business working with the military from "any commercial activity with Anthropic". Anthropic said it had received no communication from the White House or the Pentagon that these statements were coming. According to a person familiar with discussions, the feeling inside Anthropic is that it is disliked by some in the Trump administration as its chief executive has not been among the tech leaders to donate large sums to Trump or publicly praise him. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, tech giant Microsoft said that it would continue to embed Anthropic technology in products for its clients with the exception of the US Department of Defense. "Our lawyers have studied the designation and have concluded that Anthropic products, including Claude, can remain available to our customer, it told the BBC in a statement. We can continue to work with Anthropic on non-defense related projects, it continued. The Department of War is a secondary name given by Trump to the Department of Defense. A Pentagon official said Thursday: "From the very beginning, this has been about one fundamental principle: the military being able to use technology for all lawful purposes." Advertisement Advertisement "The military will not allow a vendor to insert itself into the chain of command by restricting the lawful use of a critical capability and put our warfighters at risk." Anthropic had been used by the US government and military since 2024 and was the first advanced AI company to have its tools deployed in government agencies doing classified work. However, as its relationship with the US military has soured, its rival OpenAI has stepped in. Advertisement Advertisement Sam Altman, chief executive and co-founder of OpenAI, has said his new contract with the defence department has "more guardrails than any previous agreement for classified AI deployments, including Anthropic's". Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said Thursday that designating Anthropic as a supply chain risk was "shortsighted, self-destructive, and a gift to our adversaries." "The government openly attacking an American company for refusing to compromise its own safety measures is something we expect from China, not the United States," Gillibrand added. Anthropic's AI app, Claude, remains popular despite the firm's public fallout with the US government. Advertisement Advertisement Claude is the most downloaded AI app in several countries. Anthropic's chief product officer said on Thursday that "more than a million people" are signing up for Claude every day. [BBC] Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here. Footage of a hammer-wielding man smashing screens at Chile's largest airport was falsely portrayed online as a recent incident in Australia involving an immigrant. Visual clues in the video confirm it was filmed in the South American nation, not in Sydney as posts claimed. "What a fine migrant running amok at Sydney airport," says an X user based in Western Australia in a March 4, 2026 post. The video he linked to -- which had embedded text claiming it was taken in "Sydney Australia airport" -- shows an agitated man running through an airport terminal and smashing display screens with a hammer. Advertisement Advertisement He then walks to the airport's entrance and shatters the glass doors. The clip also spread on TikTok and carried the watermark of user @xmarknikox. One lamented the video was "for those of you who voted for Albo", a reference to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Screen capture of false Facebook and TikTok posts taken on March 6, 2026, with the red X added by AFP Since 2025, a series of anti-immigration marches -- some attended by neo-Nazis -- have taken place across Australia, with critics blaming Albanese's government and his centre-left Labor Party for the country's social issues (archived here and here). Discourse has also ticked up on social media platforms -- where false claims concerning immigration have long proliferated -- after comments from Pauline Hanson, the far-right leader of the anti-immigration One Nation party, about Muslims in Australia (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement During an interview on February 16, she said "their religion concerns me" and questioned whether there can be "good Muslims". Australia's watchdog agency on race discrimination denounced her, saying her comments "stigmatise and devalue" people (archived link). Some users sharing the video echoed the rhetoric. "The Australian Government must now explain to Australians why they have brought individuals into the Country that hate us and our life. This is terrorism," says one post, which has since been taken down. Another commenter said: "This is what Pauline Hanson has been saying." Advertisement Advertisement The video also spread to users in England. But it was not filmed at Sydney airport, as posts claimed, and there were no official reports indicating a similar incident recently happened in the Australian city. Sydney Airport's media team confirmed to AFP that this incident did not happen on their premises. "In addition, the food options and the retail offering is not available in Sydney and the signage is in Spanish not English," they said in an email on March 6. Chile airport An analysis of the video found Spanish-language signs throughout the building, as well as in the uniform of a security guard. Screenshot of the falsely shared video, with the red highlight added by AFP on the security guard's uniform A reverse image search using keyframes surfaced an X post from February 24, 2025, saying the clip was taken in Chile's Santiago International Airport (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement The area where the video was filmed corresponds to a picture of the South American airport geotagged on Google Maps. Comparison screenshots of the false video (left) with an earlier version saying that it was taken in Chile airport, with the red X added by AFP A keyword search brought up a news report of the incident, which occurred on February 21, 2025, at Chile's main airport (archived link). The man, a Haitian national, reportedly lost his temper after an airline staffer declined to provide him assistance to return home at the airport. The official X account of Chile's General Directorate of Civil Aviation reported on the incident, saying that the individual was detained (archived link). AFP has previously debunked anti-migrant misinformation in Australia. A Haitian man reportedly died in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Arizona and lawmakers are now demanding answers. Emmanuel Damas reportedly died from an untreated toothache. I am sickened by reports that yet another person has died in ICE custody after being left without basic medical care. A toothache should not be a death sentence, said Rep. Adelita Grijalva. How many more people have to die at federal detention facilities before we say enough is enough? Advertisement Advertisement Grijalva said that people are dying of "simple, treatable ailments because they are being treated as less than human." U.S. Representative Greg Stanton sent a letter to former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons demanding accountability for Damas's death. I spoke to Emmanuel Damass brother this morning to offer my sincere condolences. His family deserves answers and accountability, and I will not stop pushing until ICE provides it, Stanton said. Stanton's letter requests information related to the death and questions about the facility's medical capacity and protocols and includes the following: Advertisement Advertisement A complete medical examiners report concerning Damas's cause and manner of death A comprehensive accounting of all medical care offered to, provided to, or withheld from Damas during his detention at Florence, including dates, names of medical personnel, documented complaints, and requests for referral. ICEs notification protocols and full account of when Damas's family was notified of his condition and subsequent hospitalization. Whether ICE has initiated an internal review or critical incident investigation into the circumstances of Damas's death. Grijalva said this is the 10th death to occur in an ICE facility this year. 'They never bothered to take him to a hospital' Damas, who lived in Boston, entered the United States legally through an asylum program, according to his family. He had been in the United States since 2024. His brother, Presner Nelson, says Damas was arrested after a domestic dispute in Boston. When Presner went to post bail, he says he was told Damas had already been taken by another agency. Advertisement Advertisement "Half an hour, 45 minutes later, there was an officer who came out and said to me, 'Sorry, unfortunately, he was picked up by an agency'," Presner said. "And I said to him, 'Was it ICE?' He said, most likely, it was ICE." The family believes Damas was transported to New York, then transferred to the ICE detention center in Florence, Arizona, where he called family multiple times a day. Presner says his brother began complaining about a toothache while in custody. "They kept on giving him Tylenol, Ibuprofen, something of that nature, where they never bothered to take him to a hospital, to a dentist, to remove the tooth and give him some medication, a penicillin or something, to treat the infection," Presner said. Advertisement Advertisement Damas was eventually hospitalized in the Phoenix area. His brother Presly Nelson says he arrived to find Damas unresponsive and in restraints. "The most hurtful thing, while he was there, he could not even open his eyes," Presly said. "But he was still handcuffed." Doctors told the family the cause was an infection. Damas underwent surgery on his jaw, neck and lungs, the Nelsons said. He survived the surgery, but never recovered. He died on March 2. "When we got to the hospital on Monday, and they told us it's not looking good, he's going to die," Presly said. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers directed criticism at then-DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. Minutes before 12News spoke with the family, Noem was fired. For the Nelsons, it changes nothing. "I'm sure a lot of people will be happy with her being gone. But it doesn't change our pain," Presly said. The family says they want a full investigation. "What I'd like is a very thorough investigation to find out. I don't know who to blame," Presner said. 12News has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for a statement on Damas's death multiple times. The agency indicated a response was coming but has not provided one. >> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. Watch 12News for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! Advertisement Advertisement The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. 12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. Arkansas State Police arrested a Morrilton man on Wednesday, March 4, after receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tip identified 23-year-old Collin Cormier and linked him to 100 images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Further investigation revealed that Cormier had engaged in sexually explicit messaging with a juvenile in Texas and had plans to meet up. Cormier was arrested and booked on three counts of possession of child pornography and one count of internet stalking of a child. Multiple electronic devices were seized from the residence and await forensic examination as the investigation continues. The company is leveraging its new modular vehicle platforms to maintain manufacturing flexibility, allowing production to shift between regions to mitigate logistics and tariff disruptions. Operational focus has shifted to inventory efficiency and finished goods management, resulting in $57 million in fourth-quarter operating cash flow despite lower revenue. A strategic shift in market demand toward lighter-duty, lower-priced models is creating near-term margin pressure as the product mix evolves away from traditionally higher-margin categories. Performance was significantly impacted by $100 million in gross tariff costs for the full year, resulting in an adjusted operating profit of $16 million despite disciplined cost management. The North American market is leading the recovery, outperforming internal expectations as industrial customers convert quotes to firm orders at a materially higher rate. Management attributes the 42% sequential booking increase to the completion of long-lead backlog deliveries, which is finally forcing customers to address deferred replacement cycles for aged fleets. Management expects the first quarter of 2026 to be the cycle trough, with results reflecting the low order intake levels seen during the first half of 2025. The company anticipates a return to moderate full-year operating profit in 2026, characterized by a small loss in the first half followed by a stronger second half as volumes rise. Strategic cost-saving initiatives are projected to deliver $85 to $100 million in recurring annualized savings by 2028, with $40 to $45 million expected to begin in 2026. Capital expenditures for 2026 are budgeted between $55 million and $75 million, prioritized for IT infrastructure upgrades, manufacturing automation, and modular product scaling. Linda Dewey and Natalie Graves loved hiking in the hills and cliffs around Wayne County, where some of Utahs most spectacular scenery can be found. But on Wednesday, as Dewey, 65, and her niece, Graves, 34, were at the Cockscomb Trailhead near state Route 12, police say their lives were tragically cut short by a man who wanted to take their car. Our family is dealing with the shock of the devastating loss of two members of our family who were bonding over the beauty of a hike in one of their favorite places on Earth cherished by them and the community, considered to be a safe sanctuary. They were murdered. We cannot comprehend why this happened, the families of Dewey and Graves said Friday in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement The families will be posting pictures of their loved ones on Friday at the Cockscomb Trailhead as a memorial, but have otherwise asked for privacy during this difficult time. The discovery of the womens bodies led police to the body of a third victim, 86-year-old Margaret Oldroyd, in her Lyman, Wayne County, home. Ivan W. Miller, 22, of Blakesburg, Iowa, is charged with killing all three women. Miller is currently being held in a Colorado jail awaiting extradition back to Utah to face three counts of aggravated murder, a first-degree felony. As investigators from multiple agencies work to retrace Millers steps, the families of the victims continue to mourn. Dewey is remembered as a wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and had many extended family members and friends all over the world. She was loved deeply and loved her family deeply. She was the heart of our family, the family said. Advertisement Advertisement Graves was a wife, daughter and sister, adored by her many friends and extended family members. She was joy, sunshine and beauty embodied. We need time to mourn, love each other and be with our family and friends. We are at a loss for words that can describe what we are feeling and cannot publicly express our sadness and devastation at this time, the family said. Miller was driving his pickup truck when he hit an elk in Loa on Feb. 28. Miller told police after his arrest that he sold his truck to a tow company and stayed in an area hotel for a few days following the collision, charging documents state. Oldroyds car was confirmed to be in Loa on Feb. 27, police say. It was not immediately known if the cars presence in Loa at that time had any connection to Miller ending up at Oldroyds residence. Advertisement Advertisement At some point between Feb. 28 and March 4, Miller made his way to Oldroyds home in Lyman. How and when he got there remained under investigation Friday. Police say there are no prior connections to Miller or any of his victims. Miller told police that he stayed the night in the back shed at (of Oldroyds home) after coming to Lyman. Miller advised that he saw a Buick LeSabre at that location and watched the old lady drive away. Miller then entered her home, waited for her behind a door, and shot her in the back of the head with the 1911 (pistol) while she was sitting down watching television, charging documents allege. He then dragged Oldroyds body to the basement, attempted to clean up the crime scene and took her car. But not long after he began driving, Miller claimed he did not like the car and wanted to find a different vehicle, the charges say. Thats when he spotted Dewey and Graves near the trailhead. Miller says he watched the women get out of their vehicle, went up to them and shot the younger one in what he thought was the chest and she went down. Miller then shot the other one twice in the body and then stabbed her multiple times, the charges state. Advertisement Advertisement After the women failed to return home on time, their husbands went looking for them and found their bodies. Police were called and Oldroyds vehicle was found nearby. That led to the discovery of her body in her home. Using license plate readers, police tracked the vehicle stolen from the two hikers and determined it drove through Bicknell, Wayne County, at 10:32 a.m. Wednesday. By 9:13 p.m., it was in Farmington, New Mexico. The vehicle was recorded in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, early Thursday and later found abandoned. After a brief search of the area, Miller was located and arrested without incident. Wayne County administrators issued a joint statement on behalf of the entire county on Thursday. Our community is grieving following the tragic loss of three women, the county said. This is an incredibly difficult time for our country and our thoughts are with everyone impacted. Advertisement Advertisement The county says counselors will be available at Wayne High School on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and all day at the Wayne Community Health Center. We encourage community members to support one another during this time and to reach out for help if needed. We live in an amazing community and pull together when times are dire. Please say hello to a neighbor in passing. The smallest gestures can make a big impact. Australia's online regulator warned porn websites they must block under-18s from Monday under sweeping new restrictions to protect children. Some sites in Australia had already barred non-members on Friday and were refusing new registrations, days before being obliged to use age verification technology to keep out underage users. The new rules expand Australia's online child safety measures following its world-leading December 10 ban on children under 16 joining social media platforms. Advertisement Advertisement The crackdown restricts child access to "age-inappropriate content" including pornography, high-impact violence, suicide and eating disorders. It covers porn websites, search engines, app stores, gaming providers and generative AI systems, including chatbots. "Make no mistake, where we see failures or foot-dragging, we will hold companies to account," eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said Friday. Failure to comply can bring penalties of up to Aus$49.5 million (US$35 million) per breach. "Users will be asked to confirm their age when accessing age-restricted material on pornography websites and services," eSafety said. Advertisement Advertisement "Clicking a button that says 'I am 18 years or older' is no longer sufficient. This is consistent with similar efforts being implemented internationally," it said. - New safeguards - Inman Grant said society had long agreed that age barriers were needed to protect children from harm. "We don't allow children to walk into bars or bottle shops, adult stores or casinos, but when it comes to online spaces where they are spending a lot of their time, there are no such safeguards," she said in a statement. "But that changes for Australian kids." The regulator said industry would be obliged to apply consistent standards across their services so children are not accidentally exposed to harmful content. Advertisement Advertisement Under the changes, AI companion chatbots capable of generating sexually explicit, violent or self-harm material must confirm users' ages. App stores and online gaming sites are also required to block under-18s from adult-only content. People using a search engine without logging in, for example to a Google account, will have results blurred by default for results containing pornography and high-impact violence. For users entering searches related to suicide or eating disorders, the first results will be a referral to appropriate mental health support services. The regulator said it would monitor and assess adherence to the rules and would take enforcement action against systemic non-compliance. Advertisement Advertisement "No piece of regulation will eliminate all risks and harms all at once, but these codes create meaningful protections for children across the tech ecosystem," Inman Grant said. "The government's commitment to implementing a digital duty of care will also further strengthen protections in the future." djw/oho/kaf Police are investigating a multi-state murder-suicide that left three people dead, Us Weekly has learned. Authorities in Illinois received a phone call on Wednesday, March 4, from a man claiming two women would be found shot to death in a home in Jackson Township, Pennsylvania. Cops traced the call to Hillside and raced to the man's address, where they allegedly found him dead by suicide, authorities confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators in Illinois called the Pennsylvania State Police and requested a welfare check at the Pittsburgh-area home the women lived in. Police said officers went to the home and knocked. Receiving no response, the cops forced their way into the home, where the two women were located dead from gunshot wounds. 2 Children, 2 Adults Found Shot to Death After 911 Call About Booby Traps at California Home Local reports indicate the two women were related to the man who murdered them. In fact, CBS News cites sources who said that the three victims were an estranged husband and wife and their daughter. Advertisement Advertisement The names of the victims have not been released, as next of kin had yet to be notified as of Thursday, March 5. Pennsylvania State Police said they've taken over the investigation into the double murder-suicide. "At this time, investigators believe there is no ongoing threat to the public, and law enforcement is not searching for any additional individuals in connection with this incident," police said in a statement. "This remains an active and ongoing investigation." Neighbors told CBS News that the killings have had a chilling effect. "My first reaction was shocked because this is such a close-knit neighborhood, and to think something that horrible could happen here is very tragic, because they were such a good family," neighbor Danielle Sporer said Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement NJ Dad Returns From Work to Discover Wife Killed Their Young Sons, Prosecutors Say Troopers told reporters they are not searching for additional suspects and do not believe there is an ongoing danger to the public while the investigation continues. Anyone who may know anything relevant about the murder-suicide is asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (1-800-472-8477). Tips can also be submitted anonymously by visiting the PSP Tips website. Social media tips are also encouraged via Facebook at PSPTips and X at PSP_TIPS. In recent weeks, there have been a number of murder-suicides that have made headlines. Advertisement Advertisement In Alabama, a man entered a hospital where his wife had just given birth to their first child and killed her before dying by suicide. A father from an exclusive Florida enclave returned from an overseas business trip to the news his wife and their two kids were all dead. And in Las Vegas recently, a mother and daughter from Utah in town for a cheerleading competition were found dead in their motel room. The girl had been at the center of a bitter custody battle, and reports suggest the mother had recently been bullied by other cheer moms with daughters on her childs team. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Washington is one step closer to adding guardrails to the use of automated license plate readers. The state House on Thursday passed a revamped version of legislation to implement Washingtons first regulations of the cameras, which have become more common in recent years. The bill now returns to the Senate to concur with the changes before it can go to Gov. Bob Ferguson. The Senate initially passed the bill on a 40-9 vote last month. Senate Bill 6002 responds to concerns over federal immigration agents accessing data collected by the devices, and general fears over widespread surveillance. Cities across Washington have started to use the cameras, usually from the company Flock, as an added tool to solve crimes. Advertisement Advertisement At least 16 other states regulate the readers. Right now, this is the wild West, said Rep. Osman Salahuddin, D-Redmond. Perhaps the most significant change approved Thursday deals with when police departments can use these cameras. Initially, lawmakers proposed only allowing police to use them to compare the data to watch lists for stolen vehicles, missing or endangered people, vehicles registered to individuals with felony warrants and investigations related to vehicles involved in a felony. The version the House approved expanded the list to gross misdemeanors. This issue had been a sticking point for some Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement It appeared the bill could get bogged down by GOP-backed amendments in the House, but Republicans withdrew most of them, speeding up debate. In the end, it only took about 20 minutes. Most lawmakers were happy with the compromise. It passed the House on an 84-10 vote. This is a truly well-worked solution to a real problem, said Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen. Law enforcement and local governments and the state government can use the technology effectively to prosecute crimes when appropriate, and assure public safety in a good way, and legal way and constitutional way while also protecting individuals privacy rights. Under the bill, reader data would have to be deleted within 21 days, unless its needed for police evidence. Advertisement Advertisement That retention period was originally set at 72 hours, but that was increased early in the legislative process. These periods vary across states that have these regulations. New Hampshire law, for example, says data must be deleted within three minutes of capture. In Georgia, agencies have 30 months to destroy it. The legislation would largely prohibit police from sharing the information except for in court proceedings. The readers wouldnt be allowed to be used for civil immigration enforcement, or to be deployed near elementary and secondary schools, churches, courts or food banks. Under the bill, agencies have to keep a record for two years of when their reader data was accessed. The data would be exempt from public disclosure except if its requested for research. This aims to assuage concerns from some cities that have been rethinking their use of the cameras out of fears theyll be overloaded with public record requests for reader data, which could also allow anyone to learn the whereabouts of another persons car. Some worry the footage could then be used to stalk or harass. Advertisement Advertisement By July 1, 2027, the state attorney general would need to develop model policies for the use of automated license plate readers. Agencies would have to adopt them by December that year. Rep. Brianna Thomas, D-Seattle, thinks the legislation doesnt go far enough. She was the lone Democrat to join nine Republicans in opposition. Establishing any framework at this point for retention, access and sharing is indeed a step forward, Thomas said. That said, the bill doesnt meet the scale of the harms that we are seeing. On the other end of the spectrum, Rep. Cyndy Jacobsen, R-Puyallup, thinks the cameras should be allowed around schools to protect children from crimes. She called herself a soft no on the legislation. The Senate will need to pass the revised bill by next Thursday, the last day of the legislative session. While no company or entity has been formally named as being associated with a proposed data center for Clinton, there is a company that is speaking up in favor of such an idea. Earlier this week, Clinton officials announced a $750 million investment was coming that would be the largest in city history. Multiple sources confirmed a data center will be built in Clinton. The Board of Aldermen in Clinton have approved an agreement to enter into a Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes, aka FILOT, deal with an unnamed company at 1001 Industrial Park Drive, where the data center would be located. Advertisement Advertisement Robert Chapman, Alderman-at-Large for Clinton, in his regular newsletter said, "Clinton Board of Aldermen held a special called meeting to approve the request for a conditional use and dimensional variance for a property in the Clinton Industrial Park as well as to approve a Fee In Lieu of Tax a with a company wanting to invest in the Industrial Park area." What is AWS saying about the Clinton data center? Amazon Web Services stopped short of saying a Clinton data center would be their facility but told the Clarion Ledger it believes the data center in Clinton is a good idea and will be good for economic growth. Amazon is excited about the potential of this project. Though initial construction to make the building habitable is underway, we are still in discussions about long-term building and operating plans," AWS told the Clarion Ledger. "We are encouraged by the meaningful benefits this project could deliver, including new construction and long-term technology jobs, expanded opportunities for local contractors and small businesses, and sustainable tax revenue that supports schools, public safety, and essential community services. The 730,000-square-foot facility, which was built in 1972, was recently renovated, according to Loopnet.com. Data centers in Mississippi This will be just the latest data center for Mississippi as the state gets deeper and deeper into a data center economy that is going to require copious amounts of energy over the next decade Advertisement Advertisement Just recently, xAI, the American artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk, announced a corporate investment exceeding $20 billion that will culminate in a data center in Southaven. The project is expected to create hundreds of permanent jobs throughout DeSoto County. And that is after Amazon announced in December its second data center campus in Mississippi, this one the company says will be "at least a $3 billion investment" in Warren County, making it one of the top five largest economic development projects in the history of the state. In the last two years, Mississippi has seen major data center construction announcements in Madison, Meridian and just three months ago in Brandon. Clinton MS data center The FILOT agreement for Clinton means the company it is dealing with will pay the Hinds County city a yearly payment instead of normal taxes. A rendering of what the AWS data centers near Jackson, Mississippi in Madison County could look like when opened. Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Amazon AWS supports Clinton MS ai data center plan Azerbaijans State Security Service (SSS) announced on Friday that it had stopped Iranian intelligence agents from committing terror attacks against four targets in the country. The targets include the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, the Israeli Embassy in Azerbaijan, a leader of the country's Mizrahi Jewish religious community, and the Ashkenazi synagogue, Azerbaijans media reported. The series of planned terrorist and intelligence operations was orchestrated by Irans intelligence service SEPAH, assigning local operatives to conduct surveillance, acquire weapons, and secure transportation," the SSS said. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities reported that explosives were smuggled into the country by Iranian nationals in coordination with Azerbaijani accomplices. A container near the settlement of Shikhov in the Sabail district was found to contain over 7.7 kilograms of C-4 explosives. Additional devices were discovered in the Garadagh district, including a remote-controlled bomb capable of affecting a 250300 metre radius. Following preventive operations, Azerbaijani authorities detained several individuals. Four were sentenced to six years and six months in prison for involvement in the terrorist plot. Others are under arrest for preparing the attempted assassination or illegally possessing explosives and firearms. Advertisement Advertisement Officials identified a SEPAH officer, Colonel Ali Asgar Bordbar Sherami, as a key organiser. Several Iranian nationals involved in the plot have been placed on the international wanted list. Bakus announcements came the day after Iran launched a drone attack on Azerbaijans exclave of Nakhchivan, injuring four civilians, damaging Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan International Airport and a rural school. Chairing a Security Council after the attack, Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev accused Tehran on Thursday of committing an act of terror and vowed that any attacks on Azerbaijan "will face our Iron Fist." Over the last few days, Qatar and the UAE announced that they dismantled alleged cells of Iran's Revolutionary Guards operatives preparing attacks on their territories. (NewsNation) Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyevs angry response to an Iranian drone incursion Thursday demonstrates how previously neutral countries around the Middle East may have run out of patience with the Islamic Republic. Aliyev threatened to retaliate after Iranian drones allegedly crossed into his country, which borders Iran on the north, and struck a school and airport. We are ready to demonstrate our strength against any hostile force and they should not forget this in Iran, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Attacks on Iran could last up to 5 weeks, Trump says Iran denied responsibility, but the Pentagon says Azerbaijan is the latest nation in the region that Tehran has attacked as the regime seeks to widen the war with the U.S. and Israel. U.S. Central Command says Iran has attacked 12 neighbors that have sought to stay on the sidelines. Azerbaijans pushback suggests dynamics may be changing rapidly against Iran. Other countries that have put Iran on notice include Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with Bahrains Ministry of Interior on Thursday reporting that Iranian aggression had resulted in damage at two hotels and a residential building in Manama, with no loss of life. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump authorized the Feb. 28 U.S. military strikes with Israel that eliminated Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other top officials. Trump has said Iran planned to strike U.S. interests and continued to develop nuclear weapons. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on March 1, 2026 they attacked the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln after joint US and Israeli strikes killed the Islamic republic's supreme leader. The Pentagon denied Tehran's claim, while an online video apparently showing the carrier on fire is old and contains unrealistic visual elements that indicate it is not authentic. "The biggest news on the Iran-America war is breaking. Iran has fired four ballistic missiles at the US warship 'USS Abraham Lincoln' stationed in the Arabian Sea!" reads sticker text on Facebook reel shared on March 4. The Malay-language caption to the clip, which shows thick plumes of smoke rising from a burning ship, repeats the claim. Screenshot of the false post taken on March 5, 2026 with a red X added by AFP The video was shared on Facebook and Instagram in posts written in Burmese, French, Spanish and Arabic after Iran said it struck the USS Abraham Lincoln with ballistic missiles in the Gulf on March 1 (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement The US Central Command refuted the claim, saying on X: "The Lincoln was not hit. The missiles launched didn't even come close" (archived link). Iranian state TV similarly alleged on March 5 that drones fired by the Revolutionary Guards, the ideological arm of the military, had struck the aircraft carrier. It did not provide any details on the claim (archived link). War has raged in the Middle East following the US and Israeli strikes in Iran that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (archived link). Tehran retaliated by launching missile and drone attacks on multiple countries hosting some of the tens of thousands of US troops, notably in the Gulf Arab states. Advertisement Advertisement The circulating clip, however, does not show the USS Abraham Lincoln being struck by Iranian missiles. A reverse image search of keyframes on Google surfaced a Facebook post sharing the same clip on June 24, 2025. Screenshot comparison of 2025 Facebook post (L) and recently circulating post Although the Arabic-language caption says the video shows a US aircraft carrier targeted by Iran at the time, visual inconsistencies suggest the clip is not genuine. One portion of the vessel appears to be on fire but does not emit smoke, and the flames move in an unrealistic way as if they were digitally animated. An analysis of the clip using the Hive Moderation detection tool found it was "likely to contain AI-generated or deepfake content" (archived link). Screenshot of the Hive Moderation AI detector tool result AFP has debunked other misinformation stemming from the war in the Middle East. The southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut were targeted by waves of Israeli strikes on Friday after the militant group Hezbollah said it had fired rockets toward northern Israel. According to Lebanese security sources, five people were killed and seven others injured when Israel hit a residential building in the southern Lebanese port city of Sidon. One of those killed was believed to be a member of Hamas, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, thick plumes of smoke rose over the southern suburbs of Beirut known as Dahiyeh, a densely populated area considered a stronghold of the Iran-backed Shiite militia Hezbollah. Shortly before the latest series of attacks, the Israeli military said Hezbollah infrastructure would be targeted. Sources within the UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL told dpa that around 250 projectiles had been fired toward Israel since Monday. There have been no reports of casualties on the Israeli side. Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel on Monday in response to the killing of Irans supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Since then, Israel has been intensifying its attacks in Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Friday's Israeli airstrikes began in the early morning hours. The Israeli military said that during that operation it had carried out 26 strikes. Israel said a command centre that was hit belonged to Hezbollahs executive council, which oversees the Iran-backed Shiite organizations political, organizational and social activities. Ten high-rise buildings housing military infrastructure used by the militia were attacked, the military said in a statement. Another target was a drone storage facility. There were no immediate reports of casualties. On Thursday afternoon, Israels military had urged residents of the affected suburbs to leave the area. Weary residents seek shelter According to the Lebanese governments crisis unit, nearly 100,000 people have sought refuge in emergency shelters. Advertisement Advertisement But the number of displaced is believed to be higher, as many residents without shelter have moved to other parts of Beirut, some staying in hotels or rented apartments. Others have set up tents on open land on the outskirts of the suburbs after leaving their homes on Thursday. One Man who lives in Ghobeiri neighborhood, which was targeted overnight, said "if they (Hezbollah) want to fight, let them go to the fronts, not subject the civilians to this misery." Another mand praised the movement and said: "No matter what, we will back the resistance because they they are protecting our land." "This is a high price we have to pay," he said. TALLINN, Estonia (AP) Belarus' authoritarian president has pardoned 18 more prisoners as part of his recent effort at a rapprochement with the United States. In a decree announced on Thursday, President Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 18 prisoners, including 15 people convicted on extremism charges, which are widely used in Belarus in politically motivated prosecutions. A total of 11 pardoned prisoners are women, the authorities said in an online statement. This is the latest in a series of prisoner releases, encouraged by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. Lukashenko, largely shunned by the West since his disputed reelection in 2020 that triggered mass protests and a brutal government crackdown in response, has sought to mend fences with Washington in recent years, including by releasing prisoners. Advertisement Advertisement Since the two leaders spoke on the phone in August, Lukashenko has released 123 prisoners, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski and prominent opposition figures Maria Kolesnikova and Viktar Babaryka. In response, the U.S. lifted sanctions off Belarus' potash fertilizer production and its flagship national airline, Belavia. Those pardoned this week bring the total number to more than 140. John Coale, the U.S. special envoy for Belarus, hailed the move Thursday on X as another notable step in the relationship between the U.S. and Belarus as President Trump has tasked me with getting all the political prisoners out. In the meantime, a total of 1,140 political prisoners remain behind bars, according to the Belarusian human rights group Viasna. Rights advocates have repeatedly warned that repression in Belarus continues despite the releases, as more people are arrested and convicted. Viasna lawyer Pavel Sapelka compared this practice to a revolving door. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, a court in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, convicted a prominent journalist and her daughter on extremism charges over their work with a pollster that has been designated by the authorities as an extremist organization. Tsina Palynskaya, 51, and Marharyta Rabinovich, 23, were each sentenced to two years in prison. Earlier this week, prominent Belarusian musician and poet Aleh Khamenka was sentenced to three years in prison and a steep fine on charges of extremist activities over his cooperation with a banned radio station. Khamenka was detained in June after his house was raided and has spent more than a half year behind bars. Also this week, Belarusian authorities designated the PEN Belarus association of writers, which has more than 100 members, as an extremist organization. The head of PEN Belarus, Tatsyana Nyadbay, said in a phone interview with The Associated Press that the move was horrendous, because it puts the writers who remain in Belarus at risk. Among the members of PEN Belarus are Svetlana Alexievich, who won the 2015 Nobel Prize in literature, and Bialiatski, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. Alexievich left Belarus after the 2020 protests, and Bialiatski spent more than five years in prison on charges widely seen as politically motivated. TVS Apache RTX 300 - Lifestyle TVS is a huge name in India and throughout that portion of the world. But surpassing Yamaha to become the third-largest motorcycle manufacturer is big news. Yamaha Motor Company is a known quantity. It's been around for nearly 100 years, and it's produced a metric ton of amazing machines in that span. The tuning fork logo is something that likely almost everyone on the planet recognizes. But a company that's far older, though not quite yet known the world over, has been chipping away at Yamaha's third-place spot on the podium of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world. That company is India's TVS Motor Co., and recently, it finally knocked Yamaha out of the spot. That in itself was no easy task, but it comes as the company has expanded exponentially in recent years, and isn't that much of a surprise if you've been paying attention. Now that TVS is here, though, will it acquire the same name-recognition that Yamaha has and continues to enjoy? Or will it be a more regional player? My money is on the former. India Is One Hot Market According to Autocar India, "TVS sold 5.46 million units in 2025, up 20.7 percent from 4.52 million units in 2024, according to industry data. The sharp increase enabled the Chennai-based manufacturer to surpass Yamaha, which recorded approximately 5 million units in 2025, a modest 0.8 percent rise from 4.96 million units." So we're not talking about a big difference between the two, but it's enough for everyone to stand up and take notice. Recently, TVS has been making big moves, as it's expanded its offerings abroad, as well as partnered with a host of dominant motorcycle manufacturers to help bridge the gap between expansion and production, including building branded bikes. TVS is also the owner of Norton, which basically brought the company back from the dead, and recently launched a four-model assault that'll be sold worldwide. But TVS' market is one derived of small-displacement and motorcycles designed to get people moving and on their way, as much of the Eastern part of the world relies solely on two-wheeled transportation. Part of the report by Autocar India, states, "A key growth driver for TVS has been the ongoing premiumisation trend in Indias motorcycle market. Demand growth has increasingly shifted toward the 150cc+ segments, where TVS has expanded its presence and benefited from stronger consumer demand for higher-displacement models." That's something we don't see much of here in the States, but its how much of the world gets around. Bernard LaFayette, a key early civil rights organizer who helped integrate lunch counters and public spaces in Nashville and across the South during the 1960s, died March 5. He was 85. LaFayette once wrote the value of life lies not in longevity but in what people do to give it significance. For LaFayette, there was the constant threat of death he and others faced during the Civil Rights Movement. But because of his actions, Nashville became the first city in the South to desegregate public spaces. More Black Alabamians voted because of his efforts in Selma. Then later in life he poured himself into helping young people at the American Baptist College, much in the same way he was able to rally others his age in 1960. Advertisement Advertisement "Dr. LaFayette walked these very grounds on 'The Holy Hill' as a young man, and it was here that the seeds of a movement were planted," Nashville's American Baptist College said in a social media post announcing his death. Dr. LaFayette gave his life immeasurable significance and in doing so, he gave all of us a blueprint for how to live." More: Who was Jesse Jackson? Civil rights icon left enduring Nashville legacy Bernard LaFayette, a Civil Rights hero and former American Baptist president, walks up to the podium to speak during the American Baptist commencement ceremony at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, May 15, 2025. LaFayette an American Baptist alumnus who later rose in the ranks of the Civil Rights Movement with other American Baptist graduates Rep. John Lewis, Julius Scruggs, Jim Bevel, William Barbee, and the Revs. Kelly Miller Smith and C.T. Vivian became president of American Baptist from 1992 to 1999. Forrest Harris Sr., who recently retired from leading American Baptist and who succeeded LaFayette, said in an interview that LaFayette was central to desegregating Nashville and will be remembered for "his commitment to pursuing justice in this country and sacrifice he made to making a better society." Bernard LaFayette in the Civil Rights Movement LaFayette cofounded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in 1960. He had come to Nashville from Florida two years earlier to study at American Baptist College, known then as American Baptist Theological Seminary. Advertisement Advertisement "I hadn't been called to preach yet," LaFayette said in a 2013 profile with The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. "But I was going to the seminary to prepare to be called." LaFayette and other civil rights icons such as Smith, Lewis, Vivian, Bevel, the Rev. James Lawson, Diane Nash and Marion Barry formed the student committee under the nonviolence tutelage of the Rev. James Lawson. Those teachings carried LaFayette through life. "Nonviolence is not something that you simply embrace with your mind," LaFayette said at a speaking engagement in Tuskegee, Alabama. "It embodies and affects your entire being." Advertisement Advertisement The student committee staged its first sit-in at Harvey's Department Store in downtown Nashville. The sit-in movement grew, and the first large-scale demonstration was Feb. 13, 1960, at Woolworths, S.H. Kress and McLellan stores. Demonstrators, including Kenneth Frazier and John Lewis, center, sit in at the closed counter of the downtown Woolworth's store as the Nashville police move in Feb. 27, 1960. By the time the sit-ins ended, more than 150 students were arrested for refusing to vacate segregated lunch counters. LaFayette himself was arrested more than two dozen times. After secret negotiations between store owners and protest leaders, an agreement was reached in May 1960, making Nashville the first major city in the South to begin desegregating public facilities. After the sit-ins, LaFayette joined the Freedom Rides in 1961, and a year later he directed the Alabama Voter Registration Project. He soon became involved with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, rising to program coordinator in 1967. Advertisement Advertisement He made his home in Selma, Alabama. "If there is one person among them all who has refused ... to put the nonviolent banner down, it's Bernard," the late Tennessean editor John Seigenthaler, who in the early 1960s worked on civil rights as an assistant to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, said in 2013. "He talks about it less as a theory and more as a way of life." Civil Rights leaders march down Jefferson Street at the head of a group of 3,000 demonstrators on April 19, 1960, heading toward City Hall on the day of the Z. Alexander Looby bombing. In the first row are the Rev. C.T. Vivian, left, Diane Nash of Fisk and Bernard Lafayette of American Baptist Theological Seminary. In the second row are Kenneth Frazier and Curtis Murphy of Tennessee A&I, and Rodney Powell of Meharry. Bernard LaFayette's committment to academia and faith Both through his role as American Baptist president and in other venues, LaFayette was committed to continuing to training young people on the nonviolence movement and tactics. He was "constantly moving around the country to do nonviolent workshops," Harris said in an interview March 6 with The Tennessean. In fact, LaFayette said in his 2016 memoir, "In Peace and Freedom: My Journey in Selma," that he pledged to King to carry on the nonviolence movement, Harris said. American Baptist College President Bernard Lafayette discusses the status his college has with the National Baptist Convention and the reduction of funds given to the college by the convention during an interview on Feb. 9, 1998. In one of his last appearances in Nashville, LaFayette addressed American Baptist students at a commencement ceremony in May 2025. Advertisement Advertisement I am struck by the hinges of history that the revolving doors of education and justice are still open at American Baptist College after 100 years. Doors shaped and strengthened by the contributions of leaders like Dr. Bernard LaFayette," Harris said. "Over a century since 1924, we have weathered headwinds and climbed the yields of injustice. LaFayette's life embodied American Baptist's mission, the college said in its post. "To educate, serve, and pursue justice in the world," the college said. "He rode buses through a violent South. He registered voters in the face of danger. He marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He later returned to lead this institution as our President and never stopped teaching the world that change is possible through love, courage, and the power of nonviolence." Bernard LaFayette, a Civil Rights hero and former American Baptist president, speaks during the American Baptist commencement ceremony at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, May 15, 2025. Harris said LaFayette's death is also a bigger reminder about the legacy of civil rights legends, several of whom have died in recent years. Another example is the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died in February. Advertisement Advertisement Honoring these figures' legacy "is a call to reclaim and renew a public commitment to the cause of which they lived and died," Harris said. "They represent a huge vision that has yet to be fulfilled." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bernard LaFayette, an early civil rights organizer, dies at 85 An Alabama corporation has filed suit against a Bettendorf couple, accusing them of defrauding the corporation of millions to pay for a racing team, according to Morgan County, Alabama court documents. Businesses and people involved in the suit Court documents in the suit filed Feb. 2 explain the people and businesses involved: I.C.E. Contractors is an electrical contractor corporation in Decatur, Alabama. Betty Gainey, also known as Betty Barlow, and Dennis Gainey live in Bettendorf. FTB is an Iowa limited liability company with a principal place of business in Davenport, FTB is a purported cable company owned and/or controlled by Gainey and Barlow. DGRD is an auto racing company owned and/or controlled by Gainey and Barlow. Walmart is one of I.C.E.s largest customers. Allegations of fraud I.C.E. hired Gainey in 2016, court records show. Before he was terminated, Gainey was I.C.E.s vice president of national accounts, and was primarily responsible for managing and directing the work that I.C.E. performed for Walmart across the Southeast U.S. As part of this duties, Gainey supervised the subcontractors and vendors that performed services and provided materials for I.C.E.s various Walmart contracts. In addition, Gainey was responsible for approval of invoices and payments related to services and materials provided by I.C.E.s subcontractors and vendors. Advertisement Advertisement Once Gainey approved an invoice, I.C.E. processed those invoices for payment from the companys Morgan County headquarters, according to the suit. I.C.E. relied on Gainey and entrusted him with responsibility to manage its Walmart contracts. The suit says that, during a routine review of its books and records, I.C.E. discovered a number of discrepancies. Further analysis showed these discrepancies resulted from an elaborate scheme by Gainey to create fraudulent and forged invoices from FTB to I.C.E., direct I.C.E. to pay those fraudulent invoices; and divert that money for personal use once received by FTB. Defendants entered into a wrongful and fraudulent scheme to defraud I.C.E. through the submission and approval of fraudulent invoices, the suit says. While employed by I.C.E., Gainey approved payments to FTB for goods and services that were not appropriate or necessary for I.C.E.s business operations, or for goods and services that were never provided. In addition, or in the alternative, Gainey, Barlow, and FTB fraudulently inflated the cost of the services and/or materials listed on the FTB invoices submitted to I.C.E., the lawsuit alleges, Gainey, Barlow, and FTB then subcontracted that work to third parties, without the knowledge or approval of I.C E. for amounts less than the amounts of the FTB invoices, and kept the profits for themselves. Advertisement Advertisement These wrongful activities occurred over an extended period of time and resulted in the theft of considerable sums from I.C.E., the suit says, adding that As a result of this unlawful scheme, a large number of payments involving significant sums were made to FTB, with the knowledge and approval of Gainey. Over an extended period of time, beginning as early as 2019, the suit says, (Gainey and Barlow) conspired and engaged in an illicit enterprise with Gainey to send numerous, unnecessary, and fraudulent invoices to I.C.E. for approval. Accusation: $5 million in fraudulent invoices Court records show that I.C.E.s investigation uncovered that I.C.E. has paid FTB at least $5 million in fraudulent invoices that were approved and submitted by Gainey, that the investigation is ongoing, and that I.C.E. has reason to believe its damages will increase as the full extent of (the defendants) fraud comes to light. Also, the suit alleges that Gainey, Barlow, and FTB diverted a portion of the money they fraudulently received from I.C.E. to DGRD to fund the racing team. Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, Gainey admitted using I.C.E. funds to book hotels for DGRD employees, the suit continues. I.C.E. first discovered that Gainey engaged in the fraudulent scheme outlined herein in January of 2026. I.C.E. terminated Gainey on Jan. 26, 2026. In the lawsuit, I.C.E. requests that it be awarded actual and compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorneys fees, costs, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, and such other damages according to proof at trial. I.C.E. asks for a jury trial. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. The race is on to replace Sen. Markwayne Mullin after President Trump announced he will nominate the Oklahoma Republican to replace outgoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem. Two Oklahoma House Republicans are already eyeing runs to represent the Sooner State in the Senate: Reps. Stephanie Bice and Kevin Hern. Bice, 52, posted on the social platform X on Thursday that she was considering a run for the seat. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has made an excellent choice. Markwayne is a great friend and a fierce advocate for the America First Agenda, Bice said in her post. Im excited for him to take the helm at DHS. Its the honor of a lifetime to stand side by side with President Trump for the people of Oklahoma. Ive received encouragement from every corner of this great state to run for the US Senate. And its something Im carefully considering. Bice is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee. She was previously the sophomore class representative to the House GOP Elected Leadership Committee and the vice chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus. Bice has shown she can run in competitive races, defeating former Rep. Kendra Horn (D) for the seat in 2020. Hern, who was first elected to the House in 2018, confirmed Thursday he is considering a run. He holds the leadership position of chair of the House Republican Policy Committee and is a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. He is a former chair of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative caucus in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Stay tuned for the announcement next week, Hern teased to reporters in the Capitol. Hern also appeared to be working the phones on Thursday. One Senate Republican, while speaking to a reporter from The Hill, pulled out a lit-up phone and quipped, Kevin Hern from Oklahoma. Might be interested in the job. Hern, 64, is a wealthy businessman and the owner of a number of McDonalds franchises with the ability to help finance his own campaign. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) will appoint a temporary replacement to represent Oklahoma in the Senate until an election to fill the remainder of the term can be held. That person will not be able to run in that election. Advertisement Advertisement Mullin was elected in a special election in 2022. This years 2026 general election will select a senator for a full six-year term. Both Hern and Bice offered praise for Mullin, who was previously a member of the House. Hern said the had known Mullin for more than 20 years and that President Trump made a great, great choice in selecting him to lead DHS. He added that Mullin is a person that loves this country. Im really proud of Mark Wayne. I talked to him, hes so excited, so hell do great, Hern said. @SenMullin has been a tireless warrior for President Trumps agenda and a great friend. Im excited for him to take on the role of Secretary of @DHSgov. He will do tremendous work. He has been a great leader for Oklahoma, and I have no doubt he will continue to do the same, Bice said in a post on X on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Al Weaver contributed. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Mar. 5JUNEAU The Alaska Senate has passed a bill that would allow physician assistants with sufficient training to practice under an independent license, removing the state's current requirement that they work under a formal collaborative agreement with physicians. Supporters say the change would reduce administrative burdens that can delay and increase the cost of care. But physicians who opposed the bill argue it lowers the bar for training and could affect patient care. Senate Bill 89, sponsored by Anchorage Democratic Sen. Loki Tobin, passed by a unanimous vote in the Senate on Wednesday, with 18 votes in favor and two members absent. The bill would allow physician assistants to apply for an independent license after completing 4,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical practice. Advertisement Advertisement Under current law, physician assistants in Alaska must operate under a collaborative plan with physicians. These plans outline the medical services a physician assistant can provide and require oversight from doctors. The Alaska State Medical Board regulates physician assistants and authorizes them to provide care only within the scope of their training. Most physician assistants in Alaska work in family practice, though some are specially trained in particular fields. All care must be provided under a physician's license through a collaborative agreement that also requires a second, alternate physician to sign off. For some clinics, particularly in more remote areas, finding those physicians can be difficult. Mary Swain, CEO of Cama'i Community Health Center in Bristol Bay, testified in support of the bill before the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee in March 2025. Her practice employs two physicians to maintain collaborative plans for its physician assistants. She said neither of them lived in the community, and the primary physician lived out of state. Advertisement Advertisement Roughly 15% of physicians who hold collaborative agreements with Alaska-based physician assistants do not live in the state, according to Tobin. At the same time, Alaskans face some of the highest health care costs in the nation. Jared Wallace, a physician assistant in Kenai and owner of Odyssey Family Practice, testified in support of the bill at a committee meeting in April. Wallace said maintaining collaborative agreements is one of the most difficult parts of running his clinic. He said he pays a collaborative physician about $2,000 per physician assistant per month, roughly $96,000 a year, simply to maintain the required agreement. "In my experience, a collaborative plan does not improve nor ensure good patient care," Wallace said. "Instead, it is a barrier in providing good health care in a rural community where access is limited, is a threat that delicately suspends my practice in place, and if severed, the 6,000 patients that I care for would lose access to (their) primary provider and become displaced." Advertisement Advertisement Opposition to the bill largely came from physicians, who testified that physician assistants do not receive the same depth of training as doctors. Dr. Nicholas Cosentino, an internal medicine physician, testified in opposition to the bill last April. He said that medical school training provides crucial experience in diagnosing complex cases. "It's not infrequent that you get a patient that you're not exactly sure you know what's going on, and you have to fall back on your scientific background, the four years of medical school training, the countless hours of residency to come up with that differential, to think critically and come up with a plan for that patient," Cosentino said. "I think the bill as stated, 4,000 hours, does not equate to that level of training." The Alaska Primary Care Association said it supports the intent of the bill but argued that physician assistants should complete 10,000 hours in a collaborative practice model with a physician before practicing independently. Advertisement Advertisement Other states that have moved to allow independent licensure for physician assistants have adopted a range of thresholds. North Dakota requires 4,000 hours, while Montana requires 8,000 hours. Utah requires 10,000 hours of postgraduate supervised work, while Wyoming does not set a specific statewide minimum hour requirement. Tobin said the hour requirement chosen in the bill came from conversations with experts during the bill's drafting. "When we were working with stakeholders on this piece of legislation, we came to a compromise of 4,000 hours, recognizing and understanding that there was concerns, but also ... understanding that it is a bit of an arbitrary choice," she said. The bill now heads to House committees before a potential vote on the House floor. The Kentucky House advanced a bill Thursday that would make sweeping changes to the states law election law, including voter citizenship verification, rules for judicial candidates and letting federal officeholders run for multiple offices. House Bill 534, an omnibus election bill, would permit Kentucky to work with the federal government to identify noncitizens registered to vote, let judicial candidates share their political party affiliation and allow federal officeholders run for reelection and president in 2028, among other provisions. While it was a Republican-sponsored bill, a significant faction of the 80-member caucus didnt support the measure. In an unusual vote, 21 Republicans crossed party lines to vote no with 19 Democrats. The bill passed the House floor on 53-40 vote, with seven members not voting. Advertisement Advertisement Supporters say the bill is a proactive measure to help protect Kentucky elections., but opponents say its unnecessary and could disenfranchise voters. Rep. DJ Johnson, R-Owensboro, the primary sponsor of HB 534, said while he believes Kentucky has the best election laws in the country, its still important for the legislature to take initiative. There are those who are always looking for new ways to cheat the system, Johnson said. Because of that sad reality, it is our responsibility to remain ever vigilant that being the case. The version of HB 534 that passed the House underwent multiple changes. It first passed the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee Feb. 19., despite concerns from the Kentucky County Clerks Association. The association at the meeting urged lawmakers to vote against the bill because it could create confusion with significant changes ahead of the May primaries. Advertisement Advertisement HB 534 was on the House orders of the day meaning it could have received a floor vote for multiple days before being recommitted to the committee. A new version of the bill passed the committee Thursday morning, which Johnson said addressed some concerns from the association. The bill originally had an emergency clause, which means it would have taken effect immediately after becoming law; bills without emergency clauses generally go into effect 90 days after the legislative session ends. The revised bill set the deadline for implementation before the November general election. It also removed the entire section on cast vote records, which would have let county officials publicly upload scanned ballot images without the voters identity. Despite these changes, Johnson said he believed the association still opposes the bill. Citizenship verification HB 534 would authorize the State Board of Elections to enter into agreements with the federal government to identify noncitizens voting in Kentucky. According to the bills language, voter data that would be sent is the name, date of birth and last four digits of their Social Security number. Advertisement Advertisement If someone is identified as a non-citizen by the federal government, they would not be able to vote until their U.S. citizenship is confirmed. Rep. Lindsey Burke, D-Lexington, asked how the bill protects someones privacy and prevents the federal government from finding out information, like political affiliation. Johnson said the federal government already has access to that information. The information is already there, Johnson said. Theyre just looking for us to help them correlate it and make it a simpler process. Burke said she struggles to trust the federal government, even though she trusts Kentuckys Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams and county clerks, and the bill undermines election security and could harm voters who dont share the same views as the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement We have had safe and secure elections here in Kentucky, and theres no evidence to the contrary, Burke said. Its truly alarming to me that we are not providing greater protections for our citizens, for our people who live here in Kentucky, our neighbors, our friends, our family. Kentucky state Rep. Lindsey Burke, D-Lexington, speaks during a state House Committee Appropriations & Revenue hearing in Frankfort, Ky., on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. Judicial candidate speech and campaigns While judicial races are and would remain nonpartisan, the bill would allow judicial candidates to publicly disclose their political party affiliation and their political beliefs. Rep. Erika Hancock, D-Frankfort, said that provision could harm public trust in the courts. (It) sends the wrong signal to the public, Hancock said. The courtroom should be the one place where justice is not viewed through a partisan lens. If we want to debate making judicial elections partisan, thats a very serious conversation we should have openly. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, said federal courts have ruled judicial candidates have free speech, and the bill wouldnt make the races partisan. There is no R, or D, or, I or, L or G next to the name of any candidate for judicial office, Roberts said. This section of this act simply allows judicial candidates to do what the First Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals that is binding on Kentucky has repeatedly stated they are allowed to do. Running for multiple offices It would allow all eight of Kentuckys federal officeholders six House members and two senators to run for president while also seeking reelection. During the committee meeting, Johnson did not name Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who has left the door open for a 2028 presidential campaign. But he hinted the states junior senator was the reason. Advertisement Advertisement We have a unique situation where we have an elected official at the federal level who has also garnered national attention for the possibility of running them for the most important office in our country, which is president of the United States, Johnson said, in part. And we could say either or on that, but at the same time, the voters have spoken that they want this person to be in the position theyre in, I thought the best... option was to allow them to be able to do both. The bills language says a candidate can appear on the ballot twice if a candidate for two different federal offices on the same ballot, if one of the offices is decided by the United States Electoral College and the person currently holds an elected federal office. The only office decided by the electoral college is president. Rep. Joshua Watkins, D-Louisville, said he didnt believe people should be able to run for multiple federal offices that same time. He motioned to suspend the rules to consider a floor amendment that would remove that section, but it failed. The bill now heads to the Senate. An area state representative has testified in favor of a bill designed to strengthen accountability for those who conceal human remains. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] House Bill 459, Katelyns Law, has received its first hearing in the House Judiciary Committee, according to the office of State Representative Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester). The bill looks to remove the statute of limitations for abuse of a corpse and create new felony penalties for moving or hiding remains to obstruct justice. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The legislation was inspired by the 2011 death of Katelyn Markham, whose body was hidden for more than a decade before being discovered. >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fiance gets maximum sentence in death of Katelyn Markham As previously reported, John Carter eventually pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and received a three-year prison sentence. House Bill 459, which is jointly sponsored by Rep. Josh Williams, a Republican from Sylvania Township, would eliminate the statute of limitations for the charge of abuse of a corpse. This change would allow prosecutors to pursue those charges regardless of how much time has passed since the death or the concealment of the body. Advertisement Advertisement The legislation also creates a new third-degree felony offense for moving or concealing human remains, the office said. This penalty would apply to individuals who act with the intent to obstruct justice or prevent the discovery of a crime, a death, the cause of death, or the remains themselves. Gross spoke to the committee about the necessity of closing legal gaps that benefit those who hide evidence. Katelyns story highlights a gap in Ohio law that must be addressed, Gross said. No family should be denied justice because someone chose to hide a victims remains and run out the clock. This legislation ensures perpetrators can be held accountable, no matter how much time passes. House Bill 459 now awaits further consideration and potential votes by the Ohio House Judiciary Committee. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A tycoons shipping empire is sending oil tankers into the Strait of Hormuz, despite Irans warning that any vessels using the vital trade lane will be sunk. At least five ships owned by George Prokopious company Dynacom Tankers have travelled through the 30-mile wide narrows at the mouth of the Gulf since the war began, according to maritime analytics specialist Kpler. Crews have allegedly been ordered to turn off the transponders on the vessels before entering the strait in order to make them harder to hit. Advertisement Advertisement Ship-tracking websites showed them disappearing from view as they approached the waterway before reappearing on the other side after their transponders were reactivated. The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) condemned the practice and said that ship owners should not be forcing crews to risk their lives. The high-risk strategy has not been limited to loaded tankers carrying oil from the Gulf even empty ships have passed through from the east. One such tanker, the 72,000-metric ton Athina, appears to have crossed through the strait unladen on Saturday night, loaded up in Bahrain and departed two days later. Advertisement Advertisement It was still in the Gulf on Friday, headed east toward the strait, according to the VesselFinder website. The much larger Pola which at 150,000 metric tons is one of the largest tankers able to use the Suez canal was among the other Dynacom ships to make the transit, according to Kpler. Mr Prokopiou, 79, a controversial figure in the shipping industry, said after the Russian invasion of Ukraine that sanctions have never worked. Ukraine added Dynacom to its list of international sponsors of war, although it later withdrew the designation. Dynacom Tankers owner George Prokopiou is a controversial figure in the shipping industry - Xinde Marine News The companys decision to continue to use the Strait of Hormuz risks its ships coming under attack from Iranian missiles after Tehran pledged that any ships in the area would be set on fire. Iran has declared the trade lane closed. Advertisement Advertisement At least nine cargo vessels have been hit in the area since the start of the conflict, with three seafarers killed. However, the rewards for making the journey are significant. Freight rates have more than doubled in a week, with a tanker sailing through the strait to China now earning about $500,000 (374,000) a day, according to price-reporting agency Argus. Ana Subasic, a trade risk analyst at Kpler, said the Dynacom tankers and a handful of shadow fleet vessels which transport Iranian oil in defiance of international sanctions were the only ones still using the strait. Unique insurance arrangements She said the Greek firm would have had to negotiate unique insurance arrangements to restart operations and that other shipping lines were unlikely to follow since most insurers would baulk at such terms. Advertisement Advertisement Ms Subasic said she understood that the US was also continuing to look at ways to provide insurance cover that would get oil flowing out of the Gulf again, but that no solution was close to hand. She said she expected the waterway to remain closed for at least four more weeks. Stephen Cotton, the general secretary of the ITF, said seafarers have agreements offering them the right to refuse to sail into the area. The ITF and major shipping lines agreed to designate the strait a warlike operations area on Thursday, enhancing protections for crews. The agreement also includes a 100pc bonus for those staff who do agree to sail through the strait and doubles compensation for death or disability arising from an attack. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Cotton said: The risk to life for seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz is real and present and seafarers have already been killed. It is alarming to hear that companies are choosing to sail and put seafarers lives at risk. No worker should have to risk being killed or maimed simply for doing their job. Mr Prokopious three shipping companies have a collective fleet of more than 150 vessels, with many more currently under construction. The tycoon also owns a 106.5-metre mega-yacht, the Dream, moored near Athens, and has developed extensive real estate holdings, including the only Four Seasons hotel in Greece and an adjoining marina development. However, he drives an ageing Mercedes 4x4 and is known to eschew personal bodyguards, unlike the majority of Greeces ship-owning elite. Advertisement Advertisement Dynacom Tankers was contacted for comment. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Binghamton's top entrepreneurs will have the chance to face off for a total of $10,000 in the 2026 Binghamton Business Plan Competition. To announce the start of the event, Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham was joined by local leaders and past winners at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator for a March 5 press conference. In 2026, the competition will award the winner $7,000, with $2,000 for second place and $1,000 for third. The Binghamton Business Plan Competition has been running for more than 15 years, affording its participants not only prizes in the form of funding but also administrative and mentoring support. Advertisement Advertisement Each year, the Binghamton Business Plan Competition is organized and run in collaboration with the Binghamton Local Development Corporation and the SUNY Broome Entrepreneurial Assistance Center. This competition builds on Binghamtons legacy of entrepreneurship and innovation, while bringing together the mentorship, funding pathways and strategic resources needed to turn ideas into successful ventures," said Kraham. "It shines a spotlight on the strong, collaborative support network that exists here for local businesses, anchored by organizations like the BLDC, EAC, and the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator, and exemplifies what makes our community a great place to launch and grow a business. What 2026 Binghamton Business Plan Competition winner will receive Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announces the start of the 2026 Binghamton Business Plan Competition. According to Kraham, various past participants of the competition will be lending their services to the winner, with other local businesses participating to ensure winners are set up for success. Winners in 2026 will receive five hours accounting services from Davidson, Fox & Co., $500 in legal counsel from Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP, and $500 in sign creation services from 3i Graphics & Signs. Advertisement Advertisement The winner of the competition will also receive $500 in website services from FreshySites and $500 in branding services courtesy of Idea-Kraft. The winner of the competition will also receive a one-year membership to both the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and Triple Cities Makerspace, as well as a three-month co-working membership at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator through the Binghamton University Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships. "It is our main focus every year to cultivate local business development and promote the entrepreneurial spirit that exists here in the valley of opportunity," said Kraham. More: Binghamton Chamber lays out 2026 agenda covering housing, workforce How Binghamton Business Plan Competition impacted 2025 winner Kraham was joined by 2025's winner, Ayissi Nyemba, the owner of Emkao Foods. The cocoa company, which imports, manufactures and supplies cocoa ingredients and sources its beans from small farmers in Cameroon, was selected as the 2025 winner for its support of fair trade practices and transparency. Advertisement Advertisement "It really helped us make sure that what we promised will actually be in place," said Nyemba. "We want to be a part of this community. We want to make sure that this chocolate is enjoyed in our community, and also show the next generation of entrepreneurs that this is feasible, and you do need a community to support your dream and your vision. Without this incredible team, I wouldn't be here. So apply, do the work and be committed to it." Nyemba said winning the BLDC-EAP Competition was "a defining milestone for Emkao Foods" that "gave us the confidence to grow." "Today, we are preparing to build a chocolate factory in Binghamton, New York, alongside a crowdfunding campaign to create not just a production space, but a community hub that fosters education, job creation, and deeper connections between farmers and consumers, Nyemba said. More: How Koffman Incubator companies contribute nearly $1B to Southern Tier economy How to apply to 2026 Binghamton Business Plan Competition In order to enter the competition, applicants must either have an existing business less than five years old or plan to start a new business. Applicants must also show they can finance and open the business in the City of Binghamton within four months of being declared winner, and commit to keeping the business located in Binghamton for a minimum of three years. Advertisement Advertisement Applications are due by April 1, and applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare ahead of time with business start-up or management training through the SUNY Broome EAC. Companies can also attend an online Business Development Workshop offered through the City Office of Economic Development between March 23-25. For more information regarding the competition, including how to apply, visit binghamton-ny.gov/government/departments/economic-development/2026-business-plan-competition This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton launches 2026 Business Plan Competition Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has expressed solidarity with Qatar after Irans retaliatory strikes across the Gulf broadened its ongoing war with the US and Israel. A video circulating in Ethiopia claims to show the Iranian bombing of the US embassy in the capital, Addis Ababa. However, this is false; the footage is more than a year old and shows a building that caught fire in the city of Harar. A TikTok post published on March 2, 2026, with an Amharic text overlay, reads: Iran has attacked the American embassy in Addis Ababa with a missile. The caption in the post, shared more than 3,000 times before it was deleted, repeats the claim. Screenshot of the false post, taken on March 4, 2026 Comments from users were mixed. Your mission will not be achieved in Ethiopia. God protects Ethiopia and its people, one user wrote in Amharic. Advertisement Advertisement Iran is a hero, said another. She is shaking up the entire world. Inevitably, she will reach out to us. The same clip was shared on Facebook on March 3, 2026, and claimed in Amharic: Iran has bombed the American embassy in Addis Ababa with a missile. This is fine to me; Iran is smart. Screenshot of the false post, taken on March 5, 2026 The claim began circulating following a call between Abiy and Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on March 2, 2026, when Abiy expressed solidarity with Qatar after Irans retaliatory strikes on Gulf states (archived here). Iranian forces claimed they had "complete control" of the Strait of Hormuz -- a vital route for world oil and gas supplies, after President Donald Trump said the US Navy was ready to escort oil tankers through the channel (archived here). Advertisement Advertisement AFP reported on March 6, 2026, that Israel carried out heavy strikes against Tehran, hitting "regime infrastructure" in a "new phase" of the war. An Israeli attack in Lebanon against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants killed more than 120 people (archived here). However, the footage on TikTok is old and unrelated to the Middle East war. Old video AFP Fact Check used InVID-WeVerify to conduct reverse image searches on keyframes from the footage. The results led to a TikTok post published on February 1, 2025, featuring the same clip (archived here). The fire accident occurred in Harar city, in the area commonly known as Giberana Square at the Giyorgis road. The fire was brought under control through community efforts after completely destroying a carpenters workshop in the area, the accompanying caption in Amharic reads. The video, posted by an account with more than 120,000 followers, frequently publishes content about Ethiopias Harar city. Advertisement Advertisement The clip was also shared on Facebook on the same day and in the same context (archived here). Although the footage was recorded at night, visible features in the video -- including trees, power lines and building structures -- do not match the surroundings of the US embassy. A comparison of the footage with images of the embassy from Google Earth corroborates this. Screenshots taken on March 5, 2026, comparing an image of the US embassy in Ethiopia from Google Maps (top), and the original footage An AFP reporter in Addis Ababa confirmed that there was no attack on the US embassy, nor have there been credible reports or statements from official sources. AFP Fact Check has debunked other false claims about embassies struck by Iranian missiles. Human remains that were found in a pond in a Massachusetts town this week are those of a convicted drug dealer who had been living in another community more than an hour away, authorities said. A group of teens walking near the Maritime Veterans Memorial Bridge on Shaker Road in Shirley reported seeing what appeared to be a leg in the water at Phoenix Pond, prompting law enforcement to swarm the neighborhood. After Shirley police and fire officials confirmed the discovery of a human leg, a Massachusetts State Police dive team scoured the lake for additional evidence on Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a late Thursday afternoon news conference, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Shirley Police Chief Samuel Santiago announced that the divers had recovered additional body parts that were identified through fingerprints as belonging to 69-year-old Peter Degan. A preliminary investigation suggests Degans remains were possibly severed by a sharp instrument, and at this time, foul play is suspected, according to Ryan and Santiago. Those parts appeared to have been clean cut, Ryan said. We did not recover a full body. The search is continuing for additional body parts. Degan pled guilty to charges related to the trafficking and distribution of cocaine in a Suffolk County case in February 2019. Advertisement Advertisement After release upon completion of his sentence, Ryan said he had been living in a pre-release center in Rockland, about 60 miles southeast of Shirley. Ryan also noted that investigators have determined that Degan was seen in Rockland on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, and that they dont believe this was a random attack. Anyone who has information about Degan or who saw anything suspicious in recent days in the area where his remains were recovered is asked to contact the police. Ryans office and the Massachusetts State Police are assisting Shirley police with the investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Make better investment decisions with Simply Wall St's easy, visual tools that give you a competitive edge. Jabil (NYSE:JBL) is consolidating its Clinton, Massachusetts facility, with production set to move to Devens. The company plans to wind down operations in Clinton and has outlined severance, career assistance, and transfer options for affected employees. Jabil, a manufacturing solutions provider, relies on a broad network of facilities to support customers across sectors such as electronics and industrial products. Decisions about where production sits can influence cost structures, supply resilience, and customer lead times. For you as an investor, changes like this can be an early signal of how a company is reshaping its operating base. The Clinton to Devens shift also highlights how NYSE:JBL is adjusting its footprint within a key U.S. manufacturing region. As the transition progresses, you may want to watch for updates on execution costs, employee retention, and any comments from management about how the consolidation fits into longer term capacity planning. Stay updated on the most important news stories for Jabil by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Jabil. NYSE:JBL Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Mar 2026 2 things going right for Jabil that this headline doesn't cover. Quick Assessment Price vs Analyst Target : At US$252.21 vs a US$264.50 consensus target, Jabil trades around 5% below analyst expectations, which is within a fairly neutral range. Simply Wall St Valuation : Jabil is flagged as trading 32.2% below estimated fair value, which screens as undervalued on this model. Recent Momentum: A 30 day return of 2.68% suggests the share price has been edging higher recently. There is only one way to know the right time to buy, sell or hold Jabil. Head to the Simply Wall St company report for the latest analysis of Jabil's Fair Value. Key Considerations The Clinton to Devens move looks aimed at tightening Jabil's manufacturing footprint, which can influence margins, delivery times, and how efficiently it serves key customers. Watch for one off restructuring costs, updates on utilization in Devens, and any commentary on how the consolidation affects capacity and future investment needs. One flagged risk is Jabil's high level of debt, so you may want to see how consolidation costs and any productivity gains flow through to cash flow and leverage ratios. Dig Deeper For the full picture including more risks and rewards, check out the complete Jabil analysis. Alternatively, you can check out the community page for Jabil to see how other investors believe this latest news will impact the company's narrative. The West Ada School District notified the Centennial High School community on Wednesday that a student died after snowboarding at Bogus Basin over the weekend and going to the hospital. In a letter sent to parents, the district said sophomore Leo Gonzalez died this week after a medical incident Saturday on the mountain. A spokesperson with the school district shared the letter with the Idaho Statesman. The message stated that Leos family was allowing the school district to share the news of the teenagers death. The high school is providing counseling and bereavement services for students and staff. In addition, West Ada has resources and support for those experiencing loss on its website. Advertisement Advertisement During this time of sorrow, we ask that you keep the Centennial High School community in your thoughts, the message read. On behalf of our entire school family, we extend our deepest condolences to all who are mourning this loss. The incident occurred Saturday, a Bogus Basin spokesperson told the Statesman in an email. Bridgette Johnson said Ski Patrol responded to the mountain to help a young male who reported having shoulder pain. Ski Patrol transported him to the patrol room for an evaluation, and the teen was then taken by ambulance to a Boise hospital. Johnson said no other information about the situation would be shared. Police say an 11-year-old boy shot and killed his mother's boyfriend in Southwest Philadelphia after witnessing a fight between the couple. Officers were called to the 1100 block of South Peach Street around 11:40 p.m. Thursday. Police said the incident began as an argument between a woman and her 30-year-old boyfriend, identified by investigators as Jaimeer Jones-Walker. Sources said the disagreement involved visitation of the couple's newborn, who was in the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement According to police, the argument moved inside the home to a second-floor back bedroom, where it turned physical. Investigators said the woman's 11-year-old son took his mother's gun and shot Jones-Walker. "He was unresponsive. He was suffering from a gunshot wound to his face," Philadelphia police Chief Inspector Scott Small said. Police said Jones-Walker was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said the mother and her son remained on the scene and were taken to Philadelphia Police headquarters to be interviewed by homicide detectives. "Also on the second floor in another room, we did find a semiautomatic handgun. We believe that was the weapon that was used to fire the shot," Small said. Advertisement Advertisement Police said the gun was registered to the mother. Investigators are also looking into a Tesla that was double-parked on the street, which police said was driven by Jones-Walker. Sources in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office said the case is still an active investigation. The DA has not announced any charges at this point. Former Morgan County, Alabama, jail officer Jarvis Moore faces seven felony extortion charges tied to taking honey buns and other commissary items from inmates. Moore admits he took the items but says he was following jail practices to discipline inmates who caused problems. He says the charges are retaliation over his support for releasing a video showing a man who died in custody. The sheriff says Moore was under investigation even before then. The post Brickbat: Punitive Provisions appeared first on Reason.com. Who said this, in public, to a US president? I must warn you that I do not believe in retaliatory strikes which are against international law ... I quite agree terrorism is against international law, but I believe that one has to fight it by legal means. The answer is not Sir Keir Starmer, but Margaret Thatcher. Forty years ago, Mrs Thatcher was facing a situation comparable to what confronts Sir Keir today over Iran. The United States, Britains greatest ally, wanted to bomb Colonel Gaddafis Libya because of its terrorist attacks. For logistical and political reasons, he wanted American bombers to take off from their British airbases. She agreed about the threat, but not about the method. She knew British permission to bomb would be very unpopular at home. She was in low political water: Michael Heseltine had resigned over the Westland helicopter crisis only the day before. Advertisement Advertisement Being close to Ronald Reagan, then the president of the US, Mrs Thatcher could be frank with him (I am deeply troubled by what you propose), but she also engaged with him, discussing details about precise targets. Eventually, Reagan insisted: You should not underestimate the profound effectif our actions to put a halt to these crimes continue to receive only lukewarm supportfrom our closest allies whom we have committed ourselves to defendWe are the only Western power in a position to act decisively. Very early the next morning, Mrs Thatcher descended from her Downing Street flat and told officials: Ive been thinking about this all night. We have to support the Americans on this. Thats what allies are for. Senior cabinet colleagues disliked her decision but, having decided, she made the most of it. Helped by the legal advice of her attorney general, she emphasised the right to self-defence (as opposed to retaliation) in Article 51 of the UN Charter. She persuaded the Americans to frame their attacks in those terms. Immediately after the bombings, Mrs Thatcher told a grumbling House of Commons, If one refuses to take any risks because of the consequences, the terrorist governments will win and one can only cringe before them. Advertisement Advertisement Her permission for the flights made her sink in the polls, but the storm soon passed. The US Congress pushed through changes to extradition law intended to help Britain recover IRA terrorists hiding in the United States. The alliance strengthened. By the time Reagan left office in January 1989, the pair of them could claim victory in the Cold War. Like Mrs Thatcher, Sir Keir made a point of cultivating Britains relationship with the United States and his own with the US president. But then, when Donald Trumps big call came, he behaved quite differently. From early last month, Sir Keir knew something of American plans. He will have understood how much the Iran attacks far bigger than those against Libya meant to the US administration. Yet he seems not to have made early efforts to protect the British interests in the region he now says he is fighting to defend. Nor did he engage, Thatcher-style, in the mixture of diplomatic discussion, political calculation, personal chemistry and the weaponising of international law which the situation called for. He seems not to have contemplated the ramifications of those warning words of Reagan: We are the only Western power in a position to act decisively. Even today, they cannot be denied. I hate to say it, but that is the sort of thing which His Britannic Majestys late ambassador to the United States, Lord Mandelson, really did understand. Advertisement Advertisement Like Mrs Thatcher, Sir Keir was in a tight spot, faced with a perilous American venture, low in the polls, resisted by Cabinet colleagues. Unlike her, he seems not to have firmly made up his mind what mattered most. Over-influenced by his attorney general, Lord Hermer, he stubbornly refused Trumps request to use British bases in Diego Garcia and in the United Kingdom. A day or so later, taking refuge in legalism, he changed his mind, defining self-defence much more narrowly than meets the circumstances. The consequence is that no one is pleased. Sir Keir looks rigid, not principled. To Trump, he looks weak, shifty and no use as an ally. That is how he looks too to our Gulf allies, accustomed to British backing in tight spots (as in helping rescue Kuwait in the first Gulf war). Iran is their greatest enemy, yet Sir Keir seems hesitant to help his Muslim friends while ready to appease Muslim foes. Next week, the Government is due to bring out its Islamophobia definition (probably, under a different name) which will further empower legal and workplace protections for Muslim extremists. It is true that it would have been much harder for Sir Keir in his party to back the US than it was for Mrs Thatcher in hers. His political position may be so enfeebled that he had little choice but to capitulate. Even within Labour, though, his muddled behaviour will not make his life easier. His MPs can see he is caught in a trap of his own making. This will confirm what they already know, that he lacks at least one of the great skills of political leadership: escapology. Advertisement Advertisement A mistake in a key decision brings many consequences. In relation to the US, the Prime Minister can now be disregarded in the counsels of Nato. His famous Chagos deal also drifts even further away from reality. Worse, he seems to think that he should reinforce his position, thus acquiring a vested interest in US failure. He says he does not believe in regime change from the skies. History might suggest he is right, but two points are worth making. The first is that only recently have you been able to target named individuals from the skies and wipe them out with surgical precision. In that sense, Trump is correct that he can decide who the next leader of Iran will be: he can always shorten the list. The second is that Sir Keir has lost the right to influence further events. If he had been a loyal ally, he would have been entitled to a hearing for the negotiation case he is now making. Since he has not been, whos listening? On other alliance issues too, he loses ground. With Britain downgraded, a once-significant voice for Ukraine in Washington is lost. What is missing in all this is that indefinable but vital thing, statecraft. Going back well before this Government, Britain has increasingly opted for form over substance. The creation of the National Security Council, intended to avoid the mistakes of the Iraq war, institutionalised this tendency, including stifling executive action with legal maximalism. Lord Hermer may be the worst, but Conservative attorneys general such as Dominic Grieve were part of the modern problem by which the adviser becomes the decision-maker. Advertisement Advertisement Statecraft is the opposite. It prizes substance over form. It understands the need to balance all the conflicting and fluid elements of serious policy problems, then to decide and then, having decided, to stick to and expound that decision. It involves cunning, but it also involves thought about the state of what Emily Bronte called the worlds storm-troubled sphere, thought deep and broad enough to underwrite all policy. Under both Conservatives and Labour in this century even more under Sir Keir than under his Tory predecessors there has been extreme reluctance to engage in such thought. This is making Britain irrelevant in the world and, in its lack of financial, energy, migration or military security, its own worst enemy. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) The Canadian and Australian prime ministers on Thursday called for a de-escalation of the Iran war but added the Iranians must never gain a nuclear weapon. Canada's Mark Carney and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese discussed the war during their meeting in Australias capital, Canberra. The meeting came after news that a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean and Turkey said NATO defenses intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran before it entered Turkeys airspace. Advertisement Advertisement We want to see a broader de-escalation of these hostilities with a broader group of countries than just the direct belligerents involved, Carney said at a press conference with Albanese. We stress that that cannot be achieved unless were in a position that Irans ability to acquire a nuclear weapon, develop a nuclear weapon, and to export terrorism, is ended. So that process must lead to those outcomes, Carney added. He said the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which were showing tremendous restraint, should become involved in the de-escalation process. Albanese said: The world wants to see a de-escalation and wants to see Iran cease to spread the destinations of its attacks. Advertisement Advertisement Were seeing Gulf states, that have not been involved, attacked across the board, including the attacks on civilian and tourist areas as well. But we also want to see the objectives achieved. I want to see the possibility of Iran getting a nuclear weapon removed once and for all, Albanese said. Questioned by a reporter, Carney could not rule out the Canadian military ever becoming involved in the conflict. Youve asked a fundamental hypothetical in a conflict that can spread very broadly, Carney said. So one can never categorically rule out participation. We will stand by our allies when it makes sense, he added. Carney is in Australia on a trade-focused, three-nation visit that began in India last week. He addressed the Australian Parliament on Thursday and will fly to Japan on Friday. The mayor of Cary delivered his "State of the Town" address on Thursday night amid ongoing questions and controversy surrounding the town manager's office. A new town manager has been appointed following the resignation of former manager Sean Stegall, who stepped down over allegations of misusing taxpayer money. Stegall is also under investigation for an incident in 2016 when his car was seen at a motel during a suspected illegal drug sale, though he was never charged. In February, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht addressed similar concerns, emphasizing the town's commitment to transparency and ensuring such issues do not recur. An audit had revealed financial irregularities, including questionable spending, which led to Stegall's departure. Advertisement Advertisement Though the address came at a crucial time as the town bounces back to rebuild trust from the controversy, for many who had a chance to speak to the mayor on Thursday night, rumors of an expansion of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in Cary drew a lot of attention. Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Cary Town Hall. They expressed concern about a possible increased ICE footprint after a federal government lease of property in Cary. The mayor says it's out of the town's control. Some argued the town could be doing more. "We watched all the news coverage of Minneapolis, and we don't want to be the Minneapolis of North Carolina," said protester Kathy Martin, a Cary resident. As Weinbrecht spoke inside, the large crowd gathered outside and called on town leaders to make a statement against ICE. Advertisement Advertisement "We're hoping that they'll take a stand and represent the community through some statement that they have seen ICE and that they make a values judgment that ICE is not welcome in this community," said Cary resident Steve Glass. The uproar came after the federal government leased 25,000 square feet of space in an office complex off Regency Drive near Koka Booth Amphitheater. ICE already has a facility in Cary. The new space would potentially be more administrative. The town wasn't notified and doesn't have to be. Because the federal government operates independently. "You're just going to sit there and say that there's no other option, there's no authority you have. I find that very cowardly," one resident said. Advertisement Advertisement The Mayor said he worried that making a bigger statement against ICE would backfire and draw attention to the town. "I'm not here to do political statements," Weinbrecht said. "You can call me all the names you want. I'm here to protect the people of Cary, and if something I do is going to cause them harm, I'm not going to do it, and I'm worried about our immigrants." Some members of the town council said they understand the worries many in the community are expressing. And they want to see whether more can be done within their legal options. "I am all ears, I am talking to anybody that will talk to me about this and seeing what avenues are open to us and what aren't and trying to be open-minded about what the community wants to see us do," said Council Member Carissa Kohn-Johnson. It's still unclear what the exact purpose of the new facility will be. It is purely office space, and the federal government has leased that property through at least 2030. Download the ABC11 News app AUSTIN (KXAN) As the potential for thunderstorms rises as the weekend approaches, several events across Central Texas have been canceled. On Tuesday, Foodieland announced on social media that it rescheduled its event at the Circuit of Americas in Austin due to unsafe weather conditions, and the event will now be held from April 3 to April 5. Gears & Giving, a car show event that was supposed to be held this upcoming weekend at Dell Diamond in Round Rock, also announced that it had been rescheduled due to anticipated weather conditions. The new date for the car show is May 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement The City of Dripping Springs announced on social media Tuesday that the 2nd Annual Dripping Springs Kite Festival was postponed due to possible rain. The event is now set to happen on April 11. Have an event that was canceled this upcoming weekend? Send event information to ReportIt@kxan.com. This story will be updated. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. The head of the California High-Speed Rail Authority has been cleared to return to work, members of the board of directors said after a closed session meeting Wednesday. CEO Ian Choudri, 57, was arrested in Folsom (Sacramento County) last month on suspicion of domestic battery after a disturbance call to his home. The Sacramento County district attorney declined to file criminal charges. Few additional details have been released to the public, and the Feb. 4 arrest does not appear in Folsom police logs. Even so, Choudri voluntarily placed himself on administrative leave after KCRA and other news outlets - including the Chronicle -- reported the incident on Feb. 16. Spokespeople for the High-Speed Rail Authority Board and the California State Transportation Agency said they would "fully review and assess the situation" and that the long-running transportation and infrastructure project would continue "without interruption." Advertisement Advertisement Allen Sawyer, the criminal defense attorney Choudri hired to handle the matter, said he recommended his client keep it under wraps, despite Choudri's wish to disclose the situation to colleagues "immediately." Looking back, Sawyer said he realized his advice may have been "misguided." "Based on the information available to me at the time, I believed he (Choudri) had done nothing wrong," Sawyer told the Chronicle. "Given my experience as a criminal defense attorney, I was also mindful that facts can be mischaracterized or misconstrued." In the end, the attorney said, Choudri "was right. I was wrong." Advertisement Advertisement Board directors at the rail authority discussed an independent legal review of the arrest during their meeting Wednesday and decided that Choudri could resume his position Thursday. "The board met in closed session and completed its review of the independent counsel investigation to consider all available information regarding the matter concerning CEO Ian Choudri," board chair Tom Richards said. "The board requests Mr. Choudri return to work tomorrow, March 5." This article originally published at CEO of California high-speed rail cleared to return to work after arrest. Jeanette Taylor, the alderwoman of Chicagos 20th Ward, first met the Rev. Jesse Jackson in 2012. At the time, she was an organizer with the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, and her executive director insisted that she meet him. Taylor was nervous: She knew his national stature, his speeches, his mystique and sometimes when you know people for their work, you dont think that youll ever get to meet them, she told Capital B. But Jackson, she said, was kind, funny, and empathetic. Their relationship deepened in 2015, during a hunger strike that Taylor helped to lead over the closure of Dyett High School. While city officials mocked the protesters, Taylor recalled, Jackson was one of the few pastors who offered them space to sleep and gather. On Friday, Chicago will host a peoples celebration of Jackson, followed by a homegoing service on Saturday. The event will cap off a series of commemorations of the titan of U.S. politics, Civil Rights Movement leader, and Democratic Party power player who died in February at 84. Advertisement Advertisement Jackson was a complicated figure who meant the world to so many Black Americans. He provided the first proof of concept that a Black presidential candidate could mobilize voters nationwide when he competed in Democratic primaries for president in the 1980s, a model that was adapted and modernized by the presidential campaigns of Barack Obama. But in Chicago and other cities, Jackson is being celebrated not just as a charismatic leader and effective organizer, but as a man who nurtured, mentored, and developed multiple generations of Black leaders. Now, as people grieve, those who worked directly with Jackson are reflecting not only on the coalition he created as the founder of the human and civil rights organization Rainbow PUSH, but also on how he influenced them, where he came up short, and who will fill his shoes. Taylor often drives by the Rainbow PUSH headquarters, not far from her office. Advertisement Advertisement Recently, shes watched mourners gather there, people standing together to pay their respects to Jackson, who established the organization in 1996, and led it until 2023. Its just its heartbreaking, said Taylor, 50. Its surreal. There was already a hole when he got sick, she added, referring to Jacksons health problems in recent years. But we just thought that he would bounce back. Nobody wants their heroes to die. We want them to live forever. Jacksons influence on leaders in Washington, D.C. David Johns, 44, is the executive director of the National Black Justice Collective, a Washington, D.C.-based group that focuses on the needs and experiences of Black LGBTQ Americans. Advertisement Advertisement He met Jackson around 2007. What Johns remembers most is that Jackson made room for him and other young leaders. At monthly gatherings of Black-led organizations in Washington, when Jackson attended, he ensured that younger advocates were heard not in a performative way, Johns said, but to ensure that our perspectives were included in not only the conversation, but also the analysis and the subsequent action. Johns often returns to Jacksons 1984 Democratic National Convention speech, in which he described the U.S. as a richly textured piece of fabric. The white, the Hispanic, the Black, the Arab, the Jew, the woman, the Native American, the small farmer, the businessperson, the environmentalist, the peace activist, the young, the old, the lesbian, the gay, and the disabled make up the American quilt, declared Jackson, credited as the first person to say gay or lesbian in a major convention speech. Johns told Capital B, Ive always appreciated, in my work, that there should be much more room for intersectional approaches to how we all live this thing called life. Jacksons influence in South Carolina, his home state The remains of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson are brought to the South Carolina State House via a caisson on March 2. (Joshua Boucher/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images) Those who encountered Jacksons movement in the 1980s saw the roots of the organizing that would become the rainbow coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Lawrence Moore, 70, who lives in Columbia, South Carolina, and is the chair of the social justice nonprofit Carolina for All Education Foundation, first met Jackson in 1976, as a college student, when Jackson was eyeing the White House. By 1988, Moore was helping to coordinate Jacksons presidential campaign efforts in the Palmetto State. Jackson created more of a movement, where people believe in a vision, Moore said of Rainbow PUSH, describing what was less a political campaign than an unbreakable affiliation. Ive never seen a former Jackson supporter. Everybody I know who supports Jackson, its a lifetime thing. On Monday, Moore stood among thousands who had gathered in Columbia to honor Jackson in his home state. A procession marched a mile from the funeral home to the State House. Andrew Young, an early civil rights leader who once served as executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, was there, along with other longtime allies. Moore told Capital B that Rainbow PUSH built something lasting a family, a nation of people who believe in humanity and believe in one another. Jacksons influence on Obama When Obama launched his presidential campaign in 2007, he followed some of Jacksons blueprint for building power by explicitly courting a multiracial, cross-movement alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Obamas campaign modernized the strategy, pairing it with digital organizing and a new generation of activists. But the underlying logic was familiar: join together Black voters, young people, labor activists, immigrants, LGBTQ Americans, progressive white Americans, and more under a shared political narrative. At times, the relationship frayed, including in 2008, when Jackson made crude remarks about Obama during his presidential campaign. Obama accepted Jacksons apology, brushing aside the episode as the race intensified. He was human, Taylor said. But you cant deny that he stood up for Black children, Black people, Black communities. Months later, when the Illinois Democrat won the White House and delivered his victory speech in Chicagos Grant Park, Jackson stood in the crowd, visibly moved and emotional a civil rights veteran watching a barrier fall after decades of struggle. Can Jacksons movement survive without him? Jackson still appears at the top of the masthead of Rainbow PUSH, on the organizations website, listed as founder emeritus. Under him appears one of his sons, Yusef D. Jackson, listed as the chief operating officer of the organization. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement issued the day Jackson died, Rainbow PUSH said, His legacy will continue to inspire future generations through the tireless, dedicated work of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization rooted in the progressive fight for social change. But on the day of the Chicago funeral, the question many who knew him are now asking is what it will take to sustain the organizations work. Ameshia Cross, a Chicago native and political analyst, grew up seeing Rainbow PUSH as a fixture of South Side life. You cant not know about Rainbow PUSH in Chicago, she told Capital B. As an adult, she later volunteered and worked with the organization, hosting Affordable Care Act enrollment drives and partnering on education initiatives. To Cross, the coalitions mission feels as relevant as ever. Advertisement Advertisement What we saw even before this administration was a pitting of Black Americans and Latinos against each other, Cross said. I see Rainbow PUSH as a vision of unification, one that stands as a beacon and a pillar, she added. Cross recalled being a college student when Jackson pushed her to speak before thousands of people at a Rainbow PUSH event. This was a man who saw the importance of me being encouraged to speak in front of thousands of people, she said. It mattered to me to have him look at me as somebody who could do something. Moore said that those who want to keep Jacksons legacy alive must act. We the people, now, need to make sure that we stand up, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Back in Chicago, Taylor has been thinking about that responsibility, too. Im just praying that we take Jacksons lessons and apply them to our own lives, and create more Jacksons more people who will stand up for our communities and do whats right, even when its uncomfortable, she said. What would he tell us? To keep hope alive. The post As Chicago Celebrates Jesse Jacksons Life, Those He Inspired Confront Whats Next appeared first on Capital B News. A child riding home from McNair Middle School was injured when someone fired a shot from a pellet gun on Thursday. DeKalb County School District said the bus had pulled into a neighborhood when an unknown person outside the bus fired the shot. Because they said the shot was fired from outside, the DeKalb County Police Department would be investigating. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] DeKalb County police told Channel 2s Eryn Rogers that they determined the shot was fired from inside the bus, so it was being investigated by DeKalb County Schools police. One student riding the bus was hit. The school district said it did not know the severity of the injury. Details on the shooting have not been released. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Japans oil refiners, which source about 95% of their crude supply from the Middle East, are calling on the Japanese government to tap the strategic petroleum reserves to ensure smooth operations and crude for refineries as the Middle East war escalates. Japanese refiners are in talks with the government to potentially access strategic stockpiles and oil stored in tanks that are leased to producing countries, anonymous sources with knowledge of the development told Bloomberg on Thursday. More from Yahoo Scout How large are Japan's current strategic oil reserves? Why are Japanese oil refiners seeking strategic reserve access? How much crude oil does Japan import from Middle East? What impact does Strait of Hormuz closure have on Japan? On Tuesday, Ryosei Akazawa, the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, said that the government has no immediate plans to release crude from the strategic reserves. Japan is heavily reliant on crude from the Middle Eastit sources about 95% of its crude oil supply from the region, mostly from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar. Of these Middle Eastern supplies, about 70% typically arrive in Japan on tankers traveling through the Strait of Hormuz. Related: The U.S. Just Took a Giant Step in The Rare Earth Race With China But the worlds most critical oil transit chokepoint has been effectively closed to tanker traffic since the beginning of the week after the war in the Middle East escalated and shipowners stopped passing the narrow lane while insurers clubs ended war risk coverage for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waters in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. As one of the oil importers most reliant on crude supply from the Middle East, Japan, a G-7 economy, faces high risk of delays of crude deliveries. Japan, however, can rely on a large enough reserve and is a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), which requires member states to ensure oil stock levels equivalent to no less than 90 days of net imports and to be ready to collectively respond to severe supply disruptions affecting the global oil market. At the end of 2025, Japan had 254 days of oil reserves, including 146 days worth of consumption in national reserves, and more than 100 days of inventories with the private sector. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty China has just released the latest draft of its 5-year plan, which is set to be approved during the next full session of the National Peoples Congress from March 5 to 12, 2026. This document lays out the plans and policies that the central government will implement in the next five years, from 2026 through 2030, with the draft showing how Beijing intends to react to the ongoing trade war and tech rivalry with Washington. According to Nikkei Asia, the government is concerned with the ongoing instability in international relations and that its taking steps to insulate itself from such. The balance of international power is undergoing profound adjustments. Geopolitical conflicts are more frequent and widespread, the global governance deficit is widening, and security issues are becoming more prominent, the document said. Go deeper with TH Premium: Taiwan, trade, and tariffs tsmc Advertisement Advertisement Some of the key policies set in the draft 5-year plan included building a more robust response mechanism to enhance its supply chain security and enhancing its competitive advantages in rare earths. This is the biggest issue that China has encountered so far in its drive for technological superiority. The U.S. has been applying export controls to several critical technologies that the country needs, like Nvidias and AMDs latest AI chips, as well as ASMLs photolithography machines, which chipmakers need to make the most advanced semiconductors. On the other hand, Beijing now requires export licenses for rare earth materials, making it harder for tech companies and semiconductor manufacturers to acquire these minerals that are crucial to making the highest-end chips. Beyond supply chain issues, Beijing promises to prioritize research and development, with the 5-year plan calling to increase investment in domestic innovation by 7% or more annually. Although this might seem like an ambitious goal, it actually continues the target set during the previous 5-year plan, which is seemingly returning dividends for the country. More than that, it added that it will take extraordinary measures in several crucial areas, including semiconductors, industrial machinery, and advanced materials. It also mentioned a push on humanoid AI robots, focusing on integrating the brain and cerebrum, as well as the establishment of hundreds of vocational institutions to train Chinese citizens on strategic industries like artificial intelligence. These policies show what Beijing plans to prioritize in the next five years, especially when it comes to technology. As the rivalry between the U.S. and China is heating up, the Chinese government knows that it must continue the steps its taking to decouple from Washington and gain independence, especially when it comes to technology and we see how it plans to accomplish this through 2030 with its 15th five-year plan. Google Preferred Source Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) A New Mexico law designed to keep government records open to the public is putting pressure on the City of Albuquerque as officials work through a growing backlog of requests. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Under the states Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA), anyone can request government documentsfrom traffic tickets and police reports to building permits and police body camera footage. The law requires agencies to respond within specific deadlines, but Albuquerque officials say the sheer volume of requests is making that increasingly difficult. City Clerk Ethan Watson said the workload has risen sharply in recent months. Every person in our office is working on a higher volume of cases at present, Watson said. And I think thats being felt by the public. Body camera footage from police encountersvideos frequently shown in news coverageare among the records commonly requested. Many say access to those videos helps hold people accountable, whether they are police officers, civilians, or criminal suspects. But fulfilling those requests often takes time. Sensitive information, such as personal details or evidence tied to ongoing cases, must be reviewed and redacted before records can be released. Watson said the volume of requests has surged. During July, August, and September of last year, the city received more than 2,000 IPRA requests each month. Requests directed specifically to the Albuquerque Police Department increased by nearly 70%. In total, the city processed nearly 16,000 public records requests last year. Advertisement Advertisement More recently, officials have noticed a new trend: hundreds of requests coming from outside the United States and from other states. Whats really been new in this last quarter is weve had individuals in our top requester group for the first time, but theyre all individuals out of state, Watson said. We have individuals in Bahawal, Pakistan, and then we have another large group in another requester in Arkansas. Watson believes many of these requests may be generated with the help of artificial intelligence or submitted on behalf of online content creators. Were also seeing references in a number of these requests to YouTube channels, Watson said. So we think that people are either directly submitting requests for police video to us for YouTube channels, or they are paying people in other states and other countries to submit requests to us. The city is required to process requests in the order they are received. Officials said complex requestsespecially those involving large amounts of video that must be reviewed and editedcan slow down the process for others waiting on records. And most of the time we are able to resolve those requests pretty quickly, Watson said. But there are just requests that do take longer. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, Albuquerque has more than 1,700 IPRA requests in its backlog. While still significant, that number has improved from more than 2,000 pending requests in 2024. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Crossville City Council Tuesday night will consider a resolution from Councilman Mark Fox that will ask the Tennessee General Assembly to amend state law to allow the city to proceed with a first responder program operated through the fire department. To start a first responder program, state law would have to be amended granting the city of Crossville permission. Fox said his proposal would not involve an increase in taxes or the purchase of new equipment. Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Cumberland County Emergency Medical Services would still be the transporting agency if further medical care is required. Patients would be responsible for payment through insurance for supplies used by the citys first responders, and the county would bill transporting costs. I was challenged several months ago to find a path for Crossville to have autonomy, authority and direction over emergency medical care, Fox said. this can be accomplished through an amendment allowing municipalities to have their own first responders outside and independent of the county. Fox described the proposal as a permissive amendment that would allow municipalities to participate in their own program or not. Advertisement Advertisement Not asking for private act at this point, Fox added. The request for passage of a resolution has no guarantee the issue of a full-time ambulance service provided by the city will not be raised once the responder program is in operation. The resolution Fox is asking council to approve Tuesday night asks House Speaker Cameron Sexton and state Sen. Paul Bailey to support amending present law. Councilman James Mayberry asked, What difference does it make? Fox responded, Authority, oversight and direction. The issue of a medical director to oversee the program and if that requires providing a vehicle, city benefits and salary, was not discussed. Advertisement Advertisement Fox added there seems to be community support for the first responder program if it does not require increase in taxes. Mayor R.J. Crawford reported receiving a letter from Sexton requesting Tuesdays vote passes by a super majority, meaning approval by 4-1 or 5-0 vote. It is not required, but he wants that, the mayor said. Crawford also questioned the effect on relationship between the city and county. How is that going to resolve the issues that we are just now working to resolve? Crawford asked. In the end, it was agreed to place the issue on Tuesday nights agenda. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Southern Nevada District Board of Health will conduct a special meeting on March 11 after recent public feedback from homeowners with septic systems. The health boards regulations are not connected to recent legislation, and officials emphasized that county regulations do not require every homeowner with a septic system to convert to sewer service. A crowd of about 1,000 people who showed up at a meeting last week were upset about changes in state law, but the Board of Health doesnt have the same requirements. In fact, the Board of Healths special meeting is being called to consider leaving the rules as they are now. The board will meet to consider and approve a recommendation to withdraw the proposed changes presented last week. Advertisement Advertisement Clark County septic tank rules clarified after 1K+ neighbors show up The meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, March 11, at 9 a.m. at the Southern Nevada Health Districts building, 280 2. Decatur Blvd. Officials also emphasized that a final vote will not occur at the meeting just the vote on whether or not to recommend withdrawing the changes. Last week, the board of health was inundated by homeowners at their regular meeting. While many people were speaking about requirements to connect to sewer systems, the county rules do not currently require that, and the changes under consideration last week do not have that requirement. Advertisement Advertisement The changes that were heard last week are detailed below What is Being Proposed No new permits will be required for existing septic system owners. No new fees will be charged to current septic system owners. Permit renewal requirements will apply only to newly constructed septic systems and systems that require a construction permit (e.g., a new system, a replacement septic tank, or major alterations or repairs to distribution or leach field components). A simple notification within 30 days of the sale of a property with a septic system is needed to update records to reflect the new owner and to provide educational materials on maintaining a healthy septic system at no cost Bullet points provided by SNHD The purpose of the meeting is to consider a recommendation to set aside these proposed changes. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A coalition of 24 US states filed a new lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's latest tariffs, following the Supreme Court ruling against key elements of his trade policy. The group, led by the states of Oregon, Arizona, California and New York, said it had filed its second legal challenge seeking to block what it called Trump's unconstitutional tariffs, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement on Thursday. Trump's aggressive tariff policy has been a central element of his second term. The US Supreme Court recently ruled that Trump could not use emergency powers to impose tariffs on imports from many countries, measures he had enacted without approval from Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Since last week, the United States has imposed a global tariff of 10% on many imports. Trump has already said he plans to raise the surcharge to 15%, though it remains unclear when that increase might take effect. The current 10% tariff is based on a trade law dating back to 1974, but the states argue Trump does not have the authority to use it for that purpose. "It is an archaic statute that was never intended for its current purpose as used by the Trump administration," Rayfield said during a news conference. He said that instead of focusing on returning hundreds of billions of dollars to US citizens, Trump had instructed his lawyers to find new legal pathways to push forward what Rayfield described as a failed economic agenda. He added that the policy was costing Americans, businesses and states hundreds of billions of dollars. Leaders of the Coeur dAlene Tribe and Idaho state officials announced Thursday they have reached what the two sides described as a historic water rights settlement agreement following more than a decade of lawsuits and negotiations. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Coeur dAlene Tribes Tribal Council Chairman Chief Allan, Tribal Council Member Ernest Stensgar, Idaho Gov. Brad Little and Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador announced the Coeur dAlene Tribe Water Rights Settlement Agreement during ceremonies in downtown Boise Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Its a good day for the Coeur dAlene Tribe. Its a good day for us in Idaho with an agreement that will be with us as we go into the next seven generations to protect our environment, protect our fisheries, protect our wildlife and the people that live, play and work around our waters, Stensgar said during the ceremony. This agreement is the product of generations of Tribal members and leaders who laid the groundwork to protect Coeur dAlene Lake and other water resources for future generations, Allan said in a written statement. As the late Tribal leader Felix Aripa often said, water is the life of all of us. Through hard work and constant dedication, weve been able to reach an agreement that not only protects our Tribal homelands but ensures water reliability for everyone throughout North Idaho. The agreement came together after months of negotiations that involved more than 300 stakeholders, the Idaho Attorney Generals Office said. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement Under the agreement, the Coeur dAlene Tribe receives certain quantities of water for its federally reserved water rights and control of water resources within the Coeur dAlene Reservation, the AGs Office said. The agreement authorizes the creation of a new Tribal water supply bank and allows the Tribe to lease water off the reservation. As for what the state receives, the Tribe agreed to recognize and protect all existing state law-based water rights, licenses, permits and claims dating to September 2023 and earlier. The Tribe also agreed to recognize and protect an additional 10,000 acre-feet per year of future state law-based water rights, which the AGs Office said ensures North Idaho cities can continue to grow. Acre feet is a unit of volume that expresses how much water is sufficient to cover one acre of land in water one foot deep. One acre-foot is equal to 325,851 gallons of water per year, according to the agreement. Coeur dAlene Tribe singers and drummers perform during ceremonies held March 5, 2026, announcing the new Coeur dAlene Tribe Water Rights Settlement Agreement. (Photo by Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun) The agreement is also considered a final resolution and puts an end to future lawsuits, which the AGs Office said provides significant legal protection for Idaho water users. Advertisement Advertisement This settlement is a massive win for all north Idaho families, businesses, and communities who depend on reliable water, Labrador said in a written statement Thursday. For over a decade, this litigation created uncertainty for cities, farms, and employers across the basin. Courts had already held that the Tribe was entitled to certain water rights on the Reservation that could affect the region. This settlement avoids continued litigation, protects existing water rights, secures water for future growth, and it is a win for all parties. In addition to the Coeur dAlene Tribe and the state of Idaho, there were more than a dozen parties to the settlement agreement, including HECLA mining company, Potlatch timber companies, the cities of Coeur dAlene, St. Maries and Harrison, Avista Corp., and Benewah County. This historic water rights agreement delivers certainty for water users and lasting protection for Coeur dAlene Lake and everyone who depends on it, Little said in a written statement. After years of hard work, we are proud to stand alongside Chief Allan and Tribal leaders to mark this milestone. Countless partners came together to forge a balanced, durable solution that strengthens water reliability and benefits all of North Idaho. The agreement will be forwarded to the Idaho Legislature and the U.S. Congress for ratification, officials said Thursday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Colorado is finally seeing significant snowfall Thursday night into Friday morning amid a winter that has mostly been abnormally warm and dry. Friday morning, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported Interstate 25 at the Colorado/Wyoming state line was closed. CDOT also reported Highway 287 between Ted's Place and the Wyoming state line was closed due to safety concerns. The 9NEWS Weather Impact Team has issued a Weather Impact Alert for Friday as a storm system will bring up to 14 inches of snow to Colorado's mountains and slushy snow to the Denver metro area and plains. Advertisement Advertisement Rain will mix over to snow across the Denver metro area and lower elevations during the Friday morning commute. The snow will start in the Denver metro area between 6-9 a.m. Friday, with most accumulating snow finished by noon. Denver metro impacts will likely be highest during or just after Friday morning's commute. Models show the potential for 1-3" of snow in the Denver area on Friday with heavier amounts west and south of downtown Denver. In the mountains, Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are posted through Friday night. Travel may be treacherous at times through Friday, with the heaviest snow over Colorado's northern mountains, up to Berthoud Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park and the Mountains of Summit County and Indian Peaks. Advertisement Advertisement Around 6-14 inches of snow accumulation will be possible in the mountains. Travel impacts will be mainly confined to the mountains. > Denver plow tracker > CDOT plow tracker Colorado road conditions FORECAST: Full forecast CLOSURES: Full list of closures ALERTS: Latest Colorado weather alerts Share your photos and video with 9NEWS We need your help contributing to #9WX. Two of the easiest ways to share your perspective with 9NEWS are through text messages and the 'Near Me' feature on the 9NEWS app. As a #9WX contributor, your photos or videos could be shared on our newscasts, website, and social media pages. To submit a photo or video, share with the 9NEWS app's Near Me feature. Advertisement Advertisement > DOWNLOAD APP FOR IPHONE HERE > DOWNLOAD APP FOR ANDROID HERE Open the 9NEWS app on your smartphone. On the bottom right, you'll see a button called 'Near Me'click it. Click the orange button in the top left part that says "Share with Us." Upload your photo or video directly from your device. Fill out the fields: give it a title, a credit, your email, and tell us where it was taken. It will then be reviewed and could be used on 9NEWS and 9NEWS.com today! HARLINGEN City Commissioner Frank Morales is proposing City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez notify commissioners of city events dealing with government issues, including those sponsored by city agencies such as the Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce. In a meeting, Morales and Commissioner Delia Cavazos-Gamez claimed City Hall failed to notify them of events such as last months EDC visit to a data center in the Red Oak area near Dallas. Who decides who gets to go, if everybody wants to go? Cavazos-Gamez asked Gonzalez during a meeting Wednesday. Do commissioners all get told at the same time? Advertisement Advertisement In response, Gonzalez said he always notifies commissioners of city-sponsored events such as trips to Texas Municipal League conferences and training sessions. I give that to the city secretary and I ask her to send it out to the mayor, commissioners, he told her. Everybody gets an invitation. Meanwhile, Mayor Norma Sepulveda said the EDC handles its own its events. It would be incumbent upon the commission and each individual commissioner to develop the relationship and networks to be extended an invitation, she said. During discussion, Morales proposed the city set a policy directing Gonzalez to notify commissioners of events surrounding government topics. Advertisement Advertisement Morales called on Gonzalez to make it a policy and practice to send an email about meetings, trips, etc, to the entire commission at the same time, while posting notices in the event of possible quorums. If he comes across information that the commission might be interested in, please provide us a simple common courtesy, Morales said. The Harlingen City Commission is seen Wednesday, March 4, 2026, during a regular meeting. (Courtesy photo) During the meeting, Morales said he often finds out about events dealing with government issues from outside sources. Whats disturbing to me, mayor, is that sometimes we learn of these trips, these local meetings, through social media, Valley Morning Star or phone calls received at the last minute, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Citing instances, Morales said he wasnt notified of a Chamber of Commerce event that included Texas Water Development Board officials. They provide us funding for water projects and, Lord knows, we have plenty of issues, he told commissioners. Theres a lot of issues that are just around the corner thats going to come back and bite us, and were not part of this discussion. I think it would behoove you guys City Hall to say, Commissioners, this events going on. Would you want to attend? Pointing to another case, Morales said he wasnt notified of an event that included the states economic development presidents presentation at Cameron Workforce Solutions offices here. I received a call from a resident and he asked if I was going to go, he said. I was not aware of it, so I told him I would. I was surprised that a fellow commissioner was there. If its the EDC, wouldnt it behoove the EDC to tell Gabe to tell us. Maybe some of the commissioners might want to attend. The post Commissioners claim Harlingen fails to notify them of some events appeared first on MyRGV.com. Dozens of Sidney residents gathered to learn more about data centers on Thursday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, attendees had questions about water consumption, light pollution, and the potential effects on the farming community. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Many community members said they didnt know a data center was going in their town until a recent city council meeting. As previously reported by News Center 7, the Sidney City Council approved a 30-year, 100% tax abatement to Amazon Data Services for the construction of a data center on the north side of Millcreek Road in October 2025. The community town hall aimed to clarify how these facilities operate and what their presence means for the local environment. Brian Kramer, a resident of Sidney, attended the meeting to understand the different perspectives surrounding the project. We figured we would come, kind of hear both sides of the argument, both sides of the issue, and just trying to be more informed, Kramer said. Advertisement Advertisement After the presentation, he noted that the information leaned heavily toward potential risks. I didnt really feel like I learned much on the pros or the benefits of the data center coming in, but a lot of the fears of the data center coming, Kramer said. Water usage emerged as a primary concern during the discussion. Manager of Monitoring and Analysis for the Miami Valley Conservancy District, Mark Ekberg, explained that some data centers can consume up to 300 gallons of water per minute. Despite these high numbers, Ekberg suggested that proper oversight could mitigate risks to the local water supply. Advertisement Advertisement Wed hope that, you know, we would have good, suitable water management, that that would, that would prevent that from happening, Ekberg said. Residents also questioned the impact on those who rely on well water. Jordan Hoewischer of the Ohio Farm Bureau stated that while there is currently no issue with local drinking water, precautions should be taken to monitor quality over time. Hoewischer recommended that residents start a record of well testing every two months, six months in case something ever does happen. Another woman who went to the meeting told News Center 7 that she still had questions. Advertisement Advertisement Kim Heisler said its heartbreaking to hear that in some Ohio cities, people feel like their leaders arent listening to them. She specifically questioned the effectiveness of state environmental monitoring of treatment plants. And I think if EPA is checking and I dont really know for sure, but if theyre checking, theyre probably not checking for the right things, Heisler said. News Center 7s Malik Patterson reached out to the Ohio EPA for information on how the agency tests for forever chemicals and if there are methods to prevent them from flowing back into the water supply. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A South Carolina-born veteran who saved his unit from a Vietnam ambush may finally receive the nations highest honor. The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed a special measure authorizing President Donald Trump to award the Medal of Honor to Maj. James Capers for his heroism during the Vietnam War. Capers, now 88, told The State he was appreciative of all the efforts by many people over a number of years to get him the recognition. Advertisement Advertisement I dont have a family anymore, but I have friends who will travel with me [to the ceremony], so it should be a good time, Capers said from his home in North Carolina. Capers was told by his congressman to expect to hear from the president within 10 days about a lavish reception and award ceremony in Washington. He said he took pride in being the first Black Marine Corps officer to receive the Medal of Honor, but wished it hadnt taken nearly 60 years to get it. I lost a lot of good men, he said, and I felt guilty because I was still alive. Im glad I made it, but I wish a lot of other men made it here with me to celebrate. Theres long been a push for Capers actions in which he saved the lives of his seven comrades in a firefight with a superior enemy force despite being heavily wounded himself to be honored with the highest recognition the country can bestow. Advertisement Advertisement The 22-year Marine Corps veteran wasnt sure he would ever receive the medal. Current policy says the Medal of Honor should be awarded within five years of the action. After that, an award has to be based either on new information or a special waiver from Congress, according to military news site Task and Purpose. Members of South Carolinas congressional delegation have pushed for legislation that would grant the recognition to Capers, sponsored by Rep. Ralph Norman, R-Rock Hill, whose district includes Capers hometown of Bishopville. For years now, Congressman Norman has led the effort to ensure Major Capers receives the recognition he so rightly deserves, Normans office said in a press release. With the Senates passage of H.R. 3377, the legislation now heads to the Presidents desk, paving the way for this American hero to receive the nations highest military honor. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-Seneca, lauded his Senate colleagues vote to grant Capers the long-delayed recognition. Advertisement Advertisement Major James Capers, Jr. has served his nation with great distinction and is an inspiration to all Marines Graham said in a press release. As someone who courageously answered the call to serve his country and broke barriers along the way, Major Capers, Jr. is someone all Americans can admire. I am pleased that the Senate has approved this legislation that provides President Trump the authority to bestow this South Carolina hero with the recognition he has earned. Capers, was born in Lee County and signed up with the Marines after finishing high school in Baltimore. He volunteered to be sent to Vietnam in 1967, where he led a reconnaissance team after receiving a battlefield commission, the first African American to do so. After a successful mission to call in an air strike on an enemy base, Capers team came under heavy attack. Despite sustaining severe shrapnel wounds, which ripped open his abdomen and broke his leg, Capers took control, halting the enemys advance and directing air, artillery, and mortar strikes dangerously close to his position, according to a letter signed by 47 members of Congress urging that Capers receive the Medal of Honor. Advertisement Advertisement For nearly an hour, he engaged the enemy with his rifle and grenades, even as he suffered additional bullet wounds to his legs. ... When the enemy attacked again, Capers returned to the fight despite the Corpsmans attempts to restrain him, holding off the enemy with his rifle until his rounds were exhausted and then with his pistol. When a rescue helicopter finally arrived, Capers initially asked to be left behind when it looked like the chopper wouldnt be able to take off, before his crew chief reached out and pulled him aboard, Capers previously told The State. He spent a year at Bethesda Naval Hospital near Washington, D.C., recovering from his wounds and the psychological trauma of his wartime experience. He left the service in 1978 and went on to own a radio station and a construction company among other business ventures. Although he received a Bronze Star for his actions upgraded to a Silver Star in 2010 and received his commanding officers recommendation for the Medal of Honor at the time, Capers never received consideration for the distinction despite numerous attempts over the years to have his actions recognized. Once Capers receives the Medal of Honor, he will join 30 other South Carolinians who have received the honor for gallantry under fire. At the Morgan Stanley Tech, Media and Telecom conference in downtown San Francisco Wednesday, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said his companys recent investments in OpenAI and Anthropic are likely to be its last in both, saying that once they go public as anticipated later this year, the opportunity to invest closes. It could be that simple. While firms sometimes pile into companies until practically the eve of their public debut in search of more upside, Nvidia is minting money selling the chips that power both companies its not like it needs to goose its returns by pouring even more money into either one. Nvidia, for its part, isnt offering much more on the matter. Asked for comment earlier today following Huangs remarks, a spokesman pointed TechCrunch to a transcript from the companys fourth-quarter earnings call, where Huang said all of Nvidias investments are focused very squarely, strategically on expanding and deepening our ecosystem reach, a goal its earlier stakes in both companies have arguably met. Still, a few other dynamics might also explain the pullback, including the circular nature of these arrangements themselves. When Nvidia first announced it would invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI last September, MIT Sloan professor Michael Cusumano described it to the Financial Times as kind of a wash, observing that Nvidia is investing $100 billion in OpenAI stock, and OpenAI is saying they are going to buy $100 billion or more of Nvidia chips. Growing concern that such deals could be creating an investment bubble might explain why the commitment shrank. The investment Nvidia finalized just last week as part of OpenAIs $110 billion round came in at $30 billion well short of that earlier pledge. (Huang has already dismissed another popular theory that there is bad blood between the two companies as nonsense.) Meanwhile, Nvidias relationship with Anthropic has looked fraught in its own right. Just two months after Nvidia announced a $10 billion investment in November, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei took the stage at Davos and, without naming Nvidia directly, compared the act of U.S. chip companies selling high-performance AI processors to approved Chinese customers to selling nuclear weapons to North Korea. Ouch. In retrospect, a nuclear weapons comparison was the least of it. Just days ago, the Trump administration blacklisted Anthropic, barring federal agencies and military contractors from using its tech after the company refused to allow its models to be used for autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance. The House rebuffed an effort to halt war with Iran on Thursday, as Republicans teamed with a handful of Democrats to grant President Donald Trump free rein to conduct the vast military campaign. House lawmakers, in a tight 212-219 vote, rejected a bipartisan war powers resolution that would require Congress to sign off on Middle East operations, a day after the Senate voted against a similar measure. The back-to-back defeats of war powers legislation come as top officials warn U.S. military operations will soon intensify. And it signals that Trumps fellow Republicans are sticking with him on Iran at least publicly. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans benefited from Democratic defections to help defeat the Iran war measure, which was offered by Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.). Only two GOP lawmakers, Massie and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), broke ranks to oppose Trump. Four Democrats Reps. Henry Cuellar of Texas, Jared Golden of Maine, Greg Landsman of Ohio and Juan Vargas of California defied their party to help kill the legislation. Administration officials made the case for Trumps decision to bomb Iran alongside Israel in hearings and classified briefings this week. They portrayed the massive assault as a targeted effort to destroy Tehrans missile program and other military capabilities, rather than wholescale regime change, even as theyve failed to explain what ultimate victory would look like and said the fighting could extend for some time. And that message was muddled Thursday as Trump vowed to get involved in selecting the next leader of Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial onslaught. Advertisement Advertisement Advocates of the war powers effort argued Congress has been circumvented, pointing to the administrations shifting rationale for the campaign and the lack of a clear timeline and endgame. "What are our objectives? How will this all end? asked House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. If this military action, this war, is so principled, why is the president unwilling or unable to make his case directly to the American people?" The small number of Republicans who backed the measure expressed grave concerns about Congress ceding its constitutional duty to declare war to the White House. In addition to Massie, a cosponsor of the measure who has long questioned expansive presidential war powers, Davidson warned on the House floor that America is a republic, not an empire. "President Trump's America First message was supposed to be a rejection of the globalist war machine," said Davidson, an Army veteran. "War may well be necessary, but it far more pressing that we restore a government small enough to fit within the Constitution." Advertisement Advertisement But while Republicans limited their defections on the high stakes vote, Democrats werent fully united. The rift became apparent in the wake of the attacks, which began Saturday, when some Democrats expressed support for backing Israel and degrading Irans military. A half dozen centrist House Democrats on Tuesday introduced their own war powers resolution that would cut off operations within 30 days unless Congress authorizes military action. The alternative clashes with Massie and Khannas resolution, which would mandate an immediate U.S. withdrawal from the conflict. Top Republicans so far have downplayed suggestions that the U.S. could be drawn into another protracted Middle East war, echoing the administration's argument that Irans military missile stockpiles posed a threat to U.S. troops and allies. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, argued that lawmakers should focus on ensuring our warfighters have the resources and capabilities they need to succeed in this operation rather than debating the legality of the war. We should not pass any resolution that will end this critical operation before achieving these military objectives, Rogers said. Doing so would needlessly risk the lives of American servicemembers and American allies." Donald Trump has fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The US President announced her replacement in a Truth Social post that drew immediate bipartisan praise from Capitol Hill. The decision caps weeks of mounting tension within the administration and signals Trumps growing frustration with his embattled cabinet official. Members of Congress praise Donald Trump Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are applauding Donald Trumps decision. House Republicans and Democrats alike praised the presidents announcement that he would replace Noem with Markwayne Mullin, citing her recent performance and internal chaos at the Department of Homeland Security. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., told NBC News, It was time. Right decision. The Florida Republican added that Noems hearings with members of Congress yesterday obviously did not go well, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats also voiced support for the move. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., said earlier today that he believes Noems removal will help push Department of Homeland Security funding negotiations forward. Im happy shes gone. I think the president made the right decision. I think this will open up our ability to negotiate and figure out, you know, where we can get some, some policy changes, Moskowitz said. The House did pass an appropriations bill to fund DHS through the end of the fiscal year today, with four Democrats joining Republicans to vote in favor, suggesting that Noems exit may already be easing legislative gridlock. Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., told the outlet that he felt the pushback to immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota was an embarrassment to the Trump administration. Donald Trump doesnt handle embarrassments very well. So once they got run out of Minnesota, I figured her days were numbered, Ivey said, referring to Noem. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., also pointed to the chaos in Minneapolis. Bacon told the outlet, It showed me there was probably a need for a calmer, level-headed leadership. Now, a former MMA fighter and staunch conservative, will take over at the end of the month, pending Senate confirmation. Originally reported by Devanshi Basu for Mandatory. The post Congress Members Praise Donald Trump for Firing Kristi Noem appeared first on Reality Tea. HARWINTON - Roseann "Rosie" Dennerlein, a longtime Torrington resident who was killed in a car crash in Harwinton, co-founded a Christian mission in Uganda and was remembered in her obituary as "a tireless advocate for the vulnerable." She was 64. As leader of Shakan Global Mission in Jinja, Uganda, Dennerlein "poured her heart into empowering women and families ... fostering spiritual growth, economic independence, and overall health," her obituary said. Advertisement Advertisement The head-on crash happened on Feb. 27 around 3 p.m. on Route 4 near White Oak Drive, Connecticut State Police said. Dennerlein was driving eastbound and veered into the opposite lane, striking another car, police said. She was pronounced dead later that day at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, police said. The other driver, according to police, suffered minor injuries. A New Jersey native who lived in Connecticut for many years, Dennerlein worked for 30 years as a counselor to students with disabilities at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted. Her brother, Robert Dennerlein, said in an interview Thursday that she worked mostly with hearing impaired and deaf students after earning college degrees that included a doctorate in theology and doing post-graduate work at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., a school that focuses on educating deaf students. After an early retirement in 2014, Dennerlein founded Oils of Shakan, LLC, which provided "Christian aromatherapy" products and "aromatherapy education from a biblical perspective," according to the business's Facebook page. The business closed in May 2022, according to a post on the page. During Dennerlein's first trip to Jinja in 2019, she trained women from the local community in how to make a mosquito repellant to prevent malaria, a short biography on the Shakan mission site said. During this trip, she also was instrumental in the birth of the Christian charity, AWEC (Arise Women Empowerment Center - Africa), according to her bio. Advertisement Advertisement Dennerlein founded Shakan Global Mission LLC in February 2022 in the U.S. "as an exciting opportunity to connect people of different cultures to foster spiritual growth, education, economic empowerment and overall health," according to the mission website. "In August 2022 she became the cofounder of Shakan Mission Uganda as an avenue to respond to the needs of the vulnerable communities and run the programs indigenously." "Rosie witnessed the self-sacrifice and hunger for the women to have a better life, which fueled her desire to empower women and families to overcome poverty," her bio says. "The Lord called her to move to Uganda, and she purchased land for what is now called the Shakan Global Mission Center." At 4 feet, 11 inches tall, Dennerlein was "a little firecracker," her brother said. She sold her home in Torrington to fund the Uganda mission and was living in Africa eight months out of each year, Robert Dennerlein said. State police listed her address as Barkhamsted, but that was a friend's house she used for a U.S. address, he said. A longtime friend, Chareese Westberry of Hartford, said she and Rosie met through prayer groups. Advertisement Advertisement "She carried such wisdom," Westberry said. Dennerlein would not let her age determine what she could do, Westberry said, likening her friend to the Energizer Bunny. Dennerlein devoted that energy to the Uganda mission, relying on her faith to provide, Westberry said. "Rosie had so much faith. She had faith that God would help her build this place," Westberry said. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Wellspring Church in Berlin. Calling hours are Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin. This article originally published at Connecticut woman killed in Harwinton crash co-founded Christian mission in Uganda. The construction worker killed in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 70 over the weekend has been identified. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Kokosing Construction said the team member killed is Jordan Thomas. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The crash happened on I-70/I-71 near State Route 315 in downtown Columbus early Saturday morning. As previously reported by News Center 7, someone driving a Toyota in the work zone swerved, hitting Thomas and a generator. The driver then left the scene and remains unidentified. Thomas was a beloved friend and valued team member of Kokosing Construction whose life was tragically cut short by a hit-and-run driver in our work zone, the construction company said in a statement. The company added that the safety and lives of their team members are the most important thing. Kokosing Construction and the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers are offering a $100,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the driver responsible. Advertisement Advertisement Anyone with information about the driver or the car involved is asked to contact the Accident Investigation Unit at (614) 645-4767 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-8477. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] There is fear and confusion on the streets of Beirut as people displaced from their homes by sweeping Israeli evacuation orders wait to see what happens next. Communities across huge swathes of Lebanon - including the south of the country and the capital's southern suburbs - have been told by Israel to leave their homes because of military action against the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah. The orders are unprecedented in their scale, with hundreds of thousands of people affected. Advertisement Advertisement Families unable to find spaces in shelters spent the night sleeping on the streets or in their cars, as the Israeli military carried out what it described as a "broad-scale wave" of strikes on the Dahieh suburb of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold. It said the strikes had hit "an executive council's command centre and a facility storing UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles] utilised by Hezbollah for conducting attacks" against Israel. Displaced civilians on the streets of Beirut were concerned about whether their homes would be hit and when they would be able to return. Advertisement Advertisement "I got used to the sounds [of bombing] in the house. I didn't want to leave," Monira Hassan said through tears, as she sat with her daughter in a park in central Beirut having fled from the south of the city. "I don't know what to say anymore. I just wanted to stay at home." For residents like Monira, the current situation feels all too familiar. Many people had to evacuate during the previous war between Israel and Hezbollah, which saw Hezbollah's leadership assassinated, many of its fighters killed, and many of its weapons destroyed. That war ended after 13 months with a ceasefire in November 2024, though Israel continued to strike Lebanon almost every day since, saying Hezbollah was trying to rebuild its capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement Monira said she was particularly frightened after a statement by Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said on Thursday that Dahieh would "look like Khan Younis", referring to a city in southern Gaza that has been decimated by the Israeli military in its war against Hamas. Nearby, a group of women sat in a circle with their young children. One, whose two-month-old baby was lying in a holdall bag in front of her, said she had grabbed nappies when she had fled but had forgotten milk. She said she worried about how they would keep the children warm at night. Others have been able to find shelter, with almost 96,000 people officially registered at displacement centres across the country. At the National Theatre in Beirut, a small number of mattresses are laid out on the balcony overlooking the stage. Advertisement Advertisement Mohamed Baydoun is staying there with his relatives after fleeing from his home in the southern city of Tyre. "They're not giving a specific target. These are entire areas they're telling to leave There is no mercy. The enemy doesn't have mercy," the 73-year-old said of the sweeping Israeli evacuation orders. Mohamed Baydoun fled from the southern city of Tyre [BBC] He added that he had lived through several wars, but that this one felt "different" - as though "only one side will be left standing". Baydoun noted that Israel had continued near-daily strikes on targets in southern Lebanon it said were linked to Hezbollah after the November 2024 ceasefire deal, and believed that even if the group hadn't fired rockets at Israel on Monday "this would have happened anyway". Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere in the capital, 14-year-old Dunia Hassaballaa from Dahieh said this week had been "pretty scary to say the least". Her family left their home immediately after the Israeli evacuation orders covering southern Beirut on Thursday, joining the gridlocked traffic. Since getting to central Beirut, she said the family had "just been ordering food and trying to find somewhere to sit down and rest a bit". Dunia Hassaballaa fled Dahieh with her parents [BBC] "We didn't sleep last night. We couldn't sleep because of fear. We were just watching the news to check on our home," she added. Volunteers working at shelters in Beirut have told the BBC they have already run out of space, and those supplying food to the displaced say they also worry about running out of supplies and donations dwindling. Advertisement Advertisement Staff at the Barzakh bookshop cafe prepared carrot soup on Friday to serve at schools sheltering the displaced for Iftar - the evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast. "I'm 100% sure we're not going to be able to keep up," said operations manager Khodor Al-Akhdar. The cafe provided free meals during the last war with Israel, relying on public donations, and had hoped they would not need to do it again. "When the last war finished we thought it was going to be the end of this. But this week people started reaching out saying 'when are you going to start again?'" he said. Advertisement Advertisement "We don't have the energy. Mentally we're not good, physically we're not good from the last war." Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam warned on Friday that "a humanitarian disaster is looming" because of the mass displacement. "The humanitarian and political consequences could be unprecedented," he told foreign ambassadors. French President Emmanuel Macron has also raised concerns about the escalating hostilities, describing it as a moment of "great danger". "Everything must be done to prevent this country, so close to France, from once again being drawn into war," he said in a statement shared on X. Advertisement Advertisement "Hezbollah must immediately cease its fire toward Israel. Israel must refrain from any ground intervention or large-scale operation on Lebanese territory," he said. On the streets of Beirut, the displaced continued to wait on Friday to see if the bombing would increase. "It's way too early for Lebanon to have another war," said 14-year-old Dunia. Additional reporting by Angie Mrad and Wyre Davies Over the past few months, several countries have announced plans to restrict social media access for children and teens. Australia became the first to implement such measures at the end of last year, setting a precedent that other countries are now closely watching. Australias regulations, along with other countries proposals, aim to reduce the pressures and risks that young users may face on social media, which include cyberbullying, addiction, mental health issues, and exposure to predators. Of course, there are concerns about privacy regarding invasive age verification and excessive government intervention. Critics, including Amnesty Tech, have said such bans are ineffective and that they ignore the realities of younger generations. Despite this, many nations are moving ahead with proposed legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Weve compiled a list of countries that are considering or have already moved forward with bans on social media for young users. Australia Australia became the worlds first country to ban social media for children under 16 in December 2025. The ban blocks children from using Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, and Kick. It notably doesnt include WhatsApp or YouTube Kids. The Australian government has said these social media companies must take steps to keep children off their services. Companies that fail to comply may face penalties of up to $49.5 million AUD ($34.4 million USD). The government says these platforms should use multiple verification methods to ensure that people using their services are older than 16. It also notes that they cant rely on users simply entering their own age. Denmark Denmark is set to ban social media platforms for children under 15. The Danish government announced in November 2025 that it had secured support for the ban from three governing coalition parties and two opposition parties in parliament. Advertisement Advertisement The governments plans could become law as soon as mid-2026, according to the Associated Press. The Danish digital affairs ministry is also launching a digital evidence app that includes age verification tools that may be used as part of the ban. France In late January, French lawmakers passed a bill that would ban social media for kids under 15. President Emmanuel Macron has supported the measure as a way to protect children from excessive screen time. The bill still has to get through the countrys Senate before a final vote in the lower house. Germany In early February, German Chancellor Friedrich Merzs conservatives discussed a proposal to bar children under 16 from using social media, Reuters reported. However, there were signs that his center-left coalition partners were hesitant to support an outright ban. Greece Greece is said to be close to announcing a social media ban for children under 15, Reuters reported in early February. Indonesia Indonesia said in early March that it plans to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media and other popular online platforms. The country plans to start with platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox. Malaysia The Malaysian government said in November 2025 that it plans to ban social media for children under 16. The country plans to implement the ban this year. Slovenia Slovenia is drafting legislation to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media, the countrys deputy prime minister announced in early February. The government wants to regulate social networks where content is shared, citing platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. Spain Spains prime minister announced in early February that the country plans to ban social media for children under the age of 16. The ban still needs parliamentary approval. The Spanish government is also seeking to create a law that would make social media executives personally accountable for hate speech on their platforms. UK The United Kingdom is weighing a ban on social media for children under 16. The government says it will consult parents, young people, and civil society for their views to determine whether a ban would be effective. It will also consider whether to require social media companies to limit or remove features that drive compulsive use, such as endless scrolling. For the past several weeks, attention at the Crawford County Courthouse has turned to the election process. Not just because primaries are fast approaching, but because the countys contract with its current election equipment vendor ends this year. The current contract with Liberty Vote formerly Dominion Voting Equipment ran for eight years and concludes at the end of 2026. Voter services asked the five certified vendors of election equipment in Pennsylvania to bring in their election equipment to the courthouse for demonstrations. The vendors under review are Liberty Vote, ES&S, Clear Ballot, Unisyn, and Hart. Advertisement Advertisement What I look for during the demonstrations is how complicated or easy the process is to operate the equipment for our poll workers, said the countys Director of Elections Jessalyn McFarland. The poll workers spend over 13 hours at the polls making it possible for voters to vote in person in their own municipality. They are the ones who activate the ballot for voters, and set up and close down the equipment. Their hard work and dedication is really something to consider and appreciation. McFarland has said the county has had a difficult time filling poll worker positions, especially when some step back due to age. Thats why incorporating them into the demonstrations is so critical. Finding poll workers can be a tough process, and I appreciate each and every one that we have working in Crawford County, she said. I want this process to be as easy as possible for them, because without them, in-person voting on Election Day would not be possible. The commissioners, voter services staff, election rovers, party chairs and several poll workers from across the county are invited to the demonstrations. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre taking time out of their day; theyre taking times away from their home department, so we do appreciate the sacrifice theyre making, but its an important decision that the board will have to make at the conclusion of this year, and its a real benefit to be able to see and operate the equipment from these different vendors and make an educated decision as to what will best serve Crawfords needs for the next several weeks as we work on a new agreement, said Chris Seeley, county commissioner and chair of the Board of Elections. The primary election will be held May 19. The last day to circulate and file petitions is Tuesday, and the last day to withdraw after filing petitions is March 25. This story has been updated again with new information. ZANESVILLE The eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 have been reopened following a pair of crashes in the reconstruction zone. The first crash occurred around 5 a.m. March 5, when a semi-truck crashed into a utility pole near The Fieldhouse. Crews started investigating the damaged to power pole in the afternoon to rerun electrical wires to the nearby construction area. Advertisement Advertisement However, a second crash inside the bottleneck, near the Hamline Bridge, hampered progress. That crash involved two other semi-trucks. The eastbound lanes reopened at 3:21 p.m. and crews are working to reopen the westbound express lane, which was temporarily closed to allow crew to work. A second accident between two semi-trucks occurred in a I-70 bottleneck during the afternoon of March 5. The eastbound lanes had previously been closed and partially reopened after an initial truck accident earlier in the day. There's no estimate when traffic could return to normal. "It'll take a while for everything to recover but everything will be open," EMA Director Jeff Jadwin said. The westbound exit lane remained opened, as did the State and Underwood exits. ODOT, Muskingum County Sheriff's Office, Muskingum County EMA, Zanesville Police Department and Washington Fire Department assisted at the scene. Two wreckers arrived at the scene of a semi-truck accident March 5 after it hit a power pole in an Interstate 70 reconstruction zone. Crews were still working to get the truck back onto the roadway as of 8:20 a.m. Eastbound lanes were closed, while westbound traffic was unaffected. Shawn Digity is a reporter for the Zanesville Times Recorder. He can be emailed at sdigity@gannett.com or found on X at @ShawnDigityZTR. This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Eastbound lanes of I-70 near Zanesville reopen after pair of crashes NEED TO KNOW Two young girls were found deceased with their bodies stuffed into suitcases in Cleveland Authorities with the Cleveland Division of Police arrested and charged 28-year-old Aliyah Henderson within 48 hours of the discovery Now, the father of one of the girls is speaking out for the first time A Cleveland father is speaking out after his daughter was one of two young girls found dead and stuffed into suitcases in a field. I just feel useless. I couldnt save my daughter, the grieving parent, who spoke to Ohio told Nexstars WJW on the condition of anonymity in a Thursday, March 5 interview, said. He was identified as DeShaun Chatman in a separate interview with Clevelands WOIO. Advertisement Advertisement The bodies of 8-year-old Mila Chatman and 10-year-old Amor Wilson were discovered on Monday, March 2 when someone walking their dog stumbled upon one of the suitcases. The individual contacted authorities, who arrived and found the second suitcase nearby. A spokesperson for the Cleveland Division of Police confirmed to PEOPLE on Thursday that 28-year-old Aliyah Henderson had been charged with two counts of aggravated murder in connection with the girls' deaths. Citing the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office, ABC News reported that Mila and Amor were half-siblings. Milas father told WJW he had not seen Mila in four years and felt iced out, despite what he says were repeated attempts to gain custody. He also said that Amors father attempted to be in the 10-year-olds life. Advertisement Advertisement When it was something so simple. Just give me her. Youre feeling stressed, give me her, Milas father told WJW. Ive been trying to get her for six years. Youve been ducking me. You told me I was too family-oriented. Thats why you aint giving my daughter. Been tried, tried, tried. Then talked to CPS numerous occasions. He claimed that CPS would not remove the girls from their mother's custody because they had a home and a bed. PEOPLE has reached out to CPS for comment. I dont know how long shes been gone, how long shes been dead. I dont know how long shes been missing, but it could have been prevented, he said. Aliyah Henderson Credit: Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department These were two young lives with their entire futures ahead of them, Cleveland Division of Police Chief Dorothy Todd said in a statement shared with PEOPLE. Advertisement Advertisement Our detectives worked tirelessly and with great care to identify those responsible. Investigations of this nature require patience, precision, and discretion," Todd continued. "Unlike what is often portrayed on television, every detail cannot be shared publicly. Certain information must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure justice for these victims. That careful and methodical work allowed our detectives to develop the evidence needed to make quick identification of a person of interest, ultimately resulting in an arrest." Henderson was located at a residence and arrested within 48 hours of Mila and Amors bodies being found, police said. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. A third child who appeared to be in good health was also found inside the home and placed in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services, according to police. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners Office will work to determine a cause of death for Mila and Amor. The investigation remains ongoing. Read the original article on People Showing love and acceptance to everyone Members of Collegiate United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation (CUMC/WF) 2622 Lincoln Way in Ames, across from campus and next to Dunkin, are committed to showing love and acceptance to everyone including our immigrant and refugee neighbors. We walk alongside them and advocate for their safety, dignity and freedom. The Helping Our Neighbors Group at CUMC/WF wants all our neighbors, whether native Iowans or immigrants or refugees, to know we want to bring you hope and encouragement as members of our community. We want to show you love and kindness. This is vitally important in this time of uncertainty with changing governmental policies and attitudes toward our immigrant and refugee neighbors. Advertisement Advertisement We welcome all and all means all. Helping Our Neighbors Collegiate United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation Betty Barton, Jim Cornette, Marti Elston, Bev Kruempel, Alan Vandehaar, Donna Vandehaar and Maureen Wilt A careful rail merger review is important for Iowa Iowas economy relies on freight rail. From grain and fertilizer to ethanol and machinery, reliable rail service supports jobs, stabilizes costs and keeps our state competitive in both national and global markets. The proposed merger between Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) would combine two of the countrys largest freight rail carriers, a move that could reshape the freight system in Iowa and beyond. If not held to the highest scrutiny, a merger of this size could result in increased shipping costs, reduced competition and service disruptions for shippers and communities across Americas heartland. Advertisement Advertisement Thankfully, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) is holding this merger to the highest standards of competition. Following the railways submission of their merger application on December 19, the STB deemed the merger application incomplete and insufficient for approval. I commend the board for prioritizing responsible oversight - a deal of this magnitude should meet a high bar, and the boards deliberate review helps ensure that standard is upheld. History has shown that massive mergers can carry real risks if approved without adequate safeguards. When rail service becomes less competitive or unreliable, the consequences extend beyond individual shippers costs rise, supply chains are strained and local economies feel the pressure. That is why continued, careful evaluation of the UP-NS application is essential. Regardless of its decision, the STB must continue to provide a clear example of responsible oversight by scrutinizing this mergers potential impact on competition, service quality and market fairness. By upholding these standards, the Board can help preserve expectations for regulatory review and protect Iowas economy for years to come." Gannon Hendrick Advertisement Advertisement McCallsburg Data centers in Story County As the Story County Board of Supervisors and its Planning and Zoning Commission preemptively act re: data center construction in our county, I and others urge the supervisors to enact a permanent moratorium on data center construction on our unincorporated county lands. There are many examples of rosy public relations promises as to why we need to encourage these, i.e. the AI these data centers power will cure cancer. Since it is the nitrates in water that are related to colorectal, bladder and breast cancer, we propose we clean up the water and prevent cancer. Advertisement Advertisement As far as energy usage, The Times (of London) recently reported that the International Energy Agency predicts data centers in the United States will need more than triple their current power by 2035- that is less than 10 years away. The same article cited Bloomberg analysis that in the past 5 years, cities near data centers have endured a 265% rise in energy bills. Not 50%, not 100%- 267%. Add on to that, the real risk of dried up wells and contaminated groundwater in our state, too much of which is still classified as being in a drought. There are more issues which could be used to argue the case for a moratorium but Americans are unifying in their opposition. Last year, instead of the 6 cancelled data centers in 2024, 25 were cancelled, due to common sense concerns of communities. Advertisement Advertisement If you agree with a moratorium on data centers in Story County, please take a moment to email our supervisors. Respectfully, Brenda R. Brink Huxley The SAVE Act deserves careful scrutiny and discussion Iowa has long taken pride in running elections that are both secure and accessible. That balance has earned the trust of voters across political parties and across generations. It is precisely because of that trust that the proposed SAVE Act deserves careful scrutiny and open public discussion. The practical impact of this legislation on eligible voters in Iowa is likely to be significant. Nearly 60 percent of Iowans do not have a valid passport readily available. For many, the only alternative proof of citizenship would be a certified birth certificate, which may require time, fees, and additional documentation. More than 700,000 Iowa women have changed their names since birth, meaning the citizenship document required by this Act may not match their current legal identity without additional records. These are not rare or hypothetical situations. They reflect ordinary life. Advertisement Advertisement Iowas election system already requires voter identification and maintains safeguards against ineligible voting. Recent state reviews found very few confirmed cases relative to millions of ballots cast. The SAVE Act would not change who is eligible to vote, but it could change how easily eligible citizens can maintain or update their registration. Iowans who move, marry, or update their records could encounter new administrative barriers that did not exist before. The strength of our election system is not measured only by security, but by public confidence that lawful voters can participate without unnecessary obstacles. Policies that introduce complexity, confusion, or cost risk weakening that confidence rather than strengthening it. This is not a partisan concern. It is a civic one. Any change affecting something as fundamental as voter participation should be examined through the lens of its real-world impact on the people who live and work in our communities. The SAVE Act, as currently written, would create unintended barriers for eligible Iowa voters without strengthening the safeguards we already have in place. Secretary of State Paul Pate has regularly reminded Iowans that the states laws protect the integrity of the elections (AP 3/20/25). Advertisement Advertisement We urge Iowans to contact our Senators Ernst and Grassley and ask them to vote no on the SAVE Act legislation. Respectfully, Carolyn KlausAnne KinzelCo-presidents, LWV Ames & Story County This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Data centers in Story County | Letters NVIDIA Corporation CEO Jensen Huang has indicated that the firms latest $30 billion investment in OpenAI "might be the last time" before the AI startup goes public. At the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in downtown San Francisco on Wednesday, Huang said he doesnt foresee the possibility of investing $100 billion in OpenAI, a figure previously proposed as part of a large-scale infrastructure deal in September. The reason behind this, he clarified, is OpenAIs impending IPO. He also noted that Nvidias $10 billion investment in OpenAI competitor, Anthropic, would also probably be its last. NVIDIA had earlier disclosed its intention to invest in Anthropic alongside Microsoft Corporation in November, reported CNBC. Don't Miss: Marked Shift From Prior Deal NVIDIAs latest $30 billion equity investment in OpenAI was a significant pivot from the non-binding letter of intent signed in September. The original plan envisioned a $100 billion investment linked to deploying 10 gigawatts of computing power. Instead, the new $30 billion commitment represents a direct stake in OpenAI's current funding round, which is being raised at a $730 billion pre-money valuation. OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, dismissed reports of a rift with Nvidia as "insanity," reassuring investors that his company will remain Nvidias "gigantic customer" for the long term. Altman added that while OpenAI is exploring its own chips, it will continue using a broad mix of hardware, including Nvidia's upcoming Vera Rubin platform. Trending: Before the IPO: How One Company Quietly Locked Up 500+ Iconic Character Rights Critic Pushes Back Furthermore, OpenAIs recent $110 billion funding round, which included Amazon.com Inc., Nvidia, and SoftBank Group Corp., was criticized by George Noble, a hedge fund manager and former assistant to legendary Fidelity investor Peter Lynch. Noble referred to the deal structure as borderline criminal and predicted it cant end well. According to him, the arrangement was vendor financing disguised as venture capital, arguing that companies like Amazon and Nvidia invest in OpenAI while the startup commits to spending far larger sums on their services and hardware. "Amazon and Nvidia are essentially paying OpenAI to buy their own products, he stated. The suspect was found to identify with Hamas, and incited against Israel, as well as encouraging enemy action during the war, including calls to harm Israelis. The daughter of a terrorist released in a hostage-terrorist exchange during the Israel-Hamas war has been arrested for online incitement to terrorism, the Israel Police stated on Friday. The woman is a resident of the Palestinian village of Shiukh and was arrested by fighters from the unit Yehuda Arrow in the Etzion sector. Advertisement Advertisement According to the police, her activity had been monitored by the IDF for a while in the lead-up to her arrest. The suspect was found to identify with Hamas, and incited against Israel, as well as encouraging enemy action during the war, including calls to harm Israelis. The suspect was taken in for further questioning at the Etzion police station. Man arrested for shooting fireworks at police vehicle Additionally, a Lod resident was arrested this week on suspicion of involvement in an event where fireworks were fired at a police vehicle. On Thursday Evening, Central District Border Police fighters located and arrested the man, who was taken in for further questioning. March 6 (UPI) -- On this date in history: In 1836, Mexican forces captured the Alamo in San Antonio, killing the last of 187 defenders who had held out in the fortified Texas mission for 13 days. Frontiersman Davy Crockett was among those killed on the final day. In 1853, "La Traviata" by Giuseppe Verdi premiered in Venice, Italy. In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its landmark ruling that slave Dred Scott couldn't sue for his freedom in a federal court, even though his white owner had died in a "free" state. Advertisement Advertisement In 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt declared a national banking holiday in an effort to shore up the banking system. Performers sing and dance in the final dress rehearsal of "La Traviata" at the base of Masada, near the Dead Sea, on June 11, 2014. On March 6, 1853, the opera by Giuseppe Verdi premiered in Venice, Italy. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI In 1944, during World War II, U.S. bombers flying from Britain began the first daytime attacks on Berlin. In 1953, Georgi Malenkov was named premier of the Soviet Union one day after the death of Joseph Stalin. Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and U.S. President Jimmy Carter confer in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington prior to the peace treaty signing on March 26, 1979. On March 6, 1982, an Egyptian court sentenced five Muslim fundamentalists to death for the assassination of Sadat. UPI File Photo In 1957, Ghana became an independent country after declaring independence from Britain. The country was led by Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah. In 1965, Alabama Gov. George Wallace declared "There will be no march between Selma and Montgomery," and that he had ordered the highway patrol to "use whatever measures are necessary to prevent a march." On March 6, 1957, Ghana became an independent country after declaring independence from Britain. The country was led by Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah. File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI File Photo by Bill Hormell/UPI Advertisement Advertisement In 1966, U.S. forces undertook the biggest air raid campaign on North Vietnam since bombing of the north resumed in 1965. On March 6, 1991, U.S. President George H.W. Bush, addressing a joint session of Congress, declared the Persian Gulf War over. File Photo by Mark Grosser/UPI In 1967, Svetlana Alliluyeva, Joseph Stalin's daughter, defected to the United States. She would return to the Soviet Union 17 years later stating, "In America, I ended up living the life of a suburban housewife, which is not at all what I wanted." File Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress Visitors stop for a tour of the Alamo on February 9, 2015. On March 6, 1836, Mexican forces captured the Alamo in San Antonio, killing the last of 187 defenders who had held out in the fortified Texas mission for 13 days. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI In 1982, an Egyptian court sentenced five Muslim fundamentalists to death for the assassination of President Anwar Sadat. Seventeen others drew prison terms. In 1987, a British ferry leaving Zeebrugge, Belgium, struck a sea wall and capsized, killing 188 people in the North Sea. Advertisement Advertisement In 1991, U.S. President George H.W. Bush, addressing a joint session of Congress, declared the Persian Gulf War over. In 2015, Islamic State militants devastated the ancient Assyrian city of Nimrud in northern Iraq, using bulldozers to raze the site. In 2024, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley suspended her presidential campaign, conceding to former President Donald Trump, who would go on to win the 2024 election. Mar. 5A Dayton mother whose two children were reportedly kept in a bedroom and tortured by her boyfriend was sentenced. Judge Mary E. Montgomery sentenced Kayla Shepherd to five years in prison, according to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office. Last year, Shepherd pleaded guilty to three felony counts of endangering children, one count of aggravated possession of drugs and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and endangering children charges, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court records. Advertisement Advertisement Her boyfriend, Kyle Knox, was sentenced to 40 to 45 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to 102 counts of endangering children, seven counts of aggravated arson (harm to a person) and one count of strangulation earlier this year. "These children were subjected to horrible abuse, both physical and psychological," said Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. "They were able eventually to escape their house of horrors and are now safe. These defendants deserve to be locked up where they can never again abuse children or allow it to happen." Shepherd's 9-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son were reportedly confined to a bedroom with trash, refuse and bottles of urine. Dayton police also found blood throughout the room as well as a camera propped up on a Pringles can facing into the bedroom, according to Montgomery County Juvenile Court documents. Advertisement Advertisement "(The girl) described Mr. Knox was the only one allowed in their room," court records read. "She said he came in to bring food or to be mean to (the boy)." The children reportedly had to have Knox's permission to use the bathroom. They were found wandering on Arlene Avenue by a neighbor on Nov. 18, 2024, according to Dayton Municipal Court records. The children had reportedly fled their home to get help. A woman told 911 dispatchers the boy's mouth was "beat up" and it looked like someone had tortured him, according to Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center records. Advertisement Advertisement They were taken to Dayton Children's Hospital where medical staff determined the boy's injuries were consistent with torture, an affidavit stated. "He had burns, cuts, bruises and fractures in different stages of healing," juvenile court records read. "Some were fresh. He also had injuries to his genitalia and buttocks." He had a severe lip injury that kept him from closing his mouth. The girl had a bruise on her side. Both reportedly had signs of malnutrition. The prosecutor's office said the children left their home to get help. The girl told investigators Knox used lighters, belts, a box cutter and his hands to physically abuse her brother, according to an affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement Shepherd said she last saw her son in October 2024 and her daughter in November 2024, according to municipal court records. "Mother admitted she knew the children were imprisoned in their room since the summer of 2024 and she regularly did not see them for weeks at a time," juvenile court records read. "She denied ever hearing any screams or crying from the children's room." She said Knox took care of her children while she worked and he didn't permit her to see them, according to court documents. Knox claimed he didn't know how the children got hurt, according to juvenile court records. He said Shepherd got a babysitter for the children while they did Spark and DoorDash deliveries. WAPAKONETA A 24-year-old Defiance woman is being held without bond in the Auglaize County jail following her arrest Wednesday on charges that include the illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material. Yasmine Castillo is being held on those charges, felonies of the third- and fifth-degree, along with a fifth-degree felony count of the possession of criminal tools. She was arrested following an indictment that was handed down by an Auglaize County grand jury in February. UNITED NATIONS (AP) Demand for critical minerals that power technology from smartphones to missiles could triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040, the United Nations political chief told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday. A decade ago, minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel had limited strategic importance, Undersecretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo said. Today, they underpin the technologies powering the digital economy and the energy transition. She spoke at a signature event chosen by the United States, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, entitled Energy, Critical Minerals and Security. Advertisement Advertisement Calling critical minerals one of the main drivers of the 21st century economy, DiCarlo said that in 2023, trade in raw and semi-processed minerals reached approximately $2.5 trillion. This represents more than 10% of global trade, she said. Demand could triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040. Her office said the figures and projection were from U.N. reports in 2025. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who chaired the meeting, said it is in the security interest of the U.S. and its allies not to be overly dependent on any single country for materials critical to our economies and national security." The work were doing today, especially on the strategic importance of critical minerals and energy, is directly tied to preventing conflict and building a world where countries can cooperate and move forward together, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration is making bold moves to shore up supplies of critical minerals needed for electric vehicles, fighter jets and other high-tech products. China, which has had a stranglehold on rare earth minerals, choked off their flow in response to President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs last year. While the two global powers reached a truce to pull back on the high import taxes and stepped-up rare earth restrictions, Chinas limits remain tighter than they were before Trump took office. Last month, his administration announced that it wants to create a critical minerals trading bloc with its allies and partners to counter Chinas dominance. Chinas U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong told the council that as the global energy transition accelerates and technology including artificial intelligence advances, demand for critical minerals and other resources continues to rise. And he said imbalances in supply and demand are becoming increasingly pronounced "as the world enters a new period of turbulence and transformation. He urged greater international cooperation to ensure a stable supply of resources and supply chains, thereby supporting global economic growth. Advertisement Advertisement Fu also urged all countries to participate in an initiative to promote the transformation of the mining sector to green mining unveiled by China at the G20 summit in South Africa last November. As part of the U.S. effort to diversify critical mineral supplies, which also includes Australia and Ukraine, the administration is stepping up cooperation with Venezuela and Congo. Earlier Thursday, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said Venezuelas government will give security assurances to mining companies that invest in mineral-rich areas long-controlled by guerrilla members, gangs and other illegal groups. Last month, Congos President Felix Tshisekedi offered U.S. companies access to eastern Congos rich minerals mostly untapped because of decades of violence and estimated to be worth $24 trillion as a bargaining chip for U.S. support to help fight off rebels and build critical infrastructure in the region. Congos U.N. Ambassador Zenon Mukongo, a current council member, stressed the need for the private sector, which plays an essential role in the mineral industry and in global supply chains, to respect national laws and ensure their involvement doesnt contribute to financing armed groups or illegally exploit mineral riches. It didnt take long for Democrats hopes of flipping Texas to dim. Enthusiasm remains high for the partys Senate nominee, James Talarico, but national Democrats arent sure how far they should go to support him particularly if Sen. John Cornyn emerges from the GOP runoff in May. Interviews with nearly a dozen high-dollar donor advisers and strategists poured cold water on the likelihood that the party would fully commit to the staggering price tag itd take to finally flip Texas. No ones taking Texas seriously, said a Democratic bundler who, like most others, was granted anonymity to speak candidly about intra-party dynamics. Advertisement Advertisement Among their concerns is that Cornyn did better than expected in the GOP primary against Attorney General Ken Paxton, and with President Donald Trumps potential endorsement would be able to ease his runoff victory. Democrats planning for Talarico to compete against Paxton, a scandal-ridden MAGA darling, are instead facing the prospect of trying to oust a 24-year moderate incumbent in a state that hasnt voted for a Senate Democrat in nearly four decades. There are also competing priorities for national spending just Wednesday evening, Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) dropped his re-election bid in a state Senate Democrats held as recently as 2018 potentially elevating it as a target for spending. Underlying it all, Democrats said, is the reality that contesting Texas would require a massive injection of cash while there are other, cheaper options on the Senate landscape. We have to be practical about how we use our resources, said Alex Hoffman, a Democratic donor adviser. You need a perfect storm to kill a white whale, and if its going to be Cornyn [in the general election], then its not a perfect storm. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have long dreamed of turning Texas blue. But the idea of flipping the state much less retaking the Senate overall appeared laughable last year, when the party hit new lows in its public polling and sustained sweeping losses in 2024. But a string of overperformances in off-year and special election races, combined with Trumps own stubbornly low approval rating, have Democrats increasingly bullish about their chances. If Im being super honest, Texas would not be within the reach of our boat here, as fishermen of the white whale, but for the wave moment we're in, said Tory Gavito, a Democratic donor who leads the progressive donor network Way To Win. Tuesdays results gave them another boost when Talarico, a social media star and prolific grassroots fundraiser, easily dispatched Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas). He now has a head start on Republicans, who after already dropping $70 million to lift Cornyn, must continue battling it out for another two and a half months through a runoff which some are predicting could cost upwards of $100 million. Texas Democrats see this as the moment to strike. Gavito said Democrats have built to this moment, cycle after cycle. Back in 2014, when President Barack Obama won with a young, multi-racial coalition, Democrats believed it was just a matter of time before theyd eventually flip Texas, a youthful, diverse state. Advertisement Advertisement But Trump, both in 2016 and 2024, whittled down Democrats advantages with young, diverse voters, suggesting Texas was further out of reach than they thought. Then-Rep. Beto ORourke (D-Texas), boosted by more than $80 million, came the closest in 2018, losing to Sen. Ted Cruz by 2.6 percentage points. When former-Rep. Colin Allred tried to oust Cruz in 2024, he lost by 8.5 points. Gavito said it would be important for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Majority PAC, Democrats top Senate super PAC, to invest in Texas to actually flip it because even though Talarico has proven he can raise a bunch of non-corporate money ... leadership, like Schumer, should see that their job is to be bullish. She also argued against Democrats having to pick between investing in Texas or other states you can do both things, she said. Thats a tall ask in a cycle when Democrats are already struggling mightily in the money race. Advertisement Advertisement House and Senate Republicans entered 2026 with more than double the cash equivalent of their Democratic counterparts. The Republican National Committee has a more than $100 million cash advantage over the Democratic National Committee. Should the Supreme Court lift coordination limits, a looming decision cited by several donor advisers, then they believe Republicans will have an even more lopsided advantage. If the goal is to win the House and Senate, then there are other, cheaper, more competitive places, said a Democratic consultant who works on Senate races. Do you want to try to get another $150 million for Texas or another $50 million to put Iowa or Montana or Nebraska in play? Thats the Schumer calculation. Before Tuesdays primary, Schumer hadnt placed Texas in the DSCCs top tier of battleground races. Instead, North Carolina, Maine, Ohio and Alaska ranked highest in his list of offensive targets. That could change, however, should Paxton ultimately emerge from the runoff. If Paxton wins the runoff, the race is on the battleground list, a person familiar with the DSCCs thinking said, granted anonymity to describe private conversations. If Cornyn makes it out, I wouldnt count it out [either]. Advertisement Advertisement When asked about Texas on Wednesday, Schumer said Tuesdays results in Texas are a step forward in our quest to win the Senate, and called Talarico a great candidate, and we can win. SMP spokesperson Lauren French reiterated that the majority runs through Ohio, Maine, Iowa, Alaska, and North Carolina but it can also run through Texas. Republicans, for their part, continue to scoff at the idea Texas is competitive. In a statement, NRSC Regional Press Secretary Samantha Cantrell said: James Talarico thinks God is nonbinary, wants to lay a welcome mat on our southern border, and would prioritize the rights of our trans community, all things Texans will never vote for in November. Even if Democrats cant ultimately flip Texas in November, they believe Talaricos campaign and a potentially weakened Cornyn will force the GOP to spend cash to defend it, turning it into a money sinkhole for Republicans, said Cooper Teboe, a Democratic donor adviser and strategist. Advertisement Advertisement Do we win Ohio by one [percentage point] because of this? Teboe added. Some Republican strategists are warning of the possibility. In every race, from this point until November, there's going to be the Texas undertones: You spent $70 million there to protect an incumbent, a GOP strategist said, granted anonymity to discuss the issue candidly. I think there is some frustration amongst the consulting class of like, all right, can we focus on Georgia and Michigan, some of these other places a little bit more? Erin Doherty contributed to this report. A St Croix County school district that has become the target of right-wing politicians and activists for allowing students to use restrooms corresponding to their gender identity is now being investigated by the Trump administration Department of Education over the practice. The Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights announced in a press release Thursday it was investigating the New Richmond School District based on reports that the District is allowing biological men to use female restrooms. The head of a Wisconsin LGBTQ+ rights group Friday called the administrations action an attempt to bully school children. Advertisement Advertisement The law protects trans girls and their ability to use the girls bathroom, said Abigail Swetz, executive director of Fair Wisconsin. A federal departments press release does not, and cannot, change law. However, a federal administration can bully our kids, and that is exactly what this announcement of an investigation is. The New Richmond district superintendent, Troy Miller, was not available for comment early Friday afternoon. New Richmond policy attacked, defended The Trump administrations action follows its increased targeting of states that allow students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity, including threatening to withhold federal funding. It also follows increasing attention on the New Richmond districts policy from right-wing advocacy groups such as Moms for Liberty and Wisconsin Republican political campaigns. A public discussion of the districts policy arose at a Jan. 29 meeting of the districts school board, the Hudson Star Observer reported, with community members speaking for and against allowing students to choose the restroom they use. Opponents of the policy included a school board candidate, the newspaper reported. Advertisement Advertisement Videos posted from a meeting in February to the Facebook page NR Students Against Moms for Liberty show a handful of students speaking in favor of allowing students to use the restrooms they are comfortable with. Im a woman at New Richmond High School who uses the womens bathroom, and I ask that you hear my perspective. As a woman, Im not afraid to use the bathroom with someone who is transgender, one student said. While fear around potential violence in bathrooms is totally valid, potential worries about what can happen in the bathroom are misplaced. Trans people are not scary or pedophiles. They are our community members. In a presentation prepared for that Feb. 10 meeting, legal counsel for the school board defended the policy respecting gender identity. A 2017 federal appeals court ruling in the case Whitaker v. Kenosha Unified School District No. 1 Board of Education defined sex under Title IX to include gender identity, according to the presentation slide meaning that schools must allow students to use bathroom facilities consistent with their gender identity. At a meeting in late February, Board President Bryan Schafer said district lawyers have told the board that the district is following current law and following case law, the Hudson Star Observer reported. School board members voted at that meeting to look into adding more school restrooms and rejected a call for an internal investigation. Republican politicians, candidates weigh in A week after the issue first arose in January, U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany posted on Facebook a demand that the district reverse its policy. Michael Alfonso, who is running in the 7th Congressional District race to succeed Tiffany, has posted on his campaign Facebook page at least five times in the last month about the policy, directing increased national attention to the district. State lawmakers from the area have also weighed in. Advertisement Advertisement Alfonso is the son-in-law of Transportation Sec. Sean Duffy, who previously represented the 7th District, and recently was endorsed by President Donald Trump. I would expect this from Madison or Milwaukee or some crazy liberal place but not northern Wisconsin, Alfonso said in a video he filmed with his wife, Evita Duffy-Alfonso, on the way to a school board meeting. This is why its so important for conservatives to remember that elections have consequences. Theres no reason that we should have liberal lunatics on our school boards. We need to make sure were getting out to vote in April and August and November because we have a very good chance to take our state back. The Department of Education press release Thursday said the agencys Civil Rights Office will determine whether the District violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) by allowing students to access intimate facilities based on gender identity, not biological sex. The press release states that an unidentified student in the district has fear, embarrassment, and anxiety and no longer uses the restrooms while in school due to the district policy. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said in a statement that the department will investigate the complaint fully and address any violation promptly. Advertisement Advertisement Young women should never be forced to share intimate spaces with boys and men because school leaders care more about radical gender ideology than protecting girls safety, dignity, and privacy, Richey said. School board members who ignore these allegations are failing the families they serve. Defending students choices, gender identity Swetz of Fair Wisconsin said in a statement to the Examiner Friday that the Whitaker v. Kenosha decision is very clear when it comes to accessing bathrooms in schools in its finding that Title IX protects gender identity. Wisconsinites and Americans are tired of this relentless bullying campaign against kids, families, educators, and schools, Swetz said. These attacks are not only wrong, but also a significant misdirection of resources and focus. Sen. Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove), who is the mother of a transgender adult child and a co-chair of the state Legislatures Transgender Parent and Nonbinary Advocacy Caucus, issued a statement Friday defending respect for students gender identity. Advertisement Advertisement Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported at school. Schools have a responsibility to create safe and welcoming environments where all students can learn without fear of discrimination, Ratcliff said. Policies that recognize and respect students gender identity are consistent with the spirit of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the values of fairness and inclusion we strive to uphold in Wisconsin schools. Ratcliff said the local school boards decision should be respected. Local school boards are best positioned to make such decisions that reflect the needs of their schools while ensuring every child is treated with dignity and respect, Ratcliff said. Nevertheless, there have been ongoing legal challenges over school bathroom policies in Wisconsin, and some school districts in Wisconsin have adopted policies that restrict transgender students. Advertisement Advertisement Just before Trump took office in January 2025, a federal judge overturned a Biden administration order extending Title IX to include protections for gender identity. On his first day in office, Trump reversed other Biden administration orders protecting gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights. Since then, the Trump administration has systematically erased references on federal websites to gender identity, labeling the concept as gender ideology and substituting sex in its place. In addition to Moms For Liberty, the right-wing Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) has also called attention to the New Richmond district. WILL recently put out model policies that would separate bathrooms based on sex. This is a welcome decision by the Trump Administration to enforce Title IX and protect girls privacy, WILL Deputy Counsel Cory Brewer said in a statement. For too long, school districts in Wisconsin have allowed policies that force young girls to share private spaces with biological males. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Billions of years ago, Mars hosted lakes, streams and perhaps even a huge ocean. | Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech A remarkably hardy bacterium can survive pressures similar to those generated when asteroid impacts blast debris off Mars, a new study has found, suggesting that microbes could endure interplanetary journeys and potentially seed life on other worlds, including Earth. The findings, published earlier this week in the journal PNAS Nexus , may prompt scientists to reconsider where life could exist across the solar system and could lead to a reassessment of " planetary protection " rules designed to prevent contamination between worlds. Advertisement Advertisement "Life might actually survive being ejected from one planet and moving to another," study co-author Kaliat Ramesh, a mechanical engineer at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, said in a statement . "This is a really big deal that changes the way you think about the question of how life begins and how life began on Earth ." Researchers recently exposed the bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans to the pressures experienced during an asteroid strike. The microbe survived, suggesting that impacts could spread life from planet to planet. | Credit: Lisa Orye/Johns Hopkins University The new findings lend support to a long-debated theory known as lithopanspermia , which proposes that life can spread between planets by hitching a ride on fragments of rock blasted into space by massive impacts. The idea remains unproven, however, and clear evidence of past or present life on Mars remains elusive (though scientists have made some intriguing finds lately ). For the study, Ramesh and his colleagues tested the endurance of Deinococcus radiodurans , an exceptionally resilient bacterium found, among other places, in Chile's high-altitude deserts. With a thick outer shell and a remarkable ability to repair its own DNA, D. radiodurans is famously tolerant of intense radiation, freezing temperatures, extreme dryness and other harsh conditions similar to those found in space. It has been nicknamed "Conan the bacterium," after all. To simulate the forces involved in an asteroid impact, the researchers sandwiched samples of D. radiodurans between two steel plates. Using a gas-powered gun, they fired a projectile at roughly 300 mph (480 kph), subjecting the microbes to pressures between 1 and 3 gigapascals. For comparison, the pressure at the deepest part of Earth's oceans the crescent-shaped Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean near Guam is about 0.1 gigapascal, meaning even the lowest pressure in the experiment was roughly 10 times greater. Advertisement Advertisement Nearly all of the microbes survived impacts generating 1.4 gigapascals of pressure, while about 60% remained alive at 2.4 gigapascals. At lower pressures, the cells showed no signs of damage, though researchers observed ruptured membranes and some internal cellular damage at higher pressures, the study reports. "We continuously redefine the limits of life," Madhan Tirumalai, a microbiologist at the University of Houston who was not involved with the new study, told The New York Times . "This paper is another example." As the pressure increased, the researchers also detected heightened activity in genes responsible for repairing DNA and maintaining cell membranes. "We expected it to be dead at that first pressure," Lily Zhao, a mechanical engineer at JHU who led the experiment, said in the statement. "We started shooting it faster and faster. We kept trying to kill it, but it was really hard to kill." The experiment eventually ended, the statement read, because the steel structure holding the plates "fell apart before the bacteria did." A new project is featuring the history of St. Augustine through a modern-day digital medium. More than one million artifacts and records, held by the Florida Museum of Natural History, are now available for public viewing through a new online database called iDigStAug. Funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, the digital window into America's oldest city, completed under the direction of Kathleen Deagan and the Historic St. Augustine Preservation Board, spotlights archaeological discoveries along with the city's colonial history. Advertisement Advertisement Gifford Waters, collection manager for historical archaeology at the museum, described the large online collection as a viewing platform for researchers and the general public. Waters underscored the collection process as a long one. "The records dont always match up in terms of how things were mapped and measured," he said in a news release. "So, we have to go back and reanalyze all of these collections, looking at the measurements, counts, weights and descriptions of every single artifact." Currently, iDigStAug includes data from three colonial houses about 51,000 artifacts a small fraction of the long-term plan to include nearly the entire St. Augustine collection, spanning everything from indigenous-made beads to a trove of British contraband found in the ruins of a harbormasters house. iDigStAug includes data from three colonial houses about 51,000 artifacts a small fraction of the long-term plan to include nearly the entire St. Augustine collection, spanning everything from Indigenous-made beads to British contraband. Each entry includes a historical summary of the site, archaeological reports, photographs, field notes, slides and diagrams that show how the original structures were laid out. Advertisement Advertisement "Weve scanned and digitized the field records, maps and analysis cards and uploaded them as archival PDFs that are freely available to researchers and the general public," Waters said. The website also features high-resolution, hand-drawn maps of colonial St. Augustine. Users can search by category of artifact or data type, filter for beads, Spanish pottery, Native American ceramics and more. Educators are already working with the Florida Public Archaeology Network to build classroom resources around the collection. The audience will be privy to following St. Augustines history, which is marked by frequent upheaval and destruction. Founded by the Spanish in 1565, the city saw relocation, pirate raids, fires, hurricanes and military sieges during its early years. Bringing the large collection of artifacts online presented challenges because of inconsistencies in decades-old excavation methods. St. Augustine moved from the mainland to Anastasia Island less than a year after its founding because of conflict with the indigenous Timucua. St. Augustine moved again in 1572, was burned by pirates in 1586, flooded in 1599 and destroyed by British settlers in 1702. The 20th century brought new threats, as urban development endangered many of the citys historic sites. Advertisement Advertisement In 1959, Florida established the Historic St. Augustine Preservation Board to acquire and restore remaining colonial-era structures. The board partnered with archaeologists, historians and architectural historians to excavate sites and rebuild lost buildings for nearly four decades before its disbandment in 1997. Much of the Florida Museums current historical archaeology collection was gathered during this period. However, bringing the collection online has posed challenges because of inconsistencies in decades-old excavation methods. iDigStAug and its sister site, the Comparative Mission Archaeology Portal, were both developed in partnership with the Digital Archaeological Archive of Comparative Slavery at Monticello. Both databases are intended to support research and public education, allowing wider audiences to access and explore Floridas colonial heritage. For more information, go to https://idigstaug.ufarch.org. This story was created by reporter Lucia Viti, lviti@usatodayco.com. with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: St. Augustine's history now online with iDigStAug The Justice Department released FBI interviews with a woman who accused Donald Trump of beating her after he sexually assaulted her when she was a child. The interviews took place between August and October 2019. The woman, according to her testimony, was abused by Jeffrey Epstein for years. Her name is redacted across three separate files, but her allegation against the president is clear: Trump punched her on the side of her head after she bit his penis. She was between 13 and 15 years old at the time, she told investigators, when Epstein brought her to a very tall building with huge rooms in either New York or New Jersey. Thats where the prolific sex trafficker introduced her to Trump, she recalled. Trump didnt like that I was a boy-girl, the woman told investigators, referencing a tomboy. Advertisement Advertisement There were other people present in the room, according to the files, but they left at Trumps request. She remembered that Trump told her something to the effect of, Let me teach you how little girls are supposed to be. He then unzipped his pants and put her head down to his penis. She bit the shit out of it, and Trump struck her, saying something to the effect of Get this little bitch the hell out of here, according to the interview. The woman claimed that she bit Trumps penis at the time because he disgusted her. He had money, it reeked off of him, she said. She noted that Trump appeared jealous of Epstein, though at some point they ended up on level playing fields. She recalled that Trump and Epstein would sometimes use the terms fresh meat, untainted, and not jaded when referring to girls. Advertisement Advertisement She told investigators she had two additional interactions with Trump but did not linger on the topic. The woman claimed Epsteins associates harassed her for years after the abuse ended, sending her numerous death threats. In one instance, she and her mother were run off a road while driving, forcing her to remain silent. She also claimed that her mother spent time in prison due to an embezzlement conviction connected to being blackmailed by Epstein and a man named Jim Atkins, whom she identified as an employee of an Ohio university, over explicit photographs that Epstein took of her during the abuse. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the release amounted to completely baseless accusations, backed by zero credible evidence, from a sadly disturbed woman who has an extensive criminal history. Advertisement Advertisement The total baselessness of these accusations is also supported by the obvious fact that Joe Bidens Department of Justice knew about them for four years and did nothing with thembecause they knew President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong, she continued. As we have said countless times, President Trump has been totally exonerated by the release of the Epstein files. The Department of Justice had previously removed the record of this womans FBI interviews from their Epstein database. Trump is mentioned more than 38,000 times in the Epstein files, according to a New York Times review of the DOJs February document dump, which consisted of some three million previously unseen pages. All in all, Trump was flagged in more than 5,300 files in the document cache, according to the Times. Nonetheless, deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told CNNs State of the Union that the DOJ reviewed the files last summer and did not find any credible evidence against the president warranting further investigation. Recent reports indicate that the DOJ has only released a fraction of the Epstein files, potentially holding onto upward of 50 terabytes that the agency has not yet disclosed. The recent releases, which include millions of pages of documents, amount to roughly 300 gigabytes, or 2 percent of the estimated total. Kraken, a popular crypto trading firm in the U.S., announced on March 4 that the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has approved the master account request of Kraken Financial. The approval makes Kraken's Wyoming-chartered banking arm the first crypto bank in U.S. history to gain direct access to the Federal Reserves payment infrastructure. A master account is held at one of the twelve regional Federal Reserve banks that enables regulated depository institutions to maintain account balances at the central bank. Through its Federal Reserve master account, Kraken Financial can connect directly to core U.S. payment rails, including Fedwire, without relying on intermediary banks, Kraken said. Yet, Kraken Financials master account has some limitations, similar to those in the proposed "skinny" master accounts. It means the institution would not be able to offer payment of interest on reserves held at the central bank. Related: Fed moves closer to 'skinny' payment accounts for crypto banks Banking groups slam Fed's approval of Kraken master account Banking groups in the U.S. slammed the decision to grant a master account access to a crypto bank. Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) president and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey raised concern at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City approving a master account for Kraken Financial. "Granting nonbank entities and crypto institutions access to the master accounts traditionally limited to highly regulated insured depository institutions poses risks to the banking system... The Fed should continue limiting master account access to institutions that meet the financial services sectors highest standards." Bank Policy Institute (BPI) regulatory affairs co-head Paige Pidano Paridon also expressed concern over the latest Fed approval to Kraken Financial. "We are deeply concerned that the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has approved an account request for a limited purpose master accountwhich appears to be a skinny accountbefore the Federal Reserve Board has finalized its policy framework for those accounts." The Fed's decision ignores public comment that the central bank itself sought on this framework, Pardon said. There was no transparency regarding the approval process or the risk mitigants imposed to address the "very significant risks" related to the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) it raises, she added. BPI is a powerful banking group that represents leading banking institutions, such as: The US justice department released additional files related to Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday, including FBI memos describing interviews with a woman who made uncorroborated allegations against Epstein and Donald Trump. The documents were not included in the justice departments earlier releases of Epstein-related records, which began in December. Justice department officials have said the files were initially withheld because they were mistakenly categorized as duplicates. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to Epstein or any knowledge of Epsteins criminal activity. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Epstein files contain explicit but unsubstantiated claim that Trump abused minor The materials released on Thursday, which the Guardian obtained and reported on last week, describe a series of FBI interviews conducted in 2019 with a woman who alleged that she had been sexually assaulted by Epstein, and by Trump, in the 1980s, when she was a minor. The woman had contacted the FBI shortly after Epsteins 2019 arrest on federal sex trafficking charges. Her allegations have not been verified, and the FBI never brought charges related to her claims. The Guardian reported last week that some of her statements appear to contradict what is known about Epsteins life in the early 1980s. In a statement to the Guardian, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, called the womans allegations completely baseless and said that they are backed by zero credible evidence. Advertisement Advertisement The total baselessness of these accusations is also supported by the obvious fact that Joe Bidens department of justice knew about them for four years and did nothing with them because they knew President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong, Leavitt said. As we have said countless times, President Trump has been totally exonerated by the release of the Epstein Files. In January, the justice department said that some of the documents contain untrue and sensationalist claims against President Trump that were submitted to the FBI right before the 2020 election. To be clear, the claims are unfounded and false, and if they have a shred of credibility, they certainly would have been weaponized against President Trump already, they added. On Thursday, the justice department said in a statement that it had reviewed public allegations that some documents were missing from the Epstein files release and said that it had identified 15 documents were incorrectly coded as duplicative. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the southern district of Florida separately determined that five prosecution memos that were initially marked as privileged could be released while still protecting the privileged materials, they said. All 20 of these documents are now live. The new release comes as Democrats last week launched an investigation into whether the justice department had intentionally withheld materials in its releases of the Epstein files related to allegations involving Trump. It also comes as last week, five Republicans on the House oversight committee joined Democrats to subpoena Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, to answer questions about the justice departments investigation into Epstein, and its handling of the document releases. By the time Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney left the stage at the World Economic Forum on January 20, observers understood his speechs importance. In front of the elite audience at Davos, with which he is intimate as a former central banker for Canada and the United Kingdom, Carney said that middle powers such as Canada needed to cooperate to resist the weaponization of the global economy by the great powers. The rules-based international order, he admitted, had always been partially fictional, but now even the pretense of its existence was impossible. The old order is not coming back, Carney said. In a world of great-power rivalry, the countries in between have a choice: compete with each other for favor or to combine to create a third path with impact. Carneys address was a rare one in Davos history to earn a standing ovation. At Davos, the speaker was the message. Carneys remarks reverberated so profoundly partly because they offered a reality-affirming assessment of a disturbing international situation, but more because they were a suggestion for reorientation away from the United Statesdelivered by Canada. Canada. For the last century and most of this one, especially the postwar period, the United States was a country with which we had a special relationship, arguably a privileged relationship, said Carleton University political scientist Fen Hampson, co-chair of the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations. Canada has long snugly positioned itself in the U.S. orbit, largely following the American lead on trade and global security and offering support and legitimacy in return. No longer. The U.S. is now viewed by key allies, including Canada, as a hostile state actorbecause of its president, said Hampson. Notably, Carneys speech was also backed by action. Days earlier, he announced a new strategic partnership between China and Canada, reviving relations between the two countries that had been strained for years. That included welcoming Chinese electric vehicles into Canada for sale, a potentially huge threat to the U.S. economy. As a rallying cry to smaller countries to unite against the great powers, Carneys move was a bit of David versus Goliath, as Hampson put it. Advertisement Advertisement Carneys call for middle powers to redirect their strategy was not well-received in the White House. Canada lives because of the United States, President Donald Trump said at Davos days later. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements. He threatened to levy more tariffs against Canada. Other officials in his administration made similarly dismissive statements. In the Trumpian worldview, weaker countries have little choice but to submit to U.S. demands. The New York Times Ezra Klein spoke to Trumps advisers about the presidents theory of international politics at the outset of his second term and reported, Every one said some version of the same thing: America has leverage it does not use. Under Trump, it is going to start using it. In the presidents line of thinking, U.S. bullying of less powerful countries could never backfire because America is so powerful that, while other nations might complain about their shabby treatment, they would have little recourse but to bend. As Fox News host Jesse Watters put it in defending Trumps threats to annex Greenland, We dont need friends. America is not handcuffed by history. Countries dont abandon the pursuit of their interests in the face of coercion; they alter their approaches, including, eventually, perhaps even cooperating with one another in opposition to American hegemony. This Darwinian perspective is seductive because its ruthlessness appears superficially realistic in a harsh world. But ironically it is, in fact, deeply naive. Countries dont abandon the pursuit of their interests in the face of coercion; they alter their approaches, including, eventually, perhaps even cooperating with one another in opposition to what Carney called American hegemony. Wise policymakers have always known this to be true. George F. Kennan, the diplomat and founder of the Cold War strategy known as containment, said in 1999, after the Soviet Unions collapse and during the supreme era of American power, I can say without hesitation that this planet is never going to be ruled from any single political center, whatever its military power. Even Republican hawks from previous eras understood that the world cannot simply be commanded entirely from Washington. In 2002, Condoleezza Rice, George W. Bushs national security adviser and secretary of state, spoke about securing a balance of power that favors freedom. The notion that other countries, if they feel threatened enough, can balance not with but against the United States seems mystifying to the Trump administration. But assuming that smaller countries will permanently allow themselves to be bullied by the United States is unrealistic. Advertisement Advertisement States have a variety of options in response to bullying by a greater power, said Stephen Walt, a Harvard University political scientist who fashioned the notion of countries balancing against perceived threats. Nations can diversify their economic and security ties; give lip service to acceding to U.S. demands while shirking their commitments; and, finally, simply defy the United States and endure whatever consequences arrive. Said Walt: What is making such actions more likely is the growing awareness that trying to flatter and appease Trump doesnt buy you any long-term goodwill or cooperation; he just comes back with more demands later. Not everyone agrees that we are witnessing a return to a balance of power where countries unite against the superpower. Morten Andersen, an international-relations expert at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, conceded that Norway indeed views the situation more on Carneys line. As a Northern European state that isnt part of the European Union, Norway is more careful about signaling than Canada, he said, but it more or less has the same perspective. However, Andersen believes that, instead of hastening a return to a world where countries balance against hegemons, Trump is leading the world toward a system of great power collusion. While in his first term, Trump spoke about great power competition, Andersen said, now the president focuses less on the challenge China poses than on supposed transgression committed by countries like Venezuela, Denmark, and Canada. Trump states overtly that he makes decisions involving war and peace based on how many international prizes he receives. Trump may envision a world where powerful countries themselves cooperate to ransack weaker countries in a new kleptocratic international order, said Andersen. He mentioned neoroyalism, a term coined by two American political scientists, Stacie Goddard and Abraham L. Newman. They have argued that what drives Trump is not any grand ideas about the national interest but wealth and power for himself and his family. Rather than compete with rivals, Mr. Trump is willing to collude with them in order to advance his courts parochial interests, they wrote. But, they also said, A neoroyalist world is not inevitable. Countriesincluding Americas closest partnersnow need to offer a coherent alternative, mobilizing their own sizable collective resources to counter Mr. Trump and support a system based on fair rules and predictable diplomacy. Mark Carneys rousing address might mark the beginning of this mobilization. But such endeavors will be difficult as countries are tempted to pursue their own separate strategies in dealing with an unshackled United States. Here, we look at how four of the most important global power centers are thinking about their security and positioning in the age of Trump. A mural painting by graffiti artist Eme Freethinker features likenesses of US President Donald Trump (R) and Chinese premier Xi Jinping wearing face masks and almost kissing. (JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/GETTY) Beijing: Trump Gets Distracted, Xi Bides His Time It can be difficult to remember now, but there once was a time when Trump presented himself as deeply concerned with Chinas ascension in Asia and its exploitation of the United States. There are people who wish I wouldnt refer to China as our enemy, he wrote in his 2015 book, Crippled America. But thats exactly what they are. As president, however, Trump supplemented his harsh actions against China with praise for leader Xi Jinping and the countrys illiberalism. Advertisement Advertisement And so China fretted about a second Trump term. Beijing began in 2024 quite concerned that Trump would be difficult to manage because of his unpredictability and willingness to take huge risks, said Scott Kennedy, trustee chair in Chinese business and economics at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. But the Chinese have been pleasantly surprised. The Trump who once seemed obsessed by the threat China posed to the United States is now far less invested in such thingsa transition that has not gone unnoticed in Beijing. Over the last year, they figured out how to manage him and believe they have the upper hand, said Kennedy. They feel they know what moves him. In Chinas view, Trump is superficially aggressive and demanding, but when confronted with opposition, he settles for half measures or other face-saving compromises. In April 2025, he grandiosely announced tariffs on China as part of his Liberation Day campaign. But after China announced retaliatory measures by withholding rare earths, Trump soon reversed the tariffs that he had said were critical to saving the U.S. economy. Their aggressive retaliation has worked, as Kennedy said. What China never anticipated in its fondest fantasies of a second Trump presidency was the extreme hostility the president would engender with his closest allies. Beijing cant believe its luck, said David Sacks, a China specialist at the Council on Foreign Relations, or CFR. By not simply insulting but actually threatening the closest friends of the United States, the Trump administration has pushed them into the waiting arms of the rising power in Asia. Trump is doing Chinas work for it, said Sacks. Prime ministers from Canada and the United Kingdom have both already visited Beijing in 2026, after years of their countries government leaders conspicuously abstaining from traveling to China. They followed leaders from France, Ireland, South Korea, and Finland in making such trips. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited China in late February. As Wendy Cutler, a longtime diplomat who is currently senior vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute, said with considerable understatement: China is welcoming the apparent strains and tensions in the Western alliance. Notably, China has attracted these wealthy liberal democracies to its orbit without making a single concession around its human rights violations, designs on Hong Kong and Taiwan, or trade practices. When British leader Keir Starmer met with Chinese officials on his trip, he failed to secure promises to release Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai, a British citizen who has been detained for more than five years, much of the time in solitary confinement. Starmer reportedly raised the matter with Xi, but the Chinese leader didnt feel compelled to acquiesce to releasing Lai, who will likely die in a Chinese jail. Beijings playbook is working, said Zongyuan Zoe Liu, a Chinese-born analyst at CFR. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps two administrations have released very different National Security Strategy, or NSS, documentsa white paper delivered periodically by all administrations that announces their broad global prioritiesand this illustrates the shifts in priorities. In the initial NSS document Trump released in late 2017, China was mentioned 33 times (nearly twice as many times as in the Obama administrations final NSS), with nary a positive reference among them. The report accused China of trying to displace the United States in the Indo-Pacific region, expand the reaches of its state-driven economic model, and reorder the region in its favor. Chinese officials lambasted the paper, saying that the United States was contradicting itself by seeking to cooperate at times but portraying Beijing as an adversary at other points. In December 2025, by contrast, the second Trump administration released its first NSS, and it offered a markedly different assessment of China. Rather than treating great-power competition as the predominant reality facing U.S. foreign policy, this new analysis relegated China to the background. There was no reference to China being a strategic competitor or anything similar. Instead, the emphasis was on the alleged dangers to the Western Hemisphere supposedly sprouting from Latin Americaranging from narco-terrorists to drug cartels to immigrants. This shift occurred even though China was arguably stronger, wealthier, and better positioned globally in 2025 than it had been eight years earlier. The Chinese also had four years of dealing with Trump under their belt and had a better idea of what to expect with Trump 2.0. This time around, Beijing is much better prepared economically, strategically, and politically, said Liu. With Trump both less concerned with confronting China and more focused on the Western Hemisphere, Beijing is content to simply wait for the United States to expend crucial resources combating phantom dangers. China feels very much time is on its side, said Cutler. The country is highly confident in its technological capabilities and simply wants time and space to become stronger and more self-reliant, she said. Given this self-confidence, China is aligned with the second Trump administration in seeking to stabilize the bilateral relationship instead of being on a more adversarial footing. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Chinas business community is less enamored of the Trump team, seeing it as too erratic to make investment a smart opportunity. And Beijing is not naive enough to believe that American policymaking elites fail to see China as a competitor, even if its not seen as the menace Trump portrayed circa 2015. Said Liu: They are confident they know how to handle Trump and see no need to make concessions without receiving benefits. A mural created for the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, depicting President Trump wearing an ICE police uniform and a red cap with the ICE logo, while holding the five Olympic rings. ( Sheila Gallerani/Archivio/Mondadori Portfolio/Getty ) Brussels: So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Adieu Trump routinely disparaged European allies on the campaign trail in 2015 and 2016, reserving expressions of fondness for Russian leader Vladimir Putin and various other autocrats, dictators, and tyrants. In 2016, he complained several times about NATO alliesall of whom are European, except for Canadaof free-riding on the United States and called the organization itself obsolete. Given that history, the U.S. relationship with the European Union and its 27 member-states proved surprisingly resilient in Trumps first term, despite his invective about the immigration policies of countries like Germany. He did surprisingly little to destroy the alliance, as some had feared. And with the Biden administration all-in on boosting traditional allies and NATO, Brussels could be forgiven for having thought the crisis had passed. It is fair to say that, while much of the world is surprised by Trumps behavior and rhetoric in his second term, the countries that make up the European Union are the most bewildered. Advertisement Advertisement That was then. It is fair to say that, while much of the world is surprised by Trumps behavior and rhetoric in his second term, the countries that make up the European Union are the most bewildered. While turbulence was expected, few were prepared for the scale of disruption that followed, more akin to a political earthquake than the manageable aftershocks many had anticipated in transatlantic relations, said Kader Sevinc, a Brussels-based expert who was formerly a senior EU affairs executive. When Trump disparaged Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in a White House meeting in full view of cameras in February 2025, he signaled not just a different approach to the Russian-Ukrainian War but to relations with Europe in general. The forced dustup illustrated not just the presidents scorn for Ukraines brave battle for independence but his willingness to disregard priorities, such as Russias incursions into Eastern Europe, that EU members see as essential to their security. Countries closer to Russia have more to fear from Moscow than those in the Western Hemisphere, after all, but they werent consulted before Trumps shocking tirade. Brussels is in a panicking mode and has been for almost a year now because of the unpredictabilityI think they feel that the unpredictability is really something they cant deal with because theres so many issues that come up at, I wouldnt say a short notice, but the issues come up when you least expect them, said Engjellushe Morina, senior policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations. In 2019, Trump suddenly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, which is semiautonomous and militarily protected by Denmark. Essentially a large real estate deal, he said, adding that the issue came up, and he was intrigued. Responsibility for Greenland cost Denmark oodles of money, he claimed, so he was open to buying Greenland. But when Danish leaders said its territory was not for sale, Trump canceled a planned visit. He said at the time about purchasing Greenland: Its not number one on the burner, I can tell you that. It was on the burner when he returned to office, however. Even before his second inauguration, Trump in January 2025 wouldnt rule out using force to obtain Greenland and threatened tariffs against Denmark if it refused to sell it. We need Greenland for national security purposes, he said, making similar claims throughout the year about the United States getting the territory one way or another. Advertisement Advertisement After invading Venezuela in early 2026, Trump seemed emboldened enough to want to make good on his pledge. France, Germany, and Norway promised to contribute troops to a multinational force to defend Denmark as the president refused to budge. Although a direct confrontation was avoided when Trump backed down and pretended an impressive agreement had been reached over Greenland, enormous, fatal damage was inflicted on Europeans trust not just in Trump but perhaps in U.S. foreign policy generally. That was a threat of force used on a NATO ally, said Simon Smith, an international-relations specialist at the Royal Danish Defense College in Copenhagen. No one is going to forget that. There is a contrast between what is said in public and what is said behind the scenes, stated Smith. Countries avoid provoking Trump and some speak publicly about the United States continuing to be a vital part of NATO. In private, however, leaders alternate between discussing NATO as an organization in which the U.S. presence is nominalor even what it might mean to create a duplicate organization without the United States. But the reality is that it can take years before European countries are capable of defending themselves. We are still heavily dependent on the United States, said Jean-Louis De Brouwer, director of the European Affairs Programme at the Egmont Institute in Brussels. Coordinating among more than two dozen countries is difficult, a problem solved by having the United States provide most of the resources and direction for NATO and the Western alliance. The large partners of the EU seem determined to set the direction for continental security policy in a way that has not been true since World War II. Said Jean-Louis De Brouwer: Call it decoupling. Advertisement Advertisement Even so, the large partners of the EU seem determined to set the direction for continental security policy in a way that has not been true since World War II. Said De Brouwer: Call it decoupling, good decoupling. Call it de-risking, I dont know but that we should take for granted once and for all that the less dependent we are going to be to the United States, the better position we are in. People walk past a mural on a wall depicting Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin kissing each other. ( PETRAS MALUKAS/AFP/GETTY) Moscow: Waiting for NATO to Implode During Trumps first presidential campaign, his special affection for Vladimir Putin appeared baffling and deeply worrisome to anyone concerned about Russias subversion of liberal democracies, to say nothing of its designs on its immediate neighbors. But despite Russias interference in the 2016 election on behalf of Trump, his administration largely maintained an adversarial relationship in dealing with the country. In his first term, he was surrounded by aides who were conventional in their thinking, said Robert Orttung, a Russia expert at George Washington University. With Vice President Mike Pence, national security adviser H.R. McMaster, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Trump was guided by individuals who had typical conservative views on dealing with Russia. What Trump was thinking was different than what was happening, said Orttung. That led to disappointment and frustration in the Kremlin, according to Thomas E. Graham, a Russia adviser and diplomat during the Bill Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. And so Russia didnt look at Trumps second term with heightened expectations, Graham said. In his second term, however, Trump is more confident in asserting himself, and he is surrounded by individuals who share his views or are simply more willing to do his bidding (obsequious lackeys, in Orttungs words). The president seemed intent on betraying Ukraine during his infamous televised White House spat with President Zelensky, and he has repeatedly praised Putin as a reasonable man intent on peace. Trump has several times grandiosely announced that a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine was impending, and members of his administration have said that Ukraine must be prepared to relinquish some of its territory to Russia. Putin also understands that Trump is into value-free diplomacy, in the words of Anna Ohanyan, a Russia expert at Stonehill College. But while Trump might be willing to sacrifice Ukrainian territory, sovereignty, and interests for the sake of a peace deal, he is no more committed to doing so than to any other foreign policy objective. Given his short attention span and competing priorities such as maintaining domestic popularity, demonstrating strength, and projecting an image as a brilliant dealmaker, he has proved unwilling to follow through with pressure on Kyiv to completely surrender. Russia continues to see Trump as a mercurial president and sees that he likes a large defense budget, said Andrew Weiss, who previously served as director for Russian, Ukrainian, and Eurasian Affairs on the National Security Council staff and is currently with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. For all Trumps friendly rhetoric toward Moscow, the Kremlin doesnt look at him as a friend of Russia, said Weiss. He pointed to the National Security Strategy, which treats Russia as a minor, regional power, hardly an important country whose interests must be accommodated. While other critics felt that Russian malfeasance was absolved in the report, Weiss suggested that the Russians look at what [Trump] is doing with apprehension. He is simply too unpredictable and erratic to be relied upon. Advertisement Advertisement Aside from Ukraine, Trump denied Putins desire to extend the New START treaty, the 2010 pact that capped the number of deployed nuclear-capable missiles, bombers, and warheads both Russia and the United States could have. Trump has said hes open to a deal but wants it to include China. If it expires, it expires, he said. Well just do a better agreement. That, of course, is similar to the language the president used in 2018 when he withdrew the United States from the agreement President Barack Obama had signed with Iran in 2015 to limit its nuclear program. Alas, no better agreement with Iran was forthcoming, and the country was ultimately bombed by the United States less than a decade later. At the same time, Trump has taken actions in Central Asia that undermine Russias claim to an exclusive sphere of influence. In the fall of 2025, his administration played a role in negotiating a peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, part of which involved a withdrawal of Russian forces from the border between the two countries. An additional component of the agreement is the construction of a 20-mile transit corridor connecting Azerbaijan to an autonomous, mountainous region that is part of Armenian territory. The United States has rights to manage the territory for 99 years, which is now called the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. Unsurprisingly, Russia has reacted poorly to this assertion of U.S. power, downplaying the significance of the Americans in the region. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, The current stage of Armenian-Azerbaijani normalization began with the decisive and central role of Russia. Another Russian official told reporters that countries in Central Asia obviously could not ignore their Russian partners. But, as Ohanyan said, the reality is that Putin is on the back foot as Trump is more active in the Caucasus. In observing Trump destroy nato and the Western alliance, Putin is on the front foot. [Trump] is doing what 80 years of the Soviet Union couldnt do, said Thomas E. Graham. However, in observing Trump destroy NATO and the Western alliance, particularly by denigrating European countries, Putin is very much on the front foot. [Trump] is doing what 80 years of the Soviet Union couldnt do, said Graham. The administration has alienated not just countries like Germany and France but even ones like Poland and the Czech Republic, which, behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War, looked to the United States as a beacon of resistance to Moscow. The Russians are happy to sit back, as Weiss put it, and watch NATO implode. And yet, Russia might be concerned with the apparent determination of Europe to rearm as America withdraws. With the United States abandoning its commitment to defend European countries from Moscows attempts to control parts of Eastern Europe and subvert the rest of the continent, Germany and other countries are unlikely to simply accept subordination to the Russians. Theyre more concerned with Russophobia in Europe than in the U.S. right now, said Graham. He compared the situation to the end of the Cold War, when Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev was confronted with the dilemma of facing either a united, unarmed Germany within NATO or an armed, united Germany outside of any alliance led by the United States. Gorbachev preferred Germany within NATO, believing the United States a lesser threat to Moscows interests than a powerful Germany might be. Now, said Graham, Russia might not like what self-confident Europeans will do without U.S. restraint. However, Europeans might not yet have the strength to prevent Trump from negotiating a peace treaty that is far more favorable to Russia than Ukraine. If Trump suspects a chance to win a Nobel Peace Prize and simultaneously please Putin by giving Moscow more than it has won on the battlefield, the president will not pass on the opportunity. A photograph of people walking past a bus stop that has a mural of President Donald Trump seated with his arms crossed atop a tombstone inscribed RIP Khamenei/ ( Sheila Gallerani/Archivio/Mondadori Portfolio/Getty ) Tehran: Taken by Surprise No country has suffered more because of Trumps return to the White House than Iran. After being inaugurated for a second term in 2025, Trump announced he was reinstating the maximum pressure campaign, cutting off whatever talks Iran had held with the Biden administration over its nuclear program and other issues. This hostility was apparently a surprise to Tehran, which believed that Trump, portrayed by the White House and sometimes the media as a flexible negotiator, would be willing to make a better deal than Joe Biden had. Iran miscalculated with the United States, said Sanam Vakil, the Tehran-born director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House in London. The Stimson Centers Barbara Slavin, author of a book on Iran, said that the regime believed Trump would just want a slightly better deal than the one Obama signed in 2015. That way, Trump could get his Nobel, she said, referring to Trumps documented whining that he has not been awarded the Nobel Prize. Irans analysis initially seemed to be correct, Slavin pointed out. In April 2025, Trump dispatched an envoy to Oman to hold talks with Iranian officials. The next month, Trump announced that a deal was imminent, apparently believing that Iran would simply capitulate. But when that didnt happen, he let Israel initiate a large-scale bombing campaign against Iran, and the United States joined in, striking Iranian nuclear sites. Iran, in turn, mustered a response that reached deep into Israel. They proved that their missiles are more effective than people expected, said Trita Parsi, the former president of the National Iranian American Council who now leads the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. He pointed out that Israelis wanted the ceasefire that eventually emerged, while Iran had to be dragged into it. There is a school of thought among Iranian hardliners that believes the regime should not have agreed to the ceasefire, he said, a belief that became pertinent in February 2026. The Iranians overlooked Trumps willingness to use military force to extract concessions. Having not had relations with the United States for nearly 50 years, the Islamic Republic is poorly informed about the various factions in Washington and how they differ. There arent a lot of contacts between Iran and MAGA Republicans, Vakil said, with understatement. Parsi said Iran made a huge mistake because they wouldnt agree to negotiate with Trump directly, since the president likes the pageantry and power dynamics of face-to-face summits and believes he uniquely connects with foreign leaders. The Israeli-U.S. assault on Iran was only part of the destruction Tehran has suffered since late 2023. Israel pulverized Iran-supported groupsHamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon. At the end of 2025, wide-ranging protests erupted after shopkeepers in Tehrans bazaars called for a strike. On January 4, 2026, after a shocking military operation in Venezuela, the Trump administration put Iran in its sights. If they start killing people like they have in the past, Trump said, I think theyre going to get hit very hard by the United States. But he never intervened beyond encouraging Iranians to resista false encouragement that led them to be slaughtered, said Slavin. In the ensuing weeks, Trump moved an aircraft carrier, bombers, and fighter jets within striking distance of Iran. And in late February, he finally coordinated a massive assault on Iran with Israel. At press time, the attacks had killed the Iranian supreme leader and other senior political, intelligence, and military officials, and hundreds of Iranian civilians. The onslaught targeted Irans weaponry and military bases. For its part, Iran fired missiles into Israel, killing at least nine people, and launched weapons at U.S. targets and allies across the Middle East, killing four Americans. Hezbollah militants launched rockets from Lebanon, and Israel responded, killing 31 people at press time. The combined effect of all this pressure is to create the biggest challenge Iran has faced since the 1979 revolution brought the Islamic regime to power. It is weaker than ever domestically and globally, facing possibly existential threats at home and abroad. But that does not mean Iran is completely without options. Iran is not Venezuela, said Vali Nasr, a political scientist at Johns Hopkins University, who advised the Obama administrations Middle East policy. It is unlikely to simply capitulate to U.S. demands to abandon its nuclear program or to absorb more attacks on its territory. For one thing, it isnt clear exactly what Trump wants beyond having Iran abandon its nuclear program entirely, something the regime cannot do without losing what little internal legitimacy it retains. U.S. objectives are not clearly spelled out, said Nasr. If somehow Iran were to agree to forswear even a peaceful nuclear program, it cannot be sure that additional demands wouldnt be forthcoming from the administration. In addition, if somehow Iran were to agree to forswear even a peaceful nuclear program, it cannot be sure that additional demands wouldnt be forthcoming from the administration. Iran already restrained itself after the summer 2025 attack on its nuclear facilities, only launching a few missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar. This was a fraction of Irans possible retaliation, given its stockpile of short-range and medium-range missiles. Such restraint also followed the Trump administrations assassination of Irans Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020, when he was in Iraq. Iran has avoided confronting the United States directly, but that did not stop Trump from attacking the country. The regime has rejected U.S. entreaties to resume negotiations. Their only card left is to react differently, said Nasr. Iran is undoubtedly weaker than it was when Trump came into office. But, then, so is the United States. Trumps political career has been preoccupied with projecting strength, including strength for the United States in the world. From this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the world, he promised in his second inauguration speech. We will be the envy of every nation, and we will not allow ourselves to be taken advantage of any longer. Alas, in just over a year, Trump has squandered some of the countrys greatest sources of strength. By repelling nearly all of Americas alliesalliances that are among the best instruments of leverage Washington has in the worldhe has paid China and Russia enormous dividends. His impulsive, economically illiterate tariffs, blatant corruption, and affection for authoritarianism have sapped the global economy and euthanized the U.S. order. Whatever its many flaws, that order looks preferable to the world he is constructing. Whether that is neoroyalism or a world balanced against the United States, the result for Americans is one they should not welcome. If Trump insists on steamrolling over other countries, the United States will eventually discoverlike Napoleons France, Hitlers Germany, and Stalins Soviet Union before itthat other countries always have options to resist. If, instead, he wants to team up with autocrats to share the spoils earned by plundering and coercing weaker nations, Trump will join Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin in ushering in a new age of corrupt authoritarianism unseen since the Middle Ages. The Brief Trump removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and nominated Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her. Illinois Democrats reacted with sharp criticism, with some calling her firing overdue. Mullin must be confirmed by the Senate but could serve as acting secretary while his nomination is pending. ILLINOIS - From "Good riddance" to "She gone!", Illinois politicians responded with blunt and biting remarks after President Donald Trump announced the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. What we know Two days after Noem appeared at a heated Capitol Hill hearing over the departments immigration enforcement actions, Trump announced she had been removed from her position in a social media post on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Trump also said he is nominating Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Noem, effective March 31. "I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026," Trump said in a statement on his social media platform Truth Social. "The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at Homeland." Noem is reportedly the first Cabinet secretary to depart during Trumps second term. She has faced sustained criticism over the administrations immigration enforcement policies and deadly shootings that have occurred. Illinois elected officials reacted on social media and in public statements following the announcement. What they're saying Dont let the door hit you on the way out, Kristi Noem. pic.twitter.com/p6SPcRztFw Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) March 5, 2026 Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker "Hey Kristi Noem, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Here's your legacy: Corruption and chaos, parents and children tear-gassed, moms and nurses, U.S. citizens getting shot in the face. Now that you're gone, don't think you get to just walk away. I guarantee you, you will still be held accountable," Gov. Pritzker said. Rep. Robin Kelly "Good riddance, Kristi Noem. President Trump fired Kristi Noem because he knew Congress was going to remove her. My impeachment efforts against Noem gained momentum every time she opened her mouth and terrorized our country. She was an incompetent leader who enriched her friends and unleashed her Gestapo agents with no regard for the law or human life. Its time for her to go home and never enter public serviceor adopt a dogagain." Sen. Dick Durbin "Kristi Noem was the face of an unpopular, illegal, and outright dangerous mass deportation campaign that claimed the lives of innocent Americans and terrorized many more. Our country expressed outrage, she repeatedly lied before Congress, and even the President finally conceded she was unfit for the job. Advertisement Advertisement "Kristi Noem slipped on the outrages of ICE. Will this Oklahoma Senator be any better? We will find out as the Senate exercises its authority under the Constitution to provide advice and consent on this appointment." Sen. Tammy Duckworth "Kristi Noem should've been fired a long, long time ago. Next, the Trump Administration needs to work with Democrats to enact the commonsense DHS reforms that the American people are crying out for. "Helping prevent more Americans from being executed by their own government is the very least they can do." Congresswoman Delia Ramirez "Good riddance. I called for Noems resignation in April 2025. I was the first to call for her impeachment in September. In December, I requested that the House Committee on Judiciary conduct a complete investigation into Secretary Noem's unlawful and potentially impeachable actions. And just last week, I met with Noem face-to-face to reiterate that she must resign or face removal from office. Her removal is long overdue. Advertisement Advertisement "All credit for the end of her tenure as Secretary of DHS belongs to the people in the streets who have been mobilizing, documenting, and litigating every violation of our rights perpetrated under Noems leadership. Anyone who seeks appointment to implement Trumps unlawful, inhumane campaign of terror should expect the same level of accountability and scrutiny. "But Noems removal is not sufficient. She has no place in public office. She has misused resources appropriated by Congress and engaged in unethical behavior, made false and misleading statements to Congress and to the press, and undermined the separation of powers and disregarded the role of Congress and the Courts. Under her leadership, families have been torn apart, and precious lives have been lost. She must be impeached, and the American people must have justice and accountability. "Regardless of whichever figurehead Trump attempts to appoint as the next Secretary of DHS, we know the world we are building: one where no billionaires profit from our pain, where we abolish ICE and end detention, and we dismantle DHS. The power of the people is ALWAYS greater than the weapons they would wield against us, including DHS. Today and everyday, all power to the people." Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton "Bye, Kristi!" Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch "She gone!" Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson "In Kristi Noem's time fleecing the American people with her derelict of leadership at DHS, Chicago has withstood targeted attacks by DHS and the federal agents under its purview who have incited chaos in our communities with their violence and callous disregard for our residents' most basic human rights. Instead of seeking collaboration, Noem weaponized fear to undermine trust between communities and local law enforcement who work every day to keep our communities safe. Her tenure will be remembered by her brazen corruption, the reckless exploitation of vulnerable families to advance a far-right agenda, and willingness to put the President's interests over those of the American people. She will not be missed in Chicago." Congressman Mike Quigley "Good riddance. Kristi Noems time as DHS Secretary has been an utter disaster. She was unqualified, incompetent, and cruel from the beginning. Under her leadership, U.S. citizens have been detained and killed, children have been teargassed, CBP and ICE have effectively operated unconstrained, and DHS has repeatedly lied to the American people. And she killed her dog. Advertisement Advertisement "All of this is why I cosponsored Rep. Robin Kellys articles of impeachment and have been calling for her removal for months. "This was incredibly overdue. Apparently, Donald Trump finally got tired of the bad headlines she was constantly generating with her misconduct. Trump and Noem cannot try to save face by moving her to a made-up position. She has no place within the federal government. "Markwayne Mullin is just as unfit as Noem. I have no confidence whatsoever that he will stand up to Trumps demands for violence or curb ICE and CBPs behavior in any way. "While I am cheered by Noems removal, we cannot lose sight of the essential task at hand: Withholding funds from ICE and CBP until significant structural changes are made that protect our communities from unnecessary violence and violations of basic rights." Rep. Darin LaHood "I have the utmost confidence in Senator Markwayne Mullins ability to effectively lead the Department of Homeland Security," said Rep. LaHood. "During our time serving together in Congress and on the House Intelligence Committee, I witnessed Senator Mullins tremendous integrity, sound judgment, and unwavering commitment to the safety of the American people. He will bring the same dedication and leadership to DHS and continue to bolster our national security." Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi "Secretary Noems removal does not erase the abuses that occurred on her watch in the Trump administration. It only reinforces why Congress must continue demanding accountability. I commend Congresswoman Kelly for her leadership in introducing articles of impeachment against Secretary Noem as part of our broader efforts to expose these abuses and ensure that no one is above the law. By replacing Secretary Noem with Senator Mullin, President Trump is hoping to distract from reckless, militarized immigration raids, including Operation Midway Blitz, that have spread fear in communities across the country and left multiple people dead. Changing the name on the door will not change the policies, the abuses, or the Trump administrations rejection of congressional oversight. The American people deserve a Department of Homeland Security that respects the rule of law and answers to the public. We must abolish Trumps ICE." Advertisement Advertisement FOX Chicago will update this story as additional reactions are released. What's next Mullin would need to be confirmed by the Senate for the role, but under federal law, he could serve as acting Homeland Security secretary while his nomination is pending. RELATED: Trump removes Kristi Noem from Homeland Security post The Source The information in this article was gathered from multiple reports and Illinois politicians. The state commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Pennsylvania said the post in Herminie was not following the VFW bylaws, which is why the doors were suddenly closed on Wednesday morning. Its definitely weird for it just to close down overnight, said John Diperna of Herminie. I mean, if there was something going on. There was no incidents that anybody knew anything about, so it had to be within the place. John Wood said his dad used to run the post, but he hasnt been back in a few years. Advertisement Advertisement Whatever happened, whatever is going on, its sad because its a need. Its a need for the area, Wood said. People in Herminie are shocked by the recent closure of their local VFW post 8427. Channel 11 spoke with the State Commander, who said the closure is temporary. It will reopen after an investigation is finished. As soon as they kind of understand where the deficiencies were, lets correct it and lets get started again, said Bill Randol, state commander of the VFW Department of Pennsylvania. Locals like Diperna say its all the small town can talk about. Many families have birthday parties, banquets and even weddings scheduled in the hall and bowling alley in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement It means a lot to this town. Everybody comes up here, Diperna said. Everybody orders food from here. They usually have food you can order and things like that. The parking lots are always full. So, there would be no reason. I dont understand why? State Cmdr. Roland said he is aware the club acts as the heart of the town and hopes theyll be able to honor the events already on the schedule. If they have contracts or obligations, I may authorize them to open under supervision, Roland said. We are a big part of the community, and I dont want the community to be affected because, whatever the issues were, somebody made a mistake. Diperna said he hopes the club opens soon. Advertisement Advertisement Its a really good environment here. You can come in here, sit and have a drink, and not have to worry about everybody breaking out and fighting like a lot of the other bars. You can sit here and enjoy yourself. Roland did not share any specific details on the investigation but said the club should be back open soon. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW DENVER (KDVR) A police pursuit that ended with a PIT maneuver closed one direction of Interstate 70 in Aurora on Thursday afternoon. As of 6:09 p.m., the two eastbound left lanes remain closed. The Aurora Police Department is also on the scene, assisting. The pursuit began at around 4:40 p.m. the Denver Police Department told FOX31. Police say the incident began near 45th Avenue and Zuni Street when officers conducted a traffic stop involving a suspected stolen vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement During the traffic stop, police say the driver took off and ran over an officers foot. Free on Your TV FOX31+ for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung A pursuit that ended with a PIT maneuver on Interstate 70 in Aurora has resulted in traffic back up on Thursday. (Credit: Colorado Department of Transportation) The department said a vehicle pursuit began, which ended with a PIT maneuver on eastbound I-70 west of Chambers Road, closing all eastbound lanes. The driver was taken into custody and is being evaluated for potential injuries, police say. The officer whose foot had been driven over was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. The facilities of an Iranian Kurdish opposition group came under attack by drones in Iraqi Kurdistan on Friday, Kurdish sources said, the latest in a series of such hits. Six explosive-laden drones targeted a camp belonging to the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran on the outskirts of Erbil, the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, resulting in powerful explosions, a local official said. Potential casualties were not immediately clear. Advertisement Advertisement A drone meanwhile targeted an office of the same group north-east of Erbil, resulting in no casualties, witnesses said. Iranian forces have already attacked Kurdish groups in neighbouring Iraq. US President Donald Trump has voiced support to the Kurdish opposition forces for launching a potential offensive in Iran, amid reports that Washington is prodding the Iranian Kurds to rise in rebellion against the Iranian leadership. Iraq has said it will not allow its territory to be used as a launch pad for attacks on neighbouring countries. Authorities in the Iraqi autonomous region of Kurdistan have also pledged neutrality in the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran. OKLAHOMA CITY Supporters of a proposed state question to open primaries failed to secure the required signatures to get on the ballot. The Oklahoma Secretary of States office announced Thursday the proposed constitutional amendment fell short of obtaining 172,993 valid signatures. Supporters of State Question 836 in January turned in more than 200,000 signatures, but not enough were determined to be valid. Advertisement Advertisement Tony Stobbe, an Edmond resident, independent voter and proponent, said the states primary system is broken. This effort started important conversations across our communities about fairness, accountability, and making sure no one is shut out of the process, Stobbe said in a statement. While we are disappointed with the announcement, this campaign has proven that hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans are looking for elections that permit full participation regardless of partisan identity and provide an opportunity for consensus. Too many voters feel hopeless and disenfranchised by our current election system. State Question 836 proposed putting all candidates on a single primary ballot with party affiliation listed. Registered voters could select a single candidate in any contested race. The two candidates that got the most votes would advance to the general election. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, independent voters are not allowed to vote in Republican, Democratic or Libertarian primaries. While the measure had support of some prominent Oklahoma Republicans, such as Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, Republican legislative leaders opposed it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Nappanee parents charged in the death of their baby saw his jury trial set on Thursday during Elkhart County Superior Court 3. Nick C. Hunsberger and Amanda Fahlbecks joinder request was approved. They are charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death, a Level 1 felony. His jury trial is Oct. 28, with a pretrial conference on Oct. 17, 2022. On May 8, 2022, Fahlbeck contacted police to report her two-week-old son nonresponsive at her home in the 28000 block of C.R. 23, Goshen. Paramedics responded, but the baby boy was declared deceased later at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement The baby and a sibling had slept in bed with the father, Nick Hunsberger, and Fahlbeck, told police that the baby was unresponsive when she awakened at 8 a.m., per the affidavit. Fahlbeck also told police shed lost another child previously due to co-sleeping, a probable cause affidavit reads. At the hospital, police noted that both parents appeared intoxicated so they issued blood tests and found amphetamine, methamphetamine, fentanyl and norfentanyl in their systems, the affidavit states. Hunsberger reportedly said hed awakened Fahlbeck around 2 a.m. frantic about the child. Police said in their report they also found bags of fentanyl and meth. Advertisement Advertisement An autopsy of the baby identified factors of death including preterm birth, cord blood positive for amphetamine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and morphine; drug abuse and tobacco dependence by the mother; and complex sleep surface sharing. The child was also noted to have Naloxone in his blood at the time of death. Both parents had prescriptions at the house for the drug, police reported. The state also mentioned considerations to join Fahlbeck and Hunsbergers cases, but no official decision has been made. Hunsbergers defense attorney Eric Kinsman asked that the trial be continued to Aug. 17 as they are seeking a medical examiner. Fahlbecks case has already acquired one. The case will be first setting, Superior Court judge Teresa Cataldo said, because the case is approaching the two-year mark. A pretrial conference will be held July 23. ANGELINA R.A. VALENTE Advertisement Advertisement A woman accused of driving while intoxicated resulting in the death of a motorcyclist in Elkhart had her jury trial continued on Thursday. Around 5:19 a.m. July 7, police say Angelina Rosa Amelia Valente, 30, of Elkhart, was under the influence of marijuana when she caused a crash near C.R. 20 and C.R. 111 in Elkhart. According to a probable cause affidavit, Valente was traveling east on C.R. 20, driving for Uber. She said shed lost her GPS connection and tried to turn around to go back west and pulled into a private driveway on the north side of the roadway and, upon doing so, turned into the path of a motorcycle driven by Franklin Herrington, 55, of Elkhart. Herrington was hospitalized, intubated, unconscious and ultimately died from his injuries that evening. Advertisement Advertisement Velante failed the sobriety test and confirmed shed used marijuana and Alprazolam, but did not test positive for alcohol. Police also noted the smell of burnt marijuana coming from her vehicle and upon searching her purse, found an empty prescription bottle for Alprazolam that was not hers. Valentes jury trial was continued from March 16 to June 1, with a trial status conference May 14. ARMANDO MARQUEZ A man accused of raping a family member as a teen was sentenced in Elkhart County Superior Court 3 proceedings on Thursday. The 9-year-old victim told school staff on Nov. 19 that Armando Marquez had touched her inappropriately while the class was learning about safe and unsafe touches, a probable cause affidavit reads. During an interview the victim said, at the time the family member was still in high school, though he has since graduated Advertisement Advertisement She also told police that he took photos of her and that it had happened three or four times, stating hed bribe her with toys to take off her clothes but never actually gave her a toy, the affidavit reads. The victim also told investigators that hed raped her on several of those occasions, court documents show Marquez allegedly admitted to the allegations and reportedly said it happened several times, but he stopped because he knew it was wrong, felt bad and was about to be an adult. Marquez pleaded guilty and was sentenced on Thursday on Count 1, rape when victim is mentally disabled or deficient, a Level 3 felony, to an aggravated sentence to 16 years with eight to be served on probation. ANTAYSHA L. CURRY Advertisement Advertisement An Elkhart woman charged with burglary after she stole from a home her son was supposed to be doing lawnwork for, was sentenced in Elkhart County Circuit Court Thursday. According to a probable cause affidavit, Antaysha Curry, 34, had made a Facebook post earlier in the day, asking if anyone had a lawn for her son to mow for money. The victim made arrangements with Curry to come May 11, 203, to have the lawn cut. The victim wasnt home when Curry arrived, but arrived about 40 minutes later to find the lawn partially mowed and Curry coming out the front door of her home at 56634 C.R. 1, Elkhart, walking toward a red truck. When she went inside, the victim said she noted several items missing including a PlayStation 4 Pro, hygiene products, loose change jars, and a Chromebook, as well as other items stacked near the door. She went outside and asked Curry to return the items, to which Curry allegedly responded, You shouldnt have left your door unlocked if you didnt want your stolen, before leaving in the truck. Advertisement Advertisement Officers were informed that a mutual friend was in contact with Curry and encouraging her to return the stolen items and in the end, the victim was provided an address, 30015 Old U.S. 33, Innovative Designs, where the items were recovered. The next day, the victim told police that shed received a message from Curry threatening to beat her up. Curry was sentenced on Count 1, Burgary, a Level 4 felony, to six years at the Indiana Department of Corrections to be served alternatively at Michiana Community Corrections with three years suspended on probation. RACHEL L. SHERMAN A woman is facing several felony charges from a crash on May 29, and entered a guilty plea in person on Thursday in Elkhart County Circuit Court. Advertisement Advertisement Rachel L. Sherman, then-20, of Elkhart, was allegedly intoxicated behind the wheel during a crash that hospitalized an Elkhart biker couple on Ind. 19 south of Rosedale Drive. Sherman was charged with four counts of causing catastrophic injury when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated or with a Schedule 1 or 2 substance, all Level 4 felonies; and four counts of causing serious bodily injury when operating a motor vehicle, all Level 5 felonies and also varying between alcohol intoxication and substance intoxication. Shermans sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 28.. Tyler R. Stewart, accused in a burglary from a shed in the 57000 block of Amber Valley Drive in May 2024, had his jury trial continued from March 16 to June 1, with a trial status conference May 16. Advertisement Advertisement Trent A. Smith, charged with several felonies after an apparent crime bender Sept. 4, 2024, had his jury trial continued from March 30 to June 1, with a trial status conference set for May 14. Angel I. Garza, a teen charged in adult court for allegedly robbing MCO Gas Station, 112 W. Pike St., Goshen, at 5:41 p.m. Nov. 15, had his jury trial continued to June 1, with a further proceedings date set for April 30. An Elkhart man accused of robbing a local supermarket had his jury trial rescheduled from March 30 to June 1. Samuel D. Hill is accused of robbery resulting in bodily injury, a Level 3 felony, from an incident on Feb. 13, 2022. Frederick E. Helm, 34, accused of an armed robbery May 2, pleaded guilty to the charge of armed robbery, a Level 3 felony, in Elkhart County Circuit Court Thursday. Helms sentencing is scheduled for April 2. Melvin D. Levy, charged with robbery and resisting law enforcement as part of a duo accused in the March 2024 robbery of Fifth Third Bank, pleaded guilty to robbery, a Level 5 felony, and resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor, during Elkhart County Circuit Court Thursday. His sentencing is scheduled for April 2. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has released draft guidance for sponsors conducting clinical trials during public health emergencies (PHEs). The guidance, published through the Accelerating Clinical Trials in the European Union (ACT EU) initiative, outlines how both new and existing studies should be conducted during PHEs. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released guidance on the conduct of clinical trials in major disruptions due to disasters and PHEs in September 2023. Advertisement Advertisement This is the first guidance from the EU on PHEs to reflect the current legislative framework, as well as the guidelines from the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) developed following the Covid19 pandemic. It recommends a harmonised approach to ensure that clinical trials can be initiated, adapted and continued efficiently and safely when public health emergencies arise. The guidance reads: A key lesson learnt from the Covid-19 pandemic is that small, isolated clinical trials or compassionate use programmes in individual Member States may not generate sufficiently robust evidence for clear medical and public health recommendations. This underlines the need to prioritise the inclusion of trial participants in well-designed clinical trials over off-label or compassionate use in order to strengthen the scientific basis for decision making. The guidance proposes regulatory mechanisms aiming to accelerate the authorisation of new clinical trials and the approval of modifications to ongoing trials during a PHE. Sponsors are encouraged to seek scientific advice from EMAs Emergency Task Force (ETF) to ensure trials are well designed, efficient and capable of delivering meaningful data for regulatory assessment. For new studies, the EMA states that timely generation of robust and reliable evidence is essential and that trial design, procedures and oversight should be fit for purpose and take into account the nature and scale of the emergency. Advertisement Advertisement For studies which were already ongoing before the PHE, sponsors are asked to consider whether protocols can be amended, site visits reduced or decentralised with technology, as well as other considerations to ensure patients are protected during trials. The guidance also allows for situations in which trial patients can be transferred across investigational sites. Adapted procedures or alternative approaches may be required due to the specific challenges posed by PHEs. The draft guidance document is open for public consultation until 30 April 2026. "EMA posts draft guidance on running trials during public health emergencies" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com More than 100 different parties responsible for releasing hazardous substances into the Lower Duwamish Waterway in Seattle have agreed to a settlement with the Justice Department, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the State of Washington. According to the EPA, cleanup work for the Lower Duwamish Waterway is estimated to cost $668 million and take at least 10 years to complete. Per the settlement, the Lower Duwamish Waterway Group consisting of Boeing, the City of Seattle, and King County agreed to design and perform the cleanup plan for the in-water portion of the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site. Advertisement Advertisement The Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund site is a five-mile segment of Seattles only river, the Duwamish. The Duwamish is a vital asset to Seattle and the surrounding community. By lodging this settlement with the court today and seeking public comment, we take a big step toward restoring the Lower Duwamish, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Justin Heminger said. We are proud to play an integral role in negotiating with more than one hundred other parties to achieve this milestone agreement. To help fund the required work, the Lower Duwamish Waterway Group will receive approximately $130 million from other responsible parties in addition to roughly $140 million from federal agencies. EPA identified 41 hazardous substances within the Lower Duwamish Waterway that pose significant risks to the health of Seattles population and the environment. Some of the hazardous substances include polychlorinated biphenyls, arsenic, carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans. Advertisement Advertisement This settlement finally ensures full-scale cleanup of the Lower Duwamish Waterway, EPA Assistant Administrator Jeffrey A. Hall said. The cost-sharing agreement resulting from negotiations among many parties shows that this Administration will make good on its promise to expedite cleanup of hazardous pollutants while ensuring responsible parties are held accountable and the public is not left with the bill for the cleanup. Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) is included among the 15 Best Stocks to Buy Now for Passive Income. KBW Raises Arbor Realty Trust (ABR) Price Target While Staying Bearish on Shares On March 4, Keefe Bruyette analyst Jade Rahmani raised the firms price recommendation on Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) to $8 from $7.50. The firm reiterated an Underperform rating on the shares. During the Q4 2025 earnings call, Chairman, President and CEO Ivan Kaufman said Arbor Realty Trust is focused on resolving nonperforming and underperforming loans. He described these loans as a major factor that has been weighing on the companys earnings. Kaufman said management has a clear plan to work through most of these troubled loans over the coming quarters. If that effort succeeds, he suggested it could restore as much as $100 million to the companys annual income run rate, or about $0.48 per share. He noted that the company ended the year with about $570 million in delinquent loans and around $500 million in real estate owned assets. Together, those figures bring total nonperforming assets to roughly $1.1 billion. Kaufman said that the amount declined by more than $130 million compared with the previous quarter. He added that the company expects to resolve about $100 million to $150 million in delinquencies by the end of March. Another $100 million to $150 million could potentially be addressed within the following 90 days. Kaufman also spoke about the companys share repurchase activity. He said Arbor Realty Trust bought back about $20 million of its stock in recent months under its repurchase program, at an average price of $7.40 per share. That price represents about 64% of book value. Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ABR) is a real estate investment trust and direct lender that provides loan origination and servicing for multifamily, single-family rental portfolios, and other commercial real estate assets. The company operates through two segments: Structured Business and Agency Business. While we acknowledge the potential of ABR as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 15 Best High Dividend Stocks to Invest in Under $100 and 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading into 2026. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. Although the European Commission says there are no immediate gas shortages, the Dutch TTF benchmark the primary pricing reference for natural gas across Europe, used by traders, utilities and governments to set contracts has surged in recent days, reflecting market anxiety over tighter global LNG supply. Qatar's Energy Minister, Saad al-Kaabi, told the Financial Times that war in the Middle East could bring down the economies of the world hitting growth and increasing energy bills due to shortages. The Qatari minister also added that even if the conflict ended immediately, Qatar would take "weeks to months" to normalise deliveries, after the shutdown of Ras Laffan, the LNG export complex struck by Iranian drones this week. Advertisement Advertisement With EU gas storage levels at around 30%, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe, the bloc is entering a critical period for refilling inventories ahead of next winter. The situation revives painful memories of the 2022 energy shock, caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but occurs against a backdrop of much greater diversification away from Russia's pipeline gas. The European Commission convened emergency coordination groups on Wednesday and stated that US LNG deliveries, which now make up most imports, along with Norwegian pipeline gas, are keeping supplies stable for the time being. EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jrgensen has also highlighted the value of increased deliveries from Azerbaijan via the Southern Gas Corridor. Advertisement Advertisement However, some EU countries are particularly exposed to the disruption either because they are major LNG importers, rely heavily on Qatari supplies or have unusually low reserves. Related EU countries with most to lose In 2025, the EU imported over 140 billion cubic metres of LNG, according to the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel. The US was the largest supplier of LNG to the EU, accounting for almost 58% of total LNG imports, which tripled between 2021 and 2025. Advertisement Advertisement The largest LNG importers in the EU are France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium. Of the five, Italy and Belgium face the greatest pressure due to their heavier reliance on Qatari supplies. According to analytics platform Kpler, Qatar accounted for around 30% of Italys LNG imports and 8% of Belgiums last year. Whereas France and Spain, for example, have stronger access to Norwegian supplies among other providers. Additionally, while Poland is not among the EUs top five importers of LNG, 17% of its gas imports came from Qatar in 2025, meaning the country faces a similar challenge of reliance. Advertisement Advertisement Belgium may face the biggest problem in terms of reserve levels. The countrys gas storage stands at around 25.5%, below the EU average of 30%, which further complicates efforts to replace Qatari volumes. Italy and Poland also have significant exposure to Qatari LNG although their storage levels are comparatively higher, at 47% and 50% respectively. Overall, these countries are likely to be more exposed to price volatility as they compete for alternative cargoes on the global spot market. Baird Langenbrunner, a research analyst at Global Energy Monitor, warned that the shutdown of Qatars Ras Laffan LNG export complex could have a significant market impact, noting that few immediate substitutes exist for these volumes. Advertisement Advertisement Related EU countries that saw this coming In stark contrast, other EU countries appear far better insulated from the current turmoil. In particular, Portugal stands out positively, having sourced no gas from the Middle East since 2020, when its last small Qatari delivery totalled just 129,000 cubic metres. According to the Portuguese Directorate-General of Energy and Geology, its main suppliers in 2025 were Nigeria and the United States, with secure routes far removed from the Strait of Hormuz. The country is also maintaining exceptionally high storage levels at over 76%, and experts say it could relatively easily increase US LNG deliveries if needed. Advertisement Advertisement Spain also benefits from more diversified sources, and reserves are at around 56%, placing it in a comfortable position. This variation across the bloc highlights how national energy strategies implemented since 2022 are now producing very different levels of vulnerability. FILE. Three women walk on the beach in Sines, Portugal, Apr. 2024 - AP Photo/Michael Probst Short-term fixes won't solve a long-term addiction Brussels has signalled it is ready to activate solidarity measures if the situation worsens. Options under discussion include coordinated demand-reduction targets, accelerated joint LNG purchasing programmes, temporary price safeguards and financial support mechanisms for the most affected member states. The European Commission has stressed it will continue close daily monitoring with national governments and is prepared to fast-track state-aid approvals or facilitate cross-border storage sharing where required. Advertisement Advertisement Chris Bernkopf, CEO of Podero, a Vienna-based energy flexibility software company that works with major European utilities including E.ON and TotalEnergies, voiced the same call many experts are making for a faster shift to renewable alternatives. The real problem was not, and is not, the pricing system; its the gas dependence underneath it, he said. The solutions are less dramatic but more durable: build more renewable energy backed by storage, manage demand smartly and use digital tools to coordinate household devices like heat pumps and electric vehicles to reduce strain on the grid. Bernkopf argues that while short-term measures such as price freezes can protect households through a crisis, they do not fix anything structural. Advertisement Advertisement Genuine energy security and lower prices, he insists, will come only from expanding renewables, improving grid flexibility and reducing overall reliance on imported fossil fuels. The coming weeks will test both national preparations and the effectiveness of EU-wide solidarity at a time when geopolitical risks to energy supplies have once again been laid bare. This article was first published on Rigzone here The European Union does not expect immediate impact from the fresh Middle East conflict on the security of oil and gas supply in the bloc, the European Commission said Wednesday, even amid a stoppage of flows from the Druzhba oil pipeline. This was the assessment of the Commission and EU countries at separate meetings of the Gas Coordination Group and the Oil Coordination Group on Wednesday morning, the Commission said in an online statement. Advertisement Advertisement "Since the meeting of the Oil Coordination Group of 25 February, no additional oil stocks have been released and remain at high level", the Commission said. "Gas storage filling levels in the EU remain stable". "In case of a prolonged closure of the strait of Hormuz or further disruptions, the EU security of oil and gas supply will be reassessed", it added. At the earlier meeting of the Oil Coordination Group, it was agreed, according to a Commission statement February 26, that there were no "immediate security of supply risks" from the halt of flows to Hungary and Slovakia from Ukraine's section of the Druzhba pipeline from Russia. EU members Hungary and Slovakia have accused Ukraine of blocking the pipeline, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted the pipeline remains damaged, according to reports from Russian state news agency TASS and Ukrainian state news agency Ukrinform. Advertisement Advertisement "Hungary and Slovakia have released some of their emergency oil stocks, which they hold in reserve, and increased the use of alternative supplies", the Commission said in the February 26 statement. "Emergency stocks of oil and/or petroleum products are kept by all EU countries to manage such situations. Take control of your future. Search THOUSANDS of Oil & Gas jobs on Rigzone.com Search Now >> "Hungary and Slovakia have also relied on the supply of non-Russian crude oil via the Adria pipeline from Croatia. Croatia confirmed that additional cargoes contracted by MOL Group and transporting non-Russian crude oil are inbound for Croatia's oil terminal in Omisalj, ensuring that security of oil supply is maintained in Hungary and Slovakia going forward". Meanwhile the latest update on the monitoring dashboard of the European Network Transmission System Operators for Gas shows that as of Tuesday, EU gas storage facilities were 29.76 percent full with 340 terawatt hours. The data showed that the EU's daily withdrawal rate exceeded its injection rate by 1,457.93 gigawatt hours per day. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Qatar - which according to Commission data is the EU's third-biggest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) - declared force majeure on its LNG operations. QatarEnergy announced the invocation in a brief statement on its website. On Monday QatarEnergy announced, "Due to military attacks on QatarEnergy's operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial City in the State of Qatar, QatarEnergy has ceased production of liquefied natural gas and associated products". On Tuesday it said it was "stopping the production of some downstream products in the State of Qatar, including urea, polymers, methanol, aluminum and other products". To contact the author, email jov.onsat@rigzone.com Advertisement Advertisement More From Rigzone.com, The Leading Energy Platform: >> Find the latest oil and gas jobs on Rigzone.com << European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Olof Gill has said that Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico has requested a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and that it is being prepared. Source: European Pravda Quote: "I can confirm that we have received a request for a meeting from Prime Minister Fico." Details: Gill said this in response to a question about Fico's plans to discuss the halt in oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline with Ursula von der Leyen on 10 March. Advertisement Advertisement Gill added that "we're looking into the President's agenda possibilities and we should be able to confirm that meeting as soon as possible." "I'm not going to go into the details of what they will discuss. I think it's fair to say that the list of topics I have just mentioned will feature highly on the agenda," said Gill referring to tensions around the Druzhba pipeline which stopped transporting oil. Gill also said von der Leyen will be in Paris on 10 March to deliver a speech at the Nuclear Energy Summit. She will travel to Strasbourg the same day to chair a meeting of the College of Commissioners. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday 11 March, still in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen will take part in a European Parliament plenary debate ahead of the European Council meeting on 19 and 20 March, as well as a debate on the geopolitical crisis in the Middle East. Background: Robert Fico has said he intends to coordinate his position with the European Commission on the Druzhba oil pipeline before any meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and therefore plans to meet von der Leyen on 10 March. Fico and Zelenskyy agreed on a meeting during a phone call on 27 February. Ukraine later invited Fico to visit on 6 or 9 March. Earlier, Fico held a press conference presenting satellite images, which he claims confirm the absence of critical damage to the Druzhba oil pipeline. Hungary and Slovakia continue to claim that Ukraine has stopped oil supplies via the Druzhba oil pipeline solely for political reasons, even though the disruption was caused by damage from a Russian attack in late January. Both countries have decided to set up an investigative commission to examine the condition of the Druzhba pipeline and are demanding access to the site of the damage. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings is sending an aircraft to the Middle East to bring around 150 tourists back to Germany, the German company said. A special flight from the Saudi capital Riyadh to Cologne is scheduled for the night from Friday to Saturday, Eurowings said. Passengers on board will be customers of the company's own tour operator, Eurowings Holidays, who were caught off guard by the US-Israeli attack on Iran while staying in Dubai and the surrounding area, the company said. They are to be taken by bus to the airport in Riyadh. Advertisement Advertisement The Airbus A320 is expected to land in Cologne at 00:30 am on Saturday (2330 GMT Friday). It will be the Lufthansa Group's first evacuation flight to Germany on its own behalf. Until now, the airline has been operating flights as a service provider for the German government. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Instagram on Thursday evening that the German government also plans to bring home Germans stranded in the region from Riyadh after organizing three special flights from Oman. According to a document from the Foreign Office seen by dpa, the flight from Riyadh is to be organized on Sunday afternoon with a chartered aircraft from the airline Sundair. To prepare for the departure, particularly vulnerable Germans such as pregnant women, the sick or the elderly are to be brought overland from the Gulf emirate of Qatar to Riyadh. A suspicious device was found during an unattended death investigation in a Massachusetts town on Friday, prompting a massive emergency response and evacuations. Officers and detectives responding to a call for an unattended death at 201 Main Street in Milford around 11:40 a.m. discovered several suspicious objects that could possibly be identified as homemade explosives, according to the Milford Police Department. Police ordered evacuations out of an abundance of caution and shut down Exchange Street and sections of Main Street for just over two hours as the Milford Fire Department and Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad cleared the scene. Our officers and partner agencies from the Milford Fire Department and MSP Bomb Squad acted quickly to secure the area and ensure the safety of the public, Milford Police Chief Robert Tusino said in a statement. Out of an abundance of caution, we took the necessary steps to investigate the suspicious items and confirm there was no ongoing threat to the community. Advertisement Advertisement Video captured by a Boston 25 News photographer showed a slew of emergency vehicles blocking the area. The area was deemed safe just after 2 p.m., allowing the public to reenter nearby buildings and traffic to flow. There were no additional details immediately available. The investigation remains ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Gov. Tony Evers signed a pair of bills into law Friday that make grooming a crime and require school districts to adopt policies on appropriate communications. Keeping our kids safe, especially while theyre in our schools, must be a top priority for us, whether its addressing grooming, gun violence, bullying or other harmful behavior, Evers said in a statement. The bills were introduced last year after a report from the CapTimes that found there were over 200 investigations into teacher licenses stemming from allegations of sexual misconduct or grooming from 2018 to 2023, though bill authors, including Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie), said they had worked on the legislation for longer. Advertisement Advertisement After nearly two years of working to strengthen protections for children in Wisconsin, Im grateful to see these two important bills signed into law, Nedweski said in a statement. This is a major step forward in protecting kids, supporting victims and ensuring that those who prey on children are held accountable. AB 677, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 88, defines grooming as a course of conduct, pattern of behavior, or series of acts with the intention to condition, seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child for the purpose of producing, distributing or possessing depictions of the child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Some of the behaviors that could fall under the law include verbal comments, suggestions or conversations of a sexual nature directed toward a child, inappropriate physical contact or attempts to initiate such contact and communication via texts, emails, social media, or online platforms, meant to seduce, solicit, lure or entice a child. Under the law, a person convicted of a grooming charge would be guilty of a Class G felony. The charge would increase to a Class F felony if the person is in a position of trust or authority, to a Class E felony if the child has a disability and to a Class D felony if the violation involves two or more children. A convicted person would need to register as a sex offender. Advertisement Advertisement SB 673, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 89, requires public, private and independent charter schools to adopt appropriate communication policies for employees, volunteers and students. Policies will need to be in place by Sept. 1. The policy will need to include a range of consequences for policy violations, apply to communications during and outside of school hours, including standards for appropriate content and methods of communication. The Department of Public Instruction will need to develop and provide free training on professional boundary violations and identifying, preventing and reporting grooming. School boards will need to provide annual training to employees starting in the 2026-27 school year. We have an important obligation to make sure our kids can feel secure, supported, and cared for by educators and staff in our schools adults they should be able to trust and depend on while also providing more clarity about what interactions with students are inappropriate and unacceptable and enhancing punishments for adults who violate that sacred trust, Evers said. Advertisement Advertisement Evers also signed SB 466, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 93, that expands the Missing Child Alert program to include alerts about 10- and 11-year-olds. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By John Davison BAGHDAD, March 6 (Reuters) - Iran has spent decades and billions of dollars preparing foreign proxy fighters like A.J., a commander in a pro-Iranian paramilitary group in Iraq, for a moment just like this. Since the U.S. and Israel went to war on the Islamic Republic a week ago, A.J. has been awaiting marching orders from Tehran. But they have yet to come. And so as the leadership in Tehran faces a potentially existential threat, many of the fighters and militia groups the Iranians cultivated in Iraq have so far not entered the fight for them. There has been no mass mobilization of Iran's proxies inside Iraq, one of the last redoubts of the Islamic Republic's once-formidable system of alliances stretching from Gaza, Lebanon and Syria to Yemen and Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Some pro-Iranian groups in Iraq have claimed attacks in recent days, to be sure. One group said it had fired drones at "enemy bases in Iraq and the region," and several explosions rocked the northern city of Erbil, a Kurdish stronghold that hosts a U.S. base. But most missile and drone attacks have come directly from Iran, Kurdish officials say. The more than two-dozen attacks claimed online in the name of the Islamic Resistance of Iraq a label used by various militants have caused no significant damage, and in some cases there is no evidence of the attacks. Even if direct orders do come from Tehran, A.J. believes that they'll only be issued to two or three of the dozens of Iraqi Shi'ite Muslim paramilitaries nurtured by Iran. "I just don't think most of them are reliable anymore," he told Reuters. "Some will act. Others would have front groups that could launch attacks with deniability. But many are just looking out for their own interests these days." The trajectory of A.J.'s personal journey as a member of an Iranian-backed force in Iraq tracks the rise and fall of Iran's strategy of spreading proxy militias through the region, under the leadership of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and its expeditionary Quds Force, to fight America and Israel. His is the story of how the Israelis and Americans wore down and diminished most of these proxies, leaving the Islamic Republic facing its most perilous moment largely alone. A.J., who is from Shi'ite-majority southern Iraq, spoke on condition he not be identified, for fear of being targeted by Israeli or U.S. strikes. Reuters is using the initials of one of his nicknames for clarity. Advertisement Advertisement A.J. blamed several factors for the reduced military potency of Iran's Iraqi proxies: Israel and America's war of attrition against other regional allies, the loss of Syria as a supply line, and the transition of key commanders into Iraqi political and economic life. His assessment is shared by more than two dozen people interviewed by Reuters, including militia members, Iraqi and Western officials, Shi'ite clerics, and close watchers of Iran's once-vaunted "Axis of Resistance." They painted a picture of a proxy network hollowed out by years of targeted assassinations of hard-to-replace leaders; the loss of secure bases for training and weapons transit; and the transformation of Iraqi commanders into wealthy politicians and businessmen with more to lose than gain from confronting the West. The Iraqi militia leaders "don't want sanctions on them as individuals, they want to have access to Western healthcare, to have their children educated abroad," said Gareth Stansfield, a professor of Middle East politics at Exeter University and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, who has advised the British and regional governments. "That's accelerated since the 12-day war" between Israel and Iran last June, he said. Iraqi security officials and paramilitary insiders say Iran's proxies could yet enter the fray in force if the war drags on, if there's a U.S.-Israeli attack they perceive as being against Shi'ites as a whole, or if U.S.-backed Kurdish groups attack Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Even if they wanted to fight, though, these Iran-backed groups lack the means they once had. They have used outmoded weaponry in their handful of attacks since the war began, according to Iraqi security officials. Tehran has sent no new weapons to his group since the battle with Israel last year, A.J. said. Reuters couldn't determine if this was the case for other pro-Iran militias in Iraq. During last year's confrontation with Israel, Iran's Revolutionary Guards instructed A.J.'s group to retaliate, which they did, firing drones toward Israel. But moving weapons now would be "too risky, they could be spotted by reconnaissance," A.J. said. Israel's military told Reuters that "terrorist factions in Iraq operate as a proxy of Iran." "Operations against the Iranian-led resistance axis, combined with a clear understanding that Israel would not stand idly by as its civilians were attacked, have led to a decrease in attacks from Iraqi territory toward Israel," it said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement The Iraqi and Iranian governments didn't respond to Reuters questions for this story. The White House and the Pentagon also didn't respond to requests for comment. LEADERS LIKE THIS COME ALONG ONLY ONCE' On day two of the war, A.J. and his comrades mourned Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed by an airstrike during the Israeli-U.S. assault on Tehran. Still, no orders came to attack. In Baghdad, thousands of Iraqi supporters of the ayatollah, including off-duty fighters from Iran-backed paramilitary groups, nevertheless rushed the gates of the fortified Green Zone, chanting "death to America" and hoping to attack the U.S. embassy. Advertisement Advertisement They never managed to reach the bridge leading into the Green Zone, and were beaten back and tear-gassed by Iraqi riot police. None of the well-known commanders of Iranian proxy militias were in sight. Qais al-Khazali, a U.S.-sanctioned commander whose militia's banners were raised by the protesters, issued an anodyne statement on X condemning the U.S. and asking supporters to show their anger by "wearing black." Khazali in years past had threatened American interests, and men he commanded had killed U.S. troops in Iraq in 2007. This time, he made no call to arms. Khazali's office didn't respond to a request for comment. One protester in Baghdad bemoaned the lack of support from top pro-Iran paramilitary leaders. "Where are you?" the protester chided in a video posted online. "If you don't come stand with us and burn the (American) embassy, you are cowards." Advertisement Advertisement The protester was referring to a similar incident in 2019, when Iran-backed protesters and militants attacked the U.S. embassy with firebombs in response to American air raids in Iraq and Syria that killed dozens of their paramilitary comrades. On that occasion, the leaders had stood among them, including Khazali. The moment marked a high point of Iranian Shi'ite proxy power in the region. Sixteen years earlier, Iraqi Shi'ite militants fought the Americans with Iranian support after the 2003 U.S. invasion toppled Sunni ruler Saddam Hussein. The militants went on to embed themselves in Iraqi government institutions. The number of Shi'ite paramilitaries swelled after the rise of Islamic State in 2014, as men rushed to defend their country against the extremist Sunni group. The Shi'ite commanders, many close to Iran for decades, capitalized on the victory over Islamic State in 2017 to win seats in parliamentary elections the next year. They also came to dominate the Popular Mobilization Forces, a 150,000-strong state paramilitary umbrella organization formed to fight Islamic State. Advertisement Advertisement The growing power of Iran-backed paramilitaries in Iraq coincided with the political rise of Hezbollah in Lebanon. In Syria, President Bashar al-Assad, an Iran ally, meanwhile weathered a civil war with Iranian proxy help. The U.S. embassy assault in 2019 would be a turning point. It triggered the U.S. assassination in early 2020 of fabled Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force, who directed overseas operations and coordinated Iran's proxies. The killing, ordered by President Donald Trump, sent the militias scrambling for a coordinator. Soleimani's replacement, Esmail Ghaani, lacks the same stature and authority, many militia figures say. A.J. proudly keeps a picture on his phone of him meeting Ghaani. But he said there's "no comparison" between the two leaders. "Soleimani was not just a once in a generation leader, he was a once in history leader," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Reuters was unable to reach Ghaani for comment. After Soleimani's death, Iran's most trusted proxy, Lebanese Hezbollah, stepped in to coordinate the various Tehran-backed groups across the region. A.J. said a Lebanese political figure close to Hezbollah would bring the factions together in Beirut to talk strategy. A.J.'s group still kept operatives in Beirut and Tehran at that time. That would soon change. The outbreak of war in October 2023 between Israel and Iran's Palestinian ally Hamas drew in Hezbollah. That led to the Israeli assassination in September 2024 of Hezbollah's charismatic leader Hassan Nasrallah. Advertisement Advertisement "Nasrallah was also irreplaceable. Leaders like this come along only once," A.J. said. The killing of Nasrallah and most of Hezbollah's senior leadership meant Beirut was no longer safe, he said. His group soon confined its operatives to Iraq and Tehran. "We used to train in Lebanon on drone systems. Now it's Tehran," he told Reuters a few days before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. All the sources Reuters interviewed agreed that Nasrallah's killing dealt a severe blow to the whole axis, impacting the Iraqis' ability to visit Beirut. "Everything changed after Nasrallah was killed," said Mustafa Fahs, a Lebanese political activist in close contact with Iraqi Shi'ite leaders. Fahs said the decapitation of Hezbollah's leadership loosened the group's grip on state institutions in Lebanon, including Beirut airport, depriving Iraqi proxies of a means to visit without scrutiny by Lebanese government intelligence. In recent days, Hezbollah has managed to conduct limited attacks, firing rockets and drones into Israel from Lebanon. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government didn't respond to requests for comment. A SYRIAN COLLAPSE A.J.'s group and other Iranian proxies were deployed to Syria from across the region in 2011 to prevent the collapse of Assad's regime in an uprising that morphed into a civil war dominated by Sunni Islamist rebels. For A.J. and his comrades, the mission was to protect Shi'ite shrines in Syria. For the wider Iran-backed axis, Syria provided a crucial land route from Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon and enabled the movement of weapons and fighters across the region. With their help, plus Russian support, Assad held on. The proxies reduced their presence in Syria around 2020 when it looked like Assad's regime had survived, but still kept offices and weapons in Syria for use against Israel, A.J. said. But things were changing. During a tense meeting of Iran-backed factions in Damascus in 2023, A.J. said he and fellow Iraqi commanders warned Syrian military officials that they were dangerously infiltrated by Israeli agents. "There were enemy agents everywhere in Syria, just waiting to give us away," he said. In the ensuing months just before Nasrallah's killing Israel started assassinating Iranian commanders in Syria. Syrians bought off by Israel were giving coordinates for the attacks, A.J. said. Michael Knights, an expert on Iraqi factions at New York-based risk consultancy Horizon Engage, who has worked closely with the U.S. government in sanctions enforcement, said Israel had local agents helping provide the targeting. The Israeli military didn't address specific questions about the targeting of Iranian commanders in Syria. Assad's ouster in December 2024 was a hammer blow to Tehran and its proxies. With Iran's axis weakened and Nasrallah dead, Syria was taken over by former Al Qaeda fighters led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who would become the country's president in 2025. The sudden defeat sent the remaining pro-Iran factions scattering, with Iraqi groups withdrawing across the border. "Damascus was the key for coordinating the axis of resistance," A.J. said. "That was a big turning point for us." Syria's government didn't respond to questions for this story. With Assad's demise, the axis of resistance was largely down to just Iran, the Houthi militants of Yemen, and the Iraqi groups. THE GOD OF MONEY On the day before the Iran war began, a former Iraqi intelligence chief drove a Reuters correspondent around Baghdad, pointing out vast, lucrative construction projects owned by Iranian proxy militias. "These men were made by Iran, and might ultimately prove loyal to it," he said, referring to the militia leaders. "But there are two gods they worship above all weapons and money." A few months earlier, Khazali, the U.S.-sanctioned commander, made a startling comment in a televised interview. Amid U.S. moves to get back into Iraq's oil sector, he said American companies were welcome to come and invest. The previous year, he'd openly threatened U.S. interests if Washington backed Israeli attacks on Lebanese Hezbollah. The apparent about-face didn't sit well with several pro-Iran commanders in Iraq. "The situation in Iraq now has shown who's the true resistance (against America)," said Abu Turab al-Tamimi, a former commander linked to Iran-backed faction Kataib Hezbollah. "The only ones left are Kataib Hezbollah, Nujaba, and a couple of others perhaps," Tamimi told Reuters, naming two Iraqi factions that remain most loyal to Iran. He didn't include Khazali's group. Kataib Hezbollah and Nujaba didn't respond to questions from Reuters. Khazali's militia movement spawned an affiliated political party, which he also heads. He is among a top tier of Iran-backed senior commanders who have worked their way into seats in parliament and other influential positions within the Iraqi state. They have kept their armed groups, usually folding them into the Popular Mobilization Forces, which receives an annual budget of over $3 billion from the Iraqi government. They have also forged extensive business interests. In the process, they've softened their anti-American rhetoric and increasingly refrained from military action. Most of these commanders have not issued threats against the U.S. since the Iran war began, and their groups haven't claimed new attacks on U.S. interests. They have also privately aligned with the U.S. on Iraq's deliberations over a new prime minister, according to all the sources Reuters interviewed, including members of the commanders' political offices. Khazali and Shibl al-Zaidi, another U.S.-sanctioned leader who also leads a political party, both rejected the Iran-favored pick of Nouri al-Maliki, a former prime minister whom the U.S. strongly opposed, according to people in Zaidi's party and other Iraqi politicians. The two commanders are going even further, reaching out to Western officials. "The head of the British embassy's political section met the chief of our parliamentary alliance 10 days ago (in February)," said Hussam Rabie, a spokesman for the party headed by Zaidi. Rabie and several other Iraqi officials said Khazali was also regularly meeting European officials. Khazali and Zaidi didn't respond to Reuters questions. The British embassy declined to comment. Some commentators, and the Iraqi officials who oppose Iran, said these overtures might be an Iranian ploy to keep those men from being targeted by U.S. airstrikes, preserve their political power in Iraq, and use the country as a source of income. Iran has used often-convoluted methods to get money out of Iraq via middlemen who deal in cash deliveries and oil smuggling, according to U.S. sanctions designations. But the sanctions were already choking off that money before the war. Even if the Islamic Republic survives the U.S. and Israeli assault, proxy insiders and several Iraqi and Western officials say the recent actions of senior Tehran-backed leaders in Iraq have shown they have little interest in dying for Iran. "The idea that the factions are under the thumb of Iran is not the case anymore," said Stansfield. A THREAT TO ALL SHI'ITES On the third day of the Iran war, A.J. mourned a friend, a fighter and drone specialist from Kataib Hezbollah killed in an airstrike in Iraq. The fighter was among at least six Iran-backed militants killed in strikes since the war began. What might yet push more Iraqi Shi'ite factions into action is not loyalty to Iran, but a feeling that their faith is under siege, according to Iraqi politicians and clerics. This could take the form of an attack on Shi'ite holy places in Iraq or sectarian violence targeting Shi'ites as a group. "Iraqi Shi'ites share an ideology with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and that is defense of our religion," said Sheikh Karim al-Saidi, a cleric who attended the pro-Iran protests in Baghdad. "We hope for peace, but if it comes to confrontation we're ready." Many Iraqi Shi'ite paramilitaries haven't seen full-scale war since they fought Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, known as ISIS. They say they're ready to confront a resurgent threat from that group from across the border in Syria. U.S. support for Syria's President Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda commander, is proof to the Iraqi paramilitaries that the U.S. is trying to push Sunni jihadists in their direction once again. "Our leaders might be busy with politics," said Seif, a member of Khazali's armed group, giving only his first name. "But all we know is jihad." (Reporting by John Davison in Baghdad. Additional reporting by Rami Ayyub in Jerusalem. Editing by David Crawshaw, Lori Hinnant and Peter Hirschberg.) By Tom Hals March 6 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge will meet behind closed doors with government lawyers on Friday seeking to hammer out a process to refund up to $175 billion in illegally collected tariffs, a meeting a court official described as a "settlement conference." Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade will meet with lawyers representing the customs agency responsible for reimbursing more than 300,000 importers that paid the tariffs, which were struck down last month as unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Government lawyers have said the process for refunding President Donald Trump's signature tariffs was unprecedented in scope and would require manual review of tens of millions of tariff payments. U.S. courts are presumed to be open to the public, although judges will sometimes hold private meetings with parties to discuss scheduling or how to handle sensitive information. The calendar on the court's website describes Friday's meeting as a "closed conference." When asked why the meeting was closed to the public, Gina Justice, the clerk for the trade court, told Reuters on Thursday that it was a "settlement conference." The case that Eaton is overseeing to create a refund process was brought by a single importer, Atmus Filtration Inc, which said in a court filing it had paid $11 million in illegal tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Atmus' lawyers will be able to attend Friday's meeting remotely, according to the court docket. They and the agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, did not respond to requests for comment. It is unclear why the Atmus case, which was filed last week, became the vehicle that may determine how to litigate the tariff refunds for around 2,000 cases. The judge, who said he was chosen by the court to hear those cases, said he wanted a process that would not require going to court. Eaton issued a sweeping order on Wednesday in the Atmus case directing the CBP to begin refunding illegally collected tariffs to potentially hundreds of thousands of importers using the agency's existing internal process. The order made clear that it applied to all importers, not just Atmus. Advertisement Advertisement A broad swath of Trump's tariffs were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled on February 20 that Trump had exceeded his authority, upending a key plank of his economic policy. The court did not provide guidance on refunds, a process that dissenting Justice Brett Kavanaugh warned could be a "mess." The vast majority of importers are small businesses, and many worry that the refund process will be costly and distracting. Eaton said he expected CBP lawyers to attend Friday's 10:30 a.m. ET (1530 GMT) meeting, which he called a conference, to resolve how to cut through paperwork on 79 million shipments and issue refunds. "I don't believe that any of this has to be chaotic with respect to anybody, because I know that you're going to try to come up with a way of doing it," Eaton said at Wednesday's hearing. "And so on Friday, we're going to hear at least the initial ideas from the customs service as to how this will proceed." Advertisement Advertisement An attorney involved with other trade refund cases told Reuters they believed the meeting would result in a process that would be made public as soon as Friday that would provide relatively quick refunds for the vast majority of importers without the need to sue. Cases by importers such as VOS Selections and Learning Resources were filed early in 2025 and went all the way to the Supreme Court. The legal team for VOS Selections and several other importers had asked the judges handling their cases to transfer them to Eaton, although the court has not taken action. (Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Noeleen Walder, Dan Burns and William Mallard) By Francesco Guarascio and Phuong Nguyen HANOI, March 6 (Reuters) - Vietnam's police-owned telecom operator Mobifone is in talks with Chinese tech firms over new contracts to build parts of its 5G network, three people briefed on the plan said, despite U.S. warnings of security risks following earlier deals. The talks precede a planned visit to China by Vietnam's top leader To Lam in coming weeks, one of the sources said, in a new sign of warming ties between the two Communist neighbours. Advertisement Advertisement Any deal by Mobifone would follow market leaders Viettel and VNPT, which signed 5G supply contracts last year with ZTE and Huawei, in a notable shift from years of caution toward Chinese 5G technology amid warming bilateral ties. Mobifone is planning to launch a tender to roll out advanced antennas, known as base stations, for its 5G infrastructure which is expected to result in Chinese companies developing a substantial portion of its network, the three people said, declining to be named as the information was not public. Two of them cited possible quotas for Chinese firms. The other said a decision to assign contracts to the Chinese had been already made. The sources did not say which Chinese supplier could get new contracts, but one said Mobifone discussed the new tender with tech giant Huawei. State-owned ZTE is Huawei's largest Chinese rival. Advertisement Advertisement Huawei, ZTE, Mobifone and Vietnam's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Mobifone, which was placed under Vietnam's public security ministry last year, is the third largest telecom operator in Vietnam. The tender would not cover big cities, two of the sources said, but would expand Mobifone's infrastructure which, while limited, is already deployed in strategic locations. Mobifone does not disclose the location of its existing 5G towers, but a recent visit to a rooftop in central Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's business hub, showed a Huawei 5G base station already mounted on a tower branded with Mobifone's logo, close to the U.S. Consulate General and offices of foreign governments and companies. Advertisement Advertisement VIETNAM AGREED IN 2020 TO BAN HUAWEI, ZTE FROM 5G NETWORK In 2020 Vietnam had joined the U.S. government's "Clean Network" initiative committing not to using 5G equipment from the two Chinese companies. Asked about the latest Vietnamese plans, a U.S. State Department spokesperson told Reuters countries should prioritize national security over lower-priced equipment for critical infrastructure. "Chinese intelligence and security services can legally compel Chinese citizens and companies to share sensitive data or grant unauthorized access to their customers' systems," the spokesperson added, declining to comment about communications with Vietnam or other governments. Advertisement Advertisement Huawei and ZTE are banned from U.S. telecom networks because Washington has designated them as "security threats". In a meeting involving a delegation that accompanied Lam on a visit to Washington in February, U.S. officials warned that future American investment in Vietnam could be jeopardized by reliance on nontrusted network providers, one of the sources said. That followed concerns raised by Western officials after Vietnam awarded 5G contracts to Chinese companies last year, and Washington's warnings to Hanoi over use of Chinese tech in undersea cables. Telecom networks are vulnerable to wiretapping and surveillance, and 5G systems are considered especially sensitive because their antennas process data, rather than simply relay information to core facilities as 4G and preceding technologies do. Advertisement Advertisement A separate source said concerns over secure 5G deployment have also surfaced, although not prominently, in U.S.Vietnam talks over trade tariffs. Vietnamese officials have argued that Chinese telecom equipment is cheaper and reliable, while downplaying security risks. Huawei has lost multiple 5G bids in Vietnam, while much of the country's 5G network has been so far built by European suppliers Ericsson and Nokia, with U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm also involved in the rollout. In February, Hanoi also approved U.S. satellite internet service Starlink under preferential conditions as part of a pilot scheme. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio and Phuong Nguyen; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan) The Southern Plains are entering a sixth straight year of drought, and experts say the historic dry spell could permanently reshape one of the United States' most important industries: cattle ranching. What's happening? Large swaths of Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond have been locked in severe drought conditions. According to Down to Earth, this cost the agriculture industry in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas an estimated $23.6 billion from 2020 to 2024. Advertisement Advertisement In 2022 alone, 25% of Texas corn went unharvested, 45% of soybeans were abandoned, and 74% of the cotton crop was lost. Ranchers have been forced to sell off cattle because dried-out rangelands can't support grazing. Experts point to a combination of rising global temperatures and repeated La Nina weather patterns, which tend to bring warmer and drier winters to the region. Meanwhile, water reserves are under intense pressure. Key Rio Grande reservoirs were recently reported to be at just 11%, 34%, and 20% capacity. Even heavy rainstorms haven't been enough to fully replenish depleted rivers and aquifers. Why is this news concerning? The Southern Plains have always experienced dry cycles, but today's droughts are lasting longer and hitting harder. Advertisement Advertisement A recent study by the University of Reading found that warmer air pulls moisture from soil faster than rainfall can replace it. That means even regions with occasional storms can still experience severe agricultural drought if temperatures remain high. For farmers and ranchers, this creates a dangerous cycle: failed crops, shrinking herds, rising feed costs, and mounting debt. Rebuilding a cattle herd takes years, and if another drought hits before recovery is complete, losses are compounded. Beyond agriculture, prolonged drought increases wildfire risk and strains water supplies for millions of people. The Edwards Aquifer, which provides water to roughly 2.5 million Texans, has reached record-low levels in recent years. Worsening extreme weather endangers both lives and livelihoods. When water runs low and crops fail, food prices can rise, jobs can disappear, and rural communities face economic instability. What's being done about these droughts? Scientists are racing to help the agriculture industry adapt. Advertisement Advertisement Researchers have uncovered how plants naturally grow deeper roots during dry periods. Teams at the University of Nottingham and Shanghai Jiao Tong University found that two plant hormones help roots grow at steeper angles, allowing crops to access water deep underground. Farmers are also experimenting with soil conservation practices, drought-resistant seeds, and more efficient irrigation systems to reduce water waste. For individuals, preparing for extreme weather is increasingly important. Simple steps, such as staying informed about the critical climate issues impacting the planet, can help communities stay resilient. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. The Polish central bank bought almost double the amount of gold as the next heaviest-buyer central bank in 2025. - MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto The top central-bank buyer of gold is reportedly weighing a sale of the precious metal. Adam Glapinski, the governor of Narodowy Bank Polski, has set out a proposal to generate up to 48 billion zoty ($13 billion) from selling the banks gold reserves to fund defense spending, according to a Bloomberg report. Most Read from MarketWatch The head of the Warsaw-headquartered bank laid out the proposal as an alternative to the European Unions 150 billion Security Action for Europe program when he met with President Karol Nawrocki on Wednesday, the report said. Per the Bloomberg report, Glapinski told Nawrocki that the central bank could generate some of the money needed to fund defense by selling some of its approximately 550 metric tons of gold GC00. The bank could then buy back its sold reserves later, the report said. According to data collected by the World Gold Council, as of November 2025, the central bank was the largest reported official-sector gold buyer that year, having purchased 95 tons, almost double the amount of the next biggest buyer, Kazakhstan, at 49 tons. Bullion was trading down 0.6% at $5,102 per troy ounce on Thursday morning. The metal has broadly slid since the U.S. first attacked Iran and the conflict began to spill into much of the rest of the region. Gold nonetheless has soared by 75% over the last 52 weeks, benefiting not just from central bank but investor demand. Poland has been looking for options aside from the EUs loans-for-weapons program to finance Polands proposed increase in its defense budget as the president aligned with the right-wing Law and Justice Party, or PiS, while the government is led by pro-Europe premier Donald Tusk of the Civic Platform frets that the Trump administrations opposition to the system may threaten the Polish relationship with the U.S. President Donald Trump has previously threatened to retaliate against European countries that access the program, which favors European defense companies. The EU has earmarked close to 44 billion ($51 billion) in funding for Poland, which would make it one of the biggest beneficiaries. In August 2025, Poland approved a draft budget to increase defense spending to 4.8% of its gross domestic product due to the resurgent threat from Russia following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago. Statewide reforms in California have made it relatively fast to get projects approved but San Francisco still lags behind comparable cities in the time it takes to obtain building permits. Despite a full-throttle effort to cut red tape in the city's planning and building departments, San Francisco takes much longer to issue building permits for new housing than comparable cities, according to a new report from the Board of Supervisors' Budget and Legislative Analyst. Advertisement Advertisement The report found that processing time for building permits for housing was a median of 280 days and took three rounds of review. The report, which was requested by Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, looked at data between Jan. 1, 2024 and Aug. 12, 2025. San Francisco's 280-day median processing time is three times that of Austin, which clocked in at 91 days. It was more than twice that of Washington D.C. at 93 days and Seattle, which averaged about 133 days. The only city that came close to San Francisco was Denver, where post-approval permits took an average of 274 days. The delays were caused by the fact that most projects went through at least three rounds of review, which typically involved San Francisco Planning, the Department of Building Inspection, the fire department, San Francisco Public Works and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, according to the report. But the report also showed that the permitting reforms introduced by Mayor Daniel Lurie and former Mayor London Breed have already had an impact. Projects that were submitted after Jan. 1, 2024 received permits much faster at a median 114 days. Some reforms that likely sped up the process were under Lurie's Permit SF initiative. Advertisement Advertisement "It shows that Permit SF has actually made measured improvement over the last two years to hasten the time to building permit issuance," Mahmood said. "What we are finding is that Permit SF initiative made measurable progress on this problem even while we were studying it." Mahmood said he supports a ballot measure to reform the city charter to make it easier to change or consolidate departments and functions, including the building department and the planning department, which Lurie said in January he would like to combine. Mahood said he is working with Board President Rafael Mandelman to incorporate recommendations from the charter-reform working group into measures for the November ballot. Mahmood said "the low-hanging fruit" that was gumming up San Francisco's permitting process has been addressed. "Now we need to move to the complex problems like charter reform," he said. Advertisement Advertisement The report comes as the city recently rezoned swaths of the north and west sides to allow for more height and density, part of San Francisco's attempt to meet the state housing goal of accommodating 82,000 new units between 2023 and 2031. Three years into the eight-year cycle the city has produced less than 10,000 new units. About 50,000 units, many of them approved before the pandemic, are stuck in the pipeline because they are not economically feasible. This article originally published at S.F. lagged behind other big cities in getting housing permitted but it's speeding up. Does a post about Mark Zuckerberg's supposed subpoena accurately reflect recent reporting on the Jeffrey Epstein front company, Butterfly Foundation, named in the Tehran files? No, that's not true: Lead Stories found no news articles about the supposed subpoena or mentioning the statement "Mr. Zuckerberg will cooperate fully" the post said his lawyers released. The "Butterfly Foundation" is not named in the Epstein Files either. The claim appeared in a post (archived here) published on X on March 4, 2026. It opened: MARK ZUCKERBERG WAS JUST SUBPOENAED. Not for data leaks. Not for censorship. For Epstein. Bondi's team found 3 wire transfers from a Meta subsidiary called 'Horizon Bridge LLC' to the Butterfly Foundation -- the same Epstein front company named in the Tehran files. Total: $47.2 million between 2016 and 2019. But that's not the worst part. The worst part is what the money was for. Internal Meta documents recovered from the Tehran servers show that Zuckerberg personally approved a program called 'Project Looking Glass.' Its purpose: to build a private facial recognition database of every child on Instagram under the age of 14. 12.4 million faces. Catalogued. Tagged. Sorted. And shared with a single external client: Ghislaine Maxwell. Zuckerberg's lawyers released a statement 40 minutes ago: 'Mr. Zuckerberg will cooperate fully.' That's what they all say. Right before the handcuffs. This is what the post looked like at the time of writing: Image source: post by @MrPool_QQ on X. The term "Tehran files" is not recent. It refers to the documents (archived here) stolen from an Iranian facility by Israeli intelligence in 2018. Advertisement Advertisement Lead Stories conducted multiple searches and found no evidence supporting any element of the claim. A search for the words "Tehran files" and "Epstein" (archived here) on Google News showed a single article from 2019 that didn't support the 2026 claim reviewed in this fact check. Other Google News searches did not support the claim, either. A search for the keywords "Horizon Bridge LLC" AND "Meta" produced zero results (archived here). A search for the supposed quote from Zuckerberg's attorneys didn't show any matches (archived here) on Google News. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, a search for the keywords "Mark Zuckerberg," "subpoenaed," "Bondi," "Epstein" and "Horizon Bridge LLC" yielded no records (archived here). Furthermore, a search across the Department of Justice's "Epstein Library" didn't show any results for that LLC supposedly mentioned in those materials: Image source: screenshot from the Department of Justice. Finally, the Facebook co-founder wrote nothing about the purported subpoena on his account on that social media platform. No credible evidence supports any element of the claim -- not the subpoena, the wire transfers, Project Looking Glass, or the connection to Epstein. Claim: On March 4, 2026, protester Brian McGinnis' arm broke as U.S. Capitol Hill Police and Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy attempted to forcibly remove him from a congressional hearing. Rating: Rating: True Context: Authentic video footage taken from multiple angles provides compelling visual and audio evidence of Brian McGinnis' arm, which was lodged in a doorframe, breaking as Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy joined police officers in forcibly removing him from a congressional hearing. Capitol Hill Police said in a statement that he "got his own arm stuck in a door," and McGinnis later posted that his arm was broken. We did not, however, review official medical records, nor were we able to reach McGinnis' office for comment. Given the number of factors, it is not possible to state whether Sheehy himself broke McGinnis' arm. Advertisement Advertisement In March 2026, multiple bystanders recorded police and Sen. Tim Sheehy, a Montana Republican, forcibly removing veteran Brian McGinnis from a room after he disrupted a congressional hearing for military preparedness amid the U.S. and Israel's war on Iran. Footage of the incident gained traction online, with numerous people claiming the veteran's arm broke as he resisted removal. One video posted on social media (archived) showed McGinnis saying, "America does not want to send its sons and daughters to war for Israel." Another post (archived) featuring bystander footage had received more than 7.2 million views as of this writing. It read: BREAKING MARINE: "NO ONE WANTS TO DIE FOR ISRAEL" U.S. Marine Brian McGinnis got dragged out of a senate hearing for standing up and saying what everyone is thinking. Reports that they BROKE his hand. This is a patriot. BREAKING MARINE: NO ONE WANTS TO DIE FOR ISRAEL U.S. Marine Brian McGinnis got dragged out of a senate hearing for standing up and saying what everyone is thinking. Reports that they BROKE his hand. This is a patriot. pic.twitter.com/RiO3ohgdoQ ADAM (@AdameMedia) March 4, 2026 Another specified that "Senator Sheehy joined Capitol Police in lifting up and ejecting anti war protestor Brian McGinnis." Advertisement Advertisement Numerous readers emailed Snopes or searched our site seeking information about whether a veteran's hand, arm or wrist truly broke in the scuffle, while others wondered whether the clips were created using artificial intelligence tools. Snopes reviewed videos of the incident taken from multiple angles. They showed that as Sheehy joined the police in forcibly removing McGinnis, McGinnis' arm (which was lodged in a doorframe) visibly broke with a loud snap, after which McGinnis continued to struggle freeing his arm from the doorframe. As a result of this video evidence, we've rated the claim that McGinnis' arm broke true. Some readers asked whether Sheehy was personally responsible for the injury. It was not possible to determine whether Sheehy himself broke McGinnis' arm given the number of factors. Attendees at the congressional hearing in Washington, D.C., captured video evidence from multiple angles as the event transpired, corroborating that the incident did occur and that various angles footage were consistent and not digitally edited or AI-generated. "Israel is the reason for this war. America does not want to fight this war for Israel," McGinnis said, after which police forced him out of the audience. It is illegal to protest in a congressional building. Advertisement Advertisement McGinnis continued (detail in brackets ours): "America does not want to send its sons and daughters to war for Israel. Your inability to name that shows your [inaudible, but possibly 'ineffectiveness'] as leaders. This is wrong, and nobody want to fight for Israel." Sheehy who later confirmed he had "decided to help out" the police during the incident, writing on X (archived), "This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one" then joined in the struggle, throwing himself against McGinnis. The senator's full X post reads: Capitol Police were attempting to remove an unhinged protestor from the Armed Services hearing. He was fighting back. I decided to help out and deescalate the situation. This gentleman came to the Capitol looking for a confrontation, and he got one. I hope he gets the help he needs without causing further violence. Capitol Hill police said via email that they could not discuss "specific medical information," adding that he "got his own arm stuck" in the door. At approximately minute 00:53 of this video, McGinnis' arm visibly and audibly snapped. From 2:51 onward, as police attempted to hold his arms behind his back against a wall, the veteran said, "My arm is f***ing broke ... my left arm is broke." McGinnis, a Green Party candidate for Senate, also later said on social media that his arm was broken, writing (archived), "And for the record, I've been running long before this, and yes even after breaking my arm standing up for what I believe in." And for the record, Ive been running long before this, and yes even after breaking my arm standing up for what I believe in. Its only made me more determined. Anger is real, and so is resolve. Take care. Brian McGinnis (@BrianMcGinnisNC) March 5, 2026 We reached out to McGinnis' team for further comment but did not immediately receive a response. We will update this story if we do. Advertisement Advertisement A fundraiser organized by one of McGinnis' relatives posted an update on March 6, reading, "Brian is currently scheduled for surgery on the 2 fractures in his forearm this afternoon. Right now that is all we know, as his wife has still been unable to see him!" McGinnis was arrested shortly after his arm broke. Capitol Hill police confirmed via email that McGinnis was "facing three counts of Assault on a Police Officer, as well as three counts of Resisting Arrest, and Crowding, Obstructing, and Incommoding for the unlawful demonstration." Sources: Editor, Joe Walsh Senior, et al. GOP Senator Joins Police in Ejecting Anti-War Protester from Capitol Hill Hearing - CBS News. 5 Mar. 2026, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tim-sheehy-joins-police-in-ejecting-protester-from-capitol-hill-hearing/. Home. https://brianmcginnis4ussenatenc.org/. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026. Advertisement Advertisement 'Protester, Three Capitol Police Officers Treated for Injuries after Scuffle in Senate Hearing Room'. AP News, 5 Mar. 2026, https://apnews.com/article/senate-protester-sheehy-arrested-capitol-police-d40f7368ca30e995ebabad16561d4f76. - YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN-aTVkI5W0. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026. March 10 (Reuters) - Commercial flights in parts of the Middle East have been grounded due to the escalating conflict following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, stranding foreign nationals and prompting governments to plan repatriations. Below is what governments have said about repatriation plans: AUSTRIA Austria's foreign ministry said it had helped 117 vulnerable citizens leave the UAE and Israel via neighbouring states and had planned a first charter flight from Muscat on March 4 for 170 people, while warning that land departures would be undertaken at travellers' own risk. Advertisement Advertisement BULGARIA Three flights by GullivAir, Bulgaria Air and the State Aviation Operator planned to return Bulgarian citizens from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman on March 4 and March 5, including a 326seat GullivAir flight from Dubai, a Bulgaria Air Boeing 737 rotation via Oman, and a 90seat government aircraft from Abu Dhabi. CZECH REPUBLIC The Czech government has arranged 10 repatriation flights to return more than 1,500 stranded citizens, the Foreign Ministry said on March 9. ESTONIA Estonia's foreign ministry on March 4 said it had organised a 180-seat flight from Muscat the following day, available to its citizens in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Advertisement Advertisement EUROPEAN UNION The European Commission has said it is coordinating repatriation flights under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism as more member states request help. The EU has supported so far more than 42 flights, bringing over 4,100 Europeans safely back to Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Sweden, a statement from the European Commission said on March 9. FINLAND Finland planned a single repatriation flight with about 160 seats on March 8 for the roughly 3,000 Finnish citizens stranded in the United Arab Emirates, the foreign ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Finnair said on March 6 that it was preparing to operate flights from Muscat, Oman to Helsinki to bring home customers who have been stranded in Dubai. The first flight is scheduled for March 10, with more flights planned later in the week. FRANCE The French foreign minister said several repatriation flights for French nationals, around 400,000 of whom are in the region, were planned from March 4. France said it had deployed consular teams at Israel's borders with Egypt and Jordan to facilitate land exits so people can fly onward, and has put in place a similar mechanism in the UAE at borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia, where airspace has remained open. Advertisement Advertisement GERMANY Two flights with about 250 people were scheduled for March 5 and March 6 from the Gulf, after the first landed March 5 in Frankfurt, said German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. GREECE Greek foreign ministry said it has repatriated hundreds of citizens from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Jerusalem, Oman and the UAE during last week. HUNGARY 87 people were repatriated on March 4 from Amman, Jordan, with another flight carrying 88 people planned for March 5, Hungary's foreign ministry said in a statement. Another flight was scheduled for March 6 from Sharm-el Sheikh, Egypt. Hungary rented a Flydubai plane for March 5 and March 6 to repatriate Hungarians from Dubai. Hungary had two flights each on March 7 and March 8 leaving from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Advertisement Advertisement ITALY Italy's foreign ministry said about 25,000 Italians have returned from the Middle East on commercial flights facilitated by the ministry. It has expanded consular staffing in Oman and the UAE and is coordinating returns across multiple countries, with large groups moving from the UAE and others travelling by land through Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Italians in Oman, Israel, the Maldives and Thailand are also getting help. NETHERLANDS The Dutch government on Friday said it was preparing to use its military to repatriate its citizens from countries they cannot leave on their own. No details on specific countries and timing were given. Advertisement Advertisement POLAND The first group of Polish citizens evacuated by military airlift from the Middle East arrived in Poland on March 6, the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces said. PORTUGAL A charter TAP flight carrying 139 Portuguese citizens and eight foreigners landed in Lisbon on March 6, with Portugal's foreign ministry planning further repatriations. ROMANIA Romania's foreign ministry said on March 4 airline FlyDubai has scheduled two flights to Bucharest on March 4 and March 5. It had received more than 3,000 repatriation requests and had around 16,000 nationals registered in the region. Advertisement Advertisement SERBIA An Air Serbia flight from Sharm el-Sheikh landed in Belgrade early on March 4, carrying 67 passengers, all evacuated from Israel. SINGAPORE The government will deploy an air force A330 multi-role aircraft to support the assisted departure of Singaporeans from Riyadh on March 10, with a second flight from Saudi Arabia planned for March 12, the foreign affairs ministry said on Facebook. SLOVAKIA Slovakia's government has carried out 15 repatriation flights since evacuations started, transporting 641 people, most of whom were Slovak nationals, the Foreign Ministry said on March 9. It is planning more flights. Advertisement Advertisement SLOVENIA Slovenia organised four buses on March 3, escorted by police, to take Slovenian citizens and families with children from Dubai to Muscat airport in Oman, the prime minister's office said in a statement. The first flight for Slovenia was organised on March 3, with two more flights scheduled for March 4. SPAIN Spain has begun evacuating its citizens from the Middle East on March 3, with more than 175 Spaniards arriving on a flight from Abu Dhabi and further flights expected from the UAE via Istanbul, according to Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Spain was also reinforcing its embassies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain to provide support and facilitate further repatriations, Albares said. Advertisement Advertisement SWEDEN Sweden chartered a plane to repatriate on Saturday 180 stranded Swedes identified as vulnerable. THAILAND Thailand plans to evacuate its nationals from Iran by land to Turkey on March 7 and March 10, while others stranded in Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE and Jordan are returning or will return once airspace reopens. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES The UAE civil aviation authority plans to begin operating "special flights" across the country's airports to help some of the tens of thousands of passengers stranded in the region leave, state news agency WAM reported. UNITED KINGDOM British chartered flights left Oman on March 5 after technical delays on March 4, prioritising vulnerable UK nationals wanting to leave the region, the British Foreign Office said, after some 130,000 citizens registered their presence in the region. ($1 = 0.8615 euros) (Reporting by Reuters bureaus, compiled by Mirko Miorelli, Dimitri Rhodes, Elviira Luoma in Gdansk; Editing by Matt Scuffham, Sharon Singleton, Milla Nissi-Prussak and Tomasz Janowski) Relatives of a 19-year-old Palestinian American from Philadelphia who was shot and killed in the West Bank are calling for a national investigation into his death, saying U.S. officials must demand accountability. Family members of Nasrallah Abu Siyam, along with local leaders, said Thursday they want federal authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding the Feb. 18 shooting. Siyam, who was born in Philadelphia and spent his early childhood in the city, had moved to the West Bank as a young boy. It's a practice his cousin described as common among Palestinian American families. Advertisement Advertisement A funeral procession was held in the West Bank as relatives in the U.S. pressed for answers. "The State Department should act, and all of our elected officials here should be raising their voices in the face of this injustice," said Ahmet Tekelioglu of the Council on American Islamic Relations. Siyam's family says he was helping a neighbor protect goats in his village when he was shot to death by Israeli settlers. They say they want the killing investigated and noted that other Palestinian Americans have died in the region without accountability. "This is not the first Palestinian American killed, like five of them since February 2024. None of them have been investigated. None of them have been held accountable. None of them have been questioned," said cousin Abdelhamid Siyam. Advertisement Advertisement In Philadelphia, City Councilmembers Rue Landau and Nicholas O'Rourke introduced a resolution calling for transparency and accountability as Siyam's relatives were recognized at City Hall. "When an American citizen is killed abroad, there must be accountability," Landau said. Some family members who traveled to the region for the funeral remain unable to return to Philadelphia because of airspace closures linked to the war in Iran. Those who are back in the U.S. say they are focused on seeking justice. "We need to pressure. Starts with council level of Philadelphia, then the state level, then the country level, our congressmen," said cousin Sayel Kayed. Advertisement Advertisement Relatives say they are also contacting lawmakers and pursuing a civil case. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice asking for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Siyam's death, saying his killing may have been a violation of U.S. law. An ExThera Medical Corp. executive has agreed to plead guilty to failing to report adverse events, including the deaths of two patients, with the intent to defraud or mislead the FDA, the U.S. Attorney said Thursday. Sanja Ilic, 58, of Carlsbad, Calif., who was the chief regulatory officer of ExThera, is charged with one count of failing to report adverse events with the intent to defraud or mislead the FDA, U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said in a statement. She is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. Ilic is facing the charge of failing to report adverse events in connection with a blood filtration device used on cancer patients who traveled from the United States to a clinic in Antigua for treatment, Foley said. Advertisement Advertisement Separately, ExThera Medical Corp., based in northern California, has entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement in connection with criminal information filed in federal court in Boston, Foley said, charging the corporation with failure to file adverse event reports with the intent to defraud or mislead in connection with the device. Thursdays announcement marks the first resolution of a corporate defendant by the Health Care Fraud Units New England Strike Force since announcing its partnership with the District of Massachusetts, Foley said. ExThera manufactured a blood filtration device that removed pathogens from patients bloodstreams. Prosecutors said despite Ilics experience, training, and knowledge of FDA adverse event reporting, Ilic intentionally concealed reportable adverse events, including the deaths of two patients treated with the blood filtration device at a clinic in Antigua. Advertisement Advertisement Before the start of treatments at the Antigua clinic, Ilic circulated an email to ExTheras leadership and regulatory staff demonstrating that she understood potential adverse events, including life-threatening complications, that patients could experience from use of the device, prosecutors said. Ilic understood that disclosure of such information would have triggered regulatory scrutiny from the FDA, caused clinical trial partners to potentially withdraw their participation and jeopardized ExTheras and Ilics future financial prospects, Foley said in her statement. Rather than comply with her legal obligation to report the events, Ilic concealed this critical information from the FDA, Foley said. Ilic and ExThera potentially stood to lose financially if negative adverse event reports related to the Antigua clinic were filed with the FDA. Following public reporting about the blood filtration device and after ExThera terminated Ilic, ExThera filed several adverse event reports with the FDA related to use of the device to treat cancer outside the United States, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement As part of the deferred prosecution agreement, ExThera admitted that, through Ilic, it acted with intent to defraud and mislead the FDA, Foley said. ExThera will be required to, among other obligations, provide ongoing cooperation with and disclosures to the Justice Department; implement a compliance and ethics program to prevent violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Acts adverse event reporting requirements; and report to the Justice Department regarding remediation and implementation of these compliance measures, Foley said. ExThera also agreed to pay a criminal penalty of $750,000 which has been adjusted based on ExTheras ability to pay. ExThera will establish an escrow account and deposit $750,000 within 60 days. Advertisement Advertisement In the event ExThera is not able to pay amounts owed, if any, in any related civil litigation, the money in escrow shall be used to pay amounts owed, Foley said. ExThera also agreed to entry of a forfeiture order of $5,694,750. Foley said the government reached this resolution with ExThera based on a number of factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense conduct, and that ExThera has only minimal remaining operations. ExThera did not voluntarily and timely self-disclose the conduct to the Justice Department but did receive credit for accepting responsibility, cooperating with the investigation and engaging in timely remedial measures, Foley said. Ilic faces up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of the greatest of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss. She is also subject to forfeiture and restitution. Advertisement Advertisement This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The U.S. Department of Education launched a "directed investigation" March 5 into a western Wisconsin school district for allegedly allowing a transgender student to use a bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. In a statement, the federal education department said its Office for Civil Rights will determine whether the New Richmond School District violated Title IX "by allowing students to access intimate facilities based on 'gender identity,' not biological sex." Title IX is a federal civil rights law that bans sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. The federal education department cited a January school board meeting in which some parents and students said they were concerned about girls needing to share bathrooms and locker rooms with transgender students at New Richmond High School. Advertisement Advertisement "The Trump Administration will always stand up for students and enforce Title IX to ensure that women and girls are safe when they are at school, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said. Young women should never be forced to share intimate spaces with boys and men because school leaders care more about radical gender ideology than protecting girls safety, dignity, and privacy." The situation has stirred controversy in New Richmond, a community of about 11,000 residents located roughly 35 miles east of the Twin Cities. At a Feb. 10 school board meeting streamed by the conservative group Wisconsin Moms for Liberty, parent Jessica Turner said staff told her daughter to use a single-stall restroom after she shared her anxiety and fear of "using the girl's bathroom with a boy in there." Other students said they supported the school's restroom policy. One student said the school's queer and transgender students have felt "more isolated and targeted than ever, with hate spreading across social media and school grounds." "While fear around violence in bathrooms is totally valid, potential worries about what could happen in the bathroom are misplaced," another student said. "Trans people are not scary. They are our community members, and in this case, a child who like anyone else just wants to use the bathroom." Advertisement Advertisement In February, the school board in a 2-7 vote rejected a proposed policy that would require the district to separate its bathrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex, according to the Department of Education. In an informational presentation to the board Feb. 10, Michael Waldspurger, the district's attorney, said recent court decisions have ruled in favor of allowing transgender students to select a restroom or locker room based on their gender identity. He said the district could face legal action and would likely lose a lawsuit if it were to deny transgender students of the right to use their preferred bathrooms. The New Richmond incident follows a Title IX investigation launched in 2023 into the Sun Prairie School District over allegations an 18-year-old student undressed in front of students in the girls' locker room. That investigation is still pending, according to Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, the conservative law firm that filed the Title IX complaint. In 2024, President Joe Biden revised the 1972 Title IX law to strengthen protections for LGBTQ students. He expanded the criteria for sex-based discrimination to include gender identity. Last year, a federal judge struck down the policy, ruling it unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement The move reverted the federal law to regulations made during President Donald Trump's administration in 2020. In an executive order last year, Trump said the government would recognize "two sexes, male and female" and Title IX would not include gender identity. The Department of Education's investigation into New Richmond comes amid a wider effort by the Trump administration to restrict transgender rights. Last year, the federal education department launched investigations into five school districts in northern Virginia, finding they violated Title IX by allowing transgender students to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The agency required the districts to rescind the policies or risk "imminent enforcement action." Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany has also made restrictions on transgender youth a focus in his campaign for Wisconsin governor. In a Feb. 3 statement, he called on the New Richmond School District to reverse its bathroom policy. Advertisement Advertisement In response to the Department of Education's investigation, Tiffany said on X, "As governor, I will protect girls spaces and put an end to this nonsense." The New Richmond School District and its school board did not respond to requests for comment from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Kayla Huynh covers K-12 education, teachers and solutions for the Journal Sentinel. Contact: khuynh@gannett.com. Follow her on X: @_kaylahuynh. Kayla's reporting is supported by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and reader contributions to the Journal Sentinel Community-Funded Journalism Project. Journal Sentinel editors maintain full editorial control over all content. To support this work, visit jsonline.com/support. Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation (memo: JS Community Journalism) and mailed to P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689. Advertisement Advertisement The JS Community-Funded Journalism Project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36-4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin school faces federal probe over transgender bathroom policy Feeding Northeast Florida is seeking volunteers to join the organization in its efforts to combat hunger. Every hour of service helps provide meals for local neighbors in need. The organization relies on community members to sort non-perishable goods in its warehouse and provide groceries at mobile pantries. These volunteer opportunities are designed to have a direct impact on the well-being and lives of community residents. To maintain safety and organization, Feeding Northeast Florida requires all participants to register in advance. Volunteers must sign up for specific opportunities that have available slots in a shift. The organization relies on this volunteer service to complete its daily operations and mission. Advertisement Advertisement Safety guidelines require that all volunteers wear closed-toe and closed-heel footwear. Comfortable shoes that provide protection are mandatory for all shifts. Prohibited footwear includes flip-flops, sandals, and Crocs. The organization also enforces a dress code for all participants. Volunteers are required to wear shorts of an appropriate length. Clothing items such as tank tops and crop tops are not permitted during volunteer service. For more information, click here. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The military added that, in the same incident, three other Givati soldiers were lightly wounded. Five Israeli soldiers from the Givati Brigade were badly wounded by anti-tank missile fire on Friday as they were deployed near the border with Lebanon in northern Israel, the IDF confirmed. The military added that, in the same incident, three other Givati soldiers were lightly wounded. The IDF's confirmation that its soldiers had been wounded comes after Hezbollah, earlier that morning, issued a statement saying that it had initiated a "series of operations" targeting "Israeli sites and bases." Advertisement Advertisement The incident is the third of its kind in recent days, raising the total of IDF soldiers wounded in southern Lebanon to 12. Tens of thousands flee southern Lebanon as IDF intensifies strikes On Thursday, an officer and soldier from the IDF's Givati Brigade were wounded by Hezbollah anti-tank fire in southern Lebanon. The officer was severely wounded, and the soldier was moderately injured, according to the IDF. On Wednesday, Two IDF tank soldiers were moderately wounded during operations in southern Lebanon. The soldiers were wounded as a result of an anti-tank missile fired against them, the military said. The renewed Israel-Hezbollah conflict has caused 83,847 people to flee southern Lebanon and other areas of Lebanon, Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement The conflict began to escalate when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel on Monday. Since then, the terrorist group has also launched numerous drone attacks, targeting both bmilitary and civilian installations. Miriam Sela-Eitam and Tobias Siegal contributed to this report. The steel has been erected. The roof is up. The swimming pool and deck, in the shadow of the Moderne clock tower, will soon be put in place. Five years after the Kansas City Council voted to provide Lux Living of St. Louis significant tax breaks to turn the 1934 Katz Drug Store site into luxury apartments, the adaptive reuse of the projects historic facade is finally making progress. After long delays, construction on the 1934 Katz Drug Store, which included building a swimming pool on its roof, continued on March, 4, 2026. Renewed construction at 3948 Main St., on the southwest corner of Main Street and Westport Road, comes following many months in which little to no construction occurred on the facade, leaving it as an empty shell, and raising doubts over whether the historic portion of the development would ever be finished. Advertisement Advertisement By mid-year, the historic Katz Building will be fully completed, Luxs owner and operator, Sidarth Sid Chakraverty, told The Star by email Thursday. Restoring and repurposing a landmark like Katz is never easy or inexpensive, but we made a commitment to bring the building back and have stayed focused on delivering it the right way. While it may not always be visible from the outside, millions of dollars have already been invested to rebuild and stabilize the structure. The iconic clock tower at the old Katz Drug Store at Main Street and Westport Road on March 4, 2026, in Kansas City. (Tammy Ljungblad/tljungblad@kcstar.com) Chakraverty said construction of the rooftop swimming pool is set to begin next week. Ultimately, the finished building will speak for itself, Chakraverty wrote. The rebirth of the Katz building represents a meaningful reinvestment in Westport and a project we believe Kansas City will be proud of. Indictments for fraud, slow progress Opened in December 1934, the 20,000-square-foot Katz Drug store (air-conditioned, a rarity at the time) was said to be the then-largest drug store in the world. Its exterior clock tower and curved front, like the prow of a ship would remain a local landmark even as the building aged, becoming an Osco Drug in 1985 and, in 2006, a CVS, before it closed. Katz Drug Store, historic photo (Kansas City Public Library/ Missouri Valley Special Collections) The building sat vacant for years until, in March 2021, the City Council approved a tax incentive package abating 75% of the projects property tax bill for 10 years and 37.5% for 15 more for Lux Living to build a six-story $37.6 million luxury apartment complex to include 192-units and a 175-stall parking garage. Advertisement Advertisement Even now, the Lux Living website, outdated, speaks of Katz on Main being completed in 2024. Lux Living is preserving the beautiful historic clock tower and foundation of the building while creating the perfect juxtaposition of old and new, the website reads. It goes on to say, Walk through the front doors of the Katz building to be greeted by a massive TV wall lobby with a Bistro serving up fresh coffee every day. No need for gym memberships because our state-of-the-art gym will be sure to leave you breathless. After you crush your workout, rejuvenate your muscles in the Float Pod Relaxation Room. Celebrate your workout by hanging on the pool deck, with fireplace and hot tub. If the weather is nice, the pool deck Nano Doors will be open, revealing the Arcade Bar. Construction began in 2022 and was still underway when, in September 2024, Chakraverty, along with Lux chief executive Victor Alston and the companys chief accountant, Shijing Poppy Cao, were indicted on one count each of conspiracy to commit fraud and 11 counts of wire fraud in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. Advertisement Advertisement The charges alleged that the defendants aimed to defraud the City of St. Louiss minority-owned business enterprise (MBE) program and women-owned business enterprise (WBE) program to gain millions of dollars worth of city sales tax and property tax incentives on certain projects in St. Louis. Defendants hire Pam Bondis brother Construction on the Katz project, and on another Lux project in Kansas City, The Wonderland apartments, at 1923 Broadway Blvd., ground to a crawl. Subcontractors filed court papers placing more than $1 million of liens on Katz for unpaid bills. In the summer of 2025, the historic Katz Drug Store sat as a shell with no roof and little construction occurring. (Eric Adler/The Kansas City Star) For much of last year, while construction on the apartments continued (tenants were allowed to occupy as of January 2025) the historic Katz Drug Store facade sat as an empty shell. Then, in August 2025, the new U.S. Attorney of the Eastern District of Missouri, Thomas Albus nominated by President Donald Trump and sworn in that month dropped the charges against Chakraverty and the other defendants. Advertisement Advertisement The charges were dropped after the defendants, one month earlier, became represented by attorney Bradley J. Bondi, the brother of U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. The U.S. Attorney, in his federal filing, said that Chakraverty and the other defendants had agreed to make restitution of the taxes abated on their St. Louis projects between 2021 and 2024. The U.S. Attorney also argued that because the Department of Justice has determined that government programs that use race- and sex-based programs . . .are unconstitutional that they would not continue to prosecute Chakraverty and the other defendants. In Kansas City, Lux and its related companies, Big Sur Construction and Shasta III, settled with their lien holders, including Contract Services Corporation of America, a family-owned steel fabricating company in Raytown, which said that Lux owed them $3950,000 for steel to be used to support the Katz roof and swimming pool. The lien on the steel was settled in August 2025. Three months later, Luxs other Kansas City project, The Wonderland in the Crossroads began taking in its first tenants in November. Anxious to see it done Kevin Klinkenberg, the executive director of Midtown KC Now, an economic development agency whose offices at 3931 Main St. sit across from Katz, was glad to see the steel return to the site several months ago and begin to go up. The front of Katz Drug store as seen on March 4, 2026. The owners said the project, once slated to be finished in 2024, will be completed by mid 2026. (Tammy Ljungblad/tljungblad@kcstar.com) They actually have been working this week on the historic building, he said. They moved a bunch of lumber up onto the roof. Now its raining the last couple of days, but it looks like theyre finally about to finish the roof. Advertisement Advertisement The hope is that the rest will follow. Were anxious to see it done, Klinkenberg said. Were glad that theyre moving and that theres activity. Kind of hope that means theyre actually going to get it done here in the next few months. While the generative artificial intelligence boom is well into its third year at enterprises like personal-computer manufacturer Lenovo, Global Chief Information Officer Arthur Hu says he still believes that patience remains a virtue. Theres a bit longer grace period, because people recognize that we havent quite figured it out yet, says Hu. Theres more willingness to invest in Gen AI, even if the result will be rapid learning. Many studies align with Hus thinking. Enterprises are spending more on generative AI in 2026 than in the prior year. CEOs are far more optimistic about producing a return on investment, even as C-suite leaders acknowledge that the ROI time horizon for generative AI is longer than other technology applications. Lenovo and other PC makers have seen mixed benefits from rising AI demand. AI PCs accounted for 31% of the total global PC market globally by the end of 2025, according to research firm Gartner. This new technology upgrade cycle gives Lenovo and other manufacturers a fresh opportunity to pitch new hardware. In Lenovos fiscal third-quarter earnings, reported last month, total revenue grew 18%, driven by strong demand for AI-related products. AI revenue increased by 72% from the prior year and now accounts for a third of Lenovos total business. But as large companies like OpenAI, Amazon, and Alphabet build data centers, demand for memory chip production has surged, putting supply pressure on consumer electronics. Gartner has warned that rising component costs will dampen sales for PCs and smartphones in 2026. Hus relationship with Lenovo began ahead of the 2008 financial crisis when he worked on projects for the company in China in his role as an associate principal at consulting giant McKinsey. He joined when the China-based PC maker dreamed to get a lot bigger and become a more international company. More than two decades ago, Lenovo acquired IBMs PC division to get a firmer grip on the global market. It later diversified into smartphones and infrastructure by acquiring Motorola Mobility from Google and IBMs x86 server business. Hu joined Lenovo in 2009 as a corporate transformation leader, playing a key role in some of the integration after that dealmaking. He became CIO in 2016. Each of these cases represented significant steps in the company operating model, and therefore the types of systems and infrastructure support we needed to run the company, Hu says of his evolving role, which coincided with advances in AI and machine learning. Hu says that by the mid-2010s, Lenovo was following an AI playbook that could be replicated during the current generative AI boom. The company committed to using AI across the entire enterprise, starting with smaller use cases, and then expanding across product development, manufacturing, and other functions. Lindsey Halligan, a former White House aide for President Donald Trump who as a top federal prosecutor in Virginia pursued cases against the presidents opponents but ultimately left the job after her appointment was deemed unlawful, is facing an investigation by the Florida Bar. The Campaign for Accountability, a nonprofit watchdog that had sought the bar inquiry, published a letter on its website in which a representative of the Florida Bar confirmed that the organization had an investigation pending. A spokesperson for the Florida Bar confirmed to The Associated Press that there was an open file on Halligan but declined to comment further because disciplinary cases are confidential. Halligan did not immediately respond to a request for a comment about the investigation. Advertisement Advertisement The complaint centers on Halligans brief but turbulent time as the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, historically one of the Justice Departments most elite and prestigious prosecution offices. Halligan, who had served as one of Trumps attorneys but had no prior experience as a federal prosecutor, was installed in September after the Trump administration effectively forced out her predecessor, Erik Siebert, amid pressure to bring charges against a pair of Trumps political opponents: former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Halligan secured both indictments but ran into difficulty right away as lawyers for Comey raised questions about a series of what they said were irregularities in the grand jury presentation of the case, including legal and factual errors that tainted the process. A judge in November scolded Halligan for fundamental misstatements of the law, including what he said was her suggestion to the grand jury that Comey did not have a Fifth Amendment right to not testify in the case. A different judge subsequently dismissed both the Comey and James prosecutions after concluding that Halligans appointment by the Justice Department had been unlawful. Halligan left the position in January. Advertisement Advertisement The bar complaint rehashes that chronology and also suggests that Halligan may have violated rules of professional conduct by continuing to hold herself out in court filings as acting U.S. attorney for the district after a judge had ruled that she was serving in the position illegally. In this way, Ms. Halligan appears to have issued false or misleading communications regarding herself and her services, the complaint said. By FREIDA FRISARO and ERIC TUCKER, Associated Press. AP writer David Fischer contributed from Fort Lauderdale. Lindsey Halligan, the attorney who tried and failed to prosecute James Comey and Letitia James on behalf of President Donald Trump, is under investigation, according to a report. The New York Times cites a letter from the Florida Bar Association to the nonprofit Campaign for Accountability after the latter filed complaints in the Sunshine State and Virginia over Halligans actions during her short-lived stint as acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia last year. We already have an investigation pending, the bar association states in its letter to the group in response to its complaints. Advertisement Advertisement The probe opens the prospect of the former Miss Colorado contestant-turned-home-insurance litigator being disbarred, though the process is rigorous and can take years. Lindsey Halligan served as the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia last year, only to see her grand jury indictments of ex-FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James ruled invalid (AFP/Getty) The bar has the authority to operate as a fact-finder and to make recommendations to a grievance committee based on its conclusions, which in turn has the power to determine whether an attorney is guilty of misconduct. Should it reach such a conclusion, its recommendations are then referred to the state court, which could result in the lawyer in question losing their licence to practise law. According to the NYT, the Florida bars Halligan investigation is examining her conduct in the Eastern District of Virginia, where she sought grand jury indictments against Comey and James, accusing them of making false statements to Congress and bank fraud, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Her predecessor in the role, Erik Siebert, had been forced out of office by the Trump administration after he refused to bring criminal charges against the duo. Halligan took the interim position in September despite having almost no prosecutorial experience (just three cases to Sieberts 675) and quickly secured the indictments, only for District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie to rule that they were invalid because her appointment had not been lawful. Halligan was subsequently accused of continuing to use the title of U.S. attorney even after a judge had ruled she was not lawfully appointed (AP) Several district judges subsequently expressed concern that she continued to sign court documents as a U.S. attorney even after the judges ruling, which could be a violation of that order. District Judge David Novak, for one, accused her of engaging in a charade by masquerading as the United States attorney for this district in direct defiance of binding court orders. Advertisement Advertisement She finally stood down on January 20, but not before Attorney General Pam Bondi, her deputy Todd Blanche, and others had fired off an angry letter accusing Novak, himself a Trump appointee, of a gross abuse of power in questioning Halligans authority. The Campaign for Accountability has argued that the conduct of which Halligan is accused breaches a number of fundamental ethics rules for the profession, including prohibitions on false statements, misleading communications, dishonest conduct and knowingly disobeying a ruling. The Department of Justice last month moved swiftly to fire James Hundley, selected by judges to be Halligans replacement as Virginias top prosecutor, further dragging out the saga. MIDDLETOWN - A former Glastonbury police officer suspected in more than 50 burglaries in three states has pleaded guilty to more than a dozen burglary charges in Connecticut and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month. The sentencing of Patrick Hemingway, 39, of Glastonbury is scheduled for March 19, a court clerk said Friday. He pleaded guilty to the Middletown-area charges on Feb. 19 and to others on Feb. 24 and Dec. 17, she said; more guilty pleas may come on sentencing day. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to burglary charges, Hemingway pleaded guilty to one count of computer crime. He originally was charged with about 80 counts stemming from his alleged misuse of a law enforcement database which, according to a warrant for his arrest, he checked to see whether police were onto him. Hemingway is accused of committing overnight burglaries while he was an officer but off-duty. Some were in Glastonbury, according to one warrant for his arrest - and he was assigned to investigate a few of them. The burglary charges stem from break-ins at small, locally-owned businesses, mostly restaurants, in 2023 and 2024. Hemingway, who used to brag to fellow Glastonbury officers about his lock-picking skills, one warrant said, quickly broke into business entrances or climbed in windows, stole from the cash registers and left within minutes. Sometimes he took the whole tray of cash, warrants said. He used his wife's Jeep Grand Cherokee for most if not all of the overnight burglaries, unbeknownst to the now-ex-spouse, police said. A Wethersfield detective connected him to the crimes when he learned from cellphone tower data that a phone number linked to a Wethersfield burglary and one in Shelton was paired with the Jeep. Advertisement Advertisement Police departments shared information, and investigators eventually came to suspect Hemingway of more than 50 burglaries in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Connecticut will only prosecute its cases, which stemmed from burglaries in at least five of its eight counties. A former helicopter pilot for the U.S. Army National Guard, Hemingway resigned from the Glastonbury Police Department on Sept. 1, 2023, saying he wanted to go to flight school and become a commercial pilot. Hemingway worked for the New Britain Police Department before he went to Glastonbury and left both departments in good standing, his personnel records showed. This article originally published at Former Glastonbury police officer pleads guilty to string of burglaries across Connecticut. Four men were arrested in London on Friday on suspicion of spying for Iran, according to the Metropolitan Police. Counterterrorism police with the force apprehended the men in the early hours of Friday morning at addresses in Barnet and Watford, on London's northern outskirts, the Metropolitan Police, or Met, said. The investigation centered on "suspected surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community" in London, according to a statement from the police. Advertisement Advertisement "Today's arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.," said Commander Helen Flanagan, the Met's counter-terror chief. "We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us." The men were 55, 52, 40 and 22, according to the police statement. Six others were arrested on suspicion of assisting the alleged offenders, and another was arrested for assaulting a police officer. "The Jewish community and the wider public will understandably be concerned by today's arrests," British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said in a social media post after the news broke. "We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with those affected." "I can reassure you that our police and security services are world leading and won't hesitate to take action to counter any threat to the UK. They will continue to use the full range of tools and powers available to them to keep this country safe," Mahmood added. Sam Vinograd, a former DHS assistant secretary for counterterrorism and threat protection, told CBS News this week that Iran represents a "multi-dimensional threat" to the U.S. homeland, with a "deep bench of players they tap into to inflict damage," including proxies regional, like-minded terrorist organizations along with state agents. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has developed what she called "surrogate networks here in the United States regular criminals that they actually hire and pay money to do things like murders and assassinations." Noem aide Corey Lewandowski had contentious call with Trump after Senate hearing, sources say Watch: Kristi Noem speaks minutes after Trump announces he's removing her as DHS secretary Watch: Kristi Noem Senate hearing moment that may have led to ouster as DHS secretary Fox Business anchor Stuart Varney asked Trump Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to comment on the February jobs numbers out on Friday, noting it doesnt look good for the Trump economy. Madam Secretary, 92,000 jobs out in February. Fewer jobs in healthcare, fewer jobs for information services because of AI, the weather hurt things, government employment down. If you add it all up, it doesnt look good for the Trump economy, began Varney. Yeah, I couldnt agree with you. I think we have to address the fact that this is not a good report in its raw numbers, but we have also talk about why this possibly has happened, this snapshot in time. It was mentioned, the weather. We saw health care numbers go down, replied Chavez-DeRemer, adding: We saw a record strike in California, over 30,000 jobs lost there, but that has been resolved, so were hoping to see those numbers tick back up next month. But overall, weve gained 60,000 new jobs over the last two months, so this is important for us to recognize what the message is here, what the noise is, and how focused the Labor Department is in making sure that we can bring back those jobs in construction, manufacturing. Were seeing the confidence go up. Weve seen the investments that the president has made. Ive said it over and over again. The president and I talk. We visit on this often. Its important to him. Were laser focused to make sure that we have that skilled workforce. And its just gonna take some time. So were recognizing what happened this month and were gonna stay laser focused to bring those jobs numbers up. But when you think about it, look at the real wages. Thats exciting for us that weve seen real wages go up as well. Watch above via Fox Business. The post Fox Anchor Presses Trump Labor Secretary on Jobs Numbers: It Doesnt Look Good first appeared on Mediaite. "Everything must be done to prevent this country, so close to France, from once again being drawn into war," Macron said on Thursday in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "At this moment of great danger, I call on the Israeli prime minister not to expand the war to Lebanon. I call on Iranian leaders not to further draw Lebanon into a war that is not its own," the French leader added. Macron's comments followed a request by Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun for the French president to intervene to "prevent the targeting of the southern suburbs [of Beirut] following threats by the Israeli army against its residents," the Lebanese presidency said in a separate statement. Advertisement Advertisement Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Beirut on Thursday, having ordered hundreds of thousands of people to leave the city's southern suburbs. The Israeli military says it is targeting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah armed group across Lebanon, with Beirut's south seen as its stronghold. Hezbollah has launched rockets and drones over the border into Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Lebanese state media said on Friday that Israel had launched overnight strikes on several towns in the east and had also targeted the eastern town of Dours at dawn. Advertisement Advertisement Its health ministry says 123 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since Monday. At least 90,000 have been displaced. France backs Gulf states as Iran launches fresh wave of missile strikes Humanitarian aid Macron also announced the "immediate despatch of humanitarian aid" to Lebanon. "Several tonnes of medicines are being transported, along with shelter solutions and assistance supplies," he said. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed in a TV interview that five tonnes of medical equipment and several tonnes of humanitarian supplies would arrive in Lebanon "as early as next week". France has said it aims to prevent escalation across the region and has taken steps to protect its own positions amid the wider conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Advertisement Advertisement "Hezbollah must immediately cease its fire toward Israel. Israel must refrain from any ground intervention or large-scale operation on Lebanese territory," Macron said. French jets intercept Iranian drones as first evacuees arrive in Paris 'Not at war' The president has sought to reassure the public that France is neither waging war in the Middle East nor intending to become embroiled in one. "I fully understand and hear your concerns, but I wanted to be absolutely clear... France is not part of this war. We are not in combat, and we will not be drawn into this conflict," Macron said in an Instagram post on Thursday evening, responding to a young user who had expressed anxiety over the potential fallout from the Israeli-American offensive against Iran.. Advertisement Advertisement France has dispatched military reinforcements to the Middle East including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to safeguard French nationals and allies caught in the crossfire of Iranian reprisals, helping them "intercept drones and missiles," he explained. "In an entirely peaceful capacity, we are mobilising to try to secure maritime traffic," Macron continued. Macron hosts Lebanon's PM to discuss ceasefire, Hezbollah disarmament Earlier on Tuesday, the president had announced he was seeking to build a coalition to protect the "shipping lanes vital to the global economy" in the region. "We shall endeavour to act as reasonably and peacefully as possible, because that is France's role." (with newswires) What was supposed to be a routine appearance for the setting of a new court date erupted into confusion and the jailing of a Crossville man for contempt of court. Eric B. Garrison, 43, of Tima Road, appeared before Criminal Court Judge Gary McKenzie Tuesday. The grand jury has not met to act on his case, and he was simply present for receive a new appearance date. The Public Defenders Office was appointed to represent Garrison, and a new court date was set for May 12. Advertisement Advertisement Garrison was charged in General Sessions Court with second-degree murder. The charge stems from the fatal shooting of Albert Darrell Al Sturgill Jr., 62, a former mechanic who worked in Fairfield Glade. The shooting occurred in August 2025 in the area of the Veterans Memorial Park across from the Cumberland County Courthouse. As Garrison signed a document pledging his appearance, something happened. When Garrison signed the appearance document, a commotion broke out, McKenzie looked up and saw a pen flying off the podium in front of him. Take him into custody, McKenzie ordered. I didnt do nothing, Garrison replied. Advertisement Advertisement Court officers moved quickly, struggled briefly with Garrison as they moved him out of the courtroom. On the way out, Garrison expressed himself in a profanity-laced protest that ended with, This is bull (expletive deleted). McKenzie had already found Garrison in contempt of court with 10 days to serve in jail (no bond). He added 10 more days for the tirade and ordered Garrisons bond revoked. Garrison was removed from the courtroom and led to booking to begin his contempt sentence. Family members could be heard sobbing and questioning what had happened. Order was restored and McKenzie reminded those in the room it is a court where decorum is demanded, warning against any further outbursts. Advertisement Advertisement During the next recess, Public Defender Laura Dykes, Assistant District Attorneys Philip Hatch and Allison Null and the judge met in chambers to review a video of the incident in the courtroom. It was learned from the video the pen had not been tossed. Garrison is seen slamming the pen down on the podium, Court Officer Tommy Callahan is viewed picking up the pen and hitting the podium with it. With this review, McKenzie withdrew his order to revoke Garrisons $100,000 bond and allowed him to remain under the same. The judge also reduced the contempt of court from 20 days to 10 days. Garrison remains in jail pending completion of the contempt sentence. Advertisement Advertisement The grand jury next meets April 12 and if lab results are available, along with written reports and documents, the case could be presented on that date. Garrison is to return to court on May 12 for arraignment if a true bill is handed down in his case. Natural gas provided a record 16.1% of electricity generation in Germany last year, official figures showed on Friday, as the share of renewable energies dropped slightly. The Federal Statistical Office said gas produced 70.6 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in 2025, 10.2% more than in the previous year. Solar power also surged to a record 16% share of total eletricity generation, with 70.1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity produced by photovoltaics, up 17.4% from 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Wind remained the most important source of electricity, contributing 30% of total generation despite a slight decline in volume, while coal was second on 22.1%. Germany intends to phase out coal-fired power generation by 2038 in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While the previous government under former chancellor Olaf Scholz invested heavily in expanding renewable energy sources, Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative-led administration has decided to build new gas-fired plants. Energy Minister Katherina Reiche has argued that the move is necessary to secure the electricity supply when solar and wind power are insufficient. According to an analysis by the state-owned development bank KfW, wind and solar power only fail to supply electricity on average for 15 days a year. Californians are feeling more pain at the pump than any other state as the conflict with Iran pushes up prices. Spencer Shearer was filling up his Nissan Sentra on Friday morning at the Chevron station in Brentwood near San Vicente and Montana avenues and paying a rate higher than almost anywhere else in the country: $5.55 per gallon. It sucks, Shearer said as he watched his bill on the pump click toward $50. Advertisement Advertisement With the continued conflict in and around Iran, gas prices are rising. In the Los Angeles area and a few places around the San Francisco Bay Area, the cost of gas has cracked $5-per-gallon again and is even tipping toward $6 in a few places. Read more: California gas is pricey already. The Iran war could cost you even more The spreading conflict in the Persian Gulf has had a predictable but unwelcome impact on California drivers. Californians usually pay far more for gas than people in other states. Its pole position on prices is continuing with the latest surge. The average cost of a gallon of regular gas in California is the most expensive in the country at $4.91, up 6% from a week ago and 11% from a month ago, according to AAA. The nationwide average is $3.32 per gallon. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: California legislators strike last-minute deal to help oil industry but limit offshore drilling The conflict with Iran has strangled movement through the Persian Gulf and catapulted the price of a barrel of oil. The prices in California are higher than in other states because of higher taxes and stricter requirements for cleaner, more expensive gas that pollutes less. This has been a festering issue not only for the industry but also for consumers. Fuel marketers, gas station owners and some voters have blamed Gov. Gavin Newsoms policies. Gas prices at a Shell station on Foothill Boulevard. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) Newsom told regulators in 2021 to stop issuing fracking permits and phase out oil extraction by 2045. He also signed a bill allowing local governments to block the construction of oil and gas wells. He seemed to ease his stance last year and signed a bill allowing up to 2,000 new oil wells per year through 2036 in Kern County, which produces about three-fourths of the states crude oil. Advertisement Advertisement As a result of the policies that seem aimed at punishing oil producers, California has seen a steady decline in crude oil production, making it more reliant on oil and gasoline supplies outside the state. In 2024, only 23% of the crude oil refined in the state was pumped in California, with 13% from Alaska and 63% from elsewhere in the world, including about 30% from the Middle East, according to the Western States Petroleum Assn. The primary reason gas prices in California are high is that refinery closures are reducing local supply while demand has remained high, said Zachary Leary, chief lobbyist at the Western States Petroleum Assn. Read more: California could get its first gasoline pipeline. Would that lower gas prices? Advertisement Advertisement Geopolitical events show and highlight how fragile it is here in California, he said. Californias special gasoline blends are increasingly imported from overseas and can require more than a month to transport, he added. Supply bottlenecks have been exacerbated by recent refinery closures, including the Phillips 66 refinery in Wilmington in October and the idling and planned closure of the Valero refinery in Benicia, which reduced refining capacity in the state by close to 20%. Read more: This is what could replace the Phillips 66 oil refinery in Wilmington It is hard to predict how long this spike in prices will stay, said Severin Borenstein, faculty director of the Energy Institute at UC Berkeleys Haas School of Business. Advertisement Advertisement We dont know whether the war will widen or end quickly, said Borenstein. Those things will drive the price of crude. At the Brentwood gas station, product manager Conner Uretsky, 30, waited as his partner refueled her Toyota Prius ahead of a trip to Palm Springs. Lately, he said, surging fuel costs have made him think twice about going on road trips. Uretsky, who moved to Los Angeles from the East Coast about six years ago, said he was initially shocked by the regions high cost of living. Gas prices are crazy, he said. Read more: One man's stand against gas cars, and Trump Paula, a writer who declined to share her last name, said she was furious at President Trumps decision to start a war with Iran, as well as his recent actions in Venezuela and threats against Greenland and Cuba. Advertisement Advertisement If you look at who's paying for this war, we are, she said, pointing to the fuel price flip sign as she waited for her Volvo hybrid SUV to refuel. Shearer says he has to be more careful with his gas budget. The business analyst tries to find the least expensive gas near his home in Los Angeles. Still, he's gotten used to California's high prices. It feels almost normal to be paying this amount, he said. Times staff writer Laurence Darmiento contributed to this report. Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A Maryland man detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during what his family believed would be a routine compliance appointment now faces possible deportation to Cameroon, a country where same-sex relationships are criminalized, and LGBTQ+ people face widespread persecution. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. Ludovic Mbock, 38, an out gay professional gamer who has lived in the United States since arriving as a teenager, was taken into custody during an ICE check-in in Baltimore roughly two weeks ago, according to Washington, D.C., news radio station WTOP. Advertisement Advertisement Mbocks attorney, Edward Neufville, told the station that his client has since been transferred through multiple detention facilities, including in Louisiana and Georgia. Related: Trump admin is trying to deport LGBTQ+ asylum-seekers to countries where they'd be killed, lawyers say Related: Gay man says ICE is keeping his husband jailed even though theyve agreed to leave the U.S. Hes an openly gay person, Neufville told WTOP. He wont be able to survive in Cameroon. Mbocks family now fears immigration authorities could deport him to the Central African country, where LGBTQ+ people have been subjected to arrests, violence, and harassment. Advertisement Advertisement The case arrives amid growing scrutiny of Trump administration immigration enforcement policies that advocates say place LGBTQ+ migrants at particular risk when deportation could send them to countries hostile to their identities. Recent reporting by The Advocate and the Associated Press has documented how migrants, including LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, have been deported not only to their home countries but also to third countries, a controversial practice that can place them in unfamiliar and dangerous environments. In one case reported by the AP, a lesbian asylum seeker from Morocco who fled family violence was deported to Cameroon despite a court order barring her return to Morocco because of the danger she faced there. Related: Trump administration is potentially sending two gay men to their death by preparing to deport them to Iran Related: Cameroon president's daughter comes out, reveals relationship with Brazilian model Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys say that new legal tactics and transfer agreements could allow the government to sidestep asylum rulings by proposing deportations to countries such as Uganda, where LGBTQ+ people face severe criminal penalties. Those cases, advocates say, highlight how immigration enforcement policies can collide with the core principle of asylum law: protecting people fleeing persecution based on characteristics such as sexual orientation or gender identity. Attorneys told the AP that such third-country deportations have been enabled by agreements allowing migrants to be transferred to nations with which they have no meaningful ties. Advocates say the policies can create life-or-death consequences for LGBTQ+ migrants. Earlier this year, The Advocate reported on two gay Iranian men who fled their country after being arrested by morality police for alleged homosexual conduct, charges that can carry punishments ranging from flogging to death. Their attorney warned that deporting them back to Iran could amount to sending them to their deaths. They are textbook asylum cases, attorney Rebekah Wolf told The Advocate, describing people fleeing countries where sexual orientation is criminalized and punishable by torture or execution. In Iran, homosexuality can carry some of the harshest penalties in the world, including imprisonment, torture, and death, according to human rights groups. Advertisement Advertisement This article originally appeared on Advocate: Gay professional gamer detained by ICE fears deportation to Cameroon, where homosexuality is illegal RELATED Artificial intelligence continues to make waves in markets, spurring new investments and concerns each week. Nvidia (NVDA) is drumming up anticipation for its flagship developer conference next week, with a $2 billion investment in Nebius and a rare blog post from CEO Jensen Huang this week, arguing that AI represents the largest infrastructure build-out in human history, spanning industries from energy to software. Meanwhile, the clash between Anthropic (ANTH.PVT) and the US Department of Defense continues to unfold. The AI startup filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense on Monday to block a ban on the company after the Pentagon labeled it a "supply chain risk for national security." Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei vowed to fight the designation, which is usually reserved for foreign adversaries, writing that Anthropic has "no choice but to challenge it in court." As US federal agencies like the Treasury Department begin to revoke access to Anthropic, other AI players have offered the Pentagon alternative services. OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) reached a deal with the military, which elicited pushback from employees and users. And on Tuesday, Alphabet's Google said it was introducing AI agents at the Department of Defense for unclassified work. Follow along for the latest updates on the tech sector. LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER 74 updates A Georgia man is facing charges after prosecutors say he used counterfeit coupons at stores across the state. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced that his Organized Retail Crime Unit secured an indictment against Michael Justin Williams in Douglas County. Investigators say Williams carried out a counterfeit coupon scheme targeting stores operated by RaceTrac, Family Dollar and Parkers Kitchen. Advertisement Advertisement According to the indictment, the scheme happened between June 10 and July 9, 2025. Prosecutors say Williams used phony coupons on 20 separate occasions at stores in Mableton, Lithia Springs, Douglasville, Norcross, Forest Park, Atlanta, McDonough, East Point, Riverdale, Stone Mountain, Bogart, Pooler and Metter. TRENDING STORIES: Authorities say the coupons claimed to offer $8 off a pack of Newport cigarettes, dropping the price to less than $2 per pack. Advertisement Advertisement If we want to remain the No. 1 state for business, then we have to address the rising threat of organized retail crime in our communities, Carr said in a statement. Officials say the case was developed with the help of asset protection teams from RaceTrac, Family Dollar and Parkers Kitchen, along with the Douglas Police Department and the Douglas County Sheriffs Office. On Feb. 18, prosecutors presented evidence to a Douglas County grand jury, which indicted Williams on the following charges: One count of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act Six counts of forgery The attorney generals office says Georgia businesses lose an estimated $3 billion each year to retail theft. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] By Jorn Poltz MUNICH, March 6 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Friday Berlin was working with partners to find an approach to end the fighting with Iran as he warned against allowing the country to fall into chaos as the war widens across the Middle East. Merz said Germany shared the aims of the United States and Israel to stop Tehran's nuclear and missile programme, its threats to Israel and its support for proxy groups and he said the Iranian people had the right to decide their own future. Advertisement Advertisement "However, as the fighting continues and spreads, we also see growing risks," he said in a statement. "An endless war is not in our interest." He said Germany was working with partners to formulate a common perspective on ending the conflict. "These considerations are ongoing," he said, without giving details. Merz's comments reflect the unease felt in Europe at the war unleashed by the U.S. and Israeli operation that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei a week ago and which has since spread into Lebanon with no clear sign of an end in sight. As American and Israeli jets have continued to pound targets across Iran and Iranian missiles and drones have hit cities in the Gulf and Israel, the economic risks have risen with global air transport in chaos and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's key oil shipping lanes, shut down. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has not yet named a successor to Khamenei, who held power for 37 years, and Merz said the collapse of Iranian statehood or proxy conflicts fought on Iranian soil would not be in anyone's interest. "Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe," he said, including uncontrolled migration by Iranians fleeing across the border if the country fell into chaos. "The Iranian state must remain functional, and public order and basic services must be maintained. The Iranian economy must not collapse," Merz said. Merz said a political process of dialogue and trust building in the region would have to begin once fighting ends. Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes would have to end and be subject to verification. Iran would have to stop supporting proxy groups and all nuclear material would have to be secured. If that happened sanctions might be lifted and aid could be provided. (Reporting by Joern Poltz, Writing by Miranda Murray and James Mackenzie, Editing by William Maclean) A long war in Iran could bring uncontrollable consequences for the Middle East and beyond, including Europe, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned on Friday. "A prolonged continuation of this war would not be in our interest. The same applies to the possible collapse of the Iranian state or proxy conflicts fought on Iranian soil," Merz said during a visit to the annual craftsmanship fair in Munich. Such scenarios could have far-reaching consequences for Europe, including for security, energy supply and migration, the German chancellor said. Advertisement Advertisement The German government shares the goals of the United States and Israel, which are directed against Iran's nuclear and missile programme and the Iranian threat to Israel and its neighbours, Merz added. "The Iranian people have the right to decide their own destiny," Merz said, but warned also that as the fighting continues and expands, the risks will grow for Israel and the entire region. Together with France, Britain and partners in the Gulf region, Germany is working on a plan for ending the fighting: "The guiding principle must be a regional peace settlement." The security and existence of all states, including Israel and the Gulf states, must be guaranteed, said Merz, highlighting the need for dialogue and confidence-building in the region after the end of the fighting. Advertisement Advertisement "Iran's military nuclear programme and ballistic missile programme must be verifiably terminated," he stressed further. Nuclear material from Iran cannot fall into the hands of non-state actors or other countries, and Iran must also cease its support for terrorist networks, Merz said. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has warned of a new wave of migration towards Europe in light of the regional consequences of the Iran war. "The situation created by the war is dramatic in some respects," Wadephul said at a meeting with his Dutch counterpart Tom Berendsen in Berlin. He added that this is why they must also ensure that many internally displaced people do not become a new wave of refugees. Advertisement Advertisement The German government wants to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and is therefore providing an additional nearly 100 million ($116 million) for humanitarian aid, announced Wadephul. "We are seeing a new dynamic and drama in Lebanon with many internally displaced people," the conservative politician said, adding that they want to provide on-site assistance throughout the region. No delivery of German air-defence systems planned According to Wadephul, the government is not considering delivering air-defence systems to the countries attacked by Iran. "Our focus is Ukraine," he said. The majority of German air-defence systems, particularly Patriot systems, have been delivered to Ukraine in its defence against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement "If we had anything left in this regard, we would also have to seriously consider giving it to Ukraine," said Wadephul. "Therefore, there are currently no thoughts within the federal government to deliver such systems elsewhere." Berendsen said that wherever possible, the partner countries attacked by Iran must be supported. "It is important that we present a united front, as we have considerable security and economic interests in the region." The Dutch government is considering sending a frigate as part of the French aircraft carrier group Charles de Gaulle to the Mediterranean, he added. DNA from gloves found about 2 miles away from Nancy Gunthrie's Arizona home was traced back to a local restaurant worker who has no connection to the investigation, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said Wednesday. "Sheriff [Chris] Nanos stated in a recent interview that the black gloves found approximately 2 miles away from Nancy Guthrie's home were traced back via DNA analysis to a person who works at a restaurant in the area. That person is not considered part of this investigation," a department spokesperson told CBS News in a statement. "Lab analysis remains underway on other DNA evidence." A black glove was found near Nancy Guthrie's home on Feb. 11, and days later, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said a DNA profile from the gloves that were submitted to a national database maintained by the FBI didn't come back with any matches. The FBI said at the time that the suspect seen in the doorbell camera video appeared to be wearing similar gloves. Advertisement Advertisement The DNA profile had been submitted to the database known as CoDIS, or Combined DNA Index System, the sheriff's department said. The national database maintained by the FBI could have provided a match if the individual had a previous arrest for certain crimes and supplied a DNA sample that put him into the system. The glove was found in a field near a roadside and was one of approximately 16 gloves collected by investigators in various areas near the house, but most of those other gloves belonged to searchers who discarded them while working the area, the FBI has said. Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was first reported missing on Feb. 1, sparking a massive search effort for the 84-year-old. The sheriff's department has also sent DNA evidence from the scene to a private lab in Florida, rather than the FBI's lab in Quantico, Virginia. Nanos told CBS News at the time that his agency has been sending evidence to the Florida lab for years, and he doesn't want samples sent to two different facilities. The sheriff has said he's hopeful that the DNA will lead to a name. Advertisement Advertisement DNA recovered from Nancy Guthrie's home may not yield a usable profile of the suspect, according to sources close to the investigation, with one source calling it "low-level." Nancy Guthrie's family offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to her recovery. The FBI is also offering a reward of $100,000. Watch: Lawmaker plays videos of harsh Minnesota ICE arrests at Noem hearing Watch: Kristi Noem's opening statement at Senate Judiciary Committee on DHS Key details on Iran war on Day 4 of conflict AUSTIN, Texas (AP) The abrupt decision by U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales to not seek reelection clears the path for a self-described gun rights absolutist to secure the Republican nomination in a sprawling Texas congressional district. Brendan Herrera, 30, originally gained notoriety by posting videos of himself shooting weapons, calling himself The AK Guy. He lost a close contest to Gonzales two years ago but forced him into a runoff in Tuesday's primary. Gonzales dropped out of the race on Thursday night after having admitted to an affair with a former staff member who later died by suicide, meaning Herrera suddenly has no competition for the Republican mantle in the state's 23rd congressional district. Democrats hope to pull off an upset by casting Herrera as a fringe figure from the hard right, but it will be a challenge in a deep red district that stretches 800 miles along the border with Mexico. Advertisement Advertisement I appreciate Tony Gonzales for making the appropriate decision, Herrera said in a statement. I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves. Herrera moved to Texas from North Carolina in 2020, and he built a following of millions with YouTube videos about guns that he tested on a shooting range. He describes himself as a Second Amendment Absolutist and he sharply criticized Gonzales' support for gun safety legislation after the Robb Elementary school shooting in Uvalde, which is in the district. He has also faced criticism for comments about the Holocaust. In a 2022 video, Herrera described a German submachine gun as the original ghetto blaster, and he goose-stepped to German songs. While firing the weapon at a can of White Claw, another man wearing a mask asks Herrera if he is hiding any White Claw underneath the floorboards? Advertisement Advertisement Herrera says yes and then shouts, Gestapo right there! before shooting a case of drinks. Then he adds, they did not see that coming, pronouncing not see like Nazi. Later in the video, Herrera said, I'm not really a big fan of fascism, and said he was making jokes about history. The Democratic nominee for the district, attorney and former schoolteacher Katy Padilla Stout, swiftly criticized Herrera over that particular video on Friday morning. Parents I talk to in #TX23, particularly those in Uvalde, are disgusted that this man could represent our families in Congress, Padilla Stout posted on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Yet Republicans have no fear of losing the district, and dismiss Democratic hopes of snatching the seat with Herrera as the nominee. Texas 23rd District is deep red, and Democrats know it, said National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Christian Martinez. While they talk a big game in Washington, they dont even have a credible recruit and are too busy defending their own vulnerable members across Texas to compete here. Brendan Steinhauser, a Republican strategist in Texas, said his party has to decide whether Herrera is worth the headache during a difficult midterm election cycle. The party wants to feel like the district is in the bag and off the board, he said, but it probably won't be. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre going to take a look at this one, Steinhauser said. Does it hurt the Republican Party to support this particular candidate? The district is the second-largest in the country and was one of Congress' perennial battlegrounds before it was redrawn in 2021. It was a Republican stronghold in 2024 when President Donald Trump carried the district by nearly 15 points. Trump had previously endorsed Gonzales. Last month, a lawyer representing the president sent Herrera's campaign a cease and desist letter accusing it of sending deceptive mailers with Trump's image. But support for Gonzales began to evaporate during the scandal over his affair and the woman's subsequent suicide, and House Republican leadership urged him to end his campaign. Advertisement Advertisement However, Gonzales said he would serve out his current term, helping his party maintain its slim majority in the House. ___ This story has been updated to correct the last name of the Democratic challenger for the district. It is Katy Padilla Stout, not Scott. ___ Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper contributed from Phoenix. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) dropped his reelection bid on Thursday after coming under pressure from Republican leaders and other GOP colleagues to do so after admitting to an affair with his staffer who later died by suicide. He indicated he would stay in office through the end of his term. After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment Ive always had in my district, Gonzales said in the late Thursday statement. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful. Advertisement Advertisement Gonzales did not mention the affair in a statement announcing his withdrawal from the race. The decision means that Gonzaless challenger, Brandon Herrera, a YouTuber and firearms manufacturer endorsed by the political arm of the House Freedom Caucus, will be the Republican nominee for Texass 23rd Congressional district. After a Tuesday primary, Gonzales was set to face Herrera in a runoff in May. The Cook Political Report rates the district as solidly Republican. Earlier on Thursday, the top four House GOP leaders, led by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), called on Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection race. Gonzales admitted in an interview with conservative talk show host Joe Pags that the affair occurred, saying he made a mistake and had a lapse in judgment. But in that interview, he resisted calls to resign or end his reelection campaign. Advertisement Advertisement The House Ethics Committee officially opened an investigation into Gonzales on Wednesday to examine allegations that he violated the Houses code of conduct, which prohibits members from having sexual relationships with staff. It opened the investigation the day after Gonzaless primary in Texas. The committee did not open an investigation earlier due to the panels rules about taking actions against members within 60 days before an election. Gonzales went over the highlights of his congressional career in the statement. At 18, I swore an oath to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. During my 20 years in the military and three terms in Congress, I have fought for that cause with absolute dedication to the country that I love, he said. Advertisement Advertisement From overcoming the border crisis to taking a stand with my communities after the worst school shooting in Texas history, my philosophy has never changed: Do as much as you can, and always fight for the greater good. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A House bill filed this week by a Republican lawmaker would require Kentucky public schools to allow outside moral instruction groups to give religious instruction to students during class time. House Bill 829, sponsored by Rep. Shane Baker, of Somerset, would make changes to a law passed by the GOP-controlled General Assembly last year that permits school boards to consider requests from such groups. The law enacted last year says school boards may approve proposals for moral instruction that meet certain specified requirements; this years bill says schools boards shall approve proposals that meet the requirements. Rep. Shane Baker presents a resolution to return a Ten Commandments monument to the Capitol in 2025. (LRC Public Information) Ohio-based LifeWise Academy, which teaches public school students about the Bible, submitted requests to several Kentucky school boards with varying outcomes since the 2025 law was passed. Advertisement Advertisement If approved, Bakers bill would require school boards to allow moral instruction programs to students if they meet requirements such as having a transportation plan and proof of insurance. The bill would also expand the time moral instruction would be offered to students from up to an hour to at least an hour. The program could also take place on school campuses, if school boards allow equal access to the use of school property by public members of the community. The current law requires students be transported off campus for the classes. Additionally, the Kentucky attorney generals office may file civil lawsuits against school boards that do not comply with the measure. Baker said via a spokesperson that the bill streamlines the process for approval for moral instruction programs like LifeWise in schools. House budget committee chair Jason Petrie, R-Elkton, is co-sponsor of House Bill 829. (LRC Public Information) HB 829 was filed Tuesday and had not been assigned a committee as of Wednesday morning. Rep. Jason Petrie, R-Elkton, chair of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee, is a co-sponsor. Advertisement Advertisement The chair of the Oldham County Board of Education, one of the school boards that rejected a request from LifeWise Academy, previously said she voted against the proposal because of concerns about logistics with LifeWise picking up and dropping students off at school multiple times a day. Meanwhile, the McCracken County Board of Education approved a similar request for an intermediate school in its district. The Paducah Sun reported in September one board member cited the programs operation in another county, Marshall County Schools, which has had the program since 2023. One group of Oldham County residents, Kentucky Citizens for Democracy, vocally opposed the LifeWise request there last fall. The group issued a statement opposing the bill Tuesday night, saying it is part of a growing effort to embed religious instruction programs into the daily structure of public education. While these programs are often described as voluntary, real-world experience in districts across the country shows they frequently create division among students, disrupt the school day, and place pressure on children who choose not to participate, the citizens group said. Advertisement Advertisement Public schools exist to serve every child in the community regardless of religion or belief. Programs that separate students for religious instruction during the school day risk undermining that shared civic mission. According to its statement of faith online, LifeWise maintains a high view of the authority of Scripture and we align ourselves with historic, orthodox Christian beliefs as expressed in the Nicene Creed. Last year, Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a law requiring school districts to create a religious instruction release time policy. The law had previously allowed school boards to decide policies around letting children attend religious instruction during the school day. Throughout 2025, LifeWise rapidly expanded in Ohio schools. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry quickly came to the defense of Kristi Noem after President Donald Trump announced her removal Thursday as Homeland Security secretary. The governor has long referenced a friendship with Noem, dating back to her time as South Dakotas governor from 2019-25. Her views against COVID-19 precautions aligned with those Landry espoused when he was attorney general and opposed then Gov. John Bel Edwards efforts to contain the virus. Noem has also taken part in Landrys annual alligator hunt fundraiser that draws a roster of notable attendees from pro-Trump circles, including the presidents son, Don Jr. Advertisement Advertisement It was Landry who held the Bible when Noem was sworn in as Homeland Securitys leader in January 2025. America is safer because of Secretary Kristi Noems service at DHS, Landry said in a social media post. Because of her work, America is seeing record low border crossings. Im thankful, Louisiana is thankful, the Nation should be thankful, for her service to this country and I wish her the best in her new role. I want to congratulate Markwayne Mullin on his new appointment. Louisiana stands ready to work with you to continue President Donald J. Trumps mission to protect our great homeland! Noems connection to Landry continued during his run for governor and once he took office. Advertisement Advertisement Landrys campaign spent thousands with political consultant Corey Lewandowski, who most recently was an adviser to Noem at Homeland Security. The two have been linked for years and reportedly had an affair, though Noem has repeatedly denied the allegations. She deflected questions about her relationship with Lewandowski from a U.S. House committee looking into her departments aggressive immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis. Just months after Landry became governor, Noem met with his cabinet in Baton Rouge while she was also dealing with fallout from admitting in a book she authored that she had purposefully killed her dog that had proven difficult to train. Landry also chose one of Noems advisers in South Dakota, Madison Sheahan, to lead the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries despite Sheahan lacking any applicable experience. Sheahan, who had also been chair of the South Dakota Republican Party, later joined Noem at Homeland Security as deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement until she resigned earlier this year to run for Congress in her home state of Ohio. In that DHS role, Sheahan had oversight of Operation Catahoula Crunch, the Trump administrations immigration crackdown in the New Orleans area late last year. Advertisement Advertisement Noem, Sheahan and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi joined Landry at Louisiana State Penitentiary in September to announce a newly renovated portion of the prison would be used to house ICE detainees. Landry had declared a state emergency weeks earlier to expedite repairs to what had been a maximum security unit at Angola that was closed in 2017 amid rampant safety concerns. Axios reported earlier this year that the Trump administration pays Louisiana $1 million monthly to house ICE detainees at the state penitentiary. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE During a recent operation, the Hampton County Sheriff's Office seized illegal narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding $50,000, along with firearms. For the second time within a year, Hampton County police executed a drug raid on the same residence and arrested the same suspect on multiple drug and gun charges. On March 4, the Hampton County Sheriff's Office announced the second arrest of Brian Carroll Hayes, 51, of Cummings, since May of 2025. The HCSO stated in a public release that on Feb. 20, a multi-agency law enforcement team executed a search warrant at a residence on Ram Road in Cummings as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Advertisement Advertisement During the operation, deputies located Hayes on the property, where he was arrested and taken into custody without incident. During the execution of the search warrant, deputies seized firearms and a significant quantity of illegal narcotics, stated the HCSO report. As a result of the investigation and search, Hayes was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine or Cocaine Base (400 grams or more) Trafficking in Cocaine (100 grams or more but less than 200 grams) Trafficking in Crack Cocaine (28 grams or more but less than 100 grams) 2nd Offense Possession of More Than Two Grams of Fentanyl 1st Offense Possession of Narcotics in Schedule I (including LSD) 1st Offense Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime This recent arrest follows a previous narcotics arrest involving Hayes on May 15, 2025. On that date, a HCSO team executed a search warrant at the same Ram Road residence and seized illegal narcotics with an estimated street value exceeding $50,000, along with a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement At that time, Hayes was charged with: Trafficking Methamphetamine or Cocaine Base (400 grams or more over 1 kilogram) Trafficking Methamphetamine or Cocaine Base (100 grams or more but less than 200 grams) Trafficking in Cocaine (28 grams or more but less than 100 grams) 1st Offense Manufacturing/Possession with Intent to Distribute Other Substances in Schedule I, II, or III 1st Offense At that time, Hayes was given a $100K cash or surety bond. However, the state court database, sccourts.org, reports that the 2025 charges against Hayes were later dismissed. H.C. Sheriff Anthony Russell thanked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Yemassee Police Department, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) for their assistance in this investigation. Advertisement Advertisement The HCSO encourages citizens to report suspicious activity or submit tips regarding any criminal behavior. Information from the community plays a vital role in helping law enforcement identify criminal activity and keep our communities safe, said the Sheriff's Office, adding that the HCSO remains committed to aggressively targeting repeat offenders involved in large-scale narcotics distribution and firearm-related offenses. This investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible. This article originally appeared on Bluffton Today: H. C. Sheriffs arrest drug trafficking suspect for second time in a year Lufthansa has launched a turnaround programme at its flagship carrier (Michaela STACHE) Michaela STACHE/AFP/AFP German aviation giant Lufthansa warned Friday it faced a more uncertain outlook because of the unfolding Middle East conflict, and that the fallout showed how vulnerable air traffic remains to geopolitical shocks. The war -- which began last weekend with US-Israeli attacks on Iran, triggering retaliatory strikes from the Islamic republic -- has caused the biggest disruption to air travel since the Covid pandemic. With airspace closed and transit hubs in the Gulf disrupted, Lufthansa also said it was scrambling to put on extra long-haul flights as demand surges from passengers looking for alternative routes. "The war in the Middle East proves once again how exposed air traffic is and how vulnerable it remains, even though the industry is now more resilient to crises than it used to be," Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said, as the group announced its 2025 results. "The massive concentration of global traffic flows via the Gulf hubs is increasingly proving to be a geopolitical Achilles' heel." On its outlook for this year, the group -- which operates Eurowings, Austrian, Swiss and Brussels Airlines and has acquired a stake in Italy's ITA -- cautioned profit predictions were now more difficult. "Developments in the Middle East and the associated geopolitical consequences for the global economy increase the medium- and long-term forecast uncertainty," said Lufthansa, which is Europe's biggest airline group by sales. Talking to reporters later, Spohr said Lufthansa was seeing "an enormous increase" in demand for long-haul flights to Asia and Africa because if major disruption at hubs like Dubai and Doha. "We are examining how we can respond to the situation by operating short-notice special flights," he said, adding that destinations would include Bangkok, Singapore and India. "We don't have an unlimited number of aircraft... but will now deploy and schedule those that we can at short notice." Lufthansa is also joining efforts to evacuate thousands of German tourists stranded in the Middle East by organising some flights to bring them home, the CEO said. Another risk that Lufthansa flagged was "volatility" on oil markets as the conflict sends prices -- including of jet fuel -- sharply higher. But chief financial officer Till Streichert played down the risk, saying the firm had a "solid hedging strategy" that should shield it from price fluctuations. Before the outbreak of the war, airlines had been benefitting from relatively lower oil prices. Iowa State University alumnus David Cook recently started his new role as president, returning to the Ames school 36 years after graduating. Cook was born in Ames, attended Ames High School, and graduated from Iowa State University in 1992. He officially took over for Wendy Wintersteen, ISU's first female president, on Sunday, March 1. More: See who's performing at Stephens in March, including Daniel Tosh Advertisement Advertisement In a welcome video released by Iowa State on Monday, March 2, Cook said he and his wife, Katie, are grateful to return home to their hometown and to the university that "shaped who they are today." "Iowa State is a very special place," Cook said in the video. "It created a solid foundation and has put us on a path that ultimately led us back here." Back where it all began pic.twitter.com/E2pT9Ht7pt Iowa State University (@IowaStateU) March 2, 2026 How did David Cook become Iowa State's 17th president? Former Iowa State president Wendy Wintersteen retired at the start of 2026. Nearly 80 people applied to fill Wintersteen's position. The Iowa Board of Regents spent six months trimming the list until Cook was one of two finalists. He was named Iowa State's 17th president on Nov. 11, 2025, beating out Cornell's Benjamin Houlton. Iowa State University presidential candidate David Cook, president of North Dakota State University, speaks during a candidate forum on Nov. 6, 2025, at the universitys Memorial Union building in Ames, Iowa. David Cook is passionate about the land-grant mission Cook was president of North Dakota State University for four years, a fellow land-grant institution. His experience in Fargo "deepened his belief in the power of the land-grant mission." Advertisement Advertisement More: Campustown Showdown's return brings cattle, festival back to Ames As a first-generation college student, Cook said the mission of a land-grant university is "deeply personal." "It's about ensuring all students have access to a high-quality, well-rounded education," Cook said. "One that values STEM fields, the social sciences and the humanities; one that fosters curiosity, civic responsibility, and community engagement. It's about advancing research, innovation that solves real-world problems and improves lives, and it's about sharing our knowledge and expertise grounded in science in ways that serve the people of Iowa and beyond." David Cook, the current president of North Dakota State University, is introduced as the next president of Iowa State University on Nov. 11, 2025, at the universitys Memorial Union Building in Ames, Iowa. New president values input from Iowa State community Cook said there are "tremendous opportunities to take Iowa State to the next level." His first step is to hear from the Iowa State community. He pledged to attend various campus activities, meeting students, faculty, and local residents. Advertisement Advertisement More: Food delivery app EatFuti expands to Ames with focus on lower fees "Since my selection, I spent time talking with many university leaders and stakeholders, and in the weeks and months to come, I look forward to meeting with colleges, departments, units, and organizations across campus and across the state," Cook said. "Katie and I plan to attend as many events, programs, and activities as possible here in Ames and throughout our 99-county campus, because we believe that trust is built by showing up, listening, and learning about the work you do every day to make Iowa and the world a better place." Cook said he is confident Iowa State will "help shape the future as the most student-centric, leading research university." Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Iowa State University's 17th president shares welcome video on 1st day The Iran-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon has called on residents in northern Israel to leave the area. The Shiite group warned that attacks by the Israeli military in Lebanon would not go unanswered. It urged residents to evacuate all Israeli settlements within 5 kilometres of the border. It was the militia's first warning of this kind since the latest escalation of violence. The Israeli military had earlier called on residents of several densely populated suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut to leave the area. The affected neighbourhoods are considered strongholds of Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday evening, Israel's military began strikes there. Residents reported explosions. It was the first time the Israeli military had issued a warning for an area of this size in the region. Hezbollah fighters began firing rockets at Israel early on Monday in response to the killing of Iran's supreme leader ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli assault on Iran. Since then, Israel's military has carried out heavy strikes on targets in several parts of Lebanon. March 6 (Reuters) - Lebanon's Hezbollah warned Israeli residents to evacuate towns within 5 km (3.11 miles) of the border between the countries in a message posted on its Telegram channel in Hebrew early on Friday. Hezbollah's message came less than a day after Israel warned residents to leave Beirut's southern suburbs, prompting an exodus from a swathe of the capital known as Dahiyeh. Lebanon was pulled into the war in the Middle East on Monday, when Hezbollah opened fire, sparking Israeli airstrikes focused on Beirut's southern suburbs and on southern and eastern Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement "Your military's aggression against Lebanese sovereignty and safe citizens, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the expulsion campaign it is carrying out will not go unchallenged," Hezbollah said. Israel has said it will not evacuate its border towns and has sent more soldiers into Lebanon, saying this was a defensive measure meant to protect its citizens who live nearby. (Reporting by Hatem Maher, Nayera Abdallah and Maayan Lubell; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Christian Schmollinger) It was one of the most unusual photo ops so far this year at the State House. The leaders of South Carolinas three branches of government came together Tuesday in the historic State House lobby to commemorate a strictly non-partisan event the 250th anniversary of the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. Then they sat down at a long table and fixed their names Gov. Henry McMaster and Chief Justice John Kittredge, House Speaker Murrell Smith and Senate President Thomas Alexander in inks of varying hues to a proclamation explaining the significance of the declaration. Advertisement Advertisement We, the heads of the three branches of government of the State of South Carolina, do jointly declare our thanksgiving for and celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In marking this milestone, we take the opportunity to reflect on the enduring significance of the declaration and the legacy forged by its principles, the proclamation they signed began. The two-page document they signed went on to cite abuses of colonists inalienable rights by King George III and explained how that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, explaining to the world the causes which impel them to the separation. It ranks among the most influential works ever written, uniquely uniting political theory with decisive action. It is not merely a statement of separation, but a reasoned explanation addressed to a candid world and grounded in moral principle rather than brute force, the proclamation said. Just before the elected heads of the states three branches of government sat down to sign their document, each spoke briefly. Advertisement Advertisement The declaration put us on the path to government by the people, but it took a long bloody war and hardship to get us there, said McMaster. Think of the courage it took for those 56 men to sign the declaration knowing they were potentially signing their death warrant ... We today are the beneficiaries of their courage and their work. Alexander said, There is something powerful about this moment, that the people of South Carolina see the legislative branch, executive branch and the judicial branch, all standing together in a common purpose ... We share the same hope and the same responsibility to ensure that the great American experiment endures for generations to come. Alexander then called attention to a sentence the greatest sentence ever written according to writer Walter Isaacson in the declaration that begins, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal ... Smith said, The United States Declaration of Independence was written to tell the most powerful empire on earth that America would choose liberty over fear. It all began with principles, the principle of self-governance and belief in the people ... Our state didnt just witness the Revolution; our state won the Revolution. Kittredge said, We have come together to express our profound gratitude for the enduring principles set forth in the our nations Declaration of Independence. Kittredge, the architect of the event, urged people to reflect on freedoms they enjoy, freedoms engraved in our Judeo-Christian founding that found their initial expression in the declaration and work for true civics education in schools and universities. Never forget the core truths and rights found in the Declaration life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness Kittredge said. Lawmakers must all be vigilant so the original design is truly reflected in how we govern and not some elusive distant and aspirational goal. People like himself in government must never forget their solemn and sacred obligation is to serve the people from whom we derive our just powers, said Kittredge. Citizens, too, have a duty to revere and respect the Declaration of Independence, the rule of law and engage in the political process, he said. Leaders of South Carolinas three branches of government signed their names on Tuesday, Mary 3, 2026, to a proclamation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. (John Monk/screen grab) The event was one of a series of state-sponsored events in 2026 intended to memorialize the year the colonists came together and declared their independence from Great Britain, an event regarded by the founders as the real beginning of the United States of America. Also present Tuesday were numerous officials and lawmakers. They included U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling, Attorney General Alan Wilson, State Law Enforcement Division chief Mark Keel and University of South Carolina Rice School of Law dean William Hubbard. ALBANY - Gov. Kathy Hochul held an hours-long private meeting in Albany Friday with Tom Homan, the so-called border czar in the administration of President Donald J. Trump, to directly express her position on the federal government's immigration policies. "It was an important conversation to be had, for him to hear directly from me, the concerns I have on behalf of New Yorkers as I continue my primary responsibility, which is to keep New Yorkers safe," Hochul said. Advertisement Advertisement Hochul also made a series of requests of Homan, who was not seen by reporters before or after the meeting. Among them was the ability of immigrants seeking asylum to have a path toward citizenship and to work while they remain in the U.S. "We talked about work permits and how important that is to be able to allow them to work on our farms and hospitality and in health care and all the jobs that are going unfilled now," Hochul said. Those immigrants are currently able to receive a work permit from the federal government six months after they submit their application for asylum. Hochul has previously expressed a desire for those permits to be granted on a faster timeline. She also told Homan that the state has no desire to see new large-scale detention centers or expansions of existing facilities in New York, where residents in Orange County have protested a proposal to potentially build such a facility there. Advertisement Advertisement Their meeting took place a day after Homan had met at the Capitol with Republican leaders in the state Assembly, including Minority Leader Ed Ra. Last month, Hochul and other governors met with Trump at the White House. Friday's meeting, initiated by Hochul, was a continuation of that conversation. Trump said during that meeting, according to Hochul at the time, that he had no plans to send a surge of federal immigration officers to New York unless he's asked to do so by the state. "That request will never occur so I reiterated that to him as a reminder that that is the state of affairs as a directive from the president," Hochul said. Advertisement Advertisement They also discussed the recent death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly-blind refugee who was found dead in Buffalo last week after being dropped off by federal immigration officers at a coffee shop miles from his home. "What happened in Buffalo is a tragedy," said Jackie Bray, director of state operations, after Hochul's meeting with Homan." "And I think the governor and Tom Homan agreed that what they are both interested in is public safety and certainly what we saw in Buffalo was not an act of public safety," she said. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has defended the decision, saying Shah Alam had shown "no signs of distress, mobility issues or disabilities requiring special assistance" when he was left at the coffee shop. Advertisement Advertisement His death is now under review by the state attorney general's office. "No one who comes here seeking refuge should be left in harm's way," state Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. "My office is reviewing our legal options." But Hochul also said that she made clear to Homan that she was aligned with the Trump administration in certain areas, including a desire to have immigrants deported if they're convicted of "violent crimes" in New York. "I do not support open borders," Hochul said. "I want to make sure that our borders are safe and secure." Advertisement Advertisement Hochul has become increasingly critical of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions in recent months. She has proposed several measures as part of her executive budget proposal to create stronger scrutiny of federal immigration officers and provide new protections for immigrants during deportation proceedings. Those include measures that would allow lawsuits against federal immigration officers over violations of constitutional rights and a ban on immigration enforcement at schools, hospitals and houses of worship. Hochul is also seeking to ban what are called 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement agencies and the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement Those agreements allow local law enforcement agencies to receive funding from the federal government in exchange for assisting with federal immigration enforcement, including arrests and allowing immigrants to be detained in local jails. Her legislative proposals did not come up in the meeting with Homan, Hochul said. Democrats in the state Legislature have also begun negotiating their own package of immigrant protection measures. "We are having cross conversation with the Assembly," said state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins this week. The intent is to come to an agreement on new immigrant protections that reflects the goals of a bill called "New York For All," which would prohibit state and local government agencies from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement A three-way deal between Hochul and both chambers of the state Legislature on those bills is expected in the coming weeks. This article originally published at Hochul meets with Trump border czar Tom Homan at NY Capitol. ALBANY Thomas D. Homan, the West Carthage native who now directs immigration policies for the Trump administration, was in the state capital this week to meet with some of New Yorks leaders, including Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul. Its the second time Homan has visited Albany since he was appointed as border czar by President Donald J. Trump, but where his visit just about a year ago came with public press conferences and a widely circulated run in between New York City Mayor Zohran K. Mamdani and Homan as the latter left the building, Homans visit this year came with no public appearances. The New York Posts Vaughn Golden confirmed that Homan was in town on Thursday and met with Assembly Minority Leader Ed P. Ra, R-Franklin Square, and Homan was then scheduled to meet with the governor on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Hochul later shared her readout from her meeting with Homan on Friday morning, just after it concluded. Hochul said Homan came to Albany at her invitation, after a recent meeting of the National Governors Association with President Donald J. Trump in Washington, D.C. At that meeting, Hochul expressed concerns about immigration enforcement that was happening in New York, run-ins between immigrants and federal immigration authorities that were leading to extended detentions and removal proceedings. Hochul said she clarified her position on immigration enforcement in her meeting with Homan. First of all, I do not support open borders, she said. We want to make sure that our borders are safe and secure. I do not support having individuals whove committed violent crimes remain in our state they should be deported. Advertisement Advertisement But Hochul said its important that a pathway to legal status exists for immigrants, and a pathway to citizenship for people seeking legal asylum. Hochul said she wants to see work permits for immigrants and concrete status for farm, hospitality and health care workers. And she said that immigration officials mistreatment of people they take into custody is unacceptable. She said she spoke with Homan about the recent incident in Buffalo, where a Royhinga refugee with legal status had been picked up by immigration authorities, held and subsequently released to a closed Tim Hortons coffee shop in ice cold weather. That man, Nurul Amin Shah Alam, died a few days after he was released. We have also provided the names of a number of students who are in detention that we would like to see released, Hochul said. Id also mentioned how we do not want to see any large-scale detention centers or expansions of detention centers here in the state of New York. That has created anxiety all the way from Orange County to Suffolk County, to the North Country and Rochester. Hochul said she also pointed out that Trump had committed, on record, that he would not direct a surge of federal immigration troops to New York state unless Kathy asks, a statement he made at that meeting with the governors last month. Advertisement Advertisement I can once again assure all New Yorkers, that request will never occur, she said. Hochul said she would not go so far as to characterize what Homan said, and requests for comment sent to the White House went unanswered Friday afternoon. Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai will not appeal against the national security conviction for which he was jailed for 20 years last month, his legal team said on Friday without providing a reason. The 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper was found guilty in December on charges of foreign collusion and seditious publication. His sentence was the harshest penalty doled out so far under a national security law imposed on Hong Kong by Beijing after widespread pro-democracy protests in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement "We have clear and definitive instructions (from Lai) not to lodge an appeal against conviction or sentence," his legal team told AFP, adding that they would not give an explanation for the decision. Lai's conviction and sentencing received international condemnation, with rights groups saying his punishment was "effectively a death sentence" and a symbol of the city's shrivelling press freedoms. His son, Sebastien Lai, said the "draconian prison sentence is devastating for our family and life-threatening for my father". UN rights chief Volker Turk has called for the verdict to be "promptly quashed as incompatible with international law". Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trump, who is expected to visit China in late March, has urged China's leader Xi Jinping to free Lai. China rejected the criticism, with Beijing saying it lodged "solemn representations" with nations that condemned the sentence. Hong Kong's leader John Lee lauded the "severe" prison term as a demonstration of the city's rule of law. Eight other defendants, including six Apple Daily executives, were handed jail sentences of up to 10 years in the same case. All except Lai had pleaded guilty. Lai's decision reflects a "general disillusionment" with how the judiciary handles national security cases, said Urania Chiu, a law lecturer at Oxford Brookes University. Advertisement Advertisement She said the courts have "shown a 'national security first' approach which allows no space for rights-based arguments". "Against this backdrop, it is hard for individual defendants and the general public to place trust in the judiciary's independence and competence," Chiu told AFP. Eric Lai, a senior fellow with the Georgetown Center for Asian Law, told AFP "it is premature to conclude whether forgoing an appeal might facilitate a negotiated release" ahead of any meeting between Trump and Xi. That was because geopolitical conditions have "shifted considerably" with war breaking out in the Middle East. Lai won an appeal against separate fraud charges last month related to a contractual dispute, with Hong Kong's government saying it would consider an appeal against the ruling. twa/dhw/pbt By Jessie Pang and James Pomfret March 6 (Reuters) - Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai will not appeal against his conviction and 20-year jail term for collusion with foreign forces and sedition, his lawyer said on Friday, after a landmark case that sparked international criticism. The founder of the now-shuttered pro-democracy Apple Daily newspaper, Lai, 78, was one of the most outspoken critics of the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Advertisement Advertisement A nearly five-year legal saga ended with his sentencing in February following a December conviction on two counts of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and one count of publishing seditious materials. A member of Lai's domestic legal team told Reuters his client would not appeal the conviction and sentencing, which drew criticism from countries such as Britain and the United States. "We can confirm we have clear and definitive instructions not to lodge an appeal against conviction or sentence," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity, but gave no reason for the decision. Separately, Fung Wai-kong, the former editor-in-chief of the paper's English news section, launched an appeal on Monday against his 10-year jail term in the same national security case. Advertisement Advertisement Lai's son and daughter have warned he might die in prison, as his health is deteriorating after spending more than five years in solitary confinement. He has diabetes and health problems such as heart palpitations and high blood pressure. Rights groups and numerous democratic countries have called for Lai's release. U.S. President Donald Trump raised the matter with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, and is expected to follow up in a closely anticipated visit to Beijing at the end of this month. Hong Kong and Beijing, however, say Lai received a fair trial and all are treated equally under the national security law that has restored order to the city since mass pro-democracy protests in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Last month, in a separate case, Hong Kong's Court of Appeal handed Lai a rare legal victory by overturning his conviction for fraud and quashing a 69-month sentence. (Reporting by Jessie Pang and James Pomfret; Writing by Anne Marie Roantree; Editing by Michael Perry and Clarence Fernandez) Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, was in particularly ebullient form as he opened the recent five-yearly congress of his Korean Workers Party. He began with a remarkable admission of vulnerability. At the time of the previous congress in 2021, he said: The subjective and objective conditions of our revolution were literally so harsh that we could hardly maintain our own existence. No longer: now, the hermit economy was coming out of its shell and ready to flourish, Kim declared. Advertisement Advertisement Not a few sectors of our economy have freed themselves from protracted obsolescence and stagnation and have instead built up their foundations and potentials to achieve significant growth, he said. All the people are witnessing, every moment of the day, reality changing at a speed incomparable with that of the past. If Kim is right, then this unlikely hereditary dictatorship may yet confound repeated predictions that it must eventually collapse under the weight of its own economic dysfunction. The world would then have to abide this autarkic, nuclear-armed pariah state, which is still technically at war with South Korea and has actively backed the invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin, the Russian president. Kim Jong-un was in particularly ebullient form at the most recent congress of his Korean Workers Party - KCNA/EPA/Shutterstock For all Kims exuberance, its unclear whether there is any substance to his rosy prognosis. He didnt offer a single statistic to back up his claim. Advertisement Advertisement Seen through his eyes, however, it must look true. Last summer, he opened a glittering seaside resort called Wonsan-Kalma, replete with condos and water slides. He has broken ground or cut the ribbon on many a gleaming Pyongyang apartment project in recent months. In November, he opened a much-delayed but very fancy new hospital in the capital. A month later, he proudly posed outside Pyongyangs latest attraction: a beer bar, fronted by a giant foaming pint glass designed by the supreme leader himself. A relatively moneyed middle class is emerging in Pyongyang Trade with China, led by North Koreas booming $188m (141m) exports of wigs and fake beards and eyelashes, has rebounded from the pandemic shutdown. Much of this is made from imported Chinese hair, which the Koreans turn into products for re-export to China. Advertisement Advertisement Kim also has a new best friend in Putin, who is offering energy supplies and cash in exchange for North Korean men and munitions to beef up the front line in Ukraine. The Russians shipped more than one million barrels of oil to their new best friend, according to Open Source Centre and United Nations estimates. This collection of publicity stunts and geopolitical manoeuvres does not amount to a convincing case that North Korea has turned an economic corner. However, South Koreas central bank using what it enigmatically describes as basic data on production quantities supplied by relevant institutions concurred last August that a turnaround may be afoot. Its estimates show that Western sanctions triggered a severe recession in 2017-2018. A limited recovery was just getting under way when Pyongyang closed its borders to keep out Covid, prompting another downward spiral. Advertisement Advertisement Then, in both 2023 and 2024, the economy expanded at more than 3pc, significantly outpacing the capitalist South Korea. Trade with China has resumed and Russia has become a significant partner. The North Koreans skills at cybercrime are also swelling the states coffers, helping to fund its weapons programme. The North Korean economy is certainly not booming but its in a much better state, says Edward Howell, a Korea expert at Oxford University. The benefits of this rebound are, as always, unevenly distributed. If we look at the money thats trickling down into the North Korean economy, theres a big difference between Pyongyang which is often called Pyonghattan, given its skyscrapers, new housing complexes, new hospital and the rest of the country, Howell says. Advertisement Advertisement John Everard, a former British ambassador to Pyongyang, says there are increasingly visible signs of consumer affluence in the capital. Weve observed the emergence of a relatively moneyed middle class. People who can afford mobile phones. People who can afford basic luxuries, who eat out, who increasingly are driving their own cars, he says. Pyongyang is often called Pyonghattan because of its skyscrapers - David Guttenfelder/AP Pyongyangs population, however, is only three million. For the countrys other 22 million people, life is still grindingly poor. There may even still be food shortages, Everard suggests. Even within Pyongyang, the attractive new apartments are reportedly shoddily built and inequitably handed out. Advertisement Advertisement Were talking about buildings actually sort of crumbling, even when theyre quite new ... And a lot of them are going to just friends and buddies of the Korean Workers Party, Everard says. Economists doubt whether Kims ongoing spending spree on infrastructure and state-owned factories is likely to add much value to the state. Yet he seems uninterested in letting private firms expand or encouraging the countrys sporadic system of small-time markets and traders. Instead, he envisages seizing even more of the economic levers himself. Benjamin Silberstein, of the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, said in a recent report that larger money-making operations are increasingly incorporated into the state economy by force. Advertisement Advertisement He suggests that the extra cash coming in from tighter ties with Russia could help the Kim regime further tighten its grip on the economy and stifle its potential growth. I dont think the economy will improve dramatically but I do think Kim will be able to continue to develop the places that matter to him, like Pyongyang and Wonsan, says Ramon Pacheco Pardo, from Kings College London. Kim told congress delegates that he had gigantic plans for transforming the capital city and the regions simultaneously and bringing about a substantial improvement in the peoples living standards. But the only living standards that probably really matter to him are those of the elite, whose support he needs for regime survival. Advertisement Advertisement So while a stream of defectors may continue trickling out from the poorer parts of the country, the inhabitants of Pyongyang may see enough economic improvement to head off any mutinous urges. Kim only has to get a fairly narrow section of the population on side to keep himself politically safe, probably about a million people, mostly in Pyongyang, Everard says. Provided they continue to enjoy cappuccinos in smart cafes and perhaps even drive smart cars, theyre unlikely to turn against him. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. The human remains found under a bridge in Shirley Wednesday evening belonged to a man whose body parts were cut up and separated, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said Thursday. Authorities have identified the man as 69-year-old Peter Degan a convict who was living in a pre-release home in Rockland before he was killed, Ryan said during a press conference. He was previously a prisoner at MCI-Shirley, a medium security state correctional facility. Degan was last seen on Friday, Feb. 27, Ryan said. A group of young persons discovered his body around 5:30 p.m. on March 4 when they noticed his leg in the water under the Maritime Veterans Memorial Bridge on Shaker Road. Advertisement Advertisement The group reported what theyd seen to the Shirley Police Department, which called in the district attorneys office and Massachusetts State Police, Ryan said. The State Police Underwater Recovery Unit searched the water near the bridge and found more of Degans body parts. Those parts appeared to have been clean cut. That is, they were severed with a sharp-force instrument, Ryan said. Authorities have not identified a suspect or determined Degans cause of death, but they do not believe he was killed randomly, Ryan said. Investigators have not found his body in its entirety and are still searching the water. Degans prison sentence stems from a February 2019 arrest in Suffolk County, Ryan said. At that time, police searched his home and found two kilograms of cocaine. Advertisement Advertisement Degan pleaded guilty to drug possession and trafficking charges and completed part of his eight-year prison sentence at MCI-Shirley before being transferred to the pre-release home, Ryan said. The district attorney was unsure whether staff at the pre-release house reported him missing. Our understanding is that he was where he was supposed to be until Friday, Ryan said. Investigators identified Degan through his fingerprints, the district attorney said. They had not determined where he was killed or how long his body was in the water as of Thursday afternoon. Authorities are asking anyone who might have seen Degan or suspicious activity near the bridge since Feb. 27 to call Shirley police at 978-425-2642. More News Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Bloomberg Mainland Chinese investors sold the most Hong Kong stocks in a single session on record, underscoring waning appetite for the citys shares seen as more vulnerable to geopolitical uncertainty. Onshore traders offloaded HK$27.7 billion ($3.5 billion) worth of shares through the trading link between the mainland and Hong Kong Thursday, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The selling weighed on the citys equity benchmarks, with the Hang Seng Tech Index erasing a gain of 1.8% to fall 0.7%. Most Read from Bloomberg Heightened geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East is amplifying volatility risks for Hong Kong stocks, while Chinas onshore market is finding more stability in the near term after the policy anchor of the Two Sessions, said Shen Meng, a director at Beijing-based investment bank Chanson & Co. Chinese onshore investors have been a crucial source of support for Hong Kongs equity market, snapping up a record amount last year. While their year-to-date net purchases still stand at HK$153.6 billion, patience is wearing thin as an AI-driven rally loses momentum, with major technology firms struggling to convert artificial intelligence spending into tangible earnings growth. As the conflict in Iran drags on, its further dampening the appeal of Hong Kong stocks, which remain more sensitive to global fund flows. Meanwhile, policy priorities unveiled at the National Peoples Congress meeting have boosted the appeal of mainland markets, which host more hardware makers and other sectors seen as vital to the nations push for technology self-reliance. The onshore CSI 300 Index gained 1% on Thursday. The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index, whose members include Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd., declined 0.4%. --With assistance from Jeanny Yu. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2026 Bloomberg L.P. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) has ordered Peru to pay reparations to the family of Celia Ramos, a mother of three whose death resulted from a campaign of forced sterilisations during the 1990s. Thursdays landmark ruling stated that the 34-year-old Ramos was coerced into sterilisation against her will, causing an allergic reaction that led to her death. The court ordered Peru to pay her family $340,000 as part of the ruling. Advertisement Advertisement It noted that the Peruvian government had failed to fulfill its obligation to initiate and conduct a thorough investigation into Ramoss case, heightening the strain on her family. Ms Ramos Durands family members especially her three daughters, who were children at the time of the events suffered profound harm as a consequence of the sterilization and death of Celia Edith Ramos Durand and the impunity surrounding the case, the IACHR wrote in its decision. Perus campaign of forced sterilisation took place under the late President Alberto Fujimori, whose tenure included widespread human rights abuses that continue to cast a shadow over the country. The scheme largely targeted poor and Indigenous women who were often tricked or coerced into sterilisation procedures. Advertisement Advertisement This weeks ruling is the first time the human rights court has weighed in on the issue, which has been the subject of years of legal contestation in Peru. After almost 30 years of searching for justice, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights recognised the responsibility of the Peruvian state in the forced sterilisation and death of Celia Ramos, the Peruvian feminist organisation DEMUS said in a social media post, celebrating the ruling. This ruling marks a fundamental step in reparations for Celia, her family and the thousands of victims of forced sterilizations in Peru. As many as 314,000 women and 24,000 men were sterilised against their will in Peru under Fujimoris government, which sought to forcibly lower the birth rate as a means of addressing poverty. Advertisement Advertisement The procedures were particularly invasive for the women involved, and some suffered long-term complications, including death. Family members often received little information about the circumstances that led to loved ones dying after the unnecessary operations. Some survivors did not realise what had happened to them until years later, when they discovered they were unable to have children. In Ramoss case, the 34-year-old mother had gone to a state health clinic for medical assistance on July 3, 1997, but was instead forced to undergo tubal ligation. Ramos, however, suffered a severe allergic reaction during the procedure. She was placed in a recovery room, but the clinic was not able to treat her adequately. Advertisement Advertisement In its decision, the IACHR explained that the clinic lacked the necessary equipment and medications for adequate risk assessment or to handle emergencies. Ramos was ultimately transferred to an intensive care unit in the city of Piura, where she died 19 days later, on July 22, 1997. The state did not carry out an autopsy and declined to share details with her family. The compensation outlined in this weeks ruling includes reimbursement for the costs of medical procedures conducted to save Ramoss life and the estimated loss of income from her death. In October 2024, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at the United Nations ruled that Perus sterilisation programme amounted to sex-based violence and discrimination against poor, rural and Indigenous women. Advertisement Advertisement The committees statement cited a lack of adequate medical facilities and a lack of informed consent, just as the IACHR did in its decision this week. The victims described a consistent pattern of being coerced, pressured, or deceived into undergoing sterilisations at clinics lacking proper infrastructure or trained personnel, committee member Leticia Bonifaz said. The procedures were carried out without informed consent from these victims, with some of them, especially those from remote areas, unable to read and speak Spanish, or fully understand the nature of the procedure. Scholars have concluded that Fujimoris sterilisation campaign was driven, in part, by racist views among government officials who saw rural, Indigenous communities as an obstacle to economic modernisation. Advertisement Advertisement But Fujimoris legacy remains fiercely contested in Peru. Victims who have spoken out about their experiences have reported being harassed and threatened by supporters of Fujimori, whose daughter Keiko remains an influential figure in national politics. She is a candidate for the presidency in Perus upcoming general elections in April. Formerly a representative in Perus Congress, Keiko Fujimori served as first lady under her father from 1994 to 2000. She has long denied that he is guilty of any human rights abuses, reflecting a trend of denialism in the country. In 2009, the elder Fujimori was convicted of human rights violations and sentenced to 25 years in prison, but in 2017, then-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski issued a pardon for Fujimori that was subsequently contested in court. Advertisement Advertisement He was ultimately released in December 2023 but died several months later, in 2024. Since his death, advocates have continued to push for accountability from other high-level government officials in his administration. Hundreds of people are continuing to evacuate from Iran into neighbouring Azerbaijan, after Baku announced it has opened its Astara border crossing to allow its citizens and foreign nationals to flee the escalating violence. Azerbaijans government said it had received and hosted nationals from more than 19 countries over the last few days. Authorities at the countrys southernmost city are processing hundreds of people every day in an effort to offer people affected by the war safe passage back to their home countries. We were in Tehran. It was 7 hours to the border, and we waited until they gave us the visa. Thank you very much for the hospitality. We were received very well, (they are) very hospitable people, said Gulsiber Alamkhonzoda, a Tajikistani citizen speaking to Euronews. Advertisement Advertisement The Azerbaijani initiative is allowing Iranian nationals to seek safer alternatives and reunite with their families elsewhere. I was in Tehran the first day. I was in Tehran but just come to the Gilan, the city close to here, said Masood. My family is living in Australia, actually. That's why I'm just leaving from here, head to Istanbul, and then to Australia. Many believe that while the situation in Iran is not yet catastrophic, it is rapidly worsening day after day. So far not as worse as we can imagine but it's going to be worse and worse every day. I don't know what's happening, added Masood. Advertisement Advertisement Many Pakistani nationals residing in Iran have also travelled north to Azerbaijans border seeking refuge and repatriation. Pakistani diplomats in Tehran were also among those who made the journey. The situation is fluid. It is moving very fast. It's difficult to predict exactly. But for the safety of family, said Ismat Hassan Sial, Deputy head of mission at the Pakistani embassy in Tehran. For the safety of our citizens, our government has decided to move some people out of Tehran. I, on account of being an officer but also being a mother, was evacuated. So I am moving to Azerbaijan, she continued. Many Europeans were also given safe passage into Azerbaijan. Serbian and Slovak diplomats were among the latest to transit into the Central Asian country. Evacuations are also being discussed at the bilateral level. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said he had a phone call with the EUs foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in recent days to discuss efforts to evacuate European nationals from Iran amid the ongoing crisis. March 6 (UPI) -- Ukraine's foreign minister accused Hungary of kidnapping seven Ukrainian state bank employees and stealing the cash and gold they were transporting, and Hungary announced it would expel the bank staff. Ukraine's Oschadbank said on Thursday that two vehicles with seven employees and about $75 million were stopped in Budapest Thursday, and Kyiv has lost contact with the personnel. The vehicles were transporting cash and gold from Austria to Ukraine. Budapest announced Friday that the seven bank employees would be expelled from Hungary, and accused the seven people detained of money laundering. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traded threats and accusations. Budapest blamed Kyiv for blocking a Russian oil pipeline into Hungary, but Kyiv said the pipeline was damaged by a Russian air strike in January, the BBC reported. One month before the Hungarian elections, Orban is trailing in polling. "Today in Budapest, Hungarian authorities took seven Ukrainian citizens hostage," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Thursday on X. "The reasons are still unknown, as well as their current well-being, or the possibility of contacting them. ... We will also address the European Union with the request to provide a clear qualification of Hungary's unlawful actions, hostage-taking, and robbery." In a Friday morning post, Sybiha called it "state banditism." Advertisement Advertisement "Political statements from Hungarian officials this morning show that the detention of seven Ukrainian citizens in Budapest was part of Hungary's blackmail and electoral campaign," the post on X said. "Orban's list of demands for Ukraine this morning was particularly telling. This is what typically happens after people are taken hostage: demands. We will not tolerate this state banditism." Oschadbank released a statement calling for the release of its employees. It said the employees "were unjustifiably detained in Hungary while carrying out a regular transport of foreign currency and bank metals between Raiffeisen Bank Austria and Oschadbank Ukraine. ... Oschadbank demands the immediate release of its employees and property and their return to Ukraine." The bank said the vehicles carried $40 million in U.S. dollars, about $40.5 million in euros and about 20 pounds of gold. The transfer was part of an agreement with Raiffeisen Bank. Advertisement Advertisement "The cargo was registered in accordance with international transportation rules and current European customs procedures," Oschadbank said in the statement. It's not clear what has happened to the cash and gold, but the BBC reported that Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said, "they've stolen the money." Hungary alleges that the transport was part of a money laundering operation. The Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration said that seven Ukrainian nationals were arrested, including a former Ukrainian intelligence general, with two armoured cash trucks also seized. "This year alone, more than $900 million, $486 million (in euros), and 322 pounds of gold bars have been transported through the territory of Hungary to Ukraine," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto also posted on X: "The government demands immediate answers and explanations from Ukraine on the cash shipments through Hungary. The question arises whether this is the money from the Ukrainian war mafia," Szijjarto said. Ukraine has issued a travel warning for its people to avoid traveling through Hungary. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that Ukrainian citizens refrain from traveling to Hungary due to the lack of guarantees of their safety against the backdrop of arbitrary actions by the Hungarian authorities," a statement said. Ukraine is working to recover $80 million of cash and nine gold bars that Hungary seized when authorities arrested seven Ukrainian bank workers this week, Kyiv's central bank chief said Friday. Hungary arrested the seven employees of Ukraine's state-owned Oschadbank on Thursday as they were transporting cash between banks in Austria and Ukraine. It released them on Friday. Budapest says it arrested them as part of a money-laundering probe, but Kyiv says Hungary effectively took the men "hostage" in retaliation for Ukraine's delayed re-opening of a pipeline carrying Russian oil to Budapest. Advertisement Advertisement The incident has badly damaged relations between the two neighbours, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky trading barbs. Hungary has not yet returned the valuables, Ukrainian central bank chief Andriy Pyshnyi said on Facebook. "The shamefulness of this situation is simply beyond comprehension," he said in a post, adding that Kyiv was working to return the cargo "as quickly as possible". A day earlier, Zelensky appeared to issue a direct threat against Orban, saying Ukraine's armed forces would "talk to him in their own language" -- a statement condemned by Hungary and the European Union, of which it is a member. Advertisement Advertisement - Stacks of cash - The bank employees were transporting $40 million, 35 million euros and nine kilogrammes (317 ounces) of gold. Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) said it had detained the seven Ukrainian citizens, including a former Ukrainian secret service general, and two armoured cash-transport vehicles on Thursday. NAV "is conducting criminal proceedings on suspicion of money laundering", it said in a statement. The Hungarian government also released footage on social media showing what it said was the arrest of the Ukrainians and stacks of cash seized. Ukraine summoned Hungary's charge d'affaires over what it called the "unlawful" detentions, and urged its citizens to avoid travel to Hungary, citing "the inability to guarantee their safety amid the arbitrary actions of the Hungarian authorities". Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga on X slammed what he called "state banditism", adding that Ukraine reserved "the right to take appropriate action, including initiating sanctions and other restrictive measures". The men were released on Friday and are now back in Ukraine, Sybiga said in a later post. - 'Blackmail' - The incident comes amid Hungarian anger over Ukraine's delayed re-opening of the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Budapest. Ukraine says the pipeline was damaged by a Russian attack in January and needs time to repair. But Hungary, which is a close partner of Russia, says Ukraine is deliberately stalling the re-opening in a form of "blackmail". Advertisement Advertisement In a radio interview earlier Friday, Orban said until the oil delivery issue was resolved, Hungary "will use every step and every means at our disposal", including stopping "things passing through Hungary, things that are important to Ukraine". Relations between the two neighbours were already strained by Orban's close ties with Russia and his opposition to military aid for Kyiv. The Hungarian premier has ramped up political attacks on Ukraine ahead of a closely fought parliamentary election set for April 12. Orban has been stalling a 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) EU loan to the war-torn country and a new round of sanctions on Russia, demanding that Kyiv first reopen the Druzhba pipeline, whose alleged damages he disputes. Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of people demonstrated in front of the Ukrainian embassy in Budapest on Friday to protest what they called an oil blockade, carrying Hungarian flags and posters including one that read "Ukraine = mafia state", according to an AFP photographer. The demonstration was organised by a pro-Orban group. Zelensky said on Thursday the pipeline could only be made operational after another four to six weeks, although he would personally prefer not to restore transit. "We hope that one person in the European Union will not block the 90 billion (euros)... Otherwise we will give this person's address to our Armed Forces, to our guys. Let them call him and talk to him in their own language," Zelensky said. The European Union slammed the apparent threat as "not acceptable", denouncing "inflammatory rhetoric" on all sides and calling for calm. burs/jhb Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration has reported the seizure of cash-in-transit vehicles and bank employees from Ukraine, stating that the detention was carried out "on suspicion of money laundering". Source: Hungarian news outlet Index, as reported by European Pravda Details: Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration has opened criminal proceedings on suspicion of money laundering against seven Ukrainian citizens. Advertisement Advertisement It is alleged that those detained included a former general of a Ukrainian security service who was managing a cargo consisting of US$40 million, 35 million and 9 kilograms of gold. The service added that more than US$900 million, 420 million and 146 kilograms of gold have been transported through Hungary to Ukraine during this year. Hungary is conducting an investigation in accordance with the criminal procedure law with the involvement of the Counterterrorism Centre. It is alleged that the National Tax and Customs Administration immediately notified Ukraine's consular service about the start of the procedure but received no response. Background: The National Bank of Ukraine reported on the night of 5-6 March that the Hungarian authorities had seized seven Ukrainian cash-in-transit guards and a large amount of currency. It later emerged that the cash-in-transit vehicles seized by Hungarian law enforcement officers have been hidden at Hungary's Counterterrorism Centre. It is worth noting that this agency has previously taken part in anti-Ukrainian provocations organised by Orban's regime. The whereabouts of the bank employees remain unknown. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the Hungarian authorities' actions as "hostage-taking and state terrorism". Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that Hungarian authorities in Budapest had taken seven Ukrainian employees of the state-owned Oschadbank hostage and seized money and valuables. Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), Oschadbank press service Quote from Sybiha: "Today in Budapest, Hungarian authorities took seven Ukrainian citizens hostage. The reasons are still unknown, as well as their current well-being, or the possibility of contacting them." Advertisement Advertisement Details: Sybiha said the seven Ukrainians are employees of the state-owned Oschadbank who were travelling in two cash-in-transit vehicles between Austria and Ukraine, transporting money and valuables as part of regular transfers between state banks. Quote from Sybiha: "In fact, we are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money. If this is the 'force' announced earlier today by Mr Orban, then this is a force of a criminal gang. This is state terrorism and racketeering. We have already sent an official note demanding an immediate release of our citizens. We will also address the European Union with the request to provide a clear qualification of Hungary's unlawful actions, hostage-taking, and robbery." Advertisement Advertisement Details: Oschadbank has also issued a statement regarding the abduction of its employees and the amount of money and valuables taken. Quote from Oschadbank: "According to GPS signal data, the illegally detained Oschadbank vehicles are currently located in central Budapest, near one of Hungary's law enforcement agencies. The location of the vehicles has been confirmed by representatives of the Ukrainian embassy in Hungary and the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. The whereabouts of the Oschadbank employees remain unknown." Details: Oschadbank added that the transport of money and valuables had been conducted under an international agreement with Raiffeisen Bank (Austria). Advertisement Advertisement Quote from Oschadbank: "The cargo was registered in accordance with international transport rules and current European customs procedures. The valuables in the seized vehicles amounted to US$40 million, 35 million and 9 kilograms of gold. Oschadbank demands the immediate release of its employees and property and their return to Ukraine." Background: On 2 March, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban claimed that satellite images prove there are no obstacles to the pipeline's operation. Commenting on this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said satellite images cannot reveal every detail. He also criticised Orban and Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico for their selfishness over the Druzhba pipeline situation. Zelenskyy said he hopes that "a certain person" in the EU (an allusion to Orban) will stop blocking a 90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, otherwise he might give that person's contact details to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Orban posted videos on social media in which he threatened to use force to make Ukraine restore oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) Hungary s pro-Russian foreign minister Friday accused neighboring Ukraine of seeking to interfere in upcoming Hungarian elections in which Prime Minister Viktor Orban faces an unprecedented challenge. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto made the accusation in a speech to several hundred protesters outside Ukraines embassy in Budapest. The demonstration, organized by a shadowy pro-government organization with ties to Orban's Fidesz party, came the same day that Hungary detained seven Ukrainian state-owned bank employees and seized two armored cars carrying some $80 million in cash. Kyiv decried the move as illegal hostage taking. Speaking at the protest, Szijjarto made a slew of unsubstantiated allegations, including that Ukraine had been coordinating with the European Union and Orban's opposition to block Russian oil shipments to Hungary across the Druzhba pipeline. Advertisement Advertisement Demonstrators shouted angrily when Szijjarto accused Ukraine of seeking to influence Hungarys April elections in order to bring in a government that would make decisions more favorable to Kyiv. This is something that will not happen in Hungary. There will be no pro-Ukraine government, and Hungary will not have a pro-Ukraine prime minister," Szijjarto said. Ukraine is fighting for itself, not for us and not in place of us, so we owe absolutely nothing to Ukraine, he said. The demonstration, in which other ruling party politicians also spoke, came against a backdrop of rising tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, who are embroiled in a bitter feud over Hungarys access to Russian oil through a pipeline that crosses Ukrainian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline have been interrupted since Jan. 27. Ukraine says a Russian drone strike damaged the pipelines infrastructure, and that repairing it carried risks to technicians. It said that even if restored, it would remain vulnerable to further Russian attacks. Hungarys government has accused Ukraine of deliberately holding up supplies of Russian crude, and has vowed to take strong countermeasures against Kyiv until oil flows resume. Orban, who has maintained close relations with the Kremlin while escalating an aggressive anti-Ukraine campaign ahead of the election next month, has called Ukraine Hungarys enemy, and accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of seeking to provoke an energy crisis in order to sway the April 12 vote. The Hungarian leader previously ceased diesel shipments to Ukraine, vetoed a new round of EU sanctions against Russia and blocked a major, 90-billion-euro ($106-billion) loan for Kyiv in retaliation for the interruption in oil shipments. Hes also deployed military forces to key energy infrastructure sites across Hungary, accusing Ukraine of plotting disruptions. Advertisement Advertisement Trailing in most polls behind a popular center-right challenger, the populist Orban has staked the election on convincing voters that Ukraine poses an existential threat to Hungarys security. In office since 2010, the EUs longest-serving leader has claimed that if he loses the election, the EU will force Hungary into bankruptcy by cutting Russian energy imports, and that Hungarian youth will be sent to their deaths on the front lines in Ukraine. Szijjarto, the Hungarian foreign minister, traveled to Moscow on Wednesday for a cordial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where he sought guarantees from Russian authorities that Hungary would continue to have access to Russian oil and gas despite disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East and interruptions to Druzhba flows. On Friday, he said Ukraine had placed Hungary under an oil blockade meant to assist Orban's challenger before the vote. They know precisely that if there is a crisis in Hungarys oil supply ... it is bad for the government, he said. The dispute escalated on Friday after Ukraine accused Hungary of briefly detaining a group of Ukrainian bank employees transporting $40 million and nine kilogrammes of gold through the country. Ukraines Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said Hungary had taken the group hostage, but Budapest later announced they would be deported back to Ukraine after a short detention. Hungarys National Tax and Customs Administration Nemzeti Ado- es Vamhivatal (NAV) said seven Ukrainian citizens were detained on Thursday, including a former Ukrainian secret service general, along with two armoured cash transport vehicles. The agency initially said it would be conducting criminal proceedings on suspicion of money laundering. Advertisement Advertisement What can Europe learn from Orban's victory in Hungary's elections? Travel warning Ukraine then urged its citizens to avoid travelling to Hungary, citing the inability to guarantee their safety amid the arbitrary actions of the Hungarian authorities. Speaking earlier at a business conference on Thursday, Orban warned Ukraine over the Druzhba dispute. We will win, and we will win with force... there will be no compromise whatsoever. We will defeat them, we will wrestle down the oil blockade and force the Ukrainians to resume shipments, Orban said. Energy dependence Hungary and Slovakia the European Unions last importers of Russian crude say the delay is retaliation linked to their refusal to fully support Ukraine aid. Advertisement Advertisement Hungary relies on the Druzhba pipeline for 86 percent of its 5.75 million tonnes of oil a year, while Slovakia depends on it for nearly all of its 4.66 million tonnes. Both countries have used reserves and sought more expensive supplies through the Adriatic pipeline via Croatia. But regional refiner MOL has warned of possible shortages if Druzhba remains shut. Orbans comments come weeks before snap elections on 12 April, with his Fidesz party trailing challenger Peter Magyars Tisza party in opinion polls. Last month Orban vetoed a 90 billion European Union loan to Ukraine and blocked new sanctions against Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Pipeline dispute shows Central Europes struggle to cut ties with Russian oil Russian oil exemption The dispute also reflects wider tensions over Central Europes reliance on Russian energy. In June 2022, the European Union granted Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia and Bulgaria an exemption from a ban on Russian crude adopted after Moscows invasion of Ukraine. The exemption allowed those landlocked countries to keep receiving oil through the southern Druzhba pipeline while reducing dependence on Russian supplies. A report by the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) said Hungary and Slovakia imported 27 million tonnes of Russian crude worth 13 billion between 2022 and 2024 under the exemption. Advertisement Advertisement The report said the purchases generated 5.4 billion in taxes for the Kremlin, enough for 1,800 Iskander missiles. Other countries have since moved away from Russian oil. Czechia ended imports by late 2024, while Bulgaria phased them out by mid-2023 after switching the Lukoil-owned Burgas refinery to non-Russian crude and relying on regional fuel trade and European Union support to stabilise supplies. As Georgia ranks as one of the top states for Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests, immigrants, families, and advocates on the front lines share their fears and the fight for freedom in a series of interviews. January marked one year since Mildred Danis-Taylor had seen her husband, Rodney Taylor. We speak every day if he can; thats the goal, Danis-Taylor told Capital B Atlanta. Thats how he lets me know hes OK. Advertisement Advertisement The 47-year-old barber and double amputee from Gwinnett County has been held at Stewart Detention Center since being picked up Jan. 15, 2025. His arrest made national headlines because Taylor, who came to the U.S. from Liberia when he was just 2 years old on a medical visa, is a double amputee. Taylor has a valid work permit, and his green card was in process. But it was a decades-old criminal charge for which he was pardoned by a Georgia Parole Board in 2010 that got him picked up by immigration agents. They picked me up and said I was an aggravated felon. They treated me like I was a criminal, Taylor told 11Alive. They told me, automatic deportation. I cant see a judge; I cant get a hearing. Taylor, a barber, has a vaild work permit, and his green card was in process when he was detained by ICE in January 2025. (Mildred Danis-Taylor) The lack of quality medical care to treat his high blood pressure and bone spurs inside the detention facility have caused his health to worsen over the past year. Advertisement Advertisement Horrific, Danis-Taylor said, describing her husbands inability to receive proper treatment. [The staff] do the very minimum. There are times he cannot take a shower, Danis-Taylor said. He cant do it with the general population; he has to remove his prosthetics and then he crawls across floors covered with mold and feces to shower. Capital B Atlanta reached out to ICE officials, but they did not respond in time for publication. Taylors care was the subject of a hearing Wednesday, when U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristy Noem was questioned at a House Judiciary Committee hearing about his treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Hes at the mercy of other detainees just to get food, since he cant get himself to and from the cafeteria, Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Georgia, told Noem. This is despicable, Secretary. Noem, who told the committee she was unfamiliar with his case, was fired Thursday by President Donald Trump. Danis-Taylor told Capital B Atlanta in January that her faith is what has kept her fighting for her husbands release. Im a woman of faith; I believe theres nothing Jesus cant do. I strongly believe hes going to stay in the U.S. she said. I believe God will make a way. Rodney Taylor (second from right) celebrates Christmas 2024 with Mildred Danis-Taylor (far left) and their children. He would be detained by ICE a few weeks later. (Mildred Danis-Taylor) It was her faith that guided her to find a way for the couple, who have been together for four years and share seven children, to get married last November while he was in detention. Because Georgia requires marriage certificates to be processed by both parties in person, she traveled to Alabama instead. Advertisement Advertisement Rodney notarized [the certificate] through video signing, and I recorded it for my records, Danis-Taylor said. I got the marriage certificate. While she tries to stay strong for her husband as she advocates for his release, she said things at home have not been easy. Ive been served with four different eviction notices last year [and] had to get a loan for legal bills, Danis-Taylor recounted. Im also dealing with his kids and the mental impact. The two little ones, for months, teachers would call because [the] kids were crying and inconsolable. My sons grades dropped from being an A-student in 10th grade, and my daughter is depressed. When asked what would happen if her husband was deported back to Liberia, she said his mother is in the U.S., along with aunts and uncles. His father is deceased and any siblings in Liberia hes never met, so if he was deported he would be without family. Advertisement Advertisement So she continues to fight, raising awareness for her husband and other immigrants and pushing lawmakers to help. During one phone call with her husband, Danis-Taylor recalled, he asked her what a sound was in the background. When she told him it was birds, he said, I havent heard birds in months. I forgot what they sounded like. Read More: The post My Husband Crawls to Shower: Rodney Taylors Wife on His Horrific ICE Detention appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta. This story was updated March 6 to reflect the latest court filings. Immigrations and Custom Enforcement arrested a journalist working for local news outlet Nashville Noticias during a March 4 traffic stop in South Nashville, according to an emergency petition filed by her attorneys in federal court. Rodriguez is currently detained in the Etowah County Jail in northeast Alabama, according to a Department of Homeland Security court filing. Attorneys, ICE disagree over whether arrest was legal Attorneys for the journalist, Estefany Maria Rodriguez Florez, wrote in the petition filed March 4 that she was arrested without a warrant. Rodriguez said she was not shown one, according to her petition. One of her attorneys, Joel Coxander of Mira Legal, spoke with an ICE agent who indicated there was no arrest warrant for her at the time of her arrest, the petition states. Advertisement Advertisement DHS said on March 6 that this is "simply not true" and that it had a valid arrest warrant on Rodriguez. It filed in court March 6 a picture of a crumpled piece of paper dated March 2 titled "Warrant for Arrest of Alien." The paper, which appears to have been signed by an authorized immigration officer, orders the arrest of Rodriguez for removal proceedings. A section of the paper titled "Certificate of Service" is entirely blank. A report from DHS does not mention serving the warrant in a narrative of when the arrest was carried out. The report does say the warrant was served at some point March 4. An ICE spokesperson said in a statement that officers had "an administrative warrant at the time of the arrest and the officers issuing administrative warrants have found probable cause to issue the warrant." "For decades, the Supreme Court and Congress have recognized the propriety of administrative warrants in cases of immigration enforcement," the ICE spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez did not have legal immigration status at the time of her arrest, ICE said. Rodriguez had a meeting scheduled for March 17 with ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations. She frequently reported on stories critical of ICE for Nashville Noticias, the Spanish-language outlet. Nashville Noticias said in a March 5 statement on social media that it "hopes that this situation will be resolved favorably for our colleague so that she can be released soon, as she needs to reunite with her young daughter and husband to continue her legal process with the framework permitted by law." "We trust in the justice system of the United States of America," Nashville Noticias said in the statement. Immigration customs and enforcement officers, (ICE) and Department of Homeland Security officers walks ahead of a bus at the DHS field office in Nashville, Tenn., on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Multiple immigrant rights groups gathered to protest what they believed to be a multi-agency operation to detain-noncitizens overnight. Rodriguez's attorneys are asking a judge to order immigration authorities to release her and declare her detention unlawful. DHS opposes that request. Advertisement Advertisement ICE said Rodriguez will remain in ICE custody pending her immigration proceedings. Rodriguez entered the country legally in March 2021 under a tourist visa. She has a valid work permit, married a U.S. citizen in January, and has green card and asylum applications pending, DHS' records filed in court show. Her asylum application has been pending since 2021. She "has followed ICEs express directions at all times," the petition states. Her attorneys wrote that her asylum application is based on death threats she faced in her home country of Colombia over her reporting. Rodriguez's authorization under her tourist visa has expired, DHS records show. The department wrote that her reference to having an asylum application or work permit "does not negate the fact that she is an undocumented alien and should be detained pending a bond hearing which she has not yet requested at the filing of this response." Series of rescheduled meetings preceded arrest, petition says Rodriguez's petition says that Rodriguez received a letter in January asking her to come to ICE Enforcement and Removal Operation's field office in Nashville on Jan. 26. The office closed that day because of Winter Storm Fern, which covered Nashville in ice. Advertisement Advertisement A second letter, dated Feb. 10, asked Rodriguez to appear at the office Feb. 25. Rodriguez's husband and attorney appeared at the office Feb. 23 to ask if it would rather send a notice to appear than hold a meeting, the petition says. A notice to appear is a formal document that indicates the government is beginning removal proceedings against someone. An ICE agent at the office told Rodriguez's attorney and husband he could not find her in the agency's computer system for appointments. An agent then said Rodriguez should appear on a different date. This agent handed her attorney a piece of paper saying Rodriguez should appear March 17, the petition says. Rodriguez was detained the morning of March 4 outside a gym on Murfreesboro Pike. She was with her husband traveling in a car with the Nashville Noticias logo on its outside. Advertisement Advertisement She was taken to the ICE ERO field office and then to Louisiana before being taking to the Alabama jail, according to her attorneys' March 6 filing. The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, whose attorneys are also representing Rodriguez, said it stands with Rodriguez. TIRRC in a statement called for the end of the aggressive deployment of immigration agents in our neighborhoods and community. South Nashville and Antioch were the site of a widespread immigration enforcement crackdown last May by ICE agents and Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers. U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson gave both sides quick deadlines for filing documents, as he "understands the desire to expedite briefing on this particular matter." Arrest marks second time Hispanic reporter targeted in Tennessee Rodriguez is the second reporter from a Spanish news network in Tennessee to be arrested and detained by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement More: Who is Manuel Duran? A look at the arrested Memphis-based reporter facing deportation In 2018, Memphis Noticias founder Manuel Duran was arrested while reporting on an immigration protest. According to previous reporting by the Commercial Appeal, he was the only journalist arrested in front of a Memphis criminal justice center the day of the protest, even as other journalists were documenting the melee in the street. While charges against him were quickly dropped, ICE arrested Duran shortly thereafter, citing a missed immigration hearing in 2007. Radio host Manuel Duran is arrested with other protesters with Coalition For Concerned Citizens of Memphis, Comunidades Unidas en Una Voz and Fight for 15 clash with Memphis Police outside the Shelby County Justice Center during a demonstration to call attention to immigration issues Tuesday, April 3, 2018, in Memphis, Tenn. At least eight demonstrators were arrested during the protest. His arrest led to more than 465 days behind bars and sparked international attention, lawsuits and protests in Memphis. Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, an immigration judge ordered that Duran could be set free on bond while his asylum case was pending. In 2022, that asylum was granted, and Duran continues his work in Memphis. Nashville Noticias Habeas Petition by USA TODAY Network Have questions about the justice system? Evan Mealins is the justice reporter for The Tennessean. Contact him with questions, tips or story ideas at emealins@tennessean.com. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Reporter for Spanish language news outlet arrested by ICE: Attorneys Beyond household preparedness, major conflicts can also have significant impacts on household wealth reshaping the value of money and financial markets. The warning comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, with the Russia-Ukraine war ongoing and a new war involving the U.S., Israel and Iran adding to geopolitical uncertainty. Sweden isnt alone in issuing such guidance. According to Bloomberg, the central banks of Finland and Norway have also advised citizens to keep cash on hand as part of preparedness efforts (3). The central bank further encouraged the public to use cash at regular intervals to help ensure the countrys cash infrastructure remains functional. Officials also recommend that households carry cards from different payment networks so they can still make purchases if one system experiences outages. The Riksbank recommends that all households keep a sum of SEK 1,000 [US$109] in cash per adult at home. This amount should be seen as a benchmark and is intended to cover a weeks worth of essential purchases, the central bank said, adding that the cash should be kept in several different denominations. To reduce that risk, the central bank is advising households to keep cash at home so they can still buy food, medicine and other essentials during disruptions (3). Sweden is one of the worlds most cashless societies, with just one in 10 purchases made using physical currency (2). That reliance on digital payments could create vulnerabilities if networks go down. The general public is an important part of Swedens total defence and central to strengthening national preparedness in the payments market, the Riksbank said. Having access to different payment methods improves the publics ability to make payments in the event of temporary disruptions, crises and in the worst case, war. Most Americans earn a dismal 0.39% APY on their cash at big banks. Unlock up to 4.05% APY and pay $0 in account fees instead with a Wealthfront Cash Account Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how On Wednesday, the Riksbank Swedens central bank issued a new recommendation aimed at strengthening public preparedness in the event of payment system outages (1). With geopolitical tensions rising around the world, one European country is urging its citizens to prepare for potential disruptions by keeping enough cash at home. Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Story Continues What war could mean for your money While central banks are urging households to keep some cash on hand for emergencies, the value of money itself can shift dramatically during wartime. Investing legend Warren Buffett once offered a clear warning about this. The one thing you can be quite sure of is if we went into some very major war, the value of money would go down that's happened in virtually every war that I'm aware of, Buffett told CNBC in 2014, the last time Russia invaded Ukraine (4). The last thing you'd want to do is hold money during a war. Buffetts warning highlights a crucial point: Major conflicts often fuel inflation. Wars tend to bring surges in government spending, borrowing and money printing, while production of consumer goods may decline and supply chains become disrupted all of which can push prices higher. Ray Dalio, founder of the worlds largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, recently echoed a similar view in a post on X, pointing to a time-tested hedge during times of conflict: gold. As for investing, sell out of all debt and buy gold because wars are financed by borrowing and printing money, which devalues debt and money and because there is a justifiable reluctance to accept credit, Dalio said (5). Gold has long been viewed as the ultimate safe haven. It cant be printed out of thin air like fiat money and because its not tied to any single currency or economy, investors often flock to it during periods of economic turmoil or geopolitical uncertainty, driving up its value. This isnt the first time Dalio has highlighted golds importance. Last year, he told CNBC that people don't have, typically, an adequate amount of gold in their portfolio, adding that when bad times come, gold is a very effective diversifier. Over the past 12 months, gold prices have surged by more than 70%. One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is to open a gold IRA with the help of Priority Gold. Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold, making it an option for those looking to help shield their retirement funds against economic uncertainties. When you make a qualifying purchase with Priority Gold, you can receive up to $10,000 in precious metals for free. Read More: Im almost 50 years old and dont have retirement savings. Is it too late to catch up? Read More: Non-millionaires can now invest in this $1B private real estate fund starting at just $10 Buffetts advice on what to own during wartime While Buffett has warned that wars can erode the value of money, he has also offered guidance on what assets tend to hold up better during periods of conflict. You might want to own a farm, you might want to own an apartment house, you might want to own securities, he said. To illustrate how stocks can perform during conflict, Buffett pointed to World War II (4). During World War II, the stock market advanced the stock market is going to advance over time. American businesses are going to be worth more money, dollars are going to be worth less, so that money won't buy you quite as much, he said. But you're going to be a lot better off owning productive assets over the next 50 years, than you will be owning pieces of paper. Buffett has long championed a straightforward way for everyday investors to put this principle into action no stock-picking skills required. In my view, for most people, the best thing to do is own the S&P 500 index fund, he has famously stated (6). This approach gives investors exposure to 500 of Americas largest companies across a wide range of industries, providing instant diversification without the need for constant monitoring or active management. The beauty of this approach is its accessibility anyone, regardless of wealth, can take advantage of it. Even small amounts can grow over time with tools like Acorns, an app that automatically invests your spare change. Signing up for Acorns takes just minutes: Link your cards and Acorns will round up each purchase to the nearest dollar, investing the difference your spare change into a diversified portfolio. With Acorns, you can invest in an S&P 500 ETF with as little as $5 and, if you sign up today with a recurring investment, Acorns will add a $20 bonus to help you begin your investment journey. Apartment houses In that 2014 interview, Buffett named apartment houses as one of the assets you might want to own during wartime. In fact, he has repeatedly pointed to real estate as a prime example of a productive, income-generating asset. In 2022, Buffett stated that if you offered him 1% of all the apartment houses in the country for $25 billion, he would write you a check (7). Why? Because no matter whats happening in the world, people still need a place to live and apartments can consistently produce rent money. Real estate also provides a natural hedge against inflation. When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts with inflation. Of course, you dont need $25 billion or even to buy a single property outright to invest in real estate. Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived offer an easier way to get exposure to this income-generating asset class. Backed by world-class investors like Jeff Bezos, Arrived allows you to invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100 all without the hassle of mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants. The process is simple: Browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares youd like to purchase and then sit back as you start receiving any positive rental income distributions from your investment. For a limited time, when you open an account and add $1,000 or more, Arrived will credit your account with a 1% match. Another option is Lightstone DIRECT, which offers accredited investors access to institutional-quality multifamily and industrial real estate with a minimum investment of $100,000. Founded in 1986 by David Lichtenstein, Lightstone Group is one of the largest privately held real estate investment firms in the U.S., with more than $12 billion in assets under management. Over nearly-four decades, their team has delivered strong, risk-adjusted performance across multiple market cycles including a 27.6% historical net IRR and a 2.54x historical net equity multiple on realized investments since 2004. With Lightstone DIRECT, you gain access to the same multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital. Heres the kicker: Lightstone invests at least 20% of its own capital in every deal roughly four times the industry average. With skin in the game, the firm ensures its interests are directly aligned with those of its investors. Work with an expert At the end of the day, everyones financial situation is different from income levels and investment goals to debt obligations and risk tolerance which means the best move for someone else might not be the best move for you. If youre unsure where to start, it might be the right time to get in touch with a financial advisor through Advisor.com. Advisor.com is an online platform that matches you with vetted financial advisors suited to your unique needs. They can help tailor a strategy to your particular financial situation, whether youre looking to protect your wealth, generate income or plan for long-term financial security. Once youre matched with an advisor, you can book a free consultation with no obligation to hire. You May Also Like Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. Sveriges Riksbank (1); The Guardian (2); Bloomberg (3); CNBC (4, 6, 7); @RayDalio (5) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Fired Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was quick to act excited about receiving a brand new made-up job just for her after President Donald Trump axed her from his Cabinet. The president posted on Truth Social on Thursday that Noem would be stepping down as DHS secretary at the end of March and would instead serve as Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, a new initiative to be announced on Saturday. Noem reacted to her ousting publicly for the first time moments later with a post on X where she gushed over the new gig. Advertisement Advertisement Thank you @POTUS Trump for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas," she wrote. "@SecRubio and @SecWar are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren." Outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem delivered the keynote address at the Sergeants Benevolent Association Major Cities Conference in Nashville, Tennessee on March 5, but she did not address her firing there. / CSPAN In response to Daily Beasts inquiry about the position and initiative, the White House responded with a statement praising Noems work to secure the border at DHS. This historic new security initiative, led by Secretary Noem, will advance cutting-edge strategies to defeat narco-terrorist cartels and stop illegal mass migration to make America and the entire Western Hemisphere safer, said spokesperson Olivia Wales. In her own post, Noem bragged about her work securing the U.S. border at DHS and suggested the new job stemmed from her previous experience. Advertisement Advertisement In this new role, I will be able to build on the partnerships and national security expertise I forged over the last 13 months as Secretary of Homeland Security, she wrote. Fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem reacts to her new gig. / X We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again: we delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S., we have located 145,000 children, FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the U.S. Coast Guard, Noem wrote. President Trump announced he was firing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in a Truth Social post. / Donald Trump/TruthSocial Noem was speaking at a conference in Nashville, Tennessee just moments after the president announced she was fired on social media, but she did not address her exit from the department during the appearance. She is the first Cabinet member from the presidents second term to be fired. It came as the 54-year-old former South Dakota governor was facing ongoing criticism over her handling of the killing of U.S. citizens by ICE. Advertisement Advertisement She was also under fire for lavish spending on glitzy self-promoting DHS TV ads and jetsetting across the country on a private luxury jet with her alleged lover and top aide, Corey Lewandowski. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was confronted about her rumored affair with Corey Lewandowski in a hearing on Capitol Hill on March 4. / Heather Diehl/Getty Images Social media critics were quick to note how her departure from the department was announced while she was about to give a speech. Kristi Noem lasts 37.2 Scaramuccis, noted Trumps former communications director from his first term, Anthony Scaramucci, who lasted just 10 days on the job in 2017. Moment of silence for Kristi Noems career, wrote Democratic Minnesota Senator Tina Smith on X. There was no mirror in the detention center to see her baby bump form, so Amanda Cardoso placed her hands on her abdomen and imagined. Cardoso, 22, had immigrated from Cuba to Tampa in 2023. She was seeking a haven after her grandmother was killed in an act of political violence. Cardoso, whod been studying to be an art teacher, envisioned a future in the United States free from persecution a place to raise a family. When she learned she was pregnant in August, she longed to fill her home with baby clothes and build a crib. Advertisement Advertisement But weeks into her pregnancy, Cardoso was swept up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. During months of detention with few medical checkups, Cardoso didnt even know how many weeks along she was. She was in Florida lawfully under a rule that lets Cubans whove been in the U.S. for at least a year apply for permanent residency. She had a pending green card application. Still, Cardoso was shipped to a South Florida detention center. Days later, she was transferredout of state.By late September, she made a third stop in rural New Mexico. Shed stay for months as her body changed and her baby grew. Medical experts agree that detaining people during pregnancy poses major safety risks, and immigration policy states that doing so should be extremely rare. But amid the Trump administrations push for mass deportations, advocates say experiences like Cardosos indicate a disregard for the health of women and children. ICE officials did not respond to questions about the agencys policies regarding pregnant detainees or the specifics of Cardosos case. Advertisement Advertisement I felt afraid, Cardoso told the Tampa Bay Times in Spanish. Afraid for me, afraid for my baby because I could lose it. Left in the dark Cardoso was kept in South Florida for half a month. Prenatal care was sparse, she said, and so was information about her health. One day, she felt faint and nearly passed out. Staff took her to a hospital, where she got an evaluation, but she said she wasnt given access to her medical files or told about the health of her baby before she was returned to her cell. It was just weeks earlier that she had been arrested in a parking lot of an Orlando shopping center. She had been there with four friends when two were caught stealing sunglasses. Security footage later showed Cardoso wasnt with them at the time, but police took her into custody anyway. Records show she was charged with coordinating theft. Her attorney is filing a motion to dismiss the case. Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after her arrest, ICE stepped in. In 2016, ICE policy discouraged the detainment of pregnant women, but two years into the first Trump presidency, the agency reversed course. Leading medical groups, like the American Gynecological Association and American Academy of Pediatrics, condemned the decision. All pregnant women and adolescents held in federal custody, regardless of immigration status, should have access to adequate, timely, evidence-based, and comprehensive health care, their joint letter read. The conditions in DHS (Department of Homeland Security) facilities are not appropriate for pregnant women or children. In 2021, the Biden administration reissued the directive, noting that pregnant women should be detained only in extraordinary circumstances, such as when they pose a danger or a flight risk. ICE must then monitor detainees health, give them comprehensive pre- and postnatal care, andevaluate each week whether detainment is still appropriate. Advertisement Advertisement Though the second Trump administration has yet to officially rescind those directives, reports and public records indicate a pileup of concerning cases. There was the 17-year-old from Honduras who was detained in Louisiana last year before being flown to a centerin Fort Lauderdale at 36 weeks beyond the point when doctors advise against flying. There was the woman detained in Broward County who, according to 911 logs, reported a possible miscarriage. Recently, federal judges have condemned ICEs treatment of pregnant and nursing detainees,citing cramped conditionsand mothers being separated from nursing infants. When Cardoso was moved across the country, she felt alone in the dark. A risky environment Before Cardoso arrived at Otero County Processing Center on a swath of New Mexico desert, the place had made headlines when a 32-year-old Ecuadorian immigrant died in custody in June 2024. Authorities released minimal information on hisdeath. Advertisement Advertisement About 30 miles north of El Paso and the Mexican border, the center has held thousands of detained immigrants and has amassed a history of civil rights complaints and reported violations. In 2021, ICE personnel wrote a letter to the centers operating company outlining concerns about inadequate staffing and standards compliance, as well as a shortage of medical services. Around the same time, an immigration advocacy group found that the most common complaints from those at Otero concerned medical access. At Otero, Cardoso knew the living conditions were bad for her baby. Research indicates that stress can make complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes more likely. But constant commotion and the threat of deportation made stress an inevitability. To pass time, Cardoso would try to spend her days asleep, rising from the metal bunk bed she shared with another woman only when food was served. Advertisement Advertisement There were 50 of us in one cell, Cardoso said. One room for 50 people. On arrival, Cardoso went through medical examinations that were standard for Otero detainees, but she said she went months without specialized care. She said the center didnt have ultrasound machinesto perform sonograms, so she didnt get imaging. Instead, staff placed a stethoscope against her belly to make sure her babys heart was beating. Cardoso said she was not the only pregnant woman at Otero there were many. Whenever they gathered, she said, all they could talk about was the uncertain future. As days, then weeks, then months passed, a new fear emerged: What would happen if she gave birth there? Holding out hope After nearly three months at Otero, Cardoso said she was taken out of the centerfor a doctors appointment. Clinicians performed an ultrasound and did blood work. Advertisement Advertisement She learned she was having a baby girl. But once more, Cardoso said, she was denied access to her medical records and given no insight into her health, including how far along her pregnancy was. This was Cardosos firstpregnancy. She didnt know what symptoms to look out for or how to keep her baby healthy, especially without the guidance of a doctor. Regular appointments with specialists are vital to keeping mothers and babies safe, said Dr. Nicole Teal. Teal, who studied medicine at the University of South Florida, is an OB-GYN who specializes in high-risk pregnancies at UC San Diego Health. She said diagnosing complications and treating them early is crucial. That means getting lab work, imaging and genetic testing, often in the first trimester. Failing to treat complications can be fatal. Advertisement Advertisement Its really inhumane, Tampa immigration attorney Sam Badawi said of Cardosos case. Badawi learned about Cardoso in September after a family member reached out.The lawyer decided to represent her pro bono, getting Bar-certified in New Mexico to be able to do so. He said her case highlights a substandard levelof care for detainees, noting that detentioncenters are often in rural areas with limited health care and long journeys to hospitals or clinics in an emergency. The New Mexico town where Cardoso was held is designated as a health care provider shortage area, meaning it has too few physicians to meet needs. Without Badawis help, Cardoso said she was likely to be sent to Ecuador via an agreement between the countries that allowed the U.S. to send asylum seekers to places it deems safe. Recently, a federal judge ruled the agreement to be illegal. The issue is likely to go before the Supreme Court. Cardoso had never been to Ecuador. She knows nobody there. In February, after Badawi filed a challenge to Cardosos detainment, ICE temporarily released her. If shes denied a green card, she could still be deported. And if she is detained again after giving birth, she could be separated from her baby. Advertisement Advertisement This is far from over, Badawisaid. Since returning to Tampa, Cardoso has been experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. She cant sleep the mattress feels too soft, her home too quiet, and she has nightmares in which shes still imprisoned. She flushes the toilet multiple times, a habit from the detainment center where the plumbing was unreliable. Though she returned to a wardrobe that no longer fits, shes too afraid to venture out to buy maternity clothes. Recently, Cardoso had an appointment at the hospital where she expects to give birth next month. She said she was diagnosed with preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, perhaps triggeredby trauma. She desperately wants to enjoy her early days of motherhood. She said she is trying to be strong and to hold onto hope for her baby, but also herself. She is trying. NEED TO KNOW United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Nashville reporter Estefany Rodriguez on Wednesday, March 4 Rodriguez is a citizen of Colombia who came to the U.S. in 2022 and applied for political asylum due to her work as a reporter; her attorney says she's been taking all legal steps to become a citizen Her attorneys are trying to get the wife and mother released from custody after she was deemed a flight risk for missing two appointments that they said she was previously told not to attend A Nashville reporter was detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. On Wednesday, March 4, Estefany Rodriguez was arrested by immigration agents when she arrived at the gym around 7:15 a.m. local time with her husband, Alejandro Medina III, who is a U.S. citizen, Nashville Norticias, the media outlet Rodriguez works for, reported. Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez is a Colombian citizen who came to the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2021 before applying for political asylum, per the Nashville Banner. Her immigration attorney, Joel Coxander, told the outlet that her coverage of "armed and militant groups" in Colombia had led to her receiving threats. Estefany Rodriguez with her husband Credit: GoFundMe She had "been following all the legal steps to citizenship." However, ICE accused her of missing two interview appointments, deeming her "a flight risk." She was reportedly arrested without a warrant. The Nashville Banner reported that she was being taken to a processing center in Louisiana. Speaking to the Nashville Banner, Coxander addressed the situation. Advertisement Advertisement He noted that ICE's first contact with Rodriguez came on Jan. 8, 2026. They sent her a G-56 letter that requested she come in for an appointment on Jan. 26. Coxander described the letters, which he said are sent to other immigrants, as "invitations." They dont say theyre required. They say, Come in so we can help ensure the best outcome for your case. They cite no legal requirement to come. And thats because, for a lot of people, they have no connection to ICE, this isnt connected with an application with USCIS or at least it doesnt say anything like that," he said. Rodriguez prepared for the meeting with her lawyer, but she was unable to attend on Jan. 26 because the offices were closed due to severe weather. Advertisement Advertisement A follow-up appointment was scheduled for Feb. 25. When they followed up about the meeting, Medina and one of Coxander's associates were told that Rodriguez was not in the ICE system and did not have a scheduled appointment. Estefany Rodriguez Credit: Nashville Noticias A third appointment was then scheduled for March 17. However, she was arrested before that date. Citing Coxander, Nashville Banner reported that Rodriguez's legal team was told she had not been in the system because she'd never been involved with ICE previously. Shes being told, Were holding it against you that you didnt do this thing we told you you didnt have to do,' he said. Theyre saying, Hey, you didnt show up to this invitation letter, so youre a full flight risk. Advertisement Advertisement Her lawyers filed an emergency petition to have the arrest reviewed. In the meantime, Coxander told Nashville Banner that she was displaying strength and positivity. Regarding her being a flight risk, he noted that she'd displayed "bravery" in her coverage of ICE as a journalist, even though "she could be at risk of getting picked up." Stock image of an ICE agent Credit: Getty Additionally, he noted that she'd been taking all the right steps and had gone above and beyond to confirm that she was not supposed to attend those meetings. A GoFundMe organized by her husband has raised more than $5,000 of it's $20,000 goal at the time of publication. Advertisement Advertisement In the description of the fundraiser, he described his wife as "an incredible woman who is deeply dedicated to both her work and her family." "As a reporter for Nashville Noticias, she works tirelessly to inform and serve the community with passion. Beyond her reporting, she is always looking for ways to give back, whether that means helping families in need, giving away food, or sharing gifts with those who could use a little extra support," he wrote. Medina said Rodriguez was "the greatest blessing" to him and their 8-year-old daughter. "She is loving, attentive, and the heart of our home. Her happiest moments are often the simplest ones; cooking for our family or enjoying time together at home. Estefany supports every dream and effort in our household, and she truly is the soul of our family," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement In a formal statement, Nashville Norticias noted that Rodriguez had been a member of the team since 2022. She covered "social, family, health, police and immigration issues." Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Estefany Rodriguez and her husband Credit: GoFundMe "Nashville Noticias LLC expresses its respect for the laws of the United States and hopes that this situation will be resolved favorably for our colleague so that she can be released soon, as she needs to reunite with her young daughter and husband to continue her legal process within the framework permitted by law," they wrote. "Her legal team at MIRA Legal, as well as the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Coalition (TIRRC), are providing legal representation in the case and will have details on the progress and responses from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Tennessee Federal Court." TIRRC also addressed the state of affairs, writing, "We believe that all of us in Tennessee and in America, regardless of your race, your immigration status, or your profession, deserve to be treated fairly by the government." Advertisement Advertisement PEOPLE made contact with Coxander at MIRA Legal and is awaiting a response. Requests for comment from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security were unanswered at the time of publication. Read the original article on People Iceland's government on Friday proposed that a referendum be held on August 29 on resuming the country's EU membership talks, after they were terminated in 2015. The North Atlantic island submitted an EU membership application in 2009, a year after the stunning collapse of its financial sector. Negotiations began in 2010 but were suspended three years later following parliamentary elections, and in 2015 the then-government announced the talks were terminated. Advertisement Advertisement Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrin Gunnarsdottir told reporters she would present the proposal to parliament early next week. It remained unclear on Friday whether the government had a majority for its resolution. "We intend to ask the nation the following question: 'Should negotiations on Iceland's accession to the European Union continue?' And then the nation can answer with two options: 'Yes, negotiations should continue', or 'No, they should not continue'," she said. An opinion poll published in early February by public broadcaster RUV found the Icelandic public was evenly divided on joining the EU, which currently has 27 members. The three parties of the ruling centre-left coalition had agreed in their government platform to hold a vote on the issue by the end of 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir said Iceland was in a position of strength, making it the right time to put the question to the Icelandic people. "Iceland is strong economically, but also in terms of national self-confidence, and thus able to make this decision," she said. If the country were to resume membership talks, another referendum would be held after the conclusion of the talks asking Icelanders if they want to join based on the negotiated terms. - World 'has changed' - When Iceland's accession negotiations were paused, 27 of 33 chapters had been opened, and 11 had been concluded, according to the government. Advertisement Advertisement The unopened chapters included one on fisheries, expected to be the thorniest as Iceland is intent on retaining control over its resources. The foreign minister said if negotiations were to resume, she wanted to go straight to the difficult chapters. "I will never sign an agreement -- never sign an agreement -- that entails ceding Iceland's control over its resources, such as our fishing resources. I want that to be absolutely clear," she said. Iceland's objectives with EU membership include ensuring control over its resources, strengthening its defences and ensuring stability and economic and other forms of security, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Frostadottir said the world had changed since Iceland last engaged in EU membership talks. The country would be "entering negotiations from a different position", she said. "The emphasis on the North Atlantic and the Arctic, on cooperation among these countries, has been transformed," she said. US President Donald Trump's push to take over Greenland has sparked concern in neighbouring Iceland. Its defence is currently provided by the United States and NATO, as it has no military of its own. "All of us engaged in international cooperation can sense that awareness of Iceland's uniqueness, and of its strong position and interests... has changed dramatically," the prime minister said. Advertisement Advertisement Olafur Thordur Hardarson, political science professor at the University of Iceland, agreed with the government's assessment that Iceland was in a stronger negotiating position now than in 2009. "Recent developments in the world order -- especially the rift between Europe and the US -- are likely to make EU leaders more positive towards a deal beneficial to Iceland, especially on natural resources such as fisheries and energy," he told AFP. However, it was "impossible to predict" how Icelanders would vote on resuming membership talks, or in a later membership referendum, he said. EU enlargement chief Marta Kos said Iceland was set for a "significant decision". Advertisement Advertisement "In a world of competing spheres of influence, EU membership offers an anchor into a bloc grounded in values, prosperity and security," she said in a statement sent to AFP. The foreign minister expressed "serious concerns" that Russia might try to influence a future referendum. po-ef/jhb Legislation targeting a for-profit micro-hospital company looking to expand in Meridian made its way to the Senate floor. The bill, backed by Blue Cross of Idaho, the states largest health insurer, would require freestanding emergency rooms to be reimbursed at the same negotiated local market rates as in-network providers. It would also require such emergency rooms to disclose to patients if they do not participate in Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare programs. It passed with a 24-11 vote and was sent to the House. During a debate Tuesday, some lawmakers quibbled over whether the bill would infringe on the free market. Advertisement Advertisement The legislation aims to crack down on excessive reimbursement claims Blue Cross says Nutex Health, which added a hospital in Post Falls two years ago its only one in Idaho to its network of micro hospitals around the country. Nutex has plans to expand at the busy corner of Eagle and Overland roads. The Post Falls hospital also previously said in a notice on its website that it did not accept Medicare, Medicaid or TriCare insurance, according to a screen capture taken Nov. 17. That notice has since been removed. Blue Cross testified that the bill doesnt target other Idaho hospitals or health systems. The insurer said during a Senate committee hearing that Nutex abuses the independent dispute resolution process, which was intended by the federal No Surprises Act to be a last resort in cases where providers and health insurers cant agree on what should be paid for out-of-network care. We have to take it to arbitration, Nutex CEO says Blue Cross says Nutex refuses to contract with it and sends all its claims from the stand-alone Post Falls hospital, about a few hundred a month, through the arbitration process. The practice is an anomaly in Idaho, where Blue Cross contracts with every other emergency room in the state, and where it says few claims from other hospitals end up in the independent dispute resolution process. Advertisement Advertisement Nutex founder and CEO Dr. Tom Vo told the Idaho Statesman that his company does send claims from its North Idaho hospital through the independent dispute resolution process, but only because Blue Cross wont pay it a fair amount. Because of that, we have to take it to arbitration, Vo said. All we want is for them to pay what they pay all the other hospitals within our region, and theyre not doing that. If they offer us something very close to the median in-network rate, as regulated by the federal law, then we will be happy, even if its slightly less. But Bret Rumbeck, a spokesperson for Blue Cross, told the Statesman that the insurer made several efforts to bring Nutexs Post Falls ER and Hospital into its network, offering claim reimbursements at the qualifying payment amount plus an additional 10%. The qualifying payment amount is the median in-network contracted rate an insurer pays for the same service in the same geographic area, and it is adjusted each year to the consumer price index. He said that offer was rejected. Rumbeck said that on another occasion last year, Nutex countered with an offer, Blue Cross accepted it, and then Nutex reneged. Advertisement Advertisement Blue Cross warned that Idaho insurers would have to take into consideration the excessive amounts paid to freestanding emergency rooms such as Nutex when setting insurance premiums and rates. Vo, meanwhile, rejected the labeling of his hospitals as freestanding emergency rooms. Its categorically false, Vo said. We are a full-service hospital licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Meridian senator says Nutex is gouging insurers On Tuesday, Sen. Treg Bernt of Meridian, the bills sponsor, listed examples of what the Post Falls hospital has charged for out-of-network services compared with what other hospitals in Idaho charge for in-network services: Urinary tract infection. Market rate: $521. Freestanding ER rate: $3,187. Sprained knee. Market rate: $1,700. Freestanding ER rate: $8,588. CT abdomen scan. Market rate: $586. Freestanding ER rate: $11,718. Pregnancy test. Market rate: $14. Freestanding ER rate: $144. Advertisement Advertisement These freestanding emergency rooms are gouging health insurers and, in turn, Idahoans, Bernt said. This (practice) will force the state of Idaho employee insurance plan to raise rates, along with other Idahoans that utilize Idaho insurers for their health insurance. Sen. Dan Foreman, a Republican from Moscow, chimed in, saying that while hes typically in favor of letting the free market do its thing, it is sometimes necessary to step in. The free market can be manipulated, he said. And the government does have an oversight responsibility to protect the public from exploitation. Sen. Brian Lenney, R-Nampa, said the government shouldnt intervene in disputes between insurance companies and health care providers. He noted that patients who go to Nutex arent getting gouged because the No Surprises Act prevents health insurers and providers from penalizing patients who inadvertently receive out-of-network care. Advertisement Advertisement Im a free market guy myself, so Im going to be a hard no and I urge everyone else to vote no on this as well, Lenney said. Immediately after, another lawmaker, Sen. Todd Lakey, informed the room that hes a free market guy as well, but would instead be voting for the legislation. The problem here is that this is not the free market, Lakey said. We have somebody thats abusing the intended process and running everything through it at exponentially increased costs, knowing that out-of-state arbitrators are going to side with them and enhance their profits. This legislation tries to bring it back to the free market. CDA lawmaker says Nutex provides better service For one lawmaker, the bill hit closer to home. Sen. Ben Toews of Coeur dAlene said Nutexs emergency room in Post Falls served his wife just last year. Toews said they drove past another emergency room on the way to get there because the couple have had horrible service at other options in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Aside from Nutexs hospital, there are two hospitals in Post Falls: the small, physician-owned Northwest Specialty Hospital and the Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital, which provides long-term care for medically complex conditions. The city is just a 15-minute drive from Coeur dAlene, home to Kootenai Health, a larger, community-owned hospital. The reality is that the free market works, and it creates better service, Toews said. My wife saw a doctor within probably 10 minutes. She got an MRI. It was the best service Ive ever had in an ER room, by far. On its website, Nutex touts shorter wait times, larger rooms with baths and televisions, catered meals and one-on-one time with physicians, which its able to provide in part because all of its patients are essentially walk-ins. Vo, the companys CEO, said ambulances usually route patients to larger hospitals, allowing it to focus its care on a smaller number of patients. Bernt reiterated during the debate that he doesnt believe the bill would stifle competition. Advertisement Advertisement Im not saying that this freestanding ER does a bad job, Bernt said. Because it sounds like if you want to have caviar and a mimosa, then it probably would be a great place to go to the ER. But thats not what were talking about. Micro-hospital CEO says Blue Cross of Idaho allegations categorically false A company wants to build a stand-alone ER in the Boise area. Its charges? Excessive Lebanon's Hezbollah warned Israeli residents to evacuate towns within 3.11 miles of the border between the countries in a message posted on its Telegram channel in Hebrew early on Friday. The IDF conducted a large-scale wave of strikes in Tehran, targeting local terror infrastructure, in the early hours of Friday morning. Additionally, the IDF confirmed that during strikes in Iran on Thursday, it dismantled six missile launchers before they could be used against Israel. Advertisement Advertisement The IDF also conducted strikes on Hezbollah targets in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut on Thursday night. The military announced this minutes after sirens were triggered throughout Israel by Iranian missile launches. Sirens continued to sound through the late hours of Thursday night and early Friday morning in Israeli towns near the Lebanese border. Hezbollah warns Israeli residents to evacuate towns within three miles of border Lebanon's Hezbollah warned Israeli residents to evacuate towns within 3.11 miles of the border between the countries in a message posted on its Telegram channel in Hebrew early on Friday. "Your military's aggression against Lebanese sovereignty and safe citizens, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the expulsion campaign it is carrying out will not go unchallenged," Hezbollah said. Aftermath of Israeli strikes following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran, Lebanon, March 2, 2026 (credit: REUTERS/AHMAD AL KERDI) More than 80,000 people flee areas in Lebanon amid fighting The renewed Israel-Hezbollah conflict has caused 83,847 people to flee southern Lebanon and other areas of Lebanon, Lebanese Social Affairs Minister Haneen Sayed said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement The conflict began to escalate when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel on Monday. Since then, the terrorist group has also launched drone attacks, and Israeli soldiers were wounded by anti-tank fire, according to reports on Wednesday. More than 80,000 displaced people had registered in shelters, and there were now 399 shelters across Lebanon, Sayed told reporters. The Lebanese authorities said 72 people had been killed in the fighting. Tens of thousands of Lebanese people have been displaced following evacuation orders put out by the Israeli military, declaring 8% of the countrys land mass south of the Litani River as an active combat zone, Saudi Arabia-based newspaper Arab News reported. IRGC members in Lebanon will be arrested, deported, Lebanese information minister says Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Lebanon will be arrested, Reuters cited the Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos as saying on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Military operations by the IRGC will also be banned, and those arrested may be deported, according to Saudi-owned Al Arabiya, who added that the Lebanese cabinet had reportedly decided that Iranians would no longer have visa-free entry to Lebanon. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also slammed rumors of Lebanon committing a "sin" by "aligning with and implementing Israel's goals" during the cabinet meeting on Wednesday. IDF issues urgent evacuation notice for southern Beirut suburbs The IDF spokesperson in Arabic issued an immediate evacuation notice for all residents of Beiruts southern suburbs in a Thursday afternoon post to X/Twitter. Residents of the Bourj Brajneh, Al-Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Shiah neighborhoods were instructed to head north toward Mount Lebanon and avoid heading south. "You are prohibited from heading south. Any movement south may put your lives at risk," the notice concluded. Seth J. Frantzman, Miriam Sela-Eitam, and Reuters contributed to this report. The IDF noted that it had struck infrastructure belonging to the Islamic regime in Tehran and Isfahan. The IDF began its 15th wave of strikes on targets in Iran on Friday afternoon, the military announced. It noted that it had struck infrastructure belonging to the Islamic regime in Tehran and Isfahan. "Over 400 targets were struck in several areas in Iran, including ballistic missile launchers and Iranian UAVs storage facilities," the IDF said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement During this recent wave of strikes, an Israeli Air Force aircraft identified a truck loaded with an Iranian air defense system in the area of Shahroud that was attempting to transfer it to another area in Iran, the military said, adding that the truck was targeted and destoryed. "The Israeli Air Force continues to strike in order to minimize fire directed at the territory of the State of Israel," the IDF concluded. Concurrently with the IDF's announcement, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported that targets in the city of Qom, south of Tehran, had also been hit. IDF footage of airstrikes on Iranian regime assets during the Israel Air Force's strikes in the country on March 6, 2026. (Credit: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) IDF strikes senior Iranian regime commander in Tehran An hour after the Israeli military's confirmation of the commencement of its newest round of strikes, it stated that, during its strikes in Tehran, it had targeted "a senior Iranian terror regime commander in Tehran," without naming the commander. Advertisement Advertisement The military's announcements came hours after it had confirmed striking former Iranian supreme leader Ali Khameneis underground bunker in Tehran. Demonstrators hold images of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after he was killed in Israeli and U.S. strikes on Saturday, during an anti-Israeli and U.S. rally after Friday prayer, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 6, 2026. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA/REUTERS) The earlier strikes, which involved some 50 aircraft, targeted the bunker, which, according to the IDF, was located beneath the regime leadership's Tehran compound. Although Khamenei himself was killed nearly a week prior, the IDF noted that the bunker was intended to be used as "a secure emergency command center" and "continued to be used by senior Iranian regime officials." The IDF went on to assert that it had been one of the Iranian regime's most critical military command centers. Advertisement Advertisement While the initial military statement did not note if any senior Iranian officials were killed in the action, in a later press briefing, IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said that the military was "examining the results of the attack." Tobias Siegal contributed to this report. An illegal migrant has been indicted after he allegedly created a fake branch of the Department of Homeland Security (Dhs) and held fraudulent training seminars to sell DHS and FBI identification cards to attendees, saying the IDs would provide "immunity" from federal immigration officers. Brazilian national Mario Cesar Dos Santos, Jr., 50, was indicted and arrested in Ocala, Florida, last week for fraudulent use of government seals. He was allegedly the self-proclaimed president of the "Chaplain Emergency Management Agency," which he referred to as "CEMA," a completely fake government agency that swindled attendees into believing they were paying for immunity from federal immigration officials. Advertisement Advertisement "Fema is cracking down on those who don't just scam our programs but hijack our identity, a DHS spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "This individual a Brazilian illegal alien who overstayed his visa did more than just break our laws. This illegal alien brazenly defrauded our government by running a shadow agency." Prosecutors say the fake certificates featured unauthorized DHS and FBI seals, leading to his arrest in Florida after an investigation by DHS, the FBI and FEMA. (Getty Images) Gop Senators Tangle With Noem During Heated Hearing On Her Handling Of Deportation Surge "We have ZERO tolerance for anyone who weaponizes our seal to build a fraudulent platform or subvert our immigration system. Working with DHS Homeland Security Investigations and the DOJ, we will ensure that those who exploit our credentials face the full weight of the law," the spokesperson added. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Dos Santos allegedly charged a $400 fee (generating $14,000 in total revenue) for individuals who took the fake course and received a certificate that featured the FBI and DHS seals as well as the "CEMA" seal falsely associated with FEMA. The indictment was brought against Dos Santos by the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Middle District of Florida after DHS, FBI and FEMA investigated the case. Kristi Noem To Face Senate Grilling Over Minneapolis Shootings As Dhs Shutdown Hits Week 3 Dos Santos now faces deportation proceedings after he overstayed an expired visa. The news of his deportation comes as President Donald Trump ousted DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday from her role in the administration and appointed her special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a security initiative in the Western Hemisphere. Advertisement Advertisement Trump promptly named Noems successor, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., in a Truth Social post Thursday. "I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026," Trump posted. Trump named Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-OK, as the next head of DHS. (Getty Images) "Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and 3 in the Senate, Markwayne has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma, where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties in 2016, 2020, and 2024," Trump continued. "A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda." Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Sources familiar with the transition told Fox News Digital that Noems relationships with countries like Chile, Argentina and others which she dealt with during her role at DHS prepared her for the new gig. Original article source: Illegal alien allegedly ran fake DHS branch, passed out 'immunity' cards during a $400 fraudulent course Illinois, like much of the country, is set to experience a warm spell over the next week or so, with temperatures reaching the 70s in many parts. But residents shouldn't get too excited after all, it is still winter. In fact, temperatures are forecast to plummet again soon, according to experts. Here's what we know about the so-called "false spring" incoming, and when Illinois residents can expect the last freeze in their area. Is Illinois having a 'false spring?' "This can be classified as a false spring coming up, especially from the central Plains to the East Coast," said AccuWeather meteorologist Paul Pastelok in an email to USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement Weather Trader meteorologist Ryan Maue told USA TODAY the springtime warmth will stretch over the next 7-10 days. This will be followed by a polar vortex later next week, however. "We will see (hopefully) winters final Arctic blast move through the Lower 48 [in] middle March," Maue said. Illinois last frost dates Here's the average last frost dates for the following cities, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac: Bloomington: May 1 Champaign: April 21 Chicago: April 17 Peoria: April 23 Rockford: April 30 Springfield: April 20 Here's the earliest last frost dates recorded between 1991 and 2020, according to the Illinois State Climatologist: Advertisement Advertisement Bloomington: March 24 Champaign: March 24 Chicago: March 24 Peoria: March 24 Rockford: March 29 Springfield: March 19 Here's the latest last frost dates recorded between 1991 and 2020, according to the Illinois State Climatologist: Bloomington: May 10-15 Champaign: May 10 Chicago: May 20 Peoria: May 10 Rockford: May 20 Springfield: May 5 What's the first day of spring 2026? The 2026 spring equinox falls on Friday, March 20, signaling the end of winter. CONTRIBUTING: John Tufts, Indianapolis Star; Doyle Rice, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois last frost dates. When will spring start? March 5 (UPI) -- Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed Saturday in a precision strike carried out jointly by the United States and Israel. After months of meticulous surveillance tracking his movements and daily routines, the CIA identified the precise moment when Khamenei was presiding over a high-level meeting at his Tehran residence and executed the operation. Khamenei had gone to extraordinary lengths to conceal himself, making a bunker accessible only by more than five minutes of elevator descent his primary refuge. Yet, even that failed to protect him. Advertisement Advertisement Two months earlier, on Jan. 3, U.S. Army Delta Force conducted a raid on Caracas, Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and transporting him to New York. As his senior military commanders were killed around him, Maduro was taken aboard the USS Iwo Jima in restraints. For Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, these two events are not merely international news. They are cold and unsparing previews of his own potential end. Conventional wisdom holds that a nuclear-armed North Korea renders any American preemptive strike impossible, but this is a superficial analysis that overlooks the unique physical and psychological architecture of the North Korean system. North Korea is critically different from Iran. Iran's system, centered on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, carries the character of collective leadership. Even after Khamenei's death, an interim leadership council was constituted immediately and the regime has remained intact. North Korea, by contrast, is a pathologically distorted structure in which every system is subordinated entirely to the life and death of a single autocrat. Based on my decades of direct observation in close proximity to the North Korean leadership, I can attest that the strategic missile launchers and gun barrels of the Korean People's Army are physically configured so as not to target Pyongyang -- a safeguard against accidents or internal rebellion. Advertisement Advertisement The authority to launch nuclear missiles is similarly concentrated in one person alone: Supreme Commander Kim Jong Un. This means that if the "head" is struck with sufficient precision from outside, the regime's vast weapons arsenal would instantly lose direction and be rendered inoperable. History bears this out. When Kim Jong Il suffered a stroke in August 2008, all major functions of North Korea's party, government and military came to a simultaneous standstill for more than two months, unable to proceed without his personal authorization. I witnessed this firsthand in Pyongyang at the time. It is the fatal vulnerability of a state that operates not by institutional systems, but by the rubber stamp of a single dictator. If a U.S. precision strike were to render Kim Jong Un incapacitated, who, precisely, would press the nuclear button on his behalf? The Maduro case offers an even more direct lesson. U.S. forces, acting on precise CIA intelligence, mapped Maduro's sleeping quarters, eating patterns and movement routes in their entirety before executing the operation. Advertisement Advertisement This mirrored the methodology of the Osama bin Laden raid, in which a full-scale replica of the target's compound was built for training. When Maduro disappeared, not a single faction chose to take up arms in revenge. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was inaugurated as acting president and publicly declared an agenda of cooperation with the United States, holding direct talks with the CIA Director and aligning herself with the new order. The regime shattered like glass the moment its leader was removed. In the immediate aftermath of Khamenei's death, Iranian forces launched retaliatory missiles at Jerusalem and other major cities across the Middle East -- the product of religious martyrdom ideology and a collective leadership structure. North Korea's elite, however, possess no such ideology of religious sacrifice. They will prioritize their own survival far above any notion of vengeance for their Supreme Leader. Advertisement Advertisement Even if Kim Jong Un possesses 100 nuclear warheads, they are meaningless if they cannot protect his life. The Iranian crisis, in fact, has demonstrated that nuclear weapons are not a guarantee of survival -- they can become the very justification that invites a preemptive precision strike. Iran's pursuit of nuclear development was the direct reason it became a target of Israeli and American military action. Imagine North Korea after the dictator is gone. The nuclear briefcase will not become an instrument of retribution. It will become the ultimate bargaining chip that the new power holders offer to the United States in exchange for their own survival, much as Venezuela's new leadership sought the negotiating table with Washington and pursued economic agreements in the wake of Maduro's removal. Kim Jong Un must now confront a stark truth: His nuclear button is no longer a symbol of terror. It has become the very signal accelerating his own demise. Ri Jong-ho is a former senior North Korean economic official who served under all three leaders of the Kim family regime. His most recent role was based in Dalian, China, where he headed the Korea Daehung Trading Corp., overseen by the clandestine Office 39 under the direct control of the ruling Kim family. Before his assignment in Dalian, Jong-ho held pivotal positions, including president of the Daehung Shipping Co. and executive director of the Daehung General Bureau of the North Korean Workers' Party, a role equivalent to vice-minister rank in the North Korean party-state. Subsequently, he was appointed chairman of the Korea Kumgang Economic Development Group under the North Korean Defense Committee by Kim Jong Il. Jong-ho is a recipient of the Hero of Labor Award, the highest civilian honor in North Korea. Following a series of brutal purges by Kim Jong Un, he defected with his family to South Korea in late 2014. He resides in the greater Washington D.C., area. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG) is included among the 15 Best High Dividend Stocks to Invest in Under $100. Morgan Stanley Lifts Citizens Financial (CFG) Target to $80 amid Positive Midcap Bank Backdrop On March 2, Morgan Stanley raised its price recommendation on Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG) to $80 from $73. The firm kept an Overweight rating on the shares. Morgan Stanley said it is lifting price targets by a median 8% across the midcap banks group. Analysts acknowledged that the sector has already delivered strong performance, noting that recent gains mean the bar is higher from here. Even so, Morgan Stanley said it still sees a supportive backdrop for the group, pointing to expected tailwinds from loan growth, net interest margin, and capital return. During the banks fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, CEO Bruce Van Saun said Citizens finished the year on a strong footing. He pointed to several positive developments during the quarter. Net interest margin expanded by 7 basis points. The company reported positive operating leverage. Wealth and capital markets generated solid fee income. Credit trends also remained favorable through the period. Van Saun also discussed the banks Private Bank division. He said the business closed the year with $14.5 billion in deposits, $10 billion in client assets, and $7.2 billion in loans. The division contributed roughly 7% to pretax income in 2025, which exceeded the banks original 5% target. According to Van Saun, the unit delivered a 25% return on equity for the year. He also noted that Citizens continued to reduce non-core assets and generated a $100 million run-rate benefit through its top 10 program. The CEO also highlighted the banks new Reimagine the Bank initiative. He described it as a broad digital and operational transformation effort. The program started with about 50 initiatives designed to improve the customer experience while also creating new revenue opportunities and driving planned expense efficiencies. Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:CFG) provides retail and commercial banking products and services. Its clients include individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations, and institutions. The company operates through two segments: Consumer Banking and Commercial Banking. While we acknowledge the potential of CFG as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. An 11th-hour bid to support placing an income tax ban into the state Constitution failed to reach the necessary 60% threshold in the New Hampshire House on Thursday. House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, R-Auburn, had proposed the ban as an amendment to a related bill (CACR 10) that if adopted would require lawmakers pass a new or higher tax by at least a two-thirds vote. Osborne said he introduced the idea because a coalition of former and current Democratic lawmakers had two days earlier proposed a 3% income tax and $3 statewide property tax rate per $1,000 of assessed property value to raise $2 billion in support of aid to public schools. Advertisement Advertisement This amendment codifies an income tax ban into the Constitution, where it belongs. Not now. Not ever, Osborne said. House and Senate Democratic leaders had come out against the latest income tax plan. We are asking the people of New Hampshire how they feel about this. Lets give them the chance to tell us, Osborne said. House Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson of Exeter said the new proposal had been presented to her colleagues late Wednesday afternoon and it had no public hearing or debate in committee. This is not serious policymaking but an obvious political stunt, Simpson said. This approach is short-sighted, irresponsible and driven by politics. I urge you to vote no. Advertisement Advertisement The House majority approved of the proposal, 193-158, but that fell 43 votes shy of getting the super-majority needed to advance it to the state Senate. Under House Rules, the 60% threshold is on the entire membership regardless of attendance; thus with 392 current House members, this requires 236 votes for an amendment to pass. The three House Democrats who supported the amendment were Reps. Dale Girard of Claremont, Jennifer Mandelbaum of Portsmouth and Patrick Long of Manchester. No House Republicans opposed it. Whats Next: Nothing. The House vote turned down the amendment. Outlook: The House will get another chance to vote on the issue this spring. The Senate last month voted, 16-8, to pass on to the House an amendment (CACR 12) that would require a two-thirds vote to approve any income, sales or capital gains tax in the state. The House Ways and Means Committee will hold a public hearing on the measure next Monday. klandrigan@unionleader.com JOHNSTOWN, Pa. An Indiana County man accused of supplying the dose of drugs that killed an Altoona man in 2022 has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for a separate drug arrest a year earlier. Eldon Sajko, 55, of Penn Run, received 57 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. He was also sentenced on a weapon charge, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti announced Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement According to information presented to the court, on March 21, 2021, Sajko possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mix, as well as quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and heroin. Sajko, who had previously been convicted of a felony, was found with a weapon and ammunition in his possession, according to Rivettis office. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Sajko was arrested again on July 27, 2022, accused of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, according to Rivettis office. U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the federal sentence on Sajko at the U.S. District Court in Johnstown this week. Advertisement Advertisement Rivetti credited the FBIs Laurel Highlands Resident Agency Safe Streets Task Force, state police and Indiana Borough police for the investigation. Sajko continues awaiting trial on the charge of drug delivery involving death in Blair County. NEW DELHI, March 6 (Reuters) - - The southern Indian state of Karnataka, home to the tech hub of Bengaluru, banned the use of social media by those under the age of 16 on Friday, becoming the first in India to join global calls for more scrutiny of minors' digital usage. Concerns surrounding children's growing social media addiction and exposure to unrestricted internet access have fired up a global debate, prompting Australia to become the first country to ban social media for children in December. Britain, Denmark and Greece are also studying the issue and similar considerations are taking shape elsewhere in India, one of the world's largest social media markets. "With the objective of preventing adverse effects of increasing mobile usage on children, usage of social media will be banned for children under the age of 16," state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who uses only one name, said in his annual budget speech on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement He did not mention when the ban would take effect. India is the world's second-biggest smartphone market with 750 million devices and a billion internet users. For Meta, the country is its biggest market with the highest number of users on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp worldwide. Less than one-quarter of Karnataka's population is under the age of 15, a report of a 2019-20 survey conducted by India's federal health ministry showed. The state has a population of 67.6 million, a 2025 presentation by federal government think tank Niti Aayog showed. Bengaluru, often dubbed Indias Silicon Valley, is home to global technology firms such as Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Dell and Google. Advertisement Advertisement Karnataka's neighbouring state Goa is also weighing a similar ban, its IT minister said in January, while in the same month, a lawmaker from Andhra Pradesh state proposed a bill to curb social media for children. New Delhi should draft policies on age-based access limits to tackle "digital addiction", India's chief economic adviser said in January, drawing wide support. Some activists and tech experts have, however, called for measures to help children and parents develop healthy and safe social media usage, saying that age-based curbs do not work as children can bypass them with fake identification documents. (Reporting by Aditya Kalra and Hritam Mukherjee; Editing by YP Rajesh and Saad Sayeed) Indonesia has become the latest country to bar children under 16 from social media, with Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid announcing that account deactivations will begin on March 28, citing threats from online pornography, cyberbullying, online fraud and internet addiction. Accounts belonging to children under 16 on high-risk platforms will start to be deactivated, beginning with YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox, Hafid said in a statement. The government is stepping in so that parents no longer have to fight alone against the giants of the algorithm. Implementation will begin on March 28, 2026. The ban will be introduced in stages, she added, until all platforms have fulfilled their obligations. More from Variety Advertisement Advertisement The move follows Australias decision to become the worlds first country to legislate a social media ban for under-16s, with fines for non-compliant platforms of up to $32 million. Indonesias action mirrors Australias age threshold but goes further in scope, extending restrictions beyond social media to online gaming and e-commerce platforms. The restrictions will be tiered by age. Children under 13 will be limited to platforms built specifically for their age group, while those aged 13 to 16 will be permitted only on services classified as low risk, and only with parental consent. Sanctions will fall on the platforms, not on users or their families. Indonesia joins a growing roster of governments moving to restrict minors online access. France, Denmark, Greece and Spain are pressing for similar measures at the European Union level, while India is also weighing action. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Indonesia will begin restricting access to certain "high-risk" digital platforms including TikTok, Facebook and YouTube for children under the age of 16, the government said on Friday. The law proposed by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs will take effect this month. Through this regulation, the government will postpone access for children under 16 to high-risk digital platforms, including social media and networking services, the communications and digital affairs minister, Meutya Hafid, said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Under the new rules, the government will begin deactivating existing accounts belonging to users under 16 on several major platforms starting on March 28. Meutya said the process would be carried out gradually until the companies concerned comply fully with the regulation. Platforms affected include YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and the online gaming platform Roblox. Meutya said Indonesia would become one of the first non-Western countries to impose age-based restrictions on childrens access to digital platforms. She described the measure as a response to growing risks facing young internet users. Children are confronting increasingly real threats, ranging from exposure to pornography and cyberbullying to online scams and, most importantly, addiction, she said. Advertisement Advertisement The minister acknowledged that the policy could cause inconvenience for children and parents. But she said the government viewed it as a necessary step during what she described as a digital emergency. Indonesia, the worlds fourth-most-populous country, has one of the largest online populations in South-East Asia, with tens of millions of children and teenagers using social media and online games. Officials have increasingly raised concerns about the effects of excessive screen time, cybercrime and harmful content on young users. The government has not yet detailed how platforms will verify users ages or enforce the restrictions, an issue that has complicated similar legislative efforts in other countries. The decision to replace Kristi Noem as Department of Homeland Security secretary came together quickly, and the timing of President Trump's announcement caught many across DHS off guard, even as tensions had been building for weeks between Noem and the White House, according to senior White House and DHS officials. Though many officials within DHS conceded that the writing was on the wall, the exact timing of the president's Truth Social post announcing that he intended to replace her with Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma took DHS officials and the secretary herself by surprise. The post went up during her live remarks as the keynote speaker at Sergeant Benevolent Association Major Cities Conference in Nashville, although just before she took the stage, the president briefly spoke with her by phone to inform her of his decision. Following the controversial immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and fatal shootings of two American citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, administration officials tell CBS News the aggressive tactics used by ICE and CBP had become politically problematic nationwide, drawing criticism not only from Democrats but also from some supporters of the president's immigration agenda who viewed the operations as overly broad and poorly executed. Advertisement Advertisement Inside DHS, the president's earlier decision to put border czar Tom Homan in charge of winding down the Minneapolis operation effectively sidelining Noem was widely viewed as an early sign of Trump's dissatisfaction with her performance. The backlash against Noem's statements regarding Pretti and Good corresponded with a quiet shift in enforcement strategy in recent weeks. Officials said under Homan's leadership, the administration moved away from sweeping urban enforcement operations and refocused efforts on arresting immigrants in the country illegally who also have criminal records. The departure of top border official Gregory Bovino, a vocal field commander charged with the earlier operations in LA and Chicago, also reflected that recalibration. Several officials said that in the weeks following the Minneapolis controversy, both Noem and her adviser Corey Lewandowski had lost support from key figures inside the White House, even after they appealed directly to both the president and senior White House officials in an effort to salvage their standing. According to two people familiar with the matter, Trump's frustrations were also evident during a tense conversation late Wednesday with Lewandowski, which centered in part on controversial advertising spending by DHS roughly $220 million that had drawn scrutiny from the administration and on Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement Inside DHS, another source of friction stemmed from a directive Noem issued in June 2025 to require her personal written approval for contracts, grants and funding obligations above $100,000. Although she intended to tighten oversight, officials said the policy created significant backlogs for what they described as mission-critical funding, including disaster relief programs run by FEMA. Senior officials across DHS also complained privately about what they described as the micromanagement of contracts and operational decisions by Noem and Lewandowski, which they said undermined the trust of leaders who run major DHS components. A series of smaller controversies also drew attention inside the administration, including the so-called "blanketgate" incident involving Lewandowski. According to news reports, Lewandowski walked into the cockpit of the Coast Guard plane as it was ascending and demanded to know where Noem's blanket was. The pilot said he didn't know, and Lewandowski allegedly fired him on the spot, although the Coast Guard soon reinstated him. This episode and other alleged personnel interventions by Lewandowski reinforced the concerns of some officials about the level of influence Lewandowski wielded inside the department. Advertisement Advertisement Other controversies compounded the pressure. During another congressional hearing last December, Noem was caught off guard when she left the panel early, learning later that a DHS review panel vote intended to greenlight reform recommendations to the Federal Emergency Management Agency had been scrapped altogether. The episode forced the department to delay and ultimately scrap the planned rollout of the panel's FEMA reform recommendations. Republican senators had also grown weary of some of the DHS secretary's policymaking decisions. GOP Sens. Chuck Grassley and Thom Tillis called out Noem Tuesday, amid a growing dispute between DHS leadership and the department's internal watchdog, Joseph Cuffari, over access to records and communications with Congress related to a classified report examining vulnerabilities in Transportation Security Administration airport screening procedures. The clash was notable because even officials who are viewed as sympathetic to the administration including Cuffari had begun speaking publicly and to lawmakers about concerns with Noem's leadership. Cuffari even asked Congress to help rein in what he described as repeated obstruction of oversight work by DHS. "Does anyone have any idea how bad it has to be for the inspector general to come out and do this publicly?" Tillis told lawmakers, Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Trump said he plans to nominate Markwayne Mullin, the Republican senator from Oklahoma, to replace Noem. Administration officials described Mullin as an immigration hardliner who is viewed inside the White House as someone who can quickly execute the president's enforcement agenda and restore some operational discipline to the department. While much of Noem's leadership team is expected to stay in place for the immediate interim, it is widely assumed among DHS senior leadership that Lewandowski will be departing the department along with Noem. A source familiar later told CBS News that Lewandowski will be departing DHS with Noem. Mullin will still need to be confirmed by the Senate before taking the post, including a hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee chaired by Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. The confirmation process could prove awkward: Mullin recently referred to Paul as a "snake" during a dispute among Senate Republicans. The Oklahoma senator was speaking to the McGrath Breakfast Group in Tulsa, Oklahoma, last Saturday, when he reportedly recounted helping to thwart a government shutdown by voting against an amendment. Advertisement Advertisement "I respect Bernie Sanders because he's an open socialist, and you know that he's a communist so you know what you're getting. Rand Paul's a freaking snake," he reportedly said. Much of DHS' current leadership is currently serving in an acting capacity, without Senate confirmation including the Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Karen Evans, senior official performing the duties of the administrator of FEMA; Nick Andersen, acting director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency; and Ha Nguyen McNeill, acting administrator of Transportation Security Administration. Noem's last day on the job will be March 31, according to a department-wide message to staff obtained by CBS News. In her final note to DHS personnel, the secretary said that in her new role as Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas, she "will be working alongside Secretary Rubio and Secretary Hegseth to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our country killing our children and grandchildren." "I want to thank you all for the tremendous work you do to keep the Homeland safe, defend American citizens, and protect our way of life," Noem wrote. "It has been the honor of my life to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and lead you." Advertisement Advertisement Noem aide Corey Lewandowski had contentious call with Trump after Senate hearing, sources say Watch: Kristi Noem speaks minutes after Trump announces he's removing her as DHS secretary Watch: Lawmaker plays videos of harsh Minnesota ICE arrests at Noem hearing DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Explosions sent up clouds of dark smoke in the Iranian capital city early Saturday, and Tehran retaliated by firing missiles at Israel as the United States warned of a forthcoming bombing campaign that officials said would be the most intense yet in the weeklong conflict. There was no foreseeable end to the fighting. U.S. President Donald Trump's administration approved a new $151 million arms sale to Israel after Trump said he would not negotiate with Iran without its unconditional surrender. Iran's U.N. ambassador said the country would take all necessary measures to defend itself. Associated Press video showed explosions flashing and smoke rising over western Tehran as Israel said it had begun a broad wave of strikes. Also early Saturday, loud booms sounded in Jerusalem and incoming missiles from Iran had people heading to bomb shelters across Israel. Advertisement Advertisement There were no immediate reports of casualties by Israels emergency services. In a sign of the widening nature of the conflict, sirens sounded early Saturday in Bahrain as Iranian attacks targeted the island kingdom. And Saudi Arabia said it destroyed drones headed toward its vast Shaybah oil field and shot down a ballistic missile launched toward Prince Sultan Air Base, which hosts U.S. forces. The U.S. and Israel have battered Iran with strikes, targeting its military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. The stated goals and timelines for the war have repeatedly shifted, as the U.S. has at times suggested it seeks to topple Irans government or elevate new leadership from within. Meanwhile, Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Tehran strike the U.S. military, according to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence on the matter. Russian President Vladimir Putin had a call Friday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing his condolences over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Kremlin said. Advertisement Advertisement In other developments, evidence emerged suggesting that an explosion that killed scores of Iranian students at a school was likely caused by U.S. airstrikes that also hit an adjacent compound associated with the regimes Revolutionary Guard. Qatars energy minister, Saad al-Kaabi, warned in an interview with the Financial Times that the war could bring down the economies of the world, predicting a widespread shutdown of Gulf energy exports that could send oil to $150 a barrel. The price for a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose above $90 on Friday for the first time in more than two years. Russia is providing information to Iran, officials say Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Tehran strike American warships, aircraft and other assets in the region, according to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence on the matter. Advertisement Advertisement The people, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, cautioned that the U.S. intelligence has not uncovered that Russia is directing Iran on what to do with the information. Still, its the first indication that Moscow has sought to get involved in the war. Trump says US will help rebuild Iran once it has ACCEPTABLE leaders In a social media post Friday, Trump said There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" After a surrender, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), he wrote, the U.S. and its allies will help rebuild Iran, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. Those comments were likely to raise further questions about the endgame of the war. The fighting has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six U.S. troops have been killed. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on social media that some countries had begun mediation efforts, without elaborating. Trump has also told media outlets that he should be involved in choosing a replacement for Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war. Trump spoke dismissively of Khameneis son, Mojtaba Khamenei a front-runner to replace his father calling him a lightweight. Irans U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned Trump's statement and said Iran "does not accept and will never allow any foreign power to interfere in its internal affairs. Iranian state television reported Friday that a leadership council had started discussing how to convene the countrys Assembly of Experts, which will select the new supreme leader. U.S. official warns that biggest bombing is coming U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a television interview that the biggest bombing campaign of the war was still to come. Advertisement Advertisement Israel has said that over the past week it has heavily bombed an extensive underground bunker that Iranian leaders had planned to use during the hostilities. New information surfaced suggesting that a deadly Feb. 28 explosion at a school in the Iranian city of Minab, some 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) southeast of Tehran, was likely caused by U.S. airstrikes. The information included satellite images, expert analysis, a U.S. official and public information released by U.S. and Israeli military forces. Iranian state media has said more than 165 people were killed in the blast, most of them of children. Iran has blamed Israel and the U.S. for the explosion. Neither country has accepted responsibility, though Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the U.S. is investigating. Fighting with Israeli troops reported in eastern Lebanon The Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah said its fighters clashed with an Israeli force that landed late Friday in the mountains of eastern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry said at least three people were killed. Advertisement Advertisement Israel did not acknowledge the fighting, and its military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Israel has carried out waves of airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, where Hezbollah has a large presence but which is also home to hundreds of thousands of civilians. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least 217 people have been killed by Israeli strikes since Monday and 798 wounded. Roads in the Lebanese capital were choked with evacuating traffic as smoke rose over the citys southern districts. Two hospitals evacuated patients and staff. What can we do? We prayed here under the tree. During the night, we slept in the car because there is no place to stay, Jihan Shehadeh, one of the tens of thousands of displaced, said. ___ Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank, Rising from Bangkok and Abou AlJoud from Beirut. Associated Press journalists around the world contributed. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Intense Israeli airstrikes pounded the capitals of Iran and Lebanon early Friday as the U.S. apparently struck an Iranian drone carrier at sea, intensifying its campaign targeting the Islamic Republics fleet of warships. Iran launched new retaliatory attacks in the Middle East at the end of a full week of bombardment, which U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned was about to surge dramatically. Israels military said Friday morning it had begun a broad-scale wave of strikes on Tehran, Irans capital. Witnesses described the Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases. Advertisement Advertisement The Israeli military said strikes have already destroyed most of Irans air defenses and missile launchers. The war has escalated to affect countries across the Middle East and beyond. Early Friday, Iran fired missile and drone attacks into Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host U.S. forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. In Lebanon, where the war has intensified fighting between Israel and Iran-allied Hezbollah militants, Israel launched a series of airstrikes late Thursday into Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut and other areas. Motorists jammed roads trying to flee or seek shelter. The U.S. and Israel have battered Iran with nationwide strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement Irans attacks have targeted their Arab neighbors, disrupted oil supplies and snarled global air travel. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six U.S. troops have been killed. The U.S. military said early Friday that it struck an Iranian drone carrier, setting it ablaze. The U.S. militarys Central Command released black-and-white footage of the burning carrier. The Iranian military did not immediately acknowledge the attack. The drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, is a converted container ship with a 180-meter-long runway for drones. The vessel can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports, reports said at the time of its 2005 inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement Adm. Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, described the carrier as roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier. And as we speak, its on fire, Cooper told reporters. Speaking alongside Cooper, Hegseth gave few details Thursday when he promised an upcoming surge. Its more fighter squadrons, its more capabilities, its more defensive capabilities, Hegseth said. And its more bomber pulses more frequently. Qatars Defense Ministry reported early Friday it intercepted a drone attack targeting Al Udeid Air Base, which hosts the forward headquarters of the U.S. Central Command. Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles fired early Friday toward Prince Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh, which hosts U.S. forces, said a spokesperson for Saudi Arabias Ministry of Defense. Advertisement Advertisement Air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, where the Interior Ministry said Iranian strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building. It said there were no casualties. In Kuwait, where the six U.S. soldiers were killed Sunday, the Kuwaiti army said its air defenses were activated when missile and drone attacks breached Kuwaits airspace. In brief remarks at the White House on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump again urged the Iranian people to help take back your country. This time he promised the U.S. would grant them immunity amid the war and ongoing dangers under the current Iranian regime. So youll be perfectly safe with total immunity, Trump said, without giving any details about what that meant. Or youll face absolutely guaranteed death. In an interview with the news website Axios, Trump said he should be involved in choosing Irans new supreme leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening strikes of the war. Trump spoke dismissively of Khameneis son, Mojtaba Khamenei, being a front-runner to replace his father, calling him a lightweight. Advertisement Advertisement We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran, Trump said. Iran has not requested talks with the U.S. to bring an end to the widening war, Irans ambassador to Egypt told the Associated Press on Thursday. Ambassador Mojtaba Ferdousi Pour denied comments by Trump that Iran wants to negotiate. He said a lack of trust makes such engagement impossible after talks for a possible nuclear deal twice failed and ended with war. There will be no trust in Trump, Ferdousi Pour said. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. Navy of committing an atrocity at sea for sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, killing at least 87 crew members. Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian ship was returning from an exercise hosted by the Indian navy that the U.S. also joined. Sri Lankan authorities said 32 crew members were rescued. Araghchi said it had been carrying almost 130 crew. An Iranian cleric later called on state television for the shedding of both Israeli and Trumps blood. Israel carried out at least 11 airstrikes late Thursday and early Friday, targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut. Fires broke out near a gas station. The Israeli army issued a warning Thursday evening, urging residents to save your lives and evacuate your homes immediately. Two hospitals evacuated patients and staff. No casualties were immediately reported. Advertisement Advertisement The Lebanese health ministry said the death toll has risen to 123 since the resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which struck Israel in the opening days of the war. A spokesperson for the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, Tilak Pokharel, said Thursday that peacekeepers had seen and heard clashes, including ground combat, in southern Lebanon as more Israeli forces have moved across the border. Iowa House Republicans approved a bill Thursday banning local governments from providing anti-discrimination protections for groups not listed in the states Civil Rights Act. Senate File 579 a measure approved by the Iowa Senate in the 2025 session with bipartisan support requires complaints filed with local civil rights agencies and commissions in which one of the parties involved is a political subdivision, like a city or county, to be referred to the Iowa Office of Civil Rights. But the measure was amended Thursday by the House to include language from House File 2541, a different proposal related to civil rights, banning local governments from enacting ordinances or other laws providing civil rights protections that have broader or has different categories of unfair or discriminatory practices than what is listed under the state Civil Rights Act. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Civil Rights Act provides protections against discrimination in areas like housing, education, employment and public accommodations Rep. Aime Wichtendahl, D-Hiawatha, called the amended bill an enhanced civil rights removal act, building on the measure passed in 2025 to remove gender identity as a protected class from the states Civil Rights Act. Large protests convened against the measure as LGBTQ+ advocates and allies said the law will allow for legal discrimination against transgender Iowans. After the 2025 law was signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, several local jurisdictions moved to provide these protections on a local level. Currently, 14 cities, as well as the unincorporated areas of Johnson County, have gender identity as a protected class against discrimination in housing. Advertisement Advertisement Wichtendahl said the local governments added gender identity protection to show that their community was welcoming to newcomers and current residents of all identities. It is clear from the enhanced civil rights removal act that we are voting on today that transgender people are not welcome in Iowa, Wichtendahl said. This bill before us today makes a mockery of our states most sacred values. It diminishes our ability to attract new workers, and it spurns our friends and neighbors who will find friendlier homes in neighboring states. Wichtendahl said the measure was a violation of both the Equal Protection clause and the Home Rule amendment of the Iowa Constitution. She called for the communities that would have local civil rights protections removed for transgender Iowans to stand up and challenge this measure if it becomes law. My message to those 14 cities and one county is this: stand up, Wichtendahl said. Stand up for justice, stand up for freedom and stand up for the rights of your citizens, because this state is long overdue for a check on its constitutional abuses and the reckless disregard for the rights and freedoms of its citizens. Stand up for your people. Advertisement Advertisement But Rep. Skyler Wheeler, R-Hull, said this provision was needed to provide entities like businesses and schools legal clarity in cases where there are state laws like the ban on transgender individuals using school bathrooms and locker rooms that do not correspond with their sex assigned at birth that could conflict with gender identity protections implemented at the local level. Is it a pointless culture war to try to have some sort of uniformity when it comes to these things? Wheeler said. Were not going to have everybody and their mom (decide) theyre going to have this (in the) Civil Rights Code, were going to throw everything in it, or were going to take everything out of it. Thats absolutely insane. Its unworkable for businesses, and its just a crazy idea. The amended bill would also remove the current requirement for cities with populations of 29,000 or more to maintain a civil rights agency or commission, though cities can still choose to maintain these bodies. It also states that if a complaint has gone unresolved by a local civil rights agency or commission for more than a year, the complainants must be notified of their right to transfer the complaint to the state office. Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, brought up concerns that the changes in directing complaints to the state level could cause escalation of certain cases that could be resolved locally. Rep. Steve Holt, R-Denison, said this language would address a current problem with complaints going unresolved for more than a year at the local level. Advertisement Advertisement Holt said the language included in the bill is to make sure we have that accountability and that, in addition to that, information is given to make folks aware that they have an option and they can go to the State Civil Rights Commission. The bill passed in a 60-26 vote. As this language was passed as an amendment on a bill already approved by the Senate, this proposal can be considered by the Senate through floor debate and not go through the subcommittee and committee process in the chamber. If the Senate approves the amendment, the measure will go to Gov. Kim Reynolds. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The Iowa House of Delegates passed a bill Thursday that would disallow local governments from including gender identity in their non-discrimination policies. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ + news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. Protections for trans residents had already been struck from the Iowa Civil Rights Act in 2025. The new bill would prohibit counties or municipalities from adopting non-discrimination policies that are broader or different from those protected under state law. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Amie Wichtendahl, a Democrat representing the Cedar Rapids area, was sworn in as Iowas first out trans state legislator last year. Wichtendahl said the bill makes LGBTQ+ residents feel less safe in Iowa, pushing them toward friendlier homes in neighboring states, the Des Moines Register reports . Related: Iowa passes bill stripping civil rights protections for transgender people, send to governor Related: Iowa Considers 'License to Discriminate' Bill, Plus Restroom Restrictions It diminishes our ability to attract new workers, Wichrendahl said. This bill before us today makes a mockery of our states most sacred values. Advertisement Advertisement Similar efforts have surfaced in other Republican-led states. In Idaho, for example, GOP lawmakers have advanced legislation that would block cities and counties from enforcing LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination ordinances that go beyond state law, effectively wiping out protections in more than a dozen municipalities that currently prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Advocates there warn the move would erase local civil rights safeguards covering roughly a third of the states population. The Iowa bill originally focused on referring local civil rights complaints to the states Office of Civil Rights. But removing local protections around gender identity had been proposed by Gov. Kim Reynolds, a Republican, and folded into the bill by Republican state lawmakers. The amended bill passed 60-26 , with 14 members absent or not voting. Were not going to have everybody, and their mom decides they're going to have this civil rights code, said Rep. Skyler Wheeler, a Republican representing the Hull area, according to the Des Moines Register. It's unworkable for businesses, and it's just a crazy idea. Related: Iowa now allows anti-transgender discrimination Advertisement Advertisement Related: Iowa Republicans Seek to End Marriage Equality in State For years, blue pockets in Republican-majority states have adopted local ordinances to protect LGBTQ+ residents from discrimination that would be harder to achieve on a state level. As of this month, 14 cities and one unincorporated community of Iowa had passed non-discrimination policies including protections for gender identity, according to the Iowa Capitol Dispatch . The state legislatures efforts to restrict trans rights have been a point of concern for many LGBTQ+ Iowans and their allies, who staged large-scale protests last year at the statehouse. Before becoming law, the bill must first pass the Iowa Senate and then be sent to the governors desk for final approval. State lawmakers like Wichtendahl warn that its passage would only further ostracize trans Iowans. Advertisement Advertisement Stand up for justice, stand up for freedom, and stand up for the rights of your citizens, Wichtendahl said . This state is long overdue for a check on its constitutional abuses and the reckless disregard for the rights and freedoms of its citizens. This article was written as part of the Future of Queer Media fellowship program at The Advocate, which is underwritten by a generous gift from Morrison Media Group . The program helps support the next generation of LGBTQ+ journalists. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Iowa House Republicans pass a bill that will make the lives of transgender residents worse RELATED When Anastasia McClain received her regular paycheck, she didnt expect to see 100% of the funds vanish before her eyes, withdrawn by cash-advance apps she had grown to rely on over the course of a year. There was no way to pay rent without another cash advance, McClain told MarketWatch (1). Must Read What McClain, an IT professional making about $40,000 at the time, didnt know and what cash-advance apps may not advertise is that she had the right to revoke an app's authorization to pull money from her bank account. What users need to know about cash advance apps Cash advance apps and other earned wage access (EWA) products give consumers a way to bridge the gap between their available funds and outstanding bills, generally offering advances of $25 to $750. These advances are usually repaid by automatically withdrawing the funds directly from the user's bank account on payday. While these cash advances are technically interest-free, its important to understand that fees still apply. Though exact fees vary, these apps generally charge a fee per transaction, and it usually costs more if you want to receive your funds instantly. Some apps also charge subscription fees, and some encourage users to leave a voluntary tip or donation, with the apps user interface making it difficult to bypass this step. For users in McClain's situation, stuck in a cash advance cycle, the National Consumer Law Center advises revoking automated clearinghouse (ACH) authorization (2). Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (3), consumers have the legal right to revoke ACH, which stops automatic withdrawals, up to three business days before a scheduled repayment. McClain found this out herself when she was on a cash advance Reddit forum last year. She immediately contacted the cash-advance apps she was dealing with to revoke authorization. Once I have the other, credit-score-impacting debt under control, I do plan on trying to pay the cash advances back, McClain told MarketWatch. But they are certainly my lowest repayment priority. Because cash-advance apps are not technically lenders, they wont send the overdue amount to collections and your credit score wont be impacted, though you will be locked out of the app until a payment is made. Iranian state TV and media reported missiles being launched towards military bases in Kuwait and the UAE, as well as towards Saudi Arabia and Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq. Iran carried out a new wave of strikes against a number of Middle Eastern countries on Friday, with military bases in Kuwait and the UAE being targeted, Iranian state TV and media reported. Tehran launched missiles towards a US base and the Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait, as well as the UAE's Al Dhafra Air Base, where US forces are currently stationed. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Tehran launched missiles towards Kurdish armed opposition groups in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Iran's military warned Iraq's Kurdistan regional government that it would take strong action against any move to deploy hostile forces along the Iranian border. Further, Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry reported that a cruise missile was intercepted and destroyed east of the Al Kharj Governate. Bahrain's Interior Ministry also reported attacks, claiming that one hotel and two residential buildings in Manama, the country's capital, were hit by Iranian missiles early on Friday, according toIran International. Iranian Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) take part in a training session at a base on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq February 12, 2026. (credit: THAIER AL-SUDANI/REUTERS) US, Gulf countries condemn attacks, affirm right to self-defense A joint statement was released on Sunday by the governments of the US, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE condemning Iran's recent missiles and drone attacks. Advertisement Advertisement "These unjustified strikes targeted sovereign territory, endangered civilian populations, and damaged civilian infrastructure," the statement said. "The Islamic Republics actions represent a dangerous escalation that violates the sovereignty of multiple states and threatens regional stability. The targeting of civilians and of countries not engaged in hostilities is reckless and destabilizing behavior." The countries also reaffirmed their right to self-defense and assured that they remain committed to regional security. The war in the Middle East is pulling in Ukraine. The US requested Kyivs help combatting Irans Shahed drones, which Russia has used extensively against Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested Thursday that there could be a trade: We would like to fill our deficit of Patriot missiles and supply a certain number of interceptors, he said, per Bloomberg, later writing that Ukraine would offer the US instructions and Ukrainian specialists who could counter the drones. Meanwhile, the Iran war is burning through the very munitions that Ukraine needs to defend itself. Advertisement Advertisement While it might in the end weaken Russia, Kajsa Ollongren, EU special representative for human rights, told Semafor, if this would be a longer war, in terms of [Ukraines] capabilities, it could present a problem. The conflict continues to widen; the US suspended operations at its embassy in Kuwait, and Israel struck Beirut. Iran has denied attacking Turkey after a ballistic missile entered the Nato countrys airspace, threatening to further spread the conflict beyond the Middle East. Nato air defences destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile that was fired towards the country on Wednesday, marking the first time the alliance member bordering Asia has been drawn into the conflict and raising the possibility of a major expansion of the war. The Iranian Armed Forces General Staff denied firing missiles at Turkey on Thursday, saying the Islamic Republic respected the sovereignty of Turkey, according to a statement carried by Iranian media. Advertisement Advertisement As the Iran war enters its sixth day, countries across the Gulf have been attacked as Tehran retaliates against US and Israeli airstrikes which began on Saturday. Smoke rises from Tehran after a strike (AFP/Getty) US secretary of state Marco Rubio told Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan that attacks on Turkey's territory are unacceptable. He then pledged full US support after the missile headed toward the country was shot down, the State Department said Wednesday. The war has spread far beyond the Middle East, with the US announcing on Wednesday that one of its submarines had struck an Iranian warship in Sri Lanka. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Operation Epic Fury had only just begun as he confirmed that a US Navy submarine had destroyed the IRIS Dena, an Iranian frigate, off the Sri Lankan coast. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the operation has only just begun (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images) Sri Lankan authorities have said that at least 80 people were killed in the torpedo attack on the frigate, which had 180 people on board. Advertisement Advertisement Hegseth said: An American submarine sunk an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters. Instead, it was sunk by a torpedo. Quiet death. Sri Lankas cabinet spokesperson said it was trying to "safeguard lives" on another Iranian ship off its coast, adding that the vessel was in the economic zone beyond the South Asian island nation's territorial waters. Iranian sailors who were rescued from IRIS Dena warship by Sri Lanka's navy (AP) "We are doing our utmost to safeguard lives," spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa said. Iran launched more missiles at Israel and US bases in the Middle East on Thursday, and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said they struck a US tanker in the northern part of the gulf, according to state media. Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate confirmation by the US of the incident, which mirrored a similar attack that Iran claimed earlier this week. In a statement on Thursday, the IRGC said passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be under the control of the Islamic Republic - a development that could severely disrupt the global supply of oil. US Centcom claimed to have destroyed 17 ships in Irans naval fleet as of Tuesday. Iran's nuclear capabilities. Its ballistic missiles. Its proxies. The ruling Islamic theocracy. Israel. All of the above are part of the Trump administration's shifting rationale for pummeling Iran and killing its leader without first seeking the buy-in of Congress and U.S. allies. There's more that's unclear about the widening war launched by the president and Board of Peace leader including an exit strategy, a timeline and who President Donald Trump wants to take control of Iran from what he calls the sick people who run it now. What makes the latest U.S.-Iran conflict different from a series of others is that the Trump administrations own officials do not appear to be clear or uniform on the important questions at hand: Why and why now? Advertisement Advertisement Its the standard practice to agree on the rationale before you start and then stick to delivering a consistent messaging, said David Schenker, a former Trump administration official who is now a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. But thats a challenge for this administration. By Wednesday, the White House was describing the Republican president's decision to launch Operation Epic Fury as a consideration of past Iranian threats to the U.S. "and the president's feeling, based on fact, that Iran does pose an imminent and direct threat to the United States of America. Analysts say that's unclear. Here's a curated selection of the Trump administration's explanations over the last week as the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran expanded into a war. The re-obliteration of Iran's nuclear program WHAT THEY SAID after the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran last summer: Advertisement Advertisement THE NUCLEAR SITES IN IRAN ARE COMPLETELY DESTROYED! Trump in a June 24, 2025, post on Truth Social. WHAT THEY SAID after a reported intelligence analysis suggested Iran's nuclear program had only been set back a few months: That is a false story, and its one that really shouldnt be re-reported. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a June 25, 2025, interview with Politico. WHAT THEY SAID since the strike that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: If we didnt do what were doing right now, you would have had a nuclear war and they would have taken out many countries because, you know what? Theyre sick people. Trump on Tuesday at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement THE BACKGROUND: Iran has long insisted its program is peaceful, but the United Nations' nuclear watchdog and Western nations say Tehran had an organized nuclear weapons program up until 2003. The current state of the program remains a mystery as officials have not allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency access to the nuclear facilities that were bombed since June. That is according to a confidential report by the watchdog circulated to member states and seen Feb. 27 by The Associated Press. For its part, Iran has said it has not enriched since June. Satellite photos analyzed by the AP have shown new activity at two of those sites, suggesting Iran was trying to assess and potentially recover material. Advertisement Advertisement Iran is legally obliged to cooperate with the IAEA under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, but it suspended all cooperation after the war with Israel. Iran's ballistic missiles WHAT THEY SAID: Iran possesses a very large number of ballistic missiles, particularly short-range ballistic missiles, that threaten the United States and our bases in the region, and our partners in the region, and all of our bases in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. Rubio to reporters on Feb. 25. The regime already had missiles capable of hitting Europe and our bases both local and overseas and would soon have had missiles capable of reaching our beautiful America. Trump during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Iran was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during the Monday Pentagon briefing. THE BACKGROUND: Iran hasnt acknowledged that it is seeking to build intercontinental ballistic missiles. The country currently has a self-imposed limit on its ballistic missile program, limiting their range to 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). That puts all of the Mideast and some of Eastern Europe in range. Trump administration officials told congressional staffers in private briefings on Sunday that U.S. intelligence did not suggest Iran was preparing to launch a preemptive strike against the U.S. The administration officials instead acknowledged there was a more general threat from Iran and proxy forces. Advertisement Advertisement "Theres been a lot of reporting that the assessments from the intelligence and military didnt suggest that there was going to be an Iranian first strike, said Naysan Rafati, senior Iran analyst at the Washington-based International Crisis Group. My sense has been that opportunity is at least as much of a significant factor as threats, certainly. Israel's role WHAT THEY SAID: We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action. And we knew that if we didnt preemptively go after (Iran) before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties. Rubio to reporters on Monday. Israel was determined to act in its own defense here, with or without American support. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters. If that happened, he added, exquisite intelligence by the U.S. indicated that Iran would retaliate against American assets. If we had waited, the consequences of inaction on our part could have been devastating, he said. Advertisement Advertisement No," Trump told reporters at the White House on Tuesday, when asked if Israel had forced his hand on attacking Iran. "If anything, I might have forced Israels hand. THE BACKGROUND: There is no sign that Israel was forced into cooperating with the U.S. in the strike. An Israeli military official, on customary condition of anonymity, on Wednesday described lockstep planning between the U.S. and Israel. Three weeks before the strikes, Israel understood that the operation was pointing toward another confrontation with Iran and sent a team to the Pentagon, the official said. On Friday, the Israeli army deliberately suggested that the military was standing down for the weekend, releasing photos suggesting that staffers and senior commanders were heading home for Shabbat dinner. Advertisement Advertisement The shared information allowed the strikes to be carried out hours later in a surprise daylight attack, people familiar with the operation told the AP over the weekend. The eventual barrage of U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran came so quickly that they were nearly simultaneous with three strikes in three locations hitting within a minute killing Khamenei and some 40 senior figures, another Israeli military official said Sunday. During the strikes, the U.S. and Israeli war rooms were synchronized in real time to allow for quick adjustments, the first Israeli military official said Wednesday. In a televised address, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel had carried out the strikes in full cooperation with the U.S. Trump has been both for and against regime change in Iran. Now what? WHAT THEY SAID: Advertisement Advertisement If Iran shoots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Trump on Truth Social on Jan. 2. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take." Trump to Iranians on Truth Social just after the first strikes. This is not a so-called regime change war. But the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it." Hegseth at the Pentagon on Monday. THE BACKGROUND: Washington has a long, complicated history with regime change. See Vietnam, Panama, Nicaragua, Iraq and Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001, and Venezuela just weeks ago. And in Iran, the CIA in 1953 helped engineer a coup that toppled Irans democratically elected leader and gave near-absolute power to Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. But as with the shah, who was overthrown in Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution, regime change rarely goes as planned. That's in part because it's fundamentally out of Trump's complete control, as he acknowledged Tuesday. Most of the people we had in mind are dead, he told reporters. Now we have another group. They may be dead also based on reports. So, I guess you have a third wave coming, and pretty soon were not going to know anybody." ___ Josef Federman and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed to this report from Jerusalem. The Iranian military has announced an expansion of its retaliatory attacks nearly a week after the start of the war. In the coming days, the enemy will face more intensive and wide-ranging strikes, state television reported on Friday, citing the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which assumes operational command of Iran's armed forces during wartime. Iran's military leadership also reported attacks with kamikaze drones on the Ramat David air base and a radar station in Israel, as well as on a US base in Kuwait and in Erbil in Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Iran's temporary leadership council continues to address the question of who will succeed supreme leader ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during Israeli-US attacks last Saturday. At its fourth meeting, President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei and cleric Alireza Arafi discussed convening an assembly to determine a new supreme leader, according to a government statement issued on Friday. The trio has been running state affairs since Khamenei's death. The council was granted expanded powers on Thursday, including authority to decide on matters of war and peace and to appoint or dismiss military and police officials. Advertisement Advertisement Under Iran's constitution, the Assembly of Experts a body of 88 clerics is responsible for selecting the next supreme leader. It remains unclear when the body will convene. Israel's defence minister warned on Wednesday that Israel would also target Khamenei's successor. One potential candidate is his second-oldest son, Mojtaba Khamenei. When the United States fought the 1991 Gulf War, president George H.W. Bush boasted of building a broad coalition unseen in decades. When his son attacked Iraq in 2003, he faced wide criticism but secured several steadfast US allies. Now, a generation later, President Donald Trump has attacked Iran, and he is barely even trying to make friends. Trump launched the war alongside Israel, which had long pressed the United States to strike Iran's ruling clerics. Advertisement Advertisement Trump's strategy toward other countries has been focused on intensely pressuring them to cooperate and loudly complaining when they say no. Trump berated crucial ally Britain as "very, very uncooperative" and said of Prime Minister Keir Starmer: "This is not Winston Churchill we're dealing with." The center-left prime minister had restricted US warplanes to using two British bases and only for "defensive" purposes, saying he did not believe in "regime change from the skies." Trump threatened to cut off all trade with Spain after left-wing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez refused to let US forces use bases. Advertisement Advertisement The United States and Israel made no pretense of going through the United Nations before launching the war that quickly killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader. "It essentially sends the message to the world that Trump's United States sees itself above the law and doesn't even think it needs to claim otherwise," said Kristina Kausch, a deputy managing director at the German Marshall Fund. She said the war only reinforced European perceptions of Trump, who has stunned the continent by threatening to seize Greenland from NATO ally Denmark. "The degree to which there is US isolation or loss of soft power will depend on how disastrous the consequences of this decision," she said of the Iran attack. Advertisement Advertisement - Refocusing on nation-state - Trump has withdrawn the United States from numerous international bodies, vowing to go it alone in an "America First" foreign policy and to re-emphasize the centrality of the nation-state. Nadia Schadlow, who was deputy national security advisor in Trump's first term, said the war showed how countries cannot rely on the United Nations when they believe security interests are at stake. "I believe that the UN has value for collaboration, for discussion, for debate. But I don't believe it can prevent wars, especially when one country is determined, and feels that it must act in the interests of its national security," said Schadlow, now a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. Advertisement Advertisement "It seems that the decision-makers made a determination that security and surprise were critical and were more important than consultation." Rare unambiguous statements of support for the war came from the right-wing leaders of Argentina and Paraguay as well as from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, which has fought alongside the US in every major war. Albanese backed action "to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney voiced similar support, although he soon called for de-escalation. French President Emmanuel Macron opposed the attack as running counter to international law, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced hope for an end to the Islamic republic while hoping the war will be short. Advertisement Advertisement Washington has shown little interest in sensitivities of friendly countries. The United States torpedoed an Iranian warship that had just paid a goodwill visit to India, a frequent US partner, killing at least 84 sailors off Sri Lanka, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vowed to reject "stupid rules of engagement." - Strategic benefit for China? - Iran, like Venezuela where Trump removed the president in January, had a privileged relationship with both Russia and China -- which were unwilling or unable to defend their allies against US firepower. China has also relied on the two countries for oil, although it had reduced its dependence. Advertisement Advertisement But the war could also benefit China. US forces are rapidly using up bombs, missiles and other resources that could be used in a theoretical defense of Taiwan, which Beijing claims, and Beijing is able to observe US war operations in Iran, said Jacob Stokes, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security. Chinese strategists had described the first two decades of the century as a time of opportunity with the United States preoccupied in Afghanistan and Iraq, Stokes said. "There is this potential for a grand strategic benefit, as Beijing is quite happy to see the United States get bogged down in the Middle East again," he added. sct/mlm Credit: Social Media Iranian drones struck Azerbaijan, threatening to drag another country into the widening Middle East conflict. Video footage verified by The Telegraph shows an explosion at an airport in the Nakhchivan exclave, which borders Iran. Another drone fell near a school, one more was shot down, and a fourth hit civilian infrastructure. Four people were injured and taken to the hospital, where they are in a stable condition, the health ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement Ilham Aliyev, the president of Azerbaijan, described the incident as an act of terror and demanded an apology from Iran. Mr Aliyev said Iran had targeted civilian facilities, including the Nakhchivan International Airport and a school. He said: The state of Azerbaijan vehemently condemns this ugly act of terror, and those who committed it must be immediately held accountable. Iranian officials must provide an explanation to the Azerbaijani side, an apology must be offered, and those who committed this terrorist act must be held criminally liable. Credit: Social Media The defence ministry in Baku said it was preparing the necessary retaliatory measures after the drone strikes, adding: These acts of attack will not go unanswered. Advertisement Advertisement Iran denied targeting Nakhchivan and blamed Israel instead. The Islamic Republic of Iran has not targeted the Republic of Azerbaijan, Kazem Gharibabadi, Irans deputy foreign minister, said. We do not target our neighbouring countries. Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, later accused Israel of launching the drone attack, describing it as an attempt to harm Tehrans relations with its neighbours. In a phone call with Jeyhun Bayramov, his Azerbaijani counterpart, Mr Araghchi condemned the role of the Israeli regime in such attacks in order to divert public opinion and destroy Irans good relations with its neighbours, according to a statement from Irans foreign ministry. Azerbaijan already has a tense relationship with Iran, over Bakus growing economic, energy and military ties to Nato member Turkey and Israel. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has long expressed concern that Israel a close ally of Azerbaijan and a key arms supplier could use Azerbaijani territory to stage attacks. Azerbaijan is a major oil and gas producer, mostly exporting energy to Turkey and Europe via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Any damage to its infrastructure could drive global energy prices even higher. The war, which entered its sixth day on Thursday, has engulfed the entire region after Iran responded to US-Israeli attacks by striking major Gulf powers, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. An Iranian ship offloaded more than 200 members of its crew to Sri Lanka on Friday after suffering an engine failure at sea, just days after a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship in an Indian Ocean torpedo attack. The IRIS Bushehr, described in previous Iranian media reports as a navy logistics ship, is being brought first to the port of Colombo, according to Sri Lanka navy spokesman Cmdr. Buddhika Sampath. Sailors are being taken to a naval base in Welisara following medical exams and immigration procedures. "We have to understand that this is not an ordinary situation," Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Thursday. "Its a request by a ship belonging to one party to enter into our port. We have to consider that according to the international treaties and conventions." Advertisement Advertisement Dissanayake added that authorities decided to take control of the IRIS Bushehr following discussions with Iranian officials and the ships captain, after one of its engines failed. He said some crew members would remain on board to help the Sri Lankan navy later navigate the vessel to Trincomalee on the islands northeast coast, about 165 miles from Colombo. New Satellite Images Show Fires, Naval Base Damage Across Iran After Us-israeli Strikes Iranian navy personnel stand aboard the IRIS Bushehr in Port Sudan, Sudan, in December 2012. The ship ran into engine problems on March 6, 2026, and is being taken to Sri Lanka, reports said. (Getty Images) The moves come after the U.S. sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena off Sri Lankas coast on Wednesday. Read On The Fox News App Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said it was "the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War II." Advertisement Advertisement The Indian navy said Thursday that it had initiated search and rescue operations after receiving a distress signal from the Dena, deploying two aircraft along with a sailing training vessel. By the time the response was launched, the Sri Lankan navy had already started its own rescue efforts, it said. The Sri Lankan navy rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 bodies after the attack, according to The Associated Press. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Thursday that the U.S. will "bitterly regret" striking and sinking that ship. "The U.S. has perpetrated an atrocity at sea, 2,000 miles away from Iran's shores," Araqchi wrote on X. "Frigate Dena, a guest of India's Navy carrying almost 130 sailors, was struck in international waters without warning." Advertisement Advertisement Us 'Winning Decisively' Against Iran, Will Achieve 'Complete Control' Of Airspace Within Days, Hegseth Says "Mark my words: The U.S. will come to bitterly regret precedent it has set," he added. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine told reporters at the Pentagon on Wednesday that the Iranian vessel was "effectively neutralized" in a Navy "fast attack" using a single Mark 48 torpedo. Click Here To Download The Fox News App He added that the U.S. Navy achieved "immediate effect, sending the warship to the bottom of the sea." Fox News Stephen Sorace, Landon Mion and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Iranian vessel suffers engine failure, offloads crew days after US submarine sank other ship March 6 (Reuters) - Iran's U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said on Friday that at least 1,332 Iranian civilians have died so far in the conflict with Israel and the U.S., and that thousands more have been injured. Speaking to reporters at the United Nations in New York, Iravani asserted that the U.S. and Israel had deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, while Iran had targeted military sites, not civilians. The U.S. and Israel have said the opposite is the case. Advertisement Advertisement Iravani said Iran was also not targeting the interests of neighboring states and was investigating allegations that it had struck non-military sites. "Our initial assessment indicate that some of these incidents may have resulted from the interceptions or interference by the United States defense system, which could have diverted from intended military targets," he said. U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" on Friday and said its new supreme leader must be "acceptable," after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the war's first day. Trump told Reuters in an interview on Thursday that he must have a say in the selection. Iravani called Trump's statement "a clear violation of the principles of non interference in the internal affairs of states, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations." Advertisement Advertisement "The selection of Iran's leadership will take place strictly in accordance with our constitutional procedures and solely by the will of the Iranian people without any foreign interference," he added. Hours after Trump's comments, Iran's president announced that unspecified countries had begun mediation efforts, one of the first signals of any diplomatic initiative to end the conflict. Two U.S. officials told Reuters U.S. investigators believe it is likely U.S. forces were responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls' school that killed scores of children on Saturday, but have not yet reached a final conclusion. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Kanishka Singh; Editing by David Ljunggren and Rosalba O'Brien) ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) Islamic militants attacked a town in northeastern Nigeria on Friday, abducting more than 300 people, including women and children, local officials said. The attack happened in the town of Ngoshe in Borno state, according to Bulama Sawa, an official from the Gwoza area. He told The Associated Press the attack was likely in retaliation for an operation by the military that killed three commanders of the militant Boko Haram group. No one immediately claimed responsibility for Friday's attack. Nigeria is battling a complex security crisis from different armed groups. The United States has sent troops to the West African nation to help advise its military on the fight against insecurity. Advertisement Advertisement Separate attacks this week also took place in the communities of Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Mainok between Wednesday and early Friday, according to a military spokesperson. The spokesperson, Uba Sani, said the troops were able to repel the attacks on the communities of Konduga, Marte, Jakana and Mainok, but a number of brave soldiers paid the supreme price in the line of duty," along with a senior officer. He did not elaborate on military casualties. Sani described the assaults as failed attacks and said they showed increasing desperation of terrorist elements under sustained operational pressure" from the military. Ulf Laessing, with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, said Friday's attack on Ngoshe took advantage of the Nigerian armys difficulties in controlling large swaths of the country where jihadi groups operate. Militants are also benefiting from increased cross-border cooperation between their groups and the use of drones to scout out their targets before attacking. Advertisement Advertisement The army is fighting a ghost fighters descending with motorbikes on villages and disappearing into the bush before the army can respond in time, said Laessing. Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, which is affiliated with the Islamic State group and known as Islamic State West Africa Province. There is also the IS-linked Lakurawa, as well as other bandit groups that specialize in kidnapping for ransom and illegal mining. Recently, the crisis has worsened to include other militants from the neighboring Sahel region, including the Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which claimed its first attack on Nigerian soil last year. Several thousand people in Nigeria have been killed, according to data from the United Nations. Analysts say not enough is being done by the government to protect its citizens. ___ McMakin reported from Dakar, Senegal. U.S. oil prices have head for the hills since teeing off a fresh conflict in Iran last weekend, spurring one of the largest one-week increases in domestic oil prices ever. With the market week drawing to a close, Crude Oil is sitting at $91.33, up 28.3% over the past five days. That's the highest prices that have been seen since 2023. The market could be fixing to go higher too, as the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passing for global commodities, remains interrupted by the crossfire. But as if the rapid steepening wasn't already unprecedented, it stands to get worse. Qatars Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi told Financial Times on Friday that Gulf states could shut oil exports altogether, introducing new chaos. Then, there's a world where nightmare prices could follow as oil benchmarks sprint above $100/barrel, potentially up to $150 or $200. And consider, the price of all products dependent on oil product are already somewhere on a scale from "getting expensive" to "superbly expensive", per Sparta Commodities' June Goh: This is why traders are carefully watching oil markets and energy stocks. But their focus is broadening as they weigh another externality of the Strait's closure. It turns out, it's not just oil. It's chemicals. And absent a prompt cessation of the conflict, we might all be worrying about something bigger than what we pay at the pump. Fertilizer shortage incoming? The Strait of Hormuz's closure isn't just bad news for oil; it could also be bad news for global food security. Critical ingredients used in fertilizer, such as urea, sulfur, ammonia, and phosphates are produced around the region and pass through the Strait. It is usually around this time of year that those shipments would be making their way to their destination for Spring planting, but instead, they are effectively blockaded. In other words, right now is a catastrophic time for this essential transit corridor to be shut. The fallout could result in weaker yields on important crops like corn, wheat, and rice. These crops are highly dependent on fertilizer application. In this Media Miss Minute, Israel is deploying its new "Iron Beam" laser system for the first time as the conflict with Iran intensifies. Plus, Ukraine's president says he's willing to assist the U.S. and its allies in countering Iranian drones - on one condition. Media Miss by the left: Israel uses Iron Beam laser to shoot down rockets for first time As the conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran escalates, Israel is deploying its latest defense technology. On Monday, Israel used its new "Iron Beam" laser system to shoot down missiles launched by the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah. The system only became operational in September. Iron Beam uses concentrated energy to intercept threats like rockets, mortars and drones. Media landscape Powered by Ground News Media Miss by the right: Zelenskyy offers help stopping Iranian drones in return for truce Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that Ukraine is willing to assist the U.S., Israel, and other Middle Eastern allies in defending against Iranian Shahed drones - but for a price. Advertisement Advertisement Russia has used the drones extensively in its war against Ukraine. Zelenskyy said he'll share what he knows about how to defend against them if Russia agrees to a month-long ceasefire. So far, Moscow has rejected any ceasefire proposal. Media landscape Powered by Ground News Download the straight arrow news app and click on the media miss tab for more stories you're not seeing from the partisan media. Straight Arrow News identifies Media Misses based on coverage data available at the time of publication. Some outlets may choose to cover a story after our analysis is published. Our methodology prioritizes timely, prominent coverage across a range of sources, but we continually review and refine our approach to ensure balance and accuracy. Related Links By Abdelaziz Boumzar, Steven Scheer and Alexander Cornwell BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, March 6 (Reuters) - Israel pounded Beirut's southern suburbs with airstrikes on Friday, stepping up a war with Hezbollah that has forced hundreds of thousands of Lebanese from their homes and killed more than 200, according to a health ministry toll. Israel ordered everyone in the densely-populated suburbs, Hezbollah's main stronghold in the capital, to leave on Thursday before launching strikes that lit up the night sky. It has also warned civilians to quit swathes of southern and eastern Lebanon - heartlands of the Lebanese armed Shi'ite Muslim group. Advertisement Advertisement They were the widest evacuation orders ever given by Israel in Lebanon and prompted a huge displacement of people before the bombardments that continued into Friday, sending columns of smoke billowing across the Beirut skyline. "Were sleeping here in the streets - some in cars, some on the street, some on the beach," said Jamal Seifeddin, 43, who spent the night outside in the capital's downtown district. "I've never slept on the ground like this. I've been forced to. No one even brought a blanket," he said. The Norwegian Refugee Council estimated that 300,000 people had been displaced in Lebanon, with the number of people who could be displaced potentially exceeding one million. Advertisement Advertisement FIGHTING IN THE SOUTH Lebanon was pulled into the war in the Middle East on Monday, when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel that ignited a new Israeli offensive against the group - established by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982 - 15 months after their 2024 war. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported a sharp increase in the death toll during the day, to 217 killed since Monday from 127 earlier, and said another 798 had been wounded. Its figures do not distinguish between fighters and civilians. No fatalities have been reported in Israel as a result of Hezbollah attacks. The Israeli military said eight Israeli soldiers were injured - five of them seriously - by projectile fire toward Israeli territory near the border. Advertisement Advertisement Defence Minister Israel Katz earlier said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's son, a combat soldier, had been injured in Lebanon. Katz said in a statement that Israeli soldiers had significantly expanded five positions held in Lebanon since November 2024, and were advancing, suggesting the aim was to create a buffer to protect Israeli communities near the Lebanese border. Reuters footage showed an Israeli armoured vehicle in the town of Khiyam in southern Lebanon, as the sound of heavy gunfire could be heard. Hezbollah said it was fighting an Israeli ground incursion there, targeting a gathering of military vehicles near Khiyam. Advertisement Advertisement Israeli attacks on Hezbollah will likely continue even if the war with Iran were to end, a source briefed on Israel's military strategy has told Reuters. Another, Lebanese, security source said: "This is about ending Hezbollah once and for all", raising the prospect of a longer conflict in the country, where Hezbollah, while diminished, remains a powerful force. ISRAEL SAYS IT TARGETS HEZBOLLAH FACILITIES An Israeli military official said several waves of strikes were launched against Hezbollah in the southern suburbs, striking about 115 targets including in residential buildings that the official said the group used as headquarters. Advertisement Advertisement Airstrikes have also targeted Tripoli in the north of Lebanon, Tyre, Sidon and Nabatieh in the south, and Baalbek in the east, the official said. Israeli military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani said Hezbollah had fired hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel this week, including around 70 rockets since midnight on Friday. Imran Riza, U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, told Reuters that around 100,000 people had already been displaced into shelters in Lebanon, and the number of displaced was expected to rise dramatically. "What we saw in the last couple of days is, I would say ... unprecedented in terms of the scale here in Lebanon of the warnings, the displacement orders, and the reaction, the panic also, that this has all created," Riza said. Advertisement Advertisement The U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk criticised Israel's evacuation orders, saying they raised serious concern under international humanitarian law. More than 1 million people were displaced in Lebanon during the 2024 conflict. Hezbollah was badly weakened by Israel during the 2024 war and has been under pressure since then to disarm. HEZBOLLAH TELLS ISRAELIS TO FLEE THEIR HOMES Hezbollah, in a message published in Hebrew on its Telegram channel early on Friday, warned Israelis to leave towns within 5 km (3 miles) of the border. "Your military's aggression against Lebanese sovereignty and safe citizens, the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the expulsion campaign it is carrying out will not go unchallenged," Hezbollah said. Advertisement Advertisement During fighting between Hezbollah and Israel in 2024, tens of thousands of Israelis were evacuated from towns in the border area but many have since returned. Israeli officials have previously said there are no plans to remove them for now. (Reporting by Abdelaziz Boumzar and Khalil Ashawi in Beirut; Steven Scheer, Maayan Lubell and Pesha Magid in Jerusalem; Hatem Maher and Nayera Abdallah, Yomna Ehab in Cairo; Jana Choukeir and Tala Ramadan in Dubai; Writing by Tom Perry and Angus McDowall; Editing by Michael Perry, Philippa Fletcher and Andrei Khalip) Japan has approved ground-breaking stem-cell treatments for Parkinson's and severe heart failure, one of the manufacturers and media reports said Friday, with the therapies expected to reach patients within months. Pharmaceutical company Sumitomo Pharma said it received the green light for the manufacture and sale of Amchepry, its Parkinson's disease treatment that transplants stem cells into a patient's brain. Japan's health ministry also gave the go-ahead to ReHeart, heart muscle sheets developed by medical startup Cuorips that can help form new blood vessels and restore heart function, media reports said. Advertisement Advertisement The treatments could be on the market and rolled out to patients as early as this summer, reports said, citing the health ministry, becoming the world's first commercially available medical products using (iPS) cells. Japanese scientist Shinya Yamanaka won the Nobel Prize in 2012 for his research into iPS, which have the potential to develop into any cell in the body. "I hope this will bring relief to patients not only in Japan but around the world," health minister Kenichiro Ueno told a press conference. "We will promptly carry out all necessary procedures to ensure it reaches all patients without fail." Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Sumitomo Pharma said it had obtained "conditional and time-limited approval" for the manufacture and marketing of Amchepry under a system which is reportedly designed to get these products to patients as quickly as possible. The approval is a kind of "provisional license", the Asahi newspaper said, after the safety and efficacy of the treatment was judged based on data from fewer patients than in ordinary clinical trials for drugs. A trial led by Kyoto University researchers indicated that the company's treatment was safe and successful in improving symptoms. The study involved seven Parkinson's patients aged between 50 and 69, with each receiving a total of either five million or 10 million cells implanted on both sides of the brain. Advertisement Advertisement The iPS cells from healthy donors were developed into the precursors of dopamine-producing brain cells, which are no longer present in people with Parkinson's disease. The patients were monitored for two years and no major adverse effects were found, the study said. Four patients showed improvements in symptoms. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects the body's motor system, often causing shaking and other difficulties in movement. Worldwide, about 10 million people have the illness, according to the Parkinson's Foundation. Currently available therapies "improve symptoms without slowing or halting the disease progression," the foundation says. Advertisement Advertisement iPS cells are created by stimulating mature, already specialised, cells back into a juvenile state -- basically cloning without the need for an embryo. The cells can be transformed into a range of different types of cells, and their use is a key sector of medical research. kh-aph/tc For months, the Trump administration has been engaged in an unprecedented campaign to lock up thousands of immigrants with longstanding roots in the United States. And for months, aghast federal judges have ordered ICE to give them a chance to prove they can safely remain free while their deportation proceedings are pending. Increasingly, however, judges are finding that the hearings theyre ordering conducted by immigration judges who work for the Trump administration have been fundamentally flawed or even pre-cooked, designed to result in findings of danger to the community or flight risk without a fair consideration of the evidence. Some federal judges have required do-overs, and others have grown so skeptical of the administrations intentions that theyve ordered detainees released outright. Advertisement Advertisement It happened last month in Rhode Island, where U.S. District Judge John McConnell, an Obama appointee, ordered the release of a man who was denied bond even though the administration presented no evidence against him. Instead, the immigration judge in his bond hearing relied on an uncorroborated police report supplied by the detainee in which he was accused of driving 90 mph in a 55 mph zone. It happened in Missouri, where U.S. District Judge Douglas Harpool foundthat an immigration judge had labeled an ICE detainee a risk of flight without sufficient evidence a ruling he said appeared to be the result of frustration about being ordered to conduct the hearing in the first place. The bond hearing has indications of predetermined outcome, Harpool, an Obama appointee, wrote. The [immigration judges] order enumerates that Petitioner: has been in the U.S. for 9 years, has not missed a court hearing, has family in the U.S. (husband and 3 children), and owns a home and operates a business in the U.S. The IJs determination regarding flight risk is clearly untethered by the facts and any logical conclusion to be determined from the facts. And it happened in Pennsylvania, where U.S. District Judge Stephanie Haines, a Trump appointee, concluded that a detainees interpreter was not fluent in the correct dialect, creating communication challenges with the immigration judge, who nevertheless ordered the man to remain detained. Advertisement Advertisement These federal judges simply disagree with the outcomes of the immigration judge bond decisions," a Justice Department spokesperson said. "They are impugning the integrity or competence of our immigration judges solely to give them a hook to review the IJ decisions they disagree with but would otherwise be unable to directly review." Representatives for the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to requests for comment. Similar cases have emerged in New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, Virginia, Massachusetts and a slew of other states. Its the latest rupture between the Trump administration and federal judges, who have described rampant abuses, violations of court orders and unconstitutional efforts to deprive ICE detainees of due process in a byzantine immigration court system. But unlike the broad judicial consensus that the administrations mass detention strategy is illegal, questions about the adequacy of bond hearings have split the judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Federal law forbids the courts from second-guessing discretionary bond decisions made by executive branch immigration judges. As a result, some judges have concluded that once theyve ordered bond hearings, their part in the process has ended. U.S. District Judge David Bunning, a George W. Bush appointee, said he was precluded from intervening in the case of a woman who claimed her immigration judge failed to give meaningful weight to her two decades of residence in the U.S., three U.S. citizen children, steady work and taxpaying history and community ties. She does not claim that her bond hearing lacked necessary procedural safeguards or that the IJ did not have statutory authority to deny bond, Bunning, a George W. Bush appointee, wrote on March 2. Instead, she merely argues that the IJ came to the wrong conclusion after reviewing the evidence. Increasingly, though, judges are bypassing bond hearings and ordering the release of detainees outright, concluding that theyre unlikely to get a fair shake in immigration courts. That dynamic flared most dramatically in West Virginia, where judges have banded together to reject the Trump administration detention practices and order the release of dozens of detainees. Advertisement Advertisement The Court finds that a bond hearing before an immigration judge would not comport with due process, U.S. District Judge Irene Berger, an Obama appointee, ruled on Feb. 26. Bergers West Virginia colleague, George W. Bush-appointed Judge Thomas Johnston, agreed that ordering a bond hearing would be futile even when courts were ordering them to be conducted according to constitutional standards. He cited testimony provided to the court by Jorge Artieda, ICEs former chief counsel in Virginia and a onetime adviser to the agencys headquarters. Artieda, in a sworn affidavit, said that since January, detainees are now being systematically denied bond based on rationales that would not have been deemed sufficient weeks earlier in what appears to be a systematic effort to nullify the constitutional protections that federal courts have recognized and enforced. The Justice Department has posted online three FBI memos describing interviews related to unverified sexual assault allegations against President Donald Trump that had been missing from the massive trove of Epstein files released by the Department of Justice. A CNN analysis discovered dozens of witness interviews were missing from the online archive of evidence related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, all of which were memorialized in so-called 302 memos laying out what an interviewee told FBI agents. The 302s do not include other corroborating information or agents opinions. Among the missing records were three memos about interviews with a woman who told agents that Epstein had repeatedly abused her physically and sexually decades ago, starting when she was approximately 13 years old, and who also accused Trump of sexually assaulting her. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has consistently denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. In a statement Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the claims from the FBI interviews as completely baseless accusations, backed by zero credible evidence. She also questioned the credibility of the accuser, whose name is redacted in the files, pointing to her criminal record. The total baselessness of these accusations is also supported by the obvious fact that Joe Bidens department of justice knew about them for four years and did nothing with them because they knew President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong, Leavitt added. FBI agents conducted four interviews with the woman, but only one memo memorializing an interview in July 2019 was available in the DOJ database that was made public earlier this year. In that interview, the woman alleged she was repeatedly abused by Epstein when she was a minor living in South Carolina. She did not make any allegations about Trump in that interview. Newly released FBI interviews The newly released files cover three additional interviews conducted with the woman in August and October 2019. Advertisement Advertisement In the second interview, the woman described additional abuse by Epstein and several of his male associates. She said that Epstein drove her and/or flew her to either New York or New Jersey sometime when she was between 13 and 15 years old, and she was taken to a very tall building. It was there that she said Epstein introduced her to Trump. Trump asked everyone to leave the room where they met, and mentioned something to the effect of, Let me teach you how little girls are supposed to be, according to the description of the womans comments in the interview. He then unzipped his pants and put her head down to his penis, she told agents. The woman told agents that she bit Trump, who then struck her and said words to the effect of, get this little bitch the hell out of here. Later in the interview, the woman told agents she heard Trump and Epstein talking about Epstein blackmailing people and also heard Trump talking about washing money through casinos. Advertisement Advertisement In the womans third FBI interview, about three weeks later, agents wrote that she described receiving threatening telephone calls that she said she believed had to do with Epstein or Trump, as well as several incidents where she was almost run off of the road by other cars. During the fourth interview about two months after her last meeting with FBI agents the woman did not have an attorney present, unlike the previous meetings. She told law enforcement agents she was uncomfortable being recorded and asked them, whats the point? of coming forward with allegations after the statute of limitations had likely passed, the agents wrote. The memo noted that the agents encouraged her to go home and take as much time as she needed to think about speaking with the agents further. Its unclear what became of the FBIs investigation into the womans claims. An email sent between FBI agents last summer and included in the DOJ files notes that one identified victim claimed abuse by Trump but ultimately refused to cooperate, although it doesnt specify if its the same person as the accuser. Advertisement Advertisement A lawsuit against the Epstein estate includes a victim who made claims about the financier that he had abused her in South Carolina and brought her to gatherings in New York City with prominent, wealthy men that matched some of the claims the woman made in the FBI interviews. She does not name Trump in the lawsuit. That victim, identified as Jane Doe 4, was deemed ineligible to receive compensation by the Epstein Victims Compensation Program, a system set up to independently review claims by victims, according to a court record from May 2021. Its not clear why she was deemed ineligible. She voluntarily dismissed her lawsuit in December 2021, and her lawyer told The Post and Courier newspaper in January that she received a financial settlement from the estate. Her lawyer declined to comment to CNN last week. The Justice Department has not explained why the Trump-related witness interview descriptions were not released but said in a statement last week that it had initiated a review to see whether any documents were improperly tagged in the review process. If that happened, the department said it would release them, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Under the law, the DOJ can withhold files that are duplicates, privileged, or part of an ongoing federal investigation. Problems with redaction process The department has been fiercely criticized for its redaction process, and has had to repeatedly take down documents, edit redactions, and republish them. Among the most egregious issues reported were victims whose identities, or photos, were made public without their knowledge. The Justice Department also republished images to the Epstein files library on Wednesday that had been temporarily taken down after being flagged for potential nudity. There are still several thousand images left to repost, a department official told CNN, which will also be done Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Three months after their release, Justice Department employees are still spending several hours a week on the files, fixing redaction and posting mistakes, a senior Justice Department official told CNN. About 1% of the 3 million documents had issues with redactions, the official said. Normally in life, getting 99% of things right is pretty good, but thats a lot of mistakes, the person said. No active US investigation into people tied to Epstein The Justice Department is not currently investigating any individual connected to Jeffrey Epstein, a senior Justice Department official said Thursday. At this point, without any new information, the official does not expect anyone will be charged in connection with Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Trump previously directed the department to open an investigation into Epsteins ties to prominent Democrats. That investigation was opened, under Manhattan US Attorney Jay Clayton, but it has not resulted in any new cases. Isabelle Khurshudyan and Samatha Waldenberg contributed to this report For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Justice Department posted a trio ofFBI interviews with a woman who alleged President Donald Trump sexually assaulted her when she was a young teenager after she was introduced to him by Jeffrey Epstein. The womans central allegation, according to FBI summaries of her interviews with investigators, known as FBI 302s, is that Trump hit her after she bit his penis when he attempted to force her to perform oral sex. The three files come as Democrats are investigating whether the department purposefully withheld materials that included sexual assault allegations against Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has denied wrongdoing in relation to the Epstein allegations and he hasnt been charged with a crime in connection with them. Theres no evidence to suggest Trump took part in Epsteins sex trafficking operation. Many of the materials released by the Justice Department lack substantiation or context. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the allegations completely baseless accusations, backed by zero credible evidence, from a sadly disturbed woman who has an extensive criminal history. The total baselessness of these accusations is also supported by the obvious fact that Joe Bidens department of justice knew about them for four years and did nothing with them because they knew President Trump did absolutely nothing wrong. As we have said countless times, President Trump has been totally exonerated by the release of the Epstein Files. In the files, dated between August and October 2019, the woman, whose name is redacted, alleges that when she was between 13 and 15 years old, Epstein took her to either New York or New Jersey, where, in a very tall building with huge rooms, he introduced her to Trump. Trump, she said, didnt like that I was a boy-girl, which the interview notes interpreted to mean tomboy. Advertisement Advertisement The woman said other people were present, but she couldnt recall who. Trump asked them to leave the room, then said something to the effect of, Let me teach you how little girls are supposed to be, according to the interview notes. Trump then unzipped his pants and put her head down to his penis, she recalled in the interview. She said she bit the shit out of it. In response, she said he pulled her hair and punched her on the side of her head. "Get this little bitch the hell out of here, the woman recalled him saying. At that point, she said, people reentered the room. The FBI interviews dont contain information about how the incident ended or how the woman exited the encounter. In one of the interviews, the woman disclosed that she had begun working with attorneys and wanted to be upfront about her pending civil case in the event the agents determined a conflict of interest could occur. The woman said she or people close to her received a series of threatening phone calls, one of which included a message left on the phone of a co-worker but intended for her. She told the FBI she believed the calls were related to Epstein, and stated under her breath that if it was not Epstein, maybe it was the other one. When agents pressed her on who she meant, she said Trump, according to the interview notes. Advertisement Advertisement In the final interview, agents asked her again about her allegations concerning Trump, noting in the document he was the current U.S. president. The woman, according to the interview summary, asked what the point would be of providing the information at this point in her life when there was a strong possibility nothing could be done about it. Trump has faced allegations of sexual assault and sexual misconduct before, including accusations from multiple women who came forward during the 2016 presidential campaign. In 2023, he was found liable by a federal jury for having sexually abused and defamed the writer E. Jean Carroll after Carroll claimed Trump raped her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s and then denied her account of rape, calling her a liar. Trump has asked the Supreme Court to overturn the $5 million judgment the jury awarded Carroll. Carroll also won a $83.3 million judgment in 2024 after a separate jury found Trump defamed her with an additional set of remarks about the same claims. Advertisement Advertisement The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has been investigating whether the Epstein-related documents were improperly withheld from public view. For the last few weeks, Oversight Democrats have been investigating the FBIs handling of allegations from 2019 of sexual assault on a minor made against President Donald Trump by a survivor, Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the ranking member of the committee, said in a statement last week. Oversight Democrats can confirm that the DOJ appears to have illegally withheld FBI interviews with this survivor who accused President Trump of heinous crimes, he added. In a post on social media in response to the statement, the Justice Department said Oversight Democrats should stop misleading the public while manufacturing outrage from their radical anti-Trump base, adding that NOTHING has been deleted. Advertisement Advertisement If files are temporarily pulled for victim redactions or to redact Personally Identifiable Information, then those documents are promptly restored online and are publicly available, the post continued. ALL responsive documents have been produced unless a document falls within one of the following categories: duplicates, privileged, or part of an ongoing federal investigation. The documents come as the Trump administration continues to battle criticism over its handling of the files, about 3.5 million of which it published in late January. In addition to accusations over withholding certain records, the department has also come under fire from lawmakers for improperly disclosing identifying information of victims and for redacting the names of some men. On Wednesday, a House committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about her handling of the Epstein files. The naysayers emerged quickly, as those of little faith usually do. One of Kansas Citys best-known preachers, the Rev. Adam Hamilton, is mulling a U.S. Senate run. After a Lenten season of prayer and study, Hamilton will decide if hell challenge incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican who is often lockstep with whatever the Trump administration is preaching. Hamilton, senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection, would run as an independent. Advertisement Advertisement Online commenters jumped in with political skepticism, with most pointing out the obvious. Independents face hurdles in an entrenched two-party system. They dont draw the financial and organizational leverage of the Democratic or Republican Party machines. They risk slicing votes away from more viable candidates. The points are valid, but only to a point. They also miss the point. Hamilton is asking the right questions: Must Congress be so polarized? Must the nations rhetoric be so toxic? Congress could do more to compromise and find avenues to help, not harm people by legislation and policy. Its a choice that neither party consistently offers. Advertisement Advertisement Hamilton is well-suited to reshape political discourse with the critical thinking he encourages from his congregation. Hamilton is a bit of a pastoral unicorn, an entrepreneur of Christian faith. Hes cultivated and nourished the Leawood-based Church of the Resurrection into a megachurch. He managed to grow an enormous flock at time when polls proclaim that Americans are less faithful, less likely to join an organized religion. Church of the Resurrection has 24,000 active members and many more who tune in online for the engaging sermons. There are nine local locations, dotting a good portion of the greater Kansas City area. COR, as its known, is like a franchise system. Each location encourages involvement with the community, through a range of options to connect with and serve others. Advertisement Advertisement For the most part, Hamilton has managed to accomplish all of this without inducing a cringe factor for the scale of COR. Hes refreshingly void of the hubris that has imploded other religious leaders who grew mammoth congregations. The question for this Lenten season is if Hamiltons skills translate into politics. Hamilton will make the decision after Easter, and in consultation with his wife of 43 years. And after he takes a road trip across Kansas, driving and speaking with Kansans. He wants to know: What troubles Kansans? What excites them? What about government has broken their hopes and dreams? Advertisement Advertisement Hamiltons choice to run as an independent is based on framing himself as a bridge-builder. Its also a factor that will have many a professional lobbyist, consultant and pundit discounting him, likely with a condescending Well, bless your heart. Hamilton would likely be cast as the anti-Trump candidate just by the fact that President Trump has already endorsed Marshall. Marshall, a medical doctor, was first elected to Congress as a representative in 2016, then initially won his Senate seat in 2020. Yes, Hamilton carries a bit of naivete. He recently learned about opposition research and the political tricksters who try to dupe candidates into a regrettable comments or reactions, caught on video. Advertisement Advertisement Yet the entrepreneurial model that Hamilton established for COR is powerful. It could translate into effective political messaging. He focused on drawing together people who were nonreligious, or only nominally so. In political terms, he went after the disaffected, those yearning for something different from the normal offerings. COR began in a chapel within a funeral home in 1990. Its now the largest church in the Kansas City area and the largest United Methodist church in the United States. Clearly, Hamilton knows how to inspire others, build coalitions from differing mindsets and focus their energy on similar goals. Advertisement Advertisement In a sane political world, those skills of leadership would be among the most valued and impactful for Congress, for state legislatures, indeed for elected officials at any level. For those who believe that being a pastor signifies a softie, someone who has never been tested by business, or the harsh realities of life, consult any clerical leader for their view. Hamiltons led on the global stage. He was among centrists who mediated a schism in the United Methodist faith on the issue of LGBTQ+ inclusion. African ministers wanted to separate from the denomination, and some did. Like any minister, hes tested, having counseled families through deaths, grief, joy, life. The major headlines of any week are often addressed in his sermon. Somehow, its deftly done, as if Hamilton is highly aware that the COR congregation has Republicans, Democrats and probably many who identify as politically agnostic, or independent. Advertisement Advertisement Authors note: Im not a member of COR, but I serve with Hamilton on the board of American Public Square, which focuses on fact-based, civil conversations around important civic topics. Mary Sanchez is a national syndicated columnist with Tribune Content Agency and a familiar face and voice in Kansas City media. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. What will it mean if Adam Hamilton, the pastor of the largest church in the region, runs for U.S. Senate in Kansas as an independent? Hamiltons stature, as the leader of the Church of the Resurrection, a United Methodist Church with its main campus in Leawood, makes this a complicated question. Hamilton recorded two videos this week, posting one to his exploratory campaign website and another on the church website. He said that he would soon begin a listening tour of Kansas and decide whether to run after Easter. During the next few weeks, he will pray about the decision and divide his time between Lenten services and exploratory work. Advertisement Advertisement Over the past couple of years, many have asked whether I might bring the values, insights and experiences I have gained by leading the church I serve and the ability to work with people across the party ideological lines to public office, Hamilton said. Ive never felt called to this until this past year. So many angles to consider. First, there is religion. The union of church and state makes some folks nervous because of, well, the First Amendment. Hamilton counters that argument in both videos. He references current religious figures (see Baptist pastor Raphael Warnock of Georgia) and those who were in Congress at the countrys founding. Some pundits will dissect Hamiltons religious doctrine, wondering how it will guide him on issues. Ill leave that to them since I am hardly a theologian and because the rocky road of the campaign trail, let alone Congress, likely will jostle even the steadiest conscience. Advertisement Advertisement Next, there are electoral angles. With Hamilton proposing to run as an independent, he will attempt to stand at the metaphorical 50-yard line. To one side, the steadfast supporters of incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall, hungry to preserve Republican dominance of Senate seats in Kansas. On the other side of the field, perhaps Sharice Davids, the U.S. representative who just might run in the Democratic primary. Ill happily leave the political optics party identity, ideology and organization to the political scientists to decide the pros and cons of Hamilton running unaffiliated. The angle of Hamiltons potential candidacy that fascinates me? His use of media. This is a good moment to explain my connection to the Church of the Resurrection. My family lives so close to the church that its severed dome against the Leawood sky is the landmark we use to explain where we live to folks in the metro. I taught my kids to drive in the churchs sprawling parking lot, large enough for the sanctuarys 3,500 capacity. Advertisement Advertisement My son was baptized there 15 years ago, when we attended more frequently, but our household mostly attends only holiday services together, rather than each week or even each month. Throughout all of those services, I have seen three media forces emerge: Hamilton, his writing and the churchs use video. Hamilton appears via video often to reach church members. The physical size of the main sanctuary and the geographic spread of Church of the Resurrection demands big screens and streamed sermons. The church lists Leawood plus nine locations on its website. In addition to polished recorded sermons and announcements, the congregation often watches promotional videos for upcoming sermon series (imagine wholesome movie trailers, but with more Jesus). A typical Church of the Resurrection service often surges and crackles with video production expertise. Advertisement Advertisement It follows that Hamiltons poise on camera as a potential candidate comes from years of recorded sermons. For instance, his comfort and gentility came through in one of his exploratory video announcements posted on the churchs YouTube channel. His crisp one button-down and blue plaid jacket follow the formula for upper-class Johnson County dad attire (Hey honey, do I own that jacket too?). He stands, well lit in high definition in front of a gray-scale set of columns. His eye contact with the camera never wavers. Find me another unelected candidate who is not an actor or news anchor who is so polished in front of the camera. He joked, Now, I wanted to be able to look you in the eyes and tell you this. OK I cant actually look in your eyes, but you can look in my eyes. Advertisement Advertisement For more than 11 minutes, Hamilton speaks seemingly extemporaneously in one video. The pair of videos navigates between personal (My wife), folksy (Small town cafe), heartfelt (A persistent nudge in my heart), ministerial (in my prayers) and earnest (We have to do better). As such, the writing matches the distinctive tone of his sermons. Apart from that writing, Hamilton has published many books, and none of them the standard political autobiography with a ghost writer that precedes a typical campaign. Instead, Hamilton, whether through sermon or book, has explained thorny biblical and philosophical issues. Political dilemmas may be the next challenge for his keyboard. His pastoral delivery is as subdued and welcoming as his rhetoric. Ive tried to say this over the years: There are things that I value about both parties, Hamilton said. Every election I vote for Republicans and Democrats. I believe that running as an independent would allow me to build bridges, to seek to build coalitions of Republicans, Democrats and independents. It would allow me to say that I want to represent all of Kansas. Advertisement Advertisement Consider the recent Senate candidacy of Texas seminarian James Talarico. He was lauded as the nice guy candidate during the Democratic primary, which he won this week. Even while being a candidate of unity, Talaricos approach eventually generated political conflict if not between red and blue, then as a difference of class. The real fight in this country is not left versus right, Talarico told supporters in Austin, according to the New York Times. Its top versus bottom. In his exploratory video, Hamilton described American political divides more mildly: Those are both really good words. To be conservative means to conserve traditions and values. To be liberal means to be generous of spirit and open to reform. I am a liberal conservative and a conservative liberal. Advertisement Advertisement The Church of the Resurrection has attracted tens of thousands of members through a message and ethos of bridge building. Can a political message of unity in 2026 do the same? Without leaning on any kind of ideological division, can Hamilton fire up supporters with his media savvy and writing skills? Even some of his moderate church members might balk at political bridge-building during this moment of hyper-polarization. Kansans might find it naive to imagine Trump supporters compromising on immigration or liberals willing to bend on abortion rights in the name of unity. Hamiltons potential candidacy presents a feat of political gymnastics a triple backflip with a few twists that he would need to pull off. Advertisement Advertisement Ill admit here that his Church has done just that in my extended family. When we pile into the car for Christmas or Easter services, Hamiltons church gathers a range of political allegiances in the Thomas family. Three generations, ranging from die-hard Democrats to MAGA Republicans, feel at home with Hamilton on the pulpit. Perhaps the people across the table from him during the upcoming stops of his listening tour will similarly appreciate the Senate candidate that he could be. If so, the 2026 Senate race in Kansas would gain a complex candidate with ready-made media composure to pair with his measured writing. Then we could move on to dissect those other political and religious considerations. Eric Thomas teaches visual journalism and photojournalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. Karoline Leavitt told Fox News Sandra Smith and John Roberts on Friday that President Donald Trump is very excited about Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) taking the reins from Secretary Kristi Noem at the Department of Homeland Security. During an appearance on America Reports, Smith asked Leavitt if she could provide any further insight on that decision, and the shakeup that we are seeing, and what you expect the confirmation process to look like for Mullin? Sure, yeah, I know the president was very excited about Senator Markwayne Mullin moving into this role and being officially part of President Trumps team in the Cabinet, replied Leavitt, who continued: The White House will be working with the Senate to confirm him as quickly as possible. And we thank Secretary Noem for her efforts over the past year. She will be moving into a new role at the State Department to oversee the new Shield of Americas. These are Western Hemisphere, Latin American countries who are coming together, both militarily and diplomatically, to end the cartel trafficking, human trafficking, and drug trafficking in the Western Hemisphere through Latin American countries, and ultimately to the United States of America. So this is a very important effort. And in fact, President Trump will be heading to Doral, Florida tomorrow to speak with 17 heads of states from the Latin American countries to talk about this new historic organization that the Trump administration has led the way on and has put together. Watch above via Fox News. The post Karoline Leavitt Tells Fox Trump Is Very Excited About New DHS Head After Noem Ouster first appeared on Mediaite. Kosovo is headed to a snap parliamentary election its third in just over a year after lawmakers failed to choose a new head of state by a constitutional deadline. President Vjosa Osmani on Friday said she was dissolving parliament and urged political parties to select a date for elections on the same day, local media reported. Osmani's five-year mandate expires on April 4. Under Kosovo's constitution, at least two-thirds of the 120 lawmakers must be present in parliament to elect a successor. Advertisement Advertisement The president's move came after only 66 members of parliament largely from the governing camp attended a session to choose her replacement, falling well short of the required quorum of 80. Under the constitution, early elections must now be held because parliament failed to elect a successor within the required 30-day period before the incumbents mandate expires. Consultations on an election date After declaring parliament dissolved on Friday, Osmani began consultations with the parties on a date for new elections within the next 30 to 45 days. However, Prime Minister Albin Kurti's left-wing ruling Self-Determination Movement described Osmani's dissolution of parliament as "unconstitutional." Advertisement Advertisement In fact, there are differing views on how the deadlines for the presidential election contained in the constitution should be interpreted. According to Self-Determination and some legal scholars, parliament still has 60 days to elect a successor to Osmani. Court ruling expected In Pristina, it is assumed that the Constitutional Court will issue a landmark ruling on this matter. Self-Determination had nominated two candidates from its own ranks without coordinating with the opposition. Opposition parties said they had been sidelined and so boycotted the session, preventing the vote from going ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Kosovo has already held two elections in the past year. Self-Determination received the most votes in the February 9, 2025, election but Kurti failed to find coalition partners, leaving the country in political deadlock. A new election on December 28 gave the party a majority, and Kurti secured a second consecutive term as prime minister. Questions over Osmani and Kurti's leadership Osmani would have been eligible for a second term and had signalled her willingness to run again. However, Kurti declined to nominate her for re-election, even though opposition parties may have accepted her candidacy and allowed the election process to proceed. Advertisement Advertisement Kurti's reasons for not backing Osmani remain unclear. Observers have suggested Osmani may have been seen as too independent for Kurti. Critics accuse the prime minister of an increasingly authoritarian leadership style. Osmani originally belonged to the centre-right Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), which governed the country for much of the period before 2021. She left the LDK in 2020 and founded her own small party, the centre-right Dare movement, which later allied with Kurtis party. Kosovo, now almost entirely populated by ethnic Albanians, was once a province of Serbia. After an uprising against Serbian rule and a NATO intervention in 1999, the territory declared independence in 2008. More than 100 countries recognize Kosovos independence, though Serbia and Russia do not. Novar has secured 160m in HoldCo financing to support the development of new renewable energy initiatives. The loan agreement includes an option for an additional facility of up to 100m, bringing the total available funding to 260m. Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) provided all lending for the transaction through its Green Credit Funds. According to Novar CEO Gerben Smit, this financing step enables the company, with support from CVC DIF, to expand its asset base to around 1.4GW of operational assets by 2027. Smit said: The support from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Green Credit Funds highlights confidence in our business model, where Novar develops green energy systems including solar energy generation, storage, distribution and asset management. With CIP, we now have another strong financial partner supporting Novars continued growth and long-term ambitions. This transaction provides us with the financial flexibility to continue growing and delivering on our strategy. DNB Carnegie served as sole debt advisor on the financing while Voltiq acted as co-financial advisor. Clifford Chance advised Novar as legal counsel and A&O Shearman acted for the lender. BDO took on model audit duties, DLA Piper conducted legal due diligence and DNV handled technical due diligence. CVC DIF managing director Dennis Jong said: Since our investment in Novar at the end of 2023, the company has demonstrated strong progress and continued growth. This successful financing provides Novar with the resources and flexibility to further expand its operational portfolio and deliver on its targets. Last month, rsted agreed to transfer its entire European onshore business to CIP for DKr10.7bn ($1.69bn). CIP carried out the acquisition through its fifth flagship fund, Copenhagen Infrastructure V. "Novar secures financing of $185m for renewable projects development" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. President Donald Trump on Thursday fired Kristi Noem as Department of Homeland Security secretary. Noem will continue as DHS chief until the end of the month. After the announcement, she spoke at a police conference and made some surprising statements about San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. "You've got a mayor that works with us very well," Noem said. "He probably doesn't want me to talk about it much actually- but he has been cooperative and we have great conversations and talk quit often. Advertisement Advertisement Noem did not provide details about San Francisco's cooperation with federal law enforcement. Mayor Lurie's office had no comment on Noem's remarks. Back in October, Lurie was able to convince Trump to abort planned immigration raids in the Bay Area. MORE: Mayor Lurie says Trump's pullback of federal agents is a San Francisco victory ABC7 Insider Phil Matier weighed in on the mayor's balancing act with the White House. "Lurie has done a great job of going between the two, but he's also been lucky because nobody really criticized him when he did make the call and was 'nice' to the president, Matier said. President Trump says he will nominate Oklahoma Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin to take Noem's place. He needs to be confirmed by the Senate. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie has denied outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems claim that the pair talk quite often, letting it be known that, on the contrary, he had not spoken to her in four months. Noem was fired by President Donald Trump on Thursday, who announced that she would be replaced by Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin and appointed her Special Envoy to the newly-created Shield of the Americas initiative. The secretary herself was in Nashville, Tennessee, when the news broke, attending the Sergeant Benevolent Association Major Cities Conference at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Advertisement Advertisement At that event, she told Chris Galligan, San Francisco Police Officers Association Vice President, that Lurie works with us very well and had had great conversations with her. Kristi Noem speaks at the Sergeant Benevolent Association conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 5, 2026, shortly after President Donald Trump announced she would be replaced as Homeland Security secretary (Reuters) You maybe have some challenges in San Francisco just because of your state laws and local laws, Noem told Galligan. Although youve got a mayor that works with us very well. He probably doesnt want me to talk about it a lot, actually. But he has been cooperative and we have great conversations and talk quite often. However, a San Francisco City Hall source subsequently told Mission Local that the secretarys comments were inaccurate. Advertisement Advertisement That source said Lurie last spoke to the administration when Trump called him on October 22 to discuss moving back a planned ICE deployment to the Bay Area. Noem was criticized throughout her 13-month tenure leading DHS for being excessively publicity-focused, notoriously posing for a photo with jailed inmates at El Salvadors CECOT mega-prison last March (Getty) Lurie has been criticized locally for declining to release records of his call with the president, but his diplomatic efforts prevented the liberal city from experiencing an influx of federal immigration agents, a development that led to violent clashes and bitter protests nationwide. Trump credited the mayor last fall with asking him very nicely to refrain from wading into San Francisco, also saying on Truth Social that two friends of mine, billionaire CEOs Jensen Huang of Nvidia and Marc Benioff of Salesforce, had played a role in talking him down from signing off on another contentious mission. San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie says he hasnt spoken to Kristi Noem in four months (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver Cup) Noem endured a torrid 13-month tenure as the public face of Trumps illegal immigration crackdown, which came to a head with the disastrous Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, which saw the fatal shooting of two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, in street confrontations with federal agents. Advertisement Advertisement The secretary called both victims domestic terrorists in defense of her forces, stoking widespread anger, and thereafter fought to retain her position, holding crisis talks with the president in the Oval Office. She was subsequently hit by accusations about the chaotic state of her department, her excessive media focus, and alleged extramarital affair with top adviser Corey Lewandowski, which both parties vehemently denied. With Trumps patience running short, she suffered a nightmarish brace of appearances before the House and Senate Judiciary Committees this week, during which the president was reportedly infuriated by her claim that he had known in advance about a lavish DHS advertising campaign in which she was featured prominently. I never knew anything about it, he told Reuters Thursday, signalling the end for an official doomed to be forever remembered for bragging about shooting dead a puppy she had failed to train. Following a tumultuous stretch within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), President Donald Trump announced Thursday that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem will leave her position and Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma will take over effective March 31. Noem is the first cabinet member to be dismissed during Trumps second term, but political scientist and University of Minnesota professor Larry Jacobs cautioned that it does not signal a change in policy within the White House. I think we should fully expect the Trump administration to continue to pursue a very aggressive, in some cases brutal, policy in terms of deportation, Jacobs said. I think what were going to see is a change in some of the tactics: more discipline, more centralized communication that is attuned to attitudes in Congress and the country. This will be more about how its done, and not what is done. Advertisement Advertisement MORE KARE 11 COVERAGE: ICE in Minnesota Jacobs founded the Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota. He said Mullen is a close ally of the president but also knows how to maintain strong relationships with members of Congress. Senator Mullin knows Congress. I think thats going to be the number one advantage, Jacobs said. Hes going to steer away from statements that he knows will inflame both sides of the party. Hes going to make sure that hes keeping members of Congress informed on what hes doing, hell be responsive. Jacobs and Republican strategist Brian McClung, who previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, said Noem's mishandling of ICE operations in Minnesota is a key reason for her firing. Noem's tactics and rhetoric during Operation Metro Surge drew bipartisan and public backlash. Advertisement Advertisement Immigration was clearly one of the key reasons that Donald Trump got elected a second time to the presidency, McClung said. Kristi Noem was in charge of deploying that on the ground in Minneapolis, and it went terribly. Noems testimony before Congress this week did little to repair her standing, McClung added. "In the aftermath of Operation Metro Surge, Kristi Noem could have acknowledged the mistakes of ICE officers. She could have acknowledged that things did not go the way they intended them to and that they needed to make improvements and needed to change things, and she never did that. She was unable or unwilling to do that," McClung said. "If she had wanted to try to win back some trust or prove to people that she is the kind of leader that can learn from what's happening and make adjustments, she could have done that. She clearly chose not to, and now she's got some other job." Trump announced that Noem will serve in a newly-created position titled the "Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas." "I don't think people should be expecting Donald Trump to be releasing more cabinet officials," Jacobs said. "The fact that Kristi Noem was released is a sign of the political liability she'd become." WATCH: Continuing coverage from KARE 11 on TV and online "A president who valued honesty, transparency, and accountability would already have canned" Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, I wrote on Wednesday. President Donald Trump did just that the next day. Like me, Trump reportedly was troubled by Noem's testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, but for different reasons. Since his decision apparently had little or nothing to do with Noem's lies about the use of deadly force by her underlings, it should not be read as a sign that the president is concerned about such things. "The final straw for Trump was Noem's combative hearing Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee," The Wall Street Journal reported. "The president watched the testimony and was apoplectic about her performance, telling advisers that evening he would remove her from the job, according to people familiar with the matter." What, specifically, angered Trump? Was it Noem's refusal to admit that she had recklessly tarred Minneapolis protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti as domestic terrorists after DHS employees fatally shot them? Nope. Advertisement Advertisement "Noem's decision to allot more than $200 million for an ad campaign, featuring herself urging those living illegally in the U.S. to self-deport, had already rankled the president for months for its self-promotional style," the Journal noted. "At the hearing, Noem told senators that the president had signed off on the ad campaignan assertion that upset Trump, who told senators and advisers he hadn't signed off on such a campaign." The New York Times has a similar take: "The immediate catalyst for Ms. Noem's firing appeared to be her answers during two congressional hearings this week, particularly her under-threat-of-perjury statements that Mr. Trump had approved of tens of millions of dollars of government ads in which she was prominently featured. Mr. Trump denied that to Reuters on Thursday, saying, 'I never knew anything about it.'" As Reason's Autumn Billings noted on Wednesday, that ad campaign raised serious concerns about the use of taxpayer money, including the dubious justification for the expenditure, the way in which it was approved, the noncompetitive contract award, and the fact that a subcontractor's CEO happened to be the husband of Tricia McLaughlin, who served as the assistant DHS secretary for public affairs until last week. But for Trump, the crucial points probably were that the ads promoted Noem rather than him and that she falsely claimed they had his approval. Since Trump does not like it when his appointees embarrass him, you might surmise that part of his motivation in sacking Noem was the bad publicity generated by the stories she initially told about Good and Pretti, which were immediately refuted by video of the encounters. But there is not much evidence to support that theory. Advertisement Advertisement After Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan Ross killed Good on January 7, Noem said Good had "weaponize[d] her vehicle" by "attempt[ing] to run a law enforcement officer over." As she told it, "this appears as an attempt to kill or to cause bodily harm to agents, an act of domestic terrorism." Trump went even further, which suggests he was not much concerned about getting the facts right. Good "violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer," he averred, and "it is hard to believe he is alive." Contrary to those accounts, footage of the incident showed that Good did not actually run Ross down and suggested she did not deliberately try to do so, since she was steering away from him and the other ICE agents at the scene when she was killed. It was not clear whether Ross was still in the car's path when he fired the first round, which entered the car through the lower left corner of the windshield. But he was clearly out of the way when fired the second and third rounds, which entered the car through the driver's side window next to Good. A week later, Trump walked back his initial portrayal of Good. Although "her actions were pretty tough," he told CBS News, "I would bet you that she, under normal circumstances, was a very solid, wonderful person." Advertisement Advertisement After DHS employees killed Pretti on January 24, Noem claimed he was "brandishing" a gun and "attacked those officers." She also said Pretti "committed an act of domestic terrorism." According to a DHS statement posted a couple of hours after the shooting, it "look[ed] like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement." Trump echoed that assessment. The day of the shooting, he described Pretti as a "gunman," saying his pistol was "loaded" and "ready to go." But the next day, he described the shooting as "tragic," a characterization that was inconsistent with the claim that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers who killed Pretti had interrupted an attempted mass murder. By that point, it was clear that the DHS account of the shooting was blatantly inaccurate. Videos showed that Pretti never "attacked those officers" and never drew his holstered pistol, which he was licensed to carry. The officers did not even notice the gun until after they tackled him, and he had been disarmed by the time the shooting started. Despite that evidence, Trump called Pretti an "agitator and, perhaps, insurrectionist" later that week. He also suggested that Pretti was asking for trouble by exercising the constitutional right to bear arms. Advertisement Advertisement "I don't like it when somebody goes into a protest and he's got a very powerful, fully loaded gun with two magazines," Trump told The Wall Street Journal the day after the shooting. "You can't have guns," he told reporters a couple of days later. "You can't walk in with guns. You just can't." Trump reiterated that sentiment during a visit to Iowa the same day. "Certainly he shouldn't have been carrying a gun," the president said. "I don't like that he had a gun. I don't like that he had two fully loaded magazines. That's a lot of bad stuff." It would clearly be hypocritical for Trump to fault Noem for rushing to condemn Good and Pretti when he did the same thing. Although Trump is not exactly a model of moral consistency, it is hard to believe that Noem's lies about Good and Pretti (or her lies about those lies) offended him. Even after he retreated from portraying Good and Pretti as would-be murderers, he continued to imply that they were responsible for their own deaths. As the evidence that Noem refused to wait for comes to light, Sen. Thom Tillis (RN.C.) predicted during Tuesday's hearing, "it's going to prove that Ms. Good and Mr. Pretti probably should not have been shot in the face and in the back." He expressed exasperation at "the fact that you can't admit to a mistake." But the truth is that no one wants to admit these mistakes. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the leading proponent of Trump's aggressive deportation campaign, described Pretti as a "would-be assassin" and "a domestic terrorist" who "tried to assassinate federal law enforcement." He later said he had been relying on "reports from CBP on the ground"the same excuse that Noem repeatedly offered on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Privately, Noem also reportedly blamed Miller. "A source briefed on the process of assembling the [DHS] press statement" about Pretti, Axios reported three days after his death, said Miller "heard 'gun' and knew what the narrative would be: Pretti came to 'massacre' cops." Axios said Noem likewise attributed that "narrative" to Miller: "Noem has complained to others that she feels she's being hung out to dry over the episode and has made sure to emphasize she took direction from Miller and the president." According to "a person who relayed her remarks," Noem said, "Everything I've done, I've done at the direction of the president and Stephen." Sen. John Kennedy (RLa.) noted that report during Tuesday's hearing. "You blamed those statements on Mr. Stephen Miller at the White House," Kennedy said while questioning Noem. "Did you not?" Noem insisted that was not true. "No, sir, I did not," she said. "Where you're seeing that is in a news article of anonymous sources, and anonymous sources say a lot of things, butI have never said that at all." When Kennedy pressed Noem, asking her whether she had uttered the words that Axios attributed to her, she dodged the question. "I enjoy working with the president and with Stephen Miller," she replied. "And that day we were working to get as much information to the American people as possible. That is what we'll continue to do." Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy tried again. "Are you denying that you said that?" he asked. Noem gave another dodgy answer. "I'm not going to speak to that situation that is relayed [based] on anonymous sources," she said, adding that "no one has heard me say that." Except to the extent that Noem privately sought to blame Trump himself, it seems doubtful that any of this bothered him, let alone to the point that it figured in his decision to fire her. Even after the controversies over Noem's statements about Good and Pretti, Axios reported in the same article that Kennedy cited, Trump was not contemplating a change in personnel. "Despite rumors to the contrary, Noem's job is safe," Axios said, citing unnamed White House officials. "She's doing the job the president wants her to do," one of those officials said. "There's no daylight here." The post Kristi Noem's Lies About DHS Shootings Don't Seem To Have Figured in Trump's Decision To Fire Her appeared first on Reason.com. Kurdish-Iranian dissident groups based in northern Iraq have said they are preparing for a potential cross-border military operation in Iran, and the US has reportedly asked Iraqi Kurds to support them. The Kurdish groups are widely seen as the most well-organised segment of the fragmented Iranian opposition and are believed to have thousands of trained fighters. Their entry into the war could pose a significant challenge to the embattled authorities in Tehran and could also risk pulling Iraq further into the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement ITV News understands that since last year, weapons have been smuggled into Western Iran to arm thousands of Kurdish volunteers. They are expected to begin a ground operation within days. In recent days, American and Israeli strikes have repeatedly struck security targets in the West of the country to degrade their capabilities and give the best chance for the ground rebellion. ITV News has been told by Kurdish sources that American and Israeli forces have been asked to provide air cover when any such ground operation begins. Our sources do not know if that request has been approved. United States seeking an armed uprising inside Iran Advertisement Advertisement Better the devil you know for Kurds betrayed by Donald Trump Who are the Kurds? The Kurds are an ethnic group residing primarily in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey. It is believed they number around 40 million, and many consider them to be the largest distinct ethnic population to not have its own state - something they have sought for decades, alongside greater autonomy. If the Iranian and Iraqi Kurdish groups were to join the war, it would be the first entry of a significant ground force into the battle. The Kurdish groups have battle experience from their fight against the Islamic State group. An official with Komala, another of the Kurdish Iranian groups, said Wednesday that their forces are ready to cross the border within a week to ten days and were waiting for the grounds to be suitable. Advertisement Advertisement He spoke on condition of anonymity out of security concerns. Kurds in Iran have a long history of grievances and uprisings against both the current Islamic Republic and the monarchy that preceded it. During the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Kurds were marginalized and repressed, and sometimes rebelled. After Irans 1979 Islamic Revolution, the new theocracy also battled Kurdish insurgents. Iranian forces destroyed Kurdish towns and villages in fighting that killed thousands over several months. While they share a desire to see the current authorities ousted, the Kurdish groups have also butted heads with other opposition groups notably the faction led by the former shah's son, Reza Pahlavi, who has accused the Kurds of being separatists aiming to carve up Iran. A portrait of Mahsa Amini is held during a rally calling for regime change in Iran. Credit: AP The death of Mahsa Amini Kurdish groups have been at the forefront of previous clashes with the Iranian regime. Advertisement Advertisement In 2022, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, died in custody after being arrested by Iran's morality police for allegedly breaking the country's strict dress code for women. Her death led to national protests at which Kurdish groups were integral, and brought Kurdish concerns over independence to the fore. The protests were eventually shut down by the Iranian regime, with territory claimed by the Kurds retaken. A member of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan PDKI stands at a checkpoint leading to their base in Koya district of Irbil, Iraq. Credit: AP Will the Kurds take arms against Iran? Amid escalating attacks on Iran, several officials claimed that US President Donald Trump has spoken with the heads of Kurdish groups in the region to discuss the situation. Advertisement Advertisement One of the officials said Trump had asked the Iraqi Kurds to militarily support the Iranian Kurdish groups in operations in Iran, and to open the border to allow the Iranian Kurdish groups to move freely back and forth. When asked about the call and reports that Trump has sought military support for Iranian Kurdish groups, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: He did speak to Kurdish leaders with respect to our base that we have in northern Iraq, but denied that Trump had agreed to a specific plan. The Iraqi Kurdish official said the Iraqi Kurds were concerned that getting directly involved in the conflict would draw a harsh Iranian response. Already, the Kurdish region has seen a string of drone and missile attacks by Iran and allied Iraqi militias in recent days, targeting US military bases and the US Consulate in Irbil as well as the Kurdish groups' bases. Advertisement Advertisement While most of the attacks have been intercepted, civilian homes have been damaged, and the region is suffering from electricity cuts after a key gas field halted operations due to security concerns. In a statement, the PUK - the Kurdish political party in Iraq - confirmed that their leader had spoken by phone with Trump, who provided clarification and vision regarding US objectives in the war. The statement said the PUK believes that the best solution is a return to the negotiating table. Spokespeople for the Kurdish regional government in Iraq declined to comment. Asked about reports that the Trump administration was considering arming Iranian Kurdish groups, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters Wednesday: None of our objectives are premised on the support or the arming of any particular force. So, what other entities may be doing, were aware of, but our objectives arent centered on that. Rescue workers check a destroyed building that was hit by an Israeli airstrike in Nabatiyeh town, south Lebanon. Credit: AP What are the drawbacks for Kurdish forces getting involved? Many Kurds feel they have been used in the past by the United States and then abandoned. Advertisement Advertisement The Kurds were critical during the fight against ISIS, only to find the US walked away from the support they had expected once that war was won. The presence of armed Iranian Kurdish groups in northern Iraq has also been a point of friction between the central Iraqi government in Baghdad and Tehran. Iraq in 2023 reached an agreement with Iran to disarm the groups and move them from their bases near the border areas with Iran where they potentially posed an armed challenge to Tehran into camps designated by Baghdad. Their military bases were shut down and their movement within Iraq restricted, but the groups did not give up their weapons. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. Iraqs National Security Adviser Qassim al-Araji said in a post on X that Ali Bagheri, deputy secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council, had requested in a call between them that Iraq take the necessary measures to prevent any opposition groups from infiltrating the border between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Al-Araji said Iraq is committed to preventing any groups from infiltrating or crossing the Iranian border or carrying out terrorist acts from Iraqi territory and noted that security reinforcements had been sent to the border. In addition to retaliation by Iran, any movement by Iraqi Kurds to join a cross-border attack would likely inflame tensions with Iran-backed Iraqi militias, which have already claimed missile and drone strikes on Irbil in recent days. From Westminster to Washington DC - our political experts are across all the latest key talking points. Listen to the latest episode below... Civilian onlookers out in the street filming the air-to-air engagement rapidly unfolding in the bright blue sky above them, a trail of smoke, and the low rumble of fighter jet engines. This is the latest video to have emerged from the extraordinary incident earlier this week in which a Kuwaiti Air Force F/A-18 Hornet was responsible for shooting down three U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles. As in the previous videos of the incident and its aftermath, the usual caveats apply as to the nature of its authenticity, which remains unconfirmed. However, everything points to this being genuine, and it clearly indicates a within-visual-range air-to-air engagement, likely involving a heat-seeking AIM-9 Sidewinder series air-to-air missile. Check the video out here: New footage shows a Kuwaiti F/A-18C downing a U.S. Air Force F-15E at close range with what appears to be an AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile on March 2. pic.twitter.com/OZ1vIuOtzq OSINTWarfare (@OSINTWarfare) March 6, 2026 It was initially rumored that a ground-based air defense system, such as the Patriot, which is present in Kuwait, took the F-15Es out. However, the earlier video footage of one of the jets spiraling to the ground suggested it was an air-to-air engagement, based on the damage to the aircraft. At 11:03 p.m. ET, March 1, three U.S. F-15E Strike Eagles flying in support of Operation Epic Fury went down over Kuwait due to an apparent friendly fire incident. Read more:https://t.co/i2y3Q3vo2E U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 2, 2026 The new video is also in line with our original assessment of the likely cause of the shootdowns, namely, tail-aspect missile shots made by smaller-yield weapons. As we noted at the time, under certain circumstances, if the Hornet employed passive heat-seeking missiles (AIM-9), the F-15E pilots may not have known they were being engaged until the weapon detonated. Footage of an F-15 falling out of the sky this morning over Kuwait, in an apparent friendly fire incident involving the U.S. Air Force. pic.twitter.com/GQvryfJ4C4 OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 2, 2026 A U.S. F-15 fighter jet appears to have been mistakenly shot down over Kuwait. The pilots ejected and survived. pic.twitter.com/OYse6Xj3JW AMK Mapping (@AMK_Mapping_) March 2, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement The video clearly shows one of the F-15Es after being hit, with part of its rear portion burning brightly, and the same aircraft in a flat spin toward the ground. You can also see the two crew members ejecting. The F/A-18 is also seen, toward the top of the frame. For at least part of the engagement, the F/A-18 and F-15E are clearly in the same frame and are in close proximity. An experienced former F/A-18 pilot talked to TWZ about the event and the new video, and concluded that the incident is, altogether, very strange. I have genuinely no idea how someone could make this mistake, the ex-Hornet driver continued. Unless its something procedural and GCI [ground-control intercept] has messed up, talked him on, and hes seen what he wanted to see but even thats bordering on implausible. Three Kuwait Air Force F/A-18C/D Hornets during Exercise Storm of 2017 in Jahra, Kuwait on January 17, 2017. Photo by Jaber Abdulkhaleg/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Anadolu Undoubtedly, the challenge of deconfliction of friend from foe in a very complex war zone is a significant one, as we outlined previously. At the same time, the threat from Iranian aircraft was, at the time, real. Also this week, a Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15QA shot down a pair of Iranian Su-24 Fencer strike aircraft that were inbound to attack the sprawling air base at Al Udeid. Advertisement Advertisement While the cause of the friendly-fire incident remains unclear, the chance to see such an aerial engagement is remarkable in itself, especially the very rare sight of a modern fighter firing one of its air-to-air missiles in an operational context. A video shows a U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagle fighter jet destroying a towed target at very close range with one of its Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, during a live-fire exercise over the Atlantic Ocean on December 8, 2020: The same former Hornet driver also explained exactly how a short-range AIM-9 Sidewinder missile would be fired from the jet in a WVR scenario: Youd be in air-to-air master mode and bring up the weapon using HOTAS [hands on throttle and stick controls]. You rock a castle switch that puts you in Sidewinder mode. From there, you can select your radar scan mode, again using HOTAS. Now you have a weapon looking for an infrared signature and a radar looking for a target. In a combat mode, the radar will latch/form a track almost immediately. The weapon system then cues the Sidewinder to the radar track, and so long as its within the weapons kinematic capabilities, youll get a SHOOT cue. The weapon then leaves on trigger press. Advertisement Advertisement You can also just point and shoot with a Sidewinder, but then your radar isnt giving you any info, so you risk a shot that cant make it. In such a scenario, it is conceivable that the F/A-18 pilot might have accidentally launched a missile that then found its target, the same pilot agreed, but that would not explain the three friendly-fire kills. Once, yes. Twice, no way. Thrice? It is worth bearing in mind that there have been previous incidents of friendly-fire shootdowns, even when a visual ID had been conducted. This happened in 1994, when two U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle fighters shot down two U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters over Iraq, killing 26. Perhaps the Kuwaiti pilot thought they had encountered Iranian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters, but, again, to make the same mistake three times over seems highly improbable, especially at close range. U.S. military personnel inspect the wreckage of a Black Hawk helicopter in the Northern Iraq No-Fly Zone during Operation Provide Comfort, on April 15 or 16, 1994. U.S. Air Force Another fighter pilots analysis, seen in video below, questions whether the Kuwaiti pilot might even have gone rogue against an ally. That actually seems possible based on the evidence, but it is hard to believe. Ultimately, based on the latest video and the limited reports so far, its still far from clear how this costly incident happened. A friendly-fire kill involving a longer-range weapon would be more believable, but the within-visual-range nature of this engagement is bizarre, to say the least. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com La Vergne leaders told Nashville Electric Service officials March 3 to improve services after 2,748 people lost power as a result of Winter Storm Fern. La Vergne Mayor Jason Cole questioned NES representatives on why the Nashville utility was unable to restore power sooner for local customers, including households that average about 2.5 people. "That's a lot of people sitting in the dark," Cole told the representatives during a recent La Vergne Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. Advertisement Advertisement "And this is a vulnerable community, and we want them to be able to have the services, especially in this type of weather event." Outages impacted 25% of the 11,000 NES customers in the central and northern parts of the city, including Lake Forest Estates, the largest subdivision in Tennessee, said Cole, who serves the city of about 42,000 residents. January storm: Snow and temperatures below 20 make driving risky in Rutherford County La Vergne residents served by MTE had no outage issues Jeff Pulley, a journeyman lineman with Nashville Electric Service, rebuilds a power pole circuit on Ashford Avenue in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Pulley is one of the many linemen who worked through the ice storm in January. City residents on the south side, southwest of Interstate 24, are served by Murfreesboro-based Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE). They faced no outages, even though the storm knocked down tree limbs and caused one road to shut down, Cole said. Advertisement Advertisement "But it took no lines out," Cole said. NES officials who were present at the meeting included Brent Baker, executive vice president and chief operating officer; Kevin Phelps, vice president over power systems operations; and Antonio Carroll, an attorney who's part of the utility's government relations team. NES responded to a severe ice storm with more than 230,000 customers without power, topping a previous high of 150,000 outages, Phelps said. "This storm affected over 320,000 of our 462,000 customers," Phelps said. NES had nearly 1,900 line workers and another 350 vegetation workers, Phelps said. Advertisement Advertisement "We've never had to scale up to this volume before," Phelps said. Helping homeless from cold weather: Ministries provide snowstorm shelter at downtown Murfreesboro churches 'so no one suffers' Mayor wants more communication from NES Jason Cole The mayor told NES officials the utility should improve communication with the city the way his government's Public Works staff tells police and firefighters about efforts to clear the roads. Cole also noted the March 3 meeting was the first time he's heard from NES in his eight years as mayor and two years prior to that as an alderman. Alderman Carol Haas suggested NES could have shifted crews to La Vergne sooner given "our roads were clear thanks to our public works guys." Advertisement Advertisement "Our roads were ready for the trucks to come in and get our power up," Haas said. Carol Haas Impact of storm Rutherford County Schools reverse course, plan 5th snow day Jan. 30 Alderman Hobbs questions NES priorities Alderman Kara Hobbs asked if NES gave the more affluent Brentwood a higher priority when it came to responding to outages than La Vergne. Brentwood had a median household income of $182,088 in 2024, the most recent figures available, while La Vergne's was $81,313, according to U.S. Census Bureau online records. Baker, the NES chief operating officer, told Hobbs that priority is based on restoring power to the most customers in the most effective way. Advertisement Advertisement "There's no consideration for demographics," Baker said. Voters elect new aldermen in 2022: La Vergne's certified election shows Hobbs winning by 3 votes for her seat La Vergne wants representation on NES board La Vergne officials also said they want representation on the NES board if the Nashville utility continues to serve the city. "It's important that customers have representation at the governing level for NES for their communities, so that all customer voices are heard verses just those in Nashville," Cole told The Daily News Journal after the meeting. NES representatives promised to improve communication and services for La Vergne while letting state and Nashville officials consider the utility's governing board make up. Advertisement Advertisement Those in attendance for the meeting included Rutherford County Commissioners Laura Davidson, Hope Oliver and Phil Wilson. All three serve constituents in La Vergne. Who's campaigning in 2026? Candidates qualify for key races in Rutherford County for mayor, sheriff, commission, school board 2 TN lawmakers want MTE to take over all La Vergne services NES Vice President and Chief Customer Innovation Officer Brent Baker discusses the severe storm and its impact on residents during a media briefing at the mayors office in the Davidson County Public Building and Court House Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. The region is coping with ice, power outages and freezing temperatures from the storm. In addition to the meeting, NES and MTE top officials and Mayor Cole have heard from Republican state Reps. Mike Sparks and Robert Stevens through a letter on the utility issues. The lawmakers urged NES to allow Murfreesboro-based MTE to take over all services in La Vergne. "The public outcry in our community against NES has grown substantially," the letter from the lawmakers said. "We believe it is in the best interests of our constituents that their electrical needs be serviced by a provider in the same county to better address their needs." Advertisement Advertisement Uility pitches economic development: Middle TN Electric hopes to attract corporate HQ to settle on 117-acres of undeveloped land Lawmakers also ask for NES to change board makeup If MED is unable to take over all of the services in La Vergne, the letter from the lawmakers asks "that representatives of each city and county serviced by NES outside of Davidson County be allowed a seat on the board of directors." "Right now, areas outside of Davidson County do not have any say on who the board members of NES are," the letter said. "As you are aware, MTE has elections across its service area for cooperative members to elect leaders. This is a superior system to political appointees made by the mayor elected by the citizens of just one political boundary in the service area." Advertisement Advertisement City faces fall internet challenge: La Vergne cyber incident means government meetings without livestreaming, other service limits Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: La Vergne demands more of Nashville Electric Service after ice storm A large investigation has prompted the closure of a street in a Massachusetts town on Friday afternoon. Exchange Street in Milford will be shut down until further notice while the towns police and fire departments conduct an investigation. Police warned the public that traffic is being diverted from Main Street to Pine Street at Lincoln Square and from Main Street to Park Street at Draper Park. Video captured by a Boston 25 News photographer showed a slew of emergency vehicles blocking the area. Advertisement Advertisement There were no additional details immediately available. Boston 25 News has a crew headed to the scene and is working to learn more information. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department identified the man accused of shooting and killing a woman and a toddler Monday. On March 3, the Ogden City Police Department and Utah Highway Patrol arrested 22-year-old Ziaire Ham in Utah, according to Metro police. 8 News Now first reported the arrest Tuesday, after he allegedly stole a vehicle in Phoenix, Arizona, according to 8 News Now sources. Ham was arrested by Roy City Police officers for reckless driving after a pursuit with officers. Ziarie Jacob Ham, a double-murder suspect out of Las Vegas,(Courtesy: Ogden City Police Department) Ziarie Jacob Ham, a double-murder suspect out of Las Vegas, and the vehicle he was driving. (Courtesy: Ogden City Police Department) Ogden police and Metro police believe a handgun was discarded by Ham in Ogden City, Utah. Advertisement Advertisement >>Download the 8 News Now Vegas streaming app On March 2, around 9 p.m., in the 1100 block of Victoria Medici Street, near Starr Avenue and Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas Metro officers were conducting an unrelated traffic stop when they heard several gunshots in the area, according to Metro police. Those officers then got into their patrol vehicle and drove to the area where they believed the gunfire was coming from. As they turned into the area, they found a vehicle that had several impacts from gunfire on it, police said. Utah police arrest possible suspect in Las Vegas double homicide that killed toddler Advertisement Advertisement As officers approached the vehicle, they found a woman, identified as 20-year-old Danaijha Robinson, and a young toddler, identified as 1yearold Nhalani Hiner, inside. Both were hit by gunfire and police rendered aid until medical personnel arrived. Las Vegas Metro police investigate double homicide near Starr Avenue and Dean Martin Drive on Monday, March 2, 2026. (Mark Mutchler/KLAS) Both victims were taken to a local hospital, where staff pronounced both Robinson and Hiner dead, police said. 1yearold girl identified in Monday night double homicide Before shooting the woman and toddler, the Ham allegedly tried to steal the car they were sitting in on Monday night, according to 8 News Now sources. Robinson was watching a friends toddler at the time of the shooting, according to a GoFundMe set up by the victims family. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney identifies woman killed in Las Vegas double homicide that left toddler dead On March 3, Ham was arrested by police in the Salt Lake City area after a chase on charges of receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle, failure to respond to an officers signal to stop, and reckless driving, according to the Ogden Police Department. Ogden Police seeking discarded handgun after Las Vegas murder suspect arrested in Utah He was booked into the Weber County Jail for his charges out of Utah and will also be charged with open murder with the use of a deadly weapon, and will be extradited back to Las Vegas. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The U.S. Army spontaneously canceled a training exercise for an elite team this week, raising concerns that the soldiers may soon be expected to deploy to Iran. The headquarters element of the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, pulled out of a major training exercise earlier this week. The brigade is a rapid-reaction paratrooper division, comprising up to 5,000 soldiers that are capable of deploying anywhere in the world within 18 hours. They are specialized in missions that include parachute assault, reinforcing U.S. embassies, and enabling emergency evacuations. The rest of the 82nd Division continued training at Fort Polk in Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Deployment orders had not been issued as of Friday, military officials told The Washington Post. The unidentified Army men noted to the Post that the division is expected to deploy a helicopter unit to the Middle East, a plan set before the war began, though that wont happen until later in the spring. Nonetheless, military officials are steeling themselves for the worst. Were all preparing for somethingjust in case, one official familiar with the issue told the Post. A spokesperson for the Army referred the Post to a statement that read: Due to operations security we do not discuss future or hypothetical movements. Advertisement Advertisement Talk of escalating the conflict with Iran has ramped up in recent days among chief White House officials, at times in a remarkably disaffected way. The president declared on Friday that he wants unconditional surrender from Iran, and would not negotiate a peace deal without it. Republicans are discussing the potentially unavoidable reality of a U.S. ground invasion in Iran; meanwhile, Iranian officials have already said they are confident the country could counter a U.S. ground invasion. When asked by Time if Americans should be worried about Iran attacking them on U.S. soil, Donald Trump responded: I guess. But I think theyre worried about that all the time, he continued. We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah, you know, we expect some things. Like I said, some people will die. When you go to war, some people will die. Advertisement Advertisement The self-titled peace president has so far used his second term to sweep foreign cities, massacre foreign leadership, and indiscriminately bomb civilian targets, such as elementary schools in Tehran. So far, six U.S. soldiers have been killed in the conflict, as have more than 20 Iranian officials, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Eighteen American soldiers have also been seriously injured. More than 1,200 Iranian civilians have been killed, including 176 children, dozens of whom were bombed at a girls school in south Iran. The conflict entered its seventh day on Friday. Trump has still not directly addressed the American people on the issue. By Juby Babu March 4 (Reuters) - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said the latest investments in OpenAI and Anthropic might be the chipmaker's last in those companies, as the AI companies prepare to go public this year. The opportunity to invest $100 billion in OpenAI is probably not in the cards as the ChatGPT creator is set to go public later this year, Huang said at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom conference on Wednesday. Nvidia and OpenAI had announced a $100 billion deal in September last year. Nvidia has instead finalized a $30 billion investment in OpenAI, which might be the last time it has the opportunity to "invest in a consequential company like this," Huang said. OpenAI is laying the groundwork for an IPO that could value the company at up to $1 trillion, Reuters exclusively reported last year. Nvidia's $10 billion investment in Anthropic probably will be the last as well, Huang added. The startup is reportedly looking to go public this year. Anthropic, which is embroiled in a dispute with the Pentagon, has said it has not finalized an IPO decision. OpenAI and Anthropic did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The Financial Times reported in February that Nvidia and OpenAI had abandoned their $100 billion deal amid doubts about the health of the AI sector. Some analysts had raised concerns about the circular arrangement, as the large investment in Anthropic would have made Nvidia a major investor in one of its biggest customers and the money it would pour into the startup was likely to be spent on its own AI processors. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) Channel 9, along with Action 9 Attorney Jason Stoogenke, held its annual Lawyers on Call event on Friday. The event allowed residents to speak with North Carolina-licensed attorneys for free and confidential legal advice. The program was sponsored by the North Carolina Bar Foundation to help connect the public with legal professionals. ALSO READ: Finish this marathon: Action 9s Jason Stoogenke sworn in as new attorney Advertisement Advertisement According to the North Carolina State Bar, nearly half of the states counties are classified as legal deserts, meaning they have less than one lawyer per 1,000 residents. While many of these areas are rural, the Charlotte area also shows a high demand for legal assistance. Harrison Lord is one of the North Carolina attorneys who volunteers for the event each year. Lord said the program allows legal professionals to fulfill their primary career goals. Its my favorite day of the year to be a lawyer... Lord said. Its an opportunity to do the things that we all went to law school to do. To help people. To give back to our communities. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the event connected 3,184 callers with legal volunteers. Lord noted that the inquiries cover a wide variety of legal fields. This year, 3,291 people in the Charlotte area called, creating a new record. VIDEO: Finish this marathon: Action 9s Jason Stoogenke sworn in as new attorney EDINBURG The Texas Supreme Court pondered how far the state can go in limiting access to a public beach during oral arguments Thursday in a case involving the closure of Boca Chica Beach for SpaceXs rocket launches. Rio Grande Valley environmentalist and indigenous groups are suing the Texas General Land Office and Cameron County over a law, passed in 2013, that allows some counties to temporarily close a beach for space flight activities. The lawsuit is among multiple waged over the years between local advocates and SpaceX as the space exploration company has continued to expand its physical footprint and the frequency of its rocket launches in South Texas. Both, activists argue, have caused harm to the local environment and impeded the publics ability to access a beach that has to be closed off for safety when SpaceX is conducting its test launches. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration authorized SpaceX to launch rockets up to 25 times per year, up from the five times per year the company was previously allowed. The launches cause a closure of the roughly 8-mile long beach that lies adjacent to the SpaceX launch pad. Attorneys representing the groups Save RGV, the Sierra Club and the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas centered on the Open Beaches Amendment to the Texas Constitution that grants the public an unrestricted right to use public beaches. The state, however, argued that the amendment did not guarantee every person access to every Gulf Coast beach at all times. It is a more limited right, said Beth Klusmann, deputy solicitor general for the Texas Attorney Generals Office. The question, of course, then is what are those limits. Advertisement Advertisement Klusmann argued that all property is subject to Texas valid exercise of police power and that the 2013 law Texas House Bill 2623 fell within that power because it is meant to protect people during rocket launches and furthers the states interest in the space industry. The justices questioned Klusmann on what would constitute the state going too far in restricting access to the beach, to which she replied that a blanket elimination of access to the beach would be a violation of the Constitution. Justice Evan A. Young asked if the state would be going too far if SpaceX launches necessitated a closure of the beach for 365 days out of the year. I think 365 days probably would exceed the police power in this case given the obvious interest of the people in enacting this amendment and putting it in the Constitution, but were nowhere near 365 days, Klusmann said. Advertisement Advertisement The court also asked why the use of unrestricted right in the Open Beaches Amendment, when it comes to the publics access to the beach, should not be considered as a limit on Texas police power. Klusmann pointed to a previous court opinion that stated that unrestricted use of property did not mean it was not subject to the police power. I could give someone the unrestricted use of my backyard but the cities can still come in and say you cant put a gas station there, she said. Attorney Marisa Perales, who represented the environmentalist and indigenous groups, was asked by the justices why this use of police power, through HB 2623, was invalid in her clients eyes. Perales said the purpose of the Open Beaches Amendment was to provide an unrestricted right of access to the beach, though she acknowledged there are some limits. Advertisement Advertisement Wheres that line? Justice Debra H. Lehrmann asked. Perales couldnt specify where that line would be, but said the restrictions set by the state through HB 2623 should not be allowed because the beach closures were being done to facilitate a hazardous activity that puts the public in danger in the first place. But Lehrmann suggested there were other instances in which the government could be conducting dangerous activity that needed to be off limits to the public.. So I dont know that thats a sufficient answer, Lehrmann said. Justice Young asked if SpaceX were to only conduct one launch per year, would her argument be the same. Perales said their argument, based on the plain language of the Constitution,would be the same. Advertisement Advertisement Perales said the plain text would also prohibit state law enforcement from directing a training or simulation of a beach attack on the beach that excluded the public. However, she said that an analysis of whether that was a valid exercise of police power could apply, allowing that to go forward. There were also questions from justices about whether private residents were allowed to file a legal challenge in this case. An attorney representing Cameron County, James P. Allison, argued that the Open Beaches Act of the Texas Constitution did not create a private right of enforcement, meaning that private citizens should not be able to challenge the law. Justice Jimmy Blacklock said there might be an argument that the lack of private enforcement renders the provision useless because it cannot be enforced. To that, Sullivan said that was incorrect because state agencies would still be allowed to file challenges in court. Advertisement Advertisement However, Justice Jane N. Bland asked that if it is the state that is alleged to have violated the Constitution and the state is the only one with the right of enforcement, how would they remedy the states violation of the Constitution. Allison did not directly answer the question, saying they could only apply the language of the Constitution. Asked if local governments, like counties, could sue, Allison said they would have that power. However, Perales pointed out in this case it was the county, along with the GLO, who were the ones impeding access to the beach and argued that a private citizen can sue the government to rectify a constitutional violation. Advertisement Advertisement Reporting in the Rio Grande Valley is supported in part by the Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. Disclosure: Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. and the Texas General Land Office have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Mar. 6The Libby Park District has dropped its plans to seek a levy to finish work at the swim pond. The district was going to piggyback on the special purpose district election for school trustees in May, but after those elections didn't have enough candidates and were cancelled, the cost to be on the ballot would have been borne by parks. Park District president Jim Germany said at Wednesday's county commission meeting that and other things, including the flood-damaged diversion channel that takes water from Libby Creek to feed the ponds, was enough to scuttle their plans for 2026. At the county commissioners Feb. 9 meeting, they approved a resolution to place a special purpose district election on the May 5 ballot, the same day school trustee elections are held. An approved levy would have pumped about $74,000 into the park district budget that it says will allow it to operate and maintain the swim pond on an annual basis. Officials also said the money would help manage and maintain other recreational facilities and trails within the school district. The district's first attempt at building a swim pond in 2025 left little more than a hole in the ground with a heavy liner and muddy water. The tab for that was between $125,000 and $150,000, according to former Park Manager Adam Noble. Noble no longer works for the county and the Park District is hoping voters in the Libby School District support a property tax increase to finish the work sometime this year. The Park District currently has a levy that generates $11,500 per year. The proposed levy was first discussed at the Jan. 6 Libby Park District meeting. District member Tina Oliphant said another problem at the location was the diversion channel that takes water from Libby Creek to feed the ponds was damaged during the Dec. 11-12 flood. Swim pond construction last year was in response to area residents continued desire to have a local pool. But a lack of financial resources made a traditional pool undoable. A number of community members have supported the swim pond effort, including Lincoln County Credit Union, the LOR Foundation and money from the county and park district. The Lincoln County Port Authority also contributed $7,000 so the rest of the liner could be covered in sand, allowing it to be filled with water. Dozens of volunteers helped place the 5,000-pound liner in the hole May 31, 2025. The pool's dimensions are about 220-feet by 150-feet. It will be five feet depth. Officials said Montana law dictates that water deeper than five feet would require a lifeguard. Work began nearly a year ago when Libby-based Thompson Contracting began to dig the hole. But after they opted to not finish the work, the board opted to hire Urdahl Contracting of Libby to finish the work. Board members said Thompson didn't accept payment for the work. The county road crew has also worked on the project. Officials said county labor may have saved between $30,000 and $50,000. AMERICAN TOWNSHIP A group of stores behind the Lima Mall has a new owner, but nothing major should change there, a company official said Thursday. Lima Center LLC sold the 22.5 acres at 2720 Elida Road, Lima, for $19.5 million to Lima Tov LLC, with the deed recorded Monday, according to records from the Allen County Recorders Office. The property includes retailers such as Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx and Kohls. While it will have a new owner, no major changes are expected, said Moses Kaiser, who is listed as the manager for Lima Tov, headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y. Advertisement Advertisement The plan is to pretty much keep it the way it is, Kaiser said. There are no major changes planned. The strip of retailers also included a Jo-Ann Fabrics store from 1992 until that chain closed its nearly 500 stores nationwide last May. Dollar Tree opened a store in that location in September 2025. Buckle moved from the Lima Mall into Lima Center in November 2024. The shopping center also includes retailers such as Five Below, Ulta Beauty, Shoe Carnival and Cato. Service providers in the plaza include #1 Nails and SVS Vision Optical Center. In 1978, a group built a 47,896-square-foot shopping center on the plot, near a 12,732-square-foot theater on the property. In 2002, the 86,643-square-foot Kohls property opened, with the T.J.Maxx opening its 30,727 square feet in 2005. Advertisement Advertisement The sale ends a long connection between Lima and the former Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, of Youngstown, which broke ground for the Lima Mall in 1965. That organization bought the former Lima Plaza Associates in April 1994. That company was acquired by Simon Property Group in 1996, which held onto both the Lima Mall and Lima Center for years before spinning off into Washington Prime Group. Washington Prime Group sold the Lima Mall to New York-based Kohan Retail Investment Group for $12 million in 2023 before turning it over to Maryland-based Rocky Company. A Target store is under construction on the west end of the mall now. Washington Prime Group announced in 2025 it planned to sell all of its malls and shopping centers and lay off all employees at its Columbus-based headquarters, leading to the eventual sale of Lima Center. Reach David Trinko at 567-242-0467 or on Twitter/X @Lima_Trinko. LIMA A Lima man who broke into the home of his ex-girlfriends family last summer was sentenced Thursday to four years of community control on a third-degree felony charge of burglary. Nazareth Mitchell, 21, was also referred by Allen County Common Pleas Court Judge Terri Kohlrieser for commitment to the WORTH Center treatment facility in Lima and was ordered to complete mental health court and any other counseling programs recommended by his probation officer. Mitchell was indicted by an Allen County grand jury in August on a second-degree felony charge of burglary. In February, he entered into a plea deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of burglary. Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, officers with the Lima Police Department were dispatched to a city residence on July 26. The homeowner said her doorbell camera showed Mitchell kicking in the front door of her home at approximately 12:10 p.m. An indoor camera showed Mitchell punching the victims television and causing it to break. The homeowner said Mitchell also took a box of shoes before leaving the residence. Three hours later, Mitchell was located in the 400 block of South Main Street and was taken into custody. Assistant Allen County Prosecutor Cecily Stewart said Mitchell has an extensive history of juvenile adjudications but no convictions as an adult. Assistant Public Defender Megan McLean said her client has an extreme mental health history which she believes contributed to the events. McLean said Mitchell is now on medication that has stabilized his mental condition. Mitchell apologized to the judge for his actions, saying, I did it; I want to take accountability for my actions. Advertisement Advertisement The Lima man underwent a court-ordered competency evaluation in September at the Forensic Psychiatry Center for Western Ohio in Dayton. He was found presently incompetent to stand trial but likely restorable with proper treatment. He was ordered to undergo treatment at the Northwest Ohio Behavioral health care facility in Toledo. Doctors in January of this year determined that Mitchell was competent to stand trial. The Florida Bar has launched an ethics probe into Lindsey Halligan, a former personal attorney for President Donald Trump whom he attempted to install as a powerful federal prosecutor in a bid to pursue criminal charges against his perceived political enemies. A liberal legal advocacy group, Campaign for Accountability, disclosed Thursday that it received a letter from the Florida Bar stating that it has an open investigation into Halligan. The brief letter, first reported by The New York Times, did not provide details about the inquiry. Halligan did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the investigation or the bar letter, which was dated Feb. 4 and indicates she was also sent a copy. Advertisement Advertisement A judge ruled in November that Halligans appointment as the interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was illegal because federal law allows the attorney general to fill such a vacancy on a temporary basis for no more than 120 days and that period had expired before Halligan was appointed. U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie also threw out two high-profile criminal indictments Halligan obtained during her tenure: a case charging former FBI Director James Comey with obstruction of Congress and a case charging New York Attorney General Letitia James with mortgage fraud. Despite that ruling, Halligan continued to claim the U.S. attorney post and prosecutors in that office continued to file pleadings under her name and that title. That troubled several judges in the district. Trump appointee David Novak said Halligans ongoing claim to the post could constitute a false or misleading statement, in violation of bar rules. Accusing her of engaging in a charade and of "masquerading" in a position she had been deemed not to hold, Novak barred Halligan from using that title in any court filings. Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear precisely what issues the Florida Bar is investigating. A complaint sent to the bar last month by Campaign for Accountability noted Novaks complaints and accused Halligan of continuing to engage in conduct barred by federal law and the constitution. The complaint also noted concerns expressed by a magistrate judge that Halligan may have misrepresented the lawto the grand jury that indicted Comey. The Justice Department is continuing to appeal the ruling disqualifying Halligan and tossing out the prosecutions of Comey and James. The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals has not yet scheduled arguments on those matters. Washington The Florida Bar said Friday that there is no pending investigation of Lindsey Halligan, the former interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, after previously sending a letter saying one was underway. In a letter to the Campaign for Accountability dated Feb. 4, the bar, when asked about Halligan's actions as interim U.S. attorney, wrote, "We are aware of these developments and have been monitoring them closely. We already have an investigation pending." But a spokesperson for the organization said Friday that it is merely "monitoring" proceedings related to Halligan, and that the letter "erroneously" stated she was under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement "There is no such pending Bar investigation of Lindsay Halligan," the new statement said. "In this case, The Florida Bar received a complaint against Lindsay [sic] Halligan and, consistent with standard practice, the Bar is monitoring the ongoing legal proceedings underlying the complaint." Halligan led cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, both of which were ultimately dismissed when a federal judge found her appointment to the post to be unlawful and in violation of the Constitution. The Campaign for Accountability filed the initial complaint that prompted the bar's letter. "CfA has not heard directly from the Florida Bar, but it's hard to reconcile this latest statement with the bar counsel's previous letter saying there is an investigation pending," said Michelle Kuppersmith, the group's executive director. "If there is no longer an investigation into Halligan, the question is why not, given that three judges indicated she engaged in conduct that appears to violate ethics rules." Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie ruled in November that Halligan's appointment as interim U.S. attorney violated the Constitution's Appointments Clause and a federal law governing U.S. attorney vacancies. Because of the finding, Currie ordered criminal cases against Comey and James to be dismissed. The Justice Department appealed the decision, but it has not asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit to freeze Currie's ruling while it considers the appeal. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in January that Halligan departed the Justice Department after a federal judge barred her from referring to herself as a U.S. attorney in court filings, finding her continued use of the title ignored a "binding court order" that disqualified her from the position in 2025. CBS News has reached out to Halligan for comment. Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect that the Florida Bar now says no investigation is underway and that its previous letter erroneously said otherwise. Advertisement Advertisement Noem aide Corey Lewandowski had contentious call with Trump after Senate hearing, sources say Watch: Kristi Noem speaks minutes after Trump announces he's removing her as DHS secretary Watch: Kristi Noem Senate hearing moment that may have led to ouster as DHS secretary Lithuania's intelligence services believe that Russia is expanding its military units along the border with NATO, giving them combat experience in Ukraine and preparing to potentially use them as centres in a conflict with the Alliance after the war in Ukraine. Source: Lithuanian intelligence in its annual security threat assessment, European Pravda reports, citing Reuters Details: Along the entire border with NATO, brigades are being expanded into divisions, new military formations are being created, and military infrastructure is being developed in Kaliningrad Oblast, which is part of the Leningrad Military District. Advertisement Advertisement According to the intelligence assessment, most of the newly formed units of the Russian Armed Forces are not fully staffed and are being created gradually due to a shortage of personnel, military equipment and infrastructure. The newly formed units and the equipment intended for them are not kept at their permanent bases but are sent to take part in combat operations against Ukraine. If sanctions are lifted, Russia could be ready for a "wide-scale military conflict" with NATO within six years, the assessment says. "Russia would likely create not only a 30-50 per cent larger armythan it had before the war but also a relatively modern one. Strategic reserves of weapons and ammunition would be fully restored. Russia would be ready for a conventional military conflict with NATO," the Lithuanian intelligence report states. Shifting the balance of power in Europe in its favour and the complete subjugation of Ukraine remain Russia's main objectives, the report says. Advertisement Advertisement Russia's defence industrial base has been expanded with the help of China, allowing Moscow to reduce its dependence on Western technologies. After the war, the surplus of weapons will lead to "consequences for global security," the report notes. The report also mentions parcel explosions in 2024, which Lithuanian officials blamed on Russian secret services. Lithuanian intelligence believes that as long as Russia devotes most of its resources to the war against Ukraine, its ability to pose a direct military threat to Lithuania and other NATO countries remains limited. Background: Recently, Estonia's intelligence service said in its annual report that Russia has no intention of launching a military attack on any NATO state this year or next year, but will continue rebuilding its armed forces, fearing European rearmament. At the end of February, Poland's Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski warned that Russian aggression against countries on NATO's eastern flank would cost those states very dearly. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Overnight snow in Fort Collins and the surrounding area was a welcome sight for many in the midst of one of the driest winters on record in Northern Colorado. But it did create problems for some people through highway and school closures. Here are storm updates for March 6, with the most recent updates added to the top of the below section. How much snow is expected in Denver? Here's what we know Denver is under a winter weather advisory March 6, with two to four inches of snow and 35-mile-per-hour wind gusts expected in Denver, its western suburbs, Byers and Boulder, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement The advisory is in effect until 8 p.m. Drivers should prepare for slippery and slushy road conditions on their evening commutes, per the weather service. Erin Udell As US 287 reopens, CO 392 closes at Windsor U.S. Highway 287 north of Fort Collins reopened around 11 a.m. March 6, but drivers should still be wary of icy spots, patchy blowing snow and further snow accumulation, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. The initial closure stretched from Colorado Highway 14 (Poudre Canyon Highway) at Teds Place north to the Wyoming state line, according to CDOTs website and past Coloradoan reporting. At the same time, Colorado Highway 392 was closed in both directions between Rea Parkway and Highland Hills Drive in Windsor due to a crash. Drivers are being told to expect delays, according to an 11 a.m. update from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Advertisement Advertisement For updated road conditions, visit Cotrip.org. Erin Udell NWS: After 2-4 inches, snowfall tapering off in Fort Collins Snowfall in the Fort Collins area has started winding down and will likely end by mid-afternoon March 6, National Weather Service forecaster Paul Schlatter told the Coloradoan around 9:45 a.m. The weather service has received reports of anywhere between two and four inches of snowfall around the area, which Schlatter said is expected to see a high of 35 degrees and a low of 15 degrees as temperatures dip into the evening. The sun is expected to make its grand return March 7, with bright, sunny and warmer weather and a high around 52 degrees expected in the Fort Collins area, Schlatter said. The next chance for moisture may come on March 17, when a 20% chance of light rain makes an appearance in Fort Collins' upcoming weather forecast. Advertisement Advertisement Erin Udell Poudre School District mountain schools closed Poudre School District's three mountain elementary schools were closed March 6 because of weather conditions and the closure of U.S. Highway 287 north of Fort Collins. Families of students and staff at the schools Livermore, Red Feather and Stove Prairie elementaries were notifed of the closure in an early morning email that was shared with the Coloradoan by PSD spokesperson John Cope. All other PSD schools were open, as scheduled. Kelly Lyell Adverse weather closes US Highway 287 north of Fort Collins U.S. Highway 287 north of Fort Collins was closed March 6 because of snow and other adverse weather conditions, the Colorado Department of Transportation reported. Advertisement Advertisement The closure was from Colorado Highway 14 (Poudre Canyon Highway) at Teds Place north to the Wyoming state line, according to CDOTs website. The original closure overnight was because of weather conditions in Wyoming, according to CDOTs social-media posts. An early morning update just before 6 a.m. said the closure was due to safety concerns because of adverse conditions between Colorado Highway 14 and the Wyoming state line. There was no word on when the highway might reopen. - Kelly Lyell This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Live updates for March 6 snowstorm in Colorado, Fort Collins The Brief The conflict in Iran continued to escalate on Friday as President Donald Trump called for the country's unconditional surrender. Missile strikes had begun on a "broad-scale" wave in Tehran early into Saturday morning. The death toll steadily rose and was estimated to be at 1,230 people in Iran, more than 200 in Lebanon and about a dozen in Israel. U.S. Central Command said Thursday that American forces "control the skies by launching from the sea," as it released new video showing its effort "to eliminate the Iranian regime's mobile missile launch capabilities." CENTCOM added that the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group continues "around-the-clock operations" in support of the ongoing Operation Epic Fury. Advertisement Advertisement Here is what happened on Friday: US approves $151M arms sale to Israel 9:19 p.m. ET: The State Department announced late Friday that it approved the sale of 12,000 1,000-pound bombs to Israel. It also said Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined there was an emergency need for the munitions and waived the normal congressional review process. The notice to Congress informing it that lawmakers would be bypassed in the consideration of the sale did not say where Israel intends to use the bombs. "The proposed sale will improve Israels capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats," it said. Trump to attend final transfer of 6 US soldiers killed in Kuwait 9:11 p.m. ET: On his Truth Social platform Friday night, the president said he and first lady Melania Trump would travel to Delaware the following day "to pay our Highest Respect to our Great Warriors, who are returning home for the last time." Advertisement Advertisement The White House had said previously that Trump would attend the dignified transfer of the six U.S. soldiers killed during the conflict in the Middle East. Hegseth responds to Russia helping Iran 6:42 p.m. ET: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in an interview with CBS "60 Minutes" that the U.S. is "tracking everything" and factoring it into battle plans, when asked about reports that U.S. intelligence shows Russia is providing Iran with information that could help it strike American assets in the Middle East. "The American people can rest assured their commander-in-chief is well aware of whos talking to who," Hegseth said. "And anything that shouldnt be happening, whether its in public or back-channeled, is being confronted and confronted strongly." Hegseth also downplayed the possibility that Russias assistance could be putting Americans in harms way. Advertisement Advertisement "Were putting the other guys in danger, and thats our job. So were not concerned about that," he said. "But the only ones that need to be worried right now are Iranians that think theyre gonna live." Trump says US military doing phenomenally 6:28 p.m. ET: The president on Friday told reporters that on a scale of 1 to 10, he would rank the U.S. military's actions in Iran as "a 12 or 15." Bessent: Biggest bombing campaign in Iran yet to come 5:42 p.m. ET: The U.S. Treasury secretary told FOX Business host Larry Kudlow that Friday night would be the United States "biggest bombing campaign" in Iran. U.S. and Israeli officials have said this week that attacks on Iran would increase. Earlier this week Trump told CNN the "big wave is yet to come." Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday that firepower over Tehran would "surge dramatically" through "more bomber pulses more frequently." CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper releases statement 11:42 a.m. ET: U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper released a statement on the CENTCOM X account in response to Iran targeting civilians in 12 countries. The post was shared by War Secretary Hegesth with a comment: "Attacked 12 different countries." But sure, tell us more about how they were gonna negotiate. They were never gonna MAKE A DEAL Statement from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander: pic.twitter.com/4UzS3SyFrh U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026 Trump seeks 'unconditional surrender' from Iran 10:15 a.m. ET: In a Truth Social post Friday, President Trump said there will be no deal with Iran "except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" Advertisement Advertisement "After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before," Trump wrote. "IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)." Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Russia helping Iran with intelligence to target US military, report says 8:51 a.m. ET: According to a report from The Washington Post, Russia is providing Iran with intelligence to attack the U.S. military in the Middle East. It's the first sign that the conflict is expanding to other U.S. adversaries, even if indirectly. Israel says it has struck late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's underground military bunker 7:30 a.m. ET: The IDF says that it has dismantled former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis underground bunker in Tehran. "The underground compound was created by the regime as a base for advancing military activities and its extremist ideologies against the State of Israel and the Western world," the IDF said. "It spanned multiple streets in the heart of Tehran and contained numerous entrances and meeting rooms for senior members of the Iranian terrorist regime." Advertisement Advertisement The fortified compound was directly under where Khamenei and other regime leaders were situated on Saturday morning when almost 50 of them were killed in under 50 seconds during the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a senior Israeli official told Fox News. IDF: 6 Iranian ballistic missile launchers dismantled before launches toward Israel 6:30 a.m. ET: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Friday that the Israeli Air Force dismantled six Iranian ballistic missile launchers "just minutes before they were intended to be launched toward" Israel on Thursday. The action was guided by the Intelligence Directorate, the IDF said, adding that three advanced Iranian defense systems were also dismantled. "The combined effort to deepen the impact on the Iranian regimes firing and defense capabilities has been conducted systematically since the beginning of Operation Rising Lion," the IDF said. CENTCOM releases footage of strike on Iranian drone carrier, says forces 'aren't holding back' U.S. Central Command on Thursday released footage of a strike on an Iranian drone carrier , which it said became engulfed in flames. Advertisement Advertisement "U.S. forces aren't holding back on the mission to sink the entire Iranian Navy," CENTCOM wrote on X. "Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire," the post continued. CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper also mentioned the strike in a Thursday briefing at CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida. U.S. forces aren't holding back on the mission to sink the entire Iranian Navy. Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire. pic.twitter.com/WyA4fniZck U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026 State Department helping Americans leave Middle East countries The U.S. State Department announced it is helping Americans from various parts of the Middle East evacuate, as the conflict with Iran continues. The department issued guidance to Americans in Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement "The U.S. government is ready to help Americans leave the Middle East if you choose to take advantage of the options available," the department said on X. The State Department is assisting Americans 24/7 to depart the Middle East. Americans trying to get home from Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, or Qatar: complete this form to request that we contact you with info on U.S. government-facilitated pic.twitter.com/3kdVANoYLH TravelGov (@TravelGov) March 5, 2026 U.S. Embassy in Kuwait shut down The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait shut down after retaliatory Iranian strikes on the country, becoming the second American diplomatic mission to fully halt work as the war in Iran escalates. Kuwait is also where six American soldiers were killed by an Iranian drone Sunday. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, more than 70 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. House rejects Iran war powers resolution The House narrowly rejected a war powers resolution Thursday to halt Trumps attacks on Iran, an early sign of unease in Congress over the rapidly widening conflict that is reordering U.S. priorities at home and abroad. Advertisement Advertisement The Senate rejected that same resolution the day prior. While the tally in the House, 212-219, was expected to be tight, the outcome provided a clarifying snapshot of political support for, and opposition to, the U.S.-Israel military operation and Trumps rationale for bypassing Congress, which alone has the power to declare war. US and Israel attack Iran The backstory On Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Tehran, and President Donald Trump said the U.S. was starting major combat operations against Iran. The strikes killed the countrys leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , and several other high ranking officials, throwing its leadership into question and raising the risk of regional instability. Big picture view Trump said there were four objectives for the operations: Advertisement Advertisement Destroy Irans missile capabilities Wipe out its naval capacity Stop the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon "Ensure that the Iranian regime cannot continue to arm, fund and direct terrorist armies outside of their borders." This is the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the Islamic Republic during talks over its nuclear program. The Source Information for this article was taken from The Associated Press and previous reporting by FOX Local. This story was reported from Orlando. The oil market came under pressure on Friday after stark warnings raised concerns about further disruptions to global energy flows as the conflict in the Middle East escalated. By early afternoon in Europe, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude had risen more than 6% to above $86 a barrel. International benchmark Brent crude climbed more than 4%, trading above $89 a barrel. Earlier on Friday, Qatars energy minister Saad al-Kaabi warned that Gulf exporters might have to suspend production due to the war and that it will take "weeks to months" to restore deliveries after the Iranian drone strike. In an interview with the Financial Times, he warned that war in the Middle East could bring down the economies of the world, predicting that all Gulf energy exporters would shut down production within days and drive oil to $150 a barrel. Related Markets were also shaken by an attack that forced the shutdown of a US-run oil field in Iraqs autonomous Kurdistan region. As security tensions continue to rise in northern Iraq, explosions were reported near Erbil airport on Friday and an attack forced the shutdown of an oil field operated by US company HKN Energy. The Kurdistan regional governments natural resources ministry said production at the Sarsang oil field in Dohuk province had been halted following the attack. A security source told AFP the strike was carried out using two drones the previous day. The Kurdistan region, which hosts US troops and a major American consulate complex in Erbil, has increasingly been drawn into the wider conflict in the Middle East. In recent days, drones have repeatedly been intercepted over the city. Earlier this week, a source at an oil company in the region told AFP that most foreign energy companies had temporarily suspended production as a precaution. The disruption has added to market fears that escalating conflict in the region could threaten global oil supplies. Its sink or swim time for bills in the Georgia Legislature. Georgias annual lawmaking session is intensifying, and Friday marks a key deadline: Crossover Day, the final day for bills to clear at least the House or the Senate to have a smooth path to becoming law. Typically, that means backroom deals, hurt feelings and lawmakers working late into the night to get their bills across the finish line before time runs out. Advertisement Advertisement Its the usual thing, it piles up at the end, and people get frantic about bills they have, said Columbus Democratic Sen. Ed Harbison. Sen. Ed Harbison. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder Harbison, who recently announced he will not seek re-election, has seen a lot of Crossover Days. He was first elected in 1992. Harbison said that chaotic process serves a purpose. We wait until the last minute to do a lot of things just because they want to make sure they filter out some of the things that are not conducive to good government. It happens, and its going to happen in the future. And its just, I think its a way that weve started to make sure were not (passing legislation) to outlaw the Bulldogs or something like that. We do that and it dies and we get a chance to take a look at it again. Rep. Lynn Smith at the 2026 State of the State address. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder State Rep. Lynn Smith, a Newnan Republican who is also not seeking re-election, agreed. Advertisement Advertisement The way it operates has never changed, she said. Theres a bulk of bills that come up, and theres a lot of debate, and you just have to pay attention because theres an urgency to get certain bills out. And theres always a process. Youve got to present, youve got to debate. Its intense, but its meant to be. Rep. Mack Jackson. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder As the hour grows late on Crossover Day, empty coffee cups and energy drink cans can often be seen piling up on lawmakers desks. But Sandersville Democratic state Rep. Mack Jackson said late nights were more common in the past than they are now. Everything has changed over my career. I came here in 2009, he said. Things have changed, there are different people in here, more bills coming at you, sometimes, especially on Crossover Days. We would have worked longer days and longer nights in the past to try to get some of these bills out before Crossover, but now, things have changed. Its been fewer long nights, we havent had really long nights except two or three times this session, he added. Advertisement Advertisement At stake are proposed laws that could reshape major aspects of life in Georgia, from health care and government transparency to immigration and First Amendment rights. Bills that do not cross over by the final gavel on Friday will be dead for the year mostly. Language from a bill that didnt make the cut can rise from the grave if it is grafted onto a similar bill that did cross over. Rep. Sharon Cooper. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder This year is also the second in Georgias two-year legislative cycle, which means bills that dont become law will not carry over to 2027 and will need to start the entire process anew. But that also means there are bills left lurking from last year that can suddenly reemerge. Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Sharon Cooper, a Marietta Republican who has served since 1997 and recently qualified to run for re-election, said more late bills have been moving than usual and shes ready for Crossover Day to be over. Theres sort of been a drag on the session, and just a little uneasiness, she said. Its not just because its an election year, I have no idea why it is. So I will be glad when the Crossover Day is over and well be talking about the Senate bills that come over, and theyll be taking up ours, and well see what happens. Bills have until April 2 to pass both chambers to make it to the desk of the governor, who can sign bills into law or veto them. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A Lufthansa flight from Munich to Riyadh was forced to divert to Cairo on Friday due to safety concerns amid the conflict in the Middle East. The captain decided to divert to Cairo after consulting with headquarters, said Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr in Frankfurt. "Safety comes first," he added. According to Lufthansa, the Saudi capital's airport was closed at the time of approach. Advertisement Advertisement The fully booked return flight from Saudi Arabia is still set to take place, albeit with a delay. The few passengers on the outbound flight disembarked in Cairo and were then rebooked. The Airbus A350-900 was scheduled to land at the reopened airport in Riyadh on Friday evening to complete the return flight. It is expected to arrive in Munich on Saturday morning. Spohr said that such situations would be seen more frequently in the coming weeks due to the tense security situation in the region. Up to 30,000 holidaymakers travelling with German tour operators were left stranded in the Middle East after the outbreak of the war in Iran last week. Advertisement Advertisement The German government is organizing evacuation flights from Oman and Riyadh, while limited commercial services have resumed from the United Arab Emirates. The affected Lufthansa flight was not an evacuation operation. LYNDON, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) A work and meeting space in Lyndonville has been owned by VTSU for the past eight years. But now its being taken over by a business association headquartered in St. Johnsbury. Vermont State University helped launch Do North Coworking as a catalyst for innovation and community connection, and we are proud of what it has become, said Dave Bergh, president of Vermont State University. He said that the Northeastern Vermont Development Association, or NVDA, will be a trusted community partner that will be effective at running the space. Advertisement Advertisement VTSU originally started Do North as a project for its Center for Professional Studies. And the university says itll stay involved, but NVDA plans to build on that foundation by expanding programs and partnerships that support entrepeneurship throughout the region. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. A man accused of killing his friend and then leaving his body in a car outside of South Shore Hospital in late August has been indicted for murder, the district attorney said Friday. Christopher Caron, 42, previously pleaded not guilty to one count of murder in the death of 27-year-old Declan Perry of Portland, Maine, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said in a statement. Caron was ordered held without bail. A Plymouth County Grand Jury has indicted Caron for murder. He will be scheduled to appear for a hearing in Superior Court at a later date. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators with the Plymouth County District Attorneys Offices State Police Detective Unit and local police found that on Aug. 12, 2025, Caron and Perry texted about meeting up in Massachusetts to buy narcotics. On Aug. 22, 2025, Perry traveled to meet up with Caron. Christopher Caron (left), Declan Perry (right) Cruz said the pair drove to Boston where they purchased fentanyl and cocaine before driving back to a home in Scituate. At about 11:49 p.m., prosecutors said Caron performed an internet search for 7-Eleven and Narcan. At approximately 3 a.m., prosecutors said Caron and a female witness allegedly administered three doses of Narcan to Perry. Advertisement Advertisement The female witness fell asleep and awoke at 7 a.m. to find Perry dead, prosecutors said. According to investigators, the female witness asked Caron to get medical assistance for Perry multiple times, but Caron refused. Once he discovered Perry had died, prosecutors allege Caron wrapped his body in blankets and secured it with duct tape. Caron and the female witness moved the body out of the houses basement and tried to move it using a wooden door as a stretcher to put the body inside Perrys Honda Civic, prosecutors allege. Several neighbors told investigators they noticed Caron struggling to move Perrys body and assisted him in getting it into the car, Cruz said. Advertisement Advertisement At about 2:07 p.m. on Aug. 23, 2025, South Shore Hospital reported to Weymouth Police that what appeared to be a dead body was found in the rear seat of a black Honda Civic with a Maine license plate. The Honda was parked in front of the emergency room entrance. A hospital unit coordinator exited the hospital and walked to the Honda, where he found an unresponsive man, determined to be Perry, wrapped in multiple blankets secured with duct tape, prosecutors said. At approximately 2:15 p.m., Perry was pronounced dead. Through surveillance camera footage and interviews, investigators learned that Caron drove Perrys motor vehicle to the hospital and alerted medical staff to the body before fleeing the area. Advertisement Advertisement This led investigators to search the Scituate home and obtain an arrest warrant for Caron. While searching the home, investigators found red and brown stains in the apartment unit and a door with red-brown stains, prosecutors said. State Police also found a bag at the Weymouth home of the female witness that contained a shirt and a sweatshirt with reddish stains, Cruz said. Caron later turned himself in at the Scituate Police Department, a week after Perrys body was found in the backseat of the Honda parked outside the Weymouth hospital. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A man was recently arrested by Atlanta area authorities in connection with the fatal shooting of an Augusta man in January. The Richmond County Sheriffs Office said Isaiah Romont Santos Thomas was taken into custody on March 3 by the MARTA Police Department in Atlanta and has since been transported to the Charles B. Webster Detention Center in Augusta. Thomas faces charges of murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in connection with the death of Miguel Jean Karlos Rodriguez Cruz, according to the Richmond County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement The charges stem from a Jan. 22 incident in the area of Yates Drive at Susan Circle, where Cruz was fatally shot, authorities said. The sheriff's office said the investigation remains ongoing. Double impact: Augusta driver fleeing police on foot hit by two cars This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Man was arrested by Atlanta authorities for alleged killing in Augusta A 40-year-old Branch Twp. man is facing numerous theft, firearm and drug charges stemming from a November incident in the township, according to state police at Schuylkill Haven. Police charged James R. Reed III after they said he violated a protection from abuse order against a woman on Black Diamond Road and stole several items from her home on Nov. 4. When Reed arrived at the address, a male neighbor confronted him, and the two got involved in an altercation that became physical, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Reed fled the scene with the purse, cellphone, cash and two firearms from the residence, according to police. The male witness told police that he had stayed overnight at the home the day of the incident and was woken up by Reed. He said that when he went outside, the defendant punched him in the face. Police later apprehended Reed in Minersville and executed a search warrant on his vehicle. Among the items found were a handgun, a pair of brass knuckles, marijuana and a 28-ounce bag of methamphetamine, police said. Reed is not allowed to possess firearms due to his active PFA, which was issued Oct. 30, according to police. Reed faces felony charges of burglary, possession of firearm prohibited, theft and possession with intent to manufacture/deliver. He also faces misdemeanors of defiant trespass, drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance and offensive weapons. A local man who murdered five people over 40 years ago has died in prison. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Samuel Moreland, 72, passed away at the Corrections Medical Center, according to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) records. He was convicted of murdering five people, including three kids, back in 1985, according to previous News Center7 reports. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement >>RELATED: I-Team: More than 30 years after 5 murdered, Dayton man still alive on death row Moreland was on death row. An I-Team investigation back in 2018 found Moreland was the Miami Valleys longest-running resident on the Ohio prison systems Death Row. Moreland was sentenced to death for the 1985 murders of Glenna Green, Lana Green, and Datrin Talbott, Datwan Talbott, and Voilana Green. >>TIMELINE: Samuel Moreland case >>RELATED STORY: Convicted murderer Samuel Moreland wins right to DNA testing in notorious Dayton case He was previously scheduled to be executed in July 2025. But Governor Mike DeWine moved his execution date to July 2028. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEED TO KNOW A Hawaii resident has died after he entered a closed-off section on the east side of Kilauea caldera within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Feb. 26, according to authorities The volcano did not erupt at the time of the incident Two other incidents involving the volcano also took place last year A 33-year-old man is dead after he entered an off-limits section of a national park in Hawaii, authorities said. In a news release shared on Tuesday, March 3, the National Park Service (NPS) said park personnel responded to the area on the east side of Kilauea caldera within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Feb. 26. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said that search and rescue operations were conducted overnight in steep and hazardous terrain. The following day, Feb. 27, responders found the victim, who was later airlifted out of the area. He was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased, the NPS said of the victim, a resident of Hawaii whose name is being withheld pending privacy considerations. The NPS noted that the volcano was not actively erupting at the time of the incident, which is currently under investigation. The park had seen previous other incidents. Last December, two alleged trespassers were caught on camera as they got too close to an eruption at Kilauea, Hawaii News Now reported. Advertisement Advertisement And in June, according to the NPS, a 30-year-old man from Boston had a near-death experience when he fell 30 feet from a steep cliff after wandering off Byron Ledge Trail. At the time of his fall, he did not have a flashlight or headlamp. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The man told officials that he wanted a closer look at the Kilauea volcano eruption and got too close to the sheer cliff edge, a June 13, 2025 statement from the NPS read. Fortunately, a tree broke the mans fall, which stopped him from descending an additional hundred feet or so to the caldera floor. Advertisement Advertisement Kilauea caldera contains hazardous terrain, including unstable cliff edges and volcanic features, the NPS advised following this latest incident. Visitors are reminded to remain in designated open areas and comply with all closures. Read the original article on People A Honduran man has been sentenced in Oklahoma City federal court to more than six years in prison for assaulting and resisting an immigration officer, authorities said. Jose Melgar-Rivas, 35, was sentenced Tuesday, March 3, to serve 78 months in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer resulting in bodily injury, according to a news release from the United States Department of Justice. Immigration enforcement officials said Melgar-Rivas had been living in the United States without legal permission. Melgar-Rivas is expected to be deported after serving out his sentence, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester wrote in a sentencing memo. Advertisement Advertisement The defendants reckless decisions to resist, assault and flee from law enforcement resulted in serious injury to an ICE officer, Troester said in a news release. (His) sentence demonstrates that those who put law enforcement officers and the community at risk will be held accountable. The case comes amid ongoing backlash around the U.S. to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, a surge in deportations and a reported increase of threats and violence against federal immigration officers, who have faced growing scrutiny over the killings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January. More: Local attorneys struggle to contact clients in Watonga ICE facility Melgar-Rivas' case also lands amid fallout from several controversial incidents involving the alleged use of vehicles as weapons against immigration officers. Advertisement Advertisement In December 2025, for example, a Cuban man was accused of ramming his car into immigration agents during an enforcement operation in St. Paul, Minnesota. He allegedly struck an officer with his car, prompting an agent to fire their service weapon. Numerous officials in Trump's administration have defended the use of force by immigration enforcement agents as necessary if officers are in danger. Court documents say the Oklahoma City case occurred July 15, 2025, after three U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents pulled over Melgar-Rivas, who had just dropped his children off at an apartment complex. One of the officers, identified only as "G.H.", ordered Melgar-Rivas to exit the vehicle and opened the driver's side door, according to an arrest affidavit. A struggle ensued between Melgar-Rivas and the officer, during which he put the vehicle into drive, "slamming on the gas and accelerating at a high rate of speed," according to the court documents. Advertisement Advertisement The officer was pinned and dragged down the road, court records say. He suffered several serious injuries to his elbow, hip and both ankles. After the vehicle came to a stop at NW 23rd and Portland Ave., Melgar-Rivas ran away but was later tracked down at his sister's house, officers wrote. On Aug. 5, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Melgar-Rivas with assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer. He pleaded guilty on Sept. 30, according to the Justice Department. Cesar Armenta and Judith Gallegos, attorneys in OKC representing Melgar-Rivas, did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday, March 4. Related: Moving cars, panic, gunfire. Immigration shootings fit growing pattern Court history shows Honduran man lived throughout US for years Federal prosecutors acknowledged in their sentencing memo that Melgar-Rivas came from humble beginnings with scarce resources and that he'd reportedly left Honduras because of threats from a local gang. Court filings say that in 2018, Melgar-Rivas and his family crossed the U.S.-Mexico border near California by climbing a fence. Melgar-Rivas reported he was afraid of returning to Honduras, which officers found credible. Advertisement Advertisement He was given court dates in 2019 and 2020 for immigration hearings but did not appear, court records show. In a sworn submitted affidavit, Melgar-Rivas said he had relocated from a job in Florida to living with cousins in Virginia. He said he did not receive notice of the initial 2019 court hearing despite regularly reporting to ICE as required and calling the court line daily. But as of February 2020, immigration judges had twice ordered he be deported to Honduras. Troester argued ahead of his sentencing that the circumstances leading up to the 2025 incident, as well as what happened that day, warranted a significant punishment. He "had multiple opportunities to make his case for asylum. He chose not to," Troester said. "Rather, he fled the jurisdictions twice. When immigration authorities finally caught up to him, rather than submitting to authority, (he) endangered the lives of the officers by putting his car in drive and speeding away." In a victim's impact statement submitted to the court, Officer "G.H." wrote that the incident "did not just injure me" but also "ended the man I was before." The officer said he had to have surgery on his left hand and now suffers from a neurological condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Advertisement Advertisement "Even water from a shower or the touch of clothing feels like fire on my skin," the officer said in his statement. "CRPS is not just pain it is my nervous system attacking me, trapping me in a body that no longer listens, no longer feels safe, no longer feels like mine. It is a prison inside my skin, created by the violence of that assault, and it is a prison I will never escape." In a statement Tuesday, March 3, the top FBI official in Oklahoma also said that Melgar-Rivas' sentence "sends an indisputable message" that law enforcement agencies stand firmly behind their officers. This defendant made a conscious decision to turn his vehicle into a weapon, a blatant act of contempt for human life and the rule of law, wrote FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. More: McLoud man indicted on charges of attempting to murder federal officers Heightened tensions after reported claims of cars used as weapons against ICE Nationwide criticism of ICE has been growing since 2025 as Trump has ramped up deportations of undocumented immigrants, saying the efforts have focused on violent criminals living in the country illegally. But investigations by various news organizations have found that many people detained by ICE either have no criminal histories or are U.S. citizens. Advertisement Advertisement The protests against ICE intensified nationwide after the Jan. 7 shooting of 37-year-old poet Renee Good, who was described by Minnesota officials as a "legal observer" during an ICE operation in Minneapolis. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Vice President JD Vance said the ICE agent shot Good in self-defense, alleging that she attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon. Minneapolis officials, however, disputed the federal government's description of the shooting, calling it "propaganda" and saying video shows the agent "recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying." Analysis by USA TODAY of widely-circulated videos of the incident also showed Good's vehicle appeared to be turning away from the agent who shot her. The Oklahoman also reported of ramped-up efforts by ICE to expand in Oklahoma City, even after a failed proposal to secure a facility in southwest OKC drew widespread outcry. ICE will now lease a new office in Corporate Tower and is actively recruiting local attorneys. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Honduran man sentenced after pleading guilty to assaulting ICE agent A Nigerian senator has told the BBC that "massive" numbers of civilians were killed by armed men who attacked their village in Borno state on Wednesday, although he did not have the precise figure. "The number of people killed actually is very massive but we don't know the exact number, because I rely on the information from the chairman of the local government and the locals there," said Nigerian lawmaker Mohammed Ali Ndume of the attack in the remote village of Ngoshe. Ngoshe is a mainly Muslim community and the attack reportedly took place in the evening, while many people were breaking their Ramadan fast. Advertisement Advertisement The BBC has contacted the Nigerian military for comment. Local media report that suspected Islamist militants abducted more than 100 women and children during the attack - also targeting a nearby military base and camp for displaced people, killing several soldiers and civilians, including the village's chief cleric and some community elders. Senator Ndume told BBC Hausa the suspected militants had seized control of the village for two days before being forced out by the military, which used air strikes as well as ground troops to dislodge them. Not since the heyday of Islamist group Boko Haram over a decade ago, when it controlled many parts of Borno including Ngoshe, has the area seen such a "devastating attack", he said. Advertisement Advertisement He also suggested that the attackers may have escaped with weapons stolen from the military base which could "reinforce them to attack the next location or target", saying this was a pattern in previous similar attacks. Umaru Yakubu Kirawa, a local journalist in Borno, told the BBC that residents had confirmed that many people had been killed and hundreds abducted. He said residents told him they were "calling for [security] reinforcement. They are fasting - some of them were able to break their fast, and unfortunately some could not" before the armed men attacked. Kirawa said the village is very remote and that residents had previously been displaced due to insecurity in Borno state, but "this is the first attack there after their resettlement by the government". Advertisement Advertisement For many years, Borno state has been the epicentre of Nigeria's Islamist insurgency, with repeated attacks by Boko Haram and fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap). [BBC] Boko Haram gained global notoriety in 2014 after abducting more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in the state. Although lawmaker Ndume is from the same party as President Bola Tinubu, he has frequently criticised the government's handling of the security situation in the area. He told the BBC that since the authorities had declared a "state of emergency on security, they should walk the talk. "The major challenge that the Nigerian armed forces are facing is still lack of equipment, lack of ammunition, and lack of motivation on the part of the government." Advertisement Advertisement The government has for some time been promising tougher action on insecurity. From 2024 to 2025 it almost doubled its defence budget, analysts say. Yet this has not stopped the many waves of attacks on civilians. The police spokesperson in Borno state, Nahum Daso Kenneth, told the BBC on Friday that the attack had happened on Wednesday night but said he could not yet confirm the number of people affected. "I can confirm that there was an unfortunate incident and, due to the efforts of security personnel, we were able to repel the insurgents," he said, adding that a search and rescue operation was under way. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Borno state Governor Babagana Umara Zulum said he had met survivors on Friday, offering food and other supplies, while promising them "we will do everything possible" to rescue the kidnapped and restore order. More BBC stories from Nigeria: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is one of the best blue chip stocks to buy for the long term. On February 26, Oracle announced a multi-year extension and expansion of its title partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing. The deal deepens what Oracle described as the most integrated team technology partnership in Formula 1. The partnerships original five-year deal, signed in 2022, was worth $300 million. However, the companies did not disclose the financial terms for the extension. In terms of technology, the deal will enable the development of the Red Bull Ford Powertrains new next-generation hybrid engine. Secondly, OCI will run real-time models covering energy deployment, aerodynamic configurations, tire behavior, and full-race scenarios under the new rules. Third, the deal will enable the deployment of an AI-powered strategy agent trackside this season. In a separate update, on February 10, Oracle announced that Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB), one of Indias oldest private banks, has fully deployed Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications across its finance, HR, and customer experience functions. The deployment covers three Oracle product lines. Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP now manages TMBs financial operations, Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM handles workforce management, and Oracle Fusion Cloud CX has streamlined the banks sales and customer service operations. Oracle Corporation (ORCL) Expands Partnerships and Enterprise Cloud Presence Copyright: limonzest / 123RF Stock Photo Oracle said that the implementation was delivered by its partner firms, Deloitte and Kovaion Consulting. Deloitte handled finance and customer experience deployment, while Kovaion Consulting led the HR rollout. Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) develops and markets enterprise software, hardware systems, and cloud services. Its major products include Oracle Database, Oracle Fusion Cloud applications for enterprise resource planning, human capital management, and customer experience, as well as Oracle Cloud Infrastructure for computing, storage, and networking. While we acknowledge the potential of ORCL as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026 and 11 Best Italian Stocks to Buy in 2026.. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. The firing of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is something many Chicagoans have called for over the last several months. Protesters filled the streets in Chicago and in Broadview, demanding Noem be removed from office as they were upset with her handling of federal immigration operations. "We see a pattern she has left, no empathy, just arrest anyone we'll do what we want to do," Little Village Community Council President Baltazar Enriquez said. Advertisement Advertisement Enriquez called Thursday a "win for democracy" as President Donald Trump announced Noem's replacement. She was at the forefront of federal immigrations operations in Chicago, highlighted by federal agents clashing with protesters in Broadview and all throughout the city. Noem and her department also faced several lawsuits from those incidents as her critics say the department lacked accountability. "I think that's the reason she got fired; she does whatever she wants," Enriquez said. "There's no accountability, no transparency with her agency and spending millions of dollars on stupidity that's unnecessary." Advertisement Advertisement Noem faced increasing criticism in hearings on Capitol Hill this week during which members of Congress from both parties questioned her leadership in the wake of federal agents' killing two U.S. citizens in Minnesota. The attorney for Marimar Martinez, who survived being shot five times by federal agents in Chicago during "Operation Midway Blitz," says her survival was instrumental to Noem's ouster. "Greg Bovino is gone; Trisha McLaughlin is gone. Now Kristi Noem is gone," Chris Parentesaid. "By surviving she has been able to tell her story, and I think her story is compelling. I think it proves agents were lying. And it proves the actions these agents were taking in our cities is unacceptable." Trump said Noem will be moving to be special envoy for The Shield of the Americas in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE | DHS secretary at Broadview ICE facility as protesters clash with agents; village files lawsuit Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker did not mince his words on her departure. "Hey Kristi Noem, don't let the door hit you on the way out," Pritzker said in a social media video. "Here's your legacy: corruption and chaos, parents and children tear gassed, moms and nurses, U.S. citizens getting shot in the face." "Letting her go as a secretary isn't full justice. Justice is making sure this woman never again has any leadership position, oversees a budget or is any responsible for the safety of Americans," said Rep. Delia Ramirez, a Democrat from Illinois. Advertisement Advertisement Noem made a public appearance shortly after the announcement at the Major Cities Conference in Nashville. However, she did not directly address her firing. Instead, she spoke of the difficulties her department faced while working in sanctuary cities, like Chicago. "Sanctuary cities do give U.S. a challenge because it makes it difficult at times for law enforcement to do their work," Noem said. "We've seen many times when a city cooperates with our federal government, cooperates with our federal officers, that it is safer." President Trump thanked Noem for what he says was a successful run with the department. He has now appointed Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin as the next DHS secretary. Advertisement Advertisement He would require Senate confirmation. Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. John Fetterman has said he will vote for Mullins. Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement: "In Kristi Noem's time fleecing the American people with her derelict of leadership at DHS, Chicago has withstood targeted attacks by DHS and the federal agents under its purview who have incited chaos in our communities with their violence and callous disregard for our residents' most basic human rights. Instead of seeking collaboration, Noem weaponized fear to undermine trust between communities and local law enforcement who work every day to keep our communities safe. Advertisement Advertisement Her tenure will be remembered by her brazen corruption, the reckless exploitation of vulnerable families to advance a far-right agenda, and willingness to put the President's interests over those of the American People. She will not be missed in Chicago." Rhode Island Department of Administration (DOA) Director Jonathan Womer will be stepping down from his post effective immediately, Gov. Dan McKee announced Friday afternoon. McKees office released a statement that Womer tendered his resignation at the governors request. Womers exit after three years leading the department follows ongoing issues with the much-maligned rollout of the states new payroll system, including possible exposure of state employees Social Security numbers via tax forms sent by mail. Our employees trust the Department of Administration to handle their pay and personal information with the highest level of care, McKee said in a statement. This transition is about making sure state government is operating the way our employees and taxpayers expect and deserve. Advertisement Advertisement McKees announcement came Friday at 3:12 p.m., just 13 minutes after a separate news release from the Department of Administration declared the agency would be offering free credit monitoring to current and former state employees who received corrected W-2C forms after having received erroneous versions of the tax documents earlier this year. The corrected forms were emailed on Feb. 25, but some may have had state employees Social Security numbers visible through the envelopes, the administration department said in its Friday release. The envelopes at issue were processed through the States centralized mailroom in accordance with standard mail handling protocols, and the mailings remained within the custody and control of authorized mailroom personnel until transfer to the United States Postal Service, the release said. The DOA did not have any evidence of unauthorized access to state employees private information, but it was still offering the credit monitoring out of an abundance of caution. The agency said it is reviewing mailroom protocols. Advertisement Advertisement Womer will be kept around for 60 days for consultation purposes, according to McKees office, while Department of Revenue Director Tom Verdi will step in as interim director until a permanent replacement is found. Verdi has been the revenue departments director since 2023. He spent 35 years in the Providence Police Department before retiring as commander and deputy chief. The multiple problems with state employees paychecks largely derive from the states Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system a generic label for large-scale enterprise software projects as well as the specific sobriquet applied to a multiyear, $95-million-plus project upgrading Rhode Islands state payroll system out of the mainframe era and onto the cloud. The new system, which has multiple financial functions for state government beyond payroll, relies on the software Workday. The state uses Accenture as the implementation partner for its ERP, including Workday. Stacks of tax return documents received by a state worker. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) We will continue working urgently to address these operational challenges, support our employees, and ensure the Department of Administration is delivering the reliable services that state government depends on, McKee said in his statement, noting that the state will continue to improve the ERPs functionality. This is not the first season of bad publicity for the administration department under McKee. Womer was nominated by McKee to the DOA post in May 2023 after the scandalous exit of former director James Thorsen, whose lack of decorum during an official visit to Philadelphia in March that year grabbed national headlines. On Monday, the state ethics commission found probable cause that Thorsen violated ethics rules when he accepted a free lunch during his Philly visit. Advertisement Advertisement Womer previously served as the director of the Office of Management and Budget, a division of DOA, from 2015 to 2021 when he left to become a senior advisor with The Policy Lab at Brown University. Prior to working in Rhode Island, Womer held administrative jobs in the North Carolina Governors office as well the University of North Carolina. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This week a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in El Paso, Tex., confirmed an outbreak of measles. At least 14 people detained at Camp East Montana, located on the Fort Bliss Army base, have tested positive for the disease and are being quarantined, NBC reported. As many as 1,500 people are currently in the facility, according to recent reports. Measles easily spreads from person to person, often through the air in close quarters. Uniquely confined places such as detention centers can promote the spread of measles and other infectious diseases, says Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University. Measles is extremely contagious and tends to cause explosive outbreaks in congregant settings like detention centers and prisons, Nuzzo says. Anytime you have a group of unvaccinated or undervaccinated people crammed into a common indoor space for an extended period, you can expect outbreaks if an infection is introduced. Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for Today in Science, a free daily newsletter from Scientific American and join a community of science-loving readers. Vaccination is key to preventing these outbreaks, she says: Two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine offer 97 percent protection against infection. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with public health authorities to ensure appropriate medical care and containment measures and in place, an agency spokesperson told NBC. The health and safety of detainees, staff and the community remain a top priority. In a statement, Representative Veronica Escobar of Texas, whose district in El Paso encompasses Camp East Montana, said another 112 people in the facility are being isolated. In addition to the thousands of detainees housed at [Camp East Montana], there are likely hundreds of El Pasoans employed there, along with 56 members of the Texas National Guard, Escobar said in the statement. Despite what I was initially told about the level of medical care inside the facility, it became very clear to me early on that serious medical issues were being overlooked and, in some cases, medical attention was non-existent for urgent health issues. Advertisement Advertisement In response to the outbreak, the facility has been closed to visitors and legal advisers and isnt expected to reopen until March 19, according to the local news station FOX 7 Austin. In her statement, Escobar expressed concern that those detained in the facility have only been able to communicate with lawyers virtually. At press time, the DHS has not responded to Scientific Americans request for comment. Camp East Montanathe countrys largest ICE detention centeris run by a private company, Acquisition Logistics. The DHS is reviewing whether to close the center permanently, the Washington Post reported on Wednesday. In early February DHS officials had confirmed the detection of two measles cases in people held at another immigration detention center in Dilley, Tex., which triggered the cessation of all movement in the facility and the quarantine of infected individuals. These measles outbreaks have occurred amid an alarming rise in the disease across the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already reported 152 outbreaks across 45 states and jurisdictions this yearand these have included rapidly spreading ones in South Carolina and Florida. Last week the U.S. hit a troubling milestone: the country surpassed 1,000 confirmed measles cases just two months into 2026. Thats nearly half of all infections reported in 2025, which saw the highest rates since measles was officially declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. If this trajectory continues, experts say the U.S. will likely to lose its measles-free status, which it earned through widespread MMR vaccination campaigns. A meeting to determine that status has been postponed until November. As the 2017 legislative session churned into action, then-state Sen. Don Huffines went to a meeting with parents and students visiting the Capitol for the annual PTA Rally Day. Things quickly grew testy. One of the students, from Richardson ISD in Huffines North Texas Senate district, questioned the tea party Republican about his support for a proposal to offer taxpayer-funded stipends for parents to send their kids to private schools. The money wouldnt be enough, the student argued, for low-income families to cover the cost of tuition. Huffines snapped. Do you want me to give them $15,000? Is that what you want? Huffines asked the kid. You want to give them a full tuition? That is the most selfish thing Ive ever heard. Advertisement Advertisement When a video of the incident emerged, Huffines sent a written apology to the students. Ive apologized to everyone for my bad behavior, for my tone, my demeanor, he told Dallas journalists, though he stood behind the substance of his point. Huffines passion for the stipends took on a greater meaning this week when he won the GOP primary for the Texas comptrollers office, an influential state agency responsible for implementing the states new $1 billion school voucher program. If he wins in November, Huffines will also oversee important tasks like collecting taxes and calculating how much money lawmakers have to work with when drafting the state budget. The offices oversight of the voucher program is all the more notable because it is the crowning political accomplishment of Gov. Greg Abbott, whom Huffines unsuccessfully challenged in the Republican primary four years ago behind the idea of bringing actual Republican leadership to the governors mansion. Abbott poured millions of his own campaign cash into the comptroller race to deny Huffines the seat and elevate Kelly Hancock, an ally he appointed acting comptroller last summer. But Huffines swamped the primary with millions more of his own wealth, self-funding his way to a dominant 57% finish in the four-way race, according to unofficial results. Advertisement Advertisement Huffines said that he and Abbott had a very nice conversation this week after the dust settled on the election. He wanted to reiterate that were gonna work together to defeat the Democrats in the fall, and work together on the problems that affect Texas, Huffines told The Texas Tribune. The governors campaign confirmed the call and added that the two talked about their shared commitment to cut property taxes in the state and winning in November, when Abbott will be up for a fourth term as governor. Huffines has long been at the vanguard of pushing for hard-right conservative policy, through his time as a donor, state lawmaker and political antagonist of Abbott. He has campaigned on issues such as eliminating property taxes an issue the governor has now taken up banning abortion in all cases and studying the costs of illegal immigration. In an early sign of how he would wield his offices power, Huffines said he plans to take up the immigration study if he becomes the states next chief financial officer. Im gonna do an accounting of that, making sure that we know what that number is, particularly in our school systems, health and services system, incarceration, border security, Huffines said in an interview. Its really not an equitable situation that Texas has been in for decades. A decade ahead of his time Huffines family has been a mainstay in North Texas business circles for decades, from their car dealerships to the real estate development company Huffines started with his twin brother, Phillip. The firm bills itself as one of the largest residential developers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, through which Huffines has amassed a personal fortune. Advertisement Advertisement After years of doling out money to other candidates, Huffines decided to seek public office in 2013. He set his eyes on Senate District 16, a seat covering the North Dallas suburbs held at the time by Republican John Carona, who had served in the Capitol since 1990. On the campaign trail, Huffines ran as a tea party insurgent and claimed Carona, a sometimes-bipartisan collaborator, was too liberal for the district. He upset the veteran lawmaker, claiming the seat by fewer than 700 votes. Once in the Senate, he proved himself to be an insurgent lawmaker, not just a rabble-rousing candidate. One of the first bills Huffines filed would have required the state to study how much a private school voucher program would cost. By then, the issue was already gaining steam at the Pink Dome, though it ultimately fizzled, as did Huffines approach to study the matter. But the proposal revealed his passion, and commitment, for the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Huffines was a decade ahead of his time, said John Colyandro, an Austin lobbyist whos represented a pro-voucher group and is a former Abbott aide. Hes going to want to see the program managed efficiently and effectively. The comptroller has great discretion over how the voucher program is implemented, in accordance with how the Legislature created it. For instance, the comptroller could expand the number of eligible providers or increase accreditors to meet demand. Huffines said his priority will be marketing the program to ensure parents know it exists. Thats exciting for me, Huffines said of overseeing the voucher program. I look at it simply from a free market perspective. And what is the best solution to make our government schools the best they can possibly be? Its competition, of course. Huffines other early proposals as an elected official demonstrated where he stood on some of the biggest issues in Texas politics: to the right of right. He proposed a bill to repeal the states franchise tax, which the state charges companies for doing business. The comptrollers office administers the tax. Advertisement Advertisement Its a sad fact that many lawmakers tell voters one thing, but do another once theyre elected, far-right activist Cary Cheshire wrote in March 2015 in an essay praising the idea. Fortunately, some new leaders, such as State Sen. Don Huffines (R-Dallas), are standing strong despite attempts to drag them down. Additionally, Huffines pitched ideas to undo local LGBT protections and let people openly carry guns, along with the proposal to tally the costs of illegal immigration to Texas all once-fringe ideas that have become reality as the state government has veered to the right. The immigration impact bill, which like the others failed, would have assigned the responsibility to the comptrollers office. The last time the state conducted similar research, published in 2006, former Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn found that immigrants contributed more to Texas economy than they cost the state. Immigrants rights advocates and Democrats have long welcomed replicating the study, so long it is comprehensive and not only focused on costs as there are 1.7 million undocumented immigrants who pay a variety of taxes and buy goods, and cant use many social services because they are in the country without authorization and the paperwork those services often require. Advertisement Advertisement After one term in the Senate, Huffines lost his reelection to Democrat Nathan Johnson. But it would not be the last of him. In 2021, Huffines launched a long-shot bid against Abbott, a frequent recipient of Huffines criticism. By then, Huffines had called the governor an elitist know-it-all, and he went on to knock the governor for being too weak on border security and too overbearing on big government, particularly over an early COVID-19 pandemic mask mandate. On the campaign trail, Huffines also cast doubt on his 2018 defeat, after President Donald Trump had popularized election denial. He said he would not rest until the state had no more abortions, and he welcomed the idea of ending property taxes at the cost of increasing consumption taxes. But Abbott easily defeated him. Advertisement Advertisement Once reelected, Abbott grabbed the reins of the school voucher movement and claimed victory last year after he got a package through the Legislature by helping oust opponents in their legislative primaries. Now Huffines, his onetime foe, could be in charge of the program. Huffines will face state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, who won the Democratic nomination Tuesday. The state last had a Democratic comptroller in 1999. After months of infighting over the Department of Homelands handling of ICEs immigration crackdown, President Trump announced on Thursday that he will replace Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem with Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a junior senator hailing from the state of Oklahoma. The president and I are good friends, Mullin told reporters after the announcement. We look forward to working closer with the White House. Obviously, Im gonna be over there a lot more. Advertisement Advertisement The Senator, who previously served 10 years in the House of Representatives before starting his senate term in 2023, is best known for challenging Teamsters President Sean OBrien to a fistfight during a heated hearing in 2023. Among their many differences, Mullin criticized OBrein for his $200,000 annual salaryas compared to Mullins $174,000 congressional one. Mullin came under fire after claiming during the same hearing that he paid himself only $50,000 when he ran a plumbing business. However, his financial disclosures from 2012the year he was first elected to Congresstold a different story: his self-reported salary was $92,000, almost double what he said. A deeper look at Mullins most recent financial disclosures from 2024 reveals that the senator is a multimillionaire. What are Mullins assets? Congressmembers dont have to disclose the exact dollar values of their assets and liabilities, but rather, are allowed to give a range of values. They also dont have to disclose the values of their personal residences. As a result, its rather difficult to get a true dollar amount to how much our representatives are worth. Advertisement Advertisement Mullins only source of income is his congressional salarythough he owns several businesses, a home services company, and properties in his home state and in Washington, D.C. He and his wife, Christie, have owned Mullin Plumbing in Broken Arrow, Okla for 28 years, which his Senate website says is the largest service company in the region. He also is a joint owner of Mullin Ranch LLC, a 1600-acre cattle ranch and event and wedding venue in Okla., estimated to be worth between $1 million and $5 million, according to the filing. In 2024, his wife sold Rowans Restaurant, a steakhouse in Stilwell, Okla., for between $1 million and $5 million according to his disclosure. His bio says both he and his founded the steakhouse. He is also the joint owner of Mullin Family Holdco LLC,the value unreportedand COP Hometown Parent LLC, valued at $500,000 to $1 million dollars, according to the disclosure. These holdings are distributed across himself, his spouse, and his children, with individual stakes often valued between $500,001 and $1,000,000. He also founded Mullin Environmental, according to his website. The company received a COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program loan for $169,200, which was later forgiven according to ProPublica. Advertisement Advertisement He is a full or joint owner of at least 30 commercial, residential, and land investment properties, four of which are worth more than $1 million, according to the 2024 financial disclosure. They are mostly located in Okla., but he also owns one investment property in Washington, D.C. and Englewood, Fla. He also listed dozens of corporate securities and mutual fund holdings in the 2024 disclosure, ranging in worth from less than $1,001 to $1 million. In 2024, Mullin also took out a line of credit valued between $5,000,001 and $25,000,000 from global financial services firm BNY, according to the disclosure. Building business at home He grew up on his family ranch in Westville, Okla., where he still lives today, with his wife with whom he has six children, according to his Senate bio. He enrolled in Missouri Valley College on a wrestling scholarship, but left school at 20 years old to save his family business after his father got sick, according to his website. He got a degree in Applied Science in Construction Technology from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in 2010. Advertisement Advertisement Mullin is one of several multimillionaires in the Senate. West Virginia Sen. Jim Justice, who owns several coal and mining companies and the luxury Greenbrier resort, is worth about $664 million, according to fintech firm Quiver Quantitative. (Quiver also estimated Mullins net worth to reach as high as $65.9 million). Quick Sen. Mark Warner is the wealthiest Democratic senator and has an estimated net worth between $76 and $303 million, mostly from investment funds, Business Insider reported. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Three former presidents are among those who plan to attend the memorial service for civil rights activist Jesse Jackson today, March 6, in Chicago. Jackson, who worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., died Feb. 17 at the age of 84. Legacy left behind by Jesse Jackson Jackson's family didn't specify his cause of death, but said he died "peacefully" surrounded by his family. Today's "People's Celebration" service will be followed by a private homegoing service at Rainbow PUSH Saturday, March 7. A livestream of the services will be shared for the public, rainbowpush.org said. Watch livestream of memorial service for Jesse Jackson today A public homegoing at the House of Hope in Chicago will be livestreamed today, Friday, March 6. Advertisement Advertisement It's one of several services planned for Jackson, which included his lying in state at Rainbow PUSH Feb. 26-27 and formal services in both South Carolina and Washington, D.C., March 1 and March 4. A private homegoing will be held at Rainbow PUSH in Chicago Saturday, March 7. This event also will be livestreamed. What presidents will attend Jesse Jackson's service March 6? Three former presidents will be joined by former first lady Jill Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden will be among various public officials attending Jackson's service today, March 6. Who will attend Jesse Jackson homegoing service March 6? Advertisement Advertisement The public homegoing services will be officiated by Charles Jenkins and the Rev. James T. Meeks, with speakers including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, Loop Capital Co-Founder Jim Reynolds and Rabbi Sharon Brous are also scheduled to speak. How did Jesse Jackson die? Jackson's family didn't specify his cause of death, but the activist was hospitalized on Nov. 12 after living more than a decade with the neuromuscular disease progressive supranuclear palsy, a condition similar to Parkinson's disease. He was released from the hospital later that month after remaining in stable condition during his stay. Advertisement Advertisement Rainbow/PUSH Coalition announced Jackson died "peacefully" surrounded by his family the morning of Feb. 17. Who was the Rev. Jesse Jackson? Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jackson's rise to prominence began when he was 18 and he and seven other men were arrested in 1960 for protesting segregation at the town's public library. He then joined the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s burgeoning civil rights fight, and was just feet away when King was assassinated in 1968. Jackson founded what would ultimately become the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and ran for president as a Democrat in 1984 and 1988, energizing and registering millions of Black voters. Advertisement Advertisement Former President Bill Clinton awarded Jackson the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2000, the same year he received his divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary. "His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights helped shape a global movement for freedom and dignity," according to jessejacksonlegacy.com. Did Jesse Jackson ever come to Florida? Jackson has visited Florida over the years during several civil rights tours. Jesse Jackson made several tours for civil rights in Florida Here's a look at some of his most notable Florida stops. Was Jesse Jackson married? Jackson is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; their children: Santita, Jesse Jr., Jonathan, Yusef, Jacqueline; daughter Ashley Jackson, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Helen Burns Jackson; father, Noah Louis Robinson; and stepfather, Charles Henry Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement "Our father was a servant leader not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world, said the Jackson family. We shared him with the world, and in return, the world became part of our extended family. Contributor: Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY Cheryl McCloud is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida's service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Floridas best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Will Jesse Jackson memorial service be livestreamed? Florida visits A Milwaukee oversight body is pushing for further restrictions on how the city's police decide to chase vehicles, but it isn't ready to move those forward yet. At its March 5 meeting, the city's Fire and Police Commission mulled a recommendation the Milwaukee Police Department no longer chase drivers for reckless driving after an attempted traffic stop and stop other chases for reckless driving if it raises danger to the public. The department's pursuit policy has been a point of contention for years and has come under intense scrutiny after nine people died from police chase crashes in 2025. But the recommendation was tabled and sent to commission committee for further discussion, after concerns it needed to be further tweaked and receive more police department input. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm trying to find incremental changes we can make to reduce chases," said Commissioner Bree Spencer, who sponsored the recommendation. Spencer said she was hesitant to push for policy changes that were too sweeping or too permissive. She said that had happened in years past, when pursuits were heavily restricted in 2010 and then later opened up in 2017 in response to reckless driving, following a then-Fire and Police Commission order. As has become the norm at the commission's meetings, a lengthy public comment period was held where some were critical of the proposed changes. Some called for dashcam footage of pursuit-related deaths to be released, as policy requires in officer shootings, and for the city's costs of police chase-related lawsuits to be publicized. "Police chases do not keep our community safe," Angela Lang, the co-executive director of Black Leaders Organizing Change, said during public comment. Advertisement Advertisement The Fire and Police Commission's proposed recommendation comes after the department voluntarily removed speeding as a permissible reason to chase someone who is recklessly driving. However, that move was met coldly by members of the public and the commission, which is the oversight body for the department, who said it didn't go far enough. Generally, department policy considers pursuits "justified" under six circumstances, among those being when an occupant is involved in a violent felony. Milwaukee Assistant Chief Craig Sarnow said the department was content with its previous change, when commissioners asked him for feedback on the proposed recommendation. Both the Fire and Police Commission's drafted recommendation and police department's change focus on reckless driving chases. Those make up an overwhelming amount of all chases that officers in Milwaukee make with officers citing reckless driving as the initiating reason in 742 of the 970 chases in 2025, according to police data. Advertisement Advertisement The Fire and Police Commission's recommendation is also the first time the body has exercised that power since state legislation, 2023 Wisconsin Act 12, was passed. Before that legislation was passed, the commission held the ability to outright change police department policy, but the law shifted that to the city's Common Council. Some have called for the Fire and Police Commission to more aggressively issue recommendations like these. The recommendation will now move to the commission's Oversight and Accountability Committee. The decision was made after commissioners said they sought more time to tweak the language and for police to provide input. License plate reading camera use scrutinized The department's use of license plate reading cameras, a system known as Flock, came under scrutiny from many attendees at the meeting as well, who called for the city to ban it. Many noted the recent criminal charges brought against Josue Ayala, an officer who prosecutors say improperly used the system to track a former partner and another person. Advertisement Advertisement Ayala resigned and is facing a misdemeanor charge of attempted misconduct in public office. Ayala had previously faced claims of lying and excessive force but was not placed on a Milwaukee County District Attorney's list of officers with a history of dishonesty, bias or integrity concerns until recently. That was despite, in 2022, a federal public defender issuing a complaint against Ayala, saying he exaggerated so much in his testimony and reports that it almost seemed like a compulsion. Milwaukee police officials like Heather Hough, the department's chief of staff, said they were never made aware of that previous concern against Ayala. "Had we received the information from defense counsel about these concerns they would have been investigated," she said in an email to the Journal Sentinel. Advertisement Advertisement But that goes against the role of the defense bar, outside experts and defense attorneys locally told the Journal Sentinel. Prosecutors have the ethical duty to share potential Brady material and serve the public, whereas defense attorneys' obligation is to their client. Milwaukee police began using Flock cameras in 2022. MPD has a $182,900 contract with Flock for the use of the technology. That contract is active through January 2027 and passed without requiring approval from member of the city's Common Council, a point criticized by attendees. The scrutiny against Flock came despite it not being on the meeting's agenda. Attendees held signs that said things like "GET THE FLOCK OUTTA HERE" and called for the city to be "de-Flocked." David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee oversight body asks for more police pursuit policy changes Minnesota labor advocates on Tuesday urged Minnesota lawmakers to refrain from allowing autonomous vehicles to operate in the state until they clarify Minnesotas laws to ensure that self-driving cars are safe and well-regulated. Waymos self-driving cars are currently operating in Minneapolis, but people are driving them for now. Drivers are using the cars to map the city and gather data about navigating Minneapolis streets, Axios reported. Waymo driverless taxi drives in lower Manhattan in New York City, U.S., November 26, 2025. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid Minnesota doesnt have laws regulating autonomous vehicles, and some lawmakers argue that the state needs to get them in place now to ensure the introduction of self-driving cars doesnt cause chaos. Advertisement Advertisement We have a lot of factors that need to go into rolling this out in the state of Minnesota, and absent our action, it will just happen pretty much against our will like has happened with so much tech throughout the country, Sen. Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, said at a Capitol press conference. Uber famously sidestepped taxi regulations when the company started operating in markets around the country calling itself a technology platform rather than a ride-hailing company and then often used their foothold to influence the passage of industry-favorable regulations. Waymo, a California-based company, is operating in 10 major cities in the U.S., including San Francisco, Austin, Atlanta and Phoenix. Minnesota labor advocates are concerned that the influx of Waymo cars will displace ride-hail drivers, who have become an influential interest group at the Capitol in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Widespread use of Waymo self-driving cars by Uber and Lyft could destroy the livelihoods of thousands of Minnesotans, who have flocked to driving for its decent pay and flexible hours. More: Here are February food recalls Minnesota shoppers should know about On Wednesday, the House Transportation Committee will hear a bipartisan bill regulating self-driving cars. Labor advocates say the legislation would give companies free reign to operate in the state. We support thoughtful innovation, but innovation must come with rigorous testing, transparent reporting, enforceable safety standards and clear protocols for first responders, said Hannah Alstead, Teamsters Joint Council 32s political director. Advertisement Advertisement Waymo cites data showing that self-driving cars are safer than human drivers. A company research paper that was peer-reviewed and published in a journal found that there were 91% fewer serious crashes compared to human drivers. More: Minnesota soldier killed in Kuwait after Iran attack Almost 400 people were killed on Minnesotas roads last year, with thousands more injured often in life-altering ways. Waymos technology is another solution to this pervasive road safety problem, a Waymo spokesperson said in a statement. Waymo has hired four Minnesota lobbyists to advocate for it at the Minnesota Capitol, according to the Campaign Finance Board. Advertisement Advertisement The bill lawmakers will debate Wednesday (HF 3513) creates a regulatory structure that grants the commissioner of the Department of Transportation the authority to greenlight autonomous vehicle companies for operation here. The commissioner could also suspend or revoke that authorization. The bill also would clarify that law enforcement can issue citations to autonomous vehicles if they break the states traffic laws. Labor advocates and some Democratic lawmakers are calling for the prohibition of self-driving cars in Minnesota until an advisory board completes a study and a permit process is created for autonomous vehicle companies. Minnesota Reformer is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Minnesota debates rules for self-driving cars and safety The US Navy said it has sunk more than 30 Iranian ships over the past week, including an Iranian drone carrier at sea that it struck late Thursday in its campaign against the Islamic Republics fleet of warships. US Admiral Brad Cooper, the chief of Central Command and commander of US forces in the Middle East, described the Iranian vessel stuck at sea as roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier. And as we speak, its on fire, Cooper told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement On Friday morning, B-2 stealth bombers dropped dozens of 2,000-pound penetrator bombs on deeply buried ballistic missile launchers inside Iran, Cooper said. Weve also struck Irans equivalent of Space Command, which degrades their ability to threaten Americans, Cooper said. The US militarys Central Command released black-and-white footage of the burning carrier. The drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, is a converted container ship with a 180-metre-long runway for drones. The vessel can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without needing to refuel in ports, according to reports at the time of its 2005 inauguration. Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian military did not immediately acknowledge the attack, but Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the US Navy of committing an atrocity at sea for sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, killing at least 87 crew members. The Iranian ship was returning from an exercise hosted by the Indian Navy that the US also joined. Sri Lankan authorities said 32 crew members were rescued. Speaking alongside Cooper in Washington, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth warned that strikes on Iran are about to surge dramatically. Its more fighter squadrons, its more capabilities, its more defensive capabilities, Hegseth said. And its more bomber; it pulses more frequently. Israel warns of broad-scale wave of strikes Meanwhile, Israels military said Friday morning it had begun a broad-scale wave of strikes on Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses described the Israeli airstrikes as particularly intense, shaking homes in the area. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases. According to the Israeli military, strikes have already destroyed most of Irans air defences and missile launchers. The war has escalated, affecting countries across the Middle East and beyond. Early Friday, Iran fired missile and drone attacks into Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, all countries that host US forces. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Related Advertisement Advertisement In Lebanon, where the war has rekindled fighting between Israel and Tehran-backed Hezbollah militants, Israel launched a series of airstrikes late Thursday into Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut and other areas. The US and Israel have battered Iran with nationwide strikes, targeting their military capabilities, leadership and nuclear program. In addition to Israel, Irans attacks have targeted its neighbours and disrupted oil supplies and global air travel. According to officials in Iran, Lebanon and Israel, the conflict has claimed nearly 1,400 lives across the region. The United States has lost six soldiers. The Kremlin has said the United States-Israeli war on Iran had prompted a significant increase in demand for Russian energy products, a day after the US Treasury issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil currently stuck at sea. The conflict, which entered its seventh day on Friday, has left the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping passage, all but shut, with countries around the world scrambling as they are cut off from a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Russia, mired in its own war launched in Ukraine more than four years ago, may yet stealthily benefit from this new sprawling war in the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Friday that Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of oil and gas, via pipelines and in liquefied form. We are seeing a significant increase in demand for Russian energy resources in connection with the war in Iran. Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of both oil and gas including pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas, Peskov told reporters. It also remains capable of guaranteeing the continuity of all deliveries for which contracts have been concluded, he added. Peskov declined to disclose possible volumes of Russian oil supplies to India following Washingtons waiver, which followed months of US pressure and the imposition of severe tariffs on the South Asian nation not to buy Russian oil. Wrong to return to reliance on Russia Also on Friday, International Energy Agency Executive Director Fatih Birol suggested that looking to Russia for gas supplies will be economically and politically wrong. Advertisement Advertisement The current crisis in the Middle East has led to questions in some quarters about whether to go back to Russia or not, Birol told reporters following a meeting of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Union commissioners on global energy markets. The EU is under mounting pressure from industries and governments to step in to try to curb high energy prices. Von der Leyen has promised to draw up options for EU leaders to consider at a summit later this month. One of Europes historical mistakes was the overreliance of its energy sources on one single country, Russia, the IEA chief said. On oil, Birol claimed there was logistical disruption from the war, but there was plenty of oil in the global market. Meanwhile, Qatars Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi told The Financial Times newspaper in an interview published on Friday that he anticipates all Gulf energy producers to shut down exports within weeks if the Iran conflict continues and drives oil to $150 a barrel. Advertisement Advertisement Qatar halted its production of liquefied natural gas on Monday, as Iran continued to strike Gulf countries in retaliation for Israeli and US attacks. The countrys LNG production is equivalent to about 20 percent of global supply and plays a key role in balancing Asian and European markets demand for the fuel. Everybody that has not called for force majeure we expect will do so in the next few days that this continues. All exporters in the Gulf region will have to call force majeure, al-Kaabi told the FT. If this war continues for a few weeks, GDP growth around the world will be impacted, he said. Everybodys energy price is going to go higher. There will be shortages of some products and there will be a chain reaction of factories that cannot supply, Kaabi said. Kaabi said even if the war ended immediately, it would take Qatar weeks to months to return to a normal cycle of deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement He forecast that crude prices could hit $150 a barrel in two to three weeks if ships and tankers were unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Kaabi also anticipates gas prices to rise to $40 per million British thermal units. On Friday, benchmark US crude surged 4.1 percent to $84.36 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, gained 1.7 percent to $87 per barrel. It was trading near its highest level since April 2024. With a market cap of $375 billion, Chevron Corporation (CVX) is one of the largest energy companies in the world. The company produces, transports, and refines crude oil and natural gas. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company also offers a consistent dividend of around 4%, and it has raised its per-share dividend payment many times over the years, making it a dividend aristocrat. Youd think that since Chevron is an American corporation thats deeply rooted in the American economy, the majority of its owners would be American. But thats not entirely the case. Here's everything you need to know about Chevron's ownership, including institutional firms, retail investors, and company insiders. Who owns Chevron? As a mega-cap, publicly traded energy company, Chevron is not owned by an individual or a family; instead, its shares are held by millions of shareholders, ranging from large institutions to everyday investors like you and me. Although Chevron is an American company, its ownership is global, as its shares are traded on public stock exchanges and can be purchased from anywhere in the world. Norways Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG), for instance, has a 1% stake in the company, valued at $2.7 billion as of August 2025. Related: Dow Jones' revolving door: What happens to a stock after it's dropped from the DJIA? However, the majority of Chevrons owners are American institutional and individual investors. Heres a breakdown of its biggest ownership groups: Chevron's biggest institutional shareholders The largest group of Chevrons shareholders is institutional investors. These are financial companies that manage massive investment portfolios on behalf of their clients, including retirement funds, index funds, and mutual funds. Institutional investors own approximately 67% of outstanding shares, according to data from Yahoo! Finance. Heres a look at CVXs top 5 institutional shareholders as of early 2026: The Vanguard Group: 9.1% State Street Advisors: 7.6% BlackRock, Inc.: 6.9%. Berkshire Hathaway: 6% Geode Capital Management: 2% Because they collectively hold a significant percentage of Chevrons outstanding shares, institutional investors wield considerable voting power at the company's shareholder meetings. Related: History of Microsoft: Company timeline & facts How much of Chevron do retail Investors own? In addition to individual investors, the general public (aka individual investors) accounts for a meaningful portion of Chevrons ownership, at around 32%. These investors buy and sell CVX shares through brokerage accounts at firms like Robinhood, Schwab, and Fidelity. Moscow on Friday accused Finland of stoking tensions in Europe by reviewing its policy on stationing nuclear weapons on its territory. According to Finnish radio reports, the government could relax strict controls on nuclear weapons, which are currently subject to a nationwide ban on their manufacture, storage, import and transport by land, sea and air. Helsinki was only increasing its own vulnerability by reconsidering its current position, Russian news agencies cited Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying Advertisement Advertisement By allowing nuclear weapons on its territory, Finland would be threatening Russia, Peskov said in Moscow. "And if Finland threatens us, we will take appropriate measures, the spokesman for President Vlaimir Putin said. The main issue under review in Finland is whether Helsinki should allow the transport of nuclear weapons from other NATO countries through its territory. Finland, which had been neutral for decades, joined the NATO defence alliance in April 2023 in response to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine the previous year. While much of Oklahoma was under a tornado watch Thursday night and early Friday morning, two people were killed as severe thunderstorms and multiple potential tornadoes crossed the state's northwestern border. Major County Sheriff Tony Robinson confirmed to local news outlets that a mother and daughter were killed Thursday night after their vehicle was apparently hit by a tornado west of Fairview. Robinson said deputies found the vehicle near State Highway 60 and County Road 243, the same area where a tornado touched down late Thursday. Preliminary evidence suggested the tornado struck the car, causing fatal damage. Advertisement Advertisement The sheriff told KOCO that the woman had been speaking on the phone while driving in that area when contact was suddenly lost. The pair were reported missing earlier in the evening, and around 11:50 p.m. No additional details, including their identities, have been released. Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt shared his condolences online Thursday night. "I am praying for the family as they grieve this tragic loss, as well as all those impacted by the storms," Stitt said in a social media post. "More weather risks are expected across Oklahoma this weekend. Please stay weather aware and follow guidance from local officials to keep your family safe." Were there tornadoes in Oklahoma last night? Starting around 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, the National Weather Service issued a series of tornado warnings and watches for multiple counties in western and southwest Oklahoma, including Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Major, Roger Mills, Washita and Woodward counties. Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service reported that at 9:22 p.m., a possible tornado was seen near Helena, Oklahoma, and was moving towards Jet and the Great Salt Plains. Later, around 10 p.m., another possible tornado was spotted in north-central Grant County, between Wakita and Renfrow, according to the weather service. The tornado was reported to be large and dangerous, with photos shared by storm chasers on social media showing an enormous funnel. Incredible and terrifying footage from 30 minutes ago showing the possible large wedge tornado west of Fairview, OK. Fairview Emergency Management captured this as the storm began its trek toward Cleo Springs#okwx #oklahoma #tornado https://t.co/5orhdHAlwC pic.twitter.com/uOrCERfFb8 ChaseWithHam (@Ham_BklynWx) March 6, 2026 The National Weather Service has not confirmed how many tornadoes touched down yet, or their size and severity. The service will typically send out teams to assess damage and confirm tornadic activity. Storm damage in Oklahoma after severe weather, tornadoes More severe weather expected Friday The next round of severe weather is expected to hit Oklahoma after 2 p.m. on Friday into the evening. All hazards are possible, with forecasters warning of hail potentially measuring 2 inches or more, strong winds up to 75 mph and a medium risk of tornadoes. "One of the main ingredients for severe weather is wind. We will have strong winds in the lower and middle parts of the atmosphere, and they will strengthen, adding extra energy into the equation, AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said. Advertisement Advertisement The thunderstorms could be split in two sides: daylight storms vs. nighttime storms. Those who see storms before the sun has set for the day will likely experience severe weather, while those who experience a storm after sundown will experience a lighter night. Oklahoma weather watches and warnings Live radar Oklahoma weather This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma tornadoes kill 2 near Fairview as severe weather hits state When I take my five kids to a park, I do not want to be thinking about my pain. I want to push the swing, chase them across the grass and be fully present with them. That is what freedom means to me. I hope Tennessee legislators keep that in mind as they consider major changes to how kratom and 7-OH from a Southeast Asian plant (kratom is the whole leaf plant, 7-OH is one of its alkaloids) are treated in this state. Two bills are moving through the legislature to severely curtail access to these products, which many people in Tennessee use to cope with chronic pain. SB2417 is a consumer protection bill, but in reality, it would act like a ban on most 7-OH products. The bill SB1655 goes even further. It would make simple possession of kratom, selling, or distributing it a felony. Are lawmakers targeting the wrong drug? If Tennessee is going to take a pain-relief option away from adults, it should be able to show that choice is harming other people. The problem is that the case has not been made, even as fentanyl, the drug actually driving overdose deaths in Tennessee, remains everywhere. Before lawmakers make decisions this drastic, it is worth slowing down and asking whether we are targeting the right threat. Advertisement Advertisement Opinion: An insurance loophole is hurting TN families like mine Supporters of these bans talk about kratom and 7-OH as if they have created a public health crisis. They claim these products are pulling chronic pain patients into deadly addiction and driving overdoses on a scale that amounts to a public health crisis. Those are serious allegations. But they are not supported by the publicly presented data. Anthony Clark and Tonya Garton sit at the gravesite of their son Quintenn Clark at the Bethlehem Cemetery Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, in Ashland City, Tenn. His parents started the Quintenn Clark Foundation to raise money to send help pay for rehab for those struggling with addiction. Clark was 20 years old when he overdosed from fentanyl-laced heroin four years ago. A ban requires proof, which lawmakers havent provided If kratom and 7-OH are truly driving a crisis, lawmakers should be able to point to clear evidence: statewide trend data over time, poison control call trends and toxicology reports where kratom is the primary substance involved, not one of several drugs taken together. Supporters of a ban have not done this, and it is not reasonable to ask the many responsible adults who use kratom and 7-OH without incident to take their word for it. Why this matters for Tennessee families My experience with kratom and 7-OH looks nothing like the stories I am seeing about these products. I live with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease and other conditions. The pain is constant. 7-OH is the first thing that has made daily life manageable. I have five kids. With 7-OH, I can take them to the zoo. I can actually be there with them, not stuck on a bench watching from the sidelines. Advertisement Advertisement This is especially frustrating because we indeed have a real crisis in our state: fentanyl. In 2023, fentanyl was involved in 77% of Tennessees 3,616 overdose deaths. Opinion: This drug is 13 times more potent than morphine and sold in TN gas stations Banning kratom and 7-OH, which many people use to stay off more dangerous drugs like fentanyl (some people say it eases withdrawal symptoms), will make the problem worse. I understand the impulse to take caution. I am, after all, a mom. Kratom and 7-OH are not risk-free. Products can be mislabeled, doses can be unclear and quality can vary when manufacturing is not held to consistent standards. Thats why Tennessee should regulate these products with clear rules for labeling and responsible sales. The view of the Tennessee state Capitol in Nashville on Dec. 11, 2024. Tennessee needs evidence-based policy, not fear-driven bans I am asking Tennessee lawmakers to choose an evidence-based approach instead of rushing toward criminal penalties. Oppose SB1655 and SB241 and focus on fighting fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement I fought hard for my freedom from chronic pain. My legislators should fight just as hard to protect that freedom. Jessica Cosby Jessica Cosby is a 35-year-old mother in Wildersville, Tennessee, who has lived for nine years with multiple chronic pain conditions, including sacroiliac joint degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and degenerative disc disease. She has five children. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Kratom didnt cause overdose crisis. Why do lawmakers want to ban it? UPDATE SATURDAY 8:45 P.M.: Mount Lebanon police say he has been found safe. ----- Local police are searching for a missing 14-year-old boy. In a social media post on Friday morning, the Mount Lebanon Police Department said Michael Clevenger left his home in an Uber at 1 a.m. Friday. Michael is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 135 pounds with medium-length blond hair. Police say his health puts him at risk. Advertisement Advertisement He may be wearing plaid pajama pants and a black sweatshirt, and could be in the Penn Hills or Plum area. Just before noon, the Beaver Valley Regional Police Department said it and multiple other agencies are looking for Michael. He was last seen on foot around Fourth Avenue and First Street in Freedom around 1:50 a.m. Anyone with information or surveillance video of Michael is asked to call Beaver County Dispatch at 724-775-0880. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW When it comes to moving, unfortunately, damage can happen. A Garner couple hired Miracle Movers of Raleigh to help with their move, and while everything initially went well, they faced delays in getting their damage claim resolved. Skye Bush said during the move, a mover carrying dumbbells tripped and fell, causing one of the dumbbells to damage the stairs. The company took immediate responsibility. Advertisement Advertisement "He emailed us the claim form and said the claim would be resolved in 60 to 90 days," Bush said. The couple submitted this claim in October, including an estimate for repairs to the stairs and additional work to ensure consistency. However, after 90 days and several follow-ups, the issue was not resolved. That's when the couple contacted Troubleshooter Diane Wilson, who reached out to Miracle Movers of Raleigh. "Immediately, the next morning, I got a call at work, and they told me they apologized profusely," Theo Bush said. Robin Bennette, the general manager of Miracle Movers of Raleigh said they understand the customers' frustrations and that the matter should have been resolved sooner. Over the past several months, the company underwent internal administrative and approval process restructuring. Advertisement Advertisement To bring the matter to a close, she said a check with the approved amount will be given to the Bush family. This is a resolution the couple says they are happy with. "We are pleased; it took much longer than expected, but we are happy it's resolved," Theo said. SEE ALSO: CEO of Durham Foundation, CJF America found guilty of worthless check charge EDITORS NOTE: This story includes graphic descriptions some readers may find disturbing. Less than 24 hours after a mysterious triple homicide baffled investigators and devastated two idyllic Utah towns, a bevy of license plate readers, a trail of footprints and a victims own key fob helped lead authorities to a suspect more than 300 miles away. The gruesome saga started Wednesday in the tiny, quaint town of Lyman population 289. The suspect, 22-year-old Ivan Miller, snuck into the home of Margaret Oldroyd while she was gone and waited for her to return, a Wayne County prosecutor wrote in Millers indictment. Advertisement Advertisement When the 86-year-old grandmother came home and settled in to watch TV, Miller shot her in the back of her head and stole her car, prosecutor Michael Winn said. Miller later told investigators, he did not like the car and wanted to find a different vehicle, Winn wrote in the indictment. Ivan Miller, 22, was arrested in Colorado and faces three counts of aggravated murder in Utah. - Archuleta County Jail He drove southeast for 13 miles and ended up near the town of Torrey where the majestic, rugged landscape attracts tourists and hikers. There, he saw two women get out of a white Subaru Outback, the prosecutor wrote. Miller said that he went up to them and shot the younger one in what he thought was the chest, the indictment says. Miller then shot the other one twice in the body but she was still moving. Miller then stabbed her multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement When the two hikers 65-year-old Linda Dewey and her 34-year-old niece, Natalie Graves didnt come home, their anxious husbands went searching for them, officials said. They found their slain wives bodies near a trailhead. When authorities arrived, they found no perpetrator. But they spotted footprints near the bodies and an abandoned Buick Regal the same car stolen from the first victims home after she was killed. But the hikers white Subaru was gone. A frantic, multi-state manhunt Investigators scoured wide swaths of southern Utah looking for a triple homicide suspect Thursday. - George Frey/AP A Wayne County sheriffs deputy entered the missing Subarus information into a license plate reader search and discovered the car was in Bicknell, Utah, late Wednesday morning. That was the last time he detected the vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement But the husband of the Subaru owner managed to use a phone app to track his slain wifes key fob. On Wednesday night, the key fob was detected in Farmington, New Mexico about 300 miles southeast of where the hikers bodies were found. Around the same time that evening, police in Colorado learned the Subaru had been detected by Flock Safety cameras in the Four Corners region of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado, the Durango Police Department said. Our agency immediately received the alert as part of the Flock Safety network, which enables participating agencies to rapidly share critical vehicle information across jurisdictions, Durango police wrote on Facebook. Officers scrambled to see if the Subaru had been spotted nearby and discovered it had already passed through Durango and seemed to be heading toward Pagosa Springs, the police department said. Advertisement Advertisement Durango officers quickly notified Pagosa Springs police and nearby sheriffs offices. A Pagosa Springs officer found the Subaru abandoned downtown, Durango police said. Several agencies jumped in to help with the manhunt. By early Thursday morning, authorities tracked down and arrested Miller in Pagosa Springs. He was armed with a handgun and a large knife when he was captured, authorities said. This incident shows how modern law enforcement technology; when paired with strong regional partnerships, helps prevent violent offenders from traveling unnoticed through our communities, the Durango Police Department wrote. The motive was money, prosecutor says When authorities interviewed Miller about the killings, he confessed that it had to be done but he did not like to do it, the prosecutor wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Miller said he did it because he needed money, the indictment says. Miller said that he took (the hikers) credit cards and used the older womans card to buy gas. Miller said his intent was to get back to Iowa. The suspect lived in Blakesburg, Iowa, and set out on a cross-country road trip a few weeks ago, his brother told the The New York Times on the condition of anonymity. The siblings stayed in contact during the trip, and Miller mentioned crashing his truck after hitting an elk, according to the Times. His brother was worried about Miller driving after the accident and offered to bring him back to Iowa, which he declined, the Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement After his arrest, Miller told investigators he stayed at an area hotel for a few days after his truck hit an elk. He then sold his vehicle to a tow truck company, the indictment says. Miller ended up in Lyman and spent a night in a shed behind the home of Oldroyd the first victim killed. He waited for the woman to drive away before sneaking into her home, the indictment says. A pink ribbons hangs on a pole in front of the home where an elderly woman was killed in Lyman, Utah. - George Frey/AP When Oldroyd returned and sat down to watch TV, the suspect emerged from behind a door and shot her, the prosecutor wrote. Miller told investigators he took the womans car, the indictment says. An investigator also asked Miller about the knife used to stab one of the hikers. When asked what he had done with the knife he had used, Miller produced the knife during the interview, the indictment says. Advertisement Advertisement Miller was being held on a weapons charge in Colorado before his court hearing Friday afternoon. At some point afterward, officials told CNN, he will likely be extradited to Utah to face three counts of aggravated murder. At Fridays hearing, a judge set a $20,000 cash bond after prosecutors stressed Miller poses an extreme risk of danger to the public and an extreme flight risk. Prosecutors also asked for conditions including no possession of alcohol and drugs, pretrial service monitoring, a mental health evaluation and GPS monitoring should he eventually be released. I dont know that there is a condition that would be imposed that keeps our community safe, a prosecutor in the case told the court. The judge scheduled Millers next court dates for April 10 and May 14. The suspect wasnt allowed to travel the country When Miller embarked on his cross-country journey, he had several pending charges against him in Iowa, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Miller was charged with one count of felony burglary and three serious misdemeanors marijuana possession, fourth-degree theft and person ineligible to carry dangerous weapons, the Iowa records show. The charges stem from an incident at a cabin in Lake Wapello State Park in late December. Miller illegally entered the cabin and stayed there for several days, a probable cause affidavit says. When a park ranger and park manager went to prepare the cabin for a reservation on December 31, they discovered food, marijuana joints, a fully loaded AR-10 and a fully loaded bolt-action rifle with a bayonet, the ranger wrote in the affidavit. Miller, who was not inside at the time, returned to the cabin and immediately put his hands in the air, the affidavit says. When the ranger asked Miller what he was doing, the suspect said he had picked the lock three days earlier so he could get somewhere warm. Advertisement Advertisement Miller had a court date scheduled for March 6 in Iowa and was granted release until then as long as he reported for pretrial supervision, a spokesperson for the Iowa Judicial Branch said. But he failed to meet with an officer on January 22, according to court records. Miller also violated the terms of his release by leaving Iowa without approval from the court or his supervising officer. On Friday, an Iowa judge formally revoked Millers terms of release. A tight-knit community left in shock and grieving Pink ribbons were placed on signs and poles around Wayne County, where the three victims lived, to honor the women as the tight-knit community has been left shocked and grief-stricken by the tragedy, according to CNN affiliate KSTU. Linda Dewey was a wife, mother, grandmother and sister who was "adored" by her family and friends, her family said. - Alan Dewey/AP Natalie Graves, Linda Dewey's niece, was "joy, sunshine and beauty embodied," her family said. - Natalie Graves/AP Linda Dewey and her niece, Natalie Graves, were bonding over a hike at Cockscomb Trailhead, which they cherished as one of their favorite places on earth and is considered to be a safe sanctuary, the Dewey family said in a statement to local news outlet The Wayne and Garfield County Insider. Dewey was a wife, mother, grandmother and sister who had extended family members and friends all over the world, her family said. She was the heart of their family, whom she loved deeply. Graves was a wife, daughter and sister who was adored by her many friends and extended family members. The family described her as joy, sunshine and beauty embodied. Their family is asking community members to honor Dewey and Graves at the hiking trail, saying there will be photographs of the two women placed there to memorialize them. Their family is dealing with the shock of the devastating loss of two members of our family, adding, They were murdered. We cannot comprehend why this happened. Tonya Moosman worked with the older victim, Margaret Oldroyd, and Oldroyds niece Stella Edwards at Royals Market, the local grocery store in Loa, she told KSTU. Oldroyd was a strong and friendly woman who would do anything for you, Moosman told the outlet. If there was something to be done, she was right there. She did that all her life. Shoppers at the store spoke with each other at the checkout line about fond memories they had of Oldroyd, including one woman who said Oldroyd was her primary school teacher, according to KSTU. Oldroyd was strong in her faith, Edwards told KSTU. My Aunt Margaret was just so special, Edwards said. She was one in a million. We loved her. CNNs Andi Babineau, Amanda Musa, Emma Tucker, Justin Lear and Cheri Mossburg contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Two elementary schools are being shuttered. A school board is divided, with one member accusing her own district of having no plan. And a multimillion budget deficit is growing. Now infuriated parents are getting state officials involved. Seven parents of Middletown Public School students filed a petition of appeal with the state Department of Education, challenging the school boards Feb. 26 decision to close Navesink Elementary and Leonardo Elementary. They allege district officials lied about the process and directed an educational consultant to revise his recommendation to align with their own predetermined plan, according to the 206-page filing by the parents attorney, Roshan D. Shah. Advertisement Advertisement The school closures are reckless and driven by agendas, not facts, and will lead to overcrowding and exacerbate school segregation, according to the March 4 petition. Im not interested in litigating this case in the press. I prefer to give the Board due process and allow it to respond in the administrative tribunal, Shah told NJ.com. Of course, if the Board or its members choose to litigate in the public sphere and attack my clients, we will meet them there and pursue additional litigation if warranted. We may not have a vote on the Board, but we have legal remedies and we intend to pursue them. Superintendent Jessica Alfone referred NJ.com to William Burns, the school districts attorney. Burns didnt respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesman for the state Department of Education declined to comment, citing pending litigation. In March 2025, district officials abruptly announced a plan to shutter three of its schools to close a multimillion-dollar budget gap. Under the plan, Navesink Elementary, Leonardo Elementary and Bayshore Middle School would close. But parents fiercely opposed the plan, and officials backed off. Instead of the closures, the school board approved a 10.1% tax increase. But last month, district officials suddenly pivoted, calling the tax hike merely a temporary bridge to buy time. School officials then released a restructuring proposal that closely mirrored last years controversial plan: Navesink and Leonardo would be consolidated into one school, which would be called Bayshore Elementary School. Bayshore Middle School students would be rezoned to Thorne and Thompson, two other district middle schools. Advertisement Advertisement The closures would save the school system $3.5 to $4 million per year, according to the plan. The district currently has a $3 million deficit, and if the status quo remains, could face a nearly $14 million deficit by the end of the decade, officials said. During the Feb. 26 meeting, school board members voted 5-4 to direct officials to craft a budget anticipating the closure of Leonardo and Navesink. The resolution did not mention Bayshore. The vote came just a month after Ross Haber, an education planning consultant hired last spring by the district, unveiled a restricting proposal that would maintain all 11 elementary schools. The plan to shuffle 119 students to other schools in the district was met with outrage when he unveiled it during the Jan. 27 meeting. The proposal had not been met with the greatest enthusiasm, he admitted during a Feb. 19 school board workshop meeting. So the district asked him to look at options that would instead close one to three schools, he said. Advertisement Advertisement But Habers hiring was a pretext to the school closures, according to the March 4 petition filing. Last year, he had reached out to the districts business administrator, Amy Doherty, about analyzing the districts buildings and enrollment to prepare a report. Doherty sent Habers proposal to Superintendent Jessica Alfone, and in her email, noted, $25k for this work I think we should seriously consider it though would lend support to our planning. The line had been poorly redacted in a public release of the email, which was obtained through an Open Public Records Act request, according to the petition. The petition also alleges Alfone misled the public on Habers proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Her comments about when she saw the Haber Rezoning Presentation and whether a report existed were blatantly false and misleading she not only saw it, but she also helped edit it, the petition said, citing obtained emails. In February, Doherty emailed Haber and another consultant, Tim Ammon, who had also worked on the report. I think we also need to have the work that was done related to the objective of closing two schools, whether its a more disruptive plan or if the conclusion is that closing two schools would not be your recommendation, Doherty wrote, according to an obtained email. Haber had previously told the public at the Jan. 27 meeting that the plan to reshuffle the 119 students was the least disruptive option. Yet at the Feb. 19 meeting, Haber reversed himself, saying the least disruptive plan was to close the schools. Advertisement Advertisement Let that sink in: a purported educational expert opined that moving 119 students across six schools (i.e., his plan formulated after nine months of work) is more disruptive than a plan to close three schools and relocate over one thousand children and staff (i.e., his new recommendation, formulated two weeks after Dohertys email and some conversations), the petition said. Haber didnt look at how the closures would affect student outcomes or finances, according to the petition. He also said he didnt prepare the report that outlined the closures. The petition further alleges that school board president Chris Aveta lied to the public about discussing school closures during the Feb. 26 meeting and that some board members planned to vote on the closures before the meeting had started. MTPS never made any good-faith effort to try and consider alternatives to school closings, the petition alleges. The Petitioners have been harmed as a result. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Law enforcement asks anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov, the Pima County Sheriff's Department (520-351-4900) or 88-CRIME. While developments in the search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, were sparse in the fifth week since her disappearance, investigators appear to be exploring a new detail in the abduction case. During a report on the NBC morning talk show Friday, March 6, NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz shared that authorities canvassing Nancy Guthrie's Tucson, Arizona, neighborhood on Thursday were asking residents if they noticed any issues with their internet service the night of Guthrie's disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement "They [said] the investigators told them that several people in the area have mentioned glitches with their internet that night," Kreutz, who spoke to three homeowners, said. Nancy Guthrie, left, and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph. Neither the Pima County Sheriff's Department nor the FBI have confirmed this investigative detail, Kreutz noted, including the possibility of a "Wi-Fi jammer" being used by Guthrie's alleged abductor. However, the NBC reporter said Sheriff Chris Nanos previously told the outlet that authorities are "looking at every angle" of available surveillance footage, which shows a masked man standing in front of Guthrie's front entrance and appearing to tamper with the door camera. Investigators' continued search for Guthrie, who was last seen Jan. 31, comes after Savannah Guthrie made a visit to the "Today" show studio on Thursday to thank her colleagues for their ongoing support. "Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her 'Today' colleagues," a "Today" spokesperson said in a statement. "While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home." Advertisement Advertisement Here's the latest on the search for Nancy Guthrie. Today show host Savannah Guthries 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was seemingly abducted from her home outside Tucson, Arizona, in the early hours of Feb. 1, 2026. Authorities released photos and videos on Feb. 10, of a potential suspect who was caught tampering with a camera on her front door on the morning of her disappearance. A Pima County Sheriff deputy watches as workers place "No Trespassing" signs around the home of Nancy Guthrie on Feb. 24, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. Law enforcement officials continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Savannah Guthrie announced a $1 million reward for anyone who helps find her mother. Armelinda Valenzuela is hugged after she sang and prayed in front of Nancy Guthrie's residence on Feb. 25, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. Valenzuela said, "Her heart breaks for the Guthrie family." Law enforcement officials continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Catherine Lopez carries a backpack she found in a culvert, while joining other volunteers to search for any possible signs of Nancy Guthrie near her residence on Feb. 22, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. Lopez was able to give the backpack to Pima County Sheriff deputies. The volunteer group was looking for anything that could help find Nancy Guthrie or the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. Law enforcement officials continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Lisa Pollak (R) joins other volunteers to search for any possible signs of Nancy Guthrie near her residence on Feb. 22, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. The volunteer group was looking for anything that could help find Nancy Guthrie or the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. Law enforcement officials continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Jamie Messick walks through a culvert as he joins other volunteers to search for any possible signs of Nancy Guthrie near her residence on Feb. 22, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. The volunteer group was looking for anything that could help find Nancy Guthrie or the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. Law enforcement officials continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Media outlets set up across the road from Nancy Guthrie's residence on Feb. 19, 2026, in Tucson, Ariz. Law enforcement officials continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. An anonymous donor contributed $100,000 to the total reward offered in the Nancy Guthrie case, bringing it to over $200,000. Two AI-generated images with the likeness of Nancy Guthrie sit in a memorial near her residence on Feb. 19, 2026, in Tucson, Ariz. Law enforcement officials continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. An anonymous donor contributed $100,000 to the total reward offered in the Nancy Guthrie case, bringing it to over $200,000. A sign sits in a memorial setup outside of Nancy Guthrie's residence on Feb. 18, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. Law enforcement officials continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. A Pima County Sheriff's vehicle sits in the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's residence on Feb. 18, 2026, in Tucson, Ariz. Law enforcement officials continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Jeannie Maggard visits a memorial setup next to the driveway of the residence of Nancy Guthrie on Feb. 18, 2026, in Tucson, Ariz. Law enforcement officials continue to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Alex Stone (ABC News) reports live outside Nancy Guthrie's home in the Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 16, 2026. A Pima County Sheriff looks on after escorting a person off Nancy Guthrie's property on Feb. 16, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. Searches continue for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. The search enters its 3rd week with law enforcement officials claiming to have found several items of evidence, but having made no arrests. The FBI and Pima County SheriffOs Department deputies process evidence from a late-model, gray Range Rover as they investigate the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, at a CulverOs in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 13, 2026. A sign in support of the Guthrie family stands next to several bouquets of flowers left outside Nancy Guthrie's home in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson on Feb. 12, 2026. Members of the Reed family pay their respects at a makeshift memorial outside of the residence of Nancy Guthrie on Feb. 16, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. The search continues for Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on February 1. Law enforcement officials say they have found several items of evidence, but have made no arrests. A backpack sits in this handout image, part of new visuals the FBI released regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. A well-wisher leaves a note and handmade flowers outside of Nancy Guthrie's home in the Catalina Foothills after the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 12, 2026 Jennifer Bond signs a banner that reads "Bring her home" and shows a photo of Nancy Guthrie, U.S. television journalist Savannah Guthrie's abducted elderly mother, at the KVOA newsroom, where Savannah worked earlier in her career, in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 12, 2026 News broadcasters are stationed outside Nancy Guthrie's residence on Feb.12, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. Law enforcement officials have claimed to have found several items of evidence as searches continue for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Guthrie's possible abductors had set a deadline of 5pm on February 9 for a $6 million payment. Yellow bows are tied to trees on the street of Nancy Guthrie's home in the Catalina Foothills after the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 12, 2026. Members of the media follow investigators as they search the edges of Nancy Guthrie's street in the Catalina Foothills after the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 11, 2026. A member of the FBI surveils the area around Nancy Guthrie's residence on Feb. 11, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. Searches continue for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Guthrie's possible abductors had set a deadline of 5pm on February 9 for a $6 million payment. Residents deliver flowers to a makeshift memorial at the entrance to Nancy Guthrie's residence on Feb. 11, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. Searches continues for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Guthrie's possible abductors had set a deadline of 5pm on February 9 for a $6 million payment. Investigators canvass Annie Guthrie's neighborhood on Feb. 10, 2026, after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home outside Tucson. Investigators canvass Annie Guthrie's neighborhood on Feb. 10, 2026, after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home outside Tucson. Law enforcement and news broadcasters are stationed outside of Nancy Guthrie's residence on Feb. 10, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. Searches continues for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, after she went missing from her home on the morning of February 1st. Guthrie's possible abductors had set a deadline of 5pm on February 9 for a $6 million payment. An investigator canvasses Annie Guthrie's neighborhood on Feb. 10, 2026, after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home outside Tucson. U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie speaks in a video message, thanking supporters and asking for help in locating her elderly mother, Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Arizona home several days ago, in this screen grab obtained from social media video taken at an unspecified location and released Feb. 9, 2026. Broadcast journalists report live outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 9, 2026. U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, accompanied by her siblings Annie and Camron, speaks in a video message, addressing that they are willing to pay for the release of their elderly mother, Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Arizona home several days ago, in this screen grab obtained from social media video taken at an unspecified location and released February 7, 2026. A Pima County Sheriff's Department deputy on Feb. 10, 2026, patrols the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home outside Tucson. Live-streamers, journalists and a Pima County Sheriff's Department deputy gather at the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 9, 2026. A sign and other objects showing support from neighbors is posted at the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 9, 2026. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie is missing, and Arizona officials say they are investigating her disappearance as a "crime." "Today" show cohost Savannah Guthrie, accompanied by her siblings Annie and Camron Guthrie, speaks in a video message addressing a possible kidnapper who might be holding her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie in this screen grab obtained from social media video taken at an unspecified location and released Feb. 4, 2026. Chris Castorena, a private detective based in Phoenix volunteering his time to search for Nancy Guthrie, scans her street for clues after the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, U.S. February 5, 2026. The Pima County Sheriff's Office in Arizona received a 911 call reporting Nancy Guthrie missing from her home outside Tucson around noon local time on Sunday, Feb. 1. Investigators showed renewed interest at the home of Nancy Guthrie on Feb. 4, 2026, stringing up crime scene tape for a time in the late afternoon. They removed it shortly before 6 p.m. Guthrie had been missing since Jan. 31, 2026, with investigators saying she had been taken from her home northeast of Tucson. Guthrie is the mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie. Investigators showed renewed interest at the home of Nancy Guthrie on Feb. 4, 2026, stringing up crime scene tape for a time in the late afternoon. They removed it shortly before 6 p.m. Guthrie had been missing since Jan. 31, 2026, with investigators saying she had been taken from her home northeast of Tucson. Guthrie is the mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, went missing from her home (pictured here) in the affluent Catalina Foothills area just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026. She was reported missing from her home in a community just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026. Media broadcasts as private security stands guard in the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's house after the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 4, 2026. The front of the home of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, on Feb. 3, 2026. Nancy Guthrie was abducted from the home some time after about 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 31, the Pima County Sheriff's Department said. She was reported missing after not attending church the next morning, the Sheriff's Department said. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos gives an update on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, on Feb. 2, 2026. Television media set up at the house of Nancy Guthrie, NBC host Savannah Guthrie's mother, on Feb. 3, 2026, in Catalina, Ariz. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie, is pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancys disappearance as a "crime." Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, on "Today with Hoda & Jenna. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancys disappearance as a "crime." Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancys disappearance as a "crime." Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancys disappearance as a "crime." Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, went missing from her home (pictured here) in the affluent Catalina Foothills area just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026. Chris Castorena, a private detective based in Phoenix volunteering his time to search for Nancy Guthrie, scans her street for clues after the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, U.S. February 5, 2026. Search for Nancy Guthrie and person suspected of taking her continues 1 of 55 Today show host Savannah Guthries 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was seemingly abducted from her home outside Tucson, Arizona, in the early hours of Feb. 1, 2026. Authorities released photos and videos on Feb. 10, of a potential suspect who was caught tampering with a camera on her front door on the morning of her disappearance. DNA results from gloves found near Nancy Guthrie's home are revealed Black gloves that authorities thought might belong to Nancy Guthrie's alleged abductor became the subject of the latest news release update. DNA results showed the gloves belonged to a restaurant worker not connected to the case, according to a March 4 statement from the Pima County Sheriff's Department. The gloves were found about two miles from Guthrie's home in the Catalina Foothills, the department said in a post on X. Lab analysis on other DNA evidence remained ongoing, the department said. Nancy Guthrie investigators are making progress, sheriff says Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he remained hopeful that Nancy Guthrie was still alive despite not having been seen since her suspected abduction in the early morning hours of Feb. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Nanos told NBC News that he "absolutely" believed investigators were getting closer to solving the case, with the outlet reporting that a dedicated team from his homicide division was working with the FBI on the search for the missing 84-year-old. Nancy Guthrie suspect could have purchased used Walmart backpack, sheriff says Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC that the team was investigating various possibilities surrounding the evidence law enforcement already had reviewed, including a backpack worn by Nancy Guthrie's alleged abductor. Last month, the FBI released video and images from Guthrie's doorbell camera that showed a masked man at her front door the night she disappeared, offering the first major glimpse at a suspect in the case. New images released by authorities on Feb. 10, 2026, from a Nest camera outside Nancy Guthrie's home show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at the front door on the morning of her disappearance on Feb. 1. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. New images from a Nest camera show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door on the morning of her disappearance. Search for Nancy Guthrie and person suspected of taking her continues 1 of 8 New images released by authorities on Feb. 10, 2026, from a Nest camera outside Nancy Guthrie's home show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at the front door on the morning of her disappearance on Feb. 1. Authorities initially identified the man's backpack as a 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack exclusively sold at Walmart. But Nanos suggested the man might have purchased the backpack used. Advertisement Advertisement "We've now learned that maybe it wasn't purchased out of Walmart," he told NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz. "That backpack, new, is exclusive to Walmart, but who's to say [he] didn't buy it and put it on eBay? That's what we're looking at." Has anyone been arrested in Nancy Guthrie case? Police have not yet arrested a suspect, although several people have gotten caught in the crosshairs of the investigation, including a man who allegedly sent a false ransom note to Guthrie's family, a man detained during a traffic stop and later released, and a 34-year-old man arrested in front of Guthrie's home on misdemeanor DUI charges in an unrelated case. "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing in February 2026. See photos of the mother-daughter duo together through the years on NBC and beyond. Here, they're pictured in an undated photograph. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance as a "crime." Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancys disappearance as a "crime." Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured on April 17, 2019, on "Today with Hoda & Jenna. Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie, is pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Pictured here are Savannah and her mother on the set of the "Today" show on June 15, 2023. Nancy Guthrie and "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie are pictured in an undated photograph provided by NBC. Search for Nancy Guthrie and person suspected of taking her continues 1 of 8 "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing in February 2026. See photos of the mother-daughter duo together through the years on NBC and beyond. Here, they're pictured in an undated photograph. Arizona officials say they are investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance as a "crime." Nancy Guthrie abduction timeline In a press conference Feb. 5, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters that doorbell camera video had helped authorities piece together a timeline of events for Guthrie's kidnapping. Jan. 31 at 5:32 p.m. Guthrie traveled to her family's house for a game night. Jan. 31 at 9:48 p.m. Her family dropped her back at home, and the garage door opened. Jan. 31 at 9:50 p.m. The garage door closed. Feb. 1 at 1:47 a.m. Doorbell camera in front of Guthrie's home disconnected. Feb. 1 at 2:12 a.m. Software for the smart home detected a person on the camera. Feb. 1 at 2:28 a.m. Guthrie's pacemaker app shows it was disconnected from her phone. Feb. 1 at 11:56 a.m. The family checks on her. Feb. 1 at 12:03 p.m. Family calls 911 to report her missing. Feb. 1 at 12:15 p.m. Patrol cars arrive. Advertisement Advertisement Contributing: Brendan Morrow, USA TODAY; Richard Ruelas and Sarah Lapidus, Arizona Republic This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Savannah Guthrie mom investigators probe internet issues in search On, Friday, March 6, the search for Nancy Guthrie continued, and it entered its 34th day of the investigation with no named suspect or suspects. Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona, residence on Feb. 1. Officials think she was taken against her will, and the investigation into her appearance is ongoing. Now, the Pima County Sheriff's Department has shared good news, and although it's not directly related to the Nancy Guthrie abduction, it brings hope. Nancy Guthrie Update Today: Pima County Sheriff's Department Shares Positive Development About Another Missing Resident In a post on Friday, March 6, the Pima County Sheriff's Department shared the good news that an 89-year-old resident named Beverley DuBois has been found. Advertisement Advertisement DuBois had gone missing on Wednesday, March 4, at 7 p.m., according research from to the department. She had last been seen wearing a blue shirt and slippers. Now, the Pima County Sheriff's Department has reported that she's back at home and safe. So, while this isn't directly related to the Nancy Guthrie case, it brings a ray of hope that missing people in the area can be found. Nancy Guthrie Glove DNA: Lead Doesn't Pan Out As the search for Nancy Guthrie moves forward, one lead that seemed promising earlier in the week didn't work out. According to Pima County sheriff Chris Nanos, the DNA on a glove that was found near the scene was traced back to a person who works at a nearby restaurant and "has nothing to do with the case." "The owner of the glove, we found working at a restaurant across the street. It has nothing to do with the case," Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told Tucson news station KVOA. Advertisement Advertisement "We knew that at that time, we believed wholeheartedly that those gloves belonged to a restaurant and guess what? The owner of the glove, we found working at a restaurant across the street," Nanos added during the interview. The sheriff's department also took to X on March 4 to stated that the individual is "not part of this investigation." Officials previously said the gloves appeared to look like the same gloves worn by a man whom the FBI has called a suspect in the case after he was spotted in surveillance footage at Nancy Guthrie's home. On Feb. 13, authorities sent the gloves off for testing at a private Florida laboratory, and the DNA analysis results came back just this week showing the gloves aren't related to the case. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Mar 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. When NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the revamped approach to the Artemis moon program, it was unclear whether the new mobile launcher that has been constructed over the last two years at Kennedy Space Center would ever get used. A NASA rundown of the reconfigured Artemis launch plans released Tuesday, though, answers that question for the foreseeable future: No. The agency is no longer planning to use the Exploration Upper Stage or Mobile Launcher 2, as development of both has faced delays, according to the agency update. Advertisement Advertisement The Space Launch System rocket for the first three missions is in what is known as the Block 1 configuration, which has an upper stage called the interim cryogenic propulsion stage. Those missions were assigned the use of mobile launcher 1 (ML1), which was converted from the canceled Constellation program created under President George W. Bush in the early 2000s. Artemis IV and V were to use a Block 1B version of the SLS, including the taller Exploration Upper Stage, which was designed to bring thousands more pounds of cargo to the moon. The increase in height called for a new mobile launcher, ML2. Primary contractor Bechtel National Inc. added the last modular block to the tower last summer, bringing it to a height of 377 feet. It has since been in final construction mode before a planned handoff to NASA by late 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Bechtel did not respond when asked if work on the ML2 will cease immediately or be completed for delivery to the agency this year as planned. Its presence has loomed in the background, with cranes adjacent as the Artemis II rocket on the ML1 has rolled out to and then back from KSCs Launch Pad 39-B as teams continue to aim for a launch opportunity in April. ML1 was used once for the Ares I-X test mission of the Constellation program, then sat unused at KSC for years before it was tapped to support the first three Artemis missions. ML2s future could find a use potentially, however. ML2 is 90% complete. It can be configured however we need to, said NASAs Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya during a press conference Friday about the Artemis changes. Advertisement Advertisement NASA does not plan to use the ICPS as the upper stage for Artemis IV and V. NASA is assessing alternative options for the second stage of the rocket, the agencys update stated. The interim cryogenic propulsion stage used for the first three missions will be replaced with a new second stage. The ML2 project, which was initially a $383 million contract awarded in 2019, had an original delivery date of 2023. A NASA Office of Inspector General audit released in August 2024 said the costs had already nearly tripled to more than $1 billion, with the delivery date pushed into late 2026. The project is part of the growing costs and delays associated with all facets of the Artemis program. In 2023, the OIG said by the time Artemis III flies, the program will have topped $93 billion in costs since it was originally announced in 2012. Those costs have now climbed to over $100 billion. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trumps original NASA budget proposal in 2025 which was ignored by Congress sought to end the use of SLS after Artemis III, and with it the need for the ML2. After moves by Sen. Ted Cruz, funds were allocated to support Artemis IV and V in Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, and it seemed like ML2 would be needed after all. That was until Isaacmans announcement last Friday. Part of Isaacmans criticism of SLS has been the ballooning costs and delays that have seen three-year gaps between launches. He said shifting from the Block 1 to Block 1B and a roadmap for an even larger Block 2 version of SLS, which would have also used the ML2, was a roadmap for failure. Advertisement Advertisement Youre going to inevitably learn the same lessons and over again, he said referencing the idea that with each change in design comes the possibility for new delays. So standardize, increase production, pull everything in which allows you then to increase your your launch rate. The new plan aims to turn around SLS launches once every 10 months. Artemis II could fly as soon as April 1 while Artemis III, now a low-Earth orbit mission, would come in mid-2027, and Artemis IV and V, both aiming to land on the moon, are both tapped for 2028. The change in plans has meant other contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing will need to refocus to hit those targets. Advertisement Advertisement They understand what the ask is. They know were going to need to pull in hardware. Thats why were standardizing the configuration, Isaacman said. Youre not going to be able to be able to do that if every rocket is a work of art. ---------- NPC deputy turns pig farming into high-tech enterprise, shares gains with villagers People's Daily Online) 10:11, March 06, 2026 At a pig breeding facility in Tashan village, Dayou town, Cengong county, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province, Zheng Peikun was reviewing real-time data from the farrowing house while reminding a worker about proper pig management practices for the spring season. Zheng, a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, will bring the concerns of local villagers to this year's annual sessions of China's national legislature and top political advisory body, which opened in Beijing on March 5 and March 4, respectively. Photo shows a smart pig breeding facility in Tashan village, Dayou town, Cengong county, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Photo/Wu Xianghua) In 2013, Zheng returned to his hometown to establish a modern pig farm. Following its success, he brought together resources from nine village collectives to set up an agriculture and livestock company, with plans to build a smart breeding facility capable of raising more than 10,000 pigs. Zheng Peikun briefs a worker on spring pig farm management precautions. (Photo/Li Changzhuo) "In the past, pig farming relied entirely on manual labor. Today, it is powered by technology," Zheng said. The facility is equipped with a smart environmental control system, a precision feeding system and a video monitoring network. Zheng's team has independently developed a pig facial recognition system and a health monitoring device, both of which have received invention patents. Today, just six workers can efficiently manage more than 5,000 pigs, reducing labor costs by 30 percent and feed costs by 10 percent. Zheng Peikun monitors the pig farm via screen. (Photo/Li Changzhuo) Since 2025, Zheng's company has generated sales of 20 million yuan (about $2.9 million). As his business has grown, Zheng has never forgotten to help others. He distributes 80 percent of the breeding facility's profits to local villagers and has paid out more than 11.8 million yuan in dividends since 2018, benefiting more than 450 households who have been lifted out of poverty. Encouraged by his example, more than 130 people have returned home to start their own businesses. Tashan village is now home to nine cooperatives, eight agricultural companies, 14 family farms and the prefecture's first integrated beef cattle breeding facility, which combines breeding, reproduction and extension services. Since 2023, the professional farmer training center founded by Zheng has trained more than 1,700 skilled workers. As an NPC deputy, Zheng has put forward suggestions reflecting the concerns of local villagers. This year, he is focusing on issues related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers, as well as public well-being. Zheng Peikun collects suggestions from villagers. (Photo/Li Changzhuo) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Paraguay was previously seen as a hotspot for Bitcoin mining with its cheap energy and lax taxes. But after amateur operations flooded the country, stole electricity and in turn attracted negative press, the nation clamped down on crypto cowboys. Now, the South American countrys government has a new idea: Use machines confiscated from dodgy operations to kickstart a state-run crypto mining operation. By redeploying Bitcoin miners on regulated, utility controlled sites, we can transform unused electricity into productive compute that serves both the Bitcoin network and the global AI economy, Kenso Trabing, founder and CEO of Morphware, the company working with the government on the initiative, said in a post on X. The plan, according to Morphware and Paraguays state-controlled electricity firm, ANDE, is to use the countrys famously cheap and abundant leftover energy to mine with the machines. The two have signed a memorandum of understanding for the project. Neither ANDE nor Morphware responded to questions from DL News. Will it actually work? But engineer and energy expert Nelson Cristaldo told DL News that the project for now would be an analysis for future mining operations. The confiscated machines are very old two generations behind, he said. It would be very hard to make a profit with these machines. He added: But its very good news that the government is doing this. The government has a very unique vision. Fernando Arriola, chief financial officer of Bitcoin miner BC Mining, told DL News that the initiative was a step in the right direction for the country. Illegal miners arriving in Paraguay gave our industry a very bad reputation, he said. Its a very good opportunity for the government to have a Bitcoin reserve, too. It is unclear whether Paraguays government plans to create a national Bitcoin reserve. Hotspot for mining? Paraguay was previously seen as being well-disposed to Bitcoin: A combination of business-friendly laws, cheap energy and an enthusiastic president attracted scores of miners post-2021. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A Nashville teen who was reported missing more than two years ago has been found safe, authorities announced Friday. On Monday, March 2, several law enforcement agenciesincluding the Metro Nashville Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and Tennessee Bureau of Investigationsafely found the 15-year-old in Lexington, Tennessee. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts According to the U.S. Marshals Service, a parent contacted the MNPD on July 2, 2023, to report that their 13-year-old child was missing. At some point, law enforcement in Nashville reportedly developed information that the missing teen was in Lexington, and could be living in Jackson. Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the USMS and TBI conducted surveillance in Jackson and was able to verify where the teen was living, and eventually pinpointed her to an exact location in Lexington. Due to the circumstances, the USMS reportedly called the Lexington Police Department, who arrived at the location and detained the missing teen. Authorities added she was eventually turned over to the Tennessee Department of Childrens Services. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com A child missing for even one hour is one hour too long, said Tyreece Miller, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee. After more than two years without this child being where she belongs, we are glad to play a role in her safe return. Advertisement Advertisement Since 2015, the USMS has located or recovered more than 4,561 missing children. No additional details were immediately released. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. National Grid is hosting a series of customer assistance events throughout March to help people manage their energy bills, with a particular focus on seniors. The events are part of the utility company's ongoing efforts to support customers, especially in the aftermath of extreme cold weather in January 2026 and a February 2026 blizzard that led to increased energy usage, according to a community announcement. On March 10, National Grid will introduce a new pilot program called the "Senior Power Hour" at the Harwich Council on Aging. The initiative aims to highlight energy savings programs, financial assistance and protections tailored for seniors. Another Senior Power Hour is scheduled for March 12 in Topsfield. National Grid is one of the top taxpayers in Fall River. Our great partnership with senior centers across Massachusetts often translates into strong turnout at customer events in those communities, Bill Malee, National Grid's chief customer officer, said. The Senior Power Hour is designed to bring personalized support to seniors and their caregivers, particularly for customers on fixed incomes. Most of our statewide events are open to all customers, no matter their age, so if you have concerns, we encourage you to attend an event or call our customer assistance hotline to learn about the range of assistance programs we offer. Advertisement Advertisement National Grids customer service experts will be available to assist customers in managing their seasonal energy bills and exploring cost-saving programs. The assistance includes enrolling in the new Payment Assistance Bundle, signing up for Budget Billing, registering for the Energy Discount Rate for qualifying customers and scheduling home energy assessments. One of the upcoming events will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 17, at Citizens for Citizens, 264 Griffin St. in Fall River. The 33 events planned for March 2026 are free and are part of National Grids broader commitment to affordability and reliability. Customers can find information about upcoming sessions on National Grid's Customer Assistance webpage or learn more about managing winter energy bills at ngrid.com/hereforyou. Assistance is also available by calling 1-800-233-5325. National Grid offers various programs and services to help customers save energy, manage their bills and access financial assistance. The Payment Assistance Bundle combines three solutions to help manage energy costs and pay down past due amounts over a 12-month period. It includes a deferred payment agreement, automatic monthly payments and a budget plan to break down annual energy costs into balanced monthly payments. Advertisement Advertisement Budget Billing allows customers to spread their usual payment over 12 balanced monthly payments to help offset high winter heating and summer air conditioning bills. Income-eligible customers may qualify for a discounted rate on energy service through the Discount Rates program. To be eligible, applicants must be a National Grid customer and already enrolled in an eligible benefit program or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. National Grid introduced a new Residential Heat Pump Rate on Nov. 1 to help electric customers save during the winter heating season. Qualified customers who use heat pumps for home heating will receive a reduced delivery rate on electricity from November through April, lowering monthly costs. For more information about the events and assistance programs, visit ngrid.com/hereforyou or call 1-800-233-5325. Advertisement Advertisement This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: National Grid hosts March events to help MA customers manage bills Cyprus is making renewed preparations for membership of the NATO military alliance after suffering a drone attack earlier this week. "If it were possible, we would submit an application tomorrow," President Nikos Christodoulides told Greek broadcaster Skai in an interview published overnight. Cyprus was already making preparations for possible NATO membership, he said. Work is being done at the military, operational and administrative levels so that the country can act "as soon as political conditions allow." Advertisement Advertisement Christodoulides acknowledged that such a step cannot be taken at present due to Turkey's long-standing position as a NATO member that rejects Cyprus's accession. The alliance decides on new members unanimously. The island has been divided since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Ankara does not recognize the other half, the Republic of Cyprus, and refuses to discuss NATO membership. The current discussion about a Cypriot application for NATO membership was triggered by a drone attack on the British military base near the Cypriot port city of Limassol earlier this week. According to the British government, there was minor damage to a hangar. But the incident caused widespread concern about the risk of Cyprus being hit by fallout from the Iran war. Cypriot media reported, citing security sources, that the drones may have been launched from Lebanon. The secretary of Miami-Dade Countys Republican Party started a group chat primarily for conservative students last fall and within three weeks it was filled with racist slurs, someone wrote dozens of ways of violently killing Black people and the chat was renamed after what one member described as Nazi heaven. In WhatsApp conversations leaked to the Miami Herald, participants used variations of the n-word more than 400 times, regularly described women as whores, used slurs to talk about Jewish and gay people and mused about Hitlers politics. Interspersed throughout were discussions about events promoting the Republican Party at Florida International University. The school told the Herald the chat logs are part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement The conversations included some of the campus top conservative leaders: the county GOP secretary, FIUs Turning Point USA chapter president and the former College Republicans recruitment chair. The group chat verified by two people in the group reveals the extent of racism and extremism within the highest ranks of campus Republican Party leadership in Miami at a time Floridas Republicans are reckoning with an increasingly emboldened far right. READ MORE: Will participants in racist Miami Republican group chat face consequences? Another member of the chat, William Bejerano who tried to start a pro-life group at Miami Dade College was the primary user of the n-word in the group. At one point, he posted a block of text calling for dozens of acts of extreme violence against Black people, who he referred to using the n-word, including crucifying, beheading and dissecting people. Bejerano hung up the phone when reached by the Herald. Advertisement Advertisement Dariel Gonzalez, the College Republicans recruitment chairman at the time, responded in the chat: How edgy. Ew you had colored professors?! Gonzalez wrote at another point. I reguse [sic] to be indoctrinated by the coloreds. He told the group he used the term colored because, I was told we cant say black anymore. A couple days later, he added: Avoid the coloreds like the plague. He did not respond to a request for comment. The group chat members which included some women also frequently discussed sex, sometimes describing women as whores and at one point using the k-word, a slur for Jewish people, to describe women they avoid. Gonzalez said, You can fk all the [k-word] you want. Just dont marry them and procreate. Ian Valdes, the Turning Point USA chapter president, responded, I would def not marry a Jew. Advertisement Advertisement A few minutes later, Valdes changed the group chats name from one that included a slur for people with disabilities, Uber [r-word] Yapping, to Gooning in Agartha. Gooning is a slang term for male masturbation. Agartha, a mythical white civilization promoted by the Nazi politician Heinrich Himmler, has been repopularized by the young online right. Gonzalez described Agartha to the group chat as, Nazi heaven sort of, and Valdes explained it, esoteric nazism essentially. This is not something you would know about unless you had spent a considerable amount of time in white supremacist circles, said Heidi Beirich, who researches extremism and co-founded the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. Advertisement Advertisement It was something Himmler was obsessed about and its basically a mythical white homeland in the center of the Earth. If youre using the term Agartha, you have spent some time reading about white supremacy and Nazis, theres just no way around it, she said. Youre embedded in the culture. Frequently, chat members discussed Republican politics and race. Valdes wrote at one point, We need to have a moratorium on immigration temporarily unless its someone from a first world country. He then clarified: Yeah I obviously mean whites. Throughout the two and a half weeks of chat logs between September and October obtained by the Herald, the secretary of the countys Republican Party, Abel Carvajal, participated occasionally and deleted some messages, but didnt shut the chat down. Republican Party divisions The messages among the partys top campus leaders last fall reveal the extent to which the party is splintered by its extremist online right and concerned about their growing political power in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Leading Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, who is Black, denounced what he called the woke right during a speech in Miami last fall, a phenomenon he said has risen in the wake of the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. Donalds seemed to be using the term as a stand-in for the far right, describing it as those that oppose all immigration and espouse soft bigotry on social media. U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds speaks during an Ask Byron Anything meet-and-greet event at the Versailles Cuban Cuisine restaurant in Little Havana, as part of his campaign to run in the 2026 Republican primary for Florida governor, on Monday, March 02, 2026. His opponent James Fishback a relative political unknown who has used racist and white nationalist rhetoric throughout his campaign is highlighting the generational divide around extremism on the right in Florida. One University of North Florida poll found that while only 6% of likely GOP primary voters supported Fishback, he had the support of 32% of 18-34 year olds, four times what Byron Donalds got among that age group. Advertisement Advertisement One thing I know is the conservative movement has always been steeped in respect for other people, respect for religious liberty, respect for economic liberty, Donalds told reporters during a campaign stop in Miami this week. The Turning Point USA chapter president, however, described his conservative politics differently to the group chat. Im more authoritarian than you buddy, I think the church should run the government, Valdes wrote at one point. During another conversation, Valdes said, fiscally conservative all the way is so gay and Hitler himself wasnt a fiscal conservative. Valdes previously described himself as a campaign employee on Fishbacks Miami team on Instagram. He has since removed that title. He did not respond to texts or phone calls from the Herald. Advertisement Advertisement In response to questions about the group chats, Miami-Dade County Republican Party Chairman Kevin Cooper said anyone associated with this chat should resign immediately. He added, I am shocked and appalled at these statements. Racism and antisemitism have no place in the Republican Party. I am proud to be the first Jewish chairman of the Miami Dade Republican Party, which is comprised of a diverse group of members from every race and background. The messages between campus conservative leaders come in the wake of Florida barring certain conversations about race and racism in university classrooms, including the 2022 so-called Stop WOKE Act. With the legislation thats being passed in different states, including here in Florida and you could argue even with some of them Trump executive orders about race he signed immediately after being sworn into office I think its sending a signal that you dont have to hide your racism anymore, said University of Florida political scientist Sharon Austin. Advertisement Advertisement The result, she said, is the emboldening of the Florida students who hold discriminatory views and a silencing of those teaching against them at Floridas public schools. Beirich, the extremism researcher, said the signals from the highest ranks of the Republican party from the White House including social media posts echoing white supremacists messages are being heard across the party. Clearly the Trump administration doesnt have any problem with these extremist views, so we shouldnt be surprised that young Republicans would be trading in this stuff, Beirich said. Its being sanctioned by the highest office, its not disqualifying anymore in the GOP. A supporter listens to former President Donald Trump speak during the Turning Point Believers Summit at the Palm Beach County Civic Center on Friday, July 26, 2024. Creator of the chat responds Carvajal the county party secretary who started the chat and is a third year law student at FIU said that he had not seen much of the content in the group chat until he was contacted by the Herald about the logs last week. Advertisement Advertisement When he opened WhatsApp on his phone and scrolled up to the conversations last fall while on a call with a Herald reporter, Carvajal said he was shocked by the gruesome calls for violence against Black people. Its been five months since this was sent and this is the first time Ive seen this message, Carvajal said. I guess to an extent, I bear some responsibility, cause I created a chat. But if I had seen this at the moment, I would have removed [Bejerano] from the chat. I probably would have even blocked his number. He said he generally ignored the thousands of messages in the group, and logs show he did not participate as much as others. But the county party official, who was the most senior Republican political leader in the chat, was not entirely absent either. The WhatsApp logs show Carvajal deleted a total 14 messages sent by other participants in the chat and 42 of his own messages before the Herald obtained the logs, so the full extent of his participation is not clear. He said many of the messages he deleted were flashy stickers and he was decluttering the chat. Carvajal said he created the group after Kirk was killed and the campus Turning Point USA chat was limited to administrators only. My biggest regret is that in doing that, I facilitated this kind of deranged stuff being out there, Carvajal said. Im at a loss of words. View of the Florida International University main entrance on SW 8th Street at the Modesto Maidique Campus in Miami, on Wednesday March 15, 2023. (Pedro Portal/pportal@miamiherald.com) Not the first time When the Herald asked the schools police department for any records related to the new group chats, a private law firm contracted by the school said they are unavailable because they constitute Criminal Investigative Information. In a statement about the chat logs, media relations director Madeline Baro said, The university takes very seriously any allegation of discriminatory conduct. The alleged conduct is under review and will be addressed in accordance with the universitys policies and applicable law. FIU and its Turning Point chapter have had a group chat problem before. In 2018, chat logs obtained by the Miami New Times in a group called TPUSA FIU Fun included messages joking about rape, liking cartoon pornography featuring drawings of underaged girls and reminding members to not be racist and anti-Semitic. At the time, 75 faculty signed on to a letter calling on the schools administration to revoke the organizational status of the campus Turning Point USA chapter. This is an appalling set of practices that go well beyond any reasonable interpretation of free speech, faculty wrote. The schools Student Government Association overwhelmingly passed a resolution asking for the removal of any recognition, presence, funding and privileges for Turning Point USA. The campus still has an active TPUSA chapter. At one point in the group chats last fall, various members debated how to describe a woman, with Gonzalez, the former recruitment chair, using terms like half breed and mongrel, to which Valdes, the Turning Point chapter president, responded, If this chat gets leaked were so cooked lmao. This isnt even my worst one, Gonzalez responded. Valdes said: Im in a few on telegram that are definitely worse. ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) NC state Sen. Phil Berger, who is seeking reelection in the as-of-yet-uncalled District 26 state Senate race, firmly disavowed voter intimidation Friday, two days after his opponent in the race raised separate election integrity concerns. Unofficial election results released Tuesday placed Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page two votes ahead of incumbent NC Senate President Pro Tempore Berger. However, election officials would not begin counting cured absentee-by-mail ballots and provisional ballots until Friday; officials expect to finish those counts on Friday. Once all votes are counted, any victory with a margin of less than 1% in a non-statewide race can trigger a recount. WATCH: Sam Page speaks after Election Night victory declaration Advertisement Advertisement In a statement on Friday, Bergers campaign said that allegations of voter intimidation began to circulate via various social media platforms. According to Berger, the allegations include reports that voters who were looking to cure issues with their ballots were being harassed when visiting the county board of elections and that voters who filed provisional ballots were receiving text messages and being visited at home by people asking who they voted for. Berger did not identify whether these voters were in Guilford or Rockingham County. The Berger campaign has not engaged and will not engage in any of the voter intimidation activities that have been alleged or are being conducted, Berger Recount Spokesman Jonathan Felts said. We have one or two lawyers on-site at the Rockingham County and Guilford County Boards of Elections simply to monitor the process. Additionally, campaign volunteers have contacted Provisional Ballot Voters to encourage these voters to resolve their issues so that their vote is counted and to answer any questions the voter might have. We do not ask who the voter voted for. Felts claimed that Rockingham Board of Elections officials have allegedly had to repeatedly warn a board member of the nonprofit Blueprint NC to stop physically harassing voters who were visiting the Rockingham Board to cure their ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Blueprint NC says the person mentioned was not a board member of the organization and was not in Rockingham County as part of the organization. Bergers statement comes days after Page raised unrelated concerns about election integrity on Wednesday after the Rockingham County Board of Elections office closed for several hours that day. Pages team said the offices temporary closure meant that voters could not cure their ballots during that time in Rockingham County. Rockingham County Board of Elections Chairman Don Powell told FOX8 that the lobby was closed because the office is staffed by only three people and they needed time to sort through provisional ballots. He said the office does this after every election. Powell added that there was only one person in the county who needed to cure their ballot and that this voter visited the office at a later time. Advertisement Advertisement Voters who submitted ballots that had curable deficiencies had until noon Friday to submit their cure document, according to the NCSBEs procedure for curing ballots. Curable deficiencies include ballot issues such as a ballot application that was not signed or signed in the wrong place by the voter or improper photo ID documentation. In his news conference, Page also mentioned Bob Rucho, then-member of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, by name. On Thursday, State Auditor Dave Boliek announced that Rucho submitted his resignation from the state board that morning. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP. A progressive centrist party led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah is headed for a landslide win in Nepals first nationwide election after a Gen Z-led anti-government protest toppled the previous administration in the Himalayan nation. Voting began in Nepal on Thursday for a new government to replace former prime minister Khadga Prasad Olis administration, which had been tainted by allegations of corruption, nepotism and political impunity. By Friday, as voting neared completion, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) a centrist party founded three years ago was leading in more than 100 seats of the 165 decided through the first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system. Of the 275 seats up for grabs, 165 will be filled through direct elections, while the remaining seats will be allocated through proportional representation. Advertisement Advertisement The RSP is led by 35-year-old Shah, the former mayor of Kathmandu, who has emerged as the Gen Z favourite in the race to become prime minister after gaining rock star-like popularity on social media during the protests in the country. Supporters of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) celebrate as counting begins in Kathmandu on March 6, 2026 a day after Nepal's parliamentary election. Counting was underway in Nepal on March 6, after a high-stakes parliamentary election to reshape the country's leadership following 2025 protests that toppled the government. (AFP via Getty Images) Mr Shah is riding a wave of public anger towards traditional political parties and has highlighted healthcare and education for poorer Nepalis as key pillars of his campaign. Early trends showed former prime minister Olis Communist Party of Nepal (Unified MarxistLeninist) leading in nine seats, while the Nepali Congress, the countrys oldest party, was ahead in 12. The former rapper was also leading Mr Oli in the latters home constituency of Jhapa 5 near the Indian border. Advertisement Advertisement Ram Prasad Bhandari, the chief election commissioner, has pledged to complete the vote count by 9 March. The Election Commission said it will announce the results for the 165 directly elected seats within 24 hours of the counting. The tallying of votes cast under the proportional representation system is expected to take a further two to three days, officials said. Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and the prime ministerial candidate for Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), looks on as he queues to vote during the general election in Kathmandu (REUTERS) The RSP has fielded nine Gen Z candidates, including 29-year-old Sasmit Pokharel, a former aide to Mr Shah who stepped down as mayor in January to contest the parliamentary election. Educated partly in the United States, Mr Pokharel has a background in urban planning and education policy. The old leaders have proven themselves incompetent and arrogant, he said. We need fresh voices. Advertisement Advertisement The election commission said nearly 60 per cent of the countrys almost 19 million registered voters took part in Thursdays vote, including nearly one million first-time voters. A Rastriya Swatantra Party supporter photographs a friend in front of a large banner depicting party leader Balendra Shah during an election rally in Chitwan, approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) west of Kathmandu, (AP) Political instability has plagued the nation of 30 million people, landlocked between nuclear powers India and China, for decades, crippling its largely agrarian economy in the Hindu-majority country. Nepal has also faced rising unemployment and widespread corruption, fuelling public dissatisfaction. The long-simmering discontent erupted into street protests last September, sparked by a social media ban that drew thousands onto the streets and led to violent clashes and deaths, ultimately forcing Mr Oli to resign. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said nearly 80 people were killed during the unrest, many of them shot by police after the government ordered a crackdown. Protesters also set fire to several buildings, including parts of parliament, the Supreme Court and the central government secretariat. The 74-year-old prime minister and his government were forced to resign last September amid mounting public anger over entrenched corruption and social inequality in the Himalayan republic. Balendra Shah, a rapper-turned-politician and the prime ministerial candidate for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), along with Rabi Lamichhane, president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), take part in an election campaign (Reuters) Mr Shah studied civil engineering and is the son of a practitioner of traditional medicine. The rapper gained a following with his politically charged songs, using lyrics such as fools and looting thieves for the countrys politicians. He who has positioned himself as the face of youth-led political change has pledged to expand access to healthcare and education for poorer communities while improving the business environment for entrepreneurs in the country. The nation, which is dependent on remittances and tourism, particularly from expeditions to Mount Everest and other famed Himalayan peaks, has a per capita gross domestic product of around $1,500. Votes are still being counted but rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah has taken a decisive early lead in Nepal's general election which would put him on track to become the country's next prime minister. Thursday's election saw Shah - who until January was the mayor of the capital, Kathmandu - up against other contenders including former prime minister KP Oli from the Communist Party of Nepal UML, as well as Gagan Thapa from the Nepali Congress. By Friday evening local time, election officials said votes counted so far showed Shah's centrist Rastriya Swatantra Party, or RSP (National Independent Party), was ahead in more than two-thirds of the 165 directly elected seats, BBC Nepali reported. Advertisement Advertisement The Nepali Congress, is a long way behind in second and the UML in third. Full results may not come before next week. Vote counting is traditionally slow in Nepal, a mountainous country, and helicopters have to be used to gather ballots in the more remote regions, so it could take days before the final outcome is known. In the last election in 2022, it took a little more than two weeks for the final results to be released. Who is Balen Shah? Popularly known as Balen, the 35-year-old trained as a structural engineer and has been a member of the Nepali hip hop scene, known as Nephop, for several years. Advertisement Advertisement He has released several songs, often with socially conscious themes. One of the best-known, "Balidan", which means sacrifice in the Nepali language, has millions of views on YouTube. Shah's popularity among the country's youth increased during last year's protests, which were triggered by a ban on social media but fuelled by anger against corruption, unemployment and economic stagnation. Seventy-seven people were killed, many of them protesters shot by police, and Nepal's then leader, KP Oli, was forced to stand down. This hasn't deterred the 74-year-old from running again in this election and he has expressed confidence that he could win. Shah spoke up in support of the protesters and at one point called KP Oli a "terrorist" who had betrayed his country. Advertisement Advertisement This and other public comments he has made have left some arguing that he isn't fit to run the country. As mayor he was also criticised by rights groups for using the police against street vendors and landless people in a heavy-handed manner, as he worked to keep roads clear in the capital and crack down on unlicensed businesses. Shah's campaign did not respond to a BBC request for comment. Shah has contested the election in the same constituency as Oli - Jhapa 5 -traditionally a stronghold for the latter candidate. Vote counting so far indicates that Shah is significantly ahead. He has avoided interviews with the media while on the campaign trail and refused to speak directly to the press on election day, turning up in his signature black sunglasses and storming through a crowd of journalists. Advertisement Advertisement That's a trend Nepal's media worry would continue if he took office. Yet, many of the young voters the BBC spoke to believe his youth and energy are exactly what the country needs, and that he represents a new chapter in Nepal's future. The Election Commission estimates 60% of the nearly 19 million registered voters participated in the vote [Reuters] What have Nepalis voted for? As well as casting their ballots on Thursday to elect the country's next leader, they also voted to determine 275 members of parliament. This was done through a mixture of first past the post and proportional representation, with each person getting two votes. A total of165 MPs is elected in a first-past-the-post system, meaning the candidate with the most votes wins the seat. The election of a further 110 MPs takes into account the proportion of votes cast for a political party nationally. Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 19 million people were eligible to vote in this election and officials said on Thursday after polls closed that they expected the turnout to be around 60%. Why is this election significant? Coming off the back of last year's protests, this election has been seen as a contest between old and new. The RSP, currently in the lead, came fourth in the last general election in 2022. The country's youth - including 800,000 first-time voters - have been a key voter bloc, which political parties have tried to court with manifesto promises of job creation, tackling corruption and better governance. For more than three decades, Nepal has seen a revolving door of coalition governments, largely dominated by three parties, two of them communist. Advertisement Advertisement This time, none have made a significant nationwide alliance, meaning there will be a greater sense of where the parties and their candidates stand among the voter base. There have also been a lot of new parties and new faces in this election, with a third of the candidates standing as independents. All of this suggests many Nepalis are seeking new ideas and leaders that better suit their aspirations. Were Balen Shah to be elected, it would be a seismic moment for Nepal's politics after decades of unstable coalition governments led by the same old faces. "I am here in Beersheba, a city that has endured much," Netanyahu said, referencing previous attacks on the southern city, particularly on the Soroka Hospital last year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the site of the Iranian missile strike in Beersheba on Friday, during which he emphasized that Israel is on the path to completing all its military objectives, both in Iran and in Lebanon. "We are hitting the enemy, both its leadership, its oppressive regime, and various targets, including in Lebanon," Netanyahu said during his visit. He added that Israel's adversaries would soon discover even more of Israel's capabilities as Operation Roaring Lion continues into its seventh day. Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu was accompanied by Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, Beersheba Mayor Rubik Danilovich, and Acting CEO of the Prime Ministers Office, Drorit Steinmetz. During the visit, he expressed full support for the IDF and sent his best wishes for the recovery of those wounded in the conflict, including the son of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. PM wishes wounded soldiers a speedy recovery "I want our soldiers and wounded to know that the entire nation stands behind them," the prime minister said. Five Israeli soldiers were severely wounded, and three others were lightly hurt in an operation in southern Lebanon on Friday, the IDF said. The incident was the third of its kind in recent days, raising the total of IDF soldiers wounded in southern Lebanon to 12. Advertisement Advertisement Netanyahu went on to praise the resilience of local residents. "I am here in Beersheba, a city that has endured much," he said, referencing previous attacks on the southern city, particularly on the Soroka Hospital during the previous conflict with Iran in June 2025. "In defense, what is needed is iron discipline, and firm endurance, and we have plenty of that here. In offense, what is needed are three things: first, determination, second, initiative, and third, cunning," Netanyahu said, adding, "We have plenty of these as well, as the enemy has already discovered." A newly discovered photo recovered from Regina Ann Santos-Aviles' phone shows her embracing U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales in an outdoor selfie - an image her husband's attorney says was saved to her device less than a week before she took her own life in September. The undated photo shows the married congressman with his left arm around Santos-Aviles. Both of them are smiling at the camera in an outdoor setting. Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear when the picture was taken or by whom. Gonzales has said the last time he spoke to Santos-Aviles was in June 2024. At the time of her death, she was director of the congressman's regional district office in Uvalde. On Wednesday, Gonzales acknowledged he had an affair with her in 2004 but said he bore no responsibility for her suicide. U.S. House rules forbid members from engaging in sexual relationships with staff members. Controversy over the liaison has engulfed Gonzales' bid for a fourth term representing Texas' 23d Congressional District. The House Ethics Committee announced on Tuesday that it was launching an investigation into allegations of "sexual misconduct" by Gonzales, and on Thursday, House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders called on him to abandon his re-election campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Also on Thursday, Robert "Bobby" Barrera, a San Antonio attorney for Santos-Aviles' husband, provided the image of Santos-Aviles and Gonzales to the San Antonio Express-News. Barrera, who represents Adrian Aviles, said a digital forensics firm he hired to retrieve data from Santos-Aviles' phone determined the image was saved or downloaded to the device at 9:07 p.m. on Sept. 8, 2025, as a text message attachment. She set herself on fire in the backyard of her home in Uvalde on Sept. 13. She died the next day at age 35. She and Aviles had been separated for several months and were sharing parenting responsibilities for their eight-year-old son. Barrera said that at least two members of Congress contacted him earlier this week seeking text messages and other potentially embarrassing material related to the affair. Barrera and Aviles previously provided explicit texts to the Express-News and other news outlets, including one in which Gonzales asked Santos-Aviles to send him "a sexy pic" and to describe her favorite sexual positions. Advertisement Advertisement Barrera said the members of Congress, who he declined to identify, wanted additional material not yet published. He said it would be up to Aviles whether to turn over anything. "They want all the evidence that I have," Barrera told the Express-News. "They said, What you send is going to the White House.' It was meant to be passed around to members of Congress to get them motivated." Barrera said the lawmakers were particularly interested in a "damaging" photograph Gonzales is said to have sent to Santos-Aviles. Barrera said it was in the course of searching for that image that he found the picture of Gonzales with his arm around Santos-Aviles. He said he did not know if it was the photo they were looking for. There are more than 56,000 photos on Santos-Aviles' phone, he said. This article originally published at Newly discovered selfie shows Rep. Tony Gonzales with Regina Santos-Aviles. Gavin Newsom on Thursday cautioned Zohran Mamdani who has developed a surprisingly amicable relationship with Donald Trump against getting played by the president. The California governor was promoting his new memoir at an event when he recalled Trump once giving him a tour of Air Force One, including its bedroom. Gen Z liberal influencer Jack Cocchiarella, who was interviewing him on stage, quipped to Newsom that Trump has got a crush on you and Zohran. Newsom chuckled. Ive got to talk to Zohran, he said. I know how this love story ends, Zohran. Advertisement Advertisement His comments onstage in Portsmouth, New Hampshire were offhand and brief, but they underscored Newsoms attitude about dealing with Trump. The governor repeatedly said just after Trumps election to a second term that he would approach the president with an open hand, not a closed fist, and the two memorably embraced following deadly wildfires in Los Angeles early last year. But Newsom has since taken a markedly more combative posture and argued that the president only respects displays of strength after the Trump administration unleashed a siege of lawsuits, immigration raids and funding cuts on California. Mamdani, the democratic socialist mayor of New York, has seemingly won Trump over at least for now by holding friendly meetings with him in the Oval Office. Last week, Mamdani gifted Trump fake newspaper front pages bearing the presidents last name to coax him into supporting housing construction. I think, Trump said of Mamdani in November after an especially bromantic Oval Office meeting, this mayor is going to be doing some things that are really great. The Pentagon said it has formally notified Anthropic PBC that its determined the company and its products pose a risk to the US supply chain, according to a senior defense official, escalating a dispute over artificial intelligence safeguards. DOW officially informed Anthropic leadership the company and its products are deemed a supply chain risk, effective immediately, the official told Bloomberg News on Thursday, using an acronym for the Department of War, the name that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now favors for the Department of Defense. Most Read from Bloomberg WATCH: Michael Shepard reports that the Pentagon has formally notified Anthropic that it has determined the company and its products pose a risk to the US supply chain.Source: Bloomberg While the defense official described the determination as effective immediately, Anthropics Claude AI tools are still being actively used by the US military in operations against Iran, according to a person familiar with the matter. In his warning to the firm last Friday, Hegseth had outlined a six-month transition period to shift its AI work to other providers. Spokespeople for Anthropic and the Pentagon had no immediate comment. The defense official didnt say when or by what means the Pentagon informed the company. Anthropic has previously vowed to challenge in court any supply-chain risk designation by the Pentagon. The Pentagons finding threatens to disrupt both the company and the military, which has relied heavily on Anthropics software. Until recently, Anthropic provided the only AI system that could operate in the Pentagons classified cloud. Its Claude Gov tool has become a favored option among defense personnel for its ease of use. Its a good capability and removing it is going to be painful for all involved, said Lauren Kahn, a senior research analyst at Georgetown Universitys Center for Security and Emerging Technology. Anthropic Chief Executive Officer Dario Amodei had been negotiating for weeks with Emil Michael, under-secretary of defense for research and engineering, to hammer out a contract governing the Pentagons access to Anthropics technology. But talks broke down last week after the startup demanded assurances that its AI wouldnt be used for mass surveillance of Americans or autonomous weapons deployment. Hegseth then declared Friday in a post on X that Anthropic posed a supply-chain risk, a designation typically reserved for US adversaries. It wasnt immediately clear what authority the Pentagon was using to classify the company as a supply-chain threat. In its statement last week responding to Hegseths social-media post, Anthropic indicated that it expected the move to be eventually carried out via section 3252 of the law governing the US armed forces. Nikita Casap will serve a life sentence in prison, without hope of release, for the February 2025 deaths of his parents in the Village of Waukesha residence they shared. That aspect of Casap's sentence, mandated by state law for first-degree intentional homicide convictions, was expected at the conclusion of an often-gruesome two-hour sentencing hearing on March 5. But Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge Ralph Ramirez, citing the nature of the shocking crime and motivation he said he simply couldn't fully absorb, rejected an argument by Casap's attorney that he should be granted a chance for extended supervision after serving 20 years. "I can't understand, I don't know anybody could understand or put any kind of rationale behind what happened," Ramirez said. 'Horrific' crime was beyond comprehension, judge says Casap, 18, pleaded guilty Jan. 8 to two counts of first-degree intentional homicide in the February 2025 death of his mother, Tatiana Casap, and stepfather, Donald Mayer Jr., on or about Feb. 11, 2025. Both had been shot Mayer once in the back of the head while working at a desk in his den, Tatiana three times as soon as she walked through the door after returning home. Advertisement Advertisement He had been scheduled to stand trial in early March until his attorney, Paul Joseph Rifelj, requested a plea hearing. Under the plea deal, eight other felony counts two for hiding a corpse, two for theft of movable property, two for identity theft, one for taking a vehicle without consent and one for intimidating a witness with threat of force were dismissed, but read into the record during sentencing. It also opened the possibility of parole, despite the mandatory life sentence tied to the homicide counts. For Ramirez, however, the way in which Casap ambushed and shot his parents and coldly calculated his escape, all while allowing himself to be drawn into a radicalized scam-filled political scheme involving the idea to assassinate President Donald Trump or another politician, were simply too great to ignore. Advertisement Advertisement "We have to look at the horrific, horrific nature of the offense," he said. Ramirez acknowledged how a then-17-year-old could be suckered in by a political scam, involving two foreign contacts who were paid in Bitcoins after they promised to provide him with a drone capable of killing a politician and help in eluding police using a safe house and other means. But how Casap tied that radicalized goal with the idea of killing his parents for their cash, credit cards and jewelry to fund the makeshift terrorism plan was inconceivable, Ramirez said. "In his own statements, his mother was the one who loved him. He loved his mother, and his stepfather was calm, giving and supportive. And he grew up in that environment, with people who provided for him, people who gave him what he needed," Ramirez said. "And, for whatever reasons, [he killed them]." Advertisement Advertisement Waukesha County District Attorney Lesli Boese presented a detailed description of what took place on or about Feb. 11, 2025, based on evidence that included Casap's own admissions. She cited information from the FBI, which had investigated the Trump assassination threat, that she said showed Casap, alone, coldly decided to kill his parents for financial reasons, not at the urging of two scam artists or any other person. "Never at any time did any of these people say 'you need to kill your parents.' It appears that was the defendant's plan," Boese said. "I don't know how that works into attacking a politician, but for him, he believed he needed to kill his parents before he left the residence." Authorities sought Casap after finding his parents' bodies A March 2025 criminal complaint alleged Casap shot both of his parents in their Cider Hills Drive home and remained there for roughly two weeks before fleeing in Mayer's car. Waukesha County sheriff deputies, doing a wellness check requested by family members, found the bodies on Feb. 28, 2025. A death investigation began, including a broad search for Casap, whose path in Mayer's car was captured by highway and business surveillance cameras in several states. Advertisement Advertisement He was arrested in Kansas and extradited back to Wisconsin in early March. In the complaint, authorities alleged Casap killed his parents for money and property. Like a federal investigation also claimed, the state complaint specified that Casap was interested in funding terroristic efforts to destabilize the U.S. government and a possible assassination attempt. Those allegations were not fleshed out in the state plea deal, and no federal action has arisen to date. Boese indicated federal authorities likely used a cooperative Casap to identify the scammers, who at first seemingly represented a more credible source of terrorism. Victim statements from family and friends cite deep heartbreak Regardless of the political context, or the complexities that could have misled a 17-year-old, those family members left behind by the deaths of Mayer and Tatiana Casap simply agreed on one thing: Casap should never have the chance to live outside prison walls again. Advertisement Advertisement Michael Divona, a childhood friend of Mayer who spoke during the March 5 sentencing hearing, bluntly described their deaths as an execution. "In a single act of unimaginable violence, the defendant erased not just one life, but two, and permanently shattered every family relationship connected to me," Divona said. "A best friend is not someone you replace. A best friend who is family, they're woven into your identity, your history and your understanding of the world." Robert Kitchell, who identified himself as Mayer's brother, said he spoke on behalf of the entire family, all people who haven't overcome their grief of losing Mayer and his wife. "Their lives were taken in an act of senseless and unforgiveable violence," Kitchell said. "For more than a year, we have struggled to make sense of it. There is no reason that can justify such an ultimate dread. My family is forever broken. There will never be another holiday, celebration or gathering where we are whole again." Advertisement Advertisement The court accepted two written victim statements, including one from an aunt of Casap's, who also said the deaths "broke our family in a way that can't be repaired." Casap tearfully apologizes as attorney cites youthful factors to consider Neither Casap nor his attorney Rifelj, an assistant state public defender, challenged the mandatory life sentences tied to the homicide counts. But Rifelj said Casap's age at the time of the killings should be considered as to whether he should ever be granted extended supervision a sentencing option that allows those with even life sentences to live outside of a prison, under strict monitoring, if qualified professionals decide they no longer are considered a threat to society. Rifelj said the cause of Casap's political rage news of a December 2024 attack at a market in Germany put him on a path that a 17-year-old, prone to impulsiveness and vulnerable to violent influences, might tread due to immaturity and a still-development character. Advertisement Advertisement "In February of 2025, when the defendant committed these crimes, he was a child," his attorney said. Casap's voluntary interview with FBI agents in the spring of 2025 demonstrated that his character was strong enough to show he wasn't adhering to an evil mindset. He agreed to help authorities track those who had promised him deadly materials. "True believers in hateful movements do not abandon their creed," Rifelj said. "Within a month [of his arrest], he is sitting down with the good guys trying to catch the bad guys." Casap himself did not address whether he should be allowed prison release. Instead, he signaled only remorse, along with his own grief that his violent acts had ended the life of two people he loved, especially the mother who gave birth to him in Moldova and brought him to the United States as a young child. Advertisement Advertisement "As much as anyone, I knew that my mom and Donald were kind loving people," he said, recalling regular walks he and his mother would take near their home to discuss a variety of things. "This was the mother I killed," he added, breaking down into tears. "The person who loved me. What I did was vile. What I did was thoughtless. What I did was wrong." Ramirez acknowledged Rifelj's statements and Casap's remorse. "I'm not immune to the fact that I have a very young man here, and that whatever decision I make is going to affect that young man for the rest of his life," the judge said. But in the end, he said he couldn't justify the future release of any man who committed an inexplicably violent act such as this case represented. "I elect and I choose, and I do this with pause and hesitation, but I need to do the right thing," Ramirez said. Contact reporter Jim Riccioli at james.riccioli@jrn.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Casap sentenced to life for Waukesha parents' 2025 deaths We could all breathe a sigh of relief if Donald Trump had fired Kristi Noem for the right reasons. If, for example, Trump had determined that a Cabinet member who accused two American citizens of engaging in domestic terrorismafter theyd been shot at point-blank range by masked agents under her chargehad crossed a bright moral line, rendering said Cabinet member an unsalvageable liability, then we could all sleep a little easier. But thats what would happen on Earth 1. On the Earth 2 of Trump 2.0, Noem was firedof coursefor upstaging the boss and shifting blame for one of her errors onto him. The error was the $220 million ad campaign that featured images of Noem on horseback, sporting requisite high-end hat and jodhpurs, out where the buffalo once roamed, banging on about freedom. Under questioning from GOP Senator John Kennedy, she made the fateful mistake of saying that Trump had approved the ads. And that was all she wrote. Well, as Johnny Rotten said when Elvis kicked it (quite unfairly, in that case), Good riddance to bad rubbish. Outside of Stephen Miller, Noem is probably the purest fascist among Trumps second-term frontline appointees. I say this because she understands spectacle, which is such a key element of the fascist worldview. The visual humiliation of those deemed to be human vermin by the regime in power sits at the heart of the historical fascist project. Those photos of her standing in front of the nearly naked prisoners of CECOT with her Rolex prominently displayed might constitute the single most indelibly fascist image of this presidency. Advertisement Advertisement So thats the first piece of bad news about Noems departure: It happened for the wrong reasons. The second piece of bad news is that its unlikely to produce much substantive change. Markwayne Mullin, whom Trump has nominated for the job, and whom we must assume will be confirmed by his fellow senators, doesnt seem like someone whose ideas about the world are terribly different from Noems. He will probably be smart enough to be less ostentatiously reactionary in front of the cameras. Althoughmaybe not. Have a look at this clip of his appearance on CNN after the execution of Renee Good. Police officers are doing their job, and she was interfering in their job, he said. If you dont wanna be in harms way, dont get in the way of police officers who are doing their job. Aside from the fact that ICE agents are not police officersand that Good was getting herself out of the way at the time of this fatal confrontationtheres Mullinss clear and sick implication that Good deserved to be shot. Not arrested. Shot. Combine that outlook with the fact that Stephen Miller will still be the one really calling the shots, and reasons for hope hang by a very slender thread. Indeed, theres a lot of speculation out there that this was all orchestrated by Miller, and that Mullin is his man. Certainly, someone with less hunger for media attention can get away with more. However, there is one piece of good news in Noems exit. Assaulting Trumps fragile ego may have been the backbreaking straw here. But before that, she started to become a bigger problem than she was worth. And that happened not because of Trump or Miller or her ads or her Rolex. That happened because of you. Advertisement Advertisement Theres no question that a year ago, Trump, Miller, and Noem assumed they had carte blanche to do as they wished with respect to undocumented immigrants. Why shouldnt they have? Trump won on immigration, in significant part. He made no secret on the campaign trail of wanting to round up millions and either detain them or ship them off. And the people elected him. But then a funny thing happened. The collective conscience of many millions of Americans was pricked. And the people rose up and said no, most notably in Chicago and Minneapolis. But really, people all over the country stood up. In late January, a nationwide anti-ICE walkout protest boasted more than 300 locations around the country, with at least one in nearly every state. Many of these protests have been organized by churches, which makes it a little harder for Trump to dismiss the troublemakers as Marxist lunatics. Theres no question that all this highly visible agitation made the ice, so to speak, on which Noem was skating considerably thinner than it might have been. And immigration as an issue has been transformed from a notable Trump strength into one of his most glaring weaknesses. Weve learned that most Americans value what immigrantseven those who arrived illegally, provided theyve lived productive lives sincebring to this country. Its been heartening to see. Thats democracy in action. Trump and his people hate it. But the key point is this: They are not above it. Even they have to respond, to some extent, to the will of the people. They are supported at this point by a zealous minority that thinks its a majority. It is not. The percentage that strongly approves of Trump is generally somewhere in the low to mid-20s. In this late February CNN poll, its 19 percent. Strongly disapprove, by contrast? That was 48 percent. Practically a majority. Thats you (I presume), and thats me, and thats millions of good Americans who understand what democracy and freedom actually mean. And we need to keep in mind the real lesson of Noems demise: No matter what the Democrats in Washington do or dont do, we still have power in our hands. Lets keep using it. Two days after Kristi Noem faced a tense hearing on Capitol Hill filled with fiery criticisms, President Donald Trump announced Thursday hes replacing her as U.S. Homeland Security secretary. One question now is: How will Noems departure affect ICEs operations in New Jersey? Especially the Trump administrations controversial plans to build an immigrant detention center in Morris County. Noem took heavy fire from both parties during Tuesdays hearing over her management of DHS, which oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, as well as Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Emergency Management Agencies. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Trump announced on social media that Republican U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma would take over as DHS secretary at the end of March. Trump said Noem would become the special envoy to the Shield of the Americas, an organization expected to be a new security initiative for the Western Hemisphere. DHS issued a statement Thursday night claiming the agency had its most successful period ever under Noems leadership and she would continue her work to make America safe again in her new role. ICE had become a flashpoint in New Jersey while Noem was in charge of DHS most recently as the agency spent $129.3 million last month to buy a 470,000-square-foot warehouse building and turn it into a detention center. As of Thursday night, it remained unclear whether the change in leadership might alter those plans. Advertisement Advertisement Honestly, I dont anticipate any significant course correction based on the change at the top, William Angus of the advocacy group No ICE North Jersey told NJ.com. We anticipate ICE is still going to want to have its warehouses of people. Ill be happy to be proved wrong. Government sources say its too soon to tell if Noems exit will have any impact on the Roxbury site. I dont think anyone in New Jersey knows the answer to that, said one Democratic insider who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Its a granular decision within a vast federal bureaucracy. Another Democratic operative said the hope is Noems ousting opens the door to ICE making a deal to stop the Roxbury plans and maybe revamping the agency in general. Advertisement Advertisement I hope youre gonna see an attitude change in how they work, the source said. The Roxbury facility is part of the Trump administrations nationwide expansion of detention centers as ICE increases arrests amid the presidents crackdown on immigration. But top Democrats who lead New Jerseys government and Republicans who lead Roxburys local government oppose using the site. Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, sent a letter to Noem last week voicing strong opposition and saying shed use all tools at the states disposal if DHS harms the community or violates law related to the plans. Asked Thursday whether Noems ousting could change what happens to the location, Sherrill spokesman Sean Higgins said: The Trump Administrations DHS has repeatedly failed to keep communities safe. Governor Sherrill is opposed to the Roxbury facility and is evaluating all options to protect the community, no matter who is in leadership at the department. Advertisement Advertisement Roxbury Mayor Shawn Potillo did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Township officials have said they are against the facility not necessarily because of ICEs mission but because the detention center would overload local infrastructure. ICE and DHS did not immediately return a message seeking comment about the future of the site in the wake of Noems firing. ICE has said it will conduct community impact studies and other due diligence to make sure the facility would not place a hardship on the local infrastructure and utilities. The agency also said construction at the site would create 1,300 jobs and generate $39.2 million in tax revenue while removing criminals from the streets to make communities safer for business owners and customers. Advertisement Advertisement The Roxbury location would be the third ICE facility in Newark, joining Delaney Hall and the Elizabeth Detention Center. New Jerseys two U.S. senators, Democrats Cory Booker and Andy Kim, last week introduced legislation aiming to end ICE detention facilities by blocking federal funding. Democrats and advocates have also denounced conditions at Delaney Hall. Thats the site where Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested last year as Democratic members of Congress were on site to inspect the facility charges that were later dropped. U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-10th Dist., faces federal charges for allegedly assaulting and impeding ICE agents during that incident charges which she denies. Booker, Kim, and other Democrats who control New Jerseys congressional delegation used Noems exit as an opportunity to further criticize her tenure. Advertisement Advertisement Booker was among the lawmakers who sharply critiqued Noem during Tuesdays Senate Judiciary hearing, saying she is either utterly incompetent or violating our rights with impunity and should step down or be removed. He shared a clip of that exchange after Thursdays news. Im glad its happening, Booker wrote on X. There is a long road ahead to reel in this out-of-control agency. Kim slammed Noems handling of ICE including the deaths of two protestors in Minnesota and delays in reviewing FEMA grants on her watch. Kristi Noem failed at the job, and she failed the American people, he said. From Minneapolis to FEMA assistance, Americans have paid with their lives and livelihoods for her failures. Advertisement Advertisement Good riddance, Kristi Noem, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th Dist., said in a statement. Her tenure overseeing Trumps rogue Department of Homeland Security has been defined by chaos, cruelty, and a stunning disregard for basic decency and due process. Added U.S. Rep. Nellie Pou, D-9th Dist.: In a rogues gallery of corrupt, unqualified, incompetent officials in this administration, Kristi Noem may take the cake. U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, D-8th Dist., who is vice chair of policy for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said Noem was not up to the challenge of running DHS. That it took President Trump more than a year to reach this conclusion is itself an indictment of the administrations judgment and priorities, Menendez said. Advertisement Advertisement Still, todays development is an important step forward. The removal of Secretary Noem is a direct result of sustained oversight, public accountability, and the voices of Americans across the country who refused to stay silent in the face of corruption, cruelty, and incompetence. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The North Dakota Legislature has asked the North Dakota Supreme Court not to block its election ballot proposal to change voter-approved legislative term limits. The Legislature in 2025 adopted Senate Resolution 4008 with the goal of giving lawmakers more freedom over how they spend their terms. The resolution refers a constitutional amendment to North Dakota voters on the 2026 general election ballot. If approved, the amendment would in part tweak legislative term limits established through the passage of Article XV in 2022, which stipulates that state lawmakers can serve no more than eight years in the House and eight years in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement The proposed amendment would change this to allow lawmakers to serve up to 16 years in either chamber. It would also make it so partial terms dont count against term limits. The peoples right to vote on such proposals was established at statehood and remains an integral part of the Constitution, the Legislature wrote in court records filed with the Supreme Court earlier this week. The proposal is in question after two backers of the term limits amendment earlier this year filed suit against the Legislature and Secretary of States Office over Senate Resolution 4008. Former Minot Republican lawmaker Sen. Oley Larsen and Grand Forks County commissioner Terry Bjerke in the lawsuit claim the measure is unlawful because a clause in Article XV bars the Legislature from proposing any constitutional amendments to term limits. Attorneys for the Legislature argue in court filings that Senate Resolution 4008 addresses this problem by including a provision to repeal that clause. Advertisement Advertisement Larsen and Bjerke also argue the proposed measure violates a separate part of the constitution in Article III, which states the Legislature must reach a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber to change constitutional amendments within seven years of their effective dates. Senate Resolution 4008 did not meet this threshold, Larsen and Bjerke claim, since it passed the Senate by a 24-23 vote and the House by a vote of 53-39. The Legislature in court documents submitted this week say that proposing an amendment to the constitution is not the same thing as voting to change the constitution, so Senate Resolution 4008 does not violate this part of the constitution either. The Legislature says Larsen and Bjerkes lawsuit seeks to restrain the peoples power to govern themselves through the voting process. It asks the Supreme Court to deny Larsen and Bjerkes request. The Attorney Generals Office, representing the Secretary of States Office, also responded to the lawsuit in records filed this week. Advertisement Advertisement In those documents, the Attorney Generals Office argues that the Secretary of States Office does not have the authority to judge whether or not a proposed constitutional amendment is lawful. Article IV of the constitution directs the Secretary of States Office to put any proposal approved by the Legislature on the election ballot, the agency argues in the filing. Accordingly, the Secretary of States Office writes it has no opinion on whether Senate Resolution 4008 violates the North Dakota Constitution, the records state. The Secretary of States Office in court documents requested that the Supreme Court make a final decision in the case by June 30 so that the agency has enough time to prepare for the 2026 general election. Advertisement Advertisement Larsen and Bjerke filed the lawsuit directly with the North Dakota Supreme Court, arguing that the court has jurisdiction to hear the case because ballot measures that could change the constitution are of substantial public importance, because the Supreme Court has a responsibility to settle questions about the Legislatures constitutional powers and because the general election is quickly approaching. The high court has said it may hear arguments on the case this spring, though a hearing has yet to be scheduled. Legislative leaders voted to hire outside attorneys to represent them in the lawsuit. According to court records, the Legislature has retained Bismarck attorneys Scott Porsborg and Brian Schmidt. Both Bjerke and Larsen were members of the sponsoring committee to put the term limits amendment on the ballot, according to the lawsuit. The ballot measure passed with 63% approval from voters. North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected his new destroyer for two straight days ahead of its commissioning and observed a test of cruise missiles fired from the warship, vowing to accelerate the nuclear-armament of his navy, state media said Thursday. The Norths official Korean Central News Agency said Kim, during his visits to the western shipyard of Nampo on Tuesday and Wednesday, also inspected the construction of a third destroyer of the same class as his 5,000-ton warship, the Choe Hyon, first unveiled in April 2025. Kim has hailed the development of Choe Hyon as a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military. State media says the ship is designed to handle various weapons systems, including antiair and anti-naval weapons, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. South Korean military officials and experts say Choe Hyon was likely built with Russian assistance amid deepening military ties, but some have raised doubts about whether it's ready for active service. Advertisement Advertisement North Korea unveiled a second destroyer of the same class in May last year, but it was damaged during a botched launching ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin, triggering a furious reaction from Kim, who called the failure criminal. North Korea has said the new destroyer, named Kang Kon, was relaunched in June after repair, but outside experts have questioned whether the ship is fully operational. After observing Choe Hyons sea trials on Tuesday, Kim said the ship met operational requirements and called it a symbol of the countrys expanding naval capabilities. He called for building two warships a year over the next five years of the same or higher class as the Choe Hyon. Kim came back Wednesday to observe a test launch of cruise missiles from the Choe Hyon. State media published photos of him watching from shore as several projectiles rose from the vessel in plumes of white smoke and described the weapons as strategic, a term used for nuclear-capable systems. After years of spurring ballistic missile development, Kim has shifted his focus more toward naval capabilities, including an ongoing construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. KCNA said the third destroyer under construction at the Nampo shipyard is expected to be completed by the ruling Workers Partys founding anniversary in October. Advertisement Advertisement Naval capabilities were also a key focus when Kim outlined his five-year military goals at last months Workers Party congress, which included calls for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of being launched from underwater. Kim on Tuesday claimed that his efforts to arm his navy with nuclear weapons were making satisfactory progress. He said those purported advancements would constitute a radical change in defending our maritime sovereignty, something that we have not achieved for half a century. KCNA did not elaborate on what Kim meant. Some analysts say North Korea may be preparing to formally declare a maritime boundary that could encroach on waters controlled by rival South Korea. As inter-Korean tensions worsen, Kim has repeatedly said he does not recognize the Northern Limit Line, drawn by the U.S.-led U.N. Command at the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. The poorly drawn western sea boundary has been the site of several deadly naval clashes in past years. Advertisement Advertisement At the party congress, Kim doubled down on plans to expand North Koreas nuclear arsenal, which already is equipped with various weapons systems threatening the United States and U.S. allies in Asia, and confirmed his hard-line view of rival South Korea. But he left the door open for dialogue with the Trump administration, reiterating Pyongyangs demand that Washington drop its insistence on denuclearization as a precondition for resuming long-stalled talks. The NYPD has released bodycam video from the two officers who responded to the off-campus Columbia University apartment building where a student was being detained by federal agents last week. The bodycam footage, taken shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Feb. 26, shows officers driving to the scene, and heading into the apartment building. The building's superintendent, a few minutes earlier, had let other officers in, who allegedly said they were looking for a missing person. Advertisement Advertisement At some point it became clear that those officers were from the Department of Homeland Security and were looking for a university student, 29-year-old Ellie Aghayeva, a senior originally from Azerbaijan. That's when someone called 911 reporting suspicious activity by two males. The two NYPD officers made their way to the second floor where they saw one federal agent and assessed that he was the so-called "suspicious person." He told the officers he was Homeland Security. The NYPD officers then made their way farther into the apartment. "I think that's the suspicious person right there, all black," said one of the officers in the bodycam footage. Advertisement Advertisement The NYPD was only on the scene for a few minutes. The student is never seen on the video, and the officers leave saying they've identified the suspicious people as federal agents. Columbia issued a statement reiterating that the University "does not permit law enforcement officials to enter University residences or other private property except under specific circumstances," including legitimate emergencies and when they present a valid judicial warrant or subpoena. The school has also given additional training to frontline personnel at campus buildings and residential facilities, increased safety patrols and is upgrading infrastructure to allow for video intercom systems. The incident sparked protests on campus and concerns about how the federal agents got inside. Advertisement Advertisement Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal is calling for Columbia University to release their own security camera footage. Thank you to @NYPDnews for releasing this body-cam footage. Based on the video, it's more imperative than ever that @Columbia release their security camera footage so we can fully understand how ICE gained access to this off-campus housing and to the extent civil rights https://t.co/T7SEDi3cjm Brad Hoylman-Sigal (@bradhoylman) March 6, 2026 As for the student, she was released later in the day. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. The city's Office of Inspector General has opened a preliminary review of JEA but has not yet moved into a formal investigation on any matters that would fall under the inspector general's jurisdiction. City Council President Kevin Carrico said JEA faces a "crisis of confidence" and he supports the Office of Inspector General looking into the city-owned utility. "The people of Jacksonville deserve transparency, accountability and clear answers, and the council will be carefully reviewing the inspector general's findings," he said Feb. 6. Advertisement Advertisement The Office of Inspector General investigates information it receives about waste, fraud and abuse. The office can conduct investigations, audits and contract reviews. Inspector General Matthew Lascell said in regard to JEA, his office is "assessing information to determine whether or not a formal investigation is required." JEA has faced a rough patch in its leadership after board member Rick Morales privately asked CEO Vickie Cavey to resign. After Cavey decided to continue as CEO, Morales asked the board to authorize an outside investigation of concerns he said he heard from employees about a toxic work culture at the top of JEA. No other board members supported Morales. They instead expressed confidence in Cavey, who has been CEO for almost two years. Board members said employees can make their concerns heard through channels inside the utility. Morales said that's not a realistic option for employees worried about retaliation. Advertisement Advertisement No outside review: JEA board member gets no support for external review of CEO JEA board shuffle: Council president picks firefighter union leader for JEA board Some City Council members said council might do its own outside review through a special investigative committee. Carrico has said that's an option he would consider. The Office of Inspector General also could provide an outside review but that office is set up to focus on financial matters. It wouldn't investigate allegations about workplace culture. If the Office of Inspector General decides to do an investigation of financial-related matters at JEA, it could seek assistance from City Council if the investigation would require a large external audit of the utility. JEA declined comment. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville Office of Inspector General takes preliminary look at JEA After rapidly advancing a bill to study data centers through committee, Ohio House lawmakers took a beat Wednesday, and held off on putting the measure to a floor vote. But that pause, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman said, wasnt a matter of cold feet. I like the data center commission, he said before the House session. Its not on the agenda for today, but I think it will be before we leave at the end of March. I support this. Ohio House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn is skeptical about the study commissions membership. Advertisement Advertisement SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Unions representing electricians and plumbers and pipefitters have seen their ranks soar due the influx of data centers, but organized labor doesnt get a seat on the commission. Isaacsohn noted Democrats wont have much of a voice on the commission either. The measure proposes a total of four lawmakers split evenly between party and chamber. On the other hand, the majority party gets to select several the bulk of the commissions subject matter experts. So, its not that we shouldnt have a study. We absolutely should have a commission to look at these issues, and look broader, frankly, at artificial intelligence policy, Isaacsohn said. But it shouldnt be just another commission that is in the pocket of the people who it would impact. Advertisement Advertisement Isaacsohn stopped short of committing to vote for or against the measure. Well see what shape its in when it comes to the floor, he said, but Im certainly supportive of studying the issue more. The tax break override While Huffman suggested a vote on the study commission is coming, he also hinted at bigger plans. In Ohios last operating budget, state lawmakers moved to eliminate a sales tax exemption for data centers. Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed that provision. In his veto message, the governor defended the incentive as an important tool to attract investment. DeWine added its a discretionary benefit handed out on a case-by-case basis. Advertisement Advertisement More recently, DeWine reiterated, I think data centers do help our economy. He acknowledged most of the jobs they create are shorter term construction work, but they also bring other companies in. I think we have pretty good evidence of that. Having said that, DeWine added, I think theres a strong consensus that data centers need to pay their own way. Huffman has been telegraphing plans to override that veto for months. We are whipping votes, as we say, to try to do that, he said Wednesday morning. (That) would be a House initiative, and were going to see what we can get done also, before the end of March on the veto override. The Ohio Senates view Because the budget bill is an Ohio House measure, any veto override would have to start in that chamber. But if the House can clear the required 60% threshold for passage, the Ohio Senate seems ready to get on board. Advertisement Advertisement I mean, it was a Senate proposal when it got into the budget, Ohio Senate President Rob McColley said. We put it in. He pointed to Ohio House Bill 15 a sweeping energy measure clearing the path for facilities like data centers to invest in their own on-site power plants. Given the fact that wed recently gave them the ability to build power behind their own meter and not take it off the grid, we didnt think that there was a need for the sales tax exemption anymore, McColley explained. Across the aisle, Ohio Senate Democrats rolled out a kind of data center agenda with several bills eliminating tax breaks and requiring facilities pay for new infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement If an override lands in the Senate, Minority Leader Nickie Antonio said her members would consider it. I expect that some will definitely take a look at it, consider it, she said. And we have at least a couple folks who have bills that talk about those tax credits. So I anticipate some Democrats would vote for it. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on 28 February, prompting retaliation by Tehran, the price of crude oil has risen by around 13 percent. Iran has made the Strait of Hormuz a cornerstone of its counter-offensive, blocking maritime traffic along the world's most vital oil export route. Around 20 percent of the world's daily oil consumption passes through the strait, which connects the biggest Gulf oil producers Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Advertisement Advertisement The use of oil as a weapon of war is by no means new. Following the 1973 Arab-Israeli War between Israel and neighbouring Arab countries, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed an embargo on Israels allies. This triggered a sharp rise in oil prices, known as the first oil shock. Oil now appears to play an important role in the evolution of international relations, because it sheds a completely new light on the Middle East question, said Abdelaziz Bouteflika, then foreign minister of OPEC member Algeria. According to Andre Giraud, Frances industry minister at the time of the second oil shock caused by the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979 oil is a raw material with strong diplomatic and military content. Advertisement Advertisement Iran also previously blocked the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, when dozens of ships were sunk in the strait. In September 2019, the Houthis in Yemen supported and armed by Iran also bombed a major Saudi oil installation. OPEC+ hikes oil production by more than expected following outbreak of Iran war 'Peaceful' energy For Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is a strategic issue, says Olivier Appert, an adviser at the Energy-Climate Centre of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI). It may be the weapon of the weak against the strong. It is not unprecedented, but it is still worrying. Advertisement Advertisement In response to Israeli-American bombings, Iran has struck Saudi Arabias largest refinery as well as gas facilities in Qatar, pushing up the price of liquefied natural gas (LNG). While there's a pattern to targeting fossil energy infrastructure, renewables appear more sheltered from geopolitical tensions. Green energies such as solar and wind power have a more peaceful image. Once installed, solar panels are largely protected from geopolitical upheaval and sudden price spikes. Renewable energy is the guarantor of peace in the 21st century wrote UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in an op-ed published in Le Monde after Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Mideast war exposes fragile oil, gas dependency Advertisement Advertisement Yet renewables are not immune to conflict albeit of the commercial variety. China holds many of the rare earth elements whose magnetic, optical and catalytic properties make key cleanenergy technologies more efficient and compact. The players are not the same, but as early as 2011 China decided to control rare earth exports to Japan, Appert says. China is very clearly using its monopolistic capacity to impose its views. Unfortunately, renewable energies also respond to highly significant geopolitical challenges. So could this latest surge in oil prices accelerate the energy transition? Advertisement Advertisement In 1973, during the first oil shock, then French president Georges Pompidou said: Let us save petrol, save electricity, save heating and my God, we will manage, I hope, to overcome the difficulties." France had no oil at that time, but it did have ideas, and went on to launch a vast programme of nuclear power stations to produce low-carbon energy. Fifty years later, Appert says the context is different, but the current crisis justifies the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels". He warns, however, that "we must be careful not to fall back into dependence on China" a far less visible and less spectacular conflict but an energy war nonetheless. EU moves to reduce reliance on China for rare earth supplies This article was adapted from the original version in French by Florent Guignard. Olathe may become the latest city in the Kansas City metro to implement new rules for e-bikes and e-scooters, following the lead of a handful of Johnson County cities and neighbors across the state line that passed new rules last year. Changes to Olathes city ordinances could require helmets for e-bikes and scooter riders, prohibit the devices from most of the citys roads, cap their speed at 15-20 mph and allow the city to restrict their use on trails. It would also create a new definition, micromobility devices, to cover e-scooters, e-bikes, motorized skateboards and similar devices into one category in the city code. Advertisement Advertisement The proposed changes are currently under review by city staff before they reach the city council for a vote. As of Thursday, there was no timeline for when the proposed changes will make it on the agenda. While these are laws that would be enforced, as I understand it, this is largely meant to be educational, said city council member Jeff Creighton. Were hearing from citizens who are concerned about the kids safety and I think having better guidelines will help our police department be that tool for educating. New rules for e-bikes in Olathe Micromobility devices would be prohibited on most roads under the new rules change. They would only be allowed on roads when the street has a speed limit of 20 miles per hour or less and no adjacent sidewalk or path. Riders would be allowed to cross streets to get to the other side and continue riding on sidewalks. The speed limit would be restricted to 15 mph on sidewalks and 20 mph on streets. Advertisement Advertisement Riders must also yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. The proposal would require anyone under 18 to wear a bicycle helmet when operating any micromobility device. Olathe would also be given authority to ban micromobility devices from paths and trails with official city signage. Electric scooters (pictured) along with electric bicycles are subject to the same traffic laws that must be observed by bicyclists and drivers on the road. (Star file photo) The proposal also outlines specific guidance for e-bike operators. They would be required to display a class label on the bike, as defined by Kansas law. Under Kansas law, there are three classes of e-bikes. The first class has a top speed of 20 mph and doesnt have a throttle assist. The second class has a top speed of 20mph with throttle assist. The third has a top speed of 28 mph with no throttle assist. Advertisement Advertisement Aligning city definitions with Kansas law, the new rules would define electric bikes without pedals as motorcycles. Olathes existing municipal code states that people cant tamper or modify bikes to change speed capabilities. Scooters in Olathe cant go faster than 17 miles per hour. The proposed update also says parents cannot knowingly allow their children to violate the rules governing micromobility devices. Debbie Lavin of Prairie Village rides her E-bike to meet with a group of riders known as Rif Raf, on Wednesday, Sep. 24, 2025, in Prairie Village. (Dominick Williams/dowilliams@kcstar.com) Policy change after crashes Cities across the metro have looked at ways to make riding e-bikes and scooters safer following a wave of crashes involving the devices. Last year, 10-year-old Duke Ommert was struck and killed while riding an electric scooter on Oct. 13. Advertisement Advertisement His death prompted the city of Leawood to look at stricter rules and pass an ordinance requiring riders to wear helmets. Shawnee did the same and restricted their use to sidewalks. Several Johnson County shopping centers restricted motorized bikes and scooters for people under 18-years-old, or banned them completely from use on their properties. Beyond Olathe, other Johnson County cities, including Overland Park, Prairie Village and Lenexa, each have rules in place for these devices. Wrecks over the past year have also involved people riding traditional bicycles, not just e-bikes or scooters. In September last year, Childrens Mercy Hospital pediatric cardiologist Saswat Das was riding a bike when he was struck in a hit-and-run and suffered a traumatic brain injury. A week later, a cyclist was killed in a hit-and-run in northeast Kansas City. Flowers, notes, toys and balloons placed at a light post at the intersection where 3rd-grader Hazen Workman-Duffy was killed while biking to school Tuesday. (Noelle Alviz-Gransee) On Oct. 14, 10-year-old Hazen Workman-Duffy was killed after being hit in a crosswalk by a cargo van while she was biking to Ingles Elementary School. Advertisement Advertisement The wrecks sparked conversations in cities across the metro about how to approach traffic safety improvements overall, not just for e-bike users. In the aftermath of these tragedies, Johnson County cities have looked at more rules for e-bikes and scooter riders, while Kansas City looked at updates to traffic laws for vehicles where bikes and scooter use are frequent. However, advocates say more rules for bike, scooter riders and vehicles may not be the best long-term solution. BikeWalkKC argued in a blog post that upgrading infrastructure for safe bike and scooter riding should be the focus of elected officials and local governments. It was just tragic to hear about that incident in Leawood, Creighton said. Im on board with looking at doing anything we can to prevent the same thing from happening in our community. The Stars Taylor OConner and PJ Green contributed. When snow falls, communities are often left to deal with slippery streets until the plows come around to clear them. Some snow removal efforts simply use plows to push the snow off the road, but in metropolitan areas where theres nowhere for the snow to go, trucks are used to remove the snow and dump it in another area of the city. Must Read And more often than not, locals dont care where that snow ends up, as long as its gone. But those living in Grays Ferry, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, likely care a lot, since snow from all around the city has found its way into their community (1). In February, locals told NBC Philadelphia that trucks started dumping snow collected from around the city in an empty lot near their homes, and those trucks just kept coming. The massive snow pile reportedly now stands taller than most people and takes up nearly an entire city block. Meanwhile, residents who are frustrated with the dump trucks keeping them up at night are also worried about what will happen when the dirty snow starts to melt. "Thats a lot of snow," said Janice C., who lives in the area. "We dont know where it came from or who ordered it. This is a disgrace. It is going to flood, and I am very concerned about my property and this community. Ive been here 26 years. Twenty-six years Ive never seen anything like this. Never." Snow removal rules in Philadelphia In major snowstorms, Philadelphia follows a fairly standard urban snow removal process. Crews first clear primary and secondary roads so emergency vehicles can navigate safely and residents can travel when necessary. That process was triggered in late January when a winter storm dropped eight to nine inches of snow across the city and the surrounding region, prompting Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to declare a snow emergency. The declaration activates special parking and traffic rules that allow plows to access streets more efficiently and helps crews move snow out of heavily traveled areas. With more than 1,000 workers, 600 pieces of equipment, and 30,000 tons of salt ready, the city is fully mobilized, Kristin Del Rossi, commissioner of the Streets Department, said in a press release (2). We are prepared to respond 24/7 to this major winter event to ensure roads are passable for first responders and careful, necessary travel. One person has died following a fire at a mobile home in New Hampshire, the state fire marshal said Friday. The victims identity is being withheld pending an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said in a statement. At 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Madbury firefighters responded to Bunker Lane after multiple 911 calls reporting a home on fire. When first responders arrived, they found a single-family home actively on fire and learned that the sole occupant was missing, Toomey said. Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters worked for several hours to extinguish the fire. Due to a roof collapse, crews were initially unable to access all areas of the home. After the fire was extinguished, firefighters found a man dead inside the home, Toomey said. Investigators with the New Hampshire State Fire Marshals Office responded to the scene and are leading the investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. All aspects of the fire remain under investigation. The fire is not currently considered suspicious, Toomey said in his statement. Madbury Police and Fire, New Hampshire State Police, and Durham Fire assisted at the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Additional mutual aid and station coverage assistance were provided by firefighters from the communities of Barrington, Newington, Rochester, Lee, Dover, Nottingham, Epping, as well as by members of McGregor Memorial EMS. No first responders were injured. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshals Office at 603-223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A second lawsuit has been filed over Democrats' push to move the date of a gas tax referendum vote from November to May, this time by a citizen with the support of several lawmakers. The suit, filed March 5 in U.S. District Court, comes two days after a lawsuit filed in Marion County Circuit Court by the leaders of the referendum effort and petition circulators from each of Oregon's counties. Both lawsuits are against Secretary of State Tobias Read. The new lawsuit centers on the voters' pamphlet, a document that provides information on what will be on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers on March 2 passed Senate Bill 1599, which moves the referendum vote to May. Gov. Tina Kotek signed it the same night. That was five days after a deadline from the Secretary of State's Office. After that date, Read said, Oregonians would have limited time to submit statements for or against the referendum. Submissions require the collection of 500 signatures or a $1,200 fee and must be filed by March 12 to be included in the voters' pamphlet. The new lawsuit alleges the March 12 deadline is unconstitutional and violates the first and fourteenth amendment rights of Mary Martin, who is low-income and has disabilities, and any other Oregonians in a similar position. Martin, the complaint said, wants to submit a statement on the referendum, but does not have the money or physical ability to gather 500 signatures on the shortened timeline. Advertisement Advertisement "I helped gather hundreds of signatures so voters could decide this issue themselves, Martin said in a statement. Now the state is telling me that unless I can pay $1,200 or collect hundreds more signatures in just a few dayssomething my disability makes impossibleIm not allowed to share my argument with voters." Martin's lawsuit asks the court to issue a temporary restraining order blocking Read from requiring the fee or signatures for an argument to be submitted. Gubernatorial candidates Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, and referendum leader Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Scio, submitted declarations in support of Martin's request, as did Sen. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis, R-Albany, and Rep. Matt Bunch, R-Canby. "Once 250,000 Oregonians signed the petition referring Tina Koteks costly taxes to the November ballot, they took control of this measure and deserve their day in court," Drazan said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Anastasia Mason covers state government for the Statesman Journal. Reach her at acmason@statesmanjournal.com or 971-208-5615. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Secretary of State sued again over Oregon gas tax referendum date Two weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court delivered Oregon a win against some of the Trump administration's tariffs, the state has sued over new tariffs it says are illegal. The suit targets tariffs President Donald Trump issued in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision. The 10% global tariffs are expected to increase to 15%. The focus right now should be on paying people back, not doubling down on illegal tariffs, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a statement. People are already making hard choices about what to put in their shopping cart. Prices on basics like groceries, clothing and other essentials have all been skyrocketing. At some point, the bills become unmanageable. Advertisement Advertisement Oregon and 11 other states joined businesses in claiming Trump had exceeded his power and was not authorized to impose tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Those tariffs were issued early in his term. The Supreme Court agreed Feb. 20, striking down the IEEPA tariffs in a 6-3 decision. That same day, Trump announced he would impose new global tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. Those tariffs are limited to 150 days, unless Congress agrees to extend them. Pursuing the new lawsuit is "one of the easiest decisions that I've has as Attorney General," Rayfield told reporters March 5. Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, shown at a Jan. 21 town hall, announced a new lawsuit over the Trump administration's tariffs on March 5. Oregon, Arizona, California and New York are leading the March 5 suit in the U.S Court of International Trade. It also includes Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement The states are asking for a preliminary injunction and stay to quickly stop the tariffs. Gov. Tina Kotek issued a statement in support of the lawsuit, calling the tariffs "another tax on working families." This is common-sense economics, Kotek said. When you slap tariffs on goods across the economy, costs go up and purchasing power goes down. Oregonians are already feeling the pressure of higher prices, and the federal government should be focused on lowering costs, not raising them. Anastasia Mason covers state government for the Statesman Journal. Reach her at acmason@statesmanjournal.com or 971-208-5615. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon sues Trump administration over new tariff lawsuit NEED TO KNOW Piper James, a 19-year-old backpacker from Canada, was found dead on a beach in Australia surrounded by a pack of dingoes earlier this year Almost a month later, officials determined her official cause of death "It's hard to imagine what our baby went through," said her dad, as her mom added, ""it breaks my heart we couldn't be there to save her" The parents of a 19-year-old girl whose body was found surrounded by a pack of dingoes on an Australian beach have spoken out after her official cause of death was determined. Piper James, a backpacker from Canada, was found dead on the Queensland island of K'gari on Jan. 19 around 6:30 a.m. local time, not far from the campsite where she had been living and working in the days before her death, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. Advertisement Advertisement About a month after she died, James' official cause of death was determined by the Coroners Court of Queensland. "Piper died as a result of drowning in the setting of multiple injuries, due to, or as a consequence of a dingo attack," they said, according to the BBC. Speaking with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation after the coroner's findings were released, mom Angela James said "it breaks my heart we couldn't be there to save her." "It hurts my heart to think she was screaming for me," added dad Todd. "It's hard to imagine what our baby went through." Advertisement Advertisement An investigation into Piper's death is ongoing, according to the outlet. The Coroners Court of Queensland didnt immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for additional information. Piper's body was found surrounded by a pack of about 10 dingoes, which are wild dogs native to Australia. Eight of the dogs have been euthanized since her death, per ABC. The Queensland Government Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Information describes dingoes as "pack hunters," noting, "They are apex predators in the islands ecosystem and need to be treated with respect and safety in mind. They should never be confused with domestic pets and do not obey commands from people." Advertisement Advertisement The dogs are known to become "more aggressive" during Australia's autumn and summer, the department shared, while noting that the animals are "natural hunters and can stalk people," encouraging K'gari park visitors to "walk in groups to reduce your risk." Piper's family have said she worked as a firefighter in British Columbia before her trip to Australia, and remembered her as an adventure seeker. We pushed her towards Australia thinking it would be one of the safer places to go," Angela previously told ABC. The morning of her death, Piper went for a swim around 5 a.m. local time. Her body was found about an hour later, Australia's 9News reported. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Authorities determined in January that there was no evidence to indicate that another individual was involved in Piper's death. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, a preliminary autopsy found evidence consistent with drowning and injuries consistent with dingo bites, a spokesperson for the Coroners Court of Queensland told PEOPLE at the time. Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death, the spokesperson added at the time. Read the original article on People Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says he's staying in the race for the Republican Senate nomination even if President Donald Trump endorses Paxton's rival, longtime Sen. John Cornyn. But in a twist, Paxton said on Thursday that he would "consider dropping out of this race if Senate Leadership agrees to lift the filibuster and passes the SAVE America Act." The bill, formally titled the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, would, if passed into law, require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The GOP-backed bill passed the Republican-controlled House but faces legislative roadblocks in the Senate due to opposition from Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Trump says he'll soon take sides in the costly and combustible GOP primary showdown between Cornyn and Paxton. "I will be making my Endorsement soon," the president wrote in a social media post hours after Cornyn and Paxton advanced to a May 26 runoff election. Trump Teases Endorsement Coming Soon In Crucial Gop Clash Read On The Fox News App Texas Governor Greg Abbott, second from left, President Donald Trump, center, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), second from right, and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, right, take part in a briefing on energy at the Port of Corpus Christi in Corpus Christi, Texas, Feb, 27, 2026. (Getty Images) The two heated rivals topped a crowded field of contenders in Tuesday's primary, but since no one cleared the 50% threshold, the nomination race heads into overtime. Trump added that he "will be asking the candidate that I dont Endorse to immediately DROP OUT OF THE RACE!" Advertisement Advertisement A Republican operative in Trump's political orbit told Fox News Digital it's expected Cornyn will get the president's endorsement. However, the president has been known to change his mind on candidates or even reverse endorsements. A second source in Trump's political orbit told Fox News that while there's still jockeying to influence the presidents decision, given Cornyns better-than-expected performance in the primary, Trump is expected to back the senator and prevent a messy and expensive runoff. Contentious Republican Senate Primary In Texas Headed Into Overtime Asked if he would end his Senate bid if Trump backed Cornyn, Paxton, a MAGA firebrand and longtime Trump supporter and ally, said no in an interview with Real America's Voice. Advertisement Advertisement "Ive spent a year of my life campaigning against John Cornyn because John has not represented the people of Texas well," Paxton argued. "Hes been against Trump in both of his elections, said he shouldnt run last time. ... The people of Texas, at least the Republicans, would like something different." Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, speaks during a primary election night watch party March 3, 2026, in Dallas. And a source in Paxton's political orbit emphasized to Fox News Digital that the Texas attorney general isn't getting out of the race. Asked about Paxton's comments, Trump said Thursday morning in a Politico interview, "Well, thats bad for him to say." "That is bad for him. So maybe, maybe that leads me to go the other direction," the president added. Advertisement Advertisement Cornyn or Paxton will face off in the general election against rising Democratic Party star state Rep. James Talarico, who topped progressive firebrand Rep. Jasmine Crockett, a vocal Trump critic, in the Democrats' primary. Talarico is trying to become the first Democrat in nearly four decades to win a Senate election in right-leaning Texas. Open Borders, Trump-hating Radicalrepublicans Quickly Pounce On Talarico The 2026 Senate showdown in Texas is one of a handful across the country that could determine if Republicans hold their majority in the chamber in the midterm elections. The GOP currently controls the chamber, 5347. Paxton on Thursday took to social media to emphasize, "The Save America Act is the most important bill the U.S. Senate could ever pass, and I'm committed to helping President Trump get it done." Advertisement Advertisement "For the good of our country and for the good of passing President Trump's agenda, I am determined to help him get this done," he added. And Paxton charged, "John Cornyn is a coward who has refused to support abolishing the filibuster to pass this bill." The Cornyn campaign and aligned super PACs spent nearly $100 million to run ads attacking Paxton and Republican Rep. Wesley Hunt who came in third with the senator charging in the closing weeks of the primary campaign that Democrats would flip the seat in the general election if Paxton was the GOP's nominee. Cornyn, his allies and the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), the campaign arm of the Senate GOP, repeatedly pointed to the slew of scandals and legal problems that have battered Paxton over the past decade, as well as his ongoing messy divorce. Advertisement Advertisement "Over the next 12 weeks, Texas Republican primary voters will hear more about my record of delivering conservative victories in the United States Senate, and learn more about Ken's indefensible personal behavior and failures in office," Cornyn told reporters on Tuesday night. "Just like the primary, we have a plan to win the runoff, and we are in the process of executing it," Cornyn said. "Judgment day is coming for Ken Paxton." Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, speaks during a campaign stop in The Woodlands, Texas, Feb. 28, 2026. Paxton, a MAGA firebrand and longtime Trump supporter and ally who grabbed significant national attention by filing lawsuits against the Obama and Biden administrations, told supporters on primary night, "As we head into this runoff, we're going to make the choice even clearer. While John Cornyn was cutting deals on gun control and amnesty, I was suing corrupt Joe Biden over 107 times." And he charged, "John Cornyn spent around $100 million trying to buy this seat. Weve spent around $5 million." Advertisement Advertisement In his Thursday social media post, Paxton touted, "The truth is clear: No one has been more loyal to Donald Trump than mefighting the stolen 2020 election, being in Mar-a-Lago when he announced his 2024 campaign, and standing with him in NY in the face of lawfare." Round Two Of Cornyn Vs. Paxton Gets Under Way Trump on Wednesday urged, "for the good of the Party, and our Country, itself, be allowed to go on any longer. IT MUST STOP NOW!" And pointing to Talarico, the president argued, "We have an easy to beat, Radical Left Opponent, and we have to TOTALLY FOCUS on putting him away, quickly and decisively." State Rep. James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, speaks at a primary election watch party Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Austin, Texas. (AP Images) "Both John and Ken ran great races, but not good enough. Now, this one, must be PERFECT!" Trump warned. Advertisement Advertisement Trump, whose clout over the GOP remains immense, stayed neutral in the Republican primary race. All three candidates, who sought the president's endorsement, were in attendance Friday as Trump held an event in Corpus Christi, Texas. "They're in a little race together," Trump said of Cornyn and Paxton. "You know that, right? A little bit of a race. It's going to be an interesting one, right? Theyre both great people, too." Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, the lobbying campaign to clinch the endorsement for Cornyn hasn't stopped, and if anything, is intensifying in the hours since primary night. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters that Cornyn had "a great night" against Paxton. The top Senate Republican has spent the last several months bending Trumps ear at every opportunity to jump into the race and back the longtime incumbent. Advertisement Advertisement "He's positioned to win the runoff, and if the president endorses early, it saves everybody a lot of money, and a lot of, you know, just 10 weeks of another spirited campaign on our side that keeps us from spending time focusing on the Democrats," Thune said. Thune spoke with Cornyn on Wednesday morning, and believed that Talarico was the more formidable match-up for Republicans in November one that Cornyn was better suited to win. "The matchup that's good for us is John Cornyn at the top of the ticket," Thune said. NRSC communications director Joanna Rodriguez told Fox News Digital, "John Cornyn remains the only candidate who guarantees state Rep. Talarico never becomes a United States senator and ensures the fight for President Trumps Senate majority is waged in true battleground states, not Texas." And the Thune-aligned Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), the top super PAC backing Senate Republicans, which spent millions on behalf of Cornyn in the primary campaign, made it clear in a statement early Wednesday that it will continue to support the senator in the runoff. "SLF and its sister organizations were proud to support Senator Cornyn early, and we look forward to him securing the Republican nomination on May 26," the groups executive director, Alex Latcham, said in a statement. Meanwhile, a GOP political operative in Trump's orbit told Fox News Digital, "Talarico being the nominee makes President Trump's endorsement of Cornyn more important than ever." While Trump stayed neutral, his top pollster, Tony Fabrizio, helped the Cornyn campaign. And veteran Republican strategist Chris LaCivita, who served as co-campaign manager of Trump's 2024 White House bid, consulted for a top Cornyn-aligned super PAC. LaCivita, in a social media post Tuesday night aimed at Paxton and his top political consultant, wrote, "The second wave is going to be a b----." But on the Paxton side of the playing field, operatives and donors are confident they can unseat the senator. Dan Eberhart, an oil drilling chief executive officer and prominent Republican donor and bundler who supports Paxton, told Fox News Digital, "This was Cornyns shot to fend off his challenger by getting over 50%, and he couldnt do it. The runoff voters will be even less friendly territory for Cornyn." Pointing to former longtime Senate GOP leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has often acted as a Trump foil, Eberhart said, "This race is about MAGA vs. McConnell." Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to supporters at a campaign event on primary eve, in Waco, Texas on March 2, 2026. Meanwhile, Lone Star Liberty, a pro-Paxton super PAC, circulated a memo ahead of Tuesdays election that shrugged off threats that Cornyn would succeed in the runoff by continuing to hammer the attorney general over his litany of scandals, arguing there was nothing new to offer. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "Cornyns talk of unleashing new attacks in the runoff is bluster," the memo states. "The truth is that from day one, his forces fired every bullet they had. There are no new attacks left only more of the same, at ever-greater cost and with ever-diminishing returns." Fox News' Rich Edson and Patrick Ward contributed to this report Original article source: Paxton vows he's 'staying in this race' even if Trump backs Cornyn in Texas GOP clash Peggy Siegal is 78 years old, she says she is broke in Hollywood, and she is angry. Not quietly angry. On the record angry, in New York magazine, asking the question out loud that a lot of people are thinking but wont say. Why is she the one who lost everything, when the people who walked through her door went home fine? Its a question worth sitting with. Because the answer is more complicated than most of the coverage admits. Some of the emails released in the Department of Justice disclosures make it almost impossible to answer sympathetically. What She Actually Did For over a decade, Siegal was one of the most connected publicists in the business. Studios paid her to build Oscar buzz. She had a Rolodex of more than 30,000 contacts and threw the kind of parties where the right people showed up because she asked them to. Advertisement Advertisement Jeffrey Epstein wanted in. She has described him sending her a Cartier travel clock before theyd ever met, then calling her and name-dropping until she understood what he was trying to buy. She told New York magazine she knew immediately he was the kind of man who collected personal information to use against people. Her internal alarm went off. She took the clock anyway. Then she took the trips to Cannes. Then she took the money that paid for them. I had no problem taking his money, she told the magazine. He had lots of it. Who Was in That Room The townhouse where proximity became currency. Credit: FBI In December 2010, Siegal helped organize a dinner at Epsteins Upper East Side townhouse for his friend Prince Andrew. Advertisement Advertisement Among those reported to have attended were Katie Couric, George Stephanopoulos, Chelsea Handler, Woody Allen, and Soon Yi Previn. Couric later described the decor in her memoir as Eyes Wide Shut with a twist, creepy chandeliers and body part art.Guests ate lasagna. Epstein held court by the fireplace, in Courics telling. In a follow-up email included in the released documents, Siegal told Epstein the evening was sensational. Siegals defense is that the guests came on her reputation, not his. They did not know who he was, she told New York magazine. World-famous newscasters didnt know who Jeffrey Epstein was. None of the guests has faced anything close to what happened to her. Stephanopoulos is still on television. Couric still has a platform. Handler is still touring. Siegal, by her account, had to buy a $5,000 pass at Telluride because nobody would let her in for free. Then There Are the Emails The paper trail that wont stay buried. Credit: FBI This is the part where Siegal's why me question runs into trouble. Advertisement Advertisement In a 2009 email about a trip to Kenya, she wrote that she could bring a little baby back for you.or two. Boys or girls? So Madonna. It is right there in the DOJ releases. Multiple outlets have reported it, but Siegal has not publicly explained what she meant. The emails also show Siegal helping Epstein think through media pressure around his crimes. In one exchange highlighted in the latest disclosures, she asked how to neutralize a journalist. The same disclosed trove shows Siegal and Epstein remained in regular contact until roughly three months before his 2019 federal arrest. That is a decade longer than the timeline she has publicly described in the past. This is the wall that why me keeps running into. The Accountability Gap Is Real. So Is Her File Everyone wants the list. Nobody wants the consequences. Credit: FBI Siegals core argument isnt wrong on its face. She arranged a table. Other people sat at it. Shes radioactive. Theyre not. The asymmetry of consequences in the Epstein story is real, documented, and worth interrogating. Powerful people passed through his orbit, ate his food, flew on his planes, and returned to their lives. Most of them are fine. Advertisement Advertisement But Siegal isnt just a woman who organized a dinner and got caught in the blast radius. She is a woman whose own emails, written in her own words and published in the DOJ files, show her advising a convicted sex offender on managing his public image, taking his money while publicly minimizing the relationship, and writing things from Kenya that read like a dare to anyone trying to defend her. Her question, why her when others did worse, is legitimate. Her emails make it very hard to answer on her behalf. The Question She Cant Close The Epstein accountability story has always had a gap at its center. A lot of very powerful people passed through his orbit and returned to their lives. One publicist is buying festival passes and giving interviews about why it isnt fair. Advertisement Advertisement Maybe shes right that the punishment doesnt fit the crime relative to what others got away with. Maybe the emails are why shes the one giving the interview. Both things can be true. But only one of them is answering questions. The Shapiro administration stepped up its opposition to two proposed immigrant detention centers in Berks and Schuylkill counties Thursday, issuing administrative orders claiming that housing anyone at either location would violate state water regulations. Five administrative orders sent through the state Department of Environmental Protection on Thursday assert that water and sewage cannot be supplied to the two warehouses, meaning the buildings cant be occupied until the U.S. Department of Homeland Security finds a way to comply. Based on what the department has learned about DHSs plans to convert two commercial warehouses into detention centers for 9,000 people, there are serious concerns about the environmental impacts of these actions. The conversion of warehouses to detention facilities risks harming the communities in and around Tremont and Upper Bern townships, overwhelming their sewage facilities and exceeding the available drinking water supply, said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley in a release. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ICE purchased the buildings in January with plans to open as early as November 30, 2026 but the state said the federal agency hasnt yet filed any permits to significantly modify existing water and wastewater infrastructure. Doubling the populations of these areas could drain drinking water sources and lead to polluted waterways from overwhelmed sewage facilities leaking raw waste into our streets and rivers. Just like anyone else, DHS needs to demonstrate its facilities comply with environmental standards, Shirley added. DEP: Water, sewage systems cant handle the additional capacity Last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro vowed to fight the facilities, located in Upper Bern Township in Berks County and Tremont Township in Schuylkill County. Initial plans from Immigration and Customs Enforcement indicate that the two warehouses will house 1,500 and 7,500 immigrants, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement But the water and sewage systems in each location cant accommodate those populations, the Shapiro administration claims. In Upper Bern, the warehouse water system is designed for roughly 350 employees each using 35 gallons of water a day, for a maximum of 12,240 gallons per day. Read the orders here: Department of Homeland Security: Schuylkill County Municipal Authority Tremont Township Upper Bern Township Prisons and detention center water systems should be designed to provide two gallons of water per minute with a peak daily demand of 120 gallons per day per person, according to the state administrative orders. Advertisement Advertisement In Upper Bern, this would require up to 180,000 gallons of water per day and produce between 112,500 and 225,000 gallons of sewage per day more than maximum monthly flow under the entire townships 2024 wastewater treatment plan, an amount that will overwhelm existing infrastructure. The state said it has issued five emergency permits to the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority, which oversees Tremonts water and sewage systems, since December 2025 to allow bulk hauling of drinking water created by the emergency drought conditions in the area. ICEs detention plans would require up to 900,000 gallons of water per day, or 90% of all available stored water in the Tremont Water System, which would prevent it from serving its current customers and providing water for fire protection. The state concludes that DHS must outline its plans to provide drinking water and sewage service within 20 days, noting that hauling water, tapping into wells or installing storage tanks also require permits. Last week, Shapiro warned that trucking in supplies could wear down local roads, many of which have only two lanes. Orders to locals in Upper Bern, Tremont and the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority say that townships would need to redesign their sewage treatment plants and the authority cannot provide sewage service with portable toilets without permitting. Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, one of the sons of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was killed at his home in February 2026. His funeral was held three days later, attracting thousands of supporters. A photo widely shared on social media purports to show his coffin before a crowd stretching as far as the eye can see, along with some posts claiming the ceremony drew over a million people. However, this is false; the image was generated using artificial intelligence tools and exaggerates the real size of the crowd. Over a million people attended brother Saif al-Islam Gaddafis funeral in Bani Walid (sic). This is the largest funeral in the history of Libya, reads the caption of a Facebook post published on February 7, 2026. Screenshot of the false post, taken on March 3, 2026. AI symbol added by AFP The image shows a large crowd lined up in rows observing a wrapped body, consistent with an Islamic funeral prayer. Advertisement Advertisement Shared more than 650 times, the post was published by an account called Native Reporters, which posts news about Nigeria and global events. Similar claims were published elsewhere on Facebook (here, here and here). Seif al-Islam, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, was assassinated on February 3, 2026, in western Libya (archived here). His lawyer, Marcel Ceccaldi, told AFP he was killed by an unidentified four-man commando who stormed his house in the city of Zintan (archived here). The slain son of former Libyan ruler Gaddafi was buried on February 6, 2026, in Bani Walid, a town that still holds allegiance to the late longtime leader. Advertisement Advertisement However, while his burial ceremony drew a large crowd, including thousands of his fathers loyalists from other parts of the country, the photo in the claim does not depict his funeral (archived here). Crowd exaggerated Several inconsistencies typical of AI-generated content are evident in the image, such as distorted faces and intertwined bodies and hands that seem almost melted into one another. Another telling sign is the inscription on the buildings in the background. A series of characters can be seen following after one another without forming a legible word. Screenshot highlighting visual inconsistencies, taken on February 17, 2026. AI symbols added by AFP Analysis of the image using Hive Moderation, an AI detection tool, found that it was 99 percent likely to be artificially generated. Screenshot showing the results of the Hive Moderation analysis, carried out on February 17, 2026. AI symbols added by AFP No coffin visible Photographer Mahmud Turkia, who covered the funeral for AFP, told AFP Fact Check that the image was far from reality and he pointed out several inaccuracies. Advertisement Advertisement Turkia said that no coffin was displayed during the funeral prayer, contrary to the Facebook posts showing a casket in front of the crowds. Even up close, we did not see any coffin in the four vehicles that made up the procession, he said, adding that at no time was a coffin taken out of a car, even when he flew a drone over the entire crowd to film the proceedings. All the photos and videos published by credible media confirm this: none show a coffin, as can be seen in this article from Africanews, which uses images from the Associated Press (AP) news agency (archived here). Turkia also noted that the crowd at the ceremony was not neatly arranged like the people in the AI image. On the contrary, there was a lot of confusion, he said. Advertisement Advertisement People werent lined up like that; they were more around [the procession] on the right and left, but they werent lined up like in that picture. Aerial view of thousands of supporters gathered for the funeral of Seif al-Islam Gaddafi in Bani Walid, Libya, on February 6, 2026 Mahmud TURKIA AFP (Mahmud TURKIA / AFP) Finally, Turkia pointed out that the ceremony took place near Bani Walid airport, but in an open area, without buildings, which also does not correspond to the AI-generated image. Thousands, not a million The AI-generated image is being shared online to support the claim that the crowd at the funeral was exceptionally large, with some even saying a million people attended the ceremony. No official figures have been released regarding the number of people who followed the funeral procession, but to say that it consisted of more than a million people is far from the truth, according to the AFP bureau in Tripoli. Advertisement Advertisement Several journalists at the scene, including Turkia and others from agencies like AP, estimated the crowd to be in the thousands (archived here and here). Several drone photos taken by Turkia show that the event did indeed attract a large crowd, but fewer than seen in the AI-generated image. Aerial view of thousands of supporters gathered for the funeral of Seif al-Islam Gaddafi in Bani Walid, Libya, on February 6, 2026 Mahmud TURKIA AFP (Mahmud TURKIA / AFP) AFP Fact Check previously published the debunk in French here. TITUSVILLE From learning equations in math class to using them on a shop floor, more local high schoolers will soon be able to graduate with more than just a diploma. This week, the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville has been awarded $250,000 through the commonwealths Schools-to-Work program to expand its educational programming in machining and CNC pre-apprenticeship certifications. The investment is part of the Shapiro administrations broader $4.1 million commitment to supporting 17 programs statewide that strengthen pathways connecting high school students to in-demand industries and registered apprenticeship opportunities. Advertisement Advertisement Since January 2023, the administrations Schools-to-Work funding has supported 52 programs statewide and 2,295 students with hands-on training, classroom instruction, mentorship and direct connections to employment and apprenticeship opportunities. The $250,000 grant will be used to cover tuition for high school students at Pitt-Titusville. The institution estimates that it will enroll at least 72 students in the basic machining class and 42 students in the CNC class over the course of the grant. If a certain percentage of those go right into the workforce, its going to make a big impact on our local workforce, said Richard Esch, president of Pitt-Titusville. In 2011, Pitt-Titusville transitioned to a workforce center model. Now called the Education and Training Center, Pitt-Titusville provides training for dental medicine, nursing and manufacturing. Over the past five years, it has relocated its Manufacturing Assistance Center (MAC) to campus and opened a manufacturing center for hands-on experience. Advertisement Advertisement Esch said the move toward manufacturing on campus speaks to the abundance of manufacturing opportunities in the region as the center serves five counties: Crawford, Erie, Forest, Venango and Warren. Pitt-Titusville works with local manufacturers to determine the best skillset, equipment and machines that align with their demands. Since June of 2024, 25 students have gone through the program at the MAC. The program pairs education, career-readiness and externships to prepare students for the needs of the current workforce. Theyre working six, seven hours a day, four or five days a week on a machine, mentoring with somebody, learning the ins and outs of whats happening on the shop floor, and some of those students were offered jobs last year after they completed their externship, said Stephanie Fiely, executive director of the Education and Training Center. Advertisement Advertisement In addition to hands-on experience, students learn resume writing, perform mock interviews and practice elevator pitches. We also are going to give them opportunities to meet and talk with various industry leaders so they can understand what its like to work in these machine shops, what various opportunities there are in machining, Fiely said. So maybe they want to work at a machine. Maybe they want to work at a different aspect in the shop. In addition to experience and certification, the courses give students college credits so that if they want to continue post-graduate education, they would already have credits toward bachelors degrees like Pitt-Bradfords mechanical engineering technology program. They could move into our mechanical engineering technology program, or they could go to a community college, or take them wherever they go, and have those credentials with them and actually build upon it, Esch explained. Advertisement Advertisement No matter what the students future looks like, though, Pitt-Titusville with support from the commonwealth is committed to knocking down the barriers to entry that students may face. By strengthening workforce development efforts, were ensuring that students in northwestern Pennsylvania have direct access to the skills and experiences that lead to family-sustaining careers, Esch concluded. A Japanese man who led an international criminal network has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to sell weapons-grade plutonium to Iran and flood New York City with methamphetamine and heroin. Takeshi Ebisawa, a Japanese national with criminal ties stretching across Japan, Thailand, Burma, and Sri Lanka, was sentenced Tuesday by Judge Colleen McMahon in New York. Takeshi Ebisawa tried to sell uranium, thorium, and plutonium to fuel a purported nuclear weapons program, along with deadly drugs destined for U.S. streets. In exchange, Ebisawa hoped to procure battlefield weapons for insurgent groups and profit for himself. This case is a testament to the extraordinary efforts of our law enforcement partners, who worked across three continents to stop Ebisawa and bring him to justice in the United States, said Attorney Jay Clayton. Three-Year Undercover Operation The case against Ebisawa began back in 2019, when DEA agents first started looking into his crime spree. Over three years, an undercover DEA agent allegedly posing as a drug and weapons trafficker was introduced to Ebisawas entire criminal web, which Ebisawa believed could help him broker weapons for insurgent groups in Burma in exchange for more drugs and nuclear materials. Advertisement Advertisement That undercover agent connected Ebisawa with a second agent posing as an Iranian general overseeing Irans nuclear weapons program. Ebisawa reportedly offered to supply uranium to the fake general, then upgraded his pitch telling the undercover agent representing Iran that plutonium would be better and more powerful. In February 2022, Ebisawa and two co-conspirators also met with the undercover agent in Thailand and showed the agent physical samples of the nuclear materials. Thai authorities seized the samples, which were transferred to American custody and analyzed by a nuclear lab. The labs testing results confirmed the presence of uranium, thorium, and weapons-grade plutonium. Ebisawa would also dabble in the drug trade, negotiating the sale of around 500 kilograms (roughly 1100 pounds) each of methamphetamine and heroin planned to land in New York and separately laundered $100,000 in supposed drug funds from the U.S. to Japan. He was arrested on April 4, 2022, and later pleaded guilty to six counts, including nuclear materials trafficking, narcotics distribution, weapons trafficking, and money laundering. The Bigger Picture While Ebisawas case involves Japanese and Burmese criminal networks rather than China, it fits a wider and increasingly alarming pattern of foreign criminals using foreign materials to either profit in trade in America, or to directly attack Americans. Advertisement Advertisement The Dallas Express has reported extensively on related threats originating from China. In June of 2025, two Chinese nationals with ties to the Chinese Communist Party were arrested after allegedly smuggling a dangerous agricultural fungus Fusarium graminearum, described by investigators as a potential agroterrorism weapon into a University of Michigan laboratory. One of the suspects had received direct funding from the Chinese government for research related to the toxic fungus. More recently, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller published a warning in January about random mystery seed packages from China that continue to show up in the mailboxes of Texas homes and farms. The Texas Department of Agriculture has collected over 1,100 packs of these unsolicited seeds at more than 100 different locations across the state since early 2025. Officials warned the deliveries could be part of something more sinister than a simple shipping scam, maybe even an attack on Americas agriculture industry. DEAs Warning DEA Administrator Terrance Cole used Ebisawas sentencing this week to send a direct message to global crime rings eyeing America as a place to profit. Advertisement Advertisement National security and public safety are the very tenets of DEAs mission, and this case demonstrates our ability to dismantle the worlds most dangerous criminal networks, Cole said. Todays sentence should send a clear message: threatening the United States by trafficking nuclear materials, narcotics, and military-grade weapons will trigger an uncompromising response. DEA will hold conspirators accountableno matter the distance, no matter their allegiance. Michael Cola, CEO, said, Patients living with generalized anxiety disorder remain significantly underserved, with many continuing to struggle despite currently available treatments. We are encouraged by these data and the potential for HLP004 to bring hope to GAD patients. The Companys broad intellectual property portfolio has been leveraged once again to create what we feel are best in class products and we are further excited to release the data on HLP003 targeted at major depressive disorder in the fourth quarter of 2026. Patients that received 20mg HLP004 adjunctive to SoC therapy achieved mean reduction of 10.4-points in the HAM-A from baseline at six weeks. The study population consisted of moderate-to-severe patients who remained symptomatic despite ongoing antidepressant or anxiolytic therapy. At six months, the pooled study population showed 67% responders and 39% remitters. Participants randomized to both 20 mg and 2mg dosing arms experienced meaningful subjective effects and showed clinically significant responses over SoC, with 59% meeting the criteria for response and 32% for remission in the 20mg arm and a 30% responder and remitter rate in the 2mg arm at week 6. The study also found a short in-clinic treatment experience with acute drug effects lasting approximately 90 minutes and discharge readiness within approximately three hours, fitting within the treatment paradigm of existing interventional psychiatry clinics. Additionally, results show a favorable tolerability profile with no drug-related serious adverse events or suicidality-related safety signals. HELUS PHARMA REPORTS PHASE 2 HLP004 RESULTS: Helus Pharma ( HELP ) announced Thursday topline results from a Phase 2 signal detection study evaluating HLP004 as a potential treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe generalized anxiety disorder who remained symptomatic despite ongoing SoC antidepressant therapy, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and related agents. In the Phase 2 signal detection study, 36 patients were randomized 2-to-1 active-to-placebo to HLP004 20 mg or 2mg and received two intramuscular doses three weeks apart. Patients were followed through Week 12, with continued observational follow-up extending up to one year. Participants had an average baseline HAM-A score of 22 and a General Anxiety Disorder-7 score of greater than or equal to 10 at screening. All study participants were already being treated, and continued treatment throughout the trial, with SoC medications for generalized anxiety disorder. The 10-point improvement in anxiety symptoms is above and beyond what was already being seen with SoC treatment. Story Continues ATAIBECKLEY ALIGNS WITH FDA ON BPL-003 PHASE 3 DESIGN: AtaiBeckley (ATAI) announced on Tuesday results of an EndofPhase 2 meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding the development of BPL003, the companys proprietary intranasal formulation of mebufotenin benzoate, for treatmentresistant depression. Minutes from the meeting show that the FDA indicated support for AtaiBeckleys proposed BPL-003 pivotal program and the compounds advancement into Phase 3 studies in adults with TRD. The FDA also provided constructive feedback on the overall design and key components of the proposed program, including the overall size of the safety database for this chronic indication. The Phase 3 program is designed to include two pivotal studies, ReConnection 1 and ReConnection 2, conducted in parallel. Both will include a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled core study followed by a 52-week open-label extension in which participants may receive individualized retreatment with BPL-003, subject to pre-specified eligibility criteria. The core study will enroll approximately 350 participants and will evaluate a single-dose of BPL-003 across three treatment arms 8 mg, 4 mg, and placebo. This trial is designed to replicate and extend the treatment response observed in the Phase 2b study and to further characterize the doseresponse relationship for BPL-003. ReConnection 2 will enroll approximately 300 participants and will evaluate BPL-003 administered on Day 1 and Day 15 across two arms 8 mg BPL-003 and placebo. This trial is designed to investigate a two-dose induction model of BPL-003 as a potential treatment option to increase magnitude and durability of initial response. The primary endpoint in both pivotal trials will be the change from baseline in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale total score at Week 4 of the response in the 8 mg BPL-003 treatment arm compared to placebo. In the OLE, participants may receive 8 mg BPL-003 at 8 or 12week intervals, subject to certain conditions for re-treatment eligibility, with the goal of maintaining remission and assessing longterm safety, durability of effects, and treatment patterns. Receiving clear guidance from the FDA at this stage is a major milestone for AtaiBeckley and for the BPL003 program, said Srinivas Rao, CEO. This feedback builds on our compelling Phase 2b data as well as the Breakthrough Therapy Designation granted to BPL-003 in October 2025 and firmly positions us to advance a robust Phase 3 clinical program designed to maximize the probability of regulatory and commercial success. With this development, we maintain our conviction that BPL-003 has the potential to offer a rapid, durable and convenient treatment option for the millions of people living with treatment-resistant depression. CLEARMIND GETS DSMB RECOMMENDATION FOR TRIAL CONTINUATION: Clearmind Medicine (CMND) announced Wednesday that its independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board has completed the second scheduled interim review of the companys ongoing FDA-approved Phase I/IIa clinical trial for CMND-100, a proprietary, non-hallucinogenic neuroplastogen, in the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder. Based on the additional top-line data from the second cohort, which demonstrated a favorable safety profile, the DSMB recommended that the clinical trial continue. The results of the second cohort, in which twice the dose was administered compared to a single dose in the first cohort, reinforce no serious adverse events and overall good tolerability, consistent with the results reported from the first cohort. The results support the rapid progression enabled by the DSMBs unanimous approval to advance for the third cohort, for which the dose is 80 mg per administration, which is double the dose administered in the second cohort. GH RESEARCH REPORTS Q4 EARNINGS: GH Research (GHRS) reported FY25 loss per share of (79c) on Thursday, which compared to analyst estimates of a loss per share of (82c). Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $280.7M as of December 31. In 2025, the company completed its Phase 2b trial of GH001 in treatment-resistant depression and presented the full dataset at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology Annual Meeting in Arizona, and the 2025 European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress in Amsterdam. GH Research is now actively seeking FDA alignment on the design of its global Phase 3 pivotal program, which is intended to replicate the Phase 2b study. The Phase 2b trial met its primary endpoint with a placebo-adjusted MADRS reduction of -15.5 points at Day 8. In the double-blind portion, 57.5% of patients on GH001 achieved remission at Day 8 versus 0% on placebo. The open-label extension confirmed durable efficacy, with a 73% remission rate at six months achieved with infrequent retreatment visits and no mandated psychotherapy. The median duration of psychoactive experience was ~11 minutes, with 99% of patients deemed discharge-ready within one hour of dosing. Safety was favorable, with no treatment-related serious adverse events and no treatment emergent suicidal intent or behavior. Our Phase 2b results reinforce our conviction that GH001 has the potential to be a practice-changing therapy for patients with TRD, said Dr. Velichka Valcheva, CEO. We look forward to aligning with the FDA on our global Phase 3 program, replicating phase 2b design, and advancing this innovative program with initiation targeted for 2026. PHARMALA SIGNS SUPPLY, DATA AGREEMENT WITH NAUTILUS SANCTUARY: PharmAla Biotech Holdings (MDXXF) announced Tuesday that it has executed a supply and data agreement with Nautilus Sanctuary of Brooklyn, New York, for the provision of MDMA for use in a Phase 2 clinical trial in the United States. Under the agreement, PharmAla will supply its LaNeo MDMA to Nautilus Sanctuary for use in an open-label clinical trial entitled An Open Label Study to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress in Frontline Healthcare Workers and First Responders Using MDMA-Assisted Therapy. In consideration for the supply of LaNeo MDMA, Nautilus Sanctuary will grant PharmAla a perpetual, non-exclusive license to the clinical trial data, which includes pseudonymized and de-identified raw data sets as well as Nautilus Sanctuarys analysis of the safety and efficacy of the intervention. The license permits PharmAla to use the data for regulatory approvals and any commercial purpose in any jurisdiction globally. This agreement represents a continuation of our innovative supply-for-data model, which we believe creates significant value for both parties, said Nicholas Kadysh, CEO. Frontline healthcare workers and first responders bear an enormous mental health burden, and we are proud to support Nautilus Sanctuary in their efforts to bring MDMA-assisted therapy to these critical populations. The clinical data generated in the United States under this agreement will be an important addition to our growing portfolio of clinical evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of LaNeo MDMA. PSYENCE BIOMED REPORTS PSILOCYBIN EXPORT: Psyence Biomedical (PBM) announced Tuesday the export of fully GMP-compliant manufactured psilocybin product NPX-5 to Australia. The product was manufactured at the Psyence Labs GMP-controlled production facility, supporting pharmaceutical-grade psychedelic development. The exported NPX-5 product will now be used in Psyence BioMeds ongoing Phase IIb clinical trial in Australia, a double-blind, randomized, low-dose comparator-controlled, multi-center study evaluating natural psilocybin for the treatment of Adjustment Disorder in patients with cancer in a palliative care context. The trial is enrolling 87 participants across multiple Australian sites, including Melbourne and Perth/ Patient dosing is underway, with initial participants having been dosed in late 2025, and all newly enrolled patients will be dosed with NPX-5. This export demonstrates more than regulatory clearance it validates the operational readiness of our vertically integrated model, said Jody Aufrichtig, CEO. The successful manufacture and export of GMP-compliant natural psilocybin at this stage of clinical development demonstrates that we are not simply participating in this sector we are helping define its standards. Operational discipline, supply control, and product excellence are foundational to our platform. PRICE TARGET RAISES: Maxim raised the firms price target on Definium Therapeutics (DFTX) to $40 from $18 and kept a Buy rating on the shares after its Q4 results. The companys cash on the balance sheet should provide sufficient funding into 2028, through a busy 2026 with three Phase 3 pivotal readouts for DT120, the analyst said. As the readout in major depressive disorder approaches, the firm is factoring in revenues for MDD in 2029, Maxim added. H.C. Wainwright raised the firms price target on Bright Minds (DRUG) to $145 from $115 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. The firm says the BREAKTHROUGH Phase 2 data de-risks BMB-101 and establishes 5-HT2C agonist as potentially best-in-class. H.C. Wainwright increased its probability of success for the absence epilepsy program to 60% from 25%, reflecting what it believes is a significant efficacy signal and validation from the trial. H.C. Wainwright also raised the firms price target on NRx Pharmaceuticals (NRXP) to $45 from $40 and kept a Buy rating on the shares. The firm said the Type C FDA meeting provides a clear application pathway for NRX-100. This is supported by real-world evidence and a broader proposed indication, significantly de-risking the program, the analyst said. H.C. Wainwright expanded the addressable population for NRX-100 and increased its risk-adjusted NRX-100 valuation to $15 per share from $10. OTHER PSYCHEDELIC STOCKS: Publicly-traded companies in the space include Algernon Health (AGNPF), BetterLife (BETRF), Compass Pathways (CMPS), Enveric Biosciences (ENVB), Filament Health (FLHLF), Incannex (IXHL), MIRA Pharmaceuticals (MIRA), Numinus Wellness (NUMIF), Pasithea Therapeutics (KTTA), PharmaTher (PHRRF), Psyence Group (PSYGF), Relmada Therapeutics (RLMD), Revive Therapeutics (RVVTF) and Silo Pharma (SILO). Published first on TheFly the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> See Insiders Hot Stocks on TipRanks >> Read More on HELP: Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Cincinnati are investigating a fatal shooting overnight. The shooting happened on Craft Street in Winton Hills around 10:30 p.m. Thursday, March 5. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the male victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A vehicle from the Hamilton County Coroners Office arrived a short time later. Police were on the scene for several hours overnight investigating, but cleared the scene around 3 a.m. Friday. Advertisement Advertisement The victims name has not been released pending notification of next of kin. Police also are not saying if they have any suspects. Enquirer media partner provided this report This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Police: Man shot to death in Winton Hills Five search warrants executed by Easton police, the Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies resulted in the seizure Friday of over $101,000 worth of cocaine and two illegal handguns. City Police Lt. Matt Gerould said five separate raids were executed around 6 a.m. Friday including at an apartment in the 1200 block of Simon Blvd. at the Silk Mill in Easton; an apartment in the 2600 block of Bethlehem Fields Way in Bethlehem; and two garages and a business in the 1200 block of Washington Street in Easton. Gerould said the warrants were a culmination of a five-month investigation focusing on an organization selling large amounts of cocaine and other drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, in Eastons West Ward. Advertisement Advertisement The targets of that investigation were Jeffrie Morales, 33, of Easton; and Orestes Herrera Jr., 43, of Bethlehem, and both were arrested at their respective apartments during the Friday raids, Gerould told lehighvalleylive.com. Morales is charged with four counts of felony delivery of a controlled substance and one count felony criminal use of a communication device. Herrera is charged with one count felony delivery of a controlled substance; and one count felony criminal use of a communication device. Both are facing more charges as a result of evidence seized at their Silk Mill and Bethlehem Fields Way apartments, respectively, police said. Morales additional charges include two counts felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; one count felony possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; one count felony criminal conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver a controlled substance; and one count misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Advertisement Advertisement Herreras additional charges include two counts felony possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; one count felony criminal conspiracy to possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance; and one count misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Morales and Herrera are expected to be arraigned on the charges later Friday. The initial raid at the Silk Mill was conducted by the Easton Police Departments Special Response Unit and Northampton County District Attorneys Office. The raid at Bethlehem Fields Way followed, which was conducted by DEA Special Response Team (SRT); Pennsylvania State Police Troop Vice; and the Northampton County Drug Task Force. Advertisement Advertisement The three other search warrants were then executed by the Easton Police Departments Special Response Unit and Northampton County District Attorneys Office. Investigators seized the following items from Fridays raids: cocaine with a street value of $101,365; marijuana with a street value of $20,000; $10,381 in cash; two illegal handguns, including one with an obliterated serial number and one with a device to make it fully automatic; high-capacity magazines; and a large amount of high-end jewelry sought for forfeiture, city police said. Also seized was drug paraphernalia consistent with drug sales, as well as a 2017 BMW and a 2025 motorcycle, both sought for forfeiture, police said. Prior to Fridays searches, investigators also seized large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine with estimated street values of $66,000 (cocaine) and $7,500 (methamphetamine) during the course of the investigation, Gerould said. Advertisement Advertisement The joint investigation into this organization was conducted by the Easton Police Departments Vice/Narcotics Unit; Northampton County District Attorneys Office; DEA; Northampton County Drug Task Force; and Pennsylvania State Police Troop Vice. The investigation is still active and ongoing, Gerould said. Read the original article on lehighvalleylive.com. Add lehighvalleylive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A journalist - who had his house searched by police investigating allegations of spying for China - has told BBC Wales he was baffled to find himself implicated in the case. Martin Shipton, associate editor for Nation.Cymru, confirmed police forced entry into his house in Cardiff on Wednesday, and served him with a search warrant. He was not arrested. The Met Police, supported by counter-terror police in Wales and in Scotland, arrested three men with connections to Wales and the Labour Party as part of the investigation and released them on bail on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to BBC Wales, Shipton confirmed he gave police a voluntary statement and was not arrested, adding he had not done anything wrong. Shipton said police forced entry into his property and served him with a search warrant under the National Security Act 2023. He understands the search relates to his connections with David Taylor. More top stories Taylor, 39, was one of three men released on bail after being detained on suspicion of spying for China on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement He is a former adviser to the Wales Office who is also married to a Labour MP Joani Reid was arrested along with Steve Jones, 68, a former Welsh government special adviser and Matthew Aplin, 43, a former Labour press officer and an ex-member of Reform. They have been bailed until a date in May and enquiries remain ongoing. Shipton said police smashed into his home on Wednesday under a search warrant [BBC] Shipton said it was like a dream and a terrifying experience when officers smashed their way into his house. He said he had been friends with Taylor for years. Shipton told BBC Wales he does not have any connection with the Chinese government and has never had any financial involvement with them. Advertisement Advertisement The Met Police said searches were carried out at the addresses where the three men were arrested, and a car outside a property in Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, was also searched and photographed. A spokesperson for the Met Police told BBC Wales it would not be expanding further on its statement at this stage. Officers also searched two other addresses, in London and East Kilbride in Scotland. First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan said: "There's a live investigation ongoing at the moment and obviously that means I can't comment. "I don't want to compromise this investigation, it's something we should take very seriously. Advertisement Advertisement "It's an issue I'm concerned about but I can't comment any further." More on this story The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced March 6 that its investigating the use of force on a knife-wielding man in Walton County. Walton County Sheriffs Office deputies were conducting a criminal investigation at a home off of Carriage Court at 7:30 p.m. on March 4 when a suspect grabbed a kitchen knife. A deputy used a stun gun on the man, who fell. The suspect hurt himself before deputies could get the knife away from him, GBI said. Advertisement Advertisement Deputies provided emergency care to the suspect until emergency help arrived. A deputy was hurt trying to take the knife from the man. GBI didnt identify the suspect. Once the GBIs investigation in complete, the agency will forward the case file to the Alcovy Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office for review. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Lent is barely underway, but a definitive theme has emerged regarding the presence of artificial intelligence in sanctified spaces, according to Catholic news source Crux. Lent, the 40-day period between Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 and Holy Thursday on April 2, is an important portion of the Catholic Church's liturgical year, a time for prayer, almsgiving, and reflection. Pope Leo XIV convened a closed-door meeting with the Diocese of Rome to discuss a litany of ecclesiastical matters at the beginning of Lent, during which he entreated priests to "resist the temptation" to draft homilies using AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Advertisement Advertisement According to Crux, the pope isn't the only high-ranking clergyman concerned about AI's encroachment into pastoral relationships. Bishop Erik Varden, handpicked by Pope Leo to lead the Holy See's official 2026 Lenten retreat, raised similar concerns. As the Catholic Church grapples with what, if any, role AI should play in its ministry, the general public is also contending with its disruptive effects. AI adoption has wreaked havoc in the job market, at all levels of education, and particularly for people living near data centers. Communities with data centers were among the first to raise objections to the real-world impacts of AI, reporting that their noise and air pollution had driven locals to distraction. Those complaints deepened when data center demand spiked electric bills nationwide. In February, energy experts estimated that nearly one in five American households were behind on energy bills and at risk of shut-offs, not long after the Department of Energy flatly admitted that the public grid wasn't up to the task of supporting AI data center demand. Advertisement Advertisement As for AI and spirituality, reports of chatbot users being seduced into a spiritual awakening induced by large language models, often to the detriment of their real-life relationships, escalated throughout 2025. Varden warned Vatican officials of a "prophetic challenge" posed by "digital, artificial" spiritual interactions and people seeking a sincere connection with their faith and church. According to Varden, per Crux, "young people yearn to meet teachers who are worthy of trust, who can impart not only skills but wisdom" to a demographic vulnerable to impersonal, machine-generated, authoritative-sounding chatbot interactions. Varden specifically cited "angelic encounters," a rare but recognized aspect of the Catholic faith and something a slick chatbot might replicate convincingly. Chatbots have become increasingly "sycophantic," something the bishop appeared to reference. Advertisement Advertisement "Angelic interventions are not always reassuring. The angels are not there to humor us in our caprices. In a popular prayer we ask our guardian angel to 'enlighten, keep, govern, and guide' us. These are hefty verbs. An angel is a guardian of holiness," he said, per Crux. "An angelic encounter is always personal. It cannot be replaced by a download or a chatbot," Varden observed. Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. President Donald Trump will visit southwestern Ohio next week. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A White House spokesperson told our media partner, WCPO-9 TV, that Trump will be in Cincinnati on March 11 to talk about his government-run prescription drug website, TrumpRx.gov. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The president will visit Thermo Fisher Scientific, which is a pharmaceutical and biotechnology company in Reading. Hell talk about the site, as it aims to help Americans get the lowest prices for prescription drugs, WCPO-9 reported. As previously reported, TrumpRX launched in February. A White House spokesperson told WCPO-9 that Trump will celebrate his economic victories and showcase one of his most transformational policies: delivering lower prescription drug prices for working families during the visit. Thanks to President Trumps Most Favored Nation pricing agreements, American patients can now access dozens of medications at massively discounted prices through TrumpRx.gov with more savings in store for American patients when Congress passes the Presidents Great Healthcare Plan, the spokesperson told WCPO-9. The President will tout that massively popular policy and the rest of his Administrations aggressive efforts to lower prices and make America more affordable. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Prince William posted a rare personal message on social media today to pay tribute to those who died in the attack on Upemba National Park. Five park staff members were killed by armed assailants. I am truly saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life at Upemba National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following an armed raid of the park earlier this week, he wrote. Environmental protection has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet and the bravery of those on the frontline of conservation must never be forgotten. The Prince of Wales concluded, My thoughts are with the families and friends of the park staff who lost their lives defending our natural world. Advertisement Advertisement Upemba National Park, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was established in 1939. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) also shared a statement. Across the world, rangers and protected area staff work at the forefront of conserving biodiversity and protecting ecosystems that are vital for all of humanity, they wrote. Too often, they do so at great personal risk. The events at Upemba National Park are a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who dedicate their lives to protecting nature. Last year, Prince William worked with the BBC to create a docuseries specifically highlighting the work of park rangers. It came about from wanting to educate, showcase, highlight, spotlight the brilliant men and women who are on the forefront and frontline of conservation around the world, Prince William said at the time. The reality is that protecting our natural world has become one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet. We need to understand and recognize natures guardians, and the critical work they doEvery day, they take huge risks as natures frontline of defense. You Might Also Like A Jacksonville hotel is facing a new lawsuit filed by a sex trafficking victim who alleges she was held captive and abused on the property for 21 days while staff ignored obvious red flags. The complaint, filed against AMPN Hospitality LLC, owners of the Baymont Inn & Suites off Blanding Boulevard, outlines the ordeal of a victim identified only as Jane Doe. The suit arrives nearly a decade after a major trafficking bust at the same location. According to legal filings, the victim,l who has a known mental disability, was a minor in February 2017 when she was reported missing after failing to show up for her special needs class. The lawsuit alleges that for 21 days, the girl was held in Room 230, where she was beaten daily and raped by strangers at least twice a day. Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the survivor argue that hotel management knew or should have known that trafficking was occurring. The suit cites several industry-standard warning signs that were allegedly ignored, including the traffickers paying for the room exclusively in cash. The victim never leaves the room alone, always accompanied by an older male. The victim lacked any personal belongings or luggage. Annie McAdams, the Houston-based attorney representing the victim, said in a statement, I have filed sex trafficking lawsuits against the hospitality industry and tech companies across the country. These are not common lawsuits but are important lawsuits, hotels that knowingly benefit from sex trafficking while ignoring clear warning signs should be held accountable. While McAdams noted these lawsuits are not yet common, she emphasized their importance in seeking justice for vulnerable survivors. Local advocates are using the case to bring light to more training for all hospitality staff. Sandra Shin, founder of Hope 4 Freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Every single co-worker, manager, every one of us trained on the signs to look for and how to report it, Shin said. The hotel chains need to step up. Protect our guests... they need to be protected. When approached by hotel management for comment regarding the litigation and the allegations, management at the Baymont Inn & Suites declined an interview and requested that we leave the property. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Russian ruler Vladimir Putin has instructed a group of political strategists and Russian military intelligence to interfere in the parliamentary elections in Hungary in April in order to ensure that incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Orban wins, investigative journalists working with European security services have reported. Source: European Pravda, citing an investigation by the VSquare project Details: The investigation has found that Putin instructed his first deputy chief of staff Sergei Kiriyenko to handle operations concerning Hungary. Advertisement Advertisement VSquare notes that Kiriyenko was behind Russia's interference campaign in the 2024 presidential election in Moldova, when Moscow supposedly used vote-buying networks, troll farms and local activists to shape public opinion against pro-Western President Maia Sandu. A similar operation is now reportedly being prepared in Hungary together with Vadim Titov, head of the Russian administration's Directorate for Strategic Partnership and Cooperation. Under the plan, Russia intends to station experts in social media manipulation at the Russian Embassy in Budapest. Three people have reportedly already received official and diplomatic passports, which would grant them a certain level of immunity. The investigators also found that Kiriyenko has ties to some organisers of the election campaign of Orban's Fidesz party. Advertisement Advertisement VSquare's journalists note that Orban's anti-Ukrainian rhetoric is providing additional cover for Russian disinformation campaigns, which tend to work best when a country's information ecosystem is already receptive to them. Background: Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hoped Orban's party would lose the upcoming elections, which could then make it possible to normalise relations between Ukraine and Hungary. Zelenskyy said earlier that he hopes "a certain person" in the EU (presumably Orban) will stop blocking the 90 billion EU loan for Ukraine, otherwise he might give that person's contact details to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! A quarry owner in Ransom Twp. looking to build data centers on its property filed its second legal challenge against the township in two weeks. Scranton Materials LLC, 819 Newton Road, filed a lawsuit Monday in the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas seeking a declaratory judgment against the Ransom Twp. Board of Supervisors to allow the construction of six data centers, each with a 156,648-square-foot footprint, on Newton Road. The lawsuit asks the court to declare the townships zoning ordinance exclusionary to data centers, and as relief, to allow the development of data centers on 251 acres of Scranton Materials property. Advertisement Advertisement Attorney Michael Mey, who has also represented data center projects in the Midvalley, contends in court documents that supervisors abused their discretion and committed an error of law on Jan. 20 when they effectively denied Scranton Materials curative amendment that would have granted it zoning relief to develop data centers on Newton Road. Mey filed a similar land use appeal Feb. 18 asking the court to reverse the township supervisors decision and allow data centers on Scranton Materials property. The appeal and new declaratory judgment request use identical language throughout much of their arguments. Scranton Materials data center campus is at least the 11th proposed campus in Lackawanna County, with other proposals in Archbald, Clifton and Covington townships, Dickson City and Jessup. The zoning question Advertisement Advertisement Municipalities in Pennsylvania must allow for every type of lawful land use somewhere within their borders, and failing to do so exposes local governments to legal challenges for exclusionary zoning. To remedy exclusionary zoning, property owners can submit a curative amendment where they propose their own zoning standards to allow for what they believe is unlawfully excluded land use. In Scranton Materials case, the quarrys attorney argues that Ransom Twp.s 2018 zoning ordinance is exclusionary because it does not define or classify any data center uses, and township supervisors refused to comply with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, or MPC, according to Mondays lawsuit. The MPC provides the legal framework for municipal zoning. Advertisement Advertisement The quarry, which has been in operation for 50-plus years, filed a substantive validity challenge to the townships zoning on Nov. 25, according to the lawsuit, proposing a curative amendment defining and regulating data centers while designating them as conditional uses across a 251-acre overlay district on its property an increasingly popular method of zoning to address data centers in Lackawanna County. Rather than rezone land or allow data centers unilaterally across an entire zoning district, overlays allow data centers in a defined area that retains the underlying zoning classification, meaning that if a campus does not materialize, the land keeps its original zoning standards. Conditional use designations require approval from councils or boards of supervisors, mandate public hearings where residents can testify and ask questions, and require developers to adhere to special conditions established by the municipality. On Jan. 12, Ransom Twp.s planning commission unanimously voted to recommend that supervisors do not approve Scranton Materials application, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Planning commissions are advisory bodies that only make recommendations. Supervisors met Jan. 15 for a public hearing on the quarrys data center zoning request before continuing it until Jan. 20. The lawsuit cites testimony and cross-examination of planning commission Chairman James Murphy, who acknowledged the townships 2018 zoning ordinance did not provide for data centers, Mey wrote in the lawsuit. After Scranton Materials concluded its presentation, Laura McGarry an attorney who appeared on behalf of her mother, who is a Scranton resident made a motion for nonsuit, telling supervisors Scranton Materials had not presented anything that would substantiate the nature of the request, according to the lawsuit, which asserts that McGarry had no standing. Township Solicitor Kevin Conaboy paused the meeting to review the MPC and advise supervisors, according to the lawsuit. Conaboy returned and recommended to supervisors that they deny McGarrys motion and proceed with the hearing, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Supervisors instead went against his advice and voted 2-1 in support of McGarrys motion; Supervisors Robert Wells and Gerald Scott voted in favor of the motion, and Chairman David Bird voted against it to proceed with the hearing. Following the vote, Conaboy said, I believe that essentially dismisses the application because they failed to submit the appropriate record. Cornell Law Schools Legal Information Institute defines a nonsuit as a judgment given against a plaintiff in which the court dismisses a case because the plaintiff either was unable to make adequate showing or is unwilling to continue with the case. Attempts to reach Conaboy were unsuccessful Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Arguments Scranton Materials argues there is no provision in the MPC to allow a nonsuit, and the boards decision was a denial under the MPC. Mey also contends that McGarry had no standing because her mother, Susan Magnotta, lives on Fawnwood Drive in Scrantons Keyser Valley section, which means she does not have standing because she is neither a Ransom Twp. resident nor is her property in close proximity to the data center site under the MPCs definitions, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit further asserts that Scranton Materials established the townships zoning was exclusionary to data centers, and the boards denial failed to recognize that, constituting an error of law. Advertisement Advertisement A similar legal battle allowed the Lackawanna Energy Center natural gas-fired power plant to move forward in Jessup a decade ago. At the time, Chicago-based Invenergy sought a curative amendment by arguing Jessups zoning ordinance was exclusionary to power plants. Although the borough did allow them as conditional uses in its heavy manufacturing district, Invenergy attorneys said the setbacks and height restrictions effectively prohibited any power plant from being built. The major contention in Jessup surrounded a 2,000-foot residential setback requirement that only allowed for 12 acres of developable land compared to the 40-plus acres sought by the power plant. Jessup council eventually voted that its ordinance did unduly prohibit power plants, and it gave Invenergy the zoning it needed to develop the Lackawanna Energy Center. Comparable to Invenergys argument, Scranton Materials lawsuit challenges that the boards decision failed to recognize that even if it applied the underlying zoning district standards and general zoning regulations to data centers including maximum building height and maximum noise levels the standards would unreasonably restrict the data centers uses so much that it precludes their development in the township. The new lawsuit asks the court to declare the townships zoning ordinance as exclusionary, give Scranton Materials site-specific relief to develop data centers, and to grant any other relief deemed just and proper. Advertisement Advertisement What are curative amendments? The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code has provided the legal framework for municipal zoning since the state Legislature enacted it in the late 1960s. When landowners challenge zoning as exclusionary, it provides guidelines instructing local governments to consider impacts on schools, water supplies and natural resources. The planning code, or MPC, includes standards for planning commissions, public hearings, zoning maps and ordinances, zoning hearing boards, appeals and curative amendments. Municipalities in Pennsylvania must allow for every type of lawful land use somewhere within their borders, from power plants to data centers, and failing to do so exposes local governments to legal challenges for exclusionary zoning. Advertisement Advertisement The MPC allows property owners to challenge the validity of a municipalitys zoning when it prohibits or restricts the development of their land, and to cure the defect they can submit a curative amendment providing their own zoning standards. If the municipality determines the validity challenge has merit, it can accept the landowners curative amendment with or without revisions, or it can adopt its own amendment to cure the defects, according to the MPC. When a governing body considers a curative amendment, the MPC dictates it must also consider: The impact of the proposal on roads, sewer facilities, water supplies, schools and other public service facilities. If the proposal is for a residential use, the impact of the proposal on regional housing needs and the effectiveness of the proposal in providing housing units of a type actually available to and affordable by classes of people otherwise unlawfully excluded by the challenged provisions of the ordinance or map. The suitability of the site for the intensity of use proposed by the sites soils, slopes, woodlands, wetlands, flood plains, aquifers, natural resources and other natural features. The impact of the proposed use on the sites soils, slopes, woodlands, wetlands, flood plains, natural resources and natural features, the degree to which these are protected or destroyed, the tolerance of the resources to development and any adverse environmental impacts. The impact of the proposal on the preservation of agriculture and other land uses which are essential to public health and welfare. With thousands of Lackawanna County residents attending data center meetings throughout the past year, common concerns include the impacts of data centers proposed near schools, neighborhoods and parks; strains on public utilities, namely water supplies and the electrical grid; and environmental impacts, among other fears. FRANK WILKES LESNEFSKY Operational efforts are concentrated on expanding proteome coverage, specifically targeting the detection of 18 to 20 amino acids and increasing sequencing read lengths on the Proteus prototype. Management pulled forward the Proteus list price announcement to $425,000 to align with academic grant cycles and facilitate long-term capital budgeting for potential customers. Strategic focus has shifted toward building a robust publication pipeline, with 5 manuscripts submitted in 2025 to demonstrate technology utility in clinical proteomics and pathogen detection. The instrument placement program successfully secured 17 new customers, serving as a strategic bridge to maintain user engagement and generate consumable revenue without requiring upfront capital. Performance in Q4 2025 was significantly impacted by capital spending headwinds, including NIH funding uncertainties and customer hesitation ahead of the next-generation platform. Management is intentionally transitioning 2026 into a 'market preparation' year, prioritizing the upcoming Proteus launch over maximizing near-term Platinum Pro capital sales. 2026 revenue guidance of approximately $1 million reflects a deliberate shift toward consumable utilization and service revenue rather than new hardware sales. The Proteus commercial launch remains on track for the end of 2026, with prototype systems currently deployed for internal R&D and manufacturing scale-up underway. Financial guidance assumes a total cash usage of $93 million or less, supported by a balance sheet intended to fund operations into the second quarter of 2028. Management expects a 25% increase in consumable kit volume in 2026 as the installed base matures and new placement-program users begin running experiments. A Washington man is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl after luring her outside using a picture of a gun with her house in the background and a warning that he'd murder her grandparents if she didn't "go with him." Alec Leonardo Lepe is being held on a $1 million bond after the Oregon girl was saved from his home. Online jail records confirm Lepe, 25, has been charged with sexual exploitation of a minor and harboring a minor. Advertisement Advertisement Police spoke to the victim, who told them she received a text message on February 25 from an unfamiliar number with the threatening image attached. In the message, the teen was told she needed to go with him or he would kill her grandparents, according to court documents obtained by Us Weekly. The teen, who lives with her grandparents, ran away from home and was met by a man wearing a ski mask, who drove off with her in a lifted four-door truck. The girl told police Lepe made her drink something "spicy" that made her pass out. She later woke up in the man's home, where she was held for several days. She told cops when he left for work every morning, he took her phone with him and warned her to stay put, as he'd had cameras set up all around the property. When he returned from his job, he raped the girl, she alleged. Texas Teen Who Was Kidnapped on Christmas Day Saved by Dad Who Tracked Her Phone Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, authorities in both states worked together to track the missing teen, and learned she was at Lepe's home. On Saturday, February 28, deputies were pulling up to the home when they saw Lepe behind the wheel of a Dodge 3500. He denied knowing anything about the missing girl and kept driving away, police said. At around the same time, the teen managed to find a phone and called 911. Deputies started walking towards the home and could hear the girl crying out for help. Alec Lepe/Facebook She was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Police searched the home with the owner's permission but found no guns or ski masks. The owner did tell police he knew Lepe owned both a rifle and a shotgun. Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday, March 1, Lepe asked a friend to call investigators to say he would be turning himself in. However, Lepe has denied knowing the girl was at the house or denied traveling to her home. Police Rescue Florida Girl, 12, From Hotel Where She Was Staying With North Carolina Man It was unclear Thursday, March 5, if Lepe had retained legal counsel or had appeared before a judge to enter pleas to the charges he faces. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Detective Randy Loyd at Randy.Loyd@co.benton.wa.us. If you know of a young person who is being exploited or is the victim of a crime, you are urged to report it to your local FBI field office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be left at tips.fbi.gov Charles Chip Norton, a prominent real estate developer in Worcester, is being sued by a company that claims he owes it more than $1 million. In February, X-Caliber Rural Capital LLC of New York sued Norton in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Massachusetts. The suit claims Norton illegally funneled funds owed to X-Caliber into entities that Norton controlled in connection with a property in Southbridge that includes the Wellsworth Hotel. Norton filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in June amid lawsuits accusing him of unpaid debts. He declined to comment and provided a statement from his New York lawyer, John Christopher, that said in part, "We strongly disagree with X-Caliber's characterization of what happened at the hotel borrower." Advertisement Advertisement Lawyer Michael Trainor, representing X-Caliber, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit in Massachusetts bankruptcy court claims X-Caliber loaned $13.2 million to Southbridge Associates LLC, an entity controlled by Norton that includes the Wellsworth Hotel at 14 Mechanic St. in Southbridge. Norton allegedly told X-Caliber that the hotels revenues were well below projections in 2024, including a 19% drop in revenue. He also allegedly disclosed the hotels projected operating loss for 2025 was $707,096 and asked to amend the terms of his loan with X-Caliber. Despite the operating losses, Norton allegedly made equity distributions of more than $1 million to entities that he controlled instead of making required payments to X-Caliber. A hotel manager made X-Caliber aware of the distributions, the suit says. Advertisement Advertisement Norton allegedly failed to disclose to X-Caliber that he had at least two new tenants on the Southbridge property and didn't send the rental payments as required to X-Caliber. The alleged equity distributions to himself left Nortons entity that operated the Southbridge property insolvent, leaving insufficient cash to meet the hotels operating expenses, according to the suit. Christopher's statement addressed the allegations that Norton embezzled funds from the Southbridge property: "Funds were not diverted. Transfers were made from the property's operating sweep account to the holding company, which in turn used those funds to pay the property's bills including utilities, common aera maintenance and other necessary expenses." It continued: "The accounting records will show that money was used to keep the hotel running, not to disadvantage lenders or other creditors." Norton allegedly entered into a power purchase agreement tied to a power plant on the Southbridge site at above-market rates through one of his entities, SBC Energy LLC. The agreement crippled Nortons ability to pay his creditors while benefiting SBC Energy LLC, according to the lawsuit. In addition, the suit claims the power purchase agreement depressed the value of the Southbridge property because any future sale is weighed down by the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Norton's lawyer rebuked that claim in his statement: "We also disagree with the allegation that the power provider charged the hotel borrower or any other customer above market rates. The pricing in the power agreement was established using the applicable commercial rate in Central Massachusetts, which is the standard published rate by the local supplier [National Grid] used for comparable commercial uses." The lawsuit cites U.S. bankruptcy law in seeking to prevent Norton from being released of his responsibility to pay his creditors, including X-Caliber. Debtors conduct was undertaken knowingly and with the intent to hinder, delay, or defraud creditors, including Plaintiff, and constitutes grounds to deny discharge" under bankruptcy law, the suit says. Norton's lawyer described the lawsuit as a mischaracterization. "In our view, the complaint mischaracterizes routine cash management and power supply arrangements. Because these issues are now before the bankruptcy court Mr. Norton will respond in full through the court process rather than litigating the case in the press." In addition to the Southbridge property, Norton was part of a group that redeveloped One Chestnut Place in Worcester. In 2008, he bought the former Thom McAn headquarters at 67 Millbrook St. for $10 million and turned it into modern offices now known as the Worcester Business Center. Advertisement Advertisement Norton bought the two downtown office towers on Front Street in Worcester for $32.5 million in 2015 and renamed them the Mercantile Center. The Telegram & Gazette's newsroom is in the Mercantile Center, at 100 Front St. Norton's company Franklin Realty LLC, which managed the buildings at 100 and 120 Front St., has since been replaced by Eastport Real Estate, a company based in Wakefield. Contact Henry Schwan at henry.schwan@telegram.com. Follow him on X: @henrytelegram This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Real estate developer Chip Norton by creditor over $1 million debt The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel collaborated with Wisconsin Watch to develop this fact brief. Wisconsin Watch is a member of the Gigafact program, newsrooms across the US that deliver bite-sized fact checks of trending claims. Read more about our methodology. Yes Campaign finance records show Reid Hoffman is the largest donor to the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Hoffman, a venture capitalist and LinkedIn co-founder, has donated $15.4 million to the state party, according to campaign finance records. Advertisement Advertisement The Wisconsin Ethics Commission confirmed in an email that online records reach back to 2008, though Hoffman only began donating to the state party in 2019. Wisconsin passed legislation in 2015 that allowed unlimited contributions to state parties. State online campaign finance records show Hoffmans name twice; he has profiles under different addresses. Hoffmans combined donations place him far above the second-highest donor, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, whose donations total about $5.9 million. Hoffmans name appeared hundreds of times in the latest release of files related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Hoffman apologized in 2019 for his role in rehabbing Epsteins image. Sources Sunshine: Wisconsin Campaign Finance. Payer: Reid Hoffman. Advertisement Advertisement Sunshine: Wisconsin Campaign Finance. Registrants: Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Wisconsin State Legislature: 2015 Act 117. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Big donors to Wisconsin political campaigns appear in Epstein files. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Is Reid Hoffman the largest donor to the Wisconsin Democratic Party? WASHINGTON Rep. Dan Crenshaw blamed unfounded attacks and a culture of misinformation for his primary loss to state Rep. Steve Toth, saying in an interview that the power of clickbait proved too much to overcome. Crenshaw, a fourth-term congressman from Atascosita, lost to Toth, one of the most conservative members of the Texas Legislature, by a decisive 15-point margin, according to unofficial returns. His district, which includes Kingwood, Lake Houston and The Woodlands, is split between Harris County and Montgomery County, a hotbed of conservative activism where Attorney General Ken Paxton received twice as many votes as incumbent John Cornyn in the Senate Republican primary. Advertisement Advertisement One of the more prominent Republicans in Congress, Crenshaw has received outsized attention and criticism as a frequent media presence and national security hawk who has sparred with a handful of influencers and podcasters in the MAGA-sphere. Hes had a target on his back for years from some of the most hardline conservatives in Congress, including in the House Freedom Caucus, for calling out their legislative tactics and referring to some members of his party as grifters. Columns in the Houston Chronicle and the Wall Street Journal this week lamented Crenshaws loss, arguing that his true sin was a willingness to tell base voters hard truths, including that Trump lost the 2020 election and speaking out against the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Crenshaw acknowledged that the telling the truth thing is viewed as a real crime among some voters. But he heaped most of the blame for his loss on what he said were baseless attacks over his alleged insider trading and stance on red flag laws leaving Crenshaw, in his eyes, to fend off talking points that twisted the truth. Advertisement Advertisement Its not like anyone was going to the polls saying, I dont like that you said that. I disagree with it. Because at least then, they would be debating with me on something that I actually said, Crenshaw told The Texas Tribune. I could deal with that. But thats never what came up in peoples minds and out of their mouths. Toth and right-wing host Tucker Carlson had criticized Crenshaw for allegedly profiting on insider trading through the stock market. Crenshaw hasnt made any stock trades since March 2023, and said in the entirety of his congressional career, he made under $50,000 on the stock market. In 2019, meanwhile, Crenshaw said state legislators not Congress should have a conversation about red flag laws, a mechanism opposed by gun rights absolutists that allows for the temporary seizure of firearms from people deemed to pose a risk to themselves or others. Crenshaw caught flak for the comment among conservatives, who saw it as tantamount to a show of support for the policy. He noted on his campaign website that he regrets jumping into the discussion, and that he has introduced a bill prohibiting the use of federal funds for red flag laws each term he has been in Congress. Still, Toth reshared snippets of Crenshaws 2019 video, calling him Red Flag Law Crenshaw. Advertisement Advertisement But as the adage goes in politics, if youre explaining, youre losing. And Crenshaw said his campaign was unable to counter the narratives, in part because they caught fire among conservative influencers who seized on them as an easy way to generate attention, the currency of the internet. A large part of this election was about the power of clickbait, Crenshaw said. Memes became truth. Too many people are not discerning through the clickbait. People voting one after the other literally thought I was making millions in the stock market doing inside trading. Even though I havent made a trade in three years. Ive made under $46,000 over my entire seven years in office. The truth didnt matter to people. Supporters and critics alike had varying explanations for Crenshaws loss. Freedom Caucus Fund, the political arm of the House Freedom Caucus, endorsed Toth. Allison Weisenberger, the funds executive director, said Crenshaw found out the final consequence for being a RINO a Republican in Name Only and bad-mouthing members of the hard-right caucus. Advertisement Advertisement Crenshaw, for his part, said his recognizability also contributed to the result, as it made him an attractive target for influencers who saw there were more clicks to be had for those bringing up his name rather than others facing a real scandal, he said, like Reps. Tony Gonzales and Cory Mills. Their name just doesnt make the internet excited like Dan Crenshaws does, Crenshaw said. I dont have a mistress who set herself on fire. I dont have a mistress who reported me to D.C. Metro Police for domestic violence, like Cory Mills. Crenshaw also pointed to the influence of Robert Marling, a billionaire GOP donor in The Woodlands who seeded a pro-Toth super PAC with $675,000. Marling has donated large sums to Sen. Ted Cruz in the past. Cruz endorsed Toth during the early voting period; CNN reported that he and Crenshaw have a long-standing feud. Advertisement Advertisement Political influencers and podcasters in the online chattering class played key roles in both parties primaries this year, a new trend that Crenshaw said is exacerbated in the Houston area by conservative hosts who put out full endorsement slates that voters follow. The result, Crenshaw said, is voters getting their information from people who have no allegiance to the truth. Its troubling for the future, he said. Only voters can stop it. Oil City Republican Rep. Danny McCormick said officials in Blanchard and Shreveport claim they do not have copies of nondisclosure agreements related to the proposed Amazon AI data centers after he requested the records through a public records request. "To me it sounds completely and utterly irresponsible why you would sign a document like that and not keep custody or at least a copy of it," McCormick said. "They both said they didn't." Citizens of rural Caddo Parish listen to State Representative elect Danny McCormick speak Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, during the Caddo Alliance for Freedoms public meeting concerning private property rights in rural Caddo Parish. McCormick said negotiations between the municipalities and the developers were done behind closed doors with NDAs and non-transparency, and his main concern is there hasn't been a new school built in Caddo Parish since 1989. Advertisement Advertisement "These tax abatements are been given to where we will never have a new school in Caddo Parish if we keep giving billion dollar companies tax abatements like we are," McCormick said. "I think its important to the kids to be able to start replacing our schools that are a hundred years old with some of them or more. As long as we have this corporate warfare in our community, we'll never replace our schools in our school system." More: Blanchard residents raise data center concerns at community meeting McCormick said he has the asked the Louisiana Attorney General's Office for a formal legal opinion to ensure the process is "above board." He stated he had concerns about potential conflicts of interest, saying he does not see how individuals involved in granting tax abatements, including William Bradford, could later benefit by working for Amazon as a community liaison. "It just doesn't seem legal or ethical to me or it just shouldn't be even if it is anyhow," McCormick said. "I'm just asking the Attorney General for her opinion." Advertisement Advertisement Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: McCormick seeks Amazon NDA; Blanchard, Shreveport say copies unavailable WASHINGTON Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, dropped out of his primary runoff Thursday, heeding calls from House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP members to end his reelection bid amid revelations that he had an affair with an aide who died by suicide. After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment Ive always had to my district, Gonzales said in a statement posted on social media. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful. The third-term congressman admitted the affair on Wednesday, the day after he finished second to challenger Brandon Herrera in the Republican primary for Texas 23rd Congressional District. Gonzales initially denied rumors of the affair, and resisted calls to drop out or resign after the San Antonio Express-News published a text in which the aide acknowledged the affair. Explicit texts between Gonzales and his then-aide came to light soon after, showing the congressman asking for a sexy pic and persisting despite her assertion he had gone too far. The House Ethics Committee is investigating whether Gonzales engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his office and discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges. Advertisement Advertisement Gonzales departure from the runoff means Herrera, a gun rights activist and YouTuber challenging the more moderate incumbent from his right, will be the Republican nominee in the sprawling border district. Herrera ran against Gonzales in 2024, forcing a runoff that he lost by less than 400 votes. This time, Herrera went into the runoff in first place. While Gonzales received more early and absentee votes, according to unofficial returns, Herrera outperformed Gonzales on election day, suggesting that news of the scandal was resonating with voters. I appreciate Tony Gonzales for making the appropriate decision, Herrera said. I look forward to being the voice of TX23 that our district deserves. From the border, to oil theft, water rights, data centers, and many other issues. Its an honor to be chosen and together we will make Texas proud. A Navy veteran from San Antonio, Gonzales was first elected to the House in 2020 in a series of tight elections. Advertisement Advertisement He first became the nominee after beating Air Force veteran Raul Reyes in a runoff by just 45 votes, earning the backing of Trump and GOP House leadership eager to keep the seat in Republican hands. Gonzales then won a close race in November against now-San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones. Between 2021 redistricting and rightward shifts among the districts Latino majority, Gonzales district became less competitive in general elections and more open to contentious primary battles over time. While a reliable conservative, Gonzales is regarded as the most moderate Republican member of the Texas delegation, having voted to certify the 2020 election, establish a January 6 Commission and codify federal recognition of same-sex and interracial marriage. Gonzales also voted for a bipartisan gun safety bill in the wake of the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, which he represents; that vote has been a flashpoint in each of the last two primaries, with Herrera criticizing the vote and vowing to take a hard line on preserving gun rights if elected. Advertisement Advertisement He had been an outspoken voice in the Republican conference on border security and immigration, representing a significant swath of the border. He helped organize support for the successful push to impeach former Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during the Biden administration. And he hosted GOP leadership, fellow members and political figures including Elon Musk along the border in his district. But he has at times cautioned the Trump administration to keep its deportation focus on hardened criminals. In 2024, he referred to some of his fellow Republicans as scumbags and klansmen. And hes sparred with some of the furthest-right members of the conference, including Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, over hardline immigration proposals. In the run-up to his first race against Herrera, Gonzales was censured by the Republican Party of Texas over his votes on gun safety and same-sex marriage, as well as his opposition to a border bill introduced by Roy to shut down all border crossings and detain asylum seekers while their cases are pending. Gonzales said at the time that doing so would be tantamount to ending asylum, a policy change he called anti-American and not Christian. He ultimately won concessions on the border bill adopted by the House that year. The third-term congressman has also been a leader in efforts to advocate for Hispanic Republicans priorities and build influence for the bloc through his chairmanship of the Congressional Hispanic Conference. Founded in 2003, the conference has grown its ranks over the years, currently numbering 11 House members. Gonzales assumed the chairmanship in 2023, and has worked on the campaign side as well to fundraise for conservative Latino candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Gonzales initially had the support of House GOP leadership in his reelection bid, as well as that of President Donald Trump, whose endorsement he did not have in 2024. But Johnson, R-Louisiana, and other high-ranking House Republicans, including National Republican Congressional Committee Chair Richard Hudson, called on Gonzales to withdraw from the runoff Thursday. Trump has not weighed in on the 23rd District primary since news of the scandal broke. He congratulated Gonzales during a rally in Corpus Christi days before the primary without specifying what he was congratulating him about and omitted Gonzales when he reposted all of his endorsements in Texass congressional primaries that same day. Several members of the Texas delegation had called on Gonzales to drop out of his race, including GOP Reps. Monica De La Cruz, Brandon Gill and Chip Roy. Neighboring Rep. Veronica Escobar, an El Paso Democrat, had called on Gonzales to resign. Advertisement Advertisement But Gonzales has said he intends to stay in Congress, arguing that his vote is too important to the work of the Republican majority, and Trumps agenda, to lose. Republicans currently maintain a 218-214 majority in the U.S. House, meaning they can only afford to lose one Republican on any given party-line vote with full attendance. De La Cruz has also called on Gonzales to step down from his chairmanship role of the Congressional Hispanic Conference, of which they are both members. The situation has a recent analogue in Texas political history. In 2022, then-Rep. Van Taylor, R-Plano, was headed to a runoff after finishing with 49% of the vote in his primary. But the next day, he withdrew from the race, admitting to an affair that had been revealed in Breitbart News the day before the primary. Second-place finisher Keith Self became the nominee and has represented the district since 2023. Democrats have been eyeing the 23rd District, which is majority-Hispanic and voted for Trump by a 15-point margin in 2024, especially as the scandal around Gonzales has intensified. But they see an opportunity to pick up the seat regardless, as signs abound of Latino voters souring on Trump and the Republican Party after shifting dramatically to the right in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Herrera, backed by the hard-right House Freedom Caucus political arm, has a history of controversial behavior and edgy humor. In 2024, Jewish Insider reported that he had included Nazi imagery, songs and jokes on his YouTube channel. And the outlet also reported he was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, which promotes Lost Cause ideology. Herrera has said it is obvious he is not a neo-Nazi, while Gonzales has referred to him as a known neo-Nazi. Already, Democratic groups are sharing videos of Herrera discussing owning a copy of Mein Kampf and a parody video in which he makes Holocaust-related puns while shooting a case of White Claws and refers to his gun as the original ghetto blaster. Brandon Herreras nomination is a gift to Democrats and a full-blown crisis for Republican leadership and the NRCC, said Katarina Flicker, spokesperson for House Majority PAC, the main super PAC backing House Democrats. Herrera is an antisemitic YouTuber with a record thats far outside the mainstream, and voters will see that clearly. Now the NRCC and Speaker Mike Johnson are aligning themselves with his extremism, and it could cost them TX-23 in November. Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican who admitted to having an affair with a former staffer who died by self-immolation, will not seek reelection, the lawmaker announced on March 5. After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment Ive always had to my district, Gonzales wrote in a statement posted on X. His announcement came hours after U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican leaders called on Gonzales to withdraw from his reelection bid ahead of a May 26 runoff against gun activist Brandon Herrera. Gonzales has been embroiled in controversy after allegations spread about an affair with his late ex-staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles. Advertisement Advertisement In February, NBC News reported that Gonzales sent Santos-Aviles, who died in September 2025, multiple sexually explicit texts in May 2024. The San Antonio Express-News also reported that Santos-Aviles admitted to an improper relationship in text messages with a former colleague. Gonzales initially denied the allegations and claimed the reports were a blackmail attempt, the El Paso Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported. Gonzales appeared on the Joe Pags podcast, released on March 4, and admitted to the affair, saying he "made a mistake." "I had a lapse in judgement and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions," Gonzales said on the podcast. "I've asked God for forgiveness, which he has, and my faith is as strong as ever." His appearance also comes after the House Ethics Committee voted to establish an investigation into Gonzales. The panel will examine whether he "engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his congressional office" and "discriminated unfairly by dispensing special favors or privileges." Contributing: Zachary Schermele, USA TODAY; Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tony Gonzales ends reelection bid after admitting to staffer affair The Brief A 39-year-old Brookhaven man is facing new federal charges for allegedly trafficking fentanyl and cocaine across metro Atlanta. DEA agents reportedly watched the suspect load bags of drugs into a vehicle before a high-stakes traffic stop on I-85. At the time of the alleged crimes, the suspect was already on federal pretrial release for separate drug trafficking charges in Pennsylvania. BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - A Brookhaven man is back in federal custody after authorities say he was caught distributing over $100,000 worth of fentanyl and cocaine while already out on bond for a similar case. Advertisement Advertisement Quincy Adam Rogers, 39, appeared before a U.S. magistrate judge on March 5 facing charges of possession with the intent to distribute. What we know On Feb. 5, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents were conducting surveillance at an Atlanta apartment complex. According to a criminal complaint, agents spotted Rogers carrying a drawstring bag near a vehicle before placing a duffle bag into the trunk of a second car that had just arrived. By the numbers DeKalb County Police later pulled that second vehicle over on Interstate 85 in Braselton. Inside the bags, officers reported finding: 825 grams of suspected fentanyl powder. Five kilograms of cocaine. A kilogram press, which is used to form drugs into bricks for distribution. Advertisement Advertisement The wholesale street value of the seized narcotics is estimated to be well over $100,000. The backstory This isnt Rogers' first brush with federal authorities. At the time of his arrest in Georgia, Rogers was on federal pretrial release for pending drug trafficking charges in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. "Dealing drugs while on bond in another case demonstrates shocking disrespect for the law," said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. "Rogerss alleged conduct evinces complete disregard for the consequences of his actions, which are severe." What they're saying Federal officials are highlighting the "repeat offender" nature of the case as part of a broader crackdown on fentanyl. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg noted that because of the lethal danger posed by fentanyl and cocaine, trafficking the amounts alleged in this case is punishable by life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Jae W. Chung, special agent in charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division, added that the case underscores the persistent threat fentanyl traffickers pose. "Even while facing federal charges, this defendant continued to distribute a drug that kills Americans every day," Chung said. "The DEAs Fentanyl-Free America Initiative is focused on ensuring that those who continue to endanger lives, especially repeat offenders, face swift and serious consequences." The Source The U.S. Attorneys Office in Atlanta provided the details for this article. House Republican leadership is calling on Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, to drop his re-election bid after he admitted to having an affair with a staffer which would be a violation of House rules. Gonzales faces an ethics investigation into the affair with a former aide, who subsequently died by suicide, and is running in a runoff race against pro-gun activist Brandon Herrera after neither won majority of the vote in Tuesdays primary election. The incumbent had been hoping an endorsement from President Donald Trump could help him secure re-election, but the affair allegations roiled Gonzales campaign in the final weeks. And now, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Steve Emmer and House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain are calling on him to drop out of his race after he admitted to the affair on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzaless conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously. Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election, the group said in a joint statement. Rep. Richard Hudson, the chairman of the House Republican campaign arm, told NBC News in a statement he agrees with the call from leadership. Tony should withdraw from the runoff and allow the Ethics process to move forward while focusing on his family and serving his constituents for the remainder of his term, he said. In response to the Ethics Committees decision to open an investigation, Gonzales told NBC News in a statement Wednesday, I welcome the opportunity to present all the facts to the committee. Advertisement Advertisement And he subsequently told The Joe Pags Show: I appreciate the opportunity to be able to provide all the facts and all the details that lead to exactly what occurred in the entire situation. Gonzales office did not immediately respond to a request to comment about the new call from House GOP leadership to step aside. After Gonzales former district director, Regina Santos-Aviles, died by suicide last year, Gonzales directly denied reports he had an affair with her. But the allegations resurfaced last month after news organizations, including NBC News, obtained sexual text messages the married congressman had exchanged with Santos-Aviles, and after her widower began publicly accusing Gonzales of being romantically involved with his then-wife. Gonzales stopped repeating those denials last month, instead casting the allegations as politically motivated given the proximity to his March primary contest against Herrera. But Gonzales admitted Wednesday he had been romantically involved with his former aide during the interview with The Joe Pags Show, calling it a lapse in judgment. Advertisement Advertisement The congressman had already been expecting a tough contest against Herrera, who pushed the incumbent to a runoff in 2024 and fell just a few hundred votes short of defeating him. But the affair dogged Gonzales in the races final weeks, with Herrera taking to the airwaves to argue he broke the publics trust and a handful of his House colleagues calling on him to resign or cease running for re-election. Now, GOP leaders are amplifying that call from a powerful perch, a call that further puts Gonzales electoral future in jeopardy and raises questions about whether he will even make it to the May 26 runoff election. Its the second time in four years a Texas Republican congressman finds himself facing calls to step aside in the middle of a runoff election thanks to revelations on an affair. In 2022, Rep. Van Taylor announced he would retire instead of continue on to a runoff election after admitting he had an affair. The revelation secured former Collin County Judge Keith Self the nomination, and Self continues to serve in Congress until this day. If Gonzales decides to end his bid, Herrera would move on to the general election in the Republican-leaning district as the GOP nominee. Advertisement Advertisement As Gonzales has pushed back against calls for him to end his bid, hes framed his candidacy as integral to GOP efforts to hold the House, and has long cast Herrera as too big a risk for Republicans in their quest to hold on to this seat because of past inflammatory comments hes made Herrera has made jokes on his YouTube page evoking Nazi Germany, jokes he told NBC News last month had been taken out of context and examples of dark comedy. Im the only one that can hold it, not only win it in the primary, but hold it in the general. And so, we start losing districts like mine, we are absolutely going to lose the House, he said on The Joe Pags Show. But Herrera has pushed back on those assertions, arguing that the affair has rendered Gonzales unelectable in a general election, warning in a statement last month that if Gonzales wins, itll give Democrats an opportunity to flip a reliable Republican seat blue. Gonzales isnt just facing electoral consequences. The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into the affair this week, and the Office of Congressional Conduct has completed its inquiry into Gonzales. The congressman told NBC News in a statement responding to the investigation that I welcome the opportunity to present all the facts to the committee and elaborated in the radio interview by saying he wants to be able to provide all the facts and all the details that lead to exactly what occurred in the entire situation. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Californias gubernatorial race is exposing an elitist culture within the Democratic Party that is out of touch with who voters are and what they care about. We saw this elitist culture at work when California Democratic Party Chair Rusty Hicks wrote in a letter on Tuesday advising candidates who are not polling strongly to drop out of the race. Hicks failed to mention that most of the people he wants to drop out are Latino, Black and Asian. But the candidates noticed. Isnt it interesting that the candidates theyre asking to get out of the race are the candidates of color? said Xavier Becerra, the former state attorney general who is Latino and who ignored Hicks and filed to run on Wednesday, despite his low poll numbers. Tony Thurmond, the state schools superintendent, who is Black, also ignored Hicks and filed to run. So did Betty Yee, the former state Controller, who is Asian. Advertisement Advertisement Becerra, Thurmond and Yee have a point. Latinos, Blacks and Asians make up roughly 40% of likely voters in California, and in recent elections Democrats have seen an erosion of support among voters of color nationally and in California. Instead of being worried about too many Democrats in the race for governor, they should be worried about how voters feel about affordability in California. They should be worried about turning off young voters, as they surely did when they chose party stalwarts over a new generation of candidates at the state party convention last month. And they should be worried that Republican Steve Hilton is talking about the issues that voters care about better than Democrats are. Hilton is leading in many polls and not just because there are too many Democrats in the race. Hilton actually calls out Californias real problems and names the culprits. Whether you agree with him or not, Hilton is blunt about the states housing crisis, skyrocketing costs, and rampant homelessness. And hes not afraid to say its all thanks to Newsoms disastrous leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats dont seem to have learned anything from when Kamala Harris ran a visionless presidential campaign in 2024, refusing to honestly critique former President Joe Bidens record and clinging to empty slogans about saving democracy from Trump. Turns out, ideological scare tactics dont get people to the polls. In California, ten counties that voted for Biden in 2020 flipped toward President Donald Trump in 2024. Its time for Democrats to drop their elitist act Do any of the Democrats in the race for governor have it in them to actually speak to what voters care about? The Democratic Party isnt showing leadership. At the recent California Democratic Party Convention, they couldnt even come together to endorse a candidate. This gives Republicans like Hilton a chance to win the highest seat in California. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats are obsessed with optics their whole strategy is about image, not substance. There is no plan, just empty branding. Enough with this internal popularity contest. Give Californians the results they want; get serious about the economic hardships hard-working people face; ensure people have a place to lay their head, no matter their social class; and keep this state safe for everyone who calls it home. Elitism is killing the partys ability to lead. This race will prove whether Democrats have the guts to ditch their arrogance and finally work for the people. Fidelity and Vanguard suggest clients think long term when looking at retirements savings. - Getty Images/iStock Strong savings habits and a focus on the long term helped push the number of 401(k) millionaires to a new high at Fidelity and drove double-digit balance increases at Vanguard discipline that could help in times of market turbulence and geopolitical tension. The number of 401(k) millionaires rose to 665,000 in the fourth quarter, up slightly from 654,000 in the third quarter, according to Fidelity Investments, which holds $17.5 trillion in assets under administration. Most Read from MarketWatch These retirement millionaires have account-holding tenures of roughly 25 years or more, making their long-term focus a model for other investors, Fidelity said. While the majority of millionaires were older workers who had been saving for a long time, a total of 4% of the retirement-account millionaires were millennials, who are those born between 1981 and 1996. A third straight year of double-digit annual balance increases came, in part, due to strong growth in the markets, Fidelity said. Despite market swings in the spring of 2025 amid tariff announcements, the S&P 500 SPX ended the year with a gain of 16%, while international equities surged 32% and the U.S. bond market rose 7%. In recent days, however, global markets have weakened in the wake of the weekend attack on Iran by Israel and the U.S. Times like this can be concerning, Mike Shamrell, vice president of thought leadership at Fidelity, told MarketWatch. In general, we encourage people not to make changes to their long-term strategies to react to short-term issues. During the fourth quarter, Fidelitys 401(k) average balances rose to $146,400, up more than 11% from the year-ago fourth quarter. The median balance was $34,400. The average 403(b) account rose 13% to $133,500. The median balance was $33,270. IRA balances increased 7% to an average of $137,095. The median balance was $10,476, Fidelity said. Meanwhile, in a preview of its How America Saves 2026 report, low-cost investing giant Vanguard said average participant account balances increased by 13% from year-end 2024, and reached an all-time high of $167,970 as of year-end 2025. The median balance was $44,115, a 16% increase since year-end 2024. Authorities are searching for a retired Wright-Patterson Air Force Base general who vanished in February. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Maj. Gen. Neil McCasland, 68, was last seen on Feb. 27 in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. McCasland served as the Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory at WPAFB from May 2011 until his retirement in 2013, according to an Air Force spokesperson. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement He was formerly the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate Commander and Commander of the Phillips Research Site at Kirtland AFB in New Mexico. Our priority is finding Mr. McCasland safely, said Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen. Our investigators and search teams are working continuously, and were coordinating closely with our local, state, and federal partners. Were asking the public to help by checking and preserving any security camera footage from the area and reporting any information immediately. We will share confirmed updates as soon as we can while protecting the integrity of the investigation. The FBI has also joined the search. Anyone with information as to where McCasland might be is asked to call the BCSO at 505-468-7070 or submit an anonymous tip by texting BCSO and your tip to 847411. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] An employee of Eric Richins company testified Thursday that Kouri Richins once told her that things would be better if her husband were dead. Becky Lloyd, an employee of C&E Masonry, a company owned by Eric Richins, described a conversation she had with Kouri Richins on Dec. 17, 2021 two and a half months before Eric Richins death. Lloyd, who had recently divorced, said Kouri Richins talked with her about her marriage problems and about her worries that she would lose their kids if they divorced. Lloyd testified that she remembers Richins saying in many ways it would be better if Eric was dead. Advertisement Advertisement A recording of an interview was played for jurors in which Lloyd said she wasnt positive that that was what Kouri Richins had said, and she was not sure enough to testify about it in court. But Thursday, Lloyd said she is now positive that is what Richins told her. She also said they werent joking, and said Richins had spoken that day in a serious, heartfelt tone. I know she said that. I dont want to say it, but I know she said it, Lloyd testified. Richins is on trial for aggravated murder in the March 2022 poisoning death of her husband, Eric Richins. Jurors were also shown text messages between Richins and her best friend, including one that said if she died, her husband would have killed her. Advertisement Advertisement That text was sent in October 2020 after Richins told Chelsea Barney about taking a $250,000 home equity line of credit out on their home to use in her real estate business. Barney, who identified herself as Richins best friend, testified about her friends finances and response to her husbands death. Jurors also heard a phone call that Barney was present for between Kouri Richins and Bryce Knudsen, Eric Richins best friend, after her husband had died where Kouri Richins talked about how much she wanted the home that was in a trust overseen by her husbands sister. She said she was not interested in the money and agreed that it should go to the children. Richins insisted she was not a bad mother, despite what Eric Richins family members had claimed. In the call, Richins said her sisters-in-law were attacking her for no reason and wouldnt agree to give her any money until they got the autopsy report. Advertisement Advertisement In June 2022, Richins and Barney texted about accusations from Eric Richins family members that Kouri Richins was involved in his death. Barney called the accusations ridiculous. Barney purchased a home Richins had flipped from her, paying her a downpayment and then continuing to pay the mortgage that was in her friends name. But after Richins arrest, Barney told jurors she lost that house after it went into foreclosure, and another person purchased it. Barney had signed a deed to have the house in her name, but it was never recorded, and Richins took a loan out on the home. Poisoned sandwich? Joshua Kaze, a friend of Eric Richins, testified Thursday about a call from Eric Richins on Valentines Day in 2022. He said his friend was unusually somber, serious and sick. He said he asked Eric Richins if he was going to go to the hospital and if he was OK. This was the day prosecutors allege that Richins attempted to kill her husband, and that he got sick after eating a sandwich she had purchased for him. Advertisement Advertisement Allie Staking, another woman who testified she was Kouri Richins friend, said that month she was with both Kouri and Eric Richins, and Eric Richins jokingly said he thought his wife had poisoned him on Valentines Day, but he did not seem upset about it. Kouri Richins said he had just suffered an allergic reaction. Upon hearing of his death a month later, Staking said she flew to Utah. She said Kouri Richins behavior did not seem unusual to her. Richins, 35, is charged with aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder, first-degree felonies, two counts of insurance fraud, a second-degree felony, and forgery, a third-degree felony. She also has a separate case with additional financial charges. Thursday, the ninth day of the trial, is also the final trial day of this week. Jurors will return on Monday. Deputy Summit County attorney Brad Bloodworth said they anticipate calling detective Jeff ODriscoll, who is their final witness, either Monday or Tuesday. Watch the trial streamed here: This story will be updated. Two major cruise lines have cancelled their Arabian Gulf season early amid the Iran conflict as attention turns to getting stranded passengers home. MSC Cruises and Celestyal have cancelled sailings that were due to take place up to the end of March and passengers have been offered refunds and future cruise credit. Thousands of passengers remain on their ships including MSC Euribia, Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey. The operators are focusing on helping guests rearrange flights as the United Arab Emirates airspace gradually reopens. Advertisement Advertisement MSC Cruises has launched its own flights to help passengers aboard the 6,334 capacity MSC Euribia who are stranded in Doha, Qatar. A spokesperson said: MSC Cruises has been working on the safest and quickest way to repatriate our guests and has taken decisive action to accelerate this by launching a dedicated flight operation that currently includes five charter flights with the first flight planned to depart today. These flights would see close to 1,000 guests leave the region by Saturday. In parallel, MSC Cruises is pursuing every available pathway for the remaining guests - including commercial flights, further charter options and coordinated government-assisted solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, thousands of passengers have been stranded aboard Celestyal Journey in Doha and Celestyal Discovery in Dubai. The cruise line has now cancelled scheduled cruises from Doha that were due to take place on 7 and 14 March and from Dubai on 9 and 16 March. Celestyal said passengers will be advised of disembarkation plans within the next 24 to 48 hours. The cruise line said in a statement: Our onboard teams will support guests with onward travel arrangements and provide assistance with transfers or accommodation where required. Guests have been advised to contact their airlines directly regarding flight arrangements and to register with their respective embassies for any official updates or repatriation support. Advertisement Advertisement We remain in contact with embassies and foreign offices to stay informed of any guidance or assistance being provided for onward travel arrangements. Similarly, Mein Schiff has cancelled Gulf sailings that were due to depart this week and in the coming days. The cruise line said in a statement: Our top priority is, and remains, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew. The Tui Cruises crisis team is working continuously and in close coordination with the relevant authorities, the Federal Foreign Office, the responsible embassies, international security experts and the security teams of our shareholders, TUI AG and the Royal Caribbean Group, to continuously assess the situation and implement the necessary measures. Once passengers are disembarked, the cruise lines will be aiming to get their ships back to the Med for the summer season but that will depend on when it is safe to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. What support should cruise lines be offering passengers? Passenger rights for cruises can be less generous than those for airlines if there are delays or changes to an itinerary. Often, passengers will not get any automatic compensation, especially if a delay or cancellation is outside their control. Advertisement Advertisement But there are protections in place, especially if you use an ABTA-registered travel agent or cruise brand. Many cruise lines including Celestyal and MSC Cruises, as well as Tui, are members of travel trade body ABTA in the UK. According to ABTA regulations, cruise passengers subject to a delay have the right to an alternative cruise or a refund if it causes a significant change to their original booking. The ABTA rules say: In practice this means that the delay would have to be quite long. As a rule of thumb, on a 14 night trip, the delay would need to be longer than 12 hours, and longer for longer cruises. Advertisement Advertisement If a sailing is cancelled or delayed and an overnight stay becomes necessary, the cruise operator should offer the passenger free of charge accommodation where possible. ABTA says this can be on the ship or ashore. With airspace limited and the Foreign Office advising against travel to the region, cruise lines will also be expected to help passengers rearrange flights, especially if you booked a package deal that include both the flight and the sailing. How to protect yourself financially There are steps you can take before even getting on the ship to ensure you are protected financially. Paying by credit card will give you Section 75 protection on purchases between 100 and 30,000 if the supplier fails to deliver what was promised. Advertisement Advertisement Purchasing travel insurance that covers cruises may also payout for delays, cancellations and missed ports as well as if you are ill and need medical care. You may need specialist policies to cover outbreaks of war or closed airspace though. You may be covered by insurance if you booked your cruise before the travel advice changed, although cruise lines are offering refunds anyway. Lucinda Faucheux, co-founder of travel agent network Travel Support Circle, advises keeping hold of all documentation, including terms and conditions, booking confirmations, and any communications with the cruise operator or your agent. She says: Being proactive and well-prepared is the best way to protect yourself if things dont go as planned. Advertisement Advertisement Understanding your rights and reviewing the small print on an insurance policy can make the difference between smooth sailing and a costly detour, adds Simon McCulloch, chief growth officer at insurance brand Staysure. He says: Its not about adding cost but about protecting your holiday from becoming a financial burden, giving you the confidence to sail into the sunset. Read more: Foreign Office issue UAE safety advice for Britons trapped in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Republican strategist Karl Rove said Thursday that Texas state Rep. James Talarico (D) has a chance of winning if Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) becomes the GOP nominee. [Democrats] havent won a Senate race here since 1988, they havent won a statewide race since 1994, but everybody believes that this year is the year that if we had a damaged candidate on our ticket that they might be able to pull it off, Rove said during an appearance on Fox News. On Tuesday, Paxton advanced to a May runoff for the Republican nomination alongside incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). Advertisement Advertisement President Trump has not yet made an endorsement in the race but said one was coming soon. Trump said he will ask the candidate he does not back to drop out of the race, which the Texas attorney general has vowed not to do. That is bad for him. So maybe, maybe that leads me to go the other direction, Trump told Politico in a phone interview. Republican leadership, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune (S.D.), has urged the president to endorse Cornyn to avoid a costly runoff campaign ahead of the November general election. Rove said Thursday that Paxton has a lot of baggage that could prevent him from winning after noting that Democratic primary candidate Rep. Jasmine Crockett (Texas) had no chance whatsoever at upsetting the GOP nominee in the Senate race. Advertisement Advertisement The longtime strategist said, Cornyn would win this going away. This is one of the arguments that even the White House political staff has been making. Paxton on the other hand has so much baggage that the Democrats would pour a hundred or two hundred million dollars into the state with the hope that they can pull off something like they did in Alabama when they beat a very troubled Republican candidate and had, briefly, a Democrat senator from the state of Alabama, he added. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Russia's military intelligence service is suspected to be behind a series of parcel fires that targeted the UK and Europe, investigators have said. European and British authorities launched a joint investigation after several self-igniting parcels detonated in Germany, Poland and at a DHL depot in the UK in 2024. On Friday, investigators said 22 suspects had been identified in Lithuania and Poland suspected of having been "working on behalf of the military-intelligence service of the Russian Federation". Two cases have been sent to court, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Russia did not immediately respond, but has denied repeated accusations by Nato countries that its secret services are engaged in sabotage operations across Europe. In July 2024, four parcels were sent from Lithuania to the UK and Poland, the European Union agency Eurojust said. The parcels had contained explosive devices that were set off by electronic timers hidden in vibrating massage pillows, according to authorities. One of the parcels detonated at a DHL depot near Birmingham and one exploded inside a DPD truck as it was crossing Poland. Another being transported through a sorting centre in Germany caught fire at Leipzig airport just before it was due to be loaded on to an aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement The head of Germany's domestic intelligence agency (BfV) said it was only by a stroke of fortune that the device had not ignited in mid-air. Investigators also discovered two test packages that had been sent to the US and Canada and a further two packages in Amsterdam destined for the same destinations. Polish prosecutors previously said the series of parcel fires were dry runs aimed at sabotaging flights to the US and Canada. The 22 suspects were recruited from Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Ukraine, Eurojust said, adding that they were often in a "vulnerable socio-economic situation". Advertisement Advertisement They were recruited and given instructions through an online messaging service and paid in cryptocurrencies, it added. The investigation is ongoing, and the trials of two of the suspects are expected to take place later this year. Western leaders have warned of an intensifying "hybrid war" waged by Russia against Europe following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russia has repeatedly denied being behind acts of sabotage. But it is suspected to have been behind other attacks on warehouses and railway networks in EU member states, including in Sweden and in the Czech Republic. More on this story Russian energy companies will soon divert part of their liquefied gas supplies from Europe to Asia with the blessing of President Vladimir Putin, a senior government official said in Moscow on Friday. The companies did not want to wait to be saddled with further sanctions from Brussels and are turning their attention to the East, said Alexander Novak, deputy prime minister responsible for energy issues. Novak named India, Thailand, the Philippines and China as possible partners for long-term contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Gas prices have risen significantly in recent days due to the war in Iran. With shipping traffic in the Persian Gulf restricted by the crisis and the future of oil and gas production in the region currently uncertain, global markets reacted with sharp price swings for raw materials. Against this backdrop, Russian President Vladimir Putin already hinted at a possible pivot to the East in an interview with state television on Thursday. Since new markets are now opening up, it might be better to stop deliveries to Europe immediately, according to the Russian head of state. At Putin's instruction, the government had decided in talks with companies that part of the volume of liquefied gas that currently goes to Europe and European markets will be redirected to other markets, Novak said. Advertisement Advertisement These are markets where there is now demand "and where constructive, pragmatic relations with us are being established." Relations between Russia and the European Union are severely strained due to the war in Ukraine, which Putin began in 2022 with a full-scale invasion. The EU imposed sanctions on Russia in response. Gas supplies have fallen sharply, but Europe still imported liquefied natural gas worth 7.4 billion ($8.58 billion) from Russia last year. (AP Photo) Russia is providing Iran support in targeting U.S. forces, according to an exclusive new report from the Washington Post. Citing three people familiar with the ongoing conflict, the Post reported the suspicion that Russia is providing technical assistance to Iran in helping to identify and target U.S. forces to strike. Since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Saturday against Iran, six U.S. service members were killed in Kuwait by an Iranian drone. Advertisement Advertisement It does seem like its a pretty comprehensive effort, one of the people familiar with the situation said. Another said Russias support for Iran may boil down to U.S. support for Ukraine, a country Russia has invaded and battled for years. The Russians are more than aware of the assistance that were giving the Ukrainians, the person said. I think they were very happy to try to get some payback. According to the officials, Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack U.S. forces. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth appeared to push back on this, however, saying Iran allies Russia and China are not really a factor here. Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian regime is being absolutely crushed, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said. Their ballistic missile retaliation is decreasing every day, their navy is being wiped out, their production capacity is being demolished, and proxies are hardly putting up a fight. President Donald Trump had laid out a timeframe of a few weeks for his military operation against Iran, but hes also warned it could expand beyond that and end up including other countries, like Cuba. The strikes thus far have killed much of Irans leadership, including the countrys supreme leader. Trump said this week that he expects Iran to respond, possibly with attacks on American civilians. I think theyre worried about that all the time, he said. We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah, you know, we expect some things. Like I said, some people will die. When you go to war, some people will die. The post Russia Helping Iran Target U.S. Forces for Strikes, Washington Post Reports first appeared on Mediaite. Crypto adoption among sanctioned nation-states is booming. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Russia, and North Korea all helped push illicit onchain finance to stratospheric heights, reported the crypto analytics firm Chainalysis. The firm added that industry-scale scam networks in Southeast Asia also contributed to a record $154 billion in total illicit transaction volume in 2025. The depth of integration alongside wider adoption among legitimate users is also making enforcement difficult for authorities. Advertisement Advertisement This convergence can complicate enforcement, analysts wrote on Thursday. The focus is no longer solely on isolating bad actors, but also on identifying when large-scale use of crypto crosses into sanctions violations or national security risk. Sanctioned entities Pig-butchering scams, terrorist financing, escort services and child abuse material all contribute to the $154 billion figure, but its the use of crypto by sanctioned entities that dominates Chainalysis reporting. The value received by sanctioned entities rose by more than 690% last year compared to 2024. There are four key entities behind that surge. Advertisement Advertisement First, the IRGC and their proxy networks are turning to crypto to evade heavy sanctions levelled by the US and the European Union, which have designated the group a terrorist organisation. Indeed, more than half of all value received by Iranian services has been linked to the IRGC, according to Chainalysis. The organisation sent at least $3 billion to support regional militia, including Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, in 2025 Those funds were also used to purchase dual-use goods with both commercial and civilian purposes, as well as to facilitate illicit oil sales. Second, the hermit kingdom of North Korea saw its most fruitful year for crypto exploits in 2025. The DPRK stole roughly $2 billion through various hacks and cyberattacks, but its sprawling IT workforce also continues to generate revenue for the country. Advertisement Advertisement The Pyongyang government has deployed thousands of people to try to secure employment at tech firms in Western countries. Once hired, they attempt to siphon off funds internally or steal trade secrets. Finally, Russia provides one of the most prominent examples of how crypto is being used to evade sanctions. Following Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country has faced one of the most severe sanctions programmes in the world. In an attempt to sidestep the blockade, a ruble-backed A7A5 stablecoin emerged to support cross-border trade. Equally, Meer and Grinex, two exchanges, have also emerged to facilitate trade in this stablecoin and allow sanctioned Russian businesses access to markets. The stablecoin has facilitated a whopping $93.3 billion in volume, according to Chainalysis. Liam Kelly is DL News Berlin-based DeFi correspondent. Have a tip? Get in touch at liam@dlnews.com. Russia is sending social media specialists to Hungary to meddle in the April elections in favor of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, VSquare reported on March 5, citing three undisclosed European national security sources. The three-member team would be working from the Russian Embassy in Budapest on behalf of the military intelligence agency (GRU), shielded by diplomatic immunity, according to the outlet. VSquare reported on March 6 that the Russian team has arrived in Budapest weeks ago, but it remains unclear whether they have started their activity. Advertisement Advertisement The news comes as Orban adopts increasingly hostile rhetoric toward Ukraine, part of a strategy to boost his Fidesz Party, which is currently trailing the opposition Tisza Party in polls ahead of parliamentary elections. Sergei Kiriyenko, a powerful Kremlin aide, has reportedly been tasked with overseeing the Russian operation in Hungary, applying the same set of methods deployed during Moscow-backed meddling in the Moldovan parliamentary elections last year. The Kremlin has been accused of deploying troll farms, disinformation, and vote-buying networks to sway the vote against President Maia Sandu's pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which ultimately won the September 2025 election. Read also: Orban threatens force over oil dispute; Zelensky says Ukrainian army could speak to one EU funds blocker Advertisement Advertisement Intelligence on Moscow's attempt to prop up Orban has been shared with partners, and many EU and NATO agencies are likely already aware, VSquare's source said. An undisclosed Central European source told the outlet that Kiriyenko's task force is in active contact with campaign operatives connected to Orban's government. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. The Hungarian government, broadly regarded as the most Kremlin-friendly in the EU, has maintained warm relations with Russia despite the full-scale war in Ukraine. Most recently, Budapest blocked the EU's 20th package of sanctions against Russia and the bloc's 90-billion-euro ($105-billion) loan to Ukraine over the suspension of operations of the Ukrainian section of the Druzhba pipeline. Advertisement Advertisement While Kyiv has said that the pipeline requires repairs due to a Russian attack in western Ukraine in late January, Slovakia and Hungary the only two EU members still receiving Russian crude through the network accused the Ukrainian leadership of deliberately withholding the supplies. The dispute escalated this week after Orban threatened to use force to break what he called a Ukrainian oil blockade. President Volodymyr Zelensky hit back by hinting he would ask the Ukrainian army to talk to Orban "in their own language." The Ukrainian president also noted he does not favor restoring the Druzhba pipeline as it transports Russian oil. Soon after, Ukraine reported that several Ukrainian state bank employees were detained in Hungary while transporting cash shipments from Austria. Advertisement Advertisement Budapest and Bratislava have called for a joint inspection of the damaged pipeline with EU participation, a proposal Zelensky said he would consider if formally requested. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia is providing Iran with intelligence to strike American military targets in the Middle East. The information led to sophisticated attacks by Iranian missiles and drones against United States radar facilities, warships and aircraft. The intelligence also made it possible to target temporary structures that Irans satellites could not spot, including a strike on a makeshift operations centre in Kuwait that killed six US soldiers. Advertisement Advertisement Moscow began to pass information to the Islamic Republic on the positions of US forces as soon as the war began on Saturday, US officials said. It is the first sign of Russias active participation in the expanding conflict. One official told the Washington Post: It does seem like its a fairly comprehensive effort. Donald Trumps spokesman did not deny the reports. Karoline Leavitt said Russian intelligence clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them ... we are achieving the military objectives of this operation and that is going to continue. On Friday, a major training exercise for elite paratroopers in the US was cancelled, prompting speculation that Mr Trump is preparing for boots on the ground in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement The 82nd Airborne Division includes a brigade combat team of between 4,000 and 5,000 soldiers specialising in ground combat, which is ready to deploy on 18 hours notice. The reports of Russian interference came as Mr Trump said there would be no deal with Iran unless it involved Tehrans unconditional surrender. Mr Trump also said the US would work with its allies to select an acceptable leader once the conflict was over, having killed Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, in an air strike on Saturday. Donald Trump holds a prayer session at the White House. He has demanded Irans unconditional surrender Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president, said some countries had begun mediation efforts to end the war, adding that Tehran was committed to lasting peace. Advertisement Advertisement The US and Israel carried out attacks on Iran for the seventh consecutive day on Friday. The death toll in Iran climbed past 1,200, while Israeli air strikes also killed 200 people in Lebanon. An Israeli commander said they were preparing for a large-scale ground invasion there, and The Telegraph witnessed tanks and heavy weaponry massing on the northern border. A senior Israeli Defense Forces officer in Northern Command told The Telegraph he would have enough troops and equipment in place within two days, and was awaiting an order to advance. The officer said: We have plans to go as deep as needed... Were ready to mobilise if such an order arrives. Israeli tanks mass near the border with Lebanon - AP Photo/Ariel Schalit Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, warned that the number of strikes on Tehran would increase dramatically as Israel and Washington moved into the next phase of their military campaign. Advertisement Advertisement Vladimir Putin has long objected to the US providing satellite intelligence to the Ukrainian military, and now appears to be responding in kind. While Iran has only a small number of military-grade satellites, Moscow has many and has honed their capabilities in its war with Ukraine. The Russians are more than aware of the assistance that were giving the Ukrainians, a US official told the Post. I think they were very happy to try to get some payback. Much [of Russias support to Iran] will be space-based imagery, said Mike Petersen, principal research scientist at the Centre for Naval Analyses, a federally funded organisation tied to the US military. Advertisement Advertisement This is good for knowing what bases are being used when, and what aircraft may be parked. It can allow Iran to temporarily slow or halt airfield ops, he wrote on X. He added: Russia may also provide locations on intelligence stations in the region, allowing Iran to put them under drone attack. Moscows satellites can also snoop on US communications so Iran can understand strategic force dispositions. The engine of an Iranian-made Shahed drone used in Ukraine, and now being turned on US military targets in the Middle East - Lev Radin/Shutterstock But Mr Petersen pointed out that the US had prepared to operate in environments like this for years, and would have countermeasures for these eventualities. Before the war, China reportedly provided Iran with technology to help rebuild its ballistic missile arsenal, which the 12-day war last June had depleted. Advertisement Advertisement However, Beijing has not intervened to provide concrete assistance in the current conflict, two officials told the Washington Post. Neither Russia nor Chinas foreign office responded to requests for comment. Moscow has around 110 military satellites in orbit, while Iran has around 13 that are still operational, with three registered to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. On Thursday, Adml Brad Cooper, the head of US central command, announced that US strikes had destroyed Irans military space force. Weve also struck Irans equivalent of Space Command, which degrades their ability to threaten Americans, he said. Advertisement Advertisement However, experts doubt it had the ability to do so in the first place. They were not a threat in space capabilities, Victoria Samson, head of the non-profit Secure World Foundation, told the Defense One website. The threat that they have [is] for counter-space capabilities, theyre great at jamming and spoofing. According to the US space force, Russias own space capabilities have suffered in recent years. The number of satellite launches has declined amid funding shortfalls, international isolation and broader societal problems. Increasingly, Moscow relies on civil and commercial satellite imagery for the war in Ukraine, the US space force reported in its fact sheet on foreign threats. That includes purchases from the Chinese company Spacety. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Track your investments for FREE with Simply Wall St, the portfolio command center trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide. Reddit (NYSE:RDDT) is hit with a multi million pound fine by the UK Information Commissioners Office for failures in protecting childrens personal data. The company also announces an expanded partnership with PulsePoint to support healthcare marketing on Reddits platform. The PulsePoint integration focuses on enabling healthcare marketers to reach verified healthcare professionals through Reddit. Reddit, the social discussion platform behind r/wallstreetbets and thousands of interest based communities, is trying to grow its advertising and data driven services while operating under closer global privacy scrutiny. The UK fine focused on childrens data protection, which is a sensitive area for regulators and can affect how Reddit designs its products, age checks users and works with advertisers. At the same time, the deeper integration with PulsePoint reflects Reddits push into healthcare marketing, where access to verified healthcare professionals can be valuable for advertisers. For investors, these two developments highlight both the regulatory risks around data use and the potential revenue opportunities that come from more targeted ad partnerships on Reddits platform. Stay updated on the most important news stories for Reddit by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Reddit. NYSE:RDDT 1-Year Stock Price Chart Is Reddit's balance sheet strong enough for future acquisitions? Dive into our detailed financial health analysis. The UK regulators 14.47 million penalty lands squarely in one of Reddits key pressure points, which is how it uses and safeguards data while growing advertising and licensing revenue. The fine is small next to Reddits reported quarterly revenue, but it can still matter for margins if it leads to higher ongoing compliance and product redesign costs, especially around age verification and ad targeting rules. For advertisers, tighter controls on childrens data may limit certain targeting options, although it can also make the platform safer for brands that are sensitive to privacy issues. How This Fits Into The Reddit Narrative A parcel bomb plot targeting Britain is believed to have been orchestrated by Russian military intelligence. British and European authorities launched a joint investigation after several self-igniting parcels went off in the UK, Germany and Poland. On Friday, counter-terror police said they were confident that Russian spies were behind the fires. In total, four parcels were sent from Lithuania to addresses in the UK and Poland in the summer of 2024. Advertisement Advertisement On three days in July of that year, fires broke out in a container due to be loaded on to a DHL cargo plane in the German city of Leipzig, at a transport company near Warsaw, and at Minworth near Birmingham, involving a package described as an incendiary device. The incident at Jablonow near Warsaw took two hours to extinguish. If the parcels had ignited while on an aircraft, the consequences could have been devastating, officials said. Investigators also identified two test packages that had been sent to the United States and Canada, as well as two parcels in Amsterdam intended for the same destinations. The Birmingham fire was one of several incidents involving self-igniting parcels in the UK, Germany and Poland Authorities have so far identified 22 suspects in Lithuania and Poland who they believe have been acting on behalf of Russias military intelligence, the GRU. Advertisement Advertisement Two cases have now been sent to courts in Lithuania and Poland, with trials expected to happen later in the year. The suspected plotters were recruited from Russia, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania and Ukraine, and were often in a vulnerable socio-economic situation, European law enforcement agencies said. They were recruited and given instructions through an online messaging service, with tasks divided among them and payments made in cryptocurrencies. Western officials believe the fires originated in electric machines containing a magnesium-based substance. Magnesium-based fires are especially hard to put out, particularly on board a plane. British counter-terror police say they are confident that Russian spies were behind the fires A 38-year-old man, a Romanian national, was arrested in connection with the Birmingham fire. He was apprehended after arriving on a flight to the UK at Stansted Airport. He has been released under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement A UK government spokesman said: Russias ongoing hostile action puts our national security at risk, which is why this government has taken concerted action to deter their hostility increasing defence spending, expelling intelligence officers, sanctioning the GRU, targeting their illicit finance, and ensuring many of their proxies are brought to justice. Dept Asst Commissioner Vicki Evans, of Counter Terrorism Policing, said: The work of our European counterparts has been truly remarkable and demonstrates the critical need for us to work across borders, as well as the expertise of our colleagues overseas. The strength of co-operation in this case has led us to collectively identify what we believe to be Russian military intelligence involvement in a series of incidents across Europe. Speaking in 2024, Ken McCallum, the head of MI5, warned Vladimir Putin was intent on causing mayhem on British and European streets. Advertisement Advertisement He revealed that the GRU had carried out arson, sabotage and more dangerous actions conducted with increasing recklessness in Britain since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. Police are investigating after a suspicious letter was delivered Thursday to city officials in Michigan's Thumb region. In a statement posted on the city's official Facebook page, officials said, "City Hall received a suspicious letter that prompted an immediate safety response. Out of an abundance of caution, the building was secured while the situation was assessed. "The Sandusky Police Department responded quickly and was assisted by the Sanilac Drug Task Force. Together, they safely handled the incident and ensured there was no ongoing threat to the public." Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, Sandusky City Manager David Faber said city hall was evacuated as a precaution after the letter was opened. "It just had a blank sheet of paper in it," the city manager said. "The same kind of letter has been sent to multiple departments in multiple areas across the United States." No injuries were reported, Faber said. He also said the letter was turned over to the police for analysis in a laboratory. "We appreciate the prompt response and professionalism of our local law enforcement partners," city officials said Thursday. "The safety of our residents and staff remains our top priority." Advertisement Advertisement Faber said the building opened on Friday and was operating as normal. Sandusky is in Sanilac County, about 94 miles north of Detroit and about 35 miles south of Bad Axe. cramirez@detroitnews.com @CharlesERamirez This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Sandusky City Hall reopens after suspicious letter received When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Researchers have confirmed that the pygmy long-fingered possum (Dactylonax kambuayai) is alive in New Guinea. | Credit: Photo by Carlos Bocos (CC-BY-4.0) Two marsupial species that were thought to have gone extinct at least 6,000 years ago have been found on the island of New Guinea. The discovery was far from swift, with the first clues of the marsupials emerging in 1999 and requiring ample photographic evidence to confirm. But 27 years later, scientists are now sure that the ring-tailed glider (Tous ayamaruensis) and the pygmy long-fingered possum (Dactylonax kambuayai) are alive in the remote rainforests of the Vogelkop Peninsula in Papuan Indonesia. Advertisement Advertisement "The Vogelkop is an ancient piece of the Australian continent that has become incorporated into the island of New Guinea," Tim Flannery , a professor at the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute and a distinguished visiting fellow at the Australian Museum who led the research, said in a statement . "Its forests may shelter yet more hidden relics of a past Australia." Marsupials are mammals with a characteristic pouch to hold newborns until they are fully developed. The pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider were previously known to scientists only from fossils in Australia dating to the last ice age and the first phase of the early Holocene epoch, which is the current period of geological time. The pygmy long-fingered possum is a striped marsupial with one digit on each hand that is twice as long as the next-longest finger. The ring-tailed glider is a relative of Australia's three greater glider (Petauroides) species, which are named after their ability to soar through forest canopies using furry membranes that extend from their elbows to their ankles. The ring-tailed glider is smaller than its Australian cousins and has unfurred ears, as well as a tail adapted for grasping and wrapping around objects such as branches. The pygmy long-fingered possum and the ring-tailed glider are what researchers call "Lazarus taxa," meaning they are animals that vanish from the fossil record and seem to go extinct for an extended period before reemerging as living species. Their recent discovery was possible thanks to Indigenous communities in Papuan Indonesia that helped Flannery and his colleagues track down the animals. Specifically, the researchers collaborated with local elders from the Tambrauw and Maybrat clans. Advertisement Advertisement "The discovery of one Lazarus taxon, even if thought to have become extinct recently, is an exceptional discovery," Flannery said. "But the discovery of two species, thought to have been extinct for thousands of years, is remarkable." The ring-tailed glider (Tous ayamaruensis) is considered sacred by some Indigenous groups in New Guinea. | Credit: Photo by Arman Muharmansyah ( CC-BY-4.0 Some local Indigenous groups consider the ring-tailed glider to be sacred and deserving of the highest protection, which might help explain why the species has remained hidden, New Scientist reported . Ring-tailed gliders form lifelong pair bonds and raise only one young per year. Like greater gliders, they nest in tree hollows, which makes them extremely vulnerable to logging. RELATED STORIES Advertisement Advertisement Mystery creature found in 'forbidden cloud forest' of Peru is new species of marsupial Extremely rare marsupial mole that 'expertly navigates' sand dunes spotted in Western Australia Virginia opossums: The American marsupials that have barely changed since the time of the dinosaurs The pygmy long-fingered possum also faces threats from logging. Its ears may be adapted to detect low-frequency sounds, including noise from wood-boring beetle larvae, which the possums dig out from rotting wood with their fingers to eat, Flannery told New Scientist. Much remains unknown about the specific range and ecological needs of each species. The exact locations where they were found is being kept secret to prevent wildlife traders from targeting them. What is known so far about the marsupials was published March 6 in two peer-reviewed studies in the journal Records of the Australian Museum. "The findings underscore the critical importance of preserving these unique bioregions and the value of collaborative research in uncovering and protecting hidden biodiversity," Flannery said in the statement. Large-scale disruptions dont end when the headlines do. I learned that during two other crises: I served as a state education official during COVID-19 and as a teacher in post-Katrina New Orleans. During Operation Metro Surge, student absenteeism increased on a scale unseen since COVID. Though the pandemic began nearly six years ago, our students and schools have not yet recovered. The rate of chronic absenteeism today is higher in every single state than it was before the pandemic. Enrollment in public schools is down by 1.2 million students, leading to a vicious cycle with reduced enrollment driving funding cuts. Students test scores are still far below pre-COVID levels, effectively wiping out more than 15 years worth of hard-won education gains. But the COVID comparison doesnt quite capture the psychological impact of students witnessing large-scale instability in their communities and the separation of families. Consider the lessons of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Researchers estimated that over 40% of students in post-Katrina New Orleans met the criteria for a mental health referral. Psychologists now know that adverse childhood experiences, like the sort experienced by students in New Orleans then and in Minnesota now, increase the risk of a variety of negative outcomes later in life, ranging from unemployment to chronic disease. Advertisement Advertisement For educators and parents outside of targeted enforcement areas, it may be tempting to believe that their students and children will not be affected. But new research shows that increased immigration enforcement in Florida last year, which was far less intense than in Minnesota, has already lowered test scores for students, including citizens. While COVID and Katrina are sobering precedents, they also hint at potential solutions. In both crises, once education policymakers saw the full scale of the problem they were facing, they implemented bold solutions (such as tutoring and new school models) that improved student outcomes. Changing What We Measure To assess the true impact of Operation Metro Surge and develop adequate solutions, policymakers must confront three measurement gaps. Attendance: At the Rhode Island Department of Education, we created a live statewide attendance dashboard to track chronic absenteeism after COVID, which allowed the state to build targeted and effective policies to bring students back to school. The Minnesota Department of Education should implement a similar solution: a public, statewide attendance dashboard showing how current attendance patterns compare to pre-Operation Metro Surge. Enrollment: Minnesota law requires schools to remove students from their attendance rolls if they are absent for 15 consecutive days. For districts experiencing massive ICE-related absenteeism, this policy artificially undercounts absent students, preventing policymakers from seeing the full scale of absenteeism while simultaneously reducing schools funding when they need it most. Policymakers should adjust definitions of absenteeism to avoid these unintended consequences. Mental health: Many districts conduct qualitative surveys of student attitudes at the end of the year. ICE-impacted districts should conduct those surveys now, so we can better understand how ICE has impacted students mental health. Advertisement Advertisement MDE should aggregate this data statewide and create a public report showing any changes compared to last year. If Minnesota wants to support its students, it has to see more of the iceberg. By accurately measuring and calling attention to changes in attendance, enrollment and student well-being, we can design the policies that true recovery demands. Cape Town, South Africa Thandi Jolingana, 46, beams with pride as she shows off the bathroom she built in her corrugated iron shack, after her husband went out to relieve himself at the communal toilet one night and was robbed at gunpoint. Jolingana lives in a shantytown known as Taiwan, on the edge of Cape Towns Khayelitsha township a place where a private toilet is a luxury. Im a rich girl, she jokes, pointing out that she could be living more comfortably, were it not for the several unemployed relatives she has to support financially, in addition to her two children. Advertisement Advertisement Jolingana works as a nurses assistant. With her public servants salary, she is one of the few in the informal settlement who can afford indoor plumbing. Meanwhile, her neighbours make use of a row of outdoor toilets that city authorities supply at the rate of about one cubicle per every 10 households. For Jolingana, the public facilities are a constant reminder of the municipalitys broken promises. The lack of services in the settlement has again come under the spotlight after Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis announced controversial plans to build a wall to keep criminals at bay along the N2 highway, which abuts a series of townships, along with Cape Town International Airport. Im surprised theyve got money for a wall but no money to buy land, Jolingana said, referring to promises to relocate her community to an area where they would be provided with proper housing. Such is her unhappiness with services in Khayelitsha that she only accepts work in better-equipped, formerly white suburbs via the agency that employs her. When her five-year-old son is ill, she travels more than 20km (12 miles) to Bellville one such formerly white-only suburb to avoid long queues and overcrowding at the nearest day hospital. Advertisement Advertisement At [the] trauma [ward], you will see the people lying on the floor, sitting since yesterday, so I cant take it, she says. Guiding Al Jazeera through a maze of narrow alleys in the township, Jolingana illustrates the health and safety risks of the existing facilities. At a row of communal toilets about 50 metres (164 feet) from her home, residents installed a cement foundation under the toilets after one toppled over in 2018, trapping a woman inside. The structures are also vulnerable to the flooding that spills into the settlement from the surrounding wetlands each winter, she says. Residents say the citys money should be used to fix problems like these, instead of building a costly wall. Thandi Jolingana shows a row of communal toilets in the Taiwan informal settlement in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, that most residents rely on [Otha Fadana/Al Jazeera] Mayor Hill-Lewis, a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA) party that is part of the national unity government (GNU), told the city council on January 29 that Cape Town intends to spend 108 million rand ($6.5m) on the crime-fighting initiative known as the N2 Edge project. But local media reports say the project could actually cost as much as 180 million rand ($10.8m). Advertisement Advertisement Besides the wall, the project also includes security cameras, improved lighting, safety barriers for recreational spaces, and metro police patrols, the mayor said. A far bigger problem Khayelitsha and surrounding townships have long been plagued by crime, recently prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to deploy the army to staunch a wave of gang-related violence in the Western Cape, but residents say authorities only pay attention when middle-class motorists are the victims. One particular incident in December drew national headlines after robbers stabbed a retired white teacher, Karin van Aardt, 64, to death on the notorious N2 road shortly after she and her husband had landed in Cape Town for a holiday from another province. Weeks before, members of parliament had spoken out about the dangers travellers to Cape Town face near the airport. Advertisement Advertisement Liezl van der Merwe, an MP from the Inkatha Freedom Party, which is part of the GNU, called for visible policing at traffic lights and intersections known to be crime hotspots, while another coalition partner, the Freedom Front Plus, wanted damaged highway fencing to be repaired, faulty security cameras to be restored and permanent armed patrols to be dispatched to high-risk areas. The problem is far bigger and stretches much wider, though, FF Plus party leader Pieter Mulder said. The murder and crime wave at the airport is indicative of what is happening around the country. According to official statistics presented in parliament, 42 criminal cases were reported to police at Cape Town International Airport between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. The Western Cape spokesperson for the South African National Roads Agency also told local media last year that along the N2 and nearby R300 freeway, the agency had recorded 564 crime-related events in 2024, and 362 between January and August 2025. Advertisement Advertisement This is still a tiny fraction of the crimes reported nationwide in South Africa, which has one of the highest crime and murder rates in the world outside a war zone. Five of the 10 cities with the highest crime rates worldwide are found in South Africa, according to Statista. INTERACTIVE - Cape Town's N2 wall project-1772714574 South Africas Berlin Wall Still, Mayor Hill-Lewis drew widespread condemnation when he announced his security response in January, with critics accusing him of avoiding the social issues facing shack dwellers. The wall, in particular, came under fire. The structure is expected to be three metres (10 feet) high and span a nine-kilometre (5.6 mile) stretch from the airport, which has been dubbed the hell run after years of violent attacks along this route. Advertisement Advertisement Members of the African National Congress (ANC), the leading party in the GNU, also criticised the plans. Ndithini Tyhido, the ANCs top council official in Cape Town, criticised Hill-Lewis for planning to build the South African Berlin Wall and urged the government to invest the money in community-based crime prevention, such as increasing stipends for neighbourhood watch groups, instead. Councillor Chad Davids from the Good Party, another GNU member, said the city was rich on paper, administratively broken, and morally confused in its priorities. We are told budgets are record-breaking, yet clinics remain incomplete, fire stations are delayed, housing developments are stalled, roads are unfinished, and community facilities are deteriorating, he said. A view of the Taiwan informal settlement. Cape Town already suffers from some of the highest levels of inequality in the world [Otha Fadana/Al Jazeera] Housing backlog The City of Cape Town has won plaudits for good governance and stellar service delivery in the wealthy city centre, where tourists enjoy its first-world amenities. Advertisement Advertisement But critics say its track record with Black township residents has been patchy, much like that of the ANC-led national government. In 2010, the ANCs Youth League lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission after the city installed unenclosed toilets in another informal settlement in Khayelitsha, known as Makhaza. The toilets were meant to be temporary while the city completed a housing project, but a dispute broke out after a group of residents refused to enclose the toilets themselves, as had been agreed with community leaders. A court eventually forced the city to pay for the enclosures. Advertisement Advertisement The city has also been criticised for its slow response to a housing backlog in places like Khayelitsha, where Jolingana has lived in a shack since 1987. Talks about a housing project to accommodate Taiwan residents began in 2016, and aimed to relocate 4,500 households. A community steering committee was formed two years later to guide the process, but Jolingana, a member of the committee, says a city official only attended a meeting last year for the first time and promised that the move would start in February this year. So far, that hasnt happened. Pensioner Nomqondiso Ntsethe lives in a shack in Taiwan with 13 children and grandchildren [Otha Fadana/Al Jazeera] Its a political game Cape Towns poorer residents accuse the local government of favouring its political strongholds when it comes to the allocation of resources such as housing especially those living in historically white and Coloured neighbourhoods. Advertisement Advertisement This perception is fuelled by the fact that the City of Cape Town is run by the mostly white DA party in one of only two provinces that have escaped the national dominance of the ANC, the party that led South Africa out of racist apartheid rule and into democracy in 1994. If the city is saying theyre building the wall to protect people of the N2, why cant they take the people out of the area to a place where theres no crime? asked Nomqondiso Ntsethe, a 65-year-old pensioner, who shares a shack in Taiwan with 13 children and grandchildren. Its a political game, she said. Theyre separating the poor from the rich. Its segregation. The City of Cape Town referred Al Jazeeras questions about the Taiwan housing project to the provincial government, which in turn said it handed the project over to the city in September 2024. Mayor Hill-Lewis, who last year put the citys housing backlog at about 600,000, has remained defiant amid the latest criticism. On February 8, he posted a video on X showing a broken-down fence alongside the N2 highway and criticised the police and the countrys road management agency for failing to keep surrounding communities safe. This barrier was built 20 years ago when the ANC was in charge of Cape Town the same party now hysterically and hypocritically shouting about our plan to fix the security barrier to keep the people of Cape Town safer, he said. The video also featured residents from a nearby informal settlement who supported the idea of erecting a wall next to their dwellings. While the debate about his efforts continues to rage online, Jolingana and her neighbours are gearing up for a fight to oppose the wall. The Informal Settlements Forum, a local coalition, issued a rallying cry this week, calling on civil society groups to join their peaceful protest against policies that undermine dignity and equality. It also appealed to law firms and legal practitioners to provide pro bono assistance in their battle to ensure transparency, accountability and lawful governance. Meanwhile, Jolingana lives with daily reminders of the life she could have had. Even at work, my colleagues always ask, When are you going to buy a car? They dont know my situation. I always say that If you can wear my shoes, I dont think it will fit you, she said. In Jesuss name, I can cope, because theres no other way. Yes, theres no other way. Im coping. Large portions of the central United States are on the lookout for serious storms Friday, which could include dangerous hail and wind, along with potential tornadoes. The most severe weather is possible in seven states, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. "Severe thunderstorms are expected from the southern Plains to the Midwest this afternoon into tonight," the official NWS X/Twitter account said Friday morning. "Severe storm hazards may include very large hail, severe wind gusts, and tornadoes. Additionally, storms could produce heavy rain that may lead to flash flooding." Where are the worst conditions expected? The latest intel from the NWS Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma is forecasting "scattered severe thunderstorms" for parts of the southern and central Plains into the Ozarks and Midwest. Advertisement Advertisement These storms will run from mid afternoon through tonight. "The greatest potential for a few strong tornadoes and very large hail should exist across eastern portions of Oklahoma/Kansas/Nebraska into western Arkansas/Missouri and southern Iowa," the Storm Prediction Center said. Tragedy has already struck in Oklahoma Some heavy storms, including tornadoes, have already struck in parts of the region. According to reports, a 47-year-old mother and her 13-year-old daughter were killed in a tornado in northern Oklahoma Thursday night. "Officials with the Major County Sheriffs Office reported that a woman was driving west of Fairview, near State Highway 60 and 243 and she lost contact with who she was speaking with over the phone in the area," reported KOCO 5 News. Advertisement Advertisement "The two were reported missing earlier in the night, and just after 11:50 p.m. Thursday, [Major County Sheriff Tony] Robinson confirmed the deaths." Several tornadoes have also already been reported in southern Kansas, among other places. If you're in the line of these storms, stay safe. This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Mar 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Authorities identified body parts found in a pond in Massachusetts earlier this week as belonging to a 69-year-old man. According to the Shirley Police Department, at about 5:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday, March 4, a group of young people walking in the area of the Maritime Veterans Memorial Bridge noticed what appeared to be a human leg in the water and notified the authorities, who subsequently found additional body parts. "The kids went running up the street, one neighbor recalled to ABC affiliate WCVB. "Come to find out, they found a human leg." Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, March 5, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Shirley Chief of Police Samuel Santiago announced that the remains had been identified as Degan. The preliminary investigation suggests that the remains of Mr. Degan were possibly severed by a sharp instrument and at this time foul play is suspected, the district attorneys office said in a statement. Officials said that Degan, who was arrested in 2018, pled guilty to charges related to cocaine trafficking and distribution in a Suffolk County case. After his release from prison, Degan was living in a pre-release center in Rockland, which authorities said was his last known address. He was last seen alive on Feb. 27, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Currently investigators do not believe this was a random attack, the districts attorney office said. At a Thursday press conference, Ryan said that authorities have not recovered Degans full body and the search for additional body parts continues. His cause of death has not yet been determined. We are of course interested in anyone who might have information about having seen Mr. Degan since Friday [Feb. 27], Ryan said. And we are also interested in any members of the public who might have seen anything that appeared to be suspicious up in that area of the bridge or the pond in the time since last Friday. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The teens who found the remains, identified by the Lowell Sun as Brett Clapper and Dominic Dunn, both 15, said they frequently go on walks in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Its screwed up, Dunn said. Small town, nothing ever happens here. Authorities said that the investigation is being conducted by the district attorneys office, the Shirley Police Department, Massachusetts State Police detectives and the Massachusetts State Police Underwater Recovery Unit. Read the original article on People Nearly eight months after federal agents descended on Glass House Farms in one of the largest immigration raids of the Trump administration, the Ventura County Sheriffs Office has publicly released its officers body-worn camera footage from the July 10 operation. The March 5 release coincides with a settlement agreement that the County of Ventura and Sheriff Jim Fryhoff reached with Buen Vecino. The local immigration advocacy nonprofit sued both parties last year after the sheriffs office denied a public records request for the footage. The raid made national headlines after federal agents arrested 361 alleged undocumented immigrants and apprehended 14 minors. One Glass House worker, Jaime Alanis Garcia, died after falling from a greenhouse roof, and hundreds of protesters and family members of workers gathered outside the farm as agents unleashed tear gas on them. A woman waves a Mexican flag in front of a line of Ventura County Sheriff's deputies who cleared the intersection of Laguna and Wood roads of a crowd of around 50 demonstrators to allow vehicles to access the immigration raid taking place outside Camarillo July 10. Though the settlement only required that the footage be provided to Buen Vecino, Fryhoff said he wanted to share the same 12-hour video with the public to promote transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Capt. Robert Yoos, a sheriff's office spokesperson, said he wants viewers to see that his agency does not participate in immigration enforcement and only responded to the farm to maintain the peace and clear roadways. David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition and Buen Vecinos attorney, said the release of the footage allows the public to make its own judgment on the sheriffs offices conduct at the scene. Transparency is the oxygen of accountability in government, and there was a strong public interest in knowing what the deputy sheriffs were doing at the site, Loy said in an interview. The public is the winner here because the public gets more disclosure than they did before. The Star has not yet reviewed the footage in its entirety. The public records request for body-worn video Amid national public interest, Buen Vecino submitted a California Public Records Act request to the sheriffs office July 31, seeking all sheriffs office body-worn camera footage recorded July 10 at Glass House Farms. Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit also asked for other records related to the raid, including other agencies requests for the sheriffs offices assistance, details on the sheriffs offices response and activity at the scene and all internal and interagency communication related to the operation. Willie Lubka, Buen Vecinos executive director, said that the tear gas, rubber bullets and other forms of violence that he and community members experienced at the hands of federal agents compelled his organization to advocate for the records. The request was never intended to result in the doxxing of law enforcement, only to provide information about their role in the raid, he said. Willie Lubka, executive director of nonprofit Buen Vecino, speaks Sept. 30 during a community forum held under the provisions of the TRUTH Act at the Ventura County Government Center. On Aug. 15, the sheriffs office denied the request in its entirety. The agency stated that the requested body-worn camera footage was among the investigative records exempt from disclosure. Advertisement Advertisement The exemptions are invoked due to the specific nature of the call for service and to safeguard the privacy of the individuals involved, as well as to preserve the integrity of ongoing and future law enforcement operations, the sheriffs office wrote in its response. Yoos told the Star that although the sheriffs office did not conduct an investigation, it did not want to release video footage on a singular request. This would have established a precedent that could have ultimately cost our agency a lot of time and money, requiring us to fill any and all future requests by individuals, he wrote in an email. In response to the request for the other records, the sheriffs office said no responsive records exist. The agency explained that the FBI and the Ventura County Fire Department requested the sheriffs office's assistance and the sheriffs office tactical response team then responded to the scene, but all communication was verbal and not recorded. The Buen Vecino lawsuit Following the denial, Buen Vecino filed a lawsuit Nov. 14 in Ventura County Superior Court, demanding the release of the requested records and seeking attorney fees. Advertisement Advertisement The nonprofit argued that the sheriffs offices withholding of the records violated the California Public Records Act; the exemption for investigative records does not apply because the sheriff said the agency was not at the scene to conduct an investigation, the plaintiff stated. The blanket denial, Buen Vecino asserted, resulted in great and irreparable injury to petitioner and the public at large by depriving them of immediate access to information vital to the public interest and necessary for self-government. In response, the county reasserted that the requested records are exempt from disclosure under the California Government Code and California Evidence Code. The public interest, in protecting the integrity of ongoing and future law enforcement investigations/operations and the privacy, identity and statements of the individuals involved, outweighs the public interest in disclosure of information, the response reads. The settlement reached; attorney's fees paid The parties reached a settlement Feb. 17, ahead of a case management conference scheduled for June. The agreement is not an admission of liability or fault. Advertisement Advertisement The parties agreed that the county would release to Buen Vecino all responsive body-worn camera footage with the faces of sheriffs office personnel blurred and pay Buen Vecinos attorney fees of $32,750. The county did not incur additional attorney fees because its in-house team handled the defense. Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff concludes his remarks at a forum for the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds or TRUTH Act at the Ventura County Government Center on Sept. 30. The legal fees incurred were a small amount to guarantee protection to residents of the unnecessary release of body camera footage, which contains their conversations and interactions with our agency, Yoos wrote in an email. Under the agreement, Buen Vecino promised to dismiss the lawsuit. Court records indicate the nonprofit filed the dismissal request March 4. Advertisement Advertisement Regarding the other portion of Buen Vecinos records request, Loy and Lubka said they accepted that the sheriffs office did not have any responsive records. Video spans 12 hours The body-worn camera footage, posted to the Ventura County Sheriffs Office YouTube channel in two parts, totals just over 12 hours and includes a brief introduction from Fryhoff. Fryhoff explains in the video that, contrary to rumors and in accordance with Senate Bill 54, the sheriffs office does not participate in immigration enforcement. He said his agency responded to the site after receiving a request from the FBI to keep the peace and a request from the fire department to clear the roadways so paramedics could aid protesters. Fryhoff also states in the video that he decided to release the footage to maintain transparency. Advertisement Advertisement Lubka said he found the sheriffs choice not to mention the lawsuit or settlement in the video to be dishonest and hypocritical. If the sheriff were devoted to transparency, he wouldve revealed that this is being done only after he was sued and he initially denied release of this information, the executive director said. When asked why Fryhoff did not mention the lawsuit or settlement in the YouTube video, Yoos said the pending litigation was a matter of public knowledge and something the agency could not comment on; once the sheriffs office agreed to release the footage to Buen Vecino, Fryhoff thought it was only fair to allow all residents to have access to the same content. The Buen Vecino team had not reviewed the footage as of March 5, but Lubka said he was surprised it was only 12 hours given the number of officers at Glass House and how long they were there. Advertisement Advertisement Yoos said approximately 30 sheriffs office personnel responded to the scene around 2:50 p.m. July 10 and they left shortly after nightfall. He said the footage was obtained from approximately 10 body-worn cameras. Makena Huey is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at makena.huey@vcstar.com. This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation's Fund to Support Local Journalism. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County Sheriff releases Glass House raid video with settlement Pennsylvania State Police have identified the shooter and both victims in a Butler County murder-suicide that spanned to Illinois. A.C. Byrd Jr., 57, of Zelienople, shot and killed two of his relatives in a Jackson Township home before fatally shooting himself, PSP said on Friday. The victims are identified as Amy Byrd, 53, and Lanaya Lewis, 19, both of Zelienople. On Wednesday, a man reported to the Hillside Police Department in Illinois that two people were dead at a home in Zelienople, according to PSP. Advertisement Advertisement When the Hillside police responded to speak with that man, he was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. After locating an ID, Hillside officers contacted the Jackson Township Police Department, requesting a welfare check at the mans listed home address on Dior Drive in Zelienople, PSP says. At that address, PSP says Jackson Township officers found the two victims shot to death. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Silfab Solar will continue to pause production operations at its Fort Mill facility through the weekend. This announcement comes after the operations at the facility were paused on Thursday due to what it calls a drip. In a statement, Silfab said," During this time, Silfab employees will be on site for non-production related activities while discussions with federal, state, and local officials remain ongoing." The facility said it hopes to resume operations on Monday following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services reviews on site. Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE: Silfab agrees to terminate manufacturing operations, officials say The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services ordered the solar cell manufacturing plant to halt operations in Fort Mill on Thursday. Thats until state and federal regulations wrap up. A state lawmaker said there could be serious consequences if the plant opens without state permission. They intend to immediately file a lawsuit once they continue to operate at 6:30 p.m., Rep. David Martin said. Theres going to be a lawsuit, and Ive also been in communication with the AGs office, whos also willing to help as needed. Advertisement Advertisement Leaders at the Silfab Solar plant in Fort Mill said they took the right steps to keep everyone safe after a chemical spill Tuesday and what they are calling a drip that neighbors reported on Thursday. Silfab Solar's director of operations declined to comment on York County Council's emergency meeting and the anti-Silfab bill under consideration by the South Carolina legislature. https://t.co/Ij9nqNlnMV Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) March 6, 2026 Silfabs director of operations Greg Basden, spoke from the area of the plant where they say 300 gallons of water mixed with potassium hydroxide spilled Tuesday. He said no one was ever at risk and they reported it to the correct authorities. On Thursday, neighbors used a drone to get a picture of a sign saying there was a hydrofluoric acid leak on the property. Silfab said that it was more of a drip than a leak after a vendor dropped off a delivery. Basden said it dripped about once an hour and that no one was at risk. He said they were not required to report it because it was so small. Advertisement Advertisement When we found the drip, we immediately contained it, absorbent mat, neutralizer, and at the rate that its dripping, its far from required any communications in our in our reaction plans, Basden said. The fact that its neutralized, the fact that its contained inside of 100% containment building that qualifies as it wasnt necessary to communicate it. If they are not required to do it under federal regulations or state regulations, thats obviously something we need to address, Rep. Martin said. VIDEO: Channel 9s Miana Massey got an inside look at the scene Cameras were not allowed, but Miana said there was a large tank with a small pipe at the base surrounded by an absorbent material similar to cat litter, catching the drip. Silfab said monitors did not detect any contamination in the air. Advertisement Advertisement Because of the incidents at Silfab, officials at nearby Flint Hill Elementary School canceled classes Thursday and Friday. Basden said Friday there was a lot of disinformation disseminated to the public this week regarding the leaks. He criticized Fort Mill Schools for shutting down classes at Flint Hill Elementary when the public and its employees were not at risk. Its unfortunate that the school district decided to cancel without having all the details, Basden said. Again, I cant express enough, Silfab will continue to work closely and cooperate with all parties, especially with DES and the county. Fort Mill Schools district officials said late Friday afternoon they have not decided on whether to have class at Flint Hill Elementary on Monday because there has been a lack of clarification on the status of the Silfab facility. Advertisement Advertisement They have not made a decision on whether there will be class on Monday at Flint Hill Elementary. Silfab must submit a report to state environmental officials by Tuesday. The EPA is expected to visit the facility next week, and a bill is moving through the state legislature could allow York County to pull Silfabs permits. Ceaseanddesist York County Council convened a special-called meeting to address regulatory concerns involving Silfab after learning that the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services had ordered the company to halt all operations pending an investigation. County leaders expressed support for SCDES, the EPA, and other regulatory agencies, emphasizing their commitment to public safety and legal compliance. Advertisement Advertisement Following a legal briefing, the council unanimously directed county management and attorneys to exercise every available authority to ensure Silfab fully complies with all state and federal directives. This may include invoking emergency ordinance powers, issuing ceaseanddesist directives, and coordinating closely with SCDES to enforce permitting, health, and safety standards. Silfab is expected to remain shut down through Monday while the investigation continues. County emergency management and inspection personnel will be on site to assist. York County plans to issue all future updates through written statements to ensure accuracy and clarity. School district letter to Flint Hill Elementary families: The district has been actively seeking updates regarding the operational status of Silfab Solar from local and state officials. At this time, we have not been able to confirm the status of the facilitys adherence to the directive issued by the S.C. Department of Environmental Services. Advertisement Advertisement Due to the lack of clarification on the status of the facility, we have not made a determination regarding our school schedule for Monday, March 9.The school and district staff have been working today to prepare for a number of scenarios dependent upon the information we receive from officials to ensure learning continues for Flint Hill Elementary students. The district will continue to monitor this situation and will make a final determination regarding Mondays operations no later than Saturday, March 7. Once a determination is made, the district and school will communicate details directly with our parents and staff. The safety and health of our students and staff remains our top priority. We understand this has placed undue stress on our students, families and staff, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this situation. Rigorous oversight South Carolina Senators Michael Johnson and Wes Climer, along with Representative David Martin, held a joint call Friday evening with SCDES Director Myra Reece and Attorney General Alan Wilson to discuss the ongoing regulatory situation at the Silfab facility in Fort Mill. Prior to the call, Silfab agreed to continue halting all manufacturing and assembly operations, a pause that will remain in place while state and federal investigations proceed. Advertisement Advertisement EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin confirmed that the Environmental Protection Agency will begin its investigation on Monday. Until then, SCDES personnel will remain on site to ensure that no chemicals are used and no operational activity occurs. Silfab has committed to complying fully with all directives issued by SCDES, including an indefinite halt to any chemical manufacturing or chemical use until the EPAs review is complete. While some employees may be present over the weekend, lawmakers emphasized that any activity will be limited strictly to administrative functions such as HR and custodial work. No manufacturing, assembly, or chemical operations will take place. On Monday, the EPA and SCDES will conduct an initial audit of the facilitys processes and equipment. Based on their findings, regulators will determine whether additional enforcement actions, remedial steps, or permit changes are necessary before any operations can resume. The lawmakers reiterated their strong support for keeping the facility shut down until the highest level of federal and state review is completed. They have formally requested that regulators pursue the most rigorous oversight available under the law, including potential suspension or withdrawal of permits if warranted. Their stated priority is ensuring the safety of Fort Mill residents, families, and students. Advertisement Advertisement Further updates will be provided after Mondays regulatory review. This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates. VIDEO: Fort Mill school to remain closed Friday due to issues with nearby Silfab Solar Richardson Electronics has had an impressive run over the past six months as its shares have beaten the S&P 500 by 21.8%. The stock now trades at $12.40, marking a 26.9% gain. This was partly thanks to its solid quarterly results, and the performance may have investors wondering how to approach the situation. Is there a buying opportunity in Richardson Electronics, or does it present a risk to your portfolio? Get the full breakdown from our expert analysts, its free. Why Do We Think Richardson Electronics Will Underperform? Despite the momentum, we're cautious about Richardson Electronics. Here are three reasons you should be careful with RELL and a stock we'd rather own. 1. Backlog Declines as Orders Drop We can better understand Specialty Equipment Distributors companies by analyzing their backlog. This metric shows the value of outstanding orders that have not yet been executed or delivered, giving visibility into Richardson Electronicss future revenue streams. Richardson Electronicss backlog came in at $135.7 million in the latest quarter, and it averaged 3.4% year-on-year declines over the last two years. This performance was underwhelming and shows the company is not winning new orders. It also suggests there may be increasing competition or market saturation. Richardson Electronics Backlog 2. Breakeven Free Cash Flow Limits Reinvestment Potential If youve followed StockStory for a while, you know we emphasize free cash flow. Why, you ask? We believe that in the end, cash is king, and you cant use accounting profits to pay the bills. Richardson Electronics broke even from a free cash flow perspective over the last five years, giving the company limited opportunities to return capital to shareholders. Richardson Electronics Trailing 12-Month Free Cash Flow Margin 3. New Investments Fail to Bear Fruit as ROIC Declines A companys ROIC, or return on invested capital, shows how much operating profit it makes compared to the money it has raised (debt and equity). We like to invest in businesses with high returns, but the trend in a companys ROIC is what often surprises the market and moves the stock price. Unfortunately, Richardson Electronicss ROIC has decreased significantly over the last few years. Paired with its already low returns, these declines suggest its profitable growth opportunities are few and far between. Richardson Electronics Trailing 12-Month Return On Invested Capital Final Judgment We see the value of companies helping their customers, but in the case of Richardson Electronics, were out. With its shares outperforming the market lately, the stock trades at 37.6 forward P/E (or $12.40 per share). This valuation tells us its a bit of a market darling with a lot of good news priced in - we think other companies feature superior fundamentals at the moment. Wed suggest looking at a safe-and-steady industrials business benefiting from an upgrade cycle. SINGAPORE, March 5 (Reuters) - Singapore police have announced arrests of three Singaporeans as part of investigations into alleged transnational scam syndicate Prince Group and its founder and chairman, Chen Zhi, who is in Chinese detention. * Police said the three men were arrested between November2025 and January 2026 for their suspected involvement in moneylaundering offences in relation to the case. * Assets frozen include three properties, eight cars, cashin various foreign currencies, bank and securities accounts andluxury bags and watches, with a total estimated value of S$350million ($274.49 million), police said in a statement onTuesday. * Those arrested were a director of a car leasing companyand two men who were detained upon arrival from Cambodia. Anarrest warrant has been issued for a Singaporean woman believedto be in Cambodia, who is suspected of committing fraud. * Singapore police have so far seized a total of S$500million in assets relating to the case. * The U.S. Justice Department in October indicted Chen forwire fraud conspiracy and money-laundering conspiracy. * Chen was arrested in Cambodia in a joint Chinese-Cambodianoperation in January and sent to China. * U.S. authorities have linked Prince Group, which operatedmore than 100 businesses in 30 countries, to a network ofsprawling scam centres mainly in Cambodia and Myanmar that havedefrauded victims globally. A law firm representing Prince Groupsaid late last year that the conglomerate had not engaged inwrongdoing. (Reporting by Jun Yuan Yong; Editing by Martin Petty) UCSF social workers marched to the chancellor's office on Thursday, calling for stronger workplace safety measures three months after a colleague was stabbed to death at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. The workers said they have repeatedly sought a meeting with UCSF leadership but have not received a response. "I was there when my colleague was killed in front of us. These are the list of demands from our union. We have also been trying to have a meeting for three months. It has been three months and one day and no one has been contacting us back about our safety about the inequities that exist," said Julia Pascoe, a UCSF social worker. A representative for the chancellor told the group the demands would be placed on his desk. Advertisement Advertisement Some social workers say they have not returned to their jobs since the killing of Alberto Rangel, who was fatally stabbed by a patient weeks after staff raised concerns. "I feel like this tragedy was preventable had different measures been taken," said clinical social worker Tia Blackburn. Union leaders said the incident reflects broader safety issues. "We just completed a survey of people that are working in these areas and the number one concern is workplace violence and sexual harassment on the job and we think the biggest way to address this is increase our staffing. Some of our social workers are seeing 500-600 clients assigned to them," said Matias Campos, executive vice president of the UPTE 9119 union. RELATED: Social worker fatally stabbed at SF hospital remembered by community as 'devoted to his patients' In a statement, UCSF said it has worked with the San Francisco Department of Public Health to "implement meaningful improvements to security, reinforce reporting and response protocols, and continue evaluating additional steps to further reduce risk across hospital and community settings." Advertisement Advertisement City leaders also urged action. "In many respects it's about making sure everyone understands from every part of local government and the university that public safety has to come first," said San Francisco Supervisor Matt Dorsey. Below is the full UCSF statement provided to the station. RELATED: SF General strengthening security protocols after social worker fatally stabbed during attack "UCSF Statement Regarding Support for Employees at ZSFG UCSF and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG) continue to mourn the death of our colleague, Alberto Rangel, who was killed last December while working at Ward 86. Our deepest sympathies remain with his family, friends, and coworkers. His loss continues to be profoundly felt across our community. Advertisement Advertisement Violence in health care settings is a serious and growing national problem. Although tragedies like this one are rare, even one is too many. Every person who works in our hospitals, clinics, and community settings deserves a safe workplace. Since December, UCSF leaders have been partnering with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (DPH), as well as hospital, city, and union leaders, to review safety and security measures, patient-handling protocols, and workplace safety practices. Together, we met with unions, staff, faculty, and learners at ZSFG to listen carefully to their concerns. Informed by these discussions, UCSF leaders partnered with DPH to implement meaningful improvements to security, reinforce reporting and response protocols, and continue evaluating additional steps to further reduce risk across hospital and community settings. This is ongoing, and we remain committed to continuous assessment and improvement. We also provided counseling services, leave options, and workers' compensation benefits to employees directly impacted by this tragedy. We continue to offer employer-covered support services and tailored leave options for those who need additional time off. Advertisement Advertisement Concerns about intimidation, harassment, assault, or retaliation are taken seriously. Retaliation for raising workplace safety concerns is not tolerated. At UCSF and ZSFG, all employees are required to complete training on workplace violence, harassment, and reporting procedures. When concerns about intimidation, harassment, or assault are escalated, we review them promptly and take appropriate action. Regarding UPTE's survey, we have not independently reviewed the underlying data or methodology. We are interested in learning more about the information generated. Regardless of the source, concerns about workplace safety warrant careful attention, and we remain focused on engaging directly with our employees and labor partners to address issues raised through the appropriate channels. On the issue of compensation, The Regents of the University of California - not UCSF - conduct collective bargaining with unions, including UPTE, at the systemwide level. UC and UPTE recently reached a labor agreement that includes compensation terms. Any additional compensation proposals must be addressed through the systemwide bargaining process. UCSF and DPH remain closely aligned in our commitment to strengthening workplace safety across all settings where our teams provide care. Alberto's death was a profound loss, and we remain focused on strengthening workplace safety in ways that are thoughtful, collaborative, responsive, and enduring." If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live PIERRE, S.D. Students who are aggressive or violent in the classroom could be sent to an alternative setting if Gov. Larry Rhoden signs two bills passed this week by South Dakota lawmakers. Violence and verbal abuse toward teachers from students is rising, according to South Dakota Secretary of Education Joe Graves. He cited data from the Pew Research Center that says more than two-thirds of teachers nationally have been yelled at or verbally threatened by a student. Graves told lawmakers about concerns from educators in the state. Advertisement Advertisement If I were a teacher, just starting out, there is no way I would stay in the profession if I knew this is what I would be dealing with until retirement, Graves said Tuesday in a Senate Education Committee hearing. The Senate voted 33-1 to advance a bill that would allow a school board to send students who engage in aggressive or violent behavior to an alternative learning setting. South Dakota aggressive student bill If there is an issue, school boards could assign a student to learn at home, a different classroom or a different building. The bill does not allow school boards to reassign students who are protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. But the bill should have more protections for students with disabilities, argued Cole Uecker, executive director for Disability Rights South Dakota. Advertisement Advertisement Schools could see this as an opportunity to remove children who have behaviors related to their disability, Uecker said, as opposed to going through the hard work of finding eligibility and coverage for special education services. More: Webster's Brewhouse Boutique ready for spring after Vegas market trip Bill to place students in alternative learning center in Aberdeen passes A second bill, that some supporters describe as a companion bill to the first, would give the state Department of Education $2 million to grant to a qualified nonprofit to serve as an alternative learning option for students with behavioral health concerns. That bill passed 30-4. The bills title is An Act to make an appropriation for a non-residential, school-based, therapeutic services facility in Brown County. It does not specify which group would receive the grant funding, but one of the nonprofits that could apply for a grant, Childrens Home Society, has day school locations in Sioux Falls and Rapid City and is considering adding services in Aberdeen. Advertisement Advertisement An Aberdeen building would be able to serve 24 students in a non-residential, day facility. Sen. Michael Rohl, R-Aberdeen, said it could begin taking in students this fall. It allows us to focus on individuals who need this help, Rohl said. Were also allowing the rest of our students to have access to a safe learning environment. More: South Dakota Senate votes on lieutenant governor's tie breaking power Supporters said the facility would free up space at similar buildings in Rapid City and Sioux Falls and allow students from northeast South Dakota to receive behavioral health help closer to home. Advertisement Advertisement Both bills were supported by the House of Representatives and now await final approval from Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden. The House Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 79 on Wednesday. The bill would let a judge put a minor in Department of Corrections custody for certain gun and weapon crimes. The judge could only do so if no viable alternative exists, and has found the child is at serious risk of physically harming someone. It passed the House Judiciary Committee on a 9-3 vote. The House of Representatives voted 37-30 to reject a bill that would have appropriated $50,000 to the states Department of Corrections to study juvenile correctional and residential facilities outside the state. South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: Lawmakers pass bills on Aberdeen learning center, aggressive students Three Southeast Alaska fishers have been charged with deliberately sinking their vessels and creating marine obstructions, the U.S. Attorneys office for Alaska said. The three cases, concerning events in Sitka Sound, Sitka Harbor and Thomas Bay near Petersburg, are unrelated, said Reagan Zimmerman-Hartzheim, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys office. The defendants are John Fisher of Sitka, Joseph Poling of Petersburg and Toni Vanveen of Sitka. Advertisement Advertisement Each defendant faces a single federal misdemeanor charge: obstructing navigable waters by sinking a vessel. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 days confinement and can also result in a sentence of up to a year in federal prison and a fine of up to $25,000 for each day the sunken vessel is in the water, the U.S. Attorneys office said. The U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation have been investigating the cases, according to the U.S. Attorneys office. The charges were filed in each case on Feb. 20. Details of the cases were sealed as of Thursday. The three defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on March 13 in U.S. District Court, according to court documents. None of the defendants had an assigned attorney as of Thursday, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement At least one of the vessels appears to have been involved in a previous sinking. The F/V Igloo, owned by Fisher, sank in Sitka waters in 2012, according to the National Park Service. That sinking prompted a Coast Guard response intended to prevent spilled oil from reaching the Indian River estuary and impacting Sitka National Historical Park, the agency said then. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HAMMOND A Southeastern Louisiana University faculty grievance committee has ruled against reinstating a chemistry professor who was abruptly removed last year from a high-profile research project examining pollution in Lake Maurepas. The committees recommendation means Professor Fereshteh Emami will not return as a researcher on the study, which is funded by Air Products, an industrial gas and chemical manufacturer seeking to store carbon dioxide from its Ascension Parish facilities beneath the lakebed. Although she is no longer working on the Lake Maurepas study, Emami remains employed as a tenured professor with full-time teaching duties at Southeastern. Advertisement Advertisement The decision follows a Feb. 20 public hearing on the universitys campus where Emami and Southeastern administrators presented evidence to a seven-member panel of faculty tasked with reviewing her grievance. In its ruling, the committee wrote that administrators had shown they were planning for at least eight months to remove Emami because of what they described as ineffective administrative oversight. Emami first learned of her removal in a July 28 email from fellow professor Kyle Piller, a biologist and director of the Lake Maurepas research effort. Pillers email stated he terminated her from the project but provided no reasons as to why. She is the second researcher to be removed from the study. A year earlier, coastal scientist Gary Shaffer was also dismissed under what he described as similarly abrupt circumstances. Emami had spent three years leading a small team that analyzed more than 400 water and sediment samples collected from the lake. Her results, published in the scientific journals Environments and ACS Omega, showed high levels of agricultural and industrial contaminants such as arsenic, lead, cadmium and nickel entering the lake from several rivers. Advertisement Advertisement Her study demonstrated new methods of tracing pollutants to their sources but did not find they were tied to Air Products drilling operations in the lake or any other specific upstream facility. In an interview at that time, Emami said she was planning additional sampling that could point to specific industrial sites as the likely sources of the lake pollution. She was removed from the project just over a month after the Illuminator first reported on those findings. She later argued the decision was retaliation for filing a complaint against one of her superiors and for speaking to a reporter without university permission. Piller and university leaders denied those charges. They say the decision was based solely on concerns that Emami was falling behind on sampling deadlines and had been slow to fill vacancies on her research team. The Illuminator reviewed scores of records, including internal communications university officials exchanged in the year preceding Emamis removal. Advertisement Advertisement Some documents indicate Emami had stopped regularly visiting the sites she was tasked with monitoring in the Spring 2025 semester and had fallen behind on sample analysis, though few show administrators discussing concerns about her job performance prior to the June 19 article describing her findings. Other records show university leaders discussing Emamis decision to speak with a journalist without their knowledge. In a June 19 text message sent after the Illuminators story was published Southeastern President William Wainwright asked the universitys communications officer whether Piller and Research Dean Dan McCarthy had known the article was coming. Thats a problem, Wainwright texted. Please let Dan know when you talk Monday that due to the sensitivity of the work we need to know these things. Advertisement Advertisement Air Products plans to store carbon dioxide beneath Lake Maurepas has been met with significant backlash from local residents and elected officials. In a June 30 email to SLU grants developer Margaret Adelmann, Piller wrote that Emami had spoken to the Illuminator without informing anyone and that the presidents office had been caught off guard. Needless to say, they werent overly pleased about it, Piller wrote. He and other university officials testified that Emamis news coverage played no part in her removal. When Emami was removed in July and public backlash swelled over the news, Piller expressed frustration with university leaders for not publicly explaining the decision, according to records that were not part of the hearing. At last months hearing, Piller and McCarthy maintained the decision to remove Emami from the research project was based entirely on performance concerns. They testified that her team had four vacancies and said she had not interviewed several applicants. Advertisement Advertisement The limiting factor was that the chemistry team wasnt producing, McCarthy testified. In its final recommendation, the committee concluded the administrations evidence suggested plans to remove Emami had been under discussion for at least eight months before she was dismissed in July. Records from eight months before her removal showed SLU administrators decided McCarthy would take over some of Emamis administrative responsibilities so she could focus more on research. Emami initially agreed but later filed a complaint against McCarthy related to his pay and timesheets. During the hearing, Emami testified that she felt pressured and harassed during that dispute. Administrators did not directly address those allegations. Advertisement Advertisement The grievance committees ruling serves only as a formal recommendation to Wainwright, who has sole power to reinstate her. Emamis attorney, William Most, asked Wainwright to recuse himself from the decision after testimony indicated he had been involved in her removal. Wainwright declined, saying recusal would deviate from the universitys faculty grievance procedures. SLUs spokesman Mike Rivault said Wainwright is still reviewing the committees recommendations. The university expects to release the latest findings from its Lake Maurepas research project later this month, Rivault said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX North Dakota special education teachers and paraprofessionals are reporting burnout, citing increased workload, safety concerns and low pay, according to a survey presented to lawmakers this week. More than 150 North Dakota special education professionals responded to the survey conducted by North Dakota United, a union representing educators and public sector employees. The survey resulted from the passage of House Bill 1530 during the 2025 legislative session that commissioned a study to look at the needs of special education teachers and how to better retain them. Advertisement Advertisement Educators brought up safety of students and staff during debate on the bill last year and during a Wednesday meeting of the Legislatures interim Special Education Funding Committee. One Mandan special education teacher said in submitted written testimony she had been injured multiple times over the past 10 years with some incidents requiring trips to a medical clinic. In the survey, about 44% of respondents said there are rarely options for taking paid leave if theyre injured during a crisis at school. Its not very much fun when a teacher gets injured on the job and they are forced to take their own sick leave by something that happened when they were working, said Matt Liebel, a field consultant for North Dakota United. Advertisement Advertisement Paraprofessionals also play a key role in special education by being present with students to assist them during coursework. About 74% of respondents said pay and benefits for paraprofessionals rarely keep pace with the cost of living. Jessica Van Winkle, a special education specialist in Bismarck Public Schools, told lawmakers she started as a paraprofessional in special education and would have stayed in that role if she could have earned enough to support her family. Jessica Van Winkle, a special education specialist in Bismarck Public Schools, speaks during a meeting of the interim Special Education Funding Committing on March 4, 2026. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) There is something deeply impactful about being the consistent adult sitting next to a child or young adult who needs support, Van Winkle said. But like many paraeducators, I had to think about how to provide for my family long term. Advertisement Advertisement She said paraprofessionals are among the lowest paid employees in school districts and include some who are on government assistance programs. They support students with complex disabilities that may require nurse-level knowledge, behavioral challenges that are more therapeutic in nature and academic needs, Van Winkle said. They should not be expected to carry professional instructional responsibilities without professional pay, preparation and protection. About 86% report they feel overwhelmed by their special education workload, and 44% report they are considering leaving special education. Nathan Horgeshimer, a 15-year special education teacher from Killdeer, speaks during a meeting of the interim Special Education Funding Committing on March 4, 2026. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) Ive had colleagues leave special education, leave teaching all together, because those duties just got to be too much and they kind of got burnt out and done with it, said Nathan Horgeshimer, a 15-year special education teacher from Killdeer. Advertisement Advertisement Horgeshimer said one option to help special educators was to have scheduled paperwork days where a substitute could teach while the primary educator and caseload manager completes the required paperwork. He also suggested having scheduled time during the school day to coordinate and hold meetings with students and parents on their childs individual education program instead of those meetings occurring outside of school hours. Rep. Eric Murphy, R-Grand Forks, said the surveys use of the word rarely as a response instead of more definitive terms, such as never or always, leaves the data muddled and open to interpretation. Rep. Eric Murphy, R-Grand Forks, speaks during a committee meeting on March 4, 2026. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota United recommended to lawmakers that funding to special education units should be increased statewide to promote retention of special education staff. Without structural changes to time allocations, staffing levels and compensation practices, burnout and retention challenges are likely to continue, said Amber Haskell, a field consultant for ND United. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Karla Rose Hanson, D-Fargo, said she knows from her own familys experience that the challenges mentioned by special educators are not new. A special ed teacher can make all the difference in the world for a student, Hanson said. We need to make sure that were properly empowering them to do the best they can. It may not be the job of lawmakers to dictate how much funding needs to be used on special education in each school district, said Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck and vice chair of the committee. I trust that our districts, and those closest to those students and teachers, know best on exactly how the funding should flow to the special education units, Axtman said. She added, if the lawmakers do begin to dictate how that funding is used, it then becomes the Legislatures problem to address the issue for all school districts. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. David Richter, R-Williston, chair of the committee, said lawmakers are still gathering information and it was too early to determine if the committee will make a recommendation to the full Legislature on special education funding. We can do everything from nothing to a complete overhaul and anything in between, Richter said. I dont even want to speculate. North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at machterling@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The race to replace former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has been running for months after the representative announced she was leaving public office last fall. At one point, more than 20 people had put their hats in the ring, with Republicans fighting against one another to appeal to a MAGA base that was split between President Trump and their former hometown hero. Next week, voters will finally have their say about the direction of Georgia's 14th district post-Greene. When is the special election to replace MTG? Early voting in the special election to replace Greene started Feb. 16 and continues until 6 p.m. on Friday (Times may differ by specific voting location. Double-check your local voting site for exact times). Advertisement Advertisement There will be a four-day gap, and then the general election will be held on March 10. Polls are open on election day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The race is likely to go to a runoff election because there is such a large number of candidates. If a runoff election is held, it will take place on April 7, with early voting starting as soon as possible after March 10. Greene was also up for reelection in the November midterms, meaning voters will head back to the ballot box on Nov. 3, with a runoff held on Dec. 1, if needed. Who is running to replace MTG? Some candidates have had some time in the spotlight ahead of election day, including Republican district attorney Clay Fuller, who was endorsed by President Trump on Truth Social and during a visit to Rome, Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Shawn Harris, who ran against Greene in 2024, is back on the ballot along with two other Democrats. A sample ballot shows Star Black (R), Reagan Box (R) Beau Brown (R), Jared Craig (R), Eric Cunningham (R), Jim Davis (D), Clay Fuller (R), Tom Gray (R), Shawn Harris (D), Larry E. Hilley (R), Jonathon Hobbs (D), Christian Michael Hurd (R), Trey Kelly (R), Nicky Lama (R), Colton Moore (R), Rob "Rush" Ruszkowski (I), Brian Stover (R), Megahn Strickland (R), Jim Tully (R), Jenna Turnipseed (R) and Andrew Underwood (L). However, Christian Hurd, James Marty Brown, Larry E. Hilly, and Jared Craig have all submitted candidate withdrawal notices, and votes for these candidates will not be counted. Where is Georgia's 14th congressional district? The district Greene once served sits in the northwestern corner of Georgia, stretching from just northwest of Atlanta to the southern border of Tennessee and the eastern border of Alabama. Advertisement Advertisement The district has a population of about 765,000 people, according to 2020 census data, and a median household income of $78,969. Only 28.5% of the district has a bachelor's degree or higher, and the district has a 61% employment rate. The district is predominantly white, but it also has a large Hispanic community, including more than 90,000 residents. Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Todays Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is the special election to replace MTG? Voting dates, times HONOLULU (KHON2) Emergency crews are seeing more young children accidentally overdosing on THC gummies. Hawaii fentanyl deaths rise, town hall planned on Oahu Honolulu EMS said the calls are rising year to year, and several recent cases involve children under five. Emergency Services Department director Dr. Jim Ireland said several cases involve toddlers who mistake the gummies for candy one call in early 2026 was for a two-year-old. Advertisement Advertisement Those are unintentional overdoses where the kids think theyre candy, often toddlers, and get a hold of them, and they may have alterations in consciousness, meaning theyre confused, theyre super tired, Dr. Ireland said. And so these symptoms which could even lead in rare cases to coma and seizures are very concerning. Dr. Jim Ireland, Honolulu Emergency Services Department director Doctors said the products may look harmless, but they can have serious effects on small children. Pediatrician Dr. Theresa Wee said the key is making sure children understand that they are not snacks. They need to tell children, this is not candy, Dr. Wee said. I think you just need to talk with the kids and just keep it out of their reach, or lock your cabinets and put it high up. Legal experts said parents can face consequences from overdose incidents, but charges will only be filed if there is proof they knowingly distributed the drug to a minor. Advertisement Advertisement To distribute means to sell, transfer, prescribe, give, deliver to another, or leave with another, said defense attorney Megan Kau. If the government cannot prove the knowingly element, then the parent will not be charged. EMS said the pace of cases in 2026 is what is raising the biggest concern. Officials responded to 13 THC gummy overdose calls involving minors in 2024 that rose to 18 calls in 2025. But so far in 2026, and this is whats most concerning, is weve already had eight cases this year and four of them have been under five years old and one of them was a six-year-old, Dr. Ireland said. Thats really concerning for us. If that pace keeps up, that will approach almost 50 patients for the year. Dr. Ireland said the best way to prevent these emergencies is to store THC products in a secure place that is locked up and out of reach of children. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Sri Lanka has taken control of an Iranian naval vessel off its coast, a day after the US sank an Iranian warship in the same waters, in an attack that killed at least 87 people. The vessel, the Irins Bushehr, had requested on Wednesday to dock at one of Sri Lanka's ports as one of its engines had malfunctioned. Some 208 members of the vessel have been evacuated. Sri Lanka allowed it to dock at a north-eastern port after hours of discussion, with its president saying they would "never hesitate to protect humanity". Advertisement Advertisement The South Asian country has stressed its neutrality, saying it would take no sides as it finds itself caught in the middle of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. "Our position has been to safeguard our neutrality while demonstrating our humanitarian values," President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in a statement. "[Sri Lanka] intervened in a way that demonstrated our commitment to international conventions, protecting the reputation and dignity of our country, and protecting human lives," he said on Thursday. His statements come after an American submarine on Wednesday torpedoed the Iris Dena about 44 nautical miles (81km) off Sri Lanka's southern coast. Advertisement Advertisement The frigate, which was carrying about 180 crew, was part of a multinational naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal. Sri Lanka lies in the Indian Ocean, southeast of India and southwest of the Bay of Bengal. The sinking of the Iris Dena marked an escalation in the widening Middle East conflict. Some 208 members of the Irins Bushehr have been evacuated [Supplied] Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi called it an "atrocity at sea" and said the US would "bitterly regret" the attack. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth touted it as an example of America's military prowess, claiming it was "the first sinking of an enemy ship by a torpedo since World War Two". Advertisement Advertisement While it is the first time since 1945 that an American submarine has sunk an enemy ship this way, the UK and Pakistan have both sunk vessels using torpedoes since then. The Iris Dena was one of about 20 Iranian navy vessels destroyed since Israel and the US launched co-ordinated strikes on Iran over the weekend. And on Thursday, the Iris Bushehr requested permission from Sri Lanka to come into port, citing engine issues. Dissanayake eventually allowed it to dock at the port of Trincomalee, though the vessel was near the country's main commercial port in Colombo. He added that there was a risk of the country's maritime industry being "adversely affected", should the ship have docked in Colombo. Advertisement Advertisement The crew members of the Irins Bushehr, including 53 officers, 84 cadet officers, 48 senior sailors and 23 sailors, will be brought to Colombo. As of Thursday, Sri Lanka's navy is also still searching through its waters for crew members of the Iris Dena who are still missing. The 32 survivors from the Iris Dena are now being treated at a hospital in Galle for serious injuries. Sri Lanka has maintained a long-standing policy of non-alignment since it became independent in 1948. It has strong economic and diplomatic ties with both Iran and the US. Sri Lanka had bought $250 million worth of crude oil from Iran and is paying back through monthly exports of tea. The US, on the other hand, is the primary destination for Sri Lankan garment and apparel. Sri Lanka began offloading 208 crew members from a second Iranian vessel a day after 87 people were killed and several others were still missing following a U.S. submarine strike on an Iranian warship in the same region. "After detailed discussions with all parties, Sri Lanka has decided to assist the Iranian vessel," Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told reporters at a press briefing in Colombo, Reuters reported. Among the crew members being offloaded the ship, which is near the port of Colombo, were 53 officials, 84 cadets, 48 senior sailors and 23 sailors, Dissanayake said. Advertisement Advertisement Iran Starts Indiscriminate Strikes Across Gulf Of Oman, Hits Shadow Tanker Tied To Regime Iranian warship IRIS Dena is seen in the Bay of Bengal. (AP Images) The Iranian ship, the IRIS Dena, was sunk Wednesday off Sri Lanka's coast in the Indian Ocean. Officials there have dispatched two freezers to store 87 bodies recovered at sea. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the ship was "effectively neutralized" in a Navy "fast attack" using a single Mark 48 torpedo. He added that the U.S. Navy achieved "immediate effect, sending the warship to the bottom of the sea." Trump Oversees Us Strikes On Iran From Mar-a-lago, Speaks With Netanyahu: Wh Read On The Fox News App An injured Iranian sailor is moved on a stretcher at Galle National Hospital, where the sailors are receiving treatment, following a submarine attack on the Iranian military ship, IRIS Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka, in Galle, Sri Lanka, March 5, 2026. Iran contends the ship was sunk in international waters without warning. Advertisement Advertisement "The U.S. will bitterly regret the precedent it has set," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on X. Iran has asked Sri Lanka to assist with the repatriation of the bodies. Sri Lankan officials said the Dena was on its way home after taking part in a naval exercise organized by India in the Bay of Bengal from Feb. 18 to 25. Healthcare workers unload the bodies of Iranian sailors from a vehicle who died when their IRIS Dena warship sank outside Sri Lanka's territorial waters, in Galle, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Search and rescue operations would continue for an estimated 10 people who remain unaccounted for, they said. Editor's note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that US forces had sunk a second Iranian ship off the coast of Sri Lanka. Original article source: Sri Lanka offloads 208 crew members from second Iranian ship a day after US strike sinks frigate Robinhoods new Platinum credit card offers travel and dining perks but how does it stack up against the legacy American Express Platinum card? - MarketWatch/Robinhood, American Express Investing platform Robinhood HOOD is taking aim at the premium credit-card market with the launch of a $695-a-year Platinum credit card, an attempt to compete in the premium-rewards cards space long dominated by American Express AXP, Chase JPM and Capital One COF. The card leans into exclusivity. It is plated with 99.9% pure platinum and is marketed as invite-only, though anyone can request access on Robinhoods website. Any cash back earned through spending on the card can be redeemed for either a statement credit or cash, which can then be reinvested through Robinhood brokerage accounts. Most Read from MarketWatch Robinhood says the card is designed to appeal to customers who already use its investing platform, which was launched in 2013 and targets younger, newbie investors. The company designed the card for a new generation of customers whove grown up with Robinhood and whose financial needs have evolved, Robinhood product communications manager Ally Liss told MarketWatch. The big question for points enthusiasts is whether a financial-technology company best known for commission-free stock trading can break into one of the most lucrative corners of the credit-card market and whether Robinhoods Platinum offering gives users more bang for the buck than Amex and others. From the archives (Sept. 2025): Is the revamped American Express Platinum card worth the $895 fee? This new perk may seal the deal. Early reactions from credit-card experts suggest the answer may depend on how often customers already use Robinhoods investing platform. The Robinhood card has a lower annual fee, and those who use the Robinhood platform regularly may prefer this card, said Ryan Smith, a managing editor at travel-rewards research company Upgraded Points. However, in terms of rewards flexibility and perks available, Amex clearly wins. American Express did not provide comment by the time of publication. Heres how the Robinhood Platinum Card stacks up against the American Express Platinum Card, one of the first loyalty rewards cards that debuted in 1984. Annual fee The Robinhood Platinum comes with a $695 price tag, while the Amex annual fee is significantly higher, at $895. Both companies justify charging hundreds of dollars a year by offering thousands of dollars worth of perks that customers can redeem to cover travel, dining out and other higher-end lifestyle expenses. Sri Lanka has brought more than 200 sailors ashore from an Iranian ship after one of its engines failed, days after the US sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. The 204 sailors of the IRIS Bushehr have been brought to the Welisara Naval Base near the capital, Colombo. Around 15 others remain onboard, with Sri Lankan naval personnel for assistance. It is the second time in as many days that Sri Lanka been dragged into the fallout from the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. On Wednesday, the US sank the IRIS Dena off Sri Lanka's coast, as it made its way back from naval exercises where it had been participating alongside more than 70 other countries, including the US. Advertisement Advertisement The Sri Lankan navy said it had recovered 87 bodies and rescued 32 people from the sinking ship. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. The Sri Lankan navy rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 bodies from the Dena. Sri Lankas retired former foreign secretary said the country had acted responsibly and impartially by responding to the Bushehr's distress call on Thursday evening. "Sri Lanka, as a party to the Law of Sea and The Hague Convention, had no option but to do what it did by mounting a humanitarian operation to provide assistance to save lives and provide medical care to the affected," H.M.G.S. Palihakkara said. Advertisement Advertisement "You could not have ignored the distress call. Even the attacking powers cannot leave shipwrecked sailors dying. That is the law, Palihakkara said. Two Iranian sailors rescued from IRIS Dena warship are escorted in Sri Lanka Credit: AP Iranian sailors onboard the ship have been interpreting operational instructions, manuals and logs for their Sri Lankan counterparts, and it will be taken to the port of Trincomalee in the east of the country, he said. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said authorities had decided to take control of the Bushehr after discussions with Iranian officials and the ships captain about the engine failure. We have to understand that this is not an ordinary situation. Its a request by a ship belonging to one party to enter into our port," he told journalists. Advertisement Advertisement "We have to consider that according to the international treaties and conventions." Sri Lanka was guided by neutrality while seeking to uphold humanitarian principles, Dissanayake added. He posted on X on Friday: No civilian should die in wars. Our approach is that every single life is as precious as our own." Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Dena had been carrying "almost 130 members of crew when it was attacked, calling the sinking an atrocity at sea". "The US will come to bitterly regret the precedent it has set, Araghchi wrote on social media. Reporting History sees journalists join News At Ten anchor Tom Bradby to revisit their remarkable on-the-day reports of the defining events of the modern age. Listen to the episodes below... No price tags. No cash registers. No money needed. Thats what shoppers expect at a novel new store coming to Upstate New York, where everything on the shelves will be free. The Free Store is slated to move into an empty Rite Aid in Troy, about 8 miles north of Albany in the Capital Region, in a few months, according to WTEN. The shop will be the second Free Store location opened by Free Store Mission Inc., a non-profit based in Vermont, the Times Union reported. The organizations first Free Store is at 401 Main St. in Bennington, Vermont, about 32 miles from Troy. Advertisement Advertisement The new Free Store will set up shop in the former Rite Aid at 272 Hoosick St., a 14,600-square-foot building that has been empty since June 2025, the Times Union reported. It will be modeled after the non-profits flagship store in Vermont. The Free Stores shelves are stocked with clothes, accessories, decorations, pet supplies, kitchen gear and other items donated by the public. Shoppers can take home up to 25 items per week, WTEN reported. As rising prices continue to strain the budgets of residents across America, the Free Store counted 4,400 families among its customers in 2025, Free Store Mission Inc. board president Joyce Lloyd told WTEN. Ive seen it in my own family, she said. You know, I never thought that people, my family, would be wanting to go to a food bank because childcare, medical expenses, rent, everything just is overwhelming. Advertisement Advertisement While no exact opening date has been set yet, Lloyd told the Times Union she expects Troys Free Store to open in late spring or early summer. The Free Stores organizers are seeking corporate sponsors and looking for volunteers to help run the new store. Anyone interested in volunteering can call (802) 379-3402 or email freestore05201@gmail.com. More in Upstate New York news Read the original article on syracuse.com. Add syracuse.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) Wanda Sobieski is the driving force behind efforts to build the largest womens suffrage museum in the country in Knoxville. She has made it her mission to educate everyone about Tennessees critical role in the passage of the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote. The process for a museum began with the womens suffrage statue in Market Square, followed by the statue of Harry and Febb Burn outside the East Tennessee History Center. Harry was the 36th vote in favor of the 19th Amendment allowing women the right to vote. Originally, he had planned to vote no, but his mother, Febb, stepped in. Sobieski, the president of the Suffrage Coalition, has dedicated her life to sharing the story. Advertisement Advertisement It really is a story of a mothers devotion and wisdom and a sons conscience, and she was able to bring him to his conscience at just the right time, actually, the morning of the vote, said Sobieski. Stories of Knoxville voter history celebrate 100 years of womens suffrage The statue led to an important discovery. In the process, we located a lot of original artifacts over 1000 original suffrage artifacts and so obviously we need to find a way to make the story more permanent. And the best way we could think of to do it was with the museum, and itll be not just the museum but an event center and a cultural center, said Sobieski. Advertisement Advertisement Sobieski is the driving force behind what will be the largest womens suffrage museum in the country. We plan to start construction on the very first of 2027 and open in the spring of 2028. And it will not be just this building with the sign, but the building next door to it that we have under contract. Were fundraising right now to purchase it, said Sobieski. Knoxville restaurant owner dedicates time to supporting the community If you take a look at the site on the 700 block of Gay Street in Downtown Knoxville, youll notice colorful depictions from the suffragist movement designed to educate and add a splash of color. Advertisement Advertisement Sobieski had this advice for young women who want to make a difference: You just never give up and you never think small. Think of what youd like the world to really be like, what you would like to really happen, and get started on it, said Sobieski. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side. STOWE, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) A very small resident of Stowe is recovering from injuries at a facility. According to Stowe responders, the firefighters came across the owl on Wednesday outside the station, and it appeared injured and unable to fly. Firefighters were able to pick it up, put it in a comfortable container, and drive it to a bird rescue facility. Hopefully, it will be able to return to the wild some day soon. Advertisement Advertisement Many finches migrating south to VT, NY this winter The owl appears to be a barred owl, one of the most common species of owl in Vermont. (Courtesy: Stowe Public Safety Agencies) (Courtesy: Stowe Public Safety Agencies) Calls for help come in many forms, and yesterday our crew was happy to lend a hand or wing to one of Vermonts local residents, said Stowe Fire Rescue. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. A mother who was stranded in Egypt while her baby remained in Dubai has spoken of her relief at being reunited with her daughter. Jersey-born Robyn Baker moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2022 but had travelled to Egypt for a three-day work trip before conflict engulfed the region. When the airspace around Dubai closed, she was trapped in Egypt with no idea when she would be able to return home. "The hardest part is I sleep with the baby monitor on when I'm travelling... I expect to be woken up to the sound of her crying and needing her nappy changed... but I'm being woken up by the sound of missiles... and I'm not there." Following days of cancelled and rescheduled flights, Ms Baker returned to Dubai on Wednesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement "It was only when I got on the plane and they took off, it sunk in that I was still in for a chance of getting home. However, I still wasn't convinced," she said. "I couldn't look out of the window. I booked an aisle seat for that reason. I was shaking. I didn't want to know where we were and what countries we were flying over." "So that feeling of the unknown was very, very scary. But again, the excitement of getting closer and closer to my daughter got me through it for sure." Ms Baker said the moment she was reunited with her daughter "didn't feel real". Advertisement Advertisement "The feeling of knocking on the door and opening it and her walking up to me, I can't even explain it. It's something that will stay with me forever. I just held her so tight and all of a sudden, as soon as I had her in my arms, I felt complete. I felt whole." Having returned home, she said she felt safe in Dubai for the time being. "It's been very calm since I've arrived, I don't feel the need to leave in an urgent rush," Ms Baker said. "A lot of people are going about their daily lives normally being very positive. There is just a sense of the unknown, like nobody knows how this is going to go, if it's going to continue to get better and calmer, or if it escalates. Advertisement Advertisement "But of course, if it does escalate I would look at my options and reconsider whether or not this is somewhere I will continue to live. But for now, it's my home and I do feel safe now that I'm here." Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Mar. 6Graham Linam wants to know how fluctuating winter temperatures impact rough-legged hawk sightings in Montana. The idea came to the 10-year-old in December, when he saw the bird of prey listed on the 2025 Bigfork Christmas Bird Count. "I thought that winter temperatures might affect the migration of rough-legged hawks," Graham said. He dove into research, using the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Park Service as his references, and ran data through Gemini 3.1 to scan for significant trends. "My hypothesis was that higher winter temperatures negatively correlate with rough-legged hawk numbers," Graham said. "But this chart proves I could have been wrong." One hundred and seventy students packed into Glacier Gateway Elementary's gymnasium in Columbia Falls on Thursday for the Flathead County Science Fair. Every year, the fair draws in third- through 12th-grade students from across the valley, challenging them to explore an array of topics using the scientific method or engineering design process. Do animals have a favorite color? Does music shape your memory? Is sand a conductor of electricity? To that last question, Edgerton Elementary School third grader Claire Hensley, 8, discovered sand needs water to carry an electric current. Her experiment included an electric stick and three plastic tubs one filled with water, one with wet sand and one with dry sand. "Always check the weather before going to the beach," was Claire's advice. Eighth-grade student Madelyn Lee said she aspires to be a lawyer one day. For her project, she tested what kind of dust most accurately captures a fingerprint. She hypothesized it would be graphite, but discovered magnetic powder provided the clearest copy of a fingerprint. "I feel like I should have done it more times," Madelyn said, adding she overall felt confident about her project. A team of 70 volunteer judges scored the presentations based on thoroughness, presentation and originality. Judy Scallen, who is in her sixth year of judging, said the future is in good hands. She's always impressed by the originality of the science projects and how excited kids are when presenting. "They're bright," Scallen said. "They have cool things that you wouldn't learn if you were sitting at home." Judge Marshall Fladager works at Applied Materials and loves to come out to support the kids. This is his second year judging at the science fair. "These kids are inquisitive, and they think about stuff I don't think about," he said. "It's really cool." Jess Hensley, who sits on the Flathead County Science Fair Committee, said she doesn't know of any other Montana county that hosts a science fair. She's been on the committee for eight years and works hard to keep it going. "It's super important and valuable," Hensley said, who also runs the Edgerton Elementary School Science Fair. "We're pretty passionate about trying to keep it afloat." Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected]. Eighth-grade student Madelyn Lee displays the results of her experiment on fingerprint dusts at the annual Flathead County Science Fair at Glacier Gateway Elementary on March 5, 2026. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake) Tom Ritzdorf, from Flathead Steam Alliance, judges a science project at the Flathead County Science Fair at Glacier Gateway Elementary on March 5. (Hannah Shields/Daily Inter Lake) "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Heres what youll learn when you read this story: A new study reveals that remnants of the Y-chromosomal lineage attributed to Genghis Khan were found in a set of medieval mausoleums in Kazakstan. The tombs have (in local lore) been attributed to Jochi, the eldest son of Genghis Khan, though this connection has never been confirmed. Jochis parentage has actually been a subject of debate for centurieshis own younger brother allegedly believed Jochi had been fathered by a Merkit kidnapper. This story is a collaboration with Biography.com. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a good chance that at some point in your life, youve come across the factoid that one in every 200 people is descended from Genghis Khan. It is a perennial internet favorite, but like many facts on the internet, it leaves a bevy of questions in its wake. Most particularly: How, exactly, do we know this? The stat stems from a 2003 study that identified a Y-chromosomal lineage when surveying 16 different populations throughout Asia. 8% of the men in this region carry it, the study said, and it thus makes up 0.5% of the world total. But the Genghis Khan connection came not from any direct DNA analysisit was merely inferred after the researchers found that the pattern of variation within the lineage suggested that it originated in Mongolia 1,000 years ago. In the decades since, no one has been able to directly tie this Y-chromosomal lineage to Genghis Khan through archeological evidence. That is, until now. In a new study, a team of archeologists and geneticists from Japan, Kazakstan, and the U.S. suggests that they may have found the DNA of one of Genghis Khans direct descendants in a pair of medieval mausoleums. Advertisement Advertisement The collection of tombs were located in Ulitau region of Kazakhstanan area once dominated by a division of the Mongol Empire known as the Golden Horde. This subdivision, which commanded the western wing of the empire, was overseen by the descendants of Khans eldest son, Jochi, who lived from roughly 1182 to 1225 C.E. Local tradition had long held that one of the mausoleums analyzed in this new study was, in fact, the final resting place of Jochi himself. While the analysts couldnt conclusively prove who was buried there, they were able to identify a common ancestor of all three of the men buried in the mausoleums. The trio all carried the haplogroup C3 Y-chromosome signaturethe same signature that the aforementioned 2003 study found was in 0.5 percent of the population and attributed to Genghis Khan. This Y-chromosome lineage indicated that those buried in the mausoleums bore the genetic signature of the Mongols, as opposed to the genetic makeup of the Kipchak Turks native to the region. There are reasons to question whether or not the mausoleum holds the remains of Jochi himselfradiocarbon dating indicates that the burials occurred after the time Jochi is believed to have died, for one, and it is known that Mongol tradition preferred secret graves to grand resting places like these. However, if one of these three men was Jochi, the presence of this shared Y-chromosome lineage could not only provide further confirmation that haplogroup C3 stems from Genghis Khan, but could clear up a centuries-old controversy regarding Genghis Khans descendants. Jochi was born to Borte Ujin, the first wife of Genghis Khan. However, shortly after the two wed, she was kidnapped by members of the Merkit tribe in an act of revenge against Khan. Khan ultimately rescued his wife, who (as stories have suggested) may have been forcibly married to, and subsequently sexually assaulted by, a member of the Merkit tribea story perpetuated in the oldest surviving work of Mongolic language literature, Secret History of the Mongols. Advertisement Advertisement Jochi was born in the aftermath of this ordeal, and though Genghis Khan treated him without hesitation as his eldest son, the possibility that Jochi might have been fathered by a kidnapper created tension amidst other descendantsparticularly younger brother Chagatai. Jochi was originally seen as the heir to Genghis Khan, but if he was illegitimate, Chagatai was presumably next in line. The infighting between the two siblings would ultimately result in both being excluded from the order of succession in favor of younger brother Ogedei. So, if one of the men in Jochis mausoleum really is the Mongol prince, not only have these researchers confirmed the Y-chromosome lineage of Genghis Khan discussed on the internet for decades, theyve also resolved a parentage dispute that has raged over centuries. You Might Also Like Police have identified a suspect in a fatal shooting outside a convenience store in Northeast Philadelphia. Michael White, 23, is currently wanted on an active arrest warrant for the murder of 35-year-old Vaswani Brown. White, who stands 5'11" tall and weighs about 250 pounds, should be considered armed and dangerous, police say. The shooting happened just after 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Investigators said White and Brown were seen on surveillance arguing inside the Fresh Mini Market at Summerdale and Magee avenues. Advertisement Advertisement The altercation spilled outside, with White allegedly opening fire as Brown got into his SUV. Brown was rushed to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he later died. Police found a gun belonging to the victim at the shooting scene. Anyone with information can call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online. Editor's note: The story has been updated with the latest details. Seven staff members of a state-owned Ukrainian bank detained by Hungary have been released and crossed the Ukrainian border, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced on March 6. Oschadbank employees were detained by Hungarian authorities on March 5 on suspicion of money laundering, Hungary's tax and customs authority said. They were passing through Hungary from Austria to Ukraine while operating two bank cars, carrying $40 million, 35 million euros, and 9 kilograms of gold. Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine has blasted the move as "hostage-taking" and "state terrorism," fueling tension in already-strained Hungarian-Ukrainian relations. "At the moment, they are already safe and have crossed the Ukrainian border," Ukraine's foreign minister said. "Our consuls have provided them with the necessary assistance." Prior to their release, Sybiha has urged a response from European partners to "the Hungarian government's lawlessness" and accused Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban of dragging Ukraine into his election campaign. Sybiha also warned Kyiv could retaliate with sanctions and "other restrictive measures." What Ukraine says Throughout March 6, Ukraine has accused Budapest of withholding information about the detainees and preventing consular access. Advertisement Advertisement Sybiha said Ukraine was not given an explanation for their detention, adding that Kyiv has sent an "official note" demanding their release. Hungary's tax and customs authority contradicted Ukraine's statements, claiming it had notified the Ukrainian consular service immediately and received no response. "We are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money. If this is the 'force' announced earlier today by Mr. Orban, then this is the force of a criminal gang. This is state terrorism and racketeering," Sybiha wrote, referring to Orban's earlier comments. In connection with the incident, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry warned Ukrainian citizens to avoid traveling to Hungary for safety reasons. We demand answers from Ukraines leadership! Photos show the so-called Ukrainian gold convoy operation. Hungarian authorities detained seven Ukrainian nationals including a former intelligence general who were transporting $40 million, 35 million and 9 kg of gold pic.twitter.com/PWUm82lqoE Balazs Orban (@BalazsOrban_HU) March 6, 2026 A Hungarian charge d'affaires in Kyiv was summoned by the ministry to explain the legal grounds for the detention of Ukrainian citizens. Advertisement Advertisement "Hungary taking seven Ukrainians hostage in a method reminiscent of the 1990s era Moscow would be a bit surprising if it hadn't come just a few days after the Orban entourage's visit to the Kremlin," Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko commented. Similarly, Sybiha noted he sees "Russian handwriting" in the incident, drawing attention to a recent visit by Hungarian officials to Moscow. "We saw hints a few days before this incident that some kind of provocation was being prepared," he told reporters, adding that representatives of Ukraine's banking sector are briefing EU and U.S. envoys on the situation. The Ukrainian police initiated criminal proceedings regarding a possible kidnapping or deprivation of liberty and reached out to Europol, the EU's law enforcement agency, and to Hungarian authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Not acceptable EU rebukes Zelensky over Orban threat Oschadbank said in a statement that the vehicles' GPS tracker shows the cars were located in central Budapest. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) also issued a statement, demanding the immediate release of the detained employees. The banks have dispatched their representatives to Budapest to clarify the situation. Hungary's accusations Hungary's Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, who met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow earlier this week, demanded "immediate answers from Kyiv regarding large cash shipments passing through Hungary." Advertisement Advertisement Hungarian authorities have raised suspicions over the sums being transported physically rather than by bank transfers. Hungary's top diplomat even hinted at a "possible link to the Ukrainian war mafia," without providing evidence. According to Budapest, over $900 million, 420 million euros, and 146 kilograms of gold have moved through Hungary toward Ukraine since January. In its later statement, Oschadbank retorted that foreign currency and bank metals have been transported exclusively by land since the full-scale war began. Similar trips are being carried out weekly under an appropriate license by Ukrainian authorities, the bank said. Watch the moment the Ukrainian gold convoy was stopped. In the video: armored cash vehicles carrying $40M, 35M and 9 kg of gold through Hungary toward Ukraine. Among those detained was a former Ukrainian intelligence general. This is not an ordinary transfer. Since pic.twitter.com/LpMfQvlK71 Balazs Orban (@BalazsOrban_HU) March 6, 2026 The status of the transported cash and gold is unknown, according to the bank. Advertisement Advertisement "At the moment, official sources from the Hungarian side have not provided a clear classification of violations confirmed by documents against Ukrainian citizens," NBU head Andrii Pyshnyi commented. The deportation of the Ukrainian citizens "means that no criminal cases have been opened against them," he added. According to Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs, the detainees included a former general of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and a former Air Force major. The Kyiv Independent has reached out to Ukrainian intelligence services for comment. Read also: Trailing in polls, Orban goes all-in on Ukraine Context of Hungary-Ukraine rift The fresh accusations come amid growing strain between Kyiv and Budapest, one of the EU's most Moscow-friendly governments, over disruptions to Russian oil transit to the country. Advertisement Advertisement The Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia, has been offline since late January after a Russian strike damaged energy infrastructure in western Ukraine, according to Kyiv. Budapest and Bratislava accused Ukraine of deliberately halting transit and demanded access to the pipeline. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the pipeline could be restored within a month and a half, though he did not endorse its resumption. With no agreement in sight, Orban warned on March 5 that he would use "political and financial tools" to "force" the reopening of the Druzhba pipeline. His government has already blocked the EU's 20th package of sanctions against Moscow and a 90-billion ($105 billion) loan for Kyiv. Amid the conflict, Zelensky hinted he would give Orban's "address" to Ukrainian soldiers, a comment seen as a veiled threat that drew rebuke from Hungary and the EU. Advertisement Advertisement Analysts link Orban's confrontational rhetoric toward Ukraine to Hungary's upcoming parliamentary elections in April. The ruling Fidesz party trails the opposition Tisza party in polls. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Lawmakers in both chambers promised that education was going to be one of the biggest priorities this session. They focused on different reforms and took different paths, but one of the few things that united them all was a pay raise for teachers. Ten legislators in the House and Senate proposed at least 16 bills to raise teacher salaries. Every one of those bills died by the time the March 3 deadline rolled around. Most of the bills came from the House, where representatives proposed varying amounts for different teachers. The Senate's main version, which proposed a $2,000 pay raise for all assistant teachers, teachers and college professors, died quietly in the House education committee on March 3. Advertisement Advertisement Legislators had more than enough options at their disposal to agree on a teacher pay raise that worked for both chambers. But, after the Senate education committee dispensed of the House's school choice bill, teacher pay raises were lost to political crossfire. Speaker Jason White, R-West, shown here on the first day of the 2026 legislative session, championed universal school choice as his main priority for the session. His signature bill was killed unanimously by the Senate education committee. "We just feel completely heartbroken," said Joy Simmons, a middle school teacher in Brandon. Simmons came to the Capitol in mid-February to speak with legislators and advocate for a teacher pay raise. "We were very hopeful that members of the House and Senate would be able to put their differences aside and come together for Mississippi teachers like they said they would," Simmons said in a March 4 interview. "I see now that that was clearly too much to ask for." The death of school choice: MS Senate committee kills House school choice package in just 90 seconds Advertisement Advertisement Simmons used to work at a charter school in Florida, she said, and the school choice bill didn't sound like a horrible idea to her. Regardless, she said, she understood why the senators shot it down and thought that both chambers could move past it to target some of the issues that she felt had unanimous support. "You can be for school choice or against it, but you, as an adult, have to be able to put your hurt and frustration in your back pocket and look to the future," she said. "But people acted out of spite to kill all of the teacher pay raises and the UPSKILL bill, and now we're all worse off for it." The UPSKILL bill Simmons pointed to as another casualty of the political divide between the House and Senate came from Sen. Nicole Boyd, R-Oxford. The bill would have allowed adults to pursue tuition-free higher education at community college programs that correspond to workforce shortages. Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann told an audience at a pre-session event in Jackson that free adult education in community colleges was near the top of his priority list. The initiative, which Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann identified as one of his legislative priorities before the start of the session, breezed through the Senate in early February. It died without discussion in the House accountability, efficiency and transparency committee on the March 3 deadline. Advertisement Advertisement There is still hope for the bill's provisions, Boyd said, because she inserted its language into a similar House bill when she saw that her original bill wasn't going to survive. Boyd now faces an uphill battle trying to get the chamber on board with the UPSKILL program. Two major House education bills were left on the Senate cutting room floor: the school choice bill championed by Speaker Jason White and the Mississippi Open to Religion Act. The "Open to Religion Act": MS House passes bill requiring time for prayer in public schools The Open to Religion bill would have required public schools to designate a period for students and staff to gather in prayer every day. Representatives discussed whether the bill was necessary and legal when it was up for debate on the floor in February, and it passed by a comfortable margin. Advertisement Advertisement It was sent to the Senate, where an identical version of the bill had died in the education committee. The Houses version, despite being sent to a different committee, died on the March 3 deadline. One of the education bills that is still alive is a House bill that would earmark state dollars to help subsidize the cost of hiring school resource officers. The goal of the bill, said its sponsor Rep. Trey Lamar, R-Senatobia, would be to put an officer on each school campus in Mississippi. A Senate version of the bill was sent to the education committee and died on Feb. 3. Lamars bill is classified as a revenue bill, meaning he has until March 17 to solicit enough Senate support to push the bill through the committee and onto the chamber floor for a full vote. This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Teacher pay raise bills die in Mississippi Legislature Robinhood (HOOD) wants to capture the next generation of investors before they can crawl. Speaking directly to President Trump at a White House summit regarding the "Trump Accounts" Initiative, Robinhood CEO Vladimir Tenev said the trading platform is "ready to support the program." The company possesses the "resources and people that can do whatever is necessary to make the program a success," he added. That proposal envisions a government-funded investment account for every newborn in the US. Proponents, including Altimeter Capital's Brad Gerstner and Michael Dell, argue that the initiative will give every American a stake in the capitalist system from birth. For Robinhood, this government-mandated expansion would signal a massive boost to its potential user base. Read more: These are all the companies pledging matching funds to Trump accounts Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev rings the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Friday, March 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) ASSOCIATED PRESS The "Trump Accounts" initiative functions as a form of "baby bonds." Under the plan, every child born between 2025 and 2028 is eligible for a $1,000 seed investment contribution. The program, also often described as "Invest America," is slated to launch in July. While the policy aims for societal buy-in, the practical reality is a windfall for the platforms that host these accounts. By positioning itself as a primary partner, Robinhood is attempting to secure a lifelong pipeline of customers. However, the CEO's optimism comes at a complicated moment for the Menlo Park-based brokerage. Even as Tenev pledges "whatever is necessary" to support national initiatives, the firm's latest attempt to capture retail excitement hit a snag. On Friday, the firm priced its Robinhood Ventures Fund (RVI), a closed-end fund designed to give everyday investors access to private pre-IPO giants like Stripe (STRI.PVT) and Databricks (DATB.PVT). While the fund aims to democratize high-growth private assets, the market's appetite was cooler than anticipated. Robinhood raised approximately $658.4 million, a significant sum, but well short of its original $1 billion target. The fund, which now trades on the New York Stock Exchange, arrives at a time when similar vehicles face scrutiny for trading at discounts to their net asset value. This juxtaposition captures the current Robinhood zeitgeist. The company is chasing a cradle-to-grave ecosystem, evidenced by its support of government-funded accounts for infants. Its simultaneously launching an invite-only $695 annual Platinum Card for the affluent. Tenev frames this as a win for society, suggesting that turning every newborn into an investor is "good for the individual [and] good for society." As communities concerns grow over rising electricity prices and the environmental effects of data centers, some local and state officials want to halt development of the facilities. Lawmakers in at least 11 states Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin have introduced legislation this session that would temporarily ban data centers, according to Good Jobs First, a watchdog group that focuses on economic development incentives. While some of the measures would establish an indefinite moratorium, others would ban new data centers for several years. The Vermont measure, for example, would ban new data center projects through July 2030. Advertisement Advertisement The New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma and Vermont bills would also require state agencies to study the impacts of data centers on local economies, the environment and more. Over the past month, state lawmakers in Pennsylvania and Minnesota have also announced plans to introduce moratoriums on data center development. A handful of the bills have stalled as some state legislatures near the end of their 2026 session. A bill in South Dakota, for example, was tabled by the Senate State Affairs Committee last month after failing to pass. Likewise, Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has said that she opposes any effort to block data center development, according to the Michigan Advance. Advertisement Advertisement While no states have successfully enacted a moratorium, several cities and counties have banned new data center projects over the past year. In August, St. Charles, Missouri, became one of the first cities in the nation to ban data center construction for a year. Last year, three counties in Indiana also suspended data center developments. This week, Fulton County, Indiana, did the same, with a temporary ban that will be in effect for the next year. DeKalb County, Georgia, has also pushed off new developments through June 2026. But proposals to ban data centers have fizzled out in other local communities. After Hood County, Texas, received a letter from a state senator threatening legal action and saying that the county did not have the authority to issue a moratorium, commissioners rejected a proposal to ban new data center projects, according to The Texas Tribune. Beyond moratoriums, state and local leaders are hoping to pass data center regulations to protect consumers from rising utility bills and prevent states from losing millions of dollars through tax breaks. Stateline reporter Madyson Fitzgerald can be reached at mfitzgerald@stateline.org. Texas Republican congressman Tony Gonzales has dropped his re-election bid after admitting an affair, which he had previously denied, with a staff member who died by suicide. The decision comes after the most senior members of his party in Congress released a statement calling for him to end his campaign. "After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election," he said in a statement posted to X. Advertisement Advertisement It also comes as lawmakers prepare an ethics investigation into Gonzales, and days after he failed to convince voters to back him for the party's nomination ahead of the mid-term congressional elections. On Thursday, the Republican leadership in Congress said Gonzales should end his re-election campaign. "We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues," said a joint statement from Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer and congresswoman Lisa McClain. On Wednesday, the married father-of-six confirmed he had had a relationship with married staff member Regina Santos-Aviles. Advertisement Advertisement Gonzales had previously dismissed the allegations as "blackmail" and a "co-ordinated" attack to unseat him. Hours before his admission, the House Ethics Committee announced it was launching an investigation into whether Gonzales "engaged in sexual misconduct" towards one of his employees. Regina Santos-Aviles died in September 2025, after setting herself on fire near her home in Uvalde, Texas. The medical examiner ruled her death a suicide, according to the BBC's US partner CBS News. Gonzales told conservative podcaster Joe Pags in an interview released on Wednesday that Santos-Aviles' death had nothing to do with the affair, saying she was "thriving" at work. Advertisement Advertisement "I had absolutely nothing to do with her tragic passing," he said. "And, in fact, I was shocked just as much as everyone else." If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org. In the UK, a list of organisations that can help is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline. Readers in the US and Canada can call the 988 suicide helpline or visit its website. Around 10 million people had their data stolen when Transport for London (TfL) was hacked in 2024, the BBC has discovered, making it one of the biggest hacks in British history. At the time the company only disclosed that "some" customers had been affected, but has now confirmed that millions of people had their personal data taken. The cyber-attack, by hackers from the so-called Scattered Spider crime group, breached TfL's internal computer systems, disrupting its online services and causing 39m in damages. Advertisement Advertisement The hackers downloaded a database containing customer information - and by seeing a copy of the file BBC News has established the scale of the hack. TfL insisted to the BBC it has "kept customers informed throughout this incident and will continue to take all necessary action". The attack, which took place between late August and early September 2024, did not directly impact London transport but saw many TfL online services and information boards go offline. The trial of two British teenagers accused of carrying out the hack is set to begin in June. Millions of names The BBC was contacted by someone in the hacking community who obtained a copy of the full TfL database. Advertisement Advertisement It contains names, email addresses, home phone numbers, mobile phone numbers and physical addresses of an estimated 10 million people. The person, who did not reveal their identity, shared the database with the BBC so it could verify the data. The data, deleted by the BBC after viewing, contains millions of lines of names and personal details - including my own. In total it has nearly 15 million 'lines' of data, but some of these are thought to be duplicates. TfL has said it carried out a thorough investigation into the hack, but refused to give a precise figure for how many people were affected. Advertisement Advertisement Now, the organisation has admitted it sent emails to 7,113,429 customers with an email address registered to their TfL account to notify them of the incident. But it said the emails had a 58% open rate - suggesting millions of people impacted did not read the statutory notification or that those who, like myself, did not have an active email registered were not warned that criminals had their data. The risk to individuals remains low but being a victim of a data breach increases the likelihood of being targeted in scams and fraud attacks. Stolen databases are often traded or shared in hacker communities and forums. Advertisement Advertisement The person who shared the database with the BBC says they are not aware of the data being used to carry out any secondary attacks yet. Informing the public TfL said at the time of the incident it had identified about 5,000 customers at heightened risk because their Oyster card refund data may also have been accessed, which could include bank account numbers and sort codes. The company said "as a precautionary measure" it wrote to these people on email and by post offering support. "In addition, we publicised that information on customer names and contact details may have been taken - including email addresses and home addresses, where provided," a TfL spokesperson added. Advertisement Advertisement Some hacked companies do tell the public the full extent of data breaches, especially in other countries: In the Netherlands, telecoms firm Odido has been transparent in its response to an ongoing data extortion attack, saying six million customers are impacted In Japan, beer maker Asahi has explained exactly what data was stolen from around two million people during a ransomware attack In South Korea, e-commerce giant Coupang told the public 33 million customers had been affected and even offered vouchers as compensation. But companies falling victim to cyber-attacks in the UK are not legally required to publicly disclose the total number affected by breaches. Advertisement Advertisement Last year the Co-op admitted - when asked during a live TV interview on the BBC - that 6.5 million people were affected by its breach last spring. Neither Marks and Spencer nor Harrods have put a number on breaches occurring around the same time. Data protection and cyber security experts say not revealing this information does little to help the fight against cyber-crime. "After a breach it's essential that individuals are informed exactly what has happened to their data and what the potential risk might be to their privacy," says data protection consultant Carl Gottleib. He adds knowing the scale of the breach is important "as large datasets can be more valuable to attackers and more likely to be used in future fraud attempts". Advertisement Advertisement Security researcher Kevin Beaumont said informing the public of the scale of a breach was "the most basic requirement for transparency", adding UK regulation or the law should change to help victims of data theft. TfL was cleared by the UK's data watchdog, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), of any wrongdoing for the breach and its handling of the aftermath. The regulator has since told the BBC it was informed of the full extent of the TfL breach but ruled in February 2025 no further action was needed. The data protection watchdog said it "carefully examined the full circumstances of the incident," including the actions taken by TfL to notify victims. Advertisement Advertisement "Based on this, we concluded that formal regulatory action was not proportionate in this case. If TfL becomes aware of new information that changes the risk assessment or indicates harm to individuals, they are required to update us," an ICO spokesperson said. With the head of the Department of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, being fired by President Donald Trump, there are significant questions about the continuity of security for the United States. "This has been an unprecedented threat environment, not just for the Jewish community, but for the United States, following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran," said Michael Masters, national director and CEO of the Secure Community Network. SCN is a nonprofit that monitors threats against or near Jewish communities throughout the country. Advertisement Advertisement "On an average week, we are identifying several thousand violent posts directed towards the Jewish community. In the last six days, we've had an over 100% increase," Masters said. "The reality is we're also seeing not just those calls for violence, we're seeing people willing to answer that call." Masters pointed to the Iranian flag found on the body of the mass shooter in Austin, Texas. And while the FBI is investigating possible terrorism ties, it has not officially been linked to Iranian-backed terror organizations. That risk of retaliation by terrorists stateside is held against the backdrop of a major shift in the Department of Homeland Security, with its leader, Noem, fired by the president Thursday. "We know they've targeted U.S. officials. We know they have targeted foreign officials. We know they have attempted to undertake directed attacks or enabled attacks or inspired attacks here in the United States. We should be under no illusion that in their moments of desperation, they're going to try to accelerate all of those things," Masters said. Advertisement Advertisement Separately, the I-Team has learned some individuals in the Chicago area have now requested 24/7 private security after Iranian clerics issued fatwas calling on Muslims worldwide to avenge the killing of the ayatollah. "Every single day we are identifying threats of violence, threats to life, threats to maim or kill members of the Jewish community, threats to maim or kill American citizens that we take seriously," Masters said. "It has accelerated in recent weeks, is accelerated in recent years. It's not going to create a prohibition of living our lives, however." Masters said just days ago his team briefed the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and over a thousand members of law enforcement about the extraordinary increase in threats Secure Community Network is tracking. (Fixes typo in headline) SYDNEY, March 6 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that three Australian defence personnel were on board a United States submarine that sank an Iranian warship with a torpedo in the Indian Ocean, but stressed they did not take part in the attack. The strike, which occured off the southern coast of Sri Lanka this week, marked the first time since World War Two that the United States has sunk an enemy vessel with a torpedo. Sri Lankan authorities recovered the bodies of 87 sailors. Advertisement Advertisement * Albanese told Sky News the Australians were on board aspart of training linked to the AUKUS defence pact betweenAustralia, the U.S. and Britain, designed to help Australiaacquire and build nuclear-powered submarines. * No Australian personnel have participated in any offensiveaction against Iran, Albanese said. * "These are long-standing third country arrangements thathave been in place for a long period of time," Albanese said. * Australia, a close U.S. ally, has ruled out any militaryrole in the conflict, but has said it would support effortsaimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. * The conflict in the Middle East escalated on Thursday,with with U.S. and Israeli jets hitting multiple areas acrossIran, while Gulf cities came under renewed bombardment. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Michael Perry) Shorter and ultimately cheaper college degrees could be coming to some University of Wisconsin campuses. The UW Board of Regents approved revising a policy that previously mandated bachelor's degree programs be a minimum of 120 credits. The changes, unanimously endorsed without discussion during a March 5 meeting, now allow campuses to offer 90-credit degrees. A full-credit load for undergraduates is typically 12 to 18 credits a semester, so eliminating 30 credits can shave an entire year from a four-year degree. Advertisement Advertisement With college affordability a top concern for families, advocates say shorter degrees save students time and money. But critics believe reduced-credit programs leave students with less flexibility to explore disciplines, often cutting liberal arts courses from the shortened curriculum. "That's the tension, right?" Regent Jill Underly, the superintendent of the state Department of Public Instruction, said during a committee meeting preceding the full board vote. "We don't want to stifle innovation, but we also don't want to reduce the credibility, I suppose, of a UW bachelor's degree." More: Three-year college degrees are on the rise. Will Wisconsin schools embrace the new model? Reduced-credit programs popping up all over U.S. At least 70 institutions nationally either already offer three-year programs or are seeking approval, according to College-in-3, an organization advocating for three-year degrees and connecting interested campuses to resources. Advertisement Advertisement Mount Mary University said it was the first four-year institution in Wisconsin to offer reduced-credit degrees. It started with digital marketing and cybersecurity programs this spring. The Catholic women's school is adding more, with a bachelor's of social work launching in fall 2026. The movement took off in the past few years after regional accreditors signed on following decades of resistance. Accreditors act as a check on universities, approving new academic programs and ensuring institutions who offer students federal financial aid meet educational standards. The Higher Learning Commission, the regional accreditor for Wisconsin institutions, released new guidelines in 2024 for institutions seeking to launch reduced-credit bachelors degrees. The accreditor must approve the programs, a process that can take takes six to eight months, said Johannes Britz, the UW system vice president overseeing academics. Advertisement Advertisement What role the UW Board of Regents will play in the process was a source of confusion to members of the board's education committee during the March 5 meeting. Several said they wanted UW system officials to, at the very least, inform them of program changes. University of Pennsylvania professor Robert Zemsky co-founded College-in-3. He sees shorter programs as way to improve retention and winnow curriculum down to the skills students need to be career-ready. "We have fancy conversations about what students need to learn," he said in an interview last fall. "What do they need to be able to do?" Which UW campuses will offer three-year degrees? It's unclear at this point which University of Wisconsin institutions may offer reduced-credit degree programs. They are not required to do so. Advertisement Advertisement UW-Madison has not explored or discussed reduced-credit degrees, university spokesperson John Lucas said. Many students come to campus with a high number of Advanced Placement or other credits. The average time-to-degree for an undergraduate student is 3.78 years. UW-Milwaukee is listed as a member of College-in-3. The university said in a statement it was in the early stages of identifying which programs could be candidates, and it would take time to develop if they moved forward. UW-River Falls political science professor Neil Kraus said he hadn't heard of any plans for reduced-credit programs at his institution. He objected to the shorter degees, saying there are better ways to address cost concerns without devaluing higher education. He doubted someone with a three-year degree would win out against another job applicant who had a four-year degree, all other factors considered equal. "It's just kind of crazy that people who got four-year degrees are thinking it's OK to shortchange today's students and give them less of an education," he said. "It doesn't make sense at all." Advertisement Advertisement Kelly Meyerhofer has covered higher education in Wisconsin since 2018. Contact her at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Three-year college degrees could come to University of Wisconsin campuses On Nov. 13, 2022, Bryan Kohberger stabbed four University of Idaho students to death. He acted alone in the stabbings of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen. At the time of the crimes, Kohberger was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University. Suspect Arrested For The Murders Of Four University Of Idaho Students TikTok psychic immediately claimed to have solved the crime While authorities were scrambling to put together evidence to make an arrest and while an entire university campus mourned horrendous deaths, a self-proclaimed TikTok tarot psychic named Ashley Guillard began a tarot card-fueled smear campaign against a University of Idaho professor named Rebecca Scofield. Advertisement Advertisement Guillard would post more than 100 videos accusing Scofield of orchestrating the deaths of the four students by hiring someone to kill them. She used tarot cards and claimed spiritual guidance to assert these falsehoods. She alleged that Scofield did this to cover up an affair with a student, because the student was allegedly threatening to make the affair public. The videos started almost immediately after the crime was committed. Guillard continued to post videos that claimed Scofield was culpable for the murders despite a cease and desist issued by Scofield and her legal representation in December 2022. University of Idaho Vandals logo on water tower Police never considered the professor a suspect Kohberger was arrested and charged with four counts of first-degree murder, among other crimes related to the U of I incident on Dec. 30, 2022. Advertisement Advertisement The police in Moscow, Idaho, the city where the stabbings took place, even issued a statement that December clearing Scofield, who had never been named a suspect. In July 2025, after months of Kohbergers team insisting on his innocence and making several failed deals to get the charges dismissed or the death penalty taken off the table, he pleaded guilty. By pleading guilty, Kohberger avoided the death penalty but is serving four life sentences without the possibility of parole. Idaho Students Stabbing Suspect Bryan Kohberger Arraigned Psychics TikTok claims continued Guillard continued to post about Scofield, making defamatory and unfounded statements about her, until August 2025. Scofield took Guillard to civil court for defamation, harassment, loss of wages and other damages that Scofield and her legal team attributed to Guillards online harassment. Advertisement Advertisement Scofield testified that she developed severe anxiety, debilitating nerve pain, PTSD and that the harm to her reputation made it difficult for her to do her job at U of I during an already difficult time on campus, according to the Idaho Statesman. Guillard, who is from Houston, flew to Idaho to represent herself in court. She put herself on the stand and asked herself questions before answering them. She claimed she was covered under free speech, but accusing someone of a crime they did not commit is not protected speech. Guillard made such allegations in more than 100 videos. The judge found Guillards words and actions to be malicious and fraudulent. Advertisement Advertisement It only took the jury a couple of hours to come back with a unanimous decision: Guillard owes Scofield $10 million in damages. Guillard is, as of March 5, still posting about Scofield. In a now-31-part video series on TikTok, addressing the verdict, Guillard accuses Scofield of lying while under oath. While lying under oath is a less severe crime than orchestrating the quadruple murder of students on the campus where you work, it is still not protected under the First Amendment to accuse someone of a crime they did not commit. Guillard claims in her videos about the verdict that her freedom of expression as it permits to spirituality was attacked the entire trial. Advertisement Advertisement The freedom of religion that Guillard speaks of is written into the constitution and it does two things: stops the government from creating an official religion and allows people to practice their religion without interference from the government. The civil case did not seek to prevent Guillard from communing with God or consulting tarot cards, but it did seek to prove that her claims were false and caused harm to Scofield. Guillard is still claiming that Scofield is a liar, as of a video posted around 12 p.m. on March 5. Case shows dangers of true crimes popularity Guillards case, the costly verdict and her continued posting encapsulate some of the more troubling aspects of true crime social media. Advertisement Advertisement With social media sites unable to regulate who can post about things like ongoing crimes or cold cases, an audience for a news agency and an audience for a conspiracy theorist could theoretically be the same size. Despite the court verdict being public, Guillards videos are still reaching around 50,000 views. Read the original article on oregonlive.com. Add oregonlive.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) seemed to suggest that former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will be investigated by Minnesota officials over the deployment of DHS agents in the state. President Donald Trump fired Noem on Thursday after a rocky tenure, which culminated in several embarrassing exchanges while Noem testified on Capitol Hill this week. Lawmakers grilled Noem on her $220 million splurge on an ad, which Noem said was approved by the president, who later disputed her claim. Noem was also pressed about a $143 million no-bid contract DHS awarded to a company run by the husband of Tricia McLaughlin, who recently resigned from the department. Most dramatically, one Democrat asked about Noems long-rumored affair with Corey Lewandowski, who was her subordinate at DHS. Trump announced he is nominating Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to replace her. Advertisement Advertisement Walz appeared on Thursdays edition of The Briefing on MS NOW, where he hailed Noems departure and pledge to hold her accountable for sometimes violent anti-immigration operations in Minnesota that DHS carried out under her tenure. In January, DHS agents fatally shot U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in separate incidents. Noem immediately accused the deceased of engaging in domestic terrorism. What should accountability for Kristi Noem, given everything shes done, look like in your view? host Jen Psaki asked. There needs to be, Walz replied. And I think that thats one of our founding principles, that no ones above the law and theyre accountable. I would just say at this time that former Secretary Noem should probably get used to spending more time in Minnesota, because I have a pretty good feeling in the future she may be doing that because we have got to get accountability. The governor added that while he is thankful that Noem has been ousted, she will simply be replaced by another sycophant. Advertisement Advertisement On a day like this, Im glad shes gone, he said. But they just keep lining up sycophants. Theres one qualification for this job, and thats loyalty to Donald Trump. Watch above via MS NOW. The post Tim Walz Hints at Investigation Into Kristi Noem: Get Used to Spending More Time in Minnesota first appeared on Mediaite. OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said tips and information about a missing teenagers whereabouts have run dry, as investigators enter the second month of search efforts. 16-year-old Cooper Bryant Crawford has been missing since January 2, when he left his home on West-Oak Highway near Townville, according to authorities. Cooper Bryant Crawford, 16, was reported missing out of Townville, S.C. on January 2, 2026. (Photo: Oconee County Sheriffs Office) Cooper Bryant Crawford, 16, was reported missing on January 2. He is 511 tall and weighs 170 pounds, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. (PHOTO: Oconee County Sheriffs Office) Cooper Bryant Crawford, 16, was reported missing on January 2. He is 511 tall and weighs 170 pounds, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. (PHOTO: Oconee County Sheriffs Office) Investigators found that Crawford left the area sometime overnight and was reported missing by a family member the following morning. No one knows what Cooper was last wearing or the direction he went. Advertisement Advertisement Crawford is described as 511 tall white male who weighs 170 lbs, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. Officials said he is considered endangered due to a medical condition that requires him to take regular medication. Corporal Jimmy Watt with Oconee County Sheriffs Office said their number one priority is to safely find Cooper and reunite him with his family. In mid-January, deputies received tips that Crawford was possibly in the Charlotte and Gastonia areas of North Carolina, or traveling with an Anderson County man but Watt said those tips have been exhausted. Any information, tips weve received, those have not panned out or those did not produce anything that led us to trying to find Cooper, Watt explained. It doesnt mean we cant find him, but the further time goes along, the more difficult the process can be, but we believe that theres somebody who may know where he is. Advertisement Advertisement Watt said the Missing Persons Unit has gotten the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) involved, National Crimes Information Center (NCIC), and local and neighboring state law enforcement departments who have also assisted deputies with the search. We want Cooper found. We want him located safely and we want to let his family know this is whats going on, but we need your help to do that, Watt said. Anyone with information regarding Crawfords whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately. Information can also be reported anonymously by calling Crimestoppers at (844)-71-CRIME or submitting a tip online. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS. Scandal-plagued Rep. Tony Gonzales announced late Thursday night he will not seek re-election, ending a runoff between him and gun influencer Brandon Herrera. After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek reelection while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment Ive always had to my district, Gonzales (R-Texas) said in a statement. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful. The decision comes after pressure from within his conference, including GOP leaders who urged him to end his re-election bid in a joint statement Thursday. But leaders declined to call for him to resign on Thursday, as they navigate near-zero Republican margins in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Gonzales was facing extensive criticism after he admitted to a sexual relationship with a staffer who later died by suicide. Reporting in the San Antonio Express-News and 24SightNews revealed text messages that allegedly showed him pursuing a then-staffer for a sexual relationship. POLITICO has not independently confirmed the texts. Gonzales had previously denied the accusations as rumors that are completely untruthful before admitting to the affair with Regina Santos-Aviles earlier this month. I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment, and there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions, Gonzales told radio host Joe Pagliarulo shortly after the primary. Advertisement Advertisement But, Gonzales added, the affair had absolutely nothing to do with Santos-Aviles death. She died in 2025. The House Ethics Committee also recently launched a formal investigation into Gonzales. POLITICO previously reported that the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Conduct found a substantial reason to believe that Gonzales had a sexual relationship with a subordinate, which would be an apparent violation of House rules. A handful of GOP members called for Gonzales to resign or end his reelection campaign, a number which grew after he publicly admitted to the affair. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) who endorsed Gonzales before the accusations arose along with other members of party leadership called for Gonzales to end his congressional bid shortly after the primary. The Ethics Committee has announced an investigation into Congressman Tony Gonzaless conduct, and we urge them to act expeditiously, Johnson and the three other highest-ranking House Republicans said in a statement. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election. Democrats believe that the seat in Texas 23rd congressional district could be competitive in the fall with Herrera as the nominee. Performance acceleration in Q4 was driven by broad-based strength across all merchandise categories and regions, with particular recovery in the home category which had previously faced tariff pressures. The 'Ladies' business returned to a position of strength following a multi-year brand strategy reset that optimized the vendor base and balanced branded bargains across good, better, and best price points. Management attributed outsized sales growth to a combination of refined marketing campaigns, improved store recovery, and enhanced register throughput without increasing the rate of spend on labor or advertising. Supply chain execution during the peak holiday season enabled the company to drive sales through fresh receipts and faster inventory turnover. New store productivity reached multi-year highs, supported by successful entries into new high-density markets like the New York Metro area and Puerto Rico. (This article was updated to include additional information.) A Haitian asylum seeker who had been living in Massachusetts died while detained in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement center on March 2 after not receiving timely treatment for a tooth infection, Massachusetts lawmakers said. According to a letter sent to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security by Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., on Thursday, March 5, Emmanuel Damas, 56, had been struggling with an untreated toothache at an ICE facility in Arizona before dying on March 2. Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers and Damas family said they received little to no information about his health status until it was too late, and the letter demanded an investigation into his death. Damas is at least the 10th person to die in ICEs custody this year, which is just into its third month, the letter said. Last year, 2025 was ICEs deadliest year in over two decades with 32 deaths. This case raises serious questions regarding ICEs ability to timely treat and care for individuals it detains, the lawmakers wrote. It is unacceptable that, under your watch, DHS has failed to keep immigrants in its custody safe from preventable death. On March 6, ICE released an announcement about Damas's death, including a reason for his initial arrest and a timeline of events related to his health. There was no mention of a toothache. Instead, ICE said the physician "reported the preliminary cause of death as unknown at this time." Advertisement Advertisement "ICE is committed to ensuring that all those in custody reside in safe, secure and humane environments. Comprehensive medical care is provided from the moment individuals arrive and throughout the entirety of their stay," the press release stated. "At no time during detention is a detained alien denied emergency care." What happened to Emmanuel Damas? Damas, 56, had been living in Dorchester when he was taken into custody by federal immigration agents in September, according to the letter. Since December, Damas had been an ICE detention center in Florence, Arizona. In February, Damas informed staff that he was suffering from a bad toothache, the letter said. While they provided him over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen on Feb. 17 and 18, his family said that the facility did not send him to a dentist and delayed sending him to the hospital, despite ICEs standards mandating that all detainees should have access to appropriate medical, mental and dental health care, including emergency dental treatment. The lawmakers letter said that Damas family learned on Feb. 20 that Damas was hospitalized for pneumonia. On Feb. 23, they were told after repeated requests for information that he had been moved back into detention. Several days later, they learned that Damas was hospitalized again and scheduled for surgery on Feb. 26. He died on March 2. Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Damass family has alleged that ICE failed to provide Mr. Damas with timely medical care, allowing an untreated toothache to become a deadly infection," the letter states. "Moreover, Mr. Nelsons entreaties for information about his brothers well-being were met with silence and stonewalling." The lawmakers asked for more information about Damass death, including a complete timeline of dates that he was admitted into a hospital and any requests he made for medical attention. ICE has now released that information, saying that Damas was sent "immediately" to the Florence Anthem Hospital after reporting shortness of breath on Feb. 19. The press release also said ICE is required to publicize all reports regarding in-custody deaths within 90 days. Protesters stand in front of Worcester City Hall as part of nationwide protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as part of a nationwide wave of demonstrations organized by progressive groups. "ICE makes official notifications to Congress, nongovernmental organization stakeholders and the media upon official reports of in-custody alien deaths and posts news releases with relevant details on ICE's public website," the press release said. "You may access these reports on ICE.govs Detainee Death Reporting page." How many people has ICE arrested in Massachusetts? Damas is one of over 2,800 people that have been arrested by ICE in Massachusetts over the past year. Advertisement Advertisement According to a letter sent to DHS and ICE by Gov. Maura Healey on Friday, March 6, ICE arrested 1,461 people in Operation Patriot in May 2025 and 1,406 people in Operation Patriot 2.0 in September 2025. Of those arrests, over half had never been accused of or convicted of a crime, the letter said. They include Marcelo Gomes da Silva, a Milford high school student arrested on his way to volleyball practice, and a Leominster father of an autistic child. In the letter, Healey demanded ICE give her the identity of every person arrested by ICE since January 2025, as well as the legal basis for each arrest, the status of those cases and the number of arrests involving parents or primary caregivers of minor children. ICE did not respond to a request for comment on Healey's letter. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Massachusetts man dies in ICE custody. What answers lawmakers want A tribal court has banned a longtime elected official of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe from running for office because of a past felony conviction that was later overturned. Last month, four of five judges serving on the Minnesota Chippewa Tribes Election Appeals Court voted to decertify Arthur Archie LaRose as a candidate for secretary-treasurer, the second most powerful elected office on the north central Minnesota reservation. The decision came in the wake of an appeal brought by three candidates who are now running for secretary-treasurer, the office LaRose occupied for the better part of two decades until his ouster in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement In their ruling, the judges concluded that it did not matter that LaRoses 1992 conviction for third degree assault was vacated by the Minnesota Court of Appeals in 2024. Under its election ordinance, the court noted, the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe prohibits tribal members from running for office if he or she has ever been convicted of a felony of any kind. The plain language reading under the bright line rule that has been adopted by this court requires this court to discontinue the analysis of a criminal matter, and any subsequent judicial decisions or administrative actions related to the criminal matter, after the entry of a felony conviction is found, the majority held. The judges acknowledged that one could argue whether that is a just and correct outcome in this instance, but said that the only remedy would be a change in the election ordinance initiated by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribes Tribal Executive Committee, the umbrella entity that governs six Ojibwe reservations in northern Minnesota. Advertisement Advertisement In a dissent, Michael Harralson, a judge from White Earth, said LaRoses case is fundamentally different from prior certification challenges in which candidates were barred even though they had received pardons or expungements related to past felony convictions. It is not like an expungement, where a conviction occurred and the file is sealed. It is not like a pardon, where a conviction occurred and the consequences of the conviction are erased, Harralson wrote. In Harralsons view, its not even equivalent to the 2022 challenge to LaRoses candidacy, in which the election court found that LaRoses third-degree assault conviction though subsequently deemed a misdemeanor by Minnesota courts still counted as a felony. Later, In 2024, LaRose succeeded in overturning the conviction on the grounds that his 1992 plea bargain was improper. Advertisement Advertisement To continue to say that Mr. LaRose was convicted of a felony is a manifest injustice, Harralson wrote. In a telephone interview, LaRose denounced the tribal courts decision to decertify and said he plans to petition the MCT Tribal Executive Committee to reinstate his candidacy. While LaRose said he is optimistic that the Tribal Executive Committee will see things his way, the timelines may be difficult to overcome: ballots for the election have already been printed, with the primary scheduled for March 30. Its a sad thing that I have to jump through all these hoops. Its dirty politics, said LaRose. I know my rights are being violated but this can be corrected. Utah investigators have arrested a triple-homicide suspect after three women were found dead. We have received confirmation that a suspect in the Wayne County homicides was captured early this morning, read a Facebook post shared by the Wayne County, Utah Sheriff's Office on March 5. The suspect is in law enforcement custody. We greatly appreciate all our law enforcement and investigation partners, and all of our citizens who provided tips and assisted in the process. Police found the suspect in one of the victim's cars, read a press release sent to Oxygen.com by the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS). Capitol Reef National Park Utah: IStockphoto:Getty Images.pdf "The vehicle was tracked through southern Utah into northern Arizona and eventually into Colorado, read the release. "Colorado law enforcement located the vehicle abandoned in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and after a brief search, took the individual into custody without incident. There are no ongoing threats to the public, and investigators have no outstanding suspects." Advertisement Advertisement Earlier that day, authorities had ordered residents to stay at home and watch their surroundings after three women were found deadtwo on a hiking trail and one in a residenceon March 4. Although police will not release the identities of the victims until their next of kin is notified, one is in her 30s, another in their 60s and the third in their 80s. Take extra precautions, read an earlier Facebook post from the Wayne County, Utah Sheriff's Office. Keep lights on, keep doors locked, remain home or with others this evening if possible. Police had focused their efforts on the small town of Torreyclose to the entrance of Capital Reef National Parkand its surrounding areas, as they searched for a 2022 white Subaru Outback with the license plate U560YF. For more true crime news: Dog Walker Finds Bodies of 2 Girls Stuffed Inside Suitcases Near Cleveland School Tarot Card TikToker Ordered to Pay $10 Million For Falsely Accusing Professor of Idaho Murders Her Death Raised Questions About a SuicideNow Her Estranged Husband Faces a Murder Charge The Wayne County School District, home to four schools (two elementary, one middle and one high school) announced closures on March 5 and March 6, out of an abundance of caution. Wayne County, according to the U.S. Census, is a rural home to less than 3,000 people, covering the southwestern part of Utah. Located in the Colorado Plateau, the desert environment is dotted with rock formations, cliffs and canyons. Utah legislative leadership praised the Trump administration on Friday for resolving a century-long legal battle between Utah and the federal government over wetlands at the northeast corner of the Great Salt Lake. A lawsuit by the state has been settled for $60 million, according to top lawmakers, making it a significantly better deal for the state than the $15 million the U.S. government offered for the disputed area 25 years ago. Utah now officially recognizes the federal ownership of the 22,311 acres which has long been managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. The wetlands area is located adjacent to Brigham City. Advertisement Advertisement The agreement will be recognized in a joint resolution by the Utah House and Senate on Friday. HJR30 provides certainty for the bird refuge, finalizes its boundaries, guarantees public access and retains mineral interests for Utah. Trump promises to help Great Salt Lake The resolution, HJR30, marks the first example of President Donald Trump following through with his commitment to help save the Great Salt Lake, according to the resolutions sponsor, House Majority Leader Casey Snider, R-Paradise. In February, Trump announced the federal government would help make the Lake great again following an extended one-on-one meeting with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox during a National Governors Association conference. The Trump administration has been so good to us since that announcement was made at the national governors event, Snider said. Their offices have called legislators here. Theyve called the director of natural resources here. .@POTUS at the National Governors Association dinner: "We're going to save the Great Salt Lake... @GovCox said, 'We're losing water rapidly, and it's getting smaller, smaller, drier, drier.' You tell those people we're going to work on it really hard. We're going to save it." https://t.co/GopPyheqlA pic.twitter.com/x7gxpzxqX5 Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 22, 2026 The $60 million resolution to the dispute over the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge moved forward at a speed lawmakers did not anticipate because of the Trump administrations involvement, Snider said. The area where the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge auto tour begins is pictured on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. The Bear River feeds the Great Salt Lake when there are normal water levels. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News The money will go right back into saving the lake, Snider said. Senate budget vice chair Scott Sandall, R-Tremonton, said the funds will be spent using as much science as we can to allow us to get the best outcome. Advertisement Advertisement The money will not be spent this session, according to legislators. House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, and Snider said the state is still hopeful the White House will fulfill the $1 billion request Cox made to the president. On Feb. 21, Trump made a post on Truth Social saying the health of the Great Salt Lake was of tremendous interest to him, and promised to work with Utahs very caring Governor to make it all happen! The United States and Venezuela agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations, two months after President Trump launched a military operation that resulted in the capture of the countrys president and U.S. control of its oil industry. The State Department said Thursday the agreement with Venezuelas interim authorities is an effort to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela. The government of Venezuelas interim President Delcy Rodriguez said in a statement that the repaired relations will contribute to strengthening understanding and opening opportunities for a positive and mutually beneficial relationship. Advertisement Advertisement These relations ought to result in the social and economic happiness of the Venezuelan people, she said. Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had cut off diplomatic relations with the U.S. in 2019 after Trump, during his first term, recognized Venezuelan opposition figure Juan Guaido, who claimed to be the countrys interim president in January of that year. The announcement was made at the end of a two-day visit by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum to Venezuela. The visit largely focused on the countrys mining sector and followed a February visit by Energy Secretary Chris Wright that focused on Venezuelas oil industry. Trump put his support behind Rodriguezs leadership of the country following the U.S. capture of Maduro on Jan. 3. Maduro was extradited to New York to face trial on drug charges alongside his wife. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has praised Rodriguez, who served as Maduros vice president, for her cooperation with the U.S. and pointed to the U.S. intervention in Venezuela as a model for his war against Iran and efforts to collapse the communist government in Cuba. But Trumps endorsement of Rodriguez has so far sidelined the political opposition in the country, including Maria Corina Machado. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate led the 2020 effort in Venezuela documenting the oppositions victory over Maduro in that years presidential elections. Maduro claimed victory, and Machado went into hiding after the elections. Trump has said Machado doesnt have the support in the country to take over power from Rodriguez, and the U.S. has put efforts into working with the current regime in getting priority access for American companies to the countrys oil markets. The State Department said in its statement that the restoration of diplomatic ties is focused on helping the Venezuelan people move through a phased process that leads to a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government. Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez has been recognized for taking proactive steps to anticipate U.S. democratic demands, including passing legislation to release political prisoners. Activists say the legislation has shortcomings but is a welcome first step. Trump highlighted one of the released prisoners, former presidential opposition candidate Enrique Marquez, during his State of the Union address. He brought Marquez out into the House Chamber to reunite with his niece. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Trump warned Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday that it would be bad for him not to drop out of the states Republican Senate primary runoff if the president decides to back incumbent Sen. John Cornyn. Trump was responding to a question during an interview with Politico about Paxtons recent comments saying he will be staying in the race regardless of whom Trump endorses. Well, thats bad for him to say, Trump replied. That is bad for him. So maybe, maybe that leads me to go the other direction. Advertisement Advertisement Paxton originally made the comments during an interview with Real Americas Voice on Wednesday. Ive spent a year of my life campaigning against John Cornyn because John has not represented the people of Texas well, Paxton told the outlet. Everything that Trump stood for, John Cornyns fought. Trump said Wednesday he would endorse in the contested race soon, adding that the candidate he does not endorse should drop out immediately. IT MUST STOP NOW! We have an easy to beat, Radical Left Opponent, and we have to TOTALLY FOCUS on putting him away, quickly and decisively! Both John [Cornyn] and Ken [Paxton] ran great races, but not good enough. Now, this one, must be PERFECT! Trump wrote in a TruthSocial post. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have voiced concerns that if the Texas intraparty continues, resources will be drained ahead of Novembers general election midterms. Whoever emerges victorious in the May 26 primary runoff will face the Democratic nominee, state Rep. James Talarico, in November. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. March 6 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump said Friday he will not agree to end deadly military strikes on Iran without an unconditional surrender as Israel launches new attacks. Trump reiterated his stance that he wants to be involved in installing Iran's new leadership. "There will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender!" Trump wrote on social media. "After that, and the selection of a great [and] acceptable leader[s], we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better and stronger than before." Advertisement Advertisement The president said in another post that the United States is moving thousands of people out of multiple countries in the Middle East. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, also posting on social media, said "Some countries have begun mediation efforts," to end the war. Lebanese citizens inspect the destruction at the site of Israeli airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday. Heavy attacks were reported in Tehran Friday after Israel said it was hitting "regime infrastructure" of the war it launched with the United States against Iran. As the conflict entered its seventh day, its regional repercussions continued, with Lebanon reporting the death toll from Israeli strikes had risen to more than 200. Photo by Fadel Itani/UPI "Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region yet we have no hesitation in defending our nation's dignity and sovereignty. Mediation should address those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict." More details are slowly coming to light about the extent of the strikes by the United States and Israel, including a strike by the United States that targeted and hit an area where there was an elementary school. At least 168 people, many of them children, were killed at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls' school on Saturday. A paramedic provides medical care to a wounded girl following a U.S.-Israeli airstrike on a building in Tehran Iran on Wednesday. At least 168 people, many of them children, were killed at the Shajareh Tayyebeh girls school in Iran by U.S. military strikes. Photo by Iranian Red Crescent/UPI U.S. Central Command said the strike is being investigated. Advertisement Advertisement Strikes by the United States and Israel have killed nearly 800 people so far. Members of Iranian rescue teams search through the rubble for victims after a building was struck by U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in Tehran, Iran on Wednesday. Photo by Iranian Red Crescent/UPI Israel's attacks continue to pick up in Lebanon, where it has targeted the capital city of Beirut. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health said 217 people have been killed in the bombings by Israel. Israel has also launched new strikes on the Iranian capital of Tehran. On Friday, the Israel Defense Force said it hit an underground bunker in central Tehran that was used by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The supreme leader was killed in Saturday's bombings. If Donald Trumps war against Iran is really about the containment of China, it is surely the most dangerous double-edged gamble in living memory. The surge in oil, gas, aluminium and fertiliser prices have bailed out Vladimir Putin just as he faces the worst funding crisis since the invasion of Ukraine. Trump talks airily about a naval convoy to protect global shipping and reopen the Strait of Hormuz but no such operation is close to existing. It violates a US law that forbids naval escort of foreign-flagged ships. Lloyds List reports that shipowners and insurers do not think it plausible. Advertisement Advertisement US intelligence officials say Chinas Xi Jinping has told the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) to be ready for an invasion of Taiwan by 2027. That was before America blew through so much of its military arsenal in the Middle East. Trump exhausted a quarter of the Pentagons entire arsenal of THAAD missiles in a matter of days bombing Irans nuclear site last June. Yun Sun, China director at the Stimson Center, sees a high risk that Xi will move this year to take control over Taiwan and with it 90pc of the worlds industry for advanced semiconductors calculating that there will never again be such a chance. There is a window of opportunity, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Nvidia may be the global leader in AI computing but it does not make its own chips. It is a fabless design company that outsources the manufacturing to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) at foundries on silicon island. TSMC began to produce Nvidias top-tier Blackwell chips denied to China under US trade controls at a new foundry in Arizona in October but they are still sent to Taiwan for the final stage of complex packaging. Amkor Technology aims to start packaging Nvidia chips on US soil from 2028. A clutch of new semiconductor fabs are being built in the US thanks to Joe Bidens $280bn (210bn) Chips Act but this will take time to ramp up. The US supply-chain for AI and advanced computing is today at the point of maximum vulnerability. This dependence on Taiwan will diminish every year from now on. If China can gain a stranglehold over Taiwans chip industry right now it will dethrone the US tech industry, gain immense leverage over the West and drastically alter the global balance of power. Advertisement Advertisement Hawks in Washington are pursuing the mirror-image strategy of trying to squeeze the supply lines for Chinas oil and gas. But this could backfire even if the Iran mission is a success. We can be certain that PLA bean-counters are totting up the rapid depletion of American Patriot and THAAD interceptors, Tomahawk missiles, SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 ship-launched missiles, and kit across the spectrum. There is a lot of talk that Taiwan will be vulnerable and we wont have adequate supplies of missiles and precision-guided weapons. I think there is an element of risk there, said John Bolton, the US national security adviser in Trumps first term. The danger is that Beijing calculates that the US is too distracted or too stretched to respond. If they reach that conclusion, then I think Taiwan is at risk, Bolton told the One Decision podcast, presented by Kate McCann and Sir Richard Dearlove, ex-head of MI6. Advertisement Advertisement Its our own fault. We should have ramped up production years ago. Trump has recognised that with a proposal for a huge budget increase, a $500bn [375bn] increase next year, and a lot is going to have to go replenishing and expanding our stockpiles, said Bolton. What that suggests to me is that China has better odds making its move on Taiwan before the US rearms. Taiwan fears Donald Trump will sacrifice it in exchange for a make-believe grand bargain with Xi Jinping - Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty The Chinese can see that two US aircraft carrier battle groups are deployed in Mid-East combat operations, and that the weary crew of the USS Gerald R Ford, veterans of Venezuela, will soon break the all-time record for carrier deployment at sea. Aircraft carriers suffer serious corrosion after that long in humidity and salt water. The Chinese know that the US can deploy only three or four of these battle groups at any one time because the rest are in dry dock or undergoing complex overhauls. Advertisement Advertisement Global stock markets may have been reassured by Pete Hegseth, the chest-thumping secretary of war, but Trumpian bravado of invincible US military power is as much bluff as reality. The US navy has shrunk to just 290 warships worldwide. It is far short of the statutory minimum of 355, yet alone the desired target of 500. Call me old-fashioned, but I was a Washington journalist during the glory days of Ronald Reagans 600-ship navy, and he was careful how he used it. The Chinese navy is larger today, which is why so much of the rising US Pentagon budget is going into catching up on warships. The Chinese fleet is not dispersed. It is concentrated for the one elemental purpose of conflict in the western Pacific. Advertisement Advertisement Trump said Biden had emptied our warehouses of all of our munitions. If so, the warehouses are even emptier now. The US does not have the production lines to offset the rate of attrition over the last year in the Gulf, in the Red Sea, and defending Israel. China has a global lock on gallium, the rare earth needed to make many of these weapons systems. It has banned sales to the US weapons industry. It has dual use restrictions on over 20 critical minerals. Bolton said China will not take the military risk of an amphibious invasion. They dont want to see the productive capabilities in Taiwan destroyed. So I think what they will do, through some political pretext, is to throw a blockade around Taiwan and see if we move to break it, he said. The fear in Taiwan is that Trump will be outplayed by Xi Jinping on his visit to Beijing next month and will sacrifice the island in exchange for a make-believe grand bargain. Advertisement Advertisement He has already stunned the Taiwanese by stating that the fate of the island is up to Xi, which takes the US doctrine of strategic ambiguity into perilous territory. The Stimson Centers Yun Sun said Trumps willingness to feed allies to the wolves is another reason for China to act soon. Whoever is the next president, whether Republican or Democrat, this level of indifference is going to disappear, she said. Furthermore, she said Beijing suspects that Trump may try to engineer a global crisis in order to justify suspending the electoral process in 2028 and retaining power, making it more likely that he would risk a war in the Pacific two years hence. Chinas pitch to the Taiwanese people is that unification is unstoppable, resistance is futile and the US betrays allies without compunction. What Trump seems not to understand is that the Kuomintang, which controls Taiwans parliament, is leaning into this view. Advertisement Advertisement Could it be that the US is treating Taiwan as a chess piece, a pawn? said the partys new leader, Cheng Li-wun. She aims to draw the island back into Chinas orbit. I dont believe that time is on Taiwans side. The rapid rise of mainland China means that its national strength is incomparable to what it was just four years ago, she said recently. What may bring this to head is that Trump has imposed extortion terms as the condition for a trade deal with Taiwan all too like the unequal treaties imposed on China in the 19th Century and is demanding that much of the islands chip industry relocate to US soil. The Kuomintang wants a chip national security act to block technology exports. Would Taiwan fold without a shot being fired if China imposed a blockade, and if the US did not respond immediately and with massive force? It is an open question. Advertisement Advertisement We are already in a shadow Third World War, one that pits the axis of autocracies against the disintegrating West. You cannot pick off Iran without a chain of consequences elsewhere. The other side has a vote too. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. U.S. President Donald Trump says there will be no deal with Iran unless it surrenders unconditionally, a day after Irans Foreign Minister said the country was prepared to stand up to a ground invasion. Trump has also said that any new leadership of the country would have to be acceptable to the United States. This follows what has now been seven days of heavy U.S.-Israeli bombardment, including a new major wave of strikes by Israel targeting Iranian leadership in Tehran overnight. You can catch up with our past coverage of ongoing operations against Iran here. Latest updates on the war are down the page of this article. Trumps statement was made via a post on his Truth Social social media network. Advertisement Advertisement There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!, he wrote. After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!). BREAKING: Trump on Iran: There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of pic.twitter.com/6Q6TqyHTbt Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026 Trump has increasingly talked about changing the regime in Tehran in recent days, and his desire to be personally involved in that process. This comes despite pushback from other U.S. officials about regime change being an explicit goal of what has been dubbed Operation Epic Fury. We want to go in and clean out everything, Trump told NBC News in a phone call on Thursday. We dont want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period. We want them to have a good leader, the president added. We have some people who I think would do a good job. Advertisement Advertisement Trump declined to offer any names, but said he was taking steps to make sure the people on his list make it through the war alive. EXCLUSIVE: Trump says he wants Iran's leadership structure gone and wants to ensure his own list of possible leaders survive the war. https://t.co/KRwAmgz2tN NBC News (@NBCNews) March 6, 2026 Trump acknowledged that Khameneis son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is the most likely successor, but finds that outcome unacceptable and insists he play a role in determining Irans next leader, Axios reported. They are wasting their time. Khameneis son is a lightweight, Trump told Axios. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy in Venezuela. Trump was referring to the Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who took over after the capture of dictator Nicolas Maduro in a dramatic U.S. operation in January. EXCLUSIVE: Trump says he must be involved in picking Iran's next leader. He said that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei, is the most likely successor and finds that unacceptable.https://t.co/73b4PVOLW2 Axios (@axios) March 5, 2026 Trump had also called for Irans unconditional surrender during the 12 Day War between Israel and Iran last year, before helping broker a ceasefire agreement between the parties. The last time Trump demanded Irans unconditional surrender was during the 12-Day IsraelIran war (June 1324, 2025). Trump twice demanded Irans unconditional surrender back then. The conflict ended with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire as Washington increased pressure and https://t.co/Dr3ljXiPQD pic.twitter.com/awcFeHiAEE Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026 Before Trump made his unconditional surrender demand, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), laid out how destructive Epic Fury has been to Irans military. Advertisement Advertisement Over the last 24 hours of the operation, compared to where we were at the start, ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90%, drone attacks have decreased by 83% since day one, he told reporters, including from The War Zone, during a press conference at CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday evening. Cooper added that these attacks have also wiped out a large chunk of Irans Navy, destroying 20 ships so far. U.S. Admiral Brad Cooper gives update on Iran: "We are now starting our sixth day of a historic mission to eliminate Iran's ability to threaten America. The president and Secretary Hegseth have been crystal clear in their expectations and we are at a high level of execution." pic.twitter.com/Acr4WpQJpc CSPAN (@cspan) March 5, 2026 Overnight, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said it carried out a massive 50-jet raid on Tehran, targeting an underground bunker complex intended for use by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top leaders. Khamenei was killed elsewhere in the opening phase of what the IDF called Operation Roaring Lion. The bunker spanned multiple streets in the heart of Tehran and contained numerous entrances and meeting rooms for senior Iranian leaders, the IDF explained. It was intended to be used by Khamenei as a secure emergency command center, but after his death, the compound continued to be used by senior Iranian regime officials, the IDF claimed. -, , ' '. ', . , -, pic.twitter.com/LlPmHSFlR7 Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) March 6, 2026 The senior commander targeted by these Israeli air strikes was Asghar Hijazi, Times of Israel military correspondent Emanuel Mannie Fabian reported on X, citing Israeli defense sources. Advertisement Advertisement Hijazi is said to be the acting head of the supreme leaders office, following the killing of Ali Khamenei, Fabian added. The "senior Iranian commander" targeted in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran a short while ago is Asghar Hijazi, according to Israeli defense sources. Hijazi is said to be the acting head of the supreme leader's office, following the killing of Ali Khamenei. https://t.co/7T58UKmkLp Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 6, 2026 Videos emerging from Tehran showed multiple explosions and ensuing fireballs rising in the distance. Local residents described the attack as the worst, strongest, and most horrifying ever. Video of explosions in the east of Tehran minutes ago, Friday Mar 6, 2026 at 5:00 am local time.pic.twitter.com/5HAGYCQ6S9 Mehdi H. (@mhmiranusa) March 6, 2026 Relatives in Tehran tell me the airstrikes this morning were the worst, strongest and most horrifying ever. pic.twitter.com/9QkRQknsS4 Reza Khaasteh (@Khaaasteh) March 6, 2026 For their part, Iranian officials have been publicly rejecting the possibility of new talks and/or a ceasefire with the United States and Israel amid the ongoing conflict. Irans Foreign Minister Sayed Abbas Araghchi also said yesterday that his country was prepared for a ground invasion. Relying on its defensive capabilities and the support of the Iranian nation, the Islamic Republic defends the countrys national sovereignty and territorial integrity within the framework of its inherent right to legitimate self-defense and will respond decisively to any aggressive act, Araghchi told his Cuban counterpart today. Advertisement Advertisement Significant pressure is clearly being put on the regime in Tehran to capitulate, at least to some degree. Top Iranian leadership figures are being actively targeted, as are individuals who could step in to fill the resulting voids. What the U.S. government, as well as its Israeli allies, may actually be willing to accept in order to bring the conflict to an end remains to be seen. We have concluded our rolling coverage in this piece. UPDATE: 5:33 PM EST After a meeting with major defense contractors called as the U.S. continues to burn through munitions during Epic Fury, Trump said they were boosting weapons production. Advertisement Advertisement They have agreed to quadruple Production of the Exquisite Class Weaponry in that we want to reach, as rapidly as possible, the highest levels of quantity, the president proclaimed. Expansion began three months prior to the meeting, and Plants and Production of many of these Weapons are already under way. In his post, Trump again asserted that there is a virtually unlimited supply of Medium and Upper Medium Grade Munitions, which we are using, as an example, in Iran, and recently used in Venezuela. Regardless, however, we have also increased Orders at these levels. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach posted a message on X praising airmen for their efforts during Epic Fury. A message to Airmen from @OfficialCSAF Gen. Ken Wilsbach. pic.twitter.com/Cp90TEQmbp U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) March 6, 2026 U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said tonight will be our biggest bombing campaign against Iran. Advertisement Advertisement We will do the most damage to the Iranian missile launchers and the factories that built them. INTERESTING: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Iran: Tonight will be our biggest bombing campaign. We will do the most damage to the Iranian missile launchers and the factories that build the missiles. pic.twitter.com/zCYvaytdeC Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026 UPDATE: 4:31 PM EST Videos have emerged on social media claiming to show attacks across Iraq. Some purport to show an attack on Camp Victory, a facility housing U.S. forces near Baghdads international airport. You can see explosions followed by fireballs and smoke in the video. It is not clear who is attacking. It appears that Camp Victory near Baghdad, Iraq has been attacked with this video posted to telegram a short time ago. pic.twitter.com/y5RGPgpBwG OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 6, 2026 BREAKING: Explosions have been reported at the U.S. Camp Victory base in Baghdad, with initial reports suggesting a major attack on the facility.#Iraq#US#Breaking pic.twitter.com/gWaThvHKcx Aman Dev Barman (@AmanDevBar67676) March 6, 2026 FEROZ BOMBARDEO IRANI: REPORTAN QUE LA BASE CAMPO VICTORIA (EEUU) EN BAGHDAD ESTARIA EN LLAMAS POR ATAQUE CON 2 MISILES Y DRONES pic.twitter.com/a7VAMWrBpv (FRAPP) ANTIFASCISTA #AntiKast #OrgullosoDel42% (@Informa3Chile) March 6, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Another video shows a claimed strike by U.S. helicopters on an Iranian-backed militia group in Mosul. We cannot independently confirm any of these claims and have reached out to CENTCOM for more information. US helicopters struck at least twice a Kataeb Seyyed a-Shuhadaa' HQ in al-Rashidiya, Mosul, tonight. KSS is an Iranian-backed militia that has carried out attacks against Iraqi Kurdistan & US interests in Iraq under the facade group Awliyaa' a-Damm. pic.twitter.com/JdG9u5nqWt Elizabeth Tsurkov (@LizHurra) March 6, 2026 There is also a video claiming to depict an Iranian drone strike on energy facilities in Basra. Iranian drone strikes hit energy infrastructure in Burjesia/Basra, including a Baker Hughes facility, the Rumaila oil field, and Basra airport. pic.twitter.com/CeeHpKKFSk Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026 The IRGC offered a threatening response to Trumps order to have U.S. Navy vessels escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has previously claimed it had shut down the Strait, and the IRGC said it welcomes these escorts, with a reference to the American supertanker Bridgeton, which hit a mine in the Persian Gulf while being escorted by U.S. Navy warships in 1987. That incident took place in the so-called Tanker War that took place during the Iran-Iraq War. IRGC Spox: Iran strongly welcomes US willingness to escort oil tankers and the claim of the presence of US forces for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and in fact, the IRGC is waiting for their presence. IRGC says it recommends that before making any decision, the pic.twitter.com/sPTYBdDTKQ Arya (@AryJeay) March 6, 2026 Amid all the turmoil, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has passed through the Strait of Gibraltar and is now in the Mediterranean. Frances aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has passed through Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea and is moving toward the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/TCK9Wuv5i6 Defense Intelligence (@DI313_) March 6, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement UPDATE: 3:32 PM EST CENTCOM released its latest Epic Fury graphic update showing targets hit and assets deployed. So far, more than 3,000 targets have been hit, including 43 Iranian ships that have been destroyed or damaged, according to the command. (CENTCOM) The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has transited the Suez Canal and is now in the Red Sea, according to the Navy. Images posted on the Pentagons video and image distribution site show the carrier and one of its escorts, the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge in the canal. The worlds largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), transits the Suez Canal, March 5, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo) U.S. Central Command Public Affa Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) transits the Suez Canal, March 5, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo) U.S. Central Command Public Affa A Chinese satellite image emerged of the Ford and two of its escorts crossing through the canal. This move makes sense considering that the ballistic missile threat against Israel that the carrier strike group was helping defend against has diminished. Being in the Red Sea would provide assets needed to defend against any attacks from the Houthis of Yemen should that Iranian proxy decide to get into the fight. MizarVision suspects the USS Ford aircraft carrier group passed through the Suez Canal a few hours ago. pic.twitter.com/rDNy5euSUI NoctuMind (@noctu_mind) March 6, 2026 The Pentagon also released photos of B-52 Stratofortress bombers that took part in Epic Fury. Aircrew members board a B-52H Stratofortress prior to taking off in support of Operation Epic Fury, March 4, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo) U.S. Central Command Public Affa There are claims that Iran struck a Patriot air defense site in the UAE, however we cannot confirm this. We reached out to CENTCOM for more details. Iran hit an American Patriot missile site in the UAE. No injuries reported. Photos provided by a source. pic.twitter.com/BXl6ruF84b Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) March 6, 2026 UPDATE: 2:18 PM EST Israel estimates that Azerbaijan will soon attack Iran, Israels Kan News reported. There may be other countries to join action against Iran and its interests in the region, the outlet noted. These claims come days after Azerbaijani officials vowed they would retaliate for an Iranian drone strike on their territory that wounded four people. "Meanwhile, #Israel estimates that #Azerbaijan will also attack and join the coalition attacking #Iran. It is possible that other countries will join the action against Iran and its interests in the region."https://t.co/oUkYhzbiXc Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) March 6, 2026 We cannot confirm that, however, video emerged earlier today showing Azerbaijani military equipment being moved closer to that nations border with Iraq. #Azerbaijan / #Iran / #Israel / #USA : Azerbaijani Forces reportedly deployed artillery weapons to retaliate against Iranian Forces (#IRGC). Azeri Forces deployed several howitzers which appear to be #Czechia-made 155mm L-45 DITA Self-Propelled Guns. pic.twitter.com/t3I9OcPnqA War Noir (@war_noir) March 6, 2026 The U.K. Defense Ministry (MoD) issued its latest update on operations in the Middle East. Update on UK operations in the Middle East: 06 March 2026 pic.twitter.com/Rq3rlYAdNk Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) March 6, 2026 Irans intelligence ministry said on Thursday that separatist terrorist groups planned to enter the country from its western borders and carry out attacks in urban and border areas, taking advantage of wartime conditions, Iran International reported. A joint preemptive operation by the intelligence ministry and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps destroyed a significant portion of the groups positions and capabilities and inflicted heavy losses, the ministry said in a statement. #Iran's Ministry of Intelligence says it has dismantled a network of "separatist terrorists", adding that the group had been plotting for months to destabilize western Iran to coincide with recent US and Israeli military strikes. https://t.co/BzkB8tCyRf pic.twitter.com/cxsKouijWa Iran Nuances (@IranNuances) March 6, 2026 UPDATE 1:07 PM EST White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt offered an explanation of what Trump means by his unconditional surrender demand on Iran. When Trump, as Commander in Chief, determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the US and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been fully realized, then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender, whether they say it themselves or not, she explained. Karoline Leavitt on Iran: When Trump, as Commander in Chief, determines that Iran no longer poses a threat to the US and the goals of Operation Epic Fury have been fully realized, then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender, whether they say it themselves pic.twitter.com/RMQpAJxx4E Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026 The Army in recent days abruptly canceled a major training exercise for the headquarters element of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, according to The Washington Post. This is fueling speculation within the Defense Department that soldiers specializing in ground combat and a range of other missions may be sent to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran widens, the publication posited. SCOOP: The Army in recent days canceled a training exercise for the headquarters element of the 82nd Airborne Division, fueling speculation among soldiers that they may be called upon for a still undefined mission as the war with Iran widens. Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) March 6, 2026 Ukraine is in talks with the U.S. and Gulf allies about replicating Kyivs acoustic detection network to counter Iranian attack drones, Financial Times is reporting, citing people familiar with the matter. Consisting of thousands of acoustic sensors across Ukraine, this system helps detect and track incoming Russian kamikaze drones, alert traditional air defenses in advance, and also dispatch ad hoc drone hunting teams to shoot them down. In 2024, we reported that the U.S. Army was considering acquiring this system. New: Ukraine is in talks with the US and several Gulf states about replicating Kyivs acoustic detection network to counter Iranian attack drones, according to people familiar with the matter. w/ @fabrice_deprez https://t.co/ME2ErGPq8X Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) March 6, 2026 Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, posted a message on X honoring six soldiers killed in Kuwait by an Iranian drone on March 1. It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of six American heroes from the 103rd Sustainment Command U.S. Army Reserves out of Des Moines, Iowa, Caine noted. Major Jeffrey R. OBrien, Captain Cody A. Khork, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor, Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens, and Sergeant Declan J. Coady. A message from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine: It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of six American heroes from the 103rd Sustainment Command U.S. Army Reserves out of Des Moines, Iowa: Major Jeffrey R. OBrien, Captain Cody A. Khork, The Joint Staff (@thejointstaff) March 6, 2026 Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Arab foreign ministers in a series of phone calls Thursday that the war is expected to last several more weeks, Axios is reporting, citing sources with direct knowledge of the conversations. Rubio said the current military focus is on Irans missile launchers, stockpiles and factories, the outlet reported, adding that the secretary told the ministers the U.S. goal is not regime change while simultaneously making clear Washington wants different people running the country. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Arab foreign ministers in calls Thursday that the war with Iran is expected to last several more weeks, according to sources familiar with the conversations. Rubio said the current military focus is on Irans missile launchers, stockpiles Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) March 6, 2026 At least one B-1B Lancer bomber landed at RAF Fairford in the U.K. today. This is part of an ongoing buildup of U.S. forces as Epic Fury drags on. PIKE72 B-1B landing at RAF Fairford, UK this afternoon Liberty Wing UK https://t.co/Ny8b283tDKpic.twitter.com/C2JZJHjpZ5 Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) March 6, 2026 UPDATE: 12:58 PM EST The Iranian terrorist regime has attacked 12 different countries and continues to deliberately target civilians through the Middle East, CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper has said in a new statement. Last night, Iranian forces fired seven attack drones at civilian, residential neighborhoods in Bahrain. This is unacceptable and will not go unanswered. We will continue work with regional partners to address this threat to innocent people across the region. Statement from Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander: pic.twitter.com/4UzS3SyFrh U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026 There are as-yet unconfirmed reports that U.S. B-1 bombers are headed to RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom, and that they will begin flying strikes on Iran from that base. In a press conference late yesterday, Secretary Pete Hegseth and Adm. Cooper both talked about the continued flow of U.S. forces, including bombers, to support Operation Epic Fury. USAF B-1B bombers from Dyess AFB are expected to deploy to RAF Fairford in the near term. Their arrival would significantly increase the tempo of long-range strike operations against targets in Iran. The B-1B carries one of the largest conventional payloads in the U.S. arsenal, GMI (@Global_Mil_Info) March 6, 2026 Restricted airspace around RAF Fairford for the next month (at least) shows the USAF will be deploying bombers to the airfield shortly. Note: NOTAMs are on the www. Credit JS below. https://t.co/i0qiHSGs0m Saint1 (@Saint1Mil) March 6, 2026 French authorities have denied that U.S. aircraft are using bases in the country to support operations over Iran, but are instead operating from them to aid in the defense of our partners in the region. No U.S. assets deployed on French bases in the Middle East. Yes: U.S. assets accepted on Istres Airbase (France) as part of a routine NATO procedure. They are not involved in U.S. operations in Iran but strictly supporting the defense of our partners in the region. https://t.co/NcZ1TyWc8z French Response (@FrenchResponse) March 6, 2026 It has now been reported that the U.S. Navy submarine that torpedoed the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean was the Los Angeles class USS Charlotte. Separately, another Iranian ship has now sought refuge in India. This is in addition to the IRIS Bushehr, which is now impounded in Sri Lanka. 7th Fleet Los Angeles-class fast-attack sub USS Charlotte (SSN 766) fired the single Mk 48 torpedo that sunk Iranian frigate IRIS Dena (75), @JimLaPorta reports. One of 30+ Iranian vessels destroyed this week and the first enemy ship sunk by a U.S. sub since WW2. Periscope view: pic.twitter.com/gAGc9I7BjY Ian Ellis (@ianellisjones) March 6, 2026 BREAKING: Iranian Navy warship IRIS Lavan docked in Kochi with its 183 member crew on March 4, the same day that IRIS Dena was torpedoed. The ship had requested accommodation on Feb 28 and received permission on March 1. The crew is being accommodated in Indian Navy facilities. pic.twitter.com/yLVwPvu54L Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) March 6, 2026 Photos released by the @srilanka_navy show the crew and cadets from the #Iranian replenishment vessel #IRISBushehr (Penant 422) being transferred ashore and being processed for internment. pic.twitter.com/uh3Xn5dtim Asiri Fernando (@AsiriFernandoLK) March 6, 2026 Breaking First pictures of Iran vessel IRINS Bushehr. The vessel requested entry into Sri Lankan waters on March 4 citing mechanical issues, hours after U.S. forces sank companion vessel IRIS Dena off Galle, killing almost 100 Iran sailors https://t.co/T1wF2qvz2I pic.twitter.com/13ljHDPTn7 Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) March 6, 2026 The satellite image below is said to show the aftermath of an attack on an Iranian underground ballistic missile facility. Maybe storing all of those missiles in underground bunkers wasn't such a good idea after all. pic.twitter.com/siygX6G7nx Hard Pass (@HardPass4) March 6, 2026 The video below is said to show an Iranian ballistic missile attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, though it is currently unconfirmed. Video footage purported to show an Iranian ballistic missile strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia, with the missile impacting very close to several U.S. servicemembers, thankfully said to have resulted in only minor injuries to personnel at Prince Sultan. pic.twitter.com/Nlju8TCZ22 OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 6, 2026 Pictures and videos showing Iranian ballistic missiles with cluster munition payloads being employed continue to appear online. Images of the submunitions themselves have also now been emerging following the use of these missiles. Iranian MRBM attack on central Israel earlier tonight using a large cluster munition warhead, as seen from Jordan. pic.twitter.com/DAl6uIn1xm OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 6, 2026 More remarkable shots of the Iranian cluster munitions warhead courtesy of @ZaidMAlAbbadi1 pic.twitter.com/HZVGhHC4I3 Sam Lair (@sam_lair) March 6, 2026 The OSMP has added two images of unfunctioned Iranian submunitions reportedly found in Israel following strikes by medium-range ballistic missiles equipped with cluster munitions warheads. View them here:https://t.co/rQwuODHB11https://t.co/eK65fEgWdfhttps://t.co/jfWzle7L31 pic.twitter.com/HcRYtFAwRP Open Source Munitions Portal (@MunitionsPortal) March 6, 2026 The Ministry of Defense of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) says the countrys forces intercepted another nine ballistic missiles and 109 drones fired by Iran today. UAE authorities say they have now intercepted 190 ballistic missiles, eight cruise missiles, and 1,110 drones since the conflict began. UAE air defences intercept 9 ballistic missiles, 109 drones The UAE Ministry of Defence announced that the countrys air defence systems detected 9 ballistic missiles today (6th March 2026), all of which were intercepted and destroyed. The ministry also reported the detection pic.twitter.com/E9WHz7AEpC |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 6, 2026 . UAE Air Defences Successfully Intercept Iranian Ballistic and Cruise Missiles and UAVs Attacks#_ #__#MOD#UAEMinistryOfDefence pic.twitter.com/peBuLSnC7K |MOD UAE (@modgovae) March 6, 2026 MS NOWs Morning Joe is reporting that authorities in the UAE have now frozen billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in the country. BREAKING NEWS: #morningjoe has learned that the UAE has frozen billions of dollars in Iranian assets. The move will likely have crippling effects on an already weakened Iranian economy. https://t.co/Da41RisQqY Joe Scarborough (@ScarboroughNow) March 6, 2026 What is said to be the first U.S. State Department-facilitated evacuation flight from Israel has arrived in Greece, according to JewishInsider. New from me: The first State Department evacuation flight from Israel landed in Athens on Friday afternoon, where its passengers were greeted on the tarmac by U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kim Guilfoyle.https://t.co/ICBx7NpaHH Haley Cohen (@HaleyCohen19) March 6, 2026 UPDATE: 12:10 PM EST U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has now released a video showing a strike on the Iranian drone carrier Shahid Bagheri, an unusual ship you can read more about here. At a press conference late yesterday, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, said an unnamed Iranian drone carrier ship, roughly the size of a World War II aircraft carrier had been targeted in just the last few hours. In a post on X on March 2 denying claims of an attack on a U.S. carrier, CENTCOM said the only carrier that has been hit is the Shahid Bagheri. It remains unclear whether the Shahid Bagheri was struck multiple times. U.S. forces aren't holding back on the mission to sink the entire Iranian Navy. Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire. pic.twitter.com/WyA4fniZck U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026 A video clip, taken from the shore, has now also emerged that is said to show the Shahid Bagheri on fire following a strike. The U.S. military has made clear that the destruction of Irans naval capabilities is a core objective of Operation Epic Fury. Lovely footage Ben Moses (@ben_moshenyc) March 6, 2026 U.S. Central Command continues to release other footage from ongoing strikes on targets in Iran. U.S. combat power is building as Iranian combat power declines. pic.twitter.com/KLxDstF2GV U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026 Iranian targets are being decimated by U.S. forces, paving the way for continued delivery of overwhelming American military firepower. pic.twitter.com/wQUER9cXWw U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 6, 2026 Satellite imagery shows runways have cratered at Irans Hamadan and Dezful Air Bases in the course of ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes. The runways and taxiways at Hamadan Airbase were bombed on March 4. The airbase is probably out of service until they are repaired. Thanks to our friends @planet for the imagery! pic.twitter.com/ZdoCQUthTQ Michael Duitsman (@DuitsmanMS) March 6, 2026 Literally this briefing slide pic.twitter.com/s9vyv1IMYx OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 6, 2026 Dezful saw a similar treatment. pic.twitter.com/QTrp4cT9Lx OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) March 6, 2026 Online flight tracking software indicates that additional U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tankers have deployed to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. U.S. officials have now repeatedly said that additional forces are still heading to the region. A U.S. tanker force had already been positioned at Ben Gurion in the lead-up to the current conflict. More Tankers on the way! #FreeIran Operation EPIC FURY / ROARING LION At least 6 more tanker aircraft have left the US heading towards the Middle East overnight, comprising: KC-135R "RCH240" 63-8043 #AE05AD KC-135R "RCH169" 63-8017 #AE07C1 KC-135R "RCH177" 57-2599 pic.twitter.com/temJeBJ1l5 DefenceGeek (@DefenceGeek) March 6, 2026 Additional USAF Tankers (6) heading to Ben Gurion airport/airbase, Tel Aviv. There were around 30 of them already parked there yesterday. Their role is to refuel different fighter jets in the region attacking Iran. pic.twitter.com/YJ6yBr6mRJ MenchOsint (@MenchOsint) March 6, 2026 The Israel Defense Forces have shared a video taken in the cockpit of a fighter flying over Iran. The Israeli Air Force publishes footage from the cockpit of IAF fighter jets flying over Iran. We continue to fight, as required around the clock, and feel your support all the time. We wish you, Israeli citizens, a safe and quiet Shabbat," a pilot is heard saying in a pic.twitter.com/cvljwuAJ02 Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 6, 2026 Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Lammy has said the country would be within its rights to take defensive action in response to Iranian threats, including taking down sites [Iran] that are anticipating attacking our people. There are no indications that British forces have struck targets in Iran yet. 'Yes, we can take down sites that are anticipating attacking our people' Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy told #BBCBreakfast 'defensive action' could include targeting military positions in Iran that could hit UK interests in the Middle East https://t.co/8Ho8wBQID3 pic.twitter.com/pt7wkMg267 BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) March 6, 2026 Publicly available data continues to show a decline in the number of Iranian ballistic missiles and drones launched in retaliatory attacks over the course of the conflict so far. 1/10th the number of Ballistic Missiles launched on day-6 relative to day-1. 1/8th the number of drones. #EpicFury https://t.co/60U73Qkcw4 pic.twitter.com/eGalDMhSZs Air-Power | MIL-STD (@AirPowerNEW1) March 6, 2026 Day 8 Iran Missile launches during the first 8 days of conflict: Ballistic Missiles: Day 1 350 Day 2 175 Day 3 120 Day 4 50 Day 5 40 Day 6 32 Day 7 28 Day 8 15 Drone Swarms: Day 1 294 Day 2 541 Day 3 200 Day 4 pic.twitter.com/SmSk8dWkWL World Insights (@World_Insights1) March 6, 2026 CBS News has reported that quadcopter-type drones may have conducted surveillance of U.S. facilities in Kuwait ahead of an attack that killed six American servicemembers. Iranian intelligence utilized various means to track service members after they left the base. In anticipation of the offensive and expected retaliation to include strikes on Camp Arifjan, the Tactical Ops Center (TOC) was moved to the same facility at the port used during https://t.co/R8VcPGIESm TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) March 6, 2026 Qatari authorities say an Iranian attack struck facilities housing its naval personnel in Bahrain. Qatar Condemns Iranian Attack on Buildings in Bahrain Housing Qatari Amiri Naval Forces Personnel Doha | March 06, 2026 The State of Qatar condemns, in the strongest terms, the Iranian attack that targeted buildings in various areas of the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain housing pic.twitter.com/9Zd8lihCEi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) March 6, 2026 The Washington Post has reported that Russia may be providing Iran with information to help with targeting American forces in the Middle East, citing unnamed officials. Exclusive: Russia is providing Iran with targeting information to attack American forces in the Middle East, the first indication that another major U.S. adversary is participating even indirectly in the war. https://t.co/SfBeKxq7zC The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) March 6, 2026 The video below is said to show the remains of an Iranian ballistic missile and its transporter-erector-launcher inside a structure following a strike. A ballistic missile launcher concealed inside a hay storage site was struck today by U.S. and Israeli aircraft. The boy who filmed the aftermath wrote: It doesnt matter where the launchers are, the Americans and Israelis will find them and target them heavily. Kudos to them. pic.twitter.com/swI0PvEH6a Open Source Intel (@Osint613) March 6, 2026 The videos below are said to show strikes on targets in the Iranian city of Ilam. Massive cloud of smoke rising over the Iranian city of Ilam following continued Israeli/American strikes on targets in the area. https://t.co/5PnNCLEMRM pic.twitter.com/9uj9w6hsvZ Status-6 (War & Military News) (@Archer83Able) March 6, 2026 U.S. and Israeli forces are bombing Ilam, Iran. pic.twitter.com/5lmFyaGkZP Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026 The satellite imagery below is said to show the aftermath of Iranian attacks earlier this week on facilities in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Satellite images of oil facilities in Fujairah, UAE. UAE is considering freezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets held in the country and possibly seizing Iranian ships, WSJ Qatar says the ongoing war could force Gulf countries to stop energy exports if it pic.twitter.com/K5U49eikL0 MAKS 25 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) March 6, 2026 South Koreas Chosun newspaper has reported that 1,000 guidance kits for Paveway-series laser-guided bombs were moved from storage at Osan Air Base in December, possibly in support of preparation for Operation Epic Fury. However, the sourcing for the story is unclear, and it says that officials in the country have declined to comment. The U.S. moved 1,000+ Paveway guided-bomb kits from Osan Air Base to the U.S. in Dec 2025, possibly later used in strikes on Iran. Seoul says the transfer happened without prior consultation. Source: Chosun pic.twitter.com/s4GvYprgmn Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026 South Korean media outlets are also reporting that the Cheongung-II surface-to-air missile system, which is in service in the UAE, has made its combat debut, citing members of the countrys National Assembly and unnamed military officials. S Korea's Cheong-Gung air defense system in service since 2015. It made its combat debut with UAE air defense forces, successfully intercepting several Iranian ballistic missiles on 3 March 2026. pic.twitter.com/OT3Pzj1UVk Christopher Wipper (@SGTWipper1Each) March 5, 2026 Pro-Iranian Iraqi militants claim to have launched kamikaze drones aimed at Jordanian military bases. #USA / #Iraq / #Jordan : Iraqi group Rijal Al-Bas Al-Shadid (Men of Great Strength) carried out attacks on Jordanian military bases. Group seemingly launched several #Iran-made X-Tail Shahed-101 Kamikaze Drones (OWA-UAVs) towards Jordan. pic.twitter.com/QT2ERJ7IJL War Noir (@war_noir) March 6, 2026 There are reports that ships continue to come under attack in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime traffic through this highly strategic waterway continues to be at a virtual standstill due to the ongoing conflict. For now, it is 3rd party-reported and under investigation, but the UKMTO is sharing the info. pic.twitter.com/EKT9mRHuEB Evergreen Intel (@vcdgf555) March 6, 2026 Strait of Hormuz Transits Feb 28 = 98 Mar 1 = 18 Mar 2 = 7 Mar 3 = 1 Mar 4 = 2 H/T: @UK_MTO@MarineTrafficpic.twitter.com/EtBXkSREla Sal Mercogliano (WGOW Shipping) (@mercoglianos) March 6, 2026 While MOST vessels are waiting out the situation at the Strait of Hormuz, the Cook Islands flagged bitumen tanker PUSHPAK just sailed right through with AIS active. pic.twitter.com/FHiP76R8E9 TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) March 5, 2026 Qatari Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al Kaabi has warned that all Gulf energy producers could halt production within weeks and drive oil to $150 a barrel if the ongoing conflict continues unabated in an interview with the Financial Times newspaper. Some oil fields are already cutting back production as available storage capacity in the country fills up as exports slow, according to The Wall Street Journal. "Qatar expects all Gulf energy producers to shut down exports within weeks and drive oil to $150 a barrel, the country's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi told the Financial Times in an interview published on Friday. "Everybody that has not called for force majeure we expect Amena Bakr (@Amena__Bakr) March 6, 2026 Kuwait has begun cutting oil output at some fields after storage tanks filled up due to disruptions to exports through the Strait of Hormuz. The country may soon reduce production further to levels needed only for domestic use. Source: WSJ pic.twitter.com/iFDm3bQpCE Clash Report (@clashreport) March 6, 2026 The U.S. government is reportedly easing sanctions on Russian oil exports to India amid disruption in global markets as a result of ongoing operations against Iran, the Financial Times has also reported. The US is temporarily easing sanctions on Russian oil sales to India to address supply shortages and reduce the impact of the surge in prices in the wake of US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The decision to ease sanctions represents a major shift in policy:https://t.co/v5X5lhptE4 max seddon (@maxseddon) March 6, 2026 The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has issued a new alert saying U.S. nationals are strongly encouraged to depart as soon as they are safely able to do so and advising them to use overland routes given regional airspace closures. The Embassy has suspended regular consular services. Security Alert U.S. Embassy Baghdad, Iraq March 6, 2026 Update 1 Location: Iraq Event The U.S. government cares about your safety and will continue to share information you need to make informed decisions about your security. The U.S. government is assessing all options to pic.twitter.com/MbEhCFSmGj U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) March 6, 2026 The Japan Self-Defense Forces will deploy a transport aircraft to the Republic of Maldives in the Indian Ocean as part of an effort to aid Japanese nationals in departing the Middle East. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that, with regard to supporting the departure of Japanese nationals, transportation for those staying in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will be carried out sequentially starting as early as tomorrow onward. In light of this, the Ministry of Defense is proceeding with preparations for the Self-Defense Forces as a precaution, in preparation for unforeseen circumstances such as the inability to operate civilian charter flights, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi wrote on X, according to a machine translation of the post below. The one Air Self-Defense Force transport aircraft moving to and positioning in the Republic of Maldives will be operated by pilots, maintenance personnel, and others from the Air Support Command (the Air Self-Defense Force unit that conducts air transport of supplies and air traffic control), with medical officers also on board. Sri Lankan authorities have released a video showing Iranian sailors from the frigate IRIS Dena being rescued after it was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine in the Indian Ocean earlier this week. New video released by the Sri Lankan navy shows Iranian sailors being rescued after a US submarine attack sank their ship in international waters. pic.twitter.com/LnbsLxlMWB Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 6, 2026 Reuters has reported that U.S. officials are increasingly of the view that American forces were responsible for a strike on a primary school for girls in Mindab, Iran, but that the investigation is ongoing. Iranian officials have said that 150 students died as a result. The school directly abuts an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) facility in Mindab, which is believed to have been the target of the strike. The girls' school in Minab, in southern Iran, was hit on Saturday during the first day of U.S. and Israeli attacks on the country. Iran's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said the strike killed 150 students. Reuters could not independently confirm the death toll. Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) March 6, 2026 At a presser Wed morning, SecDef Pete Hegseth said that the U.S. investigating. ""All I know, all I can say, is that we're investigating that," Hegseth said. "We, of course, never target civilian targets." The Pentagon has not yet responded to an additional request for comment. Geoff Brumfiel (@gbrumfiel) March 4, 2026 Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com US president Donald Trump has warned that Irans unconditional surrender is the only way to end the US-Israeli war with the country, as the conflict entered its seventh day. The US and Israel have battered Iran with strikes since last Saturday, targeting its military capabilities, leadership and nuclear programme. Israeli warplanes have pounded Tehran, and Israel says it has destroyed the underground bunker of slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated by launching another wave of attacks across Israel and the Gulf. In a rant on Truth Social, President Trump demanded to have a role in choosing the next leader of Iran, as he affirmed: There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! Shiite Muslims burn effigies of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest on Friday (AP) After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. Advertisement Advertisement More than 30 Iranian vessels have been destroyed since Operation Epic Fury began on Saturday, US Central Command (Centcom) has claimed, as US war secretary Pete Hegseth warned there would be a dramatic surge in attacks on Iran as US forces launch missions from British military bases. The amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically, Mr Hegseth said. When we say more to come, its more fighter squadrons, its more capabilities, its more defensive capabilities, and its more bomber pulses more frequently. The US had earlier criticised the UK for its reluctance to provide access to the bases, but Sir Keir Starmer relaxed his position following a wave of retaliatory strikes from Iran, having previously stated that the bases could be used for the limited, specific defensive purpose of protecting UK and US allies. A spokesperson for No 10 said the UK remains intent on defending its allies in the Middle East (AS1 Leah Jones/MoD) Deputy prime minister David Lammy signalled a dramatic hardening of the governments position as he warned that RAF jets could legally strike Iranian missile sites to prevent attacks on British interests in theMiddle East. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for No 10 said the UK remained intent on defending its allies in the Middle East while allowing the US to strike targets in Iran. We have consistently said that well take the necessary steps to prevent future strikes, which, as weve set out over the course of the week, is allowing the US to take out those missiles at source whilst we are defending the skies. And that is a consistent position that we have conveyed throughout the week. Meanwhile, Britons are braced for another cost of living crisis, as the price of oil continued to soar. The price of Brent crude rose on Friday to surpass $88 (65) a barrel, its highest price since April 2024. Passengers from an Oman Air flight that departed from Muscat, Oman, are welcomed on their arrival at Heathrow (Reuters) Greg Jackson, the chief executive of Octopus Energy, told Times Radio that the energy markets are in a state of turmoil as Iran holds control over the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway in the Persian Gulf through which around a fifth of the worlds oil passes. Advertisement Advertisement The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that it will set fire to any vessels attempting to pass through the strait, after claiming complete control of the major shipping route on Wednesday. Efforts to help Britons trapped in the war zone are continuing. A government charter flight arrived in the UK early on Friday morning, the first to evacuate stranded citizens. Passengers on the Titan Airways charter flight, which flew in from Muscat, Oman, told of sleeping in car parks in Dubai as they heard explosions at the beginning of the conflict. A second government evacuation flight left Oman on Friday afternoon. COCO sells coconut water, sparkling water, coconut milk, and oil products in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East through brands like Vita Coco, Runa, and Ever & Ever. Its fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings report showed a 18% year-over-year rise in net sales (to $610 million), net income of $71 million ($1.19 per diluted share, a 27% gain), $197 million in cash with no debt, and a 2026 net sales outlook of up to $700 million. Its no wonder COCO shares are up 48% so far in the last six months and they could rise more. MoneyFlows data shows how Big Money investors are again betting heavily on the stock. Big Money Drinking Vita Coco Institutional volumes reveal plenty. In the last six months, COCO has enjoyed strong investor demand, which we believe to be institutional support. Each green bar signals unusually large volumes in COCO shares. They reflect our proprietary inflow signal, pushing the stock higher: Line graph showing Vita Coco Company, Inc. (COCO) stock price trends over six months from September 3, 2025, to March 3, 2026, including inflows and outflows. Source: www.moneyflows.com Plenty of staples names are under accumulation right now. But theres a powerful fundamental story happening with Vita Coco. Vita Coco Fundamental Analysis Institutional support and a healthy fundamental backdrop make this company worth investigating. As you can see, COCO has had strong sales and earnings growth: 3-year sales growth rate (+12.7%) 3-year EPS growth rate (+178.6%) Source: FactSet Also, EPS is estimated to ramp higher this year by +16.8%. Now it makes sense why the stock has been generating Big Money interest. COCO has a track record of strong financial performance. Marrying great fundamentals with MoneyFlows software has found some big winning stocks over the long term. Vita Coco has become a top-rated stock at MoneyFlows. That means the stock has unusual buy pressure and growing fundamentals. We have a ranking process that showcases stocks like this on a weekly basis. Its seen nine outlier inflow signals in the last year and 18 overall since 2023. The blue bars below show when COCO was a top pick on the Outlier 20 report in the last two yearsBig Money is buying: Line chart showing Vita Coco Company, Inc. (COCO) stock price trends from March 3, 2024, to March 3, 2026, including outlier inflows and outlier outflows. Source: www.moneyflows.com Tracking unusual volumes reveals the power of money flows. This is a trait that most outlier stocks exhibitthe best of the best. Big Money demand drives stocks upward. Vita Coco Price Prediction The COCO action isnt new at all. Big Money buying in the shares is signaling to take notice. Given the historical gains in share price and strong fundamentals, this stock could be worth a spot in a diversified portfolio. Disclosure: the author holds no position in COCO at the time of publication. If you are a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) or are a serious investor, take your investing to the next level and follow our free weekly MoneyFlows insights. President Donald Trump has announced he is nominating MAGA Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, but hes giving her a new gig. The president, 79, made his announcement on Truth Social as Noem, 54, has come under fire for her spending behavior and an alleged affair. I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026, Trump wrote. President Trump named MAGA Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma as Noem's replacement. / Anadolu / Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Noem, who was nicknamed ICE Barbie for a series of cosplaying appearances in different getups, is the first Cabinet member from Trumps second term to get the axe amid escalating criticism of her leadership. The Daily Beast asked the White House for more information on what Noems new position would entail and about the initiative being announced on Saturday. This historic new security initiative, led by Secretary Noem, will advance cutting-edge strategies to defeat narco-terrorist cartels and stop illegal mass migration to make America and the entire Western Hemisphere safer, White House spokesperson Olivia Wales responded in a statement. X As the president posted about her departure, Noem was publicly speaking at an event in Tennessee, but she did not address the shakeup. Moments after she exited the stage, however, she did put out a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Thank you @POTUS Trump for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. @SecRubio and @SecWar are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren," she wrote on X. Kristi Noem has been dubbed ICE Barbie for her love of cosplaying in various uniformed roles. / U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images The president threw the outgoing Cabinet official under the bus on Thursday, moments before he announced on social media that he was creating a new position for her as an off-ramp. Trump told Reuters he was totally ignorant about the more than $200 million ad campaign Noem claimed he had approved in advance. I never knew anything about it, Trump told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement The comments came two days after Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy ripped into the DHS secretary about the advertisements at a hearing on Capitol Hill and suggested it was an effort to boost her own name recognition. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem rides a horse while filming an ad at Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota, Oct. 2, 2025. (DHS photo by Tia Dufour) / Tia Dufour / DHS photo by Tia Dufour Noem has also been facing intense backlash for her handling of the surge of ICE agents to Minnesota and then labeling two U.S. citizens as domestic terrorists in the immediate aftermath of them being shot and killed. In the end, Trump even sent border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to take over the federal operation there and remove the DHS secretary from the frontline, but the White House insisted that the president still had confidence in Noem. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem during a press conference at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, MN on January 7, 2026. Trump ended up sending border czar Tom Homan to Minnesota to take over amid backlash over the ICE killings of Renee Good and then Alex Pretti in January. / Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images The backlash to the ICE killings led to calls for funding to the agency to be renegotiated on Capitol Hill after ICE was given roughly $75 billion as part of a whopping $165 billion for DHS in Trumps One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. Advertisement Advertisement DHS is at the center of the ongoing partial government shutdown as lawmakers remain in a standoff over annual funding for the department, with Democrats demanding new restrictions on ICE. At the same time, Noem has been facing repeated allegations of having an ongoing affair with her top aide, Corey Lewandowski, who has been jetting around the country with her as a special government employee in a luxury jet. The lobbyist with no law enforcement experience is accused of having immense power within the department despite having no relevant experience. Noem was confronted to her face on Wednesday by Democratic Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who questioned the Cabinet member over whether she had ever had sexual relations with Lewandowski as DHS secretary and argued it was an issue of both judgment and a potential conflict of interest. Advertisement Advertisement Noem, who is married, shot back that the accusations were garbage and offensive, but she never specifically said no while testifying under oath. Trump started laying the groundwork to replace Noem after her brutal appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. According to Punchbowl News, he was calling Republican senators to get their take on whether he should fire her. A person familiar with the presidents thinking told National Review that Trump was frustrated with her response to Kennedy and that Mullin, a former Mixed Martial Arts fighter and plumber, was being considered to replace her. In his post announcing Noems replacement, Trump wrote the 48-year-old senator has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma, where I won all 77 out of 77 Countiesin 2016, 2020, and 2024!" Trump choosing Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace Noem is a calculated move to get the nominee confirmed in the deeply divided Senate. / Kylie Cooper / REUTERS He also praised him as a MAGA Warrior, and a former undefeated professional MMA fighter. He argued Mullin truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda. Advertisement Advertisement The Oklahoma senator has been a fierce defender of Trump on Capitol Hill, but he has also attempted to lead negotiations across the aisle with Democrats in the deeply divided Senate. Trumps effort to replace Noem comes at a time when he will face an uphill battle to get any new nominee confirmed, so choosing a sitting senator who has already built relationships on the hill helps pave the way for a smoother confirmation. The Trump administration is confronting mounting discontent from its Persian Gulf allies, who claim they were given inadequate time to prepare for a torrent of Iranian drones and missiles that bombarded their countries. These attacks were reportedly in retaliation for strikes launched by the US and Israel. Officials from two Gulf nations expressed profound disappointment with Washington's handling of the conflict, particularly the initial assault on Iran last Saturday. They asserted that their governments received no prior warning of the US-Israeli attack and that their earlier warnings about the war's potentially devastating regional consequences were disregarded. One official conveyed the deep frustration and even anger among Gulf countries regarding what they perceive as insufficient defence from the US military. There is a widespread belief in the region, he stated, that operations have primarily focused on safeguarding Israel and American troops, compelling Gulf nations to fend for themselves. He added that his countrys stock of interceptors was "rapidly depleting." Advertisement Advertisement These Gulf officials spoke anonymously, citing the confidential nature of the diplomatic discussions. Requests for comment from the governments of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain went unanswered. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in response: Irans retaliatory ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90% because Operation Epic Fury is crushing their ability to shoot these weapons or produce more. President Trump is in close contact with all of our regional partners, and the terrorist Iranian regimes attacks on its neighbors prove how imperative it was that President Trump eliminate this threat to our country and our allies. The Pentagon did not respond. Official reactions by the Gulf Arab countries have been muted, but public figures with close ties to their governments have been openly critical of the U.S., suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dragged President Donald Trump into a needless war. Advertisement Advertisement This is Netanyahus war, Prince Turki al-Faisal, the former Saudi intelligence chief, told CNN on Wednesday. He somehow convinced the president (Trump) to support his views. President Donald Trump speaks about the Iran war during an event to honor the 2025 Major League Soccer champions Inter Miami CF in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Pentagon officials conceded this week in closed-door briefings with lawmakers they are struggling to stop waves of drones launched by Iran, leaving some U.S. targets in the Gulf region, including troops, vulnerable. The Gulf countries have emerged as valuable targets for Iran, well within the range of Irans short-range missiles and filled with targets, including American troops, high-profile business and tourist locations and energy facilities, disrupting the worlds flow of oil. Since the start of the war, Iran has fired at least 380 missiles and over 1,480 drones targeting the five Arab Gulf countries, according to an AP tally based on official statements. At least 13 people have been killed in those countries, according to local officials. Advertisement Advertisement In addition, six U.S. soldiers were killed in Kuwait on Sunday when an Iranian drone strike hit an operations center in a civilian port, more than 10 miles from the main Army base. The husband of one of the slain soldiers, who was part of a supply and logistics unit based in Iowa, said the operations center was a shipping container-style building and had no defenses. Pete Hegseth (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) In briefings for members of Congress on Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told lawmakers that the U.S. will not be able to intercept many of the incoming UAVs, especially the Shaheds, according to three people familiar with the briefings. In one of the briefings, Caine and Hegseth did not offer any details when pressed by lawmakers why the U.S. did not seem prepared for Iran to launch waves of drones at U.S. targets in the region, according to one of the people. That person, a U.S. official who is familiar with the U.S. security posture in Gulf region, said that the U.S. did not have widespread capabilities throughout the Gulf region to effectively counter waves of the one-way drones coming to places outside conventional targets or bases outside of Iraq and Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Drone attacks this week at the embassy in Saudi Arabia caused a limited fire at the embassy in Riyadh, and another drone attack the United Arab Emirates sparked a small fire outside the U.S. consulate in Dubai. The U.S. and its allies in the Middle East on Thursday even sought help from Ukraine, which has expertise in countering Irans Shahed drones, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. When asked about Zelenskyy's comments, Trump told Reuters on Thursday, Certainly, Ill take, you know, any assistance from any country. Birds fly against the backdrop of smoke rising after a strike on the Iranian capital of Tehran on March 5, 2026 (AFP/Getty) Bader Mousa Al-Saif, a Kuwait-based analyst with Chatham House, said the U.S. appeared to have underestimated the risk to its Gulf Arab allies, believing American troops and Israel would be the primary targets of Iranian retaliation. I dont think they saw that there would be as much exposure to the Gulf, he said, saying the lack of a plan to protect the Gulf countries speaks to U.S. short-sightedness. Advertisement Advertisement The frustration in some of the Gulf nations is driven in part by the relative success that Israel has had knocking down drones and missiles compared to some of their neighbors, according to a person familiar with the sensitive diplomatic matter who was not authorized to comment publicly. Their air defense systems are hardly as robust as Israels, but according to the person, U.S. officials have been somewhat perplexed that the Gulf countries are still not showing an appetite for delivering a counteroffensive by launching missiles at Iranian targets. Elliott Abrams, who served as a special representative for Iran and Venezuela at the end of Trumps first term, said that U.S. national security officials and their Gulf allies were aware that Iran had the capability to carry out significant strikes. And the neighbors knew it and were afraid of it. But it was never clear that Iran would actually do it, because they have a lot to lose, Abrams said. These attacks will leave long-term enmity, and if they keep up, the Gulf Arabs may start attacking Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Michael Ratney, a former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said that while the Gulf countries have an interest in seeing Iran weakened, they also have key concerns about the ongoing war including the economic damage and instability it is causing and its open-ended nature. Ratney, who is now a senior adviser in the Middle East program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said: What comes next? The countries of the Gulf will have to bear the brunt of whatever that is. The Brief President Donald Trump said hes replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Trump said he'll make Noem a "Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas," a new security initiative that he said would focus on the Western Hemisphere. President Donald Trump said hes replacing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Advertisement Advertisement Trump made the announcement on social media on Thursday, two days after Noem faced a grilling on Capitol Hill from GOP members as well as Democrats. The Wall Street Journal was first to report that Trump planned to fire the secretary. Trump fires Kristi Noem from DHS post What they're saying "I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026," Trump said in a statement on his social media platform Truth Social. He continued: "The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at Homeland." Trump nominates Marwayne Mullin to replace Kristi Noem Dig deeper Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and three in the Senate, Trump said Markwayne "has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma." Advertisement Advertisement He continued: "A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda. As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities. Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security." Noem fired after testifying on Capitol Hill Big picture view Noem is the first Cabinet secretary to leave during Trumps second term. Noems departure caps a tumultuous tenure overseeing immigration enforcement tactics that have been met with protests and lawsuits. Noem has faced waves of criticism as shes overseen Trumps immigration crackdown, especially since the shooting deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis at the hands of immigration enforcement officers. The former South Dakota governor was also criticized over the way her department has spent billions of dollars allocated to it by Congress. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED:Kristi Noem defends department's immigration enforcement tactics during Senate hearing Aside from immigration, Noem also faced criticism including from Republicans over the pace of emergency funding approved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and for the Trump administrations response to disasters. What's next Mullin would need to be confirmed by the Senate, but under a federal law governing executive branch vacancies, he would be allowed to serve as an acting Homeland Security secretary as long as his nomination is formally pending. The Source The information for this story was provided by Donald Trump's Truth Social account. This story was reported from Los Angeles. The Associated Press contributed. Donald Trump wants Kurdish fighters to launch a ground invasion to take over parts of western Iran, and has promised to give them air support. Rather than American or Israeli boots on the ground, the US president said he favoured a proxy force made up of Kurdish Iranians and supplied with US weapons to try to bring down the regime. I think its wonderful that they want to do that, Id be all for it, Mr Trump said on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement The goal of such an incursion, it is claimed, would be to take over territory in the Kurdish region inside Iran in order to challenge the regime and inspire a broader uprising. While the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has promised to suffocate in the cradle any terrorist or separatist activity, Iranian-Kurdish separatist groups could launch attacks and draw Iranian regime forces out to western Iran, diverting security resources and exposing them to US and Israeli air strikes. Kurdish forces, based in the mountains of northern Iraq, are well-positioned for a ground invasion along the 1,000-mile land border with the Kurdish-majority areas of western Iran. With Mr Trump having been accused of not having a plan to force regime change in Iran beyond killing the leadership and urging the public to rise up, these comments provide the first insight into the USs thinking on how to end the war. Advertisement Advertisement But the prospect of any such operation is clouded in uncertainty. 0603 How Kurdish invasion into Iran could unfold Several reports citing unnamed US and Israeli officials claimed that a ground offensive had begun on Thursday, a line that Iranian and Iraqi-Kurdish officials denied. Such talk might be psychological warfare designed to unnerve Tehran further as the US and Israel bomb the country, but it would be unusual for large-scale battle plans to be leaked in advance. Mr Trump has been courting the Kurdish community, reportedly offering extensive US air cover, and spoke with prominent Iranian-Kurdish and Iraqi-Kurdish leaders soon after launching attacks against Iran. Advertisement Advertisement The CIA is also reportedly planning to arm Kurdish forces with the aim to foment a popular uprising against the Iranian regime, sources told CNN. The idea initially came from Israel, Axios reported. This has already triggered strong pushback in the region. Too often the Kurds are remembered only when their strength or sacrifice is needed, said Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, the first lady of Iraq. For that reason, I appeal to all sides involved in this conflict, she said in a statement. Leave the Kurds alone. We are not guns for hire. While Washington has not confirmed concrete plans, the dream scenario would be to create a domino effect, said Hay Eytan Cohen Yanarocak, of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security. Advertisement Advertisement The hope is for other ethnic groups also oppressed by the Iranian regime and with separatist ambitions such as the Balochis and Azeris to go to the streets and claim their own government. From a US and Israeli perspective, retaining Kurdish fighters solves one problem. You cannot fulfil your ultimate goals without boots on the ground, said Mr Cohen Yanarocak. But the Israelis are not going to sacrifice their soldiers on Iranian soil, and the Americans arent going to do that obviously. But that chain of events may never happen. Kurdish forces have been trained, equipped and are battle-hardened. They have also operated as a proxy-US ground force, with a coalition mounting the ultimately successful campaign against the Islamic State in Syria. Advertisement Advertisement Israel has also spent years cultivating ties with Kurdish groups as part of efforts to reach out to non-Arab actors in the Middle East. But expert estimates put any potential Iranian-Kurdish fighting force at a few hundred to 1,500 at best. The personnel numbers of the Iranian regime and its security apparatus ... would still far outnumber them, said Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow and leading expert on Kurdish issues at the Royal United Services Institute, a UK-based think tank. Theyre far outnumbered, theyre out-weaponed; its not feasible. Kurdish-Iranian troops from the Kurdistan Freedom Party. The militia are trained, equipped and battle-hardened, having served with US troops in Syria - Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters Their strength would be in asymmetric warfare: surprise attacks to harass the Iranian regime and disrupt its ability to keep control, or at least give the spectre of a loss of power. Pushing regime change would be impossible for the Iranian Kurds without sustained US-Israeli bombing campaigns to hit Iranian forces, killing a significant proportion of soldiers, or at least enough to prompt most of the rest to defect and lay down arms. Advertisement Advertisement While its too early in the war to gauge the possibility of significant defections, Israels targeting of the Iranian regimes security infrastructure may prompt its members to abandon their positions. Plan could unify Iranians An armed Iranian-Kurdish opposition may not receive full support within its own Kurdish community, let alone the majority of Irans richly diverse population of 90 million people. Being anti-regime doesnt mean they will take any actor that is willing to fight the regime as representative of their interests, said Ms Ozcelik. Even Iranians that strongly oppose the regime would baulk at the prospect of externally imposed fragmentation. Advertisement Advertisement This plan might backfire, Ms Ozcelik said. It might unify Iranians if they felt as though Israel or the US was trying to insert a Kurdish armed group that would potentially lead to an enclave in western Iran and the break-up of the country. Autonomy is explicitly a goal for some Iranian Kurds. A coalition of political groups that formed in late January has stated self-determination goals and announced plans for administering Kurdish areas if the regime falls. Kurds are among the worlds largest stateless ethnic groups. They are primarily located across Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran, where they have a long history of grievances and uprisings against the current regime and the monarchy that preceded it. Still, the Kurdish community generally remains sceptical that aligning with the US will lead to anything other than repeated betrayal. There are concerns that the US would abandon the Kurdish-Iranian troops once they have served a purpose - Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters From their perspective, Kurdish forces have entered into unequal partnerships with major foreign powers far too often. Advertisement Advertisement Each time, when geopolitical priorities shifted, the Kurds paid the highest price, often facing retaliation from regional states left to settle the score, wrote Hiwa Osman, a former presidential adviser to Jalal Talabani, Iraqs first Kurdish president, in an analysis for the Middle East Forum. In January, the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces instrumental in the fight against the Islamic State terror group came under siege from the new Syrian government after unification talks stalled. The worry is that the Kurds may yet again be used as a tool rather than an equal partner. How deep does the US commitment go this time? said Ms Ozcelik. Will they [the Kurds] be deployed as the foot soldiers against the Iranian regime only to be abandoned once the mission is deemed to be sufficiently complete? Resistance from US allies Neighbouring nations will strongly resist the idea of the US and Israel supporting an Iranian Kurdish fighting force, and some are already thought to be lobbying Washington against the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Turkey, which shares a border with Iran, is gravely concerned about handling an influx of refugees if war continues. Such a situation could then exacerbate migration issues in Europe. From Turkeys point of view, its kind of a disaster, said Mr Cohen Yanarocak. Another worry will be the potential ripple effect on Turkeys own Kurdish community if a contingent in Iran can gain greater power and influence, perhaps even seeking independence. Turkeys foreign minister has already spoken to some of the Iraqi-Kurdish political leaders that Trump called. All this could complicate an ongoing attempt to resolve a decades-long conflict between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers Party, considered a terrorist group by Turkey, the UK and the US. Iraq is in a tough position as the only country under attack from both sides in this war, the result of it hosting both Iranian-Kurdish separatist groups and US troops. Qubad Talabani, deputy prime minister of the autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq, has said the region is not part of the conflict and intends to remain neutral. He wants to avoid further attacks, with the territory having already sustained them from Iran-backed militias in Iraq and the IRGC. In response to a request from Iran to prevent opposition groups from infiltrating the country, Iraqi officials have said they are committed to preventing any groups from crossing the Iranian border or carrying out terrorist acts from Iraqi territory. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. President Donald Trumps public messaging in the hours before initial joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran was part of a coordinated effort to mislead Tehran and keep Ayatollah Ali Khamenei naively exposed, according to a senior Israeli official. The claim, reported Friday by Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, suggests the president played a key role in a broader deception campaign designed to convince Iranian leadership that no attack was imminent, which allowed Israeli forces to target and kill the countrys supreme leader while he remained above ground. The revelations came after Israeli Defense Forces released images from Thursday night showing a barrage striking what it described as Khameneis bunker complex. WATCH: ~50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets dismantled Ali Khameneis underground military bunker beneath the Iranian regimes leadership compound in Tehran. pic.twitter.com/Nw0tvvQMRX Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 6, 2026 Providing more details on the facility, Yingst reported that the Iranian leader never entered the bunker before he was killed. Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the strike, when Operation Epic Fury began, when the Ayatollah Khamenei was actually killed, he was above ground, he did not go into this bunker and that is why the Israelis were able to kill him in part, because he didnt think that he was going to be targeted, Yingst told Fox & Friends. According to Yingst, Israeli officials said that false sense of security was part of an effort coordinated strategy at senior levels between Washington and Jerusalem: There was a deception campaign, I am told by a senior Israeli official, to make the Iranians think this attack wasnt even going to begin. The official told Fox & Friends that despite visible military preparations, Khameneis inner circle failed to move him underground. Part of the strategy involved signals meant to lull Tehran into complacency, including public posts and statements from Trump himself. There were a number of posts made and statements by President Trump in the 24 hours leading up to the beginning of this operation, he said. All of this meant to deceive Iranian leadership, Yingst reported. Advertisement Advertisement He added: This official said the result was exactly what planners had hoped for. Khamenei stayed above ground in the opening strike of Operation Epic Fury found him right there. One day before strikes began, on February 27, Trump mused negotiations with Iran were difficult but insisted: Id rather do it the peaceful way. But theyre very difficult people. Throughout that day, he posted to his Truth Social account dozens of times, not mentioning Iran, but promoting positive reviews of his State of the Union address, his ballroom plans, TikTok followers, attacks on opponents, and endorsements of Republican candidates. Watch above via Fox News. The post Trumps Pre-Strike Messaging Part of Deception Campaign to Lull Irans Leader Into False Sense of Security So Israel Could Kill Him first appeared on Mediaite. As President Donald Trump suggests that Cuba could soon fall, his administration has begun exploring whether federal prosecutors could charge members of the regime or the Communist Party with crimes, according to a person familiar with the matter. The administration is working to develop possible criminal cases tied to issues like drugs or violence, according to the person. The multiagency effort is being led by the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Florida. "Federal prosecutors from across the country work every day to pursue justice, which includes efforts to combat transnational crime," a Justice Department spokesperson said in a statement. A banner of President Donald Trump is hung on the Department of Justice on Feb. 19, 2026. (Heather Diehl / Getty Images file) (Heather Diehl) U.S. officials charged Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife with drug conspiracy charges in the U.S. after they were captured by the military in January at a compound in Caracas. They have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Advertisement Advertisement Federal charges against Cuban officials could ratchet up public pressure on the country and be used as the basis to levy additional economic sanctions imposed by the State Department, which is being consulted as part of the effort, according to the person familiar with the matter. The U.S. already has a commercial, economic and financial embargo on Cuba that dates back decades. The State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Cuban officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump has been talking about Cubas government increasingly since the raid on Venezuela, one of Havanas closest allies. The president suggested following the raid that the island nation could collapse on its own because its economy was so weak and the oil shipments that it depended on from Venezuela had stopped. This week, just days after the U.S. attack on Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top leadership, the president suggested that Cuba's collapse was upcoming. Advertisement Advertisement Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon, Trump told CNN in a phone interview Friday. Cuba is gonna fall too. They want to make a deal so badly. They want to make a deal, and so Im going to put Marco [Rubio] over there, and well see how that works out. Were really focused on this one right now. Weve got plenty of time, but Cubas ready after 50 years, Trump said. A day earlier, Trump said at the White House that its only a question of time before American Cubans would be able to return to their home country, as he praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio during an East Room event. Hes doing some job, and your next one is going to be, we want to do that special Cuba, Trump said. He said that Rubio is waiting until the war on Iran is complete. Advertisement Advertisement We could do them all at the same time, but bad things happen, Trump said. If you watch countries over the years, you do them all too fast, bad things happen. Were not going to let anything bad happen to this country. Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, has long been a Cuba hawk who as a senator pushed for regime change on the island, as well as in Venezuela. Cubas status quo is unacceptable, Rubio said late last month after Cuba said its military killed four Cubans from the United States who were on a boat that entered its territorial waters. Cuba needs to change. It needs to change, and it doesnt have to change all at once. It doesnt have to change from one day to the next. ... Everyone is mature and realistic. But, Rubio insisted, the island needed to change dramatically, especially to improve quality of life for its people. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to reporters as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol on March 3 to brief senators on U.S. military action in Iran. (Jim Watson / AFP - Getty Images) (Jim Watson) They need to make dramatic reforms, and if they want to make those dramatic reforms that open the space for both economic and eventually political freedom for the people of Cuba, obviously the United States would love to see that, Rubio said. Advertisement Advertisement After spending years railing against the lack of human rights and democracy in Cuba, Rubio has been quieter in recent weeks and has pivoted to talking about the need for economic changes on the island. Initially, Cuban government officials denied there were negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba, and they havent publicly commented on the talks in recent weeks. Cuban American members of Congress wrote a letter to Trump in February asking the Justice Department to consider indicting former President Raul Castro over his role in the 1996 shooting of two unarmed civilian planes on missions for Brothers to the Rescue, a volunteer group. Four Cuban Americans were killed. The volunteers routinely flew over the Florida straits looking for Cuban refugees making their way to the U.S. on makeshift boats. Castro was head of the armed forces at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Floridas attorney general said this week that a state-level case against Castro would be reopened. Cubas Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla told The Associated Press last fall that when Trump first took office, the island saw an opening for a potential thaw in relations. But Rubios effort is personal, and it has led the administration to lean even harder into an anti-Havana stance. The current secretary of state was not born in Cuba, has never been to Cuba, and knows nothing about Cuba, Rodriguez said at the time. But there is a very personal and corrupt agenda that he is carrying out, which seems to be sacrificing the national interests of the U.S. in order to advance this very extremist approach. Any action against Cuba could be further complicated by the existence of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, where some of Americas most high-profile detainees are held, including Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. Cuba and the U.S. entered into a lease agreement for the land the base sits on in 1903 that has no end date, and the lease can only be ended if both parties agree. Advertisement Advertisement While the military detention center once held hundreds of detainees, just 15 are still held there, with dozens of military personnel for each remaining detainee. Democratic President Barack Obama signed an executive order to close the detention center, but it never happened. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com After ousting Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro with a daring snatch-and-grab operation and decapitating Irans leadership at the outset of a now week-old U.S.-Israeli-led aerial war, President Donald Trump says his next target for regime change is a nearby nemesis that has resisted similar efforts for nearly seven decades. The president told CNN in an interview on Friday that he believes his administration is close to toppling the communist government that has led Cuba, the Caribbean island just 90 miles off the Florida coast, since 1959. Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon, said the president, who spoke with CNN correspondent Dana Bash by phone. Advertisement Advertisement The brief interview was meant to tout American military successes in the six days since U.S. and Israeli warplanes opened an air campaign that has plunged the Middle East into chaos and left Tehran scrambling to choose a new supreme leader after an early bomb strike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the countrys longtime de facto head of state. They want to make a deal, and so Im going to put [Secretary of State] Marco [Rubio] over there and well see how that works out. Were really focused on this one right now. Weve got plenty of time, but Cubas ready after 50 years, Trump continued. Ive been watching it for 50 years, and its fallen right into my lap because of me ... and were doing very well. Trump says he believes his administration is close to toppling the communist government that has led Cuba since 1959 (AP) The presidents prediction of the imminent fall of the government that was led by the late Fidel Castro and later his brother Raul before power was handed to loyalist Miguel Diaz-Canel seven years ago comes less than a day after he said it was a question of time before the countless Cuban exiles who have fled the island over the last 67 years could return there. Advertisement Advertisement He also said on Thursday that Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants who came to the U.S. just before Castro took power, would turn his attention to his parents homeland once the administration has wrapped up the war it started against Iran nearly one week ago. Hes doing some job, and your next one is going to be, we want to do that special Cuba, Trump said. Hes waiting. But he says, Lets get this one finished first. We could do them all at the same time, but bad things happen. If you watch countries over the years, you do them all too fast, bad things happen. Were not going to let anything bad happen to this country. Trumps push to undermine and topple the Cuban government echoes decades of similar unsuccessful efforts by successive administrations dating back to the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion by a group of American-trained Cuban exiles in the early days of the John F. Kennedy administration. Advertisement Advertisement In 1960, the U.S. government imposed a blanket ban on almost all trade with the island in what has become one of the worlds longest-running and broadest trade embargoes. A year later before the attempted invasion the U.S. broke off diplomatic relations with Havana. It was a breach that would continue until 2015, when the Obama administration re-established diplomatic relations as part of what became a brief thaw in tensions that saw some sanctions eased and a resumption of limited travel and tourism flights to the island. When he entered office for his first term in 2017, he reimposed economic sanctions and travel restrictions that had been loosened under his predecessor. Trumps return to hardline positions against the Castro government was part of a series of actions that were seen as aimed at rewarding the powerful Cuban exile community in Florida for their support in the previous years election. In January 2026 just over a year into his second term he signed an order imposing import taxes on goods from any country that supplies Havana with oil, citing alleged links between the Cuban government and Middle Eastern terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Advertisement Advertisement Mexico and Venezuela have since halted shipments of oil to Cuba, and the president has described his administration's efforts to interdict tankers bound for Cuban ports as a blockade. The result has been widespread fuel shortages on the island, which have led to blackouts and a suspension of commercial air traffic. NEED TO KNOW President Donald Trump reiterated that lives will be lost amid the unfolding military conflict with Iran in a new cover story for Time Asked whether Americans should worry about being attacked on U.S. soil, Trump acknowledged the possibility, saying, "I guess" The remarks come days after six U.S. service members were killed in a retaliatory drone strike abroad Asked if Americans should worry about Iran retaliating against Americans on U.S. soil, President Donald Trump responded, I guess. For the latest Time cover story titled "Trump's War," which was published on Thursday, March 5, correspondent Eric Cortellessa questioned Trump about the details of the unfolding war with Iran. In a pointed moment, he was asked whether it's reasonable for Americans to have concerns about being attacked at home. Advertisement Advertisement I guess, Trump, 79, responded. But I think theyre worried about that all the time. We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah, you know, we expect some things." "Like I said, some people will die," the president added. "When you go to war, some people will die." His level-setting about possible American casualties comes days after six U.S. service members were killed in a retaliatory drone strike abroad following the joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran. The fallen service members have been identified as Capt. Cody A. Khork, 35, of Winter Haven, Fla.; Sgt. 1st Class Noah L. Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Neb.; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole M. Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minn.; Sgt. Declan J. Coady, 20, of West Des Moines, Iowa; and Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien, 45, of Indianola, Iowa. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan, 54, of Sacramento, Calif., is "believed to be" the sixth individual who died as a result of the drone strike, the Pentagon said. Advertisement Advertisement More than 1,000 people total were believed dead as of Wednesday, March 4, as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, which has impacted surrounding nations. Relief operations are ongoing, with 1,009 emergency response teams deployed across 153 affected counties, the Iranian Red Crescent Society said, per the The Wall Street Journal. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The Time cover story was released four days after three people, including the gunman, were killed and another 14 were injured in a mass shooting in Austin, Texas, that is being investigated by the FBI as a potential act of terrorism. Advertisement Advertisement The 53-year-old gunman, later identified as Ndiaga Diagne, opened fire at Bufords bar on West 6th Street in Austin just before 2 a.m. local time on March 1. According to reports from CNN, The Associated Press and CBS News, he was wearing a sweatshirt that said "Property of Allah" over a shirt that had the Iranian flag on it. Obviously, its still way too early in the process to determine an exact motivation, but there were indicators on the subject and then his vehicle that indicate a potential nexus to terrorism, FBI San Antonio Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran said in a press conference after the attack. Read the original article on People President Trump said Friday he would be open to having another religious figure to lead Iran following a joint U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last week. When asked by CNNs Dana Bash in a phone interview if he would be okay with having another religious leader lead the country, Trump said I may be, yeah. Trump said that new leadership in the country is going to work like it did in Venezuela, in reference to the U.S. taking out former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. But the logistical and political parameters surrounding each country are different, and it is unclear whether a band of U.S.-friendly leadership could emerge in Iran as it seems to have with Caracas. Advertisement Advertisement The presidents latest comments came after he said in a phone interview with Axios on Thursday that he must be personally involved in the selection of Irans new leadership. What that looks like at this point is unclear. Trump said Khameneis son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is most likely to succeed his father, but that the pick would be unacceptable to him. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran, Trump told the outlet. They are wasting their time. Khameneis son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela, the president said. Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez, Venezuelas former vice president, became the countrys leader after Trump ordered U.S. strikes on Venezuela that resulted in the ousting and capture of Maduro. There have since been signs of some cooperation between the U.S. and Venezuelan governments. Trumps demand that he decide the next leader of Iran, however, could complicate efforts to end the conflict in the country, which was long run by the U.S.-backed shah of Iran before the Iranian revolution. The shahs rule was strengthened by a coup in 1953 backed by the U.S. and British governments in which the CIA was instrumental. Trump told reporters Wednesday that any potential future Iranian leadership ends up dead in the ongoing war with Tehran. Their leadership is rapidly going. Everyone that wants to be a leader ends up dead, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. More than 2 million Texans voted in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. But apparently President Donald Trump thinks the only voice that should count is his. Rather than let voters pick the GOP nominee in the May runoff for the state's most fiercely contested race between Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton Trump said this week he plans to endorse one and ask the other to withdraw. The president who has long complained about rigged elections would rather settle this one without voters having a say. Advertisement Advertisement This is not how democracy works. Elections exist so that people not elected officials decide who represents them. In this case, the May 26 runoff was triggered because no candidate received a majority of the votes on March 3 in a field with three major contenders and five lesser-known ones. Our disagreements with Paxton run deep; we endorsed Cornyn in the Republican primary. But the principle here is bigger than one man or one race. Voters deserve the opportunity, through elections, to voice their support or opposition to the policies playing out in our country. Instead, as with last year's mid-decade redistricting effort to make five more congressional seats more Republican-leaning, Trump wants to change the rules mid-game to avoid the verdict voters might otherwise deliver. Paxton initially said he would not drop out of the race, then said on social media Thursday he would consider doing so if the Senate changed the filibuster rules and passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act. In other words, Paxton would end his campaign in order to support sidelining even more voters, across even more elections, for years to come. The SAVE Act would require Americans to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote, obstructing access to the ballot box for millions who lack the required documentation or the time to visit a government office each time their address changes, according to the Brennan Center for Justice and other voting rights groups. As we've noted, such efforts burden lawful voters in the name of fighting the vanishingly rare problem of noncitizen voting. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has every right to make an endorsement in the Texas race for U.S. Senate. He should have made it before the March 3 primary, when it might have helped persuade voters in a way that would have avoided the need for a runoff. Now he'd rather take the choice out of their hands altogether. Our democracy was designed for us to disagree on ideas, but not on the process. Millions of Texas voters have a stake in who will represent them in the U.S. Senate. Thanks for the suggestion, Mr. President, but this decision is for Texans to make. Submit a letter to the editor We want to hear from you. Click here to get started. Ballys Casino in Blackhawk, Colo., is among the facilities owned by Gaming & Leisure Properties, which passed a financial screen of real-estate investment trusts. - Gaming and Leisure Properties Real-estate investment trusts are typically considered to be income investments because they have tax advantages requiring them to distribute most of their profits to shareholders through dividends. Any investor will be afraid of a potential dividend cut, which can cause a companys share price to plunge. So below is a screen for REITs that seem well-positioned to maintain or raise their dividends. In the REIT industry, funds from operations (FFO) is often used as a measurement of a companys cash available for dividend distributions. This is a non-GAAP metric that adds depreciation and amortization back to earnings, while subtracting gains from the sale of property. Most Read from MarketWatch Adjusted funds from operations (AFFO) takes this concept further, netting out the costs to maintain properties that REITs rent out. So if we divide a REITs annual AFFO by its share price, we have an AFFO yield that we can compare to the REITs dividend yield to see if there is headroom above the dividend. That can provide some comfort to investors that the REIT at least can maintain the dividend and hopefully increase the payout over time. A screen of equity REITs for solid dividend payouts There are two broad categories of REITs. An equity REIT develops or owns property to rent out or to sell. A mortgage REIT invests in mortgage-backed securities or issues mortgage loans. Some REITs operate in both camps. A pure mortgage REIT wont have estimated AFFO figures, since it wont spend money to maintain investment properties. This screen focuses on equity REITs. For a deep dive into this industry, we began with the 174 REITs in the Russell 3000 Index RUA, which itself is designed to capture 98% of the market for stocks listed on U.S. exchanges. Among the REITs, there are 108 that are covered by at least five analysts working for brokerage and research firms polled by FactSet and for which consensus 2026 AFFO estimates are available. Among those 108, there are 86 with indicated AFFO headroom of at least 1.00%, based on current dividend yields and the consensus 2026 AFFO estimates. There are two further tests, based on suggestions from Lewis Altfest, chief executive of Altfest Personal Wealth Management in New York, who warned MarketWatch in a previous interview that if a stock has a very high dividend yield, there is something going on. A high yield means that the share price is low and that investors have anticipated a dividend cut by steering clear. By Ted Hesson, Nolan D. McCaskill, Richard Cowan and Jasper Ward WASHINGTON, March 5 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday after months of controversy, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis and lawmakers' questions over a $220 million advertising contract. The Republican president will tap Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace her by the end of the month, he said on his Truth Social platform on Thursday. The appointment would require U.S. Senate confirmation. Advertisement Advertisement Noem, a former governor of South Dakota, became one of Trump's most high-profile Cabinet secretaries with social media posts that portrayed immigrants in harsh terms, highlighted alleged criminal offences and used vitriolic language. Her departure, after emerging as the face of an aggressive immigration crackdown that had grown unpopular according to recent polling, could allow Trump to reset his approach on immigration policy, a centerpiece of his agenda. Shortly after Trump announced Noem's replacement, she posted on X: "We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again." During congressional hearings this week, Democrats and some Republicans criticized Noem for her approach to immigration enforcement and management of her department, including concern over a $220 million advertising campaign that featured Noem heavily and had been awarded to two longtime Republican operatives without a standard bidding process. Advertisement Advertisement Noem's personal life also came under scrutiny, with a Democratic lawmaker on Wednesday asking whether she had a sexual relationship with top aide Corey Lewandowski. Both are married. Noem called the question from U.S. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove "tabloid garbage." Lewandowski did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Trump told Reuters on Thursday that he did not sign off on the ad campaign, which prominently featured Noem and included a scene of her on horseback at Mount Rushmore, in her home state of South Dakota. In one congressional hearing this week, Noem told Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy that Trump had approved the ad campaign. Advertisement Advertisement FIRST SENATE-CONFIRMED CABINET MEMBER FIRED IN TRUMP 2.0 Noem is the first Senate-confirmed member of Trump's Cabinet to be removed this term. In Trump's 2017-2021 term in office, 14 confirmed Cabinet appointees, who serve in the line of succession to the presidency, quit or were fired. Noem faced criticism in January when she quickly accused two U.S. citizens fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis of "domestic terrorism." Videos that emerged after the deaths undercut the assertion by Noem and other Trump officials that the two deceased - Renee Good and Alex Pretti - were violent aggressors. The public backlash over the deaths led the Trump administration to adopt a more targeted approach on immigration enforcement in Minnesota, after months of sweeps through U.S. cities that sparked violent clashes between federal agents and residents who opposed the crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Two Trump administration officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss a personnel matter, said the fallout over the fatal shootings, the $220 million contract, the mismanagement of DHS and the allegations of the affair all contributed to her firing. Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives moved to impeach Noem, and at least two Republicans in Congress called for her to lose her job after the shootings in Minnesota. Trump said on Truth Social that Noem would be appointed envoy to a planned summit in Miami to reinforce his Western Hemisphere policies. Within minutes of Trump's post about her replacement, Noem spoke at a law enforcement event in Tennessee for 40 minutes but did not mention her departure. Advertisement Advertisement Noem was aware she would be removed before she spoke at the event, one of the officials and another person familiar with the matter said, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity. They added that Lewandowski was also expected to leave the department. DHS and the White House did not immediately comment when asked about Lewandowski's future. STRONG EMBRACE OF TRUMP'S HARDLINE IMMIGRATION APPROACH Mullin, who spent a decade in the House of Representatives before becoming a senator in 2023, also supports Trump's hardline immigration agenda. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mullin said he had not been expecting the call from Trump. He described Noem as a friend and said he had not had a chance to call her yet. Advertisement Advertisement "She was tasked to do a very difficult job," Mullin told reporters. Democrats in Congress have blocked funding for DHS since mid-February, saying federal immigration enforcement must be reformed. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Noem's firing would not be enough to break the stalemate. "The problems at ICE transcend any one person," he told reporters. "The president has to end the violence and rein in ICE." Trump's immigration approach lost popularity as agents detained U.S. citizens and tear-gassed streets in an attempt to drive up deportations, which last year fell short of the administration's goal of 1 million per year. Advertisement Advertisement While Noem, 54, served as a prominent proponent of Trump's agenda, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a longtime Trump aide, controls Trump's immigration policy. Noem was quickly confirmed to lead the 260,000-employee department in January 2025 after Trump took office. On social media, she referred to immigrants convicted of crimes as "scumbags" even as the number of non-criminals arrested by immigration authorities rose under Trump. She joined immigration enforcement operations on the ground in New York City and visited a maximum-security prison in El Salvador where Venezuelan immigrants deported by the Trump administration were being held without charges or access to lawyers. (Reporting by Ted Hesson, Nolan McCaskill, Rick Cowan and Jasper Ward; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Bo Erickson; Editing by Craig Timberg, Nia Williams, Deepa Babington, Chizu Nomiyama and Edmund Klamann) President Donald Trump is on the warpath: In an interview Thursday, he dismissed concerns about the Iran war, told POLITICO the United States would help choose Iran's next leader, predicted the downfall of the Cuban regime and attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the tech giant Anthropic. The president is facing domestic political backlash on numerous fronts, including criticism of the Iran war from within the MAGA coalition and unrelenting attacks from Democrats over the cost of living. But speaking in a phone call Thursday, Trump was entirely on offense. He brushed off worries about the impact of the Iran war on gas prices and U.S. ammunition reserves, and he insisted that the military onslaught was popular with voters. Many recent public polls show the opposite is true, although a survey released Thursday by Fox News found voters have mixed opinions on Iran. Advertisement Advertisement People are loving whats happening, Trump insisted. He predicted that Irans government would not be the last to buckle in a Trump-initiated confrontation: Cubas going to fall, too. We cut off all oil, all money, or we cut off everything coming in from Venezuela, which was the sole source. And they want to make a deal, he said. Intervention in Cuba Asked whether the United States was playing a role in the Cuban governments demise, Trump responded: Well, what do you think? For 50 years, that's icing on the cake. Venezuela is doing fantastically. [Delcy Rodriguez] is doing a fantastic job. The relationship with them is great. Trump also confirmed the United States is in touch with Cubas communist leadership as instability on the island intensifies following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement They need help. We are talking to Cuba, Trump said. And he suggested the islands worsening situation is partly the result of U.S. pressure, including cutting off the Venezuelan oil supplies that once sustained Havana. Well, it's because of my intervention, intervention that is happening, Trump said. Obviously, otherwise they wouldn't have this problem. We cut off all oil, all money, everything coming in from Venezuela, which was the sole source. How long have you been hearing about Cuba Cuba, Cuba for 50 years? Trump added. And that's one of the small ones for me. Confidence on Iran Speaking as U.S. military operations against Iran continue to dominate the administrations foreign policy agenda, Trump indicated the United States intends to play a significant role in shaping Irans postwar political landscape. Advertisement Advertisement Asked how much influence he expects to have over Irans future leadership, Trump replied: I'm going to have a big impact, or they're not going to have any settlement, because we're not going to have to go do this again. We'll work with the people and the regime to make sure that somebody gets there that can nicely build Iran but without nuclear weapons, Trump said. The president also weighed in on the late Ayatollah Ali Khameneis son, who is in contention to be the new supreme leader saying, Now theyre looking at the son. The reason the father wouldn't give it to the son is they say he's incompetent. Trump emphasized the U.S. is going to work with them to help them make the proper choice because he wants to avoid having a head of Iran that's going to lead to having to do this again in another 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Trump projected confidence about the campaigns trajectory and dismissed concerns that rising gas prices tied to the conflict could hurt Republicans politically ahead of the November elections that could break the partys power trifecta in Washington. People are loving what's happening, Trump said. We're taking out a threat to the United States of America, major threat, and doing it like nobody's ever seen before. Trump described the U.S. campaign against Iran as highly controlled while boasting about overwhelming military capacity despite Pentagon officials and Hill lawmakers' concern over dwindling weapons supplies. Were being surgical, he said. We have unlimited supply of weapons, unlimited. We have thousands, thousands, of them. Advertisement Advertisement The president also painted a picture of Irans military capability being effectively dismantled. They have no navy. They have no air force. They have no detection of air. It's all wiped out. Their radar is all wiped out. Their military is decimated, Trump said. All they have is guts. Impatience with Zelenskyy Even as Iran remains a top focus, Trump said negotiations over the war in Ukraine continue. And he again expressed frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenksyy he has to get on the ball, and he has to get a deal done, Trump said. On the other hand, Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to negotiate an end to the war. Advertisement Advertisement I think Putin is ready to make a deal, he said. Trump has said that before. When pressed on what Zelenskyys obstacle is to a peace deal, Trump declined to elaborate but maintained that Ukraines leader is not showing enough willingness to negotiate. It's unthinkable that he's the obstacle, Trump said. You don't have the cards. Now he's got even less cards. I fired Anthropic Trump also stepped into the increasingly contentious dispute between the Pentagon and Anthropic over the AI startups refusal to give the military unfettered access to its technology. Well, I fired Anthropic. Anthropic is in trouble because I fired [them] like dogs, because they shouldn't have done that, he said. Advertisement Advertisement And underscored his support for his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. You see how good Pete's doing, and you see how good the military. And so we have an amazing military. The whole world is seeing that now I built the military in my first term, and I'm using it in my second term," he said. By Maya Gebeily, Humeyra Pamuk and Pesha Magid BEIRUT/WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM, March 6 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" on Friday, a dramatic escalation one week into the war he launched alongside Israel that could make it more difficult to negotiate a swift end to hostilities. Trump made the remarks on social media just hours after Iran's president announced that unspecified countries had begun mediation efforts, one of the first signals of a diplomatic initiative to end the conflict, as Israel launched fresh attacks on Iran and Lebanon and Iran sent missiles into Israel and Gulf states that host U.S. military bases. Advertisement Advertisement "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" Trump wrote. "After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before." Trump's demand, and the likelihood that it would complicate any quick path to ending a conflict that has interrupted global energy supplies, rattled financial markets. European and U.S. stock indexes finished the day sharply lower, and oil futures hit their highest prices since 2023, as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has constrained the flow of energy supplies. Trump had told Reuters in a telephone interview on Thursday that he must have a say in selecting Iran's new supreme leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed on the war's first day. A White House spokeswoman said consideration was already underway. Advertisement Advertisement "I know there's a number of people that our intelligence agencies and the United States government are looking at," Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Friday. Iran's U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, told reporters on Friday that new leadership would be chosen "in accordance with our constitutional procedures and solely by the will of the Iranian people - without any foreign interference." ISRAEL POUNDS BEIRUT AFTER MASS EVACUATION ORDER On the ground, Israel pursued a major expansion of the war in Lebanon, pounding the capital Beirut on Friday after ordering an unprecedented evacuation of the entire southern suburbs of the city. Advertisement Advertisement Israel said the targets included a Beirut command centre used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's navy unit, along with command centres that it said were used by the Hezbollah militant group. There was no immediate comment from Iran's Revolutionary Guard or Hezbollah. Israel also launched a new wave of attacks on Iran, saying 50 of its warplanes had struck a bunker still being used by Iran's leadership beneath Khamenei's destroyed Tehran compound. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on social media: "Some countries have begun mediation efforts." He did not identify the countries or provide further details. Advertisement Advertisement "Let's be clear: we are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we have not the slightest hesitation in defending the dignity and authority of our country," he wrote. Israel has extended its bombing to Lebanon to root out Hezbollah, the Shi'ite militia allied to Iran that has been a dominant faction in Lebanese politics since the 1980s. Hezbollah fired on Israel this week to avenge the death of Khamenei. "We're sleeping here in the streets - some in cars, some on the street, some on the beach," said Jamal Seifeddin, 43, who fled Beirut's southern suburbs and spent the night on the streets in the downtown district. "No one even brought a blanket." Israel has intervened in Lebanon repeatedly over decades, most recently in 2024. But the ferocity of Friday's strikes had little precedent. Advertisement Advertisement About 300,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon in the past four days, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council. Inside Israel, explosions could be heard as Israeli defenses activated to shoot down incoming Iranian fire. The UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia all reported fresh drone and missile attacks. The Israeli military says it has destroyed 80% of Iran's air-defense systems in the first week of the campaign and disabled more than 60% of its missile launchers. Russia is providing Iran with locations of U.S. warships and aircraft in the Middle East after Iran's ability to locate U.S. forces was degraded, the Washington Post reported, citing three officials familiar with the intelligence. Advertisement Advertisement Russian missions in the U.S. did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report. Meanwhile, Trump met with executives from seven defense contractors on Friday, who agreed to accelerate weapons production, the president said on social media. The administration has been pressuring contractors as Iran and other recent operations have drawn down supplies. Leavitt said the U.S. has enough weapons stockpiles to meet the needs of its Iran operations, which she said would take about four to six weeks to complete. 'WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO CHOOSE THAT PERSON', TRUMP SAYS In insisting on the right to help choose Iran's next leader meant to be a senior Shi'ite Muslim cleric selected by a panel of religious experts Trump made his most explicit demand for control over a country of more than 90 million people. Advertisement Advertisement Israel has said openly that it aims to overthrow Iran's ruling system. It has been bombing parts of western Iran to support Iranian Kurdish militias who hope to exploit the war to seize towns near the frontier, according to three sources familiar with Israel's talks with the factions. Iran has cast the war as an unprovoked attack and describes the killing of its leader, Khamenei, as an assassination. It says the panel that will choose the new leader is conducting its work. At least 1,332 people have been killed in Iran since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on February 28, Iravani said, citing the Iranian Red Crescent Society. The Lebanese health ministry has reported 123 people killed and 683 wounded as a result of Israeli attacks. Iranian attacks have killed 11 people in Israel since the war started, and at least six U.S. service members have been killed. Two U.S. officials told Reuters that military investigators believed it was likely that U.S. forces were responsible for an apparent strike on an Iranian girls' school that killed scores of children on the first day of the war. The investigators have not yet reached a final conclusion. (Reporting by Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Humeyra Pamuk and Steve Holland in Washington, Pesha Magid in Jerusalem and Reuters bureaux; Writing by Peter Graff, Charlie Devereux and Jonathan Allen; Editing by Alex Richardson, Aidan Lewis, Sharon Singleton and Diane Craft) The US president who likes to keep the world guessing about his endgame in Iran is now telling the world what he wants. In a war widely described as his "war of choice", Donald Trump says he also wants to choose who will rule Iran now that its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and dozens of others clerics and commanders, have been assassinated. That seems unthinkable for a clerical regime rooted in deep distrust of America - among its most ideological elements there is burning hostility towards the country they labelled long ago as the "great Satan". Advertisement Advertisement Whether Iran's embattled leadership would be mindful of choosing a top cleric willing to work in a different way with Washington is not clear. There has long been division between factions known as reformers and pragmatists, and the hardliners who call themselves Principlists in their defence of their revolution. But they are united on one goal: the survival of the system which keeps them in power. One week into this existential battle, the hardliners still seem to be holding sway. In his latest remarks, the US president then made it clear that he would only choose "a GREAT AND ACCEPTABLE leader" after Iran's "unconditional surrender". Advertisement Advertisement There is no sign of that either. Trump's latest musings seem to underline that his current goal is not regime change, but a change in the regime although he is known to veer in his views from one day to the next. It is a stance which will let down Iranians who dared to hope that the end of the top cleric would pave the way for the end of his Islamic Republic. "I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy (Rodriguez) in Venezuela," Trump told the Axios news website and Reuters in telephone interviews. He has repeatedly referenced the US's military action in Caracas on 3 January as the "perfect scenario" for Iran. His forces extracted its leader Nicolas Maduro, suffered no casualties and caused no chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Delcy Rodriguez, who took over the top job, is now working with the US administration. Iran's theocracy - with its multiple layers of political, religious, and security institutions, honed and hardened through decades of external threats and internal discontent - is not that kind of system. A foreign plot to put a preferred leader in charge more than a century ago is still seared in Iranian memory. In the 1953 coup, America's CIA intelligence agency and Britain's MI6 conspired with Iranians to overthrow the democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh. The man they put in place, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, was later toppled in the 1979 revolution, an event shaped by suspicion of Washington, as well as London. Advertisement Advertisement Trump also seems to have made up his mind about who he does not want to be in charge. "Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me," he said of 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, a hardliner now being widely tipped as the front-runner to succeed his father. The retort from Tehran was predictable. The president's comments reflected "the depth of the enemy's malicious objectives in this battle", according to the conservative Mehr News Agency, which carried a rebuke from members of the interim Leadership Council now in charge until a new leader is announced. "The great Iranian nation will never allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs and its right to determine its own destiny," it declared in the fiery war of words now amplifying this grievous confrontation on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Iran's own process of picking its own leader is secretive in the quietest of times. In the din of the deafening blasts of American and Israeli bombs, there are conflicting reports. Reports have swirled in the media that the younger Khamenei has already been anointed by the Assembly of Experts, a grouping of some 88 senior clerics tasked with this responsibility. The buildings in Tehran and Qom where they were meant to meet were bombed this week but they are reported to be meeting virtually. Mehdi Khalaji, a senior fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East policy, said: "I'm not sure if it has already happened because yesterday there was news that the interim Leadership Council announced they had the authority over announcing war and peace, which means they are waiting for the succession to be finalised." Advertisement Advertisement Khalaji, the author of a biography of the late Ayatollah Khamenei, told the BBC about the late leader's second and most prominent son Mojtaba: "Khamenei is an enigmatic person but we know he represents the most hardline faction of the regime's security apparatus, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards." He added that Khamenei "also needs the acceptance of the clerical establishment" but says he does not have it. It was reported a few years ago that the supreme leader had ruled Mojtaba Khamenei out of the succession to avoid the hereditary rule of the ousted monarchy. There has also been a growing assumption that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be Iran's last truly supreme leader with the legitimacy and authority to be the ultimate decision-maker. Advertisement Advertisement It is the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), created in 1979 to protect and preserve the Islamic Republic, which now dominates all its levers of power, from security to the economy. There are reports that the Assembly of Experts could chose a council of leaders rather than one person to preside in this perilous time. Other names are reported to be in the running, including Hassan Khomeini, the most prominent grandson of Iran's revolutionary leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Regarded as a relative moderate in the clerical establishment, he had taken on a more public role as tensions built in the run-up to war. Advertisement Advertisement There has also been mention of the senior jurist Alireza Arafi, who now holds one of the three positions on the interim Leadership Council - but his life spent mainly in Islamic seminaries is not being seen as the right CV for this job. It is not even clear that the successor will be announced, since Israel has made it clear that whoever emerges will also be an "unequivocal target". The only person speaking often and openly about this highly sensitive choice is Trump, who has remarked: "Most of the people we had in mind are dead." A security officer stands guard near the Great Hall of the People, where Chinas annual Government Work Report is delivered during the National Peoples Congress, in Beijing. Credit - VCG/Getty Images At first blush, Thursdays opening of Chinas National Peoples Congress (NPC) looked ominous for Taiwan. Taking the podium in Beijings cavernous Great Hall of the People, Premier Li Qiang unveiled a 7% bump on defense spending while using strident language for the self-ruling island, over which China claims dominion. While vowing the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) would accelerate the development of advanced combat capabilities, Li said China would resolutely crack down on separatist activities in Taiwan, a noted upgrade on last years promise to simply oppose them. Advertisement Advertisement Given U.S. President Donald Trumps ongoing war with Iran has depleted stocks of sophisticated weapons systems vital to defend the island, nerves were already jangling in Taiwanas well as Ukraine, and, indeed, Washington. Questions about U.S. weapons reserves were raised during a closed-door briefing between senior Trump Administration officials and members of Congress on Tuesday, sources told TIME. With the U.S. military depleted and distracted by a conflict on the other side of the globe, observers worried that Chinese strongman Xi Jinping may never have a better opportunity to move on the democratic island of 23 million, whose reunification he has called the great trend of history. The fear is that Trumps transactional bearing and embrace of a might is right doctrineboth in his own actions and his ambivalence regarding Russias invasion of Ukrainecould be interpreted as a green light by Xi. Will Xi be tempted to take advantage of U.S. potentially exhausting smart munitions and attack Taiwan even if the PLA is not fully ready? asks Prof. Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London. Possible. However, other indicators point in the opposite direction: that the U.S. assault on Iran has in fact secured Taiwans de facto independencein the short-term, at least. While American officials have offered dubious and contradictory rationales for war, and what will eventually arise from the rubble is anything but clear, theres no denying that, operationally at least, the U.S. strikes have been a stunning success. Advertisement Advertisement In the first four days of the conflict, the U.S attacked close to 2,000 targets, including 16 shipssinking an Iranian frigate some 2,000 mi from Iran near Sri Lankaas well as a submarine. Moreover, its successful decapitation strikes against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his chief acolytesfollowing the daring capture of Venezuelan despot Nicolas Maduroindicates a prowess of intelligence and wherewithal that contrasts with a PLA that hasnt fought a major war for almost half-a-century (and it lost that one). The specter of a decapitation strike has been proven a more realistic scenario, says Wen-ti Sung, a political scientist based in Taiwan for the Australian National University. Chinas first reaction will be: This could happen here. Another factor is the suspect performance of Chinas own military equipment in Iran, which had reportedly purchased kamikaze drones and air-defense capabilities from Beijing. Moreover, Iran was negotiating to buy Chinese advanced anti-ship missiles, though its unclear whether these had been installed. Beijings best hope of saving face is that they were not yet operational. If they were, that is even more damningnot least after the advanced Chinese radar and anti-aircraft systems purchased by Venezuela failed to detect the U.S. stealth jets they were supposed to. China will be looking to learn from the failings of their own equipment in both Venezuela and Iran, says Chong Ja Ian, professor of international relations at the National University of Singapore. And I think they are somewhat surprised by the demonstration of U.S. force and its ability to execute pretty complex operations. Advertisement Advertisement Then there are the effects of the Iran war itself. On a purely diplomatic level, China has been humbled. For decades, that Iranian proxies had targeted American allies with relative impunity had been a source of schadenfreude for Beijing. But that the worlds No. 2 economywhich reveled in its peacemaking role after brokering the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Tehran and Riyadh in 2023has been reduced to issuing glib condemnations and dispatching peace envoys to the region spotlights Beijings true impotence. China is proving to be a feckless friend for its authoritarian allies, Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China under President Joe Biden, wrote on X. Economically, China also suffers. China was the top purchaser of both Venezuelan and Iranian oil, accounting for 4% and 13% of imports respectively. But more broadly, half of Chinas oil and almost a third of its liquefied natural gas comes from the Middle East, which is suffering widespread disruption especially in the Iranian-blockaded Strait of Hormuz. Beijing has significant oil reserves and is transitioning to green alternatives, though the clear message is that its near-term energy needs are acutely vulnerable to U.S. action. Besides, Chinese designs on Taiwan hinge on the U.S. not getting involved. And while Trumps foreign policy has been schizophrenic to say the leastand alienating to his MAGA baseWashingtons latest National Defense Strategy clearly states the U.S. will erect a strong denial defense along the First Island Chain, which includes Taiwan. My sense is Xi assumes America would come to Taiwans defense and thus wont attack anytime soon, says Sean King, senior vice president focusing on Asia for consulting firm Park Strategies. Indeed, while Lis Work Report does take a hawkish tone regarding Taiwan, there are caveats. The 7% defense budget bump is far greater than the GDP target of 4.5-5%the lowest GDP target in decadesthough notably less than the 7.2% defense budget of the previous three years. The PLA is also in the midst of a purge unprecedented since Maos era, with the NPC removing nine military officials including several high-ranking generals from the PLA deputy list. Regarding anti-corruption efforts, Li said the political rectification of the military will continue to deepen to uphold the Communist Partys absolute leadership over the peoples armed forces. That the military purge is ongoing raises serious questions about the PLAs command structure and combat readiness for any Taiwan contingency. Advertisement Advertisement Moreover, last year Li spoke of improving Chinas Taiwan policy framework, but this time he talked about deepening it, indicating things are already largely on the right track. The inference is that Beijing only needs to do more, rather than do things differently, on Taiwan, says Sung. This is largely because Taiwans ruling China-skeptic Democratic Progressive Party (DDP) is all at sea, with low approval ratings, a deadlocked legislature, political infighting, and a failed recall campaign that aimed to unseat lawmakers for the pro-Beijing opposition Nationalist Party, or KMT. These doldrums have spurred a revival for the KMT, which seeks security in closer ties with Beijing. And the KMTs message is gaining credence precisely because of the mercurial nature of the Trump Administration, as spotlighted by the Iran war, which has cast grave doubt on U.S. security guarantees. Indeed, Taiwan only featured towards the end of Lis Work Report, as is typical. The overall focus was overwhelmingly on fixing Chinas floundering economy, with action to tackle unemployment, a depressed real estate market, and boosting innovation. After last years dizzying exchange of tariffs and counter-tariffs, there are signs of a partial easing of trade frictions between China and the U.S., with Xi and Trump set to meet face-to-face at the end of this month. Its not in Xis interests to rock the boat when the mood in Taiwan appears to be turning more conciliatoryeven if purely out of expedience. Advertisement Advertisement It will be reckless for Xi to order an invasion unless he is absolutely sure the U.S. cannot interfere and victory is assured and at relatively low costs, says Tsang. He has not been reckless in the last 13 years. Write to Charlie Campbell at charlie.campbell@time.com. The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran is rapidly expanding across the region, sucking in Gulf allies and pulling European countries and Iranian proxies into the fight. Since the joint operation was launched over the weekend, Tehran has retaliated by firing thousands of drones and missiles against Israel and the U.S. interests in Gulf states, further inflaming the region. Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, intercepted hundreds of Iranian drone and missile strikes, warning that they could return the favor to Tehran, although so far they have not followed through on the threats. Advertisement Advertisement The conflict is widening in many other ways: President Trump on Thursday encouraged Kurdish forces in Iraq to invade Iran, European nations dispatched additional military assets to the region and Israel sent out evacuation orders in portions of Lebanon. And the conflict is radiating beyond the Middle East. Officials in Azerbaijan warned Thursday that its forces would retaliate against Iran after Tehrans drones targeted land within the exclave of Nakhchivan, hit the regions international airport and crashed near a school building. On Wednesday, NATO shot down an Iranian missile that entered Turkeys airspace, and a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship with a torpedo near the coast of Sri Lanka. David Schenker, who was the assistant secretary of State for Near Eastern affairs through early 2021, told The Hill on Thursday that the question of whether the war would continue expanding would mostly depend on the U.S. and Israels ability to suppress and degrade Irans ability to fire missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, said during a Thursday press conference that Irans ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 percent, while drone strikes have gone down by 83 percent since the conflict broke out. Gulf states threaten to fight back Gregory Brew, Eurasia Groups senior Iran analyst, said that Gulf states are going to want to continue to sit on the sidelines and manage their own defense, rather than join the U.S. and Israel in hitting Iran directly. However, if Iran continues its attacks on GCC infrastructure, Id say UAE or Saudi Arabia will be the most tempted to respond, and they have the greatest capability to do so, Brew told The Hill on Wednesday. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the notion that the war might be expanding could not be further from the truth, though he suggested countries under fire from Iran could move further into Washingtons orbit. Advertisement Advertisement So now youve got UAE and Qatar and Bahrain and Saudi and Kuwait and others saying, Hey, were with you. Heres [who] well shoot with you. Well fly with you. Well defend with you. Well allow you more basing and other opportunities, the Pentagon chief said during a press conference at the U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Fla. The UAE said on Wednesday it has detected or intercepted more than 1,100 attacks since the conflict broke out early Saturday, more than all other targeted nations combined, adding it continues to reinforce its long-standing policy of de-escalation while underscoring its right to self-defense. Iran has launched 189 missiles at the UAE, which has destroyed 175, with 13 falling in the sea and one landing in the countrys territory, according to the latest assessment from the UAE Ministry of Defense. The UAE detected 941 drones, intercepting 876, while 65 fell inside the country. Brig. Gen. Yossi Kuperwasser, who served as the head of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military intelligence research, said all of the Gulf states could join the U.S. and Israel in attacking Iran, but all of the nations have legitimate reasons to primarily focus on defending their airspaces. Advertisement Advertisement Saudi Arabia looks more inclined to do so, and the UAE may too. But they all have good reason to focus on defense and leaving the offensive tasks to the U.S., Kuperwasser told The Hill on Wednesday. On Tuesday, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a defense hawk and close ally of Trump, predicted that Gulf states would join the U.S. and Israel in fighting Iran in the coming days. Iran has also hit or attempted to strike several other countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Cyprus and Jordan, hitting targets beyond U.S. outposts, including oil and gas facilities, airports and residential buildings. Schenker, who is a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, said in an interview that Tehran was hoping that these states would pressure the United States to wind down operations quickly. Advertisement Advertisement Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to end attacks on regional nations that have sought to remain outside the conflict, urging all sides to prioritize the broader interests of their peoples. He stressed that Qatar has consistently favored dialogue and diplomacy, but would respond to any violation of its sovereignty, security or territorial integrity, the Qatari government said. His Excellency said such attacks could not go unanswered, citing the countrys inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Iranian proxies, European countries weigh involvement Hezbollah, viewed by some counterterrorism experts as the most formidable Iran-backed proxy group in the region, is the only one so far that has stepped in on Tehrans behalf, firing missiles and drones at Israel earlier this week, ending the ceasefire that has been in place since late 2024. Israel retaliated with airstrikes across Lebanon. Kuperwasser, now the head of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, said the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Iraqi Shiite militias are still debating whether to join. Advertisement Advertisement They may be affected by [the] Hezbollah example, but the determined Israeli reaction may deter them, he said. My guess is that as the Iranian pressure grows, they are going to show solidarity and get involved. European countries have had their hands full since the war broke out. The United Kingdom allowed the U.S. military to use British air bases to hit Iran after a drone struck the U.K. base in Cyprus. The U.K. Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that a Shahed-like drone, which targeted the Cyprus base on Monday, was not launched from Iran. Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, armed with Martlet missiles, will arrive in Cyprus in the coming days, the ministry said. Advertisement Advertisement In the last 24 hours, the U.K. has resupplied air defense systems to British and allied bases around the region including U.K.-built air defense missiles, the government said on Wednesday. Both Germany and France have left open the possibility of hitting Iran, with Tehran striking at German bases in Jordan and Iraq, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meeting with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Brew, of Eurasia Group, said the Europeans will not engage with Iran directly, but it is very likely they join in efforts to maintain security in the Persian Gulf and ensure the flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz. They have dispatched naval vessels to the region with that mission in mind, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Although the offensive involvement of Western European nations and Gulf states is unlikely for now, the U.S. military is preparing to widen the scope of its attacks inside Iran, as it has already hit more than 2,000 targets with more than 2,000 precision munitions fired from air, land and sea. More and larger waves are coming. We are just getting started. We are accelerating, not decelerating, Hegseth said Wednesday morning during a briefing at the Pentagon. On Thursday, Trump said Iranian officials are calling to make a deal, but he indicated that the U.S. will carry on with its assault. They are calling to say how do we make a deal? And I said youre being a little bit late. We want to fight now more than they do, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Even if Israel didnt exist, the United States would need to go to war against the Islamic Republic of Iran. In weekly Iranian rallies, there were repeated calls for Death to America and proclaiming America is the Big Satan. And theres been nearly half a century of Iranian hostility and its current drive for nuclear weapons, intercontinental ballistic missiles, suicide drones and financial support and arming of proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis attacking the United States, its allies and interests. Epic Fury is not a momentary action. It is the culmination of 47 years of war waged by the Iranian regime against the United States, its allies and even its own citizens, having allegedly killed more than 35,000 protesting Iranians last month. We know that Iran was yet again developing nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles meant for the United States. Intelligence also revealed that in the next few weeks Iran was moving these weapons programs even deeper into the ground which would have made it virtually impossible to destroy them. The U.S.-Israel operation, launched early Feb. 28, struck hundreds of targets across Iran linked to the regimes instruments of power: the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, ballistic missile and drone sites, air defenses and key nuclear infrastructure. Irans military machine, long used to threaten neighbors and attack Americans, is now under sustained assault. People run as smoke rises following an explosion, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 5, 2026. The campaign has already reshaped the battlefield. Irans terrorist religious Islamic fanatic dictator, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the first strike along with nearly 50 of his top deputies. The regimes command structure is fractured. Across Iran, citizens flood the streets, some cheering the fall of symbols of tyranny, others fleeing as the state responds with ballistic missile, suicide drone and aerial attacks against Israel, U.S. assets and allies. For the first time in decades, the Islamic Republic is significantly weakened but the operation must continue until its grip is broken and a pathway is forged allowing new leaders chosen by the Iranian people. Advertisement Advertisement The stakes are historic. This is not merely a military campaign but a confrontation between a terrorist Islamist fanatic revolutionary regime and the coalition challenging it. For decades, Iran has been the worlds leading state sponsor of Islamist terrorism, funding and directing proxies that murder Americans, Israelis and countless others. From Hezbollah to regional militias, these groups act as Tehrans instruments of violence. This lethal ideology is not rhetoric, it drives the regimes foreign policy, Islamist terror networks and persistent hostility to the free world. They believe in the literal interpretation of the Koran promoting hostility to non Muslims and non Muslim states. Even Egypts president Al Sissi promoted in a speech at Cairos Al Azhar University, the leading Islamic university, that there needs to be a revolution in Islam that we cant have the whole world fearing Muslims. Opinion: Trumps unjust and unconstitutional war in Iran is dangerous How we got from 1979 to here Epic Fury stems from the conflict that began in 1979 when Iranian Islamist terrorists stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held 52 Americans hostage for almost a year and a half. From its earliest days, the regime fused ideology and action, using Death to America as a guiding principle for its terror campaigns and hostility toward the free world. Advertisement Advertisement What followed is a decades-long, Iranian-sponsored campaign of terror. In 1983, an Iranian-sponsored suicide bombing destroyed the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, killing 63 people including 17 Americans. Months later, an Iranian-sponsored truck bomb killed 241 U.S. Marines at Beiruts barracks and another Iranian-sponsored bombing targeted the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait. In 1984, Iran-linked militants kidnapped and murdered CIA station chief William Buckley in Beirut. In 1985, Iranian-sponsored Hezbollah hijackers killed U.S. Navy diver Robert Stethem during the hijacking of TWA Flight 847. In 1989, Iranian-sponsored Hezbollah abducted and killed U.S. Marine Col. William Higgins in Lebanon. In 1996, an Iranian-sponsored truck bomb destroyed the Khobar Towers housing complex in Saudi Arabia, killing 19 U.S. Air Force personnel. In 1998, Iranian-sponsored truck bombs exploded outside the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, killing 213 and injuring thousands. And hundreds of Americans were murdered in numerous Iran- sponsored suicide bombings. The pattern continued into the 21st century. Iranian-backed fighters launched rocket and drone attacks against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria. In 2016, Iranian forces abducted 10 U.S. sailors after claiming their boats entered Iranian waters, holding them overnight before release. In 2019, an Iranian-sponsored rocket attack on Iraqs K-1 Air Base killed a U.S. contractor and wounded American troops. In 2020, Iran launched three ballistic missile attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq, causing traumatic brain injuries. In January 2024, an Iranian-backed militia drone strike killed three U.S. soldiers at Tower 22 near the Jordan-Syria border. In June 2025, Iranian-backed militias launched missile and rocket attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, and days later Iran fired missiles at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a major American installation. This is the regime some critics argue should have been negotiated with or left alone. During nuclear talks, Tehran stalled, obstructed and deceived while strengthening nuclear defenses and expanding its ballistic missile arsenal. Domestically, it brutally and mercilessly crushed protests, and revealing a government willing to slaughter its own people to survive. Polls show 81 percent of Iranians oppose the ayatollah and his regime. For too long, administrations chose delay over confrontation, delivering sanctions relief and financial concessions to a government orchestrating attacks on Americans. That era is over. Advertisement Advertisement Epic Fury aims to protect American lives, dismantle a regime fueling global terrorism for 47 years and prevent it from acquiring the worlds most dangerous weapons. It also stands with the Iranian people, including families of tens of thousands recently killed, who have suffered under tyranny since the regimes violent rise in 1979. After 47 years of Islamic Iranian aggression, Epic Fury is not just a response to current events, it is a reckoning with history. It is a battle by the US to prevent Irans ultimate goal to destroy the US and the West and to establish an Islamic Caliphate and dominate the world. Morton A. Klein is a former senior economist for the federal government and serves as national president of the Zionist Organization of America. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Iran War Donald Trump Israel | Opinion By Tuvan Gumrukcu ANKARA, March 4 (Reuters) - Turkey said that NATO air defences destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile headed into Turkish airspace on Wednesday, marking the first time the alliance member has been drawn into the Middle East conflict and raising the possibility of a major expansion involving its bloc allies. Turkey - Iran's neighbour that had sought to mediate U.S.-Iran talks before the air war that began at the weekend - warned "all parties to refrain from actions that would lead to further escalation," suggesting it was not poised to call upon the trans-Atlantic defence bloc for support. Advertisement Advertisement But Ankara could potentially invoke NATO's Article 4 after the airspace breach if it deemed the threat serious enough, a step that could lead to the alliance's Article 5, which would oblige members to come to its defence. It was unclear where the missile was headed. NATO condemned Iran's targeting of Turkey, which has the bloc's second-largest military, and said it stood firmly with all allies. U.S. BASE IN NEIGHBOURING PROVINCE The U.S. has air forces stationed at southern Turkey's Incirlik base, which is located in an area neighbouring Hatay province, where authorities said debris from the intercepting NATO missile had fallen. Advertisement Advertisement Ankara says that Washington has not used Incirlik in its air assault, alongside Israel, on Iran, which triggered Tehran's missile and drone attacks. Iran did not immediately comment on the incident. In a separate call about Iranian missile attacks in Qatar, a close Turkish ally, Iran's Araqchi told his Qatari counterpart that the missiles targeted only U.S. interests, and not Qatar. The Turkish defence ministry said the missile had passed over Iraq and Syria before it was downed by NATO air and missile defence systems stationed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, adding there were no casualties in the incident. "All necessary steps to defend our territory and airspace will be taken... (and) we reserve the right to respond to any hostile actions," the ministry said, adding: "We will continue to consult with NATO and our other allies." Advertisement Advertisement Statements by senior Turkish officials did not mention Article 4 and Ankara did not comment when asked by Reuters. The article states that NATO allies will "consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security" of a member is threatened. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said there was no sense that the incident would trigger Article 5, which has only been invoked once before, after the September 11, 2001 attacks, and which would mark a major escalation in the conflict. ANKARA PROTESTS TO TEHRAN Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conveyed a protest to Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi in a call after the incident, a Turkish diplomatic source said. Advertisement Advertisement Several countries in the Gulf and elsewhere - including as far west as EU member Cyprus, where a British air base was hit by a drone - have been caught in the fallout. Ankara had sought to mediate between the sides in the weeks before the conflict erupted. (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Additional reporting by Daren Butler; Writing by Jonathan Spicer; Editing by Aidan Lewis) Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will speak at Hillsdale College's commencement ceremony this May, the college said this week. The private, Christian college's ceremony, held May 9, will be closed to the public. A livestream will be available on the college's website, according to a news release. "It is a great honor to be invited to speak at the Hillsdale College Graduation Ceremony on May 9, Kirk said in a statement. Charlie loved Hillsdale deeply and was often a grateful student of its online courses, learning from (President) Dr. Larry Arnn and the remarkable faculty, who are so committed to truth and the pursuit of wisdom. Hillsdale represents something rare in our time a steadfast devotion to faith, learning, and the principles that sustain a free nation. I am sincerely grateful for the invitation and look forward to being there with all of you. God bless you. Advertisement Advertisement Kirk was appointed CEO and chair of Turning Point USA after the assassination of her husband in September 2025 on a college campus in Utah. Charlie Kirk founded the organization and had become a powerful voice in conservative politics. More: 'We want to show the way': Hillsdale College spreading gospel of classical education to K-12 schools Erika Kirk received a bachelors degree in political science and international relations from Arizona State University and a Juris Master in American legal studies from Liberty University. Her professional activities involve nonprofit and entrepreneurial ventures and include hosting the Midweek Rise Uppodcast and leading PROCLAIM x BIBLEin365, a clothing and lifestyle company that seeks to equip believers to live out their faith and to learn the word of God from cover to cover, according to the Hillsdale College news release. Charlie Kirk became a national and international sensation, and he built something amazing. At his memorial service were the great, the near-great, and tens of millions watching. But that isnt why we loved him. We loved him because he was, at heart, a student who worked hard to get it right, Arnn said in a statement. Erika Kirk, brave and widowed, intends to carry on. And we will help her. Advertisement Advertisement More: How Trump's MAGA movement helped a 29-year-old activist become a millionaire More: Tim Allen, inspired by Charlie Kirk's widow, forgives man who killed his dad 6 decades ago More: Kirks widow endorses Vance as MAGA infighting rages Arnn is an ardent supporter of the Kirk family. In September, he announced Charlie Kirk would receive an honorary degree at May's commencement ceremony, CBS News reported. He also said he and his wife have also set up a scholarship "in the hope that Charlie's children would go to a good college." Since its founding 181 years ago, Hillsdale College has emphasized liberal arts and sciences, along with the study of morals, character and virtue. Advertisement Advertisement Hillsdale's refusal to accept state or federal support, along with its focus on classical studies, has grown the college's reputation nationally and bolstered its support among like-minded individuals, prominent donors and politicians, including President Donald Trump. The school has approximately 1,700 students. satwood@detroitnews.com Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here. This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Turning Point CEO Erika Kirk to speak at a Michigan college's commencement U.K. Prime Minister Keir Stamer during a news conference in London, England, on March 5, 2026. Credit - Tolga AkmenGetty Images Four men were arrested early Friday morning on suspicion of conducting surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in London to assist Iran. The Metropolitan Police said the men, aged between 22 to 55, were arrested as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation under the National Security Act. Advertisement Advertisement The men were arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act, 2023. The country to which the investigation relates is Iran, a statement confirmed. Detectives arrested the men shortly after 1 a.m., local time, at addresses in the London boroughs of Barnet, Harrow, and Watford as part of what police described as a pre-planned operation. One of the men is an Iranian national; the other three are dual British-Iranian nationals. Six additional men were arrested at the same location in Harrow, five on suspicion of assisting an offender and one on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. All of the men in question have been taken into police custody. Advertisement Advertisement Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it. Acknowledging that the Jewish community, in particular, may be concerned, she urged the public to remain vigilant and contact the authorities if they witness or hear anything alarming. British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood thanked police and security services following the arrests. She said the authorities wont hesitate to take action to counter any threat to the U.K. and have the governments full support as they carry out their vital work. Advertisement Advertisement Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy declined to comment directly on the arrests, but said during an interview that Iran is the biggest state sponsor of terrorism globally and sadly, that is in effect in our own society as well. Our intelligence services and counter-terrorism police have thwarted lots of action over the last few years. RAF Typhoon aircraft, seen here taking off for operations across the Middle East, at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, on March 3, 2026 in Akrotiri, Cyprus. Sgt Lee Goddard - MoD Crown/Getty Meanwhile, the U.K.-based charity Campaign Against Antisemitism expressed gratitude over the arrests, but said the threat from Iran is still not being taken seriously by the Government and argued that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) should be proscribed as a terrorist organization in the U.K. The U.K. arrests come amid the widening of the Iran war, which has engulfed several countries and territories across the world after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran last weekend which resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Irans retaliatory strikes have since targeted Gulf nations and also a British airbase in Cyprus. Advertisement Advertisement While the U.K. refused to get involved in the initial U.S.-Israeli led strikes on Iran, it has since allowed the U.S. to use British bases and has launched defensive measures in a bid to protect U.K. citizens and allies against Iranian retaliation. The government has also launched an extensive operation to bring home British citizens that are currently stranded in the Middle East. The rise of antisemitic incidents in the U.K. U.K.-based charity Community Security Trust (CST), which aims to "protect British Jews from terrorism and antisemitism," recorded 3,700 instances of anti-Jewish hate reported over the course of 2025, a 4% rise from the 3,556 incidents logged in 2024. Only in 2023 has CST recorded more, when 4,298 cases of antisemitism were reported following a spike in incidents amid the immediate aftermath of October 7. Advertisement Advertisement There were over 293,000 Jewish people living in the United Kingdom when the last comprehensive national census was conducted in March 2021. Cases of antisemitism and hate crimes towards Jewish Americans have also surged in recent years. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported that in the three months following the start of the Israel-Hamas war, antisemitic incidents in the U.S. skyrocketed by 361%. According to the State of Antisemitism in America 2025 report, 91% of American Jews said they feel less safe as a Jewish person in the United States due to violent incidents including the arson attack on a Jewish Governors home, the firebombing of Jewish people in Boulder, and the murders at the Capital Jewish Museum. Contact us at letters@time.com. Shell and Kazakhstan have signed an agreement for oil and gas exploration in the Zhanaturmys block in western Kazakhstan, the Kazakh Energy Ministry said on Thursday. The agreement signed by Kazakhstans Deputy Energy Minister Yerlan Akbarov and Suzanne Coogan, Senior Vice President and Country Chair at Shell Kazakhstan entails seismic exploration, data collection, and technical assessment of potential oil and gas resources in the Zhanaturmys block. The contract will run until 2032, considering the scale and technical complexity of the exploration project in the block that spans 1,377 square kilometers, or 532 square miles, the Kazakh Energy Ministry said. The Zhanaturmys block is located in one of Kazakhstans most promising oil and gas basins and could hold significant potential for expansion of hydrocarbon exploration in the country, the ministry added. Shells Coogan commented that the agreement reaffirms Shells commitment to long-term cooperation with Kazakhstan, the energy ministry said. Related: How Chinas Rare Earth Ban Backfired into a U.S. Tech Breakthrough Shell and other international majors are currently locked in lawsuits and international arbitration with Kazakhstan over two major producing projects in the country. The international oil companies operating the giant Kashagan oilfield in Kazakhstan last month initiated an arbitration process to challenge a massive $5-billion fine for allegedly exceeding sulfur storage limits at a processing facility at the second biggest oilfield in the OPEC+ producer. The Kashagan oilfield is being developed by the North Caspian Project consortium of international majors, including Shell, and Kazakhstans state oil firm KazMunayGas. Kazakhstan has several arbitration cases with as much as $166 billion in claims against the majors for damages, mostly because of lost revenues from delays at the Kashagan oilfield. We think that theres still a lot of potential investment opportunities in Kazakhstan, but we will hold until we have better line of sight to where things end up, Shells chief executive officer Wael Sawan told analysts during the Q4 earnings call last month, referring to the lawsuits. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. There were emotional reunions at Uganda's Entebbe International Airport [AFP via Getty Images] Some of the 43 Ugandan students evacuated from Iran have described their ordeal after being evacuated from the country. "We could hear the ground trembling, we could hear the ground shake," Oscar Nyegyema told AFP after arriving at Uganda's Entebbe International Airport. "We really did not know whether we could make it out." Masters student Aloysious Ssegawa told BBC Focus on Africa that the bombings felt like an ''earthquake'' and all he could think about doing was ''running for his life''. Advertisement Advertisement After the US and Israel jointly attacked Iran on Saturday, Iran retaliated with strikes on Israel and US allies in the Gulf, leading to disruption across the Middle East. Uganda's ambassador in Tehran arranged for the students to leave by bus to the Turkish border and then on to Istanbul where they caught a flight home. Ssegawa was based in the northern part of Tehran and travelled for four days before safely arriving back at Entebbe International Airport in Uganda. He described how there were extreme traffic jams and people were carrying their belongings as they fled Iran. ''There was a lot of panic, I must admit, everyone was scared. When you are in the building and a bombing happens, it shakes and you feel like it is an earthquake. And the only thing that comes to mind is running for your life,'' Ssegawa told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement He added that it was ''psychologically traumatic, and I felt like I was really in danger''. This is the second time he has fled Iran. He first left last year during the 12-day war, but returned because he wanted to finish his studies. Despite these experiences, he says he will return again, if a peace deal is achieved. Nyegyema said his university had been hit by an air strike. "We were all scared, we were all feeling devastated." Nevertheless, he also intends to return to Iran and complete his programme as soon as he can. Some Ugandan students opted to remain in Iran, even after their government offered to bring them home. Advertisement Advertisement ''There were about 51 in one university, but the eight decided to remain behind willingly,'' Ugandan State Minister Balaam Barugahara told Reuters news agency. Jonan Gumushabe told Reuters that he was just a few days away from finishing his degree when he left Iran. Another evacuee, Sharon Twiine, who had been studying international relations at Ahlul Bayt International University in Tehran, said she would need therapy before continuing with her studies. "It was scary, traumatising and I wouldn't wish for anyone to experience" such a thing, she said. More about the US-Israel war with Iran: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts By Anita Komuves and Olena Harmash BUDAPEST/KYIV, March 6 (Reuters) - Hungary said on Friday it had detained seven Ukrainians carrying around $82 million in cash and gold on suspicion of money laundering, as Kyiv accused Budapest of taking bank employees hostage amid a dispute over oil shipments. The Hungarian Tax Authority's decision to have counter-terrorism forces swoop on two Ukrainian armoured vehicles transporting cash to Ukraine marks a dramatic escalation of tensions that have already resulted in Budapest blocking tens of billions of euros in European Union aid for Kyiv. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on X that the people detained were employees of Oschadbank and accused Hungary of "taking hostages and stealing money". "This is state terrorism and racketeering," he added, demanding their immediate release and asking the EU to "provide a clear qualification of Hungarys unlawful actions". Video posted on the Hungarian government's Facebook account showed armed counter-terrorism officers jumping out of a van as the Ukrainian vehicles pulled into a service station, pointing their guns at the windscreen before handcuffing the people inside and forcing them to lie face down on the ground. "The National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) is pursuing criminal proceedings on suspicion of money laundering," the authority said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement "On March 5, 2026, it detained seven Ukrainian citizens, including a former Ukrainian intelligence service general, and two armoured cash-in-transit vehicles, which were transporting a total of $40 million, 35 million euros and nine kilograms of gold from Austria to Ukraine." The tax authority said it was working together with counter-terrorism forces. 'OUTRAGEOUS PROCEDURE' Government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs said the seven detainees would be expelled from Hungary. It was not immediately clear what would happen to the money they were transporting. Ukraine's ambassador to Hungary, Sandor Fegyir, went to the Budapest headquarters of the Counter-Terrorism Centre to try and meet with the detained Ukrainians, two Reuters witnesses said. Advertisement Advertisement The detainees' lawyer, Lorant Horvath, said he had been unable to contact them. Kyiv's ambassador to Budapest, Sandor Fegyir, was also unable to meet the detainees. "This is an outrageous procedure... (T)he embassy, and indeed the consular service, must in all cases be allowed access to the accused," Horvath told Reuters. "Defence lawyers must also be allowed (access)." Ukraine advised its citizens against travel to Hungary, saying it could not guarantee their safety amid what it called the "arbitrary actions" of Hungarian authorities. Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of deliberately delaying the resumption of oil flows via the damaged Druzhba pipeline for political reasons. Kyiv denies the charge, saying it needs time to repair the damage caused to energy infrastructure by a Russian drone strike on January 27. Advertisement Advertisement Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who faces a serious challenge to his 16-year rule in an election on April 12, has made the war in Ukraine a central plank of his campaign, saying the opposition would drag Hungary into the conflict. He has vetoed new EU sanctions on Moscow as well as a huge loan for Ukraine over the oil dispute. Speaking on state radio, Orban again accused Kyiv of blackmail and said Hungary would use all means at its disposal until oil flows resume. He did not mention the detention of the Ukrainians. Ukraine's Oschadbank said its employees had been engaged in a routine operation. Advertisement Advertisement "Since the start of the full-scale invasion, foreign currency and bank metals have been transported exclusively by land," it said in a statement. "Similar trips are carried out by Oschadbank's cash collection vehicles on a weekly basis." (Reporting by Krisztina Than, Anita Komuves, Bernadett Szabo and Krisztina Fenyo in Budapest, Olena Harmash in Kyiv, Writing by Alan CharlishEditing by Gareth Jones) Ukraine has secured the release of seven Ukrainian bank workers arrested on Thursday in Hungary while transporting $80m (60m) worth of cash and 9kg of gold in cash-transport vehicles to Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said on X on Friday evening that the workers were safe and across the Ukrainian border. After Sybiha accused Budapest of taking the group hostage and stealing money, Hungary's tax authority said they had been detained on suspicion of money laundering. Advertisement Advertisement Ukraine's state savings bank, Oschadbank, said they had been part of a regular transport between Austria and Ukraine and were "unjustifiably detained". The tax authority had said it would expel the workers. The authority had said it was conducting criminal proceedings and added that the transport was being overseen by a former general of Ukraine's intelligence service. "This year alone, more than $900m, 420m and 146 kg of gold bars were transported through the territory of Hungary to Ukraine," the national tax and customs administration said in a statement on Friday. It is not yet clear what has happened to the enormous sums of cash and the gold seized on Thursday, but Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski said "they've stolen the money". Advertisement Advertisement Relations between Ukraine and Hungary have deteriorated during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and have descended into a war of words over a halt to Russian oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline in Ukraine. The arrest of the bank workers comes deep in Hungary's election campaign, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban trailing in opinion polls with little more than a month before the vote. Hungarian reports described how black-clad officials from Hungary's TEK counter-terrorism centre raided the Ukrainian-registered vehicles on Thursday and then their convoy headed to Budapest. Sybiha accused Orban of dragging Ukraine into its "domestic politics and electoral campaign", adding that Kyiv would not tolerate "this state banditism". Advertisement Advertisement His opposite number in Budapest, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, asked why such enormous sums were being moved in cash: "If this is truly a transaction between banks, why was it not carried out by transfer?" Orban made no mention of the seven bank workers in his regular radio appearance on Friday, although he did say "transit shipments" important to Ukraine would be halted until a row over Russian oil supplies was sorted out. Orban, seen as Russia's closest ally in the EU, has accused Ukraine of deliberately halting Russian oil through the pipeline. Kyiv says the pipeline was damaged in a Russian air strike in January, but Orban says satellite images indicate there is no reason why the pipeline should not be working and has threatened to "force the Ukrainians to restart deliveries". [BBC] The Hungarian leader has also blocked a 90bn (78bn) EU aid package seen as vital for Ukraine's financing in a bid to force the resumption of oil supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Orban has repeatedly opposed EU funding for Ukraine, arguing it prolongs the war. He has focused much of his election campaign on an anti-Ukraine message. Last month he ordered increased security for Hungary's energy infrastructure, making unsubstantiated claims that Kyiv was preparing "further actions to disrupt" the energy system. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Orban for blocking the aid package and said on Thursday that the Druzhba pipeline might only become operational again in another four to six weeks. "To be honest, I would not restore it. This is my position. I expressed it to European leaders... because this is Russian oil," he told a briefing. "Russians are killing Ukrainians and we have to give oil to Orban, because he, the poor thing, cannot win the election without this oil." Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian leader also warned that if Hungary's prime minister continued to block EU funding for Ukraine, then Ukrainian armed forces would be given his address to "call him and communicate with him in their own language". Zelensky's apparent threat was condemned by Peter Magyar, whose opposition Tisza party is leading in the opinion polls ahead of the 12 April election. The European Commission also criticised Zelensky's remarks. "That type of language is not acceptable; there must not be threats against EU member states," spokesman Olof Gill told reporters. Gill said the Commission was in active discussions with all sides with the aim of getting "everyone to calm down a bit, dial down the rhetoric, and deliver on... [putting] pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression". Advertisement Advertisement Orban has said Budapest will use "political and financial tools" to force Ukraine to reopen the pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungarian refineries. Druzhba is the main route for delivering Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, and shipments of Russian oil to both countries have been cut off since 27 January. In a separate development this week, Hungary's foreign minister travelled to Moscow and secured the release of two ethnic Hungarian prisoners of war. Hungary says the men, who are from Ukraine's Transcarpathia region, have dual Hungarian and Ukrainian citizenship and has accused Kyiv of conscripting them into the army. Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv has described their transfer to Hungary as a "gross violation of international humanitarian law". Finland has delivered a significant package of aid to Ukraine to help respond to oil spills. Source: Embassy of Finland in Kyiv, as reported by European Pravda Details: The embassy noted that Finland had sent 35 lorries of oil spill response equipment to Ukraine. The Finnish Border Guard supplied oil skimmers with power sources, booms, personal protective equipment and other tools for containing and cleaning up oil spills. Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "Oil spill response is an effective means of reducing the short-term and long-term effects of harmful substances released into the environment. Compounds contained in oil are extremely harmful to the ecosystem. Even small concentrations can contaminate groundwater and other water sources that are used." Details: The embassy noted that Ukraine had submitted an urgent request for assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism at the end of 2025. "Cooperation between the authorities worked extremely well. Our collaboration in oil spill response was once again efficient and effective. We collected a significant amount of equipment for donation without compromising our own response capability," said Ville Estlander, Senior Officer for Rescue Services from the Ministry of the Interior. Background: At the end of February, the Finnish government announced 20 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine, to be delivered via UN humanitarian agencies and the International Committee of the Red Cross. It was also reported that France would provide over 70 million in grant funding, with part of it directed towards Ukraine's energy sector. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! March 6 (Reuters) - Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Hungary early on Friday of detaining seven employees of Ukraine's state savings bank while they were transporting cash from Austria back to Ukraine. Andrii Sybiha was writing on the X social media platform after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Budapest would force Ukraine with "political and financial tools" to reopen the Druzhba pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungarian refineries. Sybiha said the employees were travelling in two cars through Hungary when they were detained. He said their whereabouts were unknown at the moment. Advertisement Advertisement "In fact, we are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money," Sybiha wrote. "If this is the 'force' announced earlier today by Mr Orban, then this is a force of a criminal gang. This is state terrorism and racketeering." (Reporting by Ron Popeski; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that Ukraine reserves the right to take response measures after Hungary detained Ukrainian cash-in-transit vehicles carrying cash and gold as well as bank employees. Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as cited by European Pravda Details: The minister stressed that all those responsible for the seizure and detention of Ukrainian citizens would be held accountable. Advertisement Advertisement "We reserve the right to take appropriate action, including initiating sanctions and other restrictive measures," Sybiha noted. He also reiterated Ukraine's demand that Hungary stop dragging Ukraine into its domestic politics and election campaign. Sybiha expressed hope for a decisive reaction from international partners. Quote: "We will also gather the foreign diplomatic corps at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to brief them on Hungary's unacceptable actions, refute absurd accusations, and urge support in demanding accountability." More details: Sybiha also explained that the morning statements and demands made by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban towards Ukraine were also related to the Ukrainian cash-in-transit workers and their cargo seized by Hungary. Advertisement Advertisement Background: Earlier on Friday, the Hungarian government said it planned to deport seven Ukrainian cash-in-transit guards who had been detained by the National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary. The National Bank of Ukraine was the first to report the seizure of Ukrainian cash-in-transit staff and a large amount of currency. The employees were from Oschadbank and were transporting cash from Austria to Ukraine. Sybiha described the actions of the Hungarian authorities as "terrorism and hostage-taking", and the ministry advised Ukrainian citizens to refrain from travelling to Hungary. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The war with Iran is driving up shipping costs in the region and further complicating humanitarian aid deliveries, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in Geneva. Major transport companies have introduced conflict and war risk surcharges of around $3,000 per container, the UN agency said on Friday. Even before the outbreak of war, humanitarian assistance had been reduced in many countries due to severe budget cuts. Advertisement Advertisement The organization normally ships armoured vehicles and other supplies from Dubai to African countries and beyond. However, the security situation means that vessels are now limited in their ability to pass through key waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman. The situation is particularly critical for Sudan, which depends on maritime shipments arriving at Port Sudan. Aid deliveries to Somalia and South Sudan have also been affected. NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) Uganda helped South Sudan carry out airstrikes that killed and badly burned civilians a year ago, according to a U.N. inquiry. Joint aerial bombardments by South Sudan and Uganda targeted civilian-populated areas predominantly affecting Nuer communities in opposition-affiliated areas, said the report by the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, referring to South Sudans second-largest ethnic group. Ugandan troops are deployed in South Sudan to help the government of President Salva Kiir against forces loyal to opposition figure Riek Machar, who was suspended as vice president in September after he faced criminal charges. Ugandan military authorities say troops are in South Sudan at the invitation of the South Sudan government and in accordance with a bilateral security agreement. Advertisement Advertisement While Machar is currently on trial for offenses including treason, fighting has intensified in areas seen as his strongholds, where government troops are trying to disperse the rebels. The attacks cited in the U.N. report involved widespread use of improvised incendiary devices, it said. Ugandan forces entered South Sudan in March 2025 with military hardware, including tanks and armored vehicles. That happened shortly after a militia overran a military garrison near the Ethiopian border. Weeks later, Machar was placed under house arrest for his alleged role in orchestrating the attack, charges that he denies. The government has since relied on aerial attacks to gain the upper hand in a widening conflict with Machars forces and other armed groups. Advertisement Advertisement Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni sent his army to intervene in South Sudans 2013-2018 civil war on multiple occasions on behalf of Kiirs forces, helping to turn the tide in his favor. During one attack in March 2025 in Wunaliet, 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the capital of Juba, homes were engulfed after planes dropped barrels of liquid that ignited, witnesses told the U.N. commission. Survivors said they saw civilians set alight, including a boy burnt beyond recognition. A barracks, housing opposition soldiers, was also struck. A day after the attack, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni's son who also serves as the top military commander, posted on X that Uganda had bombed opposition forces. Our air offensive will not stop until Riek Machar makes peace with my uncle Afande Salva, he wrote. While Kiir is not actually Kainerugabas uncle, the term shows the closeness of the two governments. Advertisement Advertisement The post, which was later deleted, accompanied a video appearing to show fiery explosions captured from an in-flight aircraft. Flight tracking data shows that a turboprop plane that circled the area during the bombing had arrived earlier that day from Uganda and was operated by the Ugandan army, the U.N. report said. The report does not state conclusively how many operations Uganda was involved in or the exact nature of their involvement, only that there appeared to be high degrees of planning, operational integration and command-level authorization. In November, Uganda denied participating in any combat operations in South Sudan. It has also denied using chemical weapons and barrel bombs and said it does not attack civilians. Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Amnesty International said that Uganda had violated a 2018 U.N. arms embargo that prohibits member states from providing most forms of military assistance to South Sudan, including weapons and personnel. An U.N. panel of experts echoed that assessment in November. Ongoing fighting threatens a peace deal signed in 2018. On Friday, South Sudan's military ordered U.N. peacekeepers to vacate Akobo within 72 hours as government troops battled opposition forces. U.N. agencies and nongovernmental organizations were also ordered to leave the town located in the state of Jonglei, the epicentre of the fighting. ____ Associated Press journalist Deng Machol in South Sudan contributed to this report. TYLER, Texas (KETK) A man was arrested in Smith County following a sting where he allegedly made plans for a prostitution operation involving someone he believed was a 15-year-old. The operation began on Feb. 27 when an undercover officer posted a commercial sex advertisement on a website known for prostitution and the exploitation of minors. The officer was contacted by Christopher David Stevens, a man with a prior conviction as a sex offender, according to an arrest affidavit from Smith County. Victims identified after fatal shooting near Angelina County club Mugshot of Christopher David Stevens, courtesy of the Smith County Sheriffs Office In communications with the undercover officer, Stevens allegedly acknowledged he was interacting with a minor and expressed his intention to engage in sexual activities. He offered to secure a hotel room in his name for their meeting. As part of the arrangement, the undercover officer informed Stevens that she would be traveling from Abilene to Tyler. Advertisement Advertisement Stevens volunteered to pick her up, stating he planned to have sex with her in his car before heading to the hotel, where he would facilitate further arrangements for clients in exchange for money. Despite the planned pickup from a bus stop, Stevens ultimately did not show up. He was arrested on Tuesday and charged with solicitation of prostitution involving a minor under 18. Stevens is currently being held in the Smith County Jail. You can now stream KETK and FOX51 News live 24/7 on your smart TV with KETK+ , our brand-new app! No antenna, cable, or satellite neededwatch for free, anytime. Just download it on your Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV and start streaming. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. As early voting began Friday for Virginias closely watched redistricting referendum, Democratic leaders pushed back against claims that the proposal would open the door to future partisan map-drawing, arguing instead that the measure represents a temporary defensive response to what they describe as a national Republican redistricting effort encouraged by President Donald Trump. Speaking to reporters on a Zoom call Friday, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, and Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, emphasized the constitutional amendment before voters would grant the General Assembly limited authority to redraw Virginias 11 congressional districts, and only if Republican-led states move ahead with mid-decade redistricting absent a court order. The referendum, which voters will decide April 21, comes after the Supreme Court of Virginia this week cleared the way for the vote to proceed by lifting a lower-court injunction that had temporarily halted preparations for the election. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats say the amendment would not permanently alter Virginias redistricting system, noting that the states existing constitutional provisions requiring a nonpartisan process would remain in place for the next cycle in 2031. This is a one-time effort for mid-decade redistricting to counter the tyranny that Donald Trump has unleashed, Kaine said during the Zoom call with reporters. But the provision about nonpartisan redistricting stays in the Constitution for 2031, and henceforth, its not removed, and it would reactivate again after this simple effort to play defense against Donald Trumps tyranny. The proposal stems from legislation passed for the second time earlier this year by Virginia Democrats that would allow lawmakers to adjust congressional district lines ahead of the 2026 elections if Republican-controlled states redraw their maps to gain seats in the U.S. House. Advertisement Advertisement Supporters argue the measure is designed to preserve Democratic competitiveness if GOP-led states pursue mid-decade redistricting. Critics, including many Republicans, say it undermines Virginias commitment to independent redistricting and could set a precedent for future partisan mapmaking. Democrats, however, say the key distinction is that Virginia voters, not politicians, will decide whether to authorize the change. The difference between what Virginia is doing and what these red states are doing is that theyre giving this to the voters to decide, Kaine said. President Trump in the red states is using backroom deals to rewrite maps to his favor. Kaine repeatedly framed the referendum as a response to what he described as a broader effort by Trump and Republican allies to reshape congressional maps outside the normal decennial redistricting cycle. Advertisement Advertisement The nation saw, in a very dramatic way, on January 6, 2021, a tyrannical president trying to steal away the peaceful transfer of power after losing an election, Kaine said, arguing that similar tactics are now emerging in redistricting fights. Virginia wouldnt be true to ourselves if we allowed tyranny to go unanswered, he added. McClellan said the proposal was drafted to prevent routine mid-cycle map changes and would only take effect in response to extraordinary circumstances. The constitutional amendment itself says that what triggers this redistricting is other states doing it, absent a court order, which is unprecedented, particularly when a president has ordered them to do so, the Richmond Democrat said during the Zoom call. Advertisement Advertisement McClellan added the referendum gives Virginians the chance to decide whether to respond to those efforts. Unlike Texas, and Missouri, it will be the voters of Virginia to decide whether that moves forward, she said. The plan includes a potential congressional map Democrats have described as a 10-1 proposal, which could favor Democratic candidates in 10 of Virginias 11 districts. The new configuration could help offset potential Republican gains elsewhere if GOP-controlled legislatures redraw their maps to secure additional House seats. Republicans, who currently hold five of the states congressional 11 seats, have argued the proposal undermines the independent redistricting system Virginia adopted through a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2020. They contend Democrats are attempting to change the rules mid-cycle for political advantage. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats acknowledge the move departs from Virginias current process but say the political environment is far from typical. The precedent is being set in unprecedented times, Price, who chairs the House Privileges and Elections Committee, said during the Zoom call. Ive never in my life heard a sitting president call for five more seats or for states to find more seats. Price said she hopes the situation remains temporary and that Virginia will ultimately return to its standard redistricting system. I hope to never have to vote on anything like this ever again, because that would mean we have gotten back to democracy, she said. We have beaten back fascism, and that we can all go back to normal, but right now, what we are experiencing is not normal, and should not be treated as normal. Advertisement Advertisement Democratic leaders also emphasized that Virginias referendum process gives voters direct control over the decision, contrasting it with what they describe as closed-door negotiations in other states. Here in Virginia, the voters will decide, Price said. The campaign surrounding the referendum has drawn national attention. On Thursday, former President Barack Obama endorsed the measure and urged Virginians to support it, while Gov. Abigail Spanberger has also backed the proposal. Brian Cannon, an advisory board member of the group No Gerrymandering Virginia, criticized national Democratic support for the measure, saying, President Obama didnt lift a finger to help Virginia pass fair redistricting in 2020. It shouldnt surprise anyone that hes now defending a plan that would bring gerrymandering back. Advertisement Advertisement Cannon argued in an email that silencing voters is anti-democratic no matter who does it, and it sets a dangerous precedent for Virginia, adding that Virginians still oppose this plan which is why its supporters are spending millions of dollars and rolling out celebrity endorsements to try to sell a bad deal. For now, Democrats say the focus is on encouraging voters to participate during the early voting period leading up to the April 21 election. These are tough times, Kaine said. Virginia, true to being a state that is pledged, we will always stand against tyranny, has a chance to do it on April 21. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Heejin Kim and Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL, March 5 (Reuters) - South Korea's chip industry is concerned that a prolonged Iranian crisis will disrupt supplies of key materials from the Middle East and increase chip prices as a result of a spike in energy costs, a ruling party lawmaker said on Thursday. The chip industry also said the crisis could deal a setback to plans by big tech firms to build AI data centres in the Middle East for the longer term, thus weighing on strong chip demand, Kim Young-bae said. Kim made the comment after meeting with executives from companies such as Samsung Electronics, the world's top memory chipmaker, and business and trade groups. "We say the semiconductor supercycle has arrived, but data centre plans are highly likely to be disrupted, potentially creating problems with chip demand," he said at a briefing with reporters. "Officials raised a possibility that semiconductor production could be disrupted if some of these key materials cannot be sourced from the Middle East," he said. The chip industry is worried that the Iran crisis could disrupt supplies of some key chip-making materials like helium from the Middle East, Kim said. Helium is essential for heat management during semiconductor production and it has no viable alternatives currently. Samsung Electronics declined to comment on the matter. DATA CENTRES South Korean companies Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have enjoyed surging prices of memory chips, thanks to the global race by tech firms to build AI data centres. Amazon said on Monday some of its data centres in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were damaged by drone strikes in the Middle East conflict, sparking questions around Big Tech's pace of expansion in the region. U.S. tech giants like Microsoft and Nvidia have been positioning the UAE as a regional hub for artificial intelligence computing needed to power services such as ChatGPT. Iran fired a barrage of drones and missiles at Gulf States in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday. (Reporting by Heejin Kim, Hyunjoo Jin and Joyce LeeEditing by Ed Davies and Christian Schmollinger) Imagine youre preparing to drive home from a doctors appointment when a law enforcement officer approaches your vehicle, takes a photo of your car, and sends it to federal law enforcement, as well as local and state police to store for a year or more. Now imagine that takes place every time you get in your car and go about your daily life. This, in effect, has been happening in Michigan due to the proliferation of unregulated automatic license plate readers (ALPRs). Proposed legislation aims to create a legal framework that sets common-sense guardrails in the state to ensure their use is not invasive and respects constitutional rights. While ALPRs can be used for legitimate policing, the current lack of a governance framework means that a surprising amount of personal data is vulnerable to misuse or abuse. These plate readers work by automatically photographing your car and checking your plate number against a hotlist to search for stolen vehicles, outstanding warrants or persons needed for ongoing investigations. Authorities are then automatically notified if a match is found. Advertisement Advertisement However, the photos and data collected arent just saved for the vehicles on the hotlist they are saved for all drivers regardless of their record. This is all possible without a warrant. The amount of data collected can be staggering. Officially, with each photo, authorities aim to capture the license plate number, the make, model and color of the vehicle, the date, time and location, and even vehicle owner registration information provided by the Secretary of State. In addition, photographs of the back of the car can capture images of passengers, bumper stickers and details of the surrounding area. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In the city of Taylor alone, 50 mounted cameras, along with 27 more vehicle-mounted ALPRs, scanned over 9 million plates per month. These cameras are now deployed across Michigan along interstate highways, important intersections and many other locations. Taken together, authorities can use pictures from ALPRs mounted across at least 125 Michigan cities and counties to map a persons daily movements, revealing where they live, work, worship, receive medical care, or otherwise spend their time. Advertisement Advertisement The use of these new tools already extends beyond traditional law enforcement agencies to include Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Most ALPRs in Michigan are provided by Flock Safety, which is likely used by CBP. An investigation by 404 Media found that these agencies had access to 80,000 cameras nationwide, and local agencies have searched ALPR databases for immigration-related reasons, sometimes in collaboration with state or local police. Expanding the tools of surveillance to federal immigration enforcement agencies that are routinely violating constitutional rights and ignoring court orders could further erode democratic institutions, increase the risk of wrongful imprisonment and leave our communities less safe. And mistakes do happen. Over a six-month investigation, CBS found more than a dozen cases when ALPRs, sometimes in combination with human error, led to wrongful stops, along with cases when the technology was abused. In New Mexico, an ALPR that mistook the number 2 for the number 7 ended up with an innocent 12-year-old girl in handcuffs. In Detroit, police handcuffed a mother and put her and her 2-year-old autistic child in a squad car, impounding her car for over three weeks after using ALPRs to mistakenly tie her vehicle to a shooting two miles away. Advertisement Advertisement Michigan lacks a comprehensive legal framework governing the use of ALPRs that could put innocent people in dangerous situations and betray data privacy. To address this lack of oversight, Republican Rep. Doug Wozniak and Democratic Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr. have partnered to sponsor House Bill package 5492 and 5493 that would clarify when and how ALPR data can be used across the state. Among the bills most important provisions are the requirements for judicial warrants to access camera information for criminal cases, the limiting of data retention to 14 days and public reporting on their use. Michigan has a clear roadmap with at least 16 other states already enacting similar legislation and its time for lawmakers to follow. President Donald Trump stated that more military operations are planned for Iran and the Pentagon stated on March 2 that the United States is prepared to send more troops to fight Iran. Iran has already launched retaliation strikes against Israel and U.S. military installations in the Persian Gulf. How big is Iran? Iran is the 17th largest nation in the world by area, just after Sudan and Libya. It is roughly 636,000 square miles in size. Advertisement Advertisement Here's a look at how the United States' military compares with Iran. More: Who was killed in the Iran attack? A look at Tehran's power structure Unable to view our graphics? Click here to reload. How strong is Iran's military compared to the United States? Iran continues to develop longer-range missile technologies under the watchful eye of its space-launch program, but it has not yet tested or launched a missile that might hit the United States. More: Timeline of how hostilities led to Trump's decision to attack Iran What are Iran's missile range capabilities? With thousands of ballistic and cruise missiles, some of which have reached Israel and are capable of reaching Eastern Europe, Iran has the biggest and most varied missile arsenal in the Middle East, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has made significant efforts over the last ten years to increase the accuracy and deadliness of these weapons. Due to these advancements, Iran's missile forces are now a potent weapon for projecting Iranian power and a real threat to the military forces of the United States and its allies in the area. More: Satellite images show impact from US and Israel attacks on Iran Iranian missile attacks from 2017-2026 June 2017 in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, launching 6 ballistic missiles September 2018 in Koya, Iraq, launching 7 ballistic missiles October 2018 in Abu Kamal, launching 6 ballistic missiles September 2019 in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia, launching 18 drones September 2019 in Khurais, Saudi Arabia, launching 3 cruise missiles January 2020 in Erbil Air Base, Iraq, launching 1 ballistic missile January 2020 in Ain Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, launching 11+ ballistic missiles February and December 2021 in Erbil, Iraq, launching ballistic and cruise missiles March 2022 in Erbil, Iraq, launching ballistic missiles June 2023 in Iraq and Syria, launching ballistic and cruise missiles January, April, October 2024 in Pakistan, Israel, Iraq, Syria, launching ballistic and cruise missiles June 2025 in Al Udedi Air Base, Qatar, launching ballistic and cruise missiles March 2026 in neighboring countries targeting U.S. bases and Israel, launching ballistic and cruise missiles Advertisement Advertisement SOURCE AlJazzera, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Council on Foreign Relations and USA TODAY research This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Iran's military strong? How its size, ships, aircraft compare to US The United States and Israel have attacked Iran at a pace that far surpasses other recent conflicts, research group Airwars says, as the US and Israeli governments have pledged to press on with their deadly bombardment. In a report published on Friday, Airwars said the initial days of the US-Israeli assault against Iran resulted in significantly more targets [hit] per day than any campaign in recent decades. That includes Israels genocidal war against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which began in October 2023, as well as the US-led campaign against ISIS (ISIL) in Iraq and Syria in 2014. Advertisement Advertisement Airwars noted that US and Israeli officials said they struck about 4,000 targets across Iran in the first four days of their offensive, which began on Saturday. In 100 hours, the US and Israel declared hitting more targets in Iran than in the first six months of the US-led Coalitions bombing campaign against the so-called Islamic State, said the UK-based nonprofit, which investigates civilian harm in armed conflict. While comparisons between conflicts are often imperfect as militaries release varying amounts and types of information, this Iran campaign appears to be vastly outpacing any other recent US air war. Fridays analysis comes as US President Donald Trump appeared to reject the prospect of a compromise to end the war as he stressed that any deal with Iran must result in the countrys unconditional surrender. Advertisement Advertisement There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! the US leader wrote on his Truth Social platform. After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. The Israeli armys chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, also said on Thursday that Israel would intensify its attacks against Iran, adding that the next phase of the war will focus on undermining the Iranian regime. We will increase attacks on the Iranian regimes facilities and military capabilities, Zamir said. Advertisement Advertisement So far, at least 1,332 people across Iran have been killed in the US and Israeli attacks, according to the latest figures cited by Iranian state media outlets. The assault has prompted retaliatory Iranian missile and drone strikes across the wider Middle East, including in several Arab Gulf states. The Iranian attacks have killed at least six US service members as well as 11 people in Israel and three others in the United Arab Emirates. Israel's IDF has released footage of it destroying the regime's command bunker in Tehran. Watch as ITV News reports on war in the Middle East as it enters its seventh day. Donald Trump has said the US will only accept an 'unconditional surrender' as he pledged to 'Make Iran Great Again' The UK Foreign Office said on Friday afternoon that a second charter flight bringing stranded Britons back from Oman had taken off, after the arrival of the first in the early hours of Friday morning The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has also stepped up attacks on Beirut after fighting with Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah reignited At least 1,300 people have been killed in Iran, 123 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, as well as six US troops who died in a drone strike in Kuwait Donald Trump said late Friday that the US military was doing "phenomenally" in Iran, adding that on a scale of one to ten, he would rate America's efforts at "a 12 to a 15". Advertisement Advertisement The president's comments came hours after he said there will be no deal with Iran except "unconditional surrender" as Israel continued to pound Tehran and Beirut after announcing a broad-scale wave of strikes" on the seventh day of an escalating Middle East conflict. On his Truth Social platform, the US president wrote on Friday: "After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. "IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!). Israel and the US have pressed on with a relentless campaign against Iran and Iran-allied Hezbollah in Lebanon since launching a joint attack on Saturday morning on Tehran and other major cities, during which Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed. Advertisement Advertisement Trump's message came minutes after Israel said it had begun a "broad-scale" wave of strikes on Tehran, and said they were working to intercept missiles launched from Iran towards Israel. The IDF released footage showing what it said was 50 Israeli Air Force fighter jets destroying Khameneis underground military bunker in the initial wave of attacks. Israel and the US continued to strike the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Friday. Residents described feeling their homes shaking, while others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to multiple missile bases. In Lebanon, where the war has rekindled fighting between Israel and Iran-allied Hezbollah militants, Israel launched a series of airstrikes late Thursday into Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut and other areas. Advertisement Advertisement People were pictured on jammed roads trying to flee or seek shelter, while other displaced people were photographed sleeping by the coast using campfires for warmth. Israeli tanks are parked at a staging area in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon. Credit: AP Israel carried out a string of airstrikes late on Thursday and early Friday, targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, after issuing a warning to residents, telling them: Save your lives and evacuate your homes immediately. Israel announced on Thursday that it was beginning its "next phase" of the war, warning that it will involve "additional surprises". The Lebanese health ministry said the death toll in the country has risen to 123 since the latest resurgence of hostilities. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, Tilak Pokharel, said on Thursday that peacekeepers had seen and heard clashes, including ground combat, in southern Lebanon as more Israeli forces have moved across the border .The current conflict began on Saturday last week when the US and Israel launched what it described as "pre-emptive" strikes on a Tehran government it says is intent on making nuclear weapons. Iran denies this, and some legal experts have suggested the US-Israeli offensive violates international law. Displaced people fleeing Israeli airstrikes in Beirut's southern suburb of Dahiyeh sleep on the Beirut corniche. Credit: AP The Islamic Republic has launched retaliatory attacks on Israel and several Gulf states allied with the US, including Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. At least 1,300 people have been killed in Iran, around a dozen in Israel, as well as six US troops who died in a drone strike in Kuwait. Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, urged all countries involved to de-escalate, saying the world urgently needs to see steps to contain and extinguish this blaze. Irans President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday that some countries had begun mediation efforts in the conflict, without elaborating any further. Missiles launched from Iran pictured over central Israel. Credit: AP Britons taken from Middle East on second UK charter flight The Foreign Office said on Friday afternoon that a second charter flight bringing stranded Britons back from Oman had taken off. The first government-chartered plane evacuating British nationals from the Middle East touched down in the UK in the early hours of Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement The Titan Airways took off from Muscat, the capital of Oman, at 1.36pm UK time on Thursday and arrived at London Stansted just before 1am on Friday. Passengers faced an hours-long delay, with the flight taking off later than expected due to what the Foreign Office confirmed to be "technical issues". Passengers arrive at Stansted Airport after the first government-chartered plane travelled from Muscat, Oman. Credit: AP US warns attacks 'to surge dramatically' but rules out boots on the ground US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that US military operations in Iran are "about to surge dramatically". Speaking at a press conference on Thursday from US Central Command, he said the mission would "advance decisively," as the conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify. Advertisement Advertisement "If you think you've seen something, just wait," he told reporters. His comments came minutes after US President Donald Trump said that the United States and Israel are "totally demolishing" Iran. Speaking from the White House, Trump said Iran's air force and navy are "gone", adding that American and Israeli forces were doing "a great job." Donald Trump appeared to rule out sending US ground forces to Iran. Credit: AP "Their navy is gone - 24 ships in three days, that's a lot of ships," the US president told reporters. "They have no air force, they have no air defence. All of their aeroplanes are gone." He also suggested that Iranian leaders were ready to make a deal to end the fighting, but said: "We want to fight now more than they do." Advertisement Advertisement Trump appears to have ruled out the need for a ground invasion of Iran, however, telling NBC News: "It's a waste of time. They've lost everything. They've lost their navy. They've lost everything they can lose." He also suggested that the US has the capacity to continue its strikes, adding: "We have massive ammunition, which people didn't understand. We have the most we've ever had. We have a lot in other countries." The war against Iran is widening further, more countries are finding themselves caught up in the conflict, as ITV News' Emma Murphy reports from Iraq Iranian ship taken into custody in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka began transferring more than 200 sailors from an Iranian vessel to shore on Friday after the ship sought assistance while anchored outside the countrys waters. Advertisement Advertisement Sri Lankan navy spokesperson Commander Buddhika Sampath said 204 sailors of the IRIS Bushehr were brought to the Welisara Naval Base near the capital, Colombo. About 15 others have been left aboard the ship with Sri Lankan naval personnel for assistance because they had reported a fault with the vessel. It comes after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena, off Sri Lankas coast on Wednesday. Two Iranian sailors rescued from the IRIS Dena warship are escorted to a Judicial Medical Officer in Galle, Sri Lanka. Credit: AP The Dena had been taking part in naval exercises hosted by India before heading into international waters on its way home. The Sri Lankan navy rescued 32 sailors and recovered 87 bodies after a distress signal was sent out. Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Dhadena been carrying almost 130 crew and called the sinking an atrocity at sea that the US would "bitterly regret". UK to bolster support in the region The UK announced Wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities have begun arriving in Cyprus on Friday. The prime minister also confirmed on Thursday that he would send four additional Typhoon jets to join the UK squadron in Qatar. On Thursday night, F-35s and Typhoons carried out defensive air patrols over Qatar, Jordan and the eastern Mediterranean, the Ministry of Defence has said. US soldiers killed in first days of Iran war named Analysis: Trump's colossal Iran gamble is only the start On Friday the British ambassador to Bahrain, Alastair Long, said he was "delighted" to tell people the RAF will be flying jets above Bahrain to aid the defence of the country, which he said was "one of our closest allies in the whole world". This matters hugely to the UK that we are part of defending Bahrain and making sure it prevails in this terrible attack against it by Iran," he said. The newly announced resources will arrive ahead of the warship HMS Dragon, which is due to leave Portsmouth for Cyprus next week. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. Vladimir Putin speaks to his Iranian counterpart The Russian president had a call Friday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. He expressed condolences over the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and "numerous civilian casualties resulting from the U.S. and Israels armed aggression." In the call, the first reported by the Kremlin since the start of the war, Putin "reaffirmed Russias principled stance in favor of an immediate cessation of hostilities, the rejection of force as a method to solve any issues surrounding Iran or arising in the Middle East, and a swift return to the path of diplomatic resolution," according to the Kremlins readout. It said Pezeshkian "expressed gratitude for Russias solidarity with the Iranian people as they defend their sovereignty and the independence of their country" and offered a "detailed update on the developments during the latest active phase of the conflict." From Westminster to Washington DC - our political experts are across all the latest key talking points. Listen to the latest episode below... Venezuela and the United States are restoring diplomatic ties, the two countries announced Thursday, in a new sign of thawing relations after Washington ousted former president Nicolas Maduro. The announcement came as US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum wrapped up a two-day trip to Venezuela, part of US President Donald Trump's push for greater access to the country's mineral wealth. The re-establishment of diplomatic and consular relations "will facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela," the US State Department said. Advertisement Advertisement "Our engagement is focused on helping the Venezuelan people move forward through a phased process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government." Venezuela's foreign ministry said it would "move forward in a new stage of constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect, the sovereign equality of states and cooperation between our people," adding that the renewed ties would be "positive and mutually beneficial." The announcement came hours after Burgum, a member of Trump's cabinet who leads the National Energy Dominance Council, said he had received assurances from Caracas that the government would ensure the security of foreign mining companies keen to invest there. - 'Right kind of security' - Advertisement Advertisement Burgum, who held talks with interim president Delcy Rodriguez during his trip, said dozens of companies had expressed interest in investing in Venezuela. "I think you're going to see this government very concerned about providing the right kind of security," Burgum said. He told reporters his meetings were "fantastically positive," and predicted Venezuela would surpass its oil and gas production targets in 2026. Trump's administration says it effectively runs Venezuela and controls the country's vast natural resources after toppling Maduro. Burgum is the second senior US official to visit since the bombing raid on January 3 that left around 100 people dead and saw Maduro and his wife flown to New York for trial on drug trafficking charges. Advertisement Advertisement Besides oil, Venezuela is rich in minerals such as gold and diamonds, as well as bauxite, coltan and other rare materials used to make computers and mobile phones. Mining activity is concentrated in a territory known as the Orinoco Mining Arc, where armed groups are active. Burgum's visit follows that of US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who pushed for a "dramatic increase" in Venezuela's oil output and talked up "tremendous opportunities" for both Washington and Caracas. The enthusiastic assessments of both men, which echo Trump's stance, reflect the sea change in relations between Washington and Caracas since the capture of Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has allowed Rodriguez, who was Maduro's vice president, to move up to interim leader so long as she grants US access to Venezuela's natural resources. Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves, and Rodriguez last month overhauled the state-controlled oil sector to enable a wave of private investment. She now has her sights set on updating the mining code. pgf-jt/jgc/acb/js Utah ranked as one of two national leaders in a new analysis of policies meant to promote child wellbeing by regulating social media use for minors, restricting technology in the classroom and endorsing child independence. The Childhood Index, released on Wednesday by the Anxious Generation Movement, identified Utah and New York as having created the best policy environments for online child safety and child development in the country. The ranking took into account nine criteria, including, distraction-free schools, childhood independence, social media age limits, prohibitions on addictive app designs, litigation against Big Tech and political leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Utah has earned its National Leader title through groundbreaking efforts to regulate social media companies and reclaim childhood in the real world, the Index says. The states leaders have displayed real courage and are showing the rest of the country what is possible. Utahs progress is making a difference, and their continued leadership will help kids and families across the country. What has Utah done to protect kids? Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has become a spokesperson for the harms of social media on young people, drawing the attention of top political journalists, policy writers and Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation. The Childhood Index calls Cox a trailblazer in reclaiming childhood and protecting kids online for policies he has championed. It also recognizes Attorney General Derek Brown for waging legal battles against Meta and TikTok. Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, the Utah Legislature has led out on passing parental control requirements for social media, age verification requirements for app stores and recommending limited access to personal phones while in class. This year, state lawmakers are on track to approve a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones in schools, a ban on artificial intelligence chatbots having harmful conversations with minors and reducing the introduction of educational technology. Utah is leading the nation in protecting kids, Cox said in a statement. Weve taken on addictive social media algorithms, passed one of the countrys toughest laws to protect kids online, and restored the freedom for kids to play, explore, and grow up in the real world. Were proud to be showing the country how to reclaim childhood. NEW DATA: Utah is leading the nation in protecting kids. Weve taken on addictive social media algorithms, passed one of the countrys toughest laws to protect kids online, and restored the freedom for kids to play, explore, and grow up in the real world. Were proud to be pic.twitter.com/NONuAcpOSt Governor Cox (@GovCox) March 5, 2026 First child independence law The index also took into account Utahs first-in-the-nation reasonable childhood independence law, passed in 2018, which clarified it is not child neglect to allow a child, whose basic needs are met, to engage in independent activities. Advertisement Advertisement Utahs laws requiring social media companies and app stores to verify the ages of users, and to implement strict data and content policies for minors, are both being challenged in court on constitutional grounds. Every parent who allows a child on social media deserves to know that these platforms were engineered to be addictive, Brown said in a statement. As Utahs Attorney General, Ive taken on Snap, Meta, and TikTok in court for design choices that prioritize profit, endless scrolling, and constant engagement over childrens safety and well-being. Utah will not serve as Big Techs testing ground we will protect our kids." New York was recognized for mandating mental health warning labels for social media platforms, restricting addictive algorithms for minors, leading lawsuits against Meta and TikTok and ensuring phone-free schools. The Index classifies six states as rising stars Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, Texas and Vermont 15 states as emerging action and the rest as limited action, including all of Utahs neighboring states in the West. Virginia's legislature has passed a bill prohibiting schools from teaching what it considers to be falsehoods about the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, including portraying it "as peaceful protest." The General Assembly approved the measure Thursday, as a first-of-its-kind legislation to combat false statements by supporters of President Trump. The bill says that school instruction must "Not describe, portray, or present as credible a description or portrayal of the actions precipitating or involved in the events of the January 6, 2021, insurrection as peaceful protest." Advertisement Advertisement Schools may also not "state, suggest, or present as credible a statement or suggestion that there was extensive election fraud that could have changed or actually changed the results of the 2020 presidential election." Instead, the measure says that school instruction must "Describe the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the United States Capitol as an unprecedented, violent attack on United States democratic institutions, infrastructure, and representatives for the purpose of overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election." The legislation was sponsored by state delegate Dan Helmer, a Democrat from Northern Virginia. In the state Senate, the bill passed 21-19 the chamber's 19 Republicans opposed the measure. CBS News has requested comment from Virginia state Senate GOP leader. State and local police in Virginia were among the law enforcement responders who helped repel the rioting mob on Jan. 6, 2021. Advertisement Advertisement "The White House has tried to rewrite history," Helmer told CBS News. "I don't want to celebrate traitors in our public schools." The White House posted a series of lies about Jan. 6 on an official federal government web page on Jan. 6, 2026, including a bogus claim that police bore responsibility for the attack. Helmer's bill is expected to be signed by Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat who was elected in November and who served in Congress at the time of the Capitol attack. A spokesperson for Spanberger said, "The Governor will review all legislation that comes to her desk." Advertisement Advertisement Helmer, who spoke by phone with CBS News from the State Capitol, said, "This bill does not mandate the teaching of Jan. 6. It just says that if you do it, you have to do so in line with the actual facts of the day." President Trump and his surrogates and supporters have characterized the events of Jan. 6 as patriotic. They've also claimed the prosecutions of U.S. Capitol rioters represented a political "weaponization" of the Justice Department by the Biden administration. Mr. Trump pardoned more than 1,500 Capitol riot defendants, including hundreds charged with beating and maiming police officers during the assault. Helmer told CBS News, "The bill provides guardrails for our schools." Advertisement Advertisement "We have a history in Virginia, of celebrating the 'lost cause of the Civil War' and the Confederacy in our schools, trying to rewrite history that way," Helmer said. "We have a long history of some of that going the wrong way." "Delegate Helmer's bill requiring any education in school curriculum be fact-based, truthful and honest is a no-brainer," said Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer who responded to stop the mob on Jan. 6. Dunn, who is now running for the Democratic nomination for a U.S. House seat in Maryland, told CBS News, "This bill isn't politically left. Any opponents of the bill who suggest otherwise are the ones who are making it 'political.' The world saw that happened that day and who was responsible for it," said Dunn. New York's legislature is also considering new legislation to require proper teaching of the Capitol siege. Long Island Democratic state Rep. Chuck Lavine has proposed legislation in New York to require all public schoolchildren to receive instruction about the insurrection. "The idea is to require New York students to be instructed about what happened on Jan. 6 and its aftermath," Lavine told CBS News. "We can't sweep history under the rug. If we don't teach our students about the truth of history, we are doing them a grave disservice. And we'd be doing a disservice to our nation as well." Advertisement Advertisement His legislation must be passed by December in order to become law. "This is part of civic responsibility," Lavine said. "People are entitled to their own political beliefs, but they are not entitled to change facts." "Anyone of good faith who watched what happened on that day recognizes the threat to democracy represented by what occurred on that day," Lavine said. "The old line is, 'Those who ignore history are condemned to repeat its mistake.'" Brendan Ballou, a former Justice Department prosecutor who handled Jan. 6 cases, told CBS News, "It's absolutely essential that the reality of Jan. 6 not be forgotten and the history of the day not be rewritten." Advertisement Advertisement "Kudos to Virginia for pushing back on the relentless gaslighting about January 6th and the 2020 election," said former prosecutor Mike Gordon, who also handled a number of Jan. 6 prosecutions. "Kids should learn the truth." Noem aide Corey Lewandowski had contentious call with Trump after Senate hearing, sources say Watch: Kristi Noem speaks minutes after Trump announces he's removing her as DHS secretary Watch: Kristi Noem Senate hearing moment that may have led to ouster as DHS secretary Mar. 5All 50 students in downtown Spokane's Lumen High School are pregnant or already parents to young children. As many as 60% of them don't have a parent or guardian present in their own lives. "They are essentially a minor with another minor, trying to navigate the world without a lot of legal rights," said Shauna Edwards, executive director at the school. "You know, you can't go get an apartment if you're under 18." Advertisement Advertisement Open since 2020, Lumen High School is a small public charter school that serves pregnant teens and parents aged 14 to 20. Each receives a project-based education tailored to their lives as young parents: personal finance, wellness, traditional academics and, of course, child rearing. Next door, Glow Children Early Learning Center offers child care while young parents are in class. It is all meant to support parent-pupils, ensuring their responsibilities raising a child interfere minimally with their roles as students and vice-versa, Edwards said. To work one-on-one with kids, Lumen employs an on-site coordinator from Communities in Schools. Her responsibilities include stocking the school's resource closet, connecting kids with helpful community groups and making sure students come to school. Lumen pays for its on-site coordinator with their share of charter school enrichment funds from the state. It's about $60,000 at her school, Edwards said, or 2% of their overall operating budget. Advertisement Advertisement A proposed version of the state's supplemental budget this year would end this funding stream for charter schools across the state, a sum of $7.4 million, instead using the money to lessen proposed cuts in state preschool programs and aid for property-poor public school districts. The state has given public charter schools enrichment funding since 2024, typically in the ballpark of $7 million to $8 million spread across all 16 public charter schools that enroll 4,800 kids across Washington. Unlike traditional public school districts, public charter schools cannot collect revenue through property tax collections like levies or bonds. State enrichment allocations cover some of what a public school may use a levy for, like extracurriculars, staffing or training. "This is a way that it makes it equal for these public school students across the state to have the same enrichment opportunities or engagement that is happening in any school," Edwards said. The money is never guaranteed, but it is especially precarious this year as lawmakers grapple with a $2.3 billion budget deficit and their budget conversations mostly surround what to cut. Advertisement Advertisement A version of the yet-to-be-finalized supplemental budget scrapped this year's allotment of around $7.4 million in charter school enrichment. It is a drop in the bucket among hundreds of millions in proposed spending cuts, but Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-Mercer Island, proposed the budget amendment to use that money elsewhere. She said it is better spent on the state's transition to kindergarten program, facing much larger cuts in proposed budgets. "I felt it's really, really challenging to give enrichment money to charters at a time when I'm taking it away from where I could be putting it, in programs that are very, very meaningful to all children in our education system," Wellman said. The state's transition to kindergarten program enrolls more than 7,200 kids, offering preschool slots to kids based on a screening procedure, not financial need. It has been successful at getting young children ready for school, state Superintendent Chris Reykdal said in a news release. Kids in the program outperformed their peers who were not in transition to kindergarten in every tested subject area, according to the superintendent's office, including math, literacy, social emotional learning and physical education. Advertisement Advertisement "The results are clear," Reykdal said in a release. "Students who attend (Transition to Kindergarten) are more prepared for success on day one of kindergarten. That stronger start matters not just for individual students, but for the long-term success of our entire education system." Budget proposals take aim at the program in several ways: one reducing enrollment slots by a quarter, another requiring income eligibility to enroll. The proposals would cut funding by around $19 million and $31.6 million, respectively. In hearing from school leaders praising the preschool program, Wellman said she was motivated to find money somewhere. "Seeing what had happened because they had access to a meaningful program before they came into kindergarten, ready to learn, ready to participate, socialized, was significant," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Another pot of education money facing cuts is the state's local effort assistance program that subsidizes school districts without much property value to tax from. This money also pays for extracurriculars and staff in traditional public schools much like charter schools' enrichment dollars. Proposals in each chamber would cut boosts to this assistance by $25.1 million or $59.1 million annually. Superintendent's office spokesperson Katy Payne said districts should be bracing for cuts in this funding stream, as should much of the K-12 system. When looking at diverting what could be public charter school money to traditional education, Wellman said there wasn't enough to boost local effort, and she favored preschool. "We definitely need to look at (Local Effort Assistance), but this was not sufficient to make a difference in that program across all the school districts," Wellman said. Elena Perry's work is funded in part by members of the Spokane community via the Community Journalism and Civic Engagement Fund. This story can be republished by other organizations for free under a Creative Commons license. For more information on this, please contact our newspaper's managing editor. VERMONT (ABC22/FOX44) Is there a low-lying, marshy area of land in your neighborhood? Vermont officials say theyve made changes to state maps that identify wetlands near you. The new maps arent just informational, either once finalized, theyll be used to make decisions on where construction can take place, so that the state can protect the habitat for fish, birds, and plant species. Town of Berlin: New Starbucks and Chipotle construction underway Advertisement Advertisement According to environmental officials, people can learn more about the maps by viewing them at the link here or register for one of two in-person meetings (links including): Comments can also be submitted online, according to VT DEC. Using new technology and high-quality aerial images, DEC will continue to update maps for the entire state, say officials. With much of Vermont still snow-covered, some of that work will have to wait for spring, but all of the maps are expected to be complete by the end of this year. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44. On Friday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that reports of Russia giving Iran intelligence to target U.S. assets didnt mattera baffling answer given that Iran has already killed multiple U.S. service members in retaliation. We have confirmed reports from U.S. officials that Russia is providing intelligence to Iran to help it target U.S. assets in the region, Fox Newss John Roberts asked Leavitt. Im sure this is something that does not please the president whatsoever. Has he spoken to Putin about it? Well, look, Ill leave that to the president to answer himself, but what I will tell you, John, is we dont comment on intelligence reports that are leaked to the press, Leavitt responded. Whether or not this happened, frankly, it does not really matter, because President Trump and the United States military are absolutely decimating the rogue Iranian terrorist regime. Leavitt on reports that Russia is sharing intelligence with Iran to help them target US assets: "Whether or not this happened, frankly, it does not really matter" pic.twitter.com/aTQfmjRSMg Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 6, 2026 Leavitt was quickly rebuked for the tone-deaf statement. Advertisement Advertisement Dear @PressSec: You need to apologize for your ludicrous statement. Why wont you condemn Russia for helping Iran? Representative Ted Lieu wrote on X. Did the Russian intelligence info help Iran: Kill 6 U.S. soldiers? Hit 11 U.S. bases? Hit U.S. embassies and consulates? Hit U.S. allies? It doesnt matter if Russia is helping Iran kill US service members?? liberal podcaster Tommy Vietor wrote. What is this moron talking about? Leavitt, perhaps hearing some of the criticism, attempted to clarify her position later that day, with support from the White House Rapid Response X account, which called the situation a hoaxbut all Leavitt did was repeat herself. Why doesnt it matter if the U.S. military is being put in danger by Russia? Is that what the president believes, as well? a reporter asked Leavitt later that day. Advertisement Advertisement What I meant is that it clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them. As I said earlier, weve taken out nearly 30 of their ships, their navy has been deemed combat ineffective. Ninety percent reduction in ballistic missile retaliatory strikes against the United States and our Gulf Arab partners in the region. The United States military is the best and most lethal fighting force in the world. Another hoax. @PressSec very obviously meant, as she later clarified, "that it clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them." https://t.co/yyN7IlLyIQ pic.twitter.com/qLkNDBy2fa Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 6, 2026 Leavitt again did not directly address the report that Russia is collaborating with Iran. Iran has launched a massive retaliatory campaign following joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, sending an unprecedented barrage of more than 500 ballistic missiles and 2,000 drones across targets in Israel and several Gulf states. A drone strike on a command center killed six U.S. service members in Kuwait while several missiles were intercepted near Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. base in the region. Commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have hiked their oil price forecasts, noting that unlike last years largely symbolic response, Irans much broader approach in the fresh conflict have resulted in several regional flashpoints that pose real risk to oil supply flows, including potential contagion affecting US-operated assets. StanChart now sees Brent crude averaging $74 per barrel in the first quarter of 2026, up from its previous forecast of $62 per barrel; Q2 to $67/bbl (from $63/bbl) and 2026 average to $70/bbl (from $63.50/bbl). The analysts add that theres asymmetric upside risk to these forecasts if the conflict escalates further and impairs production from Iran and any of the regional producers. StanChart has flagged the significant risk posed to Iraqs oil flows thanks to its heavy reliance on transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq has begun to shut in some major oil fields, such as Rumaila, and cut back production at others, such as West Qurna 2, with storage tanks reaching capacity. The Strait of Hormuz remains the biggest flashpoint, with the waterway used for energy transit of ~31% of seaborne crude and condensate. This is mostly destined for China and India, which may turn to Russia for alternative supply. In addition, its used for 19% of LNG (including all supply from Qatar), 19% of jet fuel and kerosene tilted towards European supply and 33% of global fertiliser transit. Related: How Chinas Rare Earth Ban Backfired into a U.S. Tech Breakthrough Whereas no barrels have been lost so far, StanChart notes that the risk to vessels from mines or missiles has increased insurance premiums and supertanker shipping costs dramatically. To wit, supertanker freight rates from the Middle East to China on the TD3 route now exceed $400,000 per day, double the rate from 27 February, which was already a six-year high. That rate now includes war-risk bonuses and hazard pay for crews, with the exorbitant costs making it uneconomical for the majority of companies. According to StanChart, tanker tracking suggests that limited transit is skewed towards Iranian on Chinese vessels, and this could trigger a rise in landed crude costs--even if the flat price stabilizes--if the freight premium is retained for prolonged periods of time and becomes a structural rather than a temporary cost. United States President Donald Trump has announced that Kristi Noem will be replaced as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), marking the first major change to his cabinet since his re-election. Noem, who has overseen Trumps controversial immigration crackdown, will instead serve as a special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a newly created security initiative. Her removal follows a tense, two-day congressional hearing on Capitol Hill, during which Noem faced a rare, united front of bipartisan hostility. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has nominated Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace her. The change is expected to take effect on March 31. Here is what we know: Who is Kristi Noem? Kristi Noem, 54, was the former Republican governor of South Dakota and recently served as the Secretary of Homeland Security in Trumps administration. In that role, she oversaw some of Trumps key campaign priorities, including efforts to tighten security along the US-Mexico border and accelerate deportations of undocumented immigrants. Her tenure was marked by high-profile immigration enforcement operations that were often publicised on social media, with Noem at times accompanying federal agents during arrests. Advertisement Advertisement During this sweeping immigration crackdown across the US, two US citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, were fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis earlier this year. Noem also supervised the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its disaster response operations. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem testifies before a House Judiciary Committee hearing on March 4, 2026 [Kylie Cooper/Reuters] What has Trump announced? In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump wrote that he was removing Noem from her position. Despite the move, he praised her tenure, saying she has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!). Trump added that Noem would be reassigned to a newly created role as special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a security initiative focused on the Western Hemisphere. Advertisement Advertisement To replace her, Trump said he would nominate Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma, whom he described as a MAGA warrior, to lead the Homeland Security Department. The announcement came following controversy over a $220m border security advertising campaign featuring Noem on horseback. After Noem told Congress that Trump had approved the campaign, Trump denied involvement. In a phone interview with the Reuters news agency, he said: I never knew anything about it. What led to Trumps reassignment of Noem? Trumps decision to reassign Noem followed a two-day congressional hearing on Capitol Hill, during which the Homeland Security Secretary faced questioning about her actions from members of both parties. Advertisement Advertisement Reporting from Washington, DC, Al Jazeeras Alan Fisher said Noem was destroyed under questioning, citing a series of controversies that made her continued leadership difficult. Some of those include: Minneapolis shootings: Noem faced severe backlash over the deaths of two US citizen protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were fatally shot by federal agents as immigration enforcement operations were under way in Minneapolis earlier this year and whose deaths had prompted nationwide protests. Critics of the operation accused the administration of using excessive force and demanded an independent investigation. Lawmakers also accused Noem of running a smear campaign by labelling the deceased as domestic terrorists in the wake of the killings, and criticised her for barring local investigators from the crime scenes. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans and Democrats were querying her handling of what happened in Minnesota, the death of two American citizens that she described initially as domestic terrorists, which proved to be untrue, Fisher reported. People attend a protest against immigration enforcement actions during a rally outside US Senator Amy Klobuchars office in Minneapolis on January 26, 2026 [Seth Herald/Reuters] Controversial $220m advertisement campaign: Noem was grilled about a roughly $220m border security advertising campaign that prominently featured her, including promotional footage of her on horseback near Mount Rushmore. The contracts for the campaign drew criticism after they were awarded to firms with Republican political ties, including a subcontractor linked to people close to Noem. During congressional hearings, Noem said Trump had approved the campaign, but the president later told Reuters he never knew anything about it. Kristi Noem is out at DHS. Here's a TV commercial of her on a horse, filmed five months ago at Mount Rushmore, for an ad campaign that cost more than $200 million pic.twitter.com/U1RtvlYc4w Drew Harwell (@drewharwell) March 5, 2026 FEMA mismanagement and disaster response: Both Democrats and Republicans criticised Noems handling of emergency responses, such as the deadly Texas floods in July 2025 and Hurricane Helene in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Critics said her management style slowed some disaster response funding and reimbursements to states. What is The Shield of the Americas? The Shield of the Americas is a new US national security initiative focused on the Western Hemisphere, which Trump has established. The initiative reflects Trumps push to expand US security operations across the Western Hemisphere, including greater military and intelligence deployments, and is based on the Monroe Doctrine on spheres of influence, now dubbed the Donroe Doctrine. The programme aims to dismantle cartels, combat drug trafficking and counter Chinese influence in Latin America. On Thursday, Noem said the goal of the newfound summit is to promote freedom, security and prosperity in our region. Part of that includes partnering with 12 other countries to address criminal narcoterrorist gangs and cartels and counter illegal and mass migration. Thank you @POTUS Trump for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. @SecRubio and @SecWar are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) March 5, 2026 Who is Markwayne Mullin? Senator Mullin, 48, is one of Trumps fiercest supporters on Capitol Hill. Advertisement Advertisement A former business owner and undefeated MMA fighter with a 5-0 professional record, Mullin served for a decade in the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate in 2023. Known for his MAGA Warrior persona, he has long acted as a key intermediary between the White House and congressional Republicans. If confirmed, Mullin, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, would be the first Native American to lead the DHS. He describes himself on his website as a successful business owner, working cow-calf rancher, and proud husband of 28 years to Mrs Christie Mullin. He has previously supported Homeland Security policy and the administrations immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement Obstructing federal law enforcement is a felony. Most Americans follow ICE instructions without thinking twice, Mullin said on social media following the death of Pretti. US Senator Markwayne Mullin (R), tapped by US President Donald Trump to replace US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, pictured as he departs the US Capitol on March 5, 2026 [Reuters] Al Jazeeras Fisher said the administration expects Mullin to be a better administrator than his predecessor. Even though Kristi Noem is a former governor, the White House didnt feel she was running the organisation properly, Fisher noted. They feel they need someone with the experience of navigating the federal machine, and they believe Mullin is that person. While President Trump has announced that the official handover will take place on March 31, the transition is not as simple. Advertisement Advertisement [Trump] doesnt just get to do that, Fisher said, because DHS secretary is a Senate-approved position. So he has got to go through a Senate hearing with a committee, chaired by someone who described him as a snake, Fisher reported. There are Democrats who want to make sure that Mullen will talk about how to change the way ICE operates; if he doesnt deliver, they might not vote for him, he added. The Cherokee Nation released a statement Thursday, calling the nomination historic and noting that Mullin is both a senator from Oklahoma and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. It is obviously war when two countries attack a third, kill its leader and try to destroy its military, as the US and Israel have done in Iran. But in the weird way modern American leaders dance around the US Constitution, names get complicated. The Trump administration does want to call the Pentagon the Department of War, a nod to the era of world wars, when, he and Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth say, the US military was more used to winning. Advertisement Advertisement But they do not want to formally ask Congress to declare war on Iran, as the text of the Constitution requires and as Presidents Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Roosevelt did after years of internal debate and direct attacks on Americans. And lawmakers, rather than exert their own authority, are set to beat back efforts in the Senate Wednesday and the House on Thursday to require a debate and vote to authorize Trumps war. In the World Wars, the US made a declaration Roosevelts date which will live in infamy speech, given less than 24 hours after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, was him formally asking Congress to declare war. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire, Roosevelt said. Congress complied. Advertisement Advertisement Woodrow Wilson asked for a declaration of war in a speech to Congress in 1917. After years of trying to maintain a sort of neutrality, Wilson said war was unavoidable after interception of the Zimmerman telegram, an intercepted encrypted communication in which Germany proposed an alliance with Mexico against the US. Now, presidents just act Trump apprised Congress of his war on Iran with a two-page document required by a 1973 law. It announced military action in the interest of collective self-defense, although this time it was the US launching a sneak attack. That term, collective self-defense, is important because it appears in Article 51 of the UN Charter as an exception to the need for the UN Security Council to authorize war. President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressing Congress on December 8, 1941. - Fotosearch/Archive Photos/Getty Images President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol on February 24, 2026. - Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images No detailed explanation was given Trump had an opportunity just last week during his State of the Union address to make a more complete argument for war, but he barely mentioned Iran in the speech. He did, however, take time to acknowledge the 250th anniversary of the nations founding, via the 1776 Declaration of Independence, which functioned as a sort of declaration of war on Great Britain. Wars in all but name So the Iran conflict, which is clearly a war, will not technically be called a war by the US government. Its not unlike the fact that the Department of War is the secondary title of what is still technically called the Department of Defense, the name Congress gave it. Advertisement Advertisement There have been 11 declared wars in US history, and none since World War II, although the US has been involved in bloody wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, among other places in the years since. When presidents stopped asking permission President Harry Truman did not ask permission to engage in the large-scale Korean War, which his administration called an international police action. Congress did not balk, and in fact extended the military draft and appropriated money for the undeclared war. It was after Vietnam, another undeclared war, that Congress tried to reassert itself. President Lyndon B. Johnson asked Congress to authorize the use of force in Vietnam in 1964 after attacks on US ships in the Gulf of Tonkin. Much later, it was determined those attacks did not occur as the military claimed. Without that knowledge, only two senators opposed the Gulf of Tonkin resolution. The US became mired in Vietnam. President Lyndon Johnson signing the Tonkin resolution on October 8, 1964. - MPI/Archive Photos/Getty Images Congress tried to claw back some power after Vietnam In 1971, Congress repealed, with President Richard Nixons signature, the Gulf of Tonkin resolution and demanded the withdrawal of US forces, although the war would continue for years. Advertisement Advertisement In 1973, lawmakers passed the War Powers Resolution to fulfill the intent of the framers of the Constitution of the United States and ensure that the collective judgment of both the Congress and the President will apply to the introduction of United States Armed Forces into hostilities. It requires the president remove US forces within 60 days of reporting a new military action to Congress unless Congress declares war or authorizes the use of force. The president can extend the use of the military once for 30 days under the War Powers Act. Trump has said the Iran operation could be concluded within five weeks, which is well within that 60-day threshold. But this is by far the most extensive military operation undertaken without a use of force authorization by Congress. The war on terror era did not include a declaration of war In the years since the 9/11 terror attacks, there has been less and less consultation with Congress over military actions. The authorization for the use of force (AUMF) to combat terrorism after 9/11 is written so broadly that presidents from both parties have used it for military operations around the world. Advertisement Advertisement In one notable instance, Congress declined to authorize President Barack Obamas request for the use of military force for three years. The administration was already conducting bombing operations against ISIS in Syria. But as CNNs Jeremy Herb has reported, Republicans balked at an AUMF, saying that they were opposed to limiting the military options of the commander in chief, for Obama or any future US president. Theres no reason for us to give him less authority than what he has today. Which is what hes asking for, then-House Speaker John Boehner said at the time. House Speaker John Boehner looks on as President Barack Obama meets with members of Congress in the cabinet room of the White House on September 3, 2013 in Washington, DC. - Dennis Brack/Pool/Getty Images Trumps allies dont think he needs to ask for anything Now, Republican majorities in the House and Senate seem unlikely to try to assert any control over Trump. And any vote over the use of military force will be partisan, unlike those declarations of war from earlier generations. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Alabama Republican, had no problem calling the conflict a war when he appeared on NewsNation and said he could understand the need to introduce ground troops. This is not your Democrat war, Tuberville said. This is President Trumps war and hes not going in to be politically correct. Hes going in to protect first of all Americans first and then our allies and people around the world. Asked later by CNNs Manu Raju about the lack of congressional authorization, however, Tuberville phrased things very differently. I wouldnt call this a war as much as Id call it a conflict that should be very short and sweet, if you can put it that way. Advertisement Advertisement Raju asked multiple Republicans if the conflict was a war. Were not at war right now, House Speaker Mike Johnson said, describing the actions as defensive. Were four days into a very specific clear mission and operation. House Speaker Mike Johnson, joined by Rep. Tom Cole and Rep. Rick Crawford, speaks to reporters at the US Capitol on March 2, 2026. - Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images People march past Trump Tower during a protest against the war in Iran on March 2, 2026, in New York. - Adam Gray/Getty Images Senate vote to rein in Trump likely to fail The White House will want lawmakers to oppose a Senate resolution pushed by Sens. Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, and Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, that would bar Trump from taking further military action in Iran unless Congress gives its blessing. Kaine told CNNs Pamela Brown on Wednesday that the lawmakers in both parties who support Trumps action should simply vote to authorize the use of force. Advertisement Advertisement Dont hide under your desk and just let the president do it on his own, he said. Because if you do, youre opening the door for presidents of either party into the future just to wage war willy-nilly. He argued that a similar vote on Venezuela got the administration to change its approach. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Flags at the California State Capitol and state buildings across the state flew at half-staff this week to honor civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson. Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the flags lowered ahead of Jackson's funeral services in Chicago, according to a statement from the governor's office. The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset Saturday, when Jackson is scheduled to be laid to rest. Advertisement Advertisement "As we pay our final respects to Reverend Jesse Jackson before he is laid to rest this weekend, I am ordering flags to be flown at half-staff in his honor," Newsom said. "Reverend Jackson paved the righteous path that we now must walk to fulfill his vision of a better world, and his lifetime of lessons and wisdom leaves us well-prepared to do so." Jackson died Feb. 17 at age 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his mobility and speech in his later years. A protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Jackson spent decades advocating for voting rights, economic opportunity and racial justice, and he ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988. Thousands gathered Friday in Chicago for a public memorial honoring Jackson's life and legacy. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden were among the speakers, and former Vice President Kamala Harris and other political and cultural leaders attended the service. Before the Chicago events, Jackson lay in state at the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia, where thousands lined up to pay their respects. He became only the second Black person to lie in state there. Advertisement Advertisement Jackson's activism also left a mark in California. In a statement issued after his death, Newsom and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said the minister stood with farmworkers in the Central Valley, marched for racial and economic justice in Los Angeles and Oakland, and spoke to students across the state. "Rev. Jackson's legacy is one of fellowship, reminding us that we must turn to each other, not on each other,'" the governor said in that earlier statement. This article originally published at California flags are flying at half-staff this week. Here's why. Wilmington will have its own office dedicated to taking a holistic approach to community safety. Mayor John Carney announced the creation of the Office of Community Safety in February, but it needed approval from the City Council to get its desired funding. Nine voted in favor and four absent Nathan Field, Alexander Hackett, Latisha Bracy and Shane Darby at the March 5 council meeting. Darby attended, but was not present for this vote. The approval follows an executive order formalizing the office, which Carney signed on March 2. The office will need a director, which comes with an addition to the city's budget of more than $41,000. An additional $31,500 will be put into the new office. Carney's Deputy Chief of Staff Daniel Walker said they have not named a director of the new office yet. Advertisement Advertisement The new office has the goal of being a "convener" of city agencies and community groups to keep everyone "rowing in the same direction," Walker told Delaware Online/The News Journal in February. "It means coordinating with police, emergency medical services, parks and recreation, license and inspection," Carney said in an interview. Mayor John Carney, flanked by New Castle County ExecutiveMarcus Henry, at left, and State Sen. Darius Brown, participates in a ceremonial beam signing marking a major milestone in the reconstruction of the Peoples Settlement Association community center and a celebration of life for Arthur Wesley Boswell, Jr. in Wilmington on Jan. 23, 2026. Boswell dedicated his life and career to the center, a cornerstone institution that has served Wilmingtons East Side since 1901 offering community engagement, youth development, and family support. "Hotspots" of crime and nuisance in the city will be the targets of this office. They might have vacant properties that attract nuisances and beyond, and have been reported by council members and residents. The Adams Street corridor, 17th and Thatcher streets, Shearman Street, and Chestnut and Harrison Streets are examples of these "hotspots" where resources will be directed. "Those kinds of things become more than just annoyances," Carney said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement This kind of approach is not new to a Carney-run operation. At his former job as governor, he helped launch Group Violence Intervention in 2019, a program that united different state agencies and focuses their resources on individuals who were at a "high risk" of becoming involved in gun violence. The office's creation also builds on the Community Public Safety Initiative, which has been around since 2022. It uses groups like Wilmington Street Team with the goal of making the city safer through neighborhood-level outreach. Similar programs have succeeded nearby. Baltimore has had the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement since 2020, which has similar goals of violence prevention through community-level action and streamlining government and community support. Baltimore's homicide rate plummeted to a 48-year low last year. Wilmington saw a decrease in crime and gun violence in 2025 to its lowest level in two decades. After a relatively a quiet start to 2026, there have been five shooting incidents in since Feb. 28. No one has died in those shooting incidents as of March 5. Advertisement Advertisement Thanks to meaningful collaboration throughout our community and the hard work of our dedicated law enforcement officers, the City of Wilmington has made meaningful progress in reducing crime and builder stronger neighborhoods, Carney said in the announcement from March 3. The establishment of this new office will help us sustain that progress by ensuring that prevention efforts are aligned across the City. When Carney announced he signed the executive order, council members Yolanda McCoy, Chris Johnson and Zanthia Oliver all supported it. Weve seen the impact and our neighborhoods have felt the difference.," McCoy, who represents Hedgeville and Browntown, said in the March 3 executive order announcement. "I appreciate that the new administration recognized its value and backed it up with an Executive Order. Council should be proud of this one. We brought a new public safety tool to the city and its working.Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Carney's new safety office gets funding approved by City Council Fresno Police tell Action News that this shooting was "targeted." The suspect had an appointment scheduled before, and police say he opened fire, striking a single victim. We are now learning that victim is a healthcare worker at the facility. A witness describes the terrifying moments as dozens of people, patients and providers ran from the building. "I heard screaming, I heard four or five shots, and I saw so many people running, kneeled down, screaming run, run!" says witness Maria Nava. Advertisement Advertisement The suspected gunman now identified as 69-year-old Bounlab Thammavong. RELATED: Patient accused of shooting employee at Central Fresno health clinic Police say he opened fire inside an exam room, shooting one person. The victim, we're told is a woman in her 30's, a healthcare provider who worked at the clinic. "They located the victim in the back part of the location laying on the ground, suffering from multiple gunshots," says Lt. Larry Bowlan, Fresno Police Department. Police were able take Thammavong into custody inside the lobby, the gun was later found in an exam room. Action News was at the scene the moment he was put inside a patrol car. Advertisement Advertisement Following the traumatic incident, employees clung to one another in the parking lot. "We were crying, all of us. We ran crying. For me, I'm still trembling, I was so scared something was going to happen to my son," says Nava. Thammavong has been a patient at the facility for the past year and was at the clinic for a scheduled appointment. While his motive remains unknown, Fresno Police are calling the shooting 'targeted'. "Looks like this was some type of personal interaction between the patient and the employee that was targeted," says Lt. Bowlan. Fresno Police tell Action News Thammavong had no prior criminal history. He is now facing several felony charges, including attempted murder. Advertisement Advertisement Family Healthcare Network released a statement calling the incident 'tragic.' President & CEO Kerry Hydash saying her prayers are, "with our team member involved and their family." The victim underwent emergency surgery. We are told she remains in critical but stable condition. Police are asking anyone with further information to contact them as the investigation into what led to the shooting continues. For news and weather updates, follow Brisa Colon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Heather Marrow said her belongings are still missing months after federal agents arrested her in Charlotte. Federal agents cant seem to find them either, according to court documents. READ MORE: Video raises questions after protesters felony charge is dropped Marrow faces assault charges after a viral arrest during a protest in November 2025 outside the Homeland Security building in southwest Charlotte. Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol agents were conducting Operation Charlottes Web during that time. ICE claims she impeded and obstructed law enforcement from doing their jobs. She was arrested, and her items were taken by agents. Im missing my car key that they took out of my bag, and it vanished from there, she said. A bullhorn, two bowls, and a spoon were also taken. She and her attorney, Xavier De Janon, tried to get it all back. ICE told Morrows team, Im afraid they might have been placed into the alien property and subsequently transferred to Georgia, according to emails revealed in court documents. But later ICE said, The vehicle key and the rally items cannot be located. Advertisement Advertisement Its really scary thinking that my car key could have been copied and given out, Morrow said. They want to use items as evidence that are now lost and missing that they have lost, De Janon said. He said that may be difficult and the court has already seemed skeptical issuing subpoenas for ICE agents and their text messages about Morrows case. De Janon said his client is on probation with conditions and argues the pending case is already impacting Morrow. To think that standing up against injustice could result in this, should worry everyone, he said. The judge told Homeland Security and ICE they should continue searching for Morrows belongings and when they are found, they should be given to her. She still faces four misdemeanor charges. A woman suspected of abducting a 2-year-old girl from an Avondale home was indicted by a grand jury on felony charges. Marina Noriega, 23, was indicted for abducting toddler Kehlani Rogers last month, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced in a news release. Noriega faces one count each of custodial interference, a class three felony, and second-degree burglary, a class three felony. She is being held on a $250,000 cash bond in a Maricopa County jail. Advertisement Advertisement An Amber Alert was issued Feb. 21 for the girl, after she was last seen at about 11:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 at her home near 118th and Edgemont avenues, according to a missing person's flyer from the Avondale Police Department. On Feb. 22, the girl was spotted with Noriega at a convenience store near 27th Avenue and Thomas Road in Phoenix, Avondale police spokesperson Lt. Manuel Rios said. Kehlani Rogers, 2, was last seen Feb. 20, 2026, at her home near 118th Avenue and Edgemont Avenue in Avondale, according to police. Surveillance video shared by the Avondale Police Department showed a woman pushing a child in a stroller, thought to be missing Kehlani Rogers. "Oh my god that's her," a Camelback Moving employee says to police as Kehlani Rogers was spotted Feb. 22, 2026, at a QuikTrip in Phoenix, a day after an AMBER Alert was issued for her. The Avondale Police Department recognized nine men who saved a 2-year-old girl in a suspected kidnapping. Not pictured is Camelback Moving employee Kevin Kimes. The Avondale Police Department recognized the nine men who saved a 2-year-old girl in a suspected kidnapping. The saga of an Avondale toddler's rescue. See the photos 1 of 5 Kehlani Rogers, 2, was last seen Feb. 20, 2026, at her home near 118th Avenue and Edgemont Avenue in Avondale, according to police. How was the toddler found? A QuikTrip security guard realized that the pair matched the Amber Alert description and asked Camelback Moving employees who were at the store to help, the company said. Employees from Camelback Moving, in Phoenix, helped authorities recover the little girl by stopping Noriega's vehicle from leaving the parking lot of the convenience store, the company confirmed in a news release on its website. Advertisement Advertisement Top stories: Details emerge in fatal shooting tied to AZ Attorney General staffer Employees positioned one of their trucks to block Noriega's vehicle while moving a second truck to prevent any escape from the parking lot before police arrived, the news release said. Phoenix police found Kehlani unharmed and in good health, prompting the Amber Alert to be canceled. Avondale police spokesperson Officer Daniel Benavidez confirmed Feb. 23 that Kehlani was reunited with her family the day before, on Feb. 22. Noriega was booked into a Maricopa County jail on suspicion of custodial interference. The Republic's Julie Mendes and Alexandra Hardle contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Woman faces felony charges in abduction of Kehlani Rogers OKLAHOMA CITY An Oklahoma Senate plan to fund education initiatives with money designated for teacher pensions has drawn mixed reactions in the week since Republican leaders unveiled it. Groups representing active and retired educators, along with legislative Democrats, have opposed Senate Republicans idea to redirect $254 million that otherwise would supplement the Teachers Retirement System. GOP leaders said the pension system is in a strong position now that its 80% funded, and those extra funds could benefit urgent needs in public schools. The plan wouldnt take any money out of the Teachers Retirement System, and no retirees benefits would be reduced. It would place a $200 million limit on a yearly pension subsidy, called an apportionment, that has helped build up the retirement system over the past 23 years on top of regular state and employee contributions. Advertisement Advertisement Doing so would free up $254 million in a tight budget year for a $2,500 teacher pay raise, extra school funding, expanded private school tax credits and more, Senate leaders said. The thought of repurposing retirement funds, though, has drawn scrutiny from the states largest teacher union and a group representing retired educators. Oklahoma Education Association President Cari Elledge equated the plan to mortgaging a teachers future for a salary increase today. We shouldnt be having to be the ones who are funding our own raises, she said. Oklahoma Education Association President Cari Elledge raised objections to a plan to fund education initiatives with funds that otherwise would supplement teacher pensions. (Photo by AJ Stegall/Provided to Oklahoma Voice) Using money intended to benefit public school teachers to instead bolster private school tax credits also would be very troubling, she said. The Senate plan would put $25 million of the pension apportionment funds into the state budget for the Parental Choice Tax Credit, which helps families pay for private schooling. Advertisement Advertisement Retirement funds shouldnt be used to finance other budget priorities, especially when retirees havent had a cost-of-living increase to their benefits in six years, the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association said in a statement. An 80% funded ratio is meaningful progress but it is not full funding, the organization wrote in a public statement. Redirecting retirement dollars now risks reversing years of hard-earned stability. Senate leaders didnt rule out the possibility of a cost-of-living increase if their plan succeeds. They would need support from the House for the proposal to meaningfully advance. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, stopped short of endorsing or rejecting the Senate idea. He said lawmakers, though, will have to someday decide what to do with the pension subsidy as the Teachers Retirement System inches closer to being 100% funded. Advertisement Advertisement At some point the subsidization of the pension systems, the TRS system, will need to go away, Hilbert told reporters Thursday. Its just a question of is that (happening in) 2026, is that 2030, is that 2034? I think thats the question we have to wrap our heads around as we make determinations on what is fully funded and when does that subsidy need to go away. It was never intended to be there forever. Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, right, and House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, left, respond to the governors State of the State Address on Feb. 2 at the state Capitol in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Much of the criticism for the funding plan stems from a misunderstanding, said Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle. He said constituents who contacted Senate Republicans believed lawmakers planned to deduct from their pension paychecks. My wife is a retired teacher. I dont get to go home at night if Im trying to draw from her pension system. Thats not what were doing, Paxton said. Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, said she heard similar fears from constituents. Her office has been flooded with calls since the Republicans announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Feedback on the proposal has been full of frustration, said House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. Pitting retired teachers against active teachers is really not a good plan, Munson said. Its not a popular idea. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) Rhode Island has had the worst state roads in the country for at least a decade, even as the R.I. Department of Transportations budget has doubled to over $1 billion, a Target 12 investigation has found. Target 12 reviewed 10 years of mandatory reports on road conditions that RIDOT submitted to the Federal Highway Administration. The data shows 32% of Rhode Islands state roads were classified as in poor condition as of 2024, the most recent year available, using a standard measurement called the International Roughness Index (IRI). Rhode Island ranked dead last among all 50 states, the analysis found. In second-worst California, only 27% of state roads were in poor condition. Massachusetts ranked third-worst, at 25%. Connecticuts state roads were in far better shape, at just 11% poor close to the 8% national average. Advertisement Advertisement The situation is nothing new for Rhode Island. Target 12s analysis shows the state had already been in last place 10 years before, in 2014, when 35% of state roads were in poor condition. The state was last in 2019, as well, when the share of poor roads rose to 37%. The problem is not evenly distributed across RIDOTs road network, however. Interstates and freeways are generally in good shape, the FHWA data shows. But the roads known as urban principal arterials the busy, multi-lane roads with traffic lights that move people through cities and suburbs, like North Main Street in Providence or Route 2 in Warwick are in far worse condition. Nearly half of those road miles, 48%, were rated poor in 2024. Working our way up The findings come as RIDOT is going through a major transition. Advertisement Advertisement Peter Alviti, who led the agency for the last decade, stepped down at the end of last month, and a search is underway for his permanent replacement. RIDOTs budget soared from $490 million to over $1 billion during Alvitis tenure as he implemented RhodeWorks, the multibillion-dollar transportation funding plan, partly funded by a huge influx of federal funds. RIDOT declined Target 12s request to interview Alviti or any other agency official about the states worst-in-the-nation roads, but provided written responses to a series of detailed questions. Lisbeth Pettengill, RIDOTs director of communications, acknowledged what the FHWA data shows once Target 12 provided a link to the numbers. We are still working our way up in the rankings, she said. Pettengill said federal officials required RIDOT to prioritize bridge rehabilitation over road repairs in recent years. Since 2016, the agency has increased the share of National Highway System bridges that are structurally sufficient from 74% to nearly 91%. Advertisement Advertisement She said RIDOT has now shifted its focus to roads, with $500 million budgeted for road work over the current five-year period, using funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law. The agency has also committed about $35 million a year in federal formula funds to pavement projects, she said. RIDOTs own targets for road conditions remain modest. Under federal rules, RIDOT is required to set performance targets for pavement condition. A state website shows its most recent target for non-interstate state roads was 10% good and 20% poor targets the agency was already exceeding when they were set in 2021. (RIDOT uses a composite measure for those targets, rather than the IRI roughness data used in Target 12s analysis.) Decades of neglect The condition of Rhode Islands state roads is so bad it was literally off the chart in a recent academic paper by experts at Yale University, the University of California Berkeley and Columbia University. Advertisement Advertisement The study used public-records requests to collect project-level data on road resurfacing projects across all 50 states, which the authors said was more reliable than inconsistent federal spending data. They then compared costs against road conditions, staffing levels, and procurement practices to identify what drives some states to pay far more than others for similar jobs. The U.S. is a high-cost country for building infrastructure, said Zachary Liscow, one of the studys coauthors, a former chief economist at the White House Office of Management and Budget who is now at Yale. Were trying to understand, why is that the case? Tucked in the paper is Figure D.9, a scatter plot positioning all 50 states based on their road conditions and spending per lane mile. Rhode Island was so far out on roughness that it extended past the edge of the charts x-axis, and the state was near the top for costs, as well. (Story continues below chart.) Figure D.9 in the Liscow paper. While the paper doesnt include specific figures for each state, Rhode Island was found to be spending over $500,000 per lane mile of road repair in the projects examined, which was more than twice the national median of $226,000 per lane mile. Advertisement Advertisement Large variation in costs across states persists even after controlling for observables like weather and labor costs, the authors found. Asked about Rhode Island, Liscow told Target 12, Im reluctant to talk tons about individual states because when were talking about cost per mile, we only have five projects per state. Each state is different. The projects are different. So I dont want to dwell tons on that. But it is the case that Rhode Island is a high-cost state in our data. Charles St. Martin, RIDOTs chief of public affairs, downplayed the studys findings as an academic exercise, noting that the authors only used a limited set of examples. RIDOT has spent $754 million over the last 10 years to improve 2,000 lane miles of road with brand-new paving, clearly evident to every Rhode Islander riding on our roads, St. Martin said. Advertisement Advertisement Added Pettengill: It is important to also note that because our roads were in such terrible condition when we started to repair or replace them, we faced additional challenges that we would not have if the maintenance prior to 2016 had been performed. Decades of neglect had taken their toll, she said. Now, we cannot just pave. We have to dig down to the subpavement, address drainage and other stormwater abatement issues, and make sure the new road is ADA compliant. A lot of our roads are also in dense urban environments with an aging infrastructure. All these factors make road repair slower to do and more expensive. All done as outsourcing But in their paper, Liscow and his colleagues flagged another potential cost driver: over-reliance on outside consultants. The researchers found that states where officials cited consultant costs as a significant factor had notably higher spending per lane mile. Nearly 90% of transportation officials surveyed said their departments were understaffed, forcing greater reliance on outside firms for project design and oversight. Advertisement Advertisement If you think about a home renovation, and you do not do any oversight of the people renovating your home, its probably not going to go very well, Liscow said. That issue was front and center in last Novembers legislative oversight hearing on the Washington Bridge crisis, when former U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha pressed Alviti about RIDOTs heavy reliance on outsourcing. Alviti defended the approach as best practice. We do not have the in-house capability nor should we to be able to do the design, the inspection or any of the expert kind of work that needs to be done, Alviti said. That is all done as outsourcing. My concern, director, Cunha said, is that it sounds to me like you hire these consultants at great cost and are then helpless to assess whether their work is adequate. Advertisement Advertisement Liscow said RIDOT is far from alone among state transportation departments in relying heavily on outside consultants, but argued the results show the approach hasnt worked. When he examined California highway projects, he found that a more effective engineer saved roughly $220,000 per project about three times the engineers salary. Weve tried out this experiment, cutting down the number of people in government and outsourcing a lot, he said. Look, maybe it could have worked. But I think the evidence is there now, and it has not. The paper also cited a lack of competition among contractors as another factor that can drive up costs. RIDOTs quarterly reports show a small pool of contractors consistently winning the vast majority of the agencys major construction work, including J.H. Lynch & Sons, Manafort Brothers, J.R. Vinagro Corp. and Aetna Bridge. Aetna is one of 13 defendants in the states lawsuit against contractors that worked on the Washington Bridge prior to its closure. That is a concern RIDOTs spending is now under growing scrutiny at the State House. Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Sam Zurier, D-Providence, announced in January he would introduce a bill to order an independent efficiency and performance audit of RIDOT, benchmarking the agency against comparable states in areas such as costs, use of consultants and pavement condition. State Rep. Jennifer Stewart, D-Pawtucket, is cosponsoring the bill. We have a $1 billion a year roads and bridge program, Zurier told Target 12. And if were not spending that money well, that is a concern. State Rep. Teresa Tanzi, D-South Kingstown, filed a similar bill last week, tasking the auditor general with conducting the RIDOT audit. The agency would be barred from previewing or changing the reports findings until they become public. House Minority Leader Mike Chippendale, R-Foster, is cosponsoring the measure. The two bills had their first committee hearing on Tuesday, with several citizens and advocacy groups expressing support. The McKee administrations Office of Management and Budget took no direct position on the issue but expressed concern about the potential timeline. RIDOT, for its part, pointed out that RhodeWorks already requires the agency to meet performance standards and submit quarterly progress reports to the General Assembly. However, those reports do not include a number of key metrics identified by Liscow and his coauthors, including cost per lane-mile, bidders per project, or consultant spending as a share of project costs. While the reports track progress on bridge condition, they contain no similar metric for pavement condition. A Target 12 investigation last month found RIDOT had removed more than 700 bridges from its quarterly reports, allowing the agency to claim it met its long-promised goal of getting 90% of the states bridges into good condition. Zurier argued lawmakers should apply the same standard to RIDOT that they applied to RIPTA, the states public transit agency, which was required to complete an efficiency study before receiving additional taxpayer funding. Ideally we would treat RIDOT the way we treated RIPTA and say, we have questions about your funding until you are able to demonstrate that you are spending our dollars efficiently, he said. Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, Bluesky and LinkedIn. Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup Prefer your Newsmakers on the go? Subscribe to our podcast! Apple | Spotify Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com. Kristi Noem once led a dog to a gravel pit and ended its life with the cold precision of a mafia hit. On Thursday, the homeland security secretary confronted the grim truth that she, too, was expendable. Noem became the first cabinet member fired in Donald Trumps second term, a striking contrast to the revolving-door chaos of his first. Like other members of Team Trump, she had assumed that ostentatious displays of fealty to the president would insulate her. As the face of immigration enforcement, often putting herself in the centre of the action, she managed to turn Trumps signature issue into a political liability. Add a disastrous appearance before Congress this week and it was enough for the president to finally resurrect his reality TV phrase: Youre fired! Advertisement Advertisement Trump told a story on Wednesday about another cabinet member, the energy secretary Chris Wright, who recently made a speech in which, instead of merely mentioning coal, he used the phrase clean, beautiful coal every time in an effort to impress the president. I said, Chris, easy! Trump recalled to an amused audience. Noem was to immigration enforcement what Wright was to coal. She tried too hard. There was performative cosplay: sometimes the 54-year-old dressed in a flak jacket and accompanied agents on immigration raids as cameras recorded, though she does not have a law enforcement background. The former governor of South Dakota also posed in front of a group of shirtless, tattooed men behind bars during a visit to an El Salvador prison where the Trump administration sent people it accused of being gang members. On social media, she referred to immigrants convicted of crimes as scumbags. Meanwhile, under her leadership, there was terror as masked immigration agents surged into Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, scouring neighbourhoods and Home Depot parking lots in search of possible immigration offenders. Advertisement Advertisement At first, Trump did not flinch, welcoming the hardline approach. But again, Noem went too far. The crackdown spiralled out of control in Minneapolis with sweeping raids and teargas in the streets. Trump understood how badly that played on his key metric, television. Noem hastily said two US citizens fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis had committed domestic terrorism, an assertion undercut by video evidence. Trump removed Greg Bovino, the architect of the operation who reported directly to Noem, and replaced him with border czar Tom Homan, with whom Noem had a long power struggle. Noem also faced mounting criticism over the way the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spent billions of dollars allocated by Congress including two Gulfstream G700 luxury jets for $172m during a government shutdown and over the pace of emergency funding approved through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) for disaster response. Then there were her personal scandals, including long-running rumours of an extramarital affair with top aide Corey Lewandowski, who was Trumps first campaign manager in 2016. He, too, has now been dismissed. A US coast guard pilot was allegedly dismissed after one of Noems personal blankets was left behind on a plane only to be reinstated because no one else was available to fly the return leg. Advertisement Advertisement The trouble came to a head this week when Noem faced a two-day grilling on Capitol Hill and came in for rare, but blistering criticism from Republicans. One particular point of scrutiny was a $220m ad campaign that included a scene of Noem on horseback at Mount Rushmore in her home state of South Dakota. Noem told members of Congress that Trump had been aware of the campaign in advance, but Trump disputed that in an interview with Reuters. I never knew anything about it, he said. That was the last straw. Trump was said to be especially upset about Noems deceitful response, Punchbowl News reported, and asked Republicans whether he should fire her. Soon after, he announced on social media that Noem would become special envoy for the Shield of the Americas while Markwayne Mullin, a Republican senator from Oklahoma, would take over at DHS. Ousting Noem was the right decision for the wrong reason. Elizabeth Warren, a Democratic senator for Massachusetts, responded on Thursday: So let me get this straight: Trump fired Noem after she lied about spending over $200 million of taxpayer dollars on ads promoting herself. But he wouldnt lift a finger after two Americans were killed by her federal agents? Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, many will regard Noem as the worst homeland security secretary yet seen. She demonised immigrants and inflicted misery by targeting non-criminal, working immigrants and families. The number of deaths in immigration detention rose to a two-decade high during her tenure while staff in DHS oversight offices were slashed. Miles Taylor, who was chief of staff at the DHS during Trumps first term, posted on X: Kristi Noem will be remembered for treating the American people like she treated her dogs. Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St. Ares Managements fair value estimate has been reset slightly, with the price target moving from US$177.94 to US$170.59 as analysts refresh their models. That tweak comes as recent research turns more mixed, balancing concern about retail private credit flows and sector wide derating against Ares role in private credit and alternative asset management. As you read on, you will see how these shifting views are shaping the story around Ares and what to watch as the narrative evolves. Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value Ares Management. What Wall Street Has Been Saying Bullish Takeaways RBC Capital, which recently shifted Ares coverage to a new analyst, argues that with about 65% of assets in private credit, the recent sector pullback has gone too far relative to Ares positioning. BofA highlights what it views as misinformation around private credit and groups Ares with other credit heavy managers that it sees as attractively valued based on its research. Deutsche Bank upgraded Ares in early February, describing the entry point on the shares as compelling in its view, even as many peers were trimming targets. Bearish Takeaways Goldman Sachs flags softer retail private credit flows, pointing to Blackstones BCRED net outflows of US$1.4b and viewing this as a potential management fee and FRE headwind for Ares, although to a lesser degree than some peers. Barclays, UBS, TD Cowen, RBC Capital and Oppenheimer have all cut Ares price targets in recent months, with Barclays moving from US$222 to US$138 and UBS from US$198 to US$148, reflecting more cautious assumptions around BDC earnings and realizations. Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives! NYSE:ARES 1-Year Stock Price Chart We've flagged 4 risks for Ares Management. See which could impact your investment. What's in the News The budget bill will land before the governor earlier than usual in the legislative process, a move that could help lawmakers override any vetoes. The rush highlights the contentious relationship between Gov. Patrick Morrisey and some members of the GOP-supermajority in the Legislature. Last year, Morrisey made 29 line-item vetoes to the budget, surprising lawmakers whod already left town. House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss speaks on the House Floor in Charleston, West Virginia, on Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Photo by Perry Bennett/West Virginia Legislative Photography) We wanted the budget out so that we have the opportunity for the governor to take a look at it, and if he decides to do line-item vetoes, that we have the opportunity to override those vetoes, said House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood. Advertisement Advertisement He continued, We had no knowledge of how this administration was going to act towards a budget. And so we learned in the process of the 29 veto items that he did in the current budget that we needed to have the ability to voice our opinions about those 29 line-item vetoes. It takes a vote of two-thirds of legislative members to override a governors veto. Lawmakers signed off on their compromised Fiscal Year 2027 budget bill on Thursday, with the Senate passing it in the morning followed by the House in the evening. It includes special first-time funding for emergency medical services and flood relief. It also contains some things Morrisey asked for, like fully funding the Hope Scholarship with $300 million. Advertisement Advertisement It notably didnt include the governors priority request of a 10% personal income tax cut. Lawmakers settled on a budget that accounts for a 5% tax cut. It would cost about $125 million in revenue for the state. The Senates original proposed budget was in line with the governor and included a 10% tax cut. The House originally said no to any tax cut, pointing to expenses like Medicaid and the Hope Scholarship when they passed their budget. Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley I think a lot of folks believed that we would settle at 5%, said Senate Finance Chair Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley. We were in line with the governor on the 10% cut. I just dont believe the House had an appetite to go that far. Advertisement Advertisement House members havent yet approved a Senate bill that would implement a personal income tax cut. It would become effective July 1. If they choose not to fund it, the $125 million baked into the budget for a 5% tax cut will become surplus funds. West Virginia has a trigger system in place to accelerate tax cuts, and that formula didnt trigger a tax cut this year because the state didnt meet the revenue goal during the past fiscal year. Democratic lawmakers in the House and Senate voted against the budget, citing a lack of investment in foster care, public education and roads while prioritizing a potential tax cut. Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia We have our friends in Southern West Virginia who turn on the tap and get black water coming out of there. Weve got foster kids living in hotels, said Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia. Our people deserve to be invested in, and Im afraid that this doesnt do that. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, and Sen. Joey Garcia, D-Marion, the Senates two Democratic members, said in a joint statement that their priorities were not reflected in the budget, like improving the states troubled foster care system and public education. They prioritized funding the HOPE Scholarship and a 5% tax break that will go mostly to the wealthy donor class, while failing to increase any funding for public education, they wrote. We stand by our vote; the people of this state deserve better. Hope Scholarship funding increases by more than 400% The budget compromise contained in Senate Bill 250 allocated $300 million for the Hope Scholarship, the states education voucher program that will be available to all students for the first time this year. Its more than a 400% increase from the current funding level. Im extremely pleased with where were at, Barrett said. I think a lot of credit goes to the governor for pre-funding Hope for fiscal year (2028). Thats an idea that he presented to us on the first day of session, and it was extremely well received in the Senate. W.Va. House Minority Leader Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, noted that the Hope Scholarship as well as Medicaid were funded through supplemental and surplus funding. Advertisement Advertisement Hope keeps ballooning the cost, and then were doing it all through supplements in the back of the budget, so I dont think its fiscally responsible to do that, he said. Were going to have to, again, shift our focus on public education. Members of the House Finance Committee considered putting restrictions on how the Hope Scholarship could be spent in an effort to shave millions of dollars off the estimated cost. House members ultimately sidelined that measure. The budget includes a 3% pay raise for teachers and state employees. Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha Lawmakers are still considering proposed changes to the states complex school funding formula in an effort to stabilize dire public school finances, but they pushed the possible funding tweaks out for three years. Advertisement Advertisement Its more clear than ever that the effort is to defund public education. People will continue to lose schools in their district, said Del. Mike Pushkin, D-Kanawha. The budget also includes increased funding for dual enrollment so high school students can access higher education. First time funding for emergency medical services, flood relief The Legislature is poised to for the first time to fund flood prevention and relief by allocating $5 million to the West Virginia Flood Resiliency Office Trust Fund a fund created by the Legislature in 2023 but never funded. House Democrats successfully amended the budget to include $25 million for the fund; the compromised budget with the Senate knocked it down to $5 million. Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia I did want to recognize that this an important step for this Legislature to take in order to make sure that flooding occurs less frequently, and when it does occur, its less costly and less deadly, said Del. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia. Sen. Ben Queen, R-Harrison The compromised budget also included a House priority of permanent state funding for emergency medical services in West Virginia, which have decreased due to financial issues. The proposed $12 million in funds, which would be the first state support of its kind, would support EMS workers across the state as long as receiving counties can match the allocated funds. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Ben Queen, R-Harrison, praised lawmakers investment into state roads through the budget, including funding a paving program. We will spend over $2 billion in roads and infrastructure this year in West Virginia, he said. Safe and reliable infrastructure, I believe, is one of the most important priorities this body works together on. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The nonprofit publication Capital & Main produced this article. It is co-published with permission. For the past four years, Jackie Medcalf has been testing the groundwater in northwest Houston where, decades ago, a dry cleaning facility had, over time, dumped hazardous chemicals used in the dry cleaning process into the stormwater drain, ditches and alleyways. The chemicals eventually seeped into the groundwater and migrated west to the community of Cyprus, where Medcalf and her team at the Texas Health and Environment Alliance are still finding contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency placed the area, known as the Jones Road Ground Water Plume, on its Superfund National Priorities List in 2003 for cleanup. Advertisement Advertisement These chemicals are undetectable to the resident who lives above it. Theyre strongly associated with different diseases, and the contamination can come up through the ground as a vapor, Medcalf said. And were still finding it in the water. This groundwater contamination was top of mind when Medcalf heard about a new draft bill crafted by the House of Representatives in January. The bill would amend large portions of the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act a series of EPA regulations meant to police the manufacturing, processing and use of chemical substances, including such contaminants as those found at Jones Road. In 2016, Congress reformed the act, commonly referred to as TSCA, with bipartisan support to give more authority to the EPA to review and regulate chemical substances. Now, a decade later, House conservatives are proposing to walk back many of the 2016 reforms, citing issues in efficiency, predictability and competitiveness, while promising that the changes will modernize the Toxic Substances Control Act. Health and environmental experts, advocates and residents like Medcalf have expressed alarm at the proposed changes, pointing to the implications the bill would have for local Texas communities and petrochemical workers due to the weakening of EPAs authority to regulate existing and new hazardous chemicals. Advertisement Advertisement The draft bill is just one of the many rollbacks in regulating chemicals since President Donald Trump launched his second term in office last January. Since the 2016 reforms, the EPA has reevaluated and published more stringent rulings on highly hazardous chemicals, but in the past year, the federal agency has changed direction and is reconsidering many of these rulings amid legal pressure from the chemical industry. The chemicals include such substances as perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride all of which are known health hazards and used in chemical manufacturing at Texas facilities. For environmental advocates like Medcalf, learning about the proposed EPA changes and reconsiderations came to her like whiplash. She grew up near the petrochemical industry and understands the implications of unregulated chemicals. In 2024, we felt like things were moving in the right direction with respect to some of these chemicals, Medcalf said. And you know, now were most certainly concerned that things are moving in the direction unfavorable for human exposure. Controlling toxic substances When Congress passed the Toxic Substances Control Act in 1976, the EPA administrator likened it to preventive medicine meant to give public health far more weight over which chemicals are commercially produced and marketed. At the time it marked a major shift for the countrys chemical industry, which previously had been largely unregulated. Advertisement Advertisement Despite the change, the EPA still had less control over the regulation of chemicals than originally intended, said Suhani Chitalia, an attorney and the senior manager of federal affairs for the Environmental Defense Fund. The way the law was written back in the 70s wasnt super effective, Chitalia said. I think it was good in theory, but the actual practice and authority that the Environmental Protection Agency had to implement the law wasnt as strong as it should be, and part of that was the EPA couldnt really look at new chemicals coming into the market before they entered the market. Hazardous chemicals, such as methylene chloride, trichloroethylene, formaldehyde and asbestos, among others, were approved without a full review, said Chitalia. In response, Congress, in a bipartisan vote, passed the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety amendment in 2016, and the EPA was granted the authority to prioritize and assess certain existing hazardous chemicals on the market. A decade later, the chemical industry now argues that that amendment has slowed the process down, citing EPA assessments for a new chemical lasting longer than the allotted 90-day period and impeding innovation in the nations market. In response, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, led by House Republicans, released an altered version of the Toxic Substances Control Act in mid-January. Advertisement Advertisement The American Chemical Council, a leading proponent in these changes, said in a statement to Capital & Main that the draft discussion legislation focuses on durable, practical fixes, improving timeliness, predictability and scientific rigor. The council also asserted that, as it stands, the Toxic Substances Control Act is speculative and opaque and over sixty percent of new chemical reviews remain pending for more than a year a major concern for chemical companies that say pending reviews can lead to processing delays. Katherine Culbert, a senior process safety engineer in Houstons petrochemical industry, said she can understand the concern over delays but stressed that evaluations need to take however long they need to take. The EPA needs to be confident about a chemical before approving it, especially for the sake of worker safety, she said. Very complex issues are going to take longer than not very complex issues, especially with the federal government gutting experts in all the agencies, including the EPA, over the last year, Culbert said. And a big part of it anyway is that the industry doesnt always give all the information needed right away. Advertisement Advertisement After a chemical is submitted for review, Culbert said a hasty approval for a company may hinge on the EPA overlooking missing information in the paperwork. The company might initially submit only data on the chemical that will pass review and leave out any information that may harm the chances of approval. This can lead to a lengthy back and forth between the EPA and the company. Additionally, the Trump administration cut the EPAs budget by 4% compared to fiscal 2025. Initially, the administration proposed cutting the agency by more than 50%. She also pointed out that with these changes, the EPA may report only some aspects of a certain new chemical to facilities, which is worrisome to Culbert. Facility workers, she said, should be made aware of the presence of even trace amounts of a substance before handling it. Advertisement Advertisement Chitalia, the Environmental Defense Fund attorney, agrees the 90-day process is a moot point, and emphasized that as the Toxic Substances Control Act functions, the EPA is required to prove a chemical doesnt pose an unreasonable risk. Now, instead, the EPA must prove that a chemical would likely pose an unreasonable risk. And a big issue in the draft is that it kind of flips the safety standard on its head, Chitalia said. The bill now invites industry data and industry input in their data review processes, so its no longer an independent review coming from the agency. There are vested interests that can now participate in the process. Other chemical rollbacks The recent House draft bill is not the first challenge to the Toxic Substances Control Act. After the Toxic Substances Control Act amendment passed in 2016, the EPA began reevaluating the risk of chemicals that fell through the cracks when the 1976 version of the legislation was in effect. This included chemicals such as perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride all of which were found in the groundwater at the Jones Road Superfund site. Advertisement Advertisement These chemicals have historically been used in solvent mixtures for dry cleaning operations and certain chemical facilities. The chemicals are hazardous to human health trichloroethylene is a known carcinogen linked to several types of cancer, including kidney cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The EPA had issued a final rule banning the manufacturing, processing and distribution of trichloroethylene in commerce for all uses with more stringent worker protections while the chemical is phased out. The agency also banned some uses of perchloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride. Industry groups responded with over two dozen lawsuits, which have largely been successful. The groups included the American Chemistry Council, Texas Chemistry Council and Olin Corporation, a global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products. Olin operates a chemical facility about 60 miles west of Houston in Freeport that uses all three chemicals, according to data collected from the Environmental Defense Fund. The petitioners argued that the rulings were an overreach by the EPA. For Medcalf, the pushback from industry is upsetting, but not surprising. The updated regulations for the three chemicals had been a good start for her and other environmental advocates. She had been following the Toxic Substances Control Act changes and rollbacks for years, especially the chemicals linked to the Jones Road groundwater plume. The chemicals are also found at chemical facilities in the Houston area. Advertisement Advertisement As long as these compounds are being manufactured and being circulated in our country, in our communities, theres going to be a risk for exposure, Medcalf said. The trichloroethylene rule was initially intended to take effect in January of this year but, due to legal pressure from chemical companies and industry groups, the EPA has pushed the effective date for some of these restrictions until mid-May. Additionally, the EPA has signaled its plans to reconsider parts of the rule. The EPA is also reconsidering its final risk evaluation to further regulate perchloroethylene. The new rule is not expected to be released until 2027 and, in the meantime, industry will follow current pre-amendment, nonupdated regulations for the chemical. The EPA is reconsidering its initial rule on carbon tetrachloride as well, with no expected deadline yet in place yet. In a statement to Capital & Main, the American Chemistry Council said that the new regulations for the three chemicals mandate infeasible requirements, create unwarranted compliance burdens, or risk supply chain disruption without commensurate public health benefit. Advertisement Advertisement Olin Corporation did not respond to requests for comment. The Environmental Defense Fund recently filed comments on EPAs recent reconsideration of formaldehyde, a gas and chemical compound with various health risks, after the agency published a final more stringent evaluation in 2024 another reversal by the EPA. Chitalia is expecting more reversals could be on the way. These priority chemicals are the reason why those 2016 amendments happened, Chitalia said. Theyre so important and theyre so necessary because it really shows what gets through the cracks of a law when it doesnt work. Disclosure: The Environmental Defense Fund has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that hes canning Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her. In his announcement, Trump said Mullin would be in the job effective March 31, 2026, although there is a little process called Senate confirmation that Mullin will first have to go through. Noem, meanwhile, will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, some new security initiative Trump is announcing this weekend. Noem has been in acute trouble ever since her management of the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, in which officials shot and killed two U.S. citizens. Her management of the agency has made her widely disliked both within DHS and among other members of the Cabinet and White House staff. Advertisement Advertisement Plus, shes picked up enemies among Republicans in Congress. And the precipitating event for Trumps change appears to have been a question-and-answer session with Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy in a Senate hearing this week. Kennedy probed her about a self-promotional DHS ad campaign, costing hundreds of millions of dollars, from which a consultancy with ties to Noemand run by the DHS spokespersons husbandreceived a hefty cut in a no-bid deal. Noem claimed in the hearing that Trump had signed off on the campaign, an assertion that reportedly infuriated Trump. Now shes gone. So whats the deal with Markwayne Mullin? Mullin entered the Senate in 2023 after a decade in the House. A member of the Cherokee Nation, hes rich, having taken over, expanded, and then sold what was originally his fathers plumbing business. Hes done a noticeable uptick in media over the last year or so, talking more often to reporters in the Senate hallways and appearing all over cable news. Whether by design or not, these appearances served their purpose. Trump loves watching Mullin on TV, aides said, CNN reports, which played a role in the presidents decision to tap him for the position. It may have played more than a role in the selection, considering Mullin doesnt have much of a legislative record, and the closest thing he has to Homeland Security experience is a seat on the Armed Services Committee. Mullin, who is swole, was inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016 and, per his official website, is a former undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter with a professional record of 5-0. He seems eager to merge that fighting background with his politics. He has a lot of confrontational energy, and the United States Senatea lunch club for seniors, in which members arent even allowed to address their remarks directly to each other on the Senate floorcan feel constricting in that regard. But hes found ways to channel that energy nonetheless. Advertisement Advertisement Mullin was ready to tango on Jan. 6. When it appeared that rioters might breach the chamber, Mullin helped barricade the door. He then, as Politico reported, broke two wooden upright hand sanitizer stations and handed a block of the wood to [Rep. Troy] Nehls, giving them both makeshift weapons. Mullin tried to reason with protesters through broken glass, asking them, You almost got shot. You almost died. Is it worth it? Hours later, he voted, for a second time, to object to counting electoral votes for Joe Biden. In 2021, during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, then-Rep. Mullin tried to enter the country a couple of times on personal rescue missions. The first time, he flew to Greece and requested permission from the Department of Defense to let him fly into Kabul. It was denied. Shortly afterward, he told the U.S. embassy in Tajikistan that he planned to fly there from Tbilisi, Georgia, and needed assistance in transporting a huge amount of cash into the country, saying he was going to neighboring Afghanistan to rescue five American citizens, a woman and her four children, stuck in the country, as the Washington Post reported. They planned to hire a helicopter for the effort. He was denied again. He went home. In 2023, during a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, he challenged Sean OBrien, the head of the Teamsters, to a fight. This is a time, this is a place, Mullin told OBrien after reading critical remarks OBrien had made about him in the pastincluding the union official saying he and Mullin could fight and meet any time and any place for a confrontation. If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here, the U.S. senator said during a congressional hearing. OBrien said hed love to, Mullin told him to Stand your butt up then, and OBrien said, You stand your butt up. Mullin then did stand his butt up, before the bewildered committee chairman, Bernie Sanders, stopped it. So we have ourselves a character here. The Trump administration believes, though, that Mullin will get the senatorial courtesy of a smooth confirmation process from his colleagues, who mostly like him. He doesnt cause trouble for fellow Republicans, Senate leadership, or the White House. Hes reliable. Advertisement Advertisement There is one potential hiccup, though. Yes, Mullins colleagues mostly like him. But there may be one who doesnt. According to Oklahoma journalist David Arnett, Mullin recently teed off on Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul at an in-state event. I respect Bernie Sanders because hes an open socialist, and you know that hes a communist so you know what youre getting, he said. By contrast, Rand Pauls a freaking snake. He added that I understand completely why his neighbor did what he did, referring to the 2017 assault when a neighbor attacked and seriously injured Paul during a dispute. This may be one confrontation Mullin comes to regret. The DHS secretary is confirmed by the Senate Homeland Security Committee. And the chairman of that committee is Rand Paul. Zelenskyy said the US requested for his support against Shahed drones in its war in the Middle East. He said Ukraine will provide the US with specialists and resources to protect against the drones. Iranian Shahed drones are low-cost attack drones that have majorly shaped the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is supporting the US in fighting Iranian Shahed drones. "We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against 'shaheds' in the Middle East region," Zelenskyy said in a Thursday X post. Advertisement Advertisement "I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security," he added. "Ukraine helps partners who help ensure our security and protect the lives of our people." Shahed drones are low-cost, long-range attack weapons developed by Iran. They have significantly changed the fight in Ukraine, as the Russian military has built and deployed a large fleet of the weapons. Zelenskyy said in January that Russia is building about 500 Shahed drones a day, and that the interceptor drones Ukraine builds are not sufficient to counter the onslaught. Earlier on Thursday, Zelenskyy said he had received "signals from partners in the Middle East" after strikes by Shahed drones on civilians in their countries. He said the partners were seeking Ukraine's expertise with the drones, and said, "If their representatives come, we will provide the expertise." Advertisement Advertisement He also added in a separate post that he believes the Russian war engine was supplying electronic parts to Iran to build Shahed drones. Zelenskyy's comments come less than a week after the war in Iran broke out, with the US and Israel launching hundreds of strikes in Iran on Saturday and killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since retaliated with strikes on US embassies and military bases in the Gulf region. President Donald Trump has hinted at a long-drawn war, saying on Monday that the US has a "virtually unlimited supply" of weapons and the war could last longer than five weeks. Meanwhile, the State Department has urged US citizens in the Middle East to evacuate from the area. US embassies in the region are offering evacuation assistance, as commercial flights remain disrupted. Advertisement Advertisement Press representatives for the US Department of War did not respond to a request for comment. Press representatives for Ukraine's defense ministry also did not respond to questions about the support it provided to the US. Read the original article on Business Insider Explosions rock Iran's capital, and more attacks target Israel as US warns bombing will intensify Explosions are sending up plumes of smoke in Iran's capital city as the United States says the most intense bombing of the weeklong campaign is coming Subway has entered a ten-year master franchise development agreement with Grupo Vierci to expand and upgrade its restaurant network in Panama. The arrangement builds on Subways existing association with Grupo Vierci, a Paraguayan family-owned company and one of the brands major multi-country operators. Grupo Vierci already oversees Subway operations in Paraguay, Uruguay, Spain and Portugal. The latest deal adds Panama to its Subway portfolio. Grupo Vierci fast food division director Elias Yanho said: We are honoured to add Panama to our growing Subway portfolio and build on the strong foundation already in place. Our focus will be on growth, continued investment in modernisation, strengthening our local team, and driving operational excellence across every restaurant in Panama. Under the new agreement, Subway plans to lift its restaurant count in Panama by more than 30% over the coming decade. The deal also sets out an enhanced programme to overhaul existing sites. This includes refurbishments and upgrades to customer-facing technology such as in-store kiosks, mobile ordering options and a loyalty scheme. Subway positions Panama as a strategic country within its Latin America and Caribbean growth plans, pointing to its urban demographics, established QSR industry and status as a logistics and tourism hub. Subway Latin America and Caribbean president Artemio Garza said: Panama is a key market for us in Central America, and this agreement marks an important step forward in our partnership with Grupo Vierci. Their disciplined approach to growth aligns closely with our strategy to expand Subways presence while modernising the restaurant experience. Together, we will continue investing in the restaurants, the teams, and the guest experience across Panama. Earlier this year, Subway entered the Azerbaijani market by signing a master franchise agreement with N Sky Build. "Subway signs franchise deal with Grupo Vierci to expand in Panama" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Opinion: Its not clear what this war in Iran is actually meant to achieve A boy holds a picture of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei during a memorial rally held by supporters of Yemen's Huthis, a day after Khamenei was assassinated during U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran, in the Huthi-held capital Sanaa on March 1. Residents stand amid the debris of a building near a damaged car following airstrikes in central Tehran on Wedneday. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had total control of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global energy transit, as Israel launched a new wave of strikes on the Iranian capital. Earlier this week, a long-time friend in the media reached out with an email asking about markets tied to the US-Iran War. Knowing my friend, I could read the fatigue in her email, I havent had time to look at much else besides oil and gold, but whats all this Im hearing about sugar prices going up because of the US-Iran conflict? She followed with, Do you have any insight into why sugar prices have rallied? Is there a supply shortage? Or is the Middle East of particular concern when it comes to sugar supply and demand? As always, I thanked my friend for breaking me out of the rut I get myself in with corn/soybeans and gold/silver. Its refreshing to think about other markets occasionally, even if gold and crude oil are the two main stories in commodities at this point. Lets put the pieces of the sugar market together and see what we see, staring with the weekly close-only chart for the nearby No. 11 futures (SBK26) chart. Lets block out all the noise and focus on one thing: The trend price direction over time. What I see is as clear of a downtrend as we will find almost anywhere. Its interesting to note the market posted a high weekly close the week of Halloween 2023, the nearby futures contract priced at 27.77 (cents per pound). As of the close on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the nearby contract is priced at 13.73 meaning the market has lost just over 50% of its value. Has the market rallied since the US launched its against Iran at the end of February? For the week the nearby May contract is down 0.16. As far as Im concerned, the trend of the market is still down, fitting with Newtons First Law of Motion applied to markets: A trending market will stay in that trend until acted upon by an outside force. And that force is usually the flow of noncommercial money. The most recent CFTC Commitments of Traders report (legacy, futures only) showed a noncommercial net-short futures position of 246,123 contracts as of Tuesday, February 24. This was a decrease of 7,469 contracts from the previous week record net-short futures position of 253,592 contracts. For the record, the noncommercial futures position the week of October 30, 2023, was a net-long of 213,589 contracts meaning funds have flipped their position by 467,181 contracts. Almost a half-million contracts. That is substantial. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Release Date: February 26, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Cargo volumes increased by 6% in Q4, driven by dry bulk and roro shipments. Passenger numbers rose significantly, supported by increased traffic from Greece and Helsinki. The completion of the South Paaldey Harbor New Quay is expected to generate additional revenue. Tallinna Sadam AS received EU support for onshore power supply construction, aiding future business prospects. The company successfully regained 50 hectares of property in Mugga Harbor, opening opportunities for new international tenders. Negative Points Adjusted EBITDA decreased by approximately 1 million euros due to maintenance and repair works. Operating profit reduced by 1.3 million euros, reflecting challenges in maintaining profitability. The Boitnica segment experienced a decline in revenue due to lower utilization rates. Revenue from the 'other' segment decreased due to fewer public charter days. The company faces risks related to passenger business growth and profitability, influenced by macroeconomic conditions. Q & A Highlights Q: Have you already proposed a dividend payment? A: Not yet. We plan to propose it at our council meeting, and then it will go to the AGM. Based on last year's results and this year's trends, we are considering proposing at least 70% of our profits for dividends. However, the final decision will be up to the council. (Unidentified_1) Q: Could you provide updates on the industrial parks in Muga and Baldiski? A: In Baldiski, many plots are already booked, leaving limited space. In Muga, we have free plots and recently got back 50 hectares from a bankruptcy case. We are preparing this land for a new international tender. (Unidentified_1) Q: What is the outlook for exceeding the agreed dividend policy? A: Given our strong results in 2025 and positive outlook for 2026, management might decide to pay out more than 70% of the profit. (Unidentified_2) Q: What are the main risks for 2026 in terms of revenue growth and profitability? A: The main risks include the growth of the passenger business, which depends on macroeconomic conditions and passenger demand. There are also uncertainties in the shipping sector, particularly regarding profitability and equipment costs for special offshore jobs. (Unidentified_1) This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Target will utilize private label revamps, store display modernization and a $1 billion operational investment into the guest experience in 2026 to return the business to growth. The $1 billion operational investment will go towards making more changes within all stores than any year in the last decade, additional store payroll and training, as well as increased spending on marketing and technology, per a Tuesday press release. Thats separate from Targets $5 billion capital expenditure investment in new stores, enhancements and more, which the company announced in November. Company leadership revealed details of its multiyear turnaround plan during a financial community meeting on Tuesday, making the case for how the retailer can remain differentiated in the industry. Target is not an everything store, CEO Michael Fiddelke said. That's not what guests want from us. They want a strong trend-forward assortment that they can trust to deliver quality and value. And that's exactly what we do at Target when we're at our best. The company will refresh offerings across core merchandising categories, which includes the relaunch of its private label house brand Threshold this summer, which will also have shop-in-shops at 200 stores. Additional assortment updates include the expansion of Targets private label Cloud Island baby brand, a 20% increase in vitamin and nutrition offerings by April and more. Target is rolling out a new Baby Boutique section to about 200 stores in March featuring premium brands and expanding its concierge service for baby products to include in-person appointments with experts in stores. Target will also introduce a new store space for its beauty offerings later this year, dubbed Target Beauty Studio. Notably, this comes as the retailers shop-in-shop partnership with Ulta is set to conclude in August. The immersive experience will debut in about 600 stores this fall, Targets Chief Merchandising Officer Cara Sylvester said during the meeting, and Target will integrate beauty-specific rewards into its loyalty program. The mass retailer will also open over 30 new locations across the U.S. in 2026 and invest in full remodels of about 130 stores. Industry analysts were cautiously optimistic about the announcements Tuesday. Reinstating merchandising authority in apparel & home (together ~30% of mix) will be essential to drive positive comps & improve still-negative traffic trends, TD Cowen analysts led by Oliver Chen said in an emailed note Wednesday. We remain Hold-rated but are hopeful & excited for focused newness. Targets turnaround faces execution risks, says Bank of America Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock Bank of America analysts maintained their Underperform rating on Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) following the retailers recent earnings release, citing cautious optimism over the companys turnaround efforts. The firm also raised its price target slightly to $106 from $103, reflecting modestly improved margin expectations. The analysts attended Targets Community Day at the companys Minnesota headquarters and highlighted the retailers focus on investing in its people, stores, and merchandise and making the biggest change to its store floor pad in over a decade, which they described as a logical strategy. We are encouraged by the actions being taken but think the ability to drive sustainable positive traffic & comp growth may take longer than the market expects based on the significant multiple rerating already seen in the stock, they wrote. Target plans to invest an incremental $1 billion in capital expenditures and $1 billion in its P&L in 2026, covering new store openings, remodels, updated merchandising layouts, payroll, marketing, technology, and AI initiatives. Store changes are highlighted by doubling down on newness across each category, the analysts wrote, highlighting the retailers push to refresh its merchandise and shopping experience. Bank of America noted that first quarter earnings may be the low point of the year due to higher startup costs for new stores, front-loaded SG&A, and the lap of prior accrual adjustments. We find it hard to model positive comp growth every quarter beyond Q1 without seeing more proof of an inflection in discretionary categories, they wrote. Despite raising their fiscal 2026 EPS estimate by 3% to $7.60, the analysts reiterated caution. We reiterate our Underperform and remain cautious about an inflection to sustainable comp growth given intense competition and limited green shoots in discretionary categories, they wrote. Shares of Target traded hands at about $122 in the early afternoon on Wednesday, up almost 25% so far this year. Tempest Minerals has signed a binding agreement to acquire Zealandia Resources, marking a significant expansion into New Zealand's gold mining sector. The acquisition includes four gold projects spanning 145km within the North Island's Taupo Volcanic Zone and the Hauraki Goldfields. These projects are strategically situated in regions known for extensive gold production. This deal, valued at $2m (A$2.85m) entirely in shares, offers additional potential for performance-based milestones. With a history of high-grade epithermal gold-silver mining, the Hauraki Goldfields, in particular, have produced more than 15 million ounces (moz) of gold to date. The Taupo Volcanic Zone is also recognised as an emerging hub for gold exploration, hosting numerous epithermal gold systems. The acquisition includes a comprehensive historical data set featuring gravity surveys, magnetics, surface geochemistry, rock chip analyses, and drill-hole records. Recent geological assessments have highlighted multiple drill-ready targets across these known gold-bearing areas. Tempest Minerals managing director Don Smith said: The proposed Tempest acquisition of Zealandia adds to our existing portfolio in Australia and positions us to leverage the strategic value of the prospects in both countries for the benefit of shareholders. We are certainly excited by the opportunity to acquire drill-ready targets in a proven gold-bearing region. The high-profile geological consulting team have just completed a round of fieldwork and are seeing geological analogies to other large gold deposits in the region. Zealandia, an Australia-based company, has been actively exploring high-potential gold deposits in New Zealand. Recognising new regulatory opportunities within the country's mining sector, the company moved to secure several promising exploration packages. Zealandia executive director Shaun Ramsden said: The proposed acquisition by Tempest represents a strong validation of the quality of our New Zealand gold portfolio, which we have strategically assembled. We think the combination of our respective skill sets is ideal to accelerate exploration and unlock the full potential of the projects. "Tempest Minerals signs agreement to acquire Zealandia" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Get insights on thousands of stocks from the global community of over 7 million individual investors at Simply Wall St. TotalEnergies now sits on a refreshed fair value estimate of 69.13, up from 66.71, signaling a modest reset in the price target used in this model. That change sits alongside a broader split on the Street, where some analysts are lifting targets into the 62 to 75 range, while others lean cautious and trim figures to about 61.30. In the next sections, you will see how these different calls fit together and what to watch as the narrative keeps evolving. Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value TotalEnergies. What Wall Street Has Been Saying Bullish Takeaways Citi and JPMorgan have set upper tier price targets of 75, with Citi highlighting what it calls strong valuation support for global energy names linked to the Middle East conflict and JPMorgan pointing to oil leverage, production depth, and what it views as attractive relative valuations. Jefferies upgraded TotalEnergies to Buy with a higher 66 target, while Berenberg, JPMorgan and Piper Sandler all nudged targets higher and maintained Hold or Neutral ratings, suggesting some analysts see current pricing as broadly in line with their models. TD Cowen and Scotiabank lifted dollar based targets, and TD Cowen cited data center related demand and potential Namibia resources as possible long run free cash flow drivers, which some investors may see as supporting longer term growth optionality. Bearish Takeaways Freedom Capital moved all the way to Sell with a steady US$73 target, flagging what it called weak Q4 results and pressure from lower hydrocarbon prices, and stating an expectation that negative oil market trends could persist through 2026. Grupo Santander cut its rating to Neutral with a 67 target, while Morgan Stanley trimmed its target to 61.30, signalling that a group of analysts is more cautious on execution risks and on how current conditions could limit upside from here. Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives! ENXTPA:TTE 1-Year Stock Price Chart We've flagged 1 risk for TotalEnergies. See which could impact your investment. What's in the News March 6 (Reuters) - The Trump administration is ruling out deploying the Treasury Department to trade oil futures for now, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing a person familiar with the matter. Officials discussed getting the Treasury Department involved, but believe its ability to meaningfully affect the market is limited, the report said. Global oil prices have jumped since the war with Iran started on Saturday, as the spreading conflict disrupts Middle East supplies. However, prices fell on Thursday for the first time in six days following reports that the U.S. may intervene in the futures market. Officials were also hesitant to tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve right away because it was now only about 60% full, Bloomberg News added. The White House and the Treasury did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. A senior White House official had said on Thursday that the Treasury was soon expected to announce measures aimed at combating rising energy prices in the wake of the Iran conflict, including potential action involving the oil futures market. The details of the plan were unclear and the White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters, declined to provide specifics, saying they did not want to get ahead of the Treasury announcement. (Reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Alexandra Hudson, Elaine Hardcastle) President Trump launched a series of efforts this week to staunch spiking gas prices following his decision to attack Iran, but the effects are limited so far. Brent Crude Oil (BZ=F) prices on Friday broached $90 per barrel and are now trading up nearly 30% from before the war in Iran began. A closer-to-home metric of West Texas crude oil (CL=F) was up by nearly a third. Prices at the pump in the US have quickly followed, jumping from an average $2.98 per gallon last week to $3.32 on Friday, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). Diesel has seen even bigger increases. Trump has tried to dismiss the effects of these price spikes on his political standing, even claiming that the oil market has "pretty much stabilized." Read more: How to protect your money as Mideast turmoil fuels market volatility A man pumps gas in Washington, DC this week as the price of oil and gas have surged amid the conflict with Iran. (REUTERS/Ken Cedeno) Reuters / Reuters US presidents have limited power to sway the global price of oil, but they tend to bear the blame for rising prices at the pump and rising prices have clearly got the attention of Trump's team. On Thursday evening, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the latest countermeasure in the form of a 30-day waiver to allow Russian oil to flow into India, saying the "stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure." It was a notably limited measure that only applies to crude oil already at sea, and it had no immediate effect on prices, with Brent crude climbing another 5% in the 12 hours immediately following the announcement. Earlier in the week, Trump temporarily slowed the price increases by announcing plans for risk insurance and naval escorts in the Strait of Hormuz. But the relief was short-lived, and increases soon resumed. Expert projections suggest price pressure is unlikely to ease quickly. That's of particular concern to Trump, who has touted lower gas prices dozens of times in the last year as his party prepares to face voters in midterm elections in just a few months. Read more: How oil price shocks ripple through your wallet, from gas to groceries Patrick De Haan, GasBuddys head of petroleum analysis, recently forecast that prices could be headed for $3.40 to $3.55 per gallon and posted Friday morning that the current oil market gave me the chills. Earlier this week, he pointed out that gas prices are at "the highest level recorded during either of Trump's terms in office." The average price of gas was about $3.13 the week Trump was sworn in last year, according to AAA. A new front in Trump's affordability fight In a Yahoo Finance appearance on Thursday, Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi suggested that the economy might be able to handle modest price spikes, but "it's not great in the current context when American families are already on high alert over affordability." DNY59 / Getty Images/iStockphoto Taxpayers in some states and cities could face delays in their state or local income tax refunds including those who live in Idaho, New York, Oregon, South Carolina and Washington, D.C., according to MSN. As reported by USA Today, many of the delays are tied to problems conforming to tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which President Donald Trump signed into law last summer. Thats the case in South Carolina, where the state Department of Revenue issued a warning that return processing is taking longer than usual because South Carolina currently does not conform to the OBBBA. Other delay reasons include budget cuts (per Idahos Division of Financial Management), Intuit TurboTax software issues and slowdowns in processing paper returns (per the state of Oregon). If you are worried about delays, here are three things you can do to prevent them, based on a GOBankingRates analysis of various tax and government sources. Check Out: Heres the Minimum Income You Need To File Taxes in 2026 by Age See Next: 5 Low-Effort Ways To Make Passive Income (You Can Start This Week) Check Common Problem Areas Depending on where you live, you might run up against common problems that could delay your return. In South Carolina, for example, you should ensure that your state tax return adds back items that are now deductible at the federal level, such as tips, overtime, auto loan interest and additional senior deductions. If you miss these items, you might have to file an amended return that could delay your refund. In Oregon, be sure that items such as the Oregon Kids Credit are correct especially if you claimed new federal deductions for overtime, tips or car loan interest along with state credits. Read This: IRS Federal Income Tax Brackets: How They Work and What They Mean in 2026 Track Your Refund Status Correctly Similar to federal returns, you can check your state refund status through the states Department of Revenues Wheres My Refund tool, which you can usually find on the state tax or revenue website. Be prepared to provide your Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount. For New York taxpayers who used tax software, log in and confirm that your state return shows as Filed/Accepted and not just Started or Transmitted. Some returns there have been delayed by software issues. Change the Way You File Returns E-filing is usually the quickest way to prevent a refund delay and in some cases the difference is substantial. In Oregon, for example, the first refunds for e-filed returns were expected to be issued in mid-February, according to the states Department of Revenue. But if you filed a paper return, refunds wont start being issued until early April. Quick Read Invesco China Technology ETF (CQQQ): up 14.5% over 12 months, down 8.5% past month. Top 4 holdings Tencent (TCEHY), PDD Holdings (PDD), Baidu (BIDU) at 7.26%, Meituan (3690.HK) represent ~30% of portfolio. US-China trade tensions and concentrated AI exposure will determine whether CQQQ continues recovering from Chinas 2021 regulatory crackdown, with tariff escalations and semiconductor export restrictions threatening top holdings. The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks. Get them here FREE. China's tech sector spent three years in the penalty box after Beijing's 2021 regulatory crackdown erased trillions in market value. Invesco China Technology ETF (NYSEARCA:CQQQ) still carries that scar, with the fund deeply underwater on a five-year basis despite a meaningful trailing-year recovery. That recovery has hit turbulence in early 2026 as fresh US-China trade tensions have weighed on sentiment. Despite gaining 14.5% over the past 12 months, CQQQ has given back about 8.5% in the past month alone a reminder that the fund remains deeply underwater on a five-year basis. Two factors will determine whether the rebound resumes or fades: trade policy and the fund's AI concentration. The Macro Factor That Will Define 2026: US-China Trade Policy No single force will shape CQQQ's trajectory more than US-China trade relations. Tariff escalations directly pressure platform companies like Tencent and Baidu that depend on domestic consumption, while export restrictions on semiconductors threaten holdings like Horizon Robotics and Cambricon Technologies, which represent meaningful exposure to China's chip self-sufficiency push. When the US tightened chip export controls in late 2022, China-focused tech ETFs fell sharply within weeks. A comparable escalation in 2026 would hit CQQQ's AI and semiconductor names hardest. The clearest place to track this is the Office of the US Trade Representative, which publishes tariff actions and Section 301 reviews. Entity list additions from the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security have historically moved China tech names within days of announcement. READ: The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks The Micro Signal That Matters Most: Holdings Concentration in AI Names CQQQ's top four holdings, Tencent, PDD Holdings, Baidu, and Meituan, represent roughly 30% of the portfolio. That concentration means single-stock volatility flows directly into fund performance. Baidu alone, at 7.26% of the fund, has been one of the more volatile contributors to fund performance. That kind of swing in a single top holding moves the whole fund. The United States and Japan have been considering the inclusion of a nuclear power project involving Westinghouse in the $550-billion package of investment that Japan has pledged in the U.S. under the bilateral trade deal, sources familiar with the plans told Reuters on Wednesday. Last year, as part of the U.S.-Japan trade agreement, Japan pledged to buy $8 billion worth of American products per year. The Government of Japan has also agreed to invest $550 billion in the United States, the White House said. At the time, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, hailed the deal as historic and said that the U.S. would use the $500-billion Japanese investment to build our energy infrastructure, chip manufacturing, critical minerals mining, and shipbuilding to name a few. The plan for a nuclear power project, as well as a copper refining facility, is being discussed and could be talked into details later this month when Japans Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is due to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on March 19, according to Reuters anonymous sources. Westinghouse, which could be involved in the nuclear power project, was named as a company that has expressed interest to launch projects in the energy sector, according to a joint fact sheet for the Japan-U.S. Investment. Related: Trumps Secret Weapon in the Rare Earth War So far, Japan has committed $36 billion as the first tranche of its $550-billion U.S. investment pledge under last years trade deal, including plans to build a 9.2-gigawatt natural gas power plant in Ohio. Most of the money from that first investment tranche would be used to build the largest natural gas power plant, with a capacity of 9.2 GW. We will strengthen grid reliability, expand baseload power, and support American manufacturing with affordable energy, Secretary Lutnick said in a statement after the deal. The plant will be built in Ohio. The facility will be operated by a subsidiary of Japans SoftBank, SB Energy. The rest of the $36 billion would be split between a synthetic diamond factory and a deepwater oil port in the Gulf. This project is expected to generate $2030 billion annually in U.S. crude exports, secure export capacity for our refineries, and reinforce Americas position as the worlds leading energy supplier, per Lutnick. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com WASHINGTON, March 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said on Friday it collected about $166 billion in duties and deposits under the emergency tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump that were struck down by the Supreme Court. CBP said in a Court of International Trade filing declaring that it could not comply with a judge's order to begin processing refunds that there were about 20.1 million entries under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act tariffs that were unliquidated, or not finalized, as of March 4. (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) [Bloomberg via Getty Images] The number of jobs in the US economy fell last month, an unexpected contraction that has renewed questions about whether the labour market in the US might be starting to crack. Payrolls in the US dropped by 92,000 and the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4%, according to the latest official figures, surprising analysts who had expected hiring to remain stable. It marked the biggest monthly job loss since October, when the US government shut down, and came amid concerns that a jump in oil prices sparked by the US-Israel war in Iran could threaten growth. Nearly every sector shed jobs including healthcare, typically a source of strength, which was hit by strikes last month. Employment in the federal government also continued to drop, shrinking by 10,000 last month. Since hitting a peak in October 2024, federal government employment has dropped by 330,000, or 11%, the Labor Department said. It also said job gains in December and January were lower than initially estimated. Even if healthcare employment bounces back as expected, the figures dented hopes that hiring might be starting to accelerate after the 2025 slowdown, which was the weakest year for jobs since the pandemic, said Samuel Tombs, chief US economist for Pantheon Macroeconomics. "What stabilisation?" he wrote in a note after the figures were published. "The idea the labor market has turned a corner implodes with this report." The hiring downturn sent shares on Wall Street lower and raised new pressure on US President Donald Trump, who campaigned on promises of improving the economy. Democrats quickly seized on the figures, with Senator Elizabeth Warren saying they showed that White House was "tanking the job market", while White House officials brushed off their significance. In an interview with CNBC, Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, said he still expected strong growth to power job creation in the months ahead. "There will be so much activity that everybody is going to be able to find a job that wants one," he said. The report also complicates the questions facing the US central bank. The Federal Reserve would typically respond to a weakening labour market by cutting borrowing costs, in hopes of giving the economy a boost. But analysts said the risk that a sustained leap in oil prices could put upward pressure on prices may give policymakers pause for thought. "Today's numbers may have put the Fed between a rock and a hard place," said Ellen Zentner, chief economic strategist for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Revenue in Q4 totaled $15.4 million, up 5% sequentially but down 22% to 23% year-over-year, according to management. Goodridge said the year-over-year decline was almost entirely due to lower programmatic advertising versus a strong Q4 in the prior year, when traffic and CPMs were higher. CFO Vince Bellissimo added that digital advertising revenue declined 29% in the quarter, driven by lower MAU and fewer programmatic impressions. Goodridge said Q4 represented a turning point because the company posted sequential gains across monthly active users (MAU), average revenue per user (ARPU), revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow. MAU increased to 86 million in Q4 from 83 million in Q3, which management attributed to a strategy emphasizing high-intent direct users while also expanding audience acquisition. On the companys Q4 and full-year 2025 earnings call, CEO Chris Goodridge said the broader digital ecosystem experienced a significant structural evolution during 2025 as AI altered how users discover content. He said VerticalScopes focus has been on adapting to that shift while building what he called a stable and resilient foundation from which to grow. VerticalScope (TSE:FORA) executives told investors the company saw sequential improvement across key operating and financial metrics in the fourth quarter of 2025, even as year-over-year results remained pressured by changes in search-driven traffic and weaker programmatic advertising conditions. Channel mix and outlook: direct advertising remained steady with 2026 direct bookings up double digits and ecommerce grew 21% YoY , while management expects programmatic conditions to improve in 2026 and will prioritize profitability, MAU stability, yield expansion and disciplined M&A. AI initiatives driving engagement and monetization: the AI community assistant Fora Frank lifted newuser posting rates by ~40%, and Audience Engine reached a $1.4M annualized EBITDA run rate in January with management targeting to double that by end of Q2 as a highmargin growth lever. Q4 showed sequential recovery but yearoveryear pressure: revenue rose sequentially to $15.4M yet was down ~2223% YoY largely due to a 43% decline in programmatic advertising , while the company delivered a 45% adjusted EBITDA margin ($6.9M) and strong freecashflow conversion in the quarter. Story Continues IonQ in Rebound Mode: Buy the Thesis, Respect the Risk When asked on the call, management clarified that programmatic revenue was down 43% year-over-year in Q4, while direct advertising declined 1%. Profitability remained a central theme. VerticalScope reported a 45% adjusted EBITDA margin in Q4, generating $6.9 million of adjusted EBITDA. Bellissimo said free cash flow conversion was 101% in the quarter, primarily driven by prior period cash tax refunds deposited in the quarter, and 94% excluding refunds. Channel mix: direct ads steady, e-commerce grows Atomic AI: Why NuScale Is the Only Option Management emphasized stability and momentum in direct advertising and continued growth in e-commerce. Goodridge said direct advertising was relatively stable in Q4, and he highlighted that direct bookings for 2026 were already up double digits over the prior year as of the end of February. He also said the company won new mandates with insurance and telecommunications customers in both the U.S. and Canada. E-commerce posted its third consecutive quarter of growth, increasing 21% year-over-year in Q4. Bellissimo noted the e-commerce result included incremental contributions from the companys acquisition of Ritual Technologies. Goodridge also described an uncharacteristic softness in open-market programmatic CPMs during Q4, saying they did not see a normal seasonal spike and that the experience appeared consistent with broader industry trends. He said the company expects programmatic conditions to improve in 2026 and return to more typical seasonal patterns. Full-year 2025: EBITDA and cash generation highlighted For the full year, revenue was $58.1 million, down 16% year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA was $21.1 million, and Bellissimo said the company converted those profits to cash at a 94% rate. The company reported an $8 million net loss for the year, which Bellissimo attributed primarily to $21.2 million of non-cash depreciation and amortization related largely to acquired intangible assets. VerticalScope generated $18.5 million in cash flows from operating activities and $19.7 million in free cash flow in 2025, reflecting the 94% conversion rate from adjusted EBITDA, up from 92% in the prior year. Bellissimo said the company exited 2025 with $16.4 million in unrestricted cashits highest year-end cash balance since 2021and $72 million of liquidity, including $56 million available under its revolving credit facility. Net debt stood at $28 million, with leverage of 1.4x under its credit agreement, which management expects to trend downward. AI initiatives: Fora Frank, Audience Engine, and cost optimization Goodridge and Bellissimo described multiple AI-driven initiatives aimed at boosting engagement, diversifying growth, and improving efficiency. Goodridge said the company continues to roll out translations, which he described as a steady source of growing traffic, and noted the mobile app has been gaining users while the company works on multi-community experiences intended to strengthen network effects. Goodridge highlighted the impact of the AI-powered community assistant, Fora Frank, saying the company is seeing close to a 40% increase in posting rates for new users who receive a reply from Frank. He said management sees opportunities to expand Franks capabilities, including commerce-related use cases over time. A newer initiative, Audience Engine, was beta-launched in Q4. Goodridge described it as an AI system that uses advanced data signals to identify and engage high-intent users across multiple platforms and monetize them efficiently. In response to an analyst question, he said Audience Engine works by acquiring audiences on third-party platforms and bringing them into VerticalScopes environment, with monetization currently mainly programmatic. He added that the company expects to expand its use to support direct advertising and explore commerce applications. Goodridge said Audience Engine reached a run rate of $1.4 million in annualized EBITDA in January and that the current growth rate puts it on a path to double that by the end of Q2. He described it as a high-margin revenue source the company expects to scale with AI rather than headcount. On the cost side, Bellissimo said VerticalScope is looking beyond copilots and chatbots to agentic workflows that connect directly to existing software and databases. He suggested this could reduce reliance on third-party software and help automate high-volume busy work, benefiting wages and software costs over time. However, in response to a question about the magnitude of potential savings, Bellissimo said it was too early to tell, while adding he expects savings to be meaningful. Data licensing and capital allocation Management also discussed protecting and potentially monetizing VerticalScopes content in an AI-driven internet. Goodridge said data licensing is not yet a primary revenue driver and that the company is taking a patient approach as legal and technical frameworks evolve, citing the RSL Collective as an example of industry progress. He said the current landscape remains challenging as large language models can bypass traditional robots.txt protocols and terms of use. Goodridge said VerticalScope implemented TollBit technology in September to block and redirect unauthorized AI bot traffic. Between late September and the end of January, he said the company blocked and redirected 415 million scrape attempts from leading LLMs. He also said that while TollBit works with more than 7,000 online properties, VerticalScope accounts for over 20% of all AI bot requests across the TollBit platform. Goodridge said the company remains in active engagement with major AI players and will continue blocking unauthorized attempts until commercial agreements are reached. On capital allocation, Goodridge said VerticalScope completed two tuck-in acquisitions in Q4, bringing the total to six for 2025, and entered 2026 with its strongest liquidity position in several years and low leverage. He said the company views investing in growth as the highest-return use of cash, including disciplined M&A focused on deepening user connections, supporting AI-driven innovation, and diversifying revenue through channels such as e-commerce. In the Q&A, the company confirmed it had not made acquisitions since year-end. Looking ahead, Bellissimo said 2026 results will be driven by protecting profitability and free cash flow, returning to revenue growth through MAU stability, yield expansion and new monetization channels, and maintaining disciplined capital stewardship. Management reiterated that seasonality typically results in lower adjusted EBITDA margins in Q1 and peak profitability in Q4, a pattern it does not expect to change. About VerticalScope (TSE:FORA) VerticalScope Holdings Inc is a technology company that operates a cloud-based digital community platform comprising hyper-focused apps, forums, marketplaces, editorial, and e-commerce rating and brand review websites. The article "VerticalScope Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is one of the 15 best stocks to invest in according to billionaires. As of the close of play on February 27, consensus sentiment for Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) was strongly bullish. The stock received coverage from 26 analysts, 24 of whom assigned Buy ratings and 2 gave Hold calls. With no Sell rating, the stock has a projected median 1-year price target of 400.64, implying a potential upside of nearly 24%. In a recent development, on February 19, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Prisma Medios de Pago and Newpay in Argentina from Advent International. Visa (V) To Acquire Prisma Medios De Pago And Newpay From Advent International Prisma offers processing services for credit, debit, and prepaid card issuers. Newpay operates as a multi-network infrastructure provider managing real-time payment services, the Banelco ATM network, and the PagoMisCuentas bill payment platform. The acquisition is subject to closing conditions, with the transaction expected to be completed during the second quarter. Around the same time, Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) also announced the renewal of its multi-year partnership with Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls. Under the revised agreement, Visa will continue as a primary partner while increasing its on-car branding visibility, including prominent placement on the front wing of the RB22. Visa Inc. (NYSE:V) is a payment technology company that enables electronic funds transfers (EFTs) around the globe. It offers VisaNet and Visa Direct platforms for money movement services, and authorization and settlement of transactions. The company also provides credit, debit, and prepaid cards, as well as other solutions, including tap-to-pay and tokenization. While we acknowledge the potential of V as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT:40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026 and 12 Oversold Financial Stocks to Invest in According to Hedge Funds. Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News. This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Abby Teisch has been promoted to chief marketing officer at Williams-Sonoma, according to a company press release. A 20-year veteran of Williams-Sonoma, Teisch previously was executive vice president of marketing at the company. Teisch continues to report to Williams-Sonoma President and CEO Laura Alber. As CMO, she is expanding her responsibilities to include performance marketing, customer engagement and data-driven growth initiatives, per the release. Dive Insight: The appointment of Teisch as CMO will be an accelerant to our long-term growth strategies, according to Alber. Abby brings a powerful combination of brand vision, digital fluency, and operational excellence to our team, Alber said in a statement. Her contributions to our company have been instrumental in establishing our leadership in digital marketing and customer loyalty. Teisch will lead marketing strategies across Williams-Sonomas portfolio of brands, which includes its namesake, Pottery Barn and West Elm, among others. The company in recent months has been focused on expanding its merchandising assortment through new category launches and collaborations with other brands. West Elm last month partnered with Pink Chicken, a childrens clothing brand known for its colorful prints. In January, Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen partnered with Stoney Clover Lane on a collection of co-branded home products, including bedding, backpacks, luggage, lighting, occasional seating, bath accessories and decorative accessories. And West Elm last month introduced West Elm Office, which features desks, chairs, bookcases, shelving and storage. In its most recent quarter, Williams-Sonoma reported third quarter net revenues increased 4.6% year over year to $1.9 billion, while comparable brand revenue increased 4%. Net income increased nearly 2% to $241.6 million. Recommended Reading More fundamentally, Sophie Smith argues that modern medicine has long been designed through what she calls a male lens: clinical trials skew male, symptom presentation is benchmarked against male physiology, and diagnostic tools are optimised accordingly. Applying a female lens to health - for women and men alike - reveals significant scientific gaps and, she says, substantial commercial opportunity. Yet macroeconomics tells a different story. Women make the majority of household healthcare decisions and account for the bulk of caregiving worldwide. Failure to stabilise womens health has ripple effects across families and labour markets. Venture capital allocations reflect the imbalance. Globally, female-founded businesses receive a disproportionately small share of funding, and in the Middle East, there is still no specialist fund dedicated to womens health . Later-stage capital tends to cluster around fintech and high-growth tech, while preventive care - particularly for women - is often treated as a social concern rather than an investable category. Smiths thesis is that women fall through the gaps of this system in ways that are both systemic - and economically irrational. The claim is strategic rather than rhetorical. Healthcare systems globally remain built around episodic treatment, reimbursement constraints and clinical research historically dominated by male participants. In emerging markets, these structural limits are compounded by uneven insurance coverage and fragmented regulation. Nabta Health, the hybrid healthcare company she founded, positions women not as a niche market but as the starting point for a broader overhaul of preventive medicine. If you build a model that works for women, Smith argues, you build a universal model of preventive care. In a region better known for sovereign wealth megadeals and gleaming hospital infrastructure than preventive care reform, Smith is attempting something more structurally ambitious: redesigning healthcare around women - and in doing so reshaping how care is delivered across the Middle East and Africa. For the British entrepreneur, recognition is beside the point. After years refining her model, she believes she has finally cracked what she calls the go-to-market nut. Her focus now is on scaling Nabtas vision of accessible, patient-centred healthcare for women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I dont care about winning awards now, she says, her tone matter-of-fact. I just want to build. Nabta Health, a Dubai-based women's health company, is up for a prestigious MedTech award, but its founder Sophie Smith has little interest in accolades. Story Continues So much of medicine has been built around male physiology as the default, Smith says. When you apply a female lens instead, you realise how many biological systems weve barely studied - and how much opportunity that creates. Uncovering overlooked biology Cervical screening illustrates the point. The pap smear was designed as a mechanical tool to examine the cervix, yet emerging research suggests menstrual blood may in some cases provide richer diagnostic insights - an avenue that has received relatively little attention. Similar gaps exist in pregnancy and breastfeeding, where researchers have only recently identified hormones that protect - and even strengthen - maternal bone density despite the heavy mineral demands of gestation and lactation. It would be like designing chairs that collapse when women sit on them, or umbrellas that leak only when women use them - while working perfectly well for men. Thats effectively how healthcare works today. Its absurd, Smith says. For her, these overlooked areas of female physiology point to a wider conclusion: studying womens biology more directly could unlock new diagnostics and treatments far beyond womens health alone. From symptomatic to pre-symptomatic care Nabtas operating model seeks to move women upstream, before symptoms escalate. Traditional healthcare systems wait for patients to present with fatigue, pain or irregularities. Smith contends that for women - particularly those balancing employment and caregiving - fatigue and discomfort are routinely normalised. By the time clinical intervention occurs, conditions such as breast cancer are frequently diagnosed at later stages. Nabta's healthcare platform instead anchors engagement around personal goals: weight management, stress reduction, energy levels. Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven intake systems surface risk factors and likely symptom clusters based on age and life stage, prompting earlier screening and diagnostic intervention. The model combines three layers: A licensed physical clinic to anchor regulatory compliance. A largely virtual network of general practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals delivering remote care. A B2B subscription model, primarily sold to employers as an add-on to insurance coverage. The B2B focus is deliberate. Direct-to-consumer healthcare remains costly to acquire and difficult to scale in fragmented markets. Employers, by contrast, have incentives aligned with productivity, retention and healthcare cost containment - a proposition that is beginning to resonate with large regional corporates. Nabta now counts Emirates among its clients, a high-profile endorsement that validates both the enterprise model and the potential for wider regional adoption. Preventive screening, Smith argues, can materially reduce long-term claims. Earlier cancer detection, for example, significantly lowers treatment costs while improving survival rates -an economic case that is increasingly compelling for insurers and corporate HR departments. Landing a client of Emirates scale, she says, demonstrates how women-centred preventive care can deliver measurable benefits across a workforce - and, by extension, across the broader healthcare system. Navigating regulatory complexity Building such a model in the Gulf has required institutional patience. Healthcare licensing frameworks were not designed for hybrid clinics combining digital triage, in-office diagnostics and AI-supported intake. Nabta operates across multiple regulatory entities, effectively parceling up components of its offering to fit within existing structures. The friction has slowed early expansion but may also create a defensive moat. Healthcare regulation in the UAE is complex; navigating it confers embedded knowledge that new entrants may find difficult to replicate. Beyond the UAE, the company is taking a country-by-country approach across the Middle East and Africa. The region is often treated as a homogenous bloc by investors; Smith rejects that framing. Health infrastructure, reimbursement structures and cultural attitudes vary widely between Gulf states, North Africa and sub-Saharan markets. Scaling, she acknowledges, will be gradual. But emerging diagnostic devices - including portable breast ultrasounds are promising and could shift imaging from hospital radiology suites into more accessible settings. Technology therefore, is presented as infrastructure, not identity. The more efficient the system becomes, the more we can reduce costs, she says. Efficiency, in this context, is what enables affordability - and scale. Cultural change as commercial strategy Womens health in the region has historically been constrained by social taboos, particularly around reproductive and pelvic health. Smith believes generational shifts are creating new demand. Younger women are more open to discussing menopause, postpartum recovery and hormonal mental health. Nabta has positioned itself as both service provider and ecosystem catalyst, contributing to regional initiatives such as the GCC Menopause Summit. Visibility matters: what was once marginal is increasingly entering mainstream corporate health conversations. Yet funding remains a bottleneck. Nabta has raised a few million dollars to date and is in the process of closing an additional tranche. Regional investors, Smith suggests, still require proof points. The absence of large-scale exits in Middle Eastern womens health creates a familiar catch-22: success stories are needed to unlock capital, but capital is needed to produce success stories. In the United States, where several womens health companies have achieved significant scale in recent years, the category has gained credibility. Smith expects a similar - if delayed - inflection point in the Gulf. Institution-building over arbitrage Advisers have suggested that Nabta relocate its holding company to the US or UK to ease fundraising. Smith has resisted. Correcting representation gaps for Middle Eastern, African and South Asian women, she argues, requires building where those populations are the majority, not the minority. It is a slower path, but potentially a more defensible one. If Nabta succeeds, it will not simply be as a clinic network. It will be as a template: a modular, preventive, hybrid model that can be localised across disparate health systems. The broader bet is that womens health is not a side category but the foundation of system-wide reform. In regions where insurance penetration is uneven and public health budgets are stretched, preventive infrastructure may prove more scalable than hospital expansion. For now, Nabta remains early in that trajectory. But as employers confront rising claims costs and governments grapple with demographic transitions, the economics of prevention are becoming harder to ignore. In that recalibration, women - long treated as a subcategory - may finally take centre stage. Women are the pillar of society, says Smith. Empower their health, and you uplift everyone around them. Womens health by the numbers Representation gap: Women now comprise a slight majority of clinical trial participants (56% in some FDA data), but the majority are white (78% between 20152019), leaving women of color underrepresented. Underrepresented groups: Women from African, Asian, and Middle Eastern backgrounds remain consistently excluded relative to their disease burden, limiting the generalisability of research findings. Economic opportunity: Closing the womens health gap could improve health outcomes, boost workforce participation, and raise per capita GDP by an estimated 1.7%, according to the World Economic Forum. Funding gap: All-female founding teams receive just 2.3% of global venture capital ($6.7 billion in 2025), reflecting persistent underinvestment in women-led health innovation. "Women first: the Gulfs new healthcare blueprint" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. No one likes to think about death or taxes. But your tax obligations dont disappear when you die. That means your loved ones dont just have to think about honoring your final wishes they may also need to file your final tax return. Maybe youre wondering: How can the IRS come after me if I'm dead? If your representative often your estates executor or surviving spouse doesnt take care of your tax obligations, your estate could incur penalties and fees, which could delay the distribution of your assets. If your survivors dont file your final income tax return, they could also leave money on the table if youre owed a tax refund. Read more: Your tax refund may be bigger this year. Heres why. When do survivors need to file a final tax return? The IRS tax-filing rules for the dead are more or less the same as the rules for the living. For tax year 2025, anyone whose income exceeded the following amounts is required to file a tax return: Tax filing status Income (if you were under 65 as of Dec. 31, 2025) Income (if you were 65 or older as of Dec. 31, 2025) Single $15,750 $17,750 Head of household $23,625 $25,625 Married filing jointly $31,500 $33,100 (if one spouse was over 65) or $34,700 (if both spouses were over 65) Married filing separately $5 $5 Qualifying surviving spouse $31,500 $33,500 Source: Internal Revenue Service Note that if youre a surviving spouse, you can still file a joint tax return for the year. Well get to those rules in a moment. Normal tax filing deadlines apply to returns filed on behalf of the deceased. So if your loved one died in 2025, their return is still due April 15, 2026. If you need more time, you can request a tax extension, which gives you an extra six months to file. Read more: Free tax filing: How to file your 2025 return for free How do taxes work when your spouse dies? Married couples generally get more tax advantages than single filers. You dont immediately lose these tax benefits when your spouse dies, which can offer some breathing room when youre dealing with a tremendous loss. Even if your spouse died Jan. 1 of the tax year, the IRS will consider you married for the entire year as long as you dont remarry. You can still choose married filing jointly as your tax filing status for that year. (You can also opt for married filing separately, but you give up a lot of tax benefits when you do so.) For the next two tax years, you can file as a surviving spouse if youre still unmarried and you have at least one qualifying dependent child. Essentially, this status allows you to maintain the benefits of filing jointly with your late spouse. If youre not eligible for surviving spouse status, youll typically file as single the year after your spouses death, assuming you havent remarried. How do you file taxes for someone whos deceased? Filing taxes for someone whos deceased isnt much different from filing a return for the living, but there may be a few extra steps. Youll use Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR (available for those 65 or older) to report income. You should include all income received between Jan. 1 and the date the person died. In other words, if your loved one died Aug. 20, 2025, include all income they earned between Jan. 1 and Aug. 20, 2025, when you prepare their return before Tax Day. If all that sounds straightforward, its really not. Suppose your loved one was employed but died before their last payday. Their employer would issue their final paycheck to either the persons survivor or their estate, with no federal income taxes withheld. The employer should then issue Form 1099-MISC to the recipient, who will need to report it to the IRS as taxable income. Things can also get hairy with interest or earnings that accrue after someones death. Consult with a tax professional if you have questions about what income to include. Read more: Taxes on stocks: Here are the rules and rates Once youve reported the persons income, you can also apply any tax credits or deductions they qualified for. If they owe money, try not to panic. Their estate is responsible for paying (unless youre filing a joint return on behalf of you and your late spouse, in which case youre responsible for the full tax bill). Loved ones arent expected to pay a deceased persons tax debt, but if theres not enough money to pay the IRS and other creditors, the estate is considered insolvent, and no one gets an inheritance. Any tax refund the person is due belongs to their estate unless the person was married and their spouse filed a joint return. If youre filing a return for someone who wasnt your spouse, youll need to complete IRS Form 1310 to claim it (if youre not a court-appointed representative). But dont go cashing that refund just yet. The money still belongs to the persons estate, and youll need to distribute it according to the probate laws of the state where the person lived. Youll need to indicate that the person died on the return, either by following the prompts using tax-filing software or writing the word deceased on their paper forms. However, you wont need to provide a copy of their death certificate to the IRS. Death and taxes FAQs Who gets the tax refund of a deceased person? When someone dies, their tax refund goes to their surviving spouse if the spouse files a joint return for the tax year. If a court-appointed personal representative files the persons return, theyll claim the refund, but the refund is part of the deceased persons estate. The representative is responsible for distributing it according to probate law. If theres no court-appointed representative, a surviving family member can claim the refund by filling out Form 1310. But the family member needs to be legally eligible to receive the refund, and the refund still belongs to the estate of the person who died. The person who claims it needs to distribute the refund in accordance with the law of the state where the person resided. Do I have to pay my loved ones taxes if they die? If someone owes tax money, their estate is responsible for the tax bill. The IRS wont go after their loved ones for taxes, but generally, federal income taxes need to be paid before assets are distributed. If the estate doesnt have enough to cover taxes and other debts, survivors generally wont receive an inheritance. Will I have to pay taxes on an inheritance? Money you inherit isnt subject to federal taxes, although five states impose an inheritance tax: Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Although inheritances arent taxed at the federal level, you generally need to pay taxes for income an inherited asset generates. For example, if you inherit a $25,000 interest-bearing certificate of deposit (CD), youd owe taxes on the interest it earns going forward, but not the $25,000 value of the CD. If youre wondering when your federal tax refund will land in your bank account, youre not alone. In fiscal year 2024, the IRS estimated that about 117.6 million taxpayers were owed refunds totaling $461.2 billion. Thats a lot of money sitting with Uncle Sam. Want to know when youll get back what you overpaid in federal taxes? Of course you do. Here's how to find out. H&R Block tax tips data How long does it usually take for the IRS to process a tax refund? Although IRS.gov says most refunds are processed within 21 days of receiving a return, there are a lot of variables that can affect refund processing times. If you e-file your return and opt for direct deposit, your tax return will likely get processed quickly (note: the IRS is no longer issuing refunds via paper check). But if you file a paper return in the mail and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), your individual income tax return could take longer to process (these refunds won't be issued until on or after March 2). Read more: Tax refund delays hit certain states. Is yours one of them? Date IRS accepts e-filed return Return has no EITC or ACTC Estimated refund date Return with EITC or ACTC Estimated refund date/range Jan. 26 Feb. 13 March 2 Feb. 2 Feb. 23 March 2 Feb. 9 March 2 Mar. 26 Feb. 16 March 9 March 913 Feb. 23 March 16 March 1620 March 2 March 23 March 2327 March 9 March 30 Mar. 30April 3 March 16 April 6 April 610 March 23 April 13 April 1317 March 30 April 20 April 2024 April 6 April 27 April 27May 1 April 15 (Tax Day) May 6 May 612 How to check your tax refund status in 3 easy steps The easiest way to figure out when your money might turn up is to check the status of your refund with the IRS. Heres where to go and what additional information you might need to check your return status. Step 1: Gather your refund information Youre going to need a few pieces of information, including: Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN) Filing status (single, married, filing jointly, etc.) Exact refund amount listed on your return Youll also be asked to identify which tax year youd like to track refunds for. Whether its the prior year or several years back, make sure you have all your tax forms in order. Step 2: Go to Wheres My Refund or the IRS2Go app You can access your online account with the IRS by providing the information above either at Wheres My Refund or through the IRS2Go mobile app. Status tracking should be available within 24 hours after you e-file a tax return or up to four weeks after you send a paper return. Step 3: Identify your tax return status Here are the status updates you might receive as you track your federal tax return and what each means. Return received This status simply means the IRS has formally received your return. Sit tight and wait for more information. Refund approved Your return has been processed and a refund is pending. Once the funds are available and have been sent, your status will update. Refund sent Good news. Your refund has either been deposited directly to the account you specified or a paper check is in the mail. Keep in mind that once the IRS sends the funds, it could still take up to five business days for the transfer to post to your bank account. If additional review is required or you need to submit an amended return, youll find further instructions included alongside your refund status in the IRS refund tracker. Read more: Wondering what to do with your tax refund? 5 ways to spend it wisely. Wheres my refund? 4 scenarios that might delay your tax refund. While there can be some bumps in the road that make tax season rough, there are easy ways to avoid a delayed refund. Here are common reasons tax pros say could delay your refund and what you can do about it. 1. Your tax return has errors or is incomplete. If you make a mistake or leave some information blank, the IRS may ask you to submit an amended return. Dont panic. This doesnt always mean youll be audited. It just means your return is pending and requires additional review. 2. Youre claiming the Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. These tax credits may take longer to process because the IRS can not legally disperse these refunds until mid-February. If you claim these credits and submit a return early in the tax season, the IRS says you can expect a refund by early March. 3. You filed a paper return. If youre still using snail mail to submit your federal tax return, its probably going to result in delays to your refund, which will be compounded if you opt for a paper check instead of direct deposit. 4. Youve been a victim of identity theft or fraud. Theres a small chance that a delayed refund is a sign you've been a victim of identity theft or tax fraud. Consult the IRS identity theft guide for individual taxpayers to find out what next steps you should take. Read more: Free tax filing: How to file your 2025 return for free Where's my refund? FAQs Can I expedite the processing of my federal tax return? Unlike passports or the lines at Disneyland, theres no fee you can pay or specific action you can take to speed up the processing of your tax return. However, if you review your return carefully, submit it electronically, and choose direct deposit, you can reduce friction in the process and minimize delays in receiving your refund. Can I track my state income tax return? While you cant use the IRS tool to track your state tax return, many states offer similar trackers on their Department of Revenue websites, which you can find linked at the Federation of Tax Administrators. Youll need similar information to track your state tax return, including your Social Security number, tax year, filing status, and the exact refund amount. When should I call the IRS if my tax refund is late or missing? There are a few signs it might be time to contact the IRS about a delayed tax refund. First and foremost, the Wheres My Refund tracker on the official website might instruct you to call the IRS. You should also call if its been more than 21 days since you e-filed or more than six weeks since you mailed a federal tax return. You can reach the IRS for inquiries regarding your federal tax refund at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) or call 800-829-1040 to speak with a representative. We've all done it popped last night's leftovers in a plastic container right into the microwave to heat up. But scientists are raising new concerns about what happens when plastic meets microwave heat. What's happening? Health reported that a new analysis of previous research has taken a closer look at the harm microplastics can have on human health, including when plastic is used to store food. Researchers determined that microplastics are believed to harm our reproductive, digestive, and respiratory health and they may be linked to diseases such as lung and colon cancer. Advertisement "Where we've looked, we've found harm," Katie Pelch, a senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council, told Health. Research has found that microwaving food in plastic for just three minutes can release millions of tiny plastic particles into the food, which humans then ingest. Microplastics are also shed from containers used to freeze food, as freezing can weaken the plastic. Why is microwaving plastic concerning? Popping leftovers into the microwave in a plastic container is a bad idea because "it's really going to help those chemicals to leach out of the plastic and into the food," said Carmen Marsit, a professor of environmental health at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, according to Health. Microplastics are now found in air, water, and soil, meaning we're exposed to them daily through many pathways. If we add more exposure simply by reheating food, it may compound the health effects scientists are already concerned about. What can we do about this? For families, this means reconsidering how food is stored and reheated. Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel containers are widely considered safer alternatives. Many glass and ceramic containers are microwave-safe and won't increase your exposure to microplastics. Advertisement Advertisement Even if you want to use plastic food containers in the fridge, experts recommend transferring leftovers to a plate, glass, or ceramic container before microwaving. We can also reduce our exposure by avoiding single-use plastic packaging whenever possible. The issue points to a broader need to reduce plastic production and waste not only for human health but also for environmental reasons. Breaking up with single-use products can also save you money in the long term. Producing plastic adds pollution to our atmosphere and reduces air quality. Also, plastic often ends up in landfills, where it breaks down into microplastics that make their way into our oceans, drinking water, soil, and food. Research has even found microplastics and nanoplastics infiltrating the edible parts of vegetables through soil exposure. By choosing plastic alternatives, we can reduce the harm plastic has on our environment, water resources, wildlife, and human health. Advertisement Advertisement Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." While measles was considered eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, cases have surged over the past handful of years, with 2026 on track to be one of the worst yet in recent history. Were just a few months into the year, yet the number of confirmed measles cases in the country so far is about half last years (also very high) total. Youre probably aware that measles is a virus you dont want to have, but its understandable to be fuzzy about the details. Thanks in large part to a very effective childhood vaccine, most adults don't think too much about measles in their day-to-day life. But recent news reports and rising case numbers may still affect people who are vaccinated. Advertisement Heres what infectious disease doctors want you to know about measles, what the vaccine protects against, and potential complications. Meet the experts: Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York; William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; Amesh A. Adalja, MD, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security What is measles? Measles, aka rubeola, is a highly contagious viral infection. It causes a cough, runny nose, tiny spots inside the mouth, a rash, and often a high fever. Measles can also cause severe complications like pneumonia, immune amnesia, and encephalitis (or swelling of the brain). Advertisement Advertisement The World Health Organization considers measles one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Its spread through contact with respiratory droplets. The virus can remain active and contagious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours, according to the WHO. Because we havent seen measles out here in large numbers for a while, [some assume] it is merely a trivial illness with a rash, says William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Thats not the case. Before we had vaccines in the U.S., each year, 400 to 500 children died of measles and its complications. What does the latest data show? Its important to note that measles cases have appeared in the U.S. every year, even after the virus was considered eliminated. But cases in recent years have been unusually high. According to CDC data, there have been 1,136 confirmed measles cases in 2026 so far, with cases seen in 28 states. The CDC notes that the actual number is likely higher, since these 1,136 are only confirmed instances. There have been 10 new measles outbreaks reported this year, and the majority (90%) of cases have been associated with these outbreaks. (A classic example of a non-outbreak-related case would be an international traveler coming to the U.S. who has measles, explains Amesh A. Adalja, MD, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.) Notably, an outbreak in South Carolina made both national and international headlines in the past month. What does an increase in measles cases mean for people? A lot depends on your vaccination status. An unvaccinated person living in the middle of an outbreak is more likely to get infected and ill with measles. They may also be more likely to suffer from complications related to the infection. Advertisement Advertisement Its a different story if youre vaccinated. The measles vaccine is 97% effective at preventing infection when youve received both doses, per the CDC. The measles vaccine is one of the best we have, Schaffner says. The vast majority of people who are fully vaccinated against measles will not have any issue if exposed to measles, Adalja adds. But 97% isnt 100%, and that still leaves the door open to potential infection, even for those who have been vaccinated, points out Thomas Russo, MD, professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York. However, the disease tends to be much milder if youre vaccinated." In cases of serious outbreaks, like the one in South Carolina, schools may quarantine after exposure, says Adalja. The CDC also requires measles cases to be reported to public health departments for further investigation, which can divert resources from other issues, Adalja says. Who is most at risk for measles? People who are unvaccinated and under-vaccinated (meaning they only received one of the two doses) are the most at risk, Russo explains. That includes young children who are not yet eligible to receive the vaccine and those who are immunocompromised. Because the measles vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine, not everyone can get it, he points out. Thats why, as a community, we want to try to get those vaccination rates high, Russo says. What kind of complications can come with measles? Measles can cause a complication called immune amnesia, which affects the body's ability to respond to pathogens it's been exposed to before, Adalja says. Research suggests that the measles virus can wipe out anywhere from 11% to 73% of the antibodies a person has built up to protect themselves against viral and bacterial strains. This means previous immunity to things like the flu, COVID-19, chickenpox, and more could suddenly be lost, raising the risk of getting sick in the future. Advertisement Advertisement "It likely occurs to some degree in all individuals who are infected with measles," Adalja explains. While it's unclear how long immune amnesia lasts, data suggest it can linger for two to three years. (That said, Adalja says there is no routine recommendation to get your childhood vaccines again.) Encephalitis is another serious complication of measles. It causes brain swelling that can be deadly. "Even if children recover, they can be left with disabilities," Schaffner says. The takeaway If youre fully vaccinated against measles, theres generally no need to do anything differently. If youre vaccinated and exposed, its not recommended that you quarantine, Russo explains. Its different if youre unvaccinated or under-vaccinated, thoughin that case, call your healthcare provider about next steps. If youre not vaccinated against measles or youre under-vaccinated, experts also stress the importance of getting vaccinated. The number of cases that are being seen in the United States is a choice, Adalja says. The solution to measles has been in hand for decades. People are choosing to turn away from those solutions. Advertisement Advertisement Schaffner agrees. Measles is a nasty virus, he says. Its worth preventing. I wouldnt even want uncomplicated measles to happen to any child. You Might Also Like Australias leading deep tech founders invited to apply for one of 23 coveted places in Australias biggest deep tech festival, Cicada xTech23. Bringing together over 500 founders, investors, industry and research leaders, government, policymakers and international delegates, this premier program is designed to select 23 of the countrys most ambitious deep tech ventures - startups built on world-class science and engineering to help accelerate commercialisation outcomes and their path to global impact. Since 2023, alumni of the Cicada xTech23 event have collectively raised over $280M and secured major industry partnerships and government deployments directly off the back of their involvement in Tech23. Cicada Innovations CEO Liza Noonan said, Tech23 has always surfaced the founders shaping what Australia builds next. Its where serious companies meet the community prepared to back them. "The startups selected for Tech23 reflect Australias national priorities in action; advancing productivity, strengthening sovereign capability and translating critical technologies into globally competitive industries. "In 2026, were taking our ambition further by making Tech23 the defining week for Australian deep tech. It is no longer just a moment on stage, but a broader national platform that champions, connects and backs deep tech across the country. Well be on the ground in multiple states, engaging ecosystems well before September and creating more deliberate pathways for founders to build relationships that endure - bringing national and international attention, capital and opportunity around the companies building what comes next. Who Should Apply Australian deep tech startups working across sectors, including (but not limited to): Healthcare and Social Assistance Energy and Renewable Energy Space and Aerospace Agriculture, Food, Forestry and Fishing Transport and Mobility Manufacturing Environmental Protection and Sustainability Quantum Mining and Mineral Resources Defence and Security Why Apply The 23 selected companies will: Present to a curated audience of national and international investors, corporates, government, policymakers and ecosystem leaders Access strategic introductions and long-term ecosystem connections Join a highly regarded alumni network of deep tech founders Applications close on 30th April 2026.To apply, visit www.cicadainnovations. com/cicada-x-tech23Cicada Innovations is Australia's leading deep tech incubator. With a 25 year track record of developing ventures focused on the worlds most pressing problems and promising opportunities. Its network of incubators, training, and community is designed to meet the unique needs of deep tech startups. Cicada Innovations has been the home of groundbreaking science and bold engineering, transforming ideas into world-changing ventures, reshaping industries, and driving deep tech success stories in fibre optics, space, medtech, and climate innovation, delivering tangible impact for Australia and the world. They are committed to building Australia's deep tech economy. Liza Noonan, CEO, Cicada Here are the highlights from the xTech23 2025 event! SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. War is the use of arms to settle differences tribal, political, religious, cultural, and material between organized groups. It is unchanging. The general laws of armed conflict stays immutable, given the constancy of human nature. However, the manner in which war is conducted remains fluid. New weapons, tactics, and strategies elicit counterresponses in an endless cycle of tensions between defensive and offensive superiority. That said, has President Donald Trump introduced a novel way of waging Western war against America's foreign enemies? We saw glimpses of it during his first term, when he eliminated Iranian general and terrorist kingpin Qassem Soleimani and ISIS terrorist grandee Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. In the former case, he preferred hitting the cause rather than the effects of Iranian terrorism in Syria and Iraq, while making it clear that he had no intention of striking the Iranian mainland and entering into a tit-for-tat "forever war." In large part, he was successful. Iran never quite replaced the venomous Soleimani. And despite tired threats, its performative art responses did not kill any Americans, and they were seen by Trump as venting and not worth a counterresponse. In the case of the killing of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Trump likewise went after the catalyst of ISIS terrorism. But he also bombed ISIS into near nonexistence in Iraq, since, unlike Iran, it lacked the financial and material resources of a state sponsor of terror, and it had no independent ability to make weapons or finance its terrorism. In 2018, Trump probably killed more Russian ground troops (more than 200?) than America had during the entire Cold War, with his furious response to the Wagner Group assault on a U.S. Special Operations base near Khasham, Syria. Yet the defeat of Russian mercenaries also led to no wider conflict. In these three cases, Trump successfully portrayed his antagonists as the unprovoked aggressors, employed overwhelming force to eliminate them, and declared them one-off occurrences with no need to punish the ultimate source or sponsor of the aggression with further force, and he was largely successful in limiting subsequent attacks on American installations. In Trump's second term, he widened his doctrine of "preventative deterrence" with operations to remove Venezuelan communist strongman Nicolas Maduro, along with two separate bombing campaigns against Iran. While the second Iran operation is now in progress, it may resemble the earlier two in a number of facets. Trump again portrayed Venezuela and Iran as unpunished past and present psychopathic aggressors. He went after Maduro, whom Biden had largely ignored, for his past of exporting gang-bangers and criminals across the Biden-era open border and for using Venezuela's cartel connections to profit from American deaths. As for attacking Iran, Trump cited the theocracy's past terrorist attacks on Americans and U.S. allies, its effort to assassinate Westerners, and its unwillingness to abandon plans to create a nuclear weapon. What, then, are Trump's new ways of conducting war? 1. Geostrategy Always behind these seemingly unconnected events and other nonkinetic moves like warning Panama about Chinese intrusions strategic concerns loom. The common denominator is usually isolating China from strategic spaces, allies, and oil and Russia in a lesser sense. Loud and terrorist, but ultimately impotent, proxies of strategic enemies Cuba, Iran, Venezuela are preferable targets. They are not just easily identified enemies given their past anti-American violence; they are also targeted because their demise offers a global display of the weakness of their distant patrons and underwriters. 2. Wars of reckoning Trump always frames his interventionism as reactive and long overdue. It is a sort of "reckoning war" for previously overlooked crimes that his predecessors had ignored but are often seared in the American mind. "Preemptive" or "preventative" wars, these strikes may be. But Trump himself avoids the baggage that those adjectives of aggression convey in the collective American memory. 3. War among negotiations Trump's way of warmaking is usually an extension of ongoing negotiations (e.g., over Iran's nuclear weapons or Maduro's subsidies to terrorists and drug trafficking). So, during discussions, he offers various exit ramps to his adversaries and publicly laments the possibility of violence. Meanwhile, American naval and expeditionary assets show up and amass to ramp up the pressure. Trump does not wait for negotiations to fail, but usually offers a deadline to his adversaries. And then he simply informs his advisors of the point at which the enemy has no intention of seeking a peaceful settlement. A strike follows. 4. The culpable apparat Trump prefers top-down war. That is, he starts his attacks by targeting the enemy apparat, not its lesser henchman. The aim is both to disrupt its command and control and to separate an enemy leader from a population deemed not necessarily culpable. His enemy counterparts al-Baghdadi, Khamenei, Maduro, Soleimani, the Wagner Group are widely regarded as odious, which strengthens his prophylactic or reactive action. For all the boilerplate, even Trump's enemies do not gain empathy since their antiwar activism becomes inseparable from the de facto defense of a rogues' gallery of deposed and hated killers and thugs. 5. No to nation-building There is no nation-building. Trump sees the U.S. as responsible only for lighting the fuse of revolution, then giving the oppressed the chance of something better if they do not miss their chance at regime change and working with the Americans. 6. No boots on the ground There are few ground troops involved no chances for an Abu Ghraib misadventure, or humiliating skedaddles from Kabul, or maimed Americans from shaped-charge IEDs. It is much harder for targets to kill Americans in the air and on the seas. And because there is zero investment in occupying a country and hands-on rebuilding of its institutions, casualties are kept to a minimum. Trump equates deploying a larger ground force in the Middle East with imbecility. The weapons of choice of Middle East Islamists and terrorists IEDs, sniper rifles, suicide vests, sudden rocket salvos are far less effective, given America is fighting its sort of war with overwhelming firepower, technological advantage, and mobility in the air and on the oceans. Trump prefers overkill to shock and awe, or using minimalist forces. Still, visuals are important. The point is not just to demolish the opposition but to do it with overwhelming redundancy as a global revelation of America's assets, especially for viewing by the Russians, Chinese, and North Koreans. 7. Exit strategy? There is an exit strategy of sorts, partly rhetorical and partly real but usually arbitrarily declared by Trump himself. He alone starts the shooting and stops it according to his own definition of when the war begins and ends. The enemy has a vote, of course, but Trump frames the conflict in ways that lessen his say. Because a transactional rather than ideological Trump holds few grudges, he can announce after taking out Iran's nuclear facilities in summer 2025 that he wishes to "Make Iran great again!" Or he praises the Venezuelan people and professes to restore their oil industry to its proper profitability and transparency even as he storms their presidential palace. If the enemy refuses to give up, Trump assumes it eventually will. He has endless patience, both to pound it by air and sea and then, at any moment, praise the defeated and declare the hostilities over. Critics counter that without regime change that so often requires ground troops rotating the faces of the current Venezuelan or Iranian government will not result in a radical change in the targeted nation's behavior. 8. No to internationalism Trump cares nothing for the UN's condemnations, given its own moral bankruptcy and lack of credibility. For action outside Europe, he does not really consult NATO and much less the European Union. He assumes all three will follow a predictable script: initially critical, then tentative as the tide of battle turns, and finally either praising Trump's success or eager to get in on itself. Nor does he worry much about veiled threats from Russia or China. He is careful to consult a key few in Congress, but cares even less that the American Left opposes anything he does. Or rather, he expects their Pavlovian resistance and considers their shrill outbursts and street theater public relations as pluses and the stuff of future campaign ads. 9. Deterrent displays Trump uses his strikes as global reminders of American prowess. He showcases the USS Gerald R. Ford mammoth carrier, the largest warship in the history of conflict. Media maps of American naval assets cover four disparate seas surrounding the Iranian theater the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Indian Ocean and derive from Pentagon press releases. New weaponry is showcased whether it's a mystery sonic boom weapon at Maduro's presidential palace, a new fleet of kamikaze drones in flight to Iran, or a monstrous new carrier. 10. American self-interest Trump will not act unless the public can be apprised of American self-interest, and, in a cost-benefit calculation, there is a good chance of success. He has no interest in liberating and rebooting another Iraq and Afghanistan, since their oppressed populations may hate the infidel Americans as much as they do their own oppressors. Trump saw Bagram Air Base as fortifiable, strategically located, and defensible, and thus in the U.S. interest, but certainly not so the graveyard of empires or the gender studies program at the university in Kabul. It is no accident that both the targets, Venezuela and Iran, have oil, offering the wherewithal for the liberated without the U.S. having to fund their own restoration. Flipping petro-dictatorships that were proxies under the aegis of China and Russia weakened both. What Trump says and does are sometimes divergent. Funding Ukraine weakens Russia, which is in the U.S. interest, so Trump finds ways to keep the arms coming mostly without commentary. Letting Israel take care of business and jumping into the war to humiliate Iran last summer unleashed forces that destroyed the Assad regime in Syria and finally got Russia out of the Middle East. The present conflict over Iran is the greatest challenge that Trump has faced in either of his two terms. But given his past record, there is a good chance that he will eventually rid Iran of its theocracy the fleeting hope of the past eight presidents. For five decades, the Iranian street and its unhinged theocracy scared silly the Middle East with its "Death to America" chants, its promise to destroy the Zionist entity, its brag of going nuclear, and its often overt warnings to rip apart the Sunni-dominated Gulf. But Trump, with help from Israel, finally revealed the theocracy to be a Keystone Kop kleptocracy. The mullahs screamed "Death to America!" but it was Trump's America that finally brought death to them. (Hanson's latest book is "The Dying Citizen" from Basic Books. Buy it in hardcover at a 52% discount! by clicking here or order in KINDLE edition at a 41% discount by clicking here. Sales help fund JWR.) (COMMENT, BELOW) Victor Davis Hanson is the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow in Residence in Classics and Military History at the Hoover Institution, a professor of classics emeritus at California State University at Fresno, and a nationally syndicated columnist for Tribune Media Services. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. FORT WORTH The prosecutor displayed photos on a courtroom television of evidence seized from the garage of defendants on trial for alleged involvement in a radical left-wing conspiracy: Photocopiers, a bookbinding machine and leaflets called "zines." Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Smith asked the FBI agent on the witness stand to identify the evidence. Special Agent Morris Boatner said he had found the items in a search for "mass production of propaganda." The defense was quick to object. "Hasn't it been part of American history to publish written material contrary to the government?" Miles Brissette, an attorney representing one of the accused, asked the FBI agent, citing Thomas Paine's famous Revolutionary-era essay "Common Sense." "That's not part of our training at the academy," Boatner said. District Judge Mark Pittman, an appointee of President Donald Trump, interjected his own question for the witness. "There is a robust history going back to the Founding Fathers of folks printmaking contrary to the government," he said, "and there's nothing illegal about that, right?" No, Boatner conceded. The brief exchange in the second week of this closely watched federal case highlighted the challenges the government faces in its first attempt to prosecute an alleged group of antifa protesters as "domestic terrorists" who share an ideology bent on violence. The case stems from what the defendants call a "noise demonstration" last July 4 outside the Prairieland Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Center about 30 miles south in Alvarado, Texas, and ended with one of the protesters allegedly shooting and wounding a police officer called to the scene. The nine defendants - including a middle school teacher, a college student, a mechanical engineer, a UPS worker and two transgender women - were indicted by a grand jury collectively on charges of attempted murder of a police officer and unarmed correctional officers, providing material support to terrorists, rioting, using weapons and explosives, and obstruction. All pleaded not guilty. If convicted on the multiple charges with enhancements, the accused could effectively receive life sentences. Weeks before the indictments in November, Trump signed an executive order that federal law enforcement should take "investigatory and prosecutorial action" against those who financially support antifa and labeled it a domestic terrorist organization. Even though that designation isn't part of existing U.S. law, the Prairieland case could become a playbook for prosecuting left-wing groups. The case has been politically charged from the start, when Pittman called a mistrial during jury selection because of a defense attorney's T-shirt that depicted the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Shirley Chisholm and scenes from the civil rights movement. When the trial resumed, Pittman made the unusual decision to question and seat a new jury himself. Last week, prosecutors walked jurors through the alleged attack: The group arrived at the facility late that night dressed in black - also known as "black bloc" to avoid being identified - and began spray-painting anti-police graffiti, slashing tires, destroying a surveillance camera and setting off fireworks. Officers inside the facility called local police. When Alvarado Police Lt. Thomas Gross arrived just before 11 p.m. and got out of his car, one of the protesters - former Marine reservist Benjamin Song, who the prosecutors argued was the group's leader - allegedly yelled "Get to the rifles!" He then opened fire with his AR-15-style rifle with a modified trigger that increased the rate of fire, according to investigators. The bullet passed through Gross's shoulder and out the back of his neck, narrowly missing his spine. He testified last week that he believed he had walked into an ambush and pulled his gun. Most of the accused were arrested near the scene, but Song evaded capture for 11 days, and several people not at the demonstration were charged with allegedly aiding him with disguises, transportation and gear. On Wednesday, Smith attempted to build a case against the rest of the defendants. He argued they were part of an armed antifa conspiracy to attack the officer even though investigators acknowledge at least one, Daniel Rolando Sanchez-Estrada, was not at the ICE detention center. He's accused of trying to hide a box of "anti-government propaganda" days later. Several AR-style rifles were found at the scene, according to the criminal complaint, some defendants were armed, wearing body armor and carrying two-way radios. Prosecutors said 11 guns were recovered in total, with several found in defendants' cars, disassembled in backpacks or near the detention center entrance. Investigators also recovered magazines from the scene containing ammunition, 12 sets of body armor, fireworks, a flag that said "Resist Fascism, Fight Oligarchy" and fliers that said "Fight ICE terror with class war." Smith displayed Signal messages exchanged by the accused: Savanna Batten, Zachary Evetts, Autumn Hill, Meagan Morris, Maricela Rueda, and Elizabeth and Ines Soto. The prosecutor argued they planned and did "reconnaissance," scoping out the area in advance. He showed photos of fireworks found in a cooler at the scene, photos of the accused using rifles at a North Texas shooting range and attending the left-wing Emma Goldman Book Club. Defense attorneys and even the judge repeatedly reminded jurors: All that was legal. "Us Texans have guns, right?" said Morris's attorney, Warren St. John, while questioning an investigator. Morris, who is transgender and identified by both her adopted and birth name in charging documents, brought two AR-style rifles, body armor and portable radios to the protest, which were seized from her van, Texas Ranger Tyler Williamson testified. But after the shooting, he said Morris told him she had never left the van and that "there really wasn't a plan." "She said they bring rifles in case there is violence," Williamson said, noting that at a previous protest someone had been struck by a car. Morris later summoned investigators to the jail where Williamson said she cried as she told them she felt "disgust and betrayal" that a member of the group "shot someone in cold blood." "In all this conversation about planning, there's no talk of hurting anyone, is there?" St. John asked an FBI agent who testified about interviewing Morris after the shooting. "If she was upset that a shooting occurred," he added, "to me that would be the complete opposite of planning to harm someone with guns." Prosecutors have defined antifa as "a militant enterprise made up of networks of individuals and small groups, primarily ascribing to a revolutionary anarchist or autonomous Marxist ideology, which explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States government, law enforcement authorities and the system of law." Short for "anti-fascists," antifa is a loosely knit movement of far-left activists who militantly oppose fascism and right-wing ideologies and who are often anti-capitalist or anti-state. Defense lawyers sought to prevent the jury from hearing about their clients' potential connections to antifa, arguing that the term was "highly prejudicial" and that prosecutors were using it to "smear" them. Pittman rejected their requests. In addition to the nine on trial in Fort Worth, seven other people have pleaded guilty to federal charges of providing material support to terrorists in November and face up to 15 years in prison. As part of their pleas, several became "cooperating witnesses"; the first testified Wednesday. Lynette Sharp took the stand wearing an orange-and-white striped jail uniform, her hands cuffed. Sharp, 57, of nearby Watauga, testified that she did not attend the ICE detention center protest but helped shelter and transport Song afterward. Instead of shoring up prosecutors' case, she complicated it. As she described meeting members of the group at LGBTQ events and community centers, accompanying them to their homes, monthly Emma Goldman Book Club meetings and Socialist Rifle Association target practice, Sharp painted a picture of the group as a loose-knit social circle rather than an organized antifa cell. They were legally armed and exchanged messages on encrypted Signal chats using nicknames but had no clear leader, she said. Smith, the prosecutor, pressed: Did they oppose ICE? Yes, Sharp said vaguely. Did they believe the president was a Nazi, a fascist? "It was a topic of conversation," she said. "But I can't say everyone joined in that conversation." Patrick McLain, an attorney representing Evetts, said prosecutors have struggled to prove the conspiracy. "They really have to establish this terrorist organization," said McLain, who served for years as a federal prosecutor and military judge, noting, "They can't say much more than the chat that was seized from Morris's phone. That they were talking and planned to go to the detention center to do a noise demonstration." "The government is trying to label them antifa, but what you really had was people passionate about political events," said Chris Tolbert, an attorney representing Batten. Tolbert said it's not clear if the other defendants will take the stand, but his client won't. "The real danger in this case is that when we go to a protest, like these protesters were gathered for a cause, we don't know everyone there, and we're not responsible for what they do," Tolbert said. "And that shouldn't present a fear for me to participate and exercise my First Amendment rights." (COMMENT, BELOW) SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. The best New Jersey university is Rutgers. If you're a Princeton snob and I know who you are, with your hoodies and your bumper stickers and your heads the size of the Chrysler Building you might raise a quibbling finger in one of your preceptorials to offer proof to the contrary. You are wrong. You will always be wrong. How can Rutgers, which offers classes on American lawns and turfgrass and dance in Istanbul, ever be beneath you? I joined the Rutgers community in August 2021. Back then I was a foolish freshman with grand ideas about the Computer Science degree I was pursuing, and how it would let me rake in buckets of cash by moving semicolons around. I never mastered the semicolon (darn you, little ; symbol!); but I tried. And now I rake leaves to make enough to buy Taco Bell. How the (re)turns have tabled. But I wouldn't give up my Rutgers education for anything. Is it because I shelled out a ridiculous amount of money for it? Yes. But and it's a big but I also learned a lot. For example, I learned that desert plants are called xerophytes, and that "Legends of the Fall" is a great novella. Wasn't I supposed to be taking computer science classes? Yes, yes, yes. I'll get to those. At Princeton, you take classes deep in theory and practice computer science by founding companies that make bajillions of dollars (here's looking at you, Jeff Bezos). At Rutgers, you have to take a core of classes spanning subjects from sociology to history alongside your classes for your major. Why? Nobody knows. They've just been doing it that way since 1766, when the first graduate asked, "What's sociology 101?" To which the answer at the time was, "What's sociology?" Then: "Holy smokes, you can count to 101?" My major was a major struggle. Then again, my minors were a major struggle. Everything was a struggle to get my computer science degree. The most difficult class I ever took was Computer Architecture, taught by Professor Santosh Nagarakatte. There, I learned valuable things about the architecture of computers, such that if you threw your laptop out the window, I would be able to confidently say which parts of it were broken: all of them. The second most difficult class I took was Design and Analysis of Computer Algorithms, taught by Professor Jie Gao. The final exam had questions like "If a is to the b power at a speed of 9.8 meters per second squared, what is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow if computed using Dijkstra's algorithm?" To which the answer would be: I have no idea. Nobody does. Not even the Princeton kids. I graduated from Rutgers in January 2025, a semester ahead of schedule, which I only say because it takes most Princeton kids four years to graduate. But I did it in three and a half. Am I better than the Princeton kids? Obviously not, but you have to give me credit for trying. So here I am with my state school degree, writing jokes instead of code. Did I make good use of the thousands of dollars of tuition money? I hope so. At least I can count to 101. Alexandra Paskhaver is a software engineer and writer. Both jobs require knowing where to stick semicolons, but she's never quite; figured; it; out. Previously: In Northern California and beyond, health care systems are rapidly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools to transform how pain is recognized, measured, and managed. From algorithm-guided assessments to wearable sensors and predictive analytics, these tools promise to augment clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes. Yet significant controversies remain, including concerns over algorithmic accuracy, bias, data privacy, and the extent to which technology should complement or potentially displace human clinical judgment. The promise of AI in pain assessment Pain assessment has historically relied on subjective reports, such as numeric scales or clinician interpretation of patient behaviors. AI offers the possibility of objective, data-driven evaluation by analyzing physiological signals, facial expressions, electronic health record data, and even wearable device outputs to identify pain status more consistently than traditional methods. Reviews of existing research indicate that machine learning and natural language processing can enhance pain recognition, assist clinicians in predicting pain trajectories, and support self-management strategies, although most studies remain preliminary pilot projects rather than large clinical trials. Clinical initiatives have already begun experimenting with automated pain recognition systems, for example, combining computer vision and deep learning to interpret facial cues during perioperative care. Accuracy and algorithmic bias: a central controversy One of the most debated challenges is whether AI tools can be accurate and equitable. Algorithms are only as good as the data on which they are trained, and pain datasets often lack diversity. Underrepresentation of various demographic groups, such as older adults, people of color, and women, can lead to models that perform well in some populations but poorly in others. Recent research using synthetic, demographically balanced datasets illustrates both the potential to improve fairness in pain detection and the persistent risk of performance disparities across age, ethnicity, and gender groups. Moreover, health care AI more broadly has faced criticism for downplaying symptoms in women and ethnic minorities, raising fears that these tools might unintentionally perpetuate existing health disparities rather than reduce them. Civil rights advocacy organizations are now pushing for equity-first standards in the development and deployment of medical AI to prevent bias from being baked into clinical decision tools. Data privacy and regulatory gaps AI-driven pain assessment requires large quantities of sensitive data, mainly from electronic health record (EHR) histories to real-time biometric monitoring. While these data are essential for predictive power, they also create risks related to privacy, security, and governance. Without robust data governance frameworks, patients may be exposed to unauthorized access or misuse of their health information, undermining trust and potentially violating privacy laws, which need to be respected and protected. Real-world anecdotes from U.S. health care technology forums underscore how easily non-compliant AI tools can be used in clinical settings, potentially exposing protected health information and creating liability concerns. Industry observers also note that inconsistent regulatory oversight, especially for tools deployed outside traditional FDA review pathways, can leave clinicians and health systems responsible for judging the safety and efficacy of digital pain assessment tools on their own. Transparency, trust, and black box challenges AI systems, especially complex deep learning models, are often described as black boxes, with limited transparency in how inputs generate outputs. For both clinicians and patients, understanding why an AI tool made a specific recommendation is crucial to building trust and ensuring responsible use in high-stakes clinical contexts. Lack of interpretability can undermine the patient-provider relationship, especially if AI outputs contradict patient narratives or clinical intuition. Solutions such as explainable AI frameworks and clinician training programs have been proposed to bridge this gap, ensuring that AI acts as a supportive tool, not an opaque authority. Human oversight and clinical judgment Perhaps the most fundamental debate is whether AI should augment or replace aspects of human clinical judgment. Pain is deeply subjective, influenced by psychosocial factors that are not easily reduced to physiological metrics or algorithmic output. Many ethicists and clinicians argue that AI must remain firmly in the service of human decision-making, preserving empathy, patient voice, and context. Emerging frameworks for responsible AI emphasize collaboration between clinicians and algorithmic tools, ensuring clinicians retain authority while AI provides data insights, flagging patterns that might otherwise go unnoticed. Conclusion: Toward balanced innovation AI and digital tools hold significant promise for transforming pain assessment, from improving objectivity, reducing clinician burden, and supporting personalized care, to potentially uncovering patterns that escape traditional evaluation. At the same time, controversies around bias, privacy, interpretability, and clinical integration must be addressed with transparent governance, inclusive datasets, regulatory clarity, and ongoing ethical scrutiny. As Northern Californias leading health systems and research institutions continue to pilot these technologies, the broader pain management community must engage in thoughtful, interdisciplinary dialogue to ensure that innovation enhances equity, amplifies patient voices, and upholds the highest standards of clinical care. Kayvan Haddadan is a physiatrist and pain management physician. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Professor of clinical psychiatry Michael F. Myers discusses his book Physicians With Lived Experience: How Their Stories Offer Clinical Guidance and the article Breaking the silence: mental health and racism in medical school. The conversation highlights the journey of Dr. Chris Veal, a Black gay physician who overcame a seven year depression and the trauma of losing five family members to COVID 19. Michael explores the intersection of academic pressure and systemic racism, detailing how a phone call to his godmother saved Dr. Veal from suicide. The discussion outlines Dr. Veals brave decision to publish his story in Academic Medicine despite warnings that it might hurt his career. Discover how authenticity and vulnerability can transform clinical practice and save the lives of others. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Lets work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome Michael F. Myers. He is a professor of clinical psychiatry and he is the author of the book Physicians With Lived Experience: How Their Stories Offer Clinical Guidance. There is an excerpt from that book on KevinMD. Michael, welcome to the show. Michael F. Myers: Thank you very much, Kevin. I am happy to be here. Kevin Pho: All right, so lets start by talking about your book and the excerpt itself. What led you to write it in the first place? Michael F. Myers: OK. This is a book that has been brewing for quite a while, actually quite a few years. But I really began to focus on it in earnest over the last four years. Where it comes from is the fact that I have always been very moved by fellow physicians or medical students who have gone public with their stories of living with or being treated for a psychiatric illness. As you know, Kevin, we live in a world where there is a fair amount of stigma, including the medical world. So I see these individuals as movers and shakers and pioneers in this area. Even though it has been going on for quite a while, there have been more people sharing their stories over the last five years or so. Kevin Pho: That is wonderful to hear. One of the things I do on KevinMD for the last 20 plus years is to humanize physicians and allow them to show their vulnerability. They write articles, they appear on this podcast, and they share their stories. We need to let the public know that physicians are human too. We are more than just our degrees. Now, how did you find these physicians to interview? Michael F. Myers: OK, so I have been collecting stories over the years. The ones that are published often appear in JAMAs A Piece of My Mind. That is where I get a lot of them. I also find them in the New England Journal of Medicine and the British Medical Journal. Every so often you will see stories in the Washington Post, the New York Times, or the Australian press because this is a global book. I interviewed doctors from all over the world for this. So I just started collecting them and then I made the decision to reach out to them. I was already reaching out to them when I first read the stories to just thank them for writing their story and to tell them that they really help a lot of people who are struggling in silence. For many of them, Kevin, I circled back sometimes after many years to see if they would be interested in being interviewed for my book. Kevin Pho: So are there any common themes that you picked up from interviewing all of these physicians regarding why they decided to share their story and some of the lessons learned from doing so? Any common themes that connect them? Michael F. Myers: Thank you. Yes. That is a great question. Yes, indeed. One of the most common themes had to do with the fact that the individual was often feeling a little bit better or was recovered or recovering, and they learned of someone dying by suicide. It may not even be someone they knew in medicine. They just had this feeling that this has got to stop and that we have to speak out about this. They are aware that a lot of physicians delay getting help or dont get any help at all. Some of those individuals do end up taking their lives. So that was a motivating factor for a number of people to go public with their story. There is another theme that came through, and that had to do with correcting misconceptions about what illnesses are. For instance, with depression, so many physicians who have experienced it will say: I thought I understood depression until I experienced it myself. What they realize is what a real medical illness this is. They really felt medically ill. Then they of course describe a number of neurovegetative symptoms of depression, but they also talk about how important their treatment was. That is often a combination of medication and good psychotherapy that brings them back to their resting state or perhaps even to a new normal. So that was another theme. The third theme had to do with fighting stigma. They really want to get that out there. As you mentioned earlier about humanizing medicine, this levels the playing field. Another theme was gratitude. Some of these individuals felt that they were the lucky ones because they actually got help and are feeling better. They have known too many in medicine who have not gotten help and are no longer with us. The final theme would be those who have said that going public has really made them a different person. They have received emails or calls from strangers all over the world who have been so grateful for them sharing their story. It has helped those strangers, with some of them going off and getting care themselves for the first time. I cant tell you how many said they received notes from strangers that said: Your story saved my life. That is pretty powerful. Kevin Pho: Now, as we know, the culture of medicine, less so today but traditionally, has been loath to allow physicians to show vulnerability. When you talk to some of these physicians, how difficult was it for some of them to initially share their story and be vulnerable, because that is not something the culture of medicine traditionally encourages? Michael F. Myers: Exactly, Kevin. That is a great question because for most of them it might have appeared that they just decided they were going to do this. Most of them did think about it quite a lot. A lot of them discussed it with their loved ones and their family members and got mixed opinions. Sometimes they discussed it with colleagues and friends, mentors, or their therapists. The ones that got pushback retreated for a while. But then if that feeling didnt go away, they realized something else. Actually, that brings me to another point. Some of them felt duplicitous. I heard this from psychiatrists, Kevin. They said: Here I am a psychiatrist looking after patients day after day, and I am taking antidepressants myself. Why cant I disclose this? They do this not to make their story their patients story, but just to say: Look at this, I get it. I know what you are struggling with. I too have been there. That sort of thing. The ones who have been able to do that have just really felt that it has enhanced what we call in our field the therapeutic alliance, what you could call the doctor-patient relationship. Their patients actually have high regard for them for being so honest, again without flipping the scales so that the doctor becomes the patient. It just has to do with their human approach. Kevin Pho: That is fascinating. So by showing vulnerability and sharing their story, in some cases that allows them to have a stronger connection with the patients that they see every day. Michael F. Myers: That is right. Yeah. And the other thing about this, Kevin, as you probably know because more and more physicians probably come on your show talking about self-compassion, is that it wasnt a term that was really in our lexicon five years ago. So it is relatively new. When people first heard of that, they thought doctors with self-compassion must be narcissistic or selfish, or just thinking of themselves. It is not about that at all. It is really about treating yourself with the same kind of love or compassion that you treat others, including your patients. We have now found with some studies that physicians with a higher level of self-compassion actually have a lower incidence of burnout and other types of illnesses. It really helps them be very authentic physicians with their patients. Because they are really taking care of themselves, it enables them to do better work. Kevin Pho: So lets talk about this excerpt that was posted on KevinMD. It is titled Breaking the silence: mental health and racism in medical school. It highlights the story of one Dr. Chris Veal. So tell us about that story for those who didnt get a chance to read that excerpt on KevinMD. Michael F. Myers: Sure. I chose Chris Veals story because it is so powerful. When I first read about him, he was somebody else that I reached out to because it was in a publication. It really explained the magnitude of his depression. He was a medical student really struggling and getting into academic difficulty. He was developing suicidal thoughts. As a Black man in medicine at a medical school that had very few Black students, he felt almost responsible for his race or his ethnicity as well. So obviously he felt terrible about this. Fortunately, he reached out to his godparents, who could tell he was in trouble. They helped him. He took a break from medical school and they got him some care. He started feeling better. When he got back to the school is when he decided to speak about this openly. He really wanted to touch upon racial assaults or microaggressions, those things that affect our minority students, especially our students of color, and identify them. By speaking out like that, he also spoke as an openly gay man. He spoke about some of the homophobic slurs and things that he had experienced while a student. So there is a lot of educational material in his piece. He published it when he was a resident and has received nothing but positive feedback. He has done a lot of volunteer work, including some work with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation. The other thing too is that he made a short videotape that they use at the University of Vermont for incoming medical students to basically speak about the humanness of our students and tell them: We are here for you. He is now a primary care physician, I believe, in the Chicago area. So that is why I wanted to highlight his story. His depression wasnt just a biological shift. There was a lot of sociocultural stuff going on that lowered his mood. Kevin Pho: Now reading that excerpt, you get the feeling that he felt that his academic issues carried a burden beyond his own career because he was one of the few, if only, Black students in medical school. Michael F. Myers: Exactly. That is right. The dean was one of the first people that called him when he read the story and was just so proud of him for speaking out like that. He has had that kind of support now from a lot of people. He is really carving out, as far as I know, a nice primary care practice serving the needs of many marginalized patients. Kevin Pho: Now the response to him sharing his story was positive, as you said. But initially, that wasnt always the case. I think that he had some discouragement in terms of sharing the story at first before publishing it in a medical journal. Is that correct? Michael F. Myers: Yes, that is right. Not just Chris, but a number of other individuals I spoke to, especially students, experienced this. Their mentors who discouraged them from publishing their stories were definitely well-intentioned, but they said: Look, take that piece out of your personal statement in your application. In medical school, I think of Dr. Michelle Silver, who is featured in the book. She wrote a wonderful piece in the New England Journal of Medicine about personal statements not really being very personal because she talked openly about having recovered from an eating disorder. She was well and she wanted to explain what that was like and how that had made her a more empathic physician. As she was applying for residency, she was discouraged from including something in her personal statement there as well. When I reached out to her and interviewed her, I found she has gone on to do a lot of work in narrative medicine and speak openly again about the humanness of all of us who study medicine. So as I say, mentors may be well-intentioned, but the point is that if the person reaching out to you is pretty certain that they want to do this, then really give them your support. Kevin Pho: Yeah. Now, do you feel that there is a cultural shift when it comes to authenticity? Because now we have social media and todays medical students grow up on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where being authentic resonates with the audience. Has medicine come to embrace the authenticity of this new cohort of doctors? What was traditionally frowned upon is now better accepted. What do you think? Michael F. Myers: Yes. It is a work in progress, but it is moving quickly in a very encouraging way. I know that Dr. Bill Lyons has been on your show before. He is someone that I have known for some time. He and I have done a couple of podcasts together and he is featured in the book. Jessi Gold is a woman who is very out there on social media. She was also very gracious in being interviewed for my book. What I wanted her to speak about was the hesitancy that she wrote about in a piece on social media regarding how she had been very open about getting psychotherapy, but was reluctant to disclose that she was taking medication. So it was sort of like another little piece of stigma. Writing about it freed her up to be able to just do that and get that out there. She is a woman who is so amazing and has a huge following. The work that she does makes her a beacon. These are individuals who are making it easier for other people coming along. I think it is making it easier too for the older folks, say of my generation, who are the ones who are very cautious about this. They feel: Look, in my day, you would never disclose anything like this. First of all, you might not get into a program, but then secondly, you could be ostracized just for being human. Kevin Pho: Getting back to Dr. Veals story, his candor definitely played a role in terms of the residency match process, right? Michael F. Myers: Absolutely. That is right. Those are things that training directors and those who interview candidates for residency are noticing as they read more of these stories and actually meet the individuals, some of whom are now on their faculties. These are individuals who speak out. This does not take away from their professional role as an academic teacher, as a researcher, or as a therapist. These are just facts and parts of their personality. Younger people can look to older people as their role models in a much more broad-based way. So that is why this is all very exciting, and that is why I am hoping that this book gets attention. It really is my way of honoring and thanking so many medical students and physicians across the globe for this gift. Kevin Pho: We are talking to Michael Myers. He is a professor of clinical psychiatry and we are talking about his book Physicians With Lived Experience: How Their Stories Offer Clinical Guidance. There is an excerpt from that book on KevinMD. Michael, lets end with some take-home messages that you want readers to come away with after reading your book. Michael F. Myers: OK. One of the biggest take-home messages, and I have learned this actually from so many of these folks that I interviewed, is how important it is for you to thank them. Even the ones who have gotten emails were so surprised. They thought: God, not only did I not expect anyone to read it, but I never thought anybody would write me. For those who put their story out there, that is even more so. Just a thank you reinforces that they made the right decision by putting it out there and spilling the beans, so to speak. So that is really one of the major ones. Really thank them. These are our colleagues and they are just making it so much easier for others. It could be us in our hour of need where we would then remember that they did this and think: I am going to speak openly too about my struggle with alcohol, or something like that. Kevin Pho: Michael, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming on the show. Michael F. Myers: Thank you, Kevin. It was great to be here. Take care. The people of Ghana have been celebrating the end of colonial rule and the dawn of their independence. Most workers have been given the day off tens of thousands have gathered in the capital, Accra, to greet the independent countrys first prime minister, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. The Duchess of Kent has been attending the celebrations. Last night, she opened the Independence Monument, erected near the spot where in 1948 members of the Ghanaian ex-servicemens union were shot when marching to present a petition to the British Governor. The Gold Coast Legislative Assembly was prorogued at midnight to cheers from the waiting crowd outside. This morning the Legislative Assembly building, now the building of the Ghana parliament was packed with members dressed in their national costumes. The first Governor-General of Ghana, Sir Charles Arden-Clarke has been sworn in. The Duchess gave a speech, setting out the Ghana Government policy. She also read out a personal message from the Queen to the people of Ghana. In it she said: The hopes of many, especially in Africa, hang on your endeavours. It is my earnest and confident belief that my people in Ghana will go forward in freedom and justice. In reply, Dr Nkrumah said: My government fully realises both the advantages and the responsibilities involved in the achievement of independence. It intends to make full use of these advantages to increase the prosperity of the country. Earlier, the British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, made a speech welcoming Ghanas move to independence. The government and people of Ghana have set their hands to a great task. We are confident whatever may be the difficulties which will face them they will maintain and develop the principles of tolerance and freedom which are inherent in our parliamentary system. We shall give them all the help we can. Courtesy BBC News In context Ghana was the first black African country to become independent. In 1960, Nkrumah declared Ghana a republic and himself president for life in 1964. He banned all opposition parties. He was deposed in 1966 by a military coup while on a trip to Peking. He later died in exile in Romania in 1972. There followed a period of unstable government with one coup after another, culminating in 1992 in a referendum on a multiparty system. Flight Lieutenant Jerry Rawlings, who had already led two coups against the government, was elected president. His supporters credit him with stabilising a turbulent political scene and leaving a legacy of democracy. He retired in 2000 and President John Kufuor was elected. Like this: Like Loading... A court convicted a Syrian man yesterday of stabbing and seriously wounding a Spanish tourist at Berlins Holocaust Memorial just over a year ago, and sentenced him to 13 years on prison. The 20-year-old defendant, whom authorities have identified only as Wassim Al M. in line with German privacy laws, was convicted on charges including attempted murder and attempted membership in a foreign terrorist organization, German news agency dpa reported. The Berlin district court found that he traveled from Leipzig to Berlin on Feb. 21, 2025 to carry out an attack in the name of the Islamic State group. He chose the Holocaust Memorial because he believed he would find people of Jewish faith there, presiding judge Doris Husch said, and he stabbed the Spanish tourist in the throat before shouting Allahu akbar, or God is great. The 31-year-old victim survived but is still unable to work and receiving psychological treatment. The defendant said during his trial that he had regretted the attack immediately, and asserted that he had traveled to Berlin under pressure from an online acquaintance he had gotten to know as he watched IS videos. Like this: Like Loading... China has signaled continuity rather than change for its economy, setting a slightly lower target for growth this year in the midst of a property slump and other headwinds at home and growing uncertainty abroad. Premier Li Qiang announced a target of 4.5% to 5% annual growth in his report presented to the opening session of this years meeting of the National Peoples Congress. That compares to actual 5% growth last year and a target of about 5% in the three years before. Its the lowest growth target since 1991. While recognizing our achievements, we are also clear-eyed about the difficulties and challenges we face, Li said, reading much of the 35-page report in a more than hourlong address. Experts say the lower target is in line with longer-term goals that are less focused on high growth rates. GDP targets in recent years have become less important than before because the overarching, and most important political priority has shifted from promoting economic development to so-called high-quality development, said Xin Sun, a senior lecturer in Chinese and East Asian business at Kings College London. The government is striving to balance two goals: reviving the flagging economy by boosting domestic spending, while also furthering leader Xi Jinpings ambitions to build China into a global power in AI, robotics and other advanced technologies and one that is not dependent on the U.S. or others for high-end semiconductors and other components. China faces grave and complex landscape In its draft budget for 2026, the government also trimmed Chinas annual increase in defense spending to 7%, down from 7.2% in recent years. The nearly 3,000-member Congress, a largely ceremonial body that endorses policies set by Communist Party leaders, is due to approve the annual report and budget at its closing session next week, along with a five-year plan setting policy priorities until 2030. China is grappling with tariff wars and actual wars. Like much of Asia, it depends heavily on oil and natural gas from the Middle East, and the war in that region has driven up prices and threatened supplies. The report said that free trade is under severe threat, noting rising geopolitical risks. At home, it highlighted an acute imbalance between strong manufacturing supply and weak demand and the challenge of shifting to new drivers of growth. Rarely in many years have we encountered such a grave and complex landscape, where external shocks and challenges were intertwined with numerous domestic difficulties and tough choices, Li said in his report. Boosting consumption will take time With the domestic economy in the doldrums, China has maintained growth by exporting. Its trade surplus surged to a record of nearly $1.2 trillion last year, though exports to the U.S. fell after President Donald Trump sharply raised tariffs. But the growth in exports to other countries has met pushback from governments worried about their own industries and workers. Li pledged to improve living standards and boost consumer spending, which has lagged as Chinese have tightened their belts, feeling the pinch from a property slump weighing on home prices that has wiped out hundreds of thousands of jobs. Nonetheless, in line with the governments approach in recent years, the annual report Thursday indicated it would continue to support domestic demand but not unleash any major new stimulus to boost growth. Beijing continues to prioritize strengthening industrial self-reliance over boosting household consumption, said Neil Thomas, a China politics expert at the Asia Society Policy Institute. The report said the government would issue 250 billion yuan ($36 billion) in bonds for rebates to consumers who trade-in cars, appliances and other products for new ones. City-specific policies to control new housing supply and reduce unsold properties will be used to stabilize the property market, Li said. He Meiru, a real estate agent in southern China, said hes lucky if he completes one deal every two months. His monthly income is hovering around 10,000 yuan ($1,400) less than a third of five years ago. Its been a tough period for many jobs are hard to find, people dont have money, he said. Apart from a property market recovery, social welfare spending and improved job security are needed to get families to spend more of their savings, said Ecaterina Bigos of AXA Investment Managers. Reviving domestic demand is key for sustained long-term growth, she said. However, redirecting China toward higher levels of domestic consumption will take time. China has purged its military leadership The increase in defense spending to 1.9 trillion yuan ($270 billion) comes against the backdrop of a widespread purge of military officials over corruption charges. Analysts believe the dismissals are meant both to reform and modernize the military and to ensure Communist Party control over the Peoples Liberation Army. Nine military officers were among 19 delegates dismissed from the National Peoples Congress ahead of this years meeting. This years report to the Congress repeated the governments commitment to the Partys absolute leadership over the peoples armed forces. Then it added a new line: Guided by the principle of ensuring political loyalty in the military, we will continue to improve military political conduct. KEN MORITSUGU & CHAN HO-HIM, BEIJING, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... On The Agenda The GuangdongHong KongMacao Greater Bay Area (GBA) again featured prominently in Chinas annual Government Work Report delivered yesterday as the National Peoples Congress opened in Beijing. Premier Li Qiang outlined the governments policy priorities for 2026, reaffirming support for the development of major regional economic clusters, including the GBA, as part of Chinas strategy to promote high-quality growth and technological innovation. According to the report, the government will continue advancing coordinated development within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, strengthening collaboration among cities and promoting the integration of scientific research, industrial innovation and modern manufacturing. The initiative is also intended to reinforce Chinas broader push to build globally competitive technology and innovation hubs. The GBA was referenced in the reports section on regional development strategies, which calls for accelerating the construction of world-class city clusters and expanding cooperation between mainland cities and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau. Authorities said the region will continue serving as a pilot area for reforms in areas such as cross-border finance, technology transfer and professional mobility. Chinese media noted that this marks the tenth consecutive year the Greater Bay Area has appeared in the Government Work Report since the initiative was first included in the national policy agenda in 2017. The project, which links nine cities in Guangdong province with Hong Kong and Macau, has become one of the central pillars of Chinas regional development strategy. Officials said development of the GBA will focus on strengthening innovation capacity, improving infrastructure connectivity and promoting deeper industrial cooperation across the region. Plans include further integration of supply chains, expanded collaboration among research institutions and companies, and support for emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and green technology. The report also emphasised the role of major economic regions in supporting Chinas broader economic objectives, including stabilising growth, upgrading industrial capabilities and expanding domestic demand. Authorities say continued development of the Greater Bay Area will contribute to Chinas efforts to build a modern economic system while reinforcing the regions position as one of the countrys most dynamic centres for trade, technology and innovation. Like this: Like Loading... Iran launched a new wave of attacks Thursday morning at Israel, American bases and countries around the region, threatening that the United States would bitterly regret torpedoing an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean and calling for Trumps blood, while Israel said it hit multiple targets in Iran. Israel announced multiple incoming missile attacks and air sirens sounded in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Iranian state television said additional strikes also targeted U.S. bases. The Israeli military said it had hit 80 targets in Lebanon linked to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group over the past 24 hours and that a wave of strikes on Iran had hit long range ballistic missile launch sites and other targets. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. Navy of committing an an atrocity at sea for sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, which killed at least 87 Iranian sailors. Mark my words: The U.S. will come to bitterly regret (the) precedent it has set, he said on social media. Ayatollah Abdollah Javadi Amoli, in one of the few clerical statements so far from Iran, later called on state television for the shedding of both Israeli and Trumps blood. Fight the oppressive America, his blood is on my shoulders, he said in a rare call for violence from an ayatollah, one of the highest ranks within the clergy of Shiite Islam. The U.S. and Israel launched the war Saturday, targeting Irans leadership and killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as hitting its missile arsenal and nuclear facilities. Leaders have suggested toppling the government is a goal, but the exact aims and timelines have repeatedly shifted, signaling an open-ended conflict. The war has killed more than 1,000 people in Iran, more than 70 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. It has disrupted the supply of the worlds oil and gas, snarled international shipping and stranded hundreds of thousands of travelers in the Middle East. Threats expanding across the Middle East A drone crashed Thursday near the airport in Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijan exclave bordering the north of Iran that is separated from the rest of the country by Armenia. Another drone fell near a school and two civilians were injured, Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry said. Iran has not acknowledged targeting Azerbaijan, but its attacks since the start of the war have spread erratically and involved regional countries and beyond. Qatar evacuated residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha as a temporary precaution Thursday and later reported a missile attack on the city. Saudi Arabia said it destroyed a drone in its province bordering Jordan. A tanker apparently came under attack off the coast of Kuwait early Thursday, expanding the area where commercial shipping was in danger, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center run by the British military. It said there was an explosion but did not offfer a cause. Iran in the past has attacked ships by attaching limpet mines to them. Prior attacks since fighting began Saturday have happened in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, which connects it to the Persian Gulf and through which about a fifth of the worlds oil is shipped. U.S. stocks rebounded Wednesday after oil prices stopped spiking and reports gave encouraging updates on the American economy. But oil prices resumed their ascent early Thursday and Brent crude, the international standard, is now up some 15% from the start of the conflict as Iranian attacks have disrupted traffic through the strait. Iranian warship sunk on way home from multinational exercises The Iranian ship sunk by the U.S. Navy was on its way back from participating in a February exercise hosted by the Indian navy. The U.S. Navy also participated in the same exercise with a P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which is employed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare as well as surveillance and reconnaissance. Sri Lankan authorities said 32 crew members were rescued, while its navy recovered 87 bodies. Araghchi said it had been carrying almost 130 crew. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Wednesday that an American submarine had sunk the ship with a torpedo. Israel says it hits more Hezbollah targets in Lebanon U.S. and Israeli military officials say launches from Iran have declined as their attacks have taken out ballistic missiles, launchers and drones. Israels Homefront Command announced it was easing restrictions that closed workplaces nationwide, which could reopen Thursday if there is a shelter nearby. Schools would remain closed. Still, explosions sounded early Thursday in Israel, which said its defensive systems were moving to intercept at least three waves of Iranian missiles. At least 1,045 people have been killed in Iran, the countrys Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs said Wednesday. Eleven people have died in Israel. Six U.S. troops have been killed, including a major whose identity was released Wednesday. Among the 80 targets in Lebanon that the Israel military said it hit over the past 24 hours were several command centers used by Hezbollah in Beirut. It showed video footage of a building being hit, but provided no further details. JON GAMBRELL, DAVID RISING, ELENA BECATOROS & SAMY MAGDY, DUBAI, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... For those who love the K-pop girl group: Has a more thrilling phrase than Blackpink in your area! ever been uttered by an artist? Blinks, the moniker for fans of Blackpink, have been waiting for a proper group comeback from the foursome for more than three years. Jisoo, Jennie, Rose and Lisa have been busy with solo projects, but they only had to say Jump last summer for fans to gobble up the hardstyle, Eurodance extravaganza of a single. Eight months later, theyve released a third EP, Deadline. At five tracks (four solid hits, Jump included) it is not nothing, but for Blinks it is like giving steak once every few years to a starving lion. Compared with other K-pop bands, Blackpink, debuting in 2016, has had relatively fewer comebacks (in K-pop industry lingo, a comeback is each time an artist releases a new single or album). However, Blackpinks catchy songs, energetic choreography and undeniable charisma have propelled the group to a level of incredible stardom. With Deadline, they serve, serve, serve, serve and swerve. As a group known for quick tempo tracks, Blackpink should know by now to avoid the sob section. The sole ballad, titled Fxxxboy, features emotional lyrics and beautiful voices, but doesnt quite land musically with its simple guitar line. In a surprising twist of events, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is credited on Go a song with an industrial sound underscored by bone-vibrating bass for both lyrics and music. His contributions become clear at the bridge, when the track morphs into the most Coldplay sound ever, led by Jennies voice. Me and My is a classic slow R&B jam featuring a very subtle Latin jazz trumpet. It is co-produced and written by controversial hitmaker Dr. Luke, as is Champion, a puzzling yet hypnotizing anthemic rock single that cycles through 70s strings, 90s smooth rock and a bit of pop-punk. As a globally famous K-pop band, Blackpink has begun experimenting more with singing entirely in English with Korean lyrics peppered in. The culmination of that approach is Deadline, where the only song to feature some Korean-language lyrics is Jump. Its a practical choice for international music markets, but purists might grumble that the K is slowly disappearing from the pop. Overall, the mini-album is a satisfying chapter in the bands discography. The lyrics to Champion say it best: And if I take a L I still fight, a neologism for loss, signifying defeat. The spirit of resiliency is there but this record is full of wins. CRISTINA JALERU, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected his new destroyer for two straight days ahead of its commissioning and observed a test of cruise missiles fired from the warship, vowing to accelerate the nuclear-armament of his navy, state media said yesterday. The Norths official Korean Central News Agency said Kim, during his visits to the western shipyard of Nampo on Tuesday and Wednesday, also inspected the construction of a third destroyer of the same class as his 5,000-ton warship, the Choe Hyon, first unveiled in April 2025. Kim has hailed the development of Choe Hyon as a significant advancement toward his goal of expanding the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military. State media says the ship is designed to handle various weapons systems, including antiair and anti-naval weapons, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. South Korean military officials and experts say Choe Hyon was likely built with Russian assistance amid deepening military ties, but some have raised doubts about whether its ready for active service. North Korea unveiled a second destroyer of the same class in May last year, but it was damaged during a botched launching ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin, triggering a furious reaction from Kim, who called the failure criminal. North Korea has said the new destroyer, named Kang Kon, was relaunched in June after repair, but outside experts have questioned whether the ship is fully operational. After observing Choe Hyons sea trials on Tuesday, Kim said the ship met operational requirements and called it a symbol of the countrys expanding naval capabilities. He called for building two warships a year over the next five years of the same or higher class as the Choe Hyon. Kim came back Wednesday to observe a test launch of cruise missiles from the Choe Hyon. State media published photos of him watching from shore as several projectiles rose from the vessel in plumes of white smoke and described the weapons as strategic, a term used for nuclear-capable systems. After years of spurring ballistic missile development, Kim has shifted his focus more toward naval capabilities, including an ongoing construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. KCNA said the third destroyer under construction at the Nampo shipyard is expected to be completed by the ruling Workers Partys founding anniversary in October. Naval capabilities were also a key focus when Kim outlined his five-year military goals at last months Workers Party congress, which included calls for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of being launched from underwater. Kim on Tuesday claimed that his efforts to arm his navy with nuclear weapons were making satisfactory progress. He said those purported advancements would constitute a radical change in defending our maritime sovereignty, something that we have not achieved for half a century. KCNA did not elaborate on what Kim meant. Some analysts say North Korea may be preparing to formally declare a maritime boundary that could encroach on waters controlled by rival South Korea. As inter-Korean tensions worsen, Kim has repeatedly said he does not recognize the Northern Limit Line, drawn by the U.S.-led U.N. Command at the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. The poorly drawn western sea boundary has been the site of several deadly naval clashes in past years. At the party congress, Kim doubled down on plans to expand North Koreas nuclear arsenal, which already is equipped with various weapons systems threatening the United States and U.S. allies in Asia, and confirmed his hard-line view of rival South Korea. But he left the door open for dialogue with the Trump administration, reiterating Pyongyangs demand that Washington drop its insistence on denuclearization as a precondition for resuming long-stalled talks. KIM TONG-HYUNG, SEOUL, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Punch the baby orphan macaque is outgrowing the orangutan plushie that comforted him through early rejection from his mother and other monkeys. Images of Punch dragging around the toy bigger than him drew attention to the residents of a zoo near Tokyo. When other monkeys shooed the baby away, Punch rushed back to the toy orangutan, hugging it for comfort. But hes been using the toy less. On a recent day, Punch was seen climbing on the back of another monkey, sitting with adults and sometimes getting groomed or hugged. It was good to see him grow, and Im reassured, said Sanae Izumi, a 61-year-old Punch fan from Osaka who came to the zoo because she was worried about the baby monkey. He is adorable! Punch was abandoned by his mother after his birth, presumably because of exhaustion. Zookeepers nursed him and gave him the toy to train him to cling, an ability newborn macaques need to survive. Helping Punch learn the rules of monkey society and being accepted as a member is our most important task, said Kosuke Kano, a 24-year-old zookeeper. Punch was so popular after images of him and his toy showed up online last month, the zoo had to set rules to make visitors be quiet and to limit viewing to 10 minutes to reduce stress for the more than 50 other monkeys. Punch eschewing the toy most of the time now is a good thing. When he grows out of the plush toy that encourages his independence, and thats what we are hoping for, zoo director Shigekazu Mizushina said. Punch still sleeps with his toy every night, but Mizushina said the next thing keepers want to see is Punch bunched up with other monkeys to sleep. MARI YAMAGUCHI, ICHIKAWA, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... The Premier of the Peoples Republic of China, Li Qiang, outlined support for Hong Kong and Macaus prosperity under One country, two systems during the National Peoples Congress in Beijing. Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, attending Thursdays session, vowed to sync the citys growth with Chinas 15th Five-Year Plan, seizing national opportunities to advance economic diversification and regional integration. According to the Government Information Bureau (GCS), the CE said that this year is the opening year for achieving the goals and tasks of the national 15th Five-Year Plan, and affirmed that the SAR government would firmly grasp the opportunities brought by the national strategy for Macaus development and integrate into the countrys overall progress. During the session, Li stressed unwavering commitment to One country, two systems, Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong, and Macau people governing Macau with high autonomy and patriots in charge. He vowed to enhance governance effectiveness, support economic diversification, and help the regions leverage their unique advantages backed by the motherland while connecting to the world. The 15th Five-Year Plan (20262030), featuring a dedicated chapter on Hong Kong and Macau, backs Macaus buildout as One Centre, One Platform, One Base, One Highland targeting a tourism and leisure hub, trade cooperation platform, ChinaPortugal economic bridge, and cultural exchange highland. Key support areas include traditional Chinese medicine, specialized finance, high-tech development, and conventions and exhibitions; deepening GuangdongHong KongMacau ties; and advancing major projects such as the GuangzhouZhuhai (Macau) High-speed Railway, The MacaoHengqin International Education (University) Town, and the Macau International Airport Hengqin Upstream Cargo Terminal. Sam hailed central government support as a fundamental guarantee for the citys economic diversification and improved livelihoods. He also pledged to align Macaus third five-year development plan with national goals. These priorities continue to include finance, traditional Chinese medicine and health, technology, conventions and exhibitions, trade, and culture. Speaking to media outside the venue Thursday, lawmaker Kevin Ho noted the new plans comprehensive coverage of the economy, livelihoods, education, health, and security. Ahead of the session, the Communist Party of Chinas Hong Kong and Macao affairs chief Xia Baolong met the Macau CE on March 4, praising his teams reforms, security safeguards, and Greater Bay Area development push. Director Xia called for continued adherence to, and improvement of, the executive-led system of governance, ongoing enhancement of governance in accordance with the law, and more proactive efforts to advance appropriate economic diversification particularly the development of the GuangdongMacau Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, GCS noted. Xia urged Macau to shine as One Centre, One Platform, One Base through national integration. Like this: Like Loading... Despite rising tensions in Iran, stockpiles of European goods should cover local demand for up to three months, according to the Macau Union Suppliers Association. President of the association, Sunny Ip, recently confirmed that short-term supplies within the region remain steady and said that the citys imports from Europe and Africa account for 10% to 20%. He highlighted that the regions diversified trade streams and stock reserves are sufficient to cover short-term demand; however, he predicts that imports of dairy from Europe are likely to rise in price due to geopolitical unrest. Ip noted, While retaining European supplies, suppliers have significantly increased purchases of dairy products from Australia, New Zealand, and mainland China, forming a diversified supply structure to withstand various supply chain shocks. Since the pandemic, the president said suppliers have prepared and learned how to avoid risks within their supply chains. Macaus unit value index increased by 1.9% in 2025, marking the sharpest increase since 2012, according to the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). Ip described the trajectory as clearly upward and attributes the rising costs directly to severe disruptions on major trade routes. The president explained that the crisis in the Red Sea has already doubled the shipping cycle between Europe and Asia from one month to over two. He warned that if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the shipping period could rise to three months or even longer. His warning follows a recent Reuters report that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards said they would target vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and disrupt the worlds busiest oil shipping channel. The impact is already being felt on specific European imports. Ip pointed out that shipments of Portuguese red wine, olive oil, and sardines are currently taking more than two months to reach Macau, double the original time, and he believes this may soon extend to three months. These prolonged shipping times are driving up costs across the board. Ip also noted that freight rates are expected to climb due to rising oil prices, while exchange rate volatility in affected regions adds another layer of uncertainty to trade. As a result, businesses are being forced to adapt their logistics. With shipping times on the rise, businesses need to reserve longer inventory periods, Ip said. He concluded, Rising costs across all stages of the supply chain will inevitably push up import prices. Ricaela Diputado Like this: Like Loading... Voting was peaceful Thursday in Nepals first nationwide election since a violent, youth-led uprising forced the government from power in September. Security forces patrolled streets and guarded polling stations across the Himalayan nation of about 30 million people as voters lined up to cast their ballots. Vote counting is set to begin later Thursday, with results expected over the weekend. Campaigning and voting through Thursday had not been disrupted by any incidents of violence, officials said. There is huge excitement about this election among the people, and we anticipate the voter turnout to be at least 65%, Nepals acting chief election commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said. Authorities banned vehicles from the streets and prohibited political rallies and public gatherings. All forms of campaigning are barred on election day. People crowded polling stations from the mountains in the north to the southern plains districts. At the main square in capital city Kathmandu, men and women stood in separate lines under the warm spring sun while police officers and soldiers maintained a tight security presence around the area. I came to vote mainly because of the protest and so many people gave their lives in the hope of a change, in hope of seeing better Nepal, said Luniva, a first-time voter. Hopefully, I want to see my country become better by all the sacrifices that have been made. Others shared similar hopes that the election could usher in positive change for the Himalayan nation after months of political unrest. I felt someone I am able to fulfill and responsibility as a person and a citizen because each of our votes matters, said Sanjiya Shrestha, who walked to the polling station despite begin visually impaired. Young voters joined older generations at polling stations across the country, with many lining up even before voting began at 7 a.m. There are about 19 million registered voters among the countrys nearly 30 million people, according to the Election Commission of Nepal. Millions of Nepalis living overseas are unable to take part in the vote. An estimated 3 million citizens work abroad largely in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and neighboring India and cannot cast ballots because the country does not yet have a system allowing voting from abroad. Voters are directly electing 165 members to the House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Parliament. The remaining 110 seats in the 275-member body will be allocated through a proportional representation system, under which political parties nominate lawmakers based on their share of the vote. The election is widely seen as a three-way contest, shaped by voter frustration over widespread corruption and demands for greater government accountability. The National Independent Party, founded in 2022, is considered the front-runner, posing a strong challenge to two long-dominant parties: the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified MarxistLeninist). The new partys prime ministerial candidate is rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, who won the 2022 Kathmandu mayoral race and emerged as a leading figure in the 2025 uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. BINAJ GURUBACHARYA, KATHMANDU, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... An Indonesian woman is under investigation for allegedly defrauding six victims of more than MOP1.1 million by posing as a Taobao customer service representative. The 35-year-old suspect, a domestic helper, was arrested in a residential flat in the northern district on Wednesday following police investigations into reports from three locals who respectively lost MOP500,000, MOP86,000, and MOP273,000 to a scam involving impersonation of a Taobao customer service representative in November last year. The Judiciary Police (PJ) held a special press conference yesterday to provide details about the arrest, revealing that the victims received automated text messages from Taobao regarding the cancellation of insurance plans. According to the police, the victims fell into the scam after calling a designated phone number, where they spoke with individuals claiming to be customer service representatives. Following the instructions given, the victims enabled the screen-sharing feature on their communication apps and transferred funds to a specific bank account, which was later identified as belonging to the suspect. Police confirmed that six local residents fell victim to the same scam, being instructed to deposit funds into the involved bank account. While the suspect claimed to charge only MOP2,200 as a fee for opening the bank account for her fellow countrymen, the total losses reported were significantly higher. Police stated that, given the evidence indicating the suspect committed substantial fraud and money laundering, she was referred to the prosecutors office yesterday for further investigation. The inquiry remains ongoing, and authorities are currently pursuing other individuals involved in the scam. Illegal currency exchange operations The PJ also announced the arrest of three mainland Chinese individuals for their involvement in an illegal currency exchange operation in Macau yesterday, which they reportedly initiated late last year. Police said that the arrests were made during routine inspections at several major hotel casinos on Wednesday, where the suspects were intercepted while allegedly conducting illegal currency exchanges. At the time of their arrest, the three individuals were reportedly exchanging RMB9,150 for HKD10,000 in casino chips, RMB4,600 for HKD5,000 in chips, and RMB4,525 for HKD5,000 in chips through QR code transfers to gamblers. According to police, all three suspects claimed to be unemployed and admitted to engaging in illegal currency exchange since late last year. Each suspect disclosed their profit margins, stating they earned approximately HKD200 per transaction, totaling around RMB5,000 in profits, and making roughly HKD100 for every HKD10,000 exchanged. Police reportedly recovered various items during the arrests, including a mobile phone, HKD10,000 in cash, and HKD56,000 in chips from one suspect; HKD60,000 in cash and a mobile phone from another; and two mobile phones along with HKD6,500 in cash and chips from a third suspect. All suspects, both male and female, were transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) yesterday. Like this: Like Loading... Spain has garnered much attention amid the imperialist war waged by the US and Israel against Iran. Pedro Sanchez and the Spanish government have emphatically opposed the criminal military campaign. Sanchez is presented by international public opinion as the most courageous and daring western leader in openly opposing Trump and Netanyahus war. What does this mean and what position should we communists defend? [This article was originally published on 5 March at comunistasrevolucionarios.org. A postscript with more recent updates is included at the end of this article.] The Trump-Sanchez clash The confrontation between the US and Spain has been growing in recent days and has now reached its climax. The most recent events began on Monday, 1 March, when the Spanish government denied the US government permission to continue using the two American bases it has on Spanish territory (Moron, in Seville, and Rota, in Cadiz) as platforms for intervention in the war against Iran. The truth is that in the weeks and days leading up to the imperialist attack, dozens of US fighter jets, tanker planes, and surveillance aircraft had used these bases in preparation for the attack with the knowledge of the Spanish government. The change in position by the Sanchez government forced the US to transfer a squadron of 14 large tanker and logistics transport aircraft from the Moron and Rota bases to Germany and the United Kingdom, so that they could continue to operate in support of the attack on Iran. The following day, at a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, Trump strongly attacked Spains position. He stated that Spain is a terrible ally and even threatened to cut off all trade and relations with Spain. In an arrogant tone, he added: We could use their bases if we wanted to, we could just fly in and use it, nobody is going to tell us not to use it, but we dont have to. Merz, who was present, took a cowardly stance, remaining silent while an EU partner was being attacked. He even joined in Trumps criticism. When Trump shouts, western leaders bow their heads servilely. So one might have expected Sanchez to back down from his tough stance on the Iran war. But what we saw at the press conference on 4 March was that in response to Trumps threats and reproaches, instead of cowering, Sanchez raised his voice in defiance. During his appearance, Sanchez said: The Spanish governments position can be summed up in three words: No to war. We will not support this disaster. In a direct criticism of other western leaders and the Spanish right wing, who openly support the US imperialist attack, he stated: Some will say that this is naive. What is naive is to think that violence is the solution. Or to think that blind and servile obedience is leadership. He added, in direct reference to Trump: We will not be complicit in something bad for the world, for fear of reprisals from anyone. Sanchez drew a parallel between the present war and the 2003 Iraq War, which was unanimously opposed by Spanish society and which, on 11 March 2004, resulted in the worst terrorist attack on Spanish soil, leading to 202 deaths. Sanchez ended his speech by saying, in a further direct reference to Trump: In Spain, we are against this disaster because we understand that governments are there to improve peoples lives, not to make them worse, and it is unacceptable that those leaders who are incapable of fulfilling this task use the smoke of war to hide their failure and, in passing, line the pockets of a few. Feeling the humiliating international impact of Sanchezs challenge, the response of the Trump administration has been hysterical and theatrical. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent replied that by refusing to support the war, the Spanish are going to put American lives at risk. This is the height of cynicism. The only thing putting the lives of American soldiers at risk is Trumps warmongering adventure. It was he who bombed a country unprovoked, with the blatant aim of overthrowing its government. The most scandalous reaction came from White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, who stated shortly afterwards that Spain has agreed to cooperate militarily in the last few hours. This was immediately denied by Spanish Foreign Minister Albares, who responded to the press: I categorically deny this. The Spanish governments position on the war in the Middle East, the bombings in Iran, and the use of our bases has not changed one iota. He added: Our position of no to war remains clear and unequivocal. Sanchez and Europe facing Trump The truth must be told. It is not that Sanchez has unique personal qualities that place him above other western leaders. In fact, Sanchez is repeating the same old liberal-bourgeois mantra: trust in the UN, international law, diplomacy, etc. Sanchez is also careful to emphasise his criticism of the Iranian regime before naming or criticising the US, presenting the aggressor and the victim as equals. Even his refusal to get involved militarily in this conflict is not as categorical or courageous as he wants it to seem. Bowing to imperialist pressure, he has used the Iranian attack on the British base there as an excuse to get involved, sending a single frigate to support Cyprus. This is despite the fact that the British government confirmed at the last minute that the drones that hit its base in Cyprus were not launched by Iran. It is not that Sanchez is brave. It is that we have never seen such a level of servility, cowardice, and indolence from western governments European ones in particular toward their American friend. Deep down, it is not just a question of cowardice, but of class interests. The US and Israel defend the interests of all these scoundrels. Sanchezs position, in truth, goes beyond his personal characteristics. It is a reflection of the long and militant tradition of irreconcilable opposition by the Spanish working class and youth to imperialist wars. Sanchez is an outsider; he does not come from within the establishment and does not have the same class ties that other social democratic leaders, not to mention conservatives, have with the ruling class. This is why he operates with a greater degree of independence than other European political leaders with regard to their respective capitalist classes and US imperialism. He is an adventurer, with a certain amount of audacity, who constantly swings from one side to the other. He knows how to rely on the masses when he needs to, especially in moments of political weakness. When this is secured, he swings towards the ruling class and its interests. The reality is that since Sanchez has been in government, military spending has increased by 70 percent. He has fully supported the war in Ukraine and he has yielded to pressure from Morocco by accepting its sovereignty over Western Sahara without a democratic referendum to endorse it. Beyond this, Sanchez makes no secret of his ambitions to be recognised as a world-class statesman, standing up to Trump. He is waiting for Trump to suffer a defeat in the US midterm elections in November, to vindicate himself and use this against the pro-US Spanish right wing. Undoubtedly, the longer this war drags on, the greater the price the Spanish right wing will pay for its servile support for Trump in this hugely unpopular conflict. Our position We emphatically reject this imperialist war. We unconditionally defend Iran. We long for the defeat of imperialism, which is the main enemy of the worlds working class and all oppressed peoples, and we call for international mobilisation against this war. Only the Iranian people have the right to settle accounts with the dictatorship of the mullahs. As far as the Spanish governments position is concerned, we support its stance of rejecting the war and refusing to collaborate with the imperialist bandits involved in it. But this position is insufficient. The US bases on Spanish territory are of no use to the Spanish working class. On the contrary, they serve imperialist interests and could be used tomorrow against the revolutionary struggle of Spanish workers against the capitalist system. Therefore, we demand the cancellation of the agreement with the US and the immediate withdrawal of US troops from Spanish soil. Furthermore, we demand Spains withdrawal from NATO. We demand the holding of a referendum in which the population can express its opinion on this issue. And what about the economic measures proposed by President Sanchez to deal with provoked by US and Israeli imperialism? Sanchez says that the Spanish economy is strong enough to withstand the rise in oil and gas prices caused by the conflict, implying that the public budget will be used to cushion the rise in fuel and energy prices for businesses and consumers. In short, indirectly, through our taxes, working-class families will be asked to pay the cost of the rise in fuel and electricity prices. In view of this, we demand the nationalisations of the oil and electricity companies under workers control without compensation except for small shareholders on the basis of need. Similarly, the entire arms industry, with all its blood-soaked profits, must be expropriated and converted for socially useful purposes. Young people and workers must be mobilised against the imperialist war in Iran and against the threats and arrogance of the Trump administration. The Spanish state is in a unique position to take the first step in generating a powerful, global anti-war movement. The left, trade unions, and social movements must join forces and call for an initial major day of mobilisation throughout the country. This could be used to launch an international appeal against the imperialist war in Iran and against the governments that support it, beginning with a direct appeal to the powerful working class of the United States and its youth. Complete disengagement of the Spanish state from this criminal war! Bring back the frigate and the ship sent to Cyprus! US and Israel, hands off Iran! Let the rich and the militarists pay for the war! Class war against imperialism! In the face of capitalist barbarism, socialist revolution! Postscript This article was published shortly before the Sanchez governments decision to send a frigate and a supply ship to a military base in Cyprus to participate in defensive tasks and the eventual evacuation of people, according to a statement made by Defence Minister Margarita Robles. Using the excuse of a drone launched over a British base in Cyprus that is being used for attacks against Iran, the origins of which are unclear, Cyprus and the UK have requested military support to defend this military base from future attacks, and the Spanish government has joined in by sending the aforementioned ships. At this point, we must reevaluate the enigmatic words of White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt last Wednesday when she stated that in recent hours, Spain has decided to cooperate militarily with the US, which was categorically denied by Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. Leavitt's words came in parallel with a meeting between Defense Minister Margarita Robles and the US ambassador in Madrid, Benjamin Leon. Scandalously, nothing has been said about that meeting. What does the Sanchez government have to hide? Hours later, the government announced the dispatch of two ships to Cyprus to collaborate in the defense of the Akrotiri military base, which will be used by the US in its war against Iran. The situation is very clear. Spain has committed itself to this reactionary war alongside the US and Israel. The fact that the government if we take its words at face value is, at the moment, prohibiting the US from using the bases in Moron and Rota for its war with Iran does not negate this other fact, which implies clear Spanish participation in the conflict on the US side. Clearly, the government has been unable to stand firm in the face of pressure from the US government, from key sectors of the Spanish ruling class that have panicked, and from the Spanish military, which maintains strong ties with the US. This also helps the right wing, which is now accusing the government of deceiving the population with a false pacifist stance. It helps to create confusion and disillusionment among a section of the population that had been enthusiastic about what seemed to be a courageous position by the progressive Spanish government on this criminal war. The decision by the leaders of SUMAR and Izquierda Unida to justify the government's actions discredits these organisations as political forces committed to the struggle against this imperialist war. The rank and file of Izquierda Unida, in particular, must demand an immediate rectification from their leaders. Le Cabinet a approuve la mise en place dun nouveau regime dallocations sous legide du National Solidarity Fund. Ce dispositif sadresse specifiquement aux victimes de violence domestique residant temporairement dans des centres dhebergement. Cabinet has agreed to the introduction of a new scheme under the National Solidarity Fund (NSF) for the payment of an allowance for a period not exceeding two months to victims of domestic violence residing in shelters. The scheme will be applicable to victims of domestic violence who are issued a Protection Order from the Court Magistrate, and residing in shelters run by Non-Governmental Organisations recognised by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare. Assistance will be granted for the first two months of stay of the victim in a shelter. The objective of the scheme is to promote the economic empowerment of victims of domestic violence. It will be a critical step towards helping them to regain their autonomy, security and dignity in the society. It will also play a transformative role by allowing victims to address their immediate personal needs and create a pathway for their long-term stability. The eligibility criteria, guidelines and mode of operation for the new scheme have been worked out by the NSF. Resume en Francais Criteres deligibilite et duree Pour beneficier de cette aide, la victime doit remplir les conditions suivantes : Criteres deligibilite et dureePour beneficier de cette aide, la victime doit remplir les conditions suivantes : Protection judiciaire : Detenir un ordre de protection (Protection Order) emis par un magistrat. Hebergement : Resider dans un refuge gere par une organisation non gouvernementale reconnue par le ministere de lEgalite des genres et du Bien-etre de la famille. Periode : Lassistance financiere est accordee pour les deux premiers mois de sejour au sein du centre. Objectifs de la mesure Ce programme vise a favoriser lautonomie et la dignite des victimes a travers : Lautonomisation economique : Permettre aux victimes de subvenir a leurs besoins personnels immediats. La securite et la stabilite : Faciliter la transition vers une situation de vie stable et securisee sur le long terme. La reintegration sociale : Aider les victimes a retrouver leur independance au sein de la societe. Les modalites operationnelles et les directives precises de ce regime ont deja ete finalisees par le National Solidarity Fund. Sous la presidence du vice-Premier ministre, un comite interministeriel sest reuni a cinq reprises avec les principales parties prenantes, incluant le secteur prive et les syndicats, pour definir une strategie de survie jugee extremement urgente pour le port. Cabinet has taken note of the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Strategy for Port Development under the chair of the Deputy Prime Minister which met on five occasions and during which discussions were held with the representatives of the Prime Ministers Office, the Economic Development Board, the Mauritius Ports Authority, the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd, the private sector and the Trade Unions of both the Mauritius Ports Authority and the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd. Discussions were focused on key strategic themes, including review of the port governance model, acquisition of port equipment, training and employee relations, opening of share capital to Shipping Lines as well as the implementation of the Island Container Terminal Project which was raised by the Prime Minister during his recent mission to India. It was unanimously agreed that there is extreme urgency to devise a new strategy for the survival of the port. Cabinet has agreed to the Inter-Ministerial Committee pursuing negotiations with two strategic shipping lines for the latter to enter the capital of the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd alongside Government, as minority shareholders. The shipping lines will then bring commercial discipline, operational expertise, provide mobile cranes as required, critical direct incentive to route vessels through Port Louis and grow traffic volumes. Discussions with Trade Unions will also be pursued. Cabinet has further agreed to the Mauritius Ports Authority refocusing its role as the sole authority to regulate and control the port sector and provide marine services; and the Cargo Handling Corporation Ltd as the unique operator of the Port. Nigerian authorities have suspended all pilgrimages to Israel and the occupied West lands with immediate effect, citing security risks arising from the escalating Middle East conflict. The announcement was made by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), which said the decision prioritises the safety and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims. The regional conflict intensified after US and Israeli strikes on Iran reportedly killed the countrys supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, triggering widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations across the Middle East. Rev. John Hayab of the Christian Association of Nigeria said about 600 Nigerian pilgrims who had been in Israel and the West Bank were evacuated through Jordan and safely returned to Nigeria after the conflict erupted on Saturday. The suspension covers both government-sponsored pilgrimages and trips organised by private tour operators. Officials indicated that the ban will remain in place until the security situation in the region stabilises. Thousands of Nigerian Christians travel annually to biblical sites such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth, with many planning their journeys around Easter, which falls in a month. Meanwhile, some Nigerian Muslims travelling for Umrah to Mecca have also been affected by flight cancellations, leaving several pilgrims stranded, including travellers in Kano who had already secured tickets and accommodation. Somalias Parliament on Wednesday approved a long-awaited new constitution, bringing to an end years of review and political debate over the countrys governance framework. During a session broadcast live on Somali National Television, a total of 222 lawmakers including 185 members of the House of the People and 37 senators voted in favour of adopting the document. Under the new constitution, the president will continue to be elected by parliament, while lawmakers will be chosen directly by the public. The president will appoint the prime minister, although parliament will retain the power to dismiss the premier. The constitution introduces stricter eligibility requirements for top offices. A presidential candidate must be a Somali citizen by birth and cannot run if their mother is a foreign national. The president, prime minister, speaker of parliament and chief justice are also barred from holding dual citizenship and must renounce any foreign nationality. They are further prohibited from having a spouse who is a foreign national. The presidency will be limited to a maximum of two terms. The document also centralises foreign policy powers, granting the federal government exclusive authority to sign bilateral agreements and preventing regional states from conducting independent negotiations with foreign governments. In addition, the constitution sets the age of religious maturity at 15 and legal responsibility at 18, while extending the governments term of office from four to five years. The constitution will take legal effect once signed by the president, replacing the provisional 2012 constitution that guided Somalias federal system during the countrys post-civil war reconstruction. The review process had been marked by disagreements between the federal government and regional administrations over issues including the electoral system, power sharing and the status of the capital, Mogadishu. Ethiopia and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have reaffirmed, on March 4, their growing development partnership, pledging stronger collaboration across infrastructure, macroeconomic reforms, energy development and climate priorities as the country pushes forward with its structural transformation agenda. The commitment emerged during a meeting in Addis Ababa where State Minister of Finance Semereta Sewasew hosted a high-level AfDB delegation led by newly appointed Executive Director, Cafriene Ronald Justin. The talks reviewed the Banks ongoing projects in Ethiopia and explored future strategic priorities. According to the Ministry of Finance, the AfDB remains one of Ethiopias key multilateral development partners, supporting projects in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, private sector development, climate action and economic reform. Sewasew noted that the Banks financial and policy support has helped stabilise the countrys fiscal framework and sustain ongoing reforms aimed at achieving inclusive economic growth. Infrastructure development was highlighted as a central pillar of the partnership, including the proposed Bishoftu Airport Mega Project, which Ethiopia views as a major continental aviation hub to boost logistics capacity, regional connectivity and trade across Africa. The AfDBs investments in Ethiopia are heavily concentrated in the energy sector, supporting efforts to expand power generation, strengthen transmission networks and promote renewable energy. The discussions also covered climate finance initiatives and preparations linked to COP32, with Ethiopia seeking to position itself as a regional clean energy hub. Both sides further emphasised the need to strengthen private sector participation and agricultural transformation, including the development of the poultry value chain to create jobs, enhance food security and stimulate rural incomes. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to accelerate project implementation and deepen cooperation to support Ethiopias long-term economic transformation and regional integration. Ambassador urges US to implement leaders' consensus 10:42, March 06, 2026 By ZHANG YUNBI ( China Daily Xie Feng, a member of the 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee and Chinese ambassador to the United States, said the future of China-US ties is bright, as he urged Washington to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state with concrete actions. "When it comes to China-US relations, history has repeatedly proven that cooperation would benefit both sides and that confrontation would hurt both," Xie told reporters in Beijing on Thursday on the sidelines of the annual two sessions. Currently, China is the third-largest export destination and the third-largest source of imports for the US, while the US is China's largest destination for commodity exports and the third-largest source of imports. Last year, China's trade with the US reached 4.01 trillion yuan ($580 billion), accounting for 8.8 percent of China's total import and export value in the same period, according to China's General Administration of Customs. Xie emphasized that China "has principles and bottom lines that must be upheld", saying that "we will continue to resolutely defend our sovereignty, security and development interests". "At the same time, we hope the US side will work with China toward the same goal and implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state with concrete actions," he said. The ambassador called on the US to promote stable, sound and sustainable development of China-US relations based on the three principles advocated by President Xi Jinping mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. "This will not only benefit our two countries' people but also greatly promote world peace, stability and development," he said. "In summary, the road is tortuous, but the future is bright," he added. When asked about the current international situation, particularly the military tensions regarding Iran, the ambassador quoted a poem by Comrade Mao Zedong: "The four seas are stirred up by angry clouds and waves; The five continents convulsed by the storm which raves." "Peace never falls from the sky; it is supported and secured by a powerful motherland," Xie said. "May our compatriots still in peril return home safely soon, and may peace ultimately triumph over gunfire," he added. (Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Liang Jun) Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, says his country is prepared to help mediate the escalating conflict in the Middle East as tensions rise following attacks involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Speaking on Wednesday, Ramaphosa said Pretoria stands ready to contribute to peace efforts if requested, stressing that South Africa remains committed to supporting mediation initiatives under the guidance of the United Nations. He called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to end what he described as the madness, emphasising that dialogue remains the most effective path to prevent further loss of lives. The conflict intensified after large-scale attacks on Iran were launched on 28 February by the United States and Israel, reportedly killing more than 1,000 people, including senior Iranian figures. The strikes occurred while negotiations over Irans nuclear programme were ongoing under mediation by Oman. Iran has since retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and several Gulf countries hosting American military assets, raising fears of a wider regional war. Ramaphosa described the situation as calamitous and warned that it represents one of the most dangerous developments in global security, with the risk of drawing more countries into the conflict. The South African leader also revealed that his government is engaging with several regional leaders to ensure the safety of South African citizens in the Middle East. Authorities are identifying nationals who may require assistance and are preparing possible evacuation efforts once airspace in the region reopens. Addressing the Africa Energy Indaba conference, Ramaphosa added that the conflict is already affecting African economies through rising energy prices and disruptions to supply chains. He warned that the crisis highlights the vulnerability of import-dependent economies across the continent, and underscored the need for stronger regional energy security and diversification. Police have arrested Ramashish Yadav, the welder linked to the parapet slab collapse at a Metro construction site in Mulund, nearly 14 days after the incident. Yadav was apprehended from his native village in Uttar Pradesh after an extensive search. Even as the arrest was made, a blame game emerged during interrogation. Yadav told police that his supervisor had not instructed him to stop welding, claiming he continued the work in the absence of clear directions. The February 14 incident claimed one life auto driver Ramdhan Yadav and left three others injured after a parapet slab at the under-construction Mumbai Metro Line 4 site collapsed on LBS Road in Mulund. According to police, the parapet slab had allegedly been installed on February 12 two days before the collapse and welding work was carried out the same night. Investigators said Yadav claimed he had been working as usual and was awaiting instructions from supervisor Prashant Bhoir on where to stop welding. He alleged that Bhoir did not give clear directions, after which he continued the work. During interrogation, Yadav told investigators he later realised he had welded the parapet incorrectly. After the work concluded, the workers left the site. When the slab collapsed on February 14, Yadav allegedly fled to UP. Police said Yadav did not cooperate during questioning. When we asked why he had cut the interlock between the parapet slabs, he did not provide any satisfactory explanation, an officer said. Yadav has claimed this was the first such mistake in his two-decade-long career, a claim police said they are verifying. Meanwhile, Bhoir, the site supervisor responsible for overseeing work execution by labourers as instructed by the section in charge or the project engineer, had earlier recorded his statement with the police. Investigators said Bhoir told them he had warned workers not to cut the interlock before the incident and had trusted Yadav because of his experience. He said he had blind faith in Yadav due to his long experience and was shocked when the incident occurred, a police officer said. So far, police have arrested six people, including Yadav, in connection with the case. Three accused have approached the sessions court seeking anticipatory bail. The next hearing is scheduled for March 9. The presence of stray dogs and cats within the citys court premises has sparked concern among members of the legal fraternity, with advocate Khatri Mohamed Adil urging authorities to address the issue through humane, systematic measures. In a representation to the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Adil pointed out that stray animals are frequently seen roaming within the premises of both the High Court and the Bombay City Civil and Sessions Court, including branches in Mazagaon and Dindoshi. Thousands of people pass through court premises every day lawyers, litigants, staff, witnesses and elderly citizens. When stray animals move freely in crowded corridors and near courtrooms, there is always the possibility of someone getting bitten or injured, Adil said. The issue has also reportedly been raised by the Principal District Judge of the Bombay City Civil and Sessions Court, who flagged concerns about stray animals near court entrances, corridors and even inside court buildings. Such situations can be particularly risky for elderly litigants and persons with limited mobility, including those using wheelchairs. Photographs cited in the complaint show stray dogs standing close to lawyers in their gowns and near courtroom doors and case papers. Adil said the concern should not be viewed as opposition to animals but as a need for proper management. This is not about being against animals. Leaving them to wander inside crowded court complexes is unfair to them as well. The issue is the absence of a proper system to manage stray animals in such sensitive public spaces, he said. He also raised concerns about how animals are being fed inside court compounds. According to him, food is often left behind by well-meaning individuals without any proper arrangement. Many people feed animals out of compassion, but food is sometimes thrown casually on the premises. That attracts animals but does not ensure proper nutrition or even water. Feeding should be responsible and organised, Adil said. He also pointed to the lack of clarity about whether the animals roaming inside the court premises are vaccinated. There is no mechanism to check whether these animals are vaccinated or infected. Rabies is a serious concern, and when so many people gather in one place, the risk cannot be ignored, he said. Adil referred to directions issued by the Supreme Court of India in the stray dog management case titled City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price, which emphasised humane management of stray animals through sterilisation, vaccination and relocation from sensitive public areas. He has requested the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai to deploy personnel to monitor court premises and prevent stray animals from entering crowded areas, while ensuring that animals are vaccinated, sterilised and relocated to suitable shelters. Public safety and animal welfare can go together. The solution is humane management vaccination, sterilisation and proper rehabilitation of these animals, Adil said. Copies of the representation have also been sent to the Principal District Judge of the Bombay City Civil and Sessions Court, the Mayor of Mumbai and the president of the courts Bar Association. Court premises must remain safe and orderly. At the same time, animals must be treated with care and dignity, Adil added. A 14-year-old boy died while 11 other students were injured after a slab from the first floor of a residential building collapsed onto a ground-floor tuition class in Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai, on Thursday evening. The incident occurred at the Vidya Bhavan building, where several children had gathered for tuition at the residence of teacher Shamli Chaudhary (53). A section of the slab suddenly gave way and crashed onto the ground floor, trapping the students under debris. Firefighters from the Navi Mumbai Fire Brigade and police personnel rushed to the spot and rescued 13 injured people from the rubble, including the teacher. One of the injured, Manish Mhase, 14, a Class VII student, suffered severe head injuries after a portion of the slab fell directly on him. He was taken to the Vashi Municipal Corporation Hospital but died during treatment. The remaining 11 injured students were shifted to nearby hospitals. Two were admitted to Lions Hospital and two to Sai Jyot Hospital, while the rest were treated at Apex Hospital. Doctors said all the injured children are currently out of danger. Rescue operation Fire brigade officials said the rescue operation was delicate as several children were trapped beneath the debris. In such situations, we have to work very carefully, especially when children are stuck under rubble. We used a hydraulic cutter cautiously to remove debris and rescue them safely, a fire brigade official told Mumbai Mirror. Deputy Chief Fire Officer PV Jadhav said the team had to act quickly while ensuring the safety of the trapped students. It was a critical operation as five children were stuck under the slab. During the rescue, our team kept talking to them and encouraging them to stay calm while we cleared the debris, Jadhav said. According to him, the entire operation was completed in less than 30 minutes. Firefighters rescued five children aged between 10 and 13, a five-year-old child. Doctors at Apex Hospital, Lions Club Hospital, Asalon Hospital and Sai Jyot Hospital said the injured children were brought in with injuries caused by falling debris and were immediately given emergency treatment. Most suffered cuts, bruises and suspected fractures and were kept under observation. Their condition is currently stable. Hospital authorities also said counselling support is being provided to the children and their families following the traumatic incident. Building evacuated, audit ordered Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Kailash Shinde said the Vidya Bhavan building was constructed in 1998 and houses 31 flats. Residents had been living in the building for nearly three decades. According to civic officials, the structure was legally constructed, and no action had been taken against it earlier. Shinde said the housing society had carried out renovation work about a year ago, though repairs had not been undertaken on the roof slabs.Chaudhary has been conducting tuition classes on the ground floor of the building for several years and lives there with her family. Following the collapse, civic authorities evacuated the entire building and shifted residents to temporary shelters, while some families moved to relatives homes. The Koparkhairane police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the incident. For Russia, the assassination of Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was the latest blow to President Vladimir Putins network of anti-Western partners, exposing Moscows diminished influence on the global stage from the Middle East to Latin America. Yet amid the dismay over Russias inability to challenge President Donald Trumps global reach, there is hope in the Kremlin that the United States becoming ensnared in a prolonged Middle East campaign could work to Moscows advantage particularly in its war on Ukraine, Putins top priority. For about 15 months, Moscow has watched largely from the sidelines as three friendly leaders were ousted in Syria, Venezuela, and now Iran, the latter two directly following US military action. Its clear Russia and China were not able to do anything, said a Russian academic close to senior Moscow diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity. This could impact Moscows position in relation to other partners. Russian officials have also voiced concern over Trumps suggestion of a friendly takeover of Cuba through economic pressure but again appear to have limited ability to respond. A crisis with possible benefits Despite the setbacks, Moscow is weighing potential strategic gains. A prolonged focus on Iran and the wider Middle East could reduce Washingtons bandwidth for Ukraine and increase pressure on European allies to fill the gap. Weapons systems particularly air defences could be redirected to the Middle East rather than Kyiv, which Russia continues to bombard almost nightly. Perhaps most beneficial for Moscow is the surge in oil prices following the attacks on Iran and Tehrans retaliatory strikes, including assaults on oil infrastructure in Persian Gulf countries. The price spike comes at a time when Russias wartime budget is under growing strain. Kirill Dmitriev, the Kremlins special economic envoy, predicted prices could rise above $100 per barrel. In a sign that the Kremlin was already seeking leverage, Putin warned that Russia could reroute gas supplies away from Europe. Russian oil shipments to China and India would not be affected by a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. Still, analysts caution that only a sustained disruption in Gulf supplies would significantly ease Russias wartime financial pressure. Its clear Russia is interested in a long war that will cause the Strait of Hormuz to be blocked, said a European official familiar with the situation. Ukraine war drains Moscows reach Russias invasion of Ukraine now entering its fifth year has drained much of Moscows military and diplomatic attention. Countries once firmly within Russias orbit, especially former Soviet republics in the Caucasus and Central Asia, are increasingly forging new partnerships with Turkey, China, the United States or the European Union. The Kremlins limitations have become evident even among pro-government commentators and war bloggers, who have watched U.S. operations against Iran and the swift capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with a mixture of concern and reluctant admiration. They are looking at this very effective campaign and asking why cant Russia do something like that? said foreign policy analyst Hanna Notte in an analysis for the Kennan Institute. Theres almost an element of jealousy. Allies question Moscows reliability Officials in Ukraine and Europe argue that the killing of Khamenei exposes Russias inability to protect its partners. Putin has lost three of his closest pals in little more than a year. He has also not helped any of them, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Russia is not a reliable ally even for those who rely heavily on it. Analysts say Russias military doctrine has effectively narrowed its focus to a single overriding conflict the war in Ukraine. Everything else is just collateral damage, said Andras Racz, a senior fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations. Russia and Iran deepened ties during the Syrian civil war, when Moscow provided air power to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assad while Iran deployed proxy militias. Assad, ousted last year, now lives in Russia. After Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, cooperation intensified further as both countries sought ways to circumvent Western sanctions. Iran supplied Shahed drone technology, which became a key weapon in Russias attacks on Ukraine. Even so, the partnership had limits. A 20-year strategic agreement signed last year did not include a mutual defence clause requiring either country to come to the others aid. According to a person familiar with back-channel discussions, the Kremlin had even indicated to Washington that it would not obstruct US attempts to topple Irans current regime. A warning for Putin Khameneis killing may also have unsettled Putin personally. The Russian leader has long cited the 2011 death of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi killed by a mob during Libyas civil war as a cautionary example. Analysts say Russias nuclear arsenal is seen by the Kremlin as the ultimate safeguard against similar external threats. Russia cant do much about the situation, said Russia-Iran analyst Nikita Smagin. But seeing an authoritarian leader killed in a strike makes them uneasy about how international norms are changing. Some analysts believe Moscow may still retain influence if any leadership change in Iran resembles developments in Venezuela, where Maduros removal did not end the countrys ties with Russia. His successor, Delcy Rodriguez, has maintained relations with Moscow. A similar pattern has emerged in Syria. Despite Assads fall, Russia retained its military bases and continues to maintain diplomatic ties with the new government. If clerical rule continues or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps becomes more dominant, Russia could preserve its partnership, said Notte. But if a new government in Tehran seeks closer ties with the West, Moscow could lose one of its most important strategic partners. In the meantime, Putin appears eager to position Russia as a mediator. In recent days, he has spoken with several Gulf leaders, including King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa of Bahrain and Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, offering Moscows help in stabilising the crisis. Still, analysts say Russias influence over events remains limited. Russia will try to play a mediator role, Notte said. But it is unlikely to be a main factor. The first mill came to Bombay in 1854, catalysing the rapid growth of the mill neighbourhoods in the city. As the textile industry boomed, the migrants flocked in, and soon, chawls mushroomed around the mills with workers battling meagre wages and desolate living conditions. But in despair, solidarity blossomed, and the working class became a political force to be reckoned with. They mobilised into trade unions, and the rallying Left activists drew upon local traditions to speak the peoples language. The songs, plays, films and literature born from those struggles still circulate in Mumbais cultural life. The second edition of DAGs annual festival, The City as a Museum, uses it as a starting point. The festival is founded on the conviction that art is not limited to institutional spaces aloneit is enmeshed with the everyday life of the city, and more often than not emerges from the collective voices and experiences of people who are the most disenfranchised, says Ashish Anand, CEO and MD, DAG. The festival saw a successful debut in Mumbai in 2025, when it spotlighted the history of the iconic Sir J J School of Art. This year, the focus is on Mumbais rapidly transforming urban landscape that has long functioned as a site of cultural production, contestation, and collective imagination, says Anand. Politics, poetry and powerful performances Spread across 10 days, the programme opens with a performance of Girish Datars Sawal Jawab, a Marathi play drawing on tamasha, lavani and shahiri. These folk forms have long used music, dance and drama to engage audiences on questions of caste, class and gender. The following day brings a screening of Saacha (The Loom), Anjali Monteiro and K P Jayasankars film, featuring a poet and a painter through a transforming city and the fractures of the trade union movement. At Siddartha College Library, author Unnamati Syama Sundar will contextualise the political cartoons targeting Ambedkar in the years after Independence, set against books from Ambedkars personal collection now on public display. From the mid-20th century onward, caste bias and misogyny shaped much of political humour. The cartoons portray Ambedkar as diminutive, infantilised or morally suspect, often placing him beneath upper-caste leaders. A prime example is Quenching the Torch, where he is portrayed not as a constitutional architect, but as Nehrus assistant, helping to extinguish the flame of free speech via the First Amendment. The festival ends at the Kamla Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute for Architecture, where curator and art historian Nancy Adajania will lead a conversation with artist Navjot and cultural activist Pravin Nadkar. They will foreground archival material from Navjot and Altaf, members of the Progressive Youth Movement (PROYOM) in the 1970s, and the question their work still presses: What happens when art is reduced to propaganda, however revolutionary it may be? This has never been more urgent. Today, the notion of the political in the art world has been largely reduced to a label or an expression of virtue-signalling, says Adajania. But nearly 50 years ago, Altaf and Navjot sought solidarity across the divides of class, caste, gender and ethnicity. We must prize their ability to negotiate questions of the political without becoming dogmatic. Story of transformation Running alongside the festival is Bombay Framed, an exhibition open until April 11 at DAG in Colaba. Through paintings, photographs and memorabilia, it traces the city from its pre-colonial past to its current, contested present. Anand says, We hope people are inspired by how the people of this cityfrom artists collectives to activist groups, theatre troupes and mill workershave come together to constantly make space for diversity and claimed a right to the city even through its many changes. The festival runs from March 7 to March 16. To attend the events, register at dagworld.com Sonora, CAThis weekend, Tuolumne County Public Works is rolling out savings for residents, as they can get rid of old unwanted tires. The Tuolumne County 2026 Tire Amnesty Events, offering free tire disposal, will take place on Saturday, March 7th, and Saturday, September 5th, 2026, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Greater Valley Conservation Corps, 14993 Camage Avenue, in Sonora. Public works officials provided these key guidelines: Residents are permitted to recycle up to nine car or passenger truck tires, per California law. Tires must be off the rim and have a diameter of less than 40 inches. No tractor-trailer or tractor tires. No commercial or business tires. The event is being hosted by the Tuolumne County Solid Waste Division and sponsored by Tuolumne County Solid Waste and the Greater Valley Conservation Corps. For questions or additional information, contact the Greater Valley Conservation Corps at (209) 588-8992 or the Tuolumne County Solid Waste Division at (209) 533-5588. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A Wisconsin man who allegedly told police he tried to set fire to a Republican congressmans office last year because he was angry that the lawmaker backed a bill requiring TikToks Chinese owner to sell off its U.S. operations was sentenced Thursday to seven years in prison. In addition to the prison time, Fond du Lac County Circuit Judge Tricia Walker sentenced 20-year-old Caiden Stachowicz to seven years of extended supervision, court records show. Stachowicz, of Menasha, pleaded no contest to an arson charge in November. Prosecutors dropped burglary and property damage counts in exchange for Stachowiczs no contest plea, which isnt an admission of guilt but is treated as such for the purposes of sentencing. According to a criminal complaint, a police officer responded to a fire outside Republican U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothmans office in Fond du Lac, about 55 miles (90 kilometers) northwest of Milwaukee, at around 1 a.m. on Jan. 19, 2025, and saw Stachowicz standing nearby. He told the officer that he started the fire because he doesnt like Grothman, according to the complaint. He initially planned to break into the office and start the fire inside. But he couldnt break the window, so he poured gas on an electrical box behind the building and around the front of the building, lit a match and watched it burn, according to the complaint. He said he wanted to burn down the office because the federal government was shutting down TikTok in violation of his constitutional rights and peace was no longer an option, the complaint states. He added that Grothman voted for the shutdown, but he didnt want to hurt Grothman or anyone else. Grothman voted for a bill in April 2024 that required TikToks China-based company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operation. The deadline was Jan. 19, 2025, but President Donald Trump has issued multiple executive orders prolonging it. TikTok finalized a deal two months ago to create an American version of the social video platform. Trump praised the deal. Danielle Gorsuch, one of Stachowiczs attorneys, told The Associated Press after the sentencing that the incident was the culmination of a mental health crisis for her client and stressed that no one was hurt. Caden took every caution to make sure no one was present in the building at the time of the incident, as he only wanted to hurt himself, Gorsuch said. He took responsibility from night one. A spokesperson for Grothmans congressional office didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment. By TODD RICHMOND Associated Press The company behind a network of automated license plate reading cameras is losing its public safety contracts across Silicon Valley. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors is the most recent slate of officials to join Los Altos Hills and Mountain View in severing ties with Flock Safety over concerns the company has enabled unlawful data-sharing between California law enforcement and out-of-state police. Mountain View officials revealed last month Flock had included their camera network in a national lookup setting without the citys permission, allowing unauthorized law enforcement agencies to access their data. San Jose Spotlight has learned the practice repeated elsewhere in the county. Police in Massachusetts, Georgia and other states appeared hundreds of times in a camera network audit of neighboring Los Altos, whose 18 cameras remain operational. The citys network logged 20 searches by out-of-state police for immigration violation reasons in the first two months of 2025, according to records obtained by this news outlet. California law has barred police departments from sharing license plate reading camera data with out-of-state or federal agencies for any reason since 2016, under Senate Bill 34. The law has been invoked in debates about the cameras use and their role in federal immigration enforcement. This looks unlawful, Brian Hofer, executive director of Bay Area civil rights group Secure Justice, told San Jose Spotlight. He reviewed multiple camera records at this news outlets request. It definitely looks like Los Altos wasnt paying attention. Los Altos officials said Flock had enabled a national and statewide lookup feature on their network of cameras without notifying the city or seeking its permission. Officials said they switched off the setting after discovering it, and added they dont believe camera data was unlawfully accessed. One immigration-related search appeared in Los Altos logs even though it had set a filter excluding all networks outside Arizona, according to the data. The network audit identifies all agencies within the broader Flock Safety network during a given period. It does not indicate they had access to or searched Los Altos specific data, City Manager Gabriel Engeland told San Jose Spotlight. While we believe our data has not been improperly accessed, this can ultimately only be confirmed by Flock. We are limited by the fact that we cannot independently corroborate their internal system logs. Flock Safety spokesperson Paris Lewbel said the contract cancelations will move public safety backward and prolong the time it takes to solve criminal cases. We understand communities expect strong guardrails and full compliance with California law, Lewbel told San Jose Spotlight. Flock has implemented enhanced safeguards across the state, including disabling the national lookup feature for California agencies, blocking out-of-state discoverability, preventing federal access to California agency data and supporting agencies in auditing and confirming their settings. The Los Altos City Council had already adopted a policy restricting data sharing. In November, the city further restricted its data sharing to police departments in Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda and Santa Cruz counties. The city revoked search approvals for every other California agency outside this four-county boundary, including the California Highway Patrol. I am disappointed in some of Flocks business practices that have been out of our control and of which we have been unaware, Los Altos Police Chief Saskia Lagergren told San Jose Spotlight. I have been frustrated with the lack of transparency by Flock and with their lack of communication to their customers about the various settings in their system. Santa Clara unaware Santa Claras camera logs, obtained by this news outlet, show the citys network was included in thousands of searches by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for multiple months last year. In March, Santa Claras network was included in 5,600 out-of-state searches by the Nevada law enforcement agency. There are 80 license plate reading cameras in the city. Santa Clara Police Lt. Eric Lagergren who is the Los Altos police chiefs husband said Santa Clara wasnt aware of the issue until after the searches had been made. He similarly denied the notion that Santa Clara actively shared data with Las Vegas thousands of times. Those logs reflect instances in which a search query included multiple agency networks, Lagergren told San Jose Spotlight. The audit logs do not show the number of Santa Clara records returned in response to any query, nor do they indicate that Santa Clara data was specifically targeted or transferred in each instance. The Feb. 24 board of supervisors vote to cut ties with Flock means the Sheriffs Office cannot access any images or data from its Flock cameras. Before the vote, the sheriffs office had been operating license plate reading cameras in Los Altos Hills, Cupertino and Saratoga, which all contract with the sheriff rather than having their own police departments. The Los Altos Hills Town Council voted to remove its cameras prior to the countys vote. Some supervisors stood by the use of license plate reader cameras, but couched their concerns solely on Flock as a vendor. This is not an indictment of our sheriffs office. This is not an indictment of our surveillance use policy, District 2 Supervisor Betty Duong said at the meeting. What we have here is notice of a bad vendor that all signs are telling us to not get in bed with. District 4 Supervisor Susan Ellenberg differed with her colleagues and took issue with the license plate reading cameras as a whole. Alternative (vendors) are not necessarily any safer and we dont know what tomorrows news story will bring about Axon or any other provider, Ellenberg said at the meeting. Immigrant rights advocates agree. We keep getting told this tech is there to stop crime to fight crime but what happens when the definition of crime expands to include dissent? Huy Tran, executive director of Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN), told San Jose Spotlight. SIREN has partnered with the Electronic Frontier Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California to sue San Jose police for warrantless searches of their 474 Flock cameras. Thats the risk we create with a mass surveillance system where the only source of protection is faith in the people who control it, Tran said. A spokesperson for the sheriffs office said it made sure that no national lookup features were enabled on its Flock networks, and supervisory staff reviewed camera activity weekly to ensure no access by unauthorized agencies. The sheriffs office is looking for new vendors, the spokesperson said. We are currently exploring alternative options and will support the cities if they choose to pursue another automated license plate reader vendor, Sgt. Brooks Jarosz told San Jose Spotlight. ___ This story was originally published by San Jose Spotlight and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By BRANDON PHO/San Jose Spotlight San Jose Spotlight California community college districts are spending millions of dollars on artificial intelligence-powered chatbots intended to help students navigate admissions, financial aid and campus services. However, they struggle to consistently provide clear and accurate answers, leaving students frustrated and seeking help from others on unofficial social media channels. In testing by CalMatters, they often answered general questions correctly but struggled with more specific ones. East Los Angeles Colleges bot couldnt even correctly name its own president. Contracts for these chatbots can be pricey and last for years. Three community college districts that responded to a CalMatters survey reported annual costs ranging from about $151,000 to nearly half a million dollars. At the Los Angeles Community College District, the states largest community college system, contracts and amendments approved since 2021 total about $3.8 million through 2029, according to district board documents. Community college districts that responded to CalMatters have contracted with chatbot platforms such as Gravyty and Gecko, which district officials say handle thousands of conversations each month, many outside regular office hours, helping to reduce calls and save students unnecessary trips to campus. Some of these chatbot platforms rely on manually maintained libraries of frequently asked questions and campus websites to answer questions, which can lead to errors when information is outdated or questions fall outside the systems database. However, officials are working to improve them. Districts like the Santa Monica Community College District have moved to ChatGPT-integrated AI systems that scrape the colleges website to generate answers, which officials say seem more reliable. In the Los Angeles district, officials say they plan to transition to a new AI chatbot platform as early as late spring. Looking for answers Improvements to the chatbot couldnt come soon enough for students like Pablo Aguirre, a computer science major at East Los Angeles College and an information technology intern at the Los Angeles college district office. Aguirre mostly avoids the chatbot himself because, he said, it might provide unreliable or outdated information. He recalled using the bot to find financial aid information, but said he gave up after it kept asking him questions instead of giving him a clear answer. I just didnt find it as useful, Aguirre said. He usually turns to Google, social media platforms like Reddit and the colleges website when looking for answers. Online, some pages dont work, Aguirre said, recalling a 404 error message on the colleges website. Even when pages load, he said, it can be difficult to find the right one, such as when he was trying to figure out where to sign up for Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, a state-funded program that supports disadvantaged students. Thats where I just jump on Reddit, he said. Aguirres experience isnt unique. Reanna Carlson, a commercial music major at Fresno City College and student government vice president, said her colleges chatbot, dubbed Sam the Ram after its mascot, repeatedly gave her unclear or incorrect answers to basic questions about campus services. Her district, the State Center Community College District, has a nearly $870,000, three-year contract for Gravyty, formerly Ocelot, through June 20, 2026, according to district board documents. Officials pointed out that the contract comes with other services, including tools that let staff engage in live chats or send text messages to students. I think the chatbot is outdated and cant navigate the services we provide on campus effectively, Carlson said. I dont think its the most beneficial option when it comes to asking questions. Oddly, Carlson got accurate information on the availability of free food at her campus Ram Pantry only when accidentally adding a typo to her query. Repeated CalMatters testing confirmed the same outcome, though the bot sometimes lists links that include the food pantry after clicking an adjacent sources button. If it werent for the amazing staff on campus that constantly remind students of our services, Id be lost, Carlson said. Testing chatbots When CalMatters tested community college chatbots, they generally returned quick, accurate responses to common questions but were less consistent with more specific ones. For example, when asked, Who is the current president of ELAC? East Los Angeles Colleges chatbot incorrectly named Alberto Roman, who left the position last year to become the districts chancellor. In another test, when asked, What is the financial aid offices current schedule? the bot provided incorrect hours and dates. East Los Angeles Colleges chatbot claims to support several languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. But CalMatters found inconsistencies when asking it in Spanish, Do I need a Social Security number to enroll? Instead of answering the question, the system directed users to visit the registrars office to update their Social Security number. When asked the same question in English, the bot pivoted to discussing financial aid. Fresno City Colleges chatbot, powered by the same AI provider as East Los Angeles Colleges system, Gravyty, showed similar problems when asked whether a Social Security number is required to enroll. It also often failed to direct students to the correct offices and, in some cases, listed incorrect locations and hours. Concerns with chatbots have surfaced elsewhere. In New York City, reporting by The Markup and THE CITY found that a city-run AI chatbot provided guidance that could lead to illegal behavior, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to terminate it in February. Good answers with fewer errors Santa Monica Colleges chatbot, powered by Gecko, was more successful in answering most questions. The single-college district uses a ChatGPT-integrated chatbot that scans the colleges website, which staff regularly update and monitor. The district has contracted with Gecko since 2019 and renewed its annual contract for the tool late last year for $57,000, according to district board documents. It initially showed a major hiccup: when asked about mental health counseling, the bot did not mention the campus Center for Wellness and Wellbeing. It does now. District officials say chatbots problems stem from how the tools are configured and the information they draw from, rather than the technology itself. The Los Angeles district originally adopted its chatbot through Ocelot, which later merged with Gravyty The same chatbot platform is also used on the California Student Aid Commission website. Betsy Regalado, one of the districts associate vice chancellors, said the current system relies on a manually maintained library of frequently asked questions that staff at each of the districts nine colleges help maintain and review at least once or twice a year for accuracy. She added that chatbots are primarily geared for the public rather than enrolled students, who can access more detailed personal information through their campus portal. The current chatbot that we have uses a library of questions. If you dont have that question in that library, then those poor people dont get an answer or they wont get an accurate answer, Regalado said. She said the district plans to transition all nine colleges to Gravytys platform as early as late spring at no additional cost under its existing contract, which runs through 2029. The new system will use AI to scrape college and external websites to generate responses. Were ready for the modernization of (the chatbot) and the change to generative AI. That is the new world out there, Regalado said. Santa Monica Colleges chatbot similarly initially relied on a manually loaded library of common questions and answers before transitioning to its fully AI system, according to Esau Tovar, the colleges dean of enrollment services. In an email, he said the bot was never designed to address all aspects of the student journey, but to answer general questions from students. Tovar said the bot draws responses from the colleges website, meaning accuracy depends on how current and complete that information is. As a result, the college prioritizes keeping its website up to date so the bot provides good answers with fewer errors rather than great answers with potentially more errors. Widely used, cautiously trusted Acknowledging limitations, community college districts justify the costs by pointing to heavy student use, which would cost significantly more if performed by call center staff around the clock. Regalado said the Los Angeles district colleges average 5,000 to 7,000 interactions per month. Other districts reported similar monthly use, including 5,000 interactions at the State Center Community College District, which includes campuses in Fresno and nearby counties, and 4,000 conversations at Santa Monica College. Regalado said that as long as the chatbot remains heavily used, her district would continue to support it. Tovar said the chatbot provides 24-hour support regardless of time zone or location, which he said is helpful for international students when they are out of the country. He said that answering the tens of thousands of questions the chatbots receive around the clock would cost significantly more if handled by staff. Every technology has a cost. We would simply not be able to assist all students if they could only reach us using traditional methods, Tovar said. But high usage and expanded access do not always translate into trust, especially when students need precise answers to delicate topics. Bryan Hartanto, a civil engineering major at Santa Monica College from Indonesia, said the colleges newer chatbot system is smoother and can be a useful starting point, especially for students more comfortable communicating in languages other than English. But as an international student he worries that following inaccurate guidance could jeopardize his visa status. Maintaining status as an international student right now is very, very sensitive, Hartanto said. I would still rely on human or email communication. ___ Martin Romero is a contributor with the College Journalism Network, a collaboration between CalMatters and student journalists from across California. CalMatters higher education coverage is supported by a grant from the College Futures Foundation. ___ This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By MARTIN ROMERO/CalMatters CalMatters TOKYO (AP) Japan and Canada signed a strategic agreement Friday aimed at strengthening cooperation in defense, economic and energy security as military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel fueled concern about international oil supplies. Japans Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Canadian counterpart Mark Carney shared the importance of energy security at a time of geopolitical uncertainty, according to a statement by the Japanese Foreign Ministry. During the talks in Tokyo, the two leaders agreed to work together to diversify energy resources and expand trade and investment to support energy supply chains, according to the road map released by the ministry. The world is at a turning point. We see the manifestations in the Middle East. We see it everywhere, Carney told a joint news conference. Carneys first visit to Japan since taking office last year took place as the war in the Middle East fuels concern about crude oil shipments that travel through Strait of Hormuz in Iran. In Australia earlier this week, Carney called for de-escalation of the Iran war. Carney and Takaichi also agreed to launch bilateral dialogues on economic security and cyber policies as the two countries face Chinas growing assertiveness in trade and military activity in the Indo-Pacific. Japan and Canada will start negotiations aimed at achieving a defense pact that would simplify procedures for their miliary visits, joint exercises and other operations. The two sides will also step up cooperation between their arms industries as Tokyo seeks to expand its modest defense sales as part of Taikaichis plan to further build up Japans military capability and arms industry to enhance cooperation with friendly nations. Earlier Friday, Takaichis governing Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Japan Innovation Party submitted a proposal calling for scrapping restrictions on lethal weapons sales, in a further break from Japans postwar pacifist principle. The government is expected to formally endorse the proposal in the coming months. ___ AP video journalist Ayaka McGill in Tokyo contributed to this report. By MARI YAMAGUCHI Associated Press Three filmmakers associated with the controversial BBC Africa Eye documentary Blood Parliament have urged a Nairobi court to speed up its directions. Brian Adagala, Mark Denver Karubiu, and Christopher Wamae warned that ongoing delays could expose their case to potential interference from outside agencies, which may undermine the integrity of the judicial process and affect the outcome of their legal battle. The trio appeared before Milimani Chief Magistrate Lucas Onyina to request that their file return to the magistrate who originally handled the proceedings. Their lawyer, Ian Mutiso, stressed that the matter is highly sensitive, as it directly relates to the deadly June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests and the events outside Parliament. This is a very sensitive matter touching on the events of the June 2024 protests. We urge the court to ensure the file is placed before the original trial magistrate without delay, Mutiso submitted. Concerns Over Undue Interference Mutiso cautioned that prolonged delays might allow investigative agencies to exert undue pressure on the case. He argued that the interest of justice requires the matter to move forward without further stalling. We are concerned that continued delays may expose the matter to interference. It is in the interest of justice that the case proceeds without unnecessary delay, the lawyer told the court. Authorities first arrested the filmmakers in May 2025 alongside their late colleague, Nick Wambugu. Police detained the group at Muthaiga Police Station shortly after the documentarys release, which forensic analysis suggested had triggered a wave of state surveillance. Wambugu, a highly regarded independent filmmaker, sadly passed away in January 2026 after battling a rare blood disorder. His death cast a somber shadow over the proceedings, with the court recently holding a moment of silence to honor his memory. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) still maintains an active inquiry through a miscellaneous application. However, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has yet to bring any formal charges against the remaining three men. Magistrate Onyina is expected to issue a ruling soon on whether to reassign the file or return it to the previous magistrate. By Umair Jamal Pakistans ongoing military campaign against Afghanistan, initiated by airstrikes in late February 2026 targeting hideouts of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic StateKhorasan Province (ISKP) in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost, has escalated into a declared open war following retaliatory Taliban attacks and subsequent Pakistani strikes on Kabul, Kandahar, and other locations. Pakistans Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif, announced Islamabads decision to wage war on Afghanistan on February 27, 2026, amid intense cross-border clashes. Pakistan claims hundreds of Taliban fighters have been killed and dozens of border positions seized. The conflict highlights the Afghan Talibans continued refusal to dismantle anti-Pakistan militant sanctuaries within Afghanistan, a factor fueling regional instability. Islamabads operations, reportedly enjoying international backing including from the U.S., appear aimed at compelling Kabul to alter its policies. Such changes could curb the regional spread of militancy and enhance security across South and Central Asia by weakening a regime that has continued to enable extremist groups since returning to power in 2021. BACKGROUND: Tensions along the PakistanAfghanistan border have persisted for decades but intensified significantly following the Talibans takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Since returning to power, the Taliban have been accused by Pakistan of providing safe havens to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant alliance formed in 2007 with deep ethnic Pashtun and ideological ties to Kabuls rulers. The TTP has intensified attacks inside Pakistan since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Terrorist violence has risen sharply in recent months, with Afghanistan-based groups claiming responsibility for deadly incidents including the February 2026 bombing of a Shia mosque in Islamabad that killed 31 people, attacks in Bajaur district that killed 11 security personnel, and additional strikes in Bannu and other areas. Exploiting Afghan territory for training, recruitment, and cross-border operations, these groups have claimed hundreds of Pakistani lives in recent years. The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has long been shaped by mutual grievances. Pakistan supported the Taliban during the 1990s and throughout the post-2001 insurgency in Afghanistan. However, relations have deteriorated in recent years as the Taliban-led government in Kabul has refused Pakistans repeated demands to crack down on the TTP despite sustained diplomatic pressure. Pakistans efforts to fence the border have also generated clashes with Afghan forces, as Kabul refuses to recognize the Durand Line as a legitimate international border. In 2025 Pakistan conducted airstrikes inside Afghanistan for the first time, targeting TTP strongholds in Khost and Paktika in response to cross-border militant attacks. Economic relations have deteriorated alongside security tensions. Trade between the two countries, once worth billions annually, has faced repeated disruptions. Pakistans exports to Afghanistan have nearly halted, while Kabul has been unable to access Pakistani ports for over a year. The February 2026 escalation began with Pakistani airstrikes on February 21 targeting militant camps in Afghanistan in retaliation for terrorist attacks in Pakistan. The Taliban condemned the strikes as violations of Afghan sovereignty and claimed civilian casualties, including at a religious school. Taliban forces retaliated on February 26 by attacking Pakistani border positions. Pakistan then declared open war, stating that military operations would continue until militant threats were eliminated. Our patience has run out, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated. Pakistans campaign, codenamed Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, has targeted Taliban military facilities in Kabul, including ammunition depots, as well as sites in Kandahar, Paktia, and other provinces. Notably, these strikes included direct attacks on urban centers for the first time. Pakistan has also struck Bagram airbase, which houses Taliban military infrastructure. Islamabad further claims to have captured 32 square kilometers of territory along the Afghan border to establish a buffer zone. Pakistani military officials state that operations will continue until all objectives are achieved. IMPLICATIONS: Pakistans war on Afghanistan carries significant implications and could reshape regional security by confronting the Talibans refusal to act against militant groups. More than a dozen organizations, including TTP, ISKP, and affiliated networks, reportedly use Afghan territory to conduct cross-border attacks. In recent months the TTP has intensified operations inside Pakistan, while ISKP activities near Central Asian borders pose security risks to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Pakistans strategic objectives appear broad and evolving. Islamabad is targeting infrastructure facilitating cross-border militancy, including TTP camps and hideouts in Nangarhar and Paktika. These strikes also seek to destroy logistical networks the Taliban usesor toleratesto enable cross-border operations, including suicide bomber facilitation networks and weapons depots. According to Pakistani military sources, forces have captured several strategic positions across the border to create a buffer zone. Numerous Afghan Taliban posts along the Durand Line have reportedly been destroyed or seized in efforts to limit cross-border infiltration. Pakistan also appears to be attempting to weaken the Taliban regime sufficiently to expose internal fissures. This could enable rival factions or opposition groups, including elements linked to resistance in Panjshir, to challenge Taliban authority. Such actions are intended to signal to Taliban leadership that providing sanctuary to anti-Pakistan militants will impose severe costs. From Islamabads perspective, sustained pressure could force Kabul to reconsider its ties with militant organizations. The Talibans refusal to sever ties with the TTP, rooted partly in shared Deobandi ideology and Pashtun affiliations, has further isolated the regime diplomatically and economically. Pakistans strikes on weapons depots, bases, logistics networks, and Taliban military offices in Kabul and Kandahar aim to degrade the regimes operational capacity and cohesion. Economic pressure is also mounting. Pakistans full suspension of trade has significantly reduced Afghan exports. The ongoing conflict in Iran may further close alternative import routes for Afghanistan, intensifying economic constraints on the Taliban government. In northern Afghanistan, resistance in the Panjshir Valley led by the National Resistance Front (NRF) has complicated Taliban control. Pakistan has reportedly targeted Taliban-linked bases in the valley in recent days, potentially weakening Taliban authority and creating space for resistance groups to expand operations. This could also disrupt Taliban access to Central Asian trade routes if resistance groups challenge Taliban control of northern corridors. Pakistan appears likely to sustain pressure until the Taliban ceases harboring the TTP, remnants of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and other militant factions. Islamabad also appears to have secured a degree of international support. The U.S. State Department has affirmed Pakistans right to self-defense against cross-border terrorism. The EU has called for de-escalation but has not condemned the operations. Central Asian states and Russia have likewise refrained from criticizing Pakistans actions, suggesting tacit acceptance. This international stance reinforces Pakistans position while increasing pressure on the Taliban. Although prolonged conflict risks refugee flows and humanitarian challenges, it could also compel the Taliban to reconsider policies that allow militant groups to operate from Afghan territory. The Taliban leadership faces a difficult choice. Sustaining governance while harboring militant groups targeting neighboring states is increasingly untenable. According to officials, Pakistani actions are not intended to pursue regime change but rather to compel behavioral change in Kabul. Such an outcome could align broader regional interests. An isolated Afghanistan where militancy thrives benefits no state in the region. Central Asian governments facing threats from ISKP may view Pakistans campaign as helping contain the northward spread of extremism. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan could benefit from reduced militant sanctuaries. Meanwhile China, the U.S., and other regional actors have consistently pressured Kabul to cooperate in countering extremist networks. Taken together, these developments suggest Pakistan may continue military operations without facing significant international opposition. The Taliban, meanwhile, face mounting economic and military pressure, with limited capacity to respond to sustained aerial strikes. CONCLUSIONS: Pakistans war on Afghanistan, though carrying risks of escalation, civilian suffering, and humanitarian crises, may ultimately serve broader regional interests by forcing the Taliban to confront its militant entanglements. By targeting TTP and ISKP sanctuaries and pursuing objectives such as buffer zones and the degradation of militant infrastructure, Pakistan seeks to address security threats destabilizing South and Central Asia. International support for Pakistans actions, particularly U.S. recognition of its right to self-defense, reflects a growing consensus that unchecked extremism in Afghanistan poses regional dangers. Sustained pressure could compel Kabul to reconsider its policies, reduce the operational space of militant groups, and potentially open pathways toward more inclusive governance. Ultimately, weakening an ideologically rigid regime sustained by militant alliances could contribute to greater stability across South and Central Asia and benefit neighboring states long threatened by cross-border violence. AUTHORS BIO: Umair Jamal is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Otago, New Zealand, and an analyst at Diplomat Risk Intelligence (DRI). His research focuses on counterterrorism and security issues in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the broader Asia region. He offers analytical consulting to various think tanks and institutional clients in Pakistan and around the world. He has published for several media outlets, including Al-Jazeera, Foreign Policy, SCMP, The Diplomat, and the Huffington Post. Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu walked out of Kamiti Maximum Security Prison on Thursday after the High Court drastically reduced his bail terms. The move marks a significant turn in his ongoing legal battle against a Sh588 million corruption conviction related to irregular road tenders. The development unfolded during a mention of the case before the High Courts Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Division. Waititus legal team confirmed that the former county boss had already secured his release following a successful application for a bond review. I am holding brief for the appellant, who is now a free man thanks to your orders, stated lawyer Jeremy Njenga. He referred to directives issued by Justice Wilfrida Okwany, which finally paved the way for Waititus freedom. Waititu had remained in custody since February 2025, after a trial court found him guilty of his role in the fraudulent award of a road construction tender. At the time of his conviction, the court imposed a Sh53.5 million fine or a 12-year jail term. Initial bail terms required Waititu to post a Sh53 million bond backed by a bank guarantee, a condition his lawyers argued was practically impossible to meet. Recognizing that onerous bail terms shouldnt keep a person detained indefinitely pending an appeal, Justice Okwany intervened. The judge revised the requirement to a more realistic Sh20 million cash bail. This shift gave the former governor the room he needed to fight his conviction from outside the prison walls. Consolidated Appeals and the Road Ahead Waititu isnt the only one challenging the 2025 verdict. The court also focused on his co-appellants, who are pursuing their own paths to clear their names. They include Luka Mwangi Wahinya, former Kiambu County Chief Officer for Transport, and Charles Chege Mbuthia, Director of Testimony Enterprises Limited. Given that all three appeals stem from the same trial evidence and proceedings, the High Court has consolidated them into a single matter. This ensures a unified appellate process as the court reviews the original judgment. The legal drama is far from over. The court directed all parties to return for a joint mention on April 14, 2026. While the former governor has regained his freedom for now, he still faces the daunting task of overturning a conviction that barred him from public office. For the people of Kiambu and the Kenyan public, the upcoming appeal hearings will provide the final word on one of the countrys most high-profile graft cases. The Ministry of Health has raised the alarm over a surge in influenza cases spreading across the country. In a public advisory issued on Thursday, March 5, Director General Patrick Amoth told the public that the spike in cases follows Kenyas well-established seasonal influenza pattern, which typically kicks in between late February and May, then returns between July and October each year. Influenza is a respiratory infection that travels easily from one person to another through coughs, sneezes, and conversation, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces. The virus moves especially fast in crowded spaces, putting places like schools, markets, prisons, houses of worship, and public transport at the highest risk of rapid transmission. The disease announces itself quickly and unmistakably. Common signs and symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, headache, muscle and joint pains, and general body weakness. The ministry has flagged certain groups as particularly vulnerable to severe illness, including children under five years, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals living with underlying health conditions. Based on current risk assessments and surveillance data, the Ministry has noted an increase in influenza activity in several parts of the country. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation and has activated appropriate surveillance and preparedness measures in line with national public health guidelines, Amoth stated. Surveillance data from the National Influenza Surveillance System is currently showing higher-than-average respiratory illness activity consistent with seasonal trends. Most individuals affected are experiencing mild to moderate illness and recover well with supportive care, he added. To get ahead of the outbreak, the ministry has rolled out a multi-pronged response. It has strengthened influenza surveillance across the country, issued guidance to health facilities and medical personnel, ramped up public health communication to drive preventive behavior, and opened coordination channels with county governments and health partners. The ministry is urging every member of the public to take personal responsibility for stopping the spread. Simple but effective steps include washing hands regularly and thoroughly, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, keeping distance from anyone showing flu-like symptoms, and wearing a mask in crowded spaces or when feeling unwell. Anyone already experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention without delay and stay home to avoid passing the infection on to others. The Ministry reassures the public that the situation is being closely monitored and that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard the health of all Kenyans. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available, Amoth stated. Hustler Fund CEO Henry Tanui has stressed that the government plans to track down and recover loans issued under the program but will lean on borrower identification and public awareness rather than heavy-handed enforcement to get the job done. Tanui made it clear that the government will pursue recovery efforts for all borrowers, with the exception of those who have passed away. On the question of how the fund traces defaulters, Tanui explained that the facility is tied directly to a borrowers national ID, not their SIM card, meaning switching phone numbers offers no escape route. The young people who borrowed and thought they can disappear, they cant because their IDs are linked to the loans, he said. Tanui left no room for ambiguity when pressed on the funds resolve to recoup the money. Except for those who have passed on, we will collect the money, he said. By Wednesday, the Hustler Fund had disbursed a total of Ksh83 billion to borrowers across the country. Borrowers had saved Ksh5.3 billion of that sum and repaid Ksh71 billion. Tanui acknowledged that the fund is still chasing a 15 percent default rate. Nairobi tops the list of counties with the highest number of active borrowers, with Kiambu County coming in a close second. When North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood asked directly whether the government would arrest loan defaulters, Tanui pushed back firmly, ruling out any aggressive or coercive recovery tactics. We will not behave like shylocks. We will not come to pick your items if you default, he said, adding that the fund would instead conduct sensitization on the need to repay. Siaya Governor James Orengo has questioned the narrative surrounding the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, suggesting the veteran leader may not have traveled to India of his own volition. During an interview on Spice FM this Thursday, March 5, 2026, Orengo argued that the public details concerning Odingas passing contradict the official account. He pointed out the lack of a released post-mortem report as a key concern. I said this with a heavy heart, and I must be sensitive to the feelings of the family. So I would not say as much as I think I should say. At an appropriate time, Ill try to talk about it a little louder. But Im saying if you look at the circumstances in which Raila was evacuated from Kenya, he didnt go to India willingly, Orengo said. The governor further alleged that external pressure played a role in Odingas final journey, raising suspicions about the individuals who accompanied him to a specific medical facility. I think he was almost forced to go to India and to a particular institution with a company of certain individuals whom I have a lot of questions to raise about, he added. Orengo believes the Kenyan public has a right to understand the truth behind the death of such a significant national figure. He argued that the official narrative remains incomplete and lacks the transparency required for a leader of Odingas stature. We dont have a post-mortem report now. But looking at all the elements Raila had, which were in the public domain, its quite clear that what caused his death had nothing to do with the elements that he had. So I believe that there was some intervention. And if a proper inquiry is held and established, the truth will come out, he said. The governor, who has raised these concerns multiple times recently, noted that high-profile deaths require intense scrutiny. Drawing from his experience with previous political cases, he suggested that official assessments often benefit from independent verification. The nation is being put to slumber to accept the death of Raila as natural. But Im saying that we need to look into it. There is a public interest, by virtue of his position, he said. Odinga, who was 80 at the time of his passing, managed several chronic health conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. He also suffered from deep vein thrombosis in his right leg, which required the surgical placement of an IVC filter. Official accounts credited his death to cardiac arrest following a period of specialized medical care. Dr. Sister Alphons, a cardiologist at Devamatha Hospital in Kochi, reported that Odinga collapsed during a morning walk while receiving Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala. Despite prolonged CPR efforts, medical teams could not revive him. Cardiac arrest occurs when the hearts electrical system malfunctions, causing it to suddenly stop beating. This immediately halts blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. James Orengo has defended his decision to attend a meeting at State House Nairobi last year, saying his constitutional responsibilities and the needs of Siaya residents guided the move rather than any shift in his political position. The governor, a founding member of the Orange Democratic Movement, joined the November meeting alongside several county officials and Members of County Assembly (MCAs). William Ruto chaired the gathering. The visit sparked debate among political observers because Orengo has frequently criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration. However, the Siaya governor explained that the realities of governance often require leaders to work with the national government regardless of political differences. Orengo: Leaders Must Balance Politics and Duty Speaking during a radio interview on March 5, Orengo said elected leaders must strike a careful balance between party loyalty and their legal duty to the people who elected them. He argued that public officials cannot ignore the political environment in which they operate, especially when it directly affects the management and development of their constituencies or counties. Even if you are an MP, you have to take care of your constituency. Similarly, with a governors position, running a county depends on the politics of the day, he told Spice FM on Thursday. Orengo said political parties play an important role in shaping national debate and supporting candidates during elections. However, he added that party interests cannot override the responsibility leaders have to deliver services and development at the county level. Constitution Requires NationalCounty Cooperation The governor pointed to the Kenyan Constitution, which requires cooperation between national and county governments, as the foundation for his decision to attend the State House meeting. I go by the Constitution because it says that the two levels of government should work together in collaboration and cooperation. So when there is a basis and a need for me to engage the national government appropriately, I will not hesitate to do so, Orengo stated. He noted that decisions made by the national government often have direct consequences for county administrations. For that reason, he said governors must maintain working relationships with national leaders to protect devolution and ensure counties receive their fair share of resources. Orengo added that he will continue engaging the national government whenever circumstances demand cooperation for the benefit of Siaya residents. Warning Over Imperial Presidency Even as he defended the meeting, Orengo raised concerns about the potential concentration of power at the presidency. He warned that a growing trend of politicians seeking favors at State House could undermine fairness in the distribution of national resources. According to the governor, such practices risk weakening county governments and eroding the principles of devolution. Orengo called for vigilance to prevent patronage politics from taking root, saying Kenya must safeguard systems that guarantee equal treatment for all counties. Former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has cautioned President William Ruto against any attempts to manipulate the 2027 presidential election, promising to reveal hidden details regarding the previous general election. Muturi, a former attorney general, claims he possesses insider knowledge about the 2022 polls, specifically concerning the United Democratic Alliances path to victory. Remember, I had said it before: I have got information about that weekend of July 5 and 6 last year when we spent those two weekends at State House with Jose Camargo, the supplier of Smartmatic Company election technology. We cannot afford to have that system in place. If we have such, then the election will be in favor of Ruto, said Muturi. The former CS has joined other Opposition figures in calling for a total overhaul of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) infrastructure. He argues that the current system essentially guarantees President Rutos reelection. The IEBC left alone, without being prompted, can easily gazette institutions or places that do not exist. Remember, most of the polling places in Kenya are in schools, yet we have seen the Ministry of Education recently admit that there are ghost schools, he said. Muturi clarified that the opposition wants to avoid discovering non-existent polling stations after the fact. To prevent this, he is calling on the IEBC to publish and gazette all locations, allowing citizens to verify their existence in person. We are ensuring that there is transparency in our elections and that there are no doubts, said Muturi. In response to the UDA Partys recent by-election victories, Muturi suggested possible manipulation. He criticized the IEBC for allegedly helping the presidents party manipulate results to create an illusion of widespread popularity across the country. As far as I am concerned, we have to change the technology that is in place. If it is not changed completely or a complete overhaul is not done, then we would have no confidence in whatever will happen, said Muturi. Muturi remains adamant that there is enough time for a total overhaul of the IEBC before next years high-stakes election. He pointed to existing illegalities within the commission, specifically challenging the extension of administrative contracts. Yes, all they have to do now is to terminate the current contracts. In fact, it was extended illegally. When the former CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan extended the contract, he had no authority, because that can only be done by a commission sitting in plenary, he said. Turning to the shifting political landscape in the Mt. Kenya region, Muturi expressed confidence that voters would remain united. He dismissed attempts by the presidents allies to create a rift between East and West factions of the mountain for political leverage. The people and communities around the mountain have had a long history of being together, and so it is not possible to divide them along political lines. It is just the voices of a few politicians like Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, said Muturi. The former CS concluded with a stark assessment of the administrations popularity, claiming the president has lost his footing across the country. He warned the head of state against any further political confrontations. I hope Ruto will not want to challenge me because I will tell the country much more that I know about how he became president. He should never challenge me; let him just have his one term and go home. Kenyas security forces are tightening their grip on human trafficking networks, dismantling operations that extend from peaceful residential neighborhoods in Nairobi to the departure gates of the nations busiest international airport. A series of recent raids has laid bare the alarming scale of organized cross-border crime and the desperate lengths to which migrants are willing to go in search of a better life. On Wednesday, detectives from the Transnational Organized Crime Unit (TOCU) at DCI Headquarters moved on a suspected trafficking safe house in Ruai, Nairobi, after acting on a tip-off. What they found inside painted a disturbing picture. Officers broke into a residential home to discover dozens of people locked inside under mysterious conditions. Reinforcements from Ruai Police Station quickly joined the operation. By the time the dust settled, authorities had pulled 70 people to safety, including 66 Ethiopian nationals and four Eritreans. They also arrested a Kenyan national suspected of running the operation. The rescued individuals remain in custody as officials process them and advance the investigation. Many of those found in the house told authorities they had fled hardship in their home countries with one goal in mind: reaching South Africa for a shot at a better life. The Moyale Corridor: A Highway of Desperation The Ruai rescue is not an isolated incident. Security agencies say migrants regularly pass through the Moyale border route in northern Kenya as part of a wider, dangerous journey toward South Africa or the Middle East, often without fully understanding the risks that lie ahead. Tens of foreign nationals are frequently intercepted in different parts of the country while awaiting transportation to their next destinations, authorities noted, adding that this latest rescue is part of a sustained campaign to dismantle organized trafficking rings across the country. Traffickers exploit this route with calculated precision, preying on vulnerable people who have already crossed multiple borders and have little protection or recourse. JKIA Becomes a Frontline in the Trafficking Fight The crackdown has also moved into the air. On February 7, officers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) intercepted two separate cases involving suspected human trafficking and immigration fraud on the same day. In the first incident, police caught a traveler attempting to board a flight to Europe using a forged visa. In the second, officers detained a passenger bound for the United Kingdom who was carrying a fake UK residence permit. A Kenyan facilitator linked to the second case was also arrested on the spot. Officers arrested a Sudanese national traveling to the UK, who was found in possession of a forged UK residence permit. His Kenyan facilitator was arrested alongside him, the Kenya Police Service confirmed in a statement posted on X. What Authorities Want the Public to Know Kenyan security agencies are now calling on ordinary citizens to become active partners in the fight against these networks. Authorities continue to urge the public to stay alert and report any suspicious travel arrangements or recruitment activities to help stop these predatory schemes. Human trafficking remains one of the most lucrative and deeply entrenched forms of organized crime in East Africa. Kenya, sitting at a geographic crossroads between the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa, is both a transit country and, increasingly, a target for criminal networks looking to exploit desperate migrants and job seekers. A long-standing debate over the integrity of Kenyas National Assembly flared up again on JKLive Wednesday night. During the broadcast, several senators claimed that corruption is rampant among MPs, who reportedly succumb easily to financial inducements. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Nyandarua Senator John Methu both characterized Parliament as a House of Bribes. There are colleagues who say Kenya has become a house of bribes, and they argue that some members are part of that problem. They allege that when governors appear before committees, there are attempts to influence the outcome of reportsthat members are approached and asked to soften findings or ignore issues raised in audit reports, said Onyonka. Political Intimidation and Committee Interference Onyonka also charged that political interests dictate the makeup of parliamentary committees. He pointed out that leadership often intimidates and removes opposition-aligned lawmakers from influential roles. Why was I kicked out of the PAC (Public Accounts Committee)? Because I was told youve been asking too many questions about ODM governors. I said, but my job is to oversee these guys, and theyre doing some filthy stuff. Theyre able to influence who will sit in what committee and what they must speak, he stated. Onyonka further labeled the House as rotten, painting a bleak picture of its current state. Its a filthy place. Ive always said it. Its a den of gamblers and street vendors and money dealers and gold proprietors, except the only thing they never do is fight for public service, fight for service delivery, or fight for money not to be wasted. A Breakdown in Oversight Senator Methu on his part agreed with these views, arguing that Parliament has abandoned its oversight responsibilities. House of Bribes, as it has been called When we began asking tough questions, we were told, Youre first-time senators. This is not how things are done. Youre asking too many questions, Methu asserted. In Methus view, the legislature now represents the primary obstacle to serving the Kenyan public. But the truth is, in my opinion, Parliament has become the weak link in serving the people of Kenya. Allegations of Cash-for-Impeachment The senator further alleged that bribery drives impeachment proceedings, pointing specifically to the 2024 ouster of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. We have heard admissionssomeone openly narrating how Ksh.100 million was given to impeach a Governor. We have seen money exchange hands. We saw bags of cash being carried during another impeachment process. Members were reportedly told, There is money here, just come and collect, he claimed. RELATED Linturi Claims Parliament Is For the Highest Bidder in Ksh100M Revelation He also voiced suspicion over why certain governors are only just now accusing senators of soliciting bribes. What has surprised me is hearing governors now claim that senators are asking for bribes. If that is the case, you have been the governor for three years; you have appeared before the Public Accounts Committee year after year. Why didnt you complain in the first year? Or the second? Or the third? Why now, in the fourth year? He posed. Onyonka said these county leaders are only speaking out now because they must finally answer for their budgets and decisions. The reason, in my view, is that they are now answering for financial years that fall squarely under their tenure as governors Now the accountability relates directly to their administration. The Addiction Alliance of Georgia (AAG), a collaboration between Emory Healthcare and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, has opened a new 7,000-square-foot Adolescent Outpatient Program at the Emory Addiction Center in Atlanta, expanding access to specialized substance use prevention, early intervention and treatment services for youth and families across Georgia. The expansion is supported by $2.5 million in philanthropic gifts and a $4.4 million Georgia opioid abatement grant awarded through the Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust as part of the states allocation from the 2022 national opioid settlement with pharmaceutical companies. The funding provides treatment scholarships for uninsured or underinsured adolescents, expands family services and supports outcomes research to measure and improve program effectiveness while increasing overall treatment capacity. The program, located at the Emory Addiction Center, was made possible through contributions from The O. Wayne Rollins Foundation and The Wilbur and Hilda Glenn Family Foundation. The space was designed for adolescents and their families, addressing a critical need as substance use disorders often begin during the teen years. The opening strengthens coordinated care across Atlanta and beyond. Through a collaboration with Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta, emergency departments use the CRAFFT (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble) screening tool, a validated six-question screening instrument, to identify adolescents with higher risk substance use. A streamlined referral pathway now connects Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta directly to the Emory Addiction Center/Addiction Alliance of Georgia despite the two systems operating on different electronic medical record platforms, allowing adolescents to be referred quickly to specialized outpatient care. Parents and family members referred through Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta also have immediate access to Hazelden Betty Fords Family Program services, regardless of whether the adolescent is admitted for treatment through the Addiction Alliance of Georgia. Early identification and rapid connection to treatment can change the trajectory of a young persons life, said Justine Welsh, MD, medical director of the Addiction Alliance of Georgia. This program allows us to intervene earlier and deliver evidence-based care at a pivotal moment for adolescents and families. We know that when families are engaged in care, outcomes improve, said Danielle Kretman, executive director of strategic program implementation and partnerships at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. This expansion gives adolescents and their parents access to evidence-based treatment and family support at the same time, strengthening the foundation of long-term recovery. The new adolescent program is one of several ways Addiction Alliance of Georgia is using Georgias opioid settlement funding to expand treatment capacity, improve early identification and reduce financial barriers across its programs, for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. For more information, visit the Addiction Alliance of Georgia website. To schedule a new patient appointment or speak with an admissions and clinical specialist, call 1-800-434-7495. Existing patients may call 404-778-5526. About the Addiction Alliance of Georgia The Addiction Alliance of Georgia is a collaborative initiative between Emory Healthcare and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, dedicated to advancing addiction treatment, education and research. AAG strives to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. For more information, please visit Addiction Alliance of Georgia. About the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a force of healing and hope for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction to alcohol and other drugs. As the nation's leading nonprofit provider of comprehensive inpatient and outpatient addiction and mental health care for adults and youth, the Foundation has treatment centers and telehealth services nationwide as well as a network of collaborators throughout health care. Through charitable support and a commitment to innovation, the Foundation is able to continually enhance care, research, programs and services, and help more people. With a legacy that began in 1949 and includes the 1982 founding of the Betty Ford Center, the Foundation today is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in its services and throughout the organization, which also encompasses a graduate school of addiction studies, a publishing division, an addiction research center, recovery advocacy and thought leadership, professional and medical education programs, school-based prevention resources and a specialized program for children who grow up in families with addiction. 2025-26 MOU guarantees admission and a scholarship to eligible Catholic high school students in the Philadelphia area; expands access to affordable, quality Catholic education EMMITSBURG, Md., March 5, 2026 Mount St. Marys University has partnered with the Secondary School System of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) that guarantees admission and a renewable four-year scholarship to Archdiocesan high school graduates who meet specific criteria. This collaboration enhances access to high quality Catholic education at the university level. Im proud to be able to offer a pathway to a Mount education to Philadelphia-area Catholic school students. As a native of Philadelphia myself, whose parents worked hard to send me to an Archdiocese of Philadelphia Catholic high school, I know OCE Schools students will find spiritual development, academic growth, and a home away from home at the Mount, said President of Mount St. Marys University Gerard Jerry Joyce, Ph.D. The high schools included in the MOU are: Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, PA; Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia; Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, PA; Bishop Shanahan High School in Downingtown, PA; Cardinal OHara High School in Springfield, PA; Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills, PA; Father Judge High School in Philadelphia; Lansdale Catholic High School in Lansdale, PA; Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia; Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School in Drexel Hill, PA; Pope John Paul II High School in Royersford, PA; Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia; Saints John Neumann & Maria Goretti High School in Philadelphia; Saint Hubert Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia; and West Catholic Preparatory High School in Philadelphia. The agreement, signed by Mount President Jerry Joyce, Ph.D., and William Brannick, Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, guarantees admission to the Mount for Archdiocesan high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Admitted students will receive scholarships ranging from $27,000 to $35,000 per year, with a total value of $108,000 to $140,000 over four years. Mr. William E. Brannick, Superintendent of Secondary Schools and Schools of Special Education, for the Archdiocese of Philadelphias Office of Catholic Education said, This exciting new partnership between our 15 Archdiocesan secondary schools and Mount St. Marys University will provide our students with an incredible opportunity to further their educational journey in a faith filled environment. I look forward to the success of this initiative and for our young people to continue to benefit from the gift of Catholic education. In addition, all students who apply by May 1 will be eligible for an additional $5,000 per year Catholic High School Scholarship. High schools included in the agreement will have the opportunity to schedule campus admission visits exclusively for their school. The application fee will be waived for qualifying Archdiocesan students, and they will have the opportunity to receive instant admission decisions during some counselor visits. High school families from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia can learn more about benefits and eligibility by contacting the Mount St. Marys University admissions team at admissions@msmary.edu. Cecil Masiga, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Innovation, speaks at the Botswana stage of Huawei ICT competition in Gaborone, Botswana, March 5, 2026. The information and communication technology (ICT) competition sponsored by Chinese telecoms firm Huawei was hailed on Thursday as a platform for Botswanan students to benchmark their skills against internationally recognized frameworks. (Xinhua/Tshekiso Tebalo) GABORONE, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The information and communication technology (ICT) competition sponsored by Chinese telecoms firm Huawei was hailed on Thursday as a platform for Botswanan students to benchmark their skills against internationally recognized frameworks. Cecil Masiga, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Innovation, made the remarks at the event in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, to recognize 12 local students from the University of Botswana, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, and Botswana Accountancy College for advancing to the southern African regional stage of the competition. He highlighted the importance of building strong digital capabilities among Botswana's youth as the country advances its digital transformation agenda. "Developing local digital talent is essential as Botswana continues to build a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy," Masiga said. "Initiatives such as the Huawei ICT Competition provide valuable opportunities for students to gain practical exposure to emerging technologies and to strengthen the skills required for the digital future." Huawei Botswana Managing Director Li Dalu said the competition plays an important role in bridging the gap between academic learning and the practical skills required in the global technology industry. He reaffirmed Huawei Botswana's commitment to working closely with government and academic institutions to support ICT skills development and strengthen the country's digital talent ecosystem. The 12 students will proceed to the regional stage of the competition, where they will compete for a place in the global finals. Delroy Lindo processed the BAFTA n-word incident in a nanosecond. Delroy Lindo processed the BAFTA n-word incident in a nanosecond The actor, 73, was on stage at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London when a racial slur was shouted from the audience by Tourettes sufferer John Davidson as he and Michael B. Jordan, 39, were presenting on stage but after a brief pause the pair proceeded with their hosting duties. Delroy has now addressed the moment during an appearance on the NPR podcast Fresh Air with host Tonya Mosley. Speaking during the interview, Delroy initially told Tonya he did not plan to discuss the moment. Delroy said: Can I stop you for one second? With all due respect. He continued: With all due respect, I'm actually not going to talk about this. Delroy added with a laugh: I'm laughing because in the intro when you said, Oh, yes, we'll be talking about what happened with BAFTA, I chuckled because I said, No, we're not. Despite his initial reluctance, Delroy later described how he and Michael reacted during the presentation when the slur was shouted. Delroy said he and Michael both had similar responses. He explained: You have to understand, we had jobs to do. We were the first presenters of the evening. And we had to read that teleprompter, and we both did exactly that. Delroy went on: Now, a couple of people who know my wife says that I adjusted my glasses, and she said she knew when I adjusted my glasses that something was happening internally. But there was a nanosecond when I'm thinking, Wait, did I just hear what I thought I heard? But then, and it truly was a nanosecond, one had to read the teleprompter and get on with presenting the award.So, you know, there was no time at all. I processed in the way that I processed in a nanosecond, Mike did similarly, and we went on and did our jobs. Tourette syndrome advocate John, 54, shouted the n-word from the audience while attending the awards to represent the film I Swear, which is based on his life and experiences living with Tourettes syndrome. The organisation behind the BAFTA Film Awards later issued an apology to Delroy and Michael after the ceremony aired on the BBC with the incident still in the broadcast. I Swear received awards for Best Leading Actor and Best Casting. John began experiencing symptoms of Tourettes syndrome a neurological condition that causes involuntary verbal and physical tics at the age of 12. In a Facebook post published on 1 March addressing the incident, John said: Whilst I will never apologise for having Tourettes syndrome, I will apologise for any pain, upset and misunderstanding that it may create. John added: This past week has been tough and it has reminded me that what I do raising awareness for such a misunderstood condition, there is still a long way to go and I will keep on keeping on until this is achieved. As per an official statement from the Japanese Prime Minister's office on March 5, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi received a courtesy call from Peter Thiel at the Prime Minister's Office. The meeting brought together the Japanese government and one of the leading figures in the global technology sector to exchange views on the evolving landscape of advanced technologies. In a social media post, Japan's Prime Minister's Office said that the discussion between the two focused on advanced technology in Japan. During the interaction, Takaichi noted that the conversation covered the current state and prospects of advanced technology fields in both Japan and the United States. "I received a courtesy call from Peter Thiel, co-founder and chairman of Palantir Technologies Inc. We exchanged views on the current state and prospects of advanced technology fields in Japan and the United States, among other topics," the Japanese Prime Minister said. Palantir Technologies is a US-based technology company known for developing advanced data analytics platforms that help governments and businesses analyse large and complex datasets. The company provides software that integrates artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and machine learning to support decision-making. Its platforms are widely used by government agencies, defence organisations, financial institutions, and private companies to analyse data, detect patterns, and improve operational efficiency. The discussion between Takaichi and Thiel is considered important as advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and digital infrastructure are becoming central to economic growth and national security. Exchanges between policymakers and technology leaders can help strengthen collaboration, encourage innovation, and support technological development between Japan and the United States. (ANI) Dario Amodei led Anthropic is taking his battle with the US Department of War to Court. On Friday Anthropic revealed that it had received a formal notice designating it a supply risk, a notice they aim to now challenge legally. "Anthropic received a letter from the Department of War confirming that we have been designated as a supply chain risk to America's national security. As we wrote on Friday, we do not believe this action is legally sound, and we see no choice but to challenge it in court. The Department's letter has a narrow scope, and this is because the relevant statute (10 USC 3252) is narrow, too. It exists to protect the government rather than to punish a supplier; in fact, the law requires the Secretary of War to use the least restrictive means necessary to accomplish the goal of protecting the supply chain. Even for Department of War contractors, the supply chain risk designation doesn't (and can't) limit uses of Claude or business relationships with Anthropic if those are unrelated to their specific Department of War contracts," Amodei said in his press statement. Amodei stated that his concerns remain on domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons, but claimed to have had productive conversations with the Department of War recently. "I would like to reiterate that we had been having productive conversations with the Department of War over the last several days, both about ways we could serve the Department that adhere to our two narrow exceptions, and ways for us to ensure a smooth transition if that is not possible. As we wrote on Thursday, we are very proud of the work we have done together with the Department, supporting frontline war fighters with applications such as intelligence analysis, modelling and simulation, operational planning, cyber operations, and more. As we stated last Friday, we do not believe, and have never believed, that it is the role of Anthropic or any private company to be involved in operational decision-making--that is the role of the military. Our only concerns have been our exceptions on fully autonomous weapons and mass domestic surveillance, which relate to high-level usage areas, and not operational decision-making," he wrote. Amodei said that his priority is to ensure that the national security apparatus is not deprived of AI tools from Anthropic in the middle of the West Asia operations. "Our most important priority right now is making sure that our war fighters and national security experts are not deprived of important tools in the middle of major combat operations. Anthropic will provide our models to the Department of War and national security community, at nominal cost and with continuing support from our engineers, for as long as is necessary to make that transition, and for as long as we are permitted to do so. Anthropic has much more in common with the Department of War than we have differences. We both are committed to advancing US national security and defending the American people, and agree on the urgency of applying AI across the government. All our future decisions will flow from that shared premise," he said. Meanwhile, Anthropic's tools continue to be used during the US' ongoing operation in the Middle East. A Reuters report suggested that the US used an array of weapons in the strikes conducted against Iran as a part of Operation Epic Fury, which included artificial intelligence services from Anthropic. According to the report the Pentagon used artificial intelligence services from Anthropic, including its Claude tools, during its attack on Iran. (ANI) VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 6: The mandate of the global CTO is undergoing a critical shift as AI moves from experimentation to enterprise-wide transformation. According to McKinsey, more than three-quarters of organisations now use AI in at least one business function, with generative AI adoption accelerating rapidly across industries. At the same time, Gartner reports that 70% of technology leaders consider generative AI a game-changing technology, and nearly 45% of CIOs are now co-leading digital initiatives alongside business leaders, signalling a move from pure IT oversight to enterprise strategy. This shift is redefining the CTO's role from managing infrastructure to orchestrating data, AI, and innovation across the value chain. As companies race to capture the economic potential of generative AI - estimated by McKinsey to create $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion in annual value globally, technology leaders are increasingly expected to shape business outcomes, not just technology architectures. To address this growing need for strategic and future-ready leadership, the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow (IIM Lucknow), a leading business school that is ranked 5th amongst all B-schools in the Management category (NIRF India Ranking, 2025), in collaboration with Emeritus, has commenced the 4th batch of Chief Technology Officer Programme. It stands out for its unique focus on enabling participants to shape and sustain technology-strategy alignment that delivers measurable business impact. Blending academic rigour, industry relevance and experiential learning, it cultivates tech-inspired leadership that drives enterprise-wide transformation. The programme is designed for new, aspiring and experienced CTOs who want to harness technology and strategy to drive faster business outcomes. It is also tailored for emerging CTOs and CIOs seeking to build strategic acumen and innovation capabilities, seasoned technology leaders aiming to strengthen tech-business alignment and create organisation-wide impact. Additionally, it is also beneficial for business owners or leaders looking to leverage technology for digital disruption, sustained competitiveness and accelerated growth. Speaking on the programme, Mr. Avnish Singhal, Executive Vice President, India & APAC, Emeritus, said, "Technology leadership today is about driving meaningful business outcomes through clarity of vision and strategic agility. This programme is designed to help leaders strengthen that intersection of technology and strategy enabling them to make high-impact decisions. Through this collaboration with IIM Lucknow, we aim to empower professionals with the strategic perspective and leadership depth needed to turn technology into a true business differentiator" The Chief Technology Officer Programme by IIM Lucknow offers an immersive and forward-looking learning experience designed to shape strategic technology leaders. This programme features 100% live online lectures led by IIM Lucknow faculty and industry experts, complemented by a 3-day campus immersion at the IIM Lucknow campus. Participants gain valuable practitioner insights from leading technology experts and apply their learning through a capstone project guided by the IIM Lucknow faculty. Alongside developing a personalised CTO playbook, learners acquire critical leadership and strategic skills and get a chance to engage in peer-to-peer networking with CTOs. The modules of this programme include innovating for artificial intelligence (AI), value chain digitalisation, robotics at the cutting edge and mastering cloud strategy and adoption among others. Programme Details: - Start Date: 31 March 2026 - Duration: 10 months - Mode: Live online sessions by IIM Lucknow faculty Live + On-Campus Immersion - Eligibility: Any graduate/diploma holder (10+2+3) or postgraduate with a minimum of 10 years of work experience - Fee: INR 5,35,000 + GST - Certification: Upon successful completion of the programme and maintaining a minimum attendance of 75 percent, participants will receive a certificate of completion from IIM Lucknow and an opportunity to gain the IIM Lucknow Executive Alumni status. For more information, visit the programme page here. About IIM Lucknow The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow is one of the premier national level institutes of management in India, involved in generating and imparting knowledge in the field of management. IIM Lucknow stands tall on the foundation of an excellent, committed and profoundly knowledgeable faculty, innovative pedagogical tools, as well as an eclectic and diverse student community that has a burning desire to make new paths of its own. The Association of MBAs (AMBA) has accorded accreditation to the Institute's PGPM, IPMX and PGPWE programmes. There is a total of six B-schools in India with dual accreditation of AMBA & AACSB. In order of achievement, IIML was the 4th in India to get double accreditation status (in 2020 AACSB, while AMBA was already in place). World over, only about 5% of the institutes have acquired AACSB's accreditation. About Emeritus: Emeritus offers customised and open programs in India, Singapore, Dubai and other global locations in collaboration with IIM Lucknow Executive Education, IIM Calcutta Executive Education, ISB Executive Education, Harvard Business School (HBS), MIT Sloan, Columbia Business School, Kellogg Executive Education, Berkeley Executive Education and Wharton Executive Education, amongst other leading Institutions. Our world-class executive education programs, facilitated by eminent program experts, provide an immersive learning experience integrated with actionable insights and practical business applications and are delivered in a range of formats; in-class, online, as well as blended programs. The Emeritus Group has more than 1,750 employees globally and offices in Mumbai, New Delhi, Shanghai, Singapore, Palo Alto, Mexico City, New York, Boston, London and Dubai. The company is backed by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Leeds Illuminate, Prosus Ventures, GSV Ventures, Peak XV, Bertelsmann, CPPIB, Accel and SoftBank Vision Fund 2. For more information, please visit https://emeritus.org/ For media queries contact: Muskaan Bhardwaj | muskaan.bhardwaj@themavericksindia.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) ADHD is being missed in millions of people across the UK with many living without diagnosis or support, despite rising awareness of the condition. Millions of people in the UK are living with undiagnosed ADHD ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus, self-control, and behaviour, and is tied to dopamine dysregulation in the brain, which impacts attention, motivation, and reward processing. Experts say ADHD is more than just hyperactivity or inattention. Subtle signs like time blindness, disorganisation, hyperfocus, procrastination, impatience, restlessness, and being easily distracted are often overlooked. Emotional dysregulation - which is a core, visible symptom, affecting daily life, relationships, and work - often gets overlooked. Alarmist claims that ADHD is overdiagnosed could prevent people from accessing the care they need. A major review published in the British Journal of Psychiatry involving 32 experts found that there is no evidence that ADHD is over-diagnosed in the UK. Indeed, available data point to under-diagnosis. Lead author Professor Samuele Cortese, from the University of Southampton, told The Sun: Every time there is a discussion around the prevalence of ADHD and how it is diagnosed, the focus of the conversation most of the time is around the fact that the diagnosis rate has increased over time. Sometimes its described in an alarmistic tone. What we wanted to highlight in this piece is that after reviewing all the evidence we were aware of in the UK in particular, but also comparing to international estimates the conclusion is that it is true that the diagnosis rates have increased. So we are diagnosing more ADHD in the past decade, but there are still many with ADHD who are out there but despite this theyre not diagnosed. So certainly this increase means that there is more awareness now. But the problem is that we are not yet meeting the need of these people. Professor Tamsin Ford, co-author and head of psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, added: While many more people with ADHD are being recognised and treated, we are failing to support many more. Overdiagnosis is not a problem, but misdiagnosis may be as people are driven into the private sector by long waits; and sadly, missed diagnoses remain common. According to ADHD UK, over two million people in Britain may have ADHD without a formal diagnosis. Henry Shelford, CEO of ADHD UK, explained: If it isnt debilitating, it isnt ADHD. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched an independent review into ADHD and mental health services to improve diagnosis and support. New Delhi [India], March 6: Trinity Institute of Professional Studies, affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, successfully hosted its flagship annual event Trinity Fiesta 2026 on February 26 and 27, 2026, across its Dwarka campus and Delhi Haat, Janakpuri. The two-day celebration reflected a distinguished blend of academic rigor, cultural vibrancy, technological innovation, and student leadership. The fest comprised four signature verticals-- Pixclusive 10.0 (Photography Competition), Tech-Samroh 6.0 (Technology and Innovation Meet), Unmad 5.0 (Cultural Festival), and Urja 3.0 (Management and Commerce Fest)--designed to promote experiential learning, interdisciplinary engagement, and creative excellence. The inaugural ceremony at the Dwarka campus commenced with traditional rituals and lamp lighting in the presence of Dr. R. K. Tandon, Chairman, Trinity Institute of Professional Studies, Dr. Reema Tandon, Vice Chairperson, along with Board Members Soumya Tandonl, Shreya Tandon, and Suyash Tandon. The occasion was graced by the Chief Guest Prof. (Dr.) Manpreet Kaur, Director, Student Welfare, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, along with Arvind Gaur, Director, Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Agrawal, Director, and Prof. (Dr.) Shashibala, Principal, Law, Trinity Institute of Professional Studies. Heads of departments, faculty members, jury members, and distinguished invitees were also present. Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries emphasized the significance of holistic education and encouraged students to maintain a balanced focus on academics and co-curricular activities to emerge as competent and socially responsible professionals. Trinity Fiesta 2026 featured a wide spectrum of student-centric activities including fashion shows, classical and western dance performances, theatre and street plays, stand-up comedy, mono acts, rangoli, ad-mad competitions, digital poster making, poetry recitation, debates, and musical performances. The theatre presentations and Battle of Bands emerged as major highlights, receiving enthusiastic appreciation from the audience. With participation from over 75 colleges and universities, the fest stood out as a prominent inter-institutional platform. Esteemed jury members from academia and industry evaluated the events, and students demonstrating exceptional talent were formally felicitated. The second day of the fest, held at Delhi Haat, Janakpuri, was marked by the presence of the Chief Guest Shri Sanjeev Rishi, Indian Revenue Service (IRS) Officer, who inspired students through his insights on discipline, goal-setting, and professional ethics. The cultural evening was further elevated by the presence of Guests of Honour shri Vijay Singh, Indian Police Service (IPS) Officer, and shri Shankar Sahni, whose interactions added distinction to the event. A defining highlight of the second day was the unveiling of the institutes Mascot Trivaah Living Album--an innovative institutional initiative that artistically documents Trinitys journey, traditions, milestones, and student life, symbolizing continuity, legacy, and the evolving spirit of the institution. The fest concluded on a high note with a captivating Star Night performance by the renowned Zikkr Band, leaving students and guests with lasting memories of an inspiring celebration. Trinity Fiesta 2026 reaffirmed the institutes commitment to fostering excellence, creativity, and innovation while nurturing future-ready professionals grounded in strong institutional values. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 6: InSolare Energy Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), a premier national laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), known for its expertise in structural analysis, design, and testing, has developed indigenous technologies and built advanced facilities to support industry with high-precision engineering evaluation. - MoU reinforces scientific testing, structural reliability, and engineering excellence across InSolare's renewable energy portfolio. Under this collaboration, CSIR-SERC will provide comprehensive testing, technical evaluation, validation, and analytical support for InSolare's proprietary renewable energy systems and structural components. The partnership will operate on a project-to-project basis, ensuring that every innovation is subjected to rigorous scientific scrutiny and engineering validation before large-scale deployment. Dr. Sunit Tyagi, Founder and Managing Director, InSolare Energy Limited, said "Engineering excellence is not optional in renewable infrastructure, it is foundational. As systems scale in size and complexity, structural integrity and scientific validation become central to long-term performance. Our collaboration with CSIR-SERC institutionalizes that rigor within our innovation journey. Every asset we deploy must be resilient, tested under real-world conditions, and built to endure decades of operation. This partnership strengthens our ability to integrate research-backed validation into execution, ensuring that India's clean energy expansion is not only rapid, but structurally robust and future-ready". As renewable infrastructure scales across diverse climatic and load-bearing conditions in India, structural resilience has emerged as a critical differentiator. Through this MoU, InSolare aims to further institutionalize third-party validation and advanced structural assessment across its solar, hybrid, and hydrogen-related installations. The collaboration bridges laboratory-grade scientific rigor with real-world renewable infrastructure execution. Speaking on the partnership, Col. Pankaj Sharma, Vice President (R&D), InSolare Energy Limited, said, "Innovation in clean energy must be matched by disciplined validation. Through this collaboration with CSIR-SERC, we are embedding advanced structural testing and analytical evaluation into our development lifecycle. This moves us beyond conceptual innovation towards scientifically verified deployment. By aligning laboratory-grade research with on-ground execution, we are accelerating the translation of indigenous technologies into scalable, dependable renewable infrastructure." Dr. N. Anandavalli, Director, CSIR-SERC, noted, "This partnership bridges advanced structural research with large-scale renewable energy deployment. By providing rigorous testing, validation, and analytical support, we aim to enhance the safety, durability, and performance of emerging clean energy systems. Structured collaboration between scientific institutions and industry is essential to strengthening India's renewable infrastructure ecosystem." The signing ceremony took place at CSIR-SERC on February 16, 2026, in the presence of senior scientists and R&D leaders from both organizations. As India accelerates its renewable expansion, partnerships between industrial innovators and scientific research institutions will play a vital role in building robust, safe, and scalable energy infrastructure. Through this collaboration, InSolare continues to deepen its technology-first approach--ensuring that every deployment is engineered with precision and validated with confidence. About InSolare Energy Limited InSolare Energy Ltd. has been innovating renewable energy for a Net-Zero future since 2009. Founded with a vision to lead India's solar revolution, we provide cutting-edge, world-class renewable energy solutions that are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. A technology-driven clean-energy company, InSolare is a trusted leader in turnkey solar EPC projects and integrated solutions spanning solar, wind-hybrid, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), green hydrogen, electrolysers, green molecule, and advanced energy management. Over 17 years of innovation, we have pioneered large-scale solar projects with diverse technologies, demonstrating agility across terrains, climates, and applications to ensure optimal performance and long-term sustainability. With a robust EPC portfolio of 1.5 GW+ across 22 Indian states, InSolare powers industrial zones, technology hubs, infrastructure leaders, public sector initiatives, and rural microgrid solutions. Backed by a team of 400+ professionals and 60+ solar technology patents, we combine discipline, integrity, innovation, respect, quality, and a results-driven approach to design, build, and maintain projects that reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and accelerate India's transition to Net-Zero. For more information, visit: https://insolare.com/ About CSIR-SERC:CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre (CSIR-SERC), located in Chennai, is a premier national laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It specializes in advanced research, testing, and development in the field of structural engineering. Established in 1965, CSIR-SERC has developed strong expertise in structural health monitoring, materials testing, and the design and analysis of safe, resilient, and disaster-resistant infrastructure. The centre is equipped with advanced research facilities and technical capabilities. The core value of this collaboration lies in rigorous testing, structural validation, and technical evaluation of InSolare's systems, which strengthens reliability, reduces engineering risks, and supports effective commercialization. For more information, visit: https://serc.res.in/ For more information, contact:Puja Tyagi: Puja.Tyagi@insolare.com For media queries:Arshi Khan: arshi.khan@rewiredmavericks.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927329/IEL_CSIR_1.jpgLogo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2809164/InSolare_Energy_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 6: Aadyam Handwoven, the corporate social enterprise from the house of Aditya Birla, proudly announces its collaboration with acclaimed actor and filmmaker Konkona Sensharma. Working closely with weaver communities across Bhuj, Bhadohi Mirzapur, Gadwal, Kashmir, Pochampally, Varanasi, Angara, Pulagurtha and Venkatagiri, Aadyam Handwoven was born from a deep respect for India's enduring handloom traditions. With a vision to create a self-sustaining ecosystem for artisans, the brand co creates with them each season by blending international design perspectives with time honored techniques. At the heart of Aadyam lies its philosophy of #HeirloomsForTheFuture. An heirloom is not defined by age. It is cherished, lived with, and passed on. Konkona Sensharma's association emerges from this very ethos. Raised amidst literature, cinema, and layered artistic discourse, her aesthetic reflects a deep appreciation for authenticity and meaning. Her intuitive elegance and understated choices mirror the handloom spirit that Aadyam champions. She embodies the modern cultural connoisseur who values craftsmanship, narrative, and soul in both art and attire. Sharing his thoughts on the association, Manish Saksena, Business Lead, Aadyam Handwoven, said: "She is a thinking person's actor and director. Her repertoire in films speaks to all sections of the society; equally and homogeneously. Moreover her lineage which is culturally immersive is something that sits unequivocally with our brand, Aadyam Handwoven's ethos. We are delighted to join hands with her and have her voice to amplify our impact efforts on weaving communities and livelihood generation. She epitomizes our belief in creating #HeirloomsForTheFuture be it textiles, films, performing arts or just pure legacy." Expressing her perspective on the collaboration, Konkona Sensharma said: "Textiles have been part of my life since childhood- in the clothes I wear, the spaces I inhabit, and the stories I carry. I'm drawn to Aadyam's commitment to creating handwoven heirlooms that feel alive in a contemporary home, and equally meaningful in the sarees we choose to wear -- rich with texture, presence and quiet depth. It's rare to find a brand that sees craft as a living dialogue -- not just heritage on display. That's why I chose to associate with Aadyam -- because I genuinely feel at home in their world of craft, and I see in their textiles and garments the same emotional continuity that I value in life." This association is not anchored in conventional ambassador narratives. Instead, it is a meeting of values, more like a handloom patron. It reinforces Aadyam's belief that handloom textiles are tactile luxury essentials and design objects that enrich both wardrobes and living spaces. Through initiatives like #CultureBeyondTextiles, Aadyam continues to celebrate Indian heritage as a living, evolving continuum that extends beyond fabric into music, performance, literature and shared cultural experiences. With Konkona's voice and sensibility aligning with this vision, the brand further strengthens its mission to spotlight weaving communities and champion slow, meaningful creation. About Aadyam HandwovenAadyam Handwoven is a corporate social enterprise from the house of Aditya Birla, dedicated to creating a self sustaining ecosystem for India's finest artisans. By supporting and selling handcrafted textiles rooted in tradition yet shaped by contemporary design, Aadyam works to positively impact artisan livelihoods while bringing enduring craft into modern homes and wardrobes worldwide. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aadyamhandwoven/ Website: https://handwoven.aadyam.co.in/ For further information, please contact:Vishesh Sharma: Marketing Head, Aadyam Handwoven+91-9650063161 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 6: Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) (BSE: 500257) (NSE: LUPIN) (REUTERS: LUPIN.BO) (BLOOMBERG: LPCIN) today announced its recognition among the top 1% of companies worldwide in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). Lupin attained a score of 91 out of 100, establishing itself as the leading pharmaceutical company globally, and the leader across all sectors in India, surpassing both Indian and international peers. The S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment--one of the world's most comprehensive ESG benchmarks--evaluates companies on industry-specific economic, environmental, and social criteria. Lupin has been included in the Sustainability Yearbook 2026 for the third consecutive year. Yearbook members are selected based on scores from the S&P Global 2025 Corporate Sustainability Assessment, with companies required to rank in the top 15% of their industry and within 30% of the industry's top performer. Of the more than 9,200 companies assessed across 59 industries, 848 earned Yearbook inclusion. "This recognition by S&P Global places Lupin among the topmost global sustainability leaders and reinforces our long-term commitment to embedding ESG principles into our business strategy," said Ramesh Swaminathan, Executive Director, Global CFO and Head of IT and API Plus SBU, Lupin. "It strengthens our resolve to accelerate our sustainability roadmap and deepen ESG integration across our value chain, while continuing to create positive outcomes for patients, communities, and stakeholders worldwide." Lupin's recognition reflects its sustained focus on responsible business practices, strong governance, environmental stewardship, and positive social impact across its global operations. About S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 The Sustainability Yearbook aims to distinguish those companies within their industries that have each demonstrated strengths in corporate sustainability. For further details on Lupin's distinction and to explore the official rankings, please visit the Yearbook ranking website. About Lupin Lupin Limited is a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Mumbai, India, with products distributed in over 100 markets. Lupin specializes in pharmaceutical products, including branded and generic formulations, complex generics, biotechnology products, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Trusted by healthcare professionals and consumers globally, the company enjoys a strong position in India and the U.S. across multiple therapy areas, including respiratory, cardiovascular, anti-diabetic, anti-infective, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and women's health. Lupin has 15 state-of-the-art manufacturing sites and 7 research centers globally, along with a dedicated workforce of over 24,000 professionals. Lupin is committed to improving patient health outcomes through its subsidiaries - Lupin Diagnostics, Lupin Digital Health, and Lupin Manufacturing Solutions. To know more, visit www.lupin.com or follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/lupin Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927943/Lupin_S_and_P_Assesment.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2461104/Lupin_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that education as a service has significant potential to contribute to India's export earnings and help take high-quality Indian education to the rest of the world. Addressing the Vice Chancellor's Conclave on "Reimagining Internationalisation of Higher Education for Viksit Bharat 2047" today, Goyal expressed happiness that the Ministry of Commerce and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) under the Ministry is taking a lead in exploring the potential that education as a service holds for India's export earnings as well as for expanding the global reach of Indian education. The conclave provided a platform for thematic discussions and expert dialogues on key aspects of internationalising higher education, including international partnerships, student mobility, regulatory frameworks and dual degree programmes. Participants also deliberated on strategies to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian Higher Education Institutions, while examining emerging global trends in education mobility and exploring opportunities for India to strengthen its presence in the expanding global education services market. He said that the future growth engines of the world are likely to be countries that are less developed or developing, such as India. Therefore, exposure to India would help students from developed countries in their future careers. Goyal said he sees growing recognition of this trend while negotiating services chapters in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). He noted that the nine FTAs finalised by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi have all been with developed economies. According to him, nearly two-thirds of global trade is now covered by India's FTAs because the country has engaged with more developed and evolved economies. He said this reflects a shift in India's approach to global engagement, noting that the country no longer negotiates from a weak position or a colonial mindset. Instead, India now engages with the world with confidence and from a position of strength. The Minister said that if India is currently contributing around 20 per cent of global growth and has emerged as an engine of growth, then in the future the younger generations across the world will increasingly need to work with countries such as India. The Minister said that a comprehensive effort to reform India's education system was undertaken through extensive consultations with educationists across the country in drafting the National Education Policy 2020 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that the policy was formulated after wide-ranging consultations and inputs from stakeholders across the country and overseas. Nearly three lakh inputs and feedback were received, each of which was given due importance and carefully considered before finalising the policy. He said that the policy emerged after years of deliberation and reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's style of working. Goyal said that the policy has opened India's thinking to aspire for international standards in education, expand educational institutions to meet India's growing needs, and attract students from across the world. The Minister said the policy has permitted international campuses to come and set up in India and has enabled universities to collaborate with Indian institutions to offer dual degrees. It has also encouraged cross-border student exchanges so that Indian students can gain exposure to education systems in developed and other countries, while international students can also experience India's education system. Goyal noted that there is now a need to encourage students from developed countries to come and study in India. He suggested models such as a three-year programme where students could spend one year in India and two years in their original institution, or split their time equally between both institutions. According to him, such dual degree programmes would help students from developed countries understand how developing countries think, work, and engage with culture and society. Addressing the Vice Chancellors present at the conclave, Goyal described them as architects of India's future, noting that they play a crucial role in shaping the minds of young Indians. He said that each Vice Chancellor carries a significant responsibility as they prepare students to face the challenges of tomorrow and lay the foundations of a modern, developed nation. He said that higher education institutions must evolve with changing times and that teachers should undergo retraining and relearning so that they remain current with modern curriculum and future-oriented knowledge while teaching students. The Minister stressed that students cannot be prepared for the future through outdated curricula. He said that institutions and teachers must remain agile and understand emerging opportunities that the future holds. Goyal highlighted the importance of internationalisation of India's trade, manufacturing and services sectors as well as engagement with modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and machine learning. He said these will become increasingly important if India is to continue growing at the current pace, become one of the top three economies in the world and emerge as a global technology powerhouse. He said educational institutions will need to reassess their curriculum and teaching styles accordingly. He emphasised that subjects such as international trade and India's Free Trade Agreements should be included in academic curricula so that students understand the opportunities available in the global economy. The Minister expressed confidence that students who understand international law, trading rules and the benefits emerging from Free Trade Agreements will play an important role in taking India towards Viksit Bharat during the Amrit Kaal. Goyal said that as institutions adopt modern teaching techniques, upgrade facilities, and improve teachers' understanding of global trends, Indian students will increasingly choose to study in India rather than abroad. At the same time, India will begin attracting students from across the world. He expressed hope that in the coming years, the present ratio of 28 Indian students going abroad for every one international student coming to India would be reversed, and that India would attract around 1.3 million foreign students to study in its institutions, while only a small number of Indian students go abroad. The Minister concluded by encouraging greater collaboration between academia, government and industry to realise the vision of internationalising higher education and transforming India into a global education destination by 2047. (ANI) Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri on Friday said there is no shortage of energy in India and there is no cause of worry for its energy consumers. The minister discussed various aspects of India's uninterrupted energy imports despite geopolitical challenges with the media. "Our priority is to ensure availability of affordable and sustainable fuel for our citizens, and we are doing it comfortably. There is no shortage of energy in India and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers," the minister posted on X. Indian Oil Corporation rubbished reports on social media suggesting a shortage of petrol and diesel, and termed them as baseless. "India has sufficient fuel stocks, and supply and distribution networks are functioning normally. IndianOil is committed to maintaining uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Citizens are requested not to panic or crowd fuel stations and to rely only on official sources for accurate information," IndianOil posted on X. Earlier today, government sources said India is in a "very comfortable position" regarding crude oil, petroleum products and LPG supplies despite concerns over disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the sources, the country currently has access to more energy supplies from diversified sources than the volume that could potentially be impacted through the Strait of Hormuz. India's existing stock of crude oil and petroleum products is also adequate to meet domestic demand. Sources said the government is closely monitoring the situation and plans to ramp up supplies from alternative geographies to offset any potential supply constraints linked to the Strait of Hormuz. They highlighted that India has significantly diversified its crude import basket over the past few years. Since 2022, India has been importing crude oil from Russia. While Russia accounted for only 0.2 per cent of India's total crude imports in 2022, the share has risen substantially in the following years. "In February, India imported about 20 per cent of its total crude oil imports from Russia, amounting to around 1.04 million barrels per day," government sources said. On the LPG front, the government has directed all LPG refineries to increase production to ensure adequate availability across the country. Officials said India currently remains in a comfortable position regarding LPG stocks. LPG from US has started coming to India since January, the sources said. Indian PSU Oil companies in November 2025 has signed a one-year contract to import around 2.2 MTPA of LPG from the US Gulf Coast for the contract year 2026. (ANI) The ongoing conflict in West Asia is likely to disrupt logistics for India's fertiliser imports and could significantly impact the agrochemical sector due to its dependence on petroleum-based inputs, said Nand Kishore Aggarwal, Chairman of the Chemical and Plastic Committee at PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of Crystal Crop Protection. Speaking about the immediate impact of the conflict, Aggarwal said the main concern at present is logistics rather than raw material costs. "The war is definitely (impacting) because of logistics. Most of our fertiliser imports are from the Middle East, Uzbekistan and Russia. So, because of this war, there will be logistical problems and disturbances," he said, talking to ANI. Aggarwal noted that crude oil prices may not immediately affect the cost of key fertilisers such as potash, phosphatic fertilisers and even urea, since crude oil is not a direct raw material for these products. "I don't think the prices of crude oil will have a big impact on fertiliser, especially potash and phosphorus-based fertilisers. Because crude oil is not the raw material of potash or phosphoric fertiliser. Even with urea, there is no requirement for crude oil in this," he said. However, he cautioned that a prolonged conflict could still have wider economic implications because crude oil is a key source of energy. "But definitely, because oil is a source of energy and definitely, if the shortage of oil and the price increases of crude oil, it will definitely have an impact on the price of petrol and diesel," Aggarwal said, adding that "not now, but if this war continues, it will definitely have an impact on the price and supply chain." Aggarwal said the agrochemical industry is more vulnerable because it relies heavily on petroleum-based raw materials and intermediates. "But I am more concerned about agrochemicals. Because agrochemicals, the total raw material is from the crude oil, the different solvents and all byproducts of crude oil," he said. According to him, prices of intermediate goods for agrochemicals that are coming from China have shot up. "And we are expecting that they will increase the price considering this war situation," Aggarwal said, referring to Chinese suppliers. Logistics costs have also risen sharply in recent days, he said. While the industry is not facing major shortages yet, Aggarwal said supply disruptions could emerge if the conflict continues. As an industry body, he said, members are being advised to exercise caution and avoid excessive price hikes. (ANI) In a colourful tribute to one of the world's most vibrant festivals, Catherine, Princess of Wales joined the British-Indian community in Leicester on March 5, celebrating Holi through cultural engagements, conversations and traditional rituals across the multicultural UK city. Photos shared on the official Kensington Palace and The Prince and Princess of Wales' social media account on Thursday captured the Princess participating in post-Holi celebrations, greeting community members, clapping along to performances and sharing tea during the visit. During the visit, the Princess began at the Shreeji Dham Haveli Temple, where she was welcomed with a traditional namaste greeting and presented with a mala, a garland made of red roses and pearls, which she wore throughout the engagement. She later visited the Aakash Odedra Company, watching demonstrations of traditional Indian dance and briefly joining a dance class barefoot. The royal also spent time on Leicester's well-known Golden Mile (Belgrave Road), where she stopped at the long-running family restaurant Bobby's to sample chai and traditional snacks while interacting with local residents and business owners. https://www.instagram.com/p/DVhF6UfDWR2/?img_index=1 For the occasion, Catherine chose an outfit that subtly referenced Holi traditions. She wore a cream bespoke coat, previously worn during her 2023 'Together at Christmas' service, over a pleated long-sleeve dress. The ensemble reflected the custom of wearing light or white clothing during Holi. Her look was complemented by camel-coloured suede pumps, a brown suede clutch, and gold-plated Sezane "Dina" earrings featuring blue natural stones. https://www.instagram.com/p/DVg4NT8jvxg/ Online reactions to the Kensington Royal post were largely supportive, with many users praising the Princess for embracing the festival and engaging respectfully with local traditions. "It's always wonderful to see moments like this that celebrate community, culture and local businesses. Thank you for sharing such a meaningful visit," one user wrote. Another social media user commented, "The best princess of wales we can ask for." Known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is a vibrant Hindu festival which marks the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. People throw colored powders, dance, sing, and share sweets, spreading joy, unity, love, and happiness everywhere. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to mark the death of Holika, a symbol of evil and a special Puja to burn evil spirits is performed. (ANI) In a major honour for one of cinema's most influential fantasy storytellers, acclaimed filmmaker Peter Jackson will receive the prestigious Honorary Palme d'Or at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, scheduled to run from May 12 to 23. The Oscar-winning New Zealand director, best known for bringing 'The Lord of the Rings' to the big screen, will join an illustrious list of past honourees including Agns Varda, Marco Bellocchio, Jodie Foster, Meryl Streep and last year's recipient Robert De Niro, as per Deadline. Reacting to the recognition, Jackson described the honour as one of the most meaningful moments of his career. "To be honoured with an Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes is one of the greatest privileges of my career," Jackson said, adding, "Cannes has been a meaningful part of my filmmaking journey," as quoted by Deadline. He recalled two early milestones linked to the festival, attending the market in 1988 with his debut feature 'Bad Taste' and presenting a preview of 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' at Cannes in 2001. "This festival has always ce lebrated bold, visionary cinema, and I'm incredibly grateful to the Festival de Cannes for being recognised among the filmmakers and artists whose work continues to inspire me," he added, as quoted by Deadline. According to the festival, the preview screening of 'The Fellowship of the Ring', shown seven months before its global release, marked a turning point. Initial skepticism among attendees reportedly turned into widespread enthusiasm, setting the stage for the monumental success of Jackson's Middle-earth saga. The trilogy, which continued with 'The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers' and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,' went on to win 17 Academy Awards in total, including 11 for 'Return of the King'. The films collectively grossed around USD 3 billion worldwide, as per Deadline. The honorary Palme d'Or also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the franchise's launch, beginning with The Fellowship of the Ring in 2001. Welcoming the filmmaker, Cannes President Iris Knobloch praised Jackson's creative influence. "For its 79th year, the festival welcomes and thanks a filmmaker of boundless creativity who has brought prestige to the heroic fantasy genre," she said. Festival director Thierry Fremaux suggested that Jackson's work reshaped cinematic spectacle. "There was a before and an after Peter Jackson in the history of cinema," Fremaux said, adding that the director's large-scale storytelling has permanently transformed Hollywood filmmaking. Before the global success of 'The Lord of the Rings', Jackson earned critical acclaim with films such as 'Braindead and Heavenly Creatures'. He later directed 'King Kong' and returned to Middle-earth with 'The Hobbit' between 2012 and 2014. More recently, he explored documentary filmmaking with 'They Shall Not Grow Old' and the music documentary series 'The Beatles: Get Back'. (ANI) Actor Anupam Kher has expressed deep gratitude, having marked a milestone in his theatrical journey by performing the 500th show of his autobiographical play 'Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai' in Jaipur on Thursday night. In a heartwarming social media post, Kher poured out his emotions, calling the experience "exhilarating" as he further reflected on the journey that began 23 years ago. Sharing his joy with fans, Kher wrote, "JAIPUR. 500Th SHOW. GRATITUDE. Last night in Jaipur, I performed the 500th show of my autobiographical play #KuchBhiHoSaktaHai. And I must confess, it was exhilarating! When we started this journey 23 years ago, it was simply my story of failures, struggles, hope and never giving up. I never imagined that this deeply personal story would travel across the world and touch so many hearts." https://www.instagram.com/p/DVhsqv_go_y/ He went on to give a shoutout to his director, Feroz Abbas Khan, his writer, Ashok Patole, the entire crew of the play, and his audience, "who have kept this play alive with their love for more than two decades." Kher concluded his note with a sense of excitement and added, "500 shows later, I stand on stage with the same excitement as the first show. Because life has taught me one beautiful truth- Dreams don't come true because life is easy. Dreams come true because you refuse to give up. And then... Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai!" Earlier, Anupam Kher revealed how he performed his autobiographical play in "extreme pain" due to a sprained foot. Sharing glimpses from a packed auditorium in Mumbai on Sunday, Kher opened up about the physical and emotional challenges he faced before stepping on stage. The actor admitted he was under stress ahead of the performance, not only because of his injury but also due to the pressure of performing before a completely full house. Beyond the stage, Anupam Kher's 'Tanvi The Great' recently kick-started its digital journey on Prime Video. 'Tanvi The Great' explores themes of autism and the Indian Army. Shubhangi plays a young girl inspired by her late father's army service, as she dreams of following in his footsteps. (ANI) Petrol and diesel prices are soaring across the UK as the conflict in the Middle East escalates. UK drivers face higher fuel costs as Middle East conflict impacts global oil supply Motorists in Cumbria and southern Scotland are already facing higher costs, with some fuel stop operators warning of potential shortages. The surge comes amid fears that the war could severely disrupt global oil shipments, driving fuel prices higher and potentially increasing the cost of goods transported by road. Robert Little, director of a truck fuel stop at junction 45 on the M6, told ITV: I hope not, but I think we probably will, to be quite honest. I certainly don't want to be scaremongering. But prior to the war, there were big supply issues in the UK anyway. So I don't see this making things any better. I think it's very worrying for everybody everything that you're buying is coming on the back of a lorry and the lorry needs fuel. So if there are fuel supply problems, they'll automatically be product supply problems. It just stands to reason. Since Saturday (28.02.26), petrol prices have risen nearly 2.5p to 135.20p per litre, while diesel has climbed more than 3p to 145.66p per litre. The AA warns that prices could fall back to early-year levels if the conflict stabilizes, but the outlook remains uncertain. The spike is linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route through which almost a fifth of the worlds oil and gas supply passes. Trade has dropped sharply since the weekend, following attacks by Iran on passing ships. In response, US President Donald Trump suggested the US Navy could escort tankers through the strait to maintain supply. UK officials say they are monitoring domestic oil and gas supplies to mitigate the impact, but global uncertainty means fuel costs could continue rising in the coming weeks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finland President Alexander Stubb have agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalisation and Sustainability, identifying emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing as priority areas for deeper cooperation between the two countries. The two leaders held discussions on strengthening collaboration in digital transformation and innovation ecosystems, noting that technology and digitalisation are key drivers of inclusive social and economic development. According to the Ministry of External Affairs statement, recognising the transformative power of digitalisation, the leaders identified new and emerging technologies such as 5G, 6G, high-performance computing, quantum computing and Artificial Intelligence as areas where collaboration based on mutual trust and mutual benefit could be expanded. They also noted India's experience in building Digital Public Infrastructure, particularly digital payment systems like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and discussed opportunities for cooperation in this domain. Against this backdrop, the two leaders directed the relevant ministries in both countries to establish a cross-sectoral Joint Working Group on Digitalisation that will define priorities and drive concrete initiatives to support the digital transition, the statement read. President Stubb also highlighted the contributions of Indian professionals working in Finland's research and development and technology innovation ecosystems. "The Finnish President emphasised the positive impact of the considerable number of Indian professionals in the Finnish R&D and tech innovation ecosystems, contributing to social and economic development by means of digital transition and sustainability for the benefit of all," the MEA statement noted. The leaders welcomed joint initiatives between the Indian Department of Science and Technology and Business Finland to support research, development and innovation (RDI) collaboration. These initiatives aim to provide funding for joint projects involving companies and research organisations from both countries, with a focus on semiconductors, 6G technologies and energy systems. They also acknowledged cooperation between the Bharat 6G Alliance and the University of Oulu in Finland, welcoming ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral collaboration in 6G technology development. Further cooperation was discussed between India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Business Finland to expand research and innovation partnerships in Artificial Intelligence. The leaders also took note of discussions between the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing in India and the CSC - IT Center for Science in Finland regarding collaboration in high-performance computing. In addition, both sides highlighted space technology as an emerging area of cooperation with significant future potential, noting growing engagement between private sector players from India and Finland. President Stubb congratulated India for successfully hosting the AI Impact Summit 2026, and both leaders agreed that ensuring the safe, trustworthy and inclusive development of Artificial Intelligence is of paramount importance. The two leaders reaffirmed the deep and enduring friendship between India and Finland, built on shared democratic values, respect for the rule of law, and a commitment to global peace and security. They also reiterated their support for a rules-based international order and multilateral cooperation, with the United Nations at its core. The leaders stressed the importance of accelerating global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and called for stronger international cooperation to address climate change and biodiversity loss. Welcoming the landmark Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union, concluded during the India-EU Summit on January 27, both leaders said the agreement would create significant opportunities for trade and investment, including strengthening bilateral economic ties between India and Finland, a statement added. Building on the momentum of the India-Finland Virtual Summit held on March 16, 2021, and previous engagements between the leaders during the India-Nordic Summits in 2018 and 2022 in Stockholm and Copenhagen, respectively, the two sides expressed commitment to further deepen cooperation. During President Stubb's State Visit to India , President Stubb is visiting New Delhi and Mumbai on his first State Visit to India from March 4 to 7. He is accompanied by Finland's Minister of Climate and the Environment, Sari Multala, Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen, and a high-level delegation of officials and business leaders. Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Modi and President Stubb also participated in the 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, where the Finnish President delivered the inaugural keynote address. President Stubb's visit follows the trip of Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo to India for the AI Impact Summit in February 2026. (ANI) A two-day international conference under the theme 'A Decade of Act East Policy: Grassroot Perspective from North East India' was held on March 5-6, at Rayburn College in Churachandpur, Manipur. The event was organised by Rayburn College (Autonomous) and the Indo-Myanmar Borderland Institute, in collaboration with the Indian Council of World Affairs. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Avinash Paliwal, Reader in International Relations at the Department of Politics & International Relations, SOAS, University of London. The conference featured a distinguished panel of plenary speakers, including Sabyasachi Dutta, Co-founder and Executive Director of Asian Confluence; Professor Kishalay Bhattacharjee, Dean of the Jindal School of Journalism and Communication and an award-winning author; Zomuana, Director of New Imaginations; and Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto, Principal of the Northeast Institute of Social Science and Research and a member of the Mizoram State Planning Board. The panel also included Dr. Thongkholal Haokip, Assistant Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University; Professor Samrat Sinha of the Jindal Global Law School; and Professor Priyanca Mathur, Head of the Centre for Research in Social Sciences and Education at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University). During the sessions, Professor Kishalay Bhattacharjee argued that the policy framework requires urgent calibration and redesign, with a stronger emphasis on local and regional dynamics to ensure it genuinely improves the lives of the people in the North East. Dr. Samuel G. Ngaihte, Registrar of Rayburn College, highlighted the importance of such platforms in bringing academic discourse to the grassroots level. In a separate development, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, on February 22, met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss the progress of the peace process and rehabilitation in the violence-hit state. The Manipur CM wrote, "Had the privilege to call on Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, today in New Delhi, accompanied by Hon'ble Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and L Dikho. We had a detailed and constructive discussion on key issues concerning Manipur, including measures for peace, stability, rehabilitation and progress." During the discussion, Amit Shah assured them of the Centre's support for the rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Yumnam Khemchand said on X. "HM conveyed his firm assurance that the Union Government will extend every possible assistance to ensure the early resettlement and rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). On behalf of the people of Manipur, I express my sincere gratitude to HM for his continued support, guidance, and commitment towards the welfare of our State," the X post read. (ANI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the state government is considering a new population management policy that includes financial incentives to encourage families to have more children, announcing a proposed Rs 25,000 assistance at the time of delivery for parents who have a second or third child. Speaking in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, CM Naidu presented the state's proposed population management policy. He said that currently about 58 per cent of families have only one child, around 2.17 lakh families have two children, and nearly 62 lakh families have three or more children. He also noted that around three lakh families have only one child instead of two, while another three lakh families have more than two children.To address this, the government is proposing financial incentives for childbirth. Under the plan, parents who have a parents who have a second child or more will receive Rs 25,000 at the time of delivery. The Chief Minister explained that the state's Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is currently 1.5, whereas the ideal level should be 2.1 to maintain demographic balance. He said that as economies grow, birth rates tend to decline, which can create workforce shortages and long-term economic challenges. CM Naidu described the move as a major policy intervention to encourage population growth. He added that, "Currently, about 58 per cent of families have only one child, around 2.17 lakh families have two children, and nearly 62 lakh families have three or more children." He asserted, "Around three lakh families have only one child instead of two, while another three lakh families have more than two children." While also posting about the proposed policy on X, CM Naidu wrote on the need to secure the state's "demographic future" with the policy now shifting focus from population control to population care."A strong and youthful population is the foundation of long-term prosperity. Andhra Pradesh will introduce India's first-of-its-kind Population Management Policy, shifting the focus from population control to population care. With fertility declining sharply, we must act now to secure our demographic future," CM wrote on X. Talking about the incentive, he added, "Our policy will support families through incentives including 25,000 for the third child, parental leave for mothers and fathers, and the Poshan-Shiksha-Suraksha package to ensure nutrition, education and protection for every child."The policy will focus on systems which enable families to thrive, including improving and building working women's hostels, childcare centres, maternal care centres and more. "We are strengthening the ecosystem that enables families to thrive through working women hostels, childcare centres, pink toilets, and improved maternal care through Matrutva centres of excellence. Through our five-pillar life-cycle framework: Matrutva, Shakti, Naipunyam, Kshema and Sanjeevani, we will ensure support from safe motherhood to skilling, healthy ageing and integrated public health delivery for every citizen," the post read. Last year in March, CM Naidu called for a shift in thinking on population growth, arguing that India must utilise its demographic advantage to sustain economic growth and global competitiveness. "I am changing my views and promoting population now. India is one country with the biggest advantage in the demographic dividend. If we can manage demographic dividend for the future, India and Indians will be great..." CM Naidu had said. In July, CM Naidu had said his government would launch a policy to encourage couples to have more children. (ANI) The Bharatiya Janata Party has prepared a comprehensive strategy for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, focusing on strengthening its organisation at the booth level while also working to curb fake voting and remove the fear of electoral violence from the minds of voters and party workers. According to sources, the party believes that the atmosphere of violence during elections in West Bengal has often discouraged voters from coming out to vote. In view of this, the BJP is emphasising the need for strong security arrangements to ensure that voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear. To strengthen the security apparatus, 480 battalions of central forces have been deployed since March 1. Sources say that additional security forces may also be deployed if required. During the Lok Sabha elections as well, central forces were kept deployed for several months after the polls to prevent post-poll violence. Apart from security arrangements, the BJP has also suggested measures to the Election Commission to prevent fake and bogus voting. According to sources, the party has recommended that facial scanning of voters should be carried out at all polling booths, or at least photographs of all voters should be taken. The party believes that such measures would help curb fraudulent voting and make the electoral process more transparent. Meanwhile, the Election Commissioner is likely to visit West Bengal next week to review the preparations for the upcoming elections. During the visit, the commissioner is expected to assess security arrangements and other measures aimed at ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections in the state. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday visited West Bengal to launch the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) Parivartan Yatra from the Hingalganj Assembly constituency. The visit included a public meeting and a roadshow, drawing a large gathering of supporters.In his address, CM Dhami reiterated his commitment to Sanatan values. He said that "a Sanatani Hindu never fears; he stands firm for truth and the nation." His remarks received an enthusiastic response from the gathering.CM Dhami launched a sharp attack on the government led by Mamata Banerjee, alleging that appeasement politics has been encouraged in West Bengal. (ANI) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that the present state government is working with utmost importance for the development of health infrastructure in the state and to provide quality health care to the people, a press release said. According to the Tripura CMO, he said that the state government has decided to open another super speciality hospital in Hapania, Agartala. Addressing a press conference at GB Pant Hospital on Thursday, CM Saha called it a proud day for the AGMC and GB Pant Hospital. "If we speak about the health department, our government has given the topmost priority to its development. We are working on how we can further develop the health sector. At GB Pant, we have opened an apex tertiary care centre. We have a population of 42 lakh, and they are dependent on AGMC and GB Pant. We are working on how we can develop it more, and we have introduced super-speciality services and will do more. We are also developing manpower and infrastructure. Apart from this, we are working to solve the existing problems," he said. The Chief Minister said that GB Pant Hospital has 24 NICU and 116 ICU beds. "We have signed an MoU with AIIMS. I have held a meeting with the AIIMS Director, who is an expert in hospital management. They have come and submitted a report, and as per the report, around 320 ICU beds are needed in AGMC, and we are working to fulfil the target. We have inaugurated a 16-bed Respiratory and Geriatric Intensive Care Unit for people with breathlessness issues. The Trauma Centre Operation Theatre has also been inaugurated. Yesterday, many RTA patients came here. This will be open 24x7. General surgeons, orthopaedics, neurosurgeons and others will be there. The newly renovated labour room was also inaugurated. We are working to provide all facilities at an international level. For this, pregnant mothers and babies will be more secure with life support systems," said Saha. Saha, who is also the Health Minister of the state, said that GB Pant Hospital is a very old hospital, CMO stated. "We can renovate the old building and use it for the patient parties. I have informed the officials about everything regarding how we can develop the hospital further. We want to give services to patients in a corporate style, but we also don't want people to spend huge amounts of money. Now there are 156 ICU beds, and the target is 320. Earlier, there were 727 beds; now there are 1413 beds. Work for a critical care and communicable disease centre in AGMC and GB Pant has already started. Five more super specialities will be opened as we already have nine. We are also working to increase the MBBS seats. We have started telemedicine with AIIMS. SHIJA will open their hospital, and GNRC Super Speciality of Guwahati will also open a hospital in Hapania at the Jute Mill. In Sepahijala and Khowai, two district hospitals will be opened," he added. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi welcomed Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's move to the Rajya Sabha, stating that she believes that the JD(U) leader would be able to share his experience and make his contribution in the parliament's upper house. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Chaturvedi also took a jibe at the BJP, claiming that due to its "political haste" to install their own CM in Bihar, Nitish Kumar is being sent to the Rajya Sabha. "When he had won the election and become the Chief Minister with the belief that he would complete a 5-year term, but due to the way politics unfolded and the BJP's haste to somehow install their own Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar was sent to the Rajya Sabha. I welcome him here, and he will be able to share his experience here and make his contribution," Chaturvedi said. Bihar on Thursday witnessed a huge political transition as incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha in Patna in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Apart from Nitish Kumar, other NDA candidates, including Upendra Kushwaha and BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, also filed their nominations for the Upper House. Nitish Kumar, who has served as Bihar's longest-tenured Chief Minister for over two decades, earlier announced that he would be heading to the Rajya Sabha and would file his nomination in the current election cycle. The 75-year-old also said that the new Cabinet would have his full support. "I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," Nitish Kumar posted on X. (ANI) Karnataka Congress MLA Konappa Reddy on Friday said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would present the record 17th state budget, adding that he has worked for properity of all communities. Speaking to reporters, Reddy asserted that the Chief Minister would create history by presenting the 17th State Budget, hoping that it would benefit the citizens of the state. "Siddaramaiah is creating history by presenting his 17th Budget. We will react after the Budget is presented, but he has always worked for the prosperity of all communities. We are hopeful that Siddaramaiah will present a Budget that benefits everyone," Konappa Reddy told reporters. Earlier, CM Siddaramaiah arrived at the Vidhan Soudha in Bengaluru to present the state budget for 2026-27. While reacting to BJP MLA Arvind Bellad's remarks related to Siddaramaiah's stepping down as CM after the state budget, the Congress leader stated that the BJP must sort out their internal matters first and described the relationship between Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Chief Minister as "honey and milk." "As the deputy leader of his party, he should first address the issues within his own party. Yatnal is saying one thing, Vijayendra is saying another. They should resolve their internal matters first. The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister have already said that they are like honey and milk. What more do we need to say? We have a high command, and they know everything," said Konappa Reddy. BJP MLA Arvind Bellad on Thursday claimed that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah might resign after the Budget Session and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar will take over as the new Chief Minister of the state. While speaking to the reporters, he slammed the Congress government, stating that it has not appointed any government employee in the past three years. The appointments, which were approved by the finance department has also not been made. He said, "This is a very, very big issue in the state of Karnataka today. In the last three years, the Congress government has not gone ahead and appointed a single government employee. They are not notified of a single new job vacancy. Whatever existing vacancies which were announced earlier, where the finance department has already given permission, even those appointments, the Congress government is not going ahead and doing those appointments." (ANI) Two pilots, Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, have been killed in the Su-30MKI crash in Karbi Anglong district of Assam, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed on Friday. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, they acknowledged the deaths on X, stating, "IAF acknowledges the loss of Sqn Ldr Anuj and Flt Lt Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the Su-30 crash. All personnel of the IAF express sincere condolences and stand firmly with the bereaved family in this time of grief." https://x.com/IAF_MCC/status/2029765156092399865?s=20 Prior to the acknowledgement, they stated that a search operation was underway. "The Su-30MKI, which was on a training mission, crashed in the area of Karbi Anglong, Assam, approx 60 km from Jorhat. Search operations are underway," IAF said on X. The aircraft had lost radar contact at around 7.42 pm after taking off from Jorhat in Assam. "An IAF Su-30 MKI is reported overdue. The aircraft had taken off from Jorhat, Assam and was last in contact at 7.42 pm. Further details are being ascertained. Search and Rescue mission has been initiated," said IAF. Speaking to ANI, a local stated that they saw the plane coming down in the evening yesterday." We heard a loud noise and an explosion... The police from the Chowki Wala police station are here. They are searching for him from the helicopter," he said. The Su-30MKI is a two-seater fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. The IAF has a fleet of over 200 Su-30MKIs. (ANI) Nitish Kumar has a dream of a developed Bihar, Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal said on Friday, further reiterated that Kumar filing the nomination to Rajya Sabha "was his own decision." "He has made efforts for his dream of a developed Bihar, and we will continue to see his support in how Bihar progresses", he said. "The nomination for Rajya Sabha membership was filed by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar yesterday; this is his own decision...", he added. On the matter, Minister Ramkripal Yadav on Thursday stated that it is an internal matter of the Janata Dal (United) and the CM's decision is paramount, while terming the opposition as "troubled." "This is an internal matter of the Janata Dal (United), and they will make the decision; those led by Nitish Kumar and his decision are paramount," he added. Taking a dig at the opposition, he said they are troubled because they are getting nothing and their credibility is eroding daily. "The opposition is troubled because they are getting nothing. Every day, the opposition's credibility is eroding, so they are very distressed. The NDA is united, and all are working together to run the government," he added. Bihar politics on Thursday witnessed a drastic shift as the state's longest-serving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections, extending "full support" to the new Cabinet. The 75-year-old penned a heartfelt message announcing his decision. "I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," Nitish Kumar posted on X.(ANI) Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Friday described Indian foreign policy as "exploitation of a compromised individual," after the United States allowed a waiver for India to purchase Russian oil, amid shipping routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz being hampered. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday (local time) announced the 30-day measure to counter Iran during the conflict in West Asia, which has severely affected the Gulf countries supplying crude oil. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central Government over the question of sovereignty, Rahul Gandhi said that New Delhi's foreign policy should be rooted in the nation's history and ethos. "India's foreign policy emerges from the collective will of our people. It should be rooted in our history, our geography, and our spiritual ethos based on Satya and Ahimsa. What we are witnessing today is not policy. It is the result of the exploitation of a compromised individual," Gandhi wrote on X. Earlier today, Congress MP Manish Tewari also asked if India required permission from the US to decide on its energy sources. Slamming the US for its "neo-imperial arrogance," the Congress leader wrote, "'Issuing a 30-day waiver'- The sanctimonious language of condensation drips with neo- imperial arrogance. Are we a banana republic that we need the permission of the US to secure our energy security imperatives?" Questioning New Delhi's "silence" on the US' statement, Tewari added, "The silence of an otherwise overly loquacious government is deafening. Does it not understand what sovereignty means?" Congress' remarks followed the US Treasury Secretary's X post, where he announced that the department has issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil to enable oil flow into the global market. Washington said that it expects New Delhi to "ramp up" purchases of US oil after this short-term waiver. "President Trump's energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil. This deliberately short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorises transactions involving oil already stranded at sea. India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent wrote on X. Indian ceramic and fertiliser industries are expected to be affected by the hampering of the energy supply due to dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. India sources nearly 40 per cent of its oil imports from the region, with a significant portion transported through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the conflict in West Asia has entered its seventh day following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with other key figures in the Persian Gulf country on February 28. In retaliation, Tehran has responded with counter-strikes targeting American military bases and other Israeli assets across the region. (ANI) Uber is hoping to launch its flying taxi service in London by the end of the 2020s. Uber is planning to launch flying taxis in the next few years The transport firm 's chief product officer Sachin Kansal has suggested that the UK capital is a "very high priority market" for its new innovations. He said: "London is going to be a very high priority market we know our users [there] would love a feature like this, which will help them escape a lot of the traffic and be able to get from their home to the airport within a few minutes rather than hours. "I would be very disappointed if that does not happen by the end of this decade." Uber is set to launch electric passenger flights in Dubai this year that can be booked on the Uber app in partnership with Joby Aviation. The company is one of several providers that hopes to offer flying taxis in the UK - with rival Vertical Aerospace aiming to be transporting passengers within the next two years. Kansal explained that Uber's system will work by "stitching" trips together. If a Joby aircraft and pilot were available, an Uber car would take a customer to the nearest vertiport for take-off. A car would then meet them at the landing spot closest to their destination to finish the journey. He said that pricing will be "somewhere close" to Uber Exec, the app's most luxurious and expensive service. The flying taxi - which is categorised as an eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) - has space for four passengers and customers will be able to book individual seats on shared trips or an entire aircraft. The eVTOL is capable of travelling up to 200 miles per hour and covers up to 100 miles on full charge - which takes eight to 10 minutes to restore from empty. Kensal explained that the tops of car parks and tall buildings can all eventually be turned into flying taxi ranks. He said: "My expectation would be that we would pick a few spots that give us enough coverage in the city as well as on the outskirts which could be starting points. "You just need a clearing to get enough angle to come in, you need enough space, and you need charging infrastructure. And all of that is very creative." Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that social media will be banned for children under the age of 16, while presenting the 2026-27 State Budget in the Vidhana Soudha. During his Budget speech, Siddaramaiah said the move aims to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile usage among children. He also announced that an AI and Technology Park will be set up under the Indian Institute of Science, which will establish a Robotics and AI campus named the "Bangalore Robotics and AI Innovation Zone" in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation and Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited. The Chief Minister further said that the North-South Corridor project from Hebbal Junction to HSR Layout-Silk Board Junction and the East-West Corridor project from K. R. Puram to Mysore Road, covering a total length of 40 km, have been approved at an estimated cost of Rs 40,000 crore under the BOOT model. In the first phase, tenders have been invited for the 17-km North-South Corridor project for Rs 17,780 crore. Siddaramaiah also announced that a tunnel road and an elevated road from Hebbal Junction to Mekhri Circle will be constructed by the Bangalore Development Authority at Rs 2,250 crore. Karnataka State Budget has been pegged at Rs 4,48,004 crore, with a focus on technology-driven growth, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability. Presenting the Budget, Siddaramaiah said that Karnataka plays a distinctive role in national and international trade, and rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming global production systems. He emphasised that innovations in science and technology are increasingly shaping the trajectory of the state. In this context, he said the Budget has been presented with responsibility and foresight to move forward with the resolve to "turn fire into light." The Chief Minister also highlighted the impact of GST rate rationalisation carried out in September 2025. He said the changes have reduced the state's GST collections. Before the rationalisation, Karnataka's average monthly GST revenue growth in 2025-26 was around 10 per cent (net of refunds). However, after the implementation of the revised rates, the average monthly growth has moderated sharply to around 4 per cent. The restructuring is expected to reduce overall GST collections by approximately Rs 10,000 crore in the current financial year and Rs 15,000 crore in the next year. Among the major announcements, Siddaramaiah said that with the objective of establishing a state-of-the-art AI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, two centres will be set up in collaboration with the Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms and NASSCOM at a total cost of Rs 16 crore. He also announced that a Leopard Rehabilitation Centre will be established in Bannerghatta Biological Park to rehabilitate leopards captured from residential areas on the outskirts of Bengaluru, at an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore. Under the Karnataka Water Security and Resilience Programme (KWSRP), a World Bank-funded initiative, disaster management projects will be undertaken over five years for Rs 5,000 crore to address flooding in Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah further announced that, in accordance with revised transfer rules of the Excise Department, transfers of Group-C cadre officers including Excise Inspectors, Excise Sub-Inspectors, and Excise Head Constables/Constables, have been carried out through digital counselling to enhance transparency. The government will also extend digital counselling for transfers of Excise Deputy Superintendents and Excise Superintendents. (ANI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha and BJP President Sanjay Saraogi Thursday, celebrated the appointment of Nand Kishore Yadav as the new Governor of Nagaland, citing his vast organisational experience. Party leaders, while speaking to ANI, noted that Nand Kishore Yadav's appointment reflects the central government's trust in leaders from Bihar for high constitutional roles. Highlighting the senior leader's experience, BJP President Sanjay Saraogi said, "I express my gratitude to the central leadership. Nand Kishore Yadav has immense administrative and organisational experience. He has been appointed as the Governor of Nagaland...Best wishes to him...He will certainly work for the betterment of Nagaland."Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha said, " Former Bihar State President Nand Kishore Yadav has been appointed to the post of the Governor (of Nagaland) by the Government of India. The National President was also appointed from Bihar." Meanwhile, Former Bihar Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav, who was appointed as the Nagaland Governor on Friday, said that he will work for the development of the state within Constitutional limits. President Droupadi Murmu has effected a major administrative reshuffle of Governors and Lieutenant Governors across the country on Thursday, just ahead of the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. "I want to thank the President of India and PM Modi for giving me an important responsibility. I will play my role in the development of Nagaland within the limits of the Constitution," Yadav told ANI. Nand Kishore Yadav is a senior BJP leader who served as the Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly from 2024 to 2025. Representing the Patna Sahib constituency, he is a long-time BJP worker and has also held important cabinet ministerial portfolios, including Road Construction and Health in the Bihar government. He has also served as the Leader of the Opposition in Bihar. The BJP leader has also been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). On the other hand, Lieutenant General (Retired) Syed Ata Hasnain has been named Governor of Bihar. (ANI) Congress MP KC Venugopal on Friday criticised the Centre over the US waiver granted to Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, calling it a humiliating development for India's sovereignty and international standing. In a post on X, Venugopal alleged that instead of standing up to the United States dictating terms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was compromising India's energy sovereignty. He said it was deeply humiliating that India needed a US "waiver" to purchase oil from a long-standing partner like Russia. Venugopal added that India must take a strong and independent stance in deciding what is in its supreme national interest, rather than allowing other countries to dictate its foreign policy or force it to seek permission for such decisions. "In Amrit Kaal, the Indian PM has to beg before other countries to purchase oil from where he wishes to. It is deeply humiliating for India's sovereignty and international standing that it needs a US "waiver" to purchase oil from a time-tested partner like Russia. Instead of standing up to the US dictating terms, Compromised PM Modi is handing our energy sovereignty on a platter to other countries. India must take a strong independent stance and decide what is in supreme national interest - not allow other countries to dictate our foreign policy and force us to beg them for permission," the 'X' post from Venugopal said. Earlier, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday cornered the Central government after the US permitted Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, which he believed is "American blackmail" on India. In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh penned a short prose while attaching the post of US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announcing the 30-day waiver amid a crisis in the Gulf hampering shipping routes that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. "Trump's new game Told the Delhi friend You can get oil from Putin, How long will this continue? This American blackmail," he wrote. This comes after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, "President Trump's energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil." "This deliberately short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorises transactions involving oil already stranded at sea. India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of U.S. oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage," he added. The waiver comes at a time when India continues to face potential risks linked to energy supply disruptions in the Middle East amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. India sources nearly 40 per cent of its oil imports from the region, with a significant portion transported through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. (ANI) Following the announcement of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's filing his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections, Janata Dal (United) supporters have continued their demand for Kumar to remain in Bihar, putting up posters outside the party's office on Friday and calling for the leader to reconsider his decision. The poster said, "Nitish sevak kar raha pukaar, neta kare apne nirnaye par poornvichar", further adding "Violation of the people's mandate and self-respect in democracy will not be tolerated now." Nitish Kumar, who has served as Bihar's longest-tenured Chief Minister for over two decades, announced that he would be heading to the Rajya Sabha and would file his nomination in the current election cycle on Thursday. The 75-year-old also said that the new Cabinet would have his full support. "I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," Nitish Kumar posted on X. Apart from Nitish Kumar, other NDA candidates, including Upendra Kushwaha and BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, also filed their nominations for the Upper House. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) welcomed Kumar's decision and lauded his return to the parliamentary democracy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed Nitish Kumar's tenure as Bihar CM as a "golden chapter" in the state's history during which he made significant contributions to Bihar's progress. "For 11 years under PM Modi's leadership, he made a significant contribution to Bihar's progress in every way, and it was under his leadership that all of PM Modi's initiatives reached the people of Bihar... He is once again returning to Delhi as a Rajya Sabha MP. I and all our NDA colleagues heartily welcome him, and his tenure as Chief Minister will always be remembered and respected by the people of Bihar," he said. The polling for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states is scheduled to take place on March 16, with the counting of votes on the same day at 5 pm. According to the press note, the term of 37 members who were elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in the month of April, vacating the seats for new members to be elected. (ANI) A condolence meeting was held at the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi, the national capital, following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in strikes by Israel and the United States earlier this month. The prayer meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, who expressed his condolences over the assassination of Khamenei and called for conflicts to be resolved through dialogue. He further said that the rules-based global order has been weakening in recent years, adding that such developments are not good for global peace or for any nation. Apart from Sibal, several other leaders arrived to attend Ayatollah Khamenei's prayer meeting. "I have come here to pay my heartfelt and deepest condolences over the manner in which Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated. I personally believe that every nation believes that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and not by the use of weapons of mass destruction. It is necessary to do so to preserve the world order...In the last couple of years, there has been a dismantling of the rules-based global order. It is not good for global peace or any nation," Kapil Sibal told reporters. Meanwhile, the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi also lowered its flag to half-mast to condole Khamenei's death. Earlier, A large number of people visited the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Hyderabad to pay tribute to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and sign a "Condolence Book" to show their support for the people of Iran during this time of mourning. Mohsin Moghaddmi, Vice Consul of Iran, while talking to the media, said on Thursday, "Today we have opened the Condolence Book for Indian nationals who love our great martyr, beloved Khamenei, to come and pay tribute to the Iranian people and Ayatollah Khamenei." This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on Saturday on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries as the conflict now entered its seventh day. (ANI) Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday lashed out at the Central government as he viewed the US' 30-day waiver for New Delhi to purchase Russian oil as an "attack" on the country's sovereignty. Speaking with ANI, Jairam Ramesh said the announcement from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is "highly objectionable" as he questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'silence' over the issue. "The statement of the US Treasury Secretary is highly objectionable. Our government should decide that from where, when and how much oil we would buy. This is an issue of sovereignty. Who is America to give us the certificate? Why are our PM, Foreign Minister and Oil minister are silent on this? This is an attack on our sovereignty," Jairam Ramesh said. Jairam Ramesh said that Congress will flag this issue along with the India-US trade deal in the parliament, as he objected to receiving every announcement from Washington "This will be raised in the Parliament, along with the issue of the trade deal. Why do we get all the information from Washington? When Operation Sindoor was halted, the first announcement was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio... We get to know about whether or not we will purchase Russian oil... Statements would not suffice; there must be discussions on the working of Commerce Ministry, External Affairs Ministry," he said. This comes after Bessent on Thursday (local time) announced the 30-day measure to counter Iran during the conflict in West Asia, which has severely affected the Gulf countries supplying crude oil. Earlier in the day, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that India's strategic autonomy and national sovereignty are under a "dire threat." In an X post, Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that he was being "blackmailed" by the US. Recalling PM Modi's "Main desh nahi jhukne doonga" (will not let the nation bow down), calling it a mere slogan to win elections. He said that words such as "allow" and "permission" are used for sanctioned states, not for equal partners in the global order. Kharge wrote on X, "India's strategic autonomy and national sovereignty are under dire threat because PM Modi is getting blackmailed on the Epstein Files and the Adani Case. The US proclamation to 'allow' and grant us 'permission' to buy Russian oil, as a 'waiver for 30-days', clearly demonstrates the Modi Govt is continuously ceding diplomatic space. This is the kind of language which is used for sanctioned states, and not India, who has been a responsible and an equal partner in the global order." Washington has said that it expects New Delhi to "ramp up" purchases of US oil after this short-term waiver. Indian ceramic and fertiliser industries are expected to be affected by the hampering of the energy supply due to dependence on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. India sources nearly 40 per cent of its oil imports from the region, with a significant portion transported through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the conflict in West Asia has entered its seventh day following the US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with other key figures in the Persian Gulf country on February 28. In retaliation, Tehran has responded with counter-strikes targeting American military bases and other Israeli assets across the region. (ANI) Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi administered the oath of office to Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari as Chief Justice of the Madras High Court at Lok Bhavan on Friday. A day earlier, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal announced the appointment of Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. Sharing the development on his official social media, Meghwal stated that the President of India, in exercise of powers under the Constitution and after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, has appointed Justice Dharmadhikari, who was serving as a judge of the Kerala High Court, to head the Madras High Court. The appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge of his office. Justice Dharmadhikari's appointment came on the day the incumbent Chief Justice of the Madras High Court, Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, retired from service. In view of the impending vacancy, the Supreme Court Collegium had earlier recommended his name for the post during its meeting held on February 26. Justice Dharmadhikari's parent High Court is the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Born on July 8, 1966, in Raipur, he began his legal career in 1992 and practised for more than two decades before the Madhya Pradesh High Court. During his years at the Bar, he handled a wide range of matters, including civil, criminal and constitutional cases. From 2000 to 2015, he served as Standing Counsel for the Union of India. During this period, he represented various government departments and public sector institutions. He also appeared for bodies such as the Income Tax Department, the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (Central Excise Department) in his capacity as Senior Standing Counsel. Justice Dharmadhikari was elevated to the Bench as an Additional Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on April 7, 2016. He was confirmed as a Permanent Judge on March 17, 2018. After serving there for several years, he was transferred to the Kerala High Court, where he assumed office on April 23, 2025. With the President approving the collegium's recommendation and issuing the warrant of appointment, Justice Dharmadhikari will now assume charge as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court after taking oath. (ANI) The Shia Muslim community on Friday held a protest over the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the Jor Bagh area of the capital city. The crowd burned down the posters of the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, during the protest. This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries as the conflict now entered its seventh day. Earlier on Wednesday, the Shia community held a peaceful protest in Srinagar, mourning the death of Khamenei. Protests were also held in Bandipore and Ramban. In Ramban slogans were raised. "Tum kitne Hosseini maroge...har ghar se Hosseini niklega" (How many Hosseini will you kill, from every home, a Hosseini will rise). They also burnt an effigy of US President Donald Trump during demonstrations. In Bandipore, protesters carried portraits of the late cleric, expressing grief and condemnation over the incident. An earlier similar protest was carried out in Budgam and Srinagar over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader. Meanwhile, a condolence meeting was held at the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi today, following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader. The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi also lowered its flag to half-mast to condole Khamenei's death. A large number of people visited the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Hyderabad to pay tribute to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and sign a "Condolence Book" to show their support for the people of Iran during this time of mourning. Mohsin Moghaddmi, Vice Consul of Iran, while talking to the media, said on Thursday, "Today we have opened the Condolence Book for Indian nationals who love our great martyr, beloved Khamenei, to come and pay tribute to the Iranian people and Ayatollah Khamenei." (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday inaugurated a robotic surgery facility at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College at Nerchowk in Mandi district. The facility, established for Rs. 28.44 crore, marks another step in strengthening advanced healthcare services in Himachal Pradesh. After Atal Super Speciality Hospital in Chamiyana (Shimla) and Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Tanda (Kangra), Nerchowk has now become the third medical institution in the state to offer robotic surgery. The Chief Minister also personally observed the first surgery performed using the new system. Sukhu said that robotic surgery services would soon be introduced at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla and Hamirpur Medical College as well, with the process already underway. He noted that so far, 151 surgeries have been performed through robotic systems at Chamiyana and 92 at Tanda Medical College, with encouraging outcomes. The Chief Minister stated that the state government was working to introduce high-end medical technology in all medical colleges at a level comparable to AIIMS Delhi. The aim, he said, was to ensure that medical colleges in the state do not remain merely referral institutions. Doctors will also be sent on exposure visits to gain better knowledge and training in modern medical technologies. Addressing financial challenges, Sukhu said that it takes time to correct disrupted systems. He pointed out that due to the closure of the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), the state budget has been reduced by about Rs. 10,000 crore per annum. Despite this, the government plans to invest around Rs. 3,000 crore in advanced medical technologies in the coming years. He emphasised that no shortage of funds would be allowed to hinder improvements in healthcare services. The Chief Minister also announced the establishment of a cardiology department at Nerchowk Medical College. He said postgraduate (PG) courses would be started in all departments of the college. In departments where professors are not available to start PG courses, the government will provide a one-time relaxation so that the courses can begin without delay. Additionally, the number of senior residency (SRship) posts will be increased. Sukhu said the radiology department, as well as other departments at the medical college, would be further strengthened, and vacant posts of doctors, paramedical staff and technicians would be filled. He added that, under a policy decision of the state government, PG courses and senior residency programs will be introduced in all medical colleges across the state. These measures aim to ensure that patients receive better treatment within Himachal Pradesh without needing to travel outside the state. He further stated that vacant posts at the Nerchowk Trauma Centre would also be filled to improve emergency services. "The process to install a three-Tesla MRI machine and a LINAC machine is underway, and a PET scan machine will also be installed soon." Highlighting steps taken to support medical professionals, the Chief Minister said the stipend for senior resident doctors has been increased from Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1 lakh, while the stipend for senior resident super specialist doctors has been raised from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.30 lakh. During the visit, Sukhu interacted with doctors and staff at Nerchowk Medical College and gathered feedback about the facilities and shortcomings at the institution. He said suggestions related to medical education would be incorporated into policy decisions so that patients across the state receive improved healthcare services. The Chief Minister also announced that medical colleges would have student sections of 60 each, with staff strength maintained accordingly to ensure better quality of medical education. Present on the occasion were MLAs Sunder Singh Thakur and Inder Singh Gandhi, former minister Prakash Chaudhary, former MLAs Sohan Singh Thakur and Bambar Thakur, District Congress President Champa Thakur, Vice-Chairman of the State Water Management Board Shashi Sharma, APMC Chairman Sanjeev Guleria, Member of the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission Vijay Pal Singh, Congress leaders Pawan Thakur, Naresh Chauhan, Lal Singh Kaushal, Jeevan Thakur and Jagdish Reddy amongst the district officers and officials. (ANI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday held a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). In a post on X, Trinamool Congress said "Bangla-Birodhi" BJP is manipulating the democratic process through "silent invisbile rigging". "Smt. @MamataOfficial has taken her place at the dharna mancha in Dharmatala, standing shoulder to shoulder with the people whose voices @BJP4India and its puppet @ECISVEEP are desperate to erase. Every time a handful of Zamindars rear their ugly heads to trample on the rights and dignity of ordinary citizens, Bengal answers with the thunder of millions rising together to resist their arrogance and despotism. Bangla-Birodhi BJP believed they could bend Bengal to their will by deleting genuine voters and manipulating the democratic process through their SILENT INVISIBLE RIGGING," the party wrote on X. "What they got instead was the fierce, unyielding defiance of a people who refuse to bow, refuse to be silenced, and refuse to let their democracy be stolen," it added. Earlier, the CM had criticised the process, claiming that "deeply flawed SIR" is marking living people "dead", stating that the stories she heard were heartbreaking on February 4. "Today, at Banga Bhawan in Delhi's Chanakyapuri, I met victims of the deeply flawed SIR process, families who have lost loved ones and citizens who, despite being alive, have been falsely marked 'dead' and erased from the electoral rolls. Their testimonies were heartbreaking. In a democracy, to inflict such suffering on the people is not just tragic; it is unconscionable," the post said. Banerjee described the exercise as a "reckless and inhumane" assault on democracy that has selectively targeted the people of Bengal, claiming that many people, including senior citizens, migrant workers, and daily wage earners, have seen their lives thrown into "chaos" by the process. A central point of Banerjee's grievance was the deployment of an "unprecedented number of micro-observers" in West Bengal. "Women, senior citizens, migrant workers, daily wage earners, and patients - entire lives have been thrown into chaos by this reckless and inhumane exercise. What is even more alarming is that, without any statutory authority and in violation of the Representation of the People Act, an unprecedented number of micro-observers have been deployed in Bengal to usurp the powers of EROs and AROs," she wrote on X. Earlier, Banerjee alleged that she was humiliated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during their meeting on Monday. ECI sources said that Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar responded to the queries of CM Mamata Banerjee, who led the party delegation to EC, and explained to them that the rule of law shall prevail in the SIR process and anybody taking the law into their own hands shall be dealt with strictly as per rules. (ANI) Callie Cooke has been cast opposite Keanu Reeves in Warner Bros. untitled new action movie. Callie Cooke is set to feature with Keanu Reeves in a new action movie from Warner Bros. The F1 actress has boarded the cast of the water-centric flick that is being directed by Tim Miller and is shooting in the Dominican Republic for sea-set sequences before moving to the UK. Nicholas Duvernay, Steven Waddington, Abraham Popoola, Bobby Holland Hanton and Anastasia Safonov have also joined the ensemble for the feature that started production this week. The story sees a smuggler (Reeves) trapped in a time loop after a deadly double-cross while on a job in the Caribbean Sea resulting in him being surrounded by bodies, hostile mercenaries and blood-thirsty sharks. Cooke plays the female lead, a scientist, with the other cast members playing characters ranging from shipmates to mercenaries. Ian Shorr has written the script for the movie which is scheduled for release in August 2027 with Matthew Vaughn, Aaron Ryder, Andrew Swett and John Zaozirny serving as producers. Callie played pit crew member Jodie in F1 and had a wonderful experience making the blockbuster alongside stars such as Brad Pitt and Javier Bardem. The 32-year-old star told Wonderland magazine: "They were all such beautiful people. I cannot stress enough what a positive, wonderful experience I had on that set. There wasn't a single bit of ego in that room. They really all set the bar for how the workplace should be. Every day was pretty magical but race days were particularly special our nerves really brought us together." The Doctor Who actress hopes that her presence in the film encourages more girls to get involved in F1. Callie said: "Jodie is the only mechanic in the pit crew. She goes on a real journey through the film as we see her learn to cope with her anxieties and stresses of being a woman working in a very male-dominated world. "I loved learning about the world of Formula One and being mentored by some of the most unbelievable women that work in it. Ruth Bascombe and Bernie Collins were my mentors and they are so badass. It was a real honour to represent some of the real women in this sport. "If I can inspire one girl to get involved in Formula One then that's just so special to me." Callie explained how all of the F1 teams were accommodating with their time as the movie which was produced by seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton and proved successful when it was released last summer was being made. She said: "We spent so much time on track at times we forgot we weren't the real deal. The teams were so generous with their time to us. Every spare hour we had we would spend in other teams' garages watching them work and learning about the job. "Also having Lewis Hamilton as a boss is pretty handy when you need it to be." Ajay Rai, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) president, on Friday criticised Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's decision to file his Rajya Sabha nomination, stating that the move was predictable and that Kumar's political sidelining had been evident since the Assembly elections. "It was clear since the Bihar Assembly election that Nitish Kumar would be sidelined afterwards. It was only due to public pressure that he was made Chief Minister. The end of his political career was predetermined," Rai told ANI. Meanwhile, JD(U) MLA Binay Kumar Choudhary expressed disappointment over Nitish Kumar deciding to contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, saying party leaders were saddened by the development. "We are sad. I cannot say anything about his decision. There is a meeting today at 5 PM at his residence," Choudhary told ANI. The reactions came after a major political development in Bihar, where Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha in Patna on Thursday in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Apart from Nitish Kumar, other NDA candidates, including Upendra Kushwaha and BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, also filed their nominations for the Upper House. Nitish Kumar, who has served as Bihar's longest-tenured Chief Minister for over two decades, earlier announced that he would be heading to the Rajya Sabha and would file his nomination in the current election cycle. The 75-year-old also said that the new Cabinet would have his full support. "I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," Nitish Kumar posted on X. (ANI) Earlier in the day, some of the Janata Dal (United) supporters opposed Nitish Kumar's move as they put up posters outside the party's office on Friday, calling for the leader to reconsider his decision. The poster said, "Nitish sevak kar raha pukaar, neta kare apne nirnaye par poornvichar", further adding "Violation of the people's mandate and self-respect in democracy will not be tolerated now." Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) welcomed Kumar's decision and lauded his return to the parliamentary democracy. Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed Nitish Kumar's tenure as Bihar CM as a "golden chapter" in the state's history during which he made significant contributions to Bihar's progress. The polling for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states is scheduled to take place on March 16, with the counting of votes on the same day at 5 pm. According to the press note, the term of 37 members who were elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in the month of April, vacating the seats for new members to be elected. (ANI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the government will work toward bringing a strong dairy cooperative network to every village in Odisha, similar to the successful model seen in Gujarat. Shah said the initiative aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and economically empower women, particularly from tribal and Other Backwards Class (OBC) communities. After inaugurating the third stream of the Sulphuric Acid Plant (SAP-III) at the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) unit in Paradeep, he said the expansion would also support India's push toward self-reliance in fertiliser production. "Today in Gujarat, through 3.6 million rural women, Amul became a movement, and today Amul does business worth Rs 1.3 lakh crore. Its profit, down to every penny, goes to the women cattle herders of Gujarat. Similarly, we will explore the full potential of Odisha to enrich the tribal and OBC mothers and sisters here," Shah said. He added that both the central and state governments would work together to introduce dairy cooperatives across villages in the state. "In the coming days, both the Bharatiya Janata Party governments will take up the programme of bringing dairy to every village in Odisha, just as it is in Gujarat," he said. Calling it his first public event in the state after the 2024 elections, Shah also thanked the people of Odisha for supporting the Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I want to express my deep gratitude to my Odia brothers and sisters for liberating Odisha from the rule of another state after such a long time," he said. He said the formation of a "double-engine government" would accelerate the state's development. "Despite being one of the country's most prosperous states in terms of natural resources, Odisha's potential remained untapped for many years," Shah said, adding that the new government has prepared a comprehensive development plan covering coastal regions, tribal areas, and local industries. "We will also increase fish farming by giving it cooperative strength. This is likely to greatly benefit seafood exports. In the coming days, the Ministry of Cooperation of the Government of India and the Odisha government together will make an effort to enrich rural life in Odisha," he added. Highlighting the importance of the newly inaugurated plant, Shah said the expansion at the IFFCO Paradeep facility would help reduce India's dependence on imported raw materials used in fertilisers. "Prime Minister Modi's vision of self-reliance doesn't just mean making fertilisers; it means everything needed to make fertilisers should be produced within India. This will work towards significantly reducing India's dependence on imports," he added. (ANI) Bihar Minister Leshi Singh on Friday highlighted the emotional response of party workers after Bihar CM Nitish Kumar filed nomination for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha elections, stating that Kumar led the state for over 20 years, and therefore the party workers are at unease with the decision. "Nitish Kumar has been leading Bihar for over 20 years and has done all the work in Bihar, established good governance, rule of law, worked towards women empowerment; it is natural that the workers are feeling uneasy with his decision..." she told reporters. "A meeting will be held at 5 PM. Whatever decided in the meeting, it will be informed." Singh further added. Earlier, JD(U) MLA Binay Kumar Choudhary expressed disappointment over Nitish Kumar deciding to contest the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, saying party leaders were saddened by the development. "We are sad. I cannot say anything about his decision. There is a meeting today at 5 PM at his residence," Choudhary told ANI. The reactions came after a major political development in Bihar, where Nitish Kumar filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha in Patna on Thursday in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Apart from Nitish Kumar, other NDA candidates, including Upendra Kushwaha and BJP Chief Nitin Nabin, also filed their nominations for the Upper House. Nitish Kumar, who has served as Bihar's longest-tenured Chief Minister for over two decades, earlier announced that he would be heading to the Rajya Sabha and would file his nomination in the current election cycle. The 75-year-old also said that the new Cabinet would have his full support. "I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time. I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," Nitish Kumar posted on X. The polling for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states is scheduled to take place on March 16, with the counting of votes on the same day at 5 pm. According to the press note, the term of 37 members who were elected from Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana will conclude in the month of April, vacating the seats for new members to be elected. (ANI) Both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress on Friday issued a 'three-line whip' to their Lok Sabha MPs to mark their presence in the House from March 9 to 11, during the second phase of the Budget Session. The second phase of the Budget session starts on March 9, and it is scheduled to go up to April 2, during which essential legislative and other business is expected to be addressed primarily. The first part of the Budget session concluded on February 13, marked by political debates over the India-US interim trade deal and the memoir of former Army Chief MM Naravane, whose publishing status remained a matter of controversy even outside the Parliament. The Parliament budget session, which began on January 28 with the President's address to a joint sitting of the two Houses, comprises 30 sittings over 65 days and is scheduled to conclude on April 2. The recess will allow Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. The first part of the session was devoted primarily to the Budget for 2026-27 and to a discussion of the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. The INDIA bloc discussed replacing MGNREGA with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll by the start of the session. During President Droupadi Murmu's address to both Houses of the Parliament, opposition parties continued to stage a protest in a "dignified" manner against the scrapping of the MGNREGA. On February 1, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 in Lok Sabha. She rose to her ninth consecutive Budget. The Finance Minister also laid two statements before the House under Section 3(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003. These include the Medium-term Fiscal Policy-cum-Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement and the Macro-Economic Framework Statement. On February 2, during the motion of thanks on the President's Address, Lok Sabha witnessed sharp verbal exchanges after the Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House sought to quote a magazine article containing excerpts from Naravane's unpublished memoir. The ruling benches objected to Gandhi's attempt to cite excerpts from the unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General Naravane. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs objected, arguing that the memoir had not been published and could not be quoted in the House. Further, eight opposition members were suspended from the Lok Sabha for the remainder of the session for violating rules and "throwing papers on the chair" following an uproar in the House over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's insistence on making a specific reference to the 2020 standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. Even after proceedings were repeatedly disrupted by sloganeering from Opposition members, the Lok Sabha on February 5 passed the Motion of Thanks to the President's address without the customary reply by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amid the drama and an unprecedented incident, replying to the motion of thanks on the President's Address in the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the world is rapidly moving toward a new global order. After all the drama, the Congress party later submitted a no-confidence motion notice against the Lok Sabha Speaker. In response, Speaker Om Birla decided on moral grounds that he will not attend the proceedings of the House till the disposal of the no-confidence motion notice against him. Additionally, the Rajya Sabha was also adjourned on February 13th and is scheduled to meet again on March 9 after a three-week recess. Meanwhile, the polling for the upcoming biennial elections to the Council of States (Rajya Sabha) to fill the 37 seats across 10 states is scheduled to take place on March 16, with the counting of votes on the same day at 5 pm. The last date for nominations was on Thursday, followed by scrutiny today. The candidates can withdraw their nominations till March 9. (ANI) Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran on Friday inspected the venue for the upcoming Union government function and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) public meeting, which will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 11 in Trichy. Speaking to reporters, Nagendran said that leaders of all parties in the National Democratic Alliance will address the gathering. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive by helicopter at around 5 pm and will participate in the public meeting and deliver his address until about 6:30 pm. Nagendran also stated that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has been claiming that the Union government is not providing welfare schemes to the state. However, he pointed out that during the Prime Minister's meeting in Madurai, welfare assistance worth Rs 4,400 crore was provided. He also said that projects worth Rs 1,700 crore were implemented in Thoothukudi, and in 2025, the Prime Minister announced and launched projects worth Rs 4,700 crore in the same district. Furthermore, he added that the Prime Minister will distribute welfare assistance on behalf of the Union government during the Trichy public meeting. Criticising the state government, Nagendran alleged that law and order have deteriorated under the rule of Chief Minister MK Stalin. He claimed that people in Tamil Nadu are expecting a change in government and that a change in power will take place soon. On seat-sharing arrangements, he said that nothing can be said at the moment. Unlike the Congress-DMK alliance, he said, there is no delay or confusion in the NDA, and since the alliance remains firm, discussions on seat-sharing can be held and concluded at any time. Nagendran further alleged that the circulation of ganja and other narcotic substances has increased under the current government in Tamil Nadu. He claimed that crimes linked to drug abuse are rising and cited a recent incident in Sivaganga, alleging that even elderly people are not being spared. He said the law and order situation in the state is not satisfactory and questioned how the government can function properly when it has not even been able to appoint a permanent Director General of Police (DGP). He added that people will certainly reject the present government if such issues are not addressed. (ANI) The Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) on Friday formed a seven-member committee to hold formal discussions with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) regarding alliance matters and also to deliberate on seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming elections. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Political Executive Committee (PEC) of the PPCC held at the party office in Puducherry. The committee was constituted under the leadership of MP and PCC President Ve Vaithilingam and includes former Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, CLP Leader M Vaithiyanathan, senior vice president and AICC coordinator PK Devadoss, former ministers M Kandasamy, MOHF Shahjahan, and former government Whip and PCC vice president RKR Anantharaman. Girish Chodankar, AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, issued a letter on the committee's formation. The group is tasked with conducting talks with the DMK to finalise alliance strategies and seat-sharing for the forthcoming elections. Meanwhile, on the alliance strategy, Girish Chodankar said the Congress and DMK will contest the elections jointly with other parties. He noted that a seven-member committee will finalise discussions with alliance partners, adding that the DMK leads in Tamil Nadu while Congress leads in Puducherry. After the results, the elected MLAs will convene to decide the Chief Minister. "We, the Congress and the DMK, will contest these elections together with other parties. We have formed a seven-member negotiation committee. This seven-member team will conduct all the negotiations and finalise all the talks with the DMK and other alliance partners. The DMK leads the alliance in Tamil Nadu, while the Congress leads the alliance in Puducherry. We are confident that the people will give our alliance a victory. The understanding is that the same formula followed in Tamil Nadu will be followed in Puducherry as well. After the election results, our elected MLAs will sit together, and our CM will be decided in that meeting," he said. This year, the Union Territory will hold elections for all 30 constituencies of the 16th Puducherry Legislative Assembly. While the Congress is fighting the polls in an alliance with DMK and CPI, the opposition consisted of All India NR Congress, BJP and AIADMK. In 2021, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won a simple majority in the elections, and N Rangaswamy of the All India NR Congress was sworn in as the Chief Minister for the fourth time during that time. (ANI) Thousands of Congress workers from across Punjab on Friday staged a massive demonstration against the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party government for its failure to fulfil its commitments to the people. The party specially mentioned the promise of Rs 1000 every month to women, which has not been kept and demanded that the government should pay it with four years arrears. The party leaders rapped the government for its comprehensive failure, particularly on the collapse of law and order and the economy in the state, according to a release. The Congress had planned to 'gherao' the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on the first day of the Budget Session. The party workers had gathered outside the Congress Bhawan before marching towards the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. However, they were detained by the Police and prevented from reaching the Vidhan Sabha, which had been heavily guarded like a garrison. A massive contingent of police had been deployed at the venue of the gathering to prevent the Congress workers from reaching the Vidhan Sabha. Addressing the workers, Punjab Pradesh Congress (PPC) president, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said that the government and the Chief Minister had completely failed. He pointed out that the state debt had crossed Rs four lakh crores and was likely to touch Rs 4.17 lakh crores very soon. He said, "Not a single penny was spent in Punjab, and it was squandered by the Aam Aadmi Party to fight its elections in states like Delhi, Gujarat and Goa. He pointed out that not a single brick had been laid down anywhere for infrastructure. He said that thousands of crores of rupees had been spent on advertisements only." The Punjab Pradesh Congress president, reminded the AAP about its promises of a Rs 1000 monthly stipend to women, revival of the old pension scheme for employees, the pending DA, and claims of generating Rs 20,000 crore revenue from sand mining. He said, people of Punjab are now seeking answers after four years of the AAP's misrule. The PCC president referred to the deteriorating law and order in the state while pointing out how criminals and gangsters were killing people with impunity and with no fear of the law. Nobody is feeling safe in Punjab today, he said, while adding that the Punjab government had failed to protect the lives of people. In an informal interaction with reporters, Warring said, "Law and order has collapsed completely in Punjab. Bombs are being hurled, the statue of Babasaheb was vandalised. Drug menace is a big issue in the state. We are protesting against all these issues". Suggesting a tacit understanding between the AAP and the BJP, he said, they have allied to prevent the Congress from returning to power. There has been a secret agreement between Kejriwal and the BJP, he added. Expressing his gratitude to the party workers, Warring said, the success of today's programme would not have been possible without their support. He said, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, the Congress was honouring and rewarding the party workers at the grassroots level. He pointed out how a District Congress Committee president from Himachal Pradesh had been nominated for the Rajya Sabha elections. He promised that once the Congress forms a government in Punjab, he will request the party high command to nominate 3 block presidents and 2 district presidents from the state for the Rajya Sabha. Leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa, former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, also addressed the protest and lashed out at the comprehensive failure of the AAP government and the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. (ANI) In an official order, the Ministry cited concerns over "unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content", which may create panic among the general public, particularly for those with friends and family in the affected regions. The order references Clause 24.2 of the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India, which requires companies to comply with directions issued by the Ministry. Accordingly, BARC has been instructed to immediately withhold TRP reporting to ensure responsible dissemination of news. Gaurishankar Kesarwani, Additional Director of BP&L, stated in the communication, "In the public interest, the Ministry directs M/s BARC to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points (TRPs) for News TV Channels for a period of four weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier." The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI) The Central Village Defence Force (CVDF) organised a road march in Churachandpur on Friday in protest over the death of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte and other victims of the ethnic violence in Manipur. Vungzagin Valte, the former BJP MLA from Thanlon, passed away on February 20th after succumbing to his injuries following a brutal assault by a mob during the ethnic violence in the state in May 2023. The protestors demanded justice for all the innocent lives claimed in the violence that broke out in 2023 between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities. Speaking to ANI, CVDF Liaison Officer Rose Ngaihte said that the "peaceful" protest march is organised against the deaths since the outbreak of violence in Manipur in 2023. Condemning the death of Vungzagin Valte, she slammed the mishandling of the issue by the BJP-led state and central government. Ngaihte urged the government to listen to their call for action and take stern measures, hinting that the protest can get "undemocratic" if their concerns are not addressed. "The CVDF has organised a land march in a democratic and peaceful way to protest against all the killings that happened since 3rd May, especially for Vungzagin Valte, who was a sitting MLA. He had been violently and brutally handled in such a way that, after a period of almost three years, he died because of the injuries he sustained. This is a shameful thing for the ruling party at the state level and at the central level...," she said. "Today is a peaceful protest. It's just a road march. But there will come a time, if the state or the centre doesn't listen to us, that it might not always be democratic. This is not a threat, but our voices should be heard... Desperate times call for desperate measures...," she added. On May 4, 2023, when mob violence began in Imphal, people from all over the state started taking refuge at Vungzangin Valte's house to save themselves. Concerned about the ongoing clashes and in the hope of seeking relief for the people of his constituency, Valte went to the then Chief Minister's house and met him. On the way back, the mob surrounded his car and pulled him out. He was tortured and electrocuted, while his driver was brutally beaten. The driver later succumbed to his injuries. Valte was brought to Delhi and remained on a ventilator for several weeks, and stayed in the national capital until he was fully fit and returned to Manipur shortly after. However, the BJP MLA was airlifted to Delhi on February 9 in an air ambulance for a medical check-up following injuries sustained in the attack. After fighting for his life for around 11 days, Valte succumbed to his injuries on February 20th. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed his grief, remembering Valte as an individual who dedicated his life towards the progress of society. The PM posted on his X account, describing Valte as someone who found joy in serving people. "Pu Vungzagin Valte loved serving people and he dedicated his life towards societal progress and well-being. He distinguished himself as an active MLA. His passing is very saddening. My thoughts are with his family, friends and supporters in this sad hour," he wrote on X. Violence erupted in the northeastern state on May 3, 2023, following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category. (ANI) The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Friday organised a mega 'Adalat' in the Dharmadam constituency of Kannur highlighting various schemes of the Union Government, ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections 2026. Speaking to ANI on the occasion, State BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar said that the people in the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's constituency are approaching the BJP 'Adalat', raising concerns over the lack of basic facilities, including drinking water and education. He slammed the CM for representing a "Communist fortress" in the state. "We are seeing an amazing sight in this constituency, which is called the Communist fortress, as it is represented by CM Pinarayi Vijayan. What is shocking is that today, when we hold this BJP-NDA 'Adalat', hundreds of people from the Dharmadam constituency are coming here because they don't have drinking water or homes or basic facilities of education, etc. This is happening in the CM's constituency. Our campaign starts with the constituency of the most powerful man in Keralam, the CM. People are saying now it is the time of the BJP-NDA," he said. Earlier last month, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday highlighted the state's focus on development, communal harmony, and industrial growth. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of confidence and self-reliance in achieving the state's development goals. "What we need is not the inferiority mindset that says small Kerala, but the confidence that says great Kerala. We are not waiting for anyone's mercy; we are striving to move forward on our own strength. Nava Kerala is not an impossible goal. There are challenges and opportunities ahead. We must double our domestic production. Our standard of living should be on par with that of developed countries. That is the goal of the coming Left government. We must recognise the challenges and overcome them," he added. Vijayan also noted Kerala's progress despite financial constraints from the Centre. "We achieved our accomplishments at a time when the Central Government was financially squeezing Kerala. We are on the right path of development. We should not become satisfied and slow down because of this; we need to increase our pace toward the goal," he said. Kerala is expected to go to the polls before May 2026; no official date has been announced by the Election Commission of India. Multiple political parties have started gearing up and strategising for the polls, with a high-stakes triangular battle set to unfold between the Left Democratic Front (LDF), the United Democratic Front (UDF), and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Both the BJP-led NDA and Congress-led UDF seek to unseat the incumbent Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led LDF and gain control of the 140-member assembly. The LDF-led government has governed the state for around a decade. (ANI) Harry Styles has returned with his first album in four years, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. Harry Styles is back with Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. The 12track project arrives after a long stretch away from the spotlight, following the success of Harrys House in 2022, and marks a shift into a more reflective, discotinged sound. Recorded largely in Berlin, the album sees Harry leaning into a looser, more atmospheric approach, with Kid Harpoon once again overseeing production. The record opens with the lead single Aperture, a track that sets the tone for the albums introspective streak. Are You Listening Yet? is one of the album's more emotionally exposed moments, and it reflects the retrospective tone Harry has embraced this era. Coming Up Roses, previewed by Fred Again.. at his recent London show, offers a brighter palette on the surface, but Harry complicates the optimism implied by the phrase. By the time the record reaches Dance No More, Harry shifts into a more contemplative space. The album closes with Carlas Song, a characterdriven piece that stands apart from the more personal material. Fans have already begun speculating about Carla's identity, but Harry has kept the inspiration deliberately vague. The superstar revealed Berlins electronic music scene informed the spirit of the record. He recalled being struck by the sense of unity and individuality on the dance floor: Harry told Runner's World UK: Good electronic music is so good, you know especially the melodic aspect. When youre out at night, its such a community, but youre also watching people have such individual experiences I wanted to recreate [what] I had on the dance floor, being lost in instrumentation and the musicality. It was so immersive, like, this is how I want to feel when Im on stage too. I dont want it to feel like a sermon Im delivering. I wanted it to feel like, oh, were in this music together. Like Im in it with you. As the second phase of the budget session begins on March 9, three Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha are set to move a resolution demanding the removal of Speaker Om Birla for disallowing Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and other leaders from the opposition parties to speak. Congress MPs Mohammad Jawed, Kodikunnil Suresh, and Mallu Ravi have accused Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla of being partisan and of making "unwarranted allegations" against women MPs belonging to the opposition. The Congress leader pointed out that while opposition MPs have been suspended by Birla for the entire parliament session for raising issues concerning the public, the ruling party members have not been rebuked for making "derogatory" remarks against former Prime Ministers. "Having taken into consideration the conduct of the Speaker of the House as regards disallowing the Leader of the Opposition and other Opposition leaders to speak, making unwarranted allegations against women MPs belonging to the Opposition, suspending Opposition MPs for an entire session for raising issues of public concern and not rebuking ruling party members for making wholly objectionable and derogatory remarks against former PMs, feels he has ceased to maintain an impartial attitude necessary to command the confidence of all sections of the House," the list of business for Lok Sabha read. The Congress MPs accused Birla of being partisan for "openly espousing the version of the ruling party on all controversial matters", which they said constitutes a danger to the proper functioning of the Lok Sabha. "That in his partisan attitude he disregards the rights of Members of the House and makes pronouncements and gives rulings calculated to affect and undermine such rights; that he openly espouses the version of the ruling party on all controversial matters, that all these acts constitute a serious danger to the proper functioning of this House and ventilating effectively the felt concerns and grievances of the people, and therefore resolves that he be removed from his Office," the list of business said. During the first leg of the budget session, the Congress moved a no-confidence motion against Om Birla, after which the Lok Sabha Speaker announced that he would not preside over the chair on moral grounds until the motion was disposed of. This was followed by a massive uproar in the Parliament after Rahul Gandhi attempted to quote from an unpublished memoir of former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on the 2020 standoff with China in eastern Ladakh. As a result, eight opposition MPs were suspended for the remaining session for violating the rules of the lower house. The first phase of the budget session witnessed constant adjournments due to massive uproars. Despite this, the Lok Sabha on February 5 passed the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address without the customary response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Meanwhile, both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress issued a 'three-line whip' to their Lok Sabha MPs, expecting their presence in the House from March 9 to 11. The second phase of the budget session starts on March 9, and it is scheduled to go up to April 2, during which essential legislative and other business is expected to be addressed primarily. (ANI) Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Friday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the US-Israel attack on Iran, calling it "timidity and cowardice". Additionally, Ramesh praised Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez for describing the strikes as an "extraordinary mistake" and violation of international law "The Prime Minister of Spain--a NATO member--has just described the US-Israel assault on Iran as an extraordinary mistake and a violation of international law. His boldness in saying so must be applauded. In our case the Prime Minister's silence speaks volumes of his timidity and cowardice," he wrote on X. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/2029956490073886765 Ramesh's remarks came after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reiterated his opposition to the US-Israel military strikes on Iran, emphasising that his government stands firmly against war. "This government is consistent in its principles and values: No to war," Sanchez said. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Friday declared that there would be "no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender" amid the escalating West Asia conflict, asserting that Tehran must capitulate before any diplomatic negotiations can proceed. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasised that the US and its allies, particularly Israel, would only consider an agreement with Iran after the country's leadership completely yields and is replaced by "great & acceptable leader(s)". Earlier on Wednesday, Sanchez reiterated his opposition to the US-Israel led attack on Iran saying the West Asia conflict risked playing "Russian roulette" with the lives of millions, reported Reuters. "This is how humanity's great disasters start ... You cannot play Russian roulette with destiny of millions," Sanchez said in his address to the Spanish people. "The position of the Spanish government can be summarised in four words: 'No to the war.' We're not going to be complicit in something that's bad for the world nor contrary to our values and interests simply to avoid reprisals from someone," Sanchez added. On Tuesday (local time), addressing a news conference alongside the German Chancellor, US President Trump said he had asked US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to stop all dealings with Spain. Spain had earlier criticised the U.S. and Israeli bombings of Iran, calling them reckless and illegal, and later banned U.S. aircraft from using naval and air bases in southern Spain for the offensive against Tehran. The tensions follow a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, triggering retaliatory drone and missile attacks by Iran across multiple countries in the region and raising fears of a wider conflict across West Asia. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated candidates who successfully cleared the Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination 2025, praising their dedication, perseverance and hard work. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wished the successful candidates the very best as they begin their journey of serving the nation and fulfilling the aspirations of the people. "Congratulations to all those who have successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination, 2025. Their dedication, perseverance and hard work have led to this significant milestone. Wishing them the very best as they embark on a journey of serving the nation and fulfilling the aspirations of the people," he said. PM Modi also encouraged those who could not achieve the desired result, saying that such moments can be difficult but the examination is only one step in a larger journey with many opportunities ahead to contribute to the nation. "To those who may not have secured the desired outcome in the Civil Services Examination, I understand that such moments can be difficult. However, this is only one step in a larger journey. Many opportunities lie ahead, both in future examinations and in the many avenues through which you can contribute to our nation. My best wishes for the road ahead," the Prime Minister posted further. This comes after the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) declared the civil services final result 2025, earlier on Friday. While the second and third ranks have been secured by Rajeshwari Suve M and Akansh Dhull, 958 candidates have made it to the merit list. UPSC All India Rank 1 holder Anuj Agnihotri expressed elation over his achievement, calling it a "gruelling journey" concluded with a positive result. Speaking to ANI, Anuj Agnihotri stated that he gave his first attempt for the examination in 2022 while interning and finally cleared with an extraordinary rank in his third attempt. He had previously secured a position as a DANICS officer and is currently receiving the training for the same. On asked about his preparations, he said that, while he did not keep a track of the time spent studying, the journey had been "gruelling." He expressed the desire to start as an SDM but aims for higher positions through continued hard work. "I'm feeling good. I gave my first attempt for the UPSC CSE in 2023. I started preparing during my internship in 2022, and it's 2026 now, so obviously, it's been a long time. The journey to UPSC requires a lot of effort. It's a gruelling journey, but the final result is good, so everything feels good...," he said. (ANI) Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name was not placed "under adjudication" if lakhs of voters in West Bengal were facing scrutiny during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Speaking at a protest organised by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee here on Friday, against the SIR exercise, Banerjee alleged that the Election Commission's process had placed nearly 60 lakh voters under adjudication and raised concerns over its fairness. "Gulam Rabbani's name is under adjudication, Dr Shashi Panja's name is under adjudication, Kajol Shaikh's name is under adjudication, Byron's name is under adjudication. If 60 lakh people's names are under adjudication, is it fair? If 60 lakh people's names are under adjudication, then why not PM Modi's name under adjudication? Why not his chair under adjudication?" Banerjee said while addressing the rally. Banerjee also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using institutions to target political opponents. "Earlier, they used agencies like the ED and CBI. Now they are using the Election Commission as a weapon," he alleged. Banerjee further claimed that if poet Rabindranath Tagore were alive today, the BJP would declare him "under adjudication." "If Rabindranath Tagore were alive today, the BJP would declare him under adjudication. They call Sourav Ganguly a dalal. He is a Bengali who never bowed his head before them," Banerjee said. The TMC MP also took aim at Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying, "In every rally, Amit Shah starts with my name and ends with my name." He also referred to the TMC delegation's meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and criticised the Election Commission. "When we met Gyanesh Kumar, and he raised his voice, we told him that we are elected, but you are selected," Banerjee said. Highlighting welfare schemes introduced by the state government, the TMC leader spoke about the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme. "We have given financial help through Lakshmir Bhandar to 2.5 crore women without any condition. Without any divide, unconditionally. If you have the courage, do the same like us," he said. He challenged the BJP leadership to publicly debate the development work carried out in West Bengal. "I challenge the BJP to prepare a stage and say what they have done for Bengal and Bengalis. On the other hand, we will say what we have done for Bengal in the last 15 years," Banerjee said. Referring to central government schemes, the Diamond Harbour MP challenged the BJP. "BJP says they have given houses under PM Awas Yojana. I will leave politics if the BJP proves that even one single house was allotted by them. BJP should publish a white paper," he said. "They plan to bring outsider voters like they did in Bihar and Haryana. But they cannot win Bengal," he said. Appealing to voters, he added, "You may or may not support TMC; that is your choice. But as a Bengali and for Bengal, do not vote for the BJP." Clarifying his appeal to voters, Banerjee added, "I am not appealing to not vote for the BJP. I am appealing to boycott the BJP." Abhishek Banerjee further commented on recent political developments involving the Governor. "Yesterday, the Governor resigned just months before the election. This is not the first time. Jagdeep Dhankhar was also changed. Why? Somehow they are trying to capture Bengal," he alleged. Taking aim at the BJP's political strength in the state, he said, "You have all the machinery, power and agencies, but still you are not able to win Bengal. TMC has nothing except Mamata Didi." Banerjee also issued a challenge regarding alleged illegal voters. "Gyanesh Kumar is visiting Kolkata on the 9th. I ask him to publish the names of how many Rohingyas and Bangladeshis are unlisted or apologise. The choice is yours," he said. The remarks came during a protest led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which the TMC alleges is targeting genuine voters and manipulating the electoral process. The party has accused the BJP and the Election Commission of attempting "silent invisible rigging" by deleting names of legitimate voters from electoral rolls. (ANI) Voting for Nepal's 2026 general election officially commenced on Thursday morning, with citizens arriving at polling stations like the Annapurna Vinayak School in Kathmandu to cast their ballots. The atmosphere reflected a mix of civic duty and a desire for structural change, as voters expressed a need for fresh leadership and systemic reform. "We want a good candidate to win, we support our young generation. The main issue in Nepal is political instability and we want stability and the issue of corruption to be resolved," one voter remarked while speaking to ANI. This high-stakes snap election was triggered by the massive "Gen Z movement" in September, which ousted the KP Sharma Oli-led coalition and led to the dissolution of the House of Representatives. Following a report by The Kathmandu Post, the Election Commission, under the administration of Sushila Karki, has finalised all measures to establish an elected government after a six-month interim period. It was Karki's initial executive act on September 12 to suggest the lower house's dissolution to President Ramchandra Paudel, who then mandated the March 5 polling date. "All the arrangements for free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections are in place," stated acting chief election commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari. He "urged everyone to exercise their franchise without fear" during the 10-hour voting window from 7 am until 5 pm. The Kathmandu Post highlighted that 18,903,689 voters are registered to decide the fate of 6,541 candidates vying for the 275-seat House of Representatives. This electorate sees an increase of 915,119 voters since 2022, with 52 per cent belonging to the 18-40 youth demographic. Of the candidates, 3,406 are competing under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system and 3,135 through proportional representation. Within the FPTP category, 65 parties have fielded 2,263 contenders for 165 seats, while 1,143 individuals stand as independents. Demographic data reveals that direct elections feature 3,017 male and 388 female candidates, with only one representative from the sexual and gender minority community. The Kathmandu Post noted that most candidates are over 41 years old, while only 201 are 30 years or younger. To ensure safety across 10,963 polling stations, 341,113 security personnel have been deployed, including 149,000 "election police" hired temporarily. A Security Council meeting led by Prime Minister Karki on Wednesday determined that arrangements are sufficient to ensure a transparent process. "No force can disrupt the election," Bhandari asserted, expecting high youth engagement to boost turnout. The commission is also prioritising logistics in difficult terrain. "Our effort will be to collect the ballot boxes from the hill regions as quickly as possible. If feasible, they will be transported by helicopter," Bhandari said. He added that officials expect to "publish the results of the first-past-the-post vote within 24 hours after vote counting begins." (ANI) President Donald Trump has sacked Kristi Noem as the United States Secretary of Homeland Security and appointed Markwayne Mullin as her replacement, effective from March 31. Announcing the decision on Thursday (local time) in a post on Truth Social, Trump said Mullin would take over leadership of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), while Noem would assume a new role as Special Envoy for "The Shield of the Americas," a security initiative in the Western Hemisphere. "I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the United States Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), effective March 31, 2026," Trump wrote. "The current Secretary, Kristi Noem, who has served us well, and has had numerous and spectacular results (especially on the Border!), will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, our new Security Initiative in the Western Hemisphere, we are announcing on Saturday in Doral, Florida. I thank Kristi for her service at 'Homeland,'" he added. https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116178030946996760 Trump praised Mullin's political career, his experience in Congress and his alignment with the administration's policy agenda. "Serving 10 years in the United States House of Representatives, and 3 in the Senate, Markwayne has done a tremendous job representing the wonderful People of Oklahoma, where I won all 77 out of 77 Counties in 2016, 2020, and 2024!" Trump said. The President described Mullin as a strong supporter of the administration's agenda. He also highlighted Mullin's background as the only Native American in the Senate. "A MAGA Warrior, and former undefeated professional MMA fighter, Markwayne truly gets along well with people, and knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Advance our America First Agenda. As the only Native American in the Senate, Markwayne is a fantastic advocate for our incredible Tribal Communities," Trump added. Trump said Mullin would prioritise border security and tackling illegal immigration and drug trafficking. "Markwayne will work tirelessly to Keep our Border Secure, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, End the Scourge of Illegal Drugs and, MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. Markwayne will make a spectacular Secretary of Homeland Security. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump added. Soon after the announcement, Noem thanked Trump for appointing her to the new role as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. In a post on X, she wrote, "Thank you @POTUS Trump for appointing me as the Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas. @SecRubio and @SecWar are incredible leaders and I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren." https://x.com/Sec_Noem/status/2029647010002055467 "The Western Hemisphere is absolutely critical for U.S. security. In this new role, I will be able to build on the partnerships and national security expertise, I forged over the last 13 months as Secretary of Homeland Security," she added. Highlighting her tenure at DHS, Noem said the department had made "historic accomplishments." "We have made historic accomplishments at the Department of Homeland Security to make America safe again: we delivered the MOST secure border in American history, 3 million illegal aliens have left the U.S., we have located 145,000 children, FEMA delivered disaster relief at a 100% faster rate, we ushered in the golden age of travel, saved the American taxpayer $13 billion and revitalized the U.S. Coast Guard," she wrote. Noem, who was appointed by Trump at the beginning of his administration, had faced growing scrutiny over her conduct in office, including reports about an alleged romantic relationship with her chief adviser, the handling of departmental funds, and controversies surrounding a DHS advertising campaign featuring her prominently. Current and former Homeland Security officials had privately questioned how long she would remain in the role following what they described as a series of missteps. These reportedly included a decision to pause TSA PreCheck during a DHS funding lapse, a move that was reversed within hours, as well as her responses during two congressional hearings earlier this week, CNN reported. According to CNN, Trump was unhappy with how the hearings unfolded, particularly her assertion that the President had been aware of the DHS advertising campaign, a claim he has denied. The controversy intensified after fatal shootings involving US citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and Noem's responses to the incidents. CNN also reported that some senior White House officials had long been frustrated with Corey Lewandowski, Noem's top aide, who faced pointed questioning during the recent congressional hearings. Homeland Security officials were reportedly surprised by Trump's announcement, although some viewed her removal as inevitable. "I think it's long overdue. She wasn't qualified for the position from the beginning," a Homeland Security official told CNN. Another official said Noem "paid the price," accusing her of exploiting the role for personal gain. Officials within the department were said to be sharing the news and discussing what lies ahead for the agency, which experienced frequent leadership changes during Trump's first presidential term. "People are tired of their shit. Honestly, it's been unreal," one Homeland Security official told CNN, referring to frustrations within the department over the leadership style of Noem and Lewandowski. (ANI) The United States Department of State has announced the suspension of operations at its Embassy in Kuwait City, urging American citizens in Kuwait to leave the country. In a press release, the State Department said that while operations at the embassy have been halted, there have been no reported injuries among US personnel. "Today, the Department of State announced the suspension of operations at U.S. Embassy Kuwait City," the statement said. The department emphasised that the safety and security of Americans overseas remains its "highest priority." "While there have been no reported injuries to the US personnel, the safety of Americans abroad remains the highest priority of the US Department of State," it added. The State Department also said that the travel advisory for Kuwait remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, advising US citizens to check the latest updates and country-specific information through official channels. "The Travel Advisory for Kuwait remains at a Level 3: Reconsider Travel. US citizens should consult the most current Travel Advisory and country information at travel.state.gov," the statement said. In its advisory, the department urged American citizens currently in Kuwait to leave the country. "US citizens in Kuwait should depart the country, if they can do so safely, using commercial or other available transportation options. US citizens unable to depart should shelter in place," the statement noted. The department also provided emergency contact details for American nationals who may require urgent assistance, including consular services or information regarding departure options. "US citizens requiring emergency assistance, including consular services and information on available departure options, may contact the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad) and +1-888-407-4747 (from the United States and Canada)," it said. Additionally, the State Department encouraged US nationals abroad to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows citizens to receive security alerts and updates from nearby US diplomatic missions. "US citizens are strongly encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate," the statement said. This comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks targeting American military bases across multiple Arab countries as the conflict entered its sixth day. Israel is also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI) United States Central Command (CENTCOM) commander Admiral Brad Cooper has said that America has struck nearly 200 targets inside Iran over the past 72 hours and significantly degraded Tehran's missile and drone attack capabilities, adding that they are now working to dismantle Iran's missile production infrastructure. Speaking during a press conference on Thursday (local time), Cooper detailed the scale of the ongoing military operation titled 'Operation Epic Fury' targeting Iranian missile launchers and infrastructure. "In just the last 72 hours, America's bomber force has struck nearly 200 targets deep inside of Iran. In just the last hour, U.S. B-2 Spirit bombers dropped dozens of 2,000lb Penetrator bombs targeting deeply buried ballistic missile launchers," Cooper said. He said the strikes have sharply reduced the scale of Iranian retaliatory attacks since the operation began. "If I just look back over the last 24 hours of the operation compared to where we were to start, ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 per cent...drone attacks have decreased by 83 per cent... we're now up over 30 ships [destroyed]," he added. Cooper also said the 'Operation Epic Fury' has expanded beyond immediate strikes to targeting the long-term capacity of Iran's missile programme, following instructions from US President Donald Trump. "President Trump gave us another task to raze or level Iran's ballistic missile industrial base," he said. "We're not just hitting what they have, we're destroying their ability to rebuild. We will systemically dismantle Iran's missile production capability for the future, and that's absolutely in progress," Cooper added. The CENTCOM chief also highlighted a programme involving a captured Iranian drone design that has been reverse-engineered and redeployed by US forces. "LUCAS -- indispensable...This was an original Iranian drone design. We captured it, pulled the guts out, sent it back to America, put a little 'Made in America' on it, brought it back here, and we're shooting it at the Iranians, Cooper said. His remarks come amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks targeting American military bases across multiple Arab countries as the conflict now entered its sixth day. Israel is also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI) The United States military has targeted an Iranian ship, characterised as a "drone carrier", which is reportedly "is now on fire" following a maritime engagement. The strike was confirmed by US Central Command (CENTCOM) through a statement on X, occurring as the combined US-Israeli military offensive against Iran reaches its seventh day. In its communication, CENTCOM asserted that "US forces aren't holding back on the mission to sink the entire Iranian Navy." The command further detailed the scale of the vessel, describing the targeted drone carrier as "roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier." While the exact location of the naval engagement was not specified in the official post, the military command released footage of the operation. The video provided by CENTCOM depicted the alleged Iranian ship being "engulfed in thick smoke" after sustaining a direct hit from US forces. Complementing these naval strikes, CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that America has struck nearly 200 targets inside Iran over the past 72 hours. He noted that these actions have significantly degraded Tehran's missile and drone attack capabilities. Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Cooper detailed the scale of the ongoing military operation, titled 'Operation Epic Fury', which specifically targets Iranian missile launchers and infrastructure. "In just the last 72 hours, America's bomber force has struck nearly 200 targets deep inside of Iran. In just the last hour, U.S. B-2 Spirit bombers dropped dozens of 2,000lb Penetrator bombs targeting deeply buried ballistic missile launchers," Cooper said. According to the commander, these strikes have sharply reduced the scale of Iranian retaliatory attacks since the operation began. He noted that compared to the start of the mission, ballistic missile attacks have decreased by 90 per cent and drone attacks by 83 per cent, adding, "we're now up over 30 ships [destroyed]." Cooper also revealed that 'Operation Epic Fury' has expanded to target the long-term capacity of Iran's missile programme, following instructions from US President Donald Trump. "President Trump gave us another task to raze or level Iran's ballistic missile industrial base," he said. "We're not just hitting what they have, we're destroying their ability to rebuild. We will systemically dismantle Iran's missile production capability for the future, and that's absolutely in progress." The CENTCOM chief also highlighted a unique programme involving a captured Iranian drone design, named LUCAS, which has been reverse-engineered and redeployed by US forces. "LUCAS -- indispensable... This was an original Iranian drone design. We captured it, pulled the guts out, sent it back to America, put a little 'Made in America' on it, brought it back here, and we're shooting it at the Iranians," Cooper stated. These remarks come amid escalating tensions in West Asia following a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28. That operation resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran has launched waves of drone and missile attacks targeting American military bases across multiple Arab countries as the conflict enters its seventh day. Simultaneously, Israel is continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI) The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has asserted that Iran is entirely equipped for a "prolonged war" and is preparing to debut a fresh category of strategic armaments that have "not yet been seen on the battlefield," as reported by Iranian state broadcaster Press TV. Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini, speaking on behalf of the IRGC, confirmed that the nation is ready for a lengthy confrontation intended to "punish the aggressor." He highlighted that the military operations carried out during the "True Promise 4 Operation" to date have "only utilised a fraction of Iran's actual capabilities." The spokesperson further warned that "Iran's new initiatives and weapons are on the way," noting that these advanced systems "have not yet been deployed on a large scale." According to details shared by the Tehran-based media outlet, the General cautioned that "the enemy should expect painful blows in every upcoming operational wave." This high-level declaration occurred simultaneously with the launch of Khayber missiles towards Tel Aviv. These specific strikes were noted for having "demonstrated a high degree of precision" in their execution, signalling a potential shift in the scale of the ongoing regional tensions. In response to these escalating threats, United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has warned Iran against miscalculating Washington's resolve, asserting that they are prepared to continue military operations decisively. Speaking during a press conference at US Central Command on Thursday, Hegseth said Iran's leadership is mistaken if it believes the US cannot sustain the ongoing military campaign. "Iran is hoping that we cannot sustain this, which is a really bad miscalculation for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran," he said. "Our commitment to our mission objectives only increases as our advantages continue to increase... We have only just begun to fight and fight decisively," Hegseth added, indicating that Washington is prepared for a prolonged confrontation if necessary. The US defence chief also dismissed concerns about a possible influx of refugees to the United States due to the expanding conflict in the Middle East, stating, "I think it's safe to say there's no plan for a wave of new Middle Eastern refugees to the United States of America." His remarks come amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory resulted in the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks targeting American military bases across multiple Arab countries as the conflict entered its sixth day. Simultaneously, Israel is continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. In a post on X, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) also said it has eliminated a senior Hezbollah commander, Zaid Ali Jumaa, in Beirut, accusing him of overseeing large-scale rocket and missile attacks against Israel from southern Lebanon. The IDF stated that Jumaa served as the head of Hezbollah's artillery operations in southern Lebanon and played a key role in directing attacks targeting Israeli territory. "ELIMINATED: Hezbollah firepower management commander Zaid Ali Jumaa in Beirut. Jumaa served as Hezbollah's head of artillery in southern Lebanon and was responsible for launching thousands of rockets, missiles, and UAVs from Lebanon toward Israel," the IDF said in its post. According to the Israeli military, Jumaa also had a history of involvement in earlier attacks against Israeli forces. "He also led the 2015 anti-tank missile attack in Mount Dov that killed an IDF officer and soldier," the post added. (ANI) Chinese automaker NIO enters Thailand with Firefly brand launch Xinhua) 10:58, March 06, 2026 BANGKOK, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese automaker NIO officially introduced its fully electric premium compact vehicle line under the brand Firefly in Thailand on Thursday as part of its strategy to expand global market presence. In partnership with Thai importer and distributor Thonburi Blue Sky, the launch featured the Firefly smart city car, designed for urban maneuverability with a rear-wheel-drive layout and a tight turning radius. Ratapon Viriyaphant, Chairman of the Thonburi Group, said at the event that the company aims to elevate Thailand's electric vehicle (EV) industry by combining its extensive experience with NIO's future-focused ecosystem and global vision. This collaboration will help build a solid foundation for sustainable growth and set new benchmarks for premium EVs in the country over the long term, Ratapon noted. Thailand is far more than just another market for Firefly, given that it is the most dynamic and strategic market in Southeast Asia, said Daniel Jin, NIO vice president and president of Firefly. "It will be a driving force in our global growth, amplifying our presence in Asia, connecting us with new communities, and proving that good design and urban freedom resonate everywhere," Jin said. The debut marked Thailand as the second destination for Firefly in Southeast Asia after Singapore, as the company seeks to accelerate its expansion into right-hand drive markets. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Catherine, Princess of Wales' children "love their dancing". Catherine, Princess of Wales in Leicester The 44-year-old royal was treated to a Bollywood dance performance by The Aakash Odedra Company during a visit to the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre in Leicester, central England, on Thursday (05.03.26), where she celebrated the culture and community of the British Indian community following their celebrations for the Hindu festival of Holi earlier in the week. After being impressed by the routine, she told the group her and Prince William's three children, Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and seven-year-old Prince Louis, would have enjoyed it too. She said: "You must be super fit because it's super energetic. "My children would love that; they love their dancing. Louis would love your dance routine." Upon her arrival at the community centre, dance company founder Aakrash Odedra presented the princess with a garland of pearls and roses, and later noted he had made it especially for her because there was no better way to welcome a guest than to garnish their soul with flowers. Catherine got her own chance to dance when she visited Shreeji Dham Haveli, a Hindu Temple serving the local Vaishnav community, and was invited to join in with a traditional ladies' routine during a religious ceremony. Asked to participate on her first official visit to a Hindu temple in Britain, Catherine - who had removed her shoes in accordance with protocol inside the building - replied: "Oh, go on then". She then joined in with the circle of women and Mayur Kachela, a member of the temple's executive committee, said: "It was absolutely amazing. "She was really acknowledging what we're doing here, and really engaged. This is part of our faith, and it was very nice that she acknowledged what we're doing." Catherine's day of engagements in the English city included a stop at Bobby's, a family-run Indian restaurant, where she tucked into chai tea and Indian sweets after confirming she was "okay with spice". Taking a bite as she sat with the eatery's owners, Dharmesh and Enna Lakhani, she said: "Mmm. Is this coriander? "I love coriander and chili but William is less of a fan of coriander. She also told the couple: Whats lovely about a family business is that the values still stay. Thats the heart of it. Thats really what matters to the customers, those relationships. And as she met their sons, Arjun, 28, and Karran, 25, Catherine noted family businesses made changes along the way. Catherine was invited to the counter to choose a box of sweets to take home to her children and the owner joked they were all "zero calories". She laughed and said: Amazing. No wonder youre so popular. Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur offered to hold the box for the royal guest and she teased: Dont eat them. Highlighting the complexities of global diplomacy, ORF America Executive Director Dhruva Jaishankar said the international community must prepare for "unexpected kinds of arrangements" as major powers attempt to balance geopolitical competition with global economic stability. Speaking at Raisina Dialogue 2026 during a session titled 'Beyond Strategic Ambiguity: Rethinking Deterrence in the Taiwan Strait', Jaishankar addressed the evolving nature of international relations amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East. He noted that even in high-tension environments, nations are likely to seek "carve outs" to prevent economic collapse. "So I think we will see, whether it's the conflict as it goes on in the Middle East, whether it's now the fourth year of the Russia-Ukraine war, or even in the context of when China has 90% of the processing capacity for graphite, again, something that every economy needs, there are going to be, even in the midst of conflict, various kinds of carve outs given to balance global economic cultures on the one hand versus geostrategic competition on the other hand," Jaishankar said. The foreign policy expert said this balancing act is an unavoidable consequence of the modern era, where strategic rivals remain economically interdependent. "And I think that's just the reality that we are all going to have to contend with. So we're going to see some very unexpected kinds of arrangements being made," he added. Dhruva Jaishankar also pointed to the pragmatism of the United States regarding energy security. He suggested that despite sanctions and strategic rivalries, Washington remains aware of the need to maintain stable global markets. "Because, again, even in the height of a conflict, the US is conscious of the global energy market, oil particularly, and gas to some degree. So I think that's good. We're going to have to live with these contradictions in the face of crisis," he said. The discussion, which explored the shift away from strategic ambiguity, featured a panel including Bonnie Glick of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, Helena Legarda from the Mercator Institute for Chinese Studies, I-Chung Lai of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation, and Jonas Parello-Plesner, Director of the Alliance of Democracies. (ANI) Sri Lankan President Anura Disanayake has stated that Sri Lanka will remain non-aligned during the current West Asia conflict calling for all parties to demonstrate a commitment to peace. In a post on X, Disanayake said, "No civilian should die in wars. Our approach is that every life is as precious as our own. We jealously guard our non-aligned policy while ensuring that humanitarian values and the saving of lives remain our top priority. What the world urgently needs today is peace. There is a real risk of a severe global economic crisis, and entire societies are facing serious and complex challenges. We call upon all parties to demonstrate a firm commitment to peace. As a state, Sri Lanka stands ready to support every step toward ending hostilities. All our actions are aimed at saving lives and ensuring that humanity prevails." Meanwhile, Sri Lanka on Thursday extended humanitarian assistance to the second Iranian ship which had given a distress signal near its territorial waters. The crew of the IRIS Bushehr was disembarked for humanitarian assistance and the ship moved to Trincomalee Harbour. Sri Lanka Navy made arrangements to safely transport the 208 personnel on board the vessel to Colombo. In a news conference, the President reiterated that Sri Lanka will maintain a neutral stance amid the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. He assured that Sri Lanka would not allow its land, territorial waters and airspace to be used in an inimical manner against any country, reported the Daily Mirror Sri Lanka. IRINS Bushehr distress call followed the sinking of IRIS Dena, which was struck by a torpedo from a United States submarine on March 4, 2026. More than 100 sailors were reported killed in the attack, while Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force personnel managed to rescue about 32 to 35 survivors. (ANI) Highlighting the state of the current global security landscape, Bonnie Glick, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, stated that the United States remains focused on its ability to manage multiple international crises simultaneously while giving due attention to each individual conflict. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 during a session titled 'Beyond Strategic Ambiguity: Rethinking Deterrence in the Taiwan Strait', Glick addressed the shift of American military resources from East Asia to West Asia amid the ongoing Iran conflict. "I think one of the things that we focus on in the United States is addressing conflicts individually, while also simultaneously having access to an ability to respond elsewhere in the world," Glick remarked. The session explored how the "increasingly ad-hoc use of American power" and skepticism toward long-standing commitments, paired with the Chinese Communist Party's "vehement restatement of its desire for 'reunification'", has intensified regional tensions. Glick noted that there are "so many restive parts of the world" currently, leading to significant concern regarding how China might "use the opportunity vis-a-vis Taiwan." Despite the shift in resources, she maintained that the messaging from Washington remains "pretty clear" regarding its position. "I think China views bottom-line American intervention in Iran right now as a moment for consideration of Taiwan, but also as a moment of this probably does not make sense right now, because we know that the United States will be able to respond if needed," she added. The discussion also touched upon the broader economic and strategic framework of the Indo-Pacific, specifically regarding the "experimental" nature of China's integration into the global order. Commenting on earlier remarks by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, Glick suggested that comparing the US approach to India and China is a matter of "apples and oranges." She described the early 2000s decision to grant China entry into the World Trade Organization as an experiment that "has, I think, widely been viewed as a miscalculation in the United States." In contrast, Glick identified India as the "world's largest democracy" and the most important democratic ally for the US in terms of "heft in the international arena." While acknowledging that trade issues often "complicate the economic relations" between the two nations, she emphasised that the partnership transcends mere commerce. "At the end of the day, the relationship between the United States and India is not based solely on economics. It's based on more foundational elements of freedom of family, even an approach to faith," Glick stated. These observations align with the vision articulated by Deputy Secretary Landau, who described the current period as a "critical moment" for bilateral relations. Landau asserted that the "America First" doctrine "obviously does not mean America alone." He further noted that just as the US seeks to "make America great again," Washington expects Indian leadership "to want to make their countries great again." Landau said that the rise of India is "undeniable" and that it remains in the mutual interest of both nations to deepen a partnership that will "decide the future of this century." (ANI) The eleventh edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, was inaugurated last evening by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb. Opening the proceedings, Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation (ORF) said that throughout its eleven years, the Dialogue has remained steadfast in its "aim of unpacking the present to help shape the future." He pointed out that its theme in 2026, Samskara, captures a world in which "nations are asserting their identity, asserting their dialogue, and advancing through refinement." Sunjoy Joshi, Chairman, ORF noted that current conflicts are guided by impulses that are inherently old. What has changed however is their technological capability. Solutions to these challenges, he felt, will require new coalitions, a new template for intellectual engagement, and a forward-looking governance agenda. In his keynote address, President Alexander Stubb drew attention to certain complementarities between India and Finland. He stated that while Finland has been rated as the "happiest country in the world" for nearly a decade, India has ranked consistently as "the most optimistic country." He felt that the global order of the future must build on the happiness and optimism that Finland and India jointly bring to the table. "The global power balance has shifted. The Global South has demography and economy on its side. The era of a Western-dominated world is over," he said. Calling for a multilateralism that recognised today's realities, he proposed that a reformed United Nations Security Council should include two permanent seats each from Asia and Africa respectively, and one from Latin America. President Stubb asserted unequivocally that India must have a permanent seat at the Security Council. Acknowledging India's role in promoting issues that matter to the people, President Stubb applauded Prime Minister Modi's ambition and efforts to take Artificial Intelligence to the last mile, and to use it meaningfully to transform its citizens' lives. Delivering the vote of thanks at the inaugural session of the Raisina Dialogue 2026, EAM Dr S Jaishankar complimented the forum's unique "openness, diversity, energy, and atmosphere." He expressed his conviction that the Dialogue would continue to reflect on "new capabilities, new mindsets, and new habits and assumptions." Day 1 also featured a series of Curtain Raisers with prominent international voices, including Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of State, United States of America; Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Former Prime Minister of Denmark; Benedetta Berti, Secretary General of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Italy; Rishi Bal, Chief Executive Officer, BharatGen, India; Sakshi Gupta, Policy Expert, Global Government Affairs, Qualcomm, United States of America; Erik Solheim, Former Minister of Climate and the Environment, Norway; and Amitabh Kant, Former G20 Sherpa, India. All open-door sessions at the Raisina Dialogue will be streamed live on the official Raisina Dialogue Twitter handle (@raisinadialogue), the Observer Research Foundation's YouTube channel and Facebook page. Across its past ten editions, the Raisina Dialogue has established itself as India's leading conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, shaping global public policy conversations around the world. The Raisina Dialogue is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation and the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. (ANI) Highlighting a shift in global power dynamics, Finnish President Alexander Stubb has expressed concern over a growing "detachment" of the United States from the global West, noting that Washington is increasingly acting without international consultation. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, President Stubb pointed out that recent American actions lack the multilateral engagement seen in previous decades. "There is this element that yes, there is multipolarity, but the United States is obviously doing many of the things without consultation. Unlike it did in Libya, unlike it did in Iraq or in Afghanistan, where there was an attempt at least to discuss in the UN," Stubb stated. The Finnish President argued that this lack of coordination is directly impacting global stability, raising urgent questions about the current international framework. "So then we come to what is the cost for peace and security? Well, we can see it right now. And this is what makes me so optimistic that we're going to have to have this new multilateral moment," he told the audience. Addressing the ongoing crises across various regions, Stubb emphasised that the current global situation necessitates a fresh approach to collective governance. "Because we're seeing what's going on in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan, therefore we need to come together to some kind of a new covenant because, the cost of multipolarity is too high right now," the President remarked. Reflecting on the evolving relationship between the US and its traditional allies, Stubb questioned if the world has reached a definitive turning point in Western unity. "If I were to frame it again, I would think hard again, are we in one of those moments where there is a detachment of the United States from the global west?" he added. (ANI) Highlighting the far-reaching consequences of regional instability, I-Chung Lai, Senior Advisor to the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation, stated that any conflict in the Taiwan Strait would directly impact the Indian economy, calling on New Delhi to play a role in ensuring regional safety. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026, Lai noted the historical context of the tensions in the region. "China has tried to invade Taiwan for almost 75 years. Taiwan will continue to improve its defence capabilities. Any instability in Taiwan will impact the Indian economy. And this is why we would like to maintain peace, stability and prosperity in the region. We hope the Indian government can play a role to ensure the safety of this area," he said. The global ripple effects of concurrent conflicts were further detailed by Helena Legarda, Head of Program for the Foreign Relations team at the Mercator Institute for Chinese Studies (MERICS), who told ANI that the ongoing war involving Iran is causing significant energy and strategic concerns for Beijing. "China is looking at this war with some concern. Iran was one of the sources of oil that China leaned on, so this will have an impact on China's energy and security, which it will get from elsewhere, but it will be expensive and difficult. China could also lose a strategic partner, which geopolitically could have somewhat of an impact," Legarda explained. She further observed that Beijing might seek to leverage the situation to bolster its diplomatic image. "China also might actually see some potential benefits due to the fact that Beijing is very keen on presenting itself as a responsible global power and a force for peace and to contrast itself with the United States in particular, but also other Western powers. Beijing will definitely use this conflict as well to continue making this point internationally and try to build up more support for its own alternative views of how the global order and global governance should function," she stated. Addressing whether global conflicts are shifting Beijing's timeline regarding Taiwan, Legarda maintained that China's core ambitions remain constant, though its tactics are being refined. "China's policy and ambitions vis-a-vis Taiwan have not really changed based on Russia's post-Kremlin invasion of Ukraine or this war in Iran and the Middle East. The position is longstanding. Beijing is learning lessons from all of these conflicts, and it will adapt how it operates, in case it decides or when it decides to make a move on the Taiwan question. Some of these lessons are sort of military in nature, like the importance of air defence systems," Legarda noted. In the context of broader regional stability, Legarda suggested that China is currently prioritising a more cautious approach to its bilateral ties, including those with India, as it manages a complex international landscape. "China is at the moment looking to preserve or restore stability in a lot of its international and bilateral relations because it is dealing with what the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing describes as an increasingly challenging international environment. From Beijing's perspective, they will probably try to keep things relatively stable for the time being, at least in the short run, while they navigate their relationship with the US," she added. (ANI) Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Friday discussed defence technology and economic security with Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister Sadamasa Oue in the backdrop of India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. "Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri met Sadamasa Oue, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan. They had a productive exchange of views on strengthening the defence technology and economic security pillars of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X. Both nations had announced the India-Japan Economic Security Initiative in 2025 to provide momentum for strategic cooperation through whole-of-nation efforts in strengthening supply chains of key goods and materials, which foster market diversification and advance cooperation in cutting-edge technologies. According to a statement by MEA, the initiative includes identifying and implementing concrete projects in the areas of semiconductors, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, telecommunication, clean energy and new and emerging technologies through the government and business tracks of the Dialogue on Economic Security, including Strategic Trade and Technology. Both nations decided to share policy perspectives, intelligence and information on best practices on the latest developments. This includes promoting cooperation on resilient supply chains and market diversification through the Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of Mineral Resources, India-Japan Digital Partnership 2.0, Memorandum of Cooperation on Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership, and other such mechanisms and promoting private sector-led cooperation, including by supporting the Joint Action Plan on Economic Security Cooperation by JETRO, CII and JCCII. According to MEA, New Delhi and Tokyo decided to implement the Japan-India AI Cooperation Initiative (JAI) to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation on AI and foster an innovative and trusted AI ecosystem and promote India-Japan battery supply chain cooperation to foster a healthy battery market and ecosystem. Earlier on Thursday, according to a press release by the Japanese Foreign Affairs, a delegation of MPs led by Congress leader Manish Tewari gave a courtesy call to the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kuunimitsu Ayano. As per the release, the Japanese minister stated that Japan and India are "Special Strategic Global Partners" which share fundamental values and expressed her intention to steadily advance cooperation across a wide range of fields, including economy, investment, and innovation based on the Japan-India Joint Vision for the Next Decade announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan in last August. The Indian delegation stated that it would like to contribute to the further development of the bilateral relations. (ANI) International leaders and diplomats at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 have underscored the growing strategic importance of India's energy autonomy and its evolving role in global geopolitics, following the US Treasury Department's decision to issue a temporary waiver for Russian oil imports. The comments from global experts come as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil already stranded at sea, aimed at alleviating pressure caused by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Bessent described India as an "essential partner" and noted the measure was a stop-gap to ensure global energy flow while countering attempts to take "global energy hostage." Reacting to the geopolitical shifts, Jaroslaw Cwiek-Karpowicz, Director of the Polish Institute of International Affairs, told ANI that while India's reliance on Russian crude is understandable, diversification remains key to global security. "It is a very good sign that India is trying to decrease the number of Russian crude oil imports compared to the previous years. We can imagine that for the Indian economy, Russian crude oil is quite important. We try to convince our Indian partners that Russia's policy in Europe is very dangerous not only for Europe but also for the rest of the world. This is why it is much more important to develop other destinations and import crude oil from other countries," Cwiek-Karpowicz said. He further highlighted the risks posed by the burgeoning "Russian-Chinese" nexus, stating, "China also is a very important economic partner for Europe and the world. But we should be very careful because the Chinese-Russian relations are very strong. And China, de facto, is supporting Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine. Russia still has financial support, technological support from China, from North Korea as well, and Iran. For Europe and Poland, it's important to sanction Russia and to limit Chinese-Russian economic cooperation." Cwiek-Karpowicz suggested that India explore markets in South America, Brazil, the Caribbean, and Africa to diversify routes. "I strongly support US-India economic relations because it will allow India to be much more independent and play a much more constructive role in terms of global affairs," he added. Echoing the sentiment of growing bilateral trust, Frantisek Ruzicka, Deputy Secretary-General at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), observed in an interaction with ANI that the US-India relationship is successfully navigating complex global dynamics. "In today's world, it is important that the relations between US and India are growing and solving the issues that may emerge as problems, but tomorrow would appear to be of benefit for both the countries," Ruzicka noted. Addressing the oil procurement issue, he maintained that the international community trusts India's strategic judgment. "We must look at the complexity and dynamics of the global situation. Russia is aggressive vis-a-vis Ukraine. It is on the side of India to decide and to look for partners in every aspect, and we really trust India that India will find the best solutions on how to assist and how to be an important player in the global world in settling or assisting in solving the problems that we are facing today," he said. Furthermore, Alexander Schallenberg, Former Federal Chancellor of Austria, speaking to ANI, remarked on the dramatic transformation of India's global standing. "The world has changed dramatically over the last couple of years and will continue to change. India of today is not the India of 20 years ago, and neither is the US or Europe. The future of cooperation between India and Europe, and Austria particularly, is looking extremely promising. I believe nobody would repeat this statement today," Schallenberg said. On the specific matter of the US waiver and energy choices, Schallenberg asserted that sovereign decisions must be respected. "Every country is free to purchase the products they want. We are on a different planet today, and sometimes you have to think twice about what you get from whom. But at the end, it's an Indian decision," he remarked. The diplomatic consensus at the dialogue reflects a broader recognition of India's careful balancing act as it manages its energy security while strengthening ties with Western partners amidst the escalating West Asia crisis. (ANI) The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has raised alarm over recent reports that Uyghur Muslims in East Turkistan have been detained for practising Ramadan fasting. The organisation said the incidents illustrate the continued lack of freedom of religion for Uyghurs living under Chinese rule. In a press release shared on X, WUC stated that according to reporting by Radio Free Asia (RFA) published on February 27, police officers detained six Uyghur residents from multiple villages in Hotan Prefecture, including Bulaq Chorgey, Bash Chapal, Dul Tugman and Korgan. Authorities reportedly accused them of secretly observing the Ramadan fast. A police officer in Lop Township, Lop County, confirmed to Radio Free Asia that five of the detainees, each over the age of 70, were eventually freed after receiving warnings and undergoing what officials described as political "education" sessions. However, a younger Uyghur man, aged 30, remains in custody and could face criminal prosecution related to fasting during the holy month. The officer also indicated that security monitoring is heightened during Ramadan. Patrols reportedly begin around 6:00 a.m. Beijing time, roughly two hours before sunrise in Hotan. Officers allegedly check homes for signs of fasting, including inspecting windows for lights before dawn and entering houses if they suspect residents may be observing the fast. Additional information reported by the Uyghur News Network suggests that authorities in Kashgar and Aksu prefectures are compelling villagers to perform early morning labour during Ramadan. According to a village official cited in the report, residents are taken out daily for roughly two hours to repair infrastructure such as roads, bridges and irrigation channels, a move believed to discourage fasting. Commenting on the reports, WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun said the detentions demonstrate how even private acts of faith are being monitored and punished. He argued that surveillance and forced labour practices violate both international human rights standards and Chinese domestic laws. The concerns come as the situation of Uyghurs is being discussed at the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. During the session, Nazila Ghanea highlighted allegations that Chinese authorities have been destroying or relocating Uyghur Muslim cemeteries without informing families. (ANI) The United States and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, according to the US State Department. "This step will facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela," the statement by the US State Department read. In January this year, the US military forces launched a large-scale surprise raid on Caracas and captured Venezuela's former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and the duo was taken to the US and faced allegations of weapon and drug offences in Manhattan court. On January 31, a US diplomatic mission arrived in Caracas, marking the resumption of diplomatic contacts between the two countries. Venezuela under Maduro had cut off diplomatic ties with the United States in January 2019 due to the latter's continued interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. This came in the wake of Trump's recognition of opposition leader Juan Guaido as the country's interim president. All diplomatic personnel from the US embassy in Venezuela withdrew in the same year. The March 5 statement by the US State Department read, "Our engagement is focused on helping the Venezuelan people move forward through a phased process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government." "The United States remains committed to supporting the Venezuelan people and working with partners across the region to advance stability and prosperity," it said. Meanwhile, Trump administration officials visited Venezuela this week, where US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum met with acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez to discuss oil and mineral opportunities. Burgum leads Trump's National Energy Dominance Council. "Just wrapped a trip to Venezuela to advance U.S. interests in the region and strengthen bilateral cooperation on critical minerals and energy," Burgum posted on X. Burgum further said that at the direction of President Donald Trump, the US is "moving at TRUMP SPEED to usher in a Golden Age for the Western Hemisphere where America leads." In a statement posted on Rodriguez's official webpage, the head of Venezuela's interim adminstration expressed the Venezualan Government's full willingness to build a joint work agenda based on respect and mutual benefit. Rodriguez emphasised that this rapprochement opens new avenues to strengthen the relationship between both nations, positively impacting the region's energy security. On Wednesday, the meeting with Burgum culminated with the announcement that Rodriguez would submit a proposal to reform Venezuela's mining laws to the country's legislature in the coming days that would allow foreign companies to extract gold, diamonds and rare earths, Al Jazeera reported. In late January this year, Rodriguez signed into law a reform to expand private investment in Venezuela's state-controlled oil industry. Her government has also transferred at least 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the Trump administration to sell, with Trump himself controlling how the proceeds are distributed. As per a report in Axios, which cited sources, Venezuela's state-owned mining company on Monday inked a multimillion-dollar deal to sell as many as 1,000 kilograms of gold destined for US markets. The gold deal requires state-owned company Minerven to furnish 650 to 1,000 kilograms of Gold Dore bars to the Singapore-based commodities trader Trafigura, according to one of the sources, the publication reported. The NYT said that the Trump administration says it has raised more than USD 1 billion in oil sales as Venezuela has ramped up its production in the past two months, with several hundred million dollars ending up back in Venezuelan coffers. The United States has also pressured Venezuela to end oil shipments to Cuba. (ANI) High-Speed Jet Boating Through Queenstowns River Canyons Jet Boating Developed in New Zealand to navigate the countrys shallow braided rivers, jet boating has become one of its most recognisable water based adventures. In Queenstown, rides along the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers combine speed with precision as boats skim across just centimetres of water, weaving through narrow canyon walls and accelerating over fast-moving channels. Experienced drivers execute the manoeuvre the activity is known for, the signature 360 degree spin, while the surrounding landscape of rock faces, native bush and snow capped peaks adds a dramatic sense of place. The result is a high energy way to experience waterways that would otherwise be inaccessible, and a distinctly Kiwi take on river exploration. Kayaking Night or Day Kayaking by Day, Glowworm Paddling by Night New Zealand offers a range of kayaking experiences, from sunlit coastal journeys to atmospheric evening paddles. In Abel Tasman National Park, guided kayaking trips trace a sheltered shoreline of golden beaches and granite headlands, accessing secluded bays such as Anchorage and Torrent that are unreachable by road. Moving quietly at water level brings paddlers close to native wildlife and empty stretches of sand rarely seen by land based visitors. At the other end of the country, the Bay of Plenty provides a striking contrast. Here, Waimarinos glowworm kayak tours take place at dusk, when paddlers glide through still waters beneath canyon walls illuminated by thousands of tiny lights, turning the river into a natural night sky. Raglan Surf Waves on Raglans Wild West Coast On the North Islands rugged west coast, Raglan has built an international reputation as one of New Zealands premier surf destinations. Its famous left-hand point breaks, particularly at Manu Bay, offer remarkably long rides that have drawn surfers here since the 1960s. Nearby Whale Bay provides a quieter setting for experienced riders, while Ngarunui Beachs wide sandy shoreline and gentler swell make it ideal for lessons. Local surf schools operate year round, allowing first timers to experience the regions celebrated waves, while clifftop viewpoints deliver dramatic views of the Tasman Sea in motion. Rotorua White-Water Rafting the Kaituna River in Rotorua Just outside the city, the Kaituna River in Rotorua delivers one of New Zealands most memorable white-water rafting experiences, cutting through a steep native forest canyon rich in Maori history. The highlight is the descent over Tutea Falls, a seven metre drop recognised as the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Between rapids, calmer stretches reveal cascading waterfalls and dense bush, creating moments of stillness before the next surge of adrenaline. Diving the Poor Knights Islands, One of the Worlds Top Marine Reserves Off the coast of Northland, the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve offers a completely different perspective on New Zealands natural world. Reached by boat from the Bay of Islands or Tutukaka Coast, the protected area is widely regarded as one of the finest dive locations globally. Divers and snorkellers explore a submerged volcanic landscape of arches, caves and sheer walls, where subtropical currents attract an unusually diverse mix of marine life, from colourful reef fish to rays and large pelagic species. by Natalie key for www.femalefirst.co.uk After US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday announced that the US was implementing a 30-day waiver for India allowing for the purchase Russian oil in light of the West Asia crisis, the Congress went out all guns blazing against the Government. Congress' Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari was the first to issue a sharp retort accusing the Government of not understanding what sovereignty means. "Issuing a 30 day waiver - the sanctimonious language of condemnation drips with neo-imperial arrogance. Are we a banana republic that we need the permission of the US to secure our energy security imperatives? The silence of an otherwise overly loquacious government is deafening. Does it not understand what sovereignty means?" Tewari stated in a post on X. Senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi then took it a notch higher accusing the Government of being compromised on foreign policy. "India's foreign policy emerges from the collective will of our people. It should be rooted in our history, our geography, and our spiritual ethos based on Satya and Ahimsa. What we are witnessing today is not policy. It is the result of the exploitation of a compromised individual," he posted on X. What the Congress seemed to forget was that Diplomacy and Statecraft have multiple facets to it. In-fact a 2012 deal made with the US, while the Congress led UPA government was in power, has blown holes in the party's position. https://2009-2017.state.gov/secretary/20092013clinton/rm/2012/06/192078.htm?safe=1 A statement from then US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on June 11, 2012 shows that India had agreed to significantly reduced crude oil imports from Iran after sanctions imposed by the United States and its partners over Tehran's nuclear programme. Clinton added that as a result, US sanctions under Section 1245 of the National Defence Authorisation Act would not apply to financial institutions in those jurisdictions for a renewable period of 180 days. "Today I have made the determination that seven economies--India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey and Taiwan--have all significantly reduced their volume of crude oil purchases from Iran. They join the 11 countries for which I made this determination in March. As a result, I will report to the Congress that sanctions pursuant to Section 1245(d)(1) of the National Defence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 will not apply to their financial institutions for a potentially renewable period of 180 days," the statement read. A year later, on June 5, 2013, then US Secretary of State John Kerry announced that India and several other countries had again qualified for an exception after making "additional significant reductions" in the volume of their crude oil purchases from Iran or reducing them to zero. "The United States and the international community stand shoulder to shoulder in maintaining pressure on the Iranian regime until it fully addresses concerns about its nuclear program. That is why today I am pleased to announce that China, India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Taiwan have again qualified for an exception to sanctions outlined in section 1245 of the National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2012, based on additional significant reductions in the volume of their crude oil purchases from Iran or for reducing those purchases to zero and remaining there. As a result, I will report to the Congress that exceptions to sanctions pursuant to Section 1245 of the NDAA for certain transactions will apply to the financial institutions based in these jurisdictions for a potentially renewable period of 180 days," the statement read. The two statements show that when it comes to diplomacy the prevailing situation and national interests dictate policy and the current position of the Congress stands in question. Meanwhile, in what will bring some relief, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has dismissed claims that Iran has shut down the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026, Khatibzadeh emphasised that Iran continues to act as a stabilising force despite the escalating war with Israel and the United States. "Iran is an anchor of stability in the Strait of Hormuz. We will announce if we close the Strait of Hormuz. We have not closed it. We are a responsible power," he said. Addressing policymakers and diplomats, he clarified that there is no immediate intention to block the waterway. "We have not yet closed the Strait of Hormuz. We have no intention to do that until further notice," he added, describing Iran as a key guarantor of maritime stability because of its presence and active role in the region. About 40 per cent of India's crude moves through the Strait of Hormuz, and 60 per cent of the rest of the crude comes from other sources. The government on Friday clarified that India is in a very comfortable position in Crude oil, Oil products and LPG in terms of our current stock. Sources said that India would ramp up supplies from other part of the geographies, and make up any supply crunch from the Strait of Hormuz Sources further said that India has been buying crude oil from Russia since 2022. In 2022 India imported 0.2 percent of its total import from Russia while in February it imported 20 percent crude oil of its total import from Russia. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 in the national capital, engaging with top leaders from Malta, Mauritius, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, and Kenya to strengthen strategic and regional partnerships. In a post on X, Jaishankar said he had a "good meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg of Malta" and appreciated his insights on the maritime industry. He also met with Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ritish Ramful of Mauritius, underlining India's commitment to further enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations. "Pleased to meet FM Dhananjay Ritish Ramful of Mauritius. Underlined our commitment to further our enhanced strategic partnership," the EAM said in a post on X. On the sidelines of the dialogue, Jaishankar held discussions with Bhutan Foreign Minister Lyonpo DN Dhungyel, reaffirming India's dedication to deepening the unique bilateral partnership with Bhutan. "Delighted to meet Bhutan FM Lyonpo DN Dhungyel on the sidelines of Raisina Dialogue 2026. Reaffirmed our commitment to deepen our unique partnership," Jaishankar stated in another post. The External Affairs Minister also engaged in a warm discussion with Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on bilateral ties and the regional situation, noting that India's initiatives Vision MAHASAGAR and Neighbourhood First continue to guide its regional efforts. Jaishankar further met with Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi in Delhi, where they discussed ways to realise the full potential of India-Kenya ties. He also caught up with the Foreign Minister of Seychelles, Barry Faure. "Great to catch up with FM Barry Faure of Seychelles. Discussed the follow-up to the recent Presidential visit," the EAM said. Earlier on Thursday, the EAM also met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on the sidelines of the Dialogue. "Met with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2026," EAM stated in an X post. The 11th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, commenced on Thursday, bringing together global policymakers, diplomats, and thought leaders, and focuses on key global and regional issues, including economic cooperation, security challenges, and emerging geopolitical trends. The three-day dialogue is scheduled from March 5 to March 7. The 2026 edition, themed "Samskara - Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement", will see participation from representatives of 110 countries, including ministers, former heads of state and government, members of parliament, military commanders, captains of industry, technology leaders, scholars, journalists, and youth leaders. Samskara represents the legacy of identity that allows civilisations to assert themselves, embrace diversity, and progress through continuous refinement. Around 2,700 participants are attending in person, while millions worldwide are expected to follow the proceedings through digital platforms. Over three days, discussions will be organised across six thematic pillars: Contested Frontiers: Power, Polarity, and Periphery; Repairing the Commons: New Groups, New Guardians, New Avenues; White Whale: The Pursuit of Agenda 2030; The Eleventh Hour: Climate, Conflict, and the Cost of Delay; Tomorrowland: Towards a Tech-topia; and Trade in the Time of Tariffs: Recovery, Resilience, Reinvention. The Raisina Dialogue aims to provide a platform for global decision-makers and thought leaders to exchange ideas, build consensus, and foster cooperation on critical geopolitical and economic issues facing the international community. The Raisina Dialogue is India's premier conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, held annually in New Delhi since 2016. Organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, this three-day event convenes global leaders, policymakers, academics, industry experts, and journalists to discuss critical international issues. (ANI) Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday strongly condemned Iranian projectile strikes on multiple Arab nations, calling them "unacceptable violations of sovereignty" and urging an end to Tehran's hostile actions in the region as the conflict in the region escalates. In a video statement shared on X, Pahlavi criticised the existing Iranian regime for targeting Arab neighbours, including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia -- saying such attacks reflect long-standing regional aggression, not the will of the Iranian people, claiming that decades of intervention by Tehran have destabilised the region. "The Islamic Republic has launched missiles at the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. It is targeting our Arab neighbors. These violations of their sovereignty are unacceptable and we condemn them. But this is nothing new. This is who the Islamic Republic has always been. And this is why it must end. For nearly five decades, this terrorist regime has sown chaos and bloodshed across our region," Pahlavi said. The exiled royal, son of Iran's last Shah, said that the current regime must end and accepted what he described as a "mandate" from Iranians to lead a transitional process once the Islamic Republic collapses. He called for an orderly transition, pledging to stabilise the country and restore democratic governance through free elections, without repeating the mistakes of past upheavals. "The pillars of this regime's aggression are crumbling. The Iranian people have paid the price, in blood, to reach this moment," he said. "The Iranian people have called on me to lead the transition after the regime is gone. I have accepted that responsibility. Part of their great mandate to me is to return our nation and our foreign relations to normalcy. I will do exactly that. My commitment is to ensure the transition is orderly, the country is stabilized, and Iranians determine their future through the ballot box. We will not repeat the mistakes of past transitions. We will avoid de-Baathification scenarios and maintain as many bureaucrats and public servants in the transition as possible. Iranians have made their choice -- at an enormous price," the exiled prince added. Pahlavi also urged Arab nations to engage with and recognise a future transitional government, emphasising that diplomatic relations should be rooted in "mutual respect and shared interests" rather than ideology. "Now I ask our friends in the Arab world to join us. To prepare to recognize and engage our transitional government. We will rebuild our nation not for expansion, but to serve the Iranian people. We will base our diplomatic relations, not on exportation of ideology, but on mutual respect and shared interests," he added. The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. "Together, we can build a Middle East our children will be proud to inherit. Take this new path with us," the exiled prince concluded. (ANI) The Islamic Republic of Iran Ship (IRIS) Lavan, which took part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, has docked in Kochi after developing technical issues, according to sources in the Government of India. Sources said India had been approached by Iran days before the IRIS Dena incident south of Sri Lanka. The ship was in the region as part of the Iranian naval presence for the International Fleet Review and MILAN 2026, which took place from February 15 to February 25 The request from Iran was received on February 28, seeking urgent docking support for the vessel due to technical problems. "This request was received on 28 February 2026, indicating that a docking at Kochi was urgent as the vessel had developed technical issues," the sources said. The joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran were also initiated on February 28. Sources added that India approved docking on March 1, after the conflict in the region had already begun. "Approval was accorded for the docking on 1 March. IRIS LAVAN has since docked at Kochi on 4 March," the sources said. According to the sources, the ship's crew members are currently staying at naval facilities in Kochi. "In this context, its crew of 183 are currently accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi," the sources added. Sources further said that other ships were also present in the region at that time. Earlier, IRIS Dena sank south of Sri Lanka on March 4 after being struck by a US submarine torpedo approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle. The Indian Navy then deployed INS Tarangini and INS Ikshak, along with maritime patrol aircraft, like its P8Is, to assist in the Sri Lanka-led search and rescue operations for the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. Of the estimated 180 crew members on board IRIS Dena, around 87 sailors are reported dead, while about 32 survivors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy and admitted to hospitals in Galle. The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on Iranian territory that killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. In retaliation, Tehran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and assets in the region. Israel has also intensified its campaign on Tehran. (ANI) Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday held a telephone conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss regional developments following recent tensions involving the United States and Israel as tensions in West Asia escalate. According to a statement by Iran's Foreign Ministry, Araghchi also held a separate phone call with Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, during which the leaders discussed the evolving regional situation and bilateral relations. During the conversations, Araghchi described the recent actions by the United States and Israel against Iran as "military aggression" and said governments around the world and the United Nations should condemn what he called "criminal actions". "During the conversations, Iran's foreign minister described the crimes committed by the United States and the Israeli regime in recent days as part of their military aggression against Iran and stressed the responsibility of all governments and the United Nations to firmly condemn the criminal actions of the United States and the Israeli regime," the statement read. The Iranian foreign minister also strongly condemned the US attack on the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena, which was targeted in international waters without prior warning. He stated that Iran intends to pursue the matter through legal and international mechanisms in relevant global bodies. Araghchi further expressed appreciation to Sri Lanka for its role in the rescue operations involving sailors from the Iranian frigate Dena, highlighting the importance of ensuring the safety of Iranian vessels and their crews. Earlier, IRIS Dena sank south of Sri Lanka on March 4 after being struck by a US submarine torpedo approximately 20 nautical miles west of Galle. The Indian Navy then deployed INS Tarangini and INS Ikshak, along with maritime patrol aircraft, to assist in the Sri Lanka-led search and rescue operations for the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. Of the estimated 180 crew members on board IRIS Dena, around 87 sailors are reported dead, while about 32 survivors were rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy and admitted to hospitals in Galle. The development comes amid escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI) As the crisis escalates in West Asia, Reuters reported, citing Iraqi security sources on Saturday (local time), that a rocket attack targeted a military base housing a US diplomatic centre near the Baghdad international airport, as per Iraqi security sources. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defence Forces shared that its air force completed an additional wave of strikes against terror targets in Beirut, which included an IRGC Air Force command centre and several of Hezbollah's units. Reuters further reported, citing Iraqi military sources, that two Katyusha rockets had targeted Iraq's Taji Military Base, north of Baghdad. Al Jazeera Breaking reported, citing the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Jagan Chapagain, who said that the Iranian Red Crescent facilities were damaged by attacks. In a post on X on Friday, the Israeli Defence Forces shared that its air force completed an additional wave of strikes against terror targets in the Dahiyeh District in Beirut. As per the IDF, the targets struck included the IRGC Air Force command centre, a command centre used by the Hezbollah Navy unit, a command centre used by Hezbollah's financial unit and a command centre used by Hezbollah's Operating Council. https://x.com/IDF/status/2029983217667744079?s=20 As tensions spill over in the region, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres gave a call on Friday, urging for diplomatic negotiations before the situation further spirals. In a post on X, he said, "All the unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region - and pose a grave a risk to the global economy, particularly to the most vulnerable people. The situation could spiral beyond anyone's control. It is time to stop the fighting and get to serious diplomatic negotiations. The stakes could not be higher." https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2029970545828053362?s=20 Also on Friday, in a post on X, the Israeli Air Force shared that the Israeli Defence Forces had identified a launch of missiles from Iran towards Israel and called for the public to act in accordance with the directive issued by the Home Front Command. https://x.com/IAFsite/status/2029969749480767602?s=20 Meanwhile, the UK's Ministry of Defence shared an update on UK operations in West Asia in a post on X, which noted that the Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters have begun arriving in Cyprus, equipped with Martlet missiles and four additional Typhoon aircraft are scheduled to arrive in Qatar overnight, among other updates. https://x.com/DefenceHQ/status/2029973460768764379?s=20 The developments come following escalating tensions in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI) As the conflict in West Asia further intensifies, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told media on Friday (US local time) that the achievable objectives of Operation Epic Fury are expected to last about four to six weeks and further added that the US has enough ammunition and stockpile to achieve the objectives of the Operation and beyond. Leavitt made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Washington DC. "The achievable objectives of Operation Epic Fury are expected to last about four to six weeks. We are well on our way to achieving those objectives. Annihilating Iran's Navy, we know that we've sunk more than 30 Iranian vessels and ships. Their Navy has now been deemed combat ineffective. Taking out the ballistic missile threat that Iran posed to the United States and our troops and bases in the region. We have done a tremendous job. The United States military has done a tremendous job", the White House Press Secretary said. In a coordinated operation known as Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, US and Israeli forces carried out large-scale air and missile strikes across Iran, targeting key military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure, and leadership compounds. She further added, "As the President has maintained, we have more than enough ammunition, weapons, stockpiles to achieve the objectives of Operation Epic Fury and beyond" When asked about the US taking control of the airspace in Iran, Leavitt said, "Yes, we are well on our way to doing so". While coming down sharply on Iran, Karoline Leavitt told the media that it is in the best interest of the United States for Iran to no longer be led by a "radical terrorist regime", adding that Trump wants to take an interest in pursuing who the next leader of Iran is going to be. She said, "It's in the best interest of the U.S. for Iran to no longer be led by a radical terrorist regime that chants 'Death to America," and is lying to the U.S. and the world about their secret ambitions to possess a nuclear bomb. President Trump does not want to see that. He wants to take an interest in pursuing who the next leader of Iran is going to be, and he is discussing it and deliberating it." Earlier, US President Donald Trump on Friday declared that there would be "no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender" amid the escalating West Asia conflict, asserting that Tehran must capitulate before any diplomatic negotiations can proceed. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasised that the US and its allies, particularly Israel, would only consider an agreement with Iran after the country's leadership completely yields and is replaced by "great & acceptable leader(s)". He also articulated ambitions to help reconstruct Iran into a stronger nation following its capitulation, coining the phrase "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)" in an echo of his familiar political slogan. Tensions have escalated in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) held a meeting with the largest American defence manufacturing companies, and said that they have agreed to quadruple the production of 'exquisite class' weaponry. Sharing the details in a post on Truth Social, Trump further highlighted that the US has a large supply of Medium and Upper Medium Grade Munitions, which he said have been used not only in Iran but also in Venezuela. He wrote, "We just concluded a very good meeting with the largest U.S. Defense Manufacturing Companies where we discussed Production and Production Schedules. They have agreed to quadruple Production of the "Exquisite Class" Weaponry in that we want to reach, as rapidly as possible, the highest levels of quantity. Expansion began three months prior to the meeting, and Plants and Production of many of these Weapons are already under way. We have a virtually unlimited supply of Medium and Upper Medium Grade Munitions, which we are using, as an example, in Iran, and recently used in Venezuela. Regardless, however, we have also increased Orders at these levels." The US President further mentioned in his post that the companies represented were the CEOs of BAE Systems, Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, L3Harris Missile Solutions, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. He mentioned in the post that the meeting concluded with another meeting scheduled in two months and added that states all over the United States are bidding for these new Plants. The meeting with the defence company CEOs comes as the United States continues with its Operation Epic Fury. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the media on Friday (US local time) that the achievable objectives of Operation Epic Fury are expected to last about four to six weeks and further added that the US has enough ammunition and stockpile to achieve the objectives of Epic Fury and beyond. In a coordinated operation known as Operation Epic Fury/Roaring Lion, US and Israeli forces carried out large-scale air and missile strikes across Iran, targeting key military sites, nuclear-related infrastructure, and leadership compounds. On Friday, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth expressed condolences on the death of six American Armed Forces officers who died during Operation Epic Fury. He said on X, "Our nation mourns the loss of six extraordinary American heroes. These brave warriors gave everything in service to our country, supporting Operation Epic Fury. Major Jeffrey R. O'Brien. Captain Cody A. Khork. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan. Sergeant First Class Nicole M. Amor. Sergeant First Class Noah L. Tietjens. Sergeant Declan J. Coady." In his post. Hegseth said that their deaths will not be in vain and added, "We will honor them with action. We will hunt down the Iranians radicals responsible, dismantle their military capabilities, and ensure that justice is swift and absolute. We stand stronger than ever, ready to avenge these fallen heroes and crush the threats in Iran that dare to challenge us. America does not yield; we advance, we prevail, and this we'll defend. God bless our warfighters, their families, and the United States of America." https://x.com/SecWar/status/2029965661066383718 Also on Friday, the Israeli Defence Forces shared in a video message on X saying that 60 per cent of Iran's missile launchers and large numbers of missile stockpiles have been neutralised. "Around 80 per cent of Iran's air defence systems have been neutralised as well, allowing for air superiority over the skies of Iran. Our actions, alongside American operations, have brought an extreme decrease in the Iranian regime's attack", IDF International Spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani said in a video message. https://x.com/IDF/status/2029986434443088215?s=20 Tensions have escalated in West Asia after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory killed its Supreme Leader, Khamenei and other senior figures, prompting a fierce response from Tehran. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American military bases and Israeli assets throughout the region, with Israel also continuing its strikes on Tehran and widening the conflict to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah. (ANI) Holidaymakers have been warned to check their vaccinations as measles cases rise sharply across the UK and Europe. Travellers urged to check MMR vaccination as Victorian-era disease spreads across the UK and Europe The highly infectious viral disease first widely recorded in the Victorian era, was largely eradicated in the UK and Europe thanks to widespread vaccination programmes in the mid-20th century. However, falling vaccination rates in recent years have caused a resurgence, with outbreaks spiking across multiple countries. Health officials are urging travellers to ensure they are fully protected with the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine ahead of the Easter holiday period. Irelands Health Service Executive (HSE) issued the advisory after ongoing cases and recent outbreaks of measles in Europe and the UK, warning travellers to familiarise themselves with symptoms. A spokesperson for the HSE told The Express: Measles is a viral infection which can result in serious complications. It is highly infectious and can spread easily. Latest data show MMR uptake among children aged 24 months is 87.6%, which remains below the World Health Organization target of 95% needed to prevent outbreaks. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 158 laboratory-confirmed cases have been reported in England between 1 January and 23 February 2026, primarily among children aged 10 and under. London has seen the majority of infections, with Enfield, Birmingham, and Haringey recording the highest numbers. A major outbreak in North London has driven much of the increase. Although no measles-related deaths have been reported this year, health officials warn that the disease can cause serious complications, especially in young children and vulnerable adults. Early symptoms typically appear about 10 days after infection and include aches and pains, runny nose, sneezing, cough, sore red eyes sensitive to light, fever above 38C, tiredness, and loss of appetite. A distinctive rash usually develops two to four days later, spreading from the face or neck across the body. Health officials advise anyone unsure of their vaccination status to contact their GP. The HSE said: The MMR vaccine remains the most effective protection against measles. Families are urged to stay home and contact a doctor if infection is suspected, avoiding contact with others unless fully vaccinated. With millions planning trips abroad for Easter, authorities are stressing the importance of up-to-date immunisations to prevent further spread across Europe. The Sudanese Army and allied Joint Forces on March 5, 2026, regained control of the strategic city of Bara in North Kordofan following intense clashes with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF had held the city since October 2025, during which international organisations and rights groups reported widespread abuses that could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. A military spokesperson said the city was liberated after fierce battles in which the RSF, described by the army as the Dagalo militia, suffered heavy casualties and retreated, abandoning vehicles and equipment. The spokesperson said the operation marked a significant step in the armys campaign, dubbed the War of Dignity, aimed at removing RSF presence from Sudanese territory. According to a senior military source cited by Al Jazeera, the offensive began with intensive airstrikes early on Thursday, targeting RSF positions and vehicles inside Bara. The air raids were followed by a ground assault launched from positions north of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, particularly from the town of Al-Dankouj, allowing government forces to seize the citys main entrances. During the operation, army forces reportedly destroyed 32 RSF combat vehicles and seized 10 others, while dozens of fighters were killed in clashes and drone strikes. The coordinated assault between the Sudanese army and allied Joint Forces enabled troops to advance into the city and regain control with relatively limited losses. The RSF had used Bara as a strategic base since the outbreak of the Sudan conflict on April 15, 2023, launching attacks toward El Obeid. Military officials say retaking the city could strengthen security around El Obeid and potentially open routes linking it to Omdurman, although RSF fighters remain present in nearby areas along the OmdurmanBara road. 2 items in this article Photo: Brenley Goertzen Last summer, when I spoke to fitness instructors about the best Pilates mats, the brand Stakt known for its workout mats that fold, rather than roll, up came up more than once in my reporting. Id always used conventional roll-up yoga mats, whether it was for stretching out my hip flexors after running or working out at home during the pandemic, but after getting into mat Pilates more recently, I was intrigued by a mat that can double as a block or an elevated surface. And when I finally got my hands on the foldable mat, I realized what I had been missing. Saved View Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. The Stakt Mat $94 $94 Buy at Stakt Buy Saved View Want to be emailed about sales and other updates to your saved products? Success! You'll get an email when something you've saved goes on sale. Yes New! You can now save this product for later. The Stakt Mat Pro $128 $128 Buy at Stakt Buy The mat comes in two designs: the original and the Pro, which is the exact same size as the original but has a more durable textured top layer and costs about $30 more. I tried both, but preferred the Pro because its grippier thanks to the textured top, and it has slightly more heft, which made it feel sturdier. Both mats have ribbed lines on the bottom that keep them from slipping on the floor, but I found that the added texture of the Pros top layer made it easier to use and would recommend that version for anyone who exercises intensely a few times a week and wants maximum durability (whereas the original is better for someone who wants a mat for lighter movements and stretching). Im around five-foot-five, and I found that the length of the mat was comfortable, but its worth noting that the brand recently released the Stakt Pro XL, which is a longer and wider version of the Stakt Pro and might be nice for taller folks. At 12 millimeters thick, both mats are much thicker than traditional yoga mats, which are typically around 3 to 5 mm. The Stakt Pro mat provided solid cushioning for my home workouts, including HIIT and mat Pilates, while still being firm enough for foam rolling. The extra cushioning and fold-up design also make this a good option for people with joint pain or someone who needs extra support during kneeling exercises and movements on all fours or those who require some additional wrist support. I love that I can even partially fold my Stakt Pro to soften my kneeling low-lunge stretch, for instance, and I also used it stacked as a block for elevated push-ups and planks and for stretching my calves. The fold-up design also makes it easy to store. Rather than rolling up my yoga mat for it to inevitably unfurl because I dont own a proper sling carrier, I can simply fold up the Stakt flat and slide it under our bed or lean it up against the wall. I havent taken my Stakt mat to any in-person classes yet the rectangular shape does make it feel a little more cumbersome than a rolled-up yoga mat to carry under your arm but the Pro is still relatively lightweight at 3.4 pounds (for comparison, our best overall yoga mat, the Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat, is 4 pounds), so it wouldnt be too heavy to carry if you did bring it to a studio. I love my Stakt Pro for stretching, quick core circuits in my living room, and HIIT with mountain climbers or weights, but if youre a hard-core yogi, I will just note that you might find it to be too foamy and not grounding enough. I also typically use my mat with grip socks because the EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam blend its made from can get slippery if youre a heavy sweater and dont have a towel nearby. That said, while my favorite yoga mats, like the cork-based Robin and Alos heavyweight Warrior Mat, will always have their spot in my gear lineup, I found the Stakt Pro to be a handy mat to keep in my rotation it offers good padding and frees up space in my already cluttered gym closet. get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Virginia Labor Department Highlights Women in Construction Week Virginia labor officials are recognizing Women in Construction Week by highlighting the growing role of women in the states construction workforce and promoting workplace safety initiatives. State labor officials are recognizing Women in Construction Week this March by highlighting the contributions of women working across Virginias construction industry. The national initiative, organized by the National Association of Women in Construction, celebrates the achievements of women in the trades while encouraging more women to pursue careers in construction. This years theme, Level Up, Build Strong, focuses on advancing opportunities and strengthening the industrys workforce. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry said it is joining the celebration by spotlighting women who help build the states infrastructure, economy and communities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 230,000 people worked in Virginias construction industry in 2024. Data from the American Community Survey shows that about 12% of those workers were women. State data also shows women accounted for 4% of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported in the private construction sector between 2023 and 2024. Across all private industries in Virginia during the same period, women represented 44% of nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses that resulted in days away from work or job transfers. Labor officials said the department works with employers and workers to promote safe and healthful workplaces through training, cooperative programs and compliance assistance. One initiative supporting safety improvements is Virginias Voluntary Protection Programs, which recognize employers that go beyond regulatory requirements to implement comprehensive workplace safety and health management systems. The program is designed to encourage organizations to strengthen safety practices and better protect their workforce. The U.S. shale patch cannot and will not come to the rescue of a potentially catastrophic loss of crude supply from the Middle East as the war in Iran set fire to the worlds most important oil-producing region. The escalating war and the de facto closing of the Strait of Hormuz is threatening to hold back more than 15 million barrels per day of oil supply for weeks and forcing Gulf producers to begin shutting down output as storage fills up. The International Energy Agency, which was created in the 1970s to coordinate actions during the Arab oil embargo, suggested after an emergency meeting on Tuesday that U.S. shale could be the most significant near-term offset to any losses from the Middle East. A document by the IEA, circulated after the meeting and cited by the Financial Times, says that the shale patch could add supply from recently drilled wells that have not started production yet. About 240,000 barrels per day (bpd) could be added in May and an additional 400,000 barrels per day may come on the market in the second half of the year, according to the IEA. This is a drop in the ocean compared to the 20 million bpd that pass through the Strait of Hormuz dailyat least they did before the war began. Related: No Missiles, No Drones: What Happens When Rare Earths Stop Flowing? Should the conflict stretch into May, the devastating loss of so many barrels 20% of the worlds daily oil consumption cannot be offset in any way, and 400,000 bpd wouldnt make a difference. Strait of Hormuz Crisis The IEA said that ahead of the military actions that began on 28 February, global oil supply was also expected to far exceed demand in 2026. However, prolonged supply disruptions could flip the market into a deficit. Tanker traffic activity at the Strait of Hormuz crashed from nearly 40 ships per day on average transiting in January to a single tanker making the trip on March 3, according to data from energy flows analytics firm Vortexa. While the U.S. has pledged military escorts and a financial safety net to break the "no-go zone," the on-the-water reality remains one of extreme caution and paralysis, Vortexas freight analyst Wanying Zhang wrote in a note on Wednesday. Whether these interventions can successfully restore confidence for the mainstream fleet, or if the Strait will remain the exclusive domain of high-risk "dark" operators, will be decided in the critical days ahead. Another vessel-tracking and analytics firm, Kpler, noted on Wednesday that its base case assumes the conflict remains contained and relatively short-lived. U.S. Shale Not Rushing to Boost Production Most analysts and shale executives do not expect severe disruptions to last beyond three weeks, although investment banks, including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, have forecast oil prices at $100 and above in case of prolonged de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Volatility, though, will remain high, at least in the first half of the year, regardless of how the conflict and the threats to supply play out. Against this backdrop, U.S. shale is reluctant to change carefully drafted capital budget plans for 2026, especially considering the lead times necessary to actually boost drilling. The current price of U.S. benchmark WTI Crude at over $77 per barrel may look tempting on paper, but no one is rushing to boost drilling. Shale executives say the patch would need such prices to remain stable at these elevated levels for a year to warrant efforts to increase production. Most of them also expect prices to pull back sharply, possibly within weeks, before any new drilling rigs could be added. Instead, the shale patch is now looking at using the surging prices to lock in future production at higher prices and to return more cash to shareholders from the expected windfall to cash flows. Related: The U.S. Just Took a Giant Step in The Rare Earth Race With China Following the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran on Saturday, shale producers were ready as soon as Sunday to execute major hedging transactions when markets open on Monday, Matt Marshall, president of Aegis Hedging, told Reuters this week. Even though it was a Sunday, I would estimate about a quarter of our oil-producing customers were watching at the open and had coordinated with us and counterparties to be able to hedge, said the executive at Aegis Hedging, which handles hedging for about 25-30% of U.S. production, per internal estimates. For example, Formentera Partners on Tuesday hedged 80% of its production through early 2027 at $70 per barrel, managing partner Bryan Sheffield told the Wall Street Journal. Moreover, Sheffield says that contracting a new rig could take six weeks, by which time oil may have dropped even lower than before the conflict. Do you really want to sign a contract at $75 plus oil, or lets just say $90, and by the time you sign the rig contract, get the rig out there 90 days later, oil is straight back to $50? Sheffield told the Journal. Kirk Edwards, president of Permian-focused independent producer Latigo Petroleum, told FT, What Permian producers need in my opinion is a stable $75 price . . . over the next 12 months. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com De-escalation is complicated by the possibility that the strike was launched by a relatively junior Iranian officer due to pre-war plans that decentralized military decision-making authority. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has rejected Iran's denial of responsibility, described the incident as a "terrorist act," and warned of an "Iron Fist" retaliatory military response. Azerbaijan risks getting sucked into a widening Middle East conflict after Iran conducted a drone attack March 5 on the Nakhchivan exclave, wounding four civilians. One of four drones targeting Nakhchivan, a territory sitting on Irans northern border, hit a terminal at the regions airport. Another narrowly missed a school building, according to a statement issued by Azerbaijans Defense Ministry. Azerbaijani anti-air defenses shot down one of the drones, the statement added. Iran has denied initiating any attack against Azerbaijani territory. Baku has flatly rejected the denial. We expect the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran to cease their blatant denial, apologize for the incident, and have those responsible punished by relevant Iranian authorities," the Defense Ministry statement read. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sounded a conciliatory note in a March 5 phone conversation with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. Responding to Bakus protest over the incident, Araghchi said Iranian authorities had launched an investigation, adding that he wished a speedy recovery to the injured civilians, according to an Azerbaijani readout of the conversation. Bayramov called on Iran to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future. Related: Trumps Secret Weapon in the Rare Earth War In the days immediately following the start of the US-Israeli air attack on Iran on February 28, President Ilham Aliyevs administration staked out a neutral stance on the conflict, keeping in mind Bakus considerable trade interests with Iran, as well as the countrys close diplomatic ties with Israel and its strengthening relationship with the United States. The drone strikes in Nakhchivan have exposed limits to Aliyevs approach, as Irans defensive strategy appears to be to spread destruction and economic disruption as far and wide as possible with its abundance of drones, aiming to up international pressure on the United States and Israel to halt the air assault. Underscoring the unpredictable trajectory of events, on March 4, Aliyev visited Irans Embassy in Baku to personally express condolences over the killing of former Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. The very next day the Iranian envoy found himself summoned to the Foreign Ministry to explain Irans actions. In a speech delivered during an emergency meeting of Azerbaijans Security Council, Aliyev described the drone attacks as a a terrorist act, going on to repeat a demand that Iran apologize and swiftly punish those responsible. Azerbaijan started positioning military units and air defense systems earlier in March near the countrys border with Iran, according to a report distributed by an independent Azerbaijani news platform, Qazetchi. Related: The U.S. Just Took a Giant Step in The Rare Earth Race With China Another incident could lead to an armed response by Baku, Aliyev cautioned. Our Armed Forces have been instructed to prepare and implement appropriate retaliatory measures, Aliyev stated. They [Iran] should not test our strength. Those who did so in the past had their skulls crushed with our Iron Fist. Aliyev also sounded personally aggrieved that Azerbaijans neutral stance, in particular statements by government officials that Azerbaijani territory would not be used to conduct operations against Iran, did not have a desired effect of shielding the country from the spread of destruction. At one point in his Security Council speech, Aliyev described the attack on Nakhchivan as a grave example of ingratitude. As soon as recent incidents occurred, we conveyed our condolences. I demonstrated my position by personally visiting their embassy to offer condolencesno other head of state has visited an Iranian embassy elsewhere for this purpose. To disregard such a gesture, to belittle it, and to conduct themselves in a base and ungrateful manner brings honor to no one, Aliyev said. A challenge for both Azerbaijani and Iranian diplomats hoping to deescalate tension is that military plans reportedly overseen by Khamenei prior to the start of the war called for the devolution of decision-making authority for conducting such drone strikes to field-level commanders in the event of a US and/or Israeli attack. The strategic logic behind the dispersal of authority was to maintain a suitable level of war-fighting ability in the event senior military command-and-control structures were neutralized, which, in fact, occurred during the early days of the US-Israeli blitz. The upshot is that the decision to launch drones against Nakhchivan could have been made by a relatively junior officer far-removed from those now in charge of the Iranian military. If that is the case, the degree of difficulty for Azerbaijan and Iran in trying to settle relations is much higher than would otherwise be the case. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Brent tops $90 as the Strait of Hormuz closure halts Gulf oil flows and Iraq and Kuwait begin cutting output, fueling fears of a sharper price surge. Friday, March 06, 2026 When a US President declares that there would be no deal with Iran except for unconditional surrender, the oil markets rally. Hence, there should be nothing surprising about ICE Brent jumping above $90 per barrel for the first time since April 2024, as the closure of Strait of Hormuz continues, with zero crude oil movement out of the Persian Gulf. With Iraq and Kuwait starting to cut production, it seems that the sky is the limit for the current oil price rally. US Allows India to Buy Russian Oil, for a Month. The US Department of Treasury has authorized Indian refiners to temporarily increase their purchases of Russian oil, provided the cargoes were loaded onto vessels before March 5 and arrive to India within the next 30 days, boosting the price of Russian grades. Shippers Reject Trump's Tanker Insurance Offer. US President Trump said that the US Navy could begin escorting commercial oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary, reacting to insurance firms halting coverage in the region, however there are still no crude transits out of the Gulf since March 1. Related: Why Trump Wants Magnets More Than Gold Middle East Freight Rates Cost More than Ever. VLCC freight rates from the Middle East to northeast Asia continue to rise on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, jumping to an equivalent of $16 per barrel this week, representing approximately 20% of the any grade's free-on-board value. Japans Refiners Lobby for Strategic Oil Release. Japanese oil refiners have started to lobby their government to release crude from the countrys strategic petroleum reserves, wary of crude oil shortages as the island nation relies on the Middle East for 95% of its crude oil imports. Following Iraq, Kuwait Starts to Curb Oil Output. After Iraq was forced to shut its West Qurna-2 and Rumaila fields this week, Kuwaits state oil firm KPC started to cut production at some of its fields as storage tanks are filling up fast in the country, having already shut its 464,000 b/d Mina Abdulla refinery. Qatar's Liquefaction Will Take Weeks to Restart. According to media reports, QatarEnergy intends to keep its Ras Laffan gas liquefaction plant offline for at least two weeks as it will take another two weeks to resume LNG production, shutting 20% of global LNG supply for the next month. Russian Shadow LNG Tanker Sinks in the Med. The Arctic Metagaz LNG carrier sank in the Mediterranean after the ship, a ship used by Russia's Novatek to transport liquefied gas from the Arctic LNG 2 project, after an alleged drone attack by Ukraine's security services, launched from Libya. Hungary's Oil Dearth Enflames European Tensions. Hungary's state-controlled oil firm MOL (BUD:MOL), more than a month into an outage that halted Russian oil flows to central Europe, reported Croatian pipeline operator JANAF to Europe's competition watchdog for refusing to transport Russian oil by sea. Saudi Arabia's Refining Struck by Strikes. Saudi Aramco's (TADAWUL:2222) largest refinery in Ras Tanura was targeted by a second drone attack this week, hitting the 550,000 b/day plant a day after it temporarily stopped operations, adversely impacting the country's gasoline production. Gulf War Aggravates World's Aluminium Problem. The constant bombardment of Bahrain by Iranian missiles and drones forced Aluminium Bahrain, one of the largest smelters globally, to halt all export shipments, sending the metal's price up 5% this week, to $3,420 per metric tonne. Trump Flaunts Treasury Dept Oil Trading. Following intense media speculation that the US Treasury Department is considering measures to combat rising energy prices, potentially even trading oil futures to counteract the bullish rally, the Trump administration denied such plans, for now. Related: How Chinas Rare Earth Ban Backfired into a U.S. Tech Breakthrough Where do We Get the Sulphur from Now? The prolongation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict threatens to disrupt nickel, copper and lithium miners globally as they require sulphur for their leaching and refining operations, with the Persian Gulf accounting for 50% of global supply. Beijing Suspends Product Exports to Ensure Supply. Chinas top economic planner NDRC has instructed the countrys refiners and traders to focus on supplying the domestic market as the closure of Strait of Hormuz drains Asia of crude feedstocks, suspending the issuance of product exports for April 2026. Shell Wriggles Its Way into Venezuela. London-based energy major Shell (LON:SHEL) has signed several oil agreements with the Venezuelan government to boost offshore oil and gas output in the country, aiming to expedite the development of the Dragon gas field and export first gas to Trinidad by Q3 2027. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Strictly Come Dancing's Erin Boag rushed her son to hospital after he "severed" his finger. Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Erin Boag / Instagram Ewan, 11, sliced off his middle finger in a door whilst he was playing with pals, and he was admitted to two hospitals before medical staff fixed his injury. Recalling the horror accident that happened almost three weeks ago, Erin, 50, said in a video shared to Instagram on Thursday (05.03.26): "Two and a half weeks ago, my son, Ewan, who's 11 years old, severed his finger in a door, playing with friends. "Middle finger, left hand. And when I say severed, I mean severed, you know, flesh, bone, fingernail, the whole lot." The star - who was a pro on the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance competition from 2004 until 2012 - and Ewan made a "quick dash" to Kingston Hospital's Accident and Emergency (A+E) where he was looked after, checked out and X-rayed. They were then referred to St. George's Hospital, South London, for an operation that saved his finger. Erin - who has Ewan with her husband, business consultant Peter O'Dowd - said: "The paediatrics there, the special department where they do plastic surgery, where they did an operation on Ewan and saved his finger, bandaged it up." She told her fans that the aftercare "has been incredible" Erin then shared her gratitude for the staff at Kingston and St. George's hospitals. She continued: "I just want to say thank you. Thank you to Kingston Hospital. Thank you to St. George's, thank you to all the staff there that we dealt with, from reception to nurses, to doctors, to the plastic surgeons. "Thank you for the care that you gave my son. Thank you for saving his finger. The whole process has been great, as great as it can be with an operation like that. But thank you from myself. Thank you from Ewan." And Erin assured her fans that Ewan is recovering well. She ended her video with: "Everything is now looking up for him, and he'll be back to sport in no time and playing the piano, and that's all because of the NHS. So thank you again." QatarEnergy declared force majeure on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports on Wednesday, following disruptions at its Ras Laffan industrial city facilities caused by the Middle East conflict. This legal declaration effectively releases the state-owned company from contractual delivery obligations due to extraordinary circumstances beyond its control. The shutdown was triggered by a near-complete halt of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz due to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Qatar accounts for 20% of global LNG exports, primarily serving Asian markets including China, Japan, India and South Korea as well as Europe. Unfortunately for gas customers, it could take months before the giant LNG plant returns to normal production. U.S. President Donald Trump initially projected that Operation Epic Fury would last only four to five weeks, but later announced that the U.S. has the capability to go "far longer". His ally in the war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has described the campaign as "quick and decisive action" that may "take some time" but will not last for years. Related: No Missiles, No Drones: What Happens When Rare Earths Stop Flowing? The Trump administration has outlined four core goals: destroying Iran's missile and naval capacities, ensuring it never obtains a nuclear weapon, and stopping it from funding regional militant groups. Last years Operation Midnight Hammer only lasted for 12 days, and only elicited a symbolic response from Iran. However, Iran has been much more aggressive this time around, following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, launching widespread and intense retaliatory attacks across the Middle East. Tehran has fired hundreds of Shahed drones and high-speed ballistic missiles targeting Israel and multiple U.S.-allied Gulf nations, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned of attacks on vessels, forcing a halt to major oil/gas flows and causing global shipping to seek alternative routes. The situation is exacerbated by the slow process of re-opening giant LNG plants once shut down. Qatars Ras Laffan Industrial City serves as the primary hub for the country's massive LNG operations, and is home to the world's LNG export complex. The citys LNG plant features 14 LNG trains with a production capacity of approximately 77 million metric tonnes per year (mtpa). The citys port has six LNG berths, designed to accommodate the world's largest LNG carriers, including QMax and QFlex vessels. The plants storage tanks have a capacity of ~1,880,000 cubic meters, with additional storage tanks and berths currently being built to handle up to 126 million tonnes per year by 2027. The plants current storage takes only 4 days to fill up at full production rates, forcing production to rapidly come to a halt whenever export vessels cannot leave. Once the restart process begins, it will take another two weeks for the facility to reach full operational capacity. Related: Inside North Americas First Fully Integrated Rare Earth Facility Restarting is intentionally slow to avoid "thermal shock" to critical, sub-zero cryogenic equipment. LNG production involves extremely low temperatures (-160 C or -260 F). Rapidly introducing feed gas into cold, idle equipment can cause severe stress, damaging or rupturing vital, expensive components. Additionally, trains cannot restart simultaneously; they must be brought back online sequentially to ensure stability. And, all this means that global gas markets will be in a significant deficit for several weeks, at the very least. The halt in Qatari LNG production due to security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz has intensified competition between Atlantic and Pacific basins, sending European (TTF) and Asian gas prices up by nearly 50%. "Nothing can replace Qatari LNG. If the shutdown is prolonged, it portends a larger gas market shock than in 2022 when Russian turned off pipeline gas to Europe. Gas prices could retest their record highs set in 2022," Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Marquee, told Reuters. Unfortunately, the United States, the worlds largest LNG producer, has little immediate spare export capacity to offset major supply disruptions, with only ~ 5% of additional volume available. U.S. LNG export plants are currently running near full capacity, with most production locked in long-term contracts. However, several major LNG export plants are under construction in the U.S. Gulf Coast region, targeting significant capacity increases by 2030. Key active projects include the massive Plaquemines LNG (Louisiana), Chenieres Corpus Christi Stage 3 (Texas), Golden Pass LNG (Texas), Rio Grande LNG (Texas), Port Arthur LNG (Texas), and the newly initiated Louisiana LNG project. Together, these LNG plants will add over 65 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of nominal LNG capacity, or roughly 60% of the countrys current capacity. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Major international companies like Shell and BP are pursuing key Venezuelan gas projects, such as the Dragon and Cocuina fields, a move facilitated by greater leniency on U.S. sanctions. Developing Venezuela's gas industry will likely require an energy partnership with neighboring Trinidad and Tobago, as the island nation possesses the necessary infrastructure for processing and exporting the fuel that Venezuela lacks. While attention is often on Venezuela's vast oil reserves, many experts believe that exploiting its natural gas fields, which were previously neglected, presents a more immediate opportunity for economic success. Following the United States intervention in Venezuela on 3rd January, which brought an end to President Nicolas Maduros 13-year dictatorship, all eyes have been on the South American countrys oil industry. Once one of the worlds biggest oil producers, output has waned in recent years. However, with U.S. President Trump setting his sights on Venezuelan crude, many are speculating just how quickly its resources can be tapped. While the focus is on Venezuelas potential as an oil power, others think that more immediate success may be seen in the exploitation of its gas fields. Venezuela is home to the largest oil reserves in the world, with an estimated 300 billion barrels. However, years of underinvestment and mismanagement have led to a significant reduction in output. The recent U.S. intervention in the South American country has drawn new investor interest in its energy market, as President Trump vows to rapidly redevelop Venezuelas long-neglected oil resources. On 13th February, the White House published a press release that stated, The Trump Administration is rapidly implementing President Trumps vision to reopen and develop Venezuelas oil industry for the shared benefit of the American and Venezuelan people. Thanks to President Trumps leadership, the United States has already issued several general licenses at record speed for oil and gas companies?to make unprecedented investments in Venezuelas energy infrastructure. The statement went on to say, Venezuela holds tremendous economic potential, but years of instability, corruption, and economic mismanagement have limited?the nations?growth and prosperity. These general licenses invite American and other aligned companies to?play a constructive role in supporting economic recovery?and responsible investment. Related: Inside North Americas First Fully Integrated Rare Earth Facility While the world eyes Venezuelas untapped oil, some believe that there may be greater mid-term potential in exploiting its natural gas reserves. Most of Venezuelas gas is trapped deep beneath the seafloor. While these reserves were first discovered several decades ago, ago, off the countrys eastern coast, along the border with Trinidad and Tobago, the Venezuelan government left them largely untouched as it focused its attention on oil production. Several oil majors, such as Shell, have previously approached Venezuela for a stake in its gas business, even when interest in the countrys oil industry was waning due to geopolitical instability and U.S. sanctions. For years, U.S. sanctions on Venezuelas government and its state-owned oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela, have restricted the development of its gas industry. In addition, developing its natural gas industry would require cooperation with neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago already has the necessary infrastructure to transport fuel onshore and export it, which Venezuela does not. If the two countries established an energy partnership, Trinidads pre-existing infrastructure could help Venezuela to develop its gas industry more rapidly. However, the two powers, which are separated by language (Spanish and English), have had a strained relationship in recent years. Trinidad and Tobago has generally sided with the United States when it comes to Maduros presidency and the decision to impose sanctions on Venezuelan energy. Venezuelas biggest natural gas prospect is the giant Dragon oil field, as it is the closest to being developed. The Venezuelan government previously conducted exploration activities in the field but was unable to retrieve the gas buried there due to a lack of funding to continue exploration. These efforts were further undermined by the sinking of an exploration rig in 2010. In 2023, the Venezuelan government made a deal with Shell, allowing the foreign firm to explore the Dragon field. The plan was to construct a short pipeline between Dragon and Shells existing infrastructure on the island of Trinidad, rather than to start from scratch in Venezuela. If Shell develops Dragon, the field is expected to generate around $500 million a year in revenue, based on current natural gas prices, of which at least 45 percent is expected to go to Venezuela in the form of taxes and royalties. These are opportunities that could potentially be activated within months, with potentially a few billion dollars of investments and production in the next couple of years, Shells CEO, Wael Sawan, told CNBC. Related: How Chinas Rare Earth Ban Backfired into a U.S. Tech Breakthrough U.S. Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, said that developing a regional natural gas collaboration could be a real potential win-win for Trinidad and Tobago, a win for the global L.N.G. market, a win for Venezuela. Meanwhile, BP is pursuing another Venezuelan gas project, a field known as Cocuina, which greater leniency on U.S. sanctions may make possible. In late February, the U.S. Treasury Department appeared to give oil and gas firms greater leeway to negotiate with Venezuela and operate in the South American country. They are splicing together an environment that allows the existing players to operate, said Rachel Ziemba, an adjunct senior fellow at the Centre for a New American Security. While President Trump is eyeing long-term oil industry development in Venezuela, some international oil majors may be more interested in the South American countrys natural gas potential. Developing the resource will likely require collaboration with neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, and could lead to the development of a new regional Latin America-Caribbean energy hub. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Crude oil prices were on course to end the week with gains of over 21% despite a Thursday dip following a signal from the U.S. about intervention in the futures market to calm prices down. Brent crude was trading at $88.92 per barrel at the time of writing and West Texas Intermediate was changing hands for $85.65 per barrel, after on Thursday the U.S. Treasury Department said it would issue sanction waivers for commodity trading companies to start selling Russian oil sitting on tankers as Middle Eastern oil supply dries up because of the severe disruption in tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The oil will be sold to India, according to media reports, with Bloomberg writing the amount under consideration totalled about 9.5 million barrels. The period of the sanction waiver is 30 days. With every passing day, halted activities in Hormuz will have two major impacts on oil: the inability to store 20 million barrels per day and the lack of flow to the world, which could drive global energy prices higher, Phillip Nova senior analyst Priyanka Sachdeva told Reuters. Earlier reports pointed to the possibility that some Middle Eastern oil producers would be forced to start cutting production very soon for lack of sufficient storage capacity, with Iraq already cutting, at a rate of around 1.5 million barrels daily. Kuwait is seen as next, unless traffic through the Strait of Hormuz normalizes within two weeks. Related: Trumps Secret Weapon in the Rare Earth War Commenting on U.S. attempts to calm down oil market with the sanction waivers, INGs commodity analysts said that While this might help put some immediate downward pressure on the market, it is not a game-changer. The only way for prices to come down on a sustained basis is a resumption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. For now, there is little chance of that happening anytime soon. By Irina Slav for Oilpire.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Senate Democrats Reject Proposal Requiring Coordination with Federal Authorities to Remove Illegal Immigrants Convicted of Felonies with Victims By Oregon Senate Republican Caucus, SALEM, Ore. A simple proposal that would have allowed state law enforcement and the Oregon Department of Corrections to coordinate with federal immigration authorities when an illegal immigrant is convicted of a felony crime involving a named victim was rejected today by every Senate Democrat. The Republican minority report to House Bill 4111 was intentionally written to be even narrower than a proposal rejected by Senate Democrats last week. It would have left House Bill 4111 fully intact but added a straightforward public safety provision allowing federal authorities to determine whether to take custody of individuals convicted of felony crimes for which a victim was specifically named in the indictment after their sentences are served, rather than releasing them back into Oregon communities. This proposal applied only to convicted felons who have a named victim, meaning an Oregonian suffered a felony crime. Are we really saying wed rather release these individuals into our communities instead of allowing federal authorities to take action? That makes no sense, said Senator Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee who carried the Minority Report on the Senate floor. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com We love the Statesman Journal quote this week, [Budget] Details were published March 1 while lawmakers were away from the Capitol for the weekend, and just days before session must end March 8. Oregon media has also been upset about HB 4177 which allows local politicians to meet more behind closed doors. Weve faulted the Legislature for ram-ramrodding bills. An hour before the extremely controversial and consequential gas tax election date swap bill, SB 1599, was set for a hearing it was not listed on the official bill list on the Legislature website. This means that people who follow the Legislatures website to see new bills had no idea it existed for several days, nor people looking for the bill could find it. Willamette Week slams ODOT from hiding billions in over-runs from the public. The Oregonian Editorial Board began Session by blasting the Legislature on the ODOT failure by repeating the same theme of doing things in secret and at the last-minute, unveiling a ridiculously large transportation package less than three weeks before the legislative session was to end, Kotek did no one any favors by staying on the sidelines until the sessions dwindling days. relying on a Democratic supermajority to push through a bill rather than deal in good faith with Republicans whose constituents deserve representation as much as anyone else. Supermajority or not, listening to only one side of the aisle in crafting a massive tax increase is a recipe for severe voter backlash a lesson she soon learned. When will the secrecy and hiding end? Was this article helpful? If yes, please contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). Bill that Increases Penalties for Swatting Passes By Oregon State Representative Darcy Edwards SALEM, Ore. Today, the Senate passed House Bill 4151, a bipartisan bill that strengthens penalties for knowingly initiating a false reportcommonly known as swatting. Swatting is a dangerous form of criminal harassment where a perpetrator knowingly makes a hoax call to emergency services, and falsely reports a violent emergencysuch as a hostage situation, bomb threat, or active shooter. The goal is to deceive authorities into dispatching a heavily armed SWAT team or tactical unit to an innocent persons address. Under current law, swatting is a Class A misdemeanor. House Bill 4151 escalates cases that cause serious injury or death to a Class C felony. Across the nation and right here in Oregon, we have seen emergency systems exploited to create fear, chaos, and political harassment, said State Representative Darcey Edwards (R-Banks). This bipartisan legislation makes Oregon safer for families, for students, for our communities, and for the public servants who keep us secure. Making swatting a felony in cases that cause injury or death delivers an unequivocal message that intentionally deceiving law enforcement is unacceptable and wont be tolerated, said Representative Boomer Wright (R-Coos Bay). This legislation provides much-needed robust legal recourse for a crime that risks lives, depletes critical emergency resources, and compromises public safety. House Bill 4151 cleared the Oregon Senate in a bipartisan vote of 28 to 0. The measure now moves to the governors desk for her signature. " " Rancho Santa Margarita Lake is simply idyllic. VG Foto / Shutterstock To find the safest cities in California, you'll want to look at property crime rates, violent crime rates, and how those numbers compare to the national average. In the Golden State, safety varies widely by region, population size, and local policing strategies. Using reported crime ratesviolent crimes per 1,000 residents and property crimes per 1,000 residentshere are 10 California cities with reported violent and property crime rates below the state and national averages. Nine spotted drifting off Quintana Roo coast rescued by Marina Isla Mujeres, Q.R. Nine Cuban nationals are in Mexican immigration custody after being reported stranded at sea. Mexican Marina based out of Isla Mujeres were notified of the drifting makeshift boat Wednesday evening. The vessel was located east of Isla Mujeres March 4, 2026. A passing cargo vessel spotted the small boat carrying a group of men in Mexican waters. State officials were notified that the boat was stranded and drifting. Marina personnel set out in search of the vessel, locating it east of the island in Quintana Roo waters. On board were nine people. All were provided with medical care before being turned over to Mexican immigration. In a statement Thursday, the Mexican Navy reported that through the Fifth Naval Region, naval personnel rescued nine people near Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo. This action was carried out after receiving a report of a small, makeshift vessel adrift with nine people on board. A total of nine people were found adrift March 4, 2026. Therefore, personnel from the Isla Mujeres Maritime Search, Rescue and Surveillance Station (ENSAR) and Naval Medical Services aboard a Defender-class vessel, arrived at the area where the individuals were located. All on board have since been turned over to Mexican immigration (INM). March 4, 2026. Upon medical examination, they were found to be in good health. Subsequently, they were transferred to the Naval Station in Puerto Juarez, Quintana Roo, where they were handed over to the authorities of the National Migration Institute (INM) to carry out the corresponding legal procedures. Last month, seven people of Cuban origin were rescued off Costa Maya. They were rescued by Costa Maya fishermen who found them adrift off the coast of Mahahual. The fishermen were eventually assisted by Marina personnel. The Department of Justice is preparing a criminal indictment against Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, according to a new report. Reuters detailed that the indictment accuses Rodriguez of corruption and money laundering, and has been backed by President Donald Trump. "Our report shows that the Trump administration could be using this latest criminal indictment against Rodriguez as leverage to further his agenda in Venezuela," the outlet added. Rodriguez has been maintaining close ties with the Trump administration since replacing authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year. She has been trying to walk a fine line between demands from the Trump administration, especially regarding the country's energy industry and political prisoners, and those from regime loyalists who are still in their posts. "Rodriguez's legitimacy lies in the military strength of the U.S. And it will last if Trump wants it to. She cannot stand up to him," Carmen Beatriz Fernandez, a Venezuelan political analyst and CEO of DataStrategia, a political consultancy firm, told the BBC in a late-February article Despite being a Maduro loyalist and a lifelong Chavista, Rodriguez has deviated significantly from some of the regime's previous policies. She passed a law paving the way for U.S. oil companies to begin operating in Venezuela and authorized the release of numerous politicians and human rights activists who had been imprisoned for months or years. Trump has referred to Rodriguez as "a wonderful person" and "someone we have worked very well with." However, that could change if the interim government doesn't fulfill all ongoing demands. Beyond balancing her relationship with Trump and managing domestic expectations, Rodriguez has also had to navigate her relationship with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who wields significant influence within the military, which has remained loyal to Maduro. In fact, Cabello is is now the highest-priority target on the U.S. reward list following the recent death of Mexican cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." Washington is offering $25 million for information leading to Cabello's arrest, placing him among the most wanted figures on U.S. reward lists along with Indian narcoterrorist Dawood Ibrahim, who has been linked to Al Qaeda and is considered the main figure responsible for the 1993 Bombay bombings that left 157 dead. Cabello was indicted in March 2020 in a federal court in New York on charges including narcoterrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses linked to drug trafficking. U.S. investigators allege he "participated in a corrupt and violent narcoterrorism conspiracy" involving Venezuela's Cartel de los Soles and Colombia's FARC. He is also accused of interfering in narcotics investigations and helping provide military-grade weapons to FARC. Originally published on Latin Times Red Cross pays tribute to volunteer paramedic killed in fiery Riviera Maya highway crash Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A woman who was killed Tuesday in a fiery highway crash outside Akumal has been laid to rest. Ginger Arana, 41, died after being trapped inside her company vehicle when it caught fire. On Thursday, the Playa del Carmen Red Cross held a service for the woman, who was a volunteer paramedic. She volunteered with the Red Cross on weekends and delivered products for the Sabritas chip company during the week. Playa del Carmen Red Cross paid tribute to her Thursday March 5, 2026. Paramedics from Playa del Carmen ,along with coworkers from the Sabritas chip company, paid tribute to their colleague. The posthumous tribute to Ginger Mariel Arana was held two days after the accident. Ginger Arana was killed when her Sabritas company vehicle was hit from behind by a bus. Her cargo truck was thrown into a pole and almost immediately caught fire. She was trapped inside the burning vehicle and unable to be saved. The PDC Red Cross identified her as the victim later that same morning. The accident happened around 7:00 a.m. Tuesday a few kilometers from the town of Akumal. Two Sabritas trucks were parked on the shoulder of the highway when a bus hit the rear truck sending it into a pole. Firemen arrived only to extinguish the remains of the burning vehicle. Police arrested the driver of the bus from the scene. The driver was trapped inside the burning truck March 3, 2026. Updated information says the bus driver, identified as Jesus N, dozed at the wheel when he clipped the back of the parked Sabritas truck. The front passenger side of the bus was destroyed during the accident. The driver of the second Sabritas company truck was not injured. The bus was transporting Riviera Maya hotel employees at the time of the accident. Three people from the bus were transferred to hospital. Others from inside the bus were treated roadside for minor injuries. The driver of the bus remains in Playa del Carmen jail pending the investigation March 3, 2026. On Thursday, authorities reported that the driver of the bus has been admitted into the Playa del Carmen Municipal Detention Center while the investigation continues. Singapore will operate two repatriation flights from Muscat to bring home citizens stranded in the Middle East after regional tensions disrupted air travel across parts of the region. The flights are scheduled to depart on 7 and 8 March and will prioritise Singapore citizens and their immediate family members, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Authorities said aviation disruptions, including flight cancellations and airspace closures, have left travellers unable to secure commercial flights out of several Middle Eastern countries. Muscat has emerged as a key transit hub for Singaporeans attempting to leave affected areas, with citizens elsewhere in the region advised to make their own way there to join the repatriation flights. Singapore diplomatic missions are coordinating with affected citizens to facilitate travel arrangements and provide consular assistance. Families in Singapore said the announcement of evacuation flights brought relief after days of uncertainty as airlines and governments worldwide organised rescue operations for travellers stranded by the disruptions. Singapores fiscal prudence has been repeatedly validated, said Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah, as Budget 2026 was passed amid global uncertainty. She explained that careful financial management has enabled the country to maintain surpluses and reserves, which serve as buffers against external shocks, according to reports. Indranee stressed that fiscal discipline allows the government to respond effectively to crises, citing past examples where reserves were tapped to support the economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Budget 2026 was described as Singapores largest annual budget to date, passed against the backdrop of global economic and geopolitical challenges, reported AsiaOne. The scale of the budget reflects the governments commitment to supporting households, businesses and national priorities while ensuring sustainability. Indranee reiterated that fiscal responsibility is not only about saving but also about strategic spending, balancing short-term support measures with long-term investments to reinforce resilience in uncertain times. Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates. Donald Trump abruptly removed Kristi Noem from his Cabinet this week, triggering the first major shake-up of his second administration and exposing deep tensions at the heart of Washington's most powerful security agency. The sudden dismissal of the Homeland Security secretary signals a dramatic shift in leadership at the department responsible for border enforcement, counterterrorism, and immigration policy. The move follows days of congressional scrutiny and mounting political pressure surrounding controversial spending decisions and testimony delivered under oath on Capitol Hill. In announcing the decision, Trump indicated that Markwayne Mullin is expected to assume the role, pending confirmation, marking a significant reshuffle within the administration's national security apparatus. Capitol Hill Testimony Triggers White House Backlash The decision to remove Noem came after a tense week of congressional hearings that drew the president's attention and reportedly intensified concerns within the White House. During testimony before lawmakers, Noem addressed questions regarding a Department of Homeland Security advertising campaign worth approximately 173 million ($220 million). The initiative was designed to recruit personnel and promote the department's enforcement efforts. Pressed during questioning, the secretary indicated that the campaign had received presidential approval. The remark reportedly sparked immediate concern among administration officials, with lawmakers probing how the advertising contract had been structured and whether proper procurement procedures were followed. The programme drew particular scrutiny because of its scale and the perception that it prominently featured the secretary herself, raising questions about the boundaries between official government messaging and political promotion. In hearings, senators also examined the contracting process and sought clarity on whether the agreement had been competitively bid. The exchange underscored rising tension between congressional oversight and the administration's aggressive enforcement strategy, particularly as the Department of Homeland Security remains central to Trump's immigration agenda. BREAKING: Trump has fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and is replacing her with Sen. Markwayne Mullin. pic.twitter.com/tpDvMn4xRw Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 5, 2026 A Swift And Unprecedented Cabinet Shake-Up Trump's decision marks the first Cabinet-level dismissal since he returned to office for a second term in January 2025. Noem had been confirmed as secretary on 25 January 2025 following her nomination during the presidential transition period. The Senate approved her appointment by a vote of 59 to 34 after hearings before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Before joining the Cabinet, she served as governor of South Dakota and previously represented the state in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her tenure at the Department of Homeland Security placed her at the centre of some of the administration's most contentious policies, including expanded immigration enforcement and high-profile deportation initiatives. The agency oversees more than 260,000 employees across major federal bodies including Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Leadership changes at the department therefore carry significant operational implications, particularly as the administration continues to prioritise border control and domestic security initiatives. The abrupt nature of the dismissal suggests the White House sought to contain political fallout quickly before it spread further across the administration. Senator Markwayne Mullin Emerges As Replacement Attention has now turned to Oklahoma Republican senator Markwayne Mullin, whom Trump identified as his preferred successor. Mullin, a businessman and former member of the House of Representatives, has served in the Senate since 2023. His political career has been closely aligned with Trump's agenda on immigration, border security, and federal regulatory policy. When approached by reporters on Capitol Hill earlier in the week, Mullin stated that he had not discussed the position with the president and declined to speculate about potential Cabinet service. 'I haven't talked to the president all week,' he told reporters when asked about the possibility of leading the department. Should his nomination move forward, Mullin would require confirmation by the Senate, a process that would involve hearings examining his approach to immigration enforcement, homeland security strategy, and oversight of the department's vast operational infrastructure. The potential appointment also reflects the president's preference for loyal political allies in key executive roles, particularly those tasked with implementing controversial policy initiatives. BREAKING: Sen. MARKWAYNE MULLIN is being named US Secretary of Homeland Security by President Trump, he will replace Kristi Noem Wow! "I am pleased to announce that the Highly Respected United States Senator from the Great State of Oklahoma, Markwayne Mullin, will become the pic.twitter.com/eO7vBTZtXS Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 5, 2026 Political Fallout And Policy Implications Noem's departure has intensified debate in Washington about the direction of federal immigration enforcement and the internal dynamics of the administration's security leadership. Democratic lawmakers had already criticised the Department of Homeland Security over enforcement tactics and policy priorities. Some had publicly called for Noem's removal even before the latest controversy erupted. In January 2026, Senator Ben Ray Lujan publicly urged the White House to dismiss senior officials at the department, citing concerns about policy decisions and accountability. The episode illustrates how quickly political pressure can reshape the leadership structure of major federal agencies. For the administration, the challenge now lies in maintaining continuity across homeland security operations while navigating a potentially contentious confirmation process for a new secretary. With border policy continuing to dominate the national political debate, the leadership change at the Department of Homeland Security ensures that the agency will remain at the centre of Washington's most consequential policy battles. The removal of a Cabinet secretary less than two years into the administration underscores the volatile intersection of politics, policy, and personal loyalty that continues to define the Trump presidency. One thing is certain: the first Cabinet firing of Trump's second term has sent a shockwave through Washington and placed the future direction of U.S. homeland security policy under intense scrutiny. Originally published on IBTimes UK China News Service: The international community closely follows Chinas NPC and CPPCC Sessions, especially the target for GDP growth this year. Some say Chinas downward revision of the target is partially owing to the turmoil in the Middle East, the possible impact on energy supply and uncertainties in China-U.S. relations. Whats your comment? Mao Ning: When delivering the report on the work of the government yesterday, Premier Li Qiang took stock of what China has achieved during the 14th Five-Year Plan period. Gross domestic product (GDP) has taken a new leap with an annual growth of nearly RMB10 trillion. GDP increased by over RMB35 trillion for five years, equivalent to the GDP size of a medium-sized economy. These remarkable achievements have been made in a grave and complex landscape, where external shocks and challenges were intertwined with domestic difficulties and tough policy choices. This says a lot about the great resilience and vigor of Chinas economy. Looking forward, as Premier Li Qiang pointed out, were clearly-eyed about the difficulties and challenges we face. Yet, the conditions underpinning Chinas long-term growth and underlying trend remain unchanged. More and more, China is demonstrating the strengths of its system and the strengths it has as a big country. As long as we fully tap our strengths and respond to challenges in the right way, we will surely open up even more promising prospects for Chinas development. We will fully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, move faster to foster a new pattern of development, and promote high-quality development. China will promote higher-quality economic growth while achieving an appropriate increase in economic output. We will further expand high-standard opening up, stick to mutually beneficial cooperation, steadily advance institutional opening-up, and engage at a higher level in the global economy so that more people worldwide will benefit from Chinas development. The strategic focus, policy outcomes, vitality of development, and capacity for governance demonstrated in Chinas economic growth will provide much needed stability and certainty to a turbulent world. Bloomberg: Russia and China are supporting Iran politically and otherwise. This is according to the Iranian foreign minister. Could you tell us what kind of support that China is providing, politically or otherwise, to Iran? Is there any military or dual use support? Mao Ning: China opposes the U.S. and Israel launching military strikes against Iran in violation of international law. We support Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity and national dignity and in upholding its legitimate and lawful rights and interests. China always advocates resolving issues through political and diplomatic means. We call for an immediate stop to the military actions to prevent the conflict from spreading and spilling over and avoid further escalation of the situation. Reuters: China is in talks with Iran to allow crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the U.S.-Israeli war on Tehran intensifies. Diplomatic sources told Reuters. Is the Foreign Ministry able to confirm this? Mao Ning: The Strait of Hormuz and its adjacent waters are an important international trade route for goods and energy. To keep the region secure and stable serves the common interests of the international community. China urges relevant parties to immediately stop military operations, avoid further escalation of the tense situation and prevent regional turmoil from causing greater damage to global economic growth. CCTV: Airspace closures in some Middle East countries due to the current situation have caused massive travel disruptions, including among Chinese passengers. What steps has the Chinese government taken to provide assistance? Mao Ning: We attach high importance to Chinese passengers being stranded in Middle East countries. Since the strikes began, our Ministry has immediately activated emergency response mechanism, and instructed relevant diplomatic missions to engage with their host countries and do everything they can to provide assistance to stranded Chinese compatriots. The Foreign Ministry also urgently worked with the Civil Aviation Administration and other competent authorities for the early resumption of flights by airlines while ensuring safety. With the joint effort of various parties, positive progress has been made. On the night of March 4, nearly 300 Chinese nationals safely arrived in Guangzhou from Dubai via foreign flight. Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines are gradually resuming round-trip flights to countries including the UAE, Oman and Saudi Arabia starting from March 5. We once again caution that the current situation in the Middle East remains complex and severe with high uncertainties. We remind Chinese nationals to avoid traveling to countries and regions affected by the military conflict and those who are already there to closely follow relevant information and depart promptly while flights are available. If any help is needed, please contact Chinese embassies and consulates or dial consular protection hotline 12308. Reuters: Australias defense force says there has been an unsafe interaction with the Chinese helicopter in the Yellow Sea. Australia says its helicopter was confronted by a Chinese helicopter and they had to take evasive actions for their safety. Is the Australian account correct? Is the Chinese Foreign Ministry able to provide more information on what happened and did the Chinese military put the Australian military at risk? Mao Ning: Im not familiar with that and would refer you to competent authorities. Ukrinform News Agency: Yesterday, Iran carried out a drone attack on an international airport in Azerbaijan, a country that was in no way involved in the U.S. and Israeli strikes. This is an escalation of the conflict beyond the Middle East region. How does the Foreign Ministry comment on this? Mao Ning: We are deeply concerned about the continued tense situation in the Middle East. The pressing priority now is to stop the military operations at once, prevent spillover of the conflict, and avoid further escalation. EFE: U.S. President Donald Trump has called Spain a loser and accused it of being hostile to NATO because of its position on defense spending and its refusal to allow the use of Spanish bases for operations against Iran. What is Chinas view of the current tensions between the two countries? Mao Ning: The U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran violate international law. The international community needs to jointly work for peace and cessation of the fighting and maintain peace and stability in the Middle East. Dragon TV: Elections for members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament were held in Nepal on March 5. Nepals Election Committee held a press conference last night, announcing that the voting concluded smoothly and peacefully, and estimated turnout reached around 60 percent. What is Chinas comment? Mao Ning: China congratulates Nepal on concluding the voting for the House of Representatives elections steadily and as scheduled. We are glad to see Nepal advance its political agenda smoothly. As a traditionally friendly neighbor, China values its relations with Nepal. The two countries have given each other support in their effort to safeguard independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. China stands ready to work with Nepal to continue advancing the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring ever-lasting friendship for development and prosperity. Ukrinform News Agency: Since the Iranian crisis started, Chinese officials made many statements that attacks on Iran are a violation of international law, that attacks on civilians are a red line. However, over the past four years when Ukrainian civilians suffered from the war, the Chinese side is silent and doesnt express simple human sympathy. So, my question is: can the Foreign Ministry explain such selectivity? Mao Ning: Thats inconsistent with facts. It is Chinas consistent position to resolve differences and disputes through dialogue and consultation, not resort to the use of force arbitrarily, and protect civilians in military conflicts. On the Ukraine crisis, President Xi Jinping laid out four points about what should be done. Most recently, he further outlined a three-point proposition. China released a position document on this issue as well. All of them fully reflect Chinas position, which you may refer to. This is part of Breakup Week. We just cant do this anymore. This as-told-to is based on a conversation with 34-year-old Noam Ash. The Los Angelesbased actor, known for his work on The Other Two and the YouTube series My Gay Roommate, is the writer and star of Bookends, a new movie based on his own life. Bookends also stars F. Murray Abraham, Caroline Aaron, and Charlie Barnett. It premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival last month. Here, Ash tells the real story behind the movie: a breakup that upended his life, and what he learned about love upon moving in with his grandparents for a year. Back in 2018, when I was a recent college grad hustling and living the New York life, I had this whirlwind romance with a guy that I met on Instagram. It started with us liking multiple pictures of each otherhe was tall and handsome, and he often posted about the fun travel adventures he went on. As soon as we started talking, one thing led to another. Daily messages gave way to FaceTime conversations, and within six weeks he planned a trip to see me. He lived in Europe, so it began as this long-distance international love affair where Id fly there and hed fly to me while we tried to figure out how our lives could fit together. There was something very exotic and thrilling about it all: Id found someone who might be my soulmate and we just happened to connect on the internet and find each other. When he first came to visit me, it felt like a movie. We were just two strangers from opposite ends of the world meeting in New York, thinking we were in love, each swept up in the idea of what we thought the other person was. It was intoxicating. It was intense. He was going to stay with a friend of his, but I took him to dinner on his first night in town and he just came back to mine and didnt leave for 10 days. We spent every single moment together. We went to a Broadway show and the Museum of Natural History. It felt like I was seeing the city through fresh eyes. It was easy to maintain the soulmate fantasy when we lived so far apart. But people in my life were suspicious. One of the things my grandmother said to me later was, When things are easy, its easy to love almost anyone. That certainly felt true: We had no issues, no disagreements, and no responsibilities. I was too wrapped up in the fantasy to see that real lifewith its other people and myriad obligationswas about to rear its ugly head. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He spent the summer with me in New York to see how he liked it. I think the enormity of the potential move hit him, and he realized he didnt want to leave his home behind. He started feeling trapped and under pressure. We wanted different lives, and the lives we wanted were not compatible. One day, I noticed he was on Grindr. It turned into a whole argument where he said he was only on there to see if I was on there. He would also leave the apartment to take calls in private with someone who I now know was his ex. When he went back to Europe, I couldnt get ahold of him for a few days. I had a strong suspicion that he was with his ex, which he fervently denieduntil months later when he admitted it. He never did come back to New York. I got a text: It was over. Advertisement Thinking about it now, I see how modern it all was: We met on Instagram. It ended with a text message. But the heartbreak was insurmountable. I felt like the world was closing around me, that the fantasy Id spent the last year obsessively building up just completely shattered overnight. Everything in my life came crashing down. Id spent so much money traveling to see him that I was in a pretty bad financial position. Id also neglected my friends in New York. I felt depressed and lonely and out of options, so I went to live with the closest family I had: my grandparents. Advertisement Arriving there felt like the ultimate defeat. I was pushing 30, I had just been dumped, and I had no real legs to stand on. I arrived at their house with my tail between my legs, totally mortified. But they were thrilled. They were in their early 90s and less able to leave home than they used to be. To them, I felt like a breath of fresh air. Still, I told myself that it was just going to be temporary until I found a better situation. I was in denial about how long it would really take to get back on my feet. Advertisement Advertisement When I showed up, they were immediately like, Lets unpack all your mistakes. Lets see what you can learn and how you can get back on your feet. Of course, it was all done with a lot of humor, love, guidance, and warmth, but when in the thick of it, I was like, Can we not?! But then something magical started to happen. I found that people who are on opposite ends of lifes journey sometimes have the most to give each other. Having a young person in the house and dealing with heartbreak and relationships invigorated them. They felt needed. It was an opportunity for them to give guidanceand, for me, it felt great to receive. Advertisement Advertisement Sometimes, when you give voice to things that seem entirely normal to you, you hear yourself say them and realize how ridiculous you sound. For example, they would ask how we met. I said on Instagram. They said, So you dont know each other. And Id say, Well, thats why we send each other pictures! But theyd respond, You think thats how you get to know each other? You think it matters what a persons favorite movie is or what they like to eat? We dont like the same movies. We dont like the same food. This is a very shallow way to get to know a person. Advertisement At the time, I was very focused on superficial things: how tall a person was, what they looked like, if they were friends with a cool crowd. My grandparents taught me those things dont make for a happy relationship. In fact, they had a whole different take on my breakup. Youre so angry at this person for not living up to your fantasy of what you wanted him to be, but you didnt even really know him, they told me. You had an idea of him. You had a fantasy that you built up, and when he failed to live up to it, you were crushed. Advertisement Advertisement I knew they were right. So I changed the way I approached dating. First, I got rid of the superficial checklists I had of what makes a suitable mate. Second, I stopped spending endless amounts of time texting people on apps. I wanted to meet them in the real world. I started communicating differently with them, too. We would talk about family, and what we valued in life and in other people. It was much deeper. It also changed how I felt if something wasnt a fit. The rejection didnt feel like rejection, or as heavy as it did before. It wasnt that I wasnt good enoughwe just werent aligned. It freed up the whole dating process and made it a lot easier for me to meet the right person. Advertisement My time with my grandparents put me back in touch with the values that I was raised with and the things that were important to me. It reconnected me to the things that I wanted out of life and out of a life with a partner. When I met my now-boyfriend, it was unlike any other relationship Id ever had before, because those profound things were what we bonded over first, giving us a strong foundation from the start. We have very much the same outlook and priorities. Its been wonderful. Ive been with him for almost three years. Advertisement Advertisement I lived with my grandparents for about a year. Witnessing their marriage firsthand taught me so much about love and relationships. I could see that they were different people, but they complemented each other so well. They deeply enjoyed each others company. I got the sense that home for each of them was wherever the other person happened to be. I learned that thats the most important thing: providing safety and comfort for someone who feels like home. Advertisement Advertisement While I was there, my grandfather started showing signs of cognitive decline. I became concerned by what I was seeing, but my grandmother had a very difficult time accepting what was happening. Over the course of the year, though, a transition slowly occurred where one generation went from being taken care of to stepping into the role of a caretaker. It was very profound. I learned to stop thinking just about myself. It was the year I grew up. My grandfather passed away in 2021. He was buried on what wouldve been their 71st wedding anniversary. My grandmother died a year later. My movie is inspired by all the lessons I learned from them. I hope theyd be really proud and moved. The film is a love letter to them and how they set me up to live a good life. Its something I will be forever grateful for. They were helping me open chapters and get my life started on the right track, and I helped them close a chapter of theirs. Sign up for Executive Dysfunction, a weekly newsletter that surfaces under-the-radar stories about what Trump is doing to the lawand how the law is pushing back. On Tuesday, a jury in Georgia found Colin Gray guilty of second-degree murder, manslaughter, cruelty to children, and reckless conduct, even though he did not kill anyone. The conviction came in the wake of a school shooting carried out by his son, Colt, on Sept. 4, 2024. Colt Gray killed two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, and injured nine others. As CNN notes, the case against his father has been testing the limits of who is responsible for a mass shooting. On the day of the shooting, Colt brought an AR-15 to school concealed in a backpack. He asked his first-period class teacher how Apalachee High would respond to an active shooter. She was alarmed by his question and alerted others. But not long after that, his shooting spree started. Just before Colt started shooting, he texted his father, Im sorry, its not ur fault and ur not to blame for any of it. The Georgia jury was not so forgiving of a parent who gave an AR-15 to a 14-year-old child. They are only the second jury in American history to find a parent guilty after their child went on a shooting spree at a school. It is an important step forward in what CNN calls a growing nationwide effort to hold more people accountable for a school shooting, including the shooters parents and responding law enforcement officers. It is also an important step forward in the effort to curb Americas school shooting epidemic. Colin Grays conviction sends a clear message to parents that they cannot stand idly by in the buildup to a school shooting. And they can no longer supply guns to their children and walk away unscathed if they misuse them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What Colt Gray did is hardly an anomaly. In 2023, there were 350 school shootings during the year. The number was 332 in 2024 and 116 last year. We cannot stop school shootings unless parents do their part. All too often they do not, with disastrous results. But what happened to Colin Gray in a Georgia courtroom is an example of so-called vicarious liability. In such cases, someone can be held responsible for an act done by someone else. Many scholars question the fairness of vicarious liability in criminal cases, viewing it as an unwarranted exception to the general rule that criminal responsibility must be personal. Moreover, the verdict in Colin Grays case will not be welcomed by parental rights advocates. They do not want the government telling parents how to raise their children, how to discipline them, or how to supervise them, or punishing them for their childrens crimes or misdeeds. Advertisement Others think that punishing parents like Gray may make matters worse by distracting us from addressing more important issues. As Boston University Law professor Angelo Petrigh argues, This approach is a poor substitute for firearm safeguards and mental health support. These prosecutions are concerning because holding people criminally responsible for the actions of others expands the already wide net of criminal responsibility. Petrigh is right to say we need gun control and better mental health care. However, we should not ignore the fact that school shooters most often come from families in which their parents abused or neglected them and introduced them to guns and gun culture at an early age. We also know that the parents of children who carry out school shootings often ignore the warning signs. We need to address these issues as well as the ones Petrigh mentions. Related From Slate One of Trumps Earliest Authoritarian Moves Is Starting to Explode in His Face Read More While the idea of holding parents criminally responsible when a school shooting occurs is new, the idea of holding parents responsible in other ways for what their children do is hardly novel. It can be traced to English common law, which imposed a duty on parents to prevent foreseeable damage or harm done by their children. Today, that idea is reflected in the fact that almost every state has parental responsibility laws on the books that impose civil liability on parents. Those laws are said to provide an incentive for parents to carefully supervise kids and help them develop into mature, law-abiding adults. Advertisement Advertisement A 2011 study found what it called lukewarm public support at best for punishing parents when their children commit crimes. Yet such prosecutions may be the wave of the future. To offer one example, in 2023, a father faced criminal charges after his son killed seven people during an Independence Day parade in Highland Park, Illinois. He had helped the son get a firearm license even though he knew that his son was deeply troubled and had a history of violent behavior. Advertisement Advertisement The father pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor charges of reckless conduct. After the fathers guilty plea, the prosecutor said that he hoped it laid down a marker to other prosecutors, to other police in this country, to other parents, that they must be held accountable. Last year, the state of Wisconsin charged Jeffrey Rupnow with two counts of intentionally giving a dangerous weapon to a minor and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor after his 15-year-old daughter killed a student and a teacher at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison. Advertisement And, in 2025, a Texas woman was charged with buying ammunition and tactical gear for her 13-year-old son. It was the first case in which a parent had been charged with a crime before their child carried out a planned school shooting. But the real watershed in the evolution of parental criminal responsibility occurred the year before, when Jennifer and James Crumbley were convicted of involuntary manslaughter after their son Ethan murdered four students at his school. It was the first time that prosecutors had been able to convince jurors that parents should be punished in a school shooting case. As the New York Times reported, the jury found that the Crumbleys did not remove their son from school after he made a violent drawing on the morning of the shooting. It included a written plea for help. They also allowed Ethan to have access to a handgun that his father had purchased. Each of them was sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement The facts in the Gray case bear an eerie similarity to the Crumbleys. CBS notes that Colt Gray also displayed a series of red flags for months leading up to the tragedy. According to investigators, he wrote step-by-step plans in a notebook, including diagrams and potential body counts, and had a poster of the Parkland shooter hanging on his bedroom wall. Both his parents were addicted to drugs and alcohol and paid little attention to what was happening to Colt even as he developed paranoia. His father even bought him the AR-15 as a Christmas present. It was the gun that Colt used to kill his classmates and teachers. In the end, what Judge Cheryl Matthews said before she handed down a sentence in the Crumbley case offers a good way to think about parental responsibility for school shootings. Parents, Matthews explained, are not expected to be psychic. But at the same time, the law cant allow them to turn a blind eye to their childrens problems. These convictions, Matthews said, are not about poor parenting. These convictions confirm repeated acts or lack of acts that could have halted an oncoming runaway trainrepeatedly ignoring things that would make a reasonable person feel the hair on the back of her neck stand up. This weeks jury decision in Georgia goes a long way to help ensure that parents who do nothing in response to the kind of impending danger that Matthews describes will not be able to get off scot-free. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. If President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cant force regime change in Iran or control what comes afterward, it seems their Plan B is to break the country into pieces, maybe spark a sectarian civil war, or in any case spawn such internal strife that it can no longer threaten its neighbors. Thats one conclusion to derivethe only one that makes much sensefrom the many news reports that the two are encouraging, and actively opening the way for, Kurdish militias to join the fight and foment an uprising against the Tehran regime. For stirring trouble and fighting bad guys, there are few more formidable forces than the Kurds. Soldiers, aid workers, and journalists who have observed the Kurds in action tend to come away starstruck. In both Iraq wars (the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 invasion), as well as the ensuing counterinsurgency fights against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, the Kurds were our most skilled, ferocious, and effective allies. And they were driven not just by the regions typical assortment of ethnic hatreds and territorial disputes, but also by an ancient cause of justice and independence. (Some surprising supporters of George W. Bushs invasion of Iraq, notably my old friend and Slate colleague the late Christopher Hitchens, were especially moved by hopes that ousting Saddam would open the way for Kurdish independence.) In the wake of World War I, the Sykes-Picot Agreementthe pact between Britain and France to redraw the map of the Middle East by carving the crumbling Ottoman Empire into separate spheres of influencecreated whole new states and declared Jerusalem a free city with open entry for Jews. But it gave no strip of land to the Kurds, who now number between 25 and 40 million people (no one has taken an official count), leaving them scattered across the region in an area informally called Kurdistanencompassing patches of land in Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Armenia, and Iranbut not formally recognized as a state. Post-ayatollah Iran is not likely to accommodate their dream of an official homeland. Kurds comprise a small fraction of Irans populationabout 10 percent of its 90 million people, the vast majority of whom are Shia Muslimsfar from the capital, with few links to either the established powers or rebel groups (though the latter have been pretty much broken up by the former). It is very doubtful that, even if they somehow captured Tehran, Kurds could hold on to power for long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, according to several reports, Trump and Netanyahu have encouraged Kurdsthose living in western Iran as well as those across the border in Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Turkeyto join the fight against Tehrans regime. The CIA has been supplying some Kurdish militias with small arms. American or Israeli bombs have been dropped on Revolutionary Guard outposts on Irans northwestern borders, presumably for the purpose of allowing the Kurds to pass through with much-reduced resistance. It is an open question whether many Kurds will answer the call. They have been roused to action and then abandoned so many times, not least by American presidents. George H.W. Bush rallied them to join the fight against Saddam Hussein in 1991, then left them open to slaughter by ending the war (at least by the Kurds calculations) prematurely. Trump himself openly betrayed the Kurds during his first term, in 2019, withdrawing U.S. troops from Syria whose main mission was to protect Kurdish militias, which had played a lead role in defeating ISIS. The Kurds had lost 11,000 men in the fight against ISISand now Trump was leaving them open to slaughter by the Turks. Thousands of Kurdish families fled, internecine fighting renewed, and the entire sector of Syria, which the Americans and Kurds had jointly been keeping stable, was plunged into violent chaos. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Kurdistans X account carried a message to the American people, noting that the Kurds are your friends, who believe in the same values of freedom, dignity, and the fight against extremism. Yet, citing the betrayals, including those inflicted by Trump, the statement noted: At the same time, we have learned from the past. The Kurds in Iran will not repeat the mistakes that happened in Iraq and Syria. Partnership must be built on clear understanding and real guarantees. Advertisement There is no sign that Trump or Netanyahu has dangled any guarantees along with the arms and the prodding, perhaps at least in part because no guarantees could honestly be offered. Some Kurds must find the situation temptinga debilitated Iranian regime, weakened further by the unprecedented joint U.S.-Israeli air strikes, creating a possible power vacuum in the heart of the country. But they are treading carefully, given the slim chance that they could actually supplant the Tehran regime, especially given their full recognition that they cant rely on Trump to back them in the end. Advertisement Related From Slate As He Tries to Rationalize His War in Iran, Trump Cannot Stop Telling On Himself Read More Back in 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wanted to wipe out the Kurdish militia in Syria because it was allied with the Kurdistan Workers Party, which had long been waging a secessionist insurgency against his government in Ankara. Trump in fact withdrew U.S. troops at the suggestion of Erdogan, who knew that the America First president was keen to pull out anyway. Trump had tried to withdraw the year before, but was talked out of it by his national security team at the timeSecretary of Defense Jim Mattis and national security adviser H.R. McMaster. Theyd long been gone when Erdogan renewed his suggestion, and Trump took it swiftly, surprising not just the betrayed Kurds but even the appeased Erdogan. Advertisement Advertisement This backstory explains why the armed rekindling of Kurdish dreams could have the unintended effect of widening the war still further, as Erdogan fears that Kurds in Turkey could take up arms as wellpossibly against his own rule, certainly at the cost of drawing Turkey further into the war in Iran. The leaders of Iraq are worried for the same reason. In fact, in response to the news about the stirring of the Kurdish militias, Iran fired missiles at their headquarters in Iraq, drawing Baghdad into the war as well. Advertisement Advertisement Now, as back then, Trump seems unaware of the mayhem that his utterances and actions unleash, or maybe he just doesnt care. He sows chaos even when he clearly doesnt mean the things he says. For instance, on Thursday, in a phone interview with Axios, Trump said, I have to be involved in the appointment of a new supreme leader in Iran, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela. Leaving aside his naive notion that Iran is anything like Venezuela, the remark should splash several gallons of cold water on anyonedemocratic protester, Iranian military renegade, Kurdish militiaman, anyonewho might be thinking about heeding Trumps call to join the war in the hopes of reshaping Iran afterward. Trump views himself as the one who will take charge; he sees domination as the just reward for violently ousting the old leader. The war in Iran is Trumps war (and Netanyahus too)even if thousands, in some way millions, of other people are paying the price. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. When Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would remove Kristi Noem from her position as head of the Department of Homeland Security, she became the first Cabinet casualty of the presidents second term. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote that though Noem has served us well and has had numerous and spectacular results, she will be replaced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. Noem will now be Trumps special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a made-up position at some new initiative that he intends to launch this weekend. Its never a good day to be fired, but Noems departure comes at a particularly unfortunate moment for her. Trump handed down his decision after Noem spent two days floundering under questioning in Congress, during which lawmakers from both parties made her out to be an unqualified, amoral disgrace to her job. First, in the Senate on Tuesday, Republicans and Democrats excoriated her for accusing Alex Pretti of domestic terrorism after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shot him to death, bringing additional pain on his grieving family. GOP Sen. Thom Tillis called for Noems resignation, comparing the killings of Pretti and Renee Good under her leadership to the time she killed her own dog for misbehaving. Sen. John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana, gave her grief for spending more than $200 million on an ad campaign that boosted her public profile and funneled public funds to a Noem-connected company that was formed just days before it secured the government contract. Noem said under oath that ICE was complying with court orders, even though one judge determined that the agency had violated orders 96 times in January alone. Either you are utterly incompetent, or you are violating laws with impunity, Sen. Cory Booker told her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next day, in front of the House Judiciary Committee, the grilling continued. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin, of Maryland, pointed out that ICE had committed two of the three homicides in Minneapolis so far this year; Noem banned Minnesota investigators from the scenes of the killings, casting doubt on her commitment to fighting crime. Then, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a Democrat from California, introduced a new line of questioning: At any time during your tenure as director of Department of Homeland Security have you had sexual relations with Corey Lewandowski? Whispers of an alleged affair between the former South Dakota governor and the longtime Trump allyslashalleged abuser have been simmering since 2019, when they started appearing at GOP events together. Though both have denied it, the rumor gained strength and credibility last year as Lewandowski was repeatedly photographed coming and going from Noems D.C. apartment. Noem, whose husband was in the hearing room on Wednesday, acted scandalized by Kamlager-Doves inquiry. I am shocked that were going down and peddling tabloid garbage in this committee today, she said. As Noem prattled on about how she is devoted to protecting America and how Lewandowski is a special government employeemeaning that hes not officially on the DHS roster and does not draw a salaryKamlager-Dove spoke over her. It is OK for you to be offended by the question, she said. But it is also a real question, and you should be able to answer the question clearly and without hesitation. Advertisement The representative went on. That should be the easiestyou should be wanting to answer that question. Because it is not about your sex life. It is about your judgment. Noem bristled. It is offensive that you have brought that up. That kind of garbage has been refuted for years, she said. Advertisement Related From Slate An Alleged Affair in the Trump Administration Says It All About Whats Happening in Washington Read More Kamlager-Dove wrapped up her questioning by entering a series of news articles into the congressional record. Noem shot knives from her eyes as the representative read out the headlines: Lewandowski Taking Out Trash at Noems D.C. Home. ICE Barbies Mile-High Privacy Chamber with Alleged Lover Exposed. How Corey Lewandowski Became Kristi Noems Gatekeeper at DHS. The next Democrat to question Noem, Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz, gave her one more chance to deny the affair under oath. I really think you need to say the word no into the record so that you can clear that up, he said. Noem dismissed Moskowitz as a member of the liberal media: You say conservative women are stupid or sluts. I am neither, she said. Advertisement If youre keeping track at home, youll notice that Noem never actually refuted the affair allegation, which may be the most convincing evidence yet that its true. The whole scene was a humiliating spectacle for a woman who, in the MAGA tradition, usually seems incapable of being shamed for any misconduct, including the several dozen deaths and countless instances of abuse on her watch. Advertisement Advertisement The embarrassment continued on Thursday, when Trump announced Noems firing on Truth Social right as she was giving a speech at a law-enforcement conference. No one at the scene brought up her termination during the Q&A portion, and its not clear that she even knew shed been let go. But everyone surely found out immediately after the fact, making her look like a total chump for having just given a sweeping address as the supposed head of homeland security. It was a final flourish of degradation, courtesy of Trump, to end an ignominious tenure at the helm of DHS. It cannot compare to the magnitude of damage Noem has done to peoples lives, but it feels like some measure of justice that her last days in the Cabinet may have been her worst. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that hes canning Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to replace her. In his announcement, Trump said Mullin would be in the job effective March 31, 2026, although there is a little process called Senate confirmation that Mullin will first have to go through. Noem, meanwhile, will be moving to be Special Envoy for The Shield of the Americas, some new security initiative Trump is announcing this weekend. Noem has been in acute trouble ever since her management of the immigration enforcement surge in Minnesota, in which officials shot and killed two U.S. citizens. Her management of the agency has made her widely disliked both within DHS and among other members of the Cabinet and White House staff. Plus, shes picked up enemies among Republicans in Congress. And the precipitating event for Trumps change appears to have been a question-and-answer session with Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy in a Senate hearing this week. Kennedy probed her about a self-promotional DHS ad campaign, costing hundreds of millions of dollars, from which a consultancy with ties to Noemand run by the DHS spokespersons husbandreceived a hefty cut in a no-bid deal. Noem claimed in the hearing that Trump had signed off on the campaign, an assertion that reportedly infuriated Trump. Now shes gone. So whats the deal with Markwayne Mullin? Mullin entered the Senate in 2023 after a decade in the House. A member of the Cherokee Nation, hes rich, having taken over, expanded, and then sold what was originally his fathers plumbing business. Hes done a noticeable uptick in media over the last year or so, talking more often to reporters in the Senate hallways and appearing all over cable news. Whether by design or not, these appearances served their purpose. Trump loves watching Mullin on TV, aides said, CNN reports, which played a role in the presidents decision to tap him for the position. It may have played more than a role in the selection, considering Mullin doesnt have much of a legislative record, and the closest thing he has to Homeland Security experience is a seat on the Armed Services Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mullin, who is swole, was inducted into the Oklahoma Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2016 and, per his official website, is a former undefeated Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter with a professional record of 5-0. He seems eager to merge that fighting background with his politics. He has a lot of confrontational energy, and the United States Senatea lunch club for seniors, in which members arent even allowed to address their remarks directly to each other on the Senate floorcan feel constricting in that regard. But hes found ways to channel that energy nonetheless. Mullin was ready to tango on Jan. 6. When it appeared that rioters might breach the chamber, Mullin helped barricade the door. He then, as Politico reported, broke two wooden upright hand sanitizer stations and handed a block of the wood to [Rep. Troy] Nehls, giving them both makeshift weapons. Mullin tried to reason with protesters through broken glass, asking them, You almost got shot. You almost died. Is it worth it? Hours later, he voted, for a second time, to object to counting electoral votes for Joe Biden. Advertisement In 2021, during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, then-Rep. Mullin tried to enter the country a couple of times on personal rescue missions. The first time, he flew to Greece and requested permission from the Department of Defense to let him fly into Kabul. It was denied. Shortly afterward, he told the U.S. embassy in Tajikistan that he planned to fly there from Tbilisi, Georgia, and needed assistance in transporting a huge amount of cash into the country, saying he was going to neighboring Afghanistan to rescue five American citizens, a woman and her four children, stuck in the country, as the Washington Post reported. They planned to hire a helicopter for the effort. He was denied again. He went home. Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, during a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, he challenged Sean OBrien, the head of the Teamsters, to a fight. This is a time, this is a place, Mullin told OBrien after reading critical remarks OBrien had made about him in the pastincluding the union official saying he and Mullin could fight and meet any time and any place for a confrontation. If you want to run your mouth, we can be two consenting adults. We can finish it here, the U.S. senator said during a congressional hearing. OBrien said hed love to, Mullin told him to Stand your butt up then, and OBrien said, You stand your butt up. Mullin then did stand his butt up, before the bewildered committee chairman, Bernie Sanders, stopped it. Advertisement So we have ourselves a character here. The Trump administration believes, though, that Mullin will get the senatorial courtesy of a smooth confirmation process from his colleagues, who mostly like him. He doesnt cause trouble for fellow Republicans, Senate leadership, or the White House. Hes reliable. There is one potential hiccup, though. Yes, Mullins colleagues mostly like him. But there may be one who doesnt. According to Oklahoma journalist David Arnett, Mullin recently teed off on Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul at an in-state event. I respect Bernie Sanders because hes an open socialist, and you know that hes a communist so you know what youre getting, he said. By contrast, Rand Pauls a freaking snake. He added that I understand completely why his neighbor did what he did, referring to the 2017 assault when a neighbor attacked and seriously injured Paul during a dispute. This may be one confrontation Mullin comes to regret. The DHS secretary is confirmed by the Senate Homeland Security Committee. And the chairman of that committee is Rand Paul. A Wisconsin man was shot and killed Wednesday after fleeing a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint in West Texas and firing at pursuing law enforcement officers, authorities said. The man, identified as James Douglas McMillan, 33, of Greenfield, Wisconsin, initially stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, about 90 miles southeast of El Paso, before driving away when an agency K-9 alerted to his vehicle and agents directed him to pull over for a secondary inspection, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Troopers and aircraft from the department's aviation patrol unit joined the pursuit on Interstate 10 around 10:30 a.m. local time, said Sheridan Nolen, a spokeswoman for the agency. During the chase, McMillan fired a gun from his vehicle at state troopers, Border Patrol agents and local sheriff's deputies, Nolen said. He also fired "indiscriminately at civilian vehicles." Officers returned fire and used a maneuver designed to disable a suspect's vehicle by striking it. McMillan eventually stopped and barricaded himself inside the car before pointing a weapon at officers, Nolen said. Officers then shot and killed him. Authorities said no passengers were in the vehicle, and no officers or civilians were injured during the pursuit. It was not immediately clear which officers discharged their weapons. Investigators also said the vehicle McMillan was driving had been reported stolen in Arizona. Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The incident comes amid several recent confrontations involving federal immigration agents. In February, a Border Patrol agent shot a person who authorities said fired at the agent near the Canadian border in Pittsburg, New Hampshire. The individual survived and was taken to a hospital while federal authorities opened an investigation into the shooting. In late January in Arizona, federal agents shot and critically injured a suspect accused of firing at a Border Patrol helicopter during an investigation into suspected human smuggling near the U.S.-Mexico border. The man, identified by authorities as Patrick Gary Schlegel, was taken into federal custody and is expected to face charges including assault on a federal officer. Federal officials have said assaults on law enforcement officers during border enforcement operations will be investigated and prosecuted. FBI officials in the Arizona case said that "any assault on law enforcement officers will not be tolerated," adding that investigators will pursue those who threaten or harm officers. Originally published on Latin Times OdishaZimbabwe Partnership: How a Strategic Alliance Could Accelerate Odishas Industrial Growth As global economies increasingly depend on strategic partnerships for resources, technology, and trade, the Indian state of Odisha is uniquely positioned to build international collaborations that strengthen its industrial base. One such promising opportunity lies in developing economic cooperation with the southern African nation of Zimbabwe. While the two regions are geographically distant, their economic structures are highly complementaryparticularly in mining, steel, logistics, and emerging energy sectors. A well-designed partnership could significantly contribute to Odishas long-term economic growth. Why Zimbabwe Matters for Odisha Zimbabwe is one of Africas most mineral-rich countries, with abundant reserves of lithium, platinum, chrome, gold, and coal. These minerals are essential for industries such as electric vehicles, stainless steel, renewable energy technologies, and electronics. Odisha, on the other hand, is already Indias mineral powerhouse with major deposits of iron ore, bauxite, and chromite. It is also home to some of the countrys largest steel plants operated by companies such as Tata Steel and Jindal Steel and Power. This similarity in mineral-based economies creates a powerful opportunity for Odisha to expand its industrial ecosystem by linking Zimbabwes mineral resources with Odishas processing and manufacturing capabilities. For example, Zimbabwes vast lithium reserves could support Odishas ambitions to develop battery manufacturing and electric mobility supply chains. By importing raw lithium ore and processing it within Odishas industrial clusters, the state could establish itself as a key hub for battery materials in India. Strengthening Odishas Steel and Metal Ecosystem Odisha is already one of Indias leading steel-producing states. The availability of chrome and ferrochrome from Zimbabwe could strengthen stainless steel production in the state. Long-term mineral supply agreements would help Odishas steel industry secure critical inputs while also encouraging investment in advanced metal processing technologies. Such collaborations could lead to the development of new ferroalloy processing units, stainless steel production facilities, and metal-based manufacturing industries within Odishas industrial corridors. By integrating African mineral supply chains with Odishas industrial infrastructure, the state could further consolidate its position as Indias leading metals hub. Transforming Odisha into a Mineral Processing Hub One of the biggest opportunities from this partnership lies in mineral processing. Instead of simply importing finished materials, Odisha could import raw minerals from Zimbabwe and process them domestically. This would generate higher economic value, create skilled jobs, and strengthen the states manufacturing sector. Industrial zones near Odishas ports could host lithium refining plants, battery material processing units, and metal smelting facilities. Such projects would attract both Indian and international investors interested in participating in the global energy transition. Leveraging Odishas Ports for IndiaAfrica Trade Odishas strategic location on Indias eastern coastline gives it a major advantage in international trade. The state hosts several important ports including Paradip Port and Dhamra Port, which already handle large volumes of mineral exports and industrial cargo. Zimbabwe, being a landlocked country, depends on ports in neighboring countries for international trade. Odisha could position its ports as part of a broader IndiaAfrica maritime trade network. Establishing shipping routes connecting eastern India with southern Africa could significantly boost mineral imports, industrial exports, and logistics services. Over time, Paradip and Dhamra could evolve into key gateways for Indias mineral trade with Africa. Expanding Odishas Export Markets A partnership with Zimbabwe could also open new export markets for industries in Odisha. Steel products, ferroalloys, mining equipment, and heavy machinery manufactured in the state could find growing demand in Zimbabwes mining and infrastructure sectors. Similarly, Odishas agricultural and marine exportsincluding rice, seafood, and processed food productscould enter African markets through trade agreements and logistics partnerships. Odishas pharmaceutical and IT sectors could also benefit. Companies based in cities like Bhubaneswar could provide digital services, healthcare products, and technological solutions to Zimbabwes expanding economy. Renewable Energy and Technology Opportunities Zimbabwe has immense potential for solar energy due to its geographic conditions. Odisha is simultaneously increasing investments in renewable energy projects and exploring green hydrogen initiatives. Joint investments in solar power development, grid modernization, and energy storage systems could create new economic opportunities for companies in both regions. Technology cooperation could extend to mining automation, mineral exploration technologies, and agricultural innovations that improve productivity and sustainability. Economic Impact for Odisha If strategically developed, collaboration with Zimbabwe could generate significant economic benefits for Odisha. Investments in mineral processing plants, logistics infrastructure, and industrial clusters could potentially reach $13 billion over the next decade. These investments could generate thousands of direct jobs in sectors such as steel manufacturing, mineral processing, logistics, and renewable energy. Indirect employment in supporting industries could push the total job creation to well over 100,000. More importantly, the partnership could accelerate Odishas transformation into a global industrial hub connected to international supply chains. Policy Actions Odisha Should Consider For Odisha to fully capitalize on this opportunity, the state government may need to adopt a proactive policy approach. First, Odisha could explore the creation of an OdishaZimbabwe Mineral Cooperation Initiative, enabling long-term supply agreements for lithium, chrome, and platinum. Second, the state could establish an Africa Trade Promotion Desk within its investment promotion agencies to encourage business partnerships with African markets. Third, the government could introduce targeted incentives for industries involved in battery materials, mineral refining, and advanced metallurgy. These incentives would attract investors interested in building processing facilities in Odisha. Fourth, port infrastructure should be strengthened to support increased mineral trade with Africa. Dedicated mineral trading terminals and logistics parks could be developed near major ports. Finally, the government could facilitate partnerships between Odisha-based industrial companies and Zimbabwean mining firms, enabling technology transfer and joint investment projects. A Strategic Opportunity for Odishas Future As global industries transition toward renewable energy, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing, access to critical minerals will become increasingly important. Zimbabwes rich mineral resources combined with Odishas strong industrial infrastructure create a natural foundation for economic cooperation. By building strategic partnerships with resource-rich regions like Zimbabwe, Odisha can strengthen its role in global supply chains, expand its industrial base, and open new trade routes with Africa. With the right policies, investments, and vision, the OdishaZimbabwe partnership could become a powerful driver of the states economic growthtransforming Odisha into a key gateway connecting Indias manufacturing strength with Africas mineral wealth. Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) is a framework that helps automakers and suppliers assess Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) is a framework that helps automakers and suppliers assess (Piotr Swat / Shutterstock.com) Indian design and technology services company Tata Elxsi has introduced DevStudio.ai, a multi-agent generative AI platform for automotive software development. The platform is intended to accelerate the automotive software development lifecycle (SDLC) for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), system suppliers and semiconductor companies. DevStudio.ai is aligned with Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) and uses multi-agent architectures to enable collaboration between automotive engineers and artificial intelligence across engineering workflows. Advertisement Automotive SPICE (ASPICE) is a framework that helps automakers and suppliers assess, standardise, and improve their software development processes for automotive systems. DevStudio.ai can be deployed in the cloud or in air-gapped, on-premise environments. According to the press statement, this flexibility helps organisations meet enterprise infrastructure requirements and comply with AI governance policies. Tata Elxsi Automotive CTO Sundar Ganapathi said: Competitive pressures now demand software development at China speed. At the same time, companies must maintain automotive-grade quality and meet global industry standards. Advertisement Advertisement DevStudio.ai helps address this challenge. It brings the power of generative AI into the automotive software development lifecycle. While several generative AI tools are being developed to support software engineering, most are aimed at general application development. DevStudio.ai has been designed specifically for the automotive SDLC, combining Tata Elxsis automotive domain expertise with generative AI to address the complexity, safety and compliance requirements associated with automotive software engineering. The multi-agent system is designed to operate as an AI co-engineer throughout the SDLC and is compatible with multiple large language models (LLMs). Advertisement Advertisement The platform also supports key stages of the ASPICE V-cycle, including system and software requirements, architecture, implementation, testing and qualification. It maintains end-to-end traceability across the engineering lifecycle, the statement added. DevStudio.ai integrates with engineering toolchains commonly used by OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, enabling teams to incorporate AI co-engineers within their existing development environments. The platform is currently being implemented in selected programmes with global OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers across North America, Japan and India in domains such as body, chassis, and infotainment. Advertisement Advertisement "Tata Elxsi launches DevStudio.ai for automotive software development" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Texas Instruments (TI) and Nvidia have collaborated to advance the deployment of humanoid robots by integrating real-time motor control, sensor fusion, and robotics computing technologies. The partnership aims to enable robotics developers to improve the validation of perception, actuation, and safety in robotics systems during earlier development phases. The companies have combined Texas Instruments motor control, sensing, radar, and power management expertise with Nvidias robotics compute platform and simulation tools to connect physical AI applications to real-world use cases. Advertisement This collaboration is designed to accelerate the transition from virtual development environments to production-ready robotic systems that meet scalability and safety requirements. As part of the joint effort, TI has created a sensor fusion solution that leverages its mmWave radar technology integrated with Nvidia Jetson Thor through the Nvidia Holoscan Sensor Bridge. This setup is intended to deliver low-latency 3D perception and enhanced safety awareness for humanoid robots. By merging data from both cameras and radar sensors, the system supports improved object detection, localisation and tracking while reducing the incidence of false positives. Advertisement Advertisement According to Texas Instruments, this capability remains effective in diverse lighting conditions as well as environments affected by glare, fog or dust. TI industrial automation and robotics general manager Giovanni Campanella said: TI's comprehensive portfolio bridges the gap between Nvidia's powerful AI compute and real-world applications, enabling developers to validate complete humanoid systems earlier in development. The mmWave radar sensor model IWR6243 connects via Ethernet to Nvidias Jetson Thor platform in order to achieve scalable performance for physical AI tasks. The combination seeks to address longstanding challenges associated with detecting transparent or reflective obstacles such as glass doors. Advertisement Advertisement By providing consistent detection where cameras may fall short, the solution aims to facilitate reliable navigation for robots in locations such as office buildings, hospitals and retail environments. Nvidia robotics and edge AI vice president Deepu Talla said: The integration of Texas Instruments' sensing and power management technologies with the Nvidia Jetson Thor platform provides developers with a functional safety-capable foundation to accelerate the deployment of next-generation physical AI. TI will present its joint developments at Nvidia GTC from 1619 March 2026 in San Jose, California. The company will exhibit at booth 169 in the San Jose McEnery Convention Center alongside D3 Embedded, which will provide a live demonstration of real-time sensor fusion using Texas Instruments radar technology within the Nvidia Holoscan ecosystem. Advertisement Advertisement The demonstration will include an end-to-end software processing chain and visualisation provided by D3 Embedded. "TI partners with Nvidia on physical AI for humanoid robots" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. Actress Jun Ji-hyun has added two more buildings and a piece of land in the Seongsu-dong area of Seongdong-gu to her real estate portfolio in Seoul. According to court records obtained on February 27, 2026, Jun bought two buildings: one with a basement and five floors above ground for about $15.6 million USD and another with one to three stories above ground for about $21.8 million USD. She also bought the land between the two buildings for about $1.85 million USD, which brought the total cost to about $39.25 million USD. Daum said that Jun Ji-hyun has been investing in real estate in Seoul for a number of years. The actress bought a duplex penthouse in Acro Seoul Forest, Seongdong-gu, for $10.9 million USD in 2023. She also bought a commercial building in Deungchon-dong, Gangseo-gu, for $42.4 million USD in 2022. She also owns commercial real estate in Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu, and Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu. In the past, Jun Ji-hyun has made money from buying and selling real estate. StarNews said that she sold a building in Nonhyeon-dong in 2021 for about $11.8 million USD, and that she sold her home in Samseong-dong in 2014 for $10.9 million USD, having bought it for $6.3 million USD. READ MORE: Jun Ji Hyun's Husband is The Highest Shareholder of His Firm A Daum spokesperson said, "This recent investment brings Jun Ji-hyun's total commercial real estate holdings to five properties, with a combined value estimated at nearly $126 million USD." Jun Ji-hyun is still able to balance her acting career with her real estate investments. She will star in the upcoming movie "Hive," directed by Yeon Sang-ho, after appearing in the Disney+ series "North Star," which came out last year. The movie is about people who have survived an unknown infectious disease and are now in a building that has been sealed off, where they face threats that they can't predict. This was stated by StarNews, which believed that the latest purchases made by Jun in the rapidly developing business district of Seongsu-dong are probably a strategic investment that demonstrates the woman's financial acumen and interest in the Seoul real estate market. READ MORE: Actress Kim So Hyun Joins Jun Ji Hyun's AgencyBut Netizens Slam Her Profile Photos When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: World Economic Forum Long-time Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been surprisingly candid in a recent chat with Morgan Stanley, highlighting, in as many words, how much the company has to thank both Intel and Apple for. This came in response to a questionwell, more of a statement than a questioncommenting on Nadella "embracing openness". For instance, regarding Microsoft's stance towards Linux on Azure and its relationship with OpenAI. Advertisement Nadella responded: "There are very few zero-sum battles, and I think we overstate that a lot somebody elses success doesnt need to be your failure if you can ride it. Its sort of a thing that needs to be talked about more Like, without Intel, I dont know if Windows would have happened, right? Without Mac, I wonder whether Office would have happened." "Im always looking for, first, whats the non-zero sum, where we can add value to our customers? Then, of course, there are zero-sum battles, and well compete." It's clear that the Microsoft CEO is referring to the origins of Windows and Office rather than any kind of ongoing dependence. In the case of Windows, there's a reason "Wintel" was, for a long time, common techy parlance. MS-DOS was made for the first IBM PCs that were running Intel CPUs, and thereafter for quite some time Microsoft's operating systems were the de-facto for home computing, in Intel machines. Credit: Microsoft The Mac-and-Office link is a little weaker but still pretty strong, because Excel was originally released for Mac computers, and the first version of Word with a GUI was also released for Mac before Windows. This was most likely because the original graphical Mac OS, System 1, was more user-friendly and popular than Microsoft's first graphical follow-up to MS-DOS, Windows 1.0. Advertisement Advertisement Oh how far we've come... I suppose? Take a Windows 11 room temperature reading, and you'll most likely find it lukewarm at best, thanks in part to the all-out AI PC rebranding and redesigns and seemingly perpetual privacy creep. On the former front, that topic and related ones took up the bulk of the Morgan Stanley discussionsurprise, surprisewith a brief respite for this candid admission. There have recently been some rumours that an AI-laden and "modular" Windows 12 might land this year, too, but this is heavily disputed. Either way, 2026 is seeming increasingly like the year of Linux, and I'm not sure Nadella will be as thankful for that as he is about yesteryear's Intel and Mac. But that's enough snark from me, let's leave a good comment be. Lost in Space. Doctor Who. Star Trek. Even The Jetsons TV and movies in the 20th century and beyond were obsessed with the idea of robots, both as threats, like the Daleks of Doctor Who, and as loyal companions, like Rosie in The Jetsons. When it comes to robots in real life, however, most people have mixed feelings. A survey by United Robotics found that the majority of people are uncomfortable with robots that resemble humans too closely, meaning Cybermen are out and R2-D2 is in. Even so, several humanoid robots are currently underdevelopment, including those from companies we're sure you recognize, like Tesla and Boston Dynamics. A new humanoid robot being sold by Chinese company Unitree Robotics may not be as off-putting as others, however, considering that it stands just over four feet tall, or about the size of your average eight-year-old. This robot, called the G1, recently made history not for its stature, but for a long, cold walk. The Unitree G1 took more than 130,000 steps in the freezing, snow-covered Altay region of Xinjiang, China, becoming the first humanoid robot reported to complete an autonomous walk in such extreme cold. The temperature dropped to -47.4 degrees Celsius, or about -53 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that would easily disable your phone or tablet. The walk was far from a publicity stunt; instead, it illustrated that cold-climate robots may be possible and could eventually reduce the need for humans to work in extreme environments that are often dangerous. No one likes the idea of a robot taking over their job, but not many of us enjoy working in deep freeze conditions. Advertisement Read more: Every Major Tractor Brand Ranked Worst To Best A meaningful demonstration A Unitree G1 robot in an orange puffer jacket walking in knee-deep snow - Unitree Robotics/YouTube Humans require special equipment to survive in ultra-low temperatures, and robots are no different. To prepare for its long, snowy walk, the Unitree Robotics G1 robot donned an orange insulated winter coat and plastic sleeves around its legs and feet to help protect its motors, joints, and battery packs. Its trek was pre-planned and timely: the G1 drew an approximately 610-foot-long by 328-foot-wide Olympic emblem in the snow, adjusting its balance on uneven terrain. Depending on its configuration, the G1 has between 23 and 43 joint motors and is powered by a quick-release battery with about two hours of life. To complete its journey, it relied on advanced sensors including 3D LiDAR and depth cameras, a noise-cancelling microphone for voice control, and China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. Its adaptive path-planning software helped it choose the best path to maintain balance while completing its task. It has a maximum walking speed of about 4.5 miles per hour. Unitree Robotics may still be learning what the G1 can do, but it's already for sale, along with other four-legged robots. It starts at about $14,240, and in 2025, the company sold about 4,200 units. For now, the G1 is being used in pilot and test sites, not factories or work sites, which is exactly why Unitree conducts tests such as this cold-weather walk. Some day in the not-so-distant future, robots may not be fetching our slippers like Rosie, but instead working in cold-storage warehouses, clearing parking lots and roads after snow, or even conducting scientific research in arctic climates. Advertisement Advertisement Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. Nigel Stephenson, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Physical Planning, confirmed that the Beryl-related housing rebuilding and repair programme will continue with improved checks and balances. Information received this week said that following a comprehensive review of housing records, the government had discovered that hundreds of families were incorrectly categorized as displaced due to previous political mismanagement. Housing Minister Andrew John is credited with making the statement ibn which he also revealed that "the official count of those in need was reduced by half, this after identifying individuals who already possessed permanent residences. But even as the Minister of Housing moved to disclose the challenges that exist in sanitizing the home rebuilding, repair progamme, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Physical Planning Nigel Stephenson confirmed that the housing recovery programme introduced following the passage of Hurricane Beryl "remains active. Addressing a recent constituency meeting in the West St. George, Minister Stephenson rejected suggestions that the initiative had been halted. He explained that the current administration has reinstated the quarterly distribution of building materials to assist residents impacted by the hurricane. The minister further stated that support will continue for individuals seeking help with housing repairs and construction. However, he emphasized that assistance will only be granted after assessments are carried out by designated evaluators within each constituency. Stephenson noted that under previous New Democratic Party (NDP) administrations, building materials were distributed on a quarterly basis throughout the year, ensuring ongoing support for those in need. He said the government intends to return to that structured approach. He stressed that the distribution of materials will no longer be tied to election cycles but will instead be based strictly on the needs of citizens. According to the minister, assessors in each community will review housing conditions to determine eligibility for assistance. Additionally, Stephenson indicated that the programme will not be limited solely to persons affected by Hurricane Beryl. Residents facing urgent housing challenges, even if unrelated to the storm, will also be considered under a broader national housing support initiative. CORTIS will make their first comeback on May 4 with their second mini album "Greengreen," after pre-releasing the lead single on Apr. 20 at 6 p.m. KST. BIGHIT MUSIC confirmed that boy group CORTIS will drop "The 2nd EP [GREENGREEN]" on Monday, May 4. The digital release of the title track is scheduled two weeks earlier, on Monday, April 20, at 6 p.m. KST. The group announced the news through fan platform Weverse on March 6, asking fans to mark their calendars for the comeback. The release marks CORTIS's first new record about eight months after their debut mini album "Color Outside The Lines." The group's second EP is also referred to as "Greengreen" or "GREENGREEN" in official notices, according to allkpop. The title track from "Greengreen" will be pre-released as a digital single to build early momentum for the comeback. The song will go live on April 20 at 6 p.m. KST, giving listeners a preview of the group's new sound before the full album arrives. Korean media describe this strategy as a way to "ignite" anticipation ahead of the May album launch. The EP is expected to include "YOUNGCREATORCREW," a track first unveiled during CORTIS's appearance at the "NBA Crossover Concert Series" and in the "Hancom Taja Sanseongbi" game. Clips of the song and its choreography have already generated thousands of short-form videos on TikTok, signaling strong fan interest, chosun reported. CORTIS is a five-member group under BIGHIT MUSIC, made up of Martin, James, Joo-hoon, Seong-hyun, and Geon-ho. The group debuted with the mini album "Color Outside The Lines," which reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200, the highest ranking for a debut album by a non-project K-pop group. The record has sold over 2 million copies according to the Circle chart, underlining the rookie group's rapid growth. Tracks like "GO!," "What You Want" and "FaSHioN" helped CORTIS pass 400 million cumulative streams on Spotify within five months of release. With "Greengreen," industry watchers expect the group to aim for an even bigger global impact in 2026, as per the Korea Herald. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley and T&T Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar chat during the 50th CARICOM meeting in St Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, has rejected a claim by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, that Brent Thomas, a Trinidadian businessman, was kidnapped from Barbados. Mottley denounced the claim as a "A scurrilous lie and defamatory in the extreme. The Barbados Prime Minister was responding to Persad-Bissessars claim made during her speech at the opening of CARICOM 50th Heads of Government meeting on Tuesday 24th March, 2026, in St. Kitts and Nevis. During the opening ceremony, Persad-Bissessar said, "In October 2022, the then-sitting T&T government coordinated the kidnapping of a Trinidad citizen from another CARICOM state. He was visiting another CARICOM state, and he was kidnapped. Our Supreme Court has ruled that he was kidnapped. He was placed in handcuffs, transported to the airport, and then back to Trinidad. I think an RSS plane was used to transport him. He was kidnapped. She was referring to the 2022 arrest of Brent Thomas at a hotel in Barbados and his return to Trinidad aboard a military aircraft, although the T&T Police Service did not initiate formal extradition proceedings. A High Court judge later ruled the act an "unlawful abduction, prompting an apology from the Trinidad and Tobago government, with both countries accepting liability for constitutional breaches. But Mottley, on her return to Barbados after the CARICOM meeting, rejected the characterisation of the incident as a kidnapping, saying: "To describe it as a kidnapping is a most unfortunate term because arrest warrants were presented by the Trinidad police to the Barbados police. As to what happened, we dont know because we dont get involved in operational matters. So, as it transpired, we, in fact, knew nothing about it. It is only when this matter became a public issue that we then had to launch an investigation into what transpired and it was clear that the Trinidad and Tobago police, as has been the practice for decades in this region, would have supplied an arrest warrant which the Barbados police would have acted upon. She added: "But to describe it as kidnapping or to suggest that any member of Cabinet or any member of the permanent secretary class or government of Barbados is involved in kidnapping is a scurrilous lie and defamatory in the extreme. We all know what transpired and it is regrettable that it happened. However, Mottley said the longstanding informal practice of executing arrest warrants between Caribbean states underscored the need for legislative reform. "We understood at the time and we said, our attorney general said at the time, that the formal process of extradition, which we do extra-regionally with other countries, has not and was not practised in the region among ourselves by any country in the region. And therefore, to that extent, we acknowledge that we need to be able to change how we operate, Mottley said. "That is why the CARICOM arrest warrant is being pursued. That is why legislation has to be passed in every CARICOM country to be able to facilitate that CARICOM arrest warrant. The CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty came into force at the regional level in 2018 after sufficient ratifications. However, it only becomes legally enforceable within a member state once domestic legislation is passed. (Source: TT Guardian, Facebook) Stuart Richard Young, legal counsel for the petitioners, referred to significance of the Constitution in the election petitions matter. A lawyer for the petitioners challenging the eligibility of the current Prime Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister to contest general elections, has dismissed suggestions that there might be a technical issue given Fridays long tenure as an MP (since 2001) without previous objections. When asked by THE VINCENTIAN newspaper whether there might be a technical issue given Fridays long tenure as an MP without previous objections, Stuart Young, who served as Prime Minister from March 17 to May 1, 2025, and is legal counsel for the Unity Labour Party petitions in an election matter here, dismissed the suggestion. Young said that the matter centres on the interpretation of the Constitution and relevant electoral legislation, and went on to explain that the case involves the application of Section 26(1)(a) of the Constitution, along with Section 35 of the Representation of the People legislation, noting that the Constitution ultimately takes precedence. The first case management hearing in the election petitions challenging the eligibility of Prime Minister Godwin Friday and Foreign Affairs Minister Fitzgerald Bramble to contest general elections in SVG, was held Thursday at the High Court, Bedford Street, Kingstown. The petitions, filed in December 2025, question the right of both men to serve in Parliament on the grounds that they allegedly hold dual citizenship. Friday represents the Northern Grenadines constituency, while Bramble serves as Member of Parliament for East Kingstown. In December 2025, the opposition Unity Labour Party filed two election petitions challenging the election of Friday and Bramble following the November 27 general election. Both MPs attended the hearing with strong support from Cabinet colleagues and other supporters. Stuart Young was one of at least five overseas attorneys called to the Bar in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday, and who will be involved in the case. In December 2025, two unsuccessful Unity Labour Party candidates filed two election petitions challenging the election of Friday and Bramble following the November 27 general election. Carlos Williams petitioned against Dr. Friday and Luke Browne did likewise against Bramble. Camillo Gonsalves, former Finance Minsiter, declared that his view was not necessarily that of his party the Unity Labour Party. Former Minister of Finance, Camillo Gonsalves said that the current Value Added Tax (VAT) Act does not make provisions for a VAT free day. Speaking on STAR Radio on March 02, emphasised "Nothing in the law authorizes anybody to suspend the law, so you cant come in and say I hereby declare that the law does not apply today, you cant just come in and say there shall be no VAT today, Gonsalves contended. To do as, as the NDP government did, was a violation of the law, Gonsalves declared. "I dont want to turn this into a court room, but there isnt anything in another law that would justify you simply declaring in Cabinet that you will be suspending a law that will be illegal. He explained that what the government ought to have done was to amend the VAT Act to make provisions for the finance minister to declare a VAT free day. "So, you adjust the law, Gonsalves said. "You have the majority, go to Parliament and change the law, adding, "And you would have been able to do it, but it would not have been inconvenient because you promised to do it. The decision was also made by the highest level in authority to ignore the law and legislate from Cabinet and while the Parliament can assign certain responsibilities to Cabinet, the Cabinet could not pass laws on taxation, Gonsalves stated. "There is a law on VAT that does not allow for a VAT-Free Day. I challenge anybody to go in the VAT Act and show me where it says have a VAT-Free Day because you break this one, you bend this one you start getting in the habit that you can govern from Cabinet, Gonsalves said. All in all the former Finance Minister admitted that he was not knocking the VAT-Free Day and that he was not necessarily speaking on the behalf of the Unity Labour Party. (TBTCO) - Du an keo dai ai lo Vo Van Kiet (TP. Ho Chi Minh) ket noi truc tiep voi truc ong luc Luong Hoa Binh Chanh khong chi la loi giai cho bai toan giao thong cua ngo phia Tay ma con la ngoi no kich hoat chu ky tang gia moi cho loat du an bat ong san quy mo lon. Trong lo trinh e on au xu huong au tu nay, 3 du an gom: Khu o thi LA Home, The Solia va Eden Dragon ang noi len nhu nhung iem sang huong loi truc tiep. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website and archive of over 26,000 articles Exclusive monthly, members-only newsletter offering behind-the-scenes views from our contributing writers A guest, two-month subscription to share with a friend British Airways (BA) has announced it is pausing repatriation flights to the UK from Oman due to "reduced demand", in addition to cancelling more flights across the Middle East. Limited tickets remain on sale for two scheduled services from Muscat to London Heathrow on 11 and 12 March, after which the flights will pause, BA said. BA flights to and from Amman in Jordan, Bahrain, Doha in Qatar, Dubai and Tel Aviv in Israel have also been cancelled until 28 March, and services to Abu Dhabi a winter only route for the airline will not restart until October. Advertisement A reduced service to Larnaca, Cyprus, is still operating. "We're keeping the situation under constant review and are in touch with our customers to offer them a range of options," BA said in a statement on Tuesday. Thousands of flights to and from the Middle East have been cancelled since late February, following Iranian strikes across the region in retaliation to US and Israeli bombardment - leaving many Britons stranded. What's the latest on UK government chartered flights? Five government chartered flights have brought home UK nationals from the Middle East since Friday. The fourth flight arrived in the UK from Dubai on Tuesday morning, with the fifth having departed the country the same evening. Advertisement Advertisement The UK Foreign Office has opened a booking portal for further chartered flights, but a government minister said commercial flights are "by far the most likely and the most rapid" routes out. While new flights have been announced, the conflict is rapidly evolving and circumstances around air travel could change quickly. Around 45,000 British nationals have returned to the UK since 1 March. On Monday, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said more than 170,000 Britons had registered their presence in the Middle East. Which flights are departing from the United Arab Emirates? On Friday, Etihad announced that it would begin operating limited flights from Abu Dhabi to last through this week, following "extensive safety and security assessments". Advertisement Advertisement It included scheduled services to London Heathrow and Manchester in the UK. Emirates is also operating a reduced flight schedule. Flights to Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Edinburgh and Newcastle are scheduled for this week and available to book, according to its website. Emirates said on Friday it would be operating 11 daily flights across five airports, subject to ongoing airspace approvals. Are there any flights leaving Qatar? Qatar's airspace has been temporarily restricted, but limited repatriation flights are operating to and from Doha. Qatar Airways has announced a limited schedule of flights to and from Doha from Monday through to Thursday, including to London Heathrow. Advertisement Advertisement Passengers affected by the disruption are being contacted directly by the airline with further instructions, and travellers have been told not to go to the airport unless they have received an official flight confirmation. The airline said it would resume other operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announced the safe full reopening of the country's airspace. Are flights from Oman running? Oman's capital, Muscat, has emerged as a key transit hub for people wanting to leave the Middle East. British Airways has been running daily repatriation flights from Muscat to London Heathrow since 5 March. On Tuesday, BA - which does not normally serve Muscat - announced it would pausing the service, following the departures of two final scheduled flights on 11 and 12 March. Advertisement Advertisement The UK Foreign Office has not advised against travel to the area where the airport is located. Oman Air said it is operating extra flights to and from Muscat between 10 and 15 March, including to London Heathrow. Many travellers have headed to Oman to secure a seat on a flight back to the UK [Reuters] What about Bahrain flights? On Tuesday, Gulf Air said it has opened bookings for "limited flights" between Dammam, in Saudi Arabia, and London Heathrow from 11 March, for passengers eligible to travel to and from Bahrain. Dammam is accessible from Bahrain by road. The airspace above Bahrain is closed, meaning there are no flights departing from Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air, Bahrain's national carrier, said operations are suspended until the Bahrain Civil Aviation Authority confirmed it was safe to resume. Advertisement Advertisement Passengers with bookings up to 21 March are being offered flexible rebooking or refunds. Can I fly to the Middle East from the UK? The Foreign Office has advised against all but essential travel to Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. While most flights to the Middle East from the UK have been cancelled following the missile strikes, some are still operating. Some commercial flights went ahead as scheduled over the weekend and the start of this week, but disruption persisted. On Monday and Tuesday, several commercial flights to the Middle East were cancelled, including Qatar Airways flights to Doha and Riyadh from London Heathrow. Advertisement Advertisement Early on Tuesday, some planes arriving in Dubai were temporarily placed in a holding pattern due to a potential missile attack, flight tracking website Flightradar24 said on X. The flights later landed. Elsewhere, some airlines said they were adjusting their routes as passengers try to avoid the Middle East disruption. According to Reuters, Qantas said it was exploring redeploying capacity to Europe, while Cathay Pacific said it was adding more flights to London and Zurich in March as fares on their routes to Europe rose. Correction: This article originally described Hamish Falconer as a Home Office minister and has been amended to make clear that he's a Foreign Office minister. His name was later removed from the story entirely following a news update on 10 March. Advertisement Advertisement If it is safe to do so, you can get in touch by following this link Stargazing, culture, beer: Why Bavaria should be on your 2026 must-visit list While arts and culture has always been a great reason to book a flight, travelling in search of unique food and drink offerings is on the rise, too, as is astrotourism. If you pick the right destination, theres no reason to choose between them which is exactly what Bavaria is proposing. The biggest state in Germany, Bavaria has a big offer of everything, Claudia Mitchell, Partner and Network Manager at Bayern Tourismus Marketing told Euronews Travel at the ITB Berlin travel trade show. Advertisement It has everything from nature, to culture, to cities, to quaint villages, she said. Plus, theres always something going on. Even in winter, youll find festivals and traditional events. Light pollution-free stargazing Best known for its nature offering, visitors head to the state for both the Bavarian Alps and the Bavarian Forest. But in recent years, visitors have cottoned on to a bonus feature of hiking out in nature: Away from the cities, you dont encounter as much night pollution, making stargazing a possibility. The state has worked to improve the experience for visitors, too in 2025, Bavarian Forest Nature Park and Bavarian Forest National Park were recognised as an International Dark Sky Reserve after the state worked to reduce light pollution. Theres so little light there, it really is wonderful, its like a Sternenhimmel [starry sky] show more or less, Mitchell said. Its really not disrupted by any city lights, and thats beautiful. A beer tent at Oktoberfest - Canva Embracing Bavarian culture in the beer houses and palaces Even those who have never been to Germany will have heard of the states capital and biggest city, Munich, and its annual Oktoberfest. Advertisement Advertisement The city has a real love affair with beer, which is best enjoyed while wearing traditional dress like dirndl or lederhosen. Its not that we put on our dirndl dresses and put up the beer benches as a show for tourists the locals really go there, Mitchell said. Theres this resonance between the locals and the tourists, its like diving into Bavarian culture during your holiday, and I think that is really unique. Its not that you sit in a traditional beer restaurant on your own, you can always join people on the big tables and start a conversation. Thats what people take home in their memories, together with the beautiful countryside and the really wonderful cities. Advertisement Advertisement To learn more about this in 2026, be sure to check out the Bayerische Landesausstellung exhibition in Freyung. Held annually in different cities, this year it is themed around music, and visitors can learn about the history of the different dances and the local customs associated with them. Plus, another element of Bavarian culture hit the headlines last year, with the Palaces of King Ludwig II of Bavaria being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palaces include Neuschwanstein, the inspiration behind Disneylands Sleeping Beauty Castle, as well as Linderhof, Schachen and Herrenchiemsee. Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt - AP Photo/Matthias Schrader - Copyright 2008 AP. All rights reserved. 365 days of festivals While Oktoberfest is an obvious choice for when to visit Bavaria, theres no bad time to hop on a flight or train to the state. Advertisement Advertisement Highlights include the Christmas markets, which can be found in all the bigger cities and towns, as well as the summer festivals where you sit outside on beer benches and soak up the atmosphere. We always recommend trying to participate or be there when there are Bavarian festivals, because then you can really dive into the culture, Mitchell added. Thats what makes Bavaria so special the Bavarian lifestyle. India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has introduced a range of new digital platforms, hospitality initiatives and governance reforms aimed at strengthening Indias tourism sector and supporting future industry growth. The announcements were made by Indias Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during a joint celebration marking 60 years of ITDC and 70 years of The Ashok Hotel in New Delhi. The initiatives highlight ITDCs evolving role in Indias tourism and hospitality ecosystem, particularly as the government focuses on digital tourism infrastructure, immersive visitor experiences and sustainable tourism development. Advertisement Industry observers note that such programmes align with broader efforts to expand inbound tourism, develop the MICE tourism segment and strengthen Indias global tourism competitiveness. Digital transformation and online tourism services A key element of ITDCs strategy is the expansion of digital tourism platforms and services. The organisation launched a new online booking portal designed to provide integrated travel services for government departments, public sector organisations and institutional clients. The system enables users to book flights, hotels, transport and conferences through a single digital interface. Ashok Travels & Tours, ITDCs travel services division, also introduced an updated digital and physical brochure repositioning the business as a comprehensive travel services provider. Services include visa processing, transport arrangements, accommodation bookings and concierge support for corporate and government travel. Advertisement Advertisement These developments reflect wider digital transformation trends in the global tourism industry, where travel booking platforms, integrated travel management systems and online service delivery are becoming central to tourism operations. Investment in heritage tourism and visitor experiences ITDC also announced several initiatives focused on heritage tourism and experiential travel, both of which are growing segments within global tourism markets. The corporation is developing new immersive sound and light shows at major historic sites, including Leh, Purana Qila, Bundi, Sarkhej Roza and Udayagiri and Khandagiri. The shows will use projection mapping, laser technology and multimedia storytelling to present the historical narratives of these destinations. Within its hospitality portfolio, ITDC expanded event and exhibition infrastructure at The Ashok hotel in New Delhi. Renovated outdoor venues and new multipurpose event spaces aim to support conferences, exhibitions and wedding events. Advertisement Advertisement The expansion targets the fast-growing Meet in India and Wed in India tourism segments, which are part of the governments strategy to increase international tourism revenue. Industry analysts view MICE tourism and destination weddings as high-value segments that can significantly increase visitor spending and extend tourist stays. Hospitality training and governance reforms Several initiatives announced by ITDC focus on industry skills development and operational governance within the tourism sector. The Ashok Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management has been repositioned as the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Ashok. The move aligns the institution with Indias national network of hotel management institutes and aims to strengthen professional training within the hospitality industry. Advertisement Advertisement In parallel, ITDC released updated operational frameworks including a new procurement manual and standardised contractual templates. These reforms are designed to improve transparency, compliance with government financial rules and efficiency across ITDCs operations. The organisation also signed a partnership with Indias Ministry of Tribal Affairs to train 1,500 tribal homestay operators across the country. The programme will provide training in hospitality standards, financial literacy and digital operations, supporting inclusive tourism development in rural areas. Role of ITDC in Indias tourism growth Established in 1966, ITDC is a government-owned enterprise under Indias Ministry of Tourism and has played a central role in developing tourism infrastructure and hospitality services in the country. With India positioning tourism as a major economic growth sector, the government is increasingly investing in digital infrastructure, heritage tourism experiences and workforce development. Advertisement Advertisement Industry stakeholders expect that ITDCs latest initiatives could support wider tourism sector growth, particularly in digital travel services, experiential tourism and high-value event tourism segments. "India expands tourism infrastructure and digital travel services" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - To operate, to support, and to restore a part of their femininity that has been stolen from them: obstetric surgeon Sarah Abramowicz has made the fight against female genital mutilation one of her life's battles The Ritz-Carltons luxe cruise liner already has its eyes set on 2027. The hoteliers 794-foot Luminara, which we hopped aboard last year, is heading to both Asia and Alaska on its recently debuted itineraries for 2027. The brand is offering up 15 adventures to the Land of the Midnight Sun, four journeys across the Pacific, and two transcontinental voyages that give you the chance to traverse both spots in one go. More from Robb Report Advertisement No matter which journey you fancy, you can expect to explore some more remote areasas well as the famed destinations, too. Kicking things off with Alaska, youll get to take in the stunning sights across Vancouver, British Columbia, and Whittier with Luminara as your home base. The seven-to-nine-night adventures can include cruises in the Inside Passage, where you can catch a glimpse of glaciers, densely forested shores, and more stunning scenery across the more than 500-mile stretch. For even more face time with a glacier or two, some trips will cruise through the Tracy Arm Fjord (with private flights available to get an even closer look); others will take you to more secluded harbors, such as Wrangell and Klawock, during bear season and the salmon run for the ultimate wildlife viewing experience. Asia, meanwhile, will take you on a journey through a bevy of ports, including spots in Seoul, Tianjin (with Beijing and the Great Wall nearby), Otaru, Akita, and more. A 10-night jaunt from Tokyo to Seoul, for example, will give you a glimpse of Mount Fuji and seaside temples, as well as time to explore Beijings Forbidden City during a two-day stay. Other experiences on offer include time spent in Osakas beloved foodie district, Dotonbori, and a chance to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites. Our Summer 2027 season on Luminara reflects our continued focus on immersive exploration by sea, pairing expanded Alaska voyages and new ports of call across Asia with the comfort of ultra-luxury accommodations and personalized service, said Ernesto Fara, CEO and president of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, said in a press statement. These new voyages are thoughtfully designed to invite guests to experience and connect with both remarkably distinct regions in a way that feels seamless and enriching. Luminara is the most recent vessel to join the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, making up a neat trio alongside its sisterships Evrima and Ilma. The newest cruise liner just hit the seas this past July and offers up a slew of spacious suites (226, to be exact), each with its own private terrace. Elsewhere onboard, youll find a Ritz-Carlton Spa, a marina with direct access to the sea, plenty of swimming pools, and world-class dining. Advertisement Advertisement Of course, the Ritz-Carlton isnt the only hotelier with seafaring on the mind (though its the only one with vessels in the water right now). More and more high-end brands are debuting their own elevated cruise ships that bring their white-collar service to the ocean blue, such as the ones launching from Four Seasons, Aman, and Orient Express. And with both the Four Seasonss and Orient Expresss vessels set to debut this year, theyll be joining Luminara on the seas soon enough. To book a cabin aboard Luminara for its 2027 journeys (spanning from April 25 to October 13, head to the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collections website. Click here to see more of Luminara in photos. Best of Robb Report Advertisement Advertisement Sign up for RobbReports's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Step inside Union Oyster House and youre instantly transported into a seafoodsteeped time capsule, overflowing with Boston history worthy of a museum. The smell of freshly caught oysters being shucked at the restaurants famous semi-circle bar greets guests upon entry. Meanwhile, portraits of historical figures watch as diners suck on shellfish and down mollusks brought out by staff who shuffle across aged hardwood floors. These fixtures are just some of the many examples of how Union Oyster House has preserved its original character since first opening in the 1800s. Since then, the landmark establishment has remained one of the oldest restaurants in the United States. In fact, it celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2026. Advertisement Last year, Union Oyster House was dubbed North Americas Best Landmark Restaurant by the World Culinary Awards for the third time. I am deeply honored to receive this award on behalf of the Union Oyster House staff and our faithful patrons, current proprietor Joseph Joe Milano said in a statement at the time. We are pleased to have received this award in 2020, 2024 and now in 2025, and are grateful to be considered a legend. While the restaurant has expanded its space, switched ownership several times and employed a rotating roster of champion oyster shuckers, Union Oyster House still stands tall as a Boston institution. Among the many factors that have helped the restaurant remain relevant over the past two centuries is something that has essentially stayed the same from the beginning: its award-winning clam chowder. Advertisement Advertisement I would call it very famous and a favorite of many, Milano said about his restaurants signature dish. Its something that others do not have. Its a New England preparation, and its really very acceptable. Union Oyster Houses clam chowder is known for its creamier consistency and strong clam flavor. The recipe draws inspiration from Nova Scotia because the family that preceded Milanos was from that region. Celebrities, tourists and foreign dignitaries Union Oyster Houses quintessential meal combined with its historic interior has attracted all kinds of diners from tourists and celebrities to politicians and foreign dignitaries. That can be seen in the countless plaques that adorn Union Oyster Houses walls. Milano has been fortunate enough to meet his fair share of celebrities as they sat in one of Union Oyster Houses signature wooden booths. Advertisement Advertisement He witnessed Italian opera legend Luciano Pavarotti serenade a young girl on her birthday, cultivated a very good relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio after the Oscar winner fell in love with Milanos mother due to their shared Italian heritage and struck up a friendship with Tiger Woods as the two bonded over their connection to Thailand Woods ancestry and Milanos diplomatic involvement. The owner also watched the late Robin Williams banter with his friend Billy Crystal to a point where reality essentially became art. They were very fascinating, said Milano, who is a huge fan of both actors. They were friendly, but they jabbed back and forth to a point that I thought I was watching a movie. Their character. Their persona. The way they act, that I would visualize on some sort of TV or movie, was exactly the same, he added. Its been an interesting journey Milano first became involved with Union Oyster House in August 1970. He was a minority owner alongside his father, who knew the owners at the time. Advertisement Advertisement They were looking for some change, new blood, Milano recalled. Were always going through some evolutionary changes, certainly in this part of the city, but it was kind of something of interest. And then beyond that, its been an interesting journey. While no municipal records document the exact date the building was constructed, Union Street itself was laid out in 1636, according to the restaurants website. The building housed importer Hopestill Capens Dry Goods, a clothing business, in 1742. Over the next century, the building was home to multiple big operations and notable residents. Starting in 1771, Union Oyster House was the printing center for The Massachusetts Spy, which is regarded as one of the most important newspapers of the American Revolution. By 1775, it became the headquarters for Ebenezer Hancock, the first paymaster of the Continental Army. This was where federal troops would receive their war wages. Advertisement Advertisement The building later housed Louis Philippe, a French monarch who lived in exile on the second floor, starting in 1796. Phillippe made a living by teaching French, mostly to high-class women, before he eventually returned to France to serve as King from 1830 to 1848. Capens Dry Goods store occupied the space until 1826, when two men in the oyster harvesting business turned the space into a restaurant called Atwood and Bacon. The concept was unusual at the time, as standalone restaurants were not common. Prior to that, you had B&Bs (bed and breakfasts), you had taverns, you had places to go, but not really necessarily a restaurant that people can come to and then have to lodge and so forth, Milano explained. That change kind of just was the metamorphosis of life. With a focus on shellfish and other seafood, the owners of Atwood and Bacon installed a semi-circular oyster bar. The bar eventually became the namesake of the current establishment. Advertisement Advertisement Atwood and Bacon was then sold to the Fitzgerald family in 1913, who changed the name of the business to Union Oyster House. In 1940, the Greaves brothers took over. Thirty years later, they sold it to the Milano family, who have owned Union Oyster House ever since. By the time Milano came on board, the area around the restaurant was just starting to become a tourist destination. The business owner mainly credits the renaissance of the city to the popularity of Quincy Market. It occurred in about 1975, 76, and it really became the necessary recipe to really have Boston begin to really get known as a destination, Milano said. This influx of tourism helped to renew the publics interest in Union Oyster House. It also helps that visitors pass the landmark while on the Freedom Trail Bostons historic walking tour that includes stops detailing the American Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement Tourists pass Union Oyster House while going from Faneuil Hall to the Paul Revere House. In fact, Union Oyster House has its own Freedom Trail room with dioramas that are replicas of the 16 sites on the tour. It is this historic exemplification that often attracts history buffs to pop into Union Oyster House for a meal and expand their knowledge of Boston. As you walk through the living history of this restaurant, everything tells a story, Milano said. This representation absolutely gets a lot of attention. Visits by US presidents Aside from the bustling oyster bar and memorabilia-covered walls, Union Oyster Houses famous John F. Kennedy Booth is another standout feature that many people ask for, Milano said. The restaurateur recalled meeting JFK himself when he was serving as a U.S. Senator, saying Union Oyster House was Kennedys favorite spot where he enjoyed solitude and would read newspapers on a Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Kennedy was one of five U.S. presidents whom Milano has met at the restaurant during his time there. The others are Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. Milano recalled that Carters visit came on short notice as he was receiving an honor at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. He also developed a relationship with Bush, as both men had served in the military. Milano served during the Vietnam War, then was appointed Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 1997 to 2004. He has also served as the Honorary Consul General of Thailand in Boston since 2002 and was awarded the Most Exalted Order of the White Elephant in 1994 and the Most Notable Order of the Crown of Thailand in 2004. Clinton, however, was a character, according to Milano. Advertisement Advertisement I enjoyed him, he said, adding that Clinton came in for a luncheon for Democrats and was very focused. Obama, much like most diners at Union Oyster House, fell in love with the clam chowder, Milano said. He came back again ... he would come back, and he would go up to the Vineyard, which he loved, and he would take chowder personally, Milano added. At 81, the restaurateur and veteran is still active at his restaurant today. Milano can be seen engaging with customers and staff many of whom hes gotten to know over the past 50 years. It is that bond also fostered by the many generations of family members who have graced Unin Oyster Houses halls that has breathed life into the establishment for 200 years. It creates an incredible synergy amongst everybody in doing what they do, Milano said. Im a very passionate person in the sense of working and working with them, because primarily theyre the ones who represent the sales force or (are) in the kitchen. But I enjoy it. Its a lot of theater in that sense, but its fun, and its great to be part of such an institution. Looking toward the future, Milano said maintaining the restaurants authenticity and ensuring top service and safety for the public are his biggest priorities. He has explored growth opportunities by supplying Union Oyster House products to local supermarkets and has considered opening a satellite location in an airport or mall. Not for a while, Milano said after letting out a chuckle, adding that those ideas can be carried out over the next 200 years. Union Oyster House is located at 41 Union St., Boston. The eatery is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. destinations Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Yosemite is arguably California's most famous national park. But it's also huge so where should you even start? We've got you. Brief Few views in the United States are as breathtaking as the first glimpses upon passing into Californias Yosemite Valley, where sweeping views, granite cliffs and majestic waterfalls appear suddenly with every turn in the road. Its easy to understand why the valley at Yosemite National Park has drawn people for millennia, from the native tribes that lived there nearly 4,000 years ago to explorers like John Muir to modern rock climbers like Alex Honnold. Whether or not youre an expert hiker, the Yosemite Valley has plenty to offer, including mist-covered trails alongside waterfalls and vistas of the iconic Half Dome that can be reached by car. Advertisement The national park is immensely popular, drawing about 4 million visitors each year, so its important to make a plan and arrive early if you want to avoid the biggest crowds. Location/state Yosemite National Park, California (Mariposa County, California, with small sections in Tuolumne County and Madera County) Why it matters Yosemite National Park was Americas third national park, designated in 1890, though the Yosemite Valley was first protected through a bill signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864, predating all of Americas national parks. The grandeur of the park is reflected in numbers at 2,425 feet, Yosemite Falls is one of the countrys tallest waterfalls and in the impressions it leaves on people. Trailblazing environmentalist John Muir called Yosemite the grandest of all the special temples of Nature he ever visited. What to see today A longer trip is necessary to view everything the park has to offer, but many hikes are possible on a single-day visit. At lower elevations, the largely flat, 11.5-mile Valley Loop Trail crosses the entire valley and gives visitors a glimpse of several of the parks wonders. For a more uphill trek, consider the 3.6-mile hike to Upper Yosemite Fall, or the Mist Trail, which leads to the tops of Vernal Fall then Nevada Fall. (You can just go to Vernal Fall if youre looking for a shorter but still strenuous hike.) And if youre feeling more adventurous, you can apply for a permit (available by lottery starting in March) to do the Half Dome hike, a 14-to-16 mile hike with about 4,800 feet of elevation gain and cables for the final ascent. Ask a local Photographer Ansel Adams was often inspired by the majesty of Yosemite National Park, dating to his teenage years when he convinced his parents to vacation to the area. A photo from Tunnel View, just outside the Wawona Tunnel, is among his most enduring images, but given the amazing views, the area is often overcrowded with tourists and cars. If youre looking for the same views but with more solitude, park in the upper parking lot and jump on the trailhead to Inspiration Point. After just a bit of walking up the trail, youll likely find a far more peaceful way to absorb the views of Californias crown jewel. Plan your visit Best time: Late spring and early fall, known as the shoulder seasons, offer the best chances of mild weather and smaller crowds, though putting together a plan is still crucial for a good time. Advertisement Advertisement Hours/admission: Yosemite National Park is open 24 hours a day year-round, though the Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station is only open during daylight hours, and some roads are closed due to snow from roughly November to June. Entrance fees are $35 for a standard vehicle, or you can get an annual national park pass that costs $80 for U.S. citizens and residents. (People age 62 or older can get a lifetime pass for $80.) The park has also lifted its timed-entry and reservation requirements they've had in place for their peak visitation periods. Getting there: If youre flying, Fresno Yosemite International Airport is the option closest to the park. From San Francisco, the roughly 200-mile drive requires taking I-580 east to I-205 east, then taking either Highway 120 (Manteca) or Highway 140 (Merced) into the park. Learn more: The most up-to-date information on closures, entrances fees and more can be found at the Yosemite webpage on the National Park Service website. Late afternoon light shines on El Capitan's Horsetail Fall during the annual 'Firefall' event in Yosemite National Park, California, U.S., February 21, 2026. REUTERS/Tracy Barbutes TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Tom Coulter is a reporter for The Desert Sun. Reach him at thomas.coulter@desertsun.com. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: See iconic Half Dome, El Capitan in Yosemite National Park If youve dreamed of growing a vegetable garden but your backyard is too shady, is paved or is simply too small, consider the front yard. Planned properly, it will not only provide a nice harvest but might even bring new friends to your gate. Such gardens were commonplace a few generations ago, their popularity shrinking over the years in favour of lawns, which became a suburban status symbol. Fortunately, front-yard vegetable gardens are making a comeback as more homeowners learn that turfgrasses drain precious resources, and that their upkeep risks polluting the environment, soil and groundwater. SECURITY LEADERS: Defence Minister Wayne Sturge, top right; joins US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, front rowthird from left; White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, third from right; and officials and security leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean in a group photo at the inaugural Americas Counter Cartel Conference at US Southern Command in Doral, Florida, yesterday. Photo: AP NPC deputies, CPPCC members fulfill duties with dedication People's Daily Online) 13:14, March 06, 2026 This year's "two sessions" the annual meetings of China's top legislature and top political advisory body are currently underway in Beijing. Deputies to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) are fulfilling their duties with dedication. NPC deputy Geng Zunzhu: Fulfilling my duties by addressing people's concerns Geng Zunzhu, a deputy to the 13th and 14th NPC and the Party secretary of Gengdian village in Chiping district, Liaocheng, east China's Shandong Province, carries a notebook wherever he goes, recording everything from villagers' daily concerns to soil moisture levels and crop growth. Food security has been a consistent focus of Geng's research in recent years. During fieldwork several years ago, he heard from local farmers that outdated irrigation infrastructure and low returns from crop cultivation were their top concerns. At last year's "two sessions," Geng submitted recommendations calling for sustained infrastructure investment, upgrading high-standard farmland to achieve annual yields of 1,500 kilograms per mu (667 square meters), improving compensation mechanisms, and rolling out supportive measures including subsidies and agricultural insurance. Before long, he received a response from China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the Shandong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs invited him to a meeting on the matter. Geng said he was pleased to see the country stepping up support for high-standard farmland construction, while Shandong has been gradually increasing financial aid for these areas. "Once these issues are addressed, young people will be willing to return to their hometowns and earn a living close to home," Geng said. CPPCC member Lian Yuming: Good proposals start with good fieldwork Lian Yuming, a member of the 13th and 14th National Committees of the CPPCC and chief expert of the Sanjiangyuan National Park Administration, has long focused on a single priority: the protection and development of the Sanjiangyuan area on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The area is home to the headwaters of the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang rivers, and is known as "China's water tower." Lian Yuming (center) conducts field research at Qinghai Longbao National Nature Reserve. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) Since July 2023, Lian has been leading field research in the Sanjiangyuan area, with his team visiting over 400 sites and covering nearly 40,000 kilometers. During field research at the source of the Yellow River, more than 4,000 meters above sea level, Lian met a family that has protected the local environment for generations. Moved by their dedication, he resolved to bring stories of grassroots conservation efforts in Sanjiangyuan to a wider audience. During the "two sessions" in 2025, Lian submitted a proposal calling for Sanjiangyuan National Park to be developed into a nationally representative and globally influential nature reserve. He advocated for comprehensive, systematic protection and concrete measures to promote harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The proposal received a response from the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. "Over the past year, I've come to realize that strengthening technology empowerment is essential to the construction and management of Sanjiangyuan National Park," Lian said. He has since proposed building a skilled environmental protection team, leveraging technology in conservation, and addressing challenges such as low efficiency in manual fieldwork and the lengthy data collection cycles involved. NPC deputy Huang Maoxing: My suggestion received a swift ministerial response Huang Maoxing, a deputy to the 13th and 14th NPC and vice president of the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences, has long focused on economic theory and regional economics. He frequently visits factories and farms to engage with entrepreneurs, workers and farmers. To address the challenges and bottlenecks facing private enterprises, Huang has led his research team in collaboration with the Fujian Federation of Industry and Commerce, publishing annual research reports on the private sector for a number of consecutive years. In early 2025, the General Office and Deputies Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee jointly highlighted 10 exemplary cases of high-quality handling of deputies' suggestions, including one submitted by Huang calling for accelerated development of digital trade in services. "My suggestion was swiftly responded to by several ministries," Huang said. The Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the National Data Administration reached out to him multiple times to update him on progress and seek his feedback. Meanwhile, relevant departments conducted field research in Fujian, Anhui and Jiangsu provinces, bringing together local commerce officials and experts for discussions. Many items in his suggestion were ultimately incorporated into policy, translating into concrete measures that advanced the reform and development of digital trade. Huang stated that he will continue conducting extensive research to address the most pressing issues affecting people's lives, while promoting the healthy growth of the private sector and supporting the development of those working within it. CPPCC member Xu Ling: Fulfilling one's duties requires sustained, long-term commitment Xu Ling, a member of the 13th and 14th National Committees of the CPPCC and vice president of Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, spent much of the 2026 winter vacation making field trips to businesses. She has visited a wide range of settings, including manufacturing workshops, vocational schools and job fairs, filling her notebook with insights from business owners, the aspirations of technical workers, and perspectives from teachers at colleges and universities. Vocational education and the training of skilled workers have always been Xu's primary focus. Over the years, she has submitted numerous proposals on vocational education, many of which have been adopted and incorporated into policy. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), she witnessed the structural transformation of the vocational education system, including the steady growth of vocational undergraduate universities, gradual improvements to the institutional framework, and a shift in how society perceives technical workers. This year, Xu is focusing on upgrading the skills of industrial workers. She advocates strengthening the vocational education system, establishing professional standards for teachers, and cultivating educators who excel in both theory and practice. The goal, she said, is to ensure talent development keeps pace with the evolving needs of industry. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) UN experts on Friday expressed alarm over an intensifying campaign of deportations, arbitrary arrests and human rights violations targeting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in Egypt including individuals at risk of human trafficking In an Express article last week headlined Strong turnout for migrant sign-up, an update was given on the ongoing physical registration exercise for migrants. Written by senior journalist Anna Ramdass, the story outlined the number of migrants processed at each venue: Ato Boldon Stadium, 167; Larry Gomes Stadium, 176; Dwight Yorke Stadium, 40. The Hasely Crawford Stadium was closed for a sporting event. A: For me, it feels more like a village. It feels more circular. It feels as though we all stand in space at different moments for each other. And also, as a reader, I found these women's works as I was developing as a writer and as a person and as a woman. I discovered Toni Morrison on my mother's bookshelf. Oh, my God, and Alice Walker and all of those. And they became different kinds of mothers than the mother I had. I could find out different things about life and women and desire and imagination and writing itself. Reading poetry. So when I found those books as a child, I thought, This is my home. This is where I belong. This is where I want to be. The big question is, how do you eat? (Laughs.) And in (the early years described in) "The Flower Bearers," Kamilah and I were just on the grind all the time, (among) so many young poets, but it was just a special time of coming up. Being a middle-aged one, at this point, and looking at older writers, younger writers, generations behind me now are so exciting and interesting. Community is just very, very important to me, and so listening, giving back and doing my work, these are all ways to be a kind of literary citizen. I mean, I spend a lot of time alone, but when I'm going into community, I always want to just be present and show up. Well, I think these women have helped me learn how to show up, by the lives they've lived and the courage they've had to speak about their lives. They've risked and dared everything. Q: Well, and that's what you did in this book. Are doing, as well. You have said the writing process on this book was really difficult. Did it just feel like something you needed to get out on paper, despite how hard it was? Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - As the Middle East is shaken by war, the UN Secretary-General deplored on Thursday the "stratospheric levels" reached by military spending, on this International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Land-grant institutions are public universities that were defined by the federal Morrill Acts of 1862, 1890 and 1994 as those whose mission is to receive federal land or funds to provide practical education in agriculture, science, engineering and other fields. Eugene Sander is an iconic leader in the history of the University of Arizona, said Suresh Garimella, UAs current and 23rd president, in a written statement. His long service to the university left an indelible mark. The enduring strength of our agricultural programs and engagement throughout the state owes much to his decades of leadership as a faculty member and dean. Many here at the U of A remember him fondly and admire his generous service, including postponing retirement to lead the U of A as our 20th president. We extend our condolences and gratitude to President Sanders family and loved ones. Peter Likins, who was the 18th president of the UA, when Sander led the agriculture and life sciences college, said he was a magnificent and creative dean. He had stature, Likins said. It was easy to see Gene as a leader, kind of automatically. I dont know what qualities some individuals have that make it clear to everybody around them that they are a leader, not just part of the team, Likins continued. In the Arizona context, when I arrived, he was an important member of the team of deans and very creative in establishing research initiatives in the life sciences. During Sanders year-long presidency, he advocated for increased state support for medical education to address Arizonas physician shortage, urging the state Legislature to fund the expansion of UAs College of Medicine-Phoenix. 7:30 announces new Executive Producer Former 10 and SBS correspondent, Dani Isdale, becomes exec producer at flagship current affairs programme. ABC News has named Dani Isdale as the new Executive Producer for 7:30, succeeding Joel Tozer who moved to Four Corners. Currently Deputy Head of Foreign and Commissioning Editor of Channel 4s Foreign Film Fund, she has 26 years of experience as a journalist working in Australia, the US and UK. Isdale has run both the Washington and Westminster bureaux and her teams coverage of conflicts in the Middle East, Europe and Africa has won international recognition, including BAFTA, News Emmy and Royal Television Society awards. She also works as a Channel 4 Program and Duty Editor and last year launched global affairs vodcast TrumpWorld. Born and raised in North Queensland, she began her journalism career as a cadet reporter with Network 10 in Townsville, going on to be a state reporter, federal politics reporter, national correspondent, Europe and Middle East correspondent and presenter. She subsequently worked for SBS World News and Dateline. Justin Stevens, ABC Director News: Working with Sarah Ferguson and the 7.30 team is a big job and a vitally important role. 7.30 is going from strength to strength, growing audiences on broadcast and digital. Its a key priority for the ABC, a pillar of prime-time that also bolsters our coverage across other national platforms. Dani brings exceptional experience and credentials and Im delighted to have her on board. Dani Isdale said, Joining Sarah and this exceptional team is a real privilege. 7.30 has spent four decades setting the standard for interviews, investigations and storytelling at home and abroad. Im looking forward to building on that legacy and finding new audiences across all platforms. She will commence with ABC in June. Airdate: Twisted Yoga Young yoga students, including Australians, detail involvement in a cult accused of human trafficking, kidnapping, and rape. Apple TV has announced a new three-part docuseries Twisted Yoga which alleges a cult involved in human trafficking, kidnapping, and rape. The series appears to include key Australian participants. Twisted Yoga follows a group of young yoga students from around the world drawn to the ancient practice in search of inner peace and purpose, only to fall under the influence of reclusive Romanian guru Gregorian Bivolaru, the spiritual leader of an international network of yoga studios specialising in tantric rituals. As they begin to fear theyve joined a cult, they discover that Bivolaru, who often summoned select female students to his Paris apartment for private initiations, has a dark past. Bivolaru now faces charges in France, including human trafficking, kidnapping, and rape, allegations he denies, as these women work with French authorities to convict him. Twisted Yoga is produced for Apple TV by Lightbox, in association with Ladywell Films. Simon Chinn, Jonathan Chinn, Suzanne Lavery and Bernadette Higgins serve as executive producers, with Deacon directing. Friday, 13 March on Apple TV. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said he would prefer not to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline amid growing tensions with neighbouring Hungary and Slovakia over oil flow disruptions. Zelenskyy's position comes as Russian oil shipments to Hungary and Slovakia have been halted since 27 January after what Ukrainian officials say were Russian drone attacks that damaged the Druzhba pipeline, which crosses Ukrainian territory. "Ukraine can repair the Friendship oil pipeline in a month or a month and a half, although it sees no technical or safety reason to do so," he said. "I will be frank: my position, which is shared with European leaders, is that I would not repair the pipeline." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelenskyy added that, while Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine, he has no interest in facilitating Russian oil deliveries. On Wednesday, he had said repairs would only be possible during a ceasefire. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said his country will block the adoption of a new EU sanctions package against Russia and the allocation of a 90 billion EU reparations loan to Ukraine until the Druzhba pipeline resumes operation. In response to Zelenskyy, Orban ruled out any compromise. In a post on X, the Hungarian leader said, "There will be no deals, no compromise. We will break the Ukrainian oil blockade by force. Hungary's energy will soon flow again through the Friendship pipeline," without elaborating on how. The situation has sparked a sharp diplomatic row with Hungary after Zelenskyy earlier made remarks directed at Orban about giving his phone number to Ukrainian troops to have a conversation with him. The remarks have been condemned in Budapest as a death threat, adding fresh tension to an already fraught relationship between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The exchange comes as Hungary prepares for parliamentary elections in April, with Ukraine's EU accession bid and relations with Kyiv emerging as a main campaign issue. The Druzhba oil pipeline dispute At the heart of the dispute is the Druzhba oil pipeline, which was struck in a Russian attack in late January and has remained out of service since. Hungary and Slovakia are the last two EU member states still importing significant volumes of Russian oil via the route. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday, Zelenskyy addressed the standoff with Orban directly. "We hope that one person in the European Union will not block ninety billion or the first tranche of ninety billion, and that Ukrainian soldiers will have weapons" Zelenskyy said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Otherwise, we will give the address of this person to our Armed Forces, to our lads. Let them call him and talk to him in their own language. Budapest interpreted the remark as a threat against the prime minister's life. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto denounced the statement in unusually strong terms. "It goes beyond all bounds that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has practically threatened Prime Minister Viktor Orban with death. Hungary cannot be blackmailed, no matter how they threaten it," Szijjarto said at a press conference. Opposition leader Peter Magyar, Orban's main challenger ahead of the April vote, also condemned the remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Ukrainian president threatened Prime Minister Viktor Orban. No foreign head of state can threaten anyone, not a single Hungarian," Magyar said at an election rally. Last week, Orban ordered soldiers and police to guard Hungary's critical energy infrastructure, citing fears of a Ukrainian attack. Hungary has also blocked a 90bn European Union aid package for Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of political blackmail over the pipeline shutdown. According to a representative from The Gioi Di Dong retail chain, data recorded as of 12:00 on March 4 shows that the Galaxy S26 accounted for 6 percent of orders, the Galaxy S26 Plus for 3 percent, while the Galaxy S26 Ultra dominated with 2,611 orders, representing 91 percent of the total. Sales of the S26 series have increased compared with the previous S25 lineup. Retailers attribute the rise to several newly introduced features this year. These include improved security capabilities, the Privacy Display feature that helps prevent others from viewing the screen in public spaces, horizon lock video recording for more stable footage, and more advanced AI tools for creative photo editing. At Minh Tuan Mobile, around 100 pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 series had been recorded by the afternoon of March 4, along with thousands of customers expressing interest in the product. Compared with the same period last year when the Galaxy S25 was launched, this represents an increase of nearly 20 percent. Among the versions, the Galaxy S26 Ultra clearly leads with about 75 percent of total orders. Retailers say its improvements in privacy protection, particularly the active anti-peeping display feature, are highly valued as users increasingly prioritize personal privacy. In terms of color preferences, the purple version leads with around 50 percent of orders, suggesting that bold and distinctive designs continue to attract consumers. Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy S26 series at Minh Tuan Mobile are also offered promotional packages worth up to VND9 million (US$360), including shopping vouchers worth up to VND6 million (US$240), gifts from the retailer valued at up to VND3 million (US$120), and zero-percent installment payment options. At Di Dong Viet, more than 600 customers have placed deposits for the Galaxy S26 series. The Galaxy S26 Ultra again attracts the most attention, accounting for about 65 percent of deposits. Within the Ultra version, the 256GB model represents around 45 percent of orders while the 512GB version accounts for about 50 percent. Compared with the Galaxy S25 series during the same launch period, orders for the S26 lineup have increased by roughly 20 percent. In addition to price considerations and exclusive retail promotions, the number of customers using trade-in programs to upgrade from older Galaxy S models has also risen within the system. CellphoneS reported more than 3,000 pre-orders for the Galaxy S26 series during the early sales period. This figure represents growth of more than 40 percent compared with the previous generation, highlighting the strong appeal of Samsungs latest flagship lineup in its first days on the market. Notably, around 90 percent of customers at this retailer chose the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Within that group, the 512GB storage version alone accounts for about 60 percent of Ultra orders, while the Cobalt purple color leads with 30 percent of total purchases. According to Phan Tran Thanh, director of the phone category at FPT Shop, demand for the Galaxy S26 series within the retail chain has been encouraging despite the higher price compared with previous generations. The Ultra version continues to dominate sales, particularly the purple color variant. Compared with previous Samsung models, overall demand remains stable, especially in the premium segment. Le My New York, US (PANA) - There has been an alarming escalation of violence in Sudan's Kordofan region where fighting has killed and injured civilians, destroyed homes, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure Cybersecurity experts say identity and access management has emerged as one of the most common vulnerabilities among Vietnamese organisations, with eight out of ten companies assessed for security showing weaknesses in this area. The National Cybersecurity Association noted that despite positive progress, the defensive capabilities of organisations and businesses in Vietnam still reveal many worrying gaps. The assessment was highlighted in the 2025 cybersecurity report for organisations and enterprises published in mid-January by the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA). The report noted that while there have been positive improvements, defensive capabilities among many organisations in Vietnam still contain worrying gaps. According to the NCA, around 47.72 percent of organisations still face shortages of cybersecurity personnel. Nearly 28 percent have not implemented any cybersecurity standards internally, while more than 9.3 percent reported having no form of internet access control, such as firewalls, leaving their systems exposed to potential intrusion. These concerns are further reinforced in the Cybersecurity Report 2025 - Trends Forecast for 2026 recently released by VSEC. Experts involved in the report noted that although cybersecurity budgets in many Vietnamese organisations increased during 2025, defensive effectiveness has not kept pace with the level of investment. The issue, they say, is not the lack of technological solutions but the gap between deploying technologies and the actual capability to operate them effectively. Phan Hoang Giap, deputy chief executive officer and chief technology officer of VSEC, said many organisations have already deployed components such as firewalls, endpoint detection and response systems (EDR), security information and event management systems (SIEM) and security operations centres (SOC). However, these systems often operate independently, lack contextual integration and rely heavily on manual operations. Many organisations possess the necessary tools, but they function separately and depend largely on manual processes. Meanwhile, modern cyberattacks are highly automated, creating a clear imbalance in speed. Attacks occur at machine speed, while defensive operations in many enterprises still move at human speed, Giap explained. Security operations centres at many organisations also face limitations in staffing, operational procedures and automation capabilities. Incident handling often depends on individual experience rather than contextual analysis and rapid response mechanisms. Another weakness lies in incident response and recovery capabilities. Many organisations have response plans documented on paper but have not conducted sufficient drills. As a result, they often struggle to react effectively when a real incident occurs. Backup systems are not always immutable, and recovery procedures are rarely tested against complex attack scenarios. The consequence is that even when an attack is detected early, organisations still encounter difficulties restoring systems quickly and minimising damage, Giap said. Among the most critical vulnerabilities identified in the report is identity and access management, often referred to as IAM. IAM refers to the framework of technologies, processes and policies designed to ensure that the right individuals or systems gain access to the right resources at the appropriate time and for legitimate purposes. According to VSEC, the areas most frequently targeted in identity management include access permission control, identity lifecycle management, authentication and authorisation processes, remote access and personal device usage, as well as monitoring and compliance. For instance, during the initial infiltration stage of a cyberattack, defensive failures often stem from weaknesses in user identity and behaviour control. These include the absence of phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication, inadequate monitoring of unusual login behaviour, weak verification procedures, password reuse and the use of personal email accounts for work. Based on these findings, VSEC experts recommend that organisations shift their cybersecurity strategy from a model based primarily on monitoring and reaction to one centred on proactive defence. This approach should focus on two main pillars: actively assessing whether systems have already been compromised and hunting for hidden attack indicators, and identifying, controlling and reducing the organisations attack surface. At the same time, organisations should move beyond traditional awareness training to implement programmes that actively change user behaviour and build a strong culture of cybersecurity within the workplace. Experts emphasise that user behaviour ultimately determines the effectiveness of any defensive system, particularly in the face of social engineering, sophisticated phishing schemes and targeted cyberattacks. For this reason, companies are encouraged to place greater emphasis on cultivating security-conscious behaviour and organisational culture alongside technological investment. Van Anh You have spoken very passionately about enhancing the role of pre-hospital care in public health. What is the core issue here? We invest heavily in hospitals, equipping them with modern machinery and facilities. The question is: Why are hospitals always overloaded? In my opinion, it is partly because citizens lack a family doctor system to manage their health; every time they go for an exam, they start from zero. Doctors must diagnose based on the patient's memory, often without knowing their history of drug allergies or underlying conditions. This is very risky. The system can only operate efficiently if pre-hospital care is well-managed. Family doctors help direct patients to the right place and the right specialty, saving both time and costs. At the same time, we need to build a professional pre-hospital emergency system. The goal is to reach the scene within 8 minutes, following international standards. We must establish official job titles and career codes for pre-hospital emergency care to attract professionals. Training community volunteers must also be a priority. Regarding pre-hospital care, Thailand is about 20 years ahead of us. A trained young person there can support 10 neighboring families. This requires the participation of the state, businesses, and the community for everyone's common safety. Pre-hospital emergency care is not a business service; it is a social welfare benefit for the people. If knowledge is not passed down, the industry cannot grow Vietnamese doctors during wartime were incredibly talented and heroic, and in peacetime, they are ready to fight epidemics, as seen with Covid-19. In your opinion, what is the greatest strength of Vietnamese doctors? Many people sense this, and personally I feel very clearly that the greatest strength of Vietnamese doctors is resilience. Every Vietnamese family has lived through years of resistance. The resilient spirit of our ancestors and the solidarity of our nation in times of hardship made me feel "cowardly" if I didn't rush to the front lines against Covid-19. We were ready to face the pandemic without hesitation. In addition, the spirit of sacrifice for the community, reducing the ego for the common good, is also a precious quality of Vietnamese healthcare workers. They endure hardships, actively volunteer to provide medical support in remote and disadvantaged areas, help communities recover from natural disasters, and offer charitable medical care to people in difficult conditions, the poor, and policy beneficiaries. Do you have any memorable experiences from studying or practicing medicine abroad that became personal lessons for you? When I was a resident in Paris, I once examined a high-ranking official. Before every procedure, I had to ask for permission very carefully. That taught me to think seven times before speaking. In Vietnam, I always remind my colleagues to speak in a way that patients can easily accept, to treat them as clients in a service, while still maintaining the dignity of the medical profession. As a second-year resident in Paris, I participated directly in patient care. Whether they were ordinary citizens or "VIPs," we always asked for permission clearly and politely: "Excuse me, I am a Vietnamese resident intern here," "I am very happy to be assigned by my professor to examine you," "Would you mind if I ask a few related questions?" Of course, I said this in French, a language that is grammatically strict and polite. I thought to myself, back home I speak Vietnamese, my mother tongue; why would it be difficult to say such things to my own patients? Speaking this way does not diminish the respect for the medical profession. Beyond treatment, you devote much effort to medical education. Why is passing on professional knowledge so important? One swallow does not make a summer. A strong medical industry needs many people who are "skilled in medicine and rich in ethics" walking together. Each person's knowledge is finite, but perceptions and experiences differ. If we don't share, we don't progress. If we don't pass it down, the industry cannot grow. A teacher in medicine holds a special role, being both a physician and an educator. We wish to share the passion for the profession that our teachers and predecessors entrusted to us with our students and trainees. Thanh Hue Phu Tho Peoples Committee Chair Tran Duy Dong (photo: Bao Phu Tho). Shortening the roadmap by 14 months to clean up 1,331 legal documents and accepting fiscal pressure to apply higher social welfare standards province-wide was Phu Thos strategy of upward harmonization to eliminate regional disparities following the administrative merger last year. The policy of reorganizing provincial-level administrative units represents a strategic breakthrough aimed at expanding development space and optimizing national resources. The 2025 operational reality in Phu Tho, the merged entity of Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho and Hoa Binh, has provided important information. With an economy valued at approximately $16 billion and a smoothly functioning administrative apparatus, Phu Tho stands as tangible evidence supporting the soundness of this decision. When the National Assemblys resolution on merging the three provinces of Vinh Phuc, Phu Tho and Hoa Binh officially took effect, the new provincial government immediately faced a complex legal reality: the parallel existence of three separate systems of normative legal documents, each with different economic-technical norms and policy mechanisms. For the same management content, each former locality applied its own standards, creating invisible barriers to the operation of the new administrative structure. According to the Phu Tho Department of Justice, a total of 1,331 legal normative documents required review and handling, including 391 resolutions of the former provincial Peoples Councils, 913 decisions, and 27 directives issued by the Peoples Committees of the three former provinces. Under the National Assemblys resolution, merged localities were allowed a transition period until February 2027 to complete synchronization. However, the Standing Committee of the Phu Tho Provincial Party Committee and the provincial Peoples Committee opted to shorten the timeline by 14 months, completing the review, repeal and issuance of a unified legal framework within 2025 so that it could take effect uniformly from January 1, 2026. Provincial Peoples Committee Chair Tran Duy Dong explained that the decision stemmed from practical necessity: The most important objective of the merger is unity. If healthcare, education and fee policies differ, people will naturally feel concerned. To achieve that goal, the provincial administration operated at high intensity: 10 thematic meetings of the Peoples Committee and four special sessions of the Peoples Council were held consecutively. The result was the repeal of 488 overlapping documents and the issuance of 235 new ones. Completing the heavy workload 14 months ahead of schedule was commended by the Ministry of Justice as a model of review progress among localities undergoing administrative restructuring. More importantly, it helped Phu Tho avoid a one province, two mechanisms situation during its first fiscal year. Addressing disparities Following the document cleanup is the challenge of policy substance. The greatest challenge in unifying mechanisms and policies was the large gap in social security benefits among the three former localities. Review data revealed clear differences in fiscal capacity. Dong noted: Previously, Vinh Phuc had strong revenue sources, so its social welfare was often set at 1.2 to 1.3 times the minimum level prescribed by the central government. Hoa Binh, due to limited resources, could only offer about 80 percent. So, the question is which level should be the common standard? Lowering Vinh Phuc's support or taking the average would be safe for budget balancing but would cause negative reactions from residents enjoying the high levels. Conversely, raising the entire province's support to the highest level (Vinh Phuc's) would create social consensus but place great pressure on recurrent expenditures. Phu Tho chose the second option, called the "upward synchronization" strategy. The province decided to apply the most superior policies regarding healthcare, education, and support to all citizens, including difficult areas in former Hoa Binh and Phu Tho. This decision served as a vital lever for stabilizing the population. Ensuring all residents benefited early from high-quality policies created public consensus for the new administrative model. The "march" of 651 cadres to communes Alongside institutional perfection, the province restructured the apparatus to operate a two-level local government model starting July 1, 2025. The complete abolition of the district level (the intermediary) posed a challenge to law enforcement capacity at the commune level as workload surged at the grassroots. To solve this, Phu Tho implemented a mechanical personnel transfer plan. According to the Provincial People's Committee, 651 cadres, civil servants, and public employees from provincial agencies and former district-level units were seconded or mobilized to work at communes and wards. This was a technical solution to bring those with professional expertise and management mindsets from higher levels down to reinforce the front lines. Additionally, the province added 74 Vice Chairmen of Commune People's Committees to key areas to strengthen leadership capacity. Doan Bong Her first five children were born in 2013, 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2025, while the youngest three arrived as natural triplets later in 2025. Since the birth of the triplets, Thao says her daily routine has become unpredictable, shaped entirely by the needs of her children. A family photo taken before Thao gave birth to the triplets. If the babies are calm, I might get to lie down around midnight. If they cry a lot, I sometimes cannot sleep until one or two in the morning. But every day at 5:30am I wake up to get the older children ready for school, she said. Compared with caring for one newborn at a time in the past, looking after three babies simultaneously has been far more exhausting. Ive become used to eating while standing and sleeping while sitting, she said with a smile. Thao and her husband, Tran Van Sinh, 37, married in 2012. For many years the couple worked in Ho Chi Minh City to earn a living. In 2021, when the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted work in the city, the family returned to their hometown. They used their savings to buy a container truck so Sinh could become a long-distance driver. He now transports goods along routes stretching from north to south and across border gates. Whenever he has time, he returns home to visit the children. Even when he is far away, he always calls to check on us, Thao said. Her first five pregnancies were healthy and each child was delivered naturally. During those years, both her mother and mother-in-law took turns helping care for the newborns. During her sixth pregnancy, however, doctors initially told her she was carrying twins after a routine ultrasound. The news brought both excitement and concern to the family, who began preparing baby items in pairs while Thao attended regular check-ups to monitor the babies development. At 33 weeks of pregnancy, she suddenly went into labour and doctors decided to perform an emergency caesarean section because her cervix was dilating rapidly. During the surgery, the medical team discovered something unexpected: Thao was not carrying twins but triplets. The three baby boys surprised the entire family when they were discovered during surgery. Two of the babies weighed 2.1kg each, while the third weighed 2kg. When I regained full awareness, the doctors explained that two of the babies were identical twins positioned in a way that made them difficult to detect during ultrasound scans, Thao recalled. According to the doctors, the case was quite rare, but fortunately all four mother and children were healthy. When the triplets were born, her husband was working far from home. After hearing the news from relatives, he quickly arranged to return to see his wife and newborn children. The recovery period after surgery was particularly difficult for Thao. It was her first caesarean delivery, making the pain far greater than during her previous natural births. Although concerned for his wife, Sinh could not remain at home for long as he is the familys main breadwinner. He encouraged Thao to take care of her health while he continued working to support the family. Fortunately, both sides of the family live nearby and frequently help with childcare. Her 60-year-old mother-in-law often stays overnight to help prepare milk and care for the babies. I grew up in a family with seven siblings, Thao said. We were not wealthy, but we always loved and supported one another. When we grew up, we looked after our parents together. It was very warm and close-knit. That is one reason I like having many children. Even though the triplets are generally calm, Thao admits that caring for eight children at once can feel like a daily battle. In the centre of the house, three hammocks are tied in a triangular arrangement so she can easily attend to the babies. At night, if one baby wakes and cries, the other two quickly follow, creating a chorus that often wakes the older children as well. Mai Thi Thao with her eight children. Yet over the past six months, the five older siblings seem to have grown up quickly. After school, the three eldest boys, aged 13, 12 and 9, help cook meals, sweep the house, hold their younger brothers and assist their mother with small online sales. The fourth child, a six-year-old boy, has already learned to mix milk and gently rock the hammocks for the babies. The fifth child, a young girl, quickly calls for adults whenever the babies cry. The thing I fear most is when the children get sick, Thao said. There have been nights when several children coughed at once, leaving her overwhelmed and in tears. But she always reminds herself to stay strong for her family, knowing that even though her husband is often away, he continues working tirelessly so their children can have a better life. Grandparents, uncles and aunts frequently visit to help the family. As the babies grow stronger, Thao has also found more time to sell products online from home. She estimates that the familys monthly living expenses reach around VND30 million, with roughly one-third of that amount spent on caring for the triplets. Raising eight children is not easy, but my husband and I always try to treat them fairly, she said. As long as the children stay healthy, seeing all eight of them playing together every day makes me happy. During the recent Lunar New Year holiday, she bought new clothes and shoes for the children. The younger babies meant the older ones could not travel much, but when their father returned home on the first day of the holiday, the children were overjoyed and filled the house with laughter. In recent days, the familys story has spread widely on social media, attracting both admiration and criticism. Some commenters argued that having so many children is too demanding and questioned whether the mother was sacrificing her own wellbeing. Looking at the triplets sleeping peacefully in their hammocks, Thao simply smiled. Children are blessings from heaven, she said. No matter what people say, my husband and I feel lucky to have them in our lives. Since we brought them into the world, it is our responsibility to give them the best life we can. The couple has also decided that eight children will be enough, and they now plan to focus on raising them well. Linh Trang Doctors working at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Ha. After six years of medical training, doctors in Vietnam will still need to pass a national competency examination before receiving licences to practise in healthcare facilities. The requirement aims to ensure professional standards and patient safety across the healthcare system. According to Professor Nguyen Viet Tien, standing vice chairman of the National Medical Council, the council plans to organise the first national competency examination for medical practice in December 2027. The exam will initially apply to four professional groups: general practitioners, preventive medicine doctors, traditional medicine doctors and dentists. Candidates must hold a degree in one of these specialties and complete the required practical training period stipulated under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment. The examination is expected to be organised at six locations nationwide to make participation more convenient for candidates. Examination centres will be selected based on strict criteria relating to infrastructure, technology and safety standards. The test will take the form of multiple-choice questions conducted on computers. The goal is to ensure that practising doctors meet competency standards issued by the Ministry of Health. This will help standardise the quality of medical training and enhance patient safety across the healthcare system, Professor Tien said. He noted that the competency assessment is not only a legal requirement under the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment but also aligns with international trends in standardising the medical workforce. Facing concerns about the large number of candidates - around 10,000 medical graduates each year - Professor Nguyen Huu Tu, rector of Hanoi Medical University and head of the examination organising committee, said the process is entirely feasible. According to him, the system can operate effectively as long as multiple qualified centres participate in organising the exam. Only units that meet strict requirements in infrastructure, technology and security will be recognised as testing centres, he said. Doctor Ha Anh Duc, director of the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management under the Ministry of Health and vice chairman of the National Medical Council, also said the number of candidates is manageable. Compared with other competency-based examinations that attract hundreds of thousands of participants, an annual exam for about 10,000 candidates is not excessively large. The key challenge, he noted, is ensuring safety, accuracy and objectivity in every stage of the examination process. Technology will be applied to monitor the exam closely, and organisers will carefully calculate appropriate methods to ensure the process remains efficient while accurately assessing candidates true competence. Participants will be responsible for paying the examination fee required for the competency assessment. Positive pressure for medical schools Currently, Vietnam has 34 higher education institutions offering medical training, including 18 public universities and 16 private institutions. Professor Nguyen Viet Tien said the annual competency assessment will create pressure on training institutions regarding the quality of their graduates. However, he described this as a positive form of pressure. After each exam cycle, schools with a higher proportion of graduates failing the assessment will need to review their training programmes and teaching quality. Conversely, institutions with high pass rates will strengthen their reputations. The yearly assessment is expected to serve as a major milestone for young doctors beginning their professional careers. Doctors who do not pass the exam will be allowed to retake it, although within reasonable limits. We must place patient safety above all else. If a candidate does not meet the minimum competency requirement, they cannot be allowed to practise, Professor Tien emphasised. If a doctor fails the exam multiple times, it is clear that they may need to consider another career path. Standardising medical graduates through a national competency examination is expected to help improve the overall quality of the medical workforce and strengthen public trust in the healthcare system. Under Clause 3, Article 120 of the 2023 Law on Medical Examination and Treatment, the National Medical Council is responsible for conducting competency assessments for medical practitioners according to the following timeline. From January 1, 2027, the requirement will apply to doctors. From January 1, 2028, it will apply to medical assistants, nurses and midwives. From January 1, 2029, it will extend to medical technicians, clinical nutrition specialists, emergency medical responders and clinical psychologists. As a result, all healthcare professionals will eventually be required to pass a competency assessment before receiving licences to practise. Phuong Thuy Twin Rivers Unified School District teachers are preparing for their first-ever strike on Thursday, Mar. 5, after months of stalled contract talks over pay, health benefits, and class sizes. Twin Rivers United Educators (TRUE), which represents teachers, librarians, and counselors, has formally issued a strike notice and says members will walk out if no agreement is reached before Thursday. This would be the first strike in the North Sacramento-area district's history, affecting more than 25,000 students. Union leaders say roughly 90 to 98 percent of participating members voted to authorize a strike after nearly a year of failed bargaining sessions. The dispute moved through mediation and into fact-finding, and a state-appointed panel released its report this week without bridging the gap between the two sides, according to KCRA. Salaries and health benefits are at the center of the conflict. The fact-finder recommended a 2.3 percent pay increase for this school year, which is slightly below the district's latest offer of 2.5 percent and far below the union's demand for a 7.5 percent raise. TRUE argues that current compensation makes it hard to recruit and retain staff, pointing to more than 80 vacancies in educator positions. Health care is another major sticking point. The union wants fully paid health coverage for educators and their families, saying members now pay an average of about 21,000 dollars a year for insurance. The fact-finding report notes that Twin Rivers lags behind nearby districts on benefits, but warns that uncapped, fully paid family coverage could create financial risk for the district. Teachers also say they are striking to reduce class sizes and improve student support. TRUE is pushing for "hard caps" on class sizes and minimum staffing for counselors, psychologists, and nurses, arguing that crowded classrooms and thin support services hurt learning and safety, National Today reported. The union accuses the district of diverting more than 115 million dollars away from classrooms and failing to meet the state's requirement that at least 55 percent of funds go to instruction. District officials dispute that characterization but say they share goals of improving pay and learning conditions while keeping the budget stable. District leaders say schools will stay open during a strike so students can keep attending classes and receive meals and services. Nearly 90 percent of Twin Rivers students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, making campus access a priority for many families. The school board has authorized Superintendent Steve Martinez to hire substitutes, offering up to 600 dollars a day and travel reimbursements to staff classrooms. Both the district and TRUE say they remain willing to talk, but neither side has indicated a clear path to a last-minute deal, as per TRUSD. A new private K-8 school opening in Chicago this fall plans to deliver most core academic lessons through artificial intelligence tutors, a move that is exciting some families and worrying others. The school, modeled on emerging "AI-driven" campuses such as Alpha's new Chicago site, will use adaptive software to teach math, reading, and science in short, intensive academic blocks. Administrators say the system will track each child's progress in real time, adjust difficulty, and offer targeted practice based on individual strengths and weaknesses. Human teachers will still be present but focused on supervising, mentoring, and running projects instead of giving traditional whole-class lectures, according to Fox32 Chicago. AI tutoring systems rely on algorithms that analyze how quickly a student answers questions, which concepts they miss, and how often they need hints. The programs then change the sequence of problems, provide step-by-step explanations, or review earlier material so that each student moves at a different pace. Supporters argue that this one-on-one style mirrors what strong human tutors do, offering constant feedback and avoiding the boredom or frustration that can appear in large classes. School leaders point to recent research suggesting that well-designed AI tutors can raise test performance and help students master more content in less time. Generative AI systems can also create adaptive quizzes and writing prompts, which may reduce teachers' grading workload and free time for direct interaction with students. In Chicago, nonprofit groups such as LEAP Innovations have already been working with schools to pilot "responsible" AI tools aimed at boosting engagement and personalization. Despite the optimism, surveys show many parents are uneasy about AI's rapid spread in classrooms, especially when tools rely on large amounts of student data, the Times of India reported. Nearly 70 percent of parents in one national poll opposed giving AI systems access to detailed grades and assessment records, citing fears over privacy, security, and commercial misuse. Analysts also warn that students from wealthier families are more likely to benefit from advanced AI tools, deepening existing gaps if schools do not offer strong oversight and equal access. Some parents and educators worry that leaning heavily on AI for core lessons could weaken basic reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills if students treat the software as a shortcut. Others say children still need face-to-face instruction and emotional support from adults to stay motivated and learn how to work with peers. Experts recommend clear guardrails, including transparent data policies, active teacher monitoring, and limits on unsupervised AI use, as schools like the new Chicago campus move ahead with this experiment, as per EdWeek. Vermont's state auditor says the Department for Children and Families' Child Development Division broke federal rules in its child care subsidy program, putting more than $500,000 in federal funding at risk of being clawed back or denied. The audit focused on the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, which helps lowincome families pay for child care. Auditors found the Child Development Division failed to fully follow federal program integrity rules designed to prevent overpayments and ensure only eligible families and providers receive subsidies. The review said weaknesses in how the state checked provider records and family eligibility increased the chance of unallowable payments that federal officials could later question, according to WCAX. Federal child care assistance funding comes with strict requirements on eligibility, documentation, and error correction. Vermont policy itself defines a "program violation" as breaking program rules, whether accidental or intentional, and notes that such violations can lead to overpayments. When states cannot prove payments were accurate and properly documented, the federal government can require repayment or reduce future grants, putting hundreds of thousands of dollars, in this case, more than $500,000, at risk. The audit's concerns echo broader problems with Vermont's aging information systems used for child welfare and related services. Lawmakers and advocates have warned that a 43yearold IT platform makes it hard for the state to meet federal data and reporting standards, which are necessary to claim and protect federal funds. Officials say the system cannot reliably capture all the information Washington requires, making it difficult to prove Vermont is following the rules when it distributes aid. State child welfare leaders have acknowledged the technology gaps and say they are working on a longterm replacement, a project estimated to cost tens of millions of dollars. The Department for Children and Families has issued requests for proposals and says it remains committed to upgrading data systems so that eligibility, payments, and compliance can be tracked more accurately, VNews reported. In the meantime, state policy allows the Child Development Division to suspend payments or bar providers from the subsidy program when it finds violations, a tool officials say they will use more consistently to protect federal funds. Advocates warn that if federal officials decide Vermont failed to follow the rules, the state could lose access to money that supports child care for vulnerable families That could force Vermont either to cover questioned costs with state dollars or to cut back assistance, potentially destabilizing placements for children whose care already depends on subsidies. Lawmakers say the audit should be treated as a warning that stronger oversight and faster system fixes are needed to keep child care funding secure, as per Building Bright Futures. Lai Chau As preparations intensify for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and Peoples Councils at all levels for the 20262031 tenure, Hua Bum, a border commune in the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau, is finalising remaining tasks with strong determination to ensure a democratic, lawful and safe election. The police force of Hua Bum commune is educating locals about the significance of Election Day as well as the rights and responsibilities of citizens. (Photo: VNA) In recent days, election preparations have created a vibrant atmosphere across the commune, from main roads to remote villages. National flags, banners and election slogans have been prominently displayed, bringing a festive spirit to border highland communities. Communications efforts have gone beyond visual campaigns, being integrated into village meetings, Party cell activities and mass organisations. While local authorities have travelled to remote hamlets to disseminate election information directly to residents, the communes loudspeaker system regularly broadcasts updates on the Law on Election of Deputies to the National Assembly and Peoples Councils, helping voters better understand their rights and responsibilities. Lo Van Lon, Secretary of the Party cell of Nam Suong village and head of the village, said local meetings have helped residents fully grasp the significance of the election, with villagers ready to set aside daily farming work to cast their ballots on March 15. Identifying personnel work as a decisive factor and voter list management as the backbone of election organisation, Hua Bums Election Committee has made preparations in a scientific and lawful manner. The commune has established a 17-member election committee, five election boards and 13 teams serving 13 polling stations, ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Operational conditions, including official seals and working facilities, have been provided in a timely and coordinated manner. Meanwhile, voter lists have been publicised at polling stations for community supervision. Demographic changes including migrant workers and residents relocating are regularly updated to ensure no eligible citizens are unable to exercise their voting rights. Nguyen Duc Hien, Deputy Secretary of the Hua Bum Party Committee and Chairman of the local Peoples Committee, said all plans are being implemented smoothly. Polling stations have been fully equipped, and final inspections are underway to ensure optimal conditions for the Election Day. Located in a key border area with diverse ethnic communities, including Ha Nhi, Mong, Thai and Kinh groups, Hua Bum has prioritised election security. The commune police have coordinated closely with the Hua Bum Border Guard Station and local authorities to ensure absolute safety at polling locations. Lieutenant Colonel Hoang Manh Linh, deputy chief of the commune police, said officers have been deployed at polling stations and remain ready to respond to any situations to maintain public order for voters to exercise their civic rights with confidence. Thorough preparations by local authorities have strengthened public trust. Ly Phi Tu, a resident of Chang Chao Pa village, expressed his hope that elected deputies will be capable and responsible representatives devoted to improving the life quality in border areas. Each ballot cast by Hua Bum voters represents not only an individual choice but also public trust in those representing the peoples will and aspirations. Careful grassroots preparations are expected to help ensure the elections become a true nationwide democratic event, contributing to national development and the steady growth of Lai Chaus border region. Dong Nai National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed that any mistakes, though minor, must not be allowed while supervising and inspecting preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th NA and Peoples Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term in the southern province of Dong Nai on March 5. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man conducts an on-site inspection at constituency No. 4, polling station No. 17 in Tan Trieu ward, Dong Nai province. (Photo: VNA) During a field inspection at polling station No. 17 in Tan Trieu ward, the top legislator noted that Dong Nai has a population of nearly 4.5 million, including more than 421,000 ethnic minorities, accounting for 9.4%. The province is also home to more than 2.5 million religious followers, including around 1.4 million Catholics, while a large number of migrant workers reside in its industrial zones. Given these characteristics, he suggested that in areas with large religious communities, particularly Catholics, local authorities should promote the role of respected figures such as parish priests and clergy in communication and voter mobilisation. As election day (March 15) falls on a Sunday, the province should arrange appropriate schedules to facilitate parishioners ballot casting. For ethnic minority communities, the NA leader emphasised the need for perse and suitable communication methods, including mobilising village elders and community leaders and using ethnic languages. Chairman Man also urged the province to coordinate with industrial park management boards, enterprises and landlords to update changes in population figures, ensuring that migrant workers and voters whose residence status changes close to the election day can still exercise their voting rights. At a working session with the provincial Election Committee, the leader and his entourage acknowledged and commended the preparations made so far. He stressed that all candidates must engage with voters seriously, either in person or online, in order to understand public concerns and aspirations, rather than conducting such activities superficially. All relevant forces, Chairman Man added, must work at the grassroots level to thoroughly review voter lists, intensify voter outreach and ensure comprehensive preparations for the election, including security, public order and healthcare services. Authorities should also proactively develop contingency plans to promptly address potential situations. He further reminded local authorities to ensure commune-level Peoples Council deputies are elected correctly and sufficiently for the next term. Encouraging the application of information technology and digital transformation in election management, he called on the Military Industry and Telecommunications Group (Viettel) and the Ministry of Public Security to provide additional support to ensure smooth implementation. Vu Hong Van, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and head of the provincial delegation of NA deputies, said these directions were highly important for the province to continue organising the election in accordance with the law, ensuring democracy, objectivity, safety and success. On the same morning, Chairman Man also attended the launch ceremony for the Huong Lo 2 Road projects first component. Huong Lo 2 is one of Dong Nais key infrastructure projects, playing an important role in gradually completing the provinces urban transport network. Once completed, the route will open a new traffic corridor, helping ease congestion on National Highway 51, particularly on the section from the Vung Tau intersection to the Ho Chi Minh CityLong ThanhDau Giay expressway. The road will be approximately 9.5 kilometres long with eight lanes and will be implemented through two component projects. Component 1 covers compensation, support and resettlement, with a total investment of about 573.54 billion VND (21.87 million USD) and land acquisition of roughly 55.33 hectares. On March 5, in Muong Ang commune, candidates for deputies to the 16th National Assembly (2026-2031 term) from Polling Unit No. 3 of Dien Bien province, led by Nguyen Van Thang, member of Central Party Committee and Minister of Finance, met with voters from 13 communes in the northwestern province to present their action programmes and conduct election campaigning. Candidates for deputies to the 16th National Assembly from Polling Unit No. 3 of Dien Bien province meet voters in Muong Ang commune. The meeting was held at the Muong Ang Commune Hall and connected online to 12 additional meeting points in relevant communes. The candidate list for the 16th National Assembly (NA) from Polling Unit No. 3 of Dien Bien includes four nominees: Nguyen Van Thang, member of the Central Party Committee and Minister of Finance; Vu A Bang, head of the provincial Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation; Lau A Say, specialist at the Department of Religious Affairs Management under Dien Bien Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs; and Mua A Su, specialist at Nua Ngam Commune Party Committee. At the meeting, the candidates took turns presenting their proposed action programmes should they be elected as deputies to the 16th National Assembly, while also listening to opinions and recommendations from voters. The candidates expressed their honour at being nominated to stand for election to the National Assembly, affirming that their action programmes would serve as a basis for fulfilling the role of peoples representatives by truthfully reflecting and protecting the legitimate interests and aspirations of voters. Regardless of their positions, the candidates pledged to do their utmost to fulfil all assigned responsibilities while setting an example in complying with the Partys and state guidelines. Reporting at the meeting, Minister Thang said that during the tenure of the 15th NA, in his capacity as head of Dien Bien NA Deputies Delegation, he had organised and directed the delegations activities in accordance with regulations, while introducing innovations and improvements aimed at enhancing the quality and effectiveness of its work. Responding to voters opinions, on behalf of the group of candidates for the 16th NA from Polling Unit No. 3, Minister Thang thanked voters for their comments. The recognition, assessments and specific recommendations raised by voters not only demonstrate their deep interest in the activities of National Assembly deputies, but also serve as encouragement and reminders for candidates to make greater efforts in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to them by the Party, the state and the people, the minister said. These issues have also been matters of concern for National Assembly deputies and the Dien Bien NA Deputies Delegation, which have repeatedly raised them before the NA during the previous tenure. Many of these opinions have been acknowledged by the NA and the government. If elected by voters as a deputy to the 16th National Assembly, the minister stated that he would work with the provincial NA Deputies Delegation to continue proposing improvements to mechanisms for decentralisation and delegation of authority, coupled with stronger resource allocation for localities, while also suggesting flexible financial and budgetary solutions suited to the specific conditions of mountainous and border areas. Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang [right], a delegate and a voter at the meeting. Based on the state budgets balancing capacity, the Ministry of Finance would closely coordinate with central ministries and agencies to advise on allocating and prioritising public investment capital for essential infrastructure projects in mountainous, border and especially disadvantaged areas. This will help create momentum for propelling socioeconomic development, improving living standards and ensuring production conditions for people in the province. The issues raised by voters today are all major matters with practical significance for the long-term development of the locality. Together with other candidates, I sincerely acknowledge and will carefully study them for implementation in the coming period, Minister Thang said. For 2026-2031, Dien Bien Party Committee and the people of Dien Bien have set out ambitious socioeconomic development targets, as outlined in the provincial Party Congress Resolution. These include striving for an annual economic growth rate of 10-11 per cent, in line with the countrys overall growth objectives, and achieving a regional GDP per capita surpassing $4,570 by 2030. The economic structure is expected to shift towards greater industrial development, with the industry-construction sector projected to account for about 27.15 per cent of regional GDP by 2030. The industrial production index is forecast to grow by an average of 18.5 per cent, per year, while import-export turnover is expected to increase by more than 10 per cent annually. State President meets voters in HCM Citys Cu Chi and Hoc Mon districts State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and candidates running for seats in the 15th National Assembly (NA) met with voters in Cu Chi and Hoc Mon districts of Ho Chi Minh City on May 20 and 21. Cao Bang urged to create best conditions for voters during election As of January 30, all communes and wards in Cao Bang had established 566 constituencies and 566 election teams with 8,976 members to serve the election. On February 16, the provincial Election Committee issued a resolution announcing the official list of 13 candidates for the 16th NA in three constituencies, and 84 candidates for the provincial Peoples Council for the 20262031 term in 16 constituencies. The move marks a notable milestone as ASL LAW becomes the first Vietnamese law firm to set up an office in the US, representing a strategic step in the internationalisation of Vietnams legal services sector. ASL LAW leaders present the appointment decision to the Head of the firms US Office The firm aims not only to serve Vietnamese clients, but also to extend its legal services to businesses across ASEAN and wider Asia with legal needs in the US market. ASL LAW Pllc will headquarter at 3800 American Blvd. West, Suite 1500-8005, Bloomington, Minnesota 55431, with business registration number 16-31206600021. The establishment of a US legal entity reflects the firms long-term vision to strengthen its presence in one of the worlds largest legal and commercial markets. In tandem with the launch of ASL LAW, the firm has appointed a US-qualified lawyer as head of its US office. The appointment is expected to ensure that advisory services are delivered in full compliance with federal and state regulations, while enhancing the firms capacity to handle complex legal matters arising from cross-border transactions. The US office will develop and provide ASL LAWs full range of core practice areas. These include inbound and outbound investment advisory; corporate advisory and M&A; international trade; corporate restructuring; dispute resolution and arbitration; contract drafting and cross-border transactions; intellectual property protection and enforcement; technology transfer; import-export advisory; as well as legal services related to company formation, governance, and business operations in the United States. The firms presence in the US is expected to strengthen its ability to support Vietnamese and ASEAN enterprises expanding into the American market, while also enhancing advisory services for US and international investors conducting business in Vietnam. As Vietnam-US economic relations continue to deepen, demand for legal services in foreign investment, international trade, regulatory compliance, and asset protection is rising. Legal experts note that the direct presence of a Vietnamese law firm in the US could help bridge differences between legal systems and facilitate smoother operations for multinational businesses. The establishment of ASL LAW underscores the firms strategy of building an integrated international legal platform. Before its US expansion, ASL LAW had established a presence in Singapore, signalling its ambition to deliver services in line with global standards and accompany Vietnamese and ASEAN enterprises in their international growth strategies. On March 5, construction began on KCN Phuc Dien Haiphong, located at Phuc Dien Expansion Industrial Park in Ke Sat Commune. The project covers 18.7 ha and is expected to deliver more than 116,000 sq.m of leasable floor area, supporting domestic and foreign manufacturers in entering and expanding operations in Vietnam. The groundbreaking ceremony for KCN Phuc Dien Haiphong was held on March 5. Upon completion, it will contribute to the supply of modern industrial facilities in the Northern Key Economic Region, supporting both domestic and foreign manufacturers in entering and expanding their operations in Vietnam. Located along the Hanoi Haiphong economic corridor with convenient connectivity to international seaports and airports, the project offers tenants logistical advantages and access to a well-established industrial workforce within the region. The development is structured with a balanced product mix of ready-built factories and ready-built warehouses to accommodate diverse manufacturing and storage requirements. The project is developed with a strong focus on construction quality, incorporating fire safety measures and environmental standards, including planned green areas, to support stable and long-term operations for tenants. Hardy Diec, COO of KCN Vietnam Group, said KCN Phuc Dien Haiphong builds on the momentum of the group's Northern projects and reflects its commitment to strengthening regional industrial infrastructure. "In 2026, we will focus resources on key industrial hubs with strong connectivity and established manufacturing ecosystems, including Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City, and Bac Ninh. Beyond delivering modern factory and logistics solutions, we are advancing green building practices and optimising design standards to help investors enhance operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness within the global supply chain," Diec said. This milestone further completes KCN Vietnams portfolio, ecosystem of ready-built factories and warehouses across key industrial hubs, contributing to sustainable industrial growth in Northern Vietnam. KCN Phuc Dien - Haiphong will deliver more than 116,000 sq.m of leasable floor area. According to CBRE's 2026 Vietnam Real Estate Market Outlook, the supply of ready-built factories surged, reaching a threshold of 700,000 sq.m in 2025 with impressive occupancy rates. This is particularly evident in Tier 1 locations like Haiphong, which recorded occupancy levels of 75.4 per cent for ready-built warehouses and 85.8 per cent for ready-built factories. This momentum is underpinned by Haiphongs role as a key gateway for foreign direct investment in Northern Vietnam. As of the end of 2025, the city recorded more than 1,770 active foreign-invested projects with total registered capital exceeding $50 billion, alongside regional GDP growth of 11.81 per cent. The processing and manufacturing sectors continue to serve as the principal driver of economic expansion. Within the former Hai Duong area, industrial development is characterised by a concentration in electronic components, precision engineering, and supporting industries. The area benefits from a long-established manufacturing base and an extensive network of satellite enterprises, which collectively generate sustained demand for standardised, ready-built production facilities. The groundbreaking ceremony of KCN Phuc Dien Haiphong marks KCN Vietnam Groups fourth development in Northern Vietnam, further expanding its project portfolio and reaffirming its commitment to supporting local industrial growth. Established in 2021, KCN Vietnam Group is a professional industrial property developer in Vietnam. To date, KCN Vietnam Group's portfolio comprises 10 ready-built warehouse and factory projects strategically located across industrial zones in northern and southern Vietnam. These include facilities in DEEP C, Phuc Dien, and An Phat in Haiphong; Thuan Thanh 3B and Tan Hung in Bac Ninh; Ho Nai in Dong Nai; Phu An Thanh in Tay Ninh; and Song Than 3 in Ho Chi Minh City, with a total land bank exceeding 300 hectares. KCN Vietnam breaks ground on An Phat industrial project KCN Vietnam has begun construction on its new An Phat industrial project, expanding its footprint in northern Vietnam. KCN Vietnam boosts supply in north with factory model KCN Vietnam in October broke ground on its An Phat-Haiphong industrial ready-built project, spanning 8.9 hectares. On March 5, the chairman, who also serves as head of the National Election Council, led a working delegation to inspect election preparations in the southern province of Dong Nai. The visit focused on readiness for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly (NA) and members of People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man inspects a polling unit in Tan Trieu ward, Dong Nai province. Photo: VNA During a field inspection at Polling Station No.17 in Tan Trieu ward, the NA chairman noted that Dong Nai has a population of nearly 4.5 million, including more than 421,000 ethnic minorities accounting for 9.4 per cent. The province is also home to over 2.5 million religious followers, while the number of temporary residents at local industrial parks remains considerable. Given these demographics, he suggested that in areas with large religious communities, authorities should promote the role of reputable figures such as parish priests and clergymen in communication and mobilisation efforts. In particular, as Election Day (March 15) falls on a Sunday, local authorities should arrange appropriate schedules to create favourable conditions for Catholic parishioners and other voters to cast their ballots, he said. For ethnic minority communities, Chairman Man stressed the importance of conducting communication and mobilisation activities through various appropriate methods, including the use of ethnic languages to disseminate information and raise awareness about the important event. This would help voters clearly understand the significance of the Election Day dubbed as a National Festival Day, where each citizen expresses their rights, responsibilities, and confidence in the countrys development through every ballot. At the same time, the province should coordinate with industrial park management boards, businesses and local management units at all levels to update population changes, ensuring that migrant workers and voters whose residency status changes close to Election Day can still exercise their voting rights. At a working session with the Dong Nai Election Committee, Man and his delegation acknowledged the committee's proactive, serious, and timely implementation of election preparations, noting that the work had been carried out in compliance with the law and with directives from central authorities. Noting that the time remaining until Election Day is short while many tasks still need to be carried out, the NA chairman urged the province to focus on several key priorities. Candidates must meet voters in a serious manner, either directly or online, in order to grasp the thoughts and aspirations of the people. This cannot be done in a superficial or perfunctory way, he explained. Noting that the election is being conducted under a new apparatus with new personnel and requirements, Man said, "The province must not be complacent. Officials must be assigned to closely monitor grassroots areas, election teams, and polling stations. "All relevant forces must carefully review voter lists and ensure contingency plans are in place for security, public order, and healthcare services, while preparing measures to promptly address any arising situations." The NA chairman also stressed the need to strengthen communication efforts in both breadth and depth so that people from urban centres to rural and mountainous areas can feel the atmosphere of a nationwide festival. According to reports from 34 provinces and cities, the country has 73,457,255 voters casting ballots at 72,195 polling stations. Voter lists have been publicly posted at commune-level Peoples Committee offices, community houses in residential areas, urban quarters, hamlets and villages, as well as other public locations within polling areas in accordance with the legally prescribed timeline. At the request of the Election Committees of 11 localities, the National Election Council has issued documents allowing 218 polling stations in these localities to conduct early voting. Online election contest launched to boost public understanding An online contest has been launched nationwide to enhance public understanding of the 2026-2031 National Assembly and Peoples Council elections, while promoting digital transformation in official communications. National Assembly approves pilot mechanisms to accelerate major projects in Hanoi Hanoi is set to receive breakthrough decision-making powers after the National Assembly passed a resolution on December 11, enabling the capital city to apply special mechanisms for large, high-priority projects. RHVAC Connecting Day 2026, held on March 4, provided a specialised forum for discussions on project implementation capability, evolving technical requirements, and development trends in the refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry. The programme featured thematic seminars on Eurovent-standard air handling unit (AHU) solutions, alongside a roundtable on standardisation and strengthening domestic refrigeration manufacturing capacity. Delegates discussed measures to strengthen technical capacity, apply international standards to design and production, and improve the quality and performance transparency of locally manufactured heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. A highlight of the event was the announcement and presentation of the Eurovent Certified Performance certificate for an AHU product line manufactured by Intech Group. The certification comes as Vietnam accelerates foreign investment inflows into high-tech manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and data centres, where HVAC systems play a decisive role in environmental control. The attainment of European certification for a domestically manufactured AHU is seen as a step forward for Vietnamese engineering firms seeking to align with international benchmarks. It also reflects broader efforts within the domestic mechanical and refrigeration engineering industry to strengthen core technology capabilities and integrate into global standards systems. In large-scale industrial projects, the use of equipment from multiple suppliers, including imported systems, can create challenges in technical coordination and logistics. A locally produced AHU that meets European standards is expected to contribute to improved supply chain resilience, shorter project timelines, and more responsive technical support for investors and engineering, procurement and construction contractors. According to Cao Dai Thang, chairman of Intech Group, the certification provides a foundation for the companys AHU products to participate in high-tech projects and potentially enter demanding export markets. This milestone is a source of pride for Intech and demonstrates the capability of Vietnamese engineers to meet some of the worlds most rigorous technical standards, Thang said. In addition, the programme included a factory tour, enabling participants to observe integrated production management systems, quality control and quality assurance processes, and AHU manufacturing activities designed to comply with Eurovent technical criteria. Cleanfact & RHVAC expo to showcase latest air con and refrigeration technology A wide range of new technologies in heat and refrigeration, as well as cleanrooms, will be showcased at the international exhibition Cleanfact & RHVAC Vietnam 2024. Cleanfact & RHVAC Vietnam 2024 An international event series themed HVACR, Cleanrooms, and High-Tech Factories (Cleanfact & RHVAC Vietnam 2024) is taking place from November 21-23 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC), bringing together over 100 leading brands in the refrigeration and air conditioning, cleanroom, and high-tech manufacturing industries. RHVAC series launch event takes place in Hanoi The launch of the Clean Industry, Cleanrooms, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning (Cleanfact & RHVAC) event took place in Hanoi on January 9, attracting 150 industry experts. Expo to showcase latest industrial production innovations Viet Industry - Cleanfact - RHVAC Vietnam 2025 is set to provide a stage for domestic and international enterprises to present innovations in industrial production, cleanroom, and HVAC. AI is no longer a futuristic concept in Vietnam. It is already reshaping industries and public services, offering new ways to solve long-standing challenges. From automating operations to enhancing decision-making, AI is becoming a strategic enabler not just of productivity, but of resilience and sustainability. Luong The Cuong, senior manager, ESG Risk Services PwC Vietnam and Ton That Tuong senior manager, Digital Trust and Cybersecurity Services PwC Vietnam This technological momentum is unfolding alongside a rising tide of ESG awareness. According to PwCs ESG Progress Tracker 2025, nearly 90 per cent of Vietnamese companies have made or plan to make ESG commitments. However, only 41 per cent have integrated ESG into their core business models. ESG is evolving from a compliance exercise into a strategic lens through which businesses assess long-term value, risk, and resilience. The challenge lies not in recognising its importance, but in translating ambition into action. The convergence of AI and ESG presents a transformative opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to accelerate sustainability goals. AI enables real-time monitoring of energy consumption, predictive maintenance, and intelligent resource allocation, driving efficiency and reducing waste. In the energy sector, AI enhances the integration of renewables by forecasting solar and wind output, improving grid reliability, and supporting smart infrastructure. These capabilities are especially relevant in Vietnam, where the shift towards clean energy is both a national priority and a strategic growth area. By embedding AI into environmental operations, companies can reduce emissions, optimise performance, and contribute meaningfully to climate resilience. Beyond environmental gains, AI is reshaping how businesses approach social responsibility. In healthcare, AI supports early diagnosis and personalised treatment, improving outcomes and access. In education, it enables adaptive learning tailored to individual needs, helping bridge gaps for underserved communities. AIs ability to process vast datasets also allows organisations to uncover patterns of bias and inequality, informing fairer hiring practices and inclusive service design. As Vietnams economy grows, leveraging AI for social progress can help ensure that development is inclusive and benefits all segments of society. Governance, too, stands to benefit from AIs expanding capabilities. As companies face increasing pressure to demonstrate transparency and accountability, AI offers tools that can strengthen internal controls and improve risk management. By analysing vast datasets, AI can detect anomalies, flag potential compliance issues, and model future scenarios that help businesses anticipate financial, operational, or reputational risks. Furthermore, AI-enabled automated reporting systems also reduce human error and ensure consistency across ESG disclosures. Flagging the issues As AI becomes more embedded in decision-making processes, it also introduces new layers of complexity and risk that must be carefully managed to ensure responsible and inclusive implementation. One of the most pressing concerns is AIs environmental footprint. Training large models requires immense computational power, leading to high-energy consumption and carbon emissions. Some of the worlds largest AI data centres under development are projected to consume as much electricity as entire countries, raising serious questions about their compatibility with global climate goals. In Vietnam, where green infrastructure is still maturing and energy transition is underway, the unchecked expansion of energy-intensive AI systems could strain national resources and undermine progress towards net-zero targets. Moreover, the rapid pace of hardware innovation driven by the need for faster processors and more powerful GPUs accelerates electronic waste. Many AI systems lack transparency regarding their environmental impact, making it difficult for companies to assess and mitigate their carbon footprint. Social risks are equally pressing. AI can unintentionally reinforce inequalities if trained on biased or incomplete data. Automation may displace jobs, particularly in low-skilled sectors, unless accompanied by proactive reskilling programmes. Privacy concerns are growing as AI systems collect and analyse vast amounts of personal data. In Vietnam, where data protection laws are still evolving, these risks could erode public trust and slow digital adoption. Without ethical safeguards, AI could deepen social divides rather than bridge them. Governance challenges surrounding AI are becoming increasingly complex, particularly in high-stakes applications such as financial transactions and autonomous decision-making. Regulatory gaps make it difficult for businesses to ensure accountability and ethical compliance. According to PwCs AI Agent Survey, only 20 per cent of executives expressed trust in AI agents managing financial tasks, and just 22 per cent felt confident in their use for autonomous employee interactions. These concerns underscore the urgent need for a responsible AI approach that embeds ethical safeguards, transparency, and human oversight. In Vietnam, the absence of comprehensive legal frameworks for AI ethics and accountability adds further uncertainty, especially in fast-evolving sectors like fintech and medtech. Without clear guidelines, companies may struggle to balance innovation with responsibility, risking reputational damage and regulatory exposure. Demand for ETHICAL Leadership Globally, there is growing recognition that ESG and responsible AI share common values. Both aim to mitigate risk, build trust, and align business practices with societal expectations. Pairing responsible AI with ESG can help organisations develop technology that reflects their values and supports long-term sustainability. For example, using smaller, more interpretable AI models can reduce environmental impact while improving transparency. AI can also identify opportunities for sustainability improvements in areas like data centre cooling and logistics optimisation. In Vietnam, this convergence presents a strategic opportunity. Businesses that integrate AI into their ESG strategies can unlock new sources of value, differentiate themselves in the market, and contribute to national development goals. But success requires more than technology it demands leadership, collaboration, and a clear sense of purpose. AI can be the engine that powers ESG transformation, but only if guided by ethical principles and aligned with long-term goals. For Vietnamese businesses ready to take the next step, the path forward begins with clarity. Defining ESG objectives and understanding how AI can support them is essential. This alignment ensures that AI investments contribute directly to sustainability outcomes rather than becoming disconnected experiments. Besides that, reliable, secure, and interoperable data systems are the backbone of both AI and ESG. Companies therefore must invest in platforms that enable accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting, while also safeguarding privacy and ensuring fairness. Internal capabilities must also evolve. Building expertise in AI and ESG requires training, hiring, and cross-functional collaboration. Ethical oversight mechanisms, such as review boards or audit committees, can help monitor AIs impact and ensure compliance with emerging regulations. Collaboration will be key, as no single company can navigate this landscape alone. Partnerships with regulators, academia, startups, and industry peers can accelerate progress and foster innovation. Public-private initiatives in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and energy offer promising models for scalable impact. Finally, transparency must be a guiding principle. Stakeholders, from investors to consumers, expect honest and verifiable ESG disclosures. AI can enhance storytelling through real-time dashboards and visualisations, but the underlying data must be accurate and trustworthy. Vietnamese enterprises are entering a new era, one defined by responsible innovation. By strategically integrating AI into their ESG efforts, businesses can build resilience, strengthen stakeholder trust, and contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable economy. The decisions made today will shape Vietnams ability to thrive in a future where technology and sustainability are not just compatible they are inseparable. According to Vietnam Customs, exports of wood and wood products exceeded $17 billion in 2025 for the first time, up 6 per cent on-year despite global uncertainties. The milestone consolidates Vietnam's position as one of the world's leading exporters, with success increasingly determined by operational efficiency, material strategy, and the ability to develop higher-value products. Wooden furniture remains the core export group, accounting for roughly 61 per cent of total export value. The United States continues to be the largest market, followed by Japan, China, and the European Union markets where regulatory compliance and sustainability standards are becoming stricter. However, growth momentum is accompanied by mounting pressure. The Handicraft & Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA) has warned of risks stemming from retaliatory tax measures, anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations in the United States, as well as the European Unions Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Domestically, climate-related disruptions, fluctuations in raw material supply and rising input costs are adding complexity to production planning. Against this backdrop, reinforcing internal capacity has become a decisive factor. Manufacturing excellence is increasingly viewed as the foundation of competitiveness. For export-oriented enterprises, improving productivity, controlling costs, and maintaining consistent quality are essential to sustaining long-term buyer relationships. Photo: Canadian Wood This requires more than expanding factory scale. It involves optimising production workflows, strengthening cost management, adopting international quality standards, and accelerating the application of automation and digital tools. Investment in advanced machinery, lean manufacturing models, and workforce upskilling is gradually becoming necessary rather than optional. Enterprises that can integrate digital tracking systems, improve inventory control, and enhance production transparency are better positioned to respond to shorter order cycles and increasingly customised demand. At the same time, global supply chain restructuring is creating both pressure and opportunity. As buyers diversify sourcing locations to mitigate geopolitical and compliance risks, suppliers are evaluated on price but also on resilience, traceability, and responsiveness. Manufacturers capable of maintaining stable lead times, transparent documentation, and consistent output are more likely to secure long-term contracts in this evolving landscape. Alongside operational capability, material strategy is playing a more strategic role. As export markets tighten requirements on legality and environmental responsibility, traceability is becoming a prerequisite for market access rather than a competitive advantage. Regulatory frameworks such as the EUDR require companies to demonstrate that timber products originate from legally harvested and non-deforested sources. Certification systems including the Forest Stewardship Council and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) provide internationally recognised standards for responsible forest management and supply chain transparency. Compliance facilitates entry into demanding markets while strengthening credibility with buyers placing greater emphasis on sustainable sourcing and environmental accountability. Vu Tan Phuong, director of the Vietnam Forest Certification Office, emphasised that securing legal and sustainably certified raw materials is becoming central to maintaining Vietnam's export competitiveness. "It is necessary to expand the implementation of VFCS/PEFC standards and strengthen chain-of-custody systems to align with evolving global requirements," he said. "Enhancing certification coverage and international cooperation will help Vietnamese enterprises sustain market access in an increasingly regulated trade environment." Beyond regulatory considerations, material selection directly affects product positioning. The physical properties of each wood species influence structural durability, surface finishing quality, load-bearing capacity, and long-term stability. Choosing stable and workable materials enables manufacturers to diversify collections, enhance aesthetic value, and improve production efficiency, particularly when targeting mid- to high-end segments. In this context, Canadian softwood species are being introduced to a growing number of Vietnamese manufacturers. Known for dimensional stability, consistent grading, and ease of machining, these species are suitable for a wide range of indoor interior applications. With clear origin from sustainably managed forests and alignment with recognised certification systems, they offer both technical advantages and support for compliance requirements in key export markets. Product development: differentiation through design and innovation At the same time, the industry is confronting structural limitations in its development model. While original equipment manufacturer (OEM) production has enabled rapid expansion in export volume, value capture remains relatively constrained. Profit margins are often sensitive to fluctuations in raw material costs and exchange rates, while bargaining power largely rests with international buyers. As competition intensifies, particularly from other cost-competitive manufacturing countries in the region, reliance on pure OEM models exposes enterprises to increasing pressure. Rising labour costs and stricter compliance requirements further narrow margin buffers. The transition towards original design manufacturer (ODM) is therefore gaining strategic importance. Strengthening capabilities in design development, material integration, and technical application allows enterprises to participate earlier in the product lifecycle, differentiate offerings, and retain higher margins. However, moving towards ODM requires more than creative ideas. It demands more profound understanding of material behaviour, close coordination between design and production teams, and reliable access to stable material sources. Building these capabilities often involves partnerships across the supply chain, where knowledge transfer and technical consultation play a critical role. Supporting this shift, Canadian Wood Vietnam has implemented initiatives aimed at enhancing technical understanding and material application among local manufacturers. Through the Canadian Wood Trial Program, enterprises are provided with Canadian softwood for testing directly in their own production facilities, accompanied by technical consultation. This enables manufacturers to evaluate performance under real manufacturing conditions, refine design solutions, and assess cost-efficiency before committing to large-scale production. According to Vince Tran, country director of Canadian Wood Vietnam, strengthening material knowledge is becoming increasingly important as sustainability requirements tighten across global markets. Beyond compliance, manufacturers need to understand how material choice affects design flexibility, production efficiency, and long-term product value. Our role is to support Vietnamese companies, not just in accessing certified wood supply, but also in optimising its application in real manufacturing conditions, he said. In parallel, initiatives focusing on product diversification and market expansion have supported participating companies in developing new collections and introducing them at industry platforms such as HAWA EXPO and VIFA EXPO 2026. Rather than serving purely promotional purposes, these activities reflect how enterprises are gradually integrating material innovation and design thinking into their development strategies. Several companies have begun to apply these approaches in practice. Khang My Furniture Co., Ltd. has leveraged its flexible production structure to develop customised designs incorporating Canadian softwood species, particularly for export-oriented collections. According to a company representative, technical consultation contributed to a clearer understanding of material characteristics, more efficient production planning, and improved product consistency. According to experts, in a global environment where buyers increasingly evaluate suppliers based on reliability, transparency, and innovation capability, enterprises that can combine efficient production, certified material sourcing, and design-driven strategies will be better positioned to maintain market share and move further up the global furniture value chain in the years ahead. "Over the longer term, the ability to align manufacturing performance with sustainable sourcing and product innovation will determine whether Vietnam remains primarily a production base or evolves into a more influential player in shaping global furniture standards," they noted. ADDITION OF DRILL-READY PROJECT WITH HISTORICAL SILVER RESOURCE1 AND MULTIPLE DISCOVERY TARGETS TONOPAH, Nev., March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - A2Gold Corp. ("A2Gold" or the "Company") (TSXV: AUAU) (OTCQX: AUXXF) (FRA: RR7) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding Letter of Intent (the "LOI" or the "Transaction") dated March 5, 2026 to acquire a 100% interest in the Taylor Gold-Silver Project ("Taylor" or the "Project") located in Nevada from White Pine Precious Metals Inc. ("White Pine" or "WPM"). The Taylor Project is a district-scale 117 km (45 mi) land package located in a Tier-1 Nevada mining jurisdiction and represents a compelling complement to A2Gold's flagship Eastside Gold-Silver Project. The acquisition significantly strengthens the Company's Nevada portfolio and provides exposure to a large and highly prospective precious metals system with multiple mineralization styles and substantial exploration upside. With the addition of Taylor, A2Gold now controls approximately 230 km of prospective mineral tenure across multiple district-scale exploration projects in Nevada. 1 Source: "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Taylor Silver Project, White Pine County, Nevada" prepared by SRK Consulting (U.S.) Inc., Denver, Colorado, with an effective date of May 17, 2018. Mineral resources are reported using a silver price of US$17/oz and a cutoff grade of 1.6 oz/ton Ag. Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources total 3,789,000 tons grading 2.89 oz/ton silver for 10,995,000 contained ounces of silver. Inferred Mineral Resources total 180,000 tons grading 2.91 oz/ton silver for 603,000 contained ounces of silver. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves, and there is no certainty that all or any part of the inferred mineral resources will be converted into measured or indicated mineral resources. Taylor Project Overview The Taylor Project hosts a large and highly prospective mineral system with a historical 11M oz silver resource in the Measured and Indicated category1 and multiple exploration opportunities. District-Scale Land Package - The Taylor Project comprises approximately 117 km (45 mi) of mineral claims with historic production and significant exploration upside. The project lies within an active exploration region of eastern Nevada where several mid-tier and major mining companies operate, including KGHM, Freeport-McMoRan, South32, Rio Tinto, Ridgeline Minerals and NevGold. Permitted and Drill-Ready - The project is fully permitted and bonded for immediate drilling, enabling A2Gold to commence exploration programs shortly after closing. Infrastructure in Place - Taylor benefits from significant existing infrastructure including: Water rights Electrical power and substation access Robust road network Patented claims host much of the silver resource and existing pits This infrastructure supports efficient exploration and potential future development scenarios. Robust Modern Data Sets - Over the past three years White Pine has completed extensive technical work across the district, including gravity, magnetic, CSAMT, induced polarization and hyperspectral surveys that have defined the structural architecture of the district and generated numerous high-priority drill targets. Exploration Upside Gold Potential - Surface sampling and historical exploration drilling indicate strong potential for shallow oxide gold mineralization. Surface sampling defining a 3km x 10km gold anomalous corridor Channel samples returning up to 4.2 g/t gold over 11.0 meters, including 7.1 g/t gold over 3.3 meters over 11.0 meters, including SPT-66 intersected 1.02 g/t gold over 18.3 meters starting at surface starting at surface SPT-65 intersected 0.68 g/t gold over 24.4 meters starting at surface including 0.85 g/t gold over 12.2 meters Expansion of Silver Resource - The project hosts a historical mineral resource estimate of approximately 11 million ounces of silver in Measured and Indicated and 600,000 ounces of silver in Inferred, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 in 2018 using a 55 g/t silver cut-off and a silver price assumption of US$17/oz. Silver price sensitivity analysis was completed up to $30/oz silver indicating the presence of a larger resource with higher silver prices (Table 1). Table 1: Mineral Resource Sensitivity: Measured and Indicated Resources; Inferred Resources; and MII Resources Measured and Indicated Silver ($US/oz) Cutoff Grade (oz/t) ktons Silver (oz/t) Contained Silver koz $17.00 1.6 3,789 2.89 10,995 $20.00 1.3 5,084 2.56 13,013 $25.00 1.1 6,591 2.30 15,170 $30.00 0.9 8,755 2.04 17,883 Inferred Silver ($US/oz) Cutoff Grade (oz/t) Tons Silver (oz/t) Contained Silver koz $17.00 1.6 180 3.35 603 $20.00 1.3 397 2.86 1,135 $25.00 1.1 595 2.51 1,492 $30.00 0.9 1,343 1.98 2,662 The Company considers this estimate historical in nature and not current, as no updated technical report has been prepared. A Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to classify the estimate as a current mineral resource and A2Gold is not treating it as current. Historical drilling indicates the resource remains open in multiple directions, with several holes bottoming in mineralization at approximately 135 metres depth. Historical records indicate that the Taylor District produced approximately 1.94 million ounces of silver between 1875 and 1892, including 1.143 million ounces from 39,946 short tons grading 28.61 oz/ton silver between 1883 and 1892. Most early production came from silicified, shallowly dipping mineralized zones in the upper Guilmette Formation, primarily at the Argus and Monitor mines. More recent mining from 1981 to 1984 processed 1.47 million tons grading 3.50 oz/ton silver, producing approximately 3.77 million ounces of silver and ~3,000 ounces of gold with ~69.5% silver recovery. Mining ceased in 1984, and milling operations ended in 1991. Antimony Potential - In addition to precious metal mineralization, the Taylor district hosts significant antimony mineralization, which represents potential exposure to a critical mineral currently identified as strategically important by the United States government. Historical records and recent exploration work indicate antimony occurs across a district-scale footprint at Taylor, with an approximate 52 km2 surface expression of antimony mineralization associated with gold and polymetallic mineralization. The district hosts two historic antimony-producing mines, including the Enterprise Mine, where historic production reported grades of 39%, 56%, and up to 76% antimony. Historical drilling at the Merrimac Mine returned several notable intercepts, including: 7.01% antimony over 4.3 meters 4.61% antimony over 4.6 meters 3.79% antimony over 5.5 meters Recent surface sampling has also returned high-grade antimony mineralization, including samples grading 18.4% and 21.6% antimony. Geochemical surveys have defined a greater than three-kilometer antimony soil anomaly, further demonstrating the scale of the mineralized system. Geological interpretation suggests that antimony mineralization may be associated with a broader gold-CRD-skarn-porphyry mineral system, providing the project with exposure to multiple deposit types and additional exploration upside. Carbonate Replacement Deposit (CRD) Potential - The district hosts historic Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu CRD mineralization with multiple occurrences identified along strike and at depth that have not been systematically tested with modern exploration methods. Porphyry / Skarn Upside - Multiple strong geophysical targets and the presence of quartz-sericite-pyrite (QSP) alteration associated with Jurassic porphyritic rhyolite dikes suggest the potential for a deeper intrusive-related mineral system. Importantly, most historical drilling across the district has been relatively shallow, with the majority of holes drilled to less than 152 metres (500 feet) in depth. Strategic Complement to Eastside The Taylor acquisition expands A2Gold's Nevada platform by adding a second district-scale project with both gold and silver exposure and substantial exploration potential. While Eastside represents a large low-sulphidation epithermal system with significant gold-silver resources and continued expansion potential, Taylor introduces a complementary geological setting with shallow oxide gold mineralization and deeper carbonate replacement deposit ("CRD"), skarn and porphyry exploration targets. Together, Eastside and Taylor position A2Gold with multiple district-scale opportunities in Nevada, one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions. Few junior companies control this amount of prospective ground across multiple district-scale systems in Nevada. Importantly, the Company believes Taylor represents one of the largest undrilled precious metals exploration opportunities remaining in Nevada. Peter Gianulis, CEO of A2Gold, commented: "The acquisition of the Taylor Project represents an important step in building A2Gold into a leading Nevada-focused precious metals exploration company. Eastside remains our flagship asset and a large-scale gold system with significant growth potential. The addition of Taylor complements Eastside by introducing a second district-scale project with both gold and silver exposure and multiple exploration opportunities. Projects of this scale and potential in Nevada rarely become available. Over the past several years White Pine has done an excellent job consolidating the district and advancing the geological model. With Taylor we are adding a highly prospective system that has seen limited modern exploration and where the vast majority of historic drilling has been relatively shallow. Importantly, A2Gold is in a strong financial position with a solid balance sheet and the capital necessary to aggressively advance both Eastside and Taylor. Our objective is clear: to build A2Gold into the next major precious metals discovery platform in Nevada." Transaction Summary Pursuant to the LOI, A2Gold will acquire a 100% interest in the Taylor Project through an asset purchase structure. Share Consideration A2 shall issue to White Pine 8,662,881 common shares of A2 (the "Consideration Shares") as consideration for the acquisition of the Assets. The number of Consideration Shares has been determined based on a deemed value of C$10,000,000, calculated using the 20-day volume weighted average trading price ("VWAP") of the common shares of A2 on all Canadian stock exchanges, including but not limited to the TSX Venture Exchange, NEO, Alpha and Omega, for the twenty (20) trading days ending on March 4, 2026, being C$1.1544 per share. Shares will be subject to: 4-month statutory hold period with an initial 20% release Voluntary escrow release schedule of 20% released every 3 months after initial statutory hold period Deferred Cash Consideration - US$1,000,000 payable as follows: US$250,000 at closing US$250,000 every three months thereafter The payments are non-interest bearing and prepayable at any time without penalty Royalty - White Pine will retain: 2% NSR on claims without existing royalties A2 may repurchase 1.0% of the NSR for US$2 million within 4 years or US$3 million within 6 years White Pine will retain up to a 1.0% NSR on claims with existing royalties, provided the aggregate royalty burden does not exceed 3.0% NSR. The transaction remains subject to customary conditions including execution of definitive agreements, resolution of certain historical mining interests and regulatory approvals. QUALIFIED PERSON John Marma is a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) with the American Institute of Professional Geologists and is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, who has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content of this press release. ABOUT A2GOLD CORP A2Gold Corp. owns three highly prospective gold projects in the United States all of which are in the mining-friendly jurisdiction of Nevada. A2Gold's flagship, district-scale Eastside Gold-Silver Project hosts a large and expanding gold and silver resource and is in an area of excellent infrastructure. Preliminary metallurgical testing indicates that both oxide and sulphide gold mineralization at Eastside is amenable to heap leaching. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Peter Gianulis, CEO Follow us: X LinkedIn Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements and information contained in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which are referred to collectively as "forward-looking statements". The United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for certain forward-looking statements. A2Gold Corp.'s ("A2Gold") exploration plans for its gold exploration properties, the drill program at A2Gold's Eastside project, the preparation and publication of an updated resource estimate in respect of the Original Zone at the Eastside project, A2Gold's future exploration and development plans, including anticipated costs and timing thereof; A2Gold's plans for growth through exploration activities, acquisitions or otherwise; and expectations regarding future maintenance and capital expenditures, and working capital requirements. Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Some of the known risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" in A2Gold's Listing Application, dated January 24, 2018, as filed with the TSX Venture Exchange and available on SEDAR under A2Gold's profile at www.sedar.com. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. A2Gold undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this press release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements. SOURCE A2 Gold Corp A further 400 acres of North Wales farmland has been launched for sale as Lord Newborough continues the disposal of his Glynllifon Estate. The owner of the Rhug Estate announced last year that a decision had been made to sell more than 1,000 acres to create opportunities for the next generation of farmers while allowing the estate to focus resources on its core base near Corwen. In-hand farmland and let, whole farms form part of the second phase of the sale, being handled by national property consultancy Carter Jonas. It is the first time in more than three centuries that the estate has been made available. In all, 901 acres are now on the market as a whole with a guide price of 10.9m, but with individual lots also offered. Lord Newborough said: Agricultural land of this quality and scale in the Llyn Peninsula rarely comes to market, and I would encourage anyone with ambitions in farming to look seriously at what is on offer here. Making more of Glynllifon available is about creating genuine pathways for the next generation of farmers and land-based businesses to begin, develop, and thrive. Offering a mix of whole farms, tenanted holdings, and smaller parcels of pasture means there is something accessible for a wide range of buyers, from those looking to expand significantly to those taking their first step. For us, it also allows Rhug to refocus its investment where it matters most. This is ultimately about the future of farming in North Wales, and giving others the chance to take something exceptional forward. Ty Mawr a 265-acre livestock farm near Caernarfon with two houses and buildings and 180 acres of pasture at Tyn Llan, made up the bulk of the first phase of the sale in November 2025. The remainder of Glynllifons assets are now available, with the two most significant investment opportunities being Maes Mawr and Caerloda two farms let on long-term Agricultural Holdings Act tenancies to sitting tenants. Caerloda Farm is the largest of the two, with 130 acres of mixed productive grassland and lower pastures suitable for cropping and livestock grazing. It includes a range of traditional stone buildings and a detached farmhouse, which is occupied by the sitting tenant on a first-succession tenancy. Similarly, Maes Mawr Farm is let and also occupies a coastal location. It has 100 acres, a farmhouse, and a range of traditional and modern agricultural buildings. Opportunities for farmers to acquire land to take in hand immediately come in the form of several blocks of pasture. The sale includes 137 acres of easily accessible grassland near Caernarfon which has a water supply and is stockproof. A further 42 acres of pasture which has potential for arable production is available nearby in a separate lot. Land at Bachwen offers 48 acres of productive grassland in eight good-sized fields. Carter Jonas Partner, Hugh ODonnell, from the firms Bangor office, said: The Estate has retained a broad range of mineral rights across the region which again can offer a potential diversified income stream to any new owner. For more information contact Carter Jonas on 01428 360 417. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com Not for release, publication or distribution in whole or in part in, into or from any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws of such jurisdiction. LONDON, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Athora Holding Ltd. ("Athora" or "the Group"), a leading European savings and retirement services group, today announced that it has secured 3.5 billion of common equity commitments from a broad base of investors. The investors include sovereign wealth funds such as Mubadala Investment Company ("Mubadala") and Abu Dhabi Investment Council (a fund wholly owned by Mubadala) which represent the largest new investors in this issuance. In addition, the issuance attracted pension funds, insurance companies and other cornerstone investors, including Apollo and Athene. Since inception in 2018, Athora has secured approximately 9 billion of common equity commitments from a high-quality, institutional investor base, operating with a long-time horizon that is well matched to long-term savings and retirement customer commitments. This is the largest amount of common equity raised by any European insurance company (or dedicated insurance vehicle) in the past decade. The majority of the issuance proceeds will be used to fund the acquisition of Pension Insurance Corporation Group Limited ("PICG"), alongside remaining equity commitments from Athora's 2022 equity raise. The residual issuance proceeds will be used to fund broader long-term growth opportunities across the Group, including Pension Risk Transfers ("PRT") in the Netherlands. Regulatory approval for Athora's acquisition of PICG, including its wholly owned subsidiary, Pension Insurance Corporation plc ("PIC") was received today, 6 March from the Prudential Regulation Authority ("PRA"), in consultation with the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). In keeping with the transaction terms, Athora, PIC and the selling shareholders are now progressing towards expected completion on or around 27 March 2026. Mike Wells, Group CEO of Athora said: "I am delighted to announce the close of Athora's latest capital raise, bringing the total amount of common equity commitments raised by Athora to approximately 9 billion. Proceeds from the issuance will support our target funding structure for the PICG acquisition, which received regulatory approval today and is expected to complete on or around 27 March 2026. I would like to thank Athora's existing and new investors for their continued support and endorsement of our strategic vision. The proceeds will enable Athora to deliver a scaled entry into the attractive UK pensions market, expand PIC's capacity to serve trustees seeking to secure pension risk transfer solutions, while providing the resources to support other ongoing growth initiatives across Europe." This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in any jurisdiction. About Athora Athora is a leading European savings and retirement services group. We concentrate on the large and attractive traditional life and pensions market, with an ambition to become a leading provider of guaranteed savings and pensions products in Europe. We serve the needs of individual and corporate customers who continue to demand products offering safety of returns. Athora's principal subsidiaries are Athora Netherlands N.V. (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Athora Belgium S.A. (Brussels, Belgium), Athora Lebensversicherung AG (Wiesbaden, Germany), Athora Italia S.p.A (Genoa and Milan, Italy) and Athora Life Re Ltd. (Bermuda). At 30 June 2025, Athora had AuMA of 76.4 billion, c.1,430 employees and approx. 2.8 million customers. For more information, please visit: www.athora.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/athoragroup Disclaimer Certain information contained herein may be "forward-looking" in nature. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or actual performance may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking information. As such, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology including, but not limited to, "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "project," "estimate," "intend," "continue" or "believe" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927607/Athora_Logo.jpg SOURCE Athora A badger was found alive but severely injured after being carried nearly five miles trapped in a cars front bumper following a road traffic collision in North Wales. The animal was struck by a vehicle during a morning commute. The driver was initially unaware the badger had become lodged in the front bumper and only discovered it upon arriving at work, according to Clwyd Badger Group, which carried out the rescue. When volunteers arrived on scene, the animal had suffered significant injuries, including the loss of several areas of skin, a wounded neck and suspected bone damage. The badger was in considerable pain and very subdued. Volunteers described the incident at one of the most distressing they have attended. Dan Rose of Clwyd Badger Group, who carried out the rescue, said: It was an awful situation to be in. We managed to catch the badger very easily as he was clearly in a lot of pain. Were grateful for members of the public who report things to us as swiftly as they can. A horrible situation for the driver but we very much appreciate that the correct thing was done, they stayed by the badger to make sure it didnt get away and phoned to get professional help. Clwyd Badger Group is urging anyone who hits or discovers a badger following a collision anywhere in North Wales to report it, even where the animal has already died. Dan Rose added: Any time a badger is hit across North Wales please do report to Clwyd Badger Group to make us aware. We record every road traffic accident report even if that badger is already dead. This data is used to collect suitable badgers to have tested for bovine TB and also checked for malicious intent. Clwyd Badge Group is the affiliated local group of the Badger Trust, covering Wrexham, Flintshire, Denbighshire, Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey. All road traffic incidents involving badgers reported to the group contribute to important monitoring work. Recorded data supports disease surveillance, including testing for bovine tuberculosis, and helps identify any patterns of deliberate harm. To report a badger road traffic incident in North Wales, please contact Clwyd Badger Group via their social media channels or via their website. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com The Welsh Government had to rush to engage with the UK Government after being caught off guard by the Home Secretarys plans to abolish police and crime commissioners, the Senedd has heard. Huw Irranca-Davies MS (Labour, Ogmore), the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, told the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee that the announcement came forward at some pace and the Welsh Government had to act quickly to make its case. Its fair to say we had to run at the UK Government then to say, Hey, we want to be involved in this; we have proposals about how this could work if this is your step forward, Mr Irranca-Davies said. Alun Davies MS (Labour, Blaenau Gwent) was blunt in his assessment, telling the committee that the Home Secretarys White Paper gave Wales minimal consideration. The paper published by the Home Secretary had one paragraph about Wales. The box was ticked, Mr Davies said. He went further, telling the committee that the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, had been poorly treated when called to respond in the Senedd. The Cabinet Secretary was brought to the Senedd Chamber on an urgent question, and she was trying to brief herself in the lift on the way down. She was treated pretty shabbily by the Home Secretary and the UK Government on this matter, and so was the Welsh Government, Mr Davies said. Mr Irranca-Davies did not dispute the account. He acknowledged that the initial announcement had left the Welsh Government scrambling, but said subsequent engagement had improved. The subsequent engagement has been very good, because we put forward very forcibly, very forcibly, Alun, the arguments that we have an approach that could work in Wales, that it should not override structures that are already in existence, and that there is also a role for the Senedd within this process as well, the Deputy First Minister told the committee. He restated the Welsh Governments long-term position on policing. Weve always been clear that policing should be devolved to Wales. Lets put that bang on the record once again, Mr Irranca-Davies said. He added that the majority of policing funding in Wales already comes from Welsh sources, and quoted the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice as saying money should be spent in Wales where its raised in Wales, and powers should sit with those who provide the funding. Mr Davies pressed the Deputy First Minister on the broader picture, warning that voters expect more than compromise. I think people in Wales actually do want politicians to take binary choices, quite honestly. I think they do want to see change. Because if we constantly end up compromising on what we honestly believe is best for Wales, then the people of Wales will say, Actually, perhaps we need some people who have got stronger views on these matters, and youve had long enough, Mr Davies said. Mr Irranca-Davies responded by framing the PCC abolition as a practical opportunity, while insisting the destination remains full devolution. We play whats in front of us. We have an opportunity here to make a significant change that could be to the benefit of the people of Wales. Ultimately, our destination is devolution; lets make no mistake about it, the Deputy First Minister said. The committee asked for written correspondence setting out how the Welsh Government is engaging with the Home Office on the replacement arrangements for PCCs. Mr Irranca-Davies agreed to provide it. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com UPDATE - MARCH 5, 2026 Sean Price, the off-duty Reno firefighter, who pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless driving causing substantial bodily harm has been sentenced. On March 17th of last year, Price's car crossed into an oncoming lane and hit another car on Avenida De Landa. The defense had asked for a minimum of 12 to 30 months in prison and mental health court. The state was asking for a maximum of 28 to 72 months in prison. Judge James Russell imposed a sentence of 24 to 60 months of probation and no jail time. The Washoe County District Attorney's office has released a statement, "Our position regarding the case against Shawn Price has remained consistent throughout this process. We moved forward with the charge that was supported by the available evidence and successfully prosecuted the defendant on that provable offense. We advocated for the maximum six-year sentence for reckless driving and are deeply disappointed in the courts decision to instead place Mr. Price on probation. Our office will continue to stand up for victims of crime and pursue accountability in every case. While we respect the courts role in sentencing, todays outcome is not the result we believed this victim deserved." UPDATE - DECEMBER 9: Authorities say an off-duty Reno firefighter who was impaired and caused a crash last March has pleaded guilty to a reckless driving-related charge. The Washoe County District Attorney's Office says Shawn Price will be sentenced next March to one charge of reckless driving causing substantial bodily harm when his car crossed into the oncoming lane on Avenida De Landa and hit another car. UPDATE - OCTOBER 31: According to new information from the Reno Police Department, the Sparks Police Department is leading the investigation into a March crash on Avenida De Landa near Gatewood Drive that involved off-duty Reno firefighter Shawn Price. On March 17, just after 1 p.m., Reno Police officers were dispatched to Avenida De Landa near Gatewood Drive on a report of a crash between two cars that caused property damage. When officers arrived, they began investigating and learned that the driver found to be at fault was identified as Shawn Price, an off-duty City of Reno firefighter who had already been taken to a local hospital. Per RPD policy, they immediately contacted our partner agencies seeking assistance with the crash investigation, Reno Police said in a statement. The Sparks Police Department responded and took over the investigation. It is department policy to request an outside agency to investigate any crash involving a City of Reno employee, whether on or off duty, if the incident involves serious injuries or if an arrest of the employee is likely. Officers at the scene followed proper procedures, the department added. They did not pause or delay when they learned the driver was a City of Reno employee and continued to ensure that the investigation was conducted appropriately until it was turned over to the Sparks Police Department. The Sparks Police Department is now the lead agency handling both the crash and the DUI investigation involving Price. Court records show the case has been stayed, meaning it is paused until further notice. The case has been bound over to the district court for the remaining charge, though it has not yet appeared in the district court system. This is a developing story, and information will be updated as it becomes available. ORIGINAL STORY - MARCH 17: Two cars were involved in a crash this afternoon on Avenida de Landa in northwest Reno, sending one driver to the hospital. The Reno Fire Department responded to a report that came in around 1:30 p.m. of the crash between the two vehicles. According to officials, it appears that one of the cars was speeding and crossed the center line, hitting another car. The car that was speeding then went off the road, hitting a brick wall. Only a driver was in each vehicle; the speeding driver was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials say that impairment, along with speeding, appears to be a factor in the crash. The United States Postal Service is planning a hiring event in Carson City later this month, aimed at filling rural mail delivery positions that serve parts of Northern Nevada. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the EmployNV Business Hub, located at 1929 N. Carson City Street. The Postal Service says it is looking for people interested in working as Rural Carrier Associates, positions that help deliver and collect mail for families and businesses in rural and suburban areas. According to the agency, the starting pay for the job is $21.89 an hour, paid every two weeks. People hired for the role deliver and collect mail and may also sell stamps, supplies, and money orders while serving on their routes. The position involves delivering mail in rural communities, including Gardnerville, Incline Village, and Minden. Applicants must have a valid state driver's license and be able to demonstrate and maintain a safe driving record. The Postal Service describes the role as one that can involve spending time outdoors while serving local communities. People interested in applying are encouraged to create a free hiring profile online before attending the event and to review the Rural Carrier Associate job description and duties. The Postal Service says it offers a fast-paced work environment, on-the-job training, and opportunities for advancement within the organization. The agency says the hiring event is part of an ongoing effort to recruit workers to support mail delivery in Northern Nevada communities. As insurance premiums climb faster than inflation, many households are spending a larger share of their income on protecting their home, car, health and heirs from catastrophic bills, to the tune of almost $10,000 per year on average. That breaks down to an average of $3,303 for home insurance, $1,993 for auto insurance, $4,055 for health insurance, and $575 for life insurance and other types of personal policies, according to the latest data from the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Members only Clawing back even a small percentage of that money could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars a year and free up funds to grow your nest egg, pay for retirement expenses or achieve other financial goals. Here are 25 strategies for cutting costs on the most common insurance products. The first eight tips cover multiple kinds of insurance. The rest show you how to save money specifically on home, auto, health, life, long-term care, travel and pet insurance. INSURANCE POLICIES OVERALL 1. Dont settle for just one quote When looking to buy a new type of insurance or re-shopping an existing policy, solicit quotes from at least three providers. That can help you find the best deal, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Market conditions are regularly changing, and its important to not assume that what was true even two years ago is still true now, says Craig Martin, executive director of insurance intelligence for J.D. Power. Things may have changed for the carrier, for you or for both. Switching auto insurers saved policyholders a median of $461 annually, a 2024 Consumer Reports survey found. Moreover, a 2025 analysis by NerdWallet shows homeowners insurance rates can vary by $1,000 or more for identical coverage. And the difference between long-term care insurance premiums could be as much as $5,000 a year for the same coverage, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance. For many types of insurance, you can quickly compare multiple offers through aggregation websites like The Zebra, Policygenius or Insurify. 2. Increase your deductible Generally, the higher your deductible the amount you must pay when filing a claim before your insurer will contribute the lower your premium. Thats because youre agreeing to accept more risk and pay more out of pocket if something happens, says Michael DeLong, an insurance researcher at the CFA. Raising your deductible from $200 to $500 can cut auto insurance premiums by 15 to 30 percent per year, while upping your home insurance deductible from $500 to $1,000 could save 10 to 25 percent in annual costs, according to the III. However, its important to avoid raising your deductible beyond what you can realistically afford, DeLong warns. Otherwise, you could be forced to take on a high-interest credit card debt or a personal loan to pay it if a disaster strikes. 3. Review your workplace benefits Many companies offer insurance perks in addition to health insurance as part of their benefits package. Check with your HR or benefits department to be sure youre not paying for duplicate coverage or spending more on additional personal insurance policies than you need to. For instance, 22 percent of employers currently offer pet insurance, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, and 62 percent of U.S. workers had access to life insurance benefits in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those with government jobs or who worked for companies with 500 or more employees were most likely to have employer-sponsored life insurance. Yet more than a third of workers are unaware of this benefit, according to a 2025 study from LIMRA (formerly the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association). 4. Raise your credit score Insurers discriminate against those with lower credit scores, charging them hundreds or even thousands more in premiums than those with better scores, DeLong says. A homeowner with an estimated FICO credit score of 630 pays home insurance premiums that are almost double what their neighbor with a credit score of 820 does, according to 2025 research conducted by the CFA and the Climate and Community Institute. You can see the typical credit score penalty charged in your area by viewing the CFAs county breakdown. The effect on auto insurance rates is similar. Americans with excellent credit (FICO scores of 823 or above) paid almost half as much in premiums as those with fair credit (710-740), while those with the lowest credit scores (577 and below) paid 115 percent more on average, according to a 2023 report from the CFA. You can raise your credit score by making on-time monthly payments, asking creditors to remove negative information from your credit report, reducing your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit youre using as a proportion of your total credit limit) and fixing errors on your credit report around 2 in 5 Americans who checked their reports found at least one error, according to a 2024 investigation by Consumer Reports and the nonprofit consumer advocacy organization WorkMoney. When it comes to insurance, an independent broker can cut through the thicket of options in the market. Sam Island 5. Get help from an independent insurance agent or broker Insurance is a complicated and often very confusing topic that can be a lot for people to take in, says DeLong. Having an independent insurance agent or broker who is more knowledgeable about the issue and will find you specific policies and help you evaluate things can be very helpful. Unlike a captive agent, who represents a single company, independent agents and brokers can show you policies from multiple insurers, including some that may not appear on aggregator websites or that you may not be familiar with. They can do the hard work of comparing coverage and premium options from different insurance companies to help you determine the best plan for you. Most independent agents and brokers receive commissions from insurers for each policy sold, but some may instead charge fees for their services. You can find an independent insurance agent in your area at TrustedChoice.com, which is backed by the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America. 6. Bundle policies Insurers commonly offer discounts if you buy more than one type of insurance or get coverage for more than one asset, like two cars or two pets. For instance, Lemonade offers up to a 10 percent discount if your pet insurance covers more than one cat or dog. Progressive says new customers who bundle their home and auto insurance save 25 percent on average, while State Farm reports its customers save $1,429 annually on average by doing so. The caveat? Even if youre offered a bundle discount, you may still come out ahead by purchasing each policy separately from different insurers. Therefore, compare quotes for bundled and individual policies when shopping around. 7. Change how you pay Many insurance carriers offer payment-related discounts, such as lower costs for paying premiums annually rather than monthly, or for setting up automatic payments, Martin says. For example, paying your auto insurance premium for the year up front instead of in installments could shave 5 to 12 percent off your policys bill, according to the CFA. Enrolling in paperless statements may also earn you a small discount. The 10th anniversary coincides with International Women's Day and will be accompanied by $200,000 in grant funding to community organizations promoting positive change in women's lives. NORWAY, Iowa, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Aura Cacia, a leader in sustainably sourced essential and skin care oils, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Aura Cacia Positive Change Project on International Women's Day. To celebrate, the brand today announced the four nonprofit partners that will receive a collective $200,000 in grant funding to advance opportunity, safety, and economic stability for women and girls across the United States as part of their two-year grant cycle. In communities everywhere, women of courage and determination are working to better their lives despite overwhelming challenges. Inspired by their resilience, Aura Cacia created the Positive Change Project in 2016 to provide meaningful financial support to organizations helping women and girls facing difficult life situations as they make transformational improvements in their lives. Over the past decade, the initiative has contributed more than $1.5 million to 29 organizations across the US and Canada. The program is designed to support organizations helping women and girls to become more stable and self-sufficient, strengthen their confidence and self-respect, expand access to health and wellness resources, and create opportunities for women to help shape curriculum, mentorship and programming for others in their communities. "At Aura Cacia, we're inspired by the power of positive change, so when we launched the Positive Change Project ten years ago, our goal was to support organizations that enrich the lives of women and girls every day," said Somer Marshall, Senior Director of Marketing at Aura Cacia. "On International Women's Day, we are proud to celebrate a decade of impact by continuing to invest in organizations that reinforce confidence, expand opportunity and help create lasting, transformational change at the community level." This year's grantees were selected for their comprehensive and community-rooted approaches to supporting women and girls. The 2026 Aura Cacia Positive Change Project recipients include: Agape Youth & Family Center provides year-round academic support, enrichment, and family services to underserved girls in northwest Atlanta. Through tutoring, mentoring, social-emotional learning, and post-secondary guidance, Agape helps girls build the skills and confidence to graduate high school and pursue meaningful futures. The Aura Cacia Positive Change Project grant will help serve 88 girls in K12 programs and 15 young women in post-secondary guidance each year, helping break cycles of generational poverty and strengthen communities. provides year-round academic support, enrichment, and family services to underserved girls in northwest Atlanta. Through tutoring, mentoring, social-emotional learning, and post-secondary guidance, Agape helps girls build the skills and confidence to graduate high school and pursue meaningful futures. The Aura Cacia Positive Change Project grant will help serve 88 girls in K12 programs and 15 young women in post-secondary guidance each year, helping break cycles of generational poverty and strengthen communities. Calvary Women's Services supports women experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC, through housing, education, and employment programs. Serving more than 250 women annually, Calvary combines transitional and permanent housing with personalized case management to promote stability and financial independence. Support from the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project advances Calvary's Women's Economic Empowerment Program, providing rental assistance, job placement, financial literacy, and flexible funding to help women secure employment, maintain safe housing, and rebuild their lives. supports women experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC, through housing, education, and employment programs. Serving more than 250 women annually, Calvary combines transitional and permanent housing with personalized case management to promote stability and financial independence. Support from the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project advances Calvary's Women's Economic Empowerment Program, providing rental assistance, job placement, financial literacy, and flexible funding to help women secure employment, maintain safe housing, and rebuild their lives. Mosaic Georgia provides safety, healing, and justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Lawrenceville, Georgia, serving more than 3,200 people each year. Through trauma-informed mental health services and free civil legal advocacy, survivors regain stability and confidence. Support from the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project enables Mosaic's Legal Empowerment & Healing Pathways project to deliver protective orders, family law support, counseling, peer groups, and holistic healing services to more than 900 women and adolescent girls annually. provides safety, healing, and justice for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Lawrenceville, Georgia, serving more than 3,200 people each year. Through trauma-informed mental health services and free civil legal advocacy, survivors regain stability and confidence. Support from the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project enables Mosaic's Legal Empowerment & Healing Pathways project to deliver protective orders, family law support, counseling, peer groups, and holistic healing services to more than 900 women and adolescent girls annually. Pawsperity supports women in the Kansas City areamany of them single mothersthrough the nation's only nonprofit dog grooming school of its kind, along with life skills training and wraparound support. Participants build technical skills, financial literacy, and confidence while strengthening family stability. With support from the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project, Pawsperity helps women overcome systemic barriers, pursue meaningful careers, and create brighter futures for themselves and their children. "The Aura Cacia Positive Change Project has played a significant role in the success of Calvary Women's Services' programs, supporting the growth of critical services, including the opening of our New Foundations program for survivors of domestic violence," said Lisa Buchs, Senior Director of Institutional Partnerships at Calvary Women's Services. "Right now, in Washington, DC, more women than ever before are facing economic hardship, trauma, and struggling to overcome barriers that threaten their stability. Through this grant, Calvary will continue to serve hundreds of women in our city and offer lifesaving, transformative services." The Aura Cacia Positive Change Project is part of Frontier Co-op's extensive charitable giving. To learn more about the Aura Cacia Positive Change Project, visit www.auracacia.com/positive-change-project. About Aura Cacia Inspired by the power of positive change, Aura Cacia's products are made from simple and pure botanical ingredients that unlock nature's ability to improve our well-being. The brand sources ingredients carefully and sustainably from the best locations around the world, then tests every shipment to verify its purity and quality. Each purchase of an Aura Cacia product supports organizations that help women transform their lives through as part of the brand's Positive Change Project. Aura Cacia is a brand of Frontier Co-op. Learn more at www.auracacia.com. About Frontier Co-op Founded in 1976 and based in Norway, Iowa, Frontier Co-op is proudly celebrating 50 years as a 50,000 member-owned cooperative offering a full line of products for natural living under the Frontier Co-op, Simply Organic and Aura Cacia brands. Products include culinary herbs, spices and baking flavors; bulk herbs and spices; and aromatherapy products with a wide selection of regenerative and organic. For five decades, Frontier Co-op has been guided by its purpose Doing Good, Works and commitment to provide consumers with the highest-quality products while supporting and promoting social and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit the co-op's website at www.frontiercoop.com . Media Contact: Alicia Simmons Director of Sustainability and Communications [email protected] SOURCE Aura Cacia "Strong commodity markets and increased exploration activity are creating renewed optimism across the sector," said PDAC President, Karen Rees. Growing Global Momentum for Mineral Exploration Toronto, Mar 6, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention brought together the global mineral exploration and mining community this week, continuing a 94-year tradition of connecting industry, governments, investors, Indigenous communities and students. PDAC 2026 welcomed 32,155 participants from around the world, the highest participation in the event's history. "There was a clear sense of energy throughout the convention," said PDAC President Karen Rees. "Strong commodity markets are contributing to optimism across the sector. At the same time, governments and the public are recognizing more clearly how essential minerals are to economic growth, electrification, defence and modern technologies." The convention also set a record with more than 1,300 exhibitors, delivering the largest trade show footprint in PDAC's history and filling the Metro Toronto Convention Centre across both the North and South buildings. Over four days, PDAC 2026 facilitated networking, investment discussions and deal-making. The convention's programming featured hundreds of expert presenters examining the key opportunities and challenges shaping mineral exploration, project development and financing. PDAC 2026 also welcomed participation from governments around the world, alongside Canadian policymakers and leaders from municipal, provincial and federal levels. Their presence reflects the growing global focus on mineral supply, investment and the policies needed to support responsible development. "Government policy choices play a critical role in supporting the mineral sector and ensuring Canada remains a global leader in mineral exploration and development," Rees said. "Proven, made-in-Canada exploration tax credits and greater regulatory predictability are essential to maintaining Canada's competitiveness and investor confidence." While the Convention is an important moment for the association, PDAC advocates throughout the year on behalf of its members and the broader sector. "In a more complex global environment, a strong mineral sector is fundamental to Canada's economic prosperity, supply-chain security and sovereignty," Rees said. PDAC thanks its volunteers, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and participants for contributing to a successful Convention and looks forward to welcoming the global mineral exploration and mining community back to Toronto for PDAC 2027, March 7-10, 2027. About PDAC The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community, an industry that employs more than 724,000, and contributed $156 billion to Canada's GDP in 2024 (Natural Resources Canada, February 2025). Currently representing over 8,200 members around the world, PDAC's work centres on supporting a competitive, responsible, and sustainable mineral sector. PDAC 2026, our 94th annual convention, will take place in person in Toronto, Canada from March 1-4. Related Companies AceShowbiz - Marvel has officially unveiled a fresh incarnation of Deadpool as he joins the Avengers under a new codename and costume in the latest issue of The Ultimates #21. This version of the Merc With a Mouth debuts a striking black suit and is known simply as The Nameless. The preview art and storyline, crafted by Deniz Camp, Pere Perez, and Federico Blee, introduce fans to Luke Cages Avengers team within a turbulent timeline where a rebellion is underway against the tyrannical Maker. This roster includes revamped heroes such as Ghost Rider and a radically reimagined Deadpool. Unlike the classic Wade Wilson portrayal known for his wisecracks and vocal antics, The Nameless is a stark contrast: a silent, enigmatic, and deadly serious combatant. His healing factor remains incredibly potent, rendering him essentially immortal. This aligns with a previously established trait from the mainstream Deadpools lore, where the character longs for death but is cursed never to achieve it. This new identity first appeared subtly in the background of The Ultimates #18, where Nameless was among a group of superpowered prisoners liberated by Luke Cage to join the Avengers cause. These powers were restored through Tony Starks Origin Boxes, devices designed to revert changes made by the Maker, who altered timelines in his bid to eradicate superheroism. The concept of a silent Deadpool recalls the controversial version portrayed by Ryan Reynolds in 2009s X-Men Origins: Wolverine. That adaptation angered fans by muting the character and removing his mouth, which was a significant departure from the talkative antihero known from the comics. Thankfully, Reynolds was later able to reclaim the role with the beloved solo Deadpool films. In contrast, The Nameless fits this mute persona but within a much larger ensemble cast and a darker narrative context. The Ultimate Universe, where this story unfolds, is a reality warped by the Makers time travel manipulations, where villains have succeeded. This grim setting justifies a more somber and lethal Deadpool who remains a master swordsman. Marvels Ultimate Universe is currently concluding its saga, culminating in the final battle against the Maker. As the nation rises against its oppressor, Luke Cage has assembled a team of superhuman prisoners to fight for freedom, with The Nameless Deadpool playing a key role. The Ultimates #21 is scheduled for release on February 25, 2026. Deadpools transformation into the silent Nameless marks a significant reinvention of a character known for his irreverence and humor. The early 2000s Ultimate Universe had originally depicted Deadpool as an anti-mutant zealot turned killing machine, a portrayal that diverged from his traditional chaotic heroism. Now, the 2026 Ultimates series repositions him as a serious Avenger fighting on the side of good in a desperate final stand. This new chapter for Deadpool highlights Marvels willingness to explore fresh facets of its characters while tying into larger universe-shaping events. Fans anticipating The Ultimates #21 can expect to see a darker, more formidable Deadpool donning a sleek black costume and embracing a new identity as the enigmatic Nameless. Overall, this evolution broadens the scope of what Deadpool represents in Marvels multiverse, blending familiar powers with a novel, silent persona that fits the dire circumstances of the Ultimate Universes final conflict. AceShowbiz - Gary Dontzig, the celebrated Emmy-winning writer and producer known for his pivotal role on the CBS sitcom Murphy Brown, has passed away at the age of 79. Dontzig died on February 23 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles due to a rare and aggressive auto-immune syndrome, as announced by his longtime writing partner, Steven Peterman, with whom he collaborated for over 35 years. During the first six seasons of the critically acclaimed Murphy Brown, starring Candice Bergen, Gary Dontzig and Peterman co-wrote 25 episodes and helped produce 150 installments. Their work earned them promotion to executive producers by series creator Diane English. Among their notable contributions was the landmark two-part episode You Say Potatoe, I Say Potato, co-written with Korby Siamis, which opened the shows fifth season in 1992. This episode was a direct response to Vice President Dan Quayles public criticism of the character Murphy Brown for having a child as a single mother. The controversy propelled the show onto the front page of The New York Times and drew a record audience of 70 million viewers. Gary Dontzig and his team received multiple Emmy nominations throughout the early 1990s for outstanding comedy series and writing, securing wins in 1990, 1991, and 1992 for their exemplary work on the show. Born in New York City on March 18, 1946, Dontzig began his career as an actor, appearing in television shows such as The Waltons, Chico and the Man, One Day at a Time, Too Close for Comfort, and Laverne & Shirley. He also performed as Patrick in a national tour of Mame alongside Angela Lansbury, who remained a lifelong friend. His partnership with Peterman began after they met during a production at the Old Globe theater in San Diego. They later joined the original writing staff of Murphy Brown and reunited for the show's reboot in 2018. Following their departure from Murphy Brown, the duo developed and executive produced all three seasons of the NBC sitcom Suddenly Susan (1996-99), which starred Brooke Shields. They also worked on the Fox Family series State of Grace (2001-02), which introduced young talents Alia Shawkat and Mae Whitman. Their writing on that series earned them a Humanitas nomination in 2002. Dontzig and Peterman contributed to the final season of CBSs Becker (2003-04), starring Ted Danson, and notably rewrote the original script that became the Disney sensation Hannah Montana, starring Miley Cyrus. They co-executive produced the pilot episode alongside series creator Michael Poryes. Outside of his television career, Gary Dontzig and his life partner, artist Gary Campbell, whom he was with for over 30 years, were active advocates for AIDS victims during the 1980s and beyond. The couple supported numerous charities and political causes throughout their lives. They lived in West Hollywood and later acquired a home near the Georgia OKeeffe Center in Abiquiu, New Mexico. After Campbells sudden death in 2002, Dontzig divided his time between both residences until he moved permanently to New Mexico following his work on the Hannah Montana pilot, focusing on playwriting. He also taught drama classes at American University in Washington, D.C. Steven Peterman reflected on Dontzigs legacy, emphasizing that it was his humanity, intellect, wit, and generosity that endeared him to colleagues and friends alike, beyond his impressive creative accomplishments. Surviving Gary Dontzig are his sister, Lois, and niece, Claudine. Plans for a celebration of life are underway, and donations in his memory can be made to the New Mexico Wildlife Center, the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, or PETA. AceShowbiz - The Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny made his live debut in Australia this past weekend, delivering a historic moment for his global tour. The Latin superstar headlined two sold-out shows at Sydney's ENGIE Stadium, drawing nearly 90,000 fans in total. This massive turnout set a new attendance record for the venue, according to Live Nation Australia. Bad Bunny continues to shatter records and expand his international influence as part of his Debi Tirar Mas Fotos world tour. The achievement in Sydney marks the highest number of attendees ever recorded for a concert at ENGIE Stadium, a milestone highlighted in an Instagram post by the ticketing and promotion company. Despite the relatively small percentage of Spanish speakers in Australiaonly around 0.7 percentthe crowd enthusiastically engaged with Bad Bunny's Spanish-only banter throughout the performance. Rolling Stone Australia praised the concert, noting the audiences strong connection to the music and lyrics even without widespread Spanish fluency. This record-setting attendance in Australia adds to Bad Bunny's recent string of successes. Earlier this year, he achieved his first solo Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Following his Australian shows, he is set to make his live debut in Asia with a performance in Tokyo on March 7, as part of Spotify's Billions Club Live series. After his Tokyo appearance, Bad Bunny plans to take a brief break before launching the European leg of his world tour in May, continuing to build momentum across continents. His ongoing tour milestones reflect his growing global appeal and the strong connection he maintains with fans worldwide. AceShowbiz - The highly anticipated trailer for The Boys season 5 has arrived, offering fans an intense preview of the final chapter in the Amazon Prime Video superhero saga. Set to premiere on April 8, the new season promises escalating conflict as the notorious Homelander tightens his grip on power while the remaining heroes prepare for an all-out war. The trailer picks up following the dramatic events of season 4, showcasing how Homelanders oppressive reign has extended to terrifying new heights. Despite his quest for immortality, the clock is ticking for him as Billy Butcher and others mount relentless efforts to stop his tyrannical rule. The stakes have never been higher, and no character is safe in this explosive season. Fans also get their first official look at new cast members from the spin-off series Gen V, including Jaz Sinclair as Marie Moreau and London Thor as Jordan Li joining Starlight. While other Gen V characters do not appear in this footage, their involvement remains significant as the storylines converge. A major highlight of the trailer is the return of Jensen Ackles as Soldier Boy, who will be a series regular in season 5. The footage hints at fresh tensions as Ackles character is seen grappling with others, including a mysterious figure played by Misha Collins. Another Supernatural reunion surfaces as Jared Padalecki joins the cast in an undisclosed role, adding to the intrigue and excitement. The dynamic between these characters appears volatile, with scenes showing Ackles strangling Collins character while Padaleckis persona watches on with concern. The nature of their conflict remains a mystery but sets the tone for the intense drama to come. At the 2025 FAN EXPO panel, moderated by ScreenRant, Karl Urban emphasized the perilous nature of the upcoming season. He warned viewers about significant character losses, stating, "Theres going to be some big hits early on in the very first episode. Thats probably what is going to make you realize, 'Oh, this s--t is for real.' The stakes couldnt be higher, and anybodys fair game." The Boys season 5 will debut with the first two episodes released simultaneously on April 8, followed by weekly installments until the season finale on May 20. This final season promises to deliver a high-stakes conclusion to the beloved series, blending shocking twists with powerful performances as the war against Homelander reaches its climax. Showrunner Eric Kripke continues to steer the series toward an epic finale, bringing together fan-favorite actors and new faces alike for this concluding chapter. With the convergence of stories from both the main series and the Gen V spin-off, season 5 sets the stage for a dramatic and unforgettable conclusion to The Boys. DELRAY BEACH, Fla., March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets, the automotive communication protocol market is expected to reach USD 10.32 billion by 2033, from USD 7.77 billion in 2026, with a CAGR of 4.1% Browse 100 market data Tables and 80 Figures spread through 350 Pages and in-depth TOC on 'Automotive Communication Protocol Market' Automotive Communication Protocol Market Size & Forecast: Market Size Available for Years: 20222033 20222033 2026 Market Size: USD 7.77 billion USD 7.77 billion 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 10.32 billion USD 10.32 billion CAGR (20262033): 4.1% Automotive Communication Protocol Market Trends & Insights: By application, safety & ADAS is expected to secure the leading market position during the forecast period. By protocol, CAN is expected to surpass other segments during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market for automotive communication protocol during the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=52588447 Economy vehicles primarily rely on CAN and LIN protocols due to their low implementation costs, mature supplier ecosystems, and sufficient bandwidth for body, comfort, and basic powertrain functions. These vehicle segments emphasize cost efficiency and proven reliability, making CAN ideal for core control communication and LIN suitable for low-speed actuator and sensor networks. In mid-size vehicles, the increasing deployment of ADAS functions, digital instrument clusters, and in-vehicle infotainment systems is boosting data throughput and real-time communication needs. This growth is fueling demand for automotive Ethernet, while FlexRay remains in use on certain platforms for deterministic, safety-related chassis and control functions where legacy systems are still in operation. Additionally, luxury vehicles are progressively adopting Ethernet-based communication due to sophisticated powertrain coordination, multi-display cockpit systems, rear-seat infotainment, high sensor density, and higher levels of vehicle autonomy with advanced safety features. These vehicles require very high bandwidth, low latency, and scalable data aggregation, which Ethernet provides. By application, safety & ADAS is expected to secure the leading market position during the forecast period. Safety and ADAS solutions, including radar, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, electronic stability control, and airbag network nodes, require high-speed, deterministic, and fault-tolerant communication. This demand is driving increased adoption of CAN FD, FlexRay, and automotive Ethernet. Regulatory mandates for features like autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and rear-view cameras are significantly boosting the number of network nodes per vehicle. ADAS applications produce large data volumes from camera and radar sensors, accelerating the shift toward Ethernet backbones, while CAN continues to be used at edge nodes. Functional safety requirements under ISO 26262 ASIL levels further enhance the need for reliable and redundant communication networks, adding to protocol complexity. Additionally, closer integration of ADAS with braking, steering, and powertrain systems is raising cross-domain communication demands. As a result, OEMs are increasingly deploying 100BASE-T1 and 1000BASE-T1 Ethernet to support high-bandwidth sensor data. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=52588447 By protocol, CAN is expected to surpass other segments during the forecast period. CAN remains the primary communication protocol for passenger car powertrain and chassis systems because of its proven real-time, deterministic performance and low cost. Engine control units, transmission control, ABS, airbag systems, and onboard diagnostics rely heavily on Classic CAN and CAN FD, leading to consistently high network node counts per vehicle. Its robust error handling, fault confinement, and resistance to electromagnetic interference make CAN well-suited for harsh under-hood environments in ICE passenger vehicles. CAN is also increasingly used in telematics systems, where growing connectivity demands are increasing CAN traffic between in-vehicle network nodes and telematics control units. Additionally, it supports audio, sound, and basic in-vehicle infotainment functions. Compared to Ethernet or FlexRay, CAN provides a mature, cost-effective ecosystem with broad supplier support and well-established automotive standards such as ISO 11898. While Ethernet adoption is rising at the gateway and backbone levels, edge-level node-to-node communication in ICE vehicles remains largely CAN-based, maintaining its dominant market position. Furthermore, CAN XL is emerging as a transitional technology between CAN and Ethernet, offering higher bandwidth while preserving CAN's robustness and cost efficiency. Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest market for automotive communication protocol during the forecast period. Asia Pacific remains the largest passenger car production hub globally, led by China, followed by Japan, India, and South Korea, which continue to sustain high volumes of passenger vehicle manufacturing. Despite the rapid growth of EVs, ICE passenger cars still represent a significant share of production in emerging APAC economies, driving large-scale demand for CAN, CAN FD, LIN, and gateway-based communication architectures. Stringent regional emission standards, such as China 6, BS6 Phase 2 in India, and Japan's PostNew Long-Term regulations, require precise coordination among engine, transmission, and after-treatment systems, increasing protocol demand within powertrain network nodes. Furthermore, strong government support for vehicle localization and cost-sensitive vehicle platforms in countries like India and Southeast Asia reinforces the use of proven, low-cost communication protocols. High production volumes of compact and mid-size vehicles further boost protocol deployment due to higher network node penetration per platform. OEMs are also gradually adopting domain controllers and Ethernet-enabled gateways while maintaining CAN and LIN dominance at the subsystem level. A well-established regional semiconductor manufacturing base and automotive electronics supply chain further support large-scale protocol deployment. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=52588447 Top Companies in Automotive Communication Protocol Market: The Top Companies in Automotive Communication Protocol Market are NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands), Robert Bosch GmbH (Germany), Infineon Technologies AG (Germany), STMicroelectronics (Switzerland), and TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED (US) Browse Adjacent Market: Automotive and Transportation Market Research Reports & Consulting Top Reports: Software Defined Vehicle Market Automotive Software Market Automotive Cybersecurity Market About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. 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Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg SOURCE MarketsandMarkets AceShowbiz - Representatives for Sombr have confirmed that the dramatic onstage ambush during his performance at the 2026 BRIT Awards was deliberately orchestrated as part of the show. The event took place on Saturday, February 28, at Manchesters Co-op Live venue. Sombr was nominated for International Artist of the Year and International Song of the Year for his hit single "Undressed." While performing that track, a man unexpectedly stormed the stage and pushed Sombr off the platform he was singing from. Security quickly intervened, removing the intruder from the stage. During the ensuing commotion, the performance backdrop was pulled away, revealing a full live band as Sombr smoothly transitioned into his next song, "Back to Friends." The incident sparked debate among fans, with many speculating whether the stage invasion was a genuine attack or a prearranged stunt. Some viewers pointed out that the man wore a shirt emblazoned with the phrase "Sombr is a homewrecker," referencing Sombrs latest single. However, others remained skeptical due to the forcefulness of the push. BRITs host Jack Whitehall commented on the moment after the performance, jokingly lamenting, "Such a shame we didn't have the security ready." The stunt sparked controversy on social media, where many fans expressed disapproval over the choice of Manchester as the setting for the act. This was especially sensitive as the city was hosting the BRIT Awards for the first time in its 50-year history and is still deeply affected by the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. The 2017 attack occurred at an Ariana Grande concert in the AO Arena, where a suicide bomber detonated a device in the foyer as attendees were leaving. The attack killed 22 people and injured hundreds more, with ISIS claiming responsibility. Several fans criticized Sombr and his team for what they viewed as a tone-deaf publicity stunt in a city still healing from tragedy. One user wrote, "Doing this in Manchester of all places is disgusting," while another added, "If that Sombr stage assault was a PR stunt, I find it in really really poor form considering what is forever a part of Manchester's live music history." Following the performance, Sombrs representatives confirmed to Variety that the entire episode was planned and part of the shows concept. During the event, Sombr spoke with NME about the overwhelming response to his debut album. He said, "You can't expect anything like that, but I'm thankful and I'm thankful for the British people for accepting the album with open arms, and I love it here." He also reflected on his musical inspirations, praising iconic UK acts. While he expressed affection for America, he said British musicians "beats them in terms of iconic acts," citing legendary names such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Elton John, the Stone Roses, the Verve, and Oasis. Sombr teased that he has "really big things to look out for this year that I think people have been waiting a while for," signaling exciting future projects. Aside from Sombrs standout performance, the BRIT Awards featured other memorable moments. Harry Styles opened the night with his first public performance in three years. A surprise collaboration between Bjork and Rosalia energized the stage, alongside acts including Olivia Dean, HUNTR/X's EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, Alex Warren, and RAYE. Noel Gallagher attended following Oasiss highly successful 'Live '25' reunion tour and was honored with the Songwriter of the Year award. PinkPantheress made history as the youngest recipient and first female winner of the Producer of the Year award. The ceremony also paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne with the BRITs Lifetime Achievement Award. A moving tribute performance was delivered by Robbie Williams alongside longtime members of Ozzys band, including Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, Tommy Clufetos, and Zakk Wylde. For a full rundown of winners and highlights from the 2026 BRIT Awards, see the official list. AceShowbiz - Rosalia stunned audiences with a powerful and theatrical live performance of "Berghain" at the 2026 Brit Awards, marking the first live rendition of the symphonic track. The performance also featured a surprise appearance by Bjork, bringing their collaboration to life onstage for the very first time. Rosalia appeared radiant in white as she opened the piece with an operatic German introduction, accompanied by the Heritage Orchestra and a half-circle choir dressed in blazers. The stage was enveloped in a dramatic atmosphere as she sang alongside the choir, before they parted to reveal Bjork, who delivered her hypnotic verse in a striking avant-garde ensemble, complete with a beaded headpiece that seemed to float around her. The performance climaxed with an intense dance segment featuring Rosalia and her dancers, as heavy synths, strobe lights, and electronic beats filled the stage. This dynamic finale captured the essence of the Berghain club that inspired the song, blending symphonic elements with a pulsating electronic energy. Since the release of her album Lux in November 2025, Rosalia has kept live renditions of her new material limited, previously performing only "Reliquia" and "La Perla." Each live show has grown increasingly theatrical, and the dramatic presentation at the Brit Awards hints at what fans can expect from her upcoming Lux world tour. Scheduled to begin on March 16 in Lyon, France, the tour will span 42 dates across Europe, North America, and South America. Given that Lux was recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra, many anticipate that Rosalia may incorporate orchestral arrangements into her live performances. The Brit Awards debut of "Berghain" offers a glimpse into the ambitious and immersive experience she plans to deliver on tour. Fans worldwide eagerly await the full spectacle when the Lux tour kicks off in the coming months. Karnataka Budget 2026: Siddaramaiah Proposes Social Media Ban for Children Under 16 2 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday proposed a ban on social media use for children below the age of 16 as part of the states Budget for 202627, presenting the measure in the Assembly at Vidhana Soudha. The proposal forms part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing the growing impact of excessive smartphone use among young students and promoting healthier academic and social environments. Announcing the measure during his Budget speech, Siddaramaiah said the restriction is intended to protect children from the harmful effects associated with increased mobile phone and social media usage. To prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile phone usage on children, the use of social media will be banned for children below 16 years of age, the Chief Minister said. Alongside the proposed restriction, the state government unveiled several initiatives aimed at strengthening the education sector and supporting student well-being. Siddaramaiah announced that trained mental health counsellors would be posted at all 204 Block Resource Centres across the state to provide guidance and psychological support to students. The government also plans to intensify efforts to curb drug use in educational institutions through awareness programmes, stricter enforcement measures and the establishment of student support centres. To improve access to quality education, the government will upgrade 184 government higher primary schools into high schools and convert 50 high schools into Pre-University colleges. In addition, a major push will be given to the public school system by upgrading around 800 institutions into Karnataka Public Schools over the next three years at an estimated cost of Rs 3,900 crore. Of these institutions, 500 will receive funding from the Asian Development Bank, 200 from the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board and 100 from the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation. The state has also allocated funds to strengthen basic infrastructure in schools. Around Rs 565 crore will be spent on constructing new classrooms and repairing existing ones, while Rs 75 crore has been earmarked for building toilets and Rs 25 crore for classroom furniture. Additionally, Rs 125 crore will be transferred directly to School and College Development Committees for maintenance work. The government also plans to introduce bilingual teaching in government primary schools by training teachers in English, for which Rs 24 crore has been allocated. Mamata Banerjee Launches Sit-In in Kolkata, Alleges BJPEC Plot Over Voter Roll Deletions 2 West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday began a sit-in protest in Kolkata against what she described as arbitrary deletions from the revised electoral rolls, intensifying the Trinamool Congresss confrontation with the Election Commission ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Launching the dharna at the Esplanade Metro Channel in central Kolkata, Banerjee accused the BJP and the Election Commission of conspiring to disenfranchise Bengali voters. I will expose the BJPEC conspiracy to disenfranchise Bengali voters, the TMC chief said while addressing supporters at the protest site. She also alleged that several voters had been wrongly marked as deceased in the updated rolls and claimed that those individuals would be presented at the protest to demonstrate the alleged irregularities. I will bring those voters whom the Election Commission has declared dead and present them here, Banerjee said. The sit-in, which began at around 2.15 pm, was earlier announced by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. He had accused the Election Commission of carrying out a politically motivated revision exercise that could potentially deprive lakhs of legitimate voters of their voting rights. The protest comes days after the Election Commission released the post-Special Intensive Revision (SIR) electoral rolls, which have significantly altered the states voter database. According to official figures issued on February 28, around 63.66 lakh namesabout 8.3 per cent of the electoratehave been removed since the revision process began in November last year. As a result, the voter base has declined from approximately 7.66 crore to just over 7.04 crore. Additionally, more than 60.06 lakh voters have been placed in the under adjudication category, meaning their eligibility will be determined through legal scrutiny in the coming weeks. The process could further influence constituency-level electoral equations in the run-up to the state polls. Not surprisingly there is early criticism from some quarters of President Trumps base of supporters because of his decision to authorize massive regime-change military strikes on Iran. Such opposition is natural given Trumps commitment to peace and his vocal America First policy orientation, an important part of which was ending wars and prioritizing domestic initiatives. Advertisement What these critics need to better appreciate is that sometimes circumstances and opportunities arise that require a change of course. What differentiates us from most of our adversaries is precisely that we want our government to be pragmatic and flexible rather than ideologically rigid. Additionally, with Iran being unwilling to negotiate an agreement to cease missile and nuclear bomb production, President Trump deemed Iran to be a lethal threat to U.S. national security. So, when negotiations failed, he took action that he believed was completely consistent with putting America first. For the last 43 years the radical Shia Islamic regime in Iran has been at war with the United States, starting with the April 1983 U.S. Embassy bombing in Beirut killing 63, and six months later the U.S. Marines Beirut barracks bombing that killed 241 Marine service members. Total U.S. casualties from Iran-linked forces in this period has exceeded 1200. But the loss of American lives inflicted by the radical Iranian regime is much higher. Irans improvised explosive devices (IEDS) took many more American lives in Iraq and Afghanistan -- totaling more than 4,200, which was about 46% of all U.S. war zone deaths between 2006 and 2019. In addition, estimates for the IED-wounded, often resulting in ugly facial disfiguration and loss of limbs took an even higher toll, with one official source putting the number at more than 30,000 U.S. service members across both wars. Advertisement Additionally, Iran under the ayatollahs has been the number one source of terrorism globally. These facts alone suggest that the takedown of the present theocratic government in Iran is overdue. Defeating the Iranian regime is by no means a sure thing. First, while there was early success in eliminating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, there is no single second in command as in a deputy or crown prince. Instead, power is distributed across several powerful overlapping institutions and figures, many of whom have been influenced or appointed by the Supreme Leader. Furthermore, these second-tier figures and bodies that now form the core leadership layer who will advise, oversee, and execute military defensive and offensive policy are decentralized. This is not insurmountable, but the military campaign may take a little longer than most would like. Advertisement The Iranian military is made of up two parts. Prior to American and Israeli strikes, the IRGC, which reports directly to the Supreme Leader and his surrogate, had around 200,000 personnel including the elite Qods Force. The regular military forces, called the Artesh, which had about 420,000 personnel focused on territorial defense, is less ideological, and more likely to defect. Trumps promise of clemency if Iranian arms are laid down was primarily directed to members of the Artesh. Under Article II of the Constitution, the primary responsibility of the President is the security of the American people. And the commander-in-chief has more comprehensive intelligence than anyone. Advertisement For instance, Trumps calculus in making this move includes understanding devastating risks to the U.S. posed from a nuclear EMP (ElectroMagnetic Pulse) attack, likely to originate in international waters from a sea-launched Iranian missile that detonates 50 to 250 miles in the atmosphere above the United States. Other intel that contributed to Trumps understanding includes cultural elements in Iran (that go unreported). For instance, the fact that Iran has the fastest growing Christian population of any country in the world was undoubtedly a part of the calculus for making the decision to move on Iran. Trump has expressed deep concern about Christian persecution and separately about the slaughter of innocent Iranians. He has also expressed a vision for Iranian patriots and Christians to rise up and eliminate the last elements of the former corrupt radical Shia regime. The best way to assure a rapid exit and assure there will be no U.S. boots on the ground in Iran is a next phase in which the U.S. and our allies in the cause -- which now include many Sunni Arab countries -- will join with us in air-dropping appropriate arms for the Iranian Christians and freedom fighters to assure that the last remnants of the old regime are eliminated. Advertisement The alleged recent entry of factions under the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK) and the Kurdish Regional Government (PRG)s Peshmerga forces to fight the remnants of the Iranian shia power structure may complicate the present strategy and outcome. While the Kurds can be an asset by bringing additional military force against the Shia government of Iran, there is also risk of creating problems with Turkey and broader escalation in the Middle East. For now, the focus should be in arming the non-Muslim freedom fighters in Iran (who represent the majority of Irans population) with the most effective weapons to bring an end to the 47-year horror of Shia dictatorship. These weapons should be suited for urban conflict and would include those designed for close-quarters engagement, maneuverability in confined spaces like buildings, breaching doors, and suppressing fire quietly when needed. Long-range sniper rifles are vital, as many of the Iranian freedom fighters live in high-rise buildings, providing them the commanding heights of rooftops from which they can take out regimes armed remnants. Advertisement The sooner we equip and train the Iranian patriots the sooner the U.S. military forces can withdraw, and the sooner that President Trump can focus on the America First agenda at home. That agenda has three important policy objectives: 1) the visible prosecutions and trials of seditious conspirators, narco-terrorists, and Somali and other immigrant fraudsters; 2) the restoration of U.S. election integrity with same-day voting on paper ballots, mandatory voter ID, and proof of citizenship; and 3) increased numbers of deported illegal aliens, the restoration of law and order, and the ending of sanctuary cities in America. Success in foreign policy in giving rebirth to a free Iran, combined with success in these three domestic policy areas would assure the Trump presidency a preeminent place in history. All of which would be fitting for this years 250th anniversary of Americas founding in 1776. Scott S. Powell is senior fellow at Discovery Institute and a member of the Committee on the Present Danger-China. His timeless book, Rediscovering America, was a #1 Amazon New Release in the history genre for eight weeks. Reach him at [email protected] Image: White House The new interim staff report on Minnesotas fraud describes criminal activity that was enabled by a horrifying pattern of spineless government incompetence and systemic failure. Some say Minnesota is just the tip of the iceberg. Best guess? Government, both state and federal, is rife with it. Advertisement According to the March 4, 2026 House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform report, The Cost of Doing Nothing: How Tim Walz and Keith Ellison Fueled Minnesotas Fraud Explosion, there was a massive failure in governance and oversight that allowed known fraud and criminal schemes to flourish, even as resources were diverted away from the vulnerable populations these programs were intended to serve. Since 2018, it is estimated that half or more of the $18 billion in total expenditures was fraud. After the Trump administration threatened to withhold federal funding for Department of Human Services (DHS) programs because of widespread fraud, Minnesota froze all provider enrollment for the high-risk programs in January 2026. Advertisement The Investigation The committee built the record with transcribed interviews with nine current and former state officials spanning the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Department of Human Services (DHS), including former and temporary DHS commissioners and Walzs former chief of staff. Document production was limited: Walzs office produced 48 documents and email communications (totaling 177 pages), and Ellisons office produced 11 documents (including one duplicate) totaling 97 pages. The report references 98 charged individuals tied to widespread fraud in Minnesota. It says 85 are Somali, and more than 60 have been found guilty in court. These criminal actors hijacked 14 Medicaid programs designated high risk for fraud by DHS. Advertisement The committee focused on four high-risk programs with the most indictments and confirmed fraud: Housing Stabilization Services (HSS), Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention (EIDBI), Integrated Community Supports (ICS), and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT). HSS HSS is a DHS-run, Medicaid-funded program created in 2019 via a 1915(i) State Plan Amendment to cover certain housing-related services without capping enrollment. Projected at $2.6 million a year, it ballooned to roughly $108 million by 2024, growing from 278 providers and 8,126 recipients ($27.7 million) in 2021 to 883 providers and 21,679 recipients (over $105 million) in 2025. The report says fraudsters targeted vulnerable people leaving rehab and billed Medicaid for services never delivered (drawing even out-of-state actors). DHS moved to terminate HSS on August 1, 2025, citing credible allegations involving 77 providers and a lack of necessary tools to stop bad actors. Advertisement EIDBI The EIDBI benefit provides services for Medicaid-eligible children and young adults (21 and under) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related conditions, requiring a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation to establish medical need. Between 2019 and 2024, the program expanded rapidly: Providers allegedly grew from 41 to 328 (about a 700% increase), while enrollment rose from 791 recipients costing $20.4 million in 2019 to 5,705 recipients, costing more than $342 million. The report notes DOJ allegations that fraudsters targeted parents in Minnesotas Somali community to recruit children into treatment centers, helped obtain fraudulent autism diagnoses, and paid parents monthly kickbacks (roughly $300$1,500) tied to approved service levels. It also states that Minnesota allowed EIDBI providers to operate without a license until early 2026. ICS ICS is a Minnesota Medicaid program for adults with disabilities that exploded in size, from 28 providers serving 164 recipients ($4.6 million) in 2021 to 458 providers serving 2,444 recipients (over $170 million) by 2024. The report cites DOJ-confirmed fraud and alleges serious beneficiary harm, including a recipients death from neglect (Rick Clemmer, March 2025) and a disabled womans eviction after caregivers allegedly sublet her apartment and stopped paying rent (June 2025). Advertisement NEMT NEMT is a high-risk Medicaid program with a documented fraud history. A federal HHS inspector general report found that DHS improperly claimed over $1.8 million in Medicaid reimbursement and failed to properly document services. Separately, Nick Shirleys reporting highlighted suspicious NEMT providers operating from unlikely locations and shared addresses, often with little visible evidence of active vehicle use. Core allegations The committee found a pattern of reckless and irresponsible behavior by government employees and senior state-level officials. The report alleges that Walz and Ellison knew about fraud in MDE nutrition programs as early as April 2020 and knew about fraud in DHS programs, including the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and non-emergency medical transportation, as early as spring 2019. Walz and Ellison were also aware of fraud across additional high-risk Medicaid programs but failed to act there as well, despite their public statements suggesting they knew little or nothing about fraud in those programs. Advertisement The report states that agencies had the authority to stop or suspend payments without court orders, law enforcement input, or federal direction but continued to make payments voluntarily. In 2021, MDE had suspended payments to the Feeding Our Future (FOF) program based on serious deficiencies, but FOF sought to resume payments and pay sanctions. A Sept. 23, 2022 press release from Ramsey County judge John Guthman stated that he never ordered payments to resume and that Walzs statement to the contrary was false. Walz doubled down in a March 4 House Oversight hearing, stating that the agency believed the court had ordered it to restart the payments. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) replied by reading the judges rebuke from the same 2022 press release, stating he never ordered that the payments be resumed. Walz also claimed publicly that the FBI directed state officials to continue payments to FOF or other suspected fraudulent providers, but the report disputes that claim as well. When asked why MDE continued payments to providers alleged to be fraudulent, whistleblowers associated with the agency cited fear of litigation and being perceived as racist. The report concludes that MDE lacked adequate oversight mechanisms and, instead of owning the stop-the-fraud mission, blamed USDA regulations and FOFs network for perpetuating the fraud. DHS also lacked oversight mechanisms, sufficient internal controls and failed to take responsibility for stopping fraud. In certain programs, DHS ignored responsibility for integrity because of pressure to get money out the door. The committee also found that DHS had the authority to unilaterally impose stop-payments on providers facing credible fraud allegations, yet it allegedly failed to do so for years after those warnings surfaced. During that period, Governor Walzs hand-picked DHS commissioner (20192025) reportedly did not believe she was qualified to tackle fraud, even as the affected programs were increasingly exploited on her watch. DHS officials, according to the report, consistently passed the buck to the Office of Inspector General or the Division of Internal Audit, despite both being direct reports to the DHS commissioner. Whistleblowers who expose government waste, fraud, and abuse too often pay a price for telling the truth. In Minnesota, DHS whistleblowers reportedly said they experienced retaliation for reporting, and they feared that raising concerns would automatically route to the commissioner or Human Resources. According to the report, DHS whistleblowers also alleged retaliation by Governor Walz. The report adds that whistleblowers alleged that Walz spent millions surveilling staff and hired private investigators or law firms to silence staff. The report notes that then-temporary DHS Commissioner Shireen Gandhi confirmed that DHS used outside entities to investigate DHS staff in her transcribed interview. It also notes that dozens of whistleblowers were told not to report fraud because they would be called racist or Islamophobic, and it would hurt the state. Notably, the report notes that some of the best whistleblowers were also in the Somali community. Image: Tim Walz. Credit: Lorie Shaull via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. One of the cool things about being a conservative today is that the Republican Party has an incredibly deep bench of principled and competent people at all levels. Starting at the top, you have JD Vance and Marco Rubio! If Senate Majority Leader John Thune can grow a backbone and put the SAVE Act to a vote, forcing Democrats to take a stand against an act that a giant majority of Americans support, Republicans should have no problem winning in honest elections. Advertisement Democrats have the opposite problem. Currently, they have a huge advantage in states that mandate or encourage mail-in ballots and prohibit showing Voter ID. However, their bench is shallow. Polls show that, if the presidential election were held today, the Democrats top candidates are: Kamala Harris, who never won a primary and, despite the entire media at her back, could not defeat a candidate the media despised. The media could not hide her lack of character, intelligence, principles, and accomplishments. Advertisement Gavin Newsom, who has brought California to depths hitherto unimagined in a state once known as the Golden State. Whether its massive numbers of illegal immigrants, high crime, bizarre socio-sexual policies, collapsing education, the highest poverty rate in the nation...you name it, and Gavins name is on it. Add in his insane level of Im as dumb as a black person inauthenticity, and youve got a problem candidate. Pete Buttigieg, a gay man who vanished on maternity leave during a crisis and who never accomplished anything substantive either as mayor of South Bend or as Transportation Secretary. Advertisement Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a former bartender and one of the shrillest radical voices in Congress. In Munich, she proved that she is not ready for primetime even among this dismal crowd. Josh Shapiro, a fairly competent leftist administrator who can never win because hes Jewishand while antisemitism is nibbling at the fringes of the Republican Party, it sits at the heart of the Democrat party. Advertisement Image created using AI. Advertisement For obvious reasons, Harris, AOC, and Shapiro are non-starters in 2028. That means that the Democrat media must prop up Newsom and Buttigieg. How do you glorify two men who have either zero accomplishments (that would be Buttigieg) or negative accomplishments (that would be Newsom)? Well, thats where the fun starts. In February, Vogue did a profile on Gavin Newsom. This would be the same Vogue that has never touched Melania Trump, a former model and arguably the most beautiful and stylish woman ever to occupy the White House. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama got three major cover stories, and Jill Biden, who always dressed like a sofa, got two. Advertisement Vogue gave Newsom the glamor treatment, with Annie Leibovitz photographs showing him looking like a brooding model, the perfect Dad of a gorgeous, goofy family, and the mature statesman. Its a long essay, but its all about style, because there is no substance: Lets get this out of the way: He is embarrassingly handsome, his hair seasoned with silver, at ease with his own eminence as he delivers his final State of the State address. [snip] It must drive Trump nuts. Newsom: lithe, ardent, energetic, a glimmer of optimism in his eye; Kennedy-esque. Add to that his stunning wife and four adorable kids, and the executive strut of a self-made millionaire who has spent the past seven years at the helm of a state big, complex, and rich enough to be a nation of its own. In terms of the stuff Newsom has been doing (Vogues emphasis, not mine), we learn that he kept the National Guard out of L.A. (leaving it wallowing in crime) and redistricted Californias remaining conservative voting blocs out of existence. Oh, and he (actually, his little twink employee) does tweets in ALL CAPS, just like Trump. The rest of the essay is even more puffery and noise. And then theres the Katie Couric interview. Yeah, she mentions the problems, but gives Newsom lots of room to gloss over them: KATIE COURIC JUST ROASTED GAVIN NEWSOM The HIGHEST poverty rate, unemployment Mississippi schools outperform California schools, especially for poor kids. People see that & say, No thanks, California! No thanks, Gavin Newsom! H/T @JasonJournoDC pic.twitter.com/GayveNXevy Gunther Eagleman (@GuntherEagleman) March 5, 2026 As you see, Newsoms answers are mostly double-talk, except for his genuine outrage that Mississippi has banned social promotions but, instead, makes sure children learn. But still, theres this nauseating fawn: Couric: Do you have a Zoolander problem? Are you just ridiculously good looking as Vogue said? What do you do about that? Newsom: You dont do anything about itIts just who I am. Good. Lord. pic.twitter.com/aFmvpDLlaa Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) March 5, 2026 We see the same pattern in The Atlantics now infamous article about the perfection of Pete Buttigieg, a man who, again, has no actual accomplishments to speak of, whether as mayor or Transportation Secretary. Faced with that, The Atlantic puffs his resume, and puffs, and puffs: Whoever said that long-term planning is impossible in politics has never looked at the resume of Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg. [snip] He was admitted to Harvard, and four years later he was a Rhodes Scholar. [snip] After Oxford, Buttigieg spent three years in Chicago, during a money-earning interlude as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. McKinsey was, at the time, the default apprenticeship for Rhodes Scholars who wished to learn the ways of the private sector. [Note that this doesnt mean actually running a business; just offering armchair advice.] At this point, we get Mayor Pete, and The Atlantic must concede that Whether you like what Mayor Pete did in South Bend depends on what you want from a mayor. Yup, and the article doesnt actually clear that up, blathering briefly about some old factories being turned into industrial parks. In fact, when Buttigieg entered office, South Bend was one of Americas poorest and most violent cities, and it was the same when he left. Then were told, Buttigieg briefly held two jobs (mayor and reservist!), as if millions of Americans havent done the same. Were also told that his strength during the 2019 campaign (before he dropped out) was that He had emerged as one of the few Democrats capable of talking to Republicans and not sounding like he loathed them. Indeed, hes staid in tone, reflecting the true Democrat party elite of a more refined pre-Trump era: brainy, credentialed, and elite; liberal but not progressive; and personable butthis might be keyfrightfully boring. (And yes, Buttigieg, with his polished, empty phrases, is very boring.) We learn that Buttigiegs same sex parenting household with those purchased children, is a never-ending succession of wholesomeness. But being authentic is hard work, concedes the essay, because theres nothing authentic about this extraordinary man trying to blend into Traverse City, Michigan, even with his manly new beard. It goes on and on in this vague way, desperately trying to turn a sows ear into a silk purse, always chasing style because there is no substance and there are no accomplishments, unless you consider being gay an accomplishment. The articles crescendo is Petes real problem. Hes too perfect in an era when stupid voters crave Trump, the ultimate bad boy: In some ways Buttigieg is a perfect candidate, and in some ways he feels like a candidate perfect for an era that has slipped away. He does not curse; he does not sleep with porn stars; he does not abandon his progeny or spouse; he does not resort to low blows. In other words, what year does he think it is2008? It sometimes seems like the magic that young Peter thought was slipping away from politics in 2001 has vanished completely. The anti-idealism that has replaced it is even more nauseating than the idealism. We live in a shallow, media-driven world, but when election time rolls around, I sincerely hope that voters recognize that theyre being sold two paper-thin people who have nothing going for them except the image that the media are crafting. For nearly fifty years, there has existed a very strange dynamic between the Democrats and the Islamic Republic of Iran. While we dont know the exact details of the relationship, it exists and has led to some bizarre twists in policy over the years. Advertisement Jimmy Carters treatment of Iran was all of a piece with his backwoods Wilsonianism. More states shed democracy in favor of totalitarianism during the Carter administration than at any time since World War II. Among them were Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Rhodesia and Iran. Ruhollah Khomeini was characterized by Carter as a good, holy man. (I saw an interview with Khomeini a couple of years earlier, took in the twisted features, the fixed psychopathic glare, the barked answers, and said to myself, Were gonna have trouble with this SOB.) Advertisement Carter handed the country to Khomeini by insisting that Shah Pahlevi flee the country after which, in a particularly disgraceful episode of an unusually disgraceful presidency, Carter refused the cancer-stricken Shah permission to enter the U.S. for treatment. Allies in threatened nations undoubtedly took note. Everything was fine after that until Iranian students, following the orders of the good, holy ayatollah, seized the U.S. embassy, taking 66 hostages and holding 52 (the others were released as a goodwill gesture) for 444 days. Advertisement Carter, as was his habit, dithered for over a year until finally giving permission for a rescue operation. Eagle Claw was a Rube Goldberg deal to start with, overcomplex and carried out by troops with little training in that kind of mission. Even worse, Carters hesitation had delayed the operation until the haboob season, in which incessant dust storms blanket the exact desert areas of Iran that the aircraft were crossing. The Sikorsky helicopters were not equipped to operate under such conditions and began to drop out and return to base. By the time the choppers and their tankers reached the refueling point, only a bare minimum remained, and a collision that destroyed several aircraft and killed their crews made it impossible to go on. Advertisement This was probably a blessing. Given the poor equipment, overcomplex planning, and attempts by Carter to micromanage, its likely the mission would have collapsed into complete catastrophe. (The one good thing to come out of it was the establishment of Delta Force, a special operations unit trained to carry out similar missions.) It wasnt until Ronald Reagans inauguration that the hostages were released, to Carters complete humiliation. Advertisement That set the status quo for treatment of Iran timidity, kid gloves, and lack of response to any atrocity the mullahs came up with. Iran and its hired guns could destroy U.S. embassies, kill hundreds of Marines, and torture American citizens, and nothing would happen. This remained the case for thirty years. A change came with Barack Obama. His chief advisor, Valerie Jarrett, was essentially an Iranian herself, having been born and raised there by her expatriate, America-hating parents. Advertisement Almost immediately on taking office, Obama began treating theocratic Iran as an ally, a process that ended with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear treaty in 2015, which, for all practical purposes, allowed Iran to construct as many nukes as it saw fit with no effective oversight. This was immediately followed by the notorious cash dump in January 2016, in which $400 million was delivered by aircraft to the mullahs as part of a $1.7 billion settlement for curtailed arms deals going back to the 1970s. (Theocratic Iran had no claim on this money, since those deals had involved the Shahs government.) The reasoning behind this was that by giving the mullahs more than they asked for before they asked for it was a means of exercising control over them and preventing them from doing even worse, a claim that doesnt even rise to the level of appeasement. This complete lack of sense was characteristic of many Obama efforts. Another example is Eric Holders Fast and Furious, which allowed numerous high-powered rifles to be smuggled into Mexico on behalf of the cartels under the claim that they were being tracked, even though no means of actually tracking them existed. After several innocent parties were killed using these weapons (including a border agent), it became clear what the purpose was: to create excuses for shutting down American gun dealers. We can be sure that something similar was occurring with the mullahs, though we have no clear idea what. All this has ended with Trump, whose policy regarding Iran was to escalate from cancelling the treaty to bombing the uranium-processing sites to the current campaign to dismantle Irans criminal government. There is no going back to the status quo from here. You might think that, after half a century, the Dems would have finally wised up. You would be mistaken. Just the other day, Mark Warner, senator from Virginia, raced for the cameras to protect Iran from the Orange Godzilla. He is one of many. It does look as if the long romance between the Democrats and one of the worst governments of the 21st century is at last coming to a close. But no worries; the Dems will find themselves new playmates -- theyre good at this. During his whirlwind book tour, California Gov. Gavin Slick Newsom recently likened Israel to an Apartheid state. He also preposterously opined that "Donald Trump is in retreat. Advertisement Pod Save America host Jon Favreau asked Newsom, Do you think, looking down the road, that the United States should consider maybe, you know, rethinking our military support for Israel? Newsom replied that the current leadership in Israel is walking us down that path where I dont think you have a choice about that consideration. He also stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to stay out of jail and added -- of Israel -- that some people are talking about it appropriately as sort of an Apartheid state. Advertisement It would be better if Americans would consider maybe, you know, rethinking their support for Newsom. Given their general mismanagement and history of fraud promotion in that state, it should be the likes of Newsom, and his Comrade in Harms, Minnesota Gov. Tampon Timmy Walz, who should be trying to stay out of jail. Advertisement Slicks assertion that Israel is an Apartheid state couldnt be further from the truth. Those of differing religions, races, and classes reside there in relative prosperity and harmony, certainly as compared to its neighbors. Newsoms California, on the other hand, is an Apartheid state. And one ruled entirely by a single party. Republicans are persona non grata. There is an unbridgeable divide between rich and poor, between Hollywood and Orange Cove, those who live in mansions vs. the great many homeless, etc. The ultra-rich, whether in Silicon Valley or Hollywood, have virtually no interactions with the poor and homeless of which California has drawn more of than any other state. Advertisement The assertion that President Trump is in retreat (because he removed Kristi Noem from her position as head of the Department of Homeland Security) is inane and obviously false. Trump has recently also removed Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and Iranian madman Ayatollah Ali Khamenei the former from his control of Venezuela, and the latter from his life on Earth. Seems to me more like a man on the march than one in retreat. Gavins book? Young Man in a Hurry. Apparently an autobiography, not that he likes talking about himself, of course. Im sure there is a chapter or two in the book about his affinity for the French Laundry. And his affinity for young women. Advertisement Newsom isnt young anymore. But his supporters should be in a hurry to distance themselves from this insufferable and inauthentic asshat. Image: Screenshot from X video. Africa and China at 70: A new chapter of solidarity, sovereignty and shared prosperity 13:42, March 06, 2026 By Mafa Kwanisai Mafa ( People's Daily Online When Chinese President Xi Jinping conveyed his message of congratulations to the 39th African Union (AU) Summit, directed to President Joao Lourenco and Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, it went far beyond a routine gesture of diplomatic protocol. It was a reaffirmation of a historic partnership that has matured over 70 years, a partnership rooted in anti-colonial struggle, respect for sovereignty, and a shared desire for development without domination. The 39th Summit of the African Union comes at a time when the world is changing rapidly. As President Xi rightly observed, we are living through profound global shifts. The unipolar moment is fading. The Global South is rising. Africa, long treated as a playground for imperial interests, is steadily reclaiming its voice, its agency, and its rightful place in world affairs. For the African countries, this moment is historic. For a long time, African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah warned that political independence without economic independence would remain hollow. Today, the AU's push for integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and collective diplomacy reflects that unfinished mission. Africa is moving, however slowly, toward unity and economic self-determination. China's message recognises and supports this trajectory. President Xi Jinping acknowledged the AU's efforts to safeguard Africa's legitimate rights and interests and to elevate its international status. That recognition matters. For too long, global institutions have spoken about Africa, not with Africa. The fact that China engages the continent as a bloc and respects its continental institutions reflects a different diplomatic culture, one shaped by shared experiences of humiliation, colonisation, and the struggle for dignity. The most transformative announcement in Xi's message, however, is the commitment that, from May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero-tariff measures for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. This policy is not symbolic. It is practical, measurable, and potentially revolutionary. African economies have faced structural barriers in global trade for a long time. While Western countries preached free markets, they maintained subsidies and non-tariff barriers that kept African agricultural and industrial products out. The result was a distorted global system in which Africa exported raw materials and imported finished goods, a pattern inherited from colonial rule. A zero-tariff policy changes the equation. By removing tariffs on African exports, China opens the door for more competitive access to one of the world's largest consumer markets. This means African coffee, tea, beef, avocados, cotton, processed foods, and manufactured goods can enter China at a lower cost, increasing their attractiveness and profitability. The benefits are foreseeable and desirable. First, African producers, especially small and medium enterprises stand to gain significantly. Lower tariffs mean higher margins and better price competitiveness. For a Zimbabwean citrus exporter or a Kenyan tea cooperative, even a small percentage reduction in trade barriers can translate into millions of dollars in additional revenue. That revenue supports farmers, workers, transporters, and entire communities. Second, zero tariffs create incentives for value addition. If African countries know they have reliable, preferential access to the Chinese market, they are more likely to invest in processing and manufacturing at home. Instead of exporting raw tobacco or raw minerals, countries can export processed goods with higher value. This aligns perfectly with the AU's industrialization agenda and the Pan-Africanist call for breaking the chains of raw-material dependency. Third, the policy strengthens South-South cooperation. Unlike aid models that create dependency, trade creates production, employment, and dignity. It shifts the relationship from donor-recipient to partner-partner. In simple terms, Africa earns rather than begs. That is the foundation of true sovereignty. Fourth, by upgrading the "Green Channel" and expanding product access, China signals that it is willing to reduce bureaucratic and technical obstacles. For many African exporters, the challenge is not only tariffs but also standards, logistics, and certification. If these are simplified and harmonised, trade flows will expand rapidly. For the 53 African nations, this zero-tariff policy also has strategic implications. It diversifies Africa's economic partnerships. Overdependence on any single bloc, especially those with a history of political conditionalities, can be dangerous. By strengthening ties with China and other Global South partners, Africa increases its bargaining power globally. A continent that has options is a continent that cannot be bullied. Critics may argue that Africa must be cautious, that trade imbalances could persist. These concerns should not be dismissed. However, the solution is not retreat but strategy. African governments must use this opportunity wisely: invest in productive sectors, improve infrastructure, enforce quality standards, and ensure that local industries benefit. The zero-tariff window is an opportunity, but opportunities must be seized. The broader message of President Xi Jinping also emphasises peace and "a community with a shared future for humanity." Conflict has been fueled historically by external interference and competition over resources. A development-focused partnership that prioritises infrastructure, trade, and industrial growth contributes to stability. Jobs reduce unrest. Economic hope weakens extremist narratives. It is also important to remember the historical dimension. China supported African liberation movements when many Western powers labelled them terrorists. From Algeria to Zimbabwe, that solidarity left deep marks. The 70-year diplomatic relationship is not built only on contracts and loans; it is built on shared struggle. That memory shapes today's cooperation. Yet, Pan-Africanism demands clarity. Partnership must never mean complacency. African leaders must negotiate from a position of unity and confidence. They must ensure transparency, environmental responsibility, and fair labour practices in all projects. True friendship allows honest dialogue. As the 39th AU Summit convenes, Africa stands at a crossroads. The continent has the youngest population in the world, vast natural resources, and growing markets. What it needs is a structural transformation. The zero-tariff policy, if effectively utilised, can be one of the catalysts for that transformation. The dream is not merely increased exports. The dream is modernised African economies, factories in Harare, textile plants in Addis Ababa, agro-processing hubs in Accra, technology parks in Nairobi, all connected to global markets on fair terms. The dream is a continent that trades from strength, not desperation. President Xi Jinping's message, therefore, should be read as an invitation. An invitation to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. An invitation to pursue modernisation together. An invitation to strengthen the voice of the Global South. For the 53 nations with diplomatic ties with China, the task is clear. We must ensure that continental unity remains central. We must align national strategies with continental goals. And we must hold our own institutions accountable so that opportunities translate into real change for ordinary Africans. If Africa and China continue to walk side by side, respecting sovereignty, promoting development, and rejecting domination, the next chapter of their 70-year relationship could be transformative. In a world still marked by inequality and power politics, such solidarity offers hope. The 39th AU Summit is not just another meeting. It is a reminder that Africa is rising, that the Global South is organising, and that new economic pathways are opening. With vision, discipline, and unity, the zero-tariff era beginning in May 2026 could become a milestone in Africa's long march toward economic liberation and shared prosperity. (Mafa Kwanisai Mafa is a Pan-Africanist political commentator based in Gweru, Zimbabwe) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Du Mingming) MARLBOROUGH, Mass., March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) will host an investor event and live webcast on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. CT to discuss key clinical data presented earlier that day at the 75th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology. The event will be hosted by Dr. Kenneth Stein, senior vice president and global chief medical officer, Dr. Brad Sutton, chief medical officer, AF solutions and Dr. Michael R. Jaff, vice president and chief medical officer, vascular therapies. The live webcast and replay of the event will be accessible at https://investors.bostonscientific.com. The replay will be available approximately one hour following the completion of the event. About Boston Scientific Boston Scientific transforms lives through innovative medical technologies that improve the health of patients around the world. As a global medical technology leader for more than 45 years, we advance science for life by providing a broad range of high-performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of healthcare. Our portfolio of devices and therapies helps physicians diagnose and treat complex cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, oncological, neurological and urological diseases and conditions. Learn more at www.bostonscientific.com and follow us on LinkedIn. CONTACTS: Chanel Hastings Media Relations +1 (508) 382-0288 [email protected] Lauren Tengler Investor Relations +1 (508) 683-4479 [email protected] SOURCE Boston Scientific Corporation In his lecture God and Anarchocapitalism (which slightly narrows his earlier lecture God Is a Libertarian), Jesus Huerta de Soto gives examples of how God has steadfastly granted us freedom. Advertisement God, through His law, initially set up a high-freedom state of semi-anarchy, in which the only human government was a series of judges to settle disagreements (and, when needed, to lead the people in mutual self-defense). Later, God let the people reject Him as their leader to instead follow a king. After Jesus fed 5,000 men, they wanted to make Him king, but He instead withdrew by Himself. Jesus didnt give James and John permission to call down fire from heaven. God rarely even simply offered undeniable signs; Jesus, for example, didnt free Himself from the cross. Advertisement Morally, our freedom has consequences for us. Economically, our freedom has consequences for us, too; and these turn out to be wonderful. Based on hands-on experience and extensive further observation, Andrew Hargadon explains that existing practical components are the best starting point for combining suitable components to develop innovations. Advertisement In Explaining Technology, Roger Koppl and his coauthors build further on observations like Hargadons. They propose that these observations might be explained by a universal rule, and they take this rule to the limit. They suppose that the more distinct products existed at any given time, the more new distinct products people would have developed at that time. They further reduce this to practice by supposing that there are fixed proportions of existing components that people could plausibly combine to add value, and there are is a fixed probability that the few new combinations that people end up trying out end up adding value. Advertisement Next, Koppl and his coauthors describe qualitatively how this simple model could have been operating for at least the last 3.3 million years. Then they consider how this models predictions would compare with increasingly accurate estimates of world GDP per capita since 0 B.C. They find that this model would predict the initial glacial growth that was seen, followed by the sudden takeoff around 1800 B.C. that was also seen. If growth would always fit this elegant, simple model, then growth would eventually become infinite. In the real world, a regime change would have to happen instead, at which point a modified model or new model would be needed to describe what happens next. Advertisement Overall, then, evidence such as that discussed by Jesus Huerta de Soto, Andrew Hargadon, and Roger Koppl and his coauthors indicates that God protects our freedom, and our freedom then brings variation that brings us abundance. In this way, God does everything He can do, short of doing everything for us, to provide us abundance. In providing for our material needs and wants in this substantial, sublime way, as in all of His ways, God is good and loving, all the time. Advertisement James Anthony is a chemical engineer and the author of The Constitution Needs a Good Party and rConstitution Papers. For more information, see jamesanthony.us. Image: Darkmoon_Art via Pixabay, Pixabay License. One of the things we routinely do is urge voters to vote a straight Republican ticket in November. The reasoning is that the internecine fights within the Republican party end when the primaries are over. At that point, its a numbers game: We need to get more Republicans than Democrats in statehouses and Congress. If some of the Republicans arent so great, thats unfortunate, but the most important thing is that the majority gains control. Advertisement What happens, though, if the Republicans on the ticket in November are actually Democratsand not even moderate Democrats disgusted with their own party, but really hardcore leftists? Were about to see what happens, because thats whats playing out in at least two elections in North Carolina. At the state level, Lakeshia Alson, a fully veiled Muslim woman whos been a Democrat her entire life, is running to become a Republican member of the North Carolina Senate: Advertisement #BREAKING: Lakeshia Alston, the woman running for election as a REPUBLICAN in North Carolina's Senate District 22 in a full hijab... ...and was revealed to actually be a LIFE-LONG DEMOCRAT RAN COMPLETELY UNOPPOSED AND IS NOW THE GOP CANDIDATE!!!! WHAT?!!!! pic.twitter.com/UbsprqxrBt Matt Van Swol (@mattvanswol) March 4, 2026 When called upon to explain her new party identification, Alsons explanation was cryptic, at best: Alston told the Daily Caller News Foundation regarding her Republican candidacy that [W]hen I was a child I thought as a child, but as I matured. Im converted as a Republican. In order to form a more Perfect Union. Alston, as previously noted, voted for a Democrat only one year previous to her new GOP candidacy. Alston signed the email with the phrase, Transforming the Masses. Advertisement The other leftist running as a Republican is Katie Barr, who is aiming for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. She explains that she tells the truth when she knocks on doors, but theres no indication on her campaign website that shes a progressive. Instead, shes just campaigning on a change platform: A video is going viral of a congressional candidate in North Carolina admitting she is truly a progressive even though she is running as a Republican. Advertisement Are you trying to trick people? Katie Barr, who is running in North Carolinas 14th Congressional District, was asked on a podcast called The Hometown Holler. If you go on the campaign website, above the fold as they call it, is like, Im not a real Republican. Like, I am telling people the truth. I knock on a door and say, I am running in the Republican primary, but I am not a Republican, I am a progressive, Barr responded. I cant claim a Democrat anymore. Advertisement [snip] Barr states on her websites home page that she is running as a Republican because its the only way to kick these corrupt cowards out of office. She claims that Republicans have rigged the maps to ensure they will come out victors every time. Advertisement The general election has already been decided. So - the primary is the only competition for this job, Barrs website explains. It doesnt have to be this way. The problem is open primaries, which are profoundly undemocratic. Primaries are meant to be a way for party members to choose their flagbearers. Under the noxious open primary, though, Democrats can vote for Republican primary candidates, and Republicans can vote for Democrat primary candidates. The theory is that this system will force each party to run less extreme candidates than it might if it were campaigning only to its base. That is, the parties run moderate candidates so that people from the opposite party, if feeling a bit disaffected, can say, Hey, I like the moderate cut of that opposing fellows jib. I think he ought to be on the November ballot. Except thats not what happens. What actually happens is that the smart party puts up only one candidate in the primaries, so no one in the party needs to vote for a candidate. Then, it tells its people to vote for the worst candidate on the other side. In open primary states, Republicans arent voting for their best people; Democrats are voting for Republicans worst people. As Robert Burns tweeted, the way to end this problem is to end open primaries: I'm calling on all NC General Assembly members in the Legislature and Senate to pass an immediate bill to close the primaries in NC. That is the fix for this. Make it happen!!!@SenatorBerger @ncspeakerhall @NCGOP @mattmercer https://t.co/laTecqdzob Robert Burns (@RobertBurns82) December 28, 2025 Republicans need to get their party back, even if it means a short-term return to the old smoke-filled room, bypassing the corrupt Open Primary system entirely. If they dont, there will be no difference at all between the Democrat and Republican parties except for their names. Header image: X screen grab. Last night, San Franciscos mayor, Daniel Lurie, was attacked by two men while being driven through the Tenderloin district. According to a report from an ABC News outlet, the confrontation arose after a group of people blocked the SUV that Lurie was being driven in; at one point Lurie himself exited the vehicle to engage the individuals on the street, but quickly scuttled back behind the safety of his security detail when the confrontation turned physical. Classic. Advertisement Clearly the men were bums, based on the handcuffed mans appearance: San Francisco mayor Daniel Lurie attacked while being driven through the Tenderloin. This post brought to you by Gavin Newsom, reminding you that even though he is once again out of the state, crime is down in California. pic.twitter.com/020dGWveWB Kevin Dalton (@TheKevinDalton) March 6, 2026 So the mayor of San Fran gets attacked by belligerent bumsand the mayor of Oakland just had her car stolen by a bum that had reportedly been camped out in City Hall. Oh, and then in 2024, the Getty Residence was broken into while Karen Bass and her family were upstairs sleeping. And before that, in 2022, Basss private residence was burglarized. Advertisement But California Democrats promise crime is going down. As someone hilariously quipped online: Yeah, dont believe your lyin black eyes that got socked by crazed homeless lunatics. Now fortunately for Lurie, he has the privilege of private security and armed officers escorting him aroundthe common man would have been absolutely screwed. In fact, the common man would have likely found himself unarmed due to the aggressive anti-2A landscape in California, or if he were armed, hed probably have been penalized, like Vince Ricci was in 2023; Ricci had his concealed permit revoked after he used his personal firearm to deter armed assailants who sprung at him in his own driveway and pointed a gun at his chest while his wife and infant baby were inside the home. Advertisement So pro-crime policies beget crimewho knew? Advertisement Image: Free image, Pixabay license. It's not easy being a Cuban agent of subversion in the Western hemisphere these days. Not only is Cuba out of money and falling apart, the glory days of the medical missionaries and the embassy wine parties with the elites abroad while the locals suffer back home are now all drying up. Advertisement According to the Associated Press: QUITO, Ecuador (AP) Ecuador declared Cubas ambassador, Basilio Antonio Gutierrez, and his diplomatic staff persona non grata on Wednesday and gave them 48 hours to leave the South American country. Advertisement Ecuadors Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that the measure was adopted within the framework of international diplomatic law, but didnt say why they were forcing the diplomats to leave. ... Advertisement Shortly after the announcement, a man could be seen on the roof of the Cuban Embassy in Quito burning a bag of papers in a oven. The burning was witnessed by the Associated Press and later posted in a video on social media by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa, who remarked bluntly: A paper barbecue. Here's the tweet: Advertisement Parrillada de papeles. pic.twitter.com/XBGz512bgi Daniel Noboa Azin (@DanielNoboaOk) March 4, 2026 So what were these Cuban government officials burning on their rooftop? And why did el presidente think it so important to tweet it? Advertisement Did the Cubans have something to hide? Names of agents, payoffs delivered, plans to work with leftist 'revolutionaries' to take over the legislature, narcoboat exposure and involvement with drug-dealing criminal gangs? Ecuador has been tackling those things, even with limited success. Nations involved in that sort of activity would always rather not let word get out about what they were up to if they took too long to evacuate their embassy -- which might explain why the paper barbecue was going so fiercely up on the embassy roof. Advertisement This was a full blown embassy shutdown and expulsion, which in itself was interesting -- put it together with the burning papers and it appears Ecuador knew they were up to something very, very, nefarious. This wasn't Uncle Sam's doing, either, given that the U.S. doesn't insist that countries cut ties to Cuba in order to talk with or trade with us. Clearly, something was up and it was bad enough to get the Cubans thrown out. We thought Cuba was a nation with nothing to hide, as the left has insisted, a communist nation that only minded its own business as Big Gringo persecuted it. In reality, it more likely was a nation under seige by cartels and the government found out that Cubans were a major actor in raining such subversion onto Ecuador. It sounds wild, but every swing to the left, and every swing to the right in the region for the past 60 years or so has always included a 'Cuban calculation' as in, how much trouble might the Cubans stir up with the local leftists, acting as agents of influence through protests, thuggery, and assassination. Ecuador got a load of it, but this time, seems to be striking back by throwing the Cubans out. Note that back in the mid-2000s, Cuba's main catspaw in the hemisphere, the late Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, working with the Cubans, who served as the 'brains' to the thug Marxist regime, plotted to flood the U.S. with cocaine and other drugs. The news of that came out in 2019, and I wrote about that here. Ecuador is a beautiful little treasure located in the most spectacularly beautiful part of South America. Its climate is perfect, and its people are wonderful -- look at this Nick Shirley man-on-the-street video of his adventures with an Ecuadorean illegal alien in New York City and tell me this man wouldn't make a great American. It has just one chronic problem -- very weak, very bad government -- corruption, failure of rule of law, general banana-republic nuttiness among its pols that stands out even in a region known for its nutty pols. The architecture itself is shambly even if they try to elect a conservative. Having spent time in Ecuador, it's sad stuff. They've since elected a conservative leader, Alvaro Noboa, anyway, but he hasn't had an easy time of it, what with drug dealers fattened by the illegal-alien trade spilling into the country from Venezuela and Colombia and creating havoc with their newfound cash, buying off a lot of power, and always aligned with FARC narcoterrorists, Mexican cartels, Venezuelan criminals, and the global left. There have been violent, Mexico-type incidents with car burnings and city shutdowns in that country. A leading presidential candidate was assassinated less than two weeks before elections in 2023 for threatening drug cartels. The expulsion of the Cubans not only indicates a government that knows that they were up to something ugly and dangerous, an authentic national security threat, it also indicates that the country has changed and is willing to do something about it -- throwing the Cubans and all their spies and subversives out. We haven't seen this type of activity for decades, and it suggests Ecuador means to change for good, not letting Cuban subversives, drug lords and spies intimidate them any longer. If so, it's a positive thing, and puts Ecuador squarely in the league of the rightward swinging nations in the region, who will meet in Miami to figure out a way to stop these national security threats and subversions once and for all. The last thing Latin America needs is more Cubans meddling in their internal affairs. This may be the opening shot of a bigger strategy, a strategy of ridding the hemisphere of communism and all its evil and impoverishing works, once and for all. Watch for the news from Miami this weekend, because Ecuador will be there, bringing something valuable to the table. Image: Screenshot from X video. Currently, while whats happening in Iran is not a declared war, we are engaged in the first truly modern, balls-to-the-wall war weve been in maybe since WWII. Its useful to contemplate why the next few days and weeks may change an international stalemate thats been in place for the better part of 75 years, and how it could change everything from now on. One of the most fascinating things to see is the realignment of once-allied Middle Eastern nations and actual geopolitical enemies. Advertisement The first important thing to note is that, under Trump, winning is back in favor, although not everyone is in favor of winning. There are two major, unpersuadable groups that are seeking to stop the war in Iran: A. Iran, China, Russia, North Korea, and maybe Turkey Advertisement B. The Democrats (The Alt-Right, led by people such as Tucker Carlson, also doesnt want us to win this war, but they are, for now, still a fringe movement.) Advertisement Both major groups share the same concern: they fear a powerful, successful America that challenges their own power. This bears repeating: Democrats and our enemies seek to weaken America and box it in for their own purposes. Therefore, Democrats and our enemies are allies! All of them hate Trump and see him and his followers as threats to their powerand they are right! However, there is a third group that is moving in Americas direction: Europe. Even as national leaders speak out against the war, their non-Muslim citizens support it, and some of the leaders do, too. Advertisement Europes problem is that it has too many Muslims. Current estimates are that there are 46 million Muslims in Western Europe or the UK, most of whom arrived in the last decade. This amounts to roughly 6% of the total population, mostly concentrated in major urban areas, including capital cities. Advertisement Image created using AI. As they watch their cultures yielding to the Muslims, Europeans are slowly waking up to the reality of what the EU leaders bequeathed them through legal and illegal immigration, paired with a complete unwillingness to force assimilation on the new residents. Europeans are recognizing that it entered a suicide pact, and they are looking for a way out. Advertisement In the meantime, members of the unassimilated 46 million repeatedly demonstrate their willingness to engage in acts of terror and defiance and are closely aligned with other pan-European groups on the left. The inevitable result is things such as Spains outright refusal to allow anything that looks like cooperation, and Starmers initial refusal to allow us to use our major base at Diego Garcia. These, of course, are red lines that Trump wont let stand. Even as European leaders are too afraid of their Muslim populations to wholeheartedly support America and oppose Iran, the great irony is the change in the Gulf States. Most have U.S. bases and, historically, in true Arab marketplace tradition, tended to play one side against the other. However, with Iran lobbing projectiles at them, most have moved from allowing us to do the heavy lifting and use our bases for offensive operations to dipping their toe in the water and transitioning from purely defensive to offensive operations. The Gulf states newfound backbone doesnt bode well for Iran, which has spectacularly overplayed its hand. The U.S. is in the process of dusting off its virtually unlimited stockpile of dumb bombs, putting JDAM tails on some of them, and then hauling them in B-52s and B-1s over Iran to start dismantling whats already akin to an auto salvage yard. Finally, China and Russia both have a new sense of the difference between them and us. They can hope for another Jimmy Carter or Joe Biden (perish the thought), but God willing, we will have entered a new age that demonstrates to the American people and the world that we dont have to live with evil and that America can restore peace and justice to a world that has sorely missed it. We need not be afraid any longer that weve lost our edge and America is just another country, no better, no worse. Right! God Bless America! Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow. In the 1930s, Winston Churchill warned the UK and the world about Hitlers Germany. After World War II, he warned us about the USSR and communist expansion. Advertisement Back in 1946, former PM Winston Churchill spoke to the American people about the Soviet threat. It turned out to be one of the great speeches of the 20th century. This is one of the most remarkable lines: From what I have seen of our Russian friends and Allies during the war, I am convinced that there is nothing they admire so much as strength, and there is nothing for which they have less respect than for weakness, especially military weakness. Advertisement Less respect for weakness? From that day forward, Churchills words about the Soviet threat were quoted by every president and western leader. They inspired a new generation of leaders to contain the communist threat. It also strengthened the US-UK alliance that led West for years. As they say, we were on the same page because we understood what PM Churchill about strength and weakness. Advertisement Where are those British leaders? Enter PM Keir Starmer and his unwillingness to work with the U.S. to contain the Iran threat. He refused to let the U.S., his major ally and the country that saved his nation in the dark days of World War II, use airfields against Iran. The current PM looked so weak that it may bring down his government, and I hope it does. Advertisement P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Advertisement Image: Public Domain In the news release, Castle Connolly Names Mercy Medical Center a TOP HOSPITAL, issued 05-Mar-2026 by Mercy Medical Center over PR Newswire, the headline, should read "MERCY MEDICAL CENTER NAMED A "TOP HOSPITAL" BY CASTLE CONNOLLY" rather than "Castle Connolly Names Mercy Medical Center a TOP HOSPITAL" as incorrectly transmitted by PR Newswire. The complete, corrected release follows: Castle Connolly Names Mercy Medical Center a TOP HOSPITAL Castle Connolly Also Recognizes 24 Mercy Physicians as "TOP DOCTORS", earning Accolades in Treatment of Cancer, Orthopedics, and Women's Health BALTIMORE, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Castle Connolly, a healthcare research and information company that identifies leading U.S. physicians and hospitals through a peer-review process, has named Mercy Medical Center a "Top Hospital" in Maryland, earning a state-level excellence-in-specialty award for Oncology, and state-level procedure-specific excellence in Mastectomy. Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland (PRNewsfoto/Mercy Medical Center) The Castle Connolly Top Hospitals excel in one or more of 20 medical procedures and represent 25 percent of hospitals nationwide. Top Hospitals is built on the same foundation as Castle Connolly's Top Doctor research, using comprehensive patient population data, near real-time performance metrics, and input from the top 7% of physicians nationwide. "We are extremely pleased to earn recognition by Castle Connolly which highlights hospitals that demonstrate superior outcomes and meet the highest standards of quality, safety and specialized service," said Dr. David N. Maine, president and CEO, Mercy Health Services, Mercy Medical Center. According to Dr. Maine, Castle Connolly's "Top Hospitals" recognition for Oncology and Mastectomy reflects Mercy's continuing success in diagnosing and treating a variety of cancers, as the hospital has earned High Performing honors from U.S. News & World Report in colon cancer, gynecologic cancer, and lung cancer surgery, and the Women's Choice Award's "America's Best for Cancer Care" and "America's Best for Comprehensive Breast Care" honors. Castle Connolly recognized 26 Mercy physicians at "Top Doctors" for this year, representing the top 7% of physicians nationwide, selected through a process based on peer nominations, professional achievements, and excellence in patient care. All Castle Connolly Top Doctors are nominated by their peers and are thoroughly vetted by the organization's physician-led research team. With approximately 1 million practicing doctors in the U.S., Castle Connolly carefully curates its list of more than 70,000 board-certified U.S. physicians, across all 50 states and 85 medical specialties. Mercy Medical Center physicians named for 2026 are: Dr. Sergey V. Kantsevoy - Gastroenterology (Endoscopy) Dr. Dwight D. Im Gynecologic Oncology Dr. Beman Khulpateea Gynecologic Oncology Dr. Teresa Diaz-Montes - Gynecologic Oncology Dr. Sandy D. Kotiah - Medical Oncology Dr. Charles C. Park Neurosurgery Dr. Jon McIver Neurosurgery Dr. Jasmine Toor Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Dr. John-Paul Rue Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Dr. Patrick J. Maloney, Orthopedics (Foot/Ankle) Dr. Clifford Jeng, Orthopedics (Foot/Ankle) Dr. Lew Schon - Orthopedic Surgery (Foot/Ankle) Dr. Marc W. Hungerford Orthopedic Surgery Dr. Gregory Gasbarro Orthopedic Surgery Dr. William Raoofi Pain Management Dr. Nicholas Anastasio Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Dr. Bernard W. Chang Plastic Surgery Dr. Craig A. Vander Kolk - Plastic Surgery Dr. Audrey Liu Pulmonary Disease Dr. Maria Jacobs Radiation Oncology Dr. Debashish Bose Surgical Oncology Dr. Armando Sardi - Surgical Oncology Dr. R. Mark Ellerkmann - Urogynecology Dr. Paul Lucas Vascular Surgery Mercy Medical Center, has by virtue of its "Top Doctors" performance, been named among the 2026 Castle Connolly Accolades, specifically as a Top Hospital in Maryland for Cancer Care, for Orthopedic Care, and for Women's Health, and among the top five in the state. Castle Connolly Accolades are awarded to health systems, hospitals and physician practices that demonstrate excellence in delivering high-quality health care, based on the number of Top Doctors nationwide, by state, and across major metropolitan areas. Accolades are given to institutions leading in specific service lines or medical specialties, including: Cancer Care Dermatology Gastroenterology Heart & Vascular Care Neurological Surgery Ophthalmology Orthopedic Care Pediatric Care Plastic Surgery Primary Care Reproductive Medicine Surgery Care Urology Women's Health "Mercy Medical Center is honored to be recognized by Castle Connolly as a top hospital, and to have 26 physicians noted for excellence in care," said Dr. David N. Maine, President and CEO of Mercy Health Services, Mercy Medical Center. "This recognition, for Mercy as a medical institution and for these individual physicians, is a testament of Mercy's 150-plus year commitment to the mission of the Sisters of Mercy, to deliver quality care in a compassionate setting," he said. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, with 80% of internet users seeking health information online, recognitions like Castle Connolly serve as trusted resources for patients navigating their healthcare choices. "By recognizing institutions with the most Top Doctors, Castle Connolly Accolades highlight the leadership and excellence of these healthcare providers," says Steve Leibforth, Castle Connolly's Managing Director. "For patients, this recognition is a valuable tool in making informed healthcare decisions, knowing they are receiving care from the best in the field." With over 30 years' experience researching, reviewing and selecting Top Doctors, Castle Connolly is a highly trusted and credible source. A study published in the Journal of Medical Research found that across several specialties evidence indicates that Castle Connolly's peer-reviewed directory is methodologically more reliable than sites that just relied on patient reviews when it came to identifying quality care. Founded in 1991, it helps consumers find high-quality care by evaluating professional qualifications, education, reputation, and disciplinary history, with selections that cannot be purchased. For more information, visit https://www.castleconnolly.com. Founded in 1874, Mercy Medical Center is a university-affiliated Catholic hospital with a national reputation for women's health care as well as orthopedics, cancer and digestive health among other medical disciplines. Mercy is home to the acclaimed Weinberg Center for Women's Health and Medicine as well as the $400+ million Mary Catherine Bunting Center. For more information, visit Mercy online at www.mdmercy.com, www.youtube.com/mmcbaltimore, or call 1-800-M.D.-Mercy. Correction: An earlier version of this release was distributed with the wrong headline. SOURCE Mercy Medical Center BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MWC Barcelona 2026 concluded with a clear mandate for the global technology sector: the industry is shifting away from conversational AI toward Agentic AIsystems built for execution and proven ROI. Coinciding with this shift, Dyna.Ai announced earlier this week the closing of an eight-figure (USD) Series A funding round led by Singapore-based Lion X Ventures. The round includes participation from Taiwan-listed technology company ADATA, a Korean financial institution, and industry veterans. This backing validates Dyna.Ai's Result-as-a-Service (RaaS) approach as the answer to the "Flight to Reality" observed at the event, confirming a market shift toward accountable business outcomes over experimental tech. The focus on accountability stems from a widening "Action Gap" between AI's conversational ability and its capacity to perform real business tasks. Bridging this gap, Dyna.Ai's showcase at MWC (Booth CS91) of its RaaS model emerged as a standout development, challenging the traditional SaaS status quo by aligning technology costs with business KPIs. "What we witnessed this week in Spain was a 'Flight to Reality'," said Tomas Skoumal, Chairman and Co-Founder of Dyna.Ai. "The executives we spoke with are no longer asking for AI that can pass a test; they are demanding AI that can resolve a service outage, close a sale, or streamline an internal operational process. We are seeing a fundamental pivot toward Agentic Applications that operate at the core of the business. By providing agents that manage both external AI Contact Center interactions and internal Employee Experience, we are helping enterprises reclaim their AI investments and turn them into sustainable competitive advantages." Key Strategic Shifts Observed at MWC 2026 The Demand for Accountability: The market is moving away from upfront licensing toward outcome-based partnerships. Dyna.Ai's RaaS model resonated as a "risk-reversal" strategy for Tier-1 operators and financial institutions. The market is moving away from upfront licensing toward outcome-based partnerships. Dyna.Ai's RaaS model resonated as a "risk-reversal" strategy for Tier-1 operators and financial institutions. From Chat to Action: The showcase of Multilingual Voice Agents proved that AI can now handle the linguistic and cultural nuance of the European market while executing end-to-end tasks without human intervention. The showcase of Multilingual Voice Agents proved that AI can now handle the linguistic and cultural nuance of the European market while executing end-to-end tasks without human intervention. The Shift in Commercial Logic: The traditional SaaS model is facing scrutiny, as more organizations look toward performance-driven partnerships like Dyna.Ai's RaaS to mitigate the risks of digital transformation. Following the strong reception at MWC, Dyna.Ai is building stronger ties in the finance sector and contact centers across the European market. By anchoring AI in accountability, Dyna.Ai proves it is a high-yield asset rather than a technical experiment. About Dyna.Ai Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is set to keep the Freedom of the City of London honour after a review concluded it could not be removed. It is one of the few remaining honours bestowed upon the disgraced former prince, who has been stripped of his royal titles due to his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor received the honour in 2012 by virtue of patrimony due to his father Prince Philip being a Freeman. The Freedom is typically awarded to individuals nominated by corporation councillors, and allows recipients to walk sheep over London Bridge. The City of London Corporation, which bestows the honour, had considered the rules dictating the circumstances in which, and procedure by which, it can be removed. However, a spokesperson for the authority confirmed to the Local Democracy Service that the historic honour cannot be taken back, after he inherited the status, which constitutes a legal right. The former prince was granted the honour in 2012 (PA) The corporation said: Applications via patrimony are not considered by our elected members. We have carefully considered whether it is possible to remove a Freedom granted by patrimony and understand that we are not able to do so. The ancient but largely ceremonial honour is usually awarded to individuals for contributions to London or public life, with Sir Ian McKellen, Colin Firth and Dame Judi Dench among those to receive it. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with Epstein during his time as trade envoy. He spent around 11 hours in custody as searches were conducted at his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and at his former home, Royal Lodge in Windsor, Berkshire. Ministers have agreed to release files related to his appointment to the trade envoy role, as the former prince was described as a rude, arrogant and entitled man. However, MPs were told the government is unable to publish material that police need for their inquiries until officers are satisfied. Prince William reportedly wanted his uncle to be axed from the line of royal succession in the autumn, alongside the stripping of his other titles. The Prince of Wales is said to be frustrated that the process of his uncles removal from the line to the British throne, which the government is now weighing up, was not resolved at the time. The former prince has always vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Axel Springer has agreed to buy the Telegraph Media Group (James Manning/PA) German media firm Axel Springer has agreed to buy the Telegraph Media Group in a 575m deal, the companies have announced. The media company, which also owns Politico and Business Insider, is understood to have agreed the all-cash deal for the The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph. Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) had previously agreed a 500m deal to buy The Telegraph last year. However, Abu Dhabi-backed joint venture RedBird IMI said it now plans to sell the business to the German company. Axel Springer chief executive Mathias Dopfner said: More than 20 years ago, we tried to acquire The Telegraph and did not succeed. Now our dream comes true. To be the owner of this institution of quality British journalism is a privilege and a duty. We want to grow The Telegraph, while preserving its distinctive character and legacy, to help it become the most read and intellectually inspiring centre-right media outlet in the English-speaking world. The Telegraph stands for freedom, personal responsibility, democratic values and a belief in open societies and market economies. The deal ends three years of uncertainty over the future ownership of the daily news brand. It marks a major expansion for Axel Springer, whose owners have been making efforts to grow in Europe and the US in recent years. The company first made a bid to buy The Telegraph in 2004, but was beaten by a 665m offer by the Barclay brothers. Mr Dopfner, who has been CEO since 2002, had previously cast doubt on another attempt at buying the newspaper, citing an interest in digital-only media. Based in Berlin, Axel Springer also owns Bild, Europes largest newspaper, and the daily newspaper Die Welt. In 2015, the firm also looked to acquire the Financial Times, but was unsuccessful against a 844m bid from leading Japanese media group, Nikkei. The Telegraph was first put up for sale in 2023 after the Barclay family lost control of the title over more than 1bn of unpaid debts to Lloyds Bank. Later that year, joint venture RedBird IMI agreed a deal to take it over while allowing the Barclay family to repay its debt. The joint venture is 75 per cent-owned by International Media Investments (IMI), which is based in the United Arab Emirates and primarily owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, US investment firm RedBird Capital Partners. The RedBird IMI bid prompted backlash from politicians, who referred the deal to Ofcom to investigate potential breaches of media standards arising from the ownership. In 2024, new laws were introduced by Downing Street to prevent foreign governments from owning British newspapers. This effectively halted the RedBird IMI takeover, and the company put the brand up for sale again in April 2024. The following year, RedBird Capital Partners agreed in principle to buy The Telegraph for around 500m. This deal would have seen IMI take a minority stake capped at 15 per cent, under plans proposed by then-culture secretary Lisa Nandy to loosen media ownership laws. However, the agreement collapsed in November after RedBird dropped its bid to buy the newspaper group. Twenty-three bereaved parents have urged MPs to back a ban on social media for under-16s, saying that mothers and fathers "cannot regulate billion-dollar technology companies from their kitchen tables". MPs are set to debate the Lords-backed ban on Monday. Peers have proposed a default block on under-16s accessing regulated user-to-user services, effective within 12 months of the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill becoming law. However, the government suggests replacing this with a wide-ranging, flexible power. Its proposal would allow ministers to prevent or restrict childrens access to "specified internet services", potentially including bans, curfews, or daily time limits on platforms. A consultation was launched this week to decide the precise action. We are writing not as campaigners or politicians, but as bereaved parents, the group of parents said in a statement. Our children should be here. They should be at school, at home, arguing with their siblings, planning their futures. Peers have proposed a default block on under-16s accessing regulated user-to-user services (Yui Mok/PA) Instead, we are left trying to understand how platforms designed and engineered by some of the most powerful companies in the world were allowed to reach into their bedrooms and shape their lives without meaningful protection. The group added: Online safety has already been debated at length. The harms have been examined extensively and the evidence continues to grow. Families are living with the consequences every day. The Bill has cleared both Houses of Parliament. But both the Commons, where the government has a majority, and the Lords, where it does not, must agree on a final draft before it can become law. The parents, led by Ellen Roome, warned tech firms have extraordinary resources and access. They added: Every additional delay gives them more opportunity to dilute or weaken reforms behind closed doors. Meanwhile, children remain exposed to products we already know can cause harm. Ms Roome, from Gloucestershire, believes her 14-year-old son Jools Sweeney died while attempting an online challenge in 2022. Also among the signatories were: Esther Ghey, whose 16-year-old daughter Brianna was murdered by two teenagers; George Nicolaou, the father of 15-year-old Christoforos; and Hollie Dance, the mother of 12-year-old Archie Battersbee. Lord Nash, who steered the default ban through the upper House, has previously said the governments proposal amounted to a blank cheque. Esther Ghey is among the signatories (PA Archive) The Conservative peer told the Press Association: The governments amendment confirms that they remain firmly on the fence on how best to protect children. In fact, it is patently clear that raising the age limit to 16 for harmful social media platforms is far from their preferred option. MPs must choose on Monday whether to act now and raise the age limit for harmful social media to 16, or vote for the governments amendment, which is in effect a blank cheque, committing only to further delay while their consultation runs its course. That consultation is simply yet another opportunity for big tech to mobilise their lobbyists and water down any prospective measures before they reach the statute book. Victoria Collins, the Liberal Democrat technology spokeswoman, told PA: It is vital that we have a reset moment for children while setting guidelines to keep safe spaces for children to connect with friends, family and learn online. First and foremost, however, we need action, which is why the Lib Dems have continuously pushed for banning addictive algorithms for under 16s, a doomscroll cap and voting to put children before big tech. Ms Collins said her party had proposed banning harmful social media for under-16s, based on a film-style age rating. She described her proposal as a harms-based approach to embed future-proof principles for tackling a broad range of online harms from AI to gaming. Launching the consultation, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall vowed to create a digital world that gives young people the childhood they deserve and prepares them for the future. A petition on the UK Parliament website titled do not ban social media for under-16s has gathered more than 61,000 signatures. I think the government shouldnt ban social media for under-16s, the petition reads. This is because for many young people social media is how they communicate with their friends. Some people view social media as a lifeline, a community, a supportive network. Responding earlier this week, a government spokesperson wrote the short, sharp consultation of three months would allow ministers to hear all perspectives, build consensus where we can, and then act decisively. The spokesperson also said: There will be no delay and government will explain our next steps by the summer. U.S. military investigators reportedly believe American forces were likely responsible for a strike on an Iranian school in Minab, in what analysts and human rights officials believe is the deadliest incident for civilian casualties since Donald Trumps administration and Israeli forces began attacking the country. Neither U.S. nor Israeli officials have publicly taken responsibility for the strike, which killed 150 students, according to Irans ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva. The total death toll, which has reportedly exceeded 175 people, has not been independently confirmed. Citing two U.S. officials, Reuters reported that military investigators have not yet reached a conclusion in an investigation but believe evidence shows the U.S. is responsible for the attack; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the White House have confirmed that the Pentagon is investigating. Evidence from data analysts reviewing satellite imagery, video footage and social media appears to show the school was hit by a precision strike and may have been hit more than once. Maps from the Department of Defense also appear to show two Iranian air defense targets surrounding the schools location, which is within what the Pentagon describes as a U.S./Israeli strikes zone. Outside military analysts also have suggested that the Pentagons AI-driven targeting or human error that failed to check whether target maps were up to date may have played a role in the strikes. US military officials reportedly believe American forces were responsible for a strike that hit an elementary school in Iran on February 28 (Reuters) Asked whether the deaths were the result of a U.S. strike, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday not that we know of. The United States of America does not target civilians, unlike the rogue Iranian regime that targets civilians, that kills children and uses propaganda quite effectively, she added. And unfortunately, many people in this room have fallen for that propaganda. On Monday, in his first briefing after the beginning of the campaign, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth bluntly stated there would be no stupid rules of engagement, no politically correct wars, and no nation-building quagmire as the U.S. and Israel continue attacks in Iran. Hegseth told reporters Wednesday that the Pentagon is taking a look and investigating the school strike. All I know all I can say is that were investigating that, he said. We, of course, never target civilian targets, but were taking a look and investigating that. A map detailing the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury appears to show Minab, near the Strait of Hormuz in southern Iran, between two Iranian air defense targets (Department of Defense) It remains unclear what evidence the Pentagon is reviewing, what types of munitions were used, and why the school would have been a target. The Pentagon referred The Independents requests for comment to U.S. Central Command. It would be inappropriate to comment given the incident is under investigation, a CENTCOM official said in a statement to The Independent. A satellite image provided by Planet Labs shows the Shajareh Tayyebeh school and other structures in Minab on March 4, days after being struck. The school is in close proximity to IRGC structures (Reuters) The Shajarah Tayyiba elementary school for girls is in the city of Minab, roughly 600 miles from Tehran and near the Strait of Hormuz. The school is adjacent to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to satellite images. Iranian authorities reported initial strikes in the area at roughly 10:45 a.m., with reports emerging from social media at 11:30 a.m. local time Saturday, February 28, which is the beginning of the Iranian workweek, when teachers and students would have been inside the school. Footage reviewed by BBC Verify shows a man filming the area as he rushes into the schools courtyard. Four plumes of black smoke can be seen from inside the courtyard. The smoke appears to emerge from the location of nearby strikes, including the IRGC compound. Satellite imagery appears to show that multiple precision strikes hit at least six IRGC buildings and the school itself. Four buildings inside a nearby naval base were completely destroyed, and two other buildings showed impact points at the center of their roofs, according to an analysis from The New York Times. Iranian authorities reported initial strikes at 10:45 a.m. local time at the beginning of what is the Iranian workweek. Images and video in the aftermath show families digging out rubble (AP) Middlebury College professor Jeffrey Lewis, who specializes in satellite imagery, told NPR that satellite images appear to be consistent with precision military strikes. Images show very precise targeting, with almost all the buildings in the compound being struck, he said. But Prof Lewis said the strike may have been the result of an error. Earlier satellite images show that the school and nearby buildings were once part of the adjoining IRGC compound, but the school was separated from the base by a wall between 2013 and 2016. A nearby clinic was walled off between 2022 and 2024, images show. Lewis believes it is possible that American military planners had not updated their target sets, he told NPR. There are thousands of targets across Iran, and so there will be teams in the United States and Israel that are responsible for tracking those targets and updating them, he said. Its possible that the target didnt get updated. The strikes were among 1,000 targets within the first 24 hours of the campaign, relying on the Pentagons Maven Smart System, which was constructed by data mining company Palantir. Embedded within that system is Anthropics AI tool Claude. Theres been plenty of speculation here that AI inputs in the targeting process were responsible for the school being targeted, noted Nathan Ruser with Australian Strategic Policy Institute, a defense analyst think tank. This is possible, but a human analyst determining aimpoints could have absolutely made the mistake of adding this school to the target list. While earlier imagery shows the school building struck was at one point incorporated into the IRGCs Asif Corps barracks, obviously, this doesnt excuse an errant strike that killed scores of children, Ruser noted. But it is a mistake clearly within the possibility of human error, not just AI. Earlier satellite images show that the school and nearby buildings were once part of the adjoining IRGC compound, but the school was separated from the base by a wall between 2013 and 2016 (Reuters) Images from Iranian fact-checking group Fact-Nameh show extensive damage to the school building. Verified footage of the immediate aftermath, reviewed by BBC Verify and The New York Times, also shows scenes of panic among families searching the rubble. Aerial footage showed neatly lined rows of at least 100 marked or freshly dug graves three days after the strikes. First responders alleged that the school was hit by two strikes, with a second strike killing sheltering survivors, according to people speaking to Middle East Eye. When the first bomb hit the school, one of the teachers and the principal moved a group of students to the prayer hall to protect them, according to a medic with the Red Crescent, citing conversations with survivors. The principal called the parents and told them to come and pick up their children. But the second bomb hit that area as well, the person said. Only a small number of those who had taken shelter survived. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon is investigating the strike (AFP via Getty) A statement from UNESCO said that the killing of pupils in a place dedicated to learning constitutes a grave violation of the protection afforded to schools under international humanitarian law. Attacks against educational institutions endanger students and teachers and undermine the right to education, according to the United Nations agency. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, speaking to reporters in Geneva on Friday, said there are significant concerns about the respect for international and military law, especially with conduct of hostilities during the U.S.-Israeli campaign, including whether precautions were taken or proportionality was considered. When it comes to a school, obviously it is a civilian institution that should never be attacked, he said. Questions about the type of weapons used and the timing of the attack, among other factors, need to be taken into account as officials perform prompt, transparent and impartial investigations, he said. We need this to happen very quickly and also make sure there is accountability and also redress for the victims, he added. The onus is now really on those that conducted these strikes. To Trump, Sir Keir looks weak, shifty and no use as an ally - Getty Images Europe Who said this, in public, to a US president? I must warn you that I do not believe in retaliatory strikes which are against international law ... I quite agree terrorism is against international law, but I believe that one has to fight it by legal means. The answer is not Sir Keir Starmer, but Margaret Thatcher. Forty years ago, Mrs Thatcher was facing a situation comparable to what confronts Sir Keir today over Iran. The United States, Britains greatest ally, wanted to bomb Colonel Gaddafis Libya because of its terrorist attacks. For logistical and political reasons, he wanted American bombers to take off from their British airbases. She agreed about the threat, but not about the method. She knew British permission to bomb would be very unpopular at home. She was in low political water: Michael Heseltine had resigned over the Westland helicopter crisis only the day before. Being close to Ronald Reagan, then the president of the US, Mrs Thatcher could be frank with him (I am deeply troubled by what you propose), but she also engaged with him, discussing details about precise targets. Eventually, Reagan insisted: You should not underestimate the profound effectif our actions to put a halt to these crimes continue to receive only lukewarm supportfrom our closest allies whom we have committed ourselves to defendWe are the only Western power in a position to act decisively. Very early the next morning, Mrs Thatcher descended from her Downing Street flat and told officials: Ive been thinking about this all night. We have to support the Americans on this. Thats what allies are for. Senior cabinet colleagues disliked her decision but, having decided, she made the most of it. Helped by the legal advice of her attorney general, she emphasised the right to self-defence (as opposed to retaliation) in Article 51 of the UN Charter. She persuaded the Americans to frame their attacks in those terms. Immediately after the bombings, Mrs Thatcher told a grumbling House of Commons, If one refuses to take any risks because of the consequences, the terrorist governments will win and one can only cringe before them. Her permission for the flights made her sink in the polls, but the storm soon passed. The US Congress pushed through changes to extradition law intended to help Britain recover IRA terrorists hiding in the United States. The alliance strengthened. By the time Reagan left office in January 1989, the pair of them could claim victory in the Cold War. Like Mrs Thatcher, Sir Keir made a point of cultivating Britains relationship with the United States and his own with the US president. But then, when Donald Trumps big call came, he behaved quite differently. From early last month, Sir Keir knew something of American plans. He will have understood how much the Iran attacks far bigger than those against Libya meant to the US administration. Yet he seems not to have made early efforts to protect the British interests in the region he now says he is fighting to defend. Nor did he engage, Thatcher-style, in the mixture of diplomatic discussion, political calculation, personal chemistry and the weaponising of international law which the situation called for. He seems not to have contemplated the ramifications of those warning words of Reagan: We are the only Western power in a position to act decisively. Even today, they cannot be denied. I hate to say it, but that is the sort of thing which His Britannic Majestys late ambassador to the United States, Lord Mandelson, really did understand. Like Mrs Thatcher, Sir Keir was in a tight spot, faced with a perilous American venture, low in the polls, resisted by Cabinet colleagues. Unlike her, he seems not to have firmly made up his mind what mattered most. Over-influenced by his attorney general, Lord Hermer, he stubbornly refused Trumps request to use British bases in Diego Garcia and in the United Kingdom. A day or so later, taking refuge in legalism, he changed his mind, defining self-defence much more narrowly than meets the circumstances. The consequence is that no one is pleased. Sir Keir looks rigid, not principled. To Trump, he looks weak, shifty and no use as an ally. That is how he looks too to our Gulf allies, accustomed to British backing in tight spots (as in helping rescue Kuwait in the first Gulf war). Iran is their greatest enemy, yet Sir Keir seems hesitant to help his Muslim friends while ready to appease Muslim foes. Next week, the Government is due to bring out its Islamophobia definition (probably, under a different name) which will further empower legal and workplace protections for Muslim extremists. It is true that it would have been much harder for Sir Keir in his party to back the US than it was for Mrs Thatcher in hers. His political position may be so enfeebled that he had little choice but to capitulate. Even within Labour, though, his muddled behaviour will not make his life easier. His MPs can see he is caught in a trap of his own making. This will confirm what they already know, that he lacks at least one of the great skills of political leadership: escapology. A mistake in a key decision brings many consequences. In relation to the US, the Prime Minister can now be disregarded in the counsels of Nato. His famous Chagos deal also drifts even further away from reality. Worse, he seems to think that he should reinforce his position, thus acquiring a vested interest in US failure. He says he does not believe in regime change from the skies. History might suggest he is right, but two points are worth making. The first is that only recently have you been able to target named individuals from the skies and wipe them out with surgical precision. In that sense, Trump is correct that he can decide who the next leader of Iran will be: he can always shorten the list. The second is that Sir Keir has lost the right to influence further events. If he had been a loyal ally, he would have been entitled to a hearing for the negotiation case he is now making. Since he has not been, whos listening? On other alliance issues too, he loses ground. With Britain downgraded, a once-significant voice for Ukraine in Washington is lost. What is missing in all this is that indefinable but vital thing, statecraft. Going back well before this Government, Britain has increasingly opted for form over substance. The creation of the National Security Council, intended to avoid the mistakes of the Iraq war, institutionalised this tendency, including stifling executive action with legal maximalism. Lord Hermer may be the worst, but Conservative attorneys general such as Dominic Grieve were part of the modern problem by which the adviser becomes the decision-maker. Statecraft is the opposite. It prizes substance over form. It understands the need to balance all the conflicting and fluid elements of serious policy problems, then to decide and then, having decided, to stick to and expound that decision. It involves cunning, but it also involves thought about the state of what Emily Bronte called the worlds storm-troubled sphere, thought deep and broad enough to underwrite all policy. Under both Conservatives and Labour in this century even more under Sir Keir than under his Tory predecessors there has been extreme reluctance to engage in such thought. This is making Britain irrelevant in the world and, in its lack of financial, energy, migration or military security, its own worst enemy. David Lammy has signalled a dramatic hardening of the governments position on the war on Iran, warning Royal Air Force jets could legally strike Iranian missile sites to prevent attacks on British interests in the Middle East. The deputy prime ministers comments sparked chaos as No10 scrambled to deny accusations of a U-turn and warnings the government risked sliding down a slippery slope. Sir Keir Starmer initially barred the use of UK bases in the operation. But on Sunday he dramatically changed his mind and gave America permission for the limited, specific defensive purpose of protecting UK and US allies, as Iran continued to lash out. The deputy prime minister warned Royal Air Force jets could legally strike Iranian missile sites to prevent attacks on British interests in the Middle East. (PA) Mr Lammy said UK aircraft were currently only shooting down missiles and drones fired by Iran. But he said it would be legal for them to go further and strike the Iranian bases being used to launch attacks. The justice secretarys comments came as he embarked on a shambolic media round where he incorrectly said that Cyprus was part of Nato. He also referred to the deployment of RAF Tycooons in the region rather than Typhoons. The defence secretary John Healey has not ruled out UK aircraft taking part in strikes on Iran, saying that "as circumstances in any conflict change, you've got to be willing to adapt the action you take". Downing Street said it remained the UK's intention to focus on defending allies in the Middle East while allowing the US to strike targets in Iran. The prime minister's official spokesman said: "We have consistently said that we'll take the necessary steps to prevent future strikes ... (that) as we've set out over the course of the week is allowing the US to take out those missiles at source whilst we are defending the skies. And that is a consistent position that we have conveyed throughout the week." Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused the government of a U-turn and backed the idea of RAF jets striking Iranian missile sites. Keir Starmer pledged to send more British fighter jets to the Middle East on Thursday in a bid to bolster the UKs military presence (PA) "You can't always wait for people to attack you. Sometimes you have to make sure that you get there first to stop their ability to hurt your citizens," she told the BBC. The Liberal Democrats called for urgent clarification on Mr Lammys remarks, and said any offensive action would require a Parliamentary vote. On Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer announced that an additional four British Typhoon fighter jets are being deployed to Qatar to strengthen defensive operations in the region. When asked whether such operations could include hitting targets within Iran to prevent the launch of attacks, Mr Lammy said he believed this would be lawful. It is entirely legal to protect our people and protect our staff, and therefore all operational capability is available to us in those circumstances, he told BBC Breakfast. Asked if that meant the UK could attack Iranian missile sites from our bases, he said: Im not here to act as a lawyer, but I think your viewers will understand that in response to being attacked, yes, we can take down sites that are anticipating attacking our people across the region. Asked if the UK could fire at an Iranian base in anticipation of it launching an attack, he said: It is my understanding that that would be legal. The first government-chartered plane evacuating British nationals from the region touched down in the UK in the early hours of Friday morning, as the US-Israeli war with Iran entered its seventh day. Sir Keirs announcement that he would send more fighter jets to the Middle East came amid mounting criticism of the British response to the conflict. The prime minister was forced to reject criticism from opponents and allies that Britain had not acted fast enough when fighting began, and said he stands by his decision not to join the initial strikes on Tehran over the weekend. Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon will be sent to defend Cyprus (PA) The UK has been criticised for failing to have air defence measures in place to sufficiently protect RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, which was hit by a drone. Mr Lammy also insisted he was not embarrassed by the UKs response to the Middle East crisis, amid concerns that air defence destroyer HMS Dragon is not expected to sail to the eastern Mediterranean until next week. Asked if he was embarrassed, Mr Lammy told Sky News: Absolutely not. we have F-35s, Typhoons in the sky taking down missiles as we speak and that has happened over Jordan, its happened over Qatar and of course, we will support nationals in the region. Its also right to say that we coordinate with allies, the French, the Germans. Cyprus is a Nato ally, so we coordinate also with other teams and other close allies on how we equip the area. HMS Dragon will be in the region in the coming weeks to further bolster and further support our air defences. The US and Israel have continued to batter Iran with nationwide strikes, and in turn, Iran has kept up retaliatory strikes on Israel and US bases and across the region. The conflict has led to thousands of Britons leaving the region, with some 4,000 returning on commercial flights before the first government charter plane landed at London Stansted shortly before 1am Friday. Mr Lammy said on Friday that some 6,500 British nationals have returned from the UAE and that 100,000 British nationals registered their presence in the region. He said the UK government is intending to see more charter flights out of Oman and told the BBC: This is a technical operation, and we've got more people to evacuate than in Afghanistan... this is a pretty big feat. Christina Applegate, who has been candid about living with MS, pictured with her star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in November 2022. Photograph: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix (Photograph: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix) Dear readers, footy season is finally here as the distraction we need from, well, pretty much everything else even if the quality of commentary is not what it used to be. Sadly, war is unavoidable, even for Five Great Reads, but in the middle of this weeks selection is a very good boy to help restore your faith in the universe. 1. Superstar DJ, here we go Pete Tong is the English dance music equivalent of the venerated John Peel via his 35 years as host of BBC Radio 1s Essential Mix. But his many, many hours behind the decks at clubs and festivals have come at a cost. Its not burnout (Tong is not one for hedonistic excess) but hearing loss in one ear. Now Tong is encouraging relapsed ravers to look after their ears so they can rave for as long as possible. He talks Emine Saner through his storied career and the special forces training needed to survive multiple seasons in Ibiza. Life imitating art: In the 2004 mockumentary Its All Gone Pete Tong, the superstar DJ Frankie Wilde, played by Paul Kaye, goes deaf. How long will it take to read: Six minutes. 2. The former CIA asset who runs Libya This week I learned Libya is split between two governments one in the west and one in the east. But neither of them really governs. The man actually running things is Khalifa Haftar, an 82-year-old military commander whose influence extends beyond domestic affairs to Europes migration crisis and Sudans war. Anas El Gomati details 50-plus years of machinations by the former CIA asset who has survived a prison camp, a failed revolution and the 2011 Nato-led overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. A timely reminder: Every intervention makes the same promise: remove the dictator and the people will be free. Libya is what happens when the dictator is removed and the people are forgotten. How long will it take to read: Eleven minutes. 3. From guide dog school dropout to cancer carer Marcus is proof you can teach a good dog new tricks and that youre never too old for a career change. He was being trained as a guide dog before his report card came in: Marcus was a bit slow and a sloth with a low drive to work. But he was affectionate, friendly and polite, which made him a perfect therapy dog for cancer patients. Kate Leaver meets Marcus at work, where if someone is upset he is by their side in moments. No shame in being reclassified: In 2025, only 39 dogs made it through guide dog training and 93 were placed as therapy dogs across NSW and the ACT. How long will it take to read: Three minutes. 4. The teacher who exposed Putins primary school propaganda When Russia rolled out a patriotic education program designed to mould primary schoolchildren into Putin enthusiasts and supporters of the war against Ukraine, teachers had to upload footage as proof they were fulfilling their mandate. Pavel Talankin, one of said teachers, was simultaneously sending video from his tiny school to US director David Borenstein. The ensuing documentary, Mr Nobody Against Putin, is up for an Oscar. And Talankin, now in exile, can never return home. Becoming an unperson: When Karabash officials became aware the film had been widely viewed in the town, intelligence operatives visited school leadership to tell them Talankin did not exist and does not exist. How long will it take to read: Three minutes. 5. Christina Applegate: Ive become an honesty missile The Married with Children and Anchorman star Christina Applegate has faced myriad health challenges: body dysmorphia, a double mastectomy and a 2021 multiple sclerosis diagnosis that has left her mostly bedridden. Now the Emmy-winning comedy star has penned her memoir, drawn from the box of her journals that was supposed to stay locked until she died. In this extract, Applegate discusses her battles with illness, the last time she felt part of Hollywood and the bittersweet experience of receiving a Walk of Fame star. I like to watch TV the worse the better, usually reality shows such as Real Housewives because with TV I get to escape. I dont want narratives, art, investing in some antihero across seven brilliant seasons. I want rich women screaming at each other. How long will it take to read: Eight minutes. Sign up If you would like to receive these Five Great Reads to your email inbox every weekend, sign up here. And check out out the full list of our local and international newsletters. Claudia Winkleman has made her debut presenting Crufts, and said of the event: I quite liked my wedding, this is better. Coverage of the world famous dog show began on Channel 4 on Thursday, with Winkleman describing it as the best day of my life. The first day of the show saw her join in with the Southern Golden Retriever Display Team as they rehearsed a choreographed routine. Winkleman told fellow presenter Clare Balding: This is Honey, and we have bonded. And I, Clare, Im just going to be honest with you, have had the best day of my life. Are you actually going to be performing with them? Balding asked. Clare, are you ready to be both appalled and alarmed? Winkleman replied. Winkleman then began the synchronised routine with a long line of golden retrievers and their handlers, with the TV star struggling to keep up or get Honey to carry out her commands. I think its safe to say theres work to be done, Claud, Balding told her. The dog show runs until Sunday (Joe Giddens/PA) (Joe Giddens) Other highlights of the first day of the show, which is being held at Birminghams NEC, included a dog stealing Baldings mobile phone. Balding was interviewing double Olympic gold-winning skeleton racer Matt Weston, when Canadian Inuit dog Kuku got his paws on her device. Britains Got Talent presenter Amanda Holden also spoke to Winkleman at the show. As The Traitors host mentioned that she gives her dog, Skip, a French kiss, Amanda countered: I bathe with my dog. Holden also said she sometimes chooses to sleep in the same bed as her dogs, much to her husband Chris Hughes annoyance. If he sees the dogs, he goes in the spare room, Holden said. He cant sleep with them there, so I often choose to sleep with the dogs. Coverage of Crufts continues on Channel 4 until the last day of the show on Sunday. BEIJING, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, opened its fourth session on Thursday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, the Xinhua News Agency reported. Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders attended the opening meeting, Xinhua reported. Premier Li Qiang delivered a government work report at the meeting, according to the report. According to the Government Work Report submitted Thursday to the country's top legislature for deliberation, China targets an economic growth of 4.5 percent to 5 percent this year and will strive for better in practice. Meanwhile, according to a draft report submitted to the national legislature for review on Thursday, China's defense budget growth is expected to slow to 7 percent in 2026, marking the 11th consecutive year of single-digit growth for China's defense budget. At the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday, the Global Times reporter saw many domestic and foreign journalists gathering around deputies of the NPC for their insights regarding the Government Work Report in which several key topics mostly discussed include China's economic resilience, science innovation and green energy among others. As China enters a fresh planning cycle, the "two sessions" offer a window into how the country will sustain and advance the momentum of its high-quality development as policymakers set out a blueprint for the country's development for the year and over the next five years, with impacts extending beyond China to the global stage, a Chinese expert said, noting that this capability of a long-term planning provides greater predictability and stability to the uncertain world, highlighting China's institutional strengths. Heated discussions As China embarks on the inaugural year of its 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the world has also been closely watching the review of a guiding development blueprint for the new five-year period. At the meeting, lawmakers examined a draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development. They examined the report on the implementation of the 2025 plan for national economic and social development and on the 2026 draft plan, and the draft plan for national economic and social development in 2026. When Global Times reporters arrived at the scene on early Thursday morning, many journalists and interviewees were already gathered, and they quickly carried out several exchanges to capture insights on the future development blueprint. Tian Xuan, a deputy to the 14th NPC and an economist, told the Global Times that in reviewing the 15th Five-Year Plan, he noticed that policy support for financial development was specifically highlighted in the Government Work Report. "As a researcher in finance, I paid special attention to the emphasis on 'technology finance,' which is intended to support entrepreneurship and innovation, promote technological advancement, and provide financial services across the entire industrial chain and throughout the full lifecycle of technological innovation," Tian said. "I believe that first and foremost, we must accelerate the establishment of a modern industrial system, particularly one with advanced manufacturing as its backbone. At the same time, achieving a high level of technological self-reliance and strength is essential, as this is crucial for fostering and developing new quality productive forces," Tian said. Sharing his views on the technology innovation content in blueprint, Li Dongsheng, an NPC deputy and chairman of Chinese electronics giant TCL, told the Global Times that he echoes the work plan and aligns it with the implementation of his own proposals as a technology entrepreneur, noting that innovation plays an important role in the manufacturing sector in which his company operates. "Achieving transformation and upgrading in Chinese manufacturing relies on developing high tech, capital intensive, and long cycle industries such as integrated circuits and semiconductor displays," Li Dongsheng said. He also noted that in some sectors where capital investment is not huge but is still important, such as industrial software and large AI models, consistent investment is needed. Additionally, he said that "Only breakthroughs in key technology areas can support the overall transformation and upgrading of China's economy and strengthen the core capabilities of China's tech manufacturing sector." Global attention The annual sessions have also drawn global media attention, as they are eager to gauge the direction of the world's second-largest economy in the next five years. The Guardian on Thursday highlighted that the plan includes chapters on boosting consumption and enhancing innovation, key priorities for Beijing over the next five years. "With the US launching tariffs and other actions on not only China but the world, Beijing appears to view the next five years as a window for China to play a more active role in the global environment," The Guardian reported, citing Guo Shan, a partner and chief economist at Hutong Research, a boutique advisory firm, noting that the government work report discussed the importance of international economic flows. Reuters in its report noted that the 141-page five-year blueprint, which covered a wide range of socio-economic targets and policies, mentioned AI more than 50 times and included a sweeping "AI+ action plan." China is aiming for global technological supremacy in its next five-year plan, the Financial Times highlighted in its report. In addition to wide coverage by foreign media, some foreign government representatives attending Thursday's meeting also shared their views on the development blueprint. Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan's Ambassador to China, told the Global Times on Thursday that it is very clear that China provides a great deal of stability amid the turbulence affecting many parts of the world, whether in terms of political, economic, or social stability. "What we have learned from the Government Work Report is truly impressive, particularly the progress and achievements made across social, economic, political, security, environmental, and other fields, as well as the plans outlined for the coming year," the envoy said. "Within that context, we know the high significance of the Five-Year Plan, which is a major planning tool for China," Hashmi said. With science and technology at its core, the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan will enable China to continue achieving steady and sound economic growth, social progress, and technological advancement, while also contributing much-needed stability to the world, he said. This year's Government Work Report further clarifies key priorities, including technological innovation, industrial modernization, financial support, and green development, providing policy backing and institutional support for economic transformation and upgrading, while also outlining directions for cultivating new-quality productive forces and enhancing the core competitiveness of industries, Hu Qimu, a deputy secretary-general of the Forum 50 for Digital-Real Economies Integration, told the Global Times on Thursday. "These development goals not only show that China is focusing on innovation-driven growth, industrial upgrading, and green, low-carbon development while maintaining steady economic growth, but also reflect China's strategic resolve to pursue stability and sustainable development amid a complex external environment." As the most important annual meeting of the world's second-largest economy, the "two sessions" chart a blueprint for the country's development over the next five years, with implications that extend beyond China to the global stage, Cao Heping, professor at the School of Economics of Peking University, told the Global Times on Thursday, noting that this long-term planning provides greater predictability and stability to an otherwise uncertain world, highlighting China's institutional strengths. "It not only lays a solid foundation for China's sustained economic growth but also offers an important reference and confidence for the global economy, demonstrating China's determination and capability to achieve high-quality and sustainable development amid a complex international environment," Cao said. https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202603/1356398.shtml SOURCE Global Times Graham Norton gave us the red sofa, Jonathan Ross opted for purple and now, Claudia Winkleman is going green as she shares a first look at her upcoming chat show. The TV presenter, who left Strictly Come Dancing with co-host Tess Daly last year, will debut The Claudia Winkleman Show on Friday (13 March) taking over the Friday night slot from Graham Norton. However, in a new teaser trailer for the BBC show, Winkleman warned viewers in her typical self-deprecating manner that it might be excruciating. The Claudia Winkleman Show's first guests: Jeff Goldblum, Vanessa Williams, Jennifer Saunders and Tom Allen. (BBC) Showing off her new green set, complete with white and burgundy wall paper, the presenter said: Theyve given me a talk show. Agreed. An error. Heres some information. There is an audience. Theyre lovely. There are brilliant guests. It might be excruciating. The camera then panned to her very first celebrity guests: Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum, actors Vanessa Williams and Jennifer Saunders, and comedian Tom Allen. The BBC announced in December that the Traitors host, 53, would be fronting her own chat show, filmed weekly with a live studio audience. It makes Winkleman the only woman to currently have a late night talk show on British TV, with The Graham Norton Show, The Jonathan Ross Show and The Last Leg all hosted by men. One of the last British late night chat shows to be presented by a woman was The Mrs Merton Show Caroline Ahernes mock late night show which aired for four series from 1993 until 1998. Davina McCall hosted her own BBC One chat show in 2006, however it aired for just eight episodes before being cancelled due to low ratings. Winkleman admitted earlier in March that launching her own series was both a total privilege and also completely nerve-racking. Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly quit 'Strictly' in 2025 (BBC) She added: I know my job is to make sure the guests have a great time and feel relaxed I imagine Ill ask them about their favourite biscuits, and their dog and people will actually fall asleep. As for taking over from Norton who will return in September with The Graham Norton Show Winkleman said that its an enormous honour. He is the king, the best of the best. Hes incredibly generous and charming and easy to talk to and thats why he always has the best guests. Winkleman began her presenting career as the co-presenter of BBC Ones Holiday before taking on reporter roles on This Morning, Liquid News and Comic Relief Does Fame Academy. She joined the Strictly Come Dancing family as the It Takes Two host in 2004, before graduating to the main show as a host in 2010. After 15 years on the BBC hit, Winkleman stepped down as its presenter alongside Tess Daly, telling fans: We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. She still has plenty in the works however, as the face of The Traitors and its celebrity spin-off, Channel 4s The Piano and a role in the broadcasters Crufts coverage this year. The Claudia Winkleman Show will air on Friday 13 March at 10:40pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The High Court has quashed six low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) schemes in Croydon after a judge ruled they were unlawfully introduced to help plug the boroughs dire finances. The financially-stricken council, which is currently run by Tory mayor Jason Perry, is now facing demands to refund all the penalty fines imposed on motorists - a bill likely to run into millions of pounds. LTNs, which impose fines on non-resident drivers to deter rat running through residential areas, cannot be used for the principal reason of generating cash. Mr Justice Pepperall, in a ruling handed down on Wednesday afternoon, said there was no doubt that the traffic scheme has raised significant revenue. He said: I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities that the dominant purpose for... making the schemes permanent was the need to safeguard the revenue raised by enforcement. Such purpose was unlawful and I therefore quash the orders. It is the latest controversy involving LTNs in London. In June 2025, Lambeth council was ordered to remove a LTN in West Dulwich that was introduced unlawfully because the council had failed to consider the legitimate concerns of residents that it would cause more pollution and congestion. Im pleased to announce that the Council has submitted its case to the Supreme Court on the removal of three Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN) in the borough. We were disappointed that after the High Court ruled in favour of the Council's decision to remove the LTNs, the Court of Lutfur Rahman (@LutfurRahmanTH) February 25, 2026 In January, Tower Hamlets residents won a sensational victory in the Court of Appeal to protect three LTN schemes in and around Bethnal Green - but borough mayor Lutfur Rahman later said he would appeal to the Supreme Court. The legal challenge in Croydon was spearheaded by Karen Lawrence, who lives and works in the south London borough, and the pressure group Open Our Roads. In a statement after the ruling, Open Our Roads called on the council to suspend all enforcement immediately and set out a clear process for refunding fines issued under quashed orders. A hugely important court ruling. Court finds that all 6 of Croydon's LTNs are illegal because they were justified on the amount of money they would raise. pic.twitter.com/Co8zNgiuyd Social Environmental Justice (@SocEnvJustice) March 5, 2026 Croydon is one of nine London councils due to receive a total of more than 500m in emergency Government funding. Croydon, which has effectively declared bankruptcy three times since 2020, will need another 119m of extra support this year after receiving 110.3m last year. The six LTNS were first established on a temporary basis in 2020 during the pandemic, as a way of encouraging walking and cycling. Jason Perry was elected as the first directly elected mayor of Croydon in 2022 (Croydon Conservatives) They were made permanent in March 2024, with CCTV cameras used to read the numberplates of vehicles entering the zones, despite Mr Perry, who was elected in May 2022 and is seeking re-election in the forthcoming London borough elections, being a critic of the schemes while in opposition. The council imposed 160 penalty fines on non-resident drivers, reportedly generating up to 1.4m a month in fines. Residents can apply for permits, exempting their vehicles from fines. According to the court judgement, the council expected to make a surplus of 10.7m from the LTNs between 2023 and 2027. Following a complex legal battle that began in May 2024, Mr Justice Pepperall ruled on Wednesday that the council had abused its statutory powers. His judgement said: In opposition, Conservative Councillor Jason Perry criticised the then Labour administration for the introduction of the schemes. In seeking election as mayor, Councillor Perry frequently campaigned on the issue. He then said that he would like to remove all Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes on the first day that he became mayor and only reintroduce any scheme that had local backing and would achieve its stated purposes. While that was his wish, he cautioned: However, owing to how Labour has constructed their budget this is simply not possible. There is well over 20m of future income within the budget which would have to be replaced if this happened. The judge added in relation to Mr Perry: In both opposition and office, he argued that he could not simply close the schemes because of the hole that would be left in the budget rather than arguing the positive road safety or health case for the schemes. The court examined Croydon councils broader financial position in relation to the LTNs. The judgement referenced the councils Section 114 bankruptcy notices issued in 2020 over a projected 67 million shortfall. File Image (PA Wire) Mr Perry admitted after taking office that he could not remove the schemes because the previous administration had built more than 20 million of future camera enforcement income into the councils budget. An article in the Telegraph quoted him as saying the councils budget was predicated on the schemes, meaning he was not in a position to reverse it. The judge noted Mr Perrys lack of public enthusiasm for the schemes safety benefits and concluded that his position was constrained by budgetary pressures. The ruling also noted that in 2021 a council finance officer had warned that failing to deliver the traffic schemes could undermine Croydons ability to maintain services and secure future financial support from central government. Elsewhere, the judgement focused on a council officers report that showed mixed results on traffic collisions and only slight to moderate environmental benefits. The court ultimately concluded that the dominant purpose behind making the schemes permanent was to safeguard enforcement revenue. Lawyers for Ms Lawrence argued that the council had exercised its statutory powers for an unlawful financial purpose. Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, local authorities are permitted to restrict traffic to secure the safe movement of vehicles and improve environmental conditions. Mr Justice Pepperall emphasised that the legislation is not a revenue-raising measure and cited the established legal principle that citizens cannot be taxed without clear parliamentary authority. Mr Justice Pepperall referred to the case as something of a procedural dogs breakfast after the papers were served late and to the wrong part of the High Court. As a result, the LTN schemes at Albert Road, Dalmally Road, Elmers Road, Holmesdale Road, Parsons Mead and Sutherland Road will be removed. The council has 21 days to decide whether to appeal against the High Court judgement. A Croydon spokeswoman said on Friday: The council is considering its position. David Lammy says Donald Trump has no right to choose Irans next leader Deputy prime minister David Lammy has risked fuelling the Anglo-US rift over Iran by criticising Donald Trumps demand for a say in its new leader. Mr Lammy said the choice of a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was for the Iranian people to determine not the US president. His comment came after Mr Trump said he believed he should be involved in the decision. Mr Lammy also delivered a riposte to Mr Trumps jibe that Sir Keir Starmer was no Churchill, pointing out that Winston Churchill had disagreed with Americas president, Franklin Roosevelt, during the Second World War on how to deal with the Soviet Unions leader, Joseph Stalin. Asked if Mr Trump should have a say in the choice of Irans next leader, Mr Lammy said: Clearly, regime change I dont think has been succeeded in the air anywhere in the world. David Lammy criticised Trumps demand for a say in Irans new leader (PA) Challenged directly on whether the US president should have a say on Khameneis replacement, Mr Lammy replied: If you believe in democracy, and we and the US are democratic countries, we believe it is for the Iranian people to determine who leads their country. Put to him that he was signalling the person who should decide Irans next ruler was clearly not Donald Trump, Mr Lammy did not demur, stating: I have answered the question. Questioned about the division between Sir Keir and Mr Trump, he said that notwithstanding the special relationship between the two allies, they did not always agree. Are there occasions when a UK prime minister and the US president have a different view about international affairs? Tensions have been brewing between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump (PA) Yes, that was the case in WW2 between Churchill and Roosevelt on how to handle Stalin, that was the case between (1960s Labour PM Harold) Wilson and LBJ (US President Johnson) on Vietnam and that was the case between Margaret Thatcher and (Ronald) Reagan on Grenada. And yes, we have had a different assessment on whether offensive action (against Iran) at this time should go ahead and therefore we have not played a role in that. Interviewed by the BBC, Mr Lammy refused to say if Sir Keir had told Mr Trump directly that he believed the war lacked a clear objective, saying: I know the answer but I cannot share it with you. He said the British government believed diplomacy had been taking its course in the US dispute with Iran before the American attacks. The UK had not taken part in the offensive action principally because of the legal basis. Sir Ed Davey, the bumbling buffoon of politics and an embarrassment to the legacy of the Lib Dems - Getty/Jeff J Mitchell Sir Ed Davey, the self-styled clown of the last general election campaign, reached new heights of absurdity this week when he denounced British people facing Iranian bombardment in Dubai as tax exiles who mock ordinary people who stay in the UK and pay our taxes here, but then expect us to pay the bill for their protection. Arguing that British expats in Gulf states should start paying taxes to fund our armed forces just like the rest of us, the Liberal Democrat leader was rightly ridiculed for his insensitive and inflammatory remarks. Bombs and drones are still falling on swathes of the Middle East, with thousands of Brits left at risk. Not that Sir Ed seemed to care: their plight was merely an opportunity to take a cheap shot. What has happened to his once respected political party? Even after the Liberals were eclipsed by Labour and the Conservatives in the early 20th century, their successors still played an important role in British politics, whether as a self-described centrist force, as inheritor of a distinct liberal intellectual tradition, or merely as a repository for protest votes. The Lib Dems even occasionally offered a voice capable of moderating the excesses of Britains two larger political tribes, particularly on issues such as civil liberties. Today, the best that could be said is that the Lib Dems have purposely become a laughable irrelevance. The worst is that theyve disgracefully abdicated any responsibility towards the country at a moment of increasing peril. Consider the contrast between Sir Ed and another Lib Dem leader at a time of war in the Middle East, Charles Kennedy. A charismatic and affable public speaker, Kennedys calm and principled opposition to Tony Blairs support for the American-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 gave the Lib Dems a clarity of purpose that resonated with voters. His position helped propel the party to significant success at the 2005 general election, when the Lib Dems surged to their highest number of Commons seats since 1923. Yes, the final stages of Kennedys leadership were overshadowed by concerns about his health, and in 2006 he bravely acknowledged that he had undergone treatment for alcoholism. But even while battling those personal demons, he was taken far more seriously as a political leader than Sir Ed Davey is today and for good reason. Kennedy did not spend his years at the top of the Lib Dems staging publicity stunts or making absurd remarks. His reasoned critiques of the Iraq War spoke directly to the feelings of millions of voters, channelling their anger but keeping them in the political mainstream. Yes, there were more radical figures on the fringes tapping into the same fury, notably George Galloway. But there was no mass surge towards extremist outfits such as the Greens, which today appears increasingly supportive of Irans tyrannical Islamist region rather than just critical of Donald Trumps war. Today the Lib Dems dont even try to be grown-up. They dont bother to craft a distinctive voice on policy, either. To all intents and purposes, their political positions are indistinguishable from those of Labour. At Prime Ministers Questions, Davey often resembles the ultimate pick me politician eager to curry favour with Sir Keir Starmer while presumably hoping that some form of progressive alliance might eventually open the doors of Downing Street to the Lib Dems once again. Few moments illustrated the Lib Dems descent more starkly than the extraordinary intervention by former leader Sir Vince Cable during last months Gorton and Denton by-election, when he openly suggested that Lib Dem voters should back the Labour candidate instead. Admittedly, the seeds of the partys current problems were planted during the Brexit years. The Lib Dems damaged their own credibility by appearing neither liberal nor democratic in their repeated attempts to overturn the referendum result. Since then, the party has plumbed even greater depths. From openly promoting tactical voting to insisting that a trans woman is a woman, the Lib Dems have steadily surrendered their claim to be a proper political force. This matters more than it might appear. The more the Lib Dems abdicate their responsibility to represent politically homeless voters, the more space they leave for more divisive political forces to occupy the terrain they once dominated. Theres no photo opportunity Sir Ed Davey cant make worse - Jason Alden/Bloomberg The rise of figures such as Zack Polanski illustrates this dynamic. Im not for one minute arguing that, if Sir Ed Davey hadnt turned the Lib Dems into a laughing stock, the Greens would now be a political afterthought. Polanski is benefiting from everything from the collapse in trust in the two main parties and the woke-ification of British education, to major demographic shifts in the countrys electorate. But the Lib Dems conspicuous retreat from serious politics has helped open up a vacuum at the heart of British politics that others are now happily filling. There remains a strong case for genuinely liberal answers to many of Britains problems. The 2004 book The Orange Book: Reclaiming Liberalism, edited by then Lib Dem MP David Laws and Paul Marshall, emphasised greater personal choice and market-oriented solutions. By identifying what Tory MP David Davis once described as areas of overlap between liberal and conservative thinking, it helped to shape the intellectual foundations of the 2010 coalition government. But Daveys party increasingly seems uninterested in anything so useful as that. The Lib Dems have even largely given up on civil liberties. How else to explain their failure to stand up for our fundamental liberties during the Covid lockdowns? There was much criticism this week of MPs who were seen dancing in Parliament while World War III was breaking out in the Middle East. It was an unedifying moment. But thats how Sir Ed Davey approaches politics every day unserious, performative and strangely detached from events beyond Westminster. They might continue to hang on to a few seats. Just as the party once organised itself around the single mission of Stop Brexit, its modern message sometimes appears to revolve around a different slogan: Stop Farage. That may offer short-term electoral benefits in some local contests. But it is no substitute for a serious national political vision. European Sleeper is setting up new night train services across the continent (European Sleeper) A new night train connecting Brussels to Milan has been delayed by several months and will now launch in September. European Sleeper is a Dutch-Belgian train operator that runs night train services across Europe, connecting major cities such as Berlin, Prague and Amsterdam. Its third route, a 17-and-a-half-hour journey connecting the Belgian capital to Italys fashion hub Milan, was scheduled to start running in June. However, the company announced that this date has now been pushed back to 9 September 2026. Although the first departure comes a few months later than originally planned, the new connection marks an important milestone in the companys development, European Sleeper said in a statement on Tuesday, 3 March. It said the delay was due to track works in Germany planned for summer 2026, which would not allow the service to operate reliably. In addition to this, the certification process for Switzerland, a new country on European Sleepers roster, more time was required before the launch. Once the service has debuted, the night train to Milan will initially depart from Belgium. A direct connection will be added to and from the Netherlands from 2027. The train will also stop in Cologne in Germany, Zurich in Switzerland and Como in Italy. Other stops will include the Swiss village of Goschenen, providing convenient access to nearby ski resorts. A stop in Lugano will allow travellers explore the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Departures from Brussels are scheduled for Monday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, arriving in Zurich and Milan the following morning. The return service from Milan will operate on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights. Tickets for this route will go on sale on 17 March, and will include four classes of travel while onboard. Fares in the budget class, which offer seats, start from 29.99 (26) per person one way. A couchette bed is available from 49.99 (43), including ticket, reservation, luggage and bed linen. Or travellers can upgrade to Comfort Standard from 99.99 (87) or Comfort Plus from 129.99 (113), which includes breakfast. European Sleeper currently runs night train services between Brussels and Prague, and from 29 March, a new route from Paris to Berlin will launch. Read more: The best affordable sleeper train journeys to take in 2026 The first flight chartered by the UK government to evacuate British nationals stranded in the Middle East landed at Londons Stansted airport after departing Oman nearly a day late due to technical issues. The flight finally departed late on Thursday night local time from Omans capital Muscat, almost 24 hours behind schedule, and landed at Stansted shortly before 1am on Friday. The evacuation effort comes amid escalating regional tensions after US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks, grounding or restricting flights across several Middle Eastern countries. Passengers on a chartered plane leaving Oman arrive at Stansted Airport (AP) More than 140,000 British nationals in the Gulf registered with the UK government for assistance, with at least 4,000 already returning via commercial flights from the UAE. The government said additional charter flights will follow, although officials acknowledged the scale of the evacuation and emphasised that commercial routes remain the quickest way for most people to return home. Passengers at Stansted airport reported chaotic scenes and uncertainty during the evacuation process, while some struggled to secure seats or were unable to travel because their family members did not meet eligibility rules. Amelia Reid and Samuel Sharp had travelled to Dubai for a short holiday but were caught up in the regional conflict. They spent a night sheltering in a hotel basement car park with about 100 others after emergency alerts warned of missile strikes. The couple later drove from Dubai to the Oman border and took a coach to Muscat airport in hopes of securing a seat on the UK governments evacuation flight. Amelia Reid and her partner, Samuel Sharp (second left), are met by her parents and her dog, Penny, following their return to the UK (PA) Didnt get told if it was safe to go up or not, just went up for breakfast and I think we heard a massive bang after that, so its just on edge, on edge for four days, Mr Sharp told PA. Ms Reid, who uses a wheelchair, said: We left Dubai yesterday lunchtime, went straight to the Oman border, and went on a coach all the way to Muscat airport in the hope wed get on the government plane. Ms Reid was eventually reunited in the UK with her family and her dog, Penny. More than 140,000 British nationals in the Gulf registered with the UK government for assistance, (Reuters) Another unidentified passenger told the outlet that he, his wife and their young child drove 300 miles (482km) from Dubai to Oman, only to spend 36 hours waiting at the Muscat airport. He said: I think today was better, but the day before was very terrible. We took almost four hours for check-in. And then after that, we were told we cant fly because pilot is on overtime, so we had to go back to the hotel. Another passenger, Fazal Chowdhury, however, said the government did its best. He has been living in Dubai for three years. There was a bit of room for improvement because there were some technical issues with the flight, so we were in the airport for 20 hours, but I don't think theres much to complain about. A family from Yorkshire who were living in Dubai embrace a relative (Reuters) To be honest, they were all working really hard and they were all really sincere, the whole team there were really good. The ambassador came and explained what happened. She was really good. Were all here now. It was a bit of a shambles on the night when we thought we were going to get on the flight and then we were sort of trapped on buses and had to go back. Earlier, a British passenger waiting to board the chartered flight from Oman described being in total shambles after the plane failed to depart as scheduled on Wednesday night. Many UK travellers have been left for days with little communication (Reuters) The passenger, who wanted to stay anonymous, told Sky News: [The] check-in process took about four hours due to technical issues. We then got taken to the plane on a bus but had to stay on it for about one-and-a-half hours. There are dozens and dozens of vulnerable people, young children and families. Travellers reportedly faced long delays due to technical problems during check-in, leaving many waiting for hours with little communication. Etihad Airways announced on Friday it would be resuming a limited commercial flight schedule until 19 March, including flights to and from Abu Dhabi to Heathrow, Manchester and Dublin. Passengers pictured at Stansted airport pictured at international arrivals (AP) The US and Israel have continued to batter Iran with nationwide strikes, and in turn, Iran has kept up retaliatory strikes on Israel, US bases and across the region. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer insisted that the special relationship is in operation right now following repeated criticism from US president Donald Trump over the UKs response to the conflict. The prime minister said on Thursday that an additional four British Typhoon fighter jets are being deployed to Qatar to strengthen defensive operations in the region. The Independent has contacted the Foreign Office for comment. Flightradar24 shows empty airspace over the Middle East due to the US-Israel war on Iran. Illustration: Flightradar24 (Illustration: Flightradar24) Mikael Robertsson and Olov Lindberg did not set out to build one of the pre-eminent monitors of global airspace. In a bid to draw more eyes to their Swedish flight price comparison portal, the entrepreneurs added a page charting air traffic. That page became Flightradar24, the portal that people around the world now turn to when there is chaos and drama in the skies. Very soon this flight tracker became more popular than the price comparison [tool] itself, recalled Robertsson, who spoke to the Guardian from the firms office in Stockholm. In 2010, when the eruption of Icelands Eyjafjallajokull volcano released a vast cloud of ash that grounded flights across Europe, millions turned to Flightradar24 to monitor flight movements (or lack thereof) in real time. Related: Delayed UK rescue flight takes off from Oman with British nationals It was the first time the platform attracted an influx of curious users, keen to watch a major event unfold in real time. It wouldnt be the last. You can pick any kind of major aviation event you want after that, said Fredrik Lindahl, chief executive of Flightradar24 from the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 in 2014 to the onset of the Covid pandemic, which crippled the travel industry in 2020. While crises affecting millions can trigger a sharp increase in the platforms audience, so too can the flight of a single individual. When the late Russian opposition activist Alexei Navalny was evacuated to Berlin to be treated for suspected poisoning in 2020, and when he returned to Russia in 2021, users followed both journeys live in their droves. In recent days, as the US-Israel war on Iran rapidly cleared the airspace over the Middle East, prompting widespread travel chaos that disrupted hundreds of thousands of travellers, viewers from around the world gravitated to the platform. On Saturday, after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, and Iran deployed a barrage of retaliatory missiles across the Middle East, countries across the region swiftly shut their airspace. On Flightradar24 the impact on aviation was clear. With large swaths of the Middle East closed to air traffic, two narrow flight corridors emerged, crammed with little yellow plane symbols the first to the north of Iran, through the Caucasus, but below Ukraines closed airspace, and the second to the south, through Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman. For each big aviation event, we do get a big traffic spike, and then it sort of dies down, Lindahl said. But the traffic stays slightly higher than it was before. No event has yet drawn more attention to Flightradar24 than the journey of the late Queens coffin in 2022, when 4.8 million people followed the planes short journey from Edinburgh to Northolt. How does it work? Flightradar24 tracks all this through a network of about 58,000 radio receivers, including a dozen in Antarctica. It started with just two, installed by Robertsson and Lindberg on their respective homes, after they learned it was possible to monitor airspace with devices bought from the UK. It sounded like something impossible, said Robertsson. Like, how can you track air traffic with a small box? I would probably classify it as scam if I found something like this today. Every aircraft has a transmitter, sending out flight information its callsign, position, direction, speed and altitude which is collected by receivers. By early 2010, up to 40,000 people were visiting Flightradar24 each day. When Eyjafjallajokull erupted that April, it spewed out a gigantic ash cloud which closed over 300 airports, grounded more than 100,000 flights and gave rise to an extraordinary surge of interest in global airspace. I think we had, like, four million visitors in a couple of hours, said Robertsson. As war broke out in Iran and the surrounding region on Saturday, visits to Flightradar24 were more than double the norm. Saturday was a spike, then we went down a bit on Sunday, and then a bigger spike on Monday, said Robertsson. And now were slowly, slowly, losing some traffic again. Flightradar24 has built a business around this intermittent audience, marketing a premium tier with more data to its most avid users. Subscriptions account for about 70% of its revenue, and it also sells commercial packages to industry operators, as well as advertising. The platform is reliant on aviation enthusiasts. Were really trying to have a very strong free product because what underlies all this is like the crowdsourced aspect of Flightradar24, with people around the world hosting our receivers, said Lindahl. To maintain a reliable map, we need to have a strong product, that a lot of people are exposed to, he added. And then, some of them will become interested enough to maybe think oh, maybe I should host one of these receivers. Today Flightradar24, which sold a 35% stake to Sprints Capital, a London-based venture capital firm, in September 2025, has a base of more than 1.5 million paying subscribers, and typically attracts about 60 million free viewers to its website each month. It will definitely be higher in March, said Lindahl. Police checking a car in Finchley, north London on Friday. Photograph: Ben Whitley/PA (Photograph: Ben Whitley/PA) Armed police have arrested four men suspected of spying for Iran and allegedly targeting synagogues and Jews in London. Counter-terrorism detectives are investigating why the alleged surveillance of Jewish locations and individuals was being carried out, and whether it was linked to a wish to carry out attacks on British soil. Part of the investigation is looking at claims that in-person surveillance in London took place and whether it was directed from overseas. The operation by counter-terrorism police and MI5 had been going on for months. The arrests of the four men one Iranian and three dual British-Iranian nationals were made under the National Security Act and are the first of suspects alleged to be acting in Irans interests since the country was attacked by the US and Israel. Three of the arrests were carried out in London and one in Hertfordshire. Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary, said the arrests meant police had kept Britain safe from a potential threat. Police said those arrested were a 40-year-old man and a 55-year-old man who were detained at addresses in Barnet, north London. In Harrow, north-west London, a 22-year-old man was arrested, while a man aged 52 was arrested in Watford. The arrests were carried out at 1am on Friday morning. Police said that at the address in Harrow, six men were also detained on suspicion of assisting an offender. Those arrested were aged 29, 39, 42, 49 and two men aged 20, one of whom was arrested for allegedly assaulting an officer. Police said: The investigation relates to suspected surveillance of locations and individuals linked to the Jewish community in the London area. Section 3 of the 2023 National Security Act outlaws any actions meant to materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities. Those arrested can be detained without charge for up to two weeks. Police also said searches were being carried out at the addresses, as well as at another address in Barnet, and one in Wembley. Detectives are looking primarily for electronic devices and any communications with others not detained, and which could prove or disprove their suspicions. Commander Helen Flanagan, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: Todays arrests are part of a long-running investigation and part of our ongoing work to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it. We understand the public may be concerned, in particular the Jewish community, and as always, I would ask them to remain vigilant, and if they see or hear anything that concerns them, then to contact us. British security officials believe Iran wants to attack Jewish targets in the UK, believing that would represent a strike against the state of Israel. Mahmood said: I want to thank the police and our security services for the action theyve taken today to keep Britain safe from a potential threat. The Jewish community and the wider public will understandably be concerned by todays arrests. We continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with those affected. I can reassure you that our police and security services are world-leading and wont hesitate to take action to counter any threat to the UK. They will continue to use the full range of tools and powers available to them to keep this country safe. They have the governments full support as they carry out their vital work. We must now give them the time and space to continue their investigations. The Community Safety Trust, which works to keep Jewish people in Britain safe, said: Security is strong across the Jewish community. CST thanks Counter Terror Policing London and will not be commenting further at this time. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: We are grateful to the police for foiling this alleged plot, which underscores the reality in which the Jewish community lives. But the security services have to be lucky every time: the plotters only need to get lucky once. In October last year, MI5s director general, Ken McCallum, said 20 plots linked to Iran had been disrupted on UK soil in the previous 12 months. Most of those were against Iranian dissident targets, with at least one linked to an Israeli target in Britain. The 7 October attacks on Israel, and the subsequent attacks on Gaza, have led to a large increase in attacks on Jewish people in the UK. As well as Iranian proxies threatening Jewish people, officials also point to threats from Islamist terrorist groups such as Islamic State. Last year a suspected IS-inspired attack on a Manchester synagogue left two people dead, as well as the attacker. All those arrested on Friday are still in custody. German media firm Axel Springer has agreed to buy the Telegraph Media Group (TMG) for 575 million, scuppering efforts by the owner of the Daily Mail to snap up its UK newspaper rival. It is the latest major twist in a roughly three-year ownership tussle for the politically influential newspaper group. Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) had previously agreed a 500 million deal to buy The Telegraph last year. However, Abu Dhabi-backed consortium RedBird IMI said it now plans to sell the business to the Berlin-based Politico owner. Axel Springer and TMG said the deal will preserve the integrity of the brand and help provide a platform for growth. The companies stressed their commitment to independent journalism in the UK and said they look forward to further discussions with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and other stakeholders in the coming weeks. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had launched an intervention and competition probe into the previous deal agreed with DMGT, amid concerns of the size of the newspaper market taken up through a merger deal. Bosses at Axel Springer, which also owns the German newspaper Bild, said they will back an investment programme in TMG to expand the business to help it become the leading centre-right media outlet in the English-speaking world. They also plan to expand the companys footprint in the US market, potentially leveraging expertise from its Politico and Business Insider titles. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy had launched an intervention and competition probe into the previous deal agreed with DMGT (PA) (Lucy North) Axel Springer chief executive Mathias Dopfner said: More than 20 years ago, we tried to acquire The Telegraph and did not succeed. Now our dream comes true. To be the owner of this institution of quality British journalism is a privilege and a duty. In a statement, RedBird IMI said the German business is partly well placed to buy the Telegraph due to the straightforward regulatory path to ownership involved in the deal. Our team is now working closely with the UK Government to obtain the necessary approvals to finalise this transaction, the company added. RedBird IMI is having to sell the Telegraph business after its own takeover move was blocked by the then-Tory government over foreign ownership concerns. Axel Springer has agreed to buy the Telegraph Media Group (Alamy/PA) RedBird IMI, which was partly backed by US firm RedBird Capital but majority-owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vice president of the United Arab Emirates, originally agreed to buy the media firm and fellow title The Spectator in 2023. The Spectator has since been sold to hedge fund tycoon Sir Paul Marshalls OQS Ventures business for 100 million. Lengthy talks were then held to find a new suitor after RedBird IMI was forced to sell, with New York Sun publisher Dovid Efune in exclusive discussions to take control. These collapsed before DMGT struck an agreement with RedBird IMI. Reports last month indicated that Axel Springer was considering backing a deal with Mr Efune. On Friday, Axel Springer said it would like to acknowledge Mr Efune for his essential support and assistance on this transaction. It is understood that Axel Springer will gain full ownership of TMG as part of the deal. A spokesman for DMGT criticised the protracted and out-of-date regulatory framework which it said disadvantages UK newspaper groups in merger processes. The company said: We have worked hard to complete the acquisition of the Telegraph and were confident that the organisation would have thrived under our long-term stewardship, the company said. We were optimistic about our plans to invest in its exceptional journalism and secure the future of a respected British media brand. We wish every success to Axel Springer and the Telegraph. We believe that the protracted and out-of-date regulatory framework guarantees that UK-based national newspaper groups are at a huge competitive disadvantage in any merger process. Tom Frith and his wife Julia Frith (Family Handout) When Tom Frith walked into an overrun A&E department, he was suffering from flu-like symptoms and confusion, was unsteady on his feet, and was struggling with his speech. His wife Julia said he was rushed through triage, but the only bed available was in a corridor where he stayed, with his condition worsening, for almost two days. His family was told he couldnt have a vital MRI scan because it was the weekend. A week later, he was finally diagnosed with the deadly brain infection encephalitis; however, by then, the damage had been done. Tom died, aged 66, on 27 July 2025, having suffered brain damage from the swelling and a stroke caused by the condition. His story comes amid repeated concerns from leading doctors over the crisis facing hospitals as under-pressure emergency departments run out of beds to treat patients. The most recent NHS data for England, published last month, showed that in January, 192,168 people (13 per cent) waited 12 hours to be seen, treated or discharged from the time they arrived at A&E a record high since this data was first published in February 2023. A year before he died, Tom had retired, but he lived an active life, spending his days taking motorbike holidays with his wife and tending his vegetable patch. All that changed on Saturday 14 June, when he was so unwell he went to Leighton Hospital A&E, run by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, for help. Julia, from Knutsford, told The Independent her husband had every symptom of encephalitis which affects around 6,000 people in the UK each year, and can cause flu-like symptoms, loss of consciousness, headaches, memory problems, and behavioural changes. He was delirious, he had flu-like symptoms, he had a massive temperature. He was confused; he didnt know who he was. He couldnt swallow the [paracetamol] tablets. Julia said the emergency department was overrun when they visited, and claimed she was told by staff that they had expected 40 people in A&E that day but had seen 120. Tom Frith enjoyed going on motorbike holidays with his wife (Family handout via Leigh Day) She said: There wasnt a section of that [A&E] that didnt have a patient in it. There wasnt a section of those majors or triage that didnt have a body in it, either on a chair, a bed, or on the floor. The poor staff, they were overrun. Julia said her husband was placed in a corridor, where she watched him deteriorate. Tom was eventually seen by a doctor some eight hours later, but was not given a hospital bed until Monday morning. There was an 86-year-old who had been there for 33 hours. It was just appalling. I was searching private hospitals to see if I could get him taken out. Julia recalled: I left the hospital for an hour on the Sunday afternoon, and when I came back, my husband was stood by his bed, hed ripped off his identity band, and he was wearing his jeans and he had wet himself, and I turned to a nurse who was passing and I said, What is this? This is not care. I cleaned him up, got him sorted, and got him another wristband. Took him back to his bed in the corridor, and there was someone in his bed; theyd put someone in his bed. He was there for another 18 hours. Despite suspecting that Tom had suffered a stroke, Julia was told that her husband could not have an MRI to determine if that was the case because it was the weekend, and there were no beds at a nearby hospital, which has a specialist neurology service. Tom Frith in Leighton Hospital A&E corridor (Family handout via Leigh Day) Tragically, Toms condition worsened, and he was eventually admitted to critical care and put in an induced coma on a ventilator. It was not until the Friday after he was first admitted to A&E that the hospital started giving him vital medication to treat encephalitis. They confirmed on Saturday that it was encephalitis, but the damage was done. He was having outward seizures for two weeks, Julia said. After several weeks of treatment, Julia said she was advised that Toms condition was highly unlikely to improve. He was put on palliative care and died a few days later on 27 July 2025. Julia is now taking legal action against the trust. Tom Frith sought help on 14 June 2025, and died weeks later, on 27 July (Family handout via Leigh Day) Leigh Day solicitor Zoe Donohue, who represents Julia, said: The ordeal that Tom went through in the lead-up to his death was a terrible one. In instructing me, Julia is hoping to determine whether more could have been done to help Tom, and if a quicker diagnosis could have given him a stronger chance of survival. Julia is also hoping to raise awareness of encephalitis, ensuring that more is widely known about the symptoms and how to detect the condition early on, to help others avoid the awful set of circumstances she has experienced. Dr Clare Hammell, chief medical officer and deputy chief executive for Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: Our thoughts are with Mr Friths family and loved ones, and we are very sorry for the distress they have experienced. As a legal claim has now been issued, it would not be appropriate for the trust to comment on the specific circumstances of Mr Friths care or the allegations that have been raised. However, the trust said it takes any concerns about patient safety extremely seriously and is cooperating with the legal process. We continually review learning from incidents, complaints, and claims to help us improve care, including ongoing education and training for staff to support the recognition and management of rare but serious conditions. ST. GEORGE, Utah, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Why do so many drivers still believe they need an oil change every 3,000 miles? A HelloNation article featuring David Ortez of St George Auto Repair clears up this common misunderstanding. The feature explains how oil change intervals have changed, why synthetic oil allows many vehicles to go longer between services, and how to balance professional advice with manufacturer guidelines. David Ortez - General Manager, St George Auto Repair Speed Speed For decades, the 3,000-mile rule was considered the standard for every oil change. The HelloNation article points out that this advice is outdated for most modern cars. Advances in engine design and motor oil mean that many vehicles can safely go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. In some cases, cars using full synthetic oil can extend the interval even further. The article emphasizes that drivers should follow the recommendations in their owner's manual rather than relying solely on stickers or general advice from an auto repair shop. That does not mean oil changes can be ignored. Fresh oil is essential for keeping engines lubricated, preventing overheating, and reducing wear. Waiting too long between oil changes allows oil to break down, which can lead to sludge, poor fuel economy, and even engine failure. The feature makes clear that the key is finding the right balance: follow the manufacturer's oil change interval and consider driving conditions. Driving habits play an important role in determining how often service is needed. Frequent stop-and-go traffic, towing, or extreme weather can shorten the oil's life. In contrast, steady highway driving may allow longer intervals. The HelloNation article reminds readers that an oil change schedule should be based on both the manual and real-world driving conditions. Ignoring the oil light is another mistake many drivers make. The article explains that the oil light is not a simple reminder but a serious warning about low oil pressure or other issues that can damage an engine quickly. If the oil light comes on while driving, checking oil levels immediately and scheduling service at an auto repair shop is the safest course of action. The type of oil also matters. Conventional oil, synthetic blends, and full synthetic oil each have different protective qualities and lifespans. Many newer cars are designed specifically for synthetic oil because it resists breakdown and performs well in extreme temperatures. Using the wrong type of oil, however, can shorten engine life and reduce efficiency. Confirming the correct oil type before each oil change ensures the engine stays in top condition. The HelloNation feature notes that many auto repair shops still recommend more frequent oil changes than necessary, often out of caution or habit. While early oil changes rarely cause harm, they can be unnecessary. The article suggests that the smartest approach is to combine professional input with the manufacturer's recommendations. The vehicle's manual was written for the engine's specific design, making it the most reliable source of guidance. Oil change appointments also provide a chance for routine inspections. Technicians often check filters, belts, and other fluid levels during service. Even if oil changes are less frequent than the old 3,000-mile rule suggests, regular visits to an auto repair shop still help keep vehicles safe and reliable. Another important point raised in the feature is that neglecting oil changes can affect a vehicle's warranty. Manufacturers often require proof of regular service to honor warranty claims. If an engine fails and records do not show that the recommended oil change interval was followed, warranty coverage may be denied. Keeping up with scheduled service protects both the vehicle and the warranty. Ultimately, what most people get wrong about oil changes is not just how often they should be done, but where they get their information. Outdated rules have lingered long after technology advanced. The best practice, according to the HelloNation article, is to read the manual, respect the oil light, and adjust service intervals based on driving conditions. By following these steps, drivers save money, protect their engines, and avoid unnecessary service. The full article, titled What Most People Get Wrong About Oil Changes , can be read on HelloNation. It features David Ortez, Auto Repair Expert of St. George, UT, whose professional insights guide drivers on proper oil change intervals, the role of synthetic oil versus conventional oil, and how to keep engines healthy while preserving the vehicle warranty. About HelloNation HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities. SOURCE HelloNation One day after she was covering immigration arrests in Nashville, journalist Estefany Rodriguez Florez was surrounded by federal agents while she was in a car stamped with her networks name. Rodriguez Florez, who was born in Colombia and is married to a U.S. citizen, was swiftly arrested without a warrant, according to court filings. Her arrest has alarmed civil rights advocates and press freedom groups who have demanded her immediate release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody, where she remains while a fast-moving legal battle for her release is ongoing. Rodriguez Florez entered the United States legally on a tourist visa in 2021. She filed for political asylum and married a U.S. citizen; the couple has filed for permission to adjust her status to lawful permanent resident, and she has a valid work permit as she awaits a green card, according to attorneys. We dont yet know if Estefany Rodriguezs detention was in retaliation for her reporting but we certainly wouldnt be surprised, according to the Freedom of the Press Foundation. ICE abductions of noncitizen journalists take the reporters best equipped to cover immigration enforcement off the beat. Estefany Rodriguez Florez, a reporter for Spanish-language outlet Nashville Noticias, was arrested by ICE on March 4 (Nashville Noticas) Her detention joins a shameful and alarming pattern of the Trump administrations use of immigration authorities to clamp down on freedom of the press, according to Katherine Jacobsen, the U.S., Canada, and Caribbean Program Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists. Rodriguez sought asylum in the United States to escape death threats she received for reporting in her home county. The United States has traditionally been a safe haven for journalists fleeing retaliation in connection with their work, Jacobsen said. With Rodriguezs case, federal authorities have shown a cruel disregard for this tradition. Dictatorships abroad target a free press to terrorize journalists and impede the publics right to know the truth, according to Free Press senior counsel Nora Benavidez. The Trump administration consistently targets our most vocal and vulnerable voices to do just that, she said. The arrest of Rodriguez Florez also follows the deportation and arrest of Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara, who held a work visa and green card when he was detained by federal agents in Atlanta last year. He was deported in October. Rodriguez Florez is the latest to be caught up in this government-led campaign of censorship and control, according to Benavidez. Civil rights advocates and press freedom groups have demanded the immediate release of Rodriguez Florez, noting that her arrest appears to follow a pattern of law enforcement actions against journalists (Nashville Noticias) On Tuesday, Rodriguez Florez was covering immigration raids for Spanish-language outlet Nashville Noticias in the suburbs southeast of Nashville. The next morning, on her way to the gym with her husband, officers surrounded her car, which was marked with the Nashville Noticias logo. Several men got out and demanded that our colleague be taken into custody, according to a statement from the outlet. According to a petition for her release, Rodriguez Florez routinely showed up for required ICE check-in appointments and was due to appear at a local office the day it was closed for a snowstorm earlier this year. When she returned, she was provided a note from an agent who could not find her name in the system, and rescheduled her next appointment to March 17, according to court filings. She was then arrested March 4. According to a response from the U.S. Attorneys office in Tennessee, she was arrested pursuant to a valid arrest warrant and lawfully detained. Government lawyers have accused her of having clearly misrepresented facts of her case, noting that her application for asylum does not negate the fact that she is an undocumented alien and should be detained pending a bond hearing. She remains inside Etowah County Jail, according to prosecutors. But government documents referenced in her petition for release show that she was never served with a warrant, which her lawyer described as crumpled up and discarded, not placed in a file as would be any relevant document. The document, which the government provided in its filings in the case, does not include any information about the date it was allegedly served, and is instead oddly crumpled and photographed, rather than flat and scanned, according to her attorneys. In a statement, a spokesperson for ICE said she was arrested as part of a targeted enforcement operation. She failed to depart the country and is in violation of the conditions of her visa and currently has no lawful immigration status. She will remain in ICE custody pending her immigration proceedings, an ICE spokesperson said. Estefany is an incredible woman, deeply dedicated to both her work and her family, her husband wrote on GoFundMe as the family raises money for her legal support. She works tirelessly to inform and serve the community with passion, he wrote. Beyond her work as a journalist, she is always looking for ways to help others, whether it's supporting families in need, donating food, or sharing gifts with those who need them. Nashville Noticias expresses its respect for the laws of the United States and hopes that this situation will be resolved favorably for our colleague so that she can be released soon, as she needs to reunite with her young daughter and husband to continue her legal process within the framework permitted by law, according to a statement from the outlet. On the sixth day of the US and Israeli military operation against the Islamic Republic, accounts emerging from inside Iran paint a complex picture of daily life during the ongoing crisis. Residents say that in major cities especially Tehran life continues with a mixture of fear and hope despite the constant sound of powerful explosions. Many shops remain open, bakery lines are either crowded or quiet depending on the time of day, petrol stations are not experiencing major congestion, and in food markets, there appears to be no serious shortage; not on the surface at least. However, a new wave of price increases has pushed many families to the brink of hunger and cast a heavy shadow over daily life. Many people say they can no longer afford even basic necessities or to set aside a small supply of food for emergencies. Their daily purchases have increasingly come to resemble an old Persian expression that relief comes from one pillar to the next. Essentially, living day to day in the hope that circumstances will improve. One resident of an older neighbourhood in Tehran describes the current atmosphere to Independent Persian: The city is quieter, but not because people have left for the north or other towns. At least on our street all the neighbours are still here. At certain hours, people come outside, gather together and talk. The supermarkets are open and they also take phone orders. Almost all food items can still be found in the market perhaps because people simply dont have money left in their pockets to buy them. A plume of smoke rises after a strike on Tehran on Tuesday (AFP/Getty) According to this resident, prices have surged in an unprecedented way, with many items experiencing extraordinary increases in just the past week. As an example, they said they purchased a pack of bottled water for 1.2m tomans (3) and the shopkeeper warned them that the price applied only to existing stock and that the next shipment would be sold at an even higher price. You might not believe it, but it hasnt even been a week since the war began and people have already started recognising the pattern of the explosions. During the hours when nothing happens, they visit one another or go out to shop. Those are the times when stores and petrol stations become busier. Asked why some people still go outside despite constant warnings, the resident said: In almost every family there are one or two people who act recklessly. They go near the explosion sites or stand on rooftops watching everything, which drives the rest of the family crazy. But aside from that, the reality is that most people have no choice but to continue living even with these risks. Motorcycle couriers, ride-hailing drivers, supermarket workers and even car mechanics have to keep working. Its not as if everybody has savings or stockpiles they could live off now. At the same time, officials of the Islamic Republic repeatedly insist that there is no concern over the supply of essential goods. Irans Customs Administration announced that more than 50,000 tonnes of essential commodities have been cleared from ports and customs facilities, and that the process is ongoing. A deputy agriculture minister also said that over the past week between 1,000 and 1,200 tonnes of Iranian rice including the Tarom Hashemi and Fajr varieties have been distributed through chain stores. Yet observations on the ground and peoples accounts present a different and troubling picture. Many say the main problem is not a shortage of goods but the collapse of purchasing power. Families simply cannot afford many of the items they need. Under such conditions, the apparent lack of food shortages in markets may reflect not abundance but the publics inability to buy what is available. According to another Tehran resident, even the prices of the most basic food items resemble the volatile rates of foreign currency or gold, changing by the hour. Before the war began, the resident said, a single egg cost around 13,000 tomans (4 pence); now it has reached 15,000 tomans (5 pence). Some sweets, such as zoolbia and bamieh popular Iranian desserts have risen so much in price that a kilogram costs no less than 500,000 tomans (1.60). Women hold posters of Khamenei during noon prayers at the Mosalla mosque in Tehran (AFP/Getty) When you walk into a supermarket and see the prices, you think to yourself that even without the war, poverty alone could bring these people to their knees. In one such store, the resident saw an older woman selling her government food voucher at 20 per cent below its value so she could buy medicine, and an older man using his voucher to buy nothing more than a packet of chicken feet. The Tehran resident also noted a clear change in peoples shopping patterns: Near our house theres a branch of the Janbo supermarket chain. Ive been shopping there for about 15 years. I remember days when people filled their carts and you had to stand in line for a long time to pay. Now shopping trolleys are practically unused, because most people only pick up one or two items and go straight to the cashier. According to the resident, packages of meat and chicken that remain unsold at the store are discounted as they approach their expiration dates but even then they find few buyers. The problem isnt that goods arent available, they said. The problem is that people dont have money to buy them. A journalist inside Iran described the current situation to Independent Persian: The constant, powerful explosions are terrifying and have an almost apocalyptic feel. To be honest, many of us including me are frightened by these sounds and worried that something might happen to us or our loved ones. Almost everyone feels this way. A new wave of price increases has pushed many families to the brink of hunger (AFP/ Getty) But alongside that there are other apocalyptic scenes: a motorcycle courier forced to ride across the city during explosions and fire because if he doesnt work he will go hungry, or a patient who cannot afford medicine. Whenever a part of the city is hit, you have a friend or relative there and want to check on them, but phone lines and the internet are down. The journalist added that under such circumstances the psychological pressure on people has intensified: Even in this situation, some authorities have sent their paid supporters into the streets. Under the guise of mourning ceremonies they create disturbances day and night, increasing the emotional and psychological pressure on people. According to the journalist, what slightly calms the anger, anxiety and fear many Iranians feel these days is hope for change a major change. Reviewed by Tooba Khokhar and Celine Assaf This article first appeared on our partner site, Independent Persian Investigators are questioning Nancy Guthries neighbors about internet disruptions on the night she disappeared Neighbors of Nancy Guthrie are being asked an unusual question - did their internet suddenly stop working on the night she vanished? Guthrie, mother of NBCs Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for more than a month after she was abducted from her home outside of Tucson, Arizona. The 84-year-old is frail and needs medication but police have said they believe she is still alive. Three homeowners in Guthries Catalina Foothills neighborhood told NBC News that FBI investigators and Pima County sheriffs deputies went door-to-door Thursday, asking residents whether they experienced any glitches or interruptions to internet service around the time she disappeared. Multiple people in the area had reported possible disruptions that night, according to investigators. But the homeowners couldnt speak to internet issues because they were either not home or asleep at the time, they told NBC. Another couple, who live near Guthrie, said there was a glitch with one of their Ring home security cameras that night. Footage was not available from the camera closest to Guthries home, the couple said, while the other Ring devices were fine. Nancy Guthrie with her daughter Savannah Guthrie. Her neighbors were questioned this week about any internet disruptions they might have experienced the night she vanished (NBC/Today) Savannah Guthrie returned to the Today show studio Thursday, for the first time since her mom Nancy's disappearance (Invision/AP) There are also questions about an antenna-like device that was seen in the pocket of the person captured by Guthries doorbell camera on the night of her disappearance, and whether this was possibly a signal jammer, NewsNation reported. A signal jammer is a device that purposefully disrupts the connection between a device and its signal source. It's illegal to sell, advertise, distribute, or operate cell signal jammers in the United States, according to the FCC. The Independent has contacted the FBI and the Pima County Sheriffs Department for comment. Earlier this week, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos was asked by NBC about whether investigators were looking into the possibility that a suspect used a device capable of interfering with Wi-Fi signals. Ive not looked at that closely, but yeah, I know that my team has looked at it with the FBI every angle, he replied. As the search for her mother continues, Savannah Guthrie was seen at the Today show studios Thursday, where she hugged dozens of colleagues and thanked them for their support and for caring about my mom as much as I do. I wanted you to know that Im still standing, and I still have hope, and Im still me, she said, according to People. And I dont know what version of me that will be, but it will be. Im holding onto my faith. I still believe. And as my mom would say, where else would I go? Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said investigators are 'definitely closer' in finding Nancy Guthrie, a month after she went missing from her Arizona home (Getty) I have every intention of coming back, Guthrie added. I dont know how to come back, but I dont know how not to. Youre my family. And, I would like to try. The veteran newscaster last appeared on-air during the shows February 2 episode. Hoda Kotb has returned to the show, more than a year after her retirement, to fill in for Guthrie. Guthrie plans to return to the air at some point but remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home. The Guthrie family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to the recovery of their mother. Investigators have not publicly named any suspects or persons of interest in the case. Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home in the quiet Catalina Foothills neighborhood near Tucson, Arizona, on January 31 (Getty) Last week, the FBI moved its investigation command post for the case from Tucson to Phoenix. A task force including some agents, sheriffs detectives and a sergeant will remain at the FBI office in Tucson. Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on January 31 after having dinner with her daughter, Annie Guthrie. She was reported missing the following day after failing to show up at a friends home in Tucson to watch a live-streamed church service, a weekly routine. Last month, the FBI released doorbell camera footage showing an armed, masked man wearing gloves outside Guthries home in the early hours of the day she disappeared. Last month, the FBI released doorbell camera footage showing an armed, masked man wearing gloves outside Guthries home in the early morning hours of the day she disappeared (FBI) During a search of the property, a glove was found in a field near the side of a road about two miles from the home. On Wednesday, police identified the owner, but the individual has no ties to the disappearance. "There was some talk and discussion that it was police officers out in the field just discarding them, that is so far from the truth, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told KVOA. We knew that at that time, we believed wholeheartedly that those gloves belonged to a restaurant and guess what? The owner of the glove, we found working at a restaurant across the street. It has nothing to do with the case. Nanos said authorities are operating under the assumption that Nancy is still alive, but Savannah has acknowledged that her mother might be dead (Getty) Nanos has sent another pair of gloves to a lab for analysis. It's a challenge because we know we have DNA but now we have to deal with that mixture and how we're going to separate it, the sheriff said. The sheriff told NBC News this week that investigators are definitely closer to tracking down a suspect, or suspects. The sheriffs department asks community members to continue to submit relevant footage online here. Irans deputy foreign minister warned European nations that they will become legitimate targets if they become involved in the US and Israels war on Tehran. If any country joins America and Israel in the aggression against Iran, they will be also legitimate targets for Irans retaliation, Majid Takht-Ravanchi told France 24. He said Iranian officials had been negotiating in good faith with the US before Washington decided to attack with Israel on Saturday. We do not trust the Americans. Not only did they betray us, but they betrayed diplomacy. Smoke rises from an explosion in the direction of Ali Al Salem air base in Al Jahra, Kuwait - Social media/Reuters Mediation efforts to end the war in Iran have begun, the president of the Islamic Republic has said. Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was committed to lasting peace but added that Tehran would defend itself against US and Israeli air strikes, which continued on Friday. Soon after, Donald Trump warned that there would be no peace with Iran unless it offered the US unconditional surrender. Overnight, Israel launched a sustained bombardment of Tehran and Lebanon in a new phase of the war, while the US attacked an Iranian drone carrier at sea. Residents in the Iranian capital said it was the worst night so far, with Israeli warplanes carrying out their 14th wave of strikes. Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said the firepower used to hit Tehran would surge dramatically after Britain agreed to allow American forces to use its base on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia. On his Truth Social platform on Friday, Mr Trump said: There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s) we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better and stronger than ever before. Lieut Gen Eyal Zamir has warned that additional surprises are in store for Iran - AFP via Getty Images His comments came amid warnings by Qatars energy minister that the war would bring down the economies of the world if it continues for several weeks. Sir Keir Starmer said on Thursday that Mr Trump should negotiate an end to the war, saying it was his strong view that the two countries need to de-escalate the crisis through talks. The Trump administration has been ambiguous about how long it intends to continue the conflict. Mr Trump said previously it would last four to five weeks before stating that the US military could fight forever. Reports in Israeli media stated that the IDF had planned for the operation to last one or two weeks, although it is understood that Israel intends to continue its operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon after the strikes on Iran come to an end. Residents in Tehran said they had endured the worst night of bombing so far - Majid Saeedi/Getty Images Trump: Invading Iran a waste of time Mr Trump has ruled out a ground invasion of Iran after continuing to strike the country. On Thursday, Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, said Tehran was waiting to confront US forces. The US president dismissed this, saying: Its a waste of time. Theyve lost everything. Theyve lost their navy. Theyve lost everything they can lose. On Friday, the US said it had sunk 30 Iranian navy ships and struck nearly 200 targets inside Iran, including deeply buried ballistic missile launchers. The US Central Command said its forces were not holding back on a mission to sink the entire Iranian navy, having hit an Iranian drone carrier at sea. In an interview with Axios, an American news website, Mr Trump said he should be involved in choosing Irans next supreme leader. He dismissed possible successor Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on Saturday, as a lightweight. Mr Trump added that he wanted the countrys leadership structure removed and that we want to go in and clean out everything quickly. An F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 213, lands on the flight deck of the worlds largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford - US Navy Iran fires missiles back at Tel Aviv Blasts were heard over Israel on Friday morning after a further exchange of missiles. Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said it had fired missiles towards Tel Aviv after an earlier wave of explosions that caused a blaze at a residential building in the central Israeli city. Tehran said it had targeted neighbouring Gulf countries, including Qatar, which said its air defences thwarted a drone attack targeting the US airbase at Al-Udeid. Missiles launched from Iran light up the night sky over central Israel, March 5, 2026. - Ohad Zwigenberg/AP Photo Bahrain said Iran had targeted a hotel and two residential buildings in the capital on Friday but reported no loss of life. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted three ballistic missiles. Thirteen people seven of them civilians have been killed in Gulf countries since the war began, including an 11-year-old girl in Kuwait. A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the state of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat, the Israeli military said. US responsible for strike on girls school Military investigators said they believed US forces were responsible for an air strike on a girls school in southern Iran on Saturday, according to Reuters. The attack on Shajare Tayyebe girls school in Minab, near an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) base, was the deadliest incident since strikes began, killing more than 150 people. Pir Hossein Kolivand, the president of Irans Red Crescent, claimed a high percentage of US-Israeli targets were civilian sites, including schools, hospitals, aid bases and sports stadiums. A reported 3,643 civilian centres in Iran have been damaged in strikes, according to the Red Crescent, including 3,090 residential homes, 528 commercial and service centres, 14 medical centres and nine Red Crescent facilities. Britons finally return home The first British evacuees have landed back in the UK after the Governments first charter flight from the Middle East finally made the journey. The Titan Airways repatriation flight from Muscat airport in Oman took off at 1.36pm (GMT) on Thursday, touching down at London Stansted just before 1am on Friday. Passengers mostly families with young children were forced to wait an extra day in Muscat after technical issues initially prevented the flight from taking off on Wednesday evening. Many of the more than 140,000 Britons who have registered their presence in the Middle East with the Foreign Office have accused the Government of ignoring their plight. The Prime Minister, who has already been criticised for moving too slowly in response to the conflict, said on Wednesday: I want to be very clear. This is a huge undertaking. Its one of the biggest operations of its kind... bigger than the evacuation in Afghanistan. Its not going to happen overnight but we will not stop until our people are safe. David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister, said 6,500 British nationals had returned from the United Arab Emirates, including vulnerable people. America has no plan. Donald Trump has admitted that the people Washington had in mind to run Iran are now dead and other candidates may soon die. So it may appear that the US-Israeli war machine will achieve no victory because there is no definition of what that may look like. But it is, to quote Senator Elizabeth Warren, who spoke after an in-depth White House briefing on the war, much worse than that. We have been here before and learnt very few lessons. Pentagon boss Pete Hegseth said that Israels foundation in 1948 had been a miracle, as had the 1967 six-day war victory and the 2017 decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem (AP) The lies told before the invasion of Iraq in 2003, and the incompetence that followed, had, at least in part, their roots in the same soil. The view, among hard-right Israelis and their Christian evangelical supporters, is that Saddam Hussein in Iraq and now the theocracy in Iran needed to be toppled to preserve the long-term security of the Jewish state. This was spelt out in a 1996 document entitled A Clean Break A New Strategy for Securing the Realm, which was prepared for Benjamin Netanyahu by men who went on to become powerful figures in the Bush administration notably neoconservatives Douglas Feith and David Wurmser. They worked hard with, and in, a secretive Pentagon intelligence cell called The Office of Special Plans to come up with the lies that al-Qaeda was supported by Saddam, and that he was close to building a nuclear weapon, which were used on both sides of the Atlantic to justify the catastrophic Iraq war. These were lies. Just as it is untrue that Iran was close to completing a nuclear weapon, and posed an imminent threat to the US (or its allies), or that the US cared a single jot for the vast numbers of Iranians desperate for emancipation from the violent oppression of Irans ayatollahs. Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the US launched strikes in Tehran (Reuters) The toppling of Saddam might have suited Israel back in 2003. And Netanyahu may be a devotee of Vladimir Putins military chief, Valery Garazimov, in believing that chaos in the ranks of the enemy is victory. So Israels agenda in Iran is clear. Smash the place up and let someone else sort it out. If Iran, like Iraq, collapses into civil war so be it. Tehran wont have any nukes, it wont be able to sponsor groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, or the Houthis in Yemen, and thousands of years of Persian culture can go down the plughole of chaos and anarchy. In 2003 and now in 2026, toppling Middle Eastern regimes suits Netanyahu and his far-right ultra-nationalists. Smashing the way to peace in the region is a gamble that Israel has been happy to make, while simultaneously grabbing territory on the West Bank and now in Gaza. The gamble may not pay off, but there is a real-world case to be made for such ruthless bloodletting. For the US and its allies, if they're sucked further into the Iranian quagmire, its much worse than that. Sure, the oil majors may fantasise about getting their hands on the fossil fuels in Iran. Decent folks around the world will be delighted even though its all illegal under US and international law that the regime in Tehran has been decapitated and that the fabric of oppression across Iran is being smashed by Israeli and American bombs. A woman walks past rubble after a strike on a police station in Tehran, on 3 March (AP) But there is a madness at the heart of the Trump administration. A religious fanaticism that has its equal only among the ayatollahs. In 2018, Pete Hegseth, then a Fox News commentator, gave a speech at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem in which he said that Israels foundation in 1948 had been a miracle, as had the 1967 six-day war victory and the 2017 decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem. He also said he foresaw another miracle the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple on the site of what is now the Haram al Sharif in Jerusalem a sacred site in Islam. This, in the tradition of Christian end-times belief, is an essential part of the return of Christ. In Judaism, it is part of the preconditions required for the first coming of "the messiah, and both are to be underpinned by the in-gathering of all Jews to modern-day Israel ahead of the rapture, when the righteous can ascend into heaven. Hegseth has a Jerusalem Cross, a Crusader symbol that has been adopted by the far-right Christian national movement, tattooed on his chest. He clearly believes in what he says when he relishes what the US-Israeli campaign is doing in Iran and punching down on the Iranian regime. Hegseth has previously claimed that one of his tattoos a Jerusalem Cross on his chest, prevented him from being involved in security arrangements for Joe Bidens inauguration in 2021 (Pete Hegseth/Instagram) There is sound politics behind pushing the end times philosophy in America. Some 39 per cent of Americans, and 47 per cent of evangelical protestants, believe that we are living through the end of times, according to a 2022 survey by the Pew Institute. Two-thirds of evangelicals believe that Trumps election was part of a divine plan. Last year, YouGov found that 43 per cent of Americans believe demons exist. Mike Huckabee, the US ambassador to Jerusalem who is an evangelical Christian, believes God gave Jews the deeds to Israel, and when asked if Netanyahu should extend Israels borders to the Euphrates, said: If they decided to take it all, it would be fine with me. This makes little sense to most Europeans, who enjoy Hollywood's vampires and demons on TV but know that theyre myths not reality. And among Irans regime leaders, a belief that the country has been creating the necessary preconditions for the revelation of the hidden Mahdi (messiah) is central to their temporal claims to power and part of the Iranian constitution. The role of the supreme leader in Iran is to prepare for the emergence of the Mahdi. Preconditions for this will be the sinking of an army being led against the just which may explain why Tehran has ruled out ceasefire talks. It may sound mad but this is reality in the corridors of power in Washington and in the bunkers where the ayatollahs hide today. Media mogul Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, will not appeal his conviction. Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters (Photograph: Tyrone Siu/Reuters) Jimmy Lai, the prominent pro-democracy activist who was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison in Hong Kong, has said he will not appeal his conviction. The decision marks the end of a years-long legal saga for the 78-year-old critic of the Chinese Communist party (CCP), and opens the door for political negotiations to his release. A member of Lais Hong Kong legal team said: We can confirm we have clear and definitive instructions not to lodge an appeal against conviction or sentence. Lai, a British citizen, was sentenced in February after being convicted in December on charges of sedition and conspiracy to collude with foreign forces. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Although Lai was spared the maximum penalty of a life sentence, his 20-year jail term is the harshest penalty given for national security offences in Hong Kong. His family has said that it could mean he will die a martyr behind bars. Related: Jimmy Lais sentencing tells me this: democracy is dead in Hong Kong, and I escaped just in time | Nathan Law Western governments including the UK have described Lais prosecution as politically motivated and have called for his immediate release. The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, has said that the verdict was incompatible with international law and must be quashed. The UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, is understood to have raised Lais case in his recent meeting with Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, in Beijing. Lais son, Sebastien, subsequently said the UK did not do enough to secure his fathers release on the highly anticipated China trip. The decision not to appeal against the conviction concludes Lais legal process, and could mark the start of the political process to secure his release. Western governments have previously secured the release of citizens held by China, including the Australian journalist Cheng Lei and the Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who were imprisoned after a row between Beijing and Ottawa over the detention of a Huawei executive. But those cases were all linked to deteriorating bilateral relations, while Lai has been an outspoken critic of the CCP, a regime that treats dissidents harshly. Lais lawyers would not elaborate on why he was not appealing. A Hong Kong appellate court recently overturned separate fraud convictions against Lai, the sentences for which have already been served. The numerous legal cases brought against the once powerful media mogul were described by his supporters as lawfare the use of the legal system to silence critics. The US president, Donald Trump, is expected to visit China between 31 March and 2 April. Trump has previously said that he asked Xi to consider releasing Lai, who previously said that Trump was the only one who can save Hong Kong from the tightening grip of the CCP. The Chinese and Hong Kong authorities have defended Lais conviction and said that it is not related to press freedom. The UK Foreign Office and the Hong Kong government were approached for comment. Jimmy Lai, the prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist and media tycoon, wont appeal his conviction, his legal team said on Friday. Lai was sentenced to 20 years in jail last month the heaviest penalty ever handed out under Hong Kongs national security law. The 78-year-old British citizen was found guilty in December of two charges of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces under a China-imposed national security law, as well as a charge of conspiracy to publish seditious material. Lai, who founded the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, has denied all wrongdoing. On Friday, a member of Lais Hong Kong legal team said: We can confirm we have clear and definitive instructions not to lodge an appeal against conviction or sentence. Lais son, Sebastien Lai, has called the trial politically motivated and said that his father was ludicrously found guilty in Hong Kong of trying to destroy the city he made his home in and which he loves. Lais legal team did not elaborate on why they are not appealing. Once a penniless teenage refugee who arrived in Hong Kong as a stowaway, Lai rose to become one of the citys most influential media tycoons and is now its most prominent political prisoner. In late January, during a visit to Beijing, UK prime minister Keir Starmer said that he would raise the issues that need to be raised on human rights with Xi Jinping, Chinas president. On the flight to China, he told reporters at the time: ...But part of the reason for engaging with China is so that issues where we disagree can be discussed. Hong Kong pro-democracy media mogul Jimmy Lai will not appeal his conviction or sentence (AFP via Getty) Mr Starmer had come under pressure from rights groups to push for the release of Lai. Later, Lais son accused the PM of not doing enough to secure his fathers release. Earlier, Yvette Cooper, the UK foreign secretary, said: For 78-year-old Jimmy Lai, 20 years is an effective life sentence, following a politically motivated prosecution under a law that was imposed to silence Chinas critics. The Hong Kong authorities must end Jimmy Lais appalling ordeal and release him to be with his family. Volker Turk, the UN rights chief, said at the time that the verdict needs to be promptly quashed as it is incompatible with international law. Jimmy Lai is a publisher sentenced to 20 years in prison for exercising rights protected under international law, he said in a statement. This outcome highlights how the vague and overly broad provisions of Hong Kongs national security legislation can lead to being interpreted and enforced in violation of Hong Kongs international human rights obligations. I appeal for Jimmy Lais immediate release on humanitarian grounds, given his advanced age, health, and the impact of the more than four years he has already spent in detention. Last December, US president Donald Trump said he asked Mr Xi to consider releasing Lai. I feel so badly, Mr Trump told reporters. I spoke to President Xi about it and I asked to consider his release. Defence secretary John Healey has declined to rule out UK aircraft participating in strikes on Iran. During a trip to Cyprus, he was asked if he would preclude British aircraft from offensive military action against the nation. In an interview with Sky News, he said: As circumstances in any conflict change, youve got to be willing to adapt the action you take. Im doing that by bringing anti-drone helicopters in overnight. Im doing that in the next couple of weeks to bring in the Type 45 air defence destroyer. Im doing that by bringing in the top planners to help coordinate the sort of contribution that other nations are now starting to make the German frigate in the area, and Greek ships also now joining. Pressed again on whether he would rule out British aircraft taking part in offensive operations over Iran, he said: Everything that we have done is defensive, is legal and is co-ordinated with other allies. Thats one of the great strengths that Britain, Nato allies and long-standing partners like Qatar, like Jordan, like Cyprus, have in working with the Brits. Defence secretary John Healey has said that in any conflict, youve got to be willing to adapt the action you take (Leon Neal/Getty) The defence secretary met his counterpart in Cyprus earlier on Thursday to ease tensions about Britains response to drone attacks on the island. The government has faced criticism over its failure to have enough military assets in the Middle East and the pace of its response after an Iranian-made drone hit the British base RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. More than 400 extra air defence personnel have been sent to the UKs bases in Cyprus. Two Wildcat helicopters armed with drone-busting missiles will arrive in Cyprus on Friday. HMS Dragon, a type 45 warship, is also being deployed as part of the build-up, but is unlikely to arrive in the Mediterranean until next week. Cypruss high commissioner to the UK, Kyriacos Kouros, had said a British military presence to defend the island was the least we expect as he pointed to naval assets being sent earlier by other European nations. Overnight on Monday, a hangar at RAF Akrotiri was hit by an Iranian-made Shahed drone, which was launched from Beirut in Lebanon, according to Cypriot officials. Two further drones detected on Monday were shot down by British warplanes, which took off from Akrotiri. Mr Healey said he had been moving extra jets, air defence systems, radars and drone teams to Cyprus weeks before the conflict started on Saturday. Put to him that the French had put a frigate to sea immediately while the UKs HMS Dragon needed to be readied, he said bringing defence planners to Cyprus will help to coordinate the contributions from the UK and other nations. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer earlier announced that four extra British Typhoon fighter jets are being deployed to Qatar. The prime minister also defended the government against criticism from Donald Trump over the UKs decision not to get involved in the initial strikes. Keir Starmer said that four extra British Typhoon fighter jets are being deployed to Qatar (Jaimi Joy/Pool via Reuters) The US president said Sir Keir is no Winston Churchill, while the prime minister has also faced domestic criticism from his political opponents for failing to build a larger presence in the Middle East before the conflict began. In his latest salvo on Thursday, Mr Trump told the New York Post that the UK had been very disappointing and that Sir Keir should be supporting the US without question or hesitation. Sir Keir insisted the special relationship between the US and the UK had not been fractured by the disagreement, telling reporters: Look, the special relationship is in operation right now. He added: Were sharing intelligence on a 24/7 basis in the usual way. That is the special relationship. The prime minister would not be drawn into directly addressing a report byThe Spectator magazine which suggested Sir Keir had been open to allowing the US to use British military bases for the initial strikes on Iran. The report claimed that cabinet ministers including energy secretary Ed Miliband had urged him not to do so. In response to a question from reporters, Sir Keir set out a timeline of discussions between the government and the US. He said: No request from the US came in the specific terms that we acceded until Saturday afternoon, therefore on Friday there was no concrete decision to be made. A decision had to be made when we had the request, that came in on Saturday during the course of the afternoon we were already taking measures in relation to our own capability that came in on Saturday afternoon, late in the afternoon. We then, as you would have expected, went through the details with the US over the next day, and ultimately reached a decision on Sunday, which I announced then on Sunday evening, about eight or nine oclock. The Spectator story represents a potential leak of highly sensitive information from the governments National Security Committee. John Lewis has said its financial arm is set to expand its insurance operation after becoming an official broker. The employee-owned firm said it is doubling down on its insurance offer a week after abandoning plans to diversify the business through building thousands of rental properties. John Lewis Money has become an insurance broker, regulated and authorised by the UKs Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). It said the move means it will work with a panel of potential insurers, instead of just one, and will therefore be able to offer more competitive pricing for customers. It means it will also be able to offer services to more customers and for more circumstances. New home insurance products will also launch next month, with more car insurance products set to be launched in the summer. The home insurance expansion will see the firm work with a raft of insurers including Axa, Prestige Underwriting and Covea Insurance. John Lewis Money has more than 1.4 million active customers across its range of products, including its partnership credit card. The companys range of financial products includes home, car and pet insurance, loans and travel money. James Mack, director of John Lewis Money, said: By becoming an authorised broker, were taking a significant step in our strategy to make John Lewis Money more relevant to our customers. People have long placed their trust in us, and this move allows us to offer a broader range of cover to meet their needs. Moving away from a one size fits all approach means we can bring together a panel of leading insurers and use our independence to act as an advocate for our customers, helping them find the quality and peace of mind they expect from the John Lewis brand. Marco Distefano, managing director at Axa UK Retail, added: This is an exciting opportunity, with two reputable brands coming together to deliver valuable protection options for insurance customers across the UK. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com. As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) manufacturing for Inovio's CELLECTRA device was deficient; (2) accordingly, Inovio was unlikely to submit the INO-3107 BLA to the FDA by the second half of 2024; (3) Inovio had insufficient information to justify the INO-3107 BLA's eligibility for FDA accelerated approval or priority review; (4) accordingly, INO-3107's overall regulatory and commercial prospects were overstated; and (5) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On December 29, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") announced it had accepted Inovio's Biologics License Application ("BLA") for INO-3107, a treatment for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, on a standard review timeline. Inovio filed its BLA under the accelerated approval pathway, but the FDA stated that the Company did not submit adequate information to justify eligibility for accelerated approval. Inovio also announced it does not currently plan to seek approval under the standard review timeline, and will request a meeting with the FDA to discuss how it may still pursue accelerated approval. On this news, Inovio's stock price fell $0.56 per share, or 24.45%, to close at $1.73 per share on December 29, 2025. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Inovio's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Inovio class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/INO or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Pentagon reporters walk out of the building carrying their belongings after turning in their press badges October 15, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia (Getty Images) A policy limiting journalists' access to the Pentagon is depriving Americans of vital information about U.S. military operations while the country is at war, a New York Times attorney argued Friday while urging a judge to block the new rules. It's more important than ever for the public to know as much as they can, Times attorney Theodore Boutrous told U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman. Friedman didn't immediately rule on whether to order the Pentagon to reinstate press credentials for reporters who walked out of the building last October rather than agree to the new rules. But the judge's remarks during the first hearing for the newspaper's lawsuit against the Defense Department suggested he was skeptical of key arguments in the government's defense of the policy. Judge cites need for a variety of views Friedman, who was nominated to the bench by Democratic President Bill Clinton, suggested it is more important than ever for Americans to hear a variety of views about the activities of the federal government and its elected leaders. Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon has argued that the policy imposes common sense rules that protect the military from the disclosure of national security information (AFP/Getty) A lot of things need to be held tightly and secure, but openness and transparency allows members of the public to know what their government is doing, the judge said. Justice Department attorney Michael Bruns said the credentialing policy reflects the government's compelling interest and its statutory obligation to protect national security information. This is not a trivial exercise, Bruns argued. Friedman said he intends to issue as prompt a decision as I can, because I know it's important for lots of reasons. The Times sued the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in December, claiming the credentialing policy violates the journalists constitutional rights to free speech and due process. Times spokesperson Charles Stadtlander said the U.S. attacks on Iran and the resulting deaths of American troops illuminate the publics right to access deep, impartial reporting on the details of the military actions happening as we speak. Today was an important opportunity for The New York Timess lawyers to make our case for the clear importance and public service of allowing journalists to report fully on the Pentagon, Stadtlander said in a statement. The current Pentagon press corps comprises mostly conservative outlets that agreed to the policy. Reporters from outlets that refused to consent to the new rules, including those from The Associated Press, have continued reporting on the military from outside the building. The AP, meanwhile, is awaiting a decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court of Appeals on its separate lawsuit against President Donald Trump's administration. The AP contends that Trumps team punished it by reducing its access to presidential events because the outlet hasnt followed the presidents lead in renaming the Gulf of Mexico. The Pentagon calls the policy common sense The Pentagon has argued that the policy imposes common sense rules that protect the military from the disclosure of national security information. The goal of that process is to prevent those who pose a security risk from having broad access to American military headquarters, government attorneys wrote. Times attorneys claim the policy is designed to silence unfavorable press coverage of Trumps administration. The First Amendment flatly prohibits the government from granting itself the unbridled power to restrict speech because the mere existence of such arbitrary authority can lead to self-censorship, they wrote. The Times argues that the Pentagon has applied its own rules inconsistently. The newspaper said Trump ally Laura Loomer, a right-wing personality who agreed to the Pentagon policy, appeared to violate its prohibition on soliciting unauthorized information by promoting her tip line. The government didn't object to Loomer's general tip line but concluded that a Washington Post tip line does violate its policy because it purportedly targets military personnel and department employees. It's mystifying, Boutrous said. It just doesn't make any sense. The judge asked Bruns, the government attorney, what standards are used to decide if a reporter poses a security risk. Don't there have to be some criteria that are applied in a uniform way? Friedman asked. Yes, Bruns answered. But he said the government has far more leeway to restrict speech in a secure forum like the Pentagon. The reason for the policy is the security of the Pentagon, he added. Yale Law School professor David Schulz, who represents the Pentagon Press Association, said the challenged policy represents a stark break from the past. The press has been in the building since the day it opened, Schulz told the judge. It has always been there. Ed Miliband has said it is absolute baloney that he would want to lead Labour again - Leon Neal/Getty Knives are being sharpened for Ed Miliband, who critics claim has replaced Morgan McSweeney as Sir Keir Starmers right-hand man. The Telegraph detailed how the Energy Secretary led Cabinet opposition to the use of British bases for the United States military action in Iran. Mr Milibands growing power within the party, and the role he played in setting Britains position on the Middle East conflict, has led some to question whether the former Labour leader is trying to take control of No 10s steering wheel. Mr Miliband has frequently ruled himself out of another tilt at the Labour leadership. He led the party in opposition from 2010 to 2015, resigning after he took Labour to a general election defeat, with Jeremy Corbyn succeeding him. The Energy and Net Zero Secretary last month described the suggestion that he would want the job again as absolute baloney. However, some government insiders have questioned why Mr Miliband was in the room during a meeting of the powerful national security council (NSC) last Friday ahead of the strikes. Others have suggested his growing influence was symptomatic of the soft Left of the party reasserting control over the Governments political direction after Mr McSweeney quit Downing Street. Insiders are said to be concerned over Ed Milibands growing influence over Sir Keir Starmer - Jordan Pettitt/WPA/Getty Mr Miliband led Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, and Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, in opposing UK support for pre-emptive military action, which they believed would be illegal. Its not really clear why the Energy Secretary should be in the NSC, a source said, describing his presence as odd. Mr Miliband is not a permanent member of the NSC, a Cabinet sub-committee chaired by the Prime Minister. They source added: But it does fit into this idea that Keir will listen more to soft-Left voices. [Sir Keir] is not filling a chief of staff role until after May, so there is a void that you can definitely see. The permanent members of the NSC are the Deputy Prime Minister, Chancellor, Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, Chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster, Defence Secretary and attorney general. Government documents state other ministers will be invited according to the agenda. Mr McSweeney resigned from his role as Sir Keirs chief of staff last month, after championing the appointment of Lord Mandelson as Britains ambassador to the US. Lord Mandelson was sacked over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. At Mr McSweeneys leaving party in Westminster this week, Sir Keir credited his former senior aide with being the driving force behind Labours 2024 general election victory. His role is currently being filled by two acting chiefs of staff. Downing Street has said a permanent replacement will not be named until after the local elections in May. Insiders believe the departure of Sir Keirs highest-profile aide leaves a power vacuum at the heart of Downing Street that Mr Miliband is happy to fill. Broadly, the people who have been unhappy with some of the decisions, and the direction Keir has gone with, definitely saw Morgan leaving as a chance to get their hands on the steering wheel, one well-placed source said. And so you have seen, Ed is now more centrally involved. Ed Miliband leaves 10 Downing Street after attending a weekly Cabinet meeting - Peter Nicholls/Getty Another added that the Energy Secretary is said to have appointed himself as the new DLR driver in Morgans absence, a reference to a description of Sir Keir that is popular with critics. It refers to the driverless Docklands Light Railway train. Mr Miliband has consistently ranked as the most popular Cabinet minister with Labour members. A Labour List/Survation poll in March 2025 gave him the highest net favourability rating of +69 per cent, ahead of former deputy leader Angela Rayner on +63 per cent. In a meeting on Friday ahead of the military strikes, Mr Miliband, Ms Reeves and Ms Cooper were understood to voiced strong opposition to British support for pre-emptive action. Sir Keir backed them and resisted pressure from Donald Trump to allow the US to fly bombing runs to Iran from RAF bases in Gloucestershire and the Chagos Islands. The Prime Minister changed his position less than 48 hours later and American B-2 stealth bombers are due to arrive at Diego Garcia, the Indian Ocean military base, in the next few days. They will fly limited, defensive missions from the base. One source told The Telegraph Mr Milibands involvement in the discussions about strikes on Tehran looks like a sort of party-management thing. They explained his presence in the NSC meeting indicated there were discussions about how any British involvement would play with Labour MPs on the soft-Left wing of the party. The fact that Ed was involved suggests to me that there is quite a lot of party management involved, they said. A No 10 spokesman said: We never comment on the content of national security council meetings. The decision had the full support of the Cabinet, including all the members of the NSC. Kristi Noem testifies during a House judiciary committee hearing in Washington on 4 March 2026, the day before she was fired as DHS secretary. Photograph: Heather Diehl/Getty Images (Photograph: Heather Diehl/Getty Images) Some of the most ostentatious enforcers of Donald Trumps mass deportation agenda have left or been forced out of the administration in recent weeks. In January, the president withdrew Greg Bovino the border patrol commander who was the face of the immigration crackdowns in Chicago and Minneapolis from his frontline role. Top Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin who had become notorious for her bombastic and blatantly false press statements left her role last month. And on Thursday, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Kristi Noem, was fired. Yet human rights advocates and organizers across the US dont expect the administrations immigration enforcement tactics to change on the ground. Related: Abject cruelty: review of 911 calls from Texas ICE detention facility reveals disturbing conditions We forced the Trump administrations hand in firing Kristi Noem, said Erika Zurawski, a co-founder of Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (Mirac), a group that helped organize large-scale protests against the administrations immigration operation in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Public outcry against the so-called Operation Metro Surge, which was helmed by Noem and resulted in the killing of two US citizens and the seemingly indiscriminate snatching of immigrants off city streets, undoubtedly led to the secretarys downfall, she said. This was a win for the people. Except the problem is, were not able to celebrate the win, because the violence is still continuing, the kidnappings are continuing. Hundreds of immigration agents remained in Minnesota weeks after the administration announced a drawdown. Even as Democrats in Congress attempted to block DHS funding demanding restrictions on how immigration agents operate enforcement continued around the country. At least two immigrants have recently died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody. The National Immigration Law Center, an advocacy group, called the Trump administrations decision to replace Noem with hardline Oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin the equivalent of putting lipstick on a pig. Mass deportation is still central to the Trump administrations agenda. That has not changed Faisal Al-Juburi of Raices I hope that neither the American public nor our elected officials are distracted by todays personnel change at the top of DHS, or the internal changes that preceded it, said Faisal Al-Juburi of Raices, a non-profit legal services and advocacy organization. Mass deportation is still central to the Trump administrations agenda. That has not changed, and it is why we have every reason to believe interior [immigration] enforcement will continue to target people on the basis of race, and regardless of status, throughout our American cities. In congressional hearings that preceded Noems ouster, it became clear that lawmakers including Republicans who overarchingly supported Trumps immigration agenda had grown weary of Noems theatrical approach to her role, especially as a majority of Americans appeared not to be impressed by the Noems penchant for pageantry. Were beginning to get the American people to think that deporting people is wrong, said the retiring senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina at a congressional hearing on Noems tenure this week. Its the exact opposite. The way youre going about deporting them is wrong. This was a woman who travelled to El Salvador to pose in front of inmates at a sprawling megaprison where the DHS had sent more than 200 Venezuelans migrants in breach of a federal judges directive. She toured the US border on horseback and on ATV, had cameras follow her as she tagged along on violent immigration raids. In the Florida Everglades, she appeared, camera-ready, to gleefully show off the brutality of a detention camp called Alligator Alcatraz. Noem brought public performance and spectacle to her tenure as secretary of homeland security. That is what distinguishes her from her predecessors, said Al-Juburi. But its unclear that Noems firing or any of the other personnel changes means that the administration will drop the spectacle. Mullin, Al-Juburi noted, is a former MMA fighter who gained a national spotlight after threatening the president of the Teamsters during a congressional hearing. Trumps immigration agenda was the center of his presidential campaign, and throughout his second term his administration has promoted even its most extreme immigration actions openly through social media memes and press releases alike. It has dropped the pretenses it put up in his first term, when officials insisted for a year that family separations werent happening at the border even as journalists and advocates began raising alarm that hundreds of migrant children were being forcibly separated from their parents. This time, the administration has played up its brutality against immigrant communities. Democratic leaders in Congress have continued to hold out on funding the DHS, demanding reforms including requirements that immigration agents wear identification and body cameras, and cease operating near schools, medical facilities, churches, polling stations, childcare facilities and courts. But the agency is still expected to use its ballooning budget to acquire warehouses to transform into detention centers, and to mobilize a slate of surveillance technologies against immigrants and American citizens. The administration has already gutted the agencys watchdogs. By its very design, DHS is shielded from scrutiny and unchecked by oversight said Al-Juburi. That was true yesterday. It is true today. It will be true tomorrow. Sir Keir Starmer attends the Big Iftar event in Parliament. Iftar is the evening meal that Muslims eat at sunset to break their fast during Ramadan - Simon Dawson/No 10 An anti-Muslim hostility tsar is to be created as part of Labours new social cohesion strategy to be unveiled next week. A leaked draft of the strategy cites Islamist extremism as the biggest threat to community cohesion. It warns that anti-Semitism is becoming normalised in the UK and accuses Right-wing groups of using the Union flag and Cross of St George as tools of hate. The 47-page document warns that cohesion in communities has been broken down by mass immigration and the use of social media to spread hate. It states that Britains historic social cohesion that has kept us united in the face of adversity is now under threat. For many living in the UK, the changes brought about by mass migration have been too much, too quickly, leaving people feeling as though they are losing their local and national identity, it notes. Calling integration a two-way street, it says, calling for respect for different cultures and that newcomers have a responsibility to engage with and embrace what it means to be British. Strengthening understanding The new tsar described as a special representative on anti-Muslim hostility will champion efforts across the UK to tackle hostility and hatred directed at Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. The appointee will be expected to engage with communities and stakeholders and support action to strengthen understanding, reporting and response. The draft document demands that new arrivals in Britain should integrate and speak good English. It describes this as a fundamental basis for participating in society and an expectation of those who wish to call the UK home. It states: Those who come here must make a genuine effort to integrate into and engage with our shared way of life. The 2021 census found that more than one million people could not speak English well or at all. The document says Islamists are responsible for three-quarters of the polices counter-terror workload and 94 per cent of all terrorist deaths in the last 25 years. Further powers will be established to close extremist charities and suspend trustees with unspent hate crime convictions. It also includes plans to strengthen monitoring of non-violent extremism in universities and to exclude hate preachers from the UK. Racialisation fears There will be new rules to ensure that public bodies do not confer legitimacy, funding or influence on extremist groups. The strategy rejects calls, largely from British Muslims, for blasphemy laws in the UK. A new definition of Islamophobia, which has raised fears as a vehicle for the backdoor introduction of new blasphemy laws, has been watered down. Ministers have struck out racialisation of Muslims as proposed by a working group amid concern it could be used to silence critics of the religion. The definition will, however, still condemn the prejudicial stereotyping of Muslims, as part of a collective group with set characteristics, to stir up hatred against them, irrespective of their actual opinions, beliefs or actions as individuals. There are likely to be concerns over potential threats to free speech from new rules to tackle divisive content and ensure trusted news sources are prominent. Greater protections Critics fear these measures will be used to silence critics of Islamists or even TV channels such as GB News, which some Labour people view as too Right-wing. However, it also proposes greater protections for people who speak out. Many people feel they cannot air perfectly legitimate concerns about the change they are seeing in their local communities. There must be space for honest discussion without assuming bad intentions or policing language, it says. The paper warns that anti-Jewish hatred is a growing problem in the UK. It states: Anti-Semitism is being normalised in many corners of society from our schools and universities to workplaces and the NHS. The document also includes a package of new spending across communities in support of cohesion projects. Ministers will announce plans for 800m over 10 years for 40 areas where social cohesion is under pressure. A further 750m will be spent over four years on youth, sport and community infrastructure as well as a 5.5m fund to restore local news where it has disappeared. A new advisory board will also be set up to support areas when tensions arise, or violence erupts, such as the Southport riots in the summer of 2024. An annual State of Extremism report will be published, setting out the nature and scale of the current threat facing the UK and government action to counter its activity and influence. The report will focus on specific ideologies, including Islamism, the extreme Right and the extreme Left. Kemi Badenoch will accuse Labour of "playing student politics" while "the rest of the world rearms," renewing her criticism of the UK Governments Iran war response. She will suggest Sir Keir Starmer is being "held hostage" by his party and "too scared of upsetting certain sections of Labours target voters" to act in the national interest. Mrs Badenoch has called for the government to authorise RAF strikes on Irans missile launch sites, a possibility Foreign Secretary David Lammy suggested on Friday. In a speech on Saturday, she will say allies feel they can no longer rely on us after the extraordinary criticism unleashed by US President Donald Trump in recent days over Britains refusal to allow initial US strikes on Iran from UK bases. Badenoch says Starmer is being "held hostage" by his party (House of Commons) Sir Keir has defended his decision not to permit America to use British bases in the opening assault against the Tehran regime, suggesting it could have been unlawful and lacked a viable, thought-through plan. He granted permission on Sunday for the US to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean to strike defensively against Iranian missile sites as the conflict spirals. In her speech, Mrs Badenoch is expected to say: I never thought I would see the day when Britains allies felt that they could not rely on us. The government has been criticised for failing to have enough military assets in the Middle East region after RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by a drone. Air defence destroyer HMS Dragon will be sent to the eastern Mediterranean to help protect Cyprus, but the Type 45 warship is not expected to sail until next week. Mrs Badenoch will say Sir Keir is still sitting on the fence over what Britains role in the war should be, adding: We are in this war whether Keir Stamer likes it or not. Its time to act. She is expected to link the issue to domestic politics, claiming that Labours loss to the Greens in the previously rock-solid parliamentary seat of Gorton and Denton last month had spooked the party. They watched the Greens campaigning on sectarian voting lines, a tactic Labour used for many years turned against them, Mrs Badenoch will say. The government has been criticised for failing to have enough military assets in the Middle East region after RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by a drone (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Now Starmer is too scared of upsetting certain sections of Labours target voters to act in our national interest. She is expected to add: Hes not even strong enough to win a contest with his own backbenchers. He is a political hostage. Held at the behest of a load of half-rate left-wing MPs, none of whom grasp the seriousness of the world that Britain is now in. While the rest of the world rearms, they are playing student politics. It comes after a row erupted over Mrs Badenochs suggestion that the UK military had been just hanging around and not taking the necessary action in the Middle East. Asked whether she supported firing on Iranian missile bases, she told BBC Breakfast on Friday: What else are our jets doing, just hanging around there? They need to be able to see who is attacking us and stop them from firing at British soldiers or even British people in hotels. Defence Secretary John Healey said the remark insults the men and women of our armed forces and that she should apologise. Recent polling suggests that the most common view among the British public is that the UKs stance in the conflict should be purely defensive. Almost half 46 per cent of people in a survey by YouGov between Wednesday and Thursday said this position came closest to their view of what orders the UK military should be given. However, most 52 per cent also believe that Sir Keir is handling the UKs relationship with Mr Trump badly, the data suggests, and 47 per cent feel the same about his management of Britains response to the war. Responding to Mrs Badenochs words, armed forces minister Al Carns said political point-scoring off the back of a serious security situation was deeply irresponsible. This situation is above politics and requires calm collective decision-making not hyperbole and soundbites, he said. British troops are doing an amazing job and no one should be questioning their commitment or competency. Serious times require serious politics, not political point-scoring on the back of our Armed Forces, civil service or MoD personnel who are doing an amazing job. Gillian Morand, 36, took her own life in 2020 (Met Police) A 45-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter six years after a woman from southeast London took her own life, Met Police say. Police were made aware of allegations of domestic abuse shortly after the death of 36-year-old Gillian Morand, from Bexley, in March 2020. An inquest into her death subsequently determined she had died by suicide. Met Police launched an investigation and arrested a 45-year-old man on Thursday. Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, the force charged Seyhan Assaf, 45, Sidcup with manslaughter and coercive or controlling behaviour. It is alleged Gillian was abused over a significant period of time, and it is further alleged that this abuse contributed to her death, police say. Assaf will appear at Bromley Magistrates Court on Saturday, March 7. Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: This is a complex investigation with very few charges of this nature authorised across the country. We are supporting Gillians family, who ask for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time. I ask that anyone who was in contact with Gillian in the decade prior to her death contact us. Any information, irrespective of how insignificant it may seem, may be of considerable value. Information can be passed to the Mets investigation team via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101 and quoting CAD number 4727/06MAR26. Samantha Yelland, Senior Crown Prosecutor in CPS London Homicide Unit said: "We have decided to prosecute Seyhan Assaf with manslaughter and controlling or coercive behaviour. "This decision comes after working closely with the Metropolitan Police as they have carried out their investigation into the death of Gillian Morand. Our prosecutors worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring these charges to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings. The Met continues to work closely with partners to support victim-survivors of domestic abuse. Mauritius is considering legal action against the UK over the delay in ratifying Sir Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal following criticism from Donald Trump. Last year, Sir Keir agreed a controversial deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while paying the Indian Ocean island 3.4bn over the course of a century to retain control of the UK-US military base on Diego Garcia. However, the plan has effectively been put on hold after the US president issued a series of scathing criticisms about the deal. In what is the latest in a string of blows for the prime ministers contentious plan, the Mauritian prime minister told local reporters he was exploring legal avenues after delays put a hole in the countrys budget. We are exploring legal avenues in the Chagos case, Mauritian prime minister Navin Ramgoolam told Defi Media. We are exploring all possible avenues, but clearly the 2026-27 budget will not be an easy one. Mauritian prime minister Navin Ramgoolam (Alamy/PA) However, it is understood that the UK government believes there are no grounds in international law for Mauritius to obtain compensation if the treaty is not ratified. The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least 120m annually during the 99-year agreement to lease back the site, a total cost in cash terms of 35bn. Our position on Diego Garcia is crystal clear, a Downing Street spokesperson said. Retaining control of Diego Garcia is the entire basis of the agreement that weve reached. As weve said before, it is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US that has enabled our shared security for nearly 60 years. US president Donald Trump has criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal (CPA Media Pte Ltd/Alamy/PA) It is the only way to ensure that the base remains secure and operational in the long term. The deal was plunged into fresh chaos last month after a minister suggested his plan to cede sovereignty of the British territory had been paused after Mr Trump urged the UK to scrap it. The Foreign Office later claimed that the minister misspoke and rapidly issued a clarification saying that there is no pause. However, it conceded that the plan is now dependent on the Trump administration agreeing to it. Mr Trump expressed his disapproval of the plan once again this week, telling reporters that the UK has ruined relationships over the stupid island. Appearing to refer to the Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands, Mr Trump said: That island Its taken three, four days, for us to work out where we can land there; it would have been much more convenient landing there as opposed to flying many extra hours, so we are very surprised. This is not Winston Churchill that were dealing with. Mr Trump told reporters this week that the UK has ruined relationships over the stupid island (AP) He added: I will say the UK has been very, very uncooperative with that stupid island that they have, that they gave away and took a 100-year lease; having to do with, perhaps, indigenous people claiming the island that never even saw the island before. Whats that all about? Theyve ruined relationships. An FCDO Spokesperson said: Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US that has enabled our shared security for neatly sixty years. Maintaining control of Diego Garcia is the entire basis for the agreement that we have reached. It means we retain our control, protects against legal challenges to its operation and locks out our adversaries from being able to compromise its operation. It is the only way to ensure that the base remains secure and operational for the long term. Sir Anthony McCoy is envisaging Fact To File defending his Ryanair Chase crown at the Cheltenham Festival, rather than taking his place in what the 20-time champion jockey described as the most open Gold Cup he has seen in years. Long-time number one rider to Fact To Files owner JP McManus and still a key part of the green-and-gold team, McCoy admitted he would be pushing against supplementing the impressive Irish Gold Cup winner for the Festival blue riband given his standout claims in a race he won comprehensively 12 months ago. Speaking ahead of William Hills Cheltenham Preview Night on Thursday, McCoy said: Id say he will run in the Ryanair. JP will make that decision, but with the ground going as it is, I would think it might be the Ryanair. Its probably the most open Gold Cup youll see in a long while and I wouldnt be surprised if seven or eight of them won it. Fact To File would probably start favourite for the Gold Cup, but he would be long odds-on in the Ryanair. Im not saying hell definitely win it, but hell be a short price. If I was riding I would like him to be in the Ryanair and then take my chance and hope Id pick the right one in the Gold Cup. Id like to have a short-priced one on my side in the Ryanair. He could win a Cheltenham Gold Cup and its of course the best race, but its also very open and I dont think the Ryanair would be very open if he runs in it. On the Gold Cup itself, McCoy who landed the feature aboard Mr Mulligan in 1997 and then for McManus with Synchronised in 2012 added: I dont know when the last Gold Cup was when you could go through the field and not many of them winning would shock you. I think its going to be a brilliant spectacle and the best Gold Cup there has been in years. Barry Geraghty succeeded McCoy in the green-and-gold hot seat and he agreed with his predecessor that ultimately the Ryanair could prove the logical place for Fact To File to seek a third-successive Festival victory. Geraghty said: You just wonder if his racing style, what he showed at Leopardstown and what he worked really well there, would lend itself to seeing out the trip in the Gold Cup. He was so impressive in the Ryanair last year and I suppose the fact Spillanes Tower is there in the Gold Cup and it also sounds like there is green shoots with Inothewayurthinkin, it perhaps makes sense to lean towards the Ryanair. Racing fans would love to see him in the Gold Cup, (but) if youve got two contenders for the race already and this lad who has already been so impressive in a Ryanair, (why) do you change? Weve seen lots of Gold Cup contenders jump the last and then hit a wall, Florida Pearl and One Man, and with the pace of the race and with it being as competitive as it is, youre going to be guaranteed an end-to-end gallop. Therell be no hiding place. The Duchess of Sussex launched her lifestyle brand last April in collaboration with the streaming giant The Duchess of Sussex has cut ties with Netflix and will take complete control of her domestic brand selling jams, wine and flower sprinkles. The Duchesss lifestyle brand, As Ever, was launched last April in collaboration with the streaming giant. But she has since experienced a series of setbacks, with stock regularly running out and consumers left disappointed. Meghan is understood to have been frustrated by the cautious approach undertaken by Netflix and is keen to sell her products globally rather than just in the US. A source told The Telegraph it was felt that As Ever no longer needed Netflixs money and wanted to be able to move quicker without having to liaise with the company over every decision. This is not their [Netflixs] world, the source said. Their focus is on their core product, which is streaming films and TV programmes. As Evers core focus is selling flower sprinkles and spreads. It was Meghans call. The source added: Netflix was not set up to do what we are doing. Its a great streaming service but its not a shop. The products are selling out really quickly and this has been an issue. We want to stock more, we want to move forward. The As Ever brand includes jam, edible flower sprinkles, dried biscuit mixes and wine The break comes just weeks after it emerged that Netflix had axed the Duchesss show With Love, Meghan, after two series and amid scathing reviews. But sources insisted the programme was only ever intended as a platform to showcase and launch the brand. Thats done, they said. We want to go global, we will move into international markets within the next two years. This is an extremely well-known brand that you can only buy in the US. Credit: Netflix As Ever was launched last April, but within two months, Meghan revealed she had been forced to press pause on the development of her business, to ensure it was completely stable before ploughing on. She admitted that a long-term strategy for scaling up was not quite in place. Last June, she vowed that she was going global and would move beyond jam to hospitality and hostessing, in the spirit of sharing. Meghan is said to be keen to sell her products globally rather than just in the US While Netflix ploughed an initial investment into the nascent brand, which will be paid back, the staffing is now fully controlled by As Ever. A source suggested that Netflix had had little input over the last six months. Both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to remain on good terms with Ted Sarandos, the Netflix boss. Their production company, Archewell Productions, maintains a first look deal with the company and is said to have various projects in the pipeline. Last year, Meghan said As Ever would move beyond jam to hospitality and hostessing - Netflix An As Ever spokesman said: As Ever is grateful for Netflixs partnership through launch and our first year. We have experienced meaningful and rapid growth and As Ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and cant wait to share more. Netflix said: Meghans passion for elevating everyday moments in beautiful yet simple ways inspired the creation of the As Ever brand, and we are glad to have played a role in bringing that vision to life. As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world. The Metropolitan Police has stepped up patrols around central London as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East. Officers have been deployed to protect sensitive sites and reassure local communities ahead of protests planned this weekend in response to the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. On Friday, the seventh day of the escalating crisis, Israel's military said it launched a new wave of strikes in Iran and destroyed a military command bunker in Tehran with 50 fighter jets. Meanwhile, Tehran launched missiles and drones at Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, apparently targeting US bases and civilian infrastructure including oil pipelines. Witnesses in Iran say the latest airstrikes have been particularly intense, with powerful blasts shaking homes across the capital and leaving many residents anxious. Demonstrators walk through Whitehall calling for regime change in Iran (PA Wire) Earlier today, US President Donald Trump said There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER." Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump added: "After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. "IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. 'MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).'" Last weekend, several demonstrations took place across London in response to the developing situation. According to the Met, some protests were organised in opposition to the Iranian government, while others expressed support for it or criticised potential military action in the region. Demonstrators marched to the Iranian embassy in London (PA Wire) Many gatherings took place at the Embassy of Iran in London, Parliament Square and Whitehall. Police also reported smaller community gatherings, particularly in parts of northwest London. The force said the vast majority of demonstrations were peaceful, with only a small number of arrests reported. Officers said there was no disorder between opposing groups and thanked protest organisers for their cooperation. The Stage for Freedom protest against the government in Iran will take place on Saturday afternoon, marching from Whitehall to Kensington Road. Public Order Act conditions have been issued to prevent serious disruption. Participants in the 'Stage for Freedom' protest must follow this route (Metropolitan Police) Police said the post-march rally must finish by 5pm and no amplified noise equipment can be used for music or speeches. Instruments may not be used and other objects must not be banged to create noise. This is to limit the disturbance to people living nearby. The Hands off Iran protest, organised by Stop the War, against United States and Israeli involvement in the conflict will also take place tomorrow afternoon, marching from Millbank to the United States Embassy via Vauxhall Bridge. The post-march rally must finish by 5pm. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said: London is a global city, home to communities of all faiths and nationalities and it is not unusual to see the impact of events taking place thousands of miles away playing out on our streets. For those who now call London home but who came here from countries now caught up in conflict, many will be concerned about the safety or family members or friends. The Hands off Iran protest organised by Stop the War must follow this route (Met Police) It is inevitable that strong feelings will result in protest or other forms of public assembly. The role of the police is not to try limit that freedom of expression, but to ensure that it doesnt result in disorder and that it doesnt cause others to be threatened or intimidated. We will ensure that ordinary life in London can still go on without protests being the cause of serious disruption. Protest in central London, in the vicinity of government buildings and diplomatic premises, is commonplace. Our policing plans for such events are well tested and used frequently. They focus on protecting the right to protest while ensuring anyone who needs access to sites whether for work, or to visit or conduct business is not subject to intimidation or threats. If that means keeping protesters at an appropriate distance then we will do that. Protests taking place in residential communities outside central London are not as routine and as such they have greater potential both for serious disruption and being the cause of increased concern and fear. We have a duty to make sure people can go about their lives without being intimidated and where necessary we will proactively intervene. This intervention may include the imposition of conditions on protests to prevent them from taking place in specified locations to protect members of that community. This may include, for example, preventing anti-Israeli protests taking place in Jewish communities or taking steps to ensure particular communities do not feel harassed by anti-Iran protests taking place where they live. Each protest will be assessed individually. We are in ongoing discussions with key partners across London. We meet with regularly with representatives from Muslim and Jewish communities and in recent weeks we have stepped up our engagement with Iranian groups. JOHANNESBURG, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 3, LEPAS, Chery Group's new brand, unveiled the highly anticipated LEPAS L4 at a launch dinner in Johannesburg. Local mainstream media, industry representatives, partners, and invited guests gathered to witness the milestone event. The launch not only marked the official debut of the LEPAS brand in the South African market but also injected new momentum into Africa's growing new energy mobility sector. 2 5 As a global brand created by Chery Group, LEPAS is built around its core values of Leopard Aesthetics, Elegant Driving, and Exquisite Space, delivering refined mobility experience for drivers worldwide. Positioned as the"Free-Style Urban Life Creator," the LEPAS L4 carries the brand's core value proposition of "Always Freedom." It reflects the lifestyle philosophy of "Be Yourself, Be Free," combining "Leopard Aesthetics" exterior design with refined interior craftsmanship. Equipped with advanced connectivity technology and intelligent driver assistance systems, the model offers South African consumers an elegant and intelligent driving experience. Tony Liu, CEO of Chery Group South Africa, noted: "The launch of the LEPAS L4 is a significant milestone in our South African business. It combines sophisticated design, intelligent technology, and accessible luxury, demonstrating our commitment to delivering world-class quality and innovation to local consumers." Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of LEPAS South Africa, also expressed confidence in the market outlook: "This launch is not only about introducing a new vehicle but also about presenting an elegant lifestyle. The LEPAS L4 integrates fashionable design, outstanding performance, and exceptional value, and we believe it will set a new benchmark in its class." The LEPAS L4's product strength highlights its interpretation of elegant mobility. Inside the cabin, a 13.2-inch 2K touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 540-degree panoramic camera system provide seamless connectivity and convenience. In terms of safety, aircraft-grade aluminum anti-collision beams and a high-strength body structure offer reliable protection. Meanwhile, the Cloud-Feel seats, featuring a three-layer cooling ventilation system and multi-layer structure, ensure exceptional comfort for long-distance travel. Orders for the LEPAS L4 in South Africa are now officially open. The brand also provides comprehensive after-sales support, including a five-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and a ten-year/1 million km engine warranty, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the market. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927764/2.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927765/5.jpg Jurors in a bellwether trial examining social media's impact on teenagers and children watched a deposition from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The trial is exploring what the architects of Facebook and Instagram knew from internal research about the negative experiences of young users, and how the company responded over the years. Prosecutors are alleging that Meta violated state consumer protection laws in failing to disclose what it knew about the dangers of addiction to social media as well as child sexual exploitation on the company's platforms, while attorneys for Meta say the company discloses risks, makes efforts to weed out harmful content and experiences, and acknowledges that some bad material still gets through its safety net. In pretrial depositions recorded last year, prosecutors confronted Zuckerberg with internal company communications and emails from platform users spanning back to the infancy of Facebook in 2008 that discuss problematic and addictive use of social media. Over the past 15 years, users of your products have repeatedly told your company and you personally that they find the products to be addictive, thats true, isnt it? said Previn Warren, an attorney for the state of New Mexico, to Zuckerberg. Prosecutors are alleging that Meta violated state consumer protection laws in failing to disclose what it knew about the dangers of addiction to social media (PA) Zuckerberg took issue with the word addictive. I think people sometimes use that word colloquially, he said, Thats not what were trying to do with the products, and its not how I think they work." At the same time, Zuckerberg said he wants to "make sure that we can understand so we can improve the products and make them better for people in ways that they want. Zuckerberg went on to concede that he initially set goals for employees to increase the amount of time teenagers spent on its platform amid efforts to expand business revenue and the number of platform users. Yes, I think we focused on time spent as one of the major engagement goals, Zuckerberg said. Sometime during 2017 and beyond for at this point most of the last 10 years we've focused on other metrics. The deposition also delved into Zuckerberg's decision lift a temporary Instagram ban on the use of cosmetic filters (AP) The deposition also delved into Zuckerberg's decision lift a temporary Instagram ban on the use of cosmetic filters that changed peoples appearance in a way that seemed to promote plastic surgery. I care a lot about not cracking down on the ways that people can express themselves and theres, like, always been a lot of pressure to do that and censor our services, Zuckerberg said. I didnt find any of the anecdotal examples that people used to be convincing that it was actually clear evidence that this was going to be harmful. The deposition was recorded last year and shown on Wednesday during the fourth week of the civil trial against Meta, which also oversees WhatsApp. On Tuesday, the New Mexico jury watched a video in which prosecutors peppered Instagram head Adam Mosseri with questions about Meta's approach to safety, corporate profits and social media features. They also asked him about policies for young users that might contribute to unwanted communications with adults. The New Mexico case and a separate trial playing out in Los Angeles could set the course for thousands of similar lawsuits against social media companies. Zuckerberg testified last month in Los Angeles about young peoples use of Instagram and has answered questions from Congress about youth safety on Metas platforms. During his 2024 congressional testimony, he apologized to families whose lives had been upended by tragedies they believed were caused by social media. But while he told parents he was sorry for everything you have all been through, he stopped short of taking direct responsibility for it. A senior White House official has shared a video of pastors putting their hands on Donald Trump in the White House as they pray over the Iran war. The clip has gone viral on social media as the conflict was raging on its seventh day, with intense airstrikes on Tehran and Beirut, and Iran firing off more missiles and drones at Gulf countries. Dan Scavino, Deputy Chief of Staff at The White House, posted the video on his X account, stating: Happening Now in the Oval Office at the @WhiteHouse God Bless the USA! Prayers were said in the White House for Donald Trump to have the strength that he needs to lead our great nation (Dan Scavino / x) In the clip, the US president is surrounded by White House staff. A pastor says: We pray for your continued blessing and favour to rest upon him. We pray for wisdom from heaven to flood his heart, his mind, and Lord you will guide him in these challenging times that we are facing today. I pray for your grace and your protection over him. I pray for your grace and protection for our troops and all of our men and women serving in our armed forces. And Father we...pray you will continue to give our president the strength that he needs to lead our great nation.... The video sparked stinging criticism of the Trump administration. Trump surrounded by his coterie laying hands on him in prayer in the Oval Office. It feels like the epitome of narcissistic rule, with little sign of reflection about the chaos Trumps illegal war is unleashing across the world.#IranIsraelWar #IranIsraelWar pic.twitter.com/839vIXIIKy Liz Webster (@LizWebsterSBF) March 6, 2026 Liz Webster, founder of Save British Farming, posted on X: It feels like the epitome of narcissistic rule, with little sign of reflection about the chaos Trumps illegal war is unleashing across the world. The Ayatollah of the West, messaged Simon Nixon, former chief Europe commentator at the Wall Street Journal. In Iran, at least 1,230 people have been killed, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, including 175 schoolgirls and staff killed at a primary school in Minab in the countrys south on the first day of the war. Another 77 people have been killed in Lebanon, its Health Ministry says. Trump and his Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth are vowing to step up attacks on Iran in coming days, as the US and Israel seek to stop Tehran being able to develop nuclear weapons. Sir Keir Starmer has refused to allow British bases to be used by US forces for offensive strikes on Iran, drawing withering criticism from the US president, with damage to the so-called Special Relationship between the UK and America. General Sir Richard Shirreff (PA Archive/Press Association Images) British General Sir Richard Shirreff, a former Deputy Commander of Nato forces, strongly defended the stance being taken by Sir Keir, branding Trump a gung ho nutter. The Prime Minister has said the UK military will only get involved in the conflict if there is legal basis for it to do so, such as self-defence to protect British citizens, that there is a thought-through plan for the action and that it is in the British national interest. Sir Richard denied that the Special Relationship exists any longer. Its a complete fantasy, he said. America does what America wants to do and Britain has got to look after its interests. Warning against the UK getting dragged into the war, he added: If Britain is involved, our hand is in the mangle... We should not in any way, shape or form be involved with the Americans closely because they are being led by a couple of gung ho nutters like Trump and Hegseth without a proper strategy, without serious thought about what the end state for this war is. Unless we keep cool heads as the Prime Minister is attempting to do and think things through very, very carefully this thing could go the way of Iraq. Donald Trump has repeatedly hit out at Sir Keir Starmer over the Iran war (PA Wire) Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy says that the RAF could hit Iranian missile sites under the legal advice received by the Government if it is to stop attacks on Gulf states where British citizens could be put in danger. Downing Street rejected an accusation from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch that this was a U-turn, stressing that Mr Lammy was talking about a hypothetical situation rather than suggesting RAF fighter jets are about to start targeting Iran. The Cabinet minister argued that British military planes were taking out Iranian drones in the skies, while US and Israeli forces were carrying out their offensive action on the Tehran regime. Motorists drive along a main road as plumes of smoke rise after a strike in Tehran (AFP via Getty Images) Trump has said he wants a say in choosing Irans next leader. But Mr Lammy rejected this idea, said it was unlikely to happen unless America put boots on the ground, and stressed it would be down to Iran to pick its next leader. High-class Flat performer Mondo Man gets another chance to claim a major prize over obstacles in the Betfair Imperial Cup at Sandown on Saturday. The five-year-old was fifth in the French Derby and fourth behind Calandagan at Royal Ascot in the summer of 2024, since when he has crossed the Channel to join the father-son training partnership of Gary and Josh Moore. He has largely been campaigned over hurdles since, placing behind the likes of Lulamba and Mambonumberfive before finishing fourth on his handicap debut at Ascot before Christmas. Mondo Man finally got off the mark when making the most of a gilt-edged opportunity at Plumpton and connections are hoping that leaves him well placed to make his presence felt in the traditional pre-Cheltenham Festival feature. He won a very weak race the other day, but it might have done his confidence a lot of good and hes come out of it great, said Josh Moore. It was really horrible ground when he ran at Ascot before Christmas and he didnt enjoy it. Hopefully the sun keeps shining at Sandown and they dont get too much rain, as he wouldnt want sticky, tacky ground that would be a negative for his chances. Nothing has gone to plan for him yet over hurdles, but hopefully that Plumpton race was a confidence booster for him. Another horse making a swift return to action is the Neil King-trained Rubber Ball, who was an impressive winner at Newbury last weekend. King, who has struck gold with six of his last eight runners, said: He bounced out of his last race in good order. He did have a freshen up before Newbury, so well roll the dice and see how we go at Sandown. All the horses are in super form, so now is the time to do it if we can. Go Dante has won the last two editions of the Imperial Cup for Olly Murphy, but will need to bounce back from a couple of disappointing efforts if he is to become the first horse in history to win the 100,000 contest which carries an additional 100,000 bonus if the winning horse can follow up at Cheltenham next week for a third time. Murphy, who also saddles top-weight Fingle Bride, said: Go Dante is a few pounds higher than last year, but he loves the track and hopefully with a bit of luck in running hell run well again. Fingle Bridge did too much at Warwick the last day, so were dropping back in trip on a stiff track. Hes certainly good horse with a big engine and hopefully a run in a handicap the last day will have sharpened him up again. He should go there with a chance. Wreckless Eric was a half-length second to Go Dante 12 months ago, but has similarly struggled since. AJ ONeill, who trains the six-year-old in partnership with his father Jonjo, said: Wreckless Eric obviously had a slightly different profile going into the race last year, when he ran an absolute blinder to finish second. Weve yet to really find that form since, but he likes Sandown and hopefully the way this race is run suits, so hopefully he can put his best foot forward. Were putting the cheekpieces on him for the first time so hopefully that will bring about a bit of improvement. If he can run the same race as last year youd be absolutely delighted. The ONeills have a second string to their bow in Were Red And Blue, who AJ believes could outrun his big odds. He added: He actually ran in the race last year as well and finished eighth, but he was only beaten five lengths. Hes probably a physically stronger horse this year and I think that bit of time is probably why hes shown improvement in his last couple of races. Its a competitive race, but hopefully he can run another big one. An Arkansas mother, whose body was found with that of her six-year-old twins, died by suicide, according to local officials. Charity Beallis, 40, and her twins were found dead at their home in the community of Bonanza along the Oklahoma border on December 3, 2025. At the time, the Sebastian County Sheriffs Office confirmed that authorities arrived at Bealliss home at 9.30 am to perform a wellness check. Upon entering the building, they found the mother and her twins had suffered gunshot wounds. Now, the Arkansas State Crime Lab has ruled that the Beallis twins cause of death was a homicide, according to an SCSO statement. Charity Beallis died in a suicide, according to the SCSO. Her childrens deaths were ruled as a homicide (Facebook) The Sheriffs Office also said that the 40-year-old mom had unsuccessfully tried to reconcile with her estranged husband, Dr. Randall Beallis, during their divorce and custody case. The final hearing of their case was on December 2, the day before Charity Beallis and her twins were found dead. At the hearing, Beallis had been ordered to begin joint custody of her children. Location data, provided to investigators by Tesla, suggested that Randall Bealliss vehicle was not near his estranged wifes residence on the evening of December 2. His phone was also not recorded by any cell towers in the area. That same evening, Charity Beallis deactivated her home security system at around 10 pm, according to information shared by her alarm company with the SCSO. She had exclusive access to the security system at the time. According to the home security company, no windows or doors were opened after 10 pm. SCSO has not found any evidence thus far to indicate any other conclusion other than that determined by the autopsies conducted by ASCL, the Sheriffs Office statement read. However, our Office attempts to always investigate our cases as conclusively as possible. Randall Beallis allegedly filed to have his divorce dismissed a day after Charity Beallis died (Sebastian County Sheriff's Office) Bealliss surviving son, John Powell, told KNWA that he wished that he could hold his siblings once more. If I could, I would give my mother a big hug and look at her in the eyes and tell her I loved her, he said. Hold my babies, baby brother and sister, one more time. Charitys father, Randy Powell, also spoke to KNWA after his daughters death. One moment Ill be crying and the next moment Ill be mad, I dont know how to explain it, he said. I never expected to ever have to go through something like this in my life. Randall Beallis pleaded guilty to a charge of third-degree battery in October, according to KNWA. Charity Beallis had filed for divorce in March 2025. She had also filed for custody of her twins, the station also reported. However, a day after the mom and her twins were found dead, Randall Beallis filed for the divorce to be dismissed, according to documents. In a statement given to The Independent, Randall Bealliss attorney, Michael Pierce, said that his client continues to recover from the tragic event that took his children from him. He would like to thank all of the law enforcement officials working on this case for their diligent efforts to find the truth, Pierce continued. We were not surprised by the findings in the autopsy, as we knew that Mr. Beallis was not responsible for the death of his wife, nor his children. Further, the Sebastian County Sheriff's office has made a clear statement that they have not found evidence indicating any conclusion other than those determined by the autopsies conducted by the Crime Lab, Pierce added. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org Nigel Farage is set to meet Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago mansion on Friday to discuss Sir Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal, as the war in the Middle East escalates. Mr Trump has dramatically U-turned on his support for Sir Keirs controversial agreement in recent weeks, at one point describing it as an act of great stupidity. Since then, ministers have insisted that discussions over handing the Chagos Islands to Mauritius are continuing, with the government insisting the deal is necessary to secure the future of the crucial UK-US Diego Garcia military base. Donald Trump has branded the deal an act of great stupidity. Nigel Farage says it is the worst deal in history (The White House) Mr Farage, who has long opposed the Chagos deal and dubbed it a surrender treaty, told an event in Westminster on Thursday that he would discuss it at Mr Trumps estate in Florida. We think this is the central plan for this governments foreign policy and we are beating them back, Mr Farage said, according to GB News. President Trump has almost understood the deal, but I will be dining at Mar-a-Lago tomorrow night, and we will reinforce the message. The Reform UK leader denounced the agreement as the worst deal in history and an absolute betrayal. He added: We have got to keep fighting, we have got to keep the pressure up, we must not let our foot off this pedal, but for first time in this battle... this feels more than winnable. US president Donald Trump initially supported the deal before performing a major U-turn (CPA Media Pte Ltd/Alamy/PA) Meanwhile, Mauritius has said it is considering legal action against the UK over the delay in ratifying Sir Keirs Chagos Islands deal. We are exploring legal avenues in the Chagos case, Navin Ramgoolam, the Mauritian prime minister, told Defi Media. However, it is understood that the UK government believes there are no grounds in international law for Mauritius to obtain compensation if the treaty is not ratified. The UK has agreed to pay Mauritius at least 120m annually during the 99-year agreement to lease back the site, a total cost in cash terms of 35bn. Earlier this week, Sir Keir insisted the special relationship between the UK and the US is in operation right now despite not having spoken to Mr Trump since a very public fallout over his refusal to allow initial US strikes on Iran from British bases. Mr Trump said Britain's response had been very disappointing and declared that Keir Starmer is not Winston Churchill. Ministers secured US backing for the deal last year. The president even told Sir Keir during a visit to the White House that he was inclined to go with your country and that he had a feeling its going to work out very well. Under the plan, the UK will cede sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius but lease back the facility on the island of Diego Garcia. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey posted on X: I see Farage is off to Mar-a-Lago to talk down Britain and suck up to Trump. There's nothing patriotic about cheering on a foreign leader whose illegal war is sending British families energy bills through the roof. The pensioner was found with significant injuries in Hounslow (Getty/iStock) Police have launched an urgent manhunt after a 71-year-old woman died from significant injuries in London. Officers were called shortly after 10am on 1 March to reports of a woman seriously injured at a residential address on Bath Road, Hounslow. The woman was found inside the property with significant injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. A cordon remains in place, and detectives from the Mets Specialist Crime Command have begun an investigation. No arrests have been made. Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Denby, who is leading the investigation, said: This is a tragic incident in which a woman has lost her life. We are working to establish the full circumstances of what happened, and we are keeping an open mind to pursue all lines of inquiry. We urge anyone who was in the area of Bath Road, who may have seen or heard anything unusual, to come forward. Even small pieces of information can prove vital. Extra patrols will be carried out in the local area to provide reassurance to residents, he said. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference CAD2395/01Mar, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Protest marches to take place near US and Iranian embassies in London this weekend London is bracing for a series of demonstrations this weekend, with protests planned near both the US and Iranian embassies, reflecting heightened geopolitical tensions. On Saturday afternoon, a Stage for Freedom demonstration, organised in opposition to the Iranian government, is scheduled to march from Whitehall. Protesters will proceed to Kensington Road, near Hyde Park in Knightsbridge, where the Iranian embassy is located. Concurrently, a separate march involving groups such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), the Stop the War Coalition, and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign will converge on the United States embassy. This protest, starting from Millbank, aims to call for an end to attacks on Iran. The Metropolitan Police has implemented specific conditions for these events, mandating that protesters adhere to designated routes and conclude their post-march rallies by 5pm. One protest this weekend will call for an end to attacks on Iran (AP) Furthermore, Scotland Yard has prohibited the use of amplified noise equipment for music or speeches, as well as musical instruments, at the anti-Iranian government protest, citing a need to limit the disturbance to people living nearby. Beyond the capital, a demonstration is also set to take place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire from 1pm. Organised by CND, this protest will oppose any potential use of the base by US bombers. This follows a decision by Sir Keir Starmer on Sunday, which permitted UK bases, including the joint UK-US Diego Garcia site in the Chagos Islands and RAF Fairford, to be used for US defensive strikes targeting countries threatened by Tehran. Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed it would deploy officers to manage the protest, stating: We will provide a proportionate and lawful police response to any activity in order to help keep everyone safe, minimise disruption and prevent crime or disorderly behaviour occurring. Gloucestershire Constabulary will seek to facilitate those engaging in peaceful protest in respect of their rights of freedom of expression, assembly and association, whilst balancing the needs and rights of the military base, local communities and the wider public. Sophie Bolt, CND general secretary, voiced strong opposition, declaring: We demand an end to the illegal bombing of Iran and an end to the escalation. International diplomacy and dialogue has never been more critical. Starmer needs to stand up to Trump and halt Britains active military support. He needs to shut down all these US bases that are putting Britain on the front line. Keir Starmer has been urged to stand up to Donald Trump (AP) In anticipation of the protests, Scotland Yard has increased patrols around key sites and in most affected communities across London in recent days. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman emphasised the polices role in maintaining public order. He stated: We have a duty to make sure people can go about their lives without being intimidated, and where necessary we will proactively intervene. This intervention may include the imposition of conditions on protests to prevent them from taking place in specified locations to protect members of that community. This may include, for example, preventing anti-Israeli protests taking place in Jewish communities or taking steps to ensure particular communities do not feel harassed by anti-Iran protests taking place where they live. Each protest will be assessed individually. We are in ongoing discussions with key partners across London. We meet regularly with representatives from Muslim and Jewish communities, and in recent weeks we have stepped up our engagement with Iranian groups. Department for Education has joined with the National Literacy Trust, of which the Queen is patron, to declare 2026 a national year of reading - JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images The Queen has urged children to put down their phones and start reading instead. Her Majesty, 78, made one of her most candid interventions on literacy to date amid the fall in the number of young people reading for pleasure. Speaking at the grand final of BBC 500 Words, the childrens writing competition, she told hosts Alex Jones and Roman Kemp: Anybody who hears these stories will see how inspired these children are, and I think to get children reading and writing stories, especially nowadays, is so important. Also, it gives them time to get away from some of their phones, the Queen continued. So I think its so important that children keep on reading and writing, its the best thing you could possibly do and it will take you all on adventures all over the world. Her Majestys words of advice for young people were delivered to an audience of children and their parents at Windsor Castle, where she hosted the event on Feb 25. An estimated 33 per cent of children aged eight and older say they enjoy reading in their free time, according to the National Literacy Trust, down from 51 per cent two decades ago. The Department for Education has joined with the charity, of which the Queen is patron, to declare 2026 a national year of reading, with events organised in a concerted campaign to reverse the trend. In a separate speech at the BBC 500 Words event, the Queen credited the 50 brilliant finalists of the competition, telling them: Through the magic of your pens and devices, you have brought your imaginations to life and led your readers on breathtaking explorations. Quoting AA Milne, she added: Always remember: Youre braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think which makes you all winners. This years competition received more than 46,500 entries from across the UK, and last week six young authors were crowned the winners, with stories ranging from Mars space travel to haunted fairgrounds. Their entries were read by celebrities including Jodie Whittaker, the Doctor Who star, Joanna Page of Gavin and Stacey, Bradley and Barney Walsh, the father-and-son TV presenters, Sara Cox, the BBC DJ and author, Paterson Joseph, the RSC actor and award-winning writer, and Big Zuu, the rapper and TV personality. The Queen with celebrities and finalists at the BBC 500 Words event The special, broadcast during Friday evenings The One Show, also saw Kemp admiring items cared for by the Royal Library, including what is believed to be the first dedicated book in Elizabeth IIs collection. The 1926 signed edition of Winnie-the-Pooh sits inside a hard cover emblazoned with E for Elizabeth, and was given to the young princess the year she was born. Guests were joined by judges Sir Lenny Henry, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Francesca Simon, Charlie Higson, Rose Ayling-Ellis and Malorie Blackman, the former childrens laureate. The Queen, who has supported the competition since 2015, joined the panel earlier this year to discuss the shortlisted stories. The Queen at the opening of a library at Christ Church Primary School in London in February to mark the national year of reading - JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images Her Majesty has made it her mission to champion literacy as one of her lifelong causes as a working royal through patronages and her own initiatives, including the book club she founded in lockdown that transformed into The Queens Reading Room charity. Last month, she described the charitys mission to get people reading as more urgent than ever, warning that global reading rates were at their very lowest. She awarded all six winners of the competition last week in Windsor Castles Waterloo Chamber, and the silver winners will receive the height of Her Majesty in books. The gold winners, meanwhile, will receive the height of Sir Lenny (6ft 3in) in books as well as 500 books for their schools, while bronze winners will take home the number of novels equal to the average height of a seven-year-old or 11-year-old. Cerys Griffiths, head of BBC Bitesize, which supports the competition, said: Every year, BBC 500 Words reminds us just how extraordinary childrens imaginations are. This years winners have amazed us with their creativity, and were proud to celebrate their achievements. We hope every child who took part keeps discovering the joy of storytelling. Police in Georgia arrested a man in the middle of a concert after he was caught on surveillance video shoving a boy off a bike and into a fountain. Stephen Catterton was filmed on February 28 walking with two other people along Galambos Way in Sandy Springs when two children rode towards them on bikes. Catterton then proceeded to push one child into a fountain and another off his bike onto the floor. Officers from Sandy Spring police were able to locate Catterton at a concert at City Springs Theatre Company. As he was arrested, he defended his actions, saying they ran right at me. Robber used Google translate to announce hold up at Ecuadorian restaurant in New Jersey, police say Police in Newark, New Jersey are searching for a man who allegedly tried to rob an Ecuadorian restaurant by using Google Translate to convey his demands. On February 20, just before 8 a.m., a man bought a cup of coffee from Mi Rinconcito Ecuatoriano , after which he using Google Translate announced that he was robbing the store, police said. According to a police report, the man allegedly threatened to shoot the cashier if she did not open the register. The robber reportedly used the app to translate his words from English to Spanish, but it was unnecessary as the cashier reportedly spoke English, according to News12. The cashier complied and opened her drawer. The robber allegedly tried to grab the drawer but couldn't figure out how to remove it from the register. He then threw his coffee at the cashier in frustration before fleeing the restaurant, police said. A surveillance camera photo of a suspect who, police believe, used Google Translate in an attempted robbery at an Ecuadorian restaurant in Newark, New Jersey's Ironbound neighborhood in February (Newark Police Department) "A man came to buy a coffee, and he bought a coffee and then he wanted to keep the money. And when [the cashier] told him to take it, he didn't take it and got angry, he threw the coffee at her and then he threw a vase that was on the table at her, the restaurant's owner, Maria, told News 12. The owner said that she and her employees are on edge after the attempted robbery. "We are left with fear, because there are times we cannot be here. We think it can happen again," she told the broadcaster. The restaurant is in Newark's Ironbound district, which has a significant Latino population, according to NBC News 4. Police are still searching for the suspect, who has been described as a Black man wearing all black clothing, a black ball cap, and a black face mask. The Independent has requested comment from the Newark Police Department. Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the 24-hour Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS. The restaurant robbery isn't the first time someone has tried to use Google Translate while committing a crime. Chicago prosecutors charged Tyshon Smith and Dylan Roszak, both 18, with robbery in connection with a September 26 hold-up on one of the city's train, according to CWB Chicago. During the robbery, the men allegedly used Google Translate to tell a Spanish-speaking man to give them all of his money. The victim complied, giving them $150 in cash and his Mexican identification card. Milestone event celebrates Lighthaus' transition from construction completion to fully operational waterfront community within the 5 billion Liverpool Waters regeneration LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Starlight Investments has announced the official grand opening of Lighthaus, a brand-new 31-storey build-torent (BTR) community delivering 278homes in one of Liverpool's most desirable waterfront locations. The formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, local leaders and project partners, marks the building's transition from construction completion to a fully operational residential community. Starlight Investments Grand Opening, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Starlight Investments With residents now moving in and amenity spaces activated, Lighthaus represents a visible new chapter in the ongoing regeneration of Liverpool's docklands and the continued evolution of the Liverpool Waters masterplan one of the UK's most ambitious regeneration projects led by Peel Waters. Located within Princes Dock, Lighthaus forms part of Liverpool Waters, the 5 billion multi-decade regeneration initiative that is transforming more than 60 hectares of historic docklands into a vibrant mixed-use waterfront district. The opening underscores the momentum of this landmark regeneration programme and reinforces Liverpool's position as one of the North's leading growth cities. The grand opening formally recognizes Lighthaus as an active part of the city's housing landscape delivering professionally managed rental homes that support workforce growth, urban living, and long-term economic resilience. Lighthaus offers a sophisticated collection of studio, one-, two, and three-bedroom suites, each designed to offer a bright, comfortable, and contemporary urban living experience. Homes blend refined, modern design with a warm, welcoming atmosphere capturing the development's "illuminated living" ethos, where thoughtfully created spaces meet the calm of the waterfront. Residents enjoy access to a curated range of amenities, including a sky bar and lounge, private dining areas, a fitness centre, coworking spaces, a rooftop terrace, a resident lounge, a coffee bar, and 24hour concierge service. Construction of Lighthaus was completed in late 2025. Housing delivery remains a core regional priority, with the Liverpool City Region targeting a pipeline of more than 64,000 new homes to support future population growth and community wellbeing. The completion and official opening of Lighthaus contributes directly to this objective, providing high-quality rental accommodation in a district central to Liverpool's long-term economic strategy. At a time when viability pressures continue to constrain housing delivery across the UK, the successful delivery and activation of Lighthaus demonstrates the role of well-capitalized, long-term investors in sustaining regeneration momentum and accelerating rental supply in key regional markets. Delivered in partnership with X1 Developments and Vermont Construction, Lighthaus reflects the strength of collaboration between experienced development partners and long-term institutional capital. Daniel Drimmer, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Starlight Investments, said: "Lighthaus represents the kind of high-quality, professionally managed rental housing we are committed to delivering across the UK. This milestone is particularly meaningful as Lighthaus moves from a completed development to a vibrant new home for our residents. We are proud to partner with Liverpool's civic leaders and Peel Waters to support the continued transformation of the city's iconic waterfront." Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: "This represents exactly the kind of ambitious development we want to see more of across the Liverpool City Region. What was once an area crying out for meaningful investment is now rapidly becoming one of the most exciting regeneration stories in the country accelerated by the development of Everton's new stadium at Bramley Moore. Crucially, it sits within our new Mayoral Development Zone, where we are using the powers devolution affords us to unlock sites, accelerate delivery, and attract the kind of investment that makes projects like this possible. As our region prepares to head to MIPIM next week, this is the type of place-based regeneration story we'll be talking to potential investors about ones that don't just erect cranes in the sky, but build communities on the ground." James Whittaker, Managing Director, Peel Waters, said: "Lighthaus Liverpool Waters represents far more than a new building on our waterfront, it stands as a symbol of what can be achieved through strong, collaborative partnership. Working with X1 Developments, Vermont Construction and an international investor of Starlight's calibre to deliver our shared vision for Liverpool Waters is a real achievement, and their long-term commitment to quality shines through in every aspect of this development. Lighthaus has added another striking landmark to Liverpool's iconic skyline, setting a new benchmark for design and waterfront living. We are particularly proud that Starlight chose to work with Vermont, a Liverpool-based contractor. Their involvement has not only delivered a building of exceptional quality but also created hundreds of local jobs and opened up meaningful opportunities for young people through apprenticeships and their partnership with The City of Liverpool College's construction campus that is also based here at Liverpool Waters. The official opening of Lighthaus at Liverpool Waters is another key milestone in the continued transformation of our historic docklands, and a powerful demonstration of what long-term investment and shared ambition can deliver for the city." Lighthaus forms part of Starlight's expanding UK residential portfolio and reflects the company's strategy of delivering leading BTR communities that contribute to urban regeneration and address the increasing demand for high-quality rental housing. Across the UK, Starlight has established a portfolio of 4,000 rental suites and over 1.1 billion in assets under management, with continued expansion underway in key regional markets. Learn more about Lighthaus: https://www.lighthausliverpool.co.uk/ About Starlight Investments Starlight Investments is a leading global real estate investment and asset management firm headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A privately held owner, developer and asset manager of over 70,000 multi-residential suites and over 7 million square feet of commercial property space with CAD $30 billion AUM, Starlight offers a range of investment vehicles across various real estate strategies. Starlight's guiding mission is to balance its tenure with visionary curiosity to create positive impact for investors and communities alike. At Starlight, we invest with impact. Learn more at www.starlightinvest.com or connect with us on LinkedIn. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927789/Starlight_Investments_Mayor_and_City_Leaders_Mark_Official_Openi.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2927790/Starlight_Investments_Mayor_and_City_Leaders_Mark_Official_Openi.jpg Vladimir Putins spies began sharing intelligence with Tehran as soon as the conflict broke out, sources claim - Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo via AP/File Russia is providing Iran with intelligence to strike American military targets in the Middle East. The information led to sophisticated attacks by Iranian missiles and drones against United States radar facilities, warships and aircraft. The intelligence also made it possible to target temporary structures that Irans satellites could not spot, including a strike on a makeshift operations centre in Kuwait that killed six US soldiers. Moscow began to pass information to the Islamic Republic on the positions of US forces as soon as the war began on Saturday, US officials said. It is the first sign of Russias active participation in the expanding conflict. One official told the Washington Post: It does seem like its a fairly comprehensive effort. Donald Trumps spokesman did not deny the reports. Karoline Leavitt said Russian intelligence clearly is not making a difference with respect to the military operations in Iran because we are completely decimating them ... we are achieving the military objectives of this operation and that is going to continue. On Friday, a major training exercise for elite paratroopers in the US was cancelled, prompting speculation that Mr Trump is preparing for boots on the ground in Iran. The 82nd Airborne Division includes a brigade combat team of between 4,000 and 5,000 soldiers specialising in ground combat, which is ready to deploy on 18 hours notice. The reports of Russian interference came as Mr Trump said there would be no deal with Iran unless it involved Tehrans unconditional surrender. Mr Trump also said the US would work with its allies to select an acceptable leader once the conflict was over, having killed Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader, in an air strike on Saturday. Donald Trump holds a prayer session at the White House. He has demanded Irans unconditional surrender Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president, said some countries had begun mediation efforts to end the war, adding that Tehran was committed to lasting peace. The US and Israel carried out attacks on Iran for the seventh consecutive day on Friday. The death toll in Iran climbed past 1,200, while Israeli air strikes also killed 200 people in Lebanon. An Israeli commander said they were preparing for a large-scale ground invasion there, and The Telegraph witnessed tanks and heavy weaponry massing on the northern border. A senior Israeli Defense Forces officer in Northern Command told The Telegraph he would have enough troops and equipment in place within two days, and was awaiting an order to advance. The officer said: We have plans to go as deep as needed... Were ready to mobilise if such an order arrives. Israeli tanks mass near the border with Lebanon - AP Photo/Ariel Schalit Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, warned that the number of strikes on Tehran would increase dramatically as Israel and Washington moved into the next phase of their military campaign. Vladimir Putin has long objected to the US providing satellite intelligence to the Ukrainian military, and now appears to be responding in kind. While Iran has only a small number of military-grade satellites, Moscow has many and has honed their capabilities in its war with Ukraine. The Russians are more than aware of the assistance that were giving the Ukrainians, a US official told the Post. I think they were very happy to try to get some payback. Much [of Russias support to Iran] will be space-based imagery, said Mike Petersen, principal research scientist at the Centre for Naval Analyses, a federally funded organisation tied to the US military. This is good for knowing what bases are being used when, and what aircraft may be parked. It can allow Iran to temporarily slow or halt airfield ops, he wrote on X. He added: Russia may also provide locations on intelligence stations in the region, allowing Iran to put them under drone attack. Moscows satellites can also snoop on US communications so Iran can understand strategic force dispositions. The engine of an Iranian-made Shahed drone used in Ukraine, and now being turned on US military targets in the Middle East - Lev Radin/Shutterstock But Mr Petersen pointed out that the US had prepared to operate in environments like this for years, and would have countermeasures for these eventualities. Before the war, China reportedly provided Iran with technology to help rebuild its ballistic missile arsenal, which the 12-day war last June had depleted. However, Beijing has not intervened to provide concrete assistance in the current conflict, two officials told the Washington Post. Neither Russia nor Chinas foreign office responded to requests for comment. Moscow has around 110 military satellites in orbit, while Iran has around 13 that are still operational, with three registered to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. On Thursday, Adml Brad Cooper, the head of US central command, announced that US strikes had destroyed Irans military space force. Weve also struck Irans equivalent of Space Command, which degrades their ability to threaten Americans, he said. However, experts doubt it had the ability to do so in the first place. They were not a threat in space capabilities, Victoria Samson, head of the non-profit Secure World Foundation, told the Defense One website. The threat that they have [is] for counter-space capabilities, theyre great at jamming and spoofing. According to the US space force, Russias own space capabilities have suffered in recent years. The number of satellite launches has declined amid funding shortfalls, international isolation and broader societal problems. Increasingly, Moscow relies on civil and commercial satellite imagery for the war in Ukraine, the US space force reported in its fact sheet on foreign threats. That includes purchases from the Chinese company Spacety. Members of Russia's delegation marched under their national flag at a Paralympics for the first time since 2014. The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics officially opened Friday, with some countries boycotting the opening ceremony because of the return of the Russian flag to the global sports stage. The Russian flag made its return during the nations' parade, marking the first time it was flown at the Paralympics since the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, and signalling a possible full-fledged return to the Olympic circles ahead of the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. Some boos were heard as the Russian athletes entered the stage during the parade. Four members of the delegation represented the country wearing a bright-red uniform. They waved to the crowd as they paraded at the ancient Arena di Verona that was retrofitted with new wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms along with other safety upgrades. The opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics last month also saw its share of tension, with US Vice President JD Vance as well as the Israeli team both being met by loud jeers from the crowd. Russia's national anthem could be played for gold medalists for the first time on the stage of a major global sporting event since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Russian athletes were initially banned because of a state-sponsored doping programme, and the sanctions had continued after the invasion. There was applause when Ukraine was announced, but none of its athletes were seen as the country went through with its boycott of the ceremony. Six other nations had planned to not attend for political reasons, according to the International Paralympic Committee, including the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Poland and Lithuania. Also back was the flag of Russias close ally Belarus, which had two athletes participating in the parade. Irans flag was absent because the only athlete set to compete for the nation, Para cross-country skier Aboulfazl Khatibi, had to withdraw just hours before the opening ceremony after he could not make it to Italy safely amid the intensifying Middle East conflict. Only about 45 athletes of the more than 600 competing represented their nations at the ceremony. Because the Games are one of the most widespread ever, with competitions and venues in different clusters around Italy, many athletes were not able to attend. Each nation announced their flag-bearers, but volunteers were handed the task of actually carrying the flags for all nations because not all flag-bearers could attend the ceremony for logistics and training issues. Many would start competing early on Saturday morning. During the parade, videos were shown with the other athletes at their competition locations. Among the performances during the ceremony at the Arena di Verona the first UNESCO World Heritage site to host a Paralympic ceremony was Stewart Copeland, the renowned drummer of The Police, and DJ Miky Bionic, known as the first DJ in the world to play with a bionic arm. The Milan-Cortina Games mark the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics. Athletes will compete across 79 events in six sports. It is the biggest Winter Paralympics ever, with a record female participation, according to the IPC. The curling events began on Wednesday. (FRANCE 24 with AP and AFP) Scorpio Rising bids to extend his winning sequence to four in the European Breeders Fund Betfair National Hunt Novices Handicap Hurdle Final at Sandown on Saturday. Third in an Exeter bumper and a Ffos Las maiden hurdle last year, the six-year-old has won each of his three starts since returning to action this season, impressing on his October comeback at Perth before following up at Lingfield the following month and then completing his hat-trick at Windsor in January. He has been raised 7lb for the most recent of those victories to a revised mark of 128, but trainer Olly Murphy hopes he has not reached his ceiling just yet. Scorpio Rising looks progressive and I think the track and trip and everything will suit him well, said the Warren Chase handler. Hes in really good form, came out of Windsor well and hopefully hes improving. With champion jockey Sean Bowen siding with Scorpio Rising, Kielan Woods has been booked to partner his stablemate Gee Force Flyer in the 80,000 contest. The Irish point-to-point winner has been placed on each of his three starts over hurdles without managing to get his head in front, but he is much lower in the weights as a result. Murphy added: Wed welcome a bit more rain for Gee Force Flyer but the stiff track will suit him well, hes feasibly handicapped and this race has been the plan for a long time with him. Another leading contender is Kakas Cousin, who has won two of his three starts over hurdles for Jonjo and AJ ONeill, most recently scoring by eight and half lengths in testing conditions at Kelso three weeks ago. Hes probably earned himself a crack at a bigger pot, said AJ ONeill. He was impressive the last day, I think the winning distance was probably slightly flattering because of the heavy ground, but he won well. The horse that was second (Kocktail Bleu) was second in the Dovecote afterwards, so thats a nice bit of form to be going into the race with and well keep our fingers crossed. The weights are headed by the David Pipe-trained Gentleman Toboot. The point-to-point and bumper winner looked the part when scoring at Newton Abbot and Exeter on his first two starts over hurdles, but he came up disappointingly short when bidding for the hat-trick on his handicap debut at Leicester. Pipe said: The Leicester run was a bit of a mystery, but if he returns to the form of his first two races (over hurdles) it will give him a good chance. I wouldnt say hes well treated and its a difficult race to win off that mark (131), but he deserves the mark on his first two performances and I think hell like the step back up in trip. Dan Skeltons Unknown Entity and Four Springs from Ben Paulings yard also feature in a competitive heat. Scott Patterson has spoken out about his exit from Sullivans Crossing ahead of season four despite his characters central role in the drama series. Following a statement from the CW series showrunner and executive producer, Roma Roth, the Gilmore Girls alum acknowledged his departure Thursday in a Facebook post. Every actor knows what its like to fall in love with a character and a story. I fell in love with Sully and have nothing but fondness for him, Patterson began. The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue. The actor then seemingly addressed other claims made about his disappearance from the series, which led to him wanting to speak out. Its unfortunate that it is now being implied that they moved on from me/Sully when the fact is the complete opposite, and those who sadly already have spoken out are also fully aware of this fact, and yet chose to say otherwise, Pattersons statement continued. Scott Patterson recently shared a statement on Facebook addressing why he will not be in the upcoming fourth season of Sullivans Crossing (Getty Images) I was not intending to make any statement, but the fans of the books and the show deserve to know the truth, as I have always been respectful of those who support this industry by watching and loving these characters we are so dang lucky and blessed to portray and bring to life. He concluded as he expressed his love for Sullys character and thought the fans of the show and the books written by Robyn Carr deserved better than the implications that it was his decision to leave the show. In the end, were all fans of these characters and stories, and Ill always support and defend the truth, Patterson wrote. Sullivans Crossing follows the story of neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan played by Morgan Kohan who comes back to her hometown and reconnects with her estranged father, Sully, while dealing with a medical lawsuit. According to Roth, season four which premieres April 20 on the CW will directly follow the events of the previous season. Season three of Sullivan's Crossing ended with Sully leaving for Ireland, beginning a new chapter in his life. Season four picks up the next day, with Sully still overseas, Roth revealed in a statement to People. While he isnt physically present in this season, the character remains an important part of the world with the potential to be included in future seasons should that align with the ongoing creative. A British warship deployed to Cyprus as part of the UKs response to the war in Iran has finally set sail, seven days after its mission was first announced. HMS Dragon was sent to the Mediterranean after a drone struck a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus on the night of 1st March. In a recorded TV address earlier that evening, Sir Keir Starmer said he had agreed to a US request to use British military bases for defensive strikes on Iranian missile sites, adding British lives had been put at risk. The next day, he said would scramble the ship to the eastern Mediterranean. But the intended display of naval might has instead been criticised as an appalling and embarrassing failure that showed up the UKs Navy. The week-long wait is reported to have left MoD officials fuming and exposed the shortcomings of previous financially-motivated decisions including agreements with contractors to not work out of hours. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Type 45 destroyer is now in the Solent and on its way to Cyprus after what defence secretary John Healey called a remarkable effort. It is due to sail past the Isle of Wight, towards the Bay of Biscay before rounding the Iberian peninsula and into the Mediterranean. Under the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, which handed independence to Cyprus, the UK has a legal obligation to ensure the islands security. But the Cypriot government has said it was disappointed in Britains response to the strike and has been forced to draft in help from France. Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon will be sent to defend Cyprus (PA) It is also thought to be the first time since 1980 that no Royal Navy ships have been stationed in the Gulf after years of scaling back British presence in the region. Admiral Lord Alan West, who served as First Sea Lord between 2002 and 2006, previously described the decision to bring home the last remaining vessel as a terrible error. The delay has not gone unnoticed. Reports the UK was updating HMS Prince of Wales readiness level prompted US president Donald Trump to suggest we dont need them any longer in a post on Truth Social on Saturday evening. The United Kingdom, our once Great Ally, maybe the Greatest of them all, is finally giving serious thought to sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East, he wrote . Thats OK, Prime Minister Starmer, we dont need them any longer But we will remember. We dont need people that join Wars after weve already won! Why did it take so long for HMS Dragon to set sail? HMS Dragon is one of the Royal Navys six Type 45 destroyers three of which are in various stages of readiness, while the remaining three are undergoing maintenance. Described by the navy as one of the most advanced warships in the world, the vessel is equipped with the Sea Viper anti-air missile system and manned by a crew of around 200. It recently underwent maintenance, and was loaded with ammunition after crews worked over the weekend. It is understood that it was in dry dock being refitted last week. Professor Kevin Rowlands, a former senior Royal Navy officer who now works for defence think tank the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said each ship has a declared readiness level that tells ministers how many days it would take until it can set sail. He told The Independent there would always be a basic level of supplies on the ship to adhere to that readiness level and that the prime minister would have been aware of the vessels state when the decision to deploy it was made. If we wanted something earlier or quicker, there would be ways of doing that, he said. HMS Dragon will set sail next week (PA) He said that rather than being an issue of unpreparedness, the situation highlighted how the UKs strategic priorities have turned towards Russia in recent years. The UK, through successive defence reviews, have made some strategic choices, he said. Its Nato first. Its the North Atlantic, its the high North. The principal adversary is Russia. And so, if those choices have been made, that has meant a drawdown of fewer forces in other regions, including the Middle East. Every time you make a choice, sods law is that its going to be the wrong one, but then youve got to accept the consequences, which are that youre not necessarily going to be there straight away. Other navy voices believe a lack of funding has resulted in an unpreparedness for action. Commodore Steve Prest, former director of Royal Navy acquisition, told BFBS Forces News the navys fight to keep its full structure has been a real budgetary challenge. Keir Starmer has said the decision to allow the US to use British bases came after British lives were put at risk (Getty) With the fleet that we have got, the ageing Type 23s in particular, and to an extent the Type 45s, have suffered from a lack of spares and a lack of maintenance, he said. So getting them out in sufficient numbers at sufficient readiness has been a problem. The Independent also understands that ministers had to intervene after contractor Serco raised question marks over service crew members working at the weekend on HMS Dragon. It is understood armed forces minister Al Carns had to step in to overturn a money-saving tweak made to the servicing contract last year, which ended overtime work, including weekend working, on the ship. MoD sources told The Independent contract changes were down to the departments need to find 2.6bn of in-year savings for this financial year. Before the issue was resolved, an MoD source told The Independent: People are fuming here. It is not on for a contractor to work to rule in these circumstances. Armed forces minister Al Carns (PA) By Thursday afternoon, both the Royal Navy and Serco confirmed work was going ahead. In statements, they both insisted the contract does provide for overtime when necessary, including weekend work. But Prospect, a trade union representing UK defence workers, warned on Thursday that the overtime ban had slowed down the ships preparation already. Last week, Mr Carns also admitted on Sky News that the battleship was previously being prepared for a different purpose, so adjustments to its set-up had been required. Some have also questioned why the UK did not send a warship to the region sooner. The Spectator reported Sir Keir was first asked by the US about the use of UK bases to attack Iran on 11 February, 17 days before Israel and the US struck Tehran and killed the countrys leader, Ali Khamenei, on 28 February. You could see the buildup; it was unlikely to be without consequences, Commodore Prest told BFBS Forces News. We could and should have seen this coming. He added he believes that, on a strategic level, the UK has taken our eye off the ball. RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was targeted by a drone strike last weekend (PA) But Prof Rowlands said forward planning happens all the time in the armed forces, and that the navy will have been preparing a month or two in advance for potential action in the Middle East. Everybody would have seen and known about the US buildup of forces in the region, so it wasnt a complete surprise one morning that it happened, he said. The options to do something would have been given, and whether those options are then taken or not is a different matter. If the option had been taken earlier and the ship had been readied and sailed, then the message that would have sent was that we were part of the operation, and thats not the political position of the UK. So theres a balance to be had there. Last week, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: We are reinforcing our defensive presence in the Eastern Mediterranean with four additional Typhoon jets to Qatar. Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters armed with Martlet drone-busting missiles are arriving in Cyprus. They will reinforce our RAF Typhoons, F-35B jets, ground-based counter-drone teams, radar systems, and Voyager refuelling aircraft already deployed. Our jets are flying continuous sorties to defend against indiscriminate Iranian strikes threatening UK people, interests and bases. The Royal Navy are working as fast as possible to prepare HMS Dragon for deployment, including resupplying her air defence missiles at our ammunition facility in HMNB in Portsmouth. As she set sail on Tuesday, HMS Dragons Commanding Officer, Commander Iain Giffin, said: My ships company have worked tirelessly to ensure we are ready for our mission to the Eastern Mediterranean.I am proud of professional manner in which they have responded. We are trained for this, we are ready for this, we have the equipment and people, we have the support of the British people and, most importantly, our families and friends. Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: I have only praise for our Royal Navy personnel and civilian teams who have worked flat out to prepare HMS Dragon for deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean. What is normally six weeks of work was completed in just six days - a remarkable effort delivered around the clock. They are the very best of Britain in action. The Met Office selects around 20 suggestions from the public each year (PA Wire) Keir Stormer, Dame Judi Drench, Storm Prince Andrew, and Elon Gust are among the storm names that have been suggested to the Met Office. Members of the public have put forward thousands of recommendations, which also include Bruce Spring Storm, David Blowy, Benjamin Netanyahu, Stormzy, Storm-y Daniels and Aaaaaaaaagh. Also among the suggestions were Stormy McStormFace, Blowy McBlowFace, Cloudy McCloudFace and Rainy McRainFace. A Met Office spokesperson said: We love the range of names submitted, and getting more people engaged in choosing names helps awareness. Some of the names are really clever and funny and we enjoy seeing them suggested. However, we couldn't ever use comedy names for our storms, because at the heart of it, naming storms has an important safety purpose. The Met Office launched the scheme to suggest a name a decade ago (PA Wire) In 2015, the Met Office launched its scheme to allow members of the public to submit storm names for consideration. A list of around 20 names is jointly compiled by the Met Office, Irish meteorological service Met Eireann, and the Netherlandss KNMI. The weather agencies had more than 50,000 suggestions submitted for the 2025/2026 season. The 21 names chosen included Amy, Bram, Chandra, Dave, Eddie, Fionnuala, Gerard, Hannah, Isla, Janna, Kasia, Lilith, Marty, Nico, Oscar, Patrick, Ruby, Stevie, Tadhg, Violet and Wubbo. The list runs from early September to late August to coincide with the start of autumn and the end of summer. A freedom of information request submitted to the forecaster has revealed more than 27,000 names suggested by the public. More than 600 of the suggestions had a focus on environmental concerns, with some targeting oil companies, including BPocalypse, Shell-shocked, Exxonstentialthreat, Oily McOilFace, Fossily McFuelface, and Emissions Impossible. Storms are named in collaboration with Ireland and the Netherlands (PA) Storms are named in collaboration with Met Eireann and KNMI. They are given names when they are forecast to cause medium or high impacts. We know that naming storms works, it helps to raise awareness of their impacts and keep people safe - and we want the names to be memorable, a Met Office spokesperson said. Some years we have a different theme to choosing names, one year we chose based on stories behind the names, another time names were chosen to honour emergency responders. This year our final choices were a mixture of the most popular nominations and some with funny associations, such as a snoring husband as well as a little girl who is a whirlwind. Storm Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, named after the village in Wales, was also among the suggestions, as well as Hail Yeah, About Time We Need Some Rain, Buzz Lightning, Darth Vapour, Arnold Stormneggar, Harristorm Ford, and Fifty Shades of Rain. Representative Tony Gonzales has dropped his bid for re-election after admitting to having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. The Texas Republican wrote in a statement released late Thursday night, After deep reflection and with the support of my loving family, I have decided not to seek re-election while serving out the rest of this Congress with the same commitment Ive always had to my district. For months, Gonzales has been accused of having an inappropriate relationship with Regina Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old wife and mother who worked in his Uvalde office. After initially denying the allegations, Gonzales admitted he made a mistake, calling his infidelity with a subordinate a lapse in judgment in an interview with conservative talk show host Joe Pagliarulo, released Wednesday. Representative Tony Gonzales has dropped his bid for re-election after admitting to having an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide (Alex Wong/Getty Images) Gonzales said he had reconciled with his wife, Angel, with whom he shares six children, and asked God to forgive me, which he has. Santos-Aviles died in September 2025 in the backyard of her Uvalde home. Gonzales told Pagliarulo he had absolutely nothing to do with her death. In his statement announcing his departure from Congress next year, Gonzales touted his work overcoming the border crisis and taking a stand with my communities after the 2022 deadly mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde. Through the rest of my term, I will continue fighting for my constituents, for whom I am eternally grateful, Gonzales said. House Republican leadership called on Gonzales to drop his re-election bid earlier Thursday (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images) Amid the controversy surrounding the affair, Gonzales was forced into a primary runoff with gun rights activist Brandon Herrera. House Republican leadership called on Gonzales to drop his re-election bid earlier Thursday. That came after the House Ethics Committee announced it was investigating whether Gonzales violated any rules in connection with allegations he may have engaged in sexual misconduct toward an employee in his office and discriminated unfairly by giving special favors. Congressman Gonzales has said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. We have encouraged him to address these very serious allegations directly with his constituents and his colleagues, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain said in a joint statement. In the meantime, Leadership has asked Congressman Gonzales to withdraw from his race for re-election, the GOP representatives added. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out to the national suicide and crisis lifeline at 988. Three former Democratic presidents are set to speak at a Chicago church as mourners pay a final public tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden received cheers and applause Friday as they joined thousands of people for a celebration of life for the civil rights leader. But it was the South Sides own, President Barack Obama, as an announcer described him, who received the loudest round of applause as he entered the chamber. Obama, Clinton and Biden followed the arrival of Jackson's family into the church sanctuary. Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton were also seated in the front row beside Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Jill Biden and Joe Biden (AFP via Getty Images) Former Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is also listed as a speaker on the program, according to the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, the organization that Jackson founded. President Donald Trump, who praised Jackson on social media after he died and also shared photos of the two of them together, was not attending the service, according to his public schedule issued by the White House. Thousands attend Jackson memorial service The event honors the protege of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and two-time presidential candidate and follows memorial services that drew large crowds in Chicago and South Carolina, where Jackson was born. Fridays celebration at an influential Black church with a 10,000-seat arena is expected to be the largest. Crowds of attendees waited in long lines outside the church on the citys South Side as television screens played excerpts of some of Jacksons most famous speeches. Inside, vendors sold pins with his 1984 presidential slogan and hoodies with his I Am Somebody mantra. A prerecorded video address of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders appeared on auditorium screens as attendees continued to file into the chamber. Barack Obama reunited with Joe Biden at the event honoring the civil rights icon (AFP via Getty Images) Sanders praised Jacksons dual presidential bids as an unprecedented effort to bridge divides along race and class. The Vermont progressive, who twice mounted unsuccessful bids for the Democratic presidential nomination, praised Jackson for inspiring enthusiasm across racial and age divides. Along with a slew of Illinois elected leaders, notable attendees included actor and producer Tyler Perry, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and political activist and theologian Cornel West. Marketing professional Chelsia Bryan said Friday that she decided to attend the memorial service because it was a chance to be part of something historic. Obama got a heros welcome at the service (AFP via Getty Images) As a Black woman, knowing that someone pretty much gave their life, dedicated their life to make sure I can do the things that I can do now, hes worth honoring, Bryan said. Jackson Jr.: Everyone welcome Jesse Jackson Jr. said all were welcome to celebrate his fathers life. Democrat, Republican, liberal, conservative, right wing, left wing because his life is broad enough to cover the full spectrum of what it means to be an American, Jackson Jr. said last month. Dad would have wanted us to have a great meeting to discuss our differences, to find ways of moving forward and moving together. The elder Jackson died last month at age 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his mobility and ability to speak. Family members say he continued coming into the office until last year and communicated through hand signals. His final public appearances included the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Bill Clinton attended the memorial a few days after a grueling deposition over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein (AFP via Getty Images) Sitting in the crowd was 90-year-old Mary Lovett. She said Jacksons advocacy inspired her many times, from when she moved from Mississippi to Chicago in the 1960s, taught elementary school and became a mom. She twice voted for Jackson during both of his presidential runs and appreciated how he always spoke up for underrepresented people. Hes gone, but I hope his legacy lives, she said. I hope we can remember what he tried to teach us. Jackson's service was to the poor, underrepresented Jackson's pursuits were countless, taking him to all corners of the globe: Advocating for the poor and underrepresented on issues including voting rights, health care, job opportunities and education. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders, and through Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society. Jacksons services in Chicago and South Carolina drew civic leaders, school groups and everyday people who said they were touched by Jacksons work, from scholarship programs to advocating for inmates. Several states flew flags at half-staff in his honor. Services in Washington, D.C., were tabled after a request to allow Jackson to lie in honor in the United States Capitol rotunda was denied by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who said the space is typically reserved for select officials, including former presidents. Details on a future event have not been made public. California Gov. Gavin Newsom came to pay his respects to Jackson (Getty Images) In his final months, Jackson received numerous visitors in Chicago, including the Clintons and the Rev. Al Sharpton, who also attended his memorial services in Chicago last week. He has been the central mentor of my life, Sharpton said. The challenge for us that weve got to make sure that all he lived for was not in vain. The BBCs outgoing director-general Tim Davie has said the corporation profoundly regrets the events around the Bafta film awards when a racial slur was broadcast on BBC One. During the award ceremony, which was held on February 22, Tourettes campaigner John Davidson could be heard shouting as Sinners stars Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for special visual effects. Last week, the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) Committee wrote to Mr Davie seeking an explanation for how a racial slur ended up in the broadcast in spite of a two-hour time delay. BBC director-general Tim Davie was responding to a letter from the CMS (Andrew Milligan/PA) (Andrew Milligan) In a response letter to Dame Caroline Dinenage, chair of the CMS Committee, Davie said: Id like to make clear: although the racial slur was symptomatic of a disability and an involuntary tic, it should never have been broadcast. It was a genuine mistake, and we take full responsibility for our error. Responding to questions about the incident, including why the language was not edited out prior to it being broadcast, Mr Davie said there had been two incidents during which the slur was shouted out. Regarding the first one, while Jordan and Lindo were on stage, he said: Although this is the subject of ongoing review, our initial evidence gathering has found that no-one in the on-site broadcast truck heard this when they were watching the live feed. Because no-one in the broadcast truck was aware it was on the live feed, there was therefore no editorial decision made to leave the language in. Mr Davie wrote that the slur was shouted out for the second time as Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku accepted her award for best supporting actress. Mr Davie said a second slur was said when Wunmi Mosaku collected her award (Ian West/PA) (Ian West) He said: In that instance, the edit team did hear the racial slur on the feed and removed it immediately from the version of the ceremony that would be broadcast later that evening. These two incidents happened within 10 minutes of each other. It appears that soon after the second incident, the edit team in the truck started receiving reports, including from Bafta, that a racial slur had been shouted during the ceremony. Our understanding at this point is that the team editing the show in the truck mistakenly believed they had edited out the incident that was being referenced, on the basis that they had heard and edited out the slur shouted out during the best supporting actress award. Therefore, when they were told a racial slur had been shouted, they believed they had removed it. Mr Davie said that some of the edits made to the ceremony before its broadcast were made in line with the protocols we had put in place in advance to deal with offensive language. He continued: We are now looking in more detail why the team did not ascertain sooner that there had been two instances of the use of the racial slur, and why post broadcast further action was not taken to edit or remove the programme from iPlayer. The BBC has said it is looking into more detail as to why the slur was not edited out of the broadcast (James Manning/PA) (James Manning) The BBC previously announced that its Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) will complete a fast-tracked investigation after reviewing the Bafta coverage, and called the broadcast of the racial slur a serious mistake. In the letter, Mr Davie also outlined the stipulations that the BBC had agreed with Bafta to mitigate the risk of Mr Davidsons Tourettes syndrome, including briefing the audience about the possibility of verbal tics, and preparing lines for host Alan Cumming to read in case of any offensive language. Also among the mitigations, Mr Davie wrote: If there were any involuntary racial tics or hate speech, this would be edited out. Last year, the BBC faced criticism for its live broadcast of punk duo Bob Vylans Glastonbury Festival set, as the group led chants of death, death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) during their performance. In his letter, Mr Davie said that following this, the corporation conducted a full review of the protocols around the streaming of live music events, and revealed that any music performances deemed high risk are no longer broadcast or streamed live. Following Bob Vylans 2025 Glastonbury performance, Mr Davie revealed that any music performances deemed high risk are no longer broadcast or streamed live (Ben Birchall/PA) (Ben Birchall) In a note sent to staff on Friday, seen by the Press Association, the corporations chief content officer Kate Phillips said she had personally been in regular communication with Bafta, adding she was having listening sessions with a number of my teams in BBC Content. She said: I know this incident has caused much upset and hurt. Over the past few days, Ive been in email contact with many of you and had phone calls and conversations too. Ive really appreciated your honesty as youve detailed the impact this has had. I know there is frustration that my first email didnt give more detail, but I thought it was more important to reach out to you all at that point, than wait until I had a further update. Mr Davidson, whose Tourettes causes him to involuntarily shout out words, has since said he is deeply mortified by what happened at the Baftas, where I Swear, a film about his life and struggles, was nominated. Bafta apologised after the film awards and said it took full responsibility for putting its guests in a difficult situation. In a letter to members, Bafta chairwoman Sara Putt and chief executive Jane Millichip said a comprehensive review was under way, adding: Please rest assured how seriously we are taking this. Zohran Mamdani and Morris Katz, who helped propel the 34-year-old to mayor in 2025 Zohran Mamdanis Gen Z advisers travelled to Britain to give advice to Labour. Morris Katz, who is 26, helped propel Mr Mamdani to the role of New York City mayor in 2025 with his fun viral videos and a sharp messaging strategy focused on the cost of living. The strategist travelled to the UK in February after receiving invitations from both Labour and Green party politicians, Politico reported. The fight against the aligned interests of the oligarchy and the far right is an international one, and Ill try to be helpful wherever I can, he told the news website. In London, he met with Labour MPs Rosie Wrighting and Gordon McKee, as well as a Labour candidate in the race for mayor of Croydon. Since his return to the US, Mr Katz has held virtual meetings with members of both parties and plans to speak with Green Party leadership in the coming weeks, he told Politico. Mr Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, surged to victory in New York after defeating former state governor Andrew Cuomo in the primary race. His popularity has grown in office, with net approval ratings standing at a + 48 per cent. The first steps of his plan to bring in universal free childcare were announced on March 3, with four communities set to receive support for children aged two from the autumn. The charismatic mayor has continued to produce snappy, compelling social media content that highlights the achievements of his administration. Amid severe snowstorms earlier this year, Mr Mamadani offered residents $30 per hour (22) to shovel the roads and pavements transforming the city in a highly-visible, popular fashion. Mr Katz has joined the mayor at both of his meetings with Donald Trump, at which the two leaders have formed an unlikely friendship. On Feb 25, the president promised to support Mr Mamdanis housing plans with federal funding. Mr Katz self-identifies as a believer of populist politics. He is not an official member of Mr Mamdanis cabinet but is close to the mayor and continues to offer him advice. Khan gave Mamdani advice In June last year before he was elected, Sir Sadiq Khan gave Mr Mamdani advice. Mr Mamdani and the Mayor of London spoke over the phone, a source close to Mr Mamdanis campaign confirmed to The Telegraph. The phone call with Sir Sadiq was warm and collegial and Mayor Khan had some words of advice, they said, but insisted the pair did not talk strategy. The British Left is likely to admire how Mr Katz persuaded voters to back expansions in the social safety net under the banner of reducing the cost-of-living. The 26-year-old said he was not paid for the advice, and that he did not plan to take up any work in the UK as he was preparing for the US midterms. However, he told Politico he was open to paid positions in future. Did you buy ORCL common stock between June 12, 2025, and December 16, 2025? Affected Oracle Corporation Investor Summary Who : Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) : Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) What: Securities fraud class action lawsuit filed Securities class action lawsuit filed Class Period: June 12, 2025, through December 16, 2025 June 12, 2025, through December 16, 2025 Deadline to Seek Lead Plaintiff Status: April 6, 2026 April 6, 2026 Key Lawsuit Allegations: Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's data center capabilities for artificial intelligence infrastructure and capital expenditures. Material misstatements and/or omissions concerning the company's data center capabilities for artificial intelligence infrastructure and capital expenditures. Investor Action: Contact Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) for recovery options at no cost to investor RADNOR, Pa., March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP informs investors that the firm has filed a securities fraud class action lawsuit against Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) (Oracle) on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired Oracle common stock between June 12, 2025, and December 16, 2025, inclusive (the Class Period). This action, captioned Barrows v. Oracle Corporation, et al., Case No. 1:26-cv-00127-JLH, was filed on February 3, 2026, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware and is pending before the Honorable Jennifer L. Hall. Important Deadline Reminder: Investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Oracle common stock during the Class Period may, no later than April 6, 2026, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class. CONTACT KTMC TO DISCUSS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS: If you purchased or acquired Oracle common stock and lost money on your investment, you are encouraged to contact KTMC attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. at: There is no cost or obligation to speak with an attorney. Learn more about Oracle Corporation on YouTube: ORACLE CORPORATION CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT - COMPLAINT ALLEGATION SUMMARY: Oracle, a Delaware corporation with its principal executive offices in Austin, Texas, is a technology company that provides, among other things, infrastructure for operating artificial intelligence (AI) programs. During the Class Period, Defendants misled investors by touting the Oracle's contracts to develop data center capabilities for AI infrastructure and falsely assuring investors that the Company's significant capital expenditures (CapEx) would quickly result in accelerated revenue growth. The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts, about Oracle's business and operations. Specifically, Defendants misrepresented and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Oracle's AI infrastructure strategy would result in massive increases in CapEx without equivalent, near-term growth in revenue; (2) Oracle's substantially increased spending created serious risks involving Oracle's debt and credit rating, free cash flow, and ability to fund its projects, among other concerns; and (3) as a result, Defendants' representations about Oracle's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. Why did Oracle's Stock Drop? The truth began to be revealed on September 24, 2025, when S&P Global Ratings warned that OpenAI "could account for more than a third of total Oracle revenues by fiscal 2028 and even a greater share by fiscal 2030," creating risks given that "OpenAI's ability to meet contractual obligations will be contingent on AI tailwinds continuing and its models being a market leader to continue to raise external financing." On this news, the price of Oracle common stock declined $5.37 per share, or nearly 2%, from a close of $313.83 per share on September 23, 2025, to close at $308.46 per share on September 24, 2025. Oracle's stock price continued to fall in response to multiple additional disclosures, the last of which was on December 17, 2025, when the Financial Times reported that Blue Owl Capital"the primary [financial] backer for Oracle's largest data centre projects in the US"had backed out of funding a $10 billion Oracle data center intended to serve OpenAI. According to the report, Blue Owl pulled out of the deal as a result of concerns about Oracle's spending commitments and rising debt levels. On this news, the price of Oracle common stock declined $10.19 per share, or approximately 5.4%, from a close of $188.65 per share on December 16, 2025, to close at $178.46 per share on December 17, 2025. WHAT ORCL INVESTORS CAN DO NOW: File to be lead plaintiff by April 6, 2026. Contact KTMC for a free case evaluation. Retain counsel of choice or take no action. THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS FOR ORACLE CORPORATION INVESTORS : Oracle investors may, no later than April 6, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Oracle investors to contact the firm for more information. ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC): Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. KTMC has recovered over $25 billion for our clients and the classes they represent. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com. The complaint in this matter was filed by KTMC. CONTACT: Jonathan Naji, Esq. (484) 270-1453 280 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087 [email protected] May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Peter Gummer, whose title is Lord Chadlington, said he wholly rejects the findings. Illustration: Guardian Design/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Action on Addiction, TASS (Illustration: Guardian Design/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Action on Addiction, TASS) The Conservative peer Peter Gummer has said he will leave the House of Lords after an investigation found he committed five breaches of standards over Covid PPE deals and failing to cooperate with previous inquiries. The Lords standards commissioner, Martin Jelley, found that Gummer, whose peerage title is Lord Chadlington, committed three breaches of the code governing peers conduct by: introducing a company in which he had a financial interest to the government in April 2020 as a potential supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the NHS; having contact with the then health secretary, Matt Hancock; and giving further advice to the company. The breaches were specifically of the rule that peers must not seek to profit from membership of the house by accepting or agreeing to accept payment or other incentive or reward in return for providing parliamentary advice or services. Jelley also found that Chadlington committed two breaches of standards, including that he did not act on his personal honour, by failing to cooperate with two previous investigations, which cleared him. A 12-month suspension, which was upheld by the conduct committee after Chadlington appealed, is at the upper end of penalties for peers misconduct. Chadlington said in response that he would retire from the House of Lords and quit the Conservative party. In April 2020, Chadlington introduced a company in which he had a financial interest to the government as a potential supplier of PPE. The company, SG Recruitment, a small, loss-making agency, was awarded 50m in PPE contracts within weeks, processed by the then Conservative governments VIP lane for politically connected people. Despite the government contracts, however, SG Recruitment, which was later renamed, went into liquidation in December 2023 owing 1.1m in taxes to HMRC. It then emerged that the Department of Health and Social Care had entirely rejected the PPE supplied under the first contract as unusable. It had paid the company 24m. Chadlington, an influential Tory grandee and party donor who is a close friend of David Cameron, headed a multinational public relations conglomerate during his professional career, and previously advised John Major. The findings are the outcome of the third investigation by the House of Lords commissioner for standards into Chadlingtons involvement in introducing SG Recruitment to the government. Jelley launched the investigation last March after complaints were made about Chadlingtons conduct by the Covid Bereaved Families for Justice (CBFFJ) group. Chadlington was cleared by previous standards investigations in 2022 and 2023, which followed reporting in the Guardian and complaints by the Labour peer George Foulkes. The then Lords standards commissioner, Akbar Khan, determined the second time that it was regrettable that Chadlington had not provided fuller information to the first inquiry. The peer told Khan in a written response to the second investigation in August 2023 that he did not facilitate an introduction of SG Recruitments majority owner, David Sumner, to the Conservative peer Andrew Feldman, who was advising the DHSC on PPE procurement. The CBFFJ complained to the commissioner after the SG Recruitment contracts were considered by the Covid inquiry as part of its session on Boris Johnsons governments procurement of PPE during the pandemic. Chadlingtons text messages and emails, which were published by the inquiry, showed he requested help from Cameron with advice on approaching the government. Cameron gave him the phone number of Feldman, a close friend of the former prime minister. Chadlington then sent an email, which was published by the Covid inquiry and disclosed previously to the Guardian, to Sumner introducing him to my friend Andrew Feldman. He can help you with PPE we discussed this morning. Drop me off chain. Peter. Chadlington did not tell either of the two Lords commissioner investigations that he had sent that email. In his appeal to the third investigation, Chadlington said he did not find that email until he commissioned forensic electronic searches of his devices for the Covid inquiry. The Lords conduct committee, rejecting his appeal, said: Any reasonably diligent search would have uncovered the email. One week after Chadlington sent that email, the DHSC awarded SG Recruitment a 24m contract to supply coveralls. A month later, SG Recruitment was awarded a second contract, for 26.1m, to supply hand sanitiser. Chadlington was the chair, a paid director and a shareholder in SG Recruitments parent company, Sumner Group Holdings (SGH), registered in Jersey. The third standards investigation considered again whether Chadlington broke the Lords conduct rule prohibiting peers from seeking to profit from their membership of the house. It also found that when Chadlington failed to cooperate with the previous inquiries, he breached paragraph 9 of the Lords code of conduct, that: Members of the house should act always on their personal honour in the performance of their parliamentary duties and activities. In a response issued by his lawyers, Chadlington said: I wholly reject the findings of this appeal and of the commissioner. He added: Although the committee have acknowledged that I did not act dishonestly, it is important that I make clear that I never profited from an introduction, properly made with honourable intent, at a time of unprecedented national crisis. Any errors that I did make were honest. I have apologised for them and I do so again today. For more than three years, since reaching 80, I have discussed retiring with house officials but did not wish to do so while these investigations were ongoing. I have now decided, having proudly served as a peer for 30 years, that the time is right for me to retire and resign my membership of the Conservative party. Lord Foulkes said: I welcome this decision. It is unfortunate that Lord Chadlington failed to cooperate with the previous commissioners investigations and therefore this has dragged on for so long before the truth has come out. In a statement, the CBFFJ said: We welcome this decision. It vindicates the complaint brought by bereaved families and shows that those who abused their position during the pandemic can be held to account. This matters deeply to families, who always pushed very hard for the then governments multi-billion pound contracts and VIP lane to be properly examined by the Covid inquiry. Americans wouldnt be wrong to fear retaliatory attacks on the U.S. as part of the war with Iran, according to President Donald Trump. I guess, Trump told TIME when asked if those in the United States should worry about domestic attacks. But I think theyre worried about that all the time, Trump added. We think about it all the time. We plan for it. But yeah, you know, we expect some things. Like I said, some people will die. When you go to war, some people will die." Attacks and plots in the U.S. by foreign adversaries and extremist groups were a common feature during the War on Terror over the first two decades of the 2000s. Critics of the president were alarmed by his comments on Iran. President Trump said attacks on the U.S. are a possibility in the war with Iran, telling an interviewer, When you go to war, some people will die (Getty Images) This is deranged and dangerous, Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote on X. Six Americans were killed as part of the conflict when an unmanned aircraft hit a U.S. facility in Kuwait, but so far attacks havent arrived on U.S. shores. The presidents comments were at odds with his administrations confident updates about the war, which have stressed the U.S. domination of Iranian airspace and the weekend strike that killed the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Elsewhere, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday sought to reassure Americans they wouldnt be facing security threats in the U.S., despite the impending departure of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. I don't have any concerns about whether or not the homeland will be covered down on, he said during a press briefing at U.S. Central Command in Florida on Thursday. In addition to the turmoil at DHS, the FBI reportedly fired members of a global counterespionage unit with deep Iran experience in the days before the war broke out as retaliation for their involvement in the Trump classified documents investigation. Six Americans have died so far in the Iran war, including Maj. Jeffrey R. O'Brien, 45, of Waukee, Iowa, who was killed in a UAV attack in Kuwait (Defense Department) Elsewhere in the TIME interview, President Trump reiterated that the war with Iran has no fixed end date. I have no time limits on anything, he said. I want to get it done. Part of finishing the conflict, Trump said, would mean Iran elevating a new pro-U.S. leader, a process the president insists on being a part of. One of the things Im going to be asking for is the ability to work with them on choosing a new leader, Trump said. Im not going through this to end up with another Khamenei. I want to be involved in the selection. They can select, but we have to make sure its somebody thats reasonable to the United States. The presidents commitment to an open-ended war in Iran involving regime change flies in the face of his campaign commitments to avoid foreign conflicts, and Americans are increasingly souring on the war. A Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted for NBC News found 54 percent of American voters disapprove of Trumps handling of the situation in Iran and 41 percent approve. Donald Trump, the US president, has pledged to make Iran economically bigger, better and stronger than ever before - Anadolu Donald Trump has said there will be no deal with Iran unless it involves Tehrans unconditional surrender. The US president said on Friday that he would not end the war unless the Iranian regime relinquished power, adding that he wanted to Make Iran Great Again. Mr Trump said America would work with its allies to select an acceptable leader once the conflict was over, after the US killed Ali Khamenei, the late supreme leader, in an air strike on Saturday. On his Truth Social platform, he said: There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE leader(s) we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better and stronger than ever before. It is not clear what the president meant by including (s) in his post. Hours earlier, Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president, said some countries had begun mediation efforts to end the war, adding that Tehran was committed to lasting peace. Sir Keir Starmer on Thursday reiterated his push for a negotiated settlement. On Wednesday it was revealed that the Iranian spy chief contacted his counterpart at the CIA to talk about a ceasefire on the opening day of the conflict. However, the talks collapsed. The US and Israel continued carrying out attacks on Iran for the seventh consecutive day on Friday. Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, warned that the number of strikes on Tehran would increase dramatically as Israel and Washington moved into the next phase of their military campaign. The strikes on Friday included about 50 Israeli fighter jets destroying an underground bunker intended to be used as Khameneis command hub. Khamenei was eliminated before he could use the bunker during operation Roaring Lion but the compound continued to be used by senior Iranian regime officials, the Israeli Defence Forces said. Later on Thursday night Mr Hegseth said the US would use British bases to increase the number of strikes on Iran dramatically. The US defence secretary said it was unfortunate that Britain had not initially approved the use of its bases including Diego Garcia in the Chagos Islands but we got there. The amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically, Mr Hegseth added. When we say more to come, its more fighter squadrons, its more capabilities, its more defensive capabilities and its more bomber pulses more frequently. The US can use Diego Garcia as a launchpad for aircraft including the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber - Hyungwon Kang/Reuters Washington deployed more warplanes to the region after gaining greater access to foreign countries bases and a warning by Donald Trump that the big one is coming soon. Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, Israels military chief, said in a televised statement: We have additional surprises ahead which I do not intend to disclose. Israel launched 26 waves of strikes on Beirut late on Thursday as it stepped up its campaign against Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed terror group, along with a broad-scale wave of attacks on infrastructure targets in Tehran. Residents in the Iranian capital said it was the worst night of bombing in the past week. Saudi Arabia said it destroyed three drones east of Riyadh on Friday as Iran continued its retaliatory attacks across the Gulf. Several blasts were heard over Tel Aviv on Friday morning after the military said it had detected new missiles launched from Iran. Sir Keir Starmer granted the US permission to use British bases for limited defensive purposes after Iran began firing indiscriminately at allies across the Middle East, and the Prime Minister was accused of not doing enough to support the region. On Thursday, Mr Trump refused to deny reports that he had described Sir Keir as a loser and repeated that he was no Winston Churchill. The dispute had caused Mr Trump to withdraw his support for Britains Chagos Islands deal, in which the UK will relinquish ownership of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius, but lease back its Diego Garcia military base. Diego Garcia, currently owned by Britain, is 2,400 miles from Irans southern coast. That puts it out of range of Iranian ballistic missiles, but within operational range of US B-2 bombers. Permission to use the base will help the US direct long-range stealth bombers such as the B-2 Spirit and B-1 Lancer against Iran without the need for mid-air refuelling, increasing its ability to launch direct strikes on key targets, including hardened bunkers. The base has a deep-water port and advanced intelligence facilities. On Friday, the US said it had sunk 30 Iranian naval ships and struck nearly 200 targets inside Iran, including deeply buried ballistic missile launchers. The US central command said its forces were not holding back on a mission to sink the entire Iranian navy, having hit an Iranian drone carrier at sea. However, US military investigators believe that American forces were probably responsible for an air strike on an Iranian girls school that killed scores of children, according to US military investigators. The bombing of Shajare Tayyebe girls school in Minab, next door to an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) base, is believed to have killed 165 people. Officials told Reuters the conclusion was tentative and that new evidence might emerge to absolve the US. Donald Trump has ruled out letting Mojtaba Khamenei (centre) rule Iran - Rouzbeh Fouladi/Zuma Wire/Shutterstock In an interview with American news website Axios on Thursday, Mr Trump said that he should be the one to choose Irans next leader. He ruled out Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khameneis son and likely successor, calling him a lightweight. The US president insisted he would not send US troops into Iran but said he was all for supporting a Kurdish invasion of western Iran to topple Tehrans remaining leadership. Mr Trump added that he wanted the countrys leadership structure removed and that we want to go in and clean out everything quickly. US president Donald Trump has warned that Irans unconditional surrender is the only way to end the US-Israeli war with the country, as the conflict entered its seventh day. The US and Israel have battered Iran with strikes since last Saturday, targeting its military capabilities, leadership and nuclear programme. Israeli warplanes have pounded Tehran, and Israel says it has destroyed the underground bunker of slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated by launching another wave of attacks across Israel and the Gulf. In a rant on Truth Social, President Trump demanded to have a role in choosing the next leader of Iran, as he affirmed: There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! Shiite Muslims burn effigies of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu during a protest on Friday (AP) After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. More than 30 Iranian vessels have been destroyed since Operation Epic Fury began on Saturday, US Central Command (Centcom) has claimed, as US war secretary Pete Hegseth warned there would be a dramatic surge in attacks on Iran as US forces launch missions from British military bases. The amount of firepower over Iran and over Tehran is about to surge dramatically, Mr Hegseth said. When we say more to come, its more fighter squadrons, its more capabilities, its more defensive capabilities, and its more bomber pulses more frequently. The US had earlier criticised the UK for its reluctance to provide access to the bases, but Sir Keir Starmer relaxed his position following a wave of retaliatory strikes from Iran, having previously stated that the bases could be used for the limited, specific defensive purpose of protecting UK and US allies. A spokesperson for No 10 said the UK remains intent on defending its allies in the Middle East (AS1 Leah Jones/MoD) Deputy prime minister David Lammy signalled a dramatic hardening of the governments position as he warned that RAF jets could legally strike Iranian missile sites to prevent attacks on British interests in theMiddle East. A spokesperson for No 10 said the UK remained intent on defending its allies in the Middle East while allowing the US to strike targets in Iran. We have consistently said that well take the necessary steps to prevent future strikes, which, as weve set out over the course of the week, is allowing the US to take out those missiles at source whilst we are defending the skies. And that is a consistent position that we have conveyed throughout the week. Meanwhile, Britons are braced for another cost of living crisis, as the price of oil continued to soar. The price of Brent crude rose on Friday to surpass $88 (65) a barrel, its highest price since April 2024. Passengers from an Oman Air flight that departed from Muscat, Oman, are welcomed on their arrival at Heathrow (Reuters) Greg Jackson, the chief executive of Octopus Energy, told Times Radio that the energy markets are in a state of turmoil as Iran holds control over the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway in the Persian Gulf through which around a fifth of the worlds oil passes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that it will set fire to any vessels attempting to pass through the strait, after claiming complete control of the major shipping route on Wednesday. Efforts to help Britons trapped in the war zone are continuing. A government charter flight arrived in the UK early on Friday morning, the first to evacuate stranded citizens. Passengers on the Titan Airways charter flight, which flew in from Muscat, Oman, told of sleeping in car parks in Dubai as they heard explosions at the beginning of the conflict. A second government evacuation flight left Oman on Friday afternoon. Kristi Noem attends a House judiciary committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington DC ,on 4 March. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters (Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters) Kristi Noem is out of a job. Donald Trump on Thursday announced he was replacing his embattled homeland security secretary, capping weeks of bipartisan complaints about her leadership after immigration agents killed two US citizens and reports emerged that she was involved in a personal relationship with a top deputy. The president made it public in a post on Truth Social, in which he said Markwayne Mullin, a Republican Oklahoma senator, would take over from Noem starting on 31 March. But it appears Noem has another government job lined up. Trump said she would become special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a security initiative Trump said he planned to announce over the weekend. Democrats have cheered Noems departure, with Hakeem Jeffries, the US House minority leader, saying at a press conference: Good riddance. She was a disaster. But Jeffries said it would not change Democrats stance towards funding the homeland security department, which has been partly shut down since mid-February. Noems firing was the first major personnel shakeup of Trumps second term a notable shift from the presidents first term, during which the White House nearly had to install a revolving door to keep up with the pace of cabinet turnover. Trump ousts DHS secretary Kristi Noem In a statement on Twitter/X, Noem thanked Trump for appointing her to the new role, while promoting her record leading the department. News of the firing broke just before she spoke to a group of police officials in Nashville, but Noem did not bring the subject up on stage. Read the full story Markwayne Mullin, Maga warrior and ICE defender, to replace Kristi Noem Donald Trump is nominating Oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security, handing control of the administrations sweeping immigration and deportation agenda to one of Washingtons most hardline voices and combative allies on the issue. Read the full story US House rejects war powers resolution to end Trumps hostilities with Iran The US House of Representatives on Thursday voted down a Democratic-backed measure to halt hostilities with Iran, as Republicans cleared the way for Donald Trump to continue the conflict that has drawn in countries across the Middle East, but criticized as having unclear goals. Read the full story Stock market falls resume as US-Israel war with Iran drives up oil and gas prices A market sell-off resumed on both sides of the Atlantic on Thursday as fears mounted that there would be no quick resolution to the conflict in the Middle East. Read the full story US grants waiver to allow India to buy Russian oil amid Iran war The US treasury issued a 30-day waiver on Thursday allowing India to buy Russian oil currently stuck at sea. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the treasury department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil, treasury secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement posted to social media. Read the full story Trump administration failing to curb measles spread, say experts Experts say that the Trump administration has failed to take obvious steps to contain the spread of measles, which is continuing to accelerate in the United States as the number of cases has climbed past 1,000. The administration has revealed a relaxed attitude toward the highly contagious virus both in terms of messaging and funding allocation, experts said. Read the full story New York and other US states sue Trump over illegal and reckless tariffs A coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors across 24 US states are suing Donald Trump to block his latest round of tariffs. The White House is planning to enact a new 15% tariff on all imports after the supreme court declared Trumps liberation day tariffs illegal. Read the full story Senators demand investigation after ninth American killed by Israeli settlers or soldiers in West Bank More than 30 US senators have signed a letter demanding that the Trump administration open an independent investigation into the February killing of a 19-year-old American in the occupied West Bank, the ninth US citizen killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers since 2022. Read the full story What else happened today: Catching up? Heres what happened Wednesday 4 March. Trump throws out Tucker Carlson from club MAGA after Iran war criticism: Tucker has lost his way President Donald Trump has thrown Tucker Carlson out of club MAGA after the conservative podcaster criticized the U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran. The Trump administration is trying hard to sell Operation Epic Fury to the American people, in part by posting promo-style videos of the strikes on social media, but Carlson and others arent buying it. Carlson called Trumps decision to attack Iran absolutely disgusting and evil in a statement to ABC News Jonathan Karl when the strikes began over the weekend. The goal of Operation Epic Fury is to eliminate Iran's ability to threaten Americans, Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads the U.S. Central Command, said Thursday. Trump has claimed that Iran was rebuilding its nuclear program and was planning to attack U.S. forces before the strikes. President Donald Trump has thrown Tucker Carlson from club MAGA after the conservative podcaster criticized the U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) Carlson said on his podcast Monday, This is Israels war. This is not the United States war. This wars not being waged on behalf of American national security objectives to make the United States safer or richer. This war isnt even about weapons of mass destruction, nukes. Amid Carlsons Iran war criticism, Trump lashed out at the former Fox News host, telling Karl Thursday, Tucker has lost his way. I knew that a long time ago, and he's not MAGA. MAGA is saving our country. MAGA is making our country great again. MAGA is America First, and Tucker is none of those things. And Tucker is really not smart enough to understand that, Trump said. The Independent has reached out to Carlsons representatives for comment. Following the presidents comments, Carlson told Statuss Oliver Darcy, There are times I get annoyed with Trump, right now definitely included. He added, But Ill always love him no matter what he says about me. Carlson called Trumps decision to attack Iran absolutely disgusting and evil (Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images) Right-wing activist and Trump ally Laura Loomer came to the presidents defense and bashed Carlson Thursday, writing on X, Tucker is actively running interference for the Iranian regime and hes deliberately trying to fracture the America First MAGA base from within. Tucker is a massive liability to the President, and his sick betrayal of our country must be completely EXPOSED AND CONDEMNED! The term America First, on which Trump ran his 2024 presidential campaign, has widely been believed to mean putting the interests of the American people ahead of foreign issues. It has typically been associated with the opposition to new wars. But now, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller has defined it as America being the greatest, most unquestioned, unmatched power in the world. The president has made clear that he believes Americas awesome military might should be used to protect and defend Americas interests, Miller told Fox News Sean Hannity Wednesday. America First means America will be the greatest, most unquestioned, unmatched power in the world, and it means we will defend American lives. The U.S. military says it has sunk or destroyed more than 30 Iranian Navy ships and 'relentlessly destroyed Iran's air defenses' (U.S. Navy via Getty Images) Trump said in his 2024 election victory speech, Im not going to start a war. Im going to stop wars. Polling indicates that Americans are not happy with the presidents decision to attack Iran. A Hart Research Associates/Public Opinion Strategies poll conducted for NBC News found 54 percent of American voters disapprove of Trumps handling of the situation, and when asked specifically whether the U.S. should have taken military action against Iran, 52 percent said it should not have. In a CNN poll published on Monday, 6 in 10 respondents said that the president lacked a clear plan for handling the situation while a slightly higher amount, 62 percent, said that he should get congressional approval before launching further strikes. Cooper said Thursday the U.S. has sunk or destroyed more than 30 Iranian Navy ships and relentlessly destroyed Iran's air defenses. The commander said the U.S. military is also working to systemically dismantle Iran's missile production capability for the future. Its unclear when Operation Epic Fury will end, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth saying Thursday, We have only just begun to fight. File photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky looks on during a visit to military training on the Patriot anti-aircraft missile system at an undisclosed location in Germany on June 11, 2024. The United States and its Middle Eastern allies are turning to Ukraine for guidance on how to counter Irans Shahed drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday. Read moreLive: Israel launches fresh strikes on Beiruts southern suburbs and Tehran According to Zelensky, several countries including the US have recently asked Kyiv for assistance in defending against the Iranian-made drones. He added that, in the past few days, he has spoken with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait about potential cooperation. Tehran has fired hundreds of drones at US targets in neighbouring countries after the US and Israel began a massive campaign of air strikes against Iran on Saturday. During its war with Russia, Ukraine has developed highly effective means of downing the Iranian-designed Shahed kamikaze drone, which Moscow has been using for much of the four-year war. "We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against 'Shaheds' in the Middle East region," Zelenskiy wrote in English on the X social media platform. "I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security." We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against "shaheds" in the Middle East region. I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security. Ukraine helps Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) March 5, 2026 The US had requested assistance in protecting its bases and soldiers in certain countries in the region, according to a source familiar with the matter, who said Zelensky had instructed his military to do so. Ukrainians would start work "in the next few days", the source said. In a telephone interview with Reuters on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said that he would take assistance from any country when asked about Zelensky's offer of support to help defend against Iranian drones. Zelensky expressed concern earlier this week that the war in Iran if it proves long and intense could diminish weapons supplies to Ukraine from its Western allies, in particular the air defence systems it needs to protect against Russian missiles. In recent months, Ukraine has already experienced shortages of the US-made Patriot air defence systems, which are the only effective weapon in its arsenal for downing Russia's ballistic missiles. On Tuesday, Zelensky said Ukraine would be open to exchanging interceptor drones for air defence missiles from the Middle East allies, which have their own stocks of Patriots. (FRANCE 24 with AP and AFP) Britains plan to modernise its aid programme which will see significant cuts risks worsening humanitarian crises and destabilising fragile regions, the UNs World Food Programme (WFP) has warned. In a submission to the International Development Committees inquiry into the future of UK aid, the UN agency has critiqued of the governments attempt to recast deep aid reductions as a strategic overhaul of development policy. Ministers have described the shift as moving from donor to investor", and from service delivery to system support, from grants to expertise and from international intervention to local provision." But the WFP has warned the policy risks masking deep cuts to humanitarian funding at a time of escalating global need. The agency told MPs that Britain had been investing in partner government systems and development finance for decades" and that the push for modernisation is actually nothing new. The WFP said the governments strategy risked overlooking the immediate crisis facing fragile states where traditional grant aid remains essential. "In the interim, we are grappling with escalating unmet needs, mainly in fragile contexts, where sustained grant finance will continue to be urgently needed for the foreseeable future", the submission said. The WFP also cautioned that declining funding could destabilise already fragile regions. The precipitous fall in funding at a time of rising needs is reversing hard-fought development gains and destabilising countries and regions", it said. Global humanitarian needs have more than doubled since 2019, with about 319 million people now acutely food insecure worldwide. Callum Northcote, head of economic justice at Save the Children UK, told The Independent: The development system needs to change, but slashing the grants keeping children alive is not reform, its abandonment." He said humanitarian nutrition programmes designed to prevent child deaths in hunger crises are now facing what he described as an unprecedented funding shortfall." In Somalia alone, he warned, nearly half a million young children could face severe acute malnutrition by the end of the year. Funding to the WFP has been cut by nearly a third, from $610 million (448 million) in 2024 to $435 million last year, as part of wider reductions to Britains aid budget after ministers announced plans to cut overseas development assistance from 0.5 to 0.3 per cent of national income by 2027 to help fund higher defence spending. Adrian Lovett, UK executive director of the ONE Campaign, said: One thing we can all agree on is that in the 21st century, no child should die of hunger. The governments desire to move from donor to investor is undermined by the depth of the prime ministers 40% cut to UK aid. This cut costs lives." He added that aid delivered through trusted partners such as the WFP saves lives at relatively low cost, but warned the reductions risked creating a vicious cycle of grinding hunger and disease leading to further instability and conflict." Hannah Bond, co-chief executive of ActionAid UK, said the cuts were already contributing to the roll-back of hard-won rights for women and girls. She said: Abruptly cutting off vital streams of funding isnt the way to achieve the transformation we need." Aid policy experts have also questioned the clarity of the governments strategy. Gideon Rabinowitz, policy and advocacy manager at Bond, said that there was an urgent need for clarity on the strategy underpinning the FCDOs new vision for development." Flora Alexander, UK executive director of the International Rescue Committee, said: Innovation can and should help make UK aid more agile and responsive as humanitarian crises escalate. But in the immediate term, to ensure the most vulnerable people dont fall through the cracks, governments should be directing 60 per cent of their aid budgets towards fragile and conflictaffected states. The WFP submission represents an unusually direct warning from one of the worlds largest humanitarian agencies that the UKs aid overhaul risks deepening, rather than resolving, the global crisis it is intended to address. US bomber the Bone that can hit 900mph lands in UK ahead of surge in Iran strikes A huge US bomber capable of carrying 24 cruise missiles has landed in the UK after the US defence secretary warned of a surge in strikes on Iran. The 146ft B-1 Lancer is the fastest bomber in the US Air Force, according to Boeing, hitting speeds of more than 900mph. It has a wingspan of 137ft and weighs 86 tonnes. Piloted by a crew of four, the Bone as the aircraft is nicknamed has advanced radar and GPS systems to help hit targets, and electronic jammers, radar warnings and a decoy system to protect it from enemies. The B1, which has been used in Syria, Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq, can carry up to 34 tonnes of weapons and equipment. The US Air Force says on its website: Carrying the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory, the multi-mission B-1 is the backbone of Americas long-range bomber force. The bomber was pictured arriving at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire Friday after Sir Keir Starmer granted the US permission to strike defensively against Irans missile facilities from British bases (PA Wire) It can rapidly deliver massive quantities of precision and non-precision weapons against any adversary, anywhere in the world, at any time. A bomber was pictured arriving at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire Friday after Sir Keir Starmer granted the US permission to strike defensively against Irans missile facilities from British bases. Western officials confirmed on Wednesday that US aircraft were expected at the base in the coming days and Britain was ready to accept them. US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said on Thursday that strikes on Iran are about to surge dramatically. He said: Its more fighter squadrons, its more capabilities, its more defensive capabilities. And its more bomber pulses more frequently. Protests are expected at RAF Fairford on Saturday afternoon to oppose any use of the base by US bombers. Donald Trump has said only Irans unconditional surrender will bring an end to the offensive launched seven days ago, as the US and Israel carried out some of the heaviest bombardments so far in the conflict. There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Friday, when US strategic bombers were in action over Iran and intensive Israeli strikes in Lebanon forced more than 1 million people to flee their homes. Israeli and US officials threatened further escalation as Iran retaliated with more attacks across a swathe of the Middle East. Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, said US firepower was about to surge dramatically, while Eyal Zamir, the Israel Defense Forces chief of staff, said Israel was moving to a new phase of its offensive that would further dismantle the regime and its military capabilities. Zamir said in a statement: We have additional surprises ahead which I do not intend to disclose. Tehran launched missiles and drones at Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, apparently targeting US bases and civilian infrastructure including oil pipelines. Other missiles were launched at Israel, though fewer than in the first days of the conflict. Irans Revolutionary Guards said they had fired missiles towards Tel Aviv after an earlier wave of explosions caused a blaze at a residential building in the city. The Revolutionary Guards said Iranian forces had also targeted a military airbase and a radar site in Israel, and promised new initiatives and weapons would soon be deployed to confront Israeli and US aggression, without giving details. Witnesses described the latest airstrikes in Iran as particularly intense, shaking homes in the capital, Tehran. Others reported explosions around the Iranian city of Kermanshah in an area that is home to missile bases. Internet coverage in Iran has been reduced to about 1%, according to the monitoring group NetBlocks, limiting the availability of information about the impact of the war on ordinary Iranians. In Lebanon, where there has been renewed fighting between Israel and the Iranian-backed Islamist militant movement Hezbollah, huge numbers were on the move after the Israeli army issued its largest, most sweeping displacement orders to date and hit Beirut with multiple attacks. Hundreds of thousands were already fleeing Israeli strikes in the south of the country and the Bekaa valley. The Israeli army issued a warning on Thursday evening, urging residents of Dahiyeh, a stronghold of Hezbollah in southern Beirut that is also home to more than 600,000 people, to save your lives and evacuate your homes immediately. By Friday, the usually vibrant area was a ghost town, the throngs of people replaced by rubble and fires from Israeli strikes. Hashem Osseiran, a Red Cross spokesperson for the Middle East, described scenes of panic and confusion. Many people have fled, some on foot, with nothing but the clothes on their backs and no clear sense of where to go, he said. Hezbollah has continued fighting in south Lebanon, announcing volleys of rockets aimed at northern Israel and targeting Israeli forces. Five Israeli soldiers were badly wounded by anti-tank fire on Friday as they were deployed near the border with Lebanon in northern Israel, the IDF said. The headquarters of Ghanas UN peacekeeping battalion in Lebanon was hit by missile attacks on Friday, the United Nations interim force in Lebanon (Unifil) said in a statement. Ghanas armed forces confirmed that two soldiers are critically injured, while one other has been traumatised, adding: The officers mess facility also got hit and has been burnt down completely. Irish soldiers reportedly helped to evacuate the wounded Ghanaians. The taoiseach, Micheal Martin, condemned the action as a reckless attack. He was joined by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, who called it unacceptable as he highlighted the key stabilising role played by Unifil. Neither Unifil nor the Ghanaian army specified the source of the attack, but the international force said it will investigate the circumstances of the incident. The Lebanese health ministry said the death toll in the country stood at 217 since the resurgence of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which fired missiles into Israel in the opening days of the war. A further 798 people have been injured. Military officials say Israels strikes in Beirut are targeting residential buildings used by Hezbollah as headquarters and for the storage of drones, while in Iran, Israel is targeting command bunkers, missile launch sites and other military infrastructure. Adm Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command, said on Friday morning that B-2 stealth bombers dropped dozens of 2,000lb penetrator bombs on deeply buried ballistic missile launchers inside Iran. A large Iranian naval vessel used as a launch platform for drones was also hit, and possibly sunk. The biggest single loss of civilian life reported so far in the conflict came in an apparent airstrike on an Iranian girls school on Saturday, which killed more than 100 students. Military investigators in the US believe it is likely US forces were responsible but have not yet reached a final conclusion, Reuters reported. The war has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran and about a dozen in Israel, according to officials in those countries. Six US troops have been killed. Oil supplies have been disrupted, tens of thousands of flights have been cancelled and international stock markets have been rocked. Before posting his comments about Irans unconditional surrender, Trump said on Friday that regime change was the objective of the joint US-Israeli offensive, which began with a surprise attack that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader. In brief remarks at the White House, Trump again urged the Iranian people to help take back your country, promising the US would grant them immunity. So youll be perfectly safe with total immunity, Trump said, without giving any details about what that meant. Or youll face absolutely guaranteed death. Analysts have said that defections of senior officers from the army or the Revolutionary Guards would suggest the radical clerical regimes grip on Iran was weakening. There is no evidence of this so far, however. On Friday night the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said the US would consider Iran in a state of unconditional surrender once Trump had determined the country no longer poses a threat to the US. Then Iran will essentially be in a place of unconditional surrender, whether they say it themselves or not, she said. Iranian state television reported on Friday that a leadership council had started discussing how to convene the countrys assembly of experts, which will select the new supreme leader. In Tehran, worshippers gathered for the first Friday prayers since the start of the war. Iranian media showed crowds of men and women dressed in black, some carrying Iranian flags, streaming to an open space outside the Imam Khomeini Mosalla grand mosque in the capital. In the background of one video, a man speaking through a loudspeaker mourned Khamenei. We bear witness that he was the embodiment of piety and guardianship in our time, he said as some worshippers seated on prayer rugs wept. In an interview with the news website Axios, Trump said he should be involved in choosing Irans new leader and spoke dismissively of Khameneis son Mojtaba Khamenei, who is a frontrunner to replace his father, calling him a lightweight. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran, Trump said. Recent waves of Israeli strikes appear to have been focused on Irans western border with Iraq, possibly preparing for an incursion by fighters from Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in northern Iraq. Qatar and Saudi Arabia said they had intercepted Iranian attacks targeting US bases in their countries. In Bahrain, officials said Iranian strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building. In Kuwait, where the six US soldiers were killed on Sunday, the army said air defences were activated when missile and drone attacks breached its airspace. The British ambassador to Bahrain said on Friday the UK would help defend the country with its fighter jets. On Thursday the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, said he was sending four more Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters to Qatar after requests from allies for further support. Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said the world urgently needs to see steps to contain and extinguish this blaze, but that instead we are only seeing more inflammatory, bellicose rhetoric, more bombings, more destruction, killings and escalation, that fuels it further. WASHINGTON, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Organization for Social Media Safety today applauded the House Energy and Commerce Committee's approval of H.R. 2657, Sammy's Law, bipartisan legislation that empowers families to use FTC-registered third-party safety software on all major social media platforms to help protect children from the most severe social media harms, including drug dealing, cyberbullying, predation, trafficking, and self-harm content. Sammy's Law enables parents and teens to choose trusted safety software by requiring the largest social media platforms to provide secure, real-time access, paired with strict privacy, security, transparency, and data-minimization safeguards. "One of the most effective ways for parents to protect children is by using third-party safety software, which provides alerts to families when dangerous content is shared through children's social media accounts, enabling life-saving interventions at critical moments," said Marc Berkman, CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety. "Sammy's Law enables targeted protection from the most serious of social media-harms, giving parents an option other than today's less effective and invasive means of supervision, including manually auditing children's devices, duplicating children's accounts on parents' devices, or relying on expansive spyware." Samuel Chapman, father of Sammy Chapman, said: "Sammy's Law will save thousands of lives once it is passed. We are so pleased that it made it through the committee yesterday. It's an important step along the way to becoming the tool that allows parents to parent online." Rose Bronstein, a survivor parent, who lost her son Nate Bronstein due to severe cyberbullying over social media and a Board member of the Organization for Social Media Safety added: "Sammy's Law would have saved Nate's life. Nate was attacked over Snapchat, he received a Snapchat message from a classmate telling him "To Kill Himself". If Sammy's Law was in place at that time, I would have been immediately notified that Nate was in danger. I would have had the opportunity to intervene and protect Nate from further harm and Nate would be here today. What Sammy's Law Does Sammy's Law: Creates an opt-in framework allowing a parent/legal guardianor a teen (13+)to authorize the use of FTC-registered third-party safety software Requires the largest social media platforms to provide secure, real-time API access for authorized safety tools, with a baseline transfer cadence Includes strong safeguards: teen notice, data minimization, strict limitations on provider use and disclosure of data, rapid deletion, and independent security audits Next Steps Following yesterday's Committee approval, Sammy's Law will now advance in the House legislative process. The Organization for Social Media Safety will continue working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to ensure swift passage and implementation. Background Sammy's Law is named in honor of Sammy Chapman. On February 7, 2021, a drug dealer reached out to Sammy on Snapchat and delivered drugs to him at home. He snuck out after his parents were asleep to meet the dealer, who gave him what turned out to be a lethal dose of fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid twice as addictive as heroin, 100 times more powerful than morphine and fatal even in microscopic doses. Sammy had no idea he was taking it. As a result, Sammy lost his life. About the Organization for Social Media Safety The Organization for Social Media Safety, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves as the first and leading consumer protection organization focused solely on protecting the public from the dangers of social media. Through education, advocacy, and technology development, we protect the public from all social media-related dangers, including cyberbullying, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, hate speech, substance abuse, human trafficking, among many others. Leveraging an unparalleled expertise in social media, we seek to make social media safe for everyone. For more information, please visit their website at www.socialmediasafety.org . Press contact: Marc Berkman CEO, Organization for Social Media Safety (800) 349-3440 [email protected] socialmediasafety.org SOURCE The Organization for Social Media Safety Venezuela and the United States are restoring diplomatic ties, the two countries announced Thursday, in a new sign of thawing relations after Washington ousted former president Nicolas Maduro. The announcement came as US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum wrapped up a two-day trip to Venezuela, part of US President Donald Trump's push for greater access to the country's mineral wealth. The re-establishment of diplomatic and consular relations "will facilitate our joint efforts to promote stability, support economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation in Venezuela", the US State Department said. "Our engagement is focused on helping the Venezuelan people move forward through a phased process that creates the conditions for a peaceful transition to a democratically elected government." Read moreVenezuela's interim leader urges Trump to lift sanctions after Maduro's ouster Venezuela's foreign ministry said it would "move forward in a new stage of constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect, the sovereign equality of states and cooperation between our people", adding that the renewed ties would be "positive and mutually beneficial". The announcement came hours after Burgum, a member of Trump's cabinet who leads the National Energy Dominance Council, said he had received assurances from Caracas that the government would ensure the security of foreign mining companies keen to invest there. 'Right kind of security' Burgum, who held talks with interim president Delcy Rodriguez during his trip, said dozens of companies had expressed interest in investing in Venezuela. "I think you're going to see this government very concerned about providing the right kind of security," Burgum said. He told reporters his meetings were "fantastically positive", and predicted Venezuela would surpass its oil and gas production targets in 2026. Trump's administration says it effectively runs Venezuela and controls the country's vast natural resources after toppling Maduro. Burgum is the second senior US official to visit since the bombing raid on January 3 that left around 100 people dead and saw Maduro and his wife flown to New York for trial on drug trafficking charges. Besides oil, Venezuela is rich in minerals such as gold and diamonds, as well as bauxite, coltan and other rare materials used to make computers and mobile phones. Read moreAfter oil, US moves to secure access to Venezuelan minerals Mining activity is concentrated in a territory known as the Orinoco Mining Arc, where armed groups are active. Burgum's visit follows that of US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who pushed for a "dramatic increase" in Venezuela's oil output and talked up "tremendous opportunities" for both Washington and Caracas. Read moreWhat can Trump offer Big Oil to bring US capital back to Venezuela? The enthusiastic assessments of both men, which echo Trump's stance, reflect the sea change in relations between Washington and Caracas since the capture of Maduro. Trump has allowed Rodriguez, who was Maduro's vice president, to move up to interim leader so long as she grants US access to Venezuela's natural resources. Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves, and Rodriguez last month overhauled the state-controlled oil sector to enable a wave of private investment. She now has her sights set on updating the mining code. (FRANCE 24 with AFP) Virginia Roberts Giuffre outside a Manhattan court in August 2019. Her ghostwriter, Amy Wallace, will be appearing with Emily Maitlis at the All About Women festival in Sydney. Photograph: Bebeto Matthews/AP (Photograph: Bebeto Matthews/AP) There are many reasons why Amy Wallace wishes Virginia Roberts Giuffre was still alive. Some are personal. Some are practical. But at its heart pulse the reverberations of a child sex trafficking scandal that reaches into palaces and courtrooms across the globe. Wallace is the now very visible ghostwriter behind the posthumous memoir Nobodys Girl, by Jeffrey Epsteins best-known accuser. I was supposed to be the invisible ghostwriter, which I was perfectly happy to be and thats what I signed up to do, Wallace says. But Giuffres April 2025 suicide at her farm near Perth catapulted her impending memoir, and its San-Francisco-based author, into a spotlight that was already burning brightly. Virginia wanted to help other people who had any kind of trauma. Amy Wallace Because I stepped forward at the publishers request and promoted the book, people got in touch with me to tell me how the book had affected them, Wallace says. If I could show Virginia one email of all the emails that I have gotten, it is actually from a woman in Australia. The email came from a 70-year-old woman who said Giuffres book helped her understand the impact of having been abused by a neighbour as a five-year-old a fact she had never disclosed to anyone. Men too spoke of how the book helped them make sense of past horrors, Wallace says. There were 40,087 victims of sexual assault recorded in Australia in 2024 an increase of 10% on the previous year, according to the Bureau of Statistics. It is moving, and I know that is the reason that Virginia wrote the book. She was very clear about it she wanted to help other people who had any kind of trauma. I just know that [the emails] would have made her so proud. *** This Sunday, at the All About Women 2026 festival in Sydney, Wallace and British journalist Emily Maitlis will examine the institutions that turned a blind eye to Epsteins dark world. In 2019, Maitlis famously put then prince Andrew, the duke of York, on the record about his relationship with Epstein, and questioned him during a now-notorious BBC Newsnight interview about Giuffres allegations that he had sex with her while she was still a teenager. Once regarded as the late Queens favourite son and a decorated war veteran, Mountbatten-Windsors reputation went into freefall after the interview and his name became synonymous with the Epstein scandal. He stepped down from royal duties and in 2022 reportedly paid a 12m out-of-court settlement to Giuffre over the allegations of sexual abuse, which he has consistently denied. By late 2025, his brother, King Charles, removed Mountbatten-Windsors royal titles and he was ordered to leave the Royal Lodge. Last month, the former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over allegations he shared confidential information with Epstein. He has denied any wrongdoing in relation to his dealings with Epstein. Commentators hail this as the biggest scandal in royal modern history and Wallace maintains Giuffres tireless campaign played a role. *** Five years in the making, Nobodys Girl was published in October 2025 and topped the New York Times bestseller book list for 19 consecutive weeks (it is currently in fifth position), selling millions of copies worldwide. In stories involving the powerful, Wallace understood that precision was protection. Interviews were recorded and archived. Drafts were moved offsite. Audio files were secured. The mechanics of ghostwriting merged with contingency planning. Wallace says those recordings remain hidden in a secret location. It was investigative, it was emotional and personal and intimate, Wallace says. It was all different kinds of things at once and I havent necessarily had a project ever that let me use all those parts of myself as a writer. The book makes for harrowing reading. It details extreme trauma, including childhood sexual assault and predation by very wealthy, very powerful people. From the outset, the project carried risk. Giuffre spoke often of fears for her life and for her children, Wallace says. She had warned publicly, on social media, that if she were ever found dead she did not want it presumed to be suicide. The coroners court of Western Australia says it is investigating the circumstances surrounding Giuffres death and WA police say that it is not being treated as suspicious. Both Wallace and Giuffres Perth-based lawyer, Karrie Louden, believe Giuffre died at age 41 by suicide, dismissing suggestions of foul play. But there were other risks Giuffre knew that she was undertaking by telling her story. She also feared the threat which had been made explicitly in at least one case of being kept in the courtrooms for the rest of her life, Wallace says. Wallace is calling on the US Department of Justice to investigate the men Giuffre told them she was trafficked to I think when people hear that, obviously its expensive to be kept in a court case for the rest of your life, but also for survivors of trauma it is torturous because youre basically asked over and over again to say where did he put his hand, where did you put your whatever, over and over again. We ultimately decided the book wasnt just a list of names. It wasnt just a list. But man, we talked about it all the time, she wanted to name all of them. I mean they deserve to be named. Thats why the Epstein files are important. The US Department of Justice has released a tranche of about 3 million just over half of the 6 million pages of documents, images, videos and emails detailing Epsteins activities, after the US federal government mandated the Epstein files be released. The DOJ stated in January that it had fulfilled its obligation. Unlike the two previous books Wallace had ghostwritten about company business leaders, this book demanded immersion in trauma and a careful calibration between compassion and clarity. The emotional toll on both women was immense. I have a therapist and a lot of my therapy sessions were talking about either Virginia or how I could be sensitive to Virginia in terms of how to be careful, how to not re-injure her, Wallace says. What I have learned is that victims of trauma, serious serial trauma like Virginia [suffered], her memory was amazing and incredibly accurate, but at times it was cut up into pieces. The books production was a long road that spanned the globe, from Paris to Perth, and included living in the Giuffre home with their three children. Even after Giuffres death, the journey continues for Wallace and she is calling on the US Department of Justice to investigate the men Giuffre told them she was trafficked to. She talked to the FBI two different times and she gave them the names, Wallace says. Since 2011 they have known the names and those men have never been interviewed. Wallace recalls celebrating historic moments, such as the conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell on sex trafficking charges with the Giuffre family. I loved her, Wallace says. She was generous, she was funny, she was smart, she was kind, she was brave, so brave, and we were just an inseparable team for a long time, so losing her was terrible. It has been a privilege to get her story out. I just wish, obviously, that she was here to see the reaction. Amy Wallace joins Emily Maitlis at All About Women at the Sydney Opera House on 8 March 2026 Dogs can be the sweetest and most loyal companions, but some people continue to let their furry friends down. This is a tragic global problem, which is why animal rescues like Sadie's Dog Rescue are so important to the communities they serve. Sadie's is a UK-run organization based on Bacau, Romania, which is where they rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals who are down on their luck, just like Paladin. Paladin was found tied to a tree on the side of the road on March 2, but Laura from Sadie's Dog Rescue still earned his trust with treats, time, and lots of encouragement. Even though he was terrified of coming too close, the abandoned dog gave his new friend a chance when he needed to the most. He had no idea that she'd save his life! What a sweetheart! This rescue pup may have been nervous, especially after being dumped on the side of the road like this, but he still let Laura feed and pet him. When she picked him up, he even gave a hesitant but hoepful tail wag! "Bless his little heart," commented @darenwheeler. "His tail is wagging, he wants to trust you but hes scared. Thank God for people like you." If it weren't for Laura, who's always keeping an eye out for animals in need, who knows how long he would've been fending for himself. Related: Tiny Puppies Abandoned in Mexican Desert Couldnt Be More Grateful To Be Rescued Viewer @darealtomr wasn't the only one to acknowledge "the visceral anger I feel when people leave dogs like this." Animal abandonment is not only wrongit's illegalbut many heartless people never get caught. Luckily, the animals they leave behind can get a second chance at life with rescuers like Laura. Paladin proved that any change, even positive change, can be scary, but it's also worth it in the end. By the time he was at the vet, the former stray dog was already feeling safe enough to fall asleep in his crate! Roadside Rescues Because of her connections with Sadie's, Laura has all the resources she need to rescue and rehabilitate stray dogs like Paladin. As wonderful as these may be, they're not necessary in order to rescue a dog from a dangerous situation. Anyone can pull over and rescue a dog from the side of the road. However, it's always essential to be aware of surroundings to prevent anyone from getting injured. Paladin showed everyone that it can take time to win a dog's trust, but escorting them to safety is more than worth it. SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Mar 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. As Iran launches Shahed suicide drones across the Middle East in retaliation for ongoing US-Israeli attacks, countries are spending millions of dollars intercepting them. The UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar are among the nations in the region that use sophisticated US-made air defences to intercept the relatively cheaply made, mass-produced drones fired by Iran. With the conflict now in its seventh day, the US has turned to Ukraine, a country that shoots down Shahed-type drones fired by Russia every night, for assistance in defending its assets in the Middle East. Iranian Shahed drones cost around $30,000 to produce (AP) There is a surge in interest in the Ukrainian drone interceptors, which can intercept the Shahed for a very low cost, a Ukrainian official told the Financial Times. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has offered to provide the Middle East with Kyivs air defence specialists and cheap drone interceptors, which cost roughly $2,000-$5,000, and suggested Ukraine would accept missiles for Patriot systems in exchange. The use of Ukrainian interceptors would save huge sums of money for countries in the region that are currently using $4m missiles for the US Patriot defence system to destroy Iranian Shahed drones costing just $30,000. We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against Shaheds in the Middle East region, Mr Zelensky announced on X on Thursday, adding that he gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists to guarantee security in the region. Iran has used Shahed drones to attack several countries in the region, with attacks spreading as far as Azerbaijan (Social media) With the increasing deployment of drone warfare in Russia and now by Iran, cheaply made interceptor drones are now viewed as the most effective and cost-efficient way to defend the hotels, embassies and army bases across the Middle East. The homegrown Ukrainian munitions have transformed Kyivs air defence as it faces hundreds of Shahed-type drones launched by Russia every night. The drones, which come in both winged and copter forms, are piloted by humans who steer them towards their targets. They are equipped with advanced communications systems, allowing them to reach a high altitude, and can reach a speed of around 330km per hour before striking their target, officials say. It needs to be faster than Shahed, which flies 200km per hour, and this drone has to find, catch and destroy it, Serhii Beskrestnov, a consultant to the Ukrainian military, told Politico last August. Mr Zelensky has been in contact with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and the UAE president Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, about the use of Ukraines anti-drone technology. Iranian drones damaged a school near Azerbaijans border with Iran (AP) But there would need to be an incentive for Ukraine to give up its interceptors, Mr Zelensky said. Any such cooperation aimed at protecting our partners can only proceed without diminishing our own defence capabilities. The Ukrainian president acknowledged that Ukraine is facing a shortage of PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptor missiles used by the Patriot systems, and proposed that cooperation on drones could be part of an exchange of military technology. Regarding weapons: we ourselves are at war. We have a shortage of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles, he said. We would like to quietly work with countries both those we can name and those we cannot to obtain for ourselves some of the deficit missiles for Patriot systems and transfer the appropriate number of [drone] interceptors. Angelina Jolie was once in line for a Bride of Frankenstein remake, years before Jessie Buckley starred in The Bride. (Getty Images/Warner Bros Pictures) It's taken almost a century to truly bring the Bride of Frankenstein back to the big screen with The Bride!. Unless you count Helena Bonham Carter stumbling around engulfed in flames in the 1990s or the flop 80s flick The Bride and not many people do then you have to go back as far as 1935's all-time Gothic classic Bride of Frankenstein for a true take on the monster's other half. The character, who is never actually brought to life in Mary Shelley's novel, has proven a very tough nut to crack since her sensational debut. But once upon a time, Angelina Jolie was on course to don that remarkable hairdo and trademark hiss. It now seems very unlikely that Jolie's spin on the devilish creation will ever come to pass, with Jessie Buckley taking up the mantle alongside Christian Bale's Frank in new movie The Bride! ostentatious exclamation mark required. Maggie Gyllenhaal's raucous film imagines the couple as a sort of misshapen Bonnie and Clyde, while it's fair to say that Jolie's version would've been something more traditional. Here's how it, rather fittingly, was built, brought to life, and then finally extinguished for good. The original Bride of Frankenstein Elsa Lanchester played the Bride alongside Boris Karloff's creature in 1935's Bride of Frankenstein. (THA) Bride of Frankenstein is arguably the greatest of the Universal Monsters movies. Released four years after James Whale's classic Frankenstein script troubles delayed the studio's initial plans for a swift sequel the film follows Henry Frankenstein and his mentor Dr Pretorius as they construct a mate for the monster. And in a neat meta twist, actor Elsa Lanchester plays both the Bride and author Mary Shelley in a framing sequence. Despite some grappling with censors this was, after all, the era of the Hays Code Bride of Frankenstein was a monster success, both critically and commercially. Were it not for the all-conquering might of Paddington 2 you know I'm right it would almost certainly rank as the best sequel in the history of cinema. Unsurprisingly, the idea of a remake or a fresh adaptation has been something of a white whale for Hollywood in the 21st century. Enter, Angelina Jolie. Dark Universe Russell Crowe, Javier Bardem, Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp and Sofia Boutella in the Dark Universe. On 22 May 2017 in one of the most damning acts of studio hubris ever Universal announced its plans for a star-studded shared universe of monster characters, accompanied by a glossy photo of the core cast. In retrospect, Angelina Jolie is probably quite glad she wasn't in the photo. The Mummy premiered a week later, introducing Sofia Boutella as the titular Egyptian princess, Tom Cruise as a US Army sergeant, and Russell Crowe as the dual personalities of Jekyll and Hyde. Johnny Depp was cast as the Invisible Man, while Javier Bardem seated at the very front of the image was due to play Frankenstein's Monster. Two years earlier, trade press reports had linked Jolie to the title role in an upcoming Bride of Frankenstein movie. The film was officially announced in 2017, with Bill Condon as director and David Koepp as writer though Jolie's involvement wasn't confirmed. Read more: Brendan Fraser reveals reason why Tom Cruise's Mummy movie buried itself (BANG Showbiz, 2 min read) Production was slated to begin in February 2018, ahead of a 2019 release, though Universal put the brakes on to rework the script. This was presumably a result of the poisonous critical reaction to The Mummy, which prompted a rethink at Universal after the studio potentially lost as much as $95m (71m). In 2020, studio chairwoman Donna Langley described the universe as a "failed attempt" and said "the world was not asking for a shared universe of classic monsters". Resurrection? Angelina Jolie and producer Amy Pascal were once linked to reviving the Bride of Frankenstein movie. (Neilson Barnard via Getty Images) At the time the film was delayed, reports suggested that both Jolie and Bardem remained on board, though the former had never been officially announced for the role. By 2019, the Dark Universe was on ice as Universal announced the film that would become Leigh Whannell's excellent The Invisible Man, with Johnny Depp now so invisible that he was recast. Read more: Wolf Man and the curse of the Universal Monsters franchise (The Conversation, 5 min read) In 2020, though, Jolie's bride rose again. Variety reported that producer Amy Pascal was interested in reviving the project alongside John Krasinski, with Sam Raimi talked about as a potential director. A Universal source confirmed that the studio "empowered [Pascal] to explore a new vision for the Universal monster character and come back with a new and inventive take". Nothing ever came of this, and the trail went cold again. Condon described the demise of his movie as a "heartbreaker" in an interview with Collider. He added, "I thought it was unbelievably good, and we were on the verge of making a really beautiful movie, I thought. So that was a shame." The Bride! stars Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley as the classic horror characters. (Warner Bros Pictures) We got a little bit of insight into what could have been in 2022 when Koepp spoke to Collider about the two versions he wrote "a great big movie" for Condon and a "much smaller version" that "didn't work out". Tantalisingly, he said the original version "was going to be a very big, lavish, beautiful, Gothic horror production" and added: "The first 30 or 40 pages took place in the 1870s as the Frankenstein movies do, and then she became sort of inert for 150 years and was rediscovered and reawakened in the present day. And I thought that was cool." Read more: Angelina Jolie believes she's getting 'better work' as she gets older (Cover media, 1 min read) It's clear to see that there was real ambition behind that version of Bride of Frankenstein, and Jolie would have been an undeniably captivating Bride. But with Jessie Buckley now playing a fearsome, unchained version of the character in The Bride!, the big-screen legacy of Elsa Lanchester's performance and that glorious hair remains firmly in place. The Bride! is in cinemas now. After six seasons and an explosive finale that aired in 2022, Peaky Blinders is back for a big-screen coda, with Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man in cinemas now. Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy returns as Birmingham gang leader Tommy Shelby, with Barry Keoghan playing his estranged son Erasmus Duke Shelby, alongside a cast that includes Rebecca Ferguson, Stephen Graham, and Tim Roth. The film will hit Netflix on 20 March, but ahead of that, the film billed as the true finale to the epic crime saga will show in movie theatres for a limited time. Film critics have seen the film and have delivered their verdicts. What is Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man about? In 2022, the 81-minute Peaky Blinders finale Lock and Key seemingly brought the Shelby family saga to a close. Michael Shelby (Finn Cole) was killed by Tommy, Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson) avenged the death of Aunt Polly (the late Helen McCory) by killing Laura Captain Swing McKee (Charlene McKenna), while the traitorous Billy Grade (Emmett J Scanlan) met his fate, and younger brother Finn (Harry Kirton) was banished from the family. Cillian Murphys Tommy Shelby appeared to leave his criminal life behind, riding a white horse to safety, leaving the door open for the story to continue. The Immortal Man picks up the story in 1940. The synopsis explains: Amidst the chaos of WWII, Tommy Shelby is driven back from a self-imposed exile to face his most destructive reckoning yet. With the future of the family and the country at stake, Tommy must face his own demons and choose whether to confront his legacy or burn it to the ground. By order of the Peaky Blinders Barry Keoghan plays Tommys son Duke in the new film, taking over the role from Conrad Khan, and hes leading a new generation of Peaky Blinders, heralding a new clash between father and son. What critics liked Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby in the new movie Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. (Netflix) The critical response to Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man has been largely positive, earning a 93% approval rating on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes from 28 reviews at the time of writing. While this suggests glowing reviews all round, most come with various caveats, suggesting a lot of three-star reviews, rather than lots of five-star reviews. In his review for Variety, UK-based film critic Guy Lodge praised the film, saying, its dutiful fan service, sure to satisfy legions of cultists cosplaying in tweed, but not unapproachable to viewers who arent entirely au fait with the show a neat balance that should make it a streaming monster. Reviewing the film for The Wrap, Chase Hutchinson highlighted the films uneven quality, while praising the cast, writing, its often more than a little scattered and borderline silly, but the performances elevate the material. Deadlines Damon Wise was more positive, summarising the film as an entertaining slice of British pulp that knows exactly what it is and Murphy knows exactly what hes doing in it. What critics didnt like Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (Netflix) (Steven Barham/Netflix) In his review for The Telegraph, critic Chris Bannion says The Immortal Man is Tommys biggest and daftest assignment yet, adding its stylish, yes, it has verve and swagger and real love for the time and the place. But this is Tommy Shelby and the Peaky Blinders playing their greatest hits on what feels a little like a farewell tour. Those peaks just arent as razor-sharp as they used to be. Writing for the Independent, film critic Clarisse Loughrey singles out Oppenheimers Cillian Murphys return as Tommy Shelby for praise, saying, he can level all that early 20th-century Brummie crime boss braggadocio with the soul of an innate philosopher. In Murphys hands, its never mere macho stoicism we fully understand Tommy as a man buckled by accumulated loss and violence. She adds, though, that the sequel doesnt justify its existence despite a three-star review. IndieWires Miriam Balanescu writes that the film often feels like a rehashing of the shows old material in her review, which awards the movie a C rating. An unfortunate silliness sometimes creeps in, where the film risks tipping over Shakespearean-size emotions into embarrassing bathos, she explains. Anchored by Murphy and Keoghans impeccable performances and father-son chemistry, its an unsteady trip down memory lane. Though imperfect, if it were the Peaky Blinders last hurrah, its certainly a spectacular way to go. Is it worth watching Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man? Chances are, if youre thinking of watching Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, you are already committed to the series, and it sounds like the movie offers more of the same, which fans will likely lap up. However, if this is your first entry to the world of Peaky Blinders, theres a chance that a lot of the story may fly over your head, making Immortal Man a more muted recommendation. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is in cinemas now, and streams on Netflix from 20 March. The BBC mistakenly altered a speech by Pete Hegseth on the war in Iran, making him appear to say the United States was targeting the Iranian people. BBC Persian, which broadcasts to audiences inside Iran, mistranslated remarks by the US secretary of defence, telling viewers Washington was bringing death to the Iranian people. In fact, Mr Hegseth had said the Iranian regime was being targeted. The BBC, which carried Mr Hegseths Pentagon address live on Monday, translated the word regime as mardom, the Persian word for people. It later issued a correction. The mistake was seized upon by pro-Israel media campaigners, who claimed that it cast doubt on the BBCs impartiality. It also triggered a backlash on social media. The row risks putting the BBC on another collision course with Donald Trump, who launched a $10bn (7.5bn) lawsuit against the corporation last year after The Telegraph revealed it had altered a speech in a way that made him appear to encourage the Capitol Hill riot. Mr Trump has justified the ongoing war in the Middle East by arguing that Tehrans leadership, not its population, poses a direct threat to American national security after repeatedly calling for death to America. The error drew condemnation from Iranians online, who accused the BBC of conflating ordinary civilians with the brutality of the regime and altering the meaning of Mr Hegseths speech. Others disagreed, saying the translation was acceptable. The US president has called on the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow the leadership. On Monday, Mr Hegseth repeated that call, urging civilians to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. In his speech, Mr Hegseth said: It turns out the regime that chanted death to America and death to Israel was gifted death from America and death from Israel. This is not a so-called regime-change war, but the regime sure did change and the world is better off for it. But when the BBC translated this into Persian, it became: It turns out the people that chanted death to America and death to Israel was gifted death from America and death from Israel. Pete Hegseths Pentagon address was carried live by the BBC on Monday - Will Oliver/EPA/Shutterstock Thamar Eilam-Gindin, an Iran expert and Persian linguist at Haifa University, said the BBC had fundamentally altered the meaning of the address. By mistranslating the English word regime into the Persian word mardom meaning peoplethe BBCs Persian service fundamentally altered the meaning of the US secretary of defences speech, making it appear as though he were attacking all Iranians rather than the Islamic Republic. Among members of the Iranian diaspora in the West, with whom I am in regular contact, this incident reinforces what they perceive as a long-standing pro-regime editorial line at BBC Persian. A spokesman for Camera UK, a media monitoring organisation that seeks to prevent skewed characterisations of Israel, said: Once again, the already problematic reputation of BBC World Service is further damaged by a mistranslation that manipulates the original meaning of the text. Just as Jews are not synonymous with Israelis in Arabic, the people of Iran are not the same as its regime in Persian. A BBC spokesman said: This mistranslated word was a mistake, as a result of human error, during the live simultaneous translation of a speech. We issued a correction to Persian audiences on air and on social media. The mistake is only the latest incident in the broadcasters coverage of Iran to have been criticised. The latest BBC mistake is likely to have irked Donald Trump, who is already suing the corporation for defamation - Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg In January, the BBC was embroiled in a row with the Israeli embassy after the broadcaster was accused of obsessing over Gaza while largely ignoring the protests in Tehran. Alex Gandler, the embassys official spokesman, said on social media that there had been near-total silence on BBC news bulletins about the demonstrations against Tehrans Islamic theocratic leaders. He questioned the BBCs impartiality, claiming it continued to devote huge resources to its coverage of events in Gaza. The latest complaint will likely irk the US president, who sued the BBC in December, seeking $5bn (4bn) in damages for defamation after The Telegraph revealed a Panorama documentary had edited the speech he gave to his supporters before they stormed the US Capitol building in Washington on Jan 6, 2021. In his legal complaint filed in Miamis court for the southern district of Florida, the president described the programme as a brazen attempt to influence the outcome of the presidential election between Mr Trump and Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate. An internal BBC whistleblower memo that The Telegraph obtained last year said the broadcaster completely misled viewers during its programme entitled Trump: A Second Chance?, which was broadcast a week before the US election in 2024. Mr Trump is seeking a further $5bn in damages from the BBC over claims the programme violated the states deceptive and unfair trade practices act. BBC Persian staff have long said that Iranian authorities have interrogated and detained family members inside Iran to pressure them into stopping their reporting. Relatives have been threatened with arrest, asset seizures, and the removal of business licenses unless their journalist family members cease coverage of unrest in Iran. In addition to enduring personal security threats from Iranian state actors operating beyond Irans borders, BBC News Persian journalists are now witnessing a disturbing rise in the persecution of their family members inside Iran, Tim Davie said in June last year. Enzo Conticello is now liable for deportation after admitting the theft - Central News/Met Police An Algerian thief who stole a womans handbag containing a Faberge egg and watch worth 2m was in Britain illegally, a court heard. Enzo Conticello, 29, had overstayed his visa when he targeted Rosie Dawson in Soho, and stole the multimillion-pound jewelled egg in 2024. Conticello, who is also known as Hakim Boudjenoune, was now liable for deportation after admitting the theft, Judge Weekes told Southwark Crown Court. The court heard that Dawson was outside the Dog and Duck pub in Bateman Street on Nov 7 2024 when the Algerian thief stole her bag. She was carrying a handbag containing a laptop and credit cards, as well as the Faberge egg and watch belonging to the Craft Irish Whiskey Company, for which she is the director of premium brands. The Faberge egg and watch have not been found. Rosie Dawson attends a Craft Irish Whiskey Company tasting with Adam Brennan. In November 2024 she was robbed while carrying a Faberge egg belonging to the company when attending a similar event in Soho - Aaron Davidson/Getty Images After stealing Ms Dawsons handbag, Conticello used her credit card to buy himself a drink, cigarettes and other goods. He was arrested by detectives in Belfast in January and later admitted theft and three counts of fraud by false representation. Conticello did not enter a plea to a charge of concealing criminal property, namely the egg and watch, and Julian Winship, prosecuting, asked Fridays hearing that the charge should lie on file. Judge Weekes said there was no need to prepare pre-sentence reports for the thief, adding: He is also an over-stayer. He is liable for deportation, it would seem. Conticello did not attend the hearing and remains in custody. Judge Weekes set his sentencing for April 9. Faberge eggs, made by jewellery firm the House of Faberge, regularly sell for millions at auction Matthew Keliris-Thomas, defending, asked for a pre-sentence report and said: He is not heavily convicted, not many like offences. Judge Weekes remarked: Well, ish. The judge gave prosecutors until March 20 to provide the defence with a sentencing note, including an up-to-date valuation of the Faberge egg. Conticello was previously convicted of a separate count of theft at Laganside Court in Belfast on Jan 9 and jailed for five months, the court heard. Faberge eggs, made by jewellery firm the House of Faberge, regularly sell for millions at auction. The firm was renowned for designing elaborate, jewel-encrusted eggs for Russian emperors. In December last year, a jewel-studded Faberge egg, made originally for the mother of Russias last emperor, sold for a record 22.9m. An RAF F-35 jet at RAF Akrotiri on Thursday. The Cypriot government is unhappy with Britains defence of the base - Leon Neal/Getty Images The future of Britains RAF bases in Cyprus is under threat amid anger over Sir Keir Starmers failure to protect the island. Constantinos Kombos, the Cypriot foreign minister, said there were questions over who should control the military installations on the island and that conversations needed to take place between Britain and his country. He said there was displeasure among officials over Sir Keirs decision not to send defences to Cyprus despite the expected US attack on Iran. The threat is a response to the Prime Ministers late deployment of HMS Dragon, which is now expected to leave Portsmouth next week, despite an Iranian drone hitting RAF Akrotiri at the weekend. The two bases Akrotiri and Dhekelia are British sovereign territory. They were retained after Cyprus was granted independence in 1960. "There are questions. There are issues. There are concerns." Cypriot foreign minister Constantinos Kombos says there needs to be a "conversation" about removing the UK's two RAF bases in Cyprus after a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri on Sunday. #Newsnight pic.twitter.com/xjC82KAq5F BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) March 6, 2026 Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Mr Kombos said: I dont think anyone anywhere in the world would be in any position of accepting the presence of bases on the island without having given a clear concern, given the ... way things have moved forward. He added: As to the future of the bases in Cyprus, this is something that has been on the agenda for a long time from both sides. But I believe this is a conversation that one needs to have after we have a careful reflection as to what has transpired, especially in recent days and hours. Mr Kombos said that the Cypriots displeasure was made clear both before and after the drone strike on Sunday, which hit a hangar that US spy planes usually occupied. He said: Right now we have the British bases on the island. There are questions. There are issues. There are concerns. Our displeasure was shared leading up to the incident and immediately afterwards. We are now focusing on the current situation and how we can manage the crisis. And there will be, of course, a reflection as to lessons learnt and issues that are of serious concern after the crisis. Asked on Friday whether he wanted the status of the British bases to be reviewed, Nikos Christodoulides, president of Cyprus, said: There is nothing I can rule out. Military site vital to Middle East operations RAF Akrotiri plays a central role in British military activity across the Middle East and the eastern Mediterranean, supporting air operations, intelligence missions, humanitarian deployments and coalition activity. Located near Limassol, on Cypruss southern coast, it is in a strategically significant position near the Middle East. The Sovereign Base Areas are among 14 British dependent territories, lingering fragments of a once-vast empire. The territories include Gibraltar, the Falkland Islands, the British Indian Ocean Territory, St Helena in the Atlantic and several islands in the Caribbean. 2206 RAF Akrotiri Mr Kombos said he wanted to see actual, practical, tangible steps from the UK to improve security on the island. However, British help will not arrive in the eastern Mediterranean for two weeks because HMS Dragon needs to undergo maintenance in Portsmouth. A union claimed on Friday that the deployment was delayed because the naval base at which the ship is being repaired operates only between 9am and 5pm. The delay means that HMS Dragon will arrive well after French and Spanish warships reach the island. Two Wildcat helicopters armed with anti-drone missiles arrived on Cyprus on Friday. Navy Wildcats have landed at an RAF basis on Cyprus - AS1 Joshua Whiting/MoD Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader, said Labours response to the war in Iran has been lacking, accusing Sir Keir of being upsetting certain sections of Labours target voters to act in our national interest. In a speech Mrs Badenoch will deliver on Saturday, the Tory leader is expected to say: I never thought I would see the day when Britains allies felt that they could not rely on us. This week, they have described us as weak. Theyve accused us of deserting them, of going missing in action. Even now, he is sitting on the fence She is expected to add: Last weeks by-election [in Gordon and Denton] has spooked the Labour party... Now Starmer is too scared of upsetting certain sections of Labours target voters to act in our national interest. Everyone remembers the mistakes of the Iraq war. Nobody is suggesting we should drop bombs without a second thought. But Keir Starmer spent days consulting lawyers and plucking up the courage to say whose side he was on, even though our allies had the moral clarity to do so immediately and unequivocally. Even now, he is sitting on the fence, still deciding what our role is going to be in this war. We are in this war whether Keir Starmer likes it or not. Its time to act. Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said: Keir Starmer has displayed appalling weakness and indecision over the crisis in the Middle East, undermining our national security, our alliances and our position on the international stage. His dithering and delay has caused total embarrassment for our country, which is now having to rely on others to defend our bases because our ships arent even seaworthy. It is little wonder our allies are so concerned. If we cannot keep Cyprus safe from Iranian drones, questions will understandably be asked about our military capabilities. Starmer must show some backbone for once and act to protect our interests and reassure our friends in the region and around the world. A British Airbus A400M military aircraft approaches RAF Akrotiri - Yiannis Kourtoglou/REUTERS Sir Keir originally refused US permission to launch bombing runs from RAF bases in Gloucestershire and the Chagos Islands after Cabinet colleagues led by Ed Miliband argued that pre-emptive military action would be illegal. The Prime Minister changed his position less than 48 hours after Iran started to retaliate by hitting other countries, and he allowed US planes to fly limited, defensive missions. Fiona Mullen, a political and economic analyst in Nicosia, told The Telegraph: Cyprus always thought it was protected from conflict in the Middle East. The drone attack on RAF Akrotiri was a big psychological shock. It has shaken confidence. She added: We have known that drones are a threat since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, yet the British were somehow caught off-guard. Some Cypriots are saying there is now an opportunity to take advantage of the ICJ ruling on the Chagos Islands and use that to renegotiate the status of the bases. In 2019 the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the UK should hand over the islands as rapidly as possible. The ruling has since become Labours main argument in favour of Britain giving the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: Our Sovereign Base Areas are fully legal under international law. But Britains decision last year to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius forms a precedent, Cypriot experts insist. That implies something similar can and should be implemented in the case of Cyprus that the bases be placed on a new footing fully compliant with international law, Costas Clerides, a former Cypriot attorney-general and Supreme Court judge, said. In the village of Akrotiri, a middle-aged woman named Eleni was laying flowers on the grave of her mother. The bases make Cyprus a target when we want nothing to do with this war, she told The Telegraph. A lot of villagers have evacuated their homes since the drone attack and gone to stay in hotels or with relatives. The church is closed. The school is closed. The British military should leave Cyprus. Ducks swim in sewage-polluted waters on the Thames in Datchet, Berkshire - Maureen McLean/Shutterstock The true extent of Britains sewage pollution crisis is being hidden, campaigners have claimed. Water companies are required to publish figures from storm overflow pipes in real time under a government initiative designed to boost transparency around the issue. But monitors measure only the amount of time sewage flows, not the total volume of waste, meaning the full scale of the problem is unknown. And raw sewage spills are only counted at 10 per cent of Englands 7,000 emergency overflow pipes which are supposed to be used only in extreme cases caused by a power outage or river blockage. This means thousands of sewage releases in recent years have gone unchecked. The Government will not require water companies to monitor all emergency overflows until 2035, prompting allegations that polluting firms are being allowed to mark their own homework. Giles Bristow, the chief executive of Surfers Against Sewage, said: Measuring hours of sewage flow rather than volume is exactly the kind of gap that lets them hide the true scale of their pollution, and they will exploit it. The public deserve to know exactly how much raw sewage is being dumped into our rivers, lakes and seas. Every drop, every location, every time. The issue of pollution has come under fresh scrutiny following the release of Dirty Business, Channel 4s drama on Britains water companies spilling sewage into Britains waterways. It has led to fresh calls for the industry to be taken back into public ownership. Figures show that storm overflows at popular bathing spots in England went up last year despite government pledges to clean up the countrys waterways. Although total spills decreased from 8,704 in 2024 to 6,780 in 2025, sewage leaks near the countrys 449 designated bathing sites, such as beaches and inland rivers, rose from 1,135 to 1,140. The increase comes despite last years bathing season from May to October being drier than average, meaning fewer storm overflows were expected. The worst-hit area was Allonby in Cumbria, where 58 days worth of spills were recorded. This was followed by Wallasey, Merseyside, (54 days), St Annes in Lancashire (46 days) and Seascale in Cumbria (37 days). Windermere in the Lake District, where bacteria found in human faeces were detected last year, experienced about 44 days of sewage dumping, split across three different areas. A survey published in August found really concerning pollution in Windermere, Englands largest lake, prompting calls from campaigners for decisive action to be taken. Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrats spokesman on environment and rural affairs, said: By measuring in time not volume, these companies deliberately obscure how much they are polluting our waterways with sewage. According to monitoring data, Thames Water is on course to dump more raw sewage into rivers than at any time this decade. Recent figures show the embattled company has recorded almost 79,000 hours of sewage discharges so far this year more than in any corresponding period since 2020. Sewage at Datchet following Storm Bert in 2024, when Thames Water discharged sewage into the river for more than 19 hours - Maureen McLean/Alamy Meanwhile, Englands nine water companies scored 19 stars out of a possible 36 for environmental performance in 2024, the lowest since the Environmental Performance Assessment scheme started in 2011. Thames Water was awarded only one star, while Severn Trent, which serves much of the Midlands, was the only firm to be awarded the top ranking of four stars. Water companies have been ordered to stop pumping untreated sewage into rivers by 2050, a requirement that is estimated to cost 60bn. One of the primary goals set by ministers was to slash the amount of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, dumped in bathing waters as they can make swimmers seriously ill. However, clean water advocates fear that, while overall incidents of sewage flowing into Englands waterways are coming down, there is no means of checking if water companies are simply pumping out more waste in one go. Victoria Atkins, the shadow environment secretary, said: It is very concerning to hear reports that the scale of sewage in our waterways may be even greater than previously thought. On issues like these, transparency is crucial. We must have the full facts if we are going to get the issue under control. Peter Hammond, left, and Ashley Smith spent 10 years collecting evidence of pollution in rivers and beaches - Rii Schroer The release of Dirty Business, which has been compared to Mr Bates vs the Post Office, follows a 10-year crusade by campaigners Peter Hammond and Ashley Smith to bring evidence of pollution in Britains rivers and beaches to light. Mr Hammond told The Telegraph he had uncovered evidence of water companies filling tanks to 150 per cent capacity, allowing them to pump through high volumes of sewage in quick succession, making the overall spill time shorter. In one example from Mogden Sewage Treatment Works in 2021-22, he found that Thames Water, which runs the site, had pumped out one billion litres of sewage for two consecutive days. In order to know whether water companies are obeying the law, we need open access to the data, he said. They should make it compulsory to make all this data open access to the general public. Why is it OK to make people ill? The television drama tells the story of those whose lives have been turned upside down after coming into contact with suspected sewage leaks, including Julie Maughan and Reuben Santer. Ms Maughan, 58, whose daughter, Heather, died in 1999 after contracting E. coli on a Devon beach, accused water companies of making themselves look good by fudging the targets. For me its about outcomes, she said. Why is it OK to make people ill? Calling for the Government to take further action, she said to Sir Keir Starmer: Youre on about pressure on the NHS, well stop making people sick then. Mr Santer, who has Menieres disease, a devastating condition that leaves him bed-bound for weeks at a time, as a result of catching an infection from raw sewage while surfing, said: Transparency obviously helps and informs people, but the sea is polluted. We need accountability, too. James Wallace, the chief executive of River Action, said: Over 3.6 million hours of sewage spills were recorded last year alone, the equivalent of 412 continuous years of pollution in our rivers, lakes and seas. But relying on event duration monitor (EDM) data alone risks giving the public false confidence. EDMs record how long spills last, not how much sewage is discharged, and they do nothing to prevent pollution. Mark Lloyd, the chief executive of The Rivers Trust, said: The focus of our monitoring efforts should be on the health of rivers, which is the outcome we are all seeking to achieve, and then making these data available to the public in an accessible format We cannot continue to make multibillion-pound investment decisions based on poor, incomplete and often out of date data. River health remains key priority A Thames Water spokesman said: January 2026 saw more than 200 per cent of the longterm average for rainfall for the Thames Water catchment area and significant rainfall continued throughout February. Two months does not provide a sound basis to draw conclusions or make forecasts for the whole of 2026. We are not sighted on the source of the claim for the Mogden data, therefore we are unable to validate it. As a result of this heavy rainfall, some permitted storm overflows have operated across our network. These systems were historically designed to prevent sewage backing up into peoples homes during periods of intense wet weather. While all untreated discharges are unacceptable, even when permitted, we are committed to reducing their frequency and duration. Taking action to improve the health of our rivers remains a key priority. An Environment Agency spokesman said: With 100 per cent of storm overflows now monitored and data published openly, there is full transparency of the network. Our Event Duration Monitoring analysis has helped secure 10.2 billion from water companies to improve storm overflows in England and we will continue to take action where companies breach the law. If we dont see the progress needed from the industry, we will take further robust action including prosecutions.